bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the pharmacological action and mechanism of natural plant polysaccharides in depression
Authors: Yang Yu-He , Li Chen-Xue , Zhang Ruo-Bing , Shen Ying , Xu Xue-Jiao , Yu Qin-Ming
Published: February 2024

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder. However, clinical treatment options primarily based on chemical drugs have demonstrated varying degrees of adverse reactions and drug resistance, including somnolence, nausea, and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the development of novel antidepressant medications that effectively reduce suffering and side effects has become a prominent area of research. Polysaccharides are bioactive compounds extracted from natural plants that possess diverse pharmacological activities and medicinal values. It has been discovered that polysaccharides can effectively mitigate depression symptoms. This paper provides an overview of the pharmacological action and mechanisms, intervention approaches, and experimental models regarding the antidepressant effects of polysaccharides derived from various natural sources. Additionally, we summarize the roles and potential mechanisms through which these polysaccharides prevent depression by regulating neurotransmitters, HPA axis, neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, tryptophan metabolism, and gut microbiota. Natural plant polysaccharides hold promise as adjunctive antidepressants for prevention, reduction, and treatment of depression by exerting their therapeutic effects through multiple pathways and targets. Therefore, this review aims to provide scientific evidence for developing polysaccharide resources as effective antidepressant drugs.
Hyperspectral low altitude UAV target tracking algorithm based on deep learning and improved KCF
Authors: Sun Haodong , Ma Pengge , Li Zhenghao , Ye Zhaoyi , Ma Yueran
Published: February 2024

This article presents a novel target tracking algorithm for hyperspectral low altitude UAV, combining deep learning with an improved Kernelized Correlation Filter (KCF). Initially, an image noise reduction method based on principal component analysis with Block-Matching 3D (BM3D), is employed to process redundant information. Subsequently, an image fusion method is utilized to merge the processed hyperspectral image and the high-resolution panchromatic band image to obtain a high spatial resolution image for target enhancement. Following this, YOLOv5 is used to detect the coordinate information of the UAV target in the current frame. Then, The KCF algorithm is used for target tracking in the current frame using kernel correlation filtering. Finally, the Discriminative Scale Spatial Tracker (DSST) is employed to determine the scale information to achieve a multi-scale tracking effect. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm presented in this paper surpasses CSK, HLT, and the conventional KCF algorithm in hyperspectral UAV datasets. On average, there is a significant increase in accuracy which is over 17% when using our algorithm.
Tripartite Svetlichny test with measurement dependence
Authors: Li Run-Ze , Li Dan-Dan , Wu Sheng-Yao , Qin Su-Juan , Gao Fei , Wen Qiao-Yan
Published: February 2024

The Bell test, as an important method for detecting nonlocality, is widely used in device-independent quantum information processing tasks. The security of these tasks is based on an assumption called measurement independence. Since this assumption is difficult to be guaranteed in practical Bell tests, it is meaningful to consider the effect of reduced measurement independence (i.e., measurement dependence) on Bell tests. Some research studies have shown that nonlocality can be detected even if measurement dependence exists. However, the relevant results are all based on bipartite Bell tests, and the results for multipartite Bell tests are still missing. In this paper, we explore this problem in the tripartite Svetlichny test. By considering flexible lower and upper bounds on the degree of measurement dependence, we obtain the relation among measurement dependence, guessing probability, and the maximal value of Svetlichny inequality. Our results reveal the case in which genuine nonlocality is nonexistent; at this point, the outcomes of the Bell test cannot be applied in device-independent quantum information processing tasks.
Genotype-specific germination behavior induced by sustainable priming techniques in response to water deprivation stress in rice
Authors: Dueñas Conrado , Pagano Andrea , Calvio Cinzia , Srikanthan Dhanush Srikanth , Slamet-Loedin Inez , Balestrazzi Alma , Macovei Anca
Published: February 2024

Water stress brought about by climate change is among the major global concerns threatening food security. Rice is an important staple food which requires high water resources. Being a semi-aquatic plant, rice is particularly susceptible to drought. The aim of this work was to develop techniques directed to promote rice resilience to water deprivation stress during germination by implementing specific seed priming treatments. Five popular Italian rice varieties were subjected to priming treatments using novel, sustainable solutions, like poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), denatured γ-PGA (dPGA), and iron (Fe) pulsing, alone or in combination. The effect of the developed priming methods was tested under optimal conditions as well as under water deprivation stress imposed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatments. The priming efficacy was phenotypically determined in terms of germination behavior by measuring a series of parameters (germinability, germination index, mean germination time, seed vigor index, root and shoot length, germination stress tolerance index). Biochemical analyses were carried out to measure the levels of iron uptake and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Integrative data analyses revealed that the rice varieties exhibited a strong genotype- and treatment-specific germination behavior. PEG strongly inhibited germination while most of the priming treatments were able to rescue it in all varieties tested except for Unico, which can be defined as highly stress sensitive. Molecular events (DNA repair, antioxidant response, iron homeostasis) associated with the transition from seed to seedling were monitored in terms of changes in gene expression profiles in two varieties sensitive to water deprivation stress with different responses to priming. The investigated genes appeared to be differentially expressed in a genotype-, priming treatment-, stress- and stage-dependent manner. The proposed seed priming treatments can be envisioned as sustainable and versatile agricultural practices that could help in addressing the impact of climate challenges on the agri-food system.
The transcription factors and pathways underpinning male reproductive development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wiese Anna Johanna , Torutaeva Elnura , Honys David
Published: February 2024

As Arabidopsis flowers mature, specialized cells within the anthers undergo meiosis, leading to the production of haploid microspores that differentiate into mature pollen grains, each containing two sperm cells for double fertilization. During pollination, the pollen grains are dispersed from the anthers to the stigma for subsequent fertilization. Transcriptomic studies have identified a large number of genes expressed over the course of male reproductive development and subsequent functional characterization of some have revealed their involvement in floral meristem establishment, floral organ growth, sporogenesis, meiosis, microsporogenesis, and pollen maturation. These genes encode a plethora of proteins, ranging from transcriptional regulators to enzymes. This review will focus on the regulatory networks that control male reproductive development, starting from flower development and ending with anther dehiscence, with a focus on transcription factors and some of their notable target genes.
The association between the deviation from balanced time perspective on adolescent pandemic mobile phone addiction: the moderating role of self-control and the mediating role of psychological distress
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chen Canjie , Zhang Luoyi , Xue Shuang , Tang Wanjie
Published: February 2024

Background

Few studies have examined the impact that the deviation from balanced time perspective (DBTP) had on mobile phone addiction during the COVID-19 normalization prevention and control phase. Therefore, this study sought to determine the associations between DBTP, depression and anxiety, self-control, and adolescent mobile phone addiction.

Methods

The moderated mediating model was tested using the SPSS PROCESS model. The sample was 1,164 adolescents from different regional areas of Sichuan, China. From February to March 2020, participants completed the Zimbardo time perspective inventory (ZTPI), the brief symptom inventory for physical and mental health (BSI-18), the self-control scale (SCS), and the Chinese version of the mobile phone addiction index (MPAI).

Results

The DBTP was significantly and positively correlated with mobile phone addiction, depressive and anxiety symptoms mediated the relationship between DBTP and mobile phone addiction, self-control moderated the indirect effect of DBTP on mobile phone addiction, and as the level of self-control increased, the effect of DBTP on anxiety and depression and the effect of depression and anxiety on mobile phone addiction weakened.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DBTP and lower self-control were risk factors for higher mobile phone addiction in adolescents. Therefore, guiding adolescents to balance their time perspective and enhance their self-control could strengthen their psychological well-being and reduce addictive mobile phone behaviors. This research was supported by “Youth Fund of the Ministry of Education” (18YJCZH233): “Research on the plastic mechanism of decision-making impulsiveness of anxious groups in the context of risk society.”
Preschoolers’ cognitive flexibility and emotion understanding: a developmental perspective
Authors: Mengxia Li
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing tasks or problems, while emotion understanding is the ability to interpret emotional cues and information in different contexts. Both abilities are crucial for preschoolers’ socialization.

Methods

This study selected 532 preschool children aged 3–6 years from two kindergartens in a central province of China. The Dimensional Change Card Sorting (DCCS) task and emotion understanding tasks were used to investigate the developmental characteristics of cognitive flexibility, emotion understanding abilities, and their relationship.

Results

The results showed: (1) For cognitive flexibility, children older than 5 years scored significantly higher than younger children, and girls scored higher than boys. (2) For facial emotion recognition: (i) Children’s recognition scores for happy, sad, and angry expressions were significantly higher than fear; children could accurately recognize happy, sad, and angry emotions by age 3, while fear recognition developed rapidly after age 5; (ii) Girls scored higher in recognizing fearful faces than boys. (3) For situational emotion understanding: (i) Children’s development followed the hierarchical order of external, desire, clue, and belief-based understanding. Situational and desire-based understanding already reached high levels by age 3, while clue and belief-based understanding developed quickly after age 5; (ii) Girls scored higher than boys in belief-based emotion understanding. (4) Cognitive flexibility significantly predicted children’s facial emotion recognition, external and desire-based emotion understanding.

Discussion

Parents and teachers should cultivate children’s cognitive flexibility and provide personalized support. They should also fully grasp the characteristics of children’s emotion understanding development, systematically nurture their emotion understanding abilities, and leverage cognitive flexibility training to improve their emotion understanding.
Teaching happiness to students – implementation and evaluation of a program aiming at promoting wellbeing in elementary schools
Authors: Rahm Tobias , Oberlehberg Nicole , Mayer Axel
Published: February 2024

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents has increased significantly. Evidence shows that childhood mental disorders can have serious consequences on psychosocial, cognitive, and physical development. Approaches from Positive Education go further than the urgently needed prevention of mental disorders by aiming directly at promoting subjective, psychological, and social wellbeing. The present study describes the implementation of a brief program to promote wellbeing in 15 elementary schools. For this purpose, in a regular university seminar, students of teaching and educational science were instructed to give 11 “happiness lessons” for fourth graders in a team of two and in the presence of the class teacher over the course of 3 months. Quantitative data were collected from children and parents in the treatment group classes and in the parallel classes serving as the waiting control group at four measurement points (pre, post, 1- and 2-month follow-up). We assessed psychological wellbeing, negative emotions and moods, parent support and home life, perception of the school environment, and self-esteem of the children with established instruments with versions for children and their parents and the frequency of positive and negative emotions of the children in self-report only. Additionally, we applied ad hoc items on subjective perception of the project and open questions in the treatment group. Data were analyzed with EffectLiteR using multigroup structural equation models. Results showed a small significant effect for negative emotions with the children's data and a medium effect for psychological wellbeing in the perception of the parents at the 1-month follow-up. Interaction effects suggest that lower baseline levels in parent support and home life and self-esteem would increase the treatment effect for these constructs. The need for more grounded framework in positive education and the inclusion of more qualitative methods as well as suggestions to improve the program in the sense of a whole school approach are discussed.
Why do startups fail? A core competency deficit model
Authors: Szathmári Edit , Varga Zoltán , Molnár Attila , Németh Gergely , Szabó Zsolt Péter , Kiss Orhidea Edith
Published: February 2024

A growing body of work aims to explore the reasons behind startup failures. However, there is a need for integrative approaches organized around conceptual frameworks to avoid fragmented and perplexing knowledge about these reasons. To our knowledge, no previous research has systematically investigated the role of competency deficits in startup failures, a crucial element of these failures. In our study, we adapted Spencer’s behavioral competence model specifically for startups to identify the competencies within startup teams that, according to their Chief Executive Officers, contributed to their downfall. Three coders meticulously analyzed 50 online accounts of startup failures using a modified Critical Incident Technique. This analysis revealed two prominent competency deficits as pivotal determinants of these startups’ outcomes: information-seeking and customer service orientation. Additionally, deficits in technical expertise, analytical thinking, and flexibility emerged as significant factors contributing to these failures. The competency deficits identified in this study offer focal points for evaluating and enhancing startup teams, thereby helping to prevent failure.
Poorer self-reported mental health and general health among first year upper secondary school students do not predict school dropout: a five-year prospective study
Authors: Goll Charlotte Bjørnskov , Sørlie Tore , Friborg Oddgeir , Ottosen Karl Ottar , Sæle Rannveig Grøm
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Education is important for socioeconomic, work and health status; thus, dropping out of secondary school is of major concern. In Norway, 1 out of 5 is dropping out from upper secondary education. Academic performance is a known predictor for dropout, but the role of mental and general health status is studied less.

Methods

By use of student data collected during the first school year we examined the accumulated risk of school dropout over 5 years. Students entering upper secondary school in a North-Norwegian region (Troms County) completed a comprehensive questionnaire during August 2010 (N = 1,676, 69% response rate). The contribution of mental and general health problems in predicting five-year dropout was of primary interest, adjusted for demographics and academic performance.

Results

One-third of the students had dropped out after 5 years. A logistic regression analysis showed no significant effect of mental and general health problems on dropout. Among the covariates, higher grades from lower secondary education reduced the chance of dropping out (OR = 0.31; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that students in the vocational track reported poorer mental and general health, compared to students in the general track, but this difference was not related to dropout. General track students were also less likely to drop out than vocational track students (OR for dropout 0.66; p < 0.05).

Discussion

In conclusion, lower grades from lower secondary education represented a warning flag for school dropout during upper secondary education whereas mental health issues were not.
Social media addiction, escapism and coping strategies are associated with the problematic internet use of adolescents in Türkiye: a multi-center study
Authors: Yildirim Demirdöğen Esen , Akinci Mehmet Akif , Bozkurt Abdullah , Bayraktutan Büşranur , Turan Bahadır , Aydoğdu Sevil , Ucuz İlknur , Abanoz Elif , Yitik Tonkaz Gülsüm , Çakir Ali , Ferahkaya Hurşit
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The literature highlighted that problematic internet use can have detrimental consequences on individuals’ well-being. Social media addiction, escapism and coping skills are closely related to problematic internet use. However, no study has currently examined the relationship between problematic internet use and social media use, escapism and coping skills.

Method

This multicenter cross-sectional designed study evaluated the relationships between problematic internet use and social media addiction, escapism, and coping skills in 508 adolescents (319 female) aged 14-18 years. In order to collect data, sociodemographic data form, Internet Addiction Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale, Escapism Scale and Kidcope Adolescent Version have been used. First, adolescents who scored ≥50 on the Internet Addiction Test were classified as the problematic internet use group; adolescents who scored <50 were classified as the control group. Then, the relationships between problematic internet use and social media addiction, escapism and coping skills were evaluated.

Results

The results showed that problematic internet use was associated with duration of social media use, impairment in social media-related functionality, preferring virtual life, and virtual pleasure, escapism, avoidant and negative coping strategies.

Conclusion

These findings may provide an empirical basis for problematic internet use prevention and intervention in adolescence.
Hemoptysis caused by Parvimonas micra: case report and literature review
Authors: Shao Axue , He Qingqing , Jiao Xin , Liu Jianbo
Published: February 2024

Background

Parvimonas micra (P. micra), a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, exhibits colonization tendencies on oral mucosal and skin surfaces, potentially evolving into a pathogenic entity associated with diverse diseases. The diagnostic trajectory for P. micra-related diseases encounters delays, often with severe consequences, including fatality, attributed to the absence of symptom specificity and challenges in culture. The absence of a consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to P. micra exacerbates the complexity of addressing associated conditions. This study aims to elucidate and scrutinize the clinical manifestations linked to P. micra, drawing insights from an extensive literature review of pertinent case reports.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old male sought medical attention at our institution presenting with recurrent hemoptysis. Empirical treatment was initiated while awaiting pathogen culture results; however, the patient’s symptoms persisted. Subsequent metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) analysis revealed a pulmonary infection attributable to P. micra. Resolution of symptoms occurred following treatment with piperacillin sulbactam sodium and moxifloxacin hydrochloride. A comprehensive literature review, utilizing the PubMed database, was conducted to assess case reports over the last decade where P. micra was identified as the causative agent.

Conclusion

The literature analysis underscores the predilection of P. micra for immunocompromised populations afflicted by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, orthopedic conditions, and tumors. Risk factors, including oral and periodontal hygiene, smoking, and alcohol consumption, were found to be associated with P. micra infections. Clinical manifestations encompassed fever, cough, sputum production, and back pain, potentially leading to severe outcomes such as Spondylodiscitis, septic arthritis, lung abscess, bacteremia, sepsis, and mortality. While conventional bacterial culture remains the primary diagnostic tool, emerging technologies like mNGS offer alternative considerations. In terms of treatment modalities, β-lactam antibiotics and nitroimidazoles predominated, exhibiting recovery rates of 56.10% (46/82) and 23.17% (19/82), respectively. This case report and literature review collectively aim to enhance awareness among clinicians and laboratory medicine professionals regarding the intricacies of P. micra-associated infections.
Prospective association of eHealth literacy and health literacy with physical activity among Chinese college students: a multiple mediation analysis
Authors: Liu Hua Xuan , Chow Bik Chu , Hassel Holger , Huang YaJun Wendy , Liang Wei , Wang Run Bin
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased physical activity (PA) while increasing demand for electronic health resources. eHealth literacy (EHL) is expected to aid eHealth use and health promotion. EHL was raised on the grounds of health literacy (HL). This study explored the associations among EHL, HL, and PA in Chinese college students and identified mediating mechanisms in the EHL/HL-PA relationship.

Methods

An integrated social-cognitive model was proposed. A total of 947 Chinese college students (52.8% women, age = 19.87 ± 1.68 years) completed the three-wave data collection. Path analysis was performed.

Results

An adequate good-to-fit model was indicated. Perceived EHL (PEHL) was significantly associated with perceived HL (PHL) and HL performance (HLP); PHL was negatively related to HLP; PEHL was significantly associated with self-efficacy (SE) and social support (SS); PHL had a significant effect on SS but not SE; HLP significantly affected SS but not SE; SS and SE positively predicted intention (INT), which then predicted PA. SS mediated PEHL/PHL-INT links; SE mediated the PEHL-INT link; SS and INT jointly mediated PEHL/PHL/HLP-PA; SE and INT jointly mediated PEHL-PA.

Conclusion

Relationships among EHL, HL, and PA were explored with multiple mediating mechanisms identified. Differential SE and SS roles in EHL/HL-PA links suggest new mechanisms to inform EHL/HL intervention development.
Cercozoan diversity of spring barley grown in the field is strongly plant compartment specific
Authors: Sacharow Julia , Ratering Stefan , Quiroga Santiago , Geißler-Plaum Rita , Schneider Bellinda , Österreicher Cunha-Dupont Alessandra , Schnell Sylvia
Published: February 2024

Protists are an important part of the plant holobiome and influence plant growth and pathogenic pressure as consumers.Hordeum vulgareis one of the most economically important crops worldwide, and its yield depends on optimal environmental plant-growth conditions and pathogen defense. This study aimed to analyse the natural compositions of the cercozoan diversity, one of the most important and dominant protist phyla, of spring barley at different developmental stages, from different plant compartments over two years.Hordeum vulgarebulk soil samples were taken before seeding and after harvest on an organic farming field. Bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, roots and leaves were sampled at the flowering and ripening stages, and analysed with cercozoan-specific primers. Results showed a clear dominance of the families Sandonidae, Allapsidae, Cercomonadidae, Rhogostomidae and the order Glissomonadida in all sample types. Separated analyses of root, leaf and soil samples showed that members of the family Sandonidae were strongly enriched in leaf samples, while members of the Allapsidae family were enriched in the roots. No compositional differences were detected between the different plant developmental stages, except for the beta diversity of the leaf samples at the flowering and ripening stages. It can be concluded that the cercozoan diversity of spring barley is primarily affected by the plant compartment and not by the plant developmental stage. Further studies are needed to analyze the cercozoan community in greater taxonomic depth and to target their ecological function.
Energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and heart rate while exercising on seven different indoor cardio machines at maximum and self-selected submaximal intensity
Authors: Prieto-González Pablo , Yagin Fatma Hilal
Published: February 2024

Objective

One of the main objectives of practicing indoor cardiovascular exercise is to maximize caloric expenditure. This study aimed to compare energy expenditure (EE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and heart rate (HR) recorded in middle-aged adults while exercising on seven different indoor cardiovascular machines at self-selected maximal and submaximal intensity.

Method

Thirty recreational-active adult males (Age: 41.69 ± 4.64) performed 12-min bouts at RPE (Rate of perceived exertion) 17 and maximum intensity (MAX INT) on the following indoor cardio machines: Recumbent bike (r_BIKE), upright bike (u-BIKE), spin bike (s-BIKE), rowing machine (ROW), elliptical trainer (ELLIP), stair climber (STAIR), and treadmill (TMILL). Heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) were measured during exercise, whereas EE (energy expenditure) was calculated indirectly.

Results

Overall, TMILL induced the highest levels of EE, VO2, and HR, followed by STAIR, ELLIP, s_BIKE, u_BIKE, ROW, and r_BIKE. RPE was reliable across exercise modalities (r_BIKE, u-BIKE, s-BIKE, ROW, ELLIP, STAIR, and TMILL) and intensities (RPE 17 and MAX INT) for EE, HR, and VO2 measurements.

Conclusion

To maximize EE while performing indoor cardiovascular exercise for recreational active middle-aged male participants, the TMILL is the best option, followed by the STAIR and the ELLIP. The least recommended options are, respectively, s_BIKE, u_BIKE, ROW, and r_BIKE. Beyond caloric expenditure considerations, promoting exercises that participants genuinely enjoy can enhance adherence, fostering sustained health benefits. Furthermore, RPE is a reliable tool for assessing EE, VO2, and HR across different exercise modalities and intensities.
Effects of Different Tillage Depths on Soil Physical Properties and the Growth and Yield of Tobacco in the Mountainous Chongqing Region of China
Authors: Xiao Qingli , Zhao Weihao , Ju Chenyi , Peng Kui , Yuan Ming , Tan Qizhong , He Rong , Huang Mingbin
Published: February 2024

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is the most important cash crop in the mountainous Chongqing region, where mini rotary tillers are widely used for land preparation. The decline in tobacco yields has been partially attributed to deteriorating soil physical properties and the formation of plough pans as a result of the repeated use of the mini rotary tiller. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different tillage depths on soil physical properties and the growth and yield of tobacco. Three tillage depths were evaluated: mini rotary tillage to 15 cm (T15) as a control, medium-deep tillage to 25 cm (T25), and deep tillage to 35 cm (T35). Total porosity, capillary porosity, and soil water content were measured for each treatment, and the root distribution, agronomical traits, and dry matter accumulation were monitored at different growing stages. Tobacco yield and output value were determined following the harvest. Compared to T15, T35 significantly increased total porosity and capillary porosity in the 10–40 cm soil layer and soil water content in the 0–40 cm soil layer, while T25 improved soil physical properties but not significantly. T35 significantly promoted dry matter accumulation and root, stem, and leaf growth compared to T15, while differences in some agronomic traits between T25 and T15 were not significant. Compared to T15, T35 and T25 increased the tobacco yield by 17.2–18.9% and 8.0–10.1%, respectively, and increased the output value by 44.4–46.4% and 29.2–32.6%, respectively. The results indicate that deep tillage improves soil physical properties, breaks plough pans, stimulates root growth, and increases tobacco yield and output value.
AntiBP3: A Method for Predicting Antibacterial Peptides against Gram-Positive/Negative/Variable Bacteria
Authors: Bajiya Nisha , Choudhury Shubham , Dhall Anjali , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: February 2024

Most of the existing methods developed for predicting antibacterial peptides (ABPs) are mostly designed to target either gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we describe a method that allows us to predict ABPs against gram-positive, gram-negative, and gram-variable bacteria. Firstly, we developed an alignment-based approach using BLAST to identify ABPs and achieved poor sensitivity. Secondly, we employed a motif-based approach to predict ABPs and obtained high precision with low sensitivity. To address the issue of poor sensitivity, we developed alignment-free methods for predicting ABPs using machine/deep learning techniques. In the case of alignment-free methods, we utilized a wide range of peptide features that include different types of composition, binary profiles of terminal residues, and fastText word embedding. In this study, a five-fold cross-validation technique has been used to build machine/deep learning models on training datasets. These models were evaluated on an independent dataset with no common peptide between training and independent datasets. Our machine learning-based model developed using the amino acid binary profile of terminal residues achieved maximum AUC 0.93, 0.98, and 0.94 for gram-positive, gram-negative, and gram-variable bacteria, respectively, on an independent dataset. Our method performs better than existing methods when compared with existing approaches on an independent dataset. A user-friendly web server, standalone package and pip package have been developed to facilitate peptide-based therapeutics.
Integrative Multiomics Profiling Unveils the Protective Function of Ulinastatin against Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis
Authors: Yu Tianyu , Yan Jun , Wang Ruochen , Zhang Lei , Hu Xiake , Xu Jiaxi , Li Fanni , Sun Qi
Published: February 2024

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with multiple pathogeneses. Here, we aimed to study the therapeutic role of ulinastatin (UTI), an anti-inflammatory bioagent, and its associated mechanisms in treating colitis. Dextran sulfate sodium was administrated to induce colitis in mice, and a subgroup of colitis mice was treated with UTI. The gut barrier defect and inflammatory manifestations of colitis were determined via histological and molecular experiments. In addition, transcriptomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics were employed to explore the possible mechanisms underlying the effects of UTI. We found that UTI significantly alleviated the inflammatory manifestations and intestinal barrier damage in the mice with colitis. Transcriptome sequencing revealed a correlation between the UTI treatment and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. UTI up-regulated the expression of SOCS1, which subsequently inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3, thus limiting the action of inflammatory mediators. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing illustrated that UTI maintained a more stable intestinal flora, protecting the gut from dysbiosis in colitis. Moreover, metabolomics analysis demonstrated that UTI indeed facilitated the production of some bile acids and short-chain fatty acids, which supported intestinal homeostasis. Our data provide evidence that UTI is effective in treating colitis and support the potential use of UTI treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis.
Analysis of Coil Systems with Non-Symmetrical Fe Backings for Electrical Vehicle Wireless Charging Applications
Authors: Lukočius Robertas , Nakutis Žilvinas , Vilkauskas Andrius , Deltuva Ramūnas , Romikaitis Lukas
Published: February 2024

Wireless power transfer is a widely applied technology whose market and application areas are growing rapidly. It is considered to be a promising supplement to the conductive charging of electrical vehicles (EVs). Wireless charging provides safety, convenience, and reliability in terms of mitigating issues related to wiring, risk of tearing, trip hazards, and contact wear inherent to the conductive charging. A variety of coil structures have been researched for EV charging applications; however, most of them were of the symmetrical type. This work analyzes systems of coils possessing ferromagnetic backing with non-symmetrical geometries and compares them with the conventional symmetrical ones. Numerical FEM simulation was applied in the research. The numerical models were verified analytically and experimentally. The impact of air-gap length, longitudinal displacement, number of turns, and width of the ferrite bars on coupling factor was investigated. The results suggest that coil systems with non-symmetrical structures of ferromagnetic backings are a good alternative to the conventional symmetrical structures for wireless electrical vehicle charging applications.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics under Unfavorable Conditions during Flight Phase in Ski Jumping
Authors: Hu Qi , Tang Weidi , Liu Yu
Published: February 2024

Objective: The stability of the flight phase in ski jumping is crucial for athletes’ performance and safety. This study aims to investigate the influence of unfavorable conditions on aerodynamic characteristics and flight stability through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations. Methods: The ski jumper and the skis are considered a multi-body system. A detailed three-dimensional (3D) model of this multi-body system under a commonly observed posture during flight is established. The Partially Averaged Navier–Stokes (PANS) turbulence model is employed, and CFD simulations are conducted to predict the aerodynamic characteristics of the multi-body system under lateral environmental wind and asymmetric postures during the flight phase. The conditions of asymmetric postures include yaw rotation and roll rotation. Results: (1) Lateral environmental wind generated a yaw force, yaw moment, and roll moment, which influenced the lift, drag, and pitch moment of the athlete. These forces and moments were relatively small at lower wind speeds (less than 3 m/s) and became more significant at higher wind speeds (greater than 4.5 m/s). (2) Under the influence of yaw rotation or roll rotation, the multi-body system exhibited a noticeable yaw force, yaw moment, and roll moment, all showing a monotonic increasing trend. Moreover, they had a significant impact on the lift, drag, and pitch moment of the multi-body system. Conclusion: (1) The influence of unfavorable conditions was complex, resulting in a significant yaw force, yaw moment, and roll moment on the multi-body system. The adverse effects of roll rotation were generally greater than those of yaw rotation. (2) The multi-body system exhibited self-stabilizing tendencies in yaw and roll. This phenomenon can provide a solution to maintain flight stability by employing appropriate yaw or (and) roll rotation angles, effectively compensating for or even eliminating the adverse effects of lateral environmental wind. (3) Understanding the mechanisms of how unfavorable conditions affect aerodynamic characteristics and stability during flight in ski jumping can provide valuable assistance for real-time prediction and decision making during competitions, as well as scientific guidance for training athletes’ stable flight control and techniques for improving their sport performance.
Hybrid Quantum Neural Network Image Anti-Noise Classification Model Combined with Error Mitigation
Authors: Ji Naihua , Bao Rongyi , Chen Zhao , Yu Yiming , Ma Hongyang
Published: February 2024

In this study, we present an innovative approach to quantum image classification, specifically designed to mitigate the impact of noise interference. Our proposed method integrates key technologies within a hybrid variational quantum neural network architecture, aiming to enhance image classification performance and bolster robustness in noisy environments. We utilize a convolutional autoencoder (CAE) for feature extraction from classical images, capturing essential characteristics. The image information undergoes transformation into a quantum state through amplitude coding, replacing the coding layer of a traditional quantum neural network (QNN). Within the quantum circuit, a variational quantum neural network optimizes model parameters using parameterized quantum gate operations and classical–quantum hybrid training methods. To enhance the system’s resilience to noise, we introduce a quantum autoencoder for error mitigation. Experiments conducted on FashionMNIST datasets demonstrate the efficacy of our classification model, achieving an accuracy of 92%, and it performs well in noisy environments. Comparative analysis with other quantum algorithms reveals superior performance under noise interference, substantiating the effectiveness of our method in addressing noise challenges in image classification tasks. The results highlight the potential advantages of our proposed quantum image classification model over existing alternatives, particularly in noisy environments.
Automated Discovery of Successful Strategies in Association Football
Authors: Muñoz Omar , Monroy Raúl , Cañete-Sifuentes Leonardo , Ramirez-Marquez Jose E.
Published: February 2024

Using automated data analysis to understand what makes a play successful in football can enable teams to make data-driven decisions that may enhance their performance throughout the season. Analyzing different types of plays (e.g., corner, penalty, free kicks) requires different considerations. This work focuses on the analysis of corner kick plays. However, the central ideas apply to analyzing all types of plays. While prior analyses (univariate, bivariate, multivariate) have explored the link between contextual factors (e.g., match period, type of defensive marking) and the level of success of a corner kick (e.g., shot, shot on goal, goal), there has been no attempt to combine spatiotemporal event data (sequences of ball movements through the field) and contextual information to determine when and how (strategy) a particular type of corner kick play (tactic) is more likely to succeed or not. To address this gap, we propose an approach that (1) transforms spatiotemporal data into an alternative representation suitable for mining sequential patterns, (2) identifies and characterizes the sequential patterns used by offensive teams to move the ball toward the scoring zone (tactics), and (3) extracts contrast patterns to identify under what conditions different tactics result in increased chances of success or failure; we call these conditions strategies. Our results suggest that favorable and unfavorable conditions for tactic application are not the same across different tactics, supporting the argument that there is a benefit in performing an analysis that treats different tactics separately, where spatiotemporal information plays a crucial role. Unlike prior works on the corner kick, our approach can capture how the interaction between multiple contextual factors impacts the outcome of a corner kick. At the same time, the results can be explained to others in natural languages.
A New Approach for Identifying Safety Improvement Sites on Rural Highways: A Validation Study
Authors: Dhakal Bishal , Al-Kaisy Ahmed
Published: February 2024

The research presented in this paper examines a new proposed approach for identifying safety improvement sites on rural highways. Unlike conventional approaches, the proposed approach does not require crash history, but rather utilizes classified variables for traffic volume, geometric features, and roadside characteristics that do not require access to exact data or extensive technical expertise. The research validates the performance of the proposed approach using field data from a large sample of rural two-lane highway segments in the state of Oregon including traffic, roadway, and crash data. A mathematical model for the prediction of the EB expected number of crashes using multivariate regression analysis is developed and used as the network screening criterion. The model’s independent variables include roadway geometry, roadside characteristics, and traffic exposure, while the dependent variable is the EB expected number of crashes. Using observed crash history as a reference, the performance of the proposed approach was compared to two of the well-established methods in practice, namely, the Empirical Bayes (EB) and the potential for safety improvement (PSI) methods. The study results suggest that by using crash density for highway segments, the performance of the proposed method was lower than that of the EB and PSI methods. This is despite the high R-square value of the predictive model used in the proposed method. However, when using crash frequencies for highway segments, the performance of the proposed method was found comparable to the well-established EB and PSI methods.
A Qualitative Exploration of Postoperative Bariatric Patients’ Psychosocial Support for Long-Term Weight Loss and Psychological Wellbeing
Authors: Van Zyl Natascha , Lusher Joanne , Meyrick Jane
Published: February 2024

Background: There is a paucity of research exploring postoperative psychosocial interventions for bariatric surgery patients exceeding 2 years, and therefore, an interdisciplinary postoperative approach is warranted. This qualitative study explored the psychosocial support that bariatric surgery patients feel they need to sustain long-term weight loss and their psychological wellbeing. Methods: Fifteen postoperative patients participated in recorded semi-structured online interviews that were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results: Three themes and six subthemes emerged. Theme 1, Journey to surgery, has two subthemes: Deep roots and Breaking point. Theme 2, The precipice of change, has two sub-themes: Continuity of care and Can’t cut the problem out. Theme 3, Bridging the Gap, has two subthemes: Doing it together and Taking back the reigns. The inconsistencies participants experienced in their pre- and postoperative care led to dissonance, and they felt unprepared for the demands of life postoperatively. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery is a catalyst for physical change, but surgery alone is insufficient to ensure sustained change. Surgical and psychosocial interventions are interdependent rather than mutually exclusive. Patients favour an integrative, personalised, stepped-care approach pre- and postoperatively, with active participation fostering autonomy and access to ongoing support extending into the long-term.
An Innovative Approach for Evaluating the Quality of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Mixes
Authors: Dacić Amina , Fenyvesi Olivér , Abed Mohammed
Published: February 2024

The objective of this research is to develop an innovative methodology for evaluating the quality of coarse aggregate mixes that incorporate recycled concrete aggregate for use in structural concrete. The proposed approach consists of three steps: measuring the packing density, quantifying the adhered mortar, and characterizing the mechanical resistance of the aggregate mixes containing both natural and recycled concrete aggregate. Comprehensive practical recommendations for each step are discussed in detail to facilitate the broader future utilization of recycled concrete aggregate in structural concrete. The mechanical resistance of aggregate mixes is significantly influenced by both packing density and the quantity of adhered mortar. Predictive models are used to illustrate the mechanical resistance of aggregate mixes based on packing density and adhered mortar amount, recognizing the direct correlation between these properties.
Fumarate Hydratase Enhances the Therapeutic Effect of PD-1 Antibody in Colorectal Cancer by Regulating PCSK9
Authors: Qin Le , Shi Liang , Wang Yu , Yu Haixin , Du Zhouyuan , Chen Mian , Cai Yuxuan , Cao Yinghao , Deng Shenghe , Wang Jun , Cheng Denglong , Heng Yixin , Xu Jiaxin , Cai Kailin , Wu Ke
Published: February 2024

Despite the notable achievements of programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibodies in treating various cancers, the overall efficacy remains limited in the majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases. Metabolism reprogramming of tumors inhibits the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, leading to down-regulation of fumarate hydratase (FH), which is related to poor prognosis in CRC patients. By establishing a tumor-bearing mouse model of CRC with Fh1 expression deficiency, we confirmed that the therapeutic effect of PD-1 antibodies alone was suboptimal in mice with low Fh1 expression, which was improved by combination with a protein invertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor. Mechanistically, FH binds to Ras-related nucleoprotein (RAN), which inhibits the nuclear import of the PCSK9 transcription factor SREBF1/2, thus reducing the expression of PCSK9. This leads to increased clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells while the number of Tregs remains unchanged, and the expression of PD-L1 does not change significantly, thus enhancing the immunotherapy response. On the contrary, the expression of PCSK9 increased in CRC cells with low FH expression, which antagonized the effects of immunotherapy. Overall, CRC patients with low FH expression may benefit from combinatorial therapy with PD-1 antibodies and PCSK9 inhibitors to enhance the curative effect.
Improvement of NH3-SCR Performance by Exposing Different Active Components in a VCeMn/Ti Catalytic System
Authors: Gu Shifei , Huang Chengheng , Han Xiaorong , Qin Qiuju , Mo Donghai , Li Chen , You Yuhua , Dong Lihui , Li Bin
Published: February 2024

The physicochemical properties of active components play a key role in enhancing catalytic performance. In multi-component catalysts, different components offer a wide range of structural possibilities and catalytic potential. However, determining the role of specific components in enhancing efficiency may be blurry. This study synthetized a range of catalysts with various metal compositions on their external surfaces to investigate their catalytic activity on NH3-SCR. The V/CeMn/Ti catalysts exhibited exceptional catalytic efficiency and strong tolerance to SO2 during the SCR process. In the system, Mn and Ce facilitated electron transfer during the catalytic removal of NOx. As an assisting agent, increased the number of active species and acidic sites, playing a crucial role in oxidizing NO to NO2 and facilitating the denitrogenation reaction process at low temperatures. Further studies showed that the three ingredients exhibited unique adsorbent behaviors on the reacting gases, which provided different catalytic possibilities. This work modeled the particular catalysis of V and Ce (Mn) species, respectively, and offers experimental instruction for improving the activity and excellent tolerance to SO2 by controlling active ingredients.