bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel image‐based approach for soybean seed phenotyping using machine learning techniques
Authors: Miranda Melissa Cristina de Carvalho , Aono Alexandre Hild , Pinheiro José Baldin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSoybean is important for protein and oil worldwide, requiring investments in research and production technology, mainly breeding programs, to meet the increasing demand. Seed morphology, including area, perimeter, and circularity, significantly impacts soybean yield. However, the analysis of these factors has been hindered by the lack of efficient computational approaches that offer accuracy and flexibility to user preferences and needs. This study presents a soybean phenotyping system framework that includes: seed segmentation in soybean images, morphological evaluation, and image‐based prediction of hundred‐seed weight (HSW). We used genotypes from a partial diallel cross design and collected red‐green‐blue images of seeds from each plot. We developed an in‐house image processing pipeline for seed segmentation, which enabled a full morphological evaluation of the seeds. For predicting the HSW, we compared machine learning algorithms using the obtained morphological characteristics as input and features from state‐of‐the‐art convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures. Our image segmentation methodology correctly identified over 98% of the seeds in the images, even when they were in proximity. Our morphological phenotyping approach's adaptability to other plant species was verified, fully demonstrating the pipeline's generalizability. The morphological measurements were effective in predicting the HSW with an accuracy of 0.71 predictive ability and mean squared error (MSE) of 3.15 (mean HSW of 19.74). The same results were observed for CNN features, highlighting the efficiency of the morphological measurements. ResNet‐50 had the most effective feature extraction, with a mean accuracy of 0.60 (MSE of 4.15). Our study can aid automated phenotyping tool development in research and industry.
Activating transcription factor 4 drives the progression of diabetic cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Li Yu , He Qian , He Chao‐Yong , Cai Chao , Chen Zhen , Duan Jing‐Zhu 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is one of serious complications of diabetic patients. This study investigated the biological function of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in DC.Methods and resultsStreptozotocin‐treated mice and high glucose (HG)‐exposed HL‐1 cells were used as the in vivo and in vitro models of DC. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by left coronary artery ligation in mice. Cardiac functional parameters were detected by echocardiography. Target molecule expression was determined by real time quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cardiac fibrosis was observed by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's staining. Cardiac apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling. Activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and levels of malonic dialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were used to assess oxidative stress damage. Molecular mechanisms were evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual luciferase assay, and co‐immunoprecipitation. ATF4 was up‐regulated in the DC and MI mice (P < 0.01). Down‐regulation of ATF4 improved cardiac function as evidenced by changes in cardiac functional parameters (P < 0.01), inhibited myocardial collagen I (P < 0.001) and collagen III (P < 0.001) expression, apoptosis (P < 0.001), and oxidative stress (P < 0.001) in diabetic mice. Collagen I (P < 0.01) and collagen III (P < 0.01) expression was increased in MI mice, which was reversed by ATF4 silencing (P < 0.05). ATF4 depletion enhanced viability (P < 0.01), repressed apoptosis (P < 0.001), oxidative damage (P < 0.001), and collagen I (P < 0.001), and collagen III (P < 0.001) expression of HG‐stimulated HL‐1 cells. ATF4 transcriptionally activated Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2, P < 0.001) to promote ubiquitination and degradation of homeodomain interacting protein kinase‐2 (P < 0.001) and subsequently caused inactivation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 pathway (P < 0.001). The inhibitory effects of ATF4 silencing on HG‐induced apoptosis (P < 0.01), oxidative injury (P < 0.01), collagen I (P < 0.001), and collagen III (P < 0.001) expression were reversed by Smurf2 overexpression.ConclusionsATF4 facilitates diabetic cardiac fibrosis and oxidative stress by promoting Smurf2‐mediated ubiquitination and degradation of homeodomain interacting protein kinase‐2 and then inactivation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 pathway, suggesting ATF4 as a treatment target for DC.
Cost‐utility analysis of add‐on dapagliflozin in heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Tang Yi , Sang Haiqiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsThe DELIVER study demonstrates a significant improvement in cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure among heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Cost‐utility of the adjunct use of dapagliflozin to standard therapy among patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF remains unclear.Methods and resultsA five‐state Markov mode was constructed to project health and clinical outcomes of the adjunct use of dapagliflozin to standard therapy among 65‐year‐old patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF. A cost‐utility analysis was performed based on the DELIVER study and national statistical database. The cost and utility was inflated to 2022 by the usual discount rate of 5%. The primary outcomes were total cost and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) per patients as well as the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio. Sensitivity analyses were also applied. Over a 15 year lifetime horizon, the average cost per patient was $7245.77 and $5407.55 in the dapagliflozin group and the standard group, along with an incremental cost of $1838.22. The average QALYs per patient was 6.00 QALYs and 5.84 QALYs in the dapagliflozin group and the standard group, along with an incremental QALYs of 0.15 QALYs, resulting in the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $11 865.33/QALY, which was below the willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) of $12 652.5/QALY. The univariate sensitivity analysis indicated the cardiovascular death in both group was the most sensitive variable. Probability sensitivity analysis revealed that when the WTP thresholds were $12 652.5/QALY and $37 957.5/QALY, the probabilities of being cost‐effective with dapagliflozin as an add‐on were 54.6% and 71.6%, respectively.ConclusionsFrom a public healthcare system perspective, the adjunct use of dapagliflozin to standard therapy among patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF generated advantages in cost‐effectiveness in China at a WTP of $12 652.5/QALY, which promoted the rational use of dapagliflozin for heart failure.
Effect of solvation shell structure on thermopower of liquid redox pairs
Authors: Chen Yuchi , Huang Qiangqiang , Liu Te‐Huan , Qian Xin , Yang Ronggui 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDeveloping redox electrolytes with high thermopower is the key to making efficient thermogalvanic batteries for harvesting low‐grade heat. This work applies molecular dynamics simulations to predict the thermopower (i.e. thermogalvanic temperature coefficient) of the redox pairs Fe(CN)63−/Fe(CN)64− and Fe3+/Fe2+, showing excellent agreement with experimental values. We showed that of the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox pair can be increased from 1.70.4 mV/K to 3.80.5 mV/K with the increased acetone to water fraction. We discovered a significant change in the variance of solvent dipole orientation between Fe3+ and Fe2+, which can serve as a microscopic indicator for large . In mixed acetone‐water solvent, of Fe3+/Fe2+ showed a rapid increase at high acetone fractions, due to the intercalation of acetone molecules into the first solvation shell of the Fe2+ at high acetone fractions. Our discovery provides insights into how solvation shell order can be engineered to develop electrolytes with high .image
Studies on the efficiency of fish scale adsorbents for treatment of fish processing effluent
Authors: Devasena S. Subhashree , Padmavathy P. , Rani V. , Ganesan P. , Pereira J. Jaculine 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPollution of water by organic and inorganic contaminants is a serious environmental issue. The primary emphasis of this present investigation was to reduce wastewater pollution and environmental burden related to fish waste disposal. Prime pollutant parameters such as biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in fish processing effluent were treated by adsorbents produced from waste fish scales viz., dried fish scale adsorbent and fish scale biochar. A control was used and the entire study was carried out in batch mode to assess the influence of adsorbent dosage levels, contact time, and pH conditions. The experiments revealed that prepared fish scale biochar was as effective as control in achieving a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of BOD (87%) and COD (84%) at 150 min treatment time with 0.24 and 0.48 g dosage level. The optimum pH range was found to be 6–8. The experimental data fitted well with pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir isotherm models (R2 > 0.911). The influence of intraparticle diffusion in adsorption treatment was tested with Weber–Morris plot. The experiments were done in triplicate and all data were statistically tested using MS Excel, IBM SPSS (version 26), and OriginPro software packages.
Food losses, food waste, and beyond in food supply chains: Retaining optimum nutrient density
Authors: Eastham Jane , Creedon Annette 
Published: June 2023

Abstract“Food systems” as a concept draws upon systems thinking and facilitates a transdisciplinary approach to address the complexity of delivering the Sustainable Development Goals in developed and developing food regimes. Extant literature has used a food supply chain/systems approach to evaluate sources of food loss and waste (FLW) and their impact on food accessibility and therefore nutrient availability. The maximization of nutrients available to a growing global population is a critical aspect in the sustainable agenda and it is acknowledged that the continued augmentation of food produce is no longer the sole solution. However, there is a drive for greater efficiency, not simply in the resources deployed, but in the utilization of the food produced. This paper argues that FLW are not the only sources of nutrient loss within a supply chain and that there is a loss of nutrient density as the food progresses through the supply chain with the deterioration of nutrients in food within the food supply chain. It is argued here that in parallel to the management of loss and waste, there is a further need for a research agenda to explore the reality of loss of nutrient density holistically as it passes from farm to fork, building on the existing scientific research at each tier within the supply chain.
The use of hydrogel structures in production of extruded rice and investigation of its qualitative characteristics
Authors: Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Shahidi‐Noghabi Mostafa , Modiri Dovom Atena , Davtalab Maryam 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the quality parameters of extruded rice containing hydrogel and comparing with natural rice (Hashemi variety rice). Extruded rice was produced with composite hydrogel (gellan, xanthan and sodium alginate) at the concentrations of 0.0 (control sample), gellan (0.5%)‐alginate (0.5%) (GA1), gellan (1%)‐alginate (1%) (GA2), gellan (0.5%)‐alginate (0.5%)‐xanthan (0.1%) (GAX 1%), and gellan (1%)‐alginate (1%)‐xanthan (0.2%) (GAX2%). The use of hydrogels had no significant effect on moisture content, ash content, cooking time, and color properties of extruded rice (p ≥ .05). In contrast, hydrogel significantly increased water absorption ratio (WAR), water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI), and textural properties (p ˂ .05) of extruded rice. This observation supports the highest score found for extruded rice containing GA2% and GAX2% in sensory properties, which were similar to natural rice. GA2% rice sample showed the similar texture characteristic, cooking feature, and color parameter to natural rice, ultimately, showing better organoleptic properties.
Protective potential of fresh orange juice against zinc oxide nanoparticles‐induced trans‐placental and trans‐generational toxicity in mice
Authors: Ara Chaman , Andleeb Shagufta , Ali Shaukat , Majeed Barirah , Iqbal Asia , Arshad Madeeha , Chaudhary Asma , Asmatullah   , Muzamil Aliza 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDue to the emerging applications of nanoparticles, human exposure to nanoparticles is unavoidable, particularly to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), owing to their wide range of usage. The ongoing study aimed to evaluate trans‐generational toxic potential of ZnO NPs through exposure to F0 mothers, in F1 pups and F1 mature offspring and the protective potential of fresh orange juice (OJ). Twenty‐eight F0 mothers were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 7), control; untreated, dose group; exposed to ZnO NPs, dose+antidote group; coadministered ZnO NPs + OJ, antidote group; OJ, during the organogenetic period. Fifty percent of F0 mothers were subjected to cesarean sections on the 18th day of gestation and F1 pups were recovered, macro‐photographed, and dissected for liver evisceration, while 50% of F0 mothers underwent standard delivery. After parturition, F1 offspring were examined, and the liver and blood samples were extracted. Observations showed that ZnO NPs exposure in F0 mothers in preparturition and postparturition resulted in decreased body weight, increased liver weight, and elevated levels of ALT and AST significantly p ≤ .05 as compared to the control and antidote groups. Histopathological analysis of maternal livers intoxicated with NPs showed the disruptive structure of central vein, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells in F0 mothers, while F1 pups showed morphological deviations and distorted development of the liver tissue and congestion, in contrast to the control. F1 offspring of NPs exposed mothers, even at postnatal week 8 showed pyknotic nuclei and activated Kupffer cells in the liver sections against control. But in the case of the Dose+antidote group, alterations were less severe than in the dose group. It can be concluded that exposure to ZnO NPs instigates teratogenicity and hepatotoxicity in F1 pups, F0 mothers, and F1 offspring, respectively, while fresh orange juice acts as a remedial agent against the abovementioned toxicities.
Dementia, Sex, and Consent: Beyond the Uncomplicated Cases
Authors: Gross Jed Adam , Tenenbaum Evelyn M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis commentary responds to Samuel Director's article “Dementia and Concurrent Consent to Sexual Relations,” in the May‐June 2023 issue of the Hastings Center Report. In the article, Director sets out a set of conditions for sexual consent after one partner in a committed, long‐term relationship develops dementia. While we share Director's view that dementia patients should not be categorically cut off from sexual intimacy, we caution against the use of his approach as a rigid test for allowing sexual activity. Director's analysis does not address the full range of plausibly permissible sexual relationships, which is unfortunate, as intimacy has consistently been linked to physical and psychological well‐being. Moreover, because decisions about sex often carry moral and emotional overtones, we propose that a dementia patient's prior values should sometimes be considered by caregivers in a measured way.
A multimode‐fused sensory memory system based on a robust self‐assembly nanoscaffolded BaTiO3:Eu2O3 memristor
Authors: Yan Xiaobing , Zhang Yinxing , Fang Ziliang , Sun Yong , Liu Pan , Sun Jiameng , Jia Xiaotong , Sun Shiqing , Guo Zhenqiang , Zhao Zhen 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBiologically inspired neuromorphic sensory memory systems based on memristor have received a lot of attention in the booming artificial intelligence industry due to significant potential to effectively process multi‐sensory signals from complex external environments. However, many memristors have significant switching parameters disperse, which is a great challenge for using memristors in bionic neuromorphic sensory memory systems. Herein, a stable ferroelectric memristor based on the Pd/BaTiO3:Eu2O3/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 grown on Silicon structure with SrTiO3 as buffer layer is presented. The device possesses low coercive field voltage (−1.3–2.1 V) and robust endurance characteristic (~1010 cycles) through optimizing the growth temperature. More importantly, an ultra‐stable artificial multimodal sensory memory system with visual and tactile functions was reported for the first time by combining a pressure sensor, a photosensitive sensor, and a robotic arm. Utilizing the above system, the sensitivity value of the system is expressed by the conductance of the memristor to realize the gradual change of external stimulus, and multi signals inputs at the same time to this system have faithfully achieved sensory adaptation to multimodal sensors. This work paves the way for future development of memristor‐based perception systems in efficient multisensory neural robots.image
Circ_001422 aggravates osteosarcoma progression through targeting miR‐497‐5p/E2F3 axis
Authors: Li Xinyu , Zhao Xin , Li Jin , Zhang Xiaozhan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCircular RNAs exert vital functions in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma (OS). Circ_001422 has been confirmed to be involved in regulating OS progression, but its specific mechanism has not been clearly studied. This work aimed to analyze circ_001422's role in OS cell biological behaviors and the possible molecular mechanisms. This work carried out reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction for detecting circ_001422, E2F3 and miR‐497‐5p levels, whereas Cell counting kit‐8 together with Transwell assays for measuring cell growth, migration as well as invasion abilities. Relation of miR‐497‐5p with E2F3, as well as circ_001422 with miR‐497‐5p was analyzed through dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Protein level was identified by western blot. According to our results, circ_001422 expression within OS tissue significantly increased compared with corresponding healthy samples. Inhibition of circ_001422 significantly decreased OS cell growth, invasion and migration. From mechanism research, miR‐497‐5p was proved as circ_001422's target, and E2F3 was miR‐497‐5p's target. Besides, miR‐497‐5p downregulation or E2F3 overexpression abolished circ_001422 inhibition‐mediated inhibition on OS cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Collectively, this study has first suggested circ_001422's role in enhancing OS proliferation, migration as well as invasion via miR‐497‐5p/E2F3 axis. Our results will offer new ideas and new anti‐OS targets.
The production of highly efficientvisible‐light‐driven electrospunα‐Fe2O3photocatalyst through modifying iron source material for wastewater treatment applications
Authors: Alp Emre , Borazan İsmail 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundHeterogeneous photocatalysis has been considered one of the most attractive methods in the wastewater remediation process due to allowing continuous re‐use, the reactions taking place at room temperature, and photocatalysts are inexpensive.ObjectiveWith the optimization of the structural properties of hematite at the nanometer level by utilizing engineering strategies such as morphology regulation, and shape control, it is possible to enhance its photocatalytic performance. The study's main objective is to improve photocatalytic performances of visible‐light photoactive hematite materials produced by engineering strategies.MethodsThe α‐Fe2O3photocatalyst fibres with highly porous were fabricated by electrospinning method, allowing extraordinary length, a large ratio of length to diameter, hierarchically porous structure, high surface area, small grain sizes, and high porosity.ResultsIn the heterogeneous photocatalysis of the electrospun α‐Fe2O3nanofibers against two model dyes representing anionic (MO) and cationic (RhB) characteristics, both electrospun α‐Fe2O3nanofibers showed good photocatalytic activity against used model pollutants. The α‐ α‐Fe2O3nanofibers produced using iron(III) chloride hexahydrate exhibited a higher photocatalytic degradation rate against both dye pollutants relative to the α‐ α‐Fe2O3nanofibers produced using iron(III) chloride.ConclusionsDepending on the used iron sources and associatively their final morphological characteristics, it was observed that their photocatalytic degradation performances were seriously affected. It is suggested that electrospun α‐Fe2O3nanofibers, especially those with highly porous and smaller diameters, are suitable candidates as a visible‐light‐driven semiconductor material to use in advanced oxidation processes for removing pollutants from wastewater.
Effects of biochar addition on anaerobic co‐digestion of sewage sludge and swine manure: copper immobilization and digestion performance
Authors: Ma Wucheng , Han Rui , Zhu Liang , Chen Lin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDA significant concentration of the heavy metal Cu is found in sludge and swine manure, and excessive agricultural use of Cu can seriously inhibit plant growth. There is a critical need for an effective technology to address the issue of biotoxicity.RESULTSThis study aimed to immobilize heavy metal Cu and decrease its bioavailability by adding biochar for anaerobic co‐digestion (AcoD) with swine manure and sludge. Coconut shell biochar (CSB), bamboo biochar (BC) and fruit shell biochar (FSB) were prepared by pyrolysis based on coconut shell, bamboo and fruit shell as precursors. Anaerobic co‐digestion experiments were designed (sludge inoculation ratio: 20% of working volume), a biochar dosing ratio of 5% (dry weight of swine manure) and the effects on Cu immobilization and biogas production performance were investigated. CSB had a larger specific surface area (765.2 m2 g−1) and more abundant surface functional groups (CO, CO, OCO, OH) than BC and FSB. CSB treatment demonstrated that the ultimate cumulative biogas production was 360.27 mL g−1 volatile solid – 76.30% higher than the control (no addition). CSB addition decreased the amount of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid‐extractable Cu to 19.75 mg kg−1 (immobilizing 75%). The correlation between environmental factors (pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total organic carbon) and Cu immobilization was verified by redundancy analysis, and a positive correlation was revealed between phosphorus content and the Cu immobilization effect.CONCLUSIONThis article presented comparative biochar research and contributed to assessing the environmental risk of Cu in anaerobic digestion. It guided the application of biochar for the treatment of heavy metal pollution. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).