bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exhaust Fan Speed Controller Using Fuzzy Logic Controller
Authors: Khairudin M , Yatmono Sigit , Nashir Irdayanti M , Arifin Fatchul , Aulia W , Widyantoro  
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Fuzzy logic is a reasoning method for solving linguistic problems that cannot be solved mathematically. The application of fuzzy logic from our development program regarding the development of exhaust fans with fuzzy logic controllers to regulate air flow velocity in accordance with air conditions in a room. Using a gas sensor and a temperature sensor will create a number of conditions to then be treated in a fuzzy logic system using the Mamdani method. The process that occurs in the Mamdani fuzzy includes four stages including the process of calculating the fuzzy set (fuzzification), the application of the implication function, the composition of the rules to the last stage, the defuzzification process. The inter elements of the mamdani fuzzy process are interconnected in the sense that the order determined by fuzzy mamdani cannot be removed or replaced by another. Development that has been done related to the exhaust fan uses two sensors namely the temperature sensor and gas sensor. Used as a detector for the amount of harmful gas in a room so that it activates the exhaust fan to eliminate it at a speed consistent with the gas content in the room. Also used to measure the temperature of the room and then activate the exhaust fan so that the room can be inhabited comfortably. Fuzzy logic controller system is used to adjust the rotational speed of the exhaust fan.
Recent increasing frequency of compound summer drought and heatwaves in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Geirinhas João L , Russo Ana , Libonati Renata , Sousa Pedro M , Miralles Diego G , Trigo Ricardo M 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
An increase in the frequency of extremely hot and dry events has been experienced over the past few decades in South America, and particularly in Brazil. Regional climate change projections indicate a future aggravation of this trend. However, a comprehensive characterization of drought and heatwave compound events, as well as of the main land–atmosphere mechanisms involved, is still lacking for most of South America. This study aims to fill this gap, assessing for the first time the historical evolution of compound summer drought and heatwave events for the heavily populated region of Southeast Brazil and for the period of 1980–2018. The main goal is to undertake a detailed analysis of the surface and synoptic conditions, as well as of the land–atmosphere coupling processes that led to the occurrence of individual and compound dry and hot extremes. Our results confirm that the São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais states have recorded pronounced and statistically significant increases in the number of compound summer drought and heatwave episodes. In particular, the last decade was characterized by two austral summer seasons (2013/14 and 2014/15) with outstanding concurrent drought and heatwave conditions stemmed by severe precipitation deficits and a higher-than-average occurrence of blocking patterns. As result of these land and atmosphere conditions, a high coupling (water-limited) regime was imposed, promoting the re-amplification of hot spells that resulted in mega heatwave episodes. Our findings reveal a substantial contribution of persistent dry conditions to heatwave episodes, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to climate change.
Actively tunable and switchable electromagnetically induced transparency in hybrid metal-graphene metamaterials
Authors: Xu Xiaoming , Zhang Chengyao , lv Guangjun , Jiang Jiuxing , He Xunjun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Active control of the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is highly desirable for advanced terahertz (THz) device applications. Currently, the EIT peak positions in the graphene-based metamaterials have been actively controlled by tailoring Fermi energy of graphene via electric doping. However, there is still a considerable challenge to realize active strength modulation of the EIT peak without frequency shifting. Here, a hybrid metal-graphene structure, consisting of the metal-based EIT metamaterial and patterning graphenes, is proposed at the THz frequencies. Through changing Fermi energy of graphene, the EIT peak strength can exhibit both active modulation and on-to-off switch without frequency shifting. Moreover, theoretical model and field distributions discover that the active response can be attributed to the increasing damping rate of the dark mode caused by the controllable conductivity of graphene. In addition, the controllable group delay is also achieved for the slow light applications. Therefore, this work provides the possibility for designing compact slow light devices in the information processing and telecommunication applications.
Three waves of neoliberalism
Authors: Steger Manfred B. , Roy Ravi K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This chapter examines the three waves of neoliberalism, starting with the emergence of neoliberalism in the Anglosphere under the conservative leaderships of US President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. It then looks at Reaganomics and Thatcherism. Meanwhile, the second wave of neoliberalism became associated with a new kind of global economic and political cosmopolitanism called market globalism. Identifying themselves with a politically moderate position known as the Third Way, US President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair embraced this neoliberal ideology. US President Barack Obama's presidency marked the rise of third-wave neoliberalism by refusing to impose restrictions on the monopolistic practices of emerging e-commerce firms.
Neoliberalism in Latin America and Africa
Authors: Steger Manfred B. , Roy Ravi K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This chapter explores the influence of the Washington Consensus in shaping neoliberal policies in Latin America and Africa. From the perspective of the IMF or the World Bank, market-oriented reform in this region was needed to produce sustained economic growth. To that end, they linked their financial assistance to ‘structural adjustment programmes’ anchored in one-size-fits-all economic prescriptions. However, not all markets 'work' in exactly the same way and according to the same rules. In many instances, the neoliberal remedies applied to Latin America and Africa were microeconomic strategies that failed to account for the unique social, political, and cultural contexts in which they were enforced.
Introduction
Authors: Blackburn Simon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The ‘Introduction’ provides an overview of ethics and the ethical climate. People's ethical ideas are manifested in their tendencies to accept or reject routes of thought and feeling, and they may not recognize these in themselves, or even be able to articulate them. Yet such tendencies make up the ethical climate, and they rule the social and political world. For many ethical traditions across the world, the central concern was the state of one's soul. Today, people tend not to care so much about the state of their souls: they tend to think that modern constitutional democracies are fine regardless of the private vices of those within them.
Foundations
Authors: Blackburn Simon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
‘Foundations’ examines the justification for ethics, and its connection with human knowledge and human progress. Are truth and knowledge possible, or does reasoning about what to do eventually hinge on nothing but sheer brute will? There is a differentiation to be made between two types of reason and the concepts of doing good and living well are important here. If people’s capacity for ethical behaviour is not immediately given by their nature as human beings, nor by an inescapable birthright of reason, where does it come from? Thomas Hobbes attempts to answer this question with the notion of the war of all against all. How important is the emergence of norms, particularly cooperation?
Evolution and ecology of seed internal morphology in relation to germination characteristics in Amaranthaceae
Authors: Vandelook Filip , Newton Rosemary J , Bobon Nadine , Bohley Katharina , Kadereit Gudrun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Internal seed morphological traits such as embryo characteristics and nutritive tissue can vary considerably within a plant lineage. These traits play a prominent role in germination processes and the success of seedling establishment, and are therefore under high selective pressure, especially in environments hostile to seedlings, such as arid, saline or highly dynamic habitats. We investigated the relationships of seed internal morphology and germination characteristics of 84 species of Amaranthaceae s.l., a family with numerous lineages that have adapted to stressful growing conditions.

Methods
We used seed cross-sections to assess embryo type and the ratios of embryo to seed surface and radicle to cotyledon length. Furthermore, seed mass, mean time to germination, habitat preferences and further plant traits such as C3 or C4 photosynthesis and life form were compiled for each species. Data were analysed using phylogenetic comparative methods.

Key results
We found embryo type (λ = 1), log seed mass (λ = 0.86) and the ratio of embryo to seed size (λ = 0.78) to be evolutionarily stable, with an annular embryo as ancestral in the family. Linked to shifts to the three derived embryos types (spiral, horseshoe-shaped and curved) is an increase in the ratio of root to cotyledon length and a reduction of nutritive tissue. We observed stabilizing selection towards seeds with relatively large embryos with longer radicles and less nutritive tissue that are able to germinate faster, especially in lineages with C4 photosynthesis and/or salt tolerance.

Conclusions
We conclude that the evolutionary shift of nutrient storage from perisperm to embryo provides an ecological advantage in extreme environments, because it enables faster germination and seedling establishment. Furthermore, the evolutionary shift towards a higher ratio of root to cotyledon length especially in small-seeded Amaranthaceae growing in saline habitats can provide an ecological advantage for fast seedling establishment.
Influence of Self-Perceived Vulvar Appearance on Female Sexual Function
Authors: Chappell Ava G , Sasson Daniel C , Soriano Alex J , Jordan Sumanas W , Percec Ivona 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Female sexual function is a complex model of biological and nonbiological factors. The impact of self-perceived vulvar appearance on female sexual function is not well understood.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of vulvar appearance on sexual function in adult women. The primary aim was to assess the relation between self-perceived vulvar appearance and sexual function. The secondary aim was to assess the influence of prior genital procedures on vulvar appearance and sexual function.

Methods
An observational study of adult women was conducted utilizing Amazon Mechanical Turk, an online crowdsourcing platform. The survey instrument included demographic information, subjective vulvar appearance measures, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire.

Results
Out of 398 respondents, 148 (37.2%) reported concern about their vulvar appearance and 134 (33.7%) reported a history of genital cosmetic procedures. Women who were uncomfortable with their vulvar appearance had lower FSFI scores than those comfortable with their vulvar appearance, 24.6 vs 27.0 (P = 0.01), respectively. Among women uncomfortable with their vulvar appearance, 70.9% of subjects met the criteria for sexual dysfunction. Women who were uncomfortable with their vulvar appearance were significantly more at risk of sexual dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.46-4.10; P &lt; 0.001). Women with a history of cosmetic genital procedures were significantly more at risk of sexual dysfunction (adjusted odds ratio: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.43-4.23).

Conclusions
Women who are uncomfortable with their vulvar appearance had higher rates of sexual dysfunction. Women seeking cosmetic genital procedures should be screened for sexual dysfunction to facilitate realistic expectations and optimal care.
Scarless Composite Breast Reconstruction Utilizing an Advancement Skin Flap, Loops, and Lipofilling
Authors: Abboud Marwan H , El Hajj Hiba , Kapila Ayush K , Bogaert Svetlana , Abboud Nicolas M 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAutologous fat grafting has gained popularity in breast reconstructive surgery. To further increase the breast volume and provide a reliable breast shape, a skin flap can be advanced from the upper abdomen and lateral thorax to the breast.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to propose a method of breast reconstruction utilizing the principles of power-assisted liposuction and lipofilling (PALL) for breast matrix dissociation applied through infiltration, tunnelization, extensive undermining and lipofilling, in combination with loops (PALLL) to recruit a vascularized flap to reshape the breast.MethodsA prospective study was performed from January 2014 to January 2019. Demographic data, surgical procedure information (including volumes of the recruited advancement flap and lipofilling, and stages of lipofilling), and complication data were collected. Patient-reported outcomes, including satisfaction and well-being, were measured by a questionnaire.ResultsIn total, 37 women (41 breasts) underwent breast reconstruction by PALLL with an average follow-up of 26 months. The mean age of the patients was 54 years, and their mean BMI was 29 kg/m2. The mean recruited flap volume was 197 mL, and the mean lipofilling volumes were 153 mL for the first session, 190 mL for the second session, and 110 mL for the third session. Nine patients needed 3 sessions, 27 patients 2 sessions, and 1 patient only 1 session. Overall, 94% of patients were satisfied with their breast shape. All patients reported sensitive breasts. There were minimal complications.ConclusionsBreast reconstruction with PALLL is a minimally invasive alternative to reconstructing and reshaping sensate breasts in which a vascularized skin flap recruited by loops from breast surroundings is combined with fat grafting. This approach provides long-term shape stability with minimal scarring and low complication rates.Level of Evidence: 4
A serum microRNA sequence reveals fragile X protein pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Freischmidt Axel , Goswami Anand , Limm Katharina , Zimyanin Vitaly L , Demestre Maria , Glaß Hannes , Holzmann Karlheinz , Helferich Anika M , Brockmann Sarah J , Tripathi Priyanka , Yamoah Alfred , Poser Ina , Oefner Peter J , Böckers Tobias M , Aronica Eleonora , Ludolph Albert C , Andersen Peter M , Hermann Andreas , Weis Joachim , Reinders Jörg , Danzer Karin M , Weishaupt Jochen H 
Published: January 2021

AbstractKnowledge about converging disease mechanisms in the heterogeneous syndrome amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is rare, but may lead to therapies effective in most ALS cases. Previously, we identified serum microRNAs downregulated in familial ALS, the majority of sporadic ALS patients, but also in presymptomatic mutation carriers. A 5-nucleotide sequence motif (GDCGG; D = G, A or U) was strongly enriched in these ALS-related microRNAs. We hypothesized that deregulation of protein(s) binding predominantly to this consensus motif was responsible for the ALS-linked microRNA fingerprint. Using microRNA pull-down assays combined with mass spectrometry followed by extensive biochemical validation, all members of the fragile X protein family, FMR1, FXR1 and FXR2, were identified to directly and predominantly interact with GDCGG microRNAs through their structurally disordered RGG/RG domains. Preferential association of this protein family with ALS-related microRNAs was confirmed by in vitro binding studies on a transcriptome-wide scale. Immunohistochemistry of lumbar spinal cord revealed aberrant expression level and aggregation of FXR1 and FXR2 in C9orf72- and FUS-linked familial ALS, but also patients with sporadic ALS. Further analysis of ALS autopsies and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons with FUS mutations showed co-aggregation of FXR1 with FUS. Hence, our translational approach was able to take advantage of blood microRNAs to reveal CNS pathology, and suggests an involvement of the fragile X-related proteins in familial and sporadic ALS already at a presymptomatic stage. The findings may uncover disease mechanisms relevant to many patients with ALS. They furthermore underscore the systemic, extra-CNS aspect of ALS.
Bentall procedure with the CarboSeal™ and CarboSeal Valsalva™ composite conduits: long-term outcomes
Authors: Lechiancole Andrea , Vendramin Igor , Sponga Sandro , Piani Daniela , Benedetti Giovanni , Meneguzzi Matteo , Ferrara Veronica , Tullio Annarita , Bortolotti Uberto , Livi Ugolino 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Data on the long-term results with the standard CarboSeal™ mechanical conduit used for the modified Bentall procedure are lacking as well as information on performance of the Valsalva CarboSeal™ conduit.

METHODS
We have analysed 208 recipients of a standard (n = 110) or a Valsalva (n = 98) CarboSeal™ conduit. The median age was 60 years and 90% were males; 35 (17%) had type A aortic dissection and 65 (30%) a bicuspid aortic valve. Data were retrospectively analysed and results were compared between the 2 conduit models.

RESULTS
Early mortality was 1.9%; the mean follow-up was 175 ± 95 for standard and 94 ± 51 months for Valsalva conduits (P &lt; 0.01). Actuarial survival was 86 ± 4%, 75 ± 6%, 59 ± 7% and 51 ± 9% at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, respectively. There were 13 thromboembolic episodes with 3 deaths with an actuarial freedom of 98 ± 1%, 94 ± 2%, 90 ± 3% and 89 ± 4% at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, respectively. Reoperation on the aortic root was performed in 9 patients for endocarditis (n = 8) and pseudoaneurysm at the right coronary button (n = 1) with an actuarial freedom of 97 ± 1%, 95 ± 2%, 92 ± 3% and 87 ± 4% at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, respectively. There were no differences between the 2 conduit models in survival and major postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS
The CarboSeal™ conduit has shown gratifying overall performance up to 20 years and appears a valid option for a modified Bentall operation, when a mechanical prosthesis is indicated. Both CarboSeal™ conduit models provided not statistically different overall long-term results.
Coffee consumption and risk of renal cell carcinoma in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study
Authors: Rhee Jongeun , Loftfield Erikka , Freedman Neal D , Liao Linda M , Sinha Rashmi , Purdue Mark P 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of some cancers, but the evidence for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is inconclusive. We investigated the relationship between coffee and RCC within a large cohort.

Methods
Coffee intake was assessed at baseline in the National Institutes of Health–American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study. Among 420 118 participants eligible for analysis, 2674 incident cases were identified. We fitted Cox-regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for coffee consumption vs non-drinkers.

Results
We observed HRs of 0.94 (95% CI 0.81, 1.09), 0.94 (0.81, 1.09), 0.80 (0.70, 0.92) and 0.77 (0.66, 0.90) for usual coffee intake of &lt;1, 1, 2–3 and ≥4 cups/day, respectively (Ptrend = 0.00003). This relationship was observed among never-smokers (≥4 cups/day: HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46, 0.83; Ptrend = 0.000003) but not ever-smokers (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70, 1.05; Ptrend = 0.35; Pinteraction = 0.0009) and remained in analyses restricted to cases diagnosed &gt;10 years after baseline (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51, 0.82; Ptrend = 0.0005). Associations were similar between subgroups who drank predominately caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee (Pinteraction = 0.74).

Conclusion
In this investigation of coffee and RCC, to our knowledge the largest to date, we observed a 20% reduced risk for intake of ≥2 cups/day vs not drinking. Our findings add RCC to the growing list of cancers for which coffee consumption may be protective.
Dysregulation of Protein Kinase C in Adult Depression and Suicide: Evidence From Postmortem Brain Studies
Authors: Pandey Ghanshyam N , Sharma Anuradha , Rizavi Hooriyah S , Ren Xinguo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral lines of evidence suggest the abnormalities of protein kinase C (PKC) signaling system in mood disorders and suicide based primarily on the studies of PKC and its isozymes in the platelets and postmortem brain of depressed and suicidal subjects. In this study, we examined the role of PKC isozymes in depression and suicide.MethodsWe determined the protein and mRNA expression of various PKC isozymes in the prefrontal cortical region (Brodmann area 9) in 24 normal control subjects, 24 depressed suicide (DS) subjects, and 12 depressed nonsuicide (DNS) subjects. The levels of mRNA in the prefrontal cortex were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, and the protein expression was determined by western blotting.ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in mRNA expression of PKCα, PKCβI, PKCδ, and PKCε and decreased protein expression in either the membrane or the cytosol fraction of PKC isozymes PKCα, PKCβI, PKCβII, and PKCδ in DS and DNS subjects compared with normal control subjects.ConclusionsThe current study provides detailed evidence of specific dysregulation of certain PKC isozymes in the postmortem brain of DS and DNS subjects and further supports earlier evidence for the role of PKC in the platelets and brain of the adult and teenage depressed and suicidal population. This comprehensive study may lead to further knowledge of the involvement of PKC in the pathophysiology of depression and suicide.
𝐾-classes of Brill–Noether Loci and a Determinantal Formula
Authors: Anderson Dave , Chen Linda , Tarasca Nicola 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe compute the Euler characteristic of the structure sheaf of the Brill–Noether locus of linear series with special vanishing at up to two marked points. When the Brill–Noether number $\rho $ is zero, we recover the Castelnuovo formula for the number of special linear series on a general curve; when $\rho =1$, we recover the formulas of Eisenbud-Harris, Pirola, and Chan–Martín–Pflueger–Teixidor for the arithmetic genus of a Brill–Noether curve of special divisors. These computations are obtained as applications of a new determinantal formula for the $K$-theory class of certain degeneracy loci. Our degeneracy locus formula also specializes to new determinantal expressions for the double Grothendieck polynomials corresponding to 321-avoiding permutations and gives double versions of the flagged skew Grothendieck polynomials recently introduced by Matsumura. Our result extends the formula of Billey–Jockusch–Stanley expressing Schubert polynomials for 321-avoiding permutations as generating functions for flagged skew tableaux.