bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteriological Quality of Ready to Eat Vegetable Salads Vended in Ilala District Markets and Antibiotic Sensitivity Profiles of Isolated Contaminant Bacteria
Authors: Naftali Kibela , Mwambete Kennedy D. 
Published: November 2023

Aim: To determine level of bacterial contaminants and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacteria isolated from read-to-eat salads (RTES).
Study Design: An experimental cross-sectional study was conducted in three localities of Ilala District in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania).
Methodology: Twenty-four RTES samples were bought from randomly chosen fast food centers. RTE salads were analyzed at the Pharmaceutical Microbiology Laboratory. The total viable counts (TVC) were determined, and the standard procedures for microbial identification were performed and confirmed by physiological tests. The identified microbial contaminants were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Six widely used antibiotics: amoxicillin (AX25), sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim-(SXT-25), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC30), gentamicin (CN5), ciprofloxacin (C5), and chloramphenicol (C30) were used for the AST.
Results: The TVC of isolated bacterial contaminants ranged from 106 to 108 cfu/g, which was above the acceptable standard limit and unfit for human consumption. Five bacterial species comprised of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella oxytoca were isolated and subjected to the AST. All bacteria were resistant to AMC30. Escherichia coli was isolated from 10% of the RTES. Association between bio-burden and antibiotic resistance was observed.
Conclusion: The RTES harbored contaminant bacteria beyond acceptable limits. The predominant contaminants were P. aeruginosa and E. coli. One-fifth of the samples contained E. coli, indication of poor sanitation. All the isolated bacteria were resistant to AMC30. Prompt measures are required to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
Influence of Salinity on Surface Ice Adhesion Strength
Authors: Luo Wenting , Alasvand Zarasvand Kamran , Azimi Dijvejin Zahra , Nadaraja Anupama Vijaya , Golovin Kevin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIce accretion has detrimental effects on a wide range of sensitive engineering structures, especially those adjacent to or within the ocean. Here the effect of salinity on the adhesion of ice to different surfaces is investigated over a range of sub‐zero temperatures. The saline ice adhesion strength is found to decrease with the increasing salinity on all surfaces tested. The presence of thermodynamically stable brine at temperatures above −21.2 °C is found to drastically lower the saline ice adhesion strength of essentially all surfaces through a lubrication effect. At −25 °C, below the eutectic temperature between H2O ice and hydrohalite (NaCl 2H2O), high adhesion is observed. For smooth surfaces, hydrophobicity is effective at lowering the saline ice adhesion strength, and a hydrophobic silicon wafer exhibited a saline ice adhesion strength of 2.4 ± 1.8 kPa at −10 °C with 1 wt% NaCl. The adhesion of real frozen seawater differed from the NaCl solutions, where an adhesion strength ≈12 kPa is observed even at −25 °C. Given the strong adhesion of ice to marine infrastructure, the results here demonstrate how temperature, salinity, and surface characteristics must be considered when designing materials that can mitigate the icing of marine infrastructure and vessels.
Switchable Broadband Terahertz Absorbers Based on Conducting Polymer‐Cellulose Aerogels
Authors: Kuang Chaoyang , Chen Shangzhi , Luo Min , Zhang Qilun , Sun Xiao , Han Shaobo , Wang Qingqing , Stanishev Vallery , Darakchieva Vanya , Crispin Reverant , Fahlman Mats , Zhao Dan , Wen Qiye , Jonsson Magnus P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTerahertz (THz) technologies provide opportunities ranging from calibration targets for satellites and telescopes to communication devices and biomedical imaging systems. A main component will be broadband THz absorbers with switchability. However, optically switchable materials in THz are scarce and their modulation is mostly available at narrow bandwidths. Realizing materials with large and broadband modulation in absorption or transmission forms a critical challenge. This study demonstrates that conducting polymer‐cellulose aerogels can provide modulation of broadband THz light with large modulation range from ≈ 13% to 91% absolute transmission, while maintaining specular reflection loss < −30 dB. The exceptional THz modulation is associated with the anomalous optical conductivity peak of conducting polymers, which enhances the absorption in its oxidized state. The study also demonstrates the possibility to reduce the surface hydrophilicity by simple chemical modifications, and shows that broadband absorption of the aerogels at optical frequencies enables de‐frosting by solar‐induced heating. These low‐cost, aqueous solution‐processable, sustainable, and bio‐friendly aerogels may find use in next‐generation intelligent THz devices.
Solution‐Processed Ternary Organic Photodetectors with Ambipolar Small‐Bandgap Polymer for Near‐Infrared Sensing
Authors: Bhat Gurudutt , Kielar Marcin , Sah Pankaj , Pandey Ajay K. , Sonar Prashant 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOrganic photodetectors (OPDs) detecting light in the near‐infrared (NIR) range from 900 to 1200 nm offer numerous applications in biomedical imaging and health monitoring. However, an ultra‐low bandgap of the electron donor compound required to achieve NIR detection poses a unique challenge in selecting a complementary acceptor material with a suitable energy‐level offset. To tackle this, a solution‐processed, fullerene‐dominated, ternary device is engineered by adding an ultra‐low bandgap (0.6–0.8 eV) ambipolar polymer, polybenzobisthiadiazole‐dithienocyclopentane (PBBTCD), into the active layer of visible‐light‐responsive OPDs (bandgap of 1.8 eV) to form a ternary blend. The resulting OPD benefits from the extended absorption beyond 1000 nm. The cascaded energy level alignment within the ternary blend and the applied reverse bias both improve the overall NIR photocurrent responsivity by 2 orders of magnitude, reaching 0.4 mA W−1at 1050 nm and −2 V for ternary devices. Furthermore, a photovoltage responsivity of 0.3 mV m2 W−1along with significant open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.12 V allow NIR detection in theVocmode. Prominently, this ability is accomplished with a minimal presence of PBBTCD. Taken together, this work indicates potential strategies for extending the spectral activity of conventional OPDs through introduction of an ambipolar ultra‐low bandgap polymer as a minor element.
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on short‐term postoperative outcomes for colorectal perforation: A nationwide study in Japan based on the National Clinical Database
Authors: Ogawa Shimpei , Endo Hideki , Yoshida Masahiro , Tsuru Tomomitsu , Itabashi Michio , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Ueno Hideki , Kitagawa Yuko , Hibi Taizo , Taketomi Akinobu , Ikeda Norihiko , Mori Masaki 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimPossible negative effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on short‐term postoperative outcomes for colorectal perforation in Japan were examined in this study.MethodsThe National Clinical Database (NCD) is a large‐scale database including more than 95% of surgical cases in Japan. We analyzed 13 107 cases of colorectal perforation from 2019 to 2021. National data were analyzed, and subgroup analyses were conducted for subjects in prefectures with high infection levels (HILs) and metropolitan areas (Tokyo Met. and Osaka Pref.). Postoperative 30‐day mortality, surgical mortality, and postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥3) were examined. Months were considered to have significantly high or low mortality or complication rates, if the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the standardized mortality (morbidity) ratio (SMR) does not contain 1.ResultsIn the NCD, postoperative 30‐day mortality occurred in 1371 subjects (10.5%), surgical mortality in 1805 (13.8%), and postoperative complications in 3950 (30.1%). Significantly higher SMRs were found for 30‐day mortality in November 2020 (14.6%, 1.39 [95% CI: 1.04–1.83]) and February 2021 (14.6%, 1.48 [95% CI: 1.10–1.96]), and for postoperative complications in June 2020 (37.3%, 1.28 [95% CI: 1.08–1.52]) and November 2020 (36.4%, 1.21 [95% CI: 1.01–1.44]). The SMRs for surgical mortality were not significantly high in any month. In prefectures with HILs and large metropolitan areas, there were few months with significantly higher SMRs.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic had limited negative effects on postoperative outcomes in patients with colorectal perforation. These findings suggest that the emergency system for colorectal perforation in Japan was generally maintained during the pandemic.
Characterization of the contact dynamics of spheres coated in a thin viscous film using an electrified Newton's cradle
Authors: Punch Oscar , Heenan Alex , Marshall Aaron , Holland Daniel J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMeasurement of the contact time for two spheres coated in a thin viscous film are considered. Measurements are performed using a Newton's cradle apparatus with a current passed through the apparatus such that the voltage can be used to infer the separation between the spheres. The spheres are coated with either a nonconductive viscous liquid (silicone oil) or a conductive liquid (glycerol and KCl). Measurement of the sphere‐film contact time and sphere‐sphere contact time for different film thicknesses and precollisional velocities are presented. Measurements of these contact times are compared to numerical simulations using the discrete element method (DEM). The results indicate that a solid‐solid contact is the physical mechanism which dictates rebound. A viscous force model where the interstitial liquid undergoes a glass transition was found to represent the dynamics of the system well, despite no glass transition being observed.
Ancient human dental calculus metadata collection and sampling strategies: Recommendations for best practices
Authors: Gancz Abigail S. , Wright Sterling L. , Weyrich Laura S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesAncient human dental calculus is a unique, nonrenewable biological resource encapsulating key information about the diets, lifestyles, and health conditions of past individuals and populations. With compounding calls its destructive analysis, it is imperative to refine the ways in which the scientific community documents, samples, and analyzes dental calculus so as to maximize its utility to the public and scientific community.Materials and MethodsOur research team conducted an IRB‐approved survey of dental calculus researchers with diverse academic backgrounds, research foci, and analytical specializations.ResultsThis survey reveals variation in how metadata is collected and utilized across different subdisciplines and highlights how these differences have profound implications for dental calculus research. Moreover, the survey suggests the need for more communication between those who excavate, curate, and analyze biomolecular data from dental calculus.DiscussionChallenges in cross‐disciplinary communication limit researchers' ability to effectively utilize samples in rigorous and reproducible ways. Specifically, the lack of standardized skeletal and dental metadata recording and contamination avoidance procedures hinder downstream anthropological applications, as well as the pursuit of broader paleodemographic and paleoepidemiological inquiries that rely on more complete information about the individuals sampled. To provide a path forward toward more ethical and standardized dental calculus sampling and documentation approaches, we review the current methods by which skeletal and dental metadata are recorded. We also describe trends in sampling and contamination‐control approaches. Finally, we use that information to suggest new guidelines for ancient dental calculus documentation and sampling strategies that will improve research practices in the future.
Spoken Language Alterations can Predict Phenoconversion in Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Šubert Martin , Novotný Michal , Tykalová Tereza , Hlavnička Jan , Dušek Petr , Růžička Evžen , Škrabal Dominik , Pelletier Amelie , Postuma Ronald B. , Montplaisir Jacques , Gagnon Jean‐François , Galbiati Andrea , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Marelli Sara , St. Louis Erik K. , Timm Paul C. , Teigen Luke N. , Janzen Annette , Oertel Wolfgang , Heim Beatrice , Holzknecht Evi , Stefani Ambra , Högl Birgit , Dauvilliers Yves , Evangelista Elisa , Šonka Karel , Rusz Jan 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study assessed the relationship between speech and language impairment and outcome in a multicenter cohort of isolated/idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD).MethodsPatients with iRBD from 7 centers speaking Czech, English, German, French, and Italian languages underwent a detailed speech assessment at baseline. Story‐tale narratives were transcribed and linguistically annotated using fully automated methods based on automatic speech recognition and natural language processing algorithms, leading to the 3 distinctive linguistic and 2 acoustic patterns of language deterioration and associated composite indexes of their overall severity. Patients were then prospectively followed and received assessments for parkinsonism or dementia during follow‐up. The Cox proportional hazard was performed to evaluate the predictive value of language patterns for phenoconversion over a follow‐up period of 5 years.ResultsOf 180 patients free of parkinsonism or dementia, 156 provided follow‐up information. After a mean follow‐up of 2.7 years, 42 (26.9%) patients developed neurodegenerative disease. Patients with higher severity of linguistic abnormalities (hazard ratio [HR = 2.35]) and acoustic abnormalities (HR = 1.92) were more likely to develop a defined neurodegenerative disease, with converters having lower content richness (HR = 1.74), slower articulation rate (HR = 1.58), and prolonged pauses (HR = 1.46). Dementia‐first (n = 16) and parkinsonism‐first with mild cognitive impairment (n = 9) converters had higher severity of linguistic abnormalities than parkinsonism‐first with normal cognition converters (n = 17).InterpretationAutomated language analysis might provide a predictor of phenoconversion from iRBD into synucleinopathy subtypes with cognitive impairment, and thus can be used to stratify patients for neuroprotective trials. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:530–543
‘How I wonder what you are?’: what infant observation offers family therapy
Authors: Bunston Wendy , Jones Sarah J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTraining in infant observation, highly valuable in the infant mental health (IMH) field, has an enormous amount to offer family therapists. These two fields of practice, both hold working with the relational world of their clients as central. As two senior family therapists who are also IMH practitioners, we invite those reading this paper to explore the possibilities inherent in undertaking infant observation training as a pathway to enriching and expanding their practice. We provide an overview of infant observation training, how this approach was conceived, and explore the benefits of honouring the subjectivity of the infant, that of bringing the infant's experience alive in the therapeutic space. We provide direct examples from our own practice. We conclude with how infant observation might be incorporated into family therapy training and practice.
Edible oleogels as solid fat alternatives: A review from patent perspectives
Authors: Li Jiaxi , Xiao Yahao , Zhang Hong , Bi Yanlan , Xu Xuebing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOleogel technology has grown into a substantial research area over the past decade and development through a body of scientific patents and publications. Despite many exciting improvements in structural mechanisms and system development, promoting this technology from a laboratory study into an industrial production is not an easy task. Successful commercialization is predicated on the oleogel being able to adequately replace the various roles played by conventional plastic fats in complex food systems. To this end, certain inevitable limitations, such as poor plasticity, low structural stability, and intricate production procedures, need to be addressed first. This review gives the freedom‐spaces available for product developments and provides a deeper understanding for researchers in the oleogel technology combining both sides of patents and literatures. An insight analysis regarding research trends, hot topics, influences, and technology life cycle of current inventions has been conducted. Current structural strategies, formulations, and implementation scales are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives on the technology are highlighted.
Cochlea development shapes bat sensory system evolution
Authors: Anthwal Neal , Hall Ronald P. , de la Rosa Hernandez Frederick Aneudy , Koger Michael , Yohe Laurel R. , Hedrick Brandon P. , Davies Kalina T. J. , Mutumi Gregory L. , Roseman Charles C. , Dumont Elizabeth R. , Dávalos Liliana M. , Rossiter Stephen J. , Sadier Alexa , Sears Karen E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSensory organs must develop alongside the skull within which they are largely encased, and this relationship can manifest as the skull constraining the organs, organs constraining the skull, or organs constraining one another in relative size. How this interplay between sensory organs and the developing skull plays out during the evolution of sensory diversity; however, remains unknown. Here, we examine the developmental sequence of the cochlea, the organ responsible for hearing and echolocation, in species with distinct diet and echolocation types within the ecologically diverse bat super‐family Noctilionoidea. We found the size and shape of the cochlea largely correlates with skull size, with exceptions of Pteronotus parnellii, whose high duty cycle echolocation (nearly constant emission of sound pulses during their echolocation process allowing for detailed information gathering, also called constant frequency echolocation) corresponds to a larger cochlear and basal turn, and Monophyllus redmani, a small‐bodied nectarivorous bat, for which interactions with other sensory organs restrict cochlea size. Our findings support the existence of developmental constraints, suggesting that both developmental and anatomical factors may act synergistically during the development of sensory systems in noctilionoid bats.
Hierarchical predefined‐time bipartite tracking of Euler–Lagrange systems over a signed graph
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Han Tao , Xiao Bo , Zhan Xi‐Sheng , Yan Huaicheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper addresses the hierarchical predefined‐time bipartite tracking problem in networked Euler–Lagrange systems (ELSs) over a signed graph, considering the presence of outer disturbances and dynamic uncertainties. An algorithm about the novel hierarchical predefined‐time control (HPTC) is presented here, which aims to guide the states of two opposing subgroups of the ELSs to achieve the leader's trajectory while the signs are opposite. The algorithm allows for flexibility in setting the desired settling time for the system, the upper bound of which is simple to be predetermined in advance and adjusted like other parameters.Through Lyapunov stability analysis, a sufficient criteria is established for achieving predefined‐time bipartite tracking problem. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the developed methods.
Distinct neurocognitive profiles and clinical phenotypes associated with copy number variation at the 22q11.2 locus
Authors: O'Hora Kathleen P. , Kushan‐Wells Leila , Schleifer Charles H. , Cruz Shayne , Hoftman Gil D. , Jalbrzikowski Maria , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C. , Bearden Carrie E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRare genetic variants that confer large effects on neurodevelopment and behavioral phenotypes can reveal novel gene‐brain‐behavior relationships relevant to autism. Copy number variation at the 22q11.2 locus offer one compelling example, as both the 22q11.2 deletion (22qDel) and duplication (22qDup) confer increased likelihood of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and cognitive deficits, but only 22qDel confers increased psychosis risk. Here, we used the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (Penn‐CNB) to characterized neurocognitive profiles of 126 individuals: 55 22qDel carriers (MAge = 19.2 years, 49.1% male), 30 22qDup carriers (MAge = 17.3 years, 53.3% male), and 41 typically developing (TD) subjects (MAge = 17.3 years, 39.0% male). We performed linear mixed models to assess group differences in overall neurocognitive profiles, domain scores, and individual test scores. We found all three groups exhibited distinct overall neurocognitive profiles. 22qDel and 22qDup carriers showed significant accuracy deficits across all domains relative to controls (episodic memory, executive function, complex cognition, social cognition, and sensorimotor speed), with 22qDel carriers exhibiting more severe accuracy deficits, particularly in episodic memory. However, 22qDup carriers generally showed greater slowing than 22qDel carriers. Notably, slower social cognition speed was uniquely associated with increased global psychopathology and poorer psychosocial functioning in 22qDup. Compared to TD, 22q11.2 copy number variants (CNV) carriers failed to show age‐associated improvements in multiple cognitive domains. Exploratory analyses revealed 22q11.2 CNV carriers with ASD exhibited differential neurocognitive profiles, based on 22q11.2 copy number. These results suggest that there are distinct neurocognitive profiles associated with either a loss or gain of genomic material at the 22q11.2 locus.
A comparison of infants' birth defects self‐reported by mothers with data provided by general practitioners: Data from the Dutch Pregnancy Drug Register
Authors: Maas Veronique Y. F. , Ederveen Ellen G. T. , van Rijt‐Weetink Yrea R. J. , Woestenberg Petra J. , Bergman Jorieke E. H. , Conijn Maartje 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundSince the presence of a birth defect is often a primary outcome in drug‐safety studies among pregnant women, researching the validity of data collection methods is imperative. The aim of this study is to compare self‐reported birth defects in infants by mothers with the information provided by general practitioners (GP (singular) or GPs (plural)).MethodsMothers who participated in the Dutch Pregnancy Drug Register reported information about possible birth defects of their infants via questionnaires. GPs were approached to provide information on possible birth defects of the same infants. All reported birth defects by mothers and GPs were blindly coded using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) index and EUROCAT‐classified as either a minor or major birth defect. Differences in reported birth defects between participants and GPs were assessed.ResultsParticipants and GPs (N = 551) reported 67 and 53 birth defects respectively, leading to a total of 120 birth defects among 65 infants. When both the GP and the participant reported a birth defect, 76.9% of these birth defects (N = 60) were coded with an identical ICD‐10 code. Information on the absence of a birth defect and the presence of a major birth defect was identically reported by the GP and the mother in almost all cases (98.2%). Of the major birth defects reported by the GP, 67% could be matched with information provided by the participant, for 33% contradicting information was reported.ConclusionSelf‐reported questionnaire data on infants' birth defects from mothers yield fairly similar information compared to information obtained through GPs. Future studies should validate the accuracy of self‐reported birth defects by mothers more extensively to improve the quality of drug safety studies during pregnancy.