bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces fermentation products impact performance and the fecal microbiome in weanling pigs inoculated with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Cherrington Tanya , Jordan David , Pluske John , Mansfield Josie , Lugsomya Kittitat , Wilkinson Stuart , Cadogan David , Abraham Sam , O’Dea Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Enterotoxigenic F4 Escherichia coli (F4-ETEC) pose an economic threat to the swine industry through reduced growth, increased mortality and morbidity, and increased costs associated with treatment. Prevention and treatment of F4-ETEC often rely on antimicrobials; however, due to the threat of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial use is being minimized, and hence alternative control methods are needed. This study investigated the effects of postbiotics in the form of Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation products (LFP) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SFP), on pigs challenged with an F4 ETEC strain. Eighty pigs were selected based on a prescreening F4-ETEC susceptibility test. The animals were divided into 5 treatments each with 4 replicate pens. Pigs were assigned to 5 different diets: a control diet (CON); CON diet with 3,000 ppm ZnO (ZnO); CON diet with 2,000 ppm LFP (LFP); CON diet with 2,000 ppm SFP (SFP); CON diet with both 2,000 ppm LFP and 2,000 ppm SFP (LAS). Pigs were inoculated per os with F4-ETEC twice, on day 0 and day 1 of the experiment.

Results
No significant differences in fecal consistency scores or fecal F4-ETEC concentration in pigs supplemented with LFP and/or SFP were detected. An increased diversity and abundance of Lactobacillaceae in the fecal microbiome of pigs supplemented with LFP were detected, as well as an increased final liveweight of pigs supplemented with LFP and/or SFP.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that the fecal microbiome is modified in F4-ETEC-challenged pigs supplemented with the combination of LFP and SFP, with these modifications previously associated with increased growth performance and health status in young pigs. Pigs receiving this combination of postbiotics also demonstrated an increased final liveweight, indicating that management of ETEC-associated performance loss may not require the complete removal of ETEC from a production system.
Information Nudges, Subsidies, and Crowding Out of Attention: Field Evidence from Energy Efficiency Investments
Authors: Rodemeier Matthias , Löschel Andreas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
How can information substitute or complement financial incentives such as Pigouvian subsidies? We answer this question in a large-scale field experiment that cross-randomizes energy efficiency subsidies with information about the financial savings of LED lighting. Information has two effects: It shifts and rotates demand curves. The direction of the shift is ambiguous and highly dependent on the information design. Informing consumers that an LED saves 90% in annual energy costs increases LED demand, but showing them that 90% corresponds to an average of €11 raises demand for less efficient technologies. The rotation of the demand curve is unambiguous: Information dramatically reduces both own-price and cross-price elasticities, which makes subsidies less effective. The uniform decrease in price elasticities suggests that consumers pay less attention to subsidies when information is provided. We structurally estimate that welfare-maximizing subsidies can be 200% larger than the Pigouvian benchmark when combined with information.
A case of hepatic sarcomatoid cholangiocarcinoma with diaphragmatic and right lower lobe lung invasion
Authors: Tsai Tsung Chiao , Su Che Min 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hepatic sarcomatoid cholangiocarcinoma is a rare, accounting for &lt;1% of cases and aggressive malignant neoplasm. This report presents a case of a 35-year-old female patient who presented with right shoulder pain, general weakness, anorexia, and weight loss. Imaging studies revealed a hepatic mass in segment S8, with invasion into the diaphragm and right lower lobe of the lung. The patient underwent surgical resection, and the pathological diagnosis confirmed hepatic sarcomatoid cholangiocarcinoma. This case report discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare malignancy, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management.
Common mycorrhizal networks enhance growth and nutrient uptake in non-mycorrhizal Chenopodium album via Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Chauhan Ambika , Kaur Mankeet , Singh Meenakshi , Singh Pradeep Kumar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) facilitate nutrient transfer between plants, but their role in supporting non-mycorrhizal species remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the effect of CMNs on the growth and nutrient uptake of the non-mycorrhizal plant Chenopodium album in association with the mycorrhizal plant Parthenium hysterophorus. The treatments included C. album alone, C. album grown with P. hysterophorus to allow CMN formation, and C. album treated with fungicide to inhibit mycorrhizal activity. Results showed that CMN treatment significantly enhanced the plant growth and uptake of nutrient content (N and P) in C. album compared to the control. There was no mycorrhizal colonization in C. album, while high colonization in P. hysterophorus suggested that the enhanced growth in C. album was due to nutrient uptake transfer through the CMNs. The fungicide treatment resulted in reduced growth and uptake of nutrient content, providing further evidence that CMNs and mycorrhizal associations of mycorrhizal plants enhanced the growth of C. album. These findings provide the first evidence that CMNs can enhance the growth and nutrient uptake of non-mycorrhizal plants through associations with mycorrhizal partners.
Insights into Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in South Africa (2018–2022)
Authors: Nkosi Mbali Precious , Hoog Keegan John , Lowe Michelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii causes P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP)—a leading opportunistic infection among persons with advanced human immunodeficiency virus. Furthermore, individuals with underlying conditions such as cancer and transplant recipients are susceptible to PJP. Most data on PJP come from other countries, with limited knowledge about its prevalence in Africa. The aim was to describe changes in the proportion of positive PJP tests in South Africa from 2018 to 2022. A 5-year retrospective study was conducted on patients with suspected P. jirovecii, detected by polymerase chain reaction. Data were obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service, where laboratory diagnostics were done as part of routine patient care. Mann–Whitney test and Χ2 tests were used to compare the age, sex, and wards with both the negative and positive results of PJP. From 2018 to 2022, a total of 8110 patients’ results were retrieved, and 8059 met the inclusion criteria. The positive test proportions of PJP in South Africa were 32.66%, 29.93%, 34.02%, 24.98%, and 25.78%, respectively. The median age was 35 years, with interquartile range of 24–43 years (P = .002). Female patients had a higher positive test proportion than males (59.39% vs. 38.74%, P &lt; .001). The proportion of positive PJP tests was higher in general wards (48.54%) and intensive care units (18.99%) (P = .012). The epidemiology of PJP in South Africa is similar to that of other countries in some respects but is influenced by unique factors specific to the country. These findings are crucial for public health planning, emphasising the need for targeted PJP prevention strategies considering sex- and age-specific vulnerabilities in South Africa.
The NuSTAR view of five changing-look active galactic nuclei
Authors: Lyu Bing , Yan Zhen , Wu Xue-bing , Wu Qingwen , Yu Wenfei , Liu Hao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Changing-look active galactic nuclei (CLAGNs) are known to change their spectral type between 1 and 2 (changing-state) or change their absorption between Compton-thick and Compton-thin (changing-obscuration) on timescales of years or less. The physical mechanism and possible connection between the two types of CLAGNs are still unclear. We explore the evolution of the broadband X-ray spectra from Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR ) and column density in five CLAGNs with moderate inclination viewing angles, which have shown significant variations of both optical types and X-ray absorption. Based on a phenomenological and two clumpy torus models, we find that the X-ray photon index (Γ) and the Eddington-scaled X-ray 2 − 10 keV luminosity (LX/LEdd) are positively correlated for the five sources, which are similar to other bright AGNs and optical CLAGNs at type 1 phase. We find a significant negative correlation between logNH, los and logLX/LEdd except for ESO 362-G18. Similar to changing-state AGNs, changing-obscuration AGNs may be also triggered by the evolution of the accretion disc. Our results support the disc wind scenario, where the disc wind proportional to the accretion rate and formed at moderate inclination angles would push the obscuration material further away and decrease the column density from the line of sight observed in the changing-look AGNs.
sOPTICS: a modified density-based algorithm for identifying galaxy groups/clusters and brightest cluster galaxies
Authors: Ma Hai-Xia , Takeuchi Tsutomu T , Cooray Suchetha , Zhu Yongda 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
A direct approach to studying the galaxy–halo connection is to analyse groups and clusters of galaxies that trace the underlying dark matter haloes, emphasizing the importance of identifying galaxy clusters and their associated brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs). In this work, we test and propose a robust density-based clustering algorithm that outperforms the traditional Friends-of-Friends (FoF) algorithm in the currently available galaxy group/cluster catalogues. Our new approach is a modified version of the Ordering Points To Identify the Clustering Structure (OPTICS) algorithm, which accounts for line-of-sight positional uncertainties due to redshift space distortions by incorporating a scaling factor, and is thereby referred to as sOPTICS. When tested on both a galaxy group catalogue based on semi-analytic galaxy formation simulations and observational data, our algorithm demonstrated robustness to outliers and relative insensitivity to hyperparameter choices. In total, we compared the results of eight clustering algorithms. The proposed density-based clustering method, sOPTICS, outperforms FoF in accurately identifying giant galaxy clusters and their associated BCGs in various environments with higher purity and recovery rate, also successfully recovering 115 BCGs out of 118 reliable BCGs from a large galaxy sample. Furthermore, when applied to an independent observational catalogue without extensive re-tuning, sOPTICS maintains high recovery efficiency, confirming its flexibility and effectiveness for large-scale astronomical surveys.
A systematically selected sample of luminous, long-duration, ambiguous nuclear transients
Authors: Wiseman P , Williams R D , Arcavi I , Galbany L , Graham M J , Hönig S , Newsome M , Subrayan B , Sullivan M , Wang Y , Ilić D , Nicholl M , Oates S , Petrushevska T , Smith K W 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
We present a search for luminous long-duration ambiguous nuclear transients (ANTs) similar to the unprecedented discovery of the extreme ambiguous event AT2021lwx with a $\gt 150$ d rise time and luminosity $10^{45.7}$ erg s$^{-1}$. We use the Lasair transient broker to search Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) data for transients lasting more than one year and exhibiting smooth declines. Our search returns 59 events, 7 of which we classify as ANTs assumed to be driven by accretion onto supermassive black holes. We propose the remaining 52 are stochastic variability from regular supermassive black hole accretion rather than distinct transients. We supplement the seven ANTs with three nuclear transients in ZTF that fail the light curve selection but have clear single flares and spectra that do not resemble typical active galactic nucleus. All of these 11 ANTs have a mid-infrared flare from an assumed dust echo, implying the ubiquity of dust around the black holes giving rise to ANTs. No events are more luminous than AT2021lwx, but one (ZTF19aamrjar) has twice the duration and a higher integrated energy release. On the other extreme, ZTF20abodaps reaches a luminosity close to AT2021lwx with a rise time $\lt 20$ d and that fades smoothly in $\gt 600$ d. We define a portion of rise-time versus flare amplitude space that selects ANTs with $\sim 50$ per cent purity against variable AGNs. We calculate a volumetric rate of $\gtrsim 3\times 10^{-11}$ Mpc$^{-1}$ yr$^{-1}$, consistent with the events being caused by tidal disruptions of intermediate and high-mass stars.
Inference of the Demographic Histories and Selective Effects of Human Gut Commensal Microbiota Over the Course of Human History
Authors: Mah Jonathan C , Lohmueller Kirk E , Garud Nandita R 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite the importance of gut commensal microbiota to human health, there is little knowledge about their evolutionary histories, including their demographic histories and distributions of fitness effects (DFEs) of mutations. Here, we infer the demographic histories and DFEs for amino acid-changing mutations of 39 of the most prevalent and abundant commensal gut microbial species found in Westernized individuals over timescales exceeding human generations. Some species display contractions in population size and others expansions, with several of these events coinciding with several key historical moments in human history. DFEs across species vary from highly to mildly deleterious, with differences between accessory and core gene DFEs largely driven by genetic drift. Within genera, DFEs tend to be more congruent, reflective of underlying phylogenetic relationships. Together, these findings suggest that gut microbes have distinct demographic and selective histories.
Association Between Sex Hormones and Mood, Cravings, and Urges in Males and Females Who Smoke Tobacco
Authors: Harrison Katherine , Abdelwahab Nermine , Allen Alicia , Petersen Ashley , Allen Sharon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Mood influences smoking behavior, with sex and sex hormones potentially complicating these relationships. We explored associations between the profile of mood states (POMS) and Questionnaire on Smoking Urges (QSU)—Brief with sex hormones in men and women who smoke.

Aims and Methods
This is a secondary analysis of treatment non-responders from a smoking cessation randomized trial investigating exogenous progesterone’s efficacy. We considered the sex-specific associations between absolute serum progesterone (PRO) level and progesterone-to-estradiol ratio (P/E2), as well as the relative change in serum PRO and P/E2 with POMS and QSU subscale scores. Poisson generalized estimating equations models were used to estimate the associations.

Results
The analysis included 127 participants (62 women: median age of 38, 61% White; 65 men: median age of 36, 54% White). There were sex-specific associations between POMS negative mood factors and relative PRO levels (eg, fatigue-inertia: women: 19% increase for a 10-fold increase in relative PRO, p = .03 vs. men: 10% decrease, p = .19) and relative P/E2 (eg, lonely: women: 7% increase for a 10-fold increase in relative P/E2, p = .63 vs. men: 27% decrease, p = .01). Generally, larger relative PRO and P/E2 were associated with increased POMS negative mood factors in women, while larger relative PRO and P/E2 in men were associated with decreased POMS negative mood factors. Similar trends between POMS negative mood factors and the absolute PRO and P/E2 were observed. No significant associations were observed with POMS positive mood factors or QSU subscales.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that the change in PRO and P/E2 may influence negative mood factors differently in men and women who smoke. Additional research is needed to understand how these sex-specific associations may contribute to smoking cessation.

Implications
Progesterone and estrogen were linked to increased negative mood factors in women, whereas in men they were linked to a decrease in negative mood factors. These observations shed light on potential sex-specific intervention targets for mood management in adults who smoke.
Current-Readout Technique for Ultra-High-Rate Experiments
Authors: Wakata Maki , Akamatsu Shoei , Fujiie Takuhiro , Furuyama Taisei , Hara Lisa , Ishikawa Yumi , Ito Tadashi , Kikuchi Takahiro , Mibe Tsutomu , Ozaki Sachi , Yokomizo Mitsuhiko , Murata Jiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study develops a new current-readout technique capable of handling measurements with high count rates reaching 1 Gcps. By directly capturing the output current of a photomultiplier as a digitized waveform, we estimate event rates, overcoming the limitations imposed by pulse pileup constraints and deadtimes. This innovative method is applied to a muon spin rotation/relaxation/resonance experiment at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex, demonstrating its expected performance. Furthermore, we explore methods for estimating statistical uncertainty and investigate potential applications in analog-logic OR/AND gates. Our findings reveal that the developed technique opens avenues for developing future nonbinary logic circuits operating based on $n$-adic numbers.
Tissue degrading and remodelling molecules in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Watanabe Nobumasa , Hara Yuichiro , Nishito Yasumasa , Kounoe Mai , Sekiyama Kazunari , Takamasu Eisuke , Kise Takayasu , Chinen Naofumi , Shimada Kota , Sugihara Makoto , Kawaji Hideya 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
GCA is a granulomatous vasculitis affecting large vessels, leading to intimal occlusion accompanied by the accumulation of myofibroblasts. Histopathologically, GCA is characterized by destruction of the tunica media and hypertrophy of the intima with invasion of activated CD4+ T cells, macrophages and multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs). Despite these well-defined histopathological features, the molecular pathology of GCA has largely remained elusive. We aimed to characterize the pathologic features of GCA at the molecular level.

Methods
To identify key molecules involved in GCA pathogenesis, we conducted genome-wide gene expression profiling on arterial lesions obtained through temporal artery biopsy of 16 patients who had not received any prior treatment. The resulting data were examined to reveal specific pathways and genes, and some of the molecules were followed up by immunohistochemistry.

Results
Our analysis revealed a unique gene expression pattern in GCA lesions, including enrichment of immune cells and phagocytic pathways related to microglia and osteoclasts. Subsequent immunohistochemistry analysis identified the presence of MMP12 (macrophage elastase), HLA-DRA, and phagocytosis- and osteoclast-associated molecules in infiltrating macrophages and MNGCs. Additionally, we discovered LRRC15-expressing cells in the tunica intima, suggesting a myofibroblast subpopulation that suppresses cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These molecules were upregulated in other granulomatous diseases affecting not only arteries but also lymph nodes.

Conclusion
Our study revealed novel molecules associated with the pathological features of GCA, providing a foundation for better understanding of GCA pathogenesis and development of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Deciding to Be Left Alone After Being Left Out: Behavioral Responses to Social Exclusion in Schizophrenia
Authors: Weittenhiller Lauren P , Kring Ann M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background and Hypotheses
People with schizophrenia are at risk for social exclusion, yet we know little about their responses. We hypothesized (1) people with schizophrenia would be more likely to withdraw following social exclusion compared to controls; (2) withdrawal intentions would be greater following exclusion compared to disappointment; (3) withdrawal behavior would be predicted by rejection sensitivity, alternative sources of acceptance, chronicity of exclusion, and perceived fairness; and (4) withdrawal following exclusion would be associated with more negative symptoms and poorer functioning.

Study Design
People with (n = 43) and without (n = 43) schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder played Cyberball - Behavioral Response, a novel version of the exclusion task. Participants responded to social exclusion with affiliative, retaliatory, and withdrawal behaviors within a 2 (Group: Schizophrenia vs. Control) × 3 (Game Type: Exclusion vs. Disappointment vs. Inclusion) mixed design. Participants reported their social experiences, affective and psychological responses following exclusion, negative symptoms, and functioning.

Study Results
People with schizophrenia reported heightened rejection sensitivity, fewer alternative sources of acceptance, and more chronic exclusion in daily life compared to controls. They responded to exclusion with more withdrawal behavior than controls, with social exclusion eliciting more of these responses than disappointment. Withdrawal responses were associated with chronicity of exclusion, and withdrawal and exclusion in daily life were linked to functional outcomes.

Conclusions
People with schizophrenia experience frequent social exclusion in daily life, and this predicts withdrawal responses to social exclusion. Findings provide initial evidence of vulnerability to a cycle of exclusion and withdrawal.
Epizelus (Hdt 6.117): A Medical History Critique and Reappraisal
Authors: Ford James C 
Published: January 2025

Summary
Most commentators have argued that the ‘curious’ tale of Epizelus is the first historical example of anxiety-related combat trauma. While the capacity to experience combat-related trauma is universal across human societies, focussing on whether Epizelus can be diagnosed with a specific contemporary traumatic condition is presentist and misguided. Instead of engaging in disputes about diagnosis, historians are better placed providing a close reading and dissection of the source material informed by historical and cultural historiography, raising new questions and offering a synthesis and analysis that can then be used responsibly by medical scholars. By doing so, the Epizelus episode can be recontextualised as an epiphany of a god: a story with deep meaning for the Athenians by the time that Herodotus was writing in the late fifth-century BC.
What Makes Saint Martin Come Marching In? On Facilitating Holy Play
Authors: de Groot Kees 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the study of urban events on the boundaries between the religious and the secular, an underdeveloped theme is the facilitation and performance of sacrality. Two questions should be asked: to what extent is an event ritualized and sacralized and how is religion involved? A further question is how these events succeed in performing the sacred. This article uses ethnographic research into the Saint Martin’s Day Parade in the Dutch city of Utrecht, a festive procession of children and parents, to clarify how the interplaying fields of religion, art, and, urban governance facilitate an event that may acquire the qualities of a “holy play,” depending on the fulfillment of performative requirements on one hand and the balance between sacralizing movements and particular strategies on the other.