bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adeno-associated virus receptor complexes and implications for adeno-associated virus immune neutralization
Authors: Large Edward E. , Chapman Michael S.
Published: February 2023

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are among the foremost vectors for in vivo gene therapy. A number of monoclonal antibodies against several serotypes of AAV have previously been prepared. Many are neutralizing, and the predominant mechanisms have been reported as the inhibition of binding to extracellular glycan receptors or interference with some post-entry step. The identification of a protein receptor and recent structural characterization of its interactions with AAV compel reconsideration of this tenet. AAVs can be divided into two families based on which domain of the receptor is strongly bound. Neighboring domains, unseen in the high-resolution electron microscopy structures have now been located by electron tomography, pointing away from the virus. The epitopes of neutralizing antibodies, previously characterized, are now compared to the distinct protein receptor footprints of the two families of AAV. Comparative structural analysis suggests that antibody interference with protein receptor binding might be the more prevalent mechanism than interference with glycan attachment. Limited competitive binding assays give some support to the hypothesis that inhibition of binding to the protein receptor has been an overlooked mechanism of neutralization. More extensive testing is warranted.
A simple and efficient fluorescent labeling method in Staphylococcus aureus for real-time tracking of invasive bacteria
Authors: Liu Fei , Chen Sijie , Zou Yingxin , Jiao Yong , Tang Ying
Published: February 2023

Bacterial fluorescent labeling is a powerful tool for the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. Here, we present a simple and efficient labeling strategy for Staphylococcus aureus. Intracellular labeling of bacteria was achieved by heat shock using Cyanine 5.5 (Cy5.5) near-infrared-I dyes in S. aureus (Cy5.5@S. aureus). Several key factors, such as Cy5.5 concentration and labeling time, were systematically evaluated. Further, the cytotoxicity of Cy5.5 and the stability of Cy5.5@S. aureus was evaluated by flow cytometry, inverted fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, Cy5.5@S. aureus were used to explore the phagocytic behavior of RAW264.7 macrophages. These results proved that Cy5.5@S. aureus had a uniform fluorescence intensity and high luminance; additionally, our method had no significant adverse effects on S. aureus compared to unlabeled S. aureus infections. Our method provides researchers with a useful option for analyzing the behavior of S. aureus as an infectious agent. This technique can be broadly applied to study host cell–bacteria interactions at the molecular level, and to in vivo tracing of bacterial infections.
SmartFPS: Neural network based wireless-inertial fusion positioning system
Authors: Hua Luchi , Zhuang Yuan , Yang Jun
Published: February 2023

Current wireless-inertial fusion positioning systems widely adopt empirical propagation models of wireless signals and filtering algorithms such as the Kalman filter or the particle filter. However, empirical models of system and noise usually have lower accuracy in a practical positioning scenario. The biases of predetermined parameters would enlarge the positioning error through layers of systems. Instead of dealing with empirical models, this paper proposes a fusion positioning system based on an end-to-end neural network, along with a transfer learning strategy for improving the performance of neural network models for samples with different distributions. Verified by Bluetooth-inertial positioning in a whole floor scenario, the mean positioning error of the fusion network was 0.506 m. The proposed transfer learning method improved the accuracy of the step length and rotation angle of different pedestrians by 53.3%, the Bluetooth positioning accuracy of various devices by 33.4%, and the average positioning error of the fusion system by 31.6%. The results showed that our proposed methods outperformed filter-based methods in challenging indoor environments.
Restart errors reaction time of a two-step inhibition process account for the violation of the race model’s independence in multi-effector selective stop signal task
Authors: Marc Isabel Beatrice , Giuffrida Valentina , Ramawat Surabhi , Fiori Lorenzo , Fontana Roberto , Bardella Giampiero , Fagioli Sabrina , Ferraina Stefano , Pani Pierpaolo , Brunamonti Emiliano
Published: February 2023

Goal-oriented actions often require the coordinated movement of two or more effectors. Sometimes multi-effector movements need to be adjusted according to a continuously changing environment, requiring stopping an effector without interrupting the movement of the others. This form of control has been investigated by the selective Stop Signal Task (SST), requiring the inhibition of an effector of a multicomponent action. This form of selective inhibition has been hypothesized to act through a two-step process, where a temporary global inhibition deactivating all the ongoing motor responses is followed by a restarting process that reactivates only the moving effector. When this form of inhibition takes place, the reaction time (RT) of the moving effector pays the cost of the previous global inhibition. However, it is poorly investigated if and how this cost delays the RT of the effector that was required to be stopped but was erroneously moved (Stop Error trials). Here we measure the Stop Error RT in a group of participants instructed to simultaneously rotate the wrist and lift the foot when a Go Signal occurred, and interrupt both movements (non-selective Stop version) or only one of them (selective Stop version) when a Stop Signal was presented. We presented this task in two experimental conditions to evaluate how different contexts can influence a possible proactive inhibition on the RT of the moving effector in the selective Stop versions. In one context, we provided the foreknowledge of the effector to be inhibited by presenting the same selective or non-selective Stop versions in the same block of trials. In a different context, while providing no foreknowledge of the effector(s) to be stopped, the selective and non-selective Stop versions were intermingled, and the information on the effector to be stopped was delivered at the time of the Stop Signal presentation. We detected a cost in both Correct and Error selective Stop RTs that was influenced by the different task conditions. Results are discussed within the framework of the race model related to the SST, and its relationship with a restart model developed for selective versions of this paradigm.
The cancer-risk variant frequency among Polish population reported by the first national whole-genome sequencing study
Authors: Mroczek Magdalena , Liu Jakub , Sypniewski Mateusz , Pieńkowski Tadeusz , Itrych Bartosz , Stojak Joanna , Pronobis-Szczylik Bartosz , Stępień Maria , Kaja Elżbieta , Dąbrowski Maciej , Suchocki Tomasz , Wojtaszewska Marzena , Zawadzki Paweł , Mach Anna , Sztromwasser Paweł , Król Zbigniew J. , Szyda Joanna , Dobosz Paula
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Population-based cancer screening has raised many controversies in recent years, not only regarding the costs but also regarding the ethical nature and issues related to variant interpretation. Nowadays, genetic cancer screening standards are different in every country and usually encompass only individuals with a personal or family history of relevant cancer.

Methods

Here we performed a broad genetic screening for cancer-related rare germline variants on population data from the Thousand Polish Genomes database based on 1076 Polish unrelated individuals that underwent whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

We identified 19 551 rare variants in 806 genes related to oncological diseases, among them 89% have been located in non-coding regions. The combined BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic according to ClinVar allele frequency in the unselected population of 1076 Poles was 0.42%, corresponding to nine carriers.

Discussion

Altogether, on the population level, we found especially problematic the assessment of the pathogenicity of variants and the relation of ACMG guidelines to the population frequency. Some of the variants may be overinterpreted as disease-causing due to their rarity or lack of annotation in the databases. On the other hand, some relevant variants may have been overseen given that there is little pooled population whole genome data on oncology. Before population WGS screening will become a standard, further studies are needed to assess the frequency of the variants suspected to be pathogenic on the population level and with reporting of likely benign variants.
Evaluation of Lee–Carter model to breast cancer mortality prediction in China and Pakistan
Authors: Mubarik Sumaira , Wang Fang , Luo Lisha , Hezam Kamal , Yu Chuanhua
Published: February 2023

Background

Precise breast cancer–related mortality forecasts are required for public health program and healthcare service planning. A number of stochastic model–based approaches for predicting mortality have been developed. The trends shown by mortality data from various diseases and countries are critical to the effectiveness of these models. This study illustrates the unconventional statistical method for estimating and predicting the mortality risk between the early-onset and screen-age/late-onset breast cancer population in China and Pakistan using the Lee–Carter model.

Methods

Longitudinal death data for female breast cancer from 1990 to 2019 obtained from the Global Burden of Disease study database were used to compare statistical approach between early-onset (age group, 25–49 years) and screen-age/late-onset (age group, 50–84 years) population. We evaluated the model performance both within (training period, 1990–2010) and outside (test period, 2011–2019) data forecast accuracy using the different error measures and graphical analysis. Finally, using the Lee–Carter model, we predicted the general index for the time period (2011 to 2030) and derived corresponding life expectancy at birth for the female breast cancer population using life tables.

Results

Study findings revealed that the Lee–Carter approach to predict breast cancer mortality rate outperformed in the screen-age/late-onset compared with that in the early-onset population in terms of goodness of fit and within and outside forecast accuracy check. Moreover, the trend in forecast error was decreasing gradually in the screen-age/late-onset compared with that in the early-onset breast cancer population in China and Pakistan. Furthermore, we observed that this approach had provided almost comparable results between the early-onset and screen-age/late-onset population in forecast accuracy for more varying mortality behavior over time like in Pakistan. Both the early-onset and screen-age/late-onset populations in Pakistan were expected to have an increase in breast cancer mortality by 2030. whereas, for China, it was expected to decrease in the early-onset population.

Conclusion

The Lee–Carter model can be used to estimate breast cancer mortality and so to project future life expectancy at birth, especially in the screen-age/late-onset population. As a result, it is suggested that this approach may be useful and convenient for predicting cancer-related mortality even when epidemiological and demographic disease data sets are limited. According to model predictions for breast cancer mortality, improved health facilities for disease diagnosis, control, and prevention are required to reduce the disease’s future burden, particularly in less developed countries.
Leveraging intelligent optimization for automated, cardiac-sparing accelerated partial breast treatment planning
Authors: Pogue Joel A. , Cardenas Carlos E. , Cao Yanan , Popple Richard A. , Soike Michael , Boggs Drexell Hunter , Stanley Dennis N. , Harms Joseph
Published: February 2023

Background

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) yields similar rates of recurrence and cosmetic outcomes as compared to whole breast radiation therapy (RT) when patients and treatment techniques are appropriately selected. APBI combined with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a promising technique for precisely delivering high levels of radiation while avoiding uninvolved breast tissue. Here we investigate the feasibility of automatically generating high quality APBI plans in the Ethos adaptive workspace with a specific emphasis on sparing the heart.

Methods

Nine patients (10 target volumes) were utilized to iteratively tune an Ethos APBI planning template for automatic plan generation. Twenty patients previously treated on a TrueBeam Edge accelerator were then automatically replanned using this template without manual intervention or reoptimization. The unbiased validation cohort Ethos plans were benchmarked via adherence to planning objectives, a comparison of DVH and quality indices against the clinical Edge plans, and qualitative reviews by two board-certified radiation oncologists.

Results

85% (17/20) of automated validation cohort plans met all planning objectives; three plans did not achieve the contralateral lung V1.5Gy objective, but all other objectives were achieved. Compared to the Eclipse generated plans, the proposed Ethos template generated plans with greater evaluation planning target volume (PTV_Eval) V100% coverage (p = 0.01), significantly decreased heart V1.5Gy (p< 0.001), and increased contralateral breast V5Gy, skin D0.01cc, and RTOG conformity index (p = 0.03, p = 0.03, and p = 0.01, respectively). However, only the reduction in heart dose was significant after correcting for multiple testing. Physicist-selected plans were deemed clinically acceptable without modification for 75% and 90% of plans by physicians A and B, respectively. Physicians A and B scored at least one automatically generated plan as clinically acceptable for 100% and 95% of planning intents, respectively.

Conclusions

Standard left- and right-sided planning templates automatically generated APBI plans of comparable quality to manually generated plans treated on a stereotactic linear accelerator, with a significant reduction in heart dose compared to Eclipse generated plans. The methods presented in this work elucidate an approach for generating automated, cardiac-sparing APBI treatment plans for daily adaptive RT with high efficiency.
High GNG4 predicts adverse prognosis for osteosarcoma: Bioinformatics prediction and experimental verification
Authors: Jiang Xiaohong , Tang Fuxing , Zhang Junlei , He Mingwei , Xie Tianyu , Tang Haijun , Liu Jianhong , Luo Kai , Lu Shenglin , Liu Yun , Lu Jili , He Maolin , Wei Qingjun
Published: February 2023

Background

Guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein subunit γ 4 (GNG4) is closely related to the malignant progression and poor prognosis of various tumours. However, its role and mechanism in osteosarcoma remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the biological role and prognostic value of GNG4 in osteosarcoma.

Methods

Osteosarcoma samples in the GSE12865, GSE14359, GSE162454 and TARGET datasets were selected as the test cohorts. The expression level of GNG4 between normal and osteosarcoma was identified in GSE12865 and GSE14359. Based on the osteosarcoma single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset GSE162454, differential expression of GNG4 among cell subsets was identified at the single-cell level. As the external validation cohort, 58 osteosarcoma specimens from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were collected. Patients with osteosarcoma were divided into high- and low-GNG4 groups. The biological function of GNG4 was annotated using Gene Ontology, gene set enrichment analysis, gene expression correlation analysis and immune infiltration analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was conducted and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the reliability of GNG4 in predicting prognostic significance and diagnostic value. Functional in vitro experiments were performed to explore the function of GNG4 in osteosarcoma cells.

Results

GNG4 was generally highly expressed in osteosarcoma. As an independent risk factor, high GNG4 was negatively correlated with both overall survival and event-free survival. Furthermore, GNG4 was a good diagnostic marker for osteosarcoma, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of more than 0.9. Functional analysis suggested that GNG4 may promote the occurrence of osteosarcoma by regulating ossification, B-cell activation, the cell cycle and the proportion of memory B cells. In in vitro experiments, silencing of GNG4 inhibited the viability, proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells.

Conclusion

Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification, high expression of GNG4 in osteosarcoma was identified as an oncogene and reliable biomarker for poor prognosis. This study helps to elucidate the significant potential of GNG4 in carcinogenesis and molecular targeted therapy for osteosarcoma.
A heuristic approach to the prediction of a periodic solution for a damping nonlinear oscillator with the non-perturbative technique
Authors: El-Dib Yusry O. , Elgazery Nasser S. , Alyousef Haifa A.
Published: February 2023

The present work attracts attention to obtaining a new result of the periodic solution of a damped nonlinear Duffing oscillator and a damped Klein–Gordon equation. It is known that the frequency response equation in the Duffing equation can be derived from the homotopy analysis method only in the absence of the damping force. We suggest a suitable new scheme successfully to produce a periodic solution without losing the damping coefficient. The novel strategy is centered on establishing an alternate equation apart from any difficulty in handling the influence of the linear damped term. This alternative equation was obtained with the rank upgrading technique. The periodic solution of the problem is presented using the non-perturbative method and validated by the modified homotopy perturbation technique. This technique is successful in obtaining new results toward a periodic solution, frequency equation, and the corresponding stability conditions. This methodology yields a more effective outcome of the damped nonlinear oscillators. With the help of this procedure, one can analyze many problems in the domain of physical engineering that involve oscillators and a linear damping influence. Moreover, this method can help all interested plasma authors for modeling different nonlinear acoustic oscillations in plasma.
Multiple Weyl and double-Weyl points in the phonon dispersion of P4332 BaSi2
Authors: Li Yang
Published: February 2023

Weyl semimetals, classified as solid-state crystals and whose Fermi energy is accurately situated at Weyl points (WPs), have received much attention in condensed matter physics over the past 10 years. Weyl quasiparticles have been observed in the electronic and bosonic regimes, in addition to the extensive amount of theoretical and numerical predictions for the Weyl semimetals. This study demonstrates that 12 single Weyl phonons with linear dispersion and six double Weyl phonons with quadratic dispersion coexist between two specific phonon branches in real material P4332 BaSi2. The 12 single Weyl phonons and the six double Weyl phonons can form a Weyl complex phonon, which hosts a zero net chirality.
Natural or artificial: An example of topographic spatial distribution analysis of mescaline in cactus plants by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Lin Jiaman , Yang Shuo , Ji Jiaojiao , Xiang Ping , Wu Lina , Chen Hang
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Differentiating whether plant products are natural or artificial is of great importance in many practical fields, including forensic science, food safety, cosmetics, and fast-moving consumer goods. Information about the topographic distribution of compounds is an important criterion for answering this question. However, of equal importance is the likelihood that topographic spatial distribution information may provide important and valuable information for molecular mechanism study.

Methods

In this study, we took mescaline, a substance with hallucinogenic properties in cacti of the species Trichocereus pachanoi and Lophophora williamsii, as an example to characterize the spatial distribution of mescaline in plants and flowers by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry–matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging at the macroscopic, tissue structure, and even cellular levels.

Results

According to our results, the distribution of mescaline in natural plant was concentrated on the active meristems, epidermal tissues, and protruding parts of Trichocereus pachanoi and Lophophora williamsii, while artificially spiked Lophophora diffusa products showed no such difference in their topographic spatial distribution.

Discussion

This difference in distribution pattern allowed us to distinguish between flowers that could synthesize mescaline on their own and those that had been artificially spiked with mescaline. The interesting topographic spatial distribution results, such as the overlap of the mescaline distribution map and micrographs of the vascular bundles, were consistent with the synthesis and transport theory of mescaline, indicating the potential for applying matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging in botanical research.
Phylogenomic analyses across land plants reveals motifs and coexpression patterns useful for functional prediction in the BAHD acyltransferase family
Authors: Kruse Lars H. , Fehr Benjamin , Chobirko Jason D. , Moghe Gaurav D.
Published: February 2023

The BAHD acyltransferase family is one of the largest enzyme families in flowering plants, containing dozens to hundreds of genes in individual genomes. Highly prevalent in angiosperm genomes, members of this family contribute to several pathways in primary and specialized metabolism. In this study, we performed a phylogenomic analysis of the family using 52 genomes across the plant kingdom to gain deeper insights into its functional evolution and enable function prediction. We found that BAHD expansion in land plants was associated with significant changes in various gene features. Using pre-defined BAHD clades, we identified clade expansions in different plant groups. In some groups, these expansions coincided with the prominence of metabolite classes such as anthocyanins (flowering plants) and hydroxycinnamic acid amides (monocots). Clade-wise motif-enrichment analysis revealed that some clades have novel motifs fixed on either the acceptor or the donor side, potentially reflecting historical routes of functional evolution. Co-expression analysis in rice and Arabidopsis further identified BAHDs with similar expression patterns, however, most co-expressed BAHDs belonged to different clades. Comparing BAHD paralogs, we found that gene expression diverges rapidly after duplication, suggesting that sub/neo-functionalization of duplicate genes occurs quickly via expression diversification. Analyzing co-expression patterns in Arabidopsis in conjunction with orthology-based substrate class predictions and metabolic pathway models led to the recovery of metabolic processes of most of the already-characterized BAHDs as well as definition of novel functional predictions for some uncharacterized BAHDs. Overall, this study provides new insights into the evolution of BAHD acyltransferases and sets up a foundation for their functional characterization.
Integration of third generation biofuels with bio-electrochemical systems: Current status and future perspective
Authors: Khandelwal Amitap , Chhabra Meenu , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: February 2023

Biofuels hold particular promise as these can replace fossil fuels. Algae, in particular, are envisioned as a sustainable source of third-generation biofuels. Algae also produce several low volume high-value products, which enhance their prospects of use in a biorefinery. Bio-electrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cell (MFC) can be used for algae cultivation and bioelectricity production. MFCs find applications in wastewater treatment, CO2 sequestration, heavy metal removal and bio-remediation. Oxidation of electron donor by microbial catalysts in the anodic chamber gives electrons (reducing the anode), CO2, and electrical energy. The electron acceptor at the cathode can be oxygen/NO3-/NO2-/metal ions. However, the need for a continuous supply of terminal electron acceptor in the cathode can be eliminated by growing algae in the cathodic chamber, as they produce enough oxygen through photosynthesis. On the other hand, conventional algae cultivation systems require periodic oxygen quenching, which involves further energy consumption and adds cost to the process. Therefore, the integration of algae cultivation and MFC technology can eliminate the need of oxygen quenching and external aeration in the MFC system and thus make the overall process sustainable and a net energy producer. In addition to this, the CO2 gas produced in the anodic chamber can promote the algal growth in the cathodic chamber. Hence, the energy and cost invested for CO2 transportation in an open pond system can be saved. In this context, the present review outlines the bottlenecks of first- and second-generation biofuels along with the conventional algae cultivation systems such as open ponds and photobioreactors. Furthermore, it discusses about the process sustainability and efficiency of integrating algae cultivation with MFC technology in detail.
Regulation of alternative splicing by retrograde and light signals converges to control chloroplast proteins
Authors: Martín Guiomar
Published: February 2023

Retrograde signals sent by chloroplasts control transcription in the nucleus. These signals antagonistically converge with light signals to coordinate the expression of genes involved in chloroplast functioning and seedling development. Although significant advances have been made in understanding the molecular interplay between light and retrograde signals at the transcriptional level, little is known about their interconnection at the post-transcriptional level. By using different publicly available datasets, this study addresses the influence of retrograde signaling on alternative splicing and defines the molecular and biological functions of this regulation. These analyses revealed that alternative splicing mimics transcriptional responses triggered by retrograde signals at different levels. First, both molecular processes similarly depend on the chloroplast-localized pentatricopeptide-repeat protein GUN1 to modulate the nuclear transcriptome. Secondly, as described for transcriptional regulation, alternative splicing coupled with the nonsense-mediated decay pathway effectively downregulates expression of chloroplast proteins in response to retrograde signals. Finally, light signals were found to antagonistically control retrograde signaling-regulated splicing isoforms, which consequently generates opposite splicing outcomes that likely contribute to the opposite roles these signals play in controlling chloroplast functioning and seedling development.
Overexpression of OsGF14C enhances salinity tolerance but reduces blast resistance in rice
Authors: Dong Jingfang , Li Xuezhong , Ma Yamei , Yang Jianyuan , Chen Jiansong , Yang Wu , Zhou Lian , Wang Jian , Yang TiFeng , Zhang Shaohong , Zhao Junliang , Liu Qing , Zhou Lingyan , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Liu Bin
Published: February 2023

High-salinity and blast disease are two major stresses that cause dramatic yield loss in rice production. GF14 (14-3-3) genes have been reported to play important role in biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, the roles of OsGF14C remain unknown. To understand the functions and regulatory mechanisms of OsGF14C in regulating salinity tolerance and blast resistance in rice, we have conducted OsGF14C-overexpressing transgenic experiments in the present study. Our results showed that overexpression of OsGF14C enhanced salinity tolerance but reduced blast resistance in rice. The enhanced salinity tolerance is related to the reduction of methylglyoxal and Na+ uptake instead of exclusion or compartmentation and the negative role of OsGF14C in blast resistance is associated with the suppression of OsGF14E, OsGF14F and PR genes. Our results together with the results from the previous studies suggest that the lipoxygenase gene LOX2 which is regulated by OsGF14C may play roles in coordinating salinity tolerance and blast resistance in rice. The current study for the first time revealed the possible roles of OsGF14C in regulating salinity tolerance and blast resistance in rice, and laid down a foundation for further functional study and crosstalk regulation between salinity and blast resistance in rice.
Characterization and functional analysis of AhGPAT9 gene involved in lipid synthesis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Shen Yue , Shen Yi , Liu Yonghui , Bai Yang , Liang Man , Zhang Xuyao , Chen Zhide
Published: February 2023

GPAT enzymes (glycerol-3-phosphate 1-O-acyltransferase, EC 2.3.1.15) catalyze the initial and rate-limiting step of plant glycerolipid biosynthesis for membrane homeostasis and lipid accumulation, yet little research has been done on peanuts. By reverse genetics and bioinformatics analyses, we have characterized an AhGPAT9 isozyme, of which the homologous product is isolated from cultivated peanut. QRT-PCR assay revealed a spatio-temporal expression pattern that the transcripts of AhGPAT9 accumulating in various peanut tissues are highly expressed during seed development, followed by leaves. Green fluorescent protein tagging of AhGPAT9 confirmed its subcellular accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum. Compared with the wild type control, overexpressed AhGPAT9 delayed the bolting stage of transgenic Arabidopsis, reduced the number of siliques, and increased the seed weight as well as seed area, suggesting the possibility of participating in plant growth and development. Meanwhile, the mean seed oil content from five overexpression lines increased by about 18.73%. The two lines with the largest increases in seed oil content showed a decrease in palmitic acid (C16:0) and eicosenic acid (C20:1) by 17.35% and 8.33%, respectively, and an increase in linolenic acid (C18:3) and eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3) by 14.91% and 15.94%, respectively. In addition, overexpressed AhGPAT9 had no significant effect on leaf lipid content of transgenic plants. Taken together, these results suggest that AhGPAT9 is critical for the biosynthesis of storage lipids, which contributes to the goal of modifying peanut seeds for improved oil content and fatty acid composition.
Perception of extreme hot weather and the corresponding adaptations among older adults and service providers–A qualitative study in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Eric T. C. , Chau Pui Hing , Cheung Ken , Kwan Michelle , Lau Kevin , Woo Jean
Published: February 2023

Background

Extreme hot weather events are happening with increasing frequency, intensity and duration in Hong Kong. Heat stress is related to higher risk of mortality and morbidity, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. It is not clear whether and how the older adults perceive the increasingly hot weather as a health threat, and whether community service providers are aware and prepared for such future climate scenario.

Methods

We conducted semi-structure interviews with 46 older adults, 18 staff members of community service providers and two district councilors of Tai Po, a north-eastern residential district of Hong Kong. Transcribed data were analyzed using thematic analysis until data saturation was reached.

Results

It was agreed upon among the older adult participants that the weather in recent years has become increasingly hot and this led to some health and social problems for them, although some participants perceived that hot weather did not have any impact in their daily lives and they were not vulnerable. The community service providers and district councilors reported that there is a lack of relevant services in the community to support the older adults in hot weather; and there is generally a lack of public education regarding the heat-health issue.

Conclusions

Heatwaves are affecting older adults' health in Hong Kong. Yet, discussions and education effort regarding the heat-health issue in the public domain remain scarce. Multilateral efforts are urgently needed to co-create a heat action plan to improve community awareness and resilience.
Social media sites users' choice between utilitarian and informational reinforcers assessed using temporal discounting
Authors: Robayo-Pinzon Oscar , Rojas-Berrío Sandra , Paredes Mario R. , Foxall Gordon R.
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study provides a first approach to the use of the Multiple-Choice Procedure in social media networks use, as well as empirical evidence for the application of the Behavioral Perspective Model to digital consumption behavior in young users in conjunction with a methodology based on behavioral economics.

Participants/methods

The participants were part of a large university in Bogotá, Colombia, and they received an academic credit once they completed the online questionnaire. A total of 311 participants completed the experiment. Of the participants, 49% were men with a mean age of 20.6 years (SD = 3.10, Range = 15–30); 51% were women with a mean age of 20.2 years (SD = 2.84, Range = 15–29).

Results

Among the total participants, 40% reported that they used social networks between 1 and 2 h a day, 38% between 2 and 3 h, 16% for 4 h or more, and the remaining 9% used them for 1 h or less per day. The factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) allowed us to identify a statistically significant effect of the delay of the alternative reinforcer, that is, the average crossover points were higher when the monetary reinforcer was delayed 1 week, compared to the immediate delivery of the monetary reinforcer. There was no statistically significant effect of the interaction between the magnitude of the reinforcer and the delay time of the alternative reinforcer.

Conclusions

This study supports the relative reinforcing value of an informational reinforcement consequence such as social media use, which is sensitive to both the magnitude of reinforcement and the delay in delivery as individual factors. The findings on reinforcer magnitude and delay effects are consistent with previous research that have applied behavioral economics to the study of non-substance-related addictions.
Exploring a faith-based approach to puberty education in Tanzania
Authors: Teizazu Hawi , Gruer Caitlin , Mandara Elisia , Sommer Marni
Published: February 2023

Background

Many adolescents in Tanzania do not receive timely and comprehensive puberty education. This study explored faith-based organizations a site for puberty education. Two puberty books, each developed through participatory research with Tanzanian adolescents and stakeholders, were promoted to 177 Christian denomination churches in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to understand the factors that faith leaders considered in their decision to purchase puberty books, or share information about the intervention to their peers and congregants.

Methods

Data collection included routine monitoring via weekly reports and ethnographic observation. Data were analyzed using the Ecological Framework for Health Promotion to capture how individual, interpersonal, and institutional factors influenced leaders' decisions to purchase or promote puberty books.

Results

At the individual level, leaders cited their personal experiences in their support for the intervention, but leaders' time and confidence in their ability to effectively promote books to others were barriers to participation. Interpersonally, the diffusion of information between church leaders, particularly when information came from well-known or respected leaders, emerged as an important factor in leaders' willingness to promote books. At the institutional level, leaders' decisions were impacted by resources, institutional culture, and institutional hierarchy. Importantly, twelve churches in the sample purchased books. Limited financial resources and the need to receive approval from denominational leaders were discussed by leaders as barriers to purchasing books.

Conclusions

Despite research showing high religiosity in Tanzania, the role of religious institutions in providing puberty education has remained unexplored. Our results inform future research and practice by providing an articulation of the socioecological factors that played a role in faith leaders' decisions related to puberty education interventions in Tanzania.
Heliophysics and space weather science at ∼1.5 AU: Knowledge gaps and need for space weather monitors at Mars
Authors: Lee Christina O. , Sánchez-Cano Beatriz , DiBraccio Gina A. , Mayyasi Majd , Xu Shaosui , Chamberlin Phillip , Davies Emma , Scolini Camilla , Filwett Rachael J. , Ramstad Robin , Palmerio Erika , Lynch Benjamin J. , Luhmann Janet G. , Ehresmann Bent , Guo Jingnan , Allen Robert C. , Vines Sarah , Winslow Réka , Elliott Heather
Published: February 2023

This perspective article discusses the knowledge gaps and open questions regarding the solar and interplanetary drivers of space weather conditions experienced at Mars during active and quiescent solar periods, and the need for continuous, routine observations to address them. For both advancing science and as part of the strategic planning for human exploration at Mars by the late 2030s, now is the time to consider a network of upstream space weather monitors at Mars. Our main recommendations for the heliophysics community are the following: 1. Support the advancement for understanding heliophysics and space weather science at ∼1.5 AU and continue the support of planetary science payloads and missions that provide such measurements. 2. Prioritize an upstream Mars L1 monitor and/or areostationary orbiters for providing dedicated, continuous observations of solar activity and interplanetary conditions at ∼1.5 AU. 3. Establish new or support existing 1) joint efforts between federal agencies and their divisions and 2) international collaborations to carry out #1 and #2.
Strategic Approach to Configurational Analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Strategic Networking, and SME Performance within Emerging Markets of Selected Southeast European Countries
Authors: Milovanović Bojan Morić , Grčić Fabić Mirjana , Bratić Vjekoslav
Published: February 2023

The beneficial relationship of entrepreneurial orientation with performance has been extensively acknowledged in the literature. However, empirical evidence is not straightforward and requires consideration of the interplay of different variables, context, and rationales through which this causal complexity of the performance-enhancing mechanism of entrepreneurial orientation influences firm performance. In this paper we examine the way the entrepreneurial behavior of the organization unfolds and affects performance through specific configurations resulting from the simultaneous interaction of strategic networking and dynamic environment in the setting of Southeast European SMEs. We apply hierarchical regression to a sample of 963 small and medium-sized enterprises. Empirical findings provide support for applying the configurational approach and show that companies of high entrepreneurial orientation and high strategic networking operating in a dynamic environment achieve the highest effect on a business performance. Research results further indicate that strategic networking is a mechanism that achieves the greatest efficiency in a dynamic environment and with the presence of a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation. According to the research results, implications for research and practice are suggested.
The Reporting of Racehorse Fatalities in New Zealand Thoroughbred Flat Racing in the 2011/12–2021/22 Seasons
Authors: Gibson Michaela J. , Legg Kylie A. , Gee Erica K. , Rogers Chris W.
Published: February 2023

Race day fatalities as a consequence of catastrophic musculoskeletal injury and cardiac failure are both a welfare concern and provide a challenge for the social perceptions of equine welfare within the racing industry. To reduce race day fatalities, the risk factors under New Zealand racing conditions need to be identified. The aim of this study was to examine race and horse-level risk factors for fatalities in New Zealand Thoroughbred flat racing using retrospective race day data from the 2011/12–2021/22 racing seasons. Horse and race-level factors associated with a suspected cardiac failure and fatal fracture were identified by merging fatality data with the master race dataset for the corresponding seasons. Most fatalities were associated with fatal fracture (0.4 per 1000 starts, 95% CI 0.4–0.5). Horses which raced over distances > 1600 m were 1.7 times (95% CI 1.2–2.5) more likely to sustain a fatal fracture than horses racing ≤ 1600 m. Male horses and firmer track conditions were also associated with an increase in the risk of fatal fracture. Horses aged 5 years and older were 2.1 (95% CI 1.1–4.6) times more likely to suffer a suspected cardiac failure than younger horses. Changes in the industry reporting system improved the level of detail provided for fatalities, enabling the identification of specific risk factors.
Dietary Methionine Increased the Growth Performances and Immune Function of Partridge Shank Broilers after Challenged with Coccidia
Authors: Lai Anqiang , Yuan Zehong , Wang Zhongcheng , Chen Binlong , Zhi Li , Huang Zhiqiu , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2023

The present study investigated the effects of methionine (Met) on growth, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in partridge shank broilers, which were treated with either an anticoccidial drug or a coccidia vaccine. Chickens were fed five graded levels of Met (0.33%, 0.39%, 0.45%, 0.51%, or 0.57%) for 21 days in combination with the drug or vaccine. The results revealed that an optimal level of Met supplementation (1) increased ADFI (average daily feed intake), ADG (average daily gain), and F/G values (feed-to-gain ratio), indicating improved production; (2) increased OPG levels (oocysts per gram feces), intestinal lesion scores, bursa of Fabricius and thymus indexes, and sIgA content; (3) improved GSH-Px activities, and increased content levels of T-protein, albumin, and urea nitrogen. In addition, birds in the anticoccidial drug group had higher final weights, higher ADFI and ADG values, as well as lower F/G values, compared with birds in the vaccine group, indicating that coccidia vaccine reduces the performance of broilers. In conclusion, we found that an optimal level of dietary Met improved the production of partridge shank broilers, and this result might be related to immune function and antioxidant capacity. Optimal levels of digestible Met in terms of production performance (ADG and F/G) and immune function (sIgA in ileum mucosa) in partridge shank broilers (1–21 days) were found to be 0.418, 0.451, and 0.451 of diet, respectively, when birds were given anticoccidial drug treatment, with corresponding figures of 0.444, 0.455, and 0.452% when the coccidia vaccine was administered.
Humic Substances: From Supramolecular Aggregation to Fractal Conformation—Is There Time for a New Paradigm?
Authors: Angelico Ruggero , Colombo Claudio , Di Iorio Erika , Brtnický Martin , Fojt Jakub , Conte Pellegrino
Published: February 2023

Natural organic matter, including humic substances (HS), comprises complex secondary structures with no defined covalent chemical bonds and stabilized by inter- and intra-molecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, Van der Waal’s forces, and pi-pi interactions. The latest view describes HS aggregates as a hydrogel-like structure comprised by a hydrophobic core of aromatic residues surrounded by polar and amphiphilic molecules akin a self-assembled soft material. A different view is based on the classification of this material as either mass or surface fractals. The former is intended as made by the clustering of macromolecules generating dendritic networks, while the latter have been modelled in terms of a solvent-impenetrable core surrounded by a layer of lyophilic material. This study reviews the evolution of the increasingly refined models that appeared in the literature, all capable to describing the physicochemical properties of HS. All the models are critically examined and revisited in terms of their ability to provide key information on the structural organization of HS. Understanding how the molecular association pathway influences aggregation of HS also provides a key acknowledgment of their role in the environment.
Research on Feature Identification and Trajectory Planning of Pavement Cracks
Authors: Zhou Zhaomeng , Cai Sijie , Lin Bingjing , Lin Jianchun
Published: February 2023

As the most common method to detect pavement cracks, manual detection has uncontrollable factors such as low efficiency, inconsistent standards and easy to be interfered with by external forces, so it is not suitable for pavement crack detection in today’s intricate traffic network. In order to improve the efficiency of pavement repair and reduce the labor cost of the repair process, this paper proposes an intelligent pavement crack detection and repair algorithm. The algorithm uses image numerical parameters to classify cracks with different geometric features and extracts texture geometric features of various types of cracks based on different filtering strategies. It solves the problem that traditional single filtering algorithms are difficult to extract features according to the different characteristics of the collected image, which leads to the loss of information. Finally, the algorithm establishes a mathematical model for efficient trajectory planning combined with the nozzle size of the crack-repairing machine. In this paper, the robustness and efficiency test of the algorithm is carried out on the pavement image dataset with various types of cracks, and the experiment is carried out on the intelligent pavement crack detection and repair prototype, which verifies the accuracy and reliability of the planned trajectory.
On the Magnetic Properties of Construction Materials for Magnetic Observatories
Authors: Krasnoperov Roman , Sidorov Roman , Grudnev Andrew , Karapetyan Jon , Lazarev Dmitry
Published: February 2023

The installation and development of a magnetic observatory can require additional studies of the magnetic properties of construction materials for pavilions and measurement pillars, as well as of the environmental conditions, including, first of all, the magnetic properties of the surrounding rocks. In some cases, detailed studies of magnetic susceptibility can be necessary. To date, these procedures have only briefly been described in the existing manuals and guides. With the development of new construction materials, as well as with the increase in the number of magnetic observatories, the need for such studies has risen even more. This article is focused on studies of the magnetic properties of construction materials for magnetic observatories, and the results are presented based on our experience in the deployment of magnetic observatories and stations in Russia and abroad. An overview of the magnetic susceptibility of different materials is presented. A kappametry method and its application to studies of construction materials are described, and the results of magnetic susceptibility tests performed on the construction materials and the surrounding rocks in the vicinity of an observatory are provided. Finally, some recommendations for studies of materials for observatory construction are given.