bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of microplastics on crop variation depend on polymer types and their interactions with soil nutrient availability and weed competition
Authors: Ma K. , Fu Y. , Liu Y. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Microplastics pollution of agricultural soil is a global environmental concern because of its potential risk to food security and human health. Although many studies have tested the direct effects of microplastics on growth of Eruca sativa Mill., little is known about whether these effects are regulated by fertilization and weed competition in field management practices.

Here, we performed a greenhouse experiment growing E. sativa as target species in a three‐factorial design with two levels of fertilization (low versus. high), two levels of weed competition treatments (weed competition versus no weed competition) and five levels of microplastic treatments (no microplastics, Polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate [PBAT], Polybutylene succinate [PBS], Polycaprolactone [PCL] or Polypropylene [PP]).

Compared to the soil without microplastics, PBS and PCL reduced aboveground biomass and leaf number of the E. sativa. PBS also resulted in increased root allocation and thicker roots in E. sativa. In addition, fertilization significantly mitigated the negative effects of PBS and PCL on aboveground biomass of E. sativa, but weed competition significantly promoted these effects. Although fertilization alleviated the negative effect of PBS on aboveground biomass, such alleviation became weaker under weed competition than when E. sativa grew alone.

The results indicate that the effects of specific polymer types on E. sativa growth could be regulated by fertilization, weed management, and even their interactions. Therefore, reasonable on‐farm management practices may help in mitigating the negative effects of microplastics pollution on E. sativa growth in agricultural fields.
Crises of the welfare state, resilience, and pessimism of the intellect
Authors: Farnsworth Kevin , Irving Zoë 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe crises faced by welfare states have now endured for significantly longer than the counter‐period of stability, calm and cooperation between the 1940s and 1970s. Systemic crisis of welfare states tied to the contradictions of capitalism, and the exogenous crises for the welfare state that have afflicted its expansion have, however, been met by faith in its resilience evidenced in its economic functions and popularity. We question the basis for optimism by examining the ‘state of the welfare state’ in the context of the social goals envisaged in the 1940s and the extent to which these are evidenced in contemporary social policy arrangements. We present a case for more ‘pessimism of the intellect’ in assessing welfare futures to better underpin welfare state scholars' tendency towards ‘optimism of the will’.
Image‐based investigation of lip aging features in a large number of Korean women
Authors: Seo Jung Yeon , Leem Sangseob , Kim Hanji , You Seung Won , Kim Yunkwan , Kang Nae Gyu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe lips play a significant role in shaping facial aesthetics. Due to the distinct attributes of lips in contrast to other facial skin, a unique approach is imperative for managing lip aging. We analyzed lip characteristics (morphology, wrinkles, and color) to investigate visual changes and distinctive attributes of aging lips.MethodsBy utilizing image data processing methods, including facial landmark detection, pattern recognition, and color quantification, we extracted 11 lip characteristic indices (four morphological indices, four wrinkle indices, and three color indices) from high‐resolution images of 1000 Korean women aged 20–69. Correlation tests were conducted to assess the relationship between lip characteristic indices and age, and also between lip morphological and wrinkle indices.ResultsLip height significantly decreased, while lip width and lip ratio (lip width divided by the sum of the upper and lower lip height) significantly increased with aging. Lip wrinkles significantly increased with aging, whereas lip colors (redness and yellowness) decreased. The lip wrinkle indices, which are segmented for the first time in this study, exhibited significant correlations with lip width, and three of them additionally were correlated with lip ratio (p < 0.05). The results imply such morphological changes can be associated with wrinkle formation of human lips.ConclusionThe indices suggested in this study can be used for assessing lip aging characteristics, and the study results can contribute to deeper understanding of lip aging.
Trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase 8 increases photosynthesis and seed yield in Brassica napus
Authors: Yuan Pan , Zhou Guilong , Yu Mingzhu , Hammond John P. , Liu Haijiang , Hong Dengfeng , Cai Hongmei , Ding Guangda , Wang Sheliang , Xu Fangsen , Wang Chuang , Shi Lei 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARYTrehalose‐6‐phosphate (T6P) functions as a vital proxy for assessing carbohydrate status in plants. While class II T6P synthases (TPS) do not exhibit TPS activity, they are believed to play pivotal regulatory roles in trehalose metabolism. However, their precise functions in carbon metabolism and crop yield have remained largely unknown. Here, BnaC02.TPS8, a class II TPS gene, is shown to be specifically expressed in mature leaves and the developing pod walls of Brassica napus. Overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 increased photosynthesis and the accumulation of sugars, starch, and biomass compared to wild type. Metabolomic analysis of BnaC02.TPS8 overexpressing lines and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants indicated that BnaC02.TPS8 enhanced the partitioning of photoassimilate into starch and sucrose, as opposed to glycolytic intermediates and organic acids, which might be associated with TPS activity. Furthermore, the overexpression of BnaC02.TPS8 not only increased seed yield but also enhanced seed oil accumulation and improved the oil fatty acid composition in B. napus under both high nitrogen (N) and low N conditions in the field. These results highlight the role of class II TPS in impacting photosynthesis and seed yield of B. napus, and BnaC02.TPS8 emerges as a promising target for improving B. napus seed yield.
Improving occupational health surveillance for enteric infections
Authors: White Alice E. , Jervis Rachel H. , Wilson Elisha , Scallan Walter Elaine 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsEnteric pathogens with a livestock reservoir pose a unique risk to people in occupations with regular contact with animals. However, public health surveillance of occupational exposures is inadequate, with surveillance for occupation typically focusing on the risk of transmission and the need for worker exclusion, rather than workplace exposures. To improve surveillance for occupational zoonoses, the Colorado Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence convened a group of subject matter experts who developed a set of variables on occupation, industry, and exposures, which were integrated into Colorado's surveillance system in 2017. We evaluated the quality and completeness of these new occupational fields for interviewed cases with laboratory‐confirmed zoonotic infections and compared occupations to cases with a non‐zoonotic infection (Shigella) and to employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Methods and ResultsFrom March 2017 through December 2019, 3668 domestically acquired, laboratory‐confirmed sporadic infections of Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli, and non‐typhoidal Salmonella among individuals ≥14 years of age were interviewed by public health. We found asking explicitly about occupational exposure risks and focusing on animal exposures, improved data quality and accuracy. Of the cases who stated that they were employed, 262 (13%) reported working in an occupation with regular animal exposure, and 254 (14%) reported an industry with regular animal exposure. Cases with an animal exposure occupation were more likely to be male and live in a rural or frontier county compared to other occupations. All occupations with regular animal contact were reported at a higher frequency than among Shigella cases or the general population.ConclusionsPublic health efforts, both in occupational health and communicable disease sectors, should be made to improve surveillance for enteric zoonoses and identify opportunities for prevention strategies.
Small peptides: could they have a big role in metabolism and the response to exercise?
Authors: Atakan Muhammed M. , Türkel İbrahim , Özerkliğ Berkay , Koşar Şükran N. , Taylor Dale F. , Yan Xu , Bishop David J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExercise is a powerful non‐pharmacological intervention for the treatment and prevention of numerous chronic diseases. Contracting skeletal muscles provoke widespread perturbations in numerous cells, tissues and organs, which stimulate multiple integrated adaptations that ultimately contribute to the many health benefits associated with regular exercise. Despite much research, the molecular mechanisms driving such changes are not completely resolved. Technological advancements beginning in the early 1960s have opened new avenues to explore the mechanisms responsible for the many beneficial adaptations to exercise. This has led to increased research into the role of small peptides (<100 amino acids) and mitochondrially derived peptides in metabolism and disease, including those coded within small open reading frames (sORFs; coding sequences that encode small peptides). Recently, it has been hypothesized that sORF‐encoded mitochondrially derived peptides and other small peptides play significant roles as exercise‐sensitive peptides in exercise‐induced physiological adaptation. In this review, we highlight the discovery of mitochondrially derived peptides and newly discovered small peptides involved in metabolism, with a specific emphasis on their functions in exercise‐induced adaptations and the prevention of metabolic diseases. In light of the few studies available, we also present data on how both single exercise sessions and exercise training affect expression of sORF‐encoded mitochondrially derived peptides. Finally, we outline numerous research questions that await investigation regarding the roles of mitochondrially derived peptides in metabolism and prevention of various diseases, in addition to their roles in exercise‐induced physiological adaptations, for future studies.
image
The Transfer of Xenon-135 to Molten Salt Reactor Graphite
Authors: Price Terry , Chvala Ondrej 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The term “Molten salt reactors” refers to a broad class of nuclear reactors that use a molten alkali-halide salt as the primary coolant fluid. This paper pertains to thermal spectrum liquid fuel molten fluoride salt reactors with graphite moderator (MSRs), where the molten salt also dissolves the actinide fuel. Xenon isotope 135,135Xe, is a fission product that is produced during nuclear fission energy production, and it acts as a neutron poison. Due to the circulating nature of the fuel salt in MSRs, there is a qualitative difference in the behavior of 135Xe in an MSR compared to a solid fueled reactor. Some of the 135Xe produced in fission may end up in the pore space of the porous graphite moderator used in an MSR. This paper examines the transfer and storage of 135Xe in MSR graphite. Prior publications are reviewed, the porosity of the MSR graphite is examined, governing equations are detailed, film layer production and destruction are discussed, the graphite/salt interface is explored, transport pathways are considered, transfer processes are exposited, the effect of charged species is examined, the solubility of noble gases in molten fluoride salts is examined, the mass diffusion coefficient in molten salts is explored, and the calculation of mass transfer coefficients is described.
Verification and Geometry Optimization of a One Fluid Molten Salt Reactor With Fixed Volume
Authors: Dwijayanto R. Andika Putra , Ardiansyah Harun , Harto Andang Widi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Thermal molten salt reactors can be designed in many configurations. This paper investigates the optimal geometry of a one fluid molten salt reactor (OFMSR) in a virtual one-and-half fluid configuration with a fixed fuel salt volume. Two primary configurations were studied, axial blanket (three models) and radial blanket (two models). Neutronic calculations were performed using Monte Carlo N-particle 6.2 (MCNP6.2) and Serpent-2 reactor physics codes with evaluated nuclear data files/B-VII.0 continuous neutron library. The analysis comprises criticality calculation, temperature coefficient of reactivity (TCR), breeding ratio (BR), and kinetic parameters. The results imply a good agreement between MCNP and Serpent calculations. TCR values show a different pattern between axial and radial blanket configuration. While the correlation between TCR and BR is inversely correlated in axial blanket, it is linear in radial blanket configuration. Overall, radial blanket configuration seemed to show better neutronic performance than axial blanket configuration, with comparably strong negative TCR and large BR.
Use of Modeling as an Enabler for Cross-Topic Knowledge Management and Ontologies to Support Return of Experience and Replicability of Large Nuclear Projects
Authors: Richet Victor , Piochaud Sarah , Alaoui Mouna El , Plana Robert 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Nuclear projects often produce and consume a large amount of knowledge. Capitalization on this knowledge constitutes a significant way to increase efficiency on subsequent projects for any stakeholder. In this study, modeling is used as a main approach to support this capitalization. It constitutes, through graphical layout, a more reliable and robust way to transfer information. Moreover, the use of an interconnected set of models enables organizations to break the silos between the disciplines. The approach proposed is based on the operational implementation of existing “on-the-shelf” elements to benefit from previous implementations. The presented example illustrates how, on a nuclear project, engineering processes have been modeled from knowledge of previous projects. These components are all interconnected to constitute a self-supporting set of models as a body of knowledge. The use of models as a main base for knowledge management and transfer has been initiated due to (i) increased traceability of design decisions and impact analysis required by ever-increasing safety requirements from 1980s, 1990s, and Fukushima accident for new nuclear and (ii) gradual departures of design teams and lifetime extension of existing power plants requiring efficient ways to pass down knowledge to newcomers. Additionally, transfer of knowledge from document-centric to model-centric has enabled securitization of interfaces (between organizations, between systems) due to more numerous stakeholders and reduction of rework and site works.
A Unified Fracture Model for X65 Pipeline Material Under Various Constraints Using the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM)
Authors: Shahzamanian M. M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
It is generally accepted that the fracture strain is dependent on geometry/constraints in metals. However, the currently available implementation of extended finite element method (XFEM) assumes a fixed fracture strain criterion independent of the constraints. The objective of this paper is to develop and implement a variable fracture strain criterion in XFEM that is capable of predicting a wide range of fracture conditions in X65 pipeline steels with various crack tip constraints. Various small-scale tests with different out-of-plane constraints obtained from the literature were simulated using the XFEM in abaqus software. These tests included smooth bar, notched bar, single edge notch tension (SENT), and single edge notch bending (SENB) tests. For each test, the value of the maximum principal strain (Maxpe) as a fracture initiation criterion in the cohesive zone model (CZM) in XFEM framework was varied while keeping the fracture energy constant until the model was able to accurately replicate the reported experimental results. For each test, the crack tip constraints were characterized and the stress triaxialities and Lode angle parameters at the onset of fracture initiation were calculated from the models. The results allowed expressing of the fracture strain as an explicit function of stress triaxiality which was then implemented in abaqus XFEM using UDMGINI subroutine. For the sake of comparison, the tests were simulated in finite element method (FEM) using a similar damage initiation model, namely, the Johnson–Cook (J–C) model. A single model in XFEM was able to accurately replicate the experimental observations for all specimens and compared well to experiments in the way simulated by FEM damage model. However, it was observed that XFEM was more suitable to simulate specimens with pre-existing cracks such as in SENT and SENB tests since the crack grew through elements when mesh refinement was not required around the crack tips. Lastly, the simulated results were found to be less mesh sensitive in XFEM than in FEM damage models.
The Dose–Response in Elite Soccer: Preliminary Insights From Menstrual-Cycle Tracking During the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019
Authors: Scott Dawn , Bruinvels Georgie , Norris Dean , Lovell Ric 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This preliminary study examined the influence of estimated menstrual-cycle (MC) phase on responses to soccer matches and training sessions in preparation for and during the FIFA (Fédération internationale de football association) Women’s World Cup 2019. Methods: Twenty outfield players representing a national team were tracked over a 45-day period. External (10-Hz global positioning system; total and distance covered at high-metabolic power [≥20 W·kg−1]) and internal load measures (minutes ≥80% heart-rate maximum, sessional ratings of perceived exertion) were collected during all training and matches, with single-item wellness measures (fatigue, soreness, sleep quality, and sleep duration) collected each morning prior to activity. MC phase was estimated individually via an algorithm, informed from pretournament survey responses and ongoing symptom reporting (FitrWoman). Model comparison statistics were used to determine the impact of estimated MC phase in nonhormonal contraceptive users (n = 16). Results: Sessional rating of perceived exertion responses to total distances ≥5 km were higher during the luteal phase (+0.6–1.0 au; P ≤ .0178) versus menstruation (phase 1), but no other observable dose–response trends were observed. Sleep, fatigue, and soreness ratings were not typically associated with MC phase, with the exception of exacerbated fatigue ratings in luteal versus follicular phase 48 hours postmatch (−0.73 au, P = .0275). Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that estimated MC phase may contribute to the understanding of the dose–response to soccer training and matches.
Mutations upstream from
sdaC
and
malT
in
Escherichia coli
uncover a complex interplay between the cAMP receptor protein and different sigma factors
Authors: Frendorf Pernille Ott , Heyde Sophia A. H. , Nørholm Morten H. H. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

In
Escherichia coli
, one of the best understood microorganisms, much can still be learned about the basic interactions between transcription factors and promoters. When a cAMP-deficient
cya
mutant is supplied with maltose as the main carbon source, mutations develop upstream from the two genes
malT
and
sdaC
. Here, we explore the regulation of the two promoters, using fluorescence-based genetic reporters in combination with both spontaneously evolved and systematically engineered
cis
-acting mutations. We show that in the
cya
mutant, regulation of
malT
and
sdaC
evolves toward cAMP-independence and increased expression in the stationary phase. Furthermore, we show that the location of the cAMP receptor protein (Crp) binding site upstream of
malT
is important for alternative sigma factor usage. This provides new insights into the architecture of bacterial promoters and the global interplay between Crp and sigma factors in different growth phases.

IMPORTANCE
This work provides new general insights into (1) the architecture of bacterial promoters, (2) the importance of the location of Class I Crp-dependent promoters, and (3) the global interplay between Crp and sigma factors in different growth phases.
Characterization and risk assessment of novel SXT/R391 integrative and conjugative elements with multidrug resistance in
Proteus mirabilis
isolated from China, 2018–2020
Authors: Han Yun , Gao Yu-Feng , Xu He-ting , Li Jin-Peng , Li Chao , Song Cai-Liang , Lei Chang-Wei , Chen Xuan , Wang Qin , Ma Bo-Heng , Wang Hong-Ning 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Proteus mirabilis
can transfer transposons, insertion sequences, and gene cassettes to the chromosomes of other hosts through SXT/R391 integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), significantly increasing the possibility of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) evolution and expanding the risk of ARGs transmission among bacteria. A total of 103 strains of
P. mirabilis
were isolated from 25 farms in China from 2018 to 2020. The positive detection rate of SXT/R391 ICEs was 25.2% (26/103). All SXT/R391 ICEs positive
P. mirabilis
exhibited a high level of overall drug resistance. Conjugation experiments showed that all 26 SXT/R391 ICEs could efficiently transfer to
Escherichia coli
EC600 with a frequency of 2.0 × 10
−7
to 6.0 × 10
−5
. The acquired ARGs, genetic structures, homology relationships, and conservation sequences of 26 (19 different subtypes) SXT/R391 ICEs were investigated by high-throughput sequencing, whole-genome typing, and phylogenetic tree construction. ICE
Pmi
ChnHBRJC2 carries
erm (42
), which have never been found within an SXT/R391 ICE in
P. mirabilis
, and ICE
Pmi
ChnSC1111 carries 19 ARGs, including clinically important
cfr
,

bla
CTX-M-65

, and
aac(6')-Ib-cr
, making it the ICE with the most ARGs reported to date. Through genetic stability, growth curve, and competition experiments, it was found that the transconjugant of ICE
Pmi
ChnSCNNC12 did not have a significant fitness cost on the recipient bacterium EC600 and may have a higher risk of transmission and dissemination. Although the transconjugant of ICE
Pmi
ChnSCSZC20 had a relatively obvious fitness cost on EC600, long-term resistance selection pressure may improve bacterial fitness through compensatory adaptation, providing scientific evidence for risk assessment of horizontal transfer and dissemination of SXT/R391 ICEs in
P. mirabilis
.

IMPORTANCE

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a major public health concern. The study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) in
Proteus mirabilis
, which can transfer ARGs to other hosts. The study found that all of the
P. mirabilis
strains carrying ICEs exhibited a high level of drug resistance and a higher risk of transmission and dissemination of ARGs. The analysis of novel multidrug-resistant ICEs highlighted the potential for the evolution and spread of novel resistance mechanisms. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring the spread of ICEs carrying ARGs and the urgent need for effective strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. Understanding the genetic diversity and potential for transmission of ARGs among bacteria is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance.