Cooperative user–network interactions in next generation communication networks

Next Generation Communication Networks employ the idea of convergence, where heterogeneous access technologies may coexist, and a user may be served by anyone of the participating access networks, motivating the emergence of a Network Selection mechanism. The triggering and execution of the Network Selection mechanism becomes a challenging task due to the heterogeneity of the entities involved, i.e., the users and the access networks. This heterogeneity results in different and often conflicting interests for these entities, motivating the question of how they should behave in order to remain satisfied from their interactions. This paper studies cooperative user–network interactions and seeks appropriate modes of behaviour for these entities such that they achieve own satisfaction overcoming their conflicting interests.     

Access network synthesis game in next generation networks

In next generation communication networks, multiple access networks will coexist on a common service platform. In cases where network resource planning indicates that individual access network resources are insufficient to meet service demands, these networks can cooperate and combine their resources to form a unified network that satisfies these demands. We introduce and study the Network Synthesis game, in which individual access networks with insufficient resources form coalitions in order to satisfy service demands. The formation of stable coalitions in the core of the game is investigated, in both cases where payoffs are transferable or are attributed in proportion to the contribution of each member of the coalition. We also consider an alternative payoff allocation approach, according to the value of the well-known Shapley–Shubik, Banzhaf and Holler–Packel power indices, which represent the relative power each player has in the formation of coalitions. Using the knowledge attained from the coalition game analysis, we propose a new power index, called Popularity Power Index, which is based on the number of stable coalitions an access network would participate in if payoffs were assigned in a fair manner.     

Novel LOX Variants in Five Families with Aortic/Arterial Aneurysm and Dissection with Variable Connective Tissue Findings

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Loss-of-function variants in LOX, encoding the extracellular matrix crosslinking enzyme lysyl oxidase, have been reported to cause familial TAAD. Using a next-generation TAAD gene panel, we identified five additional probands carrying LOX variants, including two missense variants affecting highly conserved amino acids in the LOX catalytic domain and three truncating variants. Connective tissue manifestations are apparent in a substantial fraction of the variant carriers. Some LOX variant carriers presented with TAAD early in life, while others had normal aortic diameters at an advanced age. Finally, we identified the first patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection carrying a LOX variant. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that loss-of-function LOX variants cause a spectrum of aortic and arterial aneurysmal disease, often combined with connective tissue findings.