In this paper we generalize the classic problem of the economic study of the extraction of non-renewable resources. The most notable generalizations presented here are the presence of constraints on ...the depletion rate, multiple resources and variable prices and costs over time. To solve the problem, we first use the theory of optimal control combined with a modification of the classic shooting method and an algorithm inspired by the cyclic coordinate descent algorithm. Numerous examples are presented to illustrate the possibilities the method offers.
Previous studies have shown that the gene encoding the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3; formerly latrophilin 3, LPHN3) is associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ...(ADHD). Conversely, no studies have investigated the anatomical or functional brain substrates of ADGRL3 risk variants. We examined here whether individuals with different ADGRL3 haplotypes, including both patients with ADHD and healthy controls, showed differences in brain anatomy and function. We recruited and genotyped adult patients with combined type ADHD and healthy controls to achieve a sample balanced for age, sex, premorbid IQ, and three ADGRL3 haplotype groups (risk, protective, and others). The final sample (n = 128) underwent structural and functional brain imaging (voxel-based morphometry and n-back working memory fMRI). We analyzed the brain structural and functional effects of ADHD, haplotypes, and their interaction, covarying for age, sex, and medication. Individuals (patients or controls) with the protective haplotype showed strong, widespread hypo-activation in the frontal cortex extending to inferior temporal and fusiform gyri. Individuals (patients or controls) with the risk haplotype also showed hypo-activation, more focused in the right temporal cortex. Patients showed parietal hyper-activation. Disorder-haplotype interactions, as well as structural findings, were not statistically significant. To sum up, both protective and risk ADGRL3 haplotypes are associated with substantial brain hypo-activation during working memory tasks, stressing this gene's relevance in cognitive brain function. Conversely, we did not find brain effects of the interactions between adult ADHD and ADGRL3 haplotypes.
The infimal convolution operation arises in mathematical economics in the analysis of several problems. In this paper we first present a survey and summarize two previous papers by the authors on the ...classic firm's cost-minimization problem. Moreover, we present a new application: the analytical solution of the utility maximization problem which we shall obtain applying the supremal convolution operation.
Abstract Background Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems have been suggested as a promising tool for neurorehabilitation. However, to date, there is a lack of homogeneous findings. Furthermore, no ...systematic reviews have analyzed the degree of validation of these interventions for upper limb (UL) motor rehabilitation poststroke. Objectives The study aims were to compile all available studies that assess an UL intervention based on an electroencephalography (EEG) BCI system in stroke; to analyze the methodological quality of the studies retrieved; and to determine the effects of these interventions on the improvement of motor abilities. Type This was a systematic review. Literature Survey Searches were conducted in PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial from inception to September 30, 2015. Methodology This systematic review compiles all available studies that assess a UL intervention based on an EEG-BCI system in patients with stroke, analyzing their methodological quality using the Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, and determining the grade of recommendation of these interventions for improving motor abilities as established by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. The articles were selected according to the following criteria: studies evaluating an EEG-based BCI intervention; studies including patients with a stroke and hemiplegia, regardless of lesion origin or temporal evolution; interventions using an EEG-based brain-computer interface to restore functional abilities of the affected UL, regardless of the interface used or its combination with other therapies; and studies using validated tools to evaluate motor function. Synthesis After the literature search, 13 articles were included in this review: 4 studies were randomized controlled trials; 1 study was a controlled study; 4 studies were case series studies; and 4 studies were case reports. The methodological quality of the included papers ranged from 6 to 15, and the level of evidence varied from 1b to 5. The articles included in this review involved a total of 141 stroke patients. Conclusions This systematic review suggests that BCI interventions may be a promising rehabilitation approach in subjects with stroke. Level of Evidence To be determined.
To characterize preinjection intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes receiving monthly ranibizumab versus sham or verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Post ...hoc analysis of IOP data from 2 phase 3 clinical trials, the Minimally Classic/Occult Trial of the Anti-VEGF Antibody Ranibizumab in the Treatment of Neovascular AMD (MARINA) and the Anti-VEGF Antibody for the Treatment of Predominantly Classic Choroidal Neovascularization in AMD (ANCHOR) trial.
All safety-evaluable patients who received 1 or more injections of sham or PDT or of ranibizumab and had 1 or more postbaseline IOP measurements recorded for the study eye.
Preinjection IOP measurements for study eyes (n = 1125) and fellow eyes in MARINA and ANCHOR at baseline and at each monthly visit through month 24 were analyzed.
End points evaluated were maximum preinjection IOP during the 24-month treatment period; any occurrence of absolute preinjection IOP of 21 mmHg or more, 25 mmHg or more, or 30 mmHg or more; any occurrence of IOP increase of 6 mmHg or more, 8 mmHg or more, or 10 mmHg or more from baseline; any combination of IOP increase of 6 mmHg or more or 8 mmHg or more from baseline with concurrent absolute preinjection IOP of 21 mmHg or more or 25 mmHg or more; glaucoma-related adverse events; new glaucoma medications used for 45 days or more; and glaucoma filtration or laser surgeries.
Across treatment groups, 60.1% to 70.9% of study eyes had a maximum preinjection IOP of less than 21 mmHg. Comparing ranibizumab 0.5 mg versus sham or PTD treatment, respectively: 39.9% versus 29.1% and 10.9% versus 5.1% had maximum preinjection IOPs of 21 mmHg or more or 25 mmHg or more, respectively; 44.1% versus 29.9% and 24.2% versus 13.6% had IOP increases from baseline of 6 mmHg or more or 8 mmHg or more, respectively; 26.1% versus 13.6% and 16.8% versus 9.0% had 1 or more IOP increase from baseline of 6 mmHg or more or 8 mmHg or more, respectively, with a concurrent IOP of 21 mmHg or more; 9.6% versus 3.7% and 7.5% versus 2.4% had 1 or more IOP increase from baseline of 6 mmHg or more or 8 mmHg or more, respectively, with a concurrent IOP of 25 mmHg or more. No differences were observed in fellow eyes.
Most ranibizumab-treated eyes did not experience sustained preinjection IOP of 21 mmHg or more (>2 consecutive visits) over 24 months. When evaluating the combined IOP end point, more ranibizumab-treated eyes had 1 or more IOP increase from baseline of 6 mmHg or more or 8 mmHg or more, with concurrent highest IOPs of 21 mmHg or more and 25 mmHg or more versus sham or PDT. Intraocular pressure should be monitored in eyes receiving ranibizumab.
Nanotubes are rich in potential applications, but they are very difficult to purify, and yields are often less than 1 %. The solution presented here is to suspend nanotubes in a polymer matrix, which ...then acts as a filtration system. Incorporation is achieved by sonication, followed by a period of settling, during which the amorphous material falls out, leaving a highly pure sample of nanotubes (see Figure) that contains virtually no other carbonaceous material.
Electron dynamics in the bulk and at the surface of solid materials are well known to play a key role in a variety of physical and chemical phenomena. In this article we describe the main aspects of ...the interaction of low-energy electrons with solids, and report extensive calculations of inelastic lifetimes of both low-energy electrons in bulk materials and image-potential states at metal surfaces. New calculations of inelastic lifetimes in a homogeneous electron gas are presented, by using various well-known representations of the electronic response of the medium. Band-structure calculations, which have been recently carried out by the authors and collaborators, are reviewed, and future work is addressed.
A geoarchaeological methodology for studying defensive moats is proposed that localises and reconstructs the evolution and formation processes of archaeological sites in NE Spain. This paper analyses ...three cases. Firstly, a moat at Puig Pelegrí, an Iberian site (Second Iron Age) where little infill is preserved in the moat, and therefore, the materials removed and deposited when the moat was excavated are analysed. Secondly, the stratigraphy of the infill of a moat at Cabezo de la Cruz (a well preserved site from the First Iron Age) is examined. Thirdly, a moat at Carrassumada (a highly eroded site from the Iberian period in the Second Iron Age) is analysed. The results presented in this paper highlight the importance of sedimentary contexts for understanding human occupation in semi-arid regions.
•We propose a methodology to study defensive moats in eroded archaeological sites.•We analyze three different cases of defensive moats through this proposal.•The infill of defensive moats contains important information about the archaeological site evolution.
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