bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual Travel Knowledge Graph-Based Public Transport Commuter Identification: A Mixed Data Learning Approach
Authors: Hu Song , Weng Jiancheng , Liang Quan , Zhou Wei , Wang Peizhao
Published: February 2022

Commuters are the stable travel group for the public transportation (PT) service system. Accurately identifying the PT commuters is conducive to promoting PT service quality and development of urban sustainable transportation. This paper extracts individual PT travel chain information and constructs individual travel knowledge graphs of PT passengers based on the association matching algorithm and the theory of multilayer planning. A mixed dataset is formed by associating individual travel chains with travel survey data. Seven travel characteristic indicators regarding travel performance and spatiotemporal travel characteristics are extracted. The identification model of PT commuters is developed based on a three-layer backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The optimal model structure of neuron node number, transfer function, and learning rate are discussed quantitatively according to the minimization of model errors. The evaluation indexes of overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of the constructed model are 94.5% and 87.9% separately. The results indicate that the model identification accuracy is acceptable, and the proposed characteristic indicators and systematic modelling procedure are effective. Then, the model performance is compared with the other five machine learning models further. The results confirm that the proposed model has a better identification accuracy and viability, and the model performance will improve with the increase of the sample size.
Healthcare Security Incident Response Strategy - A Proactive Incident Response (IR) Procedure
Authors: He Ying , Maglaras Leandros , Aliyu Aliyu , Luo Cunjin
Published: February 2022

The healthcare information system (HIS) has become a victim of cyberattacks. Traditional ways to handle cyber incidents in healthcare organizations follow a predefined incident response (IR) procedure. However, this procedure is usually reactive, missing the opportunities to foresee danger on the horizon. Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) contains information on emerging attacks and should be ideally utilized to inform the IR procedure. However, current research shows that the IR has not been effectively informed by CTI, especially in healthcare organizations. This paper fills in this gap by proposing a proactive IR response procedure based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) IR methodology. This paper then presents the NHS WannaCry case study to demonstrate the use of the proposed IR methodology. We collate cyber security advisories from different CTI sources such as US/UK CERT to protect interconnected systems and devices from Ransomware attacks. This research provides novel insights into the IR in healthcare through embedding CTI advisories into IR processes and concludes that our proposed IR procedure can be used to counteract WannaCry Ransomware using CTI advisories. It has the significance of transforming the way of IR from reactive to proactive using the CTI in healthcare.
The Current Status of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Vitiligo in China
Authors: Zhou Ying , Khan Manal , Jiang Ling , Fu Chuhan , Dong Yumeng , Luo Liping , Guo Haoran , Gao Lijuan , Lei Xinxin , Zhang Li , Yu Xing , Lei Li , Huang Jinhua , Chen Jing , Zeng Qinghai
Published: February 2022

Little is known about the use of antioxidants in the clinical treatment of vitiligo. To investigate the specific use of antioxidants in the treatment of vitiligo and the possible reasons behind its use in China, we conducted a prospective questionnaire-based study using an online questionnaire comprising 26 questions in 5 areas. A total of 323 clinical frontline dermatologists participated in this study. Differences among groups were compared using Pearson’s chi-square test. Ordinal logistic regression was used to develop knowledge–use multiple regression models. Among the 323 dermatologists, 293 (90.7%) approved the oxidative stress theory of vitiligo, and 182 (56.3%) encouraged the use of antioxidants for treating vitiligo; nonetheless, only 11.8% frequently treated vitiligo with antioxidants. Insufficient knowledge of antioxidants was a significant predictor of lower frequency of antioxidant usage (adjusted odds ratio, 0.401 [95% confidence interval, 0.256-0.629];

P
<
.001

). The predictors associated with higher antioxidant efficacy included advanced or rapid progression, moderate or moderate-to-severe vitiligo, age of 0–2 years or 13–18 years, segmental vitiligo, oral and topical combination therapy, and course duration of <1 month. The use of antioxidants for treating vitiligo is highly encouraged; however, the rates of their clinical use are considerably low. Insufficient knowledge of antioxidants is associated with a lower frequency of antioxidant usage. The synergistic curative efficacy of antioxidants could be affected by the stage, type, severity, age of patients with vitiligo, and method of using antioxidants.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation to Validate Critical Perforation Velocity on a Flat Plate Aluminium Alloy 6061
Authors: Yadav Bharosh Kumar , Jahangiri Mehdi , Singh Dalbir
Published: February 2022

Aluminium 6061 (Al6061) alloy, which is known as commercial alloy, is massively used in aviation and automobile industries. Therefore, research on Al6061 alloy is gaining significance among scientists and researchers all over the world as it provides light weight, high strength and stiffness, high impact, and corrosion resistance in engineering applications. The comprehensive analysis of mechanical behavior under large stress-strain deformation responses of the alloy is studied over a wide range of strain-rates such as 1 × 10−3 s−1, 1 × 103 s−1, 2 × 103 s−1, and 3 × 103 s−1 under room temperature to elevated temperatures of 100°C and 200°C. In this regard, this study aims to evaluate the Johnson–Cook strength and fracture constants utilizing the Johnson–Cook constitutive model equations. Furthermore, the evaluated constant parameters have been used to perform numerical simulation analysis utilizing ABAQUS/CAE software. According to the study’s findings, the critical perforation velocity was found to be 70 ms−1 when a flat-nosed bullet (45 mm length and 12 mm diameter) made of stainless steel weighing 50 grams was fired normally to the center of a square plate specimen of Al6061 alloy. The specimen of the square flat plate was prepared with side 205 mm and 2 mm thickness (205 × 205 × 2 mm3). A good correlation for critical perforation velocity of experimental acquisition data and numerical simulation results has been found. These findings increase the knowledge of the material’s response application to the high-velocity impact that can be used in arms-ammunition, aviation, marine, automobile, and home appliances.
In Vitro Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities and Molecular Docking Analysis of Phytochemicals from Cadia purpurea Roots
Authors: Kiros Tsegu , Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan , Melaku Yadessa , Dekebo Aman
Published: February 2022

Phytochemicals and antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Cadia purpurea roots were investigated herein for the first time. The phytochemical study led to the isolation of two compounds, di-(2-methylheptyl) phthalate (1) and 13-O-pyrrolecarboxyl lupanine (2), from methanol roots extract of C. purpurea. The antibacterial activity results revealed that the n-hexane extract presented a better inhibitory value (13.8 ± 0.0 mm) followed by chloroform (11.1 ± 0.4 mm) and chloroform : methanol (1 : 1) (10.7 ± 0.1 mm) extracts against E. coli at the maximum dose of 100 mg/mL. While, methanolic and ethanolic extracts displayed a mild activity against same bacterium at same dose. The methicillin resistant S. aureus was found with almost total resistance to all extracts up to the 100 mg/mL. The chloroform : methanol (1 : 1), chloroform, and n-hexane extracts recorded inhibition zone values (8.0 ± 0.0–10.0 ± 0.1 mm, 7.7 ± 0.0–9.8 ± 0.1 mm, and 7.3 ± 0.2–8.9 ± 0.2 mm, respectively) better than chloramphenicol (7.2 ± 0.6 mm at 30 μg dose) against P. aeruginosa. The alcoholic extracts also exhibited an activity better than chloramphenicol up to 25 mg/mL against same bacterium. Compound 2 produced a comparable inhibition value (9.6 ± 0.0 mm to 18.5 ± 0.0 mm) to that of chloramphenicol (21.5 ± 0.3 mm) against E. coli at doses up to 1.0 mg/mL; whereas, compound 1 showed a slight activity (7.1 ± 0.1 mm–10.3 ± 0.0 mm). Both compounds were found generally inactive against S. aureus, while they provided an activity better than chloramphenicol (7.2 ± 0.6 mm) against P. aeruginosa with inhibition zones ranging from 7.1 ± 0.0 mm to 9.0 ± 0.1 mm for compound 1 and 7.2 ± 0.0 mm to 10.6 ± 0.0 mm for compound 2. Ethanolic and methanolic extracts exhibited a better DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 values of 12.9 and 16.03 μg/mL, respectively) and strong ferric ion reducing power (with absorbance of 0.788 ± 0.000 and 0.810 ± 0.001, respectively) at a concentration of 500 μg/mL compared to the other extracts. Compound 1 also possessed a better anti-DPPH trapping activity (IC50, 7.99 μg/mL) than compound 2 (IC50, 58.34 μg/mL). The compounds, however, indicated a weak ferric ion reduction power even at higher amount. In general, the observed antibacterial and antioxidant activities of isolated compounds and extracts were found to be dose-dependent. Conducting further biochemical investigations on all parts of this plant could provide opportunities of finding extra alkaloidal compounds and other phthalate derivatives with better biological activity.
Diagnostics through Residual Plots in Binomial Regression Addressing Chemical Species Data
Authors: Hussain Zawar , Akbar Atif
Published: February 2022

Binomial regression is used as a generalized linear model (GLM) in natural sciences to identify the covariate structure that is responsible for outcomes. It is very important to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of any model before its implementation. In GLM context, this study explores the structure and usefulness of partial residual (PRES), augmented partial residual (APRES), and conditional expectation and residuals (CERES) plots for visualizing influence diagnostics as a function of selected predictors. Binomial regression is considered here with predictor transformation, and PRES, APRES, and CERES plots are constructed for diagnostics of outliers and multicollinearity. The efficacy of these plots for obtaining a good visual impression may be varied due to behaviour of response variable and allied link function with different covariates. The certain techniques are applied on the data of hindered internal rotational (HIR) treatment of chemical species to recognize patterns for efficient modelling. The power of the tests for different plots shows that APRES and CERES (L) endure maximum power for detection of outliers and multicollinearity. The results revealed that residuals plots are more effective as compared to the conventional methods and help the scientists to easily and effectively model the data for their diagnostics policies.
Design of Visual Communication Effect Evaluation Method of Artworks Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Li Hang , Liu Ran , Wang Lu , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2022

With the rapid development of computer and digital media technology, more and more visual artworks are created, preserved, and transmitted digitally, which has become an indispensable spiritual wealth in this era. However, the aesthetic evaluation of traditional visual artworks can only rely on artists or appreciation experts for qualitative description, and the results have great subjective uncertainty due to their different personal knowledge and experience. Therefore, computational aesthetics came into being, that is, using a computer model to assist in quantitative evaluation of visual artworks. These models have broad application prospects in the fields of aesthetic evaluation and correction, art style identification, and so on. Based on this, this paper proposes a design of visual communication effect evaluation method of artworks based on machine learning. First, some characteristic variables are constructed to quantify the balance, contrast, and harmony in icon design criteria, and these three common design criteria are transformed into a mathematical expression. Based on the powerful fitting, classification, and generalization capabilities of the SVM method, we choose it as our base model. Then, the artificial evaluation scores are regressed to the calculated characteristic variables to obtain the statistical linear regression models corresponding to the three design criteria. The experimental results show that the evaluation model and manual evaluation results can reach a significant correlation in the same dimension, which verifies the effectiveness of the model.
Modelling the Impacts of Government Subsidies on Total Factor Productivity: An Empirical Study
Authors: Wu Huixiang , Chen Zhi , Chen Hua , Jiang Jingjing
Published: February 2022

Marine industry continues to grow rapidly in China, while the contribution of the total factor productivity (TFP) to its gross output still remains very limited. Facing this issue, it is urgent to promote TFP by innovation, and Chinese government provides persistent subsidies to stimulate the innovation of relative enterprises. Taking listed companies of marine industry in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Markets (2007–2019) as samples, this study performed empirical tests by multiple regressions to check the effects of such subsidies on the TFP of Chinese marine industry. It was observed that, as a whole, government subsidies present positive effects on the TFP of associated companies, and subsidies beforehand yield higher promotion than subsidies afterwards. The subsidies work mainly via easing financing constraints and encouraging R&D investment of relative firms. Our results are highlighted by revealing the differential effects of government subsidies on the TFP of Chinese marine industry and their functional mechanism. It implies that, besides government subsidies, the optimization of financial market may also be helpful in promoting TFP by innovation.
Naringin Inhibits Apoptosis Induced by Cyclic Stretch in Rat Annular Cells and Partially Attenuates Disc Degeneration by Inhibiting the ROS/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yue-Hui , Shangguan Wen-Ji , Zhao Zhi-Jun , Zhou Fu-Chao , Liu Hai-Tao , Liang Zhi-Hui , Song Jia , Shao Jiang
Published: February 2022

Oxidative stress and apoptosis play important roles in the pathogenesis of various degenerative diseases. Previous studies have shown that naringin can exert therapeutic effects in multiple degenerative diseases by resisting oxidative stress and inhibiting apoptosis. Although naringin is effective in treating degenerative disc disease, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of naringin on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) induced by cyclic stretch and the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. Abnormal cyclic stretch was applied to rat annulus fibrosus cells, which were then treated with naringin, to observe the effects of naringin on apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and the nuclear factor- (NF-) κB signaling pathway. Subsequently, a rat model of IVDD induced by dynamic and static imbalance was established to evaluate the effects of naringin on the degree of degeneration (using imaging and histology), apoptosis, and oxidative stress in the serum and the intervertebral disc. Naringin inhibited the cyclic stretch-induced apoptosis of annulus fibrosus cells, reduced oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, enhanced the antioxidant capacity, and suppressed the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, it reduced the degree of IVDD (evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging) and the level of oxidative stress and inhibited apoptosis and p-P65 expression in the intervertebral discs of rats. Thus, naringin can inhibit cyclic stretch-induced apoptosis and delay IVDD, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Naringin may be an effective drug for treating degenerative disc disease.
Antioxidant and Antiaging Properties of Agar Obtained from Brown Seaweed Laminaria digitata (Hudson) in D-Galactose-Induced Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Reshma B. S. , Aavula Thabitha , Narasimman Vignesh , Ramachandran Saravanan , Essa Musthafa Mohamed , Qoronfleh M. Walid
Published: February 2022

The present paper explores the antioxidant and antiaging properties of agar extracted from Laminaria digitata (L. digitata) on a D-galactose (D-Gal)-induced mouse model. Experimental mice were divided into four groups: group I comprised of control nontreated mice, group II comprised of D-Gal-induced mice, group III mice were treated with extracted agar after D-Gal induction, and group IV mice were given ascorbic acid as a positive control. Antioxidant enzymes and aging marker proteins declined significantly in group II, whereas they were normal in group III and group IV mice. Expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in D-Gal-induced mice were significantly enhanced in the liver and brain of the experimental mice, which were otherwise normal in agar-treated mice. Also, IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the liver and reversed in the brain of D-gal mice, while it was regularly in the agar-treated mice. The histopathological analysis of D-Gal-induced mice showed spongiosis and tangles in brain cells, increased fat and decreased collagen contents in the skin, and few dilated sinuses in the hepatic cells. The changes were under control in group III and group IV mice, suggesting the protective effects of agar extracted from L. digitata and ascorbic acid.
A GPR-Based Test Study on the Influencing Factors of the Dielectric Constant of Cement-Stabilized Macadam Bases
Authors: Han Xue , Cao Shifei , He Hanhui
Published: February 2022

Dielectric constant is an important parameter for the nondestructive test of cement stabilized macadam base (CSMB) on road by ground-penetrating radar (GPR). However, few studies have been reported on the quantitative relationship between the dielectric constant and the compaction degree, strength indicators, and influencing factors of CSMB. To address the problem, groups of CSMB specimens, which were different in gradation of aggregate (fine or coarse), compaction degree, and curing time, were made and tested for dielectric constant and influencing factors with the help of the Swedish MALA GPR. The relationship between the dielectric constant of CSMB and the influencing factors such as the compaction degree, moisture content, percent residues of aggregate on the sieve of maximum particle size and curing age, and the relationship between the dielectric constant and the unconfined compressive strength were investigated based on several test data and theoretical analysis. The major findings are as follows. There is a good logarithmic correlation between the dielectric constant and the compaction degree of CSMB, and quantitative functions have been established. There is a good linear relationship between the dielectric constant and the unconfined compressive strength of CSMB, and quantitative functions have been established. A comprehensive equation between the dielectric constant of CSMB and the influencing factors such as the compaction degree, moisture content, percent residues of aggregate on the sieve of maximum particle size, and curing age has been established and validated with high significance and small error. The findings are a theoretical basis for the application of GPR to the test and quality assessment of CSMB on roads.
Effect of Brewery Spent Grain Level and Fermentation Time on the Quality of Bread
Authors: Yitayew Tadlo , Moges Demewez , Satheesh Neela
Published: February 2022

BSG (brewery spent grain) is the most frequent by-product from the beer industry, which is high in protein, fiber, and minerals. This research was carried out to improve the nutritional content of bread by adding BSG to wheat flour. In this study, five levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) of BSG blending ratio and three levels (1, 2, and 3 hrs) of fermentation time were considered. Standard procedures were used to determine the chemical composition of BSG, dough quality, physicochemical composition, and sensory quality of bread. The BSG is composed of 6.19% moisture, 4.01% ash, 8.80% crude fat, 16.80% crude fiber, 21.86% crude protein, 42.30% carbohydrate, 2.57 mg/g calcium, 3.16 mg/g magnesium, and 7.34 mg/g potassium. The dough water absorption (58.53-66.67 ml/100 g), development time (3.43-17.57 min), stability (6.53–12.40 min), and degree of softening (25.33-50.33 FU) were increased significantly (

p
<
0.05

) as BSG ratio increased in blending. As the BSG raised, the loaf weight (127.58-148.85 g) was increased and reduced the loaf volume (372.97–366.74 cm3). The proximate composition of the BSG blended bread was increased significantly from 33.19 to 45.29% moisture, 1.31 to 3.82% ash, 0.88 to 3.63% crude fat, 0.74 to 8.45% crude fiber, and 8.33 to 14.65% crude protein. The utilizable carbohydrate and energy values were decreased from 53.18 to 34.45% and 2.66 to 2.24 kcal, respectively. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium contents of the bread were increased from 76.44 to 150.93 mg/100 g, 87.12 to 176.81 mg/100 g, and 116.04 to 225.49 mg/100 g, respectively, as the BSG level was increased from 0 to 20%. However, the fermentation time had a significant effect (

p
<
0.05

) only on the moisture content, protein content, caloric value, and mineral content of bread. The sensory acceptance of bread was significantly affected (

p
<
0.05

) by BSG levels. Finally, by considering the sensory, other functional, and nutritional properties, we concluded that replacing the wheat flour with BSG up to 10% was accepted by the consumers.
Banana Plant Disease Classification Using Hybrid Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Narayanan K. Lakshmi , Krishnan R. Santhana , Robinson Y. Harold , Julie E. Golden , Vimal S. , Saravanan V. , Kaliappan M.
Published: February 2022

Banana cultivation is one of the main agricultural elements in India, while the common problem of cultivation is that the crop has been influenced by several diseases, while the pest indications have been needed for discovering the infections initially for avoiding the financial loss to the farmers. This problem will affect the entire banana productivity and directly affects the economy of the country. A hybrid convolution neural network (CNN) enabled banana disease detection, and the classification is proposed to overcome these issues guide the farmers through enabling fertilizers that have to be utilized for avoiding the disease in the initial stages, and the proposed technique shows 99% of accuracy that is compared with the related deep learning techniques.
Research on Evaluation Model of Music Education Informatization System Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Daliang , Guo Xiaowen
Published: February 2022

Music education informatization system can promote music teaching; in addition, due to the characteristics of music disciplines such as the audiovisual nature of music, the influence of informatization on music teaching is self-evident. With the rapid development of the human ability to obtain information, machine learning algorithms have been widely used in various fields of scientific research and engineering, involving chemical production statistical process control, archeology text recognition, social and criminal investigation field fingerprint and image recognition, and genomic information research in the field of biomedicine. In order to correctly evaluate the music education information system based on machine learning, through the comparison of four models, it is concluded that the construction of the GBDT model is optimal.
Construction and Screening of Fractional Library of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for the Rapid Identification of Active Compounds against Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ye Qing-Mei , Ji Xiaozhen , Wang Bin , Yu Miao , Cai Jin , Zeng Weinv , Chen Weikang , Han Fangxuan , Huang Guolei , Zheng Caijuan
Published: February 2022

Efficient screening of anticancer agents is in urgent need to develop new drugs that combat malignant tumors and drug resistance. In this study, a combined strategy composed by solvent partition and HPLC fractionation was developed to generate an herbal fraction library of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to quickly and efficiently screen anticancer agents. All library entries are directed into 96 well plates which are well mapped with HPLC chromatograms. The cell proliferation assay revealed seven active subfractions. Then, the major active ten peaks in these subfractions were prepared and isolated by semipreparative HPLC, and their inhibitory activities against prostate cancer cells were then tested at the same concentration level, leading to the identification of several active compounds. In addition, the structures of compounds arucadiol (2), 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I (4), methyl tanshinonate (5), cryptanshinone (7), 1,2-dihydrotanshinquinone I (9), and tanshinone IIA (10) were characterized by mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallographic analysis, and they were confirmed to be active in suppressing prostate cancer cell proliferation at 7.5 or 15 μg/mL, among which, the minor compounds 2, 4, and 5 showed higher activities than 9 and 10. This study provided a rapid strategy of identifying new anticancer agents in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, which can be applied in other herbal medicines.
Clinician and Patient Perception of a Voice Therapy Program Utilizing a Variably Occluded Face Mask: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gartner-Schmidt Jackie L. , Belsky Michael A. , Awan Shaheen , Gillespie Amanda I.
Published: February 2022

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to assess clinician and patient feedback about voice therapy using a variably occluded face mask (VOFM) and to determine if voice therapy augmented via a VOFM would result in favorable changes in patient self-perceived handicap, as well as acoustic and aerodynamic measures. Methods/Design: This pilot study used a prospective, pre-post single group design. Eleven patients with dysphonia due to primary muscle tension dysphonia (8) or benign vocal fold lesions (3) were recruited. Data collected included patient and clinician feedback of voice therapy using a VOFM, voice handicap index (VHI)-10, acoustic and aerodynamic measures. Data were collected before treatment (baseline) and 1-week post-therapy. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare data pre- and post-therapy. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed for the VHI-10 with a median delta of −7. Clinician feedback generally reported that patients liked the VOFM, using the VOFM within the first two sessions of therapy, and within less than 10 min of use. All clinicians ranked the conversation level of the hierarchy as the most effective level. Three themes emerged from the Therapy Feedback Form: the VOFM was a (1) “Facilitator for Sensation,” (2) a “Physical Tool,” and that there was (3) “No Program Needed” to use the VOFM in voice therapy. There was a statistically significant improvement in cepstral peak prominence (p = 0.0329) and cepstral spectral index of dysphonia (p = 0.0164) in sustained vowels. Discussion: This pilot study represents the first investigation into clinician and patient perceptions of using a VOFM. Reported measures via patient perception, as well as clinician perceptions, and some acoustic and aerodynamic measures showed that participants got better with VOFM voice therapy. Last, in general, both clinicians and patients liked utilizing a VOFM in voice therapy.
Three-Dimensional Interactive Graphical Model of the Hindlimb Muscles of the Rat
Authors: Baan Guus C. , Maas Huub
Published: February 2022

Many questions in human movement sciences are addressed by exploiting the advantages of animal models. However, a 3D graphical model of the musculoskeletal system of the frequently used rat model that includes a sufficient level of detail does not exist. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to develop an freely accessible 3D graphical model of the rat hindlimb. Using the anatomical data of the Wistar rat (Mus norvegicus albinus) published by Greene [1935], a 3D representation of 34 muscles of the hindlimb was drawn. Two models were created, one using muscle-like appearances and one using different colors. Each muscle can be viewed separately or within the context of its synergistic and antagonistic muscles. This model can serve to train new students before starting their experiments but also for producing illustrations of experimental conditions or results. Further development of the model will be needed to equip it with the same advanced functionalities of some of the human anatomy atlases.
YAP and TAZ in Vascular Smooth Muscle Confer Protection Against Hypertensive Vasculopathy
Authors: Daoud Fatima , Arévalo Martinez Marycarmen , Holmberg Johan , Alajbegovic Azra , Ali Neserin , Rippe Catarina , Swärd Karl , Albinsson Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Background:

Hypertension remains a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We hypothesize that appropriate mechanotransduction and contractile function in vascular smooth muscle cells are crucial to maintain vascular wall integrity. The Hippo pathway effectors YAP (yes-associated protein 1) and TAZ (WW domain containing transcription regulator 1) have been identified as mechanosensitive transcriptional coactivators. However, their role in vascular smooth muscle cell mechanotransduction has not been investigated in vivo.

Methods:

We performed physiological and molecular analyses utilizing an inducible smooth muscle–specific YAP/TAZ knockout mouse model.

Results:

Arteries lacking YAP/TAZ have reduced agonist-mediated contraction, decreased myogenic response, and attenuated stretch-induced transcriptional regulation of smooth muscle markers. Moreover, in established hypertension, YAP/TAZ knockout results in severe vascular lesions in small mesenteric arteries characterized by neointimal hyperplasia, elastin degradation, and adventitial thickening.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates a protective role of YAP/TAZ against hypertensive vasculopathy.
Deletion of BACH1 Attenuates Atherosclerosis by Reducing Endothelial Inflammation
Authors: Jia Mengping , Li Qinhan , Guo Jieyu , Shi Weihao , Zhu Lei , Huang Yijun , Li Yongbo , Wang Li , Ma Siyu , Zhuang Tao , Wang Xiaoqun , Pan Qi , Wei Xiangxiang , Qin Yue , Li Xiaobo , Jin Jiayu , Zhi Xiuling , Tang Jingdong , Jing Qing , Li Shanqun , Jiang Lindi , Qu Lefeng , Osto Elena , Zhang Jianyi , Wang Xinhong , Yu Bo , Meng Dan
Published: February 2022

Background:

The transcription factor BACH1 (BTB and CNC homology 1) suppressed endothelial cells (ECs) proliferation and migration and impaired angiogenesis in the ischemic hindlimbs of adult mice. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of BACH1 in atherosclerosis remain unclear.

Methods:

Mouse models of atherosclerosis in endothelial cell (EC)-specific-Bach1 knockout mice were used to study the role of BACH1 in the regulation of atherogenesis and the underlying mechanisms.

Results:

Genetic analyses revealed that coronary artery disease-associated risk variant rs2832227 was associated with BACH1 gene expression in carotid plaques from patients. BACH1 was upregulated in ECs of human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques. Endothelial Bach1 deficiency decreased turbulent blood flow- or western diet-induced atherosclerotic lesions, macrophage content in plaques, expression of endothelial adhesion molecules (ICAM1 [intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1] and VCAM1 [vascular cell adhesion molecule-1]), and reduced plasma TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL-1β levels in atherosclerotic mice. BACH1 deletion or knockdown inhibited monocyte–endothelial adhesion and reduced oscillatory shear stress or TNF-α-mediated induction of endothelial adhesion molecules and/or proinflammatory cytokines in mouse ECs, human umbilical vein ECs, and human aortic ECs. Mechanistic studies showed that upon oscillatory shear stress or TNF-α stimulation, BACH1 and YAP (yes-associated protein) were induced and translocated into the nucleus in ECs. BACH1 upregulated YAP expression by binding to the YAP promoter. BACH1 formed a complex with YAP inducing the transcription of adhesion molecules. YAP overexpression in ECs counteracted the antiatherosclerotic effect mediated by Bach1-deletion in mice. Rosuvastatin inhibited BACH1 expression by upregulating microRNA let-7a in ECs, and decreased Bach1 expression in the vascular endothelium of hyperlipidemic mice. BACH1 was colocalized with YAP, and the expression of BACH1 was positively correlated with YAP and proinflammatory genes, as well as adhesion molecules in human atherosclerotic plaques.

Conclusions:

These data identify BACH1 as a mechanosensor of hemodynamic stress and reveal that the BACH1-YAP transcriptional network is essential to vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. BACH1 shows potential as a novel therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
Hypertension and Ventricular–Arterial Uncoupling in Collegiate American Football Athletes
Authors: Tso Jason V. , Turner Casey G. , Liu Chang , Ahmad Syed , Ali Abbas , Selvaraj Steve , Galante Angelo , Gilson Carla R. , Clark Craig , Williams B. Robinson , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Baggish Aaron L. , Kim Jonathan H.
Published: February 2022

Background

Ventricular–arterial (VA) coupling is defined as the ratio between arterial elastance (EA) and left ventricular elastance (ELV). VA uncoupling, as occurs in hypertensive heart disease, is associated with adverse outcomes. This study sought to determine the relationship between American football (AF)–associated hypertension and VA uncoupling.

Methods and Results

This was a multicenter, longitudinal, and repeated measures observational study of collegiate AF athletes across 3 years of AF participation. Of 200 freshman athletes initially enrolled, 142 (67 Black [47%]/75 White [53%], 58 linemen [41%]/84 nonlinemen [59%]) were prospectively studied with echocardiography and applanation tonometry. Primary echocardiographic VA coupling outcome measures were EA/ELV and ΔEA/ELV, with increased EA/ELV indicating VA uncoupling. Adjusting for race and player position, AF athletes demonstrated increased EA/ELV (mean [95% CI]Δ, 0.10 [0.04–0.15];
P
=0.001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mean [95% CI]Δ, 11.4 [8.3–14.5] mm Hg,
P
<0.001) over their collegiate AF careers. In combination with longitudinal VA uncoupling, hypertension prevalence (including both stage 1 and 2) increased from 54% at baseline to 77% (44% stage 2) at the end of the study period (
P
<0.001). In multivariable mixed‐effects linear regression analysis, higher SBP (β=0.021,
P
=0.02), lower E′ (β=−0.010,
P
=0.03), and worse global longitudinal strain (β=0.036,
P
<0.001) were associated with higher EA/ELV. Increased SBP (ΔSBP, β=0.029,
P
=0.02) and worsened global longitudinal strain (Δglobal longitudinal strain, β=0.045,
P
<0.001) also predicted increased ΔEA/ELV.

Conclusions

VA uncoupling is associated with pathologically increased SBP and subclinical impairments in left ventricular systolic function in collegiate AF athletes, indicating a key mechanism underlying maladaptive cardiovascular phenotypes observed in this population. Future studies analyzing whether targeted clinical interventions improve VA coupling and health outcomes are warranted.
Turkish EFL learners’ interpretation of metaphors
Authors: Kökcü Şeyma , Ortaçtepe Hart Deniz
Published: February 2022

This study investigated Turkish EFL learners’ conceptual socialization in terms of their interpretation of English metaphors in three categories; a) conceptually and linguistically similar, b) conceptually similar, linguistically different, and c) conceptually and linguistically different metaphors. Data were collected through sentence level and situation-based tests. Learners’ responses were analyzed by comparing them to the native English speakers’ (NES s). Findings indicated that Turkish EFL learners could only benefit from the situational information when the metaphors were either conceptually or linguistically similar, and their performance differed very much from NES s in terms of correct interpretation of the metaphors. These results underline EFL learners’ lack of exposure to target culture and interaction with native speakers and thus the importance of non-native English speaking teachers (NNEST s) in EFL contexts as the most valuable source of the target language conceptual system.
Heteroconium tulsiense (Antennulariellaceae): a novel microfungus from Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra, India
Authors: DUBEY RASHMI , PANDEY AMIT D.
Published: February 2022

Heteroconium tulsiense is a new species collected on dry twig litter at Tiger Reserve areas (Tulsi Range), Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is illustrated, described and compared with related taxa. This fungus is characterized by unevenly pigmented conidia having pale brown ends, and produced in chains of up to four. The isolate was identified on the basis of its asexual morph. A key to 20 valid species of Heteroconium is presented.
Numerical simulation and experiment verified for heat transfer processes of high-property inorganic fiber woven fabrics
Authors: Liu Tianjiao , Chen Meiyu , Dong Jie , Sun Runjun , Yao Mu
Published: February 2022

Numerical simulation is an effective method to study the heat transfer of fabric. However, the interlaced structure of the woven fabric deforms warp yarns and weft yarns to varying degrees, so it is not easy to obtain an effective model of the fabric and the effective thermophysical parameters of the yarns. In addition, at a high temperature, the anisotropy and temperature-dependent property of the thermal conductivity of the yarn also need to be considered. Therefore, this work established a transient heat transfer simulation model based on the effective woven fabric structure and the effective thermophysical parameters of yarns to study the heat transfer processes of three kinds of high-temperature-resistant inorganic fiber (quartz fiber, high-silica glass fiber and basalt fiber) fabrics at different temperatures (especially high temperature). The fabrics were embedded in epoxy resin and made into slices, and then cross-sectional slices of the woven fabrics were observed through a three-dimensional microscope to construct the fabric geometric models. Taking into account the influence of warp yarn and weft yarn deformations in the fabric structure on the fiber volume fractions and the anisotropic and temperature-dependent property of thermal conductivities of the yarns, the thermophysical parameters of warp yarns and weft yarns in the woven fabrics were optimized. Then the fabrics were simulated for transient heat transfer at different temperatures (373.15, 573.15 and 773.15 K). The simulation results were verified through experiments. The good correlation between the two results proved the effectiveness of the simulation method.
Pigden Revisited, or In Defence of Popper’s Critique of the Conspiracy Theory of Society
Authors: Galbraith Deane
Published: February 2022

Charles Pigden’s 1995 article “Popper Revisited, or What is Wrong with Conspiracy Theories?” stimulated what is today a fertile sub-field of philosophical enquiry into conspiracy theories. In his article, Pigden identifies Karl Popper as the originator of the philosophical argument that it is naïve to believe in any conspiracy theory. But Popper was not criticizing belief in conspiracy theories at all, as Pigden defined them or as they have usually come to be understood since about the 1960s. Pigden has therefore fundamentally and anachronistically misinterpreted Popper. The object of Popper’s criticism was, rather, the inadequate approach to social science that is limited to the discovery of human intentions, including conspiracies, in particular the will of Great Men. Popper’s critique of the conspiracy theory of society was correct and should be rehabilitated. Pigden is correct only insofar as he concludes that we should not dismiss conspiracy theories without critical evaluation, a proposition with which Popper would likely have wholeheartedly agreed.
The Son and Scripture in Hebrews 1–2
Authors: Maston Jason
Published: February 2022

This article addresses the connection between the Christological claims in Heb. 1.2b-4 and the scriptures cited in 1.5-13. The claims are closely matched by the following scriptures in each instance except one, namely, the assertion about the Son’s death in 1.3c. Given the importance of the Son’s death for the author’s Christology (and soteriology), the lack of correspondence is striking. To account for this apparent oversight, I suggest that the citation of LXX Ps. 8.5-7 in Heb. 2.6-8 takes up this claim. Through the catena and LXX Ps 8.5-7, the author supports his Christological claims and establishes that God’s speaking through the Son is consistent with his activity among the prophets.
The Saints of Matthew 27: Why Do they Linger in their Tombs?
Authors: Archer Joel
Published: February 2022

Matthew’s crucifixion narrative recounts the opening of tombs, the raising of long-deceased saints and their entrance into Jerusalem. One odd feature of the story is that it contains a strange time gap: the saints are raised when Jesus dies, but they exit their tombs only after his resurrection. Scholars have tried to explain away this time gap in several ways, but none convinces. I advance a new proposal: the time gap is a natural consequence of Matthew’s theological narrative. Drawing on Ezek. 37.1-14, Matthew connects the moment Jesus gives up his breath with the raising of the saints, and he links Jesus’ resurrection with the saints’ entrance into Jerusalem. The time gap, therefore, is a natural and unproblematic result of the way Matthew tells his story.
Collaboration of issuing agencies and topic evolution of health informatisation policies in China
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Yao Rui , Evans Richard , Huang Wenjing , Cao Guang , Shen Lining
Published: February 2022

Digital transformation in the Chinese healthcare industry has led national government agencies to issue a series of policies to guide the construction of health informatisation. However, little is known about the issuing agencies and the topics of health informatisation policies. This study aimed to explore the collaboration of policies issuing and the evolution of policy topics. In this study, a total of 156 policy documents were identified. Author–Topic model and pre-discretised method based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation model were employed to mine the correlation between the issuing agencies and policy topics, and the evolution of policy contents. Findings suggest that the development of health informatisation policies can be divided into three stages. The number of policies has been increasing constantly, among which the policy of opinion and notification accounts for the vast majority. Many government agencies are involved in formulating policies collaboratively. On the whole, the topics changed constantly over time. From 2003 to 2008, policy topics focused on standards and specifications, with the phenomenon of splitting and development. From 2009 to 2014, policies were predominantly related to the construction of regional health informatisation, with some emerging topics generating. Internet + medical and new information technology gained attention from 2015 to 2020; most topics in this period were inherited, split or merged from the previous period. This study is helpful to research and formulation of the health informatisation-related policies.
The rural social economy, community food hubs and the market
Authors: Curry Nigel R
Published: February 2022

The nature of the UK rural social economy is described as an appropriate context in which rural food hubs develop. Through an empirical study of Local Industrial Strategies of the English Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), local area policies are found to provide a sympathetic social economy framework for such development. Rural food hubs are described. A distinction is drawn between producer and community hubs as a means of exploring the second of these more fully. Community hubs are found to address a number of market failures of the growth economy in the areas of community cohesion, voluntary effort, locality, the environment, food waste, health and food poverty. Despite some positive policy signals, dominant national economic policy in the areas of rural GVA productivity, the reform of the LEPs and a national rural strategy, is considered to limit the potential of rural community food hubs because of its ‘growth’ orientation. In this context, conclusions are drawn about survival strategies for such hubs.
A micromechanics-driven model for compressive fatigue of fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Davidson Paul , Waas Anthony M
Published: February 2022

A micromechanics model to predict the fatigue life of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (FRPC) is developed and used for estimating compressive fatigue failure of unidirectional carbon fiber composite. The micromechanics model utilizes constituent, fiber, and matrix material properties. An experimental procedure to obtain the matrix properties that are needed is also described. The model is implemented using the finite element method (FEM). The FEM simulations can predict the classic kink band failure seen in pre–preg-based and textile composites. In addition, an envelope fatigue loading approach is utilized to model the fatigue cycle. Using the combination of matrix fatigue degradation and the fatigue loading method, it is possible to numerically predict the S-N curve, based on the failure mechanics.
To Triumph or to Socialize? The Role of Gaming Motivations in Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Gameplay Preferences
Authors: Bonny Justin W. , Castaneda Lisa M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Individuals choose to engage in multiple types of online team-based video games. Gameplay options allow for player preferences to shape their gaming experience. Within the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre, players can decide whether to play matches with familiar or random teammates and whether their performance impacts their skill rating. Individual differences in video game engagement and genre preferences have been connected with player motivations and uses of video games and psychological traits that influence social interactions. The present study examined the extent to which the match preferences of MOBA players related to these factors.

Methods

Individuals attending an international MOBA tournament were recruited for the present research. Player MOBA match selection history was collected along with questionnaires measuring video game uses and gratifications, preference for solitude, tolerance of disagreement, and a test of theory of mind ability.

Results

Three main findings were observed. First, the highest-rated video game motivation was to socially interact with others. Second, players that displayed different preferences for types of MOBA matches varied in social interaction and competition video gameplay motivation scales. Third, although individual differences in fantasy video game motivation were correlated with theory of mind ability and preference for solitude, they did not vary by MOBA match preferences.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicated that MOBA players were more strongly motivated by social aspects of video gameplay and variations in video game motivation to compete correlated with the extent to which they engaged in different types of MOBA play.