bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Road: Route Proposal from Radar Self-Supervised by Fuzzy LiDAR Traversability
Authors: Broome Michael , Gadd Matthew , De Martini Daniele , Newman Paul
Published: December 2020

This is motivated by a requirement for robust, autonomy-enabling scene understanding in unknown environments. In the method proposed in this paper, discriminative machine-learning approaches are applied to infer traversability and predict routes from Frequency-Modulated Contunuous-Wave (FMCV) radar frames. Firstly, using geometric features extracted from LiDAR point clouds as inputs to a fuzzy-logic rule set, traversability pseudo-labels are assigned to radar frames from which weak supervision is applied to learn traversability from radar. Secondly, routes through the scanned environment can be predicted after they are learned from the odometry traces arising from traversals demonstrated by the autonomous vehicle (AV). In conjunction, therefore, a model pretrained for traversability prediction is used to enhance the performance of the route proposal architecture. Experiments are conducted on the most extensive radar-focused urban autonomy dataset available to the community. Our key finding is that joint learning of traversability and demonstrated routes lends itself best to a model which understands where the vehicle should feasibly drive. We show that the traversability characteristics can be recovered satisfactorily, so that this recovered representation can be used in optimal path planning, and that an end-to-end formulation including both traversability feature extraction and routes learned by expert demonstration recovers smooth, drivable paths that are comprehensive in their coverage of the underlying road network. We conclude that the proposed system will find use in enabling mapless vehicle autonomy in extreme environments.
Can Moderate Levels of Organic Selenium in Dairy Cow Feed Naturally Enrich Dairy Products?
Authors: Azorín Irene , Madrid Josefa , Martínez Silvia , López Marina , López María Belén , López Miguel José , Hernández Fuensanta
Published: December 2020

This work studied the effect of dairy cow ration supplementation with inorganic plus organic Se on metabolic status, milk yield, and the quality of milk and dairy products, especially its Se content. Twenty multiparous Holstein Friesian lactating cows were assigned to two feeding treatments. The cows were fed with 22.5 kg dry matter (DM) of total mixed ration (11.75 kg DM of forage plus 10.75 kg DM of concentrate) by head. There were two different concentrates with the same Se content (0.240 mg/kg of ration DM) but with different Se sources: The control (CON) was supplemented with inorganic Se (sodium selenite); and the other (IOSe) was supplemented with sodium selenite plus organic Se (Sel-Plex®), at 0.144 and 0.096 mg Se/kg of ration DM, respectively. The results indicated that, in general, the IOSe treatment did not modify the metabolic profile, and even decreased the total oxidant status (p < 0.05) and did not lead to a deterioration of quality and yield of milk. However, milk and cheese from IOSe had higher Se content (an increase of 29.7% and 38.2%, respectively) than CON (p < 0.01), but this effect was not observed in yogurt. In general, physical or sensorial parameters of cheeses did not show differences between treatments. Moderate inorganic plus organic Se supplementation may be more effective than inorganic Se, increasing the Se content in milk and cheese, without causing a deterioration in quality or productive parameters.
Iceberg Indicators for Animal Welfare in Rural Sheep Farms Using the Five Domains Model Approach
Authors: Hernandez Rick Obrian , Sánchez Jorge Alberto , Romero Marlyn H.
Published: December 2020

Animal welfare for sheep in extensive rural farms is difficult to quantify among rural farmers due to several factors, including the lack of technology and the low level of interaction they have with the animals. The purpose of this study was to search for animal-based iceberg indicators using the Five Domains Model approach and study the relationship between sheep reactive behavior (flight distance), sheep handling training and farmers job satisfaction. Thirteen extensive commercial dual-purpose sheep farms (n = 520 animals) were evaluated in Marulanda, Caldas (Colombia, South America). On-farm Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) were assessed using an adapted version of this protocol. Socio-demographic characteristics, sheep handling training and job satisfaction were evaluated using a structured interview. Blood and stool samples were taken to determine Fecal Egg Count and Packed Cell Volume. Bivariate regression models were used to find animal-based indicators that predicted Nutrition, Ambience, Health and Behavior welfare domains, and a Qualitative Behavior Analysis was used for mind state domain analysis. Body condition score (BCS) (p = 0.001), fleece cleanliness (p = 0.03), FAMACHA© Score (p = 0.05), and flight distance in meters (p = 0.19) were found to be indicators, and were useful for predicting overall welfare assessment (R2 = 0.85) on theses farms. Regarding mind welfare domain, Qualitative Behavioral Assessment found two principal components (PC) that explained 82% and 67% of the variance, and described emotional valence and energy levels of sheep, respectively. Sheep handling training (β = −8.75, p = 0.004) and job satisfaction (β = −7.5, p = 0.013) had a negative association with the average flock flight distance. Spearman’s rank correlations were significant (p < 0.001) between Fecal Egg Count, Packed Cell Volume, FAMACHA© Score (FS), Body Weight (BW) and, BCS. The strongest association was observed between Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Fecal Egg Count (FEC) (r = −0.43), also FS was correlated with PCV (r = −0.28) and FEC (r = 0.21), and BCS was correlated with weight (r = 0.32). We suggest that these animal-based indicators could be useful as iceberg indicators for extensive sheep production systems and may set the ground for more research in small extensive sheep farms to develop strategies to find welfare problems and solutions.
The Use of Percutaneous Thermal Sensing Microchips for Body Temperature Measurements in Horses Prior to, during and after Treadmill Exercise
Authors: Kang Hyungsuk , Zsoldos Rebeka R. , Woldeyohannes Solomon M. , Gaughan John B. , Sole Guitart Albert
Published: December 2020

Accurately measuring body temperature in horses will improve the management of horses suffering from or being at risk of developing postrace exertional heat illness. PTSM has the potential for measuring body temperature accurately, safely, rapidly, and noninvasively. This study was undertaken to investigate the relation between the core body temperature and PTSM temperatures prior to, during, and immediately after exercise. The microchips were implanted into the nuchal ligament, the right splenius, gluteal, and pectoral muscles, and these locations were then compared with the central venous temperature, which is considered to be the “gold standard” for assessing core body temperature. The changes in temperature of each implant in the horses were evaluated in each phase (prior to, during, and immediately postexercise) and combining all phases. There were strong positive correlations ranging from 0.82 to 0.94 (p < 0.001) of all the muscle sites with the central venous temperature when combining all the phases. Additionally, during the whole period, PTSM had narrow limits of agreement (LOA) with central venous temperature, which inferred that PTSM is essentially equivalent in measuring horse body temperature. Overall, the pectoral PTSM provided a valid estimation of the core body temperature.
Comparison of a Plantain-Chicory Mixture with a Grass Permanent Sward on the Live Weight Gain and Meat Quality of Lambs
Authors: Rodríguez Romina , Balocchi Oscar , Alomar Daniel , Morales Rodrigo
Published: December 2020

Under the predicted conditions of climate change, the productivity of temperate grasslands may be affected by drought stress, especially in spring and summer. In this scenario, water-deficit-tolerant species such as plantain and chicory are interesting alternatives for use in sheep production systems. In this study, we compared a mixture of plantain and chicory herbage (PCH) with a grass-based permanent sward (GBS) on the weight gain and meat quality of lambs finished on these grasslands. Fifteen weaned lambs (31.3 kg and 4 months of age) were assigned to each treatment for seven weeks in late spring and live weight gain (LWG), carcass and meat quality were evaluated. There was a tendency (p = 0.09) in final weight (40.3 ± 0.8 kg) and live weight gain (173 ± 10 g/d) to be higher in PCH compared to GBS. Carcass weight, dressing percentage and meat quality in terms of pH, color and tenderness did not differ (p > 0.05) and were considered to be of good quality. We concluded that both swards result in comparable lamb performance and good meat quality.
First Insights into the Population Genetic Structure and Heterozygosity–Fitness Relationship in Roe Deer Inhabiting the Area between the Alps and Dinaric Mountains
Authors: Buzan Elena , Gerič Urška , Potušek Sandra , Flajšman Katarina , Pokorny Boštjan
Published: December 2020

Across its pan-European distribution, the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) faces a wide diversity of environmental and climatic conditions; therefore, several factors, including intrinsic ones, shape life-history traits and cause significant variability in parameters of fitness. By utilizing microsatellite variations in 214 roe deer females collected throughout Slovenia, Central Europe, we determined the genetic variability and population structure of this species in the contact zone between the Alps and the Dinaric Mountains, i.e., over a wider area where data on the genetic outlook for this—the most common and widespread European wild ungulate—have been completely lacking so far. Throughout the country, we found moderate microsatellite diversity (Ho = 0.57–0.65) in relation to the observed heterozygosity reported for other roe deer populations in Europe. Spatial differences in genetic diversity of the species in Slovenia can be explained by population history linked to varying approaches to population management and/or different connectivity among subpopulations in topographically differentiated habitats. A country-wide pattern of genetic structure is clearly defined by separation of the populations into three groups present in the following regions: (i) Southern sub-Mediterranean and Karst regions, (ii) Central Slovenia, and (iii) the Sub-Pannonian Region in the north-east. This is also confirmed by evidencing a moderate isolation by distance, especially by separating southern samples (coastal Slovenia) from others. Levels of genetic differentiation vary among populations, which can be explained by the effect of natural geographical barriers or the presence of anthropogenic barriers such as urban areas and highways. In the subset of 172 yearling females, we analyzed the influence of genetic advantage (individual heterozygosity) and other genetic data (reflected in the structuring of the population) on body mass and reproductive ability. We found evidence that genetic factors influence the body mass of roe deer yearling females (explaining altogether 18.8% of body mass variance), and the level of individual heterozygosity alone also positively affected body mass, which is in accordance with the theory that heterozygosity is commonly positively correlated with fitness in wild populations. However, we did not uncover any effect of heterozygosity on two parameters of reproductive ability (fertility and potential reproductive outcome), indicating that several other factors, especially environmental ones, have a predominant effect on the parameters of fitness in roe deer.
Spontaneous Formation of Core@shell Co@Cr Nanoparticles by Gas Phase Synthesis
Authors: Soler-Morala Jimena , Jefremovas Elizabeth M. , Martínez Lidia , Mayoral Álvaro , Sánchez Elena H. , De Toro Jose A. , Navarro Elena , Huttel Yves
Published: December 2020

This work presents the gas phase synthesis of CoCr nanoparticles using a magnetron-based gas aggregation source. The effect of the particle size and Co/Cr ratio on the properties of the nanoparticles is investigated. In particular, we report the synthesis of nanoparticles from two alloy targets, Co90Cr10 and Co80Cr20. In the first case, we observe a size threshold for the spontaneous formation of a segregated core@shell structure, related to the surface to volume ratio. When this ratio is above one, a shell cannot be properly formed, whereas when this ratio decreases below unity the proportion of Cr atoms is high enough to allow the formation of a shell. In the latter case, the segregation of the Cr atoms towards the surface gives rise to the formation of a shell surrounding the Co core. When the proportion of Cr is increased in the target (Co80Cr20), a thicker shell is spontaneously formed for a similar nanoparticle size. The magnetic response was evaluated, and the influence of the structure and composition of the nanoparticles is discussed. An enhancement of the global magnetic anisotropy caused by exchange bias and dipolar interactions, which enables the thermal stability of the studied small particles up to relatively large temperatures, is reported.
Changes in Diffuse Tensor Imaging and Therapeutic Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Traumatic Brain Injury with Central Pain
Authors: Kang Dong-Ha , Kim Gi-Wook
Published: December 2020

Post-trauma chronic pain characterized by central pain is a symptom following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies on the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on central pain and the association between central pain and spinothalamic tract (STT) have been reported, but few studies have examined the effect of rTMS in patients with mild TBI with central pain through changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based metrics of STT before and after rTMS. This case series aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of rTMS in TBI with central pain and the changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based metrics of the spinothalamic tract (STT) before and after rTMS. This study included four patients who complained of severe pain in the left or right side of the body below the neck area after a car accident. We performed numeric rating scale (NRS), bedside sensory examination, electrodiagnostic study, and DTI-based metrics of the STT before and after rTMS. According to the guidelines of the diagnosis and grading for neuropathic pain, all patients had neuropathic pain corresponding to “probable grade.” In all patients, rTMS was applied to the contralateral M1 cortex on the more painful side. There were no medication changes and other interventions during the rTMS. After rTMS, NRS decreased, bed sensory testing improved, and DTI-based STT metrics increased in all patients compared to before rTMS.
Pathophysiology, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Modalities Associated with Skeletal Muscle Loss Following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: P. Drasites Kelsey , Shams Ramsha , Zaman Vandana , Matzelle Denise , C. Shields Donald , P. Garner Dena , J. Sole Christopher , Haque Azizul , Banik Narendra L.
Published: December 2020

A spinal cord injury (SCI) may lead to loss of strength, sensation, locomotion and other body functions distal to the lesion site. Individuals with SCI also develop secondary conditions due to the lack of skeletal muscle activity. As SCI case numbers increase, recent studies have attempted to determine the best options to salvage affected musculature before it is lost. These approaches include pharmacotherapeutic options, immunosuppressants, physical activity or a combination thereof. Associated biomarkers are increasingly used to determine if these treatments aid in the protection and reconstruction of affected musculature.
Acoustic Design of Ancient Buildings: The Odea of Pompeii and Posillipo
Authors: Ciaburro Giuseppe , Iannace Gino , Lombardi Ilaria , Trematerra Amelia
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a typology of a building erected in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome is described: the Odeon. The Odeon is a covered building, but more modest in size than traditional open-air theatres without roofs. The Odeon could hold a few hundred spectators and therefore a smaller audience. The roof covering allowed the possibility of meetings even in adverse weather conditions. The etymology of the word of the Odeon (covered theatre) means the place of the ode, or of the songs. In this paper are discussed the architectonic and acoustic characteristics of the Odea of Pompeii and Posillipo. With commercial software (Odeon, Room Acoustics Software, Lyngby Denmark) we assess the acoustic characteristics of the Odea of Pompeii and Posillipo in the presence of an original roofing system and show that these buildings were well suited for music, songs and speech.
Modelling of Immune Checkpoint Network Explains Synergistic Effects of Combined Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy and the Impact of Cytokines in Patient Response
Authors: Kondratova Maria , Barillot Emmanuel , Zinovyev Andrei , Calzone Laurence
Published: December 2020

After the success of the new generation of immune therapies, immune checkpoint receptors have become one important center of attention of molecular oncologists. The initial success and hopes of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA4) therapies have shown some limitations since a majority of patients have continued to show resistance. Other immune checkpoints have raised some interest and are under investigation, such as T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif) domain (TIGIT), inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3), which appear as promising targets for immunotherapy. To explore their role and study possible synergetic effects of these different checkpoints, we have built a model of T cell receptor (TCR) regulation including not only PD1 and CTLA4, but also other well studied checkpoints (TIGIT, TIM3, lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), cluster of differentiation 226 (CD226), ICOS, and tumour necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs)) and simulated different aspects of T cell biology. Our model shows good correspondence with observations from available experimental studies of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 therapies and suggest efficient combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Among the possible candidates, TIGIT appears to be the most promising drug target in our model. The model predicts that signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)/STAT4-dependent pathways, activated by cytokines such as interleukin 12 (IL12) and interferon gamma (IFNG), could improve the effect of ICI therapy via upregulation of Tbet, suggesting that the effect of the cytokines related to STAT3/STAT1 activity is dependent on the balance between STAT1 and STAT3 downstream signalling.
Defining the Inflammatory Plasma Proteome in Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Agrusa Jennifer E. , Scull Brooks P. , Abhyankar Harshal A. , Lin Howard , Ozuah Nmazuo W. , Chakraborty Rikhia , Eckstein Olive S. , Gulati Nitya , Fattah Elmoataz Abdel , El-Mallawany Nader K. , Rouce Rayne H. , Dreyer ZoAnn E. , Brackett Julienne , Margolin Judith F. , Lubega Joseph , Horton Terzah M. , Bollard Catherine M. , Gramatges M. Monica , Kamdar Kala Y. , McClain Kenneth L. , Man Tsz-Kwong , Allen Carl E.
Published: December 2020

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) histopathology is characterized by rare malignant Reed–Sternberg cells among an inflammatory infiltrate. We hypothesized that characteristics of inflammation in pediatric HL lesions would be reflected by the levels of inflammatory cytokines or chemokines in pre-therapy plasma of children with HL. The study objectives were to better define the inflammatory pre-therapy plasma proteome and identify plasma biomarkers associated with extent of disease and clinical outcomes in pediatric HL. Pre-therapy plasma samples were obtained from pediatric subjects with newly diagnosed HL and healthy pediatric controls. Plasma concentrations of 135 cytokines/chemokines were measured with the Luminex platform. Associations between protein concentration and disease characteristics were determined using multivariate permutation tests with false discovery control. Fifty-six subjects with HL (mean age: 13 years, range 3–18) and 47 controls were analyzed. The cytokine/chemokine profiles of subjects with HL were distinct from controls, and unique cytokines/chemokines were associated with high-risk disease (IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-8) and slow early response (CCL13, IFN-λ1, IL-8). TNFSF10 was significantly elevated among those who ultimately relapsed and was significantly associated with worse event-free survival. These biomarkers could be incorporated into biologically based risk stratification to optimize outcomes and minimize toxicities in pediatric HL.
Glycerol Role in Nano Oxides Synthesis and Catalysis
Authors: Cristino Ana F. , Matias Inês A. S. , Bastos David E. N. , Galhano dos Santos Rui , Ribeiro Ana P. C. , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S.
Published: December 2020

The transformation of biomass and the utilization of all the by products derived from chemical conversion of biomass resources is one of the most important challenges nowadays. The impact in society and the level of awareness that already exists inside and outside the scientific community, makes the challenge of improving conversion of biomass to commodities a hot topic. Glycerol, a by-product obtained from the biodiesel production, is a key player compound due to its chemical versatility. The possibility of being used as solvent, reagent, reducing agent (in the polyol method), and so forth, makes glycerol an extremely appealing commodity. When used within nanotechnology, namely combined with nanomaterials, its potential becomes even higher. This review summarizes the work developed by the scientific community, during the last five years, in the use of glycerol with nano oxides. The analysis goes from the simple role of solvent to the oxidation of glycerol by nano oxides.
Extra-Intestinal Effects of C. difficile Toxin A and B: An In Vivo Study Using the Zebrafish Embryo Model
Authors: Tonon Federica , Di Bella Stefano , Grassi Gabriele , Luzzati Roberto , Ascenzi Paolo , di Masi Alessandra , Zennaro Cristina
Published: December 2020

C.difficile infection (CDI) is not a merely “gut-confined” disease as toxemia could drive the development of CDI-related extra-intestinal effects. These effects could explain the high CDI-associated mortality, not just justified by diarrhea and dehydration. Here, the extra-intestinal effects of toxin A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) produced by C. difficile have been studied in vivo using the zebrafish embryo model. Noteworthy, protective properties of human serum albumin (HSA) towards toxins-induced extra-intestinal effects were also addressed. Zebrafish embryos were treated with TcdA, TcdB and/or HSA at 24 h post-fertilization. Embryos were analyzed for 48 h after treatment to check vital signs and morphological changes. Markers related to cardio-vascular damage and inflammation were evaluated by Real-Time quantitative PCR and/or western blotting. Both toxins induced cardiovascular damage in zebrafish embryos by different mechanisms: (i) direct toxicity (i.e., pericardial edema, cardiac chambers enlargement, endothelial alteration); (ii) increased hormonal production and release (i.e., atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)), (iii) alteration of the vascular system through the increase of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) levels, as well as of its receptors, (iv) pro-inflammatory response through high cytokines production (i.e., CXCL8, IL1B, IL6 and TNFα) and (v) cell-mediated damage due to the increase in neutrophils number. In addition to cardiovascular damage, we observe skin alteration and inflammation. Finally, our data indicate a protective effect of HSA toward the toxins induced extra-intestinal effects. Together, our findings can serve as a starting point for humans’ studies to substantiate and understand the extra-intestinal effects observed in CDI patients.
Interplay between Hormones and Several Abiotic Stress Conditions on Arabidopsis thaliana Primary Root Development
Authors: López-Ruiz Brenda Anabel , Zluhan-Martínez Estephania , Sánchez María de la Paz , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R. , Garay-Arroyo Adriana
Published: December 2020

As sessile organisms, plants must adjust their growth to withstand several environmental conditions. The root is a crucial organ for plant survival as it is responsible for water and nutrient acquisition from the soil and has high phenotypic plasticity in response to a lack or excess of them. How plants sense and transduce their external conditions to achieve development, is still a matter of investigation and hormones play fundamental roles. Hormones are small molecules essential for plant growth and their function is modulated in response to stress environmental conditions and internal cues to adjust plant development. This review was motivated by the need to explore how Arabidopsis thaliana primary root differentially sense and transduce external conditions to modify its development and how hormone-mediated pathways contribute to achieve it. To accomplish this, we discuss available data of primary root growth phenotype under several hormone loss or gain of function mutants or exogenous application of compounds that affect hormone concentration in several abiotic stress conditions. This review shows how different hormones could promote or inhibit primary root development in A. thaliana depending on their growth in several environmental conditions. Interestingly, the only hormone that always acts as a promoter of primary root development is gibberellins.
Potassium-Doped Para-Terphenyl: Structure, Electrical Transport Properties and Possible Signatures of a Superconducting Transition
Authors: Pinto Nicola , Di Nicola Corrado , Trapananti Angela , Minicucci Marco , Di Cicco Andrea , Marcelli Augusto , Bianconi Antonio , Marchetti Fabio , Pettinari Claudio , Perali Andrea
Published: December 2020

Preliminary evidence for the occurrence of high-TC superconductivity in alkali-doped organic materials, such as potassium-doped p-terphenyl (KPT), were recently obtained by magnetic susceptibility measurements and by the opening of a large superconducting gap as measured by ARPES and STM techniques. In this work, KPT samples have been synthesized by a chemical method and characterized by low-temperature Raman scattering and resistivity measurements. Here, we report the occurrence of a resistivity drop of more than 4 orders of magnitude at low temperatures in KPT samples in the form of compressed powder. This fact was interpreted as a possible sign of a broad superconducting transition taking place below 90 K in granular KPT. The granular nature of the KPT system appears to be also related to the 20 K broadening of the resistivity drop around the critical temperature.
Mid-Cycle Observations of CR Boo and Estimation of the System’s Parameters
Authors: Boneva Daniela , Boeva Svetlana , Nikolov Yanko , Cvetković Zorica , Zamanov Radoslav
Published: December 2020

We present observations (with NAO Rozhen and AS Vidojevica telescopes) of the AM Canum Venaticorum (AM CVn) binary star CR Bootis (CR Boo) in the UBV bands. The data were obtained in two nights in July 2019, when the V band brightness was in the range of 16.1–17.0 mag. In both nights, a variability for a period of 25 ± 1 min and amplitude of about 0.2 magnitudes was visible. These brightness variations are most likely indications of “humps”. During our observational time, they appear for a period similar to the CR Boo orbital period. A possible reason of their origin is the phase rotation of the bright spot, placed in the contact point of the infalling matter and the outer disc edge. We estimated some of the parameters of the binary system, on the base of the observational data.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intramyocardial Fat Deposition in Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Tsoumani Zoi , Greaves Melanie , Schmitt Matthias , Nucifora Gaetano
Published: December 2020

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant neurocutaneous syndrome. The phenotype is highly variable and may affect several organ systems, the hallmark of the disease being widespread hamartomas or abnormal growth of normal tissues. Although cardiac rhabdomyomas are the most common cardiac manifestation of TSC, being developed quite early, even during the second semester of the gestation, they tend to regress spontaneously over a period of months or years. On the other hand, the presence of intramyocardial fat deposition has been significantly associated with brain involvement and other extracardiac manifestations. We report the case of a 37-year-old man with TSC who presented to hospital with loss of consciousness, head injury and amnesia and in whom cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of multiple areas intramyocardial fat deposition.
Forward Rate Bias in Developed and Developing Countries: More Risky Not Less Rational
Authors: Goldberg Michael D. , Kozlova Olesia , Ozabaci Deniz
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the stability of the Bilson–Fama regression for a panel of 55 developed and developing countries. We find multiple break points for nearly every country in our panel. Subperiod estimates of the slope coefficient show a negative bias during some time periods and a positive bias during other time periods in nearly every country. The subperiod biases display two key patterns that shed light on the literature’s linear regression findings. The results point toward the importance of risk in currency markets. We find that risk is greater for developed country markets. The evidence undercuts the widespread view that currency returns are predictable or that developed country markets are less rational.
Mini-Grids for the Sustainable Electrification of Rural Areas in Sub-Saharan Africa: Assessing the Potential of KeyMaker Models
Authors: Cabanero Andrea , Nolting Lars , Praktiknjo Aaron
Published: December 2020

Solar hybrid mini-grid systems possess the potential to substantially support electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. While their technical reliability has been proven, their financial viability is achieved only by heavy subsidization as of now. Due to the growing importance of results-based financing, we ask whether newly developed business models leveraging on the value added of electricity supply in rural areas (such as the KeyMaker Model) bare the potential to substantially reduce amount of grants required to finance the initial capital investment and thus contribute to a sustainable form of development. The principle of the KeyMaker Model is based on utilizing the locally supplied mini-grid electricity to establish a local agro-processing project, the revenues of which are an additional income stream for the mini-grid operator, while the project creates an end-market for the local farmers to sell their produce. We have developed two scenarios (without and with KeyMaker Model) for four rural villages in Nigeria as a case study to scientifically assess the potential of KeyMaker Models. We simulated and optimized the mini-grid systems using the software tool HOMER. We then assessed their financial viability. Our analysis demonstrates grant finance requirements ranging from 82% to 99% of the total investment for the base-case mini-grid projects without consideration of the KeyMaker Model. We find that a well-selected KeyMaker Model such as cocoa bean processing reduced the grant requirement by 68 percentage points, while processes based on maize, palm oil and cassava processing achieved reductions of 36, 26 and 8 percentage points, respectively. Hence, we conclude that the value added by the introduction of new local business models bares the potential to reduce grant requirements for the socially and economically necessary electrification across the Global South.
Operation Adaptation of Moving Bed Biomass Combustors under Various Waste Fuel Conditions
Authors: Hosseini Rahdar Mohammad , Nasiri Fuzhan
Published: December 2020

This paper analyzes a moving grate biomass boiler operating with three alternative waste fuels, including biomass pellets, wood waste, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from a combination of thermal, economic, and environmental perspectives. The focus of this paper is on system functionality adaptation to retrofit the current systems operational conditions. A one-dimensional numerical bed model integrated with a black-box overbed model was developed to carefully investigate the fuel bed’s thermal characteristics, as well as the boiler’s output. According to the results, the system operates more efficiently under the biomass pellets feeding and annually generates 548 GJ heat, while it drops significantly in other scenarios. The system was economically evaluated based on a 25-year life cycle cost analysis. Subsequently, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 36% was calculated for biomass pellets, while the value reduced by 50% and 27% regarding wood waste and RDF, respectively. The fuel cost was identified as the main contributor to the total life cycle cost of the heating system, regardless of which feeding fuel was utilized. A long-term environmental impacts assessment of the boiler operation emerged, to show how plant-based fuels can significantly decrease the impacts of climate change that have originated from fossil fuel usage. The current study concludes that all the proposed scenarios are feasible to different degrees, and can extensively benefit a diverse set of energy sectors.
Reinforcement Learning-Based School Energy Management System
Authors: Chemingui Yassine , Gastli Adel , Ellabban Omar
Published: December 2020

Energy efficiency is a key to reduced carbon footprint, savings on energy bills, and sustainability for future generations. For instance, in hot climate countries such as Qatar, buildings are high energy consumers due to air conditioning that resulted from high temperatures and humidity. Optimizing the building energy management system will reduce unnecessary energy consumptions, improve indoor environmental conditions, maximize building occupant’s comfort, and limit building greenhouse gas emissions. However, lowering energy consumption cannot be done despite the occupants’ comfort. Solutions must take into account these tradeoffs. Conventional Building Energy Management methods suffer from a high dimensional and complex control environment. In recent years, the Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm, applying neural networks for function approximation, shows promising results in handling such complex problems. In this work, a Deep Reinforcement Learning agent is proposed for controlling and optimizing a school building’s energy consumption. It is designed to search for optimal policies to minimize energy consumption, maintain thermal comfort, and reduce indoor contaminant levels in a challenging 21-zone environment. First, the agent is trained with the baseline in a supervised learning framework. After cloning the baseline strategy, the agent learns with proximal policy optimization in an actor-critic framework. The performance is evaluated on a school model simulated environment considering thermal comfort, CO2 levels, and energy consumption. The proposed methodology can achieve a 21% reduction in energy consumption, a 44% better thermal comfort, and healthier CO2 concentrations over a one-year simulation, with reduced training time thanks to the integration of the behavior cloning learning technique.
Marginal Uncertainty Cost Functions for Solar Photovoltaic, Wind Energy, Hydro Generators, and Plug-In Electric Vehicles
Authors: Reyes Elkin D. , Bretas Arturo S. , Rivera Sergio
Published: December 2020

The high penetration of renewable sources of energy in electrical power systems implies an increase in the uncertainty variables of the economic dispatch (ED). Uncertainty costs are a metric to quantify the variability introduced from renewable energy generation, that is to say: wind energy generation (WEG), run-of-the-river hydro generators (RHG), and solar photovoltaic generation (PVG). On other side, there are associated uncertainties to the charge/uncharge of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV). Thus, in this paper, the uncertainty cost functions (UCF) and their marginal expressions as a way of modeling and assessment of stochasticity in power systems with high penetration of smart grids elements is presented. In this work, a mathematical analysis is presented using the first and second derivatives of the UCF, where the marginal uncertainty cost functions (MUCF) and the UCF’s minimums for PVG, WEG, PEV, and RHG are derived. Further, a model validation is presented, considering comparative test results from the state of the art of the UCF minimum, developed in a previous study, to the minimum reached with the presented (MUCF) solution.
Identification and Characterization of LaSCL6 Alleles in Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. Based on Analysis of Simple Sequence Repeats and Allelic Expression
Authors: Zang Qiao-Lu , Li Xiang-Yi , Qi Li-Wang , Li Wan-Feng
Published: December 2020

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are widely used as markers for the assessment of genetic diversity and marker-assisted breeding. In a previous study, two SSRs (GCA and CCA), were found in the genomic sequence of Larix (La) SCL6, which plays important roles in the growth and development of Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. In this study, we analyzed the polymorphisms of these two SSRs in the L. kaempferi population. We found that each SSR had five different polymorphisms, among which (GCA)7 and (CCA)7 were predominant. In addition, 12 haplotypes were detected, with (GCA)7(CCA)7 having the highest frequency. Furthermore, we detected the haplotypes of LaSCL6 in mature trees and their seeds and analyzed the relationships between parents and offspring. The expression patterns of five LaSCL6 alleles were analyzed and they showed balanced expression during vegetative development. Taken together, these findings not only provide more genetic information on LaSCL6, but also provide a candidate marker for genetic studies and breeding.
Corn Bioethanol Side Streams: A Potential Sustainable Source of Fat-Soluble Bioactive Molecules for High-Value Applications
Authors: Di Lena Gabriella , Sanchez del Pulgar Jose , Lombardi Boccia Ginevra , Casini Irene , Ferrari Nicoli Stefano
Published: December 2020

This paper reports data from a characterization study conducted on the unsaponifiable lipid fraction of dry-grind corn bioethanol side streams. Phytosterols, squalene, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and carotenoids were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in different lots of post-fermentation corn oil and thin stillage collected from a bioethanol plant over a time-span of one year. Fat-soluble bioactives were present at high levels in corn oil, with a prevalence of plant sterols over tocols and squalene. Beta-sitosterol and sitostanol accounted altogether for more than 60% of total sterols. The carotenoid profile was that typical of corn, with lutein and zeaxanthin as the prevalent molecules. The unsaponifiable lipid fraction profile of thin stillage was qualitatively similar to that of post-fermentation corn oil but, in quantitative terms, the amounts of valuable biomolecules were much lower because of the very high dilution of this side stream. Results indicate that post-fermentation corn oil is a promising and sustainable source of health-promoting bioactive molecules. The concomitant presence of a variegate complex of bioactive molecules with high antioxidant potentialities and their potential multifaceted market applications as functional ingredients for food, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical formulations, make the perspective of their recovery a promising strategy to create new bio-based value chains and maximize the sustainability of corn dry-grind bioethanol biorefineries.
Temperature Control for an Intra-Mirror Etalon in Interferometric Gravitational Wave Detector Fabry–Perot Cavities
Authors: Brooks Jonathan , Mantovani Maddalena , Allocca Annalisa , Casanueva Diaz Julia , Dattilo Vincenzo , Masserot Alain , Ruggi Paolo
Published: December 2020

The sensitivity of interferometric gravitational wave detectors is optimized, in part, by balanced finesse in the long Fabry–Perot arm cavities. The input test mass mirrors of Advanced Virgo feature parallel faces, which creates an etalon within the substrate, adding variability in the total mirror reflectivity, in order to correct imbalanced finesse due to manufacturing tolerances. Temperature variations in mirror substrate change the optical path length primarily through varying the index of refraction and are tuned to correct for a finesse imbalance of up to 2.8% by a full etalon fringe of 0.257 K. A negative feedback control system was designed to control the mirror temperature by using an electrical resistive heating belt actuator for a heat transfer process modeled as a two-pole plant. A zero controller filter was designed which achieves temperature control within 2.3% of the etalon fringe and recovers to within 10% of the working point within 32 hours after a step input of one etalon fringe. A preliminary unlock condition control designed to compensate when the interferometer unlocks shows that the control remains stable even after a drastic change in the plant due to the absence of the laser heating. Further improvements to the control must also consider the full heat transfer mechanisms by using modern control state space models.
Permafrost and Gas Hydrate Stability Zone of the Glacial Part of the East-Siberian Shelf
Authors: Gavrilov Anatoly , Malakhova Valentina , Pizhankova Elena , Popova Alexandra
Published: December 2020

By using thermal mathematical modeling for the time range of 200,000 years ago, the authors have been studying the role the glaciation, covered the De Long Islands and partly the Anjou Islands at the end of Middle Neopleistocene, played in the formation of permafrost and gas hydrates stability zone. For the modeling purpose, we used actual geological borehole cross-sections from the New Siberia Island. The modeling was conducted at geothermal flux densities of 50, 60, and 75 mW/m2 for glacial and extraglacial conditions. Based on the modeling results, the glaciated area is characterized by permafrost thickness of 150–200 m lower than under extraglacial conditions. The lower boundary of the gas hydrate stability zone in the glacial area at 50–60 mW/m2 is located 300 m higher than the same under extraglacial conditions. At 75 mW/m2 in the area of 20–40 m isobaths, open taliks are formed, and the gas hydrate stability zone was destroyed in the middle of the Holocene. The specified conditions and events were being formed in the course of the historical development of the glacial area with a predominance of the marine conditions peculiar to it from the middle of the Middle Neopleistocene.
A Case for the History of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Authors: Lucken Karol
Published: December 2020

The discipline of Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) encompasses the study of any issue associated with crime [...]
Associations between Physical Activity and Liver Cancer Risks and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Junga
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate associations between physical activity (PA) and risks and mortality of liver cancer (LC) to suggest a minimum physical activity threshold to reduce LC risks and morality. (2) Methods: A database search was performed to identify relevant studies on the associations between PA and risks and mortality of LC before August 2020. The PA amounts were divided into three groups (high: ≥3 h/week, moderate: 2–3 h/week, and low: <2 h/week). The pooled relative risks of LC were calculated. (3) Results: A total of 10 prospective cohort studies were included. LC risks and mortality were 26% and 25% lower with high amounts of PA and 23% and 19% lower in moderate amounts of PA, respectively, compared to low amounts of PA. At the vigorous intensity PA level, high and moderate amounts of PA reduced the LC risk by 54% and 45%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: PA helps to reduce LC risks and mortality in a dose-dependent manner. At a minimum, two hours/week PA are mandatory to reduce LC mortality.
Corrections: Xu, L.; Mondal, D.; Polya, D.A. Positive Association of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) with Chronic Exposure to Drinking Water Arsenic (As) at Concentrations below the WHO Provisional Guideline Value: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 2536
Authors: Xu Lingqian , Mondal Debapriya , Polya David A.
Published: December 2020

In our recently published meta-analysis, due to an oversight, we treated urinary As concentration data reported by Tsinovoi et al [...]
In Utero Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution during Pregnancy: Impact on Birth Weight and Health through the Life Course
Authors: Steinle Susanne , Johnston Helinor J. , Loh Miranda , Mueller William , Vardoulakis Sotiris , Tantrakarnapa Kraichat , Cherrie John W.
Published: December 2020

In high-income countries, and increasingly in lower- and middle-income countries, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the primary health burden. It is possible that in utero exposure to environmental pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) may have an impact on health later in life, including the development of NCDs. Due to a lack of data on foetal growth, birth weight is often used in epidemiologic studies as a proxy to assess impacts on foetal development and adverse birth outcomes since it is commonly recorded at birth. There are no research studies with humans that directly link PM exposure in utero to birth weight (BW) and subsequently, the effects of lower BW on health outcomes in old age. It is, however, plausible that such associations exist, and it is thus important to assess the potential public health impacts of PM across the life course, and it is plausible to use birth weight as an indicator of risk. We therefore split this narrative review into two parts. In the first part, we evaluated the strength of the evidence on the impact of PM exposure during the entire pregnancy on birth weight outcomes in ten meta-analyses. In the second part, we reviewed the literature linking lower birth weight to childhood and adult chronic cardiovascular disease to explore the potential implications of PM exposure in utero on health later in life. Within the reviewed meta-studies on birth weight, there is sufficient evidence that PM pollution is associated with lower birth weight, i.e., the majority of meta-studies found statistically significant reductions in birth weight. From the second part of the review, it is evident that there is good evidence of associations between lower birth weight and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk. It is thus plausible that in utero exposure to PM is associated with lower birth weight and persisting biological changes that could be associated with adverse health effects in adulthood. Based on the reviewed evidence, however, the magnitude of later life cardiovascular health impacts from in utero exposure and its impact on BW are likely to be small compared to health effects from exposure to particulate air pollution over a whole lifetime.