nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Targeting VEGF/VEGFR to Modulate Antitumor Immunity
Venue: Front. Immunol.
Year: 2018

In addition to the crucial role in promoting the growth of tumor vessels, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is also immunosuppressive. VEGF can inhibit the function of T cells, increase the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and hinder the differentiation and activation of dendritic cells (DCs) Recent studies have investigated the role of antiangiogenic agents in antitumor immunity, especially in recent 3 years. Therefore, it is necessary to update the role of targeting VEGF/VEGFR in antitumor immunity. In this review, we focus on the latest clinical and preclinical findings on the modulatory role of antiangiogenic agents targeting VEGF/VEGFR in immune cells, including effector T cells, Tregs, MDSCs, DCs, tumor associated macrophages, and mast cells. Our review will be potentially helpful for the development of combinations of angiogenesis inhibitors with immunological modulators.
Risk aversion in a performativity culture what can we learn from teachers' curriculum decision making in history?
Venue: Journal of Curriculum Studies
Year: 2021

Using the notion of risk aversion, this study explores the decisions teachers make when constructing a curriculum. Adopting a qualitative, grounded approach, this study used semi structured interviews with nine history teachers to examine the decisions they were making during a period of considerable curriculum change in England. Five key categories were identified, which were then defined as risk averse or high risk. The findings show that teachers largely adopt a low risk approach when constructing a curriculum. In particular choice of content, pedagogical and assessment approaches are affected. Also, changes to the curriculum in high stakes examination courses have a major distorting impact on the curriculum choices for the phase of schooling prior to the examination course. This study would suggest that teachers generally aim to maximize examination outcomes through adopting a low risk approach to curriculum change. However, according to the literature, these low risk approaches appear unlikely to improve examination outcomes, whilst at the same time narrowing students' experience of the curriculum.
A systematic review and meta analysis of postpartum contraceptive use among women in low and middle income countries
Venue: Reproductive Health
Year: 2019

BackgroundShort birth intervals increase risk for adverse maternal and infant outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW) and infant mortality. Although postpartum family planning (PPFP) is an increasingly high priority for many countries, uptake and need for PPFP varies in low and middle income countries (LMIC) We performed a systematic review and meta analysis to characterize postpartum contraceptive use, and predictors and barriers to use, among postpartum women in LMIC.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Global Health databases were searched for articles and abstracts published between January 1997 and May 2018. Studies with data on contraceptive uptake through 12 months postpartum in low and middle income countries were included. We used random effects models to compute pooled estimates and confidence intervals of modern contraceptive prevalence rates (mCPR) fertility intentions (birth spacing and birth limiting) and unmet need for contraception in the postpartum period.ResultsAmong 669 studies identified, 90 were selected for full text review, and 35 met inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were from East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia/South East Asia. The overall pooled mCPR during the postpartum period across all regions was 41.2% (95% CI: 15.7 69.1% with lower pooled mCPR in West Africa (36.3% 95% CI: 27.0 45.5% The pooled prevalence of unmet need was 48.5% (95% CI: 19.1 78.0% across all regions, and highest in South Asia/South East Asia (59.4, 95% CI: 53.4 65.4% Perceptions of low pregnancy risk due to breastfeeding and postpartum amenorrhea were commonly associated with lack of contraceptive use and use of male condoms, withdrawal, and abstinence. Women who were not using contraception were also less likely to utilize maternal and child health (MCH) services and reside in urban settings, and be more likely to have a fear of method side effects and receive inadequate FP counseling. In contrast, women who received FP counseling in antenatal and/or postnatal care were more likely to use PPFP.ConclusionsPPFP use is low and unmet need for contraception following pregnancy in LMIC is high. Tailored counseling approaches may help overcome misconceptions and meet heterogeneous needs for PPFP.
An Economic Model of the Covid 19 Epidemic: The Importance of Testing and Age Specific Policies
Year: 2020

This paper investigates the role of testing and age composition in the Covid 19 epidemic. We augment a standard SIR epidemiological model with individual choices regarding how much time to spend working and consuming outside the house, both of which increase the risk of transmission. Individuals who have flu symptoms are unsure whether they caught Covid 19 or simply a common cold. Testing reduces the time of uncertainty. Individuals are heterogeneous with respect to age. Younger people are less likely to die, exacerbating their willingness to take risks and to impose externalities on the old. We explore heterogeneous policy responses in terms of testing, confinements, and selective mixing by age group.
Power Allocation for Artificial Noise Secure MIMO Precoding Systems
Venue: IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing
Year: 2014

This paper investigates the power allocation problem for artificial noise (AN) secure precoding systems, and proposes closed form solutions for maximizing the achievable secrecy rate. It is assumed that the transmitter knows the full channel information at the legitimate receiver, and knows only the statistics of the channel information at the eavesdropper. Lower bounds are derived for the secrecy rates in multiple input single output channels with single or multiple eavesdroppers and multiple input multiple output channels with multiple eavesdroppers. When the number of transmit antennas is sufficiently large, the bounds are tight, and closed form solutions can be derived from these bounds. The analytical results suggest simple and yet informative solutions as follows: Let the numbers of receive antennas at the legitimate receiver and at the eavesdropper be Nr and Nr,e, respectively. The system should distribute Nr,e/(Nr+Nr,e) of the power to AN in the high SNR regime, and distribute zero power to AN in the low SNR regime; the rate loss due to the eavesdropper is Nr log(Nr/(Nr+Nr,e) Nr,e log(Nr,e/(Nr+Nr,e) bits/sec/Hz in the high SNR regime and nearly negligible in the low SNR regime. The derived results also show that equal power and water filling power allocations lead to similar solutions and rate loss. Simulation results corroborate the theoretical results.
The direct costs of fatal and non fatal falls among older adults United States.
Venue: Journal of safety research
Year: 2016

This study sought to estimate the incidence, average cost, and total direct medical costs for fatal and non fatal fall injuries in hospital, ED, and out patient settings among U.S. adults aged 65 or older in 2012, by sex and age group and to report total direct medical costs for falls inflated to 2015 dollars. METHOD Incidence data came from the 2012 National Vital Statistics System, 2012 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2012 Health Care Utilization Program National Emergency Department Sample, and 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Costs for fatal falls were derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System; costs for non fatal falls were based on claims from the 1998/1999 Medicare fee for service 5% Standard Analytical Files. Costs were inflated to 2015 estimates using the health care component of the Personal Consumption Expenditure index.  In 2012, there were 24,190 fatal and 3.2 million medically treated non fatal fall related injuries. Direct medical costs totaled $616.5 million for fatal and $30.3 billion for non fatal injuries in 2012 and rose to $637.5 million and $31.3 billion, respectively, in 2015. Fall incidence as well as total cost increased with age and were higher among women.  Medically treated falls among older adults, especially among older women, are associated with substantial economic costs.  Widely implementing evidence based interventions for fall prevention is essential to decrease the incidence and healthcare costs associated with these injuries.
Private Queries on Public Certificate Transparency Data
Venue: ArXiv
Year: 2019

Despite increasing advancements in today's information exchange infrastructure, the preservation of user data and privacy still remains a problem. Both insecure baselines and secure solutions leak user data. For example, Certificate Transparency (CT) promises significant security improvements to existing Public Key Infrastructure solutions that up to now have solely relied on the Certificate Authority hierarchy. CT provides a robust auditing layer and transparency solution to quickly detect such compromises, but introduces the requirement that client browsers interact with third party servers when validating a site certificate. In the existing CT system, these requests leak information about each user's browsing habits to the hosting server. It is not a stretch to think that this valuable data could be collected and exploited, as corporations and governments have plenty of financial and political incentive to do so. In this project, we seek to address this problem by using an oblivious file sharing system with strong anonymity properties, to provide a more scalable, performant solution to privacy preserving queries.
Apparatus and methods for providing network security on mobile platform
Year: 2014

The disclosure describes components, apparatus and methods for providing network security between computing devices and/or networks on mobile platforms such as aircraft. One such apparatus may comprise: a first memory configured for data communication with a first computing device of the mobile platform; a second memory configured for data communication with a second computing device of the mobile platform; and a controller. The controller may be configured to detect a change in data stored in the first memory and cause the change in data stored in the first memory to be reflected in the second memory by causing data transfer from the first memory to the second memory. Data transfer between the first memory and the second memory may be conducted using a non internet protocol.
On Radiated Performance Evaluation of Massive MIMO Devices in Multiprobe Anechoic Chamber OTA Setups
Venue: IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation
Year: 2018

Radiated testing of massive multiple input multiple output devices in fading radio channel conditions is expected to be essential in the development of the fifth generation (5G) base stations and user equipment (UE) operating at or close to the millimeter wave (mm wave) frequencies. In this paper, we present a setup upgrading the multiprobe anechoic chamber based system designed originally for 4G UE. We describe methods for mapping radio channel models onto the probe configuration and discuss the differences to the former 4G case. We also propose metrics to assess the accuracy of the test setup and find key design parameters by simulations. The results with the utilized channel models indicate that at 28 GHz, up to $16 \times 16$ planar arrays can be tested with a range length of 1 m and with at minimum eight active dual polarized probes.
Comparison between Superheated Steam and Convectional Roasting on Changes in the Phenolic Compound and Antioxidant Activity of Cocoa Beans
Year: 2013

Cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao) are rich in phenolic compounds which show antioxidant properties. Roasting is one of the most important unit operations in the cocoa base industries which reduces the antioxidant activity. Cocoa beans were subjected to roast at 150, 200 and 250degC for 10 50 min using conventional and superheated steam methods on changes in the total phenol content (TPC) total flavonoid content (TFC) free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties. The total phenols and total flavonoid were significantly (p 0.05) higher using superheated steam than conventional roasting method. The cocoa beans treated by conventional method showed significantly (p 0.05) lower the free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant properties than superheated steam roasting method.
A Systematic Statistical Approach to Evaluating Evidence from Observational Studies
Year: 2014

Threats to the validity of observational studies on the effects of interventions raise questions about the appropriate role of such studies in decision making. Nonetheless, scholarly journals in fields such as medicine, education, and the social sciences feature many such studies, often with limited exploration of these threats, and the lay press is rife with news stories based on these studies. Consumers of these studies rely on the expertise of the study authors to conduct appropriate analyses, and on the thoroughness of the scientific peer review process to check the validity, but the introspective and ad hoc nature of the design of these analyses appears to elude any meaningful objective assessment of their performance. Here, we review some of the challenges encountered in observational studies and review an alternative, data driven approach to observational study design, execution, and analysis. Although much work remains, we believe this research direction shows promise.
Why brain radiation therapy should take account of the individual structural and functional connectivity: Toward an irradiation "a la carte"
Venue: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology
Year: 2020

Although radiation therapy (RT) is a main treatment of brain tumors, delayed cerebral toxicity may lead to cognitive deteriorations with adverse effects on quality of life. Despite technological advances in RT, the concept of brain connectome has not yet been incorporated in the strategy of irradiation. Because white matter tracts represent the main limitation of neuroplasticity, tumor surgery is increasingly performed with awake cortical subcortical mapping. Here, the purpose is to reinforce the link between cognitive neurosciences and neurooncology, which is critical for neurosurgeons but also for medical oncologists, especially brain radiation oncologists. The goal is to optimize RT planning by sparing individual critical neural networks. A redefinition of "organs at risk" should be proposed, beyond the few structures (such as brainstem, optic pathway, pituitary gland, hippocampi) which are classically preserved for brain radiation, by considering the structural and functional connectivity in order to evolve toward a RT "a la carte"
Dynamic analysis of planar multi body systems with LuGre friction at differently located revolute clearance joints
Year: 2012

In this paper, the dynamic response of a planar rigid multi body system with stick slip friction in revolute clearance joints is studied. LuGre friction law is proposed to model the stick slip friction at the revolute clearance joints. This is because using this law, one can capture the variation of the friction force with slip velocity, thus making it suitable for studies involving stick slip motions. The effective coefficient of friction is represented as a function of the relative tangential velocity of the contacting bodies, that is, the journal and the bearing, and an internal state. In LuGre friction model, the internal state is considered to be the average bristle deflection of the contacting bodies. By applying the LuGre friction law on a typical slider crank mechanism, the friction force in the revolute joint having clearance is seen not to have a discontinuity at zero slip velocity throughout the simulation unlike in static friction models. In addition, LuGre model was observed to capture the Stribeck effect which is a phenomenon associated directly with stick slip friction. The friction forces are seen to increase with increase in input speed. The effect of stick slip friction on the overall dynamic behavior of a mechanical system at different speeds was seen to vary from one clearance joint to another.
The Moderating Effect of Managerial of Innovation on Leadership Styles and Job Satisfaction in Jordanian University Private
Year: 2020

This study aimed to reveal the relationship between leadership styles of faculty deans in private universities with the job satisfaction of faculty members in Jordan. Two types of leadership styles were chosen, namely the autocratic leadership style and the free leadership style in the presence of a Moderating variable, which is the managerial of innovation of faculties deans in those universities. In those universities, the questionnaire was also distributed to the study sample in a random and systematic way, which consisted of (345) members. The study concluded that there is a negative relationship between the autocratic leadership style and the free leadership style and job satisfaction of the faculty members in the presence of a Moderating variable (managerial of innovation)
What is the evidence for rest, ice, compression, and elevation therapy in the treatment of ankle sprains in adults?
Venue: Journal of athletic training
Year: 2012

Ankle sprains are common problems in acute medical care. The variation in treatment observed for the acutely injured lateral ankle ligament complex in the first week after the injury suggests a lack of evidence based management strategies for this problem.  To analyze the effectiveness of applying rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy begun within 72 hours after trauma for patients in the initial period after ankle sprain.  Eligible studies were published original randomized or quasi randomized controlled trials concerning at least 1 of the 4 subtreatments of RICE therapy in the treatment of acute ankle sprains in adults.  MEDLINE, Cochrane Clinical Trial Register, CINAHL, and EMBASE. The lists of references of retrieved publications also were checked manually.  We extracted relevant data on treatment outcome (pain, swelling, ankle mobility or range of motion, return to sports, return to work, complications, and patient satisfaction) and assessed the quality of included studies. If feasible, the results of comparable studies were pooled using fixed or random effects models.  After deduction of the overlaps among the different databases, evaluation of the abstracts, and contact with some authors, 24 potentially eligible trials remained. The full texts of these articles were retrieved and thoroughly assessed as described. This resulted in the inclusion of 11 trials involving 868 patients. The main reason for exclusion was that the authors did not describe a well defined control group without the intervention of interest.  Insufficient evidence is available from randomized controlled trials to determine the relative effectiveness of RICE therapy for acute ankle sprains in adults. Treatment decisions must be made on an individual basis, carefully weighing the relative benefits and risks of each option, and must be based on expert opinions and national guidelines.
Religious Involvement and Its Association to Risk Behaviors among Older Youth in Foster Care
Venue: American journal of community psychology
Year: 2006

This study examined religious involvement and its association to risk behaviors (sexual behavior, marijuana use, alcohol use, and cigarette use) among older youth in foster care (N=383) Three dimensions of religious involvement were assessed church or religious service attendance, religious practices, and religious beliefs. Findings showed that gender, ethnic group membership, sexual abuse history, and placement type were significantly associated with older foster care youth's religious involvement. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that religious service attendance was associated with reduced odds of youth's engagement in sexual behavior in the past 2 months and current use of cigarettes. In addition, greater religious beliefs were associated with a reduction in odds of youth's use of alcohol in the past 6 months and current use of cigarettes. The consideration of religious involvement as a positive influence and resource that may reduce unhealthy risk behaviors among older youth in foster care is discussed.
On variance reduction for stochastic smooth convex optimization with multiplicative noise
Venue: Math. Program.
Year: 2019

We propose dynamic sampled stochastic approximation (SA) methods for stochastic optimization with a heavy tailed distribution (with finite 2nd moment) The objective is the sum of a smooth convex function with a convex regularizer. Typically, it is assumed an oracle with an upper bound \sigma ^2$$s2 on its variance (OUBV) Differently, we assume an oracle with multiplicative noise. This rarely addressed setup is more aggressive but realistic, where the variance may not be uniformly bounded. Our methods achieve optimal iteration complexity and (near) optimal oracle complexity. For the smooth convex class, we use an accelerated SA method a la FISTA which achieves, given tolerance \varepsilon >0$$e>0, the optimal iteration complexity of \mathscr {O}\varepsilon \frac{1}{2}$O(e 12) with a near optimal oracle complexity of \mathscr {O}\varepsilon 2}\ln \varepsilon \frac{1}{2}^2$$O(e 2)[ln(e 12)]2. This improves upon Ghadimi and Lan ( 2016) where it is assumed an OUBV. For the strongly convex class, our method achieves optimal iteration complexity of \mathscr {O}\ln \varepsilon 1}$O(ln(e 1) and optimal oracle complexity of \mathscr {O}\varepsilon 1}$O(e 1) This improves upon Byrd et al. (Math Program 134:127 155, 2012) where it is assumed an OUBV. In terms of variance, our bounds are local: they depend on variances \sigma (x^^2$$s(x*)2 at solutions $x^$x* and the per unit distance multiplicative variance \sigma ^2_L$$sL2. For the smooth convex class, there exist policies such that our bounds resemble, up to absolute constants, those obtained in the mentioned papers if it was assumed an OUBV with \sigma ^2:\sigma (x^^2$$s2:=s(x*)2. For the strongly convex class such property is obtained exactly if the condition number is estimated or in the limit for better conditioned problems or for larger initial batch sizes. In any case, if it is assumed an OUBV, our bounds are thus sharper since typically \max \sigma (x^^2,\sigma _L^2\\ll \sigma ^2$$max{s(x*)2,sL2}s2.