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Rice (Oryza sativa) is a globally important staple food, but its production was influenced by various biotic and abiotic stresses. This study involved screening endophytic bacterial strains for their antagonistic activities and control efficacy against multiple rice pathogens in planta assays. Subsequent greenhouse investigations identified Bacillus velezensis LS123N as the most promising strain for effectively controlling various rice diseases, including bacterial blight, rice blast, bakanae disease, Pythium disease, and brown spot disease. Field trials further demonstrated that LS123N significantly reduced naturally occurring brown spot disease caused by Bipolaris oryzae in both seedlings and mature rice plants, and increased rice yields. For disease control against bacterial blight, Pythium disease, and brown spot, only a single treatment during seed germination resulted in significant disease control efficacy. The application of LS123N during seed germination aligns with common rice cultivation practices. Additionally, LS123N exhibited the capacity to improve rice resistance to wind stress and enhance rice growth during the seedling stage. Endophytic colonization of LS123N was evidenced from seed to mature rice plants after seed treatment. Interestingly, the expression of many rice defense genes was suppressed within 48 h of the LS123N introduction. In vitro assays showed that LS123N inhibited spore germination and normal growth of germ tubes of B. oryzae, produced multiple hydrolases, siderophores, and IAA, and had the ability to solubilize phosphorus compounds. In summary, these results indicate that B. velezensis LS123N is a promising biocontrol agent and has the potential to be developed into a biofungicide, biofertilizer, and biostimulator.

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Abstract Renal denervation (RDN) suppresses the activity of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and inflammatory cytokines, leading to the prevention of cardiac remodeling. Limited studies have reported the effects of renal denervation on ventricular electrophysiology. We aimed to use optical mapping to evaluate the effect of RDN on ventricular structural and electrical remodeling in a tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy rabbit model. Eighteen rabbits were randomized into 4 groups: sham control group (n = 5), renal denervation group receiving RDN (n = 5), heart failure group receiving rapid ventricular pacing for 1 month (n = 4), and RDN-heart failure group (n = 4). Rabbit hearts were harvested for optical mapping. Different cycle lengths were paced (400, 300, 250, 200, and 150 ms), and the results were analyzed. In optical mapping, the heart failure group had a significantly slower epicardial ventricular conduction velocity than the other three groups. The RDN-heart failure, sham control, and RDN groups had similar velocities. We then analyzed the 80% action potential duration at different pacing cycle lengths, which showed a shorter action potential duration as cycle length decreased (P for trend

Abstract Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is commonly presented with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Renal artery denervation (RDN) is an alternative antiadrenergic treatment that attenuates sympathetic activity. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RDN on preventing VAs in LQTS rabbits induced by drugs. The subtypes of LQTS were induced by infusion of HMR-1556 for LQTS type 1 (LQT1), erythromycin for LQTS type 2 (LQT2), and veratridine for LQTS type 3 (LQT3). Forty-four rabbits were randomized into the LQT1, LQT2, LQT3, LQT1-RDN, LQT2-RDN, and LQT3-RDN groups. All rabbits underwent cardiac electrophysiology studies. The QTc interval of the LQT2-RDN group was significantly shorter than those in the LQT2 group (650.08 ± 472.67 vs. 401.78 ± 42.91 ms, p = 0.011). The QTc interval of the LQT3-RDN group was significantly shorter than those in the LQT3 group (372.00 ± 22.41 vs. 335.70 ± 28.21 ms, p = 0.035). The VA inducibility in all subtypes of the LQT-RDN groups was significantly lower than those in the LQT-RDN groups, respectively (LQT1: 9.00 ± 3.30 vs. 47.44 ± 4.21%, p

Creativity has been one of the focuses of educational research. The Remote Associates Test (RAT) is a valid measurement to evaluate the effect of creativity training. Because of its objective scoring, short completion time required, and relatively simple question preparation, RAT has been adopted in Chinese creativity research for almost 20 years. This study integrates the literature and is divided into four parts: development and comparison of different versions, the exploration of the problem-solving process, factors related to remote association, and effectiveness of different interventions. The results show that the Chinese version of RAT was developed in three levels: radical, character, and word. Behavioral and neuroscience research indicates that the problem-solving process must be dynamic and flexible, and that manipulating internal or external influences can improve associative ability. Suggestions for teaching practices include assessing students’ creativity with the RAT, creating a safe environment, training divergent and convergent thinking, and thinking outside the box. The present study provides a comprehensive framework for the development and application of the Chinese versions of the RAT, methods to evaluate students’ creativity, and proposes a scope for future research to examine creativity theory.

Active constellation extension (ACE) was originally developed to reduce the peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Alternatively, ACE can be a promising approach for optimizing various possible aspects of the 2-D constellation signals. However, the literature lacks a rigorous theoretical framework for ACE, and hence its applications are currently limited. This study proposes a formal mathematical framework and theory for ACE for the general case of the 2-D constellation signals. The proposed framework is used to demonstrate the roles of ACE in reducing the PAPR in the OFDM systems with QAM and improving the error performance and throughput of phase shift keying under fading channels.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CMP) is associated with altered cardiac electrophysiological (EP) properties, which leads to the risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). We aimed to evaluate the EP properties, autonomic, and structural remodeling in a rabbit model with early liver cirrhosis (LC). Twelve rabbits were assigned to the sham and LC groups. The early-stage LC was induced by the ligation of the common bile duct. All rabbits received an EP study, VA inducibility test, myocardial, and liver histology staining. Western blot analyses of protein expression and tyrosine hydroxylase stain for sympathetic nerves were performed. The effective refractory period the LC group was significantly longer than the sham group [i.e., left ventricle (LV) 205.56 ± 40.30 vs. 131.36 ± 7.94 ms; right ventricle (RV) 206.78 ± 33.07 vs. 136.79 ± 15.15 ms; left atrium (LA) 140.56 ± 28.75 vs. 67.71 ± 14.29 ms; and right atrium (RA) 133.78 ± 40.58 vs. 65.43 ± 19.49 ms, all p < 0.01], respectively. The VA inducibility was elevated in the LC group when compared with the sham group (i.e., 21.53 ± 7.71 vs. 7.76 ± 2.44%, p = 0.013). Sympathetic innervation (102/μm2/mm2) was increased in all cardiac chambers of the LC group compared with the sham group (i.e., LV 9.11 ± 4.86 vs. 0.17 ± 0.15, p < 0.01; RV 4.36 ± 4.95 vs. 0.18 ± 0.12, p = 0.026; LA 6.79 ± 1.02 vs. 0.44 ± 0.20, p = 0.018; and RA 15.18 ± 5.12 vs. 0.10 ± 0.07, p = 0.014), respectively. Early LC is presented with an increased ventricular vulnerability, structural heterogeneity, and sympathetic innervation. Close monitoring for fatal arrhythmias is warranted in patients with early stages of LC.

Background Frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) can lead to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. Renal artery sympathetic denervation (RDN) may protect the heart from remodeling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of frequent VPCs on structural and electrical properties and whether RDN can protect the heart from remodeling. Methods and Results Eighteen rabbits were randomized to control (n=6), VPC (n=6), and VPC‐RDN (n=6) groups. Surgical and chemical RDNs were approached through bilateral retroperitoneal flank incisions in the VPC‐RDN group. Pacemakers were implanted to the left ventricular apex to produce 50% VPC burden for 5 weeks in the VPC and VPC‐RDN groups. In addition, ventricular myocardium was harvested for western blot and trichrome stain. Echocardiographic results showed left ventricular enlargement after 5‐week pacing in the VPC group, but not in the VPC‐RDN group, when compared to baseline. In biventricles, ion channel protein expressions of Nav1.5, Cav1.2, Kir2.1, and SERCA2 were similar among 3 groups. However, the degree of biventricular fibrosis was extensive in the VPC group, compared to the control and VPC‐RDN groups. Importantly, ventricular fibrillation inducibility was higher in the VPC group (41%) when comparing to the control (13%; P

BackgroundBotulinum toxin (BTX), temporarily suppressing cholinergic transmission (

The quality of brewed coffee is characterized by its multisensory attributes such as smell, taste, and flavor, which are affected by water quality and brewing temperature. Thus, maintaining the quality of brewed coffee is important. In this study, a control system that incorporates long-range radio (LoRa) technology for monitoring total dissolved solids (TDS) and temperature, and for controlling water levels in the coffee pot is developed. The system includes a LoRa module for data transmission without the Internet and sensors for monitoring the parameters and sending out warnings with indicators. Data on the parameters are transmitted to a remote server (a PC) and stored on the server as an Excel file. The information on the remote server can be shared with users and administrators through the Internet. The coffee pot is controlled remotely using the server's user interface. The developed coffee pot can maintain the quality of brewed coffee, and thus will be helpful to improve the service quality of hotels and restaurants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rumination is a maladaptive emotional-regulation strategy that is strongly associated with depression. Impaired executive function can lead to difficulties in disengaging from rumination, thus exacerbating depression. In this study, we inspect an electroencephalograph neurofeedback protocol that enhance the target peak alpha frequency (PAF) activation in the prefrontal region. We examine the protocol’s effects on depression and rumination. Methods: We randomly assigned 30 dysphoric participants into either the neurofeedback training group or the control group. We then evaluated their depression, rumination, and executive function at pre- and posttraining so as to examine the effects of the neurofeedback. Results: The results show that this neurofeedback protocol can specifically enhance participants’ target PAF. The participants’ executive function performances significantly improved after undergoing 20 neurofeedback sessions. Compared with those in the control group, those in the neurofeedback group had significantly fewer depressive symptoms and significantly reduced rumination. Moreover, as target PAF and executive function improved, depression and rumination both declined. Conclusion: Our data are in line with those of previous studies that indicated a relationship between upper-band alpha activity and executive function. This PAF neurofeedback can effectively enhance participants’ executive function, which can reduce rumination and ameliorate depression. This neurofeedback training is based on basic cognitive neuroscience, so it sheds light on depression’s pathological factors and etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

近年來，國內教育政策著重於英語教育之推展，以因應國際化之局勢。研究顯示，雙語除了語言應用的益處外，亦具提升認知表現之優勢，包括提升執行功能、創造力等人類基礎的認知能力與最高的心智表現。然而，過去研究對雙語內涵的界定不一，創造力表現僅採用單一面向的評量，且國內雙語研究多集中於英語學習態度、興趣與成效方面，較少探討雙語的認知優勢。本研究即探討國內大學生國英雙語平衡程度對執行功能以及兩類創造力的影響。本研究招募109位來自15所大學的參與者，進行語言使用經驗、數字判斷作業（執行功能中的轉換能力）、報紙的不尋常用途（開放式創造力）、中文詞彙遠距聯想測驗（封閉式創造力）的評量，另測量或蒐集其智力、開放性人格特質以及社經地位作為控制變項。相關分析結果顯示，雙語平衡程度與轉換能力、開放式創造力指標呈顯著相關，雙語使用愈平衡，轉換能力與開放式創造力愈佳；區分高、中、低雙語組進行共變數分析顯示，高、低雙語組的封閉式創造力表現高於中雙語組，呈「U」型趨勢；分析亦發現，開放性人格特質可調節雙語與開放式創造力之關係。本研究結果呼應了國內英語教育政策的可能認知獲益，引發未來許 多議題深入探討的方向，具理論上與應用上的意義。 Background In response to internationalization, recent domestic education policies in Taiwan have begun to focus on promoting English education. According to research, bilingualism not only improves language proficiency but also cognitive performance. For example, it enhances executive function and creativity, which are fundamental cognitive capabilities and the highest mental performance. Nevertheless, several problems in the area of bilingualism and creativity remain to be addressed. First, research has provided inconsistent definitions of what bilingualism entails. According to the proposed concept that bilingualism improves cognitive abilities through enhancement of executive function, which occurs when an individual regularly practices and switches between two languages, balanced bilingualism can be considered an appropriate measure of bilingualism. Second, creativity has predominantly been evaluated unilaterally in previous studies, typically by using open-ended creativity measures. However, open-ended (involving the amount of creativity and without a single, correct answer) and closed-ended (involving creative and correct answers) creativity involve distinct processes, exhibit different associations with various psychological factors, and have unique physiological bases. Therefore, these two types of creativity must be distinguished. Third, although previous bilingual studies in Taiwan have predominantly focused on attitudes toward, interest in, and the effectiveness of English language learning, they have rarely explored the cognitive benefits of bilingualism. In this study, we investigated the effect of balanced bilingualism on executive function and two types of creativity among university students in Taiwan. Method A total of 109 students from 15 universities in northern Taiwan were included in the study. Students were recruited to measure their language usage experience and executive function shifting (switching) ability. Both the Unusual Uses of Newspapers Test (open-ended creativity) and Chinese Word Remote Associates Test (closed-ended creativity) were used to evaluate the creativity. Data were also collected on the students’ intelligence, openness personality traits, and socioeconomic status, which were included as control variables. The students were asked to report the total amount of time that they spent using Mandarin and English on a daily basis. Subsequently, the balanced bilingual index was calculated by the absolute value of the difference between the student’s time using the two languages divided by the sum of the language usage time. A smaller index indicated a higher degree of balanced bilingualism. As a next step, a number identification task was employed to evaluate each student’s shifting ability. In each trial, two colored numbers (green and purple) were presented, and the students were asked to identify whether the green number was even or odd. After 40 trials, the identification rule was changed, and the students were presented with a different set of colored numbers (green and gray). They were asked again to identify whether the gray number was even or odd. This new identification rule was implemented for 20 trials. The difference in the average reaction times between the 10 trials before and after the identification rule was changed was used to index each student’s shifting ability (switching cost), with a smaller cost indicating higher performance. The Unusual Uses of Newspapers Test was used to measure open-ended creativity. In this test, the students were asked to think of as many unusual uses for newspapers as possible. Their responses were coded following a standard instruction manual. The fluency index indicated the total number of ideas generated, the flexibility index indicated the number of ideas spanning different use categories, and the originality index indicated the uniqueness of each idea. Three scores were standardized for each student and summed to obtain a total score. The Chinese Word Remote Associates Test was used to measure closed-ended creativity. In this test, the students were presented with three words and were asked to think of one correct word that separately related to each of the three words. The total number of correct responses for 30 sets of words was used as the closed-ended creativity index. Intelligence was measured using Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices, and openness personality and socioeconomic status were evaluated using self-report measures. The total experiment time was approximately 1 hour for each student. Results According to our correlational analysis results, the degree of balanced bilingualism significantly correlated with shifting ability, indicating that a higher degree of balanced bilingual usage was associated with a stronger shifting ability and higher executive function. In addition, the degree of balanced bilingualism significantly correlated with various indices of open-ended creativity, including fluency, flexibility, originality, and total scores. By contrast, the degree of balanced bilingualism did not correlate with closed-ended creativity performance. Furthermore, because the confounding variables (intelligence, openness personality, and socioeconomic status) correlated with balanced bilingualism and, to some extent, with open- and closed-ended creativity, we conducted analyses of covariates among the high (n = 38), intermediate (n = 34), and low (n = 37) bilingual groups, with balanced bilingualism included as the independent variable; shifting ability and openand closed-ended creativity included as the dependent variables; and intelligence, openness personality, and socioeconomic status included as the control variables. The results indicated that the high bilingual group outperformed the low bilingual group in terms of shifting ability, indicating a significant increasing trend. After the covariates were controlled for, the differences between the three groups in terms of open-ended creativity indices became less significant. Only the indices of flexibility and total scores exhibited marginally significant increasing trends. Group comparison revealed that both the high and low bilingual groups exhibited higher performance in terms of closed-ended creativity compared with the intermediate bilingual group, exhibiting a significant U-shaped trend. When we conducted hierarchical regression analyses with open-ended creativity included as the dependent variable, we discovered a significant interaction effect between balanced bilingualism and openness personality. Openness personality moderated the association between bilingualism and open-ended creativity. That is, individuals with stronger openness attitudes toward new experiences benefited more from bilingualism and exhibited higher open-ended creativity performance. Conclusions This study revealed several key findings, and its results have several implications. First, with balanced bilingualism serving as the bilingualism index, we obtained results that supported previous findings on the association between bilingualism and executive function as well as those on the association between bilingualism and open-ended creativity. The results we obtained using the balanced bilingual index were significant, indicating this index is appropriate for measuring bilingualism. Second, open- and closed-ended creativity involve different processes, and our results revealed distinct associations between open- and closed-ended creativity and bilingualism. A U-shaped trend for the association between bilingualism and closed-ended creativity was observed between the three groups, and this trend can be explained by bilingual threshold theory, which indicates that fluency plays a role in the cognitive benefits of speaking both English and Mandarin. Further research is required to determine whether open- and closed-ended creativity are associated with different bilingualism thresholds. Third, our results indicated that openness personality played a moderating role in the association between bilingualism and open-ended creativity. Nevertheless, whether other variables interact with bilingualism and creativity, particularly closed-ended creativity, is a topic that warrants further research. On the basis of the results of this study, this finding offers suggestions for fostering bilingualism. For example, personality factors should be considered when second language education is being implemented or when interventions aimed at enhancing different forms of creativity through tailored training protocols related to bilingualism are developed. In conclusion, our findings support the potential cognitive advantages of English language education policies in Taiwan. They also reveal new avenues for research and have both theoretical and practical implications that can inform the development of educational strategies and policies.