bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root tip competition among ectomycorrhizal fungi: Are priority effects a rule or an exception?
Authors: Kennedy Peter G. , Peay Kabir G. , Bruns Thomas D. 
Published: July 2009

Competition for root colonization among ectomycorrhizal fungi is well documented, but the mechanisms determining competitive outcomes are not clearly understood. In a previous study, we observed that timing of colonization (i.e., a priority effect) had a significant effect on the outcome of competition between two ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi in the genus Rhizopogon. In this study, we explicitly tested the role of priority effects in competition among EM fungi by experimentally manipulating the timing of colonization of four Rhizopogon species on Pinus muricata seedlings. In a first experiment, we set up 12 two‐species combinations, in which seedlings were first inoculated from spores with one species, grown for three months, and then inoculated with an equal density of spores of a second species and grown for an additional three months. Root tip occupation in the two‐species treatments was determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of rDNA. In a second experiment, we further examined competitive interactions between two Rhizopogon species using split‐root P. muricata seedlings. One side of the root system was pre‐colonized by one species, and spores of the second species were added to the other side of the root system in all same and different species pair‐wise combinations.We found that for three of the four species (R. occidentalis, R. salebrosus, R. vulgaris), the outcome of competition in the first experiment depended strongly on the timing of colonization, with the first colonizing species always being the competitive dominant. For R. evadens, however, initial colonization did not prevent significant subsequent colonization by R. occidentalis and R. vulgaris. This appeared to be caused by the lower colonization of R. evadens compared to the three other species. In the second experiment, we observed that the portion of the split root system that was initially uncolonized remained receptive to colonization when spores were added. The amount of colonization of R. occidentalis and R. salebrosus on the side of the root system to which they were added was not significantly influenced by species identity on the other side of the seedling. In combination, these results confirm that priority effects do play a major role in dynamics of EM root tip colonization, at least in the early colonization of seedlings, and that the proportion of the root system occupied by a species appears to be a key factor determining competitive success.
Floating on Silent Waters
Authors: Khan Shahnaz 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Drawing upon the cinematic narrative of the internationally acclaimed film Khamosh Pani, I relocate the issues it raises within a wider discussion about the gendered nature of conflict between religious communities during the chaos of the 1947 Partition of British India into India and Pakistan. I explore the ways in which state-sponsored Islam in Pakistan impacts the protagonist Ayesha and her son Salim. Further, I explore how the violence of Partition as well as continued violence between Hindus and Muslims is remembered cinematically by Bombay cinema, the dominant cultural institution in the region. Finally, I interrogate Khamosh Pani's reception in India and speculate how it might influence the social constructions of Muslims in South Asia and elsewhere.
Screening Strategies to Reduce COVID-19 Mortality in Nursing Homes
Authors: Dong Shirley , Jutkowitz Eric , Giardina John , Bilinski Alyssa 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceNursing home residents continue to bear a disproportionate share of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, accounting for 9% of all US COVID-19 deaths in 2023, despite comprising only 0.4% of the population.ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of screening strategies in reducing COVID-19 mortality in nursing homes.Design and SettingAn agent-based model was developed to simulate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the nursing home setting. Parameters were determined using SARS-CoV-2 virus data and COVID-19 data from the Centers for Medicare &amp;amp; Medicaid Services and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that were published between 2020 and 2023, as well as data on nursing homes published between 2010 and 2023. The model used in this study simulated interactions and SARS-CoV-2 transmission between residents, staff, and visitors in a nursing home setting. The population used in the simulation model was based on the size of the average US nursing home and recommended staffing levels, with 90 residents, 90 visitors (1 per resident), and 83 nursing staff members.ExposureScreening frequency (none, weekly, and twice weekly) was varied over 30 days against varying levels of COVID-19 community incidence, booster uptake, and antiviral use.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe main outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 infections, detected cases per 1000 tests, and incremental cost of screening per life-year gained.ResultsNursing home interactions were modeled between 90 residents, 90 visitors, and 83 nursing staff over 30 days, completing 4000 to 8000 simulations per parameter combination. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of weekly and twice-weekly screening were less than $150 000 per resident life-year with moderate (50 cases per 100 000) and high (100 cases per 100 000) COVID-19 community incidence across low–booster uptake and high–booster uptake levels. When COVID-19 antiviral use reached 100%, screening incremental cost-effectiveness ratios increased to more than $150 000 per life-year when booster uptake was low and community incidence was high.Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this cost-effectiveness analysis suggest that screening may be effective for reducing COVID-19 mortality in nursing homes when COVID-19 community incidence is high and/or booster uptake is low. Nursing home administrators can use these findings to guide planning in the context of widely varying levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and intervention measures across the US.
Excess Child Mortality Associated With Colombia’s Armed Conflict, 1998-2019
Authors: Moe Caitlin A. , Villaveces Andrés , Montoya Pablo , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceArmed conflicts are directly and indirectly associated with morbidity and mortality due to destruction of health infrastructure and diversion of resources, forced displacement, environmental damage, and erosion of social and economic security. Colombia’s conflict began in the 1940s and has been uniquely long-lasting and geographically dynamic.ObjectiveTo estimate the proportion of infant and child mortality associated with armed conflict exposure from 1998 to 2019 in Colombia.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis ecological cohort study includes data from all 1122 municipalities in Colombia from 1998 to 2019. Statistical analysis was conducted from February 2022 to June 2023.ExposureArmed conflict exposure was measured dichotomously by the occurrence of conflict-related events in each municipality-year, enumerated and reported by the Colombian National Center for Historic Memory.Main Outcomes and MeasuresDeaths among children younger than 5 years and deaths among infants younger than 1 year, offset by the number of births in that municipality-year, enumerated by Colombia’s national vital statistics.ResultsThe analytical sample included 24 157 municipality-years and 223 101 conflict events covering the period from 1998 to 2019. Overall, the presence of armed conflict in a municipality was associated with a 52% increased risk of death for children younger than 5 years of age (relative risk, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.34-1.72]), with similar results for 1- and 5-year lagged analyses. Armed conflict was associated with a 61% increased risk in infant (aged &amp;lt;1 year) death (relative risk, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.43-1.82]). On the absolute scale, this translates to a risk difference of 3.7 excess child deaths per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.7-4.7 per 1000 births) and 3.0 excess infant deaths per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.3-3.6 per 1000 births) per year, beyond what would be expected in the absence of armed conflict. Across the 22-year study period, the population attributable risk was 31.7% (95% CI, 23.5%-39.1%) for child deaths and 35.3% (95% CI, 27.8%-42.0%) for infant deaths.Conclusions and RelevanceThis ecological cohort study of Colombia’s spatiotemporally dynamic armed conflict suggests that municipal exposure to armed conflict was associated with excess child and infant deaths. With a record number of children living near active conflict zones in 2020, policy makers and health professionals should understand the magnitude of and manner in which armed conflicts directly and indirectly undermine child health.
Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in Comprehensive Primary Care Plus
Authors: Santos Tatiane , Bergman Alon , Smith-McLallen Aaron 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceTo meet increasing demand for mental health and substance use services, the Centers for Medicare &amp;amp; Medicaid Services launched the 5-year Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) demonstration in 2017, requiring primary care practices to integrate behavioral health services.ObjectiveTo examine the association of CPC+ with access to mental health and substance use treatment before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing difference-in-differences analyses, this retrospective cohort study compared adults attributed to CPC+ and non-CPC+ practices, from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022. The study included adults aged 19 to 64 years who had depression, anxiety, or opioid use disorder (OUD) and were enrolled with a private health insurer in Pennsylvania. Data were analyzed from January to June 2023.ExposureReceipt of care at a practice participating in CPC+.Main Outcomes and MeasuresTotal cost of care and the number of primary care visits for evaluation and management, community mental health center visits, psychiatric hospitalizations, substance use treatment visits (residential and nonresidential), and prescriptions filled for antidepressants, anxiolytics, buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone.ResultsThe 188 770 individuals in the sample included 102 733 adults (mean [SD] age, 49.5 [5.6] years; 57 531 women [56.4%]) attributed to 152 CPC+ practices and 86 037 adults (mean [SD] age, 51.6 [6.6] years; 47 321 women [54.9%]) attributed to 317 non-CPC+ practices. Among patients diagnosed with OUD, compared with patients attributed to non-CPC+ practices, attribution to a CPC+ practice was associated with filling more prescriptions for buprenorphine (0.117 [95% CI, 0.037 to 0.196] prescriptions per patient per quarter) and anxiolytics (0.162 [95% CI, 0.005 to 0.319] prescriptions per patient per quarter). Among patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety, attribution to a CPC+ practice was associated with more prescriptions for buprenorphine (0.024 [95% CI, 0.006 to 0.041] prescriptions per patient per quarter).Conclusions and RelevanceFindings of this cohort study suggest that individuals with an OUD who received care at a CPC+ practice filled more buprenorphine and anxiolytics prescriptions compared with patients who received care at a non-CPC+ practice. As the Centers for Medicare &amp;amp; Medicaid Innovation invests in advanced primary care demonstrations, it is critical to understand whether these models are associated with indicators of high-quality primary care.
Utilizing collimated aperture with proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) for stereotactic radiotherapy
Authors: Chou Chen‐Yu , Tsai Tsung‐Shiau , Huang Hsiao‐Chieh , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Lee Shen‐Hao , Hsu Shih‐Ming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeProton stereotactic radiosurgery (PSRS) has emerged as an innovative proton therapy modality aimed at achieving precise dose delivery with minimal impact on healthy tissues. This study explores the dosimetric outcomes of PSRS in comparison to traditional intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) by focusing on cases with small target volumes. A custom‐made aperture system designed for proton therapy, specifically tailored to small target volumes, was developed and implemented for this investigation.MethodsA prerequisite mechanical validation through an isocentricity test precedes dosimetric assessments, ensuring the seamless integration of mechanical and dosimetry analyses. Five patients were enrolled in the study, including two with choroid melanoma and three with arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Two treatment plans were meticulously executed for each patient, one utilizing a collimated aperture and the other without. Both plans were subjected to robust optimization, maintaining identical beam arrangements and consistent optimization parameters to account for setup errors of 2 mm and range uncertainties of 3.5%. Plan evaluation metrics encompassing the Heterogeneity Index (HI), Paddick Conformity Index (CIPaddick), Gradient Index (GI), and the R50% index to evaluate alterations in low‐dose volume distribution.ResultsThe comparative analysis between PSRS and traditional PBS treatment revealed no significant differences in plan outcomes, with both modalities demonstrating comparable target coverage. However, collimated apertures resulted in discernible improvements in dose conformity, dose fall‐off, and reduced low‐dose volume.ConclusionsThis study underscores the advantageous impact of the aperture system on proton therapy, particularly in cases involving small target volumes.
Enhancing the Conductivity and Thermoelectric Performance of Semicrystalline Conducting Polymers through Controlled Tie Chain Incorporation
Authors: Zhu Wenjin , Qiu Xinkai , Laulainen Joonatan E. M. , Un Hio‐leng , Ren Xinglong , Xiao Mingfei , Freychet Guillaume , Vacek Petr , Tjhe Dion , He Qiao , Wood William , Wang Zichen , Zhang Youcheng , Qu Zhengkang , Asatryan Jesika , Martin Jaime , Heeney Martin , McNeill Christopher R. , Midgley Paul A. , Jacobs Ian E. , Sirringhaus Henning 
Published: April 2024

AbstractConjugated polymers are promising materials for thermoelectric applications, however, at present few effective and well‐understood strategies exist to further advance their thermoelectric performance. Here a new model system is reported for a better understanding of the key factors governing their thermoelectric properties: aligned, ribbon‐phase poly[2,5‐bis(3‐dodecylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene] (PBTTT) doped by ion‐exchange doping. Using a range of microstructural and spectroscopic methods, the effect of controlled incorporation of tie‐chains between the crystalline domains is studied through blending of high and low molecular weight chains. The tie chains provide efficient transport pathways between crystalline domains and lead to significantly enhanced electrical conductivity of 4810 S cm−1, which is not accompanied by a reduction in Seebeck coefficient or a large increase in thermal conductivity. Respectable power factors of 173 µW m−1 K−2 are demonstrated in this model system. The approach is generally applicable to a wide range of semicrystalline conjugated polymers and could provide an effective pathway for further enhancing their thermoelectric properties and overcome traditional trade‐offs in optimization of thermoelectric performance.
Triboelectric Basalt Textiles Efficiently Operating within an Ultrawide Temperature Range
Authors: Li Yingwen , Guo Yinben , Fu Fan , Yang Zhicheng , Ling Yong , Liu Jin , Gong Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the continuous upsurge in demand for wearable energy, nanogenerators are increasingly required to operate under extreme environmental conditions. Even though they are at the cutting edge of technology, nanogenerators have difficulty producing high‐quality electrical output at very extreme temperatures. Here, a triboelectric basalt textile (TBT) with an ultrawide operational temperature range (from −196 to 520 °C) is created employing basalt material as the main body. The output power density of the TBT, in contrast to most conventional nanogenerators, would counterintuitively rise by 2.3 times to 740.6 mW m−2 after heating to 100 °C because the high temperature will enhance the material's interface polarization and electronic kinetic energy. The TBT retains ≈55% of its initial electrical output even after heating in the flame of an alcohol lamp (520 °C). Surprisingly, the TBTs output voltage may retain over 85% of its initial value even after submerging in liquid nitrogen. The TBTs exceptional resistance to heat and cold indicates its possible use in high and low latitudes, high altitudes, deserts, and even space settings.
Engineering Styrene Oxide Isomerase Towards Enhanced Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of (S)‐Flurbiprofen
Authors: See Willy W. L. , Choo Joel P. S. , Du Lei , Li Zhi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe conventional synthesis of (S)‐flurbiprofen, a valuable non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), involves inefficient chiral resolution with low‐yielding multiple reaction steps, or asymmetric synthesis with low enantioselectivity and/or regioselectivity. Here, we developed high‐yielding, enantioselective, and sustainable synthesis of (S)‐flurbiprofen via two chemoenzymatic approaches from a simple alkene: (A) enzymatic epoxidation‐isomerization‐oxidation cascade and Pd‐catalyzed arylation; and (B) chemical epoxidation, enzymatic isomerization‐oxidation cascade, and Pd‐catalyzed arylation. Styrene oxide isomerase (SOI)‐catalyzed enantio‐retentive Meinwald rearrangement was the key step in the two pathways, but SOI suffers from low activity. SOI was engineered via two rounds of iterative saturation mutagenesis and screening with a three‐enzyme cascade assay, generating a double‐mutant SOIDM (N99A/D95A) with 5.5‐fold improvement in catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM). In Pathway A, cascade biotransformation of 3‐fluoro‐4‐bromo‐α‐methylstyrene with engineered E. coli strain expressing SOIDM, styrene monooxygenase (SMO) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and subsequent Pd‐catalyzed arylation afforded (S)‐flurbiprofen in 98% yield and 91% ee. In Pathway B, chemical epoxidation (Sharpless dihydroxylation and ring‐closing), cascade conversion using an engineered E. coli strain expressing SOIDM, ALDH and NADH oxidase (NOX), and Pd‐catalyzed arylation produced (S)‐flurbiprofen in 83% yield and 98% ee. Compared to conventional synthesis, the developed methods reduced reaction steps, minimized waste generation and improved enantioselectivity or overall yield.
Microalgae Film‐Derived Water Evaporation‐Induced Electricity Generator with Negative Carbon Emission
Authors: Xu Shuo , Zhao Yuxuan , Jiao Shipu , Wang Zhiyun , Yu Zhen , Sun Chen , Liu Xianhua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWater evaporation–induced electricity generators (WEGs) are regarded as one of the most promising solutions for addressing the increasingly severe environmental pollution and energy crisis. Owing to the potential carbon emission in the preparation process of WEGs, whether WEG represents a clean electricity generation technology is open to question. Here, a brand‐new strategy is proposed for manufacturing negative carbon emission WEG (CWEG). In this strategy, the microalgae film is used as the electricity generation interface of WEG, which achieves a stable open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.25 V and a short‐circuit current (Isc) of 3.3 µA. Since microalgae can capture carbon dioxide during its growing process, CWEG holds great promise to generate electricity without carbon emissions in the full life cycle compared with other WEGs. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first work using microalgae films to fabricate WEG. Therefore, it is believed that this work not only provides a new direction for designing high‐efficiency and eco‐friendly WEG but also offers an innovative approach to the resource utilization of microalgae.
Mechanical Activation of Graphite for Na‐Ion Battery Anodes: Unexpected Reversible Reaction on Solid Electrolyte Interphase via X‐Ray Analysis
Authors: Lee Su Chan , Kim Young Hwan , Park Jae‐Ho , Susanto Dieky , Kim Ji‐Young , Han Jonghyun , Jun Seong Chan , Chung Kyung Yoon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) offer promising low‐cost alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), several challenges need to be overcome for their widespread adoption. A primary concern is the optimization of carbon anodes. Graphite, vital to the commercial viability of LIBs, has a limited capacity for sodium ions. Numerous alternatives to graphite are explored, particularly focusing on disordered carbons, including hard carbon. However, compared with graphite, most of these materials underperform in LIBs. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism between carbon and sodium ions remains ambiguous owing to the structural diversity of disordered carbon. A straightforward mechanical approach is introduced to enhance the sodium ion storage capacity of graphite, supported by comprehensive analytical techniques. Mechanically activated graphite delivers a notable reversible capacity of 290.5 mAh·g−1 at a current density of 10 mA·g−1. Moreover, it maintains a capacity of 157.7 mAh·g−1 even at a current density of 1 A·g−1, benefiting from the defect‐rich structure achieved by mechanical activation. Soft X‐ray analysis revealed that this defect‐rich carbon employs a sodium‐ion storage mechanism distinct from that of hard carbon. This leads to an unexpected reversible reaction on the solid electrolyte surface. These insights pave the way for innovative design approaches for carbon electrodes in SIB anodes.
Induced Anionic Functional Group Orientation‐Assisted Stable Electrode‐Electrolyte Interphases for Highly Reversible Zinc Anodes
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Yu Yi , Chen Ruwei , Yang Hang , Zhang Wei , Miao Yuee , Liu Tianxi , Huang Jiajia , He Guanjie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDendrite growth and other side‐reaction problems of zinc anodes in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries heavily affect their cycling lifespan and Coulombic efficiency, which can be effectively alleviated by the application of polymer‐based functional protection layer on the anode. However, the utilization rate of functional groups is difficult to improve without destroying the polymer chain. Here, a simple and well‐established strategy is proposed by controlling the orientation of functional groups (─SO3H) to assist the optimization of zinc anodes. Depending on the electrostatic effect, the surface‐enriched ─SO3H groups increase the ionic conductivity and homogenize the Zn2+ flux while inhibiting anionic permeation. This approach avoids the destruction of the polymer backbone by over‐sulfonation and amplifies the effect of functional groups. Therefore, the modified sulfonated polyether ether ketone (H‐SPEEK) coating‐optimized zinc anode is capable of longtime stable zinc plating/stripping, and moreover an enhanced cycling steadiness under high current densities is also detected in a series of Zn batteries with different cathode materials, which achieved by the inclusion of H‐SPEEK coating without causing any harmful effects on the electrolyte and cathode. This work provides an easy and efficient approach to further optimize the plating/stripping of cations on metal electrodes, and sheds lights on the scale‐up of high‐performance aqueous zinc‐ion battery technology.