bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metrics and Software Project Management for the 21st Century
Authors: Rothman Johanna
Published: March 2021

There is general agreement among the experts and practitioners that a crisis exists in Software Engineering. This crisis is in the area of software quality and schedules.

How do we better predict product development progress on an ongoing basis? The quick answer is that all project managers need to know these things:

• What are the requirements for functionality, cost, and schedule?

• Do I have sufficient resources to meet those requirements?

• Am I on target to meet those requirements?

These questions are particularly critical for companies who produce complex software, such as real-time or process control products.

There are ways to ensure that the requirements of schedule, functionality, and cost are met during project development. This paper will discuss project management activities, possible development process, and predictive measurements for project tracking and prediction for complex software products.
Effects of Overtraining Status on the Cortisol Awakening Response—Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining Syndrome (EROS-CAR)
Authors: Anderson Travis , Wideman Laurie , Cadegiani Flavio A. , Kater Claudio E.
Published: March 2021

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a distinct component of the circadian cortisol profile and has promise as a biomarker for the monitoring of athlete readiness and training status. Although some studies have suggested the CAR may be affected by the development of overtraining syndrome (OTS), this has yet to be systematically investigated. Purpose: To compare the CAR and diurnal cortisol slope between athletes diagnosed with OTS, healthy athletes, and sedentary controls. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of data from the Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining study. Male participants were recruited to either OTS, healthy athlete, or sedentary control groups. The participants produced saliva samples immediately after waking (S1), 30 minutes after waking (S2), at 16:00 hours, and at 23:00 hours. Salivary cortisol concentration was determined by an electrochemiluminescence assay. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the conditional effect of group (sedentary controls, OTS, and healthy athletes) on the change in cortisol over time. Separate models were fit for the awakening samples (S1 and S2) and for the diurnal slope (linear change across S1, 16:00 h, and 23:00 h). Results: The models demonstrated significant time-by-group interaction for OTS for the 2 cortisol concentrations collected during the awakening period (β = −9.33, P < .001), but not for the diurnal cortisol slope (β = 0.02, P = .80). Conclusions: These results suggest the CAR may be associated with OTS and should be considered within a panel of biomarkers. Further research is necessary to determine whether alterations in the CAR may precede the diagnosis of OTS.
Research and Practical Implications of Integrating Autobiographical Essays Into Physical Education Teacher Education
Authors: Richards K. Andrew R. , Gaudreault Karen Lux , Wilson Wesley J.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this research note is to introduce and overview both the teaching and research applications of autobiographical essay writing. Grounded in occupational socialization theory and teacher reflection, the authors propose that autobiography can be a powerful tool in helping preservice and in-service teachers more deeply reflect on their prior socialization experiences, which may help them to better understand and be willing to critique their personal belief structures. The authors provide an overview of how autobiographical essays have been used and include recommendations for teacher education practice. From a research perspective, the authors argue that autobiographical essays provide a targeted strategy for collecting reflective data on individuals’ background socialization experiences. Such data are critical for socialization scholars who are interested in understanding how teachers’ biographies influence their current teaching beliefs and practices. Applications for physical education-adjacent spaces, including doctoral education, adapted physical education, and elementary education, are also discussed.
Anti-Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) Antibody Assays in Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis of HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis
Authors: Kodama Daisuke , Tanaka Masakazu , Matsuzaki Toshio , Nozuma Satoshi , Matsuura Eiji , Takashima Hiroshi , Izumo Shuji , Kubota Ryuji
Published: March 2021

The anti-human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) antibody assay in common use has changed from the particle agglutination (PA) method to chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) and chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA). These assays were validated in serum but not in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, anti-HTLV-1 antibody positivity in CSF is a requisite for diagnosing HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP).
Initial Hepatitis C Virus Infection of Adult Hepatocytes Triggers a Temporally Structured Transcriptional Program Containing Diverse Pro- and Antiviral Elements
Authors: Tegtmeyer Birthe , Vieyres Gabrielle , Todt Daniel , Lauber Chris , Ginkel Corinne , Engelmann Michael , Herrmann Maike , Pfaller Christian K. , Vondran Florian W. R. , Broering Ruth , Vafadarnejad Ehsan , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Puff Christina , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Miskey Csaba , Ivics Zoltán , Steinmann Eike , Pietschmann Thomas , Brown Richard J. P.
Published: March 2021

Acute HCV infections are often asymptomatic and therefore frequently undiagnosed. We endeavored to recreate this understudied phase of HCV infection using explanted PHHs and monitored host responses to initial infection.
Supplemental Material: Joint inversion of surface wave and gravity data reveals subbasin architecture of the Congo Basin
Authors: Raveloson Andriamiranto , al. et
Published: March 2021

Supplemental figures illustrating the inversion, resolution, and results.
Acute effects of extruded pea fractions on glycemic response, insulin, appetite, and food intake in healthy young adults, results of a double-blind, randomized crossover trial
Authors: Johnston Alie J. , Mollard Rebecca C. , Dandeneau Dianna , MacKay Dylan S. , Ames Nancy , Curran Julianne , Bouchard Danielle R. , Jones Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Benefits of pulse consumption on glycemic control are well established; however, research examining the effects of pulse fractions incorporated into extruded products is limited. In a randomized, repeated-measures crossover study, adults (n = 26) consumed cereals made with oat flour (control), oat flour and pea starch (starch), oat flour and pea protein (protein), oat flour, pea starch and pea protein (starch+protein), oat flour, pea fibre and pea protein (fibre+protein), and pea fibre, pea starch and pea protein (fibre+starch+protein). Blood glucose (BG) and insulin concentrations, and appetite incremental area under the curve (iAUC) were calculated before (0–120 min) and after (120–200 min) the ad libitum meal for measurement of food intake. Pre-meal, overall mean BG and iAUC were lower following the protein, starch+protein, protein+fibre, and the fibre+starch+protein cereals compared with the starch and control. For pre-meal overall mean insulin concentrations, fibre+protein led to a lower response compared with control, starch+protein, and protein cereals. Fibre+starch+protein also led to lower insulin compared with protein cereal. Pre-meal insulin iAUC was lower following fibre+protein compared with control and protein cereals. The inclusion of yellow pea protein and fibre in oat-based breakfast cereal reduces postprandial glycemia; however this effect is dependent on fraction type. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02366572.

Novelty: Inclusion of pulse protein and fibre in oat flour-based breakfast cereal reduces postprandial glucose response. The glycemic benefits of whole pulses are at least somewhat retained in some pulse fractions.
A bird that changes colour without moulting: how the wîskicâhk (Canada Jay, Perisoreus canadensis) tricked the taxonomists
Authors: Strickland Dan , Doucet Stéphanie M.
Published: March 2021

Avian and mammalian colours are thought to be constant in life and in museum specimens, but several early 20th-century taxonomists singled out the Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis (Linnaeus, 1766)) as having unstable feather pigments and warned against using old museum specimens for taxonomic purposes. One such error was Brisson’s (1760) original naming of the species as “the Brown Jay of Canada”. Another was Ridgway’s (1899) naming of the “Gray Jay” as a new subspecies, Perisoreus (canadensis) griseus, through inappropriate comparison of fresh grey specimens with old brown ones. We discovered that browning of initially grey plumage also occurs between annual moults in living individuals of the Canada Jay’s Pacific morphotype. We documented this change using photographs and re-sightings of colour-banded individuals and through spectral analysis of year-old (brown) and incoming (grey) rectrices collected from the same moulting individuals. To assess the distribution of this colour change, we compared September vs. May eBird photographs from across North America. We showed that seasonal colour change is normal in the Pacific morphotype but rare in the two other morphotypes. Collectively, these data have important implications for the taxonomy of the Canada Jay and are a cautionary tale for taxonomists studying animal colouration.
A proposed method for analyzing molecular signatures to detect hermaphroditism in freshwater mussels: a case study using the eastern floater (Pyganodon cataracta)
Authors: Stewart Donald T. , Stephenson Chloe M. , Stanton Ljiljana M. , Chase Emily E. , Robicheau Brent M. , Hoeh W. Randolph , Breton Sophie
Published: March 2021

Many freshwater mussels (order Unionida) have an unusual system of doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) of mitochondrial (mt) DNA. In species with DUI, males possess a female-transmitted (F-type) mt genome and a male-transmitted (M-type) mt genome. These genomes contain non-canonical open reading frame (orf) genes, referred to as f-orf and m-orf, present in F and M mt genomes, respectively. These genes have been implicated in sexual development in Unionida. When gonochoric species become hermaphroditic, which has happened several times in Unionida, they lose their M-type mt genome and f-orf genes evolve dramatically. Resulting F-ORF proteins are highly divergent in terms of primary nucleotide sequence, inferred amino acids, and hydrophobic properties; these genes (and proteins) are referred to as hermaphroditic orfs or h-orfs (and H-ORFs). We investigated patterns of hydrophobicity divergence for H-ORF proteins in hermaphrodites versus F-ORF proteins in closely related gonochoric species against cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) divergences. This approach was used to assess whether cryptic hermaphrodites can be detected. Although we did not detect evidence for the recent transition of any populations of eastern floaters (Pyganodon cataracta (Say, 1817)) to hermaphroditism, our analyses demonstrate that molecular signatures in mtDNA can be used to detect hermaphroditism in freshwater mussels.
Time to refine mercury mass balance models for fish
Authors: Madenjian Charles P. , Chipps Steven R. , Blanchfield Paul J.
Published: March 2021

Mercury mass balance models (MMBMs) for fish are powerful tools for understanding factors affecting growth and food consumption by free-ranging fish in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Moreover, MMBMs can be used to predict the consequences of global mercury reductions, overfishing, and climate change on mercury (Hg) concentration in commercially and recreationally valuable species of fish. Such predictions are useful in decision-making by resource managers and public health policy makers, because mercury is a neurotoxin and the primary route of exposure of mercury to humans is via consumption of fish. Recent evidence has emerged to indicate that the current-day version of MMBMs overestimates the rate at which fish eliminate mercury from their bodies. Consequently, MMBMs overestimate food consumption by fish and underestimate Hg concentration in fish. In this perspective, we explore underlying reasons for this overestimation of Hg-elimination rate, as well as consequences and implications of this overestimation. We highlight emerging studies that distinguish species and sex as contributing factors, in addition to body weight and water temperature, that can play an important role in how quickly Hg is eliminated from fish. Future research directions for refining MMBMs are discussed.
Counting distributions from the perspective of combinants
Authors: Wilk Grzegorz , Włodarczyk Zbigniew
Published: March 2021

We present a comprehensive insight into counting distributions from the perspective of the combinants extracted from them. In particular, we focus on cases where these combinants exhibit oscillatory behavior that can provide an invaluable new source of information about the dynamics of the process under study. We show that such behavior can be described only by specific combinations of compound distributions based on the Binomial Distribution and provide their analytical forms which can be used in further investigations and which can be helpful in the analysis of all other types of counting distributions.
Insights on the controls on floodplain-dominated fluvial successions: a perspective from the Early–Middle Miocene Santa Cruz Formation in Río Chalía (Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Cuitiño José I. , Sol Raigemborn M. , Susana Bargo M. , Vizcaíno Sergio F. , Muñoz Nahuel A. , Kohn Matthew J. , Kay Richard F.
Published: March 2021

The Santa Cruz Formation (SCF) in Río Chalía (Austral Basin, Patagonia, Argentina) is a well-exposed fluvial succession with abundant and diverse fossil vertebrates accumulated during the Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO). Using facies analysis, characterization of stratigraphic architecture, U–Pb geochronology and vertebrate palaeontology, we assess the timing and interplay of controlling factors on the sedimentation, including tectonics, global sea level, climate and sediment supply. Throughout the succession, there occurred a constant aggradation of the floodplain-dominated fluvial system. Seven zircon U–Pb ages constrain the time of accumulation between
c.
18 and 15.2 Ma, under a relatively constant sedimentation rate of 150  ±  50 m myr
–1
. The large number of fossil vertebrates indicates a Santacrucian fauna, showing no recognizable changes through the section. The basin-scale, low-gradient anastomosed fluvial system of the SCF records a period of about 3 myr of relatively constant environmental conditions controlled by continuous basin subsidence and high sediment supply conditioned by explosive volcanism together with weathering of uplifting terrains in the Andes. In addition, the system was influenced by a temperate to warm and subhumid climate favoured by the MCO before the onset of the Andean rain shadow, together to high global sea levels.

Supplementary material:
Preliminary list of the taxa recorded in the SCF at Río Chalía, and LA-ICP-MS isotopic U–Pb data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5324976
Should students change their answers on multiple choice questions?
Authors: Merry Justin W. , Elenchin Mary Kate , Surma Renee N.
Published: March 2021

Multiple choice exams are ubiquitous, but advice on test-taking strategies varies and is not always well informed by research. This study evaluated the question of whether students benefit or are harmed when they change their initial answers on multiple choice questions in the context of physiology and biology courses. Previously marked examinations were reviewed for eraser marks that indicated answer changes, and the impact of these changes on exam grades was tabulated. In addition, faculty and students were surveyed for their opinions about changing answers. A plurality of faculty (36%) reported a belief that answer changes usually harm student grades, whereas a slim majority of students (51%) believed that answer changing helped their scores (χ2 = 60.52, P < 0.0001). Empirically, across two exams, students changed their answer from an incorrect answer to a correct one 2.8 times (SD 2.2) compared with 1.0 time (SD 1.4) changing in the negative direction. Therefore, on average, students benefited ( V =  123.5, P < 0.0001) from answer changing. Furthermore, comparing across two exams in the same course, some students were consistently more likely to change their answers than others (adjusted R2 = 0.23, P < 0.0001), but the impact of changing answers on the first exam provided no prediction of how much a student would benefit from answer changing on the second exam (adjusted R2 = −0.004, P = 0.42). These data support the argument that students should be advised to review and revise responses to exam questions before submitting them.
To what extent do preclinical veterinary students in the UK utilize online resources to study physiology
Authors: Saadeh Khalil , Henderson Victoria , Paramasivam Sharmini Julita , Jeevaratnam Kamalan
Published: March 2021

Online resources are becoming increasingly important in undergraduate education and have been associated with a number of advantages and positive outcomes on students’ learning experience. However, online resource use by veterinary students for physiology learning remains poorly understood. Thus the present questionnaire-based study aims to investigate the extent to which first- and second-year veterinary students use online resources, including online video clips and social media, in their physiology learning and if this is influenced by factors of age, gender, entry status, or year of study. One-hundred and twenty-two students across seven UK universities completed the survey. Traditional resources (the lecturer and recommended textbooks) were the most preferred sources for physiology learning. Nonetheless, 97.5% of students used Internet search engines to explore physiology topics. Furthermore, students’ tendency to contact their instructor regarding a physiology question was low. Rather, 92.6% said they would first search for an answer online. Particularly popular was the use of online video clips with 91.1% finding them valuable for physiology learning and 34.21% finding them more useful for understanding physiology than university taught material or lecture slides. YouTube was the most common online video clip platform used by students. Most students stated that they would enjoy interacting with course materials on an instructor-led social media page, but only 33.9% currently use social media to discuss physiology-related issues with classmates. Additionally, most students expressed concerns regarding the reliability of online resources but attempts to fact-check these resources were relatively low. Therefore, online resources represent an essential part of veterinary students’ physiology learning and this suggests that educators can significantly improve student engagement and understanding of physiology by integrating these resources.
Giovanni Maria Lancisi (1654–1720) and the modern cardiovascular physiology
Authors: Paleari Andrea , Beretta Egidio Paolo , Riva Michele Augusto
Published: March 2021

Giovanni Maria Lancisi (1654–1720) was one of the most important Italian physicians of the modern age. Orphaned of his mother, he spent his early years in the city of Orvieto; when he was 12, his father brought him back to Rome and enrolled him to study medicine at the Sapienza University in Rome. His dedication to study and work soon led him to increasingly important positions. Within a few years, the fame of Lancisi became such that he was appointed the personal physician of three popes. In De Subitaneis Mortibus (1707), he described the pathophysiology of heart diseases, identifying the cause of sudden deaths in structural anomalies of the heart, lungs, and brain. He also wrote about cerebral localizations and first discussed the physiological mechanisms of urine formation and excretion. In 1717, Lancisi described the pathogenesis of malaria and the close correlation between its onset and the swampy waters of the Tiber River, proposing the draining of marshes to eradicate malaria. In the posthumous De Motu Cordis et Aneurysmatibus (1728) he described for the first time heart dilatation and aneurysms of the great vessels, providing a fundamental contribution to the history of cardiovascular physiology. Proof of his interest in medical education is the establishment of an academy and the donation of a library to the hospital, bridging the gap between theory and practice in medical training. Over the centuries, Lancisi’s memory has faded, but his work is still relevant for anyone practicing the medical profession.
Delayed Titanium Hypersensitivity and Retained Foreign Body Causing Late Abdominal Complications
Authors: Jain Molly S. , Lingarajah Sivasthikka , Luvsannyam Enkhmaa , Somagutta Manoj Reddy , Jagani Ravi Pankajbhai , Sanni Jay , Ebose Enomfon , Tiesenga Frederick M. , Jorge Juaquito M.
Published: March 2021

Titanium is a known metal used widely in the medical field and can cause allergic reactions with complications. Our case is about a 28-year-old female presenting with a spectrum of abdominal symptoms with a complicated medical history. The abdominal pain is associated with titanium allergy reaction from previously inserted titanium-based surgical clips. This patient is concurrently found to have a retained pigtail catheter in the cecum discovered incidentally through radiology. We discuss the presentation, investigations, and treatment of this unusual case. The case also unfolds rare differential diagnoses to keep in mind when encountering a patient with abdominal pain and associated nonspecific symptoms.
Pleiotropic Properties of Valsartan: Do They Result from the Antiglycooxidant Activity? Literature Review and In Vitro Study
Authors: Mil Kacper Maksymilian , Gryciuk Małgorzata Ewa , Pawlukianiec Cezary , Żendzian-Piotrowska Małgorzata , Ładny Jerzy Robert , Zalewska Anna , Maciejczyk Mateusz
Published: March 2021

Valsartan belongs to angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers (ARB) used in cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and hypertension. Except for its AT1‐antagonism, another mechanism of drug action has been suggested in recent research. One of the supposed actions refers to the positive impact on redox balance and reducing protein glycation. Our study is aimed at assessing the antiglycooxidant properties of valsartan in an in vitro model of oxidized bovine serum albumin (BSA). Glucose, fructose, ribose, glyoxal (GO), methylglyoxal (MGO), and chloramine T were used as glycation or oxidation agents. Protein oxidation products (total thiols, protein carbonyls (PC), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP)), glycooxidation products (tryptophan, kynurenine, N‐formylkynurenine, and dityrosine), glycation products (amyloid‐β structure, fructosamine, and advanced glycation end products (AGE)), and albumin antioxidant activity (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) were measured in each sample. In the presence of valsartan, concentrations of protein oxidation and glycation products were significantly lower comparing to control. Moreover, albumin antioxidant activity was significantly higher in those samples. The drug’s action was comparable to renowned antiglycation agents and antioxidants, e.g., aminoguanidine, metformin, Trolox, N‐acetylcysteine, or alpha‐lipoic acid. The conducted experiment proves that valsartan can ameliorate protein glycation and oxidation in vitro in various conditions. Available animal and clinical studies uphold this statement, but further research is needed to confirm it, as reduction of protein oxidation and glycation may prevent cardiovascular disease development.
Application of GA-BP Neural Network Optimized by Grey Verhulst Model around Settlement Prediction of Foundation Pit
Authors: Liu C. Y. , Wang Y. , Hu X. M. , Han Y. L. , Zhang X. P. , Du L. Z.
Published: March 2021

Due to the limitation in the prediction of the foundation pit settlement, this paper proposed a new methodology which takes advantage of the grey Verhulst model and a genetic algorithm. In the previous study, excavation times are often the only factor to predict the settlement, which is mainly because the correspondence between real-time excavation depth and the excavation time is hard to determine. To solve this issue, the supporting times are precisely recorded and the excavation depth rate can be obtained through the excavation time length and excavation depth between two adjacent supports. After the correspondence between real-time excavation depth and the excavation time is obtained, the internal friction angle, cohesion, bulk density, Poisson’s ratio, void ratio, water level changes, permeability coefficient, number of supports, and excavation depth, which can influence the settlement, are taken to be considered in this study. For the application of the methodology, the settlement monitoring point of D4, which is near the bridge pier of the highway, is studied in this paper. The predicted values of the BP neural network, GA-BP neural network, BP neural network optimized by the grey Verhulst model, and GA-BP neural network optimized by the grey Verhulst model are detailed compared with the measured values. And the evaluation indexes of RMSE, MAE, MSE, MAPE, and

R

2

are calculated for these models. The results show that the grey Verhulst model can greatly improve the consistency between predicted values and measured values, while the accuracy and resolution is still low. The genetic algorithm (GA) can greatly improve the accuracy of the predicted values, while the GA-BP neural network shows low reflection to the fluctuation of measured values. The GA-BP neural network optimized by the grey Verhulst model, which has taken the advantages of GA and the grey Verhulst model, has extremely high accuracy and well consistency with the measured values.
Trends in the Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Nepal between 2000 and 2025: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dhungana Raja Ram , Pandey Achyut Raj , Shrestha Nipun
Published: March 2021

Background. Understanding the burden and trend of hypertension and the associated care cascade can provide direction to the development of interventions preventing and controlling hypertension. This study aimed to assess prevalence and trends of hypertension and its awareness, treatment, and control in Nepal. Methods. We systematically searched CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, WorldCat, and government and health agency-owned websites to identify studies reporting prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control in Nepal between 2000 and 2020. We applied the random-effects model to compute the pooled prevalence in the overall population and among subgroups in each 5-year interval period between 2000 and 2020. We used linear meta-regression analysis to predict hypertension from 2000 to 2025. Results. We identified 23 studies having a total of 84,006 participants. The pooled prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control for 2016–2020 was 32% (95% CI: 23–40%), 50% (95% CI: 30–69%), 27% (95% CI: 19–34%), and 38% (95% CI: 28–48%), respectively. The prevalence of hypertension varied by age, gender, education, and geographical area. Hypertension increased by 6 percentage points (pp), awareness increased by 12 pp, treatment increased by 11 pp, and control increased by 3 pp over the 20 years studied. Since 2000, the rate of increment of hypertension has been 3.5 pp per decade, where 44.7% of men are expected to suffer from hypertension by 2025. Conclusion. The markedly increased prevalence of hypertension and relatively poor progress in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in Nepal suggest that there is a need for hypertension preventive approaches as well as strategies to optimize hypertension care cascade.
Successful Vaginal Delivery during Acute Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Stephens Angela J. , Wagner Stephen M. , Pineles Beth L. , Soto Eleazar E.
Published: March 2021

Small bowel obstruction during pregnancy is rare and can be detrimental to both mother and fetus. In most cases, management eventually involves surgical intervention. Little is known regarding optimal mode of delivery in those with bowel obstruction during pregnancy. We present a case of vaginal delivery during acute small bowel obstruction as well as a review of recent literature regarding mode of delivery in the setting of bowel obstruction. Our case and literature review demonstrates that in pregnancies complicated by small bowel obstruction, successful vaginal delivery can be achieved in those with stable maternal-fetal status.
Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Molecular Biological Mechanism of Action for Qingdu Decoction against Chronic Liver Injury
Authors: Ma Chongyang , Zhao Mengpei , Du Yuqiong , Jin Shuang , Wu Xiaoyi , Zou Haiyan , Zhang Qiuyun , Gao Lianyin
Published: March 2021

Background. Qingdu Decoction (QDD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating chronic liver injury (CLI). Materials and methods. A network pharmacology combining experimental validation was used to investigate potential mechanisms of QDD against CLI. We firstly screened the bioactive compounds with pharmacology analysis platform of the Chinese medicine system (TCMSP) and gathered the targets of QDD and CLI. Then, we constructed a compound-target network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and enriched core targets in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathways. At last, we used a CLI rat model to confirm the effect and mechanism of QDD against CLI. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot (WB), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used. Results. 48 bioactive compounds of QDD passed the virtual screening criteria, and 53 overlapping targets were identified as core targets of QDD against CLI. A compound-CLI related target network containing 94 nodes and 263 edges was constructed. KEGG enrichment of core targets contained some pathways related to CLI, such as hepatitis B, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, apoptosis, hepatitis C, interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 signaling pathway. Three PPI clusters were identified and enriched in hepatitis B and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, apoptosis and hepatitis B pathway, and peroxisome pathway, respectively. Animal experiment indicated that QDD decreased serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), endotoxin (ET), and IL-17 and increased prothrombin time activity (PTA) level. WB and RT-qPCR analyses indicated that, compared with the model group, the expression of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-9 (caspase-9) protein, caspase-3 protein, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein (Bax) mRNA, and cytochrome c (Cyt c) mRNA was inhibited and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA was enhanced in the QDD group. Conclusions. QDD has protective effect against CLI, which may be related to the regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis. This study provides novel insights into exploring potential biological basis and mechanisms of clinically effective formula systematically.
An Empirical Likelihood Ratio-Based Omnibus Test for Normality with an Adjustment for Symmetric Alternatives
Authors: Marange Chioneso Show , Qin Yongsong
Published: March 2021

An omnibus test for normality with an adjustment for symmetric alternatives is developed using the empirical likelihood ratio technique. We first transform the raw data via a jackknife transformation technique by deleting one observation at a time. The probability integral transformation was then applied on the transformed data, and under the null hypothesis, the transformed data have a limiting uniform distribution, reducing testing for normality to testing for uniformity. Employing the empirical likelihood technique, we show that the test statistic has a chi-square limiting distribution. We also demonstrated that, under the established symmetric settings, the CUSUM-type and Shiryaev–Roberts test statistics gave comparable properties and power. The proposed test has good control of type I error. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that the proposed test outperformed studied classical existing tests under symmetric short-tailed alternatives. Findings from a real data study further revealed the robustness and applicability of the proposed test in practice.
Nowhere to Hide: A Novel Private Protocol Identification Algorithm
Authors: Shi Jiantao , Yu Xiangzhan , Liu Zechao
Published: March 2021

In recent years, with the rapid development of mobile Internet and 5G technology, great changes have been brought to our lives, and human beings have stepped into the era of big data. These new features and techniques in 5G support many different types of mobile applications for users, which makes network security extremely challenging. Among them, more and more applications involve users’ private data, such as location information, financial information, and biological information. In order to prevent users’ privacy disclosure, most applications choose to use private protocols. However, such private protocols also provide a means for malware and malicious applications to steal users’ privacy and confidential data. From a more secure point of view, we need to provide a way for users to know how many private protocols are running on their mobile phones and distinguish which are authorized applications and which are not. Therefore, the analysis and identification of private protocols have become a hot topic in current research. How to extract the characteristics of network protocol effectively and identify the private protocol accurately becomes the most important part of this research. In this paper, we combine genetic algorithm and association rule algorithm and then propose a set of feature extraction algorithm and protocol recognition algorithm for unknown protocols. The experimental analysis based on the actual data shows that these methods can effectively solve the problems of feature extraction and recognition for unknown protocols and can greatly improve the accuracy of private protocol recognition.
An Adaptive Visible Watermark Embedding Method based on Region Selection
Authors: Qi Wenfa , Liu Yuxin , Guo Sirui , Wang Xiang , Guo Zongming
Published: March 2021

Aiming at the problem that the robustness, visibility, and transparency of the existing visible watermarking technologies are difficult to achieve a balance, this paper proposes an adaptive embedding method for visible watermarking. Firstly, the salient region of the host image is detected based on superpixel detection. Secondly, the flat region with relatively low complexity is selected as the embedding region in the nonsalient region of the host image. Then, the watermarking strength is adaptively calculated by considering the gray distribution and image texture complexity of the embedding region. Finally, the visible watermark image is adaptively embedded into the host image with slight adjustment by just noticeable difference (JND) coefficient. The experimental results show that our proposed method improves the robustness of visible watermarking technology and greatly reduces the risk of malicious removal of visible watermark image. Meanwhile, a good balance between the visibility and transparency of the visible watermark image is achieved, which has the advantages of high security and ideal visual effect.
Intermittent Time‐Varying Formation Control for High‐Order Networked Agents Subject to Discontinuous Communications
Authors: Wang Lixin , Luo Zhe , Li Xiaoqiang , Li Xinsan , Yang Xiaogang
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the leaderless and leader‐follower time‐varying formation design and analysis problems for a group of networked agents subject to discontinuous communications. Firstly, a leaderless time‐varying formation control protocol is proposed via the intermittent control strategy, where the control input of each agent is constructed by the distributed local state information and formation instructions in the communication time unit, but it is zero in the noncommunication time unit. Then, an explicit formulation of the formation center function is determined to describe the formation movement trajectory of the whole networked agents. Leaderless time‐varying formation design and analysis with discontinuous communications are given in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Moreover, the main results of the leaderless cases are extended to the leader‐follower cases. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results of leaderless and leader‐follower cases, respectively.
Performance of Fitness Functions Based on Natural Frequencies in Defect Detection Using the Standard PSO‐FEM Approach
Authors: Li Xiao-Lin , Serra Roger , Olivier Julien
Published: March 2021

Structural defect detection based on finite element model (FEM) updating is an optimization problem by minimizing the discrepancy of responses between model and measurement. Researchers have introduced many methods to perform the FEM updating for defect detection of the structures. A popular approach is to adopt the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. In this process, the fitness function is a critical factor in the success of the PSO‐FEM approach. Our objective is to compare the performances of four fitness functions based on natural frequencies using the standard PSO‐FEM approach for defect detection. In this paper, the definition of the standard PSO algorithm is first presented. After constructing the finite element benchmark model of the beam structure, four commonly used fitness functions based on natural frequencies are outlined. Their performance in defect detection of beam structures will be evaluated using the standard PSO‐FEM approach. Finally, in the numerical simulations, the population diversity, success rate, mean iterations, and CPU time of the four fitness functions for the algorithm are calculated. The simulation results comprehensively evaluate their performances for single defect and multidefect scenario, and the effectiveness and superiority of the fitness function S4 will be demonstrated.
Exploring the Oxidative Stress Mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in Intervention of Vascular Dementia Based on Systems Biology Strategy
Authors: Yang Kailin , Zeng Liuting , Ge Anqi , Yi Yaqiao , Wang Shanshan , Ge Jinwen
Published: March 2021

Objective. To explore the oxidative stress mechanism of modified Buyang Huanwu decoction (MBHD) in intervention of vascular dementia (VD) based on systems biology strategy. Methods. In this study, through the reverse virtual target prediction technology and transcriptomics integration strategy, the active ingredients and potential targets of MBHD treatment of VD were analyzed, and the drug‐disease protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Then, bioinformatics analysis methods are used for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and pathway enrichment analysis, and finally find the core biological process. After that, in animal models, low‐throughput technology is used to detect gene expression and protein expression of key molecular targets in oxidative stress‐mediated inflammation and apoptosis signaling pathways to verify the mechanism of MBHD treatment of VD rats. Finally, the potential interaction relationship between MBHD and VD‐related molecules is further explored through molecular docking technology. Results. There are a total of 54 MBHD components, 252 potential targets, and 360 VD genes. The results of GO enrichment analysis and pathway enrichment analysis showed that MBHD may regulate neuronal apoptosis, nitric oxide synthesis and metabolism, platelet activation, NF‐κB signaling pathway‐mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, etc. Among them, SIRT1, NF‐κB, BAX, BCL‐2, CASP3, and APP may be important targets for MBHD to treat VD. Low‐throughput technology (qRT‐PCR/WB/immunohistochemical technology) detects oxidative stress‐mediated inflammation and apoptosis‐related signaling pathway molecules. The molecular docking results showed that 64474‐51‐7, cycloartenol, ferulic acid, formononetin, kaempferol, liquiritigenin, senkyunone, wallichilide, xanthinin, and other molecules can directly interact with NF‐κB p65, BAX, BCL‐2, and CASP3. Conclusion. The active compounds of MBHD interact with multiple targets and multiple pathways in a synergistic manner, and have important therapeutic effects on VD mainly by balancing oxidative stress/anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic, enhancing metabolism, and enhancing the immune system.
Prognostic Value of Peroxiredoxin-1 Expression in Patients with Solid Tumors: a Meta-Analysis of Cohort Study
Authors: Jiao Lianghe , Wei Jing , Ye Jun , Zhang Chuanmeng
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim. Peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX1) has been reported to be abnormally expressed in various malignancies. However, the prognostic role of PRDX1 in human solid tumors remains controversial. We performed this meta-analysis to accurately assess the prognostic significance of PRDX1 protein in patients with solid tumors. Methods. We comprehensively searched electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang databases up to December 2019. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the association between PRDX1 protein expression and the survival of patients with solid tumors. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were pooled to estimate the correlation between PRDX1 protein expression and clinicopathologic characteristics in the patients. Results. Seventeen cohort studies that involved 2,858 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that positive PRDX1 expression was related to poor overall survival (

HR
=
1.68

, 95% CI: 1.24-2.27,

P
=
0.001

) and disease-free survival (

HR
=
1.88

, 95% CI: 1.31-2.70,

P
=
0.001

). In addition, high PRDX1 expression was associated with large tumor size (

OR
=
1.69

, 95% CI: 1.07-2.68,

P
=
0.025

), advanced TNM stage (

OR
=
2.26

, 95% CI: 1.24-4.13,

P
=
0.008

), and poor tumor differentiation (

OR
=
0.59

, 95% CI: 0.44-0.81,

P
=
0.001

). Conclusions. PRDX1 overexpression is associated with poor outcomes of cancers and may serve as a prognostic biomarker for malignant patients. Hence, PRDX1 could be a new target for antitumor therapy.
Ambulatory Function and Mortality among Cancer Survivors in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Salerno Elizabeth A. , Saint-Maurice Pedro F. , Willis Erik A. , Moore Steven C. , DiPietro Loretta , Matthews Charles E.
Published: March 2021

Background:

There is limited evidence describing associations between cancer and function in diverse cancer types and its relationship with mortality. We investigated the relationship between cancer and poor ambulatory function and associations between ambulatory function and subsequent mortality.

Methods:

Participants included 233,135 adults (n = 30,403 cancer and n = 202,732 cancer free) in the NIH-American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study (1994–1996) who self-reported ambulatory function (e.g., walking pace and mobility disability: being unable to walk or walking at the slowest pace) in 2004–2006. Participants were followed for mortality from the assessment of ambulatory function through 2011. Multinomial logistic regression quantified the association between cancer and ambulatory function. We then explored the independent effects of walking pace and mobility disability in cancer survivors, and the joint effects of both a cancer diagnosis and poor ambulatory function on mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. Models explored type-specific associations across 15 cancer types.

Results:

Survivors had 42% greater odds of walking at the slowest pace [OR, 1.42 (confidence interval (CI), 1.30–1.54)] and 24% greater odds of mobility disability [OR, 1.24 (CI, 1.17–1.31)], compared with cancer-free participants, adjusting for baseline demographics, health indicators, and cancer type. Survivors reporting the slowest pace were at increased hazards than those who walked the fastest: all-cause mortality [HR, 2.22 (CI, 2.06–2.39)] and cancer mortality [HR, 2.12 (CI, 1.83–2.45)]. Similar trends emerged for mobility disability (HRs > 1.64). All-cause mortality associations were significant for more than nine cancer types.

Conclusions:

A diagnosis of cancer is associated with poorer ambulatory function, which is subsequently associated with increased mortality.

Impact:

Widespread efforts should target ambulatory function during cancer survivorship for survival benefits.
Simulation and manufacturing of modified circular monopole microstrip antenna for UWB applications
Authors: Taha Bilal S. , Marhoon Hamzah M.
Published: March 2021

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is one of the most promising wireless communication solutions to be developed quickly because of the high-speed data, wide bandwidth and excellent immunity to multipath interference. In this work, the compact design of a modified circular monopole microstrip antenna is simulated and manufactured for the UWB applications. The simulation process of the proposed antenna was done based on the finite integration of the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio (MWS). The proposed antenna comprises a copper radiating patch, Roger’s Kappa-438 substrate, and a single stub act as a reflector. The simulation results showed a reasonable agreement with the results of the measurement and good performance was achieved in the range from 1.8 to 10 GHz with VSWR less than 2.0.
Internet of Things-based home automation, energy management and smart security system
Authors: Bature U. I. , Tahir N. M. , Abubakar A. K. , Makama A.
Published: March 2021

Objects can easily be remotely sensed, monitored and controlled when home is automated using the Internet of Things (IoT); this will give room for direct integration of the real world into computerized systems. Energy consumption is defined as the degree of the amount of power expended by a given load in an electric circuit. Nowadays, inefficient techniques used in monitoring and control of power consuming devices has contributed immensely in the high rate of power consumption in our homes, institutions, business places, and marketplaces. The design and implementation of an IoT-based home automation, energy management and smart security system has been proposed in this paper. The components used in the development of the system unit include an ESP8266 Wi-Fi component and the universal Arduino imbedded controller. The proposed scheme is aimed at assisting and supporting an efficient usage of power, and by doing so, power consumption as well as the risk of fire outbreaks will be greatly reduced to the barest minimal. The capability of remotely monitoring and controlling both electrical and electronic appliances via a web application is the main feature of the proposed scheme. The scheme provides better efficiency and accuracy as well as economic benefits.