bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mood Disorders in Young People With Acquired Brain Injury: An Integrated Model
Authors: Roberts Henrietta , Ford Tamsin J. , Karl Anke , Reynolds Shirley , Limond Jenny , Adlam Anna-Lynne R.
Published: June 2022

Purpose/Objective

Young people with paediatric acquired brain injury (pABI) are twice as likely to develop a mood disorder as their peers, frequently have significant unmet socio-emotional needs, and are at over double the risk of going on to use adult mental health services. Recent years have seen significant advances in the development of interventions for young people with mood disorders. However, evidence-based approaches to mood disorders in pABI are lacking and surprisingly little work has evaluated clinical and neuro-developmental models of mood disorders in this population.

Method

We review the literature regarding key mechanisms hypothesised to account for the increased vulnerability to mood disorders in pABI: First, we summarise the direct neurocognitive consequences of pABI, considering the key areas of the brain implicated in vulnerability to mood disorders within a neurodevelopmental framework. Second, we outline five key factors that contribute to the heightened prevalence of mood disorders in young people following ABI. Finally, we synthesise these, integrating neuro-cognitive, developmental and systemic factors to guide clinical formulation.

Results and Implications

We present a framework that synthesises the key mechanisms identified in our review, namely the direct effects of pABI, neurocognitive and neuroendocrine factors implicated in mood and anxiety disorders, maladaptive neuroplasticity and trauma, structural and systemic factors, and psychological adjustment and developmental context. This framework is the first attempt to provide integrated guidance on the multiple factors that contribute to elevated life-long risk of mood disorders following pABI.
Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in the Default Mode Network Differentiates the Combined and Inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Types
Authors: Saad Jacqueline F. , Griffiths Kristi R. , Kohn Michael R. , Braund Taylor A. , Clarke Simon , Williams Leanne M. , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S.
Published: June 2022

Neuroimaging studies have revealed neurobiological differences in ADHD, particularly studies examining connectivity disruption and anatomical network organization. However, the underlying pathophysiology of ADHD types remains elusive as it is unclear whether dysfunctional network connections characterize the underlying clinical symptoms distinguishing ADHD types. Here, we investigated intrinsic functional network connectivity to identify neural signatures that differentiate the combined (ADHD-C) and inattentive (ADHD-I) presentation types. Applying network-based statistical (NBS) and graph theoretical analysis to task-derived intrinsic connectivity data from completed fMRI scans, we evaluated default mode network (DMN) and whole-brain functional network topology in a cohort of 34 ADHD participants (aged 8–17 years) defined using DSM-IV criteria as predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I) type (n = 15) or combined (ADHD-C) type (n = 19), and 39 age and gender-matched typically developing controls. ADHD-C were characterized from ADHD-I by reduced network connectivity differences within the DMN. Additionally, reduced connectivity within the DMN was negatively associated with ADHD-RS hyperactivity-impulsivity subscale score. Compared with controls, ADHD-C but not ADHD-I differed by reduced connectivity within the DMN; inter-network connectivity between the DMN and somatomotor networks; the DMN and limbic networks; and between the somatomotor and cingulo-frontoparietal, with ventral attention and dorsal attention networks. However, graph-theoretical measures did not significantly differ between groups. These findings provide insight into the intrinsic networks underlying phenotypic differences between ADHD types. Furthermore, these intrinsic functional connectomic signatures support neurobiological differences underlying clinical variations in ADHD presentations, specifically reduced within and between functional connectivity of the DMN in the ADHD-C type.
Effectivity of ILF Neurofeedback on Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Case Study
Authors: Rauter Alexandra , Schneider Horst , Prinz Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neural and mental developmental disorder that impacts brain connectivity and information processing. Although application of the infra-low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback procedure has been shown to lead to significant changes in functional connectivity in multiple areas and neuronal networks of the brain, rather limited data are available in the literature for the efficacy of this technique in a therapeutic context to treat ASD. Here we present the case study of a 5-year-old boy with ASD, who received a treatment of 26 sessions of ILF neurofeedback over a 6-month period. A systematic and quantitative tracking of core ASD symptoms in several categories was used to document behavioral changes over time. The ILF neurofeedback intervention decreased the average symptom severity of every category to a remarkable degree, with the strongest effect (80 and 77% mean severity reduction) for physical and sleep symptoms and the lowest influence on behavioral symptoms (15% mean severity reduction). This case study is representative of clinical experience, and thus shows that ILF neurofeedback is a practical and effective therapeutic instrument to treat ASD in children.
Eucommia ulmoides Olive Male Flower Extracts Ameliorate Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Pathology in Zebrafish via Regulating Autophagy, Acetylcholinesterase, and the Dopamine Transporter
Authors: Sun Chen , Zhang Shanshan , Ba Shuaikang , Dang Jiao , Ren Qingyu , Zhu Yongqiang , Liu Kechun , Jin Meng
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neural disorder. However, the therapeutic agents for AD are limited. Eucommia ulmoides Olive (EUO) is widely used as a traditional Chinese herb to treat various neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, we investigated whether the extracts of EUO male flower (EUMF) have therapeutic effects against AD. We focused on the flavonoids of EUMF and identified the composition using a targeted HPLC-MS analysis. As a result, 125 flavonoids and flavanols, 32 flavanones, 22 isoflavonoids, 11 chalcones and dihydrochalcones, and 17 anthocyanins were identified. Then, the anti-AD effects of the EUMF were tested by using zebrafish AD model. The behavioral changes were detected by automated video-tracking system. Aβ deposition was assayed by thioflavin S staining. Ache activity and cell apoptosis in zebrafish were tested by, Acetylcholine Assay Kit and TUNEL assay, respectively. The results showed that EUMF significantly rescued the dyskinesia of zebrafish and inhibited Aβ deposition, Ache activity, and occurrence of cell apoptosis in the head of zebrafish induced by AlCl3. We also investigated the mechanism underlying anti-AD effects of EUMF by RT-qPCR and found that EUMF ameliorated AD-like symptoms possibly through inhibiting excessive autophagy and the abnormal expressions of ache and slc6a3 genes. In summary, our findings suggested EUMF can be a therapeutic candidate for AD treatment.
Evaluation and Comparison of the Nutritional and Mineral Content of Milk Formula in the Saudi Arabia Market
Authors: Alfaris Nora A. , Alothman Zeid A. , Aldayel Tahany S. , Wabaidur Saikh M. , Altamimi Jozaa Z.
Published: June 2022

Background/Aim:

As recommended by WHO, breastfeeding is the best choice and safe for infants. The formula for infants plays an imperative role in the infant's diet and remains an excellent alternative for breast milk. The milk formula for most infants has been increasingly changed with various compositions to create a similar breast milk production. This study aims to analyze and determine the chemical composition of a few milk formulas available in the Saudi Arabian market.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-five milk formula samples for infants of different age categories were collected from Riyadh City and analyzed for protein, fat, carbohydrates, lactose, total solids, total non-fat solids, calcium, iron, and zinc. Among batches collected, there were 15 branded products suitable for those of age 0–6 months, five for those of age 0–12 months, four for those of age 1–3 years, and 11 for those of age 6–12 months.

Results

For infants, the milk formula sample parameters investigated varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05). A significantly high protein value was 22.72% for a brand for infants with an age of 0–6 months, and the lowest was 11.31% for a brand for those of age 0–12 months. Fat content was high in a brand (26.92%) for infants of age 0–6 months and low in a brand (17.31%) for those aged 6–12 months. The high value of carbohydrates was found in a brand (60.64%) for those of age 0–6 months and a low one (44.97%) in a brand for those of age 0–12 months. The total energy, lactose, total solids, total non-fat solids, and minerals (calcium, iron, zinc) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varied between milk formulas at the same age.

Conclusion

There were significant variations between milk formulas of the same ages. According to age groups, some nutrients were not identical to the reference values for children's food.
Pomegranate Peel as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: A Mini Review on Their Physiological Functions
Authors: Mo Yaxian , Ma Jiaqi , Gao Wentao , Zhang Lei , Li Jiangui , Li Jingming , Zang Jiachen
Published: June 2022

The production and consumption of pomegranates have always been increasing owing to their taste and nutrition. However, during fruit processing, a large number of by-products are produced, such as peels and seeds, which can lead to environmental pollution problems if not handled properly. The pomegranate peel takes up about 26–30% of the total weight, while it contains abundant bioactive substances. This paper carries out a mini review of the characterization and physiological functions of key bioactive compounds in pomegranate peel, comprehensively assessing their effects on human health. The overview summarizes the main phenolic substances in pomegranate peel, including tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Dietary fiber and other bioactive substances such as alkaloids, minerals, and vitamins are also mentioned. These components act as antioxidants by improving oxidative biomarkers and scavenging or neutralizing reactive oxygen species, further contributing to their extensive functions like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, and cardiovascular protection. Overall, it is envisaged that through the deeper understanding of bioactive compounds in pomegranate peel, the waste sources can be better reused for physiological applications.
Intermittent Caloric Restriction Promotes Erythroid Development and Ameliorates Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemia in Mice
Authors: Bai Meijuan , Cao Peijuan , Lin Yijun , Yu Pengcheng , Song Shuo , Chen Lingling , Wang Lan , Chen Yan
Published: June 2022

Background

Dietary restriction has a profound effect in altering immune system and promoting metabolic health and aging. However, how dietary restriction impacts erythroid system is largely unknown. We found that a short-term caloric restriction (CR) stimulates expression of KLF1, a master regulator of erythroid development, in the spleen of mouse, and thus explored the potential effect of CR on erythropoiesis.

Methods

We analyzed the effects of intermittent CR and continuous CR for different lengths of time on parameters of peripheral blood and erythroid profiles in the spleen and bone marrow in C57BL/6 mice. We next assessed how different types of CR affect phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in the mice. Colony formation assay was also used to analyze LK + progenitors and BFU-E in the bone marrow.

Results

Intermittent CR for 2 weeks raised the number of reticulocytes in the blood, while continuous CR for 2 weeks elevated red blood cells and hemoglobin level. Intermittent CR for 2 weeks promoted extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen, while continuous CR mainly promoted erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. Interestingly, a short-term intermittent CR but not continuous CR was able to ameliorate phenylhydrazine-induced anemia. Intermittent CR reduced early-stage erythroblasts and increased late-stage erythroblasts/mature RBCs in the spleen, indicating an accelerated transition from early-stage to late-stage erythroblasts/mature red blood cells. Furthermore, a short-term intermittent CR elevated LK + progenitors and the committed erythroid progenitor cells BFU-E in the bone marrow.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that a short-term intermittent CR, but not continuous CR, has a significant effect to promote hematopoiesis and such activity can ameliorate phenylhydrazine-induced acute anemia in the mouse.
Influence of Fluid Food Viscosity on Internal Flow Characteristics of Conveying Pump
Authors: Jia XiaoQi , Chu Qingyang , Zhu ZuChao , Ding Qiangmin , Gao Panlong
Published: June 2022

A fluid food conveying pump is used to convey edible or nutritional fluids and semi-fluids (containing suspended soft and hard particles and with different viscosities), such as water, glycerin, yogurt, and juice concentrate. Since different fluid food have different viscosities, the internal flow characteristics and conveying performance of food conveying pump are greatly affected by viscosity. To obtain the influence law of fluid food viscosity on the internal flow characteristics of the pump, the internal flow characteristics of food conveying pump when conveying food of 4 different viscosities (water, glycerin, 67.2 °Bx wild jujube juice, and 71.0 °Bx haw juice) were compared and observed in this study. The results showed that, with the increase in food viscosity, the overall flow loss in the pump, the entropy generation, and the proportion of total entropy generation in the pump chamber increase, but the conveying performance of the food conveying pump gets worse; however, the pressure pulsation intensity caused by static and dynamic interferences decreases with the increase in viscosity.
Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvents Extraction of Polysaccharides From Morchella importuna: Optimization, Physicochemical Properties, and Bioactivities
Authors: Pan Xu , Xu Lijing , Meng Junlong , Chang Mingchang , Cheng Yanfen , Geng Xueran , Guo Dongdong , Liu Rongzhu
Published: June 2022

In this study, a high-efficiency and non-pollution extraction procedure, ultrasound-assisted technique with deep eutectic solvents (DESs), was applied for extraction of polysaccharides from Morchella importuna (MIP-D). The results exhibited that the system of DES was: mole ratio between choline chloride and oxalic acid of 2:1, water content of 90% (v/v), and the optimal extraction parameters were as follows: extraction time of 31.2 min, extraction temperature of 62.1°C, and the liquid–solid ratio of 32.5:1 (v/w). Under these extraction parameters, the extraction yield of MIP-D was 4.5 times higher than hot water extraction (HWE) method and had higher carbohydrate (85.27%) and sulfate contents (34.16%). Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) spectrum analysis indicated that MIP-D was comprised of glucosamine, galactose, glucose, and mannose, with molar ratios of 0.39:1.88:3.82:3.91, which contained the pyranose ring skeleton. High-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) analysis revealed that MIP-D showed three fractions with molecular weights of 2.6 × 106, 7.3 × 104, and 3.7 × 103 Da, which were lower than those of polysaccharides extracted by HWE. In-vitro tests proved that MIP-D possessed excellent antioxidant and inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Therefore, DESs (choline chloride-oxalic acid) as a high-efficiency and non-pollution solvent alternative can be applied to the separation of bioactive polysaccharides from Morchella importuna (M. importuna).
Regulatory Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2-33 on Intestinal Microbiota of Mice With Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Authors: Bao Wuyundalai , He Yuxing , Yu Jinghe , Liu Mingchao , Yang Xiaofeng , Ta Na , Zhang Enxin , Liang Chengyuan
Published: June 2022

Diarrhea is one of the common adverse reactions in antibiotic treatment, which is usually caused by the imbalance of intestinal flora, and probiotics play an important role in the structure of intestinal flora. Therefore, this experiment studied the regulatory effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2-33 on antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) mice. First, the AAD mice model was established by the mixed antibiotic solution of gentamicin sulfate and cefradine. Then, the physiological indexes and diarrhea of mice were observed and recorded by gastric perfusion of low dose (1.0 × 107 CFU/ml), medium dose (1.0 × 108CFU/ml), and high dose (1.0 × 109 CFU/ml) strain 2-33. 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 regions were sequenced in colon contents of mice in control group, model group, self-healing group, and experimental group, respectively, and the diversity of intestinal flora and gene function prediction were analyzed. The results showed that the intestinal flora of AAD mice was not significantly regulated by gastric perfusion of strain 2-33 to 7 days, but the relative abundance and diversity of intestinal flora of AAD mice were significantly improved by gastric perfusion to 14 days (p < 0.05). In addition, at the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased significantly, and the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Bacillus decreased significantly (p < 0.05). In addition, the regulation of strain 2-33 on intestinal flora of AAD mice was time- and dose-dependent, short-term gastric perfusion, and low dose had no significant effect (p > 0.05). Strain 2-33 can significantly increase the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, significantly decrease the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ (p < 0.05), and can also adjust carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism to normal levels, thus accelerating the recovery of intestinal flora structure of AAD mice. In summary, strain 2-33 can improve the structure and diversity of intestinal flora of AAD mice, balance the level of substance and energy metabolism, and play a positive role in relieving diarrhea, maintaining and improving the intestinal microecological balance.
History of Spinal Cord “Pain” Pathways Including the Pathways Not Taken
Authors: Basbaum Allan
Published: June 2022

Traditional medical neuroanatomy/neurobiology textbooks teach that pain is generated by several ascending pathways that course in the anterolateral quadrant of the spinal cord, including the spinothalamic, spinoreticular and spinoparabrachial tracts. The textbooks also teach, building upon the mid-19th century report of Brown-Séquard, that unilateral cordotomy, namely section of the anterolateral quadrant, leads to contralateral loss of pain (and temperature). In many respects, however, this simple relationship has not held up. Most importantly, pain almost always returns after cordotomy, indicating that activation of these so-called “pain” pathways may be sufficient to generate pain, but they are not necessary. Indeed, Brown-Séquard, based on his own studies, eventually came to the same conclusion. But his new view of “pain” pathways was largely ignored, and certainly did not forestall Spiller and Martin's 1912 introduction of cordotomy to treat patients. This manuscript reviews the history of “pain” pathways that followed from the first description of the Brown-Séquard Syndrome and concludes with a discussion of multisynaptic spinal cord ascending circuits. The latter, in addition to the traditional oligosynaptic “pain” pathways, may be critical to the transmission of “pain” messages, not only in the intact spinal cord but also particularly after injury.
Cardiometabolic Effects of a 12-Month, COVID-19 Lockdown-Interrupted Lifestyle Education Program for Arab Adolescents
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Wani Kaiser , Khattak Malak N. K. , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Amer Osama E. , Aljohani Naji J. , Hameidi Abdulaziz , Alfawaz Hanan , Alharbi Mohammed , Sabico Shaun
Published: June 2022

Background

Childhood obesity and pediatric metabolic syndrome (MetS) have steadily increased during the last decade in Saudi Arabia. Intervention programs to prevent cardiometabolic disorders in Arab youth are needed.

Objective

In this multi-school intervention study which was disrupted by COVID-19-imposed lockdowns (September 2019–April 2021), a 12-month lifestyle education program focused on improving the cardiometabolic status of Arab adolescents was investigated.

Methods

A total of 2,677 Saudi students aged 12–18 years were recruited from 60 different secondary and preparatory year schools in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. The intervention was initially in-person counseling sessions and the subsequent sessions conducted virtually post-pandemic. Baseline anthropometrics and fasting blood samples for glucose, HbA1c, and lipid assessments were collected at baseline and after 12 months (704 participants).

Results

Only 704 out of 2,677 (73.7% dropout) completed the intervention. At baseline, 19.6% of the participants were overweight and 18.1% were obese. A modest but significant decrease in the prevalence of central obesity [11.2 vs. 6.7% (−4.5% change, p = 0.002)], hypertension [22.3 vs. 11.4% (−10.9% change, p < 0.001)], and low-HDL cholesterol [61.6 vs. 23.3% (−38.3% change, p < 0.001)] was noted. Consequently, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia increased from 22.7 to 56.3% (+ 33.6%, p < 0.001) overtime. Also, the proportion of subjects who were able to change their status from MetS to non-MetS was significantly more in overweight/obese at baseline than normal weight (16.9 vs. 3.6%, adjusted OR = 3.42, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Interrupted lifestyle education programs secondary to COVID-19-imposed lockdowns still provided modest effects in improving cardiometabolic indices of Arab adolescents. Given the high digital literacy of Arab youth, improving the delivery of virtual lifestyle education programs may prove beneficial.
Toward Task Capable Active Matter: Learning to Avoid Clogging in Confined Collectives via Collisions
Authors: Aina Kehinde O. , Avinery Ram , Kuan Hui-Shun , Betterton Meredith D. , Goodisman Michael A. D. , Goldman Daniel I.
Published: June 2022

Social organisms which construct nests consisting of tunnels and chambers necessarily navigate confined and crowded conditions. Unlike low density collectives like bird flocks and insect swarms in which hydrodynamic and statistical phenomena dominate, the physics of glasses and supercooled fluids is important to understand clogging behaviors in high density collectives. Our previous work revealed that fire ants flowing in confined tunnels utilize diverse behaviors like unequal workload distributions, spontaneous direction reversals and limited interaction times to mitigate clogging and jamming and thus maintain functional flow; implementation of similar rules in a small robophysical swarm led to high performance through spontaneous dissolution of clogs and clusters. However, how the insects learn such behaviors and how we can develop “task capable” active matter in such regimes remains a challenge in part because interaction dynamics are dominated by local, potentially time-consuming collisions and no single agent can survey and guide the entire collective. Here, hypothesizing that effective flow and clog mitigation could be generated purely by collisional learning dynamics, we challenged small groups of robots to transport pellets through a narrow tunnel, and allowed them to modify their excavation probabilities over time. Robots began excavation with equal probabilities to excavate and without probability modification, clogs and clusters were common. Allowing the robots to perform a “reversal” and exit the tunnel when they encountered another robot which prevented forward progress improved performance. When robots were allowed to change their reversal probabilities via both a collision and a self-measured (and noisy) estimate of tunnel length, unequal workload distributions comparable to our previous work emerged and excavation performance improved. Our robophysical study of an excavating swarm shows that despite the seeming complexity and difficulty of the task, simple learning rules can mitigate or leverage unavoidable features in task capable dense active matter, leading to hypotheses for dense biological and robotic swarms.
Systematic Exploration of a Catalytic Metal–Organic Framework/Polyurethane Composite for Medical Device Applications: Effects of MOF Particle Size, MOF Loading, and Polymer Concentration on Composite Material Activity
Authors: Melvin Alyssa C. , Reynolds Melissa M.
Published: June 2022

The metal–organic framework (MOF) CuBTTri, H3[(Cu4Cl)3(BTTri)8] (where H3BTTri = 1,3,5-tris(1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)benzene), is a promising catalyst for the development of antithrombotic medical device materials via localized nitric oxide (NO) generation from endogenous S-nitrosothiols. This work evaluates the effects of three key parameters of CuBTTri-embedded polyurethane composite materials—MOF preparation/particle size, MOF loading, and polymer concentration—on the rate of NO generation. We discovered that CuBTTri preparation and particle size have a significant impact on NO generation. Specifically, hand-ground MOF particles (0.3 ± 0.1 µm diameter) generate NO at greater rates compared to larger as-prepared, raw MOF particles (0.4 ± 0.2 µm diameter) and smaller, filtered MOF particles (0.2 ± 0.1 µm diameter) for composite materials. This finding contradicts previous research for CuBTTri powder which found that the smaller the particles, the greater the catalytic rate. In examining the effects of MOF loading and polymer concentration, our data show that increasing these parameters generally results in increased rates of NO generation; though thresholds appear to exist in which increasing these parameters results in diminishing returns and impedes NO generation capacity for certain composite formulations. We found that polymer concentration is the key determinant of water absorptivity and statistically significant decreases in water uptake accompany statistically significant increases in NO generation. It was also found that formulations with relatively high MOF loadings and low polymer concentrations or low MOF loadings and high polymer concentrations inhibit the rate of NO generation. In summary, this research provides a framework for more strategic selections of key parameters when fabricating composite materials for medical device applications.
YOLOF-Snake: An Efficient Segmentation Model for Green Object Fruit
Authors: Jia Weikuan , Liu Mengyuan , Luo Rong , Wang Chongjing , Pan Ningning , Yang Xinbo , Ge Xinting
Published: June 2022

Accurate detection and segmentation of the object fruit is the key part of orchard production measurement and automated picking. Affected by light, weather, and operating angle, it brings new challenges to the efficient and accurate detection and segmentation of the green object fruit under complex orchard backgrounds. For the green fruit segmentation, an efficient YOLOF-snake segmentation model is proposed. First, the ResNet101 structure is adopted as the backbone network to achieve feature extraction of the green object fruit. Then, the C5 feature maps are expanded with receptive fields and the decoder is used for classification and regression. Besides, the center point in the regression box is employed to get a diamond-shaped structure and fed into an additional Deep-snake network, which is adjusted to the contours of the target fruit to achieve fast and accurate segmentation of green fruit. The experimental results show that YOLOF-snake is sensitive to the green fruit, and the segmentation accuracy and efficiency are significantly improved. The proposed model can effectively extend the application of agricultural equipment and provide theoretical references for other fruits and vegetable segmentation.
Travel Tales of a Worldwide Weed: Genomic Signatures of Plantago major L. Reveal Distinct Genotypic Groups With Links to Colonial Trade Routes
Authors: Iwanycki Ahlstrand Natalie , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Vieira Filipe G. , Bieker Vanessa C. , Meudt Heidi M. , Dunbar-Co Stephanie , Rothfels Carl J. , Martinez-Swatson Karen A. , Maldonado Carla , Hassemer Gustavo , Shipunov Alexey , Bowers M. Deane , Gardner Elliot , Xu Maonian , Ghorbani Abdolbaset , Amano Makoto , Grace Olwen M. , Pringle James S. , Bishop Madonna , Manzanilla Vincent , Cotrim Helena , Blaney Sean , Zubov Dimitri , Choi Hong-Keun , Yesil Yeter , Bennett Bruce , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Staub Peter O. , Li Zhu , Boldbaatar Delgerbat , Hislop Michael , Caddy Laura J. , Muasya A. Muthama , Saslis-Lagoudakis C. Haris , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Zerega Nyree J. C. , Rønsted Nina
Published: June 2022

Retracing pathways of historical species introductions is fundamental to understanding the factors involved in the successful colonization and spread, centuries after a species’ establishment in an introduced range. Numerous plants have been introduced to regions outside their native ranges both intentionally and accidentally by European voyagers and early colonists making transoceanic journeys; however, records are scarce to document this. We use genotyping-by-sequencing and genotype-likelihood methods on the selfing, global weed, Plantago major, collected from 50 populations worldwide to investigate how patterns of genomic diversity are distributed among populations of this global weed. Although genomic differentiation among populations is found to be low, we identify six unique genotype groups showing very little sign of admixture and low degree of outcrossing among them. We show that genotype groups are latitudinally restricted, and that more than one successful genotype colonized and spread into the introduced ranges. With the exception of New Zealand, only one genotype group is present in the Southern Hemisphere. Three of the most prevalent genotypes present in the native Eurasian range gave rise to introduced populations in the Americas, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, which could lend support to the hypothesis that P. major was unknowlingly dispersed by early European colonists. Dispersal of multiple successful genotypes is a likely reason for success. Genomic signatures and phylogeographic methods can provide new perspectives on the drivers behind the historic introductions and the successful colonization of introduced species, contributing to our understanding of the role of genomic variation for successful establishment of introduced taxa.
Fast Location and Recognition of Green Apple Based on RGB-D Image
Authors: Sun Meili , Xu Liancheng , Luo Rong , Lu Yuqi , Jia Weikuan
Published: June 2022

In the process of green apple harvesting or yield estimation, affected by the factors, such as fruit color, light, and orchard environment, the accurate recognition and fast location of the target fruit brings tremendous challenges to the vision system. In this article, we improve a density peak cluster segmentation algorithm for RGB images with the help of a gradient field of depth images to locate and recognize target fruit. Specifically, the image depth information is adopted to analyze the gradient field of the target image. The vorticity center and two-dimensional plane projection are constructed to realize the accurate center location. Next, an optimized density peak clustering algorithm is applied to segment the target image, where a kernel density estimation is utilized to optimize the segmentation algorithm, and a double sort algorithm is applied to efficiently obtain the accurate segmentation area of the target image. Finally, the segmentation area with the circle center is the target fruit area, and the maximum value method is employed to determine the radius. The above two results are merged to achieve the contour fitting of the target fruits. The novel method is designed without iteration, classifier, and several samples, which has greatly improved operating efficiency. The experimental results show that the presented method significantly improves accuracy and efficiency. Meanwhile, this new method deserves further promotion.
Rapid Transcriptional Reprogramming Associated With Heat Stress-Induced Unfolded Protein Response in Developing Brassica napus Anthers
Authors: Lohani Neeta , Singh Mohan B. , Bhalla Prem L.
Published: June 2022

Climate change associated increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme temperature events negatively impact agricultural productivity and global food security. During the reproductive phase of a plant’s life cycle, such high temperatures hinder pollen development, preventing fertilization, and seed formation. At the molecular level, heat stress-induced accumulation of misfolded proteins activates a signaling pathway called unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the cytoplasm to enhance the protein folding capacity of the cell. Here, we report transcriptional responses of Brassica napus anthers exposed to high temperature for 5, 15, and 30 min to decipher the rapid transcriptional reprogramming associated with the unfolded protein response. Functional classification of the upregulated transcripts highlighted rapid activation of the ER-UPR signaling pathway mediated by ER membrane-anchored transcription factor within 5 min of heat stress exposure. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis also identified “Protein processing in ER” as the most significantly enriched pathway, indicating that the unfolded protein response (UPR) is an immediate heat stress-responsive pathway during B. napus anther development. Five minutes of heat stress also led to robust induction of the cytosolic HSF-HSP heat response network. Our results present a perspective of the rapid and massive transcriptional reprogramming during heat stress in pollen development and highlight the need for investigating the nature and function of very early stress-responsive networks in plant cells. Research focusing on very early molecular responses of plant cells to external stresses has the potential to reveal new stress-responsive gene networks that can be explored further for developing climate change resilient crops.
Identification and Characterization of Shaker K+ Channel Gene Family in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) and Their Role in Stress Response
Authors: Zhang Ben , Guo Yue , Wang Hui , Wang Xiaoxia , Lv Mengtao , Yang Pu , Zhang Lizhen
Published: June 2022

Potassium (K+) is one of the indispensable elements in plant growth and development. The Shaker K+ channel protein family is involved in plant K+ uptake and distribution. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), as an important crop, has strong tolerance and adaptability to abiotic stresses. However, no systematic study focused on the Shaker K+ channel family in foxtail millet. Here, ten Shaker K+ channel genes in foxtail millet were identified and divided into five groups through phylogenetic analysis. Gene structures, chromosome locations, cis-acting regulatory elements in promoter, and post-translation modification sites of Shaker K+ channels were analyzed. In silico analysis of transcript level demonstrated that the expression of Shaker K+ channel genes was tissue or developmental stage specific. The transcription levels of Shaker K+ channel genes in foxtail millet under different abiotic stresses (cold, heat, NaCl, and PEG) and phytohormones (6-BA, BR, MJ, IAA, NAA, GA3, SA, and ABA) treatments at 0, 12, and 24 h were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that SiAKT1, SiKAT3, SiGORK, and SiSKOR were worth further research due to their significant responses after most treatments. The yeast complementation assay verified the inward K+ transport activities of detectable Shaker K+ channels. Finally, we found interactions between SiKAT2 and SiSNARE proteins. Compared to research in Arabidopsis, our results showed a difference in SYP121 related Shaker K+ channel regulation mechanism in foxtail millet. Our results indicate that Shaker K+ channels play important roles in foxtail millet and provide theoretical support for further exploring the K+ absorption mechanism of foxtail millet under abiotic stress.
Proteome Analysis of the Soybean Nodule Phosphorus Response Mechanism and Characterization of Stress-Induced Ribosome Structural and Protein Expression Changes
Authors: Yao Yubo , Yuan Hongmei , Wu Guangwen , Ma Chunmei , Gong Zhenping
Published: June 2022

In agroecosystems, a plant-usable form of nitrogen is mainly generated by legume-based biological nitrogen fixation, a process that requires phosphorus (P) as an essential nutrient. To investigate the physiological mechanism whereby phosphorus influences soybean nodule nitrogen fixation, soybean root nodules were exposed to four phosphate levels: 1 mg/L (P stress), 11 mg/L (P stress), 31 mg/L (Normal P), and 61 mg/L (High P) then proteome analysis of nodules was conducted to identify phosphorus-associated proteome changes. We found that phosphorus stress-induced ribosomal protein structural changes were associated with altered key root nodule protein synthesis profiles. Importantly, up-regulated expression of peroxidase was observed as an important phosphorus stress-induced nitrogen fixation-associated adaptation that supported two nodule-associated activities: scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell wall growth. In addition, phosphorus transporter (PT) and purple acid phosphatase (PAPs) were up-regulated that regulated phosphorus transport and utilization to maintain phosphorus balance and nitrogen fixation function in phosphorus-stressed root nodules.
Dynamic Transcriptome-Based Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis Reveals Key Modules and Hub Genes Associated With the Structure and Nutrient Formation of Endosperm for Wax Corn
Authors: Li Tingchun , Kong Fanna , Dong Qing , Xu Dafeng , Liu Guihu , Lei Yanli , Yang Huaying , Zhou Yingbing , Li Cheng
Published: June 2022

The endosperm of corn kernel consists of two components, a horny endosperm, and a floury endosperm. In the experiment, a kind of floury endosperm corn was identified. The result of phenotypic trait analysis and determination of amino acid content showed that the floury endosperm filled with the small, loose, and scattered irregular spherical shape starch granules and contained higher content of amino acid. The starch biochemical properties are similar between floury corns and regular flint corn. By using dynamically comparative transcriptome analysis of endosperm at 20, 25, and 30 DAP, a total of 113.42 million raw reads and 50.508 thousand genes were obtained. By using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis, 806 genes and six modules were identified. And the turquoise module with 459 genes was proved to be the key module closely related to the floury endosperm formation. Nine zein genes in turquoise module, including two zein-alpha A20 (Zm00001d019155 and Zm00001d019156), two zein-alpha A30 (Zm00001d048849 and Zm00001d048850), one 50 kDa gamma-zein (Zm00001d020591), one 22 kDa alpha-zein 14 (Zm00001d048817), one zein-alpha 19D1 (Zm00001d030855), one zein-alpha 19B1 (Zm00001d048848), and one FLOURY 2 (Zm00001d048808) were identified closely related the floury endosperm formation. Both zein-alpha 19B1 (Zm00001d048848) and zein-alpha A30 (Zm00001d048850) function as source genes with the highest expression level in floury endosperm. These results may provide the supplementary molecular mechanism of structure and nutrient formation for the floury endosperm of maize.
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Interact With Lachnum pygmaeum to Mitigate Drought and Promote Growth
Authors: Lou Hu , Guo Chao , Fan Baozhen , Fu Rao , Su Heng , Zhang Jie , Sun Long
Published: June 2022

The application of Ericoid mycorrhizal (ErM) fungi is considered to be an important strategy for increasing plant yield and drought resistance. In this study, we isolated and identified two ErM fungi that can promote the growth of lingonberry. We tried to understand the potential of these two ErM fungi to promote the growth of lingonberry and the strategies to help plants cope with water shortage. The use value of ErM fungi was evaluated by inoculating Oidiodendron maius FC (OmFC) or Lachnum pygmaeum ZL6 (LpZL6), well-watered (WW) and severe drought stress (SDS). The results showed that the mycelium of LpZL6 was denser than that of OmFC, and both ErM fungi significantly increased the biomass of lingonberry stems and roots. They also significantly increased the chlorophyll content by 65.6 and 97.8%, respectively. In addition, inoculation with LpZL6 fungi can improve drought resistance, promote root growth and increase root wet weight by 1157.6%. Drought reduced the chlorophyll content and soluble sugar content of lingonberry but increased significantly after inoculation with LpZL6. Inoculation with LpZL6 decreased lingonberry’s malondialdehyde (MDA) content but increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Overall, these results indicated that the successful coexistence of ErM fungi and lingonberry alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress through higher secondary metabolites and photosynthetic pigment synthesis.
Selection Signatures in Chinese Sorghum Reveals Its Unique Liquor-Making Properties
Authors: Zhang Liyi , Ding Yanqing , Xu Jianxia , Gao Xu , Cao Ning , Li Kuiying , Feng Zhou , Cheng Bing , Zhou Lengbo , Ren Mingjian , Lu Xiaochun , Bao Zhigui , Tao Yuezhi , Xin Zhanguo , Zou Guihua
Published: June 2022

Chinese sorghum (S. bicolor) has been a historically critical ingredient for brewing famous distilled liquors ever since Yuan Dynasty (749 ∼ 652 years BP). Incomplete understanding of the population genetics and domestication history limits its broad applications, especially that the lack of genetics knowledge underlying liquor-brewing properties makes it difficult to establish scientific standards for sorghum breeding. To unravel the domestic history of Chinese sorghum, we re-sequenced 244 Chinese sorghum lines selected from 16 provinces. We found that Chinese sorghums formed three distinct genetic sub-structures, referred as the Northern, the Southern, and the Chishui groups, following an obviously geographic pattern. These sorghum accessions were further characterized in liquor brewing traits and identified selection footprints associated with liquor brewing efficiency. An importantly selective sweep region identified includes several homologous genes involving in grain size, pericarp thickness, and architecture of inflorescence. Our result also demonstrated that pericarp strength rather than grain size determines the ability of the grains to resist repeated cooking during brewing process. New insight into the traits beneficial to the liquor-brewing process provides both a better understanding on Chinese sorghum domestication and a guidance on breeding sorghum as a multiple use crop in China.
Psychological Mobilization of Innovative Teaching Methods for Students' Basic Educational Curriculum Reform Under Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Dingzhou , Li Hongming , Xu Annan , Song Tingchang
Published: June 2022

Educational innovation reform is used as the background. In response to the need to propose innovative educational programs, the concepts of Distributed Deep Neural Network (DDNN) and deep learning under edge computing are used as the basis. A teaching program for Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) is proposed. The average training method is used to verify the performance of the model. Sampling rate means the number of samples per second taken from a continuous signal to form a discrete signal. The accuracy and sample ratio obtained are higher than 95%. The communication volume is 309 bytes, which is in a good range. On this basis, a university uses STEM teaching plans and questionnaires to influence the psychological mobilization factors of students' deep learning effects. Challenging learning tasks and learning motivation have the greatest impact on deep learning, and conclusions that both are positive effects are obtained. Therefore, STEM innovative teaching programs can be widely used. The plan provides a reference theory for improving teaching innovation in the context of the basic educational curriculum reform in China. STEM curriculum is the dual subject of teachers and students, and the learning community includes multi-stakeholders. There are hierarchical relationships among the subjects. In terms of financial support, the first two funds come from the school. Learning communities have dedicated sponsorship partners complemented by clear financial planning. There is not much difference in course resources. Still, the learning community will provide more diversified media forms and special websites, and other auxiliary resources are open to all users. They can obtain first-hand resources without applying. In terms of project form, in addition to the core classroom teaching, the latter two can provide richer activities and realize the diversity of time, space, and information exchange.
The Influence of Teacher Discipline on Teaching Effect and Students’ Psychology in Universities and the Normative Suggestions for Discipline Behavior
Authors: An Zheming
Published: June 2022

In today’s educational environment, with the popularization of laws, more and more students pay attention to the maintenance of their own rights. However, due to the misinterpretation of punishment, it is very easy to mistake teacher punishment for “corporal punishment.” Therefore, it is particularly important to investigate the impact of teacher discipline on students. This paper first collects some knowledge related to the research based on the research results of scholars, and then makes a detailed analysis of this research from two aspects. It, respectively, introduces the influence of teacher discipline on teaching effect and students’ psychology in universities, and the normative suggestions for discipline behavior in this paper. It then uses formulas to explain how the teaching and learning optimization algorithm works. Finally, it analyzes the changes among teachers’ discipline, students’ psychology, and coping style through experiments. The results showed that urban students had the highest probability of being disciplined for being late, at 53%, and the lowest probability of being disciplined for not completing homework, at 34%.
“I Have Grown Accustomed to Being Rejected”: EFL Academics’ Responses Toward Power Relations in Research Practice
Authors: Lu Hua , Yoon Sook Jhee
Published: June 2022

While there has been an increasing interest in English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ research engagement and researcher identity construction, scant attention has been paid to tensions caused by the issue of power relations in their research practice. This study draws on data from semi-structured interviews complemented with data from narrative frames and document analysis to examine the influence of power relations on the research practice of six EFL academics and their coping strategies at a Chinese university. The data analysis reveals that for the participants in the study, even though they were driven to be engaged in research practice by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, they found that their research endeavors were undermined by the marginalized status of EFL researchers from non-elite universities, as imposed by the Chinese academic circle. Nevertheless, in the face of potential bias against their peripheral academic status, they exerted their agency with micropolitical literacy and tried to seek a way out of the unfavorable academic culture. As EFL teachers at regular universities are increasingly expected to be more research-active and research-productive, more attention and support are needed to facilitate their professional development and researcher identity construction.