bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Essential oils from Cuminum cyminum and Laurus nobilis and their principal constituents: evaluation of antifungal and antimycotoxigenic potential in Aspergillus species
Authors: Campolina Gabriela Aguiar , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Freire Carolina Salles , Caetano Alex Rodrigues Silva , Campos Anna Beatriz de Souza , Ferreira Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Alves Eduardo , Nelson David Lee , Batista Luis Roberto 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activities of the essential oils (EO) from Cuminum cyminum and Laurus nobilis, and their respective principal compounds, cuminaldehyde and 1,8-cineole, were evaluated against fungi of the genus Aspergillus: A. carbonarius, A. niger, A. ochraceus, and A. westerdijkiae. The antifungal activity was determined by the contact method and the mycelial growth of the fungi was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images were obtained to suggest modes of action of the compounds analysed. The antimycotoxigenic activity was determined by high-performance liquid chromatograph. Aspergillus carbonarius was completely inhibited by cumin EO (500 µl l−1), by laurel EO and by cuminaldehyde (5000 µl l−1). The cumin EO (500 µl l−1) completely inhibited the growth of A. niger. All the samples inhibited the mycelial growth of A. ochraceus, especially cumin EO and cuminaldehyde (250 µl l−1). Aspergillus westerdijkiae was completely inhibited by cumin EO and cuminaldehyde (1000 µl l−1), by laurel EO and 1,8-cineole (10 000 µl l−1). A decrease in the production of ochratoxin A (OTA) was observed post-treatment, except in A. ochraceus, only inhibited by laurel EO. SEM images showed morphological changes in fungal structures and spore inhibition post-treatment. The results confirmed the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic effect of EO and their principal constituents on fungi evaluated.
Healthy worker hire and survivor effects in a cohort of medical radiation workers
Authors: Lee Won Jin , Jeong Jaeho , Bang Ye Jin , Kim Young Min 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The healthy worker effect may distort the association between exposure and health effects in workers. However, few studies have investigated both the healthy worker hire and survival effects simultaneously, and they are limited to mortality studies in male workers.

Methods
We utilized a data set comprising South Korean diagnostic medical radiation workers registered in the National Dose Registry between 1996 and 2011, and merged it with mortality and cancer incidence data. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were computed for comparison with the general population. To account for time-varying confounders influenced by prior occupational radiation exposure, we applied g-estimation using structural nested accelerated failure time models and compared the outcomes with those from Weibull regression.

Results
A total of 1831 deaths and 3759 first primary cancer cases were identified among 93 918 workers. Both male (SMR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.46) and female workers (SMR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.60) showed lower mortality rates compared with national rates. In the SIR analysis, male workers exhibited reduced risks of solid cancer whereas female workers had increased risks. The g-estimation-derived hazard ratios (HRs) from radiation exposure exceeded those from Weibull regression estimates for all-cause death (HR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.97, 3.23) and all-cancer incidence (HR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.52, 2.55) in male workers whereas female workers showed the opposite results.

Conclusions
Comprehensive consideration of the healthy worker effect by sex is essential for estimating the unbiased impact of occupational exposure on health outcomes, notably in studies focusing on male mortality.
Dirac Eigenvalue Optimisation and Harmonic Maps to Complex Projective Spaces
Authors: Karpukhin Mikhail , Métras Antoine , Polterovich Iosif 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Consider a Dirac operator on an oriented compact surface endowed with a Riemannian metric and spin structure. Provided the area and the conformal class are fixed, how small can the $k$-th positive Dirac eigenvalue be? This problem mirrors the maximization problem for the eigenvalues of the Laplacian, which is related to the study of harmonic maps into spheres. We uncover the connection between the critical metrics for Dirac eigenvalues and harmonic maps into complex projective spaces. Using this approach we show that for many conformal classes on a torus the first nonzero Dirac eigenvalue is minimised by the flat metric. We also present a new geometric proof of Bär’s theorem stating that the first nonzero Dirac eigenvalue on the sphere is minimised by the standard round metric.
Academic Freedom and Protected Philosophical Belief: Strengthening the Legal Analysis
Authors: Waltham-Smith Naomi , Murray James 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article evaluates the state of protection for academic freedom and academic freedom of expression in English law, specifically the effectiveness of protected philosophical belief (PPB) as a vector for protecting them. We argue that the category of PPB (circumscribed by the test in Grainger v Nicholson) is inherently inappropriate as a means of protecting values that are of signal importance in the academic employment context. Furthermore, this framing poses a risk that the concepts of academic freedom and academic freedom of expression may be overlooked or misconstrued in the analysis when applying legal tests (eg of harassment) or in carrying out balancing exercises with the rights of others. We offer critiques of the analytical approach in two recent employment tribunal decisions—Phoenix v The Open University and Miller v University of Bristol—identifying how these problems arise in the reasoning of both tribunals in relation to academic freedom and academic freedom fo expression. Examining how the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 fails to remedy these issues, we set out the approach that tribunals and courts should in fact take in cases concerning AF and AFoE with reference to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and international instruments.
The two-component sensor factor envZ influences antibiotic resistance and virulence in the evolutionary dynamics of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enteritidis causing multisite invasive infections
Authors: Yu Lifei , Han Xinhong , Zhang Wang , Fu Ying , Yang Shaoxue , Wu Shenghai , Jin Jie , Li Siying , Chen Yan , Jiang Yan , Yu Yunsong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the impact of mutations in the two-component sensor envZ on antibiotic resistance and virulence in the evolutionary dynamics of MDR Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis).

Methods
Five S. enteritidis isolates obtained from a patient with multisite invasive infections were analysed. Analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence genes and SNP was performed through WGS. RNA sequencing, quantitative RT–PCR, virulence testing in a Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) infection model and in vitro cell experiments were used to examine the effects of envZ mutations.

Results
WGS revealed identical resistance and virulence genes on an IncFIB(S)/IncFII(S)/IncX1 fusion plasmid in all strains. The faecal strains harboured envZ mutations, reducing outer membrane protein ompD and ompF transcriptional level. Virulence testing demonstrated elevated virulence in envZ mutant strains. In vitro experiments revealed increased adhesion, invasion and phagocytosis resistance in envZ mutants, along with reduced biofilm formation and growth rates.

Conclusions
These findings highlight novel genetic locations on envZ influencing antibiotic resistance and virulence in clinical S. enteritidis strains. envZ mutations impact antibiotic resistance by down-regulating ompD and ompF expression and enhance virulence, contributing to multisite infections with increased fitness costs.
Consumption zones
Authors: Batch Andrea , Bridgman Benjamin , Dunn Abe , Gholizadeh Mahsa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Economic geography data are typically reported using political units, such as counties, which often do not match economic units. Commuting zones (CZs) group counties into labor markets. However, CZs are not the most appropriate grouping for other economic activities. We introduce consumption zones (ConZs), groupings of counties appropriate for the analysis of consumption. We apply CZ methodology to payment card data, which report spending flows across US counties for fifteen industries. We find that different industries have different market sizes. Grocery stores have more than five times the number of ConZs as entertainment. We apply ConZs to measuring industry concentration.
The genome of the Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii), an agamid model for urban adaptation
Authors: Powell Daniel , Jackson Nicola , Kaur Parwinder , Dudchenko Olga , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Georges Arthur , Frère Céline Henria 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Squamate reptiles are a highly diverse and intriguing group of tetrapods, offering valuable insights into the evolution of amniotes. The Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) is a member of the Agamidae and sister to the core mesic Australian endemic radiation (Amphibolurinae). The species is renowned for its urban adaptability and complex social systems. We report a 1.8 Gb chromosome-length genome assembly together with the annotation of 23,675 protein-coding genes. Comparative analysis with other squamate genomes highlights gene family expansions associated with immune function, energetic homeostasis, and wound healing. This reference genome will serve as a valuable resource for studies of evolution and environmental resilience in lizards.
Characterization of undifferentiated carcinomas of the pancreas with and without osteoclast-like giant cells
Authors: Mills Jamie N , Gunchick Valerie , McGue Jake , Qin Zhaoping , Kumar-Sinha Chandan , Bednar Filip , Brown Noah , Shi Jiaqi , Udager Aaron M , Frankel Timothy , Zalupski Mark M , Sahai Vaibhav 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Undifferentiated carcinoma (UC) is a rare subtype of pancreatic cancer distinguished from UC with osteoclast-like giant cells (UC-OGC) in 2019, affecting interpretation of literature that does not distinguish these subtypes. We sought to identify translationally relevant differences between these 2 variants and compared with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods
We characterized clinical and multiomic differences between UC (n = 32) and UC-OGC (n = 15) using DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, and multiplex immunofluorescence and compared these findings with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Results
Characteristics at diagnosis were similar between UC and UC-OGC, though the latter was more resectable (P = .009). Across all stages, median overall survival was shorter for UC than for UC-OGC (0.4 years vs 10.8 years, respectively; P = .003). This shorter survival was retained after stratification by resection, albeit without statistical significance (1.8 years vs 11.9 years, respectively; P = .08). In a subset of patients with available tissue, the genomic landscape was similar among UC (n = 9), UC-OGC (n = 5), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 159). Bulk RNA sequencing was deconvoluted and, along with multiplex immunofluorescence in UC (n = 13), UC-OGC (n = 5), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 16), demonstrated statistically significantly increased antigen-presenting cells, including M2 macrophages and natural killer cells, and decreased cytotoxic and regulatory T cells in UC and UC-OGC vs pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Findings were similar between UC and UC-OGC , except for decreased regulatory T cells in UC-OGC (P = .04).

Conclusions
In this series, UC was more aggressive than UC-OGC, with these variants having more antigen-presenting cells and fewer regulatory T cells than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, suggesting potential for immune-modulating therapies in the treatment of these pancreatic cancer subtypes.
Serologic and molecular identification of the variation on ABO*B.01 gene in ABO glycosyltransferases associated with Bw phenotype: a case report
Authors: Li Xiaoshuai , Wang Qiushi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
AB antigen is formed by glycosyltransferase enzyme, which catalyzes the corresponding substrates to be connected to the galactose of the precursor substance H antigen. To study the effect of the α-1,3-D galactosyltransferase (GTB) gene mutation on B antigen expression, we explored its molecular mechanism by combining molecular biological methods with bioinformatics. The ABO blood type of the patients was identified using conventional serologic methods, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of exons 1-7 of the ABO gene were directly sequenced using gene-specific primers and direct sequencing. Proteins in the secretory supernatant of transfected cells were collected in vitro, and GTB content was quantitatively analyzed using western blotting. Bioinformatics software was used to simulate the 3-dimensional structure of the mutant protein. In this case, the patient’s serologic test results revealed subtype B. Gene sequencing results confirmed a mutation at base 278 of exon 6. The mutation (c.278C&gt;T) changed the 93rd amino acid of the protein polypeptide chain from proline to leucine (p.P93L). The variant p.P93L did not affect the expression and secretion of GTB, but affected enzyme activity and stability, ultimately manifesting as weakened expression of the B antigen and reduced affinity.
UV-light fluorescence as a confirmation method for presumptive Legionella colonies isolated from water samples
Authors: Badoux Paul , Atsma Adrie , van Harmelen-Vrins Esther , Euser Sjoerd 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a severe and potentially fatal form of bacterial pneumonia caused by Legionella spp. We evaluated the use of UV-light for detecting Legionella non-pneumophila in water samples according to the NEN-EN-ISO 11731:2017 methodology (reference method) in a collaborative effort involving 10 laboratories. First, a test panel was constructed of 298 strains: 157 Legionella strains and 141 non-Legionella strains were cultured on buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE)-medium and confirmed according to ISO 11731: 2017 (cultured on BCYE agar plates with and without l-cysteine), and by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time of flight or next generation sequencing. All strains were additionally exposed to an UV-light to assess if they showed a bright blue fluorescence effect (UV-positive) or not (UV-negative). Second, in an interlaboratory study, 10 laboratories analyzed a blinded set of 16 Legionella strains and 8 non-Legionella strains using both methods. The test panel analyses showed 100% accordance between the UV-light and reference method. In addition, the interlaboratory study results showed full agreement between both methods. Our results support the implementation of UV-light detection to confirm Legionella presumptive colonies during analyses of water samples according to the NEN-EN-ISO 11731:2017 methodology. Implementation of UV-light confirmation could reduce workload, time-to-result and costs for the analyses of water samples for the presence of Legionella.
Discovery of persistent quasi-periodic oscillations in accreting white dwarfs: a new link to X-ray binaries
Authors: Veresvarska M , Scaringi S , Knigge C , Paice J , Buckley D A H , Segura N Castro , de Martino D , Groot P J , Ingram A , Irving Z A , Szkody P 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Almost all accreting black hole and neutron star (NS) X-ray binary systems (XRBs) exhibit prominent brightness variations on a few characteristic time-scales and their harmonics. These quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are thought to be associated with the precession of a warped accretion disc, but the physical mechanism that generates the precessing warp remains uncertain. Relativistic frame dragging (Lense–Thirring precession) is one promising candidate, but a misaligned magnetic field is an alternative, especially for NS XRBs. Here, we report the discovery of five accreting white dwarf systems (AWDs) that display strong optical QPOs with characteristic frequencies and harmonic structures that suggest they are the counterpart of the QPOs seen in XRBs. Since AWDs are firmly in the classical (non-relativistic) regime, Lense–Thirring precession cannot account for these QPOs. By contrast, a weak magnetic field associated with the white dwarf can drive disc warping and precession in these systems, similar to what has been proposed for NS XRBs. Our observations confirm that magnetically driven warping is a viable mechanism for generating QPOs in disc-accreting astrophysical systems, certainly in AWDs and possibly also in NS XRBs. Additionally, they establish a new way to estimate magnetic field strengths, even in relatively weak-field systems where other methods are not available.
A Systematic Review of the Beneficial Effects of Berry Extracts on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Animal Models
Authors: García-Beltrán Alejandro , Lozano Melero Aida , Martínez Martínez Rosario , Porres Foulquie Jesús María , López Jurado Romero de la Cruz María , Kapravelou Garyfallia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Context
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries and is strongly associated with several metabolic disorders. Plant-derived bioactive extracts, such as berry extracts, with high antioxidant capacity have been used for the treatment and prevention of this pathology. Moreover, they promote circular economy and sustainability.

Objective
To study the beneficial effects of extracts from different parts of berry plants in animal models of NAFLD.

Data Sources
A systematic research of the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published after January 2011. In vivo animal studies of NAFLD were included in which berry extracts of different parts of the plant were administered and significantly improved altered biomarkers related to the pathology, such as lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis, glucose and glycogen metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

Data Extraction
Of a total of 203 articles identified, 31 studies were included after implementation of the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data Analysis
Most of the studies showed a decrease in steatosis and a stimulation of genes related to β-oxidation and downregulation of lipogenic genes, with administration of berry extracts. Berry extracts also attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusions
Administration of berry extracts seems to have promising potential in the design of enriched foodstuffs or nutraceuticals for the treatment of NAFLD.
Geography, altitude, agriculture, and hypoxia
Authors: Holdsworth Michael J , Liu Huanhuan , Castellana Simone , Abbas Mohamad , Liu Jianquan , Perata Pierdomenico 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Reduced oxygen availability (hypoxia) represents a key plant abiotic stress in natural and agricultural systems, but conversely it is also an important component of normal growth and development. We review recent advances that demonstrate how genetic adaptations associated with hypoxia impact the known plant oxygen-sensing mechanism through the PLANT CYSTEINE OXIDASE N-degron pathway. Only 3 protein substrates of this pathway have been identified, and all adaptations identified to date are associated with the most important of these, the group VII ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR transcription factors. We discuss how geography, altitude, and agriculture have all shaped molecular responses to hypoxia and how these responses have emerged at different taxonomic levels through the evolution of land plants. Understanding how ecological and agricultural genetic variation acts positively to enhance hypoxia tolerance will provide novel tools and concepts to improve the performance of crops in the face of increasing extreme flooding events.
Memory of shear flow in soft jammed materials
Authors: Vinutha H A , Marchand Manon , Caggioni Marco , Vasisht Vishwas V , Del Gado Emanuela , Trappe Veronique 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cessation of flow in yield stress fluids results in a stress relaxation process that eventually leads to a finite residual stress. Both the rate of stress relaxation and the magnitude of the residual stresses systematically depend on the preceding flow conditions. To assess the microscopic origin of this memory effect, we combine experiments with large-scale computer simulations, exploring the behavior of jammed suspensions of soft repulsive particles. A spatiotemporal analysis of particle motion reveals that memory formation during flow is primarily governed by the emergence of domains of spatially correlated nonaffine displacements. These domains imprint the configuration of stress imbalances that drive dynamics upon flow cessation, as evidenced by a striking equivalence of the spatial correlation patterns in particle displacements observed during flow and upon flow cessation. Additional contributions to stress relaxation result from the particle packing that reorganizes to minimize the resistance to flow by decreasing the number of locally stiffer configurations. Regaining rigidity upon flow cessation drives further relaxation and effectively sets the magnitude of the residual stress. Our findings highlight that flow in yield stress fluids can be seen as a training process during which the material stores information of the flowing state through the development of domains of correlated particle displacements and the reorganization of particle packings optimized to sustain the flow. This encoded memory can then be retrieved in flow cessation experiments.
Art law issues in international estate planning—from the UK lens
Authors: Harney Patrick , Lines Olivia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article examines the complexities of managing art within estate administration. It emphasises art’s unique nature, requiring specialised handling due to its cultural significance and potential legal and reputational implications. The article discusses international estate planning principles including the relevance of tax treaties and private international law, UK inheritance tax considerations, and the appointment of specialist executors. It covers relevant UK tax exemptions and reliefs, such as Acceptance in Lieu. The article explores how thorough due diligence and proactive collection management can mitigate disputes and tax exposure and highlights how meticulous planning can preserve artwork’s value across generations.