bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning of Empirical Mean Curve Decomposition-Wavelet Decomposed EEG Signal for Emotion Recognition
Authors: Wankhade Sujata Bhimrao , Doye Dharmpal Dronacharya
Published: January 2020

Recently, the emotional state recognition of humans via Electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the emerging topics that grasp the attention of researchers too. This EEG based recognition is normally an effective model for many of the real-time applications, especially for disabled people. A number of researchers are in progress to make the recognition model more effective in terms of accurate emotion recognition. However, it is not so satisfactory in the precise accurate progressing. Hence this paper intends to recognize the human emotional states or affects through EEG signals by adopting advanced features and classifier models. In the first stage of recognition procedure, this paper exploits 2501 (EMCD) and Wavelet Transformation to represent the EEG signal in low dimension as well as descriptive. By EMCD, the EEG redundancy can be neglected, and the significant information can be extracted. The classification processes using the extracted features with the aid of a classifier named Deep Belief Network (DBN). The performance of the proposed Wavelet-EMCD (WE) approach is analyzed in terms of measures such as Accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity, Precision, False positive rate (FPR), False negative rate (FNR), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), False Discovery Rate (FDR), F1Score and Mathews correlation coefficient (MCC) and proven the superiority of proposed work in recognizing the emotions more accurately.
Toward the Measurement Framework of Technological Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Authors: Maysami A. M. , Elyasi Gh. Mohammadi , Dehkordi A. Mobini , Hejazi S. R.
Published: January 2020

The technological entrepreneurship ecosystem is a complex set of components and relations that enable the creation and growth of new technology firms. This ecosystem should be clearly defined and evaluated in order to reach its proper establishment. The purpose of this research is twofold. The first is to propose the main components of technological entrepreneurship ecosystem (TEE) and the second is to present some important principles for developing a comprehensive measurement framework of this ecosystem. For the first aim, through the meta-synthesis method, we identified and analyzed 34 related sources that ended in twelve dimensions (governance, capital, culture, talent, etc.). For the second aim, we defined six criteria (complexity, type of measures, design method, etc.) and critically reviewed 18 principal measurement frameworks that can be associated with the TEE. The review implied specific features such as the need to cover all dimensions of the TEE, addressing both input and output indicators, and considering both opinion-based & fact-based measures for the TEE measurement framework.
An Improved Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for the Flexible Integrated Scheduling Problem Using Networked Devices Collaboration
Authors: Xie Zhiqiang , Yang Dan , Ma Mingrui , Yu Xu
Published: January 2020

This paper studies the flexible integrated scheduling problem, which is an extension of job-shop scheduling considering the assembly and the machining stages at the same time, with networked devices (FISND). The completion time of the entire product may be impacted by the uncertainty of the process constraint structure and flexible equipment, so we take machining structure evaluation (MSE) into account. We proposed an improved artificial bee colony algorithm considering MSE (ABC[Formula: see text]) with two new strategies: one is a dynamic perturbation step strategy and the other is double-chain similarity and migration time factor strategy to evaluate the product processing structure, and then we computed the selection probability of the followers by it. Finally, the experimental results show that ABC[Formula: see text] has a better performance and faster convergence than the algorithm ABC, hyABC, GA. It can not only solve the flexible integrated scheduling problem with networked devices, but also yield better solutions to the typical flexible integrated scheduling problem than the flexible equipment integrated scheduling algorithm based on device-driven.
Integer sequences arising from Auslander–Reiten quivers of some hereditary artin algebras
Authors: Cañadas Agustín Moreno , Bravo Rios Gabriel , Giraldo Hernán
Published: January 2020

Categorification of some integer sequences are obtained by enumerating the number of sections in the Auslander–Reiten quiver of algebras of finite representation type.
Lorentz symmetry breaking in supersymmetric quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Ganai Prince A. , Ahmad Owais , Tobia Javier Perez , Gillard Alexander , Vyas Vedaant
Published: January 2020

Lorentz symmetry is one of the fundamental symmetries of nature; however, it can be broken by several proposals such as quantum gravity effects, low energy approximations in string theory and dark matter. In this paper, Lorentz symmetry is broken in supersymmetric quantum electrodynamics using aether superspace formalism without breaking any supersymmetry. To break the Lorentz symmetry in three-dimensional quantum electrodynamics, we must use the [Formula: see text] aether superspace. A new constant vector field is introduced and used to deform the deformed generator of supersymmetry. This formalism is required to fix the unphysical degrees of freedom that arise from the quantum gauge transformation required to quantize this theory. By using Yokoyama’s gaugeon formalism, it is possible to study these gaugeon transformations. As a result of the quantum gauge transformation, the supersymmetric algebra gets modified and the theory is invariant under BRST symmetry. These results could aid in the construction of the Gravity’s Rainbow theory and in the study of superconformal field theory. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that different gauges in this deformed supersymmetric quantum electrodynamics can be related to each other using the gaugeon formalism.
Prediction of Discharge Performances of Pseudocapacitors Using Their Impedance Characteristics
Authors: Hasyim Muhammad R. , Rajagopalan Ramakrishnan
Published: January 2020

A first principle model was used to fit the impedance data of intrinsic pseudocapacitors based on polypyrrole and manganese dioxide electrodes and was validated by successfully predicting charge/discharge characteristics. The model performs non-linear regression to an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data using a rigorous prototypical model of pseudocapacitance, which emphasizes an integrated description of the various components of the capacitor at the microscopic and macroscopic level. Parametric studies showcase further how important microscopic variables in pseudocapacitors influence both impedance spectra and galvanostatic discharge.
Klotho supplementation ameliorates blood pressure and renal function in DBA/2-pcy mice, a model of polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Takenaka Tsuneo , Kobori Hiroyuki , Inoue Tsutomu , Miyazaki Takashi , Suzuki Hiromichi , Nishiyama Akira , Ishii Naohito , Hayashi Matsuhiko
Published: January 2020

Klotho interacts with various membrane proteins such as receptors for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). Renal expression of klotho is diminished in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In the present study, the effects of klotho supplementation on PKD were assessed. Recombinant human klotho protein (10 μg·kg−1·day−1) or a vehicle was administered daily by subcutaneous injection to 6-wk-old mice with PKD (DBA/2-pcy). Blood pressure was measured using tail-cuff methods. After 2 mo, mice were killed, and the kidneys were harvested for analysis. Exogenous klotho protein supplementation reduced kidney weight, cystic area, systolic blood pressure, renal angiotensin II levels, and 8-epi-PGF2αexcretion ( P < 0.05). Klotho protein supplementation enhanced glomerular filtration rate, renal expression of superoxide dismutase, and klotho itself ( P < 0.05). Klotho supplementation attenuated renal expressions of TGF-β and collagen type I and diminished renal abundance of Twist, phosphorylated Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin ( P < 0.05). Pathological examination revealed that klotho decreased the fibrosis index and nuclear staining of Smad in PKD kidneys ( P < 0.05). Our data indicate that klotho protein supplementation ameliorates the renin-angiotensin system, reducing blood pressure in PKD mice. Furthermore, the present results implicate klotho supplementation in the suppression of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, slowing cystic expansion. Finally, our findings suggest that klotho protein supplementation attenuated fibrosis at least partly by inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition in PKD.
Two Cases of Strictures after Percutaneous CT-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Heißler Ortwin , Seklehner Stephan , Fingernagel Maximilian , Engelhardt Paul F. , Riedl Claus
Published: January 2020

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option in selected patients with T1a tumors of the kidney with a low complication rate. We describe two cases that developed the rare but severe complication of thermal injury-induced strictures of the upper urinary tract and its consecutive management.
Oxidative Stress and Dementia in Alzheimer’s Patients: Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation
Authors: Ton Alyne Mendonça Marques , Campagnaro Bianca Prandi , Alves Gisela Aleixo , Aires Rafaela , Côco Larissa Zambom , Arpini Clarisse Maximo , Guerra e Oliveira Trícia , Campos-Toimil Manuel , Meyrelles Silvana Santos , Pereira Thiago Melo Costa , Vasquez Elisardo Corral
Published: January 2020

Background. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in elderly patients. Recently, several studies have shown that inflammation and oxidative stress precede the cardinal neuropathological manifestations of AD. In view of the proven antioxidant effects of probiotics, we proposed that continuous dietary supplementation with milk fermented with kefir grains might improve cognitive and metabolic and/or cellular disorders in the AD patients. Methods. This study was designed as an uncontrolled clinical investigation to test the effects of probiotic-fermented milk supplementation (2 mL/kg/daily) for 90 days in AD patients exhibiting cognitive deficit. Cognitive assessment, cytokine expression, systemic oxidative stress levels, and blood cell damage biomarkers were evaluated before (T0) and after (T90) kefir synbiotic supplementation. Results. When the patients were challenged to solve 8 classical tests, the majority exhibit a marked improvement in memory, visual-spatial/abstraction abilities, and executive/language functions. At the end of the treatment, the cytometric analysis showed an absolute/relative decrease in several cytokine markers of inflammation and oxidative stress markers (⋅O2–, H2O2, and ONOO−, ~30%) accompanied by an increase in NO bioavailability (100%). In agreement with the above findings by using the same technique, we observed in a similar magnitude an improvement of serum protein oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage/repair, and apoptosis. Conclusion. In conclusion, we demonstrated that kefir improves cognitive deficits, which seems to be linked with three important factors of the AD—systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood cell damage—and may be a promising adjuvant therapy against the AD progression.
Vehicle Stability Control Strategy Based on Recognition of Driver Turning Intention for Dual-Motor Drive Electric Vehicle
Authors: Wang Shu , Zhao Xuan , Yu Qiang
Published: January 2020

Vehicle stability control should accurately interpret the driving intention and ensure that the actual state of the vehicle is as consistent as possible with the desired state. This paper proposes a vehicle stability control strategy, which is based on recognition of the driver’s turning intention, for a dual-motor drive electric vehicle. A hybrid model consisting of Gaussian mixture hidden Markov (GHMM) and Generalized Growing and Pruning RBF (GGAP-RBF) neural network is constructed to recognize the driver turning intention in real time. The turning urgency coefficient, which is computed on the basis of the recognition results, is used to establish a modified reference model for vehicle stability control. Then, the upper controller of the vehicle stability control system is constructed using the linear model predictive control theory. The minimum of the quadratic sum of the working load rate of the vehicle tire is taken as the optimization objective. The tire-road adhesion condition, performance of the motor and braking system, and state of the motor are taken as constraints. In addition, a lower controller is established for the vehicle stability control system, with the task of optimizing the allocation of additional yaw moment. Finally, vehicle tests were carried out by conducting double-lane change and single-lane change experiments on a platform for dual-motor drive electric vehicles by using the virtual controller of the A&D5435 hardware. The results show that the stability control system functions appropriately using this control strategy and effectively improves the stability of the vehicle.
Stability Analysis of an Alcoholism Model with Public Health Education and NSFD Scheme
Authors: An Zhaofeng , Zhang Suxia , Xu Jinhu
Published: January 2020

In this paper, an alcoholism model of SEAR type with different susceptibilities due to public health education is investigated, with the form of continuous differential equations as well as discrete differential equations by applying the Mickens nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme to the continuous equations. Threshold dynamics of the continuous model are performed by constructing Lyapunov functions. The analysis of a discrete model indicates that the alcohol-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if the basic reproductive number R0<1, and conversely, the alcohol-present equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if R0>1, revealing the consistency and efficiency of the discrete model to preserve the dynamical properties of the corresponding continuous model. In addition, stability preserving and the impact of the parameters related with public health education are conducted by numerical simulations.
Lie Symmetry Analysis and Invariant Solutions of a Nonlinear Fokker-Planck Equation Describing Cell Population Growth
Authors: Zheng Jia
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a complete Lie symmetry analysis is performed for a nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation for growing cell populations. Moreover, an optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebras is constructed and used to find similarity reductions and invariant solutions. A new power series solution is constructed via the reduced equation, and its convergence is proved.
A Systems Pharmacology Approach for Identifying the Multiple Mechanisms of Action for the Rougui‐Fuzi Herb Pair in the Treatment of Cardiocerebral Vascular Diseases
Authors: Li Chun , Du Xia , Liu Yang , Liu Qi-Qi , Zhi Wen Bing , Wang Chun Liu , Zhou Jie , Li Ye , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2020

Cardiocerebral vascular diseases (CCVDs) are the main reasons for high morbidity and mortality all over the world, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and so on. Chinese herbs pair of the Cinnamomum cassia Presl (Chinese name, rougui) and the Aconitum carmichaelii Debx (Chinese name, fuzi) can be effective in CCVDs, which is recorded in the ancient classic book Shennong Bencao Jing, Mingyibielu and Thousand Golden Prescriptions. However, the active ingredients and the molecular mechanisms of rougui‐fuzi in treatment of CCVDs are still unclear. This study was designed to apply a system pharmacology approach to reveal the molecular mechanisms of the rougui‐fuzi anti‐CCVDs. The 163 candidate compounds were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). And 84 potential active compounds and the corresponding 42 targets were obtained from systematic model. The underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic effect for rougui‐fuzi were investigated with gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Then, component‐target‐disease (C‐T‐D) and target‐pathway (T‐P) networks were constructed to further dissect the core pathways, potential targets, and active compounds in treatment of CCVDs for rougui‐fuzi. We also constituted protein‐protein in interaction (PPI) network by the reflect target protein of the crucial pathways against CCVDs. As a result, 21 key compounds, 8 key targets, and 3 key pathways were obtained for rougui‐fuzi. Afterwards, molecular docking was performed to validate the reliability of the interactions between some compounds and their corresponding targets. Finally, UPLC‐Q‐Exactive‐MSE and GC‐MS/MS were analyzed to detect the active ingredients of rougui‐fuzi. Our results may provide a new approach to clarify the molecular mechanisms of Chinese herb pair in treatment with CCVDs at a systematic level.
Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas with High-Grade Malignant Transformation Involving p16-RB Pathway Alterations
Authors: Tomioka Kodai , Ohike Nobuyuki , Aoki Takeshi , Enami Yuta , Fujimori Akira , Koizumi Tomotake , Kusano Tomokazu , Nogaki Koji , Tashiro Yoshihiko , Wada Yusuke , Hakozaki Tomoki , Shibata Hideki , Hirai Takahito , Yamazaki Tatsuya , Fujimasa Koichiro , Norose Tomoko , Isobe Tomohide , Murakami Masahiko
Published: January 2020

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas has generally been regarded as a low-grade malignant tumour that preferentially develops in young women and can have a good prognosis with surgery. Among the few patients who have died from metastatic SPN are mostly those whose tumours harbour an undifferentiated component characterized by diffuse sheets of cells with increased nuclear atypia and proliferative index. We herein report a case of an aggressive, fatal, solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas in a 63-year-old woman complaining of epigastric pain. Despite having undergone surgical resection for a 10 cm pancreatic mass and multiple liver metastases, the patient later died due to uncontrollable metastases 36 months after the initial surgery. Histological examination showed that the tumour displayed unusual high-grade malignant features, showing diffuse sheets of cells with increased nuclear atypia and proliferative activity, along with conventional low-grade malignant features. The tumour was subsequently recognized as an SPN with foci of high-grade malignant transformation according to the 2010 World Health Organization classification. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that p16-RB pathway alterations contributed to the high-grade malignant transformation. The present case report suggests the necessity for developing diagnostic and treatment methods targeting p16 and RB for high-grade variants of SPN.
Association of Angiopoietin Dysregulation in Placental Malaria with Adverse Birth Outcomes
Authors: Singh Puspendra P. , Bhandari Sneha , Sharma Ravendra K. , Singh Neeru , Bharti Praveen K.
Published: January 2020

Malaria in pregnancy causes adverse birth outcomes due to sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the placenta. Angiopoietins are critical regulators of vascular development and formation of placental villous vasculature. Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2 concentrations were measured in peripheral and placental plasma samples from 70 malaria-infected and 216 control women using commercially available DuoSet ELISA development kit. Angiopoietins increased in placental plasma (ANG1-5833.5 pg/ml and ANG2-9580.6 pg/ml) as compared to peripheral plasma (ANG1-2293.1 pg/ml and ANG2-1198.9 pg/ml, p<0.0001). The concentration of placental and peripheral ANG1 (6099.23 pg/ml and 2320.5 pg/ml) was significantly lower (5013.5 pg/ml, 2208.5 pg/ml), and ANG2 (9553.3 pg/ml, 1180.92 pg/ml) was significantly higher (9664.6 pg/ml, 1254.4 pg/ml) in malaria-positive cases as compared to malaria-negative (p<0.0001). The association of dysregulated angiopoietins in malaria with adverse birth outcomes showed that the peripheral and placental ANG1 concentration was lower and ANG2 concentration was higher in low-birth-weight baby and stillbirth birth outcome as compared to normal deliveries among malaria-positive group. Therefore, ANG1 and ANG2 could be considered a biomarker for adverse outcome during malaria in pregnancy.
Study on the Hydraulic Parameters of Woshaxi Landslide Soils during Water Level Drawdown of Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Huang Xiaoyu , Liu Wu , Wang Liang
Published: January 2020

Variation of hydraulic parameters for unsaturated soil in bank slopes during reservoir water rising or falling process is crucial to scientific analysis and evaluation of bank slope stability. In this paper, soil samples from the Woshaxi landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir were taken for a permeability test under reservoir drawdown conditions using an independently developed apparatus, which can simulate the variation process of internal seepage in bank slope soils. Changes of particle gradations, soil-water characteristic curves, and unsaturated permeability functions of the soil samples during reservoir falling process were studied by combining with the physical empirical model and numerical simulation. Permeability test results show that fine particles in soil samples migrated and were lost under seepage force action during the tests, leading to a continuous decrease of fine particle content indicated in the grain size distribution curves, in which particles with a size less than 0.02 mm lose the most. As permeation time increases, the soil saturated permeability enhances constantly with the change rate increasing first and then decreasing. The soil-water characteristic curves change obviously in the high matrix suction section (10~104 kPa), and the volumetric water content decreases constantly and shows a positive correlation with the fine particle content. During the permeability test, the unsaturated permeability coefficient corresponding to a fixed matric suction increases with the drawdowns of the reservoir water level. Slope stability results show that neglecting the variational characteristics of hydraulic parameters in slope stability evaluation can result in a bigger safety factor, which is dangerous for slope safety evaluation. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the stability analysis and evaluation of the bank slopes in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.
Research on Parameter Extraction Method of Photovoltaic Module Based on Improved Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Wu Haitao , Shang Zhou
Published: January 2020

Correct extraction of the equivalent circuit model parameters of photovoltaic modules is of great significance for power prediction, fault diagnosis, and system optimization of photovoltaic power generation systems. Although there are many methods developed to extract the equivalent circuit model parameters of the photovoltaic module, it is still challenging to ensure the stability and operational efficiency of the extract method. In order to effectively extract the parameters of photovoltaic modules, this paper proposes a hybrid algorithm combining analytical methods and differential evolution algorithms for the extraction parameters of PV module. Firstly, the analytical method is applied to simplify the equivalent circuit model and improve the efficiency of the algorithm. Then, the adaptive algorithm is used to adjust the parameters of the differential evolution algorithm. Through the algorithm proposed in this paper, the parameters of the equivalent circuit model of the photovoltaic module can be extracted by the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum power point current and voltage provided by the manufacturer. The proposed method is applied to the extraction of the parameters of the dual-diode equivalent circuit model of different types of photovoltaic modules. The reliability and computational efficiency of the proposed algorithm are verified by comparison and analysis.
Dynamics of a Discrete Allelopathic Phytoplankton Model with Infinite Delays and Feedback Controls
Authors: Zhao Liang , Qin Bin , Chen Fengde
Published: January 2020

A discrete allelopathic phytoplankton model with infinite delays and feedback controls is studied in this paper. By applying the discrete comparison theorem, a set of sufficient conditions which guarantees the permanence of the system is obtained. Also, by constructing some suitable discrete Lyapunov functionals, some sufficient conditions for the extinction of the system are obtained. Our results extend and supplement some known results and show that the feedback controls and toxic substances play a crucial role on the permanence and extinction of the system.
Thirty-Day Outcomes after Surgery for Primary Sarcomas of the Extremities: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database
Authors: Gallaway Kathryn E. , Ahn Junho , Callan Alexandra K.
Published: January 2020

Background. Primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumors requiring wide surgical resection and reconstruction to achieve local control. Postoperative complications can lead to delays in adjuvant therapy, potentially affecting long-term oncologic outcomes. Understanding postoperative complication risks is essential; however, past studies are limited by small sample sizes. Purpose. This study uses a large national registry to characterize the incidence of complications and mortality in the first thirty days following surgical management of primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. Methods. A retrospective review of patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed. Cases were identified using diagnosis codes for malignant neoplasm of soft tissue or bone and procedure codes for amputation and radical resection. The cohort was subdivided by bone versus soft tissue sarcoma, upper versus lower extremity, and amputation versus limb salvage. Results. One thousand, one hundred eleven patients were identified. The most frequent complications were surgical site infections, sepsis, and venous thromboembolism. The overall incidence of complications was 14.0%. Unplanned readmission and reoperation occurred after 7.0% and 8.0% of cases, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 0.3%, with one intraoperative death. Patient factors and complication rates varied by tumor location and surgical modality. Lower extremity cases were associated with higher rates of wound complications and infectious etiologies such as surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and systemic sepsis. In contrast, patients undergoing amputation were more likely to experience major medical complications including acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, and myocardial infarction. Conclusion. Approximately 1 in 7 patients will experience a complication in the first thirty days following surgery for primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities. The unique risk profiles of lower extremity and amputation cases should be considered during perioperative planning and surveillance.
Orthognathic Surgery after Mandibular Large-Volume Osteoma Treatment
Authors: Demircan Sabit , İşler Sabri Cemil , Gümüşdal Aydın , Genç Begüm
Published: January 2020

Osteoma is a benign asymptomatic osseous tumor. Characterization of osteoma is the proliferation of cancellous or compact bone that increases in size by continuous formation of bone. It can be seen in any craniofacial structures, usually in paranasal sinuses and jaws. In this study, we present a 17-year-old male patient with a giant osteoma in the mandibular condyle. Posttreatment post-op follow-up, post-ortho, and orthognathic surgery after dental implantation are described.
Multimodal Retinal Image Analysis via Deep Learning for the Diagnosis of Intermediate Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Vaghefi Ehsan , Hill Sophie , Kersten Hannah M. , Squirrell David
Published: January 2020

Background and Objective. To determine if using a multi-input deep learning approach in the image analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCT-A), and colour fundus photographs increases the accuracy of a CNN to diagnose intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients and Methods. Seventy-five participants were recruited and divided into three cohorts: young healthy (YH), old healthy (OH), and patients with intermediate dry AMD. Colour fundus photography, OCT, and OCT-A scans were performed. The convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained on multiple image modalities at the same time. Results. The CNN trained using OCT alone showed a diagnostic accuracy of 94%, whilst the OCT-A trained CNN resulted in an accuracy of 91%. When multiple modalities were combined, the CNN accuracy increased to 96% in the AMD cohort. Conclusions. Here we demonstrate that superior diagnostic accuracy can be achieved when deep learning is combined with multimodal image analysis.
On an Impulsive Food Web System with Mutual Interference and Distributed Time Delay
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Liwei , Su Guangwang , Shao Yuanfu
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present a predator-prey system with mutual interference and distributed time delay and study its dynamical behavior. Based on the existence and universality of mutual interference among species, it is necessary to further study an impulsive food web system. By using stability theory, slight perturbation technique, and comparison theorem, we obtain some theoretical results of the system, such as boundedness and permanence. Moreover, numerical experiments are used to verify the theoretical results and to explore the dynamical behavior of the system, which exhibits rich dynamical behavior such as chaotic oscillation, periodic oscillation, symmetry-breaking bifurcations, chaotic crises, and period bifurcation. Finally, we give some practical guidelines for biological systems based on the theoretical results and numerical experiments of the system.
Mathematical Prostate Cancer Evolution: Effect of Immunotherapy Based on Controlled Vaccination Strategy
Authors: Ba̧dziul Dorota , Jakubczyk Paweł , Chotorlishvili Levan , Toklikishvilie Zaza , Traciak Julian , Jakubowicz-Gil Joanna , Chmiel-Szajner Sylwia
Published: January 2020

Basic immunology research over several decades has led to an improved understanding of tumour recognition by components of the immune system and mechanism of tumour evasion from immune detection. These findings have ultimately led to creating antitumour immunotherapies in patients with different kind of cancer including prostate cancer. The increasing number of reports confirms that immune-based therapies have clinical benefit in patients with prostate cancer with potentially less toxicity in comparison with traditional systemic treatments including surgical resection, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy in various forms. This review focuses on the possibility of modulation of the optimal immunotherapy based on vaccination strategy adopted to individual patients in order to increase quality and quantity of their life.
Apolipoprotein A-V Is a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Predictor in Pediatric Patients with Sepsis: A Prospective Pilot Study in PICU
Authors: Wang Chunxia , Cui Yun , Miao Huijie , Xiong Xi , Dou Jiaying , Shao Lujing , Tang Xiaomeng , Zhang Yucai
Published: January 2020

Background. Sepsis induces the release of lipid mediators, which control both lipid metabolism and inflammation. However, the role of serum apolipoprotein A-V (ApoA5) in sepsis is poorly understood in pediatric patients. Methods. ApoA5 was screened from serum proteomics profile in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated mice for 2 h, 24 h, and controls. Then, we conducted a prospective pilot study, and patients with sepsis admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were enrolled from January 2018 to December 2018. Serum ApoA5 levels on PICU admission were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Blood samples from 30 healthy children were used as control. The correlation of ApoA5 with the clinical and laboratory parameters was analyzed. Logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used to investigate the potential role of serum ApoA5 as a prognostic predictor for PICU mortality in pediatric patients with sepsis. Results. A total of 101 patients with sepsis were enrolled in this study. The PICU mortality rate was 10.9% (11/101). Serum ApoA5 levels on PICU admission were significantly lower in nonsurvivors with sepsis compared with survivors (P=0.009). In subgroup analysis, serum levels of ApoA5 were significantly correlated with sepsis-associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (P<0.001), shock (P=0.002), acute kidney injury (AKI) (P<0.001), acute liver injury (ALI) (P=0.002), and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction (P=0.012), but not respiratory failure, brain injury, and pathogenic species (all P>0.05). Correlation analyses revealed significant correlations of serum ApoA5 with Ca2+ concentration. Remarkably, the area under ROC curve (AUC) for serum ApoA5 levels on PICU admission was 0.789 for prediction of PICU mortality with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 84.5% at a threshold value of 822 ng/mL. Conclusions. Serum ApoA5 level is associated with sepsis-associated shock, AKI, ALI, GI dysfunction, or MODS in children. Moreover, the findings of the present study suggest a prognostic value of ApoA5 in children with sepsis, and lower serum ApoA5 than 822 ng/mL predicts worse outcome in pediatric sepsis.
Diagnostic Value of Low-Dose 256-Slice Spiral CT Angiography, MR Angiography, and 3D-DSA in Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Feng Yan , Shu Sheng Jie
Published: January 2020

Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic value of low-dose 256-slice CT angiography (CTA), MR angiography (MRA), and three dimensional-digital subtraction angiography (3D-DSA) in cerebral aneurysms. Methods. CTA, MRA, and 3D-DSA were performed in all enrolled patients to explore the diagnostic significance of the three different examinations. Results. There were 92 aneurysms confirmed during DSA and surgery in 79 patients. The diagnostic coincidence rates of DSA, CTA, and MRA were 96.7%, 89.1%, and 86%, respectively. The diagnostic coincidence rates of CTA and MRA were lower than those of DSA. The detection rate of CTA for aneurysms less than 3 mm in diameter was higher than that of MRA. Conclusion. CTA, DSA, and MRA have their own advantages and disadvantages in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms. They all have the diagnostic value for aneurysms.
A Rare Granular Cell Tumor with a Center Ulcer of the Rectum
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Kim Younghye
Published: January 2020

We report a very rare case of granular cell tumor with a center ulcer of the rectum, which was detected in a 47-year-old man during screening colonoscopy. It is difficult to distinguish granular cell tumor from other subepithelial tumors. However, our case had a center ulcer unlike previous cases. We confirmed the diagnosis using histological and immunohistochemical examinations. In addition to our case report, we discuss the morphology, size, layer of invasion, and treatment of rectal granular cell tumors based on a literature review.
Guidelines for Long-Term Follow-Up after Childhood Cancer: Practical Implications for the Daily Work
Authors: Gebauer Judith , Baust Katja , Bardi Edit , Grabow Desiree , Stein Alexander , van der Pal Helena J. , Calaminus Gabriele , Langer Thorsten
Published: January 2020

Background: Many childhood cancer survivors develop treatment-associated late effects emerging years or even decades after the end of treatment. Evidence-based guidelines recommend risk-adapted screening, facilitating early diagnosis and management of these sequelae. Long-term follow-up (LTFU) in specialized late effects clinics is devised to implement screening recommendations in the care of childhood cancer survivors. Objectives: To create a practical LTFU tool for the daily practice. Methods: Current guidelines and screening recommendations concerning LTFU in adult survivors of childhood cancer were reviewed and a comprehensive LTFU approach was developed. Results: A risk stratification model assigning patients to three risk groups with different screening recommendations and frequencies is presented based on current LTFU guidelines. Furthermore, a model of LTFU in a clinical multidisciplinary team is proposed. Conclusions: Although late morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors have been attenuated in the last decade by reducing treatment toxicities, a high proportion of long-term survivors already is or will still be affected by treatment-associated chronic health conditions. With the knowledge of late effects and their occurrence as a consequence of specific treatment modalities, practical LTFU recommendations are essential to achieve standardized and structured LTFU care.
Monitored Anesthesia Care versus General Anesthesia for Intrauterine Fetal Interventions: Analysis of Conversions and Complications for 480 Cases
Authors: Patel Deep , Adler Adam C. , Hassanpour Ali , Olutoye Olutoyin , Chandrakantan Arvind
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Fetal intervention/surgery constitutes a relatively new field of maternal-fetal medicine in which monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or general anesthesia (GA) are utilized as anesthetic techniques when feasible. In this study, we sought to calculate the usage of MAC and GA in various fetal procedures as well as investigate any anesthetic complications and conversions from MAC to GA. Methods: All intrauterine fetal intervention cases performed at the Texas Children’s Hospital Pavilion for Women from 2012 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed and categorized by mode of anesthesia. Anesthetic complications, conversions to GA, preoperative patient physical status, average number of intraoperative medications required, and average duration of procedure were compared between the MAC and GA groups. Results: A total of 480 fetal interventions were performed with 432 under MAC (90%) and 37 under GA (7.7%). There were 11 conversions from MAC to GA (2.3%). These conversions were due to poor visualization with ultrasound and change of surgical approach to laparoscopic-assisted technique (n = 5), inability to lay flat due to back pain (n = 3), persistent vomiting (n = 2), and unresponsiveness after a spinal block (n = 1). One anesthetic complication occurred due to a medication administration error and did not require conversion to GA. The average preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification was 1.97 for the MAC group and 1.87 for the GA group (p = 0.23). Duration of the interventions averaged 129 min under MAC and 138 min under GA (p = 0.23). An average of 7.8 different medications were administered during MAC cases compared to 13.1 during GA cases (p < 0.0001). Discussion: This analysis suggests that MAC is the most commonly used anesthetic option for fetal interventions with a low complication rate and minimal conversion rates to GA. It is therefore preferable to use MAC when feasible due to the low complication rate and decreased drug exposure.
Tailored flower pollination (TFP) algorithm for diminution of real power loss
Authors: Kanagasabai Lenin
Published: January 2020

In this paper, Tailored Flower Pollination (TFP) algorithm is proposed to solve the optimal reactive power problem. Comprising of the elements of chaos theory, Shuffled frog leaping search and Levy Flight, the performance of the flower pollination algorithm has been improved. Proposed TFP algorithm has been tested in standard IEEE 118 & practical 191 bus test systems and simulation results show clearly the better performance of the proposed algorithm in reducing the real power loss.
Redes sociais como modelo de governança algorítmica
Authors: Castro Julio Cesar Lemes de
Published: January 2020

O modo de gestão do social típico da contemporaneidade, associado ao neoliberalismo, pode ser caracterizado como governança algorítmica. As redes sociais, como o Facebook, são tomadas como modelo de seu funcionamento. E, para apreender sua dinâmica, a governança algorítmica é examinada em três dimensões fundamentais. A primeira é a dimensão relacional: o indivíduo é fragmentado em seus traços digitais, os quais são recombinados em múltiplas relações. A partir daí se desdobra a dimensão vetorial: tais relações são orientadas, captando tendências e embutindo projeções sobre o futuro. Por fim, essa orientação deslancha a dimensão agenciadora, desempenhando os papéis de amplificação de afinidades e contenção de diferenças.
Como os algoritmos do YouTube calculam valor?
Authors: De Marchi Leonardo
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo, analisa-se a técnica aplicada à produção de valores monetários para vídeos de música hospedados no YouTube à luz da teoria da lógica social de derivativo. Partindo do imbróglio sobre transferência de valor (value gap), a hipótese do trabalho é que o método utilizado para a criação de valor para vídeos digitais toma emprestadas técnicas desenvolvidas no mercado de derivativo. Esse fenômeno resulta na geração de valores monetários variáveis, o que acarreta, por seu turno, graves consequências para a organização social do mercado fonográfico na era digital.
A afetividade do conhecimento na epistemologia
Authors: Martino Luis Mauro Sa , Marques Angela Cristina Salgueiro
Published: January 2020

Este ensaio propõe uma reflexão sobre a alteridade e as relações intersubjetivas nos estudos de comunicação, partindo das experiências de orientação de pesquisa em diversos níveis, da iniciação científica ao pós-doutorado. De um ponto de vista positivista, a subjetividade é compreendida como um obstáculo para a pesquisa, na medida em que, local de cruzamento de emoções e afetos, opõe-se à análise racional. Contrariamente, alguns epistemólogos como Bachelard e Morin argumentam que não há conhecimento fora de condições subjetivas específicas. Argumentamos que na pesquisa em comunicação não apenas a subjetividade é uma condição fundamental, como a relação com a alteridade precede qualquer ação epistemológica.
Televisão e cultura política brasileira
Authors: Pereira Reinaldo Maximiano , Rocha Simone Maria
Published: January 2020

Baseado na análise do estilo televisivo, este artigo explora a figuração das relações de poder e de subjugação em cenas extraídas das telenovelas Renascer (1993) e O Rei do Gado (1996). A meta é investigar como tais materialidades oferecem ao público uma experiência visual da terra e a matriz cultural que a subjaz. Concluímos que há um deslocamento na abordagem: enquanto em Renascer o pacto com diabo revela a imbricação das matrizes do mandonismo e do realismo maravilhoso, em O Rei do Gado a negociação entre fazendeiro e sem-terra revela a política fundiária, a personificação do poder e a incompletude da reforma agrária.
Association of Blood Pressure With Outcomes in Acute Stroke Thrombectomy
Authors: Malhotra Konark , Goyal Nitin , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Filippatou Angeliki , Mistry Eva A. , Khatri Pooja , Anadani Mohammad , Spiotta Alejandro M. , Sandset Else Charlotte , Sarraj Amrou , Magoufis Georgios , Krogias Christos , Tönges Lars , Safouris Apostolos , Elijovich Lucas , Goyal Mayank , Arthur Adam , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: January 2020

Limited data exist evaluating the effect of blood pressure (BP) on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to evaluate the association of BP levels on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with MT. Studies were identified that reported the association of systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP levels before, during, or after MT on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of studies reporting odds ratios (OR
adj
) per 10 mm Hg BP increment were performed. Our analysis included 25 studies comprising 6474 patients. Higher pre-MT mean SBP (
P
=0.008) and post-MT maximum SBP (
P
=0.009) levels were observed in patients who died within 3 months. Patients with 3-month functional independence were noted to have lower pre-MT (
P
<0.001) and post-MT maximum SBP levels (
P
<0.001). In adjusted analyses, increasing post-MT maximum SBP and diastolic BP levels were associated with 3-month mortality (OR
adj
, 1.19 [95% CI,1.00–1.43]; I
2
=78%,
P
value for Cochran Q test: 0.001) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR
adj
, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.11–2.44]; I
2
=0%,
P
value for Cochran Q test: 0.80), respectively. Increasing pre- and post-MT mean SBP levels were associated with lower odds of 3-month functional independence (OR
adj
, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77–0.96]; I
2
=18%,
P
value for Cochran Q test: 0.30) and (OR
adj
, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72–0.89]; I
2
=0%,
P
value for Cochran Q test: 0.51), respectively. In conclusion, elevated BP levels before and after MT are associated with adverse outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion.
Detection of a High Ratio of Soluble to Membrane‐Bound LOX‐1 in Aspirated Coronary Thrombi From Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lee An‐Sheng , Wang Yu‐Chen , Chang Shih‐Sheng , Lo Ping‐Hang , Chang Chia‐Ming , Lu Jonathan , Burns Alan R. , Chen Chu‐Huang , Kakino Akemi , Sawamura Tatsuya , Chang Kuan‐Cheng
Published: January 2020

Background

The circulating level of soluble lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (
sLOX
‐1) is a valuable biomarker of acute myocardial infarction (
AMI
). The most electronegative low‐density lipoprotein, L5, signals through
LOX
‐1 to trigger atherogenesis. We examined the characteristics of
LOX
‐1 and the role of L5 in aspirated coronary thrombi of
AMI
patients.

Methods and Results

Intracoronary thrombi were aspirated by performing interventional thrombosuction in patients with
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
; n=32) or non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (n=12).
LOX
‐1 level and the ratio of
sLOX
‐1 to membrane‐bound
LOX
‐1 were higher in thrombi of
STEMI
patients than in those of non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients. In all aspirated thrombi,
LOX
‐1 colocalized with apoB100. When we explored the role of L5 in
AMI
, deconvolution microscopy showed that particles of L5 but not L1 (the least electronegative low‐density lipoprotein) quickly formed aggregates prone to retention in thrombi. Treating human monocytic
THP
‐1 cells with L5 or L1 showed that L5 induced cellular adhesion and promoted the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages in a dose‐dependent manner. In a second cohort of
AMI
patients, the L5 percentage and plasma concentration of
sLOX
‐1 were higher in
STEMI
patients (n=33) than in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients (n=25), and
sLOX
‐1 level positively correlated with L5 level in
AMI
patients.

Conclusions

The level of
LOX
‐1 and the ratio of
sLOX
‐1 to membrane‐bound
LOX
‐1 in aspirated thrombi, as well as the circulating level of
sLOX
‐1 were higher in
STEMI
patients than in non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients. L5 may play a role in releasing a high level of
sLOX
‐1 into the circulation of
STEMI
patients.