bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The clinical features of familial focal epilepsy with variable foci and NPRL3 gene variant
Authors: Wang Yue , Yu Peimin , Zhu Guoxing , Wu Xunyi , Ding Ding , Hong Zhen
Published: April 2023

Objective

Familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) is a rare type of focal epilepsy syndrome; it is associated with NPRL3 variant. However, relevant reports are rare in China. We aimed to analyze the clinical features of Chinese patients with FFEVF to understand further the differences between various NPRL3 variants and explored the effect of NPRL3 variant on mRNA.

Methods

We ran a full workup on a family with FFEVF (four patients, one healthy member): an inquiry of medical history, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and whole exon sequencing. Their clinical features were compared with those of other FFEVF patients in published reports. The mRNA splicing changes were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using real-time quantitative—polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and compared between our patients and healthy individuals.

Results

Patients with NPRL3: c.1137dupT variant had a wide range of onset age (4 months to 31 years), diverse seizure types, variable foci (frontal lobe/temporal lobe), different seizure times (day/night) and frequencies (monthly/seldom/every day), different therapeutic effects (refractory epilepsy/almost seizure free), normal MRI, and abnormal EEG (epileptiform discharge, slow wave). The phenotypic spectrum with different NPRL3 variants was either similar or different. Significantly different relative quantities of mRNA were found between patients and healthy individuals in real-time qPCR. Abnormal splicing was observed in patients compared with healthy individual in RT-PCR. Despite having the same gene variant, different family members had different mRNA splicing, possibly causing different phenotypes.

Conclusion

The clinical features of FFEVF varied, and auxiliary inspection was atypical. NPRL3: c.1137dupT could change the relative quantity of mRNA and cause abnormal splicing, which might produce different phenotypes in different family members.
Geochemistry and provenance of Mesozoic sandstones in Khon Kaen Geopark: Implication for tectonics of the western Khorat Plateau of Thailand
Authors: Singtuen Vimoltip , Phajuy Burapha , Anumart Apussorn , Charusiri Punya , Chawthai Natnicha , Heggemann Heiner
Published: April 2023

Khon Kaen Geopark, representing an area of dinosaur fossil diversity, was selected for investigations to reveal the origin and tectonic setting of the Khorat Group. The area occupied by Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of four formal formations of the Khorat Group, namely the Phra Wihan Formation (PWF), Sao Khua Formation (SKF), Phu Phan Formation (PPF), and Khok Kruat Formation (KKF). A field investigation and macroscopic observations suggested that the immature sedimentary rocks of the study area are mainly clast-supported, pebbly sandstone and siltstone with few calcretes. The 50 rock samples that were selected for petrographical and geochemical investigations revealed that the sandstones of the PWF and PPF are quartz arenite and sublitharenite, with some subarkose, whereas those of the SKF are mainly subarkose and sublitharenite. In addition, the KKF dominantly presents sublitharenite with pebbles and calcretes. Mesozoic sandstones contain quartz, feldspars, various types of rock fragments, and accessory minerals (biotite, muscovite, zircon, and tourmaline), with siliceous, ferrous, and calcareous cement. Petrographic (Q–F–L) and geochemical (major and trace element) data suggested that the sources of sediments are mostly quartzose sedimentary rocks and some felsic-intermediate igneous rocks. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns indicated that the origins of the studied sandstones are quartzose sedimentary rocks deposited in a passive continental margin or an upper continental crust. Geochemical traits of the sedimentary successions demonstrated that the provenance of the Khorat Basin prior to reworking by fluvial processes was situated in the passive continental margin or recycled orogen of the paleo-volcanic arc during the Mesozoic period.
In silico elucidation of potential drug targets against oxygenase domain of Human eNOS Dysfunction
Authors: Malik Abbeha , Iqbal Muhammad Nasir , Ashraf Sidrah , Khan Muhammad Saleem , Shahzadi Samar , Shafique Muhammad Farhan , Sajid Zureesha , Sajid Muhammad , Sehgal Sheikh Arslan
Published: April 2023

Nitric Oxide (NO) signaling pathway plays a vital role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes including vasodilation, neurogenesis, inflammation, translation and protein regulation. NO signaling pathway is associated with various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, vision impairment, hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease. Human Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) bound with calcium regulatory protein (calmodulin (CaM)) to produce NO which initiates cGMP pathway. The current study employs to screen the novel compounds against human eNOS independent of calcium regulatory protein (CaM). The current effort emphasized that the deficiency of CaM leads to dysfunction of cGMP signaling pathway. In this work, a hybrid approach of high-throughput virtual screening and comparative molecular docking studies followed by molecular dynamic simulation analyses were applied. The screening of top ranked two novel compounds against eNOS were reported that showed effective binding affinity, retrieved through the DrugBank and ZINC database libraries. Comparative molecular docking analyses revealed that Val-104, Phe-105, Gln-247, Arg-250, Ala-266, Trp-330, Tyr-331, Pro-334, Ala-335, Val-336, Tyr-357, Met-358, Thr-360, Glu-361, Ile-362, Arg-365, Asn-366, Asp-369, Arg-372, Trp-447 and Tyr-475 are potent residues for interactional studies. High-throughput virtual screening approach coupled with molecular dynamic simulation and drug likeness rules depicted that ZINC59677432 and DB00456 are potent compounds to target eNOS. In conclusion, the proposed compounds are potent against eNOS based on extensive in silico analyses. Overall, the findings of this study may be helpful to design therapeutic targets against eNOS.
Exploring barriers to switching “on time” to second-line antiretroviral therapy among nurses in primary health care facilities, Ekurhuleni Health District, South Africa
Authors: Tenza Immaculate Sabelile , Njuguna Christine , Sodo Pumla Pamella , Ruch Aviva , Francis Joel Msafiri , Omole Olufemi Babatunde , Cooke Richard , Agbo Samuel , Baldwin-Ragaven Laurel
Published: April 2023

Background

Ensuring that all HIV-infected people receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and achieve viral suppression are key South African strategies to end the AIDS epidemic in the country. National HIV treatment guidelines recommend an immediate switch to second-line ART following virological failure with first-line ART. Nurses based in district health facilities are at the forefront of implementing this recommendation. While there are often delays in switching and in some instances no switch, the reasons for and barriers to delayed switching are not well understood at the primary care level.

Aim

To explore the views of frontline nursing staff about factors contributing to delayed switching of patients who have failed first-line ART regimen in Ekurhuleni district, South Africa.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted among 21 purposively sampled nurses who provide HIV treatment and care to patients in 12 primary health care (PHC) facilities in Ekurhuleni Health District, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Individual in-depth interviews explored nurses’ experiences regarding their recognition of virological failure and understanding of “on time” switching to second-line ART. Interviews probed the circumstances contributing to delays in switching. After digital audio recording and transcription, manual inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Multiple barriers were identified: 1) Healthcare provider factors included a lack of knowledge and confidence coupled with demotivation in the workplace; 2) Patient issues similarly comprised a lack of knowledge as well as resistance to being switched to another drug regimen and loss to follow up; 3) Systems factors were poor facility leadership, shortages of medication, staffing constraints, and the inability to trace laboratory results, especially for migrant patients.

Conclusion

Reasons for delayed switching of patients to second-line ART are multifactorial and require integrated interventions at health provider, patient and health system levels.
Excellence of the closed intensive care unit system in critically ill surgical patients
Authors: Baik Seung Min , Yang Na Rae , Kim Tae Yoon , Hong Kyung Sook
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite reports that the closed intensive care unit (ICU) system improves clinical outcomes, it has not been widely applied for various reasons. This study aimed to propose a better ICU system for critically ill patients by comparing the experience of open surgical ICU (OSICU) and closed surgical ICU (CSICU) systems in the same institution.

Methods and findings

Our institution converted the ICU system from “open” to “closed” in February 2020, and enrolled patients were classified into the OSICU and CSICU groups at that time from March 2019 to February 2022. A total of 751 patients were categorized into the OSICU (n = 191) and CSICU (n = 560) groups. The mean age of the patients was 67 years in the OSICU group and 72 years in the CSICU group (p< 0.05). The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score was 21.8 ± 7.65 in the CSICU group, which was higher than the score 17.4 ± 7.97 in the OSICU group (p< 0.05). The sequential organ failure assessment scores were 2.0 ± 2.29 in the OSICU group and 4.1 ± 3.06 in the CSICU group (p< 0.05). After correction for bias by logistic regression analysis for all-cause mortality, the odds ratio in the CSICU group was 0.089 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.014–0.568,p< 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite considering the various factors of increased patient severity, a CSICU system is more beneficial for critically ill patients. Therefore, we propose that the CSICU system be applied worldwide.
Rethinking the design studio curriculum through adaptive and transformative strategies and acts: Cross-cultural reflections
Authors: Ceyhan Pınar , Haklıdır Ece Altınbaşak , Tellez Fabio Andres
Published: April 2023

This study presents and reflects on the experiences of three design studios in various undergraduate programmes in China, Turkey and Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study identifies adaptive and transformative strategies and acts implemented in these scenarios to respond to rapidly changing circumstances. Consequently, this study is aimed at educators and administrators in design programmes, design researchers and the wider design and higher education (HE) communities. A descriptive multi-case study design was applied to describe several instances of a contemporary phenomenon within its natural environment. In these case studies, the authors present and reflect on their teaching experiences before, during and after the pandemic. The authors identify the following adaptive and transformative strategies and acts that contributed to creating resilient, sustainable and inclusive learning environments during the pandemic: (1) redesigning the curriculum as an emergent phenomenon; (2) adapting the project brief and adjusting learning expectations; (3) expanding the instructor’s role in the studio; (4) renegotiating the boundaries between students and instructors; (5) increasing awareness about students’ mental health and well-being; (6) adopting new tools, materials and techniques, and adapting the existing ones; (7) implementing new methods for communicating with the students. This article contributes to the existing discussions about the future of design education. The findings can help plan future design curricula that are adaptable, flexible and responsive to change. Such curricula can better address different student needs, whose educational experiences can have longer-lasting effects through their contributions to society upon graduation. In this cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural study, authors use resilience, sustainability and inclusivity as lenses to analyse their respective contexts. Even though these categories have been used independently or in combination to approach educational phenomena in the past, this is the first study that applies them in the context of design studio education.
What Works for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors:   James Cook University, Menges Jack , Caltabiano Marie ,   James Cook University, Clough Alan ,   James Cook University
Published: April 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men experience significantly higher rates of suicide, trauma, alcohol related deaths and unemployment than other Australian men. Despite significant levels of government intervention, rates of family violence, unemployment and incarceration continue to increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As a subset of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, there has been a lesser focus on how to meaningfully improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. This systematic review seeks to understand what interventions, programs and activities are successful in improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and thereby the wellbeing of their communities. A thorough search of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of the programs, activities and interventions evaluated in these studies indicated two prominent themes that were successful in improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men: strengthening identity and increasing social connection. The mechanisms contributing to these outcomes are discussed, as are implications for policy and future research.
Strengthening gender equality in small business and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs): Comparative analysis of Kenya and Nigeria
Authors: Jubril Bolaji , Olubiyi Timilehin Olasoji , Sojinu Oluwaseun Samson , Ngari Rosemary
Published: April 2023

Many small business owners and entrepreneurs in Africa still see sustainable development goals as a misery. The study investigates whether sustainable development goal number five (5) is being used to motivate gender equality among small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa, particularly in Kenya and Nigeria. The study focuses on female entrepreneurs and female-owned businesses. Design/methodology/approach. A qualitative approach involving semi-structured in-depth interviews was considered with a target population of 110 participants selected from businesses operating in Embakasi East constituency in the Embakasi ward in Nairobi County, Kenya, and in Ikeja Local Government in the Lagos Mainland of Lagos state Nigeria. The primary interview data was gathered from businesses in the manufacturing, services, information technology, transport, trading, and communications sectors. Findings. From the population of 110 participants, the response rate was 90.91%. Results demonstrated that a significant number of women working in SMEs are unaware of the sustainable development goal number five (5) in the two countries despite the United Nations (UN) supporting gender equality globally. The research concludes that there is still a considerable difference between men and women in small and medium-sized SMEs in Africa, and the awareness of sustainable development goals is limited. Research limitations/implications. The restriction of the dataset from a small sample size of women-owned businesses operating in Embakasi East constituency in the Embakasi ward in Nairobi County, Kenya, and in Ikeja Local Government in the Lagos State Nigeria. The research criteria used to choose study participants were unique to the current research; future researchers may consider changing the research criteria and sample size to broaden the study's focus. Practical implications. The study advances empirical research on sustainable development goal number five (5) by offering evidence of its impact on women-owned businesses. Further, the study throws light on the need to the fact that gender equality is necessary and why women should receive funding and mentoring to help them succeed as business owners. Originality/value. The study provides a comparative study with evidence from two countries, Kenya and Nigeria, on sustainable development goal number five (5) and throws light on the relevance of gender equality on business performance as funding and mentoring will assist women-owned businesses. For Africa to flourish and grow economically, gender equality is crucial.
Choice of international branch campus: a case study
Authors: Yang Hongqing
Published: April 2023

International branch campuses (IBCs) are becoming an alternative to domestic higher education institutions. Through interviews with Chinese undergraduates at a British IBC in China, this article examines the choice of a British IBC, using a combined model as the conceptual framework. It finds that the factors both affecting college choice and impacting study abroad influence the choice to study at an IBC, because of the nature of IBCs as foreign presences in the host countries. Academic achievement and supply of resources are necessary but not sufficient conditions for the choice of IBC. Further, students choose IBCs over other universities with similar entry requirements because of their capital and habitus, represented by their socio-economic status. Both students and their parents hope to leverage their accumulated cultural capital to reproduce their cultural capital, or to convert their existing economic capital into cultural capital. Moreover, social capital affects the choice to study at an IBC, and its impacts depend on the volume, strength and quality of the social network. Parents are the most influential persons, impacting the choice of IBC with their capital. Last, institutional characteristics, particularly as a gateway to studying abroad, attract students to study at IBCs.
Desigualdade de renda na América do Sul e o papel da liberalização comercial entre 1990 e 2017
Authors: Bezerra Ferreira Laura Dayane , Ferreira Monaliza de Oliveira
Published: April 2023

Considerando a crescente preocupação a respeito do aumento da desigualdade de renda, este trabalho tem como objetivo geral analisar o papel da liberação comercial sobre a desigualdade de renda nos países da América do Sul no período de 1990 até 2017, admitindo as hipóteses de que o crescimento da globalização comercial e financeira estariam relacionadas com um aumento na desigualdade de renda. Foi aplicado um modelo dinâmico de dados em painel de onze dos países da América do Sul, com estimativas analisadas pelo método System-GMM e os resultados das estimações indicam que uma maior abertura comercial está relacionada com o aumento da desigualdade de renda, enquanto a liberalização financeira pode estar ligada à uma diminuição desta. À guisa de conclusão, pondera-se que a despeito da importância da globalização comercial para os países, deve-se considerar os impactos desiguais das políticas de trocas nas economias locais.
La monja no tiene quien la escuche. El caso de Dominga Gutiérrez y la prosa de la contra-emancipación
Authors: Álvarez Calderón Francesca Denegri
Published: April 2023

Este artículo examina los modos en que tanto la defensa como el acusador de la monja Dominga Gutiérrez en el juicio eclesiástico por apostasía abierto contra ella en Arequipa en 1831, por haberse fugado de su convento, incurrieron en la apropiación sistemática de su voz con fines políticos ajenos a la acusada, lo que implicó una deliberada sordera de las autoridades y el público frente al relato de la monja. Enfoca también en las narrativas literarias de corte romántico masculinista que contra las evidencias proliferaron sobre el caso en el siglo XIX, dando lugar a memorias colectivas locales y nacionales sobre las que se construyeron fantasías que a la postre borraron la subjetividad histórica femenina. En el contexto de un país recientemente emancipado, se busca entender la compleja relación intertextual entre subalternidad de género, discurso histórico y memoria, enfocando en la particular violencia simbólica patriarcal que se produce cuando la subalterna es una mujer que habla en voz alta, pero nadie la escucha.
Bullerengue: aproximación a esta manifestación afrocolombiana desde los estudios del performance
Authors: Hurtado Escobar Luisa Fernanda , Arcila Estrada Maria Teresa , López Gil Gustavo Adolfo
Published: April 2023

Este artículo es un acercamiento al bullerengue desde los estudios del performance como lente de análisis, que intenta trascender las miradas panorámicas-descriptivas o disciplinares específicas con que se ha abordado esta manifestación cultural, y propone una perspectiva teórica integradora. Significa un esfuerzo comprehensivo e integral de lo que comúnmente ha sido separado como canto, baile o fiesta en la mayoría de los estudios existentes, tomando como eje sus interconexiones, diálogos y sus sentidos y connotaciones para los actores involucrados en el contexto específico de Urabá (región situada al noroccidente de Colombia). Refiere una experiencia reciente de investigación, proyecto denominado Bullerengue en Urabá, acercamiento a una manifestación sociocultural compleja (2018-2019), cuyo enfoque procuró la integración de la etnomusicología, los estudios de la danza y la etnografía.
Description of Work Related Neck Pain Among Employees in State Electricity Company (PLN Indonesia)
Authors: Mujiono Mujiono , Udijono Ari , Ma'rifati Lu'luil , Dhista Rahmaningrum Faikha
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The use of electronic devices without proper usage techniques can result in a variety of health problems, including neck pain. This study aimed to describe neck pain problems among office workers who use electronic devices.Method: This study was quantitative research in which descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional methods were used. This study was conducted from July to December 2022 at the State Electricity Company at Semarang office, Indonesia. Total of 57 participants were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. A Google Form-based questionnaire was designed to collect the study data. Univariate analysis and cross-tabulation table were used.Result: Total of 60% of participants reported experiencing neck pain. The proportion of neck pain was higher among men and among older age (<35 years old). A more significant proportion of participants who reported neck pain were those who used their devices for ≥ four hours (94.4%) compared to users for < 4 hours. In addition, people with more than five years of employment length were more likely to report neck pain (75%) compared to employment with <5 years.Conclusion: This research concluded that work-related neck pain in the State Electricity company was due to improper use of electronic devices.
Effect of Tik-Tok and Leaflet Media in Increasing Adolescents’ Knowledge and Attitude About Reproductive Health
Authors: Haninuna Gilbert Yesaya , Nayoan Christina Rony , Haba Bunga Eryc Z
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The lack of information about reproductive health obtained by adolescents can lead to the inability of adolescents to maintain their reproductive health. Media could be used to improve knowledge and attitudes. It is important to deliver health education using attractive media to influence adolescents’ understanding and attitudes about reproductive health. This study employed a new media, Tik-Tok to improve adolescents’ reproductive health knowledge and attitude. This study is aimed to compare the effectiveness of using Tik-Tok and leaflets on increasing adolescents' knowledge and attitudes in East Nusa Tenggara, IndonesiaMethods: This research was a quasi-experimental study, with a "pretest-posttest group design". The study was done on junior high school students in Semau Island. The subjects of this study were 78 students who were divided into two different group interventions, 39  students for Tiktok and 39 students for a leaflet. Data analysis technique using marginal homogeneity test.Results: There was a significant increase in knowledge and attitude among the students after receiving reproduction health education using TikTok (p=0.0001)  and leaflet (p=0.0001). The average increase score in knowledge was 6.05 in the Tik Tok group, while in the leaflet group was 5.7. The Tik-Tok group's average increase in attitude score was 21.05 and the leaflet group's was 17.9. These result showed that both media were useful to deliver reproductive health information for young students, but TikTok had a better results.Conclusion: Schools need to work with the related sectors to improve comprehensive reproductive health education for students and also incorporate new media in delivering health information.
Free boundary regularity in the multiple membrane problem in the plane
Authors: Savin Ovidiu , Yu Hui
Published: April 2023

We study the regularity of free boundaries in the multiple elastic membrane problem in the plane. We prove the uniqueness of blow-ups, and that the free boundaries are

C

1
,
log

{C^{1,\log}}

-curves near a regular intersection point.
Apolitical Money – An Illusion?
Authors: Issing Otmar
Published: April 2023

Monetary history is a history of inflation. The Statute of the ECB, as a copy of the Bundesbank Act, can be viewed as an attempt to establish the euro as apolitical money. Experience with the short history of the euro shows the limits of this attempt. Fundamentally, the state remains the final authority in monetary matters. The article begins with a very brief outline of monetary history and the efforts undertaken to achieve a stable currency. The second chapter analyses the Statute of the ECB as an attempt to shield monetary policy from political influence. This is followed by a review of the experience gained in the short history of the euro. The last chapter draws conclusions about the possibilities of apolitical money.
Analysis of characteristics of rail transit stray current and saturation mechanism of current transformer
Authors: Wu Guoxing , Wang Qilin , Chen Long , Jin Longxing , Feng Zongjian , Zhang Wen , Zhang Guoxin , Lu Pengfei , Liu Hongshun
Published: April 2023

The DC bias may affect the transient transfer characteristics of the current transformer (CT), threatening the correct action of the relay protection and the safe operation of the power system. Compared with the high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission in the unipolar-earth loop operation mode and geomagnetically induced current (GIC), the amplitude of the stray current is smaller, and the randomness and fluctuation are larger and accompanied by sudden changes. Combining the characteristics of stray current and the CT equivalent model considering the eddy current loss of the iron core, the mechanism of local transient saturation under the influence of bias magnetization is explained, and the CT saturation phenomenon caused by stray current and its effect on line distance protection are simulated and analyzed. The research shows that the influence of low amplitude and high duration of stray current will make the magnetic flux of CT grow and affect the transmission of steady-state and transient-state so that the measurement impedance appears amplitude-phase shift, which leads to under-range rejection of distance protection.
Is It Wrong to Benefit from Injustice?
Authors: Psaroudaki Katerina
Published: April 2023

According to the beneficiary-pays principle, the involuntary beneficiaries of injustice ought to disgorge their unjustly obtained benefits in order to compensate the victims of injustice. The paper explores the effectiveness of the above principle in establishing a robust and unique normative connection between the rectificatory duties of the beneficiaries and the rectificatory rights of the victims of injustice. I discuss three accounts of the beneficiary-pays principle according to which the rectificatory duty of the beneficiaries towards the victims is grounded in (a) their duty to oppose injustice and mitigate its effects, (b) their duty to give up benefits that are causally linked to an act of wrongdoing, or (c) their duty to not sustain wrongful harm against the victims. By criticizing these accounts, I intend to highlight the complexities of articulating a distinct rectificatory duty that applies uniquely to the beneficiaries of injustice qua beneficiaries. I conclude that, while it may seem complicated to defend the beneficiary-pays principle as an independent moral principle, it is more plausible to think of it as being derivative of more general principles such as the principle of fair play.
Additive manufacturing of hexagonal lattice structures: tensile tests and validation
Authors: Ture Mustafa Okan , Evis Zafer , Ozturk Fahrettin
Published: April 2023

In this paper, different hexagonal lattice structures of the tensile test specimens were designed, manufactured by additive manufacturing, and tested in three different lengths. Moreover, flat shape tensile test specimens were designed without lattice structure. Mechanical behaviors were obtained using a tensile testing machine and analyzed at a finite element program. Effect of lattice shape and infill density on mechanical behavior was investigated. Results were compared with finite element analysis to validate the simulation. Main objective of this paper is to investigate the tensile test properties of polylactic acid (PLA) test specimens with different hexagonal-shaped lattice structures and verify their finite element model. It is concluded that increasing hexagonal lattice size increases ductility up to certain degree. Elastic modulus of 15% and 100% infill density specimens was nearly same at lattice region.
Optimization of friction stir welding process parameters using multi-criteria decision making approach
Authors: Ay Mustafa , Sarsılmaz Furkan
Published: April 2023

In this study, two different aluminum alloy (AA1030/AA7075) pairs were joined using friction stir welding (FSW) method. Tool rotation speed, welding speed, and stirrer geometry were chosen as variable welding parameters. The welded joint zones were evaluated for both microstructural and mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and nugget hardness (H). Optimum welding parameters were determined using multi-criteria decision making techniques such as rank preference technique by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and gray relational analysis (GRA). At the same time, the performances of the TOPSIS and GRA methods were compared.
Crystal structure of 4-chloro-N′-[(1E)-(2-nitrophenyl)methylidene]benzohydrazide, C14H10ClN3O3
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Blacque Olivier , Tiekink Edward R. T. , El-Emam Ali A.
Published: April 2023

C14H10ClN3O3, triclinic, P1 (no. 1), a = 4.8813(2) Å, b = 6.7806(2) Å, c = 10.3135(2) Å, α = 

98.101

(
2
)

∘

$98.101{\left(2\right)}^{\circ }$

, β = 

94.174

(
2
)

∘

$94.174{\left(2\right)}^{\circ }$

, γ = 

97.612

(
3
)

∘

$97.612{\left(3\right)}^{\circ }$

, V = 333.515(18) Å3, Z = 1,

R

g
t

${R}_{gt}$

(F) = 0.0270,

w

R

r
e
f

$w{R}_{ref}$

(F2) = 0.0743, T = 160 K.
Effects of Static Contemporary Western Yoga vs. a Dynamic Stretching Exercise Program on Body Composition, Balance, and Flexibility
Authors: Chapman-Lopez Tomas J. , Moris Jose M. , Petty Garett , Timon Claire , Koh Yunsuk
Published: April 2023

Chapman-Lopez, TJ, Moris, JM, Petty, G, Timon, C, and Koh, Y. Effects of static contemporary western yoga vs. a dynamic stretching exercise program on body composition, balance, and flexibility. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1064–1069, 2023—Essentrics is a dynamic full-body stretching workout, which has recently earned its popularity in the field of yoga because of its potential for improvement in balance, flexibility, and weight loss while adding enjoyment to the workout without any discomfort and pain. However, the effects of Essentrics on overall health have not been well studied, particularly in a younger, physically healthy population. Thirty-five subjects (27 females and 8 males, age = 20.4 ± 0.2 years, and body mass index = 22.58 ± 0.55 kg·m−2) were assigned to 2 groups—contemporary western yoga (CWY, n = 20) and Essentrics (ESS, n = 15). Each group met 3 times per week for a total of 45–50 minutes per day for 6 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and balance (lower extremity Y-balance) were assessed before and after the 6-week program. The balance test included 3 reaches (anterior, posteromedial [PM], and posterolateral [PL] and composite reach distance). Each reach was averaged for the right and left sides and then normalized to leg length. Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance with repeated measures (p ≤ 0.05), and a post hoc test was performed for any significant interactions. There were no significant group differences between CWY and ESS in balance and flexibility. Following the 6-week yoga programs, balance was improved as follows: PM (87.13 ± 11.64 cm to 92.25 ± 9.91 cm, p = 0.001), PL (82.88 ± 11.28 to 88.62 ± 9.62 cm, p = 0.002), composite reach distance (CRD) (225.96 ± 27.17 to 238.26 ± 22.98 cm, p = 0.001), normalized PM (98.31 ± 11.68 to 104.27 ± 11.14%, p = 0.001), normalized PL (93.60 ± 11.98 to 100.15 ± 10.70%, p = 0.001), and normalized CRD (255.12 ± 27.89 to 269.21 ± 25.07%, p = 0.001). Flexibility was also improved from 51.42 ± 8.24 to 53.38 ± 7.04 cm (p = 0.010) following the 6-week workout programs. Total body fat percentage was significantly reduced only in the CWY group (24.44 ± 6.73 to 23.51 ± 6.32%, p = 0.002). Regardless of the type of stretching workout, both dynamic and static workouts improved flexibility and balance. Thus, individuals seeking to improve balance and flexibility can benefit from either dynamic or static yoga program.
Influence of Body Mass on Running-Induced Changes in Mechanical Properties of Plantar Fascia
Authors: Shiotani Hiroto , Mizokuchi Tomohiro , Yamashita Ryo , Naito Munekazu , Kawakami Yasuo
Published: April 2023

Shiotani, H, Mizokuchi, T, Yamashita, R, Naito, M, and Kawakami, Y. Influence of body mass on running-induced changes in mechanical properties of plantar fascia. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): e588–e592, 2023—Body mass is a major risk factor for plantar fasciopathy; however, evidence explaining the process between risk factors and injury development is limited. Long-distance running induces transient and site-specific reduction in plantar fascia (PF) stiffness, reflecting mechanical fatigue and microscopic damage within the tissue. As greater mechanical loads can induce greater reduction in tissue stiffness, we hypothesized that the degree of running-induced change in PF stiffness is associated with body mass. Ten long-distance male runners (age: 21 − 23 years, body mass: 55.5 ± 4.2 kg; mean ± SD) and 10 untrained men (age: 20 − 24 years, body mass: 58.4 ± 5.6 kg) ran for 10 km. Before and immediately after running, the shear wave velocity (SWV) of PF at the proximal site, which is an index of tissue stiffness, was measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography. Although the PF SWV significantly decreased after running in runners (−4.0%, p = 0.010) and untrained men (−21.9%, p < 0.001), runners exhibited smaller changes (p < 0.001). The relative changes in SWV significantly correlated with body mass in both runners (r = −0.691, p = 0.027) and untrained individuals (r = −0.723, p = 0.018). These results indicate that a larger body mass is associated with a greater reduction in PF stiffness. Our findings provide in vivo evidence of the biomechanical basis for body mass as a risk factor for plantar fasciopathy. Furthermore, group differences suggest possible factors that reduce the fatigue responses, such as adaptation enhancing the resilience of PF and running mechanics.
Anisotropic Response of an Asphalt Concrete Layer under Superheavy Vehicles: Field Measurements
Authors: Pérez-González Erdrick Leandro , Bilodeau Jean-Pascal
Published: April 2023

The analysis of the effect of superheavy trucks on flexible pavements depends on the ability to adequately model the mechanical response to these loads considering the magnitude and the unconventional configuration of the axles. The asymmetry of the load distribution can define conditions where stress states are critical outside the commonly used reference points. This paper presents the transverse and longitudinal strains measured in the field on an asphalt concrete layer under the action of superheavy load vehicles at a real scale. Pavement responses to two superheavy trucks were studied in summer and winter conditions and at different speeds. Based on field measurements, the trend of the cross anisotropy response of the asphalt concrete layer is presented.
PyMouseTracks: Flexible Computer Vision and RFID-Based System for Multiple Mouse Tracking and Behavioral Assessment
Authors: Fong Tony , Hu Hao , Gupta Pankaj , Jury Braeden , Murphy Timothy H.
Published: April 2023

PyMouseTracks (PMT) is a scalable and customizable computer vision and radio frequency identification (RFID)-based system for multiple rodent tracking and behavior assessment that can be set up within minutes in any user-defined arena at minimal cost. PMT is composed of the online Raspberry Pi (RPi)-based video and RFID acquisition with subsequent offline analysis tools. The system is capable of tracking up to six mice in experiments ranging from minutes to days. PMT maintained a minimum of 88% detections tracked with an overall accuracy >85% when compared with manual validation of videos containing one to four mice in a modified home-cage. As expected, chronic recording in home-cage revealed diurnal activity patterns. In open-field, it was observed that novel noncagemate mouse pairs exhibit more similarity in travel trajectory patterns than cagemate pairs over a 10-min period. Therefore, shared features within travel trajectories between animals may be a measure of sociability that has not been previously reported. Moreover, PMT can interface with open-source packages such as DeepLabCut and Traja for pose estimation and travel trajectory analysis, respectively. In combination with Traja, PMT resolved motor deficits exhibited in stroke animals. Overall, we present an affordable, open-sourced, and customizable/scalable mouse behavior recording and analysis system.
Amyloid β-Peptide Effects on Glucose Regulation Are Dependent on Apolipoprotein E Genotype
Authors: Sung Jin Hee , Ou Yang , Barger Steven W.
Published: April 2023

The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) confers the greatest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), wherein the ε4 allele confers an elevated risk compared with the ε3 allele. Biological mechanisms that differ across these alleles have been explored in mouse models wherein the murineApoegene has undergone targeted replacement with sequences encoding human ApoE3 or ApoE4 (ApoE-TR mice). Such models have indicated that the two variants of ApoE produce differential effects on energy metabolism, including metabolic syndrome. However, glucose regulation has not been compared in ApoE-TR mice with and without amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) accumulation. We crossed ApoE3-TR and ApoE4-TR mice with a transgenic line that accumulates human Aβ1-42. In male ApoE3-TR mice, introduction of Aβ caused aberrations in glucose tolerance and in membrane translocation of astrocytic glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Phosphorylation of Tau at AD-relevant sites was correlated with glucose intolerance. These effects appeared independent of insulin dysregulation and were not observed in females. In ApoE4-TR mice, the addition of Aβ had no significant effects because of a trend toward perturbation of the baseline values.
Phase Alignment of Low-Frequency Neural Activity to the Amplitude Envelope of Speech Reflects Evoked Responses to Acoustic Edges, Not Oscillatory Entrainment
Authors: Oganian Yulia , Kojima Katsuaki , Breska Assaf , Cai Chang , Findlay Anne , Chang Edward F. , Nagarajan Srikantan S.
Published: April 2023

The amplitude envelope of speech is crucial for accurate comprehension. Considered a key stage in speech processing, the phase of neural activity in the theta-delta bands (1-10 Hz) tracks the phase of the speech amplitude envelope during listening. However, the mechanisms underlying this envelope representation have been heavily debated. A dominant model posits that envelope tracking reflects entrainment of endogenous low-frequency oscillations to the speech envelope. Alternatively, envelope tracking reflects a series of evoked responses to acoustic landmarks within the envelope. It has proven challenging to distinguish these two mechanisms. To address this, we recorded MEG while participants (n= 12, 6 female) listened to natural speech, and compared the neural phase patterns to the predictions of two computational models: an oscillatory entrainment model and a model of evoked responses to peaks in the rate of envelope change. Critically, we also presented speech at slowed rates, where the spectro-temporal predictions of the two models diverge. Our analyses revealed transient theta phase-locking in regular speech, as predicted by both models. However, for slow speech, we found transient theta and delta phase-locking, a pattern that was fully compatible with the evoked response model but could not be explained by the oscillatory entrainment model. Furthermore, encoding of acoustic edge magnitudes was invariant to contextual speech rate, demonstrating speech rate normalization of acoustic edge representations. Together, our results suggest that neural phase-locking to the speech envelope is more likely to reflect discrete representation of transient information rather than oscillatory entrainment.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study probes a highly debated topic in speech perception: the neural mechanisms underlying the cortical representation of the temporal envelope of speech. It is well established that the slow intensity profile of the speech signal, its envelope, elicits a robust brain response that “tracks” these envelope fluctuations. The oscillatory entrainment model posits that envelope tracking reflects phase alignment of endogenous neural oscillations. Here the authors provide evidence for a distinct mechanism. They show that neural speech envelope tracking arises from transient evoked neural responses to rapid increases in the speech envelope. Explicit computational modeling provides direct and compelling evidence that evoked responses are the primary mechanism underlying cortical speech envelope representations, with no evidence for oscillatory entrainment.
Instructions for Uncertain Futures
Authors: Urbain Luke
Published: April 2023

This article explores concepts of safety, care, and conservation in the work of American artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres (b. 1957 in Cuba, d. 1996 in USA). Though conservation may be characterized as an invariable commitment to the art object’s physical integrity in perpetuity, Gonzalez-Torres’s work insists on alternative practices that accommodate material, social, and infrastructural transformation. This reading attends to the Certificates of Authenticity and Ownership that accompany the artist’s work, which are read as theoretical engagement with and extension of his practice. Developed by the artist and his gallerist Andrea Rosen in the 1990s, these instructions outline the terms of the initial installation, ongoing maintenance, and future stagings of his highly dynamic work. This essay traces the implications of the instructions across three expanding time frames to demonstrate how they allow for work that exists in both radical excess and negation of the norm; in expanded material, social, and ecological coalitions; and that anticipates infrastructural change in the face of unknowable futures. In contradistinction to conservation’s normative horizon and the safety of the ever-same, the artist outlines an inchoate care ethic, one this article calls safekeeping and that continues decades after the artist’s death to enable ways of being with change amid uncertain prospects before the futural.
Exame forense de obras de artes do pintor Ivan Serpa
Authors: Thaumaturgo Nilton , Liarth Roberto , Oliveira Aline , Fialho Tito , Souza Claudia , Guimarães Denis , Oliveira Ana Leticia , Felix Valter , Pimenta André , Oliveira Matheus , Andrade Miguel , Freitas Renaato
Published: April 2023

Neste trabalho é apresentado os resultados do exame forense de três obras de arte questionadas atribuídas inicialmente ao pintor carioca Ivan Serpa. As obras investigadas foram apreendidas em uma operação policial realizado por agentes da Polícia Civil do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Sendo a investigação forense realizada no Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli da Polícia Civil do Rio de Janeiro (ICCE/PCERJ). Foram empregados três métodos para o exame forense das pinturas: avaliação merceológica, estudo grafotécnico e análise físico-química. Os resultados das telas questionadas foram comparados com obras de arte autênticas de Ivan Serpa. Os resultados dos três exames mostraram grandes divergências entre as obras questionadas e autênticas, indicando que são artefatos contrafeitos. O estudo foi realizado através de uma parceria entre o ICCE/PCERJ e o Instituto Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ). O IFRJ possui experiência na investigação de artefatos do patrimônio histórico-cultural por análises físico-químicas, logo este trabalho além de permitir solucionar um caso judicial possibilitou implementar no ICCE/PCERJ uma metodologia de investigação forense de obras de arte.
Suicídio por intoxicação com nitrito de sódio no Distrito Federal, Brasil (2020-2021)
Authors: Pine Leite Flávia , Resende Fraiz Ana Carla , Nara de Moraes Guazzelli Lia , Ferrari Júnior Ettore
Published: April 2023

O nitrito de sódio (NaNO2) é um sal utilizado em pequenas quantidades como aditivo em alimentos, atuando como fixador de cor e conservante. Entretanto, quando ingerido em grandes quantidades, produz intoxicação ao elevar a metemoglobina, com consequente hipóxia, podendo evoluir para o óbito. O presente trabalho descreve a análise de quatro casos de ingestão de nitrito de sódio com desfecho fatal, ocorridos entre 2020 e 2021, no Distrito Federal, Brasil. Estes relatos de caso são relevantes para alertar os profissionais da área forense sobre a importância do reconhecimento e interpretação destes vestígios durante o exame pericial.
HABITABILIDAD, CINE Y CONFINAMIENTO. LO DOMÉSTICO COMO SOPORTE AUDIOVISUAL
Authors: García Moreno Alberto E. , Márquez-Ballesteros María José , Boned Purkiss Javier
Published: April 2023

Este artículo explora la capacidad del lenguaje cinematográfico como herramienta para el estudio del espacio arquitectónico dentro de un contexto social, cultural e histórico determinado. En concreto, la crisis sanitaria producida por el virus SARS-CoV-2 y las situaciones de aislamiento y confinamiento sobrevenidas, han dado lugar a una intensa reflexión sobre la habitabilidad doméstica y los modos de percepción que sus usuarios han proyectado sobre la vivienda como espacio de reclusión obligada. Se presenta una experimentación espacio-temporal-sensorial a través del lenguaje cinematográfico, propuesta a jóvenes arquitectos y artistas audiovisuales, en la que se ha indagado sobre la influencia de lo doméstico en el comportamiento humano, analizado tanto desde la realidad de su uso cotidiano intensivo como desde las distintas relaciones entre el interior personal y el exterior negado. Usando como metodología el análisis crítico de la producción de distintos cineastas y sus modos de acometer la práctica cinematográfica, se han materializado diferentes interpretaciones audiovisuales de la casa, sus objetos, sus habitantes, sus elementos de relación con el exterior y su concepto particular de transparencia. Los relatos resultantes han manifestado, desde lo fenomenológico, singulares modos contemporáneos de habitar, constatando la idoneidad del lenguaje cinematográfico como instrumento para narrar experiencias arquitectónicas.