Consolidation assessment using Multi Expression Programming

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. In this study, new approximate solutions for consolidation have been developed in order to hasten the calculations. These solutions include two groups of equations, one can be used to calculate the average degree of consolidation and the other one for computing the time factor (inverse functions). Considering the complicated nature of consolidation, an evolutionary computation technique called Multi-Expression Programming was applied to generate several non-piecewise models which are accurate and straightforward enough for different purposes for calculating the degree of consolidation for each depth and its average as well for the whole soil layer. The parametric study was also performed to investigate the impact of each input parameter on the predicted consolidation degree of developed models for each depth. Moreover, the results of the consolidation test carried out on four different clays attained from the literature showed the proper performance of the proposed models

Generative BIM workspace for AEC conceptual design automation: prototype development

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management on 10/07/2020, available online: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2020-0256 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Purpose: The integration and automation of the whole design and implementation process have become a pivotal factor in construction projects. Problems of process integration, particularly at the conceptual design stage, often manifest through a number of significant areas, from design representation, cognition and translation to process fragmentation and loss of design integrity. Whilst building information modelling (BIM) applications can be used to support design automation, particularly through the modelling, amendment and management stages, they do not explicitly provide whole design integration. This is a significant challenge. However, advances in generative design now offer significant potential for enhancing the design experience to mitigate this challenge. Design/methodology/approach: The approach outlined in this paper specifically addresses BIM deficiencies at the conceptual design stage, where the core drivers and indicators of BIM and generative design are identified and mapped into a generative BIM (G-BIM) framework and subsequently embedded into a G-BIM prototype. This actively engages generative design methods into a single dynamic BIM environment to support the early conceptual design process. The developed prototype followed the CIFE “horseshoe” methodology of aligning theoretical research with scientific methods to procure architecture, construction and engineering (AEC)-based solutions. This G-BIM prototype was also tested and validated through a focus group workshop engaging five AEC domain experts. Findings: The G-BIM prototype presents a valuable set of rubrics to support the conceptual design stage using generative design. It benefits from the advanced features of BIM tools in relation to illustration and collaboration (coupled with BIM's parametric change management features). Research limitations/implications: This prototype has been evaluated through multiple projects and scenarios. However, additional test data is needed to further improve system veracity using conventional and non-standard real-life design settings (and contexts). This will be reported in later works. Originality/value: Originality and value rest with addressing the shortcomings of previous research on automation during the design process. It also addresses novel computational issues relating to the implementation of generative design systems, where, for example, instead of engaging static and formal description of the domain concepts, G-BIM actively enhances the applicability of BIM during the early design stages to generate optimised (and more purposeful) design solutions.Published versio

Structure of a Cell Entry Defective Human Adenovirus Provides Insights into Precursor Proteins and Capsid Maturation : Cryo-EM structure of ts1 virion of an adenovirus

Funding Information: We would like to thank Dr. Francisco Asturias for his advice on electron microscopy experiments and Dr. J.C. Ducom for installing Scipion and cisTEM packages on the HPC cluster and computational support in general. This work was supported by the NIH grant R21 AI146644 to V.S.R. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 Elsevier LtdMaturation of adenoviruses is distinguished by proteolytic processing of several interior minor capsid proteins and core proteins by the adenoviral protease and subsequent reorganization of adenovirus core. We report the results derived from the icosahedrally averaged cryo-EM structure of a cell entry defective form of adenovirus, designated ts1, at a resolution of 3.7 Å as well as of the localized reconstructions of unique hexons and penton base. The virion structure revealed the structures and organization of precursors of minor capsid proteins, pIIIa, pVI and pVIII, which are closely associated with the hexons on the capsid interior. In addition to a well-ordered helical domain (a.a. 310–397) of pIIIa, highlights of the structure include the precursors of VIII display significantly different structures near the cleavage sites. Moreover, we traced residues 4–96 of the membrane lytic protein (pVI) that includes an amphipathic helix occluded deep in the hexon cavity suggesting the possibility of co-assembly of hexons with the precursors of VI. In addition, we observe a second copy of pVI ordered up to residue L40 in the peripentonal hexons and a few fragments of density corresponding to 2nd and 3rd copies of pVI in other hexons. However, we see no evidence of precursors of VII binding in the hexon cavity. These findings suggest the possibility that differently bound pVI molecules undergo processing at the N-terminal cleavage sites at varying efficiencies, subsequently creating competition between the cleaved and uncleaved forms of VI, followed by reorganization, processing, and release of VI molecules from the hexon cavities.Peer reviewe

Clinical Course, Imaging Features, and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel and highly contagious disease caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Older adults and patients with comorbidities and immunosuppressive conditions may experience severe signs and symptoms that can lead to death. This case series assesses the clinical course, imaging features, and outcomes for 12 patients with COVID-19 and a history of kidney transplantation. Patients were evaluated for symptoms, laboratory data, imaging findings, and outcomes from February 2020 to April 2020. Fever, cough, and dyspnea were the most common clinical symptoms, noted in 75 (nine/12), 75 (nine/12), and 41.7 (five/12) of the patients, respectively. Most of the patients had a normal white blood cell count, while 33.3 (four/12) had leukopenia and 8.3 (one/12) had leukocytosis. A combination of consolidation and ground glass opacity was the most predominant (75) pattern of lung involvement on computed tomography (CT). Eight patients died of severe COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome and four were discharged. All recovered cases had a unilateral peripheral pattern of involvement limited to only one zone on initial chest CT. It seems that CT imaging has an important role in predicting COVID-19 outcomes for solid organ transplant recipients. Future studies with long-term follow up and more cases are needed to elucidate COVID-19 diagnosis, outcome, and management strategies for these patients. © 2020 European Association of Urolog

Minocycline combination therapy with fluvoxamine in moderate-to-severe obsessive�compulsive disorder: A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial

Aim: Several lines of evidence implicate glutamatergic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of obsessive�compulsive disorder (OCD), presenting this neurotransmitter as a target for the development of novel pharmacotherapy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of minocycline as an augmentative agent to fluvoxamine in the treatment of patients with OCD. Methods: One hundred and two patients with the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe OCD were recruited to this study. A randomized double-blind trial was designed and patients received either L-carnosine or placebo as adjuvant to fluvoxamine for 10 weeks. The patients randomly received either minocycline 100 mg twice per day or placebo for 10 weeks. All patients received fluvoxamine (100 mg/day) for the first 4 weeks, followed by 200 mg/day for the rest of the trial, regardless of their treatment groups. Participants were evaluated using the Yale�Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). The main outcome measure was to assess the efficacy of minocycline in improving the OCD symptoms. Results: General linear model repeated measures demonstrated significant effect for time � treatment interaction on the Y-BOCS total scores, F(1.49, 137.93) = 7.1, P = 0.003, and Y-BOCS Obsession subscale score, F(1.54, 141.94) = 9.72, P = 0.001, and near significant effect for the Y-BOCS Compulsion subscale score, F(1.27, 117.47) = 2.92, P = 0.08. A significantly greater rate of partial and complete response was observed in the minocycline group (P < 0.001). The frequency of side-effects was not significantly different between the treatment arms. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that minocycline could be a tolerable and effective adjuvant in the management of patients with OCD. © 2016 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2016 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurolog

Best practice considerations on the assessment of robotic assisted surgical systems:results from an international consensus expert panel

Background Health technology assessments (HTAs) of robotic assisted surgery (RAS) face several challenges in assessing the value of robotic surgical platforms. As a result of using different assessment methods, previous HTAs have reached different conclusions when evaluating RAS. While the number of available systems and surgical procedures is rapidly growing, existing frameworks for assessing MedTech provide a starting point, but specific considerations are needed for HTAs of RAS to ensure consistent results. This work aimed to discuss different approaches and produce guidance on evaluating RAS. Methods A consensus conference research methodology was adopted. A panel of 14 experts was assembled with international experience and representing relevant stakeholders: clinicians, health economists, HTA practitioners, policy makers, and industry. A review of previous HTAs was performed and seven key themes were extracted from the literature for consideration. Over five meetings, the panel discussed the key themes and formulated consensus statements. Results A total of ninety-eight previous HTAs were identified from twenty-five total countries. The seven key themes were evidence inclusion and exclusion, patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, the learning curve, allocation of costs, appropriate time horizons, economic analysis methods, and robotic ecosystem/wider benefits. Conclusions Robotic surgical platforms are tools, not therapies. Their value varies according to context and should be considered across therapeutic areas and stakeholders. The principles set out in this paper should help HTA bodies at all levels to evaluate RAS. This work may serve as a case study for rapidly developing areas in MedTech that require particular consideration for HTAs.</p

Can local application of Tranexamic acid reduce post-coronary bypass surgery blood loss? A randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Diffuse microvascular bleeding remains a common problem after cardiac procedures.</p> <p>Systemic use of antifibrinolytic reduces the postoperative blood loss.</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of local application of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirty eight patients scheduled for primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were included in this double blind, prospective, randomized, placebo controlled study.</p> <p>Tranexamic acid (TA) group (19 patients) received 1 gram of TA diluted in 100 ml normal saline. Placebo group (19 patients) received 100 ml of normal saline only. The solution was purred in the pericardial and mediastinal cavities.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Both groups were comparable in their baseline demographic and surgical characteristics. During the first 24 hours post-operatively, cumulative blood loss was significantly less in TA group (median of 626 ml) compared to Placebo group (median of 1040 ml) (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the post-op Packed RBCs transfusion between both groups (median of one unit in each) (P = 0.82). Significant less platelets transfusion required in TA group (median zero unit) than in placebo group (median 2 units) (P = 0.03). Apart from re-exploration for excessive surgical bleeding in one patient in TA group, no difference was found in morbidity or mortality between both groups.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Topical application of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting led to a significant reduction in postoperative blood loss without adding extra risk to the patient.</p

Innovative Capability of Building Information Modeling in Construction Design

The construction industry has long been urged to innovate, but innovation has been elusive because of the inherent social and organizational complexity of construction. Therefore, developing insight into the practice of innovating is needed to better understand and perform innovation in construction. Focusing on the practice of innovating requires exploring the enabling capability of solutions for practitioners to establish novel ways of doing things for improvement, referred to as ‘innovative capability.’ Building information modeling (BIM) has been promoted as an enabler of innovation in construction design because of its data management capabilities and the opportunities for interdisciplinary work based on them. Nevertheless, previous work presents divergent results exploring what BIM technologies can do for people and what people can actually do in BIM-enabled design practices, which presents confusion about the innovative capability of BIM. This paper aims to establish the basis of this confusion as a necessary step in developing more realistic ways of assessing and exploiting this capability. A conceptual continuum is proposed based on the functionalist/technology-centered and nonfunctionalist/human-centered perspectives on BIM to consider divergent arguments about its innovative capability; this continuum is used to analyze empirical findings from BIM-enabled design practices. The analyses suggest that individuals use BIM but are confused about its innovative capability because they adopt different views of BIM depending on their job and perspective. Given this, innovation is held back by the unexpressed differences between the views of BIM adopted by various practitioners who have to work together. It is argued that recognizing these differences, and working toward their reconciliation, is the way forward in establishing and exploiting the innovative capability of BIM