bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LDOC1 is differentially expressed in thyroid cancer and display tumor‐suppressive function in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Shuiying , Zhao Yanyan , Wang Qingzhu , Li Zhizhen , Ma Xiaojun , Wu Lina , Li Wen , Du Mengmeng , Ji Hongfei , Qin Guijun
Published: December 2019

The leucine zipper downregulated in cancer 1 (LDOC1) has been proposed as a regulator of transcription and cell signaling. We have previously demonstrated that LDOC1 is differentially expressed in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), this study was designed to characterize LDOC1 expression in thyroid follicle originated cancer tissues and to specifically evaluate its function in thyroid carcinogenesis. LDOC1 expression was performed in human normal thyroid and thyroid cancer. LDOC1 function was characterized, in two PTC cell lines (TPC1 and BCPAP), through the analysis of in vitro cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion along with in vivo tumor xenograft growth. Transduced BCPAP cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α, and the levels of nuclear P65, Bax, Bcl‐2, c‐Myc, and XIAP were assessed. A luciferase reporter assay was used to measure nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity, and the functional connection between LDOC1 effect and NF‐κB activity was determined using a specific NF‐κB inhibitor. Our results revealed that LDOC1 was translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in human thyroid cancer, and was significantly downregulated in PTC compared with normal thyroid. LDOC1 overexpression in TPC1 resulted in a significant suppression of the malignant phenotype, whereas LDOC1 ablation in BCPAP promoted this phenotype. Additional studies demonstrated that LDOC1 ablation facilitated nuclear P65 expression and NF‐κB activity. NF‐κB inhibition reversed the effects of LDOC1 ablation on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Our findings confirmed that LDOC1 is a novel therapeutic target in PTC and provides new insight into the role of LDOC1 in PTC progression, through NF‐κΒ signaling suppression.
Porosity‐Engineering of MXene as a Support Material for a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst toward Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Le Thi Anh , Tran Ngoc Quang , Hong Yeseul , Kim Meeree , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: December 2019

The use of 2 D transition metal carbide MXenes as support materials to incorporate catalytically active compounds is of interest because of their unique properties. However, the preparation of well‐dispersed catalytic phases on the inter‐connected porous MXene network is challenging and has been rarely explored. This work focuses on the synthesis of basal‐plane‐porous titanium carbide MXene (ac‐Ti3C2) that is used subsequently as an effective host for the incorporation of a known catalytically active phase (IrCo) as an effective bifunctional electrocatalyst toward water splitting. The porous ac‐Ti3C2 with abundant macro/meso/micropores is prepared by a wet chemical method at room temperature and provides ideal anchor sites for intimate chemical bonding with alien compounds. The resulting IrCo@ac‐Ti3C2 electrocatalyst exhibits an excellent reactivity (220 mV at 10 mA cm−2) towards the oxygen evolution reaction in 1.0 m KOH, which surpasses that of the benchmark RuO2, a low voltage cell of 1.57 V (@ 10 mA cm−2) and good long‐term durability. Our work demonstrates the effectiveness of porosity engineering in MXene nanosheets as a support material to shorten ion migration pathways, to increase electrolyte accessibility between inter‐sheets and to overcome inherited re‐stacking and aggregation issues.
Secure virtual machine allocation against attacks using support value based game policy
Authors: Naik Banavath Balaji , Singh Dhananjay , Samaddar Arun Barun
Published: December 2019

Cloud computing, as a supreme computing stage, presents new security challenges. At the point when virtual machines (VMs) are sent in a cloud domain, VM placement strategies can essentially influence the general security dangers of the whole cloud. As of late, the attacks are explicitly intended to co‐locate with target VMs in the cloud. The VM placement without considering the security risks may put the clients, or even the whole cloud, in threat. Therefore, here we prompt an exhaustive approach to appraise the cloud environment security risk from network, host, and VM. In like manner, secure VM allocation against co‐resident attacks using support value based game policy is proposed that lessens the general security dangers of a cloud, while decides the multi‐objective measures such as efficiency, coverage, and the maximum link utilization. Then, the support value is calculated for the given multi‐objective values. At last, the game theory is used to allocate the best VM. The experimental results prove that the proposed method outperforms than the existing methods in regards of efficiency, coverage maximum link utilization, execution time, throughput, latency, workload balance, power consumption, and standard deviation.
Adherence as a predictor of dropout in Internet‐based guided self‐help for adults with binge‐eating disorder and overweight or obesity
Authors: Puls Hans‐Christian , Schmidt Ricarda , Herpertz Stephan , Zipfel Stephan , Tuschen‐Caffier Brunna , Friederich Hans‐Christoph , Gerlach Frauke , Mayr Andreas , Lam Tony , Schade‐Brittinger Carmen , de Zwaan Martina , Hilbert Anja
Published: December 2019

Objective

Internet‐based guided self‐help (GSH‐I) is an efficacious treatment for adults with binge‐eating disorder (BED) and overweight or obesity. Although broadly accessible, high dropout from GSH‐I has been reported. However, little is known about the factors explaining dropout from GSH‐I, including patients' adherence to treatment.

Method

Within a randomized trial on the treatment of BED, adherence to 4‐month GSH‐I was objectively assessed in N = 89 patients with BED and overweight or obesity. Objective adherence and subjective treatment evaluation were evaluated as predictors of dropout from GSH‐I, defined as having accessed 5 or less of 11 modules. Cutoffs with optimal sensitivity and specificity were derived using Receiver Operating Characteristics curves analysis, and baseline sociodemographic and clinical correlates were determined.

Results

According to our definition, n = 22 (24.7%) patients were defined as dropouts. Results of the full logistic regression model accounted for 72% of the variance in dropout and all objective adherence parameters (i.e., number of messages exchanged, days with a completed food diary, and days spent per module), but not patients' subjective GSH‐I evaluation significantly predicted dropout. Specifically, not completing the food diary in week 7 had maximized sensitivity and specificity in predicting dropout. Patients' body mass index was positively associated with the number of messages exchanged between patients and coaches. No other associations between baseline variables and objective adherence were found.

Discussion

Patients at risk for dropout from GSH‐I can be reliably identified via monitoring of objective adherence and may be provided with additional interventions to prevent dropout.
Transient electrophoresis of a charged porous particle
Authors: Lai Yi C. , Keh Huan J.
Published: December 2019

The starting electrophoretic motion of a porous, uniformly charged, spherical particle, which models a solvent‐permeable and ion‐penetrable polyelectrolyte coil or floc of nanoparticles, in an arbitrary electrolyte solution due to the sudden application of an electric field is studied for the first time. The unsteady Stokes/Brinkman equations with the electric force term governing the fluid velocity fields are solved by means of the Laplace transform. An analytical formula for the electrophoretic mobility of the porous sphere is obtained as a function of the dimensionless parameters , , , and , where a is the radius of the particle, κ is the Debye screening parameter, λ is the reciprocal of the square root of the fluid permeability in the particle, ρp and ρ are the mass densities of the particle and fluid, respectively, ν is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid, and t is the time. The electrophoretic mobility normalized by its steady‐state value increases monotonically with increases in and , but decreases monotonically with an increase in , keeping the other parameters unchanged. In general, a porous particle with a high fluid permeability trails behind an identical porous particle with a lower permeability and a corresponding hard particle in the growth of the normalized electrophoretic mobility The normalized electrophoretic acceleration of the porous sphere decreases monotonically with an increase in the time and increases with an increase in from zero at .
Coupling model of jointed rock mass and rock bolt in offshore LPG underground storage
Authors: Zhao Zenghui , Sun Wei , Chen Shaojie , Wang Weiming , Wang Qingbiao
Published: December 2019

Most of the surrounding rocks of offshore liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reservoirs occur in jointed rock mass. This paper is aimed at the reinforcement of the layered composite rock masses. First, the structural mechanical model of the elastic deformation and completely plastic deformation for the bolt was constructed. Then, the equations of axial force, shear force, and bending moment in the cross section of the bolt were obtained by the force‐method canonical equation. The shear‐slip resistance effect of the bolt was decomposed into the friction effect and the dowel effect. In addition, the quantitative relationship between shear resistance and the characteristic angles (anchoring angle, friction angle, dilatancy angle, and deflection angle) and the geometrical and physical parameters of the bolt were derived. Finally, the influence of each characteristic angle on the mechanical properties of the bolt was analyzed in details and the model was verified. The analysis results showed that the laterally constrained load of the rock stratum on the bolt can be characterized by a power function, but the optimal power should be no less than 10. The dominant position of either the friction effect or the dowel effect was changed with the matching of different characteristic angles. The increase of the friction angle and dilatancy angle of the joint surface of the rock is beneficial to improve the lateral shear resistance of the bolt. The effect of the deflection angle on the lateral shear resistance of the bolt was affected by the anchoring angle. The optimal anchoring angle of the bolt should be in the range of 50°‐60°. The results in this study have important theoretical significance to guide the offshore anchoring engineering of layered composite rock masses.
How do ownership type and knowledge transfer influence success of change? A study of transition economy firms
Authors: Bahl Mona , Kriauciunas Aldas , Brush Thomas H
Published: December 2019

Research Summary

This paper investigates the joint effect of ownership type and knowledge transfer on success of change. For knowledge transfer, we include transfer of both tacit and codified knowledge, and for ownership type, we consider state owned, privately founded, and privatized firms. We argue that incentives and monitoring mechanisms will cause a given ownership type to moderate the direct effect of knowledge transfer on success of change. Using data from firms in four transition economy countries, we find that the relationship between knowledge transfer and success of change is stronger for state owned firms compared to privately founded and privatized firms.

Managerial Summary

The fundamental premise of this paper is that effectiveness of knowledge transfer in determining success of change is moderated by ownership type of a firm. We argue that state owned, privately founded, and privatized firms have distinct incentives and monitoring systems that will moderate the direct relationship between transfer of both tacit and codified knowledge on success of change. Our empirical analysis shows that state owned firms experience a stronger relationship between transfer of knowledge and success of change as compared to privately founded and privatized firms.
The role of a post therapeutic surveillance program for sinonasal malignancies: Analysis of 417 patients
Authors: Zocchi Jacopo , Pietrobon Giacomo , Campomagnani Isotta , Riggi Emilia , Veronesi Giovanni , Borchini Rossana , Pellini Raul , Volpi Luca , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: December 2019

Background

Post therapeutic surveillance of head and neck neoplasms is a still debated issue in the current literature: although different works tried to establish frequency, modality, and efficacy of a routine follow‐up, little evidence has been produced, in particular considering only sinonasal malignancies.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated for sinonasal malignancies in a single tertiary center and followed through a regular program of follow‐up was carried out. Rate of recurrence, location, timing, diagnosis, and salvage treatment were the main data analyzed.

Results

Of note, 417 patients were included in the study and 117 experienced at least one relapse. Staging, histological type, and previous treatment represent the main clinical factors to be considered to stratify patient's risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

A regular post therapeutic surveillance can provide an early recurrence detection for patients treated for sinonasal malignancies, offering opportunity for salvage treatment in a high percentage of patients.
Evaluation of multi‐slice spiral computed tomography application in the diagnosis of arterial root lesions
Authors: Wang HongZhen , Li YuanShi , Tang Liang , Zhang JinLing , Xiao XiGang
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of multi‐slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) enhanced scanning and postprocessing techniques in the diagnosis of arterial root lesions (ARL) in order to improve the understanding and diagnostic accuracy of ARL. We retrospectively analyzed the MSCT imaging findings of 1546 patients. MSCT parameters included the aortic valve annulus level, sinuses of Valsalva level, a sinotubular junction level, ascending aorta, effective diameter, aortic wall thickness, coronary artery height, and coronary sinus depth. The specific measurement method used was curved planar reformation. MSCT found 93 cases of aortic valve disease (AVD). The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT for AVD was 91.7% (33/36). MSCT found 95 cases of acute aortic syndrome involving the aortic root, 71 of which were Stanford type A‐aortic dissection (AD), 22 cases of Stanford type A‐interstitial hematoma (IHM), and two cases of penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU). MSCT diagnosed Stanford type A‐AD, Stanford type A‐IHM, and PAU had a specificity of 99.8% and a sensitivity of 98.9%. In conclusion, MSCT enhanced scanning and postprocessing techniques can accurately display the aortic root and adjacent structures, with clear positioning and high diagnostic accuracy, which can provide important basis for clinical diagnosis, preoperative localization, and postoperative follow‐up.
Synergistic effects of Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 and Noggin overexpression on the proliferation and neuron‐like cell differentiation of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
Authors: Yang Si , Xin Cuijuan , Zhang Bo , Zhang Hongbo , Hao Yunpeng
Published: December 2019

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are highly proliferative, clonogenic, and multipotent stem cells with a neural crest cell origin. This property could be a desirable option for potential therapeutic applications. In this study, we focus on the effects of Rho kinase inhibitors Y‐27632 and Noggin on the proliferation of SHEDs and their differentiation into neuron‐like cells. SHEDs were extracted from 10 samples of deciduous teeth obtained from healthy children aged from 5 to 10. The passaged SHEDs were transfected with Noggin, Y‐27632, or their combination. By means of MTT and colony formation assays, the effects of Y‐27632 and Noggin on cell viability and colony formation were detected. Cellular morphology and neurosphere formation were observed under a microscope. Y‐27632 transfection in SHEDs showed enhanced cell viability, colony formation, and neurosphere formation indicating that Y‐27632 could promote cell proliferation of SHEDs. Furthermore, we observed that the SHEDs treated with Noggin in combination with Y‐27632 displayed typical neuron‐like cell morphology and reticular processes. Noggin or Y‐27632 alone or in combination induced obviously increased NSE, Nestin, and GFAP levels, which were highest in SHEDs treated with the combination of Noggin and Y‐27632. These findings suggest that Y‐27632 promotes the proliferation of SHEDs, and Y‐27632 and Noggin in combination have a synergistic effect on promoting differentiation of SHEDs into neuron‐like cells.
Adsorption and sequential thermal release of F2, Cl2, and Br2 molecules by a porous organic cage material (CC3‐R): Molecular dynamics and grand‐canonical Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Ghalami Zahra , Ghoulipour Vanik , Khanchi Ali Reza
Published: December 2019

The adsorption–desorption behavior of fluorine, chlorine, and bromine molecules onto a crystalline porous organic cage, namely CC3‐R was calculated at different temperatures using molecular dynamics (MD) and grand‐canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. Self‐diffusion coefficients, radial distribution functions (RDF), and adsorption isotherms were calculated for this purpose. The results show that CC3‐R has varied capacities to capture these halogens at ambient and high temperatures, so that the thermal release of fluorine is completed with increasing temperature up to around 70°C and chlorine molecules remain at the CC3‐R surface up to 100°C and all bromine molecules are removed from the CC3‐R surface at 200°C. We found that bromine self‐diffusion was almost independent of temperature between 0 and 100°C in contrast to fluorine and chlorine. Among different diffusion regimes, Knudsen diffusion appears to have an important role in the adsorption of heavy halogens at higher temperatures.
Functional recovery of natural killer cell activity by nanoparticle‐mediated delivery of transforming growth factor beta 2 small interfering RNA
Authors: Adjei Isaac M. , Jordan Jahnelle , Tu Nhan , Trinh Thu Le , Kandell Wendy , Wei Sheng , Sharma Blanka
Published: December 2019

Natural killer (NK) cells are at the forefront of immunotherapies, as they have potent innate cytolytic effects on cancer cells. The success of NK cell therapies requires that they overcome immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Tumors produce immunosuppressive factors like transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) that inhibit the effector functions of NK cells. Silencing of TGF‐beta signaling in NK cells is a potential approach to enhance their functions. However, transfection of NK cells by conventional methods is challenging. Here, we report the development of a nanoparticle (NP) system that delivers small interfering RNA for the TGF‐β receptor 2 (TGFBR2) into NK cells to restore their activation against cancer cells. Manganese dioxide NPs were synthesized by the reduction of potassium permanganate by poly (allylamine), which effectively complexed siRNA and protected it from degradation. The NPs were cytocompatible with NK cells and, upon loading with TGFBR2 siRNA, resulted in a 90% knockdown of the TGFBR2 receptor. NP‐mediated TGFBR2 receptor knockdown protected NK cells against TGF‐β suppression, which was studied in both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional lung cancer cell culture systems. Namely, NK cells treated with TGFBR2 siRNA loaded NPs demonstrated higher interferon gamma production, infiltration, and killing of lung cancer cells compared with control NK cells. This study demonstrates the feasibility of NP‐mediated RNA interference in NK cells to increase their resilience to the immunosuppressive environments in solid tumors.
Experimental determination of the rate constants of the reactions of HO2 + DO2 and DO2 + DO2
Authors: Assali Mohamed , Rakovsky Jozef , Votava Ondrej , Fittschen Christa
Published: December 2019

The rate constants of the reactions of DO2 + HO2 (R1) and DO2 + DO2 (R2) have been determined by the simultaneous, selective, and quantitative measurement of HO2 and DO2 by continuous wave cavity ring‐down spectroscopy (cw‐CRDS) in the near infrared, coupled to a radical generation by laser photolysis. HO2 was generated by photolyzing Cl2 in the presence of CH3OH and O2. Low concentrations of DO2 were generated simultaneously by adding low concentrations of D2O to the reaction mixture, leading through isotopic exchange on tubing and reactor walls to formation of low concentrations of CH3OD and thus formation of DO2. Excess DO2 was generated by photolyzing Cl2 in the presence of CD3OD and O2, small concentrations of HO2 were always generated simultaneously by isotopic exchange between CD3OD and residual H2O. The rate constant k1 at 295 K was found to be pressure independent in the range 25–200 Torr helium, but increased with increasing D2O concentration k1 = (1.67 ± 0.03) × 10−12 × (1 + (8.2 ± 1.6) × 10−18 cm3 × [D2O] cm−3) cm3 s−1. The rate constant for the DO2 self‐reaction k2 has been measured under excess DO2 concentration, and the DO2 concentration has been determined by fitting the HO2 decays, now governed by their reaction with DO2, to the rate constant k1. A rate constant with insignificant pressure dependence was found: k2 = (4.1 ± 0.6) × 10−13 (1 + (2 ± 2) × 10−20 cm3 × [He] cm−3) cm3 s−1 as well as an increase of k2 with increasing D2O concentration was observed: k2 = (4.14 ± 0.02) × 10−13 × (1 + (6.5 ± 1.3) × 10−18 cm3 × [D2O] cm−3) cm3 s−1. The result for k2 is in excellent agreement with literature values, whereas this is the first determination of k1.
Plasma exosomal miR‐106a‐5p expression in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Xu Hongyan , Bao Zhuohua , Liang Daye , Li Mengxia , Wei Minguang , Ge Xueqing , Liu Jingli , Li Jinpin
Published: December 2019

Background

Exosomal miRNA expression for myasthenia gravis (MG) has not been studied.

Methods

Plasma samples from 92 patients with MG and 49 age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were screened (by means of deep sequencing and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction) for differentially expressed exosomal microRNA (miRNAs). miR‐106a‐5p was chosen to further verify because it is reportedly involved in MG pathogenesis. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to assess correlations between candidate miRNAs and patient quantitative MG scores (QMGSs). Area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the identified miRNAs for MG.

Results

miR‐106a‐5p levels were significantly decreased in MG patients compared with HCs, and were associated with patient QMGS. The AUC values for hsa‐miR‐106a‐5p were 0.728 and 0.813 in ocular and generalized MG patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Exosomal miR‐106a‐5p was expressed differently in different types of MG and was associated with MG severity.
Magnetic resonance elastography‐derived stiffness of the kidneys and its correlation with water perfusion
Authors: Gandhi Deep , Kalra Prateek , Raterman Brian , Mo Xiaokui , Dong Huiming , Kolipaka Arunark
Published: December 2019

Stiffness plays an important role in diagnosing renal fibrosis. However, kidney stiffness is altered by perfusion changes in many kidney diseases. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the correlation of kidney stiffness with water intake. We hypothesize that kidney stiffness will increase with 1 L of water intake due to increased water perfusion to the kidneys. Additionally, stiffness of the kidneys will correlate with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values before and after water intake. A 3 T MRI scanner was used to perform magnetic resonance elastography and diffusion tensor imaging of the kidneys on 24 healthy subjects (age range: 22‐66 years) before and after water intake of 1 L. A 3D T1‐weighted bladder scan was also performed to measure bladder volume before and after water intake. A paired t‐test was performed to evaluate the effect of water intake on the stiffness of kidneys, in addition to bladder volume. A Spearman correlation test was performed to determine the association between stiffness, bladder volume, ADC and FA values of both kidneys before and after water intake. The results show a significant increase in stiffness in different regions of the kidney (ie, percentage increase ranged from 3.6% to 7.5%) and bladder volume after water intake (all P < 0.05). A moderate significant negative correlation was observed between change in kidney stiffness and bladder volume (concordance correlation coefficient = ‐0.468, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between stiffness and ADC or FA values before and after water intake in both kidneys (P > 0.05). Water intake caused a significant increase in the stiffness of the kidneys. The negative correlation between the change in kidney stiffness and bladder volume, before and after water intake, indicates higher perfusion pressure in the kidneys, leading to increased stiffness.
Three‐dimensional carbon‐based anodes promoted the accumulation of exoelectrogens in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Wu Yicheng , He Guanghua , Chen Shuiliang , Wang Zejie
Published: December 2019

To achieve deep understandings on the effects of structure and surface properties of anode material on the performance of bioelectrochemical systems, the present research investigated the bacterial community structures of biofilms attached to different three‐dimensional anodes including carbon felt and materials derived from pomelo peel, kenaf stem, and cardboard with 454 pyrosequencing analysis based on the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that bacterial community structures, especially the relative abundance of exoelectrogens, were significantly related to the types of adopted three‐dimensional anode materials. Proteobacteria was the shared predominant phylum, accounting for 55.4%, 52.1%, 66.7%, and 56.1% for carbon felt, cardboard, pomelo peel, and kenaf stem carbon, respectively. The most abundant OTU was phylogenetically related to the well‐known exoelectrogen of Geobacter, with a relative abundance of 16.3%, 19.0%, 36.3%, and 28.6% in carbon felt, cardboard, pomelo peel, and kenaf stem, respectively. Moreover, another exoelectrogen of Pseudomonas sp. accounted for 4.9% in kenaf stem and 3.9% in carbonboard, respectively. The results implied the macrostructure and properties of different anode materials might result in different niches such as hydrodynamics and substrate transport dynamics, leading to different bacterial structure, especially different relative abundance of exoelectrogens, which consequently affected the performance of bioelectrochemical systems.

Practitioner points

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) represent a novel biotechnology platform to simultaneously treat wastewaters and produce electrical power.

Three‐dimensional materials derived from nature plant as anode to promote electricity output from BESs and reduce the construct cost of BESs.

Macrostructure of the three‐dimensional anode material affected phylotype richness and phylogenetic diversity of microorganisms in anodic biofilm of BESs.

Geobacter as well‐known exoelectrogen was the most abundant in biofilm attached to three‐dimensional anode.
Localization of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 theories on 𝔻2× 𝕋2
Authors: Longhi Pietro , Nieri Fabrizio , Pittelli Antonio
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We consider 4d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 gauge theories with R-symmetry on a hemisphere times a torus. We apply localization techniques to evaluate the exact partition function through a cohomological reformulation of the supersymmetry transformations. Our results represent the natural elliptic lifts of the lower dimensional analogs as well as a field theoretic derivation of the conjectured 4d holomorphic blocks, from which partition functions of compact spaces with diverse topology can be recovered through gluing. We also analyze the different boundary conditions which can naturally be imposed on the chiral multiplets, which turn out to be either Dirichlet or Robin-like. We show that different boundary conditions are related to each other by coupling the bulk to 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 degrees of freedom on the boundary three-torus, for which we derive explicit 1-loop determinants.
Envisioning a national invasive species information framework
Authors: Reaser Jamie K. , Simpson Annie , Guala Gerald F. , Morisette Jeffrey T. , Fuller Pam
Published: December 2019

With a view toward creating a national Early Detection and Rapid Response Program (EDRR) program, the United States National Invasive Species Council Management Plan for 2016–2018 calls for a series of assessments of federal EDRR capacities, including the evaluation of “relevant federal information systems to provide the data and other information necessary for risk analyses/horizon scanning, rapid specimen identification, and rapid response planning.” This paper is a response to that directive. We provide an overview of information management needs for enacting EDRR and discuss challenges to meeting these needs. We then review the history of relevant US policy directives for advancing invasive species information systems and provide an overview of federal invasive species information system capacities, including current gaps and inconsistencies. We conclude with a summary of key principles and needs for establishing a national invasive species information framework. Our findings are consistent with earlier studies and, thus, emphasize the need to act on long-recognized needs. As a supplement to this paper, we have cataloged federal invasive species databases and information tools identified through this work.
Federal legal authorities for the early detection of and rapid response to invasive species
Authors: Burgos-Rodríguez Jhoset , Burgiel Stanley W.
Published: December 2019

The ability of federal agencies to carry out actions or programs is based on their legal authorities. Efforts to improve federal capacities for the early detection of and rapid response to invasive species (EDRR) require careful delineation of legal authorities, regulations, and policies that would enable or limit EDRR. Building on information provided by federal agencies and an inspection of the US Code and the Code of Federal Regulations, we review and identify relevant authorities to determine federal legal capacities, gaps, and inconsistencies to address EDRR. The EDRR process can be examined in the context of four categories, including (1) explicit invasive species authorities, (2) emergency authorities that could be triggered during a crisis or serve as models for enhanced invasive species EDRR authorities, (3) supporting authorities that could be used under agency discretion, and (4) constraining authorities and legal requirements. Although the Plant Protection Act and the Animal Health Protection Act are comprehensive authorities that address the detection of and response to organisms that threaten plant and livestock health, there is no single authority that encompasses EDRR for all invasive species. Rather, there is a patchwork of authorities that unevenly addresses various aspects of EDRR. In addition to gaps in authority, EDRR efforts could be constrained by environmental compliance, as well as subnational governance and private rights. Although some of these gaps could be closed through legislation, others need to be addressed using the discretionary power of federal agencies and their ability to establish cooperation mechanisms with private and subnational entities.
Invasive species watch lists: guidance for development, communication, and application
Authors: Reaser Jamie K. , Frey Mark , Meyers N. Marshall
Published: December 2019

A watch list is a list of invasive species to be prioritized for surveillance, reporting, and other possible responses in order to reduce the risk of impact to valued assets. Watch lists are basic, yet multi-functional tools for the early detection of and rapid response to invasive species. There is, however, a need to substantially improve watch list standardization, accessibility, and associated communication strategies. We provide guidance to achieve these aims, including an overview of guiding principles and a list of questions to consider when one develops, communicates, and applies invasive species watch lists. Our guidance is intended to support invasive species watch lists development and application globally.
Objectivity and Perspectival Content
Authors: Kölbel Max
Published: December 2019

What is objectivity? What would it take to have objective representations and do we (humans) have what it takes? This paper aims to contribute to answering these questions. To this end, it isolates one relevant sense of objectivity and proposes a generalization of standard frameworks of representational content in order to engage with the question in a way that is rhetorically fair. Armed with a general conception of perspectival content, taken from the literature on centred orde secontent, the paper articulates one necessary condition for objective representation: the possession of objective concepts and therefore objective contents. Two ways of meeting (or approximately meeting) this condition are discussed in an exploratory way.
“Spotting the signs” of trafficking recruitment online: exploring the characteristics of advertisements targeted at migrant job-seekers
Authors: Volodko Ada , Cockbain Ella , Kleinberg Bennett
Published: December 2019

Despite considerable concern about how human trafficking offenders may use the Internet to recruit their victims, arrange logistics or advertise services, the Internet-trafficking nexus remains unclear. This study explored the prevalence and correlates of a set of commonly-used indicators of labour trafficking in online job advertisements. Taking a case study approach, we focused on a major Lithuanian website aimed at people seeking work abroad. We examined a snapshot of job advertisements (n = 430), assessing both their general characteristics (e.g. industry, destination country) and the presence of trafficking indicators. The vast majority (98.4%) contained at least one indicator, suggesting certain "indicators" may in fact be commonplace characteristics of this labour market. Inferential statistical tests revealed significant but weak relationships between the advertisements’ characteristics and the number and nature of indicators present. While there may be value in screening job advertisements to identify potential labour trafficking and exploitation, additional information is needed to ascertain actual labour trafficking. We conclude with an outlook on automated approaches to identifying cases of possible trafficking and a discussion of the benefits and ethical concerns of a data science-driven approach.
A new approach for satisfactory pensions with no guarantees
Authors: Boado-Penas M. Carmen , Eisenberg Julia , Helmert Axel , Krühner Paul
Published: December 2019

The increase in longevity, the ultra-low interest rates and the guarantees associated to pension benefits have put significant strain on the pension industry. Consequently, insurers need to be in a financially sound position while offering satisfactory benefits to participants. In this paper, we propose a pension design that goes beyond the idea of annuity pools and unit-linked insurance products. The purpose is to replace traditional guarantees with low volatility, mainly achieved by collective smoothing algorithms and an adequate asset management. With the aim of offering security to the insured, we discuss the optimisation of some key variables of the proposed pension product to target both a satisfactory level of the initial pension and stable pension payments over time. By combining such well-known products as unit-linked and annuities, we show that it is possible to design a pension product with both high-expected return and low risk for the policyholder. However, differently than in the classical unit-linked framework, we do not allow the individuals to choose the underlying funds. Instead, the funds are under the surveillance of an insurance company’s professional risk management, which induces better informed decisions.
PROVE It! A Practical Primer to Positioning Theoretically
Authors: Fernandez Karen V.
Published: December 2019

A key issue when planning and writing up research is explaining what the expected or actual contributions are. It is often particularly difficult to identify what theoretical contributions the research hopes to make. When authors submit work for publication, reviewers and editors often ask them to ensure their work “engages with and/or contributes to ongoing conversations” in their target journal. What they are really asking is “what is your positioning? Why does your work belong in this journal?” This paper takes a practical approach to explaining what positioning means, why it is important to identify and position research as fitting into and extending prior work, and what positioning involves. It concludes by providing practical tips to help researchers who are not yet confident authors position their work more theoretically.
Into the Void: A Counsel Perspective on the Need to Articulate Rules Concerning Disclosure Before the ICJ
Authors: Parlett Kate , Sander Amy
Published: December 2019

Individuals appearing before the International Court of Justice (ICJ or Court) are not subject under international law to any compulsory code of conduct which would guide them in navigating issues of professional ethics. Neither the ICJ Statute nor its Rules impose any qualification requirements on counsel. In practice, legal teams appearing before the Court are comprised of individuals from different legal backgrounds, who tend to be either qualified legal practitioners or academics. Qualified practitioners may be subject to professional codes of conduct from their home jurisdiction, but these can vary considerably across different jurisdictions. Counsel who are academics or are not admitted in any jurisdiction may not be subject to any conduct rules.
OP15 Use Of Digital Health Information Among HIV Populations In Uganda
Authors: Nabaggala Maria , Kiragga Agnes , Naggirinya Naggirinya Agnes , Oseku Elizabeth , Akirana Josephine , Oyat Phillip , Pattery Theresa , Ratanshi Rosalind
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Cellphones can be used to support treatment and disseminate health information. Literature has shown an unmet need for information for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and others affected by the epidemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the incorporation of cellphones as a tool to support HIV adherence and information dissemination. We sought to assess rates of utilization of health information provided through the Call for Life Uganda (CFLU) platform among HIV-positive individuals.

Methods

CFLU uses the Mobile Technology for Community Health (MoTeCH) software Call for Life™ developed by Janssen and adapted to the Uganda setting in collaboration with Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI). It offers daily pill reminder calls/sms, health info tips; symptom reporting and clinic appointment reminders. CFLU was used in a randomized control trial (RCT) undertaken to improve outcomes in HIV patients providing information categorized into Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and adherence, positive living, general health, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and sexuality. We used data from the RCT between August 2016 to June 2018 to generate frequency distributions and gender differences regarding utilization of health information.

Results

From a total of 300 respondents receiving the CFLU intervention, a majority were: females (70%), aged 16 to 35 years (62%), married (74.7%), had attained secondary and higher education (57.3%); and employed (67.7%). Overall, 255/300 (85%) utilized at least one of the health-tips categories. Participants utilized mostly general health information 211/300 (70%); followed ARTs and adherence 173/300 (57.7%); pregnancy and breast-feeding 137/300 (45.7%), sexuality 113/300 (37.7%), and positive living 98/300 (32.7%). Gender differences were noted regarding ARTs and adherence utilization with higher percentage of females to males (61% vs 50%) and for sexuality, a higher percentage of males to females (41.6% vs 33.3%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that when availed with platforms for health-related information, PLHIV populations will utilize them mostly for adherence. We recommend increased incorporation of such technologies to disseminate information in this key population.
OP31 HTA And Patients’ Preferences: Starting A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Poder Thomas , Beffarat Marion , Benkhalti Maria , Dagenais Pierre , Ladouceur Ginette
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) needs to consider all relevant data to help decision-making, including patients’ preferences. In this study, we comprehensively describe the process of identification, refinement and selection of attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment (DCE).

Methods

A mixed-methods design was used to identify attributes and levels explaining low back pain (LBP) patients’ choice for a non-surgical treatment. This design combined a systematic literature review with a patients’ focus group, one-on-one interactions with experts and patients, and discussions with stakeholder committee members. Following the patient's focus group, ranking exercises were conducted. A consensus about the attributes and levels was researched during discussions with committee members.

Results

The literature review yielded 40 attributes to consider in patients’ treatment choice. During the focus group, one additional attribute emerged. The ranking exercises allowed selecting eight attributes for the DCE. These eight attributes and their levels were discussed and validated by the committee members who helped reframe two levels in one of the attributes and delete one attribute. The final seven attributes were: treatment modality, pain reduction, onset of treatment efficacy, duration of efficacy, difficulty in daily living activities, sleep problem, and knowledge about their body and pain.

Conclusions

This study is one of the few to comprehensively describe the selection process of attributes and levels for a DCE. This may help ensure transparency and judge the quality of the decision-making process. In the context of a HB-HTA unit, this strengthens the legitimacy to perform a DCE to better inform decision-makers in a patient-centered care approach.
OP45 Biological Drugs And Rheumatoid Arthritis In Brazil: An Overview
Authors: Mega Tacila , Santos Vania Canuto , Silva Rondineli
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) is known worldwide for ensuring universal assistance to citizens, which includes the supply of medicines free of charge. Biological drugs consume about 40 percent of the public budget for pharmaceutical services in the SUS and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the largest consumer of these resources, serving about 110,000 patients. Since 2002 there has been a clinical guideline for the care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Brazil, currently providing 10 biological drugs for treatment of RA. The objective of this study is to present data about the provision, expenditure and profile of users of biological drugs for rheumatoid arthritis in SUS.

Methods

Retrospective and exploratory study, using administrative data regarding the purchase and consumption of biological drugs Infliximab, Etanercept, Adalimumab, Rituximab, Abatacept (intravenous and subcutaneous), Tocilizumab, Golimumab and Certolizumab pegol for the treatment of RA between 2012 and 2017 in SUS.

Results

There was an expenditure of approximately USD 421.7 million from the Brazilian Ministry of Health with the supply of about 2 million pharmaceutical units of biological drugs for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, 79 percent of them destined for female users and 89.2 percent for the 40-69 age group. The M05.8 and M.06.0 codes of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) were the most prevalent among the arthritic population served. Adalimumab and Etanercept accounted for 68.3 percent of total expenditure. A reduction in the use of these medicines were observed after the availability of new drugs for the treatment of the disease between 2014 and 2017.

Conclusions

Brazil is one of the largest consumers of biological medicines in the world. The use of real-life data allows monitoring trends and costs of the use of these drugs as well as changes with the entry of new therapies and biosimilar medicines.
OP47 Need For New Thrombectomy Centers? A Practical Decision Framework
Authors: Nicolae Maria Vutcovici , Boothroyd Lucy , Azzi Leila , Lambert Laurie , de Guise Michèle
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Stroke is a major contributor to mortality, disability and long-term use of healthcare services. As for all chrono-dependant conditions, clinical results are associated with timely access to appropriate care. Thrombectomy (EVT) is an effective treatment for large vessel occlusions, but can only be provided in highly-specialized centers by experienced personnel. We sought to develop a framework to aid decision-making on the appropriateness of opening new EVT centers in Québec, Canada.

Methods

Data sources included provincial administrative healthcare databases, population density statistics, field evaluation of Québec's four existing EVT care networks, and literature review concerning structural and performance criteria for EVT centers. We consulted EVT clinical teams, interdisciplinary stroke experts, patients, professional association representatives, healthcare managers and decision-makers.

Results

Access to EVT is suboptimal in all 17 regions of Québec, with virtually no access in remote areas. Results of key performance indicators indicated favorable treatment delays after arrival at the EVT center. However, door-to-needle and door-in-door-out times were long for patients transferred from non-EVT centers. High use of ambulances indicated the potential to transport patients to the most appropriate center. In light of ‘real world’ results and other sources of information, the need for a new EVT center should consider the following criteria: sub-optimal EVT access within the region; transport time to an existing EVT center >1 hour; expected patient volume within 2 hours of transport; impact on volume of existing programs; availability of long-term financial support; availability of a critical mass of neurointerventionists, vascular neurologists, and neurosurgeons; demonstrated quality of stroke care; and, presence of a stroke unit.

Conclusions

The triangulation of literature, clinician experience and the Québec context enriched the evaluation process. Furthermore, this facilitated the development of a framework that was broadly applicable across regions to the real-world setting of decision-making in a complex system of care.