bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in fecundity of the brown crab, Callinectes bellicosus Stimpson, 1859 (Brachyura, Portunidae), along the coast of Sonora
Authors: Rodríguez-Félix Demetrio , Cisneros-Mata Miguel A. , Guevara-Aguirre Daniel , Aragón-Noriega E. Alberto , Alcántara-Razo Edgar
Published: October 2018

This work analyses how the fecundity of the brown swimming crab, Callinectes bellicosus, varies along the coast of Sonora in the Gulf of California. Ripe female crabs were collected during May 2015 in four zones, and fecundity was determined and compared with carapace width (CW), total body weight (TW) and egg mass weight (MW). TW ranged between 100.5 g and 209.8 g (average = 158.2 g, coefficient of variation (CV) = 23.4%); CW ranged from 97.9 mm to 123.6 mm (average = 113.4 mm, CV = 8.3%); MW varied from 16.4 g to 34.1 g (average = 25.3 g, CV = 20.4%). The total fecundity (number of eggs per female) of C. bellicosus varied from 1 769 195 to 3 739 254 (average = 2 730 217, CV = 22.2%); partial fecundity (number of eggs per g of egg mass) ranged from 100 422 to 117 130 (average = 107 721, CV = 5.1%). A general north-south decrease in fecundity was observed, although the least fecund females were found in central Sonora (Kino Bay). The most significant linear correlation was found between total fecundity vs. egg mass weight. Total fecundity was better explained by a Von Bertalanffy model, with a maximum average fecundity of 3.7 million eggs for a female of 230 g total weight.
Against Scarecrows and Half-Baked Christians
Authors: del Olmo Ismael
Published: October 2018

The aim of this paper is to trace Thomas Hobbes’s arguments for the rejection of spiritual possession in Leviathan (1651). Several layers of Hobbes’s thought converge in this subject: his suggestion regarding the sovereign’s right to control religious doctrine; his mechanistic critique of incorporeal substances; his tirade against demonology and Pagan philosophy; his ideas about fear and the natural seeds of religion; his Biblical criticism. Hobbes’s reflections over the matter of spiritual possession allowed him to simultaneously attack institutionalized and charismatic supernatural experiences, rejecting on Biblical as well as philosophical grounds the possibility of demonic and divine possession. This assault on traditional pneumatology led him to new interpretations of the notions of spirit and immateriality, a core element in Leviathan’s resignification of the interaction between nature and supernature. The paper will address Hobbes’s call for a civil exorcism―political, exegetical, and philosophical―against the spiritual powers that possess the Commonwealth.
If God Is with Us
Authors: Cathcart Tim
Published: October 2018

This article uses the metaphor of the U.S. Air Force as religion to provide a fresh perspective in understanding a technologically-based culture built on matters of life-and-death. The United States Air Force is the youngest military service of the United States, just recently celebrating its 70th anniversary of independent existence. The U.S. Air Force has venerated traditions, hallowed rituals, sacred myths, and holy doctrine. Its culture also has a strong respect for the well-established hierarchy, a deeply instilled reverence for senior members, a bureaucracy famous for resistance to change, and beliefs about salvation from very real, mortal danger. All of these characteristics have counterparts in religions and will be used to describe a model of a “military religion” with particular focus on the U.S. Air Force. Using this model, the Air Force’s organizational resistance to change, approach to technology and technological change, integration with other military services, and systemic cultural issues can be considered in a new light. The religious narrative—with the organizational roles of actors such as priests, prophets, and laity, and the institutional connotations of theological terms such as sacredness—provides a richer understanding of the sublimity of the U.S. Air Force and what it means to be an airman.
Synonymy of two important crop pests of burrower bugs, Cyrtomenus mirabilis and C. bergi (Hemiptera: Cydnidae), based in a multi-source approach
Authors: AVENDAÑO JOSÉ MAURICIO , BARÃO KIM RIBEIRO , GRAZIA JOCELIA , SCHWERTNER CRISTIANO FELDENS
Published: October 2018

Burrower bugs are unique among true bugs, recognized by the morphological adaptations for digging, and include several species of economic importance for causing damages in roots and ground pods. Damage records has been growing in the last two decades in the Neotropics, but taxonomic problems still hampers studies in these group of insects. Cyrtomenus bergi Froeschner and C. mirabilis (Perty), species of economic interest and widely distributed in the Neotropics, have no clear morphological differentiation raising doubts about the correctness of identifications made to date, even validity of these species. Taxonomic problems, as species delimitation and identification, can benefit from different approaches, bringing tools and complementary information for establishing a species status. In this work, we use the different sources (morphology, distribution, linear and geometric morphometric), to access the identity of C. bergi and C. mirabilis and define the recognition of both as separated species. Results shows overlapping of geographical distribution and lack of quantitative and qualitative morphological differences, supporting C. bergi as a junior synonym of C. mirabilis; studies about this important pest species should consider only the latter as valid species.
Rediscovery of Calymmochilus russoi Gibson, 1995 (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eupelmidae), and revision of European Calymmochilus Masi, 1919
Authors: FUSU LUCIAN , ASKEW RICHARD R. , RIBES ANTONI
Published: October 2018

The European species of Calymmochilus Masi (Hymenoptera, Eupelmidae) are revised. Calymmochilus atratus Masi stat. rev. is removed from synonymy under C. subnubilus (Walker) and treated as a valid species. A lectotype is designated for Calymmochilus atratus. The single extant type specimen of Eupelmus subnubilus Walker is considered as lectotype. Calymmochilus bini Fusu sp. n. is described from a single female collected in Sardinia. A female of Calymmochilus russoi Gibson is reported from Spain as a parasitoid in galls of Parapodia sinaica (Frauenfeld) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) on Tamarix (Tamaricaceae), a new national and host record. The species is redescribed and illustrated, this being the first record of the species after its original description. An illustrated key to females and, when known, males of the now six recognized European species of Calymmochilus is given and available biological and distributional data are reviewed.
Variability and Mixing of the Filchner Overflow Plume on the Continental Slope, Weddell Sea
Authors: Daae K. , Fer I. , Darelius E.
Published: October 2018

A large fraction of Antarctic Bottom Water is produced in the Weddell Sea, through mixing between the cold and dense shelf water masses and the warm and saline off-shelf water. We present observations of the dense Filchner overflow plume from one mooring at the Filchner sill and two moorings located downstream, on the continental slope. The plume variability over the continental slope at a monthly time scale is related to upstream conditions at the Filchner sill, with a high correlation in density. Revised column-integrated volume transport calculations across the Filchner sill indicate 50% higher values in 2010 compared with the earlier estimates available from 1985. Over the continental slope, the plume thickness fluctuates strongly between less than 25 m and more than 250 m. Observations of elevated temperature variance and high Froude numbers at the plume interface imply high mixing rates and entrainment of ambient water masses. The mixing events typically coincide with shear spikes across the plume. The shear spikes appear quasi-periodically, when counterrotating oscillations with periods of 24 and 72 h align. The clockwise 24-h oscillation is related to diurnal, barotropic tidal currents and topographic vorticity waves, whereas the counterclockwise 72-h oscillation is related to vortex stretching or topographic vorticity waves.
A Critical Reappraisal of Primary and Recurrent Advanced Laryngeal Cancer Staging
Authors: Locatello Luca Giovanni , Pietragalla Michele , Taverna Cecilia , Bonasera Luigi , Massi Daniela , Mannelli Giuditta
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) can involve different anatomic subunits with peculiar surgical and prognostic implications. Despite conflicting outcomes for the same stage of disease, the current staging system considers different lesions in a single cluster. The aim of this study was to critically discuss clinical and pathologic staging of primary and recurrent advanced LSCC in order to define current staging pitfalls that impede a precise and tailored treatment strategy.

Methods:

Thirty patients who underwent total laryngectomy in the past 3 years for primary and recurrent advanced squamous cell LSCC were analyzed, comparing endoscopic, imaging, and pathologic findings. Involvement of the different laryngeal subunits, vocal-fold motility, and spreading pattern of the tumor were blindly analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy and differences between clinicoradiologic and pathologic findings were studied with standard statistical analysis.

Results:

Discordant staging was performed in 10% of patients, and thyroid and arytenoid cartilage were the major diagnostic pitfalls. Microscopic arytenoid involvement was significantly more present in case of vocal-fold fixation ( P = .028). Upstaging was influenced by paraglottic and pre-epiglottic space cancer involvement, posterior commissure, subglottic region, arytenoid cartilage, and penetration of thyroid cartilage; on the contrary, involvement of the inner cortex or extralaryngeal spread tended to be down-staged. Radiation-failed tumors less frequently involved the posterior third of the paraglottic space ( P = .022) and showed a significantly worse pattern of invasion ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Even with the most recent technologies, 1 in 10 patients with advanced LSCC in this case series was differently staged on clinical examination, with cartilage involvement representing the main diagnostic pitfall.
Evaluation of Vertical Semicircular Canal Function in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Fujiwara Keishi , Yanagi Hiroko , Morita Shinya , Hoshino Kimiko , Fukuda Atsushi , Nakamaru Yuji , Homma Akihiro
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate vertical semicircular canal function in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) by video head impulse test (vHIT).

Methods:

Fifteen patients with VS who had not received any treatment, including surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy, before vHIT examination were enrolled. Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain and catch-up saccade in vHIT were evaluated.

Results:

Dysfunction of anterior and posterior semicircular canals was detected by vHIT in 26.7% and 60.0%, respectively. Six patients (40.0%) demonstrated abnormalities referable to both vestibular nerve divisions. Abnormalities referable to the superior vestibular nerve were identified in 3 patients (20.0%), while 3 patients (20.0%) demonstrated a pattern indicative of inferior vestibular nerve involvement. Anterior semicircular canal vHIT produced fewer abnormalities than did either horizontal or posterior semicircular canal vHIT.

Conclusions:

Dysfunction of the semicircular canals, including the vertical canals, in patients with VS was detected by vHIT. The anterior semicircular canal was less frequently involved than the horizontal or posterior semicircular canal. The examination of the vertical canals by vHIT is useful in the evaluation of vestibular function in patients with VS.
A Study of the Use and Outcomes From Respiratory Viral Testing at a Mid-Sized Children’s Hospital
Authors: Zhu Chelsea , Sidiki Sabeen , Grider Brittany , Fink Brian , Hubbard Nicole , Mukundan Deepa
Published: October 2018

This study was a retrospective analysis of inpatient and emergency department (ED) data on respiratory pathogen panel (RPP) testing between December 16, 2013, and December 15, 2015, at a mid-sized children’s hospital. We assessed whether RPP decreases antibiotic days of therapy and length of hospital stay for pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections. In the inpatient population, patients testing positive with RPP were given fewer antibiotic days of therapy (2.99 vs 4.30 days; P = .032) and had shorter hospital stays (2.84 vs 3.80 days; P = .055) than patients testing negative. In the ED population, patients testing positive with RPP received fewer discharge prescriptions for antibiotics than patients not tested (8.8% vs 41.1%; P < .001). RPP use was more prevalent in admitted patients than in ED patients (78.9% vs 7.3%; P < .001). Our results suggest that RPP testing curbs antibiotic use and decreases length of hospital stay.
Early Antibiotics and Childhood Obesity: Do Future Risks Matter to Parents and Physicians?
Authors: Lipstein Ellen A. , Block Jason P. , Dodds Cassandra , Forrest Christopher B. , Heerman William J. , Law J. Kiely , Lunsford Douglas , Winkler Paula , Finkelstein Jonathan A.
Published: October 2018

To understand how parents and physicians make decisions regarding antibiotics and whether a potential associated risk of obesity would alter decisions, we conducted a qualitative study of parents and physicians who care for children. Parent focus groups and physician interviews used a guide focused on experience with antibiotics and perceptions of risks and benefits, including obesity. Content analysis was used to understand how a risk of obesity would influence antibiotic decisions. Most parents (n = 59) and physicians (n = 22) reported limited discussion about any risks at the time of antibiotic prescriptions. With an acute illness, most parents prioritized symptomatic improvement and chose to start antibiotics. Physicians’ treatment preferences were varied. An obesity risk did not change most parents’ or physicians’ preferences. Given that parent-physician discussion at the time of acute illness is unlikely to change preferences, public health messaging may be a more successful approach to counter obesity and antibiotics overuse.
Interventions addressing ritualistic child sexual abuse in post-conflict Eastern DRC: Reflections on child welfare policy and programming
Authors: Kasherwa Amani C , Twikirize Janestic M
Published: October 2018

Ritualistic child sexual abuse (RCSA) is an under-recognized and poorly addressed form of child maltreatment. Despite a relative decrease of war-related sexual violence in post-conflict Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the existing monitoring reports leave no doubt that RCSA remains a public health problem of high significance. While RCSA requires urgent action, little has been done to address it. This article critically examines RCSA as a predatory form of child maltreatment and the lack of relevant child welfare interventions to address it. Based on a broader empirical study of ‘RCSA in post-conflict Eastern DRC’, the article argues that although RCSA is not socially condoned by the communities, the interventions on the ground are inadequate for addressing this phenomenon. The article also suggests some perspectives for addressing the phenomenon, in addition to some reflections on child welfare policy and programming as well as implications for social work training and practice.
Re-engaging master narratives: Re-encountering Shakespeare’s The Tempest in Esiaba Irobi’s Sycorax
Authors: Nwankwọ Izuu E.
Published: October 2018

Just like Aimé Césaire’s Une tempête, Esiaba Irobi’s Sycorax is a parallel narrative of Prospero’s encounter with characters of other skin colour and gender. Both plays, like many others, represent successful efforts in countering the hitherto master narrative, Shakespeare’s The Tempest. They speak back to and destabilize it through different versions that, at once, query and mitigate Shakespeare’s. Using the idea of counter-narrative and writing back, Sycorax is interrogated here through textual analysis and selective close reading with a view to examining its exhumation and foregrounding of the silences, elisions, and under- or misrepresentations of The Tempest. With a highly provocative diction — Irobi’s language is sexually explicit, violent, abusive, and unsettling — and experimental, somewhat postmodernist, dramatic structure, Sycorax intertextually dramatizes the issues of race, enslavement, colonial domination, migration, and gender as well as sexuality. Its relocation of action from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean; resurrection of Sycorax; Caliban’s able-bodiedness, revolutionary zeal, vociferousness and change of name to Caribbean; Ariel’s piebald sexuality as a bisexual hermaphrodite with the liberty to jump from Prospero’s bed to Sycorax’s; and the questioning of Shakespeare himself to answer for his (mis)representations; all exemplify Irobi’s redirection of action and the emergence of new protagonists out of the characters of The Tempest. This article sees Sycorax as part of the work of formerly-colonized writers and artists now engaged in the process of redefining their people, identity, and cultural realities in the face of the preponderant assault of more powerful cultures and narratives that often garble them. Irobi’s politically incorrect, troubling, and highly charged play thus expresses the angst of finding oneself vilified simply on the basis of race, body, or sexuality.
A Systematic Review of Single-Case Research on Video Analysis as Professional Development for Special Educators
Authors: Morin Kristi L. , Ganz Jennifer B. , Vannest Kimberly J. , Haas April N. , Nagro Sarah A. , Peltier Corey J. , Fuller Marcus C. , Ura Sara K.
Published: October 2018

Studies using video analysis are being reported more frequently in the literature. Although the body of research suggests that video analysis is effective for changing educators’ instructional practices, questions regarding for whom and under what circumstances it is most effective still remain. This meta-analysis reports on the overall effectiveness of video analysis when used with special educators, as well as on moderator analyses related to participant and instructional characteristics. Tau-U, a nonparametric effect size commonly used in single-case research, was used to aggregate the results from 191 AB phase contrasts across 12 dissertations and 18 peer-reviewed publications. A total of 111 participants across 69 single-case design experiments are reflected in the results. Overall, results indicate that video analysis is effective for changing the instructional practices of special educators and that it can be used across a variety of settings and with a diverse group of educators.
Humor Styles in Marriage: How Similar Are Husband and Wife?
Authors: Tsai Meng-Ning , Wu Ching-Lin , Chang Yu-Lin , Chen Hsueh-Chih
Published: October 2018

Past research found that similar appreciation for humor exists between spouses, but it is not certain whether this similarity between spouses also exists in kindhearted or malicious humor. The present study investigated the similarity of Taiwanese married couples’ humor styles. Participants included 239 couples (mean age = 42.9 years) who had been married to each other for at least 10 years. We used a traditional Chinese edition of the Humor Styles Questionnaire to measure the humor style and clustered participants’ humor styles in order to examine the similarity between spouses. The results show that husbands have higher tendencies toward aggressive (Cohen’s d = 0.29, p < .01) and self-defeating (Cohen’s d = 0.35, p < .01) humor styles than wives. Results from multilevel modeling indicate that spouses’ aggressive ( p < .001, confidence interval = .17, .41) and self-defeating ( p < .01, confidence interval = .05, .30) humor styles acting as a valid predictor to the other spouses’ negative humor styles. Furthermore, the results show that personal humor styles could be categorized into four clusters: positive humor endorsers, negative humor endorsers, general humor endorsers, and humor deniers. According to the clusters within spouse pairs, results show that similarities in humor styles exist between spouses (χ2 = 16.73, p = .01). The current study finds that most couples have similar humor styles and that a high proportion of married couples share the same humor clusters.
Using Kahoot to Inspire
Authors: Bawa Papia
Published: October 2018

Today, there is growing interest in digital game-based learning due to the increase in the variety of educational and commercial games available. The literature indicates that digital educational games are effective at keeping learners engaged. This study examines the use of a digital educational game called Kahoot and supports the hypothesis that it can improve engagement and learning when immersed in traditional, lecture-based classrooms. The results of the mixed-methods study, using 96 undergraduates, suggest that learners’ performance and engagement are enhanced when using Kahoot versus traditional teaching methods. In addition, practitioner and future research implications are also discussed.
A multi-component wellbeing programme for upper secondary students: Effects on wellbeing, buoyancy, and adaptability
Authors: Putwain David W. , Gallard Diahann , Beaumont Joanna
Published: October 2018

School-related wellbeing, academic buoyancy, and adaptability are valued constructs in their own right, as indicators of student welfare and as predictors of academic achievement. In the present study, we examined the impact of a six-session multi-component, intervention on school-related wellbeing, academic buoyancy, and adaptability. Participants in their first year of upper secondary education were randomly allocated to early intervention groups, or wait list-control groups. Following baseline measurements, outcomes were assessed after the early intervention groups and again after the wait list-control groups. Following intervention, a slowed decline was shown in school-related wellbeing and adaptability was boosted. Buoyancy was boosted in the early intervention group but not the late intervention group. Findings show how a relatively short intervention can beneficially impact on student outcomes. Booster sessions may be required to maintain the benefits for wellbeing and adaptability.
Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Research via Multilevel Models: Fundamental Concepts and Methodological Considerations
Authors: Moeyaert Mariola , Manolov Rumen , Rodabaugh Emily
Published: October 2018

Multilevel modeling is an approach that can be used to summarize single-case experimental design (SCED) data. Multilevel models were developed to analyze hierarchical structured data with units at a lower level nested within higher level units. SCEDs use time series data collected from multiple cases (or subjects) within a study that allow researchers to investigate intervention effectiveness at the individual level and also to investigate how these individual intervention effects change over time. There is an increased interest in the field regarding how SCEDs can be used to establish an evidence base for interventions by synthesizing data from a series of intervention studies. Although using multilevel models to meta-analyze SCED studies is promising, application is often hampered by being potentially excessively technical. First, this article provides an accessible description and overview of the potential of multilevel meta-analysis to combine SCED data. Second, a summary of the methodological evidence on the performance of multilevel models for meta-analysis is provided, which is useful given that such evidence is currently scattered over multiple technical articles in the literature. Third, the actual steps to perform a multilevel meta-analysis are outlined in a brief practical guide. Fourth, a suggestion for integrating the quantitative results with a visual representation is provided.
Gender and Age Differences in Spatial Imagery and Image Rotation
Authors: Campos Alfredo , Lustres Andrea
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of gender and age on spatial imagery and image rotation abilities. A total of 217 participants with ages ranging from 10, 15, and 20 years, corresponding to 69 primary students, 64 Compulsory Secondary Education students (CSE) students, and 84 undergraduates, were administered two tests, one measuring spatial imagery ability and the other the ability to rotate mental images. The results showed significant differences between males and females in image rotation but not in spatial imagery. Significant differences were observed between all age groups in spatial imagery ability and between CSE students and undergraduates in the ability to rotate images. Spatial imagery and image rotation abilities increased with age. No interaction was found between both variables. The results agree with recent studies and are discussed in relation to lines of research.
Indocyanine green can stand alone in detecting sentinel lymph nodes in cervical cancer
Authors: Ulain Qurat , Han Lu , Wu Qian , Zhao Lanbo , Wang Qi , Tuo Xiaoqian , Wang Yiran , Wang Qing , Ma Sijia , Sun Chao , Song Qing , Li Qiling
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) dye for detecting sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in cervical cancer compared with other tracers is unknown. This study aimed to assess the validity of ICG dye in detecting SLNs in cervical cancer preoperatively.

Methods

We performed a literature search for identifying eligible articles from PubMed database using the search terms “cervical cancer”, “sentinel lymph node”, “indocyanine green”, “blue dyes”, “human serum albumin”, and “technetium-99 radiocolloid”. We performed a meta-analysis. Comparison of the overall, bilateral, and unilateral detection rates of the different tracers was the primary goal. Comparison of the false-negative rate among the tracers was the secondary goal.

Results

Only eight retrospective studies including 661 patients were included. ICG versus combinations of three other tracers showed significantly higher bilateral and unilateral detection rates, but no difference in the overall rate of detecting SLNs. ICG had a higher bilateral detection rate than blue dye and technetium-99. Absorbing human serum albumin into ICG as a lymphatic tracer did not show a difference in detection rate compared with ICG alone.

Conclusions

ICG is superior and better than other tracers, and absorbing human serum albumin as a lymphatic tracer is not required in patients with cervical cancer.
Promoting reading in the Arab world: The book club model
Authors: Chaaban Youmen , Sawalhi Rania
Published: October 2018

Despite their proliferation in many parts of the world, book clubs have received little attention from academic researchers. This study seeks to understand the status of book clubs particularly in the Arab world. An in-depth illustration of the status of Arab book clubs was provided by 18 moderators from six Arab countries. The findings indicated that Arab book clubs operate in several distinctive ways; ranging from formal, highly structured meetings, to informal, friendly gatherings. The findings also revealed the motivations for establishing the book clubs in the Arab world. In this respect, participants set high expectations for personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility. However, Arab books clubs faced several challenges as perceived by the participants in this study. Several suggestions were made for the sustainability of Arab book clubs. The implications of the findings for librarians, educators, and the general public are also emphasized to create momentum for their continuity.
Cybersecurity Attacks in Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Applications and Their Prevention
Authors: Islam Mhafuzul , Chowdhury Mashrur , Li Hongda , Hu Hongxin
Published: October 2018

A connected vehicle (CV) environment is comprised of diverse computing infrastructure, data communication and dissemination, and data collection systems that are vulnerable to the same cyberattacks as all traditional computing environments. Cyberattacks can jeopardize the expected safety, mobility, energy, and environmental benefits from CV applications. As cyberattacks can lead to severe consequences such as traffic incidents, it has become one of the primary concerns in CV applications. In this paper, we evaluate the impact of cyberattacks on the vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) network from a V2I application point of view. Then, we develop a novel V2I cybersecurity architecture, named CVGuard, which can detect and prevent cyberattacks on the V2I applications. In designing CVGuard, key challenges, such as scalability, resiliency and future usability were considered. A case study using a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on a V2I application, “Stop Sign Gap Assist (SSGA)” application, shows that CVGuard was effective in mitigating the adverse safety effects created by a DDoS attack. In our case study, because of the DDoS attack, conflicts between the minor and major road vehicles occurred at an unsignalized intersection, which could have caused crashes. A reduction of conflicts between vehicles occurred because CVGuard was in operation. The reduction of conflicts was compared based on the number of conflicts before and after the implementation and operation of the CVGuard security platform. Analysis revealed that the strategies adopted by CVGuard were successful in reducing the conflicts by 60% where a DDoS attack compromised the SSGA application at an unsignalized intersection.
Does the Use of Psychotropic Medication Adversely Affect the Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy?
Authors: Youlo Sylvester T. , Walczak Brian E. , Keene James S.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Over the past decade, the use of psychotropic medications (PTMs) in the United States has doubled, and currently 20% of adults are taking 1 or more of these antidepressant, antianxiety, antipsychotic, or mood-altering medications. To date, however, the incidence of PTM use in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy and the results of hip arthroscopy in these patients have not been reported.

Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of PTM use in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy and to compare the outcomes of patients taking PTMs versus those of patients not taking PTMs.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Medical records of 880 consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopy performed by the senior author were reviewed and data were collected, including the number and types of PTMs that these patients were taking at the time of their hip arthroscopy. All hips were assessed with the Byrd modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) preoperatively; 709 patients (81%) had scores obtained at 12 months and 669 patients (76%) at 24 months after surgery. Demographic data and mHHS of patients taking psychotropic medications (PTM group) were compared with those of patients not taking PTMs (NPTM group).

Results:

Four hundred twenty-two (48%) of the 880 patients studied were taking PTMs at the time of their hip arthroscopy; significant differences between the PTM and NPTM groups were average age (48 vs 35 years, respectively), and the high percentage of females (53%) and low percentage of males (38%) in the PTM group. Preoperative scores for the PTM and NPTM groups were similar (41 vs 42 points, respectively), but postoperative scores of the PTM group were significantly lower at 6 months (72 vs 89 points), 12 months (77 vs 91 points), and 24 months (79 vs 88 points) after surgery ( P = .01). In contrast, the scores of the subgroups of PTM and NPTM adolescents obtained at 3 months (92.5 vs 88.9 points), 6 months (92.1 vs 90.3 points), 12 months (89.5 vs 92.1 points), and 24 months (90.3 vs 90.1 points) after surgery did not significantly differ.

Conclusion:

The incidence of PTM use in this series of patients with hip arthroscopy was triple that reported for US adults (48% vs 17%, respectively) and adolescents (23% vs 6.3%), and the PTM group had significantly lower 12- and 24-month mHHS results than the NPTM group. These results suggest that (1) patients undergoing hip arthroscopy who are taking PTMs are at significantly higher risk for poor outcomes and (2) their use of PTMs should be identified and addressed before proceeding with hip arthroscopy.
Effects of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency on Tibiofemoral Cartilage Thickness and Strains in Response to Hopping
Authors: Sutter E. Grant , Liu Betty , Utturkar Gangadhar M. , Widmyer Margaret R. , Spritzer Charles E. , Cutcliffe Hattie C. , Englander Zoë A. , Goode Adam P. , Garrett William E. , DeFrate Louis E.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Changes in knee kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury may alter loading of the cartilage and thus affect its homeostasis, potentially leading to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. However, there are limited in vivo data to characterize local changes in cartilage thickness and strain in response to dynamic activity among patients with ACL deficiency.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to compare in vivo tibiofemoral cartilage thickness and cartilage strain resulting from dynamic activity between ACL-deficient and intact contralateral knees. It was hypothesized that ACL-deficient knees would show localized reductions in cartilage thickness and elevated cartilage strains.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance images were obtained before and after single-legged hopping on injured and uninjured knees among 8 patients with unilateral ACL rupture. Three-dimensional models of the bones and articular surfaces were created from the pre- and postactivity scans. The pre- and postactivity models were registered to each other, and cartilage strain (defined as the normalized difference in cartilage thickness pre- and postactivity) was calculated in regions across the tibial plateau, femoral condyles, and femoral cartilage adjacent to the medial intercondylar notch. These measurements were compared between ACL-deficient and intact knees. Differences in cartilage thickness and strain between knees were tested with multiple analysis of variance models with alpha set at P < .05.

Results:

Compressive strain in the intercondylar notch was elevated in the ACL-deficient knee relative to the uninjured knee. Furthermore, cartilage in the intercondylar notch and adjacent medial tibia was significantly thinner before activity in the ACL-deficient knee versus the intact knee. In these 2 regions, thinning was significantly influenced by time since injury, with patients with more chronic ACL deficiency (>1 year since injury) experiencing greater thinning.

Conclusion:

Among patients with ACL deficiency, the medial femoral condyle adjacent to the intercondylar notch in the ACL-deficient knee exhibited elevated cartilage strain and loss of cartilage thickness, particularly with longer time from injury. It is hypothesized that these changes may be related to posttraumatic osteoarthritis development.

Clinical Relevance:

This study suggests that altered mechanical loading is related to localized cartilage thinning after ACL injury.
An investigation into self-sensing property of hat-shaped 3D orthogonal woven composite under bending test
Authors: Cheng Xiaoying , Zhou Hongshui , Wu Zhenyu , Hu Xudong
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the influence of damage and deformation on the electrical property of carbon fibers in the hat-shaped 3D orthogonal woven fabric-reinforced composite structure is studied. A method of producing parallel sensor arrays was proposed, in which the warp yarns made of carbon fibers were separated by isolated Kevlar fibers as weft yarns and Z-yarns. The sensor array unitized the self-sensing property of carbon fiber and could detect the damage and deformation distribution along the transverse direction of the composite under bending tests. Both the experiments and simulations had been conducted to analyze the mechanical and electrical responses of the carbon fiber array. By comparing the experimental results and simulation data, the method was validated and the influences of damage and deformation distribution on the resistance variation of carbon fibers were revealed.
Formaldehyde inhalation triggers autophagy in rat lung tissues
Authors: Liu Qiu-ping , Zhou Dang-xia , Lv Mo-qi , Ge Pan , Li Yi-xin , Wang Shi-jie
Published: October 2018

Formaldehyde (FA), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has long been suspected of causing lung injury. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of autophagy in lung injury induced by FA inhalation. In this study, lung weight coefficient, interleukin 8 in bronchoalveolar fluid, and histopathological examination were used to evaluate the lung injury. Moreover, electron microscopy, Western blotting for the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I were used to detect autophagy in lung tissues. Our results indicated that the lung toxicity of FA inhalation is dose dependent. Lung weight coefficient, inflammatory response, and histopathological structure in the 0.5 mg/m3 FA exposure group showed no obvious changes compared with the control. However, exposure to 5 and 10 mg/m3 FA produced lung injury including pulmonary edema, histological changes, and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, the alterations of autophagy correlated with lung injury. Taken together, these data indicate that FA exposure triggers autophagy of alveolar epithelial cells, which might play a pivotal role in lung injury.
Poly(ethylene glycol) induces cell toxicity in melanoma cells by producing a hyperosmotic extracellular medium
Authors: Postic Ivana , Sheardown Heather
Published: October 2018

Poly(ethylene glycol) is a polymer that is widely used as a biomaterial and has been approved in a host of applications. While generally viewed as inert, recent studies with poly(ethylene glycol) suggest that it may have some effects on cells and tissues, making it potentially attractive as a therapeutic agent. In this study, the effect of poly(ethylene glycol) on the cell viability, membrane transport and apoptotic markers of metastatic melanoma cells was examined. The data were combined with observed effects of the polymer on the cell media, including osmolality and viscosity, in order to elucidate any structure-function relationship between the polymer and cells. It was observed that poly(ethylene glycol) reduced the cellular viability of A375 cells, and that the effect was dependent on poly(ethylene glycol) molecular weight and concentration. The mechanism was highly correlated with changes in the osmolality of the cell medium, which is determined by the inherent structure of poly(ethylene glycol), and in particular the ethylene oxide units. This mechanism was specific to poly(ethylene glycol) and was not observed with the similar linear, hydrophilic polymer poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). Overall, the data suggest that poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(ethylene glycol)-like compounds have a distinct effect on cellular activity, presumably mediated in part by their osmotic effects, supporting the further investigation of these polymers as pharmaceutically active compounds.
Testing an Integrated Self-Control and Routine Activities Framework to Examine Malware Infection Victimization
Authors: Holt Thomas J. , van Wilsem Johan , van de Weijer Steve , Leukfeldt Rutger
Published: October 2018

Recent research demonstrates that those with low self-control have an increased risk of victimization due to involvement in routine activities that place them in close proximity to motivated offenders and decrease their willingness to utilize appropriate guardianship factors. This relationship is significant in predicting physical forms of victimization, though few studies have considered how this may account for property offenses, particularly forms of cybercrime which may be hidden from victims. This article explores the extent to which personal characteristics and user behaviors affect the probability of malicious software infections, a serious form of cybercrime, using the integrated routine activities and self-control theory of victimization. Using a nationally representative sample of adults in the Netherlands, this analysis found time spent on specific computer activities (e.g., downloading files) as well as low self-control increase indications of malware infection, while protection of wireless networks seems effective in preventing them.
Iterative-learning integral-plus-proportional control of a flexible swing arm system for position trajectory tracking
Authors: Xie Yuanlong , Tang Xiaoqi , Song Bao , Zhou Xiangdong , Guo Yixuan
Published: October 2018

In the LED packaging industry, the position trajectory tracking of a flexible swing arm system is influenced by the unknown disturbances and parametric uncertainties. In this paper, an iterative-learning integral-plus-proportional (IP) controller is proposed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the flexible swing arm system. First, online prediction mechanism is incorporated with the iterative-learning automatic tuning to obtain an optimum of the controller parameters, referred to as predictive iterative-learning control. Then, the adaptive iterative-learning IP controller is derived using the proposed predictive iterative-learning control method. To achieve faster convergence, virtual reference feedback tuning is used to obtain the initial parameters of IP controller. In this method, only input/output measured data of the controlled plant are fully utilized by means of dynamic linearization technique. Moreover, the proposed tuning method can optimize the controller online using experimental data during normal system operation. The convergence and stability properties of the closed-loop system are analyzed. Finally, simulations and experiments on real-time flexible swing arm system show the effectiveness of the predictive iterative-learning IP control method.
A novel multiple working modes parallel mechanism with variable workspace
Authors: Li Dian , Guo Sheng , Qu Haibo
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a novel three-degrees-of-freedom multiple working modes parallel mechanism with variable workspace is proposed. Several studies including kinematic and prescribed trajectory planning are performed. First, the degrees of freedom of mechanism's two working modes are calculated based on screw theory. A prototype made by 3D printer also has been developed. Then, the inverse/forward kinematics and Jacobian matrices are obtained. The workspace and singularity are also analyzed, which show that the proposed parallel mechanism possesses singularity-free internal workspace. Finally, a working mode determination method is presented, which can be used to obtain suitable workspace in order to fully contain a prescribed trajectory. An example trajectory is used to verify the reasonability of the proposed method.
Developing a cost-effective test system for evaluating dynamic performance of articulated heavy vehicles
Authors: Xu Qimin , Li Xu , Jiang Rong
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a three-level test system is proposed to comprehensively and accurately evaluate the dynamic performance of the whole articulated heavy vehicles from the perspective of the third party. At the sensor level, a reduced sensor configuration scheme is adopted to decrease the overall cost. At the fusion level, a group of parallel extended Kalman filters are developed to fuse the information from the sensors to accurately obtain the kinematical parameters of the observed points on the articulated heavy vehicle. At the evaluation level, taking full advantage of the geometry constraint and kinematics relationship, a calculating module is designed to determine the position, velocity, and azimuth of any vehicle unit of the articulated heavy vehicle. Furthermore, an assessing module is developed to evaluate the dynamic performance comprehensively, which includes a set of proposed inferring algorithms to automatically ascertain a series of attributes related to the dynamic performance. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed test system are validated through simulation and real field tests.
The Efficacy and Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury Patients: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Xu Panfeng , Yang Xianliang
Published: October 2018

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease, with a high rate of disability. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating clinical SCI patients. We systematically searched the PUBMED, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical (CBM), Web of Science and Cochrane databases using the strategy of combination of free-text words and MeSH terms. The indicators of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale (AIS)-grading improvement rate and adverse effects were displayed with an overall relative risk (RR). For the continuous variables of the ASIA motor score, light-touch score, pinprick score, activities of daily living (ADL) score, and residual urine volume, we used odds ratio (OR) to analyze the data. Eleven studies comprising 499 patients meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. No serious heterogeneity or publication bias was observed across each study. The results showed that significant improvements of total AIS grade (RR: 3.70; P < 0.001), AIS grade A (RR: 3.57; P < 0.001), ASIA sensory score (OR: 8.63; P < 0.001) and reduction of residual urine volume (OR: −36.37; P = 0.03) were observed in experimental group compared with control group. However, no significant differences of motor score (OR: 1.37, P = 0.19) and ADL score (OR: 2.61, P = 0.27) were observed between experimental and control groups. In addition, there were no serious and permanent adverse effects after cell transplantation. Cell transplantation with MSCs is effective and safe in improving the sensory and bladder functions of SCI patients.