bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hidden simplicity of metabolic networks is revealed by multireaction dependencies
Authors: Küken Anika , Langary Damoun , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: March 2022

Understanding the complexity of metabolic networks has implications for manipulation of their functions. The complexity of metabolic networks can be characterized by identifying multireaction dependencies that are challenging to determine due to the sheer number of combinations to consider. Here, we propose the concept of concordant complexes that captures multireaction dependencies and can be efficiently determined from the algebraic structure and operational constraints of metabolic networks. The concordant complexes imply the existence of concordance modules based on which the apparent complexity of 12 metabolic networks of organisms from all kingdoms of life can be reduced by at least 78%. A comparative analysis against an ensemble of randomized metabolic networks shows that the metabolic network of
Escherichia coli
contains fewer concordance modules and is, therefore, more tightly coordinated than expected by chance. Together, our findings demonstrate that metabolic networks are considerably simpler than what can be perceived from their structure alone.
Bryozoan revelations
Authors: Simpson Carl , Jackson Jeremy B. C.
Published: March 2022

Bryozoans, simple invertebrates living on the sea floor, are emerging as a model system for understanding ecological and evolutionary processes on macroevolutionary scales.
Identification of a Novel Myxoma Virus C7-Like Host Range Factor That Enabled a Species Leap from Rabbits to Hares
Authors: Águeda-Pinto Ana , Kraberger Simona , Everts Anne , Gutierrez-Jensen Ami , Glenn Honor L. , Dalton Kevin P. , Podadera Ana , Parra Francisco , Martinez-Haro Monica , Viñuelas José Alberto , Varsani Arvind , McFadden Grant , Rahman Masmudur M. , Esteves Pedro J.
Published: March 2022

The coevolution of European rabbit populations and MYXV is a textbook example of an arms race between a pathogen and a host. Recently, a recombinant MYXV (MYXV-Tol) crossed the species barrier by jumping from leporid species to another species, causing lethal myxomatosis-like disease.
Depressive symptoms in lung transplant recipients: trajectory and association with mortality and allograft dysfunction
Authors: Kolaitis Nicholas A , Gao Ying , Soong Allison , Greenland John R , Hays Steven R , Golden Jeffrey A , Venado Aida , Leard Lorriana E , Shah Rupal J , Kleinhenz Mary Ellen , Katz Patricia P , Kukreja Jasleen , Blanc Paul D , Smith Patrick J , Singer Jonathan Paul
Published: March 2022

Objective

Most studies observing an association between depressive symptoms following lung transplantation and mortality are limited to depressive symptom measurement at a single time point, unrelated to allograft function. We aimed to test the association of depressive symptoms over multiple assessments with allograft dysfunction and with mortality.

Methods

We assessed depressive symptoms before and serially up to 3 years after lung transplantation in lung transplant recipients. We quantified depressive symptoms with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS; range 0–15; minimally important difference (MID): 2). We quantified changes in GDS using linear mixed effects models and tested the association with mortality using Cox proportional hazards models with GDS as a time-dependent predictor. To determine if worsening in GDS preceded declines in lung function, we tested the association of GDS as a time-dependent predictor with the lagged outcome of FEV1at the following study visit.

Results

Among 266 participants, depressive symptoms improved early after transplantation. Worsening in post-transplant GDS by the MID was associated with mortality (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.50), and in lagged outcome analyses with decreased per cent predicted FEV1(Δ, −1.62%, 95% CI −2.49 to –0.76). Visual analyses of temporal changes in GDS demonstrated that worsening depressive symptoms could precede chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms generally improve after lung transplantation. When they worsen, however, there is an association with declines in lung function and mortality. Depression is one of the few, potentially modifiable, risk factors for chronic lung allograft dysfunction and death.
Hydraulics of flow over full-cycle cosine and rectangular sharp-crested weirs
Authors: Azimi Amir H. , Salehi Saeed
Published: March 2022

Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the hydraulic characteristics of full-cycle cosine and rectangular sharp-crested weirs in free flow condition. The head–discharge relationships of full-cycle cosine weirs were determined theoretically and the discharge coefficients were correlated with weir geometry for both rigid and erodible bed conditions. The proposed model showed higher discharge coefficients in full-cycle cosine weirs in comparison with rectangular sharp-crested weirs. The three-dimensional velocity profiles of full-cycle cosine and rectangular weirs were measured by an acoustic Doppler velocimeter probe. The effects of weir geometry on mean flow and local erosion upstream of the weirs were studied for two sediment sizes of 0.7 mm and 1.2 mm. The time-averaged velocity profiles exhibited strong three-dimensional flow in full-cycle cosine weirs. The strength of the upper eddy in the crest location of full-cycle cosine weirs decreased by increasing the weir gap opening and the jet stream deflected upward due to uneven eddy sizes. The maximum streamwise velocity of cosine weirs increased by four times the average velocity at the crest level of the weir and the transverse velocity profiles captured strong vortices in the vertical plane closest to the weir. The effect of weir gap opening of full-cycle cosine weirs on the total scour volume was studied for two sediment sizes. It was found that the scour volume in the upstream region of cosine weirs was higher than the scour volume formed upstream of a rectangular weir with the same opening.
India’s Changing Approach to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
Authors: JAIN Purnendra
Published: March 2022

India was initially a reluctant Quadrilateral (Quad) Security Dialogue partner. Today New Delhi is a willing partner and a strong supporter of the Quad. With continuing border tensions across the Himalayas and Beijing’s growing assertiveness in India’s neighbourhood, India has tied itself tightly to the United States and the Quad partner nations’ strategies. While still pursuing strategic autonomy and engagement with Russia and dialogue with China, both of which oppose the Quad, India has embraced the Quad unhesitatingly and has now accepted Quad partners as like-minded nations.
China’s Policies and Challenges in the Taliban’s Afghanistan
Authors: WANG Jin
Published: March 2022

With the US withdrawal and the return to power of the Afghan Taliban, the situation in Afghanistan has transformed significantly. China closely monitors the development in Afghanistan and highlights to the Afghan Taliban its redline over terrorism and extremism. It also develops ties with the Afghan Taliban to assist the Afghan people and the country in setting up a positive international image. However, given the complexities of the situation in Afghanistan and China’s inadequate knowledge of and influence in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs, China has faced tremendous challenges.
Optimal Parameterized Algorithms for Planar Facility Location Problems Using Voronoi Diagrams
Authors: Marx Dániel , Pilipczuk Michał
Published: March 2022

We study a general family of facility location problems defined on planar graphs and on the two-dimensional plane. In these problems, a subset of
k
objects has to be selected, satisfying certain packing (disjointness) and covering constraints. Our main result is showing that, for each of these problems, the

n
O

(√
k
) time brute force algorithm of selecting
k
objects can be improved to

n
O

(√
k
) time. The algorithm is based on an idea that was introduced recently in the design of geometric QPTASs, but was not yet used for exact algorithms and for planar graphs. We focus on the Voronoi diagram of a hypothetical solution of
k
objects, guess a balanced separator cycle of this Voronoi diagram to obtain a set that separates the solution in a balanced way, and then recurse on the resulting subproblems.

The following list is an exemplary selection of concrete consequences of our main result. We can solve each of the following problems in time

n
O

(√
k
), where
n
is the total size of the input:

d
-Scattered Set

: find
k
vertices in an edge-weighted planar graph that pairwise are at distance at least
d
from each other (
d
is part of the input).

d
-Dominating Set

(or (
k,d
)-Center): find
k
vertices in an edge-weighted planar graph such that every vertex of the graph is at distance at most
d
from at least one selected vertex (
d
is part of the input).

Given a set
D
of connected vertex sets in a planar graph
G
, find
k
disjoint vertex sets in
D
.

Given a set
D
of disks in the plane (of possibly different radii), find
k
disjoint disks in
D
.

Given a set
D
of simple polygons in the plane, find
k
disjoint polygons in
D
.

Given a set
D
of disks in the plane (of possibly different radii) and a set
P
of points, find
k
disks in
D
that together cover the maximum number of points in
P
.

Given a set
D
of axis-parallel squares in the plane (of possibly different sizes) and a set
P
of points, find
k
squares in
D
that together cover the maximum number of points in
P
.

It is known from previous work that, assuming the Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH), there is no
f
(
k
)

n
o

(√
k
) time algorithm for any computable function
f
for any of these problems. Furthermore, we give evidence that packing problems have

n
O

(√
k
) time algorithms for a much more general class of objects than covering problems have. For example, we show that, assuming ETH, the problem where a set
D
of axis-parallel rectangles and a set
P
of points are given, and the task is to select
k
rectangles that together cover the entire point set, does not admit an
f
(
k
)

n
o

(
k
) time algorithm for any computable function
f
.
Simplified Thermal Runaway Model for Assisting the Design of a Novel Safe Li-Ion Battery Pack
Authors: Coman Paul T. , Darcy Eric C. , White Ralph E.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a simplified thermal runaway model (FEM) used to guide the design of a novel battery pack designed to resist thermal runaway propagation passively. The model is based on the heat equation for a 2D geometry with a heat generation term based on the maximum amount of energy measured using a custom-made calorimeter. The model was validated against experimental data using a 48-cell subscale of a full-scale battery pack for three different runs with three trigger cells with Internal Short Circuit Devices (ISCD) implanted in the separators. One trigger cell was placed at the edge, one placed in the middle, surrounded by six cells, and one placed in one corner of the subscale pack. It was shown that by simplifying the geometry and looking at the complex thermal runaway propagation mechanism only from a thermal perspective (no electrochemical reactions or fluid flow), the model predicted the experimental data with good precision. Furthermore, such a model was used to validate some experimental observations, which indicated the practicality of such a simplified design tool.
Communication—Porous Current Collector with Randomly Distributed Pores for Li Metal Negative Electrode in All-Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Shinzo Shota , Shoji Miho , Higuchi Eiji , Chiku Masanobu , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

The increase in mechanical stress at the interface of the Li metal and solid electrolyte induces dendritic Li growth in all-solid-state Li batteries. We demonstrated the increasing stress in Li metal was significantly reduced by porous current collectors (PCCs). Here, we demonstrate the PCC with 3- dimensional pores prepared by sintering a mixture of micrometer-sized Ni spherical particles and polymethyl methacrylate spheres as a template of pores. The low-cost sintering method realized not only reduction of the preparation cost of PCCs, but high internal short circuit resistance comparable to the expensive PCCs with regularly arranged through-holes using electroforming methods.
A Facile Etching Route for Preparing Ti3C2 MXene with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in Silver Nitrate Solution
Authors: Zhang Pei , Nan Xiaoye , Wang Kexin , Wang Yiran , Wang Tian , Wang Cuicui , Guo Jiang , Chen Xiaoli , Zhu Jianfeng
Published: March 2022

Two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene is a promising electrode material for high-capacity supercapacitor, which is normally prepared by selective etching of the Al layer from ternary carbide Ti3AlC2 MAX phase using HF acid solution. Here a distinct etching method using a little HF acid is reported. Ti3C2 MXene decorated with Ag nanoparticles are synthesized via a chemical replacement reaction with AgNO3 solution at room temperature and then evaluated as working electrodes. Due to the synergistic effect between Ag and Ti3C2 matrix, the resulting composite of the 10 wt% AgNO3 treated sample (Ag-10) exhibits higher specific capacitance of 779.5 F g−1 at the scan rate of 5 mV s−1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte solution and shows good cycling stability with capacitance retaining 95% after 5000-cycles. This work also shows the possibility of using other metallic cations with higher redox potential to prepare high performance MXenes for supercapacitor materials.
Different Positive Electrodes for Anode-Free Lithium Metal Cells
Authors: Louli A. J. , Eldesoky A. , deGooyer Jack , Coon Matt , Aiken C. P. , Simunovic Z. , Metzger M. , Dahn J. R.
Published: March 2022

With a potential to deliver 60% greater energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries, the simple design of anode-free lithium metal cells with liquid electrolytes has generated significant research interest. However, without excess lithium, the short lifetime and safety concerns for cells cycling lithium metal with liquid electrolytes make the development of anode-free cells particularly challenging. Herein, we investigate the effect of four different positive electrode materials on the performance of anode-free cells—LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC532), LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811), LiCoO2 (LCO), and LiFePO4 (LFP). In-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrolyte degradation measurements were performed on cells with dual-salt LiDFOB/LiBF4 electrolyte to elucidate cell failure. Additional state-of-the-art electrolyte systems as well as other testing conditions (temperature, pressure, depth of discharge) were also explored, along with nail safety tests and calendar aging cycle-hold experiments. We show that the rate of lithium inventory loss and impedance growth differs amongst these cell chemistries, ultimately resulting in the shortest lifetime for NMC811 and the longest lifetime for LCO anode-free cells of 200 cycles.
Electrodeposition of Simonkolleite as a Low-Temperature Route to Crystalline ZnO Films for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Canto-Aguilar Esdras J. , González-Flores Carlos A. , Peralta-Domínguez Diecenia , Andres-Castán José M. , Demadrille Renaud , Rodríguez-Pérez Manuel , Oskam Gerko
Published: March 2022

A pulsed electrodeposition procedure has been developed to prepare macroporous films of the semiconducting mineral simonkolleite, Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O, on glass/FTO substrates. The morphology is characterized by the presence of smooth, micron-sized hexagonal platelets, and relatively thick films of 6 μm can be prepared in about 15 min. Simonkolleite can be transformed into crystalline, mesoporous ZnO using a relatively low temperature thermal treatment (250 °C). While the macrostructure of hexagonal platelets is maintained, they become mesoporous due to the removal of water and Cl−-containing reaction products. Dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated with both simonkolleite and ZnO films, using the recently reported fully organic benzothiadiazole-based photosensitizer MG-207, and an electrolyte solution based on either the I−/I3
− or the Co(bpy)3
2+/3+ redox couple. An efficiency of 1.74% has been obtained for ZnO/MG-207/Co(bpy)3
2+/3+ solar cells, illustrating the promise of crystalline, mesoporous ZnO obtained via a low-temperature simonkolleite route for portable and lightweight devices based on flexible substrates.
The Future Extreme Temperature under RCP8.5 Reduces the Yields of Major Crops in Northern Peninsular of Southeast Asia
Authors: Amnuaylojaroen Teerachai , Parasin Nichapa
Published: March 2022

This study explores the impact of rising near-future temperatures on crop yields, particularly rice and maize, in northern Thailand between 2020 and 2029. The potential for high temperatures in northern Thailand between 2020 and 2029 under the Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario indicates that Thailand experienced hot trends between 2020 and 2029 as measured by the annual maximum value of daily maximum temp (TXx), annual minimum value of daily maximum temp (TXn), annual minimum value of daily minimum temp (TNn), and annual maximum value of daily minimum temp (TNx). Northern Thailand had the most dramatic changes in TXn and TNn. Furthermore, TXn levels were found to be significantly higher in northern Thailand. The number of days when TX < 10th percentile (TX10p) intensity decreased, while the number of days with TN < 10th percentile (TN10p) intensity was increasing. The number of days when TN > 90th percentile (TX90p) has become increasingly rare in northern Thailand. The TN90p was dropping in northern Thailand, whereas the Warm Spell Duration Index (WSDI) was growing. Additionally, the cold spell duration index (CSDI) continues to decline. This indicates that the heat persistence index is increasing in northern Thailand. Temperature rises are the most likely to have a detrimental impact on agricultural production, and climate models can predict regional temperature changes with more precision than precipitation. Throughout the planting season (June-December), average yearly temperatures in rice and maize growing areas have climbed by 0.5–0.6°C. The impact estimates for maize and rice are generally negative, that is, −10 ± 4.6% per °C and −8 ± 3.5% per °C, respectively.
Qualitative Analysis for Multiterm Langevin Systems with Generalized Caputo Fractional Operators of Different Orders
Authors: Ali Saeed M. , Abdo Mohammed S.
Published: March 2022

In this research work, we study two types of fractional boundary value problems for multi-term Langevin systems with generalized Caputo fractional operators of different orders. The existence and uniqueness results are acquired by applying Sadovskii’s and Banach’s fixed point theorems, whereas the guarantee of the existence of solutions is shown by Ulam–Hyer’s stability. Our reported results cover many outcomes as special cases. An example is provided to illustrate and validate our results.
On a Class of Schrödinger System Problem in Orlicz–Sobolev Spaces
Authors: El-Houari H. , Chadli L. S. , Moussa H.
Published: March 2022

Using the mountain pass theorem, we obtain the existence of a nontrivial and nonnegative weak solution of a quasi-linear Schrödinger system driven by the

ω

⋅

-Laplacian operator in Orlicz–Sobolev spaces.
Acetyl-11-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid (AKBA) Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Cytotoxicity on H9C2 Cells
Authors: Taherzadeh Danial , Baradaran Rahimi Vafa , Amiri Hamed , Ehtiati Sajjad , Yahyazadeh Roghayeh , Hashemy Seyed Isaac , Askari Vahid Reza
Published: March 2022

Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), the major component of Boswellia serrata, exhibits anti-inflammatory activities. This in vitro study investigated the protective effects of AKBA against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction. In this study, the H9C2 cardiomyocytes were pretreated with AKBA (2.5, 5, and 10 μM for 24 h), and then cotreated with LPS for another 24 h. The MTT assay, ELISA test kits, and quantitative real-time PCR analysis assessed the cell viability, levels of proinflammatory factors (IL-β, IL-6, TNF- α, and PGE2), and the gene expression of IL-β, IL-6, TNF- α, iNOS, and COX-2, respectively. The nitric oxide (NO) and thiol levels were also measured using a biochemical assay. The results indicated that LPS exposure markedly reduced cell viability and total thiol content, but increased the inflammatory cytokines, NO metabolites, and gene expression of proinflammatory mediators in H9C2 cells. AKBA pretreatment significantly altered the mentioned factors induced by LPS. Our results demonstrated that AKBA might be a promising therapeutic agent for treating sepsis-related cardiac dysfunction in the future.
Development and Utilization of College Chinese Curriculum Resources Based on Cloud Computing Resource Scheduling Algorithm
Authors: Cui Yanan
Published: March 2022

In the current situation of university education in China, there are some problems that need to be solved urgently in college Chinese teaching in China, which seriously restrict the realization and implementation of college Chinese teaching objectives. The emergence and development of cloud computing technology can integrate different information media, and through the integration of traditional text, pictures, videos, and other resource media, it can be presented in a clearer and more vivid way. In this paper, a cloud computing resource scheduling model is established for the realization of the platform for the development and utilization of university Chinese cloud computing curriculum resources. The multi-QoS (Quality of Service) objective constraint problem is transformed into a single objective constraint solving problem. The improved GA (genetic algorithm) is used to solve the single objective constraint problem, and the square of the objective function is used as a fitness function, and a better resource allocation strategy is obtained. Experimental results show that the allocation time of the algorithm proposed in this paper is greatly reduced, and the QoS guarantee ability of cloud computing service providers is effectively improved. It has certain reference value for the further research of cloud computing technology in the development and utilization of college Chinese curriculum resources.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Reveal the Underlying Mechanisms of Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae in the Treatment of Asthma
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Xu Liying , Zhou Lingming , Wan Shanhong , Jiang Libin
Published: March 2022

Background. In this study, network pharmacological methods were used to analyze the targets of Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae (RDN) and investigate the potential underlying mechanism of RDN in the treatment of asthma. Methods. Asthma-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. The bioactive components of RDN were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database, and the targets of these compounds were predicted using the BATMAN-TCM database. The network of RDN component targets was constructed using Cytoscape. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed in Cytoscape to determine the potential targets of RDN for the treatment of asthma. The hub genes of RDN in the treatment of asthma were screened using network topological parameters. Gene ontology (GO) and the KEGG pathways were analyzed. Molecular docking and in vivo experiments were performed to validate the network pharmacology results. Results. A total of four bioactive components and 55 targets were identified. The results of the enrichment analysis suggested that the treatment of asthma with RDN involved signaling pathways, such as those related to systemic lupus erythematosus, alcoholism, viral carcinogenesis, the cell cycle, prostate cancer, transcriptional misregulation in cancer, hepatitis B, thyroid hormone signaling, and PI3K-AKT signaling, as well as other signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that the active components of RDN could stably bind to the predicted target. In vivo experiments showed that RDN could regulate the expression of target genes and inhibit the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Conclusion. To a certain extent, this study reveals the potential bioactive components and molecular mechanisms of RDN in the treatment of asthma and provides new insights for the development of new drugs for asthma.
Feasibility Analysis of Wearables Guiding Scientific Movements and Promoting Health
Authors: Tao Guanghua , Suo Wei , Li Yuandong
Published: March 2022

Wearable devices have gradually integrated into people’s healthy lives because of their mobility, portability, and other characteristics, and have shown their value and status in sports and health. Wearable devices can be used to capture a large amount of human body activity data, but how to effectively use these data to serve people and help people form a healthy lifestyle is a problem to be considered. In order to further study the feasibility of wearable devices to guide scientific movements and promote health, a new layered motion recognition algorithm is proposed in this study. In this study, a C4.5-based decision tree algorithm is used to identify the state layer, and only the mean and variance features are extracted from the acceleration sensor data. Three corresponding BP neural network classifiers are constructed and classified. Each classifier is responsible for identifying actions in the corresponding states and verifying the method in this study through experiments. The experimental results in this study show that the recognition rate of the mRMR feature selection recognition algorithm is 1.13% higher than the BE algorithm and 2.02% higher than the recognition method without any feature selection algorithm. In addition, the research in this article found that wearable devices can realize the real-time detection of the physiological indicators of the wearer throughout the day to evaluate the efficacy of the drug and apply it to the early detection and treatment of diseases, which may improve patient compliance and promote health to a certain extent.
Online AI-Guided Video Extraction for Distance Education with Applications
Authors: Gao Hua
Published: March 2022

The pervasive applications of artificial intelligence (AI) have made an impact on the human knowledge sharing and education. In practice, a lifelong learning process is becoming an inevitable trend in the future. Although distance education has been developed for a long period, there are still problems such as low learning enthusiasm, low autonomy, and unsatisfactory learning support services. The application of AI to distance education will fundamentally affect the instruction and guidance methods, as well as the instructing content of distance education. Evolutions in distance education have brought significant changes in the instructing mode, learning strategy and support service, evaluation mode, and instructing platform of distance education. Distance education can construct an intelligent education platform to provide learners with personalized learning support. It can also offer flexible, dynamic, and convenient evaluation and on-demand learning resources with guaranteed quality. By leveraging the state-of-the-art data mining technique, we in this work design a set of simple yet effective distance education system, in the context of video conferencing. Our technique depends on the existing video surveillance network and equipment. Our technique can be applied to achieve an effective face-to-face online interaction. Meanwhile, the video surveillance network switch is optimized to enhance the network transmission and ensure the reliability of network operation. Comprehensive experimental results on the two instructing platforms based on embedded system learning and hospital nurse learning have shown the advantage of our method.
Efficient Localization of Multitype Barcodes in High-Resolution Images
Authors: Yi Jinwang , Xiao Yuanbiao
Published: March 2022

Barcode positioning technology is one of the important components of barcode technology. However, most of the current algorithms are only applicable to a single type of barcode positioning or limited to low-resolution images due to a large amount of calculation, and thereby it is still a challenge to locate multitype barcodes in high-resolution images. In response to the above problems, this paper proposes a reliable multitype barcode localization method for multibarcode localization in high-resolution images where one-dimensional (1D) barcodes, two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, or multitype barcodes are present simultaneously. The method consists of three main steps: first, extracting multiple types of barcode features through a joint edge detection algorithm; next, marking target barcode regions with a bidirectional contour labeling method; and finally, extracting barcode regions by an improved affine transformation. The experimental results show that, in terms of localization accuracy, the proposed method has a better accuracy of 97.83% than existing algorithms in low-resolution images and can locate multitype barcodes in high-resolution images with an accuracy rate of 98.04%. Besides, in terms of time cost, the proposed method effectively reduces the time cost by 50% and improves the barcode localization efficiency.
Assessment of Spoilage Microbiota of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during Storage by 16S rDNA Sequencing
Authors: Du Guangqing , Gai Yuanming , Zhou Hui , Fu Shaoping , Zhang Dawei
Published: March 2022

Due to the high contents of protein and fat in rainbow trout, it is highly susceptible to spoilage, which limits the storage and transportation processes. Exploring the spoilage microbial community during rainbow trout storage is essential to develop an effective preservation method. Here, the changes in the total bacterial colony and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) during the storage of rainbow trout were investigated. Storage at 0 °C can effectively slow down the spoilage process with bacterial counts and TVB-N contents decreased from 8.7 log CFU/g and 18.7 mg/100 g obtained at 4 °C to 5.6 log CFU/g and 14.5 mg/100 g, respectively. 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing results showed that the diversity of microbial genera decreased during storage. Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Shewanells gradually became the dominant spoilage genera with contents of 59.9%, 18.6%, and 1.7%, respectively, in the late stage of storage. The spoilage abilities of bacteria belonging to the Pseudomonas and Shewanells genera were analyzed. Shewanella sp. S5-52 showed the highest level of TVB-N content (100.6 mg/100 g) in sterile fish juice, indicating that it had a strong spoilage ability. This study confirmed the dominant spoilage bacterial genera and evaluated the spoilage abilities of isolated strains during the storage of rainbow trout, which laid the foundation for further investigation of the spoilage mechanism of rainbow trout and other aquatic products.
Role of NOD-Like Receptors in a Miniature Pig Model of Diabetic Renal Injuries
Authors: Ren Yi , Cui Shaoyuan , Hong Quan , Shen Wanjun , Li Qinggang , Wu Lingling , Fu Bo , Wang Xu , Ma Qian , Liu Jiaona , Bai Xueyuan , Chen Xiangmei
Published: March 2022

Activation of NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway can promote downstream cytokine and proinflammatory cytokines release, and inflammation induced by excess nutrients leads to renal metabolic injury. How the NLRs influence metabolic progress and then lead to the renal injury remains poorly investigated. Compared with rodents, minipigs are more similar to humans and are more ideal animal models for human disease research. In this study, we established a diabetic minipig model through a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Blood biological markers and renal pathological markers, expression of NLRP subfamily members (NLRP1 and NLRP3) and their downstream cytokines (precursors of IL-1β and IL-18 and mature forms of IL-1β and IL-18), expression of NLRC subfamily members (NLRC1, NLRC2, and NLRC5) and their downstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway molecules (IKKβ, IκBα, and NF-κB p65), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) were systematically evaluated. The expression of NLRP3 and its downstream cytokine signaling molecules, the precursors of IL-1β and IL-18, and the mature forms of IL-1β and IL-18 was significantly upregulated. The expression levels of NLRC1, NLRC2, and NLRC5 and activation of the downstream NF-κB pathway molecules phospho-IKKβ, phospho-IκBα, NF-κB p65, and phospho-NF-κB p65 were significantly increased. The TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in diabetic pig kidneys. The TGF-β/Smad signaling molecules, TGF-β and P-SMAD2/3, were also increased. These results suggested that the metabolic inflammation activated by NLRs might play an important role in diabetic renal injuries.
Effects of Biochar, Lime, and Compost Applications on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) in Alluvial Soil of the Mekong Delta
Authors: Dang Le Van , Ngoc Ngo Phuong , Hung Ngo Ngoc
Published: March 2022

Soil acidity is an important factor affecting crop productivity in the tropics. The soil of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta has high acidity, deficient levels of exchangeable bases, and low fertility. This study aimed to evaluate soil amendments’ role in improving soil fertility, soil acidity, and pomelo yield cultivated in raised beds. The field trial was carried out in Hau Giang Province consecutively over 3 years from 2018 to 2020. Four treatments were used, namely control, biochar (5 ton·ha−1·year−1), lime (2 ton·ha−1·year−1), and compost (5 ton·ha−1·year−1). All treatments applied the same amount of NPK fertilizers at rates of 400 kg·N, 300 kg·P2O5, and 400 kg·K2O·ha−1·year−1. Physicochemical properties of the topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm) and fruit yield were investigated. The results showed that biochar or compost application increased soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and exchangeable cations and decreased soil bulk density (BD), improving soil fertility and fruit yield in the raised beds. Applications of biochar or compost resulted in about 1.5-fold higher fruit yield than that of chemical fertilizer alone. The average profit increased to USD 1,672 ha−1 after applying biochar and compost in the three-year experiments. Biochar and compost amendments have a positive effect on reducing soil acidity and soil BD, elevating SOM, supplying available Ca2+ and Mg2+, improving soil fertility, enhancing fruit yield, and increasing profit.
Integrated RNA-Seq Analysis Uncovers the Potential Mechanism of the “Kidney Governing Bones” Theory of TCM
Authors: Yang Shuo , Wang Tiancheng , Zhang Jingcheng , Leng Xiangyang , Yao Baojin
Published: March 2022

Background. As in philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the theory of “kidney governing bones” has been demonstrated by a series of scientific studies. Furthermore, many groups including ours have explored the molecular mechanisms related to bone development, growth, and regeneration using modern biology technologies, such as RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (ITRAQ), and have demonstrated that the underlying molecular mechanisms were highly consistent with the “kidney governing bones” theory. Objective. Kidney-yang deficiency (YD), as a pathological condition, has a passive effect on the skeleton growth; more specifically, it is a state of skeletal metabolic disorder. However, the exact molecular mechanisms related to the “kidney governing bones” theory under the control of multiple organs and systems are still unknown. Methods. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq analysis to investigate and compare the gene expression patterns of six types of tissue (bone, cartilage, kidney, testicle, thyroid gland, and adrenal gland) from YD rats and normal rats and analyzed the interaction effects controlled by multiple functional genes and signaling pathways between those tissues. Results. Our results showed that, in the state of YD, the functions of bone and cartilage were inhibited. Furthermore, multiple organs involving the reproductive, endocrine, and urinary systems were also investigated, and our results showed that YD could cause dysfunctions of these systems by downregulating multiple functional genes and signaling pathways that positively regulate the homeostasis of these tissues. Conclusion. We ensure that “kidney governing bones” was not a simple change in a single gene but the changes in complex biological networks caused by functional changes in multiple genes. This also coincides with the holistic view of TCM, which holds that the human body itself is an organic whole and the functional activities of each organ coordinate with each other.
Analysis of Comprehensive Artificial Neural Network Computer Media Aided Construction of Economic Forecasting Model
Authors: Li Tianfeng
Published: March 2022

As a complex system engineering, economic forecasting involves many fields and disciplines, and its accuracy largely depends on the selected forecasting method and forecasting model. The construction of the traditional economic prediction model mainly depends on the theories of economic statistics and metrology, which cannot meet the prediction needs of the new era. ANN model has a more flexible nonlinear quality and learning mode so that it can effectively adapt to the prediction scenario of a nonlinear economic system. ANN is an abstract model of the human brain neuronal network based on the information-processing perspective and composed of different networks to achieve a specific representation of logical strategies. ANN’s self-learning function, associative storage function, and the ability to find optimal solutions at high speed have led to its in-depth application and research in an increasing number of fields. In addition, ANN research work has continued to advance, has made great progress in many fields represented by economic forecasting, has successfully solved many practical problems, showing a more intelligent adaptation in the field of economics, and therefore has an important research value. Based on this, this paper first analyzes the economic system prediction, then studies the ANN medium model and learning algorithm, and finally verifies the effectiveness of the ANN economic prediction model integrating computer medium.
Spectral, Structural, and Antibacterial Study of Copper(II) Complex with N2O2 Donor Schiff Base Ligand and Its Usage in Preparation of CuO Nanoparticles
Authors: Saadat Afshin , Banaei Alireza , Mcardle Patrick , Jafari Rana
Published: March 2022

A new Schiff base complex, Cu(H2L)2 (H3L: 6,6

′

-((1E,1

′

E)-((azanediylbis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(2-methoxyphenol)), through the reaction of ligand H3L with Cu(NO3)2 3H2O, in the ratio of 2 : 1 in methanol solvent was prepared. The obtained ligand (H3L) was characterized by FT-IR, 13C NMR, 1H NMR and elemental analyses. Then its copper(II) complex was prepared and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal studies, elemental analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The X-ray crystallography revealed that the two H3L ligands in bidentate fashion coordinated to one copper center for producing Cu(H2L)2 complex. We used copper(II) Schiff base complex, Cu(H2L)2, for the preparation of CuO nanoparticles via solid-state thermal decomposition. The crystalline structure of the product was studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD indicated that the new product was copper oxide. SEM image showed that the size of CuO nanoparticles was between 46 and 53 nm, and they had uniform shape. The antibacterial properties of the complex and ligand were also investigated. The results revealed that Schiff base complex showed higher biological activity than Schiff base ligand.
The Neuroprotective Effect of α-Lipoic Acid and/or Metformin against the Behavioral and Neurochemical Changes Induced by Hypothyroidism in Rat
Authors: Khadrawy Yasser A. , Khoder Noha M. , Sawie Hussein G. , Sharada Hayat M. , Hosny Eman N. , Abdulla Mohga S.
Published: March 2022

Objective: The present study evaluates the neuroprotective effect of α-lipoic acid (ALA) and/or metformin (MET) on the behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by hypothyroidism. Methods: Rats were divided into control, rat model of hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil, and rat model of hypothyroidism treated with ALA, MET, or their combination. Results: Behaviorally, hypothyroid rats revealed impaired memory and reduced motor activity as indicated from the novel object recognition test and open-field test, respectively. Hypothyroidism induced a significant increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) in the cortex and hippocampus. These were associated with a significant increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and a significant decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Hypothyroidism decreased significantly the levels of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) and reduced the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and Na+, K+-ATPase in the cortex and hippocampus. Treatment of hypothyroid rats with ALA and/or MET showed an improvement in memory function and motor activity. Moreover, ALA and/or MET prevented the increase in MDA and TNF-α, and the decline in GSH, NO, BDNF, 5-HT, NE, and DA. It also restored AchE and Na+, K+-ATPase activities in the studied brain regions. Conclusion: ALA and/or MET has a potential neuroprotective effect against the adverse behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by hypothyroidism in rats.
Media Literacyof High School Students in Critical and Safe Social Media
Authors: Tijan Tijan , Amal Abdillah Yan , Rachman Maman , Hardi Saputro Iwan
Published: March 2022

Misconceptions about free speech often led to digital crimes. In Indonesia, cases of defamation and hate speech on social media continue to increase. Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, where people are doing more online activities. Therefore, students should learn media literacy to not be part of the crimes. In this quasi-experimental research, media literacy material was integrated with Pancasila and citizenship education at the senior high school level in Semarang District. The control group used expository learning with a video conference application such as Zoom and uploaded their assignment to Google Drive. The experimental group used discussion-based learning and posted assignments on their Instagram accounts. In this study, ten multiple-choice questions presented digital contents that were proven to have violated the Electronic Information and Transaction Law. Students should identify the violations committed and choose the correct answer. Both groups showed similar pre-test (6.00 and 5.82) and post-test (6.47 and 6.00) scores. However, the experimental group showed attitudes change in the discussion. Many of them commented, "be careful in commenting" which is the best way to avoid online violation. This study recommends teachers conduct democratic learning through social media to provide students with real experiences and improve their social skills.
Avaliação comparativa entre analisadores hematológicos Mindray BC-6800 e URIT 5500, com ênfase na capacidade de detecção de blastos em pacientes portadores de leucemia aguda
Authors: Ribeiro Monyque Barbosa , Brito Camila dos Santos , Brito Junior Lacy Cardoso de
Published: March 2022

Comparar a capacidade dos analisadores hematológicos BC-6800 (Mindray) e URIT 5500 em sinalizar a presença de blastos em pacientes portadores de leucemia aguda. Foram analisadas 13 amostras de sangue periférico contendo blastos mielóide ou linfóide, provenientes de um hospital oncológico de Belém – Pará, previamente imunofenotipados por citometria de fluxo para verificar a capacidade dos equipamentos Mindray BC-6800 e URIT 5500 em sinalizar a presença dessas células no scatter leucocitário ou por emissão de flags. Para avaliação da existência de diferença estatística entre os resultados de hemácias, hemoglobina, leucócitos e plaquetas obtidos pelos equipamentos BC 6800 (Mindray) e URIT 5500 foi aplicado o teste não paramétrico ANOVA para análise de variância das amostras, o qual mostrou que não havia diferença estatística entre esses analitos. Não foi aplicado método estatístico para as contagens da diferencial leucocitária, pois o equipamento URIT 5500 não gerou dados numéricos para as amostras patológicas. Os dois equipamentos foram capazes de gerar flags e mudanças espacial do scatter leucocitário para amostras patológicas, contudo, o analisador BC 6800 (Mindray) foi o único a mudar a cor da população de blastos no scatter leucocitário. Os analisadores BC-6800 (Mindray) e URIT 5500 mostraram boa capacidade em sinalizar, através flags e do scatter leucocitário, para a presença de blastos mielóides ou linfóides em amostras patológicas.
Complicações em testes para COVID-19 com swab nasal: relatos de caso
Authors: Santana Jholbert Cardoso , Gonçalves Mateus Capuzzo , Camargo Leandro Azevedo de , Avelino Melissa Ameloti Gomes , Braz Felipe da Silva , Queiroz Nathálya Rodrigues , Heliodoro Taynara Luísa de Mello , Silva Sarah Vidal da
Published: March 2022

Introdução: Atualmente, estamos enfrentando uma pandemia causada pela síndrome respiratória aguda grave coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) que é um vírus de RNA de uma única cadeia pertencente à família de coronavírus. O método mais utilizado para confirmar o diagnóstico da infecção pelo SARSCoV-2 é através de testes moleculares usando rRT-PCR (reações em cadeia de transcrição reversa em tempo real polimerase) para detectar o RNA viral. A maneira usual de colher amostras virais é através de cotonetes nasofaríngeos. Uma das formas efetivas de controlar a transmissão dessa doença é o diagnóstico precoce e isolamento dos pacientes infectados. Nesse relato abordaremos dois casos de complicações com swab nasal na coleta de rRT-PCR para COVID-19, atendidos em um pronto socorro de otorrinolaringologia. Relato de caso: O primeiro foi de uma paciente que teve a haste do cotonete quebrada em sua fossa nasal esquerda, necessitando de remoção do corpo estranho com por nasoendoscopia. Enquanto o segundo foi de uma paciente que apresentou epistaxe grave devido trauma do cotonete em esporão no septo nasal esquerdo, necessitando de abordagem em centro cirúrgico. Conclusão: É importante ressaltar que mesmo sujeito a complicações possivelmente graves, a realização de testes RT-PCR com cotonete nasal é o padrão ouro no diagnóstico de COVID-19. É muito importante advertir que o profissional treinado ao suspeitar de algum acidente durante o exame deve, precocemente, solicitar avaliação do especialista competente para abordagem adequada.
Avaliação das diferenças nas manifestações clínicas da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica entre homens e mulheres: um estudo transversal analítico
Authors: Barcelos Giovanna Guilherme , Carvalho Isabella Ribeiro de Sena , Araújo Mariana Alves Santana de , Ferreira Anna Carolina Galvão , Rabahi Marcelo Fouad
Published: March 2022

Introdução: Apesar de ser uma doença tipicamente masculina, a prevalência da DPOC entre as mulheres vem crescendo. Assim, conhecer a apresentação da doença neste grupo é de grande importância para o planejamento da abordagem terapêutica. Objetivo: Avaliar as diferenças de sintomas da DPOC em homens e mulheres, bem como seu impacto e os fatores de risco associados em ambos os sexos. Metodologia: Estudo analítico, observacional e transversal em que foram avaliados 203 pacientes com DPOC, sendo o diagnóstico espirométrico o principal critério de inclusão. A análise descritiva foi estratificada entre gêneros e foram realizados testes não paramétricos. Foram aplicados os questionários COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Charlson Comorbidity Index e FRAIL-BR, sendo estas as variáveis estudadas entre os gêneros. Resultados: O impacto dos sintomas medidos com o CAT foi maior nas mulheres (p=0,04) e clinicamente significativo. Conclusão: Mulheres com DPOC são mais sintomáticas.