bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration Monitoring of Two Long-Span Floors Equipped with Tuned Mass Dampers
Authors: Liu Pei , Zhu Hai-Xin , Moaveni Babak , Yang Wei-Guo , Huang Shu-Qiang
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the field tests and vibration performance assessment of two long-span floors with tuned mass dampers (TMDs). The floors considered are made of steel beams and concrete slabs, as part of a gymnasium with composite floors spanning 36 m in each direction and equipped with 30 TMDs. Operational modal analysis based on ambient acceleration measurements is performed to extract the modal parameters of the floors. Ambient vibration tests were conducted at three stages of construction for each floor, namely (i) after the concrete slab was completed, (ii) after one layer over the concrete slab was added, and (iii) after the flooring (surfacing) was fully finished. The effects of the layers making up the flooring system and of the TMDs on the dynamic properties of the floors are studied. The finite element models of the floors are validated using the identified modal parameters. The effects of natural frequency of TMDs on the dynamic properties of the floors are investigated using the validated model. Finally, the effects of flooring on the vibration serviceability of the two floors are studied with TMDs in operation, when the floors were subjected to crowd-induced rhythmic loading, from which the efficiency of TMDs is assessed numerically. The results show that the coupled vibrations of the two floors with TMDs turned off occur in the first two modes, while the natural frequencies of the floors decrease with the addition of layers. The TMDs in operation break the first mode of the floor into two modes with similar mode shapes, resulting in smaller vibration response and larger damping ratios, which vary with the natural frequency of TMDs. Also, the wood flooring significantly increases the human-induced vibration of the floor, while the plastic flooring shows basically no effect.
Fano schemes for generic sums of products of linear forms
Authors: Ilten Nathan , Süss Hendrik
Published: May 2019

We study the Fano scheme of [Formula: see text]-planes contained in the hypersurface cut out by a generic sum of products of linear forms. In particular, we show that under certain hypotheses, linear subspaces of sufficiently high dimension must be contained in a coordinate hyperplane. We use our results on these Fano schemes to obtain a lower bound for the product rank of a linear form. This provides a new lower bound for the product ranks of the [Formula: see text] Pfaffian and [Formula: see text] permanent, as well as giving a new proof that the product and tensor ranks of the [Formula: see text] determinant equal five. Based on our results, we formulate several conjectures.
Research and Implementation of the Roll Position Automatic Adjustment System Based on Roller Parameters Prediction
Authors: Gao Qiang , Liu Wenjie , Li Dong , Wang Yalin , Gao Hongquan , Xue Tao
Published: May 2019

The traditional roll position adjustment system on the one-time forming of cold-formed steel unit is not only inefficient, but also has poor stability. Moreover, the error of the roll parameters measured by the manual experience and the caliper measured is very large, which leads to low yield of product and high cost labor. In order to solve the above problems, this paper designs a set of roll position automatic adjustment system that can predict roll parameters. The automatic control technology, sensor technology and industrial communication technology are applied to this system and the high performance PLC controller is used as control core. Three-phase asynchronous motors are controlled by PLC(S7-1500) to drive gear connected with reducer and coupling so as to drive rolls connected with the upper and lower horizontal axis to move. In this paper, the PCA-BP algorithm is used to train the roller parameters prediction model so that the roller parameters of a given model of square-tube are predicted. Then the parameters of the new type of square-tube roll distribution are predicted, and the simulation results are compared with the actual production results while the automatic adjustment was completed. The field application shows that the prediction of square-tube roller parameters based on PCA-BP algorithm is more effective than manual measurement, and the whole system is simple in operation, stable in operation and the time used is less, the maximum measuring error of the roll displacement of the system is only [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm. The system can predict the corresponding roller parameters according to the specifications of the new model square-tube, and automatically complete the adjustment. The system not only improves the adjustment speed and accuracy, but also avoids the waste of manpower so that business productivity has been greatly improved.
Nanoparticles as template for porphyrin nanostructure growth
Authors: Hamer Mariana , Caraballo Rolando M. , Eaton Peter J. , Medforth Craig
Published: May 2019

Porphyrins and metalloporphyrins are one of the most widely studied platforms for the construction of supramolecular structures. These compounds have an extended aromatic system that allows [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] stacking interactions which, together with hydrogen bonds, electrostatic forces and the formation of inter-metallic complexes arising from peripheral groups, offer a versatile platform to control the self-assembly mechanism. In this work, we present the study of nanostructures formed by self-assembly of the water-soluble porphyrins meso-tetra([Formula: see text]-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin (TMPyP) and meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) in the presence of hard nanotemplates. Different nanoparticles (silica, gold, and polystyrene), concentrations and synthetic procedures were explored. The obtained materials were characterized by SEM and AFM microscopies, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. A clear modification of the SiO2 NP surface roughness using one-pot synthesis was observed. The results were variable depending on the porphyrin–surface interactions and concentrations used. At lower porphyrin concentrations, a shift of the Soret band was observed, while at higher concentrations, free NS were formed. This reflects a competition between surface and solution directed self-assembly.
Non-volatile Storage
Authors: Nanavati Mihir , Schwarzkopf Malte , Wires Jake , Warfield Andrew
Published: May 2019

For the entire careers of most practicing computer scientists, a fundamental observation has consistently held true: CPUs are significantly more performant and more expensive than I/O devices. The fact that CPUs can process data at extremely high rates, while simultaneously servicing multiple I/O devices, has had a sweeping impact on the design of both hardware and software for systems of all sizes, for pretty much as long as we’ve been building them.
Immutability Changes Everything
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: May 2019

There is an inexorable trend toward storing and sending immutable data. We need immutability to coordinate at a distance, and we can afford immutability as storage gets cheaper. This article is an amuse-bouche sampling the repeated patterns of computing that leverage immutability. Climbing up and down the compute stack really does yield a sense of déjà vu all over again.
Accountability in Algorithmic Decision-making
Authors: Diakopoulos Nicholas
Published: May 2019

Every fiscal quarter automated writing algorithms churn out thousands of corporate earnings articles for the AP (Associated Press) based on little more than structured data. Companies such as Automated Insights, which produces the articles for AP, and Narrative Science can now write straight news articles in almost any domain that has clean and well-structured data: finance, sure, but also sports, weather, and education, among others. The articles aren’t cardboard either; they have variability, tone, and style, and in some cases readers even have difficulty distinguishing the machine-produced articles from human-written ones.
The Verification of a Distributed System
Authors: McCaffrey Caitie
Published: May 2019

Leslie Lamport, known for his seminal work in distributed systems, famously said, "A distributed system is one in which the failure of a computer you didn’t even know existed can render your own computer unusable." Given this bleak outlook and the large set of possible failures, how do you even begin to verify and validate that the distributed systems you build are doing the right thing?
Urban Human Mobility
Authors: Wang Jinzhong , Kong Xiangjie , Xia Feng , Sun Lijun
Published: May 2019

Human mobility is a multidisciplinary field of physics and computer science and has drawn a lot of attentions in recent years. Some representative models and prediction approaches have been proposed for modeling and predicting human mobility. However, multi-source heterogeneous data from handheld terminals, GPS, and social media, provides a new driving force for exploring urban human mobility patterns from a quantitative and microscopic perspective. The studies of human mobility modeling and prediction play a vital role in a series of applications such as urban planning, epidemic control, location-based services, and intelligent transportation management. In this survey, we review human mobility models based on a human-centric angle in a datadriven context. Specifically, we characterize human mobility patterns from individual, collective, and hybrid levels. Meanwhile, we survey human mobility prediction methods from four aspects and then describe recent development respectively. Finally, we discuss some open issues that provide a helpful reference for researchers' future direction. This review not only lays a solid foundation for beginners who want to acquire a quick understanding of human mobility but also provides helpful information for researchers on how to develop a unified human mobility model.
Top Challenges from the first Practical Online Controlled Experiments Summit
Authors: Gupta Somit , Kohavi Ronny , Tang Diane , Xu Ya , Andersen Reid , Bakshy Eytan , Cardin Niall , Chandran Sumita , Chen Nanyu , Coey Dominic , Curtis Mike , Deng Alex , Duan Weitao , Forbes Peter , Frasca Brian , Guy Tommy , Imbens Guido W. , Saint Jacques Guillaume , Kantawala Pranav , Katsev Ilya , Katzwer Moshe , Konutgan Mikael , Kunakova Elena , Lee Minyong , Lee MJ , Liu Joseph , McQueen James , Najmi Amir , Smith Brent , Trehan Vivek , Vermeer Lukas , Walker Toby , Wong Jeffrey , Yashkov Igor
Published: May 2019

Online controlled experiments (OCEs), also known as A/B tests, have become ubiquitous in evaluating the impact of changes made to software products and services. While the concept of online controlled experiments is simple, there are many practical challenges in running OCEs at scale. To understand the top practical challenges in running OCEs at scale and encourage further academic and industrial exploration, representatives with experience in large-scale experimentation from thirteen different organizations (Airbnb, Amazon, Booking.com, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Lyft, Microsoft, Netflix, Twitter, Uber, Yandex, and Stanford University) were invited to the first Practical Online Controlled Experiments Summit. All thirteen organizations sent representatives. Together these organizations have tested more than one hundred thousand experiment treatments last year. Thirty-four experts from these organizations participated in the summit in Sunnyvale, CA, USA on December 13-14, 2018.

While there are papers from individual organizations on some of the challenges and pitfalls in running OCEs at scale, this is the first paper to provide the top challenges faced across the industry for running OCEs at scale and some common solutions.
High-frequency spinal cord stimulation in a subacute animal model of spinal cord injury
Authors: DiMarco Anthony F. , Kowalski Krzysztof E.
Published: May 2019

High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) applied at the T2 spinal level results in physiologic activation of the inspiratory muscles in C2 spinal-sectioned dogs. Although the bulbo-spinal fibers were cut, they likely survived the duration of acute experiments, and inspiratory muscle activation may have involved stimulation of these fibers. In two anesthetized, C2 paralyzed, intubated, and mechanically ventilated dogs, HF-SCS (300 Hz) was applied at the T2 level. The effectiveness of HF-SCS in generating inspired volume (V) and negative airway pressures (P) was evaluated over a period of 5 days during which time the bulbo-spinal fibers would have degenerated. Because the effectiveness of HF-SCS may be adversely affected by deterioration of these fibers and/or the condition of the animal, low-frequency (50 Hz) SCS (LF-SCS) was also performed and served as a control. All vital signs, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal Pco2 remained stable over the 5-day period. V and P also remained stable over the study period. For example, mean V and P were 771 ± 25 ml and 64 ± 1 cmH2O with HF-SCS (3 mA) during the initial and 674 ± 59 ml and 63 ± 5 cmH2O on the final day. Comparable values during LF-SCS (8 mA) were 467 ± 12 ml and 48 ± 1 cmH2O during the initial and 397 ± 20 ml and 42 ± 2 cmH2O on the final day. Because V and P in response to HF-SCS remained stable over a 5-day period following which the bulbo-spinal fibers would have degenerated, the mechanism of HF-SCS does not depend upon the viability of these tracts. HF-SCS therefore may be a useful method to restore ventilation in chronic ventilator dependent tetraplegics.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study indicates that the respiratory responses to high-frequency spinal cord stimulation applied at the T2 level results in activation of the inspiratory motoneuron pools via interneuronal circuits and/or the inspiratory motoneurons directly and does not depend upon activation of long descending inspiratory bulbo-spinal fibers. This method therefore, may provide an alternative method to restore ventilation in ventilator dependent spinal cord injured patients.
Edward F. Adolph Distinguished Lecture. Contemporary model of muscle microcirculation: gateway to function and dysfunction
Authors: Poole David C.
Published: May 2019

This review strikes at the very heart of how the microcirculation functions to facilitate blood-tissue oxygen, substrate, and metabolite fluxes in skeletal muscle. Contemporary evidence, marshalled from animals and humans using the latest techniques, challenges iconic perspectives that have changed little over the past century. Those perspectives include the following: the presence of contractile or collapsible capillaries in muscle, unitary control by precapillary sphincters, capillary recruitment at the onset of contractions, and the notion of capillary-to-mitochondrial diffusion distances as limiting O2delivery. Today a wealth of physiological, morphological, and intravital microscopy evidence presents a completely different picture of microcirculatory control. Specifically, capillary red blood cell (RBC) and plasma flux is controlled primarily at the arteriolar level with most capillaries, in healthy muscle, supporting at least some flow at rest. In healthy skeletal muscle, this permits substrate access (whether carried in RBCs or plasma) to a prodigious total capillary surface area. Pathologies such as heart failure or diabetes decrease access to that exchange surface by reducing the proportion of flowing capillaries at rest and during exercise. Capillary morphology and function vary disparately among tissues. The contemporary model of capillary function explains how, following the onset of exercise, muscle O2uptake kinetics can be extremely fast in health but slowed in heart failure and diabetes impairing contractile function and exercise tolerance. It is argued that adoption of this model is fundamental for understanding microvascular function and dysfunction and, as such, to the design and evaluation of effective therapeutic strategies to improve exercise tolerance and decrease morbidity and mortality in disease.
Deep ocean minerals inhibit IL-6 and IGFIIR hypertrophic signaling pathways to attenuate diabetes-induced hypertrophy in rat hearts
Authors: Lu Chieh-Hsiang , Shen Chia-Yao , Hsieh Dennis Jine-Yuan , Lee Cheng-Yu , Chang Ruey-Lin , Ju Da-Tong , Pai Pei-Ying , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Ou Hsiu-Chung , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: May 2019

We previously reported that deep sea water (DSW) prolongs the life span of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats by the compensatory augmentation of the insulin like growth factor (IGF)-I survival signaling and inhibition of apoptosis. Here, we investigated the effects of DSW on cardiac hypertrophy in diabetic rats. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rats by using STZ (65 mg/kg) administered via IP injection. DSW was prepared by mixing DSW mineral extracts and desalinated water. Different dosages of DSW-1X (equivalent to 37 mg Mg2+·kg−1·day−1), 2X (equivalent to 74 mg Mg2+·kg−1·day−1) and 3X (equivalent to 111 mg Mg2+·kg−1·day−1) were administered to the rats through gavage for 4 wk. Cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by the heart weight-to-body weight ratio and the cardiac tissue cross-sectional area after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The protein levels of the cardiac hypertrophy signaling molecules were determined by Western blot. Our results showed that the suppressive effects of the DSW treatment on STZ-induced cardiac hypertrophy were comparable to those of MgSO4administration and that the hypertrophic marker brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was decreased by DSW. In addition, DSW attenuated both the eccentric hypertrophy signaling pathway, IL-6-MEK-STAT3, and the concentric signaling pathway, IGF-II-PKCα-CaMKII, in DM rat hearts. The cardiac hypertrophy-associated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the upregulation of the transcription factor GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) were also negated by treatment with DSW. The results from this study suggest that DSW could be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiac hypertrophy.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Deep sea water, containing high levels of minerals, improve cardiac hypertrophy in diabetic rats through attenuating the eccentric signaling pathway, IL-6-MEK5-STAT3, and concentric signaling pathway, IGF2-PKCα-CaMKII. The results from this study suggest that deep sea water could be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiac hypertrophy.
Effect of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on sympathetic vasoconstriction at rest and during exercise
Authors: de Vries Christopher J. , DeLorey Darren S.
Published: May 2019

Dietary nitrate ([Formula: see text]) supplementation has been shown to reduce resting blood pressure. However, the mechanism responsible for the reduction in blood pressure has not been identified. Dietary [Formula: see text] supplementation may increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and NO has been shown to inhibit sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that acute dietary [Formula: see text] supplementation would attenuate sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness at rest and during exercise. In a double-blind randomized crossover design, 12 men (23 ± 5 yr) performed a cold-pressor test (CPT) at rest and during moderate- and heavy-intensity alternate-leg knee-extension exercise after consumption of [Formula: see text] rich beetroot juice (~12.9 mmol [Formula: see text]) or a [Formula: see text]-depleted placebo (~0.13 mmol [Formula: see text]). Venous blood was sampled before and 2.5 h after the consumption of beetroot juice for the measurement of total plasma nitrite/[Formula: see text] [NOx]. Beat-by-beat blood pressure was measured by Finometer. Leg blood flow was measured at the femoral artery via Doppler ultrasound, and leg vascular conductance (LVC) was calculated. Sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness was calculated as the percentage decrease in LVC in response to the CPT. Total plasma [NOx] was greater ( P < 0.001) in the [Formula: see text] (285 ± 120 µM) compared with the placebo (65 ± 30 µM) condition. However, mean arterial blood pressure and plasma catecholamines were not different ( P > 0.05) between [Formula: see text] and placebo conditions at rest or during moderate- and heavy-intensity exercise. Sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness (Δ% LVC) was not different ( P > 0.05) between [Formula: see text] and placebo conditions at rest ([Formula: see text]: −33 ± 10%; placebo: −35 ± 11%) or during moderate ([Formula: see text]: −18 ± 8%; placebo: −20 ± 10%)- and heavy ([Formula: see text]: −12 ± 8%; placebo: −11 ± 9%)-intensity exercise. These data demonstrate that acute dietary [Formula: see text] supplementation does not alter sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness at rest or during exercise in young healthy males.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Dietary nitrate may increase nitric oxide bioavailability, and nitric oxide has been shown to attenuate sympathetic vasoconstriction in resting and contracting skeletal muscle and enhance functional sympatholysis. However, the effect of dietary nitrate on sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness is unknown. Acute dietary nitrate supplementation did not alter blood pressure or sympathetic vasoconstrictor responsiveness at rest or during exercise in young healthy males.
Optimization of Tb3+/Gd3+ Molar Ratio for Rapid Detection of Naja Atra Cobra Venom by Immunoglobulin G-Conjugated GdPO4·nH2O : Tb3+ Nanorods
Authors: Lien Pham Thi , Huong Nguyen Thanh , Huong Tran Thu , Khuyen Hoang Thi , Anh Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Van Nguyen Duc , Tuan Nguyen Ngoc , Nghia Vu Xuan , Minh Le Quoc
Published: May 2019

In this report, GdPO4·nH2O and Tb3+-doped GdPO4·nH2O nanorods@silica-NH2 conjugated with IgG antibody were synthesized by applying hydrothermal, sol-gel, and coprecipitation methods successively. The effects of Tb3+/Gd3+ molar ratios of reactants on the size, morphology, and luminescence of the synthesized samples were also investigated. For the optimized GdPO4·nH2O : Tb3+ sample, uniform nanorods sizing from 10 to 30 nm in diameter and from 200 to 300 nm in length were obtained with the strongest luminescence in green color with narrow bands under the UV excitation (325 nm). The results revealed that, after being coated with silica-NH2 and conjugated with IgG antibody, all luminescence characteristic peaks of GdPO4·nH2O : Tb3+ corresponding to the process of energy transfer from Gd3+ to Tb3+ and then the emission from 5D4 → 7FJ (J=6,5,4,3) of Tb3+ were still clearly observed. The initial results of using the optimized Tb3+-doped GdPO4·nH2O nanorods@silica-NH2 conjugated with IgG antibody for rapid selective detection of Naja atra cobra venom were also reported.
A Macroscale Hydrogeological Numerical Model of the Suio Hydrothermal System (Central Italy)
Authors: Saroli Michele , Albano Matteo , Giovinco Gaspare , Casale Anna , Dell’Isola Marco , Lancia Michele , Petitta Marco
Published: May 2019

The complex behaviour of the Suio hydrothermal system (central Italy) and its potential exploitation as a renewable energy source are still unclear. To quantitatively evaluate the geothermal resource, the Suio hydrothermal system has been investigated with a hydrogeological numerical model that couples fluid flow, thermal convection, and transport of diluted species inside a hybrid continuum-discrete medium. The numerical model, calibrated and validated with available and new experimental data, unveiled the complex behaviour of the hydrothermal system. The normal tectonic displacements, the fracturing of the karst hydrostructure, and the aquitard distribution strongly influence the hydrothermal basin. In particular, a dual fluid circulation, sustained by steady-state thermal and pressure gradients, modulates the hydrothermalism at the several springs and wells. The presence of a medium to a low-temperature reservoir allows for potential exploitation of the geothermal resource.
Welding Process Tracking Control Based on Multiple Model Iterative Learning Control
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Liu Jian , Wang Linkun , Wang Kang , Li Yang
Published: May 2019

The welding of the same parts has same welding trajectory, so welding process has strong repeatability. In this paper, aiming at the repeatability of welding process, an iterative learning controller is designed to achieve the control of weld quality. Due to the extremely variable welding environment and the presence of noise interferences and load disturbances, it is easy to cause the jumping change in parameters and even the structure of the welding system. Therefore, the idea of multiple model adaptive control (MMAC) is introduced into iterative learning control (ILC), and a multiple model iterative learning control (MMILC) algorithm is designed according to model of weld pool dynamic process in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Besides, the convergence of the algorithm is analyzed for two cases: fixed parameters and jumping parameters. It turns out that the MMILC can not only utilize the repetitive information effectively in the welding process to achieve high precision tracking control of weld seam in limited time interval, but also realize the multiple model switching according to different working conditions to improve the welding quality.
Influence of the Intensity, Components, and Spreading of the Deqi Sensation on the Analgesic Effect of SP6 Needling in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Hu Ni-juan , Liu Yu-qi , Zhao Min-yi , Wang Pei , Wu Gui-wen , Hu Shang-qing , Sun Jun-jun , Wang Ya-feng , Zhang Zhuang , Ma Liang-xiao , Zhu Jiang
Published: May 2019

Although deqi, the phenomenon whereby excitation of Qi in the meridians occurs with needling, is critical to the practice of acupuncture and its efficacy, it is poorly understood. So we investigate the influence of the deqi sensation on the analgesic effects of acupuncture in patients who were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial for the treatment of patients with primary dysmenorrhea, a painful and common condition, and cold and dampness stagnation. Two groups were assessed: a deqi group (undergoing deep needling with thick needles and manipulation, n=17) and a non-deqi group (undergoing shallow needling with thin needles and no manipulation, n=51). The Sanyinjiao (SP6) was needled for 30 min in both groups. Pain scores at baseline, upon needle removal, and at 10, 20, and 30 min after needle removal were evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale for pain. The deqi sensation was evaluated by the Acupuncture Deqi Clinical Assessment Scale. Patients who experienced a genuine deqi sensation (n=39) were selected for further analysis. Compared with patients in the non-deqi group who experienced deqi (n=25), patients who self-reported deqi in the deqi group (n=14) felt a stronger deqi sensation, experienced soreness and fullness more frequently, felt a greater intensity of soreness, fullness, electric sensation, spreading, and radiating, and experienced larger spreading distances. In those who experienced the deqi sensation in the deqi group, the intensity of the sensation, as well as their degree of soreness and fullness, was negatively correlated with pain reduction. In patients who experienced the deqi sensation in the non-deqi group, deqi intensity was positively correlated with pain reduction, while soreness was negatively correlated with pain reduction. The distance of spreading was not correlated with pain reduction in either group. We found, in SP6 needling of patients with primary dysmenorrhea with cold and dampness stagnation, that a moderate deqi response predicted a prolonged analgesic effect better than a strong deqi response.
Gap Prediction in Hybrid Graphene-Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoflakes Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Nemnes G. A. , Mitran T. L. , Manolescu A.
Published: May 2019

The electronic properties of graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) with embedded hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) domains are investigated by combined ab initio density functional theory calculations and machine-learning techniques. The energy gaps of the quasi-0D graphene-based systems, defined as the differences between LUMO and HOMO energies, depend not only on the sizes of the hBN domains relative to the size of the pristine graphene nanoflake but also on the position of the hBN domain. The range of the energy gaps for different configurations increases as the hBN domains get larger. We develop two artificial neural network (ANN) models able to reproduce the gap energies with high accuracies and investigate the tunability of the energy gap, by considering a set of GNFs with embedded rectangular hBN domains. In one ANN model, the input is in one-to-one correspondence with the atoms in the GNF, while in the second model the inputs account for basic structures in the GNF, allowing potential use in upscaled systems. We perform a statistical analysis over different configurations of ANNs to optimize the network structure. The trained ANNs provide a correlation between the atomic system configuration and the magnitude of the energy gaps, which may be regarded as an efficient tool for optimizing the design of nanostructured graphene-based materials for specific electronic properties.
HDR Syndrome Accompanying Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypopituitarism
Authors: Can Mustafa , Karakurt Feridun , Kocabas Muhammed , Cordan İlker , Karakose Melia , Kulaksızoglu Mustafa
Published: May 2019

HDR (Hypoparathyroidism, Deafness, and Renal Dysplasia) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the triad of hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal disease. Approximately 65% of patients with HDR syndrome have all three of these features, while others have different combinations of these features. We aimed to present a case with primary hypoparathyroidism, hearing loss, and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease and diagnosed as HDR syndrome while being followed up for type 1 diabetes mellitus and hypopituitarism.
Frequency Regulation and Coordinated Control for Complex Wind Power Systems
Authors: Guo Cheng , Wang Delin
Published: May 2019

With the development of complex renewable energy systems, the frequency control and regulation of the power grid powered by such renewable energies (e.g., wind turbine) are more critical, since the adopted different power generators can lead to frequency variations. To address the frequency regulation of such power grids, we will present a variable coefficient coordinated primary frequency regulation scheme for synchronous generator (SG) and doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The variable adjustment coefficient of DFIG is defined according to the current reserve capacity, which can be applied to adjust different operation conditions to regulate the frequency variation within a predefined allowable range. Since the DFIG can make full use of the reserve wind power in the system frequency regulation, the proposed method can address both the frequency regulation response and the economic performance. Simulation results indicate that the proposed coordinated control scheme can achieve satisfactory frequency regulation response and lead to reduced demand for frequency regulation of SG.
Volumetric Optoacoustic Imaging Unveils High-Resolution Patterns of Acute and Cyclic Hypoxia in a Murine Model of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ron Avihai , Deán-Ben Xosé Luís , Gottschalk Sven , Razansky Daniel
Published: May 2019

Mapping tumor heterogeneity and hypoxia within a living intact organism is essential for understanding the processes involved in cancer progression and assessing long-term responses to therapies. Efficient investigations into tumor hypoxia mechanisms have been hindered by the lack of intravital imaging tools capable of multiparametric probing of entire solid tumors with high spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we exploit volumetric multispectral optoacoustic tomography (vMSOT) for accurate, label-free delineation of tumor heterogeneity and dynamic oxygenation behavior. Mice bearing orthotopic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts were imaged noninvasively during rest and oxygen stress challenge, attaining time-lapse three-dimensional oxygenation maps across entire tumors with 100 μm spatial resolution. Volumetric quantification of the hypoxic fraction rendered values of 3.9% to 21.2%, whereas the oxygen saturation (sO2) rate declined at 1.7% to 2.3% per mm in all tumors when approaching their core. Three distinct functional areas (the rim, hypoxic, and normoxic cores) were clearly discernible based on spatial sO2 profiles and responses to oxygen challenge. Notably, although sO2 readings were responsive to the challenge, deoxyhemoglobin (HbR) trends exhibited little to no variations in all mice. Dynamic analysis further revealed the presence of cyclic hypoxia patterns with a 21% average discrepancy between cyclic fractions assessed via sO2 (42.2% ± 17.3%) and HbR fluctuations (63% ± 14.1%) within the hypoxic core. These findings corroborate the strong potential of vMSOT for advancing preclinical imaging of cancer and informing clinical decisions on therapeutic interventions.

Significance:

vMSOT provides quantitative measures of volumetric hypoxic fraction and cyclic hypoxia in a label-free and noninvasive manner, providing new readouts to aid tumor staging and treatment decision making.
САМОСТІЙНА ЛІКАРСЬКА ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ ПРИ ПІДГОТОВЦІ ЛІКАРІВ-ІНТЕРНІВ
Authors: Rudnyk V. T.
Published: May 2019

Мета роботи – визначити шляхи підвищення ефективності рівня освіти та вплив самостійної лікарської діяльності під час підготовки лікарів-інтернів у системі вищої медичної освіти.

Основна частина. У статті розглядаються питання вдосконалення підготовки лікарів-інтернів за спеціальністю “Внутрішні хвороби”. Висвітлено значення самостійної лікарської діяльності у формуванні в інтернів професійних якостей, клінічного та наукового мислення, вміння обґрунтовувати і формулювати попередній діагноз, визначати напрямки діагностичного пошуку, проводити диференційну діагностику і формулювати заключний діагноз, призначати лікування і програму реабілітації. Колективна робота під час клінічних розборів хворих сприяє формуванню необхідних морально-етичних якостей і деонтологічних норм поведінки майбутніх лікарів.

Висновки. Збільшення часу індивідуальної роботи з пацієнтом дозволить лікарям-інтернам удосконалювати практичні вміння, які визначаються як здатність фахівця оперувати системою теоретичних знань і практичних навичок у вирішенні професійних задач. Самостійна робота дозволяє аналізувати якість медичної допомоги, розвиває клінічне мислення, забезпечує розуміння важливості їх самостійної діяльності та відповідальності за пацієнтів.
ФОРМУВАННЯ КЛІНІЧНОГО МИСЛЕННЯ СТУДЕНТІВ ЗА ДОПОМОГОЮ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ СИТУАЦІЙНИХ ЗАВДАНЬ
Authors: Buriak O. H. , Pavliukovych N. D. , Pavliukovuch O. V. , Chimpoi K. A.
Published: May 2019

Мета роботи – обговорення можливості застосування ситуаційних завдань для формування клінічного мислення у студентів.

Основна частина. Одним із головних завдань навчання студентів-медиків є формування клінічного мислення, що дозволяє надалі самостійно працювати з хворими як під час навчання на старших курсах, так і в інтернатурі. Беручи до уваги, що проведення практичних занять передбачає тестовий контроль знань на кожному занятті, з одного боку, а з іншого – передбачає відпрацювання практичних навичок з обстеження хворого, це певним чином обмежує можливості розвитку у студентів клінічного мислення.

Поточний контроль – це не тільки перевірка рівня засвоєння матеріалу заняття, це ще й продовження навчання, повторення основних питань теми, систематизація знань та вмінь, а також їх закріплення.

Контроль за допомогою ситуаційних завдань покликаний підбити підсумок освоєння кожного розділу, підсумовувати знання студента, дати йому можливість систематизувати свої уявлення про провідні синдроми і клінічні ознаки захворювань різних систем та органів, дозволяє внести корективи в його розуміння законів функціонування організму в цілому.

Таким чином, частка клінічного мислення в рішенні ситуаційних задач дуже значна, і значення їх не вичерпується тільки контролем поточної підготовки по тій чи іншій темі, а є проміжним тренувальним заходом у системі підготовки.

Висновок. Таким чином, клінічні ситуаційні завдання можна використовувати не тільки для контролю знань, а й для формування клінічного мислення.
ІМПЛЕМЕНТАЦІЯ СИМУЛЯЦІЙНОГО ТРЕНІНГУ НАДАННЯ НЕВІДКЛАДНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ ДЛЯ СТУДЕНТІВ 6 КУРСУ ПРИ ВИВЧЕННІ ДИСЦИПЛІНИ “ВНУТРІШНЯ МЕДИЦИНА” (ОГЛЯД ЛІТЕРАТУРИ ТА ВЛАСНИЙ ДОСВІД)
Authors: Khaniukov O. O. , Yehudina Ye. D. , Hetman M. H. , Kalashnykova O. S.
Published: May 2019

Мета роботи – аналіз, узагальнення існуючих точок зору в системі освіти, які торкаються питання про необхідність, ефективність та особливості використання симуляційних програм навчання студентів-медиків.

Основна частина. Проведено огляд сучасної літератури по впровадженню симуляційних методів навчання в медичній освіті. Симуляційне навчання є одним з ефективних способів навчитися керувати помилками. Симуляційне навчання дозволяє навчатися працювати відповідно до сучасних алгоритмів діагностики та надання невідкладної допомоги, виробити командну взаємодію та координацію, підвищити рівень виконання складних медичних маніпуляцій та оцінити ефективність власних дій. Зокрема, в ДЗ “ДМА МОЗ України” на кафедрі внутрішньої медицини 3 розроблена методика імітаційного навчання із залученням співробітників ВНЗ в якості стандартизованих пацієнтів для моделювання клінічних ситуацій диференціації та надання допомоги при різних невідкладних станах.

Висновки. На наш погляд, дана імплементація симуляційного тренінгу є цінним інструментом вдосконалення професійних навичок студентів медичних вузів. Елементи даної методики застосовні на різних етапах освітньої діяльності: не тільки при відпрацюванні навичок невідкладної допомоги, а також при проведенні підсумкової атестації студентів 6 курсу.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ІНТЕРНЕТ-СЕРВІСУ SOCRATIVE ДЛЯ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ СТУДЕНТІВ
Authors: Khaskhachykh D. A.
Published: May 2019

Мета роботи – підвищити якість дистанційної освіти студентів-медиків через застосування  в навчальному процесі інтернет-сервісу Socrative.

Основна частина. З метою підвищення пізнавального інтересу  учнів на кафедрі акушерства та гінекології було впроваджено інтернет-сервіс Socrative, що дозволило проводити дистанційний поточний та підсумковий тестовий контроль знань. Оскільки на кафедрі є доступним швидкісний Інтернет через Wi-Fi, не стало необхідності в утриманні цілого комп’ютерного класу. В якості засобу роботи з тестами використовуються планшетні комп’ютери кафедри або смартфони студентів з доступом до мережі “Інтернет”. Після закінчення тестування студент отримує повідомлення з інформацією про витрачений час та відсоток правильних відповідей, а викладач у режимі реального часу – детальну інформацію про проходження екзамену. Можливості сервісу дозволяють проводити опитування студентів, контроль засвоєного матеріалу та організовувати ігрові змагання на швидкість відповідей, що значно підвищує продуктивність і підвищує мотивацію студентів до навчання.

Висновки. Впровадження інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій, зокрема інтернет-сервісу Socrative, у навчальну діяльність кафедри акушерства та гінекології Дніпропетровської медичної академії значно підвищило ергономіку навчальної роботи викладачів, об’єктивність та швидкість взаємодії між викладачами й студентами, та ефективність роботи кафедри в цілому. Подальше впровадження сучасних комунікаційних технологій дозволить значно спростити і вдосконалити проведення поточного та кінцевого обліку знань студентів, а використання елементів змагання – підвищити мотивацію студентів до навчання.
Educação em saúde como estratégia para a adesão ao autocuidado e às práticas de saúde em uma unidade de saúde da família
Authors: Sousa Gabriel Fernandes de , Oliveira Karolinny Donato Pinto de , Queiroz Sandra Maria Dias de
Published: May 2019

Objetivo: Promover uma melhor adesão ao autocuidado e às práticas de saúde, estimulando a participação ativa dos usuários nas atividades realizadas pela Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) Camalaú. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo desenvolvido a partir de um projeto de intervenção elaborado no Internato de Medicina de Família e Comunidade do curso de Graduação em Medicina em uma instituição de ensino. Foram realizadas palestras e rodas de conversa que enfatizaram a importância do autocuidado e sua interferência na comunidade no âmbito pessoal e da saúde. O público selecionado foi constituído pelos usuários presentes na sala de espera da unidade durante o momento das atividades. A análise dos dados foi realizada com os profissionais de saúde nas reuniões semanais de equipe. Resultados e Discussão: Foi constatada considerável melhora e progresso na adesão ao autocuidado e compreensão do processo saúde-doença e maior nível de conhecimento da população sobre as doenças mais prevalentes da comunidade e suas possíveis complicações. Após a realização das ações, as condutas possuíam maior nível de aceitabilidade. Conclusão: A educação em saúde tem grande importância para que a USF assegure integralmente a promoção à saúde e as reuniões de equipe são essenciais neste processo. Essa intervenção, a longo prazo, possivelmente contribuirá para uma melhora significativa na terapêutica dos usuários, no controle e prevenção de doenças e favorecerá uma melhor qualidade de vida para a comunidade.
Coexistência de psoríase vulgar e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico
Authors: Dadalto Kaique Picoli , Guimarães Livia Grassi , Marchióri Kayo Cezar Pessini
Published: May 2019

Psoríase e Lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) são doenças autoimunes de etiologia multifatorial, com envolvimento de fatores genéticos e não genéticos. O objetivo deste relato de caso é expor de maneira clara e sucinta uma associação rara de patologias autoimunes, que, de acordo com algumas características clínicas semelhantes (artralgia e lesões cutâneas), podem dificultar ou postergar o diagnóstico de sua coexistência. Além disso, é de suma importância à comunidade médica o conhecimento a respeito do tratamento desta condição, já que existe a possibilidade de exacerbação ou piora de uma, ou de ambas as doenças. Relata-se o caso de uma mulher de meia idade, portadora de psoríase e que desenvolveu, posteriormente, LES. O tratamento do LES agudo foi feito com Prednisona em baixas doses associado à Ciclosporina. Já a terapia de manutenção está sendo feita com Adalimumab, resultando em melhor controle da artralgia e das lesões psoriásicas. Conclui-se que devido ao limitado número de pacientes psoriásicos complicados com LES, o diagnóstico e também o tratamento desta condição podem ser um desafio para o médico.
Growth Factors as Immunotherapeutic Targets in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Mindur John E. , Swirski Filip K.
Published: May 2019

Growth factors, such as CSFs (colony-stimulating factors), EGFs (epidermal growth factors), and FGFs (fibroblast growth factors), are signaling proteins that control a wide range of cellular functions. Although growth factor networks are critical for intercellular communication and tissue homeostasis, their abnormal production or regulation occurs in various pathologies. Clinical strategies that target growth factors or their receptors are used to treat a variety of conditions but have yet to be adopted for cardiovascular disease. In this review, we focus on M-CSF (macrophage-CSF), GM-CSF (granulocyte-M-CSF), IL (interleukin)-3, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), and FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21). We first discuss the efficacy of targeting these growth factors in other disease contexts (ie, inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, cancer, or metabolic disorders) and then consider arguments for or against targeting them to treat cardiovascular disease.

Visual Overview—

An online visual overview is available for this article.
Hospital-Level Cardiovascular Management Practices in Kerala, India
Authors: Yoo Sang Gune K. , Davies Divin , Mohanan Padinhare P. , Baldridge Abigail S. , Charles Prakash M. , Schumacher Mark , Bhalla Sandeep , Devarajan Raji , Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Huffman Mark D.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Hospital management practices are associated with cardiovascular process of care measures and patient outcomes. However, management practices related to acute cardiac care in India has not been studied.

Methods and Results:

We measured management practices through semistructured, in-person interviews with hospital administrators, physician managers, and nurse managers in Kerala, India between October and November 2017 using the adapted World Management Survey. Trained interviewers independently scored management interview responses (range: 1–5) to capture management practices ranging from performance data tracking to setting targets. We performed univariate regression analyses to assess the relationship between hospital-level factors and management practices. Using Pearson correlation coefficients and mixed-effect logistic regression models, we explored the relationship between management practices and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events defined as all-cause mortality, reinfarction, stroke, or major bleeding. Ninety managers from 37 hospitals participated. We found suboptimal management practices across 3 management levels (mean [SD]: 2.1 [0.5], 2.0 [0.3], and 1.9 [0.3] for hospital administrators, physician managers, and nurse managers, respectively [
P
=0.08]) with lowest scores related to setting organizational targets. Hospitals with existing healthcare quality accreditation, more cardiologists, and private ownership were associated with higher management scores. In our exploratory analysis, higher physician management practice scores related to operation, performance, and target management were correlated with lower 30-day major adverse cardiovascular event.

Conclusions:

Management practices related to acute cardiac care in participating Kerala hospitals were suboptimal but were correlated with clinical outcomes. We identified opportunities to strengthen nonclinical practices to improve patient care.
Sex Differences Persist in Time to Presentation, Revascularization, and Mortality in Myocardial Infarction Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Stehli Julia , Martin Catherine , Brennan Angela , Dinh Diem T. , Lefkovits Jeffrey , Zaman Sarah
Published: May 2019

Background

Timely revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) reduces death following myocardial infarction. We evaluated if a sex gap in symptom‐to‐door (
STD
), door‐to‐balloon (
DTB
), and door‐to‐
PCI
time persists in contemporary patients, and its impact on mortality.

Methods and Results

From 2013 to 2016 the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry prospectively recruited 13 451 patients (22.5% female) from 30 centers with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
, 47.8%) or non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (52.2%) who underwent
PCI
. Adjusted log‐transformed
STD
and
DTB
time in the
STEMI
cohort and
STD
and door‐to‐
PCI
time in the NSTEMI cohort were analyzed using linear regression. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of 30‐day mortality. In
STEMI
patients, women had longer log‐
STD
time (adjusted geometric mean ratio 1.20, 95%
CI
1.12‐1.28,
P
<0.001), log‐
DTB
time (adjusted geometric mean ratio 1.12, 95%
CI
1.05‐1.20,
P
=0.001), and 30‐day mortality (9.3% versus 6.5%,
P
=0.005) than men. Womens’ adjusted geometric mean
STD
and
DTB
times were 28.8 and 7.7 minutes longer, respectively, than were mens’ times. Women with
NSTEMI
had no difference in adjusted
STD
, door‐to‐
PCI
time, or early (<24 hours) versus late revascularization, compared with men. Female sex independently predicted a higher 30‐day mortality (odds ratio 1.67, 95%
CI
1.11‐2.49,
P
=0.01) in
STEMI
but not in NSTEMI.

Conclusions

Women with
STEMI
have significant delays in presentation and revascularization with a higher 30‐day mortality compared with men. The delay in
STD
time was 4‐fold the delay in
DTB
time. Women with NSTEMI had no delay in presentation or revascularization, with mortality comparable to men. Public awareness campaigns are needed to address women's recognition and early action for
STEMI
.