bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Solution Concept Related to “Bounded Rationality” for some Two-Echelon Models
Authors: Sanchez-Soriano Joaquin , Llorca Natividad
Published: March 2019

Two-echelon models describe situations in which there are two differentiated groups of agents. Some examples of these models can be found in supply chain problems, transportation problems or two-sided markets. In this paper, we deal with two-sided transportation problems which can be used to describe a wide variety of logistic and market problems. We approach the problem from the perspective of cooperative games and study some solution concepts closely related to the game theoretical concept of core, but rather than focus specifically on the core of a transportation game, we introduce and study a new solution concept, a core catcher, which can be motivated by a kind of bounded rationality which can arise in these cooperative contexts.
Some properties about the zero-divisor graphs of quasi-ordered sets
Authors: Ma Junye , Li Qingguo , Li Hui
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we study some graph-theoretic properties about the zero-divisor graph [Formula: see text] of a finite quasi-ordered set [Formula: see text] with a least element 0 and its line graph [Formula: see text]. First, we offer a method to find all the minimal prime ideals of a quasi-ordered set. Especially, this method is applicable for a partially ordered set. Then, we completely characterize the diameter and girth of [Formula: see text] by the minimal prime ideals of [Formula: see text]. Besides, we perfectly classify all finite quasi-ordered sets whose zero-divisor graphs are complete graphs, star graphs, complete bipartite graphs, complete [Formula: see text]-partite graphs. We also investigate the planarity of [Formula: see text]. Finally, we obtain the characterization for the line graph [Formula: see text] in terms of its diameter, girth and planarity.
randUTV
Authors: Martinsson P. G. , Quintana-Ortí G. , Heavner N.
Published: March 2019

A randomized algorithm for computing a so-called UTV factorization efficiently is presented. Given a matrix
A
, the algorithm “randUTV” computes a factorization
A
=
UTV
*
, where
U
and
V
have orthonormal columns, and
T
is triangular (either upper or lower, whichever is preferred). The algorithm randUTV is developed primarily to be a fast and easily parallelized alternative to algorithms for computing the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). randUTV provides accuracy very close to that of the SVD for problems such as low-rank approximation, solving ill-conditioned linear systems, and determining bases for various subspaces associated with the matrix. Moreover, randUTV produces highly accurate approximations to the singular values of
A
. Unlike the SVD, the randomized algorithm proposed builds a UTV factorization in an incremental, single-stage, and noniterative way, making it possible to halt the factorization process once a specified tolerance has been met. Numerical experiments comparing the accuracy and speed of randUTV to the SVD are presented. Other experiments also demonstrate that in comparison to column-pivoted QR, which is another factorization that is often used as a relatively economic alternative to the SVD, randUTV compares favorably in terms of speed while providing far higher accuracy.
Algorithm 992
Authors: Róth Ágoston
Published: March 2019

We propose a platform-independent multi-threaded function library that provides data structures to generate, differentiate, and render both the ordinary basis and the normalized B-basis of a user-specified extended Chebyshev (EC) space that comprises the constants and can be identified with the solution space of a constant-coefficient homogeneous linear differential equation defined on a sufficiently small interval. Using the obtained normalized B-bases, our library can also generate, (partially) differentiate, modify, and visualize a large family of so-called B-curves and tensor product B-surfaces. Moreover, the library also implements methods that can be used to perform dimension elevation, to subdivide B-curves and B-surfaces by means of de Casteljau-like B-algorithms, and to generate basis transformations for the B-representation of arbitrary integral curves and surfaces that are described in traditional parametric form by means of the ordinary bases of the underlying EC spaces. Independently of the algebraic, exponential, trigonometric, or mixed type of the applied EC space, the proposed library is numerically stable and efficient up to a reasonable dimension number and may be useful for academics and engineers in the fields of Approximation Theory, Computer Aided Geometric Design, Computer Graphics, and Isogeometric and Numerical Analysis.
On Quality of Implementation of Fortran 2008 Complex Intrinsic Functions on Branch Cuts
Authors: Shterenlikht A.
Published: March 2019

Branch cuts in complex functions have important uses in fracture mechanics, jet flow, and aerofoil analysis. This article introduces tests for validating Fortran 2008 complex functions—LOG, SQRT, ASIN, ACOS, ATAN, ASINH, ACOSH, and ATANH—on branch cuts with arguments of all 3 IEEE floating-point binary formats: binary32, binary64, and binary128, including signed zero and signed infinity. Multiple test failures were revealed, such as wrong signs of results or unexpected overflow, underflow, or NaN. We conclude that the quality of implementation of these Fortran 2008 intrinsics in many compilers is not yet sufficient to remove the need for special code for branch cuts. The electronic appendix contains the full test results with 8 Fortran 2008 compilers: GCC, Flang, Cray, Oracle, PGI, Intel, NAG, and IBM, detailed derivations of the values of these functions on branch cuts and conformal maps of the branch cuts, to be used as a reference. The tests and the results are freely available from https://cmplx.sourceforge.io. This work will be of interest to engineers who use complex functions, as well as to compiler and math library developers.
Spin Summations
Authors: Springer Paul , Matthews Devin , Bientinesi Paolo
Published: March 2019

In addition to tensor contractions, one of the most pronounced computational bottlenecks in the nonorthogonally spin-adapted forms of the quantum chemistry methods CCSDT and CCSDTQ, and their approximate forms—including CCSD(T) and CCSDT(Q)—are spin summations. At a first sight, spin summations are operations similar to tensor transpositions, but a closer look reveals additional challenges to high-performance calculations, including temporal locality and scattered memory accesses. This article explores a sequence of algorithmic solutions for spin summations, each exploiting individual properties of either the underlying hardware (e.g., caches, vectorization) or the problem itself (e.g., factorizability). The final algorithm combines the advantages of all the solutions while avoiding their drawbacks; this algorithm achieves high performance through parallelization and vectorization, and by exploiting the temporal locality inherent to spin summations. Combined, these optimizations result in speedups between 2.4× and 5.5× over the NCC quantum chemistry software package. In addition to such a performance boost, our algorithm can perform the spin summations
in-place
, thus reducing the memory footprint by 2× over an
out-of-place
variant.
Extended BACOLI
Authors: Green Kevin R. , Spiteri Raymond J.
Published: March 2019

BACOLI is a Fortran software package for solving one-dimensional parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) with separated boundary conditions by B-spline adaptive collocation methods. A distinguishing feature of BACOLI is its ability to estimate and control error and correspondingly adapt meshes in both space and time. Many models of scientific interest, however, can be formulated as multiscale parabolic PDE systems, that is, models that couple a system of parabolic PDEs describing dynamics on a global scale with a system of ordinary differential equations describing dynamics on a local scale. This article describes the Fortran software eBACOLI, the extension of BACOLI to solve such multiscale models. The performance of the extended software is demonstrated to be statistically equivalent to the original for purely parabolic PDE systems. Results from eBACOLI are given for various multiscale models from the extended problem class considered.
Venice
Authors: Zhao Boyan , Hou Rui , Dong Jianbo , Huang Michael , Mckee Sally A. , Zhang Qianlong , Liu Yueji , Li Ye , Zhang Lixin , Meng Dan
Published: March 2019

Consolidated server racks are quickly becoming the standard infrastructure for engineering, business, medicine, and science. Such servers are still designed much in the way when they were organized as individual, distributed systems. Given that many fields rely on big-data analytics substantially, its cost-effectiveness and performance should be improved, which can be achieved by flexibly allowing resources to be shared across nodes. Here we describe Venice, a family of data-center server architectures that includes a strong communication substrate as a first-class resource. Venice supports a diverse set of resource-joining mechanisms that enables applications to leverage non-local resources efficiently.

We have constructed a hardware prototype to better understand the implications of design decisions about system support for resource sharing. We use it to measure the performance of at-scale applications and to explore performance, power, and resource-sharing transparency tradeoffs (i.e., how many programming changes are needed). We analyze these tradeoffs for sharing memory, accelerators, and NICs. We find that reducing/hiding latency is particularly important, the chosen communication channels should match the sharing access patterns of the applications, and of which we can improve performance by exploiting inter-channel collaboration.
Hepatic CYP1A2 activity in liver tumors and the implications for preoperative volume-function analysis
Authors: Wuensch Tilo , Heucke Niklas , Wizenty Jonas , Quint Janina , Sinn Bruno , Arsenic Ruza , Jara Maximilian , Kaffarnik Magnus , Pratschke Johann , Stockmann Martin
Published: March 2019

Dynamic liver function assessment by the [13C]methacetin maximal liver function capacity (LiMAx) test reflects the overall hepatic cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 1A2 activity. One proven strategy for preoperative risk assessment in liver surgery includes the combined assessment of the dynamic liver function by the LiMAx test, the volumetric analysis of the liver, and calculation of future liver remnant function. This so-called volume-function analysis assumes that the remaining CYP1A2 activity in any tumor lesion is zero. The here presented study aims to assess the remaining CYP1A2 activities in different hepatic tumor lesions and its consequences for the preoperative volume-function analysis in patients undergoing liver surgery. The CYP1A2 activity analysis of neoplastic lesions and adjacent nontumor liver tissue from resected tumor specimens revealed a significantly higher CYP1A2 activity (median, interquartile range) in nontumor tissues (35.5, 15.9–54.4 µU/mg) compared with hepatocellular adenomas (7.35, 1.2–32.5 µU/mg), hepatocellular carcinomas (0.18, 0.0–2.0 µU/mg), or colorectal liver metastasis (0.17, 0.0–2.1 µU/mg). In nontumor liver tissue, a gradual decline in CYP1A2 activity with exacerbating fibrosis was observed. The CYP1A2 activity differences were also reflected in CYP1A2 protein signals in the assessed hepatic tissues. Volume-function analysis showed a minimal deviation compared with the current standard calculation for hepatocellular carcinomas or colorectal liver metastasis (<1% difference), whereas a difference of 11.9% was observed for hepatocellular adenomas. These findings are important for a refined preoperative volume-function analysis and improved surgical risk assessment in hepatocellular adenoma cases with low LiMAx values.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 1A2-dependent maximal liver function capacity test reflects the overall functional capacity of the liver. To which extent hepatocellular tumors harbor CYP1A2 activity and thus contribute to the maximal liver function capacity test outcome is unknown. We here show that hepatocellular adenomas but not hepatocellular carcinomas or colorectal liver metastasis contain significant residual CYP1A2 activity. These findings are important for an improved preoperative volume-function analysis and an accurate surgical risk assessment in hepatocellular adenoma cases.
Prolonged low-frequency force depression is underestimated when assessed with doublets compared with tetani in the dorsiflexors
Authors: Ruggiero Luca , Bruce Christina D. , Cotton Paul D. , Dix Gabriel U. , McNeil Chris J.
Published: March 2019

Prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD) after damaging eccentric exercise may last for several days. Historically, PLFFD has been calculated from the tetanic force responses to trains of supramaximal stimuli. More recently, for methodological reasons, stimulation has been reduced to two pulses. However, it is unknown whether doublet responses provide a valid measure of PLFFD in the days after eccentric exercise. In 12 participants, doublets and tetani were elicited at 10 and 100 Hz before and after (2, 3, 5 min, 48 and 96 h) 200 eccentric maximal voluntary contractions of the dorsiflexors. Doublet and tetanic torque responses at 10 Hz were similarly depressed throughout recovery ( P > 0.05; e.g., 2 min: 58.9 ± 12.8% vs. 57.1 ± 14.5% baseline; 96 h: 85.6 ± 11.04% vs. 85.1 ± 10.8% baseline). At 100 Hz, doublet torque was impaired more than tetanic torque at all time points ( P < 0.05; e.g., 2 min: 70.5 ± 14.2% vs. 88.1 ± 11.7% baseline; 96 h: 83.0 ± 14.2% vs. 98.7 ± 9.5% baseline). As a result, the postfatigue reduction of the 10 Hz-to-100 Hz ratio (PLFFD) was markedly greater for tetani than for doublets ( P < 0.05; e.g., 2 min: 64.3 ± 15.1% vs. 83.0 ± 5.8% baseline). In addition, the doublet ratio recovered by 48 h (99.2 ± 5.0% baseline), whereas the tetanic ratio was still impaired at 96 h (88.2 ± 9.7% baseline). Our results indicate that doublets are not a valid measure of PLFFD in the minutes and days after eccentric exercise. If study design favors the use of paired stimuli, it should be acknowledged that the true magnitude and duration of PLFFD are likely underestimated.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD) will result from damaging exercise and may last for several days. After 200 eccentric maximal dorsiflexor contractions, we compared the gold-standard measure of PLFFD (calculated using trains of supramaximal stimulation) to the value obtained from an alternative technique that is becoming increasingly common (paired supramaximal stimuli). Doublets underestimated the magnitude and duration of PLFFD compared with tetani, so caution must be used when reporting PLFFD derived from paired stimuli.
Comparison of the Efficacy between Conventional Moxibustion and Smoke-Free Moxibustion on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Luo Ling , Liao Mo , Peng Jia-xi , Ma Qi , Zhou Jian-ying , Zhu Lin-lin , Wang Xiang , Chen Sha-Sha , Yin Hai-Yan , Wu Qiao-Feng , Zhang Cheng-shun , Lv Peng , Tang Yong , Yu Shu-guang
Published: March 2019

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference of efficacy between conventional moxibustion (CM) and smoke-free moxibustion (SM) for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA). Methods. This is a multicentre, randomized, single blinded, parallel-group clinical trial. Patients with KOA were randomly allocated to CM group (69) and SM group (69) in 7 hospitals of China. Moxibustion treatment in 12 sessions over 4 weeks was administrated at 3 acupuncture points (EX-LE4, ST35, and ST36). Patients completed standard questionnaires at baseline and after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) from the baseline to 4 weeks. The secondary outcomes include Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Patient Global Assessment score (PGA). Results. Analyses showed that the WOMAC score improved in pain (95% CI,-0.1[-1.2 to 0.9], p=0.76), stiffness (95% CI,-0.1 [-0.5 to 0.3], p=0.71), and function (95% CI, 2.2 [-1.3 to 5.8], p=0.22) compared between the two groups at 4 weeks, as well as the VAS score (95% CI,0.1 [-0.3 to 0.6], p=0.60). Similar results presented at 8 and 12 weeks. No statistically significant difference was observed between CM and SM groups for outcome measurements. Conclusions. It suggested that smoke generated during moxibustion treatment does not affect the efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of KOA, which should be taken into account to be removed for the sake of reducing environmental pollution or moxa smoke exposure of acupuncturists or patients. This trial is registered with Clinical Trials.gov, NCT02772055.
Evaluation Method for Vibration Measurement on Casing in Aeroengine: Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Study
Authors: Hou Lanlan , Cao Shuqian
Published: March 2019

The vibration measurement location is the basis for effective monitoring of aeroengine vibration conditions. Measurement locations need to reflect the vibration of the rotor sufficiently, while complex structures of the aeroengine bring many excitation sources. This paper presents an evaluation methodology for vibration measurement on casing in the aeroengine. A number of indexes are defined to quantify and characterize the vibration measurement ability of main measurement locations on casing for rotor vibration. A dynamic model of a dual‐rotor‐casing system is established according to the support structure of a certain type of aeroengine. By means of the introduced evaluation method, the vibration relation between rotors and the main vibration measurement sections is analyzed. Response characteristics and performance orders of measurement sections are given. The rationality of theoretical results is sound verified by experiments on a designed pneumatic‐driven double‐rotor‐casing test bench. The best measured vibration section is consistent with the actual on‐board vibration section of the engine, which further demonstrates the effectiveness of the evaluation method. The research results can provide a basis for the selection and optimization of vibration measurement locations and fault diagnosis in the aeroengine. Furthermore, the application of this method is not limited to aeroengine vibration analysis and sensor measurement location optimization, but will be useful for vibration analysis of other rotating machinery.
Experimental Implementation of Automatic Control of Posture-Dependent Stimulation in an Implanted Standing Neuroprosthesis
Authors: Odle Brooke M. , Lombardo Lisa M. , Audu Musa L. , Triolo Ronald J.
Published: March 2019

Knowledge of the upper extremity (UE) effort exerted under real-world conditions is important for understanding how persons with motor or sensory disorders perform the postural shifts necessary to complete many activities of daily living while standing. To this end, a feedback controller, named the “Posture Follower Controller”, was developed to aid in task-dependent posture shifting by individuals with spinal cord injury standing with functional neuromuscular stimulation. In this experimental feasibility study, the controller modulated activation to the paralyzed lower extremity muscles as a function of the position of overall center of pressure (CoP), which was prescribed to move in a straight line in forward and diagonal directions. Posture-dependent control of stimulation enabled leaning movements that translated the CoP up to 48 mm away from the nominal position during quiet standing. The mean 95% prediction ellipse area, a measure of the CoP dispersion in the forward, forward-right, and forward-left directions, was 951.0±341.1 mm2, 1095.9±251.2 mm2, and 1364.5±688.2 mm2, respectively. The average width of the prediction ellipses across the three directions was 15.1 mm, indicating that the CoP deviated from the prescribed path as task-dependent postures were assumed. The average maximal UE effort required to adjust posture across all leaning directions was 24.1% body weight, which is only slightly more than twice of what is required to maintain balance in an erect standing posture. These preliminary findings suggest that stimulation can be modulated to effectively assume user-specified, task-dependent leaning postures characterized by the CoP shifts that deviate away from the nominal position and which require moderate UE effort to execute.
Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Calcified and Noncalcified Shoulder Tendinosis: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Wu Kuan-Ting , Chou Wen-Yi , Wang Ching-Jen , Chen Chen-Yu , Ko Jih-Yang , Chen Po-Cheng , Cheng Jai-Hong , Yang Ya-Ju
Published: March 2019

Background. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) had been proved to be beneficial in calcific tendinosis; however, the treatment efficacy in noncalcific tendinosis of rotator cuff still remains controversial. The present study was to compare the outcomes ESWT among the noncalcific rotator cuff tendinosis and different types of calcific tendinosis on the basis of similar shoulder functional status. Methods. A retrospective, comparative study was conducted with the enrollment of 20 patients in each group through propensity score matching in a 1:1:1 ratio from 291 patients who underwent single ESWT for painful shoulder tendinosis. The patients were divided into three groups which included noncalcified tendinosis (NCTS), type I dense calcified tendinosis of shoulder (DCTS), and type II and type III translucent calcified tendinosis of shoulder (TCTS) according to Gartner and Heyer classification. The clinical evaluation included the subjective pain score with visual analog scale (VAS) and functional outcome with Constant and Murley score (CMS). Results. Twelve months after ESWT, the VAS in TCTS (1.5 ± 2.48) was statistically significant lower than NCTS (2.9 ± 2.86) and DCTS (3.8 ± 2.46) (p=.011). For the functional outcome, the overall CMS was superior in TCTS than the NCTS and DCTS (86.9 ± 19.7 versus 78.7 ± 18.3 and 71.1 ± 17.8, p=.014). Besides, the subscales of pain score, strength, and range of motion in TCTS improved significantly better than NCTS and DCTS. 70% of patients were complaint-free in TCTS group, which was higher than the NCTS group (15%) and DCTS group (25%) (p<0.05). Conclusion. The present study indicated that the high-dose ESWT posed superior clinical efficacy in type II/III calcification tendinosis rather than type I calcification and noncalcific shoulder tendinosis.
Secure and Smartphone-Assisted Reprogramming for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Visible Light Communication
Authors: Qiu Jiefan , Li Chenglin , Li YueRan
Published: March 2019

During the period of over-the-air reprogramming, sensor nodes are easy to eavesdrop and even controlled by unauthorized person. That reminds us that security is key issue for over-the-air reprogramming. Most of previous studies discussed this problem from the aspect of data encryption, but give little consideration to the physical level. In this paper, we attempt to improve the security of reprogramming by changing the physical-level communication mode. We apply unidirectional Visible Light Communication (VLC) to the over-the-air reprogramming and use Commercial Off-The-Shelf device such as smartphone and sensor node to improve applicability. However, the unstable light source and low-cost light sensor make the procedure of reprogramming difficult. For this end, we put forward a novel reprogramming approach named ReVLC, which is twofold: firstly, we design a code block mechanism based on function similarity to reduce transmitting code. Secondly, we use compressing representation to optimize the Dual Header-Pulse Interval Modulation (DH-PIM) to save transmission time. The experiment results illustrate the effectiveness of ReVLC at the cost of extra 49.1% energy overhead compared with a traditional reprogramming approach.
Unmixing Oscillatory Brain Activity by EEG Source Localization and Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Hansen Sofie Therese , Hemakom Apit , Gylling Safeldt Mads , Krohne Lærke Karen , Madsen Kristoffer Hougaard , Siebner Hartwig R. , Mandic Danilo P. , Hansen Lars Kai
Published: March 2019

Neuronal activity is composed of synchronous and asynchronous oscillatory activity at different frequencies. The neuronal oscillations occur at time scales well matched to the temporal resolution of electroencephalography (EEG); however, to derive meaning from the electrical brain activity as measured from the scalp, it is useful to decompose the EEG signal in space and time. In this study, we elaborate on the investigations into source-based signal decomposition of EEG. Using source localization, the electrical brain signal is spatially unmixed and the neuronal dynamics from a region of interest are analyzed using empirical mode decomposition (EMD), a technique aimed at detecting periodic signals. We demonstrate, first in simulations, that the EMD is more accurate when applied to the spatially unmixed signal compared to the scalp-level signal. Furthermore, on EEG data recorded simultaneously with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the hand area of the primary motor cortex, we observe a link between the peak to peak amplitude of the motor-evoked potential (MEP) and the phase of the decomposed localized electrical activity before TMS onset. The results thus encourage combination of source localization and EMD in the pursuit of further insight into the mechanisms of the brain with respect to the phase and frequency of the electrical oscillations and their cortical origin.
Distributed Control of Multiple Supercapacitors via Static Feedback
Authors: Luo Zhikun , Sun Zhifeng , Peng Junmin
Published: March 2019

During recent years, many important distributed control approaches have been proposed to realize the stabilization of networked system including static feedback, which has been proven to be an efficient control strategy. Based on its traditional design method, for first‐ and second‐order networked dynamical systems, we propose another kind of nonlinear consensus controllers where the input of each agent can be written as a product of a nonlinear gain and a sum of nonlinear interaction functions so that all states will reach consensus at a value preset. By using integral Lyapunov functions, we can prove the stability of proposed control protocols. We also choose supercapacitors as simulation models to realize voltage equalization under our distributed control protocols.
Simiao Pill Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats through Suppressing the ATX-LPA and MAPK Signalling Pathways
Authors: Shen Pan , Tu Shenghao , Wang Hui , Qin Kai , Chen Zhe
Published: March 2019

Objective. Simiao pill (SM), a traditional Chinese formula, has been used as an antirheumatic drug in clinical practice for hundreds of years. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic synovial inflammation and hyperplasia, cartilage destruction, and joint damage. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of SM on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. It also aimed to explore whether this protective effect of SM was related to the inhibition of the ATX-LPA and MAPK signalling pathways.Materials and Methods. Rats were injected with a collagen II emulsion at the end of the tail and on the back to induce arthritis. Treatment with different doses of SM was conducted by intragastric administration. Then, body weights and arthritis scores were measured. The serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, C-reactive protein (CRP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), autotaxin (ATX), and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) were determined by ELISA. Pathological changes in the joints were measured by micro-CT and assessed via haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of ATX, LPA receptor 1 (LPA1) was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was detected by Western blotting.Results. SM significantly alleviated arthritis symptoms, inhibited bone erosion, and decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, ATX, and LPA in the sera of CIA rats. Importantly, SM clearly reduced the protein expression of LPA1 and ATX. The activation of the MAPK signalling pathway was also inhibited by SM in the synovial tissues of CIA rats.Conclusions. The antirheumatic effects of SM were associated with the regulation of the ATX-LPA and MAPK pathways, the suppression of proinflammatory cytokine production, and the alleviation of cartilage and bone injury. These findings suggest that SM might be a promising alternative candidate for RA therapy.
Study on the Influencing Factors of Ultrafine Spherical RDX during Spray Drying with Low Speed
Authors: Xu Wenzheng , Wang Jie , Peng Jinyu , Liang Xin , Li Hao , Wang Jingyu
Published: March 2019

Cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX, C3H6N6O6) with the size of 400 to 600 nm was prepared by low-speed spray-drying method. Meanwhile, the crystal morphology, particle size, crystal structure, thermal decomposition properties, and impact sensitivity properties of the raw materials of RDX and the prepared ultrafine spherical RDX were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser particle size analyzer (LPSA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and impact sensitivity instrument. The factors affecting experimental results were discussed; the size and morphology of RDX crystals were found to be affected by drying temperature, spray speed, and RDX mass fraction in solution. The optimal preparation conditions for the ultrafine spherical RDX were studied, and the results showed that the RDX particles with the best morphology and particle uniformity were prepared when the drying temperature was 90°C, spray speed was 1 ml/min, and the RDX mass fraction in solution was 4%. As a result, the activation energy (Ea) of the ultrafine spherical RDX was lower than that of raw RDX by 24.52 KJ·mol-1, and the characteristic drop (H50) of the ultrafine spherical RDX was higher by 35.3 cm.
δ-Catenin Promotes Bevacizumab-Induced Glioma Invasion
Authors: Shimizu Toshihiko , Ishida Joji , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Ichikawa Tomotsugu , Otani Yoshihiro , Oka Tetsuo , Tomita Yusuke , Hattori Yasuhiko , Uneda Atsuhito , Matsumoto Yuji , Date Isao
Published: March 2019

The combination of bevacizumab with temozolomide and radiotherapy was shown to prolong progression-free survival in newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma, and this emphasizes the potential of bevacizumab as a glioma treatment. However, although bevacizumab effectively inhibits angiogenesis, it has also been reported to induce invasive proliferation. This study examined gene expression in glioma cells to investigate the mechanisms of bevacizumab-induced invasion. We made a human glioma U87ΔEGFR cell xenograft model by stereotactically injecting these cells into the brain of animals. We administered bevacizumab intraperitoneally three times per week. At 18 days after tumor implantation, the brains were removed for histopathology and mRNA was extracted. In vivo, bevacizumab treatment increased glioma cell invasion. qRT-PCR array analysis revealed upregulation of δ-catenin (CTNND2) and several other factors. In vitro, bevacizumab treatment upregulated δ-catenin expression. A low concentration of bevacizumab was not cytotoxic, but tumor cell motility was increased in scratch wound assays and two-chamber assays. Overexpression of δ-catenin increased the tumor invasion in vitro and in vivo. However, δ-catenin knockdown decreased glioma cell invasiveness. The depth of tumor invasion in the U87ΔEGFR cells expressing δ-catenin was significantly increased compared with empty vector-transfected cells. The increase in invasive capacity induced by bevacizumab therapy was associated with upregulation of δ-catenin expression in invasive tumor cells. This finding suggests that δ-catenin is related to tumor invasion and migration.
Inhibition of the Replication Stress Response Is a Synthetic Vulnerability in SCLC That Acts Synergistically in Combination with Cisplatin
Authors: Nagel Remco , Avelar Ana Teresa , Aben Nanne , Proost Natalie , van de Ven Marieke , van der Vliet Jan , Cozijnsen Miranda , de Vries Hilda , Wessels Lodewyk F. A. , Berns Anton
Published: March 2019

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is generally regarded as very difficult to treat, mostly due to the development of metastases early in the disease and a quick relapse with resistant disease. SCLC patients initially show a good response to treatment with the DNA damaging agents cisplatin and etoposide. This is, however, quickly followed by the development of resistant disease, which urges the development of novel therapies for this type of cancer. In this study, we set out to compile a comprehensive overview of the vulnerabilities of SCLC. A functional genome-wide screen where all individual genes were knocked out was performed to identify novel vulnerabilities of SCLC. By analysis of the knockouts that were lethal to these cancer cells, we identified several processes to be synthetic vulnerabilities in SCLC. We were able to validate the vulnerability to inhibition of the replication stress response machinery by use of Chk1 and ATR inhibitors. Strikingly, SCLC cells were more sensitive to these inhibitors than nontransformed cells. In addition, these inhibitors work synergistically with either etoposide and cisplatin, where the interaction is largest with the latter. ATR inhibition by VE-822 treatment in combination with cisplatin also outperforms the combination of cisplatin with etoposide in vivo. Altogether, our study uncovered a critical dependence of SCLC on the replication stress response and urges the validation of ATR inhibitors in combination with cisplatin in a clinical setting.
Impact of Organizational-level Factors on Cancer Screening Activities in Fire Departments: A Cross-sectional Study from the Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative
Authors: Caban-Martinez Alberto J. , Schaefer Solle Natasha , Santiago Katerina M. , Lee David J. , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Bator Christopher G. , Babinec Frank A. , Halas Julius , Kobetz Erin N.
Published: March 2019

Despite known individual-level facilitators of cancer screening, the impact of work-related organizational-level characteristics on cancer screening is unknown particularly in the firefighter workforce who is experiencing a disproportionate burden of cancer. We examine the association between fire service organizational-level factors and implementation of cancer screening activities within Florida fire departments. We used a cross-sectional observational study design to survey fire department leaders attending the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association Health and Safety conference about cancer screening activities implemented by their fire departments. Measures assessing organizational-level characteristics include: fire department workforce size, total health and safety officers, fire department geographic location, employment type, leadership support and capacity. Among the 126 fire departments participating (response rate = 47.7%), approximately 44% reported some type of cancer screening activity in the 12 months prior to survey administration. The proportion of fire departments with two or more health and safety officers was significantly greater among those with cancer screening activities as compared with departments without cancer screening activities (46.3% vs. 24.2%; P = 0.016). There were no statistical differences noted for cancer screening activities among all other organizational-level characteristics including workforce size, fire department geographic location, employment type, leadership support, and individual capacity measures. Most organizational-level characteristics of a fire department evaluated in this study were not associated with cancer screening activities; however, having two or more dedicated health and safety officers supports the delivery of cancer screening activities. These officers may be a key to improving availability of cancer screening activities at work.
Umbilical Cord Ulcer and Intrauterine Death in Fetal Intestinal Atresia
Authors: Nakamura Noriyuki , Ozawa Katsusuke , Wada Seiji , Matsuoka Kentaro , Yoshioka Takako , Sugibayashi Rika , Sago Haruhiko
Published: March 2019

Objective: To examine the incidence of umbilical cord ulcer (UCU) that causes intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in fetal duodenal or jejunoileal atresia and the association between UCU and bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid. Methods: Perinatal outcomes were evaluated in cases of fetal intestinal atresia between 2003 and 2017. A pathological examination of the umbilical cord was performed, and bile acid concentrations in the amniotic fluid were measured. Results: Among the 46 cases included in this study, there were 27 with duodenal atresia and 19 with jejunoileal atresia. There were 4 cases (8.7%) of IUFD and 1 (2.2%) neonatal death with multiple structural anomalies. UCUs were found in 37.5% (15/40) of cases, and severe UCUs with exposed vessels were significantly more common in IUFD (3/4) than in livebirth (0/42) cases (p < 0.01). The incidences of chromosomal abnormality and structural anomalies were not markedly different between livebirth (9/30 and 11/42, respectively) and IUFD (1/3 and 1/4, respectively) cases. Bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid were significantly higher in cases of UCUs than in those without (p < 0.01). Conclusion: UCUs were not rare in fetal intestinal atresia and were associated with high bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid. UCUs with exposed vessels were associated with IUFD in intestinal atresia.
Trajetórias de feminização no trabalho hospitalar
Authors: Borges Tábata Milena Balestro , Detoni Priscila Pavan
Published: March 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender as trajetórias de feminização no espaço hospitalar, entendendo os reflexos da divisão sexual e das relações de gênero nas práticas de trabalho, com base em uma pesquisa realizada em um hospital na Serra Gaúcha. Utilizou-se, como metodologia, a análise de discurso das trajetórias de vida das trabalhadoras, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Participaram desta pesquisa nove mulheres com escolaridades e funções diversas. As análises compuseram-se pelos seguintes elementos: o trabalho como possibilidade de autonomia e sustento; o trabalho feminino precarizado diante da divisão sexual do trabalho e no início da carreira; o trabalho feminino doméstico como pouco reconhecido e obrigatório; a duplicidade da jornada em ser mãe e trabalhadora; e o cuidado como atribuição naturalizada das trabalhadoras da saúde. Conclui-se que essas mulheres se sentem realizadas no trabalho, apesar de serem pouco valorizadas, diante dos marcadores sociais de gênero e da faixa etária. A pesquisa também possibilitou que, ao rever suas trajetórias durante as entrevistas, as trabalhadoras participantes refletissem sobre a necessidade de encontrar estratégias para que a feminização do trabalho não seja estendida para a próxima geração, bem como de que o trabalho hospitalar seja uma atividade que possa produzir saúde.
Electrophysiological and Anatomical Correlates of Sites With Postpacing Intervals Shorter Than Tachycardia Cycle Length in Atypical Atrial Flutter
Authors: Johner Nicolas , Shah Dipen C. , Jousset Florian , Dall’Aglio Pietro Bernardo , Namdar Mehdi
Published: March 2019

Background

Although entrainment mapping is an established approach to atypical atrial flutter ablation, postpacing intervals shorter than tachycardia cycle length (difference between postpacing interval and tachycardia cycle length [dPPI] <0 ms) remain of unknown significance. We sought to compare anatomic and electrophysiological properties of sites with dPPI <0, dPPI=0–30, and dPPI >30 ms.

Methods

We studied 24 noncavotricuspid isthmus–dependent macroreentrant atypical atrial flutter in 19 consecutive patients. Ultra high-density electroanatomic activation maps were acquired with a 64-electrode basket catheter. Entrainment mapping was performed at multiple candidate sites. Ablation was performed at the narrowest accessible slow-conducting critical isthmuses.

Results

Of 102 entrainment mapping sites, dPPI <30 was observed at 72 sites on complete maps of 24 atypical atrial flutter. Compared with dPPI=0–30 sites (N=45), dPPI<0 sites (N=27) were more commonly located within isthmuses <15 mm wide (67% versus 6.7%,
P
<0.00001; odds ratio, 28.0; 95% CI, 6.8–115.7), more frequently located within 5 mm of the leading wavefront (93% versus 64%,
P
=0.008), exhibited slower local conduction velocity (0.49±0.43 versus 0.93±0.57 m/s,
P
=0.0005), lower voltages (0.48±0.79 versus 0.92±0.97 mV,
P
=0.04), and more frequently fractionated electrograms (67% versus 24%,
P
=0.0004). High rates of arrhythmia termination or cycle length increase >15 ms by ablation were observed in both dPPI groups (94% versus 86%,
P
=0.53). Compared with all dPPI <30, dPPI >30 sites (N=30) were less commonly observed within isthmuses (3.3%,
P
<0.001) or within 5 mm of the leading wavefront (30%,
P
<0.0001); conduction velocity (1.0±0.7 m/s,
P
=0.002) and voltage (1.1±1.4 mV,
P
=0.049) were higher compared with dPPI<0 but similar to dPPI=0–30 sites.

Conclusions

In atypical atrial flutter, sites with dPPI <0 are markers of limited width critical isthmuses with slower conduction velocity, whereas sites with dPPI=0–30 ms are often not in close proximity to the reentry circuit. Virtual electrode simultaneous down and upstream (antidromic) capture of a confined isthmus of slow conduction can explain a dPPI <0. Identifying these sites may improve selective and efficient ablation strategies compared with the standard 30-ms threshold.
Coronary Artery Calcification and Mortality Risk in Patients With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Kugathasan Pirathiv , Johansen Martin Berg , Jensen Mikkel Bak , Aagaard Jørgen , Nielsen René Ernst , Jensen Svend Eggert
Published: March 2019

Background

Cardiovascular mortality is the leading contributor to the shortened life expectancy in patients with severe mental illness (SMI), but efforts to predict cardiovascular outcomes in these patients have been lacking. In this study, we aimed to determine the severity of coronary artery calcification (CAC), and its effect on mortality rates in patients with SMI, compared with the general population.

Methods

All individuals with a registered cardiac computed tomography for calcium scoring in the Western Denmark Heart Registry, from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2016, were included. We identified patients diagnosed with SMI (
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision
: F20, F30, F31), whereas the remaining individuals were used as a comparison group.

Results

Among 48 757 individuals, including 564 patients with SMI (1.2%), we found no difference in CAC score between patients with SMI and the comparison group. SMI patients with CAC >100 had an increased mortality rate (hazard ratio, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.41–7.06), as well as SMI patients with CAC <100 (hazard ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 2.36–6.62), compared with the comparison group with CAC <100 as reference, adjusted for age, sex, and calendar period.

Conclusions

Patients with SMI have increased cardiovascular risks, but show no difference in CAC score, compared with the comparison group. Mortality rates were increased in patients with SMI, independent of CAC severity; however, the relatively large number of noncardiovascular causes of death in this sample might indicate other contributing factors to death than coronary artery disease in this sample of SMI patients.
Clinical and Molecular Features of 5 European Multigenerational Families With Moyamoya Angiopathy
Authors: Grangeon Lou , Guey Stéphanie , Schwitalla Jan Claudius , Bergametti Françoise , Arnould Minh , Corpechot Michaelle , Hadjadj Jessica , Riant Florence , Aloui Chaker , Drunat Severine , Vidaud Dominique , Tournier-Lasserve Elisabeth , Kraemer Markus
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is a rare cerebral vasculopathy outside of Asia. In Japanese patients, a vast majority of patients carry the founder p.R4810K variant in the
RNF213
gene, and familial cases are around 10%. In European patients, data about familial occurrence are limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and molecular features of several European families with a parent-to-child transmission of MMA.

Methods

Out of 126 MMA probands referred, we identified 113 sporadic probands and 13 familial probands. Segregation analysis showed a vertical parent-to-child pattern of inheritance in the families of 5 of these probands. All 5 families were of German or Dutch ancestry. We investigated the clinical features of affected members and used whole-exome sequencing to screen
RNF213
and 13 genes involved in Mendelian MMA and to identify genes recurrently mutated in these families.

Results

Twelve affected MMA patients were identified, including 9 females and 3 males. Age at clinical onset ranged from 11 to 65 years. In 3 of 5 families, associated livedo racemosa was found. We did not detect any deleterious variants in the 13 known MMA genes.
RNF213
rare missense variants predicted to be pathogenic were detected in all affected members of 2 of these families, as well as 2 candidate variants of the
PALD1
gene.

Conclusions

Nonsyndromic MMA was identified in 5 European families, including 2 to 3 clinically affected cases segregating with a parent-to-child pattern of inheritance in each family. Molecular screening detected rare deleterious variants within
RNF213
and
PALD1
in all affected members of 2 of these 5 families, as well as in some clinically unaffected members. Altogether these data raise the difficult and, to date unanswered, question of the medical indication of presymptomatic screening.
Atrial Fibrillation and Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities
Authors: Berman Jeremy P. , Norby Faye L. , Mosley Thomas , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Alonso Alvaro , Chen Lin Y.
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with dementia independent of clinical stroke. The mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. In a community-based cohort, the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities), we evaluated (1) the longitudinal association of incident AF and (2) the cross-sectional association of prevalent AF with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities.

Methods—

The longitudinal analysis included 963 participants (mean age, 73±4.4 years; 62% women; 51% black) without prevalent stroke or AF who underwent a brain MRI in 1993 to 1995 and a second MRI in 2004 to 2006 (mean, 10.6±0.8 years). Outcomes included subclinical cerebral infarctions, sulcal size, ventricular size, and, for the cross-sectional analysis, white matter hyperintensity volume and total brain volume.

Results—

In the longitudinal analysis, 29 (3.0%) participants developed AF after the first brain MRI. Those who developed AF had higher odds of increase in subclinical cerebral infarctions (odds ratio [OR], 3.08; 95% CI, 1.39–6.83), worsening sulcal grade (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.04–12.2), and worsening ventricular grade (OR, 9.34; 95% CI, 1.24–70.2). In cross-sectional analysis, of 969 participants, 35 (3.6%) had prevalent AF at the time of the 2004 to 2006 MRI scan. Those with AF had greater odds of higher sulcal (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.7–9.1) and ventricular grade (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0–5.7) after multivariable adjustment and no difference in white matter hyperintensity or total brain volume.

Conclusions—

AF is independently associated with increase in subclinical cerebral infarction and worsening sulcal and ventricular grade—morphological changes associated with aging and dementia. More research is needed to define the mechanisms underlying AF-related neurodegeneration.