bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CdWRKY2 transcription factor modulates salt oversensitivity in bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]
Authors: Shao An , Xu Xiao , Amombo Erick , Wang Wei , Fan Shugao , Yin Yanling , Li Xiaoning , Wang Guangyang , Wang Hongli , Fu Jinmin
Published: July 2023

Common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] has higher utilization potential on saline soil due to its high yield potential and excellent stress tolerance. However, key functional genes have not been well studied partly due to its hard transformation. Here, bermudagrass “Wrangler” successfully overexpressing CdWRKY2 exhibited significantly enhanced salt and ABA sensitivity with severe inhibition of shoot and root growth compared to the transgenic negative line. The reduced auxin accumulation and higher ABA sensitivity of the lateral roots (LR) under salt stress were observed in CdWRKY2 overexpression Arabidopsis lines. IAA application could rescue or partially rescue the salt hypersensitivity of root growth inhibition in CdWRKY2-overexpressing Arabidopsis and bermudagrass, respectively. Subsequent experiments in Arabidopsis indicated that CdWRKY2 could directly bind to the promoter region of AtWRKY46 and downregulated its expression to further upregulate the expression of ABA and auxin pathway-related genes. Moreover, CdWRKY2 overexpression in mapk3 background Arabidopsis could partly rescue the salt-inhibited LR growth caused by CdWRKY2 overexpression. These results indicated that CdWRKY2 could negatively regulate LR growth under salt stress via the regulation of ABA signaling and auxin homeostasis, which partly rely on AtMAPK3 function. CdWRKY2 and its homologue genes could also be useful targets for genetic engineering of salinity-tolerance plants.
Brassinosteroids affect wood development and properties of Fraxinus mandshurica
Authors: Lu Han , Chen Mingjun , Fu Meng , Yan Jialin , Su Wenlong , Zhan Yaguang , Zeng Fansuo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Xylem development plays a crucial role in wood formation in woody plants. In recent years, there has been growing attention towards the impact of brassinosteroids (BRs) on this xylem development. In the present study, we evaluated the dynamic variation of xylem development in Fraxinus mandshurica (female parent, M8) and a novel interspecific hybrid F. mandshurica × Fraxinus sogdiana (1601) from May to August 2020.

Methods

We obtained RNA-Seq transcriptomes of three tissue types (xylem, phloem, and leaf) to identify the differences in xylem-differentially expressed genes (X-DEGs) and xylem-specifically expressed genes (X-SEGs) in M8 and 1601 variants. We then further evaluated these genes via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) alongside overexpressing FmCPD, a BR biosynthesis enzyme gene, in transient transgenic F. mandshurica.

Results

Our results indicated that the xylem development cycle of 1601 was extended by 2 weeks compared to that of M8. In addition, during the later wood development stages (secondary wall thickening) of 1601, an increased cellulose content (14%) and a reduced lignin content (11%) was observed. Furthermore, vessel length and width increased by 67% and 37%, respectively, in 1601 compared with those of M8. A total of 4589 X-DEGs were identified, including enzymes related to phenylpropane metabolism, galactose metabolism, BR synthesis, and signal transduction pathways. WGCNA identified hub X-SEGs involved in cellulose synthesis and BR signaling in the 1601 wood formation–related module (CESA8, COR1, C3H14, and C3H15); in contrast, genes involved in phenylpropane metabolism were significantly enriched in the M8 wood formation–related module (CCoAOMT and CCR). Moreover, overexpression of FmCPD in transient transgenic F. mandshurica affected the expression of genes associated with lignin and cellulose biosynthesis signal transduction. Finally, BR content was determined to be approximately 20% lower in the M8 xylem than in the 1601 xylem, and the exogenous application of BRs (24-epi brassinolide) significantly increased the number of xylem cell layers and altered the composition of the secondary cell walls in F. mandshurica.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that BR biosynthesis and signaling play a critical role in the differing wood development and properties observed between M8 and 1601 F. mandshurica.
Aboveground biomass estimation of wetland vegetation at the species level using unoccupied aerial vehicle RGB imagery
Authors: Zhou Rui , Yang Chao , Li Enhua , Cai Xiaobin , Wang Xuelei
Published: July 2023

Wetland vegetation biomass is an essential indicator of wetland health, and its estimation has become an active area of research. Zizania latifolia (Z. latifolia) is the dominant species of emergent vegetation in Honghu Wetland, and monitoring its aboveground biomass (AGB) can provide a scientific basis for the protection and restoration of this and other wetlands along the Yangtze River. This study aimed to develop a method for the AGB estimation of Z. latifolia in Honghu Wetland using high-resolution RGB imagery acquired from an unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV). The spatial distribution of Z. latifolia was first extracted through an object-based classification method using the field survey data and UAV RGB imagery. Linear, quadratic, exponential and back propagation neural network (BPNN) models were constructed based on 17 vegetation indices calculated from RGB images to invert the AGB. The results showed that: (1) The visible vegetation indices were significantly correlated with the AGB of Z. latifolia. The absolute value of the correlation coefficient between the AGB and CIVE was 0.87, followed by ExG (0.866) and COM2 (0.837). (2) Among the linear, quadratic, and exponential models, the quadric model based on CIVE had the highest inversion accuracy, with a validation R2 of 0.37, RMSE and MAE of 853.76 g/m2 and 671.28 g/m2, respectively. (3) The BPNN model constructed with eight factors correlated with the AGB had the best inversion effect, with a validation R2 of 0.68, RMSE and MAE of 732.88 g/m2 and 583.18 g/m2, respectively. ​Compared to the quadratic model constructed by CIVE, the BPNN model achieved better results, with a reduction of 120.88 g/m2 in RMSE and 88.10 g/m2 in MAE. This study indicates that using UAV-based RGB images and the BPNN model provides an effective and accurate technique for the AGB estimation of dominant wetland species, making it possible to efficiently and dynamically monitor wetland vegetation cost-effectively.
Comparative physiological and transcriptomic analyses provide insights into fruit softening in Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don]
Authors: Wang Yan , Ma Lan , Ma Yan , Tian Tai , Zhang Jing , Wang Hao , Liu Zhenshan , Chen Qing , He Wen , Lin Yuanxiu , Zhang Yunting , Li Mengyao , Yang Shaofeng , Zhang Yong , Luo Ya , Tang Haoru , Wang Xiaorong
Published: July 2023

Fruit softening is a complex, genetically programmed and environmentally regulated process, which undergoes biochemical and physiological changes during fruit development. The molecular mechanisms that determine these changes in Chinese cherry [Cerasus peseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don] fruits are still unknown. In the present study, fruits of hard-fleshed ‘Hongfei’ and soft-fleshed ‘Pengzhoubai’ varieties of Chinese cherry were selected to illustrate the fruit softening at different developmental stages. We analyzed physiological characteristics and transcriptome profiles to identify key cell wall components and candidate genes related to fruit softening and construct the co-expression networks. The dynamic changes of cell wall components (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin), the degrading enzyme activities, and the microstructure were closely related to the fruit firmness during fruit softening. A total of 6,757 and 3,998 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between stages and varieties, respectively. Comprehensive functional enrichment analysis supported that cell wall metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction pathways were involved in fruit softening. The majority of structural genes were significantly increased with fruit ripening in both varieties, but mainly down-regulated in Hongfei fruits compared with Pengzhoubai, especially DEGs related to cellulose and hemicellulose metabolism. The expression levels of genes involving lignin biosynthesis were decreased with fruit ripening, while mainly up-regulated in Hongfei fruits at red stage. These obvious differences might delay the cell all degrading and loosening, and enhance the cell wall stiffing in Hongfei fruits, which maintained a higher level of fruit firmness than Pengzhoubai. Co-expressed network analysis showed that the key structural genes were correlated with plant hormone signal genes (such as abscisic acid, auxin, and jasmonic acid) and transcription factors (MADS, bHLH, MYB, ERF, NAC, and WRKY). The RNA-seq results were supported using RT-qPCR by 25 selected DEGs that involved in cell wall metabolism, hormone signal pathways and TF genes. These results provide important basis for the molecular mechanism of fruit softening in Chinese cherry.
Climatic responses and variability in bark anatomical traits of 23 Picea species
Authors: Nie Wen , Dong Yao , Liu Yifu , Tan Cancan , Wang Ya , Yuan Yanchao , Ma Jianwei , An Sanping , Liu Jianfeng , Xiao Wenfa , Jiang Zeping , Jia Zirui , Wang Junhui
Published: July 2023

In woody plants, bark is an important protective tissue which can participate in photosynthesis, manage water loss, and transport assimilates. Studying the bark anatomical traits can provide insight into plant environmental adaptation strategies. However, a systematic understanding of the variability in bark anatomical traits and their drivers is lacking in woody plants. In this study, the bark anatomical traits of 23 Picea species were determined in a common garden experiment. We analyzed interspecific differences and interpreted the patterns in bark anatomical traits in relation to phylogenetic relationships and climatic factors of each species according to its global distribution. The results showed that there were interspecific differences in bark anatomical traits of Picea species. Phloem thickness was positively correlated with parenchyma cell size, possibly related to the roles of parenchyma cells in the radial transport of assimilates. Sieve cell size was negatively correlated with the radial diameter of resin ducts, and differences in sieve cells were possibly related to the formation and expansion of resin ducts. There were no significant phylogenetic signals for any bark anatomical trait, except the tangential diameter of resin ducts. Phloem thickness and parenchyma cell size were affected by temperature-related factors of their native range, while sieve cell size was influenced by precipitation-related factors. Bark anatomical traits were not significantly different under wet and dry climates. This study makes an important contribution to our understanding of variability in bark anatomical traits among Picea species and their ecological adaptations.
Identification of new potential molecular actors related to fiber quality in flax through Omics
Authors: Chabi Malika , Goulas Estelle , Galinousky Dmitry , Blervacq Anne-Sophie , Lucau-Danila Anca , Neutelings Godfrey , Grec Sébastien , Day Arnaud , Chabbert Brigitte , Haag Katharina , Müssig Jörg , Arribat Sandrine , Planchon Sébastien , Renaut Jenny , Hawkins Simon
Published: July 2023

One of the biggest challenges for a more widespread utilization of plant fibers is to better understand the different molecular factors underlying the variability in fineness and mechanical properties of both elementary and scutched fibers. Accordingly, we analyzed genome-wide transcription profiling from bast fiber bearing tissues of seven different flax varieties (4 spring, 2 winter fiber varieties and 1 winter linseed) and identified 1041 differentially expressed genes between varieties, of which 97 were related to cell wall metabolism. KEGG analysis highlighted a number of different enriched pathways. Subsequent statistical analysis using Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis showed that 73% of the total variance was explained by the first 3 X-variates corresponding to 56 differentially expressed genes. Calculation of Pearson correlations identified 5 genes showing a strong correlation between expression and morphometric data. Two-dimensional gel proteomic analysis on the two varieties showing the most discriminant and significant differences in morphometrics revealed 1490 protein spots of which 108 showed significant differential abundance. Mass spectrometry analysis successfully identified 46 proteins representing 32 non-redundant proteins. Statistical clusterization based on the expression level of genes corresponding to the 32 proteins showed clear discrimination into three separate clusters, reflecting the variety type (spring-/winter-fiber/oil). Four of the 32 proteins were also highly correlated with morphometric features. Examination of predicted functions for the 9 (5 + 4) identified genes highlighted lipid metabolism and senescence process. Calculation of Pearson correlation coefficients between expression data and retted fiber mechanical measurements (strength and maximum force) identified 3 significantly correlated genes. The genes were predicted to be connected to cell wall dynamics, either directly (Expansin-like protein), or indirectly (NAD(P)-binding Rossmann-fold superfamily protein). Taken together, our results have allowed the identification of molecular actors potentially associated with the determination of both in-planta fiber morphometrics, as well as ex-planta fiber mechanical properties, both of which are key parameters for elementary fiber and scutched fiber quality in flax.
Carbon allocation of Spirodela polyrhiza under boron toxicity
Authors: Pagliuso Débora , Pedro de Jesus Pereira João , Ulrich João Cristiano , Barbosa Cotrim Marycel Elena , Buckeridge Marcos S. , Grandis Adriana
Published: July 2023

Pectic polysaccharides containing apiose, xylose, and uronic acids are excellent candidates for boron fixation. Duckweeds are the fastest-growing angiosperms that can absorb diverse metals and contaminants from water and have high pectin content in their cell walls. Therefore, these plants can be considered excellent boron (B) accumulators. This work aimed to investigate the relationship between B assimilation capacity with apiose content in the cell wall ofSpirodela polyrhizasubjected to different boric acid concentrations. Plants were grown for 7 and 10 days in ½ Schenck-Hildebrandt media supplemented with 0 to 56 mg B.L-1, the non-structural and structural carbohydrates, and related genes were evaluated. The results showed that B altered the morphology and carbohydrate composition of this species during plant development. The optimum B concentration (1.8 mg B.L-1) led to the highest relative growth and biomass accumulation, reduced starch, and high pectin and apiose contents, together with increased expression of UDP-apiose/UDP-xylose synthase (AXS) and 1,4-α-galacturonosyltransferase (GAUT). The toxic state (28 and 56 mg B.L-1) increased the hexose contents in the cell wall with a concomitant reduction of pectins, apiose, and growth. The pectin content ofS. polyrhizawas strongly associated with its growth capacity and regulation of B content within the cells, which haveAXSas an important regulator. These findings suggest that duckweeds are suitable for B remediation, and their biomass can be used for bioenergy production.
Predicting transcriptional responses to heat and drought stress from genomic features using a machine learning approach in rice
Authors: Smet Dajo , Opdebeeck Helder , Vandepoele Klaas
Published: July 2023

Plants have evolved various mechanisms to adapt to adverse environmental stresses, such as the modulation of gene expression. Expression of stress-responsive genes is controlled by specific regulators, including transcription factors (TFs), that bind to sequence-specific binding sites, representing key components of cis-regulatory elements and regulatory networks. Our understanding of the underlying regulatory code remains, however, incomplete. Recent studies have shown that, by training machine learning (ML) algorithms on genomic sequence features, it is possible to predict which genes will transcriptionally respond to a specific stress. By identifying the most important features for gene expression prediction, these trained ML models allow, in theory, to further elucidate the regulatory code underlying the transcriptional response to abiotic stress. Here, we trained random forest ML models to predict gene expression in rice (Oryza sativa) in response to heat or drought stress. Apart from thoroughly assessing model performance and robustness across various input training data, the importance of promoter and gene body sequence features to train ML models was evaluated. The use of enriched promoter oligomers, complementing known TF binding sites, allowed us to gain novel insights in DNA motifs contributing to the stress regulatory code. By comparing genomic feature importance scores for drought and heat stress over time, general and stress-specific genomic features contributing to the performance of the learned models and their temporal variation were identified. This study provides a solid foundation to build and interpret ML models accurately predicting transcriptional responses and enables novel insights in biological sequence features that are important for abiotic stress responses.
Intertwined -isms: an exploration of relationships between ageism and sexism in workplace and non-work contexts
Authors: Bae Sangkyung , Choi Moon
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to examine the association of workplace-based ageism with (a) ageism in non-work contexts and (b) workplace-based sexism. Data came from an online survey of workers in South Korea, with a sample stratified by gender and age group (N = 600; mean age = 43.6  years, range 20–74). Workplace-based ageism was measured using the Workplace Intergenerational Climate Scale (WICS). Other measures included the Fraboni Ageism Scale (FAS) and the Workplace Sexism Culture Scale (WSCS). A series of logistic regression models for endorsing the most workplace ageism (i.e., scoring in WICS bottom quartile) were estimated. Results showed that with each unit increase in FAS scores, the probability of belonging to the WICS bottom quartile increased by 7% while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.10, p < 0.01]. Likewise, when WSCS scores increased by one unit, the probability of belonging to the WICS bottom quartile increased by 8% while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04–1.12, p < 0.01). Findings suggest that ageism and sexism may be intertwined across workplace and non-work contexts.
Scholarly reading (and writing) and the power of impact factors: a study of distributed cognition and intellectual habits
Authors: Hillesund Terje
Published: July 2023

Using observational interviews and introducing theories of embodied and distributed cognition, this study examines the scholarly reading and the intellectual habits of a group of social scientists. All participants were working at universities in task environments dominated by digital artifacts and technologies. The study found a strong connection between scholarly reading and the scholars' writing processes and a further coupling to their digital publishing activity. While examining the participants' print and online reading, it turned out that their reading was so tightly coupled to their writing that this entanglement had to be at the core of the analysis. In the study, scholarly reading and writing are analyzed as cognitive processes that extend beyond the brain and body and comprise cognitive artifacts of texts and their material bearers, such as printouts, digital displays, computers, and the Internet. In the process of creating text—or readingandwriting—brains, bodies, and artifacts are considered to be dynamically coupled in a distributed cognitive process. Based on interviews with a sample of academics, the study analyses how their scholarly reading relates to the other elements in such an extended process and how they utilize the affordances of cognitive digital artifacts in their creative and intellectual endeavors.
Intersensory redundancy impedes face recognition in 12-month-old infants
Authors: Bursalıoğlu Aslı , Michalak Alexandria , Guy Maggie W.
Published: July 2023

This study examined the role of intersensory redundancy on 12-month-old infants’ attention to and processing of face stimuli. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, 72 12-month-olds were tested using an online platform called Lookit. Infants were familiarized with two videos of an actor reciting a children’s story presented simultaneously. A soundtrack either matched one of the videos (experimental condition) or neither of the videos (control condition). Visual-paired comparison (VPC) trials were completed to measure looking preferences for the faces presented synchronously and asynchronously during familiarization and for novel faces. Neither group displayed looking preferences during the VPC trials. It is possible that the complexity of the familiarization phase made the modality-specific face properties (i.e., facial characteristics and configuration) difficult to process. In Experiment 2, 56 12-month-old infants were familiarized with the video of only one actor presented either synchronously or asynchronously with the soundtrack. Following familiarization, participants completed a VPC procedure including the familiar face and a novel face. Results from Experiment 2 showed that infants in the synchronous condition paid more attention during familiarization than infants in the asynchronous condition. Infants in the asynchronous condition demonstrated recognition of the familiar face. These findings suggest that the competing face stimuli in the Experiment 1 were too complex for the facial characteristics to be processed. The procedure in Experiment 2 led to increased processing of the face in the asynchronous presentation. These results indicate that intersensory redundancy in the presentation of synchronous audiovisual faces is very salient, discouraging the processing of modality-specific visual properties. This research contributes to the understanding of face processing in multimodal contexts, which have been understudied, although a great deal of naturalistic face exposure occurs multimodally.
A biomarker discovery framework for childhood anxiety
Authors: Bosl William J. , Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Lock Eric F. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Anxiety is the most common manifestation of psychopathology in youth, negatively affecting academic, social, and adaptive functioning and increasing risk for mental health problems into adulthood. Anxiety disorders are diagnosed only after clinical symptoms emerge, potentially missing opportunities to intervene during critical early prodromal periods. In this study, we used a new empirical approach to extracting nonlinear features of the electroencephalogram (EEG), with the goal of discovering differences in brain electrodynamics that distinguish children with anxiety disorders from healthy children. Additionally, we examined whether this approach could distinguish children with externalizing disorders from healthy children and children with anxiety.

Methods

We used a novel supervised tensor factorization method to extract latent factors from repeated multifrequency nonlinear EEG measures in a longitudinal sample of children assessed in infancy and at ages 3, 5, and 7 years of age. We first examined the validity of this method by showing that calendar age is highly correlated with latent EEG complexity factors (r = 0.77). We then computed latent factors separately for distinguishing children with anxiety disorders from healthy controls using a 5-fold cross validation scheme and similarly for distinguishing children with externalizing disorders from healthy controls.

Results

We found that latent factors derived from EEG recordings at age 7 years were required to distinguish children with an anxiety disorder from healthy controls; recordings from infancy, 3 years, or 5 years alone were insufficient. However, recordings from two (5, 7 years) or three (3, 5, 7 years) recordings gave much better results than 7 year recordings alone. Externalizing disorders could be detected using 3- and 5 years EEG data, also giving better results with two or three recordings than any single snapshot. Further, sex assigned at birth was an important covariate that improved accuracy for both disorder groups, and birthweight as a covariate modestly improved accuracy for externalizing disorders. Recordings from infant EEG did not contribute to the classification accuracy for either anxiety or externalizing disorders.

Conclusion

This study suggests that latent factors extracted from EEG recordings in childhood are promising candidate biomarkers for anxiety and for externalizing disorders if chosen at appropriate ages.
The relationship between alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress in elderly with multiple chronic conditions in China: a network analysis
Authors: Shang Bin , Chen Ruirui , Luo Caifeng , Lv Fei , Wu Jing , Shao Xiao , Li Qian
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to construct a network structure to investigate the connections between alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress in Chinese older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), identifying core and bridge symptoms, and comparing the network structure across different levels of alexithymia.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional survey design and convenience sampling to recruit participants from six cities in Jiangsu Province. The study assessed the levels of alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults with MCC using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Network analysis was performed using R language to identify core and bridge symptoms in the network and compare the network structure across different levels of alexithymia.

Results

A total of 662 participants were included in the analysis, including 395 men and 267 women. The mean age was 70.37 ± 6.92 years. The finding revealed that the “Difficulty Identifying Feelings” (DIF) node had the highest strength centrality (strength = 2.49) and predictability (rp = 0.76) in the network. The next highest strength centrality was observed for “Meaningless” (strength = 1.50), “Agitated” (strength = 1.47), “Scared” (strength = 1.42), and “No look forward” (strength = 0.75). They were identified as core symptoms. The bridge strength analysis identified “Panic,” “Scared,” “No wind down,” “No initiative,” and “No positive” as the bridge symptoms. There were notable differences in the overall network structure and specific connections between the groups with and without alexithymia (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

“DIF” is a core node in the network of older adults with MCC, indicating its significance as a potential target for psychological interventions in clinical practice. Preventing and mitigating bridge symptoms such as “panic,” “Scared,” “No wind down,” “No initiative,” and “No positive” can effectively impede the spread of symptom activation, thereby interrupting or severing the connections among comorbidities in older adults. Additionally, compared to non-alexithymia individuals, the psychological issues of older adults with alexithymia require prioritized intervention from healthcare professionals.
Minimally invasive surgery in Crohn’s disease: state-of-the-art review
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2023

Surgery for Crohn’s disease (CD) has undergone significant advancements over the last two decades, especially minimally invasive surgery. In addition to its feasibility and safety, minimally invasive surgery provides manifold advantages, including a decreased hospitalization duration, improved aesthetic results, and fewer occurrences of intra-abdominal adhesions. Due to the special intraoperative characteristics of CD, such as chronic inflammation, a thickened mesentery, ﬁstulas, abscesses and large masses, a minimally invasive approach seems to be challenging. Complete implementation of this technique for complex disease has yet to be studied. In this review, we provide a review on the applicability of minimally invasive surgery in CD and future perspectives for the technical advances in the field.
Integration of real-world evidence from different data sources in health technology assessment
Authors: Graili Pooyeh , Guertin Jason R. , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Tadrous Mina
Published: July 2023

Real-world evidence (RWE) is being increasingly used by a wide range of stakeholders involved in the therapeutic product lifecycle but remains underutilized in the health technology assessment (HTA) process. RWE aims to fill the current evidence gaps, reduce the uncertainty around the benefits of medical technologies, and better understand the long-term impact of health technologies in real-world conditions. Despite the minimal use of RWE in some elements of HTA, there has been a larger push to further utilize RWE in the HTA processes. HTA bodies, as other stakeholders, work towards developing more robust means to leverage RWE from various data sources in the HTA processes. However, these agencies need to overcome important challenges before the broader incorporation of RWE into their routine practice. This paper aims to explore the extensive integration of RWE utilizing diverse sources of RWD. We discuss the utilization of RWE in HTA processes, considering aspects such as when, where, and how RWE can be effectively applied. Additionally, we seek the potential challenges and barriers associated with the utilization of different data sources.
Theoretical Stiffness Modeling and Application Research of a Novel Stacked Flexure Hinge
Authors: Zhang Yonghong , Wang Chengmin , Tang Shuangquan , Jiang You , Chen Hong , Ge Wenjie
Published: July 2023

This study investigates and designs a novel stacked hinge with low stiffness, large rotation angle, high strength, and length-adaptive functionality. Firstly, based on the large deformation theory of cantilever beams and relevant theories of leaf springs, a stiffness theoretical model for stacked flexure hinges is established. Subsequently, the stiffness theoretical model is further modified by considering the frictional force, aiming to reduce errors. Secondly, a stiffness-testing experimental platform for this flexure hinge is designed to verify the correctness of the theoretical model. Finally, the stacked flexure hinge is applied to the trailing-edge mechanism of a variable camber wing, achieving a deformation target of 15° downward bending of the wing and demonstrating good shape retention, thereby proving the feasibility of the application.
Active Flow Control for Passage Vortex Reduction in a Linear Turbine Cascade with Various Tip Clearance Sizes Using a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator
Authors: Matsunuma Takayuki , Segawa Takehiko
Published: July 2023

In an axial-flow turbine of a jet engine used for aircraft propulsion, the passage vortex (PV) and tip leakage vortex (TLV) generated inside the blade passage deteriorate the aerodynamic performance. In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator (PA) was installed in the upstream endwall of the turbine cascade to suppress the PV. The effects of the presence or absence of tip clearance and the change in the size of the tip clearance on the vortex structure at the exit of the turbine cascade were observed by recording the flow velocity distributions using particle image velocimetry. In the absence of tip clearance, only the PV existed and was completely suppressed by the PA. By contrast, in the presence of tip clearance, a TLV occurred in addition to the PV. When the input voltage to the PA was varied with various tip clearance sizes, the change in the flow fields where the PV and TLV interfered was clarified. With tip clearance, the PV was suppressed as the input voltage increased; however, the TLV increased considerably. At each tip clearance size, changes in the center positions of the PV and TLV were observed at varying input voltages of the PA. With increasing input voltages of the PA, the center position of the PV moved to the pressure surface side of the tip of the adjacent blade, and the center position of the TLV moved toward the middle of the flow passage. With a larger tip clearance, the amount of movement at the center positions of both the PV and TLV increased.
Soil Quality and Crop Nutrition
Authors: Laudicina Vito Armando , Ruisi Paolo , Badalucco Luigi
Published: July 2023

Soil quality has been defined as the “continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living system, within ecosystem and land use boundaries, sustain biological productivity, promote the quality of air and water environments, and maintain plant, animal and human health” [...]
Responses of Soil Labile Organic Carbon on Aggregate Stability across Different Collapsing-Gully Erosion Positions from Acric Ferralsols of South China
Authors: Tang Xian , Alhaj Hamoud Yousef , Shaghaleh Hiba , Zhao Jianrong , Wang Hong , Wang Jiajia , Zhao Tao , Li Bo , Lu Ying
Published: July 2023

Soil labile organic carbon (LOC) is a valuable and sensitive parameter of the changes in soil carbon (C) pools and further affects soil structural stability. However, the influences of soil-aggregate stability on LOC fractions under erosion conditions are still unclear, especially under the collapsing gully area of south China. Soils of five positions of collapsing gully erosion, including the upper catchment (UC), collapsing wall (CW), colluvial deposit (CD), scour channel (SC) and alluvial fan (AF) from Acric Ferralsols were investigated and sampled. Soil aggregate stability and LOC fractions were measured and analyzed. Soil water-stable aggregate and passive C (passive-C) contents significantly increased by 67–76% and 8.7–13.0% at the UC, CW, CD and SC positions, respectively, while soil labile C (labile-C) content was lower at these positions as compared to the AF position (p < 0.05). Moreover, the UC position’s soil C pool management index (CPMI) significantly increased by 37–40% compared to CW, CD, SC and AF soils, indicating that the soil of the UC position had a more stable C pool due to its stronger structural stability. SOC, silt, and amorphous iron oxide (Fea) contents significantly contributed to aggregate stability. We demonstrated that the depletion of soil aggregate stability could result in the decreases in soil LOC fractions, while soil properties of the OC but not the LOC pool regulated aggregate stability and thus affected soil structure across different collapsing gully erosion positions in the subtropical Acric Ferralsols region of south China. This study contributes to developing strategies to prevent soil erosion and improve global C cycle and soil quality, which could be beneficial to strengthen soil and water conservation, and improve soil fertility (e.g., SOC) and vegetation recovery, such as tea and tobacco.
A Novel Approach for Predicting Heavy Metal Contamination Based on Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System and GIS in an Arid Ecosystem
Authors: Mohamed Elsayed Said , Jalhoum Mohamed E. M. , Belal Abdelaziz A. , Hendawy Ehab , Azab Yara F. A. , Kucher Dmitry E. , Shokr Mohamed. S. , El Behairy Radwa A. , El Arwash Hasnaa M.
Published: July 2023

The issue of agricultural soil pollution is especially important as it directly affects the quality of food and the lives of humans and animals. Soil pollution is linked to human activities and agricultural practices. The main objective of this study is to assess and predict soil contamination by heavy metals utilizing an innovative method based on the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), an effective artificial intelligence technology, and GIS in a semiarid and dry environment. A total of 150 soil samples were randomly collected in the neighboring area of the Bahr El-Baqar drain. Ordinary kriging (OK) was employed to generate spatial pattern maps for the following heavy metals: chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), known as one of the most effective applications of artificial intelligence (AI), was utilized to predict soil contamination by the selected heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Cd, and Ni). In total 150 samples were used, 136 soil samples were used for training and 14 for testing. The ANFIS predicting results were compared with the experimental results; this comparison proved its effectiveness, as a root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.048594 in training, and 0.0687 in testing, which is an acceptable result. The results showed that both the exponential and spherical models were quite suitable for Cr, Fe, and Ni. The correlation values (R2) were close to one in training and test; however, the stable model performed well with Cd. The high concentration of heavy metals was the most prevalent, encompassing approximately 51.6% of the study area. Furthermore, the average concentration of heavy metals in this degree was 82.86 ± 15.59 mg kg−1 for Cr, 20,963.84 ± 4447.83 mg kg−1 for Fe, 1.46 ± 0.42 mg kg−1 for Cd, and 48.71 ± 11.88 mg kg−1 for Ni. The comparison clearly demonstrates that utilizing the ANFIS model is a superior option for predicting the level of soil pollution. Ultimately, these findings can serve as a foundation for decision-makers to develop acceptable measures for mitigating heavy metal contamination.
Effects of Transplantation and Microhabitat on Rhizosphere Microbial Communities during the Growth of American Ginseng
Authors: Chang Fan , Jia Feng-An , Guan Min , Jia Qing-An , Sun Yan , Li Zhi
Published: July 2023

Transplanting has been widely used in American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) cultivation in Northwest China to mitigate the negative effects of continuous cropping obstacles. Because of the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms and the change in soil properties, transplanting American ginseng to newly cultivated fields after two years of growth has become a major planting pattern. Despite transplanting improving the quality of American ginseng, the effects of soil properties and microbiota on growth during the transplanting process are poorly understood. In the present study, microbial communities, soil physico-chemical properties and morpho-physiological parameters were analyzed to investigate the effects of microbiota and soil characteristics on American ginseng growth in both soil and ginseng root microhabitats. Results indicated that the structure and species of bacterial and fungal communities changed significantly in different microhabitats before and after transplantation. Moreover, the assemblage process of the bacterial community was dominated by deterministic processes. The stochastic process ratio increased and niche breadth decreased significantly after transplanting. While the assembly of the fungal community was dominated by stochastic process, and there was no significant difference in NST, βNTI or niche breadth before and after transplanting. Bacterial co-occurrence networks demonstrated a higher connectivity but a lower aggregation in soil microhabitat, while the fungal community networks remained stable before and after transplantation. Gammaproteobacteria was the biomarker in the soil microhabitat, while Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes were biomarkers in the ginseng root microhabitat. Sordariomycetes was a biomarker with high relative abundance in the fungal community before and after transplanting. The bacterial functional and important ASVs were significantly correlated with pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, total potassium root fresh weight, taproot diameter and stem height of American ginseng. Partial least squares path modeling showed that soil properties significantly affected the formation of different microbial specific ASVs. The important functional ASVs in ginseng root microhabitat had a positive effect on American ginseng growth, while the rare taxa had a negative effect. Our results provide a good starting point for future studies of microbial community succession in different microhabitats influenced by the transplantation pattern of American ginseng.
Looking beyond Glyphosate for Site-Specific Fallow Weed Control in Australian Grain Production
Authors: Malmo Angus , Broster John C. , Walsh Michael J.
Published: July 2023

Summer annual weed species in northern Australian summer fallows are frequently present at low densities and, increasingly, are glyphosate-resistant, creating the need for alternative herbicides for site-specific weed control. Alternative non-selective herbicide treatments are effective on problematic summer fallow weeds; however, many are yet to be evaluated as site-specific (spot spraying) treatments. This study aimed to identify herbicides that could be used in place of glyphosate to control larger/mature Chloris virgata and Sonchus oleraceus plants. The response of these weed species to 12 herbicide treatments was evaluated in pot experiments conducted over summer/autumn 2022. Despite herbicide treatments not being consistently effective across both species, there were instances where control was achieved by some herbicide treatments. S. oleraceus was controlled (i.e., ≤10% plant survival) by glufosinate-ammonium, paraquat and also with protoporphyrinogen-oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides saflufenacil, tiafenacil and trifludimoxazin. However, these results were not consistent in repeated studies or for C. virgata. Glyphosate was the only herbicide that controlled C. virgata. A glyphosate replacement as a spot-spraying treatment was not identified, and until further studies are more successful, alternative approaches are needed to preserve the ongoing effectiveness of this herbicide.
The Benefits of Increased Space and Habitat Complexity for the Welfare of Zoo-Housed King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Authors: Fuller Grace , Jones Megan , Gartland Kylen N. , Zalewski Sara , Heintz Matthew R. , Allard Stephanie
Published: July 2023

Zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums embrace animal welfare as a foundational principle of habitat design. Modern habitats are designed to provide animals with choices and agency over their environment, and to encourage species-appropriate behavior and space use. In 2016, the Detroit Zoological Society opened the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a 3065.80 m2 facility that features a naturalistic design. The building was designed to optimize animal welfare by incorporating various substrates, nesting sites, and a 1234 kL pool with elements of underwater complexity. The facility houses a mixed-species group of penguins that were previously housed in a smaller habitat that opened in 1968. Between 2015 and 2022, we opportunistically monitored the behavior of ten king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) as they moved back and forth between the two buildings while additional modifications were made to the new habitat. We collected 695 h of behavioral observations and 10,416 h of data from flipper-mounted time–depth recorders. We found that the king penguins spent less time engaged in aggression and more time engaged in swimming and positive social behaviors in the redesigned space. They also spent less time in proximity to other species of penguins and more time alone. These behavioral trends suggest that increased space and environmental complexity had positive welfare benefits for these penguins.
A Comparison of Dry Period Outcomes after Selective Dry Cow Therapy Carried Out by Farm Staff versus Veterinary Students in a Low-Cell-Count Dairy Herd
Authors: Plate Peter , van Winden Steven
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Selective dry cow therapy is widely promoted in many countries worldwide, however, concerns have been raised about the consequences of the unhygienic application of preparations by untrained operators, especially if no antimicrobials are being used, risking deteriorating mastitis outcomes. (2) Method: This study follows up on cows being dried off by farm staff and those dried off by final-year veterinary students and first-year graduate interns in a supervised training session. Subsequent mastitis parameters and culling data in a single herd with a low somatic cell count were evaluated. (3) Results: A total of 316 dry periods were enrolled in the study. There was no significant difference in the percentage of cows showing at least one high SCC reading within 90 days of the following lactation or cows with at least one case of clinical mastitis within the same period, neither in the total nor in the subset of cows dried off without an antimicrobial. Dry period cure rates and dry period new infection rates were similar too, as was the percentage of cows surviving in the herd after six months. The risk of culling within twelve months post-drying off was lower in cows dried off by students, the difference in survival manifesting itself from 150 days post-drying off, which is an unexplained finding. (4) Conclusion: Well-supervised practical training sessions on drying off routine can be responsibly implemented on well-managed commercial dairy herds.
Genotype by Prenatal Environment Interaction for Postnatal Growth of Nelore Beef Cattle Raised under Tropical Grazing Conditions
Authors: Santana Mário L. , Bignardi Annaiza B. , Pereira Rodrigo J. , Oliveira Junior Gerson A. , Freitas Anielly P. , Carvalheiro Roberto , Eler Joanir P. , Ferraz José B. S. , Cyrillo Joslaine N. S. G. , Mercadante Maria E. Z.
Published: July 2023

The prenatal environment is recognized as crucial for the postnatal performance in cattle. In tropical regions, pregnant beef cows commonly experience nutritional restriction during the second half of the gestation period. Thus, the present study was designed to analyze the genotype by prenatal environment interaction (G × Epn) and to identify genomic regions associated with the level and response in growth and reproduction-related traits of beef cattle to changes in the prenatal environment. A reaction norm model was applied to data from two Nelore herds using the solutions of contemporary groups for birth weight as a descriptor variable of the gestational environment quality. A better gestational environment favored weights until weaning, scrotal circumference at yearling, and days to first calving of the offspring. The G × Epn was strong enough to result in heterogeneity of variance components and genetic parameters in addition to reranking of estimated breeding values and SNPs effects. Several genomic regions associated with the level of performance and specific responses of the animals to variations in the gestational environment were revealed, which harbor QTLs and can be exploited for selection purposes. Therefore, genetic evaluation models considering G × Epn and special management and nutrition care for pregnant cows are recommended.