bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence of Working Memory on Coordinated Activity Across Brain Areas
Authors: Rezayat Ehsan , Clark Kelsey , Dehaqani Mohammad-Reza A. , Noudoost Behrad
Published: January 2022

Neural signatures of working memory (WM) have been reported in numerous brain areas, suggesting a distributed neural substrate for memory maintenance. In the current manuscript we provide an updated review of the literature focusing on intracranial neurophysiological recordings during WM in primates. Such signatures of WM include changes in firing rate or local oscillatory power within an area, along with measures of coordinated activity between areas based on synchronization between oscillations. In comparing the ability of various neural signatures in any brain area to predict behavioral performance, we observe that synchrony between areas is more frequently and robustly correlated with WM performance than any of the within-area neural signatures. We further review the evidence for alteration of inter-areal synchrony in brain disorders, consistent with an important role for such synchrony during behavior. Additionally, results of causal studies indicate that manipulating synchrony across areas is especially effective at influencing WM task performance. Each of these lines of research supports the critical role of inter-areal synchrony in WM. Finally, we propose a framework for interactions between prefrontal and sensory areas during WM, incorporating a range of experimental findings and offering an explanation for the observed link between intra-areal measures and WM performance.
United States Dietary Trends Since 1800: Lack of Association Between Saturated Fatty Acid Consumption and Non-communicable Diseases
Authors: Lee Joyce H. , Duster Miranda , Roberts Timothy , Devinsky Orrin
Published: January 2022

We reviewed data on the American diet from 1800 to 2019.

Methods: We examined food availability and estimated consumption data from 1800 to 2019 using historical sources from the federal government and additional public data sources.

Results: Processed and ultra-processed foods increased from <5 to >60% of foods. Large increases occurred for sugar, white and whole wheat flour, rice, poultry, eggs, vegetable oils, dairy products, and fresh vegetables. Saturated fats from animal sources declined while polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils rose. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rose over the twentieth century in parallel with increased consumption of processed foods, including sugar, refined flour and rice, and vegetable oils. Saturated fats from animal sources were inversely correlated with the prevalence of NCDs.

Conclusions: As observed from the food availability data, processed and ultra-processed foods dramatically increased over the past two centuries, especially sugar, white flour, white rice, vegetable oils, and ready-to-eat meals. These changes paralleled the rising incidence of NCDs, while animal fat consumption was inversely correlated.
Sensory-Related Industrial Additives in the US Packaged Food Supply
Authors: Tseng Marilyn , Grigsby Camille J. , Austin Abigail , Amin Samir , Nazmi Aydin
Published: January 2022

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) lead to elevated risk of obesity-related conditions, but UPF measurement has been criticized for its subjectivity and lack of clarity on biological mechanism. Sensory-related industrial additives (SRIAs) are a defining feature of UPFs and may encourage overconsumption by enhancing the sensory quality of foods. However, practical challenges have prevented systematic incorporation of SRIAs into UPF measurement.

Objective: The objectives of this work were to describe a new, open-source ingredient list search method and to apply this method to describe the presence of SRIAs in US packaged foods.

Methods: We developed computer coding to search for 64 common SRIAs related to sweetness, flavor, appearance, and texture in 241,688 foods in the US Branded Food Products Database (BFPD). The BFPD includes manufacturer-provided ingredient lists for ~300,000 branded and private label food items. We determined the total number of SRIAs (0–64) and the number of different types of SRIAs (sweetness, flavor, appearance, texture, 0–4) in each food, then calculated the percent of all foods with SRIAs. This was done for all foods, and by food group for 224,098 items with food group data.

Results: Most (64.9%) foods in the BFPD contained at least one SRIA, and more than a third had at least three. Sweets (89.5%), beverages (84.9%), and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods (82.0%) were the most likely to contain SRIAs. With respect to SRIA types, 25.7% of all food items had at least three of the four types of SRIAs examined, with texture-related additives being the most common. Among sweets, 20% had all four types of SRIAs.

Discussion: This work confirms the high prevalence of SRIAs in US packaged foods. They are ubiquitous in sweets, beverages, and RTE foods, but also present in substantial proportions of other food groups. Quantifying the presence of SRIAs in ingredient lists offers a novel way to identify UPFs for research; to distinguish more vs. less ultra-processed foods; and to test whether UPFs increase risk for obesity-related conditions through additives that enhance the product's sensory qualities.
Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Survival in Patients With Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Li , Qi Yihang , Kong Xiangyi , Su Zhaohui , Wang Zhongzhao , Wang Xiangyu , Du Yaying , Fang Yi , Li Xingrui , Wang Jing
Published: January 2022

Nutritional risk index (NRI) is an index based on ideal body weight that aims to present body weight and serum albumin levels. It has been utilized to discriminate patients at risk of postoperative complications and predict the postoperative outcome of major surgeries. However, this index remains limited for breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The research explores the clinical and prognostic significance of NRI in breast cancer patients. This study included 785 breast cancer patients (477 cases received NACT and 308 cases did not) were enrolled in this retrospective study. The optimal NRI cutoff value was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, then reclassified as low NRI group (<112) and high NRI group (≥112). The results demonstrated that NRI independently predicted survival on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) by univariate and multivariate Cox regression survival analyses [P = 0.019, hazard ratio (HR): 1.521, 95% CI: 1.071–2.161 and P = 0.004, HR: 1.415, 95% CI: 1.119–1.789; and P = 0.026, HR:1.500, 95% CI: 1.051–2.143 and P < 0.001, HR: 1.547, 95% CI: 1.221–1.959]. According to the optimal cutoff value of NRI, the high NRI value patients had longer mean DFS and OS time in contrast to those with low NRI value patients (63.47 vs. 40.50 months; 71.50 vs. 56.39 months). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the high NRI score patients had significantly longer mean DFS and OS time than those with low NRI score patients in early-stage breast cancer (χ2 = 9.0510, P = 0.0026 and χ2 = 9.2140, P = 0.0024) and advanced breast cancer (χ2 = 6.2500, P = 0.0124 and χ2 = 5.8880, P = 0.0152). The mean DFS and OS values in patients with high NRI scores were significantly longer in contrast to those with low NRI scores in different molecular subtypes. The common toxicities after NACT were hematologic and gastrointestinal reactions, and the NRI had no statistically significant effects on toxicities, except in nausea (χ2 = 9.2413, P = 0.0024), mouth ulcers (χ2 = 4.8133, P = 0.0282), anemia (χ2 = 8.5441, P = 0.0140), and leukopenia (χ2 = 11.0951, P = 0.0039). NRI serves as a minimally invasive, easily accessible and convenient prognostic tool for evaluating breast cancer prognoses and treatment efficacy, and may help doctors in terms of selecting measures of greater efficiency or appropriateness to better treat breast cancer.
A Review on the Role of SPRY4-IT1 in the Carcinogenesis
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Khoshbakht Tayyebeh , Taheri Mohammad , Shojaei Seyedpouzhia
Published: January 2022

Sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 4-intronic transcript 1 (SPRY4-IT1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) encoded by a gene located on 5q31.3. This lncRNA has a possible role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Moreover, since SPRY4-IT1 controls levels of lipin 2, it is also involved in the biosynthesis of lipids. During the process of biogenesis, SPRY4-IT1 is produced as a primary transcript which is then cleaved to generate a mature transcript which is localized in the cytoplasm. SPRY4-IT1 has oncogenic roles in diverse tissues. A possible route of participation of SPRY4-IT1 in the carcinogenesis is through sequestering miRNAs such as miR-101-3p, miR‐6882‐3p and miR-22-3p. The sponging effect of SPRY4-IT1 on miR-101 has been verified in colorectal cancer, osteosarcoma, cervical cancer, bladder cancer, gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. SPRY4-IT1 has functional interactions with HIF-1α, NF-κB/p65, AMPK, ZEB1, MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling. We explain the role of SPRY4-IT1 in the carcinogenesis according to evidence obtained from cell lines, xenograft models and clinical studies.
Optimizing Patient Selection for Irreversible Electroporation of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Analyses of Survival
Authors: Woeste Matthew R. , Wilson Khaleel D. , Kruse Edward J. , Weiss Matthew J. , Christein John D. , White Rebekah R. , Martin Robert C. G.
Published: January 2022

Background

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) has emerged as a viable consolidative therapy after induction chemotherapy, in which this combination has improved overall survival of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Optimal timing and patient selection for irreversible electroporation remains a clinically unmet need. The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative factors that may assist in predicting progression-free and overall survival following IRE.

Methods

A multi-institutional, prospectively maintained database was reviewed for patients with LAPC treated with induction chemotherapy followed by open-technique irreversible electroporation from 7/2015-5/2019. RECIST 1.1 criteria were used to assess tumor response and radiological progression. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were recorded. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan Meier and Cox multivariable regression analyses.

Results

187 LAPC patients (median age 62 years range, 21 – 91, 65% men, 35% women) were treated with IRE. Median PFS was 21.7 months and median OS from diagnosis was 25.5 months. On multivariable analysis, age ≤ 61 (HR 0.41, 95%CI 0.21-0.78, p<0.008) and no prior radiation (HR 0.49, 95%CI 0.26-0.94, p=0.03) were positive predictors of OS after IRE. Age ≤ 61(HR 0.53, 95%CI, 0.28-.99, p=0.046) and FOLFIRINOX followed by gemcitabine/abraxane induction chemotherapy (HR 0.37,95%CI 0.15-0.89, p=0.027) predicted prolonged PFS after IRE. Abnormal CA19-9 values at the time of surgery negatively impacted both OS (HR 2.46, 95%CI 1.28-4.72, p<0.007) and PFS (HR 2.192, 95%CI 1.143-4.201, p=0.018) following IRE.

Conclusions

Age, CA 19-9 response, avoidance of pre-IRE radiation, and FOLFIRINOX plus gemcitabine/abraxane induction chemotherapy are prominent factors to consider when referring or selecting LAPC patients to undergo IRE.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Chinese Version of the Brace Questionnaire
Authors: Yi Honglei , Chen Hu , Wang Xinhui , Xia Hong
Published: January 2022

Objective:To adapt the questionnaire cross-culturally and to analyze the adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the Brace Questionnaire (C-BrQ).

Methods:The adaptation was based on the International Quality of Life Assessment Project guidelines. A total of 79 patients with AIS were included to examine the psychometric properties of the C-BrQ. The reliability was assessed using internal consistency (the Cronbach's alpha coefficient) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC2.1, 95% CI). Floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC, 95% CI) was used to compare the agreement between the Scoliosis Research Society-22 patient questionnaire (SRS-22) and C-BrQ.

Results:There were strong correlations between each item and its corresponding domain significantly. The correlations between the C-BrQ domains and their related questions vary from moderate to strong (r= 0.311–0.933,P< 0.05). The Cronbach's was 0.891, showing good internal consistency of each domain of the BrQ, and the ICC in test–retest was 0.860 (0.8776, 0.912), which means an excellent test–retest reliability. The Lin's CCC between SRS-22 and C-BrQ was 0.773 (0.669, 0.848), showing great agreement. However, no significant floor and ceiling effects in C-BrQ was observed except the ceiling effect in school activity and bodily pain.

Conclusion:BrQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted for use in China with good internal consistency and excellent test–retest reliability.
Effects of Complementary Feeding With Different Protein-Rich Foods on Infant Growth and Gut Health: Study Protocol
Authors: Tang Minghua , Matz Kinzie L. , Berman Lillian M. , Davis Kathryn N. , Melanson Edward L. , Frank Daniel N. , Hendricks Audrey E. , Krebs Nancy F.
Published: January 2022

Background: An urgent need exists for evidence-based dietary guidance early in life, particularly regarding protein intake. However, a significant knowledge gap exists in the effects of protein-rich foods on growth and development during early complementary feeding.

Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial of infant growth and gut health (primary outcomes). We directly compare the effects of dietary patterns with common protein-rich foods (meat, dairy, plant) on infant growth trajectories and gut microbiota development (monthly assessments) during early complementary feeding in both breast- and formula-fed infants. Five-month-old infants (up to n = 300) are randomized to a meat-, dairy-, plant-based complementary diet or a reference group (standard of care) from 5 to 12 months of age, with a 24-month follow-up assessment. Infants are matched for sex, mode of delivery and mode of feeding using stratified randomization. Growth assessments include length, weight, head circumference and body composition. Gut microbiota assessments include both 16S rRNA profiling and metagenomics sequencing. The primary analyses will evaluate the longitudinal effects of the different diets on both anthropometric measures and gut microbiota. The secondary analysis will evaluate the potential associations between gut microbiota and infant growth.

Discussion: Findings are expected to have significant scientific and health implications for identifying beneficial gut microbial changes and dietary patterns and for informing dietary interventions to prevent the risk of overweight and later obesity, and promote optimal health.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05012930.
A Review of Febrile Seizures: Recent Advances in Understanding of Febrile Seizure Pathophysiology and Commonly Implicated Viral Triggers
Authors: Sawires Rana , Buttery Jim , Fahey Michael
Published: January 2022

Febrile seizures are one of the commonest presentations in young children, with a 2–5% incidence in Western countries. Though they are generally benign, with rare long-term sequelae, there is much to be learned about their pathophysiology and risk factors. Febrile seizures are propagated by a variety of genetic and environmental factors, including viruses and vaccines. These factors must be taken into consideration by a clinician aiming to assess, diagnose and treat a child presenting with fevers and seizures, as well as to explain the sequelae of the febrile seizures to the concerned parents of the child. Our article provides an overview of this common childhood condition, outlining both the underlying mechanisms and the appropriate clinical approach to a child presenting with febrile seizures.
COVID-19 in Pediatrics: Demographic, Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiological Characteristics of Infected Patients With SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Najafinejad Maryam , Cheraghali Fatemeh , Aghcheli Bahman , Rajabi Abdolhalim , Barati Leila , Naziri Hamed , Gharib Mohammad Hadi , Tabarraei Alijan , Nakstad Britt , Tahamtan Alireza
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 disease usually leads to mild infectious disease in children, but some develop serious complications. Here, we describe the characteristics of children with COVID-19 in northern Iran, the Golestan province. Ninety-one confirmed cases were enrolled in the study, aged 0–18 years. Demographic, clinical, comorbidity, laboratory, and radiological data were compared based on the disease severity (admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) or not) and disease outcome (recovered or deceased). Sixteen (17.5%) cases were hospitalized in ICU, and 8/91 (8.8%) deceased. Fever and cough were the most common clinical symptoms. Among all symptoms notified there were no significant differences between severe and milder cases, or between those who deceased and recovered. Failure to thrive (FTT), malignant disease and neurological disease were significantly more prevalent in severe cases as was frequently reported comorbidities. Laterality, ground-glass opacity, and lung consolidation were the most common findings in chest computed tomography. The data confirms that the COVID-19 disease has various presentations in children, and clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings may help predict the development of severe forms of COVID-19 among children.
Impact of the Expert Consensus on Carbapenem Consumption Trends and Patterns in Public Healthcare Institutes: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis, 2017–2020
Authors: Ye Dan , Yang Caijun , Ji Wenjing , Zheng Jie , Zhang Jingyi , Xue Runqing , Gu Jianli , Chen Minchun , Yan Kangkang , Liu Yongzhong
Published: January 2022

Background: Carbapenems are considered the last line of defence against bacterial infections, but their high consumption and the resulting antibacterial resistance are an increasing global concern. In this context, the Chinese health authority issued an expert consensus on the clinical applications of carbapenems. However, the long- and short-term effects of the expert consensus on carbapenem use are not clear.

Methods: This study was conducted in Shaanxi, a northwest province of China. We collected all available carbapenem procurement data between January 2017 and December 2020 from the Provincial Drug Centralized Bidding Procurement System. A quasi-experimental interrupted time series analysis was used to evaluate the longitudinal effectiveness of expert consensus by measuring the change in the Defined Daily Dosesper 1,000 inhabitants per day (DID), the percentage of carbapenem expenditures to total antimicrobial expenditure, the total carbapenem expenditure, and the defined daily cost (DDDc). We used Stata SE version 15.0 for data analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: After the distribution of the expert consensus, the level (p = 0.769) and trend (p = 0.184) of DID decreased, but the differences were not statistically significant. The percentage of carbapenem expenditures to total antimicrobial expenditure decreased abruptly (p < 0.001) after the intervention, but the long-term trend was still upward. There was no statistically significant relationship between the release of the expert consensus and carbapenem expenditure in the long term, but there was a decreasing trend (p = 0.032). However, the expert consensus had a positive impact on the economic burden of carbapenem usage in patients, as the level (p < 0.001), and trend (p = 0.003) of DDDc significantly decreased.

Conclusion: The long-term effects of the distribution of the expert consensus on the use and expenditure of carbapenems in public health institutions in Shaanxi Province were not optimal. It is time to set up more administrative measures and scientific supervision to establish a specific index to limit the application of carbapenems.
Molecular Mechanisms of Epileptic Encephalopathy Caused by KCNMA1 Loss-of-Function Mutations
Authors: Yao Yu , Qu Dongxiao , Jing Xiaoping , Jia Yuxiang , Zhong Qi , Zhuo Limin , Chen Xingxing , Li Guoyi , Tang Lele , Zhu Yudan , Zhang Xuemei , Ji Yonghua , Li Zhiping , Tao Jie
Published: January 2022

The gene kcnma1 encodes the α-subunit of high-conductance calcium- and voltage-dependent K+ (BK) potassium channel. With the development of generation gene sequencing technology, many KCNMA1 mutants have been identified and are more closely related to generalized epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia. Here, we performed a genetic screen of 26 patients with febrile seizures and identified a novel mutation of KCNMA1 (E155Q). Electrophysiological characterization of different KCNMA1 mutants in HEK 293T cells, the previously-reported R458T and E884K variants (not yet determined), as well as the newly-found E155Q variant, revealed that the current density amplitude of all the above variants was significantly smaller than that of the wild-type (WT) channel. All the above variants caused a positive shift of the I-V curve and played a role through the loss-of-function (LOF) mechanism. Moreover, the β4 subunit slowed down the activation of the E155Q mutant. Then, we used kcnma1 knockout (BK KO) mice as the overall animal model of LOF mutants. It was found that BK KO mice had spontaneous epilepsy, motor impairment, autophagic dysfunction, abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, as well as possible anxiety and cognitive impairment. In addition, we performed transcriptomic analysis on the hippocampus and cortex of BK KO and WT mice. We identified many differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Eight dysregulated genes [i.e., (Gfap and Grm3 associated with astrocyte activation) (Alpl and Nlrp10 associated with neuroinflammation) (Efna5 and Reln associated with epilepsy) (Cdkn1a and Nr4a1 associated with autophagy)] were validated by RT-PCR, which showed a high concordance with transcriptomic analysis. Calcium imaging results suggested that BK might regulate the autophagy pathway from TRPML1. In conclusion, our study indicated that newly-found point E155Q resulted in a novel loss-of-function variant and the dysregulation of gene expression, especially astrocyte activation, neuroinflammation and autophagy, might be the molecular mechanism of BK-LOF meditated epilepsy.
Repurposing Tranexamic Acid as an Anticancer Agent
Authors: Law Mary E. , Davis Bradley J. , Ghilardi Amanda F. , Yaaghubi Elham , Dulloo Zaafir M. , Wang Mengxiong , Guryanova Olga A. , Heldermon Coy D. , Jahn Stephan C. , Castellano Ronald K. , Law Brian K.
Published: January 2022

Tranexamic Acid (TA) is a clinically used antifibrinolytic agent that acts as a Lys mimetic to block binding of Plasminogen with Plasminogen activators, preventing conversion of Plasminogen to its proteolytically activated form, Plasmin. Previous studies suggested that TA may exhibit anticancer activity by blockade of extracellular Plasmin formation. Plasmin-mediated cleavage of the CDCP1 protein may increase its oncogenic functions through several downstream pathways. Results presented herein demonstrate that TA blocks Plasmin-mediated excision of the extracellular domain of the oncoprotein CDCP1. In vitro studies indicate that TA reduces the viability of a broad array of human and murine cancer cell lines, and breast tumor growth studies demonstrate that TA reduces cancer growth in vivo. Based on the ability of TA to mimic Lys and Arg, we hypothesized that TA may perturb multiple processes that involve Lys/Arg-rich protein sequences, and that TA may alter intracellular signaling pathways in addition to blocking extracellular Plasmin production. Indeed, TA-mediated suppression of tumor cell viability is associated with multiple biochemical actions, including inhibition of protein synthesis, reduced activating phosphorylation of STAT3 and S6K1, decreased expression of the MYC oncoprotein, and suppression of Lys acetylation. Further, TA inhibited uptake of Lys and Arg by cancer cells. These findings suggest that TA or TA analogs may serve as lead compounds and inspire the production of new classes of anticancer agents that function by mimicking Lys and Arg.
Case Report: Eosinophilic Bronchiolitis With Eosinophil ETosis in Mucus Plugs Successfully Treated With Benralizumab
Authors: Sasaki Hisashi , Miyata Jun , Irie Akiko , Kuwata Ayako , Kouzaki Yuji , Ueki Shigeharu , Kawana Akihiko
Published: January 2022

Eosinophilic bronchiolitis is a rare allergic disorder caused by eosinophilic inflammation in the bronchioles of the lungs. An effective treatment strategy is needed in cases resistant to steroids. However, its pathophysiology remains unclear owing to the limited number of cases. We herein present the case of a 31-year-old man who experienced eosinophilic bronchiolitis with eosinophil ETosis (EETosis) in the mucus plugs. The patient was diagnosed with asthma. His respiratory symptoms worsened with eosinophilia when treated with the standard asthma regimen, including inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting β2-agonist, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, and leukotriene receptor antagonist. Chest computed tomography revealed bronchial wall thickening and centrilobular nodules in the lower lobes of both lungs. Bronchoscopy showed obstruction of the subsegmental bronchus with mucus plugs. Histological analysis demonstrated abundant eosinophils in the mucus plugs. Cytolytic eosinophils together with Charcot–Leyden crystal formations and deposition of major basic proteins were also observed, indicating the occurrence of EETosis. Introduction of benralizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 receptor α antibody, successfully controlled the patient’s condition and reduced the amount of systemic corticosteroids administered. Our findings confirm that this antibody strongly decreases airway eosinophils in patients with severe asthma. Thus, benralizumab might be an optimal therapeutic agent for the treatment of mucus plug-forming and/or EETosis-occurring eosinophilic lung diseases, including eosinophilic bronchiolitis.
Visual Cryptography Using Binary Amplitude-Only Holograms
Authors: Zhou Lina , Xiao Yin , Pan Zilan , Cao Yonggui , Chen Wen
Published: January 2022

Visual cryptography (VC) is developed to be a promising approach to encoding secret information using pixel expansion rules. The useful information can be directly rendered based on human vision without the usage of decryption algorithms. However, many VC schemes cannot withstand occlusion attacks. In this paper, a new VC scheme is proposed using binary amplitude-only holograms (AOHs) generated by a modified Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm (MGSA). During the encryption, a secret image is divided into a group of unrecognizable and mutually-unrelated shares, and then the generated shares are further converted to binary AOHs using the MGSA. During image extraction, binary AOHs are logically superimposed to form a stacked hologram, and then the secret image can be extracted from the stacked hologram. Different from conventional VC schemes, the proposed VC scheme converts a secret image into binary AOHs. Due to the redundancy of the generated binary AOHs, the proposed method is numerically and experimentally verified to be feasible and effective, and possesses high robustness against occlusion attacks.
Mechanical Properties of Rock–Coal–Rock Composites at Different Inclined Coal Seam Thicknesses
Authors: Ma Bo , Wang Feng , Liu Hongyang , Yin Dawei , Xia Zhiguo
Published: January 2022

A comprehensive understanding of the mechanical properties of coal and rock sections is necessary for interpreting the deformation and failure modes of such underground sections and for evaluating the potential dynamic hazards. However, most studies have focused on horizontal coal–rock composites and the mechanical properties of inclined coal–rock composites have not been considered. To explore the influence of different confining pressures and inclined coal seam thicknesses on the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of rock–coal–rock (RCR) composites, a numerical model based on the particle flow code was used to perform simulations on five inclined RCR composites at different confining pressures. The results show that the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of the RCR composites are affected considerably by the inclined coal seam thickness and the confining pressure. (1) When the inclined coal seam thickness is constant, the elasticity modulus of the inclined RCR composite increases nonlinearly with the confining pressure at first, and then remains constant. At the same confining pressure, the elasticity modulus of the inclined RCR composite decreases nonlinearly with the inclined coal seam thickness. (2) When the confining pressure is constant, the peak stress of the inclined RCR composite decreases with the increase of the inclined coal seam thickness. When the inclined coal seam thickness is constant, the peak stress increases with the confining pressure. (3) As the inclined coal seam thickness increases, the peak strain of the inclined RCR composite first decreases rapidly, and then remains constant when there is no confining pressure. When the confining pressure is between 5 and 20 MPa, the peak strain of the inclined RCR composite gradually increases. (4) In the absence of confining pressure, there are few microcracks in the rock at an inclined coal seam thickness of 10 mm, whereas all the other cracks are in the coal section. When the confining pressure ranges between 5 and 20 MPa, the failure modes of the RCR composite can be divided into Y- and X-types.
Endothelial Cell Distribution After Flow Exposure With Two Stent Struts Placed in Different Angles
Authors: Wang Zi , Putra Narendra Kurnia , Anzai Hitomi , Ohta Makoto
Published: January 2022

Stent implantation has been a primary treatment for stenosis and other intravascular diseases. However, the struts expansion procedure might cause endothelium lesion and the structure of the struts could disturb the blood flow environment near the wall of the blood vessel. These changes could damage the vascular innermost endothelial cell (EC) layer and pose risks of restenosis and post-deployment thrombosis. This research aims to investigate the effect of flow alterations on EC distribution in the presence of gap between two struts within the parallel flow chamber. To study how the gap presence impacts EC migration and the endothelialization effect on the surface of the struts, two struts were placed with specific orientations and positions on the EC layer in the flow chamber. After a 24-h exposure under wall shear stress (WSS), we observed the EC distribution conditons especially in the gap area. We also conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to calculate the WSS distribution. High EC-concentration areas on the bottom plate corresponded to the high WSS by the presence of gap between the two struts. To find the relation between the WSS and EC distributions on the fluorescence images, WSS condition by CFD simulation could be helpful for the EC distribution. The endothelialization rate, represented by EC density, on the downstream sides of both struts was higher than that on the upstream sides. These observations were made in the flow recirculation at the gap area between two struts. On two side surfaces between the gaps, meaning the downstream at the first and the upstream at the second struts, EC density differences on the downstream surfaces of the first strut were higher than on the upstream surfaces of the second strut. Finally, EC density varied along the struts when the struts were placed at tilted angles. These results indicate that, by the presence of gap between the struts, ECs distribution could be predicted in both perpendicular and tiled positions. And tiled placement affect ECs distribution on the strut side surfaces.
Computational Modeling Intervertebral Disc Pathophysiology: A Review
Authors: Volz Mallory , Elmasry Shady , Jackson Alicia R. , Travascio Francesco
Published: January 2022

Lower back pain is a medical condition of epidemic proportion, and the degeneration of the intervertebral disc has been identified as a major contributor. The etiology of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is multifactorial, depending on age, cell-mediated molecular degradation processes and genetics, which is accelerated by traumatic or gradual mechanical factors. The complexity of such intertwined biochemical and mechanical processes leading to degeneration makes it difficult to quantitatively identify cause–effect relationships through experiments. Computational modeling of the IVD is a powerful investigative tool since it offers the opportunity to vary, observe and isolate the effects of a wide range of phenomena involved in the degenerative process of discs. This review aims at discussing the main findings of finite element models of IVD pathophysiology with a special focus on the different factors contributing to physical changes typical of degenerative phenomena. Models presented are subdivided into those addressing role of nutritional supply, progressive biochemical alterations stemming from an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes, aging and those considering mechanical factors as the primary source that induces morphological change within the disc. Limitations of the current models, as well as opportunities for future computational modeling work are also discussed.
Yield and Quality in Main and Ratoon Crops of Grain Sorghum Under Different Nitrogen Rates and Planting Densities
Authors: Zhou Yu , Huang Juan , Li Zebi , Wu Yu , Zhang Jijun , Zhang Yaqin
Published: January 2022

Ratooning is the cultivation practice of two harvests in one cropping season by producing a second crop from the original stubble, which could provide higher resource use efficiency and economic benefit compared with direct sown crops. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer and planting density (D) play a vital role in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) production; however, limited information is available on the effects on yield and quality of the sorghum-ratoon system. To address this question, field experiments were conducted with three N treatments (120 kg N ha–1, N1; 180 kg N ha–1, N2; and 255 kg N ha–1, N3) and three D treatments (82,500 plant ha–1, D1; 105,000 plant ha–1, D2; and 127,500 plant ha–1, D3). The yield of the main crop was significantly higher than that of the ratoon crop. Increasing N could increase the yield and yield attributes of both main and ratoon crops, and the effect on the ratoon crop was greater than the main crop. With increasing D, the grain yield of both main and ratoon crops increased, though 1,000-grain weight and grain weight per ear decreased. The sorghum grain of the ratoon crop contained higher starch, protein, and tannin contents but lower fat content, indicating a better quality for liquor production. The quality traits were significantly affected by N and D, but the differences between treatments were smaller than that between the main and ratoon crop. Our results indicated that increasing the yield of ratoon crops could obtain a high yield and quality of the sorghum-ratoon system. It was recommended that 120 kg N ha–1 with 127,500 plant ha–1 for the main crop and a small amount of N be top-dressed in three new buds left on stubble in each hill for the ratoon crop.
Molecular Control of Sporophyte-Gametophyte Ontogeny and Transition in Plants
Authors: Pandey Saurabh , Moradi Amir Bahram , Dovzhenko Oleksandr , Touraev Alisher , Palme Klaus , Welsch Ralf
Published: January 2022

Alternation of generations between a sporophytic and gametophytic developmental stage is a feature common to all land plants. This review will discuss the evolutionary origins of these two developmental programs from unicellular eukaryotic progenitors establishing the ability to switch between haploid and diploid states. We will compare the various genetic factors that regulate this switch and highlight the mechanisms which are involved in maintaining the separation of sporophytic and gametophytic developmental programs. While haploid and diploid stages were morphologically similar at early evolutionary stages, largely different gametophyte and sporophyte developments prevail in land plants and finally allowed the development of pollen as the male gametes with specialized structures providing desiccation tolerance and allowing long-distance dispersal. Moreover, plant gametes can be reprogrammed to execute the sporophytic development prior to the formation of the diploid stage achieved with the fusion of gametes and thus initially maintain the haploid stage. Upon diploidization, doubled haploids can be generated which accelerate modern plant breeding as homozygous plants are obtained within one generation. Thus, knowledge of the major signaling pathways governing this dual ontogeny in land plants is not only required for basic research but also for biotechnological applications to develop novel breeding methods accelerating trait development.
Biogels in Soils: Plant Mucilage as a Biofilm Matrix That Shapes the Rhizosphere Microbial Habitat
Authors: Nazari Meisam , Bickel Samuel , Benard Pascal , Mason-Jones Kyle , Carminati Andrea , Dippold Michaela A.
Published: January 2022

Mucilage is a gelatinous high-molecular-weight substance produced by almost all plants, serving numerous functions for plant and soil. To date, research has mainly focused on hydraulic and physical functions of mucilage in the rhizosphere. Studies on the relevance of mucilage as a microbial habitat are scarce. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are similarly gelatinous high-molecular-weight substances produced by microorganisms. EPS support the establishment of microbial assemblages in soils, mainly through providing a moist environment, a protective barrier, and serving as carbon and nutrient sources. We propose that mucilage shares physical and chemical properties with EPS, functioning similarly as a biofilm matrix covering a large extent of the rhizosphere. Our analyses found no evidence of consistent differences in viscosity and surface tension between EPS and mucilage, these being important physical properties. With regard to chemical composition, polysaccharide, protein, neutral monosaccharide, and uronic acid composition also showed no consistent differences between these biogels. Our analyses and literature review suggest that all major functions known for EPS and required for biofilm formation are also provided by mucilage, offering a protected habitat optimized for nutrient mobilization. Mucilage enables high rhizo-microbial abundance and activity by functioning as carbon and nutrient source. We suggest that the role of mucilage as a biofilm matrix has been underestimated, and should be considered in conceptual models of the rhizosphere.
Distance-Entropy: An Effective Indicator for Selecting Informative Data
Authors: Li Yang , Chao Xuewei
Published: January 2022

Smart agriculture is inseparable from data gathering, analysis, and utilization. A high-quality data improves the efficiency of intelligent algorithms and helps reduce the costs of data collection and transmission. However, the current image quality assessment research focuses on visual quality, while ignoring the crucial information aspect. In this work, taking the crop pest recognition task as an example, we proposed an effective indicator of distance-entropy to distinguish the good and bad data from the perspective of information. Many comparative experiments, considering the mapping feature dimensions and base data sizes, were conducted to testify the validity and robustness of this indicator. Both the numerical and the visual results demonstrate the effectiveness and stability of the proposed distance-entropy method. In general, this study is a relatively cutting-edge work in smart agriculture, which calls for attention to the quality assessment of the data information and provides some inspiration for the subsequent research on data mining, as well as for the dataset optimization for practical applications.
The Structure of Social Networks and Its Link to Higher Education Students’ Socio-Emotional Loneliness During COVID-19
Authors: Hopp Manuel D. S. , Händel Marion , Bedenlier Svenja , Glaeser-Zikuda Michaela , Kammerl Rudolf , Kopp Bärbel , Ziegler Albert
Published: January 2022

Lonely students typically underperform academically. According to several studies, the COVID-19 pandemic is an important risk factor for increases in loneliness, as the contact restrictions and the switch to mainly online classes potentially burden the students. The previously familiar academic environment (campus), as well as the exchange with peers and lecturers on site, were no longer made available. In our cross-sectional study, we examine factors that could potentially counteract the development of higher education student loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic from a social network perspective. During the semester, N = 283 students from across all institutional faculties of a German comprehensive university took part in an online survey. We surveyed their social and emotional experiences of loneliness, their self-reported digital information-sharing behavior, and their current egocentric networks. Here, we distinguished between close online contacts (i.e., mainly online exchanges) and close offline contacts (i.e., mainly in-person face-to-face exchanges). In addition, we derived the interconnectedness (i.e., the densities of the egocentric networks) and heterogeneity (operationalized with the entropy) of students’ contacts. To obtain the latter, we used a novel two-step method combining t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and cluster analysis. We explored the associations of the aforementioned predictors (i.e., information-sharing behavior, number of online and offline contacts, as well as interconnectedness and heterogeneity of the close contacts network) on social and emotional loneliness separately using two hierarchical multiple linear regression models. Our results suggest that social loneliness is strongly related to digital information-sharing behavior and the network structure of close contacts. In particular, high information-sharing behavior, high number of close contacts (whether offline or online), a highly interconnected network, and a homogeneous structure of close contacts were associated with low social loneliness. Emotional loneliness, on the other hand, was mainly related to network homogeneity, in the sense that students with homogeneous close contacts networks experienced low emotional loneliness. Overall, our study highlights the central role of students’ close social network on feelings of loneliness in the context of COVID-19 restrictions. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Signed Languages: A Triangular Semiotic Dimension
Authors: Capirci Olga , Bonsignori Chiara , Di Renzo Alessio
Published: January 2022

Since the beginning of signed language research, the linguistic units have been divided into conventional, standard and fixed signs, all of which were considered as the core of the language, and iconic and productive signs, put at the edge of language. In the present paper, we will review different models proposed by signed language researchers over the years to describe the signed lexicon, showing how to overcome the hierarchical division between standard and productive lexicon. Drawing from the semiotic insights of Peirce we proposed to look at signs as a triadic construction built on symbolic, iconic, and indexical features. In our model, the different iconic, symbolic, and indexical features of signs are seen as the three sides of the same triangle, detectable in the single linguistic sign (Capirci, 2018;Puupponen, 2019). The key aspect is that the dominance of the feature will determine the different use of the linguistic unit, as we will show with examples from different discourse types (narratives, conference talks, poems, a theater monolog).
The Role of Acupuncture in Hormonal Shock-Induced Cognitive-Related Symptoms in Perimenopausal Depression: A Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhou Jun-He , Zhang De-Long , Ning Bai-Le , Xue Xiao-Juan , Zhao Lin , Wu Qian , Yan Lu-Da , Liu Ming , Fu Wen-Bin
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Perimenopausal depression is predominantly caused by hormone shock, but the underlying physical and psychological factors are still unclear.

Objectives: To explore the constituent components of perimenopausal depression by dynamically depicting its influencing factors and interactive pathways from the perspective of embodied cognition.

Methods: This is a randomized clinical controlled trial. In this study, electroacupuncture was compared with escitalopram. A total of 242 participants with mild to moderate perimenopausal depression were enrolled from 6 hospitals in China. Each participant had a 12-week intervention and a 12-week follow-up period. The primary outcome of this study is the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), and the secondary outcome is the menopause-specific quality of life scale (MENQOL), serum Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen (E2) levels.

Results: The structural equation model suggested that hormone levels were not directly associated with HAMD-17 (P = 0.852), while MENQOL was statistically correlated with HAMD-17 as an intermediary variable (P < 0.001). Electroacupuncture gradually showed positive impacts on MENQOL and HAMD-17 during the follow-up period (P < 0.05). Cognitive impairment is the dominant dimension of perimenopausal depression.

Conclusions: Hormonal shock may affect clinical symptoms and poor quality of life to induce cognitive impairment leading perimenopausal depression, and this impact on cognition is embodied. Electroacupuncture has positive effect on perimenopausal depression and quality of life.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hu Yueming , Yang Zechuan , Li Yong , Xu Yong , Tian Mengge , Jiang Nan , Guo Ningfeng
Published: January 2022

Background: Few studies have focused on depressive symptoms among patients with chronic low back pain in China. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain.

Methods: From May to August 2021, 1,172 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited in China. Depressive symptoms were assessed through the Patient Health Questionnaire. Associations of demographic characteristics, clinical characters and social-psychological factors with depressive symptoms were investigated among patients with chronic low back pain.

Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 25.00%. Logistic regression analysis found that duration of pain in 1-5 years (1-3 years: OR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.65-5.14, 3-5 years: OR = 3.09, 95%CI: 1.55-6.15) and more severe pain (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.10-1.17) were associated with higher risks of depressive symptoms. Better family function (good family function: OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15-0.41, moderate family dysfunction: OR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.29-0.77) and higher pain self-efficacy (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.93-0.95) were associated with lower risks of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Patients with chronic low back pain have a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in China. Duration of pain, pain severity, family function and pain self-efficacy were predictors of depressive symptoms among chronic low back pain patients in China. Early identification of the associated factors may be helpful for the timely management of depressive symptoms.