Deep Variational Luenberger-type Observer for Stochastic Video Prediction

Considering the inherent stochasticity and uncertainty, predicting future video frames is exceptionally challenging. In this work, we study the problem of video prediction by combining interpretability of stochastic state space models and representation learning of deep neural networks. Our model builds upon an variational encoder which transforms the input video into a latent feature space and a Luenberger-type observer which captures the dynamic evolution of the latent features. This enables the decomposition of videos into static features and dynamics in an unsupervised manner. By deriving the stability theory of the nonlinear Luenberger-type observer, the hidden states in the feature space become insensitive with respect to the initial values, which improves the robustness of the overall model. Furthermore, the variational lower bound on the data log-likelihood can be derived to obtain the tractable posterior prediction distribution based on the variational principle. Finally, the experiments such as the Bouncing Balls dataset and the Pendulum dataset are provided to demonstrate the proposed model outperforms concurrent works

Fine-Tuning of Electronic Structure of Cobalt(II) Ion in Nonplanar Porphyrins and Tracking of a Cross-Hybrid Stage: Implications for the Distortion of Natural Tetrapyrrole Macrocycles

The core size of the porphyrin macrocycles was closely related to their stability of the different electron structure in the central metal ion. Cobalt­(II) ions can undergo a conversion in electron configurations upon N₄ core contraction of 0.05 Å in nonplanar porphyrins, and these ions still maintain low spin forms after and before conversion. The structural fine-tuning can induce the appearance of a cross-hybrid stage [d­(_{<i>x</i>²−<i>y</i>}^₂)­sp² ↔ d­(_<i>z</i>²)­sp²] based on quadrilateral coordination of the planar core. The results indicate that the configuration conversion plays a key role in electron transfer in redox catalysis involving cobalt complexes. The electronic properties of six monostrapped cobalt­(II) porphyrins were investigated by spectral, paramagnetic, and electrochemical methods. The macrocyclic deformations and size parameters of Co-containing model compounds were directly obtained from their crystal structures

Fine-Tuning of Electronic Structure of Cobalt(II) Ion in Nonplanar Porphyrins and Tracking of a Cross-Hybrid Stage: Implications for the Distortion of Natural Tetrapyrrole Macrocycles

The core size of the porphyrin macrocycles was closely related to their stability of the different electron structure in the central metal ion. Cobalt­(II) ions can undergo a conversion in electron configurations upon N₄ core contraction of 0.05 Å in nonplanar porphyrins, and these ions still maintain low spin forms after and before conversion. The structural fine-tuning can induce the appearance of a cross-hybrid stage [d­(_{<i>x</i>²−<i>y</i>}^₂)­sp² ↔ d­(_<i>z</i>²)­sp²] based on quadrilateral coordination of the planar core. The results indicate that the configuration conversion plays a key role in electron transfer in redox catalysis involving cobalt complexes. The electronic properties of six monostrapped cobalt­(II) porphyrins were investigated by spectral, paramagnetic, and electrochemical methods. The macrocyclic deformations and size parameters of Co-containing model compounds were directly obtained from their crystal structures

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen fertilization for seed yield in western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Á. Löve] using a large multi-factorial field design.

It is crucial for agricultural production to identify the trigger that switches plants from vegetative to reproductive growth. Agricultural sustainability in semiarid regions is challenged by nitrogen (N) fertilizer overuse, inadequate soil water, and heavy carbon emissions. Previous studies focused on the short-term effects of a single application of N and water but have not investigated the long-term effects of different irrigation and N fertilizer regimens on crop yields and yield components. N application is routinely coupled with water availability, and crop yields can be maximized by optimizing both. We examined the growth of western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Á. Löve], a temperate-region forage and turf grass, using multiple different combinations of N fertilizer [(NH4)2·CO3] and irrigation levels over 3 years to determine optimal field management. We conducted multifactorial, orthogonally designed field experiments with large sample sizes, and measured fertile tillers m-2 (Y1), spikelets/fertile tillers (Y2), florets/spikelet (Y3), seed numbers/spikelet (Y4), seed weight (Y5), and seed yield (Z) to study factors associated with the switch between vegetative and reproductive growth. Fertilization had a greater effect on seed yield and yield components than irrigation. Y1 had the strongest positive effect on Z, whereas Y5 had a negative effect on Z. Irrigation and fertilization affected Z, Y1, and Y5. Fertilizer concentrations were positively correlated with Z, Y1, and Y5, whereas irrigation levels were negatively correlated. The ridge regression linear model results suggested N application rate and irrigation had antagonistic effects on Y1 (X3 = 867.6-4.23×X2; R2 = 0.988, F = Infinity, P<0.0001). We conclude that the optimal amount of N fertilizer and irrigation was 156 kg ha-1 + 115 mm for seed yield, 120 kg ha-1 + 146 mm for spikelets/fertile tillers, and 108 kg ha-1 + 119 mm for seed numbers/spikelets. These results will improve yield and reduce agricultural inputs for P. smithii in semiarid and arid regions, thereby reducing fertilizer pollution and conserving water

Engineered M13 phage as a novel therapeutic bionanomaterial for clinical applications: From tissue regeneration to cancer therapy

Bacteriophages (phages) are nanostructured viruses with highly selective antibacterial properties that have gained attention beyond eliminating bacteria. Specifically, M13 phages are filamentous phages that have recently been studied in various aspects of nanomedicine due to their biological advantages and more compliant engineering capabilities over other phages. Having nanofiber-like morphology, M13 phages can reach varied target sites and self-assemble into multidimensional scaffolds in a relatively safe and stable way. In addition, genetic modification of the coat proteins enables specific display of peptides and antibodies on the phages, allowing for precise and individualized medicine. M13 phages have also been subjected to novel engineering approaches, including phage-based bionanomaterial engineering and phage-directed nanomaterial combinations that enhance the bionanomaterial properties of M13 phages. In view of these features, researchers have been able to utilize M13 phages for therapeutic applications such as drug delivery, biodetection, tissue regeneration, and targeted cancer therapy. In particular, M13 phages have been utilized as a novel bionanomaterial for precisely mimicking natural tissue environment in order to overcome the shortage in tissue and organ donors. Hence, in this review, we address the recent studies and advances of using M13 phages in the field of nanomedicine as therapeutic agents based upon their characteristics as novel bionanomaterial with biomolecules displayed. This paper also emphasizes the novel engineering approach that enhances M13 phage's bionanomaterial capabilities. Current limitations and future approaches are also discussed to provide insight in further progress for M13 phage-based clinical applications

A novel ageing-repair bacterium, Pseudomonas geniculata isolated from rescuegrass (Bromus cartharticus Vahl) promotes germination and seedling growth of the aged seeds

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are documented to relieve various biotic and abiotic stresses, but little information is available regarding their influence on germination and seedling growth of aged seeds. We isolated the promising PGPR from rescuegrass (Bromus cartharticus Vahl) roots and investigated the effect of PGPR biopriming combined with another seed priming treatment on aged rescuegrass seeds using an orthogonal matrix design with four factors. A potential ageing-repair bacterium, BCR5 (Pseudomonas geniculata), was selected from the screening trials and was identified. The reintroduction of strain BCR5 into the aged seeds pre-primed with different approaches had positive effects on the germination and seedling growth. Results indicated that the bacterial cell density was the most effective factor for seed germination and vigour. Four factors were optimized for this study including artificial ageing duration of 54.21 h, bacterial cell density of 527.50 Ă 106 CFU/mL, H2O2 priming for 14.50 h after the analyses of range, variance and binary quadratic regressions. Furthermore, the treatment also affected the malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities. The PGPR bio-priming with another seed priming approach might be exploited as a promising technique to repair aged seeds. Moreover, it was unexpectedly found that the appropriate artificial ageing treatment could release seed dormancy.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author

Combinative effects of Azospirillum brasilense inoculation and chemical priming on germination behavior and seedling growth in aged grass seeds.

Germination of seeds during the transportation or after prolonged storage naturally and inevitably decreases because of ageing, but germination potential can be partially restored with seed priming treatments. A novel attempt was made to investigate the effects of combined treatments and to optimize the conditions for naturally aged seeds of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and Russian wild rye (Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski) using an orthogonal activity level experimental design [factor A: Azospirillum brasilense concentration, factor B: three seed priming treatments (H2O, MgSO4 and H2O2) and factor C: different priming times]. Multivariate regression model analysis was applied to determine the interactive effects of pairwise factors (A and C) and to optimize experimental conditions. The results showed that the mixed treatments positively affected seed germination and seedling growth. The three seed priming treatments were the dominant factors for germination promotion, whereas the bacterial concentration had the largest effect on seedling growth and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), especially root elongation. The malondialdehyde content was reduced, the activities of SOD, peroxidase and catalase were triggered, and ascorbate peroxidase activity was also affected by the co-treatment. The combined results of all determined attributes showed that A. brasilense bio-priming with H2O2 priming constituted the optimal combination. The optimal bacterial concentration of A. brasilense and the time of seed priming were 52.3 × 106 colony forming units (CFU) mL-1 and 17.0 h, respectively