bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variance-Based Modified Backward-Forward Algorithm with Line Search for Stochastic Variational Inequality Problems and Its Applications
Authors: Yang Zhen-Ping , Wang Yuliang , Lin Gui-Hua
Published: January 2020

We propose a variance-based modified backward-forward algorithm with a stochastic approximation version of Armijo’s line search, which is robust with respect to an unknown Lipschitz constant, for solving a class of stochastic variational inequality problems. A salient feature of the proposed algorithm is to compute only one projection and two independent queries of a stochastic oracle at each iteration. We analyze the proposed algorithm for its asymptotic convergence, sublinear convergence rate in terms of the mean natural residual function, and optimal oracle complexity under moderate conditions. We also discuss the linear convergence rate with finite computational budget for the proposed algorithm without strong monotonicity. Preliminary numerical experiments indicate that the proposed algorithm is competitive with some existing algorithms. Furthermore, we consider an application in dealing with an equilibrium problem in stochastic natural gas trading market.
Taguchi Grey Relational Approach for Optimizing Process Parameters of Laser Peening on Titanium Alloy to Induce Enhanced Compressive Stress based on Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Ranjith Kumar G. , Rajyalakshmi G.
Published: January 2020

Laser Shock Peening (LSP) turned out to be the most efficient surface engineering process for advanced materials to induce beneficial deep compressive residual stress which helps in improving mechanical, fatigue properties and surface damage resistance. But, analyzing the nonuniform distribution of residual stresses in the treated sample with X-ray diffraction (XRD) is much time taking and a costly process. This problem can be resolved with LSP finite element numerical simulation model which is feasible with the realistic experimental process. The FE model allows the user to control the laser parameters in order to achieve the optimal level of all controllable parameters. This study is intended to analyze and optimize the influence of laser processing parameters that assists in inducing the residual compressive stress with minimal surface deformation. A Ti6Al4V material model with Johnson–Cook’s visco-elastic–plastic material behavior law is prepared for LSP simulation. Gaussian pressure profile is utilized for uniform loading of the targeted zone for the proposed model. Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis (TGRA) with L27 orthogonal array is applied to LSP simulation, and the results were analyzed with consideration of multiple response measures. It is noted that surface deformation is increased with the rise in a number of laser shots and pressure pulse duration. Maximum compressive residual stresses are falling for higher levels of laser spot diameter, laser spot overlap and laser power density. The correlation is observed between the FE simulation and the published results. The optimal set of process parameters are obtained for improving the LSP on Ti alloys.
About the quantum Fisher information of nearly pure quantum statistical models
Authors: Paris Matteo G. A.
Published: January 2020

We address nearly pure quantum statistical models, i.e. situations where the information about a parameter is encoded in pure states weakly perturbed by the mixing with a parameter independent state, mimicking a weak source of noise. We show that the symmetric logarithmic derivative is left unchanged, and find an approximate analytic expression for the quantum Fisher information (QFI) which provides bounds on how much a weak source of noise may degrade the QFI.
Invariance and parallel sums
Authors: Alahmadi Adel , Jain S. K. , Leroy André
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the notions of invariance and parallel sums as defined by Anderson and Duffin for matrices [Series and parallel addition of matrices, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 26 (1969) 576–594] are generalized to von Neumann regular rings.
Correlation clustering-based multi-robot task allocation
Authors: Dutta Ayan , Czarnecki Emily , Ufimtsev Vladimir , Asaithambi Asai
Published: January 2020

Robots currently available in the market are somewhat limited in their capabilities, which makes it difficult for a single robot to handle many real-world tasks that are inherently complex. Thus, it becomes necessary to engage multiple robots which might form coalitions to complete such complex tasks. In this paper, we consider the well-known NP-hard problem of forming coalitions with the goal of instantaneous allocation (IA) of a group of robots to a set of tasks for optimal completion of the tasks. With the goal of bringing
similar
robots together to form coalitions, we use a correlation clustering technique, which uses a Linear Programming-based graph partitioning approach along with a region growing strategy. Our proposed approach is shown to gracefully handle both cost and utility-based objective functions for task allocation. We demonstrate that the resulting algorithm is fast and efficient in allocating (near) optimal robot coalitions to tasks. Furthermore, it outperforms two existing approaches in terms of execution times while yielding similar new-optimal solutions.
Data mining and image analysis using genetic programming
Authors: Varniab Mahsa Shokri , Hung Chih-Cheng , Sharghi Vahid Khalilzad
Published: January 2020

Genetic programming (GP) is an artificial intelligence technique that benefits from evolutionary computations allowing computers to solve problems automatically. In this paper, we present an optimized genetic-programming-based classifier that directly solves the multi-class classification problems in data mining and image analysis. A new fitness function is proposed for multiclass classification and brain tumor detection, which is validated by 10-fold cross validation. Instead of defining static thresholds as boundaries to differentiate between multiple labels, our work presents a method of classification where a GP system learns the relationships among experiential data and models them mathematically during the evolutionary process. We propose an optimized GP classifier based on a combination of pruning subtrees and a new fitness function. An orthogonal least squares algorithm is also applied in the training phase to create a robust GP classifier. Our approach has been assessed on six multiclass datasets and on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain image for tumor detection. The results of data classification for Iris, Wine, Glass, Pima, BUPA Liver and Balance Scale datasets are compared with existing algorithms. The high accuracy of brain tumor classification provided by our GP classifier confirms the strong ability of the developed technique for complicated classification problems. We compared our approach in terms of speed with previous GP algorithms as well. The analyzed results illustrate that the developed classifier produces a productive and rapid method for classification tasks that outperforms the previous methods for more challenging multiclass classification problems.
SIGecom job market candidate profiles 2020
Authors: Gkatzelis Vasilis , Hartline Jason
Published: January 2020

This is the fifth annual collection of profiles of the junior faculty job market candidates of the SIGecom community. The seventeen candidates for 2020 are listed alphabetically and indexed by research areas that define the interests of the community. Along with information regarding the candidate's bio, research summary, and representative papers, each profile also contains links to the candidate's homepage, CV, and Google scholar publication profile.

Employers with a relevant job opening can reach all the listed candidates directly by sending the relevant information to the moderated mailing list ecom-candidates2020@acm.org.
Justifications of welfare guarantees under normalized utilities
Authors: Aziz Haris
Published: January 2020

It is standard in computational social choice to analyse welfare considerations under the assumptions of normalized utilities. In this note, we summarize some common reasons for this approach. We then mention another justification which is ignored but has solid normative appeal. The central concept used in the `new' justification can also be used more widely as a social objective.
Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in HCV-Positive Egyptian Patients Treated with Sofosbuvir
Authors: Nada Ali , Abbasy Mohamed , Sabry Aliaa , Abdu Allah Azza Mohamed , Shehab-Eldeen Somaia , Elnaidany Nada , Elimam Hanan , Mohamed Ibraheem Kawthar Ibraheem , Essa Abdallah
Published: January 2020

Background. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) made a drastic change in the management of HCV infection. Sofosbuvir is one of the highly potent DAAs, eliminated mainly through the kidney. But concerns about renal safety during treatment may limit its use. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been proven as a predictor of renal tubular injury. Hence, the aim of this work was to assess serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in HCV-positive patients before and after treatment with the sofosbuvir-based antiviral regimen. Methods. This prospective study included 87 Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection treated with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir with or without ribavirin for 12 weeks. Serum NGAL was measured before and at the end of treatment (EOT). Analysis of NGAL and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) evolution was done. Results. Our results showed a statistically significant decrease in serum NGAL (P=0.02) with a nonsignificant reduction in eGFR (P=0.06). Moreover, changes in serum NGAL levels (baseline compared to EOT) in patients ranked by KDIGO-CKD classification showed a significant decrease in stages 1 and 2 (P=0.14 and 0.034, respectively) and a nonsignificant decrease in stage 3 (P=0.25). Also, eGFR changes after treatment in patients ranked by the same classifications showed a nonsignificant reduction in all stages (P>0.05). Conclusions. Sofosbuvir appears to have no nephrotoxic effects and is safe to treat patients with chronic HCV infection.
Ominous Occurrence of Spinal Intradural Primary Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Four Decades following Radiation Therapy for Testicular Seminoma
Authors: Wu Osmond C. , Shammassian Berje H. , Chugh Arunit J. S. , Harbhajanka Aparna , Kasliwal Manish K.
Published: January 2020

Primary intradural malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an extremely rare diagnosis and is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. A 77-year-old man diagnosed with an intradural MPNST, more than 40 years after radiation for a testicular seminoma, is reported. Intradural MPNSTs of the spine outside the setting of neurofibromatosis is extremely rare and can masquerade as common benign nerve sheath tumors, on imaging. An older age at presentation with short duration of symptoms and prior regional radiation treatment encompassing the spine in the treatment field regardless of remoteness should alert the oncologists and neurosurgeons to the possible existence of this rare and aggressive tumor, as the management, and overall prognosis of this tumor is distinctly different compared to the usual intradural spinal tumors.
Mirizzi Syndrome with Cholecystobiliary Fistula: Observation of Development from Asymptomatic Cholecystolithiasis to Surgery
Authors: Sugo Hiroyuki , Sekine Yuuki , Iwanaga Naoki , Neshime Shigefumi , Machida Michio
Published: January 2020

Despite a considerable number of reports of Mirizzi syndrome, none have described the process of its development from simple cholecystolithiasis. We report an extremely rare case of Mirizzi syndrome in which it was possible to observe the process of development of cholecystobiliary fistula from asymptomatic cholecystolithiasis until unavoidable surgical intervention 4 years later. A 68-year-old woman presented at our hospital with right upper quadrant pain. She had been diagnosed as having asymptomatic cholecystolithiasis 4 years previously. Diagnostic abdominal computed tomography (CT) had revealed a 1.9 cm radiopaque stone, and thereafter, the patient had been monitored by imaging alone. CT conducted 6 months before the present admission revealed that the gallbladder stone was compressing the common hepatic duct, although the patient remained asymptomatic. On admission, abdominal CT showed that the gallbladder stone was obstructing the common bile duct with dilatation of the intrahepatic duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a round filling defect at the confluence of the common bile duct and the image of the cystic duct; therefore, the patient was categorized as having Mirizzi syndrome type III, according to the Csendes classification. Intraoperative findings revealed a cholecystobiliary fistula involving up to two-thirds of the circumference of the common bile duct.
A SiPM-Based Trinal Spectral Sensor Developed for Detecting Hazardous Discharges in High-Voltage Switchgear
Authors: Yu Xiaobing , Shen Chen , Jing Yan , Ren Ming , Wu Haitao , Xiao Lilong
Published: January 2020

Electric discharges seriously threat the safety of high-voltage switchgear. In this paper, a spectrum-based optical method is proposed for hazardous discharge monitoring. A SiPM-based trinal spectral sensor is developed with good performances in terms of sensitivity, defect resolution, and risk evaluation. Experiments carried out on two types of artificial discharges (i.e., partial discharge and arc discharge) demonstrate that the light intensities coupled in the three spectral bands account for different proportions and the ratio among the three components generally experiences a regular change with increase in severity of discharge. The typical spectral ratio values are then acquired for hazard rating of discharge and recognition of discharge types with high confidence.
Evaluation of the Spatial Pattern of the Resolution-Enhanced Thermal Data for Urban Area
Authors: Feng Xiao , Li Jiyuan
Published: January 2020

With the development of urbanization, land surface temperature (LST), as a vital variable for the urban environment, is highly demanded by urban-related studies, especially the LST with both fine temporal and spatial resolutions. Thermal sharpening methods have been developed just under this demand. Until now, there are some thermal sharpening methods proposed especially for urban surface. However, the evaluation of their accuracy still stopped at the level that only considers the statistical aspect, but no spatial information has been included. It is widely acknowledged that the spatial pattern of the thermal environment in an urban area is relatively critical for urban-related studies (e.g., urban heat island studies). Thus, this paper chose three typical methods from the limited number of thermal sharpening methods designed for the urban area and made a comparison between them, together with a newly proposed thermal sharpening method, superresolution-based thermal sharpener (SRTS). These four methods are analyzed by data from different seasons to explore the seasoning impact. Also, the accuracy for different land covers is explored as well. Furthermore, accuracy evaluation was not only taken by statistical variables which are commonly used in other studies; evaluation of the spatial pattern, which is equally important for urban-related studies, was also carried out. This time, the spatial pattern not only was analyzed qualitatively but also has been quantified by some variables for the comparison of accuracy. It is found that all methods obtained lower accuracies for data in winter than for data in other seasons. Linear water features and areas along it are difficult to be detected correctly for most methods.
Phytochemicals in Leaves and Roots of Selected Kenyan Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) Varieties
Authors: Ooko Abong’ George , Muzhingi Tawanda , Wandayi Okoth Michael , Ng’ang’a Fredrick , Ochieng’ Phillis E. , Mahuga Mbogo Daniel , Malavi Derick , Akhwale Machael , Ghimire Sita
Published: January 2020

This study reports the inherent phytochemical contents in leaves and roots of nine sweet potato varieties from Kenya. Results indicated that vitamin C content varied significantly (P<0.05) among the sweet potato varieties regardless of the plant part, leaves having significantly (P<0.05) higher levels than in the roots. Total flavonoids and phenolic compounds differed significantly (P<0.05) among varieties, higher values were found in leaves than in roots. Flavonoid contents in roots ranged from below detectable limits (Whitesp) to 25.8 mg CE/100 g (SPK031), while in leaves it ranged from 4097 to 7316 mg CE/100 g in SPK4 and Kenspot 5, respectively. Phenolic content was below detectable limits in the roots of whitesp but it was in substantial amounts in orange fleshed varieties. Theβ-carotene content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in leaves (16.43–34.47 mg/100 g dry weight) than in roots (not detected—11.1 mg/100 g dry weight). Total and phytic phosphorus were directly correlated with phytate contents in leaves and the roots. Tannins and soluble oxalates varied significantly (P<0.05) with variety and plant part being higher in leaves. The current information is important for ration formulations and dietary recommendations utilizing sweet potato leaves and roots. Future studies on effects of processing methods on these phytochemicals are recommended.
Extracellular Vesicles Involvement in the Modulation of the Glioblastoma Environment
Authors: Ciccocioppo Fausta , Lanuti Paola , Marchisio Marco , Miscia Sebastiano
Published: January 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most deadly primary brain tumour and is a paradigmatic example of heterogeneous cancer. Although expanding data propose the phenotypic plasticity exhibited by glioblastoma cells, as a critical feature involved in the tumour development and posttherapy recurrence, the central machinery responsible for their aggressiveness remains elusive. Despite decades of research, the complex biology of the glioblastoma is still unknown. Progress in genetic and epigenetic discoveries has improved diagnostic classification, prognostic information, and therapeutic planning. In the complex model of intercellular signalling, several studies have shown that extracellular vesicles have a key role in the intercellular communication among GBM cells and the tumour microenvironment modulation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of the EV-mediated intercellular crosstalk in the glioblastoma physiopathology.
Refractory Unforeseen Anaphylaxis Case in a Rural OR Unit
Authors: Hafizi Sayed , Nadeau Christine , Gazarin Mohamed , Mulligan Emily
Published: January 2020

A 35-year-old female patient with no previously documented allergies who was admitted for elective gynaecological surgery, developed rapid onset, severe anaphylaxis, with dyspnea and cardiovascular collapse, in the operating theatre after receiving routine IV cefazolin prior to induction of anesthesia. She failed to improve with two doses of intramuscular epinephrine followed by two boluses of intravenous epinephrine, but responded to an epinephrine infusion. She was assessed by Internal Medicine and discharged home the following day. This event demonstrates the speed, severity, and profound hypotension in an allergic reaction from intravenous medication, challenges in managing anaphylaxis, and importance of prompt administration of epinephrine via IM route, followed by IV if necessary, in the OR. The case highlighted the inability to ascertain the causative agent through typical allergy testing.
Exercise-Induced Adaptations to the Mouse Striatal Adenosine System
Authors: Bauer Ella E. , Buhr Trevor J. , Reed Carter H. , Clark Peter J.
Published: January 2020

Adenosine acts as a key regulator of striatum activity, in part, through the antagonistic modulation of dopamine activity. Exercise can increase adenosine activity in the brain, which may impair dopaminergic functions in the striatum. Therefore, long-term repeated bouts of exercise may subsequently generate plasticity in striatal adenosine systems in a manner that promotes dopaminergic activity. This study investigated the effects of long-term voluntary wheel running on adenosine 1 (A1R), adenosine 2A (A2AR), dopamine 1 (D1R), and dopamine 2 (D2R) receptor protein expression in adult mouse dorsal and ventral striatum structures using immunohistochemistry. In addition, equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) protein expression was examined after wheel running, as ENT1 regulates the bidirectional flux of adenosine between intra- and extracellular space. The results suggest that eight weeks of running wheel access spared age-related increases of A1R and A2AR protein concentrations across the dorsal and ventral striatal structures. Wheel running mildly reduced ENT1 protein levels in ventral striatum subregions. Moreover, wheel running mildly increased D2R protein density within striatal subregions in the dorsal medial striatum, nucleus accumbens core, and the nucleus accumbens shell. However, D1R protein expression in the striatum was unchanged by wheel running. These data suggest that exercise promotes adaptations to striatal adenosine systems. Exercise-reduced A1R and A2AR and exercise-increased D2R protein levels may contribute to improved dopaminergic signaling in the striatum. These findings may have implications for cognitive and behavioral processes, as well as motor and psychiatric diseases that involve the striatum.
DBT Masses Automatic Segmentation Using U-Net Neural Networks
Authors: Lai Xiaobo , Yang Weiji , Li Ruipeng
Published: January 2020

To improve the automatic segmentation accuracy of breast masses in digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images, we propose a DBT mass automatic segmentation algorithm by using a U-Net architecture. Firstly, to suppress the background tissue noise and enhance the contrast of the mass candidate regions, after the top-hat transform of DBT images, a constraint matrix is constructed and multiplied with the DBT image. Secondly, an efficient U-Net neural network is built and image patches are extracted before data augmentation to establish the training dataset to train the U-Net model. And then the presegmentation of the DBT tumors is implemented, which initially classifies per pixel into two different types of labels. Finally, all regions smaller than 50 voxels considered as false positives are removed, and the median filter smoothes the mass boundaries to obtain the final segmentation results. The proposed method can effectively improve the performance in the automatic segmentation of the masses in DBT images. Using the detection Accuracy (Acc), Sensitivity (Sen), Specificity (Spe), and area under the curve (AUC) as evaluation indexes, the Acc, Sen, Spe, and AUC for DBT mass segmentation in the entire experimental dataset is 0.871, 0.869, 0.882, and 0.859, respectively. Our proposed U-Net-based DBT mass automatic segmentation system obtains promising results, which is superior to some classical architectures, and may be expected to have clinical application prospects.
Predictive Value of FOLFOX-Based Regimen, Long Interval, Hemoglobin Levels and Clinical Negative Nodal Status, and Postchemoradiotherapy CEA Levels for Pathological Complete Response in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Huang Chun-Ming , Huang Ching-Wen , Ma Cheng-Jen , Yeh Yung-Sung , Su Wei-Chih , Chang Tsung-Kun , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Juo Suh-Hang , Huang Ming-Yii , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: January 2020

We aimed to identify predictors of a pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) following a multimodality therapy. We retrospectively reviewed 236 patients with LARC treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by radical resection from January 2011 to December 2017. Patients were administered CRT, which comprised radiotherapy and chemotherapy with an oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil- or fluoropyrimidine-based regimen. Clinical factors were correlated with treatment response. The multivariate logistic regression revealed that a negative nodal stage (odds ratio (OR) = 3.2,P=0.0135), a high hemoglobin level (>10 g/dL) during neoadjuvant CRT (OR = 3.067,P=0.0125), an oxaliplatin-containing neoadjuvant CRT (OR = 5.385,P=0.0044), a long interval (>8 weeks) between radiotherapy and surgery (OR = 1.135,P=0.0469), and a post-CRT CEA ≤2 ng/mL (OR = 2.891,P=0.0233) were the independent predictors of increased pCR rates. The prediction nomogram was developed according to the above independent variables. The concordance index was 0.74, and the calibration curve showed good agreement. In summary, negative nodal stages, high hemoglobin levels during treatment, oxaliplatin-containing neoadjuvant therapy, a long radiotherapy-surgery interval (>8 weeks), and post-CRT CEA levels ≤2 ng/mL were favorable predictors of a pCR. This prediction nomogram might be crucial for patients with LARC undergoing a multimodality therapy.
N-Acetyl-cysteine and Mechanisms Involved in Resolution of Chronic Wound Biofilm
Authors: Li Xin , Kim Jane , Wu Jiabin , Ahamed Alaa’ I , Wang Yinsheng , Martins-Green Manuela
Published: January 2020

Chronic wounds are a major global health problem with the presence of biofilm significantly contributing to wound chronicity. Current treatments are ineffective in resolving biofilm and simultaneously killing the bacteria; therefore, effective biofilm-resolving drugs are needed. We have previously shown that, together with α-tocopherol, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) significantly improves the healing of biofilm-containing chronic wounds, in a diabetic mouse model we developed, by causing disappearance of the bacteria and breakdown of the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). We hypothesize that NAC creates a microenvironment that affects bacterial survival and EPS integrity. To test this hypothesis, we developed an in vitro biofilm system using microbiome taken directly from diabetic mouse chronic wounds. For these studies, we chose mice in which chronic wound microbiome was rich in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (97%). We show that NAC at concentrations with pH < pKa causes bacterial cell death and breakdown of EPS. When used before biofilm is formed, NAC leads to bacterial cell death whereas treatment after the biofilm is established NAC causes biofilm dismantling accompanied by bacterial cell death. Mechanistically, we show that NAC can penetrate the bacterial membrane, increase oxidative stress, and halt protein synthesis. We also show that low pH is important for the actions of NAC and that bacterial death occurs independently of the presence of biofilm. In addition, we show that both the acetyl and carboxylic groups play key roles in NAC functions. The results presented here provide insight into the mechanisms by which NAC dismantles biofilm and how it could be used to treat chronic wounds after debridement (NAC applied at the start of culture) or without debridement (NAC applied when biofilm is already formed). This approach can be taken to develop biofilm from microbiome taken directly from human chronic wounds to test molecules that could be effective for the treatment of specific biofilm compositions.
Animal Models of Osteochondral Defect for Testing Biomaterials
Authors: Meng Xiangbo , Ziadlou Reihane , Grad Sibylle , Alini Mauro , Wen Chunyi , Lai Yuxiao , Qin Ling , Zhao Yanyan , Wang Xinluan
Published: January 2020

The treatment of osteochondral defects (OCD) remains a great challenge in orthopaedics. Tissue engineering holds a good promise for regeneration of OCD. In the light of tissue engineering, it is critical to establish an appropriate animal model to evaluate the degradability, biocompatibility, and interaction of implanted biomaterials with host bone/cartilage tissues for OCD repair in vivo. Currently, model animals that are commonly deployed to create osteochondral lesions range from rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, goats, and sheep horses to nonhuman primates. It is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each animal model in terms of the accuracy and effectiveness of the experiment. Therefore, this review aims to introduce the common animal models of OCD for testing biomaterials and to discuss their applications in translational research. In addition, we have reviewed surgical protocols for establishing OCD models and biomaterials that promote osteochondral regeneration. For small animals, the non-load-bearing region such as the groove of femoral condyle is commonly chosen for testing degradation, biocompatibility, and interaction of implanted biomaterials with host tissues. For large animals, closer to clinical application, the load-bearing region (medial femoral condyle) is chosen for testing the durability and healing outcome of biomaterials. This review provides an important reference for selecting a suitable animal model for the development of new strategies for osteochondral regeneration.
Inhibition of the SRC Kinase HCK Impairs STAT3-Dependent Gastric Tumor Growth in Mice
Authors: Poh Ashleigh R. , Dwyer Amy R. , Eissmann Moritz F. , Chand Ashwini L. , Baloyan David , Boon Louis , Murrey Michael W. , Whitehead Lachlan , O'Brien Megan , Lowell Clifford A. , Putoczki Tracy L. , Pixley Fiona J. , O'Donoghue Robert J.J. , Ernst Matthias
Published: January 2020

Persistent activation of the latent transcription factor STAT3 is observed in gastric tumor epithelial and immune cells and is associated with a poor patient prognosis. Although targeting STAT3-activating upstream kinases offers therapeutically viable targets with limited specificity, direct inhibition of STAT3 remains challenging. Here we provide functional evidence that myeloid-specific hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) activity can drive STAT3-dependent epithelial tumor growth in mice and is associated with alternative macrophage activation alongside matrix remodeling and tumor cell invasion. Accordingly, genetic reduction of HCK expression in bone marrow–derived cells or systemic pharmacologic inhibition of HCK activity suppresses alternative macrophage polarization and epithelial STAT3 activation, and impairs tumor growth. These data validate HCK as a molecular target for the treatment of human solid tumors harboring excessive STAT3 activity.
Control of Metastases via Myeloid CD39 and NK Cell Effector Function
Authors: Yan Juming , Li Xian-Yang , Roman Aguilera Amelia , Xiao Christos , Jacoberger-Foissac Celia , Nowlan Bianca , Robson Simon C. , Beers Courtney , Moesta Achim K. , Geetha Nishamol , Teng Michele W.L. , Smyth Mark J.
Published: January 2020

Natural killer (NK) cell protection from tumor metastases is a critical feature of the host immune response to cancer, but various immunosuppression mechanisms limit NK cell effector function. The ectoenzyme, CD39, expressed on tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, granulocytes, and lymphocytes, including NK cells, converts extracellular ATP (eATP) into AMP and, thus, potentially suppresses eATP-mediated proinflammatory responses. A CD39-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibits the mouse ectoenzyme CD39 suppressed experimental and spontaneous metastases in a number of different tumor models and displayed superior antimetastatic activity compared with the CD39 inhibitor POM1 and inhibitors and mAbs that block other members of the adenosinergic family (e.g., A2AR and CD73). The antimetastatic activity of anti-CD39 was NK cell and IFNγ dependent, and anti-CD39 enhanced the percentage and quantity of IFNγ produced and CD107a expression in lung-infiltrating NK cells following tumor challenge and anti-CD39 therapy. Using conditional Cd39 gene–targeted mouse strains and adoptive NK cell transfers, we showed that CD39 expressed on bone marrow–derived myeloid cells was essential for anti-CD39′s antimetastatic activity, but NK cell expression of CD39 was not critical. The eATP receptor P2X7 and the NALP3 inflammasome, including downstream IL18, were critical in the mechanism of action of anti-CD39, and the frequency of P2X7 and CD39 coexpressing lung alveolar macrophages was specifically reduced 1 day after anti-CD39 therapy. The data provide a mechanism of action involving NK cells and myeloid cells, and anti-CD39 combined with anti–PD-1, NK cell–activating cytokines IL15 or IL2, or an inhibitor of A2AR to effectively suppress tumor metastases.
Timing of Surgery to Treat Ulcerative Colitis: An Investigation Focused on Japanese Adults
Authors: Yamada Saki , Kameyama Hitoshi , Abe Kaoru , Tanaka Kana , Oyanagi Hidehito , Tajima Yosuke , Nakano Masato , Shimada Yoshifumi , Sakata Jun , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: January 2020

Introduction: There are no specific standards for the timing of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis, so reaching a decision on timing is often difficult. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the timing of surgery from the patients’ perspective. Methods: From among 203 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis to treat ulcerative colitis at our hospital from 1985 to 2013, we mailed a questionnaire to 101 of those who are currently attending periodic follow-up at our hospital. Results: We analyzed 72 valid responses (71.2%). Overall, 65 patients (90.3%) responded that they were happy that they underwent surgery, 38 patients (52.8%) responded that the timing of surgery was appropriate, and 32 patients (44.4%) responded that they would have preferred to have had surgery earlier. The group of patients who would have preferred to have had surgery earlier included 23 patients (71.9%) who had undergone emergency surgery; the incidence of emergency surgery was significantly higher than in the group of 13 patients (34.2%) who had responded that the timing of surgery was appropriate (p = 0.002). Scores on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36), which reflect postoperative quality of life, were maintained at the same level as the Japanese standard values in our Japanese patients. Conclusion: The degree of satisfaction of patients who underwent surgery for ulcerative colitis was favorable, although it is important to consider surgery at an earlier stage in patients who may need emergency surgery.
Systematic Review of Recurrence Rate after Hemithyroidectomy for Low-Risk Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Chan Samuel , Karamali Katarina , Kolodziejczyk Anna , Oikonomou Georgios , Watkinson John , Paleri Vinidh , Nixon Iain , Kim Dae
Published: January 2020

Background: Surgical extent in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) remains a recurrent subject of debate. This is especially relevant in low-risk DTC of 1–4 cm, which represent the majority of new thyroid cancer diagnoses. With trends towards treatment de-escalation and recent guidelines from the American Thyroid Association and British Thyroid Association endorsing hemithyroidectomy (HT) alone for low-risk DTC of 1–4 cm, we sought to systematically appraise the literature to examine recurrence rate outcomes after HT in this low-risk group. Summary: Searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ovid MEDLINE, we conducted a systematic review to assess the survival and recurrence rate data presented in all published studies that had a cohort of patients treated with HT for the treatment of DTC. Pooled 10-year survival and recurrence rates, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for meta-analysis. We identified 31 studies (with a total of 228,746 patients (HT: 36,129, total thyroidectomy, TT: 192,617), which had published recurrence and/or survival data for patients having had HT for DTC. We discovered a pooled recurrence rate of 9.0% for HT, which is significantly higher than in previously published reports. Further, this rate is maintained when examining patients within low-risk cohorts established with recognised risk classifications. We also discovered that of those patients who develop recurrent disease, 48% recur outside the central neck. Key Messages: Our study provides a comprehensive systematic review of evidence aimed primarily at defining the recurrence rate in DTC after HT, and more specifically within the low-risk subgroup. We describe pooled recurrence and 10-year survival rates from a larger, broader, and more contemporary patient population than has been previously reported. Our findings indicate that there is a small but significantly higher recurrence rate after HT than TT, but the evidence base is heterogenous and subject to confounding factors and would ultimately benefit from prospective randomised trials to overcome these deficiencies.
Adsorptive Granulocyte and Monocyte Apheresis Is Effective in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Both with and without Concomitant Prednisolone
Authors: Matsuda Keiji , Ohno Kohei , Okada Yuka , Yagi Takahiro , Tsukamoto Mitsuo , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Horiuchi Atsushi , Shimada Ryu , Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Hayama Tamuro , Tsuchiya Takeshi , Tamura Junko , Iinuma Hisae , Nozawa Keijiro , Aoyagi Hitoshi , Isono Akari , Abe Koichiro , Kodashima Shinya , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Kawasaki Yoshitaka , Tamura Yoshifuru , Sasajima Yuko , Kondo Fukuo , Hashiguchi Yojiro
Published: January 2020

Background: The number of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is increasing in Japan and other countries. Selective depletion of myeloid lineage leucocytes by adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA) with an Adacolumn (JIMRO, Takasaki, Japan) was introduced as a nonpharmacologic treatment strategy in UC patients in 2000. GMA has been reported to be effective in clinical trials; however, the effect of concomitant prednisolone (PSL) on GMA needs to be clarified. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with active UC were treated with GMA at our institute between June 2009 and September 2018. All patients received GMA therapy once or twice a week with the Adacolumn. Conventional medication was to be continued during the whole GMA treatment course. The clinical response was retrospectively evaluated. Results: According to the partial Mayo score, remission was 33.3%, significant efficacy 25.6%, effective 25.6%, and no response 15.4%. The average partial Mayo score was 6.2 ± 1.4 at entry and significantly declined to 1.8 ± 1.8 after GMA sessions (p < 0.0001). The average number of bowel movements was 9.5 ± 5.6 at entry and significantly declined to 3.0 ± 2.8 after GMA sessions (p < 0.0001). In a comparison between the group treated with concomitant PSL and the group without PSL, the change in partial Mayo score or the number of bowel movements from entry to after GMA sessions was not significantly different. Among 24 patients treated by GMA with concomitant PSL, 75% (18/24) became steroid free. Conclusions: The effect of GMA with concomitant PSL and that of GMA without PSL were not different, and GMA was effective irrespective of PSL administration. The present study showed that GMA had efficacy and led many UC patients treated by PSL to be steroid free with no safety concern in the real world, although there is the possibility of recruitment bias due to the retrospective nature of the study.
Da fundamentação antropológica da psicologia à crítica antropológica de História da loucura de Michel Foucault
Authors: Pegden Raphael Ferreira Mendes
Published: January 2020

No presente artigo pretendemos compreender a formação da filosofia arqueológica de Michel Foucault inaugurada em História da loucura a partir da sua relação com os “escritos menores” produzidos na década de 1950 atentando para a ruptura entre as propostas de fundamentação antropológica da psicologia ensaiadas em 1954 e a crítica antropológica argumentada no início da década de 1960.
Política e análise do discurso na arqueologia de Foucault
Authors: Ribas Thiago Fortes , Galantin Daniel Verginelli
Published: January 2020

O artigo procura explorar a relação entre a análise do discurso e a política na arqueologia de Michel Foucault. O artigo começa por levantar a questão sobre a forma como se poderia abordar o seu trabalho, uma vez que ele critica a função autor. Mostraremos que esta abordagem já se constitui como um dos princípios teóricos de sua arqueologia. Investigaremos, em um segundo momento, como as operações críticas da sua análise das práticas discursivas conduzem a uma politização do saber, feita em oposição ao pensamento antropológico moderno.
A arqueologia e a política do antihumanismo
Authors: Anastacio Lara Pimentel Figueira
Published: January 2020

Trata-se de interpretar a arqueologia como uma prática ao analisá-la como um método que pretende não apenas circunscrever os campos discursivos que tornam possíveis os saberes de cada tempo, mas também definir aquilo que se localiza na fronteira do que é pensável em cada um desses campos. Ao descrever os limites do pensável, torna-se tarefa do arqueólogo também tornar possível o impensável por meio da experiência da diferença. Pretendemos, assim, identificar esse movimento do pensamento foucaultiano, que certa tradição acadêmica identifica como “ anti-humanista ”, ao descrevermos o círculo antropológico que caracteriza a episteme moderna em As palavras e as coisas, a consequente crítica de Foucault a esse problema e sua posterior solução em textos que iniciam seu percurso genealógico.
Variações estéticas e políticas sobre um pensamento não-representativo
Authors: Araújo André Vinícius Nascimento
Published: January 2020

As representações conformam-nos a certos modos de ver, de sentir e de enunciar que são perspectivas fechadas de nossas experiências estéticas e políticas. Sendo assim, se elas tornam restritas as nossas maneiras de se relacionar com os acontecimentos, é possível pensar para além das representações? Colocamos tal questão no horizonte da leitura de pensadores como Friedrich Nietzsche, Gilles Deleuze, Michel Foucault e Jacques Rancière. Porém, nosso foco incide sobre a crítica ao paradigma representativo, apresentada em alguns momentos distintos da obra de Deleuze, inclusive daquela que escreve junto com Félix Guattari, quando trata da questão da rostidade. Pretendemos, primeiramente, abordar aquele que para Nietzsche não é senão o maior de todos os acontecimentos a se dar na existência humana: a morte de Deus. Acontecimento que implica uma cisão nos modos tradicionais de pensar, subsumidos a representações morais e metafísicas da existência. De que maneira a morte de Deus será o horizonte de sentido para um modo de pensar, tanto em Deleuze, quanto em Foucault, que considera as coisas e as representações que fazemos delas, como interpretações de um certo jogo de forças e de subjetivação? Por último, poderemos avaliar a partir do conceito rancièriano de partilha do sensível, como encontramos em Deleuze uma prática do pensamento que busca escapar de uma distribuição sedentária do sensível e do político quando este se restringe ao paradigma das representações.
Predictive Value of the Get With The Guidelines Heart Failure Risk Score in Unselected Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Lyle Melissa , Wan Siu‐Hin , Murphree Dennis , Bennett Courtney , Wiley Brandon M. , Barsness Gregory , Redfield Margaret , Jentzer Jacob
Published: January 2020

Background

The cardiac intensive care unit (
CICU
) population is no longer composed of only patients with acute coronary syndromes, and includes those with acute heart failure and multiple comorbidities. We hypothesized that the
GWTG
‐
HF
(Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure) risk score that predicts inpatient mortality in hospitalized patients with heart failure would predict mortality in
CICU
patients.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed
CICU
patients at a tertiary care hospital from 2007 to 2015. The
GWTG
‐
HF
risk score was calculated at
CICU
admission. As a secondary analysis, the
EFFECT (Enhanced Feedback for Effective Cardiac Treatment)
, OPTIMIZE‐HF (Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure), and
ADHERE (Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry)
risk scores were calculated. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value were determined for inpatient and 1‐year mortality. The
GWTG
‐
HF
risk score was calculated in 9532 (95%) patients, with a median value of 40 (interquartile range, 35–47). Inpatient mortality occurred in 824 (8.6%) patients, and 2075 (21.8%) patients died by 1 year. Patients who died in hospital had a significantly higher mean
GWTG
‐
HF
score (47.7 versus 40.2;
P
<0.001). Inpatient and 1‐year mortality increased in each
GWTG
‐
HF
risk score quartile (
P
<0.0001). Discrimination of the
GWTG
‐
HF
,
EFFECT, OPTIMIZE‐HF, and ADHERE
risk scores was assessed using
area under the receiver operating characteristic curve
values for hospital mortality, and were similar for all risk scores (0.72–0.74;
P
>0.05). The Hosmer–Lemeshow statistic suggested poor calibration for hospital mortality by the
GWTG
‐
HF
risk score (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The
GWTG
‐
HF
risk score and other heart failure prediction tools demonstrate good discrimination for inpatient and 1‐year mortality in a heterogeneous cohort of
CICU
patients. Our study emphasizes that prognostic variables overlap in cardiac patients, regardless of the admission diagnosis.
Effects of Intracoronary Alteplase on Microvascular Function in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Maznyczka Annette M. , McCartney Peter J. , Oldroyd Keith G. , Lindsay Mitchell , McEntegart Margaret , Eteiba Hany , Rocchiccioli Paul , Good Richard , Shaukat Aadil , Robertson Keith , Kodoth Vivek , Greenwood John P. , Cotton James M. , Hood Stuart , Watkins Stuart , Macfarlane Peter W. , Kennedy Julie , Tait R. Campbell , Welsh Paul , Sattar Naveed , Collison Damien , Gillespie Lynsey , McConnachie Alex , Berry Colin
Published: January 2020

Background

Impaired microcirculatory reperfusion worsens prognosis following acute
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction. In the T‐
TIME
(A Trial of Low‐Dose Adjunctive Alteplase During Primary PCI) trial, microvascular obstruction on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging did not differ with adjunctive, low‐dose, intracoronary alteplase (10 or 20 mg) versus placebo during primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the effects of intracoronary alteplase, during primary percutaneous coronary intervention, on the index of microcirculatory resistance, coronary flow reserve, and resistive reserve ratio.

Methods and Results

A prespecified physiology substudy of the T‐
TIME
trial. From 2016 to 2017, patients with
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction ≤6 hours from symptom onset were randomized in a double‐blind study to receive alteplase 20 mg, alteplase 10 mg, or placebo infused into the culprit artery postreperfusion, but prestenting. Index of microcirculatory resistance, coronary flow reserve, and resistive reserve ratio were measured after percutaneous coronary intervention. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed at 2 to 7 days and 3 months. Analyses in relation to ischemic time (<2, 2–4, and ≥4 hours) were prespecified. One hundred forty‐four patients (mean age, 59±11 years; 80% male) were prospectively enrolled, representing 33% of the overall population (n=440). Overall, index of microcirculatory resistance (median, 29.5; interquartile range, 17.0–55.0), coronary flow reserve(1.4 [1.1–2.0]), and resistive reserve ratio (1.7 [1.3–2.3]) at the end of percutaneous coronary intervention did not differ between treatment groups. Interactions were observed between ischemic time and alteplase for coronary flow reserve (
P
=0.013), resistive reserve ratio (
P
=0.026), and microvascular obstruction (
P
=0.022), but not index of microcirculatory resistance.

Conclusions

In
ST
‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction with ischemic time ≤6 hours, there was overall no difference in microvascular function with alteplase versus placebo.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02257294.