Graph Element Networks: adaptive, structured computation and memory

We explore the use of graph neural networks (GNNs) to model spatial processes in which there is no a priori graphical structure. Similar to finite element analysis, we assign nodes of a GNN to spatial locations and use a computational process defined on the graph to model the relationship between an initial function defined over a space and a resulting function in the same space. We use GNNs as a computational substrate, and show that the locations of the nodes in space as well as their connectivity can be optimized to focus on the most complex parts of the space. Moreover, this representational strategy allows the learned input-output relationship to generalize over the size of the underlying space and run the same model at different levels of precision, trading computation for accuracy. We demonstrate this method on a traditional PDE problem, a physical prediction problem from robotics, and learning to predict scene images from novel viewpoints.Comment: Accepted to ICML 201

Microblog retrieval challenges and opportunities

In recent years microblogging services have changed the way we communicate. Microblogs are a reduced version of web-blogs which are characterised by being just a few characters long. In the case of Twitter, messages known as \textit{tweets} are only 140 characters long, and are broadcasted from followees to followers organised as a social network. Microblogs such as tweets, are used to communicate up to the second information about any topic. Traffic updates, natural disaster reports, self-promotion, or product marketing are only a small portion of the type of information we can find across microblogging services. Most importantly, it has become a platform that has democratised the communication channels and empowered people into voicing their opinions. In fact, it is a very well known fact that the use Twitter amongst other social media services tilted the balance in favour of ex-president Obama when he was elected president of the USA in 2012. However, whilst the widespread use of microblogs has undoubtedly changed and shaped our current society, it is still very hard to effectively perform simple searches on such datasets due to the particular morphology of its documents. The limited character count and the ineffectiveness of state of the art retrieval models in producing relevant documents for queries, thus prompted TREC organisers to unite the research community into addressing these issues in 2011 during the first Microblog 2011 Track. This doctoral work is one of such efforts, and its focused on improving the access to microblog documents through ad-hoc searches. The first part of our work individually studies the behaviour of the state of the art retrieval models when utilised for microblog ad-hoc retrieval. First we contribute with the best configurations for each of the models studied. But more importantly, we discover how query term frequency and document length relates to the relevance of microblogs. As a result, we propose a microblog specific retrieval model, namely MBRM, which significantly outperforms the state of the art retrieval models described in this work. Furthermore we define an informativeness hypothesis in order to better understand the relevance of microblogs in terms of the presence of their inherent features or dimensions. We significantly improve the behaviour of a state of the art retrieval model by taking into consideration these dimensions as features into a linear combination re-ranking approach. Additionally we investigate the role that structure plays in determining the relevance of a microblog, by encoding the structure of relevant and non-relevant documents into two separate state machines. We then devise an approach to measure the similarity of an unobserved document towards each of these state machines, to then produce a score which is utilised for ranking. Our evaluation results demonstrate how the structure of microblogs plays a role in further differentiating relevant and non-relevant documents when ranking, by showing significantly improved results over a state of the art baseline. Subsequently we study the query performance prediction (QPP) task in terms of microblog ad-hoc retrieval. QPP represents the prediction of how well a query will be satisfied by a particular retrieval system. We study the performance of predictors in the context of microblogs and propose a number of microblog specific predictors. Finally our experimental evaluation demonstrates how our predictors outperform those in the literature in the microblog context. Finally, we address the ``vocabulary mismatch'' problem by studying the effect of utilising scores produced retrieval models as an ingredient in automatic query expansion (AQE) approaches based on pseudo relevance feedback . To this end we propose alternative approaches which do not rely directly on such scores and demonstrate higher stability when determining the most optimal terms for query expansion. In addition we propose an approach to estimate the quality of a term for query expansion. To this end we employ a classifier to determine whether a prospective query expansion term falls into a low, medium or high value category. The predictions performed by the classifier are then utilised to determine a boosting factor for such terms within an AQE approach. Then we conclude by proving that it is possible to predict the quality of terms by providing statistically enhanced results over an AQE baseline

Validation of a Real-Time Capable Multibody Vehicle Dynamics Formulation for Automotive Testing Frameworks Based on Simulation

The growing functionalities implemented on vehicles have increased the importance of simulation in the design process. This complexity is mainly driven by the introduction of electrified powertrains, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving Systems (ADS). Additionally, the automotive industry must reduce development times and cost, while keeping flexible development capabilities and fulfilling demanding regulation standards for safety-critical systems. Existing testing frameworks based on simulation implement typically analytical models to ensure real-time performance, and provide limited flexibility to perform Hardware in the Loop (HiL) setup based tests. In this work a vehicle modelling approach which guarantees high accuracy and real-time capabilities is proposed. Moreover, the proposed approach is validated firstly with real vehicle data, demonstrating that it can fairly reproduce the behaviour of the vehicle tested; and secondly, in a HiL setup to demonstrate the real-time execution capabilities of the approach

Diseño sismorresistente de una vivienda multifamiliar empleando albañilería confinada con ladrillos ecológicos

La presente investigación cuyo objetivo fue determinar cómo influye el uso del ladrillo ecológico usando el sistema de albañilería confinada en el diseño sismorresistente de una vivienda multifamiliar obtuvo resultados favorables dado que los ensayos a los que se sometieron a estos ladrillos con residuos plásticos se obtuvieron valores de resistencia a la comprensión de 140.80 kg/cm2 , 148.1 kg/cm2, 146.8 kg/cm2 y 139.3 kg/cm2 en las proporciones del 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% resultados que lo ubican como un ladrillo del tipo I según la norma E070 de albañilería, valores que se lo ubican con excelente resistencia mecánica para la elaboración de muros estructural de albañilería confinada, desde el esquema de contribuir a la conservación del medio ambiente, la problemática del que hacer con los residuos plásticos y de los recursos no renovables el uso de este material ecológico contribuye a esos fines pues con el uso de este ladrillo ecológico se puede aminorar el impacto sobre el medio ambiente

Clinicopathological Parameters Related to Malignant Transformation of Oral Leukoplakia: A Meta-Analysis

Objective. To assess the clinical-pathological factors related to the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia. Materials and Methods. A search for articles on malignant transformation factors related to oral leukoplakia was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library), Web of Science (WoS) and Google Scholar. Thirty-seven articles with a low-moderate risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa methodological quality scale were included in this meta-analysis. The data were analyzed using the statistical programs RevMan 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and MedCalc Statistical Software version 16.4.3 (MedCalc Software Ltd. Ostend, Belgium) programs. The estimated prevalence was calculated according to DerSimonian and Laird random method. For dichotomous outcomes, the estimates of effects of an intervention were expressed as odds ratios (OR) using the Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) method with 95% confidence intervals. Results. The estimated global prevalence of malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia was 9.15%. The factors with the highest malignant transformation risk of oral leukoplakia were: non-homogeneous clinical types (OR: 5.41; p<0.001); leukoplakias with moderate-severe dysplasia (OR: 3.43; p<0.001); lesions located on the tongue and/or the floor of the mouth (OR: 3.19; p<0.001); leukoplakias in non-smokers (OR: 2.08; p<0.001) and lesions in women (OR: 1.73; p<0.001). In contrast, older age or regular alcohol intake were factors without significant influence (p>0.05).Conclusions. Non-homogenous oral leukoplakias and with moderate-severe dysplasia are those with the highest probability of malignant transformation

Cocaine Induced QT Prolongation

Introduction:The Q-T interval represents ventricular repolarization of the heart. Prolongation of this interval is called Long QT syndrome (LQTS) and can lead to deadly arrythmias such as Torsades de Pointes. (1) According to the AHA, a Q-T interval is prolonged when it is \u3e450ms in males and \u3e460ms in females. LQTS has different etiologies (not limited to, but including): idiopathic, congenital, electrolyte abnormalities, and drug-induced. (2) However, recreational drugs such as cocaine may often be overlooked by some. A study by Magnano et al. found that cocaine can increase a QTc interval by 23 points (+/- 25) (P Case Presentation: 42-year-old gentleman with a known history of hypertension not on medications and polysubstance abuse who presented to the ED with complaints of fever, hypertension, sore throat, nausea, bilateral upper and lower extremity joint pains and stiffness and was admitted for sepsis due to influenza. Patient was taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen since the symptoms started. UDS was positive for cocaine, cannabinoids and opioids. EKG on admission was remarkable for sinus tachycardia with qtc of 472. While on the hospital his blood pressure remained persistently elevated with systolic blood pressure in the 200s after nifedipine and hydralazine were administered at the ED. Enalapril injection 1.25 mg q6h PRN was commenced but patient\u27s blood pressure remained elevated with systolic blood pressure in the 200s. Patient blood pressure continued to be elevated regarding treatment; therefore, patient was transferred to the ICU for the management of hypertensive urgency with Cardizem drip. EKG on the second day showed sinus tachycardia with qtc 452. No medication that affects the qtc were given or taken by the patient that are known to cause qtc prolongation except for cocaine. Conclusion: Cocaine use has been associated with QTc prolongation, which can increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. Cocaine can interfere with the normal functioning of ion channels in the heart, leading to disruptions in the electrical signals. This disturbance can prolong the QTc interval, potentially causing torsades de pointes or other arrhythmias. Prolongation of the QTc interval can lead to an increased risk of this abnormal heart rhythm, which may result in fainting, seizures, or even sudden cardiac death. Healthcare providers need this information to make informed decisions about prescribing medications, avoiding potentially harmful drug interactions, and ensuring patient safety. It\u27s crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of these risks when treating individuals who use or have a history of cocaine use, as it can impact decisions regarding medication and overall patient care

Spondyloarthropathies in autoimmune diseases and vice versa

Polyautoimmunity is one of the major clinical characteristics of autoimmune diseases (ADs). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ADs in spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) and vice versa. This was a two-phase cross-sectional study. First, we examined the presence of ADs in a cohort of patients with SpAs (). Second, we searched for the presence of SpAs in a well-defined group of patients with ADs () including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Among patients with SpAs, ankylosing spondylitis was observed in the majority of them (55.6%). There were two patients presenting with SS in the SpA group (1.4%) and 5 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (3.5%). The global prevalence of ADs in SpAs was 4.86%. In the ADs group, there were 5 patients with SpAs (0.46%). Our results suggest a lack of association between SpAs and ADs. Accordingly, SpAs might correspond more to autoinflammatory diseases rather than to ADs

Factors Associated With Within-Herd Transmission of Serotype A Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus in Cattle, During the 2001 Outbreak in Argentina: A Protective Effect of Vaccination

Argentina suffered an extensive foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic between July 2000 and January 2002, 3months after obtaining the official FMD-free without vaccination status conferred by the World Organization for Animal Health. This is one of the largest FMD epidemics controlled by implementation of a systematic mass vaccination campaign in an FMD-free country. In 2000, 124 herds were reported as FMD positive, 2394 herds in 2001 and one in January 2002; the total number of cattle herds in the country at that time was approximately 230000. Estimates of FMD transmission are important to understand the dynamics of disease spread and for estimating the value for the parameterization of disease transmission models, with the ultimate goals of predicting its spread, assessing and designing control strategies, conducting economic analyses and supporting the decision-making process. In this study, the within-herd coefficient of transmission, β, was computed for herds affected in the 2001 FMD epidemic and categorized as low or high based on the median value of β. A logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors significantly associated with high values of β. Results suggested that the odds of having a high within-herd transmission were significantly associated with time from initial herd infection to disease detection, date of report, vaccination, and time from initial herd infection to herd vaccination. Results presented in this study demonstrate, in quantifiable terms, the protective impact of vaccination in reducing FMD transmission in infected herds. These results will be useful for the parameterization of epidemiological models aimed at quantifying the impact of vaccination and for the design and implementation of FMD emergency vaccination strategies in face of an epidemic.Fil: Brito, B. P.. University of California at Davis; Estados Unidos. Universidad Nacional de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Andres Maximiliano. University of California at Davis; Estados Unidos. Universidad Nacional de Rosario; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Cosentino, B.. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Alimento. Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria; ArgentinaFil: Rodriguez, L. L.. No especifíca;Fil: König, Guido Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentin

EGF-Coupled Gold Nanoparticles Increase the Expression of CNPase and the Myelin-Associated Proteins MAG, MOG, and MBP in the Septal Nucleus Demyelinated by Cuprizone

ARTICULO DE ACCESO ABIERTOCurrent pharmacological therapies against demyelinating diseases are not quite satisfactory to promote remyelination. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) can expand the population of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) that may help with the remyelination process, but its delivery into the injured tissue is still a biomedical challenge. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) may be a useful tool for drug delivery into the brain. To evaluate remyelination in the septal nucleus, we administered intracerebral GNPs coupled with EGF (EGF–GNPs). C57BL6/J mice were demyelinated with 0.4% cuprizone (CPZ) and divided into several groups: Sham, Ctrl, GNPs, EGF, and EGF–GNPs. We evaluated the remyelination process at two time-points: 2 weeks and 3 weeks post-injection (WPI) of each treatment. We used the rotarod for evaluating motor coordination. Then, we did a Western blot analysis myelin-associated proteins: CNPase, MAG, MOG, and MBP. EGF–GNPs increase the expression of CNPase, MAG, and MOG at 2 WPI. At 3 WPI, we found that the EGF–GNPs treatment improves motor coordination and increases MAG, MOG, and MBP. EGF–GNPs enhance the expression of myelin-associated proteins and improve the motor coordination in mice. Thus, EGF-associated GNPs may be a promising pharmacological vehicle for delivering long-lasting drugs into the brain.S/