bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medium-term results of undersized angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic high-grade intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis with Enterprise
Authors: Salik Aysun Erbahceci , Selcuk Hatem H , Zalov Hasanagha , Kilinc Fatih , Cirak Musa , Kara Batuhan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate medium-term results of undersized balloon angioplasty and stenting for symptomatic high-grade (70–99%) stenosis of a major intracranial artery with Enterprise stent.

Methods

This study included 68 consecutive symptomatic (recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke under dual antiplatelet treatment) patients with high-grade (70–99%) stenosis of a major intracranial artery who were endovascularly treated with undersized balloon angioplasty and Enterprise stent deployment between July 2012 and December 2017. Primary outcomes were any stroke or death within 30 days after procedure. Secondary outcomes were technical success rates, stroke and restenosis during the follow-up period.

Results

A total of 68 lesions in 68 patients (mean age: 62 ± 7 years) were treated with a technical success rate of 99%. The degree of pre-procedural stenosis was 92 ± 6% and dropped to 12 ± 10% after stent deployment. No patient developed any stroke or death during the periprocedural period. Intracranial hemorrhage was observed in 1 (1.5%) patient. In 60 (88%) patients with available imaging follow-up in-stent restenosis was observed in 2 patients. Mean follow-up period was 22 ± 17 months (range 6–72) and none of the patients experienced recurrent TIA or stroke during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

In this retrospective single-center study undersized balloon angioplasty and deployment of a self-expandable stent with relatively low radial force was safe and effective for endovascular treatment of high-grade intracranial arterial stenosis with high technical success rate, low periprocedural complication rates and favorable medium-term follow-up results.
Cost-Effectiveness of Multifaceted Built Environment Interventions for Reducing Transmission of Pathogenic Bacteria in Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Squire Marietta M. , Igusa Takeru , Siddiqui Sauleh , Sessel Gareth K. , Squire Edward N.
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to determine the optimal allocation of budgets for pairs of alterations that reduce pathogenic bacterial transmission. Three alterations of the built environment are examined: handwashing stations (HW), relative humidity control (RH), and negatively pressured treatment rooms (NP). These interventions were evaluated to minimize total cost of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including medical and litigation costs.

Background:

HAIs are largely preventable but are difficult to control because of their multiple mechanisms of transmission. Moreover, the costs of HAIs and resulting mortality are increasing with the latest estimates at US$9.8 billion annually.

Method:

Using 6 years of longitudinal multidrug-resistant infection data, we simulated the transmission of pathogenic bacteria and the infection control efforts of the three alterations using Chamchod and Ruan’s model. We determined the optimal budget allocations among the alterations by representing them under Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions for this nonlinear optimization problem.

Results:

We examined 24 scenarios using three virulence levels across three facility sizes with varying budget levels. We found that in general, most of the budget is allocated to the NP or RH alterations in each intervention. At lower budgets, however, it was necessary to use the lower cost alterations, HW or RH.

Conclusions:

Mathematical optimization offers healthcare enterprise executives and engineers a tool to assist with the design of safer healthcare facilities within a fiscally constrained environment. Herein, models were developed for the optimal allocation of funds between HW, RH, and negatively pressured treatment rooms (NP) to best reduce HAIs. Specific strategies vary by facility size and virulence.
Decentralized Nurse Stations: A Methodology for Using Research to Guide Design Decisions
Authors: Durham Joyce , Kenyon Ann
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

The purpose of this methodology is to define a process for facility planning teams to use to ensure research findings are used to guide decision making in the design process.

Background:

Over the past decade and a half, research in health facility design has developed and the body of knowledge has grown significantly, but at the same time, the process for incorporating these findings into the design process has been less defined. This methodology evolved out of the desire to develop a structured process to integrate recent research findings into the planning and programming process at the user group and planning team level.

Method:

This two-phase methodology consists of, first, reviewing recent, relevant research on the topic, classifying the findings into positive and negative attributes and, then, summarizing the attributes by category on a summary table and in a brief narrative. The second phase consists of reviewing the research to identify operational and facility strategies that can be used to mitigate the inconsistent and negative attributes identified.

Results:

In the case study, as a result of this process, one inconsistent attribute and three negative attributes were identified. In the second phase, potential research-based operational and facility strategies were identified to mitigate the inconsistent and negative attributes identified. This information served as the basis for making design decisions.

Conclusions:

This methodology presents an organized, efficient process for organizing and providing relevant research findings to a facility planning team to use in evaluating a new healthcare design concept and making research-based design decisions.
Parochial Versus Universal Cooperation: Introducing a Novel Economic Game of Within- and Between-Group Interaction
Authors: Aaldering Hillie , Böhm Robert
Published: April 2019

Engaging in personally costly within-group cooperation benefits one’s in-group members but also impacts other groups by benefiting, neglecting, or harming out-group members, leading to a range of potential consequences for between-group relations (e.g., collaboration vs. competition). We introduce the Intergroup Parochial and Universal Cooperation (IPUC) game to investigate the prevalence of the individual preferences underlying these different expressions of within-group cooperation: universalism, weak parochialism, and strong parochialism. In two online experiments with natural groups, we show that the IPUC has value beyond existing economic games in measuring these preferences separately. In a third experiment conducted in the lab, we show how dispositional measures traditionally associated with within- and between-group cooperation, that is, social value orientation, social dominance orientation, honesty-humility, and empathic concern, predict different preferences. Thus, the IPUC provides a tool to better understand within- and between-group interactions and to test interventions to overcome intergroup conflict.
Data Protection and the EPPO
Authors: De Hert Paul , Papakonstantinou Vagelis
Published: April 2019

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (the ‘EPPO’) necessarily processes personal data in order to fulfil its mission; As such, it falls squarely within the European Union (EU) data protection regulatory landscape. However, because the EU data protection regulatory landscape itself is currently found at a crossroads, an analysis of the EPPO data protection model may be twofold: First, placing it within the proper cross-organization dialogue currently taking place on the future regulatory model of personal data processing for law enforcement purposes carried out at EU level. Second, at an EPPO-specific level, whereby the actual data protection regime afforded to it may be assessed. This article purports to elaborate upon the above two data protection dimensions of EPPO personal data processing activities: It presents considerations and policy options during the lawmaking period that resulted in the establishment of the EPPO, it analyses the data protection regime ultimately awarded to it and attempts to, critically, place the EPPO data protection model within its proper operational and legislative environment.
Effectiveness and safety of secukinumab for psoriasis in real-world practice: analysis of subgroups stratified by prior biologic failure or reimbursement
Authors: Ger Tzong-Yun , Huang Yu-Huei , Hui Rosaline Chung-yee , Tsai Tsen-Fang , Chiu Hsien-Yi
Published: April 2019

Background:

Little is known about the treatment outcomes of secukinumab in clinical practice, which differ from those in clinical trials. The effectiveness of biologics may differ in psoriasis patients with previous biologics exposure. The objective of this study was to investigate the real-world effectiveness and safety of secukinumab therapy and analyze subgroups stratified by reimbursement or prior biologic failure.

Methods:

This retrospective multicenter study collected data from a cohort of 118 consecutive patients who received secukinumab treatment between December 2015 and March 2018. Effectiveness was evaluated by degree of improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Adverse events and reasons for discontinuation were also recorded.

Results:

The mean PASI improvement rate at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 36 was 63.5%, 77.7%, 78.7%, and 76.0%, respectively. Compared with reimbursed patients, nonreimbursed patients had a significantly lower baseline PASI and a shorter mean disease duration of psoriasis; they were more frequently biologic-naïve, had used less prior traditional antipsoriatic drugs and were more likely to be treated with secukinumab 150 mg. The effectiveness of secukinumab in nonreimbursed patients was superior despite higher discontinuation rates. Compared with patients without prior biologic failure, patients with prior biologic failure had a significantly lower mean PASI improvement at weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48. The decline in response rates to secukinumab tended to be more pronounced for patients who failed ustekinumab than tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. Moreover, the number of prior biologic failures was associated with a decreased response rate and increased likelihood of secondary loss of effectiveness of secukinumab therapy.

Conclusion:

In a real-life clinical setting, the characteristics of nonreimbursed patients receiving secukinumab treatment differed from those of reimbursed patients. The PASI improvement for secukinumab was substantial but lower than that in clinical trials. The number and classes of prior biologic failures impact the treatment response to secukinumab.
Chronic optical pacing conditioning of h-iPSC engineered cardiac tissues
Authors: Dwenger Marc , Kowalski William J , Ye Fei , Yuan Fangping , Tinney Joseph P , Setozaki Shuji , Nakane Takeichiro , Masumoto Hidetoshi , Campbell Peter , Guido William , Keller Bradley B
Published: April 2019

The immaturity of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived engineered cardiac tissues limits their ability to regenerate damaged myocardium and to serve as robust in vitro models for human disease and drug toxicity studies. Several chronic biomimetic conditioning protocols, including mechanical stretch, perfusion, and/or electrical stimulation promote engineered cardiac tissue maturation but have significant technical limitations. Non-contacting chronic optical stimulation using heterologously expressed channelrhodopsin light-gated ion channels, termed optogenetics, may be an advantageous alternative to chronic invasive electrical stimulation for engineered cardiac tissue conditioning. We designed proof-of-principle experiments to successfully transfect human induced pluripotent stem cell derived engineered cardiac tissues with a desensitization resistant, chimeric channelrhodopsin protein, and then optically paced engineered cardiac tissues to accelerate maturation. We transfected human induced pluripotent stem cell engineered cardiac tissues using an adeno-associated virus packaged chimeric channelrhodopsin and then verified optically paced by whole cell patch clamp. Engineered cardiac tissues were then chronically optically paced above their intrinsic beat rates in vitro from day 7 to 14. Chronically optically paced resulted in improved engineered cardiac tissue electrophysiological properties and subtle changes in the expression of some cardiac relevant genes, though active force generation and histology were unchanged. These results validate the feasibility of a novel chronically optically paced paradigm to explore non-invasive and scalable optically paced–induced engineered cardiac tissue maturation strategies.
Economics and the civic mission of social studies education: Two critiques of neoclassicism
Authors: Adams Erin C
Published: April 2019

This article examines the theoretical assumptions underlying K-12 economic curriculum and the consequences of this curriculum for citizenship education and democracy. Specifically, the article discusses scholarship related to the critique of neoclassic economic theory’s role in influencing the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics and the trickle-down effects into state standards and textbooks. From the literature, the author uncovers two main critiques of neoclassicism: that neoclassic theory is unrealistic and impersonal. Neoclassic theory has enormous consequences for the civic mission of social studies. The author investigates the extent to which neoclassical theory makes for good citizenship and is desirable for a democratic society.
Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) shear wave elastography of the bowel wall in healthy volunteers and in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Goertz Ruediger S , Lueke Christian , Schellhaas Barbara , Pfeifer Lukas , Wildner Dane , Neurath Markus F , Strobel Deike
Published: April 2019

Background

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based approach of evaluation of tissue elasticity. It has not yet been systematically applied to the bowel wall.

Purpose

To perform ARFI elastography of the bowel wall in healthy volunteers and patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Material and Methods

A high-frequency ultrasound (with bowel wall thickness and vascularization score) and an ARFI elastography of the bowel wall were performed in 20 patients with UC and 13 healthy volunteers. At least 10 ARFI measurements were obtained within the terminal ileum and the ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon and correlated with results of high-frequency ultrasound.

Results

The UC group had mostly moderate disease activity. All patients had signs of inflammation upon B-mode ultrasound. Eight patients showed an ulcerative (ileo)pancolitis. Overall, ARFI elastography values and wall thickness were higher in the UC group than in the group of healthy volunteers ( P = 0.021 and P < 0.001, respectively). ARFI velocities of the separate segments were significantly higher in the transverse ( P = 0.045) and sigmoid colon ( P = 0.032) in case of UC.

Conclusion

ARFI elastography of the bowel wall of the colonic frame and the terminal ileum is feasible but shows high standard deviation. ARFI shear wave velocities appear to be slightly higher in patients with UC than in healthy volunteers, particularly in the sigmoid and transverse colon. Further studies are needed.
Potential role of MRN-100, an iron-based compound, in upregulating production of cytokine IL-10 in human dendritic cells to promote an anti-inflammatory response in vitro
Authors: Ghoneum Mamdooh H , Gimzewski James K , Ghoneum Aya D , Agrawal Sudhanshu
Published: April 2019

The hydroferrate fluid MRN-100, an iron-based compound with potent antioxidant characteristics, was examined to identify its possible anti-inflammatory effects on human dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. Human monocyte–derived DCs were treated with MRN-100 at two concentrations (50 and 100 μL/mL) for 24 h and then stimulated with or without lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The expression of DC maturation markers was assessed by flow cytometry and the production of cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Functional assay was performed by co-culturing MRN-100-treated and untreated DCs with allogeneic naïve CD4+ T cells and assaying the T cells’ cytokine production. Results show that treatment with MRN-100 significantly upregulated the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 and increased human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) though not significantly. MRN-100 treatment also significantly increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10. On the other hand, MRN-100 significantly induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 only at high concentrations. Furthermore, DCs pretreated with MRN-100 and either stimulated or not with LPS were able to prime CD4+ T cells to secrete significant amounts of IL-10 while inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. These results indicate that MRN-100 is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that promotes the generation of an anti-inflammatory immune response in vitro. MRN-100 could be beneficial for treating patients with inflammatory diseases, including arthritis and type 1 diabetes, and its potential benefits should be examined in clinical trials.
Cross-Border Trade and Infrastructure: A Gender Analysis of Welfare Outcomes in Nigeria
Authors: Uchenna Efobi
Published: April 2019

This study provides an ex ante analysis of the welfare effect from the improvement of border road infrastructure in Nigeria. It assesses how changes in the price of food commodities induced by border road improvements would affect different types of households. Finally, we also examine how simulated changes in local transportation costs, stemming from road improvements, would affect local prices of imported rice, and taking into consideration the effect of simulated price changes on household welfare across household head, gender, and household location (rural and urban households). Results indicate that policies aiming to improve border roads and thereby lower transportation costs, and subsequently the price of the regularly consumed household commodity, would be more beneficial to rural than urban households. Such policies would likely produce larger welfare gain for poorer households than richer households and would be more beneficial for the poorest female-headed households than their male counterparts.
Development of Ocean Literacy Inventory for 16- to 18-Year-Old Students
Authors: Chang Cheng-Chieh
Published: April 2019

Ocean literacy is of particular importance to an island nation like Taiwan. In this study, a Chinese version testing tool for ocean literacy was developed specifically for senior high students in Taiwan. The ocean literacy inventory can be administered using a group test format and consists of the following seven subscales: features of ocean, ocean and its life shape earth, weather and climate, earth habitable, diversity of life and ecosystems, ocean and humans are interconnected, and ocean largely unexplored. In this study, a valid sample consisting of 1,027 participants was collected and various psychometric assessments including Cronbach’s alpha, the multitrait-multimethod matrix (MTMM), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes (MIMIC), and multiple-group CFA were performed to test the reliability and validity of the tests. The results of the various analyses confirmed that the ocean literacy inventory met the requirements for standardized tests. A conversion table that listed the raw scores, standardized Z scores, and cumulative percentages for the various subscales and the full test was also compiled, so as to provide a quick reference for future users who will be using the inventory to assess ocean literacy ability.
Qualitative Evaluation of a Community-Based Physical Activity and Yoga Program for Men Living With Prostate Cancer: Survivor Perspectives
Authors: Culos-Reed SN , Dew M , Shank J , Langelier DM , McDonough M
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) programs for prostate cancer survivors have positive effects on many aspects of health-related quality of life. Translating this research into sustainable community-based settings is necessary to ensure access to programs for survivors. This study examines patient perspectives in the community-based TrueNTH Lifestyle Management (TrueNTH LM) program in Calgary, Canada.

Methods

Eleven men from programs at civic wellness centers participated in 2 small semistructured focus groups (n = 5 and 6) at the University of Calgary. Motivation for program initiation and adherence, benefits and barriers to participation, and individual satisfaction and feedback on program improvement were discussed. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic methodology guided by a pragmatic philosophy on the patient experience in the program.

Results

Themes identified included perceived benefits of participating (physical, psychological, and social), facilitators for involvement in the PA program (program design, initial free access, tailored to prostate cancer specific needs, psychosocial environment), and opportunities for improvement and sustainability (exercise as a part of standard care, cost structure, home-based options).

Conclusions

These findings provide valuable insight into patient perspectives on effective characteristics of prostate cancer and exercise programs. TrueNTH LM has implemented findings, and ensuring needs (benefits and barriers) are addressed for prostate cancer survivors when entering community-based PA programs.
Acromioclavicular Joint Stabilization: A Biomechanical Study of Bidirectional Stability and Strength
Authors: Hislop Patrick , Sakata Kentaro , Ackland David C. , Gotmaker Robert , Evans Matthew C.
Published: April 2019

Background:

It is important to restore horizontal and vertical stability to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint when treating dislocations of this joint. Most surgical stabilization techniques of the AC joint have primarily addressed the coracoclavicular ligament complex; however, these techniques may not satisfactorily restore horizontal stability to the AC joint.

Purpose:

To evaluate the strength and bidirectional stability of 3 AC joint stabilizing techniques in a cadaveric model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 24 cadaveric shoulders were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups. For each group, a standardized AC joint stabilizing procedure was performed, and the specimens were potted for mechanical testing. The following reconstruction techniques were used: a single clavicular tunnel for group A, a double clavicular tunnel for group B, and a double clavicular tunnel plus suture fixation across the AC joint for group C. The specimens underwent cyclic loading in the horizontal and vertical planes and then load to failure. Eight control specimens also underwent cyclic loading in both planes. Construct stiffness during cyclic loading, change in displacement after cyclic loading in both planes, load to failure in the vertical plane, and mode of failure were evaluated, and stiffness was compared among the treatment groups as well as with a control group.

Results:

There was a decrease in joint stiffness for all groups, including controls, during the cyclic loading. Compared with controls, all 3 treatment groups demonstrated equivalent stiffness and displacement in the vertical plane. In the horizontal plane, all 3 treatment groups demonstrated decreased stiffness, increased displacement, or both when compared with controls. When groups were compared, no treatment arm proved superior regarding stiffness or displacement in either plane. Load-to-failure testing of the 3 treatment groups in the vertical plane demonstrated construct strength and stiffness comparable with reports for the native AC joint. The mode of failure was predominantly fracture at the point of fixation to the testing apparatus.

Conclusion:

There was no difference in bidirectional strength and stability between the single– and double–clavicular tunnel techniques of coracoclavicular reconstruction. The addition of a stabilizing suture across the AC joint does not improve horizontal stability in the absence of repair of the AC joint capsule and deltotrapezial fascia.

Clinical Relevance:

This laboratory study provides further evidence of the importance of the AC joint capsule and associated soft tissues in affording horizontal stability to that joint. Information from this and subsequent studies utilizing a bidirectional model can influence the choice of surgical procedure in the clinical treatment of AC joint dislocations.
Artificial lawn people
Authors: Brooks Andrew , Francis Robert A
Published: April 2019

This paper explores a new artificial political ecology through a novel digital methodology. The emotional impacts of the replacement of living turfgrass landscapes with synthetic simulacra are researched via a netnography of animated and polarised online discussion. We investigate how the cultural use of domestic lawns has extended into the creation of non-living artificial lawns and how the environmental values of these new landscapes are debated. Synthetic polymer (plastic) grasses are increasingly being used as alternatives to turfgrass in domestic gardens, changing urban ecologies. We examine the emotional landscapes that are reproduced in online discourse. Paul Robbins showed that a certain suite of behaviours constitutes ‘Lawn People’. Here we demonstrate that ‘Artificial Lawn People’ act in reference to cultural expectations of a ‘good’ lawn to produce non-living, homogeneous, green and tidy gardens, yet their actions spark fierce criticism from others who do not value this new synthetic nature. Our research involved analysis of 948 online discussion posts, and introduces a secondary notion of ‘artificial people’ as our subjects were anonymous contributors to virtual public debates on the environment: generating impassioned polyvocal contestation. Mumsnet.com is a space of heated discussion between proponents and opponents of artificial lawns. We identify three topics: (i) emotional responses: artificial grass is polarising, and its social value contested; (ii) bio-physical affects: plastic fibres impact human and non-human life and (iii) environmental values: turfgrass replacement influences local and global political ecologies. The conclusions shed light on the dynamic relationships between the emotional values of living and non-living landscapes.
Naturalistic Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy Consultations Provided to Hospital Clinicians: A Developing Country’s Perspective
Authors: Garg Gaurav , Patil Amol , Kasudhan Kripa Shanker
Published: April 2019

Background: Critical appraisal of published literature for hospital clinicians has never been taken as an initiative in developing countries. Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the nature of pharmacotherapy consultations from the drug information center (DIC) of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. Methods: The DIC received pharmacotherapy consultation requests from January 2016 to December 2017. Various aspects such as clinical queries, patient-related factors, and disease-related information in these requests were recorded and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and χ2 test were used for the analysis of the data and feedback evaluation, respectively. Results: During the study, a total of 179 consultation requests were documented. On 19 (10.61%) encounters, pharmacotherapy consultations occurred for emergency patient care. Of the 179 queries, 31 (17.3%) were answered immediately while 148 (82.68%) were answered within an average time of 1.6 hours. The most common type of query was the pharmacotherapy of disease, followed by dose calculation and dose modification. Communications with DIC staff took place for timely critical appraisal of the medical literature, followed by a judicious selection of higher antimicrobials and other drugs. The time taken for answering a query was found to be a statistically significant determinant of user satisfaction ( P < .05). Conclusion: The evidence level–specific drug information service was established and catered to hospital clinicians through critical evaluation of offline and online resources. DIC services have the potential to revolutionize the pharmacy and pharmacology curriculum in developing countries.
Geotechnical and geophysical investigation techniques in Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo area, Egypt
Authors: Hemeda Sayed
Published: April 2019

The Ben Ezra Synagogue or El-Geniza Synagogue or the Synagogue of the Levantines, is located in the Coptic section of Old Cairo area. It is considered the oldest Synagogue or Jewish temple found in Egypt represents cultural heritage of outstanding universal values. It suffers multiple environmental, geotechnical and earthquake hazards. The integrated geotechnical and geophysical investigation techniques were done to assess the level of seismic and other geo-environmental hazards and risk that Synagogue suffers from in present and future. This knowledge is required to protect the building against seismic events. The Synagogue suffers high risk in terms of seismic and environmental hazards. The main purposes of the present study are to: (1) Assess the level of seismic and other geo-environmental hazards at Ben Ezra Synagogue. (2) Understand the damage situation for the historic building caused by the recent earthquakes. (3) Offer technical support and advice on restoration and repairs for the damaged structure. (4) Build up knowledge and case studies towards the restoration and repairs, and to survey the damage state of the historic structure. However, Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest Jewish temple that was constructed with little or no seismic considerations that represent the largest risk to most communities. These significant historical buildings must be assessed their level of risk determined, and unacceptable risks reduced. This paper focuses on the issues associated with detailed procedures of risk and hazards assessment for retrofitting of architectural heritage. Many forms of evaluation and related procedures for assessment of seismic risk for historical buildings have been discussed. This study, suggest moderate level of earthquake activity at Ben Ezra Synagogue and this is in a good agreement with the fact that “Egypt is a part of the stable African Shield”, but the existence of old structure such as the Ben Ezra Synagogue may reduce the ability to resist any earthquake shaking. This pilot study is important with respect to the continuous efforts for preservation and restoration of the cultural heritage worldwide.
A matrix-transform numerical solver for fractional Laplacian viscoacoustic wave equation
Authors: Chen Hanming , Zhou Hui , Rao Ying , Sun Pengyuan , Zhang Jianlei , Chen Yangkang
Published: April 2019

We have developed a matrix-transform method (MTM) to numerically solve the fractional Laplacian constant-[Formula: see text] viscoacoustic wave equation. The new method is based on a matrix representation of the fractional Laplacians, and it is different from the traditional Fourier-spectrum representation. With the MTM approach, the viscoacoustic wave equation is discretized in the space domain; thus, the periodic boundary caused by the Fourier-transform method can be avoided. Spatial discretization offers great convenience for handling various boundary conditions. In the MTM scheme, the fractional power of a matrix needs to be computed, and it can be realized with the help of eigenvalue decomposition (EVD). However, the application of EVD to a huge matrix is uneconomical and impractical. To avoid forming any huge matrix explicitly, we adopted the Lanczos approximation to compute the matrix-vector product directly. The key step in the Lanczos approximation is the involved Lanczos decomposition, which is implemented by an iterative flow. We determine how to choose the iteration number in the Lanczos decomposition to balance the wavefield simulation accuracy and the computational cost with the help of numerical examples. We also analyze the stability condition of MTM numerically, and we compare its computational cost with that of the traditional Fourier-transform method.
A Machine Learning Platform to Optimize the Translation of Personalized Network Models to the Clinic
Authors: Salvucci Manuela , Rahman Arman , Resler Alexa J. , Udupi Girish M. , McNamara Deborah A. , Kay Elaine W. , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Longley Daniel B. , Johnston Patrick G. , Lawler Mark , Wilson Richard , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Van Schaeybroeck Sandra , Rafferty Mairin , Gallagher William M. , Rehm Markus , Prehn Jochen H.M.
Published: April 2019

PURPOSE

Dynamic network models predict clinical prognosis and inform therapeutic intervention by elucidating disease-driven aberrations at the systems level. However, the personalization of model predictions requires the profiling of multiple model inputs, which hampers clinical translation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We applied APOPTO-CELL, a prognostic model of apoptosis signaling, to showcase the establishment of computational platforms that require a reduced set of inputs. We designed two distinct and complementary pipelines: a probabilistic approach to exploit a consistent subpanel of inputs across the whole cohort (Ensemble) and a machine learning approach to identify a reduced protein set tailored for individual patients (Tree). Development was performed on a virtual cohort of 3,200,000 patients, with inputs estimated from clinically relevant protein profiles. Validation was carried out in an in-house stage III colorectal cancer cohort, with inputs profiled in surgical resections by reverse phase protein array (n = 120) and/or immunohistochemistry (n = 117).

RESULTS

Ensemble and Tree reproduced APOPTO-CELL predictions in the virtual patient cohort with 92% and 99% accuracy while decreasing the number of inputs to a consistent subset of three proteins (40% reduction) or a personalized subset of 2.7 proteins on average (46% reduction), respectively. Ensemble and Tree retained prognostic utility in the in-house colorectal cancer cohort. The association between the Ensemble accuracy and prognostic value (Spearman ρ = 0.43; P = .02) provided a rationale to optimize the input composition for specific clinical settings. Comparison between profiling by reverse phase protein array (gold standard) and immunohistochemistry (clinical routine) revealed that the latter is a suitable technology to quantify model inputs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a generalizable framework to optimize the development of network-based prognostic assays and, ultimately, to facilitate their integration in the routine clinical workflow.
Maternal Heavy Metal Exposure, Thyroid Hormones, and Birth Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Xiaojie , Liu Wenyu , Zhang Bin , Shen Xiantao , Hu Chen , Chen Xiaomei , Jin Shuna , Jiang Yangqian , Liu Hongxiu , Cao Zhongqiang , Xia Wei , Xu Shunqing , Li Yuanyuan
Published: April 2019

Context

Maternal thyroid hormones during pregnancy play a critical role in fetal development. However, whether maternal heavy metal exposure affects their thyroid hormones and the effects on fetal growth are still unclear.

Objective

To explore the effect of heavy metal exposure on maternal thyroid hormones and the potential mediation role of thyroid hormones on birth outcomes.

Methods

Concentrations of heavy metals in urine samples and thyroid hormones in blood samples of 675 pregnant women were measured during early pregnancy in a cohort study conducted in China. Multivariable linear regressions were applied to explore the associations of maternal urinary heavy metal levels with both maternal thyroid hormones and birth outcomes. Mediation analyses were performed to assess the mediation role of thyroid hormones in these associations.

Results

Maternal urinary vanadium (V) exhibited an inverse association with free T3 (FT3) and FT3/free T4 (FT4) ratio levels. Urinary arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) had inverse relationships with FT3. We also observed the positive associations of maternal FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio with birthweight. The mediation analyses suggested that 5.33% to 30.57% of the associations among V, As, and Pb levels and birth size might be mediated by maternal FT3 or FT3/FT4 ratio.

Conclusions

We have shown that maternal exposures to V, As, and Pb at early pregnancy were associated with decreased maternal FT3 or FT3/FT4 ratio, which might contribute to reduced birthweight. Mediation analyses indicated that maternal thyroid hormone was a possible mediator of the association between urinary heavy metals and birth size.
Enhanced Gas Sensing Performance of Hydrothermal MoS2 Nanosheets by Post-Annealing in Hydrogen Ambient
Authors: Lee Chang Min , Jin Chan Ho , Ahn Cheol Hyoun , Cho Hyung Koun , Lim Jun Hyung , Hwang Soo Min , Joo Jinho
Published: April 2019

A two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 is considered as a next-generation gas sensor owing to its high surface-to-mass ratio and excellent selectivity. However, promoting the gas-sensing capability requires increasing the presence of active sites such as edges and S vacancies for gas adsorption. Herein, we report a process of post-annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere to improve NO2 gas-sensing performance of hydrothermally grown MoS2 nanosheets. The effects of the post-treatment on the morphology, chemical state, and resultant gas-sensing performance were investigated by varying the annealing temperature (100–800 °C). The annealing treatment eliminated residual organics formed during the hydrothermal process and increased both the S vacancies and crystallinity, without significant oxidation. A gas-sensing test using a resistive-type sensor indicated that the sensitivity for NO2 gas of 500 ppm at room temperature was enhanced from 258% to 451% (p-type response) as the annealing temperature increased to 700 °C, followed by a rapid decrease at 800 °C, owing to the n-type response. These findings demonstrate that post-annealing in a hydrogen ambient is effective at increasing the defective sites of 2D MoS2, and hence, the gas-sensing performance.
Towards a standard MRI protocol for multiple sclerosis across the UK
Authors: Schmierer Klaus , Campion Thomas , Sinclair Audrey , van Hecke Wim , Matthews Paul M , Wattjes Mike P
Published: April 2019

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and degenerative disease of the central nervous system. It is the most common non-traumatic cause of chronic disability in young adults. An early and accurate diagnosis, and effective disease modifying treatment are key elements of optimum care for people with MS (pwMS).

MRI has become a critical tool to confirm the presence of dissemination in space and time of lesions characteristic of inflammatory demyelination, a cornerstone of MS diagnosis, over and above exclusion of numerous differential diagnoses. In the modern era of early and highly effective DMT, follow-up of pwMS also relies heavily on MRI, to both confirm efficacy and for pharmacovigilance.

Since criteria for MS rely heavily on MRI, an agreed standardized acquisition and reporting protocol enabling efficient and equitable application across the UK is desirable. Following a recent meeting of MS experts in London (UK), we make recommendations for a standardized UK MRI protocol that captures the diagnostic phase as well as monitoring for safety and treatment efficacy once the diagnosis is established. Our views take into account issues arising from the (repeated) use of contrast agents as well as the advent of (semi-) automated tools to further optimize disease monitoring in pwMS.
Recent advances in understanding/managing trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Obermann Mark
Published: April 2019

Despite recent advances in understanding and treating trigeminal neuralgia, its management remains a considerable challenge. Better classification of different types of facial pain and the identification of prognostic factors for different treatment options lead the way toward better quality of life for the individual patient. Although the principles of treating trigeminal neuralgia remain basically the same, antiepileptic drugs, muscle relaxants, and neuroleptic agents are widely used medical treatment options. They were not originally developed for treating trigeminal neuralgia. Carbamazepine was studied in adequate placebo-controlled clinical trials in the 1960s and is still considered the most effective drug. Among emerging treatment options currently under clinical investigation are local botulinum neurotoxin type A injections and a novel sodium channel blocker (CNV1014802) that selectively blocks the Nav1.7 sodium channel. Non-pharmacological treatment options are non-invasive electrical stimulation with either transcranial direct-current stimulation or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation which both require further evaluation in regard to applicability. Surgical options remain a valid choice for patients not responding to medical treatment and include Gasserian ganglion percutaneous techniques, gamma knife surgery, and microvascular decompression. There is continual effort to improve these techniques and predict the outcome for better patient selection.
Recent advances in understanding anorexia nervosa
Authors: Frank Guido K.W. , Shott Megan E. , DeGuzman Marisa C.
Published: April 2019

Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric illness associated with food restriction and high mortality. Recent brain research in adolescents and adults with anorexia nervosa has used larger sample sizes compared with earlier studies and tasks that test specific brain circuits. Those studies have produced more robust results and advanced our knowledge of underlying biological mechanisms that may contribute to the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa. It is now recognized that malnutrition and dehydration lead to dynamic changes in brain structure across the brain, which normalize with weight restoration. Some structural alterations could be trait factors but require replication. Functional brain imaging and behavioral studies have implicated learning-related brain circuits that may contribute to food restriction in anorexia nervosa. Most notably, those circuits involve striatal, insular, and frontal cortical regions that drive learning from reward and punishment, as well as habit learning. Disturbances in those circuits may lead to a vicious cycle that hampers recovery. Other studies have started to explore the neurobiology of interoception or social interaction and whether the connectivity between brain regions is altered in anorexia nervosa. All together, these studies build upon earlier research that indicated neurotransmitter abnormalities in anorexia nervosa and help us develop models of a distinct neurobiology that underlies anorexia nervosa.
Cardiovascular risk prediction in India: Comparison of the original and recalibrated Framingham prognostic models in urban populations.
Authors: Gupta Priti , Prieto-Merino David , Ajay Vamadevan S. , Singh Kalpana , Roy Ambuj , Krishnan Anand , Narayan K.M. Venkat , Ali Mohammed K. , Tandon Nikhil , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Perel Pablo
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in India. The CVD risk approach is a cost-effective way to identify those at high risk, especially in a low resource setting. As there is no validated prognostic model for an Indian urban population, we have re-calibrated the original Framingham model using data from two urban Indian studies.

Methods: We have estimated three risk score equations using three different models. The first model was based on Framingham original model; the second and third are the recalibrated models using risk factor prevalence from CARRS (Centre for cArdiometabolic Risk Reduction in South-Asia) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) studies, and estimated survival from WHO 2012 data for India. We applied these three risk scores to the CARRS and ICMR participants and estimated the proportion of those at high-risk (>30% 10 years CVD risk) who would be eligible to receive preventive treatment such as statins.

Results: In the CARRS study, the proportion of men with 10 years CVD risk > 30% (and therefore eligible for statin treatment) was 13.3%, 21%, and 13.6% using Framingham, CARRS and ICMR risk models, respectively. The corresponding proportions of women were 3.5%, 16.4%, and 11.6%. In the ICMR study the corresponding proportions of men were 16.3%, 24.2%, and 16.5% and for women, these were 5.6%, 20.5%, and 15.3%.

Conclusion: Although the recalibrated model based on local population can improve the validity of CVD risk scores our study exemplifies the variation between recalibrated models using different data from the same country. Considering the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in India, and the impact that the risk approach has on influencing cardiovascular prevention treatment, such as statins, it is essential to develop high quality and well powered local cohorts (with outcome data) to develop local prognostic models.
Primal Heuristics for Branch and Price: The Assets of Diving Methods
Authors: Sadykov Ruslan , Vanderbeck François , Pessoa Artur , Tahiri Issam , Uchoa Eduardo
Published: April 2019

Primal heuristics have become essential components in mixed integer programming (MIP) solvers. Extending MIP-based heuristics, our study outlines generic procedures to build primal solutions in the context of a branch-and-price approach and reports on their performance. Our heuristic decisions carry on variables of the Dantzig–Wolfe reformulation, the motivation being to take advantage of a tighter linear programming relaxation than that of the original compact formulation and to benefit from the combinatorial structure embedded in these variables. We focus on the so-called diving methods that use reoptimization after each linear programming rounding. We explore combinations with diversification-intensification paradigms such as limited discrepancy search, sub-MIP, local branching, and strong branching. The dynamic generation of variables inherent to a column generation approach requires specific adaptation of heuristic paradigms. We manage to use simple strategies to get around these technical issues. Our numerical results on generalized assignment, cutting stock, and vertex-coloring problems set new benchmarks, highlighting the performance of diving heuristics as generic procedures in a column generation context and producing better solutions than state-of-the-art specialized heuristics in some cases.
New Valid Inequalities for the Optimal Communication Spanning Tree Problem
Authors: Agarwal Yogesh Kumar , Venkateshan Prahalad
Published: April 2019

The problem of designing a spanning tree on an underlying graph to minimize the flow costs of a given set of traffic demands is considered. Several new classes of valid inequalities are developed for the problem. Tests on 10-node problem instances show that the addition of these inequalities results in integer solutions for a significant majority of the instances without requiring any branching. In the remaining cases, root gaps of less than 1% from the optimal solutions are realized. For 30-node problem instances, the inequalities substantially reduce the number of nodes explored in the branch-and-bound tree, resulting in significantly reduced computational times. Optimal solutions are reported for problems with 30 nodes, 60 edges, fully dense traffic matrices, and Euclidean distance-based flow costs. Problems with such flow costs are well-known to be a very difficult class of problems to solve. Using the inequalities substantially improves the performance of a variable-fixing heuristic. Some polyhedral issues relating to the strength of these inequalities are also discussed.

The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2018.0827 .