bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen bond‐reinforced double‐network hydrogels with enhanced mechanical strength: Preparation, characterization and swelling behavior
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Liu Ji‐Dong , Du Xiang‐Yun , Chen Su , Xiao Ji Jun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRecently, double network (DN) gels with dynamic non‐covalent interaction such as hydrogen bonds has drawn much attention as an innovative material having both high water content and high mechanical strength. Research efforts have identified DN gels as a promising class of materials due to their unique network architecture. These gels comprise two interpenetrating networks formed by different types of polymer. Herein, we report a tough DN hydrogel with high mechanical strength and high swelling ability. The DN gel is synthesized via a two‐step network formation. The first network gel was synthesized via frontal polymerization. Then, the first gel is immersed in an aqueous solution of a second monomer and carrying out a second polymerization in the presence of first network. The spectroscopic analysis and thermal behavior with differential scanning calorimeter measurements corroborated the existence of hydrogen bonds. The mechanical test and microscopic morphology were further explored to explain the strength and high imbibing characteristics. We expect that this facile strategy may explore a dynamic and tunable hydrogel to expand its potential applications in biomedical field.
Earwigs and woodlice as some of the world's smallest internal seed dispersal agents: Insights from the ecology of Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae)
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Kimura‐Yokoyama Osamu , Kitamura Shumpei 
Published: May 2024

Societal Impact StatementThis study illuminates the underappreciated role of invertebrates in seed dispersal, extending beyond the well‐documented contributions of ants. Focusing on Monotropastrum humile (銀竜草 [silver dragon plant] or 水晶蘭 [crystal orchid]), a non‐photosynthetic plant known for its minuscule, dust‐like seeds, the present research uncovers their seed dispersal roles of woodlice and earwigs in Japan. Remarkably, these invertebrates include the smallest known endozoochorous seed dispersers.Summary

Endozoochory, or internal seed dispersal through the digestive tracts of animals, has been less studied in invertebrates compared with vertebrates. Nonetheless, endozoochory is plausible whenever seeds are small enough for ingestion by frugivorous animals, suggesting a potential role for invertebrates in seed dispersal, especially for plants with minute seeds.
Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae), characterized by its fleshy fruits and dust‐like seeds, is known to utilize invertebrate agents such as camel crickets and cockroaches for seed dispersal. Here, we investigate this seed dispersal mechanism using time‐lapse photography, feeding experiments, and seed coat anatomy analysis, particularly focusing on interactions among undocumented invertebrate internal seed dispersers.
Field observations indicated that in the studied population, M. humile fruits were primarily consumed by camel crickets, woodlice, and earwigs. Their effectiveness as seed dispersers varied, with camel crickets primarily acting as dispersers, whereas earwigs and woodlice were more inclined toward seed predation. Nonetheless, some seeds defecated by earwigs and woodlice remained intact, suggesting that they could also function as dispersal agents.
The woodlouse Porcellio scaber is now recognized as the world's smallest internal seed dispersal agent. Combined with earlier discoveries, such as seed dispersal by camel crickets, cockroaches, and ants, and the fact that P. scaber is an exotic species in the study site, M. humile likely depends on a broad spectrum of local invertebrates. The engagement of multiple invertebrate dispersers may enhance seed dispersal across diverse habitats.
Int&in: A machine learning‐based web server for active split site identification in inteins
Authors: Schmitz Mirko , Ballestin Jara Ballestin , Liang Junsheng , Tomas Franziska , Freist Leon , Voigt Karsten , Di Ventura Barbara , Öztürk Mehmet Ali 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInteins are proteins that excise themselves out of host proteins and ligate the flanking polypeptides in an auto‐catalytic process called protein splicing. In nature, inteins are either contiguous or split. In the case of split inteins, the two fragments must first form a complex for the splicing to occur. Contiguous inteins have previously been artificially split in two fragments because split inteins allow for distinct applications than contiguous ones. Even naturally split inteins have been split at unnatural split sites to obtain fragments with reduced affinity for one another, which are useful to create conditional inteins or to study protein–protein interactions. So far, split sites in inteins have been heuristically identified. We developed Int&in, a web server freely available for academic research (https://intein.biologie.uni-freiburg.de) that runs a machine learning model using logistic regression to predict active and inactive split sites in inteins with high accuracy. The model was trained on a dataset of 126 split sites generated using the gp41‐1, Npu DnaE and CL inteins and validated using 97 split sites extracted from the literature. Despite the limited data size, the model, which uses various protein structural features, as well as sequence conservation information, achieves an accuracy of 0.79 and 0.78 for the training and testing sets, respectively. We envision Int&in will facilitate the engineering of novel split inteins for applications in synthetic and cell biology.
Navigating the landscape of parameter identifiability methods: A workflow recommendation for model development
Authors: van Noort Martijn , Ruppert Martijn , DeJongh Joost , Marostica Eleonora , Bosch Rolien , Mešić Emir , Snelder Nelleke 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn pharmacometric modeling, it is often important to know whether the data is sufficiently rich to identify the parameters of a proposed model. While it may be possible to assess this based on the results of a model fit, it is often difficult to disentangle identifiability issues from other model fitting and numerical problems. Furthermore, it can be of value to ascertain identifiability beforehand. This paper compares four methods for parameter identifiability, namely Differential Algebra for Identifiability of SYstems (DAISY), the sensitivity matrix method (SMM), Aliasing, and the Fisher information matrix method (FIMM). We discuss the characteristics of the methods and apply them to a set of applications, consisting of frequently used PK model structures, with suitable dosing regimens and sampling times. These applications were selected to validate the methods and demonstrate their usefulness. While traditional identifiability analysis provides a categorical result [PLoS One, 6, 2011, e27755; CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol, 8, 2019, 259; Bioinformatics, 30, 2014, 1440], we argue that in practice a continuous scale better reflects the limitations on the data and is more informative. The methods were generally consistent in their evaluation of the applications. The Fisher information matrix method seemed to provide the most consistent answers. All methods provided information on the parameters that were unidentifiable. Some of the results were unexpected, indicating identifiability issues where none were foreseen, but could be explained upon further analysis. This illustrated the usefulness of identifiability assessment.
Indoor and outdoor NO2 and SO2 levels in 13 randomly selected preschools from 7 districts in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Rodney Mudau , Kuku Voyi , Joyce Shirinde 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAir pollution is a serious worldwide issue, where both outdoor and indoor air quality have a substantial impact on the health of children. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution due to their developing respiratory systems and higher respiration rates than adults. These children dedicate a substantial amount of time to the preschool setting. The study sought to evaluate the concentration of NO2 and SO2 in both outdoor and indoor environments of preschool facilities.MethodsConcurrently, the levels of NO2 and SO2 were measured indoors and outdoors at 13 randomly selected preschools in 7 districts in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Radiello passive air samplers were employed to collect gaseous samples.ResultsThe mean levels of NO2 indoors and outdoors were within the recommended criteria outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), specifically target levels 1–3. Additionally, these values were also below the air quality guides outlined by South Africa, both for yearly and 1‐h mean measurements. Nevertheless, both levels remained above the suitable threshold of 10 µg m−3 outlined by the WHO air quality guidelines.ConclusionsIt is important to implement proactive measures such as enhancing airflow systems, employing air filters and reducing potential sources of air pollution in preschools, to aid in reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor NO2 and SO2.
Strategic threat health response in Australia capital cities: Predicting the optimum locations for field hospitals through geospatial analysis
Authors: Baazeem Mazen , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe advent of the COVID‐19 pandemic has accentuated the critical importance of epidemic preparedness within national healthcare systems. This study presents a geospatial analysis aimed at optimising the placement of field hospitals in Australia to ensure adequate healthcare access during pandemics.MethodsThe latest census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics were integrated with the spatial locations of current emergency departments within Australian capitals. Buffer zones with a 7.5 km radius were created around the public emergency departments (EDs). Buffer zones outside the 7.5 km radius that exhibited high population densities were categorised into high‐density (red), moderate‐density (yellow) and low‐density (green) zones to prioritise and tailor healthcare responses during a pandemic. The identification of high‐density population areas outside the ED radius enabled the stratification of potential sites for ED facilities.ResultsNinety‐one potential field hospital sites were identified across Australia's capital cities. The findings indicate that the addition of these sites would place over 95% of the population within a 7.5 km radius of an ED facility. This network of proposed sites is designed to serve a spectrum of population densities, ensuring equitable healthcare access for both densely populated urban centres and less populated areas.ConclusionsThis study underscores the potential of field hospitals to strengthen Australia's public health system against emergencies. By advocating for the creation of 91 field hospitals within a 7.5 km reach for over 95% of urban dwellers across major cities, it demonstrates a strategic approach to ensure comprehensive ED coverage. Drawing on international examples, including China's Fangcang hospitals, the USA's post‐acute care (PAC) facilities and the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) Nightingale Hospitals, it highlights the need for healthcare agility and scalability, especially during pandemic outbreaks. The research presents a blueprint for field hospital deployment, marking a significant advancement in public health logistics and protection across Australia's varied demographic and geographical landscapes.
Reliability evaluation in the zero‐failure Weibull case based on double‐modified hierarchical Bayes
Authors: Zheng Bo , Long Zuteng , Ning Yang , Ma Xin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHierarchical Bayes, or E‐Bayes, is frequently used to estimate the failure probability when solving a zero‐failure reliability evaluation model; however, the accuracy of the reliability estimation using these methods is not very good in practice. Due to this, a novel double‐modified hierarchical Bayes (DMH‐Bayes) is proposed for Weibull characteristic data in this study to enhance failure probability estimation and improve reliability point estimation accuracy. Meanwhile, in order to guarantee the preservation of the assessment findings' consistency and confidence level, the parametric Bootstrap method (P‐Bootstrap) and the L‐moment estimation method based on point estimation are introduced to obtain reliability confidence interval estimates. Based on Monte–Carlo simulation testing and analysis of a gyroscope bearing, the new model is confirmed to have better applicability and robustness while improving the accuracy of reliability assessment.
Impact of extraction method on the lipids of Himalayan marmot oil with ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography Q‐Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Yu Xina , Kong Qingquan , Wu Ye , Li Weilong , Rinchen Dorje , Zhang Zhifeng , Shen Qing , Luo Pei 
Published: May 2024

RationaleHimalayan marmot oil (SPO) has been used for pharmaceutical purposes for centuries, but its composition is still unclear. The bioactivity of SPO highly depends on the techniques used for its processing. This study focused on the comprehensive lipidomics of SPO, especially on the ones derived from dry rendering, wet rendering, cold pressing, and ultrasound‐assisted solvent extraction.MethodsWe performed lipid profiling of SPO acquired by different extraction methods using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography Q‐Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and 17 classes of lipids (2 BMPs, 12 LysoPCs, 9 LysoPEs, 41 PCs, 24 PEs, 23 Plasmenyl‐PCs, 10 Plasmenyl‐PEs, 10 MGs, 63 DGs, 187 TGs, 2 MGDGs, 3 Cer[NDS]s, 22 Cer[NS]s, 2 GlcCer[NS]s, 14 SMs, 14 CEs, and 6 AcylCarnitines) were characterized.ResultsFifty‐five lipids were differentially altered (VIP > 1.5, p < 0.05) between the extraction techniques, which can be used as potential biomarkers to differentiate SPO extracted by various methods. Additionally, the contents of oleic acid and arachidic acid were abundant in all samples that may suggest their medicinal values and are conducive to in‐depth research.ConclusionsThese findings reveal the alterations of lipid profile and free fatty acid composition in SPO obtained with different extraction methods, providing a theoretical foundation for investigating its important components as functional factors in medicines and cosmetics.
Optimized quantification of fatty acids in complex media using advanced analytical techniques
Authors: Jeon Eunji , Park Moonhee , Mojumdar Abhik , Kim Young Hwan , Choi Jong‐Soon , Cho Kun 
Published: May 2024

RationaleVarious medium formulations contain essential fatty acids at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mg/L. Accurate and precise lipid measurement in media is crucial for monitoring media quality and conducting studies on lipids in the context of cell culture. This study employed two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) analyses to offer enhanced resolution, sensitivity, and separation performance compared to GC.MethodsQuantification of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in a medium was conducted using GC × GC combined with a high‐resolution mass spectrometer and flame ionization detector, considering potential interference from nonionic surfactant Tween 80, which was precipitated and removed by optimizing the concentration of cobalt thiocyanate (CTA) solution during pretreatment. This advanced analytical approach enabled identification of cis and trans isomers of identical molecular weights and determination of the location and number of double bonds in the same carbon number structure.ResultsOur analysis identified 36 FAMEs within the C6–C24 region, and a 5% CTA solution was optimal for efficient removal of Tween 80 during lipid extraction. Additionally, this advanced method minimized FAME contamination and loss during pretreatment, thereby significantly reducing the sample volume required to detect trace levels of FAMEs. This improvement led to a fatty acid recovery rate of 106% while maintaining the average relative standard deviation for the target FAMEs of about 3%.ConclusionsOur research paves the way for future investigation into medium quality control and the role of fatty acids in cell culture. This offers the possibility for economical and effective trace quantification of fatty acids in complex media.
A case of endobronchial mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma successfully treated with radiotherapy and a review of the literature
Authors: Arai Rino , Tanifuji Mizuka , Nagai Asuka , Ebihara Akinori , Iwamoto Tokuzen , Onaka Shinnosuke , Aoyama Mayumi , Otaki Makoto , Shigemitsu Hidenobu , Kuwahira Ichiro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA 60‐year‐old man was noted to have an elevated lesion in the right mainstem bronchus on chest computed tomography (CT) during his annual medical checkup 3 years previously. The lesion had gradually increased in size. FDG‐PET showed no accumulation. Bronchoscopy revealed 5 nodular smooth surface protrusions on the ventral surface of the right mainstem bronchus, with the largest lesion that measured 5 mm in diameter. Biopsy showed diffuse infiltration of small lymphocytes, positive for CD20 and subsequently diagnosed with mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The lesions disappeared on chest CT after radiotherapy, and no recurrence has been observed after 5 years. We reviewed 48 cases of endobronchial MALT lymphoma in the literature and provided a comprehensive review of the literature to date including our case.
Using multiscale lidar to determine variation in canopy structure from African forest elephant trails
Authors: Keany Jenna M. , Burns Patrick , Abraham Andrew J. , Jantz Patrick , Makaga Loic , Saatchi Sassan , Maisels Fiona , Abernethy Katharine , Doughty Christopher E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRecently classified as a unique species by the IUCN, African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are critically endangered due to severe poaching. With limited knowledge about their ecological role due to the dense tropical forests they inhabit in central Africa, it is unclear how the Afrotropics are influenced by elephants. Although their role as seed dispersers is well known, they may also drive large‐scale processes that determine forest structure through the creation of elephant trails and browsing the understory, allowing larger, carbon‐dense trees to succeed. Multiple scales of lidar were collected by NASA in Lopé National Park, Gabon from 2015 to 2022. Utilizing two airborne lidar datasets in an African forest elephant stronghold, detailed canopy structural information was used in conjunction with elephant trail data to determine how forest structure varies on and off trails. Forest along elephant trails displayed different structural characteristics than forested areas off trails, with lower canopy height, canopy cover, and different vertical distribution of plant density. Less plant area density was found on trails at 1 m in height, while more vegetation was found at 12 m, compared to off trail locations. Trails in forest areas with previous logging history had lower plant area in the top of the canopy. Forest elephants can be considered as “logging light” ecosystem engineers, affecting canopy structure through browsing and movement. Both airborne lidar scales were able to capture elephant impact along trails, with the high‐resolution discrete return lidar performing higher than waveform lidar.
Fabrication and Magnetic Behavior of Jellyfish‐Like Ni Nanowires Synthesized Using Bilayered Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Templates
Authors: Samardak Aleksei Yu. , Sobirov Mukhammad I. , Rogachev Kirill A. , Shishelov Aleksandr F. , Lembikov Alexey O. , Ognev Nikita A. , Leyko Grigoriy A. , Ognev Alexey V. , Samardak Alexander S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe potential to produce nanostructures with intricate shapes in large quantities holds promise for a range of applications in the fields of nanoelectronics and biomedicine. Here a method for fabricating jellyfish‐like Ni nanowires (JFNWs) using bilayered nanoporous anodic alumina templates with through pores of varying diameters in each layer is presented. To assess the capabilities of this method, samples are created with different voltages during the second step of anodization, resulting in distinct geometrical characteristics of the second layer of the template, and subsequently synthesize Ni JFNWs. By employing magnetometry and first‐order reversal curve (FORC) method, the magnetic properties are examined and a significant alteration in their magnetic behavior, attributed to the differing shapes of the JFNWs and the magnetostatic interactions within the array, is observed. The study utilizes magnetic force microscopy to evaluate the stray magnetic fields generated by the individual JFNWs and unveils their unusual and asymmetric distribution. Through simulations based on the experimental data, the study analyzes the field‐ and current‐induced domain wall movement in a single JFNW and their array. The findings reveal non‐trivial micromagnetic configurations in these structures, including a remarkable ‘corkscrew’ state, and allow for an examination of the process of magnetization switching.
Organ‐Targeted Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Facilitate Sequence‐Activated Fluorogenic Probe for Precise Imaging of Inflammatory Liver Disease
Authors: Bian Yongning , Zhang Yong , Hu Bo , Huang Yuanyu , Liang Weier , Yuan Qing , Zhang Jinchao , Gao Xueyun , Su Dongdong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractActivatable near‐infrared (NIR) fluorogenic probes offer a potent tool for real‐time, in situ detection of hepatic biomarkers, significantly advancing the precision in diagnosing inflammatory liver disease (ILD). However, the limited distribution of small molecule fluorogenic probes in the liver and their rapid clearance impair the accuracy of fluorescence imaging and in ILD diagnosis. In this study, an effective utilization of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs) is presented as liver‐targeted carriers for efficient delivery of fluorogenic probes, aiming to overcome biodistribution barriers and achieve accurate detection of hepatic biomarkers. Based on this strategy, a liver‐targeted NIR fluorogenic nanoprobe hCy‐H2O2@iLNP is prepared using hCy‐H2O2 as a small molecule reporter for visualizing the over‐produced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in situ of liver. Notably, iLNPs not only significantly enhance probe accumulation in the liver, but also enable sequence activation of fluorescent nanoprobes. This response is achieved through primary liposome‐dissociation release and secondary hCy‐H2O2 response with pathological H2O2, enabling high‐precision detection of oxidative stress in hepatocytes. These distinctive features facilitate accurate early diagnosis of acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced inflammatory liver injury as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced hepatitis. Therefore, the organ‐targeted nanoprobe design strategy showcasts great potential for early and accurate diagnosis of lesions in situ in different organs.