bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liberatory Practices of Teaching in Difference and Repetition
Authors: Carr Cheri
Published: January 2020

Progressive educators must find ways of addressing the unconscious investments of desire that subvert free actions if they want to inspire just practices. This essay takes up that challenge, describing what a Deleuzian pedagogy might look like and what it can do by combining an exploration of learning, ethics and autonomy in Difference and Repetition with the activation of Deleuzo-Guattarian thought in contemporary Communities of Philosophical Inquiry.
Using Popular Culture as a Tool to Encourage Inclusive Discussions
Authors: Doherty Leanne
Published: January 2020

The Politics of American Pop Culture, an upper level political science elective, uses theories of culture, intersectionality, and institutions to help students ask and answer critical questions around power in the American Political system. Through an analysis of film, television (both reality and scripted), music, musical theater, and professional athletics, students are forced to analyze power dynamics around race, class, and gender – why do some groups work outside the formal political system through popular culture to change the system so it works to their advantage. This paper/discussion will define what we mean by popular culture today, how students are exposed to various works of popular culture, and how using this framework has created more engaging discussions around oppression, representation, and engagement. Finally, it will discuss how students elevate their own understanding of popular culture in the American political discourse.
Modeling Small State Diplomacy in East Asia: How ASEAN Simulations can Help Students Understand Regional Dynamics
Authors: She Xiaoye
Published: January 2020

Do small states matter in regional politics? American students often come to an East Asian Politics class with preconceptions about regional dynamics through “national interest” lens, and less genuine interests in smaller states. To challenge these preconceptions, I introduce ASEAN simulations to help students see regional dynamics through the lens of smaller states in the region. Students first establish information literacy on competing theories and country cases earlier in the semester through assigned readings and country presentations. Then they assume the role of country delegates in a series of ASEAN simulations on regional hot topics such as nuclear proliferation, territorial disputes, and humanitarian crisis. By creating an active and collaborative learning environment, students can develop in-depth understanding of how small states pursue foreign policy objectives and seek status collectively, while critically evaluating the role of great powers in the region.
Constrained Connectivity in Bounded X-Width Multi-Interface Networks
Authors: Aloisio Alessandro , Navarra Alfredo
Published: January 2020

As technology advances and the spreading of wireless devices grows, the establishment of interconnection networks is becoming crucial. Main activities that involve most of the people concern retrieving and sharing information from everywhere. In heterogeneous networks, devices can communicate by means of multiple interfaces. The choice of the most suitable interfaces to activate (switch-on) at each device results in the establishment of different connections. A connection is established when at its endpoints the devices activate at least one common interface. Each interface is assumed to consume a specific percentage of energy for its activation. This is referred to as the cost of an interface. Due to energy consumption issues, and the fact that most of the devices are battery powered, special effort must be devoted to suitable solutions that prolong the network lifetime. In this paper, we consider the so-called p-Coverage problem where each device can activate at most p of its available interfaces in order to establish all the desired connections of a given network of devices. As the problem has been shown to be NP -hard even for p = 2 and unitary costs of the interfaces, algorithmic design activities have focused in particular topologies where the problem is optimally solvable. Following this trend, we first show that the problem is polynomially solvable for graphs (modeling the underlying network) of bounded treewidth by means of the Courcelle’s theorem. Then, we provide two optimal polynomial time algorithms to solve the problem in two subclasses of graphs with bounded treewidth that are graphs of bounded pathwidth and graphs of bounded carvingwidth. The two solutions are obtained by means of dynamic programming techniques.
Generation of Domains for the Equine Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Outcome Score: Development by Expert Consensus
Authors: Tabor Gillian , Nankervis Kathryn , Fernandes John , Williams Jane
Published: January 2020

Outcome measures (OMs) are a requirement of professional practice standards in human and canine physiotherapy practice for measurement of health status. Measures such as pain and functional capacity of specific regions are used to track treatment impact and can be used to develop optimal management strategies. To achieve comparable patient care in equine physiotherapy, OMs must be incorporated into practice; however, no reliable and valid OMs exist for equine rehabilitation. This study utilised the experience and opinion of a panel of experts working in the equine rehabilitation sphere to gain consensus on the core areas (domains) to be included in a model, to lead to an OM scale for horses undergoing rehabilitation. The Delphi method and content validity ratio testing was used to determine agreement with domains reaching the critical value required for inclusion. The expert panel agreed on ten domains to be included in the OM scale: lameness, pain at rest, pain during exercise, behaviour during exercise, muscular symmetry, performance/functional capacity, behaviour at rest, palpation, balance and proprioception. An OM with these domains would provide a holistic objective assessment tool which could be used by equine rehabilitation professionals in clinical practice.
Non-Contact Vital Signs Monitoring of Dog and Cat Using a UWB Radar
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Ma Yangyang , Liang Fulai , Zhang Yang , Yu Xiao , Li Zhao , An Qiang , Lv Hao , Wang Jianqi
Published: January 2020

As pets are considered members of the family, their health has received widespread attention. Since pets cannot talk and complain when they feel uncomfortable, monitoring vital signs becomes very helpful in disease detection, as well as observing their progression and response to treatment. In this study, we proposed an ultra-wideband radar-based, non-contact animal vital sign monitoring scheme that could monitor the breathing and heart rate of a pet in real-time. The primary advantage of the ultra-wideband radar was its ability to operate remotely without electrodes or wires and through any clothing or fur. Because of the existing noise and clutter in non-contact detection, background noise removal was applied. Furthermore, the respiration rate was directly obtained through spectrum analysis, while the heartbeat signal was extracted by the variational mode decomposition algorithm. By using electrocardiogram measurements, we verified the accuracy of the radar technology in detecting the anesthetized animals’ respiratory rate and heart rate. Besides, three beagles and five cats in a non-sedated state were measured by radar and contact pressure sensors simultaneously; the experimental results showed that radar could effectively measure the respiration of cats and dogs, and the accuracy rate was over 95%. Due to its excellent performance, the proposed method has the potential to become a new choice in application scenarios, such as pet sleep monitoring and health assessment.
Optimal Background Color for Head-Starting Northern River Terrapins (Batagur baska Gray, 1831)
Authors: Jualaong Suthep , Thongprajukaew Karun , Ninwat Santi , Petchrit Natchapong , Khwanmaung Suwandee , Wattanakul Wattana , Tantipiriyakij Thana , Kanghae Hirun
Published: January 2020

Background color has significant effects on the lifestyles of various animal species. In this study, the effects of wall background color on growth, feed utilization, specific activity of gastric and pancreatic enzymes in fecal samples, fecal thermal properties, carapace elemental profile, and hematological parameters were investigated in northern river terrapin (Batagur baska Gray, 1831) in order to optimize the head-starting conditions. The terrapins (70.13 ± 0.04 g initial weight) were completely randomized into five types of colored tanks (transparent, green, red, blue, and black) and reared for twelve weeks. At the end of the experiment, tank color had no effect on survival and growth performance, but had significant effects on feeding rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio (p < 0.05). Terrapins reared with black, red, or blue backgrounds had the highest feed utilization among the treatments. Among these three groups, analysis of specific activity of gastric and pancreatic enzymes in fecal samples and fecal thermal properties suggested improved digestive functionality in terrapins reared with a blue background relative to the other treatments. Carapace elemental composition and hematological parameters indicated no negative effects on health status of the terrapins reared with this optimal treatment. Findings from the current study support the head-starting program of northern river terrapins before release to natural habitats, and could also be applied in aquaria or zoos for public display.
A Multiscale Tiered Approach to Quantify Contributions: A Case Study of PM2.5 in South Korea During 2010–2017
Authors: Bae Minah , Kim Byeong-Uk , Kim Hyun Cheol , Kim Soontae
Published: January 2020

We estimated long-term foreign contributions to the particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM2.5) concentrations in South Korea with a set of air quality simulations. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)-Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions (SMOKE)-Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system was used to simulate the base and sensitivity case after a 50% reduction of foreign emissions. The effects of horizontal modeling grid resolutions (27- and 9-km) was also investigated. For this study, we chose PM2.5 in South Korea during 2010–2017 for the case study and emissions from China as a representative foreign source. The 9-km simulation results show that the 8-year average contribution of the Chinese emissions in 17 provinces ranged from 40–65%, which is ~4% lower than that from the 27-km simulation for the high-tier government segments (particularly prominent in coastal areas). However, for the same comparison for low-tier government segments (i.e., 250 prefectures), the 9-km simulation presented lowered the foreign contribution by up to 10% compared to that from the 27-km simulation. Based on our study results, we recommend using high-resolution modeling results for regional contribution analyses to develop an air quality action plan as the receptor coverage decreases.
Quantum Trapezium-Type Inequalities Using Generalized ϕ-Convex Functions
Authors: Vivas-Cortez Miguel J. , Kashuri Artion , Liko Rozana , Hernández Jorge E.
Published: January 2020

In this work, a study is conducted on the Hermite–Hadamard inequality using a class of generalized convex functions that involves a generalized and parametrized class of special functions within the framework of quantum calculation. Similar results can be obtained from the results found for functions such as the hypergeometric function and the classical Mittag–Leffler function. The method used to obtain the results is classic in the study of quantum integral inequalities.
High Efficacy by GAL-021: A Known Intravenous Peripheral Chemoreceptor Modulator that Suppresses BKCa-Channel Activity and Inhibits IK(M) or Ih
Authors: Lu Te-Ling , Gao Zi-Han , Li Shih-Wei , Wu Sheng-Nan
Published: January 2020

GAL-021 has recently been developed as a novel breathing control modulator. However, modifications of ionic currents produced by this agent remain uncertain, although its efficacy in suppressing the activity of big-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels has been reported. In pituitary tumor (GH3) cells, we found that the presence of GAL-021 decreased the amplitude of macroscopic Ca2+-activated K+ current (IK(Ca)) in a concentration-dependent manner with an effective IC50 of 2.33 μM. GAL-021-mediated reduction of IK(Ca) was reversed by subsequent application of verteporfin or ionomycin; however, it was not by that of diazoxide. In inside-out current recordings, the addition of GAL-021 to the bath markedly decreased the open-state probability of BKCa channels. This agent also resulted in a rightward shift in voltage dependence of the activation curve of BKCa channels; however, neither the gating charge of the curve nor single-channel conductance of the channel was changed. There was an evident lengthening of the mean closed time of BKCa channels in the presence of GAL-021, with no change in mean open time. The GAL-021 addition also suppressed M-type K+ current with an effective IC50 of 3.75 μM; however, its presence did not alter the amplitude of erg-mediated K+ current, or mildly suppressed delayed-rectifier K+ current. GAL-021 at a concentration of 30 μM could also suppress hyperpolarization-activated cationic current. In HEK293T cells expressing α-hSlo, the addition of GAL-021 was also able to suppress the BKCa-channel open probabilities, and GAL-021-mediated suppression of BKCa-channel activity was attenuated by further addition of BMS-191011. Collectively, the GAL-021 effects presented herein do not exclusively act on BKCa channels and these modifications on ionic currents exert significant influence on the functional activities of electrically excitable cells occurring in vivo.
Circulating MyomiRs as Potential Biomarkers to Monitor Response to Nusinersen in Pediatric SMA Patients
Authors: Bonanno Silvia , Marcuzzo Stefania , Malacarne Claudia , Giagnorio Eleonora , Masson Riccardo , Zanin Riccardo , Arnoldi Maria Teresa , Andreetta Francesca , Simoncini Ornella , Venerando Anna , Gellera Cinzia , Pantaleoni Chiara , Mantegazza Renato , Bernasconi Pia , Baranello Giovanni , Maggi Lorenzo
Published: January 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene, resulting in a truncated SMN protein responsible for degeneration of brain stem and spinal motor neurons. The paralogous SMN2 gene partially compensates full-length SMN protein production, mitigating the phenotype. Antisense oligonucleotide nusinersen (Spinraza®) enhances SMN2 gene expression. SMN is involved in RNA metabolism and biogenesis of microRNA (miRNA), key gene expression modulators, whose dysregulation contributes to neuromuscular diseases. They are stable in body fluids and may reflect distinct pathophysiological states, thus acting as promising biomarkers. Muscle-specific miRNAs (myomiRs) as biomarkers for clinical use in SMA have not been investigated yet. Here, we analyzed the expression of miR-133a, -133b, -206 and -1, in serum of 21 infantile SMA patients at baseline and after 6 months of nusinersen treatment, and correlated molecular data with response to therapy evaluated by the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE). Our results demonstrate that myomiR serological levels decrease over disease course upon nusinersen treatment. Notably, miR-133a reduction predicted patients’ response to therapy. Our findings identify myomiRs as potential biomarkers to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response in SMA patients.
Effect of Gravity on the Scale of Compliant Shells
Authors: Charpentier Victor , Adriaenssens Sigrid
Published: January 2020

Thin shells are found across scales ranging from biological blood cells to engineered large-span roof structures. The engineering design of thin shells used as mechanisms has occasionally been inspired by biomimetic concept generators. The research goal of this paper is to establish the physical limits of scalability of shells. Sixty-four instances of shells across length scales have been organized into five categories: engineering stiff and compliant, plant compliant, avian egg stiff, and micro-scale compliant shells. Based on their thickness and characteristic dimensions, the mechanical behavior of these 64 shells can be characterized as 3D solids, thick or thin shells, or membranes. Two non-dimensional indicators, the Föppl–von Kármán number and a novel indicator, namely the gravity impact number, are adopted to establish the scalability limits of these five categories. The results show that these shells exhibit similar mechanical behavior across scales. As a result, micro-scale shell geometries found in biology, can be upscaled to engineered shell geometries. However, as the characteristic shell dimension increases, gravity (and its associated loading) becomes a hindrance to the adoption of thin shells as compliant mechanisms at the larger scales-the physical limit of compliance in the scaling of thin shells is found to be around 0.1 m.
Beneficial Effect of Foot Plantar Stimulation in Gait Parameters in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Brognara Lorenzo , Navarro-Flores Emmanuel , Iachemet Lorenzo , Serra-Catalá Nuria , Cauli Omar
Published: January 2020

New treatments based on peripheral stimulation of the sensory-motor system have shown to be promising in rehabilitation strategies for patients with neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), especially in regards to reducing gait impairment, and hence, the incidence of falls. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in several gait parameters measured by sensor inertial measurement in PD patients after acute plantar stimulation, under the distal phalanx of the big toe, and underneath the head of the first metatarsal joint of both feet, using a 3D printing insole. In order to assess whether the effects are selective for PD patients, we compared the effect of the treatment in a control group (age-matched) consisting of patients with other neurological disorders which also displayed gait and balance impairment, and a similar cognitive function, depressive symptoms, body mass index, and comorbidity burden observed in the PD group. Plantar foot stimulation in PD patients eliminated the significant (p < 0.05) alterations existing in stride asymmetry and in stride variability. When comparing the effects of post-plantar stimulation with the respective basal level, considered as 100% in both groups, we observed a significant (p = 0.019, Mann–Whitney test) increase in stride length compared to basal in the PD group and control group. No significant effects of foot plantar stimulation were observed in any of the gait parameters in the control group. Plantar foot stimulation has a positive effect on the step and stride length, and has a positive effect on walking stability, measured by the increase in stride length. No significant effect was observed on bradykinesia because it did not improve walking velocity. These findings indicate that foot plantar stimulation using a 3D printing insole seems to generate a more stable walking pattern in PD patients, with an interesting applicability, and a low-cost, for reducing gait impairment in PD patients.
Contralateral Liver Hypertrophy and Oncological Outcome Following Radioembolization with 90Y-Microspheres: A Systematic Review
Authors: Birgin Emrullah , Rasbach Erik , Seyfried Steffen , Rathmann Nils , Diehl Steffen J. , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Reissfelder Christoph , Rahbari Nuh N.
Published: January 2020

Radioembolization with 90Y-microspheres has been reported to induce contralateral liver hypertrophy with simultaneous ipsilateral control of tumor growth. The aim of the present systematic review was to summarize the evidence of contralateral liver hypertrophy and oncological outcome following unilateral treatment with radioembolization. A systematic literature search using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries for studies published between 2008 and 2020 was performed. A total of 16 studies, comprising 602 patients, were included. The median kinetic growth rate per week of the contralateral liver lobe was 0.7% and declined slightly over time. The local tumor control was 84%. Surgical resection after radioembolization was carried out in 109 out of 362 patients (30%). Although the available data suggest that radioembolization prior to major hepatectomy is safe with a promising oncological outcome, the definitive role of radioembolization requires assessment within controlled clinical trials.
Riboflavin-Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Darguzyte Milita , Drude Natascha , Lammers Twan , Kiessling Fabian
Published: January 2020

Active targeting can improve the retention of drugs and drug delivery systems in tumors, thereby enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. In this context, vitamin receptors that are overexpressed in many cancers are promising targets. In the last decade, attention and research were mainly centered on vitamin B9 (folate) targeting; however, the focus is slowly shifting towards vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Interestingly, while the riboflavin carrier protein was discovered in the 1960s, the three riboflavin transporters (RFVT 1-3) were only identified recently. It has been shown that riboflavin transporters and the riboflavin carrier protein are overexpressed in many tumor types, tumor stem cells, and the tumor neovasculature. Furthermore, a clinical study has demonstrated that tumor cells exhibit increased riboflavin metabolism as compared to normal cells. Moreover, riboflavin and its derivatives have been conjugated to ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles, polyethylene glycol polymers, dendrimers, and liposomes. These conjugates have shown a high affinity towards tumors in preclinical studies. This review article summarizes knowledge on RFVT expression in healthy and pathological tissues, discusses riboflavin internalization pathways, and provides an overview of RF-targeted diagnostics and therapeutics.
A Comprehensive Picture of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Contents. Molecular Transfer to Cancer Cells
Authors: Jurj Ancuta , Zanoaga Oana , Braicu Cornelia , Lazar Vladimir , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Irimie Alexandru , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: January 2020

Critical processes such as growth, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells are sustained via bidirectional cell-to-cell communication in tissue complex environments. Such communication involves the secretion of soluble factors by stromal cells and/or cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Both stromal and cancer cells have been shown to export bilayer nanoparticles: encapsulated regulatory molecules that contribute to cell-to-cell communication. These nanoparticles are known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) being classified into exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. EVs carry a vast repertoire of molecules such as oncoproteins and oncopeptides, DNA fragments from parental to target cells, RNA species (mRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNA), and lipids, initiating phenotypic changes in TME. According to their specific cargo, EVs have crucial roles in several early and late processes associated with tumor development and metastasis. Emerging evidence suggests that EVs are being investigated for their implication in early cancer detection, monitoring cancer progression and chemotherapeutic response, and more relevant, the development of novel targeted therapeutics. In this study, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the biophysical properties and physiological functions of EVs, their implications in TME, and highlight the applicability of EVs for the development of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
N6-Methyladenosine Regulates the Expression and Secretion of TGFβ1 to Affect the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Jiexin , Chen Feng , Peng Yanxi , Lv Ziyan , Lin Xinyao , Chen Zhuojia , Wang Hongsheng
Published: January 2020

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification on eukaryotic mRNA, which regulates all steps of the mRNA life cycle. An increasing number of studies have shown that m6A methylation plays essential roles in tumor development. However, the relationship between m6A and the progression of cancers remains to be explored. Here, we reported that transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ1)-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was inhibited in methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) knockdown (Mettl3Mut/−) cells. The expression of TGFβ1 was up-regulated, while self-stimulated expression of TGFβ1 was suppressed in Mettl3Mut/− cells. We further revealed that m6A promoted TGFB1 mRNA decay, but impaired TGFB1 translation progress. Besides this, the autocrine of TGFβ1 was disrupted in Mettl3Mut/− cells via interrupting TGFβ1 dimer formation. Lastly, we found that Snail, which was down-regulated in Mettl3Mut/− cells, was a key factor responding to TGFβ1-induced EMT. Together, our research demonstrated that m6A performed multi-functional roles in TGFβ1 expression and EMT modulation, suggesting the critical roles of m6A in cancer progression regulation.
Bezafibrate Improves Mitochondrial Fission and Function in DNM1L-Deficient Patient Cells
Authors: Douiev Liza , Sheffer Ruth , Horvath Gabriella , Saada Ann
Published: January 2020

Mitochondria are involved in many cellular processes and their main role is cellular energy production. They constantly undergo fission and fusion, and these counteracting processes are under strict balance. The cytosolic dynamin-related protein 1, Drp1, or dynamin-1-like protein (DNM1L) mediates mitochondrial and peroxisomal division. Defects in the DNM1L gene result in a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with heterogeneous symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. Currently there is no curative treatment available for this condition. We have previously described a patient with a de novo heterozygous c.1084G>A (p.G362S) DNM1L mutation and studied the effects of a small molecule, bezafibrate, on mitochondrial functions in this patient’s fibroblasts compared to controls. Bezafibrate normalized growth on glucose-free medium, as well as ATP production and oxygen consumption. It improved mitochondrial morphology in the patient’s fibroblasts, although causing a mild increase in ROS production at the same time. A human foreskin fibroblast cell line overexpressing the p.G362S mutation showed aberrant mitochondrial morphology, which normalized in the presence of bezafibrate. Further studies would be needed to show the consistency of the response to bezafibrate, possibly using fibroblasts from patients with different mutations in DNM1L, and this treatment should be confirmed in clinical trials. However, taking into account the favorable effects in our study, we suggest that bezafibrate could be offered as a treatment option for patients with certain DNM1L mutations.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Challenges in 2019
Authors:   Challenges Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
The Efficacy of Lactulose for the Treatment of Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy Due to Severe Heart Failure
Authors: Narita Koichi , Amiya Eisuke , Kakuda Nobutaka , Kaneko Hidehiro , Hatano Masaru , Komuro Issei
Published: January 2020

Hyperammonemic encephalopathy secondary to heart failure is rare and there had been little reports about effective treatment. Organ hypoperfusion or congestion by heart failure may lead to various organ dysfunctions, and liver and intestinal circulatory impairment might cause ammonia metabolic failure. Here, we report on the case of a patient with hyperammonemic encephalopathy that was secondary to heart failure, which was effectively treated by lactulose.
Polar Coding for Confidential Broadcasting
Authors: del Olmo Alòs Jaume , Fonollosa Javier Rodríguez
Published: January 2020

A polar coding scheme is proposed for the Wiretap Broadcast Channel with two legitimate receivers and one eavesdropper. We consider a model in which the transmitter wishes to send the same private (non-confidential) message and the same confidential message reliably to two different legitimate receivers, and the confidential message must also be (strongly) secured from the eavesdropper. The coding scheme aims to use the optimal rate of randomness and does not make any assumption regarding the symmetry or degradedness of the channel. This paper extends previous work on polar codes for the wiretap channel by proposing a new chaining construction that allows to reliably and securely send the same confidential message to two different receivers. This construction introduces new dependencies between the random variables involved in the coding scheme that need to be considered in the secrecy analysis.
An Improved Sensorless Vector Control Method for IPMSM Drive with Small DC-Link Capacitors
Authors: Yin Quan , Li Haichun , Luo Hui , Wang Qingyi , Xu Chendong
Published: January 2020

In this paper, an improved sensorless vector control method for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drive with small DC-link capacitors is proposed. First, a fast sliding-mode observer was applied, to enlarge the observer bandwidth. Then, an improved estimator based on a proportional integral resonant controller was designed for the estimate speed shaping, which means the actual speed can be tracked. This not only reduces the position estimate error, but also enhances the grid power factor and suppresses the input current harmonics. Simulation and experiments were conducted on a sensorless IPMSM drive system with a small film capacitor. The effectiveness of the proposed estimation method was verified by the simulation and experimental results. The estimated error was reduced and the grid current harmonics satisfy the requirements of EN61000-3-2.
Equivalent Two Switches and Single Switch Buck/Buck-Boost Circuits for Solar Energy Harvesting Systems
Authors: Jamshidpour Ehsan , Jovanovic Slavisa , Poure Philippe
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a comparative analysis has been presented of two equivalent circuits of non-isolated buck/buck-boost converters under synchronous control, used in a stand-alone Photovoltaic-battery-load system. The first circuit consists of two cascaded buck and buck-boost classical converters with two controllable switches. The buck converter is used to extract the maximum power of the Photovoltaic source, and the buck-boost converter is applied for the output voltage level control. The second circuit consists of a proposed converter with a single controllable switch. In both cases, the switching frequency is used to track the maximum power point and the duty ratio controls the output voltage level. Selected simulation results and experimental tests confirm that the two conversion circuits have identical behavior under synchronous control. This study shows that the single switch converter has a lower size and cost, but it is limited in the possible control strategy.
Saudi Arabia’s Solar and Wind Energy Penetration: Future Performance and Requirements
Authors: Alharbi Fahad , Csala Denes
Published: January 2020

Saudi Arabia fully depends on fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to generate its electricity. Fossil fuels may have limited life and a history of fluctuating costs, which will lead to multiple issues that can affect the energy security of this country in the long-term. Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) is a concept different to “energy security”, which must consider the solar and wind energy as basic sources of energy supplies in Saudi Arabia. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) and Brownian Motion (BM) approaches were employed to predict the future behaviour of solar and wind energy, along with long-term temperature performance, based on 69 years of historical daily data. MCS and BM were employed to provide a wide range of options for future prediction results. A validation exercise showed that the north-western region was the most highly recommended region for deployment of solar and wind energy applications due to an abundance of solar and wind energy resources with low temperature supported by a clearer sky during the year. This is followed by the southern region, which exhibited good solar and wind energy resources. This study can be considered as a roadmap to meet the climate and sustainability goals by providing a long-term overview of solar energy, wind energy, and temperature performance in some countries that have a lack of long-term future prediction analysis such as Saudi Arabia.
Genome-Wide Identification of Aluminum-Activated Malate Transporter (ALMT) Gene Family in Rubber Trees (Hevea brasiliensis) Highlights Their Involvement in Aluminum Detoxification
Authors: Ma Xiaowei , An Feng , Wang Lifeng , Guo Dong , Xie Guishui , Liu Zifan
Published: January 2020

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a widely cultivated crop in tropical acidic soil that is tolerant to high concentration of aluminum and the aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT) plays an important role in plant aluminum detoxification. However, the effects of ALMT on rubber tree aluminum tolerance, growth performance, and latex production are unclear. In this study, 17 HbALMT genes were identified from the genome of rubber trees. The physiological and biochemical characteristics, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, cis-elements of promoter, and expression patterns of the identified HbALMT genes were studied. Phylogenetic relationships indicated that these genes were divided into four clusters and genes in the same cluster have similar gene structures and conserved motifs. The promoters of HbALMT genes contain many cis-elements associated with biotic stress and abiotic stress. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed HbALMTs showed various expression patterns in different tissues, indicating the functional diversity of HbALMT genes in different tissues of rubber trees. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR assay showed that most of the HbALMT genes responded to aluminum stress, and among the 17 HbALMTs, HbALMT1, HbALMT2, HbALMT13, and HbALMT15 displayed higher expression levels in roots after two or five days of Al treatments, indicating their potential involvement in aluminum detoxification. Taken together, this study laid a foundation for further understanding the molecular evolution of the ALMT genes and their involvement in rubber tree aluminum adaption.
Experimental Investigation and Numerical Analysis of Bond Behavior in SRG-Strengthened Masonry Prisms Using UHTSS and Stainless-Steel Fibers
Authors: Bencardino Francesco , Nisticò Mattia , Verre Salvatore
Published: January 2020

This paper deals with the experimental and numerical study of the bond behavior of two steel reinforced grout (SRG)-strengthened masonry systems. Ten shear bond tests were carried out on prismatic masonry specimens. The data of experimental tests are recorded and results are given in terms of load/stress-global slip curves, failure modes, tables, graphs and photographic reports, comparing the results of the two strengthening systems. Two kinds of steel fibers available in marketplace were used: ultra-high tensile strength steel galvanized micro-cords and stainless-steel strands. The main target is to obtain information on the behavior of the bond between masonry surface and the two types of SRG composites, which are characterized by two substantial differences: tensile strength with a ratio of 2.4 and the corresponding surface mass density with a ratio of 0.30. Finally, the influence of the matrices coupled with the two systems is critically analyzed. The characterization of the bond behavior is necessary in order to confirm the performance of the SRG systems that have become increasingly used and attractive. It also aims to make a contribution to the existing knowledge especially in relation to the use of low resistance steel fibers (stainless steel) which are still few studied today. Furthermore, using a suitable interface law proposed in the literature, a numerical model is defined and employed to simulate the behavior of the specimens tested in the laboratory. The comparisons show a good agreement between numerical and experimental results in terms of the maximum load, load versus global-slip curves, and crack patterns.
Thankful or Thankless: Does the Past’s Altruism Increase the Present’s Public Good Contributions?
Authors: Abatayo Anna Lou , Svenningsen Lea Skræp , Thorsen Bo Jellesmark
Published: January 2020

Two important aspects of global environmental problems are that (1) the actions of past generations affect the opportunities of the present, and (2) both in the past and the present generations, collaboration across different countries is needed to provide global public goods. In this paper, we study how these two aspects influence public good provisions by running simultaneous intercountry laboratory experiments using a modified public goods game in Denmark, Spain and Ghana. While the theoretical predictions of the modified public goods game do not differ from that of the standard public goods game, our experimental results show otherwise. Pooling across results from our Danish, Spanish and Ghanaian participants, we find that present-generation individuals contribute a higher percentage of their endowments when they have better institutions and a lower percentage of their endowments when they have higher endowments. We also find that present-generation individuals contribute less to transnational public goods only when their initial conditions have not been affected by past-generation contributions.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Games in 2019
Authors: Games Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Galaxies in 2019
Authors: Galaxies Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Calpainopathy: Description of a Novel Mutation and Clinical Presentation with Early Severe Contractures
Authors: Landires Iván , Núñez-Samudio Virginia , Fernandez Julián , Sarria Cesar , Villareal Víctor , Córdoba Fernando , Apráez-Ippolito Giovanni , Martínez Samuel , Vidal Oscar M. , Vélez Jorge I. , Arcos-Holzinger Mauricio , Landires Sergio , Arcos-Burgos Mauricio
Published: January 2020

Presented here are five members of a family that was ascertained from an isolated, consanguineous, indigenous Amerindian community in Colombia that was affected with calpain 3-related, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type R1. These patients are homozygous for a unique and novel deletion of four bases (TGCC) in exon 3 of the calpain 3 gene (CAPN3) (NM_000070.2; NP_000061.1) (g.409_412del). The mutation site occurs at the CysPc protein domain, triggering a modified truncated protein structure and affecting motifs within the calpain-like thiol protease family (peptidase family C2) region. The patients reported here developed a very severe phenotype with primary contractures, spinal rigidity in the early stages of the disease, and bilateral talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) in the most affected patients who had the selective involvement of their extremities’ distal muscles in a way that resembled Emery–Dreifuss syndrome. We recommend mandatory screening for calpainopathy in all patients with an Emery–Dreifuss-like syndrome or those presenting a non-congenital illness with primary contractures and who, because of other data, are suspected of having muscular dystrophy.
Identification and Selection of Reference Genes for Quantitative Transcript Analysis in Corydalis yanhusuo
Authors: Bao Zhenzhen , Zhang Kaidi , Lin Hanfeng , Li Changjian , Zhao Xiurong , Wu Jie , Nian Sihui
Published: January 2020

Corydalis yanhusuo is a medicinal plant frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, which has effective medical effects in many aspects. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been one of the most widely used methods in biosynthesis research due to its high sensitivity and quantitative properties in gene expression analysis. To obtain accurate normalization, reference genes are often selected in advance; however, no reference genes are available in C. yanhusuo. Herein, 12 reference gene candidates, named cyclophilin 2 (CYP2), elongation factor 1-α (EF1-α), protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A), SAND protein family (SAND), polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTBP), TIP41-like protein (TIP41), lyceraldehyde-3-phosphate hydrogenase (GAPDH), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9), cyclophilin 1 (CYP1), tubulin beta (TUBA), thioredoxin (YLS8), and polyubiquitin 10 (UBQ10), were selected for stability analysis. After being treated with hormone, UV, salt, metal, oxidative, drought, cold (4 °C), and hot stresses (40 °C), the qRT-PCR data of the selected genes was analyzed with NormFinder, geNorm, and BestKeeper. The result indicated that GAPDH, SNAD, and PP2A were the top three most stable reference genes under most treatments. This study selected and validated reliable reference genes in C. yanhusuo under various environmental conditions, which can provide great help for future research on gene expression normalization in C. yanhusuo.
Factors Associated with Food Insecurity Following Hurricane Harvey in Texas
Authors: Clay Lauren A. , Ross Ashley D.
Published: January 2020

Food insecurity prevalence among disaster-affected households has been found to be higher than state prevalence in non-disaster times. This study applies a socio-ecological model of post-disaster food insecurity to a nested quota sample (n = 1002) recruited for a web survey from 41 Texas counties affected by Hurricane Harvey 12–15 months post-event. This analysis identifies risk and protective factors for food insecurity. Chi-square analysis was used to examine independent associations between individual, household, and social factors with food insecurity. A multivariate logistic model was fitted and adjusted odds ratios are reported. Economic instability (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.43; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.73, 3.41), relocation due to Hurricane Harvey (OR 1.89; CI 1.15, 3.09), major home damage (OR 2.11; CI 1.12, 3.98), non-white race – black (OR 1.79; CI 1.01, 3.18), Hispanic (OR 1.67; CI 1.09, 2.54), other race (OR 4.39; CI 1.96, 9.82) – and community-based organization assistance (1.99; 1.11, 3.58) were risk factors while older age (45–64 years: 0.49; 0.32, 0.73; 65+ years 0.40; 0.22, 0.75), better physical health (0.46; 0.29, 0.71), better mental health (0.46; 0.32, 0.67), and high social support (0.37; 0.25, 0.55) were protective against food insecurity. Disaster policies and programs should address the disproportionate burden on households that relocate or have health conditions. Fostering social support networks, especially among relocated populations, may improve disaster health outcomes.
Prevalence of Suboptimal Health Status and the Relationships between Suboptimal Health Status and Lifestyle Factors among Chinese Adults Using a Multi-Level Generalized Estimating Equation Model
Authors: Xu Tao , Zhu Guangjin , Han Shaomei
Published: January 2020

This study examined the prevalence of suboptimal health among Chinese adults based on a large-scale national survey and clarified the relationship between suboptimal health and lifestyle factors. We used multi-level generalized estimating equation models to examine the relationships between suboptimal health and lifestyle factors. Of the 48,978 respondents, 34,021 reported one or more suboptimal health symptoms, giving a suboptimal health status prevalence of 69.46%. After controlling for the cluster effect of living areas and confounding effect of demographic characteristics, factors associated with suboptimal health were: current smoking (odds ratio (OR) = 1.083, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.055–1.111), drinking alcohol (OR = 1.075, 95% CI: 1.025–1.127), family history of disease (OR = 1.203, 95% CI: 1.055–1.111), sleeping <6 h per day (OR = 1.235, 95% CI: 1.152–1.256), poor sleep quality (OR = 1.594, 95% CI: 1.515–1.676), stress (OR = 1.588, 95% CI: 1.496–1.686), negative life events (OR = 1.114, 95% CI: 1.045–1.187), unhealthy diet choices (OR = 1.093, 95% CI: 1.033–1.156), and not regularly having meals at fixed hours (OR = 1.231, 95% CI: 1.105–1.372). Respondents who exercised regularly had lower odds of having suboptimal health status (OR = 0.913, 95% CI: 0.849–0.983). Suboptimal health has become a serious public health challenge in China. The health status of the population could be effectively improved by improving lifestyle behaviors.
Analysis of Larch-Bark Capacity for Formaldehyde Removal in Wood Adhesives
Authors: Tudor Eugenia Mariana , Barbu Marius Catalin , Petutschnigg Alexander , Réh Roman , Krišťák Ľuboš
Published: January 2020

Ecofriendly wood-based materials are required by consumers at present. Decorative panels are part of a large group of wood-composite materials, and their environmental properties must not be neglected. More environmentally friendly decorative panels can be achieved by various methods. This paper describes a method of production from larch bark. Tree bark, as a byproduct of the wood industry, is one of the research topics that have gained interest in the last decade, especially for its applications in biobased lignocomposites, with regard to the shrinkage of wood resources. In the present work, the formaldehyde content of decorative boards based on larch bark (0.6 g/cm3) was analyzed when bonded with five different types of adhesive systems: urea-formaldehyde, polyvinyl acetate, the mixture of 70% urea-formaldehyde + 30% polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, and tannin-based adhesive. A self-agglomerated board was also analyzed. The formaldehyde content of the larch-bark samples was determined with the perforator method (EN 120:2011), and findings showed that all tested samples reached the E1 classification (≤8 mg/100 oven dry). Moreover, 75% of the values of the corrected formaldehyde content were included in the super-E0 class (≤1.5 mg/100 oven dry). In the case of boards bonded with tannin-based adhesive, this natural polymer acted as a formaldehyde scavenger.