bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning-Based Model Predictive Control: Toward Safe Learning in Control
Authors: Hewing Lukas , Wabersich Kim P. , Menner Marcel , Zeilinger Melanie N.
Published: December 2019

Recent successes in the field of machine learning, as well as the availability of increased sensing and computational capabilities in modern control systems, have led to a growing interest in learning and data-driven control techniques. Model predictive control (MPC), as the prime methodology for constrained control, offers a significant opportunity to exploit the abundance of data in a reliable manner, particularly while taking safety constraints into account. This review aims at summarizing and categorizing previous research on learning-based MPC, i.e., the integration or combination of MPC with learning methods, for which we consider three main categories. Most of the research addresses learning for automatic improvement of the prediction model from recorded data. There is, however, also an increasing interest in techniques to infer the parameterization of the MPC controller, i.e., the cost and constraints, that lead to the best closed-loop performance. Finally, we discuss concepts that leverage MPC to augment learning-based controllers with constraint satisfaction properties.
Investigation of the Equivalent Test Condition for the Seismic Safety Assessment of a Spent Fuel Pool with regard to Sloshing Behavior
Authors: Park Won Man , Son Sung Man , Choi Dae Kyung , Oh Se Hong , Lee Kang Hee , Kang Heung Seok , Choi Choengryul
Published: December 2019

Spent fuel pools are used as temporary storage for spent fuel assemblies in nuclear power plants and are filled with coolant which removes the decaying heat from spent fuel assemblies. Sloshing of the coolant can occur if an earthquake occurs in the area. It may produce additional forces on the pool or inner structure and cause overflow of the coolant. It is therefore critical to investigate the phenomenon of sloshing in a seismic assessment of the spent fuel pool. The size of an actual spent fuel pool is excessive for carrying out an experimental study; thus, a scale model is necessary for experimentation. In this study, a scaling law was defined for test conditions using a scale model to understand sloshing behavior, and the results were validated via computational fluid dynamic analysis. Because sloshing is resonant in a fluid and the first mode natural frequency of a fluid is dominant in sloshing behavior, the test condition could be obtained based on the natural frequency of the fluid. In the model, which is scaled with a factor of “Sf,” the scale factors “Sf,” “Sf0,” “Sf−0.5,” and “Sf0.5” were used for displacement, acceleration, excitation frequency, and excitation time, respectively. Approximately 5% difference in maximum sloshing height between two models was predicted in the only case that 1/8 and 1/4 models (1/8 and 1/4 scaled down from an actual spent fuel pool) were excited with 10 Hz and 7.071 Hz, respectively, but the same sloshing height and pressure were predicted in other cases. The results of this study support the idea that the Froude scaling law can be used when using a scale model for a seismic assessment of spent fuel pools to investigate sloshing behavior.
Clustering Services Based on Community Detection in Service Networks
Authors: Zhou Shiyuan , Wang Yinglin
Published: December 2019

Service‐oriented computing has become a promising way to develop software by composing existing services on the Internet. However, with the increasing number of services on the Internet, how to match requirements and services becomes a difficult problem. Service clustering has been regarded as one of the effective ways to improve service matching. Related work shows that structure‐related similarity metrics perform better than semantic‐related similarity metrics in clustering services. Therefore, it is of great importance to propose much more useful structure‐related similarity metrics to improve the performance of service clustering approaches. However, in the existing work, this kind of work is very rare. In this paper, we propose a SCAS (service clustering approach using structural metrics) to group services into different clusters. SCAS proposes a novel metric A2S (atomic service similarity) to characterize the atomic service similarity as a whole, which is a linear combination of C2S (composite‐sharing similarity) and A3S (atomic‐service‐sharing similarity). Then, SCAS applies a guided community detection algorithm to group atomic services into clusters. Experimental results on a real‐world data set show that our SCAS performs better than the existing approaches. Our A2S metric is promising in improving the performance of service clustering approaches.
A Group Theory Approach towards Some Rational Difference Equations
Authors: Folly-Gbetoula Mensah , Mnguni Nkosingiphile , Kara A. H.
Published: December 2019

A full Lie point symmetry analysis of rational difference equations is performed. Nontrivial symmetries are derived, and exact solutions using these symmetries are obtained.
Feeding Behavior of Mice under Different Food Allocation Regimens
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Suemitsu Shunsuke , Murakami Shinji , Kitamura Naoya , Wani Kenta , Takahashi Yu , Matsumoto Yosuke , Okamoto Motoi , Ishihara Takeshi
Published: December 2019

Social interaction, a basic survival strategy for many animal species, helps maintain a social environment that has limited conflict. Social dominance has a dramatic effect on motivation. Recent evidence suggests that some primate and nonprimate species display aversive behavior toward food allocation regimens that differ from their peers. Thus, we examined the behaviors displayed by mice under different food allocation regimens. We analyzed changes in food intake using several parameters. In the same food condition, the mice received the same food; in the quality different condition, the mice received different foods; in the quantity different condition, one mouse did not receive food; and in the no food condition, none of the mice received food. To test differences based on food quality, one mouse received normal solid food as a less preferred reward, and the other received chocolate chips as a high-level reward. No behavioral change was observed in comparison to the same food condition. To test differences based on food quantity, one mouse received chocolate chips while the other received nothing. Mice who received nothing spent more time on the other side of the reward throughout the experiment. Interestingly, highly rewarded mice required more time to consume the chocolate chips. Thus, under different food allocation regimens, mice changed their behavior by being more hesitant. Moreover, mice alter food intake behavior according to the social environment. The findings help elucidate potential evolutionary aspects that help maintain social cohesion while providing insights into potential mechanisms underlying socially anxious behavior.
NOX2-Dependent Reactive Oxygen Species Regulate Formyl-Peptide Receptor 1-Mediated TrkA Transactivation in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Castaldo Martina , Zollo Cristiana , Esposito Gabriella , Ammendola Rosario , Cattaneo Fabio
Published: December 2019

Several enzymes are capable of producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), but only NADPH oxidases (NOX) generate ROS as their primary and sole function. In the central nervous system, NOX2 is the major source of ROS, which play important roles in signalling and functions. NOX2 activation requires p47phoxphosphorylation and membrane translocation of cytosolic subunits. We demonstrate that SH-SY5Y cells express p47phoxand that the stimulation of Formyl-Peptide Receptor 1 (FPR1) by N-fMLP induces p47phoxphosphorylation and NOX-dependent superoxide generation. FPR1 is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and is able to transphosphorylate several tyrosine kinase receptors (RTKs). This mechanism requires ROS as signalling intermediates and is necessary to share information within the cell. We show that N-fMLP stimulation induces the phosphorylation of cytosolic Y490, Y751, and Y785 residues of the neurotrophin receptor TrkA. These phosphotyrosines provide docking sites for signalling molecules which, in turn, activate Ras/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and PLC-γ1/PKC intracellular cascades. N-fMLP-induced ROS generation plays a critical role in FPR1-mediated TrkA transactivation. In fact, the blockade of NOX2 functions prevents Y490, Y751, and Y785 phosphorylation, as well as the triggering of downstream signalling cascades. Moreover, we observed that FPR1 stimulation by N-fMLP also improves proliferation, cellular migration, and neurite outgrowth of SH-SY5Y cells.
Infantile Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome due to Topical Steroids
Authors: Alkhuder Lulwah , Mawlawi Horia
Published: December 2019

Cushing syndrome is an endocrinological disorder characterized by increased free plasma glucocorticoids level. It is either due to an excessive endogenous release of steroids (e.g., pituitary adenoma or adrenal hyperplasia) or exogenous administration of steroids. In children, iatrogenic Cushing syndrome is the most common form of Cushing syndrome occurring in this age group. The vast majority of cases are due to oral or parenteral preparation of steroids, which are commonly prescribed for pulmonary, hematological, renal, or autoimmune pathologies. Topical preparations can rarely cause Cushing syndrome in young children, and only a few cases were reported in the literature, where the patients were older than 5 months of age. In this report, we present a three-month-old girl who developed iatrogenic Cushing syndrome due to prolonged and inappropriate use of topical clobetasol cream for napkin dermatitis.
Simulation Modeling of a Pharmaceutical Tablet Manufacturing Process via Wet Granulation
Authors: Wang Zhengsong , Pan Zhen , He Dakuo , Shi Jiahui , Sun Shouxin , Hou Yue
Published: December 2019

The pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing process (PTMP) via wet granulation holds a critical position in pharmaceutical industry. The interest in integrating mechanistic process modeling into the pharmaceutical development has been increased because simulation model is a prerequisite for process design, analysis, control, and optimization. So the simulation modeling for PTMP via wet granulation is very necessary and significant. This study aims at proposing a simulation modeling framework for PTMP via spray fluidized bed granulation (SFBG), which is one of the most widely used wet granulation techniques in pharmaceutical industry. For SFBG, a simulation model that simultaneously involves the influences of operating variables and material attributes on average particle size (APS) is firstly developed, and then a drying model to determine the particle moisture content is introduced to be coupled with the established model predicting APS. For PTMP, considering the important effect of porosity on tablet qualities, a model describing the changes in tablet porosity is developed based on a promoted form of the Heckel equation, and then several recognized models that are all related to porosity are introduced or constructed to calculate important tablet quality indexes. The feasibility and effectiveness of the developed simulation models are validated by performing a computational experimental study to explore the scientific understanding of process and process quality control.
Investigation of the Effect of Larestan’s Pipeline Water on the Mechanical Properties of Concretes Containing Granite Aggregates
Authors: Forsat Masoud , Mirjavadi S. S. , Hamouda A. M. S.
Published: December 2019

In this study, the compressive strength of the concretes made by the pipeline water of Larestan has been investigated. Although the used water for the concretes must be clean, standard, and generally drinkable water, in Larestan city, the pipeline water is nonpotable water; meanwhile, this type of water is still being used in the mixture of the concretes by companies and contractors. Since in the initial tests the compressive strength of the normal samples did not satisfy the standards, 50% of granite aggregate was replaced with the purpose of increasing strength of the samples. Then four types of samples were made, which are (1) normal concrete with pipeline water, (2) normal concrete with potable water, (3) granite concrete with pipeline water, and (4) granite concrete with potable water. The results showed that the compressive strength of normal samples is not standard in the case of using the pipeline water. This issue can be seen during the first four weeks of the samples, whereas these samples are placed in the standard zone by replacing 50% of granite aggregate instead of normal aggregates. This may be attributed to the compensating effect of granite aggregates in opposition to damaging effect of water. Also, by using the granite aggregates in the mixture, the compressive strengths of the samples were standard and almost identical in both cases of pipeline water and tap water. As a result, the concretes made in this city must include additives for increasing the strength, or the tap water should be used as a replacement for pipeline water.
BRWSP: Predicting circRNA‐Disease Associations Based on Biased Random Walk to Search Paths on a Multiple Heterogeneous Network
Authors: Lei Xiujuan , Zhang Wenxiang
Published: December 2019

The circular RNAs (circRNAs) have significant effects on a variety of biological processes, the dysfunction of which is closely related to the emergence and development of diseases. Therefore, identification of circRNA‐disease associations will contribute to analysing the pathogenesis of diseases. Here, we present a computational model called BRWSP to predict circRNA‐disease associations, which searches paths on a multiple heterogeneous network based on biased random walk. Firstly, BRWSP constructs a multiple heterogeneous network by using circRNAs, diseases, and genes. Then, the biased random walk algorithm runs on the multiple heterogeneous network to search paths between circRNAs and diseases. Finally, the performance of BRWSP is significantly better than the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. Furthermore, BRWSP further contributes to the discovery of novel circRNA‐disease associations.
HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis Formation via ROS-Dependent Upregulation of Twist
Authors: Bayurova Ekaterina , Jansons Juris , Skrastina Dace , Smirnova Olga , Mezale Dzeina , Kostyusheva Anastasia , Kostyushev Dmitry , Petkov Stefan , Podschwadt Philip , Valuev-Elliston Vladimir , Sasinovich Sviataslau , Korolev Sergey , Warholm Per , Latanova Anastasia , Starodubova Elizaveta , Tukhvatulin Amir , Latyshev Oleg , Selimov Renat , Metalnikov Pavel , Komarov Alexander , Ivanova Olga , Gorodnicheva Tatiana , Kochetkov Sergey , Gottikh Marina , Strumfa Ilze , Ivanov Alexander , Gordeychuk Ilya , Isaguliants Maria
Published: December 2019

HIV-induced immune suppression results in the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS-associated malignancies including Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer. HIV-infected people are also at an increased risk of “non-AIDS-defining” malignancies not directly linked to immune suppression but associated with viral infections. Their incidence is increasing despite successful antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. Here, we obtained daughter clones of murine mammary gland adenocarcinoma 4T1luc2 cells expressing consensus reverse transcriptase of HIV-1 subtype A FSU_A strain (RT_A) with and without primary mutations of drug resistance. Inin vitrotests, mutations of resistance to nucleoside inhibitors K65R/M184V reduced the polymerase, and to nonnucleoside inhibitors K103N/G190S, the RNase H activities of RT_A. Expression of these RT_A variants in 4T1luc2 cells led to increased production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, enhanced cell motility in the wound healing assay, and upregulation of expression ofVimentinandTwist. These properties, particularly, the expression ofTwist, correlated with the levels of expression RT_A and/or the production of ROS. When implanted into syngeneic BALB/C mice, 4T1luc2 cells expressing nonmutated RT_A demonstrated enhanced rate of tumor growth and increased metastatic activity, dependent on the level of expression of RT_A andTwist. No enhancement was observed for the clones expressing mutated RT_A variants. Plausible mechanisms are discussed involving differential interactions of mutated and nonmutated RTs with its cellular partners involved in the regulation of ROS. This study establishes links between the expression of HIV-1 RT, production of ROS, induction of EMT, and enhanced propagation of RT-expressing tumor cells. Such scenario can be proposed as one of the mechanisms of HIV-induced/enhanced carcinogenesis not associated with immune suppression.
Imaging Fibrogenesis in a Diet-Induced Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Hartimath S. V. , Boominathan R. , Soh V. , Cheng P. , Deng X. , Chong Y. C. , Yong F. F. , Tan P. W. , Han W. , Robins E. G. , Goggi J. L.
Published: December 2019

Purpose. Liver fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and is characterised by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Early detection and accurate staging of liver fibrosis is critically important for patient management. One of the earliest pathological markers in NASH is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) which may be exploited as a marker of fibrogenesis. Activated HSCs secreting factors such as integrin αvβ3 propagate fibrosis. The purpose of the current study was to assess the utility of the integrin αvβ3 imaging agent [18F]FtRGD for the early detection of fibrosis in a diet-induced model of NASH longitudinally using PET imaging. Procedures. Mice were fed with either standard chow diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), or a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined high-fat fibrogenic diet (CDAHFD) to mimic the clinical pathology of liver disease and followed longitudinally for 10 weeks to assess the development of liver fibrosis using [18F]FtRGD positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Standard blood biochemistry, histological measures, and qPCR were used to quantify integrin αvβ3, smooth muscle actin, and collagen types 1 and 6 to assess the extent of NASH pathology and accurately stage liver fibrosis. Results. The CDAHFD fibrogenic diet predictably developed hepatic inflammation and steatosis over the 10 weeks studied with little NASH pathology detected in high fat diet-treated animals. Stage 1 fibrosis was detected early by histology at day 21 and progressed to stage 2 by day 35 and stage 3 by day 56 in mice fed with CDAHFD diet only. Noninvasive imaging with [18F]FtRGD correlated well with integrin αvβ3 and was able to distinguish early mild stage 2 fibrosis in CDAHFD animals compared with standard chow diet-fed animals at day 35. When compared with high fat diet-fed animals, [18F]FtRGD was only able to distinguish later moderate stage 2 fibrosis in CDAHFD animals at day 49. Conclusions. The diet-induced progression of liver fibrosis was confirmed using histology and correlated well with the mRNA of integrin αvβ3 and extracellular matrix protein expression. [18F]FtRGD showed very good correlation between liver uptake and integrin αvβ3 expression and similar detection sensitivity to the current clinical gold standard modalities for staging of liver fibrosis.
Empirical and Theoretical Characterization of the Diffusion Process of Different Gadolinium-Based Nanoparticles within the Brain Tissue after Ultrasound-Induced Permeabilization of the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Conti Allegra , Magnin Rémi , Gerstenmayer Matthieu , Tsapis Nicolas , Dumont Erik , Tillement Olivier , Lux François , Le Bihan Denis , Mériaux Sébastien , Della Penna Stefania , Larrat Benoit
Published: December 2019

Low-intensity focused ultrasound (FUS), combined with microbubbles, is able to locally, and noninvasively, open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing nanoparticles to enter the brain. We present here a study on the diffusion process of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents within the brain extracellular space after ultrasound-induced BBB permeabilization. Three compounds were tested (MultiHance, Gadovist, and Dotarem). We characterized their diffusion through in vivo experimental tests supported by theoretical models. Specifically, by estimation of the free diffusion coefficients from in vitro studies and of apparent diffusion coefficients from in vivo experiments, we have assessed tortuosity in the right striatum of 9 Sprague Dawley rats through a model correctly describing both vascular permeability as a function of time and diffusion processes occurring in the brain tissue. This model takes into account acoustic pressure, particle size, blood pharmacokinetics, and diffusion rates. Our model is able to fully predict the result of a FUS-induced BBB opening experiment at long space and time scales. Recovered values of tortuosity are in agreement with the literature and demonstrate that our improved model allows us to assess that the chosen permeabilization protocol preserves the integrity of the brain tissue.
Generic Controller Adaptive Load Balancing (GCALB) for SDN Networks
Authors: Aly Wael Hosny Fouad
Published: December 2019

Fault tolerance is an important aspect of network resilience. Fault-tolerance mechanisms are required to ensure high availability and high reliability in different environments. The beginning of software-defined networking (SDN) has both presented new challenges and opened a new era to develop new strategies, standards, and architectures to support fault tolerance. In this paper, a study of fault tolerance is performed for two architectures: (1) a single master with multiple slave controllers and (2) multiple slave controllers. The proposed model is called a Generic Controller Adaptive Load Balancing (GCALB) model for SDNs. GCALB adapts the load among slave controllers based on a GCALB algorithm. Mininet simulation tool is utilized for the experimentation phase. Controllers are implemented using floodlights. Experiment results were conducted using GCALB when master controller is taking the responsibility of distributing switches among four and five slave controllers as a case study. Throughput and response time metrics are used to measure performance. GCALB is compared with two reference algorithms: (1) HyperFlow (Kreutz et al., 2012), and (2) Enhanced Controller Fault Tolerant (ECFT) (Aly and Al-anazi, 2018). Results are promising as the performance of GCALB increased by 15% and 12% when compared to HyperFlow and by 13% and 10% when compared to ECFT in terms of throughput and response time.
Effect of Depth of Total Intravenous General Anesthesia on Intraoperative Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potentials in Cochlear Implantation Surgery
Authors: Alhowary Ala”a , Aleshawi Abdelwahab , Alali Obada , Kassab Manal , Bani Hani Diab , EL-Radaideh Khaled , Alzoubi Firas
Published: December 2019

Purpose. This study aims to compare the effect of the depth of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on intraoperative electrically evoked compound action potential (e-ECAP) thresholds in cochlear implant operations.Methods. Prospectively, a total of 39 patients aged between 1 and 48 years who were scheduled to undergo cochlear implantation surgeries were enrolled in this study. Every patient received both light and deep TIVA during the cochlear implant surgery. The e-ECAP thresholds were obtained during the light and deep TIVA.Results. After comparing the e-ECAP means for each electrode (lead) between the light and deep anesthesia, no significant differences were detected between the light and deep anesthesia.Conclusion. The depth of TIVA may have no significant influence on the e-ECAP thresholds as there was no statistical difference between the light and deep anesthesia.
CEEMDAN‐Based Permutation Entropy: A Suitable Feature for the Fault Identification of Spiral‐Bevel Gears
Authors: Jiang Lingli , Tan Hongchuang , Li Xuejun , Chen Liman , Yang Dalian
Published: December 2019

A spiral‐bevel gear is a basic transmission component and is widely used in mechanical equipment; thus, it is important to monitor and diagnose its running state to ensure safe operation of the entire equipment setup. The vibration signals of spiral‐bevel gears are typically quite complicated, as they present both nonlinear and nonstationary characteristics and are interfered with by strong noise. The complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) method has been proven to be an effective method for analyzing this kind of signal. However, the fault feature information after CEEMDAN is not obvious and needs to be quantified. Permutation entropy can be used to quantify the randomness, complexity, and mutation of vibration time‐series signals. This paper proposes to take the CEEMDAN‐based permutation entropy as the sensitive feature for spiral‐bevel gear fault identification. First, the raw vibration signal is decomposed by the CEEMDAN method to obtain a series of intrinsic modal functions (IMFs). The IMFs which included greater amounts fault information are selected as the optimal IMFs based on the correlation coefficient. Next, the permutation entropy values of the optimal IMFs are calculated. In order to obtain accurate permutation entropy values, the two key parameters, namely, embedding dimension and delay time, are optimized by using the overlapping parameter method. In order to assess the sensibility of the permutation entropy features, the support vector machine (SVM) is used as the classifier for fault mode identification, and the diagnostic accuracy can verify its sensibility. The permutation entropy of CEEMDAN‐based/EEMD‐based/EMD‐based features, combined with SVM, is applied to identify three different fault modes of spiral‐bevel gears. Their respective diagnostic accuracies are 100%, 88.33%, and 83.33%, which indicate that the CEEMDAN‐based permutation entropy is the most sensitive feature for the fault identification of spiral‐bevel gears.
A Synthetic Feature Skull Descriptor for 3D Skull Similarity Measurement
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Kang
Published: December 2019

3D skull similarity measurement is a challenging and meaningful task in the fields of archaeology, forensic science, and anthropology. However, it is difficult to correctly and directly measure the similarity between 3D skulls which are geometric models with multiple border holes and complex topologies. In this paper, based on the synthetic feature method, we propose a novel 3D skull descriptor, synthetic wave kernel distance distribution (SWKDD) constructed by the laplace–beltrami operator. By defining SWKDD, we obtain a concise global skull representation method and transform the complex 3D skull similarity measurement into a simple 1D vector similarity measurement. First, we give the definition and calculation of SWKDD and analyse its properties. Second, we represent a framework for 3D skull similarity measurement using the SWKDD of 3D skulls and details of the calculation steps involved. Finally, we validate the effectiveness of our proposed method by calculating the similarity measurement of 3D skulls based on the real craniofacial database.
Proof of Concept of an IoT-Based Public Vehicle Tracking System, Using LoRa (Long Range) and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Services
Authors: Salazar-Cabrera Ricardo , Pachón de la Cruz Álvaro , Madrid Molina Juan Manuel
Published: December 2019

Systems trying to solve mobility issues in cities, such as high levels of accidents and traffic congestion, have been developed worldwide. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) services focused on urban public transport are an option contributing to solve such issues. A few intermediate cities in the Latin American context have developed some of these ITS services, which are mainly based on a tracking system for public transport vehicles. Such tracking systems have great limitations in terms of coverage, availability, and operational cost. In addition, they are commonly isolated mobility solutions, which cannot be easily integrated with other mobility services in the city because they are not based on an ITS architecture. In order to improve public transportation systems in intermediate cities, we proposed the development of an IoT-based public vehicle tracking system, using LoRa (Long Range) and ITS services. In this research, we developed the proposed system as a proof of concept. We designed and executed some experiments, in order to adjust parameters of the LoRa technology and to test its operation. This article presents the methods we followed for developing the proof-of-concept model, a description of the experiments, and their results. The results lead to conclude that the LoRa technology and an IoT-based system are adequate for implementation of a mobility service such as the one we propose, once important technical restrictions related mainly to Line of Sight (LoS) are considered. Key aspects for implementation were also identified for deploying the service (as a prototype) in the city of Popayán.
Deep Lateral Wall Partial Rim-Sparing Orbital Decompression with Ultrasonic Bone Removal for Treatment of Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy
Authors: Bengoa-González Álvaro , Galindo-Ferreiro Alicia , Mencía-Gutiérrez Enrique , Sánchez-Tocino Hortensia , Martín-Clavijo Agustín , Lago-Llinás María-Dolores
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To describe the results of thyroid-related orbitopathy (TRO) treated by ultrasonic deep lateral wall bony decompression with partial rim sparing (DLW-PRS). Methods. A review was carried out, from January 2015 to September 2017, of all patients treated with ultrasonic DLW-PRS decompression using a SONOPET® (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) ultrasonic aspirator, using a lateral, small triangle flap incision for access. The primary outcome was the change in proptosis (measured by the difference in Hertel exophthalmometry measurements). Other secondary outcomes were changes in visual acuity (VA) (using Snellen scale, decimal fraction), presence of lagophthalmos, eyelid retraction (measured by upper eyelid margin distance to the corneal reflex (MRD1) and lower eyelid margin distance to the corneal reflex (MRD2), and presence of exposure keratopathy). Results. A total of 58 orbital decompressions in 35 patients were reviewed, with 23 patients (65.7%) having bilateral decompressions. There was a female preponderance with 26 patients (74.2%), and the mean age ± standard deviation was 52.6 ± 13.9 years. Mean proptosis was 24.51 ± 1.76 mm preoperatively, reduced to 19.61 ± 1.27 mm in final follow-up. The mean reduction was 4.9 ± 1.54 mm. VA improved from 0.8 ± 0.14 to 0.9 ± 0.12, p=0.039. 5 of 13 patients (38.4%) with preoperative diplopia reported improvement or complete resolution after surgery. MRD1 was reduced from 5.25 ± 0.88 mm to 4.49 ± 0.7 mm. MRD2 was also reduced from 6.3 ± 0.88 mm to 5.0 ± 0.17 mm. Presence of lagophthalmos was reduced from 35 eyes (60.3%) to five (8.6%); the presence of epiphora was also reduced from 20 patients (57.1%) to 3 (8.5%) following decompression. Complications of the surgery included zygomatic hypoaesthesia in 14 (40%) patients in the early postoperative period and chewing alterations in 10 (28.5%) of the patients. All of these complications were resolved at the 6-month follow-up visit. We noted no surgical complications such as ocular or soft tissue damage, infection, inflammation, or visual loss. Conclusions. The SONOPET® ultrasonic bone curette can be used safely and effectively for DLW orbital decompression surgery. The main benefits were good visualization and handling of tissues and speed and ease of use of the equipment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04025034.
Zero Divisor Graph of a Lattice and Its Unique Ideal
Authors: Deore Rajendra , Tayade Pramod
Published: December 2019

Let L be a lattice with the least element 0. Let AL be the finite set of atoms with AL>1 and ΓL be the zero divisor graph of a lattice L. In this paper, we introduce the smallest finite, distributive, and uniquely complemented ideal B of a lattice L having the same number of atoms as that of L and study the properties of ΓL and ΓB.
Statins Were Associated with a Reduced Gastric Cancer Risk in Patients with Eradicated Helicobacter Pylori Infection: A Territory-Wide Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing , Chan Esther W. , Wong Angel Y.S. , Chen Lijia , Seto Wai-Kay , Wong Ian C.K. , Leung Wai K.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Individuals may still develop gastric cancer even after Helicobacter pylori eradication. We aimed to investigate statin effect on gastric cancer development in H. pylori–eradicated subjects.

Methods:

All adult subjects who were prescribed clarithromycin-based triple therapy between 2003 and 2012 were identified in this retrospective cohort study utilizing a territory-wide electronic healthcare database. Patients were observed from index date of H. pylori therapy, and censored at gastric cancer diagnosis, death, or December 2015 (study end date). Statin use was defined as ≥180-day use after index date. Exclusion criteria included gastric cancer diagnosed within the first year after index date, previous gastric cancer or gastrectomy, and H. pylori treatment failure. Subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) of gastric cancer with statins was calculated by competing risk regression with propensity score (PS) analysis matching 19 variables (age, sex, comorbidities, and other drug usage, including proton pump inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and metformin).

Results:

During a median follow-up of 7.6 years (interquartile range = 5.1–10.3), 169 (0.27%) of 63,605 patients developed gastric cancer at an incidence rate of 3.5 per 10,000 person-years. Among 22,870 PS-matched subjects, statins were associated with a lower gastric cancer risk (SHR = 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.19–0.61), in a duration– and dose–response manner (Ptrend < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Statins were associated with a lower gastric cancer risk in a duration– and dose–response manner among H. pylori–eradicated patients.

Impact:

This study provides evidence on the additional benefits of statins as chemopreventive agents against gastric cancer among H. pylori–eradicated patients.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: TIL it is Too Late
Authors: Savas Peter , Loi Sherene
Published: December 2019

Paired analysis of primary and metastatic triple-negative breast cancers shows that metastatic disease is an immunodepleted state. This understanding has important implications for targeting the immune microenvironment in breast cancer, placing a greater emphasis on earlier stage disease and shaping future treatment strategies in the metastatic setting.

See related article by Hutchinson et al., p. 657
The Effect of Patient Progress Feedback on Psychotherapy Outcome
Authors: Schöttke Henning , Unrath Michael , Uhlmann Christina
Published: December 2019

Background: There is evidence that outpatient psychotherapy is effective in treating mental disorders. However, 5–10% of the patients get worse during treatment. Patients and Methods: This randomised, controlled trial investigates the effect of systematic feedback of patients’ progress to therapists on the outcome of psychotherapy. A total of 230 adult patients were randomly assigned to three conditions: progress monitoring with feedback, progress monitoring without feedback, no progress monitoring. Subsequently, they were treated with cognitive behavioral therapy in an outpatient clinic. Feedback was based on three self-report questionnaires: Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Psychotherapeutic Change (FEP-2), Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-30), and Assessment for Signal Cases (ASC). Variance analyses with repeated measurements were conducted to verify whether feedback enhances treatment outcomes. Results: There were no statistical differences between the three conditions with regard to sociodemographic and disease-relevant variables. Patients’ impairment improved significantly in all three groups, but there were no significant differences between groups. Moreover, feedback had no differential effect on patients without initial improvement (n = 49). Discussion and Conclusion: In our study, collective patients’ progress feedback to therapists had neither a global nor a differential effect on treatment outcomes. In order to better demonstrate a potential feedback effect, future studies should aim for a higher frequency of feedback, measure therapists’ attitude towards such feedback systems, and use “clinical support tools.”
Developmental Differences in Platelet Inhibition Response to Prostaglandin E1
Authors: Palma-Barqueros Verónica , Torregrosa José Miguel , Caparrós-Pérez Eva , Mota-Pérez Nerea , Bohdan Natalia , Llanos María del Carmen , Begonja Antonija Jurak , Sola-Visner Martha , Vicente Vicente , Teruel-Montoya Raúl , Rivera José , Ferrer-Marín Francisca
Published: December 2019

Background: The mechanisms underlying neonatal platelets hyporesponsiveness are not fully understood. While previous studies have demonstrated developmental impairment of agonist-induced platelet activation, differences in inhibitory signaling pathways have been scarcely investigated. Objective: To compare neonatal and adult platelets with regard to inhibition of platelet reactivity by prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Methods: Platelet-rich plasma from umbilical cord (CB) or adult blood was incubated with PGE1 (0–1 μM). We assessed aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and thrombin receptor activating peptide as well as cyclic adenosine 3′5′-monophosphate (cAMP) levels (ELISA). Gαs, Gαi2, and total- and phospho-protein kinase A (PKA) were evaluated in adult and CB ultrapure and washed platelets, respectively, by immunoblotting. Results: Neonatal (vs. adult) platelets display hypersensitivity to inhibition by PGE1 of platelet aggregation induced by ADP and collagen (PGE1 IC50: 14 and 117 nM for ADP and collagen, respectively, vs. 149 and 491 nM in adults). They also show increased basal and PGE1-induced cAMP levels. Mechanistically, PGE1 acts by binding to the prostanoid receptor IP (prostacyclin receptor), which couples to the Gαs protein-adenylate cyclase axis and increases intracellular levels of cAMP. cAMP activates PKA, which phosphorylates different target inhibitor proteins. Neonatal platelets showed higher basal and PGE1-induced cAMP levels, higher Gαs protein expression, and a trend to increased PKA-dependent protein phosphorylation compared to adult platelets. Conclusion: Neonatal platelets have a functionally increased PGE1-cAMP-PKA axis. This finding supports a downregulation of inhibitory when going from neonate to adult contributing to neonatal platelet hyporesponsiveness.
Influence of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension-Type Diet, Known Genetic Variants and Their Interplay on Blood Pressure in Early Childhood
Authors: Zafarmand Mohammad Hadi , Spanjer Marit , Nicolaou Mary , Wijnhoven Hanneke A. H. , van Schaik Barbera D.C. , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Snieder Harold , Vrijkotte Tanja G.M.
Published: December 2019

There is limited evidence on association between adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH diet) and a lower blood pressure (BP) in children. In a population-based cohort study, among 1068 Dutch children aged 5 to 7, we evaluated the association between a DASH-type diet, 29 known genetic variants incorporated in a genetic risk score, and their interaction on BP. We calculated DASH score based on the food intake data measured through a validated 71-item food frequency questionnaire. In our sample, DASH score ranged from 9 (low adherence to the DASH diet) to 33 (median=21), and genetic score ranged from 18 (low genetic risk on high BP) to 41 (median=29). After adjustment for covariates, each 10 unit increase in DASH score was associated with a lower systolic BP of 0.7 mm Hg (
P
=0.033). DASH score was negatively associated with hypertension (odds ratio=0.96 [0.92–0.99],
P
=0.044). Similarly, each SD increment in genetic score was associated with 0.5 mm Hg higher diastolic BP (
P
=0.002). We found a positive interaction between low DASH score and high genetic score on diastolic BP adjusted for BP risk factors (β=1.52,
P
interaction
=0.019 in additive scale and β=0.03,
P
interaction
=0.021 in multiplicative scale). Our findings show that adherence to the DASH-type diet, as well as a low (adult-derived) genetic risk profile for BP, is associated with lower BP in children and that the genetic basis of BP phenotypes at least partly overlaps between adults and children. In addition, we found evidence of a gene-diet interaction on BP in children.
Statins Reverse Postpartum Cardiovascular Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Preeclampsia
Authors: Kräker Kristin , O’Driscoll Jamie M. , Schütte Till , Herse Florian , Patey Olga , Golic Michaela , Geisberger Sabrina , Verlohren Stefan , Birukov Anna , Heuser Arnd , Müller Dominik N. , Thilaganathan Basky , Dechend Ralf , Haase Nadine
Published: December 2019

Preeclampsia is associated with increased cardiovascular long-term risk; however, the underlying functional and structural mechanisms are unknown. We investigated maternal cardiac alterations after preeclampsia. Female rats harboring the human angiotensinogen gene [TGR(hAogen)L1623] develop a preeclamptic phenotype with hypertension and albuminuria during pregnancy when mated with male rats bearing the human renin gene [TGR(hRen)L10J] but behave physiologically normal before and after pregnancy. Furthermore, rats were treated with pravastatin. We tested the hypothesis that statins are a potential therapeutic intervention to reduce cardiovascular alterations due to simulated preeclamptic pregnancy. Although hypertension persists for only 8 days in pregnancy, former preeclampsia rats exhibit significant cardiac hypertrophy 28 days after pregnancy observed in both speckle tracking echocardiography and histological staining. In addition, fibrosis and capillary rarefaction was evident. Pravastatin treatment ameliorated the remodeling and improved cardiac output postpartum. Preeclamptic pregnancy induces irreversible structural changes of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, which can be moderated by pravastatin treatment. This pathological cardiac remodeling might be involved in increased cardiovascular risk in later life.
Proximal Left Anterior Descending Artery Treatment Using a Bioresorbable Polymer Coating Sirolimus‐Eluting Stent: Real‐World Outcomes From the Multicenter Prospective e‐Ultimaster Registry
Authors: Codner Pablo , Saada Majdi , Sakhov Orazbek , Polad Jawed , Malik Fazila Tun‐Nesa , Munir Shahzad , Mamas Mamas , Crowley Jim , Monsegu Jacques , Perez Luis , Kedev Sasko , Austin David , Roguin Ariel ,   e‐Ultimaster investigators
Published: December 2019

Background

Guidelines recommend heart team discussion and coronary artery bypass graft consideration in patients with proximal left anterior descending (
LAD
) artery stenosis. Evidence suggests that outcomes of proximal
LAD
angioplasty might not differ from treatment of nonproximal
LAD
locations. We aim to determine clinical outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the proximal
LAD
segment in comparison with nonproximal
LAD
angioplasty, using a thin‐strut drug‐eluting stent.

Methods and Results

In this analysis of the e‐Ultimaster registry, patients undergoing angioplasty in the proximal
LAD
territory were compared with those treated in nonproximal
LAD
locations. Multivariate analysis and propensity score were used to adjust for differences among the groups. The primary outcome was target lesion failure: a composite of cardiac death, target‐lesion–related myocardial infarction, and/or clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 1‐year follow‐up. Of the 17 805 patients (mean age, 64.2±11; 76% male), 5452 (30.6%) underwent proximal
LAD
and 12 353 (69.4%) nonproximal
LAD
percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients in the proximal
LAD
group had more multivessel disease (48.7% versus 43.5%;
P
<0.001) and 2‐fold more bifurcations lesions (18.8% versus 9.2%;
P
<0.0001). After propensity‐weighted adjustment, target lesion failure did not differ between the groups (3.3% versus 2.9%;
P
=0.17 for proximal
LAD
versus nonproximal
LAD
angioplasty, respectively). In multivariate analysis, proximal
LAD
treatment was not an independent predictor of target lesion failure (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.88–1.31;
P
=0.48).

Conclusions

At 1‐year follow‐up, patients had similar clinical outcomes independent of stenting location, questioning whether proximal
LAD
treatment should be regarded differently from stenting in any other coronary artery territory.
Making the Most of Student Teaching: The Importance of Mentors and Scope for Change
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Krieg John , Naito Natsumi , Theobald Roddy
Published: December 2019

A growing literature documents the importance of student teaching placements for teacher development. Emerging evidence from this literature highlights the importance of the mentor teacher who supervises this placement, as teachers tend to be more effective when they student teach with a mentor who is a more effective teacher. But the efficacy of policies that aim to have effective teachers serve as mentors depends a great deal on the availability of effective teachers to serve in this role. We therefore use data from Washington State to illustrate that there is ample scope for change in student teacher placements; in other words, there are far more effective teachers within fifty miles of a teacher education program (TEP) who could host a student teacher in each year than the number of teachers who serve in this role. We also discuss the considerable challenges to improvement efforts related to the need for better coordination between TEPs, K–12 school systems, and states. Finally, we argue that, if policy makers value teacher candidate development equivalently to teacher in-service development, they should be willing to pay substantially more than the current average compensation for mentor teachers to recruit effective teachers to serve in this role.
Light and Void. The Philosophical Background of Valerian Magni’s Vacuum Experiments
Authors: Nejeschleba Tomáš
Published: December 2019

The subject of the article is the interpretation of a series of experiments proving the existence of vacuum. This was performed by the Capuchin Valerian Magni in 1647 and described in the treatise Demonstratio ocularis, which is the first printed text referring to successful experiments with vacuum. The work generated great controversy at the time, not only with opponents of void, but also with French scholars, who accused Magni of plagiarism. The article reconstructs both the situation around the work’s publication and the reaction to it, with an aim of presenting the philosophical background behind Magni’s experiments. Magni understood the experiments as confirmation of his anti-Aristotelianism, and placed them among his metaphysics and natural philosophy, in which he attributes the key epistemological and ontological function to light.
The Fate of William Whewell’s Four Palætiological Domains: A Comparative Study
Authors: Tanghe Koen B.
Published: December 2019

In 1847, the British polymath William Whewell pointed out that the sciences for which he, in 1837, had coined the term “palætiological” have much in common and that they may reflect light upon each other by being treated together. This recommendation is here put into practice in a specific way, to wit, not by comparing the palaetiological sciences that Whewell distinguished himself but by comparing the general historical development of the scientific study of the four broad palætiological domains that he enumerated in 1847: the solar system, the Earth, its vegetable and animal creation, and man. For wide and various as their subjects are, it will be found that [the palætiological sciences] have all certain principles, maxims, and rules of procedure in common; and thus may reflect light upon each other by being treated together. William Whewell ( 1847 , 1, p. 640)