bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Electricity Forecasting for Smart Buildings Using a TCN‐Bi‐LSTM Deep Learning Model
Authors: Gautam Sandeep Kumar , Shrivastava Vinayak , Udmale Sandeep S.
Published: January 2025

Integration of sensor technology and advanced software empowers consumers to manage energy usage proactively. This proactive approach yields positive impacts at both micro and macro levels, benefiting individuals and contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts. By leveraging predictive models, consumers can make informed decisions that serve their interests and promote a greener and more sustainable future for all. Thus, energy consumption (EC) prediction is crucial for effective resource management. In this study, we propose an innovative deep‐learning approach to predict EC, focusing specifically on smart buildings. Our model utilises a hybrid deep learning architecture to effectively capture low and high information patterns present in multivariate time series data of various sensors deployed in smart buildings and numerous influencing factors. To address the nonlinear and dynamic nature of this data, our model combines a deep neural network (DNN) with a deep learning sequential model (DLS). Specifically, temporal convolutional networks (TCN) within the DNN family are employed to extract various trends from the data, while the DLS model, which consists of Bi‐directional Long Short‐term Memory Networks (Bi‐LSTM), is employed to learn and capture these trends effectively. Consequently, we present a hybrid deep learning framework that leverages for learning multivariate time series data related to EC with shared feature representation. To validate our approach, we extensively evaluate our model using a dataset from an office building in Berkeley, California. Experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves satisfactory accuracy in EC prediction. For the 7‐h horizon and on multivariate TS data, an R2 of 0.97 is realised for the proposed model. This is confirmed by the 1.65% improvement in transiting from univariate to multivariate data, which supports using multiple modalities.
Actually Existing Geopolitics of Urban Knowledge Production. Questioning the ‘From Anywhere’ of Urban Theorising
Authors: Governa Francesca , Iacovone Chiara
Published: January 2025

This article addresses the geopolitics of urban knowledge production by focussing on articles published in the past six years (2018–2023) in six ‘international’ journals. It aims to contribute to ongoing debates on the questioning of Anglo‐American hegemony and the decolonisation of geographic scholarship through the analysis of the where of urban knowledge production in terms of the location of the authors and the places studied. Our analyses clearly highlight the highly selective nature of the geopolitics of urban knowledge production. And yet, this selectivity is not only based on, and related to, the North‐South divide, but also develops between cities and universities, defining an unequal and multiscalar geography of who and from where one can speak and be heard. Moreover, the geography of the places studied contradicts any claims of post/decolonising urban theory, of ‘urban theorising from anywhere’, of Southern, subaltern, alternative urban perspectives, and so on. As it emerges in ‘international’ publishing, the current situation of urban knowledge production clashes with the calls for a global urban knowledge and asks for a common effort to go beyond it.
An Occult Primary Thymic Mucosa‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma With Sjögren's Syndrome Revealed by CXCR4 Targeted 68Ga‐Pentixafor PET/CT
Authors: Gao Xuehan , Peng Xingtong , Wang Rongxi , Qian Zhihong , Zhou Xiaoyun , Zhu Zhaohui , Chen Yeye
Published: January 2025

Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an extranodal low‐grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that extremely rarely localises to the mediastinum. A 34‐year‐old female with chronic arthralgia, sicca and rash was found to have a well‐demarcated mediastinal cystic mass with equivocal nodular enhancement within the cystic wall on chest CT during a workup for Sjögren's syndrome. Subsequent 68Ga‐Pentixafor‐PET/CT revealed focal uptake increase within the cystic capsule. The patient underwent thoracoscopic resection of the mediastinal lesion, and pathology revealed MALT lymphoma in the wall of a thymic cyst. This case highlights that 68Ga‐pentixafor PET/CT could be valuable for the non‐invasive detection of occult thymic MALT lymphoma.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. (www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06086327)
Unveiling Molecular Dynamics of MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF in the Hippocampus of Individuals With Intractable Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Meshkinkhood NoorMohammad , Barati Dowom Parastoo , Noorbakhsh Farshid , Ghadipasha Masoud , Gharehdaghi Jaber , Kellinghaus Christoph , Speckmann Erwin‐Joseph , Khaleghi Ghadiri Maryam , Stummer Walter , Gorji Ali
Published: January 2025

Mutations occurring in the MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF genes have been linked to epileptogenesis in various epilepsy syndromes. This study employed bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data to examine the interrelationship among these genes in both epileptic and healthy individuals. Moreover, we assessed the expression of MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF at both mRNA and protein levels in human hippocampal tissues obtained from 22 patients undergoing epilepsy surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) as well as from 25 autopsied specimens. Bioinformatics findings suggest that MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF genes play a role in regulating genes associated with epilepsy and disruptions in these genes may contribute to epilepsy development. Furthermore, the study reveals significantly lower MeCp2 and CDKL5 protein levels in the epileptic hippocampus compared to controls. Positive correlations are observed between MeCp2 and CDKL5 mRNA expression in autopsied samples and between CDKL5 and BDNF mRNA expression in epileptic hippocampal tissues. Differences in mRNA expression correlation patterns of MeCp2 and CDKL5 with BDNF are found between epileptic and control hippocampal tissues. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between MeCp2 and CDKL5 protein expression is noted in control hippocampal tissues. Our data suggest that altered expression of MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF within the hippocampus may contribute to epileptogenic processes in MTLE, impacting seizure characteristics, surgical outcomes and responses to antiepileptic drugs. Alterations in the expression of MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF within the hippocampus might contribute to the epileptogenic processes in MTLE. These changes could be linked to distinct functional consequences in epilepsy.
Regulatory Fragmentation
Authors: KALMENOVITZ JOSEPH , LOWRY MICHELLE , VOLKOVA EKATERINA
Published: January 2025

Regulatory fragmentation occurs when multiple federal agencies oversee a single issue. Using the full text of the Federal Register, the government's official daily publication, we provide the first systematic evidence on the extent and costs of regulatory fragmentation. Fragmentation increases the firm's costs while lowering its productivity, profitability, and growth. Moreover, it deters entry into an industry and increases the propensity of small firms to exit. These effects arise from redundancy and, more prominently, from inconsistencies between government agencies. Our results uncover a new source of regulatory burden, and we show that agency costs among regulators contribute to this burden.
Piloting Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Within the Routine Antenatal Care System in Ethiopia: Insights From Stakeholders
Authors: Berhanu Anene Tesfa , Defar Atkure , Taye Girum , Daba Alemneh Kabeta , Alemayehu Senait , Tessema Bedasa , Zenebe Kalkidan , Opondo Charles , Tollera Getachew , Hailu Mesay , Schellenberg Joanna , Persson Lars Ake , Marchant Tanya , Tessema Masresha
Published: January 2025

In low and middle‐income countries, addressing maternal and child nutrition needs is crucial. Prenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) holds promise in reducing low birthweight and preterm births. Ethiopia is considering a transition from the provision of iron‐folate supplementation to the provision of MMS in antenatal care, guided by WHO guidelines. This paper explores stakeholders' early perceptions and experiences in piloting that transition in five Ethiopian regions, informing decision making about future policy and scale‐up. We used a qualitative study involving interviews and document reviews to assess the MMS pilot, analyzing themes with Nvivo 12 software. Key informant interviews revealed challenges such as supply chain issues and funding constraints, along with proposed improvement strategies such as closer coordination within existing structures. The importance of engaging with communities to create demand was emphasized, as was the need for capacity‐building efforts utilizing existing staff in the health system with a clear plan for ongoing refresher training. Finally, enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework, including a dedicated regional team for supportive supervision, was vital for accountability. In conclusion, prioritizing supply chain strengthening, community engagement through demand creation, coordination, and continuous capacity building for healthcare workers were thought to be crucial for the MMS program's success.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05708183 Registered 01 February 2023—Retrospectively registered, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05708183.
Cutaneous Manifestations of NAXD or NAXE Deficiency: A Literature Review for the Dermatologist
Authors: Abdulkarim Boraan , Mittal Setu , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Davis Dawn Marie , Camilleri Michael J. , Mohandesi Nessa Aghazadeh
Published: January 2025

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrate dehydratase (NAXD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrate epimerase (NAXE) deficiencies are rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorders characterized by severe neurological manifestations during infancy. In affected individuals, febrile illnesses can trigger progressive encephalopathy often accompanied by distinctive skin eruptions, resulting in high mortality rates. This study reviews the literature on NAXD/NAXE deficiencies, focusing on dermatological manifestations and their correlation with genotypic variations and treatment responses. A comprehensive literature search identified 45 patients with 31 pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations, and a median age of onset at 1.16 years. Patients with NAXE deficiency exhibited a broader range of age of symptom onset compared to those affected with NAXD deficiency. Fever or infections were identified as the most common triggers for decompensation episodes. Skin manifestations were observed in 31% of patients with whole cell NAXD and NAXE deficiencies. The characteristic skin eruption comprises well‐demarcated erythematous and erosive plaques progressing to blistering and necrosis, predominantly affecting flexural surfaces. The mortality rate was 78%, with survivors experiencing varying degrees of neurological sequelae. Niacin/nicotinamide supplementation resulted in improvements in skin lesions and survival rates. The review underscores the critical role of dermatologists in early diagnosis and intervention of NAXE and NAXD deficiencies. Recognizing characteristic skin manifestations is essential, particularly in patients with acute neurological decline following infections or vaccinations. Early intervention with specific supplements shows promise; however, further research is needed to establish standardized treatment protocols and enhance patient outcomes.
Discovery of the Novel HLA‐C*01:282 Allele by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Zhao He , Webster Destinie , Parsyak Svetlana , Hassan Abubaker , Mostafa Ahmed
Published: January 2025

The novel allele HLA‐C*01:282 has a single non‐synonymous mutation compared to HLA‐ C*01:02:01:01 in codon 100 in Exon 3.
Pre‐Crisis Conditions and Financial Crisis Duration
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Cong , Thuy Tien Ho
Published: January 2025

This paper examines how pre‐crisis conditions affect the duration of different types of financial crises using a data sample of 311 financial crises in 89 countries over the period 1985–2019. Results from our parametric survival analysis show that the duration of any type of financial crisis is longer for countries having higher levels of public debt prior to financial crises, whereas it is shorter for countries characterised by higher pre‐crisis levels of (i) current account balance, (ii) international reserves, (iii) GDP growth and (iv) institutional quality. Similarly, while pegged exchange rate regimes, productivity shocks and negative commodity price shocks are associated with a longer duration of financial crises, majority governments help countries emerge faster from crises. Moreover, pre‐crisis expansion of fiscal and monetary policies helps to shorten financial crises. We also find a positive effect of pre‐crisis fiscal balance on the probability of crisis ending, and it is noteworthy that this effect is strengthened under majority governments and a stronger institutional environment. Our empirical findings offer some important policy implications.
Modal verbs in South Asian Online Englishes: Exploring the use of must, (have) got to, have to and need to
Authors: Shakir Muhammad
Published: January 2025

This research article presents an analysis of four (semi‐)modals of necessity/obligation (must, (have) got to, have to and need to) in four CMC registers (comments, tweets, web forums and websites) originating from four South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) along with the United Kingdom and United States. The data are annotated for various factors like lexical verb association, source of obligation, subject person, genericity etc. The analysis is performed using multinomial logistic regression. The results show that verb association, source of obligation and register category are among the most significant predictors of modal choice. Regional patterns show that must is preferred in the South Asian data where the source of obligation is discourse internal (i.e. expressing opinion or speaker‐imposed obligation) in the registers of comments and tweets. Lastly, the Indian data are more likely to have its own norms of (semi‐)modal verb usage, indicating early ‘nativisation’ as suggested by Schneider (2007). The data from Sri Lank and Pakistan show signs of late ‘endonormative stabilisation’ for these two varieties. The Bangladeshi data indicate that the variety may have moved backwards from ‘endonormative stabilisation’ to be more an EFL‐like variety instead of an ESL one.
A propósito de respeto
Authors: Ruiz Morales Alvaro de Jesus
Published: January 2025

Se hace una reflexión sobre el ejercicio de la Medicina, sobre la actitud del médico, que debe ver en su paciente a un ser humano integral, y debe considerar todos los aspectos relevantes para su atención. Igualmente se reflexiona sobre la actitud en la relación con estudiantes de cualquier nivel en el ejercicio docente. 
El médico debe ser científico, crítico, preciso y metódico, pero al mismo tiempo debe ser humano, debe considerar todos los aspectos relevantes del paciente y de su entorno, todas sus circunstancias. Por eso se habla de la combinación de la ciencia con el arte. 
El propósito del ejercicio de la Medicina debe ser la búsqueda de ofrecer al paciente una buena calidad de vida, no más cantidad. Pero, cuando se agotan los recursos curativos, su propósito debe cambiar al de ofrecer al paciente una buena calidad de muerte, que sigue implicando atención médica (control del dolor y síntomas, por ejemplo) pero también control de ansiedad, de inquietudes, de procura de bienestar psicológico, espiritual, religioso y en todas las áreas posibles. 
Siempre el médico tendrá responsabilidades docentes, sea con su paciente y su familia, o con estudiantes de diversos niveles. Y el ejercicio de esa responabilidad debe hacerse también con humanidad, con respeto, con interés por las circunstancias del otro.
Investigation of Sensitivity Analysis of Crucial Dynamic Characteristics of Offshore Wind Turbine Utilizing Polynomial Chaos Expansion
Authors: Han Fucheng , Wang Wenhua , Han Xu , Shi Wei , Li Xin
Published: January 2025

The probabilistic-based design method is gaining attention in designing offshore wind turbines (OWTs) owing to its economic design. However, the numerous uncertain design variables and the tiny target annual failure probability make it unaffordable to achieve a reliable and economic design. Conducting sensitivity analysis (SA) is a common strategy to identify nonsignificant variables, thereby reducing the uncertainty space and accelerating the design process. To this end, this study aims to identify the factors significantly influencing the dynamic characteristics of OWTs from the structural geometrical, material properties, environmental, and soil uncertainties by conducting SA. Primarily, an improved method integrating the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) strategy with the traditional Morris screening method was proposed to accelerate the SA process, and it was further validated by comparing the natural frequency results with those of the PCE-based Sobol method. A comprehensive SA study was then carried out to explore the dominant variables highly influencing the representative dynamic responses using the proposed method. The results indicated that the pile foundation bending stiffness has a remarkable effect on the natural frequency following Young's modulus E and tower thickness t, and wind loads serve as the most prominent factor influencing support structural dynamic responses. Furthermore, according to the observed remarkable influence of the pile foundation stiffness parameter on the structural stress, it proved the necessity of introducing the coupled numerical model in the SA for OWT.
Mechanisms of uropathogenic
E. coli
mucosal association in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Azimzadeh Philippe N. , Birchenough George M. , Gualbuerto Nathaniel C. , Pinkner Jerome S. , Tamadonfar Kevin O. , Beatty Wandy , Hannan Thomas J. , Dodson Karen W. , Ibarra Enid C. , Kim Seonyoung , Schreiber Henry L. , Janetka James W. , Kau Andrew L. , Earl Ashlee M. , Miller Mark J. , Hansson Gunnar C. , Hultgren Scott J.
Published: January 2025

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are highly recurrent and frequently caused by Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) strains that can be found in patient intestines. Seeding of the urinary tract from this intestinal reservoir likely contributes to UTI recurrence (rUTI) rates. Thus, understanding the factors that promote UPEC intestinal colonization is of critical importance to designing therapeutics to reduce rUTI incidence. Although
E. coli
is found in high abundance in large intestine mucus, little is known about how it is able to maintain residence in this continuously secreted hydrogel. We discovered that the FimH adhesin of type 1 pili (T1P) bound throughout the secreted mucus layers of the colon and to epithelial cells in mouse and human samples. Disruption of T1P led to reduced association with colon mucus. Notably, this mutant up-regulated flagellar production and infiltrated the protective inner mucus layer of the colon. This could explain how UPEC resists being washed off by the continuously secreted mucus layers of the colon.
Chemical passivation and grain-boundary manipulation via in situ cross-linking strategy for scalable flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Weifu , Liu Jian , Song Wei , Shan Jiahong , Guan Haowei , Zhou Jun , Meng Yuanyuan , Tong Xinyu , Zhu Jintao , Yang Mengjin , Ge Ziyi
Published: January 2025

Flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PSCs) are considered the most promising candidates in portable power applications. However, high sensitivity of crystallization on the substrate and the intrinsic brittleness usually trade off the performance of f-PSCs. Herein, we introduced an initiator-free cross-linkable monomer (2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl) 5-(dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoate (FTA), which can chemically passivate defects and enable real-time fine regulation of crystallization. The resulting perovskite film exhibited higher crystallinity, enlarged grain size, and reduced dependence on the substrate. In addition, the cross-linked FTA [CL(FTA)] distributed along the grain boundaries effectively released the residual stress and securely bound the grains together. Consequently, the CL(FTA)-modified flexible PSCs achieved a record-breaking efficiency of 24.64% (certified 24.08%). Moreover, the scalable potential has been verified by the corresponding rigid and flexible modules, delivering impressive efficiencies of 19.53 and 17.13%, respectively. Furthermore, the optimized device demonstrated bending durability and improved operational stability, thereby advancing the progress of f-PSCs toward industrialization.
VPS18 contributes to phagosome membrane integrity in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
–infected macrophages
Authors: Jani Charul , Jain Neha , Marsh Amanda K. , Uchil Pooja , Doan Triet , Hudspith Meggie , Glover Owen T. , Baskir Zach R. , Boucau Julie , Root David E. , van der Wel Nicole N. , Doench John G. , Barczak Amy K.
Published: January 2025

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) has evolved to be exquisitely adapted to survive within host macrophages. The capacity to damage the phagosomal membrane has emerged as central to Mtb virulence. While Mtb factors driving membrane damage have been described, host factors that maintain phagosomal integrity or repair Mtb-induced damage to contain the pathogen remain largely unknown. We used a genome-wide CRISPR screen to identify host factors required to repair Mtb-damaged phagosomal membranes. Vacuolar protein sorting–associated protein 18 (VPS18), a member of the HOPS and CORVET trafficking complexes, was among the top hits. VPS18 colocalized with Mtb in macrophages beginning shortly after infection, and
VPS18
-knockout macrophages demonstrated increased damage of Mtb-containing phagosomes without impaired autophagy. Mtb grew more robustly in
VPS18
-knockout cells, and the first-line antituberculosis antibiotic pyrazinamide was less effective. Our results identify VPS18 as required for phagosomal membrane integrity in Mtb-infected cells and suggest that modulating phagosome integrity may hold promise for improving the efficacy of antibiotic treatment for TB.
Increasing rat numbers in cities are linked to climate warming, urbanization, and human population
Authors: Richardson Jonathan L. , McCoy Elizabeth P. , Parlavecchio Nicholas , Szykowny Ryan , Beech-Brown Eli , Buijs Jan A. , Buckley Jacqueline , Corrigan Robert M. , Costa Federico , DeLaney Ray , Denny Rachel , Helms Leah , Lee Wade , Murray Maureen H. , Riegel Claudia , Souza Fabio N. , Ulrich John , Why Adena , Kiyokawa Yasushi
Published: January 2025

Urban rats are commensal pests that thrive in cities by exploiting the resources accompanying large human populations. Identifying long-term trends in rat numbers and how they are shaped by environmental changes is critical for understanding their ecology, and projecting future vulnerabilities and mitigation needs. Here, we use public complaint and inspection data from 16 cities around the world to estimate trends in rat populations. Eleven of 16 cities (69%) had significant increasing trends in rat numbers, including Washington D.C., New York, and Amsterdam. Just three cities experienced declines. Cities experiencing greater temperature increases over time saw larger increases in rats. Cities with more dense human populations and more urbanization also saw larger increases in rats. Warming temperatures and more people living in cities may be expanding the seasonal activity periods and food availability for urban rats. Cities will have to integrate the biological impacts of these variables into future management strategies.
Adapting hybrid density functionals with machine learning
Authors: Khan Danish , Price Alastair J. A. , Huang Bing , Ach Maximilian L. , von Lilienfeld O. Anatole
Published: January 2025

Exact exchange contributions significantly affect electronic states, influencing covalent bond formation and breaking. Hybrid density functional approximations, which average exact exchange admixtures empirically, have achieved success but fall short of high-level quantum chemistry accuracy due to delocalization errors. We propose adaptive hybrid functionals, generating optimal exact exchange admixture ratios on the fly using data-efficient quantum machine learning models with negligible overhead. The adaptive Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof hybrid density functional (aPBE0) improves energetics, electron densities, and HOMO-LUMO gaps in QM9, QM7b, and GMTKN55 benchmark datasets. A model uncertainty-based constraint reduces the method smoothly to PBE0 in extrapolative regimes, ensuring general applicability with limited training. By tuning exact exchange fractions for different spin states, aPBE0 effectively addresses the spin gap problem in open-shell systems such as carbenes. We also present a revised QM9 (revQM9) dataset with more accurate quantum properties, including stronger covalent binding, larger bandgaps, more localized electron densities, and larger dipole moments.
Precision engineering of the probiotic
Escherichia coli
Nissle 1917 with prime editing
Authors: Chen Pei-Ru , Wei Ying , Li Xin , Yu Hai-Yan , Wang Shu-Guang , Yuan Xian-Zheng , Xia Peng-Fei
Published: January 2025

CRISPR-Cas systems are transforming precision medicine with engineered probiotics as next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics. To promote human health and treat disease, engineering probiotic bacteria demands maximal versatility to enable non-natural functionalities while minimizing undesired genomic interferences. Here, we present a streamlined prime editing approach tailored for probiotic
Escherichia coli
Nissle 1917 utilizing only essential genetic modules, including Cas9 nickase from
Streptococcus pyogenes
, a codon-optimized reverse transcriptase, and a prime editing guide RNA, and an optimized workflow with longer induction. As a result, we achieved all types of prime editing in every individual round of experiments with efficiencies of 25.0%, 52.0%, and 66.7% for DNA deletion, insertion, and substitution, respectively. A comprehensive evaluation of off-target effects revealed a significant reduction in unintended mutations, particularly in comparison to two different base editing methods. Leveraging the prime editing system, we inserted a unique DNA sequence to barcode the edited strain and established an antibiotic-resistance-gene-free platform to enable non-natural functionalities. Our prime editing strategy presents a CRISPR-Cas system that can be readily implemented in any laboratories with the basic CRISPR setups, paving the way for future innovations in engineered probiotics.

IMPORTANCE

One ultimate goal of gene editing is to introduce designed DNA variations at specific loci in living organisms with minimal unintended interferences in the genome. Achieving this goal is especially critical for creating engineered probiotics as living diagnostics and therapeutics to promote human health and treat diseases. In this endeavor, we report a customized prime editing system for precision engineering of probiotic
Escherichia coli
Nissle 1917. With such a system, we developed a barcoding system for tracking engineered strains, and we built an antibiotic-resistance-gene-free platform to enable non-natural functionalities. We provide not only a powerful gene editing approach for probiotic bacteria but also new insights into the advancement of innovative CRISPR-Cas systems.
CRISPR-guided base editor enables efficient and multiplex genome editing in bacterial cellulose-producing
Komagataeibacter
species
Authors: Xin Bo , Liu Jiaheng , Li Jinyang , Peng Zhaojun , Gan Xinyue , Zhang Yuxi , Zhong Cheng
Published: January 2025

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an extracellular polysaccharide produced by bacteria that has wide applications in the food industry, tissue engineering, and battery manufacturing. Genome editing of BC-producing
Komagataeibacter
species is expected to optimize BC production and its properties. However, the available technology can target only one gene at a time and requires foreign DNA templates, which may present a regulatory hurdle for genetically modified organisms. In this study, we developed a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-guided base editing method for
Komagataeibacter
species using Cas9 nickase and cytidine deaminase. Without foreign DNA templates, C-to-T conversions were performed within an 8 bp editing window with 90% efficiency. Double- and triple-gene editing was achieved with 80%–90% efficiency. Fusing uracil-DNA glycosylase with the base editor enabled C-to-G editing. The base editor worked efficiently with various
Komagataeibacter
species. Finally, mannitol metabolic genes were investigated using base-editing-mediated gene inactivation. This study provides a powerful tool for multiplex genome editing of
Komagataeibacter
species.

IMPORTANCE

Komagataeibacter
, a bacterial genus belonging to the family
Acetobacteraceae
, has important applications in food and material biosynthesis. However, the genome editing of
Komagataeibacter
relies on traditional homologous recombination methods. Therefore, only one gene can be manipulated in each round using foreign DNA templates, which may present a regulatory hurdle for genetically modified organisms when microorganisms are used in the food industry. In this study, a powerful base editing technology was developed for
Komagataeibacter
species. C-to-T and C-to-G base conversions were efficiently implemented at up to three loci in the
Komagataeibacter
genome. This base editing system is expected to accelerate basic and applied research on
Komagataeibacter
species.
Peritoneal flap repair for large (>8 cm width) recurrent incisional ventral hernia
Authors: Saini Vikram , Alla Sonali , Saini Megha , Khatri Varsha
Published: January 2025

The recurrence of large (>8 cm width) incisional hernias remains a challenging problem in surgical practice. We present a case report of a large recurrent incisional hernia following multiple prior procedures. The patient underwent a tension-free hernia repair using the hernia sac as a peritoneal flap. The surgical approach involved careful dissection and mobilisation of the hernia sac, which was then used to create peritoneal flaps on the anterior and posterior aspects of the mesh. This technique obviated the need for traditional component separation procedures, thereby preserving the integrity of the abdominal musculature. An intraoperative video is included to elucidate the procedural steps, demonstrating the meticulous handling of anatomical layers of the abdominal wall during peritoneal flap repair. This case highlights the efficacy of peritoneal flap repair as a viable alternative for managing large ventral hernias.
The cumulative effects of consecutive days of prolonged, physical work or activity on heat strain and physical performance: A Systematic Review.
Authors: Moore Daniel Cullum , Notley Sean R. , Aisbett B , Main L.C.
Published: January 2025

With climate warming, there is an urgent need to understand the health effects of occupational heat exposure. This systematic review examined the cumulative effects of consecutive days of prolonged physical work or activity on heat strain and physical performance. Electronic databases MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, PsychInfo and Academic Search Complete were searched until July 2024 with terms related to work, consecutive days and heat. Studies were included if they involved ≥4 hours of physical work/activity on ≥2 consecutive days, and included a measure of heat strain (e.g., core temperature) or physical performance (e.g., repetitions). After removing duplicates, 6030 studies were screened (title and abstract), 133 progressed to full-text screening, and 33 met the inclusion criteria with risk of bias assessed. However, only 5 studies used standardised environmental and work conditions across days. Synthesis of the cumulative effects (without meta-analysis) was therefore restricted to these studies. None observed a cumulative impact on heat strain, as indexed by a higher core temperature or heart rate compared to day 1. None reported a reduction in physical task performance across days. These findings indicate that cumulative effects of occupational heat exposure on heat strain and physical task performance were minimal, evidence supporting this conclusion is sparse. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023452936
Paleoenvironmental fluctuations across the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary, Scotian margin, Canada
Authors: Lin Noelle Jia-Rong , Bingham-Koslowski Nikole , Azmy Karem
Published: January 2025

Two wells, Thebaud C-74 and South Desbarres O-76, were investigated to evaluate paleoenvironmental changes across the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary on the Scotian margin, offshore Nova Scotia. A multi-technique approach using proxies of paleoredox (total organic carbon, total organic nitrogen, U, V, Mo, Cr, Fe, Mn, Th/U), productivity (δ13Corg, δ15Nair, Ni, Cu, P, Zn), terrigenous input (Al, Ti, Al/Ti, K/Al, total rare earth elements), and paleosalinity (B/Ga) was employed to identify a geochemical anomaly in both wells associated with the boundary. A shift to more reducing conditions and elevated productivity correlates with low terrigenous input at the start of the anomaly, followed by a shift of redox and productivity proxies to background levels and elevated terrigenous input and paleosalinity at the top of the anomaly. These correlative relationships are consistent in both wells, reflecting a transition to anoxic conditions at the start of the anomaly, predominantly driven by the consumption of oxidative agents due to a higher abundance of decomposing organic matter. Lack of correlation between productivity and terrigenous input proxies indicates that the increase in micronutrients driving elevated productivity is not related to an influx of terrigenous input, but rather upwelling. The positive correlation between terrigenous input and paleosalinity proxies suggests limited fluvial input. Results of this study were compared to other published studies through the same time interval and agree with the global paleoclimate and sealevel variations during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, suggesting reflection of global changes associated with the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary.
The repetitive DNA landscape in the ‘brizantha’ agamic complex of Urochloa P. Beauv.
Authors: Corrêa Caio Túlio Rodrigues , Vaio Magdalena , Barrios Sanzio Carvalho Lima , Valle Cacilda Borges do , Torres Giovana Augusta , Techio Vania Helena
Published: January 2025

Urochloa P. Beauv. (formerly classified as Brachiaria (Trin.) Griseb.) is a genus of African perennial grasses that is extensively cultivated in tropical countries for cattle nutrition. Three of the most economically relevant species, Urochloa brizantha, U. decumbens, and U. ruziziensis, form the ‘brizantha’ agamic complex, which includes allopolyploid series with distinct subgenomes. Investigating the composition and organization of repetitive DNA, a major component of grass genomes, can provide insights into their genomic relationships and evolutionary history. This study aimed to characterize the repetitive DNA landscape of selected Urochloa species belonging to the ‘brizantha’ agamic complex; identify and compare major repeat classes across species and evaluate their potential as cytogenetic markers on mitotic chromosomes using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Clustering analysis revealed that repetitive DNA constitutes 56–65% of the genomes, with Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons, particularly the Athila and Retand lineages, representing the most abundant repeat class. U. decumbens exhibited the highest proportion of Ty3/Gypsy retrotransposons, while U. ruziziensis had the highest satellite DNA content. The chromosomal location of representative satellites (UroSat-1a, UroSat-2a, and UroSat-3) was determined in all three species via FISH. UroSat-1a was detected in all centromeres, while UroSat-2a and UroSat-3 signals varied in number and position. Our findings validate the use of satDNA as cytogenetic markers in the Urochloa ‘brizantha’ agamic complex and revealed genomic relationships among different species and ploidy levels.
A model of inflation consistent with Planck 2018 and BICEP/Keck data
Authors: Chen Li-Yang , Yu Hongwei , Wu Puxun
Published: January 2025

We establish a phenomenological inflation model in this paper and find that the predicted values of the spectral index and the tensor-to-scalar ratio are well consistent with the results from the Planck 2018 survey and the BICEP/Keck array measurement, significantly improving the theoretical precision in describing the early universe’s inflationary process. After inflation, we find that preheating can occur from the tachyonic instability or the parametric resonance, which depends on the value of one of model parameters.
WHO CAN PROMOTE FIRM’S INNOVATION? EVIDENCE FROM THE INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSITION OF FAMILY BUSINESS
Authors: GAO WEIWEI , LI DONGDONG , CHEN QI
Published: January 2025

Chinese family business is experiencing a pivotal phase of succession. Although innovation can help family firms realise the goal of long-term development, it remains under-investigated whether and how the second generation influence family firms’ innovation. Based on the controversy on the successors’ behaviour, we explore the effect of the second generation on family firms’ innovation, both input and output included. We find that the engagement of the second generation can foster firm innovation, encompassing both the willingness and the high-quality outcomes of innovation. Also, this effect is more pronounced when family firms own greater competitiveness over their peers and exhibit higher level of financialisation. Path analysis indicates that the second generation may lead to reduced agency costs, minimised appropriation of receivables by large shareholders, and increased risk tolerance regarding innovation, thereby fostering a greater willingness to innovate and yield superior innovation outputs. We thus add to the literature on the succession in family firms and derive practical implications for family firms aiming to bring together family succession and innovative practices.
H&E2.0 — Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Biomarker Prediction Using Hematoxylin and Eosin-Stained Image
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lee Ren Yuan , Joseph Craig Ryan , Wee Yu Ting Felicia , Chong Li Yen , Yim Willa Wen-You , Leow Wei Qiang , Lim Tony Kiat Hon , Lau Mai Chan , Yeong Joe
Published: January 2025

Recent advances in clinical and research pathology are fueled by new histomorphological and molecular techniques, moving beyond traditional methods like Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical (IHC), which offer limited information and have high observer variability. Advanced methods like spatial omics provide detailed molecular mapping but are costly and complex. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising solution to these challenges by digitally predicting cellular and molecular biomarkers from H&E-stained images. This review highlights the development of a new field, H&E 2.0, which focuses on current and emerging AI advancements leveraging H&E stained images. We discuss the current capabilities of H&E 2.0 in predicting bulk biomarker quantity at the sample level, generating virtual staining at cellular resolution, and inferring in situ gene expression information from H&E slides across various tumor types. Additionally, we offer insights into the current challenges and potential future directions in this evolving field.
Advances in AI-Enhanced Biomedical Imaging for Cancer Immunology
Authors: Yim Willa Wen-You , Wee Felicia , Ho Zheng Yi , Feng Xinyun , Zhang Marcia , Lee Samuel , Zlobec Inti , Yeong Joe , Lau Mai Chan
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the analysis and transformation of biomedical images in the field of cancer immunotherapy. This review highlights the potential of AI to be deployed in the clinic as part of value-added healthcare, streamlining image analysis, facilitating the prediction of immunotherapy response, and integrating multi-modal data to offer a holistic view of patient conditions. We discuss the challenges facing clinical implementation, including data privacy, model interpretability, and the need for standardized reporting, which must be addressed to ensure patient safety.
Stepwise Parameter Estimation Approach for Enhanced Single Particle Model in Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Gyu , Kim Myung-Woo , Jeon Jae-Hoon , Lee Kyu-Jin , Kim Hong-Keun
Published: January 2025

With the growing demand for electric vehicles, there is an increasing need to accurately assess the internal states of lithium-ion batteries to enhance both performance and safety. This study introduces a novel parameter estimation approach based on an enhanced single particle model, which ensures high accuracy compared to experimental data. The parameter estimation process is carried out in four stages: determination of stoichiometric values (Stage 1), model parameter estimation using genetic algorithm (GA) (Stage 2), evaluation of entropy coefficients with SOC (Stage 3), and re-estimation of model parameters (Stage 4). The optimization algorithm aims to minimize the root mean square error between the experimental data and model results, targeting voltage and temperature errors within 30 mV and 0.5 °C, respectively. The proposed approach is validated using three commercial cylindrical LIBs with different chemistries (NCA, NMC, and LFP as cathode materials). The comparison results under constant current discharge and US06 driving test power cycle show good accuracy for both electrochemical and thermal characteristics.
A Thermo-electrochemical Model for Capacity Fading of Spinel Manganese Oxide Cathode-based Li-ion Half Cell
Authors: Sahu Swati , Buddhiraju Venkata Sudheendra , Runkana Venkataramana
Published: January 2025

Capacity fading of spinel lithium manganese oxide (LMO)-based cathode limits its widespread use in batteries. An electrochemical model to predict capacity fade of LMO cathodes is presented here. Different mechanisms of cathode degradation like manganese (Mn) dissolution from acid generated through solvent oxidation, salt decomposition, Mn deposition on negative electrode, Mn re-deposition on positive electrode, and phase transformation are included in the model. A dynamic open circuit voltage equation as a function of SoC and SoH is incorporated into the model to account for a temperature-induced phase change in LMO cathodes leading to further capacity fade at higher temperatures. The model predictions of cell discharge profiles agree well with published experimental data at two different temperatures (25 and 55 °C). Additionally, a thermal model is coupled with the electrochemical model to examine the influence of internal heat generation on Li-ion half cell dynamics. The resultant thermo-electrochemical model can predict the capacity fade of the cell under non-isothermal conditions.
Carbapenem‐Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated From a Patient in a Midwestern U.S. Hospital With a History of Indian Travel: Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Phan Christopher , Tsai Kristen , Gill Christian M. , Chamberland Robin , Hendrix Christian , Hou Rong
Published: January 2025

Carbapenemases have had increasing prevalence within the United States and worldwide. Here, we present a case of carbapenem‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) which is unique due to the rarity of multiple mechanisms of resistance within the Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring New Delhi metallo‐β‐lactamases (NDM), oxacillinase‐48 (OXA‐48)‐like, and cefotaximase (CTX‐M) resistance genes, detected in a patient following an international travel. This case demonstrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach to optimize the treatment of multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative organisms.
An Investigation on Characteristics of Spray Combustion Under GCI Engine Conditions Using Gasoline–Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Duy Nguyen Ho Xuan , Khai Tran Quang , Lim Ock Taeck
Published: January 2025

In this study, mixtures of high‐octane gasoline–biodiesel (GB) rating from 0% to 20%, denoted as GB00‐GB10‐GB20, were chosen to be experimented under simulated gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine inside a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) before making comparisons about spray and combustion characteristics. While typical data of the nonvaporization spray characteristics: spray penetration length, spray cone angle, and spray evolution were collected by varying 40–90 MPa of injection pressure at 15 kg/m3 ambient gas density, data representing combustion characteristics, namely the ignition delay, flame development, and heat release rate (HRR) were illustrated under 90 MPa injection pressure, same ambient gas density, and temperature variation of 900–1000 K. Although the fuel mixture spray development trends followed a similar pattern, GB10 and GB20 had an averagely 6.25%–7.7% faster impingement velocity than that of GB00 except for the lowest considered injection pressure. Additionally, the ignition delay reductions were recognized for both GB10 and GB20, with the duration dropping from 1.09 to 1.06 ms and 0.96 to 0.79 ms, respectively. The results for spray and combustion characteristics under GCI engine condition‐like showed a close relationship, offering valuable insights for simulation, spray, combustion, and ANN modeling, thereby supporting the development and application of GCI engines.
Elevated Type 2 Inflammatory Factors, Th2/Th1 Balanced Status, and Exosomes as a Marker of Severity in Chronic Actinic Dermatitis
Authors: Jun-Ting Tang , Ying Tu , Xiang Nong , Dong-Jie Sun , Li He
Published: January 2025

Background: Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a skin inflammation triggered by light exposure, occurring at the exposed site and potentially causing widespread inflammation throughout the body. While we hypothesize that severe CAD could progress to atopic dermatitis, the exact inflammatory mechanisms and pathogenesis remain unclear.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationships between CAD severity and clinical and immunological parameters.

Methods: CAD patients were classified into two groups based on severity: mild CAD and severe CAD. We assessed total IgE levels, eosinophil count in peripheral blood (PB), the ratio of Th2 cell percentage to Th1 cell percentages (Th2/Th1), and cytokine/chemokine levels in both PB and skin lesions.

Results: In our study, eosinophil counts in patients with severe CAD and mild CAD were significantly higher than those in the control group (p  < 0.05). It was exhibited a higher Th2/Th1 ratio in severe‐CAD patients compared with mild‐CAD patients and control group (p  < 0.05). There were significant increases in the levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐8, IL‐31, and IFN‐γ in the lesions of severe CAD patients compared to the control group (p  < 0.05). Additionally, the level of CD63 exosomes in the PB of severe‐CAD patients was significantly elevated compared to the control group (p  < 0.05). Persistent elevations of CD63 exosomes in severe CAD patients were associated with the Th2/Th1 balance status in PB (p  < 0.05).

Conclusion: Severe CAD demonstrates a shift toward Th2 immunity from Th2/Th1, accompanied by elevated with inflammatory factors such as IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐31, IL‐8, and IFN‐γ in skin lesions, as well as increased CD63 exosomes in PB. Thus, consequently, exosomes and Th2/Th1 imbalance may contribute to the systemic manifestations observed in CAD patients.
Supplementary Figure S2 from Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and a New Inflammatory Biomarkers Prognostic Index for Primary Retroperitoneal Sarcomas: Retrospective Monocentric Study
Authors: Fiore Marco , Ljevar Silva , Pasquali Sandro , Morelli Daniele , Callegaro Dario , Sanfilippo Roberta , Barisella Marta , Sangalli Claudia , Miceli Rosalba , Gronchi Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Supplemental Figure 2. Association of IBPI with postoperative serious complications Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher.