bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone deacetylase inhibitors VPA and WT161 ameliorate the pathological features and cognitive impairments of the APP/PS1 Alzheimer’s disease mouse model by regulating the expression of APP secretases
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Wang Wanyao , Ye Qun , Fu Yun , Li Xuemin , Yang Ke , Gao Fan , Zhou An , Wei Yonghui , Tian Shuang , Li Shen , Wei Fengjiang , Shi Wentao , Li Wei-Dong
Published: January 2024

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative neurological disorder. Recent studies have indicated that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are among the most prominent epigenetic therapy targets and that HDAC inhibitors have therapeutic effects on AD. Here, we identified sodium valproate (VPA), a pan-HDAC inhibitor, and WT161, a novel HDAC6 selective inhibitor, as potential therapeutic agents for AD. Underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated.

Methods

A cellular model, N2a-APPswe, was established via lentiviral infection, and the APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic mouse model was employed in the study. LC–MS/MS was applied to quantify the concentration of WT161 in the mouse brain. Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, thioflavin-S staining and ELISA were applied to detect protein expression in cells, tissues, or serum. RNA interference was utilized to knockdown the expression of specific genes in cells. The cognitive function of mice was assessed via the nest-building test, novel object recognition test and Morris water maze test.

Results

Previous studies have focused mainly on the impact of HDAC inhibitors on histone deacetylase activity. Our study discovered that VPA and WT161 can downregulate the expression of multiple HDACs, such as HDAC1 and HDAC6, in both AD cell and mouse models. Moreover, they also affect the expression of APP and APP secretases (BACE1, PSEN1, ADAM10). RNA interference and subsequent vitamin C induction further confirmed that the expression of APP and APP secretases is indeed regulated by HDAC1 and HDAC6, with the JNK pathway being the intermediate link in this regulatory process. Through the above pathways, VPA and WT161 effectively reduced Aβ deposition in both AD cell and mouse models and significantly improved cognitive function in AD mice.

Conclusions

In general, we have discovered that the HDAC6-JNK-APP secretases cascade is an important pathway for VPA and WT161 to exert their therapeutic effects on AD. Investigations into the safety and efficacy of VPA and WT161 were also conducted, providing essential preclinical evidence for assessing these two epigenetic drugs for the treatment of AD.
Carcinosarcoma of the parotid gland: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jain Swachi , Abdelwahed Mohammed , Chavarria Daniel Hector , Pereira Lucio , Stone Gary , Johnson Alan , Li Jian Yi
Published: January 2024

Background

Carcinosarcoma of the parotid gland is an extremely rare malignancy comprising of 0.04–0.16% of all salivary gland tumors. This is the first case of an adenoid cystic carcinoma with chondrosarcoma to the best of our knowledge. They consist of distinct carcinomatous and sarcomatous components and may arise de novo or from a preexisting pleomorphic adenoma.

Case presentation

Herein we present a case of an 80-year-old white female who presented with progressively increasing left facial swelling over 6 weeks. Magnetic Resonance Imagining revealed a mass (3.4 cm) in the parotid gland with a predominant cystic/necrotic component. The cytology was atypical (Milan3) and a total parotidectomy and selective lymph node dissection was done. The resection showed extensive necrosis with high grade sarcomatous (chondrosarcoma) areas. The epithelial component was adenoid cystic carcinoma with perineural invasion. The patient is currently undergoing radiotherapy of the tumor bed and skull base due to propensity of perineural invasion of the adenoid cystic component. The most common carcinomas in carcinosarcomas of salivary glands are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

Carcinosarcoma is a high-grade aggressive lesion with a poor prognosis and should be treated aggressively. More studies are needed to understand the origin of these tumors.
MIIP downregulation drives colorectal cancer progression through inducing peri-cancerous adipose tissue browning
Authors: Wang Qinhao , Su Yuanyuan , Sun Ruiqi , Xiong Xin , Guo Kai , Wei Mengying , Yang Guodong , Ru Yi , Zhang Zhengxiang , Li Jing , Zhang Jing , Qiao Qing , Li Xia
Published: January 2024

Background

The enrichment of peri-cancerous adipose tissue is a distinctive feature of colorectal cancer (CRC), accelerating disease progression and worsening prognosis. The communication between tumor cells and adjacent adipocytes plays a crucial role in CRC advancement. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to explore the mechanism of migration and invasion inhibitory protein (MIIP) downregulation in the remodeling of tumor cell-adipocyte communication and its role in promoting CRC.

Results

MIIP expression was found to be decreased in CRC tissues and closely associated with adjacent adipocyte browning. In an in vitro co-culture model, adipocytes treated with MIIP-downregulated tumor supernatant exhibited aggravated browning and lipolysis. This finding was further confirmed in subcutaneously allografted mice co-injected with adipocytes and MIIP-downregulated murine CRC cells. Mechanistically, MIIP interacted with the critical lipid mobilization factor AZGP1 and regulated AZGP1’s glycosylation status by interfering with its association with STT3A. MIIP downregulation promoted N-glycosylation and over-secretion of AZGP1 in tumor cells. Subsequently, AZGP1 induced adipocyte browning and lipolysis through the cAMP-PKA pathway, releasing free fatty acids (FFAs) into the microenvironment. These FFAs served as the primary energy source, promoting CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis resistance, accompanied by metabolic reprogramming. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, inhibition of β-adrenergic receptor or FFA uptake, combined with oxaliplatin, significantly improved therapeutic efficacy in CRC with abnormal MIIP expression.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that MIIP plays a regulatory role in the communication between CRC and neighboring adipose tissue by regulating AZGP1 N-glycosylation and secretion. MIIP reduction leads to AZGP1 oversecretion, resulting in adipose browning-induced CRC rapid progression and poor prognosis. Inhibition of β-adrenergic receptor or FFA uptake, combined with oxaliplatin, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC with aberrant MIIP expression.
Gated recurrent unit predictor model-based adaptive differential pulse code modulation speech decoder
Authors: Sheferaw Gebremichael Kibret , Mwangi Waweru , Kimwele Michael , Mamuye Adane
Published: January 2024

Speech coding is a method to reduce the amount of data needs to represent speech signals by exploiting the statistical properties of the speech signal. Recently, in the speech coding process, a neural network prediction model has gained attention as the reconstruction process of a nonlinear and nonstationary speech signal. This study proposes a novel approach to improve speech coding performance by using a gated recurrent unit (GRU)-based adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) system. This GRU predictor model is trained using a data set of speech samples from the DARPA TIMIT Acoustic-Phonetic Continuous Speech Corpus actual sample and the ADPCM fixed-predictor output speech sample. Our contribution lies in the development of an algorithm for training the GRU predictive model that can improve its performance in speech coding prediction and a new offline trained predictive model for speech decoder. The results indicate that the proposed system significantly improves the accuracy of speech prediction, demonstrating its potential for speech prediction applications. Overall, this work presents a unique application of the GRU predictive model with ADPCM decoding in speech signal compression, providing a promising approach for future research in this field.
LASSO regression shows histidine and sphingosine 1 phosphate are linked to both sepsis mortality and endothelial damage
Authors: Johansson Pär I. , Henriksen Hanne H. , Karvelsson Sigurður T. , Rolfsson Óttar , Schønemann-Lund Martin , Bestle Morten H. , McGarrity Sarah
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is a major cause of death worldwide, with a mortality rate that has remained stubbornly high. The current gold standard of risk stratifying sepsis patients provides limited mechanistic insight for therapeutic targeting. An improved ability to predict sepsis mortality and to understand the risk factors would allow better treatment targeting. Sepsis causes metabolic dysregulation in patients; therefore, metabolomics offers a promising tool to study sepsis. It is also known that that in sepsis endothelial cells affecting their function regarding blood clotting and vascular permeability. We integrated metabolomics data from patients admitted to an intensive care unit for sepsis, with commonly collected clinical features of their cases and two measures of endothelial function relevant to blood vessel function, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and soluble thrombomodulin concentrations in plasma. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized regression, and pathway enrichment analysis to identify features most able to predict 30-day survival. The features important to sepsis survival include carnitines, and amino acids. Endothelial proteins in plasma also predict 30-day mortality and the levels of these proteins also correlate with a somewhat overlapping set of metabolites. Overall metabolic dysregulation, particularly in endothelial cells, may be a contributory factor to sepsis response. By exploring sepsis metabolomics data in conjunction with clinical features and endothelial proteins we have gained a better understanding of sepsis risk factors.
Fibroblasts inhibit osteogenesis by regulating nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in mesenchymal stem cells and secreting DKK1
Authors: Huang Fei , Wei Guozhen , Wang Hai , Zhang Ying , Lan Wenbin , Xie Yun , Wu Gui
Published: January 2024

Background

Fibrous scars frequently form at the sites of bone nonunion when attempts to repair bone fractures have failed. However, the detailed mechanism by which fibroblasts, which are the main components of fibrous scars, impede osteogenesis remains largely unknown.

Results

In this study, we found that fibroblasts compete with osteogenesis in both human bone nonunion tissues and BMP2-induced ectopic osteogenesis in a mouse model. Fibroblasts could inhibit the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via direct and indirect cell competition. During this process, fibroblasts modulated the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs. Knocking down YAP could inhibit osteoblast differentiation of MSCs, while overexpression of nuclear-localized YAP-5SA could reverse the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation of MSCs caused by fibroblasts. Furthermore, fibroblasts secreted DKK1, which further inhibited the formation of calcium nodules during the late stage of osteogenesis but did not affect the early stage of osteogenesis. Thus, fibroblasts could inhibit osteogenesis by regulating YAP localization in MSCs and secreting DKK1.

Conclusions

Our research revealed that fibroblasts could modulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of YAP in MSCs, thereby inhibiting their osteoblast differentiation. Fibroblasts could also secrete DKK1, which inhibited calcium nodule formation at the late stage of osteogenesis.
Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with a Tumor-Positive Resection Margin After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Esophagectomy
Authors: van der Zijden C. J. , van der Sluis P. C. , Mostert B. , Nuyttens J. J. M. E. , Spaander V. M. C. W. , Valkema R. , Ruurda J. P. , Wijnhoven B. P. L. , Lagarde S. M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Approximately 4–9% of patients have a tumor-positive resection margin after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and esophagectomy. Although it is associated with decreased survival, Western guidelines do not recommend adjuvant treatment.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of patients who received adjuvant therapy, and to evaluate overall survival (OS) after esophagectomy in patients with a tumor-positive resection margin.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with resectable (cT2-4a/cTxN0-3/NxM0) esophageal cancer between 2015 and 2022, and treated with nCRT followed by irradical esophagectomy, were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a tumor-positive resection margin who started adjuvant treatment ≤16 weeks after esophagectomy, including chemotherapy/radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. OS was calculated from the date of surgery until the date of death or last day of follow-up.

Results

Overall, 376 patients were included in our study, of whom 357 were treated with nCRT. Of these 357 patients, 98.3% had a microscopically irradical resection and 1.7% had a macroscopically irradical resection. Approximately 72.3% of tumors showed a partial response (Mandard 2–3) and 11.8% showed little/no pathological response (Mandard 4–5) to nCRT. One of 357 patients underwent adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 39 patients (61%) underwent adjuvant immunotherapy (nivolumab). The median and 5-year OS rate of all patients was 16.4 months (95% confidence interval 13.1–19.8) and 21%, respectively.

Conclusion

Real-world population-level data showed that no patients with a tumor-positive resection margin underwent adjuvant therapy following nCRT and esophagectomy prior to 2021. Interestingly, 61% of patients were treated with adjuvant nivolumab in 2021–2022. OS after irradical esophagectomy is poor and long-term data will explore the added value of nivolumab.
Physical activity in type II diabetes
Authors: Kępczyk Martyna , Kościołek Aleksandra , Kłak Igor , Czekaj Oliwia , Demianenko Yehor , Kościołek Dawid , Misiak Jakub , Urbaś Michał , Ojdana Miłosz , Surowiecka Kaja
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF WORK 

A factor significantly influencing the risk of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, is physical activity. The last decades have been characterized by reduced physical activity in developed countries. This is associated with deteriorating population health and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Appropriately tailored physical effort is essential for the proper functioning of the body.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 

The aim of the study is to compare the physical activity levels among individuals with diabetes. To achieve this goal, a survey was created and subsequently distributed via social media (Telegram platform) in August 2023.

 

RESULTS

A total of 101 surveys were collected, with the average age of respondents being 34 years old. Among the respondents, 25 individuals (24.75%) had diabetes, while the rest did not have the condition. Out of the participants, 46 respondents indicated a family history of diabetes. Diabetes was statistically significantly associated with a family history of diabetes (p=0.037). Furthermore, the diabetes group exhibited a higher frequency of overweight and obesity (p=0.027). The respondents' body weight was positively correlated with both the frequency of food intake (r=0.31, p=0.011) and negatively correlated with the frequency of exercise (r= -0.22, p=0.046).

 

CONCLUSIONS

The gathered results confirm the familial nature of diabetes occurrence. They also highlight the significant role of exercise in maintaining body weight, as well as the importance of diet.
Chronic stress and its relationship with increased food consumption and the risk of obesity
Authors: Kępczyk Martyna , Kwaśniewska Oliwia , Misiak Jakub , Urbaś Michał , Ojdana Miłosz , Demianenko Yehor , Czekaj Oliwia , Kościołek Aleksandra , Kościołek Dawid , Surowiecka Kaja
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF WORK

Stress often accompanies daily functioning. This mechanism is activated by the body in response to external factors to effectively cope with challenges. With prolonged exposure, stress significantly impairs physiological functions, including impacting body weight.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aim of the study is to understand the impact of chronic stress on changes in dietary habits and body weight. For this purpose, a custom survey was created to investigate the correlation between stress and other factors. It was distributed using social media (Telegram) in the first half of August 2023 among the population of Ukraine.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 110 individuals, with the majority being males, accounting for 67 participants (61%). The participants had an average age of 28 years with a standard deviation of 7.12. Among the responses, the most common frequency of experiencing stress was once every two weeks, with 41 answers (37.27% of participants). A majority of the respondents declared having a normal body weight (55.45%).

In our study, we demonstrated a correlation between stress and unhealthy eating habits (rho-Spearman p=0.0002, r=0.34), as well as a lower frequency of stress among individuals taking antidepressant medication (p=0.012). However, we did not establish a connection with abnormal body weight (p>0.05), physical activity (p>0.05), or healthy eating (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results suggest that stress may trigger a response in the form of overeating. The reduction in the frequency of stress is also influenced by the use of medications. The findings may indicate a strong association between diet and the experience of stress.
Creating Interactive Books with Augmented Reality
Authors: Chaivisit Sarinporn , Kim Younglong , Do Thanh , Ibukun Ayodeji
Published: January 2024

This workshop helped educators to create interactive Augmented Reality (AR) books at the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) conference. The goal of the workshop was to train participants to gain skills in integrating AR into their professional lives. All participants created an AR book or curriculum vitae during the workshop. This manuscript describes the specific activities, assigned times, and educational tools used during the workshop. This workshop was designed for participants with no previous knowledge or skills in developing AR materials. Educators interested in teaching educational technologies, especially AR, could be instructors for this lesson. Preservice teachers could also take this lesson.
Fuzzy Cash Flow Analysis of Fluctuations in Interest Rates at the State Bank of Pakistan using Present Worth Criterion
Authors: Gohar Ali
Published: January 2024

A systematic approach is required to analyze present worth by incorporating annual interest rate fluctuations. This is a key factor in attracting local and foreign investors and maintaining a level of economic advancement. This study primarily focuses on the domain of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and contributes towards achieving three major objectives. The first objective includes modeling interest rate values as triangular fuzzy numbers, and using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multi-criteria Decision-Making technique (MCDM). Second, the triangular fuzzy interest rates are forecasted over a future timespan. Subsequently, the last objective includes the use of the Present Worth Analysis (PWA) to calculate the final net present value. The results demonstrate a trend in interest rates with net present values of specific future years. This research is a good initiative for the SBP and helpful for both foreign and local investors. The study is novel in that it involves the merging of qualitative and quantitative data. Furthermore, the combination of the forecasting technique, the AHP, fuzzy set theory, and present worth criteria renders a unique approach to formulating present worth. There is no previous research of this magnitude that has been conducted on this topic in a developing country such as Pakistan. This study delves into the annual interest rate fluctuations, providing valuable insights for present worth calculations.
Division of labour in families: an integrative dyadic classification approach
Authors: Schmitz Andreas , Trübner Miriam
Published: January 2024

The topic of household division of labour has generated a considerable body of empirical research focusing on identifying determinants that can explain why the allocation of tasks has been persistently gendered for decades. Against the backdrop of couples’ increasingly complex and diverse sociostructural compositions in modern Western societies, conceiving household division of labour as a heterogeneous and dyadic phenomenon is indispensable in understanding modern household practices, both in theoretical and empirical respects. In this article, we address these aspects by adopting an integrative stance drawing on theoretical approaches from household economics, social exchange, and gender and class theories. Based on a large-scale German actor-partner survey (pairfam), we use the model of dyadic classification, a finite mixture dyadic classification technique that takes into account relational interdependence between various traits of spouses and diverse tasks inside and outside the home. The study reveals different dyadic constellations hidden in common individualistic, unidirectional regression models.
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae: A novel source for combating broad-spectrum bacterial and fungal infections
Authors: Niod Nurdjannah Jane , Kepel Billy Johnson , Hessel Sofia Safitri , Kairupan Tara Sefanya , Tallei Trina Ekawati
Published: January 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern due to the growth of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, which makes it difficult to treat infection. Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against a diverse array of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larval antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have demonstrated potential as antimicrobial agents for the treatment of microbial infections and prevention of antibiotic resistance. This study emphasizes the unexplored mechanisms of action of R. ferrugineus larvae against microorganisms. Among the most widely discussed mechanisms is the effect of AMPs in larvae in response to a threat or infection. Modulation of immune-related genes in the intestine and phagocytic capacity of its hemocytes may also affect the antimicrobial activity of R. ferrugineus larvae, with an increase in phenoloxidase activity possibly correlated with microbial clearance and survival rates of larvae. The safety and toxicity of R. ferrugineus larvae extracts, as well as their long-term efficacy, are also addressed in this paper. The implications of future research are explored in this paper, and it is certain that R. ferrugineus larvae have the potential to be developed as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent with proper investigation.

Keywords: antimicrobial, broad-spectrum, larvae, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.
In-Hospital Death and the Change of the Grave Trajectory: The Cosmological Meanings of Sadness in Moroccan Context during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ahmed Hougua Ben , Fatima Idrissi Khaoulani , Hasna Bichraden
Published: January 2024

This study examines the institutional changes and topographical landmarks within which the incident of death took place in the Moroccan context by focusing on the topic of in-hospital death during the COVID-19 pandemic. The complicated aspects surrounding the death arise from the process of medicalization, burial, and mourning among the relatives of the deceased. Methodologically, the research is based on a grounded phenomenological analysis of the experiences of relatives (50 participants) who lost their deaths in the first wave of the pandemic in four Moroccan cities: Rabat, Kenitra, Fez, and Missour. The study concludes that the negative attitude of Moroccans towards in-hospital death does not stem from the fragility of health services or the characteristics of loneliness and isolation, as revealed by Norbert Elias’s sociology. However, it closely links to the anthropological factors that construct the personal concept in the Moroccan context as a knot of relationships and looks at the body in its social, cultural and cosmological extensions.[Penelitian ini mengkaji perubahan institusional dan landmark topografis tempat terjadinya kematian dalam konteks masyarakat Maroko dengan fokus kematian di rumah sakit selama pandemi COVID-19. Aspek rumit kematian muncul selama proses penanganan medis, penguburan, dan perkabungan di antara kerabat almarhum. Secara metodologis, penelitian ini didasarkan pada analisis fenomenologis terhadap pengalaman 50 orang dari keluarga orang yang meninggal pada gelombang pertama pandemi COVID-19 di empat kota di Maroko: Rabat, Kenitra, Fez, dan Missour. Tulisan ini menyimpulkan bahwa sikap negatif masyarakat Maroko terhadap kematian di rumah sakit tidak berasal dari buruknya layanan kesehatan atau pun dari dampak isolasi dan rasa kesepian yang khas, seperti yang diungkapkan sosiologi Norbert Elias. Namun, sikap negatif tersebut erat terkait dengan faktor antropologis yang mengkonstruksi konsep personal dalam konteks masyarakat Maroko yang menjadi simpul hubungan sosial dan pandangan terhadap jasad dalam konteks sosial, budaya, dan kosmologi.]
SmartLite: A DBMS-Based Serving System for DNN Inference in Resource-Constrained Environments
Authors: Lin Qiuru , Wu Sai , Zhao Junbo , Dai Jian , Shi Meng , Chen Gang , Li Feifei
Published: January 2024

Many IoT applications require the use of multiple deep neural networks (DNNs) to perform various tasks on low-cost edge devices with limited computation resources. However, existing DNN model serving platforms, such as TensorFlow Serving and TorchServe, are resource-intensive and require high-performance GPUs that are often not available on low-cost edge devices. In this paper, we propose SmartLite, a lightweight DBMS that addresses these challenges by storing the parameters and structural information of neural networks as database tables and implementing neural network operators inside the DBMS engine. SmartLite quantizes model parameters as binarized values, applies neural pruning techniques to compress the models, and transforms tensor manipulations into value lookup operations of the DBMS to reduce computation overhead. Experimental results show that SmartLite requires 98% less memory while achieving about a 134% performance speedup compared to Torch-Serve. Our proposed solution addresses the challenges of running multiple DNN models on low-cost edge devices and provides a significant contribution to the field of IoT applications.
OmniSketch: Efficient Multi-Dimensional High-Velocity Stream Analytics with Arbitrary Predicates
Authors: Punter Wieger R. , Papapetrou Odysseas , Garofalakis Minos
Published: January 2024

A key need in different disciplines is to perform analytics over fast-paced data streams, similar in nature to the traditional OLAP analytics in relational databases - i.e., with filters and aggregates. Storing unbounded streams, however, is not a realistic, or desired approach due to the high storage requirements, and the delays introduced when storing massive data. Accordingly, many synopses/sketches have been proposed that can summarize the stream in small memory (usually sufficiently small to be stored in RAM), such that aggregate queries can be efficiently approximated, without storing the full stream. However, past synopses predominantly focus on summarizing single-attribute streams, and cannot handle filters and constraints on arbitrary subsets of multiple attributes efficiently. In this work, we propose OmniSketch, the first sketch that scales to fast-paced and complex data streams (with many attributes), and supports count aggregates with filters on multiple attributes, dynamically chosen at query time. The sketch offers probabilistic guarantees, a favorable space-accuracy tradeoff, and a worst-case logarithmic complexity for updating and for query execution. We demonstrate experimentally with both real and synthetic data that the sketch outperforms the state-of-the-art, and that it can approximate complex ad-hoc queries within the configured accuracy guarantees, with small memory requirements.
ADF & TransApp: A Transformer-Based Framework for Appliance Detection Using Smart Meter Consumption Series
Authors: Petralia Adrien , Charpentier Philippe , Palpanas Themis
Published: January 2024

Over the past decade, millions of smart meters have been installed by electricity suppliers worldwide, allowing them to collect a large amount of electricity consumption data, albeit sampled at a low frequency (one point every 30min). One of the important challenges these suppliers face is how to utilize these data to detect the presence/absence of different appliances in the customers' households. This valuable information can help them provide personalized offers and recommendations to help customers towards the energy transition. Appliance detection can be cast as a time series classification problem. However, the large amount of data combined with the long and variable length of the consumption series pose challenges when training a classifier. In this paper, we propose ADF, a framework that uses subsequences of a client consumption series to detect the presence/absence of appliances. We also introduce TransApp, a Transformer-based time series classifier that is first pretrained in a self-supervised way to enhance its performance on appliance detection tasks. We test our approach on two real datasets, including a publicly available one. The experimental results with two large real datasets show that the proposed approach outperforms current solutions, including state-of-the-art time series classifiers applied to appliance detection.
Assessment of continuous and intermittent drying on antixidant activity of corn grains
Authors: Raimundini Aranha Ana Caroline , De Matos Jorge Luiz Mario , Dusman Tonin Lilian Tatiani , Oliveira  Defendi Rafael
Published: January 2024

Grain drying is essential for storage to preserve material quality. However, drying can affect the composition of agricultural material, as exposure to high temperatures for long periods can reduce the quality of the grain, in terms of antioxidant activity and germination power. The objective of this work was to assess the continuous and intermittent drying, in order to maximize the preservation of corn grains antioxidant potential. Experiments were conducted at 40, 55, and 70 °C with tempering periods of 5 and 10 minutes. Solvents used were methanol/water 70/30 (v/v), methanol/water 95/5 (v/v), ethanol/water 70/30 (v/v), and ethanol/water 95/5 (v/v) and extraction times of 1, 4, and 24 hours. Antioxidant activity analysis was carried by DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging and the best results of antioxidant activity for in natura grains were obtained with methanol/water 70/30 (v/v) and 4 h. Intermittent drying of 5 and 10 minutes’ periods at 40 °C led to least reduction of antioxidant activity percentage compared to in natura corn results. This study demonstrated that intermittent drying conducted at low temperatures is an effective alternative to preserve bioactive compounds of corn.
Infant periodic breathing and apneic threshold
Authors: Yamashiro Stanley M. , Iyer Narayan P.
Published: January 2024

A mathematical model was proposed to predict the role played by apneic threshold in periodic breathing in preterm infants. Prior models have mainly applied linear control theory which predicted instability but could not explain sustained periodic breathing. Apneic threshold to CO2 which has been postulated to play a major role in infant periodic breathing is a nonlinear effect and cannot be described by linear theory. Another previously unexplored nonlinear factor affecting instability is brain vascular volume change with CO2 which affects time delay to chemoreceptors. The current model explored the influences of apneic threshold, central and peripheral chemoreceptor gains, cardiac output, lung volume, and circulatory time delay on periodic breathing. Apneic threshold was found to play a major role in ventilatory responses to spontaneous sighs. Sighs led to apneic pauses followed by periods of periodic breathing with peripheral chemoreceptor CO2 gain, cardiac output, and lung volume were at reported normal levels. Apneic threshold when exceeded was observed to cause an asymmetry in the periodic breathing cycling and an increased periodic breathing frequency. Sighs in infants occur frequently enough to lead to repeated stimulation within the epoch duration of periodic breathing for a single sigh. Multiple sighs may then play a major role in promoting continuous periodic breathing in infants. Peripheral chemoreceptor gain estimated using endogenous CO2 led to validated predicted periodic breathing cycle duration as a function of age. Brain vascular volume increase with CO2 contributes to periodic breathing in very young (1–2 day old) preterm infants.
Roles of electrostatics and intermolecular electronic motions in the structural and spectroscopic features of hydrogen- and halogen-bonded systems
Authors: Torii Hajime
Published: January 2024

It is widely recognized that electrostatics plays a central role in the intermolecular interactions in condensed phases, as evidenced by the “electrostatics + Lennard-Jones” form of the potential functions that are commonly used in classical molecular dynamics simulations. Then, do we understand all about electrostatics in condensed phases? In this review, recent theoretical advances in relation to this topic will be discussed: (1) vibrational spectroscopic probing of the electrostatics in condensed phases, and (2) some phenomena affected by deviation from the scheme of isotropic fixed atomic partial charges, i.e., anisotropy and intermolecular transfer of electron distributions. A theoretical basis for better understanding on them and some theoretical models for practical calculations will be shown with some typical example cases of hydrogen- and halogen-bonded systems.
Recommendations on training objectives and staff qualification for the manual preparation of capsules in pharmacy
Authors: Marçon Frédéric , Lagarce Frédéric , Roland Isabelle , Brossard Denis , Merienne Camille , Chennell Philip , d’Huart Elise , Briot Thomas , Carrez Laurent , Podilsky Gregory , Rohrbach Pascal , Lannoy Damien , Storme Thomas , Guerrault-Moro Marie Noelle , Soulairol Ian , Crauste-Manciet Sylvie
Published: January 2024

Training and certification of personnel in capsule preparation are essential procedures, overseen by the pharmacist who delegates these tasks. These procedures aim not only to ensure the efficacy and safety of operations but also to establish a clear chain of responsibility. They align with established best practices. Certification grants formal authorization to qualified individuals to perform specific tasks. For new hires, a comprehensive training program is designed to facilitate their integration and empower them from the onset. We propose training objectives structured around a competency-based approach, highlighting objective evaluation criteria applicable in real-world practical settings. These training objectives address critical aspects such as the handling of hazardous substances, weighing and mixing of powders, and capsule filling. They also emphasize the importance of documentation and traceability. Specialized preparations and tools are offered to facilitate the assessment of learning outcomes.
Heat Loss Optimization of a Building with Different Window to Wall Area Ratios
Authors: Koyun Tansel , Koc Ersin , Akcay Ismail Hakki , Kent Emin Fuad
Published: January 2024

The types of glass and exterior walls and the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) on building façades play a major role in heat losses that occur in every type of building, residential or commercial. The opaque and transparent surfaces of buildings have an important role in terms of both energy losses and energy gains. Windows are the parts of the building envelope where heat losses mostly occur. As the WWR increases on the façades of a building, heat losses increase, but heat gains from solar energy also increase, which assists in free heating of the building. In this study, a detached residential building located in Antalya, Turkey, a province with hot–humid climatic conditions, has been examined. A series of simulations were carried out to detect the effects of WWRs and different glass, frame, and exterior wall types on heat losses of the building. The heat loss values obtained from these simulations were processed by using a special mechanical installation calculation software. Simulations were performed for apartment rooms with levels of WWR ranging from 30 to 60 % of the wall areas facing the façade. In order to minimize heat loss, double-pane glass (or double-glazed glass) was used instead of single-pane glass. The aim of this study was to find the optimum value in terms of applicability and economy. The optimum value was calculated by minimization according to both the linear graphical method and the dual simplex optimization method. The values found in both methods were compared and interpreted. It is believed that the optimized glass, frame, joinery, and exterior wall parameters, which are influential to the energy performance of the building, will make a positive contribution to the architectural design phase in addition to improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings.
Experimental Study of the Role of Gap Size on Bolt Failure in Clevis and Lug Joints
Authors: Beevers David , Olsen Kirk , Geibel Allen , Krull Matthew , Caretti Isaac , Wienczkowski Olivia
Published: January 2024

A common standard for conservatively evaluating the required bolt strength in a clevis–lug joint is to assume that the bolt must survive under an interaction equation that combines loading caused by bending, shear, and axial preload–induced stresses. In practice, this leads to unnecessarily large bolts because the true failure mode is typically closer to simple shear with some bending stresses. In this experimental study, a clevis and lug joint with a variable gap between the clevis arms was used to determine the force necessary to break high strength bolts with various gaps between the clevis and the lug, ranging from pure shear (no gap) to a gap 2.8 times the diameter of the bolt. The testing results clearly show that failure occurs at forces that are often significantly higher than would be predicted by classic, closed-form analysis of the combined loading. In particular, the bolt failed at the force predicted by simple double shear failure theory for gap sizes up to half of the bolt diameter, and for larger gaps, the failure force was consistently higher than would be predicted by classic interaction equations. Thus, although assuming failure that is due to combined bending, shear, and axial stresses is safely conservative, the necessary bolt size is actually significantly smaller than this method predicts.
Destruction Mechanism of Filter Cake under Air Pressure during Chamber Opening
Authors: Zhang Sai , Ding Jianwen , Jiao Ning , Liu Jinyu , Sun Shuai
Published: January 2024

During chamber openings, the filter cake that has formed on the excavation face is thin and cannot be monitored directly, resulting in an unclear understanding of its destruction mechanism. To investigate the destruction mechanism of filter cake under air pressure, a series of air breakthrough tests (ABTs) were conducted in this study, during which the water discharge and pore pressure were monitored. The experimental results indicate that the filter cake undergoes significant compression during ABTs, but it tends to be stabilized after a testing time of 40,000 s. Cracks and pores are observed on the surface when the filter cake is destructed, and the cracks are mainly distributed between 80 and 100 % of the radius. The effective working time (EWT) of Filter Cake B with a compression time beyond 40,000 s is much longer than that of Filter Cake A with a compression time below 40,000 s. Because the EWT of Filter Cake B is much longer than that of Filter Cake A, the slurry composition that promotes the formation of Filter Cake B should be used as much as possible during the slurry shield. Additionally, it is proven that the EWT increases with higher slurry density and filter cake thickness, whereas it decreases with increasing slurry viscosity. The analysis of the filter cake destruction mechanism shows that the compression of filter cake, capillary effect, mechanical effect, and interfacial effect all play important roles in filter cake destruction. Except for the compression of the filter cake that can extend the EWT, the other effects will accelerate the filter cake destruction.
Embarazo adolescente y rendimiento académico en zona rural de Ecuador
Authors: Párraga Vélez Ligia Geomara , Muñoz Sánchez Christopher Fernando
Published: January 2024

El embarazo temprano es un problema de salud pública y social que afecta a la madre adolescente, derivando en situaciones negativas que disminuyen las posibilidades de culminar sus estudios con excelente rendimiento académico o proveer hacia la deserción escolar, lo cual dificulta obtener mejores condiciones de vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los factores que influyen en el bajo rendimiento de las estudiantes en estado de embarazo en la Unidad Educativa Pueblo Nuevo, de la Provincia de Manabí. En el proceso se aplicó el modelo descriptivo, abordando las respectivas definiciones de las variables y se describió los factores que inciden en esta problemática, se llevó a cabo el modelo histórico basado en fuentes bibliográficas y secundarias, adquiriendo información de informantes claves, el enfoque cuantitativo fue de gran utilidad, se tomó como muestra a 100 estudiantes de bachillerato, incluyendo madres adolescentes y cinco docentes. Los resultados indican que los principales factores para un bajo rendimiento académico se deben a que no tengan un apoyo emocional de sus familias, a factores socioeconómicos y el ineducado uso de anticonceptivos, es importante distinguir que la causa principal para que abandonen sus estudios es la falta de motivación de la familia.
Optimization of the amplitude of the vacuum stimuli in breast pump
Authors:   Saint-Petersburg State University, Ilyn Vladimir , Alekseev Nikolay ,   Saint-Petersburg State University, Troshkin Mikhail ,   Joint-Stock Production Company “Medthechnika", Ulezko Vadim ,   Joint-Stock Production Company “Medthechnika"
Published: January 2024

Breastfeeding, due to its nutritional and immunological aspects, is the best source of food for a newborn. In a situation where it is not possible to breastfeed her baby, for example, when the mother has returned to work or is otherwise temporarily separated from her baby, it is necessary for her to express breast milk for storage and use during the period of separation. Also, if infant is unable to effectively draw out the milk, for example, due to premature birth, illness, or underdeveloped nursing reflex, it may be necessary to express the milk from the mother’s breast using a breast pump. To achieve lactation success before a suckling can ensure the effective extraction of milk, breast pumps must meet specific mechanical requirements. However, the parameters of the vacuum stimuli by which milk is produced remain non-optimized. A method was developed to compare the amount of milk ejected by vacuum pulses of different amplitudes. Milk was ejected during one session alternately by series of vacuum pulses of different amplitudes into separate containers in the same woman. In order to minimize the influence of reflex pressure increase in the gland duct system on milk excretion, the vacuum stimuli with the help of a special switch were grouped into a series of 4 vacuum pulses periodically following each other with a duration of 4 s series. In addition, to increase the accuracy of measuring the amount of milk at the end of each series of vacuum pulses, an additional vacuum pulse was introduced, with the help of which an air flow in the direction of the milk collectors was created, contributing to the removal of milk residues from the conductive paths of the switch. It was found that for most nursing women the optimal amplitude of the vacuum is about 190 mm Hg.
Structure of unsteady flow in the spatially curved model of the common carotid artery with stenosis: a numerical study
Authors:   Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University, Gataulin Yakov , Zaitsev, Dmitry ,   Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University, Smirnov Evgeny ,   Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University, Yukhnev Andrey ,   Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University
Published: January 2024

Numerical study of unsteady three-dimensional flow in the constructed from clinical data model of stenotic common carotid artery with physiological maximum tortuosity has been carried out. It is established that the maximum intensity of the secondary flow is observed in Dean vortices, but not in swirling (one-vortex) flow; this circumstance should be taken into account, in particular, for conducting clinical measurements. The maximum wall shear stresses, that are dangerous because of possible damage to artery wall, are observed at a distance of 2–3 stenotic vessel diameters behind of stenosis on the external (relative to the center of the radius of curvature) side of the artery and increase with degree of stenosis. The minimum wall shear stresses that are dangerous from the point of view of atherosclerosis are observed on the inner side of the artery and their location is shifted to the end of the cervical segment of artery with increasing of degree of stenosis.
Intellectual works of doctor Ilizarov (transosseous compression – distraction osteosynthesis)
Authors: Ilizarova-Abaeva Eteri
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the beginning of scientific and practical path of Academician, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov, the establishment of the transosseous compression-distraction osteosynthesis on its early stage with respect to V.I. Stetsula and V.P. Shtin the scientists of Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg) Institute of reconstructive surgery by the method of transosseous compression-distraction osteosynthesis (1957), Sverdlovsk institute of reconstructive surgery (1959); and the scientist’s contribution into the development of the world community.
"Flame of Truth": the global significance of Doukhobor Pacifism
Authors: Bartolf Christian , Miething Dominique
Published: January 2024

The Doukhobors (Spirit Wrestlers), a heterogeneous group of Christians in Russia and Canada, whose anti-war stance became well known when they organized a Burning of Arms ceremony in 1895, inhabit an undisputed placein the history of the peace churches and religious denominations. We argue, however, that the connection between the Doukhobors and twentieth century pacifists such as Jane Addams (1860–1935), Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi(1869–1948), and George Woodcock (1912–1995), deserves more attention. We then aim to raise awareness of Peter Nikolaevich Maloff (1900–1971), who authentically carried on the pacifist spirit of the group as he interacted not only with Gandhi and Woodcock, but also with Alexander Berkman (1870–1936), Dorothy Day (1897–1980),A. J. Muste (1885–1967), and Scott and Helen Nearing (1883–1983 and 1904–1995), among others. We finally highlight some instances of Doukhobor relations with the War Resisters’ International and the International Vegetarian Union in Europe during the late–1920s and early–1930s. In all this we draw out "Christ’s law of nonresistance to evil by violence" (Leo Tolstoy) that may be obscured to the public eye, not only because the number of self-identified Doukhobors has continually decreased due to the forces of assimilation, but also because "the scourge of war"(Preamble, Charter of the United Nations, 1945) continues to threaten the survival of life on Earth.