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Strategic risk analysis for the selection of stable and high-potential maize genotypes in multi-environment trials
Plant breeders are increasingly utilizing stability parameters as valuable tools for selecting cultivars in the context of genotype × environment interaction (GEI). Neglecting GEI in multi-environment trials (MET) can significantly heighten the risk of making inaccurate cultivar recommendations to farmers. Consequently, breeders must strive to find an optimal balance between yield and stability, favoring varieties that minimize the risk of extremely low yields. Recent advancements in probability theory, along with specialized software packages, have made the decision-making process more efficient for identifying suitable candidates across diverse environments. Under this scenario, a study was conducted to evaluate 15 promising maize hybrids alongside one control commercial hybrid (hybrid No. 16). The research employed a randomized complete block design with four replications across eight diverse locations over two consecutive years. The hybrids evaluated resulted from crosses involving temperate × temperate and tropical/subtropical × temperate. The objectives of this research included estimating the stability of these hybrids and assessing the associated risks related to their release, as well as evaluating the success and potential of lines derived from subtropical and tropical materials. A Bayesian approach was applied to estimate the probability that each genotype outperformed its competitors. The variance component estimates indicated that “location” was the most significant factor influencing overall variability, with values of 0.756 for genotype, 11.304 for location, and 0.621 for genotype × location effects. To enhance the mean grain yield within the selection panel, a selection intensity of 20% was implemented based on computed probabilities of superior performance and stability among selected candidates. Hybrid H2 exhibited the highest probability of superior performance (0.99), closely followed by Hybrid H5 with 0.97 of probability of belonging to the top subset. Hybrid H2 outperformed hybrid H16 (check hybrid) in all cases across tested environments; however, it demonstrated lower stability in 55% of comparisons. This finding suggests that the hypothesis asserting H2’s superiority over H16 in both stability and performance was not supported. H5 was the only hybrids common to both the top-performing (H2, H5, H4, H3) and most stable (H13, H15, H5, H7) groups. It is essential for breeders to jointly consider the probabilities of superior performance and stability when determining optimal genotypes. Considering the joint probability of superior performance and yield stability, the hybrids H5, H4, H15 and H2 stand out. High-performing and stable hybrids like H5 and H2 reduce cultivar introduction risks. Overall, these results indicated that employing a risk/probability analysis approach can significantly enhance decision-making accuracy for cultivar recommendations in METs.
Computational discovery of novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators for psoriasis therapy
Integrating geospatial tools in mapping forest fire severity and burned areas in the Western Usambara Mountain Forests, Lushoto, Tanzania
Despite the numerous negative effects of tropical forest fires in Tanzania, the sources and effects remain insufficiently documented. This study aimed to develop an integrated approach that combines geospatial tools and socio-economic data to assess the sources and effects of forest fires and map burn severity and its trends over 10 years in West Usambara Mountain Forests. Three approaches including Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), satellite image analysis, and direct observation were used to generate information on spatial and temporal forest fire severity. Findings revealed that farm preparation (38.2%) and charcoal preparation (21.2%) are the primary source of these forest fires. Burn severity maps showed 32.12% to 20.31% of combined high and low severity areas, with a total burned area of 3,296.96 hectares, accounting for 15.86% of the reserves. The differenced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (dNDVI) maps revealed 36.30% to 21.10 of high and low severity areas, while post-fire NBR and NDVI time series indicated a significant vegetation loss (0.21 to 0.36). This study demonstrates the integration of remote sensing and socio-economic approaches to enhance forest fire management, conservation, policy enforcement, and community awareness that can be upscaled to other forest areas for effective management.
Unlocking sea turtle diving behaviour from low-temporal resolution time-depth recorders
Abstract Biologging is a rapidly advancing field providing information on previously unexplored aspects of animal ecology, including the vertical movement dimension. Understanding vertical behaviour through the use of time-depth recorders (TDRs) in marine vertebrates is critical to aid conservation and management decisions. However, using TDRs can be particularly problematic to infer animal behaviour from elusive animals, when tags are difficult to recover and collected data is satellite-relayed at lower temporal frequencies. Here, we present a novel method to process low-resolution TDR data at 5-minute intervals and infer diving behaviour from loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) during their elusive pelagic life stage spanning extended periods (> 250 days). Using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) we identify four behavioural states, associated with resting, foraging, shallow exploration, and deep exploration. Three of the four behavioural states were found to have strong seasonal patterns, corroborating with known sea-turtle biology. The results presented provide a novel way of interpreting low-resolution TDR data and provide a unique insight into sea turtle ecology.
Lateralized cerebellar connectivity differentiates auditory pathways in echolocating and non-echolocating whales
We report the first application of diffusion tractography to a mysticete, which was analyzed alongside three odontocete brains, allowing the first direct comparison of strength and laterality of auditory pathways in echolocating and non-echolocating whales. Brains were imaged post-mortem at high resolution with a specialized steady state free precession diffusion sequence optimized for dead tissue. We conducted probabilistic tractography to compare the qualitative features, tract strength, and lateralization of potential ascending and descending auditory paths in the mysticete versus odontocetes. Tracts were seeded in the inferior colliculi (IC), a nexus for ascending auditory information, and the cerebellum, a center for sensorimotor integration. Direct IC to temporal lobe pathways were found in all animals, replicating previous cetacean tractography and suggesting conservation of the primary auditory projection path in the cetacean clade. Additionally, odontocete IC-cerebellum pathways exhibited higher overall tract strength than in the mysticete, suggesting they may play a role in supporting the rapid sensorimotor integration demands of echolocation. Further, in the mysticete, contralateral right IC to left cerebellum pathways were 17x stronger than those between left IC and right cerebellum, while in odontocetes, the laterality was reversed, and left IC to right cerebellum pathways were 2-4x stronger than those between right IC and left cerebellum. This lateralization may also relate to echolocation. Right cerebellum is responsible for integrating sensory and motor signals from the left cortical hemisphere, and in odontocetes, this hemisphere likely controls the contralateral right-side phonic lips, which have been empirically implicated in the production of echolocation clicks. We also found differences in the specific subregions of cerebellum targeted by the IC between the mysticete and odontocetes, some of which may also bear on hearing and vocal production. This study establishes foundational knowledge on mysticete brain connectivity and extends knowledge on pathways supporting hearing and auditory-motor integration across the order Cetacea.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor protein PERK in hepatic stellate cells promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via p38δ MAPK/IL-1β axis
Study on energy dissipation law of vibration disturbance damaged Zhanjiang Formation structural clay
This study aims to investigate the energy dissipation laws and underlying mechanisms of damage in Zhanjiang Formation structural clay following vibrational disturbances. Based on the test results of the unconfined compressive strength of the disturbed Zhanjiang Formation structural clay, and in conjunction with theories related to energy dissipation, the analysis revealed that: (1) An increase in the disturbance degree leads to higher compaction strain and compaction dissipation energy, thereby enhancing the ductility of the sample; (2) Although disturbance reduces the strength of the sample, it increases its deformation capacity, indicating that the interplay between strength and deformation affects the level of energy dissipation; (3) The variation in the logarithmic value of the elastic energy dissipation ratio can be categorized into three phases: initial lgK > 0; lgK < 0 to (lgK)min; and an increase from (lgK)min, with (lgK)min marking the critical turning point for the transition from the elastic to the plastic phase of the soil. The study also profoundly analyzed the dynamic regulation mechanisms of vibrational disturbance energy from two perspectives: dynamic regulation and structural change, as well as energy dissipation and damage evolution. High-frequency vibrations expedite the damage process, and post-damage energy dissipation involves friction, microcrack propagation, and plastic deformation, ultimately leading to the collapse of the soil structure. This study not only enhances the understanding of the complex mechanical behavior of such soils but also paves the way for innovative applications and theoretical advances in soil mechanics.
Advantages of digital twin technology in orthopedic trauma Surgery – Exploring different clinical use cases
Abstract Digital twin technology offers significant benefits for addressing fracture non-unions in orthopedic trauma surgery, particularly in cases requiring revision surgery. In this study, we developed a clinically applicable digital twin workflow that integrates patient-specific imaging, motion capture, musculoskeletal modeling, and finite element simulation. We applied this workflow to five real patient cases involving different anatomical sites and treatment strategies, including implant modification, augmentative fixation, and corrective osteotomy. Each case was virtually reconstructed to evaluate mechanical conditions before and after revision surgery. The results demonstrated that digital twins can predict improvements in implant stress distribution and fracture strain states, offering valuable insights for optimizing surgical decisions. This work highlights the feasibility of digital twins and their clinical value in supporting individualized revision strategies, laying the foundation for their broader use in trauma care. .
Retraction: Identification of the Sites of Tau Hyperphosphorylation and Activation of Tau Kinases in Synucleinopathies and Alzheimer’s Diseases
The impact of sensory integration based sports training on motor and social skill development in children with autism spectrum disorder
“Calming the nightmares”: A qualitative study of a socially assistive robot for sensory and emotional support in individuals with eating disorders and PTSD
Individuals with eating disorders (ED) and co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often face difficulties with sensory overload and emotion regulation (ER), which can make treatment more complex. Assistive devices that offer real-time support are needed to enhance therapeutic interventions. This qualitative pilot study explored the engagement, acceptability, and perceived impact of Purrble, a socially assistive robot, as an adjunct tool for sensory and ER support. Nine participants (8 female, 1 non-binary, aged 20–55) were recruited from an ED service and engaged with Purrble over a 10-day period following a sensory well-being workshop. Participants recorded their use of Purrble and daily reflections in diaries and participated in a focus group. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) Integration into daily life, where participants highlighted Purrble’s portability and ease of use in managing anxiety across various settings; (2) Managing PTSD-related difficulties, such as calming nightmares, reducing sensory overload, and providing emotional comfort; and (3) Challenges and improvements, where participants suggested modifications, such as adding a night mode and better sound control. This study provides preliminary evidence that an assistive device can support individuals with ED and PTSD, particularly in managing sleep disturbances, overstimulation, and feelings of emotional isolation. Further research using standardised methodologies is needed to expand on these preliminary findings.
The outcome prediction method of football matches by the quantum neural network based on deep learning
The impact of biochar and activated carbon on the purification efficiency of two wetland systems under varying pollution loads
Influence of loud auditory noise on postural stability in autistic children: an exploratory study
Investigation of the preparation of iron sulfate-loaded niosomes by an experimental novel method
Multimodal dynamic retinal vessel analysis offers new insights in microvascular defects in Fabry’s disease
Abstract Fabry’s Disease (FD) is one of many disorders that result in altered vascular function. With the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA, IMEDOS Systems), retinal vessels can be recorded non-invasively in real time and dynamic responses to stimuli that affect vessel diameter can be directly visualized. The data obtained can be further mathematically evaluated in terms of dynamic time- and location-dependent vessel behavior. This principle of multimodal analysis of dynamic retinal vascular behavior has been applied to demonstrate specific structural and functional retinal microvascular changes in Fabry’s disease. The retinal vascular response was examined with DVA in 10 patients with FD, 4 women, 6 men including 1 child aged 42.5 (34.3–57.3) years (median (1st quartile–3rd quartile)) and in 10 age- and sex-matched healthy participants. The vessel width of an arterial and a venous retinal vessel segment of ~ 1 mm in length was examined in all participants. After 50 s of baseline observation, a monochromatic rectangular luminance flicker (530–600 nm; of 12.5 Hz frequency) was applied three times for 20 s. The vascular response to flicker light was analyzed. Using mathematical signal analysis, the longitudinal microstructure of retinal vessels was assessed and unstimulated vessel wall oscillations were characterized. Group comparisons were performed exploratively using Mann–Whitney-U test. The entire patient group showed no significant difference in response to the flicker light compared to the control group. After dividing the patient group by sex, male patients with FD showed significantly larger arterial dilatation of 6.3 (5.6–7.9)% compared to age-matched controls: 3.3 (2.5–4.1)%, p < 0.01. In contrast, female patients showed a reduced arterial response of 3.4 (3.1–3.7)% compared to age-matched controls: 5.4 (4.0–6.7)%, p = 0.1. When analyzing the periodicity of the spontaneous unstimulated vessel wall modulation, female Fabry patients had a higher and less scattered periodicity of vasomotions in arteries and veins, while male patients showed lower periodicity of vasomotions in arteries with more scattered periods and longer more scattered periods in veins, compared to age-matched controls. The cardiac rhythm was more aperiodic and less pronounced in male patients. In addition, the longitudinal microstructure of retinal arteries and veins in FD was structurally and functionally altered. This was particularly notable in veins at all stages of the vascular reaction and in arteries at all stages except the baseline by more pronounced waves with periods of ~ 50–100 µm. Multimodal dynamic retinal vessel analysis conveys information about different aspects of vascular regulatory potential. The flicker provoked retinal arterial response is more pronounced in male patients with FD. This reaction is nitric oxide (NO) mediated and conveyed by the vascular endothelial cells. With an altered baseline smooth muscle activity in vessel walls subsequent reactions to vascular stimuli such as flicker light for the retina may be more pronounced in the imbalanced system of male Fabry patients. Spontaneous retinal vessel oscillations are altered in Fabry’s disease. These alterations are more dramatic in male patients, and are especially characterized with less periodic vessel behavior over the large frequency range. This is a result of altered smooth muscle reaction potentially due to disease mediated altered potassium channel activity. Both arterial and venous retinal vessel walls in FD show peculiar microstructural changes. The characteristic microirregularities of retinal vessels are of functional nature in arteries and rather of structural nature in veins. The DVA examination with multimodal retinal vessel analysis represents a practical possibility to investigate central microvascular status of Fabry’s disease in more detail and might elucidate the effect of potential therapeutic interventions.