bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Regulation of Ruminal Short-Chain Fatty Acids on the Functions of Rumen Barriers
Authors: Shen Hong , Xu Zhihui , Shen Zanming , Lu Zhongyan
Published: October 2019

The rumen barriers, constituted by the microbial, physical and immune barrier, prevent the transmission of pathogens and toxins to the host tissue in the maintenance of host-microbe homeostasis. Ruminal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are the important signaling molecules derived from the rumen microbiota, regulate a variety of physiological functions of the rumen. So far, how the ruminal SCFAs regulate the function of rumen barriers is unclear. By the combined methods of transcriptome sequencing, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metagenome shotgun sequencing, we have investigated the regulatory effects of ruminal SCFAs on the functions of rumen barriers, by determining the composition and functions of epimural microbiota and on the structure and immunity of the rumen epithelium in goats receiving a 10% (LC group), 35% (MC group), or 65% concentrate diet (HC group). We found that, when the dietary concentrate shifted from 10 to 35%, the increase of total SCFA is associated with the diversification of epimural microbiota and the diversity of its gene pool. Within the microbial community, the relative abundance of genera Sphingobium, Acinetobacter, and Streptococcus increase mostly. Meantime, the signals on pathways concerning the mechanical connections and growth homeostasis in the rumen epithelium were upregulated. Under these conditions, the responses of immune components in the rumen epithelium decrease. However, when the dietary concentrate shifted from 35 to 65%, the increase of acetate and reduction of pH decrease the diversity of epimural microbiota and the diversity of its gene pool. Within the microbial community, the relative abundance of genera Sphingobium, Acinetobacter, and Streptococcus significantly decrease. Concomitantly, the signals on pathways concerning the cell growth and tight junction disruption were upregulated, while the signals on pathways concerning paracellular permeability were downregulated. Under these conditions, the signals on the pathways relating to the immune components increase. Our data thus indicates that diet-SCFA axis maintains the host-microbe homeostasis via promoting the diversification of epimural microbiota and maintaining the integrity of rumen epithelium in healthy animals, while via enhancing the activities of immune barrier in animal with lower rumen pH.
Seed Coat Pattern QTL and Development in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.)
Authors: Herniter Ira A. , Lo Ryan , Muñoz-Amatriaín María , Lo Sassoum , Guo Yi-Ning , Huynh Bao-Lam , Lucas Mitchell , Jia Zhenyu , Roberts Philip A. , Lonardi Stefano , Close Timothy J.
Published: October 2019

The appearance of the seed is an important aspect of consumer preference for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.). Seed coat pattern in cowpea has been a subject of study for over a century. This study makes use of newly available resources, including mapping populations, a reference genome and additional genome assemblies, and a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping platform, to map various seed coat pattern traits to three loci, concurrent with the Color Factor (C), Watson (W), and Holstein (H) factors identified previously. Several gene models encoding proteins involved in regulating the later stages of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway have been identified as candidate genes, including a basic helix–loop–helix gene (Vigun07g110700) for the C locus, a WD-repeat gene (Vigun09g139900) for the W locus and an E3 ubiquitin ligase gene (Vigun10g163900) for the H locus. A model of seed coat development, consisting of six distinct stages, is described to explain some of the observed pattern phenotypes.
(Hyper)Graph Embedding and Classification via Simplicial Complexes
Authors: Martino Alessio , Giuliani Alessandro , Rizzi Antonello
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates a novel graph embedding procedure based on simplicial complexes. Inherited from algebraic topology, simplicial complexes are collections of increasing-order simplices (e.g., points, lines, triangles, tetrahedrons) which can be interpreted as possibly meaningful substructures (i.e., information granules) on the top of which an embedding space can be built by means of symbolic histograms. In the embedding space, any Euclidean pattern recognition system can be used, possibly equipped with feature selection capabilities in order to select the most informative symbols. The selected symbols can be analysed by field-experts in order to extract further knowledge about the process to be modelled by the learning system, hence the proposed modelling strategy can be considered as a grey-box. The proposed embedding has been tested on thirty benchmark datasets for graph classification and, further, we propose two real-world applications, namely predicting proteins’ enzymatic function and solubility propensity starting from their 3D structure in order to give an example of the knowledge discovery phase which can be carried out starting from the proposed embedding strategy.
A QUBO Model for the Traveling Salesman Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Papalitsas Christos , Andronikos Theodore , Giannakis Konstantinos , Theocharopoulou Georgia , Fanarioti Sofia
Published: October 2019

This work focuses on expressing the TSP with Time Windows (TSPTW for short) as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem. The time windows impose time constraints that a feasible solution must satisfy. These take the form of inequality constraints, which are known to be particularly difficult to articulate within the QUBO framework. This is, we believe, the first time this major obstacle is overcome and the TSPTW is cast in the QUBO formulation. We have every reason to anticipate that this development will lead to the actual execution of small scale TSPTW instances on the D-Wave platform.
Models of Collaborative Governance: The City of Los Angeles’ Foreclosure Registry Program
Authors: Morales Helen , Meek Jack
Published: October 2019

The economic recession of 2007–2013 brought many challenges to nations and cities throughout the world. Los Angeles experienced a foreclosure crisis that brought instability in the real property market, resulting in property loss and loss of revenue from property taxes and increasing demands on city resources from blighted properties. The paper begins with a background of the problem related to blighted properties and proceeds a literature review related to the five phases to the development and implementation of a governance network. The paper then examines a case study—the City of Los Angeles Foreclosure Registry Program’s governance network to reduce blight—to assess the phases taken to learn if the theory of network design offers meaningful direction and insight. The paper closes with an evaluation of the consistency regarding the literature related to the five phases of governance network development and its implementation by the City of Los Angeles.
Laboratory Device to Assess the Effect of Mechanical Thinning of Flower Buds, Flowers and Fruitlets Related to Fruitlet Developing Stage
Authors: Romano Angelo , Torregrosa Antonio , Balasch Sebastià , Ortiz Coral
Published: October 2019

Mandarin thinning is done by hand, increasing labor costs and raising total crop production costs. Mechanical thinning has been tested in peaches and other fruits. To achieve the maximum efficiency thinning has to be applied at a specific stage of vegetative development. In this research study, the mechanical thinning of ‘Clemenrubi’ mandarin branches during the different fruit development stages have been assessed using a vibratory laboratory device (amplitudes 0.015 and 0.030 m and frequencies 34.8 and 37.8 Hz). Branches with flower buds, flowers, small green fruits, and medium green fruits were tested for 12 weeks, in two different seasons. It was possible to mechanically detach flower buds, flowers, and green fruits using different combinations of amplitudes and frequencies. Removal percentage decreased when increasing retention traction force, according to a logarithmic regression model. A significant increment in equatorial diameter and retention traction force was registered when the fruit setting was finishing, while mass had a similar development with a week delay. During fruit setting (weeks 5, 6, and 7) removal percentage was higher, while the retention force was very low. The first weeks just after the natural thinning could be considered the adequate time for a mechanical thinning operation.
Future Changes in Rice Bioclimatic Growing Conditions in Portugal
Authors: Fraga Helder , Guimarães Nathalie , Santos João
Published: October 2019

Rice is a historically important crop in Portugal. This crop development and production strongly depend on atmospheric conditions in the growing season. Given the strong dependence of climatic conditions, climate change may pose a significant risk for future rice production. In the present study, a high spatial resolution bioclimatic characterization over the main rice producing region in Portugal was performed for the recent past (1950–2000) and for the future (2041–2060) under four different anthropogenic forcing scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5). This zoning is performed by using eight bioclimatic indices, based on temperature and precipitation, using a very high resolution gridded dataset (Worldclim). For the future period, an 11-member global climate model ensemble was used, also taking into account model/scenario uncertainties and bias. Additionally, a new index was developed to incorporate the main features of temperature and precipitation at each rice field level. Under recent past climates, a clear north–south gradient in temperature and precipitation is apparent, with the regions of Tejo and Sado presenting higher temperatures and lower precipitation than the Mondego and Vouga regions. Additionally, there is a coastal–inland effect due to the Atlantic Ocean influence. Under anthropogenic climate change, all indices point to annual higher temperatures and lower precipitations across all rice producing regions, accompanied by increased seasonality. Furthermore, the rise of summertime temperatures may substantially increase water demands, which, when unmitigated, may bring physiological problems in the crop development. We conclude that climate change may negatively impact the viability of rice production in Portugal, particularly taking into account the national grown varieties. Thus, adequate and timely planning of suitable adaptation measures are needed to ensure the sustainability of this historically important food sector.
Sodium Azide Priming Enhances Waterlogging Stress Tolerance in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Authors: Vwioko Emuejevoke D. , El-Esawi Mohamed A. , Imoni Marcus E. , Al-Ghamdi Abdullah A. , Ali Hayssam M. , El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , Abdeldaym Emad A. , Al-Dosary Monerah A.
Published: October 2019

Waterlogging stress adversely affects crop growth and yield worldwide. Effect of sodium azide priming on waterlogging stress tolerance of okra plants was investigated. The study was conducted as a field experiment using two weeks old plants grown from 0%, 0.02%, and 0.05% sodium azide (NaN3)-treated seeds. The waterlogging conditions applied were categorized into control, one week, and two weeks. Different growth and reproductive parameters were investigated. Activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes, root anatomy, and soil chemical analysis were also studied. Results showed that sodium azide priming inhibited germination. The germination percentages recorded were 92.50, 85.00, and 65.00 for 0%, 0.02%, and 0.05% NaN3-treated seeds, respectively, nine days after planting. Waterlogging conditions depressed plant height ten weeks after planting. Under waterlogging conditions, NaN3 promoted plant height and number of leaves formed. NaN3 also supported the survival of plants and formation of adventitious roots under waterlogging conditions. Waterlogging conditions negatively affected the redox potential, organic C, N, and P concentrations in the soil but enhanced Soil pH, Fe, Mn, Zn, and SO4. Under waterlogging conditions, NaN3 increased the average number of flower buds, flowers, and fruits produced in comparison to control. Moreover, NaN3 highly stimulated the development of aerenchyma which in turn enhanced the survival of okra plants under waterlogging conditions. NaN3 priming also enhanced the activities and gene expression level of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, APX; catalase, CAT) under waterlogging conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that NaN3 priming could improve waterlogging stress tolerance in okra.
Association of Twelve Candidate Gene Polymorphisms with the Intramuscular Fat Content and Average Backfat Thickness of Chinese Suhuai Pigs
Authors: Wang Binbin , Li Pinghua , Zhou Wuduo , Gao Chen , Liu Hang , Li Huixia , Niu Peipei , Zhang Zongping , Li Qiang , Zhou Juan , Huang Ruihua
Published: October 2019

The present study aimed to identify the molecular markers for genes that influence intramuscular fat content (IFC), but not average backfat thickness (ABT). A total of 330 Suhuai pigs were slaughtered, and measurements of IFC and ABT were obtained. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between IFC and ABT were calculated. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 12 candidate genes for IFC were analyzed, including FABP3, LIPE, IGF1, IGF2, LEP, LEPR, MC4R, PHKG1, RETN, RYR1, SCD, and UBE3C. Associations of the evaluated SNPs with IFCIFC and ABT were performed. Our results showed that the means of IFC and ABT were 1.99 ± 0.03 % and 26.68 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. The coefficients of variation (CVs) of IFC and ABT were 31.21% and 19.36%, respectively. The phenotypic and genetic correlations between IFC and ABT were moderate. Only the FABP3 (rs1110770079) was associated with IFC (p < 0.05) but not with ABT. Besides, there was a tendency for associations of RYR1 (rs344435545) and SCD (rs80912566) with IFC (p < 0.1). Our results indicated that the FABP3 (rs1110770079) SNP could be used as a marker to improve IFC without changing ABT in the Suhuai pig breeding system.
Horses Categorize Human Emotions Cross-Modally Based on Facial Expression and Non-Verbal Vocalizations
Authors: Trösch Miléna , Cuzol Florent , Parias Céline , Calandreau Ludovic , Nowak Raymond , Lansade Léa
Published: October 2019

Over the last few years, an increasing number of studies have aimed to gain more insight into the field of animal emotions. In particular, it is of interest to determine whether animals can cross-modally categorize the emotions of others. For domestic animals that share a close relationship with humans, we might wonder whether this cross-modal recognition of emotions extends to humans, as well. In this study, we tested whether horses could recognize human emotions and attribute the emotional valence of visual (facial expression) and vocal (non-verbal vocalization) stimuli to the same perceptual category. Two animated pictures of different facial expressions (anger and joy) were simultaneously presented to the horses, while a speaker played an emotional human non-verbal vocalization matching one of the two facial expressions. Horses looked at the picture that was incongruent with the vocalization more, probably because they were intrigued by the paradoxical combination. Moreover, horses reacted in accordance with the valence of the vocalization, both behaviorally and physiologically (heart rate). These results show that horses can cross-modally recognize human emotions and react emotionally to the emotional states of humans, assessed by non-verbal vocalizations.
Iodine Supplemented Diet Positively Affect Immune Response and Dairy Product Quality in Fresian Cow
Authors: Iannaccone Marco , Ianni Andrea , Elgendy Ramy , Martino Camillo , Giantin Mery , Cerretani Lorenzo , Dacasto Mauro , Martino Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

The effects of iodine supplementation on the whole-transcriptome of dairy cow using RNA sequencing has been investigated in this study. Iodine did not influence the milk composition, while an improvement was observed in the immune response as well as in the quality of dairy product. Indeed, the iodine intake specifically influenced the expression of 525 genes and the pathway analysis demonstrated that the most affected among them were related to immune response and oxidative stress. As a consequence, we indirectly showed a better response to bacterial infection because of the reduction of somatic cell counts; furthermore, an improvement of dairy product quality was observed since lipid oxidation reduced in fresh cheese. Such findings, together with the higher milk iodine content, clearly demonstrated that iodine supplementation in dairy cow could represent a beneficial practice to preserve animal health and to improve the nutraceutical properties of milk and its derived products.
Towards Next Generation Teaching, Learning, and Context-Aware Applications for Higher Education: A Review on Blockchain, IoT, Fog and Edge Computing Enabled Smart Campuses and Universities
Authors: Fernández-Caramés Tiago M. , Fraga-Lamas Paula
Published: October 2019

Smart campuses and smart universities make use of IT infrastructure that is similar to the one required by smart cities, which take advantage of Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing solutions to monitor and actuate on the multiple systems of a university. As a consequence, smart campuses and universities need to provide connectivity to IoT nodes and gateways, and deploy architectures that allow for offering not only a good communications range through the latest wireless and wired technologies, but also reduced energy consumption to maximize IoT node battery life. In addition, such architectures have to consider the use of technologies like blockchain, which are able to deliver accountability, transparency, cyber-security and redundancy to the processes and data managed by a university. This article reviews the state of the start on the application of the latest key technologies for the development of smart campuses and universities. After defining the essential characteristics of a smart campus/university, the latest communications architectures and technologies are detailed and the most relevant smart campus deployments are analyzed. Moreover, the use of blockchain in higher education applications is studied. Therefore, this article provides useful guidelines to the university planners, IoT vendors and developers that will be responsible for creating the next generation of smart campuses and universities.
ARPS: A Framework for Development, Simulation, Evaluation, and Deployment of Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Coelho Prado Thiago , Bauer Michael
Published: October 2019

Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) are often used to optimize the use of the resources available in an environment. A flaw during the modelling phase or an unanticipated scenario during their execution, however, can make the agents behave not as planned. As a consequence, the resources can be poorly utilized and operate sub-optimized, but it can also bring the resources into an unexpected state. Such problems can be mitigated if there is a controlled environment to test the agents’ behaviour before deployment. To this end, a simulated environment provides not only a way to test the agents’ behaviour under different common scenarios but test them as well in adverse and rare state conditions. With this in mind, we have developed ARPS, an open-source framework that can be used to design computational agents, evaluate them in a simulated environment modelled after a real one, and then deploy and manage them seamlessly in the actual environment when the results of their evaluation are satisfactory.
A SAKF-Based Composed Control Method for Improving Low-Speed Performance and Stability Accuracy of Opto-Electric Servomechanism
Authors: Qi Chao , Jiang Xianliang , Xie Xin , Fan Dapeng
Published: October 2019

The opto-electric servomechanism (OES) plays an important role in obtaining clear and stable images from airborne infrared detectors. However, the inherent torque disturbance and the noisy speed signal cause a significant decline in the inertial stability accuracy and low-speed performances of OESs. Traditional linear control schemes cannot deal with the nonlinear torque disturbance well, and the speed obtained by the finite difference (FD) method cannot effectively balance the tradeoff between the noise filtering and phase delay. Therefore, this paper proposes a strap-down stability control scheme, in the combination of a proportional-integral(PI) controller and a state-augmented Kalman filter (SAKF), where the PI is used to regulate the linear part of the servomechanism, and with the SAKF performing torque disturbance observation and speed estimation simultaneously. The principle and the implementation of the controller are introduced, and the tuning guidelines for the controller parameters are presented as well. Finally, the experimental verifications based on OESs with three transmission types (i.e., the direct-driving, the harmonic-driving, and the rotate vector-driving(RV-driving) OESs) are carried out respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed control scheme can perform better speed observation and torque disturbance compensation for various types of OESs, thus effectively improving the low-speed performance and stability accuracy of the mechanism.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Herm Logan , Haxhia Ardit , de Alcantara Camejo Flavio , Tayebi Lobat , Almeida Luis Eduardo
Published: October 2019

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are progressive degenerative disorders that affect the components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), characterized by pain and limitations in function. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are enzymes involved in physiological breakdown of tissue that can have a pathological effect from an increase in activity during inflammation. A PubMed search of the current literature (within the past 10 years) was conducted to identify human studies involving matrix metalloproteinases activity in TMJ components of patients with TMD. Two separate searches results in 34 studies, six of which met inclusion criteria. Immunohistochemistry and gene analysis were used to evaluate MMP expression in the study groups. This review showed the strongest evidence for involvement of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in TMD; however, limitations included low sample sizes and a lack of recent clinical studies. Future research with more definitive conclusions could allow for additional pharmaceutical targets in MMP when treating patients with temporomandibular disorders.
Comparative Study of ZnO Thin Films Grown on Quartz Glass and Sapphire (001) Substrates by Means of Magnetron Sputtering and High-Temperature Annealing
Authors: Yang Weijia , Wang Fengming , Guan Zeyi , He Pengyu , Liu Zhihao , Hu Linshun , Chen Mei , Zhang Chi , He Xin , Fu Yuechun
Published: October 2019

In this work, we reported a comparative study of ZnO thin films grown on quartz glass and sapphire (001) substrates through magnetron sputtering and high-temperature annealing. Firstly, the ZnO thin films were deposited on the quartz glass and sapphire (001) substrates in the same conditions by magnetron sputtering. Afterwards, the sputtered ZnO thin films underwent an annealing process at 600 °C for 1 h in an air atmosphere to improve the quality of the films. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet-visible spectra, photoluminescence spectra, and Raman spectra were used to investigate the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of the both as-received ZnO thin films. The ZnO thin films grown on the quartz glass substrates possess a full width of half maximum value of 0.271° for the (002) plane, a surface root mean square value of 0.50 nm and O vacancies/defects of 4.40% in the total XPS O 1s peak. The comparative investigation reveals that the whole properties of the ZnO thin films grown on the quartz glass substrates are comparable to those grown on the sapphire (001) substrates. Consequently, ZnO thin films with high quality grown on the quartz glass substrates can be achieved by means of magnetron sputtering and high-temperature annealing at 600 °C.
A Perturbative View from the Master Equation: Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Revisited
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: October 2019

We show that by treating the weak probe field as a perturbation to the strong coupling fields in the atomic system and using the perturbative method in a master equation, the features of linear response of phenomena of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) can be uniformly demonstrated, regardless of the details of atomic energy level configuration. We compare our estimation with both typical and atypical EIT-observed configurations and find that our model indeed provides a description of the sharp transmission window in central area of typical EIT curve. It can also be inferred hereby that for various systems other than atomic gas, as long as the description of the system’s dynamics comes down to the simplified form of master equation, the corresponding EIT analogs and EIT-like phenomena can also be explained in this way.
Interaction of Cold Atmospheric Argon and Helium Plasma Jets with Bio-Target with Grounded Substrate Beneath
Authors: Schweigert Irina , Zakrevsky Dmitry , Gugin Pavel , Yelak Elena , Golubitskaya Ekaterina , Troitskaya Olga , Koval Olga
Published: October 2019

The cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet interaction with the bio-target is studied in the plasma experiment, 2D fluid model simulations, and with MTT and iCELLigence assays of the viability of cancer cells. It is shown, for the first time, that the use of the grounded substrate under the media with cells considerably amplifies the effect of plasma cancer cell treatment in vitro. Plasma devices with cylindrical and plane geometries generating cold atmospheric plasma jets are developed and tested. The sequence of the streamers which forms the plasma jet is initiated with a voltage of 2.5–6.5 kV applied with the frequency 40 kHz. We suggest using the grounded substrate under the bio-target during the plasma jet treatment of cancer cells. The analysis of the measured plasma spectra and comparison of OH-line intensity for different voltages and gas flow rates allows us to find a range of optimal plasma parameters for the enhanced OH generation. The time-dependent viability is measured for human cell lines, A431 (skin carcinoma), HEK 293 (kidney embryonic cells), and A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma cells) after the plasma jet treatment. The results with cell-based experiments (direct treatment) performed with various plasma jet parameters confirm the maximum efficiency of the treatment with the optimal plasma parameters.
Exposure Bracketing Techniques for Camera Document Image Enhancement
Authors: Liu Tao , Liu Hao , Wu Yingying , Yin Bo , Wei Zhiqiang
Published: October 2019

Capturing document images using digital cameras in uneven lighting conditions is challenging, leading to poorly captured images, which hinders the processing that follows, such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR). In this paper, we propose the use of exposure bracketing techniques to solve this problem. Instead of capturing one image, we used several images that were captured with different exposure settings and used the exposure bracketing technique to generate a high-quality image that incorporates useful information from each image. We found that this technique can enhance image quality and provides an effective way of improving OCR accuracy. Our contributions in this paper are two-fold: (1) a preprocessing chain that uses exposure bracketing techniques for document images is discussed, and an automatic registration method is proposed to find the geometric disparity between multiple document images, which lays the foundation for exposure bracketing; (2) several representative exposure bracketing algorithms are incorporated in the processing chain and their performances are evaluated and compared.
Computational Analysis of Deep Visual Data for Quantifying Facial Expression Production
Authors: Leo Marco , Carcagnì Pierluigi , Distante Cosimo , Mazzeo Pier Luigi , Spagnolo Paolo , Levante Annalisa , Petrocchi Serena , Lecciso Flavia
Published: October 2019

The computational analysis of facial expressions is an emerging research topic that could overcome the limitations of human perception and get quick and objective outcomes in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorders, ASD). Unfortunately, there have been only a few attempts to quantify facial expression production and most of the scientific literature aims at the easier task of recognizing if either a facial expression is present or not. Some attempts to face this challenging task exist but they do not provide a comprehensive study based on the comparison between human and automatic outcomes in quantifying children’s ability to produce basic emotions. Furthermore, these works do not exploit the latest solutions in computer vision and machine learning. Finally, they generally focus only on a homogeneous (in terms of cognitive capabilities) group of individuals. To fill this gap, in this paper some advanced computer vision and machine learning strategies are integrated into a framework aimed to computationally analyze how both ASD and typically developing children produce facial expressions. The framework locates and tracks a number of landmarks (virtual electromyography sensors) with the aim of monitoring facial muscle movements involved in facial expression production. The output of these virtual sensors is then fused to model the individual ability to produce facial expressions. Gathered computational outcomes have been correlated with the evaluation provided by psychologists and evidence has been given that shows how the proposed framework could be effectively exploited to deeply analyze the emotional competence of ASD children to produce facial expressions.
A Search for the Hidden King: Messianism, Prophecies and Royal Epiphanies of the Kings of Aragon (circa 1250–1520)
Authors: Serra Desfilis Amadeo
Published: October 2019

Modern historiography has studied the influence of messianic and millennialist ideas in the Crown of Aragon extensively and, more particularly, how they were linked to the Aragonese monarchy. To date, research in the field of art history has mainly considered royal iconography from a different point of view: through coronation, historical or dynastic images. This article will explore the connections, if any, between millennialist prophetic visions and royal iconography in the Crown of Aragon using both texts and the figurative arts, bearing in mind that sermons, books and images shared a common space in late medieval audiovisual culture, where royal epiphanies took place. The point of departure will be the hypothesis that some royal images and apparently conventional religious images are compatible with readings based on sources of prophetic and apocalyptic thought, which help us to understand the intentions and values behind unique figurative and performative epiphanies of the dynasty that ruled the Crown of Aragon between 1250 and 1516. With this purpose in mind, images will be analysed in their specific context, which is often possible to reconstruct thanks to the abundance and diversity of the written sources available on the subject, with a view to identifying their promoters’ intentions, the function they fulfilled and the reception of these images in the visual culture of this time and place.
A Cloud Detection Algorithm with Reduction of Sunlight Interference in Ground-Based Sky Images
Authors: Li Xin , Lu Zhiying , Zhou Qingxia , Xu Zhengyang
Published: October 2019

Cloud detection for ground-based sky images has attracted much attention in cloud-related fields. In this paper, we proposed a cloud detection algorithm that reduced the sunlight interference in the image. The solar location method was introduced to track the sun in the image used for feature calculation, which was suitable for the case where the camera could not be calibrated. Following this, the adjustable red green difference (ARGD) feature using red and green channels was proposed. The red weight in the feature was determined by the layering region division, which classified the degree of sunlight interference in the image, and the sky state, which discriminated whether there was sunlight interference in the image. Finally, a fixed zero threshold was applied to feature images in order to obtain the cloud detection results. Experimental results showed that the proposed algorithm performs better than the other algorithms and can effectively reduce the sunlight interference.
Extreme Drought Events over Brazil from 2011 to 2019
Authors: Cunha Ana Paula M. A. , Zeri Marcelo , Deusdará Leal Karinne , Costa Lidiane , Cuartas Luz Adriana , Marengo José Antônio , Tomasella Javier , Vieira Rita Marcia , Barbosa Alexandre Augusto , Cunningham Christopher , Cal Garcia João Victor , Broedel Elisangela , Alvalá Regina , Ribeiro-Neto Germano
Published: October 2019

Drought-related disasters are among the natural disasters that are able to cause large economic and social losses. In recent years, droughts have affected different regions of Brazil, impacting water, food, and energy security. In this study, we used the Integrated Drought Index (IDI), which combines a meteorological-based drought index and remote sensing-based index, to assess the drought events from 2011 to 2019 over Brazil. During this period, drought events were observed throughout the country, being most severe and widespread between the years 2011 and 2017. In most of the country, the 2014/15 hydrological year stands out due to the higher occurrence of severe and moderate droughts. However, drought intensity and observed impacts were different for each region, which is shown by the different case studies, assessing different types of impacts caused by drought in Brazil. Thus, it is fundamental to evaluate the impacts of droughts in a continental country such as Brazil, where a variety of vegetation, soil, land use, and especially different climate regimes predominate.
Effect of Typhoon-Generated Cold Wake on the Subsequent Typhoon Tembin and Its Sensitivity to Horizontal Resolutions
Authors: Moon Mincheol , Ha Kyung-Ja
Published: October 2019

Weather research models have been used to investigate the sensitivity of simulations of Typhoon Tembin (1214) to changes in three horizontal grid spacings and the effect of the cold wake generated by Typhoon Bolaven (1215). We used modified sea surface temperature (SST) to simulate Tembin as it approached after Bolaven had passed through the Ieodo Ocean Research Station and the Yellow Sea buoy in Korea. In the tropical cyclone (TC) tracking experiments, a higher resolution showed the faster and more eastward movement of TCs in all SST conditions. TCs tend to move more eastward at all resolutions particularly when there is a cold wake in their western regions. When there is no cold wake, the intensity of TC is very sensitive to the resolution of the experiment. If a cold wake is maintained on the western and eastern sides, TC intensity is less sensitive to differences in resolution. The precipitation from TCs in the cold wake of the eastern (western) region is lower (higher) than when there is no wake. The TC-generated cold wake significantly affects intensity and movement in cold wake cases in the western region, regardless of horizontal grid, for various reasons.
Characteristics of PM2.5 at a High-Altitude Remote Site in the Southeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau in Premonsoon Season
Authors: Zhao Zhuzi , Wang Qiyuan , Li Li , Han Yongming , Ye Zhaolian , Pongpiachan Siwatt , Zhang Yong , Liu Suixin , Tian Ruixia , Cao Junji
Published: October 2019

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is one of the world’s most sensitive areas for climate change. Previous studies have revealed that air pollutants emitted from South and Southeast Asia can be transported to and have a negative impact on the TP. However, the majority of the investigators have focused on the pollutant transport processes from South Asian regions (i.e., India and Bangladesh) and parts of Southeast Asia, while the regions adjacent to the southeast fringe of the TP (i.e., Burma and the Sino-Burmese border) have been neglected. Here, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected during the period 11 March to 13 May 2018 at Gaomeigu, a high-altitude remote site in the southeastern margin of the TP. Characteristics, sources of PM2.5, and the potential source regions for different chemical components were investigated. During the sampling time, PM2.5 mass loadings ranged from 3.79 to 54.57 µg m−3, with an arithmetic mean concentration of 20.99 ± 9.80 µg m−3. In general, major peaks of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) always coincided with high loadings of K+ and NO3−, which implies that common combustion sources caused these species’ concentrations to covary, while the daily variations of crustal elements showed different trends with the other chemical compositions, suggesting different source regions for crustal materials. Five source factors were identified as possible aerosol sources for PM2.5 by positive matrix factorization (PMF). They are the mining industry (5.3%), characterized by heavy metal elements; secondary formation (18.8%), described by the high concentrations of NH4+ and SO42−; traffic-related emissions (26.7%), dominated by carbonaceous species (especially soot-EC) and some metal elements; fugitive dust (15.2%), represented by crustal elements (Ti, Fe, and Mn), Ca2+, and Mg2+; and biomass burning (34.0%), which is typified by high concentrations of K+, NO3−, char-EC, primary OC, and secondary OC. The concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) analysis results showed that the northeast part of Burma is the potential source region for high concentrations of EC and NO3− due to biomass burning emissions, while the tourism industry surrounding Gaomeigu gave strong grid cell values of SO42− as well as moderate values of EC and NO3−. Moreover, the mining industry in the southwest direction of Gaomeigu has important impacts on the zinc concentrations.
A Hyaluronan Hydrogel Scaffold for Culture of Human Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cells in Limbal Stem-Cell Therapy
Authors: Yazdani Mazyar , Shahdadfar Aboulghassem , Jackson Catherine Joan , Utheim Tor Paaske
Published: October 2019

Hyaluronan (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, plays a key role in cell proliferation, growth, survival, polarization and differentiation. We investigated the optimization of a HA hydrogel scaffold for culture of human oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs) for potential application in limbal stem cell therapy. The effect of the optimized scaffold on OMEC cell sheet morphology, cell metabolic activity and expression of genes associated with stemness, adherence and cell damage was studied. The results indicate that HA hydrogels crosslinked with polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) failed to support OMEC attachment and growth. However, HA hydrogel scaffolds dried for three days and coated with 1 mg/mL collagen IV produced a full OMEC sheet. Cell morphology was comparable to control after three weeks culture, maintaining 76% metabolic activity. Of apoptosis-related genes, the pro-apoptotic markers CASP3 and BAX2 were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, compared to control whereas the anti-apoptotic marker BCL2 was downregulated. The expression level of stemness genes ΔNp63α and ABCG2 was significantly higher than control. Genes associated with improved scar-less wound healing (integrin-αV) and protection of the ocular surface (cadherin-1) had ~3-fold increased expression. These data suggest that our optimized HA-hydrogel scaffold could enhance culture of OMEC cell sheets for use in ocular reconstruction.
Analysis of Pressure Distribution in Transfemoral Prosthetic Socket for Prefabrication Evaluation via the Finite Element Method
Authors: Jamaludin Mohd Syahmi , Hanafusa Akihiko , Shinichirou Yamamoto , Agarie Yukio , Otsuka Hiroshi , Ohnishi Kengo
Published: October 2019

In this study, we estimated and validated the pressure distribution profile between the residuum and two types of prosthetic sockets for transfemoral amputees by utilizing a finite element analysis. Correct shaping of the socket for an appropriate load distribution is a critical process in the design of lower-limb prosthesis sockets. The pressure distribution profile provides an understanding of the relationship between the socket design and the level of subject comfortability. Estimating the pressure profile is important, as it helps improve the prosthesis through an evaluation of the socket design before it undergoes the fabrication process. This study focused on utilizing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based three-dimensional (3D) model inside a predetermined finite element simulation. The simulation was predetermined by mimicking the actual socket-fitting environment. The results showed that the potential MRI-based 3D model simulation could be used as an estimation tool for a pressure distribution profile due to the high correlation coefficient value (R2 > 0.8) calculated when the pressure profiles were compared to the experiment data. The simulation also showed that the pressure distribution in the proximal area was higher (~30%) than in the distal area of the prosthetic socket for every subject. The results of this study will be of tremendous interest for fabricators through the use of a finite element model as an alternative method for the prefabrication and evaluation of prosthetic sockets. In future prosthetic socket fabrications, less intervention will be required in the development of a socket, and the participation of the subject in the socket-fitting session will not be necessary. The results suggest that this study will contribute to expanding the development of an overall prefabrication evaluation system to allow healthcare providers and engineers to simulate the fit and comfort of transfemoral prosthetics.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Roles of Detoxification Systems in Response to Mercury in Chromera velia
Authors: Sharaf Abdoallah , De Michele Roberto , Sharma Ayush , Fakhari Safieh , Oborník Miroslav
Published: October 2019

Heavy metal pollution is an increasing global concern. Among heavy metals, mercury (Hg) is especially dangerous because of its massive release into the environment and high toxicity, especially for aquatic organisms. The molecular response mechanisms of algae to Hg exposure are mostly unknown. Here, we combine physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analysis to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive view on the pathways activated in Chromera velia in response to toxic levels of Hg. Production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion, two reactive oxygen species (ROS), showed opposite patterns in response to Hg2+ while reactive nitrogen species (RNS) levels did not change. A deep RNA sequencing analysis generated a total of 307,738,790 high-quality reads assembled in 122,874 transcripts, representing 89,853 unigenes successfully annotated in databases. Detailed analysis of the differently expressed genes corroborates the biochemical results observed in ROS production and suggests novel putative molecular mechanisms in the algal response to Hg2+. Moreover, we indicated that important transcription factor (TF) families associated with stress responses differentially expressed in C. velia cultures under Hg stress. Our study presents the first in-depth transcriptomic analysis of C. velia, focusing on the expression of genes involved in different detoxification defense systems in response to heavy metal stress.
Emerging Role of Vitamin D and its Associated Molecules in Pathways Related to Pathogenesis of Thrombosis
Authors: Mohammad Syed , Mishra Aastha , Ashraf Mohammad Zahid
Published: October 2019

Vitamin D, besides having an essential role in calcium and bone metabolism, also acts as a mediator of many non-calcemic effects through modulations of several biological responses. Vitamin D exists in its two major forms, vitamin D2, or commonly known as ergocalciferol, and vitamin D3, or commonly known as cholecalciferol. Both of these forms bind to vitamin D-binding protein to get transported to all vital target organs, where it serves as a natural ligand to vitamin D receptors for enabling their biological actions. Clinical reports corroborating vitamin D deficiency with an increase in thrombotic episodes implicate the role of vitamin D and its associated molecule in the regulation of thrombosis-related pathways. Thrombosis is the formation and propagation of a blood clot, known as thrombus. It can occur either in the arterial or the venous system resulting in many severe complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemia, and venous thromboembolism. Vitamin D, directly or indirectly, controls the expression of several genes responsible for the regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. All of these are the processes of potential relevance to thrombotic disorders. This review, thus, discussed the effects of vitamin D on pathways involved in thrombosis, such as hemostatic process, inflammatory pathway, and endothelial cell activation, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms associated with them.
Autonomic Stress Response and Perceived Effort Jointly Inform on Dual Tasking in Aging
Authors: Condello Giancarlo , Forte Roberta , Monteagudo Pablo , Ghinassi Barbara , Di Baldassarre Angela , Capranica Laura , Pesce Caterina
Published: October 2019

The study investigated, through neuroendocrinological, subjective and behavioral assessments, how aging individuals cope with locomotor-cognitive dual-tasking and whether physical activity habits influence the acute response to locomotor-cognitive performance. Seventy-nine healthy participants aged 55–85 years were assessed on locomotor (gait speed, stride length) and cognitive (working memory) performances under single- and dual-task (ST, DT) conditions, and habitual physical activity (daily steps). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed immediately after performance. Salivary α-amylase (sAA) was measured prior, immediately and 5 min after performance. Gait and working memory variables, the area under the curve of sAA (AUC) and DT–ST differences (DT effects) were computed. AUC was higher when the ST or DT performance involved a locomotor component and showed a pre-to-post increment after DT only, whereas RPE was higher when performance involved a cognitive component. Daily steps neither predicted sAA, nor RPE. Associations between DT effects on sAA, RPE and performance emerged in high-active participants only. In aging individuals, DT walking elicits an autonomic stress response presumably led by the challenge to share resources relying upon common neural substrates. This autonomic response seems tuned to gait performance and subjective evaluation of effort in those more accustomed to walking.