bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid Transformers-based convolutional neural network model for keratoconus detection in Scheimpflug-based dynamic corneal deformation videos
Authors: Abdelmotaal Hazem , Hazarbasanov Rossen , Salouti Ramin , Nowrouzzadeh Hossein , Taneri Suphi , Al-Timemy Ali , Lavric Alexandru , Takahashi Hidenori , Yousefi Siamak 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To assess the performance of a hybrid Transformer-based convolutional neural network (CNN) model for automated detection of keratoconus in stand-alone Scheimpflug-based dynamic corneal deformation videos (DCDV).
Design
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods
We used transfer learning for feature extraction from DCDVs. These feature maps were augmented by self-attention to model long-range dependencies before classification to directly identify keratoconus. Model performance was evaluated by objective accuracy metrics based on DCDVs from two independent cohorts with 275 and 546 subjects.
Main outcome measures:
Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and F1 score.
Results
The sensitivity and specificity of the model in detecting keratoconus were 93% and 84%, respectively. The AUC of the keratoconus probability score based on the external validation database was 0.97.
Conclusions
The hybrid Transformer-based model was highly sensitive and specific in discriminating normal from keratoconic eyes using DCDV(s) at levels that may prove useful in clinical practice.
Translational Relevance
The hybrid Transformer-based model can detect keratoconus from non-invasive corneal videos directly without requiring corneal topography or tomography exhibiting potential application in corneal research and clinical practice.
Overexpression of NAC transcription factors from the desert ephemeral plant Eremopyrum triticeum promoted abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhong Xue-Ni , Peng Jun-Jie , Wang Meng-Yao , Yang Xiu-Li , Sun Li 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Eremopyrum triticeum is a typical spring ephemeral species, which in China mainly distributed in the desert regions of northern Xinjiang, and play an important role in the desert ecosystems. E. triticeum has several adaptive characteristics such as short growth rhythms, high photosynthetic efficiency, high seed production, drought and salt resistance. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of E. triticeum in responses to abiotic stress resistance is still unknown. In this study, two NAC-like transcription factor-encoding genes, EtNAC1 and EtNAC2, were isolated from E. triticeum. The predicted EtNAC1 and EtNAC2 proteins possess a typical NAC DNA-binding domain at the N-terminal region. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that EtNAC1 and EtNAC2 were highly expressed in mature roots of E. triticeum, and were significantly up-regulated under drought, high salt and abscisic acid (ABA) stresses. Subcellular localization analysis in onion epidermal cells revealed that EtNAC1 and EtNAC2 were located in the nucleus. Expression of EtNAC1 and EtNAC2 in yeast cells improved the survival rate of yeast under low temperature, H2O2, high drought and salt stresses. Overexpression of EtNAC1 and EtNAC2 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stresses, increased ABA sensitivity, and transgenic plants showed higher proline (Pro) content, but lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, lower chlorophyll leaching, lower water loss rate and stomatal aperture (width/length) than WT plants. In conclusion, EtNAC1 and EtNAC2 play important roles in abiotic stress responses of E. triticeum, which might have significant potential in crop molecular breeding for abiotic stress tolerance.
Dung beetle optimization with composite population initialization and multi-strategy learning for multi-level threshold image segmentation
Authors: Li Zhidan , Liu Wei , Zhao Hongying , Pu Wenjing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

As the number of thresholds increases in multi-threshold segmentation of digital images, the com- plexity of determining the ideal thresholds rises sharply, posing significant challenges for conventional approaches. Dung Beetle Optimization (DBO) is a metaheuristic algorithm that mimics the behav- iors of dung beetles, including rolling dung balls, female beetles laying eggs, small beetles searching for food, and thief beetles stealing. However, the original DBO suffers from slow convergence rate and suboptimal solutions. This paper proposes an improved DBO algorithm, named DBO with composite population initialization and multi-strategy learning (CMDBO), to address the issues. The improve- ments include initializing the population using chaotic mapping and oppositional learning, enabling weaker individuals to learn from better ones, and applying quasi-center oppositional-based learning to enhance convergence rate and solution accuracy. To verify its search performance, CMDBO was tested on CEC2017 function set and compared with several algorithms. Furthermore, CMDBO was applied to multi-threshold image segmentation. Experimental results indicate that the proposed CMDBO achieved the best overall performance in terms of convergence speed and solution accuracy.
Work-related grief and bereavement experiences of inner-city workers working with people experiencing social disadvantage: A rapid scoping review
Authors: Whitlock Kara , Premji Zahra , Mollison Ashley , Posada Carolina , Arias-Rojas Mauricio , Futcher Charlotte , Stajduhar Kelli 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: While an extensive body of research in palliative care exists on the experiences of grief and bereavement among family caregivers, much of this research is based on normative assumptions of who family caregivers are – housed, financially stable, and with extended family and/or friends to draw on for support. Research shows that in contexts of social disadvantage such as inner-city settings, social and community workers can become ‘defacto’ family and provide caregiving support at the end of life. Yet, there is little known about the grief and bereavement experiences of this worker group.
Methods: This study aims to determine what is known about the experiences of grief and bereavement among inner-city workers working with people experiencing social disadvantage. A rapid scoping review was conducted following the JBI scoping review methodology. Six sources (Medline, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection, Sociological Abstracts, and Social Work Abstracts) were searched to identify relevant articles published until June 30th, 2023. From the systematic search and screening process, 9 studies met the eligibility criteria and were selected for the analysis.
Results: Nine studies were included in this review that employed various qualitative approaches. Three main themes emerged from the narrative synthesis and thematic analysis: (1) Working in contexts of inequities, (2) Distress and its attributing factors, (3) Support needs and strategies.
Conclusions: Caring for socially disadvantaged individuals poses unique challenges, compounded by repeated loss, premature deaths, and societal stigma. Inner-city workers lack formal recognition for their pivotal palliative care role, necessitating organizational support, palliative education, and collective responses to address their unmet grief and bereavement needs. Further research is essential.
Transformation of brain myeloid cell populations by SIV in rhesus macaques revealed by multiomics
Authors: Fox Howard , Xu Xiaoke , Niu Meng , Lamberty Benjamin , Emanuel Katy , Apostol Moses 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The primary immune constituents in the brain, microglia and macrophages, are the target for HIV in people and the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in nonhuman primates. This infection can lead to neurological dysfunction, known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Given the gaps in our knowledge on how these cells respond in vivo to CNS infection, we performed single-cell multiomic sequencing, including gene expression and ATAC-seq, on myeloid cells from the brains of rhesus macaques with SIV-induced encephalitis (SIVE) as well as uninfected controls. We found that the myeloid cell populations were significantly changed by SIVE. In SIVE microglia-like cells express high levels of chemoattractants capable of recruiting highly activated CAM-like cells to the site of infection/inflammation. A unique population of microglia-like cells was found in which the chromatin accessibility of genes diverged from their RNA expression. Additionally, we observed a dramatic shift of upstream gene regulators and their targets in brain myeloid cells during SIVE. In summary, this study further uncovers the transcriptome, gene regulatory events and potential roles of different brain myeloid phenotypes in SIVE.
Microclimates growing and watering volumes influences the physiological traits of Chili Pepper cultivars in combating abiotic stress
Authors: Ahmad Farhan , Kusumiyati Kusumiyati , Soleh Mochamad Arief , Khan Muhammad , Sundari Ristina Siti 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Chili peppers are a staple food for countries worldwide and are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. One of the world's largest chili consumers, Indonesia faces climate adversities and cash-crop pest infestations that affect its horticulture market. The present research explores microclimatic and watering for physiological performances in different chili cultivars, useful in suggesting the strategies of cultivation with a climate-resilient perception. The research was done in the Bale Tatanen, Padjadjaran University, using a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design to analyze chili plant physiology. According to statistical analyses, cultivars did not significantly affect absolute growth rate (AGR), but growing microclimates and watering volumes did significantly affect AGR and water use efficiency (WUE). The rain shelter and screen house had the highest WUE and AGR values. Growing microclimates and cultivars significantly affected transpiration rate, stomatal conductance to water vapor and total conductance to CO2, with the screen house exhibiting the highest values. All three factors significantly affected the photosynthetic rate, with the greenhouse showing the highest rate. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was likewise highest in the greenhouse. This study aimed to systematically assess these factors and it tried suggesting practices that might assist in combating the effects of abiotic stress on chili production, for its sustainability. The findings of this research would help in conceptualizing the most efficient microclimate and watering volume for chili cultivation particularly, when considering climate change challenges as well; these results could also be applied to develop guidelines which might serve helpful at resource-poor farming.
Nest site selection by a grassland-dependent Neotropical passerine, the Tawny-bellied Seedeater Sporophila hypoxantha
Authors: FRANZ ISMAEL , CHIARANI EDUARDO , BASTAZINI VINICIUS A. G. , BOLDRINI ILSI I. , FONTANA CARLA S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Increasing habitat loss and fragmentation along with other factors have led to the dramatic declines of multiple Sporophila seedeater species populations. However, the implementation of effective conservation measures is often hampered by the lack of knowledge about species’ ecological requirements in their breeding grounds. Here we evaluate vegetation structure and composition of Tawny-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila hypoxantha) breeding sites in the upland grasslands of southern Brazil. We compared vegetation variables of sites selected by nesting Tawny-bellied Seedeaters to those that were unoccupied (n = 130 plots in each group, encompassing 26 nests) using multivariate analyses and generalized linear models. Nesting sites had gentle slope, higher shrub cover, shrub height, and lower percent of bare ground in comparison to randomly sampled (unoccupied by nests) sites in the region. Also, selected nesting sites had a higher frequency of Andropogon lateralis, Saccharum angustifolium and Baccharis caprariifolia while unoccupied sites a higher frequency of Disynaphia multicrenulata, Escallonia megapotamica (small tree) and Eryngium horridum. Because Tawny-bellied Seedeaters breed mainly on dry grasslands rich in shrubs, with high density of grasses, management measures that favor this habitat structure as low-intensity grazing and moderate burning may benefit the reproduction of this species.
Naphthalene Acetic Acid Mediated Morphological and Biochemical Changes in Squash [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] Under Alkaline Stress
Authors: Nadeem Uswa Ashiq , Ali Naila , . Zaib-un-Nisa , Shah Anis Ali , Iftikhar Muhammad , Elansary Hosam O. , Sridh Shankarapp 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Alkaline stress promotes ionic toxicity and ultimately reduce plant growth and yield. Cucurbita pepo is an annual plant of the family cucurbiteacea and moderately sensitive to alkalinity but limited literature is available on the use of plant growth regulators to alleviate alkali stress in C. pepo. In this study, a pot experiment was carried out to study the effect of foliar application of NAA (0, 50, 75, 100 ppm) on C. pepo growth, yield and biochemical parameters under control and alkaline stress conditions (0,40 mM), respectively. The results showed that, alkali stress prominently reduced the plant growth, biomass, leaves and fruit count but NAA application enhanced all growth and yield attributes both under stress and non-stress conditions. Further, alkaline stress significantly reduced the photosynthetic pigments but 75% NAA application increased Chl a by 43%, Chl b by 53% and carotenoids by 66% compared to only salt treated plants. In addition, a significant improvement in plant primary and secondary metabolites such as total soluble proteins by (27%), total free amino acids by (38%), total phenolics and flavonoid contents by 28% and 27%, respectively as compared to only stress treated plants. To further investigate the effects of NAA on antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and peroxidase enzyme activities (POD) were calculated and results showed that alkali stress increased the enzyme activities while under the foliar applied NAA in stress conditions further enhanced these enzyme activities compared to only stress treated plants. These findings suggests the positive role of NAA exogenous application under alkali stress conditions to mitigate harmful effects of stress on C.pepo.
Variability in the dual mycorrhizal associations of tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia
Authors: Florence Luke , Rose Terry J. , Rose Michael T. , Truong Camille 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background & aims.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an economically important crop plant with a limited natural distribution in eastern Australia. Coastal and upland tea tree ecotypes have been identified based on unique shoot and root traits. Dual mycorrhization, the ability of plants to associate with both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, is particularly frequent among the Australian Myrtaceae, including Melaleuca species. However, the mycorrhizal type of tea tree is currently unknown.
Methods.
We investigated tea tree mycorrhizal associations in three coastal and two upland populations using ITS2 metabarcoding and root anatomical observations.
Results.
Our results revealed that tea tree is a dual mycorrhizal plant showing variability in root symbioses among populations. We found that ECM percentage root colonisation was significantly lower in coastal tea tree populations compared to upland populations, despite coastal tea tree populations exhibiting significantly higher levels ECM fungal richness. In contrast, we showed moderate evidence that AM richness was higher in coastal tea tree ecotypes than in upland ecotypes, yet comparable levels of AM root colonisation were observed between ecotypes. Mycorrhizal fungal community composition also differed significantly between coastal and upland plants.
Conclusions.
Our study provides evidence that tea tree is a dual-mycorrhizal species that can host AM and ECM fungi simultaneously within individual plants. Our findings suggest that environmental factors among coastal and upland sites, particularly soil drainage and nitrogen availability, can affect mycorrhizal traits in native tea tree populations.
Benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations improve the in silico dimerization of hookworm tubulin: an additional resistance mechanism?
Authors: Tenorio Jan Clyden B. , Heikal Muhammad Fikri , Kafle Alok , Saichua Prasert , Suttiprapa Sutas 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Benzimidazole resistance is conferred by mutations in the β-tubulin genes of helminths which result in diminished drug binding with the expressed protein. The impact of these resistance-associated mutations on tubulin dimerization has not been fully explored in soil-transmitted helminths. Hence, this research aims to determine the consequences of these mutations on thein silicodimerization of hookworm α- and β-tubulins using open-source bioinformatics tools. Methods The α- and β-tubulin amino acid sequences ofAncylostoma ceylanicumwere used to predict the hookworm tubulin heterodimer fold via AlphaFold 3. Modeled complexes underwent several protein structure quality assurance checks. The complex’s binding free energies, overall binding affinity, dissociation constant, and interacting amino acids were determined. The dimer’s structural flexibility and motion were simulated through molecular dynamics. Results Benzimidazole resistance-associated amino acid substitutions in the β-tubulin isotype 1 protein of hookworms conferred alterations in tubulin dimerization. The E198K, E198V, and F200Y mutations provided the strongest and most stable binding between the α and β subunits, surpassing that of the wild-type. The opposite was observed in complexes with the Q134H and F200L mutations. The molecular dynamics simulations showed that both wild-type and mutated tubulin dimers shared similar dynamic behavior, except for slight alterations in those that have the F200L and E198K mutations. Conclusion Beyond hindering benzimidazole binding to the β-tubulin subunit, resistance-associated mutations enhance the hookworm's capacity to resist treatment through strengthening and stabilizing tubulin dimer interactions. Meanwhile, other mutations diminish the dimer’s interaction which could be to the detriment of the hookworm. Our results provide novel insights into helminth tubulin dimerization that are useful for research on new anthelmintics targeting tubulin dimerization.
On the typification of hydrological regimes in the sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Tatyana Belonenko V. , Pavel Fayman A. , Vladimir Luchin A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Based on all available materials from deep-sea oceanographic observations and a diagnostic model for current calculations, the interannual variability of hydrological fields and the dynamics of the Sea of Okhotsk waters for "cold" and "warm" hydrological years have been discussed. The analyzed oceanographic dataset for the Sea of Okhotsk contained 101,508 stations from 1930 to 2020. The criterion for classifying the hydrological regimes of the Sea of Okhotsk is discussed, based on measurements of the water temperature of the cold intermediate layer. Despite the frequent use of the chosen criterion, we demonstrated that it is not relevant for classifying the hydrological regimes of the Sea of Okhotsk, as the contribution of salinity to the processes under consideration exceeds that of temperature by 17 times. To identify clearer distinctions in the typical circulation features of the Sea of Okhotsk, it is also necessary to consider the interannual changes in salinity in the region.
Thermal effects on the biological parameters of Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on bean
Authors: Dona Rochelyn , Satar Serdar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora is a polyphagous specie that has spread all over the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal effects on the developmental period times, longevity, and fecundity of apterous females of A. craccivora. The experiment was conducted under the effects of four temperature regimes, which are 16°C, 20°C, 24°C, and 28°C, with 65 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) and a photoperiod of long-day 16:8 (L:D) h. After transferring the nymphs developed successfully until the adult stage at all temperature regimes. The developmental periods of the immature A. craccivora ranged from 10.6 days at 16°C to 5.0 days at 28°C. The nymph viability and survival were longer at 24°C than the others. However, at the constant temperature of 28°C, the death ratio was higher than others at the immature stages of A. craccivora. The lower developmental threshold for cowpea aphid was estimated at 1.77°C and 66.79 degree-days (DD) at the first instar until adult. The average longevity of adult females decreased from 22.2 days at 16°C to 10.8 days at 28°C. The net reproduction rate per female was 46.97 at 24°C and 26.93 to 28°C. The largest intrinsic rates of increase (rm= 0.367) occurred at 28°C, the smallest at 16°C (rm= 0.177). It was obvious that temperatures over 28°C provided a good development, increased-mortality at the nymphal stages, reduced adult longevity, and diminished fecundity. The optimal growth variation of A. craccivora on beans was 20°C-24°C.
Wellbeing and the lived experience of injured workers following finalisation of a workers’ compensation claim
Authors: Weir James , Fary Robyn , Lee Samantha , Mitchell Tim , Johnston Venerina , Wyatt Mary , Guthrie Robert , Myers Prof Bronwyn , Beales Darren 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Workers’ compensation claims can negatively effect the wellbeing of injured workers. For some, these negative effects continue beyond finalisation of the workers’ compensation claim. It is unclear what factors influence wellbeing following finalisation of a workers’ compensation claim. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore wellbeing through the lived experience of individuals who have finalised a workers’ compensation claim in the state of Western Australia.
Methods: A qualitative study with individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews was performed (n=20, 55% female, average claim length 22.9 months, average time since claim end 33.4 months). Claim finalisation modes included full medical recovery, claim settlement with permanent impairment, direct settlement with the insurer and settlement with the insurer facilitated by a lawyer. The interview schedule was informed by a previous scoping review and cross-sectional survey completed by this research team. Qualitative data were analysed utilising a reflexive, interpretative phenomenological analysis approach.
Results: Five superordinate and their associated subordinate themes were identified. 1) The role of support, 2) Stigma and discrimination, 3) A new normal, 4) The importance of information and 5) Recommended resources.
Conclusions: Injured workers experience a range of outcomes related to their wellbeing and employment following the finalisation of their workers’ compensation claim. Based on their experiences, resources to facilitate a transition and adjustment to life following a claim have been suggested by injured workers, including information regarding seeking employment, seeking welfare support, educational materials regarding future expectations and individualised support care packages.