bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening away the H0 tension
Authors: Beltrán Jiménez Jose , Bettoni Dario , Brax Philippe
Published: July 2020

This Essay explores consequences of a dark nonlinear electromagnetic sector in a universe with a net dark charge for matter. The cosmological dynamics can be described by a Lemaître model and can be understood, thanks to a screening mechanism driven by the electromagnetic nonlinearities that suppress the dark force on small scales. Only at low redshift, when the screening scale enters the Hubble horizon, do cosmological structures commence to feel the dark repulsion. This repulsive force enhances the local value of the Hubble constant, thus providing a promising scenario for solving the Hubble tension. Remarkably, the dark electromagnetic interaction can have a crucial impact on peculiar velocities, i.e. introducing a bias in their reconstruction methods, and having the potential to explain the presence of a dark flow.
Locating and Quantifying Damage in Beam-like Structures Using Modal Flexibility-based Deflection Changes
Authors: Le N. T. , Nguyen A. , Thambiratnam D. P. , Chan T. H. T. , Khuc T.
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an enhanced method to locate and quantify damage in beam-like structures using changes in deflections estimated from modal flexibility (MF) matrices. The method is developed from explicit relationship between a series of MF-based deflection change vectors and the damage characteristics. Based on this, three damage locating criteria are defined and used to detect and locate damage. Once the damage is located, its severity is estimated conveniently from a closed-form function. The capability of the proposed method is examined through numerical and experimental verifications on a steel beam model. The result shows that the method accurately locates and quantifies damage under various scenarios using a few modes of vibration, with satisfactory or even better results compared to those obtained from traditional static deflection-based method. The performance of the proposed method is also compared with three well-known vibration-based damage detection methods using changes in MF and modal strain energy. It is found that the proposed method outperformed the other three methods, especially for multiple damage cases. As beams can represent various structural components, the proposed method provides a promising damage identification tool targeting the application to real-life structures.
A Framework of Linear Sensor Networks with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Rainfall-Induced Landslides Detection
Authors: Yang Bo , Qiu Quanwei , Yang Fuwen , Guan Hong
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a real-time monitoring framework for a landslide susceptibility area based on wireless sensor network using multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Many researchers have considered building a landslide susceptibility map to distinguish different levels of landslide susceptible zones. However, to prevent damage from landslides, it is more important for the disaster control center to identify the time and location of the landslide occurrence in those highly susceptible areas. Hence, a rain-triggered landslide monitoring system is proposed herein for local mountain areas. First, a wireless sensor network framework is constructed to inform the control center as immediately as possible when landslides occur. Second, multiple UAV sensors will be responsible for collecting the stereo images of the slope in highly sensitive zones on schedule. Based on the stereo images and the binocular model, in-depth information can be obtained. With the depth information and Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) detection, the key point characteristic information is constructed as the input data for Support Vector Machine (SVM). An SVM algorithm is designed with Python program language and executed in real time. Using this algorithm, the real-time images collected by UAVs and the landslide warning information will be sent to the control center for further analysis. Finally, a field experiment is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sum-essential graphs of modules
Authors: Matczuk Jerzy , Majidinya Ali
Published: July 2020

The sum-essential graph [Formula: see text] of a left [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is a graph whose vertices are all nontrivial submodules of [Formula: see text] and two distinct submodules are adjacent if and only if their sum is an essential submodule of [Formula: see text]. Properties of the graph [Formula: see text] and its subgraph [Formula: see text] induced by vertices which are not essential as submodules of [Formula: see text] are investigated. The interplay between module properties of [Formula: see text] and properties of those graphs is studied.
Linear and multilinear functional identities in a prime ring with applications
Authors: Jiang Bo , Tian Yongge
Published: July 2020

This paper approaches some universal-algebraic properties of the two kinds of multilinear functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in a prime ring [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] are variable elements, [Formula: see text]. We shall demonstrate an algebraic procedure of deriving necessary and sufficient conditions for the two multilinear functional identities [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to hold for all [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Subsequently, we use these multilinear functional identities to describe the invariance properties of the products [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] with respect to the eight commonly-used types of generalized inverses of two MP-invertible elements [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in a prime ring [Formula: see text] with an identity element 1 and ∗-involution.
Finite 2-groups all of whose non-abelian subgroups are self-centralizing
Authors: An Lijian , Qu Haipeng , Zhang Junqiang
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider finite [Formula: see text]-groups having the property that every non-abelian subgroup contains its centralizer. Such groups are classified completely up to isomorphism.
On the prime spectrum of an le-module
Authors: Kumbhakar M. , Bhuniya A. K.
Published: July 2020

Here, we continue to characterize a recently introduced notion, le-modules [Formula: see text] over a commutative ring [Formula: see text] with unity [A. K. Bhuniya and M. Kumbhakar, Uniqueness of primary decompositions in Laskerian le-modules, Acta Math. Hunga. 158(1) (2019) 202–215]. This paper introduces and characterizes Zariski topology on the set Spec[Formula: see text] of all prime submodule elements of [Formula: see text]. Thus, we extend many results on Zariski topology for modules over a ring to le-modules. The topological space Spec[Formula: see text] is connected if and only if R/Ann(M) contains no idempotents other than [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Open sets in the Zariski topology for the quotient ring R/Ann(M) induces a base of quasi-compact open sets for the Zariski topology on Spec[Formula: see text]. Every irreducible closed subset of Spec[Formula: see text] has a generic point. Besides, we prove a number of different equivalent characterizations for Spec[Formula: see text] to be spectral.
On 1-semiregular and 2-semiregular rings
Authors: Bennis Driss , Couchot François
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we are mainly interested in the two questions “which are the commutative rings on which every finitely presented modules is [Formula: see text]-periodic (respectively, [Formula: see text]-periodic)?”. It is proved that these kinds of rings are particular cases of semiregular rings. So, we call them [Formula: see text]-semiregular and [Formula: see text]-semiregular rings, respectively. We establish characterizations of these rings in terms of various classical notions and we provide several examples of such rings.
Cascading classifier application for topology prediction of transmembrane beta-barrel proteins
Authors: Kazemian Hassan B. , Grimaldi Cedric Maxime
Published: July 2020

Membrane proteins are a major focus for new drug discovery. Transmembrane beta-barrel (TMB) proteins play key roles in the translocation machinery, pore formation, membrane anchoring and ion exchange. Given their key roles and the difficulty in membrane protein structure determination, the use of computational modeling is essential. This paper focuses on the topology prediction of TMB proteins. In the field of bioinformatics, many years of research has been spent on the topology prediction of transmembrane alpha-helices. The efforts to TMB proteins topology prediction have been overshadowed and the prediction accuracy could be improved with further research. Various methodologies have been developed in the past for the prediction of TMB protein topology, however, the use of cascading classifier has never been fully explored. This research presents a novel approach to TMB topology prediction with the use of a cascading classifier. The MATLAB computer simulation results show that the proposed methodology predicts TMB proteins topologies with high accuracy for randomly selected proteins. By using the cascading classifier approach, the best overall accuracy is 76.3% with a precision of 0.831 and recall or probability of detection of 0.799 for TMB topology prediction. The accuracy of 76.3% is achieved using a two-layers cascading classifier.
Relative coherent modules
Authors: Amini Mostafa , Benkhadra Arij , Bennis Driss , El Hajoui Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Several authors have introduced various types of coherent-like rings and proved analogous results on these rings. It appears that all these relative coherent rings and all the used techniques can be unified. In [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-coherent rings, Int. Electron. J. Algebra, 7 (2010) 128–139, several coherent-like rings are unified. In this paper, we continue this work and we introduce coherent-like module which also emphasizes our point of view by unifying the existed relative coherent concepts. Several classical results are generalized and some new results are given.
DOES TECHNOLOGICAL SPECIALIZATION SPUR HIGH-TECHNOLOGY EXPORTS? EVIDENCE FROM PANEL QUANTILE REGRESSIONS
Authors: PANDA SIDHESWAR , SHARMA RUCHI
Published: July 2020

In view of the technological advances made by emerging economies, we revisit the role of technological specializations of different economies in determining their exports. Employing revealed technological advantage (RTA) index and revealed symmetric technological advantage (RSTA) index, this study explores the technological specialization of countries in different fields and its contribution to high-technology exports. Technological specializations are operationalized using patent data and further analyzed in context of country’s exports data of 63 countries during 2000–2013. Using panel quantile regressions analysis, this paper finds that technological specialization determines the export performance of countries in different categories. We find that middle-income countries are among the top countries with respect to few fields of technological specializations. Hence, there is a need to change the perspective whereby developing countries are viewed as mere technological follower. This finding has an implication for the role of patents in technological specialization and export performance, both of which are important factors in international competitiveness.
Disparities in Disaster Assistance: A Comparison of the Social Benefits of Flood Insurance and Compensation
Authors: Allaire Maura
Published: July 2020

With growing exposure to extreme events, there is a pressing need to identify effective strategies for mitigating and coping with losses. Two widely implemented policies — subsidized insurance and ex post compensation — are compared in this paper. First, a conceptual framework is presented and provides insight into the net benefits and distributional effects of these programs. Then, a case study of flood insurance and compensation uses a benefit–cost analysis (BCA) to illustrate the distribution of net benefits across stakeholders. Findings from the conceptual framework and BCA suggest that an intervention to increase uptake of subsidized flood insurance does not deliver net social benefits relative to the status quo compensation program. Furthermore, subsidized insurance delivers subsidies to wealthier households, while increasing taxpayer burden that can be disproportionately borne by the poor. These results imply that aid and insurance programs should be better coordinated since interactions between these two strategies influence household decisions and the cost of disaster policy. Overall, findings suggest that means-tested or lump sum aid payments could shift benefits to less wealthy households and are reasonable policies in cases where the alternative is a voluntary insurance program with subsidized premiums.
To catch a failure
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: July 2020

A discussion with Robert O'Callahan, Kyle Huey, Devon O'Dell, and Terry Coatta.
Application Management in Fog Computing Environments
Authors: Mahmud Redowan , Ramamohanarao Kotagiri , Buyya Rajkumar
Published: July 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm is being rapidly adopted for the creation of smart environments in various domains. The IoT-enabled cyber-physical systems associated with smart city, healthcare, Industry 4.0 and Agtech handle a huge volume of data and require data processing services from different types of applications in real time. The Cloud-centric execution of IoT applications barely meets such requirements as the Cloud datacentres reside at a multi-hop distance from the IoT devices.Fog computing, an extension of Cloud at the edge network, can execute these applications closer to data sources. Thus, Fog computing can improve application service delivery time and resist network congestion. However, the Fog nodes are highly distributed and heterogeneous, and most of them are constrained in resources and spatial sharing. Therefore, efficient management of applications is necessary to fully exploit the capabilities of Fog nodes. In this work, we investigate the existing application management strategies in Fog computing and review them in terms of architecture, placement and maintenance. Additionally, we propose a comprehensive taxonomy and highlight the research gaps in Fog-based application management. We also discuss a perspective model and provide future research directions for further improvement of application management in Fog computing.
Are we addicted to technology?
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: July 2020

Experts agree technology causes some negative behaviors, but they are divided on how bad the problem is.
TECHNOLOchicas
Authors: Fernandez Jannie , Wilder JeffriAnne
Published: July 2020

A unique partnership seeks to address the underrepresentation and unique barriers facing Latina women and girls of color in information technology.
Data-centricity
Authors: Krishnamurthi Shriram , Fisler Kathi
Published: July 2020

Rethinking the content of introductory computing around a data-centric approach to better engage and support a diversity of students.
Towards declarative self-adapting buffer management
Authors: Chuprikov Pavel , Nikolenko Sergey , Kogan Kirill
Published: July 2020

Buffering architectures and policies for their efficient management are one of the core ingredients of network architecture. However, despite strong incentives to experiment with and deploy new policies, opportunities for changing or automatically choosing anything beyond a few parameters in a predefined set of behaviors still remain very limited. We introduce a novel buffer management framework based on machine learning approaches which automatically adapts to traffic conditions changing over time and requires only limited knowledge from network operators about the dynamics and optimality of desired behaviors. We validate and compare various design options with a comprehensive evaluation study.
Comparison of the Electrochemical Behaviour and Self-sealing of Zirconium Conversion Coatings Applied on Aluminium Alloys of series 1xxx to 7xxx
Authors: Šekularac Gavrilo , Kovač Janez , Milošev Ingrid
Published: July 2020

Zirconium conversion coatings prepared in a 200 ppm H2ZrF6 bath for optimal conversion times, were applied on aluminium alloys starting from AA1xxx up to AA7xxx series. The electrochemical behaviour and self-sealing abilities of the coatings were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy during their immersion in 0.5 M NaCl for five days. Microstructural and surface characterization were carried out using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques. All zirconium conversion coatings had a bi-layer structure, with average thickness in the range of 30–60 nm, except for the coating applied on alloy AA2024 which exhibited a single-layer structure with a thickness of 12 nm. The coatings provided excellent corrosion protection and self-sealing behaviour when applied on AA3005, AAA356.0, and very good corrosion protection for AA380.0, AA5754 and AA1050A. On the other hand, these coatings did not provide adequate corrosion protection for AA2024 and AA7075. The results were discussed in terms of the role of intermetallic particles on the properties of the conversion coating.
A student practical to conceptualize the importance of Poiseuille’s law and flow control in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Holmes Andrew P. , Ray Clare J. , Kumar Prem , Coney Andrew M.
Published: July 2020

The laboratory practical reported here is based in Poiseuille’s law and utilizes low-cost laboratory consumable items, thereby making it easy to deploy in any teaching laboratory. In the practical, students take an experimental approach of individually changing physical variables and measuring fluid flow rates. Plotting these results allows them to discuss the effect each variable has on flow. Furthermore, students enhance their appreciation of experimental errors and variability by making repeat measurements. In the follow-up teaching session, the students are encouraged to apply their experimental findings to the cardiovascular system and the control of blood flow both at rest and under conditions of altered cardiac output, such as during exercise. By tackling the topic of flow control as a core concept, it allows the students to then apply their understanding in wider physiological contexts, such as airflow in the respiratory system.
Understanding preload and preload reserve within the conceptual framework of a limited range of possible left ventricular end-diastolic volumes
Authors: Peverill Roger E.
Published: July 2020

Preload has been variously defined, but if there is to be a direct relationship with activity of the Frank-Starling mechanism in its action to increase the force and extent of contraction, preload must directly reflect myocardial stretch. The Frank-Starling mechanism is activated during any stretch of a cardiac chamber beyond its resting size, which is present immediately before contraction. Every left ventricle has an intrinsic and limited range of possible volumes at end diastole. There is a curvilinear relationship between left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and, at maximal or near maximal LVEDV, there will be a high LVEDP. Within the possible range, the LVEDV will be determined by the extent of filling, any change in LVEDV will result in changed activity of the Frank-Starling mechanism, and change in LVEDV might, therefore, be considered to represent change in preload. On the other hand, it is the difference between the current and the maximal possible LVEDV (or the preload reserve) that may be of the most clinical relevance. There is a reciprocal relationship between preload and preload reserve, with minor or absent LV preload reserve indicating that there will be either minimal or no increase in stroke volume following intravenous fluid administration. As left atrial pressure can remain within the normal range when the LVEDP is elevated, it is LVEDP, and not left atrial pressure, that provides the most reliable guide to preload reserve in an individual at a specific period in time.
A Graphical-Based Mathematical Model for Simulating Excitability in a Single Cardiac Cell
Authors: Sabzpoushan S. H. , Ghajarjazy A.
Published: July 2020

Excitability is a phenomenon seen in different kinds of systems, e.g., biological systems. Cardiac cells and neurons are well-known examples of excitable biological systems. Excitability as a crucial property should be involved in mathematical models of cardiac cells, along with the other biological properties. Excitability of mathematical cardiac-cell models is usually investigated in the phase plane (or the phase space) which is not applicable with simple mathematical analysis. Besides, the possible roles of each model parameter in the excitability property cannot be investigated explicitly and independently using phase plane analysis. In this paper, we present a new graphical-based method for designing excitability of a single cardiac cell. Each parameter in the presented approach not only has electrophysiological interpretation but also its role in regulating excitability is evident and can be analysed explicitly. Our approach is simpler and more tractable by mathematical analysis than the phase plane method. Another advantage of our approach is that the other important feature of the cardiac cell action potential, i.e., plateau morphology, can be designed and regulated separately from the excitability property. To evaluate our presented approach, we applied it for simulating excitability in well-known complex electrophysiological models of ventricular and atrial cells. Results show that our model can simulate excitability and time evolution of the plateau phase simultaneously.
High T3 Induces β-Cell Insulin Resistance via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Liang Bo , Liu Liyun , Huang Huibin , Li Liangyi , Zhou Jingxiong
Published: July 2020

Hyperthyroidism can cause glucose metabolism disorders and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissues has been extensively studied, whereas investigations on β-cell insulin resistance are limited. This study preliminarily explored the effects of high T3 levels on β-cell line (MIN6) insulin resistance, as well as the roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). In this study, we treated β-cell line with T3, with or without an inhibitor of phosphotyrosine phosphatases (PTPs, sodium vanadate) or ERS inhibitor (4-PBA). The results indicated that high levels of T3 significantly inhibited insulin secretion in β-cell line. In addition, we observed an upregulation of p-IRS-1ser307 and downregulation of Akt. These results can be corrected by sodium vanadate. Moreover, high T3 levels upregulate the ERS-related proteins PERK, IRE1, ATF6, and GRP78, as well as ERS-related apoptosis CHOP and caspase-12. Similarly, this change can be corrected by 4-PBA. These results suggest that high T3 levels can induce insulin resistance in β-cell line by activating ERS and the apoptotic pathway.
Rate Pressure Products Affect the Relationship between the Fractional Flow Reserve and Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio
Authors: Ebihara Suguru , Otsuki Hisao , Arashi Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Junichi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa
Published: July 2020

The rate pressure product (RPP) is an index of myocardial metabolism that correlates closely with myocardial hemodynamics. The relationship between the RPP and the fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) is not known. In this study, we investigated the effects of the RPP on the FFR and iFR. We retrospectively enrolled 195 patients (259 lesions) who had undergone invasive coronary angiography and both the iFR and FFR examinations between 2012 and 2017. The RPP was defined as systolic blood pressure multiplied by the heart rate, measured prior to the iFR evaluation. The study population was divided into the low-RPP (n = 129, mean RPP: 6981 ± 1149) and high-RPP (n = 130, mean RPP: 10391 ± 1603) groups according to the median RPP. Correlations and biases between the iFR and FFR were compared. The diagnostic performance of the iFR in the groups was calculated, using FFR as the gold standard. The correlation between the iFR and FFR was higher in the high-RPP group than in the low-RPP group. The bias between the iFR and FFR in the high-RPP group was smaller than that in the low-RPP group. The best cutoff value of the iFR for predicting an FFR of 0.8 was 0.90 for all lesions, 0.93 for the low-RPP group, and 0.82 for the high-RPP group. The iFR and RPP showed a weak but a statistically significant negative correlation (R = 0.14; p=0.029). This was not observed for the relationship between the FFR and RPP. In conclusion, the RPP affects the relationship between the FFR and iFR. With FFR as the gold standard, the iFR may underestimate and overestimate the functionality of ischemia in the low- and high-RPP groups, respectively.
Analysis of Model Tests of Rainfall‐Induced Soil Deposit Landslide
Authors: Gan JianJun , Zhang Y. X.
Published: July 2020

A large number of deposit landslides are induced by rainfall, and those with different weak layers may be subject to catastrophic failure. This research investigates the rainfall infiltration effect on the stability of deposit landslides with a weak layer at different slope angles. Four rainfall physical model tests were conducted with fixed double penetration artificial rainfall technique and dynamic sensor technologies by using the rainfall test methods as modified in the paper. Deformation and mechanics parameters, as well as water content parameters in the key position in the deposit landslide, were monitored by means of various displacement monitoring sensors, dynamic soil pressure sensors, pore water pressure (PWP) monitoring sensors, and water content sensors. The results show that, under the same rainfall conditions, the rule of displacement and mechanical changes of deposit slope with different angles are similar, that the displacement, soil pressure, and PWP are characterized by two stages of rising and falling, and that the displacement of deposit slope with weak layer remains creep after rainfall. In addition, the displacement at the rear edge of the slope with a small angle is larger than that at the front of the steep slope, but the displacement in the front of the slope is opposite. Furthermore, the slope with a smaller angle is prone to form a tensile crack in the back of the slope, and its deformation and failure have the characteristics of a progressive and thrust‐type landslide. While the failure in front of a steep slope (slope angle more than 60°) occurred first, the slope failure was characterized by sudden and retrogressive modes. The mathematical analysis of the model is also conducted which shows that deformation and failure can be divided into three stages, i.e., creep inoculation, accumulation uplift, and speed‐up sliding. The test results can provide a reference for the investigation, design, and assessment of similar deposit slopes.
Towards a Complete Set of Gym Exercises Detection Using Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Khan Usman Ali , Khan Iftikhar Ahmed , Din Ahmad , Jadoon Waqas , Jadoon Rab Nawaz , Khan Muhammad Amir , Khan Fiaz Gul , Khan Abdul Nasir
Published: July 2020

Smartphones with gym exercises predictors can act as trainers for the gym-goers. However, various available solutions do not have the complete set of most practiced exercises. Therefore, in this research, a complete set of most practiced 26 exercises was identified from the literature. Among the exercises, 14 were unique and 12 were common to the existing literature. Furthermore, finding suitable smartphone attachment position(s) and the number of sensors to predict exercises with the highest possible accuracy were also the objectives of the research. Besides, this study considered the most number of participants (20) as compared to the existing literature (maximum 10). The results indicate three key lessons: (a) the most suitable classifier to predict a class (exercise) from the sensor-based data was found to be KNN (K-nearest neighbors); (b) the sensors placed at the three positions (arm, belly, and leg) could be more accurate than other positions for the gym exercises; and (c) accelerometer and gyroscope when combined can provide accurate classification up to 99.72% (using KNN as classifier at all 3 positions).
Balancing Control of Two-Wheel Bicycle Problems
Authors: Vu Ngoc Kien , Nguyen Hong Quang
Published: July 2020

In recent years, more and more scientists have been interested in research on driving two-wheel bicycles. The problems in two-wheel bicycle control problem are self-balancing, uncertain models, and the impact of noise. In the paper, to solve the self-balancing problem, we use the flywheel method according to the inverted pendulum principle. To overcome the effects of the uncertain model, the impact of noise, we designed the vehicle balance controller according to the robust control algorithm. However, robust controllers often have a high order, which affects the quality during real control. To simplify the robust controller, we propose the use of a model order reduction algorithm. The simulation and experimental results have proved the correctness of the solutions given in the paper.
Coupling Analysis and Cross-Feedback Control of Three-Axis Inertially Stabilized Platform with an Active Magnetic Bearing System
Authors: Wen Tong , Xiang Biao , Wong Waion
Published: July 2020

An active magnetic bearing (AMB) system is used to suspend the yaw gimbal of three-axis inertially stabilized platform (ISP) to minimize the friction. The dynamic functions of three gimbals in ISP are developed. The base coupling at dynamic base plate is stronger than that at static base plate, and the gimbal coupling among three gimbals increases with the number of unlocked gimbals. Therefore, a cross-feedback control scheme is designed to minimize the base coupling and the gimbal coupling, and then the multi-input multioutput system of three-axis ISP with coupling terms is simplified into three decoupled single-input single-output systems. Experimental results verify that the yaw gimbal suspended by AMB system has better vibration isolation ability than the roll gimbal supported by mechanical bearing, and the gimbal coupling and the base coupling are effectively suppressed by the cross-feedback control scheme.
Use of Anti-Interleukin-6 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody in Drug-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Petrillo Alessandra , Biran Noa , Sadikot Sean
Published: July 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a disorder that involves the activation of alveolar macrophages triggering the innate immune system. The parenchymal lung injury seen in ARDS is a result of many proinflammatory elevations including interleukin-6. There remains no effective standard of care of ARDS, and current treatments at this time currently do not target the immunological mechanisms or pathways involved. Treatments involving this pathway should be further investigated as targeted treatment. We discuss a case of a patient with multiple myeloma who was hospitalized with drug-induced ARDS who had a rapid response to an anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody.
Radixin Relocalization and Nonmuscle α-Actinin Expression Are Features of Remodeling Cardiomyocytes in Adult Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cetinkaya Ayse , Berge Benedikt , Sen-Hild Bedriye , Troidl Kerstin , Gajawada Praveen , Kubin Natalia , Valeske Klaus , Schranz Dietmar , Akintürk Hakan , Schönburg Markus , Kubin Thomas , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Richter Manfred
Published: July 2020

Background. Pediatric patients show an impressive capacity of cardiac regeneration. In contrast, severely deteriorated adult hearts do usually not recover. Since cardiac remodeling—involving the expression of fetal genes—is regarded as an adaptation to stress, we compared hearts of adult patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with remodeling of cultured neonatal (NRC) as well as adult (ARC) rat cardiomyocytes and the developing postnatal myocardium. Methods. NRC and ARC were stimulated with serum and cardiac morphogens derived from DCM hearts. Protein synthesis (PS) as well as protein accumulation (PA) was measured, and cell survival was determined under ischemic conditions. Fetal markers were investigated by Western blot. Biomarkers of remodeling were analyzed in controls, DCM, and 2- to 6-month-old children with tetralogy of Fallot as well as in neonatal and adult rats by immunofluorescence. Results. In NRC, serum and morphogens strongly stimulated PS and PA and the reestablishment of cell-cell contacts (CCC). In ARC, both stimulants increased PS and CCC, but PA was only elevated after serum stimulation. In contrast to serum, morphogen treatment resulted in the expression of fetal genes in ARC as determined by nonmuscle α-actinin-1 and α-actinin-4 expression (NM-actinins) and was associated with increased survival under ischemia. NM-actinins were present in cardiomyocytes of DCM in a cross-striated pattern reminiscent of sarcomeres as well as in extensions of the area of the intercalated disc (ID). NM-actinins are expressed in NRC and in the developing heart. Radixin staining revealed remodeling of the area of the ID in DCM almost identical to stimulated cultured ARC. Conclusions. Remodeling was similar in ARC and in cardiomyocytes of DCM suggesting evolutionary conserved mechanisms of regeneration. Despite activation of fetal genes, the atrophy of ARC indicates differences in their regenerative capacity from NRC. Cardiac-derived factors induced NM-actinin expression and increased survival of ischemic ARC while circulating molecules were less effective. Identification of these cardiac-derived factors and determination of their individual capacity to heal or damage are of particular importance for a biomarker-guided therapy in adult patients.
Interval-Valued Complex Fuzzy Geometric Aggregation Operators and Their Application to Decision Making
Authors: Dai Songsong , Bi Lvqing , Hu Bo
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the geometric aggregation operators for aggregating the interval-valued complex fuzzy sets (IVCFSs) whose membership grades are a special set of complex numbers. We develop some geometric aggregation operators under the interval-valued complex fuzzy environment, namely, interval-valued complex fuzzy geometric (IVCFG), interval-valued complex fuzzy weighted geometric (IVCFWG), and interval-valued complex fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (IVCFOWG) operators. Then, we investigate the rotational and reflectional invariances of these operators. Further, a decision-making approach based on these operators is presented under the interval-valued complex fuzzy environment and an example is illustrated to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Prostate Health Index and Prostate Health Index Density as Diagnostic Tools for Improved Prostate Cancer Detection
Authors: Barisiene Marija , Bakavicius Arnas , Stanciute Diana , Jurkeviciene Jolita , Zelvys Arunas , Ulys Albertas , Vitkus Dalius , Jankevicius Feliksas
Published: July 2020

Background. To evaluate the diagnostic potential of [‐2] proPSA (p2PSA), %p2PSA, Prostate Health Index (phi), and phi density (PHID) as independent biomarkers and in composition of multivariable models in predicting high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and overall and clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa). Methods. 210 males scheduled for prostate biopsy with total PSA (tPSA) range 2‐10 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination were enrolled in the prospective study. Blood samples to measure tPSA, free PSA (fPSA), and p2PSA were collected immediately before 12‐core prostate biopsy. Clinically significant PCa definition was based on Epstein’s criteria or ISUP grade ≥ 2 at biopsy. Results. PCa has been diagnosed in 112 (53.3%) patients. Epstein significant and ISUP grade ≥ 2 PCa have been identified in 81 (72.3%) and 40 (35.7%) patients, respectively. Isolated HGPIN at biopsy have been identified in 24 (11.4%) patients. Higher p2PSA and its derivative mean values were associated with PCa. At 90% sensitivity, PHID with cut‐off value of 0.54 have demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 35.7% for overall PCa detection, so PHID and phi with cut‐off values of 33.2 and 0.63 have demonstrated the specificity of 34.7% and 34.1% for ISUP grade ≥ 2 PCa detection at biopsy, respectively. In univariate ROC analysis, PHID with AUC of 0.77 and 0.80 was the most accurate predictor of overall and Epstein significant PCa, respectively, so phi with AUC of 0.77 was the most accurate predictor of ISUP grade ≥ 2 PCa at biopsy. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, phi improved diagnostic accuracy of multivariable models by 5% in predicting ISUP grade ≥ 2 PCa. Conclusions. PHID and phi have shown the greatest specificity at 90% sensitivity in predicting overall and clinically significant PCa and would lead to significantly avoid unnecessary biopsies. PHID is the most accurate predictor of overall and Epstein significant PCa, so phi is the most accurate predictor of ISUP grade ≥ 2 PCa. phi significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of multivariable models in predicting ISUP grade ≥ 2 PCa.
Chronic Opioid Use and Risk of Cancer in Patients with Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Nationwide Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae
Published: July 2020

Background:

To investigate whether chronic opioid therapy is associated with a higher risk of cancer among noncancer patients with chronic pain.

Methods:

A population-based historical cohort study of the South Korean adult population was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Service. We included patients registered with a diagnostic code of M00–M99 (musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases) according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, in 2010. Patients prescribed a continuous supply of any opioid drug for ≥90 days were defined as chronic opioid users.

Results:

A total of 351,701 patients were analyzed. Among them, 25,153 (7.2%) were chronic opioid users. Using a multivariate time-dependent Cox regression model, the risk of cancer in chronic opioid users was 1.20-fold higher than that in controls [HR, 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.25; P < 0.001]. On subgroup analysis according to opioid potency, the cancer risk in chronic weak and strong opioid users was 1.18-fold (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13–1.23; P < 0.001) and 1.32-fold (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10–1.59; P = 0.003) higher than that in controls, respectively.

Conclusions:

Chronic opioid therapy was associated with an increased risk of cancer among noncancer patients with chronic pain. This association was more evident in chronic strong opioid users. However, as unmeasured and potential confounders may have affected the results, the relationship between chronic opioid use and cancer risk should be evaluated with caution.

Impact:

Chronic opioid therapy was associated with an increased risk of cancer among noncancer patients.
Utilization of COVID-19 Treatments and Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Cancer: A COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) Cohort Study
Authors: Rivera Donna R. , Peters Solange , Panagiotou Orestis A. , Shah Dimpy P. , Kuderer Nicole M. , Hsu Chih-Yuan , Rubinstein Samuel M. , Lee Brendan J. , Choueiri Toni K. , de Lima Lopes Gilberto , Grivas Petros , Painter Corrie A. , Rini Brian I. , Thompson Michael A. , Arcobello Jonathan , Bakouny Ziad , Doroshow Deborah B. , Egan Pamela C. , Farmakiotis Dimitrios , Fecher Leslie A. , Friese Christopher R. , Galsky Matthew D. , Goel Sanjay , Gupta Shilpa , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Halmos Balazs , Hawley Jessica E. , Khaki Ali Raza , Lemmon Christopher A. , Mishra Sanjay , Olszewski Adam J. , Pennell Nathan A. , Puc Matthew M. , Revankar Sanjay G. , Schapira Lidia , Schmidt Andrew , Schwartz Gary K. , Shah Sumit A. , Wu Julie T. , Xie Zhuoer , Yeh Albert C. , Zhu Huili , Shyr Yu , Lyman Gary H. , Warner Jeremy L.
Published: July 2020

Among 2,186 U.S. adults with invasive cancer and laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, we examined the association of COVID-19 treatments with 30-day all-cause mortality and factors associated with treatment. Logistic regression with multiple adjustments (e.g., comorbidities, cancer status, baseline COVID-19 severity) was performed. Hydroxychloroquine with any other drug was associated with increased mortality versus treatment with any COVID-19 treatment other than hydroxychloroquine or untreated controls; this association was not present with hydroxychloroquine alone. Remdesivir had numerically reduced mortality versus untreated controls that did not reach statistical significance. Baseline COVID-19 severity was strongly associated with receipt of any treatment. Black patients were approximately half as likely to receive remdesivir as white patients. Although observational studies can be limited by potential unmeasured confounding, our findings add to the emerging understanding of patterns of care for patients with cancer and COVID-19 and support evaluation of emerging treatments through inclusive prospective controlled trials.

Significance:

Evaluating the potential role of COVID-19 treatments in patients with cancer in a large observational study, there was no statistically significant 30-day all-cause mortality benefit with hydroxychloroquine or high-dose corticosteroids alone or in combination; remdesivir showed potential benefit. Treatment receipt reflects clinical decision-making and suggests disparities in medication access.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1426
The Metabolic Syndrome Is a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Ping , Xia Ning , Zhang Hong , Deng Tingting
Published: July 2020

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of various malignant tumors. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we explored the relationship between MetS and breast cancer (BC). Methods: Relevant studies were systematically searched on Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane database, and PubMed up to September 16, 2019, using “breast cancer” and “metabolic syndrome” as keywords. Eligible studies with clear definition of MetS, available data, and relationships between MetS and BC were evaluated using a risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Twenty-five studies, including 13 cohort studies and 12 case-control studies, met the inclusion criteria, which assessed a total of 392,583 female participants and 19,628 BC patients. The results revealed a statistically significant increase by 52% of the risk of BC in adult females with MetS (RR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.31–1.70, p < 0.0001). Postmenopausal MetS patients may have a twofold risk to suffer BC (RR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.55–2.60, p < 0.001). The risk of BC increased markedly with the number of MetS components: RR = 1.00 for 1 component (p = 0.976), RR = 1.40 for 2 components (p = 0.121), and RR = 1.98 for >3 components (p < 0.001). The risk factors associated with BC were obesity, hypertension, and diabetes (RR = 1.33, 1.19, and 1.30 respectively, all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that MetS is highly related with BC. In postmenopausal patients with ≥2 MetS components or a combination of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, routine BC screening could help to detect BC at an early stage.
Gastric Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer Mimicking a Submucosal Tumor
Authors: Iwai Naoto , Okuda Takashi , Harada Taishi , Oka Kohei , Hara Tasuku , Inada Yutaka , Tsuji Toshifumi , Komaki Toshiyuki , Dohi Osamu , Yoshida Naohisa , Konishi Hideyuki , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito , Kagawa Keizo
Published: July 2020

Signet-ring cell carcinoma, a colorectal cancer (CRC) subtype, sometimes shows metastases to uncommon metastatic sites. However, gastric metastasis is extremely rare. Here, we describe a case of gastric metastasis from colonic cancer. A 76-year-old woman presented with anemia. Colonoscopic biopsy revealed a CRC on the transverse colon showing a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with a partial component of the signet-ring carcinoma. Computed tomography revealed multiple subcutaneous nodules on her chest and back, and a tumor in the left lower lobe of her lung. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a submucosal tumor-like lesion in the upper gastric body, and endoscopic biopsy revealed the poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma along with the partial component of the signet-ring carcinoma as well as the colonic, subcutaneous, and pulmonary lesion. The findings of endoscopic and microscopic examinations revealed gastric metastasis from CRC on the transverse colon. A systemic chemotherapy was given, and the biopsy conducted 1 year after the initial chemotherapy revealed no evidence of the residual tumor tissue in the gastric lesion. However, best supportive care was recommended depending on metastasis to the rectum. Our case suggests that gastric metastases from CRC should be considered in patients with lesions resembling a submucosal tumor accompanied by central depression and erosion.
Surgical Management of Youssef’s Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Kettache Reda , Merad Abdelkader , Buchholz Noor N.P.
Published: July 2020

Youssef’s syndrome has been first described in 1957 as an atypical presentation of a vesicouterine fistula after lower segment Cesarean section. It is characterized by a triad of cyclic hematuria, amenorrhea, and absence of urinary incontinence, which is usually found in other forms of genitourinary fistulas. We describe a case report of a woman who developed a delayed Youssef’s syndrome 3 months after her third Cesarean section. She was initially post-operatively treated conservatively and successfully for a bladder leakage through the wound with a bladder catheter for 1 month, and 2 months later, she developed symptoms as described above. She was successfully treated with uterus-sparing surgical fistula repair. Youssef’s syndrome is a rare and atypical presentation. Physicians may easily be misled and diagnosis delayed. We describe the diagnostic approach and review the literature as to therapeutic approaches.
Plurizentrik und DACH-Bezug bei Lehrwerken in brasilianischen Deutschstudiengängen: eine Bilanz
Authors: Voerkel Jean Paul , Huang Zichun
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo parte da dúvida de numerosos professores de Alemão como Língua Estrangeira (ALE) sobre uma representação adequada que respeita a grande heterogeneidade linguística e cultural dos países germânicos em livros didáticos elaborados na Alemanha. Na primeira parte se situa a apresentação de algumas bases de avaliação de manuais didáticos e didática cultural sob a perspectiva da disciplina ALE. Na segunda parte, segue a análise de nove livros de ALE em uso em universidades brasileiras no ano 2019, com indicadores do “princípio DACH”. Os resultados indicam que as dificuldades encontradas por professores de alemão em matéria de cultura alemã não teriam sua origem necessariamente na falta de material adequado, mas que seriam relacionadas com uma insegurança de como trabalhar conteúdo cultural em sala de aula. O artigo fecha com a reivindicação de integrar, ainda em escala maior, conteúdos culturais na formação de professores de alemão no Brasil.
A apreciação de literatura no humanismo teológico de Filipe Melanchthon
Authors: Gross Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Filipe Melanchthon é uma das figuras proeminentes na Reforma e no Humanismo renascentista alemães, embora no Brasil esta segunda característica não seja muito bem conhecida. Sua obra como um todo tem uma base teológica com a qual ele pretendia também favorecer os estudos acadêmicos, principalmente, mas não só, no que hoje é chamado de Ciências Humanas. O presente texto mostra como ele utilizou a distinção teológica entre lei e evangelho para configurar o espaço das então assim chamadas artes na universidade pré-moderna alemã tardia. A ênfase aqui está nos estudos literários e linguísticos e na abordagem ética deles, favorecida por ele.