bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation profiles in the blood of newborn term infants born to mothers with obesity
Authors: Sasaki Aya , Murphy Kellie E. , Briollais Laurent , McGowan Patrick O. , Matthews Stephen G.
Published: May 2022

Maternal obesity is an important risk factor for childhood obesity and influences the prevalence of metabolic diseases in offspring. As childhood obesity is influenced by postnatal factors, it is critical to determine whether children born to women with obesity during pregnancy show alterations that are detectable at birth. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation modifications have been proposed to mediate prenatal programming. We investigated DNA methylation signatures in male and female infants from mothers with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) compared to mothers with obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2). BMI was measured during the first prenatal visit from women recruited into the Ontario Birth Study (OBS) at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, ON, Canada. DNA was extracted from neonatal dried blood spots collected from heel pricks obtained 24 hours after birth at term (total n = 40) from women with a normal BMI and women with obesity matched for parity, age, and neonatal sex. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to identify genomic loci associated with differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in CpG-dense regions most likely to influence gene regulation. DMRs were predominantly localized to intergenic regions and gene bodies, with only 9% of DMRs localized to promoter regions. Genes associated with DMRs were compared to those from a large publicly available cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC; total n = 859). Hypergeometric tests revealed a significant overlap in genes associated with DMRs in the OBS and ALSPAC cohorts. PTPRN2, a gene involved in insulin secretion, and MAD1L1, which plays a role in the cell cycle and tumor suppression, contained DMRs in males and females in both cohorts. In males, KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant overrepresentation of genes involved in endocytosis and pathways in cancer, including IGF1R, which was previously shown to respond to diet-induced metabolic stress in animal models and in lymphocytes in the context of childhood obesity. These preliminary findings are consistent with Developmental Origins of Health and Disease paradigm, which posits that adverse prenatal exposures set developmental health trajectories.
Vibrio cholerae requires oxidative respiration through the bd-I and cbb3 oxidases for intestinal proliferation
Authors: Van Alst Andrew J. , Demey Lucas M. , DiRita Victor J.
Published: May 2022

Vibrio cholerae respires both aerobically and anaerobically and, while oxygen may be available to it during infection, other terminal electron acceptors are proposed for population expansion during infection. Unlike gastrointestinal pathogens that stimulate significant inflammation leading to elevated levels of oxygen or alternative terminal electron acceptors, V. cholerae infections are not understood to induce a notable inflammatory response. To ascertain the respiration requirements of V. cholerae during infection, we used Multiplex Genome Editing by Natural Transformation (MuGENT) to create V. cholerae strains lacking aerobic or anaerobic respiration. V. cholerae strains lacking aerobic respiration were attenuated in infant mice 105-fold relative to wild type, while strains lacking anaerobic respiration had no colonization defect, contrary to earlier work suggesting a role for anaerobic respiration during infection. Using several approaches, including one we developed for this work termed Comparative Multiplex PCR Amplicon Sequencing (CoMPAS), we determined that the bd-I and cbb3 oxidases are essential for small intestinal colonization of V. cholerae in the infant mouse. The bd-I oxidase was also determined as the primary oxidase during growth outside the host, making V. cholerae the only example of a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen in which a bd-type oxidase is the primary oxidase for energy acquisition inside and outside of a host.
Beneath the surface: Amino acid variation underlying two decades of dengue virus antigenic dynamics in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Huang Angkana T. , Salje Henrik , Escoto Ana Coello , Chowdhury Nayeem , Chávez Christian , Garcia-Carreras Bernardo , Rutvisuttinunt Wiriya , Maljkovic Berry Irina , Gromowski Gregory D. , Wang Lin , Klungthong Chonticha , Thaisomboonsuk Butsaya , Nisalak Ananda , Trimmer-Smith Luke M. , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Ellison Damon W. , Jones Anthony R. , Fernandez Stefan , Thomas Stephen J. , Smith Derek J. , Jarman Richard , Whitehead Stephen S. , Cummings Derek A. T. , Katzelnick Leah C.
Published: May 2022

Neutralizing antibodies are important correlates of protection against dengue. Yet, determinants of variation in neutralization across strains within the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV1-4) is imperfectly understood. Studies focus on structural DENV proteins, especially the envelope (E), the primary target of anti-DENV antibodies. Although changes in immune recognition (antigenicity) are often attributed to variation in epitope residues, viral processes influencing conformation and epitope accessibility also affect neutralizability, suggesting possible modulating roles of nonstructural proteins. We estimated effects of residue changes in all 10 DENV proteins on antigenic distances between 348 DENV collected from individuals living in Bangkok, Thailand (1994-2014). Antigenic distances were derived from response of each virus to a panel of twenty non-human primate antisera. Across 100 estimations, excluding 10% of virus pairs each time, 77 of 295 positions with residue variability in E consistently conferred antigenic effects; 52 were within ±3 sites of known binding sites of neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies, exceeding expectations from random assignments of effects to sites (p = 0.037). Effects were also identified for 16 sites on the stem/anchor of E which were only recently shown to become exposed under physiological conditions. For all proteins, except nonstructural protein 2A (NS2A), root-mean-squared-error (RMSE) in predicting distances between pairs held out in each estimation did not outperform sequences of equal length derived from all proteins or E, suggesting that antigenic signals present were likely through linkage with E. Adjusted for E, we identified 62/219 sites embedding the excess signals in NS2A. Concatenating these sites to E additionally explained 3.4% to 4.0% of observed variance in antigenic distances compared to E alone (50.5% to 50.8%); RMSE outperformed concatenating E with sites from any protein of the virus (ΔRMSE, 95%IQR: 0.01, 0.05). Our results support examining antigenic determinants beyond the DENV surface.
Blast furnace slag properties at different grinding times and its effect on foam concrete properties
Authors: Vu Kim Dien , Ildarovna Bazhenova Sofya , Nguyen Trong Chuc , Tang Van Lam , Do Minh Chien , Le Van Loi , Nguyen Van Duong , Nguyen Cong Ly , Hoang Minh Thuan
Published: May 2022

The paper presents the blast furnace slag properties at different grinding times by the dry grinding method. The process of fine grinding blast furnace slag is prepared at different times (10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes). The results indicated that the main component in BFS is the amorphous structure defined in about 25÷35 degrees (with the appearance of Akermanite at 31.1, Calcite at 29.2 and Aragonite at 26.4). The results also showed that the compressive strength and activity index of blast furnace slag increased significantly after extending the grinding time from 0-40 minutes (corresponding to compressive strength from 51.2 ÷ 7 2.1 MPa at 28 days of age and activity index of blast furnace slag from 91.92% -129.44%). The fine grinding process shows that the particle size of blast furnace slag is significantly reduced.

In addition, the paper also presents the effect of finely ground blast furnace slag in 40 minutes on foam concrete properties. Research results show that the use of finely crushed blast furnace slag by the mechanical grinding method to replace sand in foam concrete not only improves the mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, the elastic modulus of foam concrete but also protect the environment, reduce product costs.
A NEW METHOD TO CONTROL THE REGIONAL STRATA MOVEMENT OF SUPER-THICK WEAK CEMENTATION OVERBURDEN IN DEEP MINING
Authors: Zhang Guojian , Guo Guangli , Wei Wei , Zhang Sifeng , Yao Guobiao
Published: May 2022

In the western of china, the deep mining area with super-thick and weak cementation overburden is vast, sparsely populated and the ecological environment is extremely fragile. With the large-scale exploitation of deep coal resources, it is inevitable to face green mining problem, whose essence is the surface subsidence control. Therefore, it is necessary to study the control technology for the regional mining based on the evolution law of subsidence movement and energy-polling of super-thick and weak cementation overburden, and put forward the economically design scheme that can control strata movement and surface subsidence in a certain degree. Based on the key strata control theory, this paper puts forward the subsidence control scheme of partial filling -partial caving in multi-working face coordinated mining, and further studies its control mechanism through the numerical simulation and then analyzes the control effect of the strata movement and energy-polling in the fully caving mining, backfill mining, wide strip skip-mining and mixed filling mining method etc., the following conclusions are detailed as follows: (1) The maximum value of energy-polling occurs on the coal pillars or on both sides of goaf. With the width of goaf, the maximum value of energy-polling increases in a parabola. (2) In the partial filling-partial caving multiple working faces coordinated mining based on the main key stratum, the stress distribution of the composite backfill in the filling working face is parabolic, and it is high on both sides and low in the middle. Moreover, in the composite backfill, the stress concentration degree of a outside coal pillar is greater than that of the inside coal pillar. (3)The control mechanism of partial filling-partial caving harmonious mining based on main key layer structure is the double-control cooperative deformation system, formed by the composite backfill and the main and sub-key layers structure. They jointly control the movement and energy accumulation of overlying strata by greatly reducing the effective space to transmit upward, and absorb the wave subsidence trend of the overburden until it develops into a single flat subsidence basin. (4) Considering the recovery rate, pillar rate, area filling rate, technical difficulty and subsidence coefficient etc., the partial filling-partial caving multiple working faces coordinated mining based on the main key stratum is the most cost-effective mining method to control surface subsidence. This paper takes a guiding role in controlling the regional strata movement and surface subsidence of deep mining with super-thick and weak cementation overburden.
Social pedagogy in transnational translations: the settlement house approach in the transatlantic discourse on national social reforms
Authors: Köngeter Stefan
Published: May 2022

A new interest in social pedagogy has arisen internationally since the beginning of the twenty-first century. This new development is accompanied with considerations on how to translate abstract notions such as social pedagogy to fit new social contexts. The umbrella term ‘social professions’ helps to gain an international and transnational outlook, as it does not solely focus on a single profession that has become dominant in the social sector of a single nation state. This article aims to show that there are important interconnections in the histories of social professions in the various nation states which have influenced both social work and social pedagogy. Instead of focusing on the distinctions between the various social professions, this approach aims to reveal the boundary objects which have facilitated the links between the different developments without causing the social professions to become homogeneous. During the progressive era in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, there was a transatlantic discourse that influenced those professions’ further development. It is argued specifically that the settlement house movement and its understanding of and work with the community affected the development of social pedagogy, as these ideas and practices were adapted to comply with the changing face of social pedagogy in the second decade of the twentieth century.
The challenges of assessing the impact of a comedy programme aimed at improving the mental well-being of young people
Authors: Caslin Marie , Davies Charlene
Published: May 2022

Assessing the impact of community-based programmes presents many challenges. One difficulty encountered is how to develop appropriate research methods to capture the impact of the work while also meeting the demands of external funders. For almost two decades, the charity organisation The Comedy Trust (TCT) have attempted to navigate these challenges. In 2018, TCT had the opportunity to work with a university-based researcher to develop their approaches to research. We aimed to explore what happens when you move away from quantifiable predetermined methods to take a more participatory approach to work alongside the participants of the programme. We decided to focus on their Feeling Funny Youth programme, which is aimed at young people to support their mental health and well-being. This paper is a case study of how the programme worked with a group of young people based within a youth organisation. In this paper, we offer a comparison of the standardised tool adopted by TCT with the development of more creative and participatory methods developed in collaboration with young people who participated in the programme. We offer an insight into what can be gained by adopting more creative and participatory methods to capture the experiences of young people, as this enabled us to really hear the important messages they want to share.
Manufacturing and Improving Engineering Properties of Silica Bricks from Raw Materials
Authors: Watan Anaam W. , Mahdi Hind A. , Jobayr Mahmood Radhi , Salman Ebtisam M.T.
Published: May 2022

Refractories are mineral and chemical-, based, materials with excellent heat resistance, making them ideal for use in the construction of ovens, furnace walls industries. According to this our research is concerned to study the effect of addition of (4% CaO) and (5% graphite) on the silica brick properties. Different amounts of CaO and Graphite were included in the white sand (raw ingredients) of silica bricks as a binder to prepare the composition then the composition were sintered using Different sintering temperatures ranging from (1000–1400)𝛐C under static air. Density, thermal conductivity, porosity, and water absorption Compression there was power tested after sintering. XRD analysis was used to identify raw materials’ physical, chemical, and mechanical qualities, as well as their mineralogical composition. Addition of Graphite to the firebrick mixture increased the challenges of getting good densification out of firebrick specimens with enhancement of the compressive, strength, bulk density especially at low firing temperatures since it increases formation of glassy phase as compared with 4%CaO, Addition of 4% CaO to silica brick the density of firebrick decreased, and the porosity and water absorption increased. Thermal conductivity of firebrick is decreased for 5% Graphite in comparison with 4% CaO to produce refractory silica brick with high quality of heat resistance, making them ideal for use in the construction of ovens, furnace walls industries.
Modelling and simulation of hot direct extrusion process for optimal product characteristics: Single and multi-response optimization approach
Authors: Elplacy F. , Samuel M. , Mostafa R.
Published: May 2022

The study of eccentricity minimization in cylindrical products helps to reduce the mechanical vibrations and wear of related mechanical parts such as bearings, columns and gears which positively affects in maintenance costs savings and increasing production quality reliability. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the eccentricity between the billet material and the die parts on the quality of the final product in the direct extrusion process. The input parameters to produce a cylindrical product shape are optimized in MINITAB based on Taguchi method and ANOVA. The selected material of the billet is the aluminium alloy AA2024, and the die material is Steel H13. The inputs parameters are the temperature, the die angle, the ram speed, and the presumed eccentricity. The finite element model of the process is simulated in DFORM-3D for providing the extrusion information such as the pressure, the effective stress and strain, the final product eccentricity, and the roundness error. The study is carried out on two cases of the presumed eccentricity in addition to a case of zero eccentricity. The single and multi-response optimizations are executed to obtain the optimum parameters for the minimum product eccentricity and roundness error.
Optimization approaches for solving production scheduling problem: A brief overview and a case study for hybrid flow shop using genetic algorithms
Authors: Xu W. , Sun H.Y. , Awaga A.L. , Yan Y. , Cui Y.J.
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to investigate scheduling problems in manufacturing. After a brief introduction to the modelling approach to the scheduling problem, the study focuses on the optimization approach to the scheduling problem. Firstly, the different optimization approaches are categorised and their respective advantages and disadvantages are shown. This is followed by a detailed analysis of the characteristics and applicability of each of the commonly used optimization approaches. Finally, a case study is presented. A mathematical model is developed with the objective of minimising the maximum completion time for a mixed flow shop scheduling problem, and a genetic algorithm is used to solve the problem. The validity of the model is verified through the case study, which can provide a reasonable scheduling solution for actual manufacturing. This provides a reference for the selection and use of methods for solving scheduling problems in practical production.
The role of agility in responding to uncertainty: A cognitive perspective
Authors: Kim M. , Chai S.
Published: May 2022

This research investigates the impact of external environment, cognitive factors, and behavioral dimensions in the context of implementing supply chain agility. It applies social cognitive theory to establish a link between various environments including business uncertainty and supply chain disruption risk, cognitive factors such as supply chain agility self-efficacy, trust, and supply chain cooperation, coordination, and communication attitude, and actions such as implementing supply chain agility as well as behavior to explain the decision-making process in implementation. Based on the survey data collected from 254 supply and purchasing managers in the Korean manufacturing industry, AMOS software with structural equation method was used for data analysis Our results support the concept that business uncertainty reduces self-efficacy in supply chain agility although both business uncertainty and supply chain disruption risk boosted trust in the supply chain as well as buyers’ positive attitude toward supply chain cooperation, coordination, and communication. The concept of supply chain agility, self-efficacy, trust, and supply chain cooperation, coordination, and communication attitude have a positive impact on firm performance. Supply chain agility, self-efficacy, and trust in suppliers positively affects implementation of supply chain agility as well as firms’ financial, operational, and supply chain performance. This research provides meaningful insights for considering external environments and cognitive factors while making decisions in implementing supply chain agility.
Modelling of multiple surface roughness parameters during hard turning: A comparative study between the kinematical-geometrical copying approach and the design of experiments method (DOE)
Authors: Tomov M. , Gecevska V. , Vasileska E.
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes and applies two different methodologies for modelling the roughness parameters in hard turning. The first method is based on the kinematical-geometrical copying of the cutting tool geometry onto the machined surface including a feedback loop through the parameter of statistic equality of sampling lengths in surface roughness measurements (SE). The other method employs the Design of Experiments (DOE) principles expressing the roughness parameters as first order nonlinear function of the input variables: cutting speed v, feed f, depth of cut ap, and tool nose radius rε. The research includes the Ra and Rz roughness parameters which are commonly modelled throughout the research works, and additionally develops models for the Rp, Rv and Rmr(c) roughness parameters which are more challenging to model compared to Ra and Rz as they depend more on the shape of the roughness profile and position of its mean line. Both methodologies for all roughness parameters were verified using a CNC lathe and special rings made of steel EN C55 with hardness of 53±1 HRC. Considering that the roughness profile is just a part of the total geometric deviations of the processed surfaces, and it is obtained from the total profile using software filtration, the research also considers the Wa parameter (waviness profile), as well as the deviations from the circularity (out-off-roundness) of the processed rings as indicators for the stability of the machining process.
The influence of artificial intelligence technology judicial decision reasoning on contract performance in manufacturing supply chain: A simulation analysis using Evolutionary Game approach
Authors: Zhao G. , Shi H.B. , Wang J.F.
Published: May 2022

Today's world revolves around technology, which has a total impact not only on human life but also on manufacturing companies. Many companies have embraced artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of powerful computers, applications, or software that can screen job applicants, alert when a machine is about to break down, and read legal contracts. However, the rapid expansion of AI and its use in legal settings, such as contract performance, in a company is a major challenge on the judicial side. This article, thus, establishes an evolutionary game model of whether manufacturing suppliers are performing contracts or not when the court chooses to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Considering the complexity of choosing manufacturers' AI strategy, the method constructs a simulation analysis model of manufacturers' contract enforcement behaviour with the participation of several subjects. We can simulate the influence of the factors selected on the strategy chosen by both parties (manufacturers and court) by changing the different influence factors and studying the evolutionary law of different court guidance and regulation strategies on the production behaviour of green products. The results show that the choice of the court and manufacturers to use the AI technology strategy or not is based on the rate of error reduction, through the computational implementation of multi-subject modelling.
The Dispute Over the Part-Whole Puzzle in Aristotelian Hylomorphism and Ackrill’s Problem: The Argument inMetaphysicsZ 17, 1041b11-33
Authors: Panayides Christos
Published: May 2022

One of the unresolved issues in Aristotle’s hylomorphism is the part-whole puzzle. Some scholars suppose that inMetaphysicsZ 17, 1041b11-33 he endorses non-mereological hylomorphism. This kind of interpretation, however, has been challenged by K. Koslicki who argues that if the evidence inMetaphysicsZ 17 is combined with some related textual and conceptual considerations, then a convincing case can be made for a mereological construal of Aristotelian hylomorphism. This paper does four things. First, it scrutinizes these opposing approaches to Aristotle’s theory. Second, it suggests that to adjudicate the dispute at hand one ought to determine how Aristotle deals with what has come to be known as ‘Ackrill’s problem’. It is proposed that if we consider Aristotle’s theory in light of some distinctions drawn in contemporary discussions of hylomorphism, then it transpires that he does have a solution to Ackrill’s problem. Third, it is shown that his solution to this problem suggests a particular way of settling the debate over the part-whole puzzle. And finally, it is argued that the suggested reconstruction of Aristotelian hylomorphism is consistent with the textual evidence inMetaphysicsZ 17 and its associated texts.
Blood and the Awareness of Perception. From Early Greek Thought to Plato’sTimaeus
Authors: Sassi Maria Michela
Published: May 2022

In this paper I first address what I consider a central issue in the account of perception in Plato’sTimaeus, namely, how thepathematapass through the body to reach the soul, and thus becomeaistheseis. My point in Section 1 is that in tackling this issue Plato aims to provide a firm physiological basis to the notion of perception that starts to emerge in theTheaetetusand thePhilebusand is crucial to the late development of his theory of cognition. In the ensuing section I try to put the account of perception in theTimaeusinto a historical perspective, aiming to highlight two points: a) Plato’s description of the way in which sensible impressions “travel” inside the body and interact with its parts and other constituents is largely indebted to previous theories, such as those we find, for example, in Empedocles and a few Hippocratic writers; b) The leading role in this story (where internal air plays a significant supporting role) is played by blood flowing through the vascular system and thus performing a crucial cognitive function. Moreover, emphasizing the role of blood as well as analyzing the elaborate way in which perceptions are transmitted through the body to the soul proves vital to appreciate (in Section 3) the cognitive status of the lower parts of the soul (which are more involved in perception) and their relation to reason. Overall, the paper adds further elements to our understanding of Plato’s embodied approach to cognition.

I had already written (and submitted) this article when Johansen (2021) was published. The latter’s approach to the role of blood in Plato’s physiology of knowledge in theTimaeusconverges in part with mine (as I was pleased to find out), partly due to our overlapping sources and bibliography.
Three new species of Asteromenia (Hymenocladiaceae, Rhodophyta) from Australia
Authors: Huisman John M. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: May 2022

Three new species of the red algal genus Asteromenia (Hymenocladiaceae, Rhodophyta) are described based on morphological and molecular analyses. DNA analyses of recent collections of topotype specimens of A. examinans from the Houtman Abrolhos Islands (Western Australia) have revealed that the specimens used in earlier studies were misidentified and represent an undescribed species, herein described as A. juliannae. Two additional new species, A. crenulata and A. praetermissa are described from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Norfolk Island, respectively. For the most part, the new species showed morphological overlap and could not be discriminated based on morphology alone; DNA sequencing is therefore considered essential for accurate species recognition. The potential for misidentification of morphologically similar specimens highlights the need for sequence analyses and reference barcoding to be based on type or topotype specimens. The adoption of molecular methods in alpha taxonomy has led to the recognition of considerable diversity in the Rhodymeniales and it is envisaged that further collecting will add even more taxa to Australia’s rich algal flora.
Transport stability profiling – a proposed generic protocol
Authors: Willems Lars , Paal Michael , Vogeser Michael
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Diagnostic samples are exposed to a spectrum of variables during transport to laboratories; therefore, the evaluation of a rather comprehensive stability profile of measurands is warranted. While appropriate testing standards have been established for pharmaceuticals and reagents, this is not the case for diagnostic samples. The aim of our work was to develop and evaluate a protocol applicable to diagnostic samples.

Methods

An isochronous approach with representation of temperature and exposure duration in a two-dimensional matrix was established. The deviations of the measurement results from the baseline associated with the exposure are evaluated with respect to the measurement uncertainty of the analytical measurement procedure applied. Variables of the experiment are documented in a standardized matrix. As a proof-of-concept, we profiled the stability patterns of a number of measurands at four temperature levels over up to 72 h in primary serum sample tubes.

Results

The protocol proved to be workable and allowed the description of a comprehensive stability profile of a considerable number of compounds based on 21 small-volume primary samples collected from each volunteer and exposed according to this protocol.

Conclusions

A straightforward and feasible isochronous protocol can be used to investigate in detail the effects of different pre-processing conditions on the stability of measurands in primary samples during transport to diagnostic laboratories. This is of significance as pre-analytical logistics become increasingly important with the centralization of analytical services.
Cerebrospinal fluid markers of inflammation and brain injury in Lyme neuroborreliosis – a prospective follow-up study
Authors: Tjernberg Ivar , Gyllemark Paula , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Ernerudh Jan , Forsberg Pia , Sjöwall Johanna , Henningsson Anna J.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels and kinetics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of inflammation and brain injury in patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB).

Methods

Adult patients with clinically suspected LNB were enrolled, in a prospective clinical study in the South East of Sweden. Patients were classified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies’ guidelines. Definite cases of LNB were re-examined one month later including a repeat CSF investigation. Routine laboratory parameters were investigated along with CSF levels of neurodegenerative markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAp), total tau (t-tau) and neurofilament light protein (NFL), as well as neuroinflammatory markers soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2), YKL-40 and CXCL13. Non-LNB served as controls. An additional comparison group consisted of spinal anesthesia subjects (SAS) without known central nervous system conditions.

Results

CSF levels of sTREM2 and CXCL13 were elevated in definite LNB patients at diagnosis compared with non-LNB patients (p<0.001) and SAS (p≤0.01). In addition, CSF levels of sTREM2, YKL-40 and CXCL13 rapidly declined in at follow-up after antibiotic treatment. In contrast, CSF levels of GFAp and t-tau did not differ across LNB groups, and did not change after treatment.

Conclusions

Although in a limited number of LNB patients, the results indicate a predominance of microglial and neuroinflammatory involvement rather than parenchymal CNS injury in CSF at diagnosis of LNB with a prompt decline after antibiotic treatment. The findings provide pathogenetic insights and may be of value in differential diagnosis of CSF findings.
On Cosymplectic Dynamics I
Authors: Tchuiaga Stephane , Houenou Franck , Bikorimana Pierre
Published: May 2022

This paper is an introduction to cosymplectic topology. Through it, we study the structures of the group of cosymplectic diffeomorphisms and the group of almost cosymplectic diffeomorphisms of a cosymplectic manifold (M, ω, η) : (i)− we define and present the features of the space of almost cosymplectic vector fields (resp. cosymplectic vector fields); (ii)− we prove by a direct method that the identity component in the group of all cosymplectic diffeomorphisms is C
0−closed in the group Diff∞ (M) (a rigidity result), while in the almost cosymplectic case, we prove that the Reeb vector field determines the almost cosymplectic nature of the C
0−limit ϕ of a sequence of almost cosymplectic diffeomorphisms (a rigidity result). A sufficient condition based on Reeb’s vector field which guarantees that ϕ is a cosymplectic diffeomorphism is given (a ˛exibility condition), the cosymplectic analogues of the usual symplectic capacity-inequality theorem are derived and the cosymplectic analogue of a result that was proved by Hofer-Zehnder follows.
Towards durable and efficient antenna with SAR reduction analysis for on-body applications
Authors: Ejaz Asma , Amin Yasar
Published: May 2022

This paper is focused on providing a viable solution to wearable antenna performance disconcertment caused by the underlying human body. Direct placement of the antenna on the body yields undesired results owing to the frequency detuning effect. The simplest possible way out is to make use of a metallic reflector. Hence, a reflector backed antenna is presented for 5.8 GHz ISM band with total lateral dimensions of 28 × 28 × 13.58 mm3. The reflector makes use of a conformal high dielectric laminate coated with a thin copper layer owing to which the assembled design achieves low SAR (Specific Absorption Rate). The prototype provides excellent results at the cost of some extra volume occupation in an off-body direction. Another AMC (Artificial Magnetic Conductor) backed technique is followed and implemented separately to have the structural compactness lacking in the former case. The antenna at hand is backed by a 2 × 2 array of AMC unit cells. The overall design dimensions are reduced. The reflector backed design achieves 8.2 dB gain, above 90% efficiency, and 99% bandwidth overlap with the primary antenna. The AMC backed design provides good spectrum coverage from 5.73 to 5.94 GHz with high gain. Free space response, on-body performance, and investigation of SAR analysis of the proposed designs substantiate effective wireless data transfer in body-centric communication.
Enhanced degradation of Rhodamine B dye by Fenton/peracetic acid and photo-Fenton/peracetic acid processes
Authors: Rahmani Ali Reza , Gilan Roya Aazami , Asgari Ghorban , Leili Mostafa , Dargahi Abdollah
Published: May 2022

In this research, the efficiency of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) including Fenton−Peracetic Acid (PAA) and photo-Fenton− PAA in the removal of the Rodamine B (RhB) dye from aqueous solutions were studied. Investigating the effect of operating parameters such as pH (3–9), contact time (2–30 min), PAA concentration (10–80 mg/L), FeCl3.7H2O concentration (10–100 mg/L), and dye concentration (25–500 mg/L) on the performance of AOPs in removal of RhB was considered. The results showed that by decreasing pH and dye concentration, RhB removal efficiency increased. The optimal conditions for removal of RhB using Fenton− PAA process were determined to be as follows: dye concentration = 50 mg/L, pH = 3, PAA concentration = 50 mg/L, contact time = 10 min, and FeCl3 = 50 mg/L; in these conditions, removal efficiency of the RhB was 99.9%. In contrast, the photo-Fenton− PAA process was able to remove this amount of dye in just 5 min. The high performance of the system in a short time is attributed to the synergistic effect of the photo-Fenton− PAA process in the presence of UV. Finally, RhB dye was completely degraded by the photo-Fenton− PAA process and converted into CO2 and H2O products. In general, the photo-Fenton− PAA process compared to other methods can be used as a suitable and reliable method for the treatment of effluents of the dyeing industry and discharge them to the environment.
Clinical, biochemical, and biomolecular aspects of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in a group of Cameroonian children and adolescents
Authors: Ngo Um Suzanne Sap , Betoko Ritha Mbono , Mekone Isabelle , Chetcha Adèle Bodieu , Tardy Veronique , Dahoun Sophie , Mure Pierre Yves , Plotton Ingrid , Morel Yves , Etoga Martine Etoa , Nengom Jocelyn Tony , Moifo Boniface , Tambo Faustin Mouafo , Sobngwi Eugène , Ndombo Paul Koki
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) remains one of the most challenging endocrine disorders to diagnose, manage, and treat, especially in Africa where there is lack of neonatal screening program, and limited access to care. Data on biomolecular anomaly are sparse, therefore type of mutations are unknown, increasing management challenges and genetic counseling. The present study aims to describe clinical, biomolecular aspects of a group of Cameroonian patients.

Methods

We did an observational retrospective study at the pediatric endocrinology unit of the Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaounde from May 2013 to December 2019, including all patients diagnosed with CAH.

Results

We consecutively included 31 patients aged less than 21 years, diagnosed CAH. Median age at diagnosis was 1.71 years (IQR 0.08–2.57 years). Abnormal genitalia was the main complain in 48.4%(n=15). The most prevalent genetic anomaly found in our study population (n=24) was on CYP11, found in 16 patients (66.6%) followed by CYP21A2 mutation found in 8 patients. Homozygous mutation of p.Q356X was found in half of patients with 11 hydroxylase deficiency. This mutation was mostly found in people from semi-Bantu tribes, declared non consanguineous.

Conclusions

11 hydroxylase deficiency is the most prevalent form of CAH found in this group of Cameroonian children.
Kefir protects the liver against high fructose corn syrup induced phosphodiesterase hyperactivity
Authors: Pektaş Mehmet Bilgehan , Aslan Esra , Güzel Hilal , Korkmaz Ömer Adil , Çeleğen Kübra , Pektaş Ayhan , Bostanci Aykut , Sadi Gökhan
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) mediate several physiological activities, and alterations in PDE expressions might cause conflicts between functional and clinical effects. This study clarifies the eventual relationship between the hepatic insulin resistance-associated signaling elements and PDEs together with inflammatory markers and investigates the role of kefir in the treatment.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were grouped as Control, Kefir, HFCS (high-fructose corn syrup), and HFCS + Kefir. Daily HFCS (20% w/v) and kefir (1 mL/100 g weight) were given for 8-weeks. Hepatic expressions of PDE isoforms and insulin signaling elements were determined with qPCR and Western blot. The changes in hepatic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor-α (IGF-1Rα) were investigated histologically.

Results

HFCS upregulated hepatic PDEs while repressed primary insulin signaling elements at gene and protein levels. It also augmented cPLA2 and IGF-1Rα expression. Kefir suppressed the PDEs and normalized the insulin signaling, and down-regulated cPLA2 and IGF-1Rα in the liver of HFCS-fed rats.

Conclusions

The disruption of the insulin signaling pathway and activation of PDEs were negatively correlated in liver tissues of the HFCS-fed rats. Kefir treatment achieved a remarkable improvement in HFCS-dependent modifications, and it could be an excellent functional food against HFCS-induced insulin resistance, PDE hyperactivity, and inflammation.
Experimental Thermal Resistance Comparison of a Reflective Insulation in Vertical and Horizontal Furred Airspace Orientations Using a Guarded Hot Box
Authors: Moore Travis V. , Ghobadi Mehdi , Hayes Alex T. , Cingel Josip
Published: May 2022

Typical analyses of heat transfer across building envelopes consist of determining the thermal resistance of the assembly. The thermal resistance, or R value, is determined through test methods, calculation methods, or numerical simulations. In complex or novel wall assembly configurations, thermal resistance is required to be determined with experiments that use a guarded hot box (GHB) test apparatus according to ASTM C1363, Standard Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus. One scenario in which complex heat transfer occurs is in a furred airspace in contact with a low emissivity, as the combined effects of natural convection and radiation dominate the heat transfer across the space. Convection and radiation heat‐transfer effects are much more sensitive to the variation in surface temperatures, orientation, and aspect ratio of the airspace. This paper presents the results of ASTM C1363 GHB tests of a full‐scale (8 ft by 8 ft [2.44 m by 2.44 m]) wall assembly containing a furred airspace, with one surface having low emissivity in two configurations. The first configuration is with ¾‐in. (19‐mm)‐depth strapping oriented vertically and spaced at 24 in. (0.61 m.) on center, creating four identical furred airspace cavities approximately 8 ft high by 24 in. wide. The second configuration consists of rotating the same wall assembly by 90°, creating four identical horizontally oriented furred airspace cavities. Each configuration was tested for three exterior temperature conditions: −20°C, −25°C, and −30°C—all with an indoor temperature of 21°C. Additionally, the experimental results were compared with results of the ISO 6946 Annex B.2 calculation method. The results from the tests did not show a significant difference in thermal resistance results between either the exterior temperature differences or when comparing the effects of airspace orientation. This highlights some of the challenges when trying to differentiate small differences between wall assemblies with GHB testing, especially when the experimental uncertainty is considered.
Moisture Management in Wood Volumetric Modular Construction
Authors: Jang Kyle H. , Henderson Elyse A. , Finch Graham
Published: May 2022

Prefabricated volumetric modular construction is an approach used by housing providers to quickly provide affordable, temporary, and permanent housing to remote or underserved communities. Modular construction presents unique circumstances for moisture management that conventional construction does not typically encounter, and this is especially important in wet climates. Modular buildings have inherent building characteristics, such as interstitial spaces, that can lead to a higher risk of moisture accumulation. This paper highlights typical sources of moisture in modular construction (providing details of water ingress into modular units during transportation, storage, complexing, and postoccupancy), outlines moisture protection measures throughout all stages of the project, and provides a summary of recommendations for moisture management. It is recommended that moisture management planning, including a robust risk analysis, and the development of a moisture management plan become a standardized process throughout the modular construction industry. The development of a standard or standards could improve the process of delivering dry modules to project sites and improve the quality, consistency, and confidence of modular construction.
Assessing post-harvest interim seed storage conditions: a case study of four boreal plant species
Authors: Baah-Acheamfour Mark , Sobze Jean-Marie
Published: May 2022

The longevity of seeds in storage is modulated by the initial quality as well as the storage conditions. Seeds of four boreal species were stored for a varying amount of time (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) at 4°C to determine the appropriate interim storage conditions after harvest and
before processing. The highest germination of Solidago canadensis (75%), Shepherdia canadensis (79%) and Populus balsamifera (100%) seeds was observed for the four weeks at 4°C treatment. However, P. tremuloides germination was reduced by 22.5% when seeds were
kept at 4°C for 3 or 4 weeks relative to the control; the reduction was less (1.5%) when seeds were kept at 4°C for 1 or 2 weeks. No significant difference in mean germination time (MGT) or germination synchrony (SYN) was recorded following the different storage treatments and the
control for Populus tremuloides or P. balsamifera. However, in Shepherdia canadensis, the MGT of the seeds in the 3-week treatment was longer, while in Solidago canadensis, the 3 or 4 weeks at 4°C treatment improved the SYN relative to the control. The result
suggests opportunities exist to store certain boreal seeds after harvest and before processing without reducing their germination characteristics.
Depth map generationfor mobile navigation systemsbased onobjects localization in images
Authors: Antoshchuk Svitlana G. , Kondratyev Sergey B. , Shcherbakova Galina Yu. , Hodovychenko Mykola A.
Published: May 2022

This paperis aimedto develop a method for a depth map generation based on objects localization in images, obtained througha stereopair. The proposed solution describes theobjects by the following informative elements: contours, interestpoints (points of the greatest curvature of the contour), center of mass of the object. Moreover, to describe the contour of the image, it is proposed to use methods with adjustable detailing, basedonthe wavelet transform, which has frequency-selective properties. The novelty of this method is the possibility of obtaining an approximate depth map by simplifying the calculation of stereo image difference values, which is traditionally used to generate a depth map. Software was developed based on the proposed solutions. Modeling confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The proposed method makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of computational operations and, consequently, improve depth map generation performance and recommend the proposed method for mobile navigation systems operating in conditions of limited computing and energy resources. The method provides object detection and spatial positioning, makes it possible to obtain reliable information about the distance to objects for other subsystems that use technical vision in their operation, for example, navigation systems for visually impaired people, robotic devices, etc.