Background GOSSYM is a mechanistic,process-based cotton model that can simulate cotton crop growth and development,yield,and fiber quality.Its fiber quality module was developed based on controlled experiments explici...Background GOSSYM is a mechanistic,process-based cotton model that can simulate cotton crop growth and development,yield,and fiber quality.Its fiber quality module was developed based on controlled experiments explicitly conducted on the Texas Marker^(-1)(TM1)variety,potentially making its functional equations more aligned with this cultivar.To assess the model’s broader applicability,this study analyzed fiber quality data from 40 upland cotton cultivars,including TM1.The measured fiber quality from all cultivars was then compared with the modelsimulated fiber quality.Results Among the 40 upland cultivars,fiber strength varied from 28.4 cN·tex^(-1) to 34.6 cN·tex^(-1),fiber length ranged from 27.1 mm to 33.3 mm,micronaire value ranged from 2.7 to 4.6,and length uniformity index varied from 82.3%to 85.5%.The model simulated fiber quality closely matched the measured values for TM1,with the absolute percentage error(APE)being less than 0.92%for fiber strength,fiber length,and length uniformity index and 4.7%for micronaire.However,significant differences were observed for the other cultivars.The Pearson correlation coefficient(r)between the measured and simulated values was negative for all fiber quality traits,and Wilmotts’s index of agreement(WIA)was below 0.45,indicating a strong model bias toward TM1 without incorporating cultivar-specific parameters.After incorporating cultivar-specific parameters,the model’s performance improved significantly,with an average r-value of 0.84 and WIA of 0.88.Conclusions The adopted methodology and estimated cultivar-specific parameters improved the model’s simulation accuracy.This approach can be applied to newer cotton cultivars,enhancing the GOSSYM model’s utility and its applicability for agricultural management and policy decisions.展开更多
Arsenic(As)contamination is one of the major factors that contribute to environmental pollution,and it plays havoc with sustainability of crop production.Nano-hydroxyapatite(nHAP)can be an effective phosphorus(P)sourc...Arsenic(As)contamination is one of the major factors that contribute to environmental pollution,and it plays havoc with sustainability of crop production.Nano-hydroxyapatite(nHAP)can be an effective phosphorus(P)source to cope with As toxicity.The mitigating effects of variable P sources on As toxicity in rice,sunflower,and maize grown in an alkaline soil were evaluated.Arsenic was applied at 0 and 20 mg kg^(-1),and P was applied at 0,50,and 500 mg kg^(-1)in the forms of triple superphosphate(TSP)and nHAP.In addition,the same amount of phosphoric acid was also used in the sunflower and maize experiments with the other P sources.The structural and functional properties of nHAP were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.Stunted growth was observed in rice,and less in sunflower;maize remained unaffected by As toxicity.In the presence of As,TSP and nHAP at their high doses(500 mg kg^(-1))significantly increased the rice dry weight compared with the control(0 mg kg^(-1)).The As concentration in rice was decreased by approximately 25%in the presence of 50 mg kg^(-1)TSP and 500 mg kg^(-1)nHAP.The P treatments had no significant effect on the As concentration in sunflower,whereas the As concentration in maize was increased by 500 mg kg^(-1)TSP.In the absence and presence of As,nHAP at 50 mg kg^(-1)significantly increased rice P concentration,whereas in the presence of As,500 mg kg^(-1)TSP significantly increased P concentration in rice compared with the control.Arsenic had no significant effect on sunflower P concentration,while the maize P concentration was decreased in the 0 mg kg^(-1)P treatment.It can be concluded that TSP and nHAP were effective in alleviating As toxicity in rice and sunflower.Comparative studies are further needed to determine the long-term effects of TSP and nHAP on prevention of As toxicity in field conditions.展开更多
Commercial production of spinach(Spinacia oleracea L.)is centered in California and Arizona in the US,where downy mildew caused by Peronospora effusa is the most destructive disease.Nineteen typical races of P.effusa ...Commercial production of spinach(Spinacia oleracea L.)is centered in California and Arizona in the US,where downy mildew caused by Peronospora effusa is the most destructive disease.Nineteen typical races of P.effusa have been reported to infect spinach,with 16 identified after 1990.The regular appearance of new pathogen races breaks the resistance gene introgressed in spinach.We attempted to map and delineate the RPF2 locus at a finer resolution,identify linked single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers,and report candidate downy mildew resistance(R)genes.Progeny populations segregating for RPF2 locus derived from resistant differential cultivar Lazio were infected using race 5 of P.effusa and were used to study for genetic transmission and mapping analysis in this study.Association analysis performed with low coverage whole genome resequencing-generated SNP markers mapped the RPF2 locus between 0.47 to 1.46 Mb of chromosome 3 with peak SNP(Chr3_1,221,009)showing a LOD value of 61.6 in the GLM model in TASSEL,which was within 1.08 Kb from Spo12821,a gene that encodes CC-NBS-LRR plant disease resistance protein.In addition,a combined analysis of progeny panels of Lazio and Whale segregating for RPF2 and RPF3 loci delineated the resistance section in chromosome 3 between 1.18–1.23 and 1.75–1.76 Mb.This study provides valuable information on the RPF2 resistance region in the spinach cultivar Lazio compared to RPF3 loci in the cultivar Whale.The RPF2 and RPF3 specific SNP markers,plus the resistant genes reported here,could add value to breeding efforts to develop downy mildew resistant cultivars in the future.展开更多
Loss of genetic variability is an increasing challenge in tree breeding programs due to the repeated use of a reduced number of founder genotypes.However,in almond,little is known about the genetic variability in curr...Loss of genetic variability is an increasing challenge in tree breeding programs due to the repeated use of a reduced number of founder genotypes.However,in almond,little is known about the genetic variability in current breeding stocks,although several cases of inbreeding depression have been reported.To gain insights into the genetic structure in modern breeding programs worldwide,marker-verified pedigree data of 220 almond cultivars and breeding selections were analyzed.Inbreeding coefficients,pairwise relatedness,and genetic contribution were calculated for these genotypes.The results reveal two mainstream breeding lines based on three cultivars:“Tuono”,“Cristomorto”,and“Nonpareil”.Descendants from“Tuono”or“Cristomorto”number 76(sharing 34 descendants),while“Nonpareil”has 71 descendants.The mean inbreeding coefficient of the analyzed genotypes was 0.041,with 14 genotypes presenting a high inbreeding coefficient,over 0.250.Breeding programs from France,the USA,and Spain showed inbreeding coefficients of 0.075,0.070,and 0.037,respectively.According to their genetic contribution,modern cultivars from Israel,France,the USA,Spain,and Australia trace back to a maximum of six main founding genotypes.Among the group of 65 genotypes carrying the S f allele for self-compatibility,the mean relatedness coefficient was 0.125,with“Tuono”as the main founding genotype(24.7%of total genetic contribution).The results broaden our understanding about the tendencies followed in almond breeding over the last 50 years and will have a large impact into breeding decision-making process worldwide.Increasing current genetic variability is required in almond breeding programs to assure genetic gain and continuing breeding progress.展开更多
Background:The development of alfalfa cultivars with improved digestibility may minimize the yield‐quality tradeoff,enabling higher quality with lateharvested forage and possibly higher yields.Methods:An irrigated ex...Background:The development of alfalfa cultivars with improved digestibility may minimize the yield‐quality tradeoff,enabling higher quality with lateharvested forage and possibly higher yields.Methods:An irrigated experiment conducted over 4 years compared 28‐d harvest schedules with 35‐d harvest schedules and an alternating 21‐d and 35‐d schedule.Four conventional cultivars and four cultivars developed for higher digestibility were grown under each schedule.Results:Delayed cutting(35‐d)yields were 16%greater and the staggered treatments were 6%higher than the 28‐d strategy.The nutritive value decreased significantly with the 35‐d schedule,but a“staggered”system provided nutritive value similar to the 28‐d schedule while achieving higher yields.The nutritive value of cultivars was in the order of HarvXtra>Hi‐Gest>conventional cultivars.The HarvXtra but not Hi‐Gest cultivars achieved similar digestibility under the 35‐d cutting schedule compared with conventional cultivars on a 28‐d schedule.Conclusions:This study clearly demonstrates that higher nutritive value cultivars of fall dormancy 6–9 grown with staggered or late cutting schedules can increase yields while maintaining higher nutritive value.The combination of staggered or late schedules with improved cultivars can maximize yields while maintaining the nutritive value of alfalfa,potentially breaking the alfalfa yield‐quality tradeoff.展开更多
Upon researching predictive models related toWest Nile virus disease,it is discovered that there are numerous parameters and extensive information in most models,thus contributing to unnecessary complexity.Another cha...Upon researching predictive models related toWest Nile virus disease,it is discovered that there are numerous parameters and extensive information in most models,thus contributing to unnecessary complexity.Another challenge frequently encountered is the lead time,which refers to the period for which predictions are made and often is too short.This paper addresses these issues by introducing a parsimonious method based on ICC curves,offering a logistic distribution model derived from the vector-borne SEIR model.Unlike existing models relying on diverse environmental data,our approach exclusively utilizes historical and present infected human cases(number of new cases).With a yearlong lead time,the predictions extend throughout the 12 months,gaining precision as new data emerge.Theoretical conditions are derived to minimize Bayesian loss,enhancing predictive precision.We construct a Bayesian forecasting probability density function using carefully selected prior distributions.Applying these functions,we predict monthspecific infections nationwide,rigorously evaluating accuracy with probabilistic metrics.Additionally,HPD credible intervals at 90%,95%,and 99%levels is performed.Precision assessment is conducted for HPD intervals,measuring the proportion of intervals that does not include actual reported cases for 2020e2022.展开更多
Remote sensing methods are commonly used to assess and monitor ecosystem conditions in drylands,but accurate classification and detection of ecological state change are challenging due to sparse vegetation cover,high ...Remote sensing methods are commonly used to assess and monitor ecosystem conditions in drylands,but accurate classification and detection of ecological state change are challenging due to sparse vegetation cover,high spatial heterogeneity,and high interannual variability in production.We evaluated whether phenological metrics are effective for distinguishing dryland ecological states using imagery from near-surface camera(PhenoCam)and satellite(Harmonized Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2,hereafter HLS)sources,and how effectiveness varied across wet and dry rainfall years.We analyzed time series over 92 site-years at a site in southern New Mexico undergoing transitions from grassland to shrubland on different soil types.Rainfall was a driver of phenological response across all ecological states,with wet years correlating with later start of season,later peak,higher peak greenness,and shorter growing season.This rainfall response was strongest in shrub-invaded grasslands on sandy soils.PhenoCam estimated significantly earlier start of season than HLS for shrublands on gravelly soils and earlier end of season than HLS for shrub-invaded grasslands on sandy soils.We propose integrating seasonal metrics from high-frequency PhenoCam time series with satellite assessments to improve monitoring efforts in drylands,use phenological differences across variable rainfall years to measure differences in ecosystem function among states,and use the timing and strength of peak greenness of key plant functional groups(grasses in our study site)as an indicator of ecological state change.展开更多
Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between...Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between the microbiome and sows with longevity in reproduction.Results In this study,we collected and sequenced rectal and vaginal swabs from 48 sows,nine of which completed up to four parities(U4P group),exhibiting reproductive longevity.We first identified predictors of sow longevity in the rectum(e.g.,Akkermansia)and vagina(e.g.,Lactobacillus)of the U4P group using RandomForest in the early breeding stage of the first parity.Interestingly,these bacteria in the U4P group showed decreased predicted KEGG gene abundance involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids.Then,we tracked the longitudinal changes of the micro-biome over four parities in the U4P sows.LEfSe analysis revealed parity-associated bacteria that existed in both the rectum and vagina(e.g.,Streptococcus in Parity 1,Lactobacillus in Parity 2,Veillonella in Parity 4).We also identi-fied patterns of bacterial change between the early breeding stage(d 0)and d 110,such as Streptococcus,which was decreased in all four parties.Furthermore,sows in the U4P group with longevity potential also showed better reproductive performance.Finally,we discovered bacterial predictors(e.g.,Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group)for the total number of piglets born throughout the four parities in both the rectum and vagina.Conclusions This study highlights how the rectal and vaginal microbiome in sows with longevity in reproduc-tion changes within four parities.The identification of parity-associated,pregnancy-related,and reproductive performance-correlated bacteria provides the foundation for targeted microbiome modulation to improve animal production.展开更多
Purpose-The real-time generation of feature descriptors for object recognition is a challenging problem.In this research,the purpose of this paper is to provide a hardware friendly framework to generate sparse feature...Purpose-The real-time generation of feature descriptors for object recognition is a challenging problem.In this research,the purpose of this paper is to provide a hardware friendly framework to generate sparse features that can be useful for key feature point selection,feature extraction,and descriptor construction.The inspiration is drawn from feature formation processes of the human brain,taking into account the sparse,modular,and hierarchical processing of visual information.Design/methodology/approach-A sparse set of neurons referred as active neurons determines the feature points necessary for high-level vision applications such as object recognition.A psycho-physical mechanism of human low-level vision relates edge detection to noticeable local spatial stimuli,representing this set of active neurons.A cognitive memory cell array-based implementation of low-level vision is proposed.Applications of memory cell in edge detection are used for realizing human vision inspired feature selection and leading to feature vector construction for high-level vision applications.Findings-True parallel architecture and faster response of cognitive circuits avoid time costly and redundant feature extraction steps.Validation of proposed feature vector toward high-level computer vision applications is demonstrated using standard object recognition databases.The comparison against existing state-of-the-art object recognition features and methods shows an accuracy of 97,95,69 percent for Columbia Object Image Library-100,ALOI,and PASCAL VOC 2007 databases indicating an increase from benchmark methods by 5,3 and 10 percent,respectively.Originality/value-A hardware friendly low-level sparse edge feature processing system isproposed for recognizing objects.The edge features are developed based on threshold logic of neurons,and the sparse selection of the features applies a modular and hierarchical processing inspired from the human neural system.展开更多
Heart transplantation is a life-saving procedure for many people throughout the world.Data shows that in 2024,there was an increase in the volume of adult heart transplantation in the United States even as there was a...Heart transplantation is a life-saving procedure for many people throughout the world.Data shows that in 2024,there was an increase in the volume of adult heart transplantation in the United States even as there was a decrease in the volume of pediatric heart transplantation to the lowest volume in a decade.Organ availability remains a major limiting factor affecting transplant volume.This mandates that innovation must take place to increase the supply of donor organs.While some strategies such as donation after cardiac death,hepatitis C virus+transplantation,and ABO-incompatible transplantation have increased the pool for donation,it still falls short of meeting the demand.Other proposed strategies include splitting the donor heart to provide multiple partial heart transplants,domino partial heart transplantation,changes in legislation including opt-out legislation,and xenotransplantation.Further evolution and refinement of these strategies will make a meaningful impact on patients awaiting life-saving heart transplants.展开更多
Individual tree health plays a vital role in maintaining a forest's ecological functions,including resources for waterfowl and other wildlife.Seasonal flooding due to altered hydrology is a major stressor on indiv...Individual tree health plays a vital role in maintaining a forest's ecological functions,including resources for waterfowl and other wildlife.Seasonal flooding due to altered hydrology is a major stressor on individual tree health in Greentree reservoirs(GTR),impounded bottomland hardwood forests especially less water tolerant species like red oaks(Quercus spp.).We evaluated the health of individual red oak species(n=6,432)in 662 plots across elevation gradients in 12 GTRs within the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley using two tree health assessment approaches.The first approach assigns tree conditions(i.e.,stressed,moderate,low)based on overall qualitative tree attributes,while the second approach ranks stress,assigning numerical value based on the severity of four distinct qualitative tree attributes(i.e.,tip dieback,epicormics branch,bark condition,basal swell).The result indicated that the highest mean stress rank and the highest proportion of stressed tree conditions were red oak species,nuttall oak(Q.texana;18.59,0.44),willow oak(Q.phellos;18.66,0.38)and cherrybark oak(Q.pagoda;18.90,0.37).Red oak stress is positively correlated to elevation across the landscape(τ=0.10,p<0.001),but is negatively correlated to relative elevation,topographical changes,within each GTR(τ=-0.11,p<0.001).Additionally,the two health assessments are significantly associated(χ^(2)=313.78,df=2,p<0.001)and had a 13.1%misclassification rate.By utilizing the stress rank method for better classification of tree conditions to understand the adverse effect of prolonged flooding on the health of desirable red oak and other native tree species,management practices can be adjusted to improve tree health in GTRs,benefiting both wildlife and economic value.展开更多
A bicuspid aortic valve,from autologous tissue,with growth potential can be constructed using the simple,and reproducible telescoping arterial trunk technique.
Ischemic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness:Ischemic retinopathies including diabetic retinopathy(DR),retinopathy of prematurity,and retinal artery and vein occlusion are major causes of visual impairment.Isc...Ischemic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness:Ischemic retinopathies including diabetic retinopathy(DR),retinopathy of prematurity,and retinal artery and vein occlusion are major causes of visual impairment.Ischemic retinopathy can be acute,such as in central or branch retinal artery occlusion,or chronic,such as with DR(Figure 1).Although the causes of retinopathies are diverse,one pathogenic event shared by these conditions is the myeloid cell response to retinal ischemia(Shahror et al.,2024a).展开更多
Basal cell carcinoma(BCC)is the most prevalent form of skin cancer in the world,primarily affecting sun-exposed areas,including the periocular region.When BCC occurs near the eyes,surgical treatment becomes uniquely c...Basal cell carcinoma(BCC)is the most prevalent form of skin cancer in the world,primarily affecting sun-exposed areas,including the periocular region.When BCC occurs near the eyes,surgical treatment becomes uniquely complex.Excess excisions may cause detrimental effects to eyelid function and undesirable aesthetic outcomes.Conversely,adequate resection must occur to prevent further disease progression.Mohs micrographic surgery(MMS),a technique offering high remission rates,is often employed for periocular BCC.This method allows for precise cancer removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible,balancing the need for both effective treatment and aesthetic and functional preservation.Following Mohs surgery of periocular BCC,reconstruction methods vary and can be tailored based on the size of the resection and the functional requirements of the affected tissue.Amongst these methods,primary closure with and without secondary intentions,direct margin repair,local flap closure and advance flap,Tenzel flap,tarso-conjunctival flap,periocular skin grafting,and structural grafting are commonly utilized and each has its advantages and limitations.In the future,advancements in synthetic flaps and stabilizing glues in the periocular region may provide additional tools for post-Mohs reconstruction.However,these emerging techniques require further research to establish efficacy and safety,especially in more complex and sensitive regions like the periocular tissues.The primary purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of periocular reconstructive techniques following Mohs surgery,comparing their efficacy,functional outcomes,and aesthetic considerations while addressing recent advancements such as synthetic flaps and stabilizing glues to guide clinical decision-making.展开更多
As a prerequisite for sexual reproduction,gametophyte development is an interesting process involving cell proliferation,differentiation and specialization.Gametogenesis has been extensively explored in model plants,b...As a prerequisite for sexual reproduction,gametophyte development is an interesting process involving cell proliferation,differentiation and specialization.Gametogenesis has been extensively explored in model plants,but the regulatory mechanism of gametophyte development largely remains unknown in Cucurbitaceae species.In present study,we have shown that watermelon ClBBM and ClPLT2,two AP2/ERF transcription factors,participated in both male and female gametophyte development.Clbbm and Clplt2 single mutants resembled wild-type phenotypes in both vegetative and reproductive development.But Clbbm/Clplt2 double mutant showed partial pollen abortion and bore less seeds comparing to WT.Our results indicated that the abnormal pollen grains were caused by premature tapetum degeneration,and reduced seed-set was due to faulty embryo sac development.ClBBM and ClPLT2 were expressed in FG4 embryo sacs,and their transcripts were also detectable in the tapetum and microspore of stage 9 anthers,which was consistent with developmental stages of defective phenotypes observed in double mutant.The expression of genes essential for tapetum development,ClATM1,ClAMS,ClMS1 and ClMS188,was decreased in Clbbm/Clplt2 double mutants.Moreover,the transcriptome analysis indicated that ClBBM and ClPLT2 participated in tapetum and pollen wall development by regulate cell cycle,transmembrane transport,glucan and cellulose metabolic process.Collectively,ClBBM and ClPLT2 were functionally redundant in regulating gametophyte development in watermelon,and their functions differ from their homologous genes in model plant Arabidopsis.展开更多
In this paper,we study a deterministic model with non-autonomous system for mixed cultivars to assess the effect of cultivar susceptibility and seasonal variation on banana Xanthomonas wilt(BXW)disease dynamics.A spec...In this paper,we study a deterministic model with non-autonomous system for mixed cultivars to assess the effect of cultivar susceptibility and seasonal variation on banana Xanthomonas wilt(BXW)disease dynamics.A special case of two cultivars classified as highly susceptible for inflorescence infection(ABB)and less susceptible(AAA)cultivar is considered.The basic reproduction number corresponding to the non-autonomous system is derived and numerically computed to determine disease dynamics.Results showed that the disease dies out whenever the periodic basic reproduction number is less than unity and a periodic solution is obtained when it is greater than one.Results further showed that for both cultivars,the basic reproduction number increases with increasing values of the transmission rates and declines exponentially with increasing values of roguing rates.The critical roguing rate of ABB-genome cultivar was higher than that of AAA-genome cultivars.The peaks in disease prevalence indicate the importance of effective implementation of controls during the rainy season.We conclude that highly susceptible cultivars play an important role in the spread of BXW and control measures should be effectively implemented during the rainy season if BXW is to be eradicated.展开更多
Oxalate content in spinach is a key trait of interest due to its relevance to human health.Understanding the genetic basis of it can facilitate the development of spinach varieties with reduced oxalate levels.In pursu...Oxalate content in spinach is a key trait of interest due to its relevance to human health.Understanding the genetic basis of it can facilitate the development of spinach varieties with reduced oxalate levels.In pursuit of understanding the genetic determinants,a diverse panel comprising 288 spinach accessions underwent thorough phenotyping of oxalate content and were subjected to whole-genome resequencing,resulting in a comprehensive dataset encompassing 14386 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).Leveraging this dataset,we conducted a genome-wide association study(GWAS)to identify noteworthy SNPs associated with oxalate content.Furthermore,we employed genomic prediction(GP)via cross-prediction,utilizing five GP models,to assess genomic estimated breeding values(GEBVs)for oxalate content.The observed normal distribution and the wide range of oxalate content,exceeding 600.0 mg$100 g^(-1),underscore the complex and quantitative nature of this trait,likely influenced by multiple genes.Additionally,our analysis revealed distinct stratification,delineating the population into four discernible subpopulations.Furthermore,GWAS analysis employing five models in GAPIT 3 and TASSEL 5 unveiled nine significant SNPs(four SNPs on chromosome 1 and five on chromosome 5)associated with oxalate content.These loci exhibited associations with six candidate genes,which might have potential contribution to oxalate content regulation.Remarkably,our GP models exhibited notable predictive abilities,yielding average accuracies of up to 0.51 for GEBV estimation.The integration of GWAS and GP approaches offers a holistic comprehension of the genetic underpinnings of oxalate content in spinach.These findings offered a promising avenue for the development of spinach cultivars and hybrids optimized for oxalate levels,promoting consumer health.展开更多
Blast-induced ground vibration,quantified by peak particle velocity(PPV),is a crucial factor in mitigating environmental and structural risks in mining and geotechnical engineering.Accurate PPV prediction facilitates ...Blast-induced ground vibration,quantified by peak particle velocity(PPV),is a crucial factor in mitigating environmental and structural risks in mining and geotechnical engineering.Accurate PPV prediction facilitates safer and more sustainable blasting operations by minimizing adverse impacts and ensuring regulatory compliance.This study presents an advanced predictive framework integrating Cat Boost(CB)with nature-inspired optimization algorithms,including the Bat Algorithm(BAT),Sparrow Search Algorithm(SSA),Butterfly Optimization Algorithm(BOA),and Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm(GOA).A comprehensive dataset from the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine in Iran was utilized to develop and evaluate these models using key performance metrics such as the Index of Agreement(IoA),Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency(NSE),and the coefficient of determination(R^(2)).The hybrid CB-BOA model outperformed other approaches,achieving the highest accuracy(R^(2)=0.989)and the lowest prediction errors.SHAP analysis identified Distance(Di)as the most influential variable affecting PPV,while uncertainty analysis confirmed CB-BOA as the most reliable model,featuring the narrowest prediction interval.These findings highlight the effectiveness of hybrid machine learning models in refining PPV predictions,contributing to improved blast design strategies,enhanced structural safety,and reduced environmental impacts in mining and geotechnical engineering.展开更多
Background and Objective:Neurotrophic keratitis(NK)is a neurodegenerative corneal disease characterized by decreased corneal sensitivity caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve,leading to reduced corneal sensitivity ...Background and Objective:Neurotrophic keratitis(NK)is a neurodegenerative corneal disease characterized by decreased corneal sensitivity caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve,leading to reduced corneal sensitivity and increased risk of trauma,infection,and ulceration.Although prior reviews on NK exist,most focus on traditional diagnostic and treatment modalities,with limited coverage of recent advances that target the underlying neuropathology.There remains a need for an updated synthesis of current literature that not only highlights emerging diagnostic technologies but also integrates key findings from recent clinical trials,retrospective studies,and prospective investigations.This review addresses that need by providing a comprehensive,data-driven framework to support informed clinical decision-making in the management of NK.Methods:A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar,focusing on peer-reviewed articles,clinical guidelines,and meta-analyses from ophthalmic and neurological sources.Relevant literatures written in English were used.The timeframe included all papers up until August of 2024.Key Content and Findings:Corneal sensitivity testing remains the cornerstone of NK diagnosis,using both qualitative and quantitative methods.Recent innovations,such as the Brill Engines noncontact esthesiometer,offer a portable,noninvasive option for early detection.Although no single standard therapy exists,treatment spans from conservative approaches[artificial tears,bandage contact lenses(BCLs)]to biologics such as cenegermin[nerve growth factor(NGF)drops].Surgical strategies,including amniotic membrane transplantation,tarsorrhaphy,and conjunctival flaps,provide alternatives for refractory cases.Corneal neurotization is a novel technique showing promise in restoring innervation and reducing reliance on chronic therapy.Due to NK’s heterogeneous nature,treatment is individualized and often involves trial and error.Conclusions:NK is a relatively rare yet debilitating corneal disease.Clinicians should have a low threshold of suspicion for pursuing diagnostic tests in patients presenting classic and atypical symptoms.While recent advances in medical and surgical management have improved outlooks,continued research is essential to further optimize outcomes and prevent vision loss.展开更多
基金supported by United States Department of Agriculture,Agricultural Research Service(No.58-8042-9-072)United States Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture(No.2019-34263-30552)+1 种基金Management Information System(No.043050)United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service-Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement(No.58-6066-2-030).
文摘Background GOSSYM is a mechanistic,process-based cotton model that can simulate cotton crop growth and development,yield,and fiber quality.Its fiber quality module was developed based on controlled experiments explicitly conducted on the Texas Marker^(-1)(TM1)variety,potentially making its functional equations more aligned with this cultivar.To assess the model’s broader applicability,this study analyzed fiber quality data from 40 upland cotton cultivars,including TM1.The measured fiber quality from all cultivars was then compared with the modelsimulated fiber quality.Results Among the 40 upland cultivars,fiber strength varied from 28.4 cN·tex^(-1) to 34.6 cN·tex^(-1),fiber length ranged from 27.1 mm to 33.3 mm,micronaire value ranged from 2.7 to 4.6,and length uniformity index varied from 82.3%to 85.5%.The model simulated fiber quality closely matched the measured values for TM1,with the absolute percentage error(APE)being less than 0.92%for fiber strength,fiber length,and length uniformity index and 4.7%for micronaire.However,significant differences were observed for the other cultivars.The Pearson correlation coefficient(r)between the measured and simulated values was negative for all fiber quality traits,and Wilmotts’s index of agreement(WIA)was below 0.45,indicating a strong model bias toward TM1 without incorporating cultivar-specific parameters.After incorporating cultivar-specific parameters,the model’s performance improved significantly,with an average r-value of 0.84 and WIA of 0.88.Conclusions The adopted methodology and estimated cultivar-specific parameters improved the model’s simulation accuracy.This approach can be applied to newer cotton cultivars,enhancing the GOSSYM model’s utility and its applicability for agricultural management and policy decisions.
文摘Arsenic(As)contamination is one of the major factors that contribute to environmental pollution,and it plays havoc with sustainability of crop production.Nano-hydroxyapatite(nHAP)can be an effective phosphorus(P)source to cope with As toxicity.The mitigating effects of variable P sources on As toxicity in rice,sunflower,and maize grown in an alkaline soil were evaluated.Arsenic was applied at 0 and 20 mg kg^(-1),and P was applied at 0,50,and 500 mg kg^(-1)in the forms of triple superphosphate(TSP)and nHAP.In addition,the same amount of phosphoric acid was also used in the sunflower and maize experiments with the other P sources.The structural and functional properties of nHAP were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.Stunted growth was observed in rice,and less in sunflower;maize remained unaffected by As toxicity.In the presence of As,TSP and nHAP at their high doses(500 mg kg^(-1))significantly increased the rice dry weight compared with the control(0 mg kg^(-1)).The As concentration in rice was decreased by approximately 25%in the presence of 50 mg kg^(-1)TSP and 500 mg kg^(-1)nHAP.The P treatments had no significant effect on the As concentration in sunflower,whereas the As concentration in maize was increased by 500 mg kg^(-1)TSP.In the absence and presence of As,nHAP at 50 mg kg^(-1)significantly increased rice P concentration,whereas in the presence of As,500 mg kg^(-1)TSP significantly increased P concentration in rice compared with the control.Arsenic had no significant effect on sunflower P concentration,while the maize P concentration was decreased in the 0 mg kg^(-1)P treatment.It can be concluded that TSP and nHAP were effective in alleviating As toxicity in rice and sunflower.Comparative studies are further needed to determine the long-term effects of TSP and nHAP on prevention of As toxicity in field conditions.
基金This research was supported by a USDA-SCRI grant(2017-51181-26830)a USDA-AMS SCMP grant(16SCCMAR0001)the USDA NIFA Hatch project(ARK0VG2018 and ARK02440)to AS.
文摘Commercial production of spinach(Spinacia oleracea L.)is centered in California and Arizona in the US,where downy mildew caused by Peronospora effusa is the most destructive disease.Nineteen typical races of P.effusa have been reported to infect spinach,with 16 identified after 1990.The regular appearance of new pathogen races breaks the resistance gene introgressed in spinach.We attempted to map and delineate the RPF2 locus at a finer resolution,identify linked single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)markers,and report candidate downy mildew resistance(R)genes.Progeny populations segregating for RPF2 locus derived from resistant differential cultivar Lazio were infected using race 5 of P.effusa and were used to study for genetic transmission and mapping analysis in this study.Association analysis performed with low coverage whole genome resequencing-generated SNP markers mapped the RPF2 locus between 0.47 to 1.46 Mb of chromosome 3 with peak SNP(Chr3_1,221,009)showing a LOD value of 61.6 in the GLM model in TASSEL,which was within 1.08 Kb from Spo12821,a gene that encodes CC-NBS-LRR plant disease resistance protein.In addition,a combined analysis of progeny panels of Lazio and Whale segregating for RPF2 and RPF3 loci delineated the resistance section in chromosome 3 between 1.18–1.23 and 1.75–1.76 Mb.This study provides valuable information on the RPF2 resistance region in the spinach cultivar Lazio compared to RPF3 loci in the cultivar Whale.The RPF2 and RPF3 specific SNP markers,plus the resistant genes reported here,could add value to breeding efforts to develop downy mildew resistant cultivars in the future.
基金This research was supported in part by grants from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness MINECO/FEDER Projects RTA 2017-00084-00-00 and CERCA Program Generalitat of Catalonia.
文摘Loss of genetic variability is an increasing challenge in tree breeding programs due to the repeated use of a reduced number of founder genotypes.However,in almond,little is known about the genetic variability in current breeding stocks,although several cases of inbreeding depression have been reported.To gain insights into the genetic structure in modern breeding programs worldwide,marker-verified pedigree data of 220 almond cultivars and breeding selections were analyzed.Inbreeding coefficients,pairwise relatedness,and genetic contribution were calculated for these genotypes.The results reveal two mainstream breeding lines based on three cultivars:“Tuono”,“Cristomorto”,and“Nonpareil”.Descendants from“Tuono”or“Cristomorto”number 76(sharing 34 descendants),while“Nonpareil”has 71 descendants.The mean inbreeding coefficient of the analyzed genotypes was 0.041,with 14 genotypes presenting a high inbreeding coefficient,over 0.250.Breeding programs from France,the USA,and Spain showed inbreeding coefficients of 0.075,0.070,and 0.037,respectively.According to their genetic contribution,modern cultivars from Israel,France,the USA,Spain,and Australia trace back to a maximum of six main founding genotypes.Among the group of 65 genotypes carrying the S f allele for self-compatibility,the mean relatedness coefficient was 0.125,with“Tuono”as the main founding genotype(24.7%of total genetic contribution).The results broaden our understanding about the tendencies followed in almond breeding over the last 50 years and will have a large impact into breeding decision-making process worldwide.Increasing current genetic variability is required in almond breeding programs to assure genetic gain and continuing breeding progress.
基金UC‐KARE,UC‐Davis,and U.S.Department of Agriculture,Agricultural Research Service(USDA–ARS)Collaborative Agreement No.58‐2034‐8‐038。
文摘Background:The development of alfalfa cultivars with improved digestibility may minimize the yield‐quality tradeoff,enabling higher quality with lateharvested forage and possibly higher yields.Methods:An irrigated experiment conducted over 4 years compared 28‐d harvest schedules with 35‐d harvest schedules and an alternating 21‐d and 35‐d schedule.Four conventional cultivars and four cultivars developed for higher digestibility were grown under each schedule.Results:Delayed cutting(35‐d)yields were 16%greater and the staggered treatments were 6%higher than the 28‐d strategy.The nutritive value decreased significantly with the 35‐d schedule,but a“staggered”system provided nutritive value similar to the 28‐d schedule while achieving higher yields.The nutritive value of cultivars was in the order of HarvXtra>Hi‐Gest>conventional cultivars.The HarvXtra but not Hi‐Gest cultivars achieved similar digestibility under the 35‐d cutting schedule compared with conventional cultivars on a 28‐d schedule.Conclusions:This study clearly demonstrates that higher nutritive value cultivars of fall dormancy 6–9 grown with staggered or late cutting schedules can increase yields while maintaining higher nutritive value.The combination of staggered or late schedules with improved cultivars can maximize yields while maintaining the nutritive value of alfalfa,potentially breaking the alfalfa yield‐quality tradeoff.
文摘Upon researching predictive models related toWest Nile virus disease,it is discovered that there are numerous parameters and extensive information in most models,thus contributing to unnecessary complexity.Another challenge frequently encountered is the lead time,which refers to the period for which predictions are made and often is too short.This paper addresses these issues by introducing a parsimonious method based on ICC curves,offering a logistic distribution model derived from the vector-borne SEIR model.Unlike existing models relying on diverse environmental data,our approach exclusively utilizes historical and present infected human cases(number of new cases).With a yearlong lead time,the predictions extend throughout the 12 months,gaining precision as new data emerge.Theoretical conditions are derived to minimize Bayesian loss,enhancing predictive precision.We construct a Bayesian forecasting probability density function using carefully selected prior distributions.Applying these functions,we predict monthspecific infections nationwide,rigorously evaluating accuracy with probabilistic metrics.Additionally,HPD credible intervals at 90%,95%,and 99%levels is performed.Precision assessment is conducted for HPD intervals,measuring the proportion of intervals that does not include actual reported cases for 2020e2022.
基金supported by appropriated funds to the United States Department of Agriculture(USDA)Agricultural Research Service(ARS)JER project 3050-11210-009-00D and the Jornada Basin Long-Term Ecological Research Program DEB-1832194 and is a contribution from the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research(LTAR)networksupport of PhenoCam Network.The development of PhenoCam has been funded by the Northeastern States Research Cooperative,NSF’s Macrosystems Biology program(awards EF-1065029 and EF-1702697)+3 种基金U.S.Department of Energy’s(DOE’s)Regional and Global Climate Modeling program(award DE-SC0016011)the LTAR network,which is supported by the USDA-ARS(Cooperative agreement 59-3050-2-002)supported by a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s SCINet Program and AI Center of Excellence(ARS project numbers 0201-88888-003-000D and 0201-88888-002-000D)administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education(ORISE)through an interagency agreement between the DOE and the USDA.ORISE is managed by ORAU under DOE contract number DE-SC0014664.
文摘Remote sensing methods are commonly used to assess and monitor ecosystem conditions in drylands,but accurate classification and detection of ecological state change are challenging due to sparse vegetation cover,high spatial heterogeneity,and high interannual variability in production.We evaluated whether phenological metrics are effective for distinguishing dryland ecological states using imagery from near-surface camera(PhenoCam)and satellite(Harmonized Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2,hereafter HLS)sources,and how effectiveness varied across wet and dry rainfall years.We analyzed time series over 92 site-years at a site in southern New Mexico undergoing transitions from grassland to shrubland on different soil types.Rainfall was a driver of phenological response across all ecological states,with wet years correlating with later start of season,later peak,higher peak greenness,and shorter growing season.This rainfall response was strongest in shrub-invaded grasslands on sandy soils.PhenoCam estimated significantly earlier start of season than HLS for shrublands on gravelly soils and earlier end of season than HLS for shrub-invaded grasslands on sandy soils.We propose integrating seasonal metrics from high-frequency PhenoCam time series with satellite assessments to improve monitoring efforts in drylands,use phenological differences across variable rainfall years to measure differences in ecosystem function among states,and use the timing and strength of peak greenness of key plant functional groups(grasses in our study site)as an indicator of ecological state change.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFE0124400)the Specific university discipline construction project (2023B10564001)+1 种基金grants administered by the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and the USDAa core grant (P20GM121293, proteogenomics core)。
文摘Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between the microbiome and sows with longevity in reproduction.Results In this study,we collected and sequenced rectal and vaginal swabs from 48 sows,nine of which completed up to four parities(U4P group),exhibiting reproductive longevity.We first identified predictors of sow longevity in the rectum(e.g.,Akkermansia)and vagina(e.g.,Lactobacillus)of the U4P group using RandomForest in the early breeding stage of the first parity.Interestingly,these bacteria in the U4P group showed decreased predicted KEGG gene abundance involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids.Then,we tracked the longitudinal changes of the micro-biome over four parities in the U4P sows.LEfSe analysis revealed parity-associated bacteria that existed in both the rectum and vagina(e.g.,Streptococcus in Parity 1,Lactobacillus in Parity 2,Veillonella in Parity 4).We also identi-fied patterns of bacterial change between the early breeding stage(d 0)and d 110,such as Streptococcus,which was decreased in all four parties.Furthermore,sows in the U4P group with longevity potential also showed better reproductive performance.Finally,we discovered bacterial predictors(e.g.,Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group)for the total number of piglets born throughout the four parities in both the rectum and vagina.Conclusions This study highlights how the rectal and vaginal microbiome in sows with longevity in reproduc-tion changes within four parities.The identification of parity-associated,pregnancy-related,and reproductive performance-correlated bacteria provides the foundation for targeted microbiome modulation to improve animal production.
文摘Purpose-The real-time generation of feature descriptors for object recognition is a challenging problem.In this research,the purpose of this paper is to provide a hardware friendly framework to generate sparse features that can be useful for key feature point selection,feature extraction,and descriptor construction.The inspiration is drawn from feature formation processes of the human brain,taking into account the sparse,modular,and hierarchical processing of visual information.Design/methodology/approach-A sparse set of neurons referred as active neurons determines the feature points necessary for high-level vision applications such as object recognition.A psycho-physical mechanism of human low-level vision relates edge detection to noticeable local spatial stimuli,representing this set of active neurons.A cognitive memory cell array-based implementation of low-level vision is proposed.Applications of memory cell in edge detection are used for realizing human vision inspired feature selection and leading to feature vector construction for high-level vision applications.Findings-True parallel architecture and faster response of cognitive circuits avoid time costly and redundant feature extraction steps.Validation of proposed feature vector toward high-level computer vision applications is demonstrated using standard object recognition databases.The comparison against existing state-of-the-art object recognition features and methods shows an accuracy of 97,95,69 percent for Columbia Object Image Library-100,ALOI,and PASCAL VOC 2007 databases indicating an increase from benchmark methods by 5,3 and 10 percent,respectively.Originality/value-A hardware friendly low-level sparse edge feature processing system isproposed for recognizing objects.The edge features are developed based on threshold logic of neurons,and the sparse selection of the features applies a modular and hierarchical processing inspired from the human neural system.
文摘Heart transplantation is a life-saving procedure for many people throughout the world.Data shows that in 2024,there was an increase in the volume of adult heart transplantation in the United States even as there was a decrease in the volume of pediatric heart transplantation to the lowest volume in a decade.Organ availability remains a major limiting factor affecting transplant volume.This mandates that innovation must take place to increase the supply of donor organs.While some strategies such as donation after cardiac death,hepatitis C virus+transplantation,and ABO-incompatible transplantation have increased the pool for donation,it still falls short of meeting the demand.Other proposed strategies include splitting the donor heart to provide multiple partial heart transplants,domino partial heart transplantation,changes in legislation including opt-out legislation,and xenotransplantation.Further evolution and refinement of these strategies will make a meaningful impact on patients awaiting life-saving heart transplants.
基金Five Oaks Ag Research&Education Center(DS18849)the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture(PR02276)funding was provided by the U.S.Department of Agriculture,the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,and the McIntire-Stennis Capacity Grant(2729 YR21-25 and ARK02594).
文摘Individual tree health plays a vital role in maintaining a forest's ecological functions,including resources for waterfowl and other wildlife.Seasonal flooding due to altered hydrology is a major stressor on individual tree health in Greentree reservoirs(GTR),impounded bottomland hardwood forests especially less water tolerant species like red oaks(Quercus spp.).We evaluated the health of individual red oak species(n=6,432)in 662 plots across elevation gradients in 12 GTRs within the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley using two tree health assessment approaches.The first approach assigns tree conditions(i.e.,stressed,moderate,low)based on overall qualitative tree attributes,while the second approach ranks stress,assigning numerical value based on the severity of four distinct qualitative tree attributes(i.e.,tip dieback,epicormics branch,bark condition,basal swell).The result indicated that the highest mean stress rank and the highest proportion of stressed tree conditions were red oak species,nuttall oak(Q.texana;18.59,0.44),willow oak(Q.phellos;18.66,0.38)and cherrybark oak(Q.pagoda;18.90,0.37).Red oak stress is positively correlated to elevation across the landscape(τ=0.10,p<0.001),but is negatively correlated to relative elevation,topographical changes,within each GTR(τ=-0.11,p<0.001).Additionally,the two health assessments are significantly associated(χ^(2)=313.78,df=2,p<0.001)and had a 13.1%misclassification rate.By utilizing the stress rank method for better classification of tree conditions to understand the adverse effect of prolonged flooding on the health of desirable red oak and other native tree species,management practices can be adjusted to improve tree health in GTRs,benefiting both wildlife and economic value.
基金funded by internal grants from the Ward Family Heart Center.
文摘A bicuspid aortic valve,from autologous tissue,with growth potential can be constructed using the simple,and reproducible telescoping arterial trunk technique.
基金supported by the National Institute of Health/National Eye Institute(NIH/NEI)grants(R00 EY029373,R01 EY035658)to AYFKnights Templar Eye Foundation Research Grant to ESIntramural UAMS Hornick and Sturgis grants to AYF and ES respectively。
文摘Ischemic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness:Ischemic retinopathies including diabetic retinopathy(DR),retinopathy of prematurity,and retinal artery and vein occlusion are major causes of visual impairment.Ischemic retinopathy can be acute,such as in central or branch retinal artery occlusion,or chronic,such as with DR(Figure 1).Although the causes of retinopathies are diverse,one pathogenic event shared by these conditions is the myeloid cell response to retinal ischemia(Shahror et al.,2024a).
文摘Basal cell carcinoma(BCC)is the most prevalent form of skin cancer in the world,primarily affecting sun-exposed areas,including the periocular region.When BCC occurs near the eyes,surgical treatment becomes uniquely complex.Excess excisions may cause detrimental effects to eyelid function and undesirable aesthetic outcomes.Conversely,adequate resection must occur to prevent further disease progression.Mohs micrographic surgery(MMS),a technique offering high remission rates,is often employed for periocular BCC.This method allows for precise cancer removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible,balancing the need for both effective treatment and aesthetic and functional preservation.Following Mohs surgery of periocular BCC,reconstruction methods vary and can be tailored based on the size of the resection and the functional requirements of the affected tissue.Amongst these methods,primary closure with and without secondary intentions,direct margin repair,local flap closure and advance flap,Tenzel flap,tarso-conjunctival flap,periocular skin grafting,and structural grafting are commonly utilized and each has its advantages and limitations.In the future,advancements in synthetic flaps and stabilizing glues in the periocular region may provide additional tools for post-Mohs reconstruction.However,these emerging techniques require further research to establish efficacy and safety,especially in more complex and sensitive regions like the periocular tissues.The primary purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of periocular reconstructive techniques following Mohs surgery,comparing their efficacy,functional outcomes,and aesthetic considerations while addressing recent advancements such as synthetic flaps and stabilizing glues to guide clinical decision-making.
基金supported by the National Youth Talent Program(Grant No.A279021801)Key-Area R&D Program of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2022B0202060001)+3 种基金Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shaanxi(Grant No.2021TD-32)the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province(Grant Nos.2021JM-089,2022JM112 and 2022JQ-162)the Key R&D Project from Yangling Seed Industry Innovation Center(Grant No.K3031322016)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.2452022111)。
文摘As a prerequisite for sexual reproduction,gametophyte development is an interesting process involving cell proliferation,differentiation and specialization.Gametogenesis has been extensively explored in model plants,but the regulatory mechanism of gametophyte development largely remains unknown in Cucurbitaceae species.In present study,we have shown that watermelon ClBBM and ClPLT2,two AP2/ERF transcription factors,participated in both male and female gametophyte development.Clbbm and Clplt2 single mutants resembled wild-type phenotypes in both vegetative and reproductive development.But Clbbm/Clplt2 double mutant showed partial pollen abortion and bore less seeds comparing to WT.Our results indicated that the abnormal pollen grains were caused by premature tapetum degeneration,and reduced seed-set was due to faulty embryo sac development.ClBBM and ClPLT2 were expressed in FG4 embryo sacs,and their transcripts were also detectable in the tapetum and microspore of stage 9 anthers,which was consistent with developmental stages of defective phenotypes observed in double mutant.The expression of genes essential for tapetum development,ClATM1,ClAMS,ClMS1 and ClMS188,was decreased in Clbbm/Clplt2 double mutants.Moreover,the transcriptome analysis indicated that ClBBM and ClPLT2 participated in tapetum and pollen wall development by regulate cell cycle,transmembrane transport,glucan and cellulose metabolic process.Collectively,ClBBM and ClPLT2 were functionally redundant in regulating gametophyte development in watermelon,and their functions differ from their homologous genes in model plant Arabidopsis.
基金Mcknight Foundation Grant No.12-508 with additional support from the Roots,Tubers and Banana(RTB)program and Bioversity International.
文摘In this paper,we study a deterministic model with non-autonomous system for mixed cultivars to assess the effect of cultivar susceptibility and seasonal variation on banana Xanthomonas wilt(BXW)disease dynamics.A special case of two cultivars classified as highly susceptible for inflorescence infection(ABB)and less susceptible(AAA)cultivar is considered.The basic reproduction number corresponding to the non-autonomous system is derived and numerically computed to determine disease dynamics.Results showed that the disease dies out whenever the periodic basic reproduction number is less than unity and a periodic solution is obtained when it is greater than one.Results further showed that for both cultivars,the basic reproduction number increases with increasing values of the transmission rates and declines exponentially with increasing values of roguing rates.The critical roguing rate of ABB-genome cultivar was higher than that of AAA-genome cultivars.The peaks in disease prevalence indicate the importance of effective implementation of controls during the rainy season.We conclude that highly susceptible cultivars play an important role in the spread of BXW and control measures should be effectively implemented during the rainy season if BXW is to be eradicated.
基金supported by USDA-SCRI(Grant Nos.2017-51181-26830 and 2023-51181-41321)USDA-AMS SCMP(Grant No.16SCCMAR0001)+1 种基金Arkansas Department of Agriculture SCBGP(Grant No.AM22SCBGPAR1130-00)USDA NIFA Hatch project(Grant Nos.ARK0VG2018 and ARK02440).
文摘Oxalate content in spinach is a key trait of interest due to its relevance to human health.Understanding the genetic basis of it can facilitate the development of spinach varieties with reduced oxalate levels.In pursuit of understanding the genetic determinants,a diverse panel comprising 288 spinach accessions underwent thorough phenotyping of oxalate content and were subjected to whole-genome resequencing,resulting in a comprehensive dataset encompassing 14386 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).Leveraging this dataset,we conducted a genome-wide association study(GWAS)to identify noteworthy SNPs associated with oxalate content.Furthermore,we employed genomic prediction(GP)via cross-prediction,utilizing five GP models,to assess genomic estimated breeding values(GEBVs)for oxalate content.The observed normal distribution and the wide range of oxalate content,exceeding 600.0 mg$100 g^(-1),underscore the complex and quantitative nature of this trait,likely influenced by multiple genes.Additionally,our analysis revealed distinct stratification,delineating the population into four discernible subpopulations.Furthermore,GWAS analysis employing five models in GAPIT 3 and TASSEL 5 unveiled nine significant SNPs(four SNPs on chromosome 1 and five on chromosome 5)associated with oxalate content.These loci exhibited associations with six candidate genes,which might have potential contribution to oxalate content regulation.Remarkably,our GP models exhibited notable predictive abilities,yielding average accuracies of up to 0.51 for GEBV estimation.The integration of GWAS and GP approaches offers a holistic comprehension of the genetic underpinnings of oxalate content in spinach.These findings offered a promising avenue for the development of spinach cultivars and hybrids optimized for oxalate levels,promoting consumer health.
基金the Deanship of Scientific Research at Northern Border University,Arar,KSA for funding this research work through the project number"NBUFFMRA-2025-2461-09"。
文摘Blast-induced ground vibration,quantified by peak particle velocity(PPV),is a crucial factor in mitigating environmental and structural risks in mining and geotechnical engineering.Accurate PPV prediction facilitates safer and more sustainable blasting operations by minimizing adverse impacts and ensuring regulatory compliance.This study presents an advanced predictive framework integrating Cat Boost(CB)with nature-inspired optimization algorithms,including the Bat Algorithm(BAT),Sparrow Search Algorithm(SSA),Butterfly Optimization Algorithm(BOA),and Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm(GOA).A comprehensive dataset from the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine in Iran was utilized to develop and evaluate these models using key performance metrics such as the Index of Agreement(IoA),Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency(NSE),and the coefficient of determination(R^(2)).The hybrid CB-BOA model outperformed other approaches,achieving the highest accuracy(R^(2)=0.989)and the lowest prediction errors.SHAP analysis identified Distance(Di)as the most influential variable affecting PPV,while uncertainty analysis confirmed CB-BOA as the most reliable model,featuring the narrowest prediction interval.These findings highlight the effectiveness of hybrid machine learning models in refining PPV predictions,contributing to improved blast design strategies,enhanced structural safety,and reduced environmental impacts in mining and geotechnical engineering.
基金supported by the Walter G.Ross Foundation(to R.K.L.)partly supported by the Camiener Foundation Glaucoma Research Fund and the Gutierrez Family Research Fund.
文摘Background and Objective:Neurotrophic keratitis(NK)is a neurodegenerative corneal disease characterized by decreased corneal sensitivity caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve,leading to reduced corneal sensitivity and increased risk of trauma,infection,and ulceration.Although prior reviews on NK exist,most focus on traditional diagnostic and treatment modalities,with limited coverage of recent advances that target the underlying neuropathology.There remains a need for an updated synthesis of current literature that not only highlights emerging diagnostic technologies but also integrates key findings from recent clinical trials,retrospective studies,and prospective investigations.This review addresses that need by providing a comprehensive,data-driven framework to support informed clinical decision-making in the management of NK.Methods:A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar,focusing on peer-reviewed articles,clinical guidelines,and meta-analyses from ophthalmic and neurological sources.Relevant literatures written in English were used.The timeframe included all papers up until August of 2024.Key Content and Findings:Corneal sensitivity testing remains the cornerstone of NK diagnosis,using both qualitative and quantitative methods.Recent innovations,such as the Brill Engines noncontact esthesiometer,offer a portable,noninvasive option for early detection.Although no single standard therapy exists,treatment spans from conservative approaches[artificial tears,bandage contact lenses(BCLs)]to biologics such as cenegermin[nerve growth factor(NGF)drops].Surgical strategies,including amniotic membrane transplantation,tarsorrhaphy,and conjunctival flaps,provide alternatives for refractory cases.Corneal neurotization is a novel technique showing promise in restoring innervation and reducing reliance on chronic therapy.Due to NK’s heterogeneous nature,treatment is individualized and often involves trial and error.Conclusions:NK is a relatively rare yet debilitating corneal disease.Clinicians should have a low threshold of suspicion for pursuing diagnostic tests in patients presenting classic and atypical symptoms.While recent advances in medical and surgical management have improved outlooks,continued research is essential to further optimize outcomes and prevent vision loss.
