bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A biosurfactant‐producing novel bacterial strain isolated from vermicompost having multiple plant growth‐promoting traits
Authors: Malakar Chandana , Barman Dipumani , Kalita Mohan C. , Deka Suresh 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe nutrient‐rich vermicompost which is used as manure for the growth and development of plants is rich in microbial flora. These microbes protect the plants against several infectious pathogenic microbes. As certain microbes are known to produce biosurfactants as metabolites, an investigation was carried out to isolate biosurfactant‐producing bacterial strains from vermicompost with the efficient antifungal property. From the study, it was revealed that biosurfactant‐producing bacterial strains are present in the vermicompost. A total of nine bacterial strains were isolated from the vermicompost. Among them, one most efficient biosurfactant‐producing bacterial strains with antifungal properties have been screened. After molecular characterization of the isolated strain, it was revealed that the bacterial strain is Bacillus licheniformis strain SCV1. The strain produces 3.4 ± 0.1 g/L of crude biosurfactant, which when column purified yields 3.1 ± 0.1 g/L of biosurfactant. The biosurfactant exhibited excellent emulsifying activity (E24) of 96.56% against crude oil. The produced biosurfactant was identified as a lipopeptide consisting of a mixer of surfactin and iturin. Furthermore, the biosurfactant exhibited significant antifungal activity against a wide range of phytopathogens, showing 76.3% inhibition against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, 53% inhibition against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, 51% against Fusarium verticillioides, and 36% against Corynespora cassicolla. Along with antifungal activities, the stain was found to exhibit multiple plant growth‐promoting traits. This study, thus indicates that vermicompost might contain biosurfactant‐producing microbes which can render protection to the plant against various phytopathogens by the production of biosurfactants and can also stimulate plant growth.
Stir‐bar sorptive extraction based on hydroxyl‐functionalized zirconium‐metal‐organic framework for the detection of three quinolones in actual samples
Authors: Wang Jina , Gao Yan , Zhang Nan , Xie Yundong , Xu Xinya , Guo Hui , Bao Tao , Sun Meng , Wang Sicen 
Published: April 2023

A novel analytical method based on stir‐bar sorptive extraction was proposed for the determination of three trace quinolones in fish and shrimp samples. UiO‐66‐(OH)2, a hydroxyl‐functionalized zirconium metal‐organic framework, has been coated on frosted glass rods by an in situ growth method. The product, UiO‐66‐(OH)2 modified frosted glass rods, has been characterized and key parameters have been optimized in combination with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. The detection limits of enoxacin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were 0.48–0.8 ng ml−1, and the detection concentrations were in the range of 10–300 ng ml−1, showing a good linear relationship. This method was used for the determination of three quinolones in aquatic organisms, and the recoveries in spiked fish and shrimp muscle tissue samples were 74.8%–105.4% and 82.5%–115.8%, respectively. The relative standard deviations were less than 6.9%. The established method combined stir‐bar sorptive extraction based on UiO‐66‐(OH)2 modified frosted glass rods with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography, has good application prospects for the detection of quinolone residues in fish and shrimp muscle samples.
Application of in‐situ formed polymer‐based dispersive solid phase extraction in combination with solidification of floating organic droplet‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the extraction of neonicotinoid pesticides from milk samples
Authors: Anvar Nojedeh Sadat Salehe , Atazadeh Ramin , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza 
Published: April 2023

An in‐situ formed polymer–based dispersive solid phase extraction in combination with solidification of floating organic droplet‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was developed for the extraction of neonicotinoid pesticides from milk samples. The extracted analytes were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector. In this approach, after precipitating the proteins of milk using a zinc sulfate solution, the supernatant phase (containing sodium chloride) was transferred into another glass test tube, and a homogenous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone and a suitable water‐miscible organic solvent was rapidly injected into it. By this step, the polymer particles were re‐produced and the analytes were extracted onto the sorbent surface. In the following step, the analytes were eluted with an appropriate organic solvent to use in the following solidification of floating organic droplet‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction step that was done to acquire the low limits of detection. Under the optimized conditions, satisfactory results consisting of low limits of detection (0.13–0.21 ng/ml) and quantification (0.43–0.70 ng/ml), high extraction recoveries (73%–85%), and enrichment factors (365–425), and good repeatability (relative standard deviations equal or less than 5.1% and 5.9% for intra‐ and inter‐day precisions, respectively) were obtained.
A Robust Basis for Multi‐Bit Optical Communication with Vectorial Light
Authors: Singh Keshaan , Nape Isaac , Buono Wagner Tavares , Dudley Angela , Forbes Andrew 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIncreasing the information capacity of communication channels is a pressing need, driven by growing data demands and the consequent impending data crunch with existing modulation schemes. In this regard, mode division multiplexing (MDM), where spatial modes of light form the encoding basis, has enormous potential but is impeded by noise due to imperfect channels. Here, this challenge is overcome by breaking the existing MDM paradigm of using the modes themselves as a discrete basis and instead exploiting the polarization inhomogeneity (vectorness) of vectorial light as the information carrier. It is shown that this vectorness communication basis is completely impervious to channel noise, which is verified by near perfect data fidelity maintained in multi‐bit information transfer through atmospheric turbulence, with negligible changes on the order of 1%. This allows for demonstration of a new state‐of‐the‐art of 50 vectorial modes in a communications channel with little cross‐talk. This approach replaces conventional amplitude modulation with a novel modal alternative for potentially orders of magnitude channel information enhancement, offering a new paradigm to exploiting the spatial mode basis for optical communication.
Multichannel Binary‐Image and Holographic Display Based on Planar Liquid Crystal Devices
Authors: Xie Xin , Du Wenjuan , Shao Zhenglong , Zhou Yingjie , Lou Zhilang , Ji Ruonan , Wen Dandan , Wei Bingyan , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Jianlin , Fan Fan , Tang Dongliang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPlanar liquid crystal (LC) optics has attracted increasing attention with the development of photoalignment technology. However, current LC devices suffer from single optical manipulation, which hinders the implementation of the device's multifunctionality and light integration. Here, combining the orientation degeneracy and rotation multiplexing scheme, several LC elements are proposed for multichannel image displays through a simple single‐cell design. The first design shows the gray‐image multiplexing at the sample surface, which displays two independent binary gray images without crosstalk in two information channels. The second design shows that the amplitude and phase of incident light can be manipulated separately, and a far‐field holographic image is further integrated into the LC device to achieve tri‐channel display. Both the Fraunhofer and Fresnel holograms are considered, and the experiment results agree well with the theoretical designs. Furthermore, the electrical tunability of the LC molecule is demonstrated, and the images can be turned on and off by controlling the voltage. The proposed strategy significantly increases the information capacity without the cost of complex design and fabrication and has promising prospects in multichannel image display, optical anticounterfeiting, encryption, etc.
Simple, Rapid, and Large‐Scale Fabrication of Multi‐Branched Hydrogels Based on Viscous Fingering for Cell Culture Applications
Authors: Utagawa Yoshinobu , Ino Kosuke , Hiramoto Kaoru , Shiku Hitoshi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHydrogels are widely used in cell culture applications. For fabricating tissues and organs, it is essential to produce hydrogels with specific structures. For instance, multiple‐branched hydrogels are desirable for the development of network architectures that resemble the biological vascular network. However, existing techniques are inefficient and time‐consuming for this application. To address this issue, a simple, rapid, and large‐scale fabrication method based on viscous fingering is proposed. This approach utilizes only two plates. To produce a thin solution, a high‐viscosity solution is introduced into the space between the plates, and one of the plates is peeled off. During this procedure, the solution's high viscosity results in the formation of multi‐branched structures. Using this strategy, 180 mm × 200 mm multi‐branched Pluronic F‐127 hydrogels are successfully fabricated within 1 min. These structures are used as sacrificial layers for the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane channels for culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Similarly, multi‐branched Matrigel and calcium (Ca)‐alginate hydrogel structures are fabricated, and HUVECs are successfully cultured inside the hydrogels. Also, the hydrogels are collected from the plate, while maintaining their structures. The proposed fabrication technique will contribute to the development of network architectures such as vascular structures in tissue engineering.
Tailoring the Surface Chemistry of PEDOT:PSS to Promote Supported Lipid Bilayer Formation
Authors: Kallitsis Konstantinos , Pappa Anna‐Maria , Lu Zixuan , Alvarez‐Fernandez Alberto , Charalambous Ioanna , Schack Sina , Traberg Walther C. , Thiburce Quentin , Bali Karan , Christie Graham , Guldin Stefan , Daniel Susan , Salleo Alberto , Owens Róisín M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis communication reports on a versatile and substrate‐agnostic method to tune the surface chemistry of conducting polymers with the aim of bridging the chemical mismatch between bioelectronic devices and biological systems. As a proof of concept, the surface of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is grafted with a short‐chain oligoethylene glycol monolayer to favor the formation of cell‐derived supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). This method is tuned to optimize the affinity between the supported lipid bilayer and the conducting polymer, leading to significant improvements in bilayer quality and therefore electronic readouts. To validate the impact of surface functionalization on the system's ability to transduce biological phenomena into quantifiable electronic signals, the activity of a virus commonly used as a surrogate for SARS‐CoV‐2 (mouse hepatitis virus) is monitored with and without surface treatment. The functionalized devices exhibit significant improvements in electronic output, stemming from the improved SLB quality, therefore strengthening the case for the use of such an approach in membrane‐on‐a‐chip systems.
Comprehensive and heart‐cutting multidimensional liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and its applications in food analysis
Authors: Caño‐Carrillo Irene , Gilbert‐López Bienvenida , Montero Lidia , Martínez‐Piernas Ana B. , García‐Reyes Juan F. , Molina‐Díaz Antonio 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn food analysis, conventional one‐dimensional liquid chromatography methods sometimes lack sufficient separation power due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the analyzed matrices. Therefore, the use of two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (2D‐LC) turns out to be a powerful tool to consider, especially when coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). This review presents the most remarkable 2D‐LC–MS food applications reported in the last 10 years, including a critical discussion of the multiple approaches, modulation strategies as well as the importance of the optimization of the different analytical aspects that will condition the 2D‐LC–MS performance. The presence of contaminants in food (food safety), the food quality, and authenticity or the relationship between the beneficial effects of food and human health are some of the fields in which most of the 2D‐LC–MS applications are mainly focused. Both heart‐cutting and comprehensive applications are described and discussed in this review, highlighting the potential of 2D‐LC–MS for the analysis of such complex samples.
Anemias in ancient Egyptian child mummies: Computed tomography investigations in European museums
Authors: Panzer Stephanie , Schneider Karl O. , Zesch Stephanie , Rosendahl Wilfried , Thompson Randall C. , Zink Albert R. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anemias in ancient Egyptian child mummies. Whole‐body computed tomography (CT) examinations of 21 ancient Egyptian child mummies from European museums were evaluated for estimation of sex and age at death. CT examinations were systematically assessed for skeletal effects of anemias using a clinical radiological approach as well as quantitative measurements of the thickness of the cranial vault and diploe. Additionally, the technical feasibility to assess porotic hyperostosis on the available CT data was examined. Twelve children were assessed as male and seven as female, and in two, the sex was indeterminate. The estimated age at death ranged from about 1 year to 12–14 years. One case showed radiological signs of thalassemia (β‐thalassemia major) at the cranial vault and postcranial skeleton. Additionally, this case had a macroglossia that probably indicated Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Quantitative measurements confirmed a high variability of cranial vault thickness and diploe thickness. Compared with clinical reference values, seven out of the 21 (33%) child mummies had a pathological enlargement of the frontal cranial vault that represents a typical finding of chronic hemolytic anemia and iron deficiency anemia. Assessment of porotic hyperostosis was not feasible on the available CT examinations as the image quality was not sufficient for this examination. In conclusion, pathological enlargement of the frontal cranial vault as an indicator for chronic hemolytic anemia and iron deficiency anemia had a high prevalence, especially in the younger children. The mummy with radiological signs of thalassemia seems to be the first case with radiological evidence of skeletal effects of this anemia to the cranial vault and postcranial skeleton from ancient Egypt.
Desire for biological parenthood and patient counseling on the risk of infertility among adolescents and adults with hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Radauer‐Plank Anne‐Catherine , Diesch‐Furlanetto Tamara , Schneider Monika , Sommerhäuser Greta , Friedrich Lucía Alácan , Salow Vivienne , Dülberg Jill , Diepold Miriam , Rovó Alicia , Njue Linet Muthoni , Drexler Beatrice , Infanti Laura , Kroiss Sabine , Merki Ramona , Scheinemann Katrin , Eisenreich Bernhard , Hegemann Inga , Mandic Ljubica , Kager Leo , Borgmann‐Staudt Anja , Schilling Ralph , Roll Stephanie , Balcerek Magdalena 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundBoth diagnosis and treatment of hemoglobinopathies have been associated with an increased risk of fertility impairment. German guidelines recommend annual monitoring of fertility parameters to enable early detection of fertility impairment and/or to offer fertility preservation (FP) when indicated. We explored the general desire for parenthood, the frequency of recalling fertility counseling and testing, and the utilization of FP in adolescents and adults with hemoglobinopathies.ProcedureIn a cross‐sectional study, patients aged 12–50 years, treated in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, were surveyed on fertility‐related aspects. Medical data, including fertility testing results, were collected from patient records.ResultsOverall, 116/121 eligible patients, diagnosed with sickle cell disease (70.7%), thalassemia (27.6%), or other hemoglobinopathy (1.7%), participated in our study (57.8% female, median age 17.0 years, range 12–50 years). All participants required treatment of the underlying hemoglobinopathy: 68.1% received hydroxyurea, 25.9% required regular blood transfusions, and 6.0% underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Most patients (82/108, 75.9%) stated a considerable to strong desire for (future) parenthood, independent of sex, education, diagnosis, or subjective health status. Fertility counseling was only recalled by 32/111 patients (28.8%) and least frequently by younger patients (12–16 years) or those treated with regular blood transfusions or hydroxyurea. While fertility testing was documented for 59.5% (69/116) in medical records, only 11.6% (13/112) recalled previous assessments. FP was only used by 5.4% (6/111) of patients.ConclusionMost patients with hemoglobinopathies wish to have biological children, yet only few recalled fertility counseling and testing. Adequate patient counseling should be offered to all patients at risk for infertility.
Clinical manifestations of human Mpox infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yon Hyunju , Shin Hyoin , Shin Jae Il , Shin Jung U , Shin Youn Ho , Lee Jinseok , Rhee Sang Youl , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Smith Lee , Lee Seung Won , Rahmati Masoud , Ahmad Suhana , Cho Wonyoung , Yon Dong Keon 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLittle is known about the ongoing monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, and the clinical features of mpox in patients worldwide have not been rigorously analysed. Thus, we aimed to investigate the clinical features associated with mpox infection and understand the pathophysiology and characteristics of the disease. For this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for articles published till 16 September 2022. We used a random effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI). We used the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity, Egger's test to assess publication bias, 95% prediction interval to determine the level of uncertainty, and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool to assess the risk of bias. Twenty‐six relevant articles from 19 countries across 5 continents were included, and data on 5472 mpox patients with 18 unique features were analysed. The pooled prevalence of clinical features of mpox were rash (85.7%, 95% CI: 68.3–94.3; k = 21), chills (77.8%, 95% CI: 70.5–83.7; k = 3), and fever (62.3%, 95% CI: 51.3–71.6; k = 25), lymphadenopathy (58.6%, 95% CI: 47.2–69.2; k = 21), lethargy or exhaustion (46.8%, 95% CI: 30.7–63.5; k = 14), pruritus (40.6%, 95% CI: 28.5–54.0; k = 5), myalgia (36.0%, 95% CI: 24.3–49.7; k = 16), headache (34.6%, 95% CI: 23.4–47.8; k = 17), skin ulcer (31.1%, 95% CI: 18.6–47.1; k = 7), abdomen symptom (24.2%, 95% CI: 17.9–31.9; k = 11), pharyngitis (23.0%, 95% CI: 12.7–37.9; k = 14), respiratory symptom (19.5%, 95% CI: 6.8–44.6; k = 6), nausea or vomiting (13.0%, 95% CI: 4.6–31.9; k = 3), scrotal or penile oedema (10.7%, 95% CI: 6.3–17.7; k = 4), conjunctivitis (7.1%, 95% CI: 2.4–18.9; k = 6), and death (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.4–2.0; k = 26). This is the first international and comprehensive study to examine all clinical presentations of human mpox infection. Our systematic review proposes a comprehensive understanding of the current mpox outbreak and may serve as key data for future studies on the pathological mechanisms and epidemiology of mpox infections.
StrucNet: a global network for automated vegetation structure monitoring
Authors: Calders Kim , Brede Benjamin , Newnham Glenn , Culvenor Darius , Armston John , Bartholomeus Harm , Griebel Anne , Hayward Jodie , Junttila Samuli , Lau Alvaro , Levick Shaun , Morrone Rosalinda , Origo Niall , Pfeifer Marion , Verbesselt Jan , Herold Martin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractClimate change and increasing human activities are impacting ecosystems and their biodiversity. Quantitative measurements of essential biodiversity variables (EBV) and essential climate variables are used to monitor biodiversity and carbon dynamics and evaluate policy and management interventions. Ecosystem structure is at the core of EBVs and carbon stock estimation and can help to inform assessments of species and species diversity. Ecosystem structure is also used as an indirect indicator of habitat quality and expected species richness or species community composition. Spaceborne measurements can provide large‐scale insight into monitoring the structural dynamics of ecosystems, but they generally lack consistent, robust, timely and detailed information regarding their full three‐dimensional vegetation structure at local scales. Here we demonstrate the potential of high‐frequency ground‐based laser scanning to systematically monitor structural changes in vegetation. We present a proof‐of‐concept high‐temporal ecosystem structure time series of 5 years in a temperate forest using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). We also present data from automated high‐temporal laser scanning that can allow upscaling of vegetation structure scanning, overcoming the limitations of a typically opportunistic TLS measurement approach. Automated monitoring will be a critical component to build a network of field monitoring sites that can provide the required calibration data for satellite missions to effectively monitor the structural dynamics of vegetation over large areas. Within this perspective, we reflect on how this network could be designed and discuss implementation pathways.
Facile Fabrication of Monodispersed Carbon Sphere: A Pathway Toward Energy‐Efficient Direct Air Capture (DAC) Using Amino Acids
Authors: Alivand Masood S. , McQuillan Rebecca V. , Momeni Arash , Zavabeti Ali , Stevens Geoffrey W. , Mumford Kathryn A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDirect removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, known as direct air capture (DAC) is attracting worldwide attention as a negative emission technology to control atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, the energy‐intensive nature of CO2 absorption‐desorption processes has restricted deployment of DAC operations. Catalytic solvent regeneration is an effective solution to tackle this issue by accelerating CO2 desorption at lower regeneration temperatures. This work reports a one‐step synthesis methodology to prepare monodispersed carbon nanospheres (MCSs) using trisodium citrate as a structure‐directing agent with acidic sites. The assembly of citrate groups on the surface of MCSs enables consistent spherical growth morphology, reduces agglomeration and enhances water dispersibility. The functionalization‐assisted synthesis produces uniform, hydrophilic nanospheres of 100–600 nm range. This work also demonstrates that the prepared MCSs can be further functionalized with strong Brønsted acid sites, providing high proton donation ability. Furthermore, the materials can be effectively used in a wide range of amino acid solutions to substantially accelerate CO2 desorption (25.6% for potassium glycinate and 41.1% for potassium lysinate) in the DAC process. Considering the facile synthesis of acidic MCSs and their superior catalytic efficiency, these findings are expected to pave a new path for energy‐efficient DAC.