bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoalbuminemia is Highly Prevalent in Patients with Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Strongly Associated with Treatment Failure
Authors: Li Zhi‐Yuan , Li Zhuo , Xu Chi , Fu Jun , Maimaiti Zulipikaer , Hao Li‐Bo , Zhang Qing‐Meng , Chen Ji‐Ying 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThe role of hypoalbuminemia throughout the course of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hypoalbuminemia in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) patients and to explore the association between hypoalbuminemia and treatment outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 387 PJI cases who underwent two‐stage exchange arthroplasty between January 2007 and August 2020, of which 342 were reimplanted. The mean follow‐up period was 7.9 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hypoalbuminemia and to assess the effect of hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchange on the treatment outcome. Furthermore, the impact of dynamic changes in hypoalbuminemia was investigated.ResultsThe prevalence of hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchange was 22.2% and 4.7%, respectively. Patients with age ≥ 68 years and those with isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, or Gram‐negative bacteria exhibited a higher risk of hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia at 1st‐stage was significantly related to treatment failure (OR = 3.3), while hypoalbuminemia at 2nd‐stage raised the OR to 10.0. Patients with persistent hypoalbuminemia at both the 1st‐ and 2nd‐stage exchanges had a significantly higher rate of treatment failure than patients with hypoalbuminemia at the 1st‐stage but normal albumin levels at the 2nd‐stage exchange (55.6% vs 20.0%, p = 0.036).ConclusionOne in five patients with chronic PJI exhibits hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia is more likely to develop in patients of advanced age and those infected by specific highly virulent organisms. Also, our results highlight the close association between hypoalbuminemia and treatment outcomes.
Partisan collaboration in policy adoption: An experimental study with local government officials
Authors: Liu Yixin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPartisanship plays a central role in the policy process, but its impact on the adoption of collaborative strategy by policymakers remains unknown. To fill this gap, I conducted a conjoint experiment involving municipal officials across the United States, examining the effect of co‐partisanship on policy collaboration and its moderating impact on collaborative attributes such as resource allocation, reciprocal trust, and policy outcome. The findings reveal that a collaborating partner's co‐partisanship status increases the likelihood of local policymakers adopting a program by 12.75 percentage points. Moreover, co‐partisan program proposals generally enhance the favorability of collaborative attributes. Finally, the consistency of the co‐partisanship effect across ideologies and various subgroups demonstrates that party identity is rooted in in‐group loyalty and fundamentally affects the collaborative process.
Decrease in soil test phosphorus levels under omitted phosphorus fertilizer application
Authors: Steinfurth Kristin , Börjesson Gunnar , Denoroy Pascal , Eichler‐Löbermann Bettina , Gans Wolfgang , Heyn Johannes , Hirte Juliane , Jansen Florian , Koch Dierk , Merbach Ines , Mollier Alain , Morel Christian , Panten Kerstin , Peiter Edgar , Poulton Paul R. , Reitz Thomas , Rubæk Gitte Holton , Spiegel Heide , van Laak Michael , von Tucher Sabine , Buczko Uwe 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMany European cropped soils have high soil test P (STP) values in the top soil because of P accumulation over many years of fertilizer application. This should allow to save P fertilizer applications for some years without STP values decreasing to a level that might negatively impact crop yield. However, the way STP develops under omitted P fertilizer application is not well understood. We examined STP development under omitted P fertilizer application for timeframes between 7 and 46 years on 96 unfertilized treatments (P0 treatments) of 43 European long‐term P field experiments, using five different STP methods. For comparability, values obtained by different STP methods were converted to Olsen‐P concentrations. We fitted exponential decay curves to Olsen‐P data of each P0 treatment defined by initial Olsen‐P values (Olsen‐Pi), rates of decrease (k) and asymptotes (A), reflecting minimum obtainable STP. Subsequently, we analysed whether the variables most commonly recorded in experiments, are sufficient to explain the variation in model parameters, these variables being P export, clay content, Corg and pH as well as average annual temperature and precipitation. We found that out of our predictor variables, soil clay content, precipitation and temperature were showing the most prominent effects on the parameters Olsen‐Pi, A or k. However, the amount of variation explained by the considered variables was too low to potentially facilitate a prediction of STP decrease, and various P0 treatments showed no clear Olsen‐P decrease or unexpectedly high asymptotes. This hints at a strong influence of the P sorption capacity of the soil with often high potential for replenishment from less available P pools. In connection with P introduction from the subsoil or possibly from surrounding plots, the extension of timeframes of omitted P fertilizer application without reaching critical STP values for crop production, might be explainable. Corresponding effects could not be analysed because of lack of data for most P0 treatments, calling for the additional determination of, for example, the maximum P sorption capacity, total P and subsoil P in future experiments.
The effect of pruned tea leave biochar and cattle manure for soil acidification
Authors: Kelin Chen , Yiheng Li , Heng Zhang , Kang Long , Yunfei Yan , Yingjie Zhou , Keming Tang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSoil acidification in tea gardens has become an increasingly serious problem. In this study, we conducted an outdoor pot experiment to investigate the effects of pruned tea leaf biochar and cattle manure on soil acidification. We observed that amendments effectively increased soil pHBC, which increased 12.43%, 3.24%, 8.38%, 5.68% and 11.35% for BC, M, BCM1, BCM2 and BCM3. Exchangeable K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations increased after application of the amendments. Furthermore, the total exchangeable acidity concentration (EA) and the exchangeable Al3+ and H+ concentration (Al3+ and H+) decreased after application of amendments. In addition, pHBC showed a strong positive correlation with K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg3+ and cation exchange capacity and strong negative correlations with EA and Al3+. Moreover, EA and K+ were the primary factors influencing pHBC. The relationships among pHBC, EA and K+ can be expressed as a power function.
Field‐of‐view modeling of hilly terrain based on physically based rendering of spatial–temporal variations within optical radiation
Authors: Song Ci , Chen Nan , Xu YueXue , Zhang YiNing , Zhu HongChun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe current research focus on visualizing terrain features emphasizes quantification and detailed simulation, without adequately considering the impact of spatial–temporal variations in the terrain on human cognition. However, advancements in visualization technology, such as efficient and rapid construction of large‐scale three‐dimensional (3D) terrain scenes, real‐time dynamic display, and free‐roaming from any viewpoint, currently provide ample technical support for visualizing spatial–temporal information. Therefore, this article proposes a 3D terrain viewing model that considers the spatial–temporal changes in light intensity and incident direction in a terrain scene, based on the principles of radiometry and computer graphics theory and supported by the physically based rendering techniques. This model aims to accurately represent the subtle variations in real‐world terrain surfaces and highlight the key elements of hill terrain. Theoretically, this model provides a foundation for the virtual reconstruction of real‐world terrain.
Managing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria from Australian blood donations: Recommendation of a new screening strategy
Authors: Schenberg Katia , Hoad Veronica C. , Harley Robert , Bentley Peter 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) from transfusible components, Australia tests for malaria antibodies in both travellers returning from and former residents of malaria‐endemic areas. The testing is performed a minimum of 120 days after last potential exposure. TTM is an extremely rare event and managing the risk adds considerable complexity. The objectives of this study were to analyse various testing and deferral strategies, considering the risk, donation numbers and operational complexities.Materials and MethodsA residual risk model was developed to calculate the risk of TTM in five testing/deferral strategies. Australian blood donor data from 2020 and 2021 were used and incorporated the incidence of parasitaemia, Plasmodium species and the malaria enzyme immunoassay test's failure rate. Donor and donation loss or gain and an operational assessment were performed.ResultsThe current model's estimated risk of TTM is 1 in 67.9 million transfused units. Testing residents with a 120‐day plasma restriction for visitors without testing was found to have the same estimated risk, with an expected increase of 342 donations per year, significant cost savings and a 62% reduction in the number of donors requiring assessment.ConclusionA strategy that involves testing residents of malaria areas only and a 120‐day plasma travel restriction would not significantly increase the risk of TTM, is operationally simpler, costs less and results in a small increase in donations.
Routine maternal ABO/Rhesus D blood typing can alert of massive foetomaternal haemorrhage
Authors: Bonstein Lilach , Khaldi Hussaien , Dann Eldad J. , Weiner Zeev , David Chen Ben , Solt Ido 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSpontaneous massive foetomaternal haemorrhage (SM‐FMH) is a rare yet critical condition that poses substantial risk to foetal health and survival. Existing data indicate that many cases may be undiagnosed. The current study aimed to investigate and validate the utility of identifying mixed field red blood cell (RBC) agglutination during maternal blood typing as a diagnostic aid for SM‐FMH.Materials and MethodsRetrospective analysis of medical records from neonates born at our tertiary, university‐affiliated medical centre between 2016 and 2023 was performed. Diagnosis of SM‐FMH was based on neonates born with severe anaemia (haematocrit [HCT] <15%) within the first 24 h post‐delivery with positive maternal Kleihauer–Betke (KB) test. Maternal ABO/Rhesus D (RhD) blood typing results were scrutinized with the primary objective of assessing the ability to identify dual RBC populations in cases clinically diagnosed with SM‐FMH.ResultsAmong 29,192 neonates studied, a mere 0.02% (5 cases) exhibited severe SM‐FMH. Notably, a mixed field RBC agglutination was discerned in 80% (4/5) of these cases.ConclusionThis study underscores the significance of detecting mixed field RBC agglutination during antepartum maternal ABO/RhD blood typing as a potential indicator for SM‐FMH. Increased awareness among blood bank technology specialists and obstetricians regarding these laboratory findings could prove instrumental in saving foetal lives.
Internal Short Circuit and Dynamic Response of Large-Format Prismatic Lithium-Ion Battery Under Mechanical Abuse
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Shi Fangyuan , Li Jie , Pan Yongjun , Li Honggang , Liu Binghe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Prismatic lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are becoming the most prevalent battery type in electric vehicles, and their mechanical safety is garnering increased attention. Understanding the mechanical response and internal short circuit (ISC) of prismatic LIBs during dynamic impact is important for enhancing the safety and reliability of electric vehicles. Thanks to the pioneer's works on the cylindrical and pouch LIB, prismatic LIB can draw on relevant experimental and numerical modeling methods. However, there is still a lack of research on the dynamic effects of prismatic LIB in various loading directions. To address this disparity, the current research utilizes quasi-static and dynamic impact experiments on prismatic LIBs as a foundation. First, the mechanical response of a sizable prismatic LIB under quasi-static conditions and the dynamic effects are examined when subjected to mechanical abuse from various loading directions. Second, an anisotropic finite element model that considers dynamic strain rates are developed, enabling it to accurately represent the mechanical response to both quasi-static and dynamic impact loads. At last, we performed an analysis of ISC occurring under dynamic loading conditions combining the experimental and simulated results. The experimental results as well as the established model can provide reference for the safe design, application, and analysis of prismatic LIBs.
Focused Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers for Lamb Wave Inspection
Authors: Cregeen Joseph S. , Edwards Rachel S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Ultrasonic inspection of conductive samples can be performed using electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs). These allow generation of guided waves, such as Lamb waves, in thin plates. Lamb waves are used for defect screening as they can travel long distances with relatively little attenuation. However, large wavelengths are used, which results in poor sensitivity to subwavelength sized defects. This work presents methods for using Lamb waves to detect smaller defects. Curved, geometrically focused EMATs were used to generate and detect Lamb waves in a 1 mm thick aluminum plate. The focal spot of these EMATs is investigated and the dependence of the focal spot dimensions and locations on the wavelength of the generation signal are presented. An array of geometrically focused detection EMATs was used to measure a 10×10×0.5mm square machined defect, simulating wall thinning. Perturbations in the pulse transmission in the region of the defect were detected, along with reflections, with each detector in the array sensitive to different defect features. B-scans and C-scans are presented utilizing these perturbations and reflections to locate, size, and image the machined defect. Analysis of data from the B-scan is shown to accurately size the defect width to within ±0.73mm. Very good agreement is shown between the C-scan images and the known location and orientation of the defect. Data fusion techniques are presented to combine data sets from different receiver EMATs and increase the defect detection capability, accuracy, and precision, with the potential for full defect sizing demonstrated.
Capital Destruction—What is the Cost of Carbon-Neutrality in Shipping Competition?
Authors: Schwartz Henry , Solakivi Tomi , Spohr Jonas , Gustafsson Magnus 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The shipping sector must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Consumers demand green travel and transport services, but shipping is still to a large extent powered by fossil fuels. One of the key factors affecting the released emissions onboard the ship is the type of fuel utilized. Technological development is making new kinds of engines running with carbon-neutral fuels available. However, the new build and retrofit projects encountering the green transition have to be planned in detail. We analyze future cash flows of ropax ships operating with different types of fuel systems on an identical route. We base our findings on calculated asset values and internal rates of return. Based on our analysis of the given scenarios, the transition to carbon-neutral fuels comes with a cost for the shipping companies. In the forthcoming shipping competition, ships using fossil fuels will be more likely than their less polluting counterparts to be categorized as stranded assets.
Transmission-blocking activities of artesunate, chloroquine, and methylene blue on
Plasmodium vivax
gametocytes
Authors: Chaumeau Victor , Wasisakun Praphan , Watson James A. , Oo Thidar , Aryalamloed Sarang , Sue Mu Phang , Htoo Gay Nay , Tha Naw Moo , Archusuksan Laypaw , Sawasdichai Sunisa , Gornsawun Gornpan , Mehra Somya , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François H. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium vivax
is now the main cause of malaria outside Africa. The gametocytocidal effects of antimalarial drugs are important to reduce malaria transmissibility, particularly in low-transmission settings, but they are not well characterized for
P. vivax
. The transmission-blocking effects of chloroquine, artesunate, and methylene blue on
P. vivax
gametocytes were assessed. Blood specimens were collected from patients presenting with vivax malaria, incubated with or without the tested drugs, and then fed to mosquitos from a laboratory-adapted colony of
Anopheles dirus
(a major malaria vector in Southeast Asia). The effects on oocyst and sporozoite development were analyzed under a multi-level Bayesian model accounting for assay variability and the heterogeneity of mosquito
Plasmodium
infection. Artesunate and methylene blue, but not chloroquine, exhibited potent transmission-blocking effects. Gametocyte exposures to artesunate and methylene blue reduced the mean oocyst count 469-fold (95% CI: 345 to 650) and 1,438-fold (95% CI: 970 to 2,064), respectively. The corresponding estimates for the sporozoite stage were a 148-fold reduction (95% CI: 61 to 470) and a 536-fold reduction (95% CI: 246 to 1,311) in the mean counts, respectively. In contrast, high chloroquine exposures reduced the mean oocyst count only 1.40-fold (95% CI: 1.20 to 1.64) and the mean sporozoite count 1.34-fold (95% CI: 1.12 to 1.66). This suggests that patients with vivax malaria often remain infectious to anopheline mosquitos after treatment with chloroquine. Use of artemisinin combination therapies or immediate initiation of primaquine radical cure should reduce the transmissibility of
P. vivax
infections.
Isolation and characterization of a
Halomonas
species for non-axenic growth-associated production of bio-polyesters from sustainable feedstocks
Authors: Woo Sung-Geun , Averesch Nils J. H. , Berliner Aaron J. , Deutzmann Joerg S. , Pane Vince E. , Chatterjee Sulogna , Criddle Craig S. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Biodegradable plastics are urgently needed to replace petroleum-derived
polymeric materials and prevent their accumulation in the environment. To
this end, we isolated and characterized a halophilic and alkaliphilic
bacterium from the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The isolate was identified as a
Halomonas
species and designated
“CUBES01.” Full-genome sequencing and genomic reconstruction
revealed the unique genetic traits and metabolic capabilities of the strain,
including the common polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis pathway.
Fluorescence staining identified intracellular polyester granules that
accumulated predominantly during the strain’s exponential growth, a
feature rarely found among natural PHA producers. CUBES01 was found to
metabolize a range of renewable carbon feedstocks, including glucosamine and
acetyl-glucosamine, as well as sucrose, glucose, fructose, and further
glycerol, propionate, and acetate. Depending on the substrate, the strain
accumulated up to ~60% of its biomass (dry wt/wt) in
poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), while reaching a doubling time of 1.7 h at
30°C and an optimum osmolarity of 1 M sodium chloride and a pH of
8.8. The physiological preferences of the strain may not only enable
long-term aseptic cultivation but also facilitate the release of
intracellular products through osmolysis. The development of a minimal
medium also allowed the estimation of maximum polyhydroxybutyrate production
rates, which were projected to exceed 5 g/h. Finally, also, the genetic
tractability of the strain was assessed in conjugation experiments: two
orthogonal plasmid vectors were stable in the heterologous host, thereby
opening the possibility of genetic engineering through the introduction of
foreign genes.

IMPORTANCE
The urgent need for renewable replacements for synthetic materials may be
addressed through microbial biotechnology. To simplify the large-scale
implementation of such bio-processes, robust cell factories that can utilize
sustainable and widely available feedstocks are pivotal. To this end,
non-axenic growth-associated production could reduce operational costs and
enhance biomass productivity, thereby improving commercial competitiveness.
Another major cost factor is downstream processing, especially in the case
of intracellular products, such as bio-polyesters. Simplified cell-lysis
strategies could also further improve economic viability.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of
Bartonella
spp. in wild small mammals from South Africa
Authors: Mhlanga Tapiwanashe Annamary , Chitanga Simbarashe , Matthee Sonja , Malatji Mokgadi Pulane , Mukaratirwa Samson 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Bartonella
spp. are intracellular bacteria associated with
several re-emerging human diseases. Small mammals play a significant role in
the maintenance and spread of
Bartonella
spp. Despite the
high small mammal biodiversity in South Africa, there is limited
epidemiological information regarding
Bartonella
spp. in
these mammals. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence
and genetic diversity of
Bartonella
spp. from wild small
mammals from 15 localities in 8 provinces of South Africa. Small mammals
(
n
= 183) were trapped in the Eastern Cape, Free State,
Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape
provinces of South Africa between 2010 and 2018. Heart, kidney, liver, lung,
and spleen were harvested for
Bartonella
DNA screening, and
prevalence was determined based on the PCR amplification of partial
fragments of the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region,
gltA,
and
rpoB
genes.
Bartonella
DNA was detected in
Aethomys
chrysophilus
,
Aethomys ineptus
,
Gerbillurus
spp.,
Lemniscomys rosalia
,
Mastomys coucha
,
Micaelamys
namaquensis
,
Rhabdomys pumilio,
and
Thallomys paedulcus
. An overall prevalence of 16.9%
(31/183, 95% CI: 12.2%–23%) was observed.
Bartonella
elizabethae
,
Bartonella grahamii,
and
Bartonella tribocorum
were the zoonotic species
identified, while the remaining sequences were aligned to uncultured
Bartonella
spp. with unknown zoonotic potential.
Phylogenetic analyses confirmed five distinct
Bartonella
lineages (I–V), with lineage IV displaying strong
M.
coucha
host specificity. Our results confirm that South African
wild small mammals are natural reservoirs of a diverse assemblage of
Bartonella
spp., including some zoonotic species with
high genetic diversity, although prevalence was relatively low.

IMPORTANCE

Small mammals play a significant role in the maintenance and spread of
zoonotic pathogens such as
Bartonella
spp. Despite the
high small mammal biodiversity in southern Africa including South
Africa, there is limited epidemiological information regarding
Bartonella
spp. in these mammals across the
country. Results from our study showed the liver and spleen had the
highest positive cases for
Bartonella
spp. DNA among
the tested organs.
Bartonella elizabethae
,
B.
grahamii,
and
B. tribocorum
were the three
zoonotic species identified and five distinct Bartonella lineages
(I–V) were confirmed through phylogenetic analyses. To the best
of our knowledge, this study presents the first extensive nuclear
diversity investigation of
Bartonella
spp. in South
African small mammals in South Africa.