bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
111 Recurrent headaches with psychosis, CSF lymphocytosis, vessel beading and papilloedema- autoimmune/viral encephalitis with vasculopathy or unusual presentation of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS)?
Authors: Coppin Christopher J , Barnett Michael , Masters Lynette , Aziz Amjed , Narasimhan Manisha
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Headache is a common Neurology presentation in both outpatient and ED settings. We present a challenging headache in a previously asymptomatic young female patient.

Case

A 27 year old female patient presented to ED with severe headache, vomiting and photophobia, after multiple presentations elsewhere, diagnosed as migraine, with normal neurological examination and MRI. Episodes of excruciating headache were associated with writhing and vomiting but spontaneously resolved with residual background pain. Indomethacin helped but she re-presented with headache and psychosis requiring intubation and ICU admission.

Investigations included CSF - protein 0.85, leucocytosis 58 cells (lymphocytic) and normal cerebral venography. Acyclovir was commenced but viral PCRs were negative and she was extubated. MRI was suspicious for subtle posterior sulcal hyperintensity and beading in occipital and posterior cerebral arteries.

Another episode occurred ten days later requiring intubation, examination showed papilloedema. CSF examination showed raised pressure, normal protein and 48 lymphocytes; flow cytometry and cytology were unrevealing. NMDA receptor antibody returned positive in serum but not CSF. Subtle beading in right PCA branches remained. IVIG and steroids were used with dramatic response. Further investigation revealed positive EBV serology only and papilloedema resolved. Steroids were weaned and she remains in remission.

Conclusion

We present an interesting case of recurrent acute headaches with intracranial hypertension, psychosis and CSF lymphocytosis. The recurrent headaches and vessel beading suggest RCVS, perhaps triggered by viral or autoimmune encephalitis. The NMDA receptor antibody result should be interpreted with caution given the absence of antibody in CSF and dramatic recovery.
112 Axonal polyneuropathy with onset in young adulthood due to TUBB3 mutation
Authors: Yang Po Sheng , Forrest Kimberley K , Wilson Ian B
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The TUBB3 gene encodes the protein Beta-tubulin isotype III, a component of the microtubule cytoskeleton. Mutations in this gene have been associated with axonal polyneuropathy, however usually associated with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFOEM) and other abnormalities of cerebral development.1 2 We report a case of isolated neuropathy associated with a TUBB3 mutation.

Methods

Case report - clinical information and next generation sequencing results were obtained.

Results

A 64 year old man presented with a severe, progressive, length dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy which commenced in his late twenties. There was no clinical involvement of the extraocular muscles and cognition was normal. Family history was limited, but there were no other members affected.

The patient had previously been extensively investigated including sural nerve biopsy, which confirmed axonal neuropathy without a specific diagnosis. Intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids had been trialled without benefit.

A neuromuscular gene panel utilising next generation sequencing was performed and demonstrated heterozygosity for a variant of the TUBB3 gene (D417N substitution).

Case series describing TUBB3 mutations show a large heterogeneity in phenotypic expression depending on the amino acid substitution.2–4 There is also heterogeneity in patients with D417N mutations, although a small number have been reported to develop a polyneuropathy without CFOEM1.

Conclusions

This case strengthens previous reports that TUBB3 mutation can be associated with a pure, axonal, sensorimotor polyneuropathy and highlights the use of next generation sequencing in streamlining the diagnostic process.

Reference

Tischfield M, et al. Human TUBB3 mutations perturb microtubule dynamics, kinesin interactions, and axon guidance. Cell 2010;140(1):pp.74–87.

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. (2019). Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles - Conditions - GTR - NCBI. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gtr/conditions/CN043677/ [Accessed 14 Feb. 2019].

Omim.org. (2019). OMIM Entry - * 602661 - TUBULIN, BETA-3; TUBB3. [online] Available at: https://www.omim.org/entry/602661 [Accessed 14 Feb. 2019].

Krupa, K. and Bekiesinska-Figatowska, M. (2013). Congenital and Acquired Abnormalities of the Corpus Callosum: A Pictorial Essay. BioMed Research International, 2013, pp.1–14.
Varicella zoster virus infections increase the risk of disease flares in patients with SLE: a matched cohort study
Authors: Sun Fangfang , Chen Yi , Wu Wanlong , Guo Li , Xu Wenwen , Chen Jie , Sun Shuhui , Li Jiajie , Chen Zhiwei , Gu Liyang , Wang Xiaodong , Li Ting , Ye Shuang
Published: July 2019

Objective

To explore whether varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection could increase the risk of disease flares in patients with SLE.

Methods

Patients who had VZV reactivations between January 2013 and April 2018 were included from the SLE database (n=1901) of Shanghai Ren Ji Hospital, South Campus. Matched patients with SLE were selected as background controls with a 3:1 ratio. Patients with SLE with symptomatic bacterial infections of the lower urinary tract (UTI) were identified as infection controls. Baseline period and index period were defined as 3 months before and after infection event, respectively. Control period was the following 3 months after the index period. Flare was defined by SELENA SLEDAI Flare Index. Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox regression model and propensity score weighting were applied.

Results

Patients with VZV infections (n=47), UTI controls (n=28) and matched SLE background controls (n=141) were included. 16 flares (34%) in the VZV group within the index period were observed, as opposed to only 7.1% in UTI controls and 9.9% in background controls. Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that patients with a VZV infection had a much lower flare-free survival within the index period compared with the controls (p=0.0003). Furthermore, after adjusting for relevant confounders including baseline disease activity and intensity of immunosuppressive therapy, Cox regression analysis and propensity score weighting confirmed that VZV infection within 3 months was an independent risk factor for SLE flares (HR 3.70 and HR 4.16, respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with SLE, recent VZV infection within 3 months was associated with increased risk of disease flares.
Parental occupational exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields and risk of leukaemia in the offspring: findings from the Childhood Leukaemia International Consortium (CLIC)
Authors: Talibov Madar , Olsson Ann , Bailey Helen , Erdmann Friederike , Metayer Catherine , Magnani Corrado , Petridou Eleni , Auvinen Anssi , Spector Logan , Clavel Jacqueline , Roman Eve , Dockerty John , Nikkilä Atte , Lohi Olli , Kang Alice , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Miligi Lucia , Vila Javier , Cardis Elisabeth , Schüz Joachim
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Previously published studies on parental occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in their offspring were inconsistent. We therefore evaluated this question within the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium.

Methods

We pooled 11 case–control studies including 9723 childhood leukaemia cases and 17 099 controls. Parental occupational ELF-MF exposure was estimated by linking jobs to an ELF-MF job-exposure matrix (JEM). Logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs in pooled analyses and meta-analyses.

Results

ORs from pooled analyses for paternal ELF-MF exposure >0.2 microtesla (µT) at conception were 1.04 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.13) for ALL and 1.06 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.29) for AML, compared with ≤0.2 µT. Corresponding ORs for maternal ELF-MF exposure during pregnancy were 1.00 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.12) for ALL and 0.85 (95% CI 0.61 to 1.16) for AML. No trends of increasing ORs with increasing exposure level were evident. Furthermore, no associations were observed in the meta-analyses.

Conclusions

In this large international dataset applying a comprehensive quantitative JEM, we did not find any associations between parental occupational ELF-MF exposure and childhood leukaemia.
Rigidity theorem for harmonic maps with complex normal boundary conditions
Authors: Li Song-Ying , Luo Jie
Published: July 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be the open unit ball in [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be a Kähler manifold with strongly negative or strongly semi-negative curvature. In this paper, we study Siu type rigidity theorem for the harmonic map [Formula: see text] satisfying the boundary condition that [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. We also prove the existence and uniqueness theorem for some Neumann type boundary value problem for harmonic functions on [Formula: see text].
Salvia miltiorrhiza Restrains Reactive Oxygen Species-Associated Pulmonary Fibrosis via Targeting Nrf2-Nox4 Redox Balance
Authors: Peng Li-Ying , An Lin , Sun Ning-Yuan , Ma Yi , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Liu Wen-Hua , Liu Bao-Lin , Li Ping , Chen Jun
Published: July 2019

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by myofibroblast activation, which can be triggered by oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic effect of the ethyl acetate extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (EASM) on PF and examined the underlying molecular mechanism. EASM suppressed myofibroblast activation with reduced extracellular matrix deposition in the lungs of mice subjected to bleomycin (BLM) challenge, demonstrating the inhibitory effects on PF. EASM positively alleviated oxidative stress by upregulating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and concomitantly downregulating NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in the lungs of BLM-treated mice. This effect was also observed in an in vitro model of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-[Formula: see text]1)-stimulated fibroblast activation. EASM reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in fibroblasts by stabilizing Nrf2 protein with promoting kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) degradation. Nrf2 knockdown in the lungs of BLM-treated mice diminished the inhibitory effects of EASM on fibrosis, providing evidence in vivo to address the unique role of Nrf2. Additionally, EASM inhibited TGF-[Formula: see text]1/Smad3 signaling by downregulating protein kinase C delta (PKC-[Formula: see text] and Smad3 phosphorylation (p-Smad3), which led to suppression of the TGF-[Formula: see text]1-induced fibrogenic response. These results indicate that EASM exhibits potent antifibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo, which might be associated with activation of Nrf2 pathway and inhibition of TGF-[Formula: see text]1/Smad3 pathway. Our findings support that EASM may act as an effective antifibrotic remedy for PF.
The invalidity of “negative mass” description of the dark sector
Authors: Stepanian A.
Published: July 2019

It is shown that the concept of “negative mass” introduced by Farnes [Astron. Astrophys. 620, A92 (2018)] to describe the dark sector within a unifying theory with the negative cosmological constant contradicts both the essence of the General Relativity (GR) and the available observational data. A viable model with modified weak-field GR is mentioned.
Relativistic scalar Aharonov–Bohm effect for a neutral particle under Lorentz symmetry breaking effects in the cosmic string space–time
Authors: Bakke K. , Belich H.
Published: July 2019

We search for relativistic quantum phases for a Dirac neutral particle with a permanent magnetic dipole moment in the cosmic string space–time under the effects of the violation of the Lorentz symmetry. This general relativity background is built based on the modified Maxwell theory coupled to gravity. Hence, we analyze analogues of the scalar Aharonov–Bohm effect for neutral particles in two different scenarios of the Lorentz symmetry violation in the cosmic string space–time.
Initial state radiation correction and its effect on data-taking scheme for σB(e+e−→ ZH) measurement
Authors: Han Shuang , Li Gang , Zhou Xiang , Jie Quan-Lin
Published: July 2019

The measurement of Born cross-section of [Formula: see text] process is one of the major goals of the future Circular Electron Positron Collider, which may reach a precision of 0.5% at 240 GeV. Such unprecedented precision must be guaranteed by both theoretical and experimental sides, such as the calculations of high order corrections, the knowledge of the [Formula: see text] line shape. Uncertainty of the radiative correction factor at 240 GeV caused by the [Formula: see text] line shape is evaluated in this work. Therefore, dedicated data-taking schemes are proposed in order to precisely calculate the ISR correction factor.
Algebraic, combinatorial and topological properties of singular virtual braid monoids
Authors: Cisneros de la Cruz Bruno Aarón , Gandolfi Guillaume
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we discuss algebraic, combinatorial and topological properties of singular virtual braids. On the algebraic side, we state the relations between classical and singular virtual objects, in addition we discuss a Birman-like conjecture for the virtual case. On the topological and combinatorial side, we prove that there is a bijection between singular abstract braids, singular horizontal Gauss diagrams up to a certain equivalence relation, and singular virtual braids, in particular using singular horizontal Gauss diagrams we obtain a presentation of the singular pure virtual braid monoid.
Effect of the Viscoelastic Foundations on the Free Vibration of Functionally Graded Plates
Authors: Khetib Mounia , Abbad Hichem , Elmeiche Nourredine , Mechab Ismail
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a two-variable refined plate theory for free vibration of functionally graded material (FGM) plates lying on viscoelastic Winkler–Pasternak foundations. The present work aims to examine the vibrations by a higher-order shear deformation theory including a new function of warping. The governing equations are derived from the principle of virtual displacements. Some illustrative examples are given in an attempt to solve the free vibration problem of a rectangular plate with various boundary conditions. The effects of damping on free vibrations, considering various parameters, are examined in detail. In the end, it is concluded that the present results with the new shear shape function of viscoelastic foundation are found to be in good agreement with other available results and the proposed method can easily be used to solve free vibration problems of the FGM plates.
Topological characterization of higher-dimensional charged Taub–NUT instantons
Authors: Flores-Alfonso Daniel , Quevedo Hernando
Published: July 2019

Recently, we have shown that non-selfdual self-gravitating dyonic fields with magnetic mass generalize the Dirac monopole. The unique topological index, which characterizes the field, is a four-dimensional analogue of the famous monopole configuration. An unexpected result of this analysis is that the electric parameter can only take certain discrete values as a consequence of applying the path integral approach to quantize the magnetic flux. Here, we show how this result can be generalized to higher dimensions, considering a special type of inhomogeneous geometries. Our results apply to a vast range of theories and situations in which topological charges are present. For concreteness, we focus here on Lovelock–Maxwell solutions and show that the magnetic flux corresponds to a topological excitation and the electric flux becomes discrete.
Graphene-induced three-dimensional network structure to MoS2/graphene composite as an excellent anode for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Nie Wei , Liu Xiaolin , Zhou Yueting , Luo Jiemei , Zhong Shengwen
Published: July 2019

This paper reports the synthesis MoS2/graphene composite as an anode using commercial graphene as conductive enhancer and structural modifier. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and morphology details show that the as-synthesized MoS2/graphene composite has hexagonal structure and shows three-dimensional hierarchical network structure. The anode electrochemical properties of MoS2/graphene composite and pure MoS2 were measured and analyzed by galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling vs. Na/Na+ at different current densities in 0.05–3.0[Formula: see text]V. Compared to pure MoS2, MoS2/graphene composite demonstrates great specific capacity (509[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text] at the current rate about 0.3 C), excellent rate capability (305[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text] at the maximum current rate 5 C) and relatively good cycle-life (capacity reached 84% after 100 cycles). Moreover, the facile synthesis strategy of MoS2/graphene can provide a reference for designing other transition metal chalcogenides composites containing graphene for high performance SIBs.
Application of simulated annealing genetic algorithm-optimized back propagation (BP) neural network in fault diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Li Weilin , Wu Xiaohua , Lv Xiaofeng
Published: July 2019

Optimal weights are usually obtained in neural network through a fixed network conformation, which affects the practicality of the network. Aiming at the shortage of conformation design and weight training algorithm in neural network application, the back propagation (BP) neural network learning algorithm combined with simulated annealing genetic algorithm (SAGA) is put forward. The multi-point genetic optimization of neural network topology and network weights is performed using hierarchical coding schemes and genetic operations. The simulated annealing mechanism is incorporated into the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize the design and optimization of neural network conformation and network weights simultaneously. The SAGA takes advantage of GA excellent ability in grasping the overall ability of the search process, also uses the SA algorithm to control the convergence of the algorithm to avoid premature phenomenon. The fault diagnosis of one certain on-board electrical control box of helicopter and one certain flight control box of aircraft autopilot were used as a test platform to simulate the algorithm. The simulation conclusions reveal that the algorithm has good convergence rate and high diagnostic accurateness.
Design and Optimization of Skyrmion-Based Racetrack Memory by Overcoming Clogging and Annihilation of Skyrmion Signals
Authors: Zhao Li , Qiu Lei , Zhao Guoping , Lai Ping , Ran Nian , Liang Xue , Shen Laichuan , Wang Fang
Published: July 2019

Magnetic skyrmions are promising building blocks for next generation data storage due to their stability, small size and extremely low currents to drive them. Skyrmion-based metallic racetrack memory has potential to replace traditional domain walls to store information as data bits, in which, however, skyrmions can drift from the direction of electron flow due to the Magnus force. In addition, skyrmion-edge effect at the end of the racetrack can cause the clogging of the skyrmions at the end of the racetrack. Here, we show that the clogging of skyrmion signals can be avoided by adding various kinds of notch at the end of the racetracks. On the other hand, by adding high-[Formula: see text] materials (materials with high magnetic crystalline anisotropy) at the edges, the skyrmions can be confined in the center region of the metallic racetrack successfully. This design can overcome the problems of both clogging and annihilation according to our micromagnetic simulation. As a result, skyrmions can pass the right end of the racetrack efficiently at a very high speed (100–300[Formula: see text]m/s), whereas the driving current is much smaller in comparison with other racetrack design. Besides, we study the influence of the uneven part at the joint of the high-[Formula: see text] material and the CoPt racetrack on the skyrmionic motion. It is found that at the joint between the high-[Formula: see text] material and the CoPt racetrack, the concave part basically does not affect the passage of skyrmion, but the convex part does when the length and width of the convex part reach a certain value. The results show that the design has high feasibility.
"Are you an influencer, or a lurker? why not both! understanding alternate, opposite behaviors in complex social network systems" by Diego Perna, Roberto Interdonato, and Andrea Tagarelli with Martin Vesely as coordinator
Authors: Perna Diego , Interdonato Roberto , Tagarelli Andrea
Published: July 2019

Nowadays, the massive and horizontal diffusion of online social networks (OSNs) allows users to uncover different aspects about themselves through the use of multiple online platforms. In this respect, linking the accounts related to the same individual enables a more complete and thorough analysis of online behaviors. Indeed, the complexity of scenarios concerning the analysis of linked accounts across multiple platforms raises an emergence for developing effective models and methods to understand the characteristics and dynamics of multiple, interconnected types of user relations. In this context, we leverage the importance of studying the dichotomy between information-producers (contributors) and information-consumers (lurkers), and their interplay over a multilayer network, in order to effectively analyze the different roles a user may take on different OSNs. In particular, here we discuss a solution to the problem of identifying and characterizing opposite behaviors that users may alternately exhibit over the various layers of a complex social network system. We also recognize a number of application domains and tasks that can benefit from using the method discussed, including user engagement, information filtering and propagation for advertising, and targeted marketing campaigns.
A Deep Learning-Based Model for Head and Eye Motion Generation in Three-party Conversations
Authors: Jin Aobo , Deng Qixin , Zhang Yuting , Deng Zhigang
Published: July 2019

In this paper we propose a novel deep learning based approach to generate realistic three-party head and eye motions based on novel acoustic speech input together with speaker marking (i.e., speaking time for each interlocutor). Specifically, we first acquire a high quality, three-party conversational motion dataset. Then, based on the acquired dataset, we train a deep learning based framework to automatically predict the dynamic directions of both the eyes and heads of all the interlocutors based on speech signal input. Via the combination of existing lip-sync and speech-driven hand/body gesture generation algorithms, we can generate realistic three-party conversational animations. Through many experiments and comparative user studies, we demonstrate that our approach can generate realistic three-party head-and-eye motions based on novel speech recorded on new subjects with different genders and ethnicities.
An Efficient Geometric Multigrid Solver for Viscous Liquids
Authors: Aanjaneya Mridul , Han Chengguizi , Goldade Ryan , Batty Christopher
Published: July 2019

We present an efficient geometric Multigrid solver for simulating viscous liquids based on the variational approach of Batty and Bridson [2008]. Although the governing equations for viscosity are elliptic, the strong coupling between different velocity components in the discrete stencils mandates the use of more exotic smoothing techniques to achieve textbook Multigrid efficiency. Our key contribution is the design of a novel box smoother involving small and sparse systems (at most 9 x 9 in 2D and 15 x 15 in 3D), which yields excellent convergence rates and performance improvements of 3.5x - 13.8x over a naïve Multigrid approach. We employ a hybrid approach by using a direct solver only inside the box smoother and keeping the remaining pipeline assembly-free, allowing our solver to efficiently accommodate more than 194 million degrees of freedom, while occupying a memory footprint of less than 16 GB. To reduce the computational overhead of using the box smoother, we precompute the Cholesky factorization of the subdomain system matrix for all interior degrees of freedom. We describe how the variational formulation, which requires volume weights computed at the centers of cells, edges, and faces, can be naturally accommodated in the Multigrid hierarchy to properly enforce boundary conditions. Our proposed Multigrid solver serves as an excellent preconditioner for Conjugate Gradients, outperforming existing state-of-the-art alternatives. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method on several high resolution examples of viscous liquid motion including two-way coupled interactions with rigid bodies.
Coordinating Multi-Agent Navigation by Learning Communication
Authors: Hildreth Dalton , Guy Stephen J.
Published: July 2019

This work presents a decentralized multi-agent navigation approach that allows agents to coordinate their motion through local communication. Our approach allows agents to develop their own emergent language of communication through an optimization process that simultaneously determines what agents say in response to their spatial observations and how agents interpret communication from others to update their motion. We apply our communication approach together with the TTC-Forces crowd simulation algorithm (a recent, high performing, anticipatory collision technique) and show a significant decrease in congestion and bottle-necking of agents, especially in scenarios where agents benefit from close coordination. In addition to reaching their goals faster, agents using our approach show coordinated behaviors including greeting, flocking, following, and grouping. Furthermore, we observe that communication strategies optimized for one scenario often continue to provide time-efficient, coordinated motion between agents when applied to different scenarios. This suggests that the agents are learning to generalize strategies for coordination through their communication "language".
Compiling with continuations, or without? whatever.
Authors: Cong Youyou , Osvald Leo , Essertel Grégory M. , Rompf Tiark
Published: July 2019

What makes a good compiler IR? In the context of functional languages, there has been an extensive debate on the advantages and disadvantages of continuation-passing-style (CPS). The consensus seems to be that some form of explicit continuations is necessary to model jumps in a functional style, but that they should have a 2nd-class status, separate from regular functions, to ensure efficient code generation. Building on this observation, a recent study from PLDI 2017 proposed a direct-style IR with explicit join points, which essentially represent local continuations, i.e., functions that do not return or escape. While this IR can work well in practice, as evidenced by the implementation of join points in the Glasgow Haskell Compiler (GHC), there still seems to be room for improvement, especially with regard to the way continuations are handled in the course of optimization.

In this paper, we contribute to the CPS debate by developing a novel IR with the following features. First, we integrate a control operator that resembles Felleisen’s
C
, eliminating certain redundant rewrites observed in the previous study. Second, we treat the non-returning and non-escaping aspects of continuations separately, allowing efficient compilation of well-behaved functions defined by the user. Third, we define a selective CPS translation of our IR, which erases control operators while preserving the meaning and typing of programs. These features enable optimizations in both direct style and full CPS, as well as in any intermediate style with selectively exposed continuations. Thus, we change the spectrum of available options from “CPS yes or no” to “as much or as little CPS as you want, when you want it”.
Equations reloaded: high-level dependently-typed functional programming and proving in Coq
Authors: Sozeau Matthieu , Mangin Cyprien
Published: July 2019

Equations is a plugin for the Coq proof assistant which provides a notation for defining programs by dependent pattern-matching and structural or well-founded recursion. It additionally derives useful high-level proof principles for demonstrating properties about them, abstracting away from the implementation details of the function and its compiled form. We present a general design and implementation that provides a robust and expressive function definition package as a definitional extension to the Coq kernel. At the core of the system is a new simplifier for dependent equalities based on an original handling of the no-confusion property of constructors.
Coherence of type class resolution
Authors: Bottu Gert-Jan , Xie Ningning , Marntirosian Koar , Schrijvers Tom
Published: July 2019

Elaboration-based type class resolution, as found in languages like Haskell, Mercury and PureScript, is generally nondeterministic: there can be multiple ways to satisfy a wanted constraint in terms of global instances and locally given constraints. Coherence is the key property that keeps this sane; it guarantees that, despite the nondeterminism, programs still behave predictably. Even though elaboration-based resolution is generally assumed coherent, as far as we know, there is no formal proof of this property in the presence of sources of nondeterminism, like superclasses and flexible contexts.

This paper provides a formal proof to remedy the situation. The proof is non-trivial because the semantics elaborates resolution into a target language where different elaborations can be distinguished by contexts that do not have a source language counterpart. Inspired by the notion of full abstraction, we present a two-step strategy that first elaborates nondeterministically into an intermediate language that preserves contextual equivalence, and then deterministically elaborates from there into the target language. We use an approach based on logical relations to establish contextual equivalence and thus coherence for the first step of elaboration, while the second step’s determinism straightforwardly preserves this coherence property.
From high-level inference algorithms to efficient code
Authors: Walia Rajan , Narayanan Praveen , Carette Jacques , Tobin-Hochstadt Sam , Shan Chung-chieh
Published: July 2019

Probabilistic programming languages are valuable because they allow domain experts to express probabilistic models and inference algorithms without worrying about irrelevant details. However, for decades there remained an important and popular class of probabilistic inference algorithms whose efficient implementation required manual low-level coding that is tedious and error-prone. They are algorithms whose idiomatic expression requires random array variables that are
latent
or whose likelihood is
conjugate
. Although that is how practitioners communicate and compose these algorithms on paper, executing such expressions requires
eliminating
the latent variables and
recognizing
the conjugacy by symbolic mathematics. Moreover, matching the performance of handwritten code requires speeding up loops by more than a constant factor.

We show how probabilistic programs that directly and concisely express these desired inference algorithms can be compiled while maintaining efficiency. We introduce new transformations that turn high-level probabilistic programs with arrays into pure loop code. We then make great use of domain-specific invariants and norms to optimize the code, and to specialize and JIT-compile the code per execution. The resulting performance is competitive with manual implementations.
Sound and robust solid modeling via exact real arithmetic and continuity
Authors: Sherman Benjamin , Michel Jesse , Carbin Michael
Published: July 2019

Algorithms for solid modeling, i.e., Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and computer graphics, are often specified on real numbers and then implemented with finite-precision arithmetic, such as floating-point. The result is that these implementations do not soundly compute the results that are expected from their specifications.

We present a new library, StoneWorks, that provides sound and robust solid modeling primitives. We implement StoneWorks in MarshallB, a pure functional programming language for exact real arithmetic in which types denote topological spaces and functions denote continuous maps, ensuring that all programs are sound and robust. We developed MarshallB as an extension of the Marshall language.

We also define a new shape representation,
compact representation
(
K-rep
), that enables constructions such as Minkowski sum and analyses such as Hausdorff distance that are not possible with traditional representations. K-rep is a nondeterminism monad for describing all the points in a shape.

With our library, language, and representation together, we show that short StoneWorks programs can specify and execute sound and robust solid modeling algorithms and tasks.
Implementing a modal dependent type theory
Authors: Gratzer Daniel , Sterling Jonathan , Birkedal Lars
Published: July 2019

Modalities are everywhere in programming and mathematics! Despite this, however, there are still significant technical challenges in formulating a core dependent type theory with modalities. We present a dependent type theoryMLTT🔒supporting the connectives of standard Martin-Löf Type Theory as well as anS4-style necessity operator.MLTT🔒supports a smooth interaction between modal and dependent types and provides a common basis for the use of modalities in programming and in synthetic mathematics. We design and prove the soundness and completeness of a type checking algorithm forMLTT🔒, using a novel extension of normalization by evaluation. We have also implemented our algorithm in a prototype proof assistant forMLTT🔒, demonstrating the ease of applying our techniques.
Diversifying Future-Making Through Itinerative Design
Authors: Pearson Jennifer , Robinson Simon , Reitmaier Thomas , Jones Matt , Joshi Anirudha
Published: July 2019

“Designed in California” is a brand statement used by high-tech manufacturers to denote provenance and cachet of digital innovation and modernity. In this paper, we explore philosophically alternate design perspectives to those this statement embodies, reporting and reflecting on a long-term multi-sited project that seeks to diversify future-making by engaging communities of “emergent” users in “developing” regions. We argue that digital technologies are typically created with a design lens firmly focused on “first world” populations, assuming a base set of cultural norms, resource availabilities, and technological experience levels that do not strongly align with those of emergent users. We discuss and argue for inclusive technology design methods, present our approach, and detail indicative results and case studies as an example of the potential of these perspectives in uncovering radical innovations. Distilling findings and lessons learned, we present a methodology—itinerative design—that pivots between emergent user communities across multiple regions, driving digital innovation through the periphery of mainstream design’s current remit.
Correlation between the Joint Roughness Coefficient and Rock Joint Statistical Parameters at Different Sampling Intervals
Authors: Huang Man , Xia Cia-chu , Sha Peng , Ma Cheng-rong , Du Shi-gui
Published: July 2019

Joint roughness coefficient (JRC) is a major factor that affects the mechanical properties of rock joints. Statistical methods that are used to calculate the JRC increasingly depend on a sampling interval (Δx). The variation rules of fitting parameters a, b, and b/a at different Δx values were analyzed on the basis of the relationship between the JRC and statistical parameter Z2. The relationship between the fitting parameters a and b was deduced in accordance with the ten standard profiles proposed by Barton. Empirical formulas for the JRC, Z2, and Δx were also established. The estimation accuracy of the JRC was the highest in the analysis of Δx values within 0.1–5.0 mm. JRC tests were conducted through inverse value comparative analysis. Results showed that the outcome calculated using the general formula and the JRC inverse values demonstrate improved agreement and verify the rationality of the general formula. The proposed formula can perform rapid and simple JRC calculation within the Δx range of 0.1–5.0 mm using Z2, thereby indicating favorable application prospects.
Adaptive Freeshape Clustering for Balanced Energy Saving in the WirelessHART Networks
Authors: Xiao Guangbing , Shi Jiamin , Sun Ning , Chen Yong , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2019

The frequent data convergecasting from the sensor nodes to the gateways may cause imbalanced energy consumption in the Wireless Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (WirelessHART) networks, yielding a short network lifetime and frequent failures in the data acquisition. Existing solutions always tend to tradeoff between the hardware cost, routing complexity, and energy consumption, making the sensor nodes suffer from expensive hardware investment, overloaded network computation, or imbalanced energy consumption. In this paper, an Adaptive Freeshape Clustering (AFC) protocol is developed for saving and balancing the energy consumption in the WirelessHART networks. In AFC, the Region of Interest (RoI) is first divided into several fan‐shaped clusters. The sensor nodes in each fan‐shaped cluster compete for the positions of Cell Node (CN), and the nodes that have succeeded in the competition adjust the radius of their coverages to cover the fan‐shaped clusters adaptively with the minimum overlapped areas. In this way, each fan‐shaped cluster can be subdivided into several freeshape zones regarding each CN’s coverage, and the CN in each cluster takes charge of convergecasting the data to the CH. The simulations show that AFC can prolong the network lifetime by 37% compared with other related schemes, e.g., HEED, FLOODING, and DIRECT, whereas it can reduce the degree of energy imbalance by 1.29%.
Approach to Multicriteria Group Decision Making with Z‐Numbers Based on TOPSIS and Power Aggregation Operators
Authors: Wang Feng , Mao Junjun
Published: July 2019

Decisions strongly rely on information, so the information must be reliable, yet most of the real‐world information is imprecise and uncertain. The reliability of the information about decision analysis should be measured. Z‐number, which incorporates a restraint of evaluation on investigated objects and the corresponding degree of confidence, is considered as a powerful tool to characterize this information. In this paper, we develop a novel approach based on TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method and the power aggregation operators for solving the multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problem where the weight information for decision makers (DMs) and criteria is incomplete. In the MCGDM, the evaluation information made by DMs is represented in the form of linguistic terms and the following calculation is performed using Z‐numbers. First, we establish an optimization model based on similarity measure to determine the weights of DMs and a linear programming model with partial weight information provided by DMs based on distance measure to determine the weights of criteria. Subsequently, decision matrices from all the DMs are aggregated into a comprehensive evaluation matrix utilizing the proposed ZWAPA operator or ZWGPA operator. Then, those considered alternatives are ranked in accordance with TOPSIS idea and the feature of Z‐evaluation. Finally, a practical example about supplier selection is given to demonstrate the detailed implementation process of the proposed approach, and the feasibility and validity of the approach are verified by comparisons with some existing approaches.
Roller Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Adaptive Sparsest Narrow‐Band Decomposition and MMC‐FCH
Authors: Peng Yanfeng , Chen Junhang , Liu Yanfei , Cheng Junsheng , Yang Yu , Kuanfang He , Wang Guangbin , Liu Yi
Published: July 2019

Adaptive sparsest narrow‐band decomposition (ASNBD) method is proposed based on matching pursuit (MP) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD). ASNBD obtains the local narrow‐band (LNB) components during the optimization process. Firstly, an optimal filter is designed. The parameter vector in the filter is obtained during optimization. The optimized objective function is a regulated singular local linear operator so that each obtained component is limited to be a LNB signal. Afterward, a component is generated by filtering the original signal with the optimized filter. Compared with MP, ASNBD is superior in both the physical meaning and the adaptivity. Drawbacks in EMD such as end effect and mode mixing are reduced in the proposed method because the application of interpolation function is not required. To achieve the fault diagnosis of roller bearings, raw signals are decomposed by ASNBD at first. Then, appropriate features of the decomposed results are chosen by applying distance evaluation technique (DET). Afterward, different faults are recognized by utilizing maximum margin classification based on flexible convex hulls (MMC‐FCH). Comparisons between EMD and ASNBD show that the proposed method performs better in the antinoise performance, accuracy, orthogonality, and extracting the fault features of roller bearings.
Carboplatin in Combination with Oral or Intravenous Etoposide for Extra-Pulmonary, Poorly-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinomas
Authors: Frizziero Melissa , Spada Francesca , Lamarca Angela , Kordatou Zoe , Barriuso Jorge , Nuttall Christina , McNamara Mairéad G. , Hubner Richard A. , Mansoor Wasat , Manoharan Prakash , Fazio Nicola , Valle Juan W.
Published: July 2019

Background: Carboplatin-etoposide (CarboEtop) is a 1st-line option for patients with advanced extra-pulmonary (EP), poorly-differentiated (PD) neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). Different schedules are used in clinical practice and randomised evidence is lacking. Objectives: To provide real-life outcomes of carboplatin combined with oral or intravenous (IV) etoposide (Etop) in advanced EP-PD-NEC, from 2 specialist centres. Methods: Activity/efficacy/toxicity data of CarboEtop were collected retrospectively and analysed. Results: We identified 113 patients; median age: 65.8 years; male: 64%; gastro-entero-pancreatic origin: 54%; stage IV: 90%; median Ki-67: 70%; median follow-up: 11.5 months. A total of 123 courses of CarboEtop (oral: 45%; IV: 55%) were administered; 106 (86%) 1st-line, 16 (13%) 2nd-line, and 1 (1%) 3rd-line. Disease control rate: 74.5% in 1st-line and 69.2% in 2nd/3rd-line, with no significant difference between oral and IV Etop in 1st-line (69.8 vs. 80.8%, p = 0.237). Median progression-free survival (PFS): 6.0 and 4.5 months in 1st-line and 2nd/3rd-line, respectively. Overall survival (OS): 11.5 and 12.5 months in 1st-line and 2nd/3rd-line, respectively. The schedule (oral versus IV Etop) did not impact on 1st-line PFS (5.6 vs. 6.2 months, p = 0.179), although there was a trend towards shorter OS (8.9 vs. 12.1 months, p = 0.069). Liver metastases correlated with worse 1st-line PFS (p = 0.015) and 1st-line OS (p < 0.001) on multivariable analysis. The commonest grade 3–4 adverse event was myelosuppression (49%), with comparable toxicity between oral and IV Etop, except for venous thromboembolism (12.5 vs. 1.7%, p = 0.04). Conclusions: CarboEtop for advanced EP-PD-NEC is active, effective, and well-tolerated. Oral and IV Etop schedules are associated with comparable toxicity; activity should be compared in larger cohorts.
The Matrine Derivate MASM Inhibits Recruitment of Gr1hi Monocyte and Alleviates Liver Injury
Authors: Xu Wei-Heng , Xu Jing , Xie Fang-Yuan , Li Ying-Hua , Hu Zhen-Lin , Zhang Jin-Jin , Lu Bin , Zhang Jun-Ping
Published: July 2019

Backgrounds: (6aS, 10S, 11aR, 11bR, 11cS)-10-methylaminododecahydro-3a, 7a-diaza-benzo (de) anthracene-8-thione (MASM), a novel derivative of matrine, exhibits better anti-inflammatory activity. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of MASM on acute and chronic liver injuries and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods: Acute and chronic liver injury models were established by the CCl4 intraperitoneal injection and the protective effect of MASM was assessed by biochemical and histological examination. The infiltration of different monocyte subsets into the liver was characterized and analyzed by flow cytometry. The in vitro effect of MASM on liver nonparenchymal cells was evaluated by real-time PCR and transwell chemotaxis assays. Results: Administration of MASM markedly attenuated acute liver injury and liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 injection. Meanwhile, the infiltrations of Gr1hi monocytes in injured livers and induced hepatic expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were greatly inhibited. Cellular experiments demonstrated that MASM not only decreased the expression of MCP-1 but also inhibited its chemotactic activity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the protective effect of MASM on liver injury could be contributed to the suppression of Gr1hi monocyte infiltration to the liver and the inhibition of MCP-1 production and activity. These findings provide new insights into the protective role of MASM in liver injury.
Right-to-Left Shunt and the Clinical Features of Migraine with Aura: Earlier but Not More
Authors: Altamura Claudia , Paolucci Matteo , Costa Carmelina Maria , Brunelli Nicoletta , Cascio Rizzo Angelo , Cecchi Gianluca , Vernieri Fabrizio
Published: July 2019

Background: The causal relationship between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine with aura (MA) is controversial. We aimed at exploring whether attack clinical features relate to the presence of right-to-left shunt (RLS) in MA patients. Methods: We retrospectively examined a cohort of consecutive patients diagnosed with MA in our headache center and undergoing transcranial doppler (TCD) for RLS detection. We collected from our clinical electronic dossiers, clinical features of MA attacks (type, frequency, duration of aura phenomenon, trigger factors, onset age), family history for MA, thrombophilia genotypes, and the response to preventive treatments. RLS was stratified for severity according to the results of the TCD examination. Results: We found 111 patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that among features of MA attacks, only onset age was associated with the presence of RLS (p < 0.0001). Patients with RLS presented the first MA attack at a younger age (p < 0.0001). The greater RLS severity, the younger was onset age (p < 0.00001) and the presence of atrial septal aneurysms (ASA) was associated with a further decrease in onset age (ρ = –539, p < 0.00001). Family history for MA was associated with the presence of RLS (chi-square p = 0.022). Response to preventive treatments was not influenced by the type of treatment (antiplatelet compared with no antiplatelet drugs), comorbidity with migraine without aura, RLS presence, or by their double interactions (Logistic regression, consistently p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings support the hypothesis that although PFO does not influence MA attack frequency, it is not merely a bystander in MA physiopathology, as RLS, its severity, and the presence of ASA possibly make a difference in the disease history.