bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilisation of state‐and‐input constrained nonlinear systems via diffeomorphisms: A Sontag's formula approach with an actual application
Authors: Acosta J.Á. , Dòria‐Cerezo A. , Fossas E.
Published: May 2018

In this work, we provide a new and constructive outlook for the control of state‐and‐input constrained nonlinear systems. Previously, explicit solutions have been mainly focused on the finding of a barrier‐like Lyapunov function, whereas we propose the construction of a diffeomorphism to map all the trajectories of the constrained dynamics into an unconstrained one. Careful analysis has revealed that only some foundations of differential geometry and a technical assumption are necessary to construct the proposed methodology based on the well‐established theories of control Lyapunov functions and Sontag's universal formulae. Altogether, it allows us to obtain an explicit solution that even includes bounded constraints in the control action, giving the designer a way to decide (to some extent) the trade‐off between control saturations and robustness. Moreover, this approach does not rely on the own structure of the system dynamics, therefore covering a broad class of nonlinear systems. The main advantage of this approach is that the use of a diffeomorphism allows the splitting of the mathematical treatment of the constraint and the Lyapunov controller design. The result has been successfully applied to solve the dynamic positioning of an actual ship, where the nonlinear state constraints describe a strait. This approach enabled us to design a control Lyapunov function and thereby use Sontag's formula to solve the stabilisation problem. Realistic simulations have been executed in a real scenario on the simulator owned by an international shipbuilding company.
Heat Transfer Characteristic during Inclination Circular Jet Impingement on the Hot Plate Surface
Authors: Wang Bingxing , Xiong Lei , Lin Dong , Xie Qian , Wang Zhaodong , Wang Guodong
Published: May 2018

The heat transfer process of the inclination round jet impingement is studied experimentally for improving the cooling capacity and uniformity of the ultra‐fast cooling used in Thermo‐mechanical Control Process. The heat transfer characteristic is presented for jet inclination angle from 0° to 60°. The video images of heat transfer process and heat flux curves demonstrate that the wetted region extends asynchronously due to the uneven water flow distribution. In the forward flow direction, the larger parallel flow velocity results to the fast wetting front propagation speed, and this is because the higher shear force under inclined condition is helpful to speed up the detachment of the bubbles on the surface. But in lateral and reverse directions, the situation is the opposite. The degree of asymmetry of the wetted region becomes remarkable, and at the same jet impingement cooling time, the wetted area increases at first and then shrinks with the increasing inclination angle. The larger jet velocity increases the maximum heat flux, and accelerates the wetting front propagation, especially in the parallel flow region. Thus, inclination jet impingement with the reasonable angle and jet velocity improves the heat transfer capability and plate surface cooling uniformity within the measurement region.
Cascaded LC‐AC transformer unidirectional DC/DC converter with high stepping ratio
Authors: Li Mengbo , Xiang Wang , Yao Liangzhong , Xie Zhujun , Lin Weixing , Wen Jinyu
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a unidirectional DC/DC converter termed LCT DC/DC, which has a high stepping ratio and is suitable for integrating renewable energy sources. The LCT DC/DC converter consists of four power modules, and each of them is composed of a voltage source converter (VSC), an inductor−capacitor circuit, an AC transformer, and a diode rectifier bridge. By means of the two‐stage voltage boost, a step‐up ratio as high as 40 is achieved. The topology, operating principle, and design procedure of the LCT DC/DC are elaborated. Then, the active power control strategy and power loss estimation are studied. Finally, the technical feasibility of the proposed topology is validated by simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Power failure risk assessment and management based on stochastic line failures in distribution network including distributed generation
Authors: Zhou Quan , Li Xuefeng , Liao Jingshu , Xiong Taotao
Published: May 2018

All kinds of power interruption, which cause heavy economic loss to the electrical power company and users, occur in the operating process of distribution networks. Among them, stochastic line fault has a high probability of occurrence. Distributed generation (DG) as an environmental and independent power source has drawn worldwide attention. However, the introduction of DGs has brought increase in the number of system components and expansion of the scale of power systems, which make risk assessment and management more difficult. Therefore, a new method of risk assessment for power failure and control method of distribution network with DG based on stochastic lines failure is presented in the paper. In order to improve the accuracy and rapidity of evaluation, an assessment method with a new island partition strategy is proposed, in which two new parameters are defined to weaken the dependence on the network structure during the course of island partition. This paper also establishes a risk management model based on line maintenance and replacement for selecting an optimized risk management scheme, and applies the genetic algorithm (GA) to calculate the same. The presented method can provide the reference for planning and operating staff, and the example result proves its favorable guiding benefits. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Randomised Italian Sonography for occiput POSition Trial Ante vacuum (R.I.S.POS.T.A.)
Authors: Ghi T. , Dall'Asta A. , Masturzo B. , Tassis B. , Martinelli M. , Volpe N. , Prefumo F. , Rizzo G. , Pilu G. , Cariello L. , Sabbioni L. , Morselli‐Labate A. M. , Todros T. , Frusca T.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To assess whether sonographic diagnosis of fetal head position before instrumental vaginal delivery can reduce the risk of failed vacuum extraction and improve delivery outcome.

Methods

Randomised Italian Sonography for occiput POSition Trial Ante vacuum (R.I.S.POS.T.A.) is a randomized controlled trial of term (37 + 0 to 41 + 6 weeks' gestation) singleton pregnancies with cephalic presentation requiring instrumental delivery by vacuum extraction, which was conducted between April 2014 and June 2017 and involved 13 Italian maternity hospitals. Patients were randomized to assessment of fetal head position before attempted instrumental delivery by either vaginal examination (VE) alone or VE plus transabdominal sonography (TAS). Primary outcome was incidence of emergency Cesarean section due to failed vacuum extraction. A sample size of 653 women per group was planned to compare the primary outcome between the two groups. The sample size estimation was based on the hypothesis that the risk of failed vacuum delivery in the VE group would be 5% and that ultrasound assessment of fetal position prior to vacuum extraction would decrease this risk to 2%.

Results

On interim analysis, the trial was stopped for futility. During this period, 222 women were randomized and 221 were included in the final data analysis, of whom 132 (59.7%) were randomized to evaluation of fetal head position by VE only and 89 (40.3%) to assessment by VE plus TAS prior to vacuum extraction. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to incidence of emergency Cesarean section due to failed instrumental delivery and other maternal and fetal outcomes. Women randomized to assessment by VE plus TAS showed higher incidence of non‐occiput anterior position of the fetal head at randomization and lower incidence of incorrect diagnosis of occiput position compared with women undergoing assessment by VE alone. A higher rate of episiotomy was noted in the women undergoing both VE and TAS compared with those in the VE‐only group.

Conclusions

Our prematurely discontinued randomized controlled trial did not demonstrate any benefit in terms of reduced risk of failed instrumental delivery or maternal and fetal morbidity in women undergoing sonographic assessment of fetal head position prior to vacuum extraction. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Outcome of fetuses with congenital parvovirus B19 infection: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bascietto F. , Liberati M. , Murgano D. , Buca D. , Iacovelli A. , Flacco M. E. , Manzoli L. , Familiari A. , Scambia G. , D'Antonio F.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To explore the outcome of fetuses affected by congenital parvovirus B19 (PB19) infection, with or without signs of hydrops on ultrasound.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for studies reporting on prenatal diagnosis and outcome of fetal PB19 infection. The outcomes explored were miscarriage, perinatal death (PND), intrauterine death, neonatal death, spontaneous resolution of hydrops or fetal anemia, need for intrauterine transfusion (IUT), resolution of hydrops or anemia after transfusion, fetal loss following transfusion, abnormal brain scan after birth and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. Outcomes were reported according to the presence or absence of signs of hydrops on ultrasound. A subgroup analysis was performed including hydropic and non‐hydropic fetuses diagnosed at < 20 weeks and ≥ 20 weeks of gestation. Meta‐analyses of proportions and meta‐analyses using individual‐data random‐effects logistic regression were performed to analyze the data.

Results

Thirty‐five observational studies were included, involving 611 fetuses affected by PB19 infection. The risks of miscarriage (odds ratio (OR), 11.5; 95% CI, 2.7–49.7) and PND (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.6–11.0) were higher in fetuses with PB19 infection presenting, compared with those not presenting, signs of hydrops on ultrasound. In fetuses affected by hydrops, spontaneous resolution of the infection, defined as disappearance of hydrops without need for IUT, occurred in 5.2% (95% CI, 2.5–8.8%) of cases whereas, in the group of fetuses not affected by hydrops, infection resolved in 49.6% (95% CI, 20.7–78.6%) of cases. IUT was performed in 78.7% (95% CI, 66.4–88.8%) of hydropic and in 29.6% (95% CI, 6.0–61.6%) of non‐hydropic fetuses affected by congenital PB19 infection and resolution of the infection after IUT occurred in 55.1% (95% CI, 34.0–75.3%) and in 100% (95% CI, 57.3–100%) of cases, respectively. The risk of fetal loss after IUT was higher in fetuses affected compared with those not affected by hydrops (OR, 9.8; 95% CI, 2.8–34.6). The prevalence of abnormal brain imaging was 9.8% (95% CI, 2.5–21.0%) in fetuses affected and 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0–7.0%) in those not affected by hydrops, whilst the corresponding figures for abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome were 9.5% (95% CI, 2.6–20.2) and 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0–7.5), respectively; however, statistical power to assess these outcomes was inadequate due to the small number of included cases.

Conclusions

Hydrops is the main determinant of mortality and adverse perinatal outcome in fetuses with PB19 infection. Perinatal outcome in non‐hydropic fetuses is generally favorable. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Performance evaluation in non‐intrusive load monitoring: Datasets, metrics, and tools—A review
Authors: Pereira Lucas , Nunes Nuno
Published: May 2018

Non‐intrusive load monitoring (also known as NILM or energy disaggregation) is the process of estimating the energy consumption of individual appliances from electric power measurements taken at a limited number of locations in the electric distribution of a building. This approach reduces sensing infrastructure costs by relying on machine learning techniques to monitor electric loads. However, the ability to evaluate and benchmark the proposed approaches across different datasets is key for enabling the generalization of research findings and consequently contributes to the large‐scale adoption of this technology. Still, only recently researchers have focused on creating and standardizing the existing datasets in order to deliver a single interface to run NILM evaluations. Furthermore, there is still no consensus regarding, which performance metrics should be used to measure and report the performance of NILM systems and their underlying algorithms. This paper provides a review of the main datasets, metrics, and tools for evaluating the performance of NILM systems and technologies. Specifically, we review three main topics: (a) publicly available datasets, (b) performance metrics, and (c) frameworks and toolkits. The review suggests future research directions in NILM systems and technologies, including cross‐datasets, performance metrics for evaluation and generalizable frameworks for benchmarking NILM technology.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology

Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools

Technologies > Computational Intelligence

Technologies > Machine Learning
Master 3d bosonization duality with boundaries
Authors: Aitken Kyle , Karch Andreas , Robinson Brandon
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We establish the action of the three-dimensional non-Abelian bosonization dualities in the presence of a boundary, which supports a non-anomalous two-dimensional theory. In particular, we generalize a prescriptive method for assigning duality consistent boundary conditions used originally for Abelian dualities to dual non-Abelian Chern-Simons-matter theories with SU and U gauge groups and fundamental matter sectors. The cases of single species matter sectors and those with both scalars and fermions in the dual theories are considered. Generalization of our methods to SO and USp Chern-Simons theories is also discussed.
DAMPE electron-positron excess in leptophilic Z′ model
Authors: Ghorbani Karim , Ghorbani Parsa Hossein
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Recently the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) has reported an excess in the electron-positron flux of the cosmic rays which is interpreted as a dark matter particle with the mass about 1.5 TeV. We come up with a leptophilic Z′ scenario including a Dirac fermion dark matter candidate which beside explaining the observed DAMPE excess, is able to pass various experimental/observational constraints including the relic density value from the WMAP/Planck, the invisible Higgs decay bound at the LHC, the LEP bounds in electron-positron scattering, the muon anomalous magnetic moment constraint, Fermi-LAT data, and finally the direct detection experiment limits from the XENON1t/LUX. By computing the electron-positron flux produced from a dark matter with the mass about 1.5 TeV we show that the model predicts the peak observed by the DAMPE.
Leptoquark toolbox for precision collider studies
Authors: Doršner Ilja , Greljo Admir
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We implement scalar and vector leptoquark (LQ) models in the universal FeynRules output (UFO) format assuming the Standard Model fermion content and conservation of baryon and lepton numbers. Scalar LQ implementations include next-to-leading order (NLO) QCD corrections. We report the NLO QCD inclusive cross sections in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV, 14 TeV, and 27 TeV for all on-shell LQ production processes. These comprise (i) LQ pair production (pp → ΦΦ) and (ii) single LQ + lepton production (pp → Φℓ) for all initial quark flavours (u, d, s, c, and b). Vector LQ implementation includes adjustable non-minimal QCD coupling. We discuss several aspects of LQ searches at a hadron collider, emphasising the implications of SU(2) gauge invariance, electroweak and flavour constraints, on the possible signatures. Finally, we outline the high-p

T
search strategy for LQs recently proposed in the literature to resolve experimental anomalies in B-meson decays. In this context, we stress the importance of complementarity of the three LQ related processes, namely, pp → ΦΦ, pp → Φℓ, and pp → ℓℓ.
Riparian invasion of Lonicera maackii influences throughfall chemistry and rainwater availability
Authors: McNeish Rachel Elizabeth , Benbow Mark Eric , McEwan Ryan Walker
Published: May 2018

Riparian forests are a functionally important interface between terrestrial and aquatic communities, facilitating the transfer of subsidies that support aquatic biota and ecosystem processes. Invasion of the non‐native shrub Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) in forests of the Midwestern United States has resulted in the formation of a dense monospecific shrub‐layer along many headwater streams, substantially altering both the composition and structure of riparian plant communities. We investigated the effects of L. maackii on the chemistry of throughfall (rain that has passed through a plant canopy) in a riparian forest. During the growing season of 2015, throughfall collections were made in areas with no plant canopy (Open), a native forest canopy (Upper canopy), and within the forest but immediately under L. maackii shrubs (Honeysuckle). The Honeysuckle treatment intercepted 28–64% more throughfall compared to the Upper canopy treatment, resulting in lowered throughfall volume under the shrubs. The Honeysuckle treatment had substantially greater total carbon and total organic carbon concentration in throughfall compared to other throughfall treatments (P < 0.01). Total nitrogen and dissolved nitrogen deposition was up to 66% reduced under Honeysuckle treatments compared to a 45% reduction from Upper Canopy collections. In summary, these findings contribute to the growing scientific literature demonstrating that invasion by the exotic shrub L. maackii can capture incoming rainwater and alter the chemistry of throughfall, impacting cross‐system nutrient subsidies and riparian function.
Assisted Physical Exercise for Improving Bone Strength in Preterm Infants Less than 35 Weeks Gestation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shaw Subhash Chandra , Sankar Mari Jeeva , Thukral Anu , Natarajan Chandra Kumar , Deorari Ashok K. , Paul Vinod K. , Agarwal Ramesh
Published: May 2018

Objective

To compare the efficacy of daily assisted physical exercise (starting from one week of postnatal age) on bone strength at 40 weeks of post menstrual age to no intervention in infants born between 27 and 34 weeks of gestation.

Design

Open-label randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Tertiary-care teaching hospital in northern India from 16 May, 2013 to 21 November, 2013.

Participants

50 preterm neonates randomized to Exercise group (n=26) or Control group (n=24).

Intervention

Neonates in Exercise group underwent one session of physical exercise daily from one week of age, which included range-of-motion exercises with gentle compression, flexion and extension of all the extremities with movements at each joint done five times, for a total of 10-15 min. Infants in Control group underwent routine care and were not subjected to any massage or exercise.

Outcome measures

Primary: Bone speed of sound of left tibia measured by quantitative ultrasound at 40 weeks post menstrual age.Secondary: Anthropometry (weight length and head circumference) and biochemical parameters (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase) at 40 weeks post menstrual age.

Results

The tibial bone speed of sound was comparable between the two groups [2858 (142) m/svs. 2791 (122) m/s; mean difference 67.6 m/s; 95% CI -11 to 146 m/s;P=0.38]. There was no difference in anthropometry or biochemical parameters.

Conclusion

Daily assisted physical exercise does not affect the bone strength, anthropometry or biochemical parameters in preterm (27 to 34 weeks) infants.
Neurodevelopmental Status of Children aged 6-30 months with Severe Acute Malnutrition
Authors: Dwivedi Deepak , Singh Surendra , Singh Jyoti , Bajaj Naresh , Singh Harendra Pratap
Published: May 2018

Objective

This cross sectional study was done to assess the developmental status in children (6-30 mo old) with severe acute malutrition (SAM).

Methods

Study subjects were enrolled from children in SAM therapeutic unit, and controls were selected from well-baby clinic of the institute. Neurodevelopment of both groups was assessed using the Developmental assessment scale of Indian infants (DASII). Developmental quotient (DQ) ≤70 was considered delayed.

Results

Mean (SE) motor DQ 59.04 (0.74) and mental DQ 62.1 (0.57) was lower in SAM as compared to controls (both P<0.0001). Clusters of early age were normal but clusters with items of later infancy were delayed.

Conclusions

Children with SAM show significant delay in development, and motor DQ is affected more than mental DQ.
Multiple Pulmonary Nodules in an Immunocompetent Adolescent with Infectious Mononucleosis
Authors: Bhaskaran Praveena Nediyara , Puliyel Mammen , Myers Melissa , Abughali Nazha
Published: May 2018

Background

Infectious mononucleosis is usually a self-limiting illness, but can be rarely associated with complications.

Case characteristics

A 17-year-old boy with Epstein-Barr virus related infectious mononucleosis and cold antibody-mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia with incidentally noted multiple pulmonary nodules.

Observations

Nodules regressed over the next few weeks without specific therapy.

Message

Pediatricians need to be aware of this rare clinical presentation of infectious mononucleosis so that further invasive testing can be avoided.
Abstracts Voorjaarsvergadering NVU, 25 mei 2018, Nijmegen
Authors: van der Poel Henk G.
Published: May 2018

Samenvatting

Bij 2-5% van de microscopische hematurie- en 10-28% van de macroscopische hematuriepatiënten blijkt een blaastumor de oorzaak van de hematurie te zijn. Eerder hebben wij een urinetest op basis van mutatie- en methylatiemarkers ontwikkeld om blaaskanker te detecteren (97% sensitiviteit en 83% specificiteit).
Profit-oriented scheduling of resource-constrained projects with flexible capacity constraints
Authors: Schnabel André , Kellenbrink Carolin , Helber Stefan
Published: May 2018

We consider a novel generalization of the resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP). Unlike many established approaches for the RCPSP that aim to minimize the makespan of the project for given static capacity constraints, we consider the important real-life aspect that capacity constraints can often be systematically modified by temporarily assigning costly additional production resources or using overtime. We, furthermore, assume that the revenue of the project decreases as its makespan increases and try to find a schedule with a profit-maximizing makespan. Like the RCPSP, the problem is $$\mathcal {NP}$$
NP
-hard, but unlike the RCPSP, it turns out that an optimal schedule does not have to be among the set of so-called active schedules. Scheduling such a project is a formidable task, both from a practical and a theoretical perspective. We develop, describe, and evaluate alternative solution encodings and schedule decoding mechanisms to solve this problem within a genetic algorithm framework and we compare the solutions obtained to both optimal reference values and the results of a commercial local search solver called LocalSolver.
Neural correlates of episodic memory in the Memento cohort
Authors: Epelbaum Stephane , Bouteloup Vincent , Mangin Jean F. , La Corte Valentina , Migliaccio Raffaela , Bertin Hugo , Habert Marie O. , Fischer Clara , Azouani Chabha , Fillon Ludovic , Chupin Marie , Vellas Bruno , Pasquier Florence , Dartigues Jean F. , Blanc Fréderic , Gabelle Audrey , Ceccaldi Mathieu , Krolak‐Salmon Pierre , Hugon Jacques , Hanon Olivier , Rouaud Olivier , David Renaud , Chêne Genevieve , Dubois Bruno , Dufouil Carole ,   Memento Study group
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The free and cued selective reminding test is used to identify memory deficits in mild cognitive impairment and demented patients. It allows assessing three processes: encoding, storage, and recollection of verbal episodic memory.

Methods

We investigated the neural correlates of these three memory processes in a large cohort study. The Memento cohort enrolled 2323 outpatients presenting either with subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment who underwent cognitive, structural MRI and, for a subset, fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography evaluations.

Results

Encoding was associated with a network including parietal and temporal cortices; storage was mainly associated with entorhinal and parahippocampal regions, bilaterally; retrieval was associated with a widespread network encompassing frontal regions.

Discussion

The neural correlates of episodic memory processes can be assessed in large and standardized cohorts of patients at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Their relation to pathophysiological markers of Alzheimer's disease remains to be studied.
Linear angular dispersion compensation of cleaned self-diffraction light with a single prism
Authors: Shen Xiong , Wang Peng , Liu Jun , Li Ruxin
Published: May 2018

The linear angular dispersion of a self-diffraction (SD) pulse, from a femtosecond laser pulse cleaning device, is compensated for by the use of a single prism. More than $500~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{J}$ first-order SD pulse has a contrast of $10^{12}$, which is about five orders of magnitude improvement from the input fundamental pulse. The wings of the distribution away from the main pulse in $\pm 1$ ps are cleaned with a contrast improvement of about $10^{7}$, which verifies the pulse cleaning ability of the SD process.
Pre-pregnancy dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality, and risk of developing gestational diabetes: the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Authors: Looman Moniek , Schoenaker Danielle A. J. M. , Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S. , Geelen Anouk , Feskens Edith J. M. , Mishra Gita D.
Published: May 2018

Carbohydrate quantity and quality affect postprandial glucose response, glucose metabolism and risk of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the association of pre-pregnancy dietary carbohydrate quantity and quality with the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health that included 3607 women aged 25–30 years without diabetes who were followed up between 2003 and 2015. We examined carbohydrate quantity (total carbohydrate intake and a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) score) and carbohydrate subtypes indicating quality (fibre, total sugar intake, glycaemic index, glycaemic load and intake of carbohydrate-rich food groups). Relative risks (RR) for development of GDM were estimated using multivariable regression models with generalised estimating equations. During 12 years of follow-up, 285 cases of GDM were documented in 6263 pregnancies (4·6 %). The LCD score, reflecting relatively high fat and protein intake and low carbohydrate intake, was positively associated with GDM risk (RR 1·54; 95 % CI 1·10, 2·15), highest quartilev. lowest quartile). Women in the quartile with highest fibre intake had a 33 % lower risk of GDM (RR 0·67; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·96)). Higher intakes of fruit (0·95 per 50 g/d; 95 % CI 0·90, 0·99) and fruit juice (0·89 per 100 g/d; 95 % CI 0·80, 1·00)) were inversely associated with GDM, whereas cereal intake was associated with a higher risk of GDM (RR 1·05 per 20 g/d; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·07)). Thus, a relatively low carbohydrate and high fat and protein intake may increase the risk of GDM, whereas higher fibre intake could decrease the risk of GDM. It is especially important to take the source of carbohydrates into account.
Efficacy ofLysinibacillus sphaericusagainst mixed-cultures of field-collected and laboratory larvae ofAedes aegyptiandCulex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Santana-Martinez J.C. , Silva J.J. , Dussan J.
Published: May 2018

Lysinibacillus sphaericus(Bacillales: Planococcaceae) is a spore-forming bacillus used for the biological control of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) due to its larvicidal activity determined by various toxins and S-layer protein produced either during sporulation or by the vegetative cell.Aedes aegyptiandCulex quinquefasciatusare the vectors of arboviruses that cause tropical diseases representing a current public health problem. Both species may coexist in the same larval development sites and are susceptible to the larvicidal activity ofL. sphaericus. In this study, we compared the larvicidal effects ofL. sphaericus2362 (WHO Reference strain) and native strains III(3)7 and OT4b.25 againstCx. quinquefasciatusandAe. aegyptiin single-species and mixed-culture bioassays. Findings showed thatL. sphaericusspores, vegetative cells and a combination thereof possessed high larvicidal activity againstCx. quinquefasciatuslarvae, whereas only the formulation ofL. sphaericusvegetative cells was effective againstAe. aegyptilarvae. Similar results were obtained for field-collected larvae. We propose that a formulation of vegetative cells ofL. sphaericus2362 or III(3)7 could be a good alternative to chemical insecticides for thein situcontrol of mixed populations ofAe. aegyptiandCx. quinquefasciatus.
Generating Infinite Random Graphs
Authors: Biró Csaba , Darji Udayan B.
Published: May 2018

We define a growing model of random graphs. Given a sequence of non-negative integers {dn}n=0∞ with the property that di≤i, we construct a random graph on countably infinitely many vertices v0, v1… by the following process: vertex vi is connected to a subset of {v0, …, vi−1} of cardinality di chosen uniformly at random. We study the resulting probability space. In particular, we give a new characterization of random graphs, and we also give probabilistic methods for constructing infinite random trees.
Association of SNP and STR polymorphisms of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) gene with milk traits in Holstein-Friesian cows
Authors: Dux Marta , Muranowicz Magdalena , Siadkowska Eulalia , Robakowska-Hyżorek Dagmara , Flisikowski Krzysztof , Bagnicka Emilia , Zwierzchowski Lech
Published: May 2018

The objective of the study reported in this Research Communication was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the insulin-like growth factor receptor 2 (IGF2R) gene with milk traits in 283 Polish Holstein-Friesian (PHF) cows from the IGAB PAS farm in Jastrzębiec. IGF2R regulates the availability of biologically active IGF2 which is considered as a genetic marker for milk or meat production in farm animals. Two novel genetic polymorphisms were identified in the bovine IGF2R gene: a polymorphic TG-repeat in intron 23 (g.72389 (TG)15-67), and a g.72479 G > A SNP RFLP-StyI in exon 24. The following milk traits were investigated: milk yield, protein and fat yield, SCC and lactose content. To determine the influence of the IGF2R STR and SNP genotypes on the milk traits, we used the AI-REML (average information restricted maximum likelihood) method with repeatability, multi-trait animal model based on test-day information using DMU package. Statistical analysis revealed that the G/A genotype (P ≤ 0·01) was associated with milk and protein yield, lactose content and somatic cell count (SCC) in Polish HF cows. TGn (29/22, 28/29, 28/22, 28/28) genotypes were associated with high values for milk, (28/22, 28/23) with protein and fat yield, (25/20) with lactose content, and (29/33, 28/28) with low SCC. We suggest that the IGF2R gene polymorphisms could be useful genetic markers for dairy production traits in cattle.
Milk microRNA-146a as a potential biomarker in bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Iannaccone Marco , Cosenza Gianfranco , Pauciullo Alfredo , Garofalo Francesca , Proroga Yolande T , Capuano Federico , Capparelli Rosanna
Published: May 2018

In this research communication we exploited the potential use of milk microRNAs (miRs) as biomarkers for bovine tuberculosis (bTB). bTB is a zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis which affects animal health, influencing herd economic sustainability. Diagnosis is based on skin delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and quantification of interferon gamma but both techniques are influenced by several confounding factors. Thus, new methods for early diagnosis are required. In this context, microRNAs have been used as promising biomarkers for both infectious and non-infectious diseases. To determine the possible involvement of microRNAs in bTB, we analysed the expression of four immune-related miRs in 200 cows grouped in cases and controls with respect to positivity to tuberculosis. The analysis showed a different magnitude of expression in the groups indicating that active tuberculosis could influence miRs expression. We used expression values of miR-146a, the highest differentially expressed miR, for Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In order to determine a test cut-off value for miR-146a expression that would differentiate cases and controls, a value for the miR-146a expression higher than 8 was selected as this gave a test specificity and sensitivity of 80·0% and 86·0% respectively. These values confirm the possibility of using miR-146a as a milk prognostic biomarker for bovine tuberculosis.
RagD regulates amino acid mediated-casein synthesis and cell proliferation via mTOR signalling in cow mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Mu Ying , Zheng Dongmei , Wang Cong , Yu Wei , Zhang Xiaonan
Published: May 2018

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that RagD is a key signalling factor that regulates amino acid (AA) mediated-casein synthesis and cell proliferation in cow mammary epithelial cells (CMECs). The expression of RagD was analysed at different times during pregnancy and lactation in bovine mammary tissue from dairy cows. We showed that expression of RagD at lactation period was higher (P < 0·05) than that at pregnancy period. When CMECs were treated with methionine (Met) or lysine (Lys), expression of RagD, β-casein (CSN2), mTOR and p-mTOR, and cell proliferation were increased. Further, when CMECs were treated to overexpress RagD, expression of CSN2, mTOR and p-mTOR, and cell proliferation were up-regulated. Furthermore, the increase in expression of CSN2, mTOR and p-mTOR, and cell proliferation in response to Met or Lys supply was inhibited by inhibiting RagD, and those effects were reversed in the overexpression model. When CMECs were treated with RagD overexpression together with mTOR inhibition or conversely with RagD inhibition together with mTOR overexpression, results showed that the increase in expression of CSN2 and cell proliferation in response to RagD overexpression was prevented by inhibiting mTOR, and those effects were reversed by overexpressing mTOR. The interaction of RagD with subunit proteins of mTORC1 was analysed, and the result showed that RagD interacted with Raptor. CMECs were treated with Raptor inhibition, and the result showed that the increase in expression of mTOR and p-mTOR in response to RagD overexpression was inhibited by inhibiting Raptor.

In conclusion, our study showed that RagD is an important activation factor of mTORC1 in CMECs, activating AA-mediated casein synthesis and cell proliferation, potentially acting via Raptor.
Rapid detection of adulteration of milks from different species using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Authors: Cirak Olgun , Icyer N. Cihat , Durak M. Zeki
Published: May 2018

The aim of the studies reported in the Research Communication was to develop a rapid spectroscopic technique as an alternative method for the classification and discrimination of milk sources by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cow, sheep and water buffalo milk samples were collected from various local milk producers in Istanbul, Turkey. In addition, various brands of packaged milk were purchased locally. Spectrums were obtained according to milk species origin and binary mixtures prepared in increments of 10% (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90%) for each sample analysed in FTIR spectroscopy. A successful milk species (cow, sheep, and water buffalo) discrimination and classification were achieved utilising Hierarchical cluster and principle component analyses (PCA) on the basis of Euclidean distance and Ward's algorithm. Amide-I (1700–1600/cm) and Amide-II (1565–1520/cm) spectral bands were used in the chemometric method. The results of the study indicated that adulteration of milk samples can be quantitatively detected by the FTIR technique in a short time with high accuracy. In conclusion, this method could be used as a new alternative technique for routine analysis in authenticity control of milk species origin.
Para-κ-casein during the ripening and storage of low-pH, high-moisture Feta cheese
Authors: Alexandraki Voula , Moatsou Golfo
Published: May 2018

The hypothesis of this research paper was that the physicochemical conditions in a low-pH, high-moisture white brined cheese such as Feta would make para-κ-casein vulnerable to residual chymosin activity during ripening and storage. It was important to address this hypothesis, since cheese para-κ-casein could theoretically be used for the assessment of the origin of cheese milk by means of various analytical methods. Feta cheese was manufactured from sheep milk and from four different mixtures of sheep and goat milk in triplicate. The para-κ-casein of Feta samples taken during 120 d of ripening and storage was estimated by means of cation-exchange HPLC and proteolysis was determined in terms of free amino groups. Despite their similarity, sheep and goat para-κ-casein were efficiently separated and the changes of their chromatographic areas indicated that hydrolysis took place during the first stage of ripening. In accordance to the evolution of free amino groups, para-κ-caseins remained stable thereafter. The hydrolysis pattern was not affected by the composition of the cheese milk mixture and after 120 d at least two thirds of the initial quantity remained intact. Considering the efficient separation of sheep and goat para-κ-caseins and their stability during Feta storage, the same method was used for the evaluation of the percentage of goat milk in the cheese milk. The actual and the estimated percentage of goat milk within the range 0–40 were strongly correlated (R = 0·997, n = 60) and the standard error of estimation was 0·914.
A large-scale study of indicators of sub-clinical mastitis in dairy cattle by attribute weighting analysis of milk composition features: highlighting the predictive power of lactose and electrical conductivity
Authors: Ebrahimie Esmaeil , Ebrahimi Faezeh , Ebrahimi Mansour , Tomlinson Sarah , Petrovski Kiro R
Published: May 2018

Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) affects milk composition. In this study, we hypothesise that large-scale mining of milk composition features by pattern recognition models can identify the best predictors of SCM within the milk composition features. To this end, using data mining algorithms, we conducted a large-scale and longitudinal study to evaluate the ability of various milk production parameters as indicators of SCM. SCM is the most prevalent disease of dairy cattle, causing substantial economic loss for the dairy industry. Developing new techniques to diagnose SCM in its early stages improves herd health and is of great importance. Test-day Somatic Cell Count (SCC) is the most common indicator of SCM and the primary mastitis surveillance approach worldwide. However, test-day SCC fluctuates widely between days, causing major concerns for its reliability. Consequently, there would be great benefit to identifying additional efficient indicators from large-scale and longitudinal studies. With this intent, data was collected at every milking (twice per day) for a period of 2 months from a single farm using in-line electronic equipment (346 248 records in total). The following data were analysed: milk volume, protein concentration, lactose concentration, electrical conductivity (EC), milking time and peak flow. Three SCC cut-offs were used to estimate the prevalence of SCM: Australian ≥ 250 000 cells/ml, European ≥200 000 cells/ml and New Zealand ≥ 150 000 cells/ml. At first, 10 different Attribute Weighting Algorithms (AWM) were applied to the data. In the absence of SCC, lactose concentration featured as the most important variable, followed by EC. For the first time, using attribute weighted modelling, we showed that the concentration of lactose in milk can be used as a strong indicator of SCM. The development of machine-learning expert systems using two or more milk variables (such as lactose concentration and EC) may produce a predictive pattern for early SCM detection.
The effects of a synthetic analogue of the Bovine Appeasing Pheromone on milk yield and composition in Valdostana dairy cows during the move from winter housing to confined lowland pastures
Authors: Osella Maria Cristina , Cozzi Alessandro , Spegis Claudio , Turille Germano , Barmaz Andrea , Lecuelle Céline Lafont , Teruel Eva , Bienboire-Frosini Cécile , Chabaud Camille , Bougrat Laurent , Pageat Patrick
Published: May 2018

This Research Communication describes the effects of a synthetic analogue of the Bovine Appeasing Pheromone (BAP) on milk parameters in Valdostana dairy cows during the first turning out from tie-stalls to confined lowland pastures around the farms. Thirty healthy lactating Valdostana cows were enroled in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups: experimental group (EG, n = 15) and control group (CG, n = 15). The two groups were separately housed in the same farm and managed outside in two different pens. Treatment (BAP and solution) and control (solution only) were poured on the nuchal skin area between the horns when the animals were inside the farm at the feeding rack every 7 d for 28 d (T0–T4). Milk samples were evaluated at the same time points (T0–T4). Daily milk production (kg/day) was higher in the EG than in the CG, particularly during the first day after the turning out to pasture (T1). Somatic Cell Count (103 cells/ml) was higher in the placebo group than in the EG, especially at T1. Proteins, fat, fat-free dry matter and casein (g/100 g) were not affected by the treatment. In T1 urea (mg/dl) content was higher in CG vs. EG, suggesting a more correct metabolic balance in the group treated with BAP. The use of BAP appears to modulate adaptation in ways that may improve dairy cow performance in the context of changes in management routines.
Effects of herd and physiological status on variation of 16 immunological and inflammatory parameters in dairy cows during drying off and the transition period
Authors: Zecconi Alfonso , Albonico Francesca , Gelain Maria Elena , Piccinini Renata , Cipolla Micaela , Mortarino Michele
Published: May 2018

During drying off and transition period, cows are subject to changes in endocrine status, metabolic stressors and altered immune functions, which could lead to an increased risk of disease. To expand our knowledge on the immune/inflammatory status and to identify markers to define cow status during this interval, the pattern of 9 different cellular parameters, 5 cytokines, 2 enzymes and 3 cellular ratios in blood samples were assessed in 15 primiparous cows belonging to three different dairy herds in Lombardy. Our data showed that the variation of almost all parameters was influenced by the physiological period in which the samples were collected, except for apoptosis, IL-1β, IL-6, lysozyme and granulocyte/monocyte ratio. Several markers were directly correlated either to the herd alone (IL-1β, IL-6, lysozyme, granulocyte/lymphocyte ratio and granulocyte/monocyte ratio) or in association with the sampling time (white blood cell count, necrosis, lymphocytes count, CD4+ lymphocytes proportion). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three herd-associated sample clusters showing different frequency along the follow-up period. The results of this field study highlight the importance of the herd factor in the immune/inflammatory response. Furthermore, these results suggest that cellular parameters are probably the most suitable markers to define cow status during drying-off and the peripartum period.
Simple magnetic spectrometer for ions emitted from laser-generated plasma at 1010 W/cm2 intensity
Authors: Torrisi L. , Costa G.
Published: May 2018

Plasmas were generated by 3 ns pulsed lasers at 1064 nm wavelength using intensities of about 1010 W/cm2 irradiating solid targets with a different composition. The ion emission was investigated with time-of-flight measurements giving information of the ion velocity, charge state generation, and ion energy distribution. Measurements use a coil to generate a magnetic field suitable to deflect ions toward a Faraday cup and/or a secondary electron multiplier.

Ion acceleration of the order of hundred eV per charge state, plasma temperature of the order of tens eV, charge states up to about 4+, and Boltzmann energy distributions were obtained in carbon, aluminum, and copper targets.

The presented results represent useful plasma characterization methods for many applications such as the new generation of laser ion sources, pulsed laser deposition techniques, and post ion acceleration systems.
The role of the Avant Garde in linguistic diffusion
Authors: Labov William
Published: May 2018

The spread of the new quotative be like throughout the English-speaking world is a change from above for each community that receives it. Diffusion of this form into Philadelphia is traced through the yearly interviews of the Philadelphia Neighborhood Corpus, beginning with young adults in 1979 and spreading to adolescents in 1990, a generation later. The first users of be like form the Avant Garde, young adults with extensive awareness of linguistic patterns within and without the city. The use of this quotative in Philadelphia is favored by constraints that are found elsewhere, particularly to introduce inner speech that is not intended to be heard by others and to cite exemplars of a range of utterances. Not previously reported is a strong tendency to be favored for quotations with initial exclamations, prototypically expressions of surprise and alarm such as “Oh” and “Oh my god!”.
The Practice of Asian Democracy in Kelantan State, Malaysia, 1959–2013
Authors: GHAZALI AMER SAIFUDE , HARIS ABU HANIFAH , RAHMAN ZULKANAIN ABDUL
Published: May 2018

The debates on Asian democracy began 30 years ago. Western countries have often promoted liberal democracy as being the genuine democracy, giving justice to the people and being able to meet the needs of their communities. However, at the same time, some Asian countries practice democracy that promotes Asian values, which are very different from Western values. Western countries describe Asian democracy as an excuse for some leaders to maintain power in their respective countries, for example Malaysia. Critics have pointed out that some Asian leaders have used authoritarianism or despotism in order to mitigate the weaknesses of their rule. Asian democracy is practiced in Kelantan where the PAS (Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party) continued to maintain power for 23 years, from 1990 to 2013. Factors that have contributed to the long rule of the PAS party include socio-political stability, including political parties who were clean and competent and leaders who are knowledgeable and pious.
Development of a 200kV Atomic Resolution Analytical Electron Microscope
Authors: Isabell T , Brink J , Kawasaki M , Armbruster B , Ishikawa I , Okunishi E , Sawada H , Okura Y , Yamazaki K , Ishikawa T , Kawazu M , Hori M , Terao M , Kanno M , Tanba S , Kondo Y
Published: May 2018

Few electron optical inventions have revolutionized the TEM/ STEM as profoundly as the spherical aberration (Cs) corrector has. Characterization of technologically important materials increasingly needs to be done at the atomic or even sub-atomic level. This characterization includes determination of atomic structure as well as structural chemistry. With Cs correctors, the sub-Angstrom imaging barrier has been passed, and fast atomic scale spectroscopy is possible. In addition to improvements in resolution, Cs correctors offer a number of other significant improvements and benefits.