Browse Articles

Concurrent improvements in maize yield and drought resistance through breeding advances in the U.S.Corn Belt

Abstract Drought increasingly challenges rainfed maize ( Zea mays L.) production worldwide, with pressures expected to intensify under future climate scenarios. Recent studies have examined the genetic and physiological bases of yield and drought tolerance improvements in maize; however, comprehensive, field-based quantification of synchronous improvements of yield and drought resistance across diverse environmental conditions remain limited. By compiling a dataset of 92,096 hybrid-trial observations across the U.S. Corn Belt (2000–2020), our environmental index approach provides evidence of consistent yield increases across diverse environmental conditions. Using linear mixed-effects modeling, we reveal these gains are accompanied by enhanced drought resistance during the grain filling period. Projections suggest that by 2100, new hybrids could transform drought resistance, reducing yield losses by 17.8% compared to old hybrids, suggesting the potential of breeding innovations to buffer maize against drought stress. This study highlights recent breeding efforts, reinforcing adaptative capacity of maize and providing a promising pathway to sustain food security in a warming climate.

IEEE 802.11af-enabled scalable cognitive radio sensor networks with adaptive priority management for early forest fire forewarning

Abstract Forest fires cause severe ecological and economic damage, and their early detection is critical for effective disaster management. Conventional wireless sensor networks often fail to deliver timely alerts during emergencies due to congestion and unreliable channel conditions in forest environments. This paper proposes a Cognitive Radio Sensor Network (CRSN) utilizing IEEE 802.11af technology for Forest Fire Early Warning and Emergency Notification System to address these challenges. The system integrates temperature, smoke, and gas sensors with Cognitive radio sensor nodes to detect forest fire events and prioritize emergency alert transmissions. By dynamically sensing and utilizing idle licensed channels, the system bypasses congestion, and an Adaptive Priority Management for prioritizing classes for emergency notification, ensuring low-latency and reliable delivery of fire alerts. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed system achieves lower bit error rates and reduced latency under varying environmental conditions, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of forest fire emergency notifications.

SMMTM: Motor imagery EEG decoding algorithm using a hybrid multi-branch separable convolutional self-attention temporal convolutional network

Motor imagery (MI) is a brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with the potential to change human life in the future. MI signals have been widely applied in various BCI applications, including neurorehabilitation, smart home control, and prosthetic control. However, the limited accuracy of MI signals decoding remains a significant barrier to the broader growth of the BCI applications. In this study, we propose the SMMTM model, which combines spatiotemporal convolution (SC), multi-branch separable convolution (MSC), multi-head self-attention (MSA), temporal convolution network (TCN), and multimodal feature fusion (MFF). Specifically, we use the SC module to capture both temporal and spatial features. We design a MSC to capture temporal features at multiple scales. In addition, MSA is designed to extract valuable global features with long-term dependence. The TCN is employed to capture higher-level temporal features. The MFF consists of feature fusion and decision fusion, using the features output from the SMMTM to improve robustness. The SMMTM was evaluated on the public benchmark BCI Comparison IV 2a and 2b datasets, the results showed that the within-subject classification accuracies for the datasets were 84.96% and 89.26% respectively, with kappa values of 0.797 and 0.756. The cross-subject classification accuracy for the 2a dataset was 69.21%, with a kappa value of 0.584. These results indicate that the SMMTM significantly enhances decoding performance, providing a strong foundation for advancing practical BCI implementations.

Predicting hypotension, syncope, and fracture risk in patients indicated for antihypertensive treatment: the STRATIFY models

Abstract Antihypertensives are associated with increased risk of syncope, hypotension, and fractures, but the highest-risk individuals are unclear. This study aimed to develop and validate three models to predict these outcomes in patients with an indication for antihypertensive treatment. A cohort study was conducted using data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Patients aged 40+ with systolic blood pressure 130-179 mmHg were included. Outcomes were first hypotension, syncope, or fracture leading to hospitalization or death within 10 years. Models were derived from CPRD GOLD data ( n  = 1,773,224) and validated with CPRD Aurum data ( n  = 3,805,366). Each model had 31-37 predictors. Validation demonstrated strong discriminative ability (10-year C-statistic: hypotension 0.824; syncope 0.819; fracture 0.790), with close agreement between predicted and observed risks for the hypotension and syncope models. Some underprediction was observed for the fracture model. These models could be used to help reassure patients about the relatively low risk of harm from antihypertensive treatment, or identify the small number of individuals with a higher risk where additional monitoring may be indicated.

Research on the potential mechanisms and therapeutic drug for the co-occurrence of major depressive disorder in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Curcumin attenuates LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells: A multifaceted study integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and experimental validation

Background Inflammation is a critical immune response that protects the body from infections and injuries. However, chronic inflammation can lead to diseases such as cancer. Curcumin, a bioactive compound extracted from Curcuma longa , has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. Despite extensive research, the comprehensive molecular mechanisms underlying curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects, particularly its multi-target regulatory network, remain incompletely understood. This study aims to elucidate these mechanisms using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro experimental validation. Methods We utilized network pharmacology to identify potential targets and pathways involved in curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation were conducted to evaluate the binding affinity and stability of curcumin with key inflammatory targets. The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin were further validated in vitro using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Cell viability, NO content, and mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines ( IL-1β , IL-6, and TNF ) were assessed. Results Network pharmacology identified 135 potential targets for curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects, with key pathways including TNF, HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of curcumin with core targets such as IL-6, TNF, IL-1β, AKT1, and STAT3, with binding energies ranging from −6.2 to −7.5 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the stability of these complexes over a 100-nanosecond period. In vitro experiments showed that curcumin significantly reduced NO production and mRNA expression of IL-1β , IL-6, and TNF in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with optimal effects observed at a concentration of 125 μg/mL. Conclusion Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory mechanisms through an integrated approach. The findings highlight curcumin’s potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases. However, further in vivo studies are necessary to fully elucidate its therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action.

Structure-guided discovery of Otopetrin 1 inhibitors reveals druggable binding sites at the intrasubunit interface

Abstract Proton conductance across cell membranes serves many biological functions, ranging from the regulation of intracellular and extracellular pH to the generation of electrical signals that lead to sour taste perception. Otopetrins (OTOPs) are a conserved, eukaryotic family of proton-selective ion channels, one of which (OTOP1) serves as a gustatory sensor for sour tastes and ammonium chloride. As the functional properties and structures of OTOP channels were only recently described, there are presently few tools available to modulate their activity. Here, we perform subsequent rounds of molecular docking-based virtual screening against the structure of zebrafish OTOP1, followed by functional testing using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, and identify several small molecule inhibitors that are effective in the low-to-mid µM range. Cryo-electron microscopy structures reveal inhibitor binding sites in the intrasubunit interface that are validated by functional testing of mutant channels. Our findings reveal pockets that can be targeted for small molecule discovery to develop modulators for Otopetrins. Such modulators can serve as useful toolkit molecules for future investigations of structure-function relationships or physiological roles of Otopetrins.

Trends and determinants of high-risk fertility in Ethiopia from 2011 to 2019 using spatial and decomposition analysis

Barriers and enablers to primary health care center access for older people in Lebanon: A qualitative inquiry

Introduction Older people in low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges when accessing primary care services. In Lebanon, most older people (75%) living with at least one chronic disease previously accessed private health services for care. However, the economic crisis substantially increased their reliance on primary healthcare centers (PHCCs), while factors shaping access to public services were unknown. This study explores the barriers and enablers influencing access to PHCCs’ services. Methods This descriptive qualitative study involved 57 people including older adults (aged 60–92 years), informal caregivers, and service providers, recruited using maximum variation sampling. Data were collected through seven focus groups and fifteen interviews. The Framework Method was adopted for thematic analysis. The Patient-centered Access to Healthcare Framework facilitated mapping of barriers and enablers across five access opportunities. Results Findings are presented under five themes: 1) perception of healthcare needs , enabled by acute symptoms, free services, literacy, and familial support but hindered by lack of information on services; 2) healthcare seeking , supported by respectful providers, familial support, available quality services, and positive leadership, but constrained by providers’ attitudes, poor service organization, limited finances, and negative perceptions; 3) healthcare reaching , enabled by proximity of PHCCs and home care, but limited by transport issues, mobility restrictions, staff and resource shortages, and service delivery challenges; 4) healthcare utilization , facilitated by low fees and economic recession, but hindered by lack of funds and financial resources; and 5) healthcare consequences, facilitated through positive relationships, literacy, and personal abilities, but constrained by cognitive and sensory limitations, poor relationships, and lack of care continuity, coordination, comprehensiveness, and patient-centeredness. Conclusions This study highlights the challenges for older people, indicating factors to be strengthened and barriers requiring action at the PHCC and multi-sectoral levels. Ensuring adequate funding, information, and health coverage is primordial to improve older people’s access to PHCCs.

Copper-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of γ-butenolides via radical diversification of allenoic acid

Isolated lumbar extension exercise alone or in a multimodal program for low back pain and radiculopathy: a non-randomized controlled trial

Abstract Isolated lumbar extension resistance exercise (ILEX) has been shown to effectively address chronic low back pain (LBP) and paraspinal deconditioning. However, its role within the widely recommended multimodal management approaches remains unclear. This study aimed to: (1) closely monitor the effects of ILEX throughout the course of a 16-weeks intervention, applied as a stand-alone approach in patients with nociceptive and/or neuropathic pain and (2) to compare this intervention with a multimodal treatment program including general exercise (GE) and manual therapy (MT). Fifty-eight LBP patients were enrolled in this single-center (Wuerzburg, Germany), prospective, non-randomized controlled trial. The ILEX-only group ( Powerspine Back [ PSB] : n = 29) completed 25 sessions of ILEX, whereas the integrative group ( PSB + : n = 29) also received GE (added to each session) and MT (5 to 7 sessions). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 16 weeks including lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), echointensity (EI) (ultrasound-derived), isometric lumbar strength (isokinetic device) and validated questionnaires (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]; Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]; Short-Form 36). Between-subjects repeated measures ANOVA and correlation analyses were performed. Both groups (PSB: m = 16, f = 15, Ø40.26 (± 13.71) years, BMI 25.16 (± 4.07) kg/m 2 ; PSB+ : m = 16, f = 13, Ø42.00 (± 12.69) years, BMI 25.20 (± 3.29) kg/m 2 ) demonstrated comparable linear improvements in multifidus CSA (PSB: Δ0.59 [95% CI 0.36–0.82] cm 2 ; PSB+ : Δ0.72 [95% CI 0.49–0.96] cm 2 , both p  < 0.001; main effect (group): p  = 0.52) along with similar strength gains (PSB: Δ96.79 [95% CI 57.64–135.93] Nm; PSB+ : Δ86.88 [95% CI 48.70–125.06] Nm; both p  < 0.001; main effect (group): p  = 0.91) over time. EI remained unchanged in both groups. No-between group differences were observed for self-reported measures, while all outcomes significantly improved (ODI: PSB: − 15.0 [95% CI − 19.3 to − 10.8], PSB+ : − 11.7 [95% CI − 16.0 to − 7.4]; VAS: PSB: − 29.30 [95% CI − 37.73 to − 20.86], PSB+ : − 29.34 [95% CI − 37.78 to − 20.91], both p  < 0.001). Only PSB+ showed correlations between multifidus changes and clinical outcomes. Stand-alone and combined isolated lumbar extension resistance exercise interventions are effective in reversing muscle deconditioning and produce comparable clinical outcomes. The results inform clinical decision-making and support the development of targeted, resource-efficient rehabilitation strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06890052 (20/03/2025) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06890052?cond=NCT06890052%20&rank=1 )

Curated mitochondrial genome reference database of state key protected wild mammal in China

Effective conservation of wild mammals necessitates accurate taxonomic classification and reliable genetic reference data. In China, the List of State Key Protected Wild Animals serves as a critical tool for species protection. However, taxonomic revisions and gaps in genetic data can impede its effectiveness. In this study, we updated the List of State Key Protected Wild Animals (2021) by incorporating recent taxonomic and distributional evidence, resulting in a refined list of 169 mammalian species that are protected. We identified 15 taxa lacking complete mitochondrial genome data and addressed this gap by generating 12 new mitogenomes for nine taxa using a combination of GenBank database mining and next-generation sequencing of museum specimens and fecal samples. These efforts led to the establishment of a curated mitochondrial genome reference database encompassing 164 species. Our analyses also uncovered taxonomic ambiguities in genera such as Moschus and Naemorhedus , and highlighted mislabeling issues within public genetic databases. This curated database enhances the accuracy of forensic species identification, supports biodiversity monitoring, and strengthens wildlife law enforcement. Our findings underscore the value of integrating historical specimens with mitogenomic approaches to advance wildlife conservation efforts.

Structural mechanisms of assembly, gating, and calmodulin modulation of human olfactory CNG channel

Abstract Mammalian cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels play crucial roles in visual and olfactory signal transduction. In olfactory sensory neurons, the native CNG channel functions as a heterotetramer consisting of CNGA2, CNGA4, and CNGB1b subunits and is activated by cAMP. Calmodulin (CaM) modulates the activity of the olfactory CNG channel, enabling rapid adaptation to odorants. Here we present cryo-EM structures of the native human olfactory CNGA2/A4/B1b channel in both CaM-bound closed and cAMP-bound open states, elucidating the molecular basis of the 2:1:1 subunit stoichiometry in channel assembly and the asymmetrical channel gating upon cAMP activation. Combining structural and functional analyses with AlphaFold prediction, we define two distinct CaM binding sites (CaM1 and CaM2) on the N- and C-terminal regions of CNGB1b, respectively, shedding light on the molecular mechanism of Ca 2+ /CaM-mediated rapid inhibition of the native olfactory CNG channel.

Mediating effects of positive self-beliefs, social emotions, and worry on childhood socioeconomic status and prosocial and antisocial rule-breaking

Abstract Examining the impact of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) on prosocial and antisocial behaviors through positive self-beliefs, social emotions, and worry could be critical for intervention strategies. This study collected data, including sociodemographic characteristics, childhood socioeconomic status, the Oxford positive self, the Dunn Worry Questionnaire, social anxiety scale for social media users, prosocial and antisocial rule-breaking, and social–emotional expertise in eastern China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to scrutinize pathways from childhood SES to prosocial and antisocial behaviors through positive self-beliefs, social emotions, and worry. A total of 482 adolescents, mean age was 18.58 months (SD = 1.11). Childhood SES significantly influenced prosocial and antisocial behaviors through positive self-beliefs and worry. Childhood SES significantly influenced prosocial and antisocial behaviors through social emotions, positive self-beliefs and worry. Childhood SES significantly influenced prosocial and antisocial behaviors through social emotions and worry. Childhood SES significantly influenced prosocial and antisocial behaviors through worry. The findings highlight the need for intervention programs in upper- and middle-income countries (UMICs) that aim to improve prosocial behaviors by fostering childhood SES through positive self-beliefs, social emotions, and worry.

Rational design of multi-epitope vaccine for Chandipura virus using an immunoinformatics approach

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is endemic in India, with frequent outbreaks reported. No approved medicines or vaccines exist for CHPV. We aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine for CHPV using immunoinformatics approaches. In this study, a multi-epitope vaccine construct was developed by combining 11 CTL epitopes, 2 HTL epitopes, and 1 linear B-cell epitope from glycoprotein (G) with 1 EAAAK linker, 10 AAY linkers, 2 GPGPG linkers, 1 KK linker, and adjuvant (RS-09 peptide). We predicted and optimized the vaccine’s protein structure. Furthermore, the vaccine 3D structure was docked with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) using the Cluspro 2.0 server, and the docked complex was analyzed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation by the assisted model building with energy refinement (AMBER) v.20 package. The vaccine’s immune simulation profile was determined, and the vaccine sequence was reverse translated and in silico cloned into the pET28a (+). The vaccine’s population coverage was 99.79% across the worldwide. The vaccine was soluble, non-allergenic and non-toxic, with high levels of antigenicity. The quality of the vaccine’s 3D structure improved following refining, and the number of residues in the most favoured regions of the Ramachandran plot increased by 94.2%. The molecular docking, with a docking score of −1157 kcal/mol, and MD simulation results revealed a robust interaction and remarkable stability between the vaccine and TLR4. The immune response simulation indicated a decrease in antigen levels and an increase in interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentrations after each injection. In silico results indicate that this vaccine possesses significant promise against CHPV; however, laboratory and animal studies are necessary to validate our findings.

Formal pyridine meta-azidation and its application for the synthesis of diazepines, ring-fused δ-carbolines and 1,2,3-triazolylpyridines

Abstract The nitrogen atom serves as an important structural element in pharmacologic studies, highlighting the critical role of nitrogen-containing heterocycles in drug discovery. Late-stage peripheral functionalization and structural editing of nitrogen-containing heterocycles have garnered increasing attention due to their potential for the preparation of diversifying drug-like libraries. In particular, the structural diversification of pyridine cores by introducing N atoms or N-containing functionalities shows promise, but remains underexplored. Here, we report a synthetic strategy that combines the introduction of the versatile azide moiety with molecular editing. This approach comprises an initial peripheral regioselective meta-azidation of pyridines through dearomatized oxazino pyridine intermediates, and a subsequent molecular editing step via a photo-mediated singlet nitrene insertion process. We have demonstrated the utility of this strategy by the synthesis of seven-membered diazepines. Furthermore, ring-fused δ-carbolines and 1,2,3-triazolylpyridines can be also accessed through chemical manipulation of the azide functionality.

Bacillus velezensis ES2-4 modulates root exudation and microbiome remodeling to enhance soybean resistance against gray mold

Simulation analysis and experimental study on cylinder grading of maize seeds based on discrete element method: A study on cylindrical grading of maize seeds

A cylindrical grader is an important piece of equipment used to grade maize seeds. However, the motion and distribution patterns of seeds within the cylindrical grading process remain poorly understood, leading to a heavy reliance on empirical adjustments of operational parameters during grading. This results in issues such as low grading efficiency, unstable operational performance, and failure to meet practical production requirements. To investigate the motion and distribution patterns of maize seeds during cylindrical grading, key simulation parameters characterizing the maize seeds and grading cylinders were experimentally determined. Discrete element models of maize seeds and the grading cylinder were subsequently developed using EDEM 2018 software. Variations in seed motion velocity and the coefficient of variation (CV) along the circumferential and axial directions were analyzed under different operational parameters, including cylinder rotational speed, inclination angle, and feeding rate. Discrete element simulations combined with orthogonal experiments revealed that the order of influence of these factors on the grading qualification rate was as follows: inclination angle > rotational speed > feeding rate. The results of the interaction analysis showed that the interaction between the inclination angle and rotational speed significantly affected the grading qualification rate, while the interactions among the other factors had no significant effect. The optimized parameter combination was identified as a rotational speed of 47.08 r/min, an inclination angle of 0.52°‌, and a feeding rate of ‌303.07 g/s‌, achieving a theoretical grading qualification rate of 97.24%. Validation experiments conducted with this optimal combination yielded a practical grading qualification rate of ‌93.83%‌, with the relative error between the experimental and predicted values below 4%‌. These results confirm the validity of discrete element simulations for analyzing maize seed motion dynamics and provide a valuable reference for further research in this field.

A cortex-wide multimodal microscope for simultaneous Ca2+ and hemodynamic imaging in awake mice

Exploring soliton solutions and dynamical features of three dimensional Gardner Kadomtsov Petviashvili equation

Abstract In this paper, the dynamical features and soliton structures of the Gardner-Kadomtsov-Petviashvili equation in three dimensions are looked at. The Jacobi elliptic function method yields wave solutions that display distinct behaviors based on parameter variations. We reformulate the system into a planar dynamical system via the Galilean transformation for further analysis.Phase portraits are depicted by adjusting the bifurcation parameters , while periodic and super nonlinear periodic wave solutions are portrayed using numerical simulations. Furthermore, quasi-periodic and chaotic behavior is depicted by varying the external forcing term and using tools such as Lyapunov exponents, Poincaré maps, and sensitivity analysis. Changes in frequency and amplitude strongly influence the system’s dynamics, offering insights that can improve predictions, enhance control methods, and optimize model performance.