bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk assessment of Bacillus cereus in lettuce grown in open-field and greenhouse farming systems in China: A comparative study
Authors: Qu Yang , Yu Shenghao , Gu Haotian , Wang Wen , Wang Wenbo , He Zhaoying , Shan Hong , Gao Min , Zhao Xin , Wei Chao , Tao Tingting , Zhao Guanghua , Zhou Changyan , Suo Yujuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Bacillus cereus isolates from vegetables can cause diarrheal syndrome food poisoning. Lettuce, the most highly consumed ready-to-eat vegetable, poses a significant risk of B. cereus exposure. Hence, B. cereus monitoring and evaluation during cultivation are essential for preventing foodborne illnesses caused by this food–pathogen combination. However, the impact of different cultivation practices on B. cereus contamination in lettuce currently remains unclear. Furthermore, a validity indicator for the experimental models cannot be effectively validated under field conditions.

Materials and Methods
Herein, we assessed the risk of B. cereus exposure using lettuce grown under two different cultivation farming systems in China (open-field versus greenhouse) using a quantitative microbial risk assessment model. Tukey’s mean comparison method and kernel density estimation frequency distribution statistics were used for model validation using environmental samples and lettuce.

Results
The mean concentration of B. cereus in open-field-grown lettuce was significantly higher than that in greenhouse-grown lettuce (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences were observed between measured, formula-calculated, and risk assessment values in environmental samples or lettuce (P&gt;0.05), verifying the accuracy of the risk model.

Conclusion
Soil solarization, complete manure treatment, usage of mulch films, and irrigation water quality should be considered in agricultural practices to control B. cereus concentrations in lettuce. Overall, we found that B. cereus was more abundant in open-field-grown lettuce, and we provide a risk evaluation framework that can guide farmers and policy-makers to control B. cereus contamination in farm-to-fork lettuce chains in China.
Changes in Body Mass Index and Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment Among African American Older Adults
Authors: Aiken-Morgan Adrienne T , Capuano Ana W , Wilson Robert S , Barnes Lisa L 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Previous research suggests a decline in body mass index (BMI) among older adults is associated with negative health outcomes, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and incident dementia. However, no studies have examined the effects of education or developing MCI on BMI trajectories over time. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize trajectories of change in BMI among older adults who develop MCI.

Methods
Participants were from the Minority Aging Research Study (MARS), a longitudinal cohort study of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in older African Americans living in the greater Chicago, Illinois, area. The study included annual clinical evaluations of cognitive status, as well as measurements of height and weight for BMI calculation. Older African American participants without cognitive impairment at baseline were included in the present analysis (N = 436, 78% women, mean baseline age = 72 [SD = 5.7], mean education = 15 [SD = 3.5]).

Results
In piecewise linear mixed-effects models that included a random intercept and 2 random slopes, BMI declined over time (B = −0.20, SE = 0.02, p &lt; .001), with a faster decline after MCI diagnosis (additional decline, B = −0.15, SE = 0.06, p = .019). Older age was associated with lower baseline BMI (B = −0.19, SE = 0.05, p &lt; .001), as was higher education (B = −0.34, SE = 0.09, p &lt; .001). Further, higher education was associated with a slower decline in BMI before MCI (B = 0.02, SE = 0.006, p = .001), but a faster decline after MCI (B = −0.06, SE = 0.022, p = .003).

Conclusions
These results suggest an accelerated decline in BMI following an MCI diagnosis, with higher education related to an even faster BMI decline.
Crustal structure of onshore-offshore Atlantic Canada and environs from constrained 3-D gravity inversion using variable mesh depths
Authors: Welford J Kim 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARYAtlantic Canada encompasses geological evidence of the orogenic and rifting episodes that inspired the development of the theory of plate tectonics and the fundamental concept of the Wilson cycle. To provide a regional crustal-scale view that can complement surface mapping studies and sparse seismological investigations, an onshore–offshore 3-D constrained gravity inversion methodology is proposed involving incorporation of topography and an inversion mesh that is laterally variable in terms of its maximum depth extent. A 3-D density anomaly model for the entirety of Atlantic Canada and its environs is generated, with the inverted density distribution structure and extracted isodensity surfaces showing excellent correspondence with independent and co-located controlled source and passive seismic constraints. The full density model and crustal thicknesses from this work are made freely available so that they may be used for further study, for instance as inputs for deformable plate reconstruction modelling.
Convergent finite element methods for the perfect conductivity problem with close-to-touching inclusions
Authors: Li Buyang , Li Haigang , Yang Zongze 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the perfect conductivity problem (i.e., the conductivity problem with perfectly conducting inclusions), the gradient of the electric field is often very large in a narrow region between two inclusions and blows up as the distance between the inclusions tends to zero. The rigorous error analysis for the computation of such perfect conductivity problems with close-to-touching inclusions of general geometry still remains open in three dimensions. We address this problem by establishing new asymptotic estimates for the second-order partial derivatives of the solution with explicit dependence on the distance $\varepsilon $ between the inclusions, and use the asymptotic estimates to design a class of graded meshes and finite element spaces to solve the perfect conductivity problem with possibly close-to-touching inclusions. In particular, we propose a special finite element basis function that resolves the asymptotic singularity of the solution by making the interpolation error bounded in $W^{1,\infty }$ in a neighborhood of the close-to-touching point, even though the solution itself is blowing up in $W^{1,\infty }$. This is crucial in the error analysis for the numerical approximations. We prove that the proposed method yields optimal-order convergence in the $H^1$ norm, uniformly with respect to the distance $\varepsilon $ between the inclusions, in both two and three dimensions for general convex smooth inclusions, which are possibly close-to-touching. Numerical experiments are presented to support the theoretical analysis and to illustrate the convergence of the proposed method for different shapes of inclusions in both two- and three-dimensional domains.
Immunogenicity and Safety of Heterologous Omicron BA.1 and Bivalent SARS-CoV-2 Recombinant Spike Protein Booster Vaccines: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bennett Chijioke , Rivers E Joy , Woo Wayne , Bloch Mark , Cheung King , Griffin Paul , Mohan Rahul , Deshmukh Sachin , Arya Mark , Cumming Oscar , Neville A Munro , Pardey Toni McCallum , Plested Joyce S , Cloney-Clark Shane , Zhu Mingzhu , Kalkeri Raj , Patel Nita , Buchanan Agi , Marcheschi Alex , Swan Jennifer , Smith Gale , Cho Iksung , Glenn Gregory M , Walker Robert , Mallory Raburn M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Mutations present in emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants permit evasion of neutralization with prototype vaccines. A novel Omicron BA.1 subvariant–specific vaccine (NVX-CoV2515) was tested alone or as a bivalent preparation with the prototype vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) to assess antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2.

Methods
Participants aged 18 to 64 years immunized with 3 doses of prototype mRNA vaccines were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a single dose of NVX-CoV2515, NVX-CoV2373, or the bivalent mixture in a phase 3 study investigating heterologous boosting with SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein vaccines. Immunogenicity was measured 14 and 28 days after vaccination for the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 sublineage and ancestral strain. Safety profiles of vaccines were assessed.

Results
Of participants who received trial vaccine (N = 829), those administered NVX-CoV2515 (n = 286) demonstrated a superior neutralizing antibody response to BA.1 vs NVX-CoV2373 (n = 274) at day 14 (geometric mean titer ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.33–2.03). Seroresponse rates were 73.4% (91/124; 95% CI, 64.7–80.9) for NVX-CoV2515 vs 50.9% (59/116; 95% CI, 41.4–60.3) for NVX-CoV2373. All formulations were similarly well tolerated.

Conclusions
NVX-CoV2515 elicited a superior neutralizing antibody response against the Omicron BA.1 subvariant as compared with NVX-CoV2373 when administered as a fourth dose. Safety data were consistent with the established safety profile of NVX-CoV2373.

Clinical Trials Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05372588).
Varicella Zoster Virus Downregulates Expression of the Nonclassical Antigen Presentation Molecule CD1d
Authors: Traves Renee , Opadchy Tara , Slobedman Barry , Abendroth Allison 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The nonclassical antigen presentation molecule CD1d presents lipid antigens to invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Activation of these cells triggers a rapid cytokine response providing an interface between innate and adaptive immune responses. The importance of CD1d and iNKT cells in varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection has been emphasized by clinical reports of individuals with CD1d or iNKT cell deficiencies experiencing severe, disseminated varicella postvaccination.

Methods
Three strains of VZV (VZV-S, rOka, and VZV rOka-66S) were used to infect Jurkat cells. Flow cytometry of VZV- and mock-infected cells assessed the modulatory impact of VZV on CD1d protein. Infected cell supernatant and transwell co-culture experiments explored the role of soluble factors in VZV-mediated immunomodulation. CD1d transcripts were assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results
Surface and intracellular flow cytometry demonstrated that CD1d was strikingly downregulated by VZV-S and rOka in both infected and VZV antigen-negative cells compared to mock. CD1d downregulation is cell-contact dependent and CD1d transcripts are targeted by VZV. Mechanistic investigations using rOka-66S (unable to express the viral kinase ORF66) implicate this protein in CD1d modulation in infected cells.

Conclusions
VZV implements multiple mechanisms targeting both CD1d transcript and protein. This provides evidence of VZV interaction with and manipulation of the CD1d–iNKT cell axis.
Inhibitory effect of tannic acid on the growth of Apiospora arundinis and 3-Nitropropionic acid production
Authors: Jiang Wenyan , Liang Xuelian , Li Huiling , Mo Leixing , Chen Wei , Wang Tianshun , Wang Haijun , Xing Yihao , Liao Jie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of tannic acid (TA) on the growth of Apiospora arundinis and 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) production.

Methods and results
To investigate the antifungal mechanism, the effects of TA on the hypha growth, electrical conductivity, hypha morphology, defense-related enzymes, and 3-NPA production of A. arundinis were studied. TA concentrations of 640 and 1280 μg ml−1 exhibited strong antifungal activity against A. arundinis. The results of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the hypha of the A. arundinis was severely deformed after TA treatment, and the cell membrane was blurred and thin, vacuoles were obviously shrunken and smaller, and most of the organelles were decomposed into irregular fragments. The increased electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content indicated that TA caused peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and damaged the structure of the cell membrane. The decrease of intracellular ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase content indicated that TA damaged the function of mitochondria, and participated in the inhibition of respiratory metabolism. In addition, TA significantly reduced 3-NPA production and completely inhibited 3-NPA production at 640 and 1280 μg ml−1.

Conclusion
TA effectively inhibited both growth of A. arundinis in vitro and 3-NPA production.
Effect of heating, microbial fermentation, and enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets
Authors: Tang Jiayong , Li Wentao , Zhou Qiang , Fang Zhengfeng , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Feng Bin , Zhuo Yong , Jiang Xuemei , Zhao Hua , Wu De , Trabalza-Marinucci Massimo , Che Lianqiang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The macromolecular proteins, anti-nutritional factors, and allergens contained in soybean meal (SBM) have a negative impact on the growth of weaned piglets. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of heating, microbial fermentation, and enzymatically hydrolyzed SBM on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, intestinal morphology, volatile fatty acids, and microbiota of weaned piglets. After the preparation of soaked SBM (SSBM), enzymatically hydrolyzed SBM (ESBM), and microbial fermented and enzymatically hydrolyzed SBM (MESBM), 72 weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three groups for a 21-d trial. In the three groups, 17% of conventional SBM in basal corn-soybean meal diet was replaced by an equivalent amount of SSBM (control group), ESBM, or MESBM. The results showed that the contents of glycinin, β-conglycinin, trypsin inhibitor, and proteins above 20 kDa were significantly decreased in ESBM and MESBM, compared with SSBM, and the surface of ESBM and MESBM had more pores and fragmented structure. In the second week and throughout the entire experimental period, the diarrhea index was reduced (P &lt; 0.01) in ESBM and MESBM in contrast with SSBM. Furthermore, the inclusion of ESBM and MESBM in the diet improved the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and crude protein (P &lt; 0.05), and increased the abundances of the genera Lactobacillus and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, respectively. Metagenomic sequencing further identified that members of six species of Proteobacteria, four species of Clostridiales, and three species of Negativiautes were enriched in the colon of piglets fed MESBM, while two bacterial species, Lachnoclostridium and Lactobacillus_points, were enriched in the colon of piglets fed ESBM. In conclusion, replacing SSBM with ESBM or MESBM in the diet decreased the diarrhea index, which could be associated with improved nutrient digestibility and microbial composition.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Electrical Burns
Authors: AlQhtani Abdullh Z , Al-swedan Nasser H , Alkhunani Tala A , Basalem Abdulaziz A , Alotaibi Abdulwhab M , Alsaygh Khaled W , AlSahabi Abdulrahman M , Alabdulkarim Abdulaziz O 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Burn prevention programs can effectively reduce morbidity and mortality rates. In this article, we present the findings of our investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Saudi Arabian population regarding electrical burns. Our study was a cross-sectional online survey that used a five-part questionnaire to assess the participant’s demographic information, knowledge of electrical burns, attitudes toward electrical injuries, and practices related to electrical burns and their prevention. Overall, 2314 individuals responded to the survey (males: 41.2%; females: 58.8%). A total of 839 participants (36%) had a personal or family history of electrical burns. Approximately ≥90% of the responses to questions on electrical burn-related knowledge were correct; relatively less responses to questions on the extent of tissue damage from electrical burns and arcs were correct (74% and 29%, respectively). Only 54% of the respondents knew that applying first aid to the burn-affected areas at home could lead to a better outcome; 27% and 19% did not know the correct answer and thought that this would not lead to a better outcome, respectively. The most common source of information was school or college (38.9%), followed by social media (20.8%) and internet websites (16.3%). Enhancing community awareness and practices related to electrical burns is a cost-effective and straightforward strategy to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with electrical injuries.
Data-driven integration framework for four-dimensional building information modeling simulation in modular construction: a case study approach
Authors: Rehman Saddiq Ur , Kim Inhan , Choi Jungsik 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Modular construction is becoming more popular because of its efficiency, cost-saving, and environmental benefits, but its successful implementation necessitates detailed planning, scheduling, and coordination. Building information modeling (BIM) and four-dimensional (4D) simulation techniques have emerged as invaluable tools for visualizing and analyzing the construction process in order to meet these requirements. However, integrating distinctive data sources and developing comprehensive 4D BIM simulations tailored to modular construction projects present significant challenges. Case studies are used in this paper to define precise data needs and to design a robust data integration framework for improving 4D BIM simulations in modular construction. The validation of the framework in a real-world project demonstrates its efficacy in integrating data, promoting cooperation, detecting risks, and supporting informed decision-making, ultimately enhancing modular building results through more realistic simulations. By solving data integration difficulties, this research provides useful insights for industry practitioners and researchers, enabling informed decision-making and optimization of modular building projects.
Multiscale pore network modeling and flow property analysis for tight sandstone: a case study
Authors: Wu Xiang , Wang Fei , Xiao Zhanshan , Zhang Yonghao , Zhao Jianbin , Fang Chaoqiang , Wei Bo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Digital rock characterization enables high-fidelity quantification of core samples, facilitating computational studies of physical properties at the microscopic scale. Multiscale tomographic imaging resolves microstructural features from sub-nanometer to millimeter dimensions. However, single-resolution volumes preclude capturing cross-scale morphological attributes due to the inverse relationship between the field of view and resolution. Constructing multiscale, multiresolution, multiphase digital rock model is therefore imperative for reconciling this paradox. We performed multiscale scanning imaging on tight sandstone samples. Based on pore network model integration algorithms, we constructed dual-scale pore network model (PNM) and fracture-pore hybrid network model to analyze their flow characteristics. Results showed that the absolute permeability of the dual-scale PNM exhibited a distinct linear increase with the number of extra cross-scale throats and throat factor, but the rate of increase became smaller when the throat factor exceeded 0.6. For dual-scale pore network with cross-scale throat and throat factor of 1 and 0.7, the predicted porosity matched experimental results well. For the fracture-pore hybrid network model, the relationship between absolute permeability and cross-scale throat properties is similar to the dual-scale PNM. When fluid flow was parallel to the fracture orientation, permeability increased markedly with fracture aperture as a power-law function. However, the dip angle did not induce obvious permeability variation trends across different flow directions.
Accuracy of oncologists’ estimates of expected survival time in advanced cancer
Authors: Nahm Sharon H , Martin Andrew J , Clayton Josephine M , Grimison Peter , Moth Erin B , Pavlakis Nick , Sjoquist Katrin , Smith-Uffen Megan E S , Tognela Annette , Vasista Anuradha , Stockler Martin R , Kiely Belinda E 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the claim that oncologists overestimate expected survival time (EST) in advanced cancer.

Methods
We pooled 7 prospective studies in which observed survival time (OST) was compared with EST (median survival in a group of similar patients estimated at baseline by the treating oncologist). We hypothesized that EST would be well calibrated (approximately 50% of EST longer than OST) and imprecise (&lt;30% of EST within 0.67 to 1.33 of OST), and that multiples of EST would provide well-calibrated scenarios for survival time: worst-case (approximately 10% of OST &lt;1/4 of EST), typical (approximately 50% of OST within half to double EST), and best-case (approximately 10% of OST &gt;3 times EST). Associations between baseline characteristics and calibration of EST were assessed.

Results
Characteristics of 1,211 patients: median age 66 years, male 61%, primary site lung (40%) and upper gastrointestinal (16%). The median OST was 8 months, and EST was 9 months. Oncologists’ estimates of EST were well calibrated (50% longer than OST) and imprecise (28% within 0.67 to 1.33 of OST). Scenarios for survival time based on simple multiples of EST were well calibrated: 8% of patients had an OST less than 1/4 their EST (worst-case), 56% had an OST within half to double their EST (typical), and 11% had an OST greater than 3 times their EST (best-case). Calibration was independent of age, sex, and cancer type.

Conclusions
Oncologists were no more likely to overestimate survival time than to underestimate it. Simple multiples of EST provide well-calibrated estimates of worst-case, typical, and best-case scenarios for survival.
New methods for radial-velocity measurements of double-lined binaries, and detection of a circumbinary planet orbiting TIC 172900988
Authors: Sairam Lalitha , Triaud Amaury H M J , Baycroft Thomas A , Orosz Jerome , Boisse Isabelle , Heidari Neda , Sebastian Daniel , Dransfield Georgina , Martin David V , Santerne Alexandre , Standing Matthew R 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Ongoing ground-based radial-velocity observations seeking to detect circumbinary planets focus on single-lined binaries even though over 9 in every 10 binary systems in the solar neighbourhood are double lined. Double-lined binaries are on average brighter, and should in principle yield more precise radial velocities. However, as the two stars orbit one another, they produce a time-varying blending of their weak spectral lines. This makes an accurate measure of radial velocities difficult, producing a typical scatter of $10{\!-\!}15~\rm m\, s^{-1}$. This extra noise prevents the detection of most orbiting circumbinary planets. We develop two new data-driven approaches to disentangle the two stellar components of a double-lined binary, and extract accurate and precise radial velocities. Both approaches use a Gaussian process regression, with the first one working in the spectral domain, whereas the second works on cross-correlated spectra. We apply our new methods to TIC 172900988, a proposed circumbinary system with a double-lined binary, and detect a circumbinary planet with an orbital period of $150~\rm d$, different than previously proposed. We also measure a significant residual scatter, which we speculate is caused by stellar activity. We show that our two data-driven methods outperform the traditionally used TODCOR and TODMOR, for that particular binary system.