bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detergent-resistant α-amylase derived from Anoxybacillus karvacharensis K1 and its production based on whey
Authors: Ghevondyan Diana , Soghomonyan Tigran , Hovhannisyan Pargev , Margaryan Armine , Paloyan Ani , Birkeland Nils-Kåre , Antranikian Garabed , Panosyan Hovik 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the field of biotechnology, the utilization of agro-industrial waste for generating high-value products, such as microbial biomass and enzymes, holds significant importance. This study aimed to produce recombinant α-amylase from Anoxybacillus karvacharensis strain K1, utilizing whey as an useful growth medium. The purified hexahistidine-tagged α-amylase exhibited remarkable homogeneity, boasting a specific activity of 1069.2 U mg−1. The enzyme displayed its peak activity at 55 °C and pH 6.5, retaining approximately 70% of its activity even after 3 h of incubation at 55 °C. Its molecular weight, as determined via SDS-PAGE, was approximately 69 kDa. The α-amylase demonstrated high activity against wheat starch (1648.8 ± 16.8 U mg−1) while exhibiting comparatively lower activity towards cyclodextrins and amylose (≤ 200.2 ± 16.2 U mg−1). It exhibited exceptional tolerance to salt, withstanding concentrations of up to 2.5 M. Interestingly, metal ions and detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton 100, Triton 40, and Tween 80, 5,5ʹ-dithio-bis-[2-nitrobenzoic acid (DNTB), β-mercaptoethanol (ME), and dithiothreitol (DTT) had no significant inhibitory effect on the enzyme’s activity, and the presence of CaCl2 (2 mM) even led to a slight activation of the recombinant enzyme (1.4 times). The Michaelis constant (Km) and maximum reaction rate (Vmax), were determined using soluble starch as a substrate, yielding values of 1.2 ± 0.19 mg mL−1 and 1580.3 ± 183.7 μmol mg−1 protein min−1, respectively. Notably, the most favorable conditions for biomass and recombinant α-amylase production were achieved through the treatment of acid whey with β-glucosidase for 24 h.
YAP promotes the early development of temporomandibular joint bony ankylosis by regulating mesenchymal stem cell function
Authors: Zhang Tong-Mei , Jiao Mai-Ning , Yang Kun , Wang Hua-Lun , Zhang Chang-Song , Wang Shi-Hua , Zhang Guan-Meng , Miao He-Jing , Shen Jun , Yan Ying-Bin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo explore the role of YAP, a key effector of the Hippo pathway, in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. The temporal and spatial expression of YAP was detected via immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunohistochemistry on postoperative Days 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 28 in a sheep model. Isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from samples of the Day 14. The relative mRNA expression of YAP was examined before and after the osteogenic induction of MSCs. A YAP-silenced MSC model was constructed, and the effect of YAP knockdown on MSC function was examined. YAP is expressed in the nucleus of the key sites that determine the ankylosis formation, indicating that YAP is activated in a physiological state. The expression of YAP increased gradually over time. Moreover, the number of cells coexpressing of RUNX2 and YAP—with the osteogenic active zone labelled by RUNX2—tended to increase after Day 9. After the osteogenic induction of MSCs, the expression of YAP increased. After silencing YAP, the osteogenic, proliferative and migratory abilities of the MSCs were inhibited. YAP is involved in the early development of TMJ bony ankylosis. Inhibition of YAP using shRNA might be a promising way to prevent or treat TMJ ankylosis.
Deciphering the link between healthcare expenditure, corruption, and COVID-19 mortality
Authors: Squalli Jay 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes the determinants of COVID-19 mortality across over 140 countries in 2020, with a focus on healthcare expenditure and corruption. It finds a positive association between COVID-19 deaths and aging populations, obesity rates, and healthcare expenditure while noting a negative association with rural residency and corruption perception. The study further reveals that mortality is positively associated with aging populations in high-income countries and positively associated with obesity in upper-middle to high-income countries. Mortality is positively associated with healthcare expenditure, which likely reflects a country’s preparedness and ability to better track, document, and report COVID-19 deaths. On the other hand, mortality is negatively associated with corruption perception in upper-middle-income countries. Further analyses based on 2021 data reveal COVID-19 deaths are positively associated with the proportion of the population aged 65 and older in low to lower-middle-income countries, with obesity in high-income countries, and with tobacco use across most countries. Interestingly, there is no evidence linking COVID-19 deaths to healthcare expenditure and corruption perception, suggesting a post-2020 convergence in preparedness likely due to proactive pandemic responses, which might have also mitigated corruption’s impact. Policy recommendations are proposed to aid the elderly, address obesity, and combat tobacco use.
Abundances of trace constituents in Jupiter’s atmosphere inferred from Herschel/PACS observations
Authors: Gapp C. , Rengel M. , Hartogh P. , Sagawa H. , Feuchtgruber H. , Lellouch E. , Villanueva G. L. 
Published: June 2024

Context. On October 31, 2009, the Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS) on board the Herschel Space Observatory observed far-infrared spectra of Jupiter in the wavelength range between 50 and 220 µm as part of the program “Water and Related Chemistry in the Solar System”. The spectra have an effective spectral resolution between 900 and 3500, depending on the wavelength and grating order.
Aims. We investigate the disk-averaged chemical composition of Jupiter’s atmosphere as a function of height using these observations.
Methods. We used the Planetary Spectrum Generator and the least-squares fitting technique to infer the abundances of trace constituents.
Results. The PACS data include numerous spectral lines attributable to ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), phosphine (PH3), water (H2O), and deuterated hydrogen (HD) in the Jovian atmosphere and probe the chemical composition from p ~ 275 mbar to p ~ 900 mbar. From the observations, we infer an ammonia abundance profile that decreases from a mole fraction of (1.7 ± 0.8) × 10−4 at p ~ 900 mbar to (1.7 ± 0.9) × 10−8 at p ~ 275 mbar, following a fractional scale height of about 0.114. For phosphine, we find a mole fraction of (7.2 ± 1.2) × 10−7 at pressures higher than (550 ± 100) mbar and a decrease of its abundance at lower pressures following a fractional scale height of (0.09 ± 0.02). Our analysis delivers a methane mole fraction of (1.49 ± 0.09) × 10−3. Analyzing the HD R(0) line at 112.1 µm yields a new measurement of Jupiter’s D/H ratio, D/H = (1.5 ± 0.6) × 10−5. Finally, the PACS data allow us to put the most stringent 3σ upper limits yet on the mole fractions of hydrogen halides in the Jovian troposphere. These new upper limits are <1.1 × 10−11 for hydrogen fluoride (HF), <6.0 × 10−11 for hydrogen chloride (HCl), <2.3 × 10−10 for hydrogen bromide (HBr) and <1.2 × 10−9 for hydrogen iodide (HI) and support the proposed condensation of hydrogen halides into ammonium halide salts in the Jovian troposphere.
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Female Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery with Double Prophylactic Therapy
Authors: Lin Chunmeng , Li Jing , Wu Qian , Luo Tongfeng , Zheng Zhinan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a major problem after surgery. This study aimed to demonstrate the incidence of PONV and the potential associated factors in female patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery against the background of double prophylactic therapy.
Methods Our retrospective study recruited 109 female patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery with double prophylactic therapy, combining palonosetron with dexamethasone, from October 2020 to March 2021, at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. Patient characteristics and perioperative management factors were included in univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors influencing PONV.
Results Four patients lacked complete records, and of the 105 patients included in the final analysis, 53 (50.5%) patients developed PONV. Two influencing factors for PONV were identified: a history of chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR] 0.325, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.123–0.856; p = 0.023) and dosage of hydromorphone ≥ 0.02 mg/kg (OR 2.857, 95% CI 1.247–6.550; p = 0.013). The performance of the multivariate logistic regression was evaluated by analyzing receiver operating characteristic curves, resulting in an area under the curve value of 0.673.
Conclusion The incidence of PONV remains high in female patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, even with double prophylactic therapy. A dosage of hydromorphone ≥ 0.02 mg/kg may increase risk of PONV, whereas a history of chemotherapy might be a protective factor.
Exchange Rate Regime Choices in Small Open Economies from Bretton Woods to Inflation Targeting
Authors: Sussman Nathan , Wyplosz Charles 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAfter centuries of metallic monies, for a long time, our understanding of fiat money had remained rudimentary and often controversial. Successive regimes eventually failed. The end of the Bretton Woods system marked the moment when the link between fiat money and gold was severed and when the possibility of letting exchange rates float became possible. The small open economies adopted various arrangements. Informed by these experiments, the understanding of monetary policy substantially progressed, leading to the widespread adoption of the expected inflation-targeting strategy with similar inflation targets. As a result, exchange rate variability has declined. The US dollar dominance was maintained and even increased. Yet, new challenges have emerged. The long period of interest rates stuck at the effective bound effectively suspended the use of the strategy. Then, during the post-pandemic surge in inflation rates, inflation forecasts became highly imprecise.
Applying large language models for automated essay scoring for non-native Japanese
Authors: Li Wenchao , Liu Haitao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to an increased use of large language models (LLMs) for language assessment tasks such as automated essay scoring (AES), automated listening tests, and automated oral proficiency assessments. The application of LLMs for AES in the context of non-native Japanese, however, remains limited. This study explores the potential of LLM-based AES by comparing the efficiency of different models, i.e. two conventional machine training technology-based methods (Jess and JWriter), two LLMs (GPT and BERT), and one Japanese local LLM (Open-Calm large model). To conduct the evaluation, a dataset consisting of 1400 story-writing scripts authored by learners with 12 different first languages was used. Statistical analysis revealed that GPT-4 outperforms Jess and JWriter, BERT, and the Japanese language-specific trained Open-Calm large model in terms of annotation accuracy and predicting learning levels. Furthermore, by comparing 18 different models that utilize various prompts, the study emphasized the significance of prompts in achieving accurate and reliable evaluations using LLMs.
Bridge effect on charge transfer and energy transfer in fullerene–chromophore dyads
Authors: Wang Yu , Luan Ke , Li Jiahao , Chen Zuochang , Deng Lin-Long , Yang Ye 
Published: June 2024

Fullerene–chromophore dyads have attracted a great deal of research interest because these complexes can be potentially designed as nanoscale artificial photosynthetic centers, in which the chromophore and fullerene function as the electron donor and acceptor, respectively. The basic operation of this dyad-type artificial reaction center is photoinduced electron transfer from the donor to the acceptor. The fullerene and chromophore are usually covalently linked so that sufficient electronic coupling between these two moieties can facilitate the electron transfer. However, other deactivation pathways for the chromophore excited state, such as energy transfer to the fullerene, may reduce the quantum yield of the photoinduced electron transfer. Here, a series of C60-perylene dyads is exploited to interrogate the effect of the linkage on deactivation mechanisms of the chromophore excited state. For the C60-perylene dyads with a single or double bond bridge, we find that the decay of the singlet state of the chromophore is dominated by the electron transfer, and the corresponding time constant is determined to be 45 ps. On the other hand, for the dyad with a triple bond bridge, the singlet state of the chromophore is quickly quenched through energy transfer to fullerene, and the time constant is as short as 7.9 ps. Our finding suggests that the bond order of the bridge in the fullerene–chromophore dyads can be utilized to control the deactivation pathways of the excited state.
The spectrum of Ih ice using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Tao Yu Heng , Dai Xiangyu , Moggach Stephen A. , Clode Peta L. , Fitzgerald Anthony J. , Hodgetts Stuart I. , Harvey Alan R. , Wallace Vincent P. 
Published: June 2024

Here, we report the frequency-dependent spectrum of ice Ih in the range of 0.2–2 THz. We confirm the presence of a feature that blue-shifts from around 1.55–1.65 THz with a decreasing temperature from 260 to 160 K. There is also a change in the trend of the refractive index of ice corresponding to a dispersion, which is also around 1.6 THz. The features are reproduced in data acquired with three commercial terahertz time-domain spectrometers. Computer-simulated spectra assign the feature to lattice translations perpendicular to the 110 and 1̄10 planes of the ice Ih crystal. The feature’s existence should be recognized in the terahertz measurements of frozen aqueous solution samples to avoid false interpretations.
Numerical study of separation flows in a U-duct using DDES method
Authors: Yong Xiaosong , Liu Yangwei , Yan Hao , Tang Yumeng 
Published: June 2024

Separation flow in a curved duct is a common phenomenon in engineering applications, and it highly contributes to the performance of fluid machinery. Accurate prediction of curved duct flows using the computational fluid dynamics method remains a challenge due to the limitations of turbulence modeling. Hence, the high-fidelity method of the delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES) approach is employed to simulate the U-duct flow with a Reynolds number of 105. The DDES results are compared with experimental data from the study by Monson et al. (1990) and analyzed in detail. The Q-criterion is defined to analyze the vortex structures and study the mechanism in the flow separation region. Discussions are made on turbulence characteristics, including turbulence energy spectra, helicity density, and turbulence anisotropy in the U-duct flow. Results indicate that the regions near the wall and within flow separation are highly anisotropic. The turbulence near the wall region is in a two-dimensional state, and the turbulence within the flow separation region is in a “rod-like” state.
Competition between external and internal electric fields induced multiple transitions of pole and pyroelectric currents in tetracobalt diniobate
Authors: Xie Y. M. , Guo F. 
Published: June 2024

Thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) related internal electric field (Eint) is found to influence the pyrocurrent of multiferroics greatly, but its effect on the pole current of magnetoelectric (ME) materials has never been studied. In this article, ME antiferromagnet tetracobalt diniobate is cooled under an external electric field (Eext) from 125 K to generate the TSDC related Eint. Under a magnetic field (H), the pole current while cooling in the presence of Eint and Eext, and the subsequent pyrocurrent while heating without applying Eext is studied. Competition between Eext and Eint induces multiple transitions of pole current, and some transitions gradually disappear with increasing H. The pyrocurrent shows three transitions that are ascribed to the domain switching by Eint, depolarization of negative and positive domains, respectively. With increasing H, the transition at the highest temperature gradually disappears, indicating that the polarization is easier to be switched under a stronger H, which is explained both from the aspects of electrostatic potential energy and the special magnetic structure responsible for magnetoelectricity.
A time averaged semiclassical approach to IR spectroscopy
Authors: Lanzi Cecilia , Aieta Chiara , Ceotto Michele , Conte Riccardo 
Published: June 2024

We propose a new semiclassical approach to the calculation of molecular IR spectra. The method employs the time averaging technique of Kaledin and Miller upon symmetrization of the quantum dipole–dipole autocorrelation function. Spectra at high and low temperatures are investigated. In the first case, we are able to point out the possible presence of hot bands in the molecular absorption line shape. In the second case, we are able to reproduce accurate IR spectra as demonstrated by a calculation of the IR spectrum of the water molecule, which is within 4% of the exact intensity. Our time averaged IR spectra can be directly compared to time averaged semiclassical power spectra as shown in an application to the CO2 molecule, which points out the differences between IR and power spectra and demonstrates that our new approach can identify active IR transitions correctly. Overall, the method features excellent accuracy in calculating absorption intensities and provides estimates for the frequencies of vibrations in agreement with the corresponding power spectra. In perspective, this work opens up the possibility to interface the new method with the semiclassical techniques developed for power spectra, such as the divide-and-conquer one, to get accurate IR spectra of complex and high-dimensional molecular systems.
High-pressure high-temperature synthesis and characterization of B10C
Authors: Iwan Seth , Chakrabarty Kallol , Baker Paul A. , Vohra Yogesh K. 
Published: June 2024

The boron-rich boron carbide materials have been traditionally synthesized by adding boron powder to B4C material and subjecting it to hot pressing sintering for materials composition containing 8.8–20 at. % carbon in boron (composition range of B10.4C to B4C). Our study explores a synthesis route for B10C starting from high-purity boron and carbon and direct conversion under high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) conditions of 2000 °C and 6–8 GPa. Synthesis was verified via x-ray diffraction analysis, showing the conversion of the high-purity boron and carbon powder mixture into a hexagonal B10C structure (R-3m space group) with lattice parameters of a = b = 5.6115 Å and c = 12.197 Å. The concentration of boron was measured through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming the B10C ratio. The measured nanoindentation mean hardness of B10C was 40 GPa. Raman spectroscopy of the HPHT synthesized sample shows characteristic vibrational breathing modes of boron icosahedron and an additional intense band at a vibrational frequency of 380 cm−1. This Raman band, which appears notably weaker in earlier studies and B4C samples, is assigned to the linear chain of B–B–B and attributed to the maximal incorporation of boron within the hexagonal structure.
From cardiovascular protection to cardiovascular risk: the metamorphosis of menopausal hormone therapy
Authors: Stuckey Bronwyn G. A. 
Published: June 2024

Over the last 70 years, oestrogen therapy for the management of menopausal symptoms has undergone a metamorphosis from perceived cardiovascular protection to perceived cardiovascular risk. The former perception is based on the convincing evidence from the Nurses’ Health Study cohorts and the epidemiological data surrounding early menopause. The latter, and later, perception is based on the disquieting results from two randomised controlled studies, the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and the Women’s Health Initiative study (WHI). The reality is probably more nuanced than the conclusions presented by any of these studies. When face to face with a patient, the clinician must negotiate the appropriate decision pathway around the interaction between cardiovascular risk, cardiovascular disease, menopause, and oestrogen +/− progestogen–containing hormone therapy.
ECT in a large scale industrial pneumatic conveying system
Authors: Neumayer M , Bretterklieber T , Suppan T , Wegleiter H , Feilmayr C , Schuster S , Puttinger S 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The application of electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) for monitoring of industrial processes has been studied and proposed by many researchers. Examples can be found in monitoring of multiphase flows or mixing processes in reactors. Demonstrations of the functionality based on lab and test rig measurements have proven the potential of the proposed principles. This paper discusses the application of an ECT system in a heavy industries application. The harsh operating conditions in the industrial environment pose several challenges for the application of sophisticated measurement technology. This work addresses key aspects for the application of an ECT measurement system in such an environment. Specifically the electrical system design and the influence of the temperature are addressed. Relevant parameters and possible solutions are discussed. Furthermore the application of ECT as instrument for mass flow metering in pneumatic conveying processes is addressed. Supportive measurement studies from test rig experiments and comparative simulation studies are presented. Therefore, the paper provides a concise discussion on the application of ECT under harsh operating conditions, as well as the use of ECT as a measurement device for process measurement. The work concludes with a presentation of a measurement system in an industrial plant in which the proposed concepts were succesfully implemented.
Optimal design of multilayer optical thin film structure for smart energy saving applications using needle optimization approach
Authors: Mashaly K B 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this work, a novel design of a one dimensional photonic crystal (1D PC) is investigated. The 1DPC structure is composed of alternating layers of tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) and silicon dioxide (Sio2). The proposed 1D PC structure is designed to act as short wave pass (SWP) edge filter that selectively passes light of short wavelengths, while the infrared light is blocked. In this study, Essential Macleod software is used to create the optimal design with the computational support of the needle synthesis technique. By varying the incidence angle of the mean polarized light mode, we can determine the features of the optimal SWP edge filter design, which leads to an important application for this filter. It can shed light on the filter’s suitability as a smart energy saving window coating for hot climate regions. The study includes different hot regions in Saudi Arabia such as Mecca, Riyadh, Dammam, Arar and Alaqiq. They were used as case studies in this research. According to the study of the optimal design of SWP edge filter applied in Mecca, Riyadh, Dammam, Arar and Alaqiq provinces, the light transmittance in the visible region is more than 99% during the summer solstice and more than 96% during the winter solstice. The photonic band gab (PBG) is almost constant during the summer solstice without shifting or decreasing in size whereas in the winter solstice, the PBG shifts toward the short wavelengths and decreases in size by increasing the angle of incidence. This allows an amount of solar energy to enter in winter. Riyadh, Dammam, and Arar provinces experienced a significant increase in solar energy during the winter solstice, more than Mecca and Alaqiq provinces.