bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model of encrypted network traffic classification
that trades off accuracy and efficiency
Authors: Yu Lancan , Yuan Jianting , Zheng Jin , Yang Nan
Published: August 2024

As the internet industry evolves, the need for effective encrypted traffic classification (ETC) becomes vital for network management and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, existing deep learning (DL)-based methods struggle with balancing model complexity with accuracy. A significant challenge is deploying these models on dominant network devices in a way that ensures rapid and precise traffic classification. In this paper, we propose FasterTrafficNet, a novel DL-based lightweight ETC strategy designed for deployment on low-configuration networking devices. We designed the core component of FasterTrafficNet using a PConv-based concept, which efficiently extracts spatial features from data while reducing unnecessary computations and memory access, further enhancing the model's operational efficiency. Additionally, we integrated Do-Conv in place of conventional non-dot convolution to amplify the model's performance significantly without escalating the computational overhead during inference. We conducted a comparative analysis of FasterTrafficNet against six advanced ETC methods utilizing two publicly accessible benchmark datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that FasterTrafficNet, comprising 1.46 M model parameters, provides superior classification performance relative to the other methods. Consequently, FasterTrafficNet demonstrates a lightweight approach to ETC that can be used on extensive networks of devices.
Geological hazard vulnerability assessment based on Cloud model in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Ming Yicheng , DING Mingtao , Ren Heming , Feng Qiangqiang , He Yufeng
Published: August 2024

Geological hazard vulnerability assessment plays a crucial role in disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. However, current methodologies often prioritize identifying high vulnerability areas, neglecting regional vulnerability level assessment. Addressing the ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in this process is essential for enhancing assessment accuracy. This study focuses on Zhejiang Province, employing an index system of exposure, sensitivity, and coping capacity for vulnerability assessment. Utilizing combination weights based on game theory, we generated the vulnerability distribution map for geological hazards in Zhejiang Province. Subsequently, employing cloud model, we graded vulnerability across Zhejiang Province and its subordinate districts and counties. The results show that: 81% of the areas in Zhejiang Province are very-low vulnerability, with remaining areas classified as low (9%), medium (4%), high (4%), and very-high (2%) vulnerability. High vulnerability areas are primarily concentrated in the plains near the Qiantang River estuary and Hangzhou Bay, alongside coastal regions in southeastern Zhejiang, which have the common points of developed economy and dense population. The cloud model vulnerability grading results show that: Zhejiang Province is very-low vulnerability. Specifically, Gongshu District in Hangzhou is identified as a very-high vulnerability area, with Shangcheng District categorized as high vulnerability. Additionally, there are 5 medium, 26 low, and 57 very-low vulnerability areas among the districts and counties assessed. These findings furnish a basis for advancing geological disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts throughout Zhejiang Province.
Nucleolar NOL9 regulated by DNA methylation promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth by activating wnt/beta-catenin pathway
Authors: Xie Chan , Chen Xiyao , Song Xin , Zhang Boxiang , zheng xingrong , wu lina , Lian Qinghai , chen jia , luo qiumin , xu wenxiong , qian tinglin , Peng Liang
Published: August 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents significant clinical challenges, necessitating a deeper understanding of its molecular drivers for improved therapeutic strategies. Our study focused on nucleolar protein 9 (NOL9), a 5’-polynucleotide kinase, elucidating its role in HCC pathogenesis and therapeutic response. We found NOL9 to be significantly upregulated in HCC tissues compared to normal counterparts, correlating with larger tumor diameters, advanced pathological grades, and poor patient survival. Furthermore, NOL9 exhibited diagnostic potential, effectively distinguishing HCC samples from normal tissues. High NOL9 expression correlated with poorer prognosis, both in a TCGA-LIHC cohort and our HCC cohort, as well as in patients with poor sorafenib efficacy. Functional assays revealed that NOL9 modulates HCC cell proliferation and apoptosis. Knockdown of NOL9 inhibited cellular proliferation and clonogenic survival while promoting apoptosis, whereas NOL9 overexpression had the opposite effect. In vivo and in vivo studies corroborated these findings, with NOL9 depletion leading to reduced tumor growth. Additionally, NOL9 influenced the HCC cell cycle dynamics, facilitating the G1/S transition and promoting cell proliferation. Mechanistically, NOL9 expression was regulated by DNA methylation and ZNF384. ZNF384 was identified as a key transcriptional regulator of NOL9, enhancing its expression and activating its promoter. DNA methylation analysis revealed an inverse correlation between NOL9 expression and methylation at specific CpG sites, with DNMT1 playing a role in epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, NOL9-mediated cell proliferation was found to be beta-catenin-dependent, with NOL9 activating the wnt/beta-catenin pathway at the transcriptional level, thus promoting HCC cell proliferation. In summary, our study unveils the multifaceted role of NOL9 in HCC pathogenesis, emphasizing its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying NOL9 regulation provides insights into HCC biology and opens avenues for the development of targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Factors Influencing Spatiotemporal Variability of NO2 Concentration in Urban Area: A GIS and Remote Sensing-Based Approach
Authors: Jubaer Al , Hossain Rakib , Ahmed Afzal , Hossain Md. Shakhaoat
Published: August 2024

The growing global attention on urban air quality underscores the need to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), especially in cities like Dhaka (Gazipur), Bangladesh, known for having some of the world's poorest air quality. The present study utilizes the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P (S5P) satellite and Google Earth Engine (GEE) to analyse NO2 concentrations in Gazipur, Bangladesh, from 2019 to 2022. Utilizing S5P TROPOMI data, we investigate the correlations between NO2 levels and various environmental factors, including land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land use and land cover (LULC), population density, road density, settlement density, and industry density. Our results reveal significant seasonal variations, with peak NO2 levels during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods and the lowest levels during monsoon seasons. The study demonstrates a positive correlation between NO2 concentrations and LST, road density, settlement density, and industrial density, and a negative correlation with NDVI. These findings underscore the detrimental impact of rapid urbanization and deforestation on air quality. Through linear regression analysis, we highlight the influence of these environmental factors on NO2 levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of the urban pollution dynamics in a rapidly growing city. This research offers critical insights for policymakers and urban planners, advocating for enhanced green infrastructure, stringent emission controls, and sustainable urban development strategies to mitigate air pollution in Gazipur. Our methodological approach and findings contribute to the broader discourse on urban air quality management in developing countries.
Fungal community influences niche differences – implications for species coexistence
Authors: Tomiolo Sara , Ferenc Viktoria , Liancourt Pierre , Tielbörger Katja
Published: August 2024

Semi-arid ecosystems offer very limited resources to plants, but they are inhabited by incredibly diverse communities of winter annual plants. Ecological theory suggests that a high degree of specialization in resource use and in interactions among plants and soil fungi may explain the coexistence of ecologically similar species in such diverse communities. Species-specific variation in net outcome (positive vs negative) of plant-soil fungi interactions, may lead to variation in mean fitness differences thus increasing opportunities of coexistence. Few studies tested how resources (water and nutrients) in combination with soil fungi affect plants’ fundamental niche across life stages. We experimentally tested germination and fitness differences under different combinations of water, nutrients and soil fungi treatments, using six winter annual species with different degrees of mycorrhizal dependence. Germination success of four out of six species was reduced by the absence of soil fungi, and this response was more severe for obligate mycorrhizal species. Presence of soil fungi ameliorated the production of plant biomass especially under limited water or nutrients, corroborating findings that beneficial interactions with soil fungi alleviate abiotic stress. This response was strong in mycorrhizal dependent species, but highly variable among non-mycorrhizal species, likely due to species-specific outcomes of interactions among plants and pathogenic fungi. We suggest that absence of important symbionts may reduce germination and increase seed dormancy, thus favoring temporal niche partitioning among species, while the net outcomes of plant-soil fungi interactions may reduce mean fitness differences favoring coexistence via equalizing processes.
Application of deep learning reconstruction at prone position chest scanning of early interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zhao Ruijie , Wang Jiaru , Wang Zixing , Xiao Ran , Ming Ying , Piao Sirong , Wang Jinhua , Song Lan , Xu Yinghao , Ma Zhuangfei , Fan Peilin , Wang Yun , Sui Xin , Song Wei
Published: August 2024

Aim
This study was aimed to compare the image quality and radiation dose between images reconstructed with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) at prone position scanning in patients of early-stage interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Methods
This study prospectively enrolled 21 patients with early-stage ILD. All patients underwent high-resolution CT (HRCT) and low-dose CT (LDCT) scans. HRCT images were reconstructed with HIR using standard settings, and LDCT images were reconstructed with DLR (lung/bone kernel) in a mild, standard, or strong setting. Overall image quality, image noise, streak artifacts, and visualization of normal and abnormal ILD features were analysed.
Results
The effective dose of LDCT was 1.22 ± 0.09 mSv, 65.1% less than the HRCT dose. The objective noise of the LDCT DLR images was 33.0–111.8% that of the HRCT HIR images, with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 0.88 to 3.12 times that of the HRCT HIR images. The LDCT DLR was comparable to the HRCT HIR in terms of overall image quality. LDCT DLR (bone, strong) visualization of bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis was significantly weaker than that of HRCT HIR. The LDCT DLR (all settings) did not significantly differ from the HRCT HIR in the evaluation of other abnormal features, including ground glass opacities (GGOs), architectural distortion, reticulation and honeycombing.
Conclusion
DLR was promising for maintaning image quality under a lower radiation dose in prone scanning for early ILD patients.
Heart Rate Variability in Elite Team Sports: A Systematic Review
Authors: Olmos-Peñarroja Marc , Capdevila Lluis , Pons Antonio Caparrós
Published: August 2024

Background:
Heart rate variability (HRV) is recognized as a crucial indicator of autonomic nervous system function and is valuable in sports science for monitoring athlete health and performance. This systematic review investigates the use of HRV in elite team sports to monitor training adaptations, athlete status, and overall health. The purpose is to consolidate recent findings and provide a comprehensive understanding of HRV's application in elite team sports.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023431208). A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies from January 2013 to November 2023. Studies included involved elite team-sport athletes, with HRV measured immediately after waking. Exclusion criteria were underage athletes, injured athletes, and studies using HRV for different purposes. The review process involved screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a final inclusion of 12 studies.
Results:
Out of 277 identified articles, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving sports such as water polo, rugby, football, basketball, volleyball, handball, futsal, hockey, and rowing. The studies highlighted HRV as a valuable tool for tracking training load adaptations, monitoring athlete readiness, recovery, and mental stress. Daily HRV measurements were commonly used, showing effectiveness in detecting overtraining and ensuring adequate recovery. Various HRV parameters and recording methods were discussed, emphasizing the need for individualized assessment. RMSSD and LnRMSSD were the most commonly used parameters, with variations in recording times and positions.
Conclusions:
HRV is an effective non-invasive marker for optimizing training regimens and improving athlete health, making it a significant tool in sports medicine. This review provides actionable insights for integrating HRV monitoring into daily training practices, ultimately enhancing athletic performance and preventing overtraining. Standardized protocols for HRV measurement are recommended to ensure consistency and reliability in data collection and interpretation. The findings highlight the need for further research to refine HRV applications and establish best practices in elite team sports.
Physiological and biochemical effects elicitors on melon cultivated in area with root rot history
Authors: Figueiredo Francisco Romário Andrade , Freires Afonso Luiz Almeida , Silva Igor Vinícius Pereira da , Silva Jarlan Lucas Santos , de Souza José Janderson Ferreira , de Moura Ana Paula , de Sousa Leonardo Vieira , Júnior Rui Sales , Negreiros Andreia Mitsa Paiva , Ambrósio Márcia Michelle de Queiroz
Published: August 2024

Rot in the root system is one of the main diseases of melon, which causes significant losses in yield. Therefore, increasing plant resistance levels can be a viable strategy for the management of this disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to know the physiological and biochemical effects of resistance elicitors on melon cultivated in an area with history of root rot. During the study, three experiments were conducted, one preliminary in masonry beds and two identical under field conditions. In the preliminary experiment, three abiotic elicitors (salicylic acid, Agro Mos® and Bion®) were applied alone and associated with a biotic elicitor (Compost Aid®). The treatments that promoted the lowest disease severity levels were selected (unpublished data), and the field experiments were conducted on a melon-producing farm. In the field experiments, a randomized block design was used, with five treatments and four replicates with eight plants each. The treatments were: standard (Management adopted by the farm), Bion®, Compost Aid®, Bion® + Compost Aid® and absolute control. Epidemiological, biochemical and physiological variables were evaluated. The association Bion® + Compost Aid® reduced the disease severity index by 68.1 and 65.4% compared to the absolute control and the standard, respectively. The elicitors Bion® + Compost Aid® when applied in association activate plant defense through increments in peroxidase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes and positively influence gas exchange and chlorophyll content.
Removal performance and mechanism of cadmium and zinc from aqueous solution by crayfish shell biochar
Authors: Qi Xiran , Sheng Huazeyu , Liu Chenchen , Yue Yuchen , Wang Xuezhi , Chen Nuo , Lu Xintong , Gao Yuci , Chen Haiyan , Ye Wenling , Fan Ting
Published: August 2024

Biochar is an efficient and inexpensive material that can be used to remove heavy metal pollutants in water. In this study, crayfish shells were pyrolyzed to produce biochar (CBC) at 800°C, and the CBC effectively removed cadmium and zinc from water. BET and SEM-EDS revealed that CBC was porous and contained a large amount of Ca elements. The mesoporous pore volume accounted for 98.56% of the total pore volume, and the specific surface area was 20.0701 m2/g. After adsorption of Cd2+ and Zn2+, the content of C, O, and Ca elements significantly decreased. The adsorption process of CBC was consistent with quasi-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isothermal model, and the maximum adsorption amounts of Cd2+ and Zn2+ were 1,152.5 mg/g and 1,135.0 mg/g, respectively. In the composite heavy metal system, Zn2+ can promote the adsorption of Cd2+. FTIR and XRD revealed that the main components of CBC were CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2, which mainly comprised hydroxyl radicals, π bonds in phenol hydroxyl groups, and halides. Our findings indicate that CBC is a highly efficient adsorbent for Cd2+ and Zn2+ in water and can be used to remove heavy metals in composite systems.
Fine mapping of QTL and identification of candidate genes responsible for tuberous stem formation in Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.)
Authors: Nuruzzaman Md. , Sato Masato , Shimizu Motoki , Shea Daniel John , Fukai Eigo , okazaki Keiichi
Published: August 2024

Tuberous stem is a key determinant of yield and quality in kohlrabi, and it is a prime target of artificial selection for breeding and domestication. To dissect the genetic basis of tuberization, a previously identified major QTL, REnBo2 on chromosome C03 was fine mapped to a 42.8-kb interval using the recombinant populations of three different backcross generations derived from the double haploid lines of kohlrabi and broccoli. Three genes namely Bol012972, Bol012973 and Bol012974 encoding a CBL-interacting protein kinase 6 (CIPK6), fatty acid desaturase 6 (FAD6) and WRKY transcription factor 32 (WRKY32), respectively, were annotated in the fine-mapped interval in Brassica oleracea reference genomes. FAD6 is unlikely to be the responsible gene due to its function as a fatty acid desaturase. Based on the gene structure and expression analyses of the remaining two candidates along with our previously conducted transcriptome and endogenous phytohormone profiles, Bol012972 (CIPK6) was identified as a promising candidate for REnBo2. Since the knockdown mutant of CIPK6 was known to exhibits swollen hypocotyls in Arabidopsis, we speculate that CIPK6 may regulate kohlrabi tuber development through regulating the auxin levels. The result will provide a foundation to elucidate the genetic mechanism for tuber formation in kohlrabi and other Brassica crops.
RETRACTED: Deep learning battery SoC prediction method based on PSO-CNN-LSTM
Authors: Kang Zhitao , Ooi Chia Ai
Published: August 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Lamiacea family-Derived Endophytic fungi: Induced Tolerance to drought Stress in Thymus vulgaris plants
Authors: Kamyab Afsoun , Samsampour Davood , Ahmadinasab Navid , Bagheri Abdonnabi
Published: August 2024

Background
Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) is a valuable medicinal plant widely cultivated for its aromatic and medicinal properties. However, like many plants, T. vulgaris faces challenges such as drought stress, which significantly affects its growth, morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. Understanding how endophytic fungi isolated from the Lamiaceae family influence T. vulgarisunder varying watering regimes can enhance its resilience against drought stress. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of individual and co-inoculation of three native endophytic species including Fusarium sp., Cladosporium puyae (C. puyae), and Curvularia australiensis (C. australiensis) on T. vulgaris growth parameters under different irrigation regimes in greenhouse conditions.
Results
It's been discovered that using fungal endophytes as a biological instrument that can benefit T. vulgaris under drought stress. Plants without endophytes exhibited significant reductions in growth, The levels of chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids under drought stress conditions. However, plants inoculated with fungal endophytes showed enhanced growth characteristics, elevated chlorophyll levels, and Carotenoid, indicating improved tolerance to drought stress. Additionally, fungal endophyte inoculation led to a considerable reduction in lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes including Glutathione Reductase (GR), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), and Catalase (CAT) under drought stress situations.
under drought stress conditions, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione Reductase (GR), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), and Catalase (CAT).
Conclusions
The findings suggest that the addition of fungal endophytes to the inoculum enhances drought tolerance in T. vulgaris by mitigating the harmful impact of drought stress on plant growth and Physiological functions. The higher activity of antioxidant enzymes and the improved redox state of glutathione are responsible for plants' greater resistance to drought.
Determinants of infertility among married women who attend gynecologic unit at health facilities of Gamo Zone and South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A case control study
Authors: Haile Firehiwot , Gebeyehu Selamawit , Abdulkadir Hanan , Gizachew Yordanos , Hailu Mesrach
Published: August 2024

Background: Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Globally, infertility affects 15% of couples in the reproductive age.
Purpose: To identify determinants of infertility among married women who attend care at public health facilities of Gamo Zone and South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Patients and Methods: An Institution-based un-matched case-control study was conducted from May 1, 2022-May 30, 2023G.C. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling method after allocating the sample size proportionally to the health facilities. The data was collected by using the Open Data Kit (ODK) app through face-to-face interviews and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. The chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify determinants. P value<0.05 is used as statistically significant.
Result: A total of 760 married women (152 cases and 608 controls) in the reproductive age group were included in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 26.5(SD + 5.27) years. In multivariable analysis: age, educational status of the woman, residence, family size, ever use of contraceptives, history of STI, history of abortion, menstrual pattern and current alcohol use were identified as determinants of infertility.
Conclusion: age greater than or equal to 30, educational status of high school, rural residents, family size less than 4, not ever using contraceptives, history of STI, history of abortion, irregular menstrual pattern, and current alcohol use were determinant factors.
Large-scale Tobacco Leaves States Recognition in Flue-curing Houses with Deep Neural Network
Authors: Xu Qiang , Wang Aiguo , Chen Guangqing , Cai Xianjie , Zhou Shuoye , Li Junying , Jin Baofeng , Yan Ding , Liu Jianjun , Huang Jiajie , Chen Zuxiao , Zhang Heng , Wang Jianwei , Guo Weimin , Zhang Yanling
Published: August 2024

Monitoring the states of tobacco leaves during the flue-curing process is crucial for automating the tobacco industry. While much of the existing research on tobacco leaves state recognition focuses on the temporal state of the leaves, the morphological states are often neglected. Moreover, these studies typically use a limited number of non-industrial images for training, creating a significant disparity with the images encountered in real-world applications. To resolve these issues and investigate the potential of deep learning algorithms in identifying the morphological states of tobacco leaves in real industrial scenarios, this work has first developed a comprehensive, large-scale dataset. This dataset focuses on the states of tobacco leaves in real-world flue-curing houses, specifically recognizing the degrees of yellowing, browning, and drying. Then, a deep learning benchmark for this dataset using multiple deep learning networks is established. Furthermore, an efficient deep learning method is proposed to enhance the predictive performance of the deep backbone network. This is achieved by integrating the spectral characteristics of tobacco leaves images and filtering out color noise. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in this task. The prediction accuracies achieved for the yellowing degree, browning degree, and drying degree are 83%, 90.5%, and 75.6% respectively. The overall average accuracy is 83%, satisfying the requirements of practical application scenarios.
Comparative Analysis of Dual Career Perceptions Among Mexican Divers: A Cross-National Study of University Support Systems in the USA and Mexico
Authors: Medina Daniel Trejo , Fragoso Daniel Trejo , Davila Andres Romo , Guzman Erik Omar Ojeda
Published: August 2024

This research examines the experiences and perceptions of university-level Mexican divers, focusing on those pursuing academic degrees while training competitively in either Mexico or the U.S. This research investigates the nature and impact of academic, athletic, and administrative support on dual careers. Utilizing a structural equation modeling partial least squares (SEM-PLS) approach, this comparative analysis scrutinizes how such support influences academic and athletic performance, contributing to their overall well-being and holistic development. The sample comprises athletes ranging from national competitors to Olympic-level divers, all of whom are engaged in at least bachelor-level academic programs. The primary objective is to delineate and compare the support structures in Mexico and the USA, exploring their efficacy in fostering a balanced and successful dual career path for these student-athletes. The analysis aimed to identify significant disparities in the provision of support across these two countries, assessing its impact on the athletes' educational and professional sports trajectories.
Clinical Prediction Model for Necrosis of Nasal Septum Mucosal Flap After Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Gong Qilin , Li Huaying , Liu Hui , Shi Youyuan
Published: August 2024

Objective
To develop a predictive model assessing risk factors for nasal septal mucosal flap (NSF) necrosis in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing endoscopic tumor resection and flap repair surgery.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with recurrent NPC who underwent endoscopic salvage surgery and NSF repair. Factors analyzed included second-course radiotherapy history, recurrence T stage, recurrence time, and postoperative packing time. Logistic regression identified independent risk factors, and a predictive model was developed.
Results
Second-course radiotherapy, advanced T stage recurrence, longer recurrence time, and shorter postoperative packing time were identified as independent risk factors for NSF necrosis. Patients with second-course radiotherapy had an 8.338 times higher risk of flap necrosis. Advanced T stage and longer recurrence times were also associated with increased risk. Nasal packing for less than 5 days presented a higher risk of flap necrosis compared to packing for 5 days or more. The predictive model demonstrated good predictive ability.
Conclusion
The predictive model effectively identifies high-risk situations for NSF necrosis in recurrent NPC patients undergoing salvage surgery, aiding clinicians in precise surgical planning and targeted interventions to reduce complications, improve success rates, and enhance patient quality of life.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of transcription factors involved in defense responses against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica juncea
Authors: Yang Xu , Jin Hairun , Zhang Jinze , Xiao Lijing , Ouyang Qingjing , Tian Entang
Published: August 2024

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum could cause significant yield losses of up to 70% in rapeseed cultivation. However, the availability of immunological or highly resistant germplasms and mechanisms against S. sclerotiorum, particularly in B. juncea, remains limited. Transcription factors (TFs) are known to play a crucial role in plant defense against S. sclerotiorum. In this study, a total of 4,807 TFs from 48 families were expressed and identified within the time frame of 0 h to 36 h after innovation (HAI) in two B. juncea lines: G21-912, exhibiting higher S. sclerotiorum resistance (HR), and G21-853, displaying lower S. sclerotiorum resistance (LR). The number of differentially expressed TFs (DETs) between the HR and the LR lines peaked at 24 HAI, with 202 upregulated and 105 downregulated TFs. Through expression and subcellular localization analysis, three candidate DETs, namely BjuA037408 (ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR 59, ERF59), BjuB028842 (RELATED TO ABI3/VP1 1, RAV1), and BjuA016484 (WRKY25), were identified as the primary TFs in defense against S. sclerotiorum inoculation. The expression of these three genes was validated through real-time qRT-PCR and BC3 (third backcrossing generation) population from HR×LR. This study presents a valuable case study in B. juncea for the characterization of TFs implicated in defense against the S. sclerotiorum inoculation. The confirmed resistant B. juncea line of HR and the three key DETs are anticipated to play a significant role in the future breeding of Sclerotinia-resistant varieties.
Monotone smoothing cubic spline and spline collocation for restoring the product consumption rate and predicting events (FunctionalSmoothingSpline)
Authors: Korablev Yuriy Aleksandrovich
Published: August 2024

Monotonicity implies the function's constant increase or non-negativity of its derivative. This article reviews 3 approaches to provide non-negativity in function recovery. One of them is placing a spline into a power of an exponent, which leads to either the need to linearize the function, or to use numerical methods in optimization. Another approach is to use non-negativity conditions (conditions are added at the spline knots), which leads to a quadratic programming problem. The article describes a method for restoring a function from various functionals: the values ​​themselves, the values ​​of the first and second derivatives, definite integrals. The spline is represented in terms of values and second derivative values. A penalty for the measure of curvature is also used. Examples of the method's application are demonstrated, and a software implementation of the method in Python is provided. Providing monotony with exponential approach uses standard Python scipy package optimization tools. Providing monotonicity using quadratic programming involves either: 1) linear complementarity problem, which solved using the Lemke algorithm, optimized with numba tools; 2) CVXOPT optimization package, which based on inner point method. An example of using collocation based on a monotone spline for forecasting economic events is also presented. Python code available on GitHub: https://github.com/YuAKorablev/FunctionalSmoothingSpline
Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Diverse Extracts of Millettia peguensis Leaves
Authors: Nandagopal Anitha , Raju Nemala Appala
Published: August 2024

Millettia peguensis is a plant native to Southeast Asia belonging to the Fabaceae family. Leaf extracts were prepared using chloroform, methanol, and water. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats was employed to assess anti-inflammatory activity. Paw thickness was measured over time to quantify edema. All extracts exhibited a reduction in paw edema compared to the control group. The water extract demonstrated a significant reduction at the third hour post-injection. Both methanol and chloroform extracts displayed significant inhibition by the fourth hour, but their efficacy was lower than the positive control group treated with indomethacin. By the fifth hour, both water and methanol extracts produced results comparable to indomethacin. The study assessed DPPH antioxidant activity of extracts from using chloroform, methanol, and distilled water. Methanol and distilled water extracts showed higher antioxidant activity compared to chloroform extract, suggesting the significance of polar compounds. The findings highlight the impact of solvent choice on extracting bioactive antioxidants. Phytochemical analysis suggested the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Methanol and water extracts showed higher antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds, which may be responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory activity.
Diagnostic Performance of Procalcitonin for Bacterial Infection in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Kang Min Kyu , Lee Yu Rim , Park Soo Young , Seo Kwang Il , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Byung Seok , Song Jeong Eun , Yoon Jun Sik , Hong Young Mi , Yoon Ki Tae , Chung Woo Jin , Park Seung Ha , Kim Eunju , Jun Kyung Ran , Park Jung Gil , Baek Yang-Hyun , Heo Nae-Yun
Published: August 2024

Background: Bacterial infections are an important prognostic factor in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH). However, it is difficult to detect the presence of infection immediately. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a well-known inflammatory marker that can detect bacterial infections in various diseases early. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCT for bacterial infections in patients with SAH.
Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with SAH from 10 medical centers. Upon admission, we performed physical examination, radiology, blood and urine cultures, and measurement of PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP). We compared AUROCs of PCT and CRP for bacterial infection, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and sepsis.
Results: A total of 108 patients with SAH were enrolled. The proportion with bacterial infections, SIRS, and sepsis was 28.7%, 38.0%, and 17.6%, respectively. Patients with bacterial infections had significantly higher MELD scores (24.0 vs. 15.0), PCT levels (1.5 vs. 0.4 ng/mL), and CRP levels (4.9 vs. 2.5 mg/dL) compared to those without bacterial infections. The AUROC for PCT vs. CRP for bacterial infection was 0.752 and 0.655, respectively (P = 0.113). The AUROC of PCT vs. CRP for SIRS was 0.699 and 0.662, respectively (P = 0.490). The AUROC of PCT vs. CRP for sepsis was 0.780 and 0.630, respectively (P = 0.027).
Conclusions: Among patients with SAH, PCT levels showed a trend toward superior diagnostic performance in the early detection of bacterial infections and sepsis compared to CRP levels.
Single-Composition Functionally Graded Ti-6Al-4V for Mimicking Composite Material Fiber Reinforcement Through Post-Heating Laser Scanning
Authors: TANRIKULU Ahmet Alptug , Ganesh-Ram Aditya , Hekmatjou Hamidreza , Durlov Sadman Hafiz , Salehin Md Najmus , Amerinatanzi Amirhesam
Published: August 2024

Process-induced microstructure modification was investigated for the strengthening mechanism of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Fabricated (LPBF) Ti-6Al-4V material. An innovative approach by mimicking the fiber structure of the composite materials was studied. Different cylindrical reinforcement diameters were selected in the LPBF-fabricated Ti-6Al-4V samples to replicate the function of the carbon fibers in composite materials, providing stiffness and reinforcement in the matrix. The corresponding regions of the assigned Reinforcement shape at each layer were exposed to a secondary laser scan through the sample during the fabrication. Multi-scan laser scanning strategies, involving a combination of laser power and scan speed were employed after the melting laser scan to maximize the relative density of the material. The optimized post-heating laser scan enhanced the relative density (> 99.95%), recrystallized the α and α′ phases’ lath morphology, modified the lattice structure, transformed the initial microstrain mode, and enhanced the inherent grain texture of the PBF fabricated Ti-6Al-4V. The tailored microstructure achieved a 46.5% higher yield strength (YS) accompanied by a 99.3% higher elongation.
Influence of acid washing using cattle manure on thermogravimetric characteristics and pyrolysis kinetics in a micro-tubing reactor
Authors: Jeon Jae-Rak , Hwang In-Jun , Vo Thuan Anh , Kim Jinsoo , Hwang Hyun Tae , Kim Seung-Soo
Published: August 2024

Ash content is known to be one of the problems in pyrolysis of cattle manure (CM) biomass. In this study, to reduce the ash content in CM, the original material was pretreated with a nitric acid solution, and the effect of acid-washing pretreatment of CM on pyrolysis characteristics was investigated. The experiments were performed using a microtube reactor at 375–425°C with different reaction times. The main components of the inorganic content before and after acid-washing were Ca and K which decreased after the treatment. As a result of calculating the activation energy at a conversion of 90% using Friedman's method, it was calculated to be 540.80 kJ/mol for the original sample and decreased to 409.93 and 391.53 kJ/mol for the samples washed with 10 and 20 wt% diluted acid solutions, respectively. In addition, a reaction kinetic model for CM samples was established using experimental data. It was found that as the ash content decreased by acid-washing, the char yield decreased, while the yields of bio-oil and gas increased. Finally, the compositions of gas and bio-oil obtained through pyrolysis of CM were systematically characterized.
Research on flow field reconstruction of complex fault-block reservoir during ultra-high water cut period
Authors: Li Yunpeng , Liu Dongcheng , Zhao Liang , Wang Rui , Xu Hui , Liu Lu , Zhang Zhuxin , Hu Risu , Wang Donglin , Si Yang
Published: August 2024

Complex fault block reservoirs are usually characterized by irregular boundary and small area, so it is difficult to arrange regular injection-production well pattern.. At the same time, due to the strong heterogeneity of the reservoir, the horizontal and vertical waterflood sweep is uneven. Although entering the ultra-high water cut period, there is still abundant remaining oil in some areas, and it is necessary to reconstruct the flow field to further improve the swept efficiency of water drive, so as to improve the recovery efficiency. Considering the contradiction between plane and water injection comprehensively, the standard deviation of movable residual geological reserves, the average value of movable residual saturation, the standard deviation of water drive index and the average value of water drive index were selected to construct the standard for the reconstruction measures of complex fault blocks, and the reconstruction measures of different fault blocks were defined.. The prediction results show that the ineffective water cycle is improved and the water drive recovery rate is increased by 3.1%.
Changes in transcriptomes during grain filling in barley with a focus on thickness and number of aleurone cell layers
Authors: Ma Yanling , Dou Tingyu , Gao Shang , Yuan Lin , Bao Yinrong , Wang Chunchao , Zhang Jing , Liu Chunji , Guo Ganggang
Published: August 2024

Background
The aleurone layer of endosperm consists of live cells rich in nutrients. Barley is the only cereal which commonly has two or three layers of aleurone cells. Currently little is known about the genetic mechanism and regulatory pathway of aleurone development in this species. To understand aleurone development in barley, we conducted the first transcriptome analysis against barley genotypes differing in aleurone thickness and number of aleurone cell layers.
Results
RNA-seq data from developing grains were collected at four time points during grain filling. Based on analysis of differentially expressed genes, transcription factor (TF) -targeted genes and Weighted Gene Co-expression Networks (WGCNA), we found that the Dof transcription factors, energy-production-related genes and mitochondrial homeostasis genes played vital roles in barley aleurone development. We also found that, during the early gain filling stages, differences in expression level for genes involved in starch and glucan metabolic process, cell wall and plant-type vacuole pathways were mainly responsible for the thickness and the numbers of aleurone cells, and that lipid transport and localization processes contributed to the difference in aleurone thickness at later stages of endosperm development.
Conclusions
In this first study on aleurone development based on transcriptomic analysis in barley, we showed that mechanisms or pathways of aleurone development in this species seemed to be different from those in rice or maize. The thickness and the numbers of aleurone cells in barley seemed to be regulated by different gene networks at different stages of endosperm development.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with retrieval practice on semantic memory in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Pan Wen , Li Tiantian , Ma Xiaofeng , Huo Xiaoning
Published: August 2024

Background: The semantic processing deficit stands as a central feature of cognitive abnormalities in schizophrenia. Both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and retrieval practice have been demonstrated as external techniques capable of ameliorating the semantic processing deficit in individuals with schizophrenia. The inquiry examines whether the combined effect of tDCS and retrieval practice, following tDCS intervention targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) in patients with schizophrenia, contributes to the preservation of semantic memory in these individuals.
Methods: We recruited 52 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia from hospitals. After five consecutive days of tDCS intervention (2 mA × 20 mins, twice per day), we administered a word list memorization task comparing retrieval practice and restudy strategies. Subsequently, we observed their immediate and delayed memory performance through tests.
Results: The semantic memory performance of the anodal group significantly surpassed that of the sham group. There was a significant interaction between stimulation type and learning strategy; regardless of the stimulation modality employed, retrieval practice outperformed restudy strategy. Notably, the semantic memory performance under retrieval practice conditions in the anodal group was significantly superior. ARC clustering scores fully mediate stimulus type and retrieval practice recall rates.
Conclusions: Continuous periodic tDCS has the potential to enhance the efficacy of retrieval practice strategy, particularly in aiding patients with schizophrenia to improve the maintenance of semantic memory and refine memory organization.
The performance of upper arm circumference for age in diagnosing severe acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Lwiro Cohort
Authors: Ngaboyeka Gaylord , Mulume Armand , Lurhagire Emmanuel , Neven Anouk , Zigabe Lydia , Balolebwami Serge , Mwene-Batu Pacifique , Dramaix Michelle , Donnen Philippe , Bisimwa Ghislain
Published: August 2024

Background
The studies on the use and performance of the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference for age (MUACZ) for the diagnosis of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are still rare. Our study aimed to analyze the performance of MUACZ for diagnosis of SAM in South Kivu, eastern DR Congo.
Methods
We analyzed a database of children admitted from 1987 to 2008 for management of SAM in the east of the DRC. Anthropometric indicators (z-score) were calculated and classified according to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). To evaluate the performance of MUACZ using the combination of weight-for-height (WHZ) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) as the reference, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) overall. Subsequently, we stratified the results by age category, presence or absence of chronic malnutrition (CM), and presence or absence of edema.
Results
Of the 9969 children aged 6 to 59 months selected, 30.2% had nutritional edema, 70.1% had CM. Of all cases of SAM (identified by at least one of the WHZ, MUAC, or MUACZ indicators), MUACZ alone recruited 85% of them, surpassing other criteria such as MUAC (58%) and WHZ (45%). The MUACZ-WHZ combination recruited 97%, surpassing the MUAC-WHZ combination (76%). In the presence of edema, MUACZ-WHZ recruited 99%, while MUAC-WHZ recruited only 72%. The proportions of SAM cases diagnosed by MUACZ increased according to age groups, with rates of 73% (6–11 months), 85% (12–23 months) and 91% (24–59 months). In the presence of CM, the detection rates were 58% for MUAC alone, 44% for WHZ alone, 89% for MUACZ alone, 67% for the MUAC-WHZ combination, and 98% for the MUACZ-WHZ combination. MUACZ had a sensitivity of 80.7% (79.9–81.5), a specificity of 92.3% (91.8–92.8), a PPV of 71.5% (70.7–72.4) with a prior prevalence was 19,3% defined by the reference, and an NPV of 95.2% (94.8–95.7). Sensitivity increased in the presence of edema [90.1% (88.9–91.1)], CM [84.7% (83.8–85.5)] and in children over 12 months [83.6% (82.2–84.9)].
Conclusion
The MUACZ was performing well in our region. In a context of high prevalence of CM and kwashiorkor, MUACZ appears to be a more reliable indicator than MUAC alone. Moreover, the MUACZ-WHZ combination also seems to outperform the MUAC-WHZ combination. These results highlight the MUACZ potential, as well as its combination with WHZ, in enhancing screening of SAM in similar contexts.