bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WebMTD: Defeating Cross-Site Scripting Attacks Using Moving Target Defense
Authors: Niakanlahiji Amirreza , Jafarian Jafar Haadi
Published: May 2019

Existing mitigation techniques for cross-site scripting attacks have not been widely adopted, primarily due to imposing impractical overheads on developers, Web servers, or Web browsers. They either enforce restrictive coding practices on developers, fail to support legacy Web applications, demand browser code modification, or fail to provide browser backward compatibility. Moving target defense (MTD) is a novel proactive class of techniques that aim to defeat attacks by imposing uncertainty in attack reconnaissance and planning. This uncertainty is achieved by frequent and random mutation (randomization) of system configuration in a manner that is not traceable (predictable) by attackers. In this paper, we present WebMTD, a proactive moving target defense mechanism that thwarts various kinds of cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks on Web applications. Relying on built-in features of modern Web browsers, WebMTD randomizes values of certain attributes of Web elements to differentiate the application code from the injected code and disallow its execution; this is done without requiring Web developer involvement or browser code modification. Through rigorous evaluation, we show that WebMTD has very a low performance overhead. Also, we argue that our technique outperforms all competing approaches due to its broad effectiveness, transparency, backward compatibility, and low overhead.
Taenia crassiceps-Excreted/Secreted Products Induce a Defined MicroRNA Profile that Modulates Inflammatory Properties of Macrophages
Authors: Martínez-Saucedo Diana , Ruíz-Rosado Juan de Dios , Terrazas César , Callejas Blanca E. , Satoskar Abhay R. , Partida-Sánchez Santiago , Terrazas Luis I.
Published: May 2019

Helminth parasites modulate immune responses in their host to prevent their elimination and to establish chronic infections. Our previous studies indicate that Taenia crassiceps-excreted/secreted antigens (TcES) downregulate inflammatory responses in rodent models of autoimmune diseases, by promoting the generation of alternatively activated-like macrophages (M2) in vivo. However, the molecular mechanisms triggered by TcES that modulate macrophage polarization and inflammatory response remain unclear. Here, we found that, while TcES reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, and TNFα), they increased the release of IL-10 in LPS-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). However, TcES alone or in combination with LPS or IL-4 failed to increase the production of the canonical M1 or M2 markers in BMDM. To further define the anti-inflammatory effect of TcES in the response of LPS-stimulated macrophages, we performed transcriptomic array analyses of mRNA and microRNA to evaluate their levels. Although the addition of TcES to LPS-stimulated BMDM induced modest changes in the inflammatory mRNA profile, it induced the production of mRNAs associated with the activation of different receptors, phagocytosis, and M2-like phenotype. Moreover, we found that TcES induced upregulation of specific microRNAs, including miR-125a-5p, miR-762, and miR-484, which are predicted to target canonical inflammatory molecules and pathways in LPS-induced BMDM. These results suggest that TcES can modulate proinflammatory responses in macrophages by inducing regulatory posttranscriptional mechanisms and hence reduce detrimental outcomes in hosts running with inflammatory diseases.
Research on Dynamic Characteristics and Compensation of Wire Rope Tension and Load Measurement Based on Hydraulic Connection Device
Authors: Song Di , Xu Gui-Yun , Lei Gao-Yang , Zhang Xiao-Guang , Tian Bao-Lai
Published: May 2019

During the operation of hoist, the speed and acceleration of each wire rope are inconsistent and the inertia force is changed due to the wear of the friction pad on the drum, which makes an impact on the cylinder of the tension balance hydraulic connection device and aggravates the flow pressure loss. It results in the nonlinear friction force between the piston and cylinder and affects the accuracy of wire rope tension and load measured by an oil pressure sensor which is installed on the tension balance hydraulic connecting device. In this paper, the simulation model of the tension balanced hydraulic connecting device is established by AMESim software, and the hydraulic dynamic response under different pressures, flow rates, and speed of a single hydraulic cylinder and tension balanced hydraulic connecting device is analyzed. The Leuven friction model is used to compensate the pressure loss along the course and local pressure loss and calculate the friction force, where specific parameters are determined by experiments. The real‐time compensation experiment of the tension balance hydraulic connecting device proves that the device effectively improves the accuracy of wire rope tension and load monitoring.
An Experimental Study of Sub-1 GHz Frequency-Hopping-Based 6LoWPAN Mesh Networking for Smart-Grid Applications
Authors: Kim Wonsoo , Vijayasankar Kumaran , Chouteau Mickael , Zhou Jianwei
Published: May 2019

This paper presents an experimental study of a multihop Internet Protocol Version 6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN)-based mesh system that uses un-slotted channel hopping (USCH) medium access control (MAC). Designers of wireless smart-grid networks are using (or looking to use) the Sub-1 GHz spectrum, given its longer radio range compared to the traditional 2.4 GHz spectrum used in Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth® low energy. The frequency-hopping (FH) technique is attractive in this area, as it provides improved robustness and longer range owing to the higher transmission power that regulatory requirements allow. Although Sub-1 GHz allows for a longer range, smart-grid networks deployed over a large geographic area still require multiple hops to provide the required coverage. Many proprietary and standards-based solutions have been proposed to implement such a networking protocol. Notable specifications in this area include the Field Area Networks (FAN) specification from the Wi-SUN (smart utility networks) Alliance and the JupiterMesh specification from the Zigbee Alliance. Little is known about the performance of FH systems over a multihop network, however. This paper presents an implementation of an FH-based multihop networking protocol based on the Texas Instruments (TI) SimpleLink™ TI 15.4-stack, with an experimental study of such a system over multiple hops compared to a non-frequency-hopping (non-FH) system. Results show that the proposed FH-based 6LoWPAN mesh system significantly improves network coverage, network capacity, and communication robustness to interference while demonstrating coexistence capabilities.
A Hopeful Natural Product, Pristimerin, Induces Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Autophagy in Esophageal Cancer Cells
Authors: Huang Peng , Sun Li-Ying , Zhang Yan-Qiao
Published: May 2019

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant digestive diseases worldwide. Although many approaches have been established for the treatment of esophageal cancer, the survival outcome has not improved. Pristimerin is a quinone methide triterpenoid with anticancer, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiprotozoal activities. However, the role of pristimerin in cancers such as esophageal cancer is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanisms of action of pristimerin in esophageal cancer. First, we found that pristimerin can induce apoptosis in esophageal cancer in vivo and in vitro. CCK-8 and clonogenic assays showed that pristimerin decreased the growth of Eca109 cells. In addition, we found that pristimerin decreased the protein expression of CDK2, CDK4, cyclin E, and BCL-2 and increased the expression of CDKN1B. Meanwhile, pristimerin elevated the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I. Otherwise, downregulation of CDKN1B can reduce the esophageal cancer tumor growth induced by pristimerin. In conclusion, our findings revealed an important role of pristimerin in esophageal cancer and suggest that pristimerin might be a potential therapeutic agent for this cancer.
Tetramethylpyrazine Prevents Contrast-Induced Nephropathy via Modulating Tubular Cell Mitophagy and Suppressing Mitochondrial Fragmentation, CCL2/CCR2-Mediated Inflammation, and Intestinal Injury
Authors: Gong Xuezhong , Duan Yiru , Zheng Junli , Ye Zi , Hei Tom K.
Published: May 2019

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (AKI), but detailed pathogenesis and effectual remedy remain elusive. Here, we tested the hypothesis that contrast media (CM) impaired mitochondrial quality control (MQC) in tubules, including mitochondrial fragmentation and mitophagy, induced systemic inflammation, and intestinal injury. Since we previously demonstrated that the natural antioxidant 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) can be a protectant against CIN, we moreover investigated the involved renoprotective mechanisms of TMP. In a well-established CIN rat model, renal functions, urinary AKI biomarkers, and renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. Mitochondrial damage and mitophagy were detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blot. The abundance of Drp1 and Mfn2 by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate mitochondrial fragmentation. TUNEL staining, TEM, and the abundance of cleaved-caspase 3 and procaspase 9 were used to assay apoptosis. We demonstrated that increased mitophagy, mitochondrial fragmentation, ROS generation, autophagy, and apoptosis occurred in renal tubular cells. These phenomena were accompanied by renal dysfunction and an increased excretion of urinary AKI biomarkers. Meanwhile, CM exposure resulted in concurrent small intestinal injury and villous capillary endothelial apoptosis. The abundance of the inflammatory cytokines CCL2 and CCR2 markedly increased in the renal tubules of CIN rats, accompanied by increased concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in the kidneys and the serum. Interestingly, TMP efficiently prevented CM-induced kidney injury in vivo by reversing these pathological processes. Mechanistically, TMP inhibited the CM-induced activation of the CCL2/CCR2 pathway, ameliorated renal oxidative stress and aberrant mitochondrial dynamics, and modulated mitophagy in tubular cells. In summary, this study demonstrated novel pathological mechanisms of CIN, that is, impairing MQC, inducing CCL2/CCR2-mediated inflammation and small intestinal injury, and provided novel renoprotective mechanisms of TMP; thus, TMP may be a promising therapeutic agent for CIN.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms of Neuroprotection by Ursolic Acid: Addressing Brain Injury, Cerebral Ischemia, Cognition Deficit, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon
Published: May 2019

Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpene which is found in common herbs and medicinal plants that are reputed for a variety of pharmacological effects. Both as an active principle of these plants and as a nutraceutical ingredient, the pharmacology of UA in the CNS and other organs and systems has been extensively reported in recent years. In this communication, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory axis of UA’s pharmacology is appraised for its therapeutic potential in some common CNS disorders. Classic examples include the traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral ischemia, cognition deficit, anxiety, and depression. The pharmacological efficacy for UA is demonstrated through the therapeutic principle of onedrug→multitargets→one/many disease(s). Both specific enzymes and receptor targets along with diverse pharmacological effects associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling are scrutinised.
UAV-Undertaker: Securely Verifiable Remote Erasure Scheme with a Countdown-Concept for UAV via Randomized Data Synchronization
Authors: Kim Sieun , Youn Taek-Young , Choi Daeseon , Park Ki-Woong
Published: May 2019

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) play an increasingly core role in modern warfare, with powerful but tiny embedded computing systems actively applied in the military field. Confidential data, such as military secrets, may be stored inside military devices such as UAVs, and the capture or loss of such data could cause significant damage to national security. Therefore, the development of securely verifiable remote erasure techniques for military devices is considered a core technology. In this study, we devised a verifiable remote erasure scheme with a countdown-concept using randomized data synchronization to satisfy securely verifiable remote erasure technology. The scheme allows the GCS (Ground Control Station) to remotely erase data stored in the UAV, even on loss of communication, and returns proof of erasure to GCS after erasure. Our approach classifies the accumulated data stored in the UAV as a new data type and applies the characteristics of that data type to generate the proof of erasure. We select a small-volume data sample (rather than all of the data) and perform prior learning only on that sample; in this way, we can obtain the probative power of the evidence of erasure with a relatively small amount of traffic. When we want to erase data of 100 Mbytes of remote device, 100 Mbytes of data transfer is required for related work, whereas our system has data transfer according to the ratio of amount of randomly selected data. By doing this, communication stability can be acquired even in unstable communication situations where the maximum traffic can change or not be predicted. Furthermore, when the UAV sends the proof of erasure to the GCS, the UAV does its best to perform the erasure operation given its situation.
A Patient Affected with Serous Ovarian/Peritoneal Carcinoma Carrying the FANCM Mutation
Authors: Nikolaidi Adamantia , Konstantopoulou Irene , Pistalmantzian Nikolaos , Fostira Florentia , Yannoukakos Drakoulis , Athanasiadis Ilias
Published: May 2019

We report a case of a 58-year-old female with ovarian cancer. The patient presented with ascites, and the biopsies revealed a low-grade adenocarcinoma, either a serous papillary ovarian cancer with peritoneal implants or a primary peritoneal carcinoma. She received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and after 5 cycles achieved partial response, and then, she underwent a total hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The patient underwent germline gene-panel testing for the detection of mutations in cancer predisposing genes. A truncating mutation in the Fanconi anemia complementation group M (FANCM) gene was detected in heterozygosity, namely, p.Arg658Ter (c.1972C>T, rs368728266). The patient’s family history is unremarkable, with no reported cases of breast or ovarian cancer, a fact that can be attributed to the significant lower penetrance of FANCM mutations.
Spontaneous Regression of Myxofibrosarcoma of the Thigh after Open Biopsy
Authors: Mizuno Tsukasa , Susa Michiro , Horiuchi Keisuke , Shimazaki Hideyuki , Nakanishi Kuniaki , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: May 2019

Spontaneous regression of sarcoma is exceedingly rare. A 62-year-old male presented with myxofibrosarcoma of the thigh which regressed after open biopsy. Treatment strategy for this condition is not well-documented in the literature. In this report, we describe the case of a spontaneously regressed myxofibrosarcoma successfully treated by resection where the extent of the tumor was determined from the initial MRI. This case demonstrates that myxofibrosarcoma has the potential to regress spontaneously, and astute awareness of this phenomenon is necessary for appropriate management of this condition.
Estudo clínico e epidemiológico das anemias em pacientes hospitalizados
Authors: Oliveira Mariana Franco de , Malozze Pedro Castela , Oliveira Marilia Franco de , Rossi Nathalya Fernanda , Silva Juliana Rinaldis da , Navarro Nathália Cavalcante , Ferrari Michael da Cruz , Costa Renata de Oliveira , Preto Daniel D'Almeida
Published: May 2019

A anemia é uma condição clínica frequente que pode ocorrer especialmente em pacientes hospitalizados em razão de múltiplas comorbidades, como neoplasias, insuficiência renal e infecções. A presença de estudos que avaliem o real impacto da anemia no sistema de saúde e desfecho hospitalar são escassos, portanto o presente estudo tem por objetivo identificar as etiologias das anemias e avaliar o impacto no tempo de internação e mortalidade de pacientes hospitalizados. Esse estudo prospectivo transversal avaliou 268 pacientes, acima de 16 anos, admitidos para hospitalização na clínica médica no período de 01 de agosto a 31 de outubro de 2016. Os pacientes foram acompanhados até o desfecho final de alta hospitalar ou óbito. No que concerne aos resultados, 66,3% dos pacientes apresentaram anemia, com idade mediana de 56,6 anos e predomínio no sexo masculino. A maior prevalência foi de anemia normocítica normocrômica, cuja etiologia principal observada foi anemia de doença crônica (99 pacientes; 80,48%), também conhecida como anemia da inflamação. Em relação ao grau da anemia e a mortalidade, observou-se que esta foi superior nos pacientes que apresentaram anemia moderada/severa (36,4%) em comparação com aqueles diagnosticados com anemia leve (18,2%). Esse estudo evidenciou uma maior prevalência da anemia de doença crônica/anemia da inflamação nos pacientes hospitalizados, o que contribuiu para um maior tempo de internação e pior desfecho. Pelo fato da anemia ser um sinal e não um diagnóstico etiológico, estabelecer sua causa é mandatório, pois a implementação de uma terapia eficaz melhora a qualidade de vida do paciente anêmico e pode reduzir o impacto na mortalidade daqueles internados.
Physiological Pattern of Disease Assessed by Pressure-Wire Pullback Has an Influence on Fractional Flow Reserve/Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio Discordance
Authors: Warisawa Takayuki , Cook Christopher M. , Howard James P. , Ahmad Yousif , Doi Shunichi , Nakayama Masafumi , Goto Sonoka , Yakuta Yohei , Karube Kenichi , Shun-Shin Matthew J. , Petraco Ricardo , Sen Sayan , Nijjer Sukhjinder , Al Lamee Rasha , Ishibashi Yuki , Matsuda Hisao , Escaned Javier , di Mario Carlo , Francis Darrel P. , Akashi Yoshihiro J. , Davies Justin E.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) disagree on the hemodynamic significance of a coronary lesion in ≈20% of cases. It is unknown whether the physiological pattern of disease is an influencing factor for this. This study assessed whether the physiological pattern of coronary artery disease influences discordance between FFR and iFR measurement.

Methods and Results:

Three-hundred and sixty intermediate coronary lesions (345 patients; mean age, 64.4±10.3 years; 76% men) with combined FFR, iFR, and iFR pressure-wire pullback were included for analysis from an international multicenter registry. Cut points for hemodynamic significance were FFR ≤0.80 and iFR ≤0.89, respectively. Lesions were classified into FFR+/iFR+ (n=154; 42.7%), FFR−/iFR+ (n=38; 10.6%), FFR+/iFR− (n=41; 11.4%), and FFR−/iFR− (n=127; 35.3%) groups. The physiological pattern of disease was classified according to the iFR pullback recordings as predominantly physiologically focal (n=171; 47.5%) or predominantly physiologically diffuse (n=189; 52.5%). Median FFR and iFR were 0.80 (interquartile range, 0.75–0.85) and 0.89 (interquartile range, 0.86–0.92), respectively. FFR disagreed with iFR in 22% (79 of 360). The physiological pattern of disease was the only influencing factor relating to FFR/iFR discordance: predominantly physiologically focal was significantly associated with FFR+/iFR− (58.5% [24 of 41]), and predominantly physiologically diffuse was significantly associated with FFR−/iFR+ (81.6% [31 of 38];
P
<0.001 for pattern of disease between FFR+/iFR− and FFR−/iFR+ groups).

Conclusions:

The physiological pattern of coronary artery disease was an important influencing factor for FFR/iFR discordance.
Nurse-Initiated Acute Stroke Care in Emergency Departments
Authors: Middleton Sandy , Dale Simeon , Cheung N. Wah , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Levi Chris , McInnes Elizabeth , Considine Julie , McElduff Patrick , Gerraty Richard , Craig Louise Eisten , Schadewaldt Verena , Fitzgerald Mark , Quinn Clare , Cadigan Greg , Denisenko Sonia , Longworth Mark , Ward Jeanette , D’Este Catherine ,   on behalf of the T Trial Collaborators*, Grimley Rohan , Paolini Richard , Allen Todd , Jammali-Blasi Asmara , Phillips Rosemary , Pitkin Janne , Salama Enna , Sheridan Toni , McElduff Benjamin
Published: May 2019

Background and Purpose—

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to improve triage, treatment, and transfer for patients with acute stroke admitted to the emergency department (ED).

Methods—

A pragmatic, blinded, multicenter, parallel group, cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted between July 2013 and September 2016 in 26 Australian EDs with stroke units and tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) protocols. Hospitals, stratified by state and tPA volume, were randomized 1:1 to intervention or usual care by an independent statistician. Eligible ED patients had acute stroke <48 hours from symptom onset and were admitted to the stroke unit via ED. Our nurse-initiated T
3
intervention targeted (1) Triage to Australasian Triage Scale category 1 or 2; (2) Treatment: tPA eligibility screening and appropriate administration; clinical protocols for managing fever, hyperglycemia, and swallowing; (3) prompt (<4 hours) stroke unit Transfer. It was implemented using (1) workshops to identify barriers and solutions; (2) face-to-face, online, and written education; (3) national and local clinical opinion leaders; and (4) email, telephone, and site visit follow-up. Outcomes were assessed at the patient level. Primary outcome: 90-day death or dependency (modified Rankin Scale score of ≥2); secondary outcomes: functional dependency (Barthel Index ≥95), health status (Short Form [36] Health Survey), and ED quality of care (Australasian Triage Scale; monitoring and management of tPA, fever, hyperglycemia, swallowing; prompt transfer). Intention-to-treat analysis adjusted for preintervention outcomes and ED clustering. Patients, outcome assessors, and statisticians were masked to group allocation.

Results—

Twenty-six EDs (13 intervention and 13 control) recruited 2242 patients (645 preintervention and 1597 postintervention). There were no statistically significant differences at follow-up for 90-day modified Rankin Scale (intervention: n=400 [53.5%]; control n=266 [48.7%];
P
=0.24) or secondary outcomes.

Conclusions—

This evidence-based, theory-informed implementation trial, previously effective in stroke units, did not change patient outcomes or clinician behavior in the complex ED environment. Implementation trials are warranted to evaluate alternative approaches for improving ED stroke care.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifier: ACTRN12614000939695.
Refining Stroke and Bleeding Prediction in Atrial Fibrillation by Adding Consecutive Biomarkers to Clinical Risk Scores
Authors: Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Marín Francisco , Vilchez Juan Antonio , Gálvez Josefa , Esteve-Pastor María Asunción , Vicente Vicente , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Roldán Vanessa
Published: May 2019

Background and Purpose—

Current European guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation suggest using biomarkers to refine the risk stratification process. However, it is unclear whether ≥2 biomarkers incrementally improve risk prediction beyond 1 biomarker alone. We investigated whether the predictive performance of CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc and HAS-BLED scores could be enhanced by incrementally adding consecutive different biomarkers in real-world atrial fibrillation patients taking vitamin K antagonists therapy.

Methods—

We included 940 atrial fibrillation patients stable on vitamin K antagonists (international normalized ratio, 2.0–3.0) for at least the previous 6 months. At inclusion, VWF (von Willebrand factor), high-sensitivity troponin T, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), high-sensitivity IL (interleukin)-6, fibrin monomers, and BTP (β-trace protein) concentrations were quantified. During follow-up, all adverse events were recorded, and biomarkers were added to CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc and HAS-BLED scores depending on the C index.

Results—

During 6.5 (4.3–7.9) years, there were 98 ischemic strokes (1.60% per year) and 172 major bleeds (1.60% per year). After the addition of biomarkers, the predictive performance of CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc was not significantly increased, although the model with 3 biomarkers (ie, NT-proBNP+BTP+VWF) showed a low gain in sensitivity (integrated discrimination improvement, 2.70%;
P
<0.001). The predictive performance of HAS-BLED was enhanced in all biomarker-based models, with the best prediction shown by the model with 3 biomarkers (ie, VWF+NT-proBNP+high-sensitivity IL-6; C index, 0.600 [95% CI, 0.561–0.625] versus 0.639 [95% CI, 0.607–0.669];
P
=0.025). This model also confirmed an increased sensitivity (integrated discrimination improvement, 5.20%;
P
<0.001) and positive reclassification (net reclassification improvement, 19.20%;
P
=0.020).

Conclusions—

By adding consecutive biomarkers, the predictive ability of CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc for ischemic stroke was not increased, whereas the predictive ability of HAS-BLED for major bleeding was only slightly enhanced. The net benefit and clinical usefulness of the biomarker-based models were marginal in comparison to the original scores based on clinical factors.
Enhancement of Hematoma Clearance With CD47 Blocking Antibody in Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Jing Chaohui , Bian Liheng , Wang Ming , Keep Richard F. , Xi Guohua , Hua Ya
Published: May 2019

Background and Purpose—

Our previous studies found that erythrocyte CD47 has a role in regulating hematoma resolution following experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The current study examined whether or not a CD47 blocking antibody enhances hematoma clearance in a mouse ICH.

Methods—

ICH was induced by intracaudate injection of autologous blood in adult C57BL/6 mice. Mice had an ICH or ICH with CD47 blocking antibody or IgG coinjection. In subgroups of CD47 blocking antibody-treated mice, clodronate (to deplete microglia/macrophages) or control liposomes were coinjected. The effects of CD47 blocking antibody on ICH-induced brain injury were also tested in both males and females. Mice had magnetic resonance imaging to examine clot volume, iron deposition, brain swelling, and brain tissue loss. Behavioral tests were performed in all mice, and brains were harvested for brain immunohistochemistry.

Results—

In male mice, CD47 blocking antibody speeded up hematoma/iron clearance by macrophages/microglia and reduced ICH-induced brain swelling, neuronal loss, and neurological deficits. In contrast, clodronate liposome-induced microglia/macrophage depletion caused more severe brain swelling, neuronal loss, and functional deficits. In addition, similar injury severity in males and females was found in IgG control group and CD47 blocking antibody was also effective in females.

Conclusions—

Blocking CD47 in the hematoma speeded hematoma clearance and reduced brain injury after ICH suggesting it could be a treatment for ICH patients with surgical clot removal.
Characteristics of Intracranial Aneurysms According to Levels of Coronary Artery Calcium
Authors: Cho Bang-Hoon , Kim Ji Hwa , Suh Sang Hyun , Baik Su Jung , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Jinkwon , Lee Kyung-Yul
Published: May 2019

Background and Purpose—

Several vascular risk factors are known to be associated with the occurrence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Coronary artery calcium (CAC), which reflects the atherosclerotic burden of the coronary arteries, is a known predictor of cardiovascular events and stroke. We investigated the relationship between IA and CAC.

Methods—

We retrospectively enrolled Korean subjects at a single university hospital who had both brain magnetic resonance angiography and cardiac computed tomography as part of health examinations from January 2010 to July 2017. Subjects were categorized into 4 groups according to CAC score as assessed by cardiac computed tomography: zero (0), low (1–99), intermediate (100–399), or high (≥400). Then, the prevalence of IA in each CAC score group was assessed. We also performed subgroup analysis by age, sex, and location of IA.

Results—

A total of 4934 subjects (mean age, 54.1±9.8 years; %women, 42.2%) were included for analysis. IAs were detected in 258 subjects (5.23%). The prevalence of IA significantly increased as the CAC score increased (4.8%, 5.4%, 6.4%, and 11.1%, respectively;
P
for trend, 0.004). In subjects over the age of 50 years, this correlation was more prominent in women than in men (7.1% versus 3.7%, 8.8% versus 4.4%, 8.6% versus 6.3%, and 21.1% versus 10.0%, respectively). Subgroup analysis for the aneurysm location showed that nonbifurcation aneurysm was associated with a high CAC score but bifurcation aneurysm was not. Multivariate logistic regression showed high CAC score was an independent risk factor for the presence of IA compared with zero CAC score (adjusted odds ratio, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.18–3.95).

Conclusions—

A high CAC score was associated with the presence of IA. This relationship was more prominent in females and nonbifurcation aneurysms.
Ancient Chronography on Abraham’s Departure from Haran: Qumran, Josephus, Rabbinic Literature, and Jerome
Authors: Kato Teppei
Published: May 2019

This paper examines how the chronological contradiction in Abraham’s departure from Haran (Gen 11:26, 32; 12:4) has been explained in the history of biblical interpretation, especially in rewritten Scripture from Qumran (4Q252 and Jubilees), Josephus, and rabbinic literature (Genesis Rabbah), including the lost Jewish tradition preserved by Jerome. According to Ben Zion Wacholder, who dealt with a different case of chronology in Genesis, the rabbinic and the Qumranic views are too different to be reconcilable, whereas the Graeco-Jewish writers and Qumran literature present similar views. This study, however, demonstrates that rabbinic interpretation of Abraham’s departure share some important ideas both with Qumran literature and Josephus.
Procedural Economy at the International Court of Justice
Authors: Sarvarian Arman
Published: May 2019

In April 2016, the International Court of Justice held a colloquium to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its establishment. One of the principal themes of this event was the potential adoption of improvements to the procedures and working practices of the Court. Responses to a Counsel Survey revealed a general interest in procedural reform at the Court, particularly with respect to the areas of evidence and procedural efficiency. The purpose of this article is to set out a case for procedural reform at the ICJ, presenting multiple options, with supplementary reference to the ITLOS. Whereas the work of the Committee also addresses procedural integrity or “the sound administration of justice”, this contribution will focus upon the Court’s case management procedures to call for their reform in order to enhance procedural economy. This would enable the Court to improve its “throughput” to be able to cope with an expanded caseload.
Event-Related Potentials Reveal Evidence for Late Integration of Emotional Prosody and Facial Expression in Dynamic Stimuli: An ERP Study
Authors: Föcker Julia , Röder Brigitte
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present study was to test whether multisensory interactions of emotional signals are modulated by intermodal attention and emotional valence. Faces, voices and bimodal emotionally congruent or incongruent face–voice pairs were randomly presented. The EEG was recorded while participants were instructed to detect sad emotional expressions in either faces or voices while ignoring all stimuli with another emotional expression and sad stimuli of the task irrelevant modality. Participants processed congruent sad face–voice pairs more efficiently than sad stimuli paired with an incongruent emotion and performance was higher in congruent bimodal compared to unimodal trials, irrespective of which modality was task-relevant. Event-related potentials (ERPs) to congruent emotional face–voice pairs started to differ from ERPs to incongruent emotional face–voice pairs at 180 ms after stimulus onset: Irrespectively of which modality was task-relevant, ERPs revealed a more pronounced positivity (180 ms post-stimulus) to emotionally congruent trials compared to emotionally incongruent trials if the angry emotion was presented in the attended modality. A larger negativity to incongruent compared to congruent trials was observed in the time range of 400–550 ms (N400) for all emotions (happy, neutral, angry), irrespectively of whether faces or voices were task relevant. These results suggest an automatic interaction of emotion related information.
Three new species of Canthonella Chapin from Hispaniola, with new records and Nomenclatural changes for West Indian dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: IVIE MICHAEL A. , PHILIPS T. KEITH
Published: May 2019

Three new species, Canthonella jarmilae, Canthonella quesquaya, and Canthonella sikesi NEW SPECIES, are described from Hispaniola. New distribution records for Canthochilum taino Matthews and Canthonella parva Chapin expand the known range of these Puerto Rican Bank species to the northern Virgin Islands. Colonization by the Old World species Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius) on Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Kitts, Montserrat and Guadeloupe is documented for the first time, and the mainland American species Pseudocanthon perplexus (LeConte) is recorded from Grand Bahama Island, a first record for the West Indies. Onthophagus albicornis Palisot de Beauvois and Onthophagus capitatus Laporte are re-elevated to full species NEW STATUS, and their allopatric distribution on Hispaniola documented. A list of the 45 known species from the Greater Antilles and Bahama Islands is included.
New species and nomenclatural notes in the Ceresini (Hemiptera, Membracidae, Smiliinae)
Authors: SAKAKIBARA ALBINO MORIMASA , EVANGELISTA OLÍVIA
Published: May 2019

Four new species of treehoppers are described: Cyphonia andina sp. nov. (from Peru, Cuzco), Poppea colombiana sp. nov. (from Colombia, Bolivar), Poppea turrialbae sp. nov. (from Costa Rica, Turrialba), and Poppea pallida sp. nov. (from Mexico, Oaxaca). The following nomenclatural changes are also given: Eucyphonia hispida (Walker, 1858), comb. nov., sp. reval. (formerly in Cyphonia); Poppea affinis Fowler, 1895, sp. reval.; Poppea bulbidorsa Goding, 1930 = Poppea desantisi Sakakibara & Remes-Lenicov, 1973, syn. nov.; Poppea concinna Fowler, 1895, sp. reval.; Poppea delicata Plummer, 1936 = Poppea nodosa Sakakibara & Remes-Lenicov, 1973, syn. nov.; Poppea munda Fowler, 1895, sp. reval. = Poppea reticulata Fowler, 1895, syn. nov.; Poppea nitida Funkhouser, 1930 = Poppea carbonelli Sakakibara & Remes-Lenicov, 1973, syn. nov. = Poppea flavipes Sakakibara & Remes-Lenicov, 1973, syn. nov. and, as incertae sedis, Poppea zebrina Funkhouser, 1930 (within Ceresini). A key to Poppea species is provided.
Sylvan katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae) of the Guinean Forests of West Africa hotspot: an overview and descriptions of new species
Authors: NASKRECKI PIOTR
Published: May 2019

The state of knowledge on sylvan katydids (Tettigoniidae, Pseudophyllinae) of Guinean Forests of West Africa hotspot is discussed. Based on published data on their distribution, and the extent of the current forest coverage of the region it is possible that some of the West African species of the Pseudophyllinae may be threatened or even extinct. Five new species are described (Adapantus affluens sp. nov., A. angulatus sp. nov., A. pragerorurm sp. nov., Tomias gerriesmithae sp. nov., and Mormotus alonsae sp. nov.), and 4 species of West African Pseudophyllinae are redescribed.
Testing, Accountability, and the American Economy
Authors: Hanushek Eric A.
Published: May 2019

Recent research highlights the importance of academic achievement as a determinant of economic well-being. Individual earnings, income growth in states, and national growth rates for GDP are each significantly determined by the population’s cognitive skills, which in turn are proxied by scores on standardized achievement tests. This well-documented relationship between education and economic outcomes underscores the importance of using test information to guide both school policy and school operations. While test-based accountability has been controversial, scientific evidence about the economic value of school improvement and about the efficacy of various accountability approaches points to holding schools and teachers accountable for their contributions to the academic performance of students.
Assessment in American Higher Education: The Role of Admissions Tests
Authors: Zwick Rebecca
Published: May 2019

In this article, I review the role of college admissions tests in the United States and consider the fairness issues surrounding their use. The two main tests are the SAT, first administered in 1926, and the ACT, first given in 1959. Scores on these tests have been shown to contribute to the prediction of college performance, but their role in the admissions process varies widely across colleges. Although test scores are consistently listed as one of the most important admissions factors in national surveys of postsecondary institutions, an increasing number of schools have adopted “test-optional” policies. At these institutions, test score requirements are seen as a barrier to campus diversity because of the large performance gaps among ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Fortunately, the decentralized higher education system in the United States can accommodate a wide range of admissions policies. It is essential, however, that the impact of admissions policy changes be studied and that the resource implications of these changes be thoroughly considered.
Assessment for Monitoring of Education Systems: International Comparisons
Authors: Braun Henry I. , Singer Judith D.
Published: May 2019

Over the last two decades, with the increase in both numbers of participating jurisdictions and media attention, international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) have come to play a more salient role in global education policies than they once did. This has led to calls for greater transparency with regard to instrument development and closer scrutiny of the use of instruments in education policy. We begin with a brief review of the history of ILSAs and describe the requirements and constraints that shape ILSA design, implementation, and analysis. We then evaluate the rationales of employing ILSA results for different purposes, ranging from those we argue are most appropriate (comparative description) to least appropriate (causal inference). We cite examples of ILSA usage from different countries, with particular attention to the widespread misinterpretations and misuses of country rankings based on average scores on an assessment (e.g., literacy or numeracy). Looking forward, we offer suggestions on how to enhance the constructive roles that ILSAs play in informing education policy.
Advances in Measurement and Cognition
Authors: Mislevy Robert J.
Published: May 2019

Situative, sociocognitive (SC) psychology is forcing a reconception of educational assessment. The SC perspective emphasizes the interplay between across-person linguistic, cultural, and substantive patterns that human activity is organized around and within-person cognitive resources that individuals develop to participate in activities. Rather than seeing assessment primarily as measurement, we are increasingly seeing it as an evidentiary argument, situated in social contexts, shaped by purposes, and centered on students’ developing capabilities for valued activities. Developments in technology and analytic methods support new practices and familiar practices as reconceived. Implications follow for current challenges such as assessing higher-order skills, performance in digital environments, and diverse student populations.
Assessing Complex Patterns of Student Resources and Behavior in the Large Scale
Authors: Neumann Knut , Schecker Horst , Theyßen Heike
Published: May 2019

Large-scale assessments still focus on those aspects of students’ competence that can be evaluated using paper-and-pencil tests (or computer-administered versions thereof). Performance tests are considered costly due to administration and scoring, and, more importantly, they are limited in reliability and validity. In this article, we demonstrate how a sociocognitive perspective provides an understanding of these issues and how, based on this understanding, an argument-based approach to assessment design, interpretation, and use can help to develop comprehensive, yet reliable and valid, performance-based assessments of student competence. More specifically, we describe the development of a computer-administered, simulation-based assessment that can reliably and validly assess students’ competence to plan, perform, and analyze physics experiments at a large scale. Data from multiple validation studies support the potential of adopting a sociocognitive perspective and assessments based on an argument-based approach to design, interpretation, and use. We conclude by discussing the potential of simulations and automated scoring methods for reliable and valid performance-based assessments of student competence.
History of Testing in the United States: Higher Education
Authors: Nettles Michael T.
Published: May 2019

Since the founding of Harvard College, colleges and universities have used many types of examinations to serve multiple purposes. In the early days of student assessment, the process was straightforward. Each institution developed and administered its own unique examination to its own students to monitor their progress and to prospective students who applied for admission. Large-scale standardized tests emerged in the twentieth century in part to relieve the burden placed upon high schools of having to prepare students to meet the examination requirements of each institution to which a student applied. Up to that point, local communities of tutors and teachers were attempting to prepare students to succeed on each higher education institution’s unique examination. Large-scale standardized tests have enjoyed more than a century of popularity and growth, and they have helped higher education institutions to solve problems in admissions and placement, and to measure learning outcomes. Over time, they have also become controversial, especially pertaining to race and class. This article is a historical view of educational testing in U.S. higher education, linking its development with past and present societal challenges related to civil rights laws, prominent higher education policies, and the long struggle of African American people in the United States.
A 3-Dimensional Model of the Human Round Window Membrane
Authors: Nomura Yasuya , Tanaka Toru , Kobayashi Hitome , Kimura Yurika , Soejima Yurie , Sawabe Motoji
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

The round window membrane (RWM) is small in size, making it difficult to clarify its shape and structure. The authors examined a 40x magnified 3-dimensional model of the human RWM to clarify its morphologic aspects and characteristics.

Methods:

An RWM specimen was obtained from an archival, formalin-fixed, decalcified, left temporal bone of an 84-year-old female cadaver. The data obtained by laser scanning microscopy were input into a 3-dimensional printer. After a model of the RWM was created, the following features were examined: striae on the surfaces, curvatures, thickness, and areas. Cross sections of the original specimen were made for histological observations.

Results:

The contour of this RWM model was approximately elliptic, with a saddle shape. When illuminated from the scala tympani side, the surface facing the fossula exhibited dark anterior and clear posterior portions. A borderline appeared where the 2 portions were bound along the short axis of the ellipse. This borderline was identified as the line of inflection. Collagen fibers were shown to run parallel to the borderline in the posterior portion but were fanned out in the anterior portion.

Conclusions:

The magnified 3-dimensional model clarified gross anatomy and characteristics of the RWM. It is good teaching material for small tissues, such as the RWM.
A Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture Model for Partially Identified Individuals When Trap Detection Rate Is Less than One
Authors: Dey Soumen , Delampady Mohan , Karanth K. Ullas , Gopalaswamy Arjun M.
Published: May 2019

Spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models have gained enormous popularity to solve abundance estimation problems in ecology. In this study, we develop a novel Bayesian SECR model that disentangles two processes: one is the process of animal arrival within a detection region, and the other is the process of recording this arrival by a given set of detectors. We integrate this complexity into an advanced version of a recent SECR model involving partially identified individuals (Royle JA. Spatial capture-recapture with partial identity. arXiv preprint arXiv:1503.06873, 2015). We assess the performance of our model over a range of realistic simulation scenarios and demonstrate that estimates of population size N improve when we utilize the proposed model relative to the model that does not explicitly estimate trap detection probability (Royle JA. Spatial capture-recapture with partial identity. arXiv preprint arXiv:1503.06873, 2015). We confront and investigate the proposed model with a spatial capture–recapture dataset from a camera trapping survey of tigers (Panthera tigris) in Nagarahole study area of southern India. Detection probability is estimated at 0.489 (with 95% credible interval (CI) [0.430, 0.543]) which implies that the camera traps are performing imperfectly and thus justifying the use of our model in real world applications. We discuss possible extensions, future work and relevance of our model to other statistical applications beyond ecology.

AMS classification codes: 62F15, 92D40
Occupational Life in the Home Environment: The Experiences of People with Disabilities
Authors: Lund Maria Larsson , Nygård Louise
Published: May 2019

Background

There is a need to empirically explore the occupational engagement of people with disabilities to support the development of occupational therapy interventions.

Purpose

This study describes how people with disabilities experience their occupational lives in their home environment.

Method

Thirteen people with physical disabilities living at home were interviewed and data were subsequently analysed using a constant comparative method.

Results

The findings showed that interactions between the individuals and their environment influenced their experiences of engaging in occupations and the meaning of their home. Occupations formed three categories: always performed with others, occasionally disrupted or deprived. These were particularly related to the social support that was provided under different conditions. This condition formed a central category: access to social support for occupations. Their experiences of performing occupations in the home also formed another central category: transformed meaning of the home.

Practice Implications

By understanding enabling conditions as well as barriers to occupational engagement, effective occupational therapy interventions can be developed to support the occupational lives of people with disabilities.