bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced short-term flow prediction in power dispatching network using a transfer learning approach with GRU-XGBoost module ding
Authors: Ding Zhe , Li Tian , Li Xi’an , Cui Zhesen
Published: August 2024

The power dispatching network forms the backbone of efforts to automate and modernize power grid dispatching, rendering it an indispensable infrastructure element within the power system. However, accurately forecasting future flows remains a formidable challenge due to the network’s intricate nature, variability, and extended periods of missing data resulting from equipment maintenance and anomalies. Vital to enhancing prediction precision is the interpolation of missing values aligned with the data distribution across other time points, facilitating the effective capture of nonlinear patterns within historical flow sequences. To address this, we propose a transfer learning approach leveraging the gated recurrent unit (GRU) for interpolating missing values within the power dispatching network’s flow sequence. Subsequently, we decompose the generation of future flow predictions into two stages: first, extracting historical features using the GRU, and then generating robust predictions via eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). This integrated process termed the GRU-XGBoost module, is applied in experiments on four flow sequences obtained from a power grid company in southern China. Our experimental findings illustrate that the proposed flow prediction model outperforms both machine learning and neural network models, underscoring its superiority in short-term flow prediction for power-dispatching networks.
Estimation of latent heat flux of pasture and maize in arid region of Northwest China based on canopy resistance modeling
Authors: Wang Biyu , Yan Haofang , Zheng Hexiang , Wu Jiabin , Tian Delong , Zhang Chuan , Zhu Xingye , Wang Guoqing , Lakhiar Imran Ali , Liu Youwei
Published: August 2024

Estimating the latent heat flux (λET) accurately is important for water-saving irrigation in arid regions of Northwest China. The Penman-Monteith model is a commonly used method for estimating λET, but the parameterization of canopy resistance in the model has been a difficulty in research. In this study, continuous observation of λET during the growing period of maize and grassland in Northwest China was conducted based on the Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) method and the Eddy covariance system (ECS). Two methods, Katerji-Perrier (K-P) and Garcıá-Santos (G-A), were used to determine the canopy resistance in the Penman-Monteith model and the estimation errors and causes of the two sub-models were explored. The results indicated that both models underestimated the λET of grassland and maize. The K-P model performed relatively well (R2 > 0.94), with the root mean square errors (RMSE) equaled 37.3 and 28.1 W/m2 for grass and maize, respectively. The accuracy of the G-A model was slightly lower than that of the K-P model, with the determination coefficient (R2) equaled 0.90 and 0.92, and the RMSE equaled 46.2 W/m2 (grass) and 42.1 W/m2 (maize). The vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was the main factor affecting the accuracy of K-P and G-A sub-models. The error of two models increased with the increasing in VPD for both crops.
Spatial distribution characteristics of soil organic matter in different land uses and its coupling with soil animals in the plateau basin in the South China Karst basin
Authors: Wang Xingfu , Huang Xianfei , Zhu Xun , Wu Nayiyu , Zhang Zhenming , Liu Yi , Huang Yu , Hu Jiwei
Published: August 2024

Karst landforms are widely distributed in southern China. The terrain and soil properties in karst basins are complex, which results in high spatial heterogeneity of the ecological environment and soil organic matter (SOM) in karst watersheds. To investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of SOM in different land uses in the karst plateau basin, a total of 3,816 soil samples were taken from 568 soil profiles. The soil animals and different soil properties were recorded, and the concentration of SOM was tested using the potassium dichromate method in the laboratory. Then, the changes in the SOM content associated with soil animals and the soil properties associated with the different land use types were analyzed. The results showed a large discrepancy in SOM in the karst plateau basin. The average values of SOM in different soil layers were between 9.23 g kg−1 and 59.39 g kg−1. The SOM decreased in the following order: forestland > grassland > barren land > cultivated land > garden land. The SOM in soil in which soil animals are present is generally greater than that in the absence of soil animals, and the SOM partially increases with soil species diversity. Agrotis segetum is the main soil animal species that positively affects the distribution of organic matter in the surface soil layer. The SOM in soil with the phylum Annelida is much greater than that in soils with other animals, and earthworms are the main contributor. The structure of soil animal species is complex, and the change trend of SOM is stable. The major positive factors affecting soil animal diversity are soil thickness, soil humidity and soil structure, and rock outcrops are the main negative factor. In summary, good land use can increase animal diversity and abundance in soil, which promotes soil organic matter accumulation. Moreover, microtopography is an important factor that influences soil organic matter accumulation in karst basins and further affects the restructuring of the spatial distribution of soil organic matter.
Authentication and validation of key genes in the treatment of atopic dermatitis with Runfuzhiyang powder: combined RNA-seq, bioinformatics analysis, and experimental research
Authors: Lin Yan , Xiong Guangyi , Xia Xiansong , Yin Zhiping , Zou Xuhui , Zhang Xu , Zhang Chenghao , Ye Jianzhou
Published: August 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is inflammatory disease. So far, therapeutic mechanism of Runfuzhiyang powder on AD remains to be studied. This study aimed to mine key biomarkers to explore potential molecular mechanism for AD incidence and Runfuzhiyang powder treatment.

Methods

The control group, AD group, treat group (AD mice treated with Runfuzhiyang powder were utilized for studying. Differentially expressed AD-related genes were acquired by intersecting of key module genes related to control group, AD group and treatment group which were screened by WGCNA and AD-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). KEGG and GO analyses were further carried out. Next, LASSO regression analysis was utilized to screen feature genes. The ROC curves were applied to validate the diagnostic ability of feature genes to obtain AD-related biomarkers. Then protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, immune infiltration analysis and single-gene gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were presented. Finally, TF-mRNA-lncRNA and drug-gene networks of biomarkers were constructed.

Results

4 AD-related biomarkers (Ddit4, Sbf2, Senp8 and Zfp777) were identified in AD groups compared with control group and treat group by LASSO regression analysis. The ROC curves revealed that four biomarkers had good distinguishing ability between AD group and control group, as well as AD group and treatment group. Next, GSEA revealed that pathways of E2F targets, KRAS signaling up and inflammatory response were associated with 4 biomarkers. Then, we found that Ddit4, Sbf2 and Zfp777 were significantly positively correlated with M0 Macrophage, and were significantly negatively relevant to Resting NK. Senp8 was the opposite. Finally, a TF-mRNA-lncRNA network including 200 nodes and 592 edges was generated, and 20 drugs targeting SENP8 were predicted.

Conclusion

4 AD-related and Runfuzhiyang powder treatment-related biomarkers (Ddit4, Sbf2, Senp8 and Zfp777) were identified, which could provide a new idea for targeted treatment and diagnosis of AD.
Preliminary effects of risk-adapted PSA screening for prostate cancer after integrating PRS-specific and age-specific variation
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Duan Hongyuan , Liu Siwen , Zhang Yunmeng , Ji Yuting , Zhang Yacong , Feng Zhuowei , Li Jingjing , Liu Ya , Gao Ying , Wang Xing , Zhang Qing , Yang Lei , Dai Hongji , Lyu Zhangyan , Song Fangfang , Song Fengju , Huang Yubei
Published: August 2024

Background

Although the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) varies across different ages and genetic risks, it’s unclear about the effects of genetic-specific and age-specific prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for PCa.

Methods

Weighed and unweighted polygenic risk scores (PRS) were constructed to classify the participants from the PLCO trial into low- or high-PRS groups. The age-specific and PRS-specific cut-off values of PSA for PCa screening were determined with time-dependent receiver-operating-characteristic curves and area-under-curves (tdAUCs). Improved screening strategies integrating PRS-specific and age-specific cut-off values of PSA were compared to traditional PSA screening on accuracy, detection rates of high-grade PCa (Gleason score ≥7), and false positive rate.

Results

Weighted PRS with 80 SNPs significantly associated with PCa was determined as the optimal PRS, with an AUC of 0.631. After stratifying by PRS, the tdAUCs of PSA with a 10-year risk of PCa were 0.818 and 0.816 for low- and high-PRS groups, whereas the cut-off values were 1.42 and 1.62 ng/mL, respectively. After further stratifying by age, the age-specific cut-off values of PSA were relatively lower for low PRS (1.42, 1.65, 1.60, and 2.24 ng/mL for aged <60, 60–64, 65–69, and ≥70 years) than high PRS (1.48, 1.47, 1.89, and 2.72 ng/mL). Further analyses showed an obvious interaction of positive PSA and high PRS on PCa incidence and mortality. Very small difference in PCa risk were observed among subgroups with PSA (−) across different age and PRS, and PCa incidence and mortality with PSA (+) significantly increased as age and PRS, with highest risk for high-PRS/PSA (+) in participants aged ≥70 years [HRs (95%CI): 16.00 (12.62–20.29) and 19.48 (9.26–40.96)]. The recommended screening strategy reduced 12.8% of missed PCa, ensured high specificity, but not caused excessive false positives than traditional PSA screening.

Conclusion

Risk-adapted screening integrating PRS-specific and age-specific cut-off values of PSA would be more effective than traditional PSA screening.
Post-SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-vaccine-related neurological complications share clinical features and the same positivity to anti-ACE2 antibodies
Authors: Bellucci Margherita , Bozzano Federica Maria , Castellano Chiara , Pesce Giampaola , Beronio Alessandro , Farshchi Alireza Hajabbas , Limongelli Alessandro , Uccelli Antonio , Benedetti Luana , De Maria Andrea
Published: August 2024

Introduction

A potential overlap in symptoms between post-acute COVID-19 syndrome and post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome has been noted. We report a paired description of patients presenting with similar manifestations involving the central (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS) following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, suggesting that both may have triggered similar immune-mediated neurological disorders in the presence of anti-idiotype antibodies directed against the ACE2 protein.

Patients and methods

Four patients exhibited overlapping neurological manifestations following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination: radiculitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and MRI-negative myelitis, respectively, sharing positivity for anti-ACE2 antibodies. Autoantibodies against AQP-4, MOG, GlyR, GAD, and amphiphysin, onconeural antibodies for CNS syndromes, and anti-ganglioside antibodies for PNS syndromes tested negative in all patients.

Discussion

Anti-idiotype antibodies against ACE2 have been detected in patients who recovered from COVID-19 infection, and it has been hypothesized that such antibodies may mediate adverse events following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, resulting in the activation of the immune system against cells expressing ACE2, such as neurons. Our data reveal clinically overlapping syndromes triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, sharing positivity for anti-ACE2 antibodies. Their presence, in the absence of other classic autoimmune markers of CNS or PNS involvement, suggests that they might play an active role in the context of an aberrant immune response.

Conclusion

Anti-idiotype antibodies directed against ACE2 may be triggered by both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, possibly contributing to neurological autoimmune manifestations. Their pathogenic role, however, remains to be demonstrated in large-scale, more structured studies.
A nomogram model combining computed tomography-based radiomics and Krebs von den Lungen-6 for identifying low-risk rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Han Nie , Guo Zhinan , Zhu Diru , Zhang Yu , Qin Yayi , Li Guanheng , Gu Xiaoli , Jin Lin
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Quantitatively assess the severity and predict the mortality of interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was a challenge for clinicians. This study aimed to construct a radiomics nomogram based on chest computed tomography (CT) imaging by using the ILD-GAP (gender, age, and pulmonary physiology) index system for clinical management.

Methods

Chest CT images of patients with RA-ILD were retrospectively analyzed and staged using the ILD-GAP index system. The balanced dataset was then divided into training and testing cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. A clinical factor model was created using demographic and serum analysis data, and a radiomics signature was developed from radiomics features extracted from the CT images. Combined with the radiomics signature and independent clinical factors, a nomogram model was established based on the Rad-score and clinical factors. The model capabilities were measured by operating characteristic curves, calibration curves and decision curves analyses.

Results

A total of 177 patients were divided into two groups (Group I, n = 107; Group II, n = 63). Krebs von den Lungen-6, and nineteen radiomics features were used to build the nomogram, which showed favorable calibration and discrimination in the training cohort [AUC, 0.948 (95% CI: 0.910–0.986)] and the testing validation cohort [AUC, 0.923 (95% CI: 0.853–0.993)]. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram performed well in terms of clinical usefulness.

Conclusion

The CT-based radiomics nomogram model achieved favorable efficacy in predicting low-risk RA-ILD patients.
The linkage between phytoplankton productivity and photosynthetic electron transport in the summer from the Changjiang River to the East China Sea
Authors: Fei Shuyi , Gao Yonghui , Li Ji , Cao Lingzhi
Published: August 2024

Variable fluorescence measurements provide automatic and rapid estimates of electron-based photosynthesis. However, electron transport rates (ETR) to phytoplankton production vary greatly due to biological physiology and environmental stress along the Changjiang River to the adjacent seawater, where the turbid riverside, nutrient-rich river plume, and seawater are divided by the sediment front and plume front. We assessed the light responses of ETR, 18O-labeled gross primary production (GPP), and O2-based net community production (NCP) during the bloom season at the Changjiang River Estuary. The distribution of phytoplankton and potential photosynthesis efficiency were positively correlated, exhibiting offshore decreasing trends and peaking around the upwelling areas. The conversion factors of ΦGPP (mol e- per mol O2 production) ranged from 0.8 to 31.8, and ΦNCP ranged from 0.9 to 36.9, respectively. Φe: O increased from the nutrient-rich Changjiang diluted water (CDW) to the nutrient-poor seawater. Although ΦGPP and ΦNCP were linearly related to non-photochemical quenching (R2 > 0.5) in the CDW, this relationship was decoupled in offshore seawater due to P-limitation, light stress, and shifts in the phytoplankton community. A better relationship between ΦGPP and ΦNCP was quantified using multiple linear analyses with the light attenuation coefficient (Kd), euphotic depth (Zeu), salinity, nutrients, and temperature (p< 0.001). This improvement in accuracy represents a major step forward for widespread and accurate fluorometry-based GPP and NCP applications at high temporal and spatial resolutions in the future.
Rheological behavior of the synovial fluid: a mathematical challenge
Authors: Ouerfelli Noureddine , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Mliki Ezzedine , Amin Kamal A. , Snoussi Lotfi , Coman Diana , Mrabet Dalila
Published: August 2024

Background

Synovial fluid (SF) is often used for diagnostic and research purposes as it reflects the local inflammatory environment. Owing to its complex composition, especially the presence of hyaluronic acid, SF is usually viscous and non-homogeneous. The presence of high-molar-mass hyaluronan in this fluid gives it the required viscosity for its function as a lubricant. Viscosity is the greatest major hydraulic attribute of the SF in articular cartilage.

Methods

Empirical modeling of previously published results was performed. In this study, we explored the flow of a non-Newtonian fluid that could be used to model the SF flow. Analyzing the flow in a simple geometry can help explain the model’s efficacy and assess the SF models. By employing some viscosity data reported elsewhere, we summarized the dynamic viscosity values of normal human SF of the knee joints in terms of time after injecting hyaluronidase (HYAL) at 25°C. The suggested quadratic behavior was obtained through extrapolation. For accurate diagnosis or prediction, the comparison between three specific parameters (ai, t0, and ln η0) was made for normal and pathological cases under the same experimental conditions for treatment by addition of HYAL and for investigation of the rheological properties. A new model on the variation of viscosity on the SF of knee joints with time after injection of HYAL with respect to normal and postmortem samples at different velocity gradients was proposed using data previously reported elsewhere.

Results

The rheological behavior of SF changes progressively over time from non-Newtonian to a Newtonian profile, where the viscosity has a limiting constant value (η0) independent of the gradient velocity at a unique characteristic time (t0 ≈ 8.5 h). The proposed three-parameter model with physical meaning offers insights into future pathological cases. The outcomes of this work are expected to offer new perspectives for diagnosis, criteria, and prediction of pathological case types through comparisons with new parameter values treated under the same experimental conditions as HYAL injection. This study also highlights the importance of HYAL treatment for better intra-assay precision.
Matching supplementary motor area-primary motor cortex paired transcranial magnetic stimulation improves motor dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease: a single-center, double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial protocol
Authors: Tang Xiaoshun , Huang Zhexue , Zhu Guangyue , Liang Haoyuan , Sun Hui , Zhang Yu , Tan Yalin , Cui Minglong , Gong Haiyan , Wang Xijin , Chen Yu-Hui
Published: August 2024

Background

Non-invasive neuroregulation techniques have been demonstrated to improve certain motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the currently employed regulatory techniques primarily concentrate on stimulating single target points, neglecting the functional regulation of networks and circuits. The supplementary motor area (SMA) has a significant value in motor control, and its functionality is often impaired in patients with PD. The matching SMA-primary motor cortex (M1) paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment protocol, which benefits patients by modulating the sequential and functional connections between the SMA and M1, was elucidated in this study.

Methods

This was a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. We recruited 78 subjects and allocated them in a 1:1 ratio by stratified randomization into the paired stimulation (n = 39) and conventional stimulation groups (n = 39). Each patient underwent 3 weeks of matching SMA-M1 paired TMS or sham-paired stimulation. The subjects were evaluated before treatment initiation, 3 weeks into the intervention, and 3 months after the cessation of therapy. The primary outcome measure in this study was the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III, and the secondary outcome measures included non-motor functional assessment, quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39), and objective assessments (electromyography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy).

Discussion

Clinical protocols aimed at single targets using non-invasive neuroregulation techniques often improve only one function. Emphasizing the circuit and network regulation in PD is important for enhancing the effectiveness of TMS rehabilitation. Pairing the regulation of cortical circuits may be a potential treatment method for PD. As a crucial node in motor control, the SMA has direct fiber connections with basal ganglia circuits and complex fiber connections with M1, which are responsible for motor execution. SMA regulation may indirectly regulate the function of basal ganglia circuits. Therefore, the developed cortical pairing stimulation pattern can reshape the control of information flow from the SMA to M1. The novel neuroregulation model designed for this study is based on the circuit mechanisms of PD and previous research results, with a scientific foundation and the potential to be a means of neuroregulation for PD.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [ChiCTR2400083325].
Decoding time-resolved neural representations of orientation ensemble perception
Authors: Yashiro Ryuto , Sawayama Masataka , Amano Kaoru
Published: August 2024

The visual system can compute summary statistics of several visual elements at a glance. Numerous studies have shown that an ensemble of different visual features can be perceived over 50–200 ms; however, the time point at which the visual system forms an accurate ensemble representation associated with an individual’s perception remains unclear. This is mainly because most previous studies have not fully addressed time-resolved neural representations that occur during ensemble perception, particularly lacking quantification of the representational strength of ensembles and their correlation with behavior. Here, we conducted orientation ensemble discrimination tasks and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings to decode orientation representations over time while human observers discriminated an average of multiple orientations. We modeled EEG signals as a linear sum of hypothetical orientation channel responses and inverted this model to quantify the representational strength of orientation ensemble. Our analysis using this inverted encoding model revealed stronger representations of the average orientation over 400–700 ms. We also correlated the orientation representation estimated from EEG signals with the perceived average orientation reported in the ensemble discrimination task with adjustment methods. We found that the estimated orientation at approximately 600–700 ms significantly correlated with the individual differences in perceived average orientation. These results suggest that although ensembles can be quickly and roughly computed, the visual system may gradually compute an orientation ensemble over several hundred milliseconds to achieve a more accurate ensemble representation.
The association between serum vitamin A concentrations and virus hepatitis among U.S. adults from the NHANES database: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Maoxia , Fu Jianlei , Zhang Xuepeng , Fu Qinyi , Ji Yi , Chen Siyuan
Published: August 2024

Objective

According to the present study, the relationship between vitamin A (VA) levels and hepatitis virus carriage has been unclear and controversial. This study aimed to determine the potential relationship between serum VA levels and viral hepatitis and to provide ideas for future clinical treatments.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using the 2005–2006 and 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were adopted to analyze the association between serological hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis C RNA (HCV-RNA) positivity and VA levels. There were 5,351 HBsAg-related responders and 242 HCV-RNA-related responders, including 52 HBsAg (+) and 104 HCV-RNA (+) responders.

Results

Compared with HBsAg (−) and HCV-RNA (−) respondents, HBsAg (+) and HCV-RNA (+) respondents tended to have lower serum VA levels, respectively [1.63 (1.33 ~ 2.01) vs. 1.92 (1.57 ~ 2.34), P < 0.001; 1.54 (1.25 ~ 1.83) vs. 1.78 (1.46 ~ 2.26), P < 0.001]. A greater percentage of responders in the subclinical VA deficiency (SVAD) group were HBsAg (+) and HCV-RNA (+) than were those in the normal VA (VAN) group [2.4% (9/374) vs. 0.9% (43/4977), p = 0.003; 61.5% (16/26) vs. 40.7% (88/215), p = 0.043]. According to the results of the multiple regression analyses of the different models, the serum VA concentration was negatively correlated with HBsAg (+) and HCV-RNA (+) status (β = −0.14, 95% CI = −0.30 to −0.01, p = 0.066; β = −0.29, 95% CI = −0.50 ~ −0.09, p = 0.005, respectively). Compared to those with SVAD, patients with VAN were less likely to be serologically HBsAg (+) or HCV-RNA (+) (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.25 ~ 1.10, p = 0.089; OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.18 ~ 0.84, p = 0.016, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that patients who are HBsAg (+) or HCV-RNA (+) have a high incidence of SVAD. Moreover, HBsAg and HCV-RNA positivity are negatively correlated with VA levels, and patients with SVAD are more likely to carry HBsAg (+) or HCV-RNA (+). These findings suggest that the relationship between hepatitis viruses and vitamin A needs to be validated by more basic studies and clinical large-sample randomized controlled trials to provide ideas for new therapeutic targets.
Absorption of bioactive peptides following collagen hydrolysate intake: a randomized, double-blind crossover study in healthy individuals
Authors: Virgilio Nicolina , Schön Christiane , Mödinger Yvonne , van der Steen Bastiaan , Vleminckx Sara , van Holthoon Frédérique L. , Kleinnijenhuis Anne J. , Silva Catarina I. F. , Prawitt Janne
Published: August 2024

Background

Collagen hydrolysates (CH) in functional foods and supplements are dietary sources of amino acids (AAs) and di-and tripeptides linked to various health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the single-dose bioavailability of skin- and hide-derived CH from fish, porcine and bovine origin with different molecular weights (bovine 2,000 and 5,000 Da).

Methods

A randomized, double-blind crossover clinical study was performed with healthy volunteers assessing the plasma concentration of free and peptide-bound hydroxyproline (Hyp) as well as selected peptides reported to be abundantly present in collagen.

Results

The pharmacokinetic endpoints demonstrated comparable uptake of free Hyp from all CH. A higher amount of total compared to free Hyp indicated the uptake of substantial amounts of Hyp-containing di- or tripeptides.

Conclusion

Independently of source and molecular weight, all CH yielded relevant plasma concentrations of the investigated metabolites. Larger studies are needed to estimate an ideal level of selected circulating metabolites needed to trigger distinct physiological reactions in target tissues.
Interaction of Acinetobacter sp. RIT 592 induces the production of broad-spectrum antibiotics in Exiguobacterium sp. RIT 594
Authors: Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Miranda Renata Rezende , Bedore T. J. , Watts Lizabeth M. , Mantravadi Pavan K. , Wong Narayan H. , Chu Jonathan , Adjei Joseph A. , Rana Amisha P. , Savka Michael A. , Bulman Zackery P. , Borrego Eli J. , Hudson André O.
Published: August 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most alarming global public health challenges of the 21st century. Over 3 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur in the United States annually, with nearly 50,000 cases being fatal. Innovations in drug discovery methods and platforms are crucial to identify novel antibiotics to combat AMR. We present the isolation and characterization of potentially novel antibiotic lead compounds produced by the cross-feeding of two rhizosphere bacteria, Acinetobacter sp. RIT 592 and Exiguobacterium sp. RIT 594. We used solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by liquid chromatography (LC) to enrich antibiotic extracts and subsequently mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of collected fractions for compound structure identification and characterization. The MS data were processed through the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) database. The supernatant from RIT 592 induced RIT 594 to produce a cocktail of antimicrobial compounds active against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. The GNPS analysis indicated compounds with known antimicrobial activity in the bioactive samples, including oligopeptides and their derivatives. This work emphasizes the utility of microbial community-based platforms to discover novel clinically relevant secondary metabolites. Future work includes further structural characterization and antibiotic activity evaluation of the individual compounds against pathogenic multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
Adaptive responses to elevated CO2 in fruit species with different phloem loading mechanisms
Authors: Davoudi Marzieh , Kalantzis Spyridon , Petridis Antonios
Published: August 2024

Introduction

It has been suggested that the mechanism of phloem loading, that is apoplastic or symplastic loading, may affect a plant’s ability to adapt to elevated CO2 levels. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are two fruit crops that use different mechanisms to load sugars into the phloem – the former symplastically and the latter apoplastically – yet both species can increase their yields when grown in a CO2-enriched environment. In this study, we subjected strawberry and tomato plants to long-term CO2 enrichment to determine the morphological and physiological adaptations that enable them to increase their yields in response to higher CO2 levels.

Methods

Transplanted tomato and strawberry plants were subjected to ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (800 ppm) CO2 for three months. We examined various parameters associated with growth, yield, photosynthesis, and carbon allocation by means of phenotyping, gas exchange analysis, and 13C labelling combined with isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Results

We found that CO2 enrichment promoted growth and reproductive development in both species, resulting in more flowers per plant (tomato and strawberry), larger crown (strawberry), and, eventually, higher yields. Gas exchange analysis and A/ci curves revealed that elevated CO2 increased carbon assimilation rate in strawberry, but not in tomato – the latter being limited by Rubisco’s carboxylation efficiency. Finally, whereas both species prioritized fruit development over the development of other sink organs, they were both limited by carbon export at elevated CO2, since new photoassimilates were equally distributed to various sinks between CO2 treatments.

Discussion

The findings suggest that both species will benefit from future increases in CO2 levels and support current glasshouse practices entailing CO2 enrichment. Those benefits probably stem from an enhanced performance of both species at early developmental stages, as differences in carbon assimilation rate (tomato) and carbon allocation between treatments at late developmental stages were absent. Moreover, crop adaptation to elevated CO2 seems to depend on the ability of each species to respond to elevated CO2, rather than on the phloem loading mechanism per se.
Uncovering novel genes for drought stress in rice at germination stage using genome wide association study
Authors: Nyasulu Mvuyeni , Zhong Qi , Li Xiansheng , Liu Xu , Wang Zhengjie , Chen Liang , He Haohua , Bian Jianmin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Breeding rice with drought tolerance for harsh environments is crucial for agricultural sustainability. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of drought tolerance is vital for developing resilient rice varieties. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have emerged as pivotal tools in unravelling the complex genetic architecture of traits like drought tolerance, capitalizing on the natural genetic diversity within rice germplasm collections.

Methods

In this study, a comprehensive panel of 210 rice varieties was phenotyped over ten days in controlled conditions, subjected to simulated drought stress using 20% PEG 6000 in petri dishes. Throughout the stress period, crucial traits such as germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI), mean germination time (MGT), and seedling percentage (SP) were meticulously monitored.

Results

The GWAS analysis uncovered a total of 38 QTLs associated with drought tolerance traits, including novel loci likeqMGT-5.2, qSP-3, qSP7.2, andqGP-5.2. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis identified ten genes with significant expression differences under drought stress conditions. Notably, haplotype analysis pinpointed elite haplotypes in specific genes linked to heightened drought tolerance.

Discussion

Overall, this study underscores the importance of GWAS in validating known genes while unearthing novel loci to enrich the genetic resources for enhancing drought tolerance in rice breeding programs.
Sertraline induced acute hepatocellular liver injury in patient with major depressive disorder: a case report
Authors: Renemane Lubova , Rancans Elmars
Published: August 2024

This case report describes a patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) who developed acute hepatocellular liver injury after being treated with sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The diagnosis of MDD was made two years prior, and the patient had previously responded partially to escitalopram and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Upon switching to sertraline 50 mg daily, the patient presented with severe symptoms indicative of acute liver injury, including elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and gastrointestinal distress. Following the discontinuation of sertraline, the patient’s liver function tests gradually normalized over a 90-day period, confirming the diagnosis of sertraline-induced hepatotoxicity. This case underscores the importance of continuous monitoring for potential liver injury in patients treated with sertraline. The findings contribute to the existing body of evidence on the hepatotoxic risks associated with SSRIs and highlight the need for personalized treatment strategies to mitigate adverse effects and enhance patient safety. Further research is needed to explore the long-term safety and efficacy of sertraline, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A case-crossover study of ST-elevation myocardial infarction and organic carbon and source-specific PM2.5 concentrations in Monroe County, New York
Authors: Zhao Tianming , Hopke Philip K. , Utell Mark J. , Croft Daniel P. , Thurston Sally W. , Lin Shao , Ling Frederick S. , Chen Yunle , Yount Catherine S. , Rich David Q.
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous work reported increased rates of cardiovascular hospitalizations associated with increased source-specific PM2.5 concentrations in New York State, despite decreased PM2.5 concentrations. We also found increased rates of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) associated with short-term increases in concentrations of ultrafine particles and other traffic-related pollutants in the 2014–2016 period, but not during 2017–2019 in Rochester. Changes in PM2.5 composition and sources resulting from air quality policies (e.g., Tier 3 light-duty vehicles) may explain the differences. Thus, this study aimed to estimate whether rates of STEMI were associated with organic carbon and source-specific PM2.5 concentrations.

Methods

Using STEMI patients treated at the University of Rochester Medical Center, compositional and source-apportioned PM2.5 concentrations measured in Rochester, a time-stratified case-crossover design, and conditional logistic regression models, we estimated the rate of STEMI associated with increases in mean primary organic carbon (POC), secondary organic carbon (SOC), and source-specific PM2.5 concentrations on lag days 0, 0–3, and 0–6 during 2014–2019.

Results

The associations of an increased rate of STEMI with interquartile range (IQR) increases in spark-ignition emissions (GAS) and diesel (DIE) concentrations in the previous few days were not found from 2014 to 2019. However, IQR increases in GAS concentrations were associated with an increased rate of STEMI on the same day in the 2014–2016 period (Rate ratio [RR] = 1.69; 95% CI = 0.98, 2.94; 1.73 μg/m3). In addition, each IQR increase in mean SOC concentration in the previous 6 days was associated with an increased rate of STEMI, despite imprecision (RR = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.89, 1.45; 0.42 μg/m3).

Conclusion

Increased SOC concentrations may be associated with increased rates of STEMI, while there seems to be a declining trend in adverse effects of GAS on triggering of STEMI. These changes could be attributed to changes in PM2.5 composition and sources following the Tier 3 vehicle introduction.
Hierarchical path planning from speech instructions with spatial concept-based topometric semantic mapping
Authors: Taniguchi Akira , Ito Shuya , Taniguchi Tadahiro
Published: August 2024

Assisting individuals in their daily activities through autonomous mobile robots is a significant concern, especially for users without specialized knowledge. Specifically, the capability of a robot to navigate to destinations based on human speech instructions is crucial. Although robots can take different paths toward the same objective, the shortest path is not always the most suitable. A preferred approach would be to accommodate waypoint specifications flexibly for planning an improved alternative path even with detours. Furthermore, robots require real-time inference capabilities. In this sense, spatial representations include semantic, topological, and metric-level representations, each capturing different aspects of the environment. This study aimed to realize a hierarchical spatial representation using a topometric semantic map and path planning with speech instructions by including waypoints. Thus, we present a hierarchical path planning method called spatial concept-based topometric semantic mapping for hierarchical path planning (SpCoTMHP), which integrates place connectivity. This approach provides a novel integrated probabilistic generative model and fast approximate inferences with interactions among the hierarchy levels. A formulation based on “control as probabilistic inference” theoretically supports the proposed path planning algorithm. We conducted experiments in a home environment using the Toyota human support robot on the SIGVerse simulator and in a lab–office environment with the real robot Albert. Here, the user issues speech commands that specify the waypoint and goal, such as “Go to the bedroom via the corridor.” Navigation experiments were performed using speech instructions with a waypoint to demonstrate the performance improvement of the SpCoTMHP over the baseline hierarchical path planning method with heuristic path costs (HPP-I) in terms of the weighted success rate at which the robot reaches the closest target (0.590) and passes the correct waypoints. The computation time was significantly improved by 7.14 s with the SpCoTMHP than the baseline HPP-I in advanced tasks. Thus, hierarchical spatial representations provide mutually understandable instruction forms for both humans and robots, thus enabling language-based navigation.
Dyadic associations between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality: gender differences and the moderating role of caregiving identity
Authors: Kuo Patty X. , Xu Weiman , Yang Zhenqiao
Published: August 2024

Our study investigated the contribution of caregiving identity in the association between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality in fathers and mothers from a sample of opposite-sex couples of young children living in different areas of the United States. We conducted nested Actor-Partner Interdependence Models and moderation tests to examine potential differences between fathers and mothers in associations between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality, as well as the role of caregiving identity in the association. Results confirmed gender differences in the association between marital satisfaction and coparenting. Both mother’s and father’s caregiving identity interacted with their own marital satisfaction, but these interactions only impacted the coparenting quality reported by mothers. Additionally, caregiving identity in fathers and mothers was associated with the coparenting quality reported by their spouses. Our study highlighted the important role of caregiving identity in understanding the relation between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality in the intrafamilial processes of couples with young children.
Backlash Elimination Control for Robotic Joints with Dual–Motor Drive
Authors: Sun Longfei , Gu Huiying
Published: August 2024

Dual–motor drive is commonly used in heavy–duty robotic joint servo systems. However, the backlash inevitably affects joint accuracy. In this article, a variable bias torque control method is proposed for a dual–motor–driven robotic joint. The variable bias torque varies directly according to the motor current, and the conversion method of the bias compensation torque is presented. A simulation model of the dual–motor drive system in MATLAB/Simulink is established based on the dynamic modeling of a dual–motor drive system, and a robotic joint prototype is also established. The variable bias torque control can achieve a reasonable distribution of the output torque for the whole servo cycle and can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the system to maintain static backlash elimination; the dynamic loading of the bias voltage can be achieved through the setting of the conversion function to complete the smooth transition between the two states of backlash elimination control and common drive control; the dynamic loading of the bias torque improves the torque output capability of the dual–motor system. In the experiment, the steady–state error of the servo system is less than 0.05°, and the error is much smaller than the internal backlash angle (about 2°) of the system, which indicates that the internal backlash of the robot joint has been eliminated. The static backlash elimination bias current of the joint is reduced from about 250 mA to about 110 mA, reducing the energy consumption of the servo system effectively.
Addition of Fresh Herbs to Fresh-Cut Iceberg Lettuce: Impact on Quality and Storability
Authors: Grzegorzewska Maria , Szczech Magdalena , Kowalska Beata , Wrzodak Anna , Mieszczakowska-Frąc Monika , Sabat Teresa
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to develop ready-to-eat vegetable–herb mixes with high nutritional and sensory values as well as good storability. In this regard, the suitability of fresh herbs (peppermint, oregano, green basil, red basil, and parsley) was tested for their use in mixes with fresh-cut iceberg lettuce. Lettuce–herb mixtures were stored for 6 days at 5 °C. The reason for the decrease in the appearance of the salads was the browning of the cut surface of the lettuce, as well as discoloration on the cut herbs. Comparing the storage abilities of the cut herbs, red basil and parsley retained the best appearance for 6 d at 5 °C. A small addition of herbs to fresh-cut iceberg lettuce caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the contents of pro-health ingredients such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, and polyphenols in the mixes. There were large discrepancies in the sensory quality of the mixes, but the highest quality and consumer acceptance were found for salads with parsley (5% and 10%) and red basil (5%). After harvest, the fresh herbs were more contaminated by molds than the iceberg lettuce. Bacterial, yeast, and mold contamination increased during storage, but the rate of mold growth was much lower in the mixes with parsley compared to lettuce alone. In conclusion, the addition of parsley and mint contributed the most to the health-promoting and microbiological properties of iceberg lettuce salads. However, according to sensory evaluation, parsley and red basil contributed the most to improving the acceptability of the product in terms of best taste and shelf life.
Interpolation of Nitrogen Fertilizer Use in Canada from Fertilizer Use Surveys
Authors: Dyer James Arthur , Pearson Angela , Desjardins Raymond Louis
Published: August 2024

Canadian nitrogen (N) fertilizer use has more than doubled since 1990 (1.2 to 2.9 MtN by 2021). Consequently, a better understanding of this trend is needed. A comprehensive set of recommended N rates (RNRs) that agreed with the fertilizer sales data from 1996 and 2001 was compared with the Fertilizer Use Survey (FUS). The FUS was conducted from 2014 to 2021, with 2017 being the most representative year for these data. Using non-parametric statistics, confidence intervals were derived from the histograms used to present the FUS data. N application rates from the RNR for canola, spring and Duram wheat, and oats in the west were all below their respective FUS confidence intervals, whereas N application rates for grain corn showed almost no difference in N use between the RNR and FUS. Crop-specific N application rates interpolated from the RNR and FUS were integrated over their respective crop areas and plotted against national fertilizer sales records from 1990 to 2021. The rapid increase in N use between 2001 and 2017 (0.89 MtN), 90% of it (0.80 MtN) in Western Canada, was primarily due to the increased application rates per crop, rather than crop area changes. The RNR-FUS interpolations were a good approximation of N sales records and could improve farm GHG emissions modelling. The economically important crops in Western Canada should be the main focus for N-related GHG reduction measures, but production losses need to be avoided.
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Techniques Using RGB Imaging for Nitrogen Stress Detection in Maize
Authors: Ghazal Sumaira , Kommineni Namratha , Munir Arslan
Published: August 2024

Proper nitrogen management in crops is crucial to ensure optimal growth and yield maximization. While hyperspectral imagery is often used for nitrogen status estimation in crops, it is not feasible for real-time applications due to the complexity and high cost associated with it. Much of the research utilizing RGB data for detecting nitrogen stress in plants relies on datasets obtained under laboratory settings, which limits its usability in practical applications. This study focuses on identifying nitrogen deficiency in maize crops using RGB imaging data from a publicly available dataset obtained under field conditions. We have proposed a custom-built vision transformer model for the classification of maize into three stress classes. Additionally, we have analyzed the performance of convolutional neural network models, including ResNet50, EfficientNetB0, InceptionV3, and DenseNet121, for nitrogen stress estimation. Our approach involves transfer learning with fine-tuning, adding layers tailored to our specific application. Our detailed analysis shows that while vision transformer models generalize well, they converge prematurely with a higher loss value, indicating the need for further optimization. In contrast, the fine-tuned CNN models classify the crop into stressed, non-stressed, and semi-stressed classes with higher accuracy, achieving a maximum accuracy of 97% with EfficientNetB0 as the base model. This makes our fine-tuned EfficientNetB0 model a suitable candidate for practical applications in nitrogen stress detection.