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Este artículo busca introducir algunos elementos conceptuales que amplíen el conocimiento de los observatorios urbanos y los procesos de traducción de conocimiento que tienen lugar a través de ellos. Para tal fin, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica que permitió encontrar información sobre los orígenes conceptuales y los primeros modelos de observatorios urbanos, así como sobre su desarrollo y expansión en el marco de las conferencias organizadas por UN-Habitat sobre asentamientos y desarrollo urbano. Asimismo, fue posible identificar elementos sobre la relación de los observatorios con los procesos de producción de conocimiento en las áreas urbanas destinados a mejorar las capacidades de los gobiernos locales, regionales y nacionales en la formulación de políticas públicas y en la toma de decisiones. Adicionalmente, se abordaron algunos de los debates actuales relacionados con la investigación y la práctica en la planificación urbana, especialmente aquellos concernientes a los procesos de traducción del conocimiento, sus interacciones e interfaces. Por último, se presentan algunas conclusiones sobre el papel de los observatorios en la formulación de políticas urbanas y la importancia de profundizar en estos procesos de traducción del conocimiento, pues se trata de un interesante campo de estudio que necesita continuar siendo explorado y profundizado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the developing mammalian brain, neuroepithelial cells interact with blood vessels to regulate angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier maturation and other key neurovascular functions. Genetic studies in mice have shown that neurovascular development is controlled, in part, by Itgb8, which encodes the neuroepithelial cell-expressed integrin β8 subunit. However, these studies have involved complete loss-of-function Itgb8 mutations, and have not discerned the relative roles for the β8 integrin extracellular matrix (ECM) binding region versus the intracellular signaling tail. Here, Cre/lox strategies have been employed to selectively delete the cytoplasmic tail of murine Itgb8 without perturbing its transmembrane and extracellular domains. We report that the β8 integrin cytoplasmic domain is essential for inside-out modulation of adhesion, including activation of latent-TGFβs in the ECM. Quantitative sequencing of the brain endothelial cell transcriptome identifies TGFβ-regulated genes with putative links to blood vessel morphogenesis, including several genes linked to Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results reveal that the β8 integrin cytoplasmic domain is essential for the regulation of TGFβ-dependent gene expression in endothelial cells and suggest that cross-talk between TGFβs and Wnt pathways is crucial for neurovascular development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mammalian brain, perivascular astrocytes (PAs) closely juxtapose blood vessels and are postulated to have important roles in the control of vascular physiology, including regulation of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Deciphering specific functions for PAs in BBB biology, however, has been limited by the ability to distinguish these cells from other astrocyte populations. In order to characterize selective roles for PAs in vivo, a new mouse model has been generated in which the endogenous megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (Mlc1) gene drives expression of Cre fused to a mutated estrogen ligand-binding domain (Mlc1-T2A-CreERT2). This knock-in mouse model, which we term MLCT, allows for selective identification and tracking of PAs in the postnatal brain. We also demonstrate that MLCT-mediated ablation of PAs causes severe defects in BBB integrity, resulting in premature death. PA loss results in aberrant localization of Claudin 5 and -VE-Cadherin in endothelial cell junctions as well as robust microgliosis. Collectively, these data reveal essential functions for Mlc1-expressing PAs in regulating endothelial barrier integrity in mice and indicate that primary defects in astrocytes that cause BBB breakdown may contribute to human neurologic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) refers to heart rate oscillations synchronous with respiration, and it is one of the major representations of cardiorespiratory coupling. Its strength has been suggested as a biomarker to monitor different conditions, and diseases. Some approaches have been proposed to quantify the RSA, but it is unclear which one performs best in specific scenarios. The main objective of this study is to compare seven state-of-the-art methods for RSA quantification using data generated with a model proposed to simulate, and control the RSA. These methods are also compared, and evaluated on a real-life application, for their ability to capture changes in cardiorespiratory coupling during sleep. Methods: A simulation model is used to create a dataset of heart rate variability, and respiratory signals with controlled RSA, which is used to compare the RSA estimation approaches. To compare the methods objectively in real-life applications, regression models trained on the simulated data are used to map the estimates to the same measurement scale. Results, and conclusion: RSA estimates based on cross entropy, time-frequency coherence, and subspace projections showed the best performance on simulated data. In addition, these estimates captured the expected trends in the changes in cardiorespiratory coupling during sleep similarly. Significance: An objective comparison of methods for RSA quantification is presented to guide future analyses. Also, the proposed simulation model can be used to compare existing, and newly proposed RSA estimates. It is freely accessible online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal transfer modes (MTMs) maps were constructed for GMAW process using ER4130 and 98%Ar-2%O2 shielding gas. There is no available MTMs maps for this filler metal which is used to obtain matching strength in welds of AISI 4130/4140 steels. These maps serve as tools to establish the MTM given a welding current and voltage, which is useful when an engineer is trying to qualify welding procedures according to construction codes. The maps were built analyzing current and voltage signals recorded at 5000 samples/second during beadon- plate welds. The main advantage of this methodology is its simplicity of instrumentation without ex pensive cameras, but has low resolution and it is difficult to identify finer characteristics of MTMs, such as subgroups (repelled globular, streaming, rotational spray), drop diameter, ex plosive transfer, etc. Several MTMs were identified in the signal analysis and grouped into natural MTMs (short circuit, globular and spray) and interchangeable modes (short-circuit-globular, globular-spray and short-circuit-globular-spray). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central nervous system (CNS) contains a complex network of blood vessels that promote normal tissue development and physiology. Abnormal control of blood vessel morphogenesis and maturation is linked to the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental diseases. The CNS-specific genes that regulate blood vessel morphogenesis in development and disease remain largely unknown. Here, we have characterized functions for the gene encoding prion protein 2 (Prnd) in CNS blood vessel development and physiology. Prnd encodes the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked protein doppel, which is expressed on the surface of angiogenic vascular endothelial cells, but is absent in quiescent endothelial cells of the adult CNS. During CNS vascular development, doppel interacts with receptor tyrosine kinases and activates cytoplasmic signaling pathways involved in endothelial cell survival, metabolism and migration. Analysis of mice genetically null for Prnd revealed impaired CNS blood vessel morphogenesis and associated endothelial cell sprouting defects. Prnd-/- mice also displayed defects in endothelial barrier integrity. Collectively, these data reveal novel mechanisms underlying doppel control of angiogenesis in the developing CNS, and may provide new insights about dysfunctional pathways that cause vascular-related CNS disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a time-series analysis of the asynchronous polar CD Ind, using fast cadence TESS photometry. A similar analysis is performed using ground based photometry of BY Cam. These asynchronous polars show remarkably similar light curves and enigmatic timing characteristics. A pair of competing models for the assignment of the white dwarf spin period have been presented for both binaries. TESS allows for the breaking of this degeneracy by providing continuous coverage over several beat-cycles. The CD Ind light curve displays a super-orbital period of 7.2 days due to beat-phased modulation of the accretion rate onto a permanently visible spot. This (main) accretion region is active for 3/4 of the beat-cycle. The dominant photometric signal is at 109.654(4) min and is identified as a side-band related to the white dwarf spin and the binary orbit, analogous to that found in BY Cam. We obtain the white dwarf spin period of CD Ind as 110.820(5) min and an orbital period of 111.952(8) min. The TESS light curve supports a pole-switching scenario for CD Ind, with a total of 4 alternating, and oppositely positioned accretion regions. This inclination of CD Ind is estimated as i = 65 ° ± 10 °. One accretion region remains in view of the observer at all times. In addition, two pulsed accretion spots each accrete for just less than 1/2 of the beat-cycle. These alternating spots are orthogonal to the main accretion region (which is always in view), and are found to be roughly 180 ° apart in longitude. Finally, since the mean flux drops by a factor of 2 for about 1/4 of the beat-cycle and the dominant accretion region turns off during this time, we hypothesize the existence of a fourth (permanently hidden) accretion region opposite to the one permanently in view. Photometric models for the 2- and 4-pole accretion configurations are developed and only the 4-pole model is consistent with the observed periodogram for CD Ind. We conclude that complex magnetic fields affect accretion flow onto these white dwarf stars. In particular, the magnetic field of the white dwarf in both of these binaries is inconsistent with either a centered or an offset dipole configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rotating drum experiments are relevant for unconsolidated flowability assessment. • Multisphere DEM models of raw/torrefied biomass are calibrated using bulk setups. • Flowability is evaluated from rotating drum experiments and DEM simulations. • Granular flow dynamics of biomass is correctly captured by the DEM simulations. • DEM could successfully predict biomass flowability in an unconsolidated regime. The evaluation of the flow properties of biomass powders is essential for the design of handling systems within a thermochemical valorization context. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a valuable tool for simulating the bulk behavior of granular materials that has rarely been used for biomass feedstocks. This work focuses on the numerical investigation of the flow of raw and torrefied biomass particles in a loose and dynamic conditioning using a rotating drum. The relevance of DEM parameters calibrated using bulk experiments (angle-of-repose, bulk density, retainment ratio) is tested by comparison with experimental data obtained using a rotating drum system. The calibrated DEM material model considers the elongated, submillimetric and cohesive nature of the biomass powder. Several flowability descriptors (Upper Angle of Stability, size of avalanches, fraction of revolution to trigger events and irregularity of the free surface) are evaluated using both experimental data and DEM simulations. DEM results reproduced well the experimental trends and distinguished between the different cohesive extent of the samples. DEM is therefore a relevant technique for assessing flowability of biomass powders in a non-consolidated dynamic flow. This paves the way for investigating the effects of particle characteristics on bulk flow, which are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiorespiratory monitoring is crucial for the diagnosis and management of multiple conditions such as stress and sleep disorders. Therefore, the development of ambulatory systems providing continuous, comfortable, and inexpensive means for monitoring represents an important research topic. Several techniques have been proposed in the literature to derive respiratory information from the ECG signal. Ten methods to compute single-lead ECG-derived respiration (EDR) were compared under multiple conditions, including different recording systems, baseline wander, normal and abnormal breathing patterns, changes in breathing rate, noise, and artifacts. Respiratory rates, wave morphology, and cardiorespiratory information were derived from the ECG and compared to those extracted from a reference respiratory signal. Three datasets were considered for analysis, involving a total 59 482 one-min, single-lead ECG segments recorded from 156 subjects. The results indicate that the methods based on QRS slopes outperform the other methods. This result is particularly interesting since simplicity is crucial for the development of ECG-based ambulatory systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A realistic and calibrated DEM model for cohesive biomass powder is obtained. • A multisphere representation reproduces the elongated shape of particles. • A coarse-graining approach is used to reduce simulations runtime. • Three contact parameters are calibrated using a genetic algorithm of optimization. • Optimal solutions reproduce accurately the experimental physical responses. Abstract Biomass feeding problems greatly hinder the industrialization of entrained-flow gasification systems for production of 2nd generation biofuels. Appropriate DEM modelling could allow engineers to design solutions that overcome these flow problems. This work shows the application of a DEM calibration framework to produce a realistic, calibrated and efficient material model for lignocellulosic biomass. A coarse (500–710 µm) and a fine (200–315 µm) sieving cut of milled poplar were used in this study. The elongated shape and the cohesive behavior were respectively simulated using a coarse-grained multisphere approach and a cohesive SJKR contact model. Measurements of three physical responses (angle-of-repose, bulk density, a retainment ratio) allowed calibration of the sliding (µ s) and rolling friction (µ r) coefficients and the cohesion energy density (CED). Using a statistical analysis, the most influential calibration parameters for each bulk response were identified. A Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm was used to solve the calibration multi-objective optimization problem. Several sets of optimal solutions reproduced accurately the three physical responses and the experimental shear responses were closely reproduced by simulations for the population of coarse particles. The DEM calibration framework studied here aims to produce material models useful for assessing flow behavior and equipment interaction for biomass particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note we introduce the concept of F-algebroid, and give its elementary properties and some examples. We provide a description of the almost duality for Frobenius manifolds, introduced by Dubrovin, in terms of a composition of two anchor maps of a unique cotangent F-algebroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court case Peña-Rodriguez v. Colorado in 2017 on whether the no-impeachment rule overrules the Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury in a criminal case. Topics covered include the history of the no-impeachment rule, the majority opinion and the dissenting opinions of the Supreme Court's ruling in the case, and whether the case holding will apply in civil cases as well.

Abstract Flowability characterization of milled lignocellulosic biomass is essential for developing viable conveying, storing and handling solutions for gasification processes. This study investigated the effect of torrefaction on particles size and shape obtained after grinding and on flow properties of pulverized wood. Spruce and poplar samples with six torrefaction intensities were knife-milled to obtain biomass powders. Particles size and shape distribution were assessed using a morphological particle size analyser and flowability parameters were determined with a ring shear tester. A more intense treatment produces finer, rounder and more regular particles. Simultaneously, a gradual shifting was observed from a cohesive behaviour for native biomass to a nearly free flowing behaviour for the most intensively treated samples. The trends in flowability cannot be explained by the size reduction nor the increase of distribution width. Instead, the explanation lies in the reduction of shape factor and the sharpness of particle surfaces for treated samples. However, all observations are consistent with the loss of resilience of treated wood. From our results, it is clear that torrefaction, in addition to its interest on reduction of energy consumption of grinding, should also be considered as a pre-treatment step allowing to modify the flow behaviour of biomass powders. Highlights • The effect of torrefaction on biomass size, shape and flowability was assessed. • A more intense heat treatment produced finer, rounder and more regular particles. • Torrefaction intensity led to a better flowability as measured by a shear tester. • A linear expression was proposed to predict mass loss effect on flowability factor. • Flowability increase is due to the smoothness of particles rather than to their size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: the aim is realize theoretical review related to the effect of caffeine on animal behavior in studies that include task learning, memory and motor activity, with the purpose of study some experimental conditions. Materials and methods: searching of articles published since 1997-2013 in the PubMed and Scopus databases, through the relationship of keywords: caffeine, coffee, rats, mice, attention, memory and learning. The tasks of learning and/or motor activity were reviewed; the type and genus of strains, as well as the treatment with caffeine were analyzed. Results: while some studies indicate that caffeine have a positive effect on motor and cognitive activities, other studies conclude otherwise. The variation in the experimental conditions of the analyzed studies may influence the results obtained. Conclusion: the wide range of experimental conditions in the same memory task does not allow the spectrum of variables to be delineated in the caffeine research protocols, accordingly is not possible to identify biologically important variables that, when identified, may converge towards a Set of standardized procedures in specific learning paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The malignant brain cancer glioblastoma (GBM) contains groups of highly invasive cells that drive tumor progression as well as recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy. The molecular mechanisms that enable these GBM cells to exit the primary mass and disperse throughout the brain remain largely unknown. Here we report using human tumor specimens and primary spheroids from male and female patients that glial cell adhesion molecule (GlialCAM), which has normal roles in brain astrocytes and is mutated in the developmental brain disorder megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), is differentially expressed in subpopulations of GBM cells. High levels of GlialCAM promote cell–cell adhesion and a proliferative GBM cell state in the tumor core. In contrast, GBM cells with low levels of GlialCAM display diminished proliferation and enhanced invasion into the surrounding brain parenchyma. RNAi-mediated inhibition of GlialCAM expression leads to activation of proinvasive extracellular matrix adhesion and signaling pathways. Profiling GlialCAM-regulated genes combined with cross-referencing to single-cell transcriptomic datasets validates functional links among GlialCAM, Mlc1, and aquaporin4 in the invasive cell state. Collectively, these results reveal an important adhesion and signaling axis comprised of GlialCAM and associated proteins including Mlc1 and aquaporin-4 that is critical for control of GBM cell proliferation and invasion status in the brain cancer microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F = { 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 } and define the set K = { K 0 , K 1 , K 2 } of relations on F such that ( x , y ) ∈ K i if and only if x − y ≡ ± i ( mod 4 ) . Let n be a positive integer. We consider the Lee association scheme L ( n ) over Z 4 which is the extension of length n of the initial scheme ( F , K ) . Let T denote the Terwilliger algebra of L ( n ) with respect to the zero codeword of length n . We show that T is generated by a homomorphic image of the universal enveloping algebra of the Lie algebra sl 3 ( C ) and the center Z ( T ) . Furthermore, we determine the irreducible modules for T using the Schur–Weyl duality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an assessment between Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Wavelet Transform (WT) signal processing techniques applied for Transmission Lines (TLs) lightning stroke classification. In this work, the atmospherics discharges signals are analyzed in two steps. The first step objective is patterns extraction, which is developed through Principal Component Analysis and the Wavelet Transform. The second step objective is pattern classification, which is developed using three different techniques: Artificial Neural Network (ANN), k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). This work presents as assessment of lightning stroke classification, providing useful information, especially in extraction and selection of mother functions and the use of PCA. Both methodologies are assessed under different lightning stroke conditions. Features as extraction, speed, orthogonal functions and others are comparatively assess. Resu lts show that by using PCA, optimal mother functions can be extracted, presenting a new alternative for relaying protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We display an action of the tetrahedron algebra $${\boxtimes}$$ on the standard module for any Hamming graph or Doob graph. To do this, we use some results of Brian Hartwig concerning tridiagonal pairs of Krawtchouk type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal function of a protection relay is to protect the electric power system (EPS) from intolerable phenomena, such as fault produced by lightning, which can produce deleterious effects on EPS. Both impedance estimation protection and transient-based protection have become the most used protection relays for the lightning stroke classification. However, it is clear that currently these techniques suffer from drawbacks, which cannot correctly classify lightning stroke signals with speed and precision balanced, and cannot correctly distinguish the lightning stroke with and without a fault. Therefore, in order to avoid maloperation, protection schemes must be able to classifier lightning strokes correctly. This paper presents a novel methodology to provide effective lightning transmission-line protection. Principal component analysis is used to extract different patterns for lightning strokes due to shielding failure and backflashover. This work discloses that the transient voltages projected on the principal component coordinates clearly illustrate lightning strokes with and without a fault. In this manner, two pattern classifiers, based on spectral energy and artificial neural network, are useful for effectively classifying lightning stroke types. On the other hand, to evaluate the robustness of the proposed methodology, this research is also compared with the technique based on the wavelet transform, which has been the major tool used for the analysis of lightning strokes. Results show that the methodology proposed is fast and effective, which is not affected by operational conditions. Thus, this methodology can be applicable for high-speed protection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive intracellular bacterium that is acquired through tainted food and may lead to systemic infection and possible death. Despite the importance of the innate immune system in fighting L. monocytogenes infection, little is known about the role of complement and its activation products, including the potent C3a anaphylatoxin. In a model of systemic L. monocytogenes infection, we show that mice lacking the receptor for C3a (C3aR-/-) are significantly more sensitive to infection compared with wild-type mice, as demonstrated by decreased survival, increased bacterial burden, and increased damage to their livers and spleens. The inability of the C3aR-/- mice to clear the bacterial infection was not caused by defective macrophages or by a reduction in cytokines/chemokines known to be critical in the host response to L. monocytogenes, including IFN-γ and TNF-α. Instead, TUNEL staining, together with Fas, active caspase-3, and Bcl-2 expression data, indicates that the increased susceptibility of C3aR-/- mice to L. monocytogenes infection was largely caused by increased L. monocytogenes-induced apoptosis of myeloid and lymphoid cells in the spleen that are required for ultimate clearance of L. monocytogenes, including neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. These findings reveal an unexpected function of C3a/C3aR signaling during the host immune response that suppresses Fas expression and caspase-3 activity while increasing Bcl-2 expression, thereby providing protection to both myeloid and lymphoid cells against L. monocytogenes-induced apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vascular endothelial cell boundary that partitions the circulation from the central nervous system to promote normal brain health. We have a limited understanding of how the BBB is formed during development and maintained in adulthood. We used quantitative transcriptional profiling to investigate whether specific adhesion molecules are involved in BBB functions, with an emphasis on understanding how astrocytes interact with endothelial cells. Our results reveal a striking enrichment of multiple genes encoding laminin subunits as well as the laminin receptor gene Itga7, which encodes the alpha7 integrin subunit, in astrocytes. Genetic ablation of Itga7 in mice led to aberrant BBB permeability and progressive neurological pathologies. Itga7-/- mice also showed a reduction in laminin protein expression in parenchymal basement membranes. Blood vessels in the Itga7-/- brain showed separation from surrounding astrocytes and had reduced expression of the tight junction proteins claudin 5 and ZO-1. We propose that the alpha7 integrin subunit in astrocytes via adhesion to laminins promotes endothelial cell junction integrity, all of which is required to properly form and maintain a functional BBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a serious health problem worldwide, of which atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common conditions. Early and timely diagnosis of CVD is essential for successful treatment. When implemented in the healthcare system this can ease the existing socio-economic burden on health institutions and government. Therefore, developing technologies and tools to diagnose CVD in a timely way and detect AF is an important research topic. ECG monitoring patches allowing ambulatory patient monitoring over several days represent a novel technology, while we witness a significant proliferation of ECG monitoring patches on the market and in the research labs, their performance over a long period of time is not fully characterized. This paper analyzes the signal quality of ECG signals obtained using a single-lead ECG patch featuring self-adhesive dry electrode technology collected from six cardiac patients for 5 days. In particular, we provide insights into signal quality degradation over time, while changes in the average ECG quality per day were present, these changes were not statistically significant. It was observed that the quality was higher during the nights, confirming the link with motion artifacts. These results can improve CVD diagnosis and AF detection in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an approach for particle mass generation in which the physical vacuum is assumed as a medium at zero temperature and where the dynamics of the vacuum is described by the Standard Model without the Higgs sector. In this approach fermions acquire masses from interactions with vacuum and gauge bosons from charge fluctuations of vacuum. The obtained results are consistent with the physical mass spectrum, in such a manner that left-handed neutrinos are massive. Masses of electroweak gauge bosons are properly predicted in terms of experimental fermion masses and running coupling constants of strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions. An existing empirical relation between the top quark mass and the electroweak gauge boson masses is explained by means of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory diseases are a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Current treatments offer no prospect of cure or disease reversal. Transplantation of pulmonary progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) may provide a novel approach to regenerate endogenous lung cells destroyed by injury and disease. Here, we examine the therapeutic potential of alveolar type II epithelial cells derived from hESCs (hES-ATIICs) in a mouse model of acute lung injury. When transplanted into lungs of mice subjected to bleomycin (BLM)-induced acute lung injury, hES-ATIICs behaved as normal primary ATIICs, differentiating into cells expressing phenotypic markers of alveolar type I epithelial cells. Without experiencing tumorigenic side effects, lung injury was abrogated in mice transplanted with hES-ATIICs, demonstrated by recovery of body weight and arterial blood oxygen saturation, decreased collagen deposition, and increased survival. Therefore, transplantation of hES-ATIICs shows promise as an effective therapeutic to treat acute lung injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that up and down quarks when considered as massless an exact chiral symmetry leads QCD, however, as those masses are small and differ for both quarks this symmetry is not exact and must be broken. We study the Lineal σ Model in the large N limit, where N is the number of pions, by considering a lagrangian term which explicitly breaks the chiral symmetry. We also analyze the evolution of the effective potential while temperature and the number of fields change, and find critical temperatures Tc for the cases in which the Lagrangian is symmetric and when the symmetry is explicitly broken. We observe that quiral symmetry can be restored increasing the number of fields N but depending on the symmetry breaking scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphomas arising in the female genital tract are extremely uncommon. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma are the most common types. We describe the case of an 80-year-old woman with a recurrent lesion in the vulva initially diagnosed as a lymphoma-like lesion and evolving 7 years later into a marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma). Diagnosis was based on the monotypic pattern of the plasmacellular component and the clonal rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes. No previous cases of vulvar marginal zone B-cell lymphoma arising in the context of a persistent lymphoma-like lesion have been reported. We highlight the importance of differentiating benign from malignant lymphoid infiltrates in the vulva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is consider a conventional gauge theory SU(2) x U(1) with two doublet Higgs, which is the simplest extension of the Standar Model. We analyzedthe case when all scalar physics particle are heavy, e g, are biggest with respect to the electroweak breaking scale, v = 246 GeV . Is construct a Effective Lagrangian for the two doublet Higgs model that describe the physcis at low energy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfer entropy ( T E ) has been used to identify and quantify interactions between physiological systems. Different methods exist to estimate T E , but there is no consensus about which one performs best in specific applications. In this study, five methods (linear, k-nearest neighbors, fixed-binning with ranking, kernel density estimation and adaptive partitioning) were compared. The comparison was made on three simulation models (linear, nonlinear and linear + nonlinear dynamics). From the simulations, it was found that the best method to quantify the different interactions was adaptive partitioning. This method was then applied on data from a polysomnography study, specifically on the ECG and the respiratory signals (nasal airflow and respiratory effort around the thorax). The hypothesis that the linear and nonlinear components of cardio-respiratory interactions during light and deep sleep change with the sleep stage, was tested. Significant differences, after performing surrogate analysis, indicate an increased T E during deep sleep. However, these differences were found to be dependent on the type of respiratory signal and sampling frequency. These results highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate signals, estimation method and surrogate analysis for the study of linear and nonlinear cardio-respiratory interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance pneumography has been suggested as an ambulatory technique for the monitoring of respiratory diseases. However, its ambulatory nature makes the recordings more prone to noise sources. It is important that such noisy segments are identified and removed, since they could have a huge impact on the performance of data-driven decision support tools. In this study, we investigated the added value of machine learning algorithms to separate clean from noisy bio-impedance signals. We compared three approaches: a heuristic algorithm, a feature-based classification model (SVM) and a convolutional neural network (CNN). The dataset consists of 47 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who performed an inspiratory threshold loading protocol. During this protocol, their respiration was recorded with a bio-impedance device and a spirometer, which served as a gold standard. Four annotators scored the signals for the presence of artefacts, based on the reference signal. We have shown that the accuracy of both machine learning approaches (SVM: 87.77 ± 2.64% and CNN: 87.20 ± 2.78%) is significantly higher, compared to the heuristic approach (84.69 ± 2.32%). Moreover, no significant differences could be observed between the two machine learning approaches. The feature-based and neural network model obtained a respective AUC of 92.77 ± 2.95 % and 92.51 ± 1.74 %. These findings show that a data-driven approach could be beneficial for the task of artefact detection in respiratory thoracic bio-impedance signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac problems. Nowadays, new ways to record ECG signals outside of the hospital are being investigated. A promising technique is capacitively coupled ECG (ccECG), which allows ECG signals to be recorded through insulating materials. However, as the ECG is no longer recorded in a controlled environment, this inevitably implies the presence of more artefacts. Artefact detection algorithms are used to detect and remove these. Typically, the training of a new algorithm requires a lot of ground truth data, which is costly to obtain. As many labelled contact ECG datasets exist, we could avoid the use of labelling new ccECG signals by making use of previous knowledge. Transfer learning can be used for this purpose. Here, we applied transfer learning to optimise the performance of an artefact detection model, trained on contact ECG, towards ccECG. We used ECG recordings from three different datasets, recorded with three recording devices. We showed that the accuracy of a contact-ECG classifier improved between 5 and 8% by means of transfer learning when tested on a ccECG dataset. Furthermore, we showed that only 20 segments of the ccECG dataset are sufficient to significantly increase the accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the thermochemical valorization of biomass feedstock, the assessment of biomass powder flowability is essential for the design of feeding, storage, and handling systems. Biomass handling in valorization processes require powders to be characterized for both consolidated and static conditions, encountered in storage facilities, or under free-surface dynamic flow conditions, present in feeding systems. This paper evaluated the flow properties of two different sizes of raw, mildly and intensively torrefied poplar powders, using shear tests and the evaluation of avalanching behaviors, in a rotating drum. The size and shape descriptors showed that the particle size distributions and particle morphologies of the six samples were determined by the coupled effects of torrefaction intensity and the sieving stage. According to the shear test results, although flowability trends are stress-dependent, coarse powders have better flow properties than fine powders. A flowability ranking was established, based on the parameters extracted from the flow dynamics inside of a rotating drum, including the tendency to form particle clumps, upper angle of stability, irregularity of avalanches, and the fraction of revolution for avalanches. The relationships among the macroscopic flow parameters, obtained from both characterization techniques and the powder characteristics (particle mean size, shape, and polydispersity) were examined using adjusted correlations. Overall, intense torrefaction appears to improve the flow behaviors of powders, under both free and consolidated flow conditions. • Shear tests and avalanching behavior for evaluation of biomass powder flowability. • Six samples of two particle sizes and three torrefaction intensities are studied. • Powder characteristics (PSD and shape) are correlated to flowability parameters. • Fine elongated and mildly torrefied biomass powders have a more cohesive behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard C37.104-2012 Power Systems Relaying Committee report, topics related to auto-reclosing in transmission lines have been considered as an imperative benefit for electric power systems. An important issue in reclosing, when performed correctly, is identifying the fault type, i.e., permanent or temporary, which keeps the faulted transmission line in service as long as possible. In this paper, a multivariable analysis was used to classify signals as permanent and temporary faults. Thus, by using a simple convolution process among the mother functions called eigenvectors and the fault signals from a single end, a dimensionality reduction was determined. In this manner, the feature classifier based on the support vector machine was used for acceptably classifying fault types. The algorithm was tested in different fault scenarios that considered several distances along the transmission line and representation of first and second arcs simulated in the alternative transients program ATP software. Therefore, the main contribution of the analysis performed in this paper is to propose a novel algorithm to discriminate permanent and temporary faults based on the behavior of the faulted phase voltage after single-phase opening of the circuit breakers. Several simulations let the authors conclude that the proposed algorithm is effective and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we will present an ongoing project that aims to use model theory as a suitable mathematical setting for studying the formalism of quantum mechanics. We argue that this approach provides a geometric semantics for such a formalism by means of establishing a (non-commutative) duality between certain algebraic and geometric objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of increasing the performance of structured packing used in distillation columns, we develop a state-of-the-art flow diagnostic method to investigate the intricate fluid dynamics of a falling film interacting with a perforation. Perforations are one of the several key microstructure elements in industrial structured packing whose role in mass transfer enhancement and liquid redistribution is yet not well understood. We focus the present investigation on the liquid curtain, or "twin film", blanketing the perforation. Twin films are prone to strong capillary waves and recirculation zones, and experiments of fundamental nature are required to assess the fluid dynamics in the curtain formation in the perforations and ultimately uncover mechanisms that intensify interfacial mass transfer. Here, a three-dimensional two-component (3D-2C PTV) optical-flow-based technique using the concept of defocus is implemented on a test bench designed to study the effect of perforations on falling liquid films. This method provides an opportunity to evaluate the hydrodynamics of the liquid curtain through streamline patterns and dynamic modes and to describe key features that could promote mass transfer intensification in structured packing. • We present experiments of a falling liquid film interacting with a perforation for twin films. • The flow field inside and around the perforation is investigated using a novel single-camera 3D2C flow diagnostic technique. • Detailed flow features such as recirculations and reverse flow areas are observed and quantified. • Dynamic structures triggered by the perforation are analyzed using Dynamic Mode Decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In several frameworks for leptons sectors of Two Higgs Doublet Models, we calculate the magnetic dipole moment for different flavor types of neutrino. Computations are carried out by assuming a normal hierarchy for neutrino masses, and analyzing the process with a charged Higgs boson into the loop. The analysis was performed by sweeping the charged Higgs mass and taking into account the experimental constraints for relevant parameters in Two Higgs Doublet Models with and without flavor changing neutral currents; obtaining magnetic dipole moments close to the experimental thresholds for tau neutrinos in type II and lepton-specific cases. In the neutrino-specific scenario, the contribution of new physics could be sizeable to the current measurement for flavor magnetic dipole moment. This fact leads to excluding possible zones in the parameter space of charged Higgs mass and vacuum expectation value of the second doublet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an editorial regarding the practice of meteorologists in the communication of global warming and climatic change. It is necessary for meteorologists to rely on the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for guidance and to keep themselves as informed as possible with scientific papers published in the "Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society" and the "Journal of Climate".

Listeria monocytogenes is a major cause of mortality resulting from food poisoning in the United States. In mice, C5 has been genetically linked to host resistance to listeriosis. Despite this genetic association, it remains poorly understood how C5 and its activation products, C5a and C5b, confer host protection to this Gram-positive intracellular bacterium. In this article, we show in a systemic infection model that the major receptor for C5a, C5aRl, is required for a normal robust host immune response against L. monocytogenes. In comparison with wild-type mice, C5aRI-/- mice had reduced survival and increased bacterial burden in their livers and spleens. Infected C5aRl-/- mice exhibited a dramatic reduction in all major subsets of splenocytes, which was associated with elevated caspase-3 activity and increased TUNEL staining. Because type 1 IFN has been reported to impede the host response to L. monocytogenes through the promotion of splenocyte death, we examined the effect of C5aRl on type 1 IFN expression in vivo. Indeed, serum levels of IFN-α and IFN-β were significantly elevated in L. /«onocy/ogenes-infected C5aRl-/- mice. Similarly, the expression of TRAIL, a type 1 IFN target gene and a proapoptotic factor, was elevated in NK cells isolated from infected C5aRl-/- mice. Treatment ol CSaRl-/- mice with a type 1 IFNR blocking Ab resulted in near-complete rescue of L. monocytogenes-induced mortality. Thus, these findings reveal a critical role for C5aRl in host defense against L. monocytogenes through the suppression of type 1 IFN expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video-based measurement has received increased attention for modal analysis and nondestructive evaluation, playing an important role in the development of the next-generation structural sensing technologies. As these techniques have evolved, more quantitative approaches based on computer vision techniques have emerged on full-field unsupervised structural identification, exploiting the benefits provided by the use of video cameras such as high spatial sensor density and low installation costs. More recent work has started to explore the use of laser point cloud data for 3D mapping of scenes and structures. Sensors such as LIDAR provide huge amounts of measurements at high spatial resolution from which it is possible to estimate accurate structural geometry for applications such as the generation of CAD models. Unfortunately to-date, the frame rate and depth resolution of LIDAR and other sensors capable of 3D geometry measurements has not been sufficient for measuring structural dynamics. In this paper, we introduce an approach for efficient and extremely high resolution 3D structural dynamic identification/modal analysis from point cloud data acquired using a commercial, low-cost, time-of-flight imager. Vibration mode shapes and modal coordinates are extracted from this data by creating virtual Lagrangian sensors based on the point clouds parameters. First, time-varying point cloud data are collected from a vibrating structure. Then, a mesh of virtual sensors is created based on the dynamic point cloud data for tracking the structure's displacement over time. Next solutions to the blind source separation problem are employed to estimate high resolution 3D mode shapes, modal coordinates, and resonant frequencies. We demonstrate the potential of our proposed approach on laboratory tests and compare the results to the data collected from conventional laser displacement sensors. This technique represents an advance towards efficiently exploring the full advantages of using dynamic point cloud data for practical monitoring applications and has the potential to be extended for a wide range of 3D motion decomposition problems. • Computer vision technique for estimating 3D vibration modes. • This is the first attempt to exploit dynamic point clouds for structural dynamics. • A time-of-flight imager is employed to obtain dynamic measurements. • Vibration modes are estimated from the dynamic data by forming virtual sensors. • Modal estimation is blindly achieved by dimension reduction and BSS algorithms. • The technique is experimentally compared to results obtained from laser data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ideal moment to withdraw respiratory supply of patients under Mechanical Ventilation at Intensive Care Units (ICU), is not easy to be determined for clinicians. Although the Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) provides a measure of the patients' readiness, there is still around 15–20% of predictive failure rate. This work is a proof of concept focused on adding new value to the prediction of the weaning outcome. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Cardiopulmonary Coupling (CPC) methods are evaluated as new complementary estimates to assess weaning readiness. The CPC is related to how the mechanisms regulating respiration and cardiac pumping are working simultaneously, and it is defined from HRV in combination with respiratory information. Three different techniques are used to estimate the CPC, including Time-Frequency Coherence, Dynamic Mutual Information and Orthogonal Subspace Projections. The cohort study includes 22 patients in pressure support ventilation, ready to undergo the SBT, analysed in the 24 h previous to the SBT. Of these, 13 had a successful weaning and 9 failed the SBT or needed reintubation –being both considered as failed weaning. Results illustrate that traditional variables such as heart rate, respiratory frequency, and the parameters derived from HRV do not differ in patients with successful or failed weaning. Results revealed that HRV parameters can vary considerably depending on the time at which they are measured. This fact could be attributed to circadian rhythms, having a strong influence on HRV values. On the contrary, significant statistical differences are found in the proposed CPC parameters when comparing the values of the two groups, and throughout the whole recordings. In addition, differences are greater at night, probably because patients with failed weaning might be experiencing more respiratory episodes, e.g. apneas during the night, which is directly related to a reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Therefore, results suggest that the traditional measures could be used in combination with the proposed CPC biomarkers to improve weaning readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An isovolumetric intragastric balloon to continuously measure gastric phasic contractility was recently developed by us. We aimed to investigate the readout of this technique in relation to gastric content and gastric emptying. Methods: In this crossover investigation, the VIPUNTM Gastric Monitoring System, which comprises a double lumen nasogastric feeding tube with integrated intragastric balloon, was used to assess phasic gastric contractility by interpretation of the pressure in an isovolumetric balloon in 10 healthy subjects. Balloon pressure was recorded in fasted state, during a 2‐hour intragastric nutrient infusion (1 kcal/ml at 25, 75, or 250 ml/h) and 4 hours post‐infusion, and quantified as Gastric Balloon Motility Index (GBMI), ranging from 0 (no contractility) to 1 (maximal contractility). Gastric accumulation was quantified with magnetic resonance imaging and gastric emptying with a13C‐breath test. Results are expressed as mean(SD). Key Results: GBMI was significantly lower during infusion at 250 ml/h compared to baseline (0.13(0.05) versus 0.46(0.12)) and compared to infusion at 25 (0.54(0.21)) and 75 ml/h (0.43(0.20)), all P < 0.005. Gastric content volume was larger after infusion at 250 versus 75 ml/h (P < 0.001). Half‐emptying time and accumulation were both negatively correlated with postprandial contractility. Postprandial GBMI was significantly lower when GCV>0 ml compared to when the stomach was empty. Conclusions and Inferences: Enteral nutrition dose‐dependently decreased the contractility readout. This decrease was linked to gastric accumulation of enteral nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of opioids as analgesic is on the rise, despite their inhibitory effect on gastric emptying. A novel feeding catheter with integrated intragastric balloon was developed to continuously assess gastric motility, enabling to investigate the effect of opioids on motility and emptying simultaneously. We aimed to discriminate normal and pharmacologically impaired gastric motility and its impact on gastric emptying in healthy adults. Methods: The VIPUN Gastric Monitoring System comprises a nasogastric balloon catheter and a monitoring unit. In a four‐way randomized, single‐blinded, cross‐over study, subjects received either placebo or 58.8 mg codeine phosphate in combination with either an uninflated or an inflated (180 mL) balloon catheter. Motility‐induced pressure changes were recorded for 6 hours. During the first 2 hours, nutrients were infused (225 kcal, 75 mL/h). Gastric emptying was assessed with a 13C‐octanoate breath test and expressed as gastric half‐emptying time (GET½). An algorithm, designed to detect phasic contractility, converted pressure changes to a gastric balloon motility index (GBMI). Results are presented as mean(SD). Key Results: Eighteen subjects completed the investigation (32(13) years, 22(2) kg/m2). After codeine, GBMI was lower (0.31(0.16)) and GET½ was longer (233(57) minutes) compared with placebo (GBMI: 0.48(0.15), P <.01 and GET½: 172(12) minutes, P <.001). Within‐subject ΔGET½ correlated significantly with ΔGBMI (r = −0.77 and P <.001). Conclusions and Inferences: The VIPUN Gastric Monitoring System allowed to assess gastric motility safely and continuously. The correlation between pharmacologically decreased gastric emptying and motility indicates a strong link between both. Gastric motility, measured with this innovative device, can be an indicator for gastrointestinal intolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel way for ECG quality assessment is proposed, based on the posterior probability of an artefact detection classifier. • A good performance was obtained when testing the classifier on two independent (re)labelled datasets, thereby showing its robustness. The performance was better, compared to a heuristic method and comparable to another machine learning algorithm. • A significant correlation was observed between the proposed quality assessment and the annotators level of agreement. • Significant decreases in quality level were observed for different noise levels. The presence of noise sources could reduce the diagnostic capability of the ECG signal and result in inappropriate treatment decisions. To mitigate this problem, automated algorithms to detect artefacts and quantify the quality of the recorded signal are needed. In this study we present an automated method for the detection of artefacts and quantification of the signal quality. The suggested methodology extracts descriptive features from the autocorrelation function and feeds these to a RUSBoost classifier. The posterior probability of the clean class is used to create a continuous signal quality assessment index. Firstly, the robustness of the proposed algorithm is investigated and secondly, the novel signal quality assessment index is evaluated. Data were used from three different studies: a Sleep study, the PhysioNet 2017 Challenge and a Stress study. Binary labels, clean or contaminated, were available from different annotators with experience in ECG analysis. Two types of realistic ECG noise from the MIT-BIH Noise Stress Test Database (NSTDB) were added to the Sleep study to test the quality index. Firstly, the model was trained on the Sleep dataset and subsequently tested on a subset of the other two datasets. Secondly, all recording conditions were taken into account by training the model on a subset derived from the three datasets. Lastly, the posterior probabilities of the model for the different levels of agreement between the annotators were compared. AUC values between 0.988 and 1.000 were obtained when training the model on the Sleep dataset. These results were further improved when training on the three datasets and thus taking all recording conditions into account. A Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.8131 was observed between the score of the clean class and the level of agreement. Additionally, significant quality decreases per noise level for both types of added noise were observed. The main novelty of this study is the new approach to ECG signal quality assessment based on the posterior clean class probability of the classifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]