bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Omicron Sublineage Neutralization: Insights From Bivalent and Monovalent COVID‐19 Booster Vaccines and Recent SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron Variant Infections
Authors: Jeong Hye Won , Rollon Rare , Kim Se‐Mi , Gil Juryeon , Casel Mark Anthony , Jang Hyunwoo , Choi Jeong Ho , Jang Seung‐Gyu , Lazarte Josea Carmel , Kim Hee‐Sung , Kim Jun Hyoung , Choi Young Ki 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundOmicron variants have rapidly diversified into sublineages with mutations that enhance immune evasion, posing challenges for vaccination and antibody responses. This study aimed to compare serum cross‐neutralizing antibody responses against various SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron sublineages (BA.1, BA.5, XBB.1.17.1, FK.1.1, and JN.1) in recipients of monovalent COVID‐19 boosters, bivalent booster recipients, and individuals who had recovered from Omicron BA.5 infections.MethodsWe conducted a micro‐neutralization assay on serum samples from monovalent BNT162b2 booster recipients (N = 54), bivalent BNT162b2 booster recipients (N = 24), and SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.5‐recovered individuals (N = 13). The history of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron infection was assessed using ELISA against the SARS‐CoV‐2 NP protein.ResultsBivalent booster recipients exhibited significantly enhanced neutralization efficacy against Omicron sublineages compared to those who had received monovalent booster vaccinations. Omicron BA.5‐recovered individuals displayed similar neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to the bivalent booster recipients. Despite the improved neutralization in bivalent recipients and BA.5‐recovered individuals, there were limitations in neutralization against the recently emerged Omicron subvariants: XBB.1.17.1 FK.1.1, and JN.1. In both monovalent and bivalent booster recipients, a history of Omicron breakthrough infection was associated with relatively higher geometric mean titers of NAbs against Omicron BA.1, BA.5, and XBB.1.17.1 variants.ConclusionThis study underscores the intricate interplay between vaccination strategies, immune imprinting, and the dynamic landscape of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Although bivalent boosters enhance neutralization, addressing the challenge of emerging sublineages like XBB.1.17.1, FK.1.1, and JN.1 may necessitate the development of tailored vaccines, underscoring the need for ongoing adaptation to effectively combat this highly mutable virus.
An Item Response Tree Model for Items with Multiple‐Choice and Constructed‐Response Parts
Authors: Wei Junhuan , Wang Qin , Dai Buyun , Cai Yan , Tu Dongbo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTraditional IRT and IRTree models are not appropriate for analyzing the item that simultaneously consists of multiple‐choice (MC) task and constructed‐response (CR) task in one item. To address this issue, this study proposed an item response tree model (called as IRTree‐MR) to accommodate items that contain different response types at different steps and multiple different cognitive processes behind each score to effectively investigate the cognitive process and achieve a more accurate evaluation of examinees. The proposed model employs appropriate processing function for each task and allows multiple paths to an observed outcome. The simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed IRTree‐MR, and results show the proposed model outperforms the traditional IRT model in terms of parameters recovery and model‐fit. Moreover, an empirical study was carried out to verify the advantages of the proposed model.
Thermodynamic performance of hot air drying system: Energy and exergy analysis for wet glass containers in honey processing plant
Authors: Piri Ahmad , Hazervazifeh Amin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractConsidering environmental challenges and the diminishing share of energy expenses in the final product cost, evaluating energy‐intensive systems is crucial. This study examines the drying process of wet glass containers in a honey processing plant using a continuous convection dryer through energy and exergy analyses. Mass, energy, and exergy balances were performed using EES software. The energetic performance indicators revealed a heat loss rate of 3.33 kW, energy efficiency of 20.45%, and specific energy consumption of 11711.25 kJ kg‐1H₂O. Exergetic performance indicators included an exergy destruction rate of 24.05 kW, improvement potential rate of 20.79 kW, total exergy efficiency of 14.14%, exergy efficiency of 11.14%, specific exergy consumption of 2763.92 kJ kg‐1H₂O, and a sustainability index of 1.16. Results indicated that 60.12% of exergy destruction is related to air heating, with exhaust air losing 200.54 kW, equivalent to 89.84% of total input energy, suggesting exhaust air recirculation to reduce losses.Practical applicationsThe wet container dryer in a honey processing plant, as the most energy‐intensive component, was chosen for thermodynamic analysis. Mass, energy, and exergy balances were conducted to evaluate the system's thermodynamic performance. The exhaust air dryer lost 200.54 kW, equivalent to 89.84% of the total input energy, without utilization. Additionally, the results showed that 60.12% of the total exergy destruction in the convective drying process was related to air heating. Therefore, recirculating the exhaust air from the dryer moves the system toward an ideal thermodynamic state.
Assessment and Validation of Predictive Growth Models for Locally Isolated Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in Alfalfa Sprouts at Various Temperatures
Authors: Ndraha Nodali , Lin Chia Hsuan , Ping Goh Ai , Tran Gia Dieu , Su Li‐Ming , Huang Chien Li , Chen Cheng‐Quan , Tsai Shwu‐Jene , Hsiao Hsin‐I 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTSprouts are popular due to their high nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes. However, the conditions favorable for sprouting, such as warm and humid environments, are also ideal for the growth of bacteria, including food‐borne pathogens. Here, we analyzed the growth and developed predictive models of locally isolated and commercial strains of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in alfalfa sprouts under various constant temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 25°C. Our findings indicated that these pathogens could grow at 5°C in sprouts, albeit with a low growth rate. A rapid increase in concentration occurred at temperatures of 10°C and above. The fitted models demonstrated high performance, with R2 values ranging from 0.964 to 0.997 and RMSE values ranging from 0.15 to 0.51, respectively. Based on the fitted values, bias factor (Af) values varied between 1.01 and 1.06, with all accuracy factor (Bf) values at 1.00. Acceptable prediction zone (APZ) values ranged from 81.8% to 100%. Validation of the models under dynamic temperature conditions for specific strains showed acceptable performance. This study enhances our understanding of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes growth in alfalfa sprouts. The findings of this study could be used to improve the risk assessment of these pathogens in alfalfa sprouts.
The incidence of nonampullary duodenal cancer in Japan 2016–2020: analysis of a national cancer registry
Authors: Kakushima Naomi , Ohki Daisuke , Miura Yuko , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Sho Masayuki ,   The Japan Duodenal Cancer Guideline Committee
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimEpidemiological research is scarce in Asian countries including Japan. We aimed to clarify the epidemiological trend of nonampullary duodenal cancer (NADC) in Japan using a national database.MethodsAll patients with NADC diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 were identified from the Japanese national cancer registry. The crude and age‐adjusted incidences were determined and temporal trends including diagnostic mode, tumor stage, and treatments were analyzed.ResultsA total of 14 484 patients were included. The crude and age‐adjusted incidences were 21.8–23.5 and 10.7–12.1 per 1 000 000 person‐years. Male‐to‐female ratio was 1.7:1, and the incidence increased with age. The number of patients was highest among 70–79 year age group in both sexes. In total, 55% of patients were diagnosed during screening or surveillance for other diseases. In 54% of patients, the tumor stage was localized. The major treatment was surgery (32%), followed by endoscopic resection (27%). The trends for detection mode, tumor stage, and treatment were consistent during 2016–2020.ConclusionsThis study clarified and confirmed the high incidence of duodenal cancer in Japan. Characteristically, many NADC cases are diagnosed asymptomatically and treated by endoscopic or surgical treatment.
Electron microscopy of seismic waves
Authors: Chen Shaoqing , Wang Mengyao , He Dong Sheng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChanges in the surrounding environment, if transmitted to the electron microscope, are frequently perceived as noise that diminishes the quality of the images. However, in fact, ‘noises’ contain rich information about the environment. This work reports a very rare event where aberration‐corrected HAADF‐STEM images were acquired during the impact of seismic waves, resulted from a mild earthquake. By analysing these images, we found that the drift and vibration of the sample are detectable and quantifiable. Despite many potential challenges, this work demonstrates the utilisation of electron microscopes in detecting and monitoring seismic waves with high spatial resolution, which may lead to unique applications in the low‐frequency regime.
Structural and physiological implications of witches' broom infection in Xylopia aromatica (Annonaceae) trees
Authors: Guedes Lubia M. , de Oliveira Denis Coelho , de Lima Jéssica Ferreira , Aguilera Narciso , Moreira Ana Silvia F. P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWitches' brooms are abnormal branches that can affect various tree species in the Brazilian savanna, such as Xylopia aromatica. This disease leads to biomass loss and alters growth patterns. This study investigated the anatomical and physiological impacts of witches' broom on X. aromatica, hypothesizing that the disease induces changes in both infected and noninfected branches of the same tree. Measurements included leaf area, chlorophyll content and photosystem II (PSII) functionality in control and infected plants, as well as branch types (control, uninfected and infected branches for infected plants). Water potential was assessed at predawn and midday, and stem samples were analysed for anatomical and vessel element analysis. Witches' broom disease manifests as short brown stems and small yellowish‐green leaves. While infected and uninfected plants showed no significant differences in leaf area and leaf dry biomass, infected branches had reduced leaf number, area and weight. Chlorophyll content and PSII efficiency were significantly reduced in infected branches, indicating photosynthetic disruption. Water potential was lower at predawn in infected plants but normalized by midday, suggesting an adaptive response. Anatomical changes in infected branches included alterations in vessel elements and parenchymatic rays. Overall, X. aromatica displays localized changes due to witches' broom, which aids in water stress adaptation. Despite these findings, long‐term studies are needed to evaluate the impacts on biomass reduction and reproductive investment in Brazilian savanna areas, crucial for understanding the ecological impact and developing survival strategies for affected plants.
Carnival, charisma, and kayfabe: The delegation of intellectual labor through ludic layering in Donald Trump's rhetorical style
Authors: Hofstra Jorie 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe many aberrations of Donald Trump's political career are important to analyze not only with regard to the state of the union but also for how they challenge existing theories of rhetoric, power, and performance. Among the studies conducted during and after Trump's presidential term to explain his persistent appeal to millions of Americans, scholars have constructively focused on his particular style of authoritarian populism, his revival of a premodern form of charisma, and his entanglements with professional wrestling. Taken together, these theoretical foci inform my approach to an underexamined subset of Trumpian utterances: those that simultaneously evoke entirely incompatible meanings, from the frivolous to the aggressive. Examining a series of such perplexing verbal and visual rhetorical moments through the lenses of the carnivalesque, the berserk charismatic, and the fractal fictions of kayfabe, I develop a theory of the delegation of intellectual labor through ludic layering that accounts for some of the power of Trump's rhetorical performances and is potentially applicable to understanding polyvocality in other populists' rhetoric. I further show how this concept suggests improvements on existing recommendations for listening to and reporting on an authoritarian figure like Trump.
Evolutionary comparison of lncRNAs in four cotton species and functional identification of LncR4682‐PAS2‐KCS19 module in fiber elongation
Authors: Nie Hushuai , Zhao Nan , Li Bin , Jiang Kaiyun , Li Huijing , Zhang Jingrou , Guo Anhui , Hua Jinping 
Published: October 2024

SUMMARYLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in various biological processes in plants. However, there have been few reports on the evolutionary signatures of lncRNAs in closely related cotton species. The lncRNA transcription patterns in two tetraploid cotton species and their putative diploid ancestors were compared in this paper. By performing deep RNA sequencing, we identified 280 429 lncRNAs from 21 tissues in four cotton species. lncRNA transcription evolves more rapidly than mRNAs, and exhibits more severe turnover phenomenon in diploid species compared to that in tetraploid species. Evolutionarily conserved lncRNAs exhibit higher expression levels, and lower tissue specificity compared with species‐specific lncRNAs. Remarkably, tissue expression of homologous lncRNAs in Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense exhibited similar patterns, suggesting that these lncRNAs may be functionally conserved and selectively maintained during domestication. An orthologous lncRNA, lncR4682, was identified and validated in fibers of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense with the highest conservatism and expression abundance. Through virus‐induced gene silencing in upland cotton, we found that lncR4682 and its target genes GHPAS2 and GHKCS19 positively regulated fiber elongation. In summary, the present study provides a systematic analysis of lncRNAs in four closely related cotton species, extending the understanding of transcriptional conservation of lncRNAs across cotton species. In addition, LncR4682‐PAS2‐KCS19 contributes to cotton fiber elongation by participating in the biosynthesis of very long‐chain fatty acids.
Comparative Transcriptomes of Canine and Human Prostate Cancers Identify Mediators of Castration Resistance
Authors: Angel Marcela Riveros , Séguin Bernard , Löhr Christiane V. , Beer Tomasz M. , Feliciano John , Ramsey Stephen A. , Thomas George V. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTProstate cancer continues to be one of the most lethal cancers in men. While androgen deprivation therapy is initially effective in treating prostate cancer, most cases of advanced prostate cancer eventually progress to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is incurable. Similarly, the most aggressive form of prostatic carcinoma occurs in dogs that have been castrated. To identify molecular similarities between canine prostate cancer and human CRPC, we performed a comparative analysis of gene expression profiles. Through this transcriptomic analysis, we found that prostatic carcinoma in castrated dogs demonstrates an androgen‐indifferent phenotype, characterised by low‐androgen receptor and neuroendocrine‐associated genes. Notably, we identified two genes, ISG15 and AZGP1, that were consistently up‐ and down‐regulated, respectively, in both canine prostatic carcinoma and human CRPC. Additionally, we identified several other genes, including GPX3, S100P and IFITM1, that exhibited similar expression patterns in both species. Protein–protein interaction network analysis demonstrated that these five genes were part of a larger network of interferon‐induced genes, suggesting that they may act together in signalling pathways that are disrupted in prostate cancer. Accordingly, our findings suggest that the interferon pathway may play a role in the development and progression of CRPC in both dogs and humans and chart a new therapeutic approach.
Foxa deficiency restricts hepatitis B virus biosynthesis through epigenic silencing
Authors: Matrenec Rachel , Oropeza Claudia E. , Dekoven Eddie , Matrenec Carly , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Chau Cecilia S. , Green Stefan J. , Kaestner Klaus H. , McLachlan Alan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

In the hepatis B virus (HBV) transgenic mouse model of chronic infection, the forkhead box protein A/hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (Foxa/HNF3) family of pioneer transcription factors are required to support postnatal viral demethylation and subsequent HBV transcription and replication. Liver-specific Foxa-deficient mice with hepatic expression of only Foxa3 do not support HBV replication but display biliary epithelial hyperplasia with bridging fibrosis. However, liver-specific Foxa-deficient mice with hepatic expression of only Foxa1 or Foxa2 also successfully restrict viral transcription and replication but display only minimal alterations in liver physiology. These observations suggest that the level of Foxa activity, rather than the combination of specific Foxa genes, is a key determinant of HBV biosynthesis. Together, these findings suggest that targeting Foxa activity could lead to HBV DNA methylation and transcriptional inactivation, resulting in the resolution of chronic HBV infections that are responsible for approximately one million deaths annually worldwide.

IMPORTANCE
The current absence of curative therapies capable of resolving chronic hepatis B virus (HBV) infection is a major clinical problem associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The small viral genome limits molecular targets for drug development, suggesting that the identification of cellular factors essential for HBV biosynthesis may represent alternative targets for therapeutic intervention. Genetic Foxa deficiency in the neonatal liver of HBV transgenic mice leads to the transcriptional silencing of viral DNA by CpG methylation without affecting viability or displaying an obvious phenotype. Therefore, limiting liver Foxa activity therapeutically may lead to the methylation of viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), resulting in its transcriptional silencing and ultimately the resolution of chronic HBV infection.
National recommendations for the management of children and young people with IgA vasculitis: a best available evidence, group agreement-based approach
Authors: Oni Louise , Platt Caroline , Marlais Matko , McCann Liza , Barakat Farah , Hesseling Markus , Cottis Hannah , Protheroe Sue , Haigh Gabrielle , Nott Kerstin , Marro Julien , King Elizabeth , Kelly Jane , Sussens Jill , Mulvaney Shirley , Whitby Thomas , Morgan Iona , Sharma Amita , Al-Jayyousi Reem , Cheung Chee Kay , Ng Christopher , Lander Anthony David , Simmons William , Melling Charlotte , Grandison Rebecca , Treitl Leanne , Salama Alan D , Dudley Jan 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveIgA vasculitis (IgAV) is the most frequently experienced subtype of vasculitis seen in children. Most children fully recover, however, complications including chronic kidney disease are recognised. The aim of this project was to use a best available evidence, group agreement, based approach to develop national recommendations for the initial management of IgAV and its associated complications.MethodsA fully representative multiprofessional guideline development group (GDG), consisting of 28 members, was formed and met monthly. Graded recommendations were generated using nationally accredited methods, which included a predefined scope, open consultation, systematic literature review, evidence appraisal, review of national or international guidelines and a period of open consultation. Audit measures and research priorities were incorporated.ResultsThe IgAV GDG met over a 14-month period. A total of 82 papers were relevant for evidence synthesis. For the initial management, four topic areas were identified with five key questions generating six graded recommendations related to classification, specialist referral and musculoskeletal involvement. For the associated complications, five topic areas with 12 key questions generated 15 graded recommendations covering nephritis, gastrointestinal and testicular involvement, atypical disease and follow-up. Open consultation feedback was incorporated. The guidelines were endorsed by the UK Kidney Association and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and are available online.ConclusionDespite IgAV being a rare disease with limited evidence, a national standardised approach to the clinical management for children and young people has been achieved. This should unite approaches to care and act as a foundation for improvement.
Rural-urban and regional variations in aspects of caregiving, support services and caregiver health in the USA: evidence from a national survey
Authors: Cohen Steven A , Ahmed Neelam H , Ellis Kerri A , Lindsey Hayley , Nash Caitlin C , Greaney Mary L 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesDue to substantial regional variability in available caregiving services and supports, culture and health status among informal caregivers in the USA, the study objective was to explore how rural-urban differences in aspects of caregiving—caregiving intensity, distance to care recipient, caregiver burden, caregiver health and caregiving support—vary by US Census region (Northeast, South, Midwest and West) after accounting for other social determinants of health.DesignThis study was a secondary analysis of multiwave, cross-sectional study data.SettingThe data were collected on a representative sample of informal, unpaid caregivers to older adults.ParticipantsA sample of n=3551 informal caregivers from the National Study of Caregiving identified by older adult care recipients from waves 1 (2011) and 5 (2015) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome measures were caregiving intensity (provided support for/with the number of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADL (IADLs)) caregiver assisted with, hours of caregiving per month), caregiver burden (physical, emotional and financial), support services sought (types and total number), caregivers’ self-reported health and health status (individual comorbidities and a total number of comorbidities). Analyses were stratified by US Census region and rural-urban status, as defined by the US Census Bureau, of census tract of caregiver residence.ResultsUrban caregivers provided higher levels of ADL support in the Northeast (beta=0.19, 95% CI 0.03, 0.35) and West (beta=0.15, 95% CI 0.05,0.26) regions. Urban caregivers provided significantly higher levels of ADL support (p=0.020), IADL support (p=0.033) and total ADLs plus IADLs (p=0.013) than rural caregivers. Caregivers living in the South had higher amounts of monthly hours spent caregiving, ADL support, IADL support and combined ADLs plus IADLs and were more likely to have obesity, report poor or fair health, have heart conditions and experience emotional difficulty from caregiving (all p<0.001).ConclusionsStudy findings underscore caregiving’s multifaceted and complex nature and identify important urban-rural and regional differences in caregiving in the USA. Healthcare providers and healthcare organisations can have an important role in identifying and mitigating the negative impacts of caregiving on caregivers’ overall health. Interventions and support should be tailored to caregivers’ demographic backgrounds, addressing regional differences.