bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Las Fintech: una Alternativa de Sustentabilidad en los Negocios Internacionales
Authors: Contreras Julio Enrique Lujano , Sánchez Alejandro Téllez
Published: November 2022

En el marco de los negocios internacionales, durante los últimos años, grandes corporaciones, incluidas las de carácter social, como fundaciones, ONG´s, además de empresarios y empresarias e integrantes de la sociedad civil con ideas de emprendimiento, han manifestado su preocupación por la conservación del medio ambiente y la reducción del impacto ambiental. Las organizaciones se han apoyado en las Fintech, para delinear modelos y proyectos de negocio más sostenibles, basados en las tecnologías de análisis de datos, de modelos de producción, de comportamiento del consumidor, por mencionar algunos; que le permitan evaluar y medir su impacto a la sustentabilidad. Las empresas Fintech se traducen en sinónimos de innovación, y hoy más que día su influencia es clave en el sector financiero sustentable. En esta contribución se revisa la importancia de que en los negocios internacionales se adopten los criterios de sustentabilidad, con la utilización de las nuevas tecnologías; como la financiera, representada por las Fintech para el cumplimiento de sus objetivos.
Konzeption, Umsetzung und Evaluation eines webbasierten Implicit Bias Trainings für gendersensible Berufungsverfahren an der Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg
Authors:   , Geske Franziska Klara
Published: November 2022

Der implizite Gender Bias, ein geschlechtsspezifischer Verzerrungseffekt zu Ungunsten von Frauen, ist einer der Gründe dafür, dass Professorinnen an deutschen Hochschulen unterrepräsentiert sind. In Berufungsverfahren für Professor*innen kann der implizite Gender Bias von der Stellenausschreibung bis hin zu der Beurteilung der Kompetenz von Bewerber*innen auftreten. Implicit Bias Trainings haben sich in der Vergangenheit als effektive Maßnahmen erwiesen, um Wissen über solche impliziten kognitiven Verzerrungen zu vermitteln und negative Auswirkungen dieser auf das Verhalten zu reduzieren. In der vorliegenden Masterarbeit wurde deshalb das webbasierte Implicit Bias Training Gendersensible Berufungsverfahren mit dem Ziel konzipiert und umgesetzt, Teilnehmende für implizite Gender Biases in Berufungsverfahren für Professor*innen an der Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg zu sensibilisieren und konkrete Biasmanagement-Strategien zum Umgang mit dem impliziten Gender Bias in Berufungsverfahren bereitzustellen. Das nach evidenzbasierten Gestaltungskriterien konzipierte Training wurde anschließend mittels eines Ein-Gruppen-Prä-Post-Designs evaluiert. Die Evaluation ergab, dass die Teilnehmenden (N = 23) nach Absolvieren des Trainings ein signifikant erhöhtes Bewusstsein für den impliziten Gender Bias, speziell bezüglich des impliziten Gender Bias in der Wissenschaft, aufwiesen. Zudem stieg ihre Annäherungstendenz an die gendersensible Gestaltung von Berufungsverfahren nach der Teilnahme am Training signifikant an. Diese ersten Hinweise zur Wirksamkeit des Trainings Gendersensible Berufungsverfahren sollten Anlass sein, dieses weiter zu professionalisieren und in das Diversitäts-Konzept der Universität Bamberg zu integrieren.
Digital Solution Layanan Hasil Penelitian Civitas Akademika Universitas Lambung Mangkurat
Authors: Fahruraji Fahruraji , Noorliana Noorliana , Asnah Asnah
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the research are To understand the library system that is being used by UPT Library Lambung Mangkurat University Banjarmasin; Identify the problems in library; Produce recommendation about digital library information system as a process to enhance the effectiveness and the efficiency. Qualitative method with an action research approachment is being used in this research are interview, observation and documentation. Data collected then analyzed in descriptive qualitative approach. This research shows how conventional system applied in UPT Library Lambung Mangkurat University Banjarmasin library leads to ineffectiveness and inefficiency that affects the user and operator; There are many negative sides which are limited time access, longer book-searching and borrowing process, human error in recording, and many others; Thus, the researcher gives a solution in a form of digital library website in order to lift the effectiveness and efficiency in every single library activity. Based on the result, it is known that library system that is being used in UPT Library Lambung Mangkurat University Banjarmasin still conventional. There are several weaknesses such as limited time acces, ineffective and inefficient in book-searching process, transaction, and recording. Information system by solusion, digital library using digital library website is a correct option to prevent any problem exist in current library system.
Strategi Penyelenggaraan Pelayanan Perpustakaan Umum Selama Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Muslim Budiman
Published: November 2022

In connection with the enactment of Work From Home (WFH) for employees engaged in public services, physical distancing policies, and other health procedure rules so that public services are not carried out optimally, the phenomenon of an online service system appears. Noting this phenomenon and seeing the efforts made by public service providers in dealing with this pandemic situation, library services also need to adapt by implementing an online service system. Changes or adjustments to services are a must so that the function of the library remains in demand and is useful for many people. The research was conducted qualitatively by utilizing secondary data sources obtained from official publications of agencies and institutions, applicable laws and regulations, and other related publications. Limitations in the implementation of services during the pandemic should be an opportunity for libraries to innovate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries can use the following library service strategies: online public access catalog-based online search services, independent circulation services, delivery-based services, on-site reading services, user education services, collection proposal services, webinar services, information literacy services, and library and librarian consulting services.
Xiphinema index-resistant grapevine materials derived from muscadine are also resistant to a population of X. diversicaudatum
Authors: Banora Mohamed Youssef , Voisin Roger , Nguyen Van Chung , Portier Ulysse , Bernabo Carla , Van Ghelder Cyril , Lafargue Maria Das Dores , Tandonnet Jean-Pascal , Demangeat Gérard , Ollat Nathalie , Esmenjaud Daniel
Published: November 2022

Grapevine is severely affected by two major nepoviruses that cause grapevine degeneration: the grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and the arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), specifically transmitted by the dagger nematodes Xiphinema index and X. diversicaudatum, respectively. While natural resistance to X. index has been shown to be a promising alternative for controlling X. index and GFLV transmission, the resistance interaction between X. diversicaudatum and grapevine has not yet been documented. In the present study, we evaluated the host suitability to X. diversicaudatum in materials previously characterised for their resistance to X. index. Two X. index-resistant accessions VRH8771 (F1 hybrid) and Nemadex Alain Bouquet (BC1 hybrid) derived from muscadine, together with the X. index-susceptible reference accession V. vinifera cv. Cabernet-Sauvignon and the X. index-resistant reference accession V. riparia ‘10128’, were challenged with a X. diversicaudatum population obtained from woody host plants and a reference isolate of X. index. The reproduction factors of X. diversicaudatum and its numbers per gram of roots paralleled those of X. index, showing a resistance interaction to the population of the former species and suggesting that resistance determinants to both nematode vectors might be the same or linked. Nevertheless, these two criteria illustrated a poorer host suitability of grapevine materials to this X. diversicaudatum population than to X. index.
Proposed Method of Combining Continuum Mechanics With Einstein Field Equations
Authors: Ogonowski Piotr
Published: November 2022

The article proposes an amendment to the relativistic continuum mechanics which introduce the relationship between density tensors and the curvature of spacetime. The resulting formulation of a symmetric stress-energy tensor for a system with an electromagnetic field, leads to the solution of Einstein Field Equations indicating a relationship between the electromagnetic field tensor and the metric tensor. In this EFE solution, the cosmological constant is related to the invariant of the electromagnetic field tensor, and an additional pulls appear, dependent on the vacuum energy contained in the system. In flat Minkowski spacetime, the vanishing four-divergence of this stress-energy tensor expresses relativistic Cauchy's momentum equation, leading to the emergence of force densities which can be developed and parameterized to obtain known interactions. Transformation equations were also obtained between spacetime with fields and forces, and a curved spacetime reproducing the motion resulting from the fields under consideration, which allows for the extension of the solution with new fields.
Factores de riesgo para endometriosis en pacientes atendidas en el servicio de Ginecología del Centro Médico Naval "Cirujano Mayor-Santiago Tavara", 2019-2020
Authors:   , Elescano Alvites Jackeline Milagros
Published: November 2022

Introducción: La “endometriosis es una patología ginecológica frecuente, crónica, inflamatoria, por esto, es ideal conocer a los factores de riesgo para su desarrollo, ya que ello puede ayudar a disminuir su incidencia, y,” por ende, sus posibles consecuencias tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Objetivos: Determinar los factores de riesgo para endometriosis en pacientes atendidas en el Servicio de Ginecología del Centro Médico Naval “Cirujano Mayor-Santiago Távara”, 2019-2020. Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítica (de caso-control) y retrospectiva. Mediante fórmula para estudios de casos y controles, se calculó y determinó una muestra de 72 pacientes con endometriosis (casos) y 144 sin endometriosis (controles). La variable dependiente fue la endometriosis (presente o ausente). Como posibles factores de riesgo se analizaron variables de tipo epidemiológicas, obstétricas y reproductivas. El análisis estadístico implicó prueba Chi cuadrado, Odds Ratio (OR) y regresión logística. Resultados: El análisis multivariado de regresión logística permitió identificar a la edad mayor a 35 años (p=0.015, OR=6.428, IC95%=1.425-28.991), la nuliparidad (p=0.048, OR=3.396, IC95%=1.010-11.422) y el antecedente de aborto (p=0.013, OR=15.541, IC95%=1.787-135.128) como los factores de riesgo de endometriosis. Por lo tanto, las pacientes que presentaron estos factores tuvieron 6, 3 y 15 veces, respectivamente, mayor riesgo de endometriosis, respecto a quienes no los presentaron. Conclusiones: La edad mayor a 35 años, la nuliparidad y el antecedente de aborto resultaron factores de riesgo para endometriosis en pacientes atendidas en Servicio de Ginecología del Centro Médico” Naval “Cirujano Mayor-Santiago Távara”, 2019-2020.
Ccq1 restrains Mre11-mediated degradation of telomere-repeat capped ends.
Authors: Audry Julien , Runge Kurt
Published: November 2022

Telomeres cap chromosome ends and are distinguished from DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by means of a specialized chromatin composed of DNA repeats bound by a multiprotein complex called shelterin. We developed a Schizosaccharomyces pombe model system that cuts a “proto-telomere” bearing 48 bp of telomere repeats to rapidly form a new stable chromosomal end, in contrast to the rapid degradation seen at a control DSB. This end-protection was investigated in viable mutants lacking telomere-associated proteins. Telomerase, the shelterin components Taz1, Rap1, or Poz1 or the telomere-associated protein Rif1 were not required to form a stable chromosome end after proto-telomere cleavage. However, cells that lack the fission yeast shelterin component Ccq1, or were impaired in recruiting Ccq1 to the telomere, converted the cleaved telomere repeat-capped end to a rapidly degraded DSB. Degradation in cells lacking Ccq1 was greatly reduced by either eliminating Mre11, a component of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1/Xrs2 complex that processes DSBs, or using a nuclease-defective Mre11 mutant. These results demonstrate a novel function for S. pombe Ccq1 to effect end-protection by restraining Mre11-dependent degradation of the DNA end.
Migration, accumulation and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soil-plant (shrub and herbage) systems at typical polymetallic mines in Northwest China
Authors: Yang Qianfang , Wang Shengli , Nan Zhongren
Published: November 2022

In grassland systems of the semi-arid mining area, migration, accumulation and bioavailability of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are important ecological and health risk issues. 38 pairs of topsoil (0–20 cm) and plant samples were collected around Baiyin city and in Dongdagou stream valley to investigate the migration of PTEs in soils, transfer of PTEs in soil-plant (shrub and herbage) systems and assess the risk in soils and plants. The total concentrations of PTE (Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) were analyzed following digestion in mixture acid solution and bioavailable PTE was extracted with a strong chelating agent (DTPA-TEA-CaCl2). The transfer factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor (BCF) were calculated to examine the migration of PTEs in soil-plant. Hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard index (THI) were calculated to assess the risk and migration of PTEs in soils. The results showed that PTEs in soils and plants of study area exceeded the soil background value and Hygienic Standard for Feeds. Correlation among the total Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in soils of Dongdagou stream valley were significant at p < 0.01. A good correlation was exhibited between PTEs in root/aboveground parts of plants and DTPA-soil extractable. Difference of TF and BCF were existed between Dongdagou stream valley and around Baiyin city. Hg, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were mainly accumulated in soils near the mining area. The calculated THI was exceeded 1, and As and Pb were the major risk factors. The ability to absorb and transfer Hg, As, Cu and Pb of plants was lower in more serious polluted area. As had a stronger migration capacity in study area. PTEs in soils had an adverse health effect for residents and PTEs in plants may cause toxicity to cattle and sheep.
Efficient identification of palatability-related genes using QTL mapping in rice breeding
Authors: Jang Yoon-Hee , Park Jae-Ryoung , Kim Eun-Gyeong , Jan Rahmatullah , Asif Saleem , Farooq Muhammad , Zhao Dan-Dan , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: November 2022

The gelatinization temperature of rice is an important factor in determining the eating and cooking quality, and it affects consumer preference. The alkali digestion value (ADV) is one of the main methods used to test the quality of rice and has a high correlation with the gelatinization temperature. For the development of high-quality rice, it is important to understand the genetic basis of palatability-related traits, and QTL analysis is a statistical method linking phenotypic data and genotype data, and is an effective method to explain the genetic basis of variation in complex traits. QTL mapping related to ADV of brown and milled rice was performed using the 120 Cheongcheong/Nagdong double haploid (CNDH) line. As a result, 12 QTLs related to ADV were detected, and 20 candidate genes were selected from the RM588–RM1163 region of chromosome 6 through screening by gene function analysis. The comparison of the relative expression level of candidate genes showed that OsSS1q6 is highly expressed in CNDH lines with high ADV in both brown rice and milled rice. In addition, OsSS1q6 has high homology with starch synthase 1 protein, and interact with various starch biosynthesis-related proteins, such as GBSSII, SBE, and APL. Therefore, we suggest that OsSS1q6 identified through QTL mapping could be one of the various genes involved in the gelatinization temperature of rice by regulating starch biosynthesis. This study can be used as basic data for breeding high-quality rice and provides a new genetic resource that can increase the palatability of rice.
A study to examine the ageing behaviour of cold plasma-treated agricultural seeds
Authors: Ahmed Naeem , Siow Kim S. , Wee M.F. Mohd Razip , Patra Anuttam
Published: November 2022

Cold plasma (low pressure) technology has been effectively used to boost the germination and growth of various crops in recent decades. The durability of these plasma-treated seeds is essential because of the need to store and distribute the seeds at different locations. However, these ageing effects are often not ascertained and reported because germination and related tests are carried out within a short time of plasma-treatment. This research aims to fill that knowledge gap by subjecting three different types of seeds (and monomers): Bambara groundnuts (water), chilli (oxygen), and papaya (oxygen) to cold plasma-treatment. Common mechanisms found for these diverse seed types and treatment conditions were the physical and chemical changes induced by the physical etching and the cold plasma on the seeds and subsequent oxidation, which promoted germination and growth. The high glass transition of the lignin-cellulose prevented any physical restructuring of the surfaces while maintaining the chemical changes to continue to promote the seeds\ germination and growth. These changes were monitored over 60 days of ageing using contact angle, water uptake, electrical conductivity, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The vacuum effect was also investigated to separate its effect from cold plasma (low pressure). This result provides a framework, understanding and confidence for anyone to scale up these low-pressure plasma; as well as later store and distribute the seeds to different locations for germination and growth.
Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 5 Contributes to Nab-paclitaxel Chemoresistance by Promoting Autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhou Yinji , Pang Jinzhong , Liu Huayuan , Cui Weidong , Cao Jingyu , Shi Guangjun
Published: November 2022

Chemotherapy resistance is a huge challenge in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma because resistance to nab-paclitaxel largely affects the efficacy of chemotherapy. An increased expression of fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5) in hepatocellular carcinoma cells can predict post-hepatectomy complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and also stimulate proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells; however, its role in the chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma cells has never been evaluated. Thus, this study aimed to explore whether FNDC5 regulates chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. We identified by immunohistochemistry that hepatocellular carcinoma tissues had a higher FNDC5 expression than normal tissues adjacent to the cancer cells. Subsequently, knockdown of FNDC5 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells resulted in their diminished resistance to cell death after chemotherapy with nab-paclitaxel. By contrast, overexpression of FNDC5 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells increased the resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to treatment. Moreover, FNDC5 mechanistically promoted autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby reducing cell death induced by nab-paclitaxel. Finally, we tested our hypothesis by conducting animal experiments. In conclusion, FNDC5 could be used as a biomarker for predicting chemotherapeutic efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy, and as a therapeutic target to overcome resistance to nab-paclitaxel in hepatocellular carcinoma chemotherapy.
Cantor Diagonal Method and the Continuum Hypothesis
Authors: KUNT İBRAHİM
Published: November 2022

Using the relationship between the ordinal number \(\omega\) and the Cantor Diagonal Method, I study the cardinality of the digits of real numbers in a defined range. Using the results I have reached, I show the value of \(\left|\omega +1\right|\) in the ZF¬C system, and I present some conclusions regarding the Continuum Hypothesis through these results.
The challenges in protecting public health interests in multisectoral governance in the context of small island developing states. The case of tobacco control in Fiji and Vanuatu.
Authors: Patay Dori , Schram Ashley , Friel Sharon
Published: November 2022

Background
The commercial determinants of health (CDoH) drive the rise of NCDs globally, and their regulation requires multisectoral governance. However, the elevation of public health interests can be challenging amidst conflicting policy priorities, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the need for rapid economic development is pronounced. Small island developing states (SIDS) face even more challenges in regulating CDoH, due to their unique socioeconomic, political, and geographic conditions – often called SIDS vulnerabilities – that set them apart from other LMICs. This study aims to explore the institutional conditions that shape health sector actors’ capability to protect public health interests in multisectoral governance, focusing on tobacco control in Fiji and Vanuatu.
Methods
We employed a qualitative, exploratory case study design. We applied the administrative process theory to inform data collection and analysis. Seventy interviews were completed in Fiji and Vanuatu from 2018 to 2019.
Results
The findings show that the protection of health interests in tobacco governance is not supported by the institutional conditions in Fiji and Vanuatu. While the policy processes formally ensure a level playing field between actors, policies are often developed through informal mechanisms, and the safeguards to protect public interests from vested private interests are not implemented adequately. SIDS vulnerabilities and weak regulation of political parties contribute to the politicisation of government in both states, resulting in high-level government officials’ questionable “public-interestedness”. The system of checks and balances usually embedded into democratic governments appears to be muted, and policy makers have limited bureaucratic autonomy to elevate health interests in multisectoral policy making amidst high-level government officials’ frequent rotation. Finally, capacity constraints aggravated by SIDS vulnerabilities negatively impact health sector actors' capability to analyse policy alternatives.
Conclusions
Health sector actors in Fiji and Vanuatu are not supported by institutional conditions that could help them protect public health interests in multisectoral governance, to regulate CDoH originating from the tobacco industry. Institutional conditions in these states are shaped by SIDS vulnerabilities but could be improved by targeted capacity building, governance and political system strengthening.
Ocean warming and acidification affect the transitional element and macromolecular accumulation in harmful raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo
Authors: Thanagaraj Satheeswaran , Sun Jun
Published: November 2022

Despite ocean warming and acidification being expected to increase the harmful algal species worldwide, the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo is reported to have decreased. However, it is unknown on the transitional scale how this species physically and metabolically modifies its elements, and macromolecular accumulation leads to such condition. With 1st,10th, and 20th culture generation under present (21℃; pCO2 400ppm [LTLC]) and projected (25℃; pCO2 1000ppm [HTHC]) ocean conditions we examined these elemental and macromolecular changes along with transcriptome sequencing. Results showed that compared to HTHC (1st generation), the (20th generation) cells showed large decreases in carbon (QC:40%), nitrogen (QN:36%), and phosphorus-quotas (QP:43%), reflected in their reduction of overall DNA and RNA quantity. Decreased metabolic pathways in photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and lipid accumulation were coincident with changes in photosynthetic efficiency, carbon, and lipid quantity with long-term (20th generation) exposure to HTHC conditions. We observed that these variations of internal metabolic changes are caused by external changes in temperature by activating the (Ca+) signaling pathway and external changes in pCO2 by altering the (proton exchange) pathways. Our results suggest that H. akashiwo in the future ocean will undergo severe changes in its elemental and macromolecular properties, leading to programmed cell death.
Seismic Response of Open Ground Multi-Storey Building Retrofitted with Infill Wall, Shear Wall and Steel Bracing.
Authors: Kanake Sushant , Dongre Archanaa
Published: November 2022

Most of recent constructed buildings have a common feature, the ground storey remains open, and there are no partition walls in ground storey. It is highly flexible in the ground storey, the relative horizontal displacement in the ground storey is much higher than what each of the storeys above it has. This highly flexible ground storey is also called soft storey. Soft storey (relatively weak ground storey) building shows a higher chance of collapsing during earthquake because of flexibility. The total horizontal force in ground storey is much higher than its upper storeys. Higher flexibility directly results in higher displacement in lower floors of such framed buildings. In such buildings due to open storey the moments & shear force in columns is on higher side as compared to other framed buildings. As the study suggest it is highly risky and need at most care in designing such buildings with open ground storey. For all the new RC frame buildings it is recommended that there should be no such sudden reduction in stiffness.4 To reduce such effect it is recommended to have masonry walls or RC shear walls in ground storey. Infill helps in achieving a more flexible structure, and gives a strut like action between columns and beams (force is transferred from one node to another). In the present study the high rise building is studied by considering presence of infill walls and shear wall. The response spectrum analysis is performed for building with infill arrangement and RC shear wall on open ground storey.1
Diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness of erythrocyte creatine content to predict the improvement of anaemia in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Hayashi Ohki , Nakamura Seishi , Sugiura Tetsuro , Hasegawa Shun , Tsuka Yoshiaki , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kikuchi Sanae , Matsumura Koichiro , Okumiya Toshika , Baden Masato , Shiojima Ichiro
Published: November 2022

Background
The improvement of anaemia over time by eythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) is associated with better survival in haemodialysis patients. We previously reported that erythrocyte creatine, a marker of erythropoietic capacity, was a reliable marker to estimate the effectiveness of ESA. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy and clinical usefulness of erythrocyte creatine content to predict the improvement of anaemia in haemodialysis patients.
Methods
ESA dose was fixed 3 months prior to the enrollment and was maintained throughout the study period. Erythrocyte creatine and haematologic indices were measured at baseline in 92 patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Haemoglobin was also measured 3 months after. Improvement of anaemia was defined as ≥ 0.8 g/dL change in haemoglobin from baseline to 3 months.
Results
Erythrocyte creatine was significantly higher in 32 patients with improvement of anaemia compared to 60 patients with no improvement of anaemia (2.47 ± 0.74 vs. 1.57 ± 0.49 µmol/gHb, P = 0.0001). When 10 variables (anaemia at baseline, iron deficiency at baseline, erythrocyte creatine, ESA dose, reticulocyte, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, intact PTH, serum calcium and albumin) were used in the multivariate logistic analysis, erythrocyte creatine emerged as the most important variable associated with the improvement of anaemia (P = 0.0001). The optimal cut-off point of erythrocyte creatine to detect the improvement of anaemia was 1.78 µmol/gHb (Area under the curve: 0.86). Sensitivity and specificity of erythrocyte creatine to detect the improvement of anaemia were 83.3% and 90.6%.
Conclusion
Erythrocyte creatine content is a reliable marker to predict the improvement of anaemia 3 months ahead in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis.
“Fatigue of Brain Scale” for the Measurement of Cognitive and Behavioral States in Mental Health Problems: A Scale Development Study
Authors: Adachi Hiroyoshi , Hirai Kei , Harada Eri , Fujino Ryohei , Kobayashi Sayaka , Tanimukai Hitoshi , Tateishi Seiichiro
Published: November 2022

Background
To help workers balance work and personal life while experiencing illness, we developed a self-monitoring assessment tool for workers. We conceptualized " Fatigue of Brain" as a state of dysfunction of the central nervous system, such as decreased brain function and mental health problems, and attempted to measure it in a comprehensive, simple, and quantitative manner. We also developed cutoff points and provided indicators of conditions that would require a recommendation for medical examination.
Methods
We developed the items of the Fatigue of Brain Scale to measure the “Fatigue of Brain” state, and conducted factor analysis, comorbid validity, and retest reliability verification. The first survey (Survey 1) was conducted between February-March 2019, and the second survey (Survey 2) was conducted one month later. Men and women aged 18–64 years, who had experienced a leave of absence due to physical or mental health problems within the past 10 years were included in the survey. A total of 460 participants (211 men and 249 women, mean age 45.64 ± 9.62 years) were recruited for Survey 1, and 334 participants (161 men and 173 women, mean age 46.72 ± 10.11 years) for Survey 2. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis was then used to examine the optimal cut-off value for this scale.
Results
A clear factor structure was obtained for 20 items consisting of four factors: "decline in role execution function," "social/daily function decline," "lack of sleep," and "maladaptive cognitive and behavioral responses," and sufficient reliability and validity were confirmed. In addition, cut-off values for “mild Fatigue of Brain,” “moderate Fatigue of Brain,” “severe Fatigue of Brain,” and “extreme Fatigue of Brain” were established.
Conclusions
If workers are aware of their current performance status and are able to self-manage their performance better, this would play an important part in trying to maintain good health, improve individual productivity, and contribute to company profits. The usefulness of this scale needs to be further verified by using it in actual workplaces in the future.
Quantitative Phantom-Based Image Quality Analysis of MRI Acoustic Noise Reduction Algorithm Effects
Authors: Leatherday Christopher , Fraser Timothy
Published: November 2022

The impact of proprietary acoustic noise reduction (ANR) algorithms on ghosting, intensity uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were quantitatively assessed on 1.5 and 3 Tesla MRI scanners at Fiona Stanley Hospital. T1 weighted images of an MRI phantom were acquired repeatedly over three sessions with all sequence parameters on a given scanner constant except ANR being off or on. Significant differences in paired t-tests were found at 1.5T (p < 0.001) and 3T (p < 0.01) between the ANR on vs off groups for ghosting; intensity uniformity at 1.5T (p < 0.001); and for contrast-to-noise ratio at 1.5T (p < 0.01). ANR can have an impact on image quality; the methods used in this study are easily replicable and could be used to help inform decision making regarding its routine use in the clinic.
Comparison of the incidence of immune thrombocytopenia between adult patients infected with Helicobacter pylori with and without eradication therapy: A retrospective cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Koseki Mitsuhiro , Sheu Ming‑Jen , Tsai Kang-Ting , Ho Chung-Han , Liu Hsiao-Hua , Lin Hung-Jung , Lin Chien-Liang , Huang Chien-Cheng
Published: November 2022

Background
Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication therapy (HPE) is recommended for patients with unexplained immune thrombocytopenia (ITP); however, the role of HPE in preventing ITP in patients with HP infection remains unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to clarify it.
Methods
This study was conducted at a tertiary medical center and included all adult patients with HP infection between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. We compared the risk of developing ITP between patients with and without HPE. All patients were followed up until December 31, 2020.
Results
After excluding patients with thrombocytopenia, 1,995 adult patients with HP infection, including 1,188 patients with HPE and 807 patients without HPE, were included in this study. The mean age of the patients with HPE was 57.9 years, whereas that of those without HPE was 61.6 years. The percentage of males was 56% in patients with HPE and 59% in those without HPE. Patients without HPE had a higher risk of ITP than those with HPE after adjusting for age, sex, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16 − 2.68). Stratified analyses showed that the higher risk was found only in males (adjusted OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.03 − 2.80). In addition to HPE, male sex and anemia were independent predictors of ITP in patients with HP infection.
Conclusion
This study showed that adult patients with HP infection not receiving HPE had a higher risk of developing ITP. We suggest that HPE should be considered, particularly in males and those who have anemia, to prevent ITP.
Analyses of the viability of automating the quantum circuit construction of Grover’s Oracle for executing wildcard searches on NISQ processors
Authors: Huang Willie
Published: November 2022

Using Grover’s algorithm, this work investigates a technique for encoding search phrases used in wildcard searches. The technique involves creating a phase Oracle that loads data into a quantum circuit together with the search terms that have been encoded. The method entails constructing a phase Oracle programmatically using encoded input information and encoded search terms. By combining Grover’s diffusion operator with the phase Oracle, Hadamard gates, and zero-initialized three-qubit states, a complete quantum circuit is created. Trapped ion and superconducting qubit quantum computers, which were used in the research, were operated numerous times. In order to confirm that the proposed strategy is a workable one for wildcard search, the outputs from both systems were compared with the expected values. The suggested strategy will be useful for a range of wildcard search issues and could speed up the attainment of quantum advantage.
Targeting hepatocyte MagL regulates the progression of colorectal liver metastases during liver ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Xia Nan , Wang Ziyi , Liu Yue , Li Xiangdong , Zhang Yu , Yu Wenjie , Likalamu Pascalia Wikana , Chen Minhao , Xiao Yuhao , Sun Linfeng , Han Sheng , Shi Yuhua , Pu Liyong
Published: November 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) commonly metastasizes. The liver is the most frequent site of metastases and dominates the length of survival for this disease. In such cases, surgical resection is usually the first choice of treatment, but postoperative recurrence is very common. To control hemorrhage, liver ischemia-reperfusion (LIR) becomes a common event during hepatic surgery. Many studies show that LIR is one of the most important causes of CRC recurrence after hepatectomy. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MagL) is an enzyme playing an important role in liver metabolism, and it has also been found multiple effects in several hepatic disease models.
Methods
We silenced the expression of MagL in hepatocytes through in vivo transfection reagents. We injected colorectal cancer cells, MC38, into the spleen and then clamped the vascular structures in the left hepatic lobe for 90 minutes to construct an LIR model in the context of colorectal liver metastases. We used a transwell co-culture system to investigate the effect of hepatocyte MagL on the polarization of macrophages and its secondary effect on colon cancer cells in vitro.
Results
We found that LIR significantly promoted MC38 tumor growth in the liver, and targeting hepatocyte MagL reversed this tumor-promoting trend. Further studies revealed that targeting hepatocyte MagL significantly inhibited the M2 polarization of monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) induced by its secondary lipid metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) after LIR, and liver fibrosis induced by macrophages with reparative phenotypes was simultaneously alleviated. All of these events caused reduced colon cancer cell migration and invasion.
Conclusion
Targeting hepatocyte MagL could disrupt the immune and fibrotic microenvironment which can promote tumor growth, by affecting the phenotypic switch of immune cells to immunosuppression after LIR, thereby alleviating the recurrence of colorectal liver metastases caused by LIR.
Total-mRNA-Aware Analysis for Droplet-Based Single Cell Sequencing
Authors: Lian Qiuyu , Ma Jianzhu , Hua Kui , Rong Ziqi , Cai Jinpu , Jiang Xinzhu , Zhou Jieli , Xu Jiaying , Zhang Zhiyuang , Fan Li , Zou Henry , Huang Xiaoling , Yan Qi , Gu Jin , Zhang Xuegong , Shen Hong-Bin , Marioni John , Chen Kong , Xin Hongyi
Published: November 2022

Controlling total mRNA content differences between cell populations is critical in comparative transcriptomic measurements. Due to poor compatibility with ERCC, a good control for droplet-based scRNA-seq is yet to be discovered. Normalizing cells to a common count distribution has been adopted as a silent compromise. Such practice profoundly confounds downstream analysis and mislead discoveries. We present TOMAS, a computational framework that derives total mRNA content ratios between cell populations via deconvoluting their heterotypic doublets. Experiments showed that cell types can have total mRNA differences by many folds and TOMAS can accurately infer the ratios between them. We demonstrate that TOMAS corrects bias in downstream analysis and rectifies a plethora of previously counter-intuitive or inconclusive analytical results. We argue against the opinion that doublets are undesired scale-limiting factors and revealed the unique value of doublets as controls in scRNA-seq. We advocate for their essential role in future large-scale scRNA-seq experiments.
Ssc-miR-221-3p regulates melanin production in Xiang pigs melanocytes by targeting the TYRP1 gene
Authors: Yuan Wei , Qin Hai , Bi Huan , Zhao Depeng , Zhang Yiyu , Chen Wei
Published: November 2022

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of endogenous origin that down-regulate gene expression. An increasing number of studies have confirmed that miRNAs play an important role in mammalian hair color production, and the TYRP1 gene, a member of the tyrosine family, is also an important candidate gene affecting melanogenesis. The aim of this study was to screen genes and miRNAs that affect melanin in Xiang pigs by transcriptome sequencing, and to validate through experiments whether the screened genes and miRNAs have a targeted regulatory relationship with each other and whether they can jointly affect melanin production in Xiang pigs.
Results: 17 miRNAs and 1230 genes were significantly differentially expressed in the black and white skin tissues of Xiang pigs（P< 0.05）, based on which the candidate miRNA-221-3p for melanin formation and its target gene TYRP1 were screened. TYRP1 gene, as a member of the TYR gene family, was evolved from the TYR gene through chromosome segmental duplication, and the gene function was highly conserved throughout the evolutionary process. overexpression of TYRP1 gene significantly increased the expression of TYR, TYRP1 and DCT genes（P< 0.01）, which in turn increased the relative content of melanin, and TYRP1-siRNA significantly decreased the expression of TYR, TYRP1, and DCT genes in Xiang pig melanocytes（P< 0.01）, which in turn decreased the relative melanin content. Validation of the targeted binding relationship between ssc-miR-221-3p and TYRP1 gene, after transfection of porcine melanocytes with ssc-miR-221-3p mimic, the expression of ssc-miR-221-3p was significantly up-regulated（P < 0.01）, TYR, TYRP1, and DCT genes were significantly down-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels（P< 0.01）, and melanin content in cells was significantly reduced（P < 0.01）.
Conclusion: The TYRP1 gene can affect melanogenesis in melanocytes of the Xiang pigs, and ssc-miR-221-3p targets the TYRP1 gene to affect melanogenesis in melanocytes of the Xiang pigs.
Older age, internal carotid artery stenosis, and female sex as factors correlated with twisted carotid bifurcation based on 457 angiographic studies and a literature review
Authors: Tokugawa Joji , Kudo Kentaro , Mitsuhashi Takumi , Mitsuhashi Takashi , Hishii Makoto
Published: November 2022

Twisted carotid bifurcation (TCB) is a well-known anatomical variation of the carotid bifurcation in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. However, few investigations of TCB have focused on patients without internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. This study was performed to analyze the characteristics of TCB in patients with ICA stenosis and other diverse pathologies. All conventional cerebral angiographies performed in our institute for any reason from January 2012 to December 2018 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups, the TCB group and the anatomically normal non-TCB group, and the basic characteristics of the groups were analyzed. Both sides of the carotid bifurcation were clearly visualized in 457 patients. TCB was found in 89 of 457 patients (19.5%); among these 89 patients, 74 (83.1%) had TCB only on the right side, 8 (9.0%) only on the left side, and 7 (7.9%) bilaterally. TCB was found more frequently on the right than left [81 (17.7%) and 15 (3.3%), respectively, on each of the 457 sides (p < 0.0001)]. TCB was significantly more frequent in older patients (p = 0.02), female patients (p < 0.001), and patients with ICA stenosis or occlusion at the bifurcation (p = 0.005). The prevalence of TCB was 19.5%, and 84.4% of cases were on the right side in patients with diverse pathologies. In conclusion, older patients, female patients, and patients with ICA stenosis or occlusion are more prone to have TCB.
Seismic Loss Assessment of Residential Buildings in Karaj, Iran, By Considering Near-Source Effects Using Stochastic Finite-Fault Approach
Authors: Kheirkhah Nazila , Firuzi Erfan , Kalantari Mohsen , Alikhanzadeh Reza
Published: November 2022

This study provides the results of a study conducted to evaluate the seismic loss of residential buildings in Karaj, Iran, caused by the rupture of North Tehran Fault (7.1 Mw). One of the main concerns of seismic risk assessment in Karaj is proper considering the near-source effects of the NTF fault, which passes through the city. In the present study, the finite-fault approach with dynamic corner frequency was first employed to simulate the acceleration time histories. This is an appropriate approach to take into account the source, path effects, directivity and site condition on seismic waves. The results of seismic hazard showed that the PGA values vary between 0.15 to 0.55g, with maximum values nearby the NTF fault. Afterwards, a high-quality database of residential buildings consists of 26 building types was compiled. A set of compatible vulnerability curves were also employed. The results indicated that the loss ratio, defined as the ratio of the loss to the total exposed economic value, for the whole of Karaj is about 18.2%±5.3. The northern parts of the city, which are close to the NTF fault, are the most vulnerable. A disaggregation analysis was also performed to identify the most vulnerable building types. The results showed that the adobe and low-quality masonry buildings contribute the most to loss. The findings from this study can be used by local authorities and managers to provide appropriate emergency and risk reduction plans in Karaj in the case of the NTF fault seismic scenario.
Clinical Characteristics and Molecular Aetiology of Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase Deficiency Diagnosed in 46 XX Patients
Authors: Zhang Duoduo , Yao Fengxia , Luo Min , Deng Shan , Tian Qinjie
Published: November 2022

Background
P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) affects cytochrome enzyme activities, causing various symptoms, such as adrenal insufficiency, disorders of sex development and skeletal malformations. This study aims to elucidate the clinical manifestations, genotype characteristics, diagnosis and management of 46 XX karyotype patients with PORD in China.
Method
The patients’ clinical characteristics were summarized based on manifestations, hormone profiles, and responses to treatments. Seven patients aged between 11 and 19 years were included in the series from 2004 to 2022 in a tertiary medical centre.
Result
All patients presented ovarian multilocular cysts and different manifestations of skeletal malformation. Patients after puberty all suffered from abnormal menses. Five patients’ external genitalia exhibited virilizing patterns, and three had received perineoplasty. The hormone analyses of six patients indicated hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, while all patients’ progesterone and deoxycorticosterone levels were elevated. The most frequent POR mutation, c.1370G > A, is located on exon 11 and appears in all seven patients with an allele frequency of 92.9% (13/14). One case was a carrier of a novel variance (c.1684dupG), situated within exon 14, encoding a nonsense mutation in the NADPH binding area.
Conclusion
Therefore, c.1370G > A could be a dominant mutation type of PORD in China. Female patients with PORD have a vulnerable ovarian reserve, and their ovarian macrocysts can be managed conservatively for fertility preservation. This study specifically focuses on PORD in 46 XX Chinese individuals, which implies its genetic causes with novel genetic findings and summarizes patients’ puzzling spectrum of clinical manifestations.
Characterization of permanent deformation properties of densely-compacted unbound granular materials subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: LIU Gang , ZHAO Mingzhi , LUO Qiang , LU Rui
Published: November 2022

To investigate the long-term deformation properties of unbound granular materials (UGM) that are ordinarily adopted to construct subgrade bed for high-speed railway, a series of medium-sized cyclic triaxial tests were performed to obtain the relationship between permanent strain and loading cycles under different cyclic stress levels. Moreover, DEM analysis was conducted for the samples to reveal the deformation mechanism and verify the strain developing tendency. It is found that the UGM samples present different long-term deformation properties under different cyclic stress levels. As cyclic stress increases, the permanent strain of UGM sample transfers from rapid stabilization to tardy stabilization, then to tardy failure and finally to rapid failure. Furthermore, the power in a negative-power function was selected as the critical indicator of deformation developing tendency. With the power obtained precisely in accordance with the strain rate, the deformation tendency can be analyzed quantitatively. Finally, the characteristics of interparticle force chains induced by different cyclic stress levels were obtained by DEM analysis, which provides evidences for the classification of long-term deformation properties of UGM samples. The achievements have guiding significance for the subgrade design of both ballasted and unballasted high-speed railway.