bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Linear Estimation (OLE) Modeling Supports Early Holocene (9000–8000 RCYBP) Copper Tool Production in North America
Authors: Bebber Michelle R. , Key Alastair J. M.
Published: January 2022

The discovery and development of metal as a tool medium is a topic of global interest. A fundamental research goal involves establishing the timing of human experimentation with naturally occurring copper ore, which is commonly associated with sedentary, agrarian-based societies. However, in North America, there is well-documented millennia-scale exploitation of copper as tool media by small, seasonally mobile hunter-gatherer groups in the western Great Lakes. Archaeologists have suggested that Late Paleoindian groups may have begun using copper as a tool medium almost immediately after they entered the Lake Superior basin. However, only a few radiocarbon dates support such early use of copper. Here, we use optimal linear estimation modeling to infer the origin date for copper tool production in North America. Our results show that the invention of copper as a tool media likely occurred shortly after the first pioneering populations encountered copper ore during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. The origin dates modeled here (ca. 8100 RCYBP) reveal several important features about the behavior of pioneering hunter-gatherer populations. Moreover, our results suggest that this phenomenon represents the earliest known use of metal for utilitarian copper tool production.
A NEW MULTIVARIATE ZERO-INFLATED HURDLE MODEL WITH APPLICATIONS IN AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Pitt David , Wu Xueyuan
Published: January 2022

The fact that a large proportion of insurance policyholders make no claims during a one-year period highlights the importance of zero-inflated count models when analyzing the frequency of insurance claims. There is a vast literature focused on the univariate case of zero-inflated count models, while work in the area of multivariate models is considerably less advanced. Given that insurance companies write multiple lines of insurance business, where the claim counts on these lines of business are often correlated, there is a strong incentive to analyze multivariate claim count models. Motivated by the idea of Liu and Tian (Computational Statistics and Data Analysis,83, 200–222; 2015), we develop a multivariate zero-inflated hurdle model to describe multivariate count data with extra zeros. This generalization offers more flexibility in modeling the behavior of individual claim counts while also incorporating a correlation structure between claim counts for different lines of insurance business. We develop an application of the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm to enable the statistical inference necessary to estimate the parameters associated with our model. Our model is then applied to an automobile insurance portfolio from a major insurance company in Spain. We demonstrate that the model performance for the multivariate zero-inflated hurdle model is superior when compared to several alternatives.
Key recommendations from the 2021 “inclusion of older adults in clinical research” workshop
Authors: Petrovsky Darina V. , Ðoàn Lan N. , Loizos Maria , O’Conor Rachel , Prochaska Micah , Tsang Mazie , Hopman-Droste Rachel , Klinedinst Tara C. , Mathur Aarti , Bandeen-Roche Karen , van der Willik Odette , Kritchevsky Stephen B.
Published: January 2022

Older adults are often underrepresented in clinical research, even though older adults are major consumers of novel therapies. We present major themes and recommendations from the 2021 "Inclusion of Older Adults in Clinical Research" Workshop, convened by the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Inclusion of Older Adults as a Model for Special Populations Workgroup and the Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN). The goal of this workshop was to develop strategies to assist the research community in increasing the inclusion of older adults in clinical research. Major identified barriers include historical lack of federal guidelines, ageist biases and stereotypes, and lack of recruitment and retention techniques or infrastructure focused on older adults. Three key recommendations emerged: 1) engaging with the policymaking process to further promote inclusion; 2) using the CTSA Workgroup Presentation Materials Library and other resources to overcome ageism, and 3) building institutional capacity to support age inclusion.
Association between genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 enzymes and survivals in women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chan Carmen Wing Han , Li Caixia , Xiao Eleven Jinnan , Li Minjie , Phiri Patrick Gladson McLeywick , Yan Tingting , Chan Judy Yuet Wa
Published: January 2022

Tamoxifen is commonly prescribed for preventing recurrence in patients with breast cancer. However, the responses of the patients on tamoxifen treatment are variable. Cytochrome P450 genetic variants have been reported to have a significant impact on the clinical outcomes of tamoxifen treatment but no tangible conclusion can be made up till now. The present review attempts to provide a comprehensive review on the associative relationship between genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 enzymes and survival in breast cancer patients on adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. The literature search was conducted using five databases, resulting in the inclusion of 58 studies in the review. An appraisal of the reporting quality of the included studies was conducted using the assessment tool from the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). Meta-analyses were performed on CYP2D6 studies using Review Manager 5.3 software. For other studies, descriptive analyses were performed. The results of meta-analyses demonstrated that shorter overall survival, disease-free survival and relapse-free survival were found in the patients with decreased metabolisers when compared to normal metabolisers. The findings also showed that varying and conflicting results were reported by the included studies. The possible explanations for the variable results are discussed in this review.
Estimating the potential public health impact of fibre enrichment: a UK modelling study
Authors: Canene-Adams Kirstie , Laurie Ieva , Karnik Kavita , Flynn Brian , Goodwin William , Pigat Sandrine
Published: January 2022

For improving human health, reformulation can be a tool as it allows individuals to consume products of choice while reducing intake of less desirable nutrients, such as sugars and fats, and potentially increasing intake of beneficial nutrients such as fibre. The potential effects of reformulating foods with increased fibre on diet and health need to be better understood. The objective of this statistical modelling study was to understand how fibre enrichment can affect the diet and health of consumers. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey datasets from 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016 were utilised to evaluate intakes of fibre and kilocalories with a dietary intake model. Foods and beverages eligible for fibre enrichment were identified (n 915) based on EU legislation for fibre content claims. Those people who meet dietary reference values and fibre enrichment health outcomes such as weight, CVD and type 2 diabetes risk reductions were quantified pre- and post-fibre reformulation via Reynolds et al., D’Agostino et al. and QDiabetes algorithms, respectively. The fibre enrichment intervention showed a mean fibre intake of 19·9 g/d in the UK, signifying a 2·2 g/d increase from baseline. Modelling suggested that 5·9 % of subjects could achieve a weight reduction, 72·2 % a reduction in cardiovascular risk and 71·7 % a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes with fibre fortification (all Ps ≤ 0·05). This study gives a good overview of the potential public health benefits of reformulating food products using a straightforward enrichment scenario.
Hoarseness: its spectrum, associations and management in a tertiary care centre in India
Authors: Sheth M C , Paul R R , Karuppusami R , Mathews S S , Anbuselvi R R
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine the demographic, aetiopathological and diagnostic profiles of patients presenting with hoarseness to a laryngology unit of a tertiary care centre in India.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted.

Results

The 1033 patients who presented with dysphonia showed a male predominance (70 per cent), high rates of malignancy (18 per cent), late presentation (mean, 24 months) and poor follow-up trends (53 per cent with 3 months’ follow up), which contrasts with data from developed countries. The patient population hailed from different states in India and neighbouring countries around India, serving as a good sample for the subcontinent. The majority (67 per cent) were managed conservatively; however, surgical management was the preferred choice for those who presented with airway stenosis (91 per cent) and laryngeal trauma (75 per cent). Significant associations between vocal professionalism level and co-morbidities and dysphonia aetiopathologies are discussed.

Conclusion

These findings give insight into the trends of hoarseness in the developing Indian subcontinent, which can aid understanding and management.
Midnasal stenosis in adults with normative values
Authors: Ozturan O , Senturk E , Dogan R , Ozdem A , Aksoy F
Published: January 2022

Background

Congenital midnasal stenosis has previously been described as a cause of nasal obstruction in infants, and conservative and interventional treatments have been suggested. However, midnasal stenosis in adults has not been reported and related normative measurements have not been studied.

Methods

Three adult patients presented with nasal obstruction and, based on examination and radiological findings, were diagnosed with midnasal stenosis. Anatomical measurements were studied in axial and coronal computed tomography scans, and compared with findings for 161 healthy individuals.

Results

Anatomical measurements showed that the endonasal cavity was larger in males than females. The midnasal region was found to be constricted in patients compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report on midnasal stenosis in adults and to define normative anatomical measurements in adults. In patients presenting with nasal obstruction, midnasal stenosis should be suspected during endoscopic visualisation of medially located middle turbinates and uncinate processes in nasal cavities. A definitive diagnosis of midnasal stenosis can be made by examining paranasal sinus computed tomography scans. Endoscopic middle turbinectomy, complete uncinectomy, mega maxillary antrostomy and partial anterior ethmoidectomy have been suggested to relieve midnasal stenosis.
Simple harpacticoid composition observed at deep hydrothermal vent sites on sea knoll calderas in the North-west Pacific
Authors: Nakasugi Futa , Shimanaga Motohiro , Nomaki Hidetaka , Watanabe Hiromi Kayama , Kitahashi Tomo , Motomura Yusuke , Iseda Koki
Published: January 2022

Dirivultid copepods (Siphonostomatoida), one of the most successful meiobenthic organisms found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, have been the focus of most previous ecological studies among meiofauna in these habitats. The ecology of Harpacticoida, a major benthic copepod group in typical deep-sea floor, however, is not well understood in terms of variations in community structure and controlling factors at venting sites. The spatial heterogeneities in benthic harpacticoid composition and their association with environmental parameters were investigated at hydrothermal vent chimney structures in the calderas of three neighbouring sea knolls (Bayonnaise Knoll, Myojin Knoll and Myojin-sho Caldera) in the western North Pacific. While a previous study had reported the distribution of dirivultids was strongly associated with spatial differences in stable carbon isotopic signatures (δ13C) of organic matter in the detritus on active chimneys in the field, multivariate analyses detected no significant corelation between the parameter and harpacticoid composition in this study. Instead, high associations of the harpacticoid composition with differences in water depth and total organic carbon (TOC) concentration were detected. Ectinosomatidae dominated at vent sites with lower TOC values in the shallowest Bayonnaise Knoll, while they were less prevalent at deeper vent fields in the other knolls, where Miraciidae was the most abundant family. This study indicated the availability of vent chemoautotrophic carbon is not a primary factor controlling the composition of harpacticoids even in the habitats on the hydrothermal vents, but instead by the food amount, regardless of its resources (including marine snow from the sea surface), in the study area.
Polygenic risk, familial liability and stress reactivity in psychosis: an experience sampling study
Authors: Schick Anita , van Winkel Ruud , Lin Bochao D. , Luykx Jurjen J. , de Zwarte Sonja M.C. , van Eijk Kristel R. ,   GROUP Investigators, Myin-Germeys Inez , Reininghaus Ulrich
Published: January 2022

Background

There is evidence for a polygenic contribution to psychosis. One targetable mechanism through which polygenic variation may impact on individuals and interact with the social environment is stress sensitization, characterized by elevated reactivity to minor stressors in daily life. The current study aimed to investigate whether stress reactivity is modified by polygenic risk score for schizophrenia (PRS) in cases with enduring non-affective psychotic disorder, first-degree relatives of cases, and controls.

Methods

We used the experience sampling method to assess minor stressors, negative affect, positive affect and psychotic experiences in 96 cases, 79 first-degree relatives, i.e. siblings, and 73 controls at wave 3 of the Dutch Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) study. Genome-wide data were collected at baseline to calculate PRS.

Results

We found that associations of momentary stress with psychotic experiences, but not with negative and positive affect, were modified by PRS and group (all pFWE<0.001). In contrast to our hypotheses, siblings with high PRS reported less intense psychotic experiences in response to momentary stress compared to siblings with low PRS. No differences in magnitude of these associations were observed in cases with high v. low level of PRS. By contrast, controls with high PRS showed more intense psychotic experiences in response to stress compared to those with low PRS.

Conclusions

This tentatively suggests that polygenic risk may operate in different ways than previously assumed and amplify reactivity to stress in unaffected individuals but operate as a resilience factor in relatives by attenuating their stress reactivity.
Brain morphometry points to emerging patterns of psychosis, depression, and anxiety vulnerability over a 2-year period in childhood
Authors: Vargas Teresa G. , Mittal Vijay A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Gray matter morphometry studies have lent seminal insights into the etiology of mental illness. Existing research has primarily focused on adults and then, typically on a single disorder. Examining brain characteristics in late childhood, when the brain is preparing to undergo significant adolescent reorganization and various forms of serious psychopathology are just first emerging, may allow for a unique and highly important perspective of overlapping and unique pathogenesis.

Methods

A total of 8645 youth were recruited as part of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were collected, and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), depressive, and anxiety symptoms were assessed three times over a 2-year period. Cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical volume were used to predict baseline symptomatology and symptom progression over time.

Results

Some features could possibly signal common vulnerability, predicting progression across forms of psychopathology (e.g. superior frontal and middle temporal regions). However, there was a specific predictive value for emerging PLEs (lateral occipital and precentral thickness), anxiety (parietal thickness/area and cingulate), and depression (e.g. parahippocampal and inferior temporal).

Conclusion

Findings indicate common and distinct patterns of vulnerability for varying forms of psychopathology are present during late childhood, before the adolescent reorganization, and have direct relevance for informing novel conceptual models along with early prevention and intervention efforts.
Dynamic logarithmic state and control quantization for continuous-time linear systems
Authors: Wang Jiashuo , Pan Shuo , Xi Zhiyu
Published: January 2022

This paper addresses logarithmic quantizers with dynamic sensitivity design for continuous-time linear systems with a quantized feedback control law. The dynamics of state quantization and control quantization sensitivities during “zoom-in”/“zoom-out” stages are proposed. Dwell times of the dynamic sensitivities are co-designed. It is shown that with the proposed algorithm, a single-input continuous-time linear system can be stabilized by quantized feedback control via adopting sensitivity varying algorithm under certain assumptions. Also, the advantage of logarithmic quantization is sustained while achieving stability. Simulation results are provided to verify the theoretical analysis.
Trajectory planning of a 4-R

R

(SS)2 high-speed parallel robot
Authors: Zhang Huipu , Wang Manxin , Lai Haibin , Huang Junpeng
Published: January 2022

The trajectory-planning method for a novel 4-degree-of-freedom high-speed parallel robot is studied herein. The robot’s motion mechanism adopts RR(SS)2 as branch chains and has a single moving platform structure. Compared with a double moving platform structure, the proposed parallel robot has better acceleration and deceleration performance since the mass of its moving platform is lighter. An inverse kinematics model of the mechanism is established, and the corresponding relationship between the motion parameters of the end-moving platform and the active arm with three end-motion laws is obtained, followed by the optimization of the motion laws by considering the motion laws’ duration and stability. A Lamé curve is used to transition the right-angled part of the traditional gate trajectory, and the parameters of the Lamé curve are optimized to achieve the shortest movement time and minimum acceleration peak. A method for solving Lamé curve trajectory interpolation points based on deduplication optimization is proposed, and a grasping frequency experiment is conducted on a robot prototype. Results show that the grasping frequency of the optimized Lamé curve prototype can be increased to 147 times/min, and its work efficiency is 54.7% higher than that obtained using the traditional Adept gate-shaped trajectory.
Lower limb exoskeleton robots’ dynamics parameters identification based on improved beetle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Junxia
Published: January 2022

Efficient and high-precision identification of dynamic parameters is the basis of model-based robot control. Firstly, this paper designed the structure and control system of the developed lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The dynamics modeling of the exoskeleton robot is performed. The minimum parameter set of the identified parameters is determined. The dynamic model is linearized based on the parallel axis theory. Based on the beetle antennae search algorithm (BAS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), the beetle swarm optimization algorithm (BSO) was designed and applied to the identification of dynamic parameters. The update rule of each particle originates from BAS, and there is an individual’s judgment on the environment space in each iteration. This method does not rely on the historical best solution in the PSO and the current global optimal solution of the individual particle, thereby reducing the number of iterations and improving the search speed and accuracy. Four groups of test functions with different characteristics were used to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that the BSO algorithm has a good balance between exploration and exploitation capabilities to promote the beetle to move to the global optimum. Besides, the test was carried out on the exoskeleton dynamics model. This method can obtain independent dynamic parameters and achieve ideal identification accuracy. The prediction result of torque based on the identification method is in good agreement with the ideal torque of the robot control.
Motion generation for walking exoskeleton robot using multiple dynamic movement primitives sequences combined with reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Junxia
Published: January 2022

In order to assist patients with lower limb disabilities in normal walking, a new trajectory learning scheme of limb exoskeleton robot based on dynamic movement primitives (DMP) combined with reinforcement learning (RL) was proposed. The developed exoskeleton robot has six degrees of freedom (DOFs). The hip and knee of each artificial leg can provide two electric-powered DOFs for flexion/extension. And two passive-installed DOFs of the ankle were used to achieve the motion of inversion/eversion and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion. The five-point segmented gait planning strategy is proposed to generate gait trajectories. The gait Zero Moment Point stability margin is used as a parameter to construct a stability criteria to ensure the stability of human-exoskeleton system. Based on the segmented gait trajectory planning formation strategy, the multiple-DMP sequences were proposed to model the generation trajectories. Meanwhile, in order to eliminate the effect of uncertainties in joint space, the RL was adopted to learn the trajectories. The experiment demonstrated that the proposed scheme can effectively remove interferences and uncertainties.
Evaluating the utility of protected area status and conservation legislation in tropical forest conservation using satellite data: a case study of the great hornbill in Thailand
Authors: Suttidate Naparat
Published: January 2022

Preserving wildlife and their environment from anthropogenic activities requires identification and establishment of protected areas, and monitoring of their long-term effects on wildlife and habitat. Tropical forests are one of the most at-risk habitats and many tropical species have become extinct recently due to human activity. It is imperative to monitor habitat in protected areas and without in order to identify strategies and legislative policies that optimize conservation outcomes. To this end, I quantified habitat fragmentation for the great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) in Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand, pre- and post-establishment, within and outside the protected area, from 1973, 1985, and 1992, to assess the effectiveness of the protected area status, established in 1978, and a national logging ban, established in 1989, in preserving and restoring hornbill habitat. The results demonstrate that the establishment of Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary did not decrease the rate of hornbill habitat fragmentation relative to areas outside the protected area. While the protected area had less fragmentation to begin with, protection status did not affect the rate of loss. Fragmentation increased significantly both inside and outside the protected area between the first and second time points (p < 0.05), after the protected area was first established. However, the national logging ban policy implemented in 1985 seems to have successfully halted the fragmentation of habitat within the protected area and surrounding unprotected areas, with all areas showing no significant change (p > 0.05). While not significant, the rate of fragmentation outside the protected area was greater. This suggests that the establishment of a protected area alone may not be sufficient to stop or reverse anthropogenic damage to endangered habitat and the species that utilize these environments. The incorporation of multiple strategies for management is likely needed to increase the ability of protected areas to preserve tropical forest species and habitats. The assessment of protected areas via satellite and ground-level data is an essential tool for evaluating the effectiveness of conservation strategies and improving outcomes.
Hindsight 20/20: Looking Back for a Vision Forward in Gerontology
Authors: Meisner Brad A.
Published: January 2022

This article contains excerpts from the opening and closing remarks delivered at CAG2021 – the Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG) – which was hosted virtually from October 21 to 23, 2021. This event commemorated CAG’s 50th anniversary and included 645 delegates from across Canada and the world. The conference theme, “Hindsight 20/20: Looking Back for a Vision Forward in Gerontology,” focused on the burgeoning gerontological work that examines the various and complex ways that COVID-19 has affected older people and aging, as well as the need to develop a stronger emphasis on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of gerontology.
Condition notification assisted by virtual reality technology reduces the anxiety levels of parents of children with simple CHD: a prospective randomised controlled study
Authors: Wang Li-Wen , Liu Jian-Feng , Xie Wen-Peng , Chen Qiang , Cao Hua
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

This study explored the effects of condition notification based on virtual reality technology on the anxiety levels of parents of children with simple CHD.

Methods:

The subjects of the study were the parents of 60 children with simple CHD who were treated in our centre. The state anxiety scale was used to assess the anxiety status of the parents of the children before and after the condition notification in different ways (based on virtual reality explanations and written explanations).

Results:

In this study, a total of 55 parents of children with CHD successfully completed the survey. At the time of admission, there was no significant difference in the state anxiety scale scores of the parents between the two groups. The anxiety status of the virtual reality group was relieved after the condition notification assisted by virtual reality technology, and there was a significant difference compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

Condition notification based on virtual reality technology can effectively alleviate the anxiety of parents of children with simple CHD, which is worthy of clinical application.
Breast-feeding, rapid growth in the first year of life and excess weight at the age of 2 years: the 3D Cohort Study
Authors: Dubois Lise , Feng Cindy , Bédard Brigitte , Yu Yamei , Luo Zhong-Cheng , Marc Isabelle , Fraser William D
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To assess relationships between breast-feeding, rapid growth in the first year of life and overweight/obesity status at the age of 2 years.

Design:

As part of an observational, longitudinal study beginning in early pregnancy, multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associations between breast-feeding duration (total and exclusive) and rapid weight gain (RWG) between birth and 1 year of age, and to determine predictors of overweight/obesity status at the age of 2 years.

Setting:

Nine hospitals located in the province of Quebec, Canada.

Participants:

A sample of 1599 term infants who participated in the 3D Cohort Study.

Results:

Children having RWG in the first year and those having excess weight at the age of 2 years accounted for 28 % and < 10 %, respectively. In multivariable models, children breastfed < 6 months and from 6 months to < 1 year were, respectively, 2·5 times (OR 2·45; 95 % CI 1·76, 3·41) and 1·8 times (OR 1·78; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·45) more likely to show RWG up to 1 year of age compared to children breastfed ≥ 1 year. Children exclusively breastfed < 3 months had significantly greater odds of RWG in the first year (OR 1·94; 95 % CI 1·25, 3·04) compared to children exclusively breastfed for ≥ 6 months. Associations between breast-feeding duration (total or exclusive) and excess weight at the age of 2 years were not detected. RWG in the first year was found to be the main predictor of excess weight at the age of 2 years (OR 6·98; 95 % CI 4·35, 11·47).

Conclusions:

The potential beneficial effects of breast-feeding on rate of growth in the first year of life suggest that interventions promoting breast-feeding are relevant for obesity prevention early in life.
Assessing the leaf shape dynamic through marker–trait association under drought stress in a rice germplasm panel
Authors: Mahalle Mayuri D. , Chetia S. K. , Dey P. C. , Sarma R. N. , Baruah A. R. , Kaldate R. C. , Verma Rahul K. , Modi M. K.
Published: January 2022

The flag leaf acts as a functional leaf in rice, Oryza sativa L., primarily supplying photosynthate to the developing grains and influencing yields to a certain extent. Drought stress damages the leaf physiology, severely affecting grain fertility. Autumn rice of northeast India is called locally as ‘ahu’ rice, and is known for its drought tolerance. Exploring diverse germplasm resources at the morphological level using an association mapping approach can aid in identifying the genomic regions influencing leaf shape dynamics. A marker–trait association (MTA) study was carried out using 95 polymorphic SSR markers and a panel of 273 ahu rice germplasm accessions in drought stress and irrigated conditions. The trials suggest that at the vegetative stage, drought stress significantly affects leaf morphology. The leaf physiology of some tolerant accessions was relatively little affected by stress and these can be considered as ideal varieties for drought conditions. The phenotypic coefficient of variance and genotypic coefficient of variance values implied moderate to high variability for the leaf traits studied. Analysis of molecular variance inferred that 11% of variation in the germplasm panel was due to differences between populations, while the remaining 89% may be attributed to a difference within subgroups formed through STRUCTURE analysis. Using the mixed linear model approach revealed 11 MTAs explaining between 4.5 and 20.0% of phenotypic variance at P > 0.001 for all the leaf traits. The study concludes that ahu rice germplasm is extremely diverse and can serve as a valuable resource for mining desirable alleles for drought tolerance.
Evaluation of resistant genotypes and their characterization using molecular markers linked for powdery mildew resistance in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Sharma Susheel , Dar Aejaz Ahmad , Gupta Sachin , Singh Ravinder
Published: January 2022

Powdery mildew (PM) is one of the most severe fungal diseases of cucumber that limits its production worldwide. In this study, 140 genotypes of cucumber were screened for disease resistance under field and artificial conditions, and then validated with eight known SSR markers linked to PM resistance. Among these genotypes, genotype GS140 was found resistant (R), whereas GS148, GS16 and GS70 were moderately resistant, and GS169 was found to be tolerant. Of all the eight markers, only C31, C80, C162, SSR16472 and SSR16881 amplified the reported linked allele. The 127 bp allele of SSR16881 was found to be associated with the lowest disease severity of 37.65%. The associated markers could further be verified for their usability using linkage studies and the contrast genotypes in the present study could serve as a tool for selection in future marker-assisted selection breeding strategies for PM resistance.
Performance of organic farming in developing countries: a case of organic tomato value chain in Lebanon
Authors: Abebe Gumataw Kifle , Traboulsi Andrew , Aoun Mirella
Published: January 2022

The future of food value chains has increasingly been reliant on the wider adoption of sustainable farming practices that include organic agriculture. Organic farming in developed countries is standardized and occupies a niche in agro-food systems. However, such a standard model, when transferred to developing countries, faces difficulty in implementation. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the expansion of organic agriculture in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern context, and analyzes the economic performance of organic tomato among smallholder farmers. Accordingly, the study was able to determine the production costs, map the organic value chain and assess the profitability of organic tomato by comparing it with the conventional tomato in the same value chain. The study finds organic farming being increasingly expensive primarily due to the inherently high cost of production in Lebanon and the inefficient organization of the organic value chain. As a result, we suggest a blended approach of organic farming with other models, in particular agro-tourism, as a local solution to the sustainability of organic farming in developing countries with limited resources (land and labor) and characterized by long marketing channels. In countries such as Lebanon, a country endowed with rich cultural heritage and natural and beautiful landscapes, the agro-tourism model can harness organic farming and tourism activities. We also propose the adoption of local collective guarantee systems for organic production as a way to alleviate the costs of third-party auditing in Lebanon.
Development and testing of the aerial porter exoskeleton
Authors: Martin W. Brandon , Boehler Alexander , Hollander Kevin W. , Kinney Darren , Hitt Joseph K. , Kudva Jay , Sugar Thomas G.
Published: January 2022

Back pain is one of the largest drivers of workplace injury and lost productivity in industries around the world. Back injuries were one of the leading reasons in resulting in days away from work at 38.5% across all occupations, increasing for manual laborers to 43%. While the cause of the back pain can vary across occupations, for materiel movers it is often caused from repetitive poor lifting. To reduce the issues, the Aerial Porter Exoskeleton (APEx) was created. The APEx uses a hip-mounted, powered exoskeleton attached to an adjustable vest. An onboard computer calculates the configuration of the user to determine when to activate. Lift form is assisted by using a novel lumbar brace mounted on the sides of the hips. Properly worn, the APEx holds the user upright while providing additional hip torque through a lift. This was tested by having participants complete a lifting test with the exoskeleton worn in the “on” configuration compared with the exoskeleton not worn. The APEx has been shown to deliver 30 Nm of torque in lab testing. The activity recognition algorithm has also been shown to be accurate in 95% of tested conditions. When worn by subjects, testing has shown average peak reductions of 14.9% BPM, 8% in VO2 consumption, and an 8% change in perceived effort favoring the APEx.
Variation of Geomagnetic Index Empirical Distribution and Burst Statistics Across Successive Solar Cycles
Authors: Bergin A. , Chapman S. C. , Moloney N. R. , Watkins N. W.
Published: January 2022

The overall level of solar activity, and space weather response at Earth, varies within and between successive solar cycles and can be characterized by the statistics of bursts, i.e., time series excursions above a threshold. We consider nonoverlapping 1‐year samples of the auroral electrojet index (AE) and the SuperMAG‐based ring current index (SMR), across the last four solar cycles. These indices, respectively, characterize high latitude and equatorial geomagnetic disturbances. We suggest that average burst duration and burst return period form an activity parameter, which characterizes the fraction of time the magnetosphere spends, on average, in an active state for a given burst threshold. If the burst threshold takes a fixed value, for SMR tracks sunspot number, while for AE peaks in the solar cycle declining phase. Level crossing theory directly relates to the observed index value cumulative distribution function (cdf). For burst thresholds at fixed quantiles, we find that the probability density functions of τ and R each collapse onto single empirical curves for AE at solar cycle minimum, maximum, and declining phase and for (−)SMR at solar maximum. Moreover, underlying empirical cdf tails of observed index values collapse onto common functional forms specific to each index and cycle phase when normalized to their first two moments. Together, these results offer operational support to quantifying space weather risk which requires understanding how return periods of events of a given size vary with solar cycle strength.
Late Payments, Liquidity Constraints and the Mismatch Between Due Dates and Paydays
Authors: Dahan Momi , Nisan Udi
Published: January 2022

This paper examines a small random liquidity shock to reveal the effect of liquidity constraints on late payment behavior. In Jerusalem, water bill due dates are randomly determined and therefore may occur just before or after social security paydays. We compared the likelihood of late payments by low‐income households when they receive their social benefits a day after the water bill due date to the likelihood of late payment by the same households when they receive their benefits a day or more before the water bill due date. Using a large administrative data set, we found that a small random liquidity shock leads to a substantial increase in late payments of more than 10 percentage points among income support recipients and around 6 percentage points for old‐age pension recipients with supplementary income. The mismatch between utility payment due dates and paydays may result in interest charges and high late fees, contributing to the poverty penalty.
Anchoring Multi‐Scale Models to Micron‐Scale Imaging of Multiphase Flow in Rocks
Authors: Wang Shan , Ruspini Leonardo C. , Øren Pål‐Eric , Van Offenwert Stefanie , Bultreys Tom
Published: January 2022

Image‐based pore‐scale modeling is an important method to study multiphase flow in permeable rocks. However, in many rocks, the pore size distribution is so wide that it cannot be resolved in a single pore‐space image, typically acquired using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Recent multi‐scale models therefore incorporate sub‐voxel porosity maps, created by differential micro‐CT imaging of a contrast fluid in the pores. These maps delineate different microporous flow zones in the model, which must be assigned petrophysical properties as input. The uncertainty on the pore scale physics in these models is therefore heightened by uncertainties on the representation of unresolved pores, also called sub‐rock typing. Here, we address this by validating a multi‐scale pore network model using a drainage experiment imaged with differential micro‐CT on an Estaillades limestone sample. We find that porosity map‐based sub‐rock typing was unable to match the micrometer‐scale experimental fluid distributions. To investigate why, we introduce a novel baseline sub‐rock typing method, based on a 3D map of the experimental capillary pressure function. By incorporating this data, we successfully remove most of the sub‐rock typing uncertainty from the model, obtaining a close fit to the experimental fluid distributions. Comparison between the two methods shows that in this sample, the porosity map is poorly correlated to the multiphase flow behavior of microporosity. The method introduced in this paper can help to constrain the sources of uncertainties in multi‐scale models in reference cases, facilitating the development of simulations in complex reservoir rocks important for for example, geological storage of CO2.
CU06-1004 enhances vascular integrity and improves cardiac remodeling by suppressing edema and inflammation in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang Haiying , Kim Hyeok , Park Bong Woo , Noh Minyoung , Kim Yeomyeong , Park Jeongeun , Park Jae-Hyun , Kim Jin-Ju , Sim Woo-Sup , Ban Kiwon , Park Hun-Jun , Kwon Young-Guen
Published: January 2022

Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury accelerates the cardiomyocytes (CMs) death by oxidative stress, and thereby deteriorates cardiac function. There has been a paradigm shift in the therapeutic perspective more towards the prevention or amelioration of damage caused by reperfusion. Cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) are more vulnerable to reperfusion injury and play the crucial roles more than CMs in the pathological process of early I/R injury. In this study, we investigate that CU06-1004, as a vascular leakage blocker, can improve cardiac function by inhibiting CMEC’s hyperpermeability and subsequently reducing the neutrophil’s plugging and infiltration in infarcted hearts. CU06-1004 was delivered intravenously 5 min before reperfusion and the rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) vehicle, (2) low-CU06-1004 (1 mg/kg, twice at 24 h intervals), and (3) high-CU06-1004 (5 mg/kg, once before reperfusion). CU06-1004 treatment reduced necrotic size and cardiac edema by enhancing vascular integrity, as demonstrated by the presence of intact junction proteins on CMECs and surrounding pericytes in early I/R injury. It also decreased the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) on CMECs, resulting in reduced infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages. Echocardiography showed that the CU06-1004 treatment significantly improved cardiac function compared with the vehicle group. Interestingly, single high-dose treatment with CU06-1004 provided a greater functional improvement than repetitive low-dose treatment until 8 weeks post I/R. These findings demonstrate that CU06-1004 enhances vascular integrity and improves cardiac function by preventing lethal myocardial I/R injury. It can provide a promising therapeutic option, as potential adjunctive therapy to current reperfusion strategies.
The ERα/KDM6B regulatory axis modulates osteogenic differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Zhenqing , Lee Hye-Lim , Suh Jin Sook , Deng Peng , Lee Chang-Ryul , Bezouglaia Olga , Mirnia Mojan , Chen Vivian , Zhou Michael , Cui Zhong-Kai , Kim Reuben H. , Lee Min , Aghaloo Tara , Hong Christine , Wang Cun-Yu
Published: January 2022

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent public health burden associated with an increased risk of bone fracture, particularly in aging women. Estrogen, an important medicinal component for the preventative and therapeutic treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, induces osteogenesis by activating the estrogen receptor signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of osteogenic genes, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). The epigenetic regulation of estrogen-mediated osteogenesis, however, is still unclear. In this report, we found that estrogen significantly induced the expression of lysine-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B) and that KDM6B depletion by shRNAs led to a significant reduction in the osteogenic potential of DMSCs. Mechanistically, upon estrogen stimulation, estrogen receptor-α (ERα) was recruited to the KDM6B promoter, directly enhancing KDM6B expression. Subsequently, KDM6B was recruited to the BMP2 and HOXC6 promoters, resulting in the removal of H3K27me3 marks and activating the transcription of BMP2 and HOXC6, the master genes of osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, we found that estrogen enhanced DMSC osteogenesis during calvarial bone regeneration and that estrogen’s pro-osteogenic effect was dependent on KDM6B in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrate the vital role of the ERα/KDM6B regulatory axis in the epigenetic regulation of the estrogen-dependent osteogenic response.
Bioprospecting microwave-alkaline hydrolysate cocktail of defatted soybean meal and jackfruit peel biomass as carrier additive of molasses-alginate-bead biofertilizer
Authors: Roslan Muhamad Aidilfitri Mohamad , Sobri Zulfazli M. , Zuan Ali Tan Kee , Cheak Sim Choon , Rahman Nor Aini Abdul
Published: January 2022

The extraction of soluble hydrolysate protein and sugar from a biomass cocktail of defatted soybean meal (DSM) and jackfruit peel (JP) was examined using microwave-alkaline hydrolysis by varying the NaOH concentrations (0.04–0.11 M) and residence times (2–11 min). Based on the central composite design, the optimized parameters were achieved at 0.084 M NaOH concentration (100 mL), for 8.7 min at 300 W microwave power level to obtain the highest protein (5.31 mg/mL) and sugar concentrations (8.07 mg/mL) with > 75% recovery. Both raw and detoxified hydrolysate (using activated carbon) were correspondingly biocompatible with Enterobacter hormaechei strain 40a (P > 0.05) resulting in maximal cell counts of > 10 log CFU/mL. The optimized hydrolysate was prepared as an additive in molasses-alginate bead encapsulation of strain 40a. Further evaluation on phosphate and potassium solubilization performance of the encapsulated strain 40a exhibited comparable results with those of free cell counterpart (P > 0.05). The DSM-JP hydrolysate cocktail holds potential as a carrier additive of encapsulated-cell bead biofertilizers in order to sustain bacterial cell quality and consequently improve crop growth and productivity.
Negative tension controls stability and structure of intermediate filament networks
Authors: Haimov Ehud , Urbakh Michael , Kozlov Michael M.
Published: January 2022

Networks, whose junctions are free to move along the edges, such as two-dimensional soap froths and membrane tubular networks of endoplasmic reticulum are intrinsically unstable. This instability is a result of a positive tension applied to the network elements. A paradigm of networks exhibiting stable polygonal configurations in spite of the junction mobility, are networks formed by bundles of Keratin Intermediate Filaments (KIFs) in live cells. A unique feature of KIF networks is a, hypothetically, negative tension generated in the network bundles due to an exchange of material between the network and an effective reservoir of unbundled filaments. Here we analyze the structure and stability of two-dimensional networks with mobile three-way junctions subject to negative tension. First, we analytically examine a simplified case of hexagonal networks with symmetric junctions and demonstrate that, indeed, a negative tension is mandatory for the network stability. Another factor contributing to the network stability is the junction elastic resistance to deviations from the symmetric state. We derive an equation for the optimal density of such networks resulting from an interplay between the tension and the junction energy. We describe a configurational degeneration of the optimal energy state of the network. Further, we analyze by numerical simulations the energy of randomly generated networks with, generally, asymmetric junctions, and demonstrate that the global minimum of the network energy corresponds to the irregular configurations.