bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic insight into antagonistic effects of a nitrification inhibitor and phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria on soil protease activity
Authors: Liu Yaohui , Wang Weijin , Nessa Ashrafun , Yang Shengyou , Zhang Wenyuan , Zhang Manyun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSoil protease plays a fundamental role in soil nitrogen (N) transformations. Soil N and phosphorus (P) management significantly influence soil protease activity. However, the impacts of N and P combined modification on soil protease remain unclear. A better understanding of the activity and dynamic of soil protease could provide new insights into soil N cycling and available N supply. This study aimed to quantify the influences of combined effects of N and P managements on soil protease activities and decipher the potential mechanism from the perspectives of soil chemical properties, functional microbes, and functional genes. The nitrification inhibitor 3, 4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) application or phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Klebsiella inoculation significantly increased soil protease activity (23.39% and 70.99%, respectively) and ammonium N (NH4+–N) contents, relative to the blank control. However, compared with the DMPP or PSB alone application, the combined applications of DMPP and PSB significantly decreased protease activity, implying that an antagonistic effect on soil protease activity was generated. The abundances of genus Klebsiella were stimulated by the DMPP or PSB but significantly inhibited by the combined additions of DMPP and PSB. The DMPP and PSB applications also significantly changed soil microbial communities and led to more complicated soil microbial co‐occurrence networks. Soil protease activity had a significantly positive correlation with the normalized abundances of tri and clpX genes. Our findings suggested that the combined additions of DMPP and PSB generated an antagonistic effect on soil protease activity and that the antagonistic effect was directly associated with soil NH4+–N and NO3−–N contents, P fractions, and functional gene abundances.
High Refractive Index Copolymers from Aromatic Heterocycle‐Based Vinyl Sulfides and Phthalimide/Maleimide Derivatives
Authors: Watanabe Ibuki , Morikawa Kaori , Samitsu Sadaki , Mori Hideharu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHerein, the rational design and facile synthesis of high‐refractive‐index copolymers with good optical transparency and tunable thermal stability using aromatic heterocycle‐based vinyl sulfides via conventional radical copolymerization is presented. 2‐Thiazolylvinylsulfide (2TVS), 1,3,4‐thiadiazolylvinylsulfide (1,3,4‐TVS), 3‐methylimidazolylvinylsulfide (3MIVS), and 5‐methlthio‐1,3,4‐thiadiazolylvinylsulfide (MeSTVS) are selected to enhance the refractive index, and N‐vinylphthalimide (NVPI) and N‐phenylmaleimide (NPMI) are chosen as comonomers to achieve improved transparency and thermal stability while maintaining the refractive index. The sulfur, ─C═N─, and imide contents in the copolymers are varied by adjusting the monomer structures and their compositions, and their effects on the refractive index, Abbe number, and optical and thermal properties are investigated. The MeTVS monomer in poly(MeSTVS) and poly(MeSTVS‐co‐NVPI) contained three sulfur atoms and two ─C═N─ units; consequently, these polymers exhibit excellent refractive indices in the 1.7139–1.6567 range at 589 nm, Abbe numbers between 19.1–29.1, good transparency (>90% at 400 nm), and tunable thermal properties (Tg = 49–138 °C, Td10 = 244–268 °C). Optically transparent poly(1,3,4‐TVS‐co‐NVPI) films (>95% at 400 nm) with improved thermal stability (Tg = 89–175 °C, Td10 = 251–301 °C) are obtained while maintaining a relatively high refractive index (1.6662–1.6752).
Indocyanine Green‐Glycogen Conjugates for Near‐Infrared‐Triggered Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Shirinichi Farbod , Karkera Chetna , Ibrahim Tarek , Khan Hayat , Clemons Tristan , Senejani Alireza G. , Sun Hao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPhotothermal reagents sensitive to near‐infrared (NIR) light are promising imaging agents and therapeutics for anticancer applications because of the deep tissue penetration of NIR light, allowing for spatiotemporal control over the therapeutic activity, with minimal damage to normal tissues. Herein, a new class of NIR‐sensitive biopolymer‐based nanoparticles is presented by covalently conjugating indocyanine green (ICG) onto the surface of naturally occurring glycogen nanoparticles. The resulting ICG‐glycogen conjugates exhibit a markedly enhanced aqueous stability in comparison to free ICG molecules. Furthermore, an efficient light‐to‐heat conversion is enabled by ICG‐glycogen conjugates, as evidenced by the elevated temperatures of their aqueous solutions upon exposure to NIR light. Critically, ICG‐glycogen conjugates are capable of cell internalization, and under NIR irradiation the effective eradication of breast cancer cells, demonstrating their potential in photothermal therapy for cancer.
Biocompatible, 3D Printable Magnetic Soft Actuators – Ink Formulation, Rheological Characterization and Hydrogel Actuator Prototypes
Authors: Puza Fatih , Barth Lukas , Thiel Marc‐Christopher , Seemann Ralf , Lienkamp Karen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract3D printable inks for the preparation of magnetic hydrogel actuators are difficult to formulate because magnetic nanoparticles tend to aggregate without stabilization through other ink components. At the same time, such inks need to be shear‐thinning and recover their high viscosity state sufficiently fast to be suitable for the printing process. Here, the use of chitosan as dispersing agent for Fe2O3 nanoparticles is reported. Combined with Pluronic F127 as a rheology modifier and acrylamide as the base monomer, thermoresponsive and shear‐thinning magnetic inks containing well‐dispersed particles are obtained. The ink viscosity is tuned over two orders of magnitude by varying the chitosan and Pluronics F127 content. 3D‐printed shapes with good shape fidelity are obtained at a print bed temperature of 50 °C, where aggregation of the Pluoronics F127 micelles occurs. This leads to a fast recovery of the high viscosity state of the material, so that the printed shape can then be locked in by UV cross‐linking. This treatment yielded magneto‐responsive prototypes which are promising for soft robotics applications. Thanks to the simplicity of the ink formulation, it is easily transferable also to nonspecialist laboratories, and the concept is potentially applicable also to other types of nanoparticles.
Orthopedic implants affect the electric field induced by switching gradients in MRI
Authors: Zilberti Luca , Arduino Alessandro , Torchio Riccardo , Zanovello Umberto , Baruffaldi Fabio , Sanchez‐Lopez Hector , Bettini Paolo , Alotto Piergiorgio , Chiampi Mario , Bottauscio Oriano 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether the risk of peripheral nerve stimulation increases in the presence of bulky metallic prostheses implanted in a patient's body.MethodsA computational tool was used to calculate the electric field (E‐field) induced in a realistic human model due to the action of gradient fields. The calculations were performed both on the original version of the anatomical model and on a version modified through “virtual surgery” to incorporate knee, hip, and shoulder prostheses. Five exam positions within a body gradient coil and one position using a head gradient coil were simulated, subjecting the human model to the readout gradient from an EPI sequence. The induced E‐field in models with and without prostheses was compared, focusing on the nerves and all other tissues (both including and excluding the bones from the analysis).ResultsIn the nerves, the most pronounced increase in the E‐field (+24%) was observed around the knee implant during an abdominal MRI (Y axis readout). When extending the analysis to encompass all tissues (excluding bones), the greatest amplification (+360%) occurred around the knee implant during pelvic MRI (Z axis readout). Notable increases in E‐field peaks were also identified around the shoulder and hip implants in multiple scenarios.ConclusionBased on the presented results, further investigations aimed at quantifying the threshold of nerve stimulation in the presence of bulky implants are desirable.
Computing the completely positive factorization via alternating minimization
Authors: Behling R. , Lara H. , Oviedo H. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this article, we propose a novel alternating minimization scheme for finding completely positive factorizations. In each iteration, our method splits the original factorization problem into two optimization subproblems, the first one being a orthogonal procrustes problem, which is taken over the orthogoal group, and the second one over the set of entrywise positive matrices. We present both a convergence analysis of the method and favorable numerical results.
Preparation and properties of vermiculite modified by triphenylbutylphosphonium bromide and PBAT composite film
Authors: Pei Meng , Shang Xiaoyu , Xu Yuhuan , Zhang Daohai 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this study, quaternary phosphonium salt (P4) was prepared, vermiculite (VMT) was modified by P4, and P4@VMT/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composite film was prepared by the solution method. The structure of the synthesized P4 was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared. The structure and performance of P4 modified vermiculite were explored and analyzed by particle size, XRD, infrared and micro‐morphology. The structure, thermal properties, crystallization properties, rheological properties, cross‐section morphology, tensile properties and antibacterial properties of pure PBAT film and P4@VMT/PBAT composite film were tested and compared. The results show that the crystallization temperature and melting temperature of P4@VMT/PBAT composite film are higher than those of pure PBAT film. With the increase in P4@VMT content, the thermal stability of the composite film becomes worse, and the crystallization enthalpy, melting enthalpy and crystallinity also decrease, while the storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity of P4@VMT/PBAT composite film increase significantly. In addition, compared with pure PBAT film, the tensile strength of P4@VMT/PBAT‐20% composites decreased by 12.0% and the elongation at break decreased by 95.7%.Highlights
Successful synthesis of phosphonium quaternary P4 and modification of vermiculite.
The properties of P4@VMT/PBAT composite films with different contents were studied.
Teacher surveys: The pros and cons of random probability surveys versus teacher panels
Authors: Jerrim John 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTwo commonly used approaches to capturing information about teachers are random probability surveys and teacher panels. This paper reviews the strengths and limitations of these two approaches in the context of capturing information about the teacher workforce. A case study is then presented drawing upon recent teacher survey data collections in England. Although both designs should continue to play an important role in generating evidence about the teaching profession, random probability surveys of teachers should be used sparingly, and only when they will be properly resourced.
SIK2‐positive tumor epithelial cells in breast cancer maybe potential anti‐cancer messengers: A systematic analysis from a single‐cell perspective
Authors: Wu Qian , Qu Chang , Xin Lin , Yang Fan , Xu Ling 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in the world and one of the leading causes of cancer death, which is a heterogeneous disease involving genetic and environmental factors. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are the main players in the aggressiveness of different tumors, at the same time, these cells are the main challenge for cancer treatment. There are multiple treatment options for breast cancer (BC) patients and the lack of understanding of prognostic and predictive biomarkers for breast cancer is a potential research direction for us to develop better treatments in the future. In this paper, we conducted a correlation analysis between SIK2 and clinical traits by searching numerous BRCA datasets in the GEO database. The model was constructed and validated by incorporating tumor samples from the TCGA‐BRCA cohort. Surprisingly, we found differential expression of SIK2 gene in individual tumor samples from the UCSC database. Subsequently, we found significantly high expression of SIK2 in epithelial cells by comparing the differential expression of SIK2 in different cell subpopulations and performed subsequent immune infiltration and pathway correlation analysis. Differential genes in SIK2+ epithelial cells, which may be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer. In conclusion, our results suggest that SIK2 may be a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker that could serve as an oncogenic messenger for breast cancer. This discovery of SIK2 may provide more valuable references for potential therapeutic tools for breast cancer.
(R/S)-lactate/2-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenases in and biosynthesis of block copolyesters by Ralstonia eutropha
Authors: Ishihara Shizuru , Orita Izumi , Matsumoto Ken’ichiro , Fukui Toshiaki 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promising bio-based biodegradable polyesters. It was recently reported that novel PHA block copolymers composed of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and (R)-2-hydroxybutyrate (2HB) were synthesized by Escherichia coli expressing PhaCAR, a chimeric enzyme of PHA synthases derived from Aeromonas caviae and Ralstonia eutropha. In this study, the sequence-regulating PhaCAR was applied in the natural PHA-producing bacterium, R. eutropha. During the investigation, (R/S)-2HB was found to exhibit strong growth inhibitory effects on the cells of R. eutropha. This was probably due to formation of excess 2-ketobutyrate (2KB) from (R/S)-2HB and the consequent l-valine depletion caused by dominant l-isoleucine synthesis attributed to the excess 2KB. Deletion analyses for genes of lactate dehydrogenase homologs identified cytochrome-dependent d-lactate dehydrogenase (Dld) and [Fe-S] protein-dependent l-lactate dehydrogenase as the enzymes responsible for sensitivity to (R)-2HB and (S)-2HB, respectively. The engineered R. eutropha strain (phaCAR+, ldhACd-hadACd+ encoding clostridial (R)-2-hydroxyisocaproate dehydrogenase and (R)-2-hydoroxyisocaproate CoA transferase, ∆dld) synthesized PHA containing 10 mol% of 2HB when cultivated on glucose with addition of sodium (RS)-2HB, and the 2HB composition in PHA increased up to 35 mol% by overexpression phaCAR. The solvent fractionation and NMR analyses showed that the resulting PHAs were most likely to be block polymers consisting of P(3HB-co-3HV) and P(2HB) segments, suggesting that PhaCAR functions as the sequence-regulating PHA synthase independently from genetic and metabolic backgrounds of the host cell.

Key points

(R/S)-2-hydroxubutyrates (2HB) caused l-valine deletion in Ralstonia eutropha

(R)- and (S)-lactate/2HB dehydrogenases functional in R. eutropha were identified

The engineered R. eutropha synthesized block copolymers of 2HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates on glucose and 2HB

Graphical Abstract
Sociocultural and Demographic Factors Predict Readmissions for General Surgery Patients
Authors: Kovoor Joshua G. , Bacchi Stephen , Gupta Aashray K. , Nann Silas D. , Stretton Brandon , Chong Esther H. L. , Hewitt Joseph N. , Bhanushali Ameya , Nathin Kayla , Aujayeb Nidhi , Lu Amy , Ovenden Christopher D. , John Athul , Reid Jessica L. , Gluck Samuel , Liew Danny , Reddi Benjamin A. , Hugh Thomas J. , Dobbins Christopher , Padbury Robert T. , Hewett Peter J. , Trochsler Markus I. , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionReadmission is a poor outcome for both patients and healthcare systems. The association of certain sociocultural and demographic characteristics with likelihood of readmission is uncertain in general surgical patients.MethodA multi‐centre retrospective cohort study of consecutive unique individuals who survived to discharge during general surgical admissions was conducted. Sociocultural and demographic variables were evaluated alongside clinical parameters (considered both as raw values and their proportion of change in the 1–2 days prior to admission) for their association with 7 and 30 days readmission using logistic regression.ResultsThere were 12,701 individuals included, with 304 (2.4%) individuals readmitted within 7 days, and 921 (7.3%) readmitted within 30 days. When incorporating absolute values of clinical parameters in the model, age was the only variable significantly associated with 7‐day readmission, and primary language and presence of religion were the only variables significantly associated with 30‐day readmission. When incorporating change in clinical parameters between the 1–2 days prior to discharge, primary language and religion were predictive of 30‐day readmission. When controlling for changes in clinical parameters, only higher comorbidity burden (represented by higher Charlson comorbidity index score) was associated with increased likelihood of 30‐day readmission.ConclusionsSociocultural and demographic patient factors such as primary language, presence of religion, age, and comorbidity burden predict the likelihood of 7 and 30‐day hospital readmission after general surgery. These findings support early implementation a postoperative care model that integrates all biopsychosocial domains across multiple disciplines of healthcare.
External validation, radiological evaluation, and development of deep learning automatic lung segmentation in contrast-enhanced chest CT
Authors: Dwivedi Krit , Sharkey Michael , Alabed Samer , Langlotz Curtis P. , Swift Andy J. , Bluethgen Christian 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
There is a need for CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) lung segmentation models. Clinical translation requires radiological evaluation of model outputs, understanding of limitations, and identification of failure points. This multicentre study aims to develop an accurate CTPA lung segmentation model, with evaluation of outputs in two diverse patient cohorts with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods
This retrospective study develops an nnU-Net-based segmentation model using data from two specialist centres (UK and USA). Model was trained (n = 37), tested (n = 12), and clinically evaluated (n = 176) on a diverse ‘real-world’ cohort of 225 PH patients with volumetric CTPAs. Dice score coefficient (DSC) and normalised surface distance (NSD) were used for testing. Clinical evaluation of outputs was performed by two radiologists who assessed clinical significance of errors. External validation was performed on heterogenous contrast and non-contrast scans from 28 ILD patients.

Results
A total of 225 PH and 28 ILD patients with diverse demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Mean accuracy, DSC, and NSD scores were 0.998 (95% CI 0.9976, 0.9989), 0.990 (0.9840, 0.9962), and 0.983 (0.9686, 0.9972) respectively. There were no segmentation failures. On radiological review, 82% and 71% of internal and external cases respectively had no errors. Eighteen percent and 25% respectively had clinically insignificant errors. Peripheral atelectasis and consolidation were common causes for suboptimal segmentation. One external case (0.5%) with patulous oesophagus had a clinically significant error.

Conclusion
State-of-the-art CTPA lung segmentation model provides accurate outputs with minimal clinical errors on evaluation across two diverse cohorts with PH and ILD.

Clinical relevance
Clinical translation of artificial intelligence models requires radiological review and understanding of model limitations. This study develops an externally validated state-of-the-art model with robust radiological review. Intended clinical use is in techniques such as lung volume or parenchymal disease quantification.

Key Points
• Accurate, externally validated CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) lung segmentation model tested in two large heterogeneous clinical cohorts (pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease).
• No segmentation failures and robust review of model outputs by radiologists found 1 (0.5%) clinically significant segmentation error.
• Intended clinical use of this model is a necessary step in techniques such as lung volume, parenchymal disease quantification, or pulmonary vessel analysis.

Graphical Abstract
Measurement of high-Re turbulent pipe flow using single-pixel PIV
Authors: Oldenziel G. , Sridharan S. , Westerweel J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this paper are presented PIV measurements of turbulent pipe flow at bulk Reynolds numbers Re$$_D$$

D

between 3.4$$\times$$
×
10$$^5$$

5

and 6.9$$\times$$
×
10$$^5$$

5

. So-called single-pixel correlation is applied that yields a superior spatial resolution that is slightly larger than the equivalent size of a pixel in the flow. The location and shape of the averaged correlation peak give the mean velocity and normal and Reynolds stresses. A novel aspect of the single-pixel correlation approach is the extension to determine the 2-point spatial correlation of the velocity fluctuations and the spectrum of the longitudinal velocity fluctuations. Detailed results are presented for Re$$_D$$

D

= 4.98$$\times$$
×
10$$^5$$

5

, corresponding to a shear Reynolds number Re$$_\tau$$

τ

= 10.3$$\times$$
×
10$$^3$$

3

, with a spatial resolution in wall units of $$\varDelta y^+$$

Δ

y
+

= 19.
Wintertime ocean–atmosphere interaction processes associated with the SST variability in the North Pacific subarctic frontal zone
Authors: Huang Qionghui , Fang Jiabei , Tao Lingfeng , Yang Xiu-Qun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRecent research indicates that the midlatitude oceanic frontal zones are the key regions of ocean–atmosphere interaction. The thermal condition of midlatitude ocean in frontal zones can affect the atmosphere efficiently through both diabatic heating and transient eddy feedback. In this study, the wintertime SST variability in the subarctic frontal zone (SAFZ) of the North Pacific and the associated ocean–atmosphere interaction mechanism are examined based on observational and theoretical analyses. It is found that the SAFZ-related SST anomaly is characterized as a large-scale interannual mode that can persist during the whole winter, and that its evolution is accompanied with local ocean–atmosphere interaction processes. The initial anticyclonic surface wind anomaly associated with the weakened Aleutian Low forces a large-scale warm SST anomaly in midlatitude North Pacific by driving northward Ekman flow and downward heat flux. With the increase of SST anomaly, the air-sea heat flux exchange reverses, indicating that the ocean starts to heat the atmosphere. In addition to increasing the diabatic heating, the warm SST anomaly strengthens the SST gradient in the north part of SAFZ. The low-level atmospheric baroclinicity is adjusted to synchronize with the SAFZ correspondingly due to oceanic thermal influence, causing change of transient eddy activities. Though all the ocean-induced diabatic heating, transient eddy heating and transient eddy vorticity forcing are enhanced over SAFZ, the last physical process plays the most important role in shifting and maintaining the equivalent barotropic atmospheric circulation anomalies. Therefore, the ocean–atmosphere interaction provides a mechanism for the development and maintenance of SAFZ-related anomalies of the North Pacific ocean–atmosphere system throughout the winter.