bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of the femoralis group of Blepharoneura Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: NORRBOM ALLEN L. , CONDON MARTY
Published: November 2018

The femoralis species group of the genus Blepharoneura is revised. The following 42 species, including 32 new species, are recognized: amplihyalina, n. sp. (northwestern Argentina), apaapa, n. sp. (Bolivia), aspiculosa, n. sp. (Mexico), bidigitata, n. sp. (southern Brazil), bipunctata, n. sp. (Ecuador), biseriata Wulp (Mexico), bivittata, n. sp. (Nicaragua, Costa Rica), brevivittata, n. sp. (Costa Rica to Peru), chaconi, n. sp. (Costa Rica), cornelli, n. sp. (Costa Rica), cyclantherae, n. sp. (Mexico), femoralis Wulp (Mexico to Brazil), fernandezi, n. sp. (Venezuela, northern Brazil), furcifer Hendel (Venezuela to Bolivia and Brazil), hirsuta Bates (Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil), hyalinella, n. sp. (Bolivia), io Giglio-Tos (Mexico), isolata, n. sp. (Guatemala), lutea, n. sp. (Costa Rica), macwilliamsae, n. sp. (Costa Rica), marshalli, n. sp. (northwestern Argentina), mexicana, n. sp. (Guatemala, Mexico), mikenoltei, n. sp. (Costa Rica), multipunctata, n. sp. (Ecuador), nigriapex, n. sp. (Bolivia), nigrifemur, n. sp. (Bolivia), osmundsonae, n. sp. (Mexico), punctistigma, n. sp. (Mexico to Costa Rica), quadristriata Wulp (Mexico to Costa Rica; possibly Colombia), quetzali, n. sp. (Guatemala), regina Giglio-Tos (Mexico), rupta (Wulp) (Mexico to Costa Rica), ruptafascia, n. sp. (Ecuador), septemdigitata, n. sp. (Peru, Bolivia), sinepuncta, n. sp. (Costa Rica), splendida Giglio-Tos (Mexico to Ecuador), tau, n. sp. (Costa Rica), thetis Hendel (southern Brazil), unifasciata, n. sp. (Ecuador), variabilis, n. sp. (Mexico), wasbaueri, n. sp. (Ecuador), and zumbadoi, n. sp. (Costa Rica). Blepharoneura amazonensis Lima & Leite, 1952 is considered a new synonym of B. hirsuta Bates, 1933, and a lectotype is designated for Blepharoneura furcifer Hendel, 1914. A key to species and phylogenetic analysis are provided, as well as descriptions, illustrations, distributions, and host plant data (as available) for each species.
Contribution to the systematic rearrangement of the Palaearctic Peritelini. VI. A synthesis of the Spanish Peritelini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)
Authors: PIEROTTI HELIO , BELLÒ CESARE , ALONSO-ZARAZAGA MIGUEL A.
Published: November 2018

A synthesis of the present knowledge of the Spanish Peritelini is presented. Two new genera are separated from Peritelus auctt.: Euplister (type species: Peritelus susanae Seidlitz, 1866) and Pseudoperitelus (type species: Peritelus globulicollis Seidlitz, 1862). Thirteen new species are described from Spain: Meira gerundana, M. medae, M. tarraconensis, Pseudomeira baetica, P. eremita, P. lepida, Euplister andalusicus, E. frater, E. megalophthalmus, E. mimus, E. moroderi, E. trifolii, E. velazquezi. New combinations are: Euplister susanae (Seidlitz, 1866), E. hybridus (Seidlitz, 1871), E. setabensis (Hustache, 1921), E. magnicollis (Desbrochers, 1896), E. coniceps (Desbrochers, 1897), Pseudoperitelus senex (Boheman, 1834), P. globulicollis (Seidlitz, 1871), P. espanoli (Roudier, 1958) and P. lopezi (Hoffmann, 1961), and one new synonym is proposed: Simo cremieri (Boheman, 1842) = Peritelus maroccanus Pic, 1920, syn. n. One genus, Meira Jacquelin du Val, 1853, and two species, Gymnomorphus nigrans (Fairmaire, 1862) and Meirella florentina (Stierlin, 1884), are newly recorded from Spain, bringing the total number of Peritelini known from Iberia to ten genera and thirtysix species. Diagnoses, detailed descriptions and data on distribution and ecology, mostly unpublished, are provided for each species, and a catalogue, identification keys, distribution maps and figures of key anatomical characters are added for the Iberian species. Caenopsis Bach, 1854 is excluded from Peritelini and confirmed as belonging in Trachyphloeini.
Description of a neotype and designation of four lectotypes from Borneo in the genus Curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: PELSUE, JR. FRANK W.
Published: November 2018

A neotype is described for Balaninus sellatus Marshall, originally based on a unique female specimen, which will be replaced by a male specimen; and four lectotypes are designated for the following species: B. analis Marshall, B. discreticoxis Marshall, B. imitatior Marshall, and B. quincunx Marshall. All species are now in the genus Curculio Linnaeus. Original type specimens were stolen on the Paris Metro.
Two new species of Psychodidae (subfamilies Trichomyiinae and Psychodinae) from Germany associated with decaying wood
Authors: BERAN BERNADETT , DOCZKAL DIETER , PFISTER KURT , WAGNER RÜDIGER
Published: November 2018

Two new species of Psychodidae, Trichomyia stephani nov. spec. (subfamily Trichomyiinae) and Telmatoscopus thuringicus nov. spec. (subfamily Psychodinae) collected in Germany are described and figured. The larvae, like those of their close relatives are most probably bound to decaying wood. Cutting down in particular old trees finally axes habitats of many endangered red data list species.
An extraordinary new termite (Isoptera: Termitidae: Syntermitinae: Rhynchotermes) from the pasturelands of northern Colombia
Authors: SCHEFFRAHN RUDOLF H.
Published: November 2018

A new species of mandibulate nasute termite, Rhynchotermes bulbinasus Scheffrahn sp. nov. is described from dimorphic soldiers and monomorphic workers discovered in the Caribbean plains of northern Colombia. The new species differs from all other New World Syntermitinae and Nasutitermitinae, in having a nasus with its distal diameter greater than its median diameter. Literature on the genus Rhynchotermes Holmgren is reviewed and field observations of R. bulbinasus are given.
A new insular species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northeastern Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysia
Authors: ONN CHAN KIN , AHMAD NORHAYATI
Published: November 2018

A new species of endemic Cyrtodactylus is described from Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu, off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It differs from other Sunda Shelf species by having a maximum SVL of 92 mm, enlarged tubercles on body and hind limbs but none on fore limbs, 27–35 ventral scale, a single row of transversely enlarged, median subcaudal scales, 18–20 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe, four precloacal pores, and a single row of enlarged, non porebearing femoral scales beneath each thigh which are not continuous with the precloacal pores.
A new species of Rhinatrema Duméril & Bibron (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Rhinatrematidae) from Guyana
Authors: GOWER DAVID J. , WILKINSON MARK , SHERRATT EMMA , KOK PHILIPPE J. R.
Published: November 2018

The first new species of rhinatrematid caecilian in more than 50 years, Rhinatrema shiv sp. nov., is described from Guyana. The type series of 10 specimens differs from the only other species in the genus, R. bivittatum, in having a longer tail, different colour pattern, more acuminate and relatively shorter head, and in several features of the skull and mandible including dentition. Sequence data for 1572 aligned base pairs of mitochondrial DNA are > 15% different between the two species. Rhinatrema shiv is known only from Guyana, and R. bivittatum from French Guiana and far northeastern Brazil. The only reported specimen of the genus from Suriname is not clearly referable to either of the named species.
Skill of Seasonal Arctic Sea Ice Extent Predictions Using the North American Multimodel Ensemble
Authors: Harnos K. J. , L’Heureux M. , Ding Q. , Zhang Q.
Published: November 2018

Previous studies have outlined benefits of using multiple model platforms to make seasonal climate predictions. Here, reforecasts from five models included in the North American Multimodel Ensemble (NMME) project are utilized to determine skill in predicting Arctic sea ice extent (SIE) during 1982–2010. Overall, relative to the individual models, the multimodel average results in generally smaller biases and better correlations for predictions of total SIE and year-to-year (Y2Y), linearly, and quadratically detrended variability. Also notable is the increase in error for NMME predictions of total September SIE during the mid-1990s through 2000s. After 2000, observed September SIE is characterized by more significant negative trends and increased Y2Y variance, which suggests that recent sea ice loss is resulting in larger prediction errors. While this tendency is concerning, due to the possibility of models not accurately representing the changing trends in sea ice, the multimodel approach still shows promise in providing more skillful predictions of Arctic SIE over any individual model.
Modulation of Near-Inertial Oscillations by Low-Frequency Current Variations on the Inner Scotian Shelf
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , He Zhongjie , Thompson Keith R. , Sheng Jinyu
Published: November 2018

Near-inertial oscillations (NIOs) on the inner Scotian shelf are studied using observations, a simple slab model, and two operational shelf circulation models. High-frequency radar and ADCP observations from December 2015 to February 2016 show that individual NIO events forced by time-varying wind stress typically lasted for three to four inertial periods. NIOs with speeds exceeding 0.25 m s−1 were observed in the offshore part of the study region, but their amplitudes decreased shoreward within ~40 km of the coast. The NIOs had spatial scales of ~80 and ~40 km in the alongshore and cross-shore directions, respectively. The NIO phases varied moving from west to east, consistent with the typical movement of winter storms across the study region. Evolving rotary spectral analysis reveals that the peak frequency fp of the NIOs varied with time by ~7% of the local inertial frequency. The variation in fp can be explained in part by local wind forcing as demonstrated by the slab model. The remaining variation in fp can be explained in part by variations in the background vorticity associated with changes in the strength and position of the Nova Scotia Current, an unstable baroclinic boundary current that runs along the coast to the southwest. Two operational shelf circulation models are used to examine the abovementioned features in the high-frequency-radar and ADCP observations. The models reproduce the spatial structure of the NIOs and, in a qualitative sense, the temporal variations of fp.
Challenging research for networked control systems: A survey
Authors: Li Meng , Chen Yong
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, networked control systems (NCSs) have been a popular research topic in both academia and industry areas. However, the NCSs also present great challenging problems due to imperfect communication, node moving, external interference and hacker attack. In this paper, we review some of the recent challenging researches for NCSs. Several concerned research subjects in NCSs are surveyed, including network-induced delays, packet dropouts, packet disordering, external disturbance, parameter uncertainty, data quantization, event-triggers mechanism, sensor or actuator failures, scheduling protocols, network attack and network topology. Correspondingly, various control laws to deal with these issues are discussed. Finally, some conclusions are given, and possible future directions are explored.
Active attitude fault-tolerant tracking control of flexible spacecraft via the Chebyshev neural network
Authors: Lu Kunfeng , Li Tianya , Zhang Lijun
Published: November 2018

This paper describes a novel finite-time attitude tracking control approach for flexible spacecraft. This is achieved by integrating sliding-mode control and the active real-time fault-tolerant reconfiguration method. In this approach, the attitude error dynamics and the kinematics of the flexible spacecraft are first established. Then, a nonsingular terminal sliding-mode surface is designed, based on finite-time control theory. Applying the Chebyshev neural network, the uncertain dynamics induced by external disturbances and uncertain inertia parameters are approximated and estimated. The nominal control law and the compensation control law to obtain the active reconfiguration fault-tolerant controller are finally developed in normal and fault conditions, respectively. The closed-loop tracking system is proved to be uniformly ultimately bounded stable after a finite time. Numerical simulations are presented for a flexible spacecraft to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed controller.
Assessing the requirements from ‘BB101’ 2006 and 2018 for a naturally ventilated preparatory school in the UK
Authors: Ji Yingchun , Swan Will , Fitton Richard , Fernando Terrence
Published: November 2018

In the UK, BB101 is the guidance document for ventilation design of school buildings. There are significant changes proposed in the new version of BB101. The aim of this paper is to examine the requirements of thermal comfort and CO2-based indoor air quality using both versions on a typical naturally ventilated preparatory school design using dynamic thermal simulations. The findings indicate that the new set of requirements on this school building design (both thermal and CO2 concentration) are much more difficult to meet than the requirements from the old version. One of the new thermal comfort criteria may be too difficult to achieve in practice, as the target value was exceeded for all the rooms of the examined design, using both test reference year and design summer year weather data. The ventilation provision for the school design is believed to be adequate. With appropriate ventilation control strategies, the design is able to meet the revised CO2 concentration criteria. Further examinations of the criteria from the new guidance document are needed to make sure the chosen criteria are fit for purpose. The use of future projected design summer year weather data (2020) also adds extra challenges for the preparatory school building to meet the newly proposed adaptive thermal comfort criteria.

Practical applications: The research presents a very first assessment of a preparatory school building design using the newly proposed BB101 guidance document. It will assist further exploration on the appropriateness of the new assessment criteria and the use of design summer year weather data in order to explore the implications of the new BB101 guidelines for designers. The method adopted in the research can also be used for other building types to assess overheating in buildings when adaptive comfort criteria are recommended.
Learning How to Hope: A Hope Curriculum
Authors: Standish Katerina
Published: November 2018

Humanist sociology shares space with positivity fields such as peace and conflict studies, positive psychology, and the wellness arms of health, science, and education to contribute to the “plus” side of knowledge and be part of the “solution” to problems and discord in human living systems. Hope is an often misinterpreted merit. It helps one imagine something different, yes, but it is also deeply connected to a sense that something can be different; something you wish will happen and a notion that change is actually (however unlikely) possible. A critical middle step between identifying spaces in need of transformation and working for change is the capacity to move from the perceived to the possible— the ability to imagine other that than what is. In this article, hope is examined conceptually, including an overview of recent literature on hope, the outcomes of hope, and what the alternatives to hope are. After identifying the importance of hope, hope’s role in the social study of peace and nonviolence will be examined looking at peace education and the potential of a “curriculum for hope.” Finally, this article offers a “how” of hope by presenting hope pedagogy for all to be utilized at the individual level.
Ultrasonographic Multimodality Diagnostic Model of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Zhao Rui-na , Zhang Bo , Jiang Yu-xin , Yang Xiao , Lai Xing-jian , Zhu Shen-ling , Zhang Xiao-yan
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to identify independent risk factors for thyroid cancer, establish an ultrasonographic multimodality diagnostic model for thyroid nodules, and explore the diagnostic value of the model. From November 2011 to February 2015, 307 patients with a total of 367 thyroid nodules underwent conventional ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and ultrasound elastography examinations before surgery. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for thyroid cancer and to establish a multimodality diagnostic model for thyroid nodules. The diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound, CEUS, ultrasound elastography, and the multimodality diagnostic model was assessed and compared. The following seven independent risk factors were included in the logistic regression models: age, irregular shape, hypoechoic pattern, marked hypoechoic pattern, irregular blood flow distribution, heterogeneous enhancement, and an elastic score of 3/4. The multimodality diagnostic model had a diagnostic accuracy of 86.9%, with a sensitivity of 93.5% and a specificity of 77.3%. The multimodality diagnostic model improved the diagnostic accuracy compared with that of conventional ultrasound, CEUS, and ultrasound elastography. Independent risk factors for thyroid cancer included age, irregular shape, hypoechoic pattern, marked hypoechoic pattern, irregular blood flow distribution, heterogeneous enhancement, and an elastic score of 3/4. The multimodality diagnostic model was demonstrated to be effective in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Readmission after Adult Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: A Population‐Based Inpatient Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ying‐Shuo , Hsu Wei‐Chung , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Yeh Te‐Huei , Lee Chia‐Hsuan , Kang Kun‐Tai
Published: November 2018

Objective

To investigate readmissions among adult inpatients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in Taiwan.

Design

Population‐based survey.

Setting

Retrospective study with the National Health Insurance Database.

Methods

All cases of inpatient adult UPPP (age >20 years) from 1997 to 2012 were identified through International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification. Factors associated with readmission within 30 days after surgery were analyzed.

Results

A total of 38,839 adults with UPPP were identified (mean age, 39.3 years; men, 73.7%). The incidence of UPPP was 14.6 per 100 000 adults, which increased from 1997 to 2012 (6.7 to 16.7 per 100,000, Ptrend <. 001). The rates of readmission for any reason, readmission for bleeding, reoperation for bleeding, and 30‐day mortality were 4.2%, 1.7%, 1.0%, and 0.14%, respectively. Young age increased the risk of reoperation for bleeding, and old age increased the risk of readmission for any reason and mortality. Men had an increased risk of readmission and reoperation. Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of readmission for any reason (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.51), bleeding‐related readmission (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.52‐2.36), and reoperation (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.84‐3.30). Concurrent hypopharyngeal surgery was associated with an increased risk of readmission for any reason (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.66) and bleeding‐related readmission (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25‐2.27). Finally, the use of steroids was associated with an increased risk of bleeding‐related readmission and reoperation.

Conclusions

The incidence of adult UPPP increased from 1997 to 2012 in Taiwan. Age, sex, comorbidity, concurrent hypopharyngeal surgery, and drug administration were associated with readmission after inpatient UPPP.
Perceptions and knowledge on climate change in local communities in the Offinso Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Sraku-Lartey Margaret , Buor Daniel , Adjei Prince Osei-Wusu , Foli Ernest G.
Published: November 2018

Climate change is considered to be a significant threat that faces mankind in this century. In Ghana, it is expected to have a significant effect on agriculture and other climate dependent livelihoods in all ten regions of the country. The development and implementation of policies on climate change in Ghana require the incorporation of local people’s perception and knowledge of the risks they are exposed to. A study to assess the perceptions and knowledge of climate change was undertaken in the Offinso Municipality in Ghana. The study used a cross-sectional design where the information gathered represented what was going on at one point in time. Respondents (307) were selected from Kwapanin, Koforidua, Kyebi, Sampronso and Anyinasuso communities using the systematic sampling method. The study used questionnaires, focus group discussions and targeted interviews to collect primary information on local people’s perception on climate change. The analysis used descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) and chi-square to detect any association between demographic characteristics of local people and their perception of climate change. In addition the knowledge levels of respondents on climate change was analysed. The results indicate that perception of climate change is not influenced by origin, gender or level of education; however, it is significantly influenced by age. A knowledge portfolio showed that local people did not have in-depth knowledge on climate change in general. There is therefore the need to create awareness and sensitize local people on causes, indicators and effects of climate change.
Digital content as a fast Internet diffusion factor: Focusing on the fixed broadband Internet
Authors: Na Ho Seoung , Hwang Junseok , Kim Hongbum
Published: November 2018

The Internet has significantly changed the lifestyles of individuals and many aspects of society while also having an important effect on economic growth and sustainable development. However, the usage and diffusion of the Internet vary greatly depending on the country, considering their economic and social conditions. This study investigates through an empirical analysis the factors that make Internet diffusion faster, especially focusing on the digital content. The results show that the abundance of digital content has played a crucial role in the rapid diffusion of the Internet. At the diffusion take-off stage, the number of Internet users appears to be the most important factor for fast Internet diffusion. However, as diffusion progresses to a mature stage, the amount of available digital content becomes the crucial factor for fast Internet diffusion. Thus, the countries in which the Internet is less diffused and the economy is less developed also require policies that promote various digital content from the launching of the Internet service to anticipate fast Internet diffusion in the whole diffusion progress.
The stronger one-sided relative hypoperfusion, the more pronounced ipsilateral spatial attentional bias in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Göttler Jens , Kaczmarz Stephan , Nuttall Rachel , Griese Vanessa , Napiórkowski Natan , Kallmayer Michael , Wustrow Isabel , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Zimmer Claus , Preibisch Christine , Finke Kathrin , Sorg Christian
Published: November 2018

Patients with asymptomatic, high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis often suffer from subtle cognitive impairments with unclear underlying neuro-cognitive mechanisms. Thus, we hypothesized that stenosis-related unilateral cerebral hypoperfusion leads to an ipsilateral attentional bias; 22 patients with asymptomatic, one-sided high-grade carotid stenosis and 24 age-matched healthy controls underwent pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling to assess brain perfusion in the territory of the carotid arteries. Furthermore, a parametric assessment of attention functions was carried out on the basis of the computational Theory of Visual Attention. Both patients' perfusion and spatial attention were significantly more lateralized than those of healthy controls. Critically, both asymmetry indices were significantly correlated in patients, i.e. the stronger one-sided relative hypoperfusion, the stronger ipsilateral bias of attention. This association was specifically pronounced in parietal cortices and independent of white matter hyperintensities as a surrogate for cerebrovascular brain damage. Results provide evidence for a link between lateralized hypoperfusion and lateralized attentional weighting in asymptomatic, high-grade carotid stenosis. Data suggest that lateralized hypoperfusion with simultaneous spatial attentional bias might serve as a potential therapeutic target in one-sided carotid stenosis.
Correlates of Early Sexual Debut Among Sexually Active Youth in Ghana
Authors: O. Asante Kwaku , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward , Andoh-Arthur Johnny , Boafo Isaac M. , Ampaw Samuel
Published: November 2018

Using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, this study explores the correlates of early sexual debut among 2,746 (males = 670 and females = 2,076) sexually active youth aged 15 to 24 years in Ghana. The results indicate that males aged 15 to 19 years (odds ratio [ OR] = 8.84, p < .001) and who had basic education ( OR = 3.17, p < .001) were significantly more likely to initiate sexual debut early. Urban males who had used modern contraceptive ( OR = 0.35, p < .001) were significantly less likely to initiate early sexual debut. Meanwhile, females aged 15 to 19 years ( OR = 4.26, p < .001); who had used modern contraceptive ( OR = 1.99, p < .001); with no formal ( OR = 2.90, p < .001) or basic ( OR = 3.12, p < .001) education; with partial access to media ( OR = 1.58, p < .01); and from the Akans ( OR = 1.73, p < .001), Ewes ( OR = 1.92, p < .001), and other ethnic groups ( OR = 1.63, p < .001) were significantly more likely to initiate early sexual debut. However, employed females living in rural areas ( OR = 0.70, p < .01) and those with average ( OR = 0.54, p < .01) or rich ( OR = 0.51, p < .01) household living in urban areas were significantly less likely to initiate early sexual debut. Interventions and policies targeting those living in both rural and urban areas are therefore needed for adolescent males and females in their early teens before they start engaging in sexual intercourse.
Regulation of capillary tubules and lipid formation in vascular endothelial cells and macrophages via extracellular vesicle-mediated microRNA-4306 transfer
Authors: Yang Ying , Luo Hui , Zhou Can , Zhang Rongyi , Liu Si , Zhu Xiao , Ke Sha , Liu Hui , Lu Zhan , Chen Mao
Published: November 2018

Objective

This study aimed to examine regulation of capillary tubules and lipid formation in vascular endothelial cells and macrophages via extracellular vesicle-mediated microRNA (miRNA)-4306 transfer

Methods

Whole blood samples (12 mL) were collected from 53 patients, and miR-4306 levels in extracellular vesicles (EVs) were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Human coronary artery vascular endothelial cells (HCAECs) and human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) were transfected with a scrambled oligonucleotide, an miR-4306 mimic, or an anti-miR-4306 inhibitor. The direct effect of miR-4306 on the target gene was analyzed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

EV-contained miR-4306 released from HMDMs was significantly upregulated in coronary artery disease. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-stimulated HMDM-derived EVs inhibited proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis abilities of HCAECs in vitro. However, ox-LDL-stimulated HCAEC-derived EVs enhanced lipid formation of HMDMs. The possible mechanism of these findings was partly due to EV-mediated miR-4306 upregulation of the Akt/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Paracrine cellular crosstalk between HCAECs and HMDMs probably supports the pro-atherosclerotic effects of EVs under ox-LDL stress.
Clinicopathological characteristics of costal hemangiomas: a case report and literature review
Authors: Woo Chang Gok , Lee Ho-Chang , Son Seung-Myoung , Hong Jong-Myeon , Lee Ok-Jun
Published: November 2018

Bone hemangioma accounts for approximately 1% of all bone neoplasms and commonly occurs in the vertebral body and skull. However, costal hemangiomas are extremely rare. We herein present a case involving a 52-year-old woman with a hemangioma in the third rib and review 29 cases of rib hemangiomas available in the literature. Rib hemangioma mainly affects women in their 50s and has expansile osteolytic features in radiographs and a weak maximum standardized uptake value in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography images. When these findings are displayed, clinicians should include rib hemangioma as a differential diagnosis and consider avoidance of preoperative biopsy because of the risk of life-threatening bleeding.
Hip Arthroscopic Surgery in Borderline Developmental Dysplastic Hips: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ding Zheci , Sun Yaying , Liu Shaohua , Chen Jiwu
Published: November 2018

Background:

It remains controversial whether hip arthroscopic surgery should be applied to patients with a borderline developmental dysplastic hip (BDDH).

Purpose:

To review the outcomes of hip arthroscopic surgery for a BDDH and which factors influence these outcomes.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through March 2018 for studies reporting the outcomes of primary hip arthroscopic surgery in patients with a BDDH. Inclusion in the review was based on the definition of a BDDH, patient-reported outcomes, and duration of follow-up. The primary outcome was the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). The failure rate, visual analog scale, satisfaction score, and patient-reported outcomes such as the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were defined as secondary outcomes.

Results:

Nine studies with 425 patients who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery were included in this review. The mean follow-up times ranged from 25.4 to 28.8 months across the studies. A significant improvement was obtained in the mHHS, with a mean score of 61.8 preoperatively to 82.8 postoperatively; all other patient-reported outcomes also improved significantly, except the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey mental component summary. The overall failure rate was 14.1%, and the mean reoperation rate was 8.5%. The rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty ranged from 4.4% to 26.0%, and the rate of conversion to periacetabular osteotomy was 4.0%. Combined defects such as cartilage damage, hip osteoarthritis, ligamentum teres tears, and femoroacetabular impingement could influence the outcomes after arthroscopic surgery in BDDHs.

Conclusion:

Hip arthroscopic surgery was demonstrated to be a promising approach for BDDHs, but the outcomes could be influenced by multiple risk factors. A higher level of evidence is still needed to support current findings.
Tensile properties prediction of natural fibre composites using rule of mixtures: A review
Authors: Tham Mun Wai , Fazita MR Nurul , Abdul Khalil HPS , Mahmud Zuhudi Nurul Zuhairah , Jaafar Mariatti , Rizal Samsul , Haafiz MK Mohamad
Published: November 2018

Rule of mixture models are usually used in the tensile properties prediction of polymer composites reinforced with synthetic fibres. They are less utilized for natural fibre/polymer composites due to natural fibres physical and mechanical properties variability which reduces rule of mixture model's prediction values accuracy compared to the experimental values. This had led to studies conducted by various researchers to improve the existing rule of mixture models to give a better reflection of the true natural fibres properties and enhance the rule of mixture models prediction accuracy. In this paper, rule of mixture model's utilization includes the existing rule of mixture models as well as proposed rule of mixture models which have one or more factors incorporated into existing rule of mixture models for natural fibre/polymer composites tensile properties prediction are reviewed.
Designing Longitudinal Clinical Studies Involving Lactating Women
Authors: Wagner Carol L. , Taylor Sarah N. , Haase Barbara
Published: November 2018

In designing longitudinal lactation research studies, certain factors must be taken into account that are necessary for the generation of meaningful data. Perhaps more like longitudinal childhood research studies in terms of ongoing changes that occur during childhood that challenge study design, longitudinal lactation research studies encompass a period of tremendous change in both the mother and her breastfeeding infant that affect study design, implementation, and analysis. Given this changing dynamic, studies should be designed to accommodate a whole host of factors, such as changes in maternal and infant health; coexisting conditions during the lactation period; the stage of lactation; diurnal variations; the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding; maternal diet and any complementary/supplementary foods given to the infant; geography; socioeconomic factors; body mass index; physical activity; and any changes in milk composition that occur across longer periods of lactation. The study of human milk composition itself has lacked rigor and any standardization of methods, and has only recently been revisited with more sophisticated laboratory techniques that have allowed a more meaningful understanding of milk structure and biology, with a greater global approach. In this Research Column, we review some of the issues and challenges in conducting longitudinal lactation research, and provide several references that will aid in the development of meaningful study designs and the interpretation of data.
Predictors of Response and Remission to Antidepressants in Geriatric Depression: A Systematic Review
Authors: Masse-Sibille Caroline , Djamila Bennabi , Julie Giustiniani , Emmanuel Haffen , Pierre Vandel , Gilles Chopard
Published: November 2018

Background:

Geriatric depression is a heterogeneous disorder that increases morbidity and mortality in a population that is already vulnerable. Predicting response and remission to antidepressants could help clinicians to optimize the management of antidepressants and reduce the consequences of depression.

Method:

The aim of this article is to present results of a systematic review of the literature on predictive factors related to antidepressant response and remission in older adults with depression.

Main Findings:

We identified sociodemographic, clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and genetic factors that could be potential predictors of outcomes. Inconsistent findings and methodological differences among studies, however, limit the generalizability and application of these predictors in clinical practice. The results of our review confirm that geriatric depression includes many subgroups of patients with particular endophenotypes that may influence the course of depression.

Conclusion:

Further studies are needed to characterize depression subgroups in order to better understand the pathophysiology of late life depression and to find specific predictors for each group of patients.
Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation in Alzheimer Disease: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Germain Sophie , Wojtasik Vinciane , Lekeu Françoise , Quittre Anne , Olivier Catherine , Godichard Vinciane , Salmon Eric
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

The benefit of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) for patients with early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) remains difficult to assess.

Method:

An observational, prospective study was conducted in a sample of 52 patients with AD included in a clinical, individualized CR program. Cognitive rehabilitation consisted of 1 weekly session during 3 months at home, followed by 1 monthly contact for 9 months. Rehabilitation techniques were used by experienced therapists to adapt activities important for the patient. Evaluation of patient’s dependence in activities and objective and subjective caregiver’s burden was performed with a research quantitative scale immediately after the intervention and at 6-month and 1-year follow-up.

Results:

Analyses with repeated measure analysis of variance showed decreased patient’s dependence for adapted activities at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Objective and subjective percentage of caregiver’s burden was also decreased at all evaluations with our research functional scale, while there was no change on Zarit’s burden scale. Global cognition slightly decreased over 1 year.

Conclusions:

This observational study in a clinical setting is in line with the benefit of CR for patients with mild AD reported in recent randomized controlled trials. The benefit obtained for adapted activities remained after 1 year, even if global cognition declined. Moreover caregiver’s burden related to all individually relevant daily activities (from a list of 98) evaluated within the CR program was decreased after 1 year. Those preliminary results emphasize the importance of choice for the measurement instrument to report CR efficacy and claim for further validation of such tools.
Testing the Use of Voice Input in a Smartphone Web Survey
Authors: Revilla Melanie , Couper Mick P. , Bosch Oriol J. , Asensio Marc
Published: November 2018

We implemented an experiment within a smartphone web survey to explore the feasibility of using voice input (VI) options. Based on device used, participants were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. Respondents in the iPhone operating system (iOS) treatment group were asked to use the dictation button, in which the voice was translated automatically into text by the device. Respondents with Android devices were asked to use a VI button which recorded the voice and transmitted the audio file. Both control groups were asked to answer open-ended questions using standard text entry. We found that the use of VI still presents a number of challenges for respondents. Voice recording (Android) led to substantially higher nonresponse, whereas dictation (iOS) led to slightly higher nonresponse, relative to text input. However, completion time was significantly reduced using VI. Among those who provided an answer, when dictation was used, we found fewer valid answers and less information provided, whereas for voice recording, longer and more elaborated answers were obtained. Voice recording (Android) led to significantly lower survey evaluations, but not dictation (iOS).
The effect of saddle height and saddle position changes from pedal on muscles and joints behaviors in ergometer: A parametric study
Authors: Hazrati Elham , Azghani Mahmood Reza
Published: November 2018

The physical activities such as pedaling can affect the lower limb muscles strength and rehabilitation. Improper pedaling can cause injury. In this study, we would investigate the effects of saddle place (saddle position and saddle height) on the behavior of muscles and joints. Moreover, we would try to reveal the relationship between the muscles activity (Act) and the joints reaction forces ( F) and saddle position and saddle height. To this end, the pedaling conditions are obtained from the biomechanical model of the human movement system presented in AnyBody software. The variations in 12 muscles Act and total, normal and shear F of ankle, knee and hip joints are studied for the various saddle places in the pedaling feasible range. The relationships of those muscles Act and joints F are predicted by the response surface method. The results indicate that the muscles and the joints behavior changes for various saddle position and saddle height. The maximum and the minimum of the total response are acquired in the ankle and hip joints, respectively. In contrast to the ankle and hip joints, the knee shear response is greater than the normal response. The predictive models of the muscles Act and the joints F (the regression coefficients ( R2) are 0.60–0.95 and 0.76–0.97, respectively) indicate their nonlinear behavior with saddle position and saddle height variations. Studying the muscles and joints behavior in different pedaling condition can be helpful for the suitable saddle placement in order for rehabilitation, muscles soreness reduction, and joints disorder treatment.
Self–Other Agreement in Personality Reports: A Meta-Analytic Comparison of Self- and Informant-Report Means
Authors: Kim Hyunji , Di Domenico Stefano I. , Connelly Brian S.
Published: November 2018

Self-report questionnaires are the most commonly used personality assessment despite longstanding concerns that self-report responses may be distorted by self-protecting motives and response biases. In a large-scale meta-analysis ( N = 33,033; k = 152 samples), we compared the means of self- and informant reports of the same target’s Big Five personality traits to examine the discrepancies in two rating sources and whether people see themselves more positively than they are seen by others. Inconsistent with a general self-enhancement effect, results showed that self-report means generally did not differ from informant-report means (average δ = −.038). Moderate mean differences were found only when we compared self-reports with stranger reports, suggesting that people are critical of unacquainted targets. We discuss implications of these findings for personality assessment and other fields in which self-enhancement motives are relevant.
Synthesis of graphene/nano-sulphur/polyaniline ternary nanocomposite for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Peng Chengyang , Liu Fosong , Chen Chunnian
Published: November 2018

Graphene/nano-sulphur (S)/polyaniline (PANI) ternary nanocomposite was successfully synthesised and used as an electrode material for supercapacitors. In this process, the aniline was selected to accomplish two functions: In the first place, it served as a reducing agent, promoting the reduction of graphene oxide to graphene, without any additional reducing agent. In the second place, it played an important role in the formation of PANI. S nanoparticles were uniformly decorated on the graphene surface, and PANI covered the graphene/S surface. Furthermore, graphene and PANI prevented polysulphide species diffusion. The products were characterised by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis. Owing to the specific combination of the advantages of graphene, nano-S and PANI, the composite exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance showing a specific capacitance as high as 619 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1 and excellent electrochemical stability with a retention of 77.9% (457 F g−1) of initial capacitance (586.8 F g−1) after 500 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1.
The glyphosate saga and the fading democratic legitimacy of European Union risk regulation
Authors: Leonelli Giulia Claudia
Published: November 2018

This article endeavours to explore the glyphosate saga through the prism of a socially acceptable risk approach to the governance of public health and environmental risks in the European Union. After a brief overview on the nature and rationale of socially acceptable risk approaches, the article analyses the controversial case of glyphosate’s renewal of approval, casting light on the position of the agencies and institutions involved throughout the risk assessment and risk management phases. Against this overall backdrop, the article deconstructs the European Commission’s artificial legal narrative on ‘sound’ science and glyphosate and contends that the Commission had scientific and legal grounds, as well as compelling political reasons, to accept the requests put forward by the ‘Ban Glyphosate’ European Citizens’ Initiative and the European Parliament. The Commission relied on a narrow evidence-based approach, disregarding the widespread public perception that the uncertain risks posed by glyphosate are socially unacceptable, and ignoring the argument that the existing risk management measures are insufficient to achieve the intended EU level of public health and environmental protection. In so doing, the Commission has ultimately lost a crucial opportunity to re-legitimise and re-democratise EU risk regulation.
Artificial Light at Night of Different Spectral Compositions Differentially Affects Tumor Growth in Mice: Interaction With Melatonin and Epigenetic Pathways
Authors: Zubidat A. E. , Fares B. , Fares F. , Haim A.
Published: November 2018

Lighting technology is rapidly advancing toward shorter wavelength illuminations that offer energy-efficient properties. Along with this advantage, the increased use of such illuminations also poses some health challenges, particularly breast cancer progression. Here, we evaluated the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) of 4 different spectral compositions (500-595 nm) at 350 Lux on melatonin suppression by measuring its urine metabolite 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, global DNA methylation, tumor growth, metastases formation, and urinary corticosterone levels in 4T1 breast cancer cell-inoculated female BALB/c mice. The results revealed an inverse dose-dependent relationship between wavelength and melatonin suppression. Short wavelength increased tumor growth, promoted lung metastases formation, and advanced DNA hypomethylation, while long wavelength lessened these effects. Melatonin treatment counteracted these effects and resulted in reduced cancer burden. The wavelength suppression threshold for melatonin-induced tumor growth was 500 nm. These results suggest that short wavelength increases cancer burden by inducing aberrant DNA methylation mediated by the suppression of melatonin. Additionally, melatonin suppression and global DNA methylation are suggested as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer. Finally, ALAN may manifest other physiological responses such as stress responses that may challenge the survival fitness of the animal under natural environments.
Using a Feminist Standpoint Perspective and Praxis Lens to Challenge Neoliberalism in Eurozone Austerity Policy
Authors: Hesse-Biber Sharlene
Published: November 2018

The economic downturn in Eurozone countries started in late 2007, and it continues today, over a decade later. Current Eurozone economic austerity policy is a quantitatively driven “one size fits all” policy whose goals are to decrease Eurozone countries’ debt through a set of “belt-tightening” measures that amount to massive cutbacks in the service sector. Such measures have been shown to negatively impact the most vulnerable within these societies—youth, the elderly, and single mothers and their children. This paper argues that applying a feminist standpoint approach and praxis provides a reflexive perspective for assessing the current framework and application of Eurozone austerity policies, as well as their social and economic consequences. The application of a feminist perspective and praxis assesses the degree to which austerity policy promotes social justice and transformative goals. It offers “out of the box” ways for re-thinking economic policies, which provide ways to integrate the voices and lived experiences of those most impacted by economic downturns.
New Data and Old Dilemmas: Changes and Continuities in Online Social Research
Authors: Fielding Nigel G.
Published: November 2018

The pace of change occasioned by the affordances of new technologies is accelerating. The last 5 years have seen developments following in the train of Web 2.0 applications that are remarkable even set against the pace of change since the advent of the Internet. Yet it is important to be realistic about the depth of change. While there is a widespread view that the prevailing trope of our contemporary times in the Western democracies is that of neoliberalism, that view also testifies to the enduring grip of long-established realities of political economy. This article assesses what has really changed, and what has not, in four domains: Collaborative and Online Working, Citizen Research & Opening Up Research, Analyzing Online Materials, and Merged Methods.