bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monogenoids (Polyonchoinea, Dactylogyridae) from Hydrolycus armatus (Characiformes, Cynodontidae) with the description of a new species of Rhinoxenus and the proposal of a new genus from the Xingu River, Pará, Brazil
Authors: SOARES GEUSIVAM B. , MAGALHÃES KEILA X. , SILVA ANA CAROLINA , CARNEIRO JÂNIO S. , BARBOSA LUCINEIA L. , COSTA NAYNA G. S. , DOMINGUES MARCUS V.
Published: November 2019

One new species of Rhinoxenus Kritsky, Boeger & Thatcher, 1988 from the nasal cavities and four new species of Mymarothecioides n. gen. from the gills are described in Hydrolycus armatus (Jardine & Schomburgk). They were collected in the Xingu River, Pará, Brazil. Rhinoxenus cachorra n. sp. is characterized by having a ventral anchor with inconspicuous roots, and point with fish-hook-like termination; copulatory complex comprising a spiraled male copulatory organ (MCO) with two counterclockwise coils, and an accessory piece with an expanded, bifurcated distal portion. Mymarothecioides n. gen. is proposed and characterized for species without eyes, with or without accessory chromatic granules; copulatory complex comprising articulated MCO, accessory piece; MCO a broad arcuate tube; an accessory piece with a hooked termination in the distal portion; a dextro or midventral non-sclerotized vagina; an anteromedial projection on the ventral bar. Mymarothecium whittingtoni Kritsky, Boeger & Jégu, 1996 is transferred to Mymarothecioides n. gen. as Mymarothecioides whittingtoni (Kritsky, Boeger & Jégu, 1996) n. comb.
The Biting Midges of the Caribbean island Curaçao (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). I. Species in the genus Dasyhelea Kieffer
Authors: GROGAN WILLIAM L. Jr. , DÍAZ FLORENTINA , SPINELLI GUSTAVO R. , RONDEROS MARIA M.
Published: November 2019

We document the first records of biting midges in the genus Dasyhelea Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Curaçao: Dasyhelea azteca Huerta & Grogan, D. bahamensis (Johnson), D. cincta (Coquillett), D. corinneae Gosseries, D. flavifrons (Guérin-Méneville) and D. grisea (Coquillett). The following six new species of Dasyhelea are described from this Caribbean island and their key features are presented in color photographs and illustrations: D. aliciae n. sp., D. recurva n. sp., D. latiala n. sp., D. rhopaloparamera n. sp., D. cyrtostyla n. sp., and D. curacaoensis n. sp. We also provide a key to males and females of all known species of Dasyhelea from Curaçao.
Descriptions of Pedesta wangi sp. nov. and the female of P. xiaoqingae (Huang & Zhan, 2004) from China (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: XUE GUOXI , LI MENG , ZHU JIANQING , LU WEICHENG , LI JIALING , ZHENG BOWEN
Published: November 2019

A new species of the genus Pedesta Hemming, 1934, viz. P. wangi sp. nov., is described as new to science from northwestern Guangxi, southern China. Based upon 455 bp partial COI sequences, a neighbor-joining (NJ) tree including the new species and twelve congeneric species is reconstructed. It shows that P. wangi sp. nov. is a cryptic species of P. xiaoqingae (Huang & Zhan, 2004), and the mean Kimura-2-Parameter distance between them reaches 2.8%. Wing patterns and genitalic structures of the males of the two species are illustrated and compared. In addition, three female samples are associated with P. xiaoqingae male in the NJ tree, and its wing pattern and genitalia are illustrated and described herein for the first time.
The Emerging Technological Revolution in Earth Observations
Authors: Stephens Graeme , Freeman Anthony , Richard Erik , Pilewskie Peter , Larkin Philip , Chew Clara , Tanelli Simone , Brown Shannon , Posselt Derek , Peral Eva
Published: November 2019

A technology revolution in Earth observation sensor design is occurring. This revolution in part is associated with the emergence of CubeSat platforms that have forced a de facto standardization on the volume and power into which sensors have to fit. The extent that small sensors can indeed provide similar or replacement capabilities compared to larger and more expensive counterparts has barely been demonstrated and any loss of capability of smaller systems weighed against the gains in costs and new potential capabilities offered by implementing them with a more distributed observing strategy also has not yet been embraced. This paper provides four examples of observations made with prototype miniaturized observing systems, including from CubeSats, that offer a glimpse of this emerging sensor revolution and a hint at future observing system design.
Sensitivity of Surface Temperature to Oceanic Forcing via q-Flux Green’s Function Experiments. Part III: Asymmetric Response to Warming and Cooling
Authors: Liu Fukai , Lu Jian , Huang Yi , Leung L. Ruby , Harrop Bryce E. , Luo Yiyong
Published: November 2019

Climate response is often assumed to be linear in climate sensitivity studies. However, by examining the surface temperature (TS) response to pairs of oceanic forcings of equal amplitude but opposite sign in a large set of local q-flux perturbation experiments with CAM5 coupled to a slab, we find strong asymmetry in TS responses to the heating and cooling forcings, indicating a strong nonlinearity intrinsic to the climate system examined. Regardless of where the symmetric forcing is placed, the cooling response to the negative forcing always exceeds the warming to the positive forcing, implying an intrinsic inclination toward cooling of our current climate. Thus, the ongoing global warming induced by increasing greenhouse gases may have already been alleviated by the asymmetric component of the response. The common asymmetry in TS response peaks in high latitudes, especially along sea ice edges, with notable seasonal dependence. Decomposition into different radiative feedbacks through a radiative kernel indicates that the asymmetry in the TS response is realized largely through lapse rate and albedo feedbacks. Further process interference experiments disabling the seasonal cycle and/or sea ice reveal that the asymmetry originates ultimately from the presence of the sea ice component and is further amplified by the seasonal cycle. The fact that a pair of opposite tropical q-flux forcings can excite very similar asymmetric response as a pair placed at 55°S strongly suggests the asymmetric response is a manifestation of an internal mode of the climate model system.
The Motion of Mesoscale Snowbands in Northeast U.S. Winter Storms
Authors: Kenyon Jaymes S. , Keyser Daniel , Bosart Lance F. , Evans Michael S.
Published: November 2019

The spatial distribution of snowfall accumulation accompanying winter storms is a product of both snowfall rate and duration. Winter storms are commonly associated with mesoscale snowbands that can strongly modulate snowfall accumulation. Although the development of mesoscale snowbands can usually be anticipated, snowband residence time at a fixed location is often a forecasting challenge. However, given that snowband residence time is related to characteristics of band motion, an improved understanding of band motion presents an opportunity to improve snowfall-accumulation forecasts. This study investigates environmental features associated with specific snowband motion characteristics. Using radar reflectivity data, snowband events in the northeast United States spanning a 6-yr period are categorized according to a band-motion classification scheme, with this scheme consisting of laterally translating, hybrid, laterally quasi-stationary, and pivoting snowbands. On the basis of this classification, composite analysis is performed to identify common environmental features associated with particular band-motion categories. Results indicate that snowband motion is related to cyclone-relative band position, the confluence/diffluence and curvature of midlevel streamlines, and the distribution of horizontal temperature advection. Snowband motion is also related to hodograph shape, as well as to the across- and along-isotherm components of the Q vector. Composite results are supplemented with case studies, which suggest that laterally quasi-stationary and pivoting snowbands can favor distinct gradients in snowfall accumulation. The present study proposes that snowband motion warrants consideration during the forecasting process and, to that end, conceptual models are presented to synthesize key findings for operational application.
Effect of the basic surface properties of woven lining fabric on printing precision and electrical performance of screen-printed conductive lines
Authors: Hong Hong , Hu Jiyong , Yan Xiong
Published: November 2019

Conductive lines are essential for the integration of electronic devices into fabrics, and their direct screen printing on fabrics is a promising, simple and low-cost method for mass-manufactured textile-based conductive lines. However, the intrinsic porous structures and texture characteristic of textiles complicate the diffusion and penetration of conductive ink, and will deteriorate the printing precision and electrical performance of conductive lines. To establish the relationship between the surface characteristics (i.e. porosity, roughness, contact angle) and printing precision as well as electrical performance, the screen-printed conductive lines on six different nylon woven lining fabrics were examined and compared. Moreover, to study the printing precision and the minimum printable line width on woven lining fabric, conductive lines with different widths were screen printed. The results showed that the fabric substrate with the smallest pore size and roughness shows a higher printing precision and lower electrical resistance of screen-printed conductive lines. Relatively, the dynamic contact angle and wetting time of ink on the surface of the fabric have a significant effect on the printing precision. Therefore, the surface structure of the fabric substrate determines to some degree the printing precision of conductive lines, the printable minimum line width and its electrical properties. It is believed that these findings will provide some important support for screen printing flexible electronic devices on woven textiles.
The effect of silica/polyurethane waterborne dispersion on the perforating features of impregnated polypropylene-based fabric
Authors: Patti A , Acierno D
Published: November 2019

In an attempt to improve the puncturing behavior of a commercial technical textile, this study investigated the effects of fabric impregnation with waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUDs). The infusing solutions were prepared by mixing a commercially available WPUD with other components, such as water, hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, and a crosslinker. Quasi-static perforation tests were performed on a dynamometer machine equipped with a spherical spike and pointed blade as piercing probes. The results showed that the polyurethane impregnation augmented the puncture performances of the treated textiles. Then, further improvements in the spike and blade strength of the impregnated fabrics were obtained by adding hydrophilic silica nanoparticles and crosslinker into WPUDs, respectively. No effect of silica functionalization (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) has been verified on the mechanical features of the respective treated samples for the tested filler contents of 3% and 5% in wt. The best fabric features (blade strength increase of +63% and puncture strength increase of +71% compared to the neat material) were obtained by combining the two additives, nano SiO2 and crosslinker, into the polyurethane. The performances of these last systems were also superior to those obtained by doubling the amount of polymeric dispersion applied to the neat materials. The discussion of the results was supported by electron scanning microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and further measurements of the cutting resistance. Finally, the mass per unit area of the substrate for the impregnated samples was measured in order to assess weight gain due to treatment.
Judaean/Idumaean Inscriptions and New Testament Studies: A Review of Corpus Inscriptionum Iudaeae/Palaestinae IV/1-2
Authors: Gathercole Simon
Published: November 2019

This review covers the first two parts of the fourth volume of the Corpus Inscriptionum Iudaeae/Palaestinae with special reference to their relevance to the study (broadly conceived) of the New Testament. This review follows the reviews published in JSNT in 2013 and 2015 of the first three volumes.
Adaptive output regulation for a class of nonlinear systems with guaranteed transient performance
Authors: Sun Weijie , Zhu Zhenhua , Lan Jianglin , Peng Yunjian
Published: November 2019

This paper is dedicated to adaptive output regulation for a class of nonlinear systems with asymptotic output tracking and guarantee of prescribed transient performance. With the employment of internal model principle, we first transform this problem into a specific adaptive stabilization problem with output constraints. Then, by integrating the time-varying Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF) technique together with the high gain feedback method, we develop an output-based control law to solve the constrained stabilization problem and consequently confine the output tracking error to a predefined arbitrary region. The output-based control law enables adaptive output regulation in the sense that, under unknown exosystem dynamics, all the closed-loop system signals are bounded whilst the controlled output constraints are not violated. Finally, efficacy of the proposed design is illustrated through a simulation example.
A Systematic Review of Factors Related to Employment Outcomes for Adults with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lund Emily M. , Cmar Jennifer L.
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of survey-based research on predictors or correlates of employment outcomes for individuals with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision).

Methods:

We used a three-pronged systematic search process to identify quantitative, English, peer-reviewed articles published from 1990 to August 2018 that included analyses of factors related to employment in American adults with visual impairments. We coded all included articles for sample parameters, participant characteristics, quality indicators (QIs), and study outcomes.

Results:

Thirteen articles were included in the review. The majority of studies met few, if any, QIs. Education level, braille reading medium, and attending integrated or public schools were significantly associated with employment outcomes in most analyses in which those variables were included. Other demographic and disability-related variables were generally not associated with employment or yielded inconsistent results across studies. Psychosocial, service, and miscellaneous variables were included less frequently and were generally not associated with employment or yielded mixed results, with a few exceptions.

Discussion:

Based on our quality indicator ratings, there were consistent methodological weaknesses in this body of literature. Small samples ( N = 200 or fewer) were prevalent across studies, which limits both generalizability and statistical power. Use of nonrepresentative and nonnational samples further limits generalizability of the results, and a lack of longitudinal studies hinders our ability to draw causal inferences. More high-quality employment research is needed, particularly in the areas of braille, transportation self-efficacy, and other psychosocial factors.

Implications for practitioners:

Despite the methodological issues identified in the included studies, results support findings from other systematic reviews regarding the importance of educational advancement for individuals with visual impairments. Practitioners should encourage individuals with visual impairments who do not have college degrees to explore options for postsecondary education.
Employment and Unemployment Rates of People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: Estimates from Multiple Sources
Authors: McDonnall Michele C. , Sui Zhen
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

We examined four sources of data to evaluate the employment status of people with visual impairments, including their current status and a comparison with previous years.

Methods:

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) and three other nationally representative surveys were utilized to determine employment and unemployment rates for people with visual impairments and to determine whether employment rates have changed over time. Data from ACS were used to compare this population’s employment and unemployment rates to people without disabilities and to people with other types of disabilities.

Results:

Unemployment rates for people with visual impairments ranged from a low of 4% (in 1994–1995) to a high of 19.8% (in 2011). Employment rates ranged from a low of 36.3% (in 2011) to a high of 44.2% (in 2017), based on ACS estimates. Estimates from all other data sources fall within this range. Based on ACS estimates, employment rates for people with visual impairments have not significantly increased over time. Large gaps in the employment and unemployment rates of people with visual impairments and those without disabilities exist, but these gap have significantly decreased over time. The smaller gaps in these rates for people with visual impairments and those with other disabilities have significantly increased over time.

Discussion:

These results indicate consistent employment rates for people with visual impairments across time and across different measurement methods and questions. The lowest employment rate, and highest unemployment rate, were recorded following the great recession, and these rates have been improving since 2012.

Information for practitioners:

Approximately 44% of the U.S. population with a visual impairment is employed, while 10% of people with a visual impairment (who are in the labor force) are unemployed. The remaining 50.9% of the U.S. population with visual impairments are not in the labor force.
Agency on Trial in Daily Fantasy Sport
Authors: McLeod Christopher M. , Holden John T. , Newman Joshua I.
Published: November 2019

The New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against DraftKings and FanDuel in 2015 accusing them of operating illegal gambling platforms. Using actor–network theory, we show how DraftKings, FanDuel, the New York Attorney General, critics, and legislators were preoccupied with how much agency players possessed. They also understood agency as emerging from a sociomaterial arrangement of human and nonhuman entities and saw how agency could be enhanced or limited by introducing new rules, technologies, and constraints. We compare this perspective on agency with theories typically used in sociology of sport and we consider how sociologists can intervene in sport agency.
Approximate Weight of 1:1000 Topical Epinephrine on Wrung‐Out Epinephrine‐Soaked Pledgets
Authors: Kuhar Hannah N. , Han Xiaoxia , Penning Donald H. , Craig John R.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Topical 1:1000 epinephrine solution is commonly applied intranasally with cottonoid pledgets in endoscopic sinonasal surgery for local vasoconstriction and hemostasis. Pledgets are typically submerged in epinephrine solution and applied without measurement. Hemodynamic complications have been reported when pledgets have been saturated and not wrung out. The amount of epinephrine absorbed per pledget has not been studied methodically. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of topical 1:1000 epinephrine remaining on a cottonoid pledget after wringing out the pledget, to simulate intraoperative application.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty 0.5‐in × 3‐in cottonoid pledgets were submerged in canisters filled with 1:1000 epinephrine solution (1 mg/mL). Weights of the epinephrine‐filled canisters were measured before submerging the pledgets and then after removing and wringing out the pledgets. Measurements were recorded for each pledget after being submerged for 0, 1, and 5 minutes and then wrung out. Mean weights were calculated and compared between the submersion durations.

Results

The mean overall weight of epinephrine on a wrung‐out pledget was 0.931 mg. Mean weights of epinephrine absorbed onto wrung‐out pledgets after submersion for 0, 1, and 5 minutes were 0.914, 0.913, and 0.967 mg, respectively. There were no significant differences in weights based on submersion duration (P =. 296).

Conclusion

Approximately 1 mg of epinephrine was absorbed onto 0.5‐in × 3‐in cottonoid pledgets when pledgets were wrung out after being submerged in 1:1000 epinephrine, whether being removed from solution immediately or after up to 5 minutes.
Association between Smoking and 30‐Day Outcomes in Otologic Surgery
Authors: Kay‐Rivest Emily , Mascarella Marco , Sewitch Maida J. , Cloutier François , Mijovic Tamara
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of current smoking status on 30‐day postoperative adverse events in patients undergoing otologic surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Database of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2006 to 2016.

Subjects and Methods

Adult patients undergoing middle ear and mastoid surgery were included. Preoperative smoking status was determined, and adverse events within 30 days of surgery were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study sample. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the association between sociodemographic and clinical variables and postoperative adverse events. Population‐attributable fractions were then calculated.

Results

A total of 10,684 patients who underwent otologic surgery were included, of whom 2036 (19.1%) were smokers. The most commonly performed surgery was tympanoplasty with and without ossicular chain reconstruction, followed by canal wall up tympanomastoidectomy. Adverse events occurred in 221 (2.1%) patients; the most common was superficial wound infections (n = 99, 0.9%). In smokers, the odds ratio for any adverse event was 1.97 (95% CI, 1.42‐2.71). The odds ratios (95% CIs) for superficial wound infections, wound dehiscence, and 30‐day readmission among smokers were 1.89 (1.32‐2.86), 3.92 (1.26‐11.60), and 1.84 (1.15‐2.87), respectively. The population‐attributable fraction for any adverse event in smokers was 15.5%.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing otologic surgery, smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to have postoperative adverse events—in particular, wound infections, wound dehiscence, and readmission to hospital.
Media, communication technologies and forced migration: Promises and pitfalls of an emerging research field
Authors: Mattelart Tristan
Published: November 2019

In this article, we identify some of the main axes structuring the emergent research field of ‘Media, communication technologies and forced migration’, whose development has been greatly stimulated by the so-called European ‘migration crisis’. In consonance with the cross-cutting theme of this Special Issue, we study more specifically, concentrating mainly on the European context, how, within this research field, media and communication technologies have been represented either as contributing to the building of symbolic borders or, on the contrary, as tools facilitating the circumvention of symbolic and territorial borders. Basing our argument on some of the main works that have given shape to this research field, we assess – with no claim for exhaustiveness – some of the latter’s main contributions and limitations.
Effect of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients: a meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Yan-Wen , Du Ying , Chen Bao-An
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine the effectiveness and safety of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with advanced gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases.

Methods

PubMed®, CNKI, Web of Science, VIP and WANFANG databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of HIPEC on survival, clinical response and adverse events. Patients with advanced gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The statistical results are presented as relative ratio (RR), mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Twenty-one RCTs met the inclusion criteria ( n = 1674 patients). Meta-analysis showed that the 3-year survival rate was significantly higher in the HIPEC group than in the control group (RR 1.61; 95% CI 1.43, 1.82) and the complete response rate was significantly higher in the HIPEC group than in the control group (RR 2.35; 95% CI 1.67, 3.31). HIPEC was also beneficial in terms of decreased CEA (MD −1.79; 95% CI −2.22, −1.35). There was no significant difference in the rate of adverse reactions (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.87, 1.14).

Conclusions

HIPEC had a beneficial effect on 3-year survival rate and complete response in patients with advanced gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases.
Process of ectopic tooth formation in the maxillary sinus: follow-up observation of one case
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Zhou Mo , Liu Qitong , He Xiaolin , Wang Ningyu
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the process of ectopic tooth formation.

Methods

A patient with an ectopic tooth was followed for 6 years. The tooth size and mineralization were evaluated by paranasal sinus computed tomography every 3 years.

Results

The ectopic tooth was present in the nasal crest of the maxilla and did not change significantly during the 6-year follow-up period. However, the patient developed a new ectopic tooth in the maxillary sinus (ETm). This tooth, located in the posterior wall of the left maxillary sinus, initially appeared as a small region of soft tissue on computed tomography. After 3 years, the area of mixed density had significantly increased, and some of it had significantly mineralized to form an ETm. After 6 years, the ETm had further mineralized and enlarged in situ. The width between the left and right sides of the ETm in 2018 (9.08 ± 2.09 mm) was significantly larger than that in 2015 (7.51 ± 2.18 mm), indicating that ETm formation is a gradual process of mineralization.

Conclusion

Ectopic teeth can gradually form by in situ mineralization after adolescence, suggesting that ectopic teeth are genetically regulated and result from a programmed formation process occurring at a specific time point.
Urban government capacity and economic performance: An analysis of Chinese cities
Authors: Wang Jiejing
Published: November 2019

Cities with great government capacity are expected to become more effective in mobilizing resources and promoting urban economic development than other cities. While urban government capacity is important in its own right, its size structure across nearby cities is crucial because multiple channels wherein local governments generate externalities beyond their jurisdictions are present. By quantifying urban government capacity and regional size structure across Chinese cities in 2010, I examine the direct effect of a city’s government capacity on its economic performance and the indirect effect of the urban government capacity’s size structure among neighboring cities. Our analysis confirms that urban government capacity has a positive and significant effect on urban economic performance, and cities exhibit better economic performance in regions that have a leading city in urban government capacity than in regions where urban government capacity is relatively evenly distributed. Further examination suggests that the effect of urban government capacity on economic performance is stronger for cities in monocentric regions than in other regions.
Colonialism and Sisterhood: Japanese Female Activists and the “Comfort Women” Issue
Authors: Park Sara
Published: November 2019

This article clarifies how wartime/colonial responsibility and sisterhood are mediated in the accounts of Japanese female activists who support so-called “comfort women” or the Japanese military sexual slavery issue, by using interviews of Japanese female activists, this article tries to answer this question. The Japanese female activists experience the changes in the their identities from collective “women” and/or “Japanese” while they continue participating in the movement. The interviewees always emphasize their feeling of responsibility as Japanese, former colonizer and perpetrator as well as Japanese citizen who have not yet settled this issue. At the same time, they sympathize with the survivors as fellow women; therefore, they call for a formal apology and governmental compensation. Nationalism and gender coexist in different dimensions; thus, being a member of a Japanese nation with wartime/colonial responsibility does not contradict the sympathy and compassion with the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery.
Institutional Entrepreneurship for Digital Public Health Promotion: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: de los Reyes Gastón
Published: November 2019

This commentary highlights the challenges and opportunities facing institutional entrepreneurship in the digital public health realm. The institutional entrepreneurship of public health researchers concerns the opportunity to improve the norms regulating social media companies by engaging the public and private sectors. Beyond the clarification of concepts, the contribution of the commentary is to demonstrate why public health researchers committed to institutional entrepreneurship should mind the mental model they employ to think about business regulation. The popular Chicago School model negates the legitimacy of corporate policy making that trades profits for public health. Thinking this way obscures the relevance of institutional entrepreneurship by stipulating that corporations should answer to shareholders and government but not civil society. Though digital health communication is consistent with the Chicago School picture, the alternative public–private model reinforces opportunities for digital health communication as well as institutional entrepreneurship. The commentary proposes a toolkit for public health researchers to consciously open up to opportunities for institutional entrepreneurship in digital public health.
Low-grade Osteosarcomatous Dedifferentiation of an Atypical Lipomatous Tumor in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Kukull Benjamin J , Khalighi Mazdak A , Gundle Kenneth R , Hansford Barry G , Corless Christopher L , Davis Jessica L
Published: November 2019

Atypical and malignant lipomatous tumors are infrequent in the pediatric population. Within this uncommon cohort, the morphologically and genetically related spectrum of atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma/dedifferentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL/DDLS) is markedly rare. Their shared characteristic molecular aberration is a genomic amplicon of a region of chromosome 12q, including the oncogenes MDM2 and CDK4. We present an unusual case of a pediatric patient with an ALT, with recurrence after 2 years in the form of a bone-forming mass, radiologically and pathologically mimicking parosteal osteosarcoma, a tumor also molecularly characterized by amplification of MDM2 and CDK4. However, with ample histologic sampling, a single focus of lipogenic differentiation was identified, thus representing the first near complete low-grade osteosarcomatous dedififferentation reported within ALT/WDL/DDLS and the first ever in pediatric patient. The case serves a reminder of a diagnosis differential and pitfalls within MDM2-amplified tumors.
On the validity of single tests, two-test combinations and the full Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) in detecting patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Baetge Sharon Jean , Filser Melanie , Renner Alina , Ullrich Sebastian , Lassek Christoph , Penner Iris-Katharina
Published: November 2019

Background:

The international standard to screen for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) is BICAMS (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS). However, with an application time of approximately 20 minutes, the battery might be too time consuming from a pragmatic perspective of a routine examination.

Objectives:

To examine the relative sensitivity and specificity of a BICAMS short version and its validity compared to the total battery.

Methods:

The German BICAMS version was applied comprising the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised (BVMT-R) and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT; German VLMT). Single tests and two-test combinations were compared regarding conformity with the total battery.

Results:

Examining 1320 MS patients, the two-test combination of SDMT-BVMT-R was the most sensitive (92.7%) to impairment and showed the strongest agreement with the total battery (κ = 0.95). Performing binary logistic regression analyses, this combination was also validated by its association with employment status.

Conclusion:

Application of the total BICAMS battery should be the goal to strive for. However, in time-restricted clinical settings, the combined application of SDMT and BVMT-R is a recommendable alternative with an application time of 10 minutes, while single tests alone are not sufficiently sensitive.
From ‘no dogs here!’ to ‘beware of the dog!’: restricting dog signs as a reflection of social norms
Authors: Halonen Mia , Laihonen Petteri
Published: November 2019

Signs in public space reflect ‘normalcy’ in a community. The authors ask what restricting signs tell us about a society? In order to explore the system and variation in the ways dog signs manifest different norms and control, they compare two different data sets: dog signs in a Northern European town, Jyväskylä in Finland, and two Eastern European villages in Romania. They apply a qualitative methodology based on visual communication, geosemiotics and linguistic landscape studies. The focus of the article is on the resources of addressing and the visual semiotics of the image. The investigated communities seem to create a complementary distribution of what they regulate that is also displayed through their semiotics: the Jyväskylä examples are prohibitions for dogs ‘being’ while the Romanian cases consist of warnings or threats. Both prohibitions and warnings implicate the norms and normalities in the communities, showing where they stand in terms of a continuum between a ‘dog as a pet’ and a ‘dog as a (co-)worker’. As images, the urban signs in Jyväskylä can be characterized as icons of a small collared pet, placed as a part of top-down communication in ‘tight’ public spaces. In contrast, the photographs of big dogs in the open and private Romanian village spaces refer to some specific guard dog, through which their owners communicate a benevolent warning or an intimidating threat.
Effects of long-term exposure to stroboscopic effect from moderate-level modulated light
Authors: Sekulovski D , Poort S , Perz M , Waumans L
Published: November 2019

The effect of a 13-week exposure to moderate levels of light modulation resulting in visible, but not irritable, stroboscopic effect was studied. Over the course of three months, two sets of participants working in an office environment filled in a questionnaire about their health and wellbeing at the start and the end of each working day. Using a schedule of changes between two light settings differing only in the amount of temporal modulation, it was shown that the higher temporal modulation light did not significantly increase the occurrence of any health and wellbeing parameters (like eyestrain and headaches) tested. Furthermore, even though there was a large variation in the individual probability of complaints, there was no interaction effect between the individual level of complaints and the amount of light modulation. Using power analysis, we demonstrate that the increase of unwanted effects of 5% or more has a probability of less than 5%.
tDCS-Enhanced Consolidation of Writing Skills and Its Associations With Cortical Excitability in Parkinson Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Broeder Sanne , Nackaerts Evelien , Cuypers Koen , Meesen Raf , Verheyden Geert , Nieuwboer Alice
Published: November 2019

Background. Learning processes of writing skills involve the re-engagement of previously established motor programs affected by Parkinson disease (PD). To counteract the known problems with consolidation in PD, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could be imperative to achieve a lasting regeneration of habitual motor skills. Objective. To examine tDCS-enhanced learning of writing and explore alterations in cortical excitability after stimulation in PD compared with healthy controls (HCs). Methods. Ten patients and 10 HCs received 2 training sessions combined with 20 minutes of 1-mA anodal tDCS or sham on the left primary motor cortex in a randomized crossover design. Writing skills on a tablet and paper were assessed at baseline, after training, and after 1 week of follow-up. Before and immediately after the intervention, cortical excitability and inhibition were measured during rest and activity. Results. Writing amplitude and velocity improved when practice was tDCS supplemented compared with sham in PD. Benefits were sustained at retention for trained and untrained tasks on the tablet as well as for writing on paper. No improvements were found for HCs. Reduced resting motor thresholds after tDCS indicated tDCS-enhanced cortical excitability. Additionally, increments in motor-evoked potential amplitudes correlated with improved writing in PD, whereas HCs showed the opposite pattern. Conclusion. Our results endorse the usefulness of tDCS-boosted learning in PD, at least when applied to improving writing capacity. Although further confirmatory studies are needed, these novel findings are striking because tDCS-mediated consolidation was found for learning a motor task directly affected by PD.
STEER: Factors to Consider When Designing Online Focus Groups Using Audiovisual Technology in Health Research
Authors: Daniels Nicola , Gillen Patricia , Casson Karen , Wilson Iseult
Published: November 2019

Technological advancements and ease of Internet accessibility have made using Internet-based audiovisual software a viable option for researchers conducting focus groups. Online platforms overcome any geographical limitations placed on sampling by the location of potential participants and so enhance opportunities for real-time discussions and data collection in groups that otherwise might not be feasible. Although researchers have been adopting Internet-based options for some time, empirical evaluations and published examples of focus groups conducted using audiovisual technology are sparse. It therefore cannot yet be established whether conducting focus groups in this way can truly mirror face-to-face discussions in achieving the authentic interaction to generate data. We use our experiences to add to the developing body of literature by analyzing our critical reflections on how procedural aspects had the potential to influence the data we collected using audiovisual technology to conduct synchronous focus groups. As part of a mixed methods study, we chose to conduct focus groups in this way to access geographically dispersed populations and to enhance sample variation. We conducted eight online focus groups using audiovisual technology with both academic researchers and health-care practitioners across the four regions of the United Kingdom. A reflexive journal was completed throughout the planning, conduct and analysis of the focus groups. Content analysis of journal entries was carried out to identify procedural factors that had the potential to affect the data collected during this study. Five themes were identified ( Stability of group numbers, Technology, Environment, Evaluation, and Recruitment), incorporating several categories of issues for consideration. Combined with the reflections of the researcher and published experiences of others, suggested actions to minimize any potential impacts of issues which could affect interactions are presented to assist others who are contemplating this method of data collection.
Design of compliant mechanism-based variable camber morphing wing with nonlinear large deformation
Authors: Zhang Yaqing , Ge Wenjie , Zhang Ziang , Mo Xiaojuan , Zhang Yonghong
Published: November 2019

The morphing wing with large deformation can benefit its flight performance a lot in different conditions. In this study, a variable camber morphing wing with compliant leading and trailing edges is designed by large-displacement compliant mechanisms. The compliant mechanisms are carried out by a hyperelastic structure topology optimization, based on a nonlinear meshless method. A laminated leading-edge skin is designed to fit the curvature changing phenomenon of the leading edge during deformation. A morphing wing demonstrator was manufactured to testify its deformation capability. Comparing to other variable camber morphing wings, the proposal can realize larger deflection of leading and trailing edges. The designed morphing wing shows great improvement in aerodynamic performance and enough strength to resist aerodynamic and structural loadings.
Time-efficient path planning using two virtual robots
Authors: Kim Jonghoek
Published: November 2019

This article introduces time-efficient path planning algorithms handling both path length and safety within a reasonable computational time. The path is planned considering the robot’s size so that as the robot traverses the constructed path, it doesn’t collide with an obstacle boundary. This article introduces two virtual robots deploying virtual nodes which discretize the obstacle-free space into a topological map. Using the topological map, the planner generates a safe and near-optimal path within a reasonable computational time. It is proved that our planner finds a safe path to the goal in finite time. Using MATLAB simulations, we verify the effectiveness of our path planning algorithms by comparing it with the rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT)-star algorithm in three-dimensional environments.
Role of Science for Conservation—A Personal Reflection
Authors: Wolff Matthias
Published: November 2019

The opinion article presented here argues that good science may contribute to a solid technical basis for management and conservation, although scientists are increasingly being criticized for not providing the needed facts. However, since management and conservation is a societal activity done by people for people, which happens outside the scientific domain of convergent problem solving, political and sectorial interest are often far more decisive for management outcomes than is the technical basis these decisions were supposedly based upon. This field of conflict is exemplified with the Galapagos archipelago.
Using Social Media Networks to Engage Men in Conversations on Masculinity and Suicide: Content Analysis of Man Up Facebook Campaign Data
Authors: Schlichthorst Marisa , King Kylie , Reifels Lennart , Phelps Andrea , Pirkis Jane
Published: November 2019

We analyzed comments published on the Man Up Facebook page ( manuptvseries) during the roll-out of the Man Up digital campaign. The aim was to gain insight into how the public perceived the Man Up campaign and the conversation topics that the campaign instigated. We downloaded Facebook threads (posts and comments) from the manuptvseries page using NCapture and performed conventional content analysis on a random set of comments ( n = 2,236) to identify how the campaign was perceived and what were the popular conversations. Overall, the campaign was perceived extremely positively by the Facebook audience showing many comments endorsing the content of the campaign by sharing among their Facebook community. The strongest themes were expressing emotions, help and support, and masculinity/gender roles which related to the higher level theme of expressions of masculinity. Another strong theme was suicide and topics related to suicide. Comments acknowledged the importance of discussing the issues of male suicide and masculinity publicly. Men were less engaged with topics on masculinity and expressing emotions compared with women and recognized stigma around help-seeking for mental health issues. The Man Up Facebook campaign did foster a public discussion on masculinity and suicide. A gendered approach in mental health promotion is needed with stigma still present for men when seeking help for mental health problems. Social media holds considerable potential for the use of health promotion campaigns aiming to increase interpersonal communication on challenging health topics. Yet, these campaigns need to carefully manage the risk of reinforcing stereotypes.
Familial Success in Allergen Desensitization
Authors: Rowane Marija , Shilian Ryan , Jhaveri Devi K. , Tcheurekdjian Haig H. , Sher Theordore H. , Hostoffer Robert
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a widely prevalent immunoglobulin E-mediated inflammatory nasal condition resulting from reexposure to an allergen in a sensitized individual. The genetic associations behind AR and other allergic conditions have been studied. However, familial success with AR therapies, specifically allergen desensitization through subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), has never been reported in the literature. Pharmocogenetics has been gradually applied to link heritable genetic variants with drug responses, such as intergenic region variants APOBEC3B and APOBEC3C and β2-adrenergic receptor and glycoprotein ADAM33 polymorphisms as predictive biomarkers for biologic treatment response in asthma. We provide the first reported survey of familial success with SCIT.

Methods

We administered a month-long, institutional review board-approved (20190493) questionnaire to 200 adult patients receiving SCIT in a suburban allergy/immunology practice. The anonymous survey inquired about demographics, target allergens for their SCIT, current symptom improvement on SCIT, and family history of allergies and SCIT management.

Results

Twenty-six percent (52 of 200, 26%) SCIT patients reported familial success with the same allergy treatment modality. AR diagnosis and symptom improvement from SCIT was similar among previous/same (18 of 52, 38%; 26 of 52, 54%) and subsequent (10 of 52, 21%; 19 of 52, 40%) generations of family members. A combination of seasonal and perennial allergies was most prevalent (81%) among this population.

Conclusion

In a subpopulation of SCIT patients, there appears to be a familial success rate with this allergen desensitization treatment. This is the first reported pharmocogenetic evidence of assessing hereditary influence on effective AR therapy. Understanding pharmacogenetic associations involved with SCIT may improve allergists’ recommendations for this treatment option.