bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotyping peanut cultivars with contrasting responses to pod rot pathogens
Authors: Li Jin , Jiang Chun Jiao , Yang Zhen , Liang Feng Jian , Wang Zhi Wei , Wang Xiu Zhen , Sun Xiu Shan , Zhang Ming Jun , Wang Chuan Tang
Published: December 2022

In recent years, soil-borne diseases including pod rot have become increasingly rampant with climate change, causing serious yield and quality losses to peanut. Resistance breeding is considered an effective measure for pod rot management. Nine peanut cultivars with various degrees of resistance were used to study leaf/shell anatomical and shell biochemical features, main agronomic traits and leaf spot disease ratings in relation to pod rot score. All four anatomical features, viz., leaf palisade cell number, cell width, index and shell lignin staining area, were negatively correlated with peanut pod rot score at 0.01 levels. However, a robust association between shell lignin content and pod rot score was not established. Given the stable and strong correlation between these anatomical features and pod rot scores and high heritability estimates of these features, the pre-existing resistance may be identified even in the absence of disease. This study provided useful selection indicators for screening for resistance to pod rot in peanut. Association analysis of peanut pod rot resistance is being carried out at our laboratory using several natural populations phenotyped in multiple environments. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between resistance and these indicators from a genetic perspective.
Trace weak solvation environment enabling ultra-stable high-voltage solid-state lithium metal battery
Authors: He Yan-Bing , Yang Ke , Jiao Junyu , Ma Jiabin , Jiao Shizhe , Chen Likun , Zhang Danfeng , Li Yuhang , Cheng Xing , Mi Jinshuo , Biao Jie , Li Boyu , An Xufei , Hu Wei , Zheng Jiaxin , Liu Ming , Kang Feiyu
Published: December 2022

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based solid-state electrolytes with “Li salt-polymer-trace residual solvent” configuration are the most promising candidates for room-temperature solid-state batteries. However, we reveal that an unstable high concentration [Li(N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF))x]+ solution structure is locally aggregated in PVDF matrix acting as solid diluent, which presents strong intermolecular interactions with PVDF that greatly restricts the high throughput ion transport and interfacial stability. Here, we propose a universal strategy to construct stable weakened solvation environment by partially replacing the DMF using 2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (TFA). The TFA presents much lower binding energy with both Li+ and PVDF than DMF, which synchronously achieve high ionic conductivity (7.0×10-4 S cm-1) and Li transference number (0.67) of PVDF-based electrolyte. The TFA can also tailor the solvation structures to form abundant contact ion pairs and aggregates that generate inorganic-rich interfaces to greatly enhance the stability with both Li metal anode and high voltage cathode. The developed composite electrolyte enables record cycling of 2890 and 600 hours in solid-state Li||Li symmetric cells at 0.5 mA cm-2 and 1 mA cm-2, respectively. The solid-state Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells show ultra-long lifespan of 4900 and 3000 times with cut-off voltage of 4.3 V and 4.5 V, respectively, and deliver superior stability under practical conditions from -20 to 45 °C and pouch cell level.
Host-driven temperature dependence of viral infection in honey bees
Authors: Palmer-Young Evan , Ryabov Eugene , Markowitz Lindsey , Boncristiani Dawn , Grubbs Kyle , Pawar Asha , Peterson Raymond , Evans Jay
Published: December 2022

The temperature dependence of infection reflects changes in performance of parasites and hosts. High temperatures often mitigate infection by favoring heat-tolerant hosts over heat-sensitive parasites. Honey bees exhibit endothermic thermoregulation—rare among insects—that can favor resistance to parasites. However, viruses are heavily host-dependent, suggesting that viral infection could be supported—not threatened—by optimum host function. To understand how temperature-driven changes in performance of viruses and hosts shape infection, we compared the temperature dependence of isolated viral enzyme activity, three honey bee traits, and infection of honey bee pupae.
Viral enzyme activity varied <2-fold over a >30 °C interval spanning temperatures typical of ectothermic insects and honey bees. In contrast, honey bee performance peaked at high (≥ 35 °C) temperatures and was highly temperature-sensitive. Although these results suggested that increasing temperature would favor hosts over viruses, the temperature dependence of pupal infection matched that of pupal development, falling only near pupae’s upper thermal limits. Our results reflect the host-dependent nature of viruses, suggesting that infection is accelerated—not curtailed—by optimum host function, contradicting predictions based on relative performance of parasites and hosts, and suggesting tradeoffs between infection resistance and host survival that limit the viability of bee ‘fever’.
Genotypes with high stem reserve mobilization can overcome the impact of rust on Chickpea yield
Authors: Mohanty Pawan Kumar , Ramakrishnan R Shiv , C Mamatha B , K Rudresh , R Sabale P , Pal Madan , K Samaiya R , Rane Jagadish , S Gurumurthy
Published: December 2022

Chickpea is one of the major pulse crops cultivated worldwide. It is affected by many fungal diseases including rust caused by the fungus Uromyces ciceris arietini. Its severity is mainly observed during the flowering and pod development stage and this causes considerable yield losses. The present investigation was carried out at ICAR-NIASM, Baramati during 2021–2022 to assess genotypic variation in stem reserve mobilization (SRM) and its influence on loss of grain yield due to rust infection on the basis of severity of rust, seed yield and test weight. The SRM was strongly correlated (R2꞊ 0.96) with yield irrespective of the severity of rust infection. Phule Vikram, a local chickpea genotype, recorded the highest grain yield (1506.6 kg/ha) and SRM (23.65 mg/g stem dry weight) while the lowest yield was recorded in Pusa Green 112 (476.7 kg/ha), a susceptible, genotype that had less SRM (3.44 mg/g stem dry weight) and partially filled grain. The results indicated that SRM has a major role in ensuring pod filling even under rust infection. Hence, it is suggested that the emphasis should be on SRM as a trait for selection of early generation breeding lines in the chickpea improvement program with precaution to reduce a penalty if any in terms of attraction of pests by increased access to soluble sugars in high SRM genotypes.
Snapshot depth - spectral imaging based on image mapping and light field
Authors: Ding Xiaoming , Hu Liang , Zhou Shubo , Wang Xiaocheng , Li Yupeng , Han Tingting , Lu Dunqiang , Che Guowei
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the snapshot multi - dimensional imaging technology is emerging and becomes an increasing research focus. Especially, the spatial, spectral and depth information of scenes is particularly useful in target detection, recognition, tracking, scene classification et al. This paper proposes a snapshot depth - spectral imaging architecture based on image mapping and light field to realize the capture of depth - spectral information in a single snapshot. Specifically, we modulate the depth - spectral information of targets onto a two - dimensional sensor in three steps. Firstly, an image mapper is utilized to slice and reflect the first image to different directions and make void space between two adjacent strip images. This is a spatial modulation processing. Then, a direct vision prism is used to disperse the mapped and collimated light. Finally, the light field sensor with a micro - lens array captures the dispersed light field. Complimentary, we also proposed the reconstruction method under the remapping and digital refocus framework. Through simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed snapshot depth – spectral imaging system is effective to measure the depth - spectral information of scenes in a single snapshot time.
“I get higher marks via BYOD “ - a descriptive qualitative study on student experiences using BYOD e-assessments to enhance the dimensions of administration and support for learning excellence.
Authors: As Janus van , Brits Kanita Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) e-assessment is a strategy that allows students to use their own devices to conduct digital assessments without the need for specialised facilities. This can enhance learning excellence as it improves the administration and support of the student experience. BYOD e-assessment is not a widely used strategy, yet it has multiple benefits. Therefore, this study explores the use of BYOD for high-stakes e-assessment and was conducted at a Faculty of Medicine and Health Science. Since 2014, over 14 000 exams have been conducted using this approach. This study evaluates students' perceptions of BYOD e-assessment and was conducted through survey research with open-ended questions. The following themes were identified; technical and ICT barriers (technical challenges for student devices, technical challenges with infrastructure, type of device determines user-experience) and student experience (safety and familiarity with own device, convenience, supporting environment, autonomy, digital abilities, better quality assessments, and feedback). The findings showed that for most students using their devices provides them with a feeling of safety due to the familiarity with their own devices. Taking your exam in a familiar more pleasant environment reduces stress. However, students with older devices might stress about using their own devices and students should feel comfortable with using technology. BYOD for e-assessment is a good solution to enhance the student experience and reduce administration. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and requires multiple interventions such as faculty development, support, training of students and a good strategy before implementation.
Brief Tele-Mindfulness Based Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial
Authors: AlQarni Amani M. , ElFaki Abdulaziz , Wahab Moataza M. Abdel , AlJehani Yasser , ALKhunaizi Auday A. , Alex Johnson , Othman Sharifa A. , Amer Fatma H. , AlGhamdi Faisal A. , Alissa Khalid A.
Published: December 2022

Background: To enhance psychological wellbeing of health care providers (HCP) who look after patients with COVID-19. This study is a psychological intervention in COVID19 pandemic to check at what extent can interventions based on mindfulness affect psychological resilience and anxiety of HCP.
Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial study that was conducted from July to August 2020 at King Fahad Hospital and Qateef Central Hospital in Saudi Arabia. 147 COVID19 frontline HCP were randomized to a 2-week virtual intervention with brief mindfulness-based intervention (BMM) or to progressive muscle relaxation(PMR).
Pre and post intervention assessment were done using the (state trait anxiety–20 Item Scale), the (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and WHO – 5 Well-Being Index.
Results: The two groups had significant improvement results in the psychological wellbeing and reduction of the sate anxiety but not the trait anxiety nor the resiliency. Improved cases was higher among group BMM (81.3%) than among group PMR (51.8%), (X2=12.9, p=0.0001), concerning psychological wellbeing.
Conclusions: Brief mindfulness-based intervention has improved the psychological wellbeing and reduced the anxiety of frontline health care providers during COVID19 pandemic.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT04656626
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04656626?cond=Mindfulness&cntry=SA&draw=2&rank=1
Tropical study on Clinical and Host Cell Responses of Acute Phase Proteins, Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Antibodies’ in Lactating Dairy Cows Vaccinated and Challenged with S. aureus
Authors: Hambali Idris Umar , Jesse Faez Firdaus Abdullah , Bhutto Khaleeq ur Rehman , Lila Mohd Azmi Mohd , Zakaria Zunita , Haron Abd Wahid , Norsidin Mohd Jefri
Published: December 2022

In the tropical region of Malaysia (the study area), the climate has a mean annual temperature of 25.4°C with the hottest months of the year being April, May and June. On an average, December is 83.0% the most humid (MMD, 2017). It was confirmed by Cunha et al. (2008); that dairy cows raised in tropical conditions had less milk production as the somatic cell count (SCC) increased in mastitis cases. In humid tropics, Insua et al. (2008) also reported mastitis prevalence of about 42.0 %. The reduction in milk production due to cases of clinical mastitis is the component with the largest weight (42.2%) in the total economic impact of mastitis due to the large percentage of cows with SCCs. Therefore, the intensification of dairying, especially under tropical conditions, presents disease problems with mastitis as an important occurrence. And dairy farmers in the study area have reported cases of reduced dairy production and evidence of mastitis in dairy cows. This paper aims to provide an understanding of the effect developed killed vaccine on IgG, IgM, IgA, interleukin-10, interleukin-12, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A concentration on vaccinated and challenged dairy cows raised under tropic condition. Six lactating dairy cows were grouped into 3 treatment groups. Group A and B were inoculated intramuscularly with 2ml of normal saline while Group C received 108CFU/ml of the killed bacteria followed by a booster. The cows in group B and C were inoculated with 2ml of 106CFU liveS. aureusbacterin in each mammary gland quarter while treatment group A was inoculated with 2ml of normal saline a week post booster. Blood samples were periodically collected. There was significant difference in the rectal temperatures, heart, and respiratory rates among the treatment groups. Results of the current study however, revealed that antibodies titres of immunoglobulin M, G and A were significantly (p<0.05) elevated throughout the post-primary vaccination, post-booster vaccination and post challenge phases. In addition, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the interleukin-10, interleukin-12, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A concentration at different phases between treatment groups. In conclusion, this study revealed that the prototype killedS. aureusvaccine could induce significant clinical and humoral immune responses needed for improving dairy production in tropical climates such as that of Malaysia. This was deduced from the reaction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins biomarkers.
Highly efficient platelet generation in lung vasculature reproduced by microfluidics
Authors: Zhao Xiaojuan , Alibhai Dominic , Walsh Tony , Tarassova Nathalie , Englert Maximilian , Birol Semra , Li Yong , Williams Christopher , Neal Chris , Burkard Philipp , Aitken Elizabeth , Waller Amie , Ballester-Beltran Jose , Gunning Peter , Hardeman Edna , Agbani Ejaife , Nieswandt Bernhard , Hers Ingeborg , Ghevaert Cedric , Poole Alastair
Published: December 2022

Platelets, small hemostatic blood cells, are derived from megakaryocytes (MKs). It is accepted that both bone marrow (BM) and lung are principal sites of thrombogenesis although underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Outside the body, however, our ability to generate platelets, and retain their functionality, is poor at present. Here we show that perfusion of MKs ex vivo through the mouse lung vasculature generates substantial platelet numbers, up to 3,000 per MK. Despite their large size, MKs were able repeatedly to passage through the lung vasculature, leading to enucleation and subsequent platelet generation intravascularly. Using the ex vivo lung and a novel in vitro microfluidic chamber we determined how oxygenation, ventilation and endothelial cell health support platelet generation. Our data also show a critical role for the actin regulator TPM4 in the final steps of platelet formation in lung vasculature. The findings could inform new approaches to large scale generation of platelets.
Developing genetically stable live-attenuated vaccine candidates against type 1 and 3 poliovirus
Authors: Andino Raul , Yeh Ming Te , Smith Matthew , Carlyle Sara , Konopka-Anstadt Jennifer , Konz John , Burns Cara , Macadam Andrew
Published: December 2022

Vaccination with Sabin oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) results in robust intestinal and humoral immunity and has been key to controlling poliomyelitis. However, as with any RNA virus, OPV can evolve rapidly . During replication, OPV strains can lose their attenuating mutations—polymorphisms in domain V of the 5′ untranslated region are critical to the reacquisition of virulence —and the reverted viruses can cause vaccine-associated paralytic polio in vaccine recipients or their immediate contacts. Also, circulation in under-immunized populations leads to further evolved viruses with higher transmission capacity, called circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses. These characteristics of OPV represent a significant risk of polio reemergence. A novel type 2 oral polio vaccine recently received authorization to respond to poliovirus outbreaks based on promising clinical data on genetic stability and immunogenicity. Here we report development of two additional vaccine candidates against types 1 and 3 poliovirus serotypes. The candidates were generated by replacing the capsid coding region of nOPV2 with those from Sabin 1 and Sabin 3. These chimeric viruses preserve all the nOPV2 documented characteristics concerning genetic stability. Importantly, these vaccine candidates are highly immunogenic in mice as monovalent and trivalent formulations and may contribute to the poliovirus eradication.
Assessment of the Effects of Climate Change on Groundwater Fluctuations in Thanjavur District, Tamilnadu, India
Authors: Ilavarasan N.
Published: December 2022

Climate change is the variation of weather pattern among their environmental conditions occurs a particular specified period all over the world. This study covers the groundwater fluctuation with various climatological factors for the Thanjavur district Tamil Nadu. The climatological data like daily rainfall, daily temperature and Groundwater level were collected from statistical data center Tharamani, Chennai for 20 years (1999–2018). The El – Nino and LA – Nina occurrences were collected from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) center. Based on the collected data the runoff is estimated by using Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) method. The Evapo-Transpiration (ET) is calculated from Blaney – Criddle Equation. From this evaluation the atmospheric temperature is increased in recent years, this mainly due to change in El – Nino and LA – Nina occurrence pattern. The study area receives 50% of rainfall during North East monsoon season and highest annual average rainfall noted in Papanasam Taluk, Tamilnadu, India. The highest runoff is estimated in November month because of low atmospheric temperature and high soil moisture content. The ET value increased in recent years, mainly reduction in land cover and urbanization. The highest groundwater fluctuation occurs during 2013 to 2015 is mainly due to increasing in the Oceanic Nino Index value (ONI). The future Groundwater Fluctuation is identified based on ONI value is predicated by statistical analysis.
The role and effectiveness of patient feedback system in strengthening patient-provider relationships in rural Tanzania
Authors: Isangula Kahabi
Published: December 2022

Introduction:
Patient feedback system forms an important entry point for medical personnel and healthcare administrators to identify healthcare service delivery gaps and develop responsive interventions. This may foster patient trust consequently increasing healthcare-seeking, engagement in decision, continuity, and satisfaction. However, research on patient feedback systems in rural primary healthcare settings appears limited.
Objective
The paper builds on recent research on patient-provider relationships in rural Tanzania to examine the role and effectiveness of patient feedback systems in improving therapeutic relationships.
Methods
The paper examines the findings of qualitative descriptive research in rural Tanzania that employed a human-centred design approach to co-create an intervention package for improving nurse-client relationships between January and September 2022. The study used semi-structured interviews in Swahili with purposefully selected providers, patients, and administrators to explore drivers of poor provider-patient relationships in the Shinyanga region of rural Tanzania. Interviews were concurrently translated and transcribed, then systematically coded to facilitate the development of themes using a thematic analysis approach. Findings related to patient feedback systems are used for this paper.
Findings:
Most participants cited the benefits of an effective Patient feedback system as reducing patients’ confusion around the complaints process, promoting patients’ positivity towards providers and hospitals, and reducing tensions between patients and providers. Suggestion boxes were the most cited Patient feedback system however, there were widespread concerns about their accessibility and effectiveness. While the providers (nurses) and administrators described suggestion boxes as widely available, they affirmed not receiving feedback or complaints from patients for a very long time. Contrastingly, most patients described suggestion boxes as largely unavailable and ineffective, with concerns of non-user friendliness and non-responsiveness dominating.
Conclusion
Despite their potential benefits in healthcare service quality improvements, the availability, user-friendliness, and responsiveness of patient feedback systems continue to be challenging. A call is made to providers, health administrators and researchers to prioritise the patient feedback system as both a useful entry point to reducing tensions in therapeutic relationships and, a tool for improving patient service uptake, continuity with care and satisfaction.
A single-cell transcriptome atlas of the West African lungfish highlights the respiratory evolution of a fish adapted to water and land
Authors: Zhang Ruihua , Liu Qun , Zhang Yingying , Qin Yating , Du Xiao , Lu Yongrui , Yuan Zengbao , Song Yue , Zhang Mengqi , Wang Kun , He Shunping , Liu Xin , Xu Xun , Yang Huan-Ming , Seim Inge , Fan Guangyi
Published: December 2022

The six species of lungfish possess both lungs and gills and are the closest extant relatives to tetrapods. Here, we report a single-cell transcriptome atlas of the West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens). This species manifests the most extreme form of terrestrialization, a life history strategy to survive dry periods in five lungfish species that can last for years, manifested by dormancy and reversible adaptive changes of the gills and lungs. Our atlas highlights the cell type diversity of the West African lungfish, including gene expression consistent with phenotype changes of terrestrialization. Comparisons with terrestrial tetrapods and ray-finned fishes revealed broad homology between the swim bladder and lung cell types and shared and idiosyncratic changes of the repressed, external gills of the West African lungfish and the internal gills of Atlantic salmon. The single-cell atlas presented here provides a valuable resource for further exploration of the evolution of the vertebrate respiratory system and the diversity of lungfish terrestrialization.
Cognitive decline and synaptopathy in X-linked moesin knock-out mice
Authors: Cai Hua , Lee Seong Mi , Lee Bomlee , Im Soo Jung , Kim Dong Hyeon , Choi Hyung Jun , Kim Jin Hee , Kim Yeni , Shin Boo Ahn , Jeon Songhee
Published: December 2022

Moesin-like gene 1 antisense was increased in the postmortem cortex of patients with autism spectrum disorders. Overexpression of moesin-like gene 1 antisense induces downregulation of moesin expression in cortical neurons, resulting in decreased neurite numbers and length. However, moesin knockout (KO) mice have not been reported about behavioral abnormalities or delayed brain development, indicating autism spectrum disorders. Here, we generated moesin KO mice by using the CRISPR/CAS9 system and observed their behaviors. Moesin KO mice exhibited abnormal developmental behaviors at 7 days, cognitive decline in the passive avoidance and Y maze tests, and anxiety symptoms in the open field test compared to wild-type mice at 3 months. Moreover, the primary cortical neurons of moesin KO mice showed a low cell survival rate and low expression of proteins involved in neuronal development and growth, such as MAP2, DCX, SOX2, SNAP25, and PSD95. Western blot analysis also revealed the downregulation of various synaptic proteins, such as syntaxin 1A and CDK5, in the brain of moesin KO adult mice. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of synapsin I, MUNC18, ERK, and CREB were downregulated in the brains of moesin-KO mice. Furthermore, risperidone reversed the impaired memory function and synapsin I and ERK phosphorylation in the cortical tissue of moesin-KO mice. Thus, these results suggest that moesin affects neurodevelopmental and cognitive processes, plays an important role in the synaptic plasticity showing normal synapse structure and function, and that risperidone can reverse these synaptopathy and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Histogram Analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to predict extramural venous invasion in rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Ke-xin , Yu Jing , Li Yang , Xu Qing
Published: December 2022

Background
To explore the potential of histogram analysis (HA) of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the identification of EMVI in rectal cancer patients.
Methods
This retrospective study included preoperative images of 194 rectal cancer patients at our hospital between May 2019 and April 2022. Postoperative histopathological examination served as reference standard. Mean values of DCE-MRI quantitative perfusion parameters (Ktrans, Kep and Ve) and other HA features calculated from these parameters were compared between pathological EMVI-positive and EMVI-negative groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the prediction model for pathological EMVI-positive status. Diagnostic performance was assessed and compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The clinical usefulness of the best prediction model was further measured with patients with indeterminate MRI-defined EMVI (mrEMVI) score 2(possibly negative) and score 3 (probably positive).
Results
Mean values of Ktrans and Ve in EMVI-positive group were significantly higher than those in EMVI-negative group (P = 0.013 and 0.025, respectively). Significant differences in Ktrans skewness, Ktrans entropy, Ktrans kurtosis and Ve maximum were observed between two groups (P = 0.001,0.002, 0.000 and 0.033, respectively). The Ktrans kurtosis and Ktrans entropy were identified as independent predictors for pathological EMVI. The combined prediction model had the highest area under the curve (AUC) at 0.926 for predicting pathological EMVI status and further reached the AUC of 0.867 in subpopulations with indeterminate mrEMVI scores.
Conclusion
Histogram Analysis of DCE-MRI Ktrans maps may be useful in preoperative identification of EMVI in rectal cancer, particularly in patients with indeterminate mrEMVI scores.
Projecting XRP price burst by correlation tensor spectra of transaction networks
Authors: Chakraborty Abhijit , Hatsuda Tetsuo , Ikeda Yuichi
Published: December 2022

Cryptoassets are becoming essential in the digital economy era. XRP is one of the large market cap cryptoassets. Here, we develop a novel method of correlation tensor spectra for the dynamical XRP networks, which can provide an early indication for XRP price. A weighed directed weekly transaction network among XRP wallets is constructed by aggregating all transactions for a week. A vector for each node is then obtained by embedding the weekly network in continuous vector space. From a set of weekly snapshots of node vectors, we construct a correlation tensor. A double singular value decomposition of the correlation tensors gives its singular values. The significance of the singular values is shown by comparing with its randomize counterpart. The evolution of singular values shows a distinctive behavior. The largest singular value shows a significant negative correlation with XRP/USD price. We observe the minimum of the largest singular values at the XRP/USD price peak during the first week of January 2018. The minimum of the largest singular value during January 2018 is explained by decomposing the correlation tensor in the signal and noise components and also by evolution of community structure.
A Signal Decomposition Method Based on Improved Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition for Human Pulse Wave Signal
Authors: Chen Haichu , Zheng Huannan , Wang Zhifeng , Cai Baoqian
Published: December 2022

Traditional artificial blood pump requires the perfusionist to continuously monitor and adjust the speed, which is not suitable for the changeable and high-risk cardiac surgery procedures. In order to improve its efficiency and precision, and adaptively control the artificial blood pump, this paper proposes a human pulse wave signal decomposition method based on the improved complementary integrated empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD). The method first preprocesses the signal using the second-order differential peak-valley algorithm, and then decomposes the preprocessed signal into a finite number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using the CEEMD algorithm. The method preprocesses the signal by using second-order differential peak-valley algorithm, and then using CEEMD to decompose the preprocessed signal into a finite number of intrinsic mode functions. After that, the IMFs were denoised by principal component analysis (PCA), and four control signals were obtained as servo motor control signals, which were used to construct the artificial blood pump control model. Finally, the method is used to compare and analyze the collected pulse wave signal and the signal downloaded from the PhysioBank database. The results show that compared with CEEMD, the method can reduce the error rate of the reconstructed signal by about 15%, with high efficiency, high performance, accuracy and robustness.
Analysis of Diagnostic Values of Trans-vaginal Three-dimensional Ultrasound Parameters RI, PI, and Serum TSGF on Ovarian Space Occupying Lesions
Authors: Liu Tianying , Duan Xin
Published: December 2022

Objective: To diagnose ovarian space occupying lesions by trans-vaginal three-dimensional ultrasound parameters, RI, PI, and serum TSGF, then analyze and study their clinical diagnostic values.
Methods: 40 cases of patients with ovarian space occupying lesions, treated in our hospital from May, 2021 to May, 2022, including 20 cases in early stage (the Control Group) and 20 cases in middle stage (the Observation Group), were examined by trans-vaginal three-dimensional ultrasound parameters, RI, PI and serum TSGF, to analyze the diagnostic values.
Results: (1) In Observation Group, 9 cases of patients with ovarian space occupying lesions were mainly diagnosed as malignant ovarian tumors, accounting for 45.00%; In Control Group, 14 cases of patients with ovarian space occupying lesions were mainly diagnosed as benign ovarian tumors, accounting for 70.00%; (2) The index level of serum TSGF (86.79±7.95U/ml VS 65.94±9.46U/ml) in ovarian space occupying lesions in the Observation Group was higher while PI (1.21±0.16mmol/L VS 2.34±0.06mmol/L) and RI (0.68±0.03mmol/L VS 0.76± 0.06 mmol/L) were lower (p<0.05) compared with the Control Group; (3) The index levels of CA125 (346.83±153.73RU/L VS 39.94±16.54RU/L) and CEA (36.25±17.08μg/L VS 17.46±4.72μg/L) in the Observation Group were higher than those in the Control Group(p<0.05); (4) The ADC means of the cystic portion (2752.39 ± 87.49vs3719.68 ± 84.76) and the solid portion (884.47 ± 71.98vs989.47 ± 76.79) in the Observation Group were lower than those in the Control Group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The diagnosis of ovarian space occupying lesions by trans-vaginal three-dimensional ultrasound parameters RI, PI and serum TSGF, could significantly increase the clinical value and accuracy for the diagnosis of ovarian space occupying lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment were of great significance, and shall be recommended and available in clinical practice.
The mediational role of interoceptive awareness on the improvements of mindfulness skills of workers
Authors: González-Palau Fátima , Medrano Leonardo Adrián
Published: December 2022

Background: Mindfulness training has been introduced in numerous health care programs and also in work settings with promising results. One main point in intervention studies of mindfulness is the evaluation of the mechanisms of action that explains how and why mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) works. The present study aims to assess the mediational role of interoceptive consciousness on the improvements of mindfulness skills.
Methods: Seventy-four adults between 23 and 64 years of age participated in the study. We carried out one effectiveness analysis comparing the means of Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness scale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores in the two conditions (pretest – posttest). Subsequently, within-subjects effect sizes (pre-to-post-treatment) were calculated and we conducted multiple mediation analyses to examine whether the changes between pre and post-treatment of Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire scores were mediated by changes of interoception awareness.
Results: The results indicate that the mindfulness-based intervention generates statistically significant changes in the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores and in all the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire dimensions, with the exception of the Describe and Not Reaction subscales. The mediation analyses showed that interoceptive awareness significantly mediated the improvements of mindfulness skills after the program.
Conclusions: Findings support the idea that meditation practice leads to increase in interoception awareness, which in turn facilitates mindfulness skills and consequently well-being.
Novel Chaotic Image Cryptosystem Using Dynamic DNA Coding
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Wei Yi , Zhang Yingqian , Teng Lin
Published: December 2022

To solve the problem of a small key space of image cryptosystem based on logistic, this paper presents a new 1D chaotic map with a wider and continuous chaotic range, much larger Lyapunov exponent and more complex behavior. Using the proposed one-dimensional chaotic map, an image cryptography algorithm is developed. In this paper, a novel image cryptosystem based on the proposed map and dynamic DNA encoding is designed, which is different from other DNA encoding method. Our method is based on chaotic sequences to obtain complex DNA sequence, and it is calculated with our plaintext image DNA sequence, which not only plays a good encryption effect. Moreover, our dynamic DNA coding process is simple, easy to operate and implement with good effect. Experimental results presented that compared with the fixed DNA and some recent chaos-based image encryption schemes, the proposed cryptosystem has higher security.
Distance learning and face-to-face learning in medical PBL course during COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation and teaching experience in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Fang Hsu , Wu Bo-Ren , Chi Chin-Hsien
Published: December 2022

To prevent the infection and outbreak of COVID-19, the education method has adjusted the conventional in-person classes to distance learning in recent two years. Most classes were lectures that could go well if the participants were familiar with the online operation and had a stable network environment. Nevertheless, classes such as problem-based learning (PBL) rely on plenty of discussions and still have some limitations for communication and group development. In this research, we surveyed the learning effects of face-to-face (FF) and distance learning (DL) in the medical PBL course at Cheng-Kung University for two individual classes. Tutors and students were requested to give grades for the five key areas (participation, communication, preparation, critical thinking, and group skill). Five factors are used to evaluate the learning effect of face-to-face and distance learning. Compared with FF and DL methods, our research clarified that student learning effects would reduce participation, communication, and group skills by questionnaire survey. The tutors’ perspective regarded participation and communication ability as reduced at distance learning. But for group skills, one of the two classes showed no difference. Our research provides an experience for the PBL class focusing on discussion and communication. In the post-pandemic era, whether face-to-face or distance learning, classes should be adjusted properly to let students conduct effective communication in time.
Personalized Colorectal Cancer Screening: Study Protocol of a Mixed-methods Study on the Effectiveness of Tailored Intervals Based on Prior F-hb Concentration in a Fit-based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Breekveldt Emilie C. H. , Toes-Zoutendijk Esther , de Jonge Lucie , Spaander Manon C. W. , Dekker Evelien , Kemenade Folkert J. van , Vuuren Anneke J. van , Ramakers Christian R. B. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Leerdam Monique E. van , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris
Published: December 2022

Background: In 2014, the national population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program was implemented in the Netherlands. Biennial fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for hemoglobin is used at a cut-off of 47 microgram hemoglobin per gram feces. The CRC screening program successfully started, with high participation rates and yield of screening. Now that the program has reached a steady state, there is potential to further optimize the program. Previous studies showed that prior fecal Hb (f-Hb) concentrations just below the FIT cut-off are associated with a higher risk for detection of advanced neoplasia (AN) at subsequent screening rounds. We aim to achieve a better balance between the harms and benefits of CRC screening by offering participants tailored invitation intervals based on prior f-Hb concentrations after negative FIT.
Methods: This mixed-methods study will be performed within the Dutch national CRC screening program and will consist of: 1) a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 2) focus group studies, and 3) decision modelling. The primary outcome is the yield of AN per screened individual in personalized screening vs. uniform screening. Secondary outcomes are perspectives on, acceptability of and adherence to personalized screening, as well as long-term outcomes of personalized vs. uniform screening. The RCT will include 20,000 participants of the Dutch CRC screening program; 10,000 in the intervention and 10,000 in the control arm. The intervention arm will receive a personalized screening interval based on the prior f-Hb concentration (1, 2 or 3 years). The control arm will receive a screening interval according to current practice (2 years). The focus group studies are designed to understand individuals’ perspectives on and acceptability of personalized CRC screening. Results of the RCT will be incorporated into the MISCAN-Colon model to determine long-term benefits, harms, and costs of personalized versus uniform CRC screening.
Discussion: The aim of this study is to evaluate the yield, feasibility, acceptability and (cost-) effectiveness of personalized CRC screening through tailored invitation intervals based on prior f-Hb concentrations. This knowledge may be of guidance for health policy makers and may provide evidence for implementing personalized CRC screening in The Netherlands and/or other countries using FIT as screening modality.
Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT05423886, June 21, 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05423886
Effects of post-transplant maintenance therapy with decitabine prophylaxis on the relapse for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Authors: Guo Rong , Fan Jixin , Zhu Jingkui , Guo Xiao , Wan Ding-Ming , Xie Xinsheng , Cao Weijie , Lu Run-Qing , Zhang Yinyin , Zhao Haiqiu , Li Yingmei , Guo Rongqun , Jiang Zhongxing , Song Yong-Ping , He Fei
Published: December 2022

In adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), post-transplant relapse is a major risk factor for mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Our study investigated the efficacy and safety of decitabine (dec) with ALL patients post-transplantation. We performed a retrospective cohort study to assess the efficacy of decitabine (dec) with post-transplant ALL at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2016 to September 2021. A total of 141 consecutive ALL patients were analyzed and divided into decitabine (dec, n = 65) and control (ctrl, n = 76) groups based on whether they were treated with decitabine after allo-HSCT. The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) rate in the dec group was lower than that in the ctrl group (19.6% vs. 36.1%, p = 0.031), with a hazard ratio of 0.491 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.257–0.936). Additionally, subgroup analyses revealed that the 3-year CIR rate of T-ALL and Ph-negative B-ALL patients in the dec and ctrl groups was 11.7% vs. 35.9% and 19.5% vs. 42.2% (p = 0.035, p = 0.068) respectively. In summary, ALL patients, especially those with T-ALL and Ph-negative B-ALL, may benefit from decitabine as maintenance therapy following allo-HSCT.
Spatio-temporal evolution and driving forces of habitat quality in Guizhou Province
Authors: Xie Bo , Zhang Mingming
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to analyze spatio-temporal changes in habitat quality in Guizhou Province during the 1990–2018 period and identify factors influencing habitat quality. Land-use data for the period were used to evaluate spatio-temporal variations in habitat quality using the InVEST model, and factors influencing habitat quality were analyzed using GeoDetector. According to the results, cultivated land and forestland decreased by 0.48% and 0.88%, respectively, during the study period. Grassland, water, and construction land areas increased, with construction land increasing the most (0.92%) followed by water area (0.37%). The main land-use changes included conversion of cultivated land to forestland, grassland, and construction land. The average habitat quality index for Guizhou Province changed from 0.633 to 0.627 over the 1990–2018 period, showing an overall downward trend. The distribution pattern of habitat quality was spatially "high in the north, south, and, east, and low in the west". High habitat quality areas were mainly located in the western part of Guizhou Province, whereas low habitat quality areas were located in the central region. Land-use was the major factor influencing the spatio-temporal variations in habitat quality, and the interactive effect between any two factors was stronger than that of a single factor. Natural factors and human factors co-dominate the temporal-spatial changes of habitat quality.
Brief exposure to enriched environment rapidly shapes the glutamate synapse in the rat brain: a metaplastic fingerprint
Authors: Pintori Nicholas , Piva Alessandro , Mottarlini Francesca , Díaz Fernando Castillo , Maggi Coralie , Caffino Lucia , Fumagalli Fabio , Chiamulera Cristiano
Published: December 2022

Environmental enrichment (EE) has been shown to produce beneficial effects in addiction disorders; however, due to its complexity, the underling mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Recent evidence suggests that EE, acting as a metaplastic agent, may affect glutamatergic mechanisms underlying appetitive memory and in turn, modulate reward-seeking behaviors. Here, we explore the hypothetical metaplastic effects induced by brief EE exposure on glutamatergic transmission in brain areas involved in rewarding and memory processes. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to EE for 22h and the expression of critical elements of the glutamate synapse were measured 2h after the end of EE in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus (Hipp). We focused our attention on the expression of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits, their scaffolding proteins SAP102 and SAP97, vesicular and membrane glutamate transporters vGluT1 and GLT-1, and critical structural components such as proteins involved in morphology and function of glutamatergic synapses, PSD95 and Arc/Arg3.1. Our findings demonstrate that a brief EE exposure induces metaplastic changes on glutamatergic mPFC-NAc-Hipp brain areas, which are critical for reward and learning processes. Such changes were area-specific and involved a rearrangement of postsynaptic NMDA/AMPA receptor subunit composition, as well as changes in the expression of their main scaffolding proteins thus influencing the retention of such receptors at synaptic sites. Our data indicate that brief EE exposure is sufficient to cause metaplastic activity at glutamatergic synapses in mPFC-NAc-Hipp circuits, which may modulate several mental processes such as rewarding, learning and memory processes.
Removal of evolutionarily conserved functional MYC domains in a tilapia cell line using a vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Kim Chanhee , Cnaani Avner , Kültz Dietmar
Published: December 2022

MYC transcription factors have critical roles in facilitating a variety of cellular functions that have been highly conserved among species during evolution. However, despite circumstantial evidence for an involvement of MYC in animal osmoregulation, mechanistic links between MYC function and osmoregulation are missing. Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) represents an excellent model system to study these links because it is highly euryhaline and highly tolerant to osmotic (salinity) stress at both the whole organism and cellular levels of biological organization. Here, we utilize an O. mossambicus brain cell line (OmB cells) and an optimized vector-based CRISPR/Cas9 system to functionally knockout MYC in the tilapia genome and to establish causal links between MYC and cell function, including cellular osmoregulation. A cell isolation and dilution strategy yielded polyclonal MYC (myca) knockout cell pools with low genetic variability and high gene editing efficiencies (as high as 98.2 %). Further isolation and dilution of cells from these pools yielded a monoclonal myca ko cell line harboring a 1-bp deletion that caused a frameshift mutation. This frameshift functionally inactivated the transcriptional regulatory and DNA-binding domains predicted by bioinformatics and structural analyses. Both the polyclonal and monoclonal myca ko cell lines were viable, propagated well in standard medium, and differed from wild-type cells in morphology. As such, they represent a new tool for causally linking myca to cellular osmoregulation and other cell functions.
Deletion and Recovery Scheme of Electronic Health Records Based on Medical Certifificate Blockchain
Authors: Wang Baowei , Wang Neng , Zhang Yuxiao , Xu Zenghui , Zhang Junhao
Published: December 2022

The trusted sharing of Electronic Health Records (EHR) can realize the effiffifficient use of medical data resources. Generally speaking, EHR are stored inside the hospital, but their ownership is the patient, So every patient has the right to delete their own EHR stored in the hospital. However, after the deletion, it is diffiffifficult for the patient to have a record to share when he visits the hospital again. To solve this problem, we use the Medical Certifificate Blockchain and InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to store Personal Health Records, which are generated by patients in difffferent medical institutions. We use cross-chain technology to interconnect the Medical Certifificate Blockchain and the Hospital blockchain to enable the recovery of deleted Electronic Health Record. In addition, We also combine digital watermarking technology to ensure the authenticity of the restored Electronic Health Record. System analysis and security analysis illustrate the completeness and feasibility of the scheme.