bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3-D Impact Time and Angle Control Guidance Law Based on Sliding Mode without Speed Control
Authors: Zhang Zhongqiu , You Jun , Han Zhiguo
Published: October 2023

In modern warship, coordinated combat strategies require missiles hit targets simultaneously, sometimes even require angle constraints, which is difficult to replicate in three-dimensional (3-D) models. This paper proposes a novel 3-D sliding mode guidance law with multiple constraints. First, the 3-D no-thrust guidance model is derived in the coordinate system with [Formula: see text]-axis upward. Second, a novel guidance strategy is proposed. In pitch direction, a fast nonsingular sliding mode surface algorithm is proposed to satisfy the desired line-of-sight elevation angle. In yaw direction, based on the guidance conditions, a special sliding mode surface is proposed, which can achieve desired line-of-sight azimuth angle and desired impact time when reaching the sliding surface. Finally, simulations and comparisons verify the good performance.
Fast Detection Technology of Abnormal Out-of-Tolerance Meters Based on Fit Model Theory
Authors: Chen Hao , Du Xingang , Peng Chuning , Liu Jing
Published: October 2023

During the use process of electricity meters, natural aging faults or human factors can cause abnormalities in the metering of electricity meters. Some existing detection algorithms for abnormal electricity meters cannot detect abnormal out-of-tolerance electricity meters quickly and timely due to their slow computing speed. To address this issue, a rapid detection technology for abnormal out-of-tolerance electricity meters based on FIT model theory is proposed. Firstly, collect the power data in the power metering device to detect and fill in the missing power metering data. Secondly, according to the demand for power metering error detection, an objective function for error detection is constructed. Finally, genetic algorithms are used to search for the optimal configuration parameters of the model, and filtering strategies are formulated based on residual and other data to reduce the search space. The residual data are smoothed and denoised in the search space, and the power metering error detection is completed by solving the extreme value of the objective function. Compared to previous fit search algorithms, this algorithm can reduce the average detection time of a single substation area to about 30 s and achieve a high hit rate of over 98% and a high-precision out-of-tolerance calculation range within an absolute difference of 0.005 for computable substation areas.
Software Industry Perception of Technical Debt and Its Management
Authors: Apa Cecilia , Solari Martín , Vallespir Diego , Travassos Guilherme Horta
Published: October 2023

Technical debt (TD) expresses the lack of internal quality directly affecting software evolution. Therefore, it has gained the attention of software researchers and practitioners recently. Software researchers have performed empirical studies to observe the perspective of TD in different software cultures and organizations. However, it is important to replicate such studies in more places and with more practitioners to strengthen the perception of TD. In this paper, we present the results of a set of new research questions from an evolved survey design of a survey replication in the Uruguayan software industry to characterize how the software industry professionals understand, perceive, and adopt TD management (TDM) activities. The results allow us to observe that different participant contexts (startups, government, job roles) show different levels of awareness and perception of TD. Details in the form of the adoption of each TDM activity were presented. We could observe some difficulties in conducting some TDM activities that the practitioners consider very important, especially in TDM and monitoring. Differences in specific organizational contexts like startups and government could indicate the need for research efforts in other software engineering communities that meet their specific TD challenges and needs.
Search for a three-proton resonance state in d+12C, α+12C and 12C+12C collisions at 3.37AGeV
Authors: Olimov Kosim , Esanmurodov Otamurod , Olimov Khusniddin K. , Kholbutaev Sherzod , Yuldashev Bekhzod S.
Published: October 2023

The new experimental results on the search and study of formation of a possible three-proton resonance state in a target fragmentation region in the total ensemble of collisions of deuterons (2H), [Formula: see text]-particles (4He), and carbon-12 nuclei with target carbon-12 nuclei at incident kinetic energy 3.37[Formula: see text]GeV per nucleon are presented. The narrow peak structure of a possible three-proton resonance state was observed with a four-sigma statistical significance in the spectrum of invariant masses of three protons in the analyzed ensemble of collisions in the collision events with four protons in the final state. The peak structure was not visible in the other channels with the number of protons equal 3, 5, and [Formula: see text]. The mass and width of this possible three-proton resonance state were estimated to be [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV/[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV/[Formula: see text]. The inclusive cross-section of formation of this possible resonance state was estimated to be [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mb. It was deduced that the three-proton resonances could possibly be formed as a result of capture by a two-proton resonance (with mass [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV/[Formula: see text]) of one more proton with a close velocity. The observed three-proton as well as two-proton resonances are likely to be the hadronic molecules. Taking into account an alpha cluster structure of carbon-12 nuclei, one of the possible mechanisms of formation of three-proton resonances could be the effective fusing of pair of protons with opposite spins, from one fragmenting alpha cluster, with a proton, originating from the second fragmenting alpha cluster.
MODEL-FREE WEAK NO-ARBITRAGE AND SUPERHEDGING UNDER TRANSACTION COSTS BEYOND EFFICIENT FRICTION
Authors: RYOM SONGCHOL , RI INCHOL
Published: October 2023

The paper is continuation of Kim and Ryom (2022), in which a pathwise superhedging duality was proved for multidimensional contingent claims under model-free strict no-arbitrage and efficient frictions. We consider a two-dimensional market with transaction costs beyond efficient friction in a model-free framework. We get a condition to hold model-free weak no-arbitrage and prove a superhedging duality under model-free weak no-arbitrage.
Existence and Internal Structure of the Deterministic Attracting Set for a Random Ant Colonies Model
Authors: Wang Hongcui , Xu Chaoqun
Published: October 2023

This paper is concerned with the attracting set of an ant colonies model with bounded noisy perturbation. This perturbation is modeled by the well-known Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process and the arc tangent function. For the random model, we first verify the existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution, and then prove the existence of the deterministic attracting set. Furthermore, in order to reveal more detailed information about the long-time behavior of the ant colonies system, we analyze the internal structure of the attracting set and provide some conditions under which coexistence (or extinction) of the ant species exists in the ant colonies system.
Approximations of Lévy processes by integrated fast oscillating Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes
Authors: Feng Lingyu , Gao Ting , Li Ting , Lin Zhongjie , Liu Xianming
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study a smooth approximation of an arbitrary càdlàg Lévy process. Such approximation processes are known as integrated fast oscillating Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) processes. We know that approximating processes are continuous, while the limit of processes may be discontinuous, so convergence in uniform topology or Skorokhod [Formula: see text]-topology will not hold in general. Therefore, we establish an approximation in Skorokhod [Formula: see text]-topology. Note that the convergence is almost surely, which is an extension result of Hintze and Pavlyukevich.
Uniformly Convergent Numerical Approximation for Parabolic Singularly Perturbed Delay Problems with Turning Points
Authors: Sharma Amit , Rai Pratima , Yadav Swati
Published: October 2023

We construct and analyze a second-order parameter uniform numerical method for parabolic singularly perturbed space-delay problems with interior turning point. The considered problem’s solution possesses an interior layer in addition to twin boundary layers due to the presence of delay. Some theoretical estimates on derivatives of the analytical solution, which are useful for conducting the error analysis, are given. The proposed technique employs an upwind scheme on a fitted Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh in the spatial variable and implicit-Euler scheme on a uniform mesh in the time variable. This discretization of the problem is shown to be uniformly convergent of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the step size in the temporal direction and [Formula: see text] denotes the number of mesh-intervals in the spatial direction. Further, to improve the accuracy, we make use of Richardson extrapolation and establish parameter-uniform convergence of [Formula: see text] for the resulting scheme. Numerical experiments are performed over two test problems for validation of the theoretical predictions.
Cosmology with the late time isotropy of the Bianchi type I model in f(R,T) theory
Authors: Shukla Bhupendra Kumar , Tiwari R. K. , Beesham A. , Sofuoğlu D.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we consider the Bianchi type I model in the framework of [Formula: see text] gravity theory. We solve the field equations with the help of an anisotropy parameter that can show the anisotropic behavior of the universe in the past and its approximation to isotropy today. For two different models, we examine the phase transition in the expansion of the universe by analyzing some cosmologic parameters. We conduct our investigation by applying the Markov Chain Monte-Carlo analysis and Bayesian technique to the Cosmic Chronometer, Phanteon and BAO datasets, taking into account the observational constraints on the parameters. We show that the two different models we obtained explain the transition from the slowing phase to the accelerating phase in the expansion of the universe, that the models behave in harmony with the [Formula: see text]CDM model today, and that the current values of the cosmological parameters predicted by the models are compatible with the values indicated by the observations and we conclude that the Model-I is more compatible than the Model-II in this conformity.
A Thermodynamic Strength Theoretical Model to Explain and Predict Pseudo-Ductility Behavior of SiCf/SiC Composite Material
Authors: Xu Ze , Liu Yulan , Wang Biao
Published: October 2023

In order to explain and predict the pseudo-ductility behavior and mechanical properties of [Formula: see text] composite material, a thermodynamic strength theoretical model based on fracture mechanics and thermodynamic method has been established. Compared with other theoretical models, the model proposed in this investigation unifies different cracks and defects based on energy method. Meanwhile, the stress–strain behavior of materials can be obtained with as few parameters as possible. Compared with previous experimental data, the correctness of this theoretical model has been verified. Some key material properties, such as elastic modulus, proportional limit stress (PLS) and yield stress (YS), have been investigated by calculating based on the theoretical model. The effect of the initial matrix porosity and the material properties of the matrix and fiber have been investigated. Results show that PLS and YS are almost not influenced by initial matrix porosity and can be seen as intrinsic parameters. Elastic modulus of the SiC reinforced fiber and the matrix can also affect material properties. Compared with the SiC matrix, PLS of the [Formula: see text] composite material is more sensitive to changes in elastic modulus of the SiC reinforced fiber. However, the improvement of elastic modulus and shear modulus of the [Formula: see text] composite material is much more difficult. For this purpose, the elastic modulus of both the SiC reinforced fiber and the matrix need to be enhanced. Results and conclusions in this investigation can provide guidance for predicting material properties of [Formula: see text] composite material and preparation in industry.
Simulation and fabrication of titanium dioxide thin films for supercapacitor electrode applications
Authors: Harish S. , Hamza Muhammad , Sathyakam P. Uma , Kumar Annamalai Senthil
Published: October 2023

Nanostructured thin-film electrode materials are proposed for supercapacitors due to their outstanding performance over bulk materials. In this work, we fabricated a TiO2 nanotube film over a titanium foil using a top-down approach for supercapacitor electrodes. We noticed that the fabricated nanotubes are uniform and well aligned, confirmed by FESEM; the TiO2 nanotube parameters were further simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulations show an areal capacitance of 1.19393 pF/cm2 with oxidation and reduction peak currents of 6.18921×10[Formula: see text] A and −6.0320×10[Formula: see text] A, respectively, at 10 mV/s scan rate. The as-prepared nanotubes show a poor areal capacitance of 1.0193 F/cm2, which is improved to 12.8764 F/cm2 at a scan rate of 10 mV/s, that is approximately 12.63 times with oxidation and reduction peak currents of 0.129 mA/cm2 and −0.105 mA/cm2, respectively, by performing an electrochemical etching. Further, the surface roughness of both as-prepared and etched samples is studied to comment on their surface area changes. The effect of the etched sample is studied, compared and validated with simulation, which reveals that the etched TiO2 nanotubes thin-film sample shows considerable similarity with the simulation results.
Stress analysis of laminated and sandwich beams subjected to concentrated load by using quasi-two-dimensional theory
Authors: Ghugal Yuwaraj M. , Ruocco Eugenio , Gajbhiye Param D. , Bhaiya Vishisht , Yelve Nitesh P.
Published: October 2023

This study presents a quasi-two-dimensional higher-order shear deformation theory for stress and displacement analysis of isotropic, laminated, and sandwich beams subjected to concentrated load. The assumed displacement field includes the effect of transverse shear and normal deformations. The condition of zero transverse shear stresses on the upper and lower surface of beams is satisfied, hence the present formulation does not require the shear correction factor generally associated with first-order models. By applying the principle of virtual work, the governing equations and boundary conditions for laminated and sandwich beams are derived. Transverse shear and normal stresses are determined from the stress-equilibrium equations of elasticity theory. The transverse stresses obtained using this approach satisfy the continuity condition at layer interfaces and the stress boundary conditions at the external surfaces. The outcomes of the present theory are compared with those of third-order, and first-order shear deformation models, and the classical beam model. The results highlight the significant deviation in displacements and stresses of laminated and sandwich beams when normal strain is included in the model, as compared to the prediction made by lower-order models.
A combined theoretical and experimental study of nickel derivative [Daiquiris(nicotinamide-jN1)nickel (II)]-lfumarato-K2O1:O4
Authors: Pandey Anoop Kumar , Chand Satish , Diwedi Apoorva , Singh Vijay , Singh Vinod Kumar , Mishra Vijay Narayan
Published: October 2023

The ground state geometry of the nickel derivative [Daiquiris(nicotinamide-jN1) nickel(II)]-fumarato-K2O1:O4 has been optimized and is being led toward its quantum chemical analysis in this paper. For more accuracy, we used the 6-311[Formula: see text]G (d, p) basis set for C, H, N, and O atoms and the LAN2DZ basis set for Ni. The calculated and experimental infrared (IR) spectra for the title molecule are well correlated, and the correlation factor [Formula: see text] shows that the method effectively interprets the molecule’s IR spectra. The electronic properties such as highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies and associated energy gap have been calculated by Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) approach. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of the molecule describes how interatomic charge transfer results in the formation of bonding–nonbonding interactions. The experimental and calculated Ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectra are compared. We anticipate our work will inspire fresh approaches to the title molecule’s ongoing research.
Machine Learning Methods in BIM-Based Applications — A Review
Authors: Ślusarczyk Grażyna , Strug Barbara
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a survey of machine learning (ML) methods used in applications dedicated to the building and construction industry. A building information modeling (BIM) model, being a database system for civil engineering data, is presented. A representative selection of methods and applications is described. The aim of this paper is to facilitate the continuation of research efforts and to encourage bigger participation of database system researchers in the field of civil engineering.
Semantic Solutions for Democratizing Archaeological and Numismatic Data Analysis
Authors: Oksanen Eljas , Ehrnsten Frida , Rantala Heikki , Hyvönen Eero
Published: October 2023

Museums, heritage agencies and other institutions responsible for managing archaeological cultural heritage across Europe are engaged in developing digital platforms to better open their collections to the public as a common resource for the purposes of discovering, learning about, and sharing our common past. This paper explores the potential of new semantic computing technologies in democratizing not only public access to digital cultural heritage records, but also to computational and Linked Open Data -assisted data analysis and knowledge discovery. As a case study, we consider archaeological and numismatic Open Data services in Finland, and discuss the research results obtained during the ongoing development work for the CoinSampo framework for opening Finnish and international numismatic data. Existing digital cultural heritage services are often built with the needs of professional collections management in mind. The presentation of the records is typically structured after the familiar format established for the printed catalogues of yesteryear, with few analytical tools that would take advantage of the potential of digital data to probe and visualize internal relationships and patterns within the full body of the opened material. CoinSampo, however, will provide scientific tools to new audiences among the non-professional public who have not enjoyed such a level of access to numismatic data. The broad range of target audiences we envisage includes collections managers, who will benefit from enhanced access to their own data for updating records and for error detection and correction, as well as academic researchers interested in using the material in scientific analysis. Importantly, it also includes non-professional groups such as coin collectors, educators, local historians, and the archaeological hobby metal-detectorists who produce most of the new coin finds entering the national collections in Finland and in other European countries where detecting is legal. By adopting a citizen science and participatory heritage approach in the development of Open Data services, we aim to promote a technological model for cultural heritage dissemination that addresses the needs of a wide spectrum of different user audiences inside and outside the professional sphere.
Co-Located Human–Human Interaction Analysis Using Nonverbal Cues: A Survey
Authors: Beyan Cigdem , Vinciarelli Alessandro , Bue Alessio Del
Published: October 2023

Automated co-located human–human interaction analysis has been addressed by the use of nonverbal communication as measurable evidence of social and psychological phenomena. We survey the computing studies (since 2010) detecting phenomena related to social traits (e.g., leadership, dominance, and personality traits), social roles/relations, and interaction dynamics (e.g., group cohesion, engagement, and rapport). Our target is to identify the nonverbal cues and computational methodologies resulting in effective performance. This survey differs from its counterparts by involving the widest spectrum of social phenomena and interaction settings (free-standing conversations, meetings, dyads, and crowds). We also present a comprehensive summary of the related datasets and outline future research directions, which are regarding the implementation of artificial intelligence, dataset curation, and privacy-preserving interaction analysis. Some major observations are: the most often used nonverbal cue, computational method, interaction environment, and sensing approach are speaking activity, support vector machines, and meetings composed of 3–4 persons equipped with microphones and cameras, respectively; multimodal features are prominently performing better; deep learning architectures showed improved performance in overall, but there exist many phenomena whose detection has never been implemented through deep models. We also identified several limitations such as the lack of scalable benchmarks, annotation reliability tests, cross-dataset experiments, and explainability analysis.
Effects of Nurses’ Perceptions of Patient Safety Rules and Procedures on Their Patient Safety Performance: The Mediating Roles of Communication about Errors and Coworker Support
Authors: Seo Ja-Kyung , Lee Seung Eun
Published: October 2023

Aim. This study aimed to (a) examine the relationship between staff nurses’ perceptions of patient safety rules and procedures and their patient safety performance and (b) investigate potential mediators of this relationship. Background. Implementation of effective management interventions to improve patient safety requires knowledge of the extent to which nurses’ perceptions of a hospital’s rules and procedures regarding patient safety affect their patient safety performance. Methods. This correlational study involved a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from 1,053 staff nurses in South Korea. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed mediation model. Five standardized measures were used to assess key study variables: patient safety compliance, patient safety participation, nurses’ perceptions of patient safety rules and procedures, communication about errors, and coworker support. Cronbach’s alpha values for the scales ranged from 0.82 to 0.90. Results. Nurses’ perceptions regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of rules and procedures about patient safety were positively related to their patient safety performance, measured in terms of safety compliance and participation behaviors. Communication about errors and coworker support showed significant mediating effects on these relationships. Conclusions. The findings indicate that the implementation of effective and useful rules and procedures for improving patient safety would facilitate error communication and coworker support, enhancing nurses’ patient safety performance. Implications for Nursing Management. Hospital administrators and nurse managers should consider how they can foster conditions in which nurses perceive rules and procedures regarding patient safety as useful and effective.
Understanding the Impact of Community Family Physician Contracting (CFPC) on Community Medical Resources Consumption: A Case Study from Beijing in China
Authors: Li Lele , He Xiaotong , Xian Yifeng
Published: October 2023

Object. In order to achieve Healthy China 2030 and an effective and sequential diagnosis and treatment system, family doctor contracting is a crucial strategy for improving graded diagnosis and treatment and achieving universal health. Through the examination of data on community members’ medical expenditures, this research investigates the influence of contracting on residents’ primary care consultation behavior. Methods. Using a quantitative research approach based on information about residents’ medical payment patterns, this study aims to examine the effect of family doctor contracting on residents’ medical costs. Therefore, a two-part model and a Heckman two-stage model are used to explore the impact of contracting on residents’ medical expenses in the community hospital based on the sample of contracted and noncontracted residents and the basic information and monthly checkout data of the residents provided by a community hospital in Beijing. Conclusion. Specifically, contracting increased residents’ healthcare expenditures in community hospitals by increasing the number of departments and the frequency of visits, according to the results, which indicate that contracting significantly increased residents’ healthcare costs in community hospitals. The frequency and number of departments in community hospitals for two target groups—the elderly and patients with chronic diseases—have increased significantly as a result of contracting, according to subgroup analysis. This finding suggests that family physicians make it possible for the daily care and treatment of these two priority groups to be met to a greater extent at the primary level. The empirical findings of this study reveal that the family doctor contracting system has a significant impact on how primary care and hierarchical treatment patterns are established.
Jensen, Hermite–Hadamard, and Fejér-Type Inequalities for Reciprocally Strongly (h, s)-Convex Functions
Authors: Wang Yujun , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Perveen Zahida , Imran Muhammad
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to present a generalized and extended notation of convexity by unifying reciprocally strong convexity with

h
,
s

−

convexity. We introduce the concept of reciprocally strongly

h
,
s

−

convex functions and establish some of their fundamental properties. In addition, we establish various inequalities, including Jensen, Hermite–Hadamard, and Fejér-type inequalities, for this generalized framework. Our findings are an extension of numerous existing results and provide a basis for developing novel methods for generalization in convexity.
Food Insecurity and Dental Caries in Rural Mexican Populations
Authors: Romo-Sáenz César Iván , Chavez-Reyes Erika Marlene , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , González-Flores María Norma , Sosa-Martínez Ricardo , Cruz-Fierro Norma , Elizondo–Elizondo Jose , de la Garza-Ramos Myriam Angelica
Published: October 2023

Objective. Food insecurity (FI) is a priority for government and health organizations. Over 95% of the world’s population has a carious lesion or will develop one before death. This study evaluated the association between FI and oral health in two rural communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Methods. The study was conducted with patients attending an oral health campaign for dental checkups. Data were collected between April and August 2017 using the Latin-American and Caribbean Scale of Food Security (ELCSA) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). We included 209 participants from Siltepec and Huehuetan, Mexico; 67% were women. Results. The results of the ELCSA were mild FI in 43% (n = 91), moderate FI in 22% (n = 45), and severe FI (n = 6) in 3%; 32% had food security. The ICDAS results were initial decay with a mean of 6.22, moderate decay with a mean of 1.81, and extensive decay with a mean of 1.77. Conclusions. FI is associated with dental caries, and food-insecure individuals have a higher probability of severe dental caries. In this study, the FI level was lower than in other rural populations in Mexico. Identifying these individuals and addressing the factors related to FI can be useful in the rural communities.
Effectiveness of Yoga and Acupuncture in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Andrea Cortés-Ladino Carla , Augusto Arias-Ortiz Wanderley , Porras-Ramírez Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory joint disease; sometimes, patients need prolonged cycles of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and/or glucocorticoids for symptomatology management in addition to traditional disease‐modifying drugs and biologics. On some occasions, doses are increased without improvement of symptoms associated with side effects; this is why, on some occasions, patients seek other types of nonpharmacological therapies, such as alternative therapies. Objective. To establish the effectiveness of alternative therapies such as yoga and acupuncture in rheumatoid arthritis by measuring disease activity with the disease activity score 28. Methods. A systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis was performed; databases such as PubMed and Embase were used to find the best available evidence of randomized clinical trials from 2017 to 2021, two researchers independently screened and extracted the necessary data, and the methodological quality and the risk of bias were assessed through the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. The articles that applied for meta‐analysis were analyzed in Jamovi version 2.2 and EPIDATA version 3.1 software. Results. Eight studies were included for qualitative analysis of which seven were included in the meta‐analysis, with 550 rheumatoid arthritis patients, predominantly female. The meta‐analysis evidenced a significant effect of yoga and acupuncture interventions in decreasing DAS 28 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (four RCTs; SMD −2.51 95% CI [−2.89, −2.14], p ≤ 0.001, I2 25.9%); in the yoga subgroup analysis, there was also evidence of improvement in the evaluated outcome (three RCTs; SMD −0.51 95% CI [−0.71, −0.30], p ≤ 0.001, I2 0%). Conclusion. It was demonstrated that the practice of yoga and acupuncture in patients with rheumatoid arthritis helped to decrease disease activity through the improvement of pain and joint inflammation; we recommend the implementation of this type of alternative intervention associated with conventional therapies for the management of patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
Early Ciliovitreal Block following Ab Externo XEN Gel Implantation
Authors: Ning Jason
Published: October 2023

Purpose. To report a case of ciliovitreal block following ab externo implantation of a XEN gel stent for glaucoma. Methods. Case report. Results. An 84-year-old African American male underwent ab externo implantation of a XEN gel stent for elevated intraocular pressure. Several days after the surgery, the patient developed severe eye pain and reduced vision. Examination revealed ciliovitreal block (also called aqueous misdirection or malignant glaucoma) which was unresponsive to medical and laser treatment. Pars plana vitrectomy with anterior and posterior synechialysis and anterior chamber reformation were performed. The ciliovitreal block was resolved, and intraocular pressure brought to acceptable levels, but vision in that eye remained poor, likely due to the period of elevated pressure prior to treatment. Conclusion. Ciliovitreal block is a rare postsurgical (typically) form of secondary angle closure characterized by narrow or flat central and peripheral anterior chamber, anterior displacement of the lens-iris diaphragm, anterior rotation of ciliary processes, and (usually) elevated intraocular pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ciliovitreal block occurring after ab externo XEN implantation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing vision loss.
Data from Defactinib, Pembrolizumab, and Gemcitabine in Patients with Advanced Treatment Refractory Pancreatic Cancer: A Phase I Dose Escalation and Expansion Study
Authors: Wang-Gillam Andrea , Lim Kian-Huat , McWilliams Robert , Suresh Rama , Lockhart Albert C. , Brown Amberly , Breden Marcus , Belle Jad I. , Herndon John , Bogner Savannah J. , Pedersen Katrina , Tan Benjamin , Boice Nicholas , Acharya Abhi , Abdiannia Mina , Gao Feng , Yoon Harry H. , Zhu Mojun , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Ratner Lee , Aranha Olivia , Hawkins William G. , Herzog Brett H. , DeNardo David G.
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurpose:
Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) renders checkpoint immunotherapy effective in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) mouse model. Defactinib is a highly potent oral FAK inhibitor that has a tolerable safety profile.
Patients and Methods:
We conducted a multicenter, open-label, phase I study with dose escalation and expansion phases. In dose escalation, patients with refractory solid tumors were treated at five escalating dose levels of defactinib and gemcitabine to identify a recommended phase II dose (RP2D). In expansion phase, patients with metastatic PDAC who progressed on frontline treatment (refractory cohort) or had stable disease (SD) after at least 4 months of standard gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (maintenance cohort) were treated at RP2D. Pre- and posttreatment tumor biopsies were performed to evaluate tumor immunity.
Results:
The triple drug combination was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities. Among 20 treated patients with refractory PDAC, the disease control rate (DCR) was 80%, with one partial response (PR) and 15 SDs, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.6 and 7.8 months, respectively. Among 10 evaluable patients in the maintenance cohort, DCR was 70% with one PR and six SDs. Three patients with SD came off study due to treatment- or disease-related complications. The median PFS and OS on study treatment were 5.0 and 8.3 months, respectively.
Conclusions:
The combination of defactinib, pembrolizumab, and gemcitabine was well-tolerated and safe, had promising preliminary efficacy, and showed biomarker activity in infiltrative T lymphocytes. Efficacy of this strategy may require incorporation of more potent chemotherapy in future studies.
Supplementary Tables 1, 2, and 3 from Piperacetazine Directly Binds to the PAX3::FOXO1 Fusion Protein and Inhibits Its Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Nakazawa Kay , Shaw Taryn , Song Young K. , Kouassi-Brou Marilyn , Molotkova Anna , Tiwari Purushottam B. , Chou Hsien-Chao , Wen Xinyu , Wei Jun S. , Deniz Emre , Toretsky Jeffrey A. , Keller Charles , Barr Frederic G. , Khan Javed , Üren Aykut
Published: October 2023

Supplementary Tables 1, 2, and 3
Supplementary Figure 4 from Piperacetazine Directly Binds to the PAX3::FOXO1 Fusion Protein and Inhibits Its Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Nakazawa Kay , Shaw Taryn , Song Young K. , Kouassi-Brou Marilyn , Molotkova Anna , Tiwari Purushottam B. , Chou Hsien-Chao , Wen Xinyu , Wei Jun S. , Deniz Emre , Toretsky Jeffrey A. , Keller Charles , Barr Frederic G. , Khan Javed , Üren Aykut
Published: October 2023

Reduction of PAX3::FOXO1 protein expression does not alter proliferation rates of FP-RMS cell lines but reduces anchorage-independent growth.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Piperacetazine Directly Binds to the PAX3::FOXO1 Fusion Protein and Inhibits Its Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Nakazawa Kay , Shaw Taryn , Song Young K. , Kouassi-Brou Marilyn , Molotkova Anna , Tiwari Purushottam B. , Chou Hsien-Chao , Wen Xinyu , Wei Jun S. , Deniz Emre , Toretsky Jeffrey A. , Keller Charles , Barr Frederic G. , Khan Javed , Üren Aykut
Published: October 2023

Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of PAX3::FOXO1 gene in bacterial expression plasmid pET104.1 are provided.
Endotyping Difficult-to-Treat Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps by Structured Histopathology
Authors: Cui Yueming , Wang Kanghua , Shi Jianbo , Sun Yueqi
Published: October 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the histopathologic characteristics associated with difficult-to-treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs), enabling physicians to predict the risk of poor outcome after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Methods: A prospective cohort study performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2015 and December 2018 with CRSwNP patients who underwent ESS. Polyp specimens were collected during surgery and were subjected to structured histopathological evaluation. Difficult-to-treat CRSwNPs were determined at 12–15 months post-operation according to the European Position Paper. Multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the association between histopathological parameters and the difficult-to-treat CRSwNP. Results: Among 174 subjects included in the analysis, 49 (28.2%) were classified with difficult-to-treat CRSwNP, which had higher numbers of total inflammatory cells, tissue eosinophils, and percentages of eosinophil aggregates and Charcot-Leyden crystals (CLC) formation but a lower number of interstitial glands than the nondifficult-to-treat CRSwNP. Inflammatory cell infiltration (adjusted OR: 1.017), tissue eosinophilia (adjusted OR: 1.005), eosinophil aggregation (adjusted OR: 3.536), and CLC formation (adjusted OR: 6.972) were independently associated with the difficult-to-treat outcome. Furthermore, patients with tissue eosinophil aggregation and CLC formation had an increasingly higher likelihood of uncontrolled disease versus those with tissue eosinophilia. Conclusion: The difficult-to-treat CRSwNP appears to be characterized by increased total inflammatory infiltrates, tissue eosinophilia, eosinophil aggregation, and CLC formation in structured histopathology.
Response to Treatment in 3q29 Deletion Syndrome-Associated Psychosis: A Mini-Review
Authors: Colijn Mark Ainsley
Published: October 2023

3q29 deletion syndrome is characterized by various developmental abnormalities, medical issues, and neuropsychiatric symptoms, including psychosis. Although this syndrome may confer the greatest risk for schizophrenia of any copy number variation, response to antipsychotic medication has infrequently been described in the literature, and no reviews on the topic currently exist. As such, the purpose of this article was to review treatment response in 3q29 deletion syndrome-associated psychosis. A review of the literature was completed in December 2022 for English language articles that described treatment response to antipsychotic medications in affected individuals with schizophrenia-like presentations. Five articles that collectively described eight individuals were included. Four individuals had a poor treatment response to non-clozapine antipsychotic medications, three had a partial response, and one individual’s response to treatment was not described, despite having taken psychotropic medications of some kind. Additionally, three individuals received clozapine; one of whom partially responded, while two exhibited a good response. Treatment response did not clearly differ according to developmental history. 3q29 deletion syndrome may be associated with treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms. As such, clozapine therapy should be considered in such individuals, provided they meet criteria for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and no contraindications exist. However, this mini-review also highlights the need for more published case reports/series before more specific treatment recommendations can be made.
Antes do Sphan: notas biográficas sobre a trajetória de Rodrigo Melo Franco de Andrade nas décadas de 1920 e 1930
Authors: Pinheiro Maria Lúcia Bressan
Published: October 2023

Este artigo aborda aspectos biográficos de Rodrigo Melo Franco de Andrade relativos ao período anterior a sua atuação à frente do Serviço do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (Sphan), iniciado em 1936. Justifica-se a abordagem proposta em função da existência de numerosas lacunas relativas à trajetória de Rodrigo no período em questão, consideradas relevantes para entender as razões de sua indicação ao cargo de primeiro diretor do órgão. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam a importância do lastro cultural e político da família Melo Franco e seu forte engajamento na Revolução de 1930, como decisivos nesta indicação, bem como sua associação com o jornalista Assis Chateaubriand, que colocou suas empresas jornalísticas a serviço de Vargas. A par de suas qualidades pessoais e intelectuais, tais aspectos foram decisivos para que Rodrigo assumisse a posição de diretor do Sphan, que hoje se afigura predestinada, a despeito de seu alheamento em relação à problemática da preservação do patrimônio até então.
“Por se achar arruinada a mesma rua com a invasão das águas…”: técnica e política na atuação da Câmara Municipal de São Paulo no enfrentamento de alagamentos na segunda metade do século XVIII
Authors: Oliveira Thiago Pires , Haddad Thomás A. S.
Published: October 2023

O artigo pretende abordar os impactos ocasionados por alagamentos no município de São Paulo no século XVIII, a partir de 1750. Nossa discussão busca expor as reações do poder local à dinâmica hidrológica da região em um momento anterior às severas intervenções que ocorreriam nos séculos seguintes. Identificamos, no período investigado, dezessete ocasiões em que a Câmara Municipal de São Paulo se viu compelida a tomar medidas para mitigar os efeitos danosos do acúmulo de águas pluviais, cheias de rios ou escoamento excessivo a partir de estruturas edificadas como fontes, aquedutos e diques. A documentação demonstra a recorrência tanto dos mesmos tipos de problemas causados pelas águas quanto das formas de enfrentamento adotadas pela Câmara, que, via de regra, só conseguiu agir reativamente, determinando apenas a realização de obras de reparo. Argumentamos que esse emprego muito comedido das possibilidades de intervenção técnica reflete, por um lado, os limites do poder local, e, por outro, as prioridades do próprio conhecimento colonial e do quadro de relações possíveis entre sociedade e natureza que ele determina.
Multicenter Evaluation of the Feasibility of Clinical Implementation of SPECT Myocardial Blood Flow Measurement: Intersite Variability and Imaging Time
Authors: Wells R. Glenn , Bengel Frank M. , Camoni Luca , Cerudelli Elisabetta , Cuddy-Walsh Sarah G. , Diekmann Johanna , Han Lewis , Kadoya Yoshito , Kawaguchi Naoto , Keng Yung Jih Felix , Miyagawa Masao , Ratner Hagit , Teng Xue Fen , Ruddy Terrence D.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Single-center studies have shown that single photon emission computed tomography myocardial blood flow (MBF) measurement is accurate compared with MBF measured with microspheres in a porcine model, positron emission tomography, and angiography. Clinical implementation requires consistency across multiple sites. The study goal is to determine the intersite processing repeatability of single photon emission computed tomography MBF and the additional camera time required.

Methods:

Five sites (Canada, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Singapore) each acquired 25 to 35 MBF studies at rest and with pharmacological stress using technetium-99m-tetrofosmin on a pinhole-collimated cadmium-zinc-telluride–based cardiac single photon emission computed tomography camera with standardized list-mode imaging and processing protocols. Patients had intermediate to high pretest probability of coronary artery disease. MBF was measured locally and at a core laboratory using commercially available software. The time a room was occupied for an MBF study was compared with that for a standard rest/stress myocardial perfusion study.

Results:

With motion correction, the overall correlation in MBF between core laboratory and local site was 0.93 (range, 0.87–0.97) at rest, 0.90 (range, 0.84–0.96) at stress, and 0.84 (range, 0.70–0.92) for myocardial flow reserve. The local-to-core difference in global MBF (bias
-MBF
) was 5.4% (−3.8% to 14.8%; median [interquartile range]) at rest and 5.4% (−6.2% to 19.4%) at stress. Between the 5 sites, bias
-MBF
ranged from −1.6% to 11.0% at rest and from −1.9% to 16.3% at stress; the interquartile range in bias
-MBF
was between 9.3% (4.8%–14.0%) and 22.3% (−10.3% to 12.0%) at rest and between 17.0% (−11.3% to 5.6%) and 33.3% (−10.4% to 22.9%) at stress and was not significantly different between most sites. Both bias and interquartile range were like previously reported interobserver variability and less than the SD of the test-retest difference of 30%. The overall difference in myocardial flow reserve was 1.52% (−10.6% to 11.3%). There were no significant differences between with and without motion correction. The average additional acquisition time varied between sites from 44 to 79 minutes.

Conclusions:

The average bias
-MBF
and bias
-MFR
values were small with standard deviations substantially less than the test-retest variability. This demonstrates that MBF can be measured consistently across multiple sites and further supports that this technique can be reliably implemented.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03427749.
The Electrophysiological Markers of Statistically Learned Attentional Enhancement: Evidence for a Saliency-based Mechanism
Authors: Duncan Dock H. , Theeuwes Jan , van Moorselaar Dirk
Published: October 2023

It is well established that attention can be sharpened through the process of statistical learning (e.g., visual search becomes faster when targets appear at high-relative-to-low probability locations). Although this process of statistically learned attentional enhancement differs behaviorally from the well-studied top–down and bottom–up forms of attention, relatively little work has been done to characterize the electrophysiological correlates of statistically learned attentional enhancement. It thus remains unclear whether statistically learned enhancement recruits any of the same cognitive mechanisms as top–down or bottom–up attention. In the current study, EEG data were collected while participants searched for an ambiguous unique shape in a visual array (the additional singleton task). Unbeknownst to the participants, targets appeared more frequently in one location in space (probability cuing). Encephalographic data were then analyzed in two phases: an anticipatory phase and a reactive phase. In the anticipatory phase preceding search stimuli onset, alpha lateralization as well as the Anterior Directing Attention Negativity and Late Directing Attention Positivity components—signs of preparatory attention known to characterize top–down enhancement—were tested. In the reactive phase, the N2pc component—a well-studied marker of target processing—was examined following stimuli onset. Our results showed that statistically learned attentional enhancement is not characterized by any of the well-known anticipatory markers of top–down attention; yet targets at high probability locations did reliably evoke larger N2pc amplitudes, a finding that is associated with bottom–up attention and saliency. Overall, our findings are consistent with the notion that statistically learned attentional enhancement increases the perceptual salience of items appearing at high-probability locations relative to low-probability locations.