We herein disclose a series of novel pyrrole derivatives as well as fused pyrrolopyridines 6a,b and 7a,b, pyrrolopyrazoles 8a, b, pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives 10a-d, 12a,b, 14a,b, 18a,b, 20a,b, 21a,b, 22a,b, 2...We herein disclose a series of novel pyrrole derivatives as well as fused pyrrolopyridines 6a,b and 7a,b, pyrrolopyrazoles 8a, b, pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives 10a-d, 12a,b, 14a,b, 18a,b, 20a,b, 21a,b, 22a,b, 23a,b, 24a,b, 31a,b, 36a,b, 40a,b, pyrrolo[1,2,6]thiadiazine derivatives 19a,b, pyrrolotriazolopyrimidines 25a,b, 26a,b, 27a,b and 28a,b, pyrrolo[2,3-d][1,2,3]triazine derivatives 32a,b and pyrrolo[2,3-d][1,3]oxazine derivatives 39a,b as novel compounds. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic (compared to the reference drug Indomethacin) and antimicrobial activities (compared to the reference drug Ampicillin and Fluconazole). Compounds 4d, 5b-d, 6a,b, 9c,d, 10d, 12ab, 13b, 19a,b, 21b, 23b, 31a,b, 38b and 40a were found to be the most active anti-inflammatory drugs exhibiting potency ranging from 1 - 1.01 compared to the reference drug indomethacin. In addition to docking study of these highly active twenty compounds against the active site of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2), among the tested compounds, compounds 5d, 9d, 11b, 12a, 13b and 32a showed multiple activities;anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-bacterial activities.展开更多
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing and extremely pruritic eczematous disease which commonly affects children. The standard management consists of a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs in adjunctive with skin...Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing and extremely pruritic eczematous disease which commonly affects children. The standard management consists of a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs in adjunctive with skin care management particular moisturizer application. A concern for the side effects associated with long term use of corticosteroids has also been considered. There has been an emerging interest in moisturizer containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as herbal extracts, vitamins, mineral and lipids. The in vitro and the in vivo studies of each agent were reviewed. The clinical study on the efficacy of moisturizers containing these agents were also demonstrated including the author's studies and clinicalexperience. These moisturizers might be considered as an alternative treatment in acute flare of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.展开更多
Automatically mapping a requirement specification to design model in Software Engineering is an open complex problem. Existing methods use a complex manual process that use the knowledge from the requirement specifica...Automatically mapping a requirement specification to design model in Software Engineering is an open complex problem. Existing methods use a complex manual process that use the knowledge from the requirement specification/modeling and the design, and try to find a good match between them. The key task done by designers is to convert a natural language based requirement specification (or corresponding UML based representation) into a predominantly computer language based design model—thus the process is very complex as there is a very large gap between our natural language and computer language. Moreover, this is not just a simple language conversion, but rather a complex knowledge conversion that can lead to meaningful design implementation. In this paper, we describe an automated method to map Requirement Model to Design Model and thus automate/partially automate the Structured Design (SD) process. We believe, this is the first logical step in mapping a more complex requirement specification to design model. We call it IRTDM (Intelligent Agent based requirement model to design model mapping). The main theme of IRTDM is to use some AI (Artificial Intelligence) based algorithms, semantic representation using Ontology or Predicate Logic, design structures using some well known design framework and Machine Learning algorithms for learning over time. Semantics help convert natural language based requirement specification (and associated UML representation) into high level design model followed by mapping to design structures. AI method can also be used to convert high level design structures into lower level design which then can be refined further by some manual and/or semi automated process. We emphasize that automation is one of the key ways to minimize the software cost, and is very important for all, especially, for the “Design for the Bottom 90% People” or BOP (Base of the Pyramid People).展开更多
Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) is a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm that has gained popularity for solving optimization problems. In GWO, the success of the algorithm heavily relies on the efficient updating of ...Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) is a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm that has gained popularity for solving optimization problems. In GWO, the success of the algorithm heavily relies on the efficient updating of the agents’ positions relative to the leader wolves. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the Grey Wolf Optimization technique and its significance in solving complex optimization problems. Building upon the foundation of GWO, we introduce a novel technique for updating agents’ positions, which aims to enhance the algorithm’s effectiveness and efficiency. To evaluate the performance of our proposed approach, we conduct comprehensive experiments and compare the results with the original Grey Wolf Optimization technique. Our comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed technique achieves superior optimization outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of our approach in addressing optimization challenges effectively and efficiently, making it a valuable contribution to the field of optimization algorithms.展开更多
The soils, tropical climate, and network of canals and rivers of southern Vietnam have created one of the most diverse tropical jungles and intensely cultivated landscapes of Southeast Asia. This paradise has a long h...The soils, tropical climate, and network of canals and rivers of southern Vietnam have created one of the most diverse tropical jungles and intensely cultivated landscapes of Southeast Asia. This paradise has a long history of numerous wars, foreign occupations, and most recently the Second Indochina War (aka the Vietnam War 1965-1972) which defoliated rain forests and ancient wetland mangroves and left behind contaminated soil and sediment hotspots. During this war, the United States (US) military sprayed 80 million liters of Agent Orange contaminated with the dioxin TCDD in a guerrilla war against communist insurgents. Agent Orange was a synthetic plant growth regulator comprised of equal amounts of two herbicides 2,4-dichloro phenoxyacetic acid C8H6Cl2O3 (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid C8H5Cl3O3 (2,4,5-T). TCDD, the dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (C12H4Cl4O2) was an unintended byproduct of the accelerated combustion process used in the manufacture of herbicides containing 2,4,5-T. Agent Orange has frequently been blamed for soil and sediment contamination and long-term human health problems;however, the true source of harm is the dioxin TCDD. Agent Orange has a short half-life of days and weeks after application to vegetation, and has not been found to persist, after 50 years, in the water or soils of southern Vietnam. However, the half-life of dioxin TCDD depends on where it is deposited and varies from 1 to 3 years on soil surfaces that have been fully exposed to sunlight, to as long as 20 to 50 years or more when buried in tropical subsoils, and more than 100 years in river and sea sediments. Dioxin TCDD was heavily concentrated in the US Air Force bases in Vietnam where the herbicides were stored, loaded on planes and helicopters for aerial spraying, and used extensively around military base perimeter fences as a security measure to prevent surprise attacks. Bien Hoa Air Force base, 40 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, continues to be one of the mega-hotspots where after 48 years the dioxin TCDD levels in fish and shrimp are still high and fishing is banned in ponds and lakes adjacent to the airbase. Although expensive, one of the most effective remediation to dioxin TCDD contaminated soils is incineration which is the recommended method of dioxin TCDD disposal.展开更多
Biological control(biocontrol) is a safe, sustainable approach that takes advantage of natural enemies such as predators, parasitic insects or pathogens to manage pests in agroecosystems. Parasitoid wasps, a very larg...Biological control(biocontrol) is a safe, sustainable approach that takes advantage of natural enemies such as predators, parasitic insects or pathogens to manage pests in agroecosystems. Parasitoid wasps, a very large evolutionary group of hymenopteran insects, are well-known biological control agents for arthropod pests in agricultural and forest ecosystems. Here, we summarize the recent progress on the application of parasitoid wasps in biocontrol in China for the last five years. These include species diversity of parasitoid wasps, identification of dominant parasitoid wasps associated with insect pests and biocontrol practices(three types of biological control, i.e., classical, augmentative and conservation biological control) in several Chinese agroecosystems. We then treat different mass-rearing and release technologies and the commercialization of several parasitoid wasp species. We also summarize other work that may have a potential use in biocontrol, including the effect of plant volatiles on parasitoids and recent advance in the molecular mechanisms underlying the host regulation by parasitoid wasps. Future research area and applied perspectives are also discussed, noting that advances in biocontrol technologies in Chinese agriculture informs research at the global level.展开更多
The aim of this article is to strengthen and improve the collaboration between professional agents of a service that manages one of the technical processes acting on a given territory by synchronizing the spatio-tempo...The aim of this article is to strengthen and improve the collaboration between professional agents of a service that manages one of the technical processes acting on a given territory by synchronizing the spatio-temporal dimensions including all agents assembled for the task. This proposal was tested in the Lamkansa neighborhood in Casablanca, Morocco. The employed approach is based GIS resources and on systemic analysis of communication present in a territory. We were inspired by several methodological developments that carried multi-actor processes in land use planning. We focused our work on strengthening the collaboration between professionals, field agents and office agents, in the process of design and monitoring the liquid sanitation system. The device is based on geolocation and synchronous feedback of topological, geographical, and multimedia data related to the liquid sanitation network. Thanks to a geo-collaborative, participative, and motivating logic, we reduced the management costs of the network and made it faster and more efficient by equally mobilizing another type of non-specialized actors (the inhabitants). This device uses spatial and temporal dimensions to consolidate collaborative work tools through ICT and GIS technologies that thematize and exchange information collected in the field. Furthermore, this device raises great interest as it entails the concept of integration of several actors in a geo-collaborative mode while combining geomatics with communication and information sciences.展开更多
[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of different doses of water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,yield and quality of soybean plants subjected to drought stress.[Methods]The effect...[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of different doses of water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,yield and quality of soybean plants subjected to drought stress.[Methods]The effects of drought stress(MDS)and drought stress with low(MDS-L),medium(MDS-M)and high doses(MDS-H)of the water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,root activity,MDA content,antioxidant enzyme activity,yield and quality of soybean were studied by field plot test,with the normal water supply serving as the control(CK).[Results]In response to drought stress,the plant height,stem diameter,and yield of soybean exhibited a notable decline.Additionally,the contents of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a significant reduction.Conversely,the root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity exhibited a noticeable decline,while the MDA content exhibited an increase.The application of varying doses of the water-retaining agent was found to significantly enhance soybean growth,stimulate root activity,and elevate antioxidant enzyme activity,while concurrently reducing MDA content.The observed effects were found to be dose-dependent,with the greatest effects observed at the highest dose.In comparison to MDS,the yields of soybean in the MDS-L,MDS-M,and MDS-H treatments exhibited a 18.38%,25.58%,and 46.26%increase,respectively.Additionally,the content of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a notable enhancement.[Conclusions]The application of the water-retaining agent has been demonstrated to significantly promote the growth of soybean plants under conditions of drought stress,resulting in an improvement in both the yield and the quality of the soybean crop.The recommended dosage of the water-retaining agent is 3.3 kg/667 m 2.展开更多
A survey on agents, causality and intelligence is presented and an equilibrium-based computing paradigm of quantum agents and quantum intelligence (QAQI) is proposed. In the survey, Aristotle’s causality principle an...A survey on agents, causality and intelligence is presented and an equilibrium-based computing paradigm of quantum agents and quantum intelligence (QAQI) is proposed. In the survey, Aristotle’s causality principle and its historical extensions by David Hume, Bertrand Russell, Lotfi Zadeh, Donald Rubin, Judea Pearl, Niels Bohr, Albert Einstein, David Bohm, and the causal set initiative are reviewed;bipolar dynamic logic (BDL) is introduced as a causal logic for bipolar inductive and deductive reasoning;bipolar quantum linear algebra (BQLA) is introdused as a causal algebra for quantum agent interaction and formation. Despite the widely held view that causality is undefinable with regularity, it is shown that equilibrium-based bipolar causality is logically definable using BDL and BQLA for causal inference in physical, social, biological, mental, and philosophical terms. This finding leads to the paradigm of QAQI where agents are modeled as quantum enssembles;intelligence is revealed as quantum intelligence. It is shown that the enssemble formation, mutation and interaction of agents can be described as direct or indirect results of quantum causality. Some fundamental laws of causation are presented for quantum agent entanglement and quantum intelligence. Applicability is illustrated;major challenges are identified in equilibriumbased causal inference and quantum data mining.展开更多
Agents are the new defacto standard for inclusion in modules of today’s software systems such as ERP systems, mobile applications and operating systems. Agents are an integral part of today’s software design. The qu...Agents are the new defacto standard for inclusion in modules of today’s software systems such as ERP systems, mobile applications and operating systems. Agents are an integral part of today’s software design. The question is how do intelligent agents work in the specific area of ERP credit card processing e-commerce models? To answer this question, a specific area of ERP systems will be analyzed: credit card processing for merchants. One specific merchant credit card processor will be specifically investigated: EVO Merchants. This paper will research how exactly does ERP systems interact using Application Programing Interface or “API” specified by a credit card clearing house. Secure Socket Layers or SSL, and XML are discussed and elaborated on specifically how intelligent agents play such a pivotal role in ERP e-commerce systems for credit card processing.展开更多
High performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated as a method for the analysis of fluorinated histone deacetylase inhibitors (F-HDACi), and then employed to study...High performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated as a method for the analysis of fluorinated histone deacetylase inhibitors (F-HDACi), and then employed to study their metabolism in biosystems. Four HDACi analogs labeled with the positron emission nuclide 18F constitute a group of potential positron emission tomography imaging agents, which were developed by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) and coded as INER-1577 #1, #2, #3, and #4 during animal studies for the diagnosis of dementia. The performance of the method was found to be suitable for the determination of analog #3, and it was employed to determine the structures and fragmentation mechanisms of all four analogs and to study the biotransformations of analogs #3 and #4. The results indicated that the method used for the determination of analog #3 was suitable for determining the abundance of the analogs in chemical and biochemical tests with high precision, accuracy, reproducibility, and recovery. Weaknesses in the chemical bonding of the analogs were found to involve the fluoro, dimethylamino, and benzamide groups in a fragmentation mechanism deduced via tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolites of analogs #3 and #4 in rat liver microsomes and rat plasma were also identified to clarify their characteristic behaviors in biosystems. The major product of analogs #3 in liver microsomes was produced by hydroxylation of the benzylic carbon atom, but in rat plasma the metabolites of analog #3 were produced by hydrolysis of the benzamide group to give a diaminobiphenyl compound with the simultaneous replacement of a fluorine atom by a hydroxyl group. The metabolites of analog #4 in liver microsomes were produced by hydroxylation of the benzylic carbon atom and hydrolysis of the benzamide bond. The results of the studies characterized the chemical and biochemical behaviors of the series F-HADCi analogs.展开更多
General anesthetic agents can impact brain function through interactions with neurons and their effects on glial cells.Oligodendrocytes perform essential roles in the central nervous system,including myelin sheath for...General anesthetic agents can impact brain function through interactions with neurons and their effects on glial cells.Oligodendrocytes perform essential roles in the central nervous system,including myelin sheath formation,axonal metabolism,and neuroplasticity regulation.They are particularly vulnerable to the effects of general anesthetic agents resulting in impaired proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis.Neurologists are increasingly interested in the effects of general anesthetic agents on oligodendrocytes.These agents not only act on the surface receptors of oligodendrocytes to elicit neuroinflammation through modulation of signaling pathways,but also disrupt metabolic processes and alter the expression of genes involved in oligodendrocyte development and function.In this review,we summarize the effects of general anesthetic agents on oligodendrocytes.We anticipate that future research will continue to explore these effects and develop strategies to decrease the incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of general anesthetic agents.展开更多
Purpose: To investigate 1) the development in the incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria in hospitals and primary health care, 2) the contribution of primary health care to the incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria, and ...Purpose: To investigate 1) the development in the incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria in hospitals and primary health care, 2) the contribution of primary health care to the incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria, and 3) the development in resistance patterns for all Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in relation to antimicrobial consumption in hospitals and primary health care. Methods: ESBL-data were retrospectively collected from bacterial isolates from all specimens received at the Department of Clinical Microbiology from 2003 to 2011 together with the corresponding patient data. ESBL-production was detected in isolates from 1067 of 59,373 patients (1.8%) with an E. coli infection and in 263 of 8660 patients (3.0%) with a K. pneumoniae infection. Results: From 2003 to 2009, an increase in patients with an ESBL-producing isolate occurred in both hospitals and primary health care at the same time as an increased consumption of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents was seen. Interventions to reduce prescription of cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin at the hospitals from 2010 resulted in a remarkable decrease in patients with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae whereas a continuing increase was seen in patients with ESBL-producing E. coli both at hospitals and in primary health care. The proportion of patients with community-acquired ESBL-producing E. coli was stable with an increase of only 1.4% from 2007 to 2011. Conclusions: Reduction in prescription of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents at the hospital level had an important impact on the incidence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, but not on ESBL-producing E. coli.展开更多
Anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, causing morbidity and mortality, and is primarily due to reduced erythropoietin (EPO) release and, to a lesser degree, shortened red cell survival. Erythropoietin Stim...Anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, causing morbidity and mortality, and is primarily due to reduced erythropoietin (EPO) release and, to a lesser degree, shortened red cell survival. Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents like epoetin Alfa and darbepoetin alpha are used commonly to treat this form of anemia. Recent evidence suggests increased morbidity and mortality associated with higher hemoglobin in the setting of these agents use. Whether these complications are due to higher dose of erythropoietin or its resistance (i.e. inflammation), or achieving a higher hemoglobin remains unclear. Tightening restrictions on these agents has led to increase interest in the use of non-ESA adjuvants to improve erythropoiesis. This review will highlight the most promising of these agents.展开更多
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs)are extremely effective in eradicating hepatitis C virus(HCV)in chronically infected patients.However,the protective role of the sustained virologic response(SVR)achieved...BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs)are extremely effective in eradicating hepatitis C virus(HCV)in chronically infected patients.However,the protective role of the sustained virologic response(SVR)achieved by second-and thirdgeneration DAAs against the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and mortality is less well established.AIM To examine the occurrence of HCC or death from any cause in a retrospectiveprospective study of patients treated with DAAs.METHODS Patients were enrolled from a tertiary academic hospital center for liver disease management that collects subject data mainly from northeastern Italy.The study was conducted in 380 patients(age:60±13 years,224 males,32%with cirrhosis)treated with DAAs with or without SVR(95/5%),with a median follow up of 58 wk(interquartile range:38-117).The baseline anthropometric features,HCV viral load,severity of liver disease,presence of extra-hepatic complications,coinfection with HIV and/or HBV,alcohol consumption,previous interferon use,alphafetoprotein levels,and renal function were considered to be confounders.RESULTS The incidence rate of HCC in patients with and without SVR was 1.3 and 59 per 100 person-years,respectively(incidence rate ratio:44,95%CI:15-136,P<0.001).Considering the combined endpoint of HCC or death from any cause,the hazard ratio(HR)for the SVR patients was 0.070(95%CI:0.025-0.194,P<0.001).Other independent predictors of HCC or death were low HCV viremia(HR:0.808,P=0.030),low platelet count(HR:0.910,P=0.041),and presence of mixed cryoglobulinemia(HR:3.460,P=0.044).Considering SVR in a multi-state model,the independent predictors of SVR achievement were absence of cirrhosis(HR:0.521,P<0.001)and high platelet count(HR:1.019,P=0.026).Mixed cryoglobulinemia predicted the combined endpoint in patients with and without SVR(HR:5.982,P=0.028 and HR:5.633,P=0.047,respectively).CONCLUSION DAA treatment is effective in inducing SVR and protecting against HCC or death.A residual risk of HCC persists in patients with advanced liver disease or with complications,such as mixed cryoglobulinemia or renal failure.展开更多
[Objectives]To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Embelia parviflora Wall.polysaccharide on rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in rats.[Methods]RA rat model was induced by type II collagen.After successful modeling,the ...[Objectives]To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Embelia parviflora Wall.polysaccharide on rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in rats.[Methods]RA rat model was induced by type II collagen.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into model group,positive group,low,medium and high dose of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide groups,and normal control group.Body mass,toe volume and arthritis index were measured,and thymus index and spleen index were calculated.The levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were detected by ELISA.[Results]Compared with the normal control group,the pathological changes such as synovial hyperplasia and unclear layer were observed in the model group,the body mass was decreased(P<0.05),the toe volume,arthritis index,thymus and spleen index were increased(P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and ankle synovial tissue were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the histopathological changes in synovium of ankle joint in the positive group and the medium and high dose groups of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide were significantly improved,and the body mass was increased(P<0.05).The toe volume,arthritis index,thymus index and spleen index were decreased(P<0.05).The levels of IL-Iβ,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were increased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the low dose group of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide and the model group(P>0.05).[Conclusions]E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide can reduce the body's inflammatory response and improve RA,which may be related to the inhibition of the activation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α.展开更多
文摘We herein disclose a series of novel pyrrole derivatives as well as fused pyrrolopyridines 6a,b and 7a,b, pyrrolopyrazoles 8a, b, pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives 10a-d, 12a,b, 14a,b, 18a,b, 20a,b, 21a,b, 22a,b, 23a,b, 24a,b, 31a,b, 36a,b, 40a,b, pyrrolo[1,2,6]thiadiazine derivatives 19a,b, pyrrolotriazolopyrimidines 25a,b, 26a,b, 27a,b and 28a,b, pyrrolo[2,3-d][1,2,3]triazine derivatives 32a,b and pyrrolo[2,3-d][1,3]oxazine derivatives 39a,b as novel compounds. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic (compared to the reference drug Indomethacin) and antimicrobial activities (compared to the reference drug Ampicillin and Fluconazole). Compounds 4d, 5b-d, 6a,b, 9c,d, 10d, 12ab, 13b, 19a,b, 21b, 23b, 31a,b, 38b and 40a were found to be the most active anti-inflammatory drugs exhibiting potency ranging from 1 - 1.01 compared to the reference drug indomethacin. In addition to docking study of these highly active twenty compounds against the active site of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2), among the tested compounds, compounds 5d, 9d, 11b, 12a, 13b and 32a showed multiple activities;anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-bacterial activities.
文摘Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing and extremely pruritic eczematous disease which commonly affects children. The standard management consists of a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs in adjunctive with skin care management particular moisturizer application. A concern for the side effects associated with long term use of corticosteroids has also been considered. There has been an emerging interest in moisturizer containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as herbal extracts, vitamins, mineral and lipids. The in vitro and the in vivo studies of each agent were reviewed. The clinical study on the efficacy of moisturizers containing these agents were also demonstrated including the author's studies and clinicalexperience. These moisturizers might be considered as an alternative treatment in acute flare of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.
文摘Automatically mapping a requirement specification to design model in Software Engineering is an open complex problem. Existing methods use a complex manual process that use the knowledge from the requirement specification/modeling and the design, and try to find a good match between them. The key task done by designers is to convert a natural language based requirement specification (or corresponding UML based representation) into a predominantly computer language based design model—thus the process is very complex as there is a very large gap between our natural language and computer language. Moreover, this is not just a simple language conversion, but rather a complex knowledge conversion that can lead to meaningful design implementation. In this paper, we describe an automated method to map Requirement Model to Design Model and thus automate/partially automate the Structured Design (SD) process. We believe, this is the first logical step in mapping a more complex requirement specification to design model. We call it IRTDM (Intelligent Agent based requirement model to design model mapping). The main theme of IRTDM is to use some AI (Artificial Intelligence) based algorithms, semantic representation using Ontology or Predicate Logic, design structures using some well known design framework and Machine Learning algorithms for learning over time. Semantics help convert natural language based requirement specification (and associated UML representation) into high level design model followed by mapping to design structures. AI method can also be used to convert high level design structures into lower level design which then can be refined further by some manual and/or semi automated process. We emphasize that automation is one of the key ways to minimize the software cost, and is very important for all, especially, for the “Design for the Bottom 90% People” or BOP (Base of the Pyramid People).
文摘Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) is a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm that has gained popularity for solving optimization problems. In GWO, the success of the algorithm heavily relies on the efficient updating of the agents’ positions relative to the leader wolves. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the Grey Wolf Optimization technique and its significance in solving complex optimization problems. Building upon the foundation of GWO, we introduce a novel technique for updating agents’ positions, which aims to enhance the algorithm’s effectiveness and efficiency. To evaluate the performance of our proposed approach, we conduct comprehensive experiments and compare the results with the original Grey Wolf Optimization technique. Our comparative analysis demonstrates that the proposed technique achieves superior optimization outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of our approach in addressing optimization challenges effectively and efficiently, making it a valuable contribution to the field of optimization algorithms.
文摘The soils, tropical climate, and network of canals and rivers of southern Vietnam have created one of the most diverse tropical jungles and intensely cultivated landscapes of Southeast Asia. This paradise has a long history of numerous wars, foreign occupations, and most recently the Second Indochina War (aka the Vietnam War 1965-1972) which defoliated rain forests and ancient wetland mangroves and left behind contaminated soil and sediment hotspots. During this war, the United States (US) military sprayed 80 million liters of Agent Orange contaminated with the dioxin TCDD in a guerrilla war against communist insurgents. Agent Orange was a synthetic plant growth regulator comprised of equal amounts of two herbicides 2,4-dichloro phenoxyacetic acid C8H6Cl2O3 (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid C8H5Cl3O3 (2,4,5-T). TCDD, the dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (C12H4Cl4O2) was an unintended byproduct of the accelerated combustion process used in the manufacture of herbicides containing 2,4,5-T. Agent Orange has frequently been blamed for soil and sediment contamination and long-term human health problems;however, the true source of harm is the dioxin TCDD. Agent Orange has a short half-life of days and weeks after application to vegetation, and has not been found to persist, after 50 years, in the water or soils of southern Vietnam. However, the half-life of dioxin TCDD depends on where it is deposited and varies from 1 to 3 years on soil surfaces that have been fully exposed to sunlight, to as long as 20 to 50 years or more when buried in tropical subsoils, and more than 100 years in river and sea sediments. Dioxin TCDD was heavily concentrated in the US Air Force bases in Vietnam where the herbicides were stored, loaded on planes and helicopters for aerial spraying, and used extensively around military base perimeter fences as a security measure to prevent surprise attacks. Bien Hoa Air Force base, 40 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, continues to be one of the mega-hotspots where after 48 years the dioxin TCDD levels in fish and shrimp are still high and fishing is banned in ponds and lakes adjacent to the airbase. Although expensive, one of the most effective remediation to dioxin TCDD contaminated soils is incineration which is the recommended method of dioxin TCDD disposal.
基金supported by the Key Program(31630060)Fund for Excellent Young Scholars(31230068)General Program(31672079 and 31501700) of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Biological control(biocontrol) is a safe, sustainable approach that takes advantage of natural enemies such as predators, parasitic insects or pathogens to manage pests in agroecosystems. Parasitoid wasps, a very large evolutionary group of hymenopteran insects, are well-known biological control agents for arthropod pests in agricultural and forest ecosystems. Here, we summarize the recent progress on the application of parasitoid wasps in biocontrol in China for the last five years. These include species diversity of parasitoid wasps, identification of dominant parasitoid wasps associated with insect pests and biocontrol practices(three types of biological control, i.e., classical, augmentative and conservation biological control) in several Chinese agroecosystems. We then treat different mass-rearing and release technologies and the commercialization of several parasitoid wasp species. We also summarize other work that may have a potential use in biocontrol, including the effect of plant volatiles on parasitoids and recent advance in the molecular mechanisms underlying the host regulation by parasitoid wasps. Future research area and applied perspectives are also discussed, noting that advances in biocontrol technologies in Chinese agriculture informs research at the global level.
文摘The aim of this article is to strengthen and improve the collaboration between professional agents of a service that manages one of the technical processes acting on a given territory by synchronizing the spatio-temporal dimensions including all agents assembled for the task. This proposal was tested in the Lamkansa neighborhood in Casablanca, Morocco. The employed approach is based GIS resources and on systemic analysis of communication present in a territory. We were inspired by several methodological developments that carried multi-actor processes in land use planning. We focused our work on strengthening the collaboration between professionals, field agents and office agents, in the process of design and monitoring the liquid sanitation system. The device is based on geolocation and synchronous feedback of topological, geographical, and multimedia data related to the liquid sanitation network. Thanks to a geo-collaborative, participative, and motivating logic, we reduced the management costs of the network and made it faster and more efficient by equally mobilizing another type of non-specialized actors (the inhabitants). This device uses spatial and temporal dimensions to consolidate collaborative work tools through ICT and GIS technologies that thematize and exchange information collected in the field. Furthermore, this device raises great interest as it entails the concept of integration of several actors in a geo-collaborative mode while combining geomatics with communication and information sciences.
基金Supported by Science and Technology Program of the Fourth Division Kekedala City(2023GG11).
文摘[Objectives]The paper was to explore the effects of different doses of water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,yield and quality of soybean plants subjected to drought stress.[Methods]The effects of drought stress(MDS)and drought stress with low(MDS-L),medium(MDS-M)and high doses(MDS-H)of the water-retaining agent on the growth and development indicators,root activity,MDA content,antioxidant enzyme activity,yield and quality of soybean were studied by field plot test,with the normal water supply serving as the control(CK).[Results]In response to drought stress,the plant height,stem diameter,and yield of soybean exhibited a notable decline.Additionally,the contents of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a significant reduction.Conversely,the root activity and antioxidant enzyme activity exhibited a noticeable decline,while the MDA content exhibited an increase.The application of varying doses of the water-retaining agent was found to significantly enhance soybean growth,stimulate root activity,and elevate antioxidant enzyme activity,while concurrently reducing MDA content.The observed effects were found to be dose-dependent,with the greatest effects observed at the highest dose.In comparison to MDS,the yields of soybean in the MDS-L,MDS-M,and MDS-H treatments exhibited a 18.38%,25.58%,and 46.26%increase,respectively.Additionally,the content of protein,fat,linoleic acid,and linolenic acid in seeds demonstrated a notable enhancement.[Conclusions]The application of the water-retaining agent has been demonstrated to significantly promote the growth of soybean plants under conditions of drought stress,resulting in an improvement in both the yield and the quality of the soybean crop.The recommended dosage of the water-retaining agent is 3.3 kg/667 m 2.
文摘A survey on agents, causality and intelligence is presented and an equilibrium-based computing paradigm of quantum agents and quantum intelligence (QAQI) is proposed. In the survey, Aristotle’s causality principle and its historical extensions by David Hume, Bertrand Russell, Lotfi Zadeh, Donald Rubin, Judea Pearl, Niels Bohr, Albert Einstein, David Bohm, and the causal set initiative are reviewed;bipolar dynamic logic (BDL) is introduced as a causal logic for bipolar inductive and deductive reasoning;bipolar quantum linear algebra (BQLA) is introdused as a causal algebra for quantum agent interaction and formation. Despite the widely held view that causality is undefinable with regularity, it is shown that equilibrium-based bipolar causality is logically definable using BDL and BQLA for causal inference in physical, social, biological, mental, and philosophical terms. This finding leads to the paradigm of QAQI where agents are modeled as quantum enssembles;intelligence is revealed as quantum intelligence. It is shown that the enssemble formation, mutation and interaction of agents can be described as direct or indirect results of quantum causality. Some fundamental laws of causation are presented for quantum agent entanglement and quantum intelligence. Applicability is illustrated;major challenges are identified in equilibriumbased causal inference and quantum data mining.
文摘Agents are the new defacto standard for inclusion in modules of today’s software systems such as ERP systems, mobile applications and operating systems. Agents are an integral part of today’s software design. The question is how do intelligent agents work in the specific area of ERP credit card processing e-commerce models? To answer this question, a specific area of ERP systems will be analyzed: credit card processing for merchants. One specific merchant credit card processor will be specifically investigated: EVO Merchants. This paper will research how exactly does ERP systems interact using Application Programing Interface or “API” specified by a credit card clearing house. Secure Socket Layers or SSL, and XML are discussed and elaborated on specifically how intelligent agents play such a pivotal role in ERP e-commerce systems for credit card processing.
文摘High performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated as a method for the analysis of fluorinated histone deacetylase inhibitors (F-HDACi), and then employed to study their metabolism in biosystems. Four HDACi analogs labeled with the positron emission nuclide 18F constitute a group of potential positron emission tomography imaging agents, which were developed by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) and coded as INER-1577 #1, #2, #3, and #4 during animal studies for the diagnosis of dementia. The performance of the method was found to be suitable for the determination of analog #3, and it was employed to determine the structures and fragmentation mechanisms of all four analogs and to study the biotransformations of analogs #3 and #4. The results indicated that the method used for the determination of analog #3 was suitable for determining the abundance of the analogs in chemical and biochemical tests with high precision, accuracy, reproducibility, and recovery. Weaknesses in the chemical bonding of the analogs were found to involve the fluoro, dimethylamino, and benzamide groups in a fragmentation mechanism deduced via tandem mass spectrometry. The metabolites of analogs #3 and #4 in rat liver microsomes and rat plasma were also identified to clarify their characteristic behaviors in biosystems. The major product of analogs #3 in liver microsomes was produced by hydroxylation of the benzylic carbon atom, but in rat plasma the metabolites of analog #3 were produced by hydrolysis of the benzamide group to give a diaminobiphenyl compound with the simultaneous replacement of a fluorine atom by a hydroxyl group. The metabolites of analog #4 in liver microsomes were produced by hydroxylation of the benzylic carbon atom and hydrolysis of the benzamide bond. The results of the studies characterized the chemical and biochemical behaviors of the series F-HADCi analogs.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LZ22H090002,2014C33170)National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171260,81641042,81471240)。
文摘General anesthetic agents can impact brain function through interactions with neurons and their effects on glial cells.Oligodendrocytes perform essential roles in the central nervous system,including myelin sheath formation,axonal metabolism,and neuroplasticity regulation.They are particularly vulnerable to the effects of general anesthetic agents resulting in impaired proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis.Neurologists are increasingly interested in the effects of general anesthetic agents on oligodendrocytes.These agents not only act on the surface receptors of oligodendrocytes to elicit neuroinflammation through modulation of signaling pathways,but also disrupt metabolic processes and alter the expression of genes involved in oligodendrocyte development and function.In this review,we summarize the effects of general anesthetic agents on oligodendrocytes.We anticipate that future research will continue to explore these effects and develop strategies to decrease the incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of general anesthetic agents.
文摘Purpose: To investigate 1) the development in the incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria in hospitals and primary health care, 2) the contribution of primary health care to the incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria, and 3) the development in resistance patterns for all Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in relation to antimicrobial consumption in hospitals and primary health care. Methods: ESBL-data were retrospectively collected from bacterial isolates from all specimens received at the Department of Clinical Microbiology from 2003 to 2011 together with the corresponding patient data. ESBL-production was detected in isolates from 1067 of 59,373 patients (1.8%) with an E. coli infection and in 263 of 8660 patients (3.0%) with a K. pneumoniae infection. Results: From 2003 to 2009, an increase in patients with an ESBL-producing isolate occurred in both hospitals and primary health care at the same time as an increased consumption of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents was seen. Interventions to reduce prescription of cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin at the hospitals from 2010 resulted in a remarkable decrease in patients with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae whereas a continuing increase was seen in patients with ESBL-producing E. coli both at hospitals and in primary health care. The proportion of patients with community-acquired ESBL-producing E. coli was stable with an increase of only 1.4% from 2007 to 2011. Conclusions: Reduction in prescription of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents at the hospital level had an important impact on the incidence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, but not on ESBL-producing E. coli.
文摘Anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, causing morbidity and mortality, and is primarily due to reduced erythropoietin (EPO) release and, to a lesser degree, shortened red cell survival. Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents like epoetin Alfa and darbepoetin alpha are used commonly to treat this form of anemia. Recent evidence suggests increased morbidity and mortality associated with higher hemoglobin in the setting of these agents use. Whether these complications are due to higher dose of erythropoietin or its resistance (i.e. inflammation), or achieving a higher hemoglobin remains unclear. Tightening restrictions on these agents has led to increase interest in the use of non-ESA adjuvants to improve erythropoiesis. This review will highlight the most promising of these agents.
文摘BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs)are extremely effective in eradicating hepatitis C virus(HCV)in chronically infected patients.However,the protective role of the sustained virologic response(SVR)achieved by second-and thirdgeneration DAAs against the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and mortality is less well established.AIM To examine the occurrence of HCC or death from any cause in a retrospectiveprospective study of patients treated with DAAs.METHODS Patients were enrolled from a tertiary academic hospital center for liver disease management that collects subject data mainly from northeastern Italy.The study was conducted in 380 patients(age:60±13 years,224 males,32%with cirrhosis)treated with DAAs with or without SVR(95/5%),with a median follow up of 58 wk(interquartile range:38-117).The baseline anthropometric features,HCV viral load,severity of liver disease,presence of extra-hepatic complications,coinfection with HIV and/or HBV,alcohol consumption,previous interferon use,alphafetoprotein levels,and renal function were considered to be confounders.RESULTS The incidence rate of HCC in patients with and without SVR was 1.3 and 59 per 100 person-years,respectively(incidence rate ratio:44,95%CI:15-136,P<0.001).Considering the combined endpoint of HCC or death from any cause,the hazard ratio(HR)for the SVR patients was 0.070(95%CI:0.025-0.194,P<0.001).Other independent predictors of HCC or death were low HCV viremia(HR:0.808,P=0.030),low platelet count(HR:0.910,P=0.041),and presence of mixed cryoglobulinemia(HR:3.460,P=0.044).Considering SVR in a multi-state model,the independent predictors of SVR achievement were absence of cirrhosis(HR:0.521,P<0.001)and high platelet count(HR:1.019,P=0.026).Mixed cryoglobulinemia predicted the combined endpoint in patients with and without SVR(HR:5.982,P=0.028 and HR:5.633,P=0.047,respectively).CONCLUSION DAA treatment is effective in inducing SVR and protecting against HCC or death.A residual risk of HCC persists in patients with advanced liver disease or with complications,such as mixed cryoglobulinemia or renal failure.
基金Supported by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine High-level Key Discipline Construction Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Ethnic Minority Pharmacy (Zhuang Pharmacy) (zyyzdxk-2023165)Young Talent Cultivation Program of Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital (2022001)+4 种基金Key R&D Project of Guangxi Science and Technology Department (Guike AB21196057)Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Interdisciplinary Innovation Team Project (GZKJ2309)Funding Project of High-level Talent Cultivation and Innovation Team of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine (2022A008)The Third Batch of"Qihuang Project"High-Level Talent Team Training Project of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine (202414)Three-year Action Plan for the Construction of High-level Talents Team of Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital in 2023 (GZCX20231203).
文摘[Objectives]To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Embelia parviflora Wall.polysaccharide on rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in rats.[Methods]RA rat model was induced by type II collagen.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into model group,positive group,low,medium and high dose of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide groups,and normal control group.Body mass,toe volume and arthritis index were measured,and thymus index and spleen index were calculated.The levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were detected by ELISA.[Results]Compared with the normal control group,the pathological changes such as synovial hyperplasia and unclear layer were observed in the model group,the body mass was decreased(P<0.05),the toe volume,arthritis index,thymus and spleen index were increased(P<0.05),and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and ankle synovial tissue were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the histopathological changes in synovium of ankle joint in the positive group and the medium and high dose groups of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide were significantly improved,and the body mass was increased(P<0.05).The toe volume,arthritis index,thymus index and spleen index were decreased(P<0.05).The levels of IL-Iβ,IL-6 and TNF-αin serum and synovial tissue of ankle joint were increased(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference between the low dose group of E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide and the model group(P>0.05).[Conclusions]E.parviflora Wall.polysaccharide can reduce the body's inflammatory response and improve RA,which may be related to the inhibition of the activation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α.