bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Effect of Channel Knowledge in Underwater Acoustic Communications: Estimation, Prediction and Protocol
Authors: Petroni Andrea , Scarano Gaetano , Cusani Roberto , Biagi Mauro
Published: March 2023

Underwater acoustic communications are limited by the following channel impairments: time variability, narrow bandwidth, multipath, frequency selective fading and the Doppler effect. Orthogonal Frequency Division Modulation (OFDM) is recognized as an effective solution to such impairments, especially when optimally designed according to the propagation conditions. On the other hand, OFDM implementation requires accurate channel knowledge atboth transmitter and receiver sides. Long propagation delay may lead to outdated channel information. In this work, we present an adaptive OFDM scheme where channel state information is predicted through a Kalman-like filter so as to optimize communication parameters, including the cyclic prefix length. This mechanism aims to mitigate the variability of channel delay spread. This is cast in a protocol where channel estimation/prediction are jointly considered, so as to allow efficiency. The performance obtained through extensive simulations using real channels and interference show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, both in terms of rate and reliability, at the expense of an increasing complexity. However, this solution is significantly preferable to the conventional mechanism, where channel estimation is performed only at the receiver, with channel coefficients sent back to the transmit node by means of frequent overhead signaling.
Reviewing Multimodal Machine Learning and Its Use in Cardiovascular Diseases Detection
Authors: Moshawrab Mohammad , Adda Mehdi , Bouzouane Abdenour , Ibrahim Hussein , Raad Ali
Published: March 2023

Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) are derivatives of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that have already demonstrated their effectiveness in a variety of domains, including healthcare, where they are now routinely integrated into patients’ daily activities. On the other hand, data heterogeneity has long been a key obstacle in AI, ML and DL. Here, Multimodal Machine Learning (Multimodal ML) has emerged as a method that enables the training of complex ML and DL models that use heterogeneous data in their learning process. In addition, Multimodal ML enables the integration of multiple models in the search for a single, comprehensive solution to a complex problem. In this review, the technical aspects of Multimodal ML are discussed, including a definition of the technology and its technical underpinnings, especially data fusion. It also outlines the differences between this technology and others, such as Ensemble Learning, as well as the various workflows that can be followed in Multimodal ML. In addition, this article examines in depth the use of Multimodal ML in the detection and prediction of Cardiovascular Diseases, highlighting the results obtained so far and the possible starting points for improving its use in the aforementioned field. Finally, a number of the most common problems hindering the development of this technology and potential solutions that could be pursued in future studies are outlined.
AWOA: An Advanced Whale Optimization Algorithm for Signal Detection in Underwater Magnetic Induction Multi-Input–Multi-Output Systems
Authors: Gao Guohong , Wang Jianping , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2023

With the increasing exploitation and use of marine resources, the limitations of acoustic, optical, and radio frequency technologies for underwater communications have become increasingly apparent. Magnetic induction (MI) is a new communication technology that enables wireless data transmission via magnetic field coupling between transmitting and receiving coils. MI offers advantages such as channel stability, small antenna size, and no multi-path loss. Multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) is a multi-antenna technology that significantly increases system capacity and spectrum utilization without increasing bandwidth. The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is a well-known bio-inspired algorithm that mimics the hunting behavior of whales to optimize swarm intelligence. This paper proposes a model for an underwater MIMO communication system based on magnetic induction. We then construct a signal detection algorithm for MI-MIMO systems using the advanced whale optimization algorithm (AWOA) and conduct simulation experiments to compare the performance and complexity of three standard signal detection algorithms: zero-forcing (ZF), minimum mean square error (MMSE), and maximum likelihood (ML). The experimental results show that AWOA achieves suboptimal results, as its bit error rate (BER) is close to that of the ML algorithm. Furthermore, the complexity of AWOA is comparable to that of the MMSE strategy. This work supports the development of a high-performance MI-based underwater communication system.
A Nonparametric Regression-Based Multi-Scale Gradient Correlation Filtering Method for Infrared Small Target Detection
Authors: Zhang Xiangyue , Ru Jingyu , Wu Chengdong
Published: March 2023

Infrared small target detection, especially under low SCR conditions and complex backgrounds, is still a challenging research task. Considering the scale change caused by small targets rapidly moving, in this paper, a nonparametric regression-based multi-scale gradient correlation filtering (MGCF) detection method is proposed. First, a nonparametric regression method is applied to calculate the gradient of each point. Then, based on the unique gradient characteristics of small targets, a multi-scale gradient correlation (MGC) template is designed to distinguish small targets from clutter. After that, a multi-scale gradient correlation filtering method is proposed to enhance the target intensity and suppress clutter. At last, based on the obtained filtering response, an adaptive threshold segmentation method is adopted to extract real small targets. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can fully improve the signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) of small targets under different complex backgrounds. Moreover, compared with other baseline methods, the proposed method exhibits excellent detection performance.
SiamFFN: Siamese Feature Fusion Network for Visual Tracking
Authors: Bao Jiahao , Yan Menglong , Yang Yiran , Chen Kaiqiang
Published: March 2023

Siamese network-based trackers have developed rapidly in the field of visual object tracking recently. Many Siamese network-based trackers currently in use rely on result fusion to combine the classification result map and regression result map. However, these result maps are obtained from the multi-level feature map and are independent of each other. It is inappropriate and flawed to use result fusion. Additionally, classification module and regression module are independent of each other, which leads to feature misalignment. In this paper, we propose a feature-fusion approach that involves fusing similarity response maps using a novel scale attention mechanism and subsequently decoding the features. To reduce the feature misalignment and produce more precise tracking results, we suggest using Classification Supervised Regression Loss (CSRL), to train the model. Experiments conducted on three challenging benchmark datasets show that this method outperforms current models in terms of both performance and efficiency, running at 40 fps.
Exploration and Biorefinery Antimicrobial Agent through Solid State Fermentation from Indonesia’s Marine Actinomycetes
Authors: Laila Aspita , Setiawan Fendi , Widyastuti Widyastuti , Fadhilah Muhammad Rizky , Setiawan Andi , Juliasih Ni Luh Gede Ratna , Setiawan Wawan Abdullah , Apriliana Ety , Ahmadi Peni , Arai Masayoshi , Hendri John
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to obtain novel bioactive compounds derived from actinomycetes associated with marine biota from the coast of Indonesia. Actinomycetes have been identified as a potential source of bioactive compounds through enzymatic fermentation. In order to obtain bioactive compounds from the results of the biorefinery process, cultivation was performed by solid state fermentation (SSF) on shrimp shell waste medium. The inhibitory activity against pathogenic microorganisms was measured based on the optical density of samples from Gorontalo and Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia. Six isolates had a clear zone as an indicator of the chitinase activity of chitinase enzymes. The SSF extract, obtained after 14 days of incubation, was assayed for its antimicrobial activity by the 96-well plate microtiter method. Among the six isolates, isolate 19B19A1 had antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Malassezia globosa, respectively. DNA analysis indicated that the 19B19A1 isolate was Streptomyces tritolerans 19B19A1 and that its extract contained an alkaloid component that played a role in antimicrobial activity. These results indicate that shrimp shells can be used as a nutrient-rich alternative culture medium for actinomycetes. This study is expected to become a source of information related to biorefinery, especially in the exploration of bioactive compounds produced by actinomycetes.
PVPBC: Privacy and Verifiability Preserving E-Voting Based on Permissioned Blockchain
Authors: Sallal Muntadher , de Fréin Ruairí , Malik Ali
Published: March 2023

Privacy and verifiability are crucial security requirements in e-voting systems and combining them is considered to be a challenge given that they seem to be contradictory. On one hand, privacy means that cast votes cannot be traced to the corresponding voters. On the other hand, linkability of voters and their votes is a requirement of verifiability which has the consequence that a voter is able to check their vote in the election result. These two contradictory features can be addressed by adopting privacy-preserving cryptographic primitives, which at the same time as achieving privacy, achieve verifiability. Many end-to-end schemes that support verifiability and privacy have the need for some voter action. This makes ballot casting more complex for voters. We propose the PVPBC voting system, which is an e-voting system that preserves privacy and verifiability without affecting voter usability. The PVPBC voting system uses an effective and distributed method of authorization, which is based on revocable anonymity, by making use of a permissioned distributed ledger and smart contract. In addition, the underlying PVPBC voting system satisfies election verifiability using the Selene voting scheme. The Selene protocol is a verifiable e-voting protocol. It publishes votes in plaintext accompanied by tracking numbers. This enables voters to confirm that their votes have been captured correctly by the system. Numerical experiments support the claim that PVPBC scales well as a function of the number of voters and candidates. In particular, PVPBC’s authorization time increases linearly as a function of the population size. The average latency associated with accessing the system also increases linearly with the voter population size. The latency incurred when a valid authentication transaction is created and sent on the DLT network is 6.275 ms. Empirical results suggest that the cost in GBP for casting and storing an encrypted ballot alongside a tracker commitment is a linear function of the number of candidates, which is an attractive aspect of PVPBC.
Stock Index Return Volatility Forecast via Excitatory and Inhibitory Neuronal Synapse Unit with Modified MF-ADCCA
Authors: Wang Luochao , Lee Raymond S. T.
Published: March 2023

Financial prediction persists a strenuous task in Fintech research. This paper introduces a multifractal asymmetric detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-ADCCA)-based deep learning forecasting model to predict a succeeding day log return via excitatory and inhibitory neuronal synapse unit (EINS) using asymmetric Hurst exponent as input features, with return and volatility increment of Shanghai Stock Exchanges Composite Index (SSECI) from 2014 to 2020 as proxies for analysis. Experimental results revealed that multifractal elements by MF-ADCCA method as input features are applicable to time series forecasting in deep learning than multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) method. Further, the proposed biologically inspired EINS model achieved satisfactory performances in effectiveness and reliability in time series prediction compared with prevalent recurrent neural networks (RNNs) such as LSTM and GRU. The contributions of this paper are to (1) introduce a moving-window MF-ADCCA method to obtain asymmetric Hurst exponent sequences used directly as an input feature for deep learning prediction and (2) evaluate performances of various asymmetric multifractal approaches for deep learning time series forecasting.
NGS Sequencing Reveals New UCP1 Gene Variants Potentially Associated with MetS and/or T2DM Risk in the Polish Population—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Andrzejczak Anna , Witkowicz Agata , Kujawa Dorota , Skrypnik Damian , Szulińska Monika , Bogdański Paweł , Łaczmański Łukasz , Karabon Lidia
Published: March 2023

The number of people suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS) including type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, and obesity increased over 10 times through the last 30 years and it is a severe public health concern worldwide. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a mitochondrial carrier protein found only in brown adipose tissue involved in thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Several studies showed an association between UCP1 variants and the susceptibility to MetS, T2DM, and/or obesity in various populations; all these studies were, however, limited to a few selected polymorphisms. The present study aimed to search within the entire UCP1 gene for new variants potentially associated with MetS and/or T2DM risk. We performed NGS sequencing of the entire UCP1 gene in 59 MetS patients including 29 T2DM patients, and 36 controls using the MiSeq platform. An analysis of allele and genotype distribution revealed nine variations which seem to be interesting in the context of MetS and fifteen in the context of T2DM. Altogether, we identified 12 new variants, among which only rs3811787 was investigated previously by others. Thereby, NGS sequencing revealed new intriguing UCP1 gene variants potentially associated with MetS and/or T2DM risk in the Polish population.
Whole Transcriptome Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in Cultured Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) Subjected to Chronic Stress Reveals Signaling Pathways Associated with Depressed Growth
Authors: Mwaura John Gitau , Wekesa Clabe , Ogutu Philip A. , Okoth Patrick
Published: March 2023

Chronic stress is a serious threat to aquaculture as it lowers fish growth performance and compromises fish welfare. The exact mechanism by which growth is retarded is, however, not clearly understood. This study sought to elucidate the gene expression profiles associated with chronic stress in cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared for 70 days at different ammonia concentrations and stocking densities. Fish in the treatment groups showed negative growth, while the controls showed positive allometric growth. The specific condition factor (Kn) ranged from 1.17 for the controls to 0.93 for the ammonia and 0.91 for the stocking density treatments. RNA was extracted from muscle tissue using TRIzol followed by library construction and Illumina sequencing. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed 209 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (156 up- and 53 down-regulated) in the ammonia and 252 DEGs (175 up- and 77 down-regulated) in the stocking density treatment. In both treatments, 24 and 17 common DEGs were up- and down-regulated, respectively. DEGs were significantly enriched in six pathways associated with muscle activity, energy mobilization and immunity. The heightened muscular activity consumes energy which would otherwise have been utilized for growth. These results bring to fore the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic stress’ suppression of growth in cultured Nile tilapia.
Biochemical, Genetic and Clinical Diagnostic Approaches to Autism-Associated Inherited Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Senarathne Udara , Indika Neluwa-Liyanage , Jezela-Stanek Aleksandra , Ciara Elżbieta , Frye Richard , Chen Cliff , Stepien Karolina
Published: March 2023

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, limited communication skills, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours. The pathophysiology of ASD is multifactorial and includes genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, whereas a causal relationship has been described between ASD and inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). This review describes biochemical, genetic, and clinical approaches to investigating IMDs associated with ASD. The biochemical work-up includes body fluid analysis to confirm general metabolic and/or lysosomal storage diseases, while the advances and applications of genomic testing technology would assist with identifying molecular defects. An IMD is considered likely underlying pathophysiology in ASD patients with suggestive clinical symptoms and multiorgan involvement, of which early recognition and treatment increase their likelihood of achieving optimal care and a better quality of life.
CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing System Can Alter Gene Expression and Induce DNA Damage Accumulation
Authors: Yang Lan , Li Hao , Han Yao , Song Yingjie , Wei Mingchen , Fang Mengya , Sun Yansong
Published: March 2023

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and the associated protein (Cas) gene editing can induce P53 activation, large genome fragment deletions, and chromosomal structural variations. Here, gene expression was detected in host cells using transcriptome sequencing following CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. We found that the gene editing reshaped the gene expression, and the number of differentially expressed genes was correlated with the gene editing efficiency. Moreover, we found that alternative splicing occurred at random sites and that targeting a single site for gene editing may not result in the formation of fusion genes. Further, gene ontology and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that gene editing altered the fundamental biological processes and pathways associated with diseases. Finally, we found that cell growth was not affected; however, the DNA damage response protein—γH2AX—was activated. This study revealed that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing may induce cancer-related changes and provided basic data for research on the safety risks associated with the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
Molecular Design-Based Breeding: A Kinship Index-Based Selection Method for Complex Traits in Small Livestock Populations
Authors: Gu Jiamin , Guo Jianwei , Zhang Zhenyang , Xu Yuejin , Qadri Qamar Raza , Zhang Zhe , Wang Zhen , Wang Qishan , Pan Yuchun
Published: March 2023

Genomic selection (GS) techniques have improved animal breeding by enhancing the prediction accuracy of breeding values, particularly for traits that are difficult to measure and have low heritability, as well as reducing generation intervals. However, the requirement to establish genetic reference populations can limit the application of GS in pig breeds with small populations, especially when small populations make up most of the pig breeds worldwide. We aimed to propose a kinship index based selection (KIS) method, which defines an ideal individual with information on the beneficial genotypes for the target trait. Herein, the metric for assessing selection decisions is a beneficial genotypic similarity between the candidate and the ideal individual; thus, the KIS method can overcome the need for establishing genetic reference groups and continuous phenotype determination. We also performed a robustness test to make the method more aligned with reality. Simulation results revealed that compared to conventional genomic selection methods, the KIS method is feasible, particularly, when the population size is relatively small.
Microsatellites as Molecular Markers with Applications in Exploitation and Conservation of Aquatic Animal Populations
Authors: Wenne Roman
Published: March 2023

A large number of species and taxa have been studied for genetic polymorphism. Microsatellites have been known as hypervariable neutral molecular markers with the highest resolution power in comparison with any other markers. However, the discovery of a new type of molecular marker—single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has put the existing applications of microsatellites to the test. To ensure good resolution power in studies of populations and individuals, a number of microsatellite loci from 14 to 20 was often used, which corresponds to about 200 independent alleles. Recently, these numbers have tended to be increased by the application of genomic sequencing of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and the choice of the most informative loci for genotyping depends on the aims of research. Examples of successful applications of microsatellite molecular markers in aquaculture, fisheries, and conservation genetics in comparison to SNPs are summarized in this review. Microsatellites can be considered superior markers in such topics as kinship and parentage analysis in cultured and natural populations, the assessment of gynogenesis, androgenesis and ploidization. Microsatellites can be coupled with SNPs for mapping QTL. Microsatellites will continue to be used in research of genetic diversity in cultured stocks, and also in natural populations as an economically advantageous genotyping technique.
Effects of Brain Wave Vibration Training on the Pain and Fatigue Disturbance Symptom Cluster in Persons with Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee Nam-Gi , Kim Byeong-Kwan
Published: March 2023

Pain and fatigue disturbance constitute the most common symptom cluster in persons with cancer, causing physical and psychological problems associated with a decreased quality of life. This study investigated the effects of brain wave vibration (BWV) training on the pain and fatigue disturbance symptom cluster in persons with cancer. A total of 43 participants were voluntarily recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group (BWV with therapeutic massage, n = 25) or the control group (conventional physical therapy with spontaneous physical activity, n = 18) (Randomized controlled trial registration number: KCT0005843). BWV with therapeutic massage was performed for a total of 24 sessions (70 min/day, 2 days/week for 12 weeks). The Breakthrough Pain Assessment Tool and Brief Fatigue Inventory were used to evaluate cancer-related pain (CRP) and cancer-related fatigue (CRF), respectively. Regarding CRP variables, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in the worst and typical episodes of breakthrough pain, pain distress, and interference with living a normal life compared to the control group. In CRF, there was no significant difference between the groups, although BWV training with therapeutic massage resulted in a significant difference between before and after the intervention. Therefore, our study suggests that BWV training with therapeutic massage is beneficial for improving CRP and CRF in cancer survivors.
In Vitro Micropropagation of Commercial Ginseng Cultivars (Panax ginseng Meyer) via Somatic Embryogenesis Compared to Traditional Seed Production
Authors: Lee Jung-Woo , Kwon Nayeong , Kim Jang-Uk , Bang Kyong-Hwan , Jung Sung Min , Lee Sung Woo , Kim Dong-Hwi , Kim Young-Chang , Jo Ick-Hyun , Park Young-Doo
Published: March 2023

Panax ginseng Meyer is an important medicinal crop; however, most ginseng farmers cultivate native species that are not genetically fixed. Although several cultivars have been developed in Korea, distribution to farmers remains insufficient given their low propagation characteristics. This study compared the efficiency of seed production and micropropagation via somatic embryogenesis. Seeds were collected from cultivars, and zygotic embryo-derived explants were inoculated and cultured in a series of media for micropropagation. Seed production and characteristics of commercial cultivars were evaluated. The number of seeds from a 4-year-old individual cultivar was 23.1–58.8, and seed characteristics varied with cultivars. The genotype had a notable effect on somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. The number of somatic embryos and shoots obtained from a single seed of cultivars was 71.3–100.2 and 50.7–61.3, respectively. The number of in vitro grown roots (IGRs) per a single seed was 37.1–41.1 in one year. IGRs were successfully acclimatized and sprouted normally in the field. Flow cytometry analysis suggested that micropropagated plants had no ploidy variations. The results demonstrated the utility of somatic embryogenesis in the in vitro micropropagation of P. ginseng cultivars. Our findings can enhance the distribution of cultivars among farmers in the future.
Artificial Neural Network Based Apple Yield Prediction Using Morphological Characters
Authors: Bharti  , Das Pankaj , Banerjee Rahul , Ahmad Tauqueer , Devi Sarita , Verma Geeta
Published: March 2023

The yield of the crop is a complex function of a number of dependent traits, which makes yield prediction a statistically difficult task. A number of work on yield prediction using morphological characters already exists in the literature. Most of the work used statistical techniques such as linear regression and crop yield models, which assume a linear relationship between yield and the morphological traits; in actual practice, such a linear relationship is seldom achieved. With the advancement in the field of machine learning techniques, these methods can provide a viable alternative for dealing with nonlinear relationships for yield prediction. Globally, apples are the most consumed fruit. In this paper, attempts have been made to predict the yield of the apple crop using morphological traits. PCA was used for selection of the significant variables. These variables were later used as input variables in the ANN model with different hidden layers for predicting crop yield. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using standard statistical tests. Sensitivity analysis was performed to find out the individual effects of each character on the apple yield. The study contributes to a better understanding of the complex relationships between crop yield and morphological traits.
VvERF111 Regulates Chlorophyll Degradation by Activating Expression of VvCLH1, Leading to Rachis Browning in Grape
Authors: Zou Dongfang , Li Jingwen , Ye Xia , Zheng Xianbo , Tan Bin , Cheng Jun , Wang Wei , Li Zhiqian , Feng Jiancan
Published: March 2023

The plant growth regulator ethylene influences rachis browning in grape (Vitis vinifera L.). Although the ethylene signaling pathway is well defined, there is limited knowledge on its mode of action during rachis browning. Here, we show that an ethylene response factor (VvERF111) positively regulates chlorophyll degradation in rachis by binding to a DRE motif in the promoter of VvCLH1. The expression of VvERF111 and VvCLH1 in rachis was induced by ethylene and inhibited by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). VvERF111 belongs to the ERF IX subfamily of the APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily, shows transcriptional activity in yeast, and is localized in the nucleus and membrane. The transient overexpression of VvERF111 or chlorophyllase (VvCLH1) in grape leaves accelerated chlorophyll degradation. In VvERF111-overexpressing leaves, transcript levels of VvCLH1 were also increased. Our findings offer a deeper understanding of the transcriptional regulation of chlorophyll degradation during the rachis browning of grape.
Private Vehicles Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimation at Street Level for Berlin Based on Open Data
Authors: Ulrich Veit , Brückner Josephine , Schultz Michael , Vardag Sanam Noreen , Ludwig Christina , Fürle Johannes , Zia Mohammed , Lautenbach Sven , Zipf Alexander
Published: March 2023

As one of the major greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters that has not seen significant emission reductions in the previous decades, the transportation sector requires special attention from policymakers. Policy decisions, thereby need to be supported by traffic emission assessments. Estimations of traffic emissions often rely on huge amounts of actual traffic data whose availability is limited, hampering the transferability of the estimation approaches in time and space. Here, we propose a high-resolution estimation of traffic emissions, which is based entirely on open data, such as the road network and points of interest derived from OpenStreetMap (OSM). We estimated the annual average daily GHG emissions from individual motor traffic for the OSM road network in Berlin by combining the estimated Annual Average Daily Traffic Volume (AADTV) with respective emission factors. The AADTV was calculated by simulating car trips with the open routing engine Openrouteservice, weighted by activity functions based on statistics of the German Mobility Panel. Our estimated total annual GHG emissions were 7.3 million t CO2 equivalent. The highest emissions were estimated for the motorways and major roads connecting the city center with the outskirts. The application of the approach to Berlin showed that the method could reflect the traffic pattern. As the input data is freely available, the approach can be applied to other study areas within Germany with little additional effort.
H3K4me1 Modification Functions in Caste Differentiation in Honey Bees
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Zhen , He Xujiang , Wang Zilong , Zeng Zhijiang
Published: March 2023

Honey bees are important species for the study of epigenetics. Female honey bee larvae with the same genotype can develop into phenotypically distinct organisms (sterile workers and fertile queens) depending on conditions such as diet. Previous studies have shown that DNA methylation and histone modification can establish distinct gene expression patterns, leading to caste differentiation. It is unclear whether the histone methylation modification H3K4me1 can also impact caste differentiation. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide H3K4me1 modifications in both queen and worker larvae and found that H3K4me1 marks are more abundant in worker larvae than in queen larvae at both the second and fourth instars, and many genes associated with caste differentiation are differentially methylated. Notably, caste-specific H3K4me1 in promoter regions can direct worker development. Thus, our results suggest that H3K4me1 modification may act as an important regulatory factor in the establishment and maintenance of caste-specific transcriptional programs in honey bees; however, the potential influence of other epigenetic modifications cannot be excluded.
Niche and Range Shifts of the Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea Dury) in Europe Imply Its Huge Invasion Potential in the Future
Authors: Nie Peixiao , Yang Rujing , Cao Runyao , Hu Xiaokang , Feng Jianmeng
Published: March 2023

The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea Dury) has a strong impact on agricultural systems in Europe. However, its invasive potential, which was inherited from its native niche in North America, remains unknown. Here, we investigated the climatic niche and range shifts of the fall webworm in Europe and compared them with those in native North America, then assessed the worms’ invasive potential in Europe. Compared with the fall webworm in Europe, those in North America survived in more diverse climatic conditions, which was closely associated with their broader niche and larger potential ranges in Europe. If the fall webworm in Europe could exploit the native niche inherited from those in North America to adapt to climatic conditions in Europe, their potential ranges in Europe could be 5.5-fold those based on the niche as introduced in Europe. The potentially unfilled ranges of the fall webworm in Europe were mainly detected in vast regions of Europe, excluding Norway, Sweden, Finland, North Russia, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, and Ukraine, suggesting that, without strict control, these vast regions might be preferably invaded by the fall webworm in Europe in the future. Therefore, strict control against its invasion is needed. Given that small niche shifts in this invasive insect could result in large range shifts, the niche shifts represent a more sensitive indicator of invasion risk than range shifts.
Population Genetic Structure of a Rare Butterfly in a Fragmented South Florida Ecosystem
Authors: Heffernan Emily , Markee Amanda , Truglio Mary R. , Barkdull Megan , Steele Cabrera Sarah , Daniels Jaret
Published: March 2023

We investigated the genetic structure and diversity between populations of a rare butterfly, the Florida duskywing (Ephyriades brunnea floridensis E. Bell and W. Comstock, 1948) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) across a network of South Florida pine rockland habitat fragments. Based on 81 individuals from seven populations and using multiple polymorphic microsatellite loci, our analyses support the presence of mainland Florida (peninsular) and Florida Keys (island) population groupings, with a moderate, asymmetrical gene flow connecting them, and the presence of private alleles providing unique identities to each. We additionally found that despite a prevalence in many Lepidoptera, the presence of Wolbachia was not identified in any of the samples screened. Our findings can be used to inform conservation and recovery decisions, including population monitoring, organism translocation, and priority areas for management, restoration or stepping-stone creation to help maintain the complex genetic structure of separate populations.
Drones Do Not Drift between Nests in a Wild Population of Apis cerana
Authors: Hagan Thomas , Lim Julianne , Gloag Rosalyn
Published: March 2023

The modes through which individuals disperse prior to reproduction has important consequences for gene flow in populations. In honey bees (Apis sp.), drones (males) reproduce within a short flight range of their natal nest, leaving and returning each afternoon within a narrow mating window. Drones are assumed to return to their natal nests as they depend on workers to feed them. However, in apiaries, drones are reported to regularly make navigation errors and return to a non-natal nest, where they are accepted and fed by unrelated workers. If such a “drone drift” occurred in wild populations, it could facilitate some further degree of dispersal for males, particularly if drones drift into host nests some distance away from their natal nest. Here, we investigated whether drone drift occurs in an invasive population of the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana). Based on the genotypes of 1462 drones from 19 colonies, we found only a single drone that could be considered a candidate drifter (~0.07%). In three other colonies, drones whose genotypes differed from the inferred queen were best explained by recent queen turnover or worker-laying. We concluded that drone drift in this population is low at best, and A. cerana drones either rarely make navigation errors in wild populations or are not accepted into foreign nests when they do so. We therefore confirm that drone dispersal distance is limited to the distance of daily drone flights from natal nests, a key assumption of both colony density estimates based on sampling of drone congregation areas and population genetic models of gene flow in honey bees.
The Male Reproductive System of the Kissing Bug, Rhodnius prolixus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae): Arrangements of the Muscles and the Myoactivity of the Selected Neuropeptides
Authors: Lange Angela B. , Kisana Anika , Leyria Jimena , Orchard Ian
Published: March 2023

The gross anatomy of the male reproductive structures and their associated musculature are described in the blood-gorging vector of Chagas disease, Rhodnius prolixus. The male reproductive system is composed of muscular tissues each performing contractions that aid in the movement of sperm out of the testis into the vas deferens, seminal vesicle and then into the ejaculatory duct, along with proteins and lipids from the transparent and opaque accessory glands. Phalloidin staining shows the various patterns of muscle fiber layers, from thin circular to more complex crisscross patterns, implying subtle differences in the form of the contractions and movement of each of the structures, allowing for waves of contractions or twisting patterns. The transcripts for the receptors for proctolin, myosuppressin (RhoprMS) and for the extended FMRFamides are expressed in the various regions of the reproductive system, and the nerve processes extending over the reproductive structures are positive for FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity, as are neurosecretory cells lying on the nerves. Proctolin and AKDNFIRFamide are strong stimulators for the frequency of the contractions, and RhoprMS can inhibit the proctolin-induced contractions. Taken together, this work implicates these two families of peptides in coordinating the male reproductive structures for the successful transfer of sperm and the associated accessory gland fluid to the female during copulation.
Wake Up America: National Survey of Patients’ and Physicians’ Views and Attitudes on Insomnia Care
Authors: Benca Ruth M. , Bertisch Suzanne M. , Ahuja Ajay , Mandelbaum Robin , Krystal Andrew D.
Published: March 2023

While both patients and physicians consider sleep to be important, sleep health may not receive appropriate consideration during patient visits with health care professionals (HCPs). We completed the first large-scale survey of people with trouble sleeping (PWTS) and physicians who treat insomnia to understand their perspectives and potential discrepancies between them. The Harris Poll conducted online surveys of adult PWTS and HCPs (primary care physicians [PCPs] and psychiatrists) in the United States from September to October 2021. Respondents included 1001 PWTS, 300 PCPs, and 152 psychiatrists. Most HCPs agreed that sleep is critical to good health, yet very few reported routinely conducting full sleep histories on their patients. Approximately 30% of PWTS reported that their PCP never asks about sleep; zero HCPs in this survey reported “never” inquiring. Few HCPs reported being “very satisfied” with current treatment options; 50% of PCPs reported their patients being satisfied. Two-thirds of PWTS did not believe current treatment options adequately improved their sleep. This survey provides evidence that both PWTS and physicians agreed on the importance of sleep, but that treatment is often perceived as ineffective. This survey identifies a need for HCPs to address insomnia management and treatment gaps.
Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Effectiveness between Anti-TNF and Ustekinumab after Vedolizumab Failure as First-Line Therapy in Crohn’s Disease: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Albshesh Ahmad , Bannon Lian , Sharar Fischler Tali , Truyens Marie , Vavricka Stephan , Tepes Katja , Pugliese Daniela , Savarino Edoardo , Zittan Eran , Drobne David , Roblin Xavier , Bar-Gil Shitrit Ariella , Armuzzi Alessandro , Lobaton Triana , Maharshak Nitsan , Yanai Henit , Ben-Horin Shomron , Kopylov Uri
Published: March 2023

Background: The effectiveness of anti-TNF or ustekinumab (UST) as a second-line biologic after vedolizumab (VDZ) failure has not yet been described. Aims and Methods: In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, We aim to investigate the effectiveness of anti-TNF and UST as second-line therapy in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) who failed VDZ as a first-line treatment. The primary outcome was clinical response at week 16–22. Secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical remission, steroid-free clinical remission, CRP normalization, and adverse events. Results: Fifty-nine patients who failed on VDZ as a first-line treatment for CD were included; 52.8% patients received anti-TNF and 47.2% UST as a second-line therapy. In initial period (Week 16–22), the clinical response and remission rate was similar between both groups: 61.2% vs. 68%, p = 0.8 and 48.3% vs. 56%, p = 0.8 on anti-TNF and UST therapy, respectively. Furthermore, in the maintenance period the rate was similar: 75% vs. 82.3%, p = 0.8 and 62.5% vs. 70.5%, p = 0.8, respectively. Of the patients, 12 out of the 59 stopped the therapy, without a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.6). Conclusion: Second-line biological therapy after VDZ failure therapy was effective in >60% of the patients with CD. No differences in effectiveness were detected between the use of anti-TNF and UST as a second line.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Selecting Patients for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
Authors: Gambitta Pietro , Fontana Paola , Fanetti Ilaria , Veglia Giulia , Vertemati Maurizio , Armellino Antonio , Aseni Paolo
Published: March 2023

Tumor invasion depth and lymph node metastasis determine the prognosis of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms. GI neoplasms limited to mucosa (m1 or m2) and superficial submucosa (sm1) can be treated effectively with minimally invasive endoscopic therapy, while the deep invasion of the submucosa (sm2 or sm3) is associated with lymph node metastasis, and surgical resection is required. Correct staging is therefore crucial for preoperative evaluation and planning. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can be used to detect the depth of invasion due to its close proximity to the lesion. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS, when compared to conventional endoscopic staging, is debated as it can under- or overstage the lesion. We aim in this study to determine if EUS can accurately differentiate mucosal from submucosal GI neoplasms to select patients with early GI lesions for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or surgery. From March 2014 to February 2022, 293 patients with early superficial GI neoplasms were admitted to our endoscopic unit for EUS staging. To evaluate the accuracy of EUS, we compared the preoperative EUS findings with the definitive histopathologic findings on the resected specimen. Overall, 242 of 293 lesions were correctly staged by EUS (82.59%). In the evaluation of submucosal invasion or deeper, EUS understaged 38 of 293 (12.96%) and overstaged 13 of 293 (4.43%) lesions. EUS has excellent accuracy in staging superficial GI neoplasms; its use is highly recommended before ESD since it can also detect lymph node metastases around the lesions, thus changing the indication from ESD to surgery.
Carotid–Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Could Be a Marker to Predict Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality of Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ng Xin-Ning , Tsai Jen-Pi , Wang Chih-Hsien , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: March 2023

Among hemodialysis (HD) patients, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognized as a major contributor to the high risk of mortality, and emerging evidence has ascertained arterial stiffness as an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of arterial stiffness measurement in predicting CV and all-cause mortality in patients on HD (n = 130). Carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by a validated tonometry system. A cfPWV of >10 m/s was used to assign patients to the arterial stiffness group (n = 64). Baseline and biochemical characteristics, as well as all-cause and CV mortality, were recorded. During the 3-year follow-up period, a total of 32 deaths (25%) occurred. The patients who died had clinically significant high cfPWV levels; were relatively old; and had hypoalbuminemia, low creatinine levels, and diabetes. After adjustment for the prognostic variables, patients with elevated cfPWV had significantly higher all-cause (p = 0.036) and CV mortality (p = 0.017), compared with the mortality rates in the normal group. In this study, cfPWV was found to be an independent predictor of all-cause and CV mortality in HD patients.
Surgical Treatment Outcomes of Gynecologic Cancer in Older Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: So Kyeong A , Shim Seung-Hyuk , Lee Sun Joo , Kim Tae Jin
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate oncologic characteristics and surgical outcomes in older patients with gynecologic cancers. This retrospective study included patients aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed with gynecologic cancers and underwent surgical treatment between 2005 and 2020. We reviewed the medical records for age at diagnosis, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, comorbidities, postoperative complications, cancer stage, histologic type, surgical treatment, postoperative outcome, and survival rate. Data were compared between groups according to the age at the time of diagnosis: <75 years (young-old) and ≥75 years (old-old). In total, 131 patients were identified: 53 (40.5%) with ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer (OC), 44 (33.6%) with endometrial cancer (EC), 30 (22.9%) with cervical cancer, and 4 (3.1%) with leiomyosarcoma. The patients’ mean age was 70 (range, 65–83) years; 106 (80.9%) were young-old and 25 (19.1%) were old-old. Postoperative complications occurred in 19 (14.5%) patients. Four patients died within six months after surgery, and three died because of disease progression. There was no difference in the survival rates between the two groups among those with OC and EC. Older patients with gynecologic cancers showed good surgical outcomes and tolerable postoperative complications. Therefore, we can safely offer surgical treatment to older patients.
Estimating the Cost of Internet Censorship in China: Evidence from a Gamified Remote Platform
Authors: Fan Jijian , Guan Runquan
Published: March 2023

We exploit internet censorship intensity changes due to political events to study the impact of internet censorship on online laboor work in China. With a unique dataset from the Ingress (video game) community platform, a difference-in-differences design shows that an increase in China’s internet censorship intensity during politically sensitive dates, while not affecting the amount of volunteer working time, reduces online labour work efficiency by eight percent for volunteers from mainland China relative to those elsewhere. This efficiency loss due to internet censorship can be a proxy for the labour productivity loss for Chinese oversea e-commercers, freelancers and other related online workers.
Use, Abuse, and Misuse of Nasal Medications: Real-Life Survey on Community Pharmacist’s Perceptions
Authors: Russo Elena , Giombi Francesco , Paoletti Giovanni , Heffler Enrico , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Pirola Francesca , Mercante Giuseppe , Spriano Giuseppe , Malvezzi Luca , Keber Enrico , SGCP  , Giua Corrado
Published: March 2023

Background: Medication overuse is an increasing global problem, especially for those rhinology diseases whose management requires over-the-counter drugs. This observational community pharmacy-based study aimed to investigate the actual use of the best-selling topical nasal medications and to characterize the clinical issues underlying their query through the pharmacist’s perception. Methods: In the pilot phase, a preliminary survey was developed by a team of researchers and tested on a small sample of practitioners to assess usability and intelligibility. Eventual amendments were made according to the feedback obtained, and the final version was submitted to practitioners working in 376 pharmacies evenly distributed over the Italian territory. Results: Two groups of customers (18–30 years old and 60–75 years old) were the ones who most frequently purchased topical decongestants. The dosage applied for sympathomimetic amines was higher than recommended in up to 44.4% and the duration of use longer than 5 days in up to 31.9% of the cases. Patients’ queries of alpha agonists and topical corticosteroids resulted in significantly higher numbers than practitioners’ prescriptions. Allergic rhinitis was the most common disease affecting patients seeking sympathomimetic amines. Conclusions: The prolonged use of sympathomimetic amines in patients suffering from rhinology diseases is a significant problem that requires greater attention in terms of social education and surveillance.