Exploring RCNN for the automated analysis of paramagnetic rim lesions in Multiple Sclerosis MRI

In multiple sclerosis, lesions with a peripheral paramagnetic rim is a negative prognostic imaging biomarker and represents a potential outcome measure in MRI-based clinical trials. Nowadays, the presence or absence of paramagnetic rims is determined through visual inspection by medical experts, which is tedious, time consuming and prone to observer variability. So far, few solutions to the automated classification of rims problem have been proposed. These studies present limitations that represent an obstacle to full automation of the rim analysis process and its large-scale application. Our goal is to implement and assess a fully automated algorithm capable of identifying rim lesions in MRI. In this work, we explore a Region-proposal CNN deep learning approach to solve the fully automated rim lesions classification problem that perform instance segmentation by object detection and have shown promising results in recent challenges, particularly in medical imaging. After different approaches focus on implifying the task, Mask RCNN with MobileNet v2 as backbone using attention gaussian filtering to the input images showed better performance than the rest with rates of 0.42 TPR and 0.61 FPR for the test set. However, the achieved results reveal the weaknesses of our approach and the difficulty of our classification problem

C. elegans epigenetic regulation in development and aging

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License.The precise developmentalmap of the Caenorhabditis elegans cell lineage, as well as a complete genome sequence and feasibility of genetic manipulation make this nematode species highly attractive to study the role of epigenetics during development. Genetic dissection of phenotypical traits, such as formation of egg-laying organs or starvation- resistant dauer larvae, has illustrated how chromatin modifiers may regulate specific cell-fate decisions and behavioral programs. Moreover, the transparent body of C. elegans facilitates non-invasive microscopy to study tissue-specific accumulation of heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery. We also review here recent findings on how small RNA molecules contribute to epigenetic control of gene expression that can be propagated for several generations and eventually determine longevity.This work was supported by the CNRS [to F.P.]; Fondation ARC [SFI20101201659 to F.P.]; Ligue Contre le Cancer [to F.P.]; the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [BFU2010-15478 to P.A.]; the Autonomous Government of Andalusia [P08-CVI-3920 to P.A.]; and the European Regional Development Fund.Peer Reviewe

Assessment of the geothermal potential in the region of Ávila (Spain): An integrated and interactive thermal approach

Exploring and exploiting a geothermal resource has become one of the most prolific tasks for contributing to the global sustainable development. Despite this fact, several countries, such as Spain, are still far from achieving a generalized use of these renewable systems. The reason for this underuse often derives from the lack of information and characterization of the geothermal energy source. Considering this, the present research aims to provide relevant data about the geothermal potential of the Spanish region of Ávila. The geological context of this province lays the foundations for considering the region as a promising site for different geothermal uses. In order to estimate the geothermal energy potential of the region, the existing geological information has been complemented with thermal surveys carried out in the study area. The experimental measuring has consisted of the register of the underground temperature in piezometers of variable depth and natural springs distributed throughout the province. The processing of these records has allowed knowing the thermal evolution of the subsoil at the different levels evaluated in the research. Results show that there are two main potential areas in the province that could be successfully used for heating purposes (maybe as part of district heating systems) and for future deeper evaluations in the sense of Hot Dry Rock (HDR) techniques. Final conclusions have also been included in an interactive and open-source tool that allows visualizing the thermal findings with the aim of planning future geothermal uses in the region

Geophysical exploration for shallow geothermal applications: A case study in Artà, (Balearic Islands, Spain)

[EN] Within the installation of a shallow geothermal system, the lack of information on the subsoil frequently leads to errors in the design of the geothermal wellfield. This research presents the application of geophysics, combining 2D and 3D electrical resistivity tomography surveys and the geological information of a certain area for defining the structural distribution of the underground. Processed electrical resistivity data allow elucidating possible geological units and the thermal behavior of the in-depth materials. Two different assumptions (with different locations of the wells) are designed by using the specific geothermal software GES-CAL. Results show, that Case 1 (based on the geophysical results, so avoiding complex areas) allows the reduction of the global drilling length, and hence, the general initial investment of the system (around 20% lower). Meanwhile, Case 2 (without considering the geophysics) is less economically advantageous and could also present technical difficulties during the drilling process, as well as the possible alteration to the normal system operation. The study highlights the benefits of geophysics as an effective approach to characterize the underground and to help to understand its thermal behavior, which is, in turn, crucial for a proper geothermal design.S

Investigating the potential of the slurry technology for sustainable pig farm heating

Sustainable energy development in the farming sector is an essential strategy to respond the combined challenge of achieving a reliable and affordable solution but including mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Intensive breeding farms require maintaining an adequate indoor thermal environment that results in high energy demands, usually covered by fossil fuels and electricity. This paper addresses the application of the combined slurry technology for a particular pig farm that currently uses a diesel boiler to supply the piglet heating energy needs. The study also considers different options based on closed ground source heat pump systems. After the design of the slurry alternative and the geothermal ones, notable advantages are detected compared to the existing diesel system. Results show that the implementation of the slurry technology implies an important reduction of the operational costs, which, in turn, involves short amortization periods for this system in relation to the diesel one. Greenhouse gases emissions are also highly reduced in the slurry alternative based on the low electricity use of the heat pump. The environmental side is reinforced by the reduction of polluting substances such as methane of ammonia derived from the descent of temperature of the slurry

Evaluation of different methodologies for calculating the energy demand and their influence on the design of a low enthalpy geothermal system

The increasing importance of shallow geothermal resources in the decarbonization of heating and cooling systems requires the correct management of all the project stages. One of the fundamental steps in this process is determining the space energy demand, which plays a significant role in the subsequent geothermal design. In the context of Spain, different tools are available for the estimation of the mentioned parameter. For evaluating these procedures, this research applies the principal energy demand calculation tools and uses the outcomes for the later design of the shallow geothermal system. Results show how the Spanish official tools (HULC and CE3X) provide lower energy demand values adjusted to the construction conditions of the building that allow the optimization of the geothermal well field. On the contrary, simpler, and more intuitive applications (regular spreadsheets and GES-CAL) assume higher heating energy demands, which in turn implies an oversizing of the geothermal scheme. Even though all the procedures ensure to cover the energy requirements of the building, the most precise tools manage to reduce the initial investment of the system and its operating costs, in addition to reducing the global CO2 emissions because of the lower power of the associated geothermal heat pump

Characterizing Geological Heterogeneities for Geothermal Purposes through Combined Geophysical Prospecting Methods

Geothermal energy is becoming essential to deal with the catastrophic effect of climate change. Although the totality of the Earth’s crust allows the exploitation of shallow geothermal resources, it is important to identify those areas with higher thermal possibilities. In this sense, geophysical prospecting plays a vital role in the recognition and estimation of potential geothermal resources. This research evaluates the geothermal conditions of a certain area located in the center of Spain. The evaluation is mainly based on geological and geophysical studies and, in particular, the Time Domain Electromagnetic Method and the Electrical Resistivity Tomography. Once we analyzed the geology and the historical thermal evidence near the study area, our geophysical results were used to define the geothermal possibilities from a double perspective. In relation to anomalous heat gradient, the identification of a fault and the contact with impermeable granitic materials at the depth of 180 m denotes a potential location for the extraction of groundwater. Regarding the common ground-source heat-pump uses, the analysis has allowed the determination of the most appropriate area for the location of the geothermal well field. Finally, the importance of accurately defining the position of the drillings was confirmed by using software GES-CAL

Geophysical Prospecting for Geothermal Resources in the South of the Duero Basin (Spain)

[EN]The geothermal resources in Spain have been a source of deep research in recent years and are, in general, well-defined. However, there are some areas where the records from the National Institute for Geology and Mining show thermal activity from different sources despite no geothermal resources being registered there. This is the case of the area in the south of the Duero basin where this research was carried out. Seizing the opportunity of a deep borehole being drilled in the location, some geophysical resources were used to gather information about the geothermal properties of the area. The employed geophysical methods were time-domain electromagnetics (TDEM) and borehole logging; the first provided information about the depth of the bedrock and the general geological structure, whereas the second one gave more detail on the geological composition of the different layers and a temperature record across the whole sounding. The results allowed us to establish the geothermal gradient of the area and to discern the depth of the bedrock. Using the first 200 m of the borehole logging, the thermal conductivity of the ground for shallow geothermal systems was estimated

Inflammatory markers and bone mass in children with overweight/obesity: the role of muscular fitness

Objectives To examine which inflammatory markers are associated with bone mass and whether this association varies according to muscular fitness in children with overweight/obesity. Methods Plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), and C-reactive protein were analyzed in 55 children aged 8–11 years. A muscular fitness score was computed. Bone mineral content (BMC) of the total body-less head (TBLH) and lumbar spine (LS) were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results IL-6 (β = −0.136) and VEGF (β = −0.099) were associated with TBLH BMC, while TNF-α (β = −0.345) and IL-1β (β = 0.212) were associated with LS BMC (P < 0.05). The interaction effect of muscular fitness showed a trend in the association of VEGF with TBLH BMC (P = 0.122) and TNF-α with LS BMC (P = 0.057). Stratified analyses by muscular fitness levels showed an inverse association of VEGF with TBLH BMC (β = −0.152) and TNF-α with LS BMC (β = −0.491) in the low-fitness group, while no association was found in the high-fitness group. Conclusion IL-6, VEGF, TNF-α, and IL-1β are significantly associated with bone mass. Higher muscular fitness may attenuate the adverse effect of high VEGF and TNF-α on bone mass