Numerical Studies of Statistical Management Decisions in Conditions of Stochastic Chaos

The research presented in this article is dedicated to analyzing the acceptability of traditional techniques of statistical management decision-making in conditions of stochastic chaos. A corresponding example would be asset management at electronic capital markets. This formulation of the problem is typical for a large number of applications in which the managed object interacts with an unstable immersion environment. In particular, this issue arises in problems of managing gas-dynamic and hydrodynamic turbulent flows. We highlight the features of observation series of the managed object’s state immersed in an unstable interaction environment. The fundamental difference between observation series of chaotic processes and probabilistic descriptions of traditional models is demonstrated. We also present an additive observation model with a chaotic system component and non-stationary noise which provides the most adequate characterization of the original observation series. Furthermore, we suggest a method for numerically analyzing the efficiency of conventional statistical solutions in the conditions of stochastic chaos. Based on numerical experiments, we establish that techniques of optimal statistical synthesis do not allow for making effective management decisions in the conditions of stochastic chaos. Finally, we propose several versions of compositional algorithms focused on the adaptation of statistical techniques to the non-deterministic conditions caused by the specifics of chaotic processes.

Genital pyoderma gangrenosum revealing Behçet’s disease: a case report

Background Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare and chronic neutrophilic dermatosis. It is clinically characterized by aseptic ulcerations preferentially located in the lower limbs. Its location in the genital area is unusual and could be a source of diagnostic difficulties. In half of the cases, PG is associated with an underlying disease. The association with Behçet’s disease is exceptional. Case presentation We report an original observation of a patient who presented a vulvar PG which revealed a Behçet’s disease. Conclusion The distinction between these two pathologies was difficult because of the similarity of the cutaneous-mucous lesions on the one hand, and the absence of histological specificity of these two pathologies on the other hand.

A Stable and High-Precision Downward Continuation Method of Magnetic Data

Downward continuation is an effective technique that can be used to transform the magnetic data measured on one surface to the data that would be measured on another arbitrary lower surface. However, it suffers from amplitude attenuation and is susceptible to noise, especially when the continuation distance is large. To solve these problems, we present a stable and high-precision downward continuation method combining the ideas of equivalent source technique, Tikhonov regularization, radial logarithmic power spectrum analysis, and constrained strategy. To implement this method, the observed data is used to construct the equivalent source in the study area, and the small amount of measured magnetic data at the lower surface (relative to the original observation surface) is employed to constrain the calculation procedure simultaneously. Then the magnetic data at the target surface can be obtained by using a forward calculation procedure instead of the risky downward continuation procedure. The proposed method is tested on both synthetic model data and real magnetic data collected in the South China sea. Various obtained results demonstrate that the method reported in this study has higher accuracy and better noise resistance than the traditional downward continuation methods.

P096 Munchmeyer's disease: an unknown pathology

Background Munchmeyer's disease (MM) or Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressivais an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by heterotopic ossification of muscle and connective tissue during flare-ups, which can lead to the creation of a true second skeleton. we report an original observation with diagnostic difficulty. Observation We report the case of 37-year-old women who consulted for cervical stiffness with painful hypertrophy of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle, dorsal scoliosis, tendon retractions in limbs with a semi-flexion attitude. In addition, she presented a deformity of the forefoot with hallux valgus and a triangular shape. X-ray of the right arm showed ossification of the biceps brachii and that of the foot showed interphalangeal ankyloses with agenesis of a phalanx of the big toe. X-rays of the cervical spine revealed posterior arch ankyloses with fusion of some vertebrae. Despite the late onset of symptoms, the diagnosis of MM was suggested and confirmed by a genetic study which revealed a heterozygous c.617G> A [p. Arg206His] mutation, located in exon 6 of the gene. Conclusion MM is an extremely rare but disabling condition. It should be considered in unexplained muscle enlargement occurring at any age particularly if associated with congenital malformations of the Hallux. The discovery of the ACVR1 gene mutation offers hope for the development of therapies for this hitherto incurable disease.

Granular Stack Density’s Influence on Homogeneous Fluidization Regime: Numerical Study Based on EDEM-CFD Coupling

FLUENT and EDEM were applied to simulate liquid–solid coupling in a 3D homogenous fluidization. The dynamics of destabilization of the granular material immersed by homogeneous fluidization were observed. The effect of initial packing density of granular stack and fluidization rate on the fluidization’s transient regime, the configuration of particles in the fluidized bed and the variation of bed height were analyzed and discussed. According to the results, there was an original observation of a strong impact of the initial density of an initially static granular stack on the transient fluidization regime. Depending on the material initial volume fraction, there was a difference in grain dynamics. For an initially loose stack, a homogeneous turbulent fluidization was observed, whereas for an initially dense stack, there was a mass takeoff of the stack. The propagation of wave porosity instability, from the bottom to the top of the stack with fast kinetics that decompacted the medium, followed this mass takeoff.

An Improved Multipath Mitigation Method and Its Application in Real-Time Bridge Deformation Monitoring

A multipath is a major error source in bridge deformation monitoring and the key to achieving millimeter-level monitoring. Although the traditional MHM (multipath hemispherical map) algorithm can be applied to multipath mitigation in real-time scenarios, accuracy needs to be further improved due to the influence of observation noise and the multipath differences between different satellites. Aiming at the insufficiency of MHM in dealing with the adverse impact of observation noise, we proposed the MHM_V model, based on Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and the MHM algorithm. Utilizing the VMD algorithm to extract the multipath from single-difference (SD) residuals, and according to the principle of the closest elevation and azimuth, the original observation of carrier phase in the few days following the implementation are corrected to mitigate the influence of the multipath. The MHM_V model proposed in this paper is verified and compared with the traditional MHM algorithm by using the observed data of the Forth Road Bridge with a seven day and 10 s sampling rate. The results show that the correlation coefficient of the multipath on two adjacent days was increased by about 10% after residual denoising with the VMD algorithm; the standard deviations of residual error in the L1/L2 frequencies were improved by 37.8% and 40.7%, respectively, which were better than the scores of 26.1% and 31.0% for the MHM algorithm. Taking a ratio equal to three as the threshold value, the fixed success rates of ambiguity were 88.0% without multipath mitigation and 99.4% after mitigating the multipath with MHM_V. The MHM_V algorithm can effectively improve the success rate, reliability, and convergence rate of ambiguity resolution in a bridge multipath environment and perform better than the MHM algorithm.

Synbiotics in oral immunity: a review

<p class="abstract">The oral cavity harbors numerous and varied microbial flora. The existence of probiotics in the indigenous oral micro flora of humans warrants exploration because these bacteria offer the advantage of being perfectly adapted to the oral ecosystem. The concept of probiotics probably dates back to 1908 when the long life of Bulgarian peasants was the result of their lifelong consumption of fermented milk products. The pursuit of original observation of the positive role played by some selected bacteria, as investigated by Elie Metchnikoff, the Ukrainian-born Nobel Prize winner working at the Pasteur Institute, at the beginning of the last century much still remains to be done to standardize the meaning of the term synbiotic and which strains actually fulfil the criteria of true synbiotic microorganisms. Since, there are established reports in its applicability, this opens up a new era of interest.</p>

Perceptions of homeopathy in supportive cancer care among oncologists and general practitioners in France

Objectives In France, homeopathy is the most frequently used complementary therapy in supportive care in oncology (SCO); its use is steadily increasing. However, data is limited about the perception and relevance of homeopathy by oncologists and general practitioners (GPs) both with and without homeopathic training (HGPs and NHGPs, respectively). Our aim was to evaluate French physicians’ perceptions of homeopathy to clarify its place in SCO through two original observation survey-based studies. Materials and methods Two cross-sectional surveys of French physicians were conducted involving (1) 150 specialist oncologists; (2) 97 HGPs and 100 NHGPs. Questions evaluated physician attitudes to homeopathy and patterns of use of homeopathic therapies in patients requiring SCO. Survey responses were described and analyzed on the basis of physician status. Results Ten percent of oncologists stated they prescribe homeopathy; 36% recommend it; 54% think that homeopathy is potentially helpful in SCO. Two-thirds of the NHGPs sometimes prescribe homeopathy in the context of SCO and 58% regularly refer their patients to homeopathic doctors. HGPs have a positive perception of homeopathy in SCO. Conclusions Homeopathy is viewed favorably as an integrated SCO therapy by the majority of French physicians involved with cancer patients—oncologists and GPs. Symptoms of particular relevance include fatigue, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy, sleep disturbance, and hot flashes. In such clinical situations, response to conventional therapies may be suboptimal and homeopathy is considered a reliable therapeutic option. These two studies highlight the fact that homeopathy has gained legitimacy as the first complementary therapy in SCO in France.

Subcellular Expression of Maspin in Colorectal Cancer: Friend or Foe

In this review the authors aimed to emphasize the practical value of nuclear expression of the mammary serine protease inhibitor (maspin), also known as serpin B5 protein, in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), from pre-malignant disorders to carcinogenesis and metastasis. As the role of maspin is controversial and not yet understood, the present update highlights the latest data revealed by literature which were filtrated through the daily experience of the authors, which was gained at microscopic examination of maspin expression in CRCs and other tumors for daily diagnosis. Data regarding the subcellular localization of maspin, in correlation with the microsatellite status, grade of tumor dedifferentiation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon of the tumor buds were presented with details. An original observation refers to the maspin capacity to mark the tumor cells which are “at the point of budding” that were previously considered as having “hybrid EMT phenotype”. It refers to the transitional status of tumor cell that is between “epithelial status” and “mesenchymal status”. The second original hypothesis highlights the possible role of maspin in dysregulating the intestinal microbiota, in patients with idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and inducing IBD-related CRC. The dynamic process of budding and EMT of tumor buds, possible mediated by maspin, needs further investigation and validation in many human CRC samples. The histological and molecular data reveal that synthesis of maspin-based therapeutics might represent a novel individualized therapeutic strategy for patients with CRC.