Feasibility issues in shortest-path routing with traffic flow split

In the Internet’s autonomous systems packets are routed on shortest paths to their destinations. A related problem is how to find an admissible traffic routing configuration using paths that can be generated by a system of weights assigned to IP links. This problem is NP-hard. It can be formulated as a mixed-integer program and attempted with a branch-and-cut algorithm if effective cuts (valid inequalities) can be derived. In this paper we discuss admissibility of shortest-path routing configurations represented by binary variables specifying whether or not a particular link is on a shortest path to a particular destination. We present a linear programming problem for testing routing admissibility and derive solutions of this problem which characterize non-admissible routing configurations

Co-registration of optoacoustic tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data from murine tumour models.

As optoacoustic tomography (OT) emerges as a mainstream pre-clinical imaging modality, understanding the relationship between optoacoustic and other imaging biomarkers in the context of the underlying tissue biology becomes vitally important. Complementary insight into tumour vasculature and hypoxia can be gained using OT alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based techniques. To evaluate the relationship between these metrics and the relative performance of the two modalities in assessment of tumour physiology, co-registration of their output imaging data is required. Unfortunately, this poses a significant challenge due to differences in animal positioning during imaging. Here, we present an integrated framework for registration of OT and MR image data in mice. Our framework combines a novel MR animal holder, to improve animal positioning during imaging, and a landmark-based software co-registration algorithm. We demonstrate that our protocol significantly improves registration of both body and tumour contours between these modalities, enabling more precise multi-modal tumour characterisation

Towards Quantitative Evaluation of Tissue Absorption Coefficients Using Light Fluence Correction in Optoacoustic Tomography.

Optoacoustic tomography is a fast developing imaging modality, combining the high contrast available from optical excitation of tissue with the high resolution and penetration depth of ultrasound detection. Light is subject to both absorption and scattering when traveling through tissue; adequate knowledge of tissue optical properties and hence the spatial fluence distribution is required to create an optoacoustic image that is directly proportional to chromophore concentrations at all depths. Using data from a commercial multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) system, we implemented an iterative optimization for fluence correction based on a finite-element implementation of the delta-Eddington approximation to the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE). We demonstrate a linear relationship between the image intensity and absorption coefficients across multiple wavelengths and depths in phantoms. We also demonstrate improved feature visibility and spectral recovery at depth in phantoms and with in vivo measurements, suggesting our approach could in the future enable quantitative extraction of tissue absorption coefficients in biological tissue.This work was funded by the EPSRC-CRUK Cancer Imaging Centre in Cambridge and Manchester (C197/A16465); CRUK (C47594/A16267, C14303/A17197); EU FP7 framework programme (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG-630729) and the University of Cambridge EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account via a Partnership Development Award.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers via http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TMI.2016.260719

Oxygen-Enhanced and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Optoacoustic Tomography Provide Surrogate Biomarkers of Tumor Vascular Function, Hypoxia, and Necrosis.

Measuring the functional status of tumor vasculature, including blood flow fluctuations and changes in oxygenation, is important in cancer staging and therapy monitoring. Current clinically approved imaging modalities suffer long procedure times and limited spatiotemporal resolution. Optoacoustic tomography (OT) is an emerging clinical imaging modality that may overcome these challenges. By acquiring data at multiple wavelengths, OT can interrogate hemoglobin concentration and oxygenation directly and resolve contributions from injected contrast agents. In this study, we tested whether two dynamic OT techniques, oxygen-enhanced (OE) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-OT, could provide surrogate biomarkers of tumor vascular function, hypoxia, and necrosis. We found that vascular maturity led to changes in vascular function that affected tumor perfusion, modulating the DCE-OT signal. Perfusion in turn regulated oxygen availability, driving the OE-OT signal. In particular, we demonstrate for the first time a strong per-tumor and spatial correlation between imaging biomarkers derived from these in vivo techniques and tumor hypoxia quantified ex vivo Our findings indicate that OT may offer a significant advantage for localized imaging of tumor response to vascular-targeted therapies when compared with existing clinical DCE methods.Significance: Imaging biomarkers derived from optoacoustic tomography can be used as surrogate measures of tumor perfusion and hypoxia, potentially yielding rapid, multiparametric, and noninvasive cancer staging and therapeutic response monitoring in the clinic.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/20/5980/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(20); 5980-91. ©2018 AACR

Multi-dimension unified Swin Transformer for 3D Lesion Segmentation in Multiple Anatomical Locations

In oncology research, accurate 3D segmentation of lesions from CT scans is essential for the modeling of lesion growth kinetics. However, following the RECIST criteria, radiologists routinely only delineate each lesion on the axial slice showing the largest transverse area, and delineate a small number of lesions in 3D for research purposes. As a result, we have plenty of unlabeled 3D volumes and labeled 2D images, and scarce labeled 3D volumes, which makes training a deep-learning 3D segmentation model a challenging task. In this work, we propose a novel model, denoted a multi-dimension unified Swin transformer (MDU-ST), for 3D lesion segmentation. The MDU-ST consists of a Shifted-window transformer (Swin-transformer) encoder and a convolutional neural network (CNN) decoder, allowing it to adapt to 2D and 3D inputs and learn the corresponding semantic information in the same encoder. Based on this model, we introduce a three-stage framework: 1) leveraging large amount of unlabeled 3D lesion volumes through self-supervised pretext tasks to learn the underlying pattern of lesion anatomy in the Swin-transformer encoder; 2) fine-tune the Swin-transformer encoder to perform 2D lesion segmentation with 2D RECIST slices to learn slice-level segmentation information; 3) further fine-tune the Swin-transformer encoder to perform 3D lesion segmentation with labeled 3D volumes. The network's performance is evaluated by the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) using an internal 3D lesion dataset with 593 lesions extracted from multiple anatomical locations. The proposed MDU-ST demonstrates significant improvement over the competing models. The proposed method can be used to conduct automated 3D lesion segmentation to assist radiomics and tumor growth modeling studies. This paper has been accepted by the IEEE International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) 2023

Small Wind Turbines: Specification, Design, and Economic Evaluation

In this work, we consider various aspects of small wind turbines’ (SWTs) design and operation. First, an extensive literature study is presented by considering SWTs specification, market statistics, the smart grid, and the prosumer concepts as well as the most important parameters affecting the efficiency of wind turbines. Then, both the literature review and series of coupled numerical simulations investigating impact of the chosen design solutions on small wind turbine operation are performed. It allowed objective evaluation of different design approaches, which in turn enabled the systematic identification of actual limitations as well as the opportunities for specific design solutions of SWTs: horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs); the rotor position in relation to the tower (upwind vs. downwind); and diffusor-augmented wind turbine (DAWT). Additionally, an economic evaluation is carried with the use of an advanced numerical Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) model. It is shown that auxiliary power generation using privately owned SWTs can be an economically viable option. Finally, a set of design goals for future SWTs is formulated based on the performed numerical analyses

The Potential of Photoacoustic Imaging in Radiation Oncology

Radiotherapy is recognized globally as a mainstay of treatment in most solid tumors and is essential in both curative and palliative settings. Ionizing radiation is frequently combined with surgery, either preoperatively or postoperatively, and with systemic chemotherapy. Recent advances in imaging have enabled precise targeting of solid lesions yet substantial intratumoral heterogeneity means that treatment planning and monitoring remains a clinical challenge as therapy response can take weeks to manifest on conventional imaging and early indications of progression can be misleading. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is an emerging modality for molecular imaging of cancer, enabling non-invasive assessment of endogenous tissue chromophores with optical contrast at unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. Preclinical studies in mouse models have shown that PAI could be used to assess response to radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy based on changes in the tumor vascular architecture and blood oxygen saturation, which are closely linked to tumor hypoxia. Given the strong relationship between hypoxia and radio-resistance, PAI assessment of the tumor microenvironment has the potential to be applied longitudinally during radiotherapy to detect resistance at much earlier time-points than currently achieved by size measurements and tailor treatments based on tumor oxygen availability and vascular heterogeneity. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art in PAI in the context of radiotherapy research. Based on these studies, we identify promising applications of PAI in radiation oncology and discuss the future potential and outstanding challenges in the development of translational PAI biomarkers of early response to radiotherapy

Optoacoustics delineates murine breast cancer models displaying angiogenesis and vascular mimicry.

BACKGROUND: Optoacoustic tomography (OT) of breast tumour oxygenation is a promising new technique, currently in clinical trials, which may help to determine disease stage and therapeutic response. However, the ability of OT to distinguish breast tumours displaying different vascular characteristics has yet to be established. The aim of the study is to prove OT as a sensitive technique for differentiating breast tumour models with manifestly different vasculatures. METHODS: Multispectral OT (MSOT) was performed in oestrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and oestrogen-independent (MDA-MB-231) orthotopic breast cancer xenografts. Total haemoglobin (THb) and oxygen saturation (SO2MSOT) were calculated. Pathological and biochemical evaluation of the tumour vascular phenotype was performed for validation. RESULTS: MCF-7 tumours show SO2MSOT similar to healthy tissue in both rim and core, despite significantly lower THb in the core. MDA-MB-231 tumours show markedly lower SO2MSOT with a significant rim-core disparity. Ex vivo analysis revealed that MCF-7 tumours contain fewer blood vessels (CD31+) that are more mature (CD31+/aSMA+) than MDA-MB-231. MCF-7 presented higher levels of stromal VEGF and iNOS, with increased NO serum levels. The vasculogenic process observed in MCF-7 was consistent with angiogenesis, while MDA-MB-231 appeared to rely more on vascular mimicry. CONCLUSIONS: OT is sensitive to differences in the vascular phenotypes of our breast cancer models

Relationship between anti-DFS70 autoantibodies and oxidative stress

Background: The anti-DFS70 autoantibodies are one of the most commonly and widely described agent of unknown clinical significance, frequently detected in healthy individuals. It is not known whether the DFS70 autoantibodies are protective or pathogenic. One of the factors suspected of inducing the formation of anti-DFS70 antibodies is increased oxidative stress. We evaluated the coexistence of anti-DFS70 antibodies with selected markers of oxidative stress and investigated whether these antibodies could be considered as indirect markers of oxidative stress. Methods: The intensity of oxidative stress was measured in all samples via indices of free-radical damage to lipids and proteins such as total oxidant status (TOS), concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides (LPH), lipofuscin (LPS), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The parameters of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system, such as total antioxidant status (TAS) and uric acid concentration (UA), were also measured, as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Based on TOS and TAS values, the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. All samples were also tested with indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and 357 samples were selected for direct monospecific anti DFS70 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. Results: The anti-DFS70 antibodies were confirmed by ELISA test in 21.29% of samples. Compared with anti-DFS70 negative samples we observed 23% lower concentration of LPH (P =.038) and 11% lower concentration of UA (P =.005). TOS was 20% lower (P =.014). The activity of SOD was up to 5% higher (P =.037). The Pearson correlation showed weak negative correlation for LPH, UA, and TOS and a weak positive correlation for SOD activity. Conclusion: In samples positive for the anti-DFS70 antibody a decreased level of oxidative stress was observed, especially in the case of samples with a high antibody titer. Anti-DFS70 antibodies can be considered as an indirect marker of reduced oxidative stress or a marker indicating the recent intensification of antioxidant processes. © The Author(s) 2022. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 30 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Fadi Charchar” is provided in this record*

Reactive power management capabilities of Swedish sub-transmission and medium voltage level grid

Rising penetration of renewable energy sources in electric power grids isboth a challenge and an opportunity to optimally utilize the potential of eitherwind or PV energy sources, to stabilize operation of future power systems.Bi-directional ows between distribution and transmission system operatorscause signicant problems with keeping the voltages in the grid within admissiblelimits. This paper contains description of Oland's island mediumandlow-voltage electric power grid, ranging from 0.4 kV to 130 kV in thepurpose of quasi-static analysis of active and reactive power ows in the system.Goal of the analysis is to optimize reactive power exchange at the pointof connection with the mainland grid. In the analyzed grid system, thereis an enormous, 190 % penetration of wind sources. Capacity of the windparks connected to dedicated buses totals to 136.1 MW, that supply up to90.5 MW of load. With industry-wise reactive power capability limits, totalcontribution of wind parks reaches almost 66 MVAr, enabling to compensatedecits and extra surpluses of the reactive power in the grid. Presentedsystem is connected to the mainland's grid through one point of connection,which is simulated as Thevenin equivalent circuit. Main objective of thethesis is to test and analyze viable solutions to minimize reactive power exchangeat the point of connection at Stavlo substation connecting Oland'sand Sweden's electric grid keeping valid all necessary contingencies enforcedby current grid codes applied in Sweden as well as thermal limits of the linesand voltage limits of the system. Furthermore, state of the art of currentreactive power compensation methodologies and most promising techniquesto eciently and eectively control reactive power ow are outlined. Droopcontrol methodologies, with focus on global and local objectives, and smartgrid solutions opportunities are being tested and modeled by the authors andare comprehensively presented in this paper. Moreover, economic costs ofcontrol methods are compared. Analysis of active power losses in the systemas well as cost of implementation of alternative solutions is presented, wheremost nancially viable solutions are outlined, giving brief outlook into futureperspectives and challenges of electric power systems. It is shown that controllabilityof reactive power support by wind turbine generators can enhanceoperation of electric power grids, by keeping the reactive power ow minimizedat the boundary between grids of distribution and transmission systemoperators. Furthermore, results indicate that extra reactive power supportby wind turbine generators can lead to diminishment of active power losses inthe system. Presented system is being modeled in the PSS/E software dedicatedfor power system engineers with use of Python programming languages.Analysis of data was done either in Python or R related environments. Thesiswas written with cooperation between KTH and E.On Energidistribution AB.Hogre genomslagskraft av förnyelsebara energikällor i elnäteten är bådeen utmaning och möjlighet för att optimalt kunna utnyttja potentialen av vindkraft och PV källor, med avseende på att stabilisera driften av framtida elkraftsystem. Tvåvägsflöden mellan distributionoch transmissionsoperatörer orsakar betydande problem att hålla spänningen i nätet inom tillåtna gränsvärden.Denna uppsats innehåller en beskrivning av Ö lands mellanoch lågspänningsnät,på 0.4 kV till 130 kV i syftet att utföra en kvasistatisk analys av aktiva och reaktiva effektflöden i systemet. Målet med analysen är att optimera det reaktiva effektutbytet i kopplingspunkten med fastlandets nät. I det analyserade systemet, finns det en enorm potential på 190% genomslagskraft av vindkraft. Kapaciteten på vindkraftsparker kopplade till medtagna samlingsskenor i systemet uppgår till 136,1 MW, som tillgodoser upp till 90.5 MW last. Med industrimässigt begränsad reaktiv effektkapabilitet, uppgår vindkraftsparkernas bidrag till nästan 66 MVAr, vilken möjliggör kompensation för underskott och överskott av reaktiv effekt i nätet. Det presenterade systemet är kopplat till fastlandet genom en kopplingspunkt, där fastlandet är simulerat som en Thevenin ekvivalent. Huvudsakliga målet med denna uppsats är att testa och analysera gångbara lösningar för att minimera det reaktiva effektutbytet vid kopplingspunkten i Stävlö, som kopplar ihop Ö land med resterande nät i Sverige, samtidigt som alla nödvändiga villkor enligt nuvarande nätkoder i Sverige bibehålls, liksom termiska gränser för ledningarna och spanningsgränser för systemet. Ytterligare beskrivs den bästa tillgängliga tekniken som finns idag för reaktiv effektkompensation, och de mest lovande teknikerna för att effektivt och verkningsfullt kontrollera reaktiva effektflöden. Droop-kontroll-metodologier, med fokus på globala och lokala tillämpningar, och smarta nät-möjligheter testas och modelleras av författarna och presenterar djupgående i detta arbete. Dessutom jämförs ekonomiska kostnader för olika kontrollmetoder. Analyser av aktiva effektförluster i systemet samt kostnader för implementation av alternativa lösningar presenteras, där de flesta gångbara losningar behandlas, och ger en överskådlig bild av framtida perspektiv och utmaningar i elkraftsystemet. Det visas att vindturbiners kontroll av reaktiv effekt, kan förbättra driften av elnäten, genom att minimera det reaktiva effektflödesutbytet i gränsen mellan distributionoch transmissionsoperatörers nät. Ytterligare pekar resultat på att extra understöd av reaktiv effekt från vindturbiner kan leda till förminskning av aktiva förluster i systemet. Det presenterade systemet modelleras i mjukvaruprogrammet PSS/E dedikerat för elkraftsingenjörer med hjälp av Python. Analys av data gjordes antingen i Pythoneller R-relaterade miljöer. Detta arbete har gjorts tillsam-mans med KTH och E.ON Energidistribution AB