bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural History of Cervical Artery Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Associated Neurovascular Events
Authors: Kadian-Dodov Daniella , Goldfinger Judith Z. , Gustavson Susan , Olin Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic arteriopathy most often affecting the carotid and renal arteries. In the United States Registry for FMD, 41.7% of patients experienced an aneurysm and/or dissection by the time of entry into the Registry. We sought to determine the occurrence of neurovascular events after FMD diagnosis and any changes on cervical artery imaging that may be attributable to FMD. Methods: Patients followed at the Mount Sinai Medical Center (US Registry for FMD enrollment center) with confirmed FMD and > 1 cervical artery imaging study (at least ± 6 months from the baseline carotid duplex ultrasound [CDU]) between the years 2003 and 2015 were included. Medical records and cervical artery imaging ([CDU], magnetic resonance angiogram [MRA], and computed tomography angiogram [CTA]) were reviewed. New arterial dissection, aneurysm, transient ischemic attack, stroke, or new FMD findings were recorded. Results: Among 146 FMD patients with complete information, 52 (35.6%) had an aneurysm and 52 (35.6%) had a dissection. Mean clinical follow-up was 35.3 ± 25.3 months (range 5–153 months); patients underwent 4 ± 2.7 CDU (range 1–17); 86.3% had ≥1 neck MRA or CTA. After FMD diagnosis, 3 patients (2%) experienced a new carotid artery dissection; 1 patient experienced a stroke due to concomitant atherosclerosis. No new aneurysms occurred. In patients with cervical artery FMD, imaging findings remained stable throughout follow-up. No patient developed new cervical artery FMD findings on follow-up imaging. Conclusions: No new cervical artery FMD or aneurysm was observed on subsequent imaging. New carotid dissection was uncommon over a mean follow-up period of 35.3 ± 25.3 months and was the only non-atherosclerotic vascular event observed after FMD diagnosis.
Circulating α-Klotho Levels in Hemodialysis Patients and Their Relationship to Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yu Ling , Kang Li , Ren Xiao-Zhuan , Diao Zong-Li , Liu Wen-Hu
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Serum soluble Klotho (sKlotho) plays a role in cardiovascular disease in some populations. However, information regarding the effect of serum sKlotho on atherosclerosis in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) is limited. Therefore, we tested the level of serum sKlotho in MHD patients to investigate atherosclerosis disease and determine the relationship between sKlotho and atherosclerosis. Methods: Using cross-sectional research, anthropometric and laboratory data were collected for 330 MHD patients. The levels of serum sKlotho before dialysis were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Carotid intima-middle thickness (cIMT) and the number of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques were measured by color Doppler ultrasonography. The risk factors of atherosclerosis were explored by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among 330 MHD patients, the average serum sKlotho was (379.93±143.66) pg/ml. The level of serum sKlotho was positively related to hemoglobin (P< 0.05). It was negatively correlated with systolic pressure, pulse pressure, ultrafiltration volume, serum phosphorus, corrected serum calcium×phosphorus, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), cIMT and carotid atherosclerotic plaque quantity and atherosclerosis (P< 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 1.108, 95% CI = 1.067 ∼ 1.151, P = 0.000), dry weight (OR = 1.050, 95% CI = 1.014 ∼ 1.088, P = 0.007), Hs-CRP (OR = 1.126, 95% CI = 1.005 ∼ 1.261, P = 0.041), and serum sKlotho (OR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.995 ∼ 1.000, P = 0.032) were risk factors for atherosclerosis in MHD patients. Conclusion: Serum sKlotho was related to systolic pressure, pulse pressure, ultrafiltration volume, hemoglobin, serum phosphorus, corrected serum calcium×phosphorus, Hs-CRP, increased cIMT, carotid atherosclerotic plaque quantity and atherosclerosis. Age, dry weight, Hs-CRP, and serum sKlotho were risk factors for atherosclerosis in MHD patients. Serum sKlotho may be a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis in MHD patients.
Multimodality Molecular Imaging of Cardiovascular Disease Based on Nanoprobes
Authors: Tu Yingfeng , Sun Yao , Fan Yuhua , Cheng Zhen , Yu Bo
Published: July 2018

Recently, multimodality molecular imaging has evolved into a fast-growing research field with goals of detecting and measuring biological processes in vivo non-invasively. Researchers have come to realize that the complementary abilities of different imaging modalities over single modality could provide more precisely information for the diagnosis of diseases. At present, nanoparticles-based multimodal imaging probes have received significant attention because of their ease of preparation and straightforward integration of each modality into one entity. More importantly, nanotechnology has an increasing impact on multimodality molecular imaging of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque, myocardial infarction, angiogenesis, apoptosis and so on. In this review, we briefly summarize that various nanoprobes are exploited for targeted molecular imaging of cardiovascular diseases, as well as associated multimodality imaging approaches and their applications in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Identifying Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs Between Cirrhotic and Non-Cirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Exploring Their Functions Using Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Mei Ying , You Yu , Xia Jin , Gong Jian-Ping , Wang Yun-Bing
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Few studies have been designed to directly investigate the exact mechanisms underlying the different phenotypes between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to illuminate the incidence and developmental mechanisms for both types of HCC through differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) using bioinformatic analysis. Methods: The miRNA-seq data and clinical data of patients (from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database) were utilized to determine differentially expressed miRNAs between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic HCC. Afterwards, the function of the selected miRNAs was predicted with online tools. Furthermore, the miRNA expression and clinical significance were validated by external datasets and our experiment. Results: The present study included 135 non-cirrhotic and 80 cirrhotic patients to find differentially expressed miRNAs. Among them, four miRNAs (mir-1296, mir-23c, mir-149, and mir-95) were finally selected for further validation and analysis. Correlation analysis found that two miRNAs are greatly associated with the non-cirrhotic HCC patients’ clinical traits, such as the T, M, and N tumor stages. However, only mir-23c was associated with the cirrhotic HCC patients’ tumor T and N stages. Furthermore, survival analysis revealed that increased mir-149 in non-cirrhotic HCC, patients’ age and the existence of vessels in the tumor in cirrhotic HCC were independent risk factors for the patients’ postoperative overall survival. Functional and interaction analyses also supported the notion that these miRNAs function through some pathways that influence the behavior of the HCC. These results are strongly supported by analysis of extra datasets and our experiment. Conclusions: The cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic HCC types involve differentially expressed miRNAs, which are correlated with distinctive pathological traits. To some extent, non-cirrhotic HCC seems more dependent on miRNA network regulation, but additional studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Noradrenergic and Cholinergic Modulation of Belief Updating
Authors: Jepma Marieke , Brown Stephen B. R. E. , Murphy Peter R. , Koelewijn Stephany C. , de Vries Boukje , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. , Nieuwenhuis Sander
Published: July 2018

To make optimal predictions in a dynamic environment, the impact of new observations on existing beliefs—that is, the learning rate—should be guided by ongoing estimates of change and uncertainty. Theoretical work has proposed specific computational roles for various neuromodulatory systems in the control of learning rate, but empirical evidence is still sparse. The aim of the current research was to examine the role of the noradrenergic and cholinergic systems in learning rate regulation. First, we replicated our recent findings that the centroparietal P3 component of the EEG—an index of phasic catecholamine release in the cortex—predicts trial-to-trial variability in learning rate and mediates the effects of surprise and belief uncertainty on learning rate (Study 1, n = 17). Second, we found that pharmacological suppression of either norepinephrine or acetylcholine activity produced baseline-dependent effects on learning rate following nonobvious changes in an outcome-generating process (Study 1). Third, we identified two genes, coding for α2A receptor sensitivity ( ADRA2A) and norepinephrine reuptake ( NET), as promising targets for future research on the genetic basis of individual differences in learning rate (Study 2, n = 137). Our findings suggest a role for the noradrenergic and cholinergic systems in belief updating and underline the importance of studying interactions between different neuromodulatory systems.
Feels Like Dancing: Motion Capture-Driven Haptic Interface as an Added Sensory Experience for Dance Viewing
Authors: McCormick John , Hossny Mohammed , Fielding Michael , Mullins James , Vincent Jordan Beth , Hossny Mostafa , Vincs Kim , Mohamed Shady , Nahavandi Saeid , Creighton Douglas , Hutchison Steph
Published: July 2018

This paper describes a system for delivering movement information from a dance performance using a multisensory approach that includes visual, sonic and haptic information. The work builds on previous research into interpreting dance as haptic information for blind, deaf-blind and vision-impaired audience members. This current work is aimed at a general audience, with haptic information being one of a number of sensory experiences of the dance. A prototype haptic device has been developed for use in dance performance research.
66m Under
Authors: Tu Shan , Mi Haipeng , Xian Feng
Published: July 2018

66m Under is an interactive installation art exhibited in a public space of Beijing 751 Art Zone. A floating balloon sea continues to rise, reflecting the phenomenon of global warming. Visitors can interact with this installation artwork by showing their efforts to delay the rising of the sea in order to save a bird nest 66 meters high above the balloon sea. We created this artwork to encourage people to focus on environmental crisis and arouse public awareness of environmental protection.
Agamben, John Chrysostom and Alternative Politics
Authors: Bekos John
Published: July 2018

This article presents an alternative use of The Church and the Kingdom, a homily that Giorgio Agamben addressed to the Bishop of Paris and high-ranked Church officials at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, in 2009. Taking advantage of the biblical and patristic sources of the homily, this article places the speech within the Christian tradition, treating it as if it was a Christian homily. It argues that the Church and the Kingdom lay the foundations for the new political comprising a dialectical tension between the State and the Church. The alternative politics of this new political is further developed by bringing together John Chrysostom, the philosopher Agamben and the theologian Stanley Hauerwas. This coming together leads to a politics of a life as strangers, sojourners and refugees.
Polish Jesuits and Their Dreams about Missions in China, According to the Litterae indipetae
Authors: Miazek-Męczyńska Monika
Published: July 2018

From the very beginning, Polish Jesuits were aware of the fact that the general of the Society of Jesus required them to focus on completely different missionary areas than the Far East. Nevertheless, in the Archivum Romanum Societatis Iesu one can find more than two hundred so-called indipetae (shortened version of Litterae ad Indiam petentes)—letters sent by Polish Jesuits to their general asking for foreign missions, especially in China. They were written by 114 Jesuit fathers and brothers but ultimately only four (Andrzej Rudomina, Michał Boym, Jan Mikołaj Smogulecki, Jan Bąkowski) ever preached the word of God in the Middle Kingdom. By analyzing the content of Polish indipetae letters, this paper underlines the most important sources of missionary vocations among Polish Jesuits, through comparison with similar letters from the fathers and brothers of other Jesuit provinces.
The Literary Heritage of Jesuits of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Authors: Milewska-Waźbińska Barbara
Published: July 2018

Since 1565, the Society of Jesus promoted education in the humanities. The vast majority of the Polish nobility received their education in Jesuit colleges. Jesuit preachers, writers, poets, authors of heraldic and emblem works—derived mostly from the nobility—were understandably deeply involved in politics. The legacy of the most outstanding Jesuit authors testifies to their active participation in public life. In keeping with the specifics of the Polish case, their literary production emphasizes not only the vita activa, but also animus civilis. Political and historical themes, as well as religious motifs, played a significant role in Jesuit works. The Society’s activities in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth produced important works in various genres of literature, a significant portion of which was in Latin. Their poetry and prose is characterized by involvement in socio-political issues: the stormy political events and wars of the seventeenth century had a considerable effect on the compositions of the leading Jesuit authors.
Towards a Queer Sister-Folk Church? Reimaginations in Lutheran Scandinavian Folk Church
Authors: Gunnes Gyrid
Published: July 2018

The article argues that the inclusion of material created from an ethnographic research strategy opens the possibility for theological reimagination of two aspects of Scandinavian creation theology: the meaning of ecclesial space and the notion of folk. The article uses elements from queer theory/theology as sensitising devices for recognizing the potential of such theological reimagining. The empirical material is based on ethnographic fieldwork in the Church of Our Lady, Trondheim, Norway, an ecclesial practice committed to rituals of hospitality. Reading the displacement of street space and church sanctuary space in the light of elements of queer theory/theology, the article aspires to show how the notion of folk and the meaning of sanctuary space is destabilized and unsettled through these practices.
A new species of Cyperus sect. Tetragoni (Cyperaceae) from Colombia, South America
Authors: TUCKER GORDON C. , VERLOOVE FILIP
Published: July 2018

Based on study of herbarium specimens, Cyperus bernalii is described as a new species from the Andean region of Colombia, South America. It is known from a single collection from the Putomayo region and appears to be most closely related to Cyperus thyrsiflorus Jungh.
The genus Haplodrassus Chamberlin, 1922 in the Mediterranean and the Maghreb in particular (Araneae: Gnaphosidae)
Authors: BOSMANS ROBERT , KHERBOUCHE-ABROUS OURIDA , BENHALIMA SOUÂD , HERVÉ CHRISTOPHE
Published: July 2018

The Haplodrassus species of the the Maghreb are revised. Six new species are described: H. dentifer Bosmans & Abrous, sp. n. (♂♀, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Spain), H. longivulva Bosmans & Hervé, sp. n. (♂♀, Algeria, Morocco), H. lyndae Abrous & Bosmans, sp. n. (♂♀, Algeria, Morocco, Spain), H. ovatus Bosmans & Hervé, sp. n. (Tunisia, Algeria), H. securifer Bosmans & Abrous, sp. n. (♂♀, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium) and H. triangularis Bosmans, sp. n. (♂♀, Morocco, Tunisia). The following new synonyms are proposed. Drassus corticalis Lucas, 1846, syn. n. and Drassus similis C.L. Koch, 1866, syn. n. were found to be junior synonyms of Drassus rufipes Lucas, 1846. Drassus parvulus L. Koch 1882, Drassodes acrotirius Roewer, 1928, Drassodes seditiosus Caporiacco, 1928, Drassodes parvicorpus Roewer, 1951 and Haplodrassus maroccanus Denis, 1956 are junior synonyms of Drassus omissus O.P.-Cambridge, 1872 syn. n. and this species is transferred to Haplodrassus comb. n. (taken out of the synonymy with H. morosus (O.P.-Cambridge, 1872, contra Levy, 2004). Drassodes nigroscriptus deminutus Simon, 1909 and Drassodes nigroscriptus Simon, 1909 are synonyms and the species is transferred to Haplodrassus comb. n. Haplodrassus isaevi Ponomarev & Tsvetkov, 2006 is a junior synonym of Haplodrassus orientalis (L. Koch), 1866 syn. n. comb. n. H. macellinus hebes (O.P.- Cambridge, 1874) is a synonym of Haplodrassus macellinus (Thorell, 1871) syn. n. Haplodrassus vignai Di Franco, 1996 is a synonym of H. macellinus (Thorell, 1871) (taken out of the synonymy of H. invalidus O.P.-Cambridge, 1872, contra Levy, 2004). H. gridellii Caporiacco, 1949 is taken out of the synonymy with H. pugnans (Simon, 1880) and synonymized with H. rufipes (Lucas, 1846) syn. n. (contra Levy, 2004). The following new combinations are proposed. Drassodes rhodanicus Simon, 1914 = Haplodrassus rhodanicus (Simon, 1914), comb. n. Drassus crassipes Lucas, 1846 = Haplodrassus crassipes (Lucas, 1846) comb. n. The following new status is proposed: Haplodrassus typhon (Simon, 1878) is removed from the synonymy of H. macellinus Thorel, 1871, is declared a valid species, a female lectotype is designated and the unknown male is described. Drassodes severus L. Koch, 1839 and Drassodes spinicrus Caporiacco, 1928 are declared nomina dubia. The female of H. rhodanicus is described for the first time, and the male illustrated for the first time. All Haplodrassus species occurring in the Maghreb are redescribed as well as Haplodrassus macellinus (Thorell, 1871), only occurring in S.W. Europe and deleted from the North African list. New distribution data and photos of other European Haplodrassus species are presented.
Taxonomic revision of Agraphydrus Régimbart, 1903 I. China and Taiwan (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae)
Authors: KOMAREK ALBRECHT , HEBAUER FRANZ
Published: July 2018

The species of Agraphydrus Régimbart, 1903 from China and Taiwan are revised. Nine species are redescribed and 33 new species are described: A. activus sp. n., A. agilis sp. n., A. arduus sp. n., A. audax sp. n., A. calvus sp. n., A. cantonensis sp. n., A. chinensis sp. n., A. comes sp. n., A. confusus sp. n., A. conicus sp. n., A. connexus sp. n., A. contractus sp. n., A. fasciatus sp. n., A. fikaceki sp. n., A. forcipatus sp. n., A. fujianensis sp. n., A. globipenis sp. n., A. gracilipalpis sp. n., A. igneus sp. n., A. jilanzhui sp. n., A. longipenis sp. n., A. niger sp. n., A. reductus sp. n., A. reticuliceps sp. n., A. robustus sp. n., A. schoenmanni sp. n., A. setifer sp. n., A. splendens sp. n., A. umbrosus sp. n., A. uncinatus sp. n., A. variabilis sp. n., A. wangmiaoi sp. n., and A. yunnanensis sp. n. Agraphydrus ryukyuensis (Matsui, 1994) is synonymized with A. coomani (Orchymont, 1927). The latter is recorded from China for the first time. A total of 42 species are now known from China and Taiwan. Agraphydrus orientalis (Orchymont, 1932) was erroneously recorded from China. Gymnhelochares Orchymont, 1932 is synonymized with Agraphydrus s. str. Régimbart, 1903. All species reviewed here are aquatic or occur in habitats near water. Species have been collected in a wide variety of flowing and stagnant water bodies, and four species are known to be hygropetric. Agraphydrus jilanzhui is exclusively found north of the Yangtze River; the other species occur south of it, with nine of them occurring on both sides. Eleven species covered here also occur outside of China and Taiwan. Habitus, male genitalia and morphological details are illustrated and a key to the species from China and Taiwan is added.
World genera of Mastigitae: review of morphological structures and new ecological data (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: July 2018

Mastigitae comprise most unusual ant-like stone beetles, showing intriguing morphological characters and ecological adaptations. The largest adults among Scydmaeninae can be found in this group; some reaching nearly 9 mm in length, but there are also adults as small as 1.10 mm. Members of Leptomastacini are microphthalmous and depigmented; Mastigini are often black or contrastingly bicolored and have diurnal life style, adults of some species climbing bushes and trees. Papusini inhabit the driest North American deserts and are active during the warmest time of the year; other taxa live in subtropical forests; some are known to enter caves. Adults of some genera have enigmatic modifications of maxillary palps, postgenae or antennae, whose functions still remain unknown. In one genus the male genitalia are enormously elongate, so that these beetles have evolved a method of copulation not known in any other Coleoptera. The evolutionary history of Mastigitae is documented by fossils since the Upper Cretaceous, and extinct forms are even more 'extreme' in their spiny antennae and unusually elongate appendages than their extant relatives. Although phylogenetic hypotheses have been proposed to clarify the relationships and classification of Mastigitae, morphological structures of most genera remain undescribed. They are reviewed in the present synopsis, with detailed descriptions and illustrations of adult structures of all extant genera (Ablepton, Leptomastax, Taurablepton, Mastigus, Palaeostigus, Stenomastigus, Leptochromus, Clidicus and Papusus), with a brief review of known larval forms and fossils. Novel ecological data are given, with emphasis on habitat preferences and feeding behavior. The 'springtail trap' hypothesis for the spiny antennae of Mastigini is rejected, based on field observations and laboratory experiments. For the first time, details of feeding for Palaeostigus and Leptomastax are described. A checklist of species is given, and the main problems related to the classification, phylogeny and ecology of Mastigitae are discussed.
Note on rare snake eels (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) and additional data on three Neenchelys recently described from Taiwan
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , HIBINO YUSUKE , HUANG JIAN-FU
Published: July 2018

Three rare snake eel species, Allips concolor McCosker, 1972, Neenchelys daedalus McCosker, 1982, and Apterichtus    moseri (Jordan & Snyder, 1901), were newly collected from Taiwan. The distribution ranges of the first two species are now extended to the South China Sea off southern Taiwan and that of the third is extended southward to off northwestern Taiwan. Supplemental data for three recently described species, Neenchelys diaphora, N. gracilis and N. similis, from Taiwan are provided.
Morphological and molecular identification of leptocephali of Taiwanese duckbill conger, Gavialiceps taiwanensis (Chen & Weng, 1967) (Family Congridae)
Authors: LIN CHIEN-TING , HO HSUAN-CHING
Published: July 2018

The leptocephali of the Taiwanese duckbill conger are described in detail for the first time based on specimens collected from near the type locality. Morphological and molecular features are employed to compare the leptocephali, juveniles and adults. The morphology of leptocephali can be divided into three stages, with clear metamorphosis of the jaw structure and morphometric proportions. Detailed description and comparison of each leptocephalic stage, juveniles and adults, and the ontogenetic changes of leptocephali are provided.
Three new species of the cutthroat eel genus Dysomma, with comments on the variation of D. taiwanense (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , TIGHE KENNETH A.
Published: July 2018

Three new species of eels of the genus Dysomma are described from the western North Pacific Ocean off Taiwan. Dysomma formosa sp. nov., described from 34 specimens, differs from the congeners in having single row of 11–14 large compound teeth followed by 3–10 smaller teeth on lower jaw, 17–33 lateral-line pores, and 128–133 total vertebrae. Dysomma brachygnathos sp. nov., described from two specimens, differs from the congeners in the lack of a pectoral fin, having an anterior position of anus (preanal length 17.8–ca. 18.6% SL), 23–32 lateral line pores, a short lower jaw, and 131+‒136 total vertebrae. Dysomma robinsorum sp. nov., described from four specimens, differs from the congeners in having an anterior position of anus; preanal length 15.5–16.9% SL, no intermaxillary teeth; multiple rows of teeth on upper jaw; four compound teeth on vomer; teeth on lower jaw multiserial, those on inner row slightly enlarged, and 122–124 total vertebrae. Components of the variation of Dysomma taiwanense originally described from Taiwan are provided based on an additional 52 recently identified specimens.
A new genus and species of congrid eel from the Philippines (Anguillliformes: Congridae: Bathymyrinae)
Authors: SMITH DAVID G.
Published: July 2018

Rostroconger macrouriceps sp. nov. is described from a single specimen collected off the east coast of Luzon, Philippines. It is a member of the subfamily Bathymyrinae, differing from all others in the presence of a bony rostrum extending from the anterior end of the snout. The posterior nostril opens into a slit in the upper lip and is not visible externally. The head pores are reduced in size and number; only three pores are present in the infraorbital canal, four in the supraorbital canal, and none in the preopercular or supratemporal canals.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Two-Dimensional Tin Diselenide Nanoplates
Authors: Liu Mei , Shi Ying , Zhang Guangping , Zhang Yongheng , Wu Meimei , Ren Junfeng , Man Baoyuan
Published: July 2018

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful spectroscopy technique to detect and characterize molecules at a very low concentration level. The two-dimensional (2D) semi-conductor layered material, tin diselenide (SnSe2), is used as a new substrate for enhancing the Raman signals of adsorbed molecules. Three kinds of molecules—Rhodamine 6G (R6G), crystal violet (CV), and methylene blue (MB)—are used as probe molecules to evaluate the SERS performance of SnSe2. The Raman signals of different molecules can be enhanced by SnSe2 nanoplates (NPs). The distinguishable Raman signal of R6G molecules can be obtained for adsorbent concentrations as low as 10−17 mol/L. Based on a detailed analysis of the bandgap structure and opto-electrical properties of SnSe2 NPs, we discuss the process of charge transfer and the Raman enhancement mechanism of SnSe2 NP. The high Raman sensitivity of SnSe2 NPs is related to the charge transfer between molecules and SnSe2, 2D layered structure, and indirect bandgap of few-layered SnSe2. The research results will help to expand the application of SnSe2 in microanalysis, improve the measurement accuracy of SERS, and possibly find use in optoelectronic device integration.
Effects of Touch, Voice, and Multimodal Input, and Task Load on Multiple-UAV Monitoring Performance During Simulated Manned-Unmanned Teaming in a Military Helicopter
Authors: Levulis Samuel J. , DeLucia Patricia R. , Kim So Young
Published: July 2018

Objective:

We evaluated three interface input methods for a simulated manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) supervisory control system designed for Air Mission Commanders (AMCs) in Black Hawk helicopters.

Background:

A key component of the U.S. Army’s vision for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is to integrate UAVs into manned missions, called MUM-T (Department of Defense, 2010). One application of MUM-T is to provide the AMC of a team of Black Hawk helicopters control of multiple UAVs, offering advanced reconnaissance and real-time intelligence of flight routes and landing zones.

Method:

Participants supervised a (simulated) team of two helicopters and three UAVs while traveling toward a landing zone to deploy ground troops. Participants classified aerial photographs collected by UAVs, monitored instrument warnings, and responded to radio communications. We manipulated interface input modality (touch, voice, multimodal) and task load (number of photographs).

Results:

Compared with voice, touch and multimodal control resulted in better performance on all tasks and resulted in lower subjective workload and greater subjective situation awareness, ps < .05. Participants with higher spatial ability classified more aerial photographs ( r = .75) and exhibited shorter response times to instrument warnings ( r = −.58) than participants with lower spatial ability.

Conclusion:

Touchscreen and multimodal control were superior to voice control in a supervisory control task that involved monitoring visual displays and communicating on radio channels.

Application:

Although voice control is often considered a more natural and less physically demanding input method, caution is needed when designing visual displays for users sharing common communication channels.
An Upper Extremity Risk Assessment Tool Based on Material Fatigue Failure Theory: The Distal Upper Extremity Tool (DUET)
Authors: Gallagher Sean , Schall Mark C. , Sesek Richard F. , Huangfu Rong
Published: July 2018

Objective:

Musculoskeletal tissues repeatedly loaded in vitro fail in accordance with material fatigue failure theory, and there is evidence to suggest that the same process occurs in vivo. The current paper presents a new upper extremity risk assessment tool, the Distal Upper Extremity Tool (DUET), predicated on material fatigue failure theory.

Methods:

DUET requires an estimate of force exertion level and the number of repetitions performed to derive estimates of damage and probabilities of experiencing a distal upper extremity outcome. Damage accrued over multiple tasks may be summed to estimate the cumulative damage (CD) accrued over a workday. Validation of this tool was performed using five distal upper extremity (DUE) outcomes (involving medical visits and pain) from an existing epidemiological database involving data from six automotive manufacturing plants. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of the log of the DUET CD measure to DUE outcomes.

Results:

Results demonstrated that the log of the DUET CD measure was highly associated with all five DUE outcomes in both crude analyses and those adjusted for site, age, gender, and body mass index ( p < .01). A model relating the continuous DUET log CD score to the probability of the DUE outcome Injury + Pain Last Year was developed, which demonstrated a significant dose-response relationship.

Conclusions:

Results suggest that fatigue failure–based risk assessment techniques are highly associated with DUE outcomes and provide support for the notion that an underlying fatigue failure process may be involved in the development of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
Signal Detection Theory (SDT) Is Effective for Modeling User Behavior Toward Phishing and Spear-Phishing Attacks
Authors: Martin Jaclyn , Dubé Chad , Coovert Michael D.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To examine the utility of equal-variance signal detection theory (EVSDT) for evaluating and understanding human detection of phishing and spear-phishing e-mail scams.

Background:

Although the majority of cybersecurity breaches are due to erroneous responses to deceptive phishing e-mails, it is unclear how best to quantify performance in this context. In particular, it is unclear whether equal variances can safely be assumed in the SDT model, or, relatedly, whether degree of targeting, or threat level, primarily affects mean separation or evidence variability.

Method:

Through an online inbox simulation, the present research found that differences in susceptibility to phishing and spear-phishing e-mails could be carefully quantified with respect to detection accuracy and response bias through the use of an EVSDT framework.

Results:

The results indicated that EVSDT-based point metrics are effective for modeling and measuring phishing susceptibility in the inbox task, without the need for parameter estimation or model comparison involving unequal-variance SDT (UVSDT). Threat level modulated mean separation, with no effects on signal variances.

Conclusion:

These findings support the viability of using EVSDT to initially assess and subsequently monitor training effectiveness for phishing susceptibility, thereby providing measures that are superior to more intuitive metrics, which typically confound an individual’s bias and accuracy. Effects of threat level mapped clearly onto distribution means with no effect on variances, suggesting phishing susceptibility primarily reflects temporally stable discriminative characteristics of observers. Notably, results indicated that people are particularly poor at identifying spear-phishing e-mail threats (demonstrating only 40% accuracy).
Housing, debt and the economy: a tale of two countries
Authors: Muellbauer John
Published: July 2018

In housing affordability levels and volatility, there could hardly be a greater contrast than between the UK and Germany. Differences in history, institutions and policies are explored in this paper. Residential housing supply has been far more expansionary in Germany and mortgage credit more tightly regulated. A sensibly regulated rental market and stable German house prices have combined to leave the rental sector with over half of tenures. Policy failures in the UK have resulted in widening intergenerational inequality, increased social exclusion, adversely affected productivity and growth and raised the risk of financial instability. Policy lessons are drawn for the UK, which go far beyond the remit of the immediately responsible Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Housing policy and the changing tenure mix
Authors: Whitehead Christine
Published: July 2018

The paper discusses the many reasons why housing policy can appear to be both incoherent and ineffective - with too many Departments involved each with different objectives and a plethora of policies pulling in different directions. Drawing on earlier research findings the paper discusses three examples which have impacted on tenure mix – the growth in the private rented sector where policy initiatives – except for unintended side effects – have been limited and market and macroeconomic pressures have dominated; a range of tax anomalies which provide inconsistent incentives and generate considerable costs to the economy; and the impact of specific policies which concentrate on supporting owner-occupation through new build initiatives. The paper concludes by asking whether housing policy is inherently unable to withstand the pressures placed on it by both politics and macroeconomic realities.
When Do Women Speak? A Comparative Analysis of the Role of Gender in Legislative Debates
Authors: Bäck Hanna , Debus Marc
Published: July 2018

Do female representatives participate less often in legislative debates, and does it matter which topic is debated? Drawing on the role incongruity theory, we hypothesise that women take the parliamentary floor less often because of the gender stereotypes that are likely to guide the behaviour of party representatives. Such underrepresentation is less likely to be present when debates are dealing with policy areas that can be characterised as feminine. By referring to critical mass theory, we expect women to participate less in debates if they are members of parties with fewer female representatives. The results of an analysis of speechmaking among members of parliament in seven European countries show that female members of parliament are less represented in legislative debates, especially when debates deal with topics that can be characterised as masculine. Furthermore, the effect of gender on speechmaking clearly varies across parties. However, the pattern does not follow the logic derived from critical mass theory. Instead, female members of parliament take the floor less often when they are members of parties with many female representatives.
Interhemispheric Activation and Memory Function: Considerations and Recommendations in the Context of Cardiovascular Exercise Research
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Frith Emily
Published: July 2018

The field of neurobiology of learning and memory has demonstrated that interhemispheric activation plays an important role in subserving episodic memory function. A common behavioral technique to induce interhemispheric activation includes saccadic eye movements, with a common behavioral marker being the degree of handedness. Importantly, however, the field of exercise neurobiology has yet to consider these behavioral techniques and markers in exercise-based studies. This review highlights the effects of these techniques and markers on episodic memory function and discusses the implications of this for exercise studies. We discuss the physiological and neurological mechanisms of interhemispheric activation on memory. We also discuss the role this may play in cardiorespiratory exercise studies. Our understanding of the role of both exercise and interhemispheric activation on memory function is improving. The interplay between these two factors on memory, however, is unknown. We discuss these implications and provide recommendations for future research.
Forgiveness, pardon and justice: Critical reflections on Eric Lomax’s The Railway Man
Authors: Leah Gordon
Published: July 2018

This piece examines the famous event whereby Eric Lomax, author of The Railway Man, forgives the Japanese interpreter, Nagase, for his involvement in his torture in 1943. I consider the circumstances of the torture, Nagase’s penitence and the protracted process of Lomax’s forgiveness. I examine whether some acts are unforgivable, the difference between forgiveness and unconditional pardon, and how Christ through his expiatory death achieves the pardon that only he, as the Son of God, can achieve for his executioners and for all humanity. Thus, what might seem unforgivable is forgiven in Christ’s name, through whom ultimate justice, if not restitution, is achieved.
Cult books revisited: Jürgen Moltmann’s The Crucified God
Authors: Miller Smith Collin
Published: July 2018

This latest contribution to ‘Cult Books Revisited’ summarizes and sets into context one of the most important theological books of the twentieth century – Jürgen Moltmann’s The Crucified God (1974).
A study of semantic integration across archaeological data and reports in different languages
Authors: Binding Ceri , Tudhope Douglas , Vlachidis Andreas
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the semantic integration of data extracted from archaeological datasets with information extracted via natural language processing (NLP) across different languages. The investigation follows a broad theme relating to wooden objects and their dating via dendrochronological techniques, including types of wooden material, samples taken and wooden objects including shipwrecks. The outcomes are an integrated RDF dataset coupled with an associated interactive research demonstrator query builder application. The semantic framework combines the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CRM) with the Getty Art and Architecture Thesaurus (AAT). The NLP, data cleansing and integration methods are described in detail together with illustrative scenarios from the web application Demonstrator. Reflections and recommendations from the study are discussed. The Demonstrator is a novel SPARQL web application, with CRM/AAT-based data integration. Functionality includes the combination of free text and semantic search with browsing on semantic links, hierarchical and associative relationship thesaurus query expansion. Queries concern wooden objects (e.g. samples of beech wood keels), optionally from a given date range, with automatic expansion over AAT hierarchies of wood types and specialised associative relationships. Following a ‘mapping pattern’ approach (via the STELETO tool) ensured validity and consistency of all RDF output. The user is shielded from the complexity of the underlying semantic framework by a query builder user interface. The study demonstrates the feasibility of connecting information extracted from datasets and grey literature reports in different languages and semantic cross-searching of the integrated information. The semantic linking of textual reports and datasets opens new possibilities for integrative research across diverse resources.
Treatment Delays in Primarily Resected Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: National Benchmarks and Survival Associations
Authors: Morse Elliot , Judson Benjamin , Husain Zain , Burtness Barbara , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Sasaki Clarence , Cheraghlou Shayan , Mehra Saral
Published: July 2018

Objective

To characterize treatment delays in surgically treated oropharyngeal cancer, identify factors associated with delays, and associate delays with survival.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Commission on Cancer–accredited institutions.

Subjects and Methods

We identified patients in the National Cancer Database with surgically treated oropharyngeal cancer. We characterized the durations of diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation, surgery‐to‐radiation treatment, radiation treatment duration, total treatment package, and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end intervals as medians. We associated delays with patient, tumor, and treatment factors via multivariable logistic regression analysis and with overall survival by Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

In total, 3708 patients met inclusion criteria. Median durations of diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation, surgery‐to‐radiation treatment, radiation treatment duration, total treatment package, and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end intervals were 27, 42, 47, 90, and 106 days, respectively. Medicaid and human papillomavirus (HPV) negativity were associated with delays. Delayed total treatment package and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end intervals were associated with decreased survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.81 [1.29‐2.54], P =. 001 and HR = 1.97 [1.39‐2.78], P <. 001, respectively); this was maintained following HPV stratification. Delays in the surgery‐to‐radiation treatment interval were associated with decreased overall survival in HPV‐negative but not HPV‐positive patients (HR = 2.05 [1.19‐3.52], P =. 010 and HR = 1.15 [0.74‐1.80], P =. 535, respectively). Diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation and radiation treatment duration were not associated with overall survival in the overall cohort (HR = 1.21 [0.86‐1.72], P =. 280 and HR = 1.40 [0.99‐1.99], P =. 061, respectively); however, following stratification, delayed radiation treatment duration approached significance in HPV‐negative but not HPV‐positive patients (HR = 1.60 [0.96‐2.68], P =. 072 and HR = 1.35 [0.84‐2.18], P =. 220).

Conclusion

Treatment durations identified here can serve as national benchmarks and for institutions to compare quality to their peers. Distinct benchmarks should be applied to HPV‐negative and HPV‐positive patients.
You’re like me and I like you: Mediators of the similarity–liking link assessed before and after a getting-acquainted social interaction
Authors: Hampton Adam J. , Fisher Boyd Amanda N. , Sprecher Susan
Published: July 2018

Several mediators of the similarity–liking link were examined in a laboratory study that involved previously unacquainted individuals interacting to become acquainted and that also included a preinteraction manipulation of bogus similarity. In addition to replicating the robust finding of a positive association between similarity and liking in both a bogus stranger paradigm and a social interaction paradigm, we tested the roles of five potential mediators of the similarity–liking association: consensual validation, cognitive evaluation, certainty of being liked, fun and enjoyment, and self-expansion opportunity. The results indicated certainty of being liked to be the strongest mediator prior to a live interaction and fun and enjoyment to be the strongest mediator postinteraction. Consensual validation was also found to be a strong mediator postinteraction.
Dose-response effects of omega-3 on platelet aggregation: an observational study
Authors: Kander Thomas , Lindblom Erik , Schött Ulf
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the dose-response effects of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids on platelet function in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Twelve healthy volunteers ingested a normal supplemental dose of 1260 mg omega-3 fatty acids daily for 5 days, followed by a high dose of 2520 mg daily for another 5 days. Multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) with four different agonists was used to measure platelet aggregation before and after the normal- and high-dose regimes. In vitro spiking using physiological doses of omega-3 fatty acids was also performed to determine whether MEA is capable of detecting a platelet-inhibiting effect due to omega-3 fatty acids.

Results

There were no differences in platelet aggregation measured by the MEA assay in healthy volunteers after intake of either the normal or high dose of omega-3 fatty acids. In the in vitro experiment, a platelet-inhibiting effect of omega-3 fatty acids was shown by an arachidonic acid agonist in MEA .

Conclusions

Supplemental omega-3 fatty acids do not evoke their positive health effects through inhibition of platelet aggregation measurable with MEA.
‘What a Wonderful Change Have I Undergone…So Altered in Stature, Knowledge & Ideas!’: Apprenticeship, Adolescence and Growing Up in Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century Ulster
Authors: Calvert Leanne
Published: July 2018

Until the late nineteenth century, apprenticeship was the main way in which young people were trained in crafts and trades. Given that most apprenticeship terms lasted approximately seven years, young people could expect to spend a large part of their youth in service to another. Apprenticeship therefore coincided with an important phase in the life cycle of many young men (and women) during this period. A study of apprenticeship not only tells us how young people learned the skills with which they made their future living, it also casts light on the process of ‘growing up’. However, we still know little about the everyday lives of apprentices, their relationships with their masters, and how young people themselves understood the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Drawing largely on the diary of John Tennent (1772–1813), a grocer’s apprentice who kept a record of his time spent in service, this article aims to broaden our understanding of these themes in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Ireland. It demonstrates that, for young middle-class men like Tennent, apprenticeship played a key role in the transition from boy to manhood.
Modeling Cyber Attacks at Intelligent Traffic Signals
Authors: Comert Gurcan , Pollard Jacquan , Nicol David M. , Palani Kartik , Vignesh Babu
Published: July 2018

Transportation networks are considered one of the critical physical infrastructures for resilient cities (cyber-physical systems). In efforts to minimize adverse effects that come with the advancement of vehicular technologies, various governmental agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), work together. This paper develops belief-network-based attack modeling at signalized traffic networks under connected vehicle and intelligent signals frameworks. For different types of cyber attacks, defined in the literature, risk areas and impacts of attacks are evaluated. Vulnerability scores, technically based on the selected metrics, are calculated for signal controllers. In addition, the effect of having redundant traffic sensing systems on intersection performance measures is demonstrated in terms of average queue length differences.