bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced gravity-geologic method to predict bathymetry by considering non-linear effects of surrounding seafloor topography
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Guo Jinyun , Lin Miao , Sun Heping , Jiang Tao 
Published: August 2024

SUMMARY
The gravity-geological method (GGM) is an approach that utilizes marine gravity anomalies (GAs) and shipborne bathymetric data to invert seafloor topography by resolving short-wavelength GAs through the Bouguer Plate approximation. Such an approximation ignores the non-linear effects caused by surrounding seafloor topographical undulations that actually exist in short-wavelength GAs, and thus leaving the space for further modification of GGM. This study thoroughly derives the relationship between seafloor topography and GA, as well as the formula of GGM. Then, we propose a self-adaptive method to improve the accuracy of the inversion significantly: the enhanced GGM (EGGM). The method uses the equivalent mass line method to approximate the non-linear gravitational effects of the surrounding seafloor topography to correct the short-wavelength GAs. By introducing two optimal density contrast parameters, EGGM has been designed to effectively integrate the combined effects of various non-linear factors to a certain extent. The accuracy of the seafloor topography models, produced with a spatial resolution of 1′ × 1′, was evaluated over the study area (132°E–136°E, 36°N–40°N) located in the Sea of Japan. The results indicate that the accuracy of EGGM has a relative improvement of 13.73 per cent compared to that of GGM in the overall study area, while the accuracy of both models is higher than that of the SIO_unadjusted model. The study further investigated the feasibility and stability of EGGM by examining the accuracy of both GGM and EGGM in various water depth ranges and areas with diverse terrain characteristics.
Personalized nutrition: aligning science, regulation, and marketing
Authors: Rogus Stephanie , Lurie Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Interest in personalized nutrition among researchers and industry has grown rapidly in recent years and shows no signs of abating. In this paper, we discuss the growth of the personalized nutrition market, the evidence for the approach, and the regulatory landscape for personalized nutrition products. We found that regulatory gaps have led to market growth of products with unknown efficacy that are making bold, and possibly unsubstantiated, claims. As personalized nutrition products and related treatments continue to enter the market without regulation, unreliable products may cause consumers financial, psychological, and physical harm. Stronger regulation will help engender trust in these products among consumers and ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Diabetes in Liberia: a policy brief
Authors: Bleah Paulina , Almost Joan , Wilson Rosemary , Macdonald Danielle , Camargo-Plazas Pilar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
There is increasing awareness that diabetes is a growing public health threat in Liberia. The high mortality and morbidity associated with diabetes have significant implications for individuals, families and communities. The current response to diabetes in Liberia is limited to the management of acute complications. Long-term strategies for the prevention and control of diabetes are almost entirely absent from national health agendas. This brief provides policy options that Liberian policymakers can adopt to prevent diabetes, improve treatment and enhance the quality of life for people living with diabetes in Liberia.
Spatial transcriptome analysis reveals de novo regeneration of poplar roots
Authors: Lv Kaiwen , Liu Naixu , Niu Yani , Song Xiehai , Liu Yongqi , Yue Zhiliang , Ali Muhammad , Guo Qiuyue , Lv Chunyu , Lu Dongdong , Zhang Shaoman , Zhou Yangyan , Li Bosheng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Propagation through cuttings is a well-established and effective technique for plant multiplication. This study explores the regeneration of poplar roots using spatial transcriptomics to map a detailed developmental trajectory. Mapping of the time-series transcriptome data revealed notable alterations in gene expression during root development, particularly in the activation of cytokinin-responsive genes. Our analysis identified six distinct clusters during the second and third stages, each corresponding to specific anatomical regions with unique gene expression profiles. Auxin response cis-elements (AuxREs) were prevalent in the promoters of these cytokinin-responsive genes, indicating a regulatory interplay between auxin and cytokinin. Pseudo-temporal trajectory analysis mapped the differentiation from cambium cells to root primordium cells, revealing a complex pattern of cell differentiation. SAC56 and LOS1 emerged as potential novel biomarkers for enhancing root regeneration, with distinct spatial expression patterns confirmed by in situ hybridization. This comprehensive spatial analysis enhances our understanding of the molecular interactions driving root regeneration and provides insights for improving plant propagation techniques.
Purifying selection drives distinctive arsenic metabolism pathways in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes
Authors: Li Lijuan , Chen Songcan , Xue Ximei , Chen Jieyin , Tian Jian , Huo Lijuan , Zhang Tuo , Zeng Xibai , Su Shiming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Microbes play a crucial role in the arsenic biogeochemical cycle through specific metabolic pathways to adapt to arsenic toxicity. However, the different arsenic-detoxification strategies between prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes are poorly understood. This hampers our comprehension of how microbe–arsenic interactions drive the arsenic cycle and the development of microbial methods for remediation. In this study, we utilized conserved protein domains from 16 arsenic biotransformation genes (ABGs) to search for homologous proteins in 670 microbial genomes. Prokaryotes exhibited a wider species distribution of arsenic reduction- and arsenic efflux-related genes than fungi, whereas arsenic oxidation-related genes were more prevalent in fungi than in prokaryotes. This was supported by significantly higher acr3 (arsenite efflux permease) expression in bacteria (upregulated 3.72-fold) than in fungi (upregulated 1.54-fold) and higher aoxA (arsenite oxidase) expression in fungi (upregulated 5.11-fold) than in bacteria (upregulated 2.05-fold) under arsenite stress. The average values of nonsynonymous substitutions per nonsynonymous site to synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (dN/dS) of homologous ABGs were higher in archaea (0.098) and bacteria (0.124) than in fungi (0.051). Significant negative correlations between the dN/dS of ABGs and species distribution breadth and gene expression levels in archaea, bacteria, and fungi indicated that microbes establish the distinct strength of purifying selection for homologous ABGs. These differences contribute to the distinct arsenic metabolism pathways in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. These observations facilitate a significant shift from studying individual or several ABGs to characterizing the comprehensive microbial strategies of arsenic detoxification.
P18 Uncovering the role of secondary messenger signalling in Acinetobacter baumannii virulence
Authors: Harkova Lyuboslava G , de Dios Rubén , McCarthy Ronan R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds
Secondary messenger signalling systems play a crucial role in bacterial capability to respond to environmental changes by mediating alternations in transcription, translation and enzyme activity. Secondary messengers are central regulators of various aspects of bacterial life including metabolism, pathogenicity, sessility and cell morphology. Indeed, these molecules are widely recognized mediators of virulence and antibiotic tolerance in well studied pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where over 40 enzymes contain domains with the predicted potential to influence secondary messenger levels. The MDR nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii has become increasingly prevalent over the last 20 years with carbapenem-resistant strains surpassing P. aeruginosa to become the WHO top priority pathogen. Despite this, relatively little is known about the role of secondary messengers in A. baumannii pathogenicity.

Methods
In this work, we used high-throughput screening of the A. baumannii AB5075 transposon mutant library to identify novel regulators of biofilm formation. Amongst the hits were genes predicted to influence secondary messenger levels. We further characterized the candidate with the strongest biofilm phenotype and uncovered a range of other phenotypes such as motility, exopolysaccharide production, virulence, antibiotic resistance and link with other signalling systems.

Results
RNA-Seq analysis of a clean deletion mutant compared with a complemented strain showed that operons and genes linked to the observed phenotypes such as pgaABCD, csuA/BABCDE and type IV pili genes were differentially expressed. Moreover, antibiotic resistance and virulence in an in vivo model were directly affected too.

Conclusions
Overall, we demonstrate the important role of secondary messenger signalling in A. baumannii and confirm that it modulates key phenotypes linked to virulence and antimicrobials resistance.
P24 Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of hypervirulent strains of Clostridioides difficile of pig and human origin
Authors: Doyle Aoife , McElroy Máire , Rogers Thomas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile places an increasing burden on healthcare because of emerging hypervirulent strains such as RT078/ST11 that may be resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics e.g. fluoroquinolones. Pigs are often colonized by RT078/ST11 and act as potential reservoir for human C. difficile infection (CDI). They are the highest consumers of veterinary antimicrobials in many countries.1 We investigated the susceptibility of C. difficile to antibiotics that are commonly prescribed and/or used to treat CDI.

Methods
Sequenced C. difficile (humans=50, pigs=40), collected as part of a One Health investigation into the epidemiology of pig and human C. difficile, were chosen for phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Strains included ST11 (n=70), ST44 (n=9), ST16 (n=6), ST8 (n=5). Susceptibility to a panel of antibiotics were determined using ANAERO3 Sensititre™ plates and Etest®, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Selected C. difficile ST11 isolates (n=30) were tested for ciprofloxacin and delafloxacin susceptibility using Etest®. Breakpoints were interpreted as per EUCAST, CLSI and Freeman.2C. difficile genomes (n=90) were screened for AMR markers using NCBI AMRFinderPlus.

Results
Phenotypic testing found all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole, and to penicillin, amoxicillin, amoxiclav, piperacillin/tazobactam, piperacillin, imipenem and chloramphenicol. Resistance was found to cefoxitin (100%), ceftriaxone (100%), erythromycin (48.94%), clindamycin (28.72%), moxifloxacin (48.94%), tetracycline (31.91%) and rifampicin (2.13%). All 30 ST11 isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, while the mean MIC for delafloxacin was 0.47 mg/L. There was no difference between resistance rate and C. difficile host. Bioinformatic analysis of 90 C. difficile genomes revealed resistance determinants for quinolones (87%) and tetracyclines (69%).

Conclusions
No resistance to vancomycin and metronidazole in these C. difficile isolates is reassuring, although larger datasets for surveillance should be investigated. Finding resistance determinants in the isolates in this study demonstrates that WGS is a valuable tool for detecting AMR. Quinolone and tetracycline resistance may be linked with use of these antibiotics on Irish pig farms (64.1% and 85.1% of farms, respectively).1
P31 An observational prospective audit on the use of vancomycin and ciprofloxacin in the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia in penicillin-allergic patients in NHS Lothian
Authors: Blair Zsofia , Palenzuela Esperanza , Dewar Simon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the current standard of care in NHS Lothian compared with guidelines for patients prescribed vancomycin and ciprofloxacin in severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with penicillin allergies.

Methods
In total, 182 patients were analysed over 8 weeks. Data were collected from online prescribing records and clinical notes. A total of 18 patients met the criteria of correct antibiotic combination and clinical indication. Data were collated and analysed using Microsoft Excel.

Results
Vancomycin: Levels were taken in 11 out of 18 patients, of which 8 reached therapeutic levels in a median duration of 2 days. First therapeutic levels: median 8.5 mg/L, range &lt;4–15.8 mg/L. Ciprofloxacin: 83% of patients received ciprofloxacin orally; 72% of patients were aged &gt;65 years and 39% were co-prescribed oral steroids. No patients had documented fluoroquinolone counselling. Antibiotics: 33% of patients were stepped down to oral doxycycline. The total mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 7.3 days. Allergies: One documented as ‘anaphylaxis’. Eight unsure of reaction/unspecified in medical notes. Three received penicillin recently with no adverse effect. One penicillin delabelled during admission.

Conclusions
Patients on average received longer than recommended total antimicrobial treatment. Only one third received the recommended IVOS option, however this may have been influenced by other factors such as positive microbiology. In the majority of patients, in which vancomycin levels were taken/required, therapeutic levels were achieved in 2 days. Most patients received ciprofloxacin orally, suggesting that patients were well enough to not necessitate IV route. This opens the possibility of recommending other oral antibiotics with high oral bioavailability as alternatives (e.g. levofloxacin, doxycycline). Additionally, patients were not counselled on the potential adverse effects of ciprofloxacin as recommended by MHRA guidance, despite almost three quarters of patients having factors (i.e. elderly, on steroids) placing them at greater risk of adverse effects. However, the benefits of giving treatment in severe CAP may outweigh these risks. This audit highlights that practice varies from the NHS Lothian guidelines. It raises the question of whether alternative antibiotic therapies should be considered for first line in penicillin allergic patients, such as levofloxacin used in the rest of Scotland. However, given the new MHRA guidance on limitation of fluoroquinolones, it may be that other health boards also consider changes to their guidelines. Education regarding fluoroquinolone use should be provided for clinicians and patients to ensure that the risks are included in decision-making. Focus should be put on reducing the number of patients with inappropriate penicillin allergy labels.
Automatic locally stationary time series forecasting with application to predicting UK gross value added time series
Authors: Killick Rebecca , Knight Marina I , Nason Guy P , Nunes Matthew A , Eckley Idris A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Accurate forecasting of the UK gross value added (GVA) is fundamental for measuring the growth of the UK economy. A common nonstationarity in GVA data, such as the ABML series, is its increase in variance over time due to inflation. Transformed or inflation-adjusted series can still be challenging for classical stationarity-assuming forecasters. We adopt a different approach that works directly with the GVA series by advancing recent forecasting methods for locally stationary time series. Our approach results in more accurate and reliable forecasts, and continues to work well even when the ABML series becomes highly variable during the COVID pandemic.
Post-translational modifications control the signal at the crossroads of plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Soni Kamlesh Kumar , Gurjar Kishan , Ranjan Aastha , Sinha Shashank , Srivastava Moumita , Verma Vivek 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The co-evolution of plants and pathogens has enabled them to ‘outsmart’ each other by promoting their own defence responses and suppressing those of the other. While plants are reliant on their sophisticated immune signalling pathways, pathogens make use of effector proteins to achieve the objective. This entails rapid regulation of underlying molecular mechanisms for prompt induction of associated signalling events in both plants as well as pathogens. The past decade has witnessed the emergence of post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins as a key a factor in modulating cellular responses. The ability of PTMs to expand the functional diversity of the proteome and induce rapid changes at the appropriate time enables them to play crucial roles in the regulation of plant–pathogen interactions. Therefore, this review will delve into the intricate interplay of five major PTMs involved in plant defence and pathogen countermeasures. We discuss how plants employ PTMs to fortify their immune networks, and how pathogen effectors utilize/target host modification systems to gain entry into plants and cause disease. We also emphasize the need for identification of novel PTMs and propose the use of PTM pathways as potential targets for genome editing approaches.
States, Investors, and Energy Agreements
Authors: Cameron Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter talks about entering into a relationship that appears to the parties as both durable and mutually beneficial as a key objective for foreign investors and host states in making energy investments. It analyzes the need for design and operation of legal arrangements to support cooperation for investments in energy, which is complicated by the wide-ranging social and economic significance that the sector has in any modern economy. It also highlights the investment triangle that includes the three basic elements of an energy investment relationship: host states, energy investors, and the investment. The chapter discusses the role of the state as an umpire, regulator, participant, or commercial partner in the energy sector. It considers energy governance as the glue that makes the main elements stick together in relationships of mutual dependence and allows for peaceful ways of settling disputes among the parties.
Meeting Challenges to Investment Stability—Across the Energy Spectrum
Authors: Cameron Peter 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines principal challenges to the stability of energy investments and the role of international investment law in responding to them. It highlights defences for state action in emergency situations that have arisen in various national or regional contexts and have been given a new relevance by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also clarifies time and complexity of arbitral procedures in investment arbitration as another challenge for the security of an investment. The chapter considers the result of varied measures introduced by governments in lowering carbon intensity in energy use as the most far-reaching challenge to long-term stability in international energy investments. It talks about the direct or indirect risk of expropriation, which remains important for energy investments.
Introduction: Taming the Powers
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter explains the key challenges of regulation of the internet as a decentralised information ecosystem relying on non-editorial content. The reader is introduced to the key concepts, such as delegated enforcement, how private and public powers jointly try to curb illegal content online, and why that is a problem that necessitates state regulation. The chapter argues that by regulating the instances of delegated enforcement by platforms, the Digital Services Act (DSA) ultimately regulates the use of state power against individuals. Finally, it argues that if the DSA is submitted to a set of principles, it can become a balanced regulation that might act as an inspiration for other countries.
Overview of the DSA
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter provides an overview of the key mechanisms and parts of the Digital Services Act. It explains the scope of the Act and its application to various types of services, with numerous examples. The reader is given the background on pre-existing rules on liability and a brief explanation of how they relate to the newly adopted accountability obligations. These novel due diligence obligations are discussed separately per each regulated tier of services, along with their main characteristics, and regulatory goals. Finally, the Act is put into a broader self-regulatory and co-regulatory context, along with the remaining role of the national legislatures on the issues, such as the definition of what constitutes illegal content.
Liability Exemptions: Specific Services
Authors: Husovec Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The chapter describes special requirements for all three liability exemptions: mere conduit, caching, and hosting. It explains the services that fall under each of the categories and the specific conditions for each of them. The hosting services, due to their importance, are given the most attention. The readers learn about specific conditions for actual and constructive knowledge standards for hosting services and the latest developments in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Finally, the chapter explains the special position of search engines that remain hard to classify. The conclusion looks at the most difficult questions of overlaps and voids that are likely to emerge in the years to come.
The Case for Global Best Practices in Antitrust Due Process and Procedural Fairness
Authors: Sokol D Daniel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This chapter explores the nature of procedural fairness issues in global antitrust. It explains the justifications for procedural fairness and the drivers for why such concerns have become significant in antitrust. It then explores global antitrust institutions to understand if and how global best practices are possible for antitrust procedural fairness. The chapter argues that procedural fairness remains a work in progress at the global level. Although a combination of hard law through free trade agreements and soft law through the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Developmen (OECD) and ICN can help bind competition authorities to higher standards of procedural fairness, global leadership by the major powers in competition law, i.e. the United States and the Directorate-General for Competition, is required. While the United States has championed a robust discussion and efforts to promote increased procedural fairness, the Directorate-General for Competition has not embraced procedural fairness with the same level of rigor in both public statements and actions both internally and in international organizations.
Procedural Fairness in Antitrust Enforcement
Authors: Yoo Christopher S , Wendland Hendrik M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
As the first country to enact an antitrust law, the United States has enjoyed the greatest opportunity to develop its enforcement practices. This chapter first introduces the key antitrust enforcement institutions. It then explores the manner in which the United States implements four key procedural protections to provide insights into ways to improve US law. These are legal representation, notice of legal basis and evidence, engagement between the parties and the investigative staff, and internal checks and balances and judicial review. It is argued that a properly functioning system of antitrust enforcement depends on more than just well-designed substantive principles. It also requires enforcement procedures that enhance accuracy, ensure fairness, promote confidence in the overall system, and prevent abuses of power. US law attempts to accomplish these goals through the four key procedural protections mentioned above. The situation in the United States also shows that procedural rules must have some flexibility to accommodate the institutional differences between the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice.