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We propose a model for the synthetic generation of information cascades in social media. In our model the information “memes” propagating in the social network are characterized by a probability distribution in a topic space, accompanied by a textual description, i.e., a bag of keywords coherent with the topic distribution. Similarly, every user of the social media is described by a vector of interests defined over the same topic space. Information cascades are governed by the topic of the meme, its level of virality, the interests of each user, community pressure, and social influence.The main technical challenge we face towards our goal is the generation of realistic interest vectors, given a known network structure and a tunable level of homophily. We tackle this problem by means of a method based on non-negative matrix factorization, which is shown experimentally to outperform non-trivial baselines based on label propagation and random-walk-based graph embedding.As we showcase in our experiments, our model offers a small set of simple and easily interpretable “knobs” which allow to study, in vitro, how each set of assumptions affects the resulting propagations. Finally, we show how to generate synthetic cascades that have similar macro-statistics to the real-world cascades for a dataset containing both the network and the cascades.

Most modern recommendation systems use the approach of collaborative filtering: users that are believed to behave alike are used to produce recommendations. In this work we describe an application (Liquid FM) taking a completely different approach. Liquid FM is a music recommendation system that makes the user responsible for the recommended items. Suggestions are the result of a voting scheme, employing the idea of viscous democracy. Liquid FM can also be thought of as the first testbed for this voting system. In this paper we outline the design and architecture of the application, both from the theoretical and from the implementation viewpoints.

p53 wild-type is a tumor suppressor gene involved in DNA gene transcription or DNA repair mechanisms. When damage to DNA is unrepairable, p53 induces programmed cell death (apoptosis). The mutant p53 gene is the most frequent molecular alteration in human cancer, including breast cancer. Here, we analyzed the genetic alterations in p53 oncogene expression in 55 patients with breast cancer at different stages and in 8 normal women. We measured by ELISA assay the serum levels of p53 mutant protein and p53 antibodies. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR using specific p53 primers as well as mutation detection by DNA sequencing were also evaluated in breast tumor tissue. Serological p53 antibody analysis detected 0/8 (0%), 0/4 (0%) and 9/55 (16.36%) positive cases in normal women, in patients with benign breast disease and in breast carcinoma, respectively. We found positive p53 mutant in the sera of 0/8 (0.0%) normal women, 0/4 (0%) with benign breast disease and 29/55 (52.72%) with breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry evaluation was positive in 29/55 (52.73%) with mammary carcinoma and 0/4 (0%) with benign breast disease. A very good correlation between p53 mutant protein detected in serum and p53 accumulation by immunohistochemistry (83.3% positive in both assays) was found in this study. These data suggest that detection of mutated p53 could be a useful serological marker for diagnostic purposes.

Problems in the investigation of pulmonary interstitial pneumocystis carinii in AIDS patients in the early phase with 67Ga, high-resolution CT scan and chest X-ray are discussed, and a clinical study of 12 individuals is presented. The combination of the three examinations is useful in reducing false negative cases. The use of 67Ga scanning, chest X-ray and high-resolution CT is also proposed in the follow-up of AIDS patients during remission of their lung pathology.

Objectives The current reference standard for diagnosing LAA thrombi is transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), a semi-invasive technique. We aimed to devise an optimal protocol for cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in diagnosing left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), using TEE as reference standard. Methods Two hundred sixty consecutive patients referred for radiofrequency ablation for AF were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent CCT and TEE within 2 hours. The CCT protocol included one standard angiographic phase and three delayed acquisitions at 1-, 3-, and 6-min after contrast injection. Thrombi were defined as persisting defects at 6-min delayed acquisition. Results TEE demonstrated spontaneous contrast in 52 (20%) patients and thrombus in 10 (4%). In 63 patients (24%), CCT demonstrated LAA early filling defects at angiographic phase. Among them, 15 (6%) had a persistent defect at 1-min, 12 (5%) at 3-min, and 10 (4%) at 6-min. All 10 thrombi diagnosed on TEE were correctly identified by delayed CCT, without any false positives. For all phases, sensitivity and negative predictive were 100%. Specificity increased from 79% for the angiographic phase to 100% at 6-min. Positive predictive value increased from 16% to 100%. Estimated radiation exposure was 2.08 ± 0.76 mSv (mean ± standard deviation) for the angiographic phase and 0.45 ± 0.23 mSv for each delayed phase. Conclusion A CCT protocol adding a 6-min delayed phase to the angiographic phase can be considered optimized for the diagnosis of LAA thrombi, with a low radiation dose. Key Points • In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation referred for ablation procedures, a cardiac CT examination comprising an angiographic-phase acquisition and, in case of filling defects, a 6-min delayed phase may help reduce the need for transesophageal echocardiography. • Cardiac CT would provide morphological and volumetric data, along with the potential to exclude the presence of thrombi in the left atrial appendage.

The paper presents an overview of the design status of the Radial Neutron Camera (RNC), that, together with the Vertical Neutron Camera, will provide, through reconstruction techniques applied to the measured line-integrated neutron fluxes, the time resolved measurement of the ITER neutron and α-source profile (i.e. neutron emissivity, neutrons emitted per unit time and volume). The RNC is composed of two subsystems, the In-Port RNC and Ex-Port RNC located, respectively, inside and outside the Plug of Equatorial Port #01. The In-Port subsystem is in a more advanced design stage since it has recently undergone the Final Design Review in the ITER procurement process. The paper describes the diagnostic layout, the interfaces, the measurement capabilities and the main challenges in its realization. Prototyping and testing of neutron detectors and electronics components were carried out and led to the choice of the component solutions that can match the environmental and operational constraints in terms radiation hardness, high temperature and electromagnetic compatibility. The performance of the RNC in terms of neutron emissivity measurement capability was assessed through 1D and 2D reconstruction analysis. It is proven that the neutron emissivity can be reconstructed in real-time within the measurement requirements: 10% accuracy, 10 ms time resolution and a/10 (a = plasma minor radius) space resolution.

Purpose of this work is to describe the Central Instrumentation and Control Systems for the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented NEutron Source. A functional definition of the main systems is given, together with a general overview of the current status of the Central Instrumentation and Control Systems and the differences with respect to the corresponding system developed during the previous phases. The overall architecture of the Central Instrumentation and Control Systems (definitions, functions and requirements), the identification of subsystems and equipment, the control system design guidelines, and the Control Room requirements, are here described. Moreover, the Local Instrumentation and Control Subsystems is defined together with its relationship with the Central Instrumentation and Control Systems.

The inspection of the internal wall of the large fusion reactors represents a difficult problem to solve due to the hostile environment, which is characterized by the presence of radiation, temperature, high vacuum and high magnetic field. However, the internal inspection system is essential to verify the status of the components of the first wall and therefore to plan the remote management operations correctly. At the Frascati laboratories, a specific technology was developed that can solve the problem by arriving at a first prototype of a laser measuring system, which passed the conceptual design review phase of ITER. The scanning head of the prototype was based on a rotating prism. More recently a complete overhaul of the system has been made that was based on further experiences of similar systems that have been developed for different fields, such as fine arts and underwater inspection systems. This revision, while maintaining the general concepts of the previous prototype, has completely revised the scanning head. The prism has been replaced with a mirrors based system, thus conceptually avoiding the multiple reflections within the prism itself that limited the accuracy of the old prototype. Furthermore, the new scanning head has been provided with an embedded calibration system with the relative calibration procedures. The new project presently represents an internal development of the Frascati laboratories and has been protected by a patent currently being extended internationally.

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder associated with gluten exposure in genetically predisposed subjects. Areas covered: Infectious disease is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in CD patients. Invasive streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a particularly dangerous morbid condition in both the general population and celiac patients. Pneumococcal vaccination is the most effective means for its prevention. Expert opinion: In CD, evaluation of spleen function should be useful to select patients who may benefit from vaccination to reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease. Different strategies could be employed: physicians could search for signs of hyposplenism on peripheral blood smear or abdominal ultrasound. However, the best strategy to identify which patients will benefit from pneumococcal vaccination has not yet been defined.

Contains fulltext : 238976.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) On January 2020, the WHO Director General declared that the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The world has faced a worldwide spread crisis and is still dealing with it. The present paper represents a white paper concerning the tough lessons we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, an international and heterogenous multidisciplinary panel of very differentiated people would like to share global experiences and lessons with all interested and especially those responsible for future healthcare decision making. With the present paper, international and heterogenous multidisciplinary panel of very differentiated people would like to share global experiences and lessons with all interested and especially those responsible for future healthcare decision making.

Coronary sinus (CS) Reducer implantation improves myocardial perfusion and symptoms in patients with debilitating refractory angina. Its impact on myocardial remodeling remain uncertain. Aim of the present study was to assess possible impact of CS Reducer on myocardial systolic-diastolic deformation and microstructural remodeling, as assessed through cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking and mapping analysis. Twenty-eight consecutive patients with refractory angina underwent multiparametric stress CMR before and 4months after CS Reducer implantation. Eight patients were excluded (6 for absence of inducible ischemia, 2 for artifacts). Modifications in 3D systo-diastolic myocardial deformation were evaluated using feature tracking analysis on rest cine images. Myocardial microstructural remodeling was assessed by native T1 mapping, cellular and matrix volume and extracellular volume fraction (ECV). Collaterally, the percentage of ischemic myocardium (ischemic burden %) and the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) were measured. After CS Reducer implantation, myocardial contractility improved (ejection fraction rose from 61 to 67%; p = 0.0079), along with longitudinal (from − 16 to − 19%; p = 0.0192) and circumferential strain (from − 18 to − 21%; p = 0.0017). Peak diastolic radial, circumferential and longitudinal strain rate did not change (p > 0.05), and no changes in native T1, ECV, cellular and matrix volume were observed. Myocardial perfusion improved, with a reduction of ischemic burden (13–11%; p = 0.0135), and recovery of intramural perfusion balance in segments with baseline ischemia (MPRi endocardial/epicardial ratio from 0.67 to 0.96; p = 0.0107). CS Reducer improves myocardial longitudinal and circumferential strain, without microstructural remodeling and no impact on diastolic proprieties.

The main scope of this work is to describe the microstructure evolution of single-crystal (SX) superalloy René N4 during creep and static aging at high temperatures, in function of time, stress and temperature. During creep at high temperatures, SX microstructure evolves from a dense and ordered distribution of cuboidal γ′ particles to a configuration characterized by alternate rafts of γ′ phase and γ matrix, through a process known as rafting. The microstructural evolution of superalloys is very important to derive models able to predict service conditions of a component through microstructural analysis. In this work two microstructural parameters were identified and analyzed for René N4: matrix channels width w along the [001] lattice direction and periodicity width λ, given by the sum of w and the width of the γ′ precipitates along [001]. Both parameters were measured on some creep-damaged and some statically aged specimens, as well as on the virgin material to analyze their trends in function of time, temperature and stress. In particular, the parameter Δλ looks independent of both the stress level and the microstructural morphology and could be used in future works to develop microstructural evolution model of René N4 in function of service time and temperature. Keywords: Single-crystal, Superalloy, Microstructure, René N4

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD) is a rare clinical condition that is characterized by the occurrence of a classic clinical triad, encompassing myositis, arthritis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD), along with specific autoantibodies that are addressed to different aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (ARS). Until now, it has been unknown whether the presence of a different ARS might affect the clinical presentation, evolution, and outcome of ASSD. In this study, we retrospectively recorded the time of onset, characteristics, clustering of triad findings, and survival of 828 ASSD patients (593 anti-Jo1, 95 anti-PL7, 84 anti-PL12, 38 anti-EJ, and 18 anti-OJ), referring to AENEAS (American and European NEtwork of Antisynthetase Syndrome) collaborative group's cohort. Comparisons were performed first between all ARS cases and then, in the case of significance, while using anti-Jo1 positive patients as the reference group. The characteristics of triad findings were similar and the onset mainly began with a single triad finding in all groups despite some differences in overall prevalence. The "ex-novo" occurrence of triad findings was only reduced in the anti-PL12-positive cohort, however, it occurred in a clinically relevant percentage of patients (30%). Moreover, survival was not influenced by the underlying anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase antibodies' positivity, which confirmed that antisynthetase syndrome is a heterogeneous condition and that antibody specificity only partially influences the clinical presentation and evolution of this condition. ispartof: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE vol:8 issue:11 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

The coronary sinus Reducer represents a novel therapeutic option with established safety and clinical benefit in the treatment of patients with refractory angina, possibly achieved by enhancing perfusion of myocardial ischemic territories. We report the first case providing insight on how improved perfusion might translate into improved myocardial function as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance strain imaging, thus suggesting a physiological rationale to test coronary sinus Reducer in the setting of ischemic cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction and adverse remodelling.

Measurements of total radiated power are very important in tokamak plasmas, especially in the divertor region where they are required for heat flux active control. Bolometric detectors based on metal foils are used as sensors. The signal readout is provided by an electronic system which drives processes and acquires the signals from the resistive bridge-based bolometer. A project for a new electronic system is being carried on at ENEA Frascati Laboratories, aimed to develop an architecture and a system sufficiently flexible in order to be applied to large fusion devices, such as DTT and ITER. The project, conceived for high reliability and lasting time levels, is based on FPGA boards and a completely digital lock-in. A prototype has been recently tested both in the laboratory and on FTU plasma. A key point of the project is the capability of on-line calibration. The paper describes the architecture of the project for the bolometric diagnostic and the analysis of the first results on FTU plasma.

A piezoceramic motor has been identified as the potential apparatus for carrying out the rotation of the scanning head of a laser radar system used for viewing the first wall of the ITER vessel. This diagnostic is simply referred to as IVVS (In Vessel Viewing System). The choice fell on a piezoceramic motor due to the presence of strong magnetic fields (up 8 T) and of the high vacuum and temperature conditions. To be compliant with all the ITER environmental conditions it was necessary to qualify the piezo-motor under gamma and neutron irradiation. In this paper are described the procedures and tests that have been performed to verify the compatibility of the operation of the motor adopted in the presence of a fast neutron fluence which was gradually increased over time in order to reach a total value of 2.77 × 1017 n/cm2. Such neutron fluence was obtained by irradiating the motor in a position close to the core of the fast nuclear reactor TAPIRO, in operation at the ENEA Casaccia Research Centre, Italy. The neutron spectrum in this position has been identified as representative of that found in the rest position of the IVVS head during ITER operation. The cumulative neutron fluence reached corresponds to that it is expected to be reached during the entire life of ITER for the IVVS in the rest position without any shield. This work describes the experimental results of this test; the methodology adopted to determine the total neutron fluence achieved and the methodology adopted for the verification of the correct operation of the motor. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The In-Vessel Viewing System is a 3D laser scanning system which will be used to inspect the blanket first wall in ITER. To make the IVVS probe design compatible with the harsh environmental conditions present in ITER, a test campaign was performed in 2012-2013 to verify the adequacy of the main components of the IVVS probe. The IVVS components inspected were an optical encoder, passive components and two customized ultrasonic piezoceramic motors that were instrumented with various sensors. A general architecture of the Data Acquisition and Control System (DACS) was defined and then specialized for each test. To be suitable for this test campaign, the DACS had to host various I/O modules and to properly interface the driver of the customized piezo motors, in order to permit the full control of the test and the acquisition of experimental data. This paper presents the instrumentation solutions designed and implemented for different facilities constraints and the related DACS developed in four specialized versions for the described test campaign. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In ENEA Frascati research centre an experimental fusion machine called Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) is in operation since 1990. The plasma discharge phase of FTU is driven by the dedicated system FSC-U (Fast Sequence Control upgraded), which has been developed in order to send all the necessary commands to the power plants, feeding the toroidal and poloidal coils during the plasma discharge, meanwhile controlling the correct outcome and recording all the events with time resolution of the order of 20 microseconds. In case of incorrect execution of the sequence the system is able to safely shutdown the plants and the plasma pulse. The present FSC-U system is based on an up to date, off the shelf, hardware platform, and it is equipped with an integrated configurator and a custom command and control sequence programming language, allowing the user to program the sequences by linking the execution times of the commands and of the state verifications each other or to global time parameters. The FSC-U system has been tailored to the I/O FTU needs and time scale, but was conceived with the aim of more powerful up-grades. Now is well in progress a design phase in order to extend the system, increasing of many times the system IO capability and, above all, reaching time resolution of one microsecond. The FSC-U system is a command sequencer that include also some functions and concepts of the interlock and protection system, in the new design this functionality was further enhanced in order to comply with the more demanding applications of the large fusion reactors. © 2017 IEEE.

Introduction Aim of this study is to provide our results after long-term active surveillance (AS) protocol for small renal masses (SRMs), and to report the outcomes of patients who remained in AS compared to those who underwent delayed surgical intervention. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed our database of 58 patients diagnosed with 60 contrast enhancing SRMs suspicious for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). All patients had clinical and radiological follow-up every 6 months. We evaluated the differences between patients who remained on AS and those who underwent surgical delayed intervention. Results The mean age was 75 years, the mean follow-up was 88.5 months. The median initial tumor size at presentation was 2.6 cm, and the median estimated tumor volume was 8.7 cm 3 . The median linear growth rate of the cohort was 0.7 cm/year, and the median volumetric growth rate was 8.8 cm 3 /year. Death for metastatic disease occurred in 2 patients (3.4%). No correlation was found between initial tumor size and size growth rate. The mean linear and volumetric growth rates of the group of patients who underwent surgery were higher than in those who remained on surveillance (1.9 vs. 0.4 cm/year and 16.1 vs. 4.6 cm 3 /year, respectively; p Conclusions Most of SRMs demonstrate to have an indolent course and low metastatic potential. Malignant disease could have faster linear and volumetric growth rates, thus suggesting the need for a delayed surgical intervention. In properly selected patients with low life-expectancy, AS could be a reasonable option in the management of SRMs.

The In Vessel Viewing System (IVVS) is a fundamental remote handling equipment, which will be used to make a survey of the status of the blanket first wall and divertor plasma facing components. A design and testing activity is ongoing, in the framework of a Fusion for Energy (F4E) grant agreement, to make the IVVS probe design compatible with ITER operating conditions and in particular, but not only, with attention to neutrons and gammas fluxes and both space constraints and interfaces. The paper describes the testing activity performed on the customized piezoelectric motors and the main components of the actuating system of the IVVS probe with reference to ITER gamma radiation conditions. In particular the test is performed on the piezoelectric motor, optical encoder and small scale optical samples.The test is carried out on the ENEA Calliope gamma irradiation facility at ITER relevant gamma fields at rate of about 2.5 kGy/h and doses of 4 MGy. The paper reports in detail the setup arrangement of the test campaign in order to verify significant working capability of the IVVS actuating components and the results are shown in terms of functional performances and parameters. The overall test campaign on IVVS actuating system will be completed on other ENEA testing facilities in order to verify compatibility to Magnetic field, neutrons and thermal vacuum ITER typical environmental working conditions. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.