bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D scanner measuring preterm infants’ head circumference and cranial volume: validation in a simulated care setting
Authors: van Gils Ronald , Helder Onno , Kornelisse René , Reiss Irwin , Dankelman Jenny
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Weekly head circumference (HC) measurements using a measuring tape is the current standard for longitudinal brain growth monitoring of preterm infants. The MONITOR3D (M3D) 3D scanner has been developed to measure both HC and cranial volume (CrV) of preterm infants within incubators. The M3D’s usability, accuracy and precision were validated in a simulated setting in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Materials and methods

During a simulated routine care moment, NICU nurses conducted M3D scans of a preterm doll simulating an extreme low birthweight preterm (ELBW; BW < 1,000 g) infant, followed by manual HC measurements using a measuring tape. Usability was quantified by percentage of successful HC and CrV measurements from scans. HC and CrV were calculated by marking anatomical landmarks on the 3D image. Measurements were compared to the real, ground truth (GT) values of the doll’s head, defined by an accurate medical scanner. Measurement accuracy was assessed using mean or median absolute measurement error (ME), and precision by the spread of ME, represented by the 95% interval of the ME range. ME intervals were compared with preterm weekly growth increases to assess clinical usability.

Results

Regarding usability, 56 M3D scan sessions resulted in 25 successful (44.6%) HC and CrV measurements, with incomplete 3D data being the primary cause of unsuccessful scans. Accuracy of the measuring tape for HC was 0.2 cm (proportional 0.9% of GT), and precision was 1.6 cm (6.3%). M3D’s accuracy of HC was 0.4 cm (1.5%), and precision was 0.7 cm (2.9%). For CrV, M3D’s accuracy was 8.0 mL (3.8%) and precision 22.6 mL (10.8%).

Conclusion

The M3D scanner is suitable for measuring HC and CrV in ELBW infants. However, current scan success rate is too low for practical usability. The M3D’s accuracy and precision are clinically sufficient, while the precision of the current measuring tape method is inadequate for preterm infants. This makes the M3D a promising alternative for HC, offering less disturbance to the infant. In the future, the M3D technique could facilitate the creation of CrV growth reference charts for ELBW infants, enhancing the accuracy of clinical growth monitoring for preterm infants.
Detection and discovery of plant viruses in Disporopsis through high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Li Qiannan , Yang Lianfu , Zhu Ting , Yv Xiyv , Zhang Boxin , Li Hongzhe , Hao Junjie , Zhang Lei , Ji Pengzhang , Dong Jiahong
Published: November 2024

Background

Disporopsis, a member of the Liliaceae family and a perennial herb, is predominantly cultivated in southwestern and southeastern China. Its rhizome, referred to as Zhugenqi, serves as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for the treatment of bone injuries. However, viral diseases have emerged as a significant challenge in the cultivation of Disporopsis.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize viruses present in diseased samples of Disporopsis spp. using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to enhance the understanding of the virome associated with Disporopsis and to inform diagnostic and control strategies for viral diseases in this plant.

Methods

Diseased samples of Disporopsis spp. were subjected to HTS and RT-PCR for virus identification. A total of five viruses were detected, including three novel viruses and two known viruses. The novel viruses were provisionally named Disporopsis chlorotic stripe virus (DCSV), Disporopsis pernyi-associated partitivirus (DaPTV), and Disporopsis pernyi-associated lispi-like virus (DaLV). Sequence identity and phylogenetic analyses were performed to confirm the novelty and taxonomic placement of these viruses.

Results

DCSV exhibited polyprotein sequence identities ranging from 47.6% to 83.6% with other potyviruses, with the highest identity (83.6%) shared with Polygonatum kingianum virus 5 (PKgV5). DaLV shared an amino acid sequence identity of 34.59% with maize suscal virus (MSV), and DaPTV shared an identity of 76.18–85.10% with Paris alphapartitivirus (ParAPV). Phylogenetic analyses supported the potential classification of the three novel viruses as new members of their respective genera. Two isolates of polygonatum mosaic-associated virus 1 (PMaV1) were identified in Disporopsis for the first time, showing divergences of 96.33% and 98.86% from existing isolates. RT-PCR analysis of 67 Disporopsis field samples collected from four cities in China revealed that more than half of the samples tested positive for at least one of the five viruses. PMaV1 and DaLV were the most prevalent, detected in 22 and 34 out of the 67 samples, respectively. Other viruses were detected at low rates and/or had limited distribution.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the virome infecting Disporopsis and offers valuable information for the diagnosis and control of viral diseases in this plant. The identification of five viruses, including three potential new members of their respective genera, contributes to the understanding of the viral threats to Disporopsis cultivation.
Magnesium-related gene ITGAL: a key immunotherapy predictor and prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer
Authors: Lin Fengjie , Yang Hanxuan , Huang Zongwei , Li Ying , Ding Qin , Ye Yunbin , Qiu Sufang
Published: November 2024

Background

Integrin subunit alpha L (ITGAL) is crucial for activating CD8+ T cells through magnesium-mediated immune synapse formation and specific cytotoxicity. ITGAL might exert an important function in the growth and transformation of cancer.

Methods

Our study comprehensively analyzed ITGAL expression across various cancers, validated by Immunochemistry (IHC) in the laboratory. ITGAL showed prognostic significance in pan-cancer patients, correlated with clinical features, and associated with specific signaling pathways. We also observed a relationship between ITGAL and immune cell infiltration. In HNSCC, ITGAL demonstrated prognostic value and potential implications for immunotherapy response and novel drug targets.

Results

ITGAL expression linked to tumor prognosis across 27 cancers. Elevated ITGAL correlated with good prognosis in CESC, LUAD, SARC, HNSCC, and SKCM. ITGAL involved in immune regulation pathways and showed positive correlation with immune cell infiltration. ITGAL associated with CD8+ T cell infiltration. And high ITGAL expression in CD8+ T cells and NK cells. In HNSCC, ITGAL linked to favorable prognosis and sensitivity to immunotherapy. Predicted potential drugs for HNSCC.

Conclusion

ITGAL is remarkably associated with CD8+T cells and crucial in the tumor immune microenvironment of pan-cancer. Furthermore, our findings may provide a targeted anti-tumor strategy for ITGAL by influencing the tumor immune microenvironment.
Psychological assessment and the role of the psychologist in early palliative care
Authors: Iannizzi Pamela , Feltrin Alessandra , Martino Rosalba , De Toni Chiara , Galiano Antonella , Pambuku Ardi , Nardi Mariateresa , Meraviglia Nicla , Brunello Antonella , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: November 2024

Background

Early palliative care (EPC) is a recommended model for improving the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. However, limited research has focused on the role of psychological evaluation within EPC. The Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV), a Comprehensive Cancer Centre, employs an interdisciplinary team to assess patients with advanced-stage disease. This study aims to assess the psychological needs of these patients, investigate any correlations between psychological symptoms (PSs) and factors such as awareness of diagnosis and prognosis, symptoms detected using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), as well as the patient’s gender, age, social issues, and survival and to clarify the psychologist’s role within the interdisciplinary team.

Methods

Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. From 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2021, 819 consecutive patients were evaluated during EPC consultations, with 753 participants enrolled in the study. The ESAS was administered to each patient before the consultation.

Results

More than half of the patients (385, 57.1%) reported at least one PS, with an ESAS score of ≥4. Specifically, 34.9% reported depression, 28.7% reported anxiety, and 43.2% indicated feeling “not well.” Referring oncologists tended to overestimate the presence of PSs compared to patient self-reports (51.8% versus 41.3%). According to the psychologists’ assessment, 29.2% of participants were found to have depression, and 10.8% of participants had anxiety. Additionally, 31 patients (10.8%) with psychological disorders were diagnosed with an adaptation disorder related to a physical condition. The psychology service engaged 47% of patients, while 18.5% declined psychological support. Patients exhibiting other ESAS symptoms with scores of ≥4 had an increased odds ratio for reporting PSs of ≥4. However, multivariable analysis revealed no significant relationship between PSs and awareness of diagnosis and prognosis.

Conclusion

The systematic use of self-assessment in EPC is essential for understanding patient’s experience, determining whether PSs stem from physical disorders, and prioritizing interventions. Awareness of prognosis does not correlate with increased anxiety and depression in patients. Therefore, EPC is an ideal opportunity to discuss prognosis and facilitate patients’ end-of-life choices early in their care journey.
The impact of digital communication and offline social interactions on depressive symptoms in Chinese older people
Authors: Chai Qi , Yang Zhengting , Luo Yiting , Deng Yin , Qin Lu , Yang Zhibo , Wang Ruizhi , Zhou Yongzhao
Published: November 2024

Background

In a special period of lack of offline social interaction (pandemic), the mentality of older people is changing quietly. This study aims to dissect the impact of these changes on their mental health.

Method

Utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2020), this research included 7,784 participants aged over 60 years. It evaluated the prevalence of depressive symptoms, and assessed the relative effects of these interactions on depressive symptoms.

Results

(1) a depressive symptom prevalence of 40.65%; (2) a modest engagement in digital communication, with only 20.39% of the older participating; (3) varying prevalences of depressive symptoms across groups, with notable differences depending on the type and combination of social interactions. Specifically, the prevalence was 21.7% among those engaging only in digital communication, and varied from 21.7 to 32.0% among other groups, highlighting the significant impact of social interaction patterns on depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these findings (χ2 = 42.415, p < 0.001). (4) In the first model, digital communication was associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.820, 95%CI: 0.707–0.950, p < 0.05). The second model showed no significant effect of offline social interactions on depressive symptoms (OR = 0.124, 95%CI: 0.917–1.143, p = 0.678). The third model demonstrated that the inclusion of offline social interaction variables did not significantly alter the beneficial effect of digital communication (OR = 0.820, 95%CI: 0.707–0.952, p < 0.05). (5) The results of the 1:1 matching analysis indicated that digital communication significantly alleviated depressive symptoms in older people (ATT = −0.054, p < 0.05). Conversely, offline social interactions did not significantly affect the depressive symptoms of this demographic (ATT = −0.028, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The depressive symptoms among older people in China has greatly increased during 2020 which year the COVID-19 pandemic was in the early stage, accompanied by considerable changes in their modes of social interaction. Our findings suggest that the influences of digital communication and offline social interactions on depressive symptoms may have operated independently during the pandemic. The potential of digital communication engagements in enhancing mental health, particularly in exceptional circumstances such as during a pandemic, underscores the need for further exploration.
Increased active pulmonary tuberculosis risk from sharing bong of cannabis: a case–control study from Thailand
Authors: Chumchuen Kemmapon , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic lung disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tobacco smoking and sharing of instruments have been reported to increase TB risk. In 2022, cannabis was legalized in Thailand. To address for the potential increase in cannabis use after legalization and the reported increased TB risk associated with cannabis usage, we aimed to estimate the odds ratio and population-attributable fraction (PAF) of different types of cannabis use.

Materials and methods

A matched case–control study was conducted in the Songkhla Province of Southern Thailand in 2023. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on cannabis consumption. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios representing TB risk from the independent variables. PAF was also calculated to compare the public health impacts of the variables.

Results

Among the 148 TB cases and 117 healthy controls, we observed lower socioeconomic status and higher proportions of tobacco and alcohol use in these cases. Eleven percent of the controls were current cannabis users, while nearly 19% had ever experienced cannabis use. The proportions of ever-used, smoked, and shared cannabis use were significantly higher in these cases. After adjusting for covariates, the best-fit model showed an odds ratio of 4.22 (95% confidence interval: 1.47–12.07) for smoking and sharing a bong of cannabis. No statistical significance was found for the other types of consumption. PAF of smoked and shared bongs of cannabis was 12.16, which was slightly lower than that found in smoking tobacco (12.62).

Conclusion

Increased numbers of cannabis users, especially shared smokers, may have an impact on TB risk in lower-middle-income countries, where TB is already highly prevalent.
X-ray fluoroscopy guided localization and steering of miniature robots using virtual reality enhancement
Authors: Alabay Husnu Halid , Le Tuan-Anh , Ceylan Hakan
Published: November 2024

In developing medical interventions using untethered milli- and microrobots, ensuring safety and effectiveness relies on robust methods for real-time robot detection, tracking, and precise localization within the body. The inherent non-transparency of human tissues significantly challenges these efforts, as traditional imaging systems like fluoroscopy often lack crucial anatomical details, potentially compromising intervention safety and efficacy. To address this technological gap, in this study, we build a virtual reality environment housing an exact digital replica (digital twin) of the operational workspace and a robot avatar. We synchronize the virtual and real workspaces and continuously send the robot position data derived from the image stream into the digital twin with short average delay time around 20–25 ms. This allows the operator to steer the robot by tracking its avatar within the digital twin with near real-time temporal resolution. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach with millirobots steered in confined phantoms. Our concept demonstration herein can pave the way for not only improved procedural safety by complementing fluoroscopic guidance with virtual reality enhancement, but also provides a platform for incorporating various additional real-time derivative data, e.g., instantaneous robot velocity, intraoperative physiological data obtained from the patient, e.g., blood flow rate, and pre-operative physical simulation models, e.g., periodic body motions, to further refine robot control capacity.
Collage-based narratives of mothers of third culture kids: the in-between space of transnational families in the UAE
Authors: Dillon Anna Marie , Ali Tabassim
Published: November 2024

This study delves into the lives of transnational families in the UAE, exploring their complex identities using a visual research approach known as the Collage Life Elicitation Technique (CLET). Both the topic and the methodology are framed within a theoretical lens of Verstehen (understanding) with a view to further exploring the lives of transnational families in the context of a pragmatic phenomenology and within the setting of the UAE as a rentier state. The lives of families such as these are characterized by a cross-cultural lifestyle, high mobility and expected repatriation. This paper presents narratives of eight transnational families in the UAE as expressed by the mother of each family unit, and seeks to expand on how these mothers view the identity of their families as expatriates living in the UAE. Findings indicate that these families navigate an intricate world where they are neither entirely of their host country nor of their passport country. The family unit plays a pivotal role in these families’ lives, acting as a bridge between their host culture and their home culture, serving as a nucleus for their evolving identities.
Effects of cypermethrin on morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of Cicer arietinum (Fabales: Fabaceae)
Authors: Siddiqui Sazada
Published: November 2024

Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is a widely employed pesticide in large-scale commercial agriculture and domestic settings to control pests and boost crop yields. Despite its effectiveness in controlling pests, concerns persist about the potential ecological and human health impacts associated with its use. In the present study, the impact of cypermethrin on different parameters, including growth indices, pollen morphology and pollen fertility, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging, lipid peroxidation (MDA concentration), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, was investigated in Cicer arietinum L. The results showed that plants exhibited decreasing trends in plant height, number of branches, pods, and seeds per plant as cypermethrin concentrations increased. These changes resulted in significant reductions in the overall yield of the plants. The percentage of wrinkled pollen significantly increased with higher concentrations of cypermethrin and longer exposure durations. Exposure to cypermethrin showed significant variations in pollen fertility of C. arietinum at different concentrations and time intervals in comparison to control, which had a baseline pollen fertility of 79.12% ± 4.59. Chlorophyll and carotenoid content of C. arietinum were considerably affected by cypermethrin, indicative of potential disturbances in essential photosynthetic processes crucial for plant health. Further, with increasing concentrations of cypermethrin ranging from 100 mg/L to 500 mg/L, noticeable effects were observed on H2O2− scavenging, MDA concentration, SOD and CAT activities of C. arietinum in dose-dependent manner. Further, it was found that the duration of exposure and concentration of cypermethrin played a crucial role in exacerbating these detrimental effects. The findings of the present study raise concerns regarding the harmful effects of agricultural pesticides like cypermethrin and highlight the need for more research on the nutritional value of products derived from plants and seeds exposed to these agents.
Partial replacement of soybean with local alternative sources: effects on behavior, cecal microbiota, and intestinal histomorphometry of local chickens
Authors: Özkan Sezen , Bay Veysel , Cömert Acar Muazzez , Yalcın Servet
Published: November 2024

Interest in partially replacing soybean meal in poultry diets with alternative protein sources such as agri-industrial by-products and black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) has gained significant attention due to sustainability concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of broiler diets in which soybean meal was partially substituted with agri-industrial by-products with or without BSF larvae meal, on the behavior, intestinal histomorphometry, and microbiome profile of a local broiler chicken strain. There were three dietary treatments. (1) A corn-soybean-based diet (Control), (2) a diet in which soybean was partly replaced (SPR) with local agri-industrial by-products, namely sunflower meal, brewers' dried grain, and wheat middlings, and (3) a diet in which BSF (5%) meal was added to SPR (SPR+BSF). Behavior was recorded on days 14, 35, and 49 at the pen level. On day 55, intestinal segments and cecal contents were collected from eight chickens per pen for histomorphometry and microbiome analysis. Dietary manipulations did not affect the behavior of broiler chickens (P > 0.05) suggesting that the experimental diets had no influence on behavior. A significant interaction between the intestinal segment and diets revealed that the SPR and SPR+BSF diets decreased duodenal villus height (VH) compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). However, this effect was not consistent across all of intestinal segments. Diet did not affect villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD; P > 0.05), indicating no significant impact on the absorptive capacity of the digestive system. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in the cecal samples. Colidextribacter and Oscillibacter spp. were more abundant in chickens fed the SPR diet compared to those fed the control diet. The SPR+BSF diet resulted in higher abundance of Rikenella and Colidextribacter spp. compared to the control diet, while Desulfovibrio, Ruminococcus torques group, and Lachnoclostridium were more abundant in the ceca of birds fed the SPR diet than those fed SPR+BSF. In conclusion, replacement of soybean with agri-industrial by-products and BSF larvae meal could regulate the cecal microbiota composition without negatively affecting the behavior and intestinal histomorphometry of the local chickens.
An Interpolator for a Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline Curve with a High Efficiency and Accuracy Using Polynomial Representations
Authors: Huang Zhuiliang , Chen Jianxiong
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces an efficient and accurate interpolator for NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline) curves, addressing the challenge of regulating feedrate under machining accuracy and dynamic constraints, particularly at sensitive corners. A recursive matrix representation and polynomial conversion are utilized to enhance the computation of NURBS curve intermediate points and derivatives. An improved adaptive planning method is presented to adjust the feedrate at sensitive corners, ensuring that chord error and dynamic constraints are met. The method integrates linear acceleration and deceleration stages to mitigate abrupt changes in acceleration and jerk. Additionally, a prediction–correction scheme-based interpolator is developed, employing an asynchronous mechanism to improve computational efficiency. The proposed method’s effectiveness and correctness are validated through simulation tests and machining experiments.
Research on the Criteria for Determining the Starting Performance of an Inward-Turning Inlet by Integrating the Concept of the Equivalent Contraction Ratio
Authors: Meng Fanshuo , Jin Bo , He Xiaolong , Chen Zheng , Yan Wenhui , Zhao Zhenjun , Yu Zonghan
Published: November 2024

The prediction of hypersonic inlet starting performance is crucial for the successful ignition of the combustion chamber, directly impacting the overall performance of the propulsion system. This challenge arises especially when freestream conditions vary. Therefore, this paper proposes the concept of the equivalent contraction ratio, and establishes and analyzes the intrinsic correlation between the geometric contraction ratio and angle of attack on the starting performance of three-dimensional inward-turning inlet. The results indicate the following: (1) The startability index can be applied to determine the start boundary of the three-dimensional inward-turning inlet under conditions of the freestream Mach number of 6.0 and an altitude of 27 km, with a deviation of no more than 6.6% from the optimal SI = 0.087 criterion; (2) The start boundary after applying the equivalent contraction ratio shows deviations not exceeding 4.0% under positive angle-of-attack conditions compared to the startability index, while the deviation is larger under negative angle-of-attack conditions, reaching a maximum of 13.3%. After applying a correction formula, the deviations can be reduced to within 2.0%; (3) For the same equivalent contraction ratio, the differences in starting performance between different positive and negative angle-of-attack conditions may fundamentally arise from the degree of compression of the inlet. Finally, the equivalent contraction ratio theory is proven to be able to quickly and easily predict the accurate starting performance of the inward-turning inlet at different angles of attack, improving the breadth and efficiency of engineering predictions.
The Influence of Regional Specialization in Agriculture on Farmers’ Pest Control Behaviors Based on a Dual Examination of Control Strategies and Control Costs
Authors: Tan Xin , Lin Guanghua
Published: November 2024

The pest control behaviors of agricultural producers are crucial not only for effectively managing pests and diseases but also for ensuring the sustainable development of agricultural production and the environment. Regional specialization in agriculture, as a typical method to optimize planting structure, influences farmers’ control behaviors through dual mechanisms. However, existing research has largely overlooked this issue. This paper systematically examines the influence and mechanisms of agricultural regional specialization on farmers’ pest control strategies and costs. Using village tracking research data and farmer data from the Jiangsu, Sichuan, and Jilin provinces of China over 15 years, the study employs fixed-effects models and the instrumental variable method to provide empirical evidence. The research results indicate that by reducing biological diversity, which exacerbates the occurrence and damage of pests and diseases, and increasing the homogeneity of planting structures, the development of regional specialization in agriculture prompts farmers to shift their control strategy from “ex post treatment” to “ex ante prevention” and has increased the control costs. The policy implication is that farmers should be encouraged to practice moderate crop rotation in rapidly increasing regional specialization. Additionally, strengthening real-time monitoring of pest and disease dynamics is essential to guide farmers in early prevention and timely control.
Relationship Between Salt Accumulation and Soil Structure Fractals in Cotton Fields in an Arid Inland Basin
Authors: Liu Ying , He Yujiang , Peng Borui
Published: November 2024

The relationship between soil structure and salt accumulation is unclear; thus, experiments on salt accumulation under different soil structures were conducted in cotton fields in arid areas of northwest China. Thirty-nine sets of soil samples were collected from the 0 to 180 cm profile of three experimental areas. The total salt content of the soil extracts and the particle size distribution of the soil samples were determined using a JENCO TDS and a laser particle size analyzer, respectively, and the fractal dimension of the soil structure was obtained using fractal theory. Pearson’s correlation analysis and Tukey’s test (p < 0.01) were used to analyze the correlation between soil salinity, soil particle size distribution, and fractal dimensions in the three profiles. The results showed soil salinity accumulation was affected mutually by soil texture and soil structure, and soil salinity tended to accumulate in fine-grained soil. The soil fractal dimension (D) could indicate soil texture and quantify soil salinity content. When the sand content was more than 50%, there was a significant positive correlation between the soil fractal dimension and soil salinity (correlation coefficient R = 0.943). The results provide valuable insights into cotton production in arid areas.
SC-Phi2: A Fine-Tuned Small Language Model for StarCraft II Build Order Prediction
Authors: Khan Muhammad Junaid , Sukthankar Gita
Published: November 2024

Background: This article introduces SC-Phi2, a fine-tuned StarCraft II small language model. Small language models, like Phi2, Gemma, and DistilBERT, are streamlined versions of large language models (LLMs) with fewer parameters that require less computational power and memory to run. Method: To teach Microsoft’s Phi2 model about StarCraft, we create a new SC2 text dataset with information about StarCraft races, roles, and actions and use it to fine-tune Phi-2 with self-supervised learning. We pair this language model with a Vision Transformer (ViT) from the pre-trained BLIP-2 (Bootstrapping Language Image Pre-training) model, fine-tuning it on the StarCraft replay dataset, MSC. This enables us to construct dynamic prompts that include visual game state information. Results: Unlike the large models used in StarCraft LLMs such as GPT-3.5, Phi2 is trained primarily on textbook data and contains little inherent knowledge of StarCraft II beyond what is provided by our training process. By using LoRA (Low-rank Adaptation) and quantization, our model can be trained on a single GPU. We demonstrate that our model performs well at build order prediction, an important StarCraft macromanagement task. Conclusions: Our research on the usage of small models is a step towards reducing the carbon footprint of AI agents.
Comparison of Universal mtDNA Primers in Species Identification of Animals in a Sample with Severely Degraded DNA
Authors: Figura Aleksandra , Gryzinska Magdalena , Jakubczak Andrzej
Published: November 2024

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA, specifically the cytochrome b gene (cyt b), has become an essential tool for species identification. In the case of degraded samples, in which DNA is fractionated, universal primers, which are highly effective at amplifying the target region, are necessary. The material analysed in this study was a keychain made of bone, which was secured at a border crossing due to the suspicion that it was made of ivory. Due to processing of the bone and the likelihood of DNA degradation, five pairs of universal primers with different product lengths (from 148 to 990 base pairs) were used for species identification. Fragments of mtDNA from the cyt b and the 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA subunits were analysed. The analysis showed that only one pair of primers (L15601/H15748) enabled identification of the species, which is very common in samples with highly degraded DNA. The material was bone tissue belonging to the species Bos taurus (cattle). Species identification by molecular methods is extremely important in analysis of material when the species cannot be identified on the basis of morphological characteristics.
A Whole-Genome Survey and the Mitochondrial Genome of Acanthocepola indica Provide Insights into Its Phylogenetic Relationships in Priacanthiformes
Authors: Mao Weihua , Xu Ziyi , Liu Qi , Li Na , Liu Lu , Ren Biyan , Gao Tianxiang , Liu Chuan
Published: November 2024

Acanthocepola indica, a deep-sea snake fish, is primarily found in the Indo-west Pacific region, including India, Korea, Japan, and the South China Sea. The taxonomic classification of A. indica based on morphological characteristics remains inaccurate and unclear. In this study, we utilized next-generation sequencing to generate comprehensive genomic data for A. indica. The estimated genome size of A. indica was 422.95 Mb, with a heterozygosity ratio of 1.02% and a sequence repeat ratio of 22.43%. Our analysis suggested that A. indica is diploid, and the draft genome assembly consists of 1,059,784 contigs with a contig N50 of 1942 bp. We identified a total of 444,728 simple sequence repeats in the genome of A. indica. Furthermore, we successfully assembled the complete mitochondrial genome (16,439 bp) of A. indica, which included 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes and 2 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genomes revealed that A. indica is closely related to Acanthocepola krusensternii and Cepola schlegelii, providing evidence that the family Cepolidae belongs to the order Priacanthiformes. Population size dynamics analysis indicated that A. indica experienced a bottleneck effect during the Pleistocene Glacial Epoch, likely due to the changes in glacial cycles and sea level fluctuations since ~800 Kya.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Sexual Differentiation in Male and Female Gonads of Nao-Zhou Stock Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Wang Haojie , Wen Zirui , Amenyogbe Eric , Jin Jinghui , Lu Yi , Wang Zhongliang , Huang Jiansheng
Published: November 2024

The Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is a unique economic seawater fish species in China and exhibits significant dimorphism in both male and female phenotypes. Cultivating all-female seedlings can significantly improve breeding efficiency. To accelerate the cultivation process of all female seedlings of this species, it is necessary to deeply understand the regulatory mechanisms of sexual differentiation and gonadal development. This study used Illumina high-throughput sequencing to sequence the transcriptome of the testes and ovaries of Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker to identify genes and molecular functions related to sex determination. A total of 10,536 differentially expressed genes were identified between males and females, including 5682 upregulated and 4854 downregulated genes. Functional annotation screened out 70 important candidate genes related to sex, including 34 genes highly expressed in the testis (including dmrt1, foxm1, and amh) and 36 genes highly expressed in the ovary (including gdf9, hsd3b1, and sox19b). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis found that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in nine signaling pathways related to sex determination and gonadal development, including steroid hormone biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, and the TGF-beta signaling pathway. By screening sex-related differentially expressed genes and mapping protein–protein interaction networks, hub genes such as dmrt1, amh, and cyp19a1a were found to be highly connected. The expression levels of 15 sex-related genes, including amh, dmrt1, dmrt2a, foxl1, and zp3b, were determined by qRT–PCR and RNA sequencing. This study screened for differentially expressed genes related to sex determination and differentiation of Nao-zhou stock large yellow croaker and revealed the signaling pathways involved in gonad development of male and female individuals. The results provide important data for future research on sex determination and differentiation mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific basis for the cultivation of all-female seedlings.
Identification of 2,4-Di-tert-Butylphenol as an Antimicrobial Agent Against Cutibacterium acnes Bacteria from Rwandan Propolis
Authors: Rouvier Florent , Abou Lydia , Wafo Emmanuel , Andre Perrine , Cheyrol Julien , Khacef Mohamed-Mohsen , Nappez Claude , Lepidi Hubert , Brunel Jean Michel
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Acne is the most prevalent dermatological condition among humans, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents during puberty. To date, numerous compounds have been used for acne treatment, including erythromycin ointments and antiseptics, with varying degrees of success. The emergence of erythromycin-resistant C. acnes strains has spurred the search for new antimicrobial agents, particularly from natural sources. Methods: Propolis collected in Rwanda was extracted and fractionated by flash chromatography and tested against C. acnes growth by using NCLSI recommendations. Results: In our research, we identified a molecule, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) which inhivbited the C. acnes growth at a concentration of 16 µg/mL. Based on these results, we formulated an ointment (1%) using OFAP18 and petroleum jelly for the potential treatment of acne using a mouse model. Conclusions: In vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that 2,4-DTBP has anti-inflammatory properties and could effectively manage the overgrowth of C. acnes as well as serve as a potent alternative for the formulation of an active propolis ointment for acne treatment.
Enhancing Antibacterial Efficacy: Combining Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors with Efflux Pump Inhibitors and Other Agents Against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Zorman Maša , Kokot Maja , Zdovc Irena , Senerovic Lidija , Mandic Mina , Zidar Nace , Cotman Andrej Emanuel , Durcik Martina , Peterlin Mašič Lucija , Minovski Nikola , Anderluh Marko , Hrast Rambaher Martina
Published: November 2024

Background: The novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) developed in our laboratory show potent on-target enzyme inhibition but suffer from low activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Methods: With the aim of improving the antibacterial activity of our compounds against Gram-negative bacteria, we tested them in combination with different efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), a strategy that showed promise in several other classes of antimicrobials. We also investigated the combined effect of NBTIs with ATP-competitive inhibitors of bacterial type II topoisomerases (ACIs), as well as the antibiofilm properties of our compounds and the combination with EPIs against early and mature Acietobacter baumannii biofilm. Results: Our results demonstrate that combinations of NBTIs with EPI Phenylalanine-arginyl-β-naphthylamide significantly reduce the corresponding NBTIs’ minimal inhibitory concentration values and show potentiation of A. baumannii biofilm inhibition as compared to NBTIs alone. Although combinations of NBITs and ACIs did not show synergistic effects, the FIC index value calculations revealed additive effects for all the combinations of a selected NBTI in combination with three ACIs in all the assayed Gram-negative bacteria from the ESKAPE group. Conclusions: These results show for the first time that combinations of NBTIs with either EPIs or a different class of the topoisomerase inhibitors may be a beneficial strategy to combat difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.
Cold-Pressed Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz Seed Oil Prevents Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in a High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity Murine Model
Authors: Claria Benjamín , Espinosa Alejandra , Rodríguez Alicia , Dovale-Rosabal Gretel , Bucarey José Luis , Pando María Elsa , Romero Nalda , Reinoso Francisca , Sánchez Camila , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Ribeiro Carolina H. , Aubourg Santiago P.
Published: November 2024

This study evaluated the effects of cold-pressed maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) seed oil (MO) on liver metabolism and biochemical markers in a high-fat diet (HFD) murine model. In it, the fatty acid profile, tocopherol and tocotrienol contents, and antioxidant capacity of MO were analyzed. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (i.e., a, b, c, and d groups) and supplemented for 12 weeks according to the following distribution: (a) control diet (CD)-sunflower oil (SO), (b) CD+MO, (c) HFD+SO, and (d) HFD+MO. Total body and organ weights, serum markers, and liver fat infiltration were assessed. MO contained 32.31% oleic acid, 46.41% linoleic acid, and 10.83% α-linolenic acid; additionally, α- and γ-tocopherol levels were 339.09 ± 5.15 and 135.52 ± 38.03 mg/kg, respectively, while β-, δ-tocopherol, and α-tocotrienol were present in trace amounts and the antioxidant capacity measured was 6.66 ± 0.19 μmol Trolox equivalent/g. MO supplementation significantly reduced the visceral fat (0.76 ± 0.06 g vs. 1.32 ± 0.04 g) and GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) levels (71.8 ± 5.0 vs. 35.2 ± 2.6 U/L), and the liver fat infiltration score (6 vs. 3) in the HFD+MO group compared to HFD+SO. It is suggested that MO may effectively prevent fatty liver disease, warranting further research on its potential benefits for human health.
Enhanced Cell Growth and Astaxanthin Production in Haematococcus lacustris by Mechanostimulation of Seed Cysts
Authors: Christabel Catherine , Kim Bolam , Lakshmi Narasimhan Aditya , Sathiyavahisan Laxmi Priya , Ilhamsyah Dea Prianka Ayu , Kim Eui-Jin , Oh You-Kwan
Published: November 2024

The slow growth and complex life cycle of Haematococcus lacustris pose significant challenges for cost-effective astaxanthin production. This study explores the use of microfluidic collision treatment to stimulate the germination of dormant seed cysts, thereby improving photosynthetic cell growth and astaxanthin productivity in H. lacustris cultivated in well plate and flask cultures. The flow rate (1.0–3.0 mL/min) and the number of T-junction loops (3–30) were optimized in the microfluidic device. Under optimal conditions (a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min with 10 loops), the total cell number density in well plate cultures increased by 44.5% compared to untreated controls, reaching 28.9 ± 2.0 × 104 cells/mL after 72 h. In flask cultures, treated cysts showed a 21% increase in astaxanthin productivity after 30 d, reaching 0.95 mg/L/d, due to higher biomass concentrations, while the astaxanthin content per cell remained constant. However, excessive physical collision stress at higher flow rates and loop numbers resulted in reduced cell viability and cell damage. These findings suggest that carefully controlled cyst mechanostimulation can be an effective and environmentally friendly strategy for Haematococcus biorefining, enabling the production of multiple bioactive products.
Application of Aeromagnetic Survey in Detecting Potential Mineralization Zones Around Dongzhongla Deposit, Gangdese Metallogenic Belt
Authors: Lu Ning , Li Junfeng , Meng Qingmin , Gao Weidong , Liu Junjie , Li Yongbo , Xi Yongzai , Zheng Hongshan
Published: November 2024

The Dongzhongla deposit is a skarn-type lead–zinc ore deposit located in the eastern segment of the Gangdese metallogenic belt, situated in the Xizang province, China. The high-altitude mountainous terrain of the region poses significant challenges to ground-based exploration. To facilitate more accurate mineral exploration in the deposit and its surrounding area, a high-resolution airborne magnetic survey was conducted over the mining area and its periphery. The airborne magnetic data were processed using derivative and Euler deconvolution methods, yielding results that reflect the geological structural features of the study area. By integrating the geological characteristics of the ore deposit, we inferred that the areas of magnetic anomaly extensions and the peripheries of other magnetic anomalies are favorable zones for mineralization, providing positive leads for further mineral exploration.
A Single-Input Multi-Output Inverter with Voltage Boosting for Multi-Load Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Ge Xuejian , Wang Yiwen , Ren Dingqiang , Tang Minghao , Wang Lei
Published: November 2024

Multi-load wireless power transfer systems generally require the configuration of multiple transmitting coils. Using traditional single-output inverters will increase the number of inverters, leading to increased system costs and complex structures. Therefore, this paper proposes a single-input multi-output inverter that can drive multiple transmitting coils simultaneously. Compared with traditional single-output inverters and existing multi-output inverters, the proposed inverter utilizes a topology improvement design and an efficient expansion method. By adding only one inductor, one capacitor, and a small number of power switches, it can generate multiple controllable and stable outputs while ensuring output gain, which is expected to simplify the system structure and improve system performance. This paper first introduces the topology evolution process and operating principle of the proposed inverter. Secondly, a mathematical model is established to analyze its operating characteristics, and its parameter design is carried out. Meanwhile, a comparison with existing multi-output inverters is conducted. Then, the resonant compensation networks are analyzed and selected to match the requirements of different loads. Finally, a simulation model of the proposed inverter is constructed, and an experimental setup is set up. The feasibility and superiority of the proposed inverter are verified through simulation and experiments.
Research and Evaluation of a New Structural Damage Identification Method Based on a Refined Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Qin Yuantian , Yin Zhehang , Ma Jiahao
Published: November 2024

In order to solve the problem of structural damage location and degree identification, the weighted mean of vectors algorithm (INFO), a high-performance optimization algorithm, was first introduced to identify structural damage. By comparison with the refined genetic algorithm (RGA), the accuracy and advantages of INFO are analyzed and evaluated. An objective function is constructed by combining the dynamic response transfer ratio without modal analysis. The INFO and RGA algorithms are used to optimize the objective function for damage identification. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the three damage identification methods. The results show that the identification effect of the INFO algorithm can reach nearly 100% without noise influence, and the anti-noise ability is the strongest. Among the three algorithms, the damage identification accuracy of the INFO algorithm is the highest, followed by the RGA algorithm and the GA algorithm.
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms in Real-Time Monitoring of Conveyor Belt Damage
Authors: Bzinkowski Damian , Rucki Miroslaw , Chalko Leszek , Kilikevicius Arturas , Matijosius Jonas , Cepova Lenka , Ryba Tomasz
Published: November 2024

This paper is devoted to the real-time monitoring of close transportation devices, namely, belt conveyors. It presents a novel measurement system based on the linear strain gauges placed on the tail pulley surface. These gauges enable the monitoring and continuous collection and processing of data related to the process. An initial assessment of the machine learning application to the load identification was made. Among the tested algorithms that utilized machine learning, some exhibited a classification accuracy as high as 100% when identifying the load placed on the moving belt. Similarly, identification of the preset damage was possible using machine learning algorithms, demonstrating the feasibility of the system for fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance.