bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Multidrug Resistance among Staphylococcus Species Isolated from Clinical Samples
Authors: UDEH Christiana Ezinne , AYANDELE Abiodun Ayanfemi , AMAO John Ayobami 
Published: January 2025

Aims: One major thing that promotes antimicrobial resistance among bacteria is their potential to produce enzymes and biofilms, which remain noteworthy elements in their pathogenicity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistance Staphylococcus species isolated from different clinical samples.
Study Design: The study employed independent measures experimental study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Staphylococcus species originating from clinical samples were obtained from the microbiology laboratory of two teaching hospitals in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, between April and October, 2023.
Methodology: Twenty-six (26) pre-identified (by the hospital Laboratories) Staphylococcus spp. were obtained from the microbiology laboratories of two teaching hospitals in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The isolates were subjected to microscopic, and biochemical tests to confirm their identities. The testing for antibacterial susceptibility was carried out using the Kirky-Bauer disk diffusion technique. A modified crystal violet biofilm assay was used to determined the ability of the isolates to produce biofilm. Molecular characterization was carried out to identify bacteria with very high resistance to the used antibiotics using 16S rRNA. The isolates were subjected to enzyme production assay like pectinase, protease, keratinase, cellulose and collagenase assay.
Results: All the Staphylococcus species in this study showed varied degrees of prevalence. All the clinical bacterial isolates also showed 100% resistance to Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, Cefuroxime, Cloxicillin Meropenem, and Doxycycline, while the slightest resistance was observed for Gentamicin with 29.17%. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) for all the isolates was between 0.3 to 1.0, which is higher than the safe limit of 0.2, with a high percent (95.8%) of the bacteria being MAR. The result shows that 77.8% of these isolates could produce one or more enzymes.
Conclusion: The biofilm and enzyme production abilities of the clinical bacteria were major factors that led to expanded resistance, as observed in this study.
Aliphatic and Alicyclic Amines
Authors: Cavender Finis L. , Green Steven M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAliphatic and alicyclic amines are a diverse family of chemical substances that touch every aspect of human life. Simple amines are common intermediates used in chemical synthesis and millions of tons are produced annually. Amines are both raw materials needed for bodily function and are prominent waste products. Amines are used in foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. In general, it is far more difficult to find a use that does not include amines than to find one that does. Over time, knowledge of the effect of amines on living systems has been increasing, with the largest increases in‐line with the sensitivity of the use. That is, the more of an impact a substance has on the population, the greater the chance a robust database exists. The European Union REACH program (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals) has been responsible for a large influx of data for amine substances that have significant relevance to society but did not have a potential for significant exposure under proper conditions of use. The open use policy from the European Chemicals Agency has allowed REACH data, which was primarily from industrial manufacturers, to be added to this chapter revision, which previously contained academic sources.
Food Additives
Authors: Zang Yu J. , Kabadi Shruti V. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Food additives include substances that are directly added to food with the intention of having a particular technical effect on food (known as “direct food additives”), as well as components of materials used in manufacturing, packing, packaging, transporting, or holding food such that their use is not intended to have a technical effect on food but may result in those components migrating to food (known as “indirect food additives” or “food contact substances”). So far, thousands of food additives have been developed to meet the increasing demand for safe, convenient, and nutritious food. With the widespread use of food additives in the food industry, ensuring the safety of food additives is extremely important to protect public health. This chapter provides an overview of both direct and indirect food additives in terms of their definitions, intended uses, regulatory background, and methods for assessing their safety. Additionally, workplace safety considerations related to the production and handling of food additives in occupational settings are briefly discussed. Furthermore, some examples of both types of food additives are given at the end of the chapter, together with related resources available for further information.
Diacetyl
Authors: Beckett Evan M. , Abelmann Anders , Maier M. Andrew 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDiacetyl is the simplest diketone. It occurs endogenously in humans, is a natural byproduct of bacterial fermentation and pyrolysis of organic matter, and is present naturally in a number of foods. In its pure form, diacetyl is a greenish‐yellow liquid that is moderately soluble in water and has a very strong buttery, quinone‐like, or chlorine‐like odor. It has been used as a synthetic food additive and flavoring, most notably in microwave popcorn, for its buttery and caramel or toffee notes; however, since the mid‐2000s, its use has declined in favor of substitutes. Diacetyl has also been used as a reactant or starting material in chemical and/or biochemical reactions. Exposure to the general population is ubiquitous, not just from use and consumption of flavored consumer products and foods, but also through naturally occurring diacetyl in various foodstuffs and beverages and direct or secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke. Diacetyl has low toxicity from ingestion and dermal exposure. Its respiratory toxicity potential has been thoroughly evaluated via animal studies. As with most volatile organic compounds, the most sensitive health endpoint is upper airways effects and inflammation. Findings from some epidemiological studies have suggested that, at very high concentrations, diacetyl may cause reduced lung function and even severe restrictive or obstructive lung diseases, including bronchiolitis obliterans. In addition, the weight of the evidence indicates that diacetyl is neither a teratogen, nor a carcinogen. Diacetyl's potential as a sensory irritant and respiratory sensitizer remains equivocal.
Workplace learning for the disadvantaged: Perspectives from adult education and human resource development
Authors: Hwang Jihee , Yoon Seung Won 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlong with the rapidly changing social and economic context accompanied by COVID‐19, concerns have been raised for the less‐educated, low‐wage workers who disproportionately experienced disadvantages in accessing workplace learning or training opportunities essential for job placement or career development. In response to the challenges of increasing discrepancies in workplace learning opportunities, this paper suggested workplace learning as an area that needs more attention from multidisciplinary perspectives to support the needs of disadvantaged populations. The authors reviewed research trends on workplace learning from adult education (AE) and human resource development (HRD) disciplines and discussed common areas and research gaps. The paper suggested advancing workplace learning theories and building empirical evidence for disadvantaged populations in various workplace contexts through complementary collaboration between AE and HRD.
Initial experience with an electron FLASH research extension (FLEX) for the Clinac system
Authors: Oh Kyuhak , Gallagher Kyle J. , Hyun Megan , Schott Diane , Wisnoskie Sarah , Lei Yu , Hendley Samuel , Wong Jeffrey , Wang Shuo , Graff Brendan , Jenkins Christopher , Rutar Frank , Ahmed Md , McNeur Joshua , Taylor Jeffrey , Schmidt Marty , Senadheera Lasitha , Smith Wendy , Umstadter Donald , Lele Subodh M. , Dai Ran , Jianghu (James) Dong , Yan Ying , Su‐min Zhou 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeRadiotherapy delivered at ultra‐high‐dose‐rates (≥40 Gy/s), that is, FLASH, has the potential to effectively widen the therapeutic window and considerably improve the care of cancer patients. The underlying mechanism of the FLASH effect is not well understood, and commercial systems capable of delivering such dose rates are scarce. The purpose of this study was to perform the initial acceptance and commissioning tests of an electron FLASH research product for preclinical studies.MethodsA linear accelerator (Clinac 23EX) was modified to include a non‐clinical FLASH research extension (the Clinac‐FLEX system) by Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company (Palo Alto, CA) capable of delivering a 16 MeV electron beam with FLASH and conventional dose rates. The acceptance, commissioning, and dosimetric characterization of the FLEX system was performed using radiochromic film, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters, and a plane‐parallel ionization chamber. A radiation survey was conducted for which the shielding of the pre‐existing vault was deemed sufficient.ResultsThe Clinac‐FLEX system is capable of delivering a 16 MeV electron FLASH beam of approximately 1 Gy/pulse at isocenter and reached a maximum dose rate >3.8 Gy/pulse near the upper accessory mount on the linac gantry. The percent depth dose curves of the 16 MeV FLASH and conventional modes for the 10 × 10 cm2 applicator agreed within 0.5 mm at a range of 50% of the maximum dose. Their respective profiles agreed well in terms of flatness but deviated for field sizes >10 × 10 cm2. The output stability of the FLASH system exhibited a dose deviation of <1%. Preliminary cell studies showed that the FLASH dose rate (180 Gy/s) had much less impact on the cell morphology of 76N breast normal cells compared to the non‐FLASH dose rate (18 Gy/s), which induced large‐size cells.ConclusionOur studies characterized the non‐clinical Clinac‐FLEX system as a viable solution to conduct FLASH research that could substantially increase access to ultra‐high‐dose‐rate capabilities for scientists.
Topography Optimization for Sustainable Dropwise Condensation: The Critical Role of Correlation Length
Authors: Sarkiris Panagiotis , Constantoudis Vassilios , Ellinas Kosmas , Lam Cheuk Wing Edmond , Milionis Athanasios , Anagnostopoulos John , Poulikakos Dimos , Gogolides Evangelos 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn effective pathway to enhance the heat transfer process is to induce the formation of highly mobile condensate droplets, employing micro‐nanoengineered superhydrophobic surfaces. However, the design of the topography of these surfaces for sustained high performance constitutes a significant scientific and technological challenge. Herein, the critical role of the correlation length of topography is demonstrated as an important factor when designing superhydrophobic surfaces for heat transfer applications. Specifically, it is shown that a) a high correlation length value corresponds to increased space between surface structures and higher lateral distances between nucleating droplets, which results in lower droplet departure diameter and significantly delayed flooding of the surface and b) correlation length has to surpass a critical value for dropwise condensation (DWC) to be sustained in hierarchical structured surfaces, when the droplets are growing in a partial Cassie state. Following this rationale, droplets are categorized in three different energy and wetting states (Wenzel droplets, Cassie droplets of low kinetic energy and high energy jumping droplets), depending on the correlation length of the topography. Heat transfer experiments demonstrate an increase of 126% in the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of surfaces exhibiting the maximum correlation length when compared to the flat hydrophobic surface.
Preparation, Properties, and Bioapplications of Block Copolymer Nanopatterns
Authors: Fontelo Raul , Reis Rui L. , Novoa‐Carballal Ramon , Pashkuleva Iva 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBlock copolymer (BCP) self‐assembly has emerged as a feasible method for large‐scale fabrication with remarkable precision – features that are not common for most of the nanofabrication techniques. In this review, recent advancements in the molecular design of BCP along with state‐of‐the‐art processing methodologies based on microphase separation alone or its combination with different lithography methods are presented. Furthermore, the bioapplications of the generated nanopatterns in the development of protein arrays, cell‐selective surfaces, and antibacterial coatings are explored. Finally, the current challenges in the field are outlined and the potential breakthroughs that can be achieved by adopting BCP approaches already applied in the fabrication of electronic devices are discussed.
Geometric Phase in Twisted Topological Complementary Pair
Authors: Zhang Kun , Li Xiao , Dong Daxing , Xue Ming , You Wen‐Long , Liu Youwen , Gao Lei , Jiang Jian‐Hua , Chen Huanyang , Xu Yadong , Fu Yangyang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGeometric phase enabled by spin‐orbit coupling has attracted enormous interest in optics over the past few decades. However, it is only applicable to circularly‐polarized light and encounters substantial challenges when applied to wave fields lacking the intrinsic spin degree of freedom. Here, a new paradigm is presented for achieving geometric phase by elucidating the concept of topological complementary pair (TCP), which arises from the combination of two compact phase elements possessing opposite intrinsic topological charge. Twisting the TCP leads to the generation of a linearly‐varying geometric phase of arbitrary order, which is quantified by the intrinsic topological charge. Notably distinct from the conventional spin‐orbit coupling‐based theories, the proposed geometric phase is the direct result of the cyclic evolution of orbital‐angular‐momentum transformation in mode space, thereby exhibiting universality across classical wave systems. As a proof of concept, the existence of this geometric phase is experimentally demonstrated using scalar acoustic waves, showcasing the remarkable ability in the precise manipulation of acoustic waves at subwavelength scales. These findings engender a fresh understanding of wave‐matter interaction in compact structures and establish a promising platform for exploring geometric phase, offering significant opportunities for diverse applications in wave systems.
Albumin‐indocyanine green evaluation of future liver remnant predicts liver failure after anatomical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A dual‐center retrospective study
Authors: Nagaoka Tomoyuki , Ogawa Kohei , Sakamoto Katsunori , Nakamura Taro , Imai Yoshinori , Nishi Yusuke , Honjo Masahiko , Tamura Kei , Funamizu Naotake , Takada Yasutsugu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimThe albumin‐indocyanine green evaluation (ALICE) score is a useful predictor of post‐hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF); however, its usefulness in combination with future liver remnant (FLR), measured by 3‐D volumetry, has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the ALICE of the FLR (ALICE‐FLR) score and severe PHLF.MethodsThe clinical data of 215 patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma without portal vein embolization at two institutes between January 2010 and December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. PHLF occurrence and severity were determined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery's definition. Grades B and C PHLF were defined as severe PHLF. The ALICE‐FLR, ALICE scores, and indocyanine green clearance of FLR (ICGK‐FLR) were evaluated for severe PHLF prediction.ResultsSevere PHLF was observed in 40 patients (18.6%). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for the ALICE‐FLR, ALICE scores, ICGK‐FLR, and FLR were 0.76, 0.64, 0.73, and 0.69, respectively. The AUC of the ALICE‐FLR score was significantly higher than that of the ALICE score. The ALICE‐FLR score was identified as an independent predictor of severe PHLF (the odds ratio for every 0.01 increment in the ALICE‐FLR score was 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.070–1.453; p = 0.004). Among patients with severe PHLF, the ALICE‐FLR score was significantly higher in the grade C than in the grade B PHLF group.ConclusionThe combination of liver function models, including indocyanine green, albumin, and FLR is considered compatible for predicting severe PHLF.
Bis‐peri‐dinaphtho‐rylenes: Facile Synthesis via Radical‐Mediated Coupling Reactions and their Distinctive Electronic Structures
Authors: Shen Tong , Zou Ya , Hou Xudong , Wei Haipeng , Ren Longbin , Jiao Liuying , Wu Jishan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a one‐dimensional (1D), ribbon‐like structure have the potential to serve as both model compounds for corresponding graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and as materials for optoelectronics applications. However, synthesizing molecules of this type with extended π‐conjugation presents a significant challenge. In this study, we present a straightforward synthetic method for a series of bis‐peri‐dinaphtho‐rylene molecules, wherein the peri‐positions of perylene, quaterrylene, and hexarylene are fused with naphtho‐units. These molecules were efficiently synthesized primarily through intramolecular or intermolecular radical coupling of in situ generated organic radical species. Their structures were confirmed using X‐ray crystallographic analysis, which also revealed a slightly bent geometry due to the incorporation of a cyclopentadiene ring at the bay regions of the rylene backbones. Bond lengh analysis and theoretical calculations indicate that their electronic structures resemble pyrenacenes more than quinoidal rylenes. That is, the aromatic sextets are predominantly localized along the long axis of the skeletones. As the chain length increases, these molecules exhibit enhanced electronic absorption with a bathochromic shift, and multiple amphoteric redox waves. This study introduces a novel synthetic approach for generating 1D extended PAHs and GNRs, along with their structure‐dependent electronic properties.
DNA Nanostructures: Self‐Adjuvant Carriers for Highly Efficient Subunit Vaccines
Authors: Shen Fengyun , Wang Haihan , Liu Zhuang , Sun Lele 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSubunit vaccines based on antigen proteins or epitopes of pathogens or tumors show advantages in immunological precision and high safety, but are often limited by their low immunogenicity. Adjuvants can boost immune responses by stimulating immune cells or promoting antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells (APCs), yet existing clinical adjuvants struggle in simultaneously achieving these dual functions. Additionally, the spatial organization of antigens might be crucial to their immunogenicity. Hence, superior adjuvants should potently stimulate the immune system, precisely arrange antigens, and effectively deliver antigens to APCs. Recently, precisely organizing and delivering antigens with the unique editability of DNA nanostructures has been proposed, presenting unique abilities in significantly improving the immunogenicity of antigens. In this minireview, we will discuss the principles behind using DNA nanostructures as self‐adjuvant carriers and review the latest advancements in this field. The potential and challenges associated with self‐adjuvant DNA nanostructures will also be discussed.
Photocatalytic Free Radical‐Controlled Synthesis of High‐Performance Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Chen Xiang , Guan Shuhui , Zhou Jianjiang , Shang Hengjun , Zhang Jingyuan , Lv Fujian , Yu Han , Li Hexing , Bian Zhenfeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSingle‐atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as crucial players in catalysis research, prompting extensive investigation and application. The precise control of metal atom nucleation and growth has garnered significant attention. In this study, we present a straightforward approach for preparing SACs utilizing a photocatalytic radical control strategy. Notably, we demonstrate for the first time that radicals generated during the photochemical process effectively hinder the aggregation of individual atoms. By leveraging the cooperative anchoring of nitrogen atoms and crystal lattice oxygen on the support, we successfully stabilize the single atom. Our Pd1/TiO2 catalysts exhibit remarkable catalytic activity and stability in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction, which was 43 times higher than Pd/C. Furthermore, we successfully depose Pd atoms onto various substrates, including TiO2, CeO2, and WO3. The photocatalytic radical control strategy can be extended to other single‐atom catalysts, such as Ir, Pt, Rh, and Ru, underscoring its broad applicability.
Photoredox Cascade Catalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Production with Biomass Photoreforming
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBiomass photoreforming is a promising method to provide both a clean energy resource in the form of hydrogen (H2) and valuable chemicals as the results of water reduction and biomass oxidation. To overcome the poor contact between heterogeneous photocatalysts and biomass substrates, we fabricated a new photoredox cascade catalyst by combining a homogeneous catalyst, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPO), and a heterogeneous dual‐dye sensitized photocatalyst (DDSP) composed of two Ru(II)‐polypyridine photosensitizers (RuP6 and RuCP6) and Pt‐loaded TiO2 nanoparticles. During blue‐light irradiation (λ=460±15 nm; 80 mW), the DDSP photocatalytically reduced aqueous protons to form H2 and simultaneously oxidized TEMPO• radicals to generate catalytically active TEMPO+. It oxidized biomass substrates (water‐soluble glycerol and insoluble cellulose) to regenerate TEMPO•. In the presence of N‐methyl imidazole as a proton transfer mediator, the photocatalytic H2 production activities for glycerol and cellulose reforming reached 2670 and 1590 μmol H2 (gTiO2)−1 h−1, respectively, which were comparable to those of state‐of‐the‐art heterogeneous photocatalysts.
Cytochrome P450 Mediated Cyclization in Eunicellane Derived Diterpenoid Biosynthesis**
Authors: Wang Zengyuan , Yang Qian , He Jingyi , Li Haixin , Pan Xingming , Li Zining , Xu Hui‐Min , Rudolf Jeffrey D. , Tantillo Dean J. , Dong Liao‐Bin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTerpene cyclization, one of the most complex chemical reactions in nature, is generally catalyzed by two classes of terpene cyclases (TCs). Cytochrome P450s that act as unexpected TC‐like enzymes are known but are very rare. In this study, we genome‐mined a cryptic bacterial terpenoid gene cluster, named ari, from the thermophilic actinomycete strain Amycolatopsis arida. By employing a heterologous production system, we isolated and characterized three highly oxidized eunicellane derived diterpenoids, aridacins A−C (1–3), that possess a 6/7/5‐fused tricyclic scaffold. In vivo and in vitro experiments systematically established a noncanonical two‐step biosynthetic pathway for diterpene skeleton formation. First, a class I TC (AriE) cyclizes geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) into a 6/10‐fused bicyclic cis‐eunicellane skeleton. Next, a cytochrome P450 (AriF) catalyzes cyclization of the eunicellane skeleton into the 6/7/5‐fused tricyclic scaffold through C2−C6 bond formation. Based on the results of quantum chemical computations, hydrogen abstraction followed by electron transfer coupled to barrierless carbocation ring closure is shown to be a viable mechanism for AriF‐mediated cyclization. The biosynthetic logic of skeleton construction in the aridacins is unprecedented, expanding the catalytic capacity and diversity of P450s and setting the stage to investigate the inherent principles of carbocation generation by P450s in the biosynthesis of terpenoids.