bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Audio Steganography for Covert Wireless Communication
Authors: Xin Guojiang , Liu Yuling , Yang Ting , Cao Yu
Published: August 2018

In recent years, the wide applications of the wireless sensor networks have achieved great success. However, the security is a critical issue in many scenarios ranging from covert military operations to the organization of the social unrest. Because the traditional encrypting methods are easy to arouse suspicion, an adaptive audio steganography method is proposed. The method is based on interval and variable low bit coding, which can be applied to covert wireless communication. The interval for embedding secret messages into the audio file and the threshold in variable low bit coding are used for selecting the embedding location and embedding bits adaptively; thus the embedding capacity and the embedding rate are variable. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has better performance in embedding rate and invisibility than other audio steganography methods.
Involvement of RBP4 in Diabetic Atherosclerosis and the Role of Vitamin D Intervention
Authors: Zhou Wan , Ye Shan-Dong , Chen Chao , Wang Wei
Published: August 2018

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the expression of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in diabetic rats with atherosclerosis and to investigate the role of vitamin D intervention. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including the control group (NC), the diabetic rats (DM1), the untreated diabetic atherosclerosis rats (DM2), and the vitamin D-treated diabetic atherosclerosis rats (DM3). The levels of serum and adipose RBP4, fasting insulin (FINS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], C-reactive protein (CRP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment β-cell function index (HOMA-β), and atherogenic indexes (AI) were calculated. Compared with group NC, the levels of RBP4, TG, LDL-c, FPG, FINS, CRP, AI1, AI2, SBP, and HOMA-IR increased, while the levels of HDL-c, 25(OH)D, and HOMA-β decreased in groups DM1 and DM2. After 8 weeks of vitamin D supplementation in group DM3, the levels of 25(OH)D and HOMA-β increased and the levels of LDL-c, TC, HOMA-IR, FINS, CRP, RBP4, AI1, AI2, and SBP decreased significantly when compared with group DM2 (P<0.05); Pearson analysis showed that serum RBP4 was positively correlated with TG, FINS, HOMA-IR, SBP, CRP, and AI and negatively correlated with 25(OH)D. In addition, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that serum RBP4, SBP, and HDL-c were predictors for the presence of diabetic atherosclerosis. These findings suggested that RBP4 could involve in the improvement of diabetic atherosclerosis; vitamin D had the ability to decrease the level of RBP4 and eventually played an important role in preventing atherosclerosis in diabetes.
Feedback Control and Parameter Invasion for a Discrete Competitive Lotka–Volterra System
Authors: Xu Li , Lou Shanshan , Xu Panqi , Zhang Guang
Published: August 2018

State feedback is used to stabilize the Turing instability at the unstable equilibrium point of a discrete competitive Lotka–Volterra system. In addition, a regularization method is applied to parameter inversion for the given Turing system and numerical simulation can verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. Furthermore, how less or more sample data and dependence on the initial state affect estimation procedure are tested.
RAS–MAPK Pathway-Driven Tumor Progression Is Associated with Loss of CIC and Other Genomic Aberrations in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Eleveld Thomas F. , Schild Linda , Koster Jan , Zwijnenburg Danny A. , Alles Lindy K. , Ebus Marli E. , Volckmann Richard , Tijtgat Godelieve A. , van Sluis Peter , Versteeg Rogier , Molenaar Jan J.
Published: August 2018

Mutations affecting the RAS–MAPK pathway frequently occur in relapsed neuroblastoma tumors, which suggests that activation of this pathway is associated with a more aggressive phenotype. To explore this hypothesis, we generated several model systems to define a neuroblastoma RAS–MAPK pathway signature. Activation of this pathway in primary tumors indeed correlated with poor survival and was associated with known activating mutations in ALK and other RAS–MAPK pathway genes. Integrative analysis showed that mutations in PHOX2B, CIC, and DMD were also associated with an activated RAS–MAPK pathway. Mutation of PHOX2B and deletion of CIC in neuroblastoma cell lines induced activation of the RAS–MAPK pathway. This activation was independent of phosphorylated ERK in CIC knockout systems. Furthermore, deletion of CIC caused a significant increase in tumor growth in vivo. These results show that the RAS–MAPK pathway is involved in tumor progression and establish CIC as a powerful tumor suppressor that functions downstream of this pathway in neuroblastoma.

Significance: This work identifies CIC as a powerful tumor suppressor affecting the RAS-MAPK pathway in neuroblastoma and reinforces the importance of mutation-driven activation of this pathway in cancer. Cancer Res; 78(21); 6297–307. ©2018 AACR.
Tailoring Chemotherapy for the African-Centric S47 Variant of TP53
Authors: Barnoud Thibaut , Budina-Kolomets Anna , Basu Subhasree , Leu Julia I.-Ju , Good Madeline , Kung Che-Pei , Liu Jingjing , Liu Qin , Villanueva Jessie , Zhang Rugang , George Donna L. , Murphy Maureen E.
Published: August 2018

The tumor suppressor TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer and serves to restrict tumor initiation and progression. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in TP53 and p53 pathway genes can have a marked impact on p53 tumor suppressor function, and some have been associated with increased cancer risk and impaired response to therapy. Approximately 6% of Africans and 1% of African Americans express a p53 allele with a serine instead of proline at position 47 (Pro47Ser). This SNP impairs p53-mediated apoptosis in response to radiation and genotoxic agents and is associated with increased cancer risk in humans and in a mouse model. In this study, we compared the ability of wild-type (WT) and S47 p53 to suppress tumor development and respond to therapy. Our goal was to find therapeutic compounds that are more, not less, efficacious in S47 tumors. We identified the superior efficacy of two agents, cisplatin and BET inhibitors, on S47 tumors compared with WT. Cisplatin caused dramatic decreases in the progression of S47 tumors by activating the p53/PIN1 axis to drive the mitochondrial cell death program. These findings serve as important proof of principle that chemotherapy can be tailored to p53 genotype.

Significance: A rare African-derived radioresistant p53 SNP provides proof of principle that chemotherapy can be tailored to TP53 genotype. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5694–705. ©2018 AACR.
Targeting Myddosome Signaling in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia with the Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 1/4 Inhibitor R191
Authors: Ni Haiwen , Shirazi Fazal , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran , Lin Heather , Kuiatse Isere , Wang Hua , Jones Richard J. , Berkova Zuzana , Hitoshi Yasumichi , Ansell Stephen M. , Treon Steven P. , Thomas Sheeba K. , Lee Hans C. , Wang Zhiqiang , Davis R. Eric , Orlowski Robert Z.
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is an incurable lymphoproliferative disorder driven by an L265P mutation in the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MYD88), which activates downstream NF-κB signaling through the Myddosome. As this pathway depends in part on activity of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs)-1 and -4, we sought to evaluate the potential of the IRAK1/4 inhibitor R191 in preclinical models.

Experimental Design:

Patient-derived cell lines and primary samples were used in both in vitro and in vivo experiments to model Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and its response to IRAK1/4 inhibitors.

Results:

R191 induced a dose- and time-dependent reduction in viability of BCWM.1 and MWCL-1 Waldenström's cell lines, and suppressed activation of IRAK1/4. This was associated with cell-cycle arrest at G0–G1, reduced levels of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6, and induction of apoptosis in cell lines and primary patient samples. Further downstream, R191 exposure led to reduced activation of NF-κB, and of protein kinase B/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, whereas expression of a constitutively active Akt mutant induced R191 resistance. Gene expression profiling and gene set enrichment analysis revealed a signature consistent with inhibition of c-Myc and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. In both subcutaneous and systemic murine models of Waldenström's, R191 showed antitumor activity. Finally, the activity of R191 was enhanced when it was combined with novel chemotherapeutics such as bortezomib, afuresertib, and ibrutinib.

Conclusions:

Taken together, these data support the translation of R191 as an approach to target IRAK1/4 to the clinic for patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.
Novel lncRNA LINC00844 Regulates Prostate Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion through AR Signaling
Authors: Lingadahalli Shreyas , Jadhao Sudhir , Sung Ying Ying , Chen Mi , Hu Lingling , Chen Xin , Cheung Edwin
Published: August 2018

The human genome is mostly transcribed, yielding a rich repository of noncoding transcripts that are involved in a myriad of biological processes including cancer. However, how many noncoding transcripts such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) function in cancer is still unclear. This study identified a novel set of clinically relevant androgen-regulated lncRNAs in prostate cancer. Among this group, LINC00844 was demonstrated to be a direct androgen-regulated target that is actively transcribed in androgen receptor (AR)–dependent prostate cancer cells. The expression of LINC00844 is higher in normal prostate compared with malignant and metastatic prostate cancer clinical specimens, and patients with low expression had a poor prognosis and significantly increased biochemical recurrence, suggesting LINC00844 functions in suppressing tumor progression and metastasis. Indeed, in vitro loss-of-function studies revealed that LINC00844 prevents prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. Moreover, findings from gene expression profiling analysis indicated that LINC00844 functions in trans, affecting global androgen-regulated gene transcription. Mechanistic evidence reveals that LINC00844 is important in facilitating AR binding to the chromatin. Finally, LINC00844 mediates its phenotypic effects in part by activating the expression of NDRG1, a crucial cancer metastasis suppressor. Collectively, LINC00844 is a novel coregulator of AR that plays a central role in the androgen transcriptional network and the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Implications:

This study highlights the function of the lncRNA, LINC00844, in regulating global AR-regulated genes in prostate cancer by modulating AR binding to chromatin.
MR-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Medically Refractory Lesional Epilepsy in Pediatric Patients: Experience and Outcomes
Authors: Fayed Islam , Sacino Matthew F. , Gaillard Willilam D. , Keating Robert F. , Oluigbo Chima O.
Published: August 2018

Introduction: MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for the ablation of epileptic foci. Its minimally invasive nature makes it attractive due to decreased morbidity and hospital stay. Objective: To report the efficacy and safety of MRgLITT as a minimally invasive procedure for the ablation of epileptic foci in the pediatric population of medically refractory lesional epilepsy. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent MRgLITT via Visualase laser ablation at a single pediatric center was performed. Demographic and outcome data were compiled and analyzed. Results: Twelve pediatric patients with a total 18 lesions underwent MRgLITT procedures between December 2013 and September 2017. Mean age at surgery was 11.1 years. Surgical substrates included 4 hypothalamic hamartomas, 3 periventricular heterotopias, 2 deep focal cortical dysplasias, 2 tuberous sclerosis, and 1 mesial temporal sclerosis. Methods of stereotaxis used included Leksell frame, BrainLab VarioGuide, ROSA robot guidance, and ClearPoint navigation. Mean procedure length was 250 min, and mean length of stay was 1.3 days. After treatment, 8 patients were seizure free (Engel I, 66.7%), 2 patients demonstrated significant improvement (Engel II, 16.7%), and 2 patients showed worthwhile improvement (Engel III, 16.7%). One patient developed a left superior quadrantanopsia postoperatively. Mean follow-up duration was 10 months. Conclusion: This study contributes to the sparse literature in this field by demonstrating the high efficacy and low morbidity of MRgLITT as a minimally invasive method of ablation of epileptic foci in the pediatric population of medically refractory lesional epilepsy.
Oscillatory Correlates of Control over Working Memory Gating and Updating: An EEG Study Using the Reference-back Paradigm
Authors: Rac-Lubashevsky Rachel , Kessler Yoav
Published: August 2018

Optimal working memory (WM) functioning depends on a control mechanism that balances between maintenance and updating by closing or opening the gate to WM, respectively. Here, we examined the neural oscillation correlates of WM updating and of the control processes involved in gating. The reference-back paradigm was employed to manipulate gate opening, gate closing, and updating independently and examine how the control functions involved in these processes are mapped to oscillatory EEG activity. The results established that different oscillatory patterns were associated with the control process related to gate opening than in gate closing. During the time of gate closing, a relative increase in theta power was observed over midfrontal electrodes. This theta response is a known EEG signature of cognitive control that is proposed here to reflect reactive conflict resolution, achieved by closing the gate when facing irrelevant information. On the other hand, proactive gate opening in preparation for relevant information was associated with an increase in relative delta power over parietal-occipital electrodes. Finally, WM updating was associated with relative increase in delta power over midfrontal electrodes, suggesting a functional role of delta oscillations in WM updating.
Augustus’ “New” Festival: The Centrality of Married Women’s Rituals at the Ludi Saeculares of 17 BCE
Authors: Darja Šterbenc Erker
Published: August 2018

The article explores how Augustus and the priesthood of theXVviri sacris faciundisorganized and performed the rituals for celebrating a new era (ludi saeculares) under the rule of the gods Apollo and Diana. In the Republic, it had been a woman’s personal decision whether or not to take part in women’s festivals. However, theXVviricommanded that 110 married women (matronae) perform rituals (supplications and sacrifices) on the Capitoline. This article argues for the novelty of such a custom, in that it was a new form of top-down appeal tomatronaeto honor the gods in public festivals. The article also argues for the centrality of rituals of thematronaein the festival. At theludi saeculares, the cooperation between men (theXVviri) andmatronaewas ritually staged and seen as indispensable for ensuring the continuity of Rome.
First report of Atyaephyra thyamisensis Christodoulou, Antoniou, Magoulas & Koukouras, 2012 (Decapoda, Caridea, Atyidae) from Albania and the Republic of Macedonia confirmed by DNA barcodes
Authors: Jabłońska Aleksandra , Vukić Jasna , Šanda Radek , Zawal Andrzej , Grabowski Michał
Published: August 2018

The genus Atyaephyra de Brito Capello, 1867 consists of seven species, which are distributed in Europe, Asia Minor and northern Africa. Four of them occur on the Balkan Peninsula, which is known as one of the global diversity and endemism hotspots for freshwater fauna. Atyaephyra thyamisensis Christodoulou, Antoniou, Magoulas & Koukouras, 2012 has been known from Greek mainland and is considered as endemic to the Ionian region. Herewith we report the first finding of this species from the Adriatic region, i.e., Albania and Republic of Macedonia, including the ancient Lake Prespa, and we provide new localities from Greece. Given the subtle morphological features differing this species from other congeners, we support our findings with DNA barcodes.
Unexpected rDNA divergence between two morphologically minimalistic nematodes with description of a new species (Tylenchomorpha: Tylenchidae)
Authors: Qiao Kaikai , Bai Mengxin , Wang Qiu , Hou Xiangyu , Chen Jingwei , Xiao Shun , Liu Guokun , Bert Wim , Qing Xue
Published: August 2018

Species of the family Tylenchidae are encountered in large numbers in soils. The genus Labrys was recently described characterised by a remarkable lip pattern that differs from all other known Tylenchidae genera. Here we describe a curious new species, Labrys fujianensis sp. n., that morphologically fits the genus Labrys but which is genetically divergent. The phylogeny was inferred based on 18S and 28S rDNA and light and scanning electron microscopy were used to extract detailed morphologies. The phylogenetic position of this species and its phenotypic convergence are discussed. The possibility of a long-branch attraction artefact was inspected both by removal of variable nucleotide sites and monophyletic testing of topologies. The results confirmed the divergent positioning of the presented species and it is demonstrated that the genetic diversity in Tylenchidae may be much higher than expected due to morphological homoplasy.
Sources of Societal Value Similarities across Europe
Authors: Akaliyski Plamen
Published: August 2018

Focusing on Europe, this article aims to disentangle the patterns of cultural clustering and to throw more light on concepts such as ‘civilizations’ and ‘cultural zones.’ Cross-cultural analyses unanimously find that various historical background and socioeconomic indicators are strongly correlated to societal values, however, a systematic investigation on what makes societal cultures similar and different hasn’t been conducted. The author first outlines the factors and mechanisms that may explain value similarities, then the author tests their importance using dyadic data on 40 countries from thewvs. Multiple factors are associated to the cultural similarities: the historical background – i.e. countries’ political-institutional traditions, religion, language, and imperial legacies – and also socio-economic development, geographical distance, European integration, and climatic differences. The substantial overlap among them, however, diminishes the absolute importance of any of the explanatory factors. The multiple determinants of value differences speak against a classification of national cultures into cultural zones based on single formative factors.
Immigrant Political Participation in Europe
Authors: Pettinicchio David , de Vries Robert
Published: August 2018

This paper compares participation in different forms of political action between natives, immigrants and non-citizen immigrants using data from thirteen European countries across six waves of the European Social Survey. The authors highlight problems associated with previous categorizations of political action, and find that when political action is disaggregated and relative participation between groups is examined, that immigrants’ patterns of participation are not substantially different from those of natives. When comparing citizen immigrants to non-citizen immigrants, previous research has suggested that citizenship acts as a “ticket” to non-institutional, unconventional, confrontational forms of political action. The authors’ findings instead suggest a more complicated relationship between immigrant/citizenship status and preferences for political action since citizenship may facilitate participation in both so-called institutional and extra-institutional activities depending on the context of action.
Heads of State Immunities, International Crimes and President Bashir’s Visit to South Africa
Authors: Mettraux Guénaël , Dugard John , du Plessis Max
Published: August 2018

The relationship between international crimes and sovereign immunities has bedevilled judicial practice and legal scholarship and created an apparently irreconcilable tension between the two notions. Part of the difficulty in addressing this tension derives from the approach to resolving it. This paper proposes a novel approach, viewing the relationship specifically from the perspective of international criminal law and looking at the three core functions of immunities in that context. The authors conclude that customary international law excludes immunities as defence or bar to jurisdiction for core international crimes regardless of the nature of the jurisdiction concerned, the position of the accused, or the capacity in which the accused acted. When interpreted within that framework, the ICC Statute provides for clear limitations to the role of immunities in ICC proceedings and avoids the pitfalls that have thus far marred the ICC’s approach to the law of immunities.
Role of Applied Meteorology in the Development of Large Space Vehicles1
Authors: Vaughan William W. , Scoggins James R. , Smith Orvel E.
Published: August 2018

This paper discusses the role of applied meteorology in the solution of large space vehicle development problems. A general outline of the role of the applied meteorologist is given, followed by a discussion of the data requirements for vehicle design and test evaluation, analytical procedures for data presentation, and areas of influence on space vehicle development. Examples of the influence of atmospheric conditions in the design are presented illustrating the utility of applied meteorology.
accuracy of wind measurements on towers or stacks1,2
Authors: Gill Gerald C. , Olsson Lars E. , Sela Josef , Suda Motozo
Published: August 2018

Wind sensors mounted on towers and smokestacks do not always indicate the true free-air flow. To determine the probable errors in measurements of wind speed and direction around such structures, quarter-scale models have been tested in a large wind tunnel. Data on changes in wind speed and direction were obtained by using smoke, very small wind vanes, and a scale model propeller anemometer. Most emphasis has been placed on a relatively open lattice-type tower, but a solid tower and a stack were also studied.

The analysis shows that in the wake of lattice-type towers disturbance is moderate to severe, and that in the wake of solid towers and stacks there is extreme turbulence, with reversal of flow. Recommendations for locating wind sensors in the wind field relative to the supporting structure are given for each of the three structures studied. Guidelines are suggested regarding probable errors in measurements of wind speed and direction around different supporting structures, as outlined below.

For an open triangular tower with equal sides D, the wake is about 1-1/2D in width for a distance downwind of at least 6D. Sensors mounted 2 D out from the corner of such a tower will usually measure speeds within ± 10° of that of the undisturbed flow for an arc of about 330°. The disturbance by very dense towers and stacks is much greater. Wind sensors mounted 3 diameters out from the face of a stack will measure wind speeds within ± 10%, and directions within ± 10° of the undisturbed flow for an arc of about 180°.
The Evolution of Vortex Tilt and Vertical Motion of Tropical Cyclones in Directional Shear Flows
Authors: Gu Jian-Feng , Tan Zhe-Min , Qiu Xin
Published: August 2018

Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of moist dynamics on the intensification variability of tropical cyclones (TCs) in directional shear flows. Here, we propose that dry dynamics can account for many aspects of the structure change of TCs in moist simulations. The change of vortex tilt with height and time essentially determines the kinematic and thermodynamic structure of TCs experiencing directional shear flows, depending on how the environmental flow rotates with height, that is, in a clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CC) fashion. The vortex tilt precesses faster and is closer to the left-of-shear (with respect to the deep-layer shear) region, with a smaller magnitude at equilibrium in CW hodographs than in CC hodographs. The low-level vortex tilt and accordingly more low-level upward motions are ahead of the overall vortex tilt in CW hodographs but are behind the overall vortex tilt in CC hodographs. Such a configuration of vortex tilt in CW hodographs is potentially favorable for the continuous precession of convection into the upshear region but in CC hodographs it is unfavorable. Most of the upward motions within a TC undergoing CW shear are concentrated in the downshear-left region, whereas those in the CC shear are located in the downshear-right region. Moreover, the upward (downward) motions are in phase with positive (negative) local helicity in both CW and CC hodographs. Here, we present an alternative mechanism that is associated with balanced dynamics in response to vortex tilt to explain the coincidence and also the distribution variability of vertical motions, as well as local helicity in directional shear flows. The balanced dynamics could explain the overlap of positive helicity and convection in both moist simulations and observations.
A Quantitative Method to Evaluate Tropical Cyclone Tracks in Climate Models
Authors: Shen Yixuan , Sun Yuan , Camargo Suzana J. , Zhong Zhong
Published: August 2018

The ability to simulate tropical cyclones (TCs) realistically is an important factor in the performance evaluation of climate models. In previous studies, indirect evaluation methods have been proposed that are based on the comparison of TC-related background circulation between model results and observations. Direct model evaluation methods, in most cases, are limited to the model skill in simulating the TC frequency, intensity, and track density. Here we propose a new method to quantitatively and directly evaluate the ability of climate models in simulating TC tracks. The method consists of two indicators that account for the model performance in simulating TC track density and the geographic properties of TC tracks, respectively. This method is applied to evaluate the skill of climate models in simulating TC tracks over the western North Pacific Ocean. The explicit models include seven from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project and eight from the U.S. CLIVAR Hurricane Working Group (HWG), as well as four downscaled HWG models. Our results indicate the order of these 15 explicit models according to their ability to simulate TC tracks. In addition, we show that, for one of the models, the TC track simulation is greatly improved by using downscaling.
Impacts of Topography on Airflow and Precipitation in the Pyeongchang Area Seen from Multiple-Doppler Radar Observations
Authors: Tsai Chia-Lun , Kim Kwonil , Liou Yu-Chieng , Lee Gyuwon , Yu Cheng-Ku
Published: August 2018

This study uses high-resolution radar and surface observations to investigate the finescale structural evolution of airflow and precipitation over complex terrain in the Pyeongchang area, South Korea. The Taebaek Mountain range (TMR) runs parallel to the northeastern coast of South Korea, with a perpendicular ridge known as the Pyeongchang branch (PCB). The objective of this study was to identify the mechanisms of wintertime precipitation over these topographic features during the passage of a low pressure system (LPS) through the southern Korean Peninsula. The analysis indicates that intense precipitation occurred over the southwestern and northeastern sides of the TMR during stage I but only over the northeastern side during stage II. The prevailing southwesterly winds were dominated by warm advection associated with the LPS over the PCB during stage I. These prevailing southwesterly winds locally enhanced precipitation on the southwestern end of the PCB; multiple influences of mountain waves, airflow convergence, and drifted particles are possible factors for causing precipitation on the northeastern side of the TMR. During stage II, the prevailing winds changed from easterlies to northeasterlies offshore from Gangneung. The easterly winds decelerated and were deflected locally along the mountainous coast, and this blocked zone interacted with the oncoming flow to trigger a precipitation band. Consequently, the northeasterly winds helped push the precipitation band toward the coast, causing heavy precipitation in Gangneung. The observational evidence presented shows that the interaction of temporally changing winds accompanying the movement of an LPS over topography is a critical factor for determining the distribution and intensity of precipitation.
Effective Policing through Regulatory Control
Authors: Scott Michael S.
Published: August 2018

Local police have long assumed some responsibility for enforcing state and local government administrative regulations, such as those governing licenses and permits. In recent years, local police have broadened their use of regulatory authority to make it an integral part of their crime and disorder control efforts, doing so either directly or through the cooperation of other local and state regulatory agencies. This shift in police legal orientation, from predominantly criminal toward administrative, has been promoted and supported through problem-oriented policing and situational crime prevention frameworks. This article reviews applications of police regulatory control to specific crime and disorder problems, the mechanisms by which they work, and the possible ramifications for police administration and police intragovernmental and extragovernmental relations.
Regulating Cybercrime through Law Enforcement and Industry Mechanisms
Authors: Holt Thomas J.
Published: August 2018

Cybercrimes, or offenses enabled by technology, affect computer systems and people and prove difficult to pursue through traditional criminal justice strategies due to jurisdictional challenges and legal hurdles. As a result, corporations and industry have begun to play a role in mitigating various forms of cybercrime. This article examines what constitutes cybercrime and the successes and limitations of law enforcement in combatting these offenses. I present a detailed discussion of efforts by industry and regulatory bodies to deter cybercrime. Finally, I consider and discuss the risks and challenges that traditional criminal justice system operations face moving forward.
Applying Regulatory Measures to Address Crime Problems: An AGILE Approach to Enhancing Public Safety
Authors: La Vigne Nancy G.
Published: August 2018

This article synthesizes research on regulatory measures to prevent crime, examining the actors, contexts, and methods of regulation, along with associated costs, impacts, and unintended consequences. I find that to successfully combat crime, regulatory measures need to be adaptable to the specific crime and its situational context; germane to both the actors intended to invoke, enforce, and respond to the regulation and to the geographic and jurisdictional context of the crime; incentive-based to encourage compliance; legitimate and equitable in imposition and impact; and evaluated, using evidence during and after implementation to document unintended impacts, costs, and benefits. I use the acronym AGILE as shorthand for these successful regulatory schemes. I conclude that the policy implications of AGILE regulatory reforms can yield more cost-efficient and equitable criminal justice outcomes when they are properly developed, implemented, and incentivized.
IUU Fishing and Seafood Fraud: Using Crime Script Analysis to Inform Intervention
Authors: Petrossian Gohar A. , Pezzella Frank S.
Published: August 2018

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a serious global environmental crime. It can lead to the collapse of important fisheries and the destruction of marine habitats, and it also directly threatens the food security and economies of developing countries, affecting millions of people who depend on fisheries for survival. IUU fishing also undermines the sustainability of seafood stocks of many developed countries and directly impacts these countries’ legal commercial fishing industries. Several regulatory mechanisms have been put in place at international, regional, and country levels to address the problem, but the implementation of these regulations remains a challenge. This article examines the problem of IUU fishing and seafood fraud through the application of the crime script analysis technique to (1) describe IUU fishing and seafood fraud, (2) highlight the regulations designed to address IUU fishing and seafood fraud, and (3) offer recommendations that link piecemeal and grand crime prevention policy responses to strategies that could be used by practitioners to address these problems more effectively.
Policy Levels for Situational Crime Prevention
Authors: Felson Marcus
Published: August 2018

An organizing framework is useful for scientific progress as well as the application of knowledge in practical situations. This article advocates supplementing the classification of situational crime prevention methods, proposing seven levels of classification for how crime prevention policy is applied. The seven levels are organized by distance from the criminal event, and examples of application are offered in liquor control and auto theft reduction.
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations at emergency department presentation in females and males with an acute cardiac outcome
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , Worster Andrew , Shortt Colleen , Ma Jinhui , Clayton Natasha , Sherbino Jonathan , Hill Stephen A , McQueen Matthew , Griffith Lauren , Mehta Shamir R , Devereaux PJ
Published: August 2018

Background

There is interest in utilizing different cut-offs per sex for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) but less so for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) for patient management in the acute setting. Our objective was to assess if differences in hs-cTn concentrations exist between males and females for an acute cardiac outcome following the presentation measurement in the emergency department.

Methods

An observational emergency department population with hs-cTn measurements (Roche Diagnostics and Abbott Diagnostics) at presentation with seven-day outcomes for a composite acute cardiac outcome (i.e. myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure or cardiovascular death) (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01994577). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed for each sex with both hs-cTn assays.

Results

In those patients who had a composite acute cardiac outcome ( n = 128 females; n = 145 males), there was no difference in hs-cTn concentrations between the sexes (median [IQR] female hs-cTnT = 35 ng/L [21–69] vs. male hs-cTnT = 38 ng/L [19–77], P = 0.95; and median [IQR] female hs-cTnI = 27 ng/L [12–75] vs. male hs-cTnI = 26 ng/L [12–85], P = 0.97]. There was also no difference in the area under the curve between the hs-cTn assays and between the sexes ( P > 0.10). Comparing hs-cTn concentrations in those patients with the composite outcome between the sexes <60 years and ≥60 years of age also did not yield significant differences ( P > 0.70).

Conclusions

The concentrations and area under the curves of hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI at patient presentation in the emergency department for an acute composite cardiac outcome were similar between the sexes in this exploratory study.
Improved technical success and radiation safety of adrenal vein sampling using rapid, semi-quantitative point-of-care cortisol measurement
Authors: Page Michael M , Taranto Mario , Ramsay Duncan , van Schie Greg , Glendenning Paul , Gillett Melissa J , Vasikaran Samuel D
Published: August 2018

Objective

Primary aldosteronism is a curable cause of hypertension which can be treated surgically or medically depending on the findings of adrenal vein sampling studies. Adrenal vein sampling studies are technically demanding with a high failure rate in many centres. The use of intraprocedural cortisol measurement could improve the success rates of adrenal vein sampling but may be impracticable due to cost and effects on procedural duration.

Design

Retrospective review of the results of adrenal vein sampling procedures since commencement of point-of-care cortisol measurement using a novel single-use semi-quantitative measuring device for cortisol, the adrenal vein sampling Accuracy Kit. Measurements: Success rate and complications of adrenal vein sampling procedures before and after use of the adrenal vein sampling Accuracy Kit. Routine use of the adrenal vein sampling Accuracy Kit device for intraprocedural measurement of cortisol commenced in 2016.

Results

Technical success rate of adrenal vein sampling increased from 63% of 99 procedures to 90% of 48 procedures ( P = 0.0007) after implementation of the adrenal vein sampling Accuracy Kit. Failure of right adrenal vein cannulation was the main reason for an unsuccessful study. Radiation dose decreased from 34.2 Gy.cm2 (interquartile range, 15.8–85.9) to 15.7 Gy.cm2 (6.9–47.3) ( P = 0.009). No complications were noted, and implementation costs were minimal.

Conclusions

Point-of-care cortisol measurement during adrenal vein sampling improved cannulation success rates and reduced radiation exposure. The use of the adrenal vein sampling Accuracy Kit is now standard practice at our centre.
Urban public parks and mental health in adult women: Mediating and moderating factors
Authors: Bojorquez Ietza , Ojeda-Revah Lina
Published: August 2018

Background:

The association of green spaces such as urban public parks and mental health might vary according to personal characteristics and characteristics of the park and be mediated by the use of the park.

Aims:

We investigate the association between urban public park coverage and mental health in adult women, the moderation of this association by personal and park-related characteristics, and the mediation of the association by use of public space.

Methods:

Combining data from a cross-sectional survey of the adult female population of Tijuana (Mexico) in 2014, and a study of public spaces in 2013, we analyzed the association between park coverage in buffers of 400 and 800 m from participants’ homes and score in the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). We tested for mediation by use of park and interaction of urban park coverage with personal and park characteristics.

Results:

Urban public park coverage in the 400-m buffer had an inverse association with CES-D score that was moderated by age (significant only for younger participants), with no evidence of mediation. Park coverage in the 800-m buffer also had an inverse association with CES-D score, moderated by age and occupation (significant for younger participants and homemakers), and a mediated association was also observed. There was no interaction between park coverage and park characteristics in their association with CES-D score.

Conclusion:

Our results confirm the potential of public parks to improve mental health and suggest that this effect could be more important at some stages in the life course for women. The upper-middle-income, Latin American country setting adds to the current knowledge that is mostly based on high-income countries.
Morphological, optical and thermal characterisation of aerogel-epoxy composites for enhanced thermal insulation
Authors: Krishnaswamy Suryanarayanan , Bhattacharyya Debabrata , Abhyankar Hrushikesh , Marchante Veronica , Huang Zhaorong , Brighton James
Published: August 2018

The present work explores the possibility of introducing aerogel at different stages of the epoxy resin cure to identify the most effective method that ensures minimal destruction of the aerogel particles. The aerogel particles are added at 0.5 h, 1 h and 1.5 h after the resin and the hardener are mixed together. Additionally, the effect of a wetting agent that improves the interface between the aerogel and the resin is also investigated. The different materials are characterised using optical images and ESEM-EDX to determine the most effective processing route. Additional data are also provided by determining the different material’s optical transmittance and reflective characteristics. From the experimental results, it is observed that the addition of aerogel at the 1-h mark proves to be the most efficient route to follow. In addition, the wetting agent displays a negligible effect on the samples in the study; hence, its usage is advocated due to its influence on the interface strength. Therefore, the aerogel/epoxy/wetting agent sample with the aerogel added at the 1 h mark looks promising. A 13.3% decrease in thermal conductivity when compared with the pure resin/hardener sample along with the damage coefficient value of 0.183 demonstrates the material’s potential for thermal insulation applications.
Preparation of hydrophobic fabric using cross-linked fluorinated poly methacryalte copolymer nanobeads
Authors: Hwang Sung-Ho , Hong Seong Hui , Kim Young Kwang , Jeong Won Wook , Kwon Oh Kyung , Lim Sang Kyoo
Published: August 2018

In this study, we synthesized cross-linked poly methyl methacrylate beads and cross-linked fluorinated poly methacryalte copolymer (F-cPMMA) beads by the dispersion polymerization method with methyl methacrylate monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and 2,2,2-trifuloroethyl methacrylate. The size of cross-linked PMMA and F-cPMMA beads was about 100 nm. Then we developed a new geometrical high-hydrophobic film by embedding the F-cPMMA nanobeads on polyurethane (PU) film. The PU film containing fluorinated poly methacryalte copolymer beads showed a greater hydrophobic property than the non-fluorinated one in the range of 1–10 wt.%. For the purpose of industrial application of the PU films, we applied 0.1–1 wt.% of beads on the fabric by the laminating method. The PU film containing 1 wt.% of fluorinated poly methacryalte copolymer beads, which was laminated onto nylon fabric, showed the best performance of hydrophobic property (water contact angle, 79°) and moisture vapor transmission rate (8797 g·m–2·24 h).
Four Needles in a Haystack: A Systematic Review Assessing Quality of Health Care in Specialty Practice by Practice Type
Authors: Ellis Shellie D. , Karim Saleema A. , Vukas Rachel R. , Marx Daniel , Uddin Jalal
Published: August 2018

Specialists, who represent 60% of physicians in the United States, are consolidating into large group practices, but the degree to which group practice type facilitates the delivery of high quality of care in specialty settings is unknown. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify the impact of group practice type on the quality of care among specialty providers. The search resulted in 913 articles, of which only 4 met inclusion criteria. Studies were of moderate methodological quality. From the limited evidence available, we hypothesize that solo specialists deliver care that is inferior to their peers in group practice, whether measured by patient satisfaction ratings or adherence to guideline-based care. However, solo specialists and multidisciplinary group specialists may be more likely to provide some specialized services compared with their single-specialty group peers. Insufficient research compares quality of care among different practice types in specialty care. Substantial opportunity exists to test the degree to which organizational factors, whether size of practice or the mix of providers within the practice, influence quality of care in specialty settings.
Lyme disease in north India: a case for concern
Authors: Tevatia Pavit , Ahmad Sohaib , Gupta Neeti , Shirazi Nadia
Published: August 2018

We report Lyme disease in a young man from north India who presented with progressive diminution of vision, severe headache, quadriparesis, seizures, dermatological and pulmonary lesions, lymphadenopathy and a hypocellular bone marrow. This is the first case report of Lyme disease with multi-system involvement from India, confirmed twice by positive serology.
Do Types of Employment Matter in Explaining Juvenile Delinquency? A Longitudinal Study of South Korean Youth
Authors: Lee Hee Jung , Cho Byung Jun
Published: August 2018

This study examines the effects of job type on crime and substance use. The longitudinal panel data from the Korean Youth Panel Survey conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute are utilized to explore this question. Results from the fixed effects models show that a job status change from nonworker to worker holding an informal job increases the chance of participating in crime and substance use. Interestingly, a job status change from nonworker to worker holding a formal job is not associated with an involvement in crime and delinquency. In addition, it shows that the effects of job type on crime and delinquency are not varied by gender except for an intensive female worker who holds a formal job.
Simply Insane? Attributing Terrorism to Mental Illness (Versus Ideology) Affects Mental Representations of Race
Authors: Kunst Jonas R. , Myhren Lisa S. , Onyeador Ivuoma N.
Published: August 2018

Mainstream media and public figures are often criticized for readily attributing terrorism committed by White perpetrators to mental illness, while attributing the same behavior committed by non-Whites to ideological motivation. Using a data-driven reverse-correlation approach, we show that attributing terrorism to mental illness results in a phenotypically more White mental representation of the perpetrator as compared with attributing terrorism to ideology or providing no information about its motivation. Importantly, we show that, because terrorists who are described as being motivated by mental illness are perceived as more White than those motivated by ideology, they are subsequently judged as less guilty for alleged terrorist activities. We present further evidence that this effect may be due to perceived Whiteness signaling higher socio-economic status, which reduces perceptions of culpability. In sum, our research demonstrates that extreme violence attributed to unintentional causes is perceptually associated with White perpetrators, leading to leniency in criminal judgments.
Nonlinear augmented state observer-based adaptive output feedback anti-disturbance control for nonlinear systems with non-harmonic multiple uncertainties
Authors: Hu Weijun
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a novel output feedback anti-disturbance control method is carried out for a class of nonlinear systems subject to non-harmonic multisource disturbances. By using a nonlinear exogenous system, a class of non-harmonic disturbances possessing complex and nonlinear characteristics are taken fully into consideration. Based on a nonlinear damping term, we establish an adaptive augmented state observer that can achieve robust asymptotic disturbance estimation for the system states, the harmonic disturbances and the non-harmonic disturbances. By fusing the augmented state observer and a state-feedback controller, a robust adaptive output feedback anti-disturbance control structure is constructed. The boundness of the combined controller–observer system is derived on the basis of Lyapunov analysis. Furthermore, aiming at the intense non-harmonic disturbances, the proposed method is extended and a new output feedback controller is obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated through experimental studies on a practical example.