bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination elicits robust antibody responses in children
Authors: Bartsch Yannic C. , St. Denis Kerri J. , Kaplonek Paulina , Kang Jaewon , Lam Evan C. , Burns Madeleine D. , Farkas Eva J. , Davis Jameson P. , Boribong Brittany P. , Edlow Andrea G. , Fasano Alessio , Shreffler Wayne G. , Zavadska Dace , Johnson Marina , Goldblatt David , Balazs Alejandro B. , Yonker Lael M , Alter Galit
Published: July 2022

Although children have been largely spared from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) with increased transmissibility, combined with fluctuating mask mandates and school reopenings, has led to increased infections and disease among children. Thus, there is an urgent need to roll out COVID-19 vaccines to children of all ages. However, whether children respond equivalently to adults to mRNA vaccines and whether dosing will elicit optimal immunity remain unclear. Here, we aimed to deeply profile the vaccine-induced humoral immune response in 6- to 11-year-old children receiving either a pediatric (50 μg) or adult (100 μg) dose of the mRNA-1273 vaccine and to compare these responses to vaccinated adults, infected children, and children who experienced multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Children elicited an IgG-dominant vaccine-induced immune response, surpassing adults at a matched 100-μg dose but more variable immunity at a 50-μg dose. Irrespective of titer, children generated antibodies with enhanced Fc receptor binding capacity. Moreover, like adults, children generated cross-VOC humoral immunity, marked by a decline of omicron-specific receptor binding domain, but robustly preserved omicron spike protein binding. Fc receptor binding capabilities were also preserved in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicate that both the 50- and 100-μg doses of mRNA vaccination in children elicit robust cross-VOC antibody responses and that 100-μg doses in children result in highly preserved omicron-specific functional humoral immunity.
Elucidating Mechanisms of Tolerance toSalmonellaTyphimurium across Long-Term Infections Using the Collaborative Cross
Authors: Scoggin Kristin , Gupta Jyotsana , Lynch Rachel , Nagarajan Aravindh , Aminian Manuchehr , Peterson Amy , Adams L. Garry , Kirby Michael , Threadgill David W. , Andrews-Polymenis Helene L.
Published: July 2022

To survive a bacterial infection, an infected host can display resistance or tolerance. Resistance is indicated by a decrease in pathogen load, while for tolerance a high pathogen load is accompanied by minimal disease.
VxrB Influences Antagonism within Biofilms by Controlling Competition through Extracellular Matrix Production and Type 6 Secretion
Authors: Teschler Jennifer K. , Jiménez-Siebert Eva , Jeckel Hannah , Singh Praveen K. , Park Jin Hwan , Pukatzki Stefan , Nadell Carey D. , Drescher Knut , Yildiz Fitnat H.
Published: July 2022

This work demonstrates that the
Vibrio cholerae
type six secretion system (T6SS) can actively kill prey strains within the interior of biofilm populations with substantial impact on population dynamics. We additionally show that the response regulator VxrB contributes to both T6SS killing and protection from T6SS killing within biofilms.
Notification List of Bacterial Strains Made Available by the United Kingdom National Collection of Type Cultures in 2021
Authors: Turnbull Jake David , Dicks Jo , Gurung Sunita , McGregor Hannah ,   The NCTC 2021 Depositors Cohort, Alexander Sarah
Published: July 2022

Here, we report on the 47 bacterial strains made available by the National Collection of Type Cultures in 2021, alongside a commentary on these strains and their significance.
Mining of Thousands of Prokaryotic Genomes Reveals High Abundance of Prophages with a Strictly Narrow Host Range
Authors: López-Leal Gamaliel , Camelo-Valera Laura Carolina , Hurtado-Ramírez Juan Manuel , Verleyen Jérôme , Castillo-Ramírez Santiago , Reyes-Muñoz Alejandro
Published: July 2022

Phages and prophages play an essential role in controlling their host populations either by modulating the host abundance or providing them with genes that benefit the host. The constant growth in next-generation sequencing technology has caused the development of powerful computational tools to identify phages and prophages with high precision.
Inhibition of Biofilm Formation and Virulence Factors of Cariogenic Oral Pathogen Streptococcus mutans by Shikimic Acid
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Yang Yang , Sun Qun , Zeng Weicai , Li Yuqing
Published: July 2022

Natural products are an important and cost-effective source for screening antimicrobial agents. Here, we identified one compound, shikimic acid, from
Illicium verum
extract, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against
S. mutans
proliferation. It also inhibits biofilm formation of this bacteria through decreasing Gtf expression and EPS synthesis. Furthermore, this compound exhibits no significant cytotoxicity at its MIC against
S. mutans
, providing evidence for its clinical application.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of new-onset heart failure: an updated meta-analysis of about 11 million individuals
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Petracca Graziana , Csermely Alessandro , Beatrice Giorgia , Bonapace Stefano , Rossi Andrea , Tilg Herbert , Byrne Christopher D , Targher Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Objective

Recent studies reported an association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increased risk of new-onset heart failure (HF). However, the magnitude of the risk and whether this risk changes with severity of liver disease remains uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to quantify the magnitude of the association between NAFLD and risk of new-onset HF.

Design

We systematically searched Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed from database inception to March 2022 to identify eligible observational studies, in which NAFLD was diagnosed by serum biomarkers/scores, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, imaging techniques or liver histology. The primary outcome was new-onset HF, as assessed mainly by ICD codes. Data from selected studies were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to obtain summary hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs.

Results

We identified 11 longitudinal cohort studies with aggregate data on 11 242 231 middle-aged individuals from different countries and 97 716 cases of incident HF over a median of 10 years. NAFLD was associated with a moderately higher risk of new-onset HF (pooled random-effects hazard ratio 1.50, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.67, p<0.0001;I2=94.8%). This risk was independent of age, sex, ethnicity, adiposity measures, diabetes, hypertension and other common cardiovascular risk factors. Sensitivity analyses did not change these results. The funnel plot did not show any significant publication bias.

Conclusion

NAFLD is associated with a 1.5-fold higher long-term risk of new-onset HF, regardless of the presence of diabetes, hypertension and other common cardiovascular risk factors. However, the observational design of the studies does not allow for proving causality.
Influence of thermochemical activation of wood on the physicochemical properties of lignin
Authors: Bogolitsyn Konstantin , Krasikova Anna , Gusakova Mariya , Khviyuzov Sergey , Ivakhnov Artyom
Published: July 2022

The wood matrix is a lignin–carbohydrate nanobiocomposite, thermodynamically quasi-equilibrium heterogeneous system of biopolymers. Changing its thermodynamic equilibrium due to directed chemical and (or) physical impacts opens up new approaches to the study of plant objects. Thermochemical activation, including treatments in sub- (steam explosion) and supercritical conditions (supercritical fluid extraction) having similar mechanisms of action, is one such method. The effect of steam explosion is determined by two components — chemical (the catalytic effect of formed acetic and formic acid) and physical (a sharp adiabatic expansion). The main components of supercritical treatment are increased temperature and pressure in the CO2 medium with cosolvents. The chemical component of this treatment is due to the addition of chemical reagents. Such treatments lead to a change in the thermodynamic state and capillary-porous structure of the lignin–carbohydrate matrix, an increase in its heterogeneity, and the yield of extracted lignin preparations. Lignin is the most reactive component of the wood matrix, and these processes result in changes in its functional nature and reaction properties. Thus, the lignin sample extracted after steam explosion had the greatest increase in the content of phenolic hydroxyl (by 39 rel.%) and carboxyl (by 57 rel.%) groups. Change in the functional composition of lignin leads to a change in its redox state, characterized by the oxidative potential and free energy of oxidation. It was shown that lignin after steam explosion had the highest oxidative potential and the lowest value of the oxidation energy, which indicated the greatest change in its reactivity in redox interactions.
DYNAMICS OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR INTERACTION PLANT–PARASITE–TRICHODERMA
Authors: JIMÉNEZ MARÍA FERNANDA , BLÉ GAMALIEL , FALCONI MANUEL
Published: July 2022

In this work, the impact of a biological agent (Trichoderma spp.) on the dynamic of a plant–parasite model is analyzed. It is assumed that the plant–Trichoderma spp. relationship is mutualistic, the Trichoderma spp.–parasite relationship is that of predator–prey, and the parasite is specialist. Conditions for pest eradication and for species coexistence are shown.
ELECTRODEPOSITION OF NICKEL ON HEAT-TREATED LOW CARBON STEEL FOR YAM POUNDING BEATER
Authors: OLORUNTOBA DANIEL TOYIN , OLUWAFEMI OLANIKE MARY , ADESINA OLANREWAJU SEUN , SANYAOLU OLUFEMI OLUSEUN , ADEDIRAN ADEOLU ADESOJI , IKUBANNI PETER PELUMI
Published: July 2022

This work focused on the mechanical and corrosion behaviors of electroplated nickel on heat-treated low carbon steel serving as an alternative to austenitic stainless steel for the yam beater in a yam pounding machine. Four standard samples were prepared for electrodeposition from the steel samples by heating to a temperature of 920°C with a 60-min holding time. One of the samples was air-cooled while the remaining three were quenched in H2O and later tempered at 450°C, 550°C and 650°C for 60[Formula: see text]min. After the heat treatment process, the ultimate tensile strength, toughness, and microhardness of the samples were obtained. Nickel electrodeposition was later carried out on the heat-treated mild steel using Watt standard bath concentration. Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) were used for the characterization of the heat-treated and nickel-electrodeposited samples. More so, the electrochemical behavior of the nickel-plated samples was studied in a yam fluid environment using the potentiodynamic polarization technique. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to analyze the chemical and oxide composition of the samples. The results showed that among all the heat treatment operations, the sample heat-treated at 920°C and tempered at the highest tempering temperature of 650°C gave the highest toughness value (102[Formula: see text]MJ/m3) when compared with stainless steel at 124[Formula: see text]MJ/m3. The sample heat-treated at 920°C and tempered at 550°C displayed a corrosion rate of 0.022182[Formula: see text]mm/yr as against the stainless steel sample with a value of 0.0031864[Formula: see text]mm/yr. From the analysis, the nickel deposited on the heat-treated samples enhanced corrosion resistance in the yam fluid. XRF analysis of the yam before pounding, after processing with nickel electroplated, and stainless beaters shows the content of nickel as 0.0941%, 0.109%, and 0.1113%, respectively. It was concluded that the materials for the yam pounding beater, therefore, perform better if they were both heat-treated and nickel-plated. Invariably, stainless steel could be successfully replaced with heat-treated and nickel-plated mild steel for use as a yam pounding beater.
On Prognosis of Influence of Radiation Dose on Value of Charge Carrier Mobility
Authors: Pankratov E. L.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we introduce a model to analyze the manufacturing of an implanted-junction rectifier. The model gives a possibility to analyze dependence of charge carriers mobility on the value of dose of implanted ions. Also, we introduce an analytical approach to analyze mass transfer. The approach gives a possibility to make the analysis in a more common situation, as was recently done in the literature. Analysis of the introduced model shows an increae in the spread of distribution of dopant and decrease of mismatch-induced stresses in multilayer structures with increase of dose of implanted ions.
A Hybrid Detection System for DDoS Attacks Based on Deep Sparse Autoencoder and Light Gradient Boost Machine
Authors: Batchu Raj Kumar , Seetha Hari
Published: July 2022

In the internet era, network-based services and connected devices are growing with many users, thus it became an increase in the number of cyberattacks. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are the type of cyberattacks increasing their strength and impact on the victim. Effective detection of such attacks through a DDoS Detection System is relatively essential research. Although machine learning techniques have grown in popularity in the field of cybersecurity over the last several years, the change in the attack patterns in recent days shows the need for developing a robust DDoS prediction model. Therefore, we suggested a DDoS prediction system using a two-stage hybrid methodology. Initially, features are extracted by the unsupervised Deep Sparse Autoencoder (DSAE) using Elastic Net regularisation with optimum hyperparameters. Further, several learning models are tuned to classify attacks based on the extracted feature sets. Finally, the models’ performance is analysed with extracted features in balanced and imbalanced data scenarios. The experimental outcomes show that the suggested model outperforms current approaches. The model was evaluated on the CICIDS-2017 and CICDDoS-2019 datasets and achieved an accuracy of 99.98% and 99.99%, respectively.
Phantom model for Tsallis holographic dark energy
Authors: Pandey Bramha Dutta , Pankaj  , Sharma Umesh Kumar
Published: July 2022

This paper considers Tsallis holographic dark energy in an FLRW universe that is flat, with the future event horizon serving as an IR cutoff. We examine the evolutionary behavior of parameters related to dark energy density and the equation of state for different values of Tsallis exponent [Formula: see text], and observe suitable behavior in the model. Here [Formula: see text] in lower redshift region corresponds to phantom behavior of Tsallis holographic dark energy. An effort is made to reconstruct the potential of the phantom for [Formula: see text] with lower redshift by examining the dynamics of the scalar field.
The influence of phenyl substitutions on the dimerization of highly substituted iron(III) porphyrin hydroxo complexes
Authors: Konno Hirofumi , Haga Hiroyuki , Kishimoto Yasushi , Takeda Jun
Published: July 2022

The modeling of iron porphyrins is essential in the study of heme proteins. These complexes readily undergo autooxidation and dimerization; however, this dimerization process can be inhibited by introducing phenyl groups. Herein, the dimerization of highly substituted iron(III) porphyrins is investigated. The stability of water-insoluble iron(III) hydroxo complexes was monitored via thin-layer chromatography and was found to increase with the number of phenyl groups. Dodecaphenyl-substituted complexes formed hydroxo complexes, tetraphenyl and hexaphenyl complexes formed [Formula: see text]-oxo dimers, and octaphenyl and decaphenyl complexes existed as hydroxo complex-[Formula: see text]-oxo dimer mixtures. Crystals of the dodecaphenyl-substituted iron(III) hydroxo complexes were successfully isolated. The decaphenyl-substituted complex was unique in that the respective crystals of both the hydroxo complexes and [Formula: see text]-oxo dimer could be isolated from the chloride complexes. Furthermore, the synthesis and proton equilibria of the new porphyrin iron(III) water-soluble complexes were investigated. Under neutral to basic conditions, at equilibrium, dodecaphenyl-substituted complexes exclusively formed hydroxo complexes, whereas octaphenyl, hexaphenyl, and tetraphenyl complexes exclusively formed [Formula: see text]-oxo dimers, and decaphenyl complexes existed as hydroxo complex-[Formula: see text]-oxo dimer mixtures. Additionally, the order of the dimerization reaction was examined using the initial-rate and half-life methods, which confirmed that the dimerization is a second-order reaction that follows a mechanism wherein two hydroxo complexes form a dihydroxo-bridged intermediate. This result was supported by the dimerization of water-soluble iron(III) hydroxo complexes. The new hydroxo complexes with non-planar porphyrin cores synthesized in this study are expected to have a significant impact on heme protein reaction modeling.
Exploring π-extended subporphyrinoids as electron transporting materials in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Momblona Cristina , Labella Jorge , Gómez-Gómez Marta , Guzmán David , Čulík Pavel , Kanda Hiroyuki , Martínez-Díaz M. Victoria , Guldi Dirk M. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Torres Tomás
Published: July 2022

Due to their strong acceptor properties and enhanced charge transport capabilities, non-fullerene electron acceptors based on [Formula: see text]-extended derivatives – subnaphthalocyanines (SubNc) or subphtalocyanine dimers (SubPc[Formula: see text] – have been employed in organic photovoltaics in the past as an alternative to the expensive fullerene. However, these promising [Formula: see text]-extended derivatives have not been explored in perovskite solar cell technology. In this work, we implement a vacuum-deposited very thin film of SubNc or SubPc2 as electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells. In particular, we demonstrate the excellent electron extraction properties of the thin films in contact with perovskite layer. The fabricated perovskite solar cells exhibit enhanced device performances with reduced hysteresis index and improved device stability. Our results validate the use of [Formula: see text]-extended subporphyrinoids as promising candidates for perovskite optoelectronics with enhanced stability properties, being essential for further commercialization of the perovskite technology.
Selective hetero-bis-metalation of a cisoid isomer of doubly N-confused dioxohexaphyrin
Authors: Shimomura Keito , Nakamura Yuma , Kai Hiroto , Saito Kyosuke , Furukawa Ko , Mori Shigeki , Ishida Masatoshi , Furuta Hiroyuki
Published: July 2022

Novel site-selective hetero-copper(II)/zinc(II) complexes of a cisoid-configured doubly N-confused dioxohexaphyrin analog (c-ZnCu-2 and c-CuZn-2) were synthesized and characterized. The resulting heterometal complexes exhibited a unique near-infrared (NIR) absorption feature, and the facile redox-active properties originated from the large 26[Formula: see text]-conjugated structure. The distinct difference between the site-dependent c-ZnCu-2 and c-CuZn-2appeared in the specific structural parameters of the d9 copper centers in the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and the Lewis acidity of the zinc centers upon the base-titrations. These complexes have potential for the hetero-metal-containing [Formula: see text]-material applications that respond to the NIR light.
A p-adic lower bound for a linear form in logarithms
Authors: Palojärvi Neea , Seppälä Louna
Published: July 2022

Linear forms in logarithms have an important role in the theory of Diophantine equations. In this paper, we prove explicit [Formula: see text]-adic lower bounds for linear forms in [Formula: see text]-adic logarithms of rational numbers using Padé approximations of the second kind.
On an extension of a question of Baker
Authors: Gun Sanoli , Kandhil Neelam
Published: July 2022

It is an open question of Baker whether the numbers [Formula: see text] for nontrivial Dirichlet characters [Formula: see text] with period [Formula: see text] are linearly independent over [Formula: see text]. The best known result is due to Baker, Birch and Wirsing which affirms this when [Formula: see text] is co-prime to [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we extend their result to any arbitrary family of moduli. More precisely, for a positive integer [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] denote the set of all [Formula: see text] values as [Formula: see text] varies over nontrivial Dirichlet characters with period [Formula: see text]. Then for any finite set of pairwise co-prime natural numbers [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], we show that the set [Formula: see text] is linearly independent over [Formula: see text]. In the process, we also extend a result of Okada about linear independence of the cotangent values over [Formula: see text] as well as a result of Murty–Murty about [Formula: see text] linear independence of such [Formula: see text] values. Finally, we prove [Formula: see text] linear independence of such [Formula: see text] values of Erdösian functions with distinct prime periods [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text].
Torsion of elliptic curves in the compositum of Dihedral fields
Authors: Chou Michael , Karker Mary Leah
Published: July 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be an elliptic curve. Let [Formula: see text] denote the compositum of all fields with Galois group [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text]. We classify the possible torsion subgroups of [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] not divisible by 3 or 4, where [Formula: see text] is the dihedral group on a regular [Formula: see text]-gon. We also obtain upper bounds for the torsion of [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] for various semi-direct products [Formula: see text] by way of classifications of torsion over [Formula: see text].
The discriminant of a hypersurface in weighted projective space
Authors: Terakado Yasuhiro
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study the discriminant of a hypersurface in a weighted projective space with isolated singularities. We define the discriminant of a hypersurface in [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], and show that it satisfies a smoothness criterion over any commutative ring.

A smooth hypersurface of degree [Formula: see text] in the weighted projective three-fold [Formula: see text] is a del Pezzo surface of degree [Formula: see text]. We show that the determinant of the Galois action on the [Formula: see text]-lattice arising from its exceptional curves can be computed via the square roots of the discriminant.
Lower order terms for expected value of traces of Frobenius of a family of cyclic covers of ℙ𝔽q1 and one-level densities
Authors: Meisner Patrick
Published: July 2022

We consider the expected value of [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] runs over a thin family of [Formula: see text]-cyclic covers of [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. We obtain many lower order terms dependent on the divisors of [Formula: see text]. We use these results to calculate the one-level density of the family and hypothesize a refined one-level density result.
An Analysis of the Responsibilities and Driving Factors for Embodied Carbon in Trade
Authors: ZHANG Bin , LI Liping , ZHAO Jia , ZHANG Li
Published: July 2022

By adopting the consumption-based accounting (CBA) method of carbon emissions based on national carbon intensity (NCI), using the International Trade Centre (ITC) database, the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), and the World Bank database, and taking 13 countries and regions including the European Union (EU) countries and the United States (US) as research samples, this paper conducts an accounting of the embodied carbon in trade between China and other major economies in the world, clarifies the responsibilities China has taken for foreign consumption-based carbon emissions, and analyzes the various driving factors of China’s embodied carbon in exports. The findings are as follows: (i) Most of the developed economies have higher consumption-based emissions than production-based emissions, which is contrary to most of the developing economies, with developing countries bearing responsibilities for 15–20% of the consumption-based carbon emissions for developed countries; (ii) the carbon emissions of countries and regions are closely related to the embodied carbon in trade, with a correlation coefficient of 0.96. (iii) China has taken responsibility for a large amount of carbon emissions from foreign consumer demand, most of which are from the US, the EU, ASEAN, and Japan, respectively accounting for 3.8%, 3.5%, 2.3%, and 1.2% of China’s production-based carbon emissions in 2019; (iv) technique effect is the main driving factor for China’s embodied carbon in trade, while the specific driving factors vary by industry. Based on the above analysis, it is suggested that China should: (i) consider the trade factor in its efforts to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality; (ii) adopt differentiated measures to reduce trade-related emissions for specific industries; (iii) fully consider China’s demand for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in international negotiations; (iv) give more support to the research on and measurement of consumption-based carbon emissions.
Heuristic Adaptation for Intermittently Powered Batteryless Sensors
Authors: Bakar Abu , Ross Alexander G. , Sinan Yildirim Kasim , Hester Josiah
Published: July 2022

Battery-free sensing devices harvest energy from their surrounding environment to perform sensing, computation, and communication. A core challenge for these devices is maintaining usefulness despite erratic, random, or irregular energy availability, which causes inconsistent execution, loss of service, and power failures. Adapting execution (degrading or upgrading) based on available or predicted power/energy seems promising to stave off power failures, meet deadlines, or increase throughput. However, due to constrained resources and limited local information, deciding what and when exactly to adapt is challenging. This article explores the fundamentals of energy-aware adaptation for intermittently powered computers and proposes heuristic adaptation mechanisms to dynamically modulate the program complexity at run-time to enable higher sensor coverage and throughput. While we target battery-free, intermittently powered, resource-constrained sensors, we see a general application to all energy harvesting devices.
Charging Wearable Devices Through Natural Interactions with Instrumented Everyday Objects
Authors: Mohammed Noor , Wang Rui , Jackson Robert W. , Noh Yeonsik , Gummeson Jeremy , Lee Sunghoon (Ivan)
Published: July 2022

Recent advancements in semiconductor technologies have stimulated the growth of ultra-low power wearable devices. However, these devices often pose critical constraints in usability and functionality because of the on-device battery as the primary power source [1]. For example, periodic charging of wearable devices hampers the continuous monitoring of users' fitness or health conditions [2], and batteries and charging equipment have been identified as one of the most rapidly growing electronic waste streams [3].

To counteract the above-mentioned complications associated with the management of on-device batteries, wireless power transmission technologies capable of charging wearable devices in a completely unobtrusive and seamless manner have become an emerging topic of research over the past decade [4]. Researchers have instrumented daily objects or the surrounding environment with equipment that can wirelessly transfer energy from a variety of sources, such as Radio Frequency (RF) signals, laser, and electromagnetic fields [5]. However, these solutions require large and costly infrastructure and/or need to transmit a significant amount of power to support reasonable power harvesting at the wearable devices, which conflict with the vision of ubiquitously available and scalable charging support.
Detecting Change in Professional Conduct Using Information from the Internet
Authors: Safi Roozmehr
Published: July 2022

Increasing reliance on the Internet's perpetual memory has raised concerns regarding how dated information that would otherwise be forgotten or inaccessible can unduly or disproportionally influence current assessments and decisions. I investigate aspects of this topic for two major business entity types: one-person businesses (i.e., sole proprietors) and firms. Results show that one-person businesses tend to be more severely impacted by past adverse information than firms, and furthermore their improvement trends over time are more likely to be dismissed as noise than recognized as signals of change. While firms can offset old unfavorable conduct by engaging in new favorable behaviors, a sole proprietor's current favorable operations can remain dominated by decades-old actions. Results also indicate that decision makers perceive firms as more capable of truly changing. Moreover, while only decision makers with certain personality characteristics recognize signs of positive change from a sole proprietor, all decision makers detect and appreciate such changes in a firm's conduct. This study finds that limiting access to adverse past information is likely to be more helpful (or necessary) for one-person businesses, or more generally for individuals, than for firms.
Abstracts of recent doctoral dissertations in computer algebra
Authors: CCA editors
Published: July 2022

Each quarter we are pleased to present abstracts of recent doctoral dissertations in Computer Algebra and Symbolic Computation. We encourage all recent Ph.D. graduates who have defended in the past two years (and their supervisors), to submit their abstracts for publication in CCA.
Towards the autonomous evolution of robot ecosystems
Authors: Hart Emma
Published: July 2022

Mobile robots are increasingly part of the fabric of everyday life, with applications that range from maintenance of underwater infrastructure, through increasing productivity in manufacturing and warehouse logistics operations to cleaning our homes. For most of these tasks, robots are designed and programmed by human engineers. While they might not have complete knowledge of the situations/tasks they might come across, the robots operate in environments that are to a large extent predictable. Therefore, it is possible to design bodies with sensors and actuators that seem appropriate and to program controllers that provide some level of adaptive behaviour. But what if one wants to send a robot to operate in an unknown environment whose characteristics are unknown or inaccessible or dangerous for humans? To clean up inside a nuclear reactor, for example, mine for minerals at the bottom of the ocean, or explore an asteroid whose surface is unmapped? If a technology could be produced that could design and fabricate robots in-situ, not only could this avoid wasted effort, it could lead to robots uniquely adapted to their environment.
Gesture
Authors: Cartmill Erica A.
Published: July 2022

Gesture is intimately entwined with human language and thought. It is a tool for communication as well as cognition: conveying information to interlocutors, orchestrating interaction, and supporting problem-solving and learning. Over the past 25 years, the community of scholars interested in gesture has grown from a specialized group to a multidisciplinary community incorporating gesture into a wide range of topics. This article aims to capture and continue that growth by introducing readers to some of the most intriguing findings and questions in gesture research. It adopts a four-field approach, integrating multiple literatures and introducing work from outside anthropology. It defines key terminology and reviews five areas that have undergone significant recent growth: the integration of gesture with speech, gesture as communication and cognition, gesture's role in learning and language development, cultural variation in gesture, and the role of gesture in language origins. Taken together, these areas demonstrate that gesture is entangled with language, thought, and identity, starting in early childhood. This tangle has deep evolutionary roots; indeed, gesture may have been part of the human story from its start.
Review—A Nanomaterial-Based Sensor for Detecting the COVID-19 Virus through Various Techniques
Authors: Toan Tran Thanh Tam , Nguyen Do Mai
Published: July 2022

The features of NMTs such as graphene, molybdenum disulfide, CNTs and quantum dots for unique sensing applicability are mentioned in this review study. Some notable sensors that have been produced are described based on the particular analyte compound to be determined and the functionalization processes that are used. For COVID-19 determination, biocompatible sensors manufactured from these materials capable of determining specific chemical components are also highlighted, which could support efficient and reliable sensing and rapid diagnosis.
Potentiometric Analysis of Benzalkonium Chloride with 3D Printed Ion-Selective Membranes
Authors: Ho Nguyen H. B. , Glasco Dalton L. , Bell Jeffrey G.
Published: July 2022

Benzalkonium (BA+) chloride is one of the most common preservatives used in prescription-based and over-the-counter eye drops. Knowing the concentration of BA+ in eye drops is important for both quality control (at the pharmaceutical preparation stage) and human health (ocular toxicity has been linked to BA+ use). This paper describes the design and fabrication of a benzalkonium-selective potentiometric sensor for the determination of BA+ in ophthalmic solutions. The sensor is composed of a 3D-printed ion-selective membrane (ISM) that selectively measures BA+ in the presence of potentially interfering ions routinely found in ophthalmic formulations (i.e., Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+ and K+). The 3D printed BA+-ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) produced a Nernstian response of 55 mV/Decade across a range of 1.0 mM to 31.0 μM BA+ along with an LOD of 8 μM, which covers the relevant concentration range found in ophthalmic solutions. The 3D printed BA+-ISEs proved to be highly stable with an average drift of 205 μV/hr. Successful measurement of BA+ in diluted ophthalmic solutions was completed from 100–500 μM. The mass production capability afforded by 3D-printing offers a unique and intriguing fabrication protocol for developing low-cost sensors which could be incorporated quickly and seamlessly by pharmaceutical companies or community-based pharmacies.
Modified Lamaze Breathing Reduces Abdominal Pain in Patients during Colonoscopy
Authors: Wang Fuqun , Wen Shizhen , Chen Jing , Du Liwen , Zeng Juncheng
Published: July 2022

Objective. To study the effects of modified Lamaze breathing on abdominal pain experienced during colonoscopy. Methods. Eighty-five patients who underwent common colonoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and May 2021 were selected and randomly divided into the Lamaze group (

n
=
40

) and a control group (

n
=
45

). Their basic clinical information was collected, and the bowel cleanliness, the time for the endoscope to reach the ileocecal junction, and the degree of abdominal pain of the two groups were compared. Results. No significant difference was observed in age, gender, bowel cleanliness, and time of endoscope to reach the ileocecal junction between the two groups. However, the degree of abdominal pain (anal region, descending sigmoid colon junction, splenic flexure, and hepatic flexure) was significantly lower in the Lamaze group compared with the control group. Conclusion. Modified Lamaze breathing demonstrated promising effectiveness in reducing abdominal pain during colonoscopy and improving the quality of the examination.
Construction of Biologic Microscopic Image Segmentation Model Based on Smoothing of Fourth-Order Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Ma Ye
Published: July 2022

In order to solve the problem of microscopic image noise, a biological microscopic image segmentation model based on the smoothing of the fourth-order partial differential equation was proposed. Based on the functional description of image smoothness by directional curvature mode value, a fourth-order PDE image denoising model is derived, which can effectively reduce noise while preserving edges. The result of this method is piecewise linear image, and the gradient at the edge of the target has a step. Using the feature of noise reduction, a new geodesic active contour model is proposed. The experiment result shows that when the variance of Gaussian white noise is 15, the enhancement and denoising effects of the proposed method are 80.35% and 69.84 higher than those of the original vibration filtering method and L. Alvarez method. In terms of time, the proposed method is 1.3075 seconds slower than the original vibration filtering method and 17.5754 seconds faster than the L. Alvarez method. When the variance of Gaussian white noise is 25, the enhancement and denoising effects of the proposed method are 97.79% and 81.16 higher than those of the original vibration filtering method and L. Alvarez method. In terms of time, the proposed method is 1.3246 seconds slower than the original vibration filtering method and 17.5796 seconds faster than the L. Alvarez method. Conclusion. The new model is not only stable but also has strong ability of contour extraction and fast convergence.
Nutritional and Quality Characteristics of Some Foods Fortified with Dried Mushroom Powder as a Source of Vitamin D
Authors: Ibrahim Rehab Mohamed , Ali Maha IK , Abdel-salam Faten Farouk
Published: July 2022

Vitamin D plays a vital role in synthesizing calcium-carrying proteins in the small intestine and helps the absorption of calcium in the body, thus reducing the risk of rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults, especially in women. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and quality characteristics of some food products such as waffles, breadsticks and salad cream fortified with dried mushroom powder (DMP) after exposure to sunlight for 60 min as a source of vitamin D. The exposure of mushroom to sunlight for 60 min before drying increased its content of vitamin D by 158% more than fresh mushroom (not exposed to sunlight). The DMP was added to the product’s formula by a ratio of 1, 2, and 3%. The addition of DMP increased protein, ash, fat, and vitamin D2 and D3 contents in all products, while carbohydrates and moisture contents were decreased in both waffles, and breadsticks. The hardness of both waffles and breadsticks was decreased with increasing the levels of DMP added, while the addition of DMP led to enhance bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in all products. The sensory evaluation of waffles, breadsticks, and salad cream containing DMP was not changed than control sample. The results found that the intake of 100 g of salad cream, waffles, and breadstick (containing 3% DMP) could by providing more than the recommended daily allowances (RDA) of vitamin D. Therefore, this study recommended the use of DMP (by a ratio of 3%) in fortifying food products in order to meet the RDA of vitamin D.
Evaluation of High Yielding Maize Hybrids Based on Combined Stability Analysis, Sustainability Index, and GGE Biplot
Authors: Ruswandi Dedi , Syafii Muhammad , Wicaksana Noladhi , Maulana Haris , Ariyanti Mira , Indriani Nyimas Poppy , Suryadi Edy , Supriatna Jajang , Yuwariah Yuyun
Published: July 2022

Selection of high yielding and stable maize hybrid requires effective method of evaluation. Multienvironment evaluation is a critical step in plant breeding programs that is aimed at selecting the ideal genotype in a wide range of environments. A method of evaluation that combines a variety parameter of stability could provide more accurate information to select the ideal genotype. The aims of the study were (i) to identify the effect of genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interactions (GEIs) on maize hybrid yields and (ii) to select and to compare maize hybrids that have high and stable yields in diverse environments in Sumatra Island based on combined analysis, selection index, and GGE biplot. The study was conducted in five different environments in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, using a randomized complete block design repeated three times. Data were estimated using combined variance analysis, parametric and nonparametric stability, sustainability index, and GGE biplot. The results showed that the genotype had a significant effect on maize hybrid yields with a contribution of 41.797%. The environment contributed to 24.314%, and GEIs contributed 33.889% of the total variation. E1 (Karo, South Sumatra; dry season) and E3 (Tanjung Bintang, Lampung; dry season) were identified as the most ideal environments (representative) for testing the hybrids for wider adaptability. The maize hybrid with high and stable yields can be selected based on combined stability analysis and sustainability index as well as GGE biplot. These three methods are effectively selected high yielding and stable genotypes when they are used together. The three maize hybrids, namely, MH2, MH8, and MH9, are recommended as high yielding and stable genotype candidates.
Wumei Pill Ameliorates AOM/DSS-Induced Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer through Inhibition of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Regulating S-Adenosylhomocysteine Hydrolase- (AHCY-) Mediated Hedgehog Signaling in Mice
Authors: Wang Jue , Ding Kang , Wang Yuhang , Yan Tingdong , Xu Yun , Deng Zirong , Lin Weiling , Zhang Libei , Zhu Weizhong , Zhao Rui , Zhou Yuhang , Liu Zhaoguo
Published: July 2022

Wumei Pill (WMP) is a traditional Chinese herbal formulation and widely used to treat digestive system diseases in clinical. S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY) can catalyze the hydrolysis of S-adenosylhomocysteine to adenosine and homocysteine in living organisms, and its abnormal expression is linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases including colorectal cancer (CRC). A previous study reported that WMP could prevent CRC in mice; however, the underlying mechanisms especially the roles of AHCY in WMP-induced anti-CRC remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the regulatory roles and potential mechanisms of AHCY in WMP-induced anti-CRC. WMP notably alleviated the azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium- (AOM/DSS-) induced colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) in mice. Besides, WMP inhibited the inflammation and oxidative stress in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice. AHCY was high expression in clinical samples of colon cancer compared to the adjacent tissues. WMP inhibited the AHCY expression in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice. An in vitro study found that AHCY overexpression induced cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and tumor angiogenesis, whereas its knockdown impaired its oncogenic function. AHCY overexpression enhanced, while its knockdown weakened the inflammation and oxidative stress in colon cancer cells. Interestingly, WMP potently suppressed the hedgehog (Hh) signaling in AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice. A further study showed that AHCY overexpression activated the Hh signaling while AHCY knockdown inactivated the Hh signaling. Moreover, activation of the Hh signaling reversed the effect of AHCY silencing on inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro. In conclusion, WMP alleviated the AOM/DSS-induced CAC through inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress by regulating AHCY-mediated hedgehog signaling in mice. These findings uncovered a potential molecular mechanism underlying the anti-CAC effect of WMP and suggested WMP as a promising therapeutic candidate for CRC.
Alpha‐Amylase Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Glucose Uptake in Human Neuroblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Pierzynowska Kateryna , Thomasson Sofia , Oredsson Stina
Published: July 2022

The present article describes a study of the effects of alpha‐amylase (α‐amylase) on the human neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines SH‐SY5Y, IMR‐32, and LA‐N‐1. NB is the most common malignancy diagnosed in infants younger than 12 months. Some clinical observations revealed an inverse association between the risk of NB development and breastfeeding. α‐Amylase which is present in breast milk was shown to have anticancer properties already in the beginning of the 20th century. Data presented here show that pancreatic α‐amylase inhibits cell proliferation and has a direct impact on glucose uptake in the human NB cell lines. Our results point out the importance of further research which could elucidate the α‐amylase mode of action and justify the presence of this enzyme in breast milk as a possible inhibitor of NB development. α‐Amylase can be thus recognized as a potential safe and natural mild/host anticancer agent minimizing chemotherapy‐related toxicity in the treatment of NB.
Image Observation Study on Improving the Effectiveness of Muscle Strength Training for Sprinters
Authors: Zou Yimin , Han Liming
Published: July 2022

In order to solve the problem of improving the effectiveness of muscle strength training for sprinters, this paper presents a study using image observation technology. The main content of this technology research is to determine the experimental object and method according to the image observation and muscle characteristics. Through the data processing and other processes, it is concluded that the image observation technology has a high accuracy in the observation of muscle movement patterns. The experimental results show that when the relationship number

r
=
0.99

, the average error of prediction is 0.09, and the image observation technology has a high accuracy in the observation of muscle movement. Conclusion. It is proved that the technical research of image observation is effective and accurate for improving the training of sports muscle strength of sprinters.
Evaluation of English Proficiency Based on Big Data Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Duan Li
Published: July 2022

As one of the common languages in the world, English is playing a more and more important role in trade exchanges, cultural exchanges, and other transnational cooperation. In order to better integrate into the world and communicate with the world, China began to vigorously expand English learning as early as the late 1980s. However, with the development trend of economic globalization and cultural diversity, the traditional English ability evaluation methods are not enough to comprehensively measure individual English ability. Therefore, based on this background, this paper introduces the clustering algorithm into English ability evaluation, improves the traditional clustering algorithm represented by

K

-means on the basis of predecessors, and captures the evaluation data through neural network algorithm combined with the background of modern big data framework. The results show that the fuzzy logic feature mapping clustering algorithm (FLFM) proposed in this paper performs better than the traditional evaluation algorithm, and the evaluation effectiveness and comprehensiveness are improved by about 10 pt.