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Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Phosphorus (P) availability severely limits plant growth due to its immobility and inaccessibility in soils. Yet, visualization and measurements of P uptake from...
Phosphorus (P) availability severely limits plant growth due to its immobility and inaccessibility in soils. Yet, visualization and measurements of P uptake from different root types or regions in soil are methodologically challenging. Here, we explored the potential of phosphor imaging combined with local injection of radioactive P to quantitatively visualize P uptake and translocation along roots of maize grown in soils. Rhizoboxes (20 × 40 × 1 cm) were filled with sandy field soil or quartz sand, with one maize plant per box. Soil compartments were created using a gravel layer to restrict P transfer. After 2 weeks, a compartment with the tip region of a seminal root was labeled with a NaH PO4 solution containing 12 MBq of P. Phosphor imaging captured root P distribution at 45 min, 90 min, 135 min, 180 min, and 24 h post-labeling. After harvest, P levels in roots and shoots were quantified. P uptake exhibited a 50% increase in quartz sand compared to sandy soil, likely attributed to higher P adsorption to the sandy soil matrix than to quartz sand. Notably, only 60% of the absorbed P was translocated to the shoot, with the remaining 40% directed to growing root tips of lateral or seminal roots. Phosphor imaging unveiled a continuous rise in P signal in the labeled seminal root from immediate post-labeling until 24 h after labeling. The highest P activities were concentrated just above the labeled compartment, diminishing in locations farther away. Emerging laterals from the labeled root served as strong sinks for P, while a portion was also transported to other seminal roots. Our study quantitatively visualized P uptake and translocation dynamics, facilitating future investigations into diverse root regions/types and varying plant growth conditions. This improves our understanding of the significance of different P sources for plant nutrition and potentially enhances models of plant P uptake.
PubMed: 38947946
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1376613 -
ArXiv Jun 2024Feature attribution, the ability to localize regions of the input data that are relevant for classification, is an important capability for ML models in scientific and...
Feature attribution, the ability to localize regions of the input data that are relevant for classification, is an important capability for ML models in scientific and biomedical domains. Current methods for feature attribution, which rely on "explaining" the predictions of end-to-end classifiers, suffer from imprecise feature localization and are inadequate for use with small sample sizes and high-dimensional datasets due to computational challenges. We introduce prospector heads, an efficient and interpretable alternative to explanation-based attribution methods that can be applied to any encoder and any data modality. Prospector heads generalize across modalities through experiments on sequences (text), images (pathology), and graphs (protein structures), outperforming baseline attribution methods by up to 26.3 points in mean localization AUPRC. We also demonstrate how prospector heads enable improved interpretation and discovery of class-specific patterns in input data. Through their high performance, flexibility, and generalizability, prospectors provide a framework for improving trust and transparency for ML models in complex domains.
PubMed: 38947933
DOI: No ID Found -
ArXiv Jun 2024We use (multi)modal deep neural networks (DNNs) to probe for sites of multimodal integration in the human brain by predicting stereoencephalography (SEEG) recordings...
We use (multi)modal deep neural networks (DNNs) to probe for sites of multimodal integration in the human brain by predicting stereoencephalography (SEEG) recordings taken while human subjects watched movies. We operationalize sites of multimodal integration as regions where a multimodal vision-language model predicts recordings better than unimodal language, unimodal vision, or linearly-integrated language-vision models. Our target DNN models span different architectures (e.g., convolutional networks and transformers) and multimodal training techniques (e.g., cross-attention and contrastive learning). As a key enabling step, we first demonstrate that trained vision and language models systematically outperform their randomly initialized counterparts in their ability to predict SEEG signals. We then compare unimodal and multimodal models against one another. Because our target DNN models often have different architectures, number of parameters, and training sets (possibly obscuring those differences attributable to integration), we carry out a controlled comparison of two models (SLIP and SimCLR), which keep all of these attributes the same aside from input modality. Using this approach, we identify a sizable number of neural sites (on average 141 out of 1090 total sites or 12.94%) and brain regions where multimodal integration seems to occur. Additionally, we find that among the variants of multimodal training techniques we assess, CLIP-style training is the best suited for downstream prediction of the neural activity in these sites.
PubMed: 38947929
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Health can be described as the state of homeostasis and optimal functioning across various bio-psycho-social dimensions and processes, allowing an individual to adapt...
OBJECTIVE
Health can be described as the state of homeostasis and optimal functioning across various bio-psycho-social dimensions and processes, allowing an individual to adapt and respond effectively to extrinsic and intrinsic challenges. Our thoughts, choices, behaviors, experiences, and feelings shape our existence. By transitioning from unconscious reactions to conscious responses, we can establish novel habits and behaviors, actively embracing positive shifts in our lifestyle.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
The presented examination focuses on the smartwatch (SW), analyzing the incorporation of potentially progressive attributes that could enrich our lifestyle pursuits. The objective is not the health disorders themselves but the employment of wearable devices to create a strong sense of coherence in the Straussian grounded theory approach. The study had no subjects.
RESULTS
The potential of the SW has been partially explored in lifestyle intervention, modification, research, and practice.
CONCLUSION
Based on our examination, creating an innovative SW capable of aiding individuals in better comprehending their behaviors and motivating them toward comprehensive changes in their lifestyle is a challenging yet attainable endeavor. Our ambition is to bring into existence SW capable of comprehensively measuring and evaluating interoception, circadian rhythm (CR), selected lifestyle pillars, and their associated components, and seamlessly integrating them into current SW features. It focuses on boosting motivation, maintenance, and amelioration regarding one's lifestyle. The novel approach strives to boost both immediate and underlying factors that actively contribute to improving one's metacognition.
PubMed: 38947903
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1389340 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024Bituminous carbonate rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Shu'ayb Formation from the Ajloun outcrop in Northern Jordan were geochemically and petrologically analyzed in this...
Geochemical and Organic Petrological Characteristics of the Bituminous Carbonate Succession (Upper Cretaceous Shu'ayb Formation) in Northern Jordan: Implications for Organic Matter Input and Paleosalinity, Paleoredox, and Paleoclimatic Conditions.
Bituminous carbonate rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Shu'ayb Formation from the Ajloun outcrop in Northern Jordan were geochemically and petrologically analyzed in this study. This study integrates kerogen microscopy results with geochemical results (i.e., biomarker, stable carbon isotope, and major elemental compositions) to understand the organic matter (OM) inputs and to reveal the dispositional setting and its effect on the occurrence of OM. The Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate rocks have high total organic carbon (TOC) and sulfur (S) contents, with average values of 12.3 and 4.59 wt %, respectively, indicating redox conditions during their precipitation. The high abundance of alginite (i.e., ) in the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate sediments is a further evidence for redox conditions. The finding of mainly marine-derived OM was also demonstrated by the biomarker distribution and carbon isotope composition. The biomarkers are represented by a narrow Pr/Ph ratio of up to 0.97, abundance of tricyclic terpanes, and high C regular sterane, indicating that the OM was primarily derived from phytoplankton algae, along with small amounts of land plant-derived materials, and were accumulated under reducing conditions. The studied Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies is composed of mainly calcium (CaO; average, 45.10 wt %), with significant amounts of silicon (SiO; avg., 9.35 wt %), aluminum (AlO; avg., 6.91 wt %), and phosphorus (PO; avg., 1.47 wt %) and low amounts of iron (FeO) and titanium (TiO) of less than 1 wt %, indicating that the detrital influx was low in an open water depth system with higher primary bioproductivity. The geochemical proxy suggests that the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies was established in a saline water environment, with Ca/Ca + Fe and S/TOC values of more than 0.9 and 0.50, respectively, which could be attributed to the increase in reducing conditions of the water column. The chemical index of alteration values of more than 0.8 also indicate that the Shu'ayb bituminous carbonate facies formed during warm and humid climatic conditions, thereby resulting in intense subaerial weathering.
PubMed: 38947829
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02582 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024The advancement of water electrolyzer technologies and the production of sustainable hydrogen fuel heavily rely on the development of efficient and cost-effective...
The advancement of water electrolyzer technologies and the production of sustainable hydrogen fuel heavily rely on the development of efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). High entropy ceramics, characterized by their unique properties, such as lattice distortion and high configurational entropy, hold significant promise for catalytic applications. In this study, we utilized the sol-gel autocombustion method to synthesize high entropy ceramics containing a combination of 3d transition metals and aluminum ((AlCrCoNiFe)O). We then compared their electrocatalytic performance with other series of synthesized multimetal and monometallic oxides for the OER under alkaline conditions. Our electrochemical analysis revealed that the high entropy ceramics exhibited excellent performance and the lowest charge transfer resistance, Tafel slope (29 mV·dec), and overpotential (η = 230 mV). These remarkable results can be primarily attributed to the high entropy effect induced by the addition of Al, Cr, Co, Ni, and Fe, which introduces increased disorder and complexity into the material's structure. This, in turn, facilitates more efficient OER catalysis by providing diverse active sites and promoting optimal electronic configurations for the reaction. Furthermore, the strong electronic interactions among the constituent elements in the metallic spinels further enhance their catalytic activity in the initiation of the OER process. Combined with the reduced charge transfer resistance, these factors collectively play pivotal roles in enhancing the OER performance of the electrocatalysts. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the design and development of high-performance electrocatalysts for sustainable energy applications. By harnessing the high entropy effect and leveraging strong electronic interactions, electrocatalytic materials can be tailored to improve efficiency and stability, thus advancing the progress of clean energy technologies.
PubMed: 38947820
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03807 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024Carbonates constitute a significant proportion of the world's hydrocarbon reserves, accounting for approximately 43%. Despite their substantial potential, accurately...
Carbonates constitute a significant proportion of the world's hydrocarbon reserves, accounting for approximately 43%. Despite their substantial potential, accurately characterizing these reserves is a challenging task due to their complex and anisotropic nature. In the upper Indus basin of Pakistan, Eocene carbonates exhibit strong production capabilities. However, the Eocene reservoir (comprising the Chorgali and Sakesar formations) and the deeper Lockhart formation of the Paleocene age present a considerable challenge. The Chorgali formation is dolomitic in composition, featuring both primary and secondary porosity, while the Sakesar formation has only secondary porosity resulting from tectonic activity. The delineation of tectonically induced porosities is a highly demanding task that requires exceptional quality seismic and well data for reliable results. To address the complex heterogeneities present in the Eocene reservoir of the upper Indus basin, a variety of seismic attributes, such as sweetness, instantaneous frequency, amplitude, curvature, similarity variance, lateral continuity, and fault likelihood, have been employed in conjunction with fundamental interpreting techniques. These advanced seismic attributes greatly contribute to delineating fracture zones and identifying sweet spots with remarkable precision. They also enable a focus on high-frequency data content and differentiate between shale beds and reservoir zones based on frequency and amplitude. This helps in the concise marking of fractured zones to enhance our understanding of secondary porosity. Moreover, these attributes help delineate the continuity of reflectors and pinpoint disruptions caused by compression forces and tectonic activities. This study aims to capture the heterogeneity and complexity of reservoir zones to address a critical question regarding the Balkassar structure. The Western lobe of the field, which demonstrates promising oil production, outperforms the structurally higher Eastern part, which lags behind in production. This research seeks to recognize the geological elements contributing to the superior performance of the Western lobe and provide guidance for maximizing the potential of the Eastern lobe through advanced characterization techniques.
PubMed: 38947798
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00191 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024The sol-gel route was used to synthesize a series of compounds of the system Bi.Ba.Pr.Fe Cr O within the 0 ≤ ≤ 0.15 compositional range. To explore the impact of...
The sol-gel route was used to synthesize a series of compounds of the system Bi.Ba.Pr.Fe Cr O within the 0 ≤ ≤ 0.15 compositional range. To explore the impact of Cr ion substitution on the structural, dielectric, optical, and magnetic properties, we introduced varying concentrations of Cr while maintaining a fixed 10% atomic concentration of each Ba and Pr in BiFeO. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a structural phase transition from rhombohedral (3) for an undoped (i.e., without Cr) sample to two coexisting phases, i.e., a mix of rhombohedral and orthorhombic () phases for the Cr-doped samples. Cr doping significantly changes the band gap energy from 1.84 eV ( = 0.0) to 1.93 eV ( = 0.15), which makes this material suitable for photovoltaic applications. Furthermore, each sample exhibited ferromagnetic behavior due to the disruption of the spiral spin structures and adjustments in superexchange interactions, attributed to modifications in the Fe-O and Fe-O-Fe bond lengths. A reduction in magnetization is observed at higher Cr concentrations that can be ascribed to the dilution of magnetic moments due to the increase of the orthorhombic phase percentage and the introduction of nonmagnetic Cr ions. Our results show that Cr doping in the Bi.Ba.Pr.FeO system induces enhanced multiferroic properties at room temperature.
PubMed: 38947788
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03032 -
Open Life Sciences 2024The common squid, , is an important commercial species that inhabits the northwest Pacific Ocean, particularly the East Japan Sea, the Pacific coast of Japan, and the...
The common squid, , is an important commercial species that inhabits the northwest Pacific Ocean, particularly the East Japan Sea, the Pacific coast of Japan, and the East China Sea. In this study, we chose 29 individuals from three areas: one type from the Sea of Japan and two types from the East China Sea. A total of 43,529 SNPs were obtained using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Our analyses revealed low genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in each type. Heterozygote deficiency and inbreeding have caused this low level of genetic diversity. Population structure analysis indicated that the three types were genetically similar, which may be attributed to strong gene flow combined with the demographic history events during the last 2 million years. This new GBS application technique provides valuable information for the conservation of marine species genetics and could be useful for the effective management of this resource.
PubMed: 38947770
DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0876 -
Cureus May 2024Bilateral single-system ectopic ureters (BSSEUs) are among the rarest entities encountered in pediatric urology. A BSSEU occurs when the ureteric buds originate...
Bilateral single-system ectopic ureters (BSSEUs) are among the rarest entities encountered in pediatric urology. A BSSEU occurs when the ureteric buds originate cranially from the mesonephric ducts, causing a delay in their integration into the urogenital sinus. It presents as continuous incontinence in females, whereas symptoms like infection and discomfort are present in males. We describe a case involving a BSSEU opening into the vagina and urethra, with the patient experiencing continuous urinary incontinence, and its diagnosis and management. Here, We discuss a rare case of a four-year-old girl exhibiting continuous urinary incontinence or dribbling associated with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) attributed to bilateral ectopic ureters. Imaging modalities, including contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT) and MRI, revealed the presence of BSSEUs accompanied by hydroureteronephrosis. The condition was managed with prompt surgical intervention involving bilateral ureteric reimplantation. Subsequent to the procedure, the patient experienced a significant improvement in continence mechanism and bladder capacity, obviating the requirement of urinary diversion procedure appendicovesicostomy or bladder neck reconstruction. Notably, while BSSEUs are an uncommon presentation, their timely and appropriate management is paramount in preventing potential renal damage. This case underscores the significance of vigilant monitoring and proactive intervention in addressing such complex urological anomalies in pediatric patients.
PubMed: 38947717
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61341