bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Blood Culture Contamination on Antibiotic Use, Resource Utilization, and Clinical Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Dutch and US Hospitals
Authors: Schinkel Michiel , Boerman Anneroos , Carroll Karen , Cosgrove Sara E , Hsu Yea-Jen , Klein Eili , Nanayakkara Prabath , Schade Rogier , Wiersinga W Joost , Fabre Valeria 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Blood culture contamination (BCC) has been associated with prolonged antibiotic use (AU) and increased health care utilization; however, this has not been widely reevaluated in the era of increased attention to antibiotic stewardship. We evaluated the impact of BCC on AU, resource utilization, and length of stay in Dutch and US patients.

Methods
This retrospective observational study examined adults admitted to 2 hospitals in the Netherlands and 5 hospitals in the United States undergoing ≥2 blood culture (BC) sets. Exclusion criteria included neutropenia, no hospital admission, or death within 48 hours of hospitalization. The impact of BCC on clinical outcomes—overall inpatient days of antibiotic therapy, test utilization, length of stay, and mortality—was determined via a multivariable regression model.

Results
An overall 22 927 patient admissions were evaluated: 650 (4.1%) and 339 (4.8%) with BCC and 11 437 (71.8%) and 4648 (66.3%) with negative BC results from the Netherlands and the United States, respectively. Dutch and US patients with BCC had a mean ± SE 1.74 ± 0.27 (P &lt; .001) and 1.58 ± 0.45 (P &lt; .001) more days of antibiotic therapy than patients with negative BC results. They also had 0.6 ± 0.1 (P &lt; .001) more BCs drawn. Dutch but not US patients with BCC had longer hospital stays (3.36 days; P &lt; .001). There was no difference in mortality between groups in either cohort. AU remained higher in US but not Dutch patients with BCC in a subanalysis limited to BC obtained within the first 24 hours of admission.

Conclusions
BCC remains associated with higher inpatient AU and health care utilization as compared with patients with negative BC results, although the impact on these outcomes differs by country.
Genomic Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in a County Jail
Authors: Adediran Timileyin , Zawitz Chad , Piriani Ali , Bendict Emily , Thiede Stephanie , Barbian Hannah , Aroutcheva Alla , Green Stefan J , Welbel Sharon , Weinstein Robert A , Snitkin Evan , Popovich Kyle J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
In the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, correctional facilities are potential hotspots for transmission. We examined the genomic epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) early in the pandemic in one of the country's largest urban jails.

Methods
Existing SARS-CoV-2 isolates from 131 detainees at the Cook County Jail in Chicago, Illinois, from March 2020 through May 2020 were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. Contemporaneous isolates from Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, Illinois) and the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) were used to identify genetic clusters containing only jail isolates. Transmission windows were identified for each pair of detainees using the date of the SARS-CoV-2–positive test and location data to determine if detainees overlapped in the jail, within a specific building, or within particular living units during transmission windows.

Results
We identified 29 jail-only clusters that contained 75 of the 132 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from detainees; of these clusters, 17 (58.6%) had individuals who overlapped in the jail during putative transmission windows. Focusing on specific buildings revealed that 2 buildings, a single- and double-cell style of housing. were associated with having detainees infected with similar SARS-CoV-2 genomes during their infectious time period (P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that there was transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the jail, in the setting of extensive importation of COVID-19 from the community. Numerous infection control practices at intake and during incarceration were implemented in the jail to limit viral spread. Our study shows the importance of genomic analysis in this type of settings and how it can be utilized within infection control protocols.
Phase transitions of the four-state Potts model on the square and honeycomb lattices
Authors: Peng Jhao-Hong , Jiang Fu-Jiun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
It is widely believed that the phase transition for the four-state ferromagnetic Potts model on the square lattice is of pseudo-first order. Specifically, it is expected that first-order phase transition behavior is found on small lattices and that the true nature of the second-order phase transition only emerges with large system sizes. It is also intuitively expected that, for other geometries, the types of the associated phase transitions should be identical to that of the square lattice. However, after simulating more than 16 million spins for the four-state Potts model, we observe that a feature of the first-order phase transition persists on the square lattice. Additionally, a characteristic of the second-order phase transition already appears on a small honeycomb lattice. Indications of a pseudo-first-order phase transition were not found in our investigation. This suggests that a thorough analytic calculation may be required to develop a better understanding of the presented results.
Attractive gravity probe surface, positivity of quasi-local mass, and Arnowitt–Deser–Misner mass expression
Authors: Shiromizu Tetsuya , Izumi Keisuke 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Under certain conditions, it is shown that the positivity of the Geroch/Hawking quasi-local mass holds for attractive gravity probe surfaces in any higher dimensions than three. We also comment on the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner mass.
Estimation and comparison of the performance of low-input and conventional agricultural production systems
Authors: Devilliers Esther , Möhring Niklas , Finger Robert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Low-input production systems aim at mitigating agriculture's environmental impact with a lower level of chemical inputs. However, comparing the performance of low-input systems to conventional ones, particularly in terms of productivity and yield, is challenging due to selection bias. First, we often lack observational data on low-input systems. Then, when available, the comparison between the two production systems is challenging due to potential endogeneity in input use and selection bias. To effectively develop policies promoting the adoption of low-input systems and assess their impact, for example, on pesticide use and yields, it is crucial to employ an econometric framework that addresses these issues. This article proposes an endogenous switching approach combined with control functions to tackle selection bias and input endogeneity simultaneously. Using unbalanced panel data on Swiss wheat production, which includes both low-input and conventional systems, our framework allows us to analyze the differentiated role of inputs as well as their price elasticity for both conventional and low-input farming systems.
The impact of spectral line wing cut-off: recommended standard method with application to MAESTRO opacity data base
Authors: Gharib-Nezhad Ehsan (Sam) , Batalha Natasha E , Chubb Katy , Freedman Richard , Gordon Iouli E , Gamache Robert R , Hargreaves Robert J , Lewis Nikole K , Tennyson Jonathan , Yurchenko Sergei N 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
When computing cross-sections from a line list, the result depends not only on the line strength, but also the line shape, pressure-broadening parameters, and line wing cut-off (i.e. the maximum distance calculated from each line centre). Pressure-broadening can be described using the Lorentz line shape, but it is known to not represent the true absorption in the far wings. Both theory and experiment have shown that far from the line centre, non-Lorentzian behaviour controls the shape of the wings and the Lorentz line shape fails to accurately characterize the absorption, leading to an underestimation or overestimation of the opacity continuum depending on the molecular species involved. The line wing cut-off is an often overlooked parameter when calculating absorption cross-sections, but can have a significant effect on the appearance of the spectrum since it dictates the extent of the line wing that contributes to the calculation either side of every line centre. Therefore, when used to analyse exoplanet and brown dwarf spectra, an inaccurate choice for the line wing cut-off can result in errors in the opacity continuum, which propagate into the modelled transit spectra, and ultimately impact/bias the interpretation of observational spectra, and the derived composition and thermal structure. Here, we examine the different methods commonly utilized to calculate the wing cut-off and propose a standard practice procedure (i.e. absolute value of 25 cm−1 for P ≤ 200 bar and 100 cm−1 for P &gt; 200 bar) to generate molecular opacities which will be used by the open-access MAESTRO (Molecules and Atoms in Exoplanet Science: Tools and Resources for Opacities) data base. The pressing need for new measurements and theoretical studies of the far-wings is highlighted.
Alice Mustian, Playwright
Authors: McInnis David , Steggle Matthew , Teramura Misha 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article provides the first full account of Alice Mustian, a Salisbury woman who in 1614 built a theatre in her backyard and charged an audience admission to watch a group of children perform a play that she had written about some salacious neighbourhood gossip. While the fact that this remarkable incident occurred is not unknown to scholars, the primary historical evidence about the event itself has remained largely unexamined. Drawing on unexplored ecclesiastical court records in the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, we offer a more complete picture of the performance, its complex social context, and the motivations of the parties involved. We locate it within the field of study of lost plays; we consider how it relates to other forms of theatre and performance culture in the period; and we discuss Mustian as a female dramatist whose play offers a tantalizing glimpse of the kinds of voices whose dramatic works may not have survived into the present.
Are Analyst “Top Picks” Informative?
Authors: Birru Justin , Gokkaya Sinan , Liu Xi , Stulz René 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Following the Global Settlement, analysts extensively use a top pick designation allowing for greater granularity of information among buy recommended stocks, but conflicts of interest can potentially influence this designation. Examining a novel sample of top picks, we find that a calendar-time portfolio of top picks generates an abnormal performance of 17.6% per year. Top picks have greater investment value than do buy recommendations and alternative analyst investment strategies. Both institutional and retail investors trade in response to top picks. However, only institutional investors appear to identify top picks that have greater investment value when they are announced.
Evaluation of Improvest effects on production parameters of gilts from two different genetic sire lines
Authors: Vasquez-Hidalgo Manuel A , Mellencamp Martha , Amodie Deborah , Bohrer Benjamin M , VanDeWeyer Leanne , Vonnahme Kimberly A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the effects of Improvest on the performance and carcass characteristics of gilts from two different genetic sire lines and the performance of Improvest gilts with castrated male pigs. It was hypothesized that performance parameters observed for Improvest gilts would be similar to barrows, thus narrowing the performance gaps between traditionally managed gilts and barrows. Pigs were from Large White/Landrace dams and either Duroc–Pietrain (DP) or Duroc (D) sires. Females within each genetic sire line were randomized by weight to receive the first dose of Improvest (IMP) on day 25 of the study or to serve as a nontreated control (DP IMP gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D IMP gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), DP CON gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen), D CON gilt (n = 6 pens; 19 pigs/pen). The second dose of Improvest was administered 6 wk later (i.e., day 67). Barrows did not receive Improvest (DP barrow [n = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen], D barrow [n = 10 pens; 19 to 20 pigs/pen]). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) were measured at 21 d intervals throughout the duration of the study. The targeted weight for pigs to be marketed was 133 ± 2.5 kg. Carcass characteristics and loin quality parameters were evaluated on a subset of pigs (n = 283). Improvest-treated gilts of both genetic lines had increased (P ≤ 0.05) ADG and ADFI compared to untreated gilts during the post-second dose intervals with values exceeding that of barrows from day 84 to marketing. Overall, DP IMP gilts had increased (P ≤ 0.05) G:F post-second dose compared to DP CON gilts and DP barrows, yet all other treatments were similar. As pigs were marketed at a similar weight, there was no difference in the final weight, however, DP IMP gilts and DP barrows reached market weight sooner (P ≤ 0.05) than DP CON gilts (109.9 and 111.8 vs. 114.3 ± 0.8 d). Backfat and loin weight were greater (P &lt; 0.01) in IMP gilts versus CON gilts, while IMP gilts and barrows had similar values within each respective genetic sire line. There were no differences between treatments (P ≥ 0.08) for pH and instrumental color of the loins. When the pass rate of loins (Japanese color score ≥ 3.0 and marbling ≥ 2.0) was evaluated, IMP gilts were at intermediate values between CON gilts and barrows for each respective genetic sire line. Overall, Improvest within a genetic line improved gilt carcass measurements so that they were more similar to barrows.
Effect of litter management systems on incidence and severity of footpad dermatitis among broilers at finisher stage
Authors: Alabi O M , Olagunju S O , Aderemi F A , Lawal T E , Oguntunji A O , Ayoola M O , Oladejo O A , Adeleye B E , Adewumi A A , Alabi B D , Tarta A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pododermatitis, or footpad dermatitis (FPD), is a welfare concern affecting broiler chickens globally. In the humid tropics, where high temperatures and humidity prevail, the impact of pododermatitis on broiler performance characteristics and behavior becomes even more significant hence this investigation. One hundred and eighty male broilers were used for this experiment out of 200 birds initially procured at day old. They were brooded and reared on deep litter and at 21 days of age, they were randomly allotted to the experimental unit. There were three treatments each with three replicates in a completely randomized design. The three litter management systems constituted the treatment groups. In the first treatment (t-A), litter materials were changed on a weekly basis and replaced with fresh ones while in the second treatment (t-B), the litter materials were turned or raked once a week, and in the third treatment (t-C), the litter materials were left untouched. The litter material used across all treatments was wood shavings and t-C served as control. The experimental birds were fed ad libitum during the trial. Data on daily feed intake, incidence and severity of paw lesions, and weekly body weights were taken while the experiment lasted 35 days. Test of mobility and aggression were carried out on the birds from each group on the last day of the experiment. The moisture content and pH of litter materials of each replicate were taken weekly from day 21 till the end of the experiment. Data were later subjected to analysis of variance statistically. The results revealed that broilers on t-A performed better (P &lt; 0.05) than those on t-B and t-C for feed intake, live weight, weight gain, and feed utilization. However, FPD was pronounced among broilers on t-C and much more severe. A positive correlation was observed between the values of litter moisture content, litter pH, and incidence and severity of FPD. Birds on t-C were dull in appearance and inactive. In conclusion, FPD has a detrimental impact on the performance characteristics and behavior of broiler chickens in the humid tropics. However, the severity depends on the management system adopted. By adopting appropriate management practices such as weekly replacement of litter with fresh ones, it is possible to alleviate the negative consequences of FPD, improve broiler welfare, and enhance the sustainability of the poultry industry in these regions.
Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and microsporidial infection in HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Didarlu Hasan , Mahami-Oskouei Mahmoud , Varshochi Mojtaba , Hatam-Nahavandi Kareem , Shahrivar Firooz , Bahadory Saeed , Barac Aleksandra , Ahmadpour Ehsan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium are obligate intracellular protozoa. These medically important species are recognized as opportunistic organisms in intestinal complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.

Methods
The current cross-sectional study was designed and conducted from August 2016 to August 2017 to determine intestinal Cryptosporidium and microsporidia spp. in HIV-infected individuals from the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center, Tabriz, Iran, by modified acid-fast and modified trichrome staining and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR.

Results
Of 100 HIV-infected persons, 21.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.0 to 30.0) and 18.0% (95% CI 11.0 to 26.0) were identified as Cryptosporidium and microsporidia, respectively, by the microscopic method. Of these 100 HIV-infected persons, 18.0% (95% CI 11.0 to 26.0) and 14.0% (95% CI 7.0 to 22.0) were positive for Cryptosporidium and microsporidia, respectively, by the molecular method. The predominant species of microsporidia in patients was Enterocytozoon bieneusi (85.7% [95% CI 57.0 to 98.0]) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi (14.3% [95% CI 1.7 to 42.0]), which were found by quantitative real-time PCR and its high-resolution melting tool.

Conclusions
As far as we know, this study is the first to estimate the prevalence of infection with Cryptosporidium and microsporidia among HIV-infected persons in northwest of Iran. The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis and cryptosporidiosis in this area in HIV-infected people was higher than the global prevalence of infection among immunocompromised patients. In addition to the need for further studies to prove protozoan pathogenicity in the aforementioned group, preventive measures should be considered.
Unusual Presentation of Solitary Penile Metastasis of Prostate Cancer on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Bin Essa Noora Essa , Alderaibi Alaa Khalid , Fraioli Francesco 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A 75-year-old patient was referred with biochemical recurrence for prostate cancer. The patient underwent 68Ga-PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) PET/CT scan, which revealed a focal PSMA activity in the proximal left lateral penile margin. Although a subsequent ultrasound did not identify the abnormality, MRI pelvis revealed a 10-mm lesion in the left proximal corpus cavernosum. This lesion was consistent with metastatic acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate on postresection histopathology. This unusual presentation of asymptomatic, histopathology-proven, penile solitary metastases was documented 3 years after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and pelvic external beam radiotherapy.
Contingency learning on the proportional congruency effect of the Stroop task is manifest in deviant processing
Authors: Suzuki Kota 
Published: December 2023

Objective
The proportion congruency effect has been reported in interference tasks. The mostly congruent block is the frequent condition, and the mostly incongruent block is the rare condition for congruent stimuli, whereas the mostly congruent block is the rare condition, and the mostly incongruent block is the frequent condition for incongruent stimuli. This study examined the cognitive mechanism underlying the proportion congruency effect in the two-choice Stroop task using event-related potential components related to deviant processing.

Method
Stimuli were Kanji characters meaning ‘red’ and ‘blue’ painted by congruent and incongruent colors. Participants were required to provide a two-choice button-press response corresponding to the colors. The congruent and incongruent stimuli were presented on rare (20%) and frequent (80%) conditions.

Results
N1 was enhanced in the rare condition relative to the frequent condition for both congruent and incongruent stimuli. The results suggested that colors and characters were not processed independently in the N1 time range, which made selective attention to the relevant feature difficult. Posterior negativity from 200 to 250 ms was also different between rare and frequent conditions, indicating the presence of visual mismatch negativity for congruent and incongruent stimuli. It was considered that the distinction between congruent and incongruent stimuli was evident in mostly incongruent blocks, indicating that the selective attention mechanism was not actively engaged.

Conclusion
The proportion congruency effect was explained by contingency learning rather than selective attention in the present task. The cognitive mechanisms underlying the proportion congruency effect are reflected by deviant event-related potential components.
Neoantigen Cancer Vaccines and Different Immune Checkpoint Therapies Each Utilize Both Converging and Distinct Mechanisms that in Combination Enable Synergistic Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Keshari Sunita , Shavkunov Alexander S. , Miao Qi , Saha Akata , Williams Charmelle D. , Highsmith Anna M. , Pineda Josué E. , Alspach Elise , Hu Kenneth H. , Pauken Kristen E. , Chen Ken , Gubin Matthew M. 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARYThe goal of therapeutic cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) is to eliminate cancer by expanding and/or sustaining T cells with anti-tumor capabilities. However, whether cancer vaccines and ICT enhance anti-tumor immunity by distinct or overlapping mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we compared effective therapeutic tumor-specific mutant neoantigen (NeoAg) cancer vaccines with anti-CTLA-4 and/or anti-PD-1 ICT in preclinical models. Both NeoAg vaccines and ICT induce expansion of intratumoral NeoAg-specific CD8 T cells, though the degree of expansion and acquisition of effector activity was much more substantial following NeoAg vaccination. Further, we found that NeoAg vaccines are particularly adept at inducing proliferating and stem-like NeoAg-specific CD8 T cells. Single cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing revealed that TCR clonotype expansion and diversity of NeoAg-specific CD8 T cells relates to their phenotype and functional state associated with specific immunotherapies employed. Effective NeoAg vaccines and ICT required both CD8 and CD4 T cells. While NeoAg vaccines and anti-PD-1 affected the CD4 T cell compartment, it was to less of an extent than observed with anti-CTLA-4, which notably induced ICOS+Bhlhe40+Th1-like CD4 T cells and, when combined with anti-PD-1, a small subset of Th2-like CD4 T cells. Although effective NeoAg vaccines or ICT expanded intratumoral M1-like iNOS+macrophages, NeoAg vaccines expanded rather than suppressed (as observed with ICT) M2-like CX3CR1+CD206+macrophages, associated with the vaccine adjuvant. Further, combining NeoAg vaccination with ICT induced superior efficacy compared to either therapy in isolation, highlighting the utility of combining these modalities to eliminate cancer.HighlightsNeoAg cancer vaccines utilize distinct mechanisms from αCTLA-4 or αPD-1 ICTNeoAg vaccines induce TCF1+stem-like and proliferating NeoAg-specific CD8 T cellsCD8 TCR clonotype expansion relates to phenotype and functional state associated with immunotherapyNeoAg vaccines induce partially distinct macrophage remodeling from ICTNeoAg vaccines synergize with ICT, exceeding combination αCTLA-4/αPD-1 ICT efficacy