bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Set of Chisels for Galactic Archeology: Sc, V, and Zn as Taggers of Accreted Globular Clusters*
Authors: Minelli A. , Mucciarelli A. , Massari D. , Bellazzini M. , Romano D. , Ferraro F. R. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Chemical tagging is a powerful tool to reveal the origin of stars and globular clusters (GCs), especially when dynamics alone cannot provide robust answers. So far, mostly α-elements and neutron capture elements have been used to distinguish stars born in the Milky Way (MW) from those born in external environments such as that of dwarf galaxies. Here, instead, we use iron-peak element abundances to investigate the origin of a sample of metal-rich GCs. By homogeneously analyzing high-resolution UVES spectra of giant stars belonging to four metal-rich GCs (namely NGC 5927, NGC 6388, NGC 6441, and NGC 6496), we find that while the α-elements Si and Ca have similar abundance ratios for all four GCs, and Ti and neutron capture elements (La, Ba, and Eu) only show a marginal discrepancy, a stark difference is found when considering the abundances of some iron-peak elements (Sc, V, and Zn). In particular, NGC 6388 and NGC 6441 have abundance ratios for these iron-peak elements significantly lower (by ∼0.5 dex) than those measured in NGC 5927 and NGC 6496, which are clearly identified as born in situ MW clusters through an analysis of their orbital properties. These measurements indicate that the environment in which these clusters formed is different, and they provide robust evidence supporting an accreted origin from the same progenitor for NGC 6388 and NGC 6441.
Investigating the Accuracy of Virial Cluster Masses: King Model Simulations
Authors: Kopti Anton M. , Ybarra Jason E. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Stars form in clusters within giant molecular clouds. Spectroscopic observations can reveal radial velocities from which virial masses can be estimated. The question we are investigating is how accurate these estimates are with respect to the number of stars observed. We simulated virialized clusters with King model distributions and from these clusters we simulated mock observations. From these observations cluster sizes and virial masses are estimated, and empirical distribution functions are constructed. A confidence interval table is produced considering the number of objects observed and the ratio of velocity dispersion to observational uncertainty.
LUCI: A Python Package for SITELLE Spectral Analysis
Authors: Rhea Carter , Hlavacek-Larrondo Julie , Rousseau-Nepton Laurie , Vigneron Benjamin , Guité Louis-Simon 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
High-resolution optical integral field units (IFUs) are rapidly expanding our knowledge of extragalactic emission nebulae in galaxies and galaxy clusters. By studying the spectra of these objects—which include classic H ii regions, supernova remnants, planetary nebulae, and cluster filaments—we are able to constrain their kinematics (velocity and velocity dispersion). In conjunction with additional tools, such as the BPT diagram, we can further classify emission regions based on strong emission-line flux ratios. LUCI is a simple-to-use python module intended to facilitate the rapid analysis of IFU spectra. LUCI does this by integrating well-developed pre-existing python tools such as astropy and scipy with new machine learning tools for spectral analysis. Furthermore, LUCI provides several easy-to-use tools to access and fit SITELLE data cubes.
Radiographic Progression of Structural Joint Damage Over 5 Years of Baricitinib Treatment in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From RA-BEYOND
Authors: van der Heijde Désirée , Kartman Cynthia E. , Xie Li , Beattie Scott , Schlichting Douglas , Mo Daojun , Durez Patrick , Tanaka Yoshiya , Fleischmann Roy 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of baricitinib on inhibiting radiographic progression of structural joint damage over 5 years in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsPatients completed 1 of 3 phase III baricitinib trials (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01711359, NCT01710358, or NCT01721057) and entered the long-term extension RA-BEYOND (NCT01885078), in which patients received once-daily 4 mg or 2 mg baricitinib. Across these trials, patients initially receiving methotrexate (MTX) or adalimumab (ADA) switched to baricitinib 4 mg at Week 52. Patients initially receiving placebo (PBO) switched to baricitinib 4 mg at Week 24. Radiographs were scored at baseline and Years 2, 3, 4, and 5. Change from baseline in van der Heijde modified total Sharp score (ΔmTSS) was computed.ResultsOverall, 2125 of 2573 (82.6%) randomized patients entered RA-BEYOND; 1837 of 2125 (86.4%) entered this analysis. From Years 3 to 5, higher proportions of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-naïve patients on initial baricitinib (monotherapy or with MTX) had no progression vs initial MTX (ΔmTSS ≤ 0 at Year 5: 59.6% baricitinib 4 mg; 66.2% baricitinib 4 mg + MTX; 40.7% MTX). Higher proportions of patients with inadequate response (IR) to MTX on initial baricitinib or ADA vs PBO had no progression (ΔmTSS ≤ 0 at Year 5: 54.8% baricitinib 4 mg; 55.0% ADA; 50.3% PBO). Higher proportions of patients with conventional synthetic DMARD-IR on initial baricitinib 4 mg had less progression vs initial PBO or baricitinib 2 mg (ΔmTSS ≤ 0 at Year 5: 66.7% baricitinib 4 mg; 58.2% baricitinib 2 mg; 60.0% PBO).ConclusionOral baricitinib maintained lower levels of radiographic progression than initial conventional synthetic DMARD or PBO through 5 years in patients with active RA.
Assessment of the mediating effects of external integration on manufactury firms operational performance
Authors: Dzogbewu Thywill Cephas , Fianko Samuel Korateng , Afrifa Jnr Sampson , Amoah Nathaniel 
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the direct effect of supply chain integration on operational performance and the mediating effects of external integration on the relationship between internal integration and operational performance among manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative survey research design was adopted. A total of thirty (30) manufacturing firms were sampled using cluster sampling. The data was collected using questionnaires from 317 employees in the procurement, account and administration units of the 30 manufacturing firms. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the direct and mediation relationships.Findings: The results showed that the relationship between internal integration and operational performance was significantly mediated by external integration. It was established that operational performance could only be achieved when manufacturing firms’ managers pay critical attention to internal and external integration. A Significant positive relationship also exists between supplier integration and operational performance as well as customer integration and operational performance.Originality/value: The unique contribution of the current study is the assessment of the mediating effect of external integration constructs (customer integration and supplier integration) as the mediating variable on internal integration and operational performance.
Art, économie et créativité chez John Maynard Keynes
Authors: Arena Richard 
Published: September 2021

L’article porte sur la place occupée par la notion de créativité dans l’œuvre et la vie intellectuelles de John Maynard Keynes. Tout d’abord un réexamen du concept de choix rationnel chez Keynes fait apparaître un point de vue très critique chez cet auteur selon lequel un rôle considérable est accordé à la psychologie dans l’analyse des prises de décision des agents économiques. L’article analyse aussi la conception que se fait Keynes des activités artistiques et de la créativité au sein de l’économie mais aussi de la civilisation en général. Le texte accorde également une importance forte à la place accordée par Keynes à sa propre vision de la créativité et des financements des activités artistiques. La dernière partie de l’article propose enfin de réfléchir à l’héritage contemporain des réflexions de Keynes à propos de la notion de créativité.Classification JEL : A11, A12, A13, A31, B00, B3, D80, D91, H5, L2, L38, P1, Z11.
Enhancing Antigen Presentation and Inducing Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance with Amphiphilic Peptides
Authors: Li Meng , Itoh Arata , Xi Jingchao , Yu Chunsong , Wu Yuehong , Ridgway William M , Liu Haipeng 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Ag-specific immunotherapy to restore immune tolerance to self-antigens, without global immune suppression, is a long-standing goal in the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, vaccination with autoantigens such as insulin or glutamic acid decarboxylase have largely failed in human T1D trials. Induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance by vaccination requires efficient autoantigen presentation by APCs. In this study, we show that a lipophilic modification at the N-terminal end of CD4+ epitopes (lipo-peptides) dramatically improves peptide Ag presentation. We designed amphiphilic lipo-peptides to efficiently target APCs in the lymph nodes by binding and trafficking with endogenous albumin. Additionally, we show that lipophilic modification anchors the peptide into the membranes of APCs, enabling a bivalent cell-surface Ag presentation. The s.c. injected lipo-peptide accumulates in the APCs in the lymph node, enhances the potency and duration of peptide Ag presentation by APCs, and induces Ag-specific immune tolerance that controls both T cell– and B cell–mediated immunity. Immunization with an amphiphilic insulin B chain 9–23 peptide, an immunodominant CD4+ T cell epitope in NOD mice, significantly suppresses the activation of T cells, increases inhibitory cytokine production, induces regulatory T cells, and delays the onset and lowers the incidence of T1D. Importantly, treatment with a lipophilic β-cell peptide mixture delays progression to end-stage diabetes in acutely diabetic NOD mice, whereas the same doses of standard soluble peptides were not effective. Amphiphilic modification effectively enhances Ag presentation for peptide-based immune regulation of autoimmune diseases.
Decidual Inflammation Drives Chemokine-Mediated Immune Infiltration Contributing to Term Labor
Authors: Shynlova Oksana , Boros-Rausch Adam , Farine Tali , Adams Waldorf Kristina M , Dunk Caroline , Lye Stephen J 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Infiltration of maternal peripheral leukocytes into the uterine tissues is a critical event occurring before, during, and after term labor (TL). In this article, we investigate the contribution of uterine smooth muscle (myometrium) and pregnant endometrium (decidua) to the inflammatory process during human TL. We hypothesize that labor-related physiological inflammation is orchestrated by uterine-secreted cytokines, which dually activate the uterine vascular endothelium and maternal leukocytes to promote their adhesion and infiltration into the uterus. Using Luminex and ELISA assays, we examine a full range of cytokines (45 proteins) in media conditioned by primary decidual and myometrial cells from TL and term not in labor (TNL) women. The effect of conditioned media on the activation of human uterine microvascular endothelial cells was measured by qPCR and on peripheral leukocytes by flow cytometry. Transendothelial migration of calcein-labeled primary leukocytes toward media was assessed by fluorometry. Stromal decidual cells secrete significantly higher levels of multiple cytokines compared with myometrial cells (p &lt; 0.05) and significantly more cytokines during TL than TNL. These cytokines activate uterine microvascular endothelial cells through the upregulation of cell adhesion molecule VCAM-1 and peripheral leukocytes by upregulation of CD11b. Furthermore, multiple cytokines secreted from the TL decidua and myometrium significantly increase migration of granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes compared with TNL (p &lt; 0.05), which was blocked by a broad-spectrum chemokine inhibitor (FX125L). These data reveal the critical role for decidual- and myometrial-secreted cytokines in the activation of inflammatory pathways leading to labor. We suggest that these pathways represent targets for therapeutic intervention during preterm labor.
Determination of Quantile Range of Optimal Hyperparameters Using Bayesian Estimation
Authors: Adewole Ayoade I. , Fasoranbaku Olusoga A. 
Published: September 2021

Bayesian estimations have the advantages of taking into account the uncertainty of all parameter estimates which allows virtually the use of vague priors. This study focused on determining the quantile range at which optimal hyperparameter of normally distributed data with vague information could be obtained in Bayesian estimation of linear regression models. A Monte Carlo simulation approach was used to generate a sample size of 200 data-set. Observation precisions and posterior precisions were estimated from the regression output to determine the posterior means estimate for each model to derive the new dependent variables. The variances were divided into 10 equal parts to obtain the hyperparameters of the prior distribution. Average absolute deviation for model selection was used to validate the adequacy of each model. The study revealed the optimal hyperparameters located at 5th and 7th deciles. The research simplified the process of selecting the hyperparameters of prior distribution from the data with vague information in empirical Bayesian inferences.
Keywords: Optimal Hyperparameters; Quantile Ranges; Bayesian Estimation; Vague prior
E-optimal Experimental Designs for Poisson Regression Models in Two and Three Variables
Authors: Olamide Emmanuel I , Fasoranbaku Olusoga A , Adebola Femi B 
Published: September 2021

In the context of generalized linear models, most of the recent studies were on logistic regression models and many of them focussed on optimal experimental designs with concentration on D-optimality. In this research, two- and three-variable Poisson regression models were considered for E-optimization on restricted design space [0, 1]. The two-variable Poisson regression model was not optimal at 3-design points, but was found to be E-optimal at 4-design points (1, 1), (0, 0), (0, 1) and (1, 0) with equal design weights of 0.25. The three-variable Poisson regression model was E-optimal at 4-design points (0, 0, 1), (0, 1, 0), (1, 1, 1) and (1, 0, 0) with each design point having design weights of 0.25. The prediction error variance (PEV) for the two-variable Poisson regression model is 0.35 and that of the three-variable Poisson regression model is 0.68. From this research, the two-variable Poisson regression model is preferred to the three-variable Poisson regression model because of smaller PEV.
Keywords: E-optimality; Fisher Information Matrix; Poisson Regression Model; Prediction Error Variance
Antimicrobial Activities of Endophytic Fungal Crude Extracts Isolated from Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale)
Authors: Amiri Nana , Tibuhwa Donatha D 
Published: September 2021

This study presents the antimicrobial activities of endophytic fungal crude extracts isolated from leaves, stems and roots of cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) which showed disease symptoms and those resistant from Fusarium wilt in Mtwara region. Sections of the cashew trees were made and cultured to isolate endophytes. Eight endophytes were isolated and characterized by using morphological and molecular markers. Neopestalotiopsis, Penicillium, Lasidioplodia and Daldinia sp isolated from resistant tree and Auxarthron and Aspergillus sp from diseased tree. Antimicrobial activities of the isolated endophytic fungal crude extracts were done against pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum and three human pathogens namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida tropicalis. Results showed that all endophytic fungal crude extracts isolated from resistant plants and one from diseased plants exhibited positive antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungus Candida tropicalis but they had no antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum. This study could contribute to the discovery and innovation of therapeutics. This study also implied that the resistance against Fusarium wilt disease might be caused by other unknown factors. More research work is recommended for establishing other possible factors including endophytic bacteria, biotic and abiotic factors that could contribute to resistance of cashew plants to Fusarium oxysporum.
Keywords: Antifungal; Phytopathology; Endophyte; Cashew nut disease
Maintenance Automation Architecture and Electrical Equipment Fault Prediction Method in Tanzania Secondary Distribution Networks
Authors: Mbembati Hadija , Ibwe Kwame , Maiseli Baraka 
Published: September 2021

Distribution networks remain the most maintenance-intensive parts of power systems. The implementation of maintenance automation and prediction of equipment fault can enhance system reliability while reducing the overall costs. In Tanzania, however, maintenance automation has not been deployed in secondary distribution networks (SDNs). Instead, traditional methods are used for condition prediction and fault identification of power assets (transformers and power lines). These (manual) methods are costly and time-consuming, and may introduce human-related errors. Motivated by these challenges, this work introduces maintenance automation into the network architecture by implementing effective maintenance and fault identification methods. The proposed method adopts machine learning techniques to develop a novel system architecture for maintenance automation in the SDN. Experimental results showed that different transformer prediction methods, namely support vector machine, kernel support vector machine, and multi-layer artificial neural network, give performance values of 96.72%, 97.50%, and 97.53%, respectively. Furthermore, oil based performance analysis was done to compare the existing methods with the proposed method. Simulation results showed that the proposed method can accurately identify up to ten transformer abnormalities. These results suggest that the proposed system may be integrated into a maintenance scheduling platform to reduce unplanned maintenance outages and human maintenance-related errors.
Keywords: Predictive maintenance; fault identification; fault prediction; maintenance automation; secondary electrical distribution network
On the Convergence of Orbits in Sequence Space l^2
Authors: Mpimbo Marco 
Published: September 2021

This paper discusses the convergence of orbits for diagonal operators defined on . In particular, the basis elements of are obtained using the linear combinations of the elements of the orbit. Furthermore, via the classical result of the determinant of the Vandermonde matrix, it is shown that, the more the elements of the orbit are used, the faster the convergence of the orbit to the basis elements of .
Keywords: Diagonal operators; Convergence of Orbits of operators; Vandermonde matrix; Norm topology
Prunus africanus Herbal Extracts Reverse and Ameliorate the Histological and Histomorphometric Changes in Testosterone-induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Rat Models
Authors: William Felix P. , Russa Denis A. 
Published: September 2021

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign proliferative disease among men during aging. The herbal extract of P. africanus has been used for the treatment of BPH since time immemorial. However microstructural changes of this extract to the prostate of animal or human models are still elusive. Therefore, histological and histomorphometric changes in rats with testosterone-induced BPH due to P. africanus herbal extracts were investigated. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (200 ± 50 g) were divided into four groups each with 7 rats. Group 1 (Negative control) was given 2 ml/day of olive oil subcutaneously and 2 ml/day of normal saline intragastrically for 28 days. Three groups were induced with BPH by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate 3 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days. Thereafter Group 2 (BPH) was sacrificed, while Group 3 (Positive control) and Group 4 (Treatment group) were administered with finasteride 5 mg/kg/day and P. africanus extract 400 mg/kg/day intragastrically for 28 days, respectively. BPH group revealed thickening and hyperplasia of tubular epithelium with involutions with the stroma showing large spaces and dilated blood vessels. These features were restored with P. africanus extract administration. High epithelial height, large stromal area and lower luminal area observed in the BPH were greatly reversed with P. africanus extract comparable to negative controls. Generally, P. africanus extract restored and ameliorated histological and histomorphometrical changes of the BPH-induced rat’s prostates.
Keywords: Benign prostate hyperplasia; Prunus africanus; finasteride; testosterone
Physicochemical and Bacteriological Water Quality Parameters in Relation to Land-use Practices at a Rural Catchment, Mbinga District, Tanzania
Authors: Hellar-Kihampa Harieth Hellar-Kihampa , Ndunguru Patrick Isdory 
Published: September 2021

Data on physicochemical water quality parameters and contamination levels is crucial for protection and sustainable utilization of water resources. This study assessed the physicochemical water quality parameters, faecal coliform bacteria and nutrient loads in water at a catchment used for municipal supply in Mbinga District, Tanzania. Samples were seasonally collected from three areas characterized by distinct geographical features, settlement patterns and land-use practices, and analyzed using standard analytical protocols. Data were subjected to paired-sampled t-test and cluster analysis. The parameters varied as follows: pH (4.75–6.83); temperature (16.4–26.2 ºC); electrical conductivity (14.6–121.1 µS/cm); total dissolved solids (7.0–23.2 mg/L); total suspended solids (BDL–35.5 mg/L); dissolved oxygen (8.6–23.8 mg/L); turbidity (0.1–68.1 NTU); faecal coliform (<1–76 FC/100 mL); nitrite (BDL–0.09 mg/L); nitrate and sulphate were not detected. Spatial variations were associated with land-use disparities. Comparison to risk-based regulatory thresholds for drinking water revealed the levels to be within the acceptable limits, with a few exceptions. Observed seasonal trends indicated an overall decrease in water quality during the wet season. Generally, results showed that water quality at the catchments satisfies requirements for domestic uses. However, the potential contamination risks from human activities call for regular monitoring.
Keywords: Physicochemical parameters; faecal contamination; water quality; surface water; Mbinga District