bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Dynamic Sensor Selection for IoT-Based Predictive Maintenance of a Fleet of Public Transport Buses
Authors: Killeen Patrick , Kiringa Iluju , Yeap Tet
Published: April 2022

In recent years, big data produced by the Internet of Things has enabled new kinds of useful applications. One such application is monitoring a fleet of vehicles in real time to predict their remaining useful life. The consensus self-organized models (COSMO) approach is an example of a predictive maintenance system. The present work proposes a novel Internet of Things based architecture for predictive maintenance that consists of three primary nodes: the vehicle node, the server leader node, and the root node, which enable on-board vehicle data processing, heavy-duty data processing, and fleet administration, respectively. A minimally viable prototype of the proposed architecture was implemented and deployed to a local bus garage in Gatineau, Canada.

The present work proposes improved consensus self-organized models (ICOSMO), a fleet-wide unsupervised dynamic sensor selection algorithm. To analyze the performance of ICOSMO, a fleet simulation was implemented. The J1939 data gathered from a hybrid bus was used to generate synthetic data in the simulations. Simulation results that compared the performance of the COSMO and ICOSMO approaches revealed that in general ICOSMO improves the average area under the curve of COSMO by approximately 1.5% when using the Cosine distance and 0.6% when using Hellinger distance.
BMIF: Privacy-preserving Blockchain-based Medical Image Fusion
Authors: Xiang Tao , Zeng Honghong , Chen Biwen , Guo Shangwei
Published: April 2022

Medical image fusion generates a fused image containing multiple features extracted from different source images, and it is of great help in clinical analysis and diagnosis. However, training a deep learning model for image fusion usually requires enormous computing power, especially for large volumes of medical data. Meanwhile, the privacy of images is also a critical issue. In this article, we propose a privacy-preserving blockchain-based medical image fusion (BMIF) framework. First, to ensure fusion performance, we design a new medical image fusion model based on convolutional neural network and Inception network and integrate the proposed model into the consensus process of blockchain. Next, to save computing power of blockchain, we design a consensus mechanism by requesting consensus nodes to train the fusion model instead of calculating useless hash values in traditional blockchain. Then, to protect data privacy, we further present an efficient homomorphic encryption to realize the training of fusion model on encrypted medical data. Finally, we conduct theoretical analysis and extensive experiments on public datasets to evaluate the feasibility and the performance of our proposed BMIF. The results exhibit that BMIF is efficient and secure, and our medical image fusion network performs better than state-of-the-art approaches.
Disentangling Features for Fashion Recommendation
Authors: De Divitiis Lavinia , Becattini Federico , Baecchi Claudio , Del Bimbo Alberto
Published: April 2022

Online stores have become fundamental for the fashion industry, revolving around recommendation systems to suggest appropriate items to customers. Such recommendations often suffer from a lack of diversity and propose items that are similar to previous purchases of a user. Recently, a novel kind of approach based on Memory Augmented Neural Networks (MANNs) has been proposed, aimed at recommending a variety of garments to create an outfit by complementing a given fashion item. In this article we address the task of compatible garment recommendation developing a MANN architecture by taking into account the co-occurrence of clothing attributes, such as shape and color, to compose an outfit. To this end we obtain disentangled representations of fashion items and store them in external memory modules, used to guide recommendations at inference time. We show that our disentangled representations are able to achieve significantly better performance compared to the state of the art and also provide interpretable latent spaces, giving a qualitative explanation of the recommendations.
On the smallest open Diophantine equations
Authors: Grechuk Bogdsan
Published: April 2022

This paper reports on the current status of the project in which we order all polynomial Diophantine equations by an appropriate version of "size", and then solve the equations in that order. We list the "smallest" equations that are currently open, both unrestricted and in various families, like the smallest open symmetric, 2-variable or 3-monomial equations. All the equations we discuss are amazingly simple to write down but some of them seem to be very difficult to solve.
Machine Learning in Chemoinformatics and Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez Raquel , Miljković Filip , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: April 2022

In chemoinformatics and medicinal chemistry, machine learning has evolved into an important approach. In recent years, increasing computational resources and new deep learning algorithms have put machine learning onto a new level, addressing previously unmet challenges in pharmaceutical research. In silico approaches for compound activity predictions, de novo design, and reaction modeling have been further advanced by new algorithmic developments and the emergence of big data in the field. Herein, novel applications of machine learning and deep learning in chemoinformatics and medicinal chemistry are reviewed. Opportunities and challenges for new methods and applications are discussed, placing emphasis on proper baseline comparisons, robust validation methodologies, and new applicability domains.
Beyond Wrapping: Canonical and Noncanonical Functions of Schwann Cells
Authors: Taveggia Carla , Feltri M. Laura
Published: April 2022

Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are essential for the support and myelination of axons, ensuring fast and accurate communication between the central nervous system and the periphery. Schwann cells and related glia accompany innervating axons in virtually all tissues in the body, where they exhibit remarkable plasticity and the ability to modulate pathology in extraordinary, and sometimes surprising, ways. Here, we provide a brief overview of the various glial cell types in the PNS and describe the cornerstone cellular and molecular processes that enable Schwann cells to perform their canonical functions. We then dive into discussing exciting noncanonical functions of Schwann cells and related PNS glia, which include their role in organizing the PNS, in regulating synaptic activity and pain, in modulating immunity, in providing a pool of stem cells for different organs, and, finally, in influencing cancer.
Adeno-Associated Virus Toolkit to Target Diverse Brain Cells
Authors: Challis Rosemary C. , Ravindra Kumar Sripriya , Chen Xinhong , Goertsen David , Coughlin Gerard M. , Hori Acacia M. , Chuapoco Miguel R. , Otis Thomas S. , Miles Timothy F. , Gradinaru Viviana
Published: April 2022

Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used gene delivery vehicles for neuroscience research. They have two engineerable features: the capsid (outer protein shell) and cargo (encapsulated genome). These features can be modified to enhance cell type or tissue tropism and control transgene expression, respectively. Several engineered AAV capsids with unique tropisms have been identified, including variants with enhanced central nervous system transduction, cell type specificity, and retrograde transport in neurons. Pairing these AAVs with modern gene regulatory elements and state-of-the-art reporter, sensor, and effector cargo enables highly specific transgene expression for anatomical and functional analyses of brain cells and circuits. Here, we discuss recent advances that provide a comprehensive (capsid and cargo) AAV toolkit for genetic access to molecularly defined brain cell types.
Measuring Ethnic Diversity
Authors: Steele Liza G. , Bostic Amie , Lynch Scott M. , Abdelaaty Lamis
Published: April 2022

Researchers have investigated the effects of ethnic heterogeneity on a range of socioeconomic and political outcomes. However, approaches to measuring ethnic diversity vary not only across fields of study but even within subfields. In this review, we systematically dissect the computational approaches of prominent measures of diversity, including polarization, and discuss where and how differences emerge in their relationships with outcomes of interest to sociologists (social capital and trust, economic growth and redistribution, conflict, and crime). There are substantial similarities across computations, which are often generalizations or specializations of one another. Differences in how racial and ethnic groupings are constructed and in level of geographic analysis explain many divergences in empirical findings. We conclude by summarizing the type of measurement technique preferred by outcome, when relevant, and provide considerations for future researchers contemplating how best to operationalize diversity. Finally, we highlight two less widely used yet promising measures of diversity.
Application of a Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode Modified with Printex 6L and Deep Eutectic Solvent for Detection and Quantification of 17β-estradiol
Authors: Neves Camila G. , Montiel Adriana L. , Junior Fausto E. B. , Paveglio Guilherme C. , Barros Willyam R. P.
Published: April 2022

This work proposes the development of a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with a mixture of Printex 6L carbon and deep eutectic solvent (DES) (SPE-P6LCDES), used for detection of 17β-estradiol (E2) in mineral water, synthetic urine, and artificial saliva. The characterization of SPE was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. Electrochemical studies for E2 detection were performed in 0.1 mol L−1 phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0. The linear range of E2 concentration was 0.00732–0.417 μmol L−1 to unmodified SPE and 0.00090–0.21 μmol L−1 to SPE-P6LCDES, with LOD of 0.177 μmol L−1 and 0.0065 μmol L−1, respectively. The use of DES + Printex 6L carbon as a modifier allowed strong intramolecular interactions between DES and the E2 molecule, increasing the intensity of the current response, since it showed high sensibility, sensitivity and reproducibility. The results obtained to E2 recovery on samples were between 92.15% and 102.10%. The validation study (UV–vis spectroscopy) demonstrated recovery of +99.16% (+1.4%) and +100.16% (+1.9%) to 10 and 60 μmol L−1 E2, respectively.
An Electrochemical Biosensor for Detection of Cichoric Acid as an Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Agent in Chicory Samples Based on Setaria-Like Trimetallic Nanodendrites Decorated NH2-RGO Flakes
Authors: Li Binshuai , Liu Xinran , Yin Mengai , Xue Lan , Lu Lina , Dai Fuju , Feng Wei , Yang Shengnan , Jiao Jun , Chen Qiang
Published: April 2022

Chicoric acid (CA), a phenolic acid from chicory, is regarded as a powerful ingredient against oxidative stress and obesity. It’s believed to be a promising drug candidate as its healing features prevent memory loss. However, existent methods for CA detection limit its practical applications in purification and further pharmacological study due to lack of accuracy. Therefore, it is crucial to find a forceful approach to precisely analyze cichoric acid for anti-AD research. In this work, we reported a facile method to synthesize Setaria-like trimetallic nanodendrites (G-PP NDs) in a non-compacted core–shell shape with high electrocatalytic activity. In addition, a sensitive biosensor to detect cichoric acid rapidly and accurately has been developed based on G-PP NDs and aminated reduced graphene oxide flakes (NH2-RGO@G-PP NDs). Owing to the great conductivity of NH2-RGO and significant electrochemical performance of G-PP NDs, the obtained sensor exhibited admirable capacities with a low LOD of 0.038 μM. It displayed a high sensitivity, rapid response, and excellent long-term stability, which made it accomplish the measurements CA in chicory samples. The proposed sensor is an auspicious tool for quality control and analysis of metabolism to investigate the beneficial impacts of CA as a functional ingredient to combat AD.
The role of hyaluronan synthesis and degradation in the critical respiratory illness COVID-19
Authors: Albtoush Nansy , Petrey Aaron C.
Published: April 2022

Hyaluronan (HA) is a polysaccharide found in all tissues as an integral component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that plays a central regulatory role in inflammation. In fact, HA matrices are increasingly considered as a barometer of inflammation. A number of proteins specifically recognize the HA structure and these interactions modify cell behavior and control the stability of the ECM. Moreover, inflamed airways are remarkably rich with HA and are associated with various inflammatory diseases including cystic fibrosis, influenza, sepsis, and more recently coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, and infected individuals have a wide range of disease manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to severe illness. Critically ill COVID-19 patient cases are frequently complicated by development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which typically leads to poor outcomes with high mortality rate. In general, ARDS is characterized by poor oxygenation accompanied with severe lung inflammation, damage, and vascular leakage and has been suggested to be linked to an accumulation of HA within the airways. Here, we provide a succinct overview of known inflammatory mechanisms regulated by HA in general, and those both observed and postulated in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Dynamics and physiological meaning of complexes between ion channels and integrin receptors: the case of Kv11.1
Authors: Becchetti Andrea , Duranti Claudia , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: April 2022

The cellular functions are regulated by a complex interplay of diffuse and local signals. Studying the latter is challenging, but experimental work in cell physiology has led to recognize that understanding a cell’s dynamics requires a deep comprehension of local fluctuations of cytosolic regulators. Macromolecular complexes are major determinants of local signaling. Multienzyme assemblies limit the diffusion restriction to reaction kinetics by direct exchange of metabolites. Likewise, close coupling of ion channels and transporters modulates the ion concentration around a channel mouth or transporter binding site. Extreme signal locality is brought about by conformational coupling between membrane proteins, as is typical of mechanotransduction. A paradigmatic case is integrin-mediated cell adhesion. Sensing the extracellular microenvironment and providing an appropriate response are essential in growth and development and have innumerable pathological implications. The process involves bidirectional signal transduction by complex supramolecular structures that link integrin receptors to ion channels and transporters, growth factor receptors, cytoskeletal elements, and other regulatory elements. The dynamics of such complexes are only beginning to be understood. A thoroughly studied example is the association between integrin receptors and the voltage-gated K+ channels Kv11.1. These channels are widely expressed in early embryos, where their physiological roles are poorly understood and apparently different from the shaping of action potential firing in the adult. Hints about these roles come from studies in cancer cells, where Kv11.1 is often overexpressed and appears to reassume functions it presumably exerts during embryogenesis, such as controlling cell proliferation/differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. Kv11.1 is implicated in these processes through its linking to integrin subunits, which in turn regulates channel expression. Specific cellular functions, such as proliferation and migration, appear to be modulated by distinct conformational states of the channel (e.g., open and closed), whose balance is affected by the link with integrin subunits.
Mechanisms of coordinating hyaluronan and glycosaminoglycan production by nucleotide sugars
Authors: Zimmer Brenna M. , Barycki Joseph J. , Simpson Melanie A.
Published: April 2022

Hyaluronan is a versatile macromolecule capable of an exceptional range of functions from cushioning and hydration to dynamic signaling in development and disease. Because of its critical roles, hyaluronan production is regulated at multiple levels including epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranslational control of the three hyaluronan synthase (HAS) enzymes. Precursor availability can dictate the rate and amount of hyaluronan synthesized and shed by the cells producing it. However, the nucleotide-activated sugar substrates for hyaluronan synthesis by HAS also participate in exquisitely fine-tuned cross-talking pathways that intersect with glycosaminoglycan production and central carbohydrate metabolism. Multiple UDP-sugars have alternative metabolic fates and exhibit coordinated and reciprocal allosteric control of enzymes within their biosynthetic pathways to preserve appropriate precursor ratios for accurate partitioning among downstream products, while also sensing and maintaining energy homeostasis. Since the dysregulation of nucleotide sugar and hyaluronan synthesis is associated with multiple pathologies, these pathways offer opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Recent structures of several key rate-limiting enzymes in the UDP-sugar synthesis pathways have offered new insights to the overall regulation of hyaluronan production by precursor fate decisions. The details of UDP-sugar control and the structural basis for underlying mechanisms are discussed in this review.
UBR5 is a novel regulator of WNK1 stability
Authors: Jung Ji-Ung , B. Ghosh Anwesha , Earnest Svetlana , Deaton Staci L. , Cobb Melanie H.
Published: April 2022

The with no lysine (K) 1 (WNK1) protein kinase maintains cellular ion homeostasis in many tissues through actions on ion cotransporters and channels. Increased accumulation of WNK1 protein leads to pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), a form of familial hypertension. WNK1 can be degraded via its adaptor-dependent recruitment to the Cullin3-RBX1 E3 ligase complex by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Disruption of this process also leads to disease. To determine if this is the primary mechanism of WNK1 turnover, we examined WNK1 protein stability and degradation by measuring its rate of decay after blockade of translation. Here, we show that WNK1 protein degradation exhibits atypical kinetics in HeLa cells. Consistent with this apparent complexity, we found that multiple degradative pathways can modulate cellular WNK1 protein amount. WNK1 protein is degraded by not only the proteasome but also the lysosome. Non-lysosomal cysteine proteases calpain and caspases also influence WNK1 degradation, as inhibitors of these proteases modestly increased WNK1 protein expression. Importantly, we discovered that the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR5 interacts with WNK1 and its deficiency results in increased WNK1 protein. Our results further demonstrate that increased WNK1 in UBR5-depleted cells is attributable to reduced lysosomal degradation of WNK1 protein. Taken together, our findings provide insights into the multiplicity of degradative pathways involved in WNK1 turnover and uncover UBR5 as a previously unknown regulator of WNK1 protein stability that leads to lysosomal degradation of WNK1 protein.
HDAC1 expression is positively correlated with NADPH oxidase 4-mediated oxidative stress in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Chen Yiming , Lu Yiming , Xu Siyi , Liu Min , Chen Wei , Zhang Yanfei , Wei Liang , Zhong Chunlong
Published: April 2022

Traumatic brain injury causes increased oxidative stresses, histone deacetylase 1, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 expression. Hdac1 knockout could attenuate the brain damage caused by traumatic brain injury. The results suggest that histone deacetylase 1 may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.
Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological evidence of pulmonary nociceptor and carotid chemoreceptor convergence in the nucleus tractus solitarius and nucleus ambiguus
Authors: Zyuzin Jekaterina , Jendzjowsky Nicholas
Published: April 2022

Sensory afferents have been shown to converge onto nucleus tractus solitarius primary neurons. Here, we show sensory convergence of two distinct sets of sensory afferents in motor nuclei of the nucleus ambiguus, which results in augmentation of airway defense motor output.
Tactile angle discriminability improvement: contributions of working memory training and continuous attended sensory input
Authors: Wang Wu , Yang Jiajia , Yu Yinghua , Li Huazhi , Liu Yulong , Yu Yiyang , Yu Jiabin , Tang Xiaoyu , Yang Jingjing , Takahashi Satoshi , Ejima Yoshimichi , Wu Jinglong
Published: April 2022

Perceptual learning is not always specific to the trained task and stimuli. We demonstrate that both continuous attended sensory input and improved WM capacity can be used to enhance tactile angle discrimination (TAD) ability. Moreover, WM capacity improvement is important in generalizing the training effect to the TAD ability. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanism of perceptual learning generalization across tasks.
Application of Melting Temperature in Melting Curve of qPCR to Determine Listeria monocytogenes Presence in Golden Needle Mushroom
Authors: Seo Yeongeun , Lee Yewon , Ha Jimyeong , Yoon Yohan
Published: April 2022

This study developed a method to determine Listeria monocytogenes presence in golden needle mushrooms by melting temperature (Tm) in a melting curve of qPCR. For identical samples (n = 35), the results for L. monocytogenes presence determined by Tm values were compared with the results from a conventional detection method (culture-based procedures). The samples that showed the negative result in the conventional method were subsequently examined with the Tm value of qPCR. Tm values for Escherichia coli (87.5 ± 0.4°C), Salmonella (87.6 ± 0.1°C), Staphylococcus aureus (79.2 ± 0.0°C), Listeria innocua (80.5 ± 0.0°C), Listeria ivanovii (79.0 ± 0.4°C), Listeria welshimeri (78.8 ± 0.4°C), and Listeria monocytogenes (83.7 ± 0.2°C) were different, and thus, no similar Tm values of L. monocytogenes were observed with other bacteria. From 35 golden needle mushrooms, 26 samples (74.3%) were L. monocytogenes positive with Tm value of qPCR, but only 13 samples (37.1%) of 35 samples were L. monocytogenes positive using the conventional detection method. Of the samples that were positive with the Tm value of qPCR, but negative with the conventional detection method, 4 samples were selected randomly, and typical L. monocytogenes colonies were detected in CHROMagar. These results indicate that the Tm value in the melting curve of qPCR can be used to detect L. monocytogenes in golden needle mushrooms.
Studies on Quality Markers of Kaihoujian Spray for Anti-Inflammation Based on Gray Correlation Analysis Strategy
Authors: Chen Jinpeng , Liu Yi , Gai Xiaohong , Ye Qing , Zhou Siyu , Tian Chengwang , Zhang Tiejun
Published: April 2022

Kaihoujian spray (KHJ) was originated from the classical prescription of Miao medicine, which was commonly used for acute and chronic pharyngitis. The prescription was composed of Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix, Ardisiae Radix, Cicadae Periostracum, and menthol. However, in previous literature, only clinical studies have been reported. The Quality Marker (Q-Markers) of KHJ on anti-inflammation has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, a gray correlation analysis strategy combined with network pharmacology analysis was established for the investigation of Q-Markers in KHJ. A total of 52 components were identified or tentatively characterized in KHJ, including alkaloids, saponins, bergenin, flavonoids, amino acids, and their derivatives. Furthermore, regularity of recipe composition and gray correlation analysis revealed that the correlation degree of all peaks was greater than 0.5. The ranking of correlation degree was peak 1 > 6>9 > 8>7 > 10>4 > 5>11 > 3>2. Among them, peaks 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11 were identified as anagyrine, matrine, sophocarpine, norbergenin, bengenin, 11-O-galloylbergenin, and trifolirhizin. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that EGFR, MMP9, MMP3, MMP1, and PTGS2 were the main targets of KHJ. Bergenin, matrine, sophocarpine, calycosin, and trifolirhizin were the main anti-inflammatory active ingredient in KHJ. These results proposed that bergenin, sophocarpidine, sophocarpine, and trifolirhizin could be the Q-Markers of KHJ on anti-inflammation. The process of discovering the Q-Markers would provide a promising method of quality control on KHJ.
RGS20 Promotes Tumor Progression through Modulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Activation in Penile Cancer
Authors: Shi Dazun , Tong Shiyu , Han Hui , Hu Xiheng
Published: April 2022

Regulator of G protein signaling 20 (RGS20) plays an important role in regulating neuronal G protein-coupled receptor signaling; however, its expression and oncogenic function in penile cancer (PC) remains unclear. Here, we observed high RGS20 expression in PC tissues compared to normal/adjacent penile tissues, which was closely associated with tumor stage, nodal status, and pelvic metastasis in our PC cohort. The cellular functional analysis of RGS20 revealed that manipulation of the RGS20 expression markedly affected cell viability, BrdU incorporation, soft agar clonogenesis, caspase-3 activity, and cell migration/invasion in PC cell models. Moreover, RGS20 could interact with PI3K p85α subunit and regulate PI3K/AKT signaling activation in PC cell lines. Knockdown of the PI3K p85α or p110α subunit attenuated cell viability, BrdU incorporation, soft agar clonogenesis, and cell migration/invasion in PC cell lines. In contrast, the overexpression of constitutively activated PI3K p110α mutant restored cell proliferation and cell migration/invasion caused by RGS20 depletion in PC cells. Consistent with the in vitro findings, RGS20 depletion attenuated PI3K/AKT signaling activation and suppressed tumor growth in a murine xenograft model. Importantly, the high RGS20 expression was associated with PI3K/AKT signaling activation and unfavorable progression-free/overall survival, highlighting the clinical relevance of RGS20/PI3K/AKT signaling in PC. In conclusion, the aberrant RGS20 expression may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for PC. RGS20 may promote PC progression through modulating PI3K/AKT signaling activation, which may assist with the development of RGS20-targeting therapeutics in the future.
Dexmedetomidine Mitigates Microglial Activation Associated with Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction by Modulating the MicroRNA-103a-3p/VAMP1 Axis
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Wang Han , Shi Zuan , Li Yalan
Published: April 2022

Surgery-induced microglial activation is critical in mediating postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients, where the important protective effect of dexmedetomidine has been indicated. However, the mechanisms of action of dexmedetomidine during the neuroinflammatory response that underlies POCD remain largely unknown. We found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced substantial inflammatory responses in primary and BV2 microglial cells. The screening of differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that miR-103a-3p was downregulated in these cell culture models. Overexpression of miR-103a-3p mimics and inhibitors suppressed and enhanced the release of inflammatory factors, respectively. VAMP1 expression was upregulated in LPS-treated primary and BV-2 microglial cells, and it was validated as a downstream target of miR-103-3p. VAMP1-knockdown significantly inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory response. Dexmedetomidine treatment markedly inhibited LPS-induced inflammation and the expression of VAMP1, and miR-103a-3p expression reversed this inhibition. Moreover, dexmedetomidine mitigated microglial activation and the associated inflammatory response in a rat model of surgical trauma that mimicked POCD. In this model, dexmedetomidine reversed miR-103a-3p and VAMP1 expression; this effect was abolished by miR-103a-3p overexpression. Taken together, the data show that miR-103a-3p/VAMP1 is critical for surgery-induced microglial activation of POCD.
Decoding the Mechanism behind the Pathogenesis of the Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Zhu Xiao , Tang Liping , Mao Jingxin , Hameed Yasir , Zhang Jingyu , Li Ning , Wu Danny , Huang Yongmei , Li Chen
Published: April 2022

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a chronic glomerular disease associated with podocyte injury which is named after the pathologic features of the kidney. The aim of this study is to decode the key changes in gene expression and regulatory network involved in the formation of FSGS. Integrated network analysis included Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FSGS patients and healthy donors. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the roles of the DEGs and included the development of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, Gene Ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, and the key modules were assured. The expression levels of DEGs were validated using the additional dataset. Eventually, transcription factors and ceRNA networks were established to illuminate the regulatory relationships in the formation of FSGS. 1130 DEGs including 475 upregulated genes and 655 downregulated genes with functional enrichment analysis were determined. Further analysis uncovered that the validated hub genes were defined as candidate genes, including Complement C3a Receptor 1 (C3AR1), C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1(CCR1), C-X3-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CX3CL1), Melatonin Receptor 1A (MTNR1A), and Purinergic Receptor P2Y13 (P2RY13). More importantly, we identified transcription factors and mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory networks associated with the candidate genes. The candidate genes and regulatory networks discovered in this study can help to comprehend the molecular mechanism of FSGS and supply potential targets for the diagnosis and therapy of FSGS.
Research on the High-Quality Development Model of China’s Grain Industry from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization
Authors: Fei Xiang , Feng Junwen
Published: April 2022

Food security concerns people’s livelihood. Under the background of urban-rural integrated development and accelerated rural revitalization, high-quality grain production is the foundation of agricultural modernization, and grain industrialization is the only way to realize agricultural modernization. How to produce high-quality food has been widely concerned. The goal of this paper is to establish the modernization of the entire industrial chain of food production, laying a foundation for comprehensive revitalization for the high-quality development of the food industry and the realization of food industrialization. From the perspective of rural revitalization, the high-quality development model of China’s grain industry is studied. This paper gives new progress and new achievements in the high-quality grain development model, which requires a more precise and internally driven policy support system. The high quality of the food industry will help to improve the level of food industrialization, expand the economy of the food industry, accelerate the process of agricultural modernization, and ultimately realize rural revitalization and an all-round well-off society in rural areas.
Analysis of Water Supply-Demand Based on Socioeconomic Efficiency
Authors: Ren Wenying , Bai Xue , Wang Yuetian , Liang Chaoming , Huang Siyan , Wang Zhiying , Yang Liu
Published: April 2022

Water resource is an important factor restricting social-economic development. Hebei Province is one of the regions suffering from severe water shortage in China. Based on the Water Resources Assessment and Planning model, population growth, economic growth, water-saving, and integrated scenarios were established. The water demand and supply in Hebei Province in 2025 and 2035 were forecasted in this study. The research results show that agriculture is the main unmet water demand sector. In the absence of large-scale population inflows, the local population growth has little impact on the changes in water supply-demand. Economic development is one of the main factors affecting water balance. The water-saving scenario has the greatest impact on water supply-demand. Compared to population and economic growth scenarios, the simulation results of water demand and unmet water demand were the smallest. Under an integrated scenario, the current situation of water shortage in Hebei has been greatly improved, but there is still a demand shortage of44.12×108 m3 in 2030. It is necessary to take measures to improve the carrying capacity of water resources in various regions of Hebei Province and narrow the regional gap. This study provided a reference for the rational utilization of water resources.
Osteoblastic Cell Responses of Copper Nanoparticle Coatings on Ti‐6Al‐7Nb Alloy Using Electrophoretic Deposition Method
Authors: Hameed Hanan Ali , Hasan Haider Ali , Luddin Norhayati , Husein Adam , Ariffin Azirrawani , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: April 2022

Aim. To investigate and compare the cell cytotoxicity, proliferation, cell attachment, and morphology of human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB) cells of coated samples (titanium nanocopper (Ti Cu), titanium nanohydroxyapatite (Ti HA) and titanium nanocopper ion doped hydroxyapatite (Ti Cu/HA) and uncoated samples (Ti) in order to assess the suitability of these surface modifications on Ti‐6Al‐7Nb for dental implant application. Materials and Methods. The cytotoxicity was studied by examining the hFOB cell response by MTT assessment. The cell morphology was evaluated by inverted microscopy and observed under scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Results. MTT assay results displayed that the Cu content on the surface of Ti‐6Al‐7Nb alloys did not produce any cytotoxic effect on cell viability. The cell viability rate in all samples ranges from 97% to 126%, indicating that hFOB cells grew at a high proliferation rate. However, no significant differences in cell viability were observed between Ti and Ti Cu and between Ti HA and Ti Cu/HA groups. Microscopic examination demonstrated no difference in the cell morphology of hFOB among all samples. In addition, SEM observation indicated favorable adhesion and spreading of the cells on the coated and uncoated samples. Conclusions. The surface modification of Ti‐6Al‐7Nb alloy with Cu, HA, and Cu/HA exhibits good cell biocompatibility, and the Cu has no influence on the cell proliferation and differentiation of hFOB.
Thrombin Induces COX-2 and PGE2 Expression via PAR1/PKCalpha/MAPK-Dependent NF-kappaB Activation in Human Tracheal Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Yang Chien-Chung , Hsiao Li-Der , Shih Ya-Fang , Hsu Chih-Kai , Hu Chia-Yu , Yang Chuen-Mao
Published: April 2022

The inflammation of the airway and lung could be triggered by upregulation cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced by various proinflammatory factors. COX-2 induction by thrombin has been shown to play a vital role in various inflammatory diseases. However, in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs), how thrombin enhanced the levels of COX-2/PGE2 is not completely characterized. Thus, in this study, the levels of COX-2 expression and PGE2 synthesis induced by thrombin were determined by Western blot, promoter-reporter assay, real-time PCR, and ELISA kit. The various signaling components involved in the thrombin-mediated responses were differentiated by transfection with siRNAs and selective pharmacological inhibitors. The role of NF-κB was assessed by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, immunofluorescent staining, as well as Western blot. Our results verified that thrombin markedly triggered PGE2 secretion via COX-2 upregulation which were diminished by the inhibitor of thrombin (PPACK), PAR1 (SCH79797), Gi/o protein (GPA2), Gq protein (GPA2A), PKCα (Gö6976), p38 MAPK (SB202190), JNK1/2 (SP600125), MEK1/2 (U0126), or NF-κB (helenalin) and transfection with siRNA of PAR1, Gqα, Giα, PKCα, JNK2, p38, p42, or p65. Moreover, thrombin induced PAR1-dependent PKCα phosphorylation in HTSMCs. We also observed that thrombin induced p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and p42/p44 MAPK activation through a PAR1/PKCα pathway. Thrombin promoted phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, leading to nuclear translocation and binding to the COX-2 promoter element to enhance promoter activity, which was reduced by Gö6976, SP600125, SB202190, or U0126. These findings supported that COX-2/PGE2 expression triggered by thrombin was engaged in PAR1/Gq or Gi/o/PKCα/MAPK-dependent NF-κB activation in HTSMCs.
The Impact of COVID‐19 Crisis on Stock Markets’ Statistical Complexity
Authors: Dima Bogdan , Dima Stefana Maria , Ioan Roxana
Published: April 2022

The spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic has severely impacted all aspects of social and economic life, including the evolution of stock markets. Thus, we advance a methodological framework suitable for assessing 2020 year‐long shifts in markets’ statistical complexity, and we apply such framework to ten major international developed or emerging stock markets. Our research reveals that this crisis had considerably altered markets’ evolutionary patterns. The network description of markets’ multivocal transmission of complex responses changed in 2020, European and Asian markets playing a pivotal role. Nevertheless, an important regional and time heterogeneity emerges. In addition, we find that the total number of worldwide confirmed COVID‐19 cases plays a leading role in the changes in markets’ complexity.
Preoperative Lymphocyte‐to‐Monocyte Ratio Can Indicate the Outcomes in Repair of I‐III Degree Injury of Lateral Ankle Ligament
Authors: Yuan Chengjie , Wang Zhifeng , Zhu Genrui , Wang Chen , Ma Xin , Wang Xu
Published: April 2022

Background. This study is aimed at exploring the prognostic value of preoperative lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), an index of systemic inflammation before operation, in ankle lateral ligament repair (ALLR). Methods. A total of 213 I‐III degrees injuries of lateral ankle ligament patients received ALLR and were followed up for more than 2 years. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between preoperative LMR and postoperative recovery. The evaluations of postoperative recovery include American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson‐Peter ankle score (KPAS), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM). The prognostic value of preoperative LMR was measured by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. 178 patients (178 ankles) were followed up successfully, with a follow‐up of 2.82 ± 1.54 years. Overall, the mean AOFAS, KPAS, CAIT and VAS scores, and ankle varus angle were significantly improved at the final follow‐up. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis showed that preoperative LMR was the only independent factor associated with postoperative function, ROM, and pain. The preoperative LMR of patients with poor recovery was significantly lower than that of patients with good recovery. Based on the ROC analysis, the cutoff value of preoperative LMR was 3.824. The clinical outcomes of patients with preoperative LMR < 3.824 were significantly lower than that of patients with preoperative LMR ≥ 3.824. The corresponding specificity and sensitivity were 84.6% and 71.4%. Conclusion. The clinical outcomes of open or arthroscopic repair for ATFL injury are satisfactory. As a marker of systemic inflammation, preoperative LMR can be used as a prognostic indicator for ALLR.
Persistent Methicillin-Susceptible Bacteremia Rapidly Cleared with Cefazolin and Ertapenem Combination Therapy in a Patient with COVID-19
Authors: Ilges Dan , Krishnan Gayathri , Geng Elvin
Published: April 2022

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. MSSA BSIs can rapidly disseminate, resulting in deep-seated infections, prolonged durations of bacteremia, and further metastases. Recently, cefazolin and ertapenem combination therapy has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to sterilize the blood in patients with persistent MSSA bacteremia. Here, we present a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia and concomitant MSSA BSI achieving blood culture sterilization within 24 hours of cefazolin and ertapenem combination therapy initiation following 11 days of positive blood cultures.
Image Shadow Detection and Removal Based on Region Matching of Intelligent Computing
Authors: Feng Junying , Kim Yong Kwan , Liu Peng
Published: April 2022

Shadow detection and removal play an important role in the field of computer vision and pattern recognition. Shadow will cause some loss and interference to the information of moving objects, resulting in the performance degradation of subsequent computer vision tasks such as moving object detection or image segmentation. In this paper, each image is regarded as a small sample, and then a method based on material matching of intelligent computing between image regions is proposed to detect and remove image shadows. In shadow detection, the proposed method can be directly used for detection without training and ensures the consistency of similar regions to a certain extent. In shadow removal, the proposed method can minimize the influence of shadow removal operation on other features in the shadow region. The experiments on the benchmark dataset demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves a promising performance, and its improvement is more than 6% in comparison with several advanced shadow detection methods.
Image Enhancement Algorithm-Based Ultrasound on Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Training in Preventing Postpartum Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Lifeng , Lu Chunyan
Published: April 2022

In order to explore the application value of image enhancement algorithm in evaluating pelvic floor rehabilitation training in the prevention of postpartum female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), 70 patients with FPFD were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into two groups. One group received routine nursing (control group,

n
=
35

), and the other group received pelvic floor rehabilitation training based on routine nursing (experimental group,

n
=
35

). In ultrasound images based on an image enhancement algorithm, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) were used to evaluate the efficacy. The results showed that after image enhancement algorithm processing, the image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM) of ultrasound images of patients with FPFD were significantly improved (

P
<
0.05

); the mean square error (MSE) was significantly decreased (

P
<
0.05

); the diagnostic accuracy of FPFD in the original ultrasound images was 73.34%, and that after image enhancement algorithm processing was significantly improved to be 89.86% (

P
<
0.05

). In addition, the overall clinical response rate of FPFD in the experimental group (82.86%) was obviously higher than that in the control group (51.43%) (

P
<
0.05

). After rehabilitation training, the ICIQ-SF and PFDI-20 scores of patients with FPFD in the two groups suggested a significant decrease (

P
<
0.05

). In summary, using an image enhancement algorithm has a good application prospect in evaluating pelvic floor rehabilitation training in preventing postpartum FPFD and is worthy of further promotion.
An Epidemic Spreading Simulation and Emergency Management Based on System Dynamics: A Case Study of China’s University Community
Authors: Rong Wei , Wang Ping , Han Zonglin , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2022

The spread of epidemics, especially COVID‐19, is having a significant impact on the world. If an epidemic is not properly controlled at the beginning, it is likely to spread rapidly and widely through the coexistence relationship between natural and social systems. A university community is a special, micro‐self‐organized social system that is densely populated. However, university authorities in such an environment seem to be less cautious in the defence of an epidemic. Currently, there is almost no quantitative research on epidemic spreading and response strategies in universities. In this paper, a case study of a university community is considered for a simulation of an infection evolving after an epidemic outbreak based on the method of system dynamics of the three stages. The results show the following: (1) By improving the speed of the initial emergency response, the total number of patients can be effectively controlled. (2) A quarantine policy helps to slow down the evolution of infection. The higher the isolation ratio, the higher the cost; therefore, the isolation ratio should be optimized. (3) It is important to make emergency plans for controlling epidemic spreading and carry out emergency drills and assessments regularly. According to the results of this study, we suggest an emergency management framework for public health events in university communities.
Study on the Dehydration Characteristics of Spring Maize after Physiological Maturity and the Suitable Period of Mechanical Grain Harvest
Authors: Liu Guohong , Bian Qingyong , Fu Yanbo , Liu Yanyan , Wei Yayuan , Zhu Jinquan , Wang Zhiguo
Published: April 2022

The high moisture content of seeds during harvesting results in a large amount of grain that breaks during mechanical harvesting, which becomes a key problem that hampers the promotion of mechanical grain harvesting technology. Maize in southern Xinjiang physiologically matures from early September to early October. In this study, 52 varieties of maize at different maturity stages were studied in 2019-2020 and were categorized in the order of physiological maturity time: early September (PD1), mid-September (PD2), late September (PD3), and early October (PD4). The goal of this study was to analyze the differences in content of kernel moisture at physiological maturity and the rate of dehydration after physiological maturity of varieties at different stages of maturity, so as to determine the suitable period for mechanical grain harvesting of maize at different stages of maturity. The results showed that the content of seed moisture at different maturity stages varied in a two-stage linear model, with periods of fast and slow dehydration. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the content of seed moisture at different stages of physiological maturity did not differ significantly (

P
>
0.05

).
Predicting the Time‐dependent Mechanics of Concrete Based on a Multiscale Model
Authors: Wang Shijun , Du Changqing , Gu Mingqing , Pan Chunlin , Tong Teng
Published: April 2022

To accurately predict the time‐dependent deformation of concrete, a multiscale model with its focus pinned on mesoscale is proposed here to break down the constitutive law of concrete to the mechanics of its different constituent phases. A three‐phase unit cell, consisting of one coarse aggregate, mortar matrix, and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), is employed to represent the basic structural element of concrete on mesoscale. Following Eshelby’s inclusion theory, the Mori‐Tanaka homogenization, continuous retardation spectrum method, and isotropic continuum damage model are applied to capture the time‐dependent behavior of the unit cell. To take into account the shape effect of aggregate, the explicit Eshelby’s tensor of polygonal inclusion is obtained based on an enhanced approach. The proposed multiscale material model is incorporated into ABAQUS, and its effectiveness and robustness are documented by the simulations of unit cells containing aggregates of different shapes.