bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis of the extended Kalman filter for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Djamel Taibi
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a sensorless direct field oriented control fed interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) by using a known mathematical tool. The Kalman filter is an observer for linear and non-linear systems and is based on the stochastic intromission, in others words, noise. It is a question of studying the state and measurement noise covariance matrices Q and R on the stability of the Extended Kalman Filter. This last is used for the d, q stator current, mechanical speed, rotor position, stator resistance and the load torque estimation. The simulation tests carried out on Matlab Simulink showed that the matrix R improves much more quality of the estimated states while the matrix Q allows the improvement of the estimation process convergence.
On the characterization of sandwich panels for solar flat plate collectors’ applications: theoretical and experimental investigation
Authors: Djemai Hocine  , Hecini Mabrouk  , Adnane Labed
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an experimental characterization on the mechanical behaviour offour different sandwich panels, for use in thermal insulation. These Panels are the results of thecombination of four composite materials; two materials as skins (Glass-Polyester and Plywood)and two as cores (Polystyrene and Cork agglomerate). From the comparison between themechanical behaviour of these four sandwich panels which was tested for three point-bendingtests; the sandwich with Glass-Polyester as skin and Cork agglomerate as core has the highestoverall stiffness compared to the other sandwich panels. Furthermore, thermal characteristics ofthese four panels (insulation materials) were numerically used in a comparative study of thermalperformances of solar flat plate collectors, FPCs. Thus, we have proceeded to the comparison ofthese FPCs efficiencies in order to determine the best performing model for agro-alimentary dryingapplications. From the comparison between these four FPCs, the highest efficiency was obtainedfrom the FPC insulation panel with plywood as skin and cork agglomerate as core.
A new 4-node quadrilateral element based on layerwise approach for free vibration analysis of laminate-faced sandwich plates
Authors: Mohamed-Ouejdi Belarbi  , Abdelouahab Tati  , Abdelhak Khechai  , Houdayfa Ounis
Published: August 2024

The new quadrilateral element based on the layerwise approach, developed earlier bythe present authors for the static analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates, isextended to study the free vibration behavior of multilayer sandwich plates. The model is based onthe third order shear deformation theory for the core and the first order shear deformation theoryfor the face sheets. Compatibility conditions are imposed at face sheets/core interfaces to satisfythe interlaminar displacement continuity. Unlike the majority of the layerwise models, the numberof DOFs is independent of the number of layers. In order to study the free vibration, a consistentmass matrix is adopted in the present formulation. The obtained numerical results by the presentmodel are in excellent agreement with those obtained via analytical solution and numerical resultsfound in the literature.
Numerical study of the horizontal shading devices effect on the thermal performance of promotional apartments: Case of El-Alia-Biskra
Authors: Djihed Berkouk  , Said Mazouz
Published: August 2024

The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of horizontal shading devices on thethermal performance of promotional apartments in the city of Biskra. In this regard, various sizesof horizontal shading devices which allow making an adequate choice were proposed to guaranteethe best thermal comfort level for this apartment type. The simulations were performed by usingthe TRNSYS© software to estimate objectively the indoor thermal comfort of studied apartments.The comparative analysis between the simulation results of the existing apartments and theshading scenarios shows that the promotional apartments appear to be unsuited to the desertclimate and the analysis shows the effectiveness of the horizontal shading devices on the thermalperformance of the space by reducing the indoor air temperature during the summer period.
Pushover analysis of the reinforced concrete frames with soft first storey using a fiber hinge model
Authors: Issam Abdesslam  , Mekki Mellas
Published: August 2024

In seismic zones, the problem with the soft storey is amongst the factors that causes the formation of the rupture mechanism in reinforced concrete structures due to variation in the lateral stiffness between levels. Most seismic codes have addressed this phenomenon in realizing the admissible lateral stiffness ratio between levels, without specifying the method to be used in determining this stiffness. The current study is aiming at determining the secant stiffness of each level by using the level capacity curve obtained by nonlinear static pushover analysis, based on a fiber hinge model. The results obtained made it possible to plot a curve that represents the variation of the elastic or secant stiffness ratio between the first level and the second level of a construction as a function of a displacement at the top of the structure. This curve examines the possibility of occurrence of a first soft storey for different points of performance.
Evaluation of the luminous and thermal comfort in a 'transparent' office space with single and double-glazing under a sunny clear sky
Authors: Toufik Mezerdi  , Azeddine Belakehal  , Amar Bennadji
Published: August 2024

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the light and thermal comfort in a 'transparent' office. This last term designates a working space whose outer wall is entirely glazed by a simple transparent glazing in a first case, and a transparent double glazing in a second case, in the context of arid environments with a hot and dry climate and therefore under the sky Bright sunny. Various solar protections are used for the case of simple glazing and the best performing among them is maintained for office simulations with double-glazing. The study was carried out using an experimental approach. Thus, computer simulations using ECOTECT and RADIANCE softwares were carried out for transparent desk models in order to evaluate: i) illuminance on the worktop ii) luminance in the field Visual, (iii) indoor air temperatures, (iv) and annual energy consumption. It was carried out for south-facing offices at a location with a latitude of 34.48° North and a longitude of 5.73° East. The evaluation of the results obtained is based on recommended reference values ​​for the various simulated indicators. Based on the results obtained from natural light and thermal performance in a single-glazed transparent office, the cases tested were classified according to their degrees of performance in order to choose the optimal orientation for the case of south orientation. In this respect, one notes essentially the performance of the office whose facade is a curtain wall double transparent windows oriented South equipped with a system 'Light shelf'.
Three variants Particle Swarm Optimization technique for optimal cameras network two dimensions placement
Authors: Salim Abdesselam  , Zine-Eddine Baarir
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the problem of optimal placement in two-dimensions of thecameras network for the motion capture (MoCap) system. In fact, the MoCap system is a three-dimensional representation environment used mainly to reconstruct a real motion by using anumber of fixed cameras (in position and pose). The main objective is to find the optimalplacement of all cameras in a minimal time under a major constraint in order to capture eachreflector that must be seen by at least three cameras in the same frame in a sequence of a randommotion. The two-dimensional representation is only used to solve the problem of reflectorrecovery. The choice of two-dimensional representation is to reduce the resolution of a three-dimensional recovery problem to a simple two-dimensional recovery, especially if all the camerashave the same height. With this strategy, the placement of cameras network is not treated as animage processing problem. The use of three variants optimization techniques by Particle SwarmOptimization (Standard Particle Swarm Optimization, Weight Particle Swarm Optimization andCanonical Particle Swarm Optimization), allowed us to solve the problem of cameras networkplacement in a minimal amount of time. The overall recovery objective has been achieved despitethe complexity imposed in the third scenario by the Canonical Particle Swarm Optimization variant.
Peranan Mata Kuliah Manajemen Pelayanan Musik Bagi Mahasiswa Program Studi Musik Gerejawi di IAKN Toraja
Authors: Manik Stefanus Puang
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi proses pembelajaran mata kuliah manajemen pelayanan musik yang memiliki peranan sangat penting, membantu mahasiswa dalam melakukan pelayanan musik, yang dilakukan di gereja. Tujuan penelitian untuk menganalisis dan menggambarkan peranan pembelajaran mata kuliah manajemen pelayanan musik bagi mahasiswa Prodi Musik Gerejawi Di IAKN Toraja. Metode yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif, dan teknik wawancara untuk mendeskripsikan mata kuliah manajemen pelayanan musik. Hasil penelitian menjelaskan bahwa pembelajaran mata kuliah manajemen pelayanan musik pada Program Studi Musik Gerejawi, diharapkan mampu membantu mahasiswa dalam melakukan praktik atau pelayanan langsung ke gereja masing-masing. Hasil dari mata kuliah ini tentunya mengharapkan bimbingan secara langsung yang dilakukan oleh dosen, sehingga mahasiswa dapat melakukan pelayanan dengan maksimal, mampu mempratikkan tentang cara mengatur, mengorganisir dan mengevaluasi pemain musik, song leader, dan liturgis. Kesimpulan menjelaskan bahwa dari mata kuliah ini, Dosen selaku tenaga professional dibidangnya dituntut untuk lebih kreatif dalam mengampu mata kuliah untuk membimbing mahasiswa dalam mempraktikkan manajemen pelayanan musik di jemaat.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS CORRELATION TO PARAFUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND ORAL TORI AND BONY EXOSTOSES
Authors: Ali Kashmoola Muhannad , Muhannad Ali Kashmoola Sayfaldeen , Shaabam Mustafa Nazih
Published: August 2024

Objective: To investigate existence of oral tori and bony exostoses and their correlation/effect to temporomandibular disorders and parafunctional habits. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional descriptive and analytical study was carried out among 100 patients who attended polyclinic KOD, IIUM. Demographic background, status of oral tori, parafunctional activities (PFA) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were assessed. A cross analysis was done between gender, age group, oral tori, bony exostoses, temporomandibular disorder and parafunctional activities.Results: In this study, half of the patients had oral tori and bony exostoses; it was significantly seen among the female patients within 21 and 50 year old age group. In a cross analysis between PFA and TMD and oral tori and bony exostoses status, 42% of the sample who did not have both PFA and TMD also did not have both tori and bony exostoses. 4% of the sample  had both PFA and TMD but absent of both oral tori and bony exostoses. Although, PFA and TMD were considered as two groups (absent or present), there was a significant association (p<0.05) between PFA and TMD and the existence of oral tori and bony exotoses, not significant (p>0.05) when PFA and TMD as in 4 groups (both absent, only PFA, only TMD and both present). Conclusion: The study showed there is still argument on association between PFA and TMD and the existence of oral tori and bony exostoses. It may be due to  both of them are not from the same aetiology and/or small sample size.  Further study should be conducted with proper study design with adequate sample size
Biochemical changes in overweight and obese patients after taking 5 mg of Tadalafil for two weeks
Authors: A.AL-Biati Haedar , Sami Ali Inas
Published: August 2024

Background: obesity enhances a chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and damages the vascular endothelium. Tadalafil restores signaling of NO signaling and may decrease circulating oxidative stress and   markers of inflammation, and improves  parameters of  metabolism   through a number of mechanisms. The aim of this study to show what the effects of   the administration of tadalafil (TAD) on inflammation, and oxidative stress markers in obese male patients.
Methods: 32 male  subjects  with BMI more than 23 and age range 30-50 years old  underwent with TAD 5mg for 14 days .Plasma level of MDA , GsH ,IL-6 and Hs-CRP before the taking of drugs  and after 14 days of  treatment .
Results: Treatment with TAD caused a non-significant reduction in MDA group (0.093±0.027 versus 0.082± 0.032, P- value is 0.196), a non-significant increase in plasma GsH (0.1074±0.007 versus 0.109±0.009 ,  p-value is 0.538), a non-significant  of reduction in plasma level of plasma  Hs-CRP and IL-6  (4.377± 0.702 versus 4.272± 0.693, p-value is 0.599) and (24.668± 6.001 versus 23.56± 2.587 ,p-value is 0.401)respectively .
Conclusion: We have concluded that TAD therapy has non –significant effect on anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity if used in short term but this effect may be significant if used for long term or use large dose
Strenghthening Numeracy Literacy and Critical Thinking Mathematics Students at SMK Ma’arif NU Martapura
Authors: Maulida Dina , Yanti Williza , Fitria Mia , Hidayat Farid , Muslim Azis , Ferita Rolina Amriyanti , Khalizah Ismi Ardiandari Nur , Dani Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Students' lack of ability to answer questions that do not match the examples is the background for carrying out community service activities in addition to students' lack of motivation in learning. Students' fixation on examples causes students to have difficulty when given questions that are slightly different. There are several causes of students' difficulties in answering questions based on the results of analysis with the teacher, namely students' critical thinking abilities and students' numeracy literacy. These two abilities are the basis for students to solve problems using the information provided from the questions and concepts they have studied. This community service activity is carried out with the aim of providing stimulus to students to strengthen students' critical thinking and numeracy literacy skills. The stimulus is provided in the form of simple and non-routine questions using Pisa questions and questions related to third-dimensional material in the form of essays. Apart from that, it is also interspersed with math games to motivate students to learn.This activity was carried out at SMK Ma'arif NU Martapura.The results of the service show that there are five indicators of critical thinking skills and three indicators of numeracy literacy that are met. Apart from that, students also begin to have the courage to speak and show a positive attitude in learning. This can be a recommendation for teachers to provide more stimulus for non-routine questions so that students' critical thinking skills and numeracy literacy are further honed.
Profil épidémiologique et l’impact du prurit sur la qualité de vie des patients hémodialyses
Authors: Bangoura S ,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka, Camara MLT , Kaba F , Diane BF , Traore A , Yansane AS , Traoré M , Tolno A , Diallo AY , Kaba ML , Bah AO ,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Dermatologie de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka,   Service de Néphrologie-Hémodialyse de Donka
Published: August 2024

But : était de déterminer la fréquence et l’impact du prurit sur la qualité de vie des hémodialysés. Méthodologie : Il s’agissait d’une étude prospective, transversale de type descriptif et analytique couvrant la période de trois (3) mois du 30/11/2020 au 30/02/2021 ; nous avons fait un recrutement exhaustif de tous les hémodialysés ; les patients présentant le prurit depuis le diagnostic de la maladie rénale ont été inclus ; Les données ont été saisies et analysées dans épi info version 7.0. Résultats : L’étude a porté sur 90 hémodialysés soit 69% dont 61,11% d’hommes avec un sex-ratio de 1,6 ; la tranche d’âge de 25 à 34 ans était la plus retrouvée soit 23,33%. Le prurit diffus et d’évolution de plus d’un mois étaient les plus fréquents avec 28,89% et 85,56%. La survenue nocturne représentait 65,56%, suivie de prurit permanent 27,78%. Les macules et les squames étaient les lésions élémentaires associées soient 88,89% et 28,89%. L’eczéma de contact et le prurigo étaient des dermatoses associées soient respectivement 3,33% et 1,11%. L’insomnie et la gêne au travail furent les principaux retentissements sur la qualité de vie des hémodialysés. Conclusion : Le prurit reste l’une des manifestations dermatologiques la plus fréquente chez les patients hémodialysés et parfois avec des conséquences sur leur qualité de vie ; une bonne collaboration entre la Néphrologie et la Dermatologie pourrait améliorer prise en charge. Mots-clés : Hémodialysés, Prurit, qualité de vie.
Spontaneous bilateral ectopic pregnancy. A case report from Regional Hospital of Niamey
Authors: Oumara M ,   Abdou Moumouni University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Reference Hospital, Niamey, Yahaya M , Issa Abdou A , Soumana Diaouga H , Garba M , Ide Z , Chaibou Yacouba M , Garba RM , Nayama M ,   Abdou Moumouni University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Center in Niamey, Niger,   Dan Dicko Dankoulodo University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maradi, Niger,   Abdou Moumouni University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isska Gazoby Maternity, Niger,   Abdou Moumouni University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Center in Niamey, Niger,   Abdou Moumouni University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Center in Niamey, Niger,   Abdou Moumouni University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isska Gazoby Maternity, Niger,   Abdou Moumouni University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isska Gazoby Maternity, Niger,   Abdou Moumouni University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isska Gazoby Maternity, Niger
Published: August 2024

Spontaneous bilateral ectopic pregnancy is an extremely rare event, occurring in 1/750 to 1/580 of all ectopic pregnancies, and in 1 case in 200,000 pregnancies. Nonetheless, this occurrence appears to be on the rise owing to Assisted Reproductive Technology. In this report, we present a singular case of spontaneous bilateral ectopic pregnancy in a 28-year-old patient under our care. The diagnosis was established during exploratory laparotomy, revealing an unruptured ectopic pregnancy on the left and a ruptured ampullary ectopic pregnancy on the right tub, resulting in hemoperitoneum. Bilateral salpingectomy was performed. The patient received one pack of red blood cells transfusion in postoperative period. The recovery period was simple. She left the hospital on post-operative day 3. We recommend a systematic exploration of the contralateral fallopian tube in order to eliminate the risk of a bilateral ectopic pregnancy, which could result in a fatal outcome. Keywords: Bilateral ectopic pregnancy, Salpingectomy, Regional Hospital Center, Niger.
Darier Ferrand's dermato fibrosarcoma of the breast: About a case and literature review
Authors: Ramdane BS ,   General Surgery Department, CH Hamad Ben Khalifa, BP 002, Boutilimit, Mauritania, M'balla ME , Hamine AB , Mogueya SA , Driss AM ,   Department of Urology, CH Amitié Nouakchott, BP 1204, Mauritania,   Department of General Surgery, National Institute of Hepato-Virology, Nouakchott, BP 5752, Mauritania,   Department of General Surgery, National Institute of Hepato-Virology, Nouakchott, BP 5752, Mauritania,   Department of General Surgery, CHN Nouakchott, BP 612, Mauritania
Published: August 2024

Darier Ferrand's dermato fibrosarcoma protruding is the most common tumor of cutaneous sarcomas, recognized by its high potential for aggressiveness and local recurrences after surgery of up to 40%. The location of the DFS on the breast has been described as extremely rare. Histologically consisting of bundles of spindle cells arranged in a storiform pattern, but due to the immunoreactivity of CD34 in DFSP, its presentation can be confused with other malignancies or even benign lesions. The objective of this observation is to describe the anamnestic, clinical, histological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of a DFS located on the infero-outer quadrant of the left breast in a 38-year-old patient compared to the data in the literature. Our patient had consulted for a skin mass located on the infero-external quadrant of the left breast, with irregular surface, with multiple protruding and exophytic nodular lesions evolving for several years, without ulcerations, pain and no axillary lymphadenopathy. We find in his history a notion of chest trauma. Wide and deep surgical excision with a margin of 5cm in healthy skin was done and histopathological examination of the operative specimen confirmed the diagnosis of DFS. Adjuvant radiotherapy 60Gray at a rate of 2Gray per fraction 5 days per week was administered. This reputedly rare location overlaps in several aspects (anamnestic, clinical, epidemiological, evolutionary and therapeutic) with data from the literature. Keywords: Dermatofibrosrcoma, Darier and Ferrand, Cutaneous sarcomas, Recurrence.
IMPACTO DA EXPOSIÇÃO CRÔNICA AO SOL NA INCIDÊNCIA DE MELANOMA EM ADULTOS: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Dos Santos Ramos Jamylle , Feitosa de Albuquerque Lima Ramos Larissa , Mendes Messias Gabriela , Almeida Santos Saulo , Daniel de Araujo Lopes Paulo , Beatriz Gomes da Silva Sousa Ana , Regina Grasel Gabriella , da Silva Vasconcellos Lohan , Vaz Lima Amanda , Inácio Morato Dias Matheus , De Albuquerque Pinto Laís , Chaves Senhorinho Amine , Silva Santos Dyago , Maia Tolentino Mayra , Caldeira de Souza Mariana
Published: August 2024

A exposição crônica ao sol é um dos principais fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de melanoma, um tipo agressivo de câncer de pele. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar e avaliar o impacto da exposição prolongada ao sol na incidência de melanoma em adultos. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura utilizando as bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). A análise revelou que a exposição solar crônica está significativamente associada a um aumento no risco de melanoma, com efeitos adversos exacerbados pela intensidade da exposição e a falta de proteção solar adequada. Conclui-se que a prevenção e o monitoramento contínuo da exposição solar são essenciais para reduzir o risco de melanoma e promover a saúde da pele.
Explosions et représentations : vignettes scientifiques et culturelles des éruptions du
Taal
Authors: Alvarez Kerby C.
Published: August 2024

Dans son ouvrage The Mysteries of Taal, Hargrove (1991) décrit le volcan
Taal à la fois comme une bénédiction et une malédiction. Ce mélange de caractères ainsi
qu’un relief géologique dangereux et important sur les plans culturel et économique révèlent
bien la place du Taal dans l’histoire et la culture des Philippines. Le présent article
décrit cette dynamique particulière au volcan Taal. À travers l’étude d’analyses
scientifiques et d’anecdotes culturelles et historiques, je tente de décrire et d’analyser
les représentations du Taal au fil du temps : en tant que paysage physique, objet d’études
scientifiques, et en tant que paysage imaginé, objet de productions culturelles. Cette
approche permet de saisir comment les volcans, l’un des types de relief naturel les plus
potentiellement destructeurs, tendent à être perçus non seulement comme des sources de
danger, mais également comme des catalyseurs de la survie économique et de la production
intellectuelle.
Les expériences de mort imminente : une hiérophanie des temps modernes
Authors: Berghmans Claude
Published: August 2024

Les expériences de mort imminente (EMI) sont maintenant étudiées en clinique en tant qu’expériences exceptionnelles. Elles font l’objet de recherches pluridisciplinaires depuis de nombreuses années, ce qui permet d’appréhender le rapport à la mort sous des angles nouveaux et d’observer les processus de changement à la suite de telles expériences. Dans cet article, nous regroupons selon quatre dimensions les explications fournies par les chercheurs au sujet des EMI, pour ensuite nous intéresser au lien entre EMI et spiritualité. Nous présentons l’EMI comme une forme de manifestation du sacré, une hiérophanie au sens proposé par Mircea Eliade.
Actin networks modulate heterogeneous NF-κB dynamics in response to TNFα
Authors: Butera Francesca , Sero Julia E , Dent Lucas G , Bakal Chris
Published: August 2024

The canonical NF-κB transcription factor RELA is a master regulator of immune and stress responses and is upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocardinoma (PDAC) tumours. In this study, we characterised previously unexplored endogenous RELA-GFP dynamics in PDAC cell lines through live single-cell imaging. Our observations revealed that TNFα stimulation induces rapid, sustained, and non-oscillatory nuclear translocation of RELA. Through Bayesian analysis of single-cell datasets with variation in nuclear RELA, we predicted that RELA heterogeneity in PDAC cell lines is dependent on F-actin dynamics. RNA-seq analysis identified distinct clusters of RELA-regulated gene expression in PDAC cells, including TNFα-induced RELA upregulation of the actin regulators NUAK2 and ARHGAP31. Further, siRNA-mediated depletion of ARHGAP31 and NUAK2 altered TNFα-stimulated nuclear RELA dynamics in PDAC cells, establishing a novel negative feedback loop that regulates RELA activation by TNFα. Additionally, we characterised the NF-κB pathway in PDAC cells, identifying how NF-κB/IκB proteins genetically and physically interact with RELA in the absence or presence of TNFα. Taken together, we provide computational and experimental support for interdependence between the F-actin network and the NF-κB pathway with RELA translocation dynamics in PDAC.
Enkephalin-mediated modulation of basal somatic sensitivity by regulatory T cells in mice
Authors: Aubert Nicolas , Purcarea Madeleine , Novarino Julien , Schopp Julien , Audibert Alexis , Li Wangtianrui , Fornier Marie , Cagnet Léonie , Naturel Marie , Casrouge Armanda , Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline , Blanchard Nicolas , Dietrich Gilles , Peirs Cedric , Marodon Gilles
Published: August 2024

CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) have been implicated in pain modulation in various inflammatory conditions. However, whether Treg cells hamper pain at steady state and by which mechanism is still unclear. From a meta-analysis of the transcriptomes of murine Treg and conventional T cells (Tconv), we observe that the proenkephalin gene (Penk), encoding the precursor of analgesic opioid peptides, ranks among the top 25 genes most enriched in Treg cells. We then present various evidence suggesting that Penk is regulated in part by members of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor (TNFR) family and the transcription factor Basic leucine zipper transcription faatf-like (BATF). Using mice in which the promoter activity of Penk can be tracked with a fluorescent reporter, we also show that Penk expression is mostly detected in Treg and activated Tconv in non-inflammatory conditions in the colon and skin. Functionally, Treg cells proficient or deficient for Penk suppress equally well the proliferation of effector T cells in vitro and autoimmune colitis in vivo. In contrast, inducible ablation of Penk in Treg leads to heat hyperalgesia in both male and female mice. Overall, our results indicate that Treg might play a key role at modulating basal somatic sensitivity in mice through the production of analgesic opioid peptides.
Predictive learning rules generate a cortical-like replay of probabilistic sensory experiences
Authors: Asabuki Toshitake , Fukai Tomoki
Published: August 2024

The brain is thought to construct an optimal internal model representing the probabilistic structure of the environment accurately. Evidence suggests that spontaneous brain activity gives such a model by cycling through activity patterns evoked by previous sensory experiences with the experienced probabilities. The brain’s spontaneous activity emerges from internally-driven neural population dynamics. However, how cortical neural networks encode internal models into spontaneous activity is poorly understood. Recent computational and experimental studies suggest that a cortical neuron can implement complex computations, including predictive responses, through soma-dendrite interactions. Here, we show that a recurrent network of spiking neurons subject to the same predictive learning principle provides a novel mechanism to learn the spontaneous replay of probabilistic sensory experiences. In this network, the learning rules minimize probability mismatches between stimulus-evoked and internally driven activities in all excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This learning paradigm generates stimulus-specific cell assemblies that internally remember their activation probabilities using within-assembly recurrent connections. The plasticity of cells’ intrinsic excitabilities normalizes neurons’ dynamic ranges to further improve the accuracy of probability coding. Our model contrasts previous models that encode the statistical structure of sensory experiences into Markovian transition patterns among cell assemblies. We demonstrate that the spontaneous activity of our model well replicates the behavioral biases of monkeys performing perceptual decision making. Our results suggest that interactions between intracellular processes and recurrent network dynamics are more crucial for learning cognitive behaviors than previously thought.
Atlas of Fshr Expression from Novel Reporter Mice
Authors: Chen Hong-Qian , Fang Hui-Qing , Liu Jin-Tao , Chang Shi-Yu , Chai Wen-huan , Cheng Li-Ben , Sun Ming-Xin , Yang Zhi-wei , Feng Jian-Rui , Liu Ze-Min , Li Xiao-Li , Zhang Yong-Hong , Rosen Clifford , Liu Peng
Published: August 2024

The FSH-FSHR signaling pathway has traditionally been considered an essential regulator in reproductive development and fertility. But there has been emerging evidence of FSHR expression in extragonadal tissues/organs. This poses new questions and long-term debates regarding the physiological role of the FSH-FSHR pathway, and underscores the need for reliable, in vivo analysis of FSHR expression in animal models. However, conventional methods have proven insufficient for examining FSHR expression due to limitations, such as the scarcity of ‘reliable’ antibodies, rapid turnover/degradation of transcripts, and a lack of robust in vivo tools. To address this challenge, we developed Fshr-ZsGreen ‘knockin’ reporter mice under the control of Fshr endogenous promoter using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology to append a P2A-ZsGreen targeting vector into a locus between the last exon and the stop codon of Fshr. With this novel genetic tool, we provide a reliable readout of Fshr expression at single-cell resolution level in vivo and in real time. Reporter animals were also subjected to additional analyses, including immunohistochemical staining, ddRT-PCR, and
in situ
hybridization, to define the accurate expression profile of FSHR in gonadal and extragonadal organs/tissues. Our compelling results not only demonstrated Fshr expression in intragonadal tissues but also, strikingly, unveiled notably increased expression in Leydig cells, osteoblast lineage cells, endothelial cells in vascular structures, and epithelial cells in bronchi of the lung and renal tubes. The genetic decoding of the widespread pattern of Fshr expression highlights its physiological relevance beyond reproduction and fertility, and opens new avenues for therapeutic options for age-related disorders of the bones, lungs, kidneys, and hearts, among other tissues/organs. Exploiting the power of the Fshr knockin reporter animals, this report provides the first comprehensive genetic record of the spatial distribution of FSHR expression, correcting a long-term misconception about Fshr expression and offering prospects for extensive exploration of FSH-FSHR biology.
Chromosome structure in Drosophila is determined by boundary pairing not loop extrusion
Authors: Bing Xinyang , Ke Wenfan , Fujioka Miki , Kurbidaeva Amina , Levitt Sarah , Levine Mike , Schedl Paul , Jaynes James B
Published: August 2024

Two different models have been proposed to explain how the endpoints of chromatin looped domains (‘TADs’) in eukaryotic chromosomes are determined. In the first, a cohesin complex extrudes a loop until it encounters a boundary element roadblock, generating a stem-loop. In this model, boundaries are functionally autonomous: they have an intrinsic ability to halt the movement of incoming cohesin complexes that is independent of the properties of neighboring boundaries. In the second, loops are generated by boundary:boundary pairing. In this model, boundaries are functionally non-autonomous, and their ability to form a loop depends upon how well they match with their neighbors. Moreover, unlike the loop-extrusion model, pairing interactions can generate both stem-loops and circle-loops. We have used a combination of MicroC to analyze how TADs are organized, and experimental manipulations of the even skipped TAD boundary, homie, to test the predictions of the ‘loop-extrusion’ and the ‘boundary-pairing’ models. Our findings are incompatible with the loop-extrusion model, and instead suggest that the endpoints of TADs in flies are determined by a mechanism in which boundary elements physically pair with their partners, either head-to-head or head-to-tail, with varying degrees of specificity. Although our experiments do not address how partners find each other, the mechanism is unlikely to require loop extrusion.
Stem-loop and circle-loop TADs generated by directional pairing of boundary elements have distinct physical and regulatory properties
Authors: Ke Wenfan , Fujioka Miki , Schedl Paul , Jaynes James B
Published: August 2024

The chromosomes in multicellular eukaryotes are organized into a series of topologically independent loops called TADs. In flies, TADs are formed by physical interactions between neighboring boundaries. Fly boundaries exhibit distinct partner preferences, and pairing interactions between boundaries are typically orientation-dependent. Pairing can be head-to-tail or head-to-head. The former generates a stem-loop TAD, while the latter gives a circle-loop TAD. The TAD that encompasses the Drosophila even skipped (eve) gene is formed by the head-to-tail pairing of the nhomie and homie boundaries. To explore the relationship between loop topology and the physical and regulatory landscape, we flanked the nhomie boundary region with two attP sites. The attP sites were then used to generate four boundary replacements: λ DNA, nhomie forward (WT orientation), nhomie reverse (opposite of WT orientation), and homie forward (same orientation as WT homie). The nhomie forward replacement restores the WT physical and regulatory landscape: in MicroC experiments, the eve TAD is a ‘volcano’ triangle topped by a plume, and the eve gene and its regulatory elements are sequestered from interactions with neighbors. The λ DNA replacement lacks boundary function: the endpoint of the ‘new’ eve TAD on the nhomie side is ill-defined, and eve stripe enhancers activate a nearby gene, eIF3j. While nhomie reverse and homie forward restore the eve TAD, the topology is a circle-loop, and this changes the local physical and regulatory landscape. In MicroC experiments, the eve TAD interacts with its neighbors, and the plume at the top of the eve triangle peak is converted to a pair of ‘clouds’ of contacts with the next-door TADs. Consistent with the loss of isolation afforded by the stem-loop topology, the eve enhancers weakly activate genes in the neighboring TADs. Conversely, eve function is partially disrupted.
Insights into early animal evolution from the genome of the xenacoelomorph worm Xenoturbella bocki
Authors: Schiffer Philipp H , Natsidis Paschalis , Leite Daniel J , Robertson Helen E , Lapraz François , Marlétaz Ferdinand , Fromm Bastian , Baudry Liam , Simpson Fraser , Høye Eirik , Zakrzewski Anne C , Kapli Paschalia , Hoff Katharina J , Müller Steven , Marbouty Martial , Marlow Heather , Copley Richard R , Koszul Romain , Sarkies Peter , Telford Maximilian J
Published: August 2024

The evolutionary origins of Bilateria remain enigmatic. One of the more enduring proposals highlights similarities between a cnidarian-like planula larva and simple acoel-like flatworms. This idea is based in part on the view of the Xenacoelomorpha as an outgroup to all other bilaterians which are themselves designated the Nephrozoa (protostomes and deuterostomes). Genome data can provide important comparative data and help understand the evolution and biology of enigmatic species better. Here, we assemble and analyze the genome of the simple, marine xenacoelomorph Xenoturbella bocki, a key species for our understanding of early bilaterian evolution. Our highly contiguous genome assembly of X. bocki has a size of ~111 Mbp in 18 chromosome-like scaffolds, with repeat content and intron, exon, and intergenic space comparable to other bilaterian invertebrates. We find X. bocki to have a similar number of genes to other bilaterians and to have retained ancestral metazoan synteny. Key bilaterian signaling pathways are also largely complete and most bilaterian miRNAs are present. Overall, we conclude that X. bocki has a complex genome typical of bilaterians, which does not reflect the apparent simplicity of its body plan that has been so important to proposals that the Xenacoelomorpha are the simple sister group of the rest of the Bilateria.
Derivation and internal validation of prediction models for pulmonary hypertension risk assessment in a cohort inhabiting Tibet, China
Authors: Tang Junhui , Yang Rui , Li Hui , Wei Xiaodong , Yang Zhen , Cai Wenbin , Jiang Yao , Zhuo Ga , Meng Li , Xu Yali
Published: August 2024

Individuals residing in plateau regions are susceptible to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and there is an urgent need for a prediction nomogram to assess the risk of PH in this population. A total of 6603 subjects were randomly divided into a derivation set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. Optimal predictive features were identified through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression technique, and nomograms were constructed using multivariate logistic regression. The performance of these nomograms was evaluated and validated using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis. Comparisons between nomograms were conducted using the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indices. NomogramI was established based on independent risk factors, including gender, Tibetan ethnicity, age, incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB), atrial fibrillation (AF), sinus tachycardia (ST), and T wave changes (TC). The AUCs for NomogramI were 0.716 in the derivation set and 0.718 in the validation set. NomogramII was established based on independent risk factors, including Tibetan ethnicity, age, right axis deviation, high voltage in the right ventricle, IRBBB, AF, pulmonary P waves, ST, and TC. The AUCs for NomogramII were 0.844 in the derivation set and 0.801 in the validation set. Both nomograms demonstrated satisfactory clinical consistency. The IDI and NRI indices confirmed that NomogramII outperformed NomogramI. Therefore, the online dynamic NomogramII was established to predict the risks of PH in the plateau population.
Derivation and Internal Validation of Prediction Models for Pulmonary Hypertension Risk Assessment in a Cohort Inhabiting Tibet, China
Authors: Tang Junhui , Yang Rui , Li Hui , Wei Xiaodong , Yang Zhen , Cai Wenbin , Jiang Yao , Zhuo Ga , Meng Li , Xu Yali
Published: August 2024

Due to exposure to hypoxic environments, individuals residing in plateau regions are susceptible to pulmonary hypertension (PH). Consequently, there is an urgent need for a simple and efficient nomogram to assess the risk of PH in this population.This study included a total of 6,603 subjects, who were randomly divided into a validation set and a derivation set at a ratio of 7:3. Optimal predictive features were identified through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression technique, and nomograms were constructed using multivariate logistic regression. The performance of these nomograms was evaluated and validated using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis. Comparisons between nomograms were conducted using the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indices.Nomogram
I
was established based on independent risk factors, including gender, Tibetan ethnicity, age, incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB), atrial fibrillation (AF), sinus tachycardia (ST), and T wave changes (TC). The AUCs for Nomogram
I
were 0.716 in the derivation set and 0.718 in the validation set. Nomogram
II
was established based on independent risk factors, including Tibetan ethnicity, age, right axis deviation (RAD), high voltage in the right ventricle (HVRV), IRBBB, AF, pulmonary P waves, ST, and TC. The AUCs for Nomogram
II
were 0.844 in the derivation set and 0.801 in the validation set. Both nomograms demonstrated satisfactory clinical consistency. The IDI and NRI indices confirmed that Nomogram
II
outperformed Nomogram
I
. Therefore, the online dynamic Nomogram
II
was established.A reliable and straightforward nomogram was developed to predict the risks of PH in the plateau population.
A Ctnnb1 enhancer transcriptionally regulates Wnt signaling dosage to balance homeostasis and tumorigenesis of intestinal epithelia
Authors: Hua Xiaojiao , Zhao Chen , Tian Jianbo , Wang Junbao , Miao Xiaoping , Zheng Gen , Wu Min , Ye Mei , Liu Ying , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2024

The β-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt signaling is pivotal in organ development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer. Here, we identified an upstream enhancer of Ctnnb1 – the coding gene for β-catenin, named ieCtnnb1 (intestinal enhancer of Ctnnb1), which is crucial for intestinal homeostasis. ieCtnnb1 is predominantly active in the base of small intestinal crypts and throughout the epithelia of large intestine. Knockout of ieCtnnb1 led to a reduction in Ctnnb1 transcription, compromising the canonical Wnt signaling in intestinal crypts. Single-cell sequencing revealed that ieCtnnb1 knockout altered epithelial compositions and potentially compromised functions of small intestinal crypts. While deletion of ieCtnnb1 hampered epithelial turnovers in physiologic conditions, it prevented occurrence and progression of Wnt/β-catenin-driven colorectal cancers. Human ieCTNNB1 drove reporter gene expression in a pattern highly similar to mouse ieCtnnb1. ieCTNNB1 contains a single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with CTNNB1 expression levels in human gastrointestinal epithelia. The enhancer activity of ieCTNNB1 in colorectal cancer tissues was stronger than that in adjacent normal tissues. HNF4α and phosphorylated CREB1 were identified as key trans-factors binding to ieCTNNB1 and regulating CTNNB1 transcription. Together, these findings unveil an enhancer-dependent mechanism controlling the dosage of Wnt signaling and homeostasis in intestinal epithelia.
Detecting image manipulation with ELA-CNN integration: a powerful framework for authenticity verification
Authors: Nagm Ahmad M. , Moussa Mona M. , Shoitan Rasha , Ali Ahmed , Mashhour Mohamed , Salama Ahmed S. , AbdulWakel Hamada I.
Published: August 2024

The exponential progress of image editing software has contributed to a rapid rise in the production of fake images. Consequently, various techniques and approaches have been developed to detect manipulated images. These methods aim to discern between genuine and altered images, effectively combating the proliferation of deceptive visual content. However, additional advancements are necessary to enhance their accuracy and precision. Therefore, this research proposes an image forgery algorithm that integrates error level analysis (ELA) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect the manipulation. The system primarily focuses on detecting copy-move and splicing forgeries in images. The input image is fed to the ELA algorithm to identify regions within the image that have different compression levels. Afterward, the created ELA images are used as input to train the proposed CNN model. The CNN model is constructed from two consecutive convolution layers, followed by one max pooling layer and two dense layers. Two dropout layers are inserted between the layers to improve model generalization. The experiments are applied to the CASIA 2 dataset, and the simulation results show that the proposed algorithm demonstrates remarkable performance metrics, including a training accuracy of 99.05%, testing accuracy of 94.14%, precision of 94.1%, and recall of 94.07%. Notably, it outperforms state-of-the-art techniques in both accuracy and precision.
Natural language processing with transformers: a review
Authors: Tucudean Georgiana , Bucos Marian , Dragulescu Bogdan , Caleanu Catalin Daniel
Published: August 2024

Natural language processing (NLP) tasks can be addressed with several deep learning architectures, and many different approaches have proven to be efficient. This study aims to briefly summarize the use cases for NLP tasks along with the main architectures. This research presents transformer-based solutions for NLP tasks such as Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT), and Generative Pre-Training (GPT) architectures. To achieve that, we conducted a step-by-step process in the review strategy: identify the recent studies that include Transformers, apply filters to extract the most consistent studies, identify and define inclusion and exclusion criteria, assess the strategy proposed in each study, and finally discuss the methods and architectures presented in the resulting articles. These steps facilitated the systematic summarization and comparative analysis of NLP applications based on Transformer architectures. The primary focus is the current state of the NLP domain, particularly regarding its applications, language models, and data set types. The results provide insights into the challenges encountered in this research domain.