bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of codon usage patterns in the chloroplast genomes of nine forage legumes
Authors: Xiao Mingkun , Hu Xiang , Li Yaqi , Liu Qian , Shen Shaobin , Jiang Tailing , Zhang Linhui , Zhou Yingchun , Li Yuexian , Luo Xin , Bai Lina , Yan Wei
Published: March 2024

Leguminosae is one of the three largest families of angiosperms after Compositae and Orchidaceae. It is widely distributed and grows in a variety of environments, including plains, mountains, deserts, forests, grasslands, and even waters where almost all legumes can be found. It is one of the most important sources of starch, protein and oil in the food of mankind and also an important source of high-quality forage material for animals, which has important economic significance. In our study, the codon usage patterns and variation sources of the chloroplast genome of nine important forage legumes were systematically analyzed. Meanwhile, we also constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the whole chloroplast genomes and protein coding sequences of these nine forage legumes. Our results showed that the chloroplast genomes of nine forage legumes end with A/T bases, and seven identical high-frequency (HF) codons were detected among the nine forage legumes. ENC-GC3s mapping, PR2 analysis, and neutral analysis showed that the codon bias of nine forage legumes was influenced by many factors, among which natural selection was the main influencing factor. The codon usage frequency showed that the Nicotiana tabacum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be considered as receptors for the exogenous expression of chloroplast genes of these nine forage legumes. The phylogenetic relationships of the chloroplast genomes and protein coding genes were highly similar, and the nine forage legumes were divided into three major clades. Among the clades Melilotus officinalis was more closely related to Medicago sativa, and Galega officinalis was more closely related to Galega orientalis. This study provides a scientific basis for the molecular markers research, species identification and phylogenetic studies of forage legumes.
The combined application of rutin and silicon alleviates osmotic stress in maize seedlings by triggering accumulation of osmolytes and antioxidants’ defense mechanisms
Authors: Altansambar Namuun , Sezgin Muslu Asiye , Kadıoglu Asim
Published: March 2024

Silicon (Si) has been shown to improve plant defenses against a variety of stresses. However, how rutin (Rut) affects stress factors is yet to be fully explored. Moreover, their combined role in osmotic stress response remains unclear. The current study was performed to determine how the use of Rut and Si, both separately and in combination, improved the physiological resilience of maize seedlings to two levels of osmotic stress (induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000). We aimed to enhance osmotic stress tolerance with the simultaneous use of Rut and Si. First, we selected the best water status and the lowest membrane damage enhancing concentration of Rut (60 ppm) and Si (1 mM) to research their tolerance and resistance to osmotic stress (moderate: 10% PEG, severe: 15% PEG). The application of Rut and Si separately and together reduced oxidative stress by decreasing the reactive oxygen species and improved the relative water content, osmoprotectants (proline, total soluble sugar, and glycine-betaine), ascorbate level, and some antioxidant defense-related enzyme activities and their gene expression in maize seedlings under osmotic stress. However, these effects were more promising under moderate stress. As a result, findings from the study indicate the synergistic effect of combined Rut and Si on osmotic stress tolerance in maize seedlings. Overall, the combination of Rut and Si was more effective than independent Rut and Si in reducing osmotic stress in maize seedlings. Here, it was clear that Rut played an active role in alleviating stress. This combined application can be useful for developing drought tolerance in crops for the agriculture sector.
Anti-nemic potential of Laurencia papillosa and Dilophys fasciola biosynthesized nano-extracts against tomato root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Soliman Gaziea M. , Nour Shaimaa A. , Mohammad Ayman A. , El‑Sawy Sameh M. , Murad Soha A. , Youssef Dalia A. , El-Nagdi Wafaa M. A. , Ibrahim Eman A.
Published: March 2024

Due to the damaging effects of root-knot nematodes on crops and the dangerous effects of chemical nematicides on both people and the environment in Egypt, the purpose of this study was to assess the power of polysaccharides and polyphenol extracts as well as their nano-forms from marine algae (Laurencia papillosaandDilophys fasciola) used as eco-friendly alternatives for the control ofMeloidogyne incognita. The nano-forms of algal extracts efficiently suppressedM. incognitaegg hatching and increased juvenile mortality compared to the control. The tested treatments effectively decreased galls and egg masses of tomato roots compared to the control in the field.Dilophys fasciolaextract and its nano-form showed promising nematicidal activity compared toL. papillosaextract. Generally, algal treatments boosted tomato plant defense system againstM. incognitaby triggering the production of some biochemical constituents such as phenolic compounds, polyphenol oxidase and chitinase enzymes. Consequently, the productivity and quality parameters of tomato fruits significantly increased.
Mindfulness and Religiosity: Four Propositions to Advance a More Integrative Pedagogical Approach
Authors: Henning Marcus A. , Lyndon Mataroria , Ng Lillian , Sundram Frederick , Chen Yan , Webster Craig S.
Published: March 2024

In this commentary article, we critically discuss the need for greater understanding of intercultural and interreligious competence when teaching and applying the practice of mindfulness and contemplative meditation. We start by considering the predominant religious and belief systems that exist worldwide, how each system utilises meditation, and how this meditative practice can be linked to the experience of mindfulness. We then consider how mindfulness can be discussed when taught, through the cultivation of intercultural and interreligious competence. To create a clearer direction in the teaching of mindfulness within the context of interreligious competence, we present four propositions or considerations. We have also put forward a model that suggests mindfulness is a means to achieving greater understanding of self and, thus, more than a clinical tool for ameliorating observable malaise. Moreover, we assert that mindfulness and contemplative meditation practices lie on a continuum that provides the opportunity for self-realisation and optimal states of wellbeing. Our aim is to extend previous discussions on intercultural and interreligious competence as this relates to the practice of meditation. In addition, we continue the philosophical and pedagogical debate to enable teachers and students to optimise the full potential of meditation. In doing so, we create an expansive dialogue to enable teachers and students to engage in a richer and more accepting learning landscape.
Transarterial chemoembolization with/without immune checkpoint inhibitors plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a single center, propensity score matching real-world study
Authors: Yuan Guosheng , Li Wenli , Zang Mengya , Li Rong , Li Qi , Hu Xiaoyun , Zhang Qi , Huang Wei , Ruan Jian , Pang Huajin , Chen Jinzhang
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To explore the efficacy and safety of Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).

Methods

456 patients with HCC receiving either TACE in combination with ICIs and TKIs (combination group, n = 139) or TACE monotherapy (monotherapy group, n = 317) were included from Apr 2016 to Dec 2021 in this retrospective study. We employed propensity score matching (PSM), performed 1:2 optimal pair matching, to balance potential bias.

Results

The mean follow-up time is 24.7 months (95% CI 22.6–26.8) for matched patients as of March 2022. After matching, the combination group achieved longer OS and PFS (median OS:21.9 vs. 16.3 months, P = 0.022; median PFS: 8.3 vs. 5.1 months, P < 0.0001) than TACE monotherapy group. The combination group had better objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) (ORR: 52.5% vs. 32.8%, P < 0.001; DCR: 82.7% vs. 59.6%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients who received “TKIs + ICIs” after the first TACE procedure (after TACE group) achieved longer OS than those before the first TACE procedure (before TACE group) (26.8 vs. 19.2 months, P = 0.011). Adverse events were consistent with previous studies of TACE-related trials.

Conclusions

TACE plus TKIs and ICIs appeared to deliver longer PFS and OS in HCC patients than TACE monotherapy. “TKIs + ICIs” co-treatment within 3 months after the first TACE procedure might be a better medication strategy.
Predicting Attitudes Towards the Exchange of Sexual Services for Payment: Variance in Gender Gaps Across the Nordic Countries
Authors: Johansson Isabelle , Hansen Michael A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This article explores how individual-level attitudes towards the exchange of sexual services for payment differ between the Nordic countries. The sparse existing research points to gender and general attitudes towards sexual behavior as powerful predictors of attitudes towards the exchange of sex for payment. However, there are no previous research agendas that attempt to explain variance in such attitudes including all the Nordic countries.

Methods

We estimate regression models utilizing data from the joint Wave 5 European Values Study (EVS)/World Values Survey (WVS) Wave 7 (EVS 2017; WVS, 2020) asking about the acceptability of prostitution to predict attitudes towards the exchange of sexual services for payment in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

Results

The findings point to considerable variation in attitudes towards the exchange of sex for payment in the Nordic countries. The attitudinal differences align with how the different Nordic governments have approached the issue at hand. Moreover, the results suggest that gender and attitudes towards non-committal casual sex play a critical role in determining attitudes towards the exchange of sex for payment. The impact of attitudes towards non-committal casual sex on attitudes towards the acceptability of exchanging sex for payment is different for women when compared to men in four of the five countries.

Conclusions

The empirical results provide convincing evidence that women are less likely than men to translate liberal attitudes towards general sexual behavior into lenient attitudes towards the exchange of sex for payment.

Policy Implications

The results indicate that government policies play a crucial role in shaping public attitudes towards the exchange of sex for payment, and policymakers should consider the potential impact of their stance on the issue. Policymakers and others who want to shift attitudes towards the exchange of sex for payment in the Nordic region should be cognizant of their interconnectedness with gender and attitudes towards non-committal casual sex.
Study of the influence of additive manufacturing applicable surface treatment methods on mechanical part properties for use in aerospace applications
Authors: Rümmler Christin , Neumann Gregor R. H. , Groh Wolfram , Hähnel Falk , Grumbt Gundis , Tropschuh René , Schiemann Tom , Markmiller Johannes F. C.
Published: March 2024

The adequate assessment of the quality of parts produced by additive manufacturing is crucial for their application in the aviation industry. Therefore, parameters of the manufacturing process, which influence the part quality, have to be identified and quantified to reveal existing correlations. Besides, it is essential to gain an overall understanding of the influence of each step in the additive manufacturing chain, including also post-process treatments and inspection methods, on the data, which is used to develop a statement about the additively manufactured parts’ quality. The present study aims on forming such a comprehensive picture. For this purpose, 120 test specimens from AlSi10Mg were manufactured on an EOS M 290. Four different surface treatments (centrifugal blasting, barrel finishing, abrasive flow machining and turning & polishing) were applied to the specimens and compared to the as-built condition regarding the resulting material properties. The relative density, surface roughness, surface hardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, Young’s modulus and the fatigue properties were determined and analysed especially for correlations with the surface treatment and specimen positions in the build space. The surface roughness, fatigue properties and static tensile properties showed to be dependent on the applied surface treatment, while fewer correlations could be found regarding the surface hardness and relative part density. No clear indication was found relating one of the mentioned properties to certain areas in the build space.
Identification of synthetic wheat lines with broadly effective stripe rust resistance
Authors: Sandhu Karanjeet S. , Singh Davinder , Belayineh Fikrte Y. , Negash Tamrat , Khan Hanif , Bhardwaj Subhash C. , Baidya Suraj , Thapa Dhruba B. , Fayyaz Muhammad , Asad Shahzad , Randhawa Mandeep S. , Park Robert F.
Published: March 2024

Wheat stripe/yellow rust (WYR), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a major constraint in global wheat production. A set of 766 hexaploid synthetic wheat lines, including primary crosses of Triticum turgidum x Aegilops tauschii and their derivatives, were screened in artificially rust inoculated field nurseries for three seasons. From this set, a core set of 94 non-lodging lines with unique pedigrees and resistance to Pst that was consistent across years was established. The core set was tested for adult plant field response under field conditions for three seasons in Australia and at least one crop season in Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nepal and Pakistan. It was also challenged with an array of well-defined Pst pathotypes at seedling growth stages in the greenhouse, and genotyped with molecular markers linked to the adult plant resistance (APR) genes Yr18, Yr36 and Yr46. Combined analysis of field rust responses, multi-pathotype seedling phenotyping and marker genotyping resolved seven classes of Pst resistance: uncatalogued (new) APR (UAPR, 11%), uncatalogued seedling resistance (USR, 46%), known seedling resistance (KSR, 5%), KSR + USR (2%), Yr18 + UAPR (4%), Yr18 + USR (29%) and Yr18 + KSR (3%). A majority of the lines carrying UAPR and USR either singly or in combination showed high levels of field resistance across all field sites and years of testing, demonstrating that these lines represent a valuable resource for breeding wheat for resistance to Pst.
Assessment of Different Methods for Enhancing Progressive Collapse Resistance of Irregular Reinforced Concrete Buildings Using Pushdown Analysis
Authors: Ebadi-Jamkhaneh Mehdi , Kontoni Denise-Penelope N. , Homaioon Ebrahimi Amir
Published: March 2024

Ensuring structures meet rigorous structural requirements is paramount in mitigating progressive collapse risk. In this comprehensive investigation, we scrutinize the impact of four distinct mitigation techniques on the propensity for progressive collapse in a six-story building featuring irregular structural attributes. The study adheres to the concrete building construction code ACI 318-14 and evaluates methods that include: (a) reinforcing the reinforced concrete (RC) slab with high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs), (b) enhancing the RC slab with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), (c) incorporating steel plate shear wall (SPSW) within specific columns, and (d) introducing an innovative approach named as the steel belt strip (SBS). In the context of 10 independent column loss scenarios conducted on the first floor, the nonlinear dynamic analysis reveals that HPFRCC effectively reduces vertical displacement under the removed column by up to 99.89% in certain scenarios. Meanwhile, the use of CFRP layers leads to reductions of up to 95% in vertical displacement, but with variations in effectiveness across scenarios. Notably, the SBS technique demonstrates remarkable potential by reducing vertical displacement by 97%, 89%, and 25.9% in different scenarios. This reduction, in conjunction with the mitigation of axial load on adjacent columns, makes the SBS a standout performer. Moreover, pushdown analysis indicates that, with the employment of these mitigation methods, the maximum loading factor can be increased up to 2.14 times in specific scenarios, significantly enhancing the structure’s resistance to progressive collapse. This pioneering research not only bolsters the resilience of irregular RC buildings but also holds profound implications for industry standards, risk assessment, and construction technology innovation.
Quantification of the local mechanical behavior in dissimilar metal welds using digital image correlation instrumented cross-weld tensile testing
Authors: Siefert W. , Buehner M. , Alexandrov B. T.
Published: March 2024

The local yielding behavior in base metal, heat-affected zone, fusion boundary region, and weld metal of low-alloy steel/Alloy 625 filler metal welds was quantified using digital image correlation instrumented cross-weld tensile test. The tested welds exhibited undermatching, matching, or overmatching weld metal yield strength with significant gradients in the local yielding behavior. An undermatching weld yielded at 69 MPa below the base metal yield stress, accumulating to 0.72% total strain. The base metal in an overmatching weld had 110 MPa lower yield strength than the weld metal. The strong strain hardening response in the Alloy 625 weld metal, within the uniform elongation range, and its constraining effect on the fusion boundary region and heat affected zone, led to extensive strain accumulation, necking, and final failure in the base metal of all tested welds. The yielding behavior of the tested welds was compared to stress-based criteria, utilizing minimum specified and as-delivered yield and ultimate tensile strength, and to strain-based criteria. The capability of digital image correlation instrumented cross-weld tensile testing to quantify local yielding and strain accumulation demonstrates potential application in proving conformity to stress-based and strain-based design criteria of dissimilar and matching filler metal welds.
When to Pull the Trigger: Conceptual Considerations for Approximating Head Acceleration Events Using Instrumented Mouthguards
Authors: Tooby James , Till Kevin , Gardner Andrew , Stokes Keith , Tierney Gregory , Weaving Daniel , Rowson Steve , Ghajari Mazdak , Emery Carolyn , Bussey Melanie Dawn , Jones Ben
Published: March 2024

Head acceleration events (HAEs) are acceleration responses of the head following external short-duration collisions. The potential risk of brain injury from a single high-magnitude HAE or repeated occurrences makes them a significant concern in sport. Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) can approximate HAEs. The distinction between sensor acceleration events, the iMG datum for approximating HAEs and HAEs themselves, which have been defined as the in vivo event, is made to highlight limitations of approximating HAEs using iMGs. This article explores the technical limitations of iMGs that constrain the approximation of HAEs and discusses important conceptual considerations for stakeholders interpreting iMG data. The approximation of HAEs by sensor acceleration events is constrained by false positives and false negatives. False positives occur when a sensor acceleration event is recorded despite no (in vivo) HAE occurring, while false negatives occur when a sensor acceleration event is not recorded after an (in vivo) HAE has occurred. Various mechanisms contribute to false positives and false negatives. Video verification and post-processing algorithms offer effective means for eradicating most false positives, but mitigation for false negatives is less comprehensive. Consequently, current iMG research is likely to underestimate HAE exposures, especially at lower magnitudes. Future research should aim to mitigate false negatives, while current iMG datasets should be interpreted with consideration for false negatives when inferring athlete HAE exposure.
Parenting and Problematic Social Media Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vossen Helen G. M. , van den Eijnden Regina J. J. M. , Visser Ilse , Koning Ina M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Research on the relation between parenting and adolescents’ problematic social media use (PSMU) is relatively new and reveals rather mixed findings. This is likely due to a focus on different parenting factors as well as a diversity in outcomes of social media use. This paper is aimed at reviewing existing literature on parenting and adolescents’ PSMU and providing a reference for future research and intervention.

Recent Findings

There is consistent evidence that positive parent–child relationships as well as a positive family climate at home are related to less PSMU. Likewise, most studies indicate that positive parenting, parenting that is characterized by affection, responsiveness, and demandingness, is associated with less PSMU, whereas parenting characterized by inconsistency and control is associated with more PSMU. Findings concerning internet-specific parenting are far less consistent. Restrictive mediation shows a dual influence. When restrictive mediation constitutes rule setting, then a negative correlation with PSMU is found. However, when it refers to reactive restrictions, a positive association is found. Active mediation is not consistently correlated to PSMU. Finally, a clear and consistent positive correlation between parental phubbing and PSMU was found.

This review indicates that there is more consistent evidence that positive parent-child interactions and positive general parenting practices (e.g., affection and responsiveness) may help to prevent adolescents’ PSMU than internet-specific parenting practices that are aimed at guiding or restricting adolescents’ internet use. However, studies largely used a cross-sectional design and varied significantly in the conceptualization and operationalization of parenting practices. This review justifies further investigation which is needed to provide an integral prevention approach that includes parenting to support optimal adolescent development, including the prevention of PSMU.
Nanobiolubricant grinding: a comprehensive review
Authors: Song Yu-Xiang , Li Chang-He , Zhou Zong-Ming , Liu Bo , Sharma Shubham , Dambatta Yusuf Suleiman , Zhang Yan-Bin , Yang Min , Gao Teng , Liu Ming-Zheng , Cui Xin , Wang Xiao-Ming , Xu Wen-Hao , Li Run-Ze , Wang Da-Zhong
Published: March 2024

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), which considers the cost, sustainability, flexibility, and quality, has been actively explored by scholars. Nanoadditive phases have been widely investigated as atomizing media for MQL, aimed at enhancing the heat transfer and friction reduction performance of vegetable-oil-based biolubricants. However, the industrial application of nano-enhanced biolubricants (NEBL) in grinding wheels and workpiece interfaces as a cooling and lubricating medium still faces serious challenges, which are attributed to the knowledge gap in the current mapping between the properties and grindability of NEBL. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of research developments in NEBL grinding, highlighting the key challenges, and clarifies the application of blind spots. Firstly, the physicochemical properties of the NEBL are elaborated from the perspective of the base fluid and nanoadditive phase. Secondly, the excellent grinding performance of the NEBL is clarified by its distinctive film formation, heat transfer, and multiple-field mobilization capacity. Nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity and excellent extreme-pressure film-forming properties significantly improved the high-temperature and extreme-friction conditions in the grinding zone. Furthermore, the sustainability of applying small amounts of NEBL to grinding is systematically evaluated, providing valuable insights for the industry. Finally, perspectives are proposed to address the engineering and scientific bottlenecks of NEBL. This review aims to contribute to the understanding of the effective mechanisms of NEBL and the development of green grinding technologies.
Adipokine secretion and lipolysis following gender-affirming treatment in transgender individuals
Authors: Subramanian N. , Wiik A. , Rullman E. , Melin M. , Lundberg T. R. , Flanagan J. , Holmberg M. , Dekanski A. , Dhejne C. , Arver S. , Gustafsson T. , Laurencikiene J. , Andersson D. P.
Published: March 2024

Background

The organ-specific effects of gender-affirming sex hormone treatment (GAHT) in transgender women (TW) and transgender men (TM) are insufficiently explored. This study investigated the effects of GAHT on adipose tissue function.

Methods

In a single-center interventional prospective study, 32 adults undergoing GAHT, 15 TW and 17 TM, were examined with anthropometry and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies obtained before initiation of treatment, 1 month after endogenous sex hormone inhibition and three and 11 months after initiated GAHT. Fat cell size, basal/stimulated lipolysis and cytokine secretion in adipose tissue were analyzed.

Results

TW displayed an increase in complement component 3a and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) secretion after sex hormone inhibition, which returned to baseline following estradiol treatment. No changes in lipolysis were seen in TW. TM showed downregulation of RBP4 after treatment, but no changes in basal lipolysis. In TM, the estrogen suppression led to higher noradrenaline stimulated (NA) lipolysis that was normalized following testosterone treatment. At 11 months, the ratio of NA/basal lipolysis was lower compared to baseline. There were no significant changes in fat cell size in either TW or TM.

Conclusion

In TW, gonadal hormone suppression results in transient changes in cytokines and in TM there are some changes in NA-stimulated lipolysis following testosterone treatment. However, despite the known metabolic effects of sex hormones, the overall effects of GAHT on adipose tissue function are small and likely have limited clinical relevance, but larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02518009, Retrospectively registered 7 August 2015.
Enhancing gestational diabetes mellitus risk assessment and treatment through GDMPredictor: a machine learning approach
Authors: Xing J. , Dong K. , Liu X. , Ma J. , Yuan E. , Zhang L. , Fang Y.
Published: March 2024

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious health concern that affects pregnant women worldwide and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Early detection of high-risk individuals and the implementation of appropriate treatment can enhance these outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a study on a cohort of 3467 pregnant women during their pregnancy, with a total of 5649 clinical and biochemical records collected. We utilized this dataset as our training dataset to develop a web server called GDMPredictor. The GDMPredictor utilizes advanced machine learning techniques to predict the risk of GDM in pregnant women. We also personalize treatment recommendations based on essential biochemical indicators, such as A1MG, BMG, CysC, CO2, TBA, FPG, and CREA. Our assessment of GDMPredictor's effectiveness involved training it on the dataset of 3467 pregnant women and measuring its ability to predict GDM risk using an AUC and auPRC.

Results

GDMPredictor demonstrated an impressive level of precision by achieving an AUC score of 0.967. To tailor our treatment recommendations, we use the GDM risk level to identify higher risk candidates who require more intensive care. The GDMPredictor can accept biochemical indicators for predicting the risk of GDM at any period from 1 to 24 weeks, providing healthcare professionals with an intuitive interface to identify high-risk patients and give optimal treatment recommendations.

Conclusions

The GDMPredictor presents a valuable asset for clinical practice, with the potential to change the management of GDM in pregnant women. Its high accuracy and efficiency make it a reliable tool for doctors to improve patient outcomes. Early identification of high-risk individuals and tailored treatment can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes http://www.bioinfogenetics.info/GDM/.
Lightweight camouflaged object detection model based on multilevel feature fusion
Authors: Li Qiaoyi , Wang Zhengjie , Zhang Xiaoning , Du Hongbao
Published: March 2024

The intrinsic similarity between camouflaged objects and background environment impedes the automatic detection/segmentation of camouflaged objects, and novel network architectures for deep learning are promising to overcome this challenge and improve detection accuracy. However, these existing network architectures for distinguishing between camouflaged objects and their backgrounds do not account for the constraint of detection speed, which results in high computational complexity and the inability to meet the requirements of rapid detection. Therefore, based on the human visual system, this study proposes a single-stage lightweight camouflage object detection network using multilevel feature fusion, integrating features of various feature layers and receptive field sizes. Using three benchmark datasets for normal camouflaged objects, the lightweight network (LINet) model demonstrated an accuracy superior to those of six existing mainstream camouflaged object detection methods. Its detection speed, 126.3 frames per second, is significantly higher than those of the existing mainstream methods, enabling rapid detection with a maximum increase of 187.62%. The accuracy of LINet is the minimum and maximum for Resnet101 and Resnet152, respectively. These findings pave the way for diverse applications of camouflaged target detection algorithms.
New fungicides for managing Phytophthora diseases of tree crops with foliar and soil applications
Authors: Adaskaveg James E. , Förster Helga , O’Fallon Chaydon
Published: March 2024

Four new modes of action, oxathiapiprolin, fluopicolide, mandipropamid, and ethaboxam, have or are pending registrations on multiple tree crops in the USA including avocado, citrus, almond (and other tree nuts), and stone fruits to be used in sustainable anti-resistance rotation and mixture programs for managing Phytophthora diseases. All four fungicides are highly toxic in vitro against species of Phytophthora from different tree crops. Efficacy of foliar applications of oxathiapiprolin and mandipropamid for the management of citrus brown rot persisted for over 10 weeks. Still, residues could be removed to non-detectable levels by postharvest washing and brushing of fresh-market fruit. The four fungicides were highly effective in reducing root rot and crown/trunk cankers on tree crops and demonstrated acropetal systemic movement through the xylem after soil application and absorption by almond, citrus, and cherry roots. This was substantiated by reduced lesion size in stem inoculations of potted trees that were treated by soil applications or by in vitro bioassays and HPLC–MS–MS analyses of root, stem, and leaf extracts. Using an adapted Bromilow model that is based on the partition coefficient logP that indicates the lipo- or hydrophilicity and the acid dissociation constant pKa, mobility of ethaboxam, fluopicolide, mandipropamid, and oxathiapiprolin in plants was predicted, and this was supported by our studies. Mandipropamid and a mandipropamid–oxathiapiprolin pre-mixture are now registered as foliar applications for managing citrus brown rot, whereas oxathiapiprolin and fluopicolide are registered, and ethaboxam is pending registration as soil applications to control citrus root rot. Oxathiapiprolin has also been registered for soil use on almond and other nut crops, as well as avocado, and soil applications of mandipropamid are planned to be restricted to nursery use of multiple crops.
“Just Did The Best That I Could Do”: CPS Social Workers’ Perceptions of Self-Efficacy in Legal Aspects
Authors: Bates Michelle E. , Campbell Erica , Lewinson Terri
Published: March 2024

Child protective services (CPS) social workers assess safety and risk needs during abuse and neglect investigations to determine if legal interventions are needed. However, only 60% of abuse and neglect cases have safety and risk assessed during the investigatory process in North Carolina. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of self-efficacy among rural North Carolina CPS social workers in child abuse and neglect investigations. Understanding CPS social workers’ perceptions of self-efficacy and factors that may influence their self-efficacy is vital to improving job satisfaction, retention, and the legal and investigative processes relating to child abuse and neglect. A purposive sampling approach was used to recruit nine CPS social workers in rural counties in North Carolina. Through a process of open, axial, and selective coding, we conclude that a CPS social worker’s self-efficacy is impacted by factors relating to leadership and legal teams, longevity, previous social work experience, and paperwork and caseload demands.
Using Yield and Entropy-Based Characteristics for Circular Economy
Authors: Compart Fred , Gräbner Martin
Published: March 2024

Environmental impacts of the extant linear carbon economy and aspects of conservation of resources demand a transformation to a circular carbon economy (CCE). In view of this transformation, carbon-containing plastic products should be reused and recycled to prevent or minimize the release of their carbon content into the environment. Different plastic waste feedstock recycling strategies are applicable, with different degrees of feedstock destruction, depending on the degree of degradation and contamination of the intended recycle fractions. The evaluation of the effectiveness of recycling processes by substance and carbon-based yield and entropic characteristics could be a part of the overall evaluation strategy for recycling processes. Possible principles and base equations of such substance and carbon-based yield and entropic characteristics, extracted from the literature and adapted, are delineated in this article. Substance-based characteristics could be applied for physical recycling processes in which the aspired recovery substances remain preserved and are physically separated. A resort to carbon-based characteristics could be practiced for recycling and combustion processes, in which the feedstock is chemically destroyed, and new substances are possibly synthesized. Stylized process examples depict the way of a joint usage of yield and entropic characteristics.
Uncovering Current and Future Variations of Irrigation Water Use Across China Using Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Kai , Bo Yong , Li Xueke , Wang Shudong , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: March 2024

Accurately characterizing changes in irrigation water use (IWU) is crucial for formulating optimal water resource allocation policies, particularly in the context of climate change. However, existing IWU estimation methods suffer from uncertainties due to limited data availability and model constraints, restricting their applicability on a national scale and under future climate change scenarios. We present a robust framework leveraging machine learning and multiple data sets to estimate IWU across China. Forced with an ensemble of climate and socio‐economic projections, we appraise future trends and additional costs of IWU. Our model shows high accuracy in reproducing IWU, with coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.86 to 0.91 and root mean square error from 0.261 to 0.361 km3/yr when compared to reported values in Chinese prefectures. Independent validation at 11 cropland sites further confirms the model's predictive power (R2 = 0.67). Under different emissions scenarios, China's IWU is projected to increase by 8.5%–17.1% (6.8%–34.8%) by 2050s (2100s) compared to the historical period (1981–2010), with higher emissions leading to more significant increases. This rise in IWU by 2050s (2100s) comes with an estimated additional cost of US $1.65–3.91 ($2.28–6.5) billion/year, highlighting the urgency for sustainable water management. Our study provides an effective approach for estimating current and future IWU using machine learning techniques, transferable to other countries facing increasing irrigation demands.
Integrating Trait‐Based Stoichiometry in a Biogeochemical Inverse Model Reveals Links Between Phytoplankton Physiology and Global Carbon Export
Authors: Sullivan Megan R. , Primeau François W. , Hagstrom George I. , Wang Wei‐Lei , Martiny Adam C.
Published: March 2024

The elemental ratios of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (C:N:P) within organic matter play a key role in coupling biogeochemical cycles in the global ocean. At the cellular level, these ratios are controlled by physiological responses to the environment. But linking these cellular‐level processes to global biogeochemical cycles remains challenging. We present a novel model framework that combines knowledge of phytoplankton cellular functioning with global scale hydrographic data, to assess the role of variable carbon‐to‐phosphorus ratios (RC:P) on the distribution of export production. We implement a trait‐based mechanistic model of phytoplankton growth into a global biogeochemical inverse model to predict global patterns of phytoplankton physiology and stoichiometry that are consistent with both biological growth mechanisms and hydrographic carbon and nutrient observations. We compare this model to empirical parameterizations relating RC:P to temperature or phosphate concentration. We find that the way the model represents variable stoichiometry affects the magnitude and spatial pattern of carbon export, with globally integrated fluxes varying by up to 10% (1.3 Pg C yr−1) across models. Despite these differences, all models exhibit strong consistency with observed dissolved inorganic carbon and phosphate concentrations (R2 > 0.9), underscoring the challenge of selecting the most accurate model structure. We also find that the choice of parameterization impacts the capacity of changing RC:P to buffer predicted export declines. Our novel framework offers a pathway by which additional biological information might be used to reduce the structural uncertainty in model representations of phytoplankton stoichiometry, potentially improving our capacity to project future changes.
Modeling the Contribution of Precipitation Loss to a Radiation Belt Electron Dropout Observed by Van Allen Probes
Authors: Li Zhi‐Gu , Tu Weichao , Selesnick Richard , Huang Jinbei
Published: March 2024

A drift‐diffusion model is used to simulate the low‐altitude electron distribution, accounting for azimuthal drift, pitch angle diffusion, and atmospheric backscattering effects during a rapid electron dropout event on 21st August 2013, at L = 4.5. Additional external loss effects are introduced during times when the low‐altitude electron distribution cannot be reproduced by diffusion alone. The model utilizes low‐altitude electron count rate data from five POES/MetOp satellites to quantify pitch angle diffusion rates. Low‐altitude data provides critical constraint on the model because it includes the drift loss cone region where the electron distribution in longitude is highly dependent on the balance between azimuthal drift and pitch angle diffusion. Furthermore, a newly derived angular response function for the detectors onboard POES/MetOp is employed to accurately incorporate the bounce loss cone measurements, which have been previously contaminated by electrons from outside the nominal field‐of‐view. While constrained by low‐altitude data, the model also shows reasonable agreement with high‐altitude data. Pitch angle diffusion rates during the event are quantified and are faster at lower energies. Precipitation is determined to account for all of the total loss observed for 450 keV electrons, 88% for 600 keV and 38% for 900 keV. Predictions made in the MeV range are deemed unreliable as the integral energy channels E3 and P6 fail to provide the necessary constraint at relativistic energies.
Signature of Mesoscale Eddies on Air‐Sea Heat Fluxes in the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Chen Yanxu , Yu Lisan
Published: March 2024

Using a combination of 20‐year (1999–2018) remotely‐sensed air‐sea heat flux products and altimeter‐based eddy atlas, we investigate the signature of mesoscale eddies on sea surface temperature (SST) and air‐sea turbulent latent and sensible fluxes, or simply, turbulent heat fluxes (THFs), in the North Indian Ocean. On average, eddy‐induced THF feedback can approach ∼40 W m−2 k−1 for warm‐core anticyclones (AEs) and ∼28 W m−2 k−1 for cold‐core cyclones (CEs) at their extreme values. In addition to these conventional SSH‐SST coherent eddies and their imprints as monopoles in heat fluxes, a comparable proportion of SSH‐SST incoherent eddies (cold‐AEs and warm‐CEs) are surprisingly active in this region, which offset the monopolar paradigm of coherent eddy‐induced THF anomalies or develop a dipole structure when combined with these conventional eddies. In terms of seasonality, the aggregation of SSH‐SST coherent and incoherent eddies in the Arabian Sea develops concentrated monopoles within eddy contours in both summer and winter, with a damped THF located farther away from the eddy core in winter. In the Bay of Bengal, a strong compensation between SSH‐SST coherent and incoherent eddies is observed in summer that leads to null net fluxes, while the winter‐time THF composite of these two eddy types displays a dipolar structure which was described as eddy‐stirring effect in the literature.
Integration of whole-exome sequencing and structural neuroimaging analysis in major depressive disorder: a joint study
Authors: Oh Eun-Young , Han Kyu-Man , Kim Aram , Kang Youbin , Tae Woo-Suk , Han Mi-Ryung , Ham Byung-Joo
Published: March 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness worldwide and is triggered by an intricate interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Although there are several studies on common variants in MDD, studies on rare variants are relatively limited. In addition, few studies have examined the genetic contributions to neurostructural alterations in MDD using whole-exome sequencing (WES). We performed WES in 367 patients with MDD and 161 healthy controls (HCs) to detect germline and copy number variations in the Korean population. Gene-based rare variants were analyzed to investigate the association between the genes and individuals, followed by neuroimaging-genetic analysis to explore the neural mechanisms underlying the genetic impact in 234 patients with MDD and 135 HCs using diffusion tensor imaging data. We identified 40 MDD-related genes and observed 95 recurrent regions of copy number variations. We also discovered a novel gene, FRMPD3, carrying rare variants that influence MDD. In addition, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs771995197 in the MUC6 gene was significantly associated with the integrity of widespread white matter tracts. Moreover, we identified 918 rare exonic missense variants in genes associated with MDD susceptibility. We postulate that rare variants of FRMPD3 may contribute significantly to MDD, with a mild penetration effect.
SLC26A9 promotes colorectal tumorigenesis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Zhang Minglin , Ma Zhiyuan , Yi Zhiqiang , Wang Hu , Zhu Jiaxing , Wen Guorong , Jin Hai , An Jiaxing , Deng Zilin , Tuo Biguang , Li Taolang , Liu Xuemei
Published: March 2024

Solute carrier family 26 member 9 (SLC26A9) is a member of the Slc26a family of multifunctional anion transporters that functions as a Cl- channel in parietal cells during acid secretion. We explored the role of SLC26A9 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its related mechanisms through clinical samples from CRC patients, CRC cell lines and mouse models. We observed that SLC26A9 was expressed at low levels in the cytoplasm of adjacent tissues, polyps and adenomas but was significantly increased in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, increased levels of SLC26A9 were associated with a high risk of disease and poor prognosis. In addition, downregulation of SLC26A9 in CRC cells induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis but inhibited cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic analysis revealed that SLC26A9 was colocalized with β-catenin in the nucleus of CRC cells. The translocation of these two proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus reflected the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and promoted the transcription of downstream target proteins, including CyclinD1, c-Myc and Snail, but inhibited the expression of cytochrome C (Cyt-c), cleaved Caspase9, cleaved Caspase3 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). CRC is accompanied by alteration of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Meanwhile, further studies showed that in SW48 cells, overexpressing SLC26A9 was cocultured with the β-catenin inhibitor XAV-939, β-catenin was downregulated, and EMT was reversed. Our study demonstrated SLC26A9 may be responsible for alterations in the proliferative ability and aggressive potential of CRC by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Uric acid–driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation triggers lens epithelial cell senescence and cataract formation
Authors: Lin Hong Liang , Wang Sheng , Sato Kota , Zhang Yu Qiao , He Bei Ting , Xu Jing , Nakazawa Toru , Qin Yong Jie , Zhang Hong Yang
Published: March 2024

Excessive uric acid (UA) is associated with age-related cataract. A previous study showed that a high UA level in the aqueous humor stimulated the senescence of lens epithelial cells (LECs), leading to cataract progression. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we investigated UA-driven senescence in human lens tissue samples obtained during surgery, rat lens organ cultures, and in vivo experiments, using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, electronic microscopy, Western blotting, and histological analyses. Initially, we identified markedly higher expressions of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in the lens capsules of hyper-uricemic patients compared to normo-uricemic patients. This increase was accompanied by a significant rise in the SA-β-gal positive rate. We next built a cataract model in which rat lenses in an organ culture system were treated with an increasing dosage of UA. Notably, opacification was apparent in the lenses treated with 800 μM of UA starting on the fifth day. Mechanistically, UA treatment not only significantly induced the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β, but also upregulated the levels of SA-β-gal and the senescence regulators p53 and p21. These effects were fully reversed, and lens opacification was ameliorated by the addition of MCC950, a selective NLRP3 antagonist. Moreover, an in vivo model showed that intravitreal UA injection rapidly induced cataract phenotypes within 21 days, an effect significantly mitigated by co-injection with MCC950. Together, our findings suggest that targeting the UA-induced NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 could be a promising strategy for preventing cataract formation associated with inflammageing.