bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Plasma Cell Response to Skin-Inoculated Dengue Virus in Mice
Authors: Maqueda-Alfaro Raúl A. , Marcial-Juárez Edith , Calderón-Amador Juana , García-Cordero Julio , Orozco-Uribe Mariana , Hernández-Cázares Felipe , Medina-Pérez Uziel , Sánchez-Torres Luvia E. , Flores-Langarica Adriana , Cedillo-Barrón Leticia , Yam-Puc Juan C. , Flores-Romo Leopoldo
Published: April 2021

Dengue is a worldwide expanding threat caused by dengue virus (DENV) infection. To date, no specific treatment or effective vaccine is available. Antibodies produced by plasma cells (PCs) might be involved concomitantly in protection and severe dengue immunopathology. Although a massive appearance of PCs has been reported during acute DENV infection in humans, this response has been poorly characterized. Here, we show the dynamic of PC generation in immune-competent mice cutaneously inoculated with DENV compared with two control experimental groups: mice inoculated with inactivated DENV or with PBS. We found that PC numbers increased significantly in the skin-draining lymph node (DLN), peaking at day 10 and abruptly decreasing by day 14 after DENV inoculation. Class-switched IgG+ PCs appeared from day 7 and dominated the response, while in contrast, the frequency of IgM+ PCs decreased from day 7 onwards. Even though the kinetic of the response was similar between DENV- and iDENV-inoculated mice, the intensity of the response was significantly different. Interestingly, we demonstrated a similar PC response to virus antigens (E and prM) by ELISPOT. In situ characterization showed that PCs were distributed in the medullary cords and in close proximity to germinal centers (GCs), suggesting both an extrafollicular and a GC origin. Proliferating PCs (Ki-67+) were found as early as 3-day postinoculation, and in-depth analysis showed that these PCs were in active phases of cell cycle during the kinetic. Finally, we found a progressive appearance of high-affinity neutralizing DENV-specific IgG further supporting GC involvement. Of note, these antibodies seem to be highly cross-reactive, as a large proportion recognizes Zika virus (ZIKV). The strong PC response to skin-inoculated DENV in this work resembles the findings already described in humans. We consider that this study contributes to the understanding of the in vivo biology of the humoral immune response to DENV in an immunocompetent murine model.
Analysis of Social Networks by Using Pythagorean Cubic Fuzzy Einstein Weighted Geometric Aggregation Operators
Authors: Tehreem  , Hussain Amjad , Lee Jung Rye , Ali Khan Muhammad Sajjad , Shin Dong Yun
Published: April 2021

Pythagorean cubic set (PCFS) is the combination of the Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS) and interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set (IVPFS). PCFS handle more uncertainties than PFS and IVPFS and thus are more extensive in their applications. The objective of this paper is under the PCFS to establish some novel operational laws and their corresponding Einstein weighted geometric aggregation operators. We describe some novel Pythagorean cubic fuzzy Einstein weighted geometric (PCFEWG) operators to handle multiple attribute group decision-making problems. The desirable relationship and the characteristics of the proposed operator are discussed in detail. Finally, a descriptive case is given to describe the practicality and the feasibility of the methodology established.
Influence of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation on Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Chickpea Yam Milk
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zhang Shuai , Xie Bijun , Sun Zhida
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of chickpea yam milk. Four groups of chickpea milk were prepared through fermentation with lactic acid bacteria for quality and functionality improvement. Results indicate that the polysaccharide content of four samples declines during the fermentation process, and their infrared spectrums are similar with a slight difference in the transmittances of some characteristic bands. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) profiles of four samples with 24 h fermentation showed a band disappearance in the range of 94.3 KDa and generation of many small-molecule peptides, revealing the protein degradation during fermentation. The moderate enzymatic hydrolysis had no adverse effect on the texture and color of the samples. A substantial increase in DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging rates, and FRAP value was observed after 12 h fermentation, especially the CPBY sample. The present results indicate that lactic acid bacteria fermentation can be used to improve the physicochemical properties of samples and enhance their antioxidant activity.
On the Evaluation of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant Adsorption Performance on Amberlite XAD‐2 Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Chen Fengqin , Huang Jinbo , Wu Xianjun , Wu Xiaoli , Arabmarkadeh Arash
Published: April 2021

Biosurfactants are a series of organic compounds that are composed of two parts, hydrophobic and hydrophilic, and since they have properties such as less toxicity and biodegradation, they are widely used in the food industry. Important applications include healthy products, oil recycling, and biological refining. In this research, to calculate the curves of rhamnolipid adsorption compared to Amberlite XAD‐2, the least‐squares vector machine algorithm has been used. Then, the obtained model is formed by 204 adsorption data points. Various graphical and statistical approaches are applied to ensure the correctness of the model output. The findings of this study are compared with studies that have used artificial neural network (ANN) and data group management method (GMDH) models. The model used in this study has a lower percentage of absolute mean deviation than ANN and GMDH models, which is estimated to be 1.71%.The least‐squares support vector machine (LSSVM) is very valuable for investigating the breakthrough curve of rhamnolipid, and it can also be used to help chemists working on biosurfactants. Moreover, our graphical interface program can assist everyone to determine easily the curves of rhamnolipid adsorption on Amberlite XAD‐2.
Inhibitory Effects of Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata Extract ECB on Melanoma-Induced Hyperplasia of Blood Vessels in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Dong Wenjing , Han Xinyue , Bao Chao , Tai Saijilahu , Bai Yuxia , Xu Liang , Yang Jingfeng , Leung TinChung , Ao Wuliji , Dong Wu
Published: April 2021

Melanoma is a serious malignant form of skin cancer. Euphorbiaceae compound B (ECB, 2,4-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methylacetophenone) is an acetophenone compound that is isolated from Euphorbia ebracteolata Hayata (EEH), an herbaceous perennial, and has antitumor activity. Here, we transplanted human melanoma cells into zebrafish embryos to establish a zebrafish/melanoma model. We showed that this model can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EEH and ECB and discussed its potential mechanism of action. The results showed that ECB was an active ingredient of EEH in inhibiting melanoma-induced hyperplasia of blood vessels in zebrafish embryos, similar to the angiogenic inhibitor vatalanib. ECB inhibited the number and length of subintestinal veins (

p
<
0.05

), as well as the distribution of melanoma in zebrafish embryos (

p
<
0.05

). More importantly, unlike vatalanib, ECB only inhibited melanoma-induced abnormal and excessive growth of blood vessels in xenografts. In addition, ECB inhibited the mRNA expression of vegfr2 and vegfr3 in zebrafish. Both vegfr2 and vegfr3 are essential genes that regulate blood vessel formation and upregulate the expression of p53 and casp3a genes in zebrafish. Together, the above-mentioned results indicate that ECB has a potential antimelanoma effect in vivo, which may be mediated by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors.
[Retracted] Virtual Reality Action Interactive Teaching Artificial Intelligence Education System
Authors: Jiang Liangfu
Published: April 2021

Comprehensively improving the level of vocational education and teaching quality has become an important initiative to meet the new round of technological revolution and industrial change. The traditional teaching mode can no longer meet the needs of industries and enterprises for job competences, and all higher education institutions are actively thinking about how to carry out teaching reform. Virtual reality (VR) can effectively solve the above‐mentioned drawbacks, but the hardware facilities of the existing VR systems are extremely expensive, making it impossible to popularize it in teaching. In this context, this paper is based on VR for the design of an interactive teaching platform. This paper discusses the key technologies of virtual reality, introduces the relevant theoretical foundation, and describes the current virtual reality devices with high popularity and their advantages and disadvantages for systematic analysis. From the perspective of teaching design, the design of human‐computer interaction teaching process using VR technology to develop learning scenes is studied, introducing 3D modeling techniques, model construction, the production of picture and text panels, the production of video materials, and the establishment of virtual tour guide 3D scenes. The principle of this paper is to build a 3D vision for building 3D views of educational needs to design high quality images and video animation using 3DMAX and unity 3D engines. Then, we introduce the use of VR glasses (entry‐level), smart phones (android/ios), and Bluetooth wireless handle to build a simple interactive teaching platform; the platform is of low cost of construction and student coverage, to solve the teaching resources shortage, equipment conditions lagging behind, the curriculum content aging, teachers and students who cannot interact in real time, and a series of problems.
Progressive Iterative Approximation for Extended B-Spline Interpolation Surfaces
Authors: Yi Yeqing , Tang Zixuan , Liu Chengzhi
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the computational efficiency of data interpolation, we study the progressive iterative approximation (PIA) for tensor product extended cubic uniform B-spline surfaces. By solving the optimal shape parameters, we can minimize the spectral radius of PIA’s iteration matrix, and hence the convergence rate of PIA is accelerated. Stated numerical examples show that the optimal shape parameters make the PIA have the fastest convergence rate.
Extending FABRIK with Obstacle Avoidance for Solving the Inverse Kinematics Problem
Authors: Tao Songqiao , Tao Huajin , Yang Yumeng
Published: April 2021

Inverse kinematics (IK) has been extensively applied in the areas of robotics, computer animation, ergonomics, and gaming. Typically, IK determines the joint configurations of a robot model and achieves a desired end-effector position in robotics. Since forward and backward teaching inverse kinematics (FABRIK) is a forward and backward iterative method that finds updated joint positions by locating a point on a line instead of using angle rotations or matrices, it has the advantages of fast convergence, low computational cost, and visualizing realistic poses. However, the manipulators usually work in a complex environment. So, the kinematic chains are easy to produce the interference with their surrounding scenarios. To resolve the above mentioned problem, a two-step obstacle avoidance technology is proposed to extend the basic FABRIK in this study. The first step is a heuristic method that locates the updated linkage bar, the root joint, and the target position in a line, so that the interference can be eliminated in most cases. In the second step, multiple random rotation strategies are adopted to eliminate the interference that has not been eliminated in the first step. Experimental results have shown that the extending FABRIK has the obstacle avoidance ability.
Genetic Advance and Grain Yield Stability of Moroccan Durum Wheats Grown under Rainfed and Irrigated Conditions
Authors: Boussakouran Abdelali , El Yamani Mohamed , Sakar El Hassan , Rharrabti Yahia
Published: April 2021

The development of high-yielding durum wheat genotypes requires the knowledge of the genetic variation for grain yield and its components. This study was performed to determine genetic gain and to evaluate the genotype × environment effect for grain yield and related traits in Moroccan durum wheat. A historical series of varieties developed during the last three decades was grown under two water regimes (rainfed and irrigated) during three growing seasons. Traits evaluated in the present work included grain yield, spikes per m2, kernels per spike, spikelets per spike, kernels per spikelet, spike length, kernel weight, plant height, harvest index, and fertile tillering. Results from ANOVA analyses revealed that grain yield and related traits were controlled to a large extent by water regime and growing season. Grain yield advance per year was estimated in 78 kg ha−1 under irrigated conditions, with no significant change under rainfed ones. Overall, the results indicated that most of the yield components changed by breeding activities during the last three decades. AMMI and joint regression analyses revealed that intermediate varieties have a wide adaptation, and old varieties were specifically acclimated to water-limit environments, while modern varieties were performed only under favorable conditions.
Risk Distribution Characteristics and Optimization of Short Weaving Area for Complex Municipal Interchanges
Authors: Liao Yonggang , Yang Yong , Ding Zhenzhong , Tong Kaimin , Zeng Yanjie
Published: April 2021

This paper is focused on analyzing the risk distribution characteristics in short weaving areas of urban interchanges. The study was carried out on merge-diverge weaving areas with different lengths of 350 m, 450 m, and 550 m. To evaluate and identify the risk, the average speed, speed standard deviation, acceleration range, and average absolute value of acceleration were selected as indicators. Vissim simulation was applied to collect the identification indicator value of 21 typical lane sections. The results show that the risk is concentrated at the 3/4 section and exit section of the outer lane. The vehicle-operating status of the inner and middle lanes is almost unaffected. The operating speed of the outer lane is approximately 4/5 of the same position in the inner lane at 3/4 of the length of the weaving segment, while the speed standard deviation is approximately 2 times greater, and the acceleration range is approximately 2–3 times greater. Moreover, the acceleration of the average absolute value is also approximately 2–3 times greater. To balance the risk distribution, an optimization method is proposed based on the result analysis. Compared with the original design, the results show that a reasonable method of traffic organization for the complex weaving area can effectively improve the risk distribution in the weaving area and reduce the high peak of risk concentration. These results provide a basis for the optimization method and traffic organization of short weaving areas of municipal interchanges.
I See Your Gesture: A VR-Based Study of Bidirectional Communication between Pedestrians and Automated Vehicles
Authors: Epke Michael R. , Kooijman Lars , de Winter Joost C. F.
Published: April 2021

Automated vehicles (AVs) are able to detect pedestrians reliably but still have difficulty in predicting pedestrians’ intentions from their implicit body language. This study examined the effects of using explicit hand gestures and receptive external human-machine interfaces (eHMIs) in the interaction between pedestrians and AVs. Twenty-six participants interacted with AVs in a virtual environment while wearing a head-mounted display. The participants’ movements in the virtual environment were visualized using a motion-tracking suit. The first independent variable was the participants’ opportunity to use a hand gesture to increase the probability that the AV would stop for them. The second independent variable was the AV’s response “I SEE YOU,” displayed on an eHMI when the vehicle yielded. Accordingly, one-way communication (gesture or eHMI) and two-way communication (gesture and eHMI combined) were investigated. The results showed that the participants decided to use hand gestures in 70% of the trials. Furthermore, the eHMI improved the predictability of the AV’s behavior compared to no eHMI, as inferred from self-reports and hand-use behavior. A postexperiment questionnaire indicated that two-way communication was the most preferred condition and that the eHMI alone was more preferred than the gesture alone. The results further indicate limitations of hand gestures regarding false-positive detection and confusion if the AV decides not to yield. It is concluded that bidirectional human-robot communication has considerable potential.
Financial Time Series Image Algorithm Based on Wavelet Analysis and Data Fusion
Authors: Liu Wuwei , Yan Jingdong
Published: April 2021

In recent years, people are more and more interested in time series modeling and its application in prediction. This paper mainly discusses a financial time series image algorithm based on wavelet analysis and data fusion. In this research, we conducted an in‐depth study on the scale decomposition sequence and wavelet transform sequence in different scale domains of wavelet transform according to the scale change rule based on wavelet transform. We use wavelet neural network with different input neurons and hidden neurons to predict, respectively. Finally, the prediction results are integrated into the final prediction results based on the original time series by using wavelet reconstruction technology. Using RBF algorithm in neural network and SPSS Clementine, the wavelet transform sequences on five scales are modeled. Each network model has three layers: one input layer, one hidden layer, and one output layer, and each output layer has only one output element. In order to compare the prediction effect of the model proposed in this study, the ordinary RBF network is used to model and predict the log yield itself. When the input sample is 5, the minimum mean square error is obtained when the hidden layer is 6, and the mean square error is 1.6349. The mean square error of the training phase is 0.0209, and the validation error is 1.6141. The results show that the prediction results of the wavelet prediction method combined with the RBF network prediction method are better than those of wavelet prediction or RBF network prediction.
Chaotic Dynamics of Piezoelectric Composite Laminated Beams
Authors: Zhou Liangqiang , Wang Wen
Published: April 2021

Chaos in piezoelectric composite laminated beams has significant implications in the design of this model. Some results for this model have been obtained numerically. With the energy‐phase method and numerical simulations, global dynamics of piezoelectric composite laminated beams is investigated in this paper. The average equation of the piezoelectric composite laminated beam is obtained by the normal form theory. The existence of multipulse homoclinic orbits for undisturbed and dissipative cases is analyzed by the energy‐phase method, and the mechanism of chaotic motion of the system is given. The effect of the dissipation factor on pulse sequence and layer radius is studied in detail. The chaotic motion of the system is verified by numerical simulations.
[Retracted] Application of Linear Regression Mathematical Model in the Evaluation of Teachers’ Informatization Quality
Authors: Li Shuping , Yuan Xinlei
Published: April 2021

With the widespread application of information technology and the continuous deepening of my country’s education informatization construction, the educational field has increasingly higher requirements for teachers’ informatization quality. The advancement of the process of education informatization depends to a large extent on the level of teachers’ own level of informatization and has gradually become an important indicator to measure the informatization of education. The main body of education and the decisive factor are teachers. The scientific and reasonable evaluation of informatization education is an important content of today’s education informatization. This paper uses regression analysis to evaluate the teacher education information system and uses mathematical statistics to establish a linear regression model for the city and analyze and calculate it. Through the quantitative analysis of the evaluation index system of the education informatization level, the multiple linear regression analysis method was used to establish the linear regression mathematical model of the school education informatization level on each secondary index, and the influence of various indicators on the school education informatization level was analyzed to establish a scientific evaluation system to evaluate the literacy of teachers’ informatization education and to give suggestions for improving the level of school education informatization. The design of the evaluation system is more scientific and reasonable, the regression error is small, the results obtained are more accurate, and the impact of nonlinear errors is basically eliminated.
COVID-19: An Emerging Culprit of Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Mukarram Muhammad Shariq , Ishaq Ghauri Muhammad , Sethar Sehrish , Afsar Nasir , Riaz Amir , Ishaq Khizra
Published: April 2021

Arthralgia is one of the most common symptoms that occur in patients with COVID-19. About 15% of patients present with arthralgia at some point. Although COVID-19 seems to attack the musculoskeletal system (muscles and joints) in its infective and postinfective stage causing inflammatory arthritis, not much is known about the rheumatic manifestations of this infection. In this case series of 5 patients, we discuss the occurrence of bilaterally symmetrical polyarthritis in patients, previously free from any rheumatic disease, after encountering COVID-19 infection. The musculoskeletal manifestations in these patients phenotypically resembled rheumatoid arthritis. These patients were treated successfully with low-dose glucocorticoids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Clinical Characteristics of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration without Typical Drusen
Authors: Kamao Hiroyuki , Goto Katsutoshi , Matsuno Kento , Mizukawa Kenichi , Miki Atsushi , Kiryu Junichi
Published: April 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical characteristics of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients without typical drusen. Methods. We retrospectively studied 165 eyes in 165 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD, including typical AMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). According to the fellow eye condition, the patients were divided into nAMD with and without typical drusen groups. Eyes with soft drusen or subretinal drusenoid deposits were classified into the nAMD with the typical drusen group. Smoking status and diagnoses of hypertension and diabetes were identified from hospital records and patient recall. We assessed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) at the fovea, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and the number of injections received. Results. The nAMD without typical drusen group was significantly younger (77.9 ± 7.6 vs. 71.8 ± 8.3,P<0.001) and had thicker SFCT at baseline (207.9 ± 99.5 vs. 260.1 ± 113.2 μm,P=0.007) and a higher proportion of PCV (30.6 vs. 63.1%,P<0.001). The proportion of ever-smokers was significantly higher in the nAMD without typical drusen group (54.8 vs. 70.9%,P=0.036). There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients with hypertension or diabetes; BCVA, CRT, or SFCT changes; or the number of injections between the nAMD with and without typical drusen groups. Conclusion. The clinical features of patients in the nAMD without typical drusen group were almost identical to those of pachychoroid-driven choroidal neovascularization (CNV) patients. The nAMD without typical drusen group had a significantly higher proportion of ever-smokers than the nAMD with typical drusen group. Smoking could be a risk factor for the development of pachychoroid-driven CNV.
Prevalence of Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Lactating Mothers of Angecha District, Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Boke Moges Muluneh , Yesuf Aman , Gutema Befikadu Tariku
Published: April 2021

Background. Major reasons for malnutrition, particularly among those who live in low- and middle-income countries, are physiological vulnerability and inadequate intake. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers of Angecha District, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected lactating mothers in Angecha District from March to April 2017. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers. Undernutrition was defined as the body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m2. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted, and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a

p

value less than 0.05 was used to determine a statistically significant association between predictors and outcome variables. Result. The prevalence of undernutrition among lactating mothers was 21.2% (95% CI: 17.52, 25.46). The odds of undernutrition were higher among lactating mothers in the younger age group (AOR 4.12 (95% CI: 1.25–13.63), compared to 36–49 years group), dietary diversity less than five food groups (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.35–4.36), and not attending antenatal care (ANC) (AOR 2.90 (95% CI: 1.43–5.86), compared to those who attended ANC for 4 or more times). The odds of undernutrition among lactating women from 3rd quantile wealth index households reduced by nearly half (AOR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.98) compared to lactating mothers from 1st quantile wealth index households. Conclusion. Nearly one in every five lactating mothers was undernourished. Age, dietary diversity score, ANC visit, and wealth index were found to be the associated factors of undernutrition. Therefore, due attention should have to be given to increase the use of ANC.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Cystatin C for Early Recognition of Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sapkota Suman , Khatiwada Saroj , Shrestha Shrijana , Baral Nirmal , Maskey Robin , Majhi Shankar , Chandra Lal , Lamsal Madhab
Published: April 2021

Objectives. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major complications that develop over time in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This prospective study was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum cystatin C in detecting diabetic nephropathy at earlier stages. Materials and Methods. This study was undertaken on 50 cases of T2DM and 50 healthy subjects as controls. Demographic and anthropometric data and blood and urine samples were collected. The concentration of serum cystatin C (index test) and traditional markers of diabetic nephropathy, serum creatinine, and urinary microalbumin (the reference standard) were estimated. Similarly, blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and urinary creatine were measured. Results. The mean ± SD serum cystatin C was significantly higher in T2DM as compared to control (1.07 ± 0.38 and 0.86 ± 0.12 mg/dl, respectively,

p
<
0.001

). The mean ± SD bodyweight, BMI, W : H ratio, pulse, SBP, and DBP were 66.4 ± 12.6 kg, 26.2 ± 5.6 kg/m2, 1.03 ± 0.09, 78 ± 7, 125 ± 16 mm of Hg, and 77 ± 9 mm of Hg, respectively, in cases. A significant difference in HDL cholesterol

p
=
0.018

and serum cystatin C

p
<
0.001

was observed among different grades of nephropathy. Cystatin C had a significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.323,

p
=
0.022

), duration of T2DM (r = 0.326,

p
=
0.021

), and UACR (r = 0.528,

p
<
0.001

) and a significant negative correlation with eGFR CKD-EPI cystatin C (r = −0.925,

p
<
0.001

). The area under ROC curve for serum cystatin C (0.611, 95% CI: 0.450–0.772) was greater than for serum creatinine (0.429, 95% CI: 0.265–0.593) though nonsignificant. Conclusion. Serum cystatin C concentration increases with the progression of nephropathy and duration of diabetes in Nepalese T2DM patients suggesting cystatin C as a potential marker of renal impairment in T2DM patients.
Performance Assessment of Certain Machine Learning Models for Predicting the Major Depressive Disorder among IT Professionals during Pandemic times
Authors: Vincent P. M. Durai Raj , Mahendran Nivedhitha , Nebhen Jamel , Deepa N. , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Hu Yuh-Chung
Published: April 2021

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common mental disorder in the present day as all individuals’ lives, irrespective of being employed or unemployed, is going through the depression phase at least once in their lifetime. In simple terms, it is a mood disturbance that can persist for an individual for more than a few weeks to months. In MDD, in most cases, the individuals do not consult a professional, and even if being consulted, the results are not significant as the individuals find it challenging to identify whether they are depressed or not. Depression, most of the time, cooccurs with anxiety and leads to suicide in few cases, among the employees, who are about to handle the pressure at work and home and mostly unnoticing such problems. This is why this work aims to analyze the IT employees who are mostly working with targets. The artificial neural network, which is modeled loosely like the brain, has proved in recent days that it can perform better than most of the classification algorithms. This study has implemented the multilayered neural perceptron and experimented with the backpropagation technique over the data samples collected from IT professionals. This study aims to develop a model that can classify depressed individuals from those who are not depressed effectively with the data collected from them manually and through sensors. The results show that deep‐MLP with backpropagation outperforms other machine learning‐based models for effective classification.
Decentralized Control Strategies of Adjacent Building Structures Vibration under Earthquake Excitation
Authors: Kang Xiaofang , Zhang Peipei , Zhang Yiwei , Man Dawei , Xu Qinghu , Shi Xianzeng , Zhang Yu , Xia Guanghui
Published: April 2021

A decentralized control scheme can effectively solve the control problem of civil engineering structure vibration under earthquake. This paper takes a research into the decentralized control scheme of adjacent buildings when the earthquake happens. It combines overlapping decentralized control method and linear matrix inequality (LMI) with

H

∞

control algorithm and puts forward the overlapping decentralized

H

∞

control method. A simplified dynamical model of structural vibration control has been established considering the topology structural features of adjacent buildings. The

H

∞

control algorithm is applied into each dynamically different subsystems and can be also served as the decentralized

H

∞

controllers. Therefore, by contracting decentralized

H

∞

controllers to original state space, overlapping decentralized

H

∞

controllers are obtained. In this manner, the adjacent buildings’ structure model is analyzed in terms of simulation and calculation which provides a comprehensive insight into vibration control. The results show that the centralized control, the decentralized control, and the overlapping decentralized control, based on linear matrix inequality, can be nearly effective in cases above satisfactorily. Besides, it can also reduce the computational cost as well as increase the flexibility of controller design.
USP48 Is Upregulated by Mettl14 to Attenuate Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating SIRT6 Stabilization
Authors: Du Lutao , Li Yang , Kang Min , Feng Maoxiao , Ren Yidan , Dai Hongliang , Wang Yumin , Wang Yunshan , Tang Bo
Published: April 2021

Exploiting cancer metabolism for the clinical benefit of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a topic under active investigation. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 48 (USP48), a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family, is involved in tumor growth, inflammation, and genome stability. However, the role of USP48 in HCC tumorigenesis remains unknown. In this study, we report that expression of USP48 is downregulated in diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumorigenesis in mice as well as in human HCC. USP48 physically bound and stabilized SIRT6 by K48-linked deubiquitination at the K33 and K128 sites of SIRT6, which impeded metabolic reprogramming to hamper HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, methyltransferase-like 14 (Mettl14)–induced m6A modification participated in the regulation of USP48 in HCC by maintaining USP48 mRNA stability. Our work uncovers the tumor-suppressive function of the Mettl14–USP48–SIRT6 axis via modulation of glycolysis, providing new insights into the critical roles of metabolic activities in HCC and identifying an attractive target for future treatment studies.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that USP48 is regulated by Mettl14-induced m6A modification and stabilizes SIRT6 to attenuate HCC glycolysis and malignancy.
A Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Decompensated Cirrhotic Patient Who Showed the Disappearance of Hepatic Encephalopathy, Ascites, and Pleural Effusion by Antiviral Therapy with Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir
Authors: Tarao Kazuo , Nozaki Akito , Komatsu Hirokazu
Published: April 2021

Oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are the main therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated liver disease in Japan. Moreover, many DAAs include an indication for compensated liver cirrhosis. However, patients with decompensated HCV-associated cirrhosis have hitherto not been indicated for therapy with DAAs. Recently, a new DAA, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), was indicated for decompensated HCV-associated cirrhotic patients. Actually, it has been shown to eradicate HCV in many cases. However, it is not clear whether hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and pleural effusion in patients with decompensated HCV-associated cirrhosis disappear by SOF/VEL treatment. Recently, we encountered a decompensated HCV-associated cirrhosis patient who showed the disappearance of hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and pleural effusion with marked improvement of serum ammonia level, albumin level, prothrombin time, and platelet count after the eradication of HCV by the administration of SOF/VEL. Her consciousness was cloudy and it took many hours for the preparation of each meal just before SOF/VEL treatment, but after the disappearance of HCV-RNA by the therapy, her consciousness became clear and she could prepare meals in a short time. This case suggests the possibility of improvement from decompensated HCV-associated liver cirrhosis to compensated liver cirrhosis with disappearance of hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and pleural effusion by SOF/VEL therapy.
Diet-Microbiota-Brain Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kincaid Halle J. , Nagpal Ravinder , Yadav Hariom
Published: April 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, particularly in older adults, with clinical manifestations of progressive cognitive decline and functional impairment. The prevalence of AD and related dementia is mounting worldwide, but its etiology remains unresolved, with no available preventative or ameliorative therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota of patients with AD is different from cognitively normal counterparts. Summary: Communication between gut and brain (gut-brain axis) plays a crucial role in AD pathology. Bacteria inhabiting the gut strongly influence this gut-brain axis and thus may participate in AD pathology. Diet, one of the strongest modulators of gut microbiota, also strongly influences brain health and AD pathology. Gut microbiota metabolites including short-chain fatty acids, pro-inflammatory factors, and neurotransmitters may also affect AD pathogenesis and associated cognitive decline. Therefore, investigation of diet-microbiota-brain axis is important to better understand its contribution in AD pathology and its potential use as a target to prevent and treat AD. Herein, we discuss the link between AD and gut microbiota and ponder how microbiota modulation through nutritional approaches may offer avenues for discovering novel preventive and therapeutic strategies against AD. Key Message: A strong association exists between lifestyle factors and AD prevalence wherein unhealthy dietary factors have been linked to neurodegeneration. Specific prudent dietary patterns might help in preventing or delaying AD progression by affecting β-amyloid production and tau processing and regulating AD-associated inflammation, metabolism and oxidative stress, plausibly via modulating gut microbiota.
Impact of Early Lenvatinib Administration on Survival in Patients with Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter, Inverse Probability Weighting Analysis
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Michitaka Kojiro , Atsukawa Masanori , Hirooka Masashi , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Takaguchi Koichi , Kariyama Kazuya , Itobayashi Ei , Tajiri Kazuto , Shimada Noritomo , Shibata Hiroshi , Ochi Hironori , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Fukunishi Shinya , Ohama Hideko , Kawata Kazuhito , Nakamura Shinichiro , Nouso Kazuhiro , Tsutsui Akemi , Nagano Takuya , Itokawa Norio , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Imai Michitaka , Joko Kouji , Koizumi Yohei , Hiasa Yoichi ,   On behalf of the Real-Life Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group and the HCC 48 Group (hepatocellular carcinoma experts from 48 clinics in Japan)
Published: April 2021

Aim/Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recommended for patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the impact of early lenvatinib administration in patients with intermediate-stage HCC, especially those with tumors beyond the up-to-7 criteria. Materials/Methods: A total of 208 patients with intermediate-stage HCC whose initial treatment was early lenvatinib administration or TACE were enrolled. Multivariate overall survival analysis was performed in this cohort. In addition, the impact of early lenvatinib administration on survival in patients with HCC beyond the up-to-7 criteria was clarified using inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis. Results: The overall cumulative survival rates at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were 94.4, 79.9, 65.8, and 50.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards modeling showed that HCC treatment with lenvatinib (hazard ratio [HR], 0.199; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.077–0.517; p < 0.001), α-fetoprotein ≥100 ng/mL (HR, 1.687), Child-Pugh class B disease (HR, 1.825), and beyond the up-to-7 criteria (HR, 2.016) were independently associated with overall survival. The 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month cumulative survival rates were 96.0, 90.4, 65.7, and 65.7%, respectively, in patients treated with lenvatinib, and 94.1, 78.5, 65.3, and 48.4%, respectively, in patients who received TACE (p < 0.001). In addition, univariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards modeling adjusted by IPW showed that lenvatinib therapy was significantly associated with overall survival in patients with HCC beyond the up-to-7 criteria (HR, 0.230; 95% CI, 0.059–0.904; p = 0.035). Conclusions: Lenvatinib may be a suitable first-line treatment for patients with intermediate-stage HCC beyond the up-to-7 criteria.
Use of sulfonamides for the treatment of bovine neonatal diarrhea: clinical and performance parameters
Authors: Klaus Rosana , Vieira Laura Valadão , Matos Adriane Dalla Costa de , Barbosa Antônio Amaral , Corrêa Marcio Nunes , Pereira Rubens Alves , Xavier Eduardo Gulart , Brauner Cássio Cassal , Del Pino Francisco Augusto Burkert , Rabassa Viviane Rohrig
Published: April 2021

This study was developed to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and performance parameters of calves affected by diarrhea caused by the bacterial enteric pathogen Escherichia coli, treated with three different protocols containing sulfonamides. Fourteen Holstein calves were monitored from birth to 60 days of age, and divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n=5) animals were treated with 80 g of Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brazil, administered orally (BM), dissolved in 160 ml of water every 24 h; Group 2 (n=4) received IM sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil), and Group 3 (n=5) animals were treated with 80 g of Kaopek®, Ibasa, Brazil, which is made up of 16 g of phthalylsulfathiazole, associated with 2.28 g neomycin sulfate, 1.6 g of pectin, and 80 g of kaolin, dissolved in 160 ml of water and administered every 24 h by mouth, in addition to sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil), at a daily dose of 16 mg/kg live weight, through IM injection. During the study, the animals were clinically evaluated, and once they were diagnosed with diarrhea, feces samples were collected to identify the bacterial enteric pathogen, antibiogram, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and coproparasitological exams. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the hematological profile, and the performance profile was monitored weekly. In the clinical examination, all calves presented a reduction in body temperature (<39.2°C) and some improvement in hydration after treatment (p=0,31). However, group 2 had a better concentration of lymphocytes and TP concerning the other animals, as well as better performance. Besides, E.coli was detected in 100% of feces samples. Thus, the therapeutic protocols with sulfonamides used to treat bovine neonatal diarrhea were effective in the clinical improvement of the animals. Nonetheless, the protocol with systemic therapy using sulfadiazine and trimethoprim (Ibatrim®, Ibasa, Brazil) intramuscularly, provided better performance, with better weight gain, and body development of the animals.
Comentários sobre quatro mapas da violência motivada por discriminação à identidade de gênero ou à orientação sexual no município de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Almeida Vinicius Santos
Published: April 2021

Este artigo é um comentário sobre quatro mapas elaborados durante o processo de investigação de pesquisa de mestrado sobre cartografia da violência motivada por discriminação à identidade de gênero ou orientação sexual no município de São Paulo, Brasil. Os dados usados aqui foram os boletins de ocorrência registrados de 2008 a 2017. Discutimos o processo metodológico da construção de mapas em fundo euclidiano e em modelo geométrico de mesma área (hexágonos), além da elaboração de anamorfoses a partir deles.
Geousp na Coleção SciELO
Authors: Antas Jr Ricardo Mendes
Published: April 2021

Editorial da Revista Geousp: espaço e tempo, anunciando o ingresso do periódico na Coleção SciELO a partir de 2021.
A Marcha da Família com Deus pela liberdade em São Paulo: direitas, participação política e golpe no Brasil, 1964
Authors: Cordeiro Janaína Martins
Published: April 2021

Este artigo pretende aprofundar estudos sobre a atuação de grupos e lideranças políticas de direita durante a crise política dos primeiros meses de 1964 que culminou no golpe civil-militar e na instauração da ditadura. Para tanto, elegerei como objeto a Marcha da Família com Deus pela Liberdade ocorrida em São Paulo no dia 19 de março de 1964, a primeira das diversas que ocorreram no país naquele ano. Especificamente, a proposta é estudar os discursos mobilizados por grupos de direita organizados, a partir do estudo de quatro aspectos do repertório político das direitas naquele momento: a evocação do papel da mulher; a articulação do discurso e a prática política cristã; a defesa da democracia e a necessidade de proteger a ordem constitucional. Todos esses aspectos adquiriam certa unidade e congruência pelo forte sentido anticomunista que os atravessavam.
Hierarquias mercantis no Atlântico Português: as relações de agência no comércio entre Portugal e Brasil, 1780 a 1807
Authors: Melo Felipe Souza
Published: April 2021

O artigo procura demonstrar a existência de hierarquias mercantis no comércio entre Portugal e Brasil no último quartel do século XVIII. Propõe, necessariamente, uma visão alternativa a interpretações horizontais entre os atores engajados em tal circuito, sugerindo, pelo contrário, um olhar mais verticalizado das relações comerciais. Por meio da análise de mais de noventa contratos de sociedades mercantis, registrados nos cartórios de Lisboa, foi possível constatar que a maior parte dos capitais para o trato com a capitania de Pernambuco provinha de mercadores residentes em Lisboa. Ademais, os contratos são claros em favorecerem os metropolitanos ao estipularem diversas regras que cerceavam a margem de manobra dos sócios residentes em Pernambuco. Conclui-se, portanto, que existia uma centralização de capitais nas mãos dos sócios metropolitanos e que os lisboetas estipulavam as principais regras mercantis que os coloniais deveriam seguir.
A nova cosmografia da expansão portuguesa: o Esmeraldo de situ orbis (1508) de Duarte Pacheco Pereira
Authors: Nepomuceno Luís André
Published: April 2021

Entre 1505 e 1508, Duarte Pacheco Pereira, explorador e militar português, escreveu o Esmeraldo de situ orbis, um livro de “cosmografia e marinharia”, um dos mais importantes roteiros de viagem de seu tempo, o qual, além de desenhar as fronteiras e rotas comerciais conhecidas na África e no oriente, empenhou-se por traçar, ainda, o esboço de uma crônica sobre as navegações. Este artigo analisa o livro de Pereira, propondo que o autor apresenta uma legitimação política das terras conquistadas, ao mesmo tempo em que rompe com a geografia sacra, tipicamente medieval, e com a geografia mercantilista, típica dos portulanos mediterrâneos, para compor o primeiro roteiro de viagem moderno, expondo o desenho do novo mundo conhecido pelas navegações que vinham mapeando novas terras na África e na Ásia desde o século anterior.
Promessa ou conquista? Virgílio e a bandeira de Minas Gerais (1788-1963)
Authors: Hasegawa Alexandre Pinheiro , Furtado Joaci Pereira
Published: April 2021

A Inconfidência Mineira é o único episódio do passado colonial que figura no calendário cívico brasileiro como um feriado. Além de associada à figura de Tiradentes, não por acaso oficialmente assemelhada à imagem de Cristo, a bandeira que os inconfidentes teriam esboçado acabou oficializada em 1963 na forma hoje conhecida e tornou-se outro símbolo da conjura eleita como instante fundador da emancipação nacional. Porém, o lema que a compõe – Libertas quæ sera tamen – necessitava de exame mais acurado e de uma compreensão mais precisa da intenção dos inconfidentes, em especial Alvarenga Peixoto, ao escolher esse fragmento das Éclogas de Virgílio (1.27), correntemente traduzido como “Liberdade, ainda que tardia”. Este artigo propõe outra tradução – e, portanto, nova interpretação para esse fragmento.