bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectopic expression of LONELY GUY7 in epidermis of internodal segments for de novo shoot regeneration without phytohormone treatment in ipecac
Authors: Okazaki Karin , Katano Wataru , Shibata Kyomi , Asahina Masashi , Koshiba‐Takeuchi Kazuko , Shimomura Koichiro , Umehara Mikihisa
Published: December 2024

In many plant species, the application of exogenous phytohormones is crucial for initiating de novo shoot regeneration. However, ipecac [Carapichea ipecacuanha (Brot) L. Andersson] has a unique ability to develop adventitious shoots on the epidermis of internodal segments without phytohormone treatment. This characteristic allows us to evaluate the effects of endogenous phytohormones in this species. Here, we showed that the presence of the pith, including vascular bundles in the internodal segment, is required to activate both endogenous cytokinin (CK) biosynthesis and adventitious shoot formation. Adventitious shoots were mainly formed in the apical region of internodal segments, where the CK biosynthesis genes ISOPENTENYL TRANSFERASE 3 (CiIPT3) and LONELY GUY 7 (CiLOG7) were spontaneously upregulated in the early culture stage on phytohormone‐free medium. In addition, CiIPT3 and CiLOG7 were respectively expressed in the pith and the epidermis of the internodal segments. The expression of CiLOG7 was localized as several spots on the epidermis. These findings suggest that CK precursors are generated in the pith, transferred to the epidermis, and then converted into active CKs, facilitating adventitious shoot formation on the epidermis. Conversely, auxin levels rapidly decreased during culture and remained low in the region of shoot formation. Auxin is transferred to the basal region of internodal segments, and strongly suppressed the CiLOG7 expression and decreased the CK levels. Thus, we conclude that the ectopic expression of CiLOG7 in the epidermis of internodal segments contributes to de novo shoot regeneration in ipecac.
Pollinator seed mixes are phenologically dissimilar to prairie remnants
Authors: Zinnen Jack , Chase Marissa H. , Charles Brian , Harmon‐Threatt Alexandra , Matthews Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2024

Native seed mixes are widely available to create pollinator habitat. One approach to understand the efficacy of pollinator seed mixes is to compare them to species found in high‐quality natural areas. Using plant species presence data from published lists, we compared weekly blooming richness between 196 seed mixes explicitly designed to support pollinators and 102 prairie remnants from eight states across the Midwest. Remnants had greater forb richness compared to mixes and had at least twice the blooming richness per week. Seed mixes included low proportions of species that bloomed in the spring (0–13% of species), whereas about 28% of remnant forbs bloomed before June. There was a sharp phenological blooming peak for mixes due to the vast majority of species blooming in late July through August, whereas remnants had greater phenological evenness across the growing season. We then investigated all observed early blooming plant species to identify the species best suited to alleviate the dissimilar spring blooming characteristics. We compiled 10 species characteristics that reflected species' feasibility for cultivation and restoration and blooming attributes, identifying a group of underutilized and commercially unavailable species. Pollinator seed mixes should facilitate blooming availability for the duration of the growing season to meet pollinator foraging requirements.
Livelihood Capital, Risk Response, and Rural Household Poverty Vulnerability: An Empirical Experience Based in China
Authors: Zhang Junxia , Fan Zhixiong , Liu Juan , Ahmad Fayyaz , Cao Zijian
Published: December 2024

Consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation and preventing the recurrence of poverty are key priorities for China's future poverty governance. This paper examines the impact of livelihood capital on the vulnerability of rural households to poverty and the underlying mechanisms, using a livelihood capital framework. First, the relationship between livelihood capital and the vulnerability of rural household poverty is discussed theoretically, followed by empirical analysis based on data from the China Family Panel Study (CFPS) spanning 2012 to 2022. To address endogeneity concerns, the average livelihood capital of other households with similar family structures within the same village is used as an instrumental variable for testing. The results show that livelihood capital—particularly human, material, financial, and social capital—has a significant negative effect on the vulnerability of rural households to poverty. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that livelihood capital exerts a stronger suppressive effect on the poverty vulnerability of low‐income households, households with three or less members, and those in western regions. Further analysis indicates that livelihood capital enhances rural households' risk‐bearing capacity, thereby reducing their vulnerability to poverty. Overall, the findings suggest that increasing livelihood capital, especially human and material capital, is crucial for reducing the poverty vulnerability of rural households.
Effects of plant residue amendments on the bacterial traits of petroleum‐contaminated soil: A co‐occurrence networks analysis
Authors: Li Jiahao , Wang Yanan , Zhou Wenxing , Li Liping , Zhang Xiaoxi , Liu Kaixuan , Deng Jian
Published: December 2024

Necrophytoremediation is an emerging and effective approach to remediate petroleum‐contaminated soils. Yet the effects of this technique and its enhanced variants, such as amendment with mixed plant residues, on the functional modules that control the ecological functions of the soil bacterial community remain unclear. In this study, we collected litter from three common plant species Lespedeza davurica (LD), Artemisia gmelinii (AG) and Artemisia scoparia (AS) of the contaminated area in northern Shaanxi, China. These litter samples and their 1:1:1 mixture were used for the remediation of 15 g·kg−1 crude oil‐contaminated soil over a 150 days period (maintaining a constant soil moisture and a temperature of 25°C). Changes to the soil bacterial community and the characteristics of its different functional modules after necrophytoremediation were detected via high‐throughput sequencing and co‐occurrence network analysis. Furthermore, we investigated how these alterations may affect the final remediation efficiency, in aiming to gain a deeper understanding of necrophytoremediation's mechanisms and its potential optimization methods. The results showed that: (1) Relative abundances of the main modules (Mod), especially the dominant genera in each module, dominated the contaminant‐degrading efficiency of the soil bacterial community. (2) The AG and AS litter amendments significantly increased the relative abundance of Mod 0 that was beneficial for petroleum degradation, while AG litter decreased that of Mod 3 which was detrimental to that degradation; in contrast, LD litter amendment increased that of Mod 4 that was also unfavourable for petroleum degradation. However, in each module, all the three litter types usually increased the abundance of petroleum‐degrading bacterial genera by enhancing the soil availability of nitrogen, but they tended to exert adverse effects on genera detrimental to that degradation. Accordingly, these modifications tended to improve the remediation functionality of modules; or, alternatively, to convert them into petroleum‐degrading ones. (3) Significant differences were observed in the remediation effects among the litter types. The mixed litter amendment maintained or increased the relative abundance of degrading genera in the functional modules; even so when their nutrient and other degrading‐assisted substances contents were much lower than the upper limit of monospecific litter amendments or the predicted values. Hence, this enabled the mixed litter amendment to synergistically enhance the efficiency of necrophytoremediation.
Combining Problem‐Based Learning and Team‐Based Learning in a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship: How Do Students Spend Their Self‐Study Time?
Authors: Johnsen Ida Sara , Gynnild Vidar , Lillebo Børge
Published: December 2024

Self‐study is essential for student learning, and active learning methods aim to facilitate constructive self‐study time usage. How active learning strategies actually affect student self‐study in medical education, however, remains partly unknown. The aim of this study was to examine medical students' use of self‐study time in a longitudinal integrated clerkship employing active learning strategies. Week‐long time logs were used to collect quantitative data on students' scholastic activities. Furthermore, semistructured individual interviews were conducted for in‐depth exploration of different learning activities' influence on students' self‐study behaviour. Preparation for and follow‐up work after scheduled learning activities were specifically addressed. Students spent on average 42.1 h per week on educational activities, of which self‐study comprised 23 h. Preparation for upcoming learning activities was highly prioritized by the students. Team‐based learning (TBL) generated most self‐study hours, closely followed by patient encounters, while problem‐based learning (PBL) induced least amounts of self‐study. 50% of self‐study time was done without specific relation to scheduled learning activities. Active learning methods appear to promote preparatory work, in accordance with their pedagogic theory. Type of learning activity appears to be decisive in determining the amount of self‐study students choose to undertake. Future research should address how quantity and content of different learning activities influence self‐study behaviour.
Conceivability, possibility and essence: Arnauld's revenge
Authors: Vaidya Anand Jayprakash
Published: December 2024

In this paper, I examine two connected strands of the 4th Set of Objections and Replies to Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy. On the one hand, I look at Arnauld's defence of the view that real distinction proofs require adequate knowledge and Descartes' view that they only require complete understanding. On the other hand, I engage Arnauld's famous right‐angled triangle, T, and Pythagorean property, P, counterexample to Descartes that vivid and clear thought of separability entails knowledge of separability by God. Following a comment in Almog, I extend out the exchange over the counterexample by considering non‐Euclidean geometries. I argue that while at first it seems that Descartes has a plausible response to Arnauld's counterexample by considering T in a non‐Euclidean space where P does not hold. However, Arnauld actually has a powerful response when we consider what is the essence of T across geometries, Euclidean or otherwise.
Exploring the Cooperation between Management and School Teachers in the Implementation of Technical and Vocational Education Policy in Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Muhammad , Abubakar Mustapha
Published: December 2024

This research explores the cooperation between management and schoolteachers in the implementation of technical and vocational education and training policy in Nigeria. Schoolteacher’s role in implementing the Technical and Vocational Education and Training program in Nigeria and the cooperation they receive from the top management in TVET institution has received little attention and is largely overlooked. There are excellent and well-formulated policies but ineffectively implemented. As a result, it leads to a broader gap between policy intent and its implementation. TVET was established to nurture and produce job-ready graduates for industries. The study employs a qualitative method in which evidence is sought from schoolteachers’ interviews. A purposive sampling technique is used to select participants, The number of participants is based on the data saturation point. The interview is audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. NVIVO 12 qualitative analysis software is used to organize the data. The paper and pencil coding method are used for the analysis. The study finds out that there is cooperation between TVET top management and international research cooperation. The cooperation identified in the study is availability of funding to buy equipment and consumables, cooperation between TVET institution and other stakeholders and international research cooperation which will lead to implementation of technical and vocational education and training that will nurture job-ready graduates. TVET policy and research collaboration are ineffective if the partnership between management and "TVET Teachers” is ineffective. As the TVET policy’s implementation had not been successful in Nigeria, this study will provide evidence for the need for future schoolteachers’ cooperation in implementing the TVET policy to prevent TVET graduates’ unemployment in Nigeria.
Geochemical Signature of Basalts of the MAR Rift Valley at 20°31′ N: Origin Conditions of the Anomalous Volcanic Center of Puy des Folles in the Axial Zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: Silantyev S. A. , Buikin A. I. , Gurenko A. A. , Chugaev A. V. , Shabykova V. V. , Tskhovrebova A. R. , Beltenev V. E. , Bich A. S.
Published: December 2024

The results of a study of chilled glasses sampled during the 45th cruise of the R/V Professor Logachev at the top of the submarine volcano Puy des Folles are presented. The Puy des Folles volcano is located in the axial part of the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) at 20°31′ N. Unlike typical volcanic axial highs which usually does not exceed several hundred meters the summit of the Puy des Folles volcano is located a depth of 1950 m and rises 1800 m above the bottom of the rift valley. The data on geochemistry and isotope composition of chilled glasses examined allow us to come to a number of conclusions that expanded existing ideas about magmatic and tectonic processes conducted in the rift valley of the slow spreading ridges. Chilled glasses sampled at the top of the Puy des Folles volcano are originated from a very depleted melt formed by partial melting of the DM reservoir. Puy des Folles volcano was formed as result of the activity of a long-lived magma chamber located below the rift valley axis. It is possible that, in addition to the DM reservoir, a mantle source enriched in incompatible elements may have participated in the formation of the parental melts for the studied chilled glasses. A weak geochemical signal of contamination of the parental melt with a hydrothermal component in chilled glasses was established. Signs of stagnation in the spreading of the oceanic crust in the rift valley segment studied in this work have been established.
Tennis Player Pose Recognition Algorithm Based on IMU Sensor and KNN
Authors: Yongming Chen
Published: December 2024

Tennis players’ posture recognition is of great significance for improving their technical level and preventing injuries. Therefore, in order to master the posture of tennis players, a tennis players’ posture recognition algorithm based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor and K nearest neighbor (KNN) is proposed. The algorithm uses the IMU sensor to sense various key data of athletes, and calibrates the three-axis accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope and three-axis magnetometer of the sensor to improve the data perception effect. On this basis, a two-stage Kalman filter is used to process a variety of key sensed data. After reducing the noise in the data, the time-domain features in the data are extracted, and the extracted feature results are input into the KNN algorithm. The algorithm calculates the distance between feature vectors according to the mixed distance, and determines the category frequency of KNN points in each data sample according to the voting principle, the category corresponding to the maximum frequency is the result of tennis player pose classification and recognition of input samples. The test results show that the algorithm can better complete the perception of multiple key data of athletes. After calibration, the error range of three-axis gyroscope and three-axis accelerometer in different directions is between 0.15 and −0.10[Formula: see text]g and 0.17 and −0.25[Formula: see text]g, respectively, and the center of the ellipsoid should be more consistent with the coordinate origin. The average error of roll angle, pitch angle and yaw angle perception is within [Formula: see text], and the median error is not more than [Formula: see text].
A Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Method for Signal Duration Control at Intersections with Asymmetric Traffic Flows
Authors: Songhao Ge
Published: December 2024

At the intersection with asymmetric traffic flow, a single neural network or other control methods cannot make a choice in time to ensure that the intersection with a large traffic flow and the intersection with a long queue length can obtain more traffic time. In order to solve this problem, a signal length control method for asymmetric traffic flow intersections based on deep reinforcement learning is proposed. Using deep Q-learning, the traffic signal control problem is transformed into a reinforcement learning problem. The state of traffic intersection is defined as traffic cycle time, asymmetric traffic flow parameters, asymmetric traffic flow parameters, the green signal ratio of the signal, and the control action of a traffic signal is defined as changing the phase and duration of the signal. Through the deep Q-learning model, a neural network model is trained to predict the long-term cumulative return (i.e., Q value) of each action under different conditions, that is, asymmetric traffic flow, and select the optimal control action according to the Q value, so as to realize the signal light duration control of asymmetric traffic flow intersections. Through experimental verification, when the discount factor of the model is 0.5, the learning speed and stability of the optimal agent can be obtained, which effectively reduces the occurrence of traffic congestion and greatly improves the traffic safety of vehicles, which is of great significance for improving urban traffic conditions.
DECODING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN BRAIN ACTIVITY AND FACIAL MUSCLE RESPONSE DURING EXTERNAL STIMULATION
Authors: KREJCAR ONDREJ , NAMAZI HAMIDREZA
Published: December 2024

The interplay between the brain and facial muscles involves a continuous exchange of information, where neural signals originating from the brain direct facial muscle reactions in response to various stimuli. In this research, we employed an information-based approach to study the brain–facial muscle relation in response to various conditions. To do so, we exposed 13 participants (3 F, 10 M, 19–22 years old) to three distinct types of music, each with varying levels of complexity. During these sessions, we recorded both Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Electromyogram (EMG) signals to capture neural and muscular responses, respectively. Subsequently, we utilized Shannon entropy to study the contained information in these signals. Our results demonstrated that music with higher complexity levels significantly altered the contained information in the signals. Furthermore, we identified a strong correlation in the alterations in the contained information among these signals. This suggests a significant connection among facial muscle and brain activities. This approach holds promise for investigating similar relationships among other physiological organs and brain activities, offering insights into broader patterns of physiological interactions.
TANGENT MEASURES ON HOMOGENEOUS CANTOR SETS ON ℝ SATISFYING THE CONVEX OPEN SET CONDITION
Authors: WANG YONGTAO , XUE YUMEI
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates tangent measures in the sense of Preiss for homogeneous Cantor sets on [Formula: see text] satisfying the convex open set condition, a similar problem has been discussed in our previous work but with the strong separation condition. Through the dynamics of “zooming in” on any typical point, we derive an explicit and uniform formula for the tangent measures associated with this category of homogeneous Cantor sets on [Formula: see text].
HYBRID FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES IN MULTIPLICATIVE CALCULUS WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: UMAR MUHAMMAD , BUTT SAAD IHSAN , SEOL YOUNGSOO
Published: December 2024

Aspects of both hybrid and fractional calculus are combined in the (Proportional Caputo-Hybrid) [Formula: see text] operators, which are helpful in solving differential equations with non-integer orders and modeling a variety of complicated phenomena in science and engineering. In this paper, we establish the [Formula: see text] operators via multiplicative calculus which are termed as multiplicative [Formula: see text] operators. we initially formulate two H.H (Hermite–Hadamard)-type inequalities applicable to multiplicative (geometric) convex function via multiplicative [Formula: see text] operators. Subsequently, by leveraging certain characteristics of multiplicative convex functions, we present novel inequalities related to multiplicative convex function via multiplicative [Formula: see text] operators also demonstrating two novel identities applicable to multiplicatively differentiable functions. By leveraging these identities, we then establish inequalities of trapezoid and midpoint types specifically designed for multiplicatively convex functions. Additionally, we explore applications of these findings to special functions and special means.
DOES ANALYST COVERAGE PUT PRESSURE ON FIRMS TO INNOVATE? A STUDY BASED ON THE PERSPECTIVE OF PEER EFFECTS
Authors: CHEN YIRAN , WANG ZHICHUN , CAO SHAOPENG
Published: December 2024

This study aims to understand how corporate innovation is influenced by industry peers. Using panel data of Chinese listed firms from 2004 to 2019, we construct two-way fixed effect models to examine the peer effects in corporate innovation and the role of analyst coverage. The findings indicate a positive relationship between corporate innovation and industry-peer innovation. Under competitive pressure within the industry, firms tend to make similar innovation decisions to maintain their competitive advantage. Additionally, analyst coverage exerts pressure on firms and enhances peer effects in innovation. Using net analyst coverage as a proxy variable, we mitigate endogeneity concerns and find significant results. Finally, heterogeneity analysis shows firm size, ownership and profitability significantly influence the industry peer effect on innovation. This study clarifies the association between analyst coverage and industry peer effects in corporate innovation, offering insights for promoting and implementing innovative strategies.
The Examination of Psychological Distress in Hospital Nurses in Iraq: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Abbas Mohammed Mytham Abbas , Açıkgöz Serap
Published: December 2024

Background: Psychological distress is expressed as a sign that may lead to the development of some psychological disorders. Nurses face work‐related psychological difficulties, and it is important to determine the level of psychological distress before it leads to the development of psychological problems. The aim of this study is to examine the psychological distress in nurses working in hospitals in Iraq.

Methods: This cross‐sectional study was carried out with 315 volunteer nurses working in hospitals in Babylon, Iraq, between January and May 2022. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Characteristics Form and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Data analysis included descriptive statistical methods (numbers, percentages, min‐max values, mean, and standard deviation), the Mann–Whitney U test for the difference between two independent groups in the comparison of quantitative data, and the Kruskal–Wallis H test for the comparison of more than two independent groups. In case of a difference, Bonferroni correction was employed to find the group that caused the difference.

Results: The mean score of the nurses in the study on the K6 was 19.26 ± 6.14 for the total scale, 6.34 ± 2.13 for the anxiety subdimension, and 13.92 ± 4.17 for the depression subdimension. There was a statistically significant difference between the nurses’ mean scores on the K6 according to their age, gender, total work experience, weekly working hours, department, and the status of shift work (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Psychological distress in nurses was high. Mental health protection and improvement interventions can be performed to increase nurses’ mental well‐being. Through these interventions, positive contributions can be made to nurses’ health and quality of care by acting early before mental disorders develop. The design of workplace mental health protection interventions and psychological support programs for nurses is recommended.
Challenges to Innovation Arising from Current Companion Diagnostic Regulations and Suggestions for Improvements
Authors: Oliner Kelly S. , Shiller Michelle , Schmid Peter , Ratcliffe Marianne J. , Schetter Aaron J. , Tsao Ming-Sound
Published: December 2024

A companion diagnostic is a diagnostic test that provides information essential for the safe and effective use of a corresponding therapeutic product. To obtain marketing approval, the companion diagnostic must demonstrate acceptable analytical and clinical performance. Companion diagnostic regulations are intended to protect patients by ensuring quality and consistency of treatment-guiding biomarker testing in clinical trials and clinical practice. However, current regulations have had unintended negative consequences relating to innovation, implementation, and accessibility of precision medicine; increasing complexity and cost burden; and inhibiting development of novel diagnostics and biomarker-targeted therapeutics. We propose a range of practical solutions to these challenges, advocating that regulators, pharmaceutical companies, molecular pathologist groups, and diagnostic companies work together to increase flexibility and promote diagnostic innovation, while maintaining high-quality diagnostic testing to ensure all patients get the most appropriate treatments.
Clinical Proteomics Reveals Vulnerabilities in Noninvasive Breast Ductal Carcinoma and Drives Personalized Treatment Strategies
Authors: Mitsa Georgia , Florianova Livia , Lafleur Josiane , Aguilar-Mahecha Adriana , Zahedi Rene P. , del Rincon Sonia V. , Basik Mark , Borchers Christoph H. , Batist Gerald
Published: December 2024

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common type (80%) of noninvasive breast lesions in women. The lack of validated prognostic markers, limited patient numbers, and variable tissue quality have a significant impact on the diagnosis, risk stratification, patient enrollment, and results of clinical studies. In this study, we performed label-free quantitative proteomics on 50 clinical formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies, validating 22 putative biomarkers from independent genetic studies. Our comprehensive proteomic phenotyping reveals more than 380 differentially expressed proteins and metabolic vulnerabilities, which can inform new therapeutic strategies for DCIS and invasive ductal carcinoma. Due to the readily druggable nature of proteins and metabolic enzymes or metabolism inhibitors, this study is of high interest for clinical research and the pharmaceutical industry. To further evaluate our findings, and to promote the clinical translation of our study, we developed a highly multiplexed targeted proteomics assay for 90 proteins associated with cancer metabolism, RNA regulation, and signature cancer pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EGFR/RAS/RAF.

Significance:

This study provides real-world evidence for DCIS, a disease for which currently no molecular tools or biomarkers exist, and gives an unbiased, comprehensive, and deep proteomic profile, identifying >380 actionable targets.
A rare case of tibiofemoral Ewing’s sarcoma recurrence with lung metastasis 27 years after initial diagnosis
Authors: Miqdadi Amal , Ayach Saadia , Boulmane Hanane , Çaoui Malika
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is a rare, malignant small round-cell tumor. Some of the patients will experience local or distant recurrent illness. To detect early incidental or unexpected distant metastasis during the follow-up or initial evaluation, Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (PET-CT) plays a significant role and has the potential to impact clinical judgments as well as forecast the prognosis and resectability of ES patients.
Case report: We report the case of a 44-year-old patient who present a history of a treated Ewing sarcoma located in left tibiofemoral articulation whom presented a recurrence and a metastatic tibiofemoral Ewing’s sarcoma in the lung 27 years after his diagnosis and first management.
Conclusion: Due to this risk of recurrence, ES needs a regular monitoring and follow-up. We propose a monitoring by 18F-FDG PET/CT-Scan once a year during five years then one time every two years to be able to detect early metabolic lesions.
Image quantification analysis of cytoplasmic mucin and interpretation of mucin color in lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia
Authors: Kimura Fumikazu , Ohshima Kengo , Kanai Ryo , Urata Takumi , Kobayashi Takaki , Takeyama Saori , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Asaka Shiho , Ishii Keiko
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Although the widespread use of screening tests and HPV vaccines for squamous cell carcinoma has led to early detection and treatment, effectiveness is limited for cervical adenocarcinoma. Lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) corresponds to gastric metaplasia, but is regarded as a pathological condition with subtle morphological abnormalities. LEGH is a benign lesion and a precursor to gastric-type adenocarcinoma. We herein developed an objective and quantitative method by applying an image analysis technique to overcome the difficulties associated with the differential diagnosis of LEGH in uterine cervical cytology. This approach is expected to enable the early detection and accurate diagnosis of LEGH. Methods: We extracted signal values for the nucleus and cytoplasm from microscopic images of cytological specimens of normal endocervical (EC) and LEGH cells. These values were then converted into CIELAB and sRGB values to create color distribution maps, and color unmixing techniques were applied to assess the spectral absorbance of each pigment. Results: The CIELAB signal values extracted from the nuclear images of LEGH cells exhibited lower values than those of EC cells. Furthermore, based on color distribution maps, the cytoplasm of EC cells exhibited shades from purple to pink, while LEGH cells showed a distribution towards yellow. Conclusions: This study reveals that, compared to EC cells, LEGH cells exhibit lower nuclear signal values and increased nuclear chromatin content. Thus, assessing the relative difference in cytoplasmic color tones between them may become an effective indicator for distinguishing between EC and LEGH cells.
Current status of artificial intelligence use in colonoscopy
Authors: Misawa Masashi , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: December 2024

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted medical imaging, particularly in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Computer-aided detection and diagnosis systems (CADe and CADx) are thought to enhance the quality of colonoscopy procedures.
Summary: Colonoscopy is essential for colorectal cancer screening, but often misses a significant percentage of adenomas. AI-assisted systems employing deep learning offer improved detection and differentiation of colorectal polyps, potentially increasing adenoma detection rates by 8%–10%. The main benefit of CADe is in detecting small adenomas, whereas it has a limited impact on advanced neoplasm detection. Recent advancements include real-time CADe systems and CADx for histopathological predictions, aiding in the differentiation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. Biases such as the Hawthorne effect and potential overdiagnosis necessitate large-scale clinical trials to validate the long-term benefits of AI. Additionally, novel concepts such as computer-aided quality improvement systems are emerging to address limitations facing current CADe systems.
Key Messages: Despite the potential of AI for enhancing colonoscopy outcomes, its effectiveness in reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality remains unproven. Further prospective studies are essential to establish the overall utility and clinical benefits of AI in colonoscopy.
On the Maravalia echinulata (Niessl ex Rabenh.) Ono (Pucciniales: Chaconiaceae) with reference to its host range and distribution
Authors: Sayantan Jash  , Asit Baran De
Published: December 2024

Maravalia echinulata (Niessl ex Rabenh.) Ono has been rediscovered from West Bengal, India, after its last report in 1931. Sections of infected host leaves were cut, stained in cotton blue, and mounted in lactophenol. All five spore forms of this macrocyclic autoecious rust fungus are described in detail, with notes on its world distribution, distribution in India, and host range. Pycnia were found to be amphigenous, whereas aecia, uredinia, and telia were hypophyllous. Pycnia subcuticular, globose with flexuous hyphae belonging to type 4 of Hiratsuka & Sato (1982) containing chains of spermatia. Aeciospores are spiny, and catenulate, forming long chains connected by hyaline disjunctor cells. Urediniospores pedicellate, spiny, hyaline, and thin-walled when young, but brown and thick-walled when mature, intermingled with paraphyses. Basidium cylindric with a pedicel, 4-celled, tetrasterigmatic; basidiospores globose. Discrepancies in descriptions of microscopic characters by different authors with regard to the present observations have also been discussed.
Description of a novel filamentous cyanobacterial species of Leptodesmis (Leptolyngbyaceae, Cyanobacteria) in China based on the polyphasic approach
Authors: LIU YANG , ZHANG YANG , WANG XUE , GENG RUOZHEN , ZHANG BANGJUN
Published: December 2024

The middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project supplies high-quality water to various water treatment plants along its path and increases the diversity of cyanobacteria present in the raw water. A filamentous cyanobacterium Leptodesmis xinxiangensis HNU2023 was successfully isolated from a drinking water plant in Xinxiang, which receives its water supply from this middle route. Morphologically, this strain exhibits similarities to cyanobacterial taxa within the genera Leptodesmis and Phormidesmis. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicates that this strain is closely related to Leptodesmis, forming a well-supported clade. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the strain show between 95.5% and 98% similarity to known Leptodesmis species, suggesting that it represents a new species within this genus. Moreover, the distinctive patterns observed in the D1-D1′ and Box-B helix regions of the 16S–23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) secondary structure further confirm that this strain is a novel species. Consequently, the comprehensive analysis of the isolated strain, in conjunction with morphological characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and ITS secondary structure, substantiates the classification of Leptodesmis xinxiangensis sp. nov. as a new species within the genus Leptodesmis.
A new species and new records of dung-associated bolbitiaceous fungi (Bolbitiaceae, Basidiomycota) from Uruguay
Authors: MORERA GUILLERMO , KUHAR FRANCISCO , RODRIGUEZ LUISINA , CARRERA IGNACIO , DAVYT DANILO , RIZZO SANDRA LUPO
Published: December 2024

Coprophilous basidiomycetous fungi constitute a distinct ecological group, essential for the recycling of cellulose and other polymers digested by herbivores, and exhibiting adaptations such as thick-walled basidiospores. The family Bolbitiaceae, including the genera Pholiotina, Conocybe and Bolbitius, is well-represented on animal dung. Nonetheless, the coprophilous fungal diversity of Uruguay remains largely unexplored. This study aims to expand the knowledge of Uruguayan coprophilous fungi through the analysis of basidiomes collected from horse and cow dung samples, and using morphological, chemical and multilocus phylogenetic analyses (including ITS, LSU and Tef1-α regions). We recorded and characterized Pholiotina coprophila and Conocybe rufostipes for the first time in Uruguay and also identified and described a new species: Conocybe pruinosa sp. nov. Based on previous reports for related species, we searched for psychoactive tryptamines, but none of the samples in this study showed detectable concentrations of psilocybin or psilocin. Interestingly, in all cases, the clades consisted of sequences from Asia, Europe, North America and now Uruguay, which may correlate with the introduction of bovine cattle from these regions into the country.
Morphology and phylogeny reveal the asexual morph of Muriformispora (Neohendersoniaceae), M. thailandica sp. nov., and a new host and geographical record for M. magnoliae
Authors: WU JIALING , SILVA NIMALI I. DE , TENNAKOON DANUSHKA SANDARUWAN , KUMLA JATURONG , SUWANNARACH NAKARIN , XIE NING , HONGSANAN SINANG , LUMYONG SAISAMORN
Published: December 2024

A new collection of Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes) was obtained during an investigation of plant-associated microfungi. In this study, we establish a novel species Muriformispora thailandica, with its asexual morph characteristics of Muriformispora for the first time. The asexual morph is characterised by having solitary to gregarious, subglobose conidiomata, phialidic, cylindrical, hyaline conidiogenous cells, and oblong to ovoid one-septate, guttulate brown conidia. A new host and geographical record of M. magnoliae from Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) is also reported herein. A biphasic approach, combining morphology and molecular phylogeny, is presented to support the new discoveries in Neohendersoniaceae (Pleosporales). Molecular phylogenetic tree reconstruction using a concatenated LSU, SSU, ITS, tef1, and rpb2 sequence data set confirmed the placement of new strains within Muriformispora. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results are presented to support the establishment of a novel taxon and new host and geographical record of Muriformispora.
Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy Versus Radiation Therapy for cT3N0M0 Glottic SCC: Outcomes in Candidates for Total Laryngectomy Responding Well to Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Laccourreye Ollivier , Corbisiero Michaele Francesco , Garcia Dominique , Mirghani Haitham , Giraud Philippe
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To evaluate whether supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) may be a viable alternative to radiation therapy (RT) for patients with glottic cT3N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who are surgical candidates for total laryngectomy (TL) and respond well to platinum-based induction chemotherapy.

Methods:

Retrospective case series review of 18 consecutive patients with cT3N0M0 glottic SCC, initially considered surgical candidates only for TL who showed a good response to platinum-based induction chemotherapy, managed at a French university teaching institution with either SCPL (n = 9) or RT (n = 9). The main endpoints were 10-year local control and laryngeal preservation. The secondary endpoints were 10-year survival, causes of death analysis, and univariate analysis of local control and survival.

Results:

The 10-year actuarial local control, laryngeal preservation, survival rates were 77.8%, 88.9%, and 66.7% after SCPL, respectively, and 72.9%, 87.5%, and 33.3%, after RT without significant statistical differences. In univariate analysis none of the clinical variables under analysis were related to local control and survival.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that SCPL may warrant further consideration as a treatment option for glottic cT3N0M0 SCC patients who respond well to platinum-based induction chemotherapy. However, additional prospective research is warranted given the retrospective, nonrandomized nature of the presented case series.
Comparison of Tests and Confidence Intervals for Univariate Normal Mean Based on Multiply Imputed Synthetic Data Obtained by Posterior Predictive Sampling
Authors: Basak Biswajit , Sinha Bimal
Published: December 2024

There is a huge literature on data analysis under privacy or confidentiality protection. Among many inferential statistical methods based on parametric models, data analysis based on perturbation of original sensitive data using plug-in and posterior predictive sampling are quite common. In this paper we consider a very basic inferential problem of tests and confidence intervals for a normal mean with unknown variance based on synthetic data obtained from multiple imputations under posterior predictive sampling method. Several methods are suggested and compared. A general expression of the local power of a class of tests is also derived which can be used in a design context to determine a combination of sample size and number of imputations to guarantee a desired level of local power. A measure of privacy protection is derived to demonstrate that privacy would be compromised if too many imputations are released. An application to draw inference about the household earnings, corresponding to a US Census Bureau data, is illustrated.
The Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Students Attending a HBCU
Authors: Brooks Jada E.
Published: December 2024

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are vital in higher education. HBCUs offer greater access to educational opportunities specifically for underrepresented students, while having a unique campus culture and community. In the spring of 2020, coronavirus affected colleges and universities immediately upon the identification of cases in the United States. Universities transitioned to online instruction while also removing students from campus. For some students attending HBCUs, this experience was challenging, as they were navigating personal and family job losses, the lack of technology resources for online learning, and increased mental health challenges. The current study utilized qualitative research methods to explore the impact of the pandemic on 21 HBCU students. Findings include the impact of coronavirus on (a) HBCU experiences; (b) family employment and health; and (c) mental health and motivation.
The Review of Studies on Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Educational Research
Authors: Türkmen Gamze
Published: December 2024

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) refers to systems that make AI models more transparent, helping users understand how outputs are generated. XAI algorithms are considered valuable in educational research, supporting outcomes like student success, trust, and motivation. Their potential to enhance transparency and reliability in online education systems is particularly emphasized. This study systematically analyzed educational research using XAI systems from 2019 to 2024, following the PICOS framework, and reviewed 35 studies. Methods like SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), used in these studies, explain model decisions, enabling users to better understand AI models. This transparency is believed to increase trust in AI-based tools, facilitating their adoption by teachers and students.
To rule or not to rule? An experimental study of the electoral ramifications of claims to (not) rule with radical right populist parties
Authors: Jacobs Laura , Pilet Jean-Benoit
Published: December 2024

In a between-subjects experiment ( n = 3270) conducted in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium), we examine the electoral ramifications of claims by a right-wing mainstream party on their willingness to rule or not with RWPPs (radical right populist parties). Participants were exposed to a social media post by the largest right-wing party (New Flemish Alliance, N-VA) in which it either accepts or rejects ruling with the main RWPP in Flanders (Vlaams Belang, VB). Findings reveal a main effect on propensity to vote (PTV) for the RWPP: in the inclusion condition the propensity to vote for the RWPP is significantly higher than in the exclusion condition; this holds particularly for policy-driven voters. The mainstream party, however, nor gains or loses electoral support. This suggests a legitimization effect: claims by mainstream parties on willingness to rule with RWPPs serves the former, while mainstream parties do not gain electorally.
Impact-force identification using deep learning and Bayesian inference with application on pipeline structures
Authors: Hamadneh Mu’men , Mustapha Samir , Fakih Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2024

Structures like bridges and pipelines are vulnerable to impacts from various sources, such as falling debris, over-height vehicles, or floating objects, which can compromise their integrity. Traditional inspection methods are costly and complex and can lead to economic losses due to shutdowns. This research introduces a probabilistic and more efficient approach by combining deep learning and Bayesian inference techniques to accurately measure and analyze these impacts, aiming to enhance the longevity and safety of these structures while mitigating potential critical failures. In this methodology, a novel two-stage approach is implemented to resolve the inverse problem of identifying impact forces on structures. Initially, a convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier for each of the four sensors is employed to determine the impacting material (aluminum, rubber, plastic). This classification stage utilizes ground truth data to identify the nature of the impact accurately. Following this, the preclassified data, categorized by the actual impacting materials, is directed into one of three 5-layer artificial neural networks (ANNs), each designated for a different impacting material. The ANNs act as surrogate models for Bayesian inference to determine impact force and position, resulting in 12 specialized models, each corresponding to a specific combination of sensor and tip type. The ANNs were evaluated using mean squared error, showing precise predictions of the pipeline’s acceleration frequency signals, while the CNN classifier achieved over 99% F1 scores. Using ANN and CNN results, the approximate Bayesian computation with subset simulation technique showed over 90% precision with 7% uncertainty in inferring impact force and 92% precision with 2% uncertainty in determining the impact position along the pipe. Data fusion, combining sensor responses, further improved precision and reduced uncertainty, achieving over 92% precision with 8% uncertainty for impact force and over 98% precision with 1.8% uncertainty for depth. These results demonstrate the method’s reliability and effectiveness in accurately identifying impact forces and locations, even with a single distant sensor.