bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A quantum key distribution protocol for rapid denial of service detection
Authors: Price Alasdair B. , Rarity John G. , Erven Chris 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe introduce a quantum key distribution protocol designed to expose fake users that connect to Alice or Bob for the purpose of monopolising the link and denying service. It inherently resists attempts to exhaust Alice and Bob’s initial shared secret and is 100% efficient, regardless of the number of qubits exchanged above the finite key limit. Additionally, secure key can be generated from two-photon pulses without having to make any extra modifications. This is made possible by relaxing the security of BB84 to that of the quantum-safe block cipher used for day-to-day encryption, meaning the overall security remains unaffected for useful real-world cryptosystems such as AES-GCM being keyed with quantum devices.
Related Party Transactions, Value Relevance and Informativeness of Earnings: Evidence from Four Economies in East Asia
Authors: Rahmat Mohd Mohid , Ahmed Kamran , Lobo Gerald J. 
Published: May 2020

We investigate the effect of related party transactions (RPTs) on value relevance and informativeness of accounting earnings for firms based in East Asia. Using a hand-collected sample of 398 listed companies comprising 1194 firm-year observations from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, we find that firms engaging more extensively in RPTs have significantly lower value relevance and lower informativeness of earnings both in the current year and subsequent year than firms engaging less in RPTs. Furthermore, the results indicate that the types of RPTs affect value relevance and informativeness of earnings differently in that the effect of simple and loans RPTs are more negative than complex transactions. The extent of the negative effect of RPTs is lower in Hong Kong and Singapore where investor protection is higher compared to the other two economies. These findings are robust to controlling for firm-specific attributes, corporate governance, ownership structure, earnings quality, and a variety of sensitivity tests. These results are consistent with the conflict of interest view that RPTs compromise the quality of accounting earnings and this leads to the reduction in earnings and market value relationship for firms that engage in RPTs.
HER2 Mutations in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Herculean Effort to Hit the Target
Authors: Rolfo Christian , Russo Alessandro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Summary:
Over the last two decades HER2 aberrations have been thoroughly investigated as potential therapeutic targets in advanced non–small cell lung cancer, with relatively modest results. Two articles published in this issue of Cancer Discovery further expand the knowledge on therapeutic exploitation of HER2 in lung cancer, addressing a large unmet medical need.
See related article by Li et al., p. 674.
See related article by Tsurutani et al., p. 688.
Trying for a BRAF Slam Dunk
Authors: Ribas Antoni , Lo Roger S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Summary:
The first basket clinical trial testing the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib resulted in evidence of activity in 13 unique cancer types with BRAFV600 mutations, but the response rates were variable. Therefore, different cancer histologies with the same driver oncogene display different degrees of oncogenic pathway addiction.
See related article by Subbiah et al., p. 657.
Decoding the Noncoding Cancer Genome
Authors: van Galen Peter 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Summary:
In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Li and colleagues provide a blueprint for the identification and functional validation of cancer-associated mutations in noncoding regions of the genome. Integration of whole-genome sequencing and high-throughput epigenome editing screens is starting to reveal the extent to which noncoding genetic lesions contribute to cancer.
See related article by Li et al., p. 724.
Effects of Entrainment and Mixing on the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen Process
Authors: Hoffmann Fabian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The growth of ice crystals at the expense of water droplets, the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen (WBF) process, is of major importance for the production of precipitation in mixed-phase clouds. The effects of entrainment and mixing on WBF, however, are not well understood, and small-scale inhomogeneities in the thermodynamic and hydrometeor fields are typically neglected in current models. By applying the linear eddy model, a millimeter-resolution representation of turbulent deformation and molecular diffusion, we investigate these small-scale effects on WBF. While we show that entrainment is accelerating WBF by contributing to the evaporation of liquid droplets, entrainment may also cause aforementioned inhomogeneities, particularly regions filled with exclusively ice or liquid hydrometeors, which tend to decelerate WBF if the ice crystal concentration exceeds 100 L−1. At lower ice crystal concentrations, even weak turbulence can homogenize hydrometeor and thermodynamic fields sufficiently fast so as to not affect WBF. Independent of the ice crystal concentration, it is shown that a fully resolved entrainment and mixing process may delay the nucleation of entrained aerosols to ice crystals, thereby delaying the uptake of water vapor by the ice phase, further slowing down WBF. All in all, this study indicates that, under specific conditions, small-scale inhomogeneities associated with entrainment and mixing counteract the accelerated WBF in entraining clouds. However, further research is required to assess the importance of the newly discovered processes more broadly in fully coupled, evolving mixed-phase cloud systems.
Performance of a Pediatric Stroke Alert Team Within a Comprehensive Stroke Center
Authors: Catenaccio Eva , Riggs Becky J. , Sun Lisa R. , Urrutia Victor C. , Johnson Brenda , Torriente Adriana Gonzalez , Felling Ryan J. 
Published: May 2020

Background: Childhood stroke is rare, and diagnosis is frequently delayed. The use of pediatric stroke teams has the potential to decrease time to neurology evaluation and imaging, hastening appropriate diagnosis and treatment for acute neurologic presentations in children. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of our institutional pediatric stroke or “brain attack” team (pedsBAT) activations from October 2014 to July 2017. Clinical characteristics and timing parameters were compared between pedsBAT activations in the inpatient vs emergency department (ED) / outpatient settings as well as between pediatric and adult BAT activations in the same time period. Results: We identified 120 pedsBAT activations (75% in the ED/outpatient setting) during the study time period. Inpatient pedsBAT activations were more likely than outpatient activations to have heart disease as a risk factor for ischemic stroke and presented more frequently with altered mental status, but there were no differences in the proportion of cerebrovascular diagnoses or timing parameters between the 2 groups. When compared with adult BAT activations, outpatient pedsBAT activations had a longer time from symptom discovery to arrival at the ED, and inpatient pedsBAT activations had longer time from symptom discovery to BAT activation. Conclusions: Compared with adults, the interval leading up to stroke team activation was longer in children, suggesting delays in symptom recognition. Future interventions should be aimed at reducing these delays in presentation to care and stroke alert activation in pediatric patients.
“Vrem o ţară ca afară!”: How Contention in Romania Redefines State-Building through a Pro-European Discourse
Authors: Gubernat Ruxandra , Rammelt Henry P. 
Published: May 2020

This article belongs to a forthcoming special cluster, “Contention Politics and International Statebuilding in Southeast Europe” guest-edited by Nemanja Džuverovic, Julia Rone and Tom Junes. Massive protest waves, mainly led by younger citizens, appeared during the past years in Romania. Gubernat and Rammelt provide an analysis of the production of meaning by the “Romanian street” as a collective actor. They argue that “Vrem o ţară ca afară! (We want a country like abroad!)” became the leitmotif for important parts of the Romanian protests of the past eight years. For so doing, Gubernat and Rammelt analyze the discursive underpinnings and the constructed frames in recent protests in Romania. Their demonstration synthesizes a social phenomenon that appeared during the Roșia Montană protests of 2013, continued with the Colectiv protests of 2015 and was reconfirmed during the 2017–2018 anti-corruption protests: the dichotomy between the discursive appropriation of the West, as a benchmark of progress and social modernization and the “self-racism” manifested in these movements. The use of Frame Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis for the study of these waves of protests enables them to show how the Western hegemonic discourse on state-building provides the cultural conditions for social action as well as it enables mobilizing agents to frame national discontent. “‘Vrem o ţară ca afară!’ Redefining state-building through a pro-European discourse in Romania” concludes that recent protests in Romania reproduce Western ideals of modern state and politics through a value-based discourse around the idea of belonging to Europe.
The Impact of Social Movements on Policy Outcomes in Partly Free Democracies: Evidence from the “Citizens for Macedonia” Struggles in a Captured Macedonian State
Authors: Stefanovski Ivan 
Published: May 2020

This article belongs to a forthcoming special cluster, “Contention Politics and International Statebuilding in Southeast Europe” guest-edited by Nemanja Džuverovic, Julia Rone and Tom Junes. This article looks at the impact of one of the recent waves of mobilization in the Republic of Macedonia, the “Citizens for Macedonia” platform, over policy outcomes that originally derived from the movement actors. Furthermore, the text highlights the crucial role of the international community in shaping and implementing the policy outcomes, playing the role of international statebuilders in the process of reintroducing democracy in the captured Macedonian state. The theoretical framework and the literature review present an attempt to bridge contemporary works on social movement studies with those on democratization and international state building. A lot of emphasis is also put on the peculiar political opportunity structure, and the difficult and movement-unfriendly conditions in which the citizens’ platform operated. On the other hand, the article tries to show the gains and losses of a coalition between an established political party, and a loose horizontal network of citizens and citizens’ organizations that advocate for rule of law and protection of human rights. The central conclusions that can be extrapolated from this work are the strong and committed claims by the movement, articulated through various repertoires of action, but also the active role of the international community, which presented a conditio sine qua non, bringing down the regime led by former PM Nikola Gruevski and freeing the state institutions previously occupied by the political parties in power.
Readmission Outcomes of Sliding Scale Insulin Compared to Basal-Bolus Insulin Prescribed at Discharge in an Insulin-Naive Patient Population
Authors: Carter Pamela , Eshelbrenner Tracie , Kirk Lauren , Fisk Mandy , Rodrigues Claire 
Published: May 2020

Background: Limited data are available that examine hospital readmission outcomes of sliding scale compared to basal-bolus insulin in indigent and insulin-naive patients. Objective: To evaluate hospital readmission outcomes in patients who are insulin naive with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are initiated on either sliding scale or basal-bolus insulin upon hospital discharge. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of adult patients with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were insulin naive, had a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 10% or greater, and were discharged with a prescription for sliding scale or basal-bolus insulin from January 2015 to July 2018. The primary objective measured all-cause 30-day hospital readmissions. The secondary objectives measured diabetes-related 30-day hospital readmissions and HbA1c change after 3 months of initial hospital admission. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test, paired sample t test, and logistic regression. Results: Forty-one patients were prescribed sliding scale insulin and 105 patients were prescribed basal-bolus insulin. The majority were male (60%), spoke English (84%), were self-pay (39%), and had a mean age of 51 ± 10.2 years, initial HbA1c of 13% ± 1.9%, and LACE+ score of 51 ± 15.6 upon discharge. All-cause 30-day hospital readmissions occurred in 14.6% of sliding scale and 6.7% of basal-bolus insulin groups (odds ratio [OR]: 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-7.63). Hyperglycemia occurred in 7.3% of sliding scale and 0.9% of basal-bolus insulin groups. Mean HbA1c difference for basal-bolus and sliding scale insulin was 3.3 ± 3.1 and 2.9 ± 2.7, respectively ( P = 0.459). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in all-cause 30-day hospital readmissions comparing sliding scale to basal-bolus insulin.
Comparative Study of Spring Ligament Reconstructions Using Either Hamstring Allograft or Synthetic Ligament Augmentation
Authors: Heyes Gavin , Swanton Eric , Vosoughi Amir Reza , Mason Lyndon W. , Molloy Andrew P. 
Published: May 2020

Background: Idiopathic flatfeet are usually caused by attenuation of the medial soft tissues rather than a lateral osseous deficiency. Debate continues on whether spring ligament attenuation or posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction is the initial driver for the deformity. Our comparative prospective study aimed to quantify the radiological and clinical outcomes of 2 techniques for spring ligament reconstruction using a hamstring graft or a synthetic ligament. Methods: Seventeen spring ligament reconstructions (SLRs) were performed in 17 patients using synthetic ligament augmentation and 16 SLRs were performed using hamstring allograft in 13 patients. Additional procedures such as gastrocnemius recession, PTT advancement, flexor digitorum longus transfer, and calcaneal osteotomy were performed as required. A minimum of 12 months of follow-up was available for all cases. Radiographic analysis was performed with standardized parameters. Results: Following SLR with synthetic ligament augmentation, all radiological parameters significantly improved ( P < .05). Hamstring allograft SLR also demonstrated significantly improved radiographic parameters in all but Meary’s line at final follow-up. At 12 months, patient outcome scores were significantly better in the synthetic ligament group. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the spring ligament using either hamstring allograft or synthetic ligament augmentation provided significant improvements in radiological alignment; however, superior patient-reported outcomes were found in the synthetic ligament augmentation group. Levels of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Dinutuximab in adult-onset chemotherapy refractory high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Garrovillo Krystal , Garrett John , Bollin Kathryn , Nasraty Farah , Sikand Harminder 
Published: May 2020

Introduction Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in pediatrics but is considerably uncommon in adults, with approximately 1 case per 10 million diagnosed per year and is associated with poor prognosis. There are no standard treatment protocols for adult-onset neuroblastomas and there are only a few published case reports on neuroblastoma in adults. Case report We report our treatment experience in a 41-year-old female diagnosed with high-risk, poorly differentiated neuroblastoma. Management and outcome Our patient received two cycles of dinutuximab adapted from the Children’s Oncology Group ANBL1221 protocol. The patient experienced pain, neuropathy, pruritus, and infusion reactions which were managed with supportive care. Due to the lack of tumor regression, dinutuximab was omitted from future treatments. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic from her disease and remains off of all therapy and pain medication. Discussion While dinutuximab has produced promising outcomes in pediatric patients, it is not without potentially severe adverse effects. Serious reactions of capillary leak syndrome, infusion reactions, pain, and neuropathy have been reported. Clinicians must be cognizant of the treatment-related toxicities associated with dinutuximab therapy, ranging from pain, neuropathy, pruritus, and infusion reactions as explored in this patient case.
Homeless people under the influence of alcohol admitted to hospital emergency departments in Poland
Authors: Burak Anna , Cierzniakowska Katarzyna , Popow Aleksandra 
Published: May 2020

Aim: To assess the incidence of diagnoses related to alcohol use in the population of homeless people admitted to hospital emergency departments (EDs). Material and method: Data were analysed from three hospitals concerning stays of homeless people in three EDs in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2013–2015; 3133 stays were identified. The data were compiled using Microsoft Excel and Statistica 10 statistical software. Results: At the time of admission to EDs, 31% of homeless people were considered to be under the influence of alcohol. Diagnoses related to alcohol use accounted for 25% of all diagnoses. The average blood alcohol concentration in the patients was 2.97 per mille. The average blood alcohol concentration in the group of men was significantly higher than that in the group of women ( p = 0.015). The average length of stay in the ED of patients under the influence of alcohol was significantly longer ( p < 0.0001) than among sober patients. Conclusions: Homeless people under the influence of alcohol account for a third of the population of homeless patients admitted to hospital emergency departments, while alcohol-related ICD-10 diagnoses account for a fourth of all diagnoses in these patients. Homeless patients under the influence of alcohol stay longer in hospital emergency departments than do sober homeless people, which may translate into more frequent acts of aggression towards medical personnel. In Poland there are no systemic ED-level solutions as regards dealing with homeless patients for whom alcohol dependence is in many cases a reality.
Improving the safety of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta – Compliant versus semi-compliant balloon systems
Authors: Madurska Marta J , Franklin Curtis , Richmond Michael , Adnan Sakib M , Stansby Gerard P , White Joseph M , Morrison Jonathan J 
Published: May 2020

Objectives Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta is an alternative to resuscitative thoracotomy in non-compressible torso haemorrhage. Low-profile, compliant balloon catheter systems have been developed, which can be deployed without the need for fluoroscopy. However, concern exists for over inflation and aortic injury, especially as compliant balloon material can stretch reducing syringe feedback and limiting the effectiveness of a safety valve. An alternative material would be a semi-compliant balloon material, but its performance is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the inflation characteristics of compliant versus semi-compliant balloon systems and to determine whether a pressure relief safety valve can be practically applied to a semi-compliant balloon catheter as a safety device. Methods This was an ex vivo study using porcine segments of thoracic aorta. The study consisted of two phases. The first phase involved intermittent inflation of six compliant balloon and six semi-compliant balloon balloons until balloon or aortic rupture. In the second phase, six semi-compliant balloons with the pressure-relief valve set at 0.45 atmospheres were inflated in the aortas until the valve release, followed by injection with additional 30 mL. Data including pressure, volume, balloon working length, diameter and circumferential stretch ratio were collected. Results At failure, mean balloon volume was almost double in compliant balloon group vs semi-compliant balloon group – 49.83 mL (±23.25) and 25.16 mL (±8.93), respectively ( p = 0.004), with 36% increase in working length in the compliant balloon group – 81.17 mm (±19.11) vs 59.49 (±4.86) for semi-compliant balloon ( p = 0.023). When plotted, the relationship pattern between volume and pressure fit a linear model for the compliant balloon, and a quadratic model for the semi-compliant balloon. Following attempted over inflation with the pressure valve, there was no change in parameters before and after attempted over inflation. Conclusions The inflation profile differs between balloon designs. In contrast to semi-compliant balloons, compliant balloons will accommodate more volume to mitigate increase in pressure. This does not completely eliminate the risk of over inflation. The inflation characteristics of the semi-compliant balloon permit pairing it with a safety valve, which could lead to a development of a safer balloon technology in the future.
Brain and Physiological Markers of Autonomic Function Are Associated With Treatment-Related Improvements in Self-Reported Autonomic Dysfunction in Veterans With Gulf War Illness: An Exploratory Pilot Study
Authors: Mathersul Danielle C , Eising Carla M , DeSouza Danielle D , Spiegel David , Bayley Peter J 
Published: May 2020

Background Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a poorly understood condition characterized by a constellation of mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms. A growing body of evidence demonstrates autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Few published treatment studies exist for GWI. Method We recently completed a randomized controlled trial comparing a 10-week group yoga intervention to 10-week group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for veterans with GWI. Here, we present exploratory data on ANS biomarkers of treatment response from a small pilot exploratory neurophysiological add-on study (n = 13) within that larger study. Results Findings suggest that veterans with GWI receiving either yoga or CBT for pain improved following treatment and that changes in biological ANS—especially for the yoga group—moved in the direction of healthy profiles: lower heart rate, higher square root of the mean squared differences between successive R-R intervals (RMSSD), greater parasympathetic activation/dominance (increased high-frequency heart rate variability [HF-HRV], decreased low-frequency/high-frequency [LF/HF] ratio), reduced right amygdala volume, and stronger amygdala-default mode/amygdala-salience network connectivity, both immediately posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. Biological mechanisms of CBT appeared to underlie improvements in more psychologically loaded symptoms such as self-reported fatigue and energy. Higher tonic arousal and/or more sympathetic dominance (higher skin conductance, lower RMSSD, lower HF-HRV, higher LF/HF ratio) pretreatment predicted greater treatment-related improvements in self-reported ANS for both the yoga and CBT group. Conclusion These exploratory pilot data provide preliminary support for the suggestion that treatment (yoga, CBT) is associated with improvements in both biological and self-reported ANS dysfunctions in GWI. The major limitation for these findings is the small sample size. Larger and more controlled studies are needed to replicate these findings and directly compare biomarkers of yoga versus CBT.