bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of unimodal probability distribution models for morphological phenotyping of budding yeast
Authors: Ohya Yoshikazu , Ghanegolmohammadi Farzan , Itto-Nakama Kaori 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Morphological phenotyping of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has helped to greatly clarify the functions of genes and increase our understanding of cellular functional networks. It is necessary to understand cell morphology and perform quantitative morphological analysis (QMA) but assigning precise values to morphological phenotypes has been challenging. We recently developed the Unimodal Morphological Data image analysis pipeline for this purpose. All true values can be estimated theoretically by applying an appropriate probability distribution if the distribution of experimental values follows a unimodal pattern. This reliable pipeline allows several downstream analyses, including detection of subtle morphological differences, selection of mutant strains with similar morphology, clustering based on morphology, and study of morphological diversity. In addition to basic research, morphological analyses of yeast cells can also be used in applied research to monitor breeding and fermentation processes and control the fermentation activity of yeast cells.
Transcribed enhancer sequences are required for maize p1 paramutation
Authors: Sidorenko Lyudmila V , Chandler Vicki L , Wang Xiujuan , Peterson Thomas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Paramutation is a transfer of heritable silencing states between interacting endogenous alleles or between endogenous alleles and homologous transgenes. Prior results demonstrated that paramutation occurs at the P1-rr (red pericarp and red cob) allele of the maize p1 (pericarp color 1) gene when exposed to a transgene containing a 1.2-kb enhancer fragment (P1.2) of P1-rr. The paramutable P1-rr allele undergoes transcriptional silencing resulting in a paramutant light-pigmented P1-rr′ state. To define more precisely the sequences required to elicit paramutation, the P1.2 fragment was further subdivided, and the fragments transformed into maize plants and crossed with P1-rr. Analysis of the progeny plants showed that the sequences required for paramutation are located within a ∼600-bp segment of P1.2 and that this segment overlaps with a previously identified enhancer that is present in 4 direct repeats in P1-rr. The paramutagenic segment is transcribed in both the expressed P1-rr and the silenced P1-rr′. Transcription is sensitive to α-amanitin, indicating that RNA polymerase II mediates most of the transcription of this sequence. Although transcription within the paramutagenic sequence was similar in all tested genotypes, small RNAs were more abundant in the silenced P1-rr′ epiallele relative to the expressed P1-rr allele. In agreement with prior results indicating the association of RNA-mediated DNA methylation in p1 paramutation, DNA blot analyses detected increased cytosine methylation of the paramutant P1-rr′ sequences homologous to the transgenic P1.2 subfragments. Together these results demonstrate that the P1-rr enhancer repeats mediate p1 paramutation.
MicroRNA396 negatively regulates shoot regeneration in tomato
Authors: Park Su-Jin , Park Ji-Sun , Yang Jin Ho , Moon Ki-Beom , Shin Seung Yong , Jeon Jae-Heung , Kim Hyun-Soon , Lee Hyo-Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Numerous studies have been dedicated to genetically engineering crops to enhance their yield and quality. One of the key requirements for generating genetically modified plants is the reprogramming of cell fate. However, the efficiency of shoot regeneration during this process is highly dependent on genotypes, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identified microRNA396 (miR396) as a negative regulator of shoot regeneration in tomato. By selecting two genotypes with contrasting shoot regeneration efficiencies and analyzing their transcriptome profiles, we found that miR396 and its target transcripts, which encode GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORs (GRFs), exhibit differential abundance between high- and low-efficiency genotypes. Suppression of miR396 functions significantly improved shoot regeneration rates along with increased expression of GRFs in transformed T0 explants, suggesting that miR396 is a key molecule involved in the determination of regeneration efficiency. Notably, we also showed that co-expression of a miR396 suppressor with the gene-editing tool can be employed to generate gene-edited plants in the genotype with a low capacity for shoot regeneration. Our findings show the critical role of miR396 as a molecular barrier to shoot regeneration in tomato and suggest that regeneration efficiency can be improved by blocking this single microRNA.
Comprehensive performance of parallel feed MEE-MVC evaporation system
Authors: Bai Fan , Gong Luyuan , Shen Shengqiang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The mathematical model based on conservation of energy, mass and salinity is established to analyse the comprehensive performance of parallel feed multi-effect evaporation system with mechanical vapor compression (MEE-MVC) system. It is found that the efficiency of the MVC evaporation system gradually improves as the number of evaporator effect increases. However, the optimization trend of specific power consumption (SPC) and coefficient of performance (COP) are declining when the number of evaporator effect exceeds 3, which makes the marginal effect of the efforts made to improve the system gradually weakened. Then, the three-effect MVC evaporation system is taken as the main research subject to investigate comprehensive performance of the system. It was found that the SPC of the system increases with the increase of the total heat transfer temperature difference; on the other hand, the COP decreased significantly with the increase of the total heat transfer temperature difference. Furthermore, increasing the evaporation temperature in the last evaporator as well as compressor efficiency can optimize the energy efficiency of the system. In addition, the compressor efficiency has a greater influence on the SPC when the total heat transfer temperature difference is larger, whereas the compressor efficiency has a greater influence on the COP when the total heat transfer temperature difference is smaller.
Optimized charging strategy for large-scale electric vehicles
Authors: Zhou Minglong , Cheng Jingjing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained support from many governments, including China, due to their low-carbon, oil-independent and environmentally friendly characteristics. However, many EVs connected to the grid for charging will significantly burden the grid. In this paper, considering the actual situation, we propose a control strategy centered on EV users and supplemented by the power grid. Under the premise of guaranteeing users’ demand, we establish mathematical models to reduce users’ expenses and the peak-to-valley difference of the power grid and improve the particle swarm optimization algorithm to obtain better performance. We have verified the feasibility of the proposed strategy with examples, prioritizing the state of charge (SOC) of EVs even if the electricity price is expensive because EV users are more concerned about the EV SOC. The proposed strategy has a positive significance in reducing the cost and the grid’s peak-to-valley difference. The strategy has an excellent prospect for application because it takes into account the actual situation of large-scale charging of EVs.
A Model of Individual BMI Trajectories
Authors: Bogaardt Laurens , van Giessen Anoukh , Picavet H Susan J , Boshuizen Hendriek C 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A risk factor model of body mass index (BMI) is an important building block of health simulations aimed at estimating government policy effects with regard to overweight and obesity. We created a model that generates representative population level distributions and that also mimics realistic BMI trajectories at an individual level so that policies aimed at individuals can be simulated. The model is constructed by combining several datasets. First, the population level distribution is extracted from a large, cross-sectional dataset. The trend in this distribution is estimated from historical data. In addition, longitudinal data are used to model how individuals move along typical trajectories over time. The model faithfully describes the population level distribution of BMI, stratified by sex, level of education and age. It is able to generate life course trajectories for individuals which seem plausible, but it does not capture extreme fluctuations, such as rapid weight loss.
Curated Power: The Performative Politics of (Industry) Events
Authors: Kremers Ruben , Rethel Lena 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Since the turn of the millennium, there has been an increased interest in the social performance of power in international political sociology. At the same time, recent years have seen the growing popularity of event ethnographic research approaches. In this article, we develop the concept of “curated power” as a tool to explore the performative enactment of power at and through conferences and events. A focus on curated power, we argue, can orient scholars of performative power toward conferences and events as an analytical entry point, and orient event ethnographic approaches toward the performance of classed, gendered, and racialized hierarchies as a central research concern. To develop these points, and to illustrate the analytical purchase of the concept, we provide a concrete example of its application by analyzing the performative enactment of social hierarchies at industry events in two alternative financial subsectors: FinTech and Islamic finance. In both sectors, we show that curated power can provide a situated and nuanced understanding of why and how corporate efforts to change finance for the better—whether on the basis of religious principles or advanced technological capabilities—often remain complicit in perpetuating classed, gendered, and racialized hierarchies.
O01 Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales infections: experience from a large tertiary care centre in a developing country
Authors: Aiesh Banan M , Maali Yazan , Qandeel Farah , Omarya Siwar , Taha Shatha Abu , Sholi Suha , Sabateen Ali , Taha Adham Abu , Zyoud Sa’ed H 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Carbapenem-resistant (CR) Enterobacterales (CREs) are a significant source of healthcare-associated infections. These bacteria are difficult to treat and have a high mortality rate due to high rates of antibiotic resistance. These pathogens are also linked to major outbreaks in healthcare institutions, especially those with limited resources in infection prevention and control.

Objectives
To describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a referral hospital in a developing country.

Methods
This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that included 218 patients admitted to An-Najah National University Hospital between 1 January 2021, and 31 May 2022. The target population was all patients with CRE infection or colonization in the hospital setting.

Results
Of the 218 patients, 135 had CR Klebsiella pneumoniae (61.9%) and 83 had CR Escherichia coli (38.1%). Of these, 135 were male (61.9%) and 83 were female (38.1%), with a median age of 51 years (IQR 24–64). Malignancy was a common comorbidity in 36.7% of the patients. Approximately 18.3% of CRE patients were obtained from patients upon admission to the emergency department, the largest percentage among departments. Most CRE pathogens were isolated from rectal swabs, accounting for 61.3%. Among the 218 patients, colistin was the most widely used antimicrobial agent (13.3%). CR E. coli showed resistance to amikacin in 23.8% of the pathogens tested and 85.7% for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared with CR K. pneumoniae, for which the resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was 74.1%, while for amikacin it was 64.2%. Regarding meropenem MIC, 85.7% of CR E. coli were greater than 16 mg/L compared with 84% of CR K. pneumoniae isolates.

Conclusions
This study found that CREs are frequently reported in this tertiary care setting, implying the presence of selective pressure and transmission associated with healthcare setting. The antibiotics tested showed a variety of resistance rates, with CR K. pneumoniae being more prevalent than CR E. coli and exhibiting an extremely high resistance pattern to the available therapeutic options.
Notch signaling pathway induces expression of type IV collagen in angiogenesis
Authors: Kukita Kazuki , Matsuzaka Nanaka , Takai Mikihisa , Imamura Yasutada , Shin Yongchol 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Mural cell adhesion is important for the localization of basement membrane components during angiogenesis, and cell–cell interactions are thought to be critical for basement membrane formation. Type IV collagen, a component of the basement membrane, and non-triple helical type IV collagen α1 chain (NTH α1(IV)) co-localize in the basement membrane of neovascular vessels. However, it remains unclear how type IV collagen and NTH α1(IV) are produced around the basement membrane. In the present study, we developed a de novo angiogenesis model using human umbilical vein endothelial cell spheroids and TIG-1 fibroblast cells and demonstrated that NTH α1(IV), probably with α1(IV) chain before forming triple helix molecule, was localized in the fibroblasts in contact with vascular endothelial cells. This localization was disrupted by DAPT, a Notch signaling inhibitor. DAPT treatment also reduced type IV collagen and NTH α1(IV) secretion in TIG-1 fibroblasts, along with diminished COL4A1 and COL4A2 gene expression. Downregulation of Notch3 in TIG-1 fibroblasts decreased the secretion of type IV collagen and NTH α1(IV). Taken together, these findings suggest that heterogeneous and homogeneous intercellular Notch signaling via Notch3 induces type IV collagen and NTH α1(IV) expression in fibroblasts and contributes to basement membrane formation in neovascular vessels.
Alteration in the gut microbiome is associated with changes in bone metabolism after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Wu Karin C , McCauley Kathryn E , Lynch Susan V , Nayak Renuka R , King Nicole J , Patel Sheena , Kim Tiffany Y , Condra Katherine , Fadrosh Doug , Nguyen Dat , Lin Din L , Lynch Kole , Rogers Stanley J , Carter Jonathan T , Posselt Andrew M , Stewart Lygia , Schafer Anne L 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the most common bariatric surgical procedure, leads to durable weight loss and improves obesity-related comorbidities. However, it induces abnormalities in bone metabolism. One unexplored potential contributor is the gut microbiome, which influences bone metabolism and is altered after surgery. We characterized the relationship between the gut microbiome and skeletal health in severe obesity and after LSG. In a prospective cohort study, 23 adults with severe obesity underwent skeletal health assessment and stool collection preoperatively and 6 mo after LSG. Gut microbial diversity and composition were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured with LC-MS/MS. Spearman’s correlations and PERMANOVA analyses were applied to assess relationships between the gut microbiome and bone health measures including serum bone turnover markers (C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [CTx] and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide [P1NP]), areal BMD, intestinal calcium absorption, and calciotropic hormones.Six months after LSG, CTx and P1NP increased (by median 188% and 61%, P &lt; .01) and femoral neck BMD decreased (mean −3.3%, P &lt; .01). Concurrently, there was a decrease in relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes. Although there were no change in overall microbial diversity or fecal SCFA concentrations after LSG, those with greater within-subject change in gut community microbial composition (β-diversity) postoperatively had greater increases in P1NP level (ρ = 0.48, P = .02) and greater bone loss at the femoral neck (ρ = −0.43, P = .04). In addition, within-participant shifts in microbial richness/evenness (α-diversity) were associated with changes in IGF-1 levels (ρ = 0.56, P &lt; .01). The lower the postoperative fecal butyrate concentration, the lower the IGF-1 level (ρ = 0.43, P = .04). Meanwhile, the larger the decrease in butyrate concentration, the higher the postoperative CTx (ρ = −0.43, P = .04). These findings suggest that LSG-induced gut microbiome alteration may influence skeletal outcomes postoperatively, and microbial influences on butyrate formation and IGF-1 are possible mechanisms.
Artificial intelligence in advancing occupational health and safety: an encapsulation of developments
Authors: Shah Immad A , Mishra SukhDev 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives: In an era characterized by dynamic technological advancements, the well-being of the workforce remains a cornerstone of progress and sustainability. The evolving industrial landscape in the modern world has had a considerable influence on occupational health and safety (OHS). Ensuring the well-being of workers and creating safe working environments are not only ethical imperatives but also integral to maintaining operational efficiency and productivity. We aim to review the advancements that have taken place with a potential to reshape workplace safety with integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven new technologies to prevent occupational diseases and promote safety solutions.
Methods: The published literature was identified using scientific databases of Embase, PubMed, and Google scholar including a lower time bound of 1974 to capture chronological advances in occupational disease detection and technological solutions employed in industrial set-ups.
Results: AI-driven technologies are revolutionizing how organizations approach health and safety, offering predictive insights, real-time monitoring, and risk mitigation strategies that not only minimize accidents and hazards but also pave the way for a more proactive and responsive approach to safeguarding the workforce.
Conclusion: As industries embrace the transformative potential of AI, a new frontier of possibilities emerges for enhancing workplace safety. This synergy between OHS and AI marks a pivotal moment in the quest for safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces.
Forty Years of Inferential Methods in the Journals of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution
Authors: Russo Claudia A M , Eyre-Walker Adam , Katz Laura A , Gaut Brandon S 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We are launching a series to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first issue of Molecular Biology and Evolution. In 2024, we will publish virtual issues containing selected papers published in the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution journals, Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution. Each virtual issue will be accompanied by a perspective that highlights the historic and contemporary contributions of our journals to a specific topic in molecular evolution. This perspective, the first in the series, presents an account of the broad array of methods that have been published in the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution journals, including methods to infer phylogenies, to test hypotheses in a phylogenetic framework, and to infer population genetic processes. We also mention many of the software implementations that make methods tractable for empiricists. In short, the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution community has much to celebrate after four decades of publishing high-quality science including numerous important inferential methods.
A Baker's Dozen of Top Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention Publications in 2022
Authors: Barfield Reagan K , Brown Matthew L , Albrecht Benjamin , Barber Katie E , Bouchard Jeannette , Carr Amy L , Chahine Elias B , Cluck David , Covington Elizabeth W , Deri Connor R , Durham Spencer H , Faulkner-Fennell Carmen , Freeman Lauren K , Gauthier Timothy P , Gibson Geneen M , Green Sarah B , Hobbs Athena L V , Jones Bruce M , Jozefczyk Caroline C , Marx Ashley H , McGee Edoabasi U , McKamey Lacie J , Musgrove Rachel , Perez Emily , Slain Douglas , Stover Kayla R , Turner Michelle S , White Cyle , Bookstaver P Brandon , Bland Christopher M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Keeping abreast of the antimicrobial stewardship–related articles published each year is challenging. The Southeastern Research Group Endeavor identified antimicrobial stewardship–related, peer-reviewed literature that detailed an actionable intervention during 2022. The top 13 publications were selected using a modified Delphi technique. These manuscripts were reviewed to highlight actionable interventions used by antimicrobial stewardship programs to capture potentially effective strategies for local implementation.
Outbreak of Fusarium solani Meningitis in Immunocompetent Persons Associated With Neuraxial Blockade in Durango, Mexico, 2022–2023
Authors: García-Rodríguez Gabriel , Duque-Molina Célida , Kondo-Padilla Irasema , Zaragoza-Jiménez Christian Arturo , González-Cortés Vladimir Brian , Flores-Antonio Rocio , Villa-Reyes Tania , Vargas-Rubalcava Adriana , Ruano-Calderon Luis Ángel , Tinoco-Favila Juan Carlos , Sánchez-Salazar Héctor Carlos , Rivas-Ruiz Rodolfo , Castro-Escamilla Octavio , Martínez-Gamboa Rosa Areli , González-Lara Fernanda , López-Martínez Irma , Chiller Tom M , Pelayo Rosana , Bonifaz Laura C , Robledo-Aburto Zoe , Alcocer-Varela Jorge 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Fungal meningitis can be associated with epidural anesthesia procedures. Fusariosis is a rare infection typically affecting immunocompromised patients and rarely causes meningitis. During 2022–2023, public health officials responded to a large outbreak of Fusarium solani meningitis associated with epidural anesthesia in Durango, Mexico.

Methods
The public health response and epidemiological and clinical features of patients affected by this outbreak were described. Coordinated actions were addressed to identify the etiological agent, determine its drug susceptibility, develop diagnostic tests, and implement clinical and epidemiological protocols. Retrospective analyses of clinical variables and outcomes were performed to determine association with better patient survival.

Results
A total of 1801 persons exposed to epidural anesthesia were identified, of whom 80 developed meningitis. Fusarium solani was found in 3 brain biopsies and showed susceptibility to voriconazole and amphotericin B. After F solani polymerase chain reaction (PCR) implementation, 57 patients with meningitis were PCR-screened, and 31 (38.8%) had a positive result. Most patients were female (95%), and cesarean section was the most common surgical procedure (76.3%). The case fatality rate was 51.3% (41 patients) and the median hospitalization duration was 39.5 days (interquartile range, 18–86 days). Seventy-one patients (88.8%) received voriconazole/amphotericin B and 64 subjects (80%) additionally received steroids. Cox regression analysis showed an increased lethality risk in patients who received antifungal treatment after 5 days (hazard ratio, 2.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–4.48], P &lt; .05).

Conclusions
The F solani meningitis outbreak in Durango was an unprecedented medical challenge. Timely treatment and effective healthcare management were associated with better survival outcomes.