bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso de Simulador de Geração de Tráfego para a Melhoria de Desempenho de Sistemas Legados Críticos
Authors: Teixeira Eduardo , Manuel Mateus , Costa Renan
Published: January 2020

Alguns sistemas legados tendem a possuir uma arquitetura pouco escalável, fazendo com que pouco se possa evoluir em questões de desempenho. Por outro lado, o acesso a internet vem crescendo, fazendo com que mais pessoas tenham acesso e obrigando, consequentemente, que os sistemas evoluam para manter a eficiência com a nova demanda. Nesse trabalho é apresentada uma mudança arquitetural realizada no sistema legado de matrículas da Universidade de Brasília visando a melhoria de desempenho. Também é demonstrado um gerador de tráfego (TRAFFICGEN) construído para submeter o sistema a uma carga semelhante à que ocorre durante os períodos de matrícula e dessa forma fossem realizadas diversas melhorias. Foi verificado que o sistema modificado alcançou uma melhoria de desempenho de mais de 5 com relação à versão de produção com a metade dos servidores utilizados e que ainda suporta um aumento de carga de pelo menos 215% sem degradação do desempenho.
Detecção de Anomalias de Desempenho em Aplicações de Alto Desempenho baseadas em Tarefas em Clusters Híbridos
Authors: Pinto Vinicius Garcia , Schnorr Lucas Mello , Legrand Arnaud , Thibault Samuel , Stanisic Luka , Danjean Vincent
Published: January 2020

Os paradigmas de programação em Computação de Alto Desempenho estão mudando para modelos baseados em tarefas que são capazes de se adaptar a supercomputadores com arquiteturas heterogêneas e escaláveis. A detecção de anomalias de desempenho em tal cenário é particularmente difícil uma vez que ela deve considerar a heterogeneidade da arquitetura, a variabilidade e a capacidade de obter medições confiáveis. Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso sobre a detecção de anomalias na execução da conhecida fatoração de Cholesky por blocos desenvolvida com StarPU. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em uma variedade de plataformas com múltiplos nós híbridos para demonstrar a capacidade de detectar e destacar anomalias de desempenho.
Strategies to Improve the Performance and Energy Efficiency of Stencil Computations for NVIDIA GPUs
Authors: Pavan Pablo José , Serpa Matheus da Silva , Martínez Víctor , Padoin Edson Luiz , Panetta Jairo , Navaux Philippe O. A.
Published: January 2020

Energy and performance of parallel systems are an increasing concern for new large-scale systems. Research has been developed in response to this challenge aiming the manufacture of more energy efficient systems. In this context, we improved the performance and achieved energy efficiency by the development of three different strategies which use the GPU memory subsystem (global-, shared-, and read-only- memory). We also develop two optimizations to use data locality and use of registers of GPU architecture. Our developed optimizations were applied to GPU algorithms for stencil applications achieve a performance improvement of up to 201:5% in K80 and 264:6% in P 100 when used shared memory and read-only cache respectively over the naive version. The computational results have shown that the combination of use read-only memory, the Z-axis internalization of stencil application and reuse of specific architecture registers allow increasing the energy efficiency of up to 255:6% in K80 and 314:8% in P 100.
Análise temporal de risco de sistemas computacionais via modelagem de séries de eventos associados a vulnerabilidades
Authors: Martins Matheus , Bicudo Miguel A. , Menasché Daniel , De Aguiar Leandro P.
Published: January 2020

Em segurança da informação, vulnerabilidades de software e hardware são cada vez mais frequentes às custas dos avanços tecnológicos atuais. Neste trabalho apresentamos uma análise de séries temporais sobre o ciclo de vida de vulnerabilidades, buscando as tendências do setor de segurança da informação. Também apresentamos um modelo de aprendizado de máquina para prever a ocorrência de exploits. O processo de treinamento foi feito usando aproximadamente 26.000 amostras de dados de vulnerabilidades e 132 features, resultando num modelo com uma precisão inicial de 60% para prever o primeiro exploit. Depois de ajustar os parâmetros do algoritmo usando grid search, um aumento na acurácia para 67% foi alcançado usando métricas de erro como erro absoluto médio e erro quadrático médio.
Avaliação de Desempenho de Computação Móvel na Borda Usando Redes de Petri Estocásticas
Authors: Santos Brena , Carvalho Daniel , Fé Iure , Silva Francisco Airton
Published: January 2020

A Computação Móvel na Borda (MEC) surgiu como uma alternativa para diminuir a latência da rede, fazendo com que o processamento do fluxo de dados ocorresse mais próximo dos usuários mobile. No entanto, a configuração dos servidores pode influenciar diretamente no desempenho da arquitetura MEC. Este artigo propõe um modelo de Rede de Petri Estocástica (SPN) para modelar tal cenário e analisar seu desempenho, considerando diversos parâmetros que podem afetar diretamente no Tempo Médio de Resposta (MRT) e no Nı́vel de Utilização. Apresentamos também análises numéricas com valores de entrada reais que servem como um guia prático para auxiliar administradores de infraestruturas computacionais a adequar suas arquiteturas, encontrando o trade-off entre o MRT e o nı́vel de utilização.
Blockchain to Improve Security and Knowledge in Inter-Agent Communication and Collaboration over a Restrict Domains of the Internet Infrastructure
Authors: Braga Julião , Silva Joao Nuno , Endo Patricia Takako , Ribas Jessica , Omar Nizam
Published: January 2020

Este documento descreve o desenvolvimento e implementação de uma blockchain para melhorar a seguranca, o conhecimento e a inteligência durante os processos de comunicação e colaboração entre agentes em domínios restritos da Infraestrutura da Internet. E um trabalho que propoe a aplicação de uma "blockchain", independente de plataforma, em um modelo particular de agentes, mas que pode ser utilizado em propostas similares, uma vez que os resultados no modelo específico foram satisfatórios.
Proposta de Identificação dos Usuários Wireless em Cumprimento com a Lei do Marco Civil: o caso da Universidade do Estado do Pará – Campus XX
Authors: Silva Ramon , Silva Mario , Costa Manoel , Gutierrez Carlos
Published: January 2020

A UEPA - Campus XX enquadra-se no Marco Civil da Internet enquanto Administrador de Sistema Autônomo, mas não possui método para manter registros de conexões à Internet e de acesso a aplicações de Internet, deveres exigidos nessa lei. Este estudo visa apresentar uma solução para identificar usuários e armazenar logs das conexões empregando os sistemas FreeRadius, MySQL e Syslog-NG para atender às obrigações requisitadas. Utilizou-se o framework PHP Laravel para desenvolver uma aplicação de gestão dos usuários e de relatórios dos logs gerados. Constatou-se o cumprimento dos objetivos deste trabalho.
Formação para Cidadania e Controle Social via Educação a Distância
Authors: BarrosVuolo Cassyra Lucia Correa , Maciel Cristiano , Dos Anjos Alexandre Martins , Kuhn Ana Paula , Sambrano Taciana Mirna , Rouiller Claudia Oneida
Published: January 2020

Brazilian councils for the management of public policies are spaces for the exercise of citizenship, which requires preparation. This paper presents the results of the union between different public government institutions to offer an online course on Citizenship and Social Control. This initiative of education for transparency was intended to integrate the government and the civil society, as well as to foster transparency and enable society to perform the social control. The scientific publicization of the lessons learned in this initiative, which reached about 700 citizens by means of a Learning Management System, can spur new actions and reflections in this area.
A iniciativa da construção do Plano de Dados Abertos do Tribunal de Contas do Rio Grande do Norte através de parceria acadêmica com a Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Pranto Filho Frederico N. , Oliveira Renan , Pereira Lindemberg Silva , Ramalho Joir
Published: January 2020

Embora haja várias vantagens e motivações para a abertura dos dados pelos órgãos da administração pública, há também algumas dificuldades e barreiras a serem superadas para a efetivação de uma política de Dados Abertos Governamentais (DAG). Estudos investigam as principais motivações dos desenvolvedores e fornecedores em trabalhar com DAG, bem como procuram identificar as dificuldades enfrentada por eles. O objetivo geral deste trabalho compreende relatar a estratégia adotada nos estágios preliminares da implantação do Plano de Dados Abertos (PDA) do Tribunal de Contas do Rio Grande do Norte (TCE/RN). A construção do PDA buscou seguir como metodologia de trabalho as diretivas definidas no ProceDA (Processo para Dados Abertos). Além disso, vamos discutir e compartilhar os ganhos obtidos a partir de uma parceria entre o TCE/RN e a Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN).
Aplicando Transparência no Domínio de Informação Sobre Saúde na Internet: Uma Abordagem Visando o Cidadão
Authors: Do Nascimento Nathália Miranda , Sousa Henrique Prado de Sá , Almentero Eduardo Kinder , Leite Julio Cesar Sampaio do Prado
Published: January 2020

A internet renovou a forma como a comunicação e o acesso às informações de saúde são feitos. Porém, a internet está sujeita a dificuldades referentes à busca e qualidade da informação sobre saúde. A Transparência é uma demanda atual da sociedade, e o fornecimento de informações de saúde mais transparentes vai de encontro às tecnologias como a internet como um item de qualidade. O problema abordado neste trabalho está relacionado com a busca e com o acesso a informação de boa qualidade em saúde disponível na internet. Afim de tratar esta questão, uma abordagem baseada na identificação, seleção e consolidação de informações foi proposta. Tal abordagem culminou no desenvolvimento de um protótipo, que foi utilizado em uma avaliação preliminar, cujos resultados são descritos.
Gomori Methenamine Silver Stain on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Is Poorly Sensitive for Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia in HIV-Negative Immunocompromised Patients and May Lead to Missed or Delayed Diagnoses
Authors: Azar Marwan M. , Slotkin Rebecca , Abi-Raad Rita , Liu Yuehong , Grant Matthew H. , Malinis Maricar F.
Published: January 2020

Context.—

Direct visualization of Pneumocystis jiroveci organisms, using Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) staining in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), is a historical gold standard that has been widely used for the diagnosis of P jiroveci pneumonia (PJP). However, the stain may be less sensitive in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–negative immunocompromised patients owing to a lower burden of organisms.

Objectives.—

To assess the sensitivity of the GMS stain on BAL fluid for the diagnosis of PJP in HIV-negative immunocompromised patients as compared to HIV-positive patients.

Design.—

We conducted a retrospective review from 2012 to 2018 to identify immunocompromised patients (≥18 years old) who underwent bronchoscopy with BAL GMS staining for the diagnosis of PJP. To assess for sensitivity, we sought to identify BAL GMS-positive cases and BAL GMS-negative cases of PJP. The BAL GMS-negative cases were categorized into proven and probable PJP.

Results.—

We identified 45 adult immunocompromised patients with proven and probable PJP, including 24 HIV-negative (11 BAL GMS-positive and 13 BAL GMS-negative) and 21 HIV-positive cases (all were BAL GMS-positive). The sensitivity of BAL GMS for the diagnosis of PJP in HIV-negative immunocompromised patients was 11 of 24 (46%) versus 21 of 21 (100%) in HIV-positive patients (CD4: median, 10 cells/mL; range, 3–300 cells/mL). Delayed or missed diagnoses were seen in 3 cases of BAL GMS-negative PJP. Re-examination of BAL GMS slides showed rare P jiroveci cysts in 1 case.

Conclusions.—

BAL GMS has poor sensitivity for PJP in HIV-negative immunocompromised patients. Using BAL GMS as a sole method for PJP may result in missed or delayed diagnoses in this population.
Estudo de viabilidade para aproveitamento de água pluvial para fins não potáveis no ITPAC, em Porto Nacional/TO
Authors: Pereira Jessica Priscilla Silva , Mendes Alesi Teixeira
Published: January 2020

A água é um recurso fundamental à vida e sua disponibilidade depende da preservação ambiental. O Brasil possui uma grande disponibilidade hídrica, porém algumas regiões já se encontram com escassez de água. Diante disso, surgem alternativas para evitar o desperdício, entre elas o aproveitamento de água das águas pluviais, que capta e armazena a água da chuva para utilizar em fins não potáveis, como descargas, irrigações de jardim, entre outras. O método é fundamental para a implantação em universidades, visto que, em locais onde o consumidor não é responsabilizado diretamente pelo consumo de água, tende a haver um desperdício maior. Nesse sentido, a presente pesquisa buscou realizar um estudo de viabilidade para implantação de um sistema de aproveitamento de água em um bloco do Instituto Tocantinense Presidente Antônio Carlos - ITPAC, identificando o reservatório necessário a partir do Método de Azevedo Neto, previsto na ABNT NBR 15527/2007. A partir da pesquisa, identificou-se que a cidade de Porto Nacional possui um índice pluviométrico variável mensalmente, com maiores índices entre os meses de outubro de abril, havendo uma seca principalmente no mês de julho. Apesar do período de seca verificado, ele não possui um grande impacto negativo para a implantação do projeto, visto que se trata de um período de férias, onde a instituição tem pouca atividade. Além disso, identificou-se que a instituição dispõe de meios onde não faz o uso da água da rede de abastecimento pública, entretanto a implantação do método é viável, com viabilidade econômica e ambiental, e pode servir de um método de estudo para os acadêmicos de Engenharia Civil e Arquitetura e Urbanismo da instituição.
Experimental Toxoplasmosis in Pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Atasever Ayhan , Ekebaş Görkem , Yaman Gram Duygu , Babür Cahit , Inci Abdullah
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the present study was to establish experimental model of toxoplasmosis in pigeons, to investigate pathogenesis and compare tissue lesions by clinical, histopathological, serological and bioassay techniques. Total of 60 unknown aged pigeons (Columba livia), 21 males and 39 females were used. They were divided into groups as oral (Group I and II) and parenteral (Group III, IV, V and VI) infection groups (Table 1). While some pigeons in Group IV showed acute infection signs such as anorexia, weight loss, pale cockscomb, bend of head and neck and partial paralyze; chronic infection signs such as anorexia, weakness, weight loss, diarrhea, difficulties in breathing, and conjunctivitis were seen in Group IV, V, and VI. In necropsy, the pigeons in Group IV had hyperemia and focal hemorrhages in the meninges and brain; the pigeons in Groups V and VI had yellowish color of the liver, the pigeons in Group V had the pale chest muscles, pericardial thickening and opaqueness. There were no macroscopic findings in pigeons in Group I and III. Histopathological examination revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and tachyzoites and bradyzoite cysts formation of T. gondii in brain tissue, lymphoid cell infiltration and necrotic focal hepatitis and nephritis in Group IV. While pigeons in Group V had nonsuppurative focal myositis, myocarditis, hepatitis, gastritis, enteritis, pneumonitis, and necrotic pancreatitis, one of them had toxoplasma bradyzoite cyst in the sinusoid in the liver. In group VI, nonsuppurative focal hepatitis, myocarditis, nephritis and necrotic pancreatitis were detected in pigeons. Bioassay tests were performed with tissue samples taken from seropositive pigeons and parasitic tachyzoites were isolated from the peritoneal fluid of the mice. Seropositivity in the oral and parenteral groups was determined by Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (SFDT) and Indirect Hemagglutination Assay (IHA). As a result; in similar studies that will be performed investigating pathogenesis of Toxoplasmosis and subclinical cases that may be overlooked, serologic tests and bioassay applications should be used together for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
Utility of Coronary Calcium Scoring (CCS) in Connective Tissue Disorders (CTDs) for the Evaluation of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis – A Systematic Review
Authors: Farshad Sohail , Halalau Alexandra , Townsend Whitney , Schiopu Elena
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the current state of knowledge for the utility of coronary calcium scoring (CCS) in connective tissue disorders (CTDs) as it relates to the presence and quantification of coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review retrieved 1019 studies (since database inception on May 7, 2018) from which 121 manuscripts were eligible for review. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies that investigated CCS in adults with respective CTDs. Studies were excluded if a complete manuscript was not written in English or was a case report.

Results

Thirty‐one studies were included (27 with healthy age‐/gender‐matched control group for comparison and 4 without). CTDs analyzed in articles with control group: 11 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 14 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 4 systemic sclerosis (SSc), 1 idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), 1 Takayasu arteritis, and 1 psoriasis. Nine out of 11 RA studies, 12 out of 14 SLE studies, and 2 out of 4 SSc studies showed statistically significant increased CCS when compared with the control group. CTDs analyzed in studies without control group: two Kawasaki disease, one juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and one antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) article, which demonstrated increased coronary arterial calcium burden, however, without statistically significant data.

Conclusion

CTDs, especially SLE and RA, are associated with higher CCS compared with the control group, indicating increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis. Our search did not elicit sufficient publications or statistically significant results in many other CTDs.
Pathogenic variants in theTRIP11gene cause a skeletal dysplasia spectrum from odontochondrodysplasia to achondrogenesis 1A
Authors: Medina Cristina T. N. , Sandoval Renata , Oliveira Gabriela , da Costa Silveira Karina , Cavalcanti Denise P. , Pogue Robert
Published: January 2020

The thyroid hormone receptor interactor 11 (TRIP11) gene encodes the Golgi microtubule‐associated protein 210 (GMAP‐210), a protein essential for the operation of the Golgi apparatus. It is known that null mutations inTRIP11disrupt Golgi function and cause a lethal skeletal dysplasia known as achondrogenesis type 1A (ACG1A), however recently, hypomorphic mutations in that gene have been linked to odontochondrodysplasia (ODCD), a nonlethal skeletal dysplasia characterized by skeletal changes in the spine and in the metaphyseal regions, associated with dentinogenesis imperfecta. Here we present two patients reflecting the phenotypic spectrum related to differentTRIP11variants. The first is a female child with ODCD, for whom a homozygous in‐frame splicing mutation in intron 9 ofTRIP11was identified. The mutation appears to lead to the expression of an alternative TRIP11 transcript, that may explain the less severe radiological alterations in ODCD. The second is a fetus with classical form of ACG1A, associated with typical molecular findings (frameshift) in exon 11 ofTRIP11,both novel mutations. The two patients reported here represent theTRIP11spectrum of skeletal dysplasia ranging from mild to lethal phenotypes, thereby enabling one to suggest a genotype–phenotype correlation in these diseases.
A new polypyridyl‐based Ru (II) complex as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction
Authors: Daryanavard Marzieh , Masoumpour Marziyeh Sadat
Published: January 2020

A new polypyridyl Ru (II) complex, cis‐[Ru (Me4phen)2(CH3CN)2](NO3)2 (Me4phen = 3,4,7,8‐tetramethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) has been prepared and fully characterized by elemental analysis, X‐ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry and spectroscopic techniques. The solid‐state structure of the complex indicated that the Ru (II) center is sitting in an N4N′2 coordination environment with a distorted octahedral geometry. Cyclic voltammetry technique was used to investigate the catalytic activity of the Ru (II) complex on the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO in acetonitrile. The effect of the different reaction parameters, including the scan rate, concentration of the electrocatalyst [complex Ru (II)] and reaction temperature, on the catalytic activity was also investigated. The results showed that the electrocatalytic activity of the complex increases with increasing electrocatalyst concentration and scan rate. Further, the CO2 reduction peak current decreases at lower temperatures owing to the inverse relationship between the temperature and activation energy. The theoretical calculations confirmed the proposed electrocatalytic mechanism comprising seven steps.
Prediction of Fatty Acid Incorporation during Enzymatic Interesterification
Authors: Dijkstra Albert J.
Published: January 2020

When a mixture of triacylglycerols and free fatty acids or fatty acid alkyl esters is treated with a random or sn‐1,3 regioselective lipase enzyme, part of these acids will be incorporated into the triacylglycerols while liberating fatty acids that were originally part of these triacylglycerols. Authors generally report the extent of incorporation and then comment on whether equilibrium had been reached and/or acyl migration has been observed. In doing so, they do not refer to articles that provide equations to be used to conclude whether equilibrium has been reached. It is the purpose of the present article to provide these equations and, by using them on literature data, show to what extent conclusions drawn by authors are correct. Besides, the availability of these equations will make it easier to interpret ongoing research on interesterification and to steer its direction in a more appropriate manner.
Stable and scalable smart window based on polymer stabilized liquid crystals
Authors: Hu Xiaowen , Zhang Xinmin , Yang Wenmin , Jiang Xiao‐Fang , Jiang Xinshuai , de Haan Laurens T. , Yuan Dong , Zhao Wei , Zheng Nan , Jin Mingliang , Shui Lingling , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. , Zhou Guofu
Published: January 2020

A stable and scalable polymer‐stabilized liquid crystal window which electrically switches from transparent to opaque has been fabricated. Scanning electron microscope measurement shows that higher polymer concentration will induce denser polymer network in polymer stabilized liquid crystal system and then stronger anchoring force between polymer network and liquid crystal molecules, which resulting in larger operating voltage. The cell with larger cell gap has a lower saturated transmittance in the voltage‐on state, which attributed to a larger number of scattering domains in thick cell. The optimized cell exhibits a highly transparent voltage‐off state (3.5% haze) and a voltage‐on scattering state (98% haze) with the threshold voltage of around 20 V. The durability test shows that the optical device switches at least 100,000 times without degradation of optical contrast and shows a high temperature tolerance. Meanwhile, a 40 × 50 cm2 window has been developed in an industrial production line showing the same optical properties. Our results demonstrate the fabrication of smart windows with a highly transparent rest state and high optical contrast on a commercial mass production scale, making them attractive for applications in buildings, automobiles, and switchable sunglasses for light management and potentially energy saving. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48917.
Structural investigations of stereoselective profen binding by equine and leporine serum albumins
Authors: Zielinski Kamil , Sekula Bartosz , Bujacz Anna , Szymczak Izabela
Published: January 2020

Serum albumin, the most abundant transport protein of mammalian blood, interacts with various nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) affecting their disposition, metabolism, and excretion. A big group of chiral NSAIDs transported by albumin, profens, is created by derivatives of 2‐arylpropionic acid. The chiral center in the structures of profens is adjacent to the carboxylate moiety and often determines different pharmacological properties of profen enantiomers. This study describes crystal structures of two albumins, isolated from equine and leporine serum, in complexes with three profens: ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and suprofen. Based on three‐dimensional structures, the stereoselectivity of albumin is discussed and referred to the previously published albumin complexes with drugs. Drug Site 2 (DS2) of albumin, the bulky hydrophobic pocket of subdomain IIIA with a patch of polar residues, preferentially binds (S)‐enantiomers of all investigated profens. Almost identical binding mode of all these drugs clearly indicates the stereoselectivity of DS2 towards (S)‐profens in different albumin species. Also, the affinity studies show that DS2 is the major site that presents high affinity towards investigated drugs. Additionally, crystallographic data reveal the secondary binding sites of ketoprofen in leporine serum albumin and ibuprofen in equine serum albumin, both overlapping with previously identified naproxen binding sites: the cleft formed between subdomains IIIA and IIIB close to the fatty acid binding site 5 and the niche created between subdomains IIA and IIIA, called fatty acid site 6.
A coverage‐based approach for filtering and prioritizing regions in a semantic cache
Authors: Ajarroud Ouafa , Zellou Ahmed , Idri Ali
Published: January 2020

Ensuring quick responses as well as a high degree of reliability remains one of the biggest challenges in mediation systems. Generally, in order to reduce their response time and to be able to provide answers in case the sources are inaccessible, mediators can resort to semantic caching. However, this may lead to additional costs, especially if there is a large number of semantic regions in the cache. In this work, we propose a coverage based approach in order to decide whether it is optimal to use the cache if a new user query is submitted and to identify the semantic regions that can contribute in providing answer if it is. Our approach is based essentially on calculating attribute and predicate coverage rates of the new user query in each semantic region. To validate our proposition, we have performed an experimental evaluation using a prototype that generates random semantic regions.
The lived experience of working with people with eating disorders: A meta‐ethnography
Authors: Graham Meghan R. , Tierney Stephanie , Chisholm Amy , Fox John R. E.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Working with people with eating disorders (EDs) is known to elicit strong emotional reactions, and the therapeutic alliance has been shown to affect outcomes with this clinical population. As a consequence, it is important to understand healthcare professionals' (HCPs') experiences of working with this client group.

Method

A meta‐synthesis was conducted of qualitative research on HCPs' lived experiences of working with people with EDs. The results from the identified studies were analyzed using Noblit and Hare's meta‐ethnographic method. Data were synthesized using reciprocal translation, and a line of argument was developed.

Results

Thirty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Reciprocal translation resulted in a key concept: “Coping with caring without curing.” This was underpinned by the following third‐order concepts: (a) “The dissonance and discomfort of being a helper struggling to help,” (b) “Defending against the dissonance,” and (c) “Accepting the dissonance to provide safe and compassionate care.” These concepts were used to develop a line‐of‐argument synthesis, which was expressed as a new model for understanding HCPs' experiences of working with people who have an ED.

Discussion

Although the conflict associated with being a helper struggling to help led some HCPs to avoid and blame people with EDs, others adopted a compassionate stance characterized by humanity, humility, balance, and awareness.
Comprehensive model of electromigrative transport in microfluidic paper based analytical devices
Authors: Schaumburg Federico , Kler Pablo A. , Berli Claudio L. A.
Published: January 2020

A complete mathematical model for electromigration in paper‐based analytical devices is derived, based on differential equations describing the motion of fluids by pressure sources and EOF, the transport of charged chemical species, and the electric potential distribution. The porous medium created by the cellulose fibers is considered like a network of tortuous capillaries and represented by macroscopic parameters following an effective medium approach. The equations are obtained starting from their open‐channel counterparts, applying scaling laws and, where necessary, including additional terms. With this approach, effective parameters are derived, describing diffusion, mobility, and conductivity for porous media. While the foundations of these phenomena can be found in previous reports, here, all the contributions are analyzed systematically and provided in a comprehensive way. Moreover, a novel electrophoretically driven dispersive transport mechanism in porous materials is proposed. Results of the numerical implementation of the mathematical model are compared with experimental data, showing good agreement and supporting the validity of the proposed model. Finally, the model succeeds in simulating a challenging case of free‐flow electrophoresis in paper, involving capillary flow and electrophoretic transport developed in a 2D geometry.
Photocatalytic degradation of nitro‐aromatic explosives using visible‐light‐activated WO3: Optimization and catalyst modification
Authors: Zarei Alireza , Hedayatinasab Fatemeh , Rezaei‐Vahidian Hadi
Published: January 2020

Nitro‐aromatic explosives are hazardous, stable, and carcinogenic pollutants in industrial wastewaters. Photocatalytic degradation is one of the most efficient methods for the treatment of these types of pollutants. In this work, the degradation of p‐nitrophenol (PNP) as a typical nitro‐aromatic pollutant was studied using the synthesized catalyst WO3 under visible light irradiation. The synthesized catalyst was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The effect of the operational parameters on the process efficiency, such as initial pH, initial concentration of PNP, catalyst dose, reaction temperature, calcination temperature (CT), and light source type, was studied. The effect of different morphologies of WO3 on the process efficiency was also evaluated. The results show that, under the optimum condition (pH = 11.5, catalyst dosage = 1000 μg/ml, and CT = 700°C) at T = 25°C and for initial PNP concentration of 20 μg/ml, the process can degrade and mineralize PNP by about 90% and 40.16%, respectively, after 240 min. Under the obtained optimum condition, mineralization of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene as a nitro‐aromatic explosive was evaluated, and 28% mineralization was observed after 240 min. The electrical energy consumption of the process was also assessed, and under the optimum condition, it was calculated as 602.3 and 94.0 kWh/m3 for the metal halide lamp and light‐emitting diode, respectively.
Methotrexate plus or minus cetuximab as first‐line treatment in a recurrent or metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma population of the head and neck (SCCHN), unfit for cisplatin combination treatment, a phase Ib‐randomized phase II study Commence
Authors: Ham Janneke C. , van Meerten Esther , Fiets W. Edward , Beerepoot Laurens V. , Jeurissen Frank J. F. , Slingerland Marije , Jonker Marianne A. , Husson Olga , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , van Herpen Carla M. L.
Published: January 2020

Background

Methotrexate in recurrent or metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has limited progression‐free survival (PFS) benefit. We hypothesized that adding cetuximab to methotrexate improves PFS.

Methods

In the phase‐Ib‐study, patients with R/M SCCHN received methotrexate and cetuximab as first‐line treatment. The primary objective was feasibility. In the phase‐II‐study patients were randomized to this combination or methotrexate alone (2:1). The primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), toxicity, and quality of life (QoL).

Results

In six patients in the phase‐Ib‐study, no dose limiting toxicities were observed. In the phase II study, 30 patients received the combination and 15 patients methotrexate. In the phase‐II‐study median PFS was 4.5 months in the combination group vs 2.0 months in the methotrexate group (HR 0.37; P = .002). OS, toxicity, and QoL were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Cetuximab with methotrexate improved PFS without increased toxicity in R/M SCCHN‐patients.
Ovarian cancer‐associated mesothelial cells induce acquired platinum‐resistance in peritoneal metastasis via the FN1/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Yoshihara Masato , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Yokoi Akira , Sugiyama Mai , Koya Yoshihiro , Yamakita Yoshihiko , Liu Wenting , Nakamura Kae , Moriyama Yoshinori , Yasui Hiroaki , Suzuki Shiro , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ricciardelli Carmela , Nawa Akihiro , Shibata Kiyosumi , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: January 2020

Peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer (OvCa) arises from the surface of the peritoneum, covered by monolayer of mesothelial cells (MCs). Given that both OvCa cells and MCs are present in the same peritoneal metastatic microenvironment, they may establish cell‐to‐cell crosstalk or phenotypic alterations including the acquisition of platinum‐resistance in OvCa cells. Herein, we report how OvCa‐associated mesothelial cells (OCAMs) induce platinum‐resistance in OvCa cells through direct cell‐to‐cell crosstalk. We evaluated mutual associations between OvCa cells and human primary MCs with in vitro coculturing experimental models and in silico omics data analysis. The role of OCAMs was also investigated using clinical samples and in vivo mice models. Results of in vitro experiments show that mesenchymal transition is induced in OCAMs primarily by TGF‐β1 stimulation. Furthermore, OCAMs influence the behavior of OvCa cells as a component of the tumor microenvironment of peritoneal metastasis. Mechanistically, OCAMs can induce decreased platinum‐sensitivity in OvCa cells via induction of the FN1/Akt signaling pathway via cell‐to‐cell interactions. Histological analysis of OvCa peritoneal metastasis also illustrated FN1 expression in stromal cells that are supposed to originate from MCs. Further, we also confirmed the activation of Akt signaling in OvCa cells in contact with TGF‐β1 stimulated peritoneum, using an in vivo mice model. Our results suggest that the tumor microenvironment, enhanced by direct cell‐to‐cell crosstalk between OvCa cells and OCAMs, induces acquisition of platinum‐resistance in OvCa cells, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for prevention of OvCa peritoneal dissemination.
Relational retention
Authors: Herbold Daniel , Schumacher Heiner
Published: January 2020

This paper uses a repeated‐game model to study the retention of talented workers in the face of competition for talent. When the job benefits that workers value are non‐contractible, retention cannot be achieved by a sequence of spot contracts, but must be based on self‐enforcing long‐term agreements, which we call relational retention contracts. Retention then is successful only if workers trust their employers' promises. We demonstrate that relational contracts are valuable even if there are no incentive problems inside firms and that firms with a relatively low valuation for talent may be able to retain talented workers.
Limb‐salvage surgery with vascular reconstruction after lower extremity sarcoma resection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fujiki Masahide , Kimura Takeichiro , Takushima Akihiko
Published: January 2020

Background

Limb‐salvage surgery with vascular reconstruction is the current standard treatment when sarcoma involves major vessels of the lower extremity. However, the low incidence of sarcoma and rarity of limb‐salvage surgery are limiting factors for the reliable study of limb‐salvage surgery. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to establish better management of lower extremity sarcoma based on currently available evidence.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of data on limb‐salvage surgery with vascular reconstruction for lower extremity sarcoma were conducted using MEDLINE through PubMed, Scopus, CINARL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Overall limb‐salvage rate was the primary outcome, and rates of perioperative complication and arterial patency were secondary outcomes.

Results

Among the 271 patients (18 studies) included in this study, 69.4% underwent arterial reconstruction with autologous graft, 22.0% underwent synthetic graft, and 8.6% underwent other reconstructive methods. Pooled overall limb‐salvage rate was 89.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 85.0–93.1%] after a mean follow‐up of 19–74.7 months. Pooled overall perioperative complication and arterial patency rates were 49.5% (95% CI, 42.8–56.2%) and 85.4% (95% CI, 79.5–89.9%), respectively.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests that limb‐salvage surgery with vascular reconstruction has a high limb‐salvage rate; however, the high perioperative complication rate remains problematic. Early and appropriate interventions are required to optimize the complications of limb‐salvage surgery.
Facile Visible‐Light‐Induced Preparation and Hydrophobization of Porous polyEGDMA and polyTEGDMA Thick Monoliths
Authors: Lenshina Nina A. , Arsenyev Maxim V. , Baten'kin Maxim A. , Polushtaytsev Yuri V. , Chesnokov Sergey A.
Published: January 2020

The simple low‐cost method for synthesis and post‐functionalization of thick macroporous polymer monoliths was proposed and realized by example of obtaining and hydrophobization of monoliths based on mono‐ and triethylene glycol dimethacrylates. Described procedures comprise using of ubiquitous visible‐light projection system and single photoinitiator (9,10‐phenanthrenequinone) in both cases. This approach eliminates the need in “material” photomasks and permit to operate with computer generated virtual photomask to form the pattern of functionalization. Macroporous polymer monoliths of 2 and 4 mm in thickness with a system of interconnected pores were synthesized and hydrophobized. The thick layers of functionalized porous polymer with wetting pattern through the entire sample thickness with the water contact angle for hydrophobic parts reaching120–125° were obtained. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:682–689, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dissolved organic carbon chemical composition controls the rate of CO2 release from rewetted soil
Authors: Laffely Audrey , Erich M. Susan , Ohno Tsutomu
Published: January 2020

The CO2 flush from dried and rewetted soil has been proposed as an indicator of soil health. Drying and rewetting releases mineralizable carbon (C) due to effects on microbial populations and aggregate stability. It is a complex, integrative process, and its relationship to soil health is incompletely understood. In order to increase our understanding of this process, we investigated changes in the quantity and chemistry of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in a laboratory incubation study during 48 h after rewetting dried soil. A LI‐COR infrared gas analyzer was used to quantify CO2 released. DOC was extracted by water and quantified by a Shimadzu TOC‐VCPH. Changes in chemical composition of the DOC were followed during decomposition using electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT‐ICR‐MS). The initial DOC was 67% lignin‐like, and 6.5% N‐containing aliphatic material (number‐averaged formula distribution). The contribution of N‐containing aliphatics to total DOC declined to 0.2% by 48 h, although the amount of DOC declined only 34% by 48 h. The lignin‐like material increased to 76% of the total DOC by 48 h of incubation, suggesting it is less microbially available than other DOC constituents. The decline in CO2 release rate was related to the loss of readily mineralizable N‐containing compounds rather than to total DOC, supporting the use of the CO2 flush as an indicator of mineralizable N. Further studies designed to elucidate the biological and abiotic mechanisms controlling the CO2 flush will improve its usefulness as a soil health indicator.
Soil mass and volume affect soil‐test biological activity estimates
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J.
Published: January 2020

Soil‐test biological activity is a key indicator for soil health assessment. Methodological details may affect accuracy and precision of this indicator. Accuracy and precision of soil‐test biological activity estimates were determined for 10 replications of 10 mass and volume treatments under standard laboratory conditions using an alkali trap technique with acid titration. Five soils varying in texture and organic C and N concentrations were used to assess a gradient of soil mass and volume conditions on C mineralization following rewetting of dried soil during 0–3, 3–10, and 10–24 d of incubation at 50% water‐filled pore space and 25°C. Soil type explained ≥90% of variation in C mineralization, but soil mass and volume treatments also had significant effects on estimates (p < .001). In sets of treatments with the same surface area exposed, increasing soil volume led to lower C mineralization across soil types. Entrapment of CO2in soil pores may have been the main reason for lower C mineralization, since the effect diminished over time. Treatments with 50 to 100 g of soil were nearest the median estimates of C mineralization for each soil. Precision of C mineralization estimates was greatest when soil mass was ≥50 g of soil. A consistent surface area‐to‐volume of ∼0.2 cm−1is suggested with sufficient soil mass to account for potentially enhanced random variation of C‐enriched surface soils.
A simple real‐time frequency scaling technique for rain attenuation and its performance
Authors: Acharya Rajat
Published: January 2020

A new algorithm has been proposed for frequency scaling of rain attenuation. It uses the real‐time estimates of a spatial variation index in the rain rate profile suggested in simple atmospheric model (SAM) to obtain the scaled attenuation. Measured data are used to validate the algorithm which showed a typical accuracy of better than 2.5 dB for 95% confidence. The time profile of a model parameter derived from measured values has also been effectively utilized to envisage the rain cell movement, particularly for high elevation conditions. Simulated data with predefined rain rate profiles were also used for validations. The relative contributions of the model error and the measurement noise to the final error were obtained. The errors are attributed to the modelling mismatch and intermediate parameter estimation error. The estimation accuracy of the algorithm was found to worsen with reducing elevation. The overall error remains within 3 dB for 0.5 dB of measurement noise and up to lowest elevation of 30°. The simple approach of the model in conjunction with the adequate accuracy makes this algorithm a potential candidate to be used for real‐time open‐loop fade mitigation.
Reprogramming of human fibroblasts into osteoblasts by insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7
Authors: Lu ZuFu , Chiu Joyce , Lee Lucinda R. , Schindeler Aaron , Jackson Miriam , Ramaswamy Yogambha , Dunstan Colin R. , Hogg Philip J. , Zreiqat Hala
Published: January 2020

The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) is a promising cell source for tissue regeneration. However, the therapeutic value of iPSC technology is limited due to the complexity of induction protocols and potential risks of teratoma formation. A trans-differentiation approach employing natural factors may allow better control over reprogramming and improved safety. We report here a novel approach to drive trans-differentiation of human fibroblasts into functional osteoblasts using insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7). We initially determined that media conditioned by human osteoblasts can induce reprogramming of human fibroblasts to functional osteoblasts. Proteomic analysis identified IGFBP7 as being significantly elevated in media conditioned with osteoblasts compared with those with fibroblasts. Recombinant IGFBP7 induced a phenotypic switch from fibroblasts to osteoblasts. The switch was associated with senescence and dependent on autocrine IL-6 signaling. Our study supports a novel strategy for regenerating bone by using IGFBP7 to trans-differentiate fibroblasts to osteoblasts.

Significance statement Bone tissue engineering is a growing field, where cell therapies have considerable translational potential. Current cell-based approaches are constrained by a limited capacity to harvest osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and a poor osteogenic potential of isolated patient fibroblasts. This study describes an innovative approach for promoting the trans-differentiation of human fibroblasts into functional osteoblasts using a single naturally bioactive protein, insulin growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7). This approach will have significant advantages over other commonly used cell sources, including iPSCs and adult mesenchymal stem cells, and will potentially lead to a shift in the current paradigm of bone regenerative medicine.
Influence of silica nanoparticles on cadmium‐induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in human liver HepG2 cells
Authors: Ahamed Maqusood , Akhtar Mohd Javed , Alhadlaq Hisham A.
Published: January 2020

Extensive application of amorphous silica nanoparticles (Si NPs) and ubiquitous cadmium (Cd) may increase their chances of coexposure to humans. Studies on combined effects of Si NPs and Cd in human cells are very limited. We investigated the potential mechanism of toxicity caused by coexposure of amorphous Si NPs and Cd in human liver (HepG2) cells. Results showed that Si NPs were not toxic to HepG2. However, Cd induced significant toxicity in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, we observed that a noncytotoxic concentration of Si NPs potentiated the cytotoxicity of Cd in HepG2 cells. We further noticed that coexposure of Si NPs and Cd augmented oxidative stress evidenced by the generation of oxidants (reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation) and depletion of antioxidants (glutathione level and antioxidant enzyme activity). Coexposure of Si NPs and Cd also augmented mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis in HepG2 cells indicated by altered regulation of apoptotic genes (p53, bax, bcl‐2, caspase‐3, and caspase‐9) along with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Interaction data indicated that Si NPs facilitate the cellular uptake of Cd due to its strong adsorption on the surface of Si NPs. Hence, Si NPs increased the bioaccumulation and toxicity of Cd in HepG2 cells. This study warrants further research to explore the potential mechanisms of combined toxicity of Si NPs and Cd in animal models.
Factorization theory in commutative monoids
Authors: Geroldinger Alfred , Zhong Qinghai
Published: January 2020

This is a survey on factorization theory. We discuss finitely generated monoids (including affine monoids), primary monoids (including numerical monoids), power sets with set addition, Krull monoids and their various generalizations, and the multiplicative monoids of domains (including Krull domains, rings of integer-valued polynomials, orders in algebraic number fields) and of their ideals. We offer examples for all these classes of monoids and discuss their main arithmetical finiteness properties. These describe the structure of their sets of lengths, of the unions of sets of lengths, and their catenary degrees. We also provide examples where these finiteness properties do not hold.