bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidrug‐resistant Enterococcus faecium strains enter the Norwegian marine environment through treated sewage
Authors: Radisic Vera , Grevskott Didrik H. , Junghardt Nadja , Øvreås Lise , Marathe Nachiket P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to understand the antibiotic resistance prevalence among Enterococcus spp. from raw and treated sewage in Bergen city, Norway. In total, 517 Enterococcus spp. isolates were obtained from raw and treated sewage from five sewage treatment plants (STPs) over three sampling occasions, with Enterococcus faecium as the most prevalent (n = 492) species. E. faecium strains (n = 307) obtained from the influent samples, showed the highest resistance against quinupristin/dalfopristin (67.8%). We observed reduced susceptibility to erythromycin (30.6%) and tetracycline (6.2%) in these strains. E. faecium strains (n = 185) obtained from the effluent samples showed highest resistance against quinupristin/dalfopristin (68.1%) and reduced susceptibility to erythromycin (24.9%) and tetracycline (8.6%). We did not detect resistance against last‐resort antibiotics, such as linezolid, vancomycin, and tigecycline in any of the strains. Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) E. faecium strains were detected in both influent (2.3%) and effluent (2.2%) samples. Whole genome sequencing of the Enterococcus spp. strains (n = 25) showed the presence of several antibiotic resistance genes, conferring resistance against aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and macrolides, as well as several virulence genes and plasmid replicons. Two sequenced MDR strains from the effluents belonged to the hospital‐associated clonal complex 17 and carried multiple virulence genes. Our study demonstrates that clinically relevant MDR Enterococcus spp. strains are entering the marine environment through treated sewage.
Complete nucleotide sequence and comparative genomic analysis of microcin B17 plasmid pMccB17
Authors: Ajeigbe Mayokun , Childs Stephen , Paget Timothy A. , Bingle Lewis E. H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe present a comprehensive sequence and bioinformatic analysis of the prototypical microcin plasmid, pMccb17, which includes a definitive sequence for the microcin operon, mcb. Microcin B17 (MccB17) is a ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptide produced by Escherichia coli. It inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase similarly to quinolone antibiotics. The mcb operon, which consists of seven genes encoding biosynthetic and immunity/export functions, was originally located on the low copy number IncFII plasmid pMccB17 in the Escherichia coli strain LP17. It was later transferred to E. coli K‐12 through conjugation. In this study, the plasmid was extracted from the E. coli K‐12 strain RYC1000 [pMccB17] and sequenced twice using an Illumina short‐read method. The first sequencing was conducted with the host bacterial chromosome, and the plasmid DNA was then purified and sequenced separately. After assembly into a single contig, polymerase chain reaction primers were designed to close the single remaining gap via Sanger sequencing. The resulting complete circular DNA sequence is 69,190 bp long and includes 81 predicted genes. These genes were initially identified by Prokka and subsequently manually reannotated using BLAST. The plasmid was assigned to the F2:A‐:B‐ replicon type with a MOBF12 group conjugation system. A comparison with other IncFII plasmids revealed a large proportion of shared genes, particularly in the conjugative plasmid backbone. However, unlike many contemporary IncFII plasmids, pMccB17 lacks transposable elements and antibiotic resistance genes. In addition to the mcb operon, this plasmid carries 25 genes of unknown function.
Process optimization and performance verification of CFRP laser surface modification
Authors: Li Shaolong , Wang Wenxuan , Wang Lin , Li Zihao , Teng Zhan , Yang Yikai , Zhang Chenyang , Hu Yue , Feng Lijun , Wang Disheng , Yang Wenfeng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdhesive bonding has gradually replaced mechanical connections as the primary method for composite material bonding, with surface quality being the key factor determining the effectiveness of composite material adhesion. Laser surface treatment, known for its green and precise characteristics, has garnered widespread attention from both academia and industry. However, the process parameters of laser surface treatment are complex, efficiency is low, and the mechanism remains unclear. This paper, based on the response surface methodology (RSM), investigates the influence of laser secondary parameters on the resin removal rate of carbon fiber reinforced polymer/plastic (CFRP) surfaces and the impact of defocusing on surface treatment efficiency. The results indicate that when the total laser energy density (Et) is 69 J/cm2, the overlap ratio in the warp direction (OLs) is 76%, and the overlap ratio in the weft direction (OLh) is 85%, the surface tensile shear strength increases by 90.59% and 27.77% compared to the original surface and polished surface, respectively. When the defocus distance is +8 mm, the efficiency of laser surface treatment is 2.25 times that of non‐defocus, with minimal impact on mechanical performance. The surface treatment mechanism, with changes in Et, primarily involves the pure thermal decomposition of the resin matrix in an oxygen‐free environment, oxidative decomposition, and the synergistic action of the decomposition products' oxidation. Through the coupled optimization of laser process parameters, this work enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of composite material adhesive surface treatment, promoting the engineering application of laser technology.Highlights
By establishing a response surface model, the study elucidated the impact patterns of laser secondary parameters (overlap rates in the warp and weft directions, total energy density) on the resin removal rate of CFRP surfaces.
Based on the laser surface treatment phenomena at different total energy densities, the study analyzed and revealed the mechanism of near‐infrared (1064 nm) laser resin removal from CFRP surfaces.
By increasing the spot size through defocusing, the efficiency of laser surface treatment was enhanced, and the impact on the interfacial properties of CFRP after defocused treatment was validated.
Evaluation of a complex couplet care intervention in a neonatal intensive care unit: A mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Bjerregaard Michella , Axelin Anna , Carlsen Emma Louise Malchau , Birk Hans Okkels , Poulsen Ingrid , Palisz Patrick , Kallemose Thomas , Brødsgaard Anne 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFamilies with an infant in need of intensive care most often experience a harmful separation after birth. This is due to a division of medical specialties into neonatal care and maternal care. Therefore, a couplet care intervention is implemented for mother‐infant dyads in a neonatal intensive care unit. This study protocol provides a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention. The aim is to evaluate the effect and implementation of a complex couplet care intervention to promote zero separation between mother and infant.MethodsThe couplet care intervention is a family‐centered model of care, where treatment‐requiring mother‐infant dyads will be admitted together and receive couplet care by neonatal nurses. The study adheres to the framework of the Medical Research Council and will use a mixed methods embedded design comprising a quasi‐experimental trial and a qualitative process evaluation. Finally, a health economic evaluation will be conducted to assess the cost‐effectiveness of this complex couplet care intervention.DiscussionSeparation of mother‐infant dyads after birth has an adverse impact on family health and well‐being. This study protocol evaluates a complex couplet care intervention. With this study, a first step is taken to help bridge the gap between current practices and a new care model to prevent the separation of mothers and their infants
Theoretical limiting‐efficiency assessment on advanced crystalline silicon solar cells with Auger ideality factor and wafer thickness modifications
Authors: Su Qiao , Lin Hao , Wang Genshun , Tang Hanbo , Xue Chaowei , Li Zhenguo , Xu Xixiang , Gao Pingqi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the improvement of surface passivation, bulk recombination is becoming an indispensable and decisive factor to assess the theoretical limiting efficiency (
) of crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells. In simultaneous consideration of surface and bulk recombination, a modified model of
evaluation is developed. Surface recombination is directly depicted with contact selectivity while bulk recombination is revised on the aspects of ideality factor and wafer thickness. The
of the double‐side silicon heterojunction (SHJ) and double‐side tunneling‐oxide passivating contact (TOPCon) solar cells are numerically simulated using the new model as 28.99% and 29.19%, respectively. However, the
of single‐side TOPCon solar cells, the more practicable scenario, is only 27.79%. Besides, the
of the double‐side SHJ solar cells would exceed the double‐side TOPCon solar cells if the recombination parameter of the non‐contacted area is higher than 0.6 fA/cm2, instead of perfect passivation. Our results are instructive in accurately assessing efficiency potential and accordingly optimizing design strategies of c‐Si solar cells.
A left‐sided destroyed lung in a 11‐year‐old girl: A rare sequela after Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
Authors: Zuo Maoyi , Wang Hao , Zhu Huaping 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMycoplasma pneumoniae infection is one of the most common causes of community‐acquired pneumonia in children, usually experiencing a favorable prognosis.Cases of M. pneumoniae infection resulting in respiratory failure, severe pulmonary or extrapulmonary sequelae, and death are relatively rare.Currently, no cases related to a destroyed lung with Mycoplasma‐associated infection have been reported.Therefore, we report a case of a destroyed lung in an 11‐year‐old girl with Mycoplasma‐associated infection.
Evaluating the context dependency of large river nursery habitats for fishes in the lower Red River catchment
Authors: Ramsey Paul Q. , Dattilo John , DeVries Dennis R. , Brewer Shannon K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBoth fine‐ and coarse‐scale physicochemical conditions affect the quantity and quality of nursery habitats within riverine ecosystems. Nursery habitats in large, braided, and sandbed streams such as the lower Red River of Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas are not well described and likely vary among species. Identification of nursery habitats is important for developing proper conservation and management actions. We used an occupancy model framework to determine how hierarchical habitat factors related to the occupancy of 38 juvenile fish species. Our findings indicate that large river nursery habitats can generally be defined by reaches with off‐channel slackwater habitat, having deep pools but shallow thalweg depths, typically located further away from dams, and with low percentages of limestone lithology. Species within the same genera often exhibited variable relationships with river slope, amount of large woody debris, channel shape, discharge, and position of reaches within the stream network. Our results indicate important species‐specific relationships that define nursery habitats, indicating an important context dependency of nursery habitats even within fishes that are taxonomically similar. If the goal is to improve recruitment by native fishes, then consideration of the important species‐specific differences would be beneficial if improvements are made to nursery habitats. Moreover, careful consideration of the effects of dam operations will help maintain proper connectivity to off‐channel habitats important in downriver portions of the river network.
Self‐Assembled DNA Composite‐Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Improved Skin‐Wound Repair
Authors: Li Zhuoting , Wang Yiming , Wang Hong , Wang Haiyan , Shang Yingxu , Wang Shihua , Han Qin , Li Jing , Zhao Robert Chunhua , Jiang Qiao , Ding Baoquan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe direct use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as therapeutics for skin injuries is a promising approach, yet it still faces several obstacles, including limited adhesion, retention, and engraftment of stem cells in the wound area, as well as impaired regenerative and healing functions. Here, DNA‐based self‐assembled composites are reported that can aid the adhesion of MSCs in skin wounds, enhance MSC viability, and accelerate wound closure and re‐epithelialization. Rolling‐circle amplification (RCA)‐derived DNA flowers, equipped with multiple copies of cyclic Arg‐Gly‐Asp (cRGD) peptides and anti‐von Willebrand factor (vWF) aptamers, act as robust scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enable synergistic recognition and adhesion to stem cells and damaged vascular endothelial cells. These DNA structure‐aided stem cells are retained at localized wound sites, maintain repair function, and promote angiogenesis and growth factor secretion. In both normal and diabetes‐prone db/db mice models with excisional skin injuries, facile topical administration of DNA flower‐MSCs elicits rapid blood vessel formation and enhances the sealing of the wound edges in a single dose. DNA composite‐engineered stem cells warrant further exploration as a new strategy for the treatment of skin and tissue damage.
Enhancing the Intellectual Capital of Research and Development Centres using Business Intelligence: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Harandi Ali Akbar Haddadi , Valmohammadi Changiz , Hosseini Seyed Hossein 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study employs system dynamics simulation to examine the scenarios and policies aimed at enhancing the intellectual capital of R&D centres. Through an in‐depth review of the relevant literature, such as thematic analysis, along with an examination of regulations and expert interviews and focus group discussions as well, the dimensions, variables and measurement indicators associated with Intellectual Capital and Business Intelligence, were identified. The dynamic relationships among these variables are then modelled, and the model's behaviour is simulated. By implementing two scenarios, namely reducing government financial support and increasing the competitive environment, the simulation results indicate that the enhancement of informational and relational capital will improve structural capital and increase business intelligence. Over ten years of simulation, the centre's dedicated revenue will grow by more than 150%. The proposed dynamic modelling and system behaviour simulation can serve as a basis for setting an intellectual capital framework in R&D centres, particularly in developing countries.
Engaging in the scholarship of practice: Examples from the field
Authors: Braxton John M. , MacKenzie Nicholas , Liepins Alexander , Grites Thomas J. , Giblin Joan , Morris Mounira 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article highlights several examples of student affairs practitioners and graduate preparation faculty engaging in the scholarship of practice. In doing so, these individuals merit a designation as scholars of practice because they are conducting research using their disciplinary knowledge and skill to address an institutional problem or inform future student affairs practice.
Image registration for zooming: A statistically consistent local feature mapping approach
Authors: Das Sujay , Roy Anik , Sarathi Mukherjee Partha 
Published: March 2024

AbstractImage registration is a widely used tool for matching two images of the same scene with one another. In the literature, several image registration techniques are available to register rigid‐body and non‐rigid‐body transformations. One such important transformation is zooming. There are very few feature‐based methods that address this particular problem. These methods fail miserably when there are only a limited number of point features available in the image. This paper proposes a feature‐based approach that works with a feature that is readily available in almost all images, for registering two images of the same image object where one is a zoomed‐in version of the other. In the proposed method, we first detect the possible edge points which we consider as features in both the reference and the zoomed image. Then, we map these features of the reference and the zoomed image with one another and find the relationship between them using a mathematical model. Finally, we use the relationship to register the zoomed‐in image. This method outperforms some of the state‐of‐the‐art methods in many occasions. Several numerical examples and some statistical properties justify that this method works well in many applications.
Synthesis of alternating copolymer PAspNa‐alt‐PAsp(Pr) for drug delivery system
Authors: Mai Le Thi Tuyet , Vy Do Thi Khanh , Duong Nguyen Thanh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlternating copolymers (ACs) contain two distinct monomeric unit types dispersed in alternating order of hydrophilic block and hydrophobic block. ACs have extensive and versatile applications in both academia and industry, especially in drug delivery systems (DDS) due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In the present research, poly(β‐benzyl l‐aspartate) (PBLA) was prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of BLA‐NCA. The result obtained from GPC showed that PBLA was successfully synthesized with narrow weight distribution Mw/Mn = 1.055. The outcome of copolymer has the degree of polymerization (DP) of PBLA was 50 based on the 1H NMR spectroscopy. Further, alternating copolymer poly(aspartate‐sodium) alternating poly(aspartate‐R) (PAspNa‐alt‐PAsp(Pr)), which allows the installation of expected compounds into a polymer backbone of PBLA without unwanted side effects, was synthesized via 2 steps: (1) aminolysis by 0.5 fold primary amine to attach hydrophobic group and (2) hydrolysis slowly by NaOH solution to form the hydrophilic group on the side chain of the polymer. The novel alternating copolymer synthesized successfully in this study was expected to be a promising candidate for drug delivery devices.
Physiological and pathological effects of phase separation in the central nervous system
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Zhu Hongrui , Tian Ruijia , Zhang Qian , Zhang Haoliang , Hu Jin , Wang Sheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPhase separation, also known as biomolecule condensate, participates in physiological processes such as transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, gene expression, and DNA damage repair by creating a membrane-free compartment. Phase separation is primarily caused by the interaction of multivalent non-covalent bonds between proteins and/or nucleic acids. The strength of molecular multivalent interaction can be modified by component concentration, the potential of hydrogen, posttranslational modification, and other factors. Notably, phase separation occurs frequently in the cytoplasm of mitochondria, the nucleus, and synapses. Phase separation in vivo is dynamic or stable in the normal physiological state, while abnormal phase separation will lead to the formation of biomolecule condensates, speeding up the disease progression. To provide candidate suggestions for the clinical treatment of nervous system diseases, this review, based on existing studies, carefully and systematically represents the physiological roles of phase separation in the central nervous system and its pathological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.
Higher education and the income-fertility nexus
Authors: Strulik Holger 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFertility and income are negatively related at the aggregate level. However, evidence from recent periods suggests that increasing income leads to higher fertility at the individual level. In this paper, I provide a simple theory that resolves the apparent contradiction. I consider the education and fertility choices of individuals with different learning abilities. Acquiring higher education requires an investment of time and income. As a result, people with higher education have fewer children but, controlling for the level of education, increasing income leads to higher fertility. Rising income and skill premiums motivate more people to pursue higher education, resulting in a negative income-fertility association at the aggregate level. I investigate the explanatory power of the theory in a model calibrated for the US during 1950–2010.
Exploring a novel chamfered tool design for short duration refill friction stir spot welds of high strength aluminium
Authors: Draper Jonathan , Fritsche Sebastian , de Traglia Amancio-Filho Sergio , Galloway Alexander , Toumpis Athanasios 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis work investigates refill friction stir spot welded joints of AA2024-T3 aluminium alloy, produced with short welding times between 3 s and 0.75 s. A novel tool geometry that incorporates a chamfer on the inner edge of the shoulder tip is investigated as a means of improving joint quality at short welding times by easing material flow during the refill stage. The influence of shoulder design on weld microstructure, defect formation, material flow, and mechanical properties was assessed. When compared with a standard shoulder geometry, it was found that the introduction of a chamfer on the inner tip edge improved material flow during the refill stage and led to improved material mixing at the weld periphery. The formation of voids in the region of the weld periphery was eliminated and tensile lap-shear strength of the welded joints was increased by 19% to 7.2 kN, and 27% to 8.16 kN, for 0.75 s and 1.5 s duration welds, respectively.
Synergistic corrosion effects of magnetite and microorganisms: microbial community dependency
Authors: Diaz-Mateus Maria A. , Machuca Laura L. , Farhat Hanan , Salgar-Chaparro Silvia J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The synergistic corrosion effect of acid-producing bacteria (APB) and magnetite on carbon steel corrosion was assessed using two different microbial consortia. A synergistic corrosion effect was observed exclusively with Consortium 2, which was composed of Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Tepidibacillus sp. When Consortium 2 was accompanied by magnetite, uniform corrosion and pitting rates were one-time higher (0.094 mm/year and 0.777 mm/year, respectively) than the sum of the individual corrosion rates promoted by the consortium and deposit separately (0.084 and 0.648 mm/year, respectively). The synergistic corrosion effect observed exclusively with Consortium 2 is attributed to its microbial community structure. Consortium 2 exhibited higher microbial diversity that benefited the metabolic status of the community. Although both consortia induced acidification of the test solution and metal surface through glucose fermentation, heightened activity levels of Consortium 2, along with increased surface roughness caused by magnetite, contributed to the distinct synergistic corrosion effect observed with Consortium 2 and magnetite.

Key points
• APB and magnetite have a synergistic corrosion effect on carbon steel.
• The microbial composition of APB consortia drives the synergistic corrosion effect.
• Magnetite increases carbon steel surface roughness.