bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formative peer assessment in healthcare education programmes: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Stenberg Marie , Mangrio Elisabeth , Bengtsson Mariette , Carlson Elisabeth
Published: November 2018

Introduction

In formative peer assessment, the students give and receive feedback from each other and expand their knowledge in a social context of interaction and collaboration. The ability to collaborate and communicate are essential parts of the healthcare professionals’ competence and delivery of safe patient care. Thereby, it is of utmost importance to support students with activities fostering these competences during their healthcare education. The aim of the scoping review is to compile research on peer assessment presented in healthcare education programmes, focusing formative assessment. The result of the scoping review will form the basis for developing and conducting an intervention focusing collaborative learning and peer assessment in a healthcare education programme.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will be conducted by using the framework presented by Arksey & O’Malley and Levacet al. The primary research question is: How are formative peer assessment interventions delivered in healthcare education? The literature search will be conducted in the peer-reviewed databases PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Education Research Complete and Education Research Centre between September and December 2018. Additional search will be performed in Google Scholar, hand-searching of reference lists of included studies and Libsearch for identification of grey literature. Two researchers will independently screen title and abstract. Full-text articles will be screened by three researchers using a charting form. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria will be critically evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. A flow diagram will present the included and excluded studies. A narrative synthesis will be conducted by using thematic analysis as presented by Braun and Clarke. The findings will be presented under thematic headings using a summary table. To enhance validity, stakeholders from healthcare education programmes and healthcare institutions will be provided with an overview of the preliminary results.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval is not required for the scoping review.
Coproducing healthcare service improvement for people with common mental health disorders including psychotic experiences: a study protocol of a multiperspective qualitative study
Authors: Georgiadis Alexandros , Duschinsky Robbie , Perez Jesus , Jones Peter B , Russo Debra , Knight Clare , Soneson Emma , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Some people, who have common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, also have some psychotic experiences. These individuals may experience a treatment gap: their symptoms neither reach the increasingly high threshold for secondary care, nor do they receive full benefit from current interventions offered by the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. The result may be poorer clinical and functional outcomes. A new talking therapy could potentially benefit this group. Informed by principles of coproduction, this study will seek the views of service users and staff to inform the design and development of such a therapy.

Methods and analysis

Semistructured interviews will be conducted with IAPT service users, therapists and managers based in three different geographical areas in England. Our sample will include (1) approximately 15 service users who will be receiving therapy or will have completed therapy at the time of recruitment, (2) approximately 15 service users who initiated treatment but withdrew, (3) approximately 15 therapists each with at least 4-month experience in a step-3 IAPT setting and (4) three IAPT managers. Data analysis will be based on the constant comparative method.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the London Harrow Research Ethics Committee (reference: 18/LO/0642), and all National Health Service Trusts have granted permissions to conduct the study. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals, and presented at academic conferences. We will also produce a ‘digest’ summary of the findings, which will be accessible, visual and freely available.
Plain tobacco packaging, increased graphic health warnings and adolescents’ perceptions and initiation of smoking: DePICT, a French nationwide study
Authors: El-Khoury Lesueur Fabienne , Bolze Camille , Gomajee Ramchandar , White Vicki , Melchior Maria
Published: November 2018

Background

Plain packaging (PP) of tobacco products and increased graphic warnings may contribute to lower attractiveness of smoking, particularly among youths. In France, this policy was introduced on 1 January 2017. We examined changes in smoking-related perceptions and behaviours among a nationwide sample of French adolescents before (2016) and 1 year post (2017) implementation.

Methods

DePICT is a two-wave cross-sectional national telephone survey of adolescents aged 12–17 years per study wave (2016: n=2046 2017: n=1999). All participants reported smoking-related perceptions, as well as ever and current tobacco use. Smokers were also asked about their perceptions of tobacco brands. Data were weighted to be representative of youths in the French population: adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs, 95% CI) estimating changes between the two study waves were calculated using multivariate log-binomial regression models.

Results

In 2017, as compared with 2016, French adolescents were more likely to report fear of the consequences of smoking (PR=1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.09) and that smoking is dangerous (PR=1.08, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.11). They were also less likely to report that their friends (PR=0.61, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.70) and family (PR=0.51, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.60) accept smoking. Additionally, smoking initiation significantly decreased (PR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.98) and a non-statistically significant drop in current tobacco use was observed (PR=0.93, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.11). Smokers’ attachment to their tobacco brand also decreased (PR=0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.73).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PP and increased graphic warnings could contribute to changes in smoking norms and rates among adolescents.
A survey of dairy cow farmers in the United Kingdom: knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding antimicrobial use and resistance
Authors: Higham Laura Elizabeth , Deakin Amanda , Tivey Emma , Porteus Vicky , Ridgway Stephen , Rayner Ann Catherine
Published: November 2018

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the most pressing challenges facing humanity. This survey of dairy cow farmers (n=372) was conducted to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices surrounding veterinary medicine use and to identify farmer‐led solutions to reducing, replacing and refining antimicrobial use. Antimicrobials were the most commonly reported veterinary medicines used. Twenty‐two per cent of the antibiotics used by dairy farmers contained a highest priority critically important active ingredient. Mastitis was rated as the most important health and welfare challenge and was the most common reason for medicine use. Frequency of veterinary contact was associated with a decrease in the use of antibiotic footbaths, more ‘responsible’ treatment choices and increased knowledge of AMR. Purchasing medicine from a vet practice rather than elsewhere was associated with an increased likelihood of disposing of waste milk responsibly. These findings highlight the important role of veterinarians in guiding responsible medicine use. Ninety per cent of participants stated that they were trying to reduce their antimicrobial use. Farmers suggested a wide array of alternative treatments and potential interventions for managing herd health. Findings from this project could be used to target education and training surrounding best practice, supporting the important role that farmers play in protecting public health.
How alcohol drinking affects our genes: an epigenetic point of view
Authors: Ciafrè Stefania , Carito Valentina , Ferraguti Giampiero , Greco Antonio , Chaldakov George N. , Fiore Marco , Ceccanti Mauro
Published: November 2018

This work highlights recent studies in epigenetic mechanisms that play a role in alcoholism, which is a complex multifactorial disorder. There is a large body of evidence showing that alcohol can modify gene expression through epigenetic processes, namely DNA methylation and nucleosomal remodeling via histone modifications. In that regard, chronic exposure to ethanol modifies DNA and histone methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA expression. The alcohol-mediated chromatin remodeling in the brain promotes the transition from use to abuse and addiction. Unravelling the multiplex pattern of molecular modifications induced by ethanol could support the development of new therapies for alcoholism and drug addiction targeting epigenetic processes.
Evaluation of equivalent hydraulic aperture (EHA) for rough rock fractures
Authors: Xiao Fei , Zhao Zhiye
Published: November 2018

Most existing models for fluid transportation within a single rock fracture tend to use a channel with two smooth parallel plates, whereas real fracture surfaces are usually rough and tortuous, which can produce a flow field significantly different from the smooth plate model. For fluid flow in a rough fracture, there are surface concave areas (SCA), where the fluid velocity is extremely low, contributing little to the fluid transportation. It is of great significance to quantitatively evaluate the impact of rough surfaces on fluid flow. Therefore, a numerical model for simulating Newtonian fluid through rough fractures is proposed, where synthetic surfaces are generated according to statistical analysis of natural rock fractures and can be quantified by several characteristic parameters. Equivalent hydraulic aperture (EHA) is proposed as one quantitative indicator for evaluating the impact of fracture roughness. Systematic studies were conducted for evaluating EHAs of rough fractures, which, combined with characteristic parameters of fractures, are used to build surrogate models for EHA prediction. It is found that the EHA is directly correlated with the fracture roughness, the mean mechanical aperture, and the standard deviation of aperture distribution. The developed surrogate models were verified to have a high accuracy for EHA prediction.
Impact of artificial reefs on sediment bacterial structure and function in Bohai Bay
Authors: Wang Yu , Sun Jinsheng , Fang Enjun , Guo Biao , Dai Yuanyuan , Gao Yan , Wang Hong , Zhang Xue , Xu Xiaofu , Yu Ying , Liu Kefeng
Published: November 2018

Artificial reefs have significantly altered ecological and environmental conditions compared with natural reefs, but how these changes affect sediment bacteria structure and function is unknown. Here, we compared the structure and function of the sediment bacterial community in the artificial reef area, the future artificial reef area, and the control area in Bohai Bay by 16S rRNA genes sequencing. Our results indicated that bacteria communities in the sediment were both taxonomically and functionally different between the reef area and control area. In the artificial reef area, the α-diversity was significantly lower, whereas the β-diversity was significantly higher. Functional genes related to chemo-heterotrophy, nitrate reduction, hydrocarbon degradation, and the human pathogens and human gut were more abundant, whereas genes related to the metabolism of sulfur compounds were less abundant in the artificial reef than in the control area. The differences in bacterial communities were primarily determined by depth in the artificial reef area, and by total organic carbon in the future reef area and control area. This study provides the first overview of molecular ecology to assess the impacts of artificial reefs on the bacteria community.
Preconditioning with atorvastatin against renal ischemia–reperfusion injury in nondiabetic versus diabetic rats
Authors: Hassan Sherif S. , Rizk Ayman , Thomann Charity , Motawie Ahmed , Abdelfattah Shereen , Ahmad Zulfiqar
Published: November 2018

Acute renal failure complicates renal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) owing to reactive oxygen species production. Atorvastatin (ATO) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The current study investigated whether ATO alleviated damage induced by renal I/R injury in nondiabetic versus diabetic rat models. Thirty-six rats were equally divided into 6 groups: group A1 (nondiabetic sham), group A2 (nondiabetic I/R), group A3 (nondiabetic ATO + I/R), group B1 (diabetic sham), group B2 (diabetic I/R), and group B3 (diabetic ATO + I/R). All groups experienced 45 min of bilateral renal ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Groups A3 and B3 were treated with single intraperitoneal doses of ATO (10 mg/kg) 30 min before ischemia. Histological analysis of kidney tissues, kidney function tests, and analyses of caspase-3 and CD44 expression and oxidative stress markers were performed to assess tubular injury. Histological analysis revealed marked tubular damage in groups A2 and B2 but improvement in groups A3 and B3. Improvements were also found in groups A3 and B3 for caspase-3 and CD44 expression, kidney function tests, and oxidative stress markers. Our results suggest ATO may ameliorate renal I/R injury differently between nondiabetic and diabetic rats.
Assessing plastic debris in aquatic food webs: what we know and don’t know about uptake and trophic transfer
Authors: Provencher J.F. , Ammendolia J. , Rochman C.M. , Mallory M.L.
Published: November 2018

Plastic pollution is now recognized as a global environmental issue that can affect the health of biota and ecosystems. Now that a growing number of species and taxa are known to ingest a diverse range of sizes and types of plastics and retain the plastics in their guts, there are increasing questions relating to the movement of plastics through food webs, and how biota may directly and indirectly ingest plastics. Here, we synthesize what is known from the published, peer-reviewed literature about plastic ingestion by animals and identify critical gaps in our knowledge. We systematically reviewed and examined the literature for studies that reported ingested plastics in marine and freshwater biota at a global scale. Our objective was to inform discussions and future studies regarding what we know about plastic ingestion and fate in food webs. We assessed what regions, ecosystems, and food webs have been studied to date and whether potential information may already be available to assess if trophic transfer of plastics may be occurring. We found 160 relevant publications through 2016. Most studies were concentrated in specific regions and in specific ecosystem types, with freshwater studies being the most limited. Moreover, most studies examined one species at a time with only a handful of regions with multiple taxa examined across multiple studies. Twenty-one percent of the regions have no published data on plastic ingestion to date. Although some studies have measured ingestion in multiple species across trophic levels, few have tested the hypothesis that plastics are transferred across trophic levels. Moreover, none have addressed questions related to biomagnification. While our review suggests that numerous papers have recorded the ingestion of plastics by biota across many trophic levels, habitats, and geographic regions, many questions regarding how or whether biota retain, bioaccumulate, biomagnify, and trophically transfer plastics still need to be addressed.
The spin and orbital contributions to magnetic dipole transitions
Authors: Kingan Arun , Quinonez Michael , Yu Xiaofei , Zamick Larry
Published: November 2018

In previous works, we examined the systematics of magnetic dipole transitions in a single j shell. We here extend the study to large space calculations. We consider the nuclei [Formula: see text]Ti, [Formula: see text]Ti and [Formula: see text]Cr. Of particular interest are the contributions to [Formula: see text] of the spin and orbital parts of the magnetic dipole operator. Whereas usual scissors mode analyses have as an initial state the [Formula: see text] ground state (of an even-even nucleus), we here start with the lowest [Formula: see text] state. This enables us to reach many more states, e.g., [Formula: see text] 1, and 2 and thus get a better picture of the collectivity of this state.
Secure Image Watermarking Based on LWT and SVD
Authors: Talbi Mourad , Bouhlel Med Salim
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, digital watermarking is employed for authentication and copyright protection. In this paper, a secure image watermarking scheme based on lifting wavelet transform (LWT) and singular value decomposition (SVD), is proposed. Both LWT and SVD are used as mathematical tools for embedding watermark in the host image. In this work, the watermark is a speech signal which is segmented into shorted portions having the same length. This length is equal to 256 and these different portions constitute the different columns of a speech image. The latter is then embedded into a grayscale or color image (the host image). This procedure is performed in order to insert into an image a confidential data which is in our case a speech signal. But instead of embedding this speech signal directly into the image, we transform it into a matrix and treated it as an image (“a speech image”). Of course, this speech signal transformation permits us to use LWT-2D and SVD to both the host image and the watermark (“a speech image”). The proposed technique is applied to a number of grayscale and color images. The obtained results from peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM) computations show the performance of the proposed technique. Experimental evaluation also shows that the proposed scheme is able to withstand a number of attacks such as JPEG compression, mean and median attacks. In our evaluation of the proposed technique, we used another technique of secure image watermarking based on DWT-2D and SVD.
A Robust Hybrid Filter Based on Evolutionary Intelligence and Fuzzy Evaluation
Authors: Salehi Hadi , Vahidi Javad , Motameni Homayun
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a novel denoising method based on wavelet, extended adaptive Wiener filter and the bilateral filter is proposed for digital images. Production of mode is accomplished by the genetic algorithm. The proposed extended adaptive Wiener filter has been developed from the adaptive Wiener filter. First, the genetic algorithm suggest some hybrid models. The attributes of images, including peak signal to noise ratio, signal to noise ratio and image quality assessment are studied. Then, in order to evaluate the model, the values of attributes are sent to the Fuzzy deduction system. Simulations and evaluations mentioned in this paper are accomplished on some standard images such as Lena, boy, fruit, mandrill, Barbara, butterfly, and boat. Next, weaker models are omitted by studying of the various models. Establishment of new generations performs in a form that a generation emendation is carried out, and final model has a more optimum quality compared to each two filters in order to obviate the noise. At the end, the results of this system are studied so that a comprehensive model with the best performance is to be found. Experiments show that the proposed method has better performance than wavelet, bilateral, Butterworth, and some other filters.
Development of a Conceptual Framework of Lean Construction Principles: An Input–Output Model
Authors: Bajjou Mohamed S. , Chafi Anas , Ennadi Abdelali
Published: November 2018

In the new global economy, Lean Construction has become an effective way to design construction systems, which aims at reducing all forms of waste and creating the maximum of value for the customer. However, previous studies have reported that there are various implementation approaches, and most construction practitioners have applied this management philosophy according to their own understanding of Lean Construction principles. The main aim of this study is to develop a conceptual model for a successful deployment of lean construction. In this paper, an original generic model has been proposed based on a rigorous analysis of six relevant Lean Construction models that have been designed, validated, and tested in several countries (USA, UK, Malaysia, Germany, and Brazil). The findings of this work show that there are nine main Lean Construction principles and which are: customer focus, supply, continuous improvement, waste elimination, people involvement, planning and scheduling, quality, standardization, and transparency. Moreover, these principles have been divided into 33 sub-principles based on an extensive literature review of reliable documents (research papers, review papers, books, conference papers, and thesis) that have been published between 1992 and 2017.
A Data Mining Based Dispatching Rules Selection System for the Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Zahmani M. Habib , Atmani B.
Published: November 2018

Identifying the best Dispatching Rule in order to minimize makespan in a Job Shop Scheduling Problem is a complex task, since no Dispatching Rule is better than all others in different scenarios, making the selection of a most effective rule which is time-consuming and costly. In this paper, a novel approach combining Data Mining, Simulation, and Dispatching Rules is proposed. The aim is to assign in real-time a set of Dispatching Rules to the machines on the shop floor while minimizing makespan. Experiments show that the suggested approach is effective and reduces the makespan within a range of 1–44%. Furthermore, this approach also reduces the required computation time by using Data Mining to determine and assign the best Dispatching Rules to machines.
Investigation on Cutting Forces and Surface Finish in Mechanical Micro Milling of Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Ray Debajyoti , Puri Asit Baran , Nagahanumaiah
Published: November 2018

Precision micro-component fabrication demands suitable manufacturing processes that ensure making of parts with good form and finish. Mechanical micro milling represents a flexible and powerful process that exhibits enhanced capability to create micro features. Bulk metallic glass (BMG) represents a young class of amorphous alloy material with superior mechanical and physical properties and finds appreciable micro scale applications like biomedical devices and implants, micro parts for sport items and various other micro- components. In the present work, an attempt has been made to analyze the influence of the cutting parameters like spindle speed, feed per tooth and axial depth of cut on the machinability of BMG, in mechanical micro-milling process. The micro-milling process performances have been evaluated concerning to cutting forces and surface roughness generated, by making full slots on the workpiece with solid carbide end mill cutters. The paper presents micro-machining results for bulk metallic glass machined with commercial micro-milling tool at low cutting velocity regime. Response surface methodology (RSM) has been employed for process modeling and subsequent analysis to study the influence of the combination of cutting parameters on responses within the selected domain of cutting parameters. It has been found that the effect of axial depth of cut on the cutting force components is remarkably significant. Cutting force components increases with the increase in axial depth of cut and decreases with increase in spindle speed. At low feed rate, cutting force in the feed direction (Fx, i.e., cutting force along x-direction) increases with a decrease in feed rate. This increase of force could be due to the possible ploughing effect. A similar pattern of variation has been observed with cutting force component in cross-feed direction (Fy) also. It has been found that effect of feed per tooth on the roughness parameter Ra is remarkably significant. Surface roughness increases with feed per tooth. Axial depth of cut does not contribute much to the surface roughness. Surface roughness decrease with the increase of spindle speed.
Mechanistic Based Cutting Force Model During Ultrasonic Assisted Turning with Self-Lubricating Cutting Inserts
Authors: Sharma Varun , Pandey Pulak M.
Published: November 2018

The present research paper presents a mechanistic model for determining the cutting forces during Ultrasonic Assisted Turning (UAT) process using self-lubricating textured cutting inserts. In order to understand the mechanics of the process, forces on chip have been analyzed by using free body diagram. The force and momentum equilibrium on chip have been used to define the governing force equations. The effect of ultrasonic vibrations has been considered by taking the average force of cutting over a complete cycle of vibration. The self-lubricating cutting insert has been modeled to study the effect of intermittent cutting and thin lubricating layer formation at tool-chip interface. The validation of the developed model has been done by performing UAT experiments with self-lubricating textured cutting inserts. It is observed that percentage error of prediction by mechanistic model in determining main and radial components of cutting forces is of the order of 6.73% and 14.67%, respectively with respect to the experimental values.
An Oseen-Type Post-Processed Finite Element Method Based on a Subgrid Model for the Time-Dependent Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Zhang Qihui , Shang Yueqiang
Published: November 2018

An Oseen-type post-processed mixed finite element method based on a subgrid model is presented for the simulation of time-dependent incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. This method first solves a subgrid stabilized nonlinear Navier–Stokes system on a mesh of size [Formula: see text] to obtain an approximate solution pair [Formula: see text] at the given final time [Formula: see text], and then post-processes the solution [Formula: see text] by solving a stabilized Oseen problem on a finer mesh or in higher-order finite element spaces. We prove stability of the stabilized method, derive error estimates for the post-processed solutions, give some numerical results to verify the theoretical predictions and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Determinants of Industrial Internet of Things Adoption in German Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Arnold Christian , Voigt Kai-Ingo
Published: November 2018

This study aims at examining factors that determine the adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) by manufacturing companies applying the technology–organization–environment framework. Data of 197 German manufacturers are gathered by means of a survey questionnaire and tested using a logistic regression. This paper contributes to academic discussion by revealing determinants, which have a significant influence on the adoption of the IIoT: relative advantage associated with the IIoT, support by a company’s top management, high levels of competition, and environmental uncertainty. The study provides important implications, both for research and practitioners, related to technology management in the context of the IIoT.
Some characterizations of Lorentzian manifolds
Authors: De Uday Chand , Suh Young Jin
Published: November 2018

Generalized Robertson–Walker (GRW) spacetime is the generalization of the Robertson–Walker (RW) spacetime and a further generalization of GRW spacetime is the twisted spacetime. In this paper, we generalize the results of the paper [C. A. Mantica, Y. J. Suh and U. C. De, A note on generalized Robertson–Walker spacetimes, Int. J. Geom. Methods Mod. Phys. 13 (2016), Article Id: 1650079, 9 pp., doi: 101142/s0219887816500791 ]. We prove that a Ricci simple Lorentzian manifold with vanishing quasi-conformal curvature tensor is a RW spacetime. Further, we prove that a Ricci simple Lorentzian manifold with harmonic quasi-conformal curvature tensor is a GRW spacetime. As a consequence, we obtain several corollaries. Finally, we have cited some examples of the obtained results.
Preparation of urchin-like NiCo2O4 material and studies of its electrochemical performance for supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Lili , Huang Yanxia , Li Xiaoshan , Ma Hang , You Chenghang , Liu Jiahao , Huang Yanqing , Hua Yingjie , Wang Chongtai
Published: November 2018

The paper reports a kind of NiCo2O4 material with urchin-like morphology. This material was prepared using a facile strategy of hydrothermal process followed by calcinations, and exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance. For example, it delivers a specific capacitance high up to 1167[Formula: see text]Fg[Formula: see text] at 1[Formula: see text]Ag[Formula: see text] and still retains a value of 1095[Formula: see text]Fg[Formula: see text] at 10[Formula: see text]Ag[Formula: see text], showing a good rate capability; after suffering from 3000 cycles at 10[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], the specific capacitance has only a decay of 12%, presenting a good cycling stability.
Reconfigurable Hardware Architecture for Authenticated Key Agreement Protocol Over Binary Edwards Curve
Authors: Anandakumar N. Nalla , Das M. Prem Laxman , Sanadhya Somitra K. , Hashmi Mohammad S.
Published: November 2018

In this article, we present a high-performance hardware architecture for Elliptic curve based (authenticated) key agreement protocol “Elliptic Curve Menezes, Qu and Vanstone” (ECMQV) over Binary Edwards Curve (BEC). We begin by analyzing inversion module on a 251-bit binary field. Subsequently, we present Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementations of the unified formula for computing elliptic curve point addition on BEC in affine and projective coordinates and investigate the relative performance of these two coordinates. Then, we implement the
w
-coordinate based differential addition formulae suitable for usage in Montgomery ladder. Next, we present a novel hardware architecture of BEC point multiplication using mixed
w
-coordinates of the Montgomery laddering algorithm and analyze it in terms of resistance to Simple Power Analysis (SPA) attack. In order to improve the performance, the architecture utilizes registers efficiently and uses efficient scheduling mechanisms for the BEC arithmetic implementations. Our implementation results show that the proposed architecture is resistant against SPA attack and yields a better performance when compared to the existing state-of-the-art BEC designs for computing point multiplication (PM). Finally, we present an FPGA design of ECMQV key agreement protocol using BEC defined over GF(2
251
). The execution of ECMQV protocol takes 66.47μs using 32,479 slices on Virtex-4 FPGA and 52.34μs using 15,988 slices on Virtex-5 FPGA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first FPGA design of the ECMQV protocol using BEC.
Using Statistics to Assess Lethal Violence in Civil and Inter-State War
Authors: Ball Patrick , Price Megan
Published: November 2018

What role can statistics play in assessing the patterns of lethal violence in conflict? This article highlights the evolution of statistical applications in assessing lethal violence, from the presentation of data in the Nuremberg trials to current questions around machine learning and training data. We present examples from work conducted by our organization, the Human Rights Data Analysis Group, and others, primarily researching killings in the context of civil wars and international conflict. The primary challenge we encounter in this work is the question of whether observed patterns of violence represent the true underlying pattern or are a reflection of reports of violence, which are subject to many sources of bias. This is where we find the foundations of twentieth-century statistics to be most important: Is this sample representative? What methods are best suited to reduce the bias in nonprobability samples? These questions lead us to the approaches presented here: multiple systems estimation, surveys, complete data, and the question of bias within training data for machine learning models. We close with memories of Steve Fienberg's influence on these questions and on us personally. “It's all inference,” he told us, and that insight informs our concerns about bias in data used to create historical memory and advance justice in the wake of mass violence.
Central artery stiffness and thoracic aortopathy
Authors: Humphrey J. D. , Tellides G.
Published: November 2018

Thoracic aortopathy, especially aneurysm, dissection, and rupture, is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Uncontrolled hypertension and aging are primary risk factors for such conditions, and they contribute to an increase in the mechanical stress on the wall and an increase in its structural vulnerability, respectively. Select genetic mutations also predispose to these lethal conditions, and the collection of known mutations suggests that dysfunctional mechanosensing and mechanoregulation of the extracellular matrix may contribute to pathogenesis and disease progression. In the absence of a well-accepted pharmacotherapy, nonsurgical treatments tend to focus on reducing the mechanical loading on the aorta, particularly via the use of antihypertensive medications and recommendations to avoid strenuous exercises such as weight lifting. In this brief review, we discuss the important effects of central artery stiffening on global hemodynamics and, in particular, on the increase in pulse pressure that acts on the proximal thoracic aorta. We consider Marfan syndrome as an illustrative aortopathy but discuss other conditions leading to thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. We highlight the importance of phenotyping the aorta biomechanically, not just clinically, and emphasize the utility of mouse models in elucidating molecular and mechanical mechanisms of disease. Notwithstanding the widely recognized role of central artery stiffening in driving end-organ disease, we suggest that there is similarly a need to consider its key role in thoracic aortopathy.
Elevated arterial shear rate increases indexes of endothelial cell autophagy and nitric oxide synthase activation in humans
Authors: Park Seul-Ki , La Salle D. Taylor , Cerbie James , Cho Jae Min , Bledsoe Amber , Nelson Ashley , Morgan David E. , Richardson Russell S. , Shiu Yan-Ting , Boudina Sihem , Trinity Joel D. , Symons J. David
Published: November 2018

Continuous laminar shear stress increases the process of autophagy, activates endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase phosphorylation at serine 1177 (p-eNOSS1177), and generates NO in bovine and human arterial endothelial cells (ECs) compared with static controls. However, the translational relevance of these findings has not been explored. In the current study, primary ECs were collected from the radial artery of 7 men using sterile J-wires before (Pre) and after (Post) 60 min of rhythmic handgrip exercise (HG) performed with the same arm. After ECs were identified by positive costaining for vascular endothelial cadherin and 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole, immunofluorescent antibodies were used to assess indices of autophagy, NO generation, and superoxide anion (O2·−) production. Commercially available primary human arterial ECs were stained and processed in parallel to serve as controls. All end points were evaluated using 75 ECs from each subject. Relative to Pre-HG, HG elevated arterial shear rate ( P < 0.05) ~3-fold, whereas heart rate, arterial pressure, and cardiac output were not altered. Compared with values obtained from ECs Pre-HG, Post-HG ECs displayed increased ( P < 0.05) expression of p-eNOSS1177, NO generation, O2·− production, BECLIN1, microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B, autophagy-related gene 3, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2A and decreased ( P < 0.05) expression (i.e., enhanced degradation) of the adaptor protein p62/sequestosome-1. These novel findings provide evidence that elevated arterial shear rate associated with functional hyperemia initiates autophagy, activates p-eNOSS1177, and increases NO and O2·− generation in primary human ECs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Previously, our group reported in bovine arterial and human arterial endothelial cells (ECs) that shear stress initiates trafficking of the autophagosome to the lysosome and increases endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase phosphorylation at serine 1177, NO generation, and O2·− production. Here, the translational relevance of these findings is documented. Specifically, functional hyperemia induced by rhythmic handgrip exercise elevates arterial shear rate to an extent that increases indices of autophagy, NO generation, and O2·− production in primary arterial ECs collected from healthy men.
Computational analysis of airflow dynamics for predicting collapsible sites in the upper airways: a preliminary study
Authors: Na Ji Sung , Jung Hwi-Dong , Cho Hyung-Ju , Choi Yoon Jeong , Lee Joon Sang
Published: November 2018

The present study aimed to detail the relationship between the flow and structure characteristics of the upper airways and airway collapsibility in obstructive sleep apnea. Using a computational approach, we performed simulations of the flow and structure of the upper airways in two patients having different facial morphologies: retruding and protruding jaws, respectively. First, transient flow simulation was performed using a prescribed volume flow rate to observe flow characteristics within upper airways with an unsteady effect. In the retruding jaw, the maximum magnitude of velocity and pressure drop with velocity shear and vortical motion was observed at the oropharyngeal level. In contrast, in the protruding jaw, the overall magnitude of velocity and pressure was relatively small. To identify the cause of the pressure drop in the retruding jaw, pressure gradient components induced by flow were examined. Of note, vortical motion was highly associated with pressure drop. Structure simulation was performed to observe the deformation and collapsibility of soft tissue around the upper airways using the surface pressure obtained from the flow simulation. At peak flow rate, the soft tissue of the retruding jaw was highly expanded, and a collapse was observed at the oropharyngeal and epiglottis levels.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aerodynamic characteristics have been reported to correlate with airway occlusion. However, a detailed mechanism of the phenomenon within the upper airways and its impact on airway collapsibility remain poorly understood. This study provides in silico results for aerodynamic characteristics, such as vortical structure, pressure drop, and exact location of the obstruction using a computational approach. Large deformation of soft tissue was observed in the retruding jaw, suggesting that it is responsible for obstructive sleep apnea.
Evaluation of Prophylactic Corticosteroid Eye Drop Use in the Management of Corneal Abnormalities Induced by the Antibody–Drug Conjugate Mirvetuximab Soravtansine
Authors: Matulonis Ursula A. , Birrer Michael J. , O'Malley David M. , Moore Kathleen N. , Konner Jason , Gilbert Lucy , Martin Lainie P. , Bauer Todd M. , Oza Amit M. , Malek Karim , Pinkas Jan , Kim Stella K.
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

Reversible, low-grade ocular adverse events (AE) are associated with administration of mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeted antibody–drug conjugate undergoing phase III clinical evaluation in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of ocular toxicity and evaluated primary prophylactic use of corticosteroid eye drops in patients receiving mirvetuximab soravtansine.

Patients and Methods:

Target expression in the human eye was determined by IHC. The ocular toxicity profile of mirvetuximab soravtansine was assessed preclinically using Dutch-Belted rabbits. In a phase I clinical study, patients with ovarian cancer were treated with 6 mg/kg mirvetuximab soravtansine intravenously once every 3 weeks, including one expansion cohort with corticosteroid eye drops administered daily for the first 10 days of each treatment cycle.

Results:

FRα expression was absent from human corneal tissues. Ocular abnormalities in the rabbit eye appeared phenotypically consistent with off-target effects on the cornea. Forty patients were enrolled in the expansion cohort. Reversible grade 1 or 2 blurred vision and keratopathy occurred in 16 (40%) and 12 (30%) patients, respectively; no grade 3/4 ocular events were observed. Compared with those patients who did not receive primary prophylaxis, corticosteroid eye drop use resulted in fewer dose reductions (5% vs. 15%) and none discontinued due to ocular AEs.

Conclusions:

Preclinical modeling was predictive of the corneal-related symptoms seen in some patients dosed with mirvetuximab soravtansine. Primary prophylactic use of topical corticosteroid eye drops resulted in a trend toward symptomatic improvement and a reduction in ocular AE-related dose modifications in patients treated with mirvetuximab soravtansine.
Reduced Breast Tumor Growth after Immunization with a Tumor-Restricted MUC1 Glycopeptide Conjugated to Tetanus Toxoid
Authors: Stergiou Natascha , Gaidzik Nikola , Heimes Anne-Sophie , Dietzen Sarah , Besenius Pol , Jäkel Jörg , Brenner Walburgis , Schmidt Marcus , Kunz Horst , Schmitt Edgar
Published: November 2018

Preventive vaccination against tumor-associated endogenous antigens is considered to be an attractive strategy for the induction of a curative immune response concomitant with a long-lasting immunologic memory. The mucin MUC1 is a promising tumor antigen, as its tumor-associated form differs from the glycoprotein form expressed on healthy cells. Due to aberrant glycosylation in tumor cells, the specific peptide epitopes in its backbone are accessible and can be bound by antibodies induced by vaccination. Breast cancer patients develop per se only low levels of T cells and antibodies recognizing tumor-associated MUC1, and clinical trials with tumor-associated MUC1 yielded unsatisfactory therapeutic effects, indicating an urgent need to improve humoral immunity against this tumor entity. Herein, we demonstrate that preventive vaccination against tumor-associated human MUC1 results in a specific humoral immune response, a slowdown of tumor progression and an increase in survival of breast tumor–bearing mice. For preventive vaccination, we used a synthetic vaccine containing a tumor-associated glycopeptide structure of human MUC1 coupled to Tetanus Toxoid. The glycopeptide consists of a 22mer huMUC1 peptide with two immune dominant regions (PDTR and GSTA), glycosylated with the sialylated carbohydrate STN on serine-17. PyMT (polyomavirus middle T-antigen) and human MUC1 double-transgenic mice expressing human tumor-associated MUC1 on breast tumor tissue served as a preclinical breast cancer model.
Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography-Guided Membrane Peeling for Surgery of Macular Pucker: Advantages and Limitations
Authors: Leisser Christoph , Hirnschall Nino , Palkovits Stefan , Doeller Birgit , Kefer Katharina , Findl Oliver
Published: November 2018

Purpose: Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are a disorder leading to progressive vision loss and metamorphopsia. The gold standard in therapy is vitrectomy with membrane peeling. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT), which allows tomographic visualization of the membrane during peeling, enables peeling without staining. Methods: This prospective study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with idiopathic ERMs scheduled for surgery. Pars plana vitrectomy with iOCT was performed in all cases, whereas staining of ERMs was only performed if needed. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling was performed in case of wrinkled retinal surface after peeling of ERMs. Results: In 63% (n = 19) eyes the ERM could be peeled successfully without use of staining. Nevertheless, in 89% (n = 17) of patients having had ERM peeling without dye, staining of the ILM was performed afterwards for peeling the ILM. Best corrected visual acuity improved in 80% (n = 24) and remained unchanged in 7% (n = 2) 3 months after surgery. There were no significant differences in postoperative results between patients with and without staining for ERM peeling. Conclusions: Use of iOCT helps to complete ERM peeling in a majority of cases without use of a chromovitrectomy dye, but as iOCT fails to visualize the ILM, chromovitrectomy still facilitates macular surgery in a majority of cases.
Triclosan Suppresses Testicular Steroidogenesis via the miR-6321/JNK/ Nur77 Cascade
Authors: Ha Mei , Zhang Pei , Li Lianbing , Liu Changjiang
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Triclosan (TCS), a broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal compound and an endocrine disruptor, has anti-androgenic properties and could adversely affect male reproduction and fertility. Methods: To elucidate the underlying roles of miRNAs and the MAPK pathway in TCS-mediated repression of testicular steroidogenesis, Sprague-Dawley male rats were dosed daily with TCS for 31 days, and TM3 cells were exposed to TCS for 24 h after the pretreatments with the activator of JNK, Nur77 siRNA, or recombinant lentivirus vector for Nur77. Tissues and/or cells were analyzed by several techniques including transmission electron microscopy, lentivirus production, overexpression, gene silencing, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, western blot, and real-time PCR. Results: TCS caused histopathologic alterations in the testis and reduced plasma LH and testicular testosterone. TCS induced miR-6321 expression, which in turn depressed its target gene, Map3k1. The inhibition of Map3k1 subsequently inactivated its downstream JNK/c-Jun pathway. ChIP and qPCR assays confirmed that c-Jun directly bound to the Nur77 DNA promoter regions to regulate Nur77 expression. The knockdown and overexpression of Nur77 demonstrated that the JNK/c-Jun-mediated decline in the transcription and translation of Nur77 resulted in the depression of steroidogenic proteins including SRB1, StAR, and 3β-HSD. Intriguingly, the protein expressions of 5α-Reductases (SRD5A1 and SRD5A2) were also downregulated after TCS exposure. Conclusion: Taken together, the miR-6321/Map3k1-regulated JNK/c-Jun/ Nur77 cascade contributes to TCS-caused suppression of testicular steroidogenesis, and the decrease in 5α-Reductase expressions may be the compensatory mechanism.