Browse Articles

Prediction of late-onset depression in the elderly Korean population using machine learning algorithms

The origin of color categories

To what extent does concept formation require language? Here, we exploit color to address this question and ask whether macaque monkeys have color concepts evident as categories. Macaques have similar cone photoreceptors and central visual circuits to humans, yet they lack language. Whether Old World monkeys such as macaques have consensus color categories is unresolved, but if they do, then language cannot be required. If macaques do not have color categories, then color categories in humans are unlikely to derive from innate properties of visual encoding and likely to depend on cognitive abilities such as language that differ between monkeys and humans. We tested macaques by adapting a match-to-sample paradigm used in humans to uncover color categories from errors in matches, and we analyzed the data using computational simulations that assess the possibility of unrecognized distortions in the perceptual uniformity of color space. The results provide evidence that humans have consensus cognitive color categories and macaques do not. One animal showed evidence for a private color category, demonstrating that monkeys have the capacity to form color categories even if they do not form consensus color categories. Taken together, the results imply that consensus color categories in humans, for which there is ample evidence, must depend upon language or other cognitive abilities.

The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the cytotoxic synergistic effect of gemcitabine and arsenic on breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. A common approach to cancer treatment in clinical practice is to use a combination of drugs to enhance the anticancer activity of drugs while reducing their side effects. In this regard, we evaluated the effectiveness of combined treatment with gemcitabine (GCB) and arsenic (ATO) and how they affect the cell death pathway in cancer cells. Cytotoxic activity of drugs individually or combined against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 was performed by MTT method and isobolographic analysis was used to determine the interaction between these factors. The combination of ATO and GCB showed synergistic anti-cancer activity (CI < 1) in both cancer cell lines. The combination of ATO and GCB induced sub-G1 phase arrest, apoptosis and death rates in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The apoptotic response induced by the combination of GCB and ATO was dependent on caspase 3/7. Combined treatment with mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) reduction and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production caused mitochondrial dysfunction. Co-treatment significantly reduced catalase (CAT) activity in both cancer cells compared to the control group and cells treated with each monotherapy. A significant decrease in cellular GSH was observed in cancer cells treated with ATO and GCB. In addition, migration and invasion were significantly reduced in breast cancer cells treated with the combination of ATO and GCB compared to cells treated with ATO and GCB. In conclusion, the combined treatment of ATO and GCB synergistically increased the anti-cancer activity, and these findings provide an effective approach for the treatment of breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing promising results for combination therapy with ATO and GCB in breast cancer.

Heavy metals concentrations in commercial organic fertilizers and the potential risk of fertilization into soils

Pseudogap in electron-doped cuprates: Strong correlation leading to band splitting

The pseudogap phenomena have been a long-standing mystery of the cuprate high-temperature superconductors. The pseudogap in the electron-doped cuprates has been attributed to band folding due to antiferromagnetic (AFM) long-range order or short-range correlation. We performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the electron-doped cuprates Pr 1.3− x La 0.7 Ce x CuO 4 showing spin-glass, disordered AFM behaviors, and superconductivity at low temperatures and, by measurements with fine momentum cuts, found that the gap opens on the unfolded Fermi surface rather than the AFM Brillouin zone boundary. The gap did not show a node, following the full symmetry of the Brillouin zone, and its magnitude decreased from the zone-diagonal to ( π ,0) directions, opposite to the hole-doped case. These observations were reproduced by cluster dynamical-mean-field-theory calculation, which took into account electron correlation precisely within a (CuO 2 ) 4 cluster. The present experimental and theoretical results are consistent with the mechanism that electron or hole doping into a Mott insulator creates an in-gap band that is separated from the upper or lower Hubbard band by the pseudogap.

Factors associated with the delay in diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis at the patient and health system level: A study from a rural setting in India

Background With the proportion of tuberculosis cases that are extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) increasing in recent years, understanding and addressing factors contributing to the prolonged time to diagnosis (TTD) of EPTB patients is vital. Methods We enrolled presumptive EPTB patients for a cohort study from 2018–2020 in Ujjain, India. Based on a structured questionnaire, the patients were interviewed for socio-demographic and clinical information, including previously visited health facilities (HF) for this illness. We analysed patients’ TTD, healthcare access, and referral pathways. Findings EPTB (54%) and non-TB (58%) patients visited dispensaries during their first visit to a formal HF. Patients visited multiple HFs, including dispensaries (54%) and regional hospitals (32%), during 1–4 visits but did not receive an appropriate diagnosis. Less than 2% of the patients accessed private HFs. Most of the adult EPTB (83%) and non-TB (76%) patients were self-referred to our study site, where they were diagnosed. Our statistical models highlighted low-middle income groups, longer distances and longer travel time to HFs, and potentially less-empowered occupations as housewives with a prolonged TTD. Patients with a longer wait, including travel time, had a shorter TTD. Conclusion We found individual, societal-level, and structural barriers to healthcare access and utilisation and their association with diagnostic delay among adult and paediatric EPTB patients.

Meta-analysis of the effect of non-pharmacological interventions on the development of dysgeusia in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Protein dynamics underlies strong temperature dependence of heat receptors

Ion channels are generally allosteric proteins, involving specialized stimulus sensor domains conformationally linked to the gate to drive channel opening. Temperature receptors are a group of ion channels from the transient receptor potential family. They exhibit an unprecedentedly strong temperature dependence and are responsible for temperature sensing in mammals. Despite intensive studies, however, the nature of the temperature sensor domain in these channels remains elusive. By direct calorimetry of TRPV1 proteins, we have recently provided a proof of principle that temperature sensing by ion channels may diverge from the conventional allosterity theory; rather it is intimately linked to inherent thermal instability of channel proteins. Here, we tackle the generality of the hypothesis and provide key molecular pieces of evidence on the coupling of thermal transitions in the channels. We show that while wild-type channels possess a single concerted thermal transition peak, the chimera, in which strong temperature dependence becomes disrupted, results in multitransition peaks, and the activation enthalpies are accordingly reduced. The data show that the coupling with protein unfolding drives up the energy barrier of activation, leading to a strong temperature dependence of opening. Furthermore, we pinpoint the proximal N-terminus of the channels as a linchpin in coalescing different parts of the channels into concerted activation. Thus, we suggest that coupled interaction networks in proteins underlie the strong temperature dependence of temperature receptors.

Solar radiation model and optimization of asymmetric large-span externally insulated plastic greenhouses

To improve the light environment of asymmetric large-span externally insulated plastic greenhouses, a solar radiation model that considers the projection path equations of the insulation quilts and validated the model was established. The model was employed to investigate the impact of different heights, spans, and north lighting projection lengths on the greenhouses’ light environment. The results revealed that ground radiation interception, a key component of winter lighting, was most influenced by height, followed by span, and least influenced by the projection length of the north lighting roof. Additionally, ground radiation spatial uniformity was most affected by height, followed by the projection length of the north lighting roof, and least influenced by span. The optimization objectives for solar radiation were set to maximize solar radiation interception and minimize the coefficient of variation. The optimal structural parameters for the asymmetric large-span externally insulated plastic greenhouse were determined using the NSGA-II method and the entropy weight-TOPSIS method: the height of 6.97 m, and the projection length of north lighting roof is 7.44 m for a greenhouse with a span of 20.00 m. Compared to the initial greenhouse, the optimized design enhances both radiation interception performance and ensures uniform light distribution. These results offer valuable theoretical guidance for greenhouse construction.

Application of hybrid gate recurrent unit for in-store trajectory prediction based on indoor location system

Tungsten is utilized for lactate consumption and SCFA production by a dominant human gut microbe <i>Eubacterium limosum</i>

Eubacterium limosum is a dominant member of the human gut microbiome and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These promote immune system function and inhibit inflammation, making this microbe important for human health. Lactate is a primary source of gut SCFAs but its utilization by E. limosum has not been explored. We show that E. limosum growing on lactate takes up added tungstate rather than molybdate and produces the SCFAs acetate and butyrate, but not propionate. The genes encoding an electron bifurcating, tungsten-containing oxidoreductase (WOR1) and a tungsten-containing formate dehydrogenase (FDH), along with an electron bifurcating lactate dehydrogenase (LCT), lactate permease, and enzymes of the propanediol pathway, are all up-regulated on lactate compared to growth on glucose. Lactate metabolism is controlled by a GntR-family repressor (LctR) and two global regulators, Rex and CcpA, where Rex in part controls W storage and tungstopyranopterin (Tuco) biosynthesis. Tuco-dependent riboswitches, along with CcpA, also control two iron transporters, consistent with the increased iron demand for many iron-containing enzymes, including WOR1 and FDH, involved in SCFA production. From intracellular aldehyde concentrations and the substrate specificity of WOR1, we propose that WOR1 is involved in detoxifying acetaldehyde produced during lactate degradation. Lactate to SCFA conversion by E. limosum is clearly highly tungstocentric and tungsten might be an overlooked micronutrient in the human microbiome and in overall human health.

The ambiguous role of partially protected marine protected areas in Australia: Results from a systematic literature review

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important tool in helping to protect biodiversity in the oceans. Recent ratification of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has ensured that globally we are committed to effectively protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, in MPAs. In Australia there is considerable interest in the potential benefits that partially protected areas (PPAs) may provide. However, a consistent definition of a PPA is currently lacking, and urgently needed to conduct quantitative analyses of PPAs. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the current knowledge surrounding PPAs and their potential benefits. We define a PPA, characterise PPA implementation in Australia, and present results for the outcomes of PPAs in terms of ecological, economic, and social indicators. Our review suggests that although 45% of Australia’s marine environment is within MPAs, 61% of MPAs provide only partial protection. The Northern Territory (100%), New South Wales (81%), and Queensland (79.8%) have the highest percentage of MPAs that are partially protected, compared to Tasmania which has the smallest percentage of partially protected MPAs (13.12%). Tasmania also has the smallest percentage cover of MPAs (6.49% state waters). Most PPA management plans did not contain quantifiable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be able to effectively monitor the progress of these PPAs against the stated outcomes. We find the benefits of PPAs to be ambiguous: PPAs generally provide benefits when compared to ‘open’ ocean, however this is not a consistent result. There are no PPAs that provide greater overall benefits when compared to fully protected MPAs. Only one state (South Australia) and the Commonwealth (Australian Marine Parks) are collecting publicly available baseline data to facilitate quantitative monitoring of PPAs. Contrary to fisheries management, there were no plans of action if the declared MPAs and PPAs failed to meet their declared objectives and goals. Some PPAs within Australia appear to be incompatible with conservation priorities according to the recent “MPA Guide” classification framework. This study highlights the need for clearer management rationale and plans for PPAs in Australia, as these comprise the majority of MPAs in Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Study on the durability of solidified mud under chloride and dry-wet coupling

Integrating climate and physical constraints into assessments of net capture from direct air capture facilities

Limiting climate change to targets enshrined in the Paris Agreement will require both deep decarbonization of the energy system and the deployment of carbon dioxide removal at potentially large scale (gigatons of annual removal). Nations are pursuing direct air capture to compensate for inertia in the expansion of low-carbon energy systems, decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, and address legacy emissions. Global assessments of this technology have failed to integrate factors that affect net capture and removal cost, including ambient conditions like temperature and humidity, as well as emission factors of electricity and natural gas systems. We present an integrated assessment of the global deployment potential of this technology. Employing a chemical process model, climate data, grid emission factors, and fugitive methane emission factors, we predict critical performance metrics, including carbon dioxide capture rates, and water-, energy-, and emissions-intensity of capture. Our results support investors and policy makers as they site facilities and develop credible policy instruments to support expansion.

Optimization design and application of library face recognition access control system based on improved PCA

The application of face recognition technology in Library Access Control System (LACS) has an important impact on improving the security and management efficiency of the library. However, the traditional face recognition methods have some limitations in the face of complex environmental conditions such as illumination and posture change. To solve this problem, an improved method combining the Aggregating Spatial Embeddings for Face Recognition (ASEF) algorithm and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is proposed. The PCA algorithm is optimized by introducing beta prior and full probability Bayesian model. In addition, the research also integrates K-means Clustering Algorithm (KA) to further improve the accuracy and efficiency of face recognition. The experiment showed that the improved PCA method had an average recognition rate of 92.6%, an average recognition speed of 0.40s, and higher accuracy compared to other related methods, reaching 96%. In practical applications, the system quickly and accurately completes the identification of personnel entry and exit, and improves the efficiency and security of library access management.

Mechanistic insights and atmospheric implications of the degradation reaction of 3-methoxy-1-propanol by reaction with hydroxyl radicals and identification of the end products in the presence of O2/NO

Genesis and regulation of C-terminal cyclic imides from protein damage

C-Terminal cyclic imides are posttranslational modifications that can arise from spontaneous intramolecular cleavage of asparagine or glutamine residues resulting in a form of irreversible protein damage. These protein damage events are recognized and removed by the E3 ligase substrate adapter cereblon (CRBN), indicating that these aging-related modifications may require cellular quality control mechanisms to prevent deleterious effects. However, the factors that determine protein or peptide susceptibility to C-terminal cyclic imide formation or their effect on protein stability have not been explored in detail. Here, we characterize the primary and secondary structures of peptides and proteins that promote intrinsic formation of C-terminal cyclic imides in comparison to deamidation, a related form of protein damage. Extrinsic effects from solution properties and stressors on the cellular proteome additionally promote C-terminal cyclic imide formation on proteins like glutathione synthetase that are susceptible to aggregation if the protein damage products are not removed by CRBN. This systematic investigation provides insight into the regions of the proteome that are prone to these unexpectedly frequent modifications, the effects of this form of protein damage on protein stability, and the biological role of CRBN.

Survival machine learning methods for mortality prediction after heart transplantation in the contemporary era

Although prediction models for heart transplantation outcomes have been developed previously, a comprehensive benchmarking of survival machine learning methods for mortality prognosis in the most contemporary era of heart transplants following the 2018 donor heart allocation policy change is warranted. This study assessed seven statistical and machine learning algorithms–Lasso, Ridge, Elastic Net, Cox Gradient Boost, Extreme Gradient Boost Linear, Extreme Gradient Boost Tree, and Random Survival Forests in a post-policy cohort of 7,160 adult heart-only transplant recipients in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database who received their first transplant on or after October 18, 2018. A cross-validation framework was designed in mlr. Model performance was also compared in a seasonally-matched pre-policy cohort. In the post-policy cohort, Random Survival Forests and Cox Gradient Boost had the highest performances with C-indices of 0.628 and 0.627. The relative importance of some predictive variables differed between the pre-policy and post-policy cohorts, such as the absence of ECMO in the post-policy cohort. Survival machine learning models provide reasonable prediction of 1-year posttransplant mortality outcomes and continual updating of prediction models is warranted in the contemporary era.

Novel GSIP: GAN-based sperm-inspired pixel imputation for robust energy image reconstruction

Abstract Missing pixel imputation is a critical task in image processing, where the presence of high percentages of missing pixels can significantly degrade the performance of downstream tasks such as image segmentation and object detection. This paper introduces a novel approach for missing pixel imputation based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). We propose a new GAN architecture incorporating an identity module and a sperm motility-inspired heuristic during filtration to optimize the selection of pixels used in reconstructing missing data. The intelligent sperm motility heuristic navigates the image’s pixel space, identifying the most influential neighboring pixels for accurate imputation. Our approach includes three essential modifications: (1) integration of an identity module within the GAN architecture to mitigate the vanishing gradient problem; (2) introduction of a metaheuristic algorithm based on sperm motility to select the top 10 pixels that most effectively contribute to the generation of the missing pixel; and (3) the implementation of an adaptive interval mechanism between the discriminator’s actual value and the weighted average of the selected pixels, enhancing the generator’s efficiency and ensuring the coherence of the imputed pixels with the surrounding image context. We evaluate the proposed method on three distinct datasets (Energy Images, NREL Solar Images, and NREL Wind Turbine Dataset), demonstrating its superior performance in maintaining pixel integrity during the imputation process. Our experiments also confirm the approach’s effectiveness in addressing everyday challenges in GANs, such as mode collapse and vanishing gradients, across various GAN architectures.

Mechanism-guided engineering of a minimal biological particle for genome editing

The widespread application of genome editing to treat and cure disease requires the delivery of genome editors into the nucleus of target cells. Enveloped delivery vehicles (EDVs) are engineered virally derived particles capable of packaging and delivering CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). However, the presence of lentiviral genome encapsulation and replication proteins in EDVs has obscured the underlying delivery mechanism and precluded particle optimization. Here, we show that Cas9 RNP nuclear delivery is independent of the native lentiviral capsid structure. Instead, EDV-mediated genome editing activity corresponds directly to the number of nuclear localization sequences on the Cas9 enzyme. EDV structural analysis using cryo-electron tomography and small molecule inhibitors guided the removal of ~80% of viral residues, creating a minimal EDV (miniEDV) that retains full RNP delivery capability. MiniEDVs are 25% smaller yet package equivalent amounts of Cas9 RNPs relative to the original EDVs and demonstrated increased editing in cell lines and therapeutically relevant primary human T cells. These results show that virally derived particles can be streamlined to create efficacious genome editing delivery vehicles with simpler production and manufacturing.