bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crustal shortening and porphyry copper mineralization in the Laramide arc and superimposed extension: Introduction and themes
Authors: Seedorff† Eric , Richardson Carson A. , Favorito Daniel A. , Barton Mark D. , Greig Roy E.
Published: November 2019

The Laramide continental arc formed in southwestern North America at about the same time the Sierra Nevadan arc was shutting down, and the Laramide arc was active concurrent with the progress of the Laramide orogeny, from ca. 80 Ma to ca. 45 Ma. East-central Arizona offers an excellent opportunity to explore aspects of tectonics, structural geology, magmatism, and hydrothermal systems in a segment of the Laramide arc that is exceptionally well endowed with porphyry copper deposits. The structure of this region is especially complicated, with multiple generations of normal faults commonly superimposed on originally moderate-angle reverse faults with associated fault-propagation folds. A large new porphyry copper deposit, Resolution, was discovered near Superior in the mid-1990s. The discovery started a new round of development in the mining life cycle at the Resolution deposit; in the region, it contributed to copper exploration again becoming vigorous in the last decade. In the years since discovery of Resolution, important new scientific insights have been gained, including at the regional scale.

Post-ore crustal extension exposed multiple levels of Laramide and older igneous and hydrothermal systems at the surface where they can be more easily mapped and sampled, and palinspastic reconstructions of post-mineral normal faulting permit the exposures to be restored to their original positions. The porphyry-related products that are observed at higher levels include local advanced argillic alteration and Cordilleran-style veins and associated mantos, such as at the Magma mine, Resolution deposit, and Old Dominion mine in the shallowest levels of the Superior-Globe-Miami area. Most porphyry copper ore bodies were developed at intermediate depths, where porphyry intrusions exhibit sericitic and potassic alteration and carbonate rocks were converted to skarn, such as in the heart of the Miami-Inspiration, Resolution, Ray, and Christmas deposits. Plutonic rocks are exposed at deeper paleodepths, where pegmatites, quartz veins, and greisen muscovite are locally observed, especially directly beneath porphyry copper orebodies, as in the Schultze and Granite Mountain plutons. Likewise, sodic-calcic alteration may be developed on the deep flanks of porphyry systems, such as adjacent to the Tea Cup pluton. Subsequent Cenozoic extension variously buried or exhumed the hypogene portions of these hydrothermal systems, leading to the development of various supergene products, both in situ and exotic.
Superimposed Laramide contraction, porphyry copper systems, and Cenozoic extension, east-central Arizona: A road log
Authors: Richardson Carson A. , Favorito Daniel A. , Runyon Simone E. , Seedorff† Eric , Maher David J. , Barton Mark D. , Greig Roy E.
Published: November 2019

This field trip integrates economic geology with structural geology and tectonics, as well as petrology, geochemistry, and regional geology, to examine a segment of the Laramide arc that includes part of the Laramide porphyry copper province of southwestern North America. The province arguably is the second-largest porphyry copper province in the world, hosting six of the world’s 25 largest porphyry deposits on the basis of contained copper metal. The Globe–Superior–Ray–San Manuel area includes about a dozen Laramide (Late Cretaceous to early Paleocene) porphyry copper deposits and the related granodioritic to granitic plutons. These plutons and their wall rocks were tectonically dismembered and variably easterly or westerly tilted (locally >90°) during Laramide contraction and subsequent mid-Cenozoic extension. The style of both shortening and extension here remains a subject of debate. Although this trip includes one brief mine visit and examination of drill core at the Resolution deposit, it will principally focus on: (1) different parts of various plutons and the associated alteration aureoles, including review of resultant mineralization, and the original sides, roots, and deep flanks of the hydrothermal systems; and (2) structure in the adjacent wall rocks and the implications for the style and timing of deformation in absolute and relative terms to hypogene ore formation. An increased understanding of the structural geology and the alteration-mineralization zonation of the dismembered hydrothermal aureoles allows an integrated view of the original geometry and size of the porphyry systems, the relationship between porphyry copper mineralization and crustal shortening, and possible origins of deep hydrothermal alteration.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in a 33-year-old woman with PCOS and metabolic syndrome: a rare scenario
Authors: Chitten Jojin Jose , James Boblee
Published: November 2019

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common degenerative enthesopathy seen in the elderly with male preponderance. It is uncommon in patients before 50 years of age and is extremely rare in patients younger than 40 years. We report a case of 33-year-old unmarried woman who presented with inflammatory spinal pain and stiffness, limited chest expansion, decreased range of spinal motion and postural abnormalities, all of which suggested the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, considering the patient’s age. But, further evaluation led us to the final diagnosis of DISH with associated metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). To the best of our knowledge, our patient is the first reported case of DISH in a woman less than 40 years of age, and also the first case of DISH associated with PCOS and metabolic syndrome.
Bilateral paramedian pontine infarcts: a rare cause of bilateral horizontal gaze palsy
Authors: Chernov Dmitriy , Karavassilis Maria Elizabeth , Hassan Farida , Bhandari Mohit
Published: November 2019

A 73-year-old man presented to accident and emergency with headache and diplopia. Examination of the eye movements revealed a bilateral complete horizontal gaze palsy. On admission, a CT scan of the brain was performed, which was unremarkable. An MRI of the brain was then performed, which confirmed tiny acute infarcts involving the pons and the right cerebellum. This man was promptly treated with aspirin 300 mg one time per day, as per the stroke pathway. Further diagnostic workup later revealed atrial flutter. This man was therefore commenced on apixaban. The differential diagnoses for bilateral gaze palsy include the following: multiple sclerosis, infarction, haemorrhage and space occupying lesion. Bilateral gaze palsy is often associated with other neurological symptoms.
Isolated testicular recurrence of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in an adult: rare case
Authors: Jayakrishnan Thejus , Shaikh Hira , Samhouri Yazan , Sandhu Ariel , Fazal Salman
Published: November 2019

An 80-year-old man who was previously diagnosed with Philadelphia+ B cell-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) in remission post-allogeneic matched unrelated donor peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Five years later, he was found to have unilateral testicular relapse of Philadelphia+ B-ALL proven by pathology after radical orchiectomy. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy did not show evidence of leukaemia. Patient was treated with adjuvant radiation therapy and started on dasatinib 50 mg daily. Given his age and absence of disseminated acutelymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), no adjuvant chemotherapy was utilised. He is monitored with monthly PCR studies. At 1-year follow-up, no findings suggestive of recurrence of ALL have been identified and the patient is maintained on the dasatinib. Although isolated testicular recurrence is common among paediatric population, it is a rare event among adults as it is considered an immunological sanctuary for cancer cells.
Vessel density and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness following acute primary angle closure
Authors: Moghimi Sasan , SafiZadeh Mona , Xu Benjamin Y , Fard Masoud Aghsaei , Khatibi Nassim , Rao Harsha Laxmana , Weinreb Robert N
Published: November 2019

Background

To evaluate changes in circumpapillary vessel density (cpVD) and retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) thickness after a successfully treated episode of acute primary angle closure (APAC) and to identify factors associated with glaucoma progression in these eyes.

Methods

Twenty-six patients successfully treated for a unilateral episode of APAC were included in this prospective study. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) cpRNFL thickness and OCT angiography (OCTA) cpVD were compared between 2 and 8 months after treatment. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors that influenced cpRNFL outcome.

Results

cpRNFL thicknesses was thinner in the affected eye (94.0 µm (95% CI: 87.3 to 100.8)) than in the unaffected fellow eye (103.1 µm (99.3 to 106.9)) at 2 months (p=0.039). The cpRNFL thickness of the affected eye decreased 8 months after remission (89.5 µm (84 to 95)), but was unchanged in the unaffected eye. Although cpVD was significantly lower (p=0.001) in APAC eyes 2 months after treatment (56.7% (53.8 to 59.7)) compared with fellow eyes (62.9% (61.4 to 64.4)), there was no significant change in cpVD of the affected eye between 2 and 8 months. In the multivariable analysis, the only factor that was associated with cpRNFL progression was lower cpVD at 2 months after APAC remission (OR=1.79, p=0.036).

Conclusion

Early reductions of the vessel density and long-term decrease in cpRNFL thickness were observed during the first 8 months after an APAC attack. A lower vessel density at 2 months was the best predictor of conversion to an abnormal cpRNFL thickness. Glaucomatous progression should be suspected in eyes with lower vessel density even after remission of an episode of APAC.
New modifications of Swedish ROP guidelines based on 10-year data from the SWEDROP register
Authors: Holmström Gerd , Hellström Ann , Gränse Lotta , Saric Marie , Sunnqvist Birgitta , Wallin Agneta , Tornqvist Kristina , Larsson Eva
Published: November 2019

Background/aims

During the last decade, improved neonatal care has resulted in increased survival of the most immature infants and improved health of more mature infants. We hypothesise that this has affected incidence and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), enabling guidelines for screening to be modified.

Methods

In Sweden, all infants with gestational age (GA) at birth ≤30 weeks are screened for ROP. Results are registered in a web-based register, Swedish National ROP Register, with a coverage rate of 97%. Incidence of ROP and frequency of treatment, aspects on natural course of ROP and number of examinations, are calculated in relation to GA at birth in infants born during 2008–2017.

Results

Of 7249 infants, 31.9% (2310) had ROP and 6.1% (440) were treated. No infant with GA 30 weeks was treated. Incidence of ROP remained similar, but frequency of treatment increased (p=0.023). Over time, GA and birth weight were reduced in infants with ROP and with treated ROP. In the most immature infants, postmenstrual age was lower and postnatal age was higher when any ROP and stage 3 ROP were first detected (p<0.001). At treatment, postmenstrual but not postnatal age of the infant was associated with GA (p<0.001). During the 10-year period, 46 038 examinations were performed.

Conclusion

Modification of Swedish guidelines is proposed, including only infants with a GA of <30 weeks and postponing the first examination with 1 week in infants with GA 26–29 weeks. This would spare many infants from stressful examinations and reduce eye examinations with at least 20%.
Joint external evaluation of the International Health Regulation (2005) capacities: current status and lessons learnt in the WHO African region
Authors: Talisuna Ambrose , Yahaya Ali Ahmed , Rajatonirina Soatiana Cathycia , Stephen Mary , Oke Antonio , Mpairwe Allan , Diallo Amadou Bailo , Musa Emmanuel Onuche , Yota Daniel , Banza Freddy Mutoka , Wango Roland Kimbi , Roberts Nathalie Amy , Sreedharan Rajesh , Kandel Nirmal , Rashford Adrienne May , Boulanger Linda Lucy , Huda Qudsia , Chungong Stella , Yoti Zabulon , Fall Ibrahima Soce
Published: November 2019

The International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) are an essential vehicle for addressing global health security. Here, we report the IHR capacities in the WHO African from independent joint external evaluation (JEE). The JEE is a voluntary component of the IHR monitoring and evaluation framework. It evaluates IHR capacities in 19 technical areas in four broad themes: ‘Prevent’ (7 technical areas, 15 indicators); ‘Detect’ (4 technical areas, 13 indicators); ‘Respond’ (5 technical areas, 14 indicators), points of entry (PoE) and other IHR hazards (chemical and radiation) (3 technical areas, 6 indicators). The IHR capacity scores are graded from level 1 (no capacity) to level 5 (sustainable capacity). From February 2016 to March 2019, 40 of 47 WHO African region countries (81% coverage) evaluated their IHR capacities using the JEE tool. No country had the required IHR capacities. Under the theme ‘Prevent’, no country scored level 5 for 12 of 15 indicators. Over 80% of them scored level 1 or 2 for most indicators. For ‘Detect’, none scored level 5 for 12 of 13 indicators. However, many scored level 3 or 4 for several indicators. For ‘Respond’, none scored level 5 for 13 of 14 indicators, and less than 10% had a national multihazard public health emergency preparedness and response plan. For PoE and other IHR hazards, most countries scored level 1 or 2 and none scored level 5. Countries in the WHO African region are commended for embracing the JEE to assess their IHR capacities. However, major gaps have been identified. Urgent collective action is needed now to protect the WHO African region from health security threats.
Measuring progress towards universal health coverage: national and subnational analysis in Ethiopia
Authors: Eregata Getachew Teshome , Hailu Alemayehu , Memirie Solomon Tessema , Norheim Ole Frithjof
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Aiming for universal health coverage (UHC) as a country-level goal requires that progress is measured and tracked over time. However, few national and subnational studies monitor UHC in low-income countries and there is none for Ethiopia. This study aimed to estimate the 2015 national and subnational UHC service coverage status for Ethiopia.

Methods

The UHC service coverage index was constructed from the geometric means of component indicators: first, within each of four major categories and then across all components to obtain the final summary index. Also, we estimated the subnational level UHC service coverage. We used a variety of surveys data and routinely collected administrative data.

Results

Nationally, the overall Ethiopian UHC service coverage for the year 2015 was 34.3%, ranging from 52.2% in the Addis Ababa city administration to 10% in the Afar region. The coverage for non-communicable diseases, reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health and infectious diseases were 35%, 37.5% and 52.8%, respectively. The national UHC service capacity and access coverage was only 20% with large variations across regions, ranging from 3.7% in the Somali region to 41.1% in the Harari region.

Conclusion

The 2015 overall UHC service coverage for Ethiopia was low compared with most of the other countries in the region. Also, there was a substantial variation among regions. Therefore, Ethiopia should rapidly scale up promotive, preventive and curative health services through increasing investment in primary healthcare if Ethiopia aims to reach the UHC service coverage goals. Also, policymakers at the regional and federal levels should take corrective measures to narrow the gap across regions, such as redistribution of the health workforce, increase resources allocated to health and provide focused technical and financial support to low-performing regions.
Awaking insomnia: sleeplessness in the 19th century through medical literature
Authors: Aebischer Gaspard , Rieder Philip Alexander
Published: November 2019

Sleep disorders have received growing public and scientific attention in the last decades. Scientific research and publications on sleeplessness are ongoing and considerable progress has been made on the medical understanding of sleep. And yet, insomnia affects an ever-growing number of people around the globe and remains both a difficult and common complaint general practitioners have to deal with on a daily basis. Sleeplessness is not new, although its transformation from a state of accepted wake to that of exasperating insomnia is a relatively recent transition in which, this article argues, Western medicine took an active part. In the 19th century, the theorisation of different nervous disorders and later of neurasthenia shaped the transformation of insomnia from a constituent of everyday life into a pathology. Based on research in French medical journals published in the second half of the 19th century, this article retraces a succession of medical paradigms for sleeplessness, including ‘symptomatic insomnia’, ‘nervous insomnia’ and interestingly, ‘insomnia’ as a key element in neurasthenia theories. The analysis of medical discourse in all successive theories reveals the decisive influence of physicians in the medicalisation of insomnia, their sociocultural representations echoing patient’s complaints as well as professional imperatives.
Advances in endovascular neuro-oncology: endovascular selective intra-arterial (ESIA) infusion of targeted biologic therapy for brain tumors
Authors: Srinivasan Visish M , Lang Frederick F , Chen Stephen R , Chen Melissa M , Gumin Joy , Johnson Jeremiah , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Kan Peter
Published: November 2019

Background

Malignant gliomas continue to have a poor clinical outcome with available therapies. In the past few years, new targeted biologic therapies have been studied, with promising results. However, owing to problems with ineffective IV delivery of these newer agents, an alternative, more direct delivery mechanism is needed. Simultaneously, advancements in neuroendovascular technology have allowed endovascular selective intra-arterial approaches to delivery. This method has the potential to increase drug delivery and selectively target tumor vasculature.

Objective

To review the history of IA therapy for brain tumors, prior failures and successes, the emergence of new technologies and therapies, and the future direction of this young field.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of two databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline) was performed for several terms including ‘brain tumor’, ‘glioma’, and ‘endovascular intra-arterial’. Forty-five relevant articles were identified via a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. Additional relevant articles were selected for further in-depth review. Emphasis was given to articles discussing selective intra-arterial intracranial delivery using microcatheters.

Results

Endovascular intra-arterial therapy with chemotherapy has had mixed results, with currently active trials using temozolomide, cetuximab, and bevacizumab. Prior attempts at IA chemotherapy with older-generation medications did not surpass the efficacy of IV administration. Advances in neuro-oncology have brought to the forefront new targeted biologic therapies.

Conclusions

In this review, we discuss the emerging field of endovascular neuro-oncology, a field that applies modern neuroendovascular techniques to the delivery of new therapeutic agents to brain tumors. The development of targeted therapies for brain tumors has been concurrent with the development of microcatheter technology, which has made superselective distal intracranial arterial access feasible and safe.
Electrochemical degradation of safranine T in aqueous solution by Ti/PbO2 electrodes
Authors: Liu Baichen , Ren Bingli , Xia Yun , Yang Yang , Yao Yingwu
Published: November 2019

The electrochemical degradation of safranine T (ST) in aqueous solution was studied. The effects of current density, initial concentration of ST, initial pH values, and Na2SO4 concentration on electrocatalytic degradation of ST in the aqueous solution by Ti/PbO2 electrode were analyzed. The experimental results showed that the electrochemical oxidization reaction of ST fitted a pseudo first order kinetics model. By using the Ti/ PbO2 electrode as the anode, 99.96% of ST can be eliminated at 120 min. It means that the electrochemical degradation of ST in aqueous solution by the Ti/PbO2 electrode was very effective. The optimal reaction conditions were as follows: current density, 40 mA cm−2; initial ST concentration, 100 mg L−1; Na2SO4 concentration, 0.20 mol L−1; initial pH, 6. It can be known from the test of UV–vis and HPLC in the reaction process that the intermediates will be generated, and the possible intermediate structure was studied by HPLC–MS test. However, with the progress of degradation reaction, the intermediates will eventually be oxidized into CO2 and H2O. Cyclic voltammetry and fluorescence experiments proved that ST was indirectly oxidized through the generation of hydroxyl radicals. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the energy required to completely remove ST was 17.92 kWh/m3.
Optical propagation patterns in nonlocal parabolic law medium
Authors: Li Wen-He , Wang Yong
Published: November 2019

The model of optical propagation in nonlocal parabolic law medium is described by nonlinear Schrödinger equation with high-order nonlinear terms. Exact optical propagation patterns are constructed by proposing a general complex trial equation method. These results show rich optical propagation patterns of the model.
Aspect-Oriented Approach for Testing Software Applications and Automatic Aspect Creation
Authors: Jain Manish , Gopalani Dinesh
Published: November 2019

The existing techniques for software testing can be used to perform only a particular type of testing, and moreover proficiency is required to write the automation test scripts using these techniques. This paper proposes a novel software testing approach using Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) that alone suffices for carrying out most of the types of software testing and thus obliterates the need of using distinctive tools for different types of testing. Nevertheless, AOP is a new programming paradigm and not all testers have the proficiency of working with it. Hence, a domain-specific language named Testing Aspect Generator Language (TAGL) was developed which has got a very low learning curve. Using TAGL, testers can write the testing code in the form of natural language-like statements. Further, the lexical analyzer and parser, written using lex and yacc, convert the TAGL statements into actual testing code in the form of AOP. The proposed approach was applied for the testing of widely used open source projects and remarkable bugs were detected into them. A detailed comparison as to how our approach is effective than the conventional testing techniques is provided.
ARES: An Agile Requirements Specification Process for Regulated Environments
Authors: Marques Johnny , da Cunha Adilson Marques
Published: November 2019

Agile methods have provided significant contributions to Software Engineering. This work presents a new process for Software Requirements Specification, integrating Agile Properties and regulated environments, such as aviation, medical, nuclear and automotive, among others. The Software in Regulated Environments (SRE) involves plan-driven methods with needed documentation to ensure safety, reliability, security, and discipline. This paper proposes a balance between agile and plan-driven methods. We define a new process, which explores and investigates the usage of agile methods in SRE. The scope of this paper is Requirements Engineering, which is considered as a set of activities involved in the management, elicitation, documentation, and maintenance of requirements. The Adile Requirements Specification (ARES) process contains four methods, 13 activities, and some required artifacts to ensure compliance with the following six relevant Software Standards for regulated environments: RTCA DO-178C, IEC 62304:2015, ECSS-E-ST-40C, IEC 61508-3, ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207, and IAEA SSG-39. The process evaluation was performed using two experiments: a Cockpit Display System (CDS) and a Healthcare Information System (HIS). These experiments were measured with appropriate metrics to ensure improvements in Software Requirements Specification and traceability among artifacts. The experimental results revealed that the ARES process works better than the original Scrum for Software in Regulated Environments. The ARES process can also be integrated with traditional software life cycles (Waterfall, V, and Incremental and Iterative), when applied in the Requirements Engineering phase.
A PSO-Based CEGAR Framework for Stochastic Model Checking
Authors: Ma Yan , Cao Zining , Liu Yang
Published: November 2019

Counterexample-guided abstraction refinement (CEGAR) is an extremely successful methodology for combating the state-space explosion problem in model checking. State-space explosion problem is more serious in the field of stochastic model checking, and it is still a challengeable problem to apply CEGAR in stochastic model checking effectively. In this paper, we formalize the problem of applying CEGAR in stochastic model checking, and propose a novel CEGAR framework for it. In our framework, the abstract model is presented by a quotient probabilistic automaton by making a set of variables or latches invisible, which can distinguish more degrees of abstraction for each variable. The counterexample is described by a diagnostic sub-model. Validating counterexample is performed on diagnostic loop paths, and the directed explicit state-space search algorithm is used for searching diagnostic loop paths. Sample learning, particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) and some effective heuristics are integrated for refining abstract model guided by invalid counterexample. A prototype tool is implemented for the framework, and the feasibility and efficiency are shown by some large cases.
The system of Vlasov–Maxwell–Einstein-type equations and its nonrelativistic and weak relativistic limits
Authors: Vedenyapin Victor , Fimin Nikolay , Chechetkin Valery
Published: November 2019

We considered derivation of Vlasov–Einstein–Maxwell system of equations from the first principles, i.e. using classical Maxwell–Einstein–Hilbert action principle. We know many papers in which the theories indicated as Einstein–Vlasov, Vlasov–Maxwell–Einstein, Einstein–Maxwell–Boltzmann are discussed, and we discuss difficulties of usually used equations. We use another way of derivation and obtain an alternative version based on the generalized Fock–Weinberg form of equation of motion.
Underwriting of Australian Dividend Reinvestment Plans
Authors: Abraham Mathew , Lau James , Marsden Alastair
Published: November 2019

This study examines the decision to underwrite dividend reinvestment plans (DRPs) by Australian listed firms over the sample period 1995–2013. We find that the decision to underwrite a DRP for non-financial firms is negatively related to the level of franking credits attached to dividends, but positively related to the leverage of the firm and the discount for new shares issued in lieu of dividends. Non-financial and financial firms that are larger in size are more likely to underwrite their DRP. Lastly, underwriting of DRPs decreased with the onset of and subsequent to the height of the global financial crisis.
Dynamic Contest Games with Time Delays
Authors: Matsumoto Akio , Szidarovszky Ferenc
Published: November 2019

Dynamic asymmetric contest games are examined under the assumption that the assessed value of the prize by each agent depends on the total effort of all agents, and each agent has only delayed information about the efforts of the competitors. Assuming gradient dynamics with continuous time scales, first the resulting one-delay model is investigated. Then, assuming additional delayed information about the agents’ own efforts, a two-delay model is constructed and analyzed. In both cases, first the characteristic equation is derived in the general case, and then two special cases are considered. First, symmetric agents are assumed and then general duopolies are examined. Conditions are derived for the local stability of the equilibrium including stability thresholds and stability switching curves.
Thermo-Elastic Creep Analysis and Life Assessment of Thick Truncated Conical Shells with Variable Thickness
Authors: Taghizadeh Tahereh , Nejad Mohammad Zamani , Kashkoli Mosayeb Davoudi
Published: November 2019

A semi-analytical method is presented to investigate time-dependent thermo-elastic creep behavior and life assessment of thick truncated conical shells with variable thickness subjected to internal pressure and thermal load. Based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), equilibrium equations and boundary conditions are derived using the minimum total potential energy principle. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, in previous studies, thermo-elastic creep analysis of conical shell with variable thickness based on the FSDT has not been investigated. Norton’s law is assumed as the material creep constitutive model. The multilayered method is proposed to solve the resulting equations, which yields an accurate solution. Subsequently, the stresses at different creep times can be obtained by means of an iterative approach. Using Robinson’s linear life fraction damage rule, the creep damages of conical shells are determined and Larson–Miller parameter (LMP) is employed for assessing the remaining life. The results of the proposed approach are validated with those of the finite element method (FEM) and good agreement was found. The results indicate that the present analysis is accurate and computationally efficient.
A Pure Visual Approach for Automatically Extracting and Aligning Structured Web Data
Authors: Estuka Fadwa , Miller James
Published: November 2019

Database-driven websites and the amount of data stored in their databases are growing enormously. Web databases retrieve relevant information in response to users’ queries; the retrieved information is encoded in dynamically generated web pages as structured data records. Identifying and extracting retrieved data records is a fundamental task for many applications, such as competitive intelligence and comparison shopping. This task is challenging due to the complex underlying structure of such web pages and the existence of irrelevant information. Numerous approaches have been introduced to address this problem, but most of them are HTML-dependent solutions that may no longer be functional with the continuous development of HTML. Although a few vision-based techniques have been introduced, various issues exist that inhibit their performance. To overcome this, we propose a novel visual approach, i.e., programming-language-independent, for automatically extracting structured web data. The proposed approach makes full use of the natural human tendency of visual object perception and the Gestalt laws of grouping. The extraction system consists of two tasks: (1) data record extraction, where we apply three of the Gestalt laws (i.e., laws of continuity, proximity, and similarity), which are used to group the adjacently aligned visually similar data records on a web page; and (2) data item extraction and alignment, where we employ the Gestalt law of similarity, which is utilized to group the visually identical data items. Our experiments upon large-scale test sets show that the proposed system is highly effective and outperforms the two state-of-art vision-based approaches, ViDE and rExtractor. The experiments produce an average F1 score of 86.02%, which is approximately 55% and 36% better than that of ViDE and rExtractor for data record extraction, respectively; and an average F1 score of 86.19%, which is approximately 39% better than that of ViDE for data item extraction.
Using velocity-pressure loops in the operating room: a new approach of arterial mechanics for cardiac afterload monitoring under general anesthesia
Authors: Hong A. , Joachim J. , Buxin C. , Levé C. , Le Gall A. , Millasseau S. , Mateo J. , Civelli V. , Serrano J. , Mebazaa A. , Gayat E. , Vallée F.
Published: November 2019

Cardiac afterload is usually assessed in the ascending aorta and can be defined by the association of peripheral vascular resistance (PVR), total arterial compliance (Ctot), and aortic wave reflection (WR). We recently proposed the global afterload angle (GALA) and β-angle derived from the aortic velocity-pressure (VP) loop as continuous cardiac afterload monitoring in the descending thoracic aorta. The aim of this study was to 1) describe the arterial mechanic properties by studying the velocity-pressure relations according to cardiovascular risk (low-risk and high-risk patients) in the ascending and descending thoracic aorta and 2) analyze the association between the VP loop (GALA and β-angle) and cardiac afterload parameters (PVR, Ctot, and WR). PVR, Ctot, WR, and VP loop parameters were measured in the ascending and descending thoracic aorta in 50 anesthetized patients. At each aortic level, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), and PVR were similar between low-risk and high-risk patients. In contrast, Ctot, WR, GALA, and β-angle were strongly influenced by cardiovascular risk factors regardless of the site of measurement along the aorta. The GALA angle was inversely related to aortic compliance, and the β-angle reflected the magnitude of wave reflection in both the ascending and descending aortas ( P < 0.001). Under general anesthesia, the VP loop can provide new visual insights into arterial mechanical properties compared with the traditional MAP and CO for the assessment of cardiac afterload. Further studies are necessary to demonstrate the clinical utility of the VP loop in the operating room.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our team recently proposed the global afterload angle (GALA) and β-angle derived from the aortic velocity-pressure (VP) loop as continuous cardiac afterload monitoring in the descending thoracic aorta under general anesthesia. However, the evaluation of cardiac afterload at this location is unusual. The present study shows that VP loop parameters can describe the components of cardiac afterload both in the ascending and descending thoracic aorta in the operating room. Aging and cardiovascular risk factors strongly influence VP loop parameters. The VP loop could provide continuous visual additional information on the arterial system than the traditional mean arterial pressure and cardiac output during the general anesthesia.
Immunotransplant: Preventing Unintended Consequences
Authors: Ansell Stephen M.
Published: November 2019

T-cell transfer into lymphodepleted recipients results not only in homeostatic activation of the infused cells but also in T-cell inhibition due to upregulation of immune checkpoint receptors including PD-1 and CTLA4, thereby mitigating T-cell efficacy. Dual checkpoint blockade of PD-1 and CTLA4 in conjunction with lymphodepletion—an “immunotransplant”—uncouples the T-cell inhibition from activation and amplifies the T-cell antitumor immune response.

See related article by Marshall et al., p. 1520.
Xq27.1 Duplication Encompassing SOX3: Variable Phenotype and Smallest Duplication Associated with Hypopituitarism to Date – A Large Case Series of Unrelated Patients and a Literature Review
Authors: Arya Ved Bhushan , Chawla Garima , Nambisan Aparna K.R. , Muhi-Iddin Nadia , Vamvakiti Ekaterini , Ajzensztejn Michal , Hulse Tony , Ferreira Pinto Clare , Lahiri Nayana , Bint Susan , Buchanan Charles R. , Kapoor Ritika R.
Published: November 2019

Background: Xq27.1 duplication encompassing SOX3 has been implicated in the aetiology of X-linked hypopituitarism associated with intellectual disability and neural tube defects. We describe the largest case series to date of 5 unrelated patients with SOX3 duplication with a variable clinical phenotype, including the smallest reported SOX3 duplication. Case Reports: Five male patients who presented with congenital hypopituitarism (CH) were identified to have Xq27.1 duplication encompassing SOX3. The size of the duplication ranged from 323.8 kb to 11 Mb. The duplication was maternally inherited or de novo in 2 patients each (and of unknown inheritance in 1 patient). The age at presentation was variable. Three patients had multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, whereas 2 patients had isolated growth hormone deficiency. All patients had micropenis and/or small undescended testes. Structural pituitary and/or other midline cranial abnormalities (callosal hypogenesis/absence of the septum pellucidum) were present in all patients. Two patients had a neural tube defect in addition to CH. Conclusions: This is the largest series reported to date of unrelated patients with CH in association with Xq27.1 duplication encompassing SOX3. The clinical phenotype is variable, which may be due to genetic redundancy or other unknown aetiological factors. We have expanded the phenotypic spectrum through description of the smallest Xq27.1 duplication (323.8 kb) with CH reported to date, as well as a second family with CH and a neural tube defect.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Eisa Mahmoud S. , Mohamed Shehab F. , Ibrahim Firyal , Shariff Khalid , Sadik Nagham , Nashwan Abdulqadir , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: November 2019

In this study, we are describing a female patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Both diseases are known to cause hemolytic anemia that mediates the hemolysis of RBCs through several mechanisms. In PNH the hemolysis is mediated through complement activation and oxidative stress. G6PD enzyme is crucial in preventing damage to cellular structures caused by oxygen-free radicles. In G6PD deficiency the hemolysis is mediated through the oxidative stress created by oxygen-free radicles. Since both diseases mediate hemolysis through the oxidative stress, we hypothesize that both conditions have facilitated an effect on each other and this will reflect on the response to treatment, and this response to treatment could vary based on whether the two mutations occurred in the same gene or in two different X chromosomes. Having diagnosed PNH, the management is very expensive and not all the patients can afford it, especially our patient who is a maid by occupation. So, the real challenge in our case is to monitor her in subsequent visits and to plan the treatment keeping in mind her financial status.
Cost Analysis of Biliary Drainage Using Metal versus Plastic Stents in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Elshimi Esam , Morad Wesam
Published: November 2019

Background: The optimal method of biliary drainage for biliary obstruction caused by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial, and the possible endoscopic application of plastic and metal stents is the least invasive procedure to improve patients’ quality of life. Aim: Our objective was to study cost evaluation based on a clinical efficacy of both procedures in a randomized trial comparing both approaches in patients with biliary obstruction caused by HCC. Methods: The strategy of management was based on clinical effectiveness of biliary drainage with either metal or plastic stents in 90 patients over a 1-year follow-up period. Total (direct and indirect) costs were evaluated. Results: The direct costs were EGP 40,857.84 and 21,802.62 per patient with plastic and metal stents, respectively. Concerning the indirect costs, EGP 888 and 454 were spent for each patient with plastic and metal stents, respectively. The differences in the costs resulted from patients with plastic stent insertion requiring more second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures and more medication, medical consultation, and hospitalization during the year of follow-up. Conclusions: Based on this analysis, the use of metal stents rather than plastic stents in biliary drainage is more cost effective for this group of patients.
Monitoring of Intraperitoneal Fluid Volume during Peritoneal Equilibration Testing using Segmental Bioimpedance
Authors: Zhu Fansan , Abbas Samer R. , Bologa Roxana M. , Levin Nathan W. , Kotanko Peter
Published: November 2019

Background: Ultrafiltration failure and fluid overload are common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Knowledge of intraperitoneal volume (IPV) and time to peak IPV during a dwell would permit improved PD prescription. This study aimed to utilize trunk segmental bioimpedance analysis (SBIA) to quasi-continuously monitor IPV (IPVSBIA) during the peritoneal dwell. Methods: IPVSBIA was measured every minute using lower-trunk SBIA (Hydra 4200; Xitron Technologies Inc., CA, USA) in 10 PD patients during a standard 240-min peritoneal equilibration test (PET). The known dialysate volume (2 L) rendered IPVSBIA calibration and calculation of instantaneous ultrafiltration volume (UFVSBIA) possible. UFVSBIA was defined as IPVSBIA – 2 L. Results: Based on dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio, 2 patients were high, 7 high-average, and 1 low-average transporters. Technically sound IPVSBIA measurements were obtained in 9 patients (age 59.0 ± 8.8 years, 7 females, 5 African Americans). Drained ultrafiltration volume (UFVdrain) was 0.47 ± 0.21 L and correlated (r = 0.74; p < 0.05) with end-dwell UFVSBIA (0.55 ± 0.17 L). Peak UFVSBIA was 1.04 ± 0.32 L, it was reached 177 ± 61 min into the dwell and exceeded end-dwell UFVSBIA by 0.49 ± 0.28 L (95% CI: 0.27–0.7) and UFVdrain by 0.52 ± 0.31 L (95% CI: 0.29–0.76), respectively. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of trunk segmental bioimpedance to quasi-continuously monitor IPVSBIA and identify the time to peak UFVSBIA during a standard PET. Such new insights into the dynamics of intraperitoneal fluid volume during the dwell may advance our understanding of the underlying transport physiology and eventually assist in improving PD treatment prescriptions.
Methimazole-Induced Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A Case Report
Authors: Tawanwongsri Weeratian , Chayavichitsilp Pamela
Published: November 2019

Major identifiable causes of leukocytoclastic vasculitis include certain infections and medications. Amongst antithyroid drugs, methimazole (MMI) is rarely implicated as a culprit drug. We report the first case, in Thailand, of MMI-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis in a 41-year-old Thai female who had received MMI for relapsed Graves’ disease. MMI was discontinued and cholestyramine at a dose of 4 g four times daily was given instead. Her rashes on both legs resolved dramatically at 1-week follow-up. However, thyroid function test revealed unimproved thyrotoxicosis. She subsequently underwent radioiodine ablation as a definitive treatment. There were neither recurrent skin lesions nor other systemic involvements during the 3-month follow-up period. Notably, the most crucial step in the management of drug-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis is the discontinuation of the offending drug in order to avoid further progression of the disease. The administration of immunosuppressive agents may not be necessary in patients with mild severity and non-vital organ involvement.
O guarda-chuva vermelho
Authors: Süssekind Felipe
Published: November 2019

A simplificação formal, na obra de Oswaldo Goeldi, se caracteriza por explorar o contraste entre a luz branca do fundo e o negro opaco da forma impressa. A pobreza é a condição existencial do expressionista exilado, vivenciada em vários níveis: a ruína da experiência tradicional, a identificação com os excluídos e, finalmente, a forma pobre procurada por meio de uma estética da redução, elemento aglutinador de uma poética singular. Não esperando muito da realidade, seu trabalho, realizado com uma técnica rústica – a xilogravura –, propõe um contínuo exercício de síntese, tanto em relação aos elementos temáticos que compõem o discurso visual quanto à formulação de uma linguagem plástica própria. Quando se volta para a experiência cromática, Goeldi não abandona essa estética da redução. As massas de cor sofrem a pressão da luz do fundo, que elas parecem bloquear, e adquirem um aspecto de silhueta. Neste contexto, o uso da policromia propõe uma espécie de cor gráfica, que se aproxima do elemento linear. Ao mesmo tempo, revela uma presença autônoma que aponta para uma espécie de simbolismo imanente da cor.
Impact of Smoking on Platelet Reactivity and Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Kirtane Ajay J. , Liu Yangbo , Crowley Aaron , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Rinaldi Michael J. , Metzger D. Christopher , Weisz Giora , Stuckey Thomas D. , Brodie Bruce R. , Mehran Roxana , Ben-Yehuda Ori , Stone Gregg W.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Smoking is a potent risk factor for coronary artery disease; however, prior studies describe increased platelet inhibition with clopidogrel among smokers, and some studies report improved outcomes among smokers, a finding described as the smoker’s paradox. This study assessed the relationship between platelet reactivity and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions among current smokers and nonsmokers.

Methods:

ADAPT-DES (Assessment of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Drug-Eluting Stents) was a prospective, multicenter registry of patients treated with coronary drug-eluting stents. Platelet reactivity was assessed by the VerifyNow point-of-care assay; high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as P2Y12 reaction units >208. A propensity-adjusted multivariable analysis was performed to determine the relationship between current smoking, platelet reactivity, and subsequent adverse events.

Results:

Among 8582 patients, 22.6% were active smokers at the time of their percutaneous coronary intervention procedure. Current smokers were younger and had fewer comorbidities compared with nonsmokers. Current smokers had lower mean P2Y12 reaction units and lower rates of HPR compared with nonsmokers. Current smokers had similar rates of adverse events compared with nonsmokers. HPR was associated with higher rates of adverse events for both smokers and nonsmokers; however, there was evidence of interaction between smoking status and the effect of HPR. Smokers with HPR had significantly higher rates of stent thrombosis. Adverse event rates were highest among current smokers with HPR.

Conclusions:

Current smoking was associated with lower P2Y12 reaction units and lower rates of HPR on average; however, the combination of current smoking and HPR was associated with high rates of stent thrombosis.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00638794.
Knowledge Graph Construction and Applications for Web Search and Beyond
Authors: Wang Peilu , Jiang Hao , Xu Jingfang , Zhang Qi
Published: November 2019

Knowledge graph (KG) has played an important role in enhancing the performance of many intelligent systems. In this paper, we introduce the solution of building a large-scale multi-source knowledge graph from scratch in Sogou Inc., including its architecture, technical implementation and applications. Unlike previous works that build knowledge graph with graph databases, we build the knowledge graph on top of SogouQdb, a distributed search engine developed by Sogou Web Search Department, which can be easily scaled to support petabytes of data. As a supplement to the search engine, we also introduce a series of models to support inference and graph based querying. Currently, the data of Sogou knowledge graph that are collected from 136 different websites and constantly updated consist of 54 million entities and over 600 million entity links. We also introduce three applications of knowledge graph in Sogou Inc.: entity detection and linking, knowledge based question answering and knowledge based dialog system. These applications have been used in Web search products to help user acquire information more efficiently.