bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domain Randomization Using Deep Neural Networks for Estimating Positions of Bolts
Authors: Ameperosa Ezra , Bhounsule Pranav A.
Published: May 2020

Current manual practices of replacing bolts on structures are time-consuming and costly, especially because of numerous bolts. Thus, an automated method that can visually detect and localize bolt positions would be highly beneficial. We demonstrate the use of deep neural networks using domain randomization for detecting and localizing bolts on a workpiece. In contrast to previous approaches that require training on real images, the use of domain randomization enables all training in simulation. The key idea is to create a wide variety of computer-generated synthetic images by varying the texture, color, camera position and orientation, distractor objects, and noise, and train the neural network on these images such that the neural network is robust to scene variability and hence provides accurate results when deployed on real images. Using domain randomization, we train two neural networks, a faster regional convolutional neural network for detecting the bolt and placing a bounding box, and a regression convolutional neural network for estimating the x- and y-position of the bolts relative to the coordinates fixed to the workpiece. Our results indicate that in the best case, we can detect bolts with 85% accuracy and can predict 75% of bolts within 1.27 cm accuracy. The novelty of this work is in using domain randomization to detect and localize: (1) multiples of a single object and (2) small-sized objects (0.6 cm × 2.5 cm).
Theoretical and Experimental Determination of Proppant Crushing Rate and Fracture Conductivity
Authors: Guo Dali , Zhao Yunxiang , Guo Zixi , Cui Xianhui , Huang Bo
Published: May 2020

Proppant is an important material for hydraulic fracturing that impacts the production and production cost of oil and gas wells. The key properties of proppant are crushing rate and fracture conductivity. The most common way to evaluate the key properties of proppant is physical testing, but this method is time-consuming and costly, and it may result in different results under the same experimental conditions. This paper presents a method for calculating proppant crushing rate and fracture conductivity, which are obtained by combining a series of simple and economical laboratory experiments with a significant amount of numerical calculations under various experimental conditions. First, the arrangement of proppant particles was simulated, and the location of particles was determined with the Monte Carlo method, the optimization model, and search algorithm in this process. Second, by mechanical analysis of proppant particles, a mathematical model of force was established, and the singular-value decomposition (SVD) method was used to calculate the force of each particle. Third, the crushing rate of proppant particles was calculated under irregular conditions using mathematical statistics. The Kozeny–Carman equation was improved on to establish a fracture conductivity model. Finally, the average fracture conductivity was calculated on the basis of the simulation results. The calculated fracture conductivity is consistent with the experimental results, which verifies the accuracy of the model.
Friendly, but not “friends”: Understanding and describing teacher–student relationship for productive and safe small group work
Authors: Gamble Blakey Althea , Chambers Stuart
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Small group work is increasingly used as an educational tool in the health sciences and can have a potentially broad remit: to develop student knowledge and thinking, cultivate the values necessary for professional practice, but also, in doing so, to protect students from mistreatment. Small group teachers can, thus, find it hard to understand what an effective teacher–student relationship in small group teaching might “look like”. We sought to identify, clarify and describe characteristics essential to an effective teacher–student relationship, aiming to add to literature about the type of relationship that helps a teacher reach educational goals but, specifically, one that fully addresses the potential risks of necessarily close teacher–student contact. Method: As part of a larger action research project, we gathered qualitative data from: interviews with six medical teacher participants, observations and video-recordings of their teaching, participants’ personal reflective journals and group discussions about teaching practice. We used a grounded theory approach to analyse our data. Results: Over time, participants identified, tested and evaluated two essential characteristics to describe the teacher–student relationship that allowed teachers to meet their desired goals in small group work: 1) friendly and 2) not “friends”. Conclusions: This description of “relationship” for small group teaching is easily understood and pragmatic and, thus, potentially transferable across many health science small group teaching contexts.
Effect of undercoordinated Ag(111) defect sites on the adsorption of ethanol
Authors: Schlosser Daniel A. , Yehorova Dariia , Kaleem Hasan , Maxwell Eric M. , Baker Jordon S. , Gillum Maxwell Z. , DePonte Maria C. , Letchworth-Weaver Kendra , Baber Ashleigh E.
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the use of silver-based materials for selective and highly active ethanol reactivity in single atom catalysis and the ethanol oxidation reaction in direct fuel cells highlights the importance of silver (Ag) in an ethanol economy. Understanding the interaction of ethanol with Ag(111) and the natural defects found on extended Ag(111) is critical to the overall understanding of more complex catalytic processes including ethanol activation over Ag-based catalysts. The research herein aims to characterize the interaction of ethanol molecules on undercoordinated defect sites of Ag(111) to mimic active sites found on Ag nanoparticle catalysts. The interaction between ethanol and Ag(111) was studied using temperature programed desorption (TPD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT). Molecular ethanol adsorption and desorption from Ag(111) and the distinction between undercoordinated Ag(111) adsorption sites were determined using TPD in correlation with DFT. Complete analysis of TPD data for ethanol adsorbed to terrace sites was used to calculate a kinetic prefactor (3.4 × 1015) and desorption energy (0.54 eV). A better understanding of defect-dependent behavior for ethanol on silver can lead to a greater insight into high surface area nanoparticle catalysts used in industries, catalytic converters, and photo-, electro-, and heterogeneous catalysis. The results suggest that ethanol preferentially adsorbs to undercoordinated sites on Ag(111), resulting in higher binding energies for these molecules (Redhead first order approximation for desorption energies is terrace, 0.54 eV; step edge, 0.57 eV; and kink sites, 0.61 eV). Furthermore, alteration of the silver surface can lead to a redistribution of these sites.
Physical Exertion Diminishes Static and Dynamic Balance in Firefighters
Authors: Games Kenneth E. , Winkelmann Zachary K. , Eberman Lindsey E.
Published: May 2020

Half of all work-related injuries in the fire service are musculoskeletal-based due to slips, trips, and overexertion. This study evaluated the effects of physical exertion on balance in firefighters. Forty-one firefighters completed a physical exertion protocol with static and dynamic balance assessments while in personal protective equipment. Following the physical exertion protocol, we identified a significant decrease in anterior reach of the right limb, and significant increases in rectangular displacement area in both double- and single-legged stances. Balance is diminished in firefighters wearing personal protective equipment after engaging in a short bout of physical activity, suggesting a potential risk factor for lower extremity injury in the fire service.
HIV-1 Exploits CLASP2 To Induce Microtubule Stabilization and Facilitate Virus Trafficking to the Nucleus
Authors: Mitra Sahana , Shanmugapriya Shanmugapriya , Santos da Silva Eveline , Naghavi Mojgan H.
Published: May 2020

While microtubules (MTs) have long been known to be important for delivery of incoming HIV-1 cores to the nucleus, how the virus engages and exploits these filaments remains poorly understood. Our previous work revealed the importance of highly specialized MT regulators that belong to a family called plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) in facilitating early stages of infection. These +TIPs perform various functions, such as engaging cargos for transport or engaging peripheral actin to stabilize MTs, suggesting several family members have the potential to contribute to infection in different ways. Here, we reveal that cytoplasmic linker-associated protein 2 (CLASP2), a key regulator of cortical capture and stabilization of MTs, interacts with incoming HIV-1 particles, and we identify a distinct C-terminal domain in CLASP2 that promotes both MT stabilization and early infection. Our findings identify a new +TIP acting as a host cofactor that facilitates early stages of viral infection.
Detecting and Monitoring Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Virus, an Underresearched Betacoronavirus
Authors: Mora-Díaz Juan Carlos , Magtoto Ronaldo , Houston Elizabeth , Baum David , Carrillo-Ávila José Antonio , Temeeyasen Gun , Zimmerman Jeff , Piñeyro Pablo , Giménez-Lirola Luis
Published: May 2020

There is a paucity of information concerning the ecology of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV) in commercial swine herds. This study provided evidence that PHEV infection is endemic and highly prevalent in U.S. swine herds. These results raised questions for future studies regarding the impact of endemic PHEV on swine health and the mechanisms by which this virus circulates in endemically infected populations. Regardless, the availability of the validated PHEV S1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) provides the means for swine producers to detect and monitor PHEV infections, confirm prior exposure to the virus, and to evaluate the immune status of breeding herds.
SARS-CoV-2 and ORF3a: Nonsynonymous Mutations, Functional Domains, and Viral Pathogenesis
Authors: Issa Elio , Merhi Georgi , Panossian Balig , Salloum Tamara , Tokajian Sima
Published: May 2020

At the surge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we detected and identified six functional domains (I to VI) in the SARS-CoV-2 3a protein. Our analysis showed that the functional domains were linked to virulence, infectivity, ion channel formation, and virus release in SARS-CoV-2 3a. Our study also revealed the functional importance of conserved domains across the species barrier. Observations reported in this study merit experimental confirmation.
How to interpret IGF-1 and growth hormone stimulation tests
Authors: Tseretopoulou Xanthippi , Mushtaq Talat
Published: May 2020

You are seeing an 11-year-old boy in a general paediatric clinic referred with short stature. His height is below the 0.4th centile. The mid-parental height is on 50th centile. Baseline investigations, including renal and liver function, coeliac screen and thyroid function tests are normal. You have a suspicion of growth hormone deficiency. Should you check an insulin-like growth factor-1 level or proceed with a growth hormone provocation test? The current paper will aim to give an overview of these tests and factors to consider when interpreting the results.
Average lost work productivity due to non-fatal injuries by type in the USA
Authors: Peterson Cora , Xu Likang , Barnett Sarah Beth L
Published: May 2020

Objective

To estimate the average lost work productivity due to non-fatal injuries in the USA comprehensively by injury type.

Methods

The attributable average number and value of lost work days in the year following non-fatal emergency department (ED)–treated injuries were estimated by injury mechanism (eg, fall) and body region (eg, head and neck) among individuals age 18–64 with employer health insurance injured 1 October 2014 through 30 September 2015 as reported in MarketScan medical claims and Health and Productivity Management databases. Workplace, short-term disability and workers’ compensation absences were assessed. Multivariable regression models compared lost work days among injury patients and matched controls during the year following injured patients’ ED visit, controlling for demographic, clinical and health insurance factors. Lost work days were valued using an average US daily market production estimate. Costs are 2015 USD.

Results

The 1-year per-person average number and value of lost work days due to all types of non-fatal injuries combined were approximately 11 days and US$1590. The range by injury mechanism was 1.5 days (US$210) for bites and stings to 44.1 days (US$6196) for motorcycle injuries. The range by body region was 4.0 days (US$567) for other head, face and neck injuries to 19.8 days (US$2787) for traumatic brain injuries.

Conclusions and relevance

Injuries are costly and preventable. Accurate estimates of attributable lost work productivity are important to monitor the economic burden of injuries and help to prioritise cost-effective public health prevention activities.
A prospective, controlled study of non-motor effects of subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: results at the 36-month follow-up
Authors: Jost Stefanie Theresa , Sauerbier Anna , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Ashkan Keyoumars , Silverdale Monty , Evans Julian , Loehrer Philipp A , Rizos Alexandra , Petry-Schmelzer Jan Niklas , Reker Paul , Fink Gereon Rudolf , Franklin Jeremy , Samuel Michael , Schnitzler Alfons , Barbe Michael Thomas , Antonini Angelo , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Timmermann Lars , Ray-Chaudhuri K , Dafsari Haidar S
Published: May 2020

Objective

To examine 36-month effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on non-motor symptoms (NMS) compared with standard-of-care medical treatment (MED) in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

Here we report the 36-month follow-up of a prospective, observational, controlled, international multicentre study of the NILS cohort. Assessments included NMSScale (NMSS), PDQuestionnaire-8 (PDQ-8), Scales for Outcomes in PD (SCOPA)-motor examination, -activities of daily living, and -complications, and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD). Propensity score matching resulted in a pseudo-randomised sub-cohort balancing baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between the STN-DBS and MED groups. Within-group longitudinal outcome changes were analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and between-group differences of change scores with Mann-Whitney U test. Strength of clinical responses was quantified with Cohen’s effect size. In addition, bivariate correlations of change scores were explored.

Results

Propensity score matching applied on the cohort of 151 patients (STN-DBS n=67, MED n=84) resulted in a well-balanced sub-cohort including 38 patients per group. After 36 months, STN-DBS significantly improved NMSS, PDQ-8, SCOPA-motor examination and -complications and reduced LEDD. Significant between-group differences, all favouring STN-DBS, were found for NMSS, SCOPA-motor complications, LEDD (large effects), motor examination and PDQ-8 (moderate effects). Furthermore, significant differences were found for the sleep/fatigue, urinary (large effects) and miscellaneous NMSS domains (moderate effects). NMSS total and PDQ-8 change scores correlated significantly.

Conclusions

This study provides Class IIb evidence for beneficial effects of STN-DBS on NMS at 36-month follow-up which also correlated with quality of life improvements. This highlights the importance of NMS for DBS outcomes assessments.
Exploring the conceptualisation and study of freebirthing as a historical and social phenomenon: a meta-narrative review of diverse research traditions
Authors: McKenzie Gemma , Robert Glenn , Montgomery Elsa
Published: May 2020

Freebirthing is a clandestine practice whereby women intentionally give birth without healthcare professionals (HCPs) present in countries where there are medical facilities available to assist them. Women who make this decision are frequently subjected to stigma and condemnation, yet research on the phenomenon suggests that women’s motivations are often complex. The aim of this review was to explore how freebirth has been conceptualised over time in the English-language academic and grey literature. The meta-narrative methodology employed enables a phenomenon to be understood within and between differing research traditions, as well as against its social and historical context. Our research uncovered nine research traditions (nursing, autobiographical text with birthing philosophy, midwifery, activism, medicine, sociology, law and ethics, pregnancy and birth advice, and anthropology) originating from eight countries and spanning the years 1957–2018. Most of the texts were written by women, with the majority being non-empirical. Empirical studies on freebirth were usually qualitative, although there were a small number of quantitative medical and midwifery studies; these texts often focused on women’s motivations and highlighted a range of reasons as to why a woman would decide to give birth without HCPs present. Motivations frequently related to women’s previous negative maternity experiences and the type of maternity care available, for example medicalised and hospital-based. The use of the meta-narrative methodology allowed the origins of freebirth in 1950s America to be traced to present-day empirical studies of the phenomenon. This highlighted how the subject and the publication of literature relating to freebirth are embedded within their social and historical contexts. From its very inception, freebirth aligns with the medicalisation of childbirth, the position of women in society, the provision of maternity care and the way in which women experience maternity services.
Simple budget-neutral tool to improve intraoperative communication
Authors: Dougherty James , Slowey Charlie , Hermon Anne , Wolpaw Jed
Published: May 2020

Background

Communication failure is a common cause of medical errors and adverse events. Within the operating room (OR), there are many barriers to good communication, which can adversely affect patient outcome.

Objective

Implementing a simple, cost-neutral tool aimed at improving intraoperative communication and engagement.

Methods

Three anaesthesiology residents collected data using a data sheet and tailored surveys distributed to OR staff. Data were collected over a 2-week period in 2019, with 1 week each of preintervention and postintervention data collection. The intervention consisted of wearing OR caps displaying the first name and role of the anaesthesia resident clearly on the front.

Results

A total of 20 data sheets and 48 preintervention and postintervention surveys were collected for a response rate of 57%. There was a statistically significant increase in OR staff knowledge of the anaesthesia resident’s name (66% vs 100%, p=<0.001), an increase in the mean number of times the surgical providers addressed the anaesthesia residents (3.6 vs 7.8, p=0.0074) and an increase in the mean number of times the surgical providers addressed them by their first name (0.7 vs 4, p=0.0067). Comments received during the intervention were positive with overwhelming support.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a simple, cost-effective intervention can result in dramatic improvement in intraoperative communication and engagement between teams.
Egalitarianism in surgical training: let equity prevail
Authors: Robinson David Bryan Thomas , Hopkins Luke , James Osian Penri , Brown Chris , Powell Arfon GMT , Abdelrahman Tarig , Hemington-Gorse Sarah , Walsh Leona , Egan Richard John , Lewis Wyn
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to quantify core surgical trainee (CST) differential attainment (DA) related to three cohorts; white UK graduate (White UKG) versus black and minority ethnic UKG (BME UKG) versus international medical graduates (IMGs). The primary outcome measures were annual review of competence progression (ARCP) outcome, intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (iMRCS) examination pass and national training number (NTN) selection. Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) portfolios of 264 consecutive CSTs (2010–2017, 168 white UKG, 66 BME UKG, 30 IMG) from a single UK regional post graduate medical region (Wales) were examined. Data collected prospectively over an 8-year time period was analysed retrospectively. ARCP outcomes were similar irrespective of ethnicity or nationality (ARCP outcome 1, white UKG 60.7% vs BME UKG 62.1% vs IMG 53.3%, p=0.395). iMRCS pass rates for white UKG vs BME UKG vs IMG were 71.4% vs 71.2% vs 50.0% (p=0.042), respectively. NTN success rates for white UKG vs BME UKG vs IMG were 36.9% vs 36.4% vs 6.7% (p=0.023), respectively. On multivariable analysis, operative experience (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.004, p=0.004), bootcamp attendance (OR 2.615, 95% CI 1.403 to 4.871, p=0.002), and UKG (OR 7.081, 95% CI 1.556 to 32.230, p=0.011), were associated with NTN appointment. Although outcomes related to BME DA were equitable, important DA variation was apparent among IMGs, with iMRCS pass 21.4% lower and NTN success sixfold less likely than UKG. Targeted counter measures are required to let equity prevail in UK CST programmes.
One in five patients with rapidly and persistently controlled early rheumatoid arthritis report poor well-being after 1 year of treatment
Authors: Van der Elst Kristien , Verschueren Patrick , De Cock Diederik , De Groef An , Stouten Veerle , Pazmino Sofia , Vriezekolk Johanna , Joly Johan , Moons Philip , Westhovens René
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To identify and characterise a subgroup of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reporting not feeling well 1 year after treatment initiation despite achieving optimal disease control according to current treatment standards.

Methods

This observational study included participants of the Care in early RA trial with a rapid and sustained response (DAS28CRP<2.6) from week 16 until year 1 after starting the first RA treatment. Feeling well was assessed at year 1, using five patient-reported outcomes (PROs): pain, fatigue, physical functioning, RA-related quality of life and sleep quality. K-means clustering assigned patients to a cluster based on these PROs. Cohen’s d effect size estimated cluster differences at treatment initiation and week 16, for the five clustering PROs, coping behaviour, illness perceptions and social support.

Results

Analyses revealed three clusters. Of 140 patients, 77.9% were assigned to the ‘concordant to disease activity’ cluster, 9.3% to the ‘dominant fatigue’ cluster and 12.9% to the ‘dominant pain and fatigue’ cluster. Large differences in pain and fatigue reporting were found at week 16 when comparing the ‘concordant’ with the ‘dominant pain and fatigue’ or the ‘dominant fatigue’ cluster. Small differences in reporting were found for the other PROs. Illness perceptions and coping style also differed in the ‘concordant’ cluster.

Conclusions

Although most patients reported PRO scores in concordance with their well-controlled disease activity, one in five persistent treatment responders reported not feeling well at year 1. These patients reported higher pain and fatigue, and different illness perceptions and coping strategies early in the disease course.
Efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil as a remission induction therapy in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis—a meta-analysis
Authors: Kuzuya Kentaro , Morita Takayoshi , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: May 2020

Objectives

A few studies on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) treatments have shown the therapeutic efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). However, the therapeutic efficacy of MMF compared with that of cyclophosphamide (CYC) in patients with AAV has not been established. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of MMF as a remission induction therapy in patients with AAV comparing it with the efficacy of CYC.

Methods

We searched randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of MMF with that of CYC in patients with AAV on three different websites: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. We compared the difference in the relative risk (RR) of each outcome based on a Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model.

Results

We analysed data from four RCTs with 300 patients for the study. The 6-month remission rate (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.38, p=0.48), the 6-month ANCA negativity (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.90, p=0.15) and the long-term relapse rate (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.31, p=0.26) were all similar between the two treatments. The rates of death, infection and leucopenia were also similar between the two groups (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.40 to 2.74, p=0.93; RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.01, p=0.33; RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.32, p=0.15, respectively).

Conclusions

We found no difference between the therapeutic efficacy of MMF and that of CYC in patients with AAV. MMF may be an alternative remission induction therapy in patients with non-life-threatening AAV.
Unification of flavor SU(3) analyses of heavy Hadron weak decays
Authors: He Xiao-Gang , Shi Yu-Ji , Wang Wei
Published: May 2020

Analyses of heavy mesons and baryons hadronic charmless decays using the flavor SU(3) symemtry can be formulated in two different forms. One is to construct the SU(3) irreducible representation amplitude by decomposing effective Hamiltonian, and the other is to draw the topological diagrams. In the flavor SU(3) limit, we study various $$B/D\rightarrow PP,VP,VV$$B/D→PP,VP,VV, $$B_c\rightarrow DP/DV$$Bc→DP/DV decays, and two-body nonleptonic decays of beauty/charm baryons, and demonstrate that when all terms are included these two ways of analyzing the decay amplitudes are completely equivalent. Furthermore we clarify some confusions in drawing topological diagrams using different ways of describing beauty/charm baryons.
Fracture attribute and topology characteristics of a geothermal reservoir: Southern Negros, Philippines
Authors: Primaleon Loraine Pastoriza , McCaffrey Kenneth J.W. , Holdsworth Robert E.
Published: May 2020

The characterization of fracture networks using attribute and topological analyses has not been widely applied to the understanding and prediction of the secondary porosity, permeability and fluid flow characteristics of geothermal resources. We acquired fracture length, aperture, intensity and topological data from remotely sensed images and surface exposures of the Cuernos de Negros region and compared these data with well cores and thin sections from the underlying active geothermal reservoir: the Southern Negros Geothermal Field, west central Philippines. We show that the fracture attributes of the analogue and reservoir are best described by a power law distribution of fracture length and aperture intensity across six to eight orders of magnitude. This characterization of outcrop and borehole fractures validates the use of surface exposures as analogues for the Southern Negros Geothermal Field reservoir rocks at depth. An observed change in the scaling exponent in the 100–500 m length scale suggests that regional to sub-regional fracture systems scale differently from those at the meso- and macroscale, which may be a strata-bound effect or a sampling issue. Topological analyses show a dominance of Y-nodes and doubly connected branches, that indicates a high degree of fracture connectivity, which is important for effective fluid flow.

Supplementary Material:
Slopes, coefficient of determination and Aikake information criterion values of the cumulative frequency v. length and aperture plots of all fracture transects are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4960559

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the The Geology of Fractured Reservoirs collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/the-geology-of-fractured-reservoirs
The Atud gabbro–diorite complex: glimpse of the Cryogenian mixing, assimilation, storage and homogenization zone beneath the Eastern Desert of Egypt
Authors: Stern Robert J. , Ali Kamal , Asimow Paul D. , Azer Mokhles K. , Leybourne Matthew I. , Mubarak Heba S. , Ren Minghua , Romer Rolf L. , Whitehouse Martin J.
Published: May 2020

We analysed gabbroic and dioritic rocks from the Atud igneous complex in the Eastern Desert of Egypt to understand better the formation of juvenile continental crust of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. Our results show that the rocks are the same age (U–Pb zircon ages of 694.5 ± 2.1 Ma for two diorites and 695.3 ± 3.4 Ma for one gabbronorite). These are partial melts of the mantle and related fractionates (εNd
690
 = +4.2 to +7.3,
87
Sr/
86
Sr
i
 = 0.70246–0.70268, zircon δ
18
O ∼ +5‰). Trace element patterns indicate that Atud magmas formed above a subduction zone as part of a large and long-lived (
c
. 60 myr) convergent margin. Atud complex igneous rocks belong to a larger metagabbro–epidiorite–diorite complex that formed as a deep crustal mush into which new pulses of mafic magma were periodically emplaced, incorporated and evolved. The petrological evolution can be explained by fractional crystallization of mafic magma plus variable plagioclase accumulation in a mid- to lower crustal MASH zone. The Atud igneous complex shows that mantle partial melting and fractional crystallization and plagioclase accumulation were important for Cryogenian crust formation in this part of the Arabian–Nubian Shield.

Supplementary material:
Analytical methods and data, calculated equilibrium mineral temperatures, results of petrogenetic modeling, and cathodluminesence images of zircons can be found at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4958822
Algorithms and Applications to Weighted Rank-one Binary Matrix Factorization
Authors: Lu Haibing , Chen Xi , Shi Junmin , Vaidya Jaideep , Atluri Vijayalakshmi , Hong Yuan , Huang Wei
Published: May 2020

Many applications use data that are better represented in the binary matrix form, such as click-stream data, market basket data, document-term data, user-permission data in access control, and others. Matrix factorization methods have been widely used tools for the analysis of high-dimensional data, as they automatically extract sparse and meaningful features from data vectors. However, existing matrix factorization methods do not work well for the binary data. One crucial limitation is interpretability, as many matrix factorization methods decompose an input matrix into matrices with fractional or even negative components, which are hard to interpret in many real settings. Some matrix factorization methods, like binary matrix factorization, do limit decomposed matrices to binary values. However, these models are not flexible to accommodate some data analysis tasks, like trading off summary size with quality and discriminating different types of approximation errors. To address those issues, this article presents weighted rank-one binary matrix factorization, which is to approximate a binary matrix by the product of two binary vectors, with parameters controlling different types of approximation errors. By systematically running weighted rank-one binary matrix factorization, one can effectively perform various binary data analysis tasks, like compression, clustering, and pattern discovery. Theoretical properties on weighted rank-one binary matrix factorization are investigated and its connection to problems in other research domains are examined. As weighted rank-one binary matrix factorization in general is NP-hard, efficient and effective algorithms are presented. Extensive studies on applications of weighted rank-one binary matrix factorization are also conducted.
Aging Alters Olfactory Bulb Network Oscillations and Connectivity: Relevance for Aging-Related Neurodegeneration Studies
Authors: Ahnaou A. , Rodriguez-Manrique D. , Embrechts S. , Biermans R. , Manyakov N. V. , Youssef S. A. , Drinkenburg W. H. I. M.
Published: May 2020

The aging process eventually cause a breakdown in critical synaptic plasticity and connectivity leading to deficits in memory function. The olfactory bulb (OB) and the hippocampus, both regions of the brain considered critical for the processing of odors and spatial memory, are commonly affected by aging. Using an aged wild-type C57B/6 mouse model, we sought to define the effects of aging on hippocampal plasticity and the integrity of cortical circuits. Specifically, we measured the long-term potentiation of high-frequency stimulation (HFS-LTP) at the Shaffer-Collateral CA1 pyramidal synapses. Next, local field potential (LFP) spectra, phase-amplitude theta-gamma coupling (PAC), and connectivity through coherence were assessed in the olfactory bulb, frontal and entorhinal cortices, CA1, and amygdala circuits. The OB of aged mice showed a significant increase in the number of histone H2AX-positive neurons, a marker of DNA damage. While the input-output relationship measure of basal synaptic activity was found not to differ between young and aged mice, a pronounced decline in the slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) and the population spike amplitude (PSA) were found in aged mice. Furthermore, aging was accompanied by deficits in gamma network oscillations, a shift to slow oscillations, reduced coherence and theta-gamma PAC in the OB circuit. Thus, while the basal synaptic activity was unaltered in older mice, impairment in hippocampal synaptic transmission was observed only in response to HFS. However, age-dependent alterations in neural network appeared spontaneously in the OB circuit, suggesting the neurophysiological basis of synaptic deficits underlying olfactory processing. Taken together, the results highlight the sensitivity and therefore potential use of LFP quantitative network oscillations and connectivity at the OB level as objective electrophysiological markers that will help reveal specific dysfunctional circuits in aging-related neurodegeneration studies.
Data Aggregation in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks by Using Local Tree Reconstruction Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Zhaohui , Li Jing , Yang Xiaoli
Published: May 2020

Aiming at the transmission of heterogeneous data in heterogeneous networks, a topology optimization algorithm of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks based on local tree reconstruction is proposed, which can achieve better data transmission in the heterogeneous networks. First, the algorithm divides the nodes of the network into different layers by their hops and chooses different numbers of nodes as relay nodes in different layers. Second, the nodes are set with different initial energies in different layers. Because the packets of different nodes have different sizes, we adopt the corresponding data aggregation coefficients according to the actual data requirements of the network in data transmission. Finally, the lifetime of the network is prolonged by real-time updating of the topology of the tree during the data transmission. The simulations indicate that after the aforementioned three steps, the proposed algorithm prolongs the lifetime of the heterogeneous networks and improves the nodes utilization effectively.
Numerical Simulation during Short-Shot Water-Assisted Injection Molding Based on the Overflow Cavity for Short-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene
Authors: Yu Zhong , Liu He-Sheng , Kuang Tang-Qing , Huang Xing-Yuan , Zhang Wei , Chen Zhong-Shi , Zhang Kai
Published: May 2020

Compared with water penetration condition of short-shot water-assisted injection molding with or without overflow cavity, it can be known from theory and common knowledge that short-shot water-assisted injection molding with overflow cavity has many advantages, such as it can save materials and energy. Then, the effects of melt short shot size, water injection delay time, melt temperature and water injection pressure on the penetration of water after penetration, and the orientation distribution of short fibers during water-assisted injection molding of the overflow cavity short-shot method were studied. It is found that the melt short shot size had the greatest influence on it, followed by water injection pressure, water injection delay time, and finally, melt temperature. With the increase of the melt short shot size, the thickness of the residual wall of the whole main cavity becomes thinner, the orientation of short fiber along the melt flow direction becomes higher, and the degree of fiber orientation changes becomes lower. In the front half of the main cavity, with the decrease of water injection pressure, the delay time of water injection, and the melt temperature, in the front part of the main cavity, the residual wall thickness becomes thinner, the fiber orientation along the melt flow direction becomes lower, and the fiber orientation changes degree becomes higher; in the latter half of the main cavity, the influence of the water penetration and the orientation distribution of short fibers along the melt flow direction are not significant.
On the Reducibility of Quasiperiodic Linear Hamiltonian Systems and Its Applications in Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Xue Nina , Zhao Wencai
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we consider the reducibility of the quasiperiodic linear Hamiltonian system ẋ=A+εQt, where A is a constant matrix with possible multiple eigenvalues, Qt is analytic quasiperiodic with respect to t, and ε is a small parameter. Under some nonresonant conditions, it is proved that, for most sufficiently small ε, the Hamiltonian system can be reduced to a constant coefficient Hamiltonian system by means of a quasiperiodic symplectic change of variables with the same basic frequencies as Qt. Applications to the Schrödinger equation are also given.
Short‐Term Results Suggest That Sleeved Stomach without Resection Is as Effective as Sleeve Gastrectomy in Improving Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Sprague‐Dawley Rat Model
Authors: Zhang Wenzhuo , Widjaja Jason , Yao Libin , Shao Yong , Zhu Xiaocheng , Li Chao
Published: May 2020

Background. Although sleeve gastrectomy results in good weight loss and metabolic improvements, it is an irreversible procedure. Therefore, we attempted to assess the possibility of creating a sleeved stomach without resection. Material and Methods. A total of 22 male Sprague‐Dawley rats with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into 3 different groups: (1) sleeve gastroplasty with gastric remnant‐jejunal anastomosis (SGP, n = 8); (2) sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 8); and (3) SHAM (n = 6). Body weight, food intake, fasting blood glucose (FBG), hormonal analysis, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed and measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. During the postoperative period, SGP and SG showed significantly lower food intake and body weight when compared with the preoperative levels, respectively (p value < 0.05). Postoperatively, SGP and SG showed improvements in FBG and glucose tolerance levels compared to their respective preoperative levels (p < 0.05). FBG and glucose tolerance levels did not differ between SGP and SG postoperatively. SG resulted in a reduction in fasting ghrelin levels when compared with the preoperative level (p < 0.05). Fasting insulin levels did not differ preoperatively and postoperatively among all groups. Postoperatively, fasting GLP‐1 levels were higher in SGP and SG when compared with the preoperative levels, but no statistical significance was observed. Compared preoperatively, the SGP and SG procedures resulted in a decline in HOMA‐IR at postoperative 6th week (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Our animal experiment suggested that at least in the short term, sleeved stomach without resection resulted in similar weight loss and improved glucose control effects compared to sleeve gastrectomy.
Asymptotic Behavior of Multigroup SEIR Model with Nonlinear Incidence Rates under Stochastic Perturbations
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Shan , Peng Youhua
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the asymptotic behavior of a multigroup SEIR model with stochastic perturbations and nonlinear incidence rate functions is studied. First, the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the model we discuss are given. Then, the global asymptotical stability in probability of the model with R0<1 is established by constructing Lyapunov functions. Next, we prove that the disease can die out exponentially under certain stochastic perturbation while it is persistent in the deterministic case when R0>1. Finally, several examples and numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the dynamic behavior of the model and verify our analytical results.
Prostaglandin E1 Inhibits GLI2 Amplification–Associated Activation of the Hedgehog Pathway and Drug Refractory Tumor Growth
Authors: Wu Fujia , Zhang Chenze , Zhao Chen , Wu Hao , Teng Zhaoqian , Jiang Tao , Wang Yu
Published: May 2020

Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway underlines the initiation and progression of a multitude of cancers. The effectiveness of the leading drugs vismodegib (GDC-0449) and sonidegib (LDE225), both Smoothened (SMO) antagonists, is compromised by acquisition of mutations that alter pathway components, notably secondary mutations in SMO and amplification of GLI2, a transcriptional mediator at the end of the pathway. Pharmacologic blockade of GLI2 activity could ultimately overcome these diversified refractory mechanisms, which would also be effective in a broader spectrum of primary tumors than current SMO antagonists. To this end, we conducted a high-content screening directly analyzing the ciliary translocation of GLI2, a key event for GLI2 activation in HH signal transduction. Several prostaglandin compounds were shown to inhibit accumulation of GLI2 within the primary cilium (PC). In particular, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), an FDA-approved drug, is a potent GLI2 antagonist that overcame resistance mechanisms of both SMO mutagenesis and GLI2 amplification. Consistent with a role in HH pathway regulation, EP4 receptor localized to the PC. Mechanistically, PGE1 inhibited HH signaling through the EP4 receptor, enhancing cAMP-PKA activity, which promoted phosphorylation and degradation of GLI2 via the ubiquitination pathway. PGE1 also effectively inhibited the growth of drug refractory human medulloblastoma xenografts. Together, these results identify PGE1 and other prostaglandins as potential templates for complementary therapeutic development to circumvent resistance to current generation SMO antagonists in use in the clinic.

Significance:

These findings show that PGE1 exhibits pan-inhibition against multiple drug refractory activities for Hedgehog-targeted therapies and elicits significant antitumor effects in xenograft models of drug refractory human medulloblastoma mimicking GLI2 amplification.
Association of NOS3 and ANGPT2 Gene Polymorphisms with Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Sorafenib: Results of the Multicenter Prospective INNOVATE Study
Authors: Casadei-Gardini Andrea , Marisi Giorgia , Dadduzio Vincenzo , Gramantieri Laura , Faloppi Luca , Ulivi Paola , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Tamburini Emiliano , Vivaldi Caterina , Rizzato Mario Domenico , Ielasi Luca , Canale Matteo , Conti Fabio , Rudnas Britt , Fornaro Lorenzo , Silvestris Nicola , Silletta Marianna , Cardellino Giovanni Gerardo , Lonardi Sara , Fornari Francesca , Orsi Giulia , Rovesti Giulia , Zagonel Vittorina , Cascinu Stefano , Scartozzi Mario
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

After 10 years of clinical practice and research studies, there are still no validated prognostic or predictive factors of response to sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). On the basis of the results of our two retrospective studies, we designed the multicenter INNOVATE study with the aim to validate the role of nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) and ANGPT2 polymorphisms in patients with HCC treated with sorafenib [NCT02786342].

Patients and Methods:

This prospective multicenter study was conducted at 10 centers in Italy. All eligible patients received a continuous oral treatment with 400 mg of sorafenib twice daily. Genotyping analysis was performed for NOS3 (rs2070744) and ANGPT2 SNPs (rs55633437). The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), whereas secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and disease-control rate.

Results:

A total of 165 patients were enrolled between March 2016 and June 2018. NOS3 rs2070744 CC/CT genotypes were significantly associated with a higher median PFS (5.9 months vs. 2.4 months; HR = 0.43; P = 0.0007) and OS (15.7 months vs. 8.6 months; HR = 0.38; P < 0.0001) compared with TT genotype. There was no statistically significant association between ANGPT2 rs55633437 TT/GT genotypes and PFS (2.4 months vs. 5.7 months; HR = 1.93; P = 0.0833) and OS (15.1 months vs. 13.0 months; HR = 2.68; P = 0.55) when compared with the other genotype. Following adjustment for clinical covariates, multivariate analysis confirmed NOS3 as an independent prognostic factor for PFS (HR = 0.50; P = 0.0128) and OS (HR = 0.29; P = 0.0041).

Conclusions:

The INNOVATE study met the primary endpoint, confirming that patients with advanced HCC with NOS3 rs2070744 CC/CT genotypes had a better prognosis with respect to TT genotype patients.
Dose Issues in Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Rizvi Syed A.A. , Shahzad Yasser , Saleh Ayman M. , Muhammad Nawshad
Published: May 2020

In this review, human methotrexate dosing regimens, as well as their relationship to data from in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal and human studies, are discussed. Low-dose, intermediate-dose, and high-dose therapies are covered. Since in vitro and in vivo screenings of potential cancer drugs are commonplace in the development of cancer chemotherapy, comparisons of the three criteria for effectiveness are important.