bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Basis of Eusocial Complexity: The Case of Worker Reproductivity in Bees
Authors: Prince David C , Wirén Anders , Huggins Timothy J , Collins David H , Dalmay Tamas , Bourke Andrew F G 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In eusocial insects, the molecular basis of worker reproductivity, including how it changes with eusocial complexity, remains relatively poorly understood. To address this, we used mRNA-seq to isolate genes differentially expressed between ovary-active and ovary-inactive workers in the intermediately eusocial bumblebee Bombus terrestris. By comparisons with data from the advanced eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera, which shows reduced worker reproductivity, we characterized gene expression differences associated with change in worker reproductivity as a function of eusocial complexity. By comparisons with genes associated with queen-worker caste development in B. terrestris larvae, we tested the behavioral–morphological caste homology hypothesis, which proposes co-option of genes influencing reproductive division of labor in adults in morphological caste evolution. We conducted comparisons having isolated genes expressed in B. terrestris worker-laid eggs to remove the potential confound caused by gene expression in eggs. Gene expression differences between the B. terrestris worker phenotypes were mainly in fat body and ovary, not brain. Many genes (86%) more highly expressed in ovary of ovary-active workers were also expressed in worker-laid eggs, confirming egg-expressed genes were potentially confounding. Comparisons across B. terrestris and A. mellifera, and with B. terrestris larvae, returned significant percentage overlaps in differentially expressed genes and/or enriched Gene Ontology terms, suggesting conserved gene functions underpin worker reproductivity as it declines with increasing eusocial complexity and providing support for the behavioral–morphological caste homology hypothesis. Therefore, within bees, both a degree of conserved gene use and gene co-option appear to underlie the molecular basis of worker reproductivity and morphological caste evolution.
The Independent and Interactive Effects of Economic Stability and Healthcare Access on 10-Year Cognitive Trajectories of Black/African American and White Older Adults from the ACTIVE Study
Authors: Hamlin Abbey M , Weigand Alexandra J , Clay Olivio J , Marsiske Michael , Wallace Gail , Dadson Deborah , Thomas Kelsey R , Clark Alexandra L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Social and structural determinants of health (SSDoH) have been linked to racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Research has established that living in an environment with greater economic stability (ES) or healthcare access (HCA) is associated with better baseline cognition, but the interactive effects between these distinct SSDoH on cognition over time have not been studied. Therefore, the present study examined the independent and interactive effects of ES and HCA on 10-year change in cognitive functioning within a large sample of racially diverse community-dwelling older adults.

Methods
Participants included 701 Black/African American and 1804 White older adults from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly study. Multilevel mixed effects models were used to assess associations between ES and HCA factors on individual-level memory and reasoning trajectories.

Results
Results revealed there was no significant ES × HCA interaction on longitudinal cognitive trajectories across the whole sample or within race-stratified groups, but there was a significant interaction on memory level. Higher ES levels were independently associated with slower age-related memory declines among Black/African American older adults. In contrast, higher ES and HCA levels were both independently associated with faster age-related reasoning declines among White participants.

Discussion
Results demonstrated that ES and HCA exerted synergistic effects on memory level across ages in the whole sample. Differential associations between SSDoH and cognitive outcomes across racial groups suggest that improving access to economic resources within Black/African American communities may reduce racial disparities in ADRD.
Aluminum-activated malate transporter family member CsALMT6 mediates fluoride resistance in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Li Qinghui , Zhang Ruiming , Hu Xinlong , Ni Dejiang , Chen Yuqiong , Wang Mingle 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Tea plant is a fluoride (F)-hyperaccumulator, which poses a potential threat to human health via tea consumption. Reducing F accumulation in fresh tea leaves is crucial for enhancing the safety of tea production at its source. This study aims to isolate novel genes responsible for F accumulation or transport in tea plants. We identified an aluminum (Al)-activated malate transporter gene, CsALMT6, which was hypothesized to be a candidate for differential F accumulation in Camellia sinensis, by employing a combination of transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) and genome-wide identification of the CsALMT gene family. CsALMT6 exhibited high expression levels in old leaves, and its expression was significantly upregulated in tea plants subjected to F-stress conditions. Furthermore, heterologous expression of CsALMT6 in yeast, Arabidopsis, and Populus conferred F tolerance. However, the expression of F-tolerant hub genes, CsFEX1 and CsFEX2, remained unaffected in CsALMT6-silenced tea plants. Additionally, under F toxicity conditions, the transcription of CsALMT6 was negatively associated with F accumulation in tea plants. In conclusion, CsALMT6 plays a vital role in reducing F accumulation in C. sinensis, thus conferring F tolerance to plant cells.
Optimizing energy management in microgrids with ant colony optimization: enhancing reliability and cost efficiency for sustainable energy systems
Authors: Kamarposhti Mehrdad Ahmadi , Shokouhandeh Hassan , Lee Yeonwoo , Kang Sun-Kyoung , Colak Ilhami , Barhoumi El Manaa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the application of ant colony optimization (ACO) for energy management in microgrids, incorporating distributed generation resources such as solar panels, fuel cells, wind turbines, battery storage, and microturbine. The study evaluates energy management in two scenarios, with the first utilizing all available resources and the second applying specific operational constraints to wind turbines and solar panels. Results demonstrate that ACO effectively reduces operational costs and enhances system reliability, contributing to sustainable energy management practices. Additionally, the study compares ACO with the imperialist competitive algorithm, highlighting ACO’s superior performance in cost reduction and efficiency improvements. This research advances energy system optimization and supports the development of sustainable solutions in microgrids.
Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Characterization of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacter Species From an International Cohort
Authors: Jiang Jianping , Komarow Lauren , Hill Carol , Boutzoukas Angelique E , Hanson Blake , Arias Cesar A , Bonomo Robert A , Evans Scott , Doi Yohei , Satlin Michael J , Weston Gregory , Cober Eric , Valderrama-Beltran Sandra Liliana , Mendoza Soraya Salcedo , Liu Zhengyin , Fries Bettina C , Tambyah Paul Ananth , Chambers Henry F , Fowler Vance G , van Duin David , Kreiswirth Barry N , Chen Liang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the global public health threat posed by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter spp, clinical and molecular epidemiological studies on international isolates remain scarce. Historically, the taxonomy of Enterobacter has been challenging, limiting our understanding of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp infections.

Methods
Hospitalized patients enrolled in the CRACKLE-2 study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03646227) from 2016 to 2018 with cultures positive for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp were included. Clinical and microbiologic data were collected from health records. Whole genome sequencing was performed, and the population structures of selected predominant clones were analyzed.

Results
We enrolled 136 hospitalized patients with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp from 30 hospitals in 7 countries. Among the 136 isolates, 11 Enterobacter spp were identified, with most isolates belonging to E xiangfangensis (n = 81 [60%]) and E hoffmannii (n = 17 [13%]) and carrying blaKPC (n = 106 [78%]) and blaNDM (n = 12 [9%]). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were similar among patients with E xiangfangensis, E hoffmannii, or the other Enterobacter spp. Thirty-day mortality was 20%, and older age at enrollment (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42 [95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.87]) was associated with increased mortality. Sequence type (ST) 171 E xiangfangensis, ST78 E hoffmannii, and ST93 E xiangfangensis were the predominant clones, and the acquisition of fluoroquinolone resistance–associated mutations and carbapenemase-encoding plasmids contributed to their formation and global dissemination.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that E xiangfangensis and E hoffmannii are common species among international carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter spp, potentially linked to the clonal spread of a few predominant clones that have acquired fluoroquinolone resistance and carbapenemase-encoding plasmids.
Clinical and Analytical Performance Evaluation of an Automated Procalcitonin Assay
Authors: Ogbonna Godwin , Atienza Jodiann R , Singleton David W , Ott-Vasconi Andrea , Alvey Stacey A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Procalcitonin (PCT) measurement is useful for guiding antibiotic therapy and risk assessment in lower respiratory infections and/or sepsis. This study evaluated clinical and analytical performance of the Vitros® Immunodiagnostic Products B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay (Vitros PCT).

Methods
Precision, limits of blank (LoB), detection (LoD), and quantitation (LoQ) were determined for Vitros PCT, along with method comparison and clinical concordance with the B·R·A·H·M·S PCT™-sensitive KRYPTOR™ assay (KRYPTOR PCT). All-cause 28-day mortality was evaluated according to the change in PCT values (ΔPCT) from day 0 through day 4 in samples from 598 intensive care unit patients with sepsis.

Results
Comparison of Vitros PCT and KRYPTOR PCT results yielded a Deming regression slope of 1.057, intercept of −0.010, and correlation coefficient (r) of 0.994. Precision analysis demonstrated within-laboratory coefficients of variation for Vitros PCT ranging from 3.1% to 6.4%. The LoD and observed LoQ were determined as 0.007 and 0.013 ng/mL, respectively. Overall agreement between assay methods was 98.5%, 98.0%, 97.4%, and 97.8%, at PCT clinical decision cutoffs of 0.100, 0.250, 0.500, and 2.00 ng/mL, respectively, with Cohen’s Kappa coefficients (κ) &gt; 0.91. ΔPCT values ≤80% vs &gt;80% were associated with increased 28-day-all-cause mortality (P = 0.006).

Conclusions
Vitros PCT compares well with KRYPTOR PCT, showing excellent agreement at relevant clinical decision cutoffs that have been used for antibiotic decision-making and assessment of risk for sepsis progression. ΔPCT values determined with Vitros PCT were useful for evaluation of 28-day mortality risk in patients with severe sepsis.
An industry survey of the composition and variability of soybean gums and soapstocks across US soybean processing plants
Authors: Gaffield Katelyn N , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Denny Gordon , Smolen Paul , Slipher Carmen , Krishnan Hari B , Gebhardt Jordan T 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Depending on the soybean processing plant, gums and soapstocks may be added back to soybean meal during soybean processing. Despite potential effects on soybean meal quality, there is limited information available on the composition and variation in soybean by-products and the resulting soybean meal if by-products are added back during processing. A total of 36 soybean by-product samples from 14 plants across 8 different companies were examined in an industry survey evaluating the composition and variation of soybean gums and soapstocks across the United States. All soybean processing plants in the study produced at least 1 of the 2 by-products: soybean gums or soybean soapstocks. Soybean by-product and soybean meal samples were collected within 2 different timeframes: May to July 2023 and October to November 2023. The individual plants surveyed constitute approximately 30% of total US soybean meal production, with 8 participating companies representing 80% of the total US soybean meal production. By-products were analyzed for lipid quality criteria including moisture, fat by acid hydrolysis, fatty acid analysis, and oxidation markers. Soybean meal samples were submitted for analysis of the proximate composition, neutral detergent fiber, Ca, P, and trypsin inhibitor units. Soybean gums had a greater (P ≤ 0.05) percentage of acid-hydrolyzed fat and p-Anisidine value compared to soybean soapstocks. Soybean soapstocks tended to have a greater (P = 0.085) percentage of moisture and volatile matter as well as an increased (P = 0.052) concentration of insoluble impurities compared with soybean gums. Most notably, there was considerable variation in the composition of by-product samples among processing plants indicating differences in processing procedures or incoming soybean quality. Soybean meal containing added soybean by-products had 61% greater (P &lt; 0.05) ether extract than soybean meal samples without added soybean by-products on a dry matter basis, but there was no difference (P &gt; 0.10) in crude protein. Furthermore, trypsin inhibitor units varied considerably among plants with values ranging from 1.45 to 9.26 TIU/mg of seed powder, regardless of by-product inclusion. These results provide information on the composition and variation in soybean by-products across various processing plants; however, further information is still needed to evaluate their subsequent effects on livestock diets.
Cardiovascular disease in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta: clinical characteristics, care recommendations, and research priorities identified using a modified Delphi technique
Authors: Folkestad Lars , Prakash Siddharth K , Nagamani Sandesh C S , Andersen Niels Holmark , Carter Erin , Hald Jannie Dahl , Johnson Riley J , Langdahl Bente , Perfetto Eleanor M , Raggio Cathleen , Ralston Stuart H , Sandhaus Robert A , Semler Oliver , Tosi Laura , Orwoll Eric 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a multisystem disorder most often caused by pathogenic variants in genes that encode type I collagen. Type I collagen is abundant not only in bone but also in multiple tissues including skin, tendons, cornea, blood vessels, and heart. Thus, OI can be expected to affect cardiovascular system, and there are numerous reports of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with OI. However, there is no consensus on how CVD in OI should be assessed or managed. To fill this gap, a multidisciplinary group was convened to develop clinical guidance. The work included a systematic review of the available literature and, using a modified Delphi approach, the development of a series of statements summarizing current knowledge. Fourteen clinical recommendations were developed to guide clinicians, patients, and stakeholders about an approach for CVD in adults with OI. This paper describes how the work was conducted and provides the background and rationale for each recommendation. Furthermore, we highlight knowledge gaps and suggest research priorities for the future study of CVD in OI.
Accelerated rehabilitation and return to sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is safe and effective
Authors: Kwiecien Susan Y , Mueller Milan P , Grossi John J , Tyler Timothy F , McHugh Malachy P , Galano Gregory J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Present recommendations in the literature advocate for a return to sport (RTS) between 5- and 10 months following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). We have adopted the International Society of Hip Preservation protocol with modifications for the rehabilitation of our patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the time to RTS with this rehabilitation approach after hip arthroscopy for FAI. It was hypothesized that most athletes will RTS by 5 months post-surgery without any adverse effects. Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI were prospectively followed with preoperative and postoperative Patient Reported Outcome Measures including: Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Preinjury sports and competition level, postoperative RTS rate, time, and level, complications, and revision surgeries were recorded. A total of 56 patients were identified for inclusion (36.6 ± 14.1 years old at date of surgery, 34 females and 22 males). There were 35 recreational athletes and 21 competitive-level athletes (10 in high-demand sports and 11 in moderate-demand sports). In all, 44 patients (79%) returned to sport at 5.3 ± 3.5 months postoperatively. Of the 12 patients who did not RTS, 5 (42%) did not return for reasons other than their hip. Neither HAGOS (P = .458) nor mHHS (P = .424) differed between athletes with RTS in ≤ 5 months (HAGOS: 80.4 ± 22.3; mHSS: 88.0 ± 17.7) versus &gt;5 months (HAGOS: 84.6 ± 11.8; mHSS: 91.5 ± 8.7). The current study demonstrates that accelerated rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy for FAI can safely return athletes to sport within 6 months.
The elusive reform of international tax dispute settlement
Authors: Brauner Yariv 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This short article examines the consequences of a lack of an effective international tax dispute resolution regime. The bilateral treaties based, and OECD-dominated international tax regime is at crossroads as the illegitimacy of the OECD and the anachronism of some of the norms of the regime are being exposed and challenged, especially by developing states and the UN. The weak dispute settlement procedure in tax treaties (mutual agreement procedure) has proven to be ineffective, further contributing to the destabilization of the regime. The article argues that a stronger, multilateral and more legalized regime such as mandatory tax treaty arbitration is in the interest of all parties and reviews the basic difficulties to effect collective action toward that end.
Copyright and AI training data—transparency to the rescue?
Authors: Buick Adam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models must be trained on vast quantities of data, much of which is composed of copyrighted material. However, AI developers frequently use such content without seeking permission from rightsholders, leading to calls for requirements to disclose information on the contents of AI training data. These demands have won an early success through the inclusion of such requirements in the EU’s AI Act. This article argues that such transparency requirements alone cannot rescue us from the difficult question of how best to respond to the fundamental challenges generative AI poses to copyright law. This is because the impact of transparency requirements is contingent on existing copyright laws; if these do not adequately address the challenges presented by generative AI, transparency will not provide a solution. This is exemplified by the transparency requirements of the AI Act, which are explicitly designed to facilitate the enforcement of the right to opt-out of text and data mining under the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive. Because the transparency requirements do not sufficiently address the underlying flaws of this opt-out, they are unlikely to provide any meaningful improvement to the position of individual rightsholders. Transparency requirements are thus a necessary but not sufficient measure to achieve a fair and equitable balance between innovation and protection for rightsholders. Policymakers must therefore look beyond such requirements and consider further action to address the complex challenge presented to copyright law by generative AI.
Time-restricted eating and cancer: lessons learned and considerations for a path forward
Authors: Shams-White Marissa M , Goldbaum Audrey A , Agurs-Collins Tanya , Czajkowski Susan , Herrick Kirsten A , Nebeling Linda , Reedy Jill , Riscuta Gabriela , Ross Sharon , Sauter Edward R 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Time-restricted eating is a type of intermittent fasting. Food can be consumed as desired during the eating period but not during the remainder of the day. Studies suggest that many of the health benefits of fasting may not simply be the result of weight loss but also due to the body’s responses to the fasting that leads to improved metabolic functioning. Whereas animal studies are convincing regarding the benefits of time-restricted feeding, human time-restricted eating studies are less consistent and generally short term (&lt;1 year). In 2020, the National Cancer Institute funded 5 intermittent fasting studies, 4 of which focused on time-restricted eating, which addressed the question: How does intermittent fasting affect cancer incidence, treatment response, or outcome? The National Cancer Institute sponsored a webinar in 2023 featuring investigators of the funded studies in which they discussed challenges as well as their thoughts regarding the most important time-restricted eating topics that should be addressed going forward; 6 areas were identified, which are discussed below as well as in a recently published NOT-CA-24-073: Factors Impacting How Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) Influences Cancer-Related Outcomes. Moving the science forward will allow the scientific community to better understand time-restricted eating’s potential. This potential includes the development of targeted time-restricted eating interventions to optimize long-term adherence to the intervention, which is required to better understand its potential benefits in cancer risk and increased response to cancer treatment, as well as improved quality and quantity of life among cancer survivors.