bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance assessment of a 30.26 kW grid-connected photovoltaic plant in Egypt
Authors: Hassan Amal A , Atia Doaa M , El- Madany Hanaa T , Eliwa Aref Y 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper presents an experimental analysis and performance evaluation of a grid-connected photovoltaic plant installed on the rooftop of the Electronics Research Institute in Cairo, Egypt. Cairo is classified as a hot-desert climate region according to the standard Koppen-Geiger climate classification system. Over a year, we monitored real-time data to assess key system performance metrics, such as energy yield, efficiencies, performance ratio, capacity factor, and losses. Based on the obtained experimental results, the highest final yield of 5.2498 hr/day was observed in the summer, whereas the lowest yield of 3.439 hr/day occurred in the winter months. The photovoltaic plant had an average annual system efficiency of 15.8%, while the photovoltaic and inverter had mean yearly efficiencies of 17.1% and 97.2%, respectively. The average annual performance ratio is 83.03%, and the capacity factor is 18.72%. The monthly total loss exhibited a linear rise alongside increasing ambient temperature and solar irradiance. The ambient temperature affected the system efficiency, photovoltaic efficiency, and performance ratio. The findings can help strengthen forecasts of future large-scale photovoltaic plants in hot desert climates. Moreover, they can guide the design, optimization, operation, and maintenance of new grid-connected photovoltaic systems.
Inward FDI and regional performance in Europe after the Great Recession
Authors: Crescenzi Riccardo , Ganau Roberto 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper looks at inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and regional labour productivity in the aftermath of the Great Recession, exploring two FDI-induced effects. The first effect is linked with a capacity of FDI per se to trigger short-term productivity gains in response to a global shock. The second effect is associated with the degree of industrial diversification of these investment flows. The results suggest that it is not the amount of foreign investment received per se that matters for productivity recovery but its composition. A low degree of FDI diversification helped regions to gain productivity after the shock. The effect is stronger in regions with an industrial profile concentrated in a limited number of sectors, particularly in services. FDI can support regional recovery, but in the short run, it does so by matching and reinforcing existing regional specialisation profiles and to the benefit of services-oriented regions.
Exploring Dual-Targeted Therapy in the Management of Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bhaskar Sonya , Makovich Zachary , Mhaskar Rahul , Coughlin Emily , Seminerio-Diehl Jennifer 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), often results in significant morbidity among patients with moderate to severe forms. While biologics and small molecules are effective in inducing remission, many patients experience refractory disease or extraintestinal manifestations. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of dual-targeted therapy in IBD patients treated at the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study examined 79 patients with UC or CD who received dual-targeted therapy at the University from October 2018 to August 2023. Data collected included demographics, disease characteristics, previous treatments, and clinical outcomes. Primary outcomes were endoscopic, radiographic, and patient-reported clinical improvements, with secondary outcomes focusing on safety profiles.

Results
Among the 79 patients (42 UC, 37 CD), 97 dual-targeted therapy cases were analyzed, primarily involving a biologic combined with a JAK inhibitor (90.7%). The median therapy duration was 39.1 weeks. Endoscopic improvement occurred in 69% of matched samples, with significant differences between pre- and postdual-targeted therapy Mayo scores for UC (P = .002) and Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) scores for CD (P = .018). The median pre- and postdual-targeted therapy Mayo scores across matched samples were 3 (range 1-3) and 1 (range 0-3), respectively, and for SES-CD scores were 12 (range 0-36) and 4 (range 0-20), respectively. Clinical improvement was reported by 73.2% of patients, with notable reductions in ESR (median 19 [range 2-124] mm/h to 9 [range 0-116] mm/h, P = .006), CRP (median 8.0 [range 0.2-78.5] mg/L to 3.0 [range 0.2-68.2] mg/L, P &lt; .001), and albumin levels (4.0 [range 2.2-4.9] mg/dL to 4.2 [range 3.4-5.2], P &lt; .001). Non-obesity was associated with both more endoscopic improvement (P = .002) and clinical improvement (P = .007). Adverse events occurred in 37 cases, predominantly upper respiratory tract infections and dermatologic issues, with no thromboembolic events reported.

Conclusions
Dual-targeted therapy demonstrated efficacy in improving clinical and endoscopic outcomes in patients with severe, refractory IBD and exhibited an acceptable safety profile. Despite the promising results, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal therapy combinations.
Predictors and clinical outcomes of true mitral stenosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Yamaga Mitsuki , Izumo Masaki , Sato Yukio , Shoji Tatsuro , Miyahara Daisuke , Kobayashi Yoshikuni , Kai Takahiko , Okuno Taishi , Kuwata Shingo , Koga Masashi , Tanabe Yasuhiro , Akashi Yoshihiro J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
Predictors of true degenerative mitral stenosis (MS) in patients with aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the predictors and prognostic value of true degenerative MS in this population.

Methods and results
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 760 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI. The mitral valve area (MVA) was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography, and mitral valve calcification was assessed using multi-detector computed tomography. MS was defined as an MVA of ≤2.0 cm², and true MS was defined as moderate or severe MS following TAVI. In our TAVI cohort, we identified 72 (9.5%) patients with degenerative MS. Among these, true MS was observed in 38 (52.7%) patients. Echocardiographic data showed that the true MS group had a significantly lower MVA and higher trans-mitral gradient. The severity of mitral annular calcification was not significantly different between the two groups; however, the true MS group had significantly more posterior mitral leaflet and anterior mitral leaflet (AML) calcification. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that AML calcification was the independent predictor of true MS [adjusted odds ratio, 9.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.84–29.9]. True MS was independently associated with poor prognosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.76; 95% CI 1.09–6.98).

Conclusion
Approximately half of the patients with concomitant degenerative MS who underwent TAVI had true MS, which was associated with a poor prognosis. Computed tomographic analysis of AML calcification was useful for predicting true MS.
Trends in Workplace Violence for Health Care Occupations and Facilities Over the Last 10 Years
Authors: Lombardi Brianna , Jensen Todd , Galloway Evan , Fraher Erin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Issues of workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare has garnered increasing attention, due to the impact on the health care worker well-being and retention. Yet, our understanding of whether and how WPV rates vary between health care facilities and occupations is limited, particularly information on growth over time. This information is needed to develop and target policies and interventions toward health care workers and settings most at risk. We examined trends in WPV among healthcare occupations and facilities over the past decade (2011-2021/2022), utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illness (SOII). Findings reveal a 30% increase across all health care facility types between 2011 and 2021/22; however there was no difference in the average rate of WPV for health care occupations over the same time period. The increase of WPV for health care facilities began long before the pandemic, suggesting larger systemic issues are likely driving WPV. Existing state and organizational efforts aim to mitigate WPV, yet targeted interventions are crucial. Understanding variations across occupations and facilities will inform tailored strategies to safeguard healthcare workers.
The GRAS transcription factor PtrPAT1 of Poncirus trifoliata functions in cold tolerance and modulates glycine betaine content by regulating the BADH-like gene
Authors: Ming Ruhong , Fang Tian , Ling Wei , Geng Jingjing , Qu Jing , Zhang Yu , Chen Jianhua , Yao Shaochang , Li Liangbo , Huang Ding , Liu Ji-Hong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
GRAS, termed after gibberellic acid insensitive (GAI), RGA (repressor of GA1), and SCR (scarecrow), is a plant-specific transcription factor crucial for plant development and stress response. However, understanding of the functions played by the GRAS members and their target genes in citrus is limited. In this study, we identified a cold stress-responsive GRAS gene from Poncirus trifoliata, designated as PtrPAT1, by yeast one-hybrid library screening using the promoter of PtrBADH-l, a betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH)-like gene. PtrPAT1, belonging to the PAT1 subfamily, was localized in the nucleus and plasma membrane, exhibited transactivation activity and showed a remarkable upregulation under cold stress. Overexpression of PtrPAT1 elevated BADH activity, increased glycine betaine (GB) accumulation, and conferred enhanced cold tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants compared with wild type, while downregulation in trifoliate orange by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in opposite trends. Furthermore, the activities of two antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were significantly increased in the overexpression plants, but remarkably decreased in the VIGS line, consistent with accumulation patterns of the reactive oxygen species (ROSs). PtrPAT1 was demonstrated to interact with and activate the PtrBADH-l promoter through the putative PAT1-binding motif with the core sequence of TTTCATGT, indicating that PtrBADH-l is a target gene of PtrPAT1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PtrPAT1 positively affects cold tolerance through the regulation of GB biosynthesis by modulating PtrBADH-l expression.
The ubiquitin ligase VviPUB19 negatively regulates grape cold tolerance by affecting the stability of ICEs and CBFs
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhao Mengyu , Zhang Xue , Zhao Ting , Huang Congbo , Tang Yujin , Li Yan , Zhang Chaohong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cold stress seriously affects plant growth and development. The ubiquitination system plays an important role by degrading and modifying substrates at the protein level. In this study, the U-box type ubiquitin ligase VviPUB19 gene was induced by low temperature (4°C) in grapevine. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the pub19 mutant, a homologous mutation of VviPUB19, exhibited enhanced cold tolerance, and the resistance phenotype of the mutant could be attenuated by VviPUB19. VviPUB19-overexpressing grape lines exhibited lower cold tolerance. Furthermore, it was revealed that VviPUB19 interacted with the cold-related transcription factors VviICE1, 2, and 3 and VviCBF1 and 2, and was involved in the degradation of them. This is the first time that an E3 ligase (VviPUB19) that interacts with CBFs and affects its protein stability has been identified. It was also shown that VviICE1, 2, and 3 positively regulated VviPUB19 promoter activity. Therefore, our results suggest that VviPUB19 reduces grape cold tolerance via participating in the CBF-dependent pathway.
High-quality genome of black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) provides insights into the genetics of anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation
Authors: Xu Yuhui , Li Haoxia , Shi Tongwei , Luo Qing , Chen Yuchao , Guo Shenghu , Tian Weiwei , An Wei , Zhao Jian , Yin Yue , He Jun , Zheng Rui , Liang Xiaojie , Wang Yajun , Zhang Xiyan , Shi Zhigang , Duan Linyuan , Qin Xiaoya , Huang Ting , Zhang Bo , Wan Ru , Li Yanlong , Cao Youlong , Liu Hui , Shu Sheng , Xiong Aisheng , Zhao Jianhua 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) is an important plant for ecological preservation. In addition, its fruits are rich in anthocyanins and have important edible and medicinal value. However, a high-quality chromosome-level genome for this species is not yet available, and the regulatory mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins are unclear. In this study, haploid material was used to assemble a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of Lycium ruthenicum, resulting in a genome size of 2272 Mb with contig N50 of 92.64 Mb, and 38 993 annotated gene models. In addition, the evolution of this genome and large-scale variations compared with the Ningxia wolfberry Lycium barbarum were determined. Importantly, homology annotation identified 86 genes involved in the regulatory pathway of anthocyanin biosynthesis, five of which [LrCHS1 (evm.TU.Chr05.295), LrCHS2 (evm.TU.Chr09.488), LrAOMT (evm.TU.Chr09.809), LrF3’5’H (evm.TU.Chr06.177), and LrAN2.1 (evm.TU.Chr05.2618)] were screened by differential expression analysis and correlation analysis using a combination of transcriptome and metabolome testing. Overexpression of these genes could significantly up- or downregulate anthocyanin-related metabolites. These results will help accelerate the functional genomic research of L. ruthenicum, and the elucidation of the genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis will be beneficial for breeding new varieties and further exploring its ecological conservation potential.
Trade-offs between receptor modification and fitness drive host-bacteriophage co-evolution leading to phage extinction or co-existence
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhao Xue , Wongso Shelyn , Lin Zhuohui , Wang Siyun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Parasite–host co-evolution results in population extinction or co-existence, yet the factors driving these distinct outcomes remain elusive. In this study, Salmonella strains were individually co-evolved with the lytic phage SF1 for 30 days, resulting in phage extinction or co-existence. We conducted a systematic investigation into the phenotypic and genetic dynamics of evolved host cells and phages to elucidate the evolutionary mechanisms. Throughout co-evolution, host cells displayed diverse phage resistance patterns: sensitivity, partial resistance, and complete resistance, to wild-type phage. Moreover, phage resistance strength showed a robust linear correlation with phage adsorption, suggesting that surface modification-mediated phage attachment predominates as the resistance mechanism in evolved bacterial populations. Additionally, bacterial isolates eliminating phages exhibited higher mutation rates and lower fitness costs in developing resistance compared to those leading to co-existence. Phage resistance genes were classified into two categories: key mutations, characterized by nonsense/frameshift mutations in rfaH-regulated rfb genes, leading to the removal of the receptor O-antigen; and secondary mutations, which involve less critical modifications, such as fimbrial synthesis and tRNA modification. The accumulation of secondary mutations resulted in partial and complete resistance, which could be overcome by evolved phages, whereas key mutations conferred undefeatable complete resistance by deleting receptors. In conclusion, higher key mutation frequencies with lower fitness costs promised strong resistance and eventual phage extinction, whereas deficiencies in fitness cost, mutation rate, and key mutation led to co-existence. Our findings reveal the distinct population dynamics and evolutionary trade-offs of phage resistance during co-evolution, thereby deepening our understanding of microbial interactions.
Metagenomic time series reveals a Western English Channel viral community dominated by members with strong seasonal signals
Authors: Bolaños Luis M , Michelsen Michelle , Temperton Ben 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Marine viruses are key players of ocean biogeochemistry, profoundly influencing microbial community ecology and evolution. Despite their importance, few studies have explored continuous inter-seasonal viral metagenomic time series in marine environments. Viral dynamics are complex, influenced by multiple factors such as host population dynamics and environmental conditions. To disentangle the complexity of viral communities, we developed an unsupervised machine learning framework to classify viral contigs into “chronotypes” based on temporal abundance patterns. Analysing an inter-seasonal monthly time series of surface viral metagenomes from the Western English Channel, we identified chronotypes and compared their functional and evolutionary profiles. Results revealed a consistent annual cycle with steep compositional changes from winter to summer and steadier transitions from summer to winter. Seasonal chronotypes were enriched in potential auxiliary metabolic genes of the ferrochelatases and 2OG-Fe(II) oxygenase orthologous groups compared to non-seasonal types. Chronotypes clustered into four groups based on their correlation profiles with environmental parameters, primarily driven by temperature and nutrients. Viral contigs exhibited a rapid turnover of polymorphisms, akin to Red Queen dynamics. However, within seasonal chronotypes, some sequences exhibited annual polymorphism recurrence, suggesting that a fraction of the seasonal viral populations evolve more slowly. Classification into chronotypes revealed viral genomic signatures linked to temporal patterns, likely reflecting metabolic adaptations to environmental fluctuations and host dynamics. This novel framework enables the identification of long-term trends in viral composition, environmental influences on genomic structure, and potential viral interactions.
Federated learning of medical concepts embedding using BEHRT
Authors: Ben Shoham Ofir , Rappoport Nadav 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Electronic health record data is often considered sensitive medical information. Therefore, the EHR data from different medical centers often cannot be shared, making it difficult to create prediction models using multicenter EHR data, which is essential for such models’ robustness and generalizability. Federated learning (FL) is an algorithmic approach that allows learning a shared model using data in multiple locations without the need to store all data in a single central place. Our study aims to evaluate an FL approach using the BEHRT model for predictive tasks on EHR data, focusing on next visit prediction.

Materials and Methods
We propose an FL approach for learning medical concepts embedding. This pretrained model can be used for fine-tuning for specific downstream tasks. Our approach is based on an embedding model like BEHRT, a deep neural sequence transduction model for EHR. We train using FL, both the masked language modeling (MLM) and the next visit downstream model.

Results
We demonstrate our approach on the MIMIC-IV dataset. We compare the performance of a model trained with FL to one trained on centralized data, observing a difference in average precision ranging from 0% to 3% (absolute), depending on the length of the patients’ visit history. Moreover, our approach improves average precision by 4%-10% (absolute) compared to local models. In addition, we show the importance of the usage of pretrained MLM for the next visit diagnoses prediction task.

Discussion and Conclusion
We find that our FL approach reaches very close to the performance of a centralized model, and it outperforms local models in terms of average precision. We also show that pretrained MLM improves the model’s average precision performance in the next visit diagnoses prediction task, compared to an MLM without pretraining.
Activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors regulate connective tissue growth factor protein levels via the AKT pathway in malignant mesothelioma cells
Authors: Suehiro Tomoya , Ahmad Khoja Mouhand , Hoang Nguyen Truong Duc , Xu Bingwen , Komatsu Honoka , Kurachi Komei , Nikawa Hiroki , Mine Yuichi , Matsuki Tohru , Asano Katsura , Fujii Makiko 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM), a disease linked to refractory asbestos exposure, continues to increase globally and remains largely resistant to various treatments. Our previous studies have identified a strong correlation between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) protein expression and MM malignancy, underscoring the importance of understanding CTGF regulation in MM cells. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) ligand, PDGF-BB, increases CTGF protein expression levels without affecting CTGF mRNA levels. Inhibition of PDGFR resulted in a reduction of CTGF protein expression, indicating that PDGFR activation is essential in regulating CTGF protein expression in MM cells. PDGF-BB also activated the protein kinase B (AKT) pathway, and inhibition of AKT phosphorylation abolished the PDGFR-induced CTGF protein expression, suggesting that PDGFR acts upstream of CTGF via the AKT pathway. This reinforces the role of CTGF protein as a key regulator of MM malignancy. Additionally, PDGFR activation led to the phosphorylation of mTOR and 4E-BP1, critical regulators of protein synthesis downstream of AKT, suggesting that PDGFR controls CTGF protein expression through the regulation of CTGF mRNA translation.
Are they there, how many, and how big? Investigating potential trap biases in the surveillance of La Crosse virus vectors
Authors: Day Corey A , Trout Fryxell Rebecca T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Several methods of mosquito collection are used for the surveillance of the primary La Crosse virus (LACV) vectors, Aedes triseriatus (Say, 1823), Ae. albopictus (Skuse, 1895), and Ae. japonicus (Theobald, 1901). However, little is known about how the choice of collection method may confound inferences made from LACV vector surveillance data. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate potential biases in the surveillance of LACV vectors using the Biogents BG-Sentinel 2 (BGS), CDC-Light Trap (CDC-LT), Biogents Gravid Aedes Trap (BG-GAT), and standard oviposition cup (ovicup). The traps were deployed simultaneously at 10 sites in Knovxille, Tennessee, USA for 20 consecutive weeks. Surveillance results differed widely among the traps, demonstrating a strong potential for trap biases in LACV vector surveillance. The BGS and CDC-LT were effective for collecting Ae. albopictus but were not sensitive to the presence of Ae. triseriatus or Ae. japonicus. The ovicup was the best trap for detecting Ae. triseriatus, while the BG-GAT was the only trap that regularly collected Ae. japonicus. Surveillance conducted with the CDC-LT or BGS indicated that Ae. albopictus was dominant at all sites, but the ovicup and BG-GAT suggested a much larger relative abundance of Ae. triseriatus and Ae. japonicus, respectively. Aedes albopictus and Ae. triseriatus collected in the BG-GAT were significantly larger than those collected from the BGS and CDC-LT, indicating that the traps sampled different sub-populations. A multi-method surveillance approach is recommended to reduce potential biases when conducting surveillance of LACV vectors.