bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Generic Multifactor Authenticated Key Exchange with Physical Unclonable Function
Authors: Byun Jin Wook
Published: March 2019

We study how to generally construct a PUF-based multifactor authenticated key exchange (MAKE) protocol from any secure password-based authenticated key exchange protocol. We newly consider a new setting in which a user holding a PUF-embedded device desires to perform an authenticate key exchange through multifactor authentication factors (password, biometrics, secret). Our construction is the first PUF-based general MAKE construction. By applying a PUF in a device, our MAKE construction is still secure even if all authentication factors are totally compromised. Our construction is the first PUF-based generic MAKE protocol requiring additional three communication flows without any public key based primitives such as signature.
Compartment Syndrome following Bothrops Snakebite Leads to Decompressive Fasciotomies
Authors: Valente-Aguiar Murilo Sérgio , Gonçalves da Costa e Silva Bruno , Magalhães Teresa , Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge
Published: March 2019

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease with relevant morbidity and mortality. In this report, we illustrate the clinical course of a suspected Bothrops snakebite envenoming of a patient that evidenced severe pain, edema, pallor, regional lymphadenopathy, ecchymosis, myonecrosis, and bullous erythema in the right lower limb, specially around the fang marks. The clinical course progressed to compartment syndrome followed with decompressive fasciotomies to reduce pressure within the affected compartment.
Snap‐Through and Mechanical Strain Analysis of a MEMS Bistable Vibration Energy Harvester
Authors: Derakhshani Masoud , Berfield Thomas A.
Published: March 2019

Vibration‐based energy harvesting via microelectromechanical system‐ (MEMS‐) scale devices presents numerous challenges due to difficulties in maximizing power output at low driving frequencies. This work investigates the performance of a uniquely designed microscale bistable vibration energy harvester featuring a central buckled beam coated with a piezoelectric layer. In this design, the central beam is pinned at its midpoint by using a torsional rod, which in turn is connected to two cantilever arms designed to induce bistable motion of the central buckled beam. The ability to induce switching between stable states is a critical strategy for boosting power output of MEMS. This study presents the formulation of a model to analyze the static and dynamic behaviors of the coupled structure, with a focus on the evolution of elongation strain within the piezoelectric layer. Cases of various initial buckling stress levels, driving frequencies, and driving amplitude were considered to identify regimes of viable energy harvesting. Results showed that bistable‐state switching, or snap‐through motion of the buckled beam, produced a significant increase in power production potential over a range of driving frequencies. These results indicate that optimal vibration scavenging requires an approach that balances the initial buckling stress level with the expected range of driving frequencies for a particular environment.
Fretting Wear Behavior and Damage Mechanisms of Inconel X-750 Alloy in Dry Contacts
Authors: Rustamov Ibrohim A. , Sabirova Ozoda Sh. , Wang Zixi , Wang Yuming
Published: March 2019

Tribological behavior of the Inconel X-750 alloy disk subjected to fretting against the GCr15 steel ball was investigated in an ambient laboratory air with relative humidity of 55–65%. A high-frequency oscillating Optimol SRV 4 tribometer was employed to execute dry fretting tests in the partial and gross slip regimes under constant 100 N normal load. Tests were carried out for 10, 30, and 90 minutes, and the friction forces vs. displacement amplitudes were monitored during the test duration. Posttest examinations were conducted utilizing advanced tools such as 3D optical surface profiler, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The main objective was to obtain wear scar evolutions, frictional properties, and degradation mechanisms under the different running conditions over time. It was found that fretting wear behaviors of friction pairs were strongly influenced by fretting regimes. Degradation evolutions were greatly influenced by fretting time during partial slip regimes, i.e., evolving from asperity deformation and slight damage to the fatigue crack and material transfer. However, the combination of adhesive, abrasive, delamination, and wear oxidation mechanisms was repeated during the entire gross slip fretting process.
Studying the Bound State of the BK¯ System in the Bethe-Salpeter Formalism
Authors: Wang Zhen-Yang , Qi Jing-Juan , Guo Xin-Heng
Published: March 2019

In this work, we study the BK¯ molecule in the Bethe-Salpeter (BS) equation approach. With the kernel containing one-particle-exchange diagrams and introducing two different form factors (monopole form factor and dipole form factor) in the vertex, we solve the BS equation numerically in the covariant instantaneous approximation. We investigate the isoscalar and isovector BK¯ systems, and we find that X5568 cannot be a BK¯ molecule.
Numerical Simulations on the Front Motion of Water Permeation into Anisotropic Porous Media
Authors: Zhang Xiangxiang , Wang J. G. , Wang Xiaolin , Gao Feng
Published: March 2019

Water permeation into a porous medium is a common but important phenomenon in many engineering fields such as hydraulic fracturing. The water permeation front moves with time and may significantly impact the field variable evolution near the water front. Many algorithms have been developed to calculate this water front motion, but few numerical algorithms have been available to calculate the water front motion in anisotropic fluid-solid couplings with high computational efficiency. In this study, a numerical model is proposed to investigate the front motion of water permeation into an anisotropic porous medium. This model fully couples the mechanical deformation, fluid flow, and water front motion. The water front motion is calculated based on a directional Darcy’s flow in the anisotropic porous medium, and a revised formula with a correction coefficient is developed for the estimation of permeation depth. After verification with three sets of experimental data, this model is used to numerically investigate the impacts of permeability, viscosity, permeability anisotropy, and mechanical anisotropy on water front motion. Numerical results show that the proposed model can well describe the anisotropic water permeation process with reasonable accuracy. The permeation depth increases with permeability, mobility, and mechanical anisotropy but decreases with viscosity and permeability anisotropy. The correction coefficient mainly depends on porosity evolution, flow pattern, mobility, permeability anisotropy, and mechanical anisotropy.
Quantitative Data for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Acupuncture Effectiveness in Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Yüksel Merve , Ayaş Şehri , Cabıoğlu Mehmet Tuğrul , Yılmaz Derya , Cabıoğlu Cağrı
Published: March 2019

Aim. To evaluate the effects of acupuncture and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) applications on the quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) changes and to evaluate their therapeutic effects in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The study included 42 patients with FMS and 21 healthy volunteers. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n=21 in each) to undergo either TENS or acupuncture application. In both acupuncture and TENS groups, baseline electroencephalography (EEG) recording was performed for 10 min and, then, TENS or acupuncture was performed for 20 min, followed by another 10 min EEG recording. Baseline qEEG findings of FMS patients in the TENS and acupuncture groups were similar. Delta and theta powers over the frontal region of FMS patients were lower than controls. Theta powers of right posterior region were also lower than controls. In the TENS group, after the treatment, an increase was observed in the alpha power of the left anterior region as well as a decrease in pain scores. In the acupuncture group, an increase was determined in the alpha power of the right and left posterior regions as well as a decrease in pain score after the treatment. The power of low- and moderate-frequency waves on resting EEG was decreased in the patients with FMS. Decreased pain and increased inhibitor activity were found on qEEG after TENS and acupuncture applications. In conclusion, both TENS and acupuncture applications seem to be beneficial in FMS patients.
Toxicity Assessment of Chinese Herbal Medicine Cynomorium songaricum Rupr
Authors: Wei Fenfen , He Qinghua , Wang Wenjuan , Pei Dong , Zhang Bo
Published: March 2019

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr, known as Suo Yang, is most commonly used to treat fatigue, protect the liver, and invigorate kidneys in Northwest China. Given the wide medicinal utilisation and lack of safety evaluation, this work evaluated the acute toxicity, genetic toxicity, and 90-day repeated oral toxicity of Suo Yang. Twenty Kunming mice were orally given Suo Yang once and observed for 14 days in the acute toxicity test. The genetic toxicity of Suo Yang was tested using in vivo and vitro assays (bacterial reverse mutation test, mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay, and spermatocyte chromosomal aberration assay). In the 90-day repeated oral toxicity study, 80 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and then orally given Suo Yang at different concentrations (1.04, 2.08 or 4.16 g/kg), while the control group was given sterile water. In the acute toxicity test, no abnormal behaviour or mortality was found in mice. The results suggest that the maximum tolerable dose of Suo Yang is greater than 15 g/kg. In the genotoxicity studies, no revertant colonies were produced in vitro. In the in vivo assays, no increased frequencies of micronuclei or structural abnormalities of spermatocyte chromosomes were found. In the 90-day repeated oral toxicity study, no significant toxicological manifestations were observed in haematological parameters or clinical and pathological examinations. In summary, these results suggest that Suo Yang at the given doses does not cause adverse effects in animals. Thus, Suo Yang can reasonably be considered a safe herbal medicine.
Resistance to MAPK Inhibitors in Melanoma Involves Activation of the IGF1R–MEK5–Erk5 Pathway
Authors: Benito-Jardón Lucía , Díaz-Martínez Marta , Arellano-Sánchez Nohemi , Vaquero-Morales Paloma , Esparís-Ogando Azucena , Teixidó Joaquin
Published: March 2019

Combined treatment of metastatic melanoma with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has improved survival, but the emergence of resistance represents an important clinical challenge. Targeting ERK is a suitable strategy currently being investigated in melanoma and other cancers. To anticipate possible resistance to ERK inhibitors (ERKi), we used SCH772984 (SCH) as a model ERKi to characterize resistance mechanisms in two BRAF V600E melanoma cell lines. The ERKi-resistant cells were also resistant to vemurafenib (VMF), trametinib (TMT), and combined treatment with either VMF and SCH or TMT and SCH. Resistance to SCH involved stimulation of the IGF1R–MEK5–Erk5 signaling pathway, which counteracted inhibition of Erk1/2 activation and cell growth. Inhibition of IGF1R with linsitinib blocked Erk5 activation in SCH-resistant cells and decreased their growth in 3D spheroid growth assays as well as in NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice. Cells doubly resistant to VMF and TMT or to VMF and SCH also exhibited downregulated Erk1/2 activation linked to stimulation of the IGF1R–MEK5–Erk5 pathway, which accounted for resistance. In addition, we found that the decreased Erk1/2 activation in SCH-resistant cells involved reduced expression and function of TGFα. These data reveal an escape signaling route that melanoma cells use to bypass Erk1/2 blockade during targeted melanoma treatment and offer several possible targets whose disruption may circumvent resistance.

Significance:

Activation of the IGF1R–MEK5–Erk5 signaling pathway opposes pharmacologic inhibition of Erk1/2 in melanoma, leading to the reactivation of cell proliferation and acquired resistance.
Acceptability and Feasibility of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Program for HCT Cancer Caregivers
Authors: Malkhasyan L , Lau P , Schmidt J , Jim H , Pidala J , Vinci C
Published: March 2019

High levels of stress have been reported amongst allogeneic HCT cancer caregivers and few treatment programs exist to provide stress management skills to this population. A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a six-session mindfulness-based program designed specifically to meet the needs of allogeneic HCT cancer caregivers. Method: Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, end of treatment, and at a one month follow-up. Feasibility criteria consisted of participant accrual, retention, and homework completion. Measures of acceptability included the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ; scale of 1–4 [1 = Poor; 4 = Excellent]) and three questions developed for this study to capture overall usefulness of the program; the usefulness of the program in managing stress; and likelihood of continued usage of mindfulness-based strategies (scale of 1–6 [1 = Not very useful; 6 = Very Useful]). Results: Twenty-one caregivers (mean age 57.95; 79% female) were enrolled and completed baseline questionnaires. Of these, 19 attended at least one treatment session, 15 attended at least 4, and 13 attended all sessions. Thirteen completed the post-treatment questionnaires and 14 completed follow-up questionnaires. Participants reported engaging in at least one mindfulness practice daily on 58% of the days enrolled in the study. Results from the CSQ found the program to be highly satisfactory (M = 3.68; SD = 0.28), with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction. Participants responded positively to questions related to overall usefulness of the program (M = 5.36; SD = 0.93), usefulness of the program to help manage stress (M = 5.14; SD = 0.95), and likelihood of continuation of strategy use in the future (M = 5.50; SD = 1.16). At the one month follow up, 100% of participants endorsed still using some of the skills learned during the program. Discussion: These pilot study results found the mindfulness intervention to be both feasible and acceptable. Limitations include: small sample size, homogenous population, and lack of a control group. Larger, future studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of this intervention in relation to a comparison treatment condition.
Surufatinib in Advanced Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Multicenter, Single-Arm, Open-Label, Phase Ib/II Trial
Authors: Xu Jianming , Li Jie , Bai Chunmei , Xu Nong , Zhou Zhiwei , Li Zhiping , Zhou Caicun , Jia Ru , Lu Ming , Cheng Yuejuan , Mao Chenyu , Wang Wei , Cheng Ke , Su Chunxia , Hua Ye , Qi Chuan , Li Jing , Wang Wei , Li Ke , Sun Qiaoling , Ren Yongxin , Su Weiguo
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

No antiangiogenic treatment is yet approved for extrapancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Surufatinib (HMPL-012, previously named sulfatinib) is a small-molecule inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor. We conducted a single-arm phase Ib/II study of surufatinib in advanced NETs.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with histologically well-differentiated, low or intermittent grade, inoperable or metastatic NETs were enrolled into a pancreatic or extrapancreatic NET cohort. Patients were treated with surufatinib 300 mg orally, once daily. The primary endpoints were safety and objective response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1).

Results:

Of the 81 patients enrolled, 42 had pancreatic NETs and 39 had extrapancreatic NETs. Most patients had radiologic progression within 1 year prior to enrollment (32 patients in each cohort). In the pancreatic and extrapancreatic NET cohorts, ORRs were 19% [95% confidence intervals (CI), 9–34] and 15% (95% CI, 6–31), disease control rates were 91% (95% CI, 77–97) and 92% (95% CI, 79–98), and median progression-free survival was 21.2 months (95% CI, 15.9–24.8) and 13.4 months (95% CI, 7.6–19.3), respectively. The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were hypertension (33%), proteinuria (12%), hyperuricemia (10%), hypertriglyceridemia, and diarrhea (6% for each), and increased alanine aminotransferase (5%).

Conclusions:

Surufatinib showed encouraging antitumor activity and manageable toxicities in patients with advanced NETs. Two ongoing phase III studies, validating the efficacy of surufatinib in patients with NETs, will contribute to the clinical evidence.
Measurement of Blood Pressure in Humans: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Muntner Paul , Shimbo Daichi , Carey Robert M. , Charleston Jeanne B. , Gaillard Trudy , Misra Sanjay , Myers Martin G. , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Schwartz Joseph E. , Townsend Raymond R. , Urbina Elaine M. , Viera Anthony J. , White William B. , Wright Jackson T. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Hypertension; Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research
Published: March 2019

The accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP) is essential for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. This article provides an updated American Heart Association scientific statement on BP measurement in humans. In the office setting, many oscillometric devices have been validated that allow accurate BP measurement while reducing human errors associated with the auscultatory approach. Fully automated oscillometric devices capable of taking multiple readings even without an observer being present may provide a more accurate measurement of BP than auscultation. Studies have shown substantial differences in BP when measured outside versus in the office setting. Ambulatory BP monitoring is considered the reference standard for out-of-office BP assessment, with home BP monitoring being an alternative when ambulatory BP monitoring is not available or tolerated. Compared with their counterparts with sustained normotension (ie, nonhypertensive BP levels in and outside the office setting), it is unclear whether adults with white-coat hypertension (ie, hypertensive BP levels in the office but not outside the office) have increased cardiovascular disease risk, whereas those with masked hypertension (ie, hypertensive BP levels outside the office but not in the office) are at substantially increased risk. In addition, high nighttime BP on ambulatory BP monitoring is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Both oscillometric and auscultatory methods are considered acceptable for measuring BP in children and adolescents. Regardless of the method used to measure BP, initial and ongoing training of technicians and healthcare providers and the use of validated and calibrated devices are critical for obtaining accurate BP measurements.
Prenatal Sildenafil Therapy Improves Cardiovascular Function in Fetal Growth Restricted Offspring of Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Terstappen Fieke , Spradley Frank T. , Bakrania Bhavisha A. , Clarke Sinéad M. , Joles Jaap A. , Paauw Nina D. , Garrett Michael R. , Lely A. Titia , Sasser Jennifer M.
Published: March 2019

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular and renal disorders in later life. Prenatal sildenafil improves birth weight in FGR animal models. Whether sildenafil treatment protects against long-term cardiovascular and renal disease in these offspring is unknown. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that prenatal sildenafil ameliorates cardiovascular and renal function in FGR offspring of Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Sildenafil citrate (60 mg/kg per day) or control gel diet (containing 0.3% salt) was administered from gestational day ten until birth. In male and female offspring, the mean arterial pressure was measured by telemetry in 1 subset from week 5 until week twenty. Echocardiographic parameters, glomerular filtration rate, and fractional electrolyte excretion were determined in another subset at week 9. Aortic and mesenteric artery rings were prepared to assess endothelial-dependent (acetylcholine) and -independent (sodium nitroprusside) vasorelaxation (week 10). The rise in mean arterial pressure per week was attenuated in treated versus untreated male offspring. Mesenteric arteries showed an increased endothelium-dependent relaxation and improved endothelium-independent relaxation in treated versus control male offspring. No differences in aortic relaxation, echocardiographic parameters or renal function were observed between groups. Prenatal sildenafil treatment subtly improves cardiovascular but not renal function in the offspring of this FGR rat model. Translationally, in utero treatment could be beneficial for cardiovascular programming in a sex-specific manner; however, caution is warranted since recent human trials have been halted because of potentially deleterious neonatal side effects when treating pregnancies complicated with severe FGR with sildenafil.
Technology Adoption under Uncertainty: Take-Up and Subsequent Investment in Zambia
Authors: Oliva Paulina , Jack B. Kelsey , Bell Samuel , Mettetal Elizabeth , Severen Christopher
Published: March 2019

Technology adoption often requires multiple stages of investment. As new information emerges, agents may abandon a technology that was profitable in expectation. We use a field experiment to vary the payoffs at two stages of investment in a new technology: a tree species that provides on-farm fertilizer benefits. Farmer decisions identify the information about profitability that arrives between the take-up and follow-through stages. Results show that this form of uncertainty increases take-up but lowers average tree survival, decreasing the cost-effectiveness of take-up subsidies. Thus, uncertainty offers another explanation for why even costly technologies may go unused or be abandoned.
Redescription of the perciform fish Symphysanodon disii (Symphysanodontidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, with comments on S. pitondelafournaisei and sexual dimorphism in the genus WILLIAM D. ANDERSON, JR. (USA), AVI BARANES (Israel) & MENACHEM GOREN (Israel)
Authors: ANDERSON, JR. WILLIAM D. , BARANES AVI , GOREN MENACHEM
Published: March 2019

Symphysanodon disii was described in 2008 from a single specimen collected in October 1999 from the Gulf of Aqaba. More recently, March 2008, four additional specimens of this species were collected in the Gulf. The following characters in combination distinguish S. disii from the other species in the genus: parapophyses on the first caudal vertebra, tubed scales in the lateral line 48 to 50, total number of first-arch gillrakers 34 to 37, sum of total number of gillrakers plus lateral-line scales (in individual specimens) 82 to 87, pectoral-fin rays 16 or 17, fleshy orbit diameter 7.2 to 8.3 % SL, and second anal-spine length 8.3 to 9.7 % SL. We redescribe S.disii, comment on S. pitondelafournaisei from the southwestern Indian Ocean off Reunion Island, and discuss sexual dimorphism in the genus.
Two new species of Psolus Oken from Brazil (Holothuroidea: Psolidae), with neotype designation and redescription of Psolus vitoriae Tommasi, 1971, and a key to the southwestern Atlantic and Magellanic species
Authors: MARTINS LUCIANA , TAVARES MARCOS
Published: March 2019

The taxonomy of the southeastern Brazilian species of Psolus is reviewed and two new species described. Additionally, P. vitoriae is redescribed based on a newly designated neotype and supplemental material from the type locality and nearby regions. The synonymy of P. marcusi with P. patagonicus is called into question. The calcareous ring is useful for distinguishing between some Psolus species. Psolus tommasi sp. nov. is characterized by having five oral valves, an anus covered by a variable number of small, irregular anal valves, oral and anal valves distinct from body wall scales, calcareous ring interradial plates entire, calcareous ring simple, without posterior processes; radial and interradial plates entire, dorsal ossicles spheroid bodies and sole ossicles knobbed and smooth perforated plates. Psolus thandari sp. nov. is characterized by granules on body scales; mouth surrounded by five to seven triangular valves of equal size; anus surrounded by a variable number of small and irregular anal valves that grade into surrounding scales; calcareous ring with interradial plates entire. Six species of Psolus are known from the southwestern Atlantic and Magellanic region: P. vitoriae (São Paulo, Brazil); P. patagonicus (Mar del Plata to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina; Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn); P. segregatus (Patagonia, Argentina; Strait of Magellan, Chile; Hikurangi Margin and Chatham Rise, New Zealand); P. antarcticus (Magellanic region; South Georgia Island, southern Atlantic Ocean; Macquarie Island and Ridge, New Zealand); P. lawrencei (Mar del Plata, Argentina) and Psolus murrayi Théel, 1886 (Montevideo, Uruguay). A key to the species of Psolus from the southwestern Atlantic and Magellanic region, and a synoptic table to all southern Atlantic Psolus species is provided.
A molecular phylogeny of the genus Psittacula sensu lato (Aves: Psittaciformes: Psittacidae: Psittacula, Psittinus, Tanygnathus, †Mascarinus) with taxonomic implications
Authors: BRAUN MICHAEL P. , DATZMANN THOMAS , ARNDT THOMAS , REINSCHMIDT MATTHIAS , SCHNITKER HEINZ , BAHR NORBERT , SAUER-GÜRTH HEDWIG , WINK MICHAEL
Published: March 2019

The long-tailed parakeets of the genus Psittacula Cuvier, 1800 have thus far been regarded as a homogeneous and monophyletic group of parrots. We used nucleotide sequences of two genetic markers (mitochondrial CYTB, nuclear RAG-1) to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of Psittacula and closely related species. We found that the Asian genus Psittacula is apparently paraphyletic because two genera of short-tailed parrots, Psittinus Blyth, 1842 and Tanygnathus Wagler, 1832, cluster within Psittacula, as does †Mascarinus Lesson, 1830. To create monophyletic genera, we propose recognition of the following genera: Himalayapsitta Braun, 2016 for P. himalayana, P. finschii, P. roseata, and P. cyanocephala; Nicopsitta Braun, 2016 for P. columboides and P. calthrapae; Belocercus S. Müller, 1847 for P. longicauda; Psittacula Cuvier, 1800 for P. alexandri and P. derbiana; Palaeornis Vigors, 1825 for †P. wardi and P. eupatria; and Alexandrinus Braun, 2016 for P. krameri, †P. exsul, and P. (eques) echo. Additionally, Psittacula krameri and P. alexandri are paraphyletic species, which should be split to form monophyletic species.
Eurasian Cold Air Outbreaks under Different Arctic Stratospheric Polar Vortex Strengths
Authors: Huang Jinlong , Tian Wenshou
Published: March 2019

This study analyzes the differences and similarities of Eurasian cold air outbreaks (CAOs) under the weak (CAOW), strong (CAOS), and neutral (CAON) stratospheric polar vortex states and examines the potential links between the polar vortex and Eurasian CAOs. The results indicate that the colder surface air temperature (SAT) over Europe in the earlier stages of CAOW events is likely because the amplitude of the preexisting negative North Atlantic Oscillation pattern is larger in CAOW events than in CAON and CAOS events. Marked by the considerably negative stratospheric Arctic Oscillation signals entering the troposphere, the SAT at midlatitudes over eastern Eurasia in CAOW events is colder than in CAON events. A larger diabatic heating rate related to a positive sensible heat flux anomaly in CAOW events likely offsets, to some degree, the cooling effect caused by the stronger cold advection and makes the differences in area-averaged SAT anomalies over northern Eurasia between the CAOW and CAON events look insignificant in most stages. Massive anomalous waves from the low-latitude western Pacific merge over northeastern Eurasia, then weaken the westerly wind over this region to create favorable conditions for southward advection of cold air masses in the earlier stages of all three types of CAOs. This study further analyzes the interannual relationship between the stratospheric polar vortex strength and the intensity of Eurasian CAOs and finds that climate models participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) relative to the reanalysis dataset tend to underestimate the correlation between them. The relationship between them is strengthening under representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenarios over the period 2006–60. In addition, the intensity of Eurasian CAOs exhibits a decreasing trend in the past and in the future.
A Neural Network Correction to the Scalar Approximation in Radiative Transfer
Authors: Castellanos Patricia , da Silva Arlindo
Published: March 2019

The next generation of advanced high-resolution sensors in geostationary orbit will gather detailed information for studying the Earth system. There is an increasing desire to perform observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) for new sensors during the development phase of the mission in order to better leverage information content from the new and existing sensors. Forward radiative transfer calculations that simulate the observing characteristics of a new instrument are the first step to an OSSE, and they are computationally intensive. The scalar approximation to the radiative transfer equation, a simplification of the vector representation, can save considerable computational cost, but produces errors in top of the atmosphere (TOA) radiance as large as 10% due to neglecting polarization effects. This article presents an artificial neural network technique to correct scalar TOA radiance over both land and ocean surfaces to within 1% of vector-calculated radiance. A neural network was trained on a database of scalar–vector TOA radiance differences at a large range of solar and viewing angles for several thousand realistic atmospheric vertical profiles that were sampled from a high-resolution (7 km) global atmospheric transport model. The profiles include Rayleigh scattering and aerosol scattering and absorption. Training and validation of the neural network was demonstrated for two wavelengths in the ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectral range (354 and 670 nm). The significant computational savings accrued from using a scalar approximation plus neural network correction approach to simulating TOA radiance will make feasible hyperspectral forward simulations of high-resolution sensors on geostationary satellites, such as Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO), GOES-R, Geostationary Environmental Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS), and Sentinel-4.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the least biased of them all? Dangers and potential solutions regarding bias in forensic psychological evaluations
Authors: Gowensmith W Neil , McCallum Kate E
Published: March 2019

When psychological evaluators are asked to provide their expert opinions in legal proceedings, they are expected to do so in an objective and unbiased way. The statutory requirements regarding the admissibility of expert testimony in many countries often cite objectivity and reliability as standards. However, as is true in many realms of human decision-making, the field of forensic psychological assessment is fraught with bias. In this article, we discuss several lines of research that have investigated bias in forensic psychological evaluations. We also discuss emerging lines of research involving methods to measure and reduce bias. We conclude with a call for structured self-monitoring as an important strategy for forensic evaluators to mitigate bias in their work.
The effects of subjective life expectancy on volunteerism in older adults
Authors: Lee Kyuho , Kim Dahee , Gilligan Megan , Martin Peter
Published: March 2019

Previous studies used chronological age to examine the relationship between aging and volunteerism. In the current study, we examined the influence of subjective life expectancy (SLE) on volunteering based on the socioemotional selectivity theory emphasizing that older adults focus on very close relationships. Data of 11,203 older adults, 55 to 74 years old ( M = 65.0, SD = 5.6), from five waves (2006–2014) of the Health and Retirement Study were included. Growth curve modeling results showed that older adults with higher SLE scores at baseline not only spent more time volunteering but also showed a slower decrease in volunteering over time. Furthermore, changes in older adults’ SLE were associated with a change in volunteering. The findings may show the relative importance of close relationships and social activities for older adults and contribute to demystifying the differences shown in the volunteer participation among older adults.
Suggestibility is associated with alcohol self-administration, subjective alcohol effects, and self-reported drinking behavior
Authors: Stangl Bethany L , Schuster Randi M , Schneider Alyssa , Dechert Alyson , Potter Kevin W , Hareli Maya , Mahmud Fahim , Yalin Elgin R , Ramchandani Vijay A , Gilman Jodi M
Published: March 2019

Background:

Suggestibility, defined as an individual’s inclination to accept and internalize messages, has not been studied in relation to alcohol use. Peer conformity, a component of suggestibility, may be related to alcohol use, as peer groups show similarities in patterns of alcohol use. Few studies have assessed how suggestibility and peer conformity relate to alcohol self-administration or to reinforcing effects of alcohol.

Aims:

This study assessed whether suggestibility and peer conformity were associated with drinking behavior, alcohol self-administration, subjective response to alcohol, and drinking motives and expectancies.

Methods:

Study 1 participants were alcohol drinkers ( n=20), who completed a laboratory study of free-access intravenous alcohol self-administration. Study 2 participants were adolescents and young adults, age 14–25 ( n=150), with lifetime alcohol use. Participants completed surveys of suggestibility and drinking patterns (Study 1 and 2), subjective alcohol effects (Study 1 only), and alcohol motives and expectancies (Study 2 only).

Results/outcomes:

In Study 1, participants with higher levels of suggestiblity self-administered more alcohol, and reported greater subjective alcohol effects. Peer conformity, though correlated with suggestibility, was not related to these measures. In Study 2, participants with higher suggestiblity reported more alcohol consumption, higher drinking motives and alcohol expectancies. Peer conformity was not related to alcohol consumption, but was related to coping and enhancement drinking motives, and all expectancies measures.

Conclusions/interpretation:

Results indicate that suggestibility, beyond peer conformity, may be a critical factor to study when examining alcohol consumption behavior, and may provide insight into the development of alcohol use disorder.
Participatory planning for climate resilient and inclusive urban development in Dosquebradas, Santa Ana and Santa Tomé
Authors: Hardoy Jorgelina , Gencer Ebru , Winograd Manuel
Published: March 2019

Urban governments need to take actions to reduce disaster risks and incorporate climate resilience into their development strategies and plans. But most local governments, particularly small- and medium-sized cities in the global South, lack the knowledge and capacity to do so. This paper presents the findings from a project that engaged local governments and other key stakeholders to develop a participatory planning process for climate resilient and inclusive urban development. The project took place in three small- to medium-sized Latin American cities: Dosquebradas, Colombia; Santa Ana, El Salvador; and Santo Tomé, Argentina.

By engaging government officials and politicians, academics, technical specialists, and representatives of civil society organizations in interviews, workshops and focus group discussions, this project sought to identify a range of feasible options for climate resilient and inclusive urban development. In each city, this process provided rich, context-specific details to identify strategies and plan projects with the buy-in of city government and other key actors. The overall goal was to bring in a resilience lens to assess current and planned urban development projects in each city and reach a consensus on feasible and inclusive resilience options for development.
Giving Rise to Creative Leadership: Contextual Enablers and Redundancies
Authors: Randel Amy E. , Jaussi Kimberly S.
Published: March 2019

Creative leadership plays a key role in realizing the competitive advantage of creativity for organizations, yet little is known about the contextual factors that give rise to creative leadership. We propose a model that includes enabling contextual variables that facilitate individuals with the motivation to lead for creativity to engage in creative leadership. In addition, building on substitutes for leadership theory, contextual redundancies that reduce the necessity for creative leadership as a means for realizing creative outcomes are proposed. This model provides new insights about the role of contextual enablers and redundancies at the organizational and external environmental levels of analysis for creative leadership. Theoretical and practical implications of this model are also discussed.
Morphosyntactic Development and Severe Parental Neglect in 4-Year-Old French-Speaking Children: ELLAN study
Authors: Julien Catherine , Sylvestre Audette , Bouchard Caroline , Leblond Jean
Published: March 2019

Language is the most frequently compromised area of development in English-speaking neglected children, particularly the morphosyntactic component of language. This is very worrisome given its central role in academic success and social participation. No previous study has examined the morphosyntactic skills of French-speaking neglected children, despite the morphological richness of French. This study aimed to fill this gap. Forty-four neglected (mean age = 48.32 months, SD = 0.45) and 92 non-neglected (mean age = 48.07 months, SD = 0.24) French-speaking children participated. Measures of morphosyntactic skills were derived from a sample of spontaneous language collected during standardized semistructured play and analyzed using Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts software (2012) . Four morphosyntactic indicators were compared using analyses of variance and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests: the mean length of utterances (MLU), verbal inflections, word-level errors, and omission errors. The results indicate that 25.6% of the neglected children presented clinically significant morphosyntactic difficulties, as evidenced by a significantly shorter MLU ( M = 5.60, SD = 1.13; M = 6.90, SD = 1.30), fewer verbal inflections, and more frequent word omission errors compared to their non-neglected peers. The results confirm that French-speaking neglected children present many morphosyntactic difficulties. This study argues for sustained speech–language services for these children.
Robot-assisted gait training is not superior to intensive overground walking in multiple sclerosis with severe disability (the RAGTIME study): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Straudi Sofia , Manfredini Fabio , Lamberti Nicola , Martinuzzi Carlotta , Maietti Elisa , Basaglia Nino
Published: March 2019

Background:

Rehabilitation may attenuate the impact on mobility of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and severe gait disabilities.

Objective:

In this randomized controlled trial, we compared robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with conventional therapy (CT) in terms of gait speed, mobility, balance, fatigue and quality of life (QoL).

Methods:

Seventy-two patients with MS (expanded disability status scale score 6.0–7.0) were randomized to receive 12 training sessions over a 4-week period of RAGT ( n = 36) or overground walking therapy ( n = 36). The primary outcome was gait speed, assessed by the timed 25-foot walk test. Secondary outcome measures were walking endurance, balance, depression, fatigue and QoL. Tests were performed at baseline, intermediate, at the end of treatment and at a 3-month follow-up.

Results:

Sixty-six patients completed the treatments. At the end of treatment with respect to baseline, both groups significantly improved gait speed ( p < 0.001) and most secondary outcomes without between-group differences. Outcome values returned to baseline at follow-up.

Conclusions:

RAGT was not superior to CT in improving gait speed in patients with progressive MS and severe gait disabilities where a positive, even transitory, effect of rehabilitation was observed.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and TGFβ3-Mediated Mouse Embryonic Palatal Mesenchymal Cells
Authors: Gao Liyun , Xu Jie , Li Xiao , Wang Tao , Wu Weidong , Cao Jia
Published: March 2019

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a well-known environmental teratogenic effector for cleft palate. Transforming growth factor 3 ( TGF-β3) is an essential growth factor for palatogenesis. The objective of this study is to clarify the effects of TCDD and TGF-β3 in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells. The effects of 10 nM TCDD, 10 ng/mL TGF-β3, or a combination of 10 nM TCDD and 10 ng/mL TGF-β3 on MEPM cells were revealed by cell and biological methods. With the increase in TCDD (0.5-10 nM), the expression of TGF-β3 increased, but at TCDD concentrations greater than 10 nM, the expression of TGF-β3 reduced. The viabilities of MEPM cells decreased in the 10 nM TCDD-treated group. But the viabilities increased in the 10 ng/mL TGF-β3-treated group, and the viabilities were intermediate in the group treated with a combination of 10 nM TCDD and 10 ng/mL TGF-β3. This phenomenon was the same as that of the motilities. In addition, we found that the expression of p-Smad2, p-Smad3,and Smad7 were increased by TCDD, TGF-β3, combination of TCDD and TGF-β3, but the expression of Smad4 were decreased by TCDD, TGF-β3, combination of TCDD and TGF-β3. These data revealed that TCDD and TGF-β3 interacted and affected MEPM cells.
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of extracorporeal-CPR versus conventional-CPR for adult patients in cardiac arrest
Authors: Twohig Callum J , Singer Ben , Grier Gareth , Finney Simon J
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The probability of surviving a cardiac arrest remains low. International resuscitation guidelines state that extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) may have a role in selected patients suffering refractory cardiac arrest. Identifying these patients is challenging. This project systematically reviewed the evidence comparing the outcomes of ECPR over conventional-CPR (CCPR), before examining resuscitation-specific parameters to assess which patients might benefit from ECPR.

Method

Literature searches of studies comparing ECPR to CCPR and the clinical parameters of survivors of ECPR were performed. The primary outcome examined was survival at hospital discharge or 30 days. A secondary analysis examined the resuscitation parameters that may be associated with survival in patients who receive ECPR (no-flow and low-flow intervals, bystander-CPR, initial shockable cardiac rhythm, and witnessed cardiac arrest).

Results

Seventeen of 948 examined studies were included. ECPR demonstrated improved survival (OR 0.40 (0.27–0.60)) and a better neurological outcome (OR 0.10 (0.04–0.27)) over CCPR during literature review and meta-analysis. Characteristics that were associated with improved survival in patients receiving ECPR included an initial shockable rhythm and a shorter low-flow time. Shorter no-flow, the presence of bystander-CPR and witnessed arrests were not characteristics that were associated with improved survival following meta-analysis, although the quality of input data was low. All data were non-randomised, and hence the potential for bias is high.

Conclusion

ECPR is a sophisticated treatment option which may improve outcomes in a selected patient population in refractory cardiac arrest. Further comparative research is needed clarify the role of this potential resuscitative therapy.
Which Factors Influence Farmers’ Use of Protective Measures During Pesticides Exposure?
Authors: Afshari Maryam , Poorolajal Jalal , Rezapur-Shahkolai Forouzan , Assari Mohammad Javad , Karimi-Shahanjarini Akram
Published: March 2019

Farmers in developing countries use harmful pesticides while taking few or no protective measures. There is limited evidence on factors affecting their safety measures. The objective of this study was to identify the underlying factors influencing farmers’ protective behaviors (PBs) and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the exposure to pesticides. From April to August 2017, a descriptive study was conducted in Twiserkan County in western Iran among 474 farmers from 104 villages. A questionnaire was developed to measure demographic characteristics and factors suggested in integrated agent-centered (IAC) framework. The questionnaire was validated in terms of content validity through expert reviews and tested for reliability in a group of farmers. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews with farmers. Physiological arousal (β = .154, p < .05), intention (β = .345, p < .05), habit (β = .188, p < .05), and contextual factors (β = .101, p < .05) had a significant and positive impact on farmers engaging in pesticide PBs. Among the assessed factors, only physiological arousal (β = .122, p < .05) and habit (β = .646, p < .05) were found to have a significant and positive effect on the use of PPE, but the intention (β = –.039, p > .05) and contextual factors (β = –.009, p > .05) had no significant relation with the use of PPE. The results of this study identified determinants of farmers’ safety measures. Our results suggest that the IAC framework could serve as a guide to developing a more effective intervention for safety measures of Iranian farmers.
Dispersal Pattern of Injectate After Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection Evaluated With Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Goldstein Christina L. , Pashuck Troy D. , Ingalls Kevin L. , Billings Laura L. , Agha Mohammad T. , Drymalski Mark W. , Choma Theodore J. , Jeffries Joel T. , James Christopher R.
Published: March 2019

Study Design:

Prospective, nonrandomized, clinical study.

Objective:

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are an important diagnostic and treatment modality for spine pathology. The success of these injections has been attributed to the anatomic location reached by the injectate. This study evaluates injectate dispersal patterns after cervical interlaminar ESI using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:

Patients between the ages of 18 and 85 years with cervical radiculopathy were identified. After obtaining consent for study participation, a gadolinium-enhanced cervical ESI was administered via an interlaminar approach under fluoroscopic guidance. Study participants underwent a cervical spine MRI within 15 minutes of administering the injection. Craniocaudal dispersal and the presence or absence of circumferential dispersal was assessed.

Results:

The injectate dispersed a mean of 8.11 cm in the cranial direction, 6.63 cm in the caudal direction, and 360° circumferentially. No adverse events related to the ESI were reported.

Conclusions:

Fluoroscopy-guided cervical interlaminar ESI resulted in nearly uniform circumferential dispersal within the epidural space with multilevel migration in the cranial and caudal directions. MRI is a safe and accurate tool to evaluate spinal injectate dispersal.