bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes on the induction of mouse tolerogenic dendritic cells
Authors: Shahir Mehri , Mahmoud Hashemi Seyed , Asadirad Ali , Varahram Mohammad , Kazempour‐Dizaji Mehdi , Folkerts Gert , Garssen Johan , Adcock Ian , Mortaz Esmaeil
Published: February 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate innate inflammatory responses and adaptive immunity through T‐cell activation via direct cell–cell interactions and/or cytokine production. Tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) help maintain immunological tolerance through the induction of T‐cell unresponsiveness or apoptosis, and generation of regulatory T cells. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent cells located within the stroma of bone marrow (BM), but they can be isolated from virtually all organs. Extracellular vesicles and exosomes are released from inflammatory cells and act as messengers enabling communication between cells. To investigate the effects of MSC‐derived exosomes on the induction of mouse tolDCs, murine adipose‐derived MSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 mice and exosomes isolated by ExoQuick‐TC kits. BM‐derived DCs (BMDCs) were prepared and cocultured with MSCs‐derived exosomes (100 μg/ml) for 72 hr. Mature BMDCs were derived by adding lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.1μg/ml) at Day 8 for 24 hr. The study groups were divided into (a) immature DC (iDC, Ctrl), (b) iDC + exosome (Exo), (c) iDC + LPS (LPS), and (d) iDC + exosome + LPS (EXO + LPS). Expression of CD11c, CD83, CD86, CD40, and MHCII on DCs was analyzed at Day 9. DC proliferation was assessed by coculture with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester‐labeled BALB/C‐derived splenocytes p. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐10, and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) release were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. MSC‐derived exosomes decrease DC surface marker expression in cells treated with LPS, compared with control cells ( ≤ .05). MSC‐derived exosomes decrease IL‐6 release but augment IL‐10 and TGF‐β release (p ≤ .05). Lymphocyte proliferation was decreased (p ≤ .05) in the presence of DCs treated with MSC‐derived exosomes. CMSC‐derived exosomes suppress the maturation of BMDCs, suggesting that they may be important modulators of DC‐induced immune responses.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Before ICU Admission Is Not Associated With Mortality of Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Shi Lin , Zhang Dan
Published: February 2020

Some studies have shown that the long‐term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is associated with many adverse events that may increase mortality; however, the relationship between premorbid PPI use and in‐hospital mortality has yet to be validated in critically ill patients. Therefore, we performed this study to determine whether the preadmission use of PPIs is associated with mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. This was a retrospective study with a large and freely accessible database in critical‐care medicine (the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III project). The clinical data and outcomes of 17 473 patients, consisting of 1895 in the PPI group, 514 in the H2‐receptor antagonist group, and 15 064 control subjects, were collected during their hospital stay. The study outcome was in‐hospital mortality. A total of 17 473 patients were included in our study. PPI use was associated with significantly increased in‐hospital mortality in the original model without adjustment for any parameters (odds ratio 1.19; 95%CI 1.03‐1.38; P = .02). However, after adjustments had been made for age, sex, Elixhauser score, Simplified Acute Physiology Score, laboratory results, vasopressor use, ventilator use, and other parameters, PPIs were not associated with significantly increased in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.04; 95%CI 0.87‐1.26; P = .614). In the subgroup analysis among patients with renal or liver disease, we still found that PPIs were not associated with a significant increase in in‐hospital mortality. We found no association between PPI use before ICU admission and increased in‐hospital mortality in critically ill patients compared with control subjects.
Positively curved graphs
Authors: Yancey Matthew P.
Published: February 2020

This paper consists of two halves. In the first half of the paper, we consider real‐valued functions f whose domain is the vertex set of a graph G and that are Lipschitz with respect to the graph distance. By placing a uniform distribution on the vertex set, we treat as a random variable. We investigate the link between the isoperimetric function of G and the functions f that have maximum variance or meet the bound established by the subgaussian inequality. We present several results describing the extremal functions, and use those results to (a) resolve a conjecture by Bobkov, Houdré, and Tetali characterizing the extremal functions of the subgaussian inequality of the odd cycle and (b) provide a construction that gives a partial negative answer to a question by Alon, Boppana, and Spencer on the relationship between maximum variance functions and the isoperimetric function of product graphs. While establishing a discrete analogue of the curved Brunn‐Minkowski inequality for the discrete hypercube, Ollivier and Villani suggested several avenues for research. We resolve them in the second half of the paper as follows:

They propose that a bound on t‐midpoints can be obtained by repeated application of the bound on midpoints, if the original sets are convex. We construct a specific example where this reasoning fails, and then prove our construction is general by characterizing the convex sets in the discrete hypercube.

A second proposed technique to bound t‐midpoints involves new results in concentration of measure. We follow through on this proposal, with heavy use on results from the first half of the paper.

We show that the curvature of the discrete hypercube is not positive or zero, but we also give a result indicating that it may satisfy a weaker version of curvature.
Communicating traumatic pathology to ensure shared understanding: is there a recipe for the perfect preliminary image evaluation?
Authors: Cooper Emma , Neep Michael J. , Eastgate Patrick
Published: February 2020

Medical imaging and emergency departments work collaboratively to interpret trauma radiographs. In addition to accurate radiographic interpretation, clear communication is crucial to ensure appropriate and timely management of musculoskeletal injuries. This two‐step ‘how to guide’ provides the reviewer with a recipe for effectively evaluating trauma radiographs for traumatic pathology and succinctly documenting the findings. Step 1 is a systematic search of the radiograph: soft tissues, bones, alignment of joints and satisfaction of search (SBASS). Utilising SBASS increases reviewer confidence in identifying traumatic pathology of the appendicular and axial skeleton. Step 2 is a streamlined communication model for the documentation of pathological findings. The WWW acronym (What is it? Where is it? What is it doing?) can be adapted to describe simple or complex traumatic pathology.
A translational motion compensation technique for inverse synthetic aperture radar images using multi‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Yigit Enes
Published: February 2020

In this study, a novel multi‐objective (MO) motion compensation (MC) technique is proposed to clear blur effects in the inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) images resulted by the translational motion of the target. Thanks to the MO particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the velocity and acceleration of the target which minimize the entropy and maximize the contrast of the ISAR image are optimally determined. In order to find an optimal solution from trade‐off solutions between entropy and contrast, Pareto front technique is exploited. To demonstrate the performance of the algorithm, the proposed method is implemented for the four ISAR scenarios reported elsewhere, and compared with the single‐objective meta‐heuristic optimization algorithms (artificial bee colony, genetic algorithm, and PSO with island model) implemented in the literature. Furthermore, the accuracy of the proposed technique is numerically pointed out by comparing the entropy and contrast values of each scenarios with the actual values. The results obviously indicate that the proposed MO MC technique is very successful and efficient compared to single‐objective algorithms and performance of the technique is higher than the other methods as the velocity and the acceleration increases.
A robust optimization model for affine/quadratic flow thinning: A traffic protection mechanism for networks with variable link capacity
Authors: Kalesnikau Ilya , Pióro Michał , Poss Michael , Nace Dritan , Tomaszewski Artur
Published: February 2020

Flow thinning (FT) is a traffic protection mechanism for communication networks with variable link capacities, for example wireless networks. With FT, end‐to‐end traffic demands use dedicated logical tunnels, for example MPLS tunnels, whose nominal capacity is subject to thinning in order to follow fluctuations in link capacities availability. Moreover, instantaneous traffic of each demand is throttled at its originating node accordingly to the current total capacity available on the demand's dedicated tunnels so that the network is always capable of carrying the admitted traffic. In this paper, we deal with efficient, implementable versions of FT, referred to as affine FT (AFT) and quadratic FT (QFT). By deriving appropriate link availability state and path generation algorithms, we show how real‐life network dimensioning problems for AFT/QFT can be efficiently treated using a proper characterization of the network link availability states. Results of a numerical study illustrate tractability of the cost minimization problems, and assess efficiency of AFT/QFT as compared with other protection mechanisms.
Multiphase hybrid stress finite element analysis of heterogeneous media by simple mesh: One element with one interface
Authors: Zhang Rui , Guo Ran
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a finite element method is proposed to analyze the microscopic and macroscopic mechanical behaviors of heterogeneous media with randomly distributed inclusions. A simple mesh partitioned the domain into regular quadrilateral or triangular elements, where one element may contain two phases. An assumed stress hybrid formulation is implemented in the finite element model and the functional is derived for an element containing two phases. Numerical examples were used to study the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the composites, such as the effective modulus, to validate of the proposed model. The results show that the proposed multiphase hybrid stress finite element model can accurately measure the stress fields of materials with arbitrary microstructural distributions and improve computational efficiency by about 30 to 1500 times in comparison with the traditional displacement based finite element method.
Preorganization: A Powerful Tool in Intermolecular Halogen Bonding in Solution
Authors: Voelkel Martin H. H. , Wonner Patrick , Huber Stefan Matthias
Published: February 2020

Preorganization is a powerful tool in supramolecular chemistry which has been utilized successfully in intra‐ and intermolecular halogen bonding. In previous work, we had developed a bidentate bis(iodobenzimidazolium)‐based halogen bond donor which featured a central trifluoromethyl substituent. This compound showed a markedly increased catalytic activity compared to unsubstituted bis(iodoimidazolium)‐based Lewis acids, which could be explained either by electronic effects (the electron withdrawal by the fluorinated substituent) or by preorganization (the hindered rotation of the halogen bonding moieties). Herein, we systematically investigate the origin of this increased Lewis acidity via a comparison of the two types of compounds and their respective derivatives with or without the central trifluoromethyl group. Calorimetric measurements of halide complexations indicated that preorganization is the main reason for the higher halogen bonding strength. The performance of the catalysts in a series of benchmark reactions corroborates this finding.
Acetaminophen‐induced atypical Stevens‐Johnson syndrome in a patient with acute oral bacterial infection: A case report and literature review
Authors: Goto Takahiro , Yamashiro Atsushi , Maruyama Nobuyuki , Hirano Fusahiro , Nakasone Toshiyuki , Nishihara Kazuhide
Published: February 2020

Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but fatal disease and is characterized by various clinical symptoms, including acute inflammatory vesiculobullous lesion of skin, oral cavity, ocular surface, genitals, etc Drugs, such as anti‐epileptic drugs, antibiotics, pain killers/antipyretics, and/or bacterial infections have been widely known to cause SJS. Herein, we report a 40‐year‐old man with atypical SJS caused by acetaminophen, which was used for treating an acute odontogenic infection. The patient presented with several risk factors associated with SJS; thus, careful monitoring of the patient's drug history is mandatory to treat acute inflammation in the oral cavity.
Public affairs in Australia: Evolving and enhancing corporate performance
Authors: Allen Geoff
Published: February 2020

This article is an attempt to provide a helicopter view of the influences and responses that have shaped the corporate public affairs function over four decades from non‐existence to an important and settled profession in Australia's major companies. It reflects the perceptions and experiences of an observer with a background in public administration, politics, academia, industry association leadership, and consulting to companies and industry organisations over that period. They are further informed by surveys and other studies conducted by the organisation supporting public affairs departments, the Australian Centre for Corporate Public Affairs (the Centre) since its inception in 1990. The article charts the emergence from two distinct, low level management silos—one supporting communications and the other, government affairs—to create an integrated strategic management function. The central story is of waves of innovation in concepts and practices, developed mainly overseas, being embraced with enthusiasm and becoming a dominant focus, before settling into the broad toolbox of public affairs. This occurred particularly in the period 1990–2005 during which the function took its shape. With such a broad and ambitious sweep, it is inevitable that bold generalisations begging exceptions must be made.
Polypharmacy in a semirural community in Chile: Results from Maule Cohort
Authors: Oyarzún‐González Ximena , Ferreccio Catterina , Abner Erin L. , Vargas Claudio , Huidobro Andrea , Toro Pablo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Although polypharmacy in younger populations is a growing public health concern, most studies addressing polypharmacy focus on elderly populations. Thus, polypharmacy is not yet well understood in younger populations.

Methods

Baseline data from the Maule Cohort (MAUCO) (adults aged 38‐74 years) were used to study the prevalence of polypharmacy and associated participant characteristics using logistic and zero‐inflated negative binomial regressions. Factors studied include age, sex, self‐rated health, education, smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.

Results

Polypharmacy was reported by 10% of participants overall, with higher prevalence among older (≥60 years) vs middle aged (<60 years) participants (overall: 20.9% vs 6.0%, P < .0001; for those reporting any medication use: 30.2% vs 15.9%, P < .0001). Middle‐aged adults reported different patterns of medication use by polypharmacy status, while older adults reported similar medication use patterns regardless of polypharmacy. Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, hypothyroidism, and osteomuscular diseases were significantly associated with polypharmacy. Analyses also revealed that there are MAUCO participants who are potentially being undertreated for conditions like depression.

Conclusions

Research into medication use among younger and middle‐aged adults and development of possible tools to deprescribe medications in this population are warranted. However, it is important that patients who need treatment receive it, and so both potential overtreatment and undertreatment need further study in this population.
Involvement of five catalytically active Arabidopsis β‐amylases in leaf starch metabolism and plant growth
Authors: Monroe Jonathan D.
Published: February 2020

Starch degradation in chloroplasts requires β‐amylase (BAM) activity, but in Arabidopsis, there are nine BAM proteins, five of which are thought to be catalytic. Although single‐gene knockouts revealed the necessity of BAM3 for starch degradation, contributions of other BAMs are poorly understood. Moreover, it is not possible to detect the contribution of individual BAMs in plants containing multiple active BAMs. Therefore, we constructed a set of five quadruple mutants each expressing only one catalytically active BAM, and a quintuple mutant missing all of these BAMs (B‐Null). Using these mutants, we assessed the influence of each individual BAM on plant growth and on leaf starch degradation. Both BAM1 and BAM3 alone support wild‐type (WT) levels of growth. BAM3 alone is sufficient to degrade leaf starch completely whereas BAM1 alone can only partially degrade leaf starch. In contrast, BAM2, BAM5, and BAM6 have no detectable effect on starch degradation or plant growth, being comparable with the B‐Null plants. B‐Null plant extracts contained no measurable amylase activity, whereas BAM3 and BAM1 contributed about 70% and 14% of the WT activity, respectively. BAM2 activity was low but detectable and BAM6 contributed no measurable activity. Interestingly, activity of BAM1 and BAM3 in the mutants varied little developmentally or diurnally, and did not increase appreciably in response to osmotic or cold stress. With these genetic lines, we now have new opportunities to investigate members of this diverse gene family.
Direct ring‐open mechanism of pyridine formation by replacement of one carbon in benzene with one nitrogen atom
Authors: Lu Haoyun , Qian Mengqi , Wang Qiang , Yang Yanhui
Published: February 2020

It is hardly replaced one carbon in benzene with other heteroatom by direct breaking of the particularly strong C=C bond in benzene not only due to the high dissociation energy of benzene ring but also due to more limit to the C–H activation. Direct ring‐open of benzene has been mainly limited to the high dissociation energy. In our former research, we have found an ion‐molecule reaction via simple replacement of one carbon in benzene with nitrogen atom. But the reaction mechanism still remains unresolved. Herein, we demonstrate the direct ring‐open mechanism in benzene through theoretical study of potential energy surface, in which benzene attacked by H2NO2+ ion with the formation of pyridine. Reaction mechanisms have been confirmed that ring‐open in benzene involves two steps that include attacking reaction and isomerization process. It is found that H2NO2+ ion trend to attack benzene with dissociation of H2O firstly. The isomerization process happens is most favorable in the evolution potential energy surface of the isomer C6H5N(H)O+. It has been verified of the theory, which is consistent with the experiment. The mechanism derived from this study may provide guidance for promoting the reaction yield and selectivity of aromatics ring‐open reaction.
Body image mediates the effect of stoma status on psychological distress and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Song Lili , Han Xinkun , Zhang Jie , Tang Lili
Published: February 2020

Objective

We investigated the effect of stoma status (permanent stoma, temporary stoma, or non‐stoma) on psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) in Chinese patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the early postoperative stage. We also investigated whether body image mediated the association between stoma status and psychological distress and QOL.

Methods

A convenience sample of 282 CRC patients 1 to 2 weeks postsurgery participated in an observational, cross‐sectional study. Participants completed the following self‐report measures: Body Image Scale, Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Core Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Results

The temporary stoma group (TS) and the permanent stoma group (PS) reported worse body image and higher levels of anxiety and depression than the non‐stoma group (P < .05). PS reported worse body image than TS (P < .01). Depression and significant body image problems were more prevalent in PS than in TS (P < .05). Stoma status was the strongest factor associated with body image, distress, and depression (P < .05). CRC patients who were younger or in later clinical stages had poorer body image. Body image fully mediated the effect of stoma status on anxiety, depression, and global QOL in PS and TS, but mediated the effect on distress only in PS.

Conclusions

Body image problems are common in stoma patients in the early postoperative stage and require early assessment. This study helps to elucidate the role of body image as a mediator. Longitudinal studies are needed to further explore body image distress trajectories.
Intergenerational perspectives on refugee children and youth's adaptation to life in Norway
Authors: Daniel Marguerite , Ottemöller Fungisai Gwanzura , Katisi Masego , Hollekim Ragnhild , Tesfazghi Zebib Zemichael
Published: February 2020

Refugees from the Global South face many challenges when they arrive in Europe, not least having their subjectivities and beliefs questioned as part of requests for them to adapt to the norms of the destination context. Although there has been much critical research on migrant integration and adaptation, few of these studies have used an intergenerational lens to investigate the experiences of refugee children and youth. This article addresses this research gap using a social navigation theoretical framework and qualitative data obtained from focus group discussions with Eritrean and Afghan unaccompanied minors, young adults, and parents. The findings demonstrate how challenges and resources associated with adaptation identified across generations were related to (a) the frequency and nature of interactions between refugees, their compatriots, and Norwegians; (b) learning the Norwegian language; (c) comprehension of Norway's bureaucratic welfare systems; and (d) accepting Norwegian cultural values while maintaining transnational cultural ties. Notably, unaccompanied minors, young adults, and parents all navigated dual cultures as part of efforts to achieve normative Norwegian markers of successful migrant adaptation. Significantly, the older generational groups had the most difficulty “breaking” into Norwegian society. Overall, it is argued that to understand better the challenges migrants face when they are required to adapt to a new life in a destination context and the implications of these challenges for their aspirations, it is important to include both a focus on how they move through the society (social navigation) and the interactivity between generations (intergenerational perspective).
Trends in sustainable architectural design in the United Kingdom: A Delphi study
Authors: Grover Robert , Emmitt Stephen , Copping Alexander
Published: February 2020

Despite the prevalence of sustainable and green building in the United Kingdom, there is little agreement on what is required to achieve this status. This research seeks consensus among expert sustainable architects in the United Kingdom on the relative importance of a range of factors in facilitating a sustainable built environment. It identifies key differentiating factors to provide an original typology of sustainable practice. A Delphi technique was used to engage a variety of geographically separated participant in a managed dialogue to achieve consensus. The technique used novel survey techniques and statistical analysis to create a series of parallel sample groups. Thirty practices took part in the study, forming three distinct groups differentiated by contrasting viewpoints. Individual groups were characterised by varying attitudes towards measurability, nature, user focus, and local issues. However, the research found that carbon reduction through fabric first approaches were universally prioritised by all groups to achieve sustainable design. This highlights the limited scope of sustainable design in the United Kingdom, and a tendency to favour global sustainability concerns over more local and regional challenges. This research has significance for professional organisations and policymakers who can shape practice, both in the United Kingdom and internationally. It also has consequences for architectural education as it emphasises the perceived relative importance of these factors in the creation of the built environment.
Comparing a multivariate response Bayesian random effects logistic regression model with a latent variable item response theory model for provider profiling on multiple binary indicators simultaneously
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Lee Douglas S. , Leckie George
Published: February 2020

Provider profiling entails comparing the performance of hospitals on indicators of quality of care. Many common indicators of healthcare quality are binary (eg, short‐term mortality, use of appropriate medications). Typically, provider profiling examines the variation in each indicator in isolation across hospitals. We developed Bayesian multivariate response random effects logistic regression models that allow one to simultaneously examine variation and covariation in multiple binary indicators across hospitals. Use of this model allows for (i) determining the probability that a hospital has poor performance on a single indicator; (ii) determining the probability that a hospital has poor performance on multiple indicators simultaneously; (iii) determining, by using the Mahalanobis distance, how far the performance of a given hospital is from that of an average hospital. We illustrate the utility of the method by applying it to 10 881 patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction at 102 hospitals. We considered six binary patient‐level indicators of quality of care: use of reperfusion, assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction, measurement of cardiac troponins, use of acetylsalicylic acid within 6 hours of hospital arrival, use of beta‐blockers within 12 hours of hospital arrival, and survival to 30 days after hospital admission. When considering the five measures evaluating processes of care, we found that there was a strong correlation between a hospital's performance on one indicator and its performance on a second indicator for five of the 10 possible comparisons. We compared inferences made using this approach with those obtained using a latent variable item response theory model.
Relation between Fluorescence Quantum Yield and Open‐Circuit Voltage in Complete Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kramarenko Mariia , Ferreira Catarina G. , Martínez-Denegri Guillermo , Sansierra Constanza , Toudert Johann , Martorell Jordi
Published: February 2020

Bringing the Voc of a perovskite solar cell toward its radiative value, corresponding to a 100% external fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of the cell, has been pursued to reach the highest performance photovoltaic devices. Therefore, much research has been focused on maximizing the QY of the active layer isolated from the rest of the cell layers. However, such quantity does not often correlate with the Voc following the ideal diode relation. Herein, the QYs of complete FA0.8MA0.2PbI3−yBry solar cells are reported, ranging from 0.1% to 3%, and compared with their Vocs, ranging from 1 to 1.13 V. By combining these measurements with electromagnetic simulations based on a full‐wavevector detailed balance and a fluorescence power‐loss model, it is demonstrated that a nonoptimal Voc in mixed‐cation lead halide perovskite cells is not only due to nonradiative photocarrier recombination at traps. In addition to the expected parasitic absorption of the emitted photons in the electrode layers, discrepancies appear between Voc and QY. These discrepancies are attributed to the rise of energy barriers, a side effect of trap removal. Indeed, although surface passivation may enhance the QY, its beneficial effect may be counterbalanced by the emergence of such barriers between active and charge‐transporting layers.
A metaheuristic optimization approach for energy efficiency in the IoT networks
Authors: Iwendi Celestine , Maddikunta Praveen Kumar Reddy , Gadekallu Thippa Reddy , Lakshmanna Kuruva , Bashir Ali Kashif , Piran Md. Jalil
Published: February 2020

Recently Internet of Things (IoT) is being used in several fields like smart city, agriculture, weather forecasting, smart grids, waste management, etc. Even though IoT has huge potential in several applications, there are some areas for improvement. In the current work, we have concentrated on minimizing the energy consumption of sensors in the IoT network that will lead to an increase in the network lifetime. In this work, to optimize the energy consumption, most appropriate Cluster Head (CH) is chosen in the IoT network. The proposed work makes use of a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm, namely, Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) with Simulated Annealing (SA). To select the optimal CH in the clusters of IoT network, several performance metrics such as the number of alive nodes, load, temperature, residual energy, cost function have been used. The proposed approach is then compared with several state‐of‐the‐art optimization algorithms like Artificial Bee Colony algorithm, Genetic Algorithm, Adaptive Gravitational Search algorithm, WOA. The results prove the superiority of the proposed hybrid approach over existing approaches.
A real‐time attack defense framework for 5G network slicing
Authors: Bonfim Michel , Santos Marcelo , Dias Kelvin , Fernandes Stênio
Published: February 2020

Network Slicing (NS) is a key enabler to support 5G network services on‐demand. However, since NS is a result of the recent advancement in Software‐Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualization, it introduces new security issues which include attacks against an NS instance within an operator network and interslice security threats. In this scenario, identifying and mitigating attacks in real‐time is of paramount importance to improve security aspects. However, it is far from being straightforward. Therefore, this work proposes the FrameRTP4, a P4‐based framework that aims to deliver real‐time attack detection and mitigation mechanisms in 5G NS scenarios. For this, it provides a P4‐based switch that implements an Service Function Chaining protocol layer, an efficient and scalable Access Control List for the detection and mitigation of known attacks, and a monitoring system aiming to reduce the overhead induced on the control channel. Furthermore, it delivers an orchestrator that aims to control all switches in order to enable lifecycle management of NS instances and P4 table rules. Besides, it also performs some autonomous tasks such as the wildcard rules generation and the detection of new threats by using machine learning algorithms. Preliminary results point to the potential benefits of FrameRTP4 to be part of a 5G NS infrastructure.
Smolt Transportation Influences Straying of Wild and Hatchery Snake River Steelhead into the John Day River
Authors: Tattam Ian A. , Ruzycki James R.
Published: February 2020

Barge transportation of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss smolts through the Snake and Columbia rivers can increase the probability of straying by returning adults at the individual scale. However, the effect of barge transportation on a major population group has not been evaluated. We estimated the proportion of hatchery‐origin steelhead spawners present in the John Day River from 2004 to 2018 via observation of adults on spawning ground surveys and in traps. Despite no hatchery releases within the John Day River, up to 42% of the observed spawners in nature were of hatchery origin. The proportion of hatchery‐origin spawners in the John Day River was best explained by the number of smolts that were barge transported from the Snake River 2–3 years prior to spawning and natural‐origin spawner abundance. At an individual scale, barged hatchery steelhead from the Snake River, when compared with hatchery and wild steelhead that were allowed to migrate in‐river as smolts, were 73 times more likely to be detected in the John Day River during their adult return migration. Barged hatchery and barged wild steelhead exhibited no difference in the probability of adult detection in the John Day River. Our study demonstrates how a salmonid recovery effort in one portion of the Columbia River basin had an unintended and potentially adverse impact on non‐target populations. To minimize stray spawners (both hatchery and wild) in the John Day River, transportation of Snake River steelhead smolts should replicate spawning years 2013–2018 (i.e., the 2010–2016 smolt cohorts), with transportation not beginning until May 1 and with the total number of transported hatchery smolts maintained at a level no greater than 2.3 million annually.
Home Energy Management Systems under Effects of Solar‐Battery Smart Inverter Functions
Authors: Dao Van Tu , Ishii Hideo , Takenobu Yuji , Yoshizawa Shinya , Hayashi Yasuhiro
Published: February 2020

Rooftop solar panels paired with home‐scale batteries are increasingly popular in the residential area and they bring a fantastic opportunity to households, considered as prosumers, to make benefits from trading electricity. Unlike research in the literature, we consider the trading with technical influences of utility requirements: Volt‐Watt and Volt‐Var functions. As possible active power curtailments may occur and lead to economic losses to households, our work reveals how a home energy management system (HEMS) maximizes profit from trading energy with an aggregator and an electricity retailer. Appropriate optimization problems are formulated with technical constraints, these functions, and home appliances. HEMS responses are optimized in two phases. The first phase is for planning an optimal day‐ahead energy commitment to the aggregator with a consideration of the predicted power curtailments. On the day of operation, the second phase tries to follow the commitment by reoptimizing the responses in the real condition. Simulation of a practical power system shows that addressing these functions can mitigate power curtailment, reduce economic loss, and improve home profits. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ratcheting up Rigor in Wildlife Management Decision Making
Authors: Fuller Angela K. , Decker Daniel J. , Schiavone Michael V. , Forstchen Ann B.
Published: February 2020

The wildlife management institution has been transforming to ensure relevance and positive conservation outcomes into the future. Continuous improvement of decision making is one aspect of this transformation. Managers and policy makers with responsibility for wildlife decisions have an exceedingly challenging job because the set of objectives they wish to achieve is so complex, multifaceted, and often contentious. Many wildlife management agencies desire decision‐making processes that are transparent, replicable, engage partners, and communicate effectively with the public. Using a decision science approach offers a framework to allow agencies to achieve these objectives so the decision‐making process is consistent with their desires. One can point to many excellent examples of formal decision science applications by state and federal agencies in the United States, but many obstacles hinder systematic approaches to decision making. We describe our observations—based on first‐hand experiences—with decision making in wildlife management, present reasons why making decisions is difficult, identify challenges faced by wildlife managers at various levels of governance, and address measures wildlife managers can employ to help overcome these challenges. We acknowledge that no panacea, simple recipe, or one‐size‐fits‐all prescription exists for wildlife management decision making. Nevertheless, we hope that by a) describing how a systematic decision science framework can help agencies achieve their objectives, while simultaneously benefiting stakeholders, managers, and conservation outcomes, and b) providing specific suggestions for overcoming challenges associated with decision making, we will help agencies in the midst of their challenges to improve decision‐making processes consistent with their objectives. © 2020 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Die Basiserhebung der NAKO Gesundheitsstudie: Teilnahme an den Untersuchungsmodulen, Qualitätssicherung und Nutzung von Sekundärdaten
Authors: Schipf Sabine , Schöne Gina , Schmidt Börge , Günther Kathrin , Stübs Gunthard , Greiser Karin H. , Bamberg Fabian , Meinke-Franze Claudia , Becher Heiko , Berger Klaus , Brenner Hermann , Castell Stefanie , Damms-Machado Antje , Fischer Beate , Franzke Claus-Werner , Fricke Julia , Gastell Sylvia , Günther Matthias , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Holleczek Bernd , Jaeschke Lina , Jagodzinski Annika , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Kaaks Rudolf , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Kemmling Yvonne , Kluttig Alexander , Krist Lilian , Kurth Bärbel , Kuß Oliver , Legath Nicole , Leitzmann Michael , Lieb Wolfgang , Linseisen Jakob , Löffler Markus , Michels Karin B. , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Pigeot Iris , Mueller Ulrich , Peters Annette , Rach Stefan , Schikowski Tamara , Schulze Matthias B. , Stallmann Christoph , Stang Andreas , Swart Enno , Waniek Sabine , Wirkner Kerstin , Völzke Henry , Pischon Tobias , Ahrens Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Die NAKO Gesundheitsstudie ist ein bundesweites interdisziplinäres Forschungsvorhaben mit dem Ziel, die Ursachen für chronische Krankheiten und deren vorklinische Stadien zu untersuchen. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über das Studiendesign, die Methoden, die Teilnahme an den Untersuchungen und ihre Qualitätssicherung zur Halbzeit der Basiserhebung.

Methoden

Für die Basiserhebung wurden mehr als 200.000 Frauen und Männer im Alter von 20–69 Jahren aus Zufallsstichproben der Allgemeinbevölkerung in 18 Studienzentren rekrutiert (2014–2019). Die Basiserhebung beinhaltet Untersuchungen, Befragungen und Biomaterialien für alle Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer (Level 1), ein erweitertes Programm für mindestens 20 % (Level 2) und eine Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) für 30.000 Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer. Sekundär- und Registerdaten werden über Krankheitsregister, Kranken- und Rentenversicherungen erhoben. Die Auswertung bezieht die Datenbasis zur Halbzeit der Basiserhebung mit 101.839 Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmern ein, davon 11.371 mit einer MRT-Untersuchung.

Ergebnisse

Die mittlere Responsequote zur Halbzeit betrug insgesamt 18 %. Die Teilnahme an den Untersuchungen lag überwiegend bei mehr als 95 %. Bei 96 % der MRT-Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer konnten alle 12 MRT-Sequenzen vollständig durchgeführt werden. Der Erschließung und wissenschaftlichen Nutzung ergänzender Sekundär- und Registerdaten stimmten mehr als 90 % der Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer zu.

Diskussion

Die Bereitschaft, möglichst alle Untersuchungsmodule durchzuführen, war trotz des zeitlichen Aufwandes außerordentlich hoch. Dadurch wird die NAKO zu einer zentralen Ressource für die epidemiologische Forschung in Deutschland. Sie wird es ermöglichen, neue Strategien zur Früherkennung, Vorhersage und Primärprävention chronischer Krankheiten zu entwickeln.
Formal analysis of the compact positionreporting algorithm
Authors: Dutle Aaron , Moscato Mariano , Titolo Laura , Muñoz César , Anderson Gregory , Bobot François
Published: February 2020

The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system allows aircraft to communicate current state information, including position and velocity messages, to other aircraft in their vicinity and to ground stations. The Compact Position Reporting (CPR) algorithm is the ADS-B protocol responsible for the encoding and decoding of aircraft positions. CPR is sensitive to computer arithmetic since it relies on functions that are intrinsically unstable such as floor and modulus. In this paper, a formal verification of the CPR algorithm is presented. In contrast to previous work, the algorithm presented here encompasses the entire range of message types supported by ADS-B. The paper also presents two implementations of the CPR algorithm, one in double-precision floating-point and one in 32-bit unsigned integers, which are both formally verified against the real-number algorithm. The verification proceeds in three steps. For each implementation, a version of CPR, which is simplified and manipulated to reduce numerical instability and leverage features of the datatypes, is proposed. Then, the Prototype Verification System (PVS) is used to formally prove real conformance properties, which assert that the ideal real-number counterpart of the improved algorithm is mathematically equivalent to the standard CPR definition. Finally, the static analyzer Frama-C is used to verify software conformance properties, which say that the software implementation of the improved algorithm is correct with respect to its idealized real-number counterpart. In concert, the two properties guarantee that the implementation meets the original specification. The two implementations will be included in the revised version of the ADS-B standards document as the reference implementation of the CPR algorithm.
[18F]Fluciclatide PET as a biomarker of response to combination therapy of pazopanib and paclitaxel in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer
Authors: Sharma Rohini , Valls Pablo Oriol , Inglese Marianna , Dubash Suraiya , Chen Michelle , Gabra Hani , Montes Ana , Challapalli Amarnath , Arshad Mubarik , Tharakan George , Chambers Ed , Cole Tom , Lozano-Kuehne Jingky P. , Barwick Tara D. , Aboagye Eric O.
Published: February 2020

Background

Angiogenesis is a driver of platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. We assessed the effect of combination pazopanib and paclitaxel followed by maintenance pazopanib in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer. Integrins αvβ3 and αvβ5 are both upregulated in tumor-associated vasculature. [18F]Fluciclatide is a novel PET tracer that has high affinity for integrins αvβ3/5, and was used to assess the anti-angiogenic effect of pazopanib.

Patients and methods

We conducted an open-label, phase Ib study in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer. Patients received 1 week of single-agent pazopanib (800 mg daily) followed by combination therapy with weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2). Following completion of 18 weeks of combination therapy, patients continued with single-agent pazopanib until disease progression. Dynamic [18F]fluciclatide-PET imaging was conducted at baseline and after 1 week of pazopanib. Response (RECIST 1.1), toxicities, and survival outcomes were recorded. Circulating markers of angiogenesis were assessed with therapy.

Results

Fourteen patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Complete and partial responses were seen in seven patients (54%). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.63 months, and overall survival (OS) was 18.5 months. Baseline [18F]fluciclatide uptake was predictive of long PFS. Elevated baseline circulating angiopoietin and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) were predictive of greater reduction in SUV60,mean following pazopanib. Kinetic modeling of PET data indicated a reduction in K1 and Ki following pazopanib indicating reduced radioligand delivery and retention.

Conclusions

Combination therapy followed by maintenance pazopanib is effective and tolerable in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer. [18F]Fluciclatide-PET uptake parameters predict clinical outcome with pazopanib therapy indicating an anti-angiogenic response.
The efficiency of 18F-FDG PET-CT for predicting the major pathologic response to the neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in resectable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tao Xiuli , Li Ning , Wu Ning , He Jie , Ying Jianming , Gao Shugeng , Wang Shuhang , Wang Jie , Wang Zhijie , Ling Yun , Tang Wei , Zhang Zewei
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Investigate whether 18F-FDG PET-CT has the potential to predict the major pathologic response (MPR) to neoadjuvant sintilimab in resectable NSCLC patients, and the potential of sifting patients who probably benefit from immunotherapy.

Methods

Treatment-naive patients with resectable NSCLC (stage IA–IIIB) received two cycles of sintilimab (200 mg, intravenously, day 1 and 22). Surgery was performed between day 29 and 43. PET-CT was obtained at baseline and prior to surgery. The following lean body mass–corrected metabolic parameters were calculated by PET VCAR: SULmax, SULpeak, MTV, TLG, ΔSULmax%, ΔSULpeak%, ΔMTV%, ΔTLG%. PET responses were classified using PERCIST. The above metabolic information on FDG-PET was correlated with the surgical pathology. (Registration Number: ChiCTR-OIC-17013726).

Results

Thirty-six patients received 2 doses of sintilimab, all of whom underwent PET-CT twice and had radical resection (35) or biopsy (1). MPR occurred in 13 of 36 resected tumors (36.1%, 13/36). The degree of pathological regression was positively correlated with SULmax (p = 0.036) of scan-1, and was negatively correlated with all metabolic parameters of scan-2, and the percentage changes of the metabolic parameters after neoadjuvant therapy (p < 0.05). According to PERCIST, 13 patients (36.1%, 13/36) showed partial metabolic response (PMR), 21 (58.3%, 21/36) had stable metabolic disease, and 2 (5.6%, 2/36) had progressive metabolic disease (PMD). There was a significant correlation between the pathological response and the PET responses which were classified using PERCIST. All (100.0%) the PMR (ΔSULpeak% < − 30.0%) tumors showed MPR.

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET-CT can predict MPR to neoadjuvant sintilimab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer.
Comparison of Hybrid Vascular Grafts and Standard Grafts in Terms of Kidney Injury for the Treatment of Thoraco‐Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Piffaretti Gabriele , Bellosta Raffaello , Bonardelli Stefano , Bush Ruth L. , Franchin Marco , Gelpi Guido , Tozzi Matteo
Published: February 2020

Background

We present a comparison of renal function outcomes during HTAR with the use of a new hybrid vascular graft (GHVG) or standard graft.

Methods

It is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study. Between January 2015 and March 2019, 36 patients were treated with HTAR. We compared HTAR performed with the use of the GHVG and with the use of standard bypass graft. Primary outcome measures were hospital mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI) at 30 days and GHVG patency.

Results

Mean GHVG ischemia time was significantly lower for both renal arteries (right: GHVG, 4 ± 2 vs. standard graft, 15 ± 7 min; 95% CI 2.23–6.69, P < 0.001; left: GHVG, 3 ± 2 vs. standard graft, 13 ± 7 min; 95% CI 2.44–5.03, P < 0.001). Hospital mortality was 17% (6/36); while mortality did not differ between the two groups, postoperative acute kidney injury rate was 30.5% (11/36 patients) and was more common in the standard graft group (7% vs. 29%; OR 3.2, P = 0.074). Estimated primary patency was 92% ± 2 (95% CI 79.5–97%) at 36 months and was not different between the two groups (GHVG 94% ± 6 vs. standard graft 91% ± 6; log‐rank χ2 = 0.260, P = 0.610).

Conclusions

In our experience of HTAR, ischemia time was significantly shorter and postoperative AKI occurrence was lower with GHVG if compared to standard graft bypass, with satisfactory midterm patency rate comparable to that of standard graft bypass.