bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIPER adult comfort: an open-source full body human body model for seating comfort assessment and its validation under static loading conditions
Authors: Liu Shenghui , Beillas Philippe , Ding Li , Wang Xuguang
Published: June 2023

Introduction: In this paper we introduce an adult-sized FE full-body HBM for seating comfort assessments and present its validation in different static seating conditions in terms of pressure distribution and contact forces.

Methods: We morphed the PIPER Child model into a male adult-sized model with the help of different target sources including his body surface scans, and spinal and pelvic bone surfaces and an open sourced full body skeleton. We also introduced soft tissue sliding under the ischial tuberosities (ITs). The initial model was adapted for seating applications with low modulus soft tissue material property and mesh refinements for buttock regions, etc. We compared the contact forces and pressure-related parameters simulated using the adult HBM with those obtained experimentally from the person whose data was used for the model development. Four seat configurations, with the seat pan angle varying from 0° to 15° and seat-to-back angle fixed at 100°, were tested.

Results: The adult HBM could correctly simulate the contact forces on the backrest, seat pan, and foot support with an average error of less than 22.3 N and 15.5 N in the horizontal and vertical directions, which is small considering the body weight (785 N). In terms of contact area, peak, and mean pressure, the simulation matched well with the experiment for the seat pan. With soft tissue sliding, higher soft tissue compression was obtained in agreement with the observations from recent MRI studies.

Discussion: The present adult model could be used as a reference using a morphing tool as proposed in PIPER. The model will be published openly online as part of the PIPER open-source project (www.PIPER-project.org) to facilitate its reuse and improvement as well as its specific adaptation for different applications.
Novel uniplanar pedicle screw systems applied to thoracolumbar fractures: a biomechanical study
Authors: Jiang Yuheng , Cui Xiang , Ji Wei , Li Jia , Shi Yanli , Zhao Jingxin , Wang Junsong , Tang Peifu , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2023

Objective: In this study, the advantages of the internal fixation configuration composed of uniplanar pedicle screws in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures were verified by biomechanical experimental methods, which provided the basis for subsequent clinical experiments and clinical applications.

Methods: A total of 24 fresh cadaveric spine specimens (T12-L2) were utilized to conduct biomechanical experiments. Two different internal fixation configurations, namely, the 6-screw configuration and the 4-screw/2-NIS (new intermediate screws) configuration, were tested using fixed-axis pedicle screws (FAPS), uniplanar pedicle screws (UPPS), and polyaxial pedicle screws (PAPS) respectively. The spine specimens were uniformly loaded with 8NM pure force couples in the directions of anteflexion, extension, left bending, right bending, left rotation, and right rotation, and the range of motion (ROM) of the T12-L1 and L1-L2 segments of the spine was measured and recorded to access biomechanical stability.

Results: No structural damage such as ligament rupture or fracture occurred during all experimental tests. In the 6-screw configuration, the ROM of the specimens in the UPPS group was significantly better than that of the PAPS group but weaker than those of the FAPS group (p < 0.01). In the 4-screw/2-NIS configuration, the results were identical to the biomechanical test results for the 6-screw configuration (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Biomechanical test results show that the internal fixation configuration with UPPS can maintain the stability of the spine well, and the results are better than that of PAPS. UPPS has both the biomechanical advantages of FAPS and the superiority of easy operation of PAPS. We believe it is an optional internal fixation device for minimally invasive treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.
Protease-degradable hydrogels with multifunctional biomimetic peptides for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Oliver-Cervelló Lluís , Martin-Gómez Helena , Gonzalez-Garcia Cristina , Salmeron-Sanchez Manuel , Ginebra Maria-Pau , Mas-Moruno Carlos
Published: June 2023

Mimicking bone extracellular matrix (ECM) is paramount to develop novel biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. In this regard, the combination of integrin-binding ligands together with osteogenic peptides represents a powerful approach to recapitulate the healing microenvironment of bone. In the present work, we designed polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels functionalized with cell instructive multifunctional biomimetic peptides (either with cyclic RGD-DWIVA or cyclic RGD-cyclic DWIVA) and cross-linked with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-degradable sequences to enable dynamic enzymatic biodegradation and cell spreading and differentiation. The analysis of the intrinsic properties of the hydrogel revealed relevant mechanical properties, porosity, swelling and degradability to engineer hydrogels for bone tissue engineering. Moreover, the engineered hydrogels were able to promote human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) spreading and significantly improve their osteogenic differentiation. Thus, these novel hydrogels could be a promising candidate for applications in bone tissue engineering, such as acellular systems to be implanted and regenerate bone or in stem cells therapy.
Regulation of erythroid differentiation in K562 cells by the EPAS1-IRS2 axis under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Gao Zhan , Li Zhicai , Li Xiaowei , Xiao Jun , Li Cuiying
Published: June 2023

Red blood cells (RBCs) produced in vitro have the potential to alleviate the worldwide demand for blood transfusion. Hematopoietic cell differentiation and proliferation are triggered by numerous cellular physiological processes, including low oxygen concentration (<5%). In addition, hypoxia inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) were found to be involved in the progression of erythroid differentiation. However, the function of the HIF-2α-IRS2 axis in the progression of erythropoiesis is not yet fully understood. Therefore, we used an in vitro model of erythropoiesis generated from K562 cells transduced with shEPAS1 at 5% O2 in the presence or absence of the IRS2 inhibitor NT157. We observed that erythroid differentiation was accelerated in K562 cells by hypoxia. Conversely, knockdown of EPAS1 expression reduced IRS2 expression and erythroid differentiation. Intriguingly, inhibition of IRS2 could impair the progression of hypoxia-induced erythropoiesis without affecting EPAS1 expression. These findings indicated that the EPAS1-IRS2 axis may be a crucial pathway that regulates erythropoiesis and that drugs targeting this pathway may become promising agents for promoting erythroid differentiation.
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Mn-doped Li2Mn0.1Ti1.9(PO4)3 materials
Authors: Sun Lixia , Hu Jiayan , Bai Weiqi , Mao Wutao , Song Zhongcheng
Published: June 2023

The hunt for a higher power storage, relatively inexpensive, non-polluting battery technology is currently a pressing issue because of the rapid growth of the worldwide economic and the progressively significant environmental pollution. Among the possible nanomaterials for rechargeable batteries that can have heteroatoms applied to it in order to improve its electrochemical behavior is LixTiy(PO4)3. Carbon-coated Mn-doped Li2Mn0.1Ti1.9(PO4)3 materials was synthesized by spray drying method. The material was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, TGA et al. Crystal data refinement results by Rietveld method showed that the symmetry space group is Pbcn.The lattice parameters of Li2Mn0.1Ti1.9(PO4)3 are a = 11.9372 Å, b = 8.5409 Å, c = 8.5979 Å, α = β = γ = 90°, V = 876.59 Å3 and Z = 4). Rietveld refinement was performed, and the confidence factors are Rwp = 11.79%, Rp = 9.14%, and χ2 = 1.425. It was exhibited that LMTP0.1/CA-700 material has good crystallinity. Testing the cells with LAND test procedure (200 mA/g current density for 200 cycles), the LMTP0.1/CA-700 material has a discharge specific capacity of about 65 mAh/g. The capacity decayed by only 3% during the cycle. It has some potential application values as cathode of lithium ion battery in the future.
A causal relationship between irritability and cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Dihui , Fu Yin , Song Yongfei , Lin Hui , Ba Yanna , Lian Jiangfang
Published: June 2023

Background

Observational studies have suggested that irritability is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the potential causal association is not clear. Therefore, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal association of irritability with CVD risk.

Methods

A two-sample MR analysis was performed to confirm the causal association of irritability with the risk of several common CVDs. The exposure data were derived from the UK biobank involving 90,282 cases and 232,386 controls, and outcome data were collected from the published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and FinnGen database. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods were performed to assess the causal association. Furthermore, the mediating effect of smoking, insomnia, and depressed affect was explored by using a two-step MR.

Results

The MR analysis indicated that genetically predicted irritability increased the risk of CVD, including coronary artery disease (CAD) (Odds ratio, OR: 2.989; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.521–5.874, p = 0.001), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR: 2.329, 95% CI: 1.145–4.737, p = 0.020), coronary angioplasty (OR: 5.989, 95% CI: 1.696–21.153, p = 0.005), atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR: 4.646, 95% CI: 1.268–17.026, p = 0.02), hypertensive heart disease (HHD) (OR: 8.203; 95% CI: 1.614–41.698, p = 0.011), non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NIC) (OR: 5.186; 95% CI: 1.994–13.487, p = 0.001), heart failure (HF) (OR: 2.253; 95% CI: 1.327–3.828, p = 0.003), stroke (OR: 2.334; 95% CI: 1.270–4.292, p = 0.006), ischemic stroke (IS) (OR: 2.249; 95% CI: 1.156–4.374, p = 0.017), and ischemic stroke of large-artery atherosclerosis ISla (OR: 14.326; 95% CI: 2.750–74.540, p = 0.002). The analysis also indicated that smoking, insomnia, and depressed affect play an important role in the process of irritability leading to cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

Our findings support the first genetic evidence of the causality of genetically predicted irritability with the risk of developing into CVDs. Our results deliver a viewpoint that more early active interventions to manage an individual's anger and related unhealthy lifestyle habits are needed to prevent the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events.
Innovative biomaterials for the treatment of periodontal disease
Authors: Zhu Yi , Tao Chen , Goh Cynthia , Shrestha Annie
Published: June 2023

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that involves the destruction of hard and soft tissues surrounding the tooth. Routine periodontal treatment includes mechanical debridement (surgical and non-surgical) and the systemic administration of antibiotics. In contrast, severe and chronic periodontitis involves aggressive tissue destruction and bone resorption, and the damage is usually irreversible. In these severe cases, bone grafts, the delivery of growth hormones, and guided tissue regeneration can all be used to stimulate periodontal regeneration. However, these approaches do not result in consistent and predictable treatment outcomes. As a result, advanced biomaterials have evolved as an adjunctive approach to improve clinical performance. These novel biomaterials are designed to either prolong the release of antibacterial agents or osteogenic molecules, or to act as immunomodulators to promote healing. The first half of this review briefly summarizes the key immune cells and their underlying cellular pathways implicated in periodontitis. Advanced biomaterials designed to promote periodontal regeneration will be highlighted in the second half. Finally, the limitations of the current experimental design and the challenges of translational science will be discussed.
Geochemical characterization of volcanic gas emissions at Santa Ana and San Miguel volcanoes, El Salvador, using remote-sensing and in situ measurements
Authors: Gutiérrez Xochilt , Bobrowski Nicole , Rüdiger Julian , Liotta Marcello , Geil Bastien , Hoffmann Thorsten , Gutiérrez Eduardo , Dinger Florian , Montalvo Francisco , Villalobos Mirian , Escobar Demetrio
Published: June 2023

Volcanic degassing provides important information for the assessment of volcanic hazards. Santa Ana and San Miguel are open vent volcanoes along the Central American Volcanic Arc–CAVA, where the magmatism, basaltic to dacitic, is related to the near-orthogonal convergence of the Caribbean Plate and the subducting Cocos Plate. Both volcanoes are the most active ones in El Salvador with recent eruptive events in October 2005 (Santa Ana) and December 2013 (San Miguel), but still not much data on gas composition and emission are available today. At each volcano, SO2 emissions are regularly monitored using ground-based scanning Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer (Scan-DOAS) instruments that are part of the global “Network for Observation of Volcanic and Atmospheric Change” (NOVAC). We used the data series from these NOVAC stations in order to retrieve SO2 and minimum bromine emissions, which can be retrieved from the same spectral data for the period 2006–2020 at Santa Ana and 2008–2019 at San Miguel. However, BrO was not detected above the detection limit. SO2 emission ranged from 10 to 7,760 t/d, and from 10 to 5,870 t/d for Santa Ana and San Miguel, respectively. In addition, the SO2 emissions are complemented with in situ plume data collected during regular monitoring surveys (2018–2020) and two field campaigns in El Salvador (2019 and 2020). MultiGAS instruments recorded CO2, SO2, H2S and H2 concentrations. We determined an average CO2/SO2 ratio of 2.9 ± 0.6 when peak SO2 concentration exceeded 15 ppmv at Santa Ana, while at San Miguel the CO2/SO2 ratio was 7.4 ± 1.8, but SO2 levels reached only up to 6.1 ppmv. Taking into account these ratios and the SO2 emissions determined in this study, the resulting CO2 emissions are about one order of magnitude higher than those determined so far for the two volcanoes. During the two field campaigns Raschig tubes (active alkaline trap) were used to collect plume samples which were analyzed with IC and ICP-MS to identify and quantify CO2, SO2, HCl, HF, and HBr. Additionally, also 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene (TMB)-coated denuders were applied and subsequently analyzed by GC-MS to determine the sum of the reactive halogen species (RHS: including Cl2, Br2, interhalogens, hypohalous acids). The RHS to sulfur ratios at Santa Ana and San Miguel lie in the range of 10−5. Although no new insights could be gained regarding changes with volcanic activity, we present the most comprehensive gas geochemical data set of Santa Ana and San Miguel volcanoes, leading to a solid data baseline for future monitoring purposes at both volcanoes and their improved estimate of CO2, SO2 and halogens emissions. Determining the reactive fraction of halogens is a first step towards a better understanding of their effects on the atmosphere.
A SO2 flux study of the Etna volcano 2020–2021 paroxysmal sequences
Authors: Aiuppa Alessandro , Lo Bue Trisciuzzi Giovanni , Alparone Salvatore , Bitetto Marcello , Coltelli Mauro , Delle Donne Dario , Ganci Gaetana , Pecora Emilio
Published: June 2023

The persistent open-vent degassing of Mt. Etna is often punctuated by months-long paroxysmal sequences characterized by episodes of violent Strombolian to lava fountaining activity. Understanding these gas-fueled transitions from quiescence to eruption requires routine measurement of gas fluxes. Here, we report SO2 flux measurements, obtained from a permanent UV camera system, collected over a two-year-long period spanning two paroxysmal sequences of Etna’s New South East Crater (NSEC) in December 2020/April 2021 and May/October 2021. In both cases, SO2 flux increased from ≤ 3250 Mg/day during “ordinary” activity to ≥ 4200 Mg/day. We interpret these distinct SO2 degassing regimes in light of seismic and thermal observations and drawing on numerical simulations of sulfur degassing constrained by parental melt sulfur contents in Etna’s hawaiites. We find that initiation of a paroxysmal sequence results from an approximate doubling of the time-averaged rate of magma supply (and degassing) above the sulfur exsolution level (∼150 MPa pressure), to >4 m3/s. This corroborates recent models that argue for the triggering of paroxysmal sequences by escalating supply of volatile-rich magma to a reservoir ∼3–4 km below the summit region. The non-stationary nature of magma flow and volcanic degassing we identify highlights the need for sustained surveillance to characterize long-term atmospheric budgets of volcanic volatiles.
Bioarchaeological analysis of the human skeletal remains from cliff tomb burial of the Wangyuancun site in Leshan, Chengdu Plain, Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhou Kehua , Jin Guolin , Yong Huaisong , Tang Fei
Published: June 2023

Though archaeological and historical-document evidences for the cliff necropolises in ancient China were reported in literature, the bioarchaeological analysis for them is still absent. It is therefore the aim of this paper presents the first bioarchaeological analysis for the skeletal samples of cliff necropolises from the Iron Age in China. In this work, skeletal remains of 16 individuals (two males, three females, seven unsexed adults, one subadult, and three indeterminate sex and age individuals) of Wangyuancun site (on the border of the Chengdu Plain, China) were examined for the stature, dental pathologies, linear enamel hypoplasia, cribra orbitalia, degenerative osteoarthritis of the vertebrae and major joints, periostitis, trauma and other evidence of disease. The demographic structure of Wangyuancun site is characterized by a younger mean age at death and a low mortality rate for infants and children. The stature estimates show that these Iron Age people were similar in size compared with the people live in contemporary southwestern region of China. Most of the samples lacked indications of stress, but a few had cribra orbitalia, osteoarthritis, osteophytosis and various dental pathologies. Periosteal reactions were common, but the lesions are generally moderate or mild. These bioarchaeological results broaden our understanding of the health and lifestyle of the cliff tomb population of Chengdu Plain in the Iron Age. Our bioarchaeological examination of the skeletal samples of Wangyuancun site provides a rare opportunity to address questions concerning ancient people’s diet, health, disease and stress of population in the Iron Age of Chengdu Plain, Southwest China.
Head-cut gully erosion susceptibility mapping in semi-arid region using machine learning methods: insight from the high atlas, Morocco
Authors: Baiddah Abdeslam , Krimissa Samira , Hajji Sonia , Ismaili Maryem , Abdelrahman Kamal , El Bouzekraoui Meryem , Eloudi Hasna , Elaloui Abdenbi , Khouz Abdellah , Badreldin Nasem , Namous Mustapha
Published: June 2023

Gully erosion has been identified in recent decades as a global threat to people and property. This problem also affects the socioeconomic stability of societies and therefore limits their sustainable development, as it impacts a nonrenewable resource on a human scale, namely, soil. The focus of this study is to evaluate the prediction performance of four machine learning (ML) models: Logistic Regression (LR), classification and regression tree (CART), Linear Discriminate Analysis (LDA), and the k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), which are novel approaches in gully erosion modeling research, particularly in semi-arid regions with a mountainous character. 204 samples of erosion areas and 204 samples of non-erosion areas were collected through field surveys and high-resolution satellite images, and 17 significant factors were considered. The dataset cells of samples (70% for training and 30% for testing) were randomly prepared to assess the robustness of the different models. The functional relevance between soil erosion and effective factors was computed using the ML models. The ML models were evaluated using different metrics, including accuracy, the kappa coefficient. kNN is the ideal model for this study. The value of the AUC from ROC considering the testing datasets of KNN is 0.93; the remaining models are associated to ideal AUC and are similar to kNN in terms of values. The AUC values from ROC of GLM, LDA, and CART for testing datasets are 0.90, 0.91, and 0.84, respectively. The value of accuracy considering the validation datasets of LDA, CART, KNN, and GLM are 0.85, 0.82, 0.89, 0.84 respectively. The values of Kappa of LDA, CART, and GLM for testing datasets are 0.70, 0.65, and 0.68, respectively. ML models, in particular KNN, GLM, and LDA, have achieved outstanding results in terms of creating soil erosion susceptibility maps. The maps created with the most reliable models could be a useful tool for sustainable management, watershed conservation and prevention of soil and water losses.
Sedimentary deformation relating to episodic seepage in the last 1.2 million years: a multi-scale seismic study from the Vestnesa Ridge, eastern Fram Strait
Authors: Cooke Frances , Plaza-Faverola Andreia , Bünz Stefan , Sultan Nabil , Ramachandran Hariharan , Bedle Heather , Patton Henry , Singhroha Sunny , Knies Jochen
Published: June 2023

Seafloor hydrocarbon seepage is a natural fluid release process that occurs worldwide on continental shelves, slopes, and in deep oceanic basins. The Vestnesa sedimentary ridge in the eastern Fram Strait hosts a deep-water gas hydrate system that became charged with hydrocarbons ∼2.7 Ma and has experienced episodic seepage along the entire ridge until a few thousand years ago, when seepage activity apparently ceased in the west but persisted in the east. Although it has been documented that faults and fractures play a key role in feeding the seeps with thermogenic gases, the mechanisms controlling seepage periodicity remain poorly understood. Here we integrate high-resolution P-cable 3D seismic and Chirp data to investigate the spatial and temporal evolution of high-resolution fractures and fluid flow features in the west of the Vestnesa Ridge. We characterize sediment deformation using a fracture density seismic attribute workflow revealing two highly deformed stratigraphic intervals and associated small-scale pockmarks (<20 m diameter). Chronostratigraphic constraints from the region show that these two highly deformed intervals are influenced by at least three major climatic and oceanic events during the last 1.2 million years: the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (∼1.25–0.7 Ma), the penultimate deglaciation (∼130 ka) and the last deglaciation (Heinrich Stadial 1: ∼16 ka). These periods of deformation appear associated with seismic anomalies potentially correlated with buried methane-derived authigenic carbonate and have been sensitive to shifts in the boundary of the free gas-gas hydrate interface. Our results show shifts (up to ∼30 m) in the depth of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) associated with major changes in ocean bottom water temperatures. This ocean-driven effect on the base of the GHSZ since the Last Glacial Maximum coincides with the already highly deformed Mid-Pleistocene Transition sedimentary interval and likely enhanced deformation and gas leakage along the ridge. Our results have implications for understanding how glacial cycles impact fracture formation and associated seepage activity.
Generative artificial intelligence empowers educational reform: current status, issues, and prospects
Authors: Yu Hao , Guo Yunyun
Published: June 2023

The emergence of Chat GPT has once again sparked a wave of information revolution in generative artificial intelligence. This article provides a detailed overview of the development and technical support of generative artificial intelligence. It conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application of generative artificial intelligence in the field of education, and identifies problems in four aspects: opacity and unexplainability, data privacy and security, personalization and fairness, and effectiveness and reliability. Corresponding solutions are proposed, such as developing explainable and fair algorithms, upgrading encryption technology, and formulating relevant laws and regulations to protect data, as well as improving the quality and quantity of datasets. The article also looks ahead to the future development trends of generative artificial intelligence in education from four perspectives: personalized education, intelligent teaching, collaborative education, and virtual teaching. The aim of the study is to provide important reference value for research and practice in this field.
Battery management system enhancement for lithium-ions battery cells using switched shunt resistor approach based on finite state machine control algorithm
Authors: Hussien Shimaa A. , BaQais Amal , Al-Gabalawy Mostafa
Published: June 2023

Due to their favorable characteristics, lithium-ion batteries have a dominant share of the battery market. There are a number of issues related to the use and management of Lithium-ion batteries in this paper, specifically with regard to the safe operation of the batteries as well as methods for balancing their cells. With the help of a passive cell balancing algorithm and a cell measurement circuit, a battery management system with a passive cell balancing algorithm has been developed. The purpose of this paper is to improve the efficiency of the balancing algorithm by implementing and analyzing a cell modelling method from the literature, with the aim of improving its performance. The results of this study showed that the use of the cell modelling system was able to improve the balancing algorithm’s balancing and charging times by 12.6%. Further, to validate the results obtained from the measurement system and the cell modelling system, an analysis was conducted of uncertainty propagation in order to validate the results. As part of future research, broader testing conditions may be used in order to better understand the positive impact of the cell modelling system on the balancing algorithm in the future.
We cannot turn back time: a framework for restoring and repairing rivers in the Anthropocene
Authors: Greene Rachel H. , Thoms Martin C. , Parsons Melissa
Published: June 2023

Restoration activities commonly aim to reverse the impacts of environmental degradation and return a system back to an original, “pre-disturbance” condition. Is this realistic, achievable, or reflective of an unconscious bias in the Anthropocene, the current geological epoch where human disturbances dominate ecosystems? Billions of dollars are invested into river restoration globally each year, but there are limited empirical data to evaluate river recovery after these activities. Current response models, typically based on concepts of equilibrium and stability, assume rivers return to pre-disturbance conditions by removing or ameliorating a disturbance or stressor. Conceptual frameworks are useful tools to order phenomena and material, and understand patterns and processes in data-limited situations. A framework for the recovery of rivers in the Anthropocene is presented. The framework includes components of resilience thinking, landscape ecology, and river science. It is proposed that rivers in the Anthropocene have metamorphosed to a different basin of attraction (regime/state) displaying alternative functions, structures, and interactions. Resilience thinking suggests that once a river moves beyond the Anthropocene tipping point, recovery to its original state is not possible. If a river system cannot be returned to its original state, it must be repaired to something else. Using principles of landscape ecology for restoring structural and functional heterogeneity the capacity of Anthropocene rivers to withstand current and future disturbances would be enhanced. River science recognizes the significance of physical heterogeneity at multiple scales, resulting in differences in sensitivities to disturbance and associated recovery trajectories. All of these should guide the selection of river restoration activity types at given locations within a river network.
Agricultural credit scale and agricultural green production efficiency: a Metafrontier-Malmquist-Luenberger and panel Tobit approach
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Du Lei
Published: June 2023

The agricultural credit scale plays a crucial role in improving the agricultural green production efficiency (AGPE) in China. This paper selected the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2009 to 2020 and used the Metafrontier-Malmquist-Luenberger index to calculate the agricultural green production efficiency. On this basis, this paper uses the Panel Tobit model to analysis the impact of agricultural credit scale on AGPE. The main conclusions are as follows: 1) From 2009 to 2020, the average AGPE in 30 provinces was 4.2%, and agricultural technology progress was the main driving factor for AGPE growth. 2) The agricultural credit scale significantly promotes AGPE, and the impact of the agricultural credit scale on AGPE presents a significant inverted U-shape. 3) The impact of the agricultural credit scale on AGPE in eastern, central, and western regions is significantly heterogeneous. 4) AGPE has significant spatial spillover effects. This paper believes that improving agricultural green production efficiency requires paying attention to the important role played by the scale of agricultural credit.
Agricultural input modifies trophic niche and basal energy source of a top predator across human-modified landscapes
Authors: Pereira André C. , Mancuso Christy J. , Newsome Seth D. , Nardoto Gabriela B. , Colli Guarino R.
Published: June 2023

Land-use conversion and resulting habitat fragmentation can affect the source(s) of primary productivity that fuels food webs and alter their structure in ways that leads to biodiversity loss. We investigated the effects of landscape modification on food webs in the Araguaia River floodplain in central Brazil using the top predator, and indicator species Caiman crocodilus (Crocodilia, Alligatoridae). We measured carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of three tissues with different isotopic incorporation rates to evaluate spatial and temporal changes in caiman isotopic niche width with hierarchical Bayesian models that accounted for habitat use, intraspecific trait variation (sex and body size), and landscape attributes (composition and configuration). We also measured δ13C values of essential amino acids to assess if different primary producers are fueling aquatic food webs in natural and anthropogenic areas. Spatial analysis showed that caiman in agricultural areas had larger isotopic niche widths, which likely reflects some use of terrestrial resources in environments dominated by C4 plants. Patterns in δ13C values among essential amino acids were clearly different between natural and anthropogenic habitats. Overall, our findings suggest that caimans can persist in heterogeneous landscapes fueled by natural and agricultural energy sources of energy, which has implications for effectively managing such landscapes to maximize biodiversity.
Visible-near-infrared hyperspectral imaging combined with ensemble learning for the nutrient content of Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea canopy needles detection
Authors: Long Teng , Che XiaoLiang , Guo Wenbin , Lan Yubin , Xie Ziran , Liu Wentao , Lv Jinsheng , Long Yongbing , Liu Tianyi , Zhao Jing
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea is one of the major tree species in commercial forest bases in developed countries. However, in the process of sapling cultivation, nutrients cannot be accurately detected and supplied to individual saplings, resulting in reduced yield and quality.

Methods

In this paper, visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with ensemble learning (EL) was used to solve this problem. The content and distribution of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the canopy needles of Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea saplings were obtained through HSI data analysis, and the nutritional needs of individual plants were reflected to provide a basis for nutritional supply decisions. The saplings were treated with deficient, sufficient, and excessive N, P, and K single-element fertilizers. After collecting the Vis-NIR hyperspectral images of these saplings, a variety of pre-processing, feature selection, and ensemble learning algorithms were used to establish predictive models. The R2 and RMSE were used to evaluate the performance of the prediction models.

Results

The results showed that the multiple scattering correction-competitive adaptive reweighted sampling-Stacking (MSC-CARS-Stacking) model had the best results among the three nutrient elements prediction models (Rp2-N = 0.833, RMSEP = 0.380; Rp2-P = 0.622, RMSEP = 0.101; Rp2-K = 0.697, RMSEP = 0.523). When studying the sensitive bands of N, P, and K, we found that the common characteristic wavelengths were 675.3 and 923.9 nm, while the non-common characteristic wavelengths were located at 550 nm (green peak), 680 nm (red valley), and 960 nm (water peak). In studying the generalization ability of the model, only the nitrogen group data were used to train the MSC-CARS-Stacking model for nitrogen prediction, which was then used to predict the nitrogen content in the phosphorus and potassium groups, obtaining good results (Rc2-N = 0.841, Rp2-P = 0.814, Rp2-K = 0.801). It showed a strong generalization ability for the prediction of nitrogen, and similarly, phosphorus and potassium.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study verifies that the Vis-NIR HSI combined with EL is indeed a reliable and stable method to predict the contents of N, P, and K in the needles of Pinus elliottii × P. caribaea sapling canopy.
Classification of group A rotavirus VP7 and VP4 genotypes using random forest
Authors: Tran Hoc , Friendship Robert , Poljak Zvonimir
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Group A rotaviruses are major pathogens in causing severe diarrhea in young children and neonates of many different species of animals worldwide and group A rotavirus sequence data are becoming increasingly available over time. Different methods exist that allow for rotavirus genotyping, but machine learning methods have yet to be explored. Usage of machine learning algorithms such as random forest alongside alignment-based methodology may allow for both efficient and accurate classification of circulating rotavirus genotypes through the dual classification system.

Methods: Random forest models were trained on positional features obtained from pairwise and multiple sequence alignment and cross-validated using methods of repeated 10-fold cross-validation thrice and leave one- out cross validation. Models were then validated on unseen data from the testing datasets to observe real-world performance.

Results: All models were found to perform strongly in classification of VP7 and VP4 genotypes with high overall accuracy and kappa values during model training (0.975–0.992, 0.970–0.989) and during model testing (0.972–0.996, 0.969–0.996), respectively. Models trained on multiple sequence alignment generally had slightly higher overall accuracy and kappa values than models trained on pairwise sequence alignment method. In contrast, pairwise sequence alignment models were found to be generally faster than multiple sequence alignment models in computational speed when models do not need to be retrained. Models that used repeated 10-fold cross-validation thrice were also found to be much faster in model computational speed than models that used leave-one-out cross validation, with no noticeable difference in overall accuracy and kappa values between the cross-validation methods.

Discussion: Overall, random forest models showed strong performance in the classification of both group A rotavirus VP7 and VP4 genotypes. Application of these models as classifiers will allow for rapid and accurate classification of the increasing amounts of rotavirus sequence data that are becoming available.
From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome
Authors: Watson L. Ashley , Meharena Hiruy S.
Published: June 2023

Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
Mitochondrial control of innate immune responses
Authors: Chen Shasha , Liao Zhiyong , Xu Pinglong
Published: June 2023

Mitochondria are versatile organelles and essential components of numerous biological processes such as energy metabolism, signal transduction, and cell fate determination. In recent years, their critical roles in innate immunity have come to the forefront, highlighting impacts on pathogenic defense, tissue homeostasis, and degenerative diseases. This review offers an in-depth and comprehensive examination of the multifaceted mechanisms underlying the interactions between mitochondria and innate immune responses. We will delve into the roles of healthy mitochondria as platforms for signalosome assembly, the release of mitochondrial components as signaling messengers, and the regulation of signaling via mitophagy, particularly to cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) signaling and inflammasomes. Furthermore, the review will explore the impacts of mitochondrial proteins and metabolites on modulating innate immune responses, the polarization of innate immune cells, and their implications on infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Environmental DNA in the Kuroshio reveals environment-dependent distribution of economically important small pelagic fish
Authors: Yu Zeshu , Wong Marty Kwok-Shing , Inoue Jun , Ahmed Sk Istiaque , Higuchi Tomihiko , Hyodo Susumu , Itoh Sachihiko , Komatsu Kosei , Saito Hiroaki , Ito Shin-ichi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Small pelagic fishes constitute large proportions of fisheries and are important components linking lower and higher trophic levels in marine ecosystems. Many small pelagic fishes in the Northwest Pacific spawn upstream in the Kuroshio and spend their juvenile stage in the Kuroshio Front area, indicating that the Kuroshio Current system impacts their stock fluctuations. However, the distribution of these fish relative to the Kuroshio has not been determined due to dynamic spatio-temporal fluctuations of the system. Here, the recent development of environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring enabled us to investigate the distribution patterns of four economically important small pelagic fishes (Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus, Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus, chub mackerel Scomber japonicus, and blue mackerel Scomber australasicus) in the Kuroshio Current system.

Methods

The influence of environmental factors, such as sea water temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration, chlorophyll-a concentration, and prey fish on the occurrence and quantity of target fish eDNA was analyzed using generalized additive models. In addition, the detection (presence) of target fish eDNA were compared between the offshore and inshore side areas of the Kuroshio axis.

Results

Sea water temperature showed important effect, especially on the distribution of Japanese sardine and Japanese anchovy, whereas the distribution pattern of chub mackerel and blue mackerel was greatly influenced by the eDNA quantity of Japanese sardine and Japanese anchovy (especially potential prey fish: Japanese anchovy). In addition, we found that the four target fish species could be observed in areas on the inshore side or around the Kuroshio axis, while they were hardly found on the offshore side.

Conclusion

Based on eDNA data, we succeeded in revealing detailed spatial distribution patterns of small pelagic fishes in the Kuroshio Current system and hypothesized predator–prey relationships influence their distribution in small pelagic fish communities.
Seasonal forecasting of mussel aquaculture meat yield in the Pelorus Sound
Authors: Rampal Neelesh , Broekhuizen Niall , Plew David , Zeldis John , Noll Ben , Meyers Tristan , Whitehead Amy L. , Fauchereau Nicolas , Stenton-Dozey Jeanie
Published: June 2023

This study develops a novel approach to forecasting anomalies of meat yield from mussel aquaculture in Pelorus Sound, New Zealand, based on the relationships between non-local sea surface temperature (SST) and observations of mussel meat yield over 13 years. Overall, we found strong associations between lagged SSTs in the Tasman Sea region and mussel meat yield, with a noticeable seasonal cycle in these relationships. Results also showed that oceanic variables such as SST correlate more strongly with mussel meat yield than atmospheric variables, such as surface wind and other indices of atmospheric flow. The relationship between SST and mussel meat yield is linked to patterns of surface wind anomalies along the west coast of New Zealand. We identified regions where the SST was most correlated with mussel meat yield anomalies for each season and derived empirical relationships from linear regression. We then applied these empirical relationships to seasonal forecasts of SST from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts to generate seasonal forecasts of mussel meat yield. By validating our mussel meat yield forecasts from 13 years of retrospective forecasts, we find significant skill at lead times of up to 3 months in December–February and 5 months in September–November. During March-August forecasts are only skillful at a lead-time of 1 month. The results of this study have the potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of mussel meat yield forecasts and to provide valuable insights for the mussel industry.
Risk factors for hepatic hydrothorax in patients with cirrhosis: a clinical retrospective study
Authors: Bai Xue , Liu Xiaoyan , Shi Yanhui , Li Wenwen , Li Qiang , Du Wenjun
Published: June 2023

Aims and background

Hepatic hydrothorax, which presents as an unexplained pleural effusion, is one of the important complications in patients with end-stage cirrhosis. It has a significant correlation with prognosis and mortality. The aim of this clinical study was to detect the risk factors for hepatic hydrothorax in patients with cirrhosis and to better understand potentially life-threatening complications.

Methods

Retrospectively, 978 cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized at the Shandong Public Health Clinical Center from 2013 to 2021 were involved in this study. They were divided into the observation group and the control group based on the presence of hepatic hydrothorax. The epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of the patients were collected and analyzed. ROC curves were used to evaluate the forecasting ability of the candidate model. Furthermore, 487 cases in the experimental group were divided into left, right, and bilateral groups, and the data were analyzed.

Results

The patients in the observation group had a higher proportion of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), a history of spleen surgery, and a higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores compared with the control group. The width of the portal vein (PVW) (P = 0.022), prothrombin activity (PTA) (P = 0.012), D-dimer (P = 0.010), immunoglobulin G (IgG) (P = 0.007), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (P = 0.022), and the MELD score were significantly associated with the occurrence of the hepatic hydrothorax. The AUC of the candidate model was 0.805 (P < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.758–0.851). Portal vein thrombosis was more common in bilateral pleural effusion compared with the left and right sides (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

The occurrence of hepatic hydrothorax has a close relationship with lower HDL, PTA, and higher PVW, D-dimer, IgG, and MELD scores. Portal vein thrombosis is more common in cirrhotic patients with bilateral pleural effusion compared to those with unilateral pleural effusion.
Interdisciplinary management of mpox-related local complications: report on a series of cases
Authors: Gamo Guerrero María , Simón Gozalbo Ana , Martín Díaz Mariángeles , Díez Madueño Kevin , Del Río Pena Emilio , De la Cueva Pablo , Talaván Tamar , Jiménez Eva , Torres Juan , Valencia Jorge , Cuevas Guillermo , Bibiano Carlos , Ryan Pablo
Published: June 2023

Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral zoonosis, and human-to-human transmission can result from close contact with the respiratory secretions and mucocutaneous lesions of an infected person. The prodromal phase is followed by an eruptive phase, with skin and/or mucosal lesions that progress through several stages at different sites. In this study, we describe the importance of interdisciplinary care management and follow-up of patients with complicated mpox. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 until August 2022 at a secondary hospital in Madrid (Spain). Out of 100 patients with mpox seen at this institution, we selected and analyzed 11 with local complications. All the patients were male at birth, and the mean age was 32 (30–42) years. The clinical manifestations included skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, myalgia and lymphadenopathies. The most frequent local complications were pharyngitis associated with dysphagia, penile edema, infection of the mucocutaneous lesions, and ulceration of the genital lesions. A multidisciplinary team was created for the care of patients with complications secondary to mpox. The team comprised dermatologists and specialists in infectious diseases, preventive medicine, and emergency medicine. This approach improved the ability to diagnose and treat early with supportive, topical, and systemic treatment. In our center most of the cases were self-limiting, and none were life-threatening. An interdisciplinary response to a public health alert enhances the management of complex patients and should be implemented in successive outbreaks of mpox.