bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Grey-Fuzzy Multiobjective Model for Supplier Selection and Production-Distribution Planning Considering Consumer Safety
Authors: Memon Muhammad Saad , Mari Sonia Irshad , Shaikh Faheemullah , Shaikh Shakeel Ahmed
Published: August 2018

Most of the recent product recall incidents indicate that effective management of suppliers and production-distribution planning may play a vital role in increasing product safety. This study explores the opportunities to increase the product safety by analyzing the performance of suppliers and production-distribution system. More precisely, this research analyzes the impact of suppliers’ performance on overall profit of supply chain and impact of increasing consumer safety on total profit of supply chain. The novelty of this study is the development of integrated supplier selection and production-distribution model considering consumer risk and product safety. The proposed model is a grey multiobjective model which considers imprecise information as grey parameters. Furthermore, a novel grey-weighted ε-constrained (GWECON) method is developed to solve the proposed multiobjective model.
Security Metric Methods for Network Multistep Attacks Using AMC and Big Data Correlation Analysis
Authors: Hu Hao , Liu Yuling , Zhang Hongqi , Zhang Yuchen
Published: August 2018

Network security metrics allow quantitatively evaluating the overall resilience of networked systems against attacks. From this aim, security metrics are of great importance to the security-related decision-making process of enterprises. In this paper, we employ absorbing Markov chain (AMC) to estimate the network security combining with the technique of big data correlation analysis. Specifically, we construct the model of AMC using a large amount of alert data to describe the scenario of multistep attacks in the real world. In addition, we implement big data correlation analysis to generate the transition probability matrix from alert stream, which defines the probabilities of transferring from one attack action to another according to a given scenario before reaching one of some attack targets. Based on the probability reasoning, two metric algorithms are designed to estimate the attack scenario as well as the attackers, namely, the expected number of visits (ENV) and the expected success probability (ESP). The superiority is that the proposed model and algorithms assist the administrator in building new scenarios, prioritizing alerts, and ranking them.
Human Emotional Care Purposed Automatic Remote Portrait Drawing Generation and Display System Using Wearable Heart Rate Sensor and Smartphone Camera with Depth Perception
Authors: Lee Gyeoungrok , Kang Dongwann , Yoon Kyunghyun
Published: August 2018

We propose a system that automatically generates portrait drawings for the purpose of human emotional care. Our system comprises two parts: a smartphone application and a server. The smartphone application enables the user to take photographs throughout the day while acquiring heart rates from the smartwatch worn by the user. The server collects the photographs and heart rates and displays portrait drawings automatically stylized from the photograph for the most exciting moment of the day. In the system, the user can recall the exciting and happy moment of the day through admiring the drawings and heal the emotion accordingly. To stylize photographs as portrait drawings, we employ nonphotorealistic rendering (NPR) methods, including a portrait etude stylization proposed in this paper. Finally, the effectiveness of our system is demonstrated through user studies.
A Study of the Transport of Marine Pollutants Using Adjoint Method of Data Assimilation with Method of Characteristics
Authors: Li Xiaona , Xu Minjie , Lv Xianqing , Fu Kai
Published: August 2018

An adjoint method of data assimilation with the characteristic finite difference (CFD) scheme is applied to marine pollutant transport problems and the temporal and spatial distribution of marine pollutants are simulated. Numerical tests of two-dimensional problems of pollutant transport with two different schemes indicate that the error of CFD is smaller than that of central difference scheme (CDS). Then the inversion experiments of the initial field and the source and sink terms of pollutants are carried out. Applying CFD in the adjoint method of data assimilation cannot only reduce simulation error to get a good inversion but can also enable larger time step size to decrease computation time and improve the calculation efficiency.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Residual Tumor of Hepatocellular Carcinoma following Transarterial Chemoembolization: Is It Helpful for Tumor Response?
Authors: Jiang Tian’an , Zhao Qiyu , Huang Min , Sun Junhui , Tian Guo
Published: August 2018

Aim. To investigate the enhancement pattern of residual tumor on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).Methods. Our study initially included 76 patients with HCC, 73 of which were finally allocated into two groups: group 1 (43 patients, post-TACE group) and group 2 (30 patients, untreated HCC group). All patients were performed with CEUS using SonoVue, and qualitative and quantitative enhancement characteristics (rise time, peak time, and washout time) were evaluated for the residual tumors. T test orχ2test was used to estimate for differences between two groups.Results. In group 1, the mean rise time, peak time, and washout times in group 1 were 16.1±2.7 sec, 31.3±3.1 sec, and 191.0±31.3 sec, respectively. In group 2, these were 15.1±3.5 sec, 30.9±3.2 sec, and 142.6±16.1 sec, respectively. The differences in rise time and peak time were not statistically significant (P=0.09 and 0.30, respectively), but the washout time was significantly prolonged in group 1 (P<0.01). The enhanced pattern in arterial phase was inhomogeneous (n=11), regular homogeneous (n=11), partial (n=12), peripheral (n=7), and peripheral rim-like (n=2) in group 1. The average of the longest tumor size of the whole lesion in the 5 types was 4.7±1.3cm, 2.9±1.0cm, 3.1±1.7cm, 2.5±0.6cm, and 2.1 cm.Conclusion. It suggested that the washout time of post-TACE residual lesions was prolonged compared with untreated HCC nodules on CEUS imaging. Combined with the triple-phase enhancement pattern seen on CEUS, the washout time may provide additional information to guide further treatment for residual tumors.
A Heavy Scalar at the LHC from Vector-Boson Fusion
Authors: Mou Qiurong , Zheng Sibo
Published: August 2018

A hypothetical scalar mixed with the standard model Higgs appears in few contexts of new physics. This study addresses the question what mass range is in the reach of 14 TeV LHC given different magnitudes of mixing angle α, where event simulations are based on production from vector-boson fusion channel and decays into SM leptons through WW or ZZ. It indicates that heavy scalar mass up to 539 GeV and 937 GeV can be excluded by integrated luminosity of 300 fb-1 and 3000 fb-1, respectively, for sin2α larger than 0.04.
TGFβ-Induced Lung Cancer Cell Migration Is NR4A1-Dependent
Authors: Hedrick Erik , Mohankumar Kumaravel , Safe Stephen
Published: August 2018

TGFβ induces migration of lung cancer cells (A549, H460, and H1299), dependent on activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1), and is inhibited by the JNK1 inhibitor SP600125. Moreover, TGFβ-induced migration of the cells is also blocked by the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B (LMB) and the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) ligand 1,1-bis(3′-indolyl)-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane (CDIM8), which retains NR4A1 in the nucleus. Subsequent analysis showed that the TGFβ/TGFβ receptor/PKA/MKK4 and -7/JNK pathway cascade phosphorylates and induces nuclear export of NR4A1, which in turn forms an active complex with Axin2, Arkadia (RNF111), and RNF12 (RLIM) to induce proteasome-dependent degradation of SMAD7 and enhance lung cancer cell migration. Thus, NR4A1 also plays an integral role in mediating TGFβ-induced lung cancer invasion, and the NR4A1 ligand CDIM8, which binds nuclear NR4A1, represents a novel therapeutic approach for TGFβ-induced blocking of lung cancer migration/invasion.

Implications:

Effective treatment of TGFβ-induced lung cancer progression could involve a number of agents including the CDIM/NR4A1 antagonists that block not only TGFβ-induced migration, but several other NR4A1-regulated prooncogenic genes/pathways in lung cancer cell lines.
High Frequency of Tc22 and Th22 Cells in Myasthenia Gravis Patients and Their Significant Reduction after Thymectomy
Authors: Robat-Jazi Behrouz , Hosseini Mina , Shaygannejad Vahid , Nafissi Shahriar , Rezaei Abbas , Mansourain Marjan , Mirmosayyeb Omid , Esmaeil Nafiseh
Published: August 2018

Objectives: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease accompanied by a thymic pathology and in most patients thymectomy (TE) is used as the therapeutic approach. Both B and T cells play an important role in MG pathogenesis. Methods: Twelve pre- and post-TE MG patients and 12 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The mean percentages of Th22 and Tc22 cells were evaluated in MG patients (before and 6 months after TE) and HCs. Results: The mean percentage of Tc22 cells in pre-TE patients was significantly higher than in HCs (p < 0.05), and after TE Tc22 cells significantly decreased compared to pre-TE (p < 0.05). The frequency of Th22 cells in pre-TE MG patients was not significantly different from HCs, but after TE Th22 cells were significantly decreased compared to pre-TE (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest a possible role of Th22 and Tc22 in MG pathogenesis.
Standard Neoadjuvant Treatment in Early/Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Pernaut Cristina , Lopez Flora , Ciruelos Eva
Published: August 2018

Neoadjuvant treatment allows us to improve surgical results and test new drugs. In recent years, there have been significant advances in the field of neoadjuvant treatment, including hormonal neoadjuvant therapy in luminal tumors, double blockade in HER2-positive tumors, and the use of platinum salts in triple-negative tumors.
Ultrasound-Stimulated Microbubbles Enhance Radiosensitization of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Deng Han , Cai Yanxia , Feng Qian , Wang Xiaoyan , Tian Wenhong , Qiu Shifeng , Wang Yuegang , Li Zhiliang , Wu Juefei
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Recent studies indicate that therapies targeting the vasculature can significantly sensitize tumors to radiation. Ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMBs) are regarded as a promising radiosensitizer. In this study, we investigated the effect of USMBs on the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to radiation. Methods: Human NPC (CNE-2) cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to radiation (0, 2, and 8 Gy) alone or in combination with USMBs. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured with the MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The angiogenic activity of HUVECs was detected using matrigel tubule formation. The in vitro effects induced by these treatments were confirmed in vivo with xenograft models of CNE-2 cells in nude mice by examining vascular integrity using color Doppler flow imaging and cell survival using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the in vivo and in vitro expressions of angiotensin II (ANG II) and its receptor (AT1R) were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting, respectively. With CNE-2 cells and HUVECs transfected with control, ANG II, or AT1R, perindopril (an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme) and candesartan (an inhibitor of AT1R) were used to verify the role of ANG II and AT1R in the radiosensitivity of tumor and endothelial cells by USMBs, by determining cell viability and apoptosis and angiogenic activity. Results: In the NPC xenografts, USMBs slightly reduced blood flow and CD34 expression, increased tumor cell death and ANG II and AT1R expression, and significantly enhanced the effects of radiation. With CNE-2 cells and HUVECs, the USMBs further enhanced the inhibition of tumor cell viability and endothelial tubule formation and further enhanced the increase in ANG II and AT1R due to radiation. Furthermore, perindopril and candesartan significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of radiation and USMBs on tumor cell growth and angiogenesis in vitro. Conclusions: We have demonstrated for the first time that USMB exposure can significantly enhance the destructive effect on NPC of radiation, and this effect might be further increased by ANG II and AT1R inhibition. Our findings suggest that USMBs can be used as a promising sensitizer of radiotherapy to treat NPC, and the clinical effect might be increased by ANG II and AT1R inhibition.
Skeletal Muscle Tissue Trib3 Links Obesity with Insulin Resistance by Autophagic Degradation of AKT2
Authors: Kwon Minseo , Eom Ji , Kim Donghwan , Kim Jinhwan , Heredia Jose , Kang Sang-Wook , Song Youngsup
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Obesity is a serious health risk factor strongly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; however, the underlying mechanisms associating obesity with insulin resistance remain unknown. In this study, we explored the physiological role of Trib3 in regulating glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle tissues in a Trib3 transgenic mice model. Methods: Glucose metabolism in transgenic mice overexpressing Trib3 specifically in the skeletal muscle was examined by glucose/insulin tolerance test, metabolic cage studies, and glucose uptake assay. The effect of Trib3 overexpression on AKT phosphorylation and AKT protein turnover were assessed by RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. Subcellular distribution of Trib3 and AKT1/2 was determined by microscopic analysis, co-immunoprecipitation experiments, and limited-detergent extraction of subcellular organelles. Ubiquitin assay was performed and ATG7 deficient cell line was employed to address the mechanisms of Trib3-dependent AKT protein homeostasis. Results: We found that Trib3 expression in skeletal muscle is elevated in obese conditions, and transgenic mice that overexpressed Trib3, specifically in skeletal muscle tissues, displayed impaired glucose homeostasis by suppressing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Disruption of insulin signaling in skeletal muscle Trib3 transgenic mice may occur due to the specific downregulation of AKT2 but not AKT1. Autophagy regulated AKT2 protein turnover, and Trib3 overexpression stimulated autophagic degradation of AKT2 by promoting AKT2 ubiquitination. Conclusion: Because diet-induced obesity upregulates Trib3 and downregulates AKT2 in skeletal muscle tissues, Trib3 may play a key role in establishing an association between obesity and insulin resistance by regulating AKT2 protein homeostasis.
Opioids and Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Literature Review
Authors: Behzadi Mina , Joukar Siyavash , Beik Ahmad
Published: August 2018

Objective: One of the most important side effects of opioids is their influence on the electrical activity of the heart. This review focusses on the effects of opioids on QT interval prolongation and their arrhythmogenic liability. Methods: By using various keywords, papers published up to 2018 in different databases were searched and identified. The search terms were opioids names, corrected QT interval, human-ether-a-go-go gene, torsades de pointes (TdP), cardiac arrhythmias, opioid dependence and other relevant terms. It emphasized the effects of each opioid agent alone on electrocardiogram (ECG) and some interactions. Results: Available data indicate that some opioids such as methadone are high-risk even at low doses, and have potential for prolongation of the QT interval and development of TdP, a dangerous ventricular tachycardia. A number of opioids such as tramadol and oxycodone are intermediate risk drugs and may develop long QT interval and TdP in high doses. Some other opioids such as morphine and buprenorphine are low-risk drugs and do not produce QT interval prolongation and TdP at least in routine doses. Opium-consumers are at higher risk of supra-ventricular arrhythmias, sinus bradycardia, cardiac block and atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: The cardiac arrhythmogenicity of various opioids is different. Methadone has a higher capability to induce long QT interval and dangerous arrhythmias in conventional doses than others. To reduce of arrhythmogenic risk, high doses of opioids must be used cautiously with periodic monitoring of ECG in high-risk consumers such as patients under opioid maintenance treatment.
Living, Active, Elusive
Authors: Johnson Nathan C.
Published: August 2018

Although the doctrine of scripture is central to systematic theology, one aspect of Christian scripture is rarely engaged, namely, the ongoing presence of textual variants. And although the reconstruction of the earliest form of Christian scripture is the primary object of textual criticism, text critics have rarely given a theological rationale for their discipline. Across the disciplinary divide, this essay attempts a rapprochement. For systematic theology, the essay underscores the challenges of the variable, fluid text that is Christian scripture. For textual criticism, it calls attention to two useful theological concepts and retrieves the bivalent reading strategies of two premodern scholars, Origen and Augustine, who artfully blended theology and nascent textual criticism.
H.G. Stoker’s Study of Conscience, Its Reception, and Its Significance as a Work in the Reformed Tradition
Authors: Blosser Philip
Published: August 2018

I begin by summarizing Stoker’s study of conscience in Das Gewissen. Then I contrast the initial acclaim it received from well-known phenomenologists with its subsequent undeserved neglect. One reason for the neglect, I surmise, is the waning of general interest in phenomenological approaches. Other reasons include Stoker’s relative isolation in South Africa, declining interest in Christian approaches to philosophy, and Calvinist concerns about the influence of Bavinck’s scholasticism and Scheler’s phenomenological method on Stoker. I argue that none of these reasons justifies the present neglect of Stoker’s magisterial work and its seminal insights.
Amended definitions for Aplysinidae and Aplysina (Porifera, Demospongiae, Verongiida): on three new species from a remarkable population in the Gulf of California
Authors: GÓMEZ PATRICIA , GONZÁLEZ-ACOSTA BÁRBARA , SÁNCHEZ-ORTÍZ CARLOS , HOFFMAN ZVI , HERNÁNDEZ-GUERRERO CLAUDIA J.
Published: August 2018

Verongiid sponges inhabiting the La Paz region, Gulf of California are described herein as new species. Although morphological evidence was sufficient to determine the identity between species, we have confirmed their uniqueness and relationships with molecular (CO1 and ITS1 and 2), and ecological studies. An amended definition of family Aplysinidae and genus Aplysina is presented to highlight a novel skeletal trait for the latter, clearly described herein as a complex of dendritic fibers sustained by anastomosed fibers deep in the choanosome. This novel fiber arrangement combination is a constant trait of Aplysina encarnacionae sp. nov. and A. airapii sp. nov., which otherwise conform to our current concept of Aplysina. The former species has a long tubular morphology, reddish purple color, with the longest dendritic fibers; while A. airapii sp. nov. is a short tubular sponge, yellow with reddish tints, and smaller choanosomal dendritic fibers that depart from a uniplanar anastomosed skeleton. A third species, A. sinuscaliforniensis sp. nov., is characterized by a completely anastomosed skeleton, massive habit with short tubes superimposed one over the other, sympatric with the other new species. Comparisons with Suberea azteca verified that the same novel skeletal architecture described here occurs in the latter, while Aiolochroia thiona examined as well, proved to bear an anastomosed skeleton only, besides sharing more features with Aplysina than with any other genera in Verongiida. Moreover, molecular sequencing recovered “S.” azteca nested in the Aplysina clade, prompting us to reallocate it in Aplysina, as originally proposed. The new species described herein are probably endemics within the Gulf of California since they have not been recorded elsewhere along the Mexican Pacific coast.
Seasonal Predictability of Summer Rainfall over South America
Authors: Bombardi Rodrigo J. , Trenary Laurie , Pegion Kathy , Cash Benjamin , DelSole Timothy , Kinter James L.
Published: August 2018

The seasonal predictability of austral summer rainfall is evaluated in a set of retrospective forecasts (hindcasts) performed as part of the Minerva and Metis projects. Both projects use the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecast System (IFS) coupled to the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO). The Minerva runs consist of three sets of hindcasts where the spatial resolution of the model’s atmospheric component is progressively increased while keeping the spatial resolution of its oceanic component constant. In the Metis runs, the spatial resolution of both the atmospheric and oceanic components are progressively increased. We find that raw model predictions show seasonal forecast skill for rainfall over northern and southeastern South America. However, predictability is difficult to detect on a local basis, but it can be detected on a large-scale pattern basis. In addition, increasing horizontal resolution does not lead to improvements in the forecast skill of rainfall over South America. A predictable component analysis shows that only the first predictable component of austral summer precipitation has forecast skill, and the source of forecast skill is El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Seasonal prediction of precipitation remains a challenge for state-of-the-art climate models. Positive benefits of increasing model resolution might be more evident in other atmospheric fields (i.e., temperature or geopotential height) and/or temporal scales (i.e., subseasonal temporal scales).
Advances in Chinese Dual-Polarization and Phased-Array Weather Radars: Observational Analysis of a Supercell in Southern China
Authors: Wu Chong , Liu Liping , Liu Xi , Li Guocui , Chen Chao
Published: August 2018

In the summer of 2016, one phased-array radar and two polarimetric weather radars, representative of advancing radar technology in use in China, jointly collected data in the Foshan area to study severe convective storms in southern China. After an introduction to the technical characteristics and a verification of the radar calibration, the advantages of the abovementioned dual-polarization and phased-array radars are discussed in terms of an observational analysis of a supercell that occurred on 9 May 2016. The polarimetric signatures within the supercell are associated with specific microphysical processes that can reveal different stages of storm evolution. The hydrometeor classification algorithm is a more straightforward and useful method for nowcasting than conventional algorithms, which makes it favorable for further recommendation in China. During the mature and dissipating stages of this supercell, observations of the phased-array radar show detailed changes on short time scales that cannot be observed by parabolic-antenna radars. The initiation and mergers of new convective cells are found in the peak inflow region, and the formation and dissipation of the hook echo are associated with the relative intensities of inflow and outflow. The abovementioned results demonstrate that the phased-array radar and dual-polarization radars recently developed in China are powerful tools to better understand storm evolution for nowcasting and scientific studies.
Initiation Mechanisms of Nocturnal Convection without Nearby Surface Boundaries over the Central and Southern Great Plains during the Warm Season
Authors: Reif Dylan W. , Bluestein Howard B.
Published: August 2018

The number of case studies in the literature of nocturnal convection has increased during the past decade, especially those that utilize high-spatiotemporal-resolution datasets from field experiments such as the International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) and Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN). However, there are few case studies of events for convection initiation without a nearby surface boundary. These events account for approximately 25% of all nocturnal convection initiation (CI) events. Unique characteristics of these events include a peak initiation time later at night, a preferred initiation location in northern Kansas and southern Nebraska, and a preferred north–south orientation to linear convective systems. In this study, four case studies of convection that is initiated without a nearby surface boundary are detailed to reveal a number of possible initiation mechanisms, including quasigeostrophic-aided ascent, elevated ascent associated with convergent layers (of unknown causes), the low-level jet, and gravity waves. The case studies chosen illustrate the wide variety of synoptic-scale conditions under which these events can occur.
The Stability of Incremental Analysis Update
Authors: Takacs Lawrence L. , Suárez Max J. , Todling Ricardo
Published: August 2018

A recent attempt to downscale the 50-km MERRA-2 analyses to 7 km revealed an instability associated with the incremental analysis update (IAU) procedure that has thus far gone unnoticed. A theoretical study based on a simple damped harmonic oscillator with complex frequency provides the framework to diagnose the problem and suggests means to avoid it. Three possible approaches to avoid the instability are to (i) choose an “ideal” ratio of the lengths of the predictor and corrector steps of IAU based on a theoretical stability diagram, (ii) time average the background fields used to construct the IAU tendencies with given frequency, or (iii) apply a digital filter modulation to the IAU tendencies. All these are shown to control the instability for a wide range of resolutions when doing up- or downscaling, experiments with the NASA GMAO atmospheric general circulation model. Furthermore, it is found that combining IAU with the ensemble recentering step typical of hybrid ensemble–variational approaches also results in an instability based on the same mechanisms in the members of the ensemble. An example of such occurrence arises in an experiment performed with the GMAO 12.8-km hybrid 4D-EnVar system. Modulation of the ensemble IAU tendencies with a digital filter is shown to avoid the instability. In addition, the stability of certain 4D incremental analysis update (4DIAU) implementations is analyzed and a suggestion is made to improve its results, though a complete study of this subject is postponed to a follow-up work.
The Effects of Event Rate on a Cognitive Vigilance Task
Authors: Claypoole Victoria L. , Dever Daryn A. , Denues Kody L. , Szalma James L.
Published: August 2018

Objective:

The present experiment sought to examine the effects of event rate on a cognitive vigilance task.

Background:

Vigilance, or the ability to sustain attention, is an integral component of human factors research. Vigilance task difficulty has previously been manipulated through increasing event rate. However, most research in this paradigm has utilized a sensory-based task, whereas little work has focused on these effects in relation to a cognitive-based task.

Method:

In sum, 84 participants completed a cognitive vigilance task that contained either 24 events per minute (low event rate condition) or 40 events per minute (high event rate condition). Performance was measured through the proportion of hits, false alarms, mean response time, and signal detection analyses (i.e., sensitivity and response bias). Additionally, measures of perceived workload and stress were collected.

Results:

The results indicated that event rate significantly affected performance, such that participants who completed the low event rate task achieved significantly better performance in terms of correction detections and false alarms. Furthermore, the cognitive vigil utilized in the present study produced performance decrements comparable to traditional sensory vigilance tasks.

Conclusion:

Event rate affects cognitive vigilance tasks in a similar manner as traditional sensory vigilance tasks, such that a direct relation between performance and level of event rate was established.

Application:

Cognitive researchers wishing to manipulate task difficulty in their experiments may use event rate presentation as one avenue to achieve this result.
Adjudicators of the RTI Regime: A Critical Analysis of the Performance of State Information Commission, Haryana
Authors: Siwach Rajkumar
Published: August 2018

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, has ushered in a new era of transparent governance. It makes citizens more resourceful and powerful to expose to the public the maladministration in public authorities. But this task is challenging due to prevailing culture of secrecy and lackadaisical attitude of Central Public Information Officers/State Public Information Officers (CPIOs/SPIOs), who act as hubs to implement information regime. To regulate their duties, arrangement has been made to constitute Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs). Their vigilant observation and fair outlook play a vital role in establishing corruption-free governance. This article examines the adjudicatory role of Haryana State Information Commission by selecting the data from 2005 to 2018 with regard to disposal of enquiries, complaints and appeals. After presenting the powers and functions of the State Commission, year-wise data are presented in tabular form to have a look at the performance of the commission in dealing with the RTI applications. Besides, a brief summary is also given presenting the number of delinquent SPIOs, who have not deposited the penalties imposed by the commission. It is a serious challenge before the commission. On this critical aspect, facts and arguments are discussed to assess the role of the full commission and individual commissioners in disposal of RTI matters. Due to lacklustre performance of the commission to ensure voluntary disclosure compliance and speedy disposals, the author feels concerned and opines that if these disquieting trends are not nipped in bud, then the commission may come to be perceived as a mere scarecrow.
Diagnosis: A Thousand People Speak Out
Authors: Holzman Lois , Genn Elisabeth
Published: August 2018

The public is rarely asked its opinions concerning mental health issues and, as revealed by a literature search, is almost never surveyed on this topic without the use of medicalized, diagnostic, forced choice illness language. This article reports on an ongoing community outreach project that gave people the opportunity to reflect on and share their thoughts about the medical-mental illness-diagnostic model and its impact on their lives. Two organizations with long-standing opposition to the individualized model of human development and the medicalized understanding of emotionality designed and conducted open-ended surveys on emotional distress and diagnosis online and at two New York City street fairs. Results from over 1,000 surveys indicate that mental illness diagnosis is viewed as a “necessary evil” at best, and an isolating and destructive practice at worst. The results strongly suggest that nonmental health professionals are important allies in the fight for alternatives to diagnosis.
Correlates of life satisfaction among Southeast Asian foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong: An exploratory study
Authors: Leung Daniel Dick Man , Tang Etonia Ying Tung
Published: August 2018

Live-in foreign domestic workers (FDWs) are a special group in Hong Kong, where they account for approximately 4 percent of Hong Kong’s population. FDWs’ level of life satisfaction (LS) and its correlates have been under-researched thus far. This study examined data from 130 participants and sought to determine the effect of perceived social support, self-esteem and demographic characteristics on LS. The results showed that being married was negatively associated with LS while self-esteem was not a significant factor. The findings suggest the importance of providing support to FDWs to enhance their LS.
The Trouble With Fathers: The Impact of Time and Gendered-Thinking on Working Relationships Between Fathers and Social Workers in Child Protection Practice in England
Authors: Philip Georgia , Clifton John , Brandon Marian
Published: August 2018

The lives of families entering the child protection arena may be shaped by a range of troubles, including material deprivation, physical and mental health problems, and substance misuse or domestic abuse. Despite the interest in whole family approaches, the issue of how professionals fail to work effectively with fathers is long-standing and resistant to change. This article illustrates challenges in building working relationships with men, including the challenge of avoiding binary thinking in the assessment of fathers as “risk” or “resource.” Drawing on our qualitative longitudinal study of men’s experiences of child protection in England, we highlight how both organizational (clashing time perspectives) and cultural (gendered-thinking) factors can trouble the potential relationship between social workers and fathers. We argue for a more gender sensitive approach to social work practice, which can respond more fully and effectively to the experiences of fathers and mothers.
Geomorphic trajectory and landform analysis using graph theory: A panel data approach to quantitative geomorphology
Authors: Koohafkan Michael Connor , Gibson Stanford
Published: August 2018

Comparing successive datasets of GIS polygons derived from remote-sensing data is a common approach to quantify morphological change. GIS-derived datasets capture instantaneous observations or “snapshots” of the state of a system at a given time but do not explicitly capture the temporal sequences needed to characterize system processes. Comparisons between these “temporally-naive” datasets can be used to infer properties and trends of the landscape as a whole, but tracking changes in the characteristics of individual landforms (e.g. sandbars, dunes, or other surface features of interest) across snapshots is labor-intensive and infeasible for large or irregular datasets. Using traditional computer-based procedural methods to compare sequences of datasets without knowledge of temporal trajectories introduces several challenges and data artifacts that complicate analysis. We propose a graph-theory approach for processing sequential spatial data to automatically identify and track distinct groups of related landforms or “geomorphic units” across fully or partially overlapping snapshots. This approach allows tracking even in cases where landforms fragment, merge, migrate, or become temporarily obstructed from view. The method promotes new panel data analysis opportunities and overcomes three critical limitations of traditional procedural methods of assessing landscape change from spatial data: (1) it can generate landscape metrics based on geomorphic units, rather than the arbitrary geographic units of the underlying spatial datasets, (2) it distinguishes missing or obstructed observations from changes in the characterization of landforms due to environmental conditions, and (3) it automatically generates panel datasets and discriminates between within-landform change and across-landform variation. The panel datasets can be used to upscale feature-level information to system-level metrics and analysis. Furthermore, a graph-theory approach can yield insight on geomorphic change through analysis of the graph structure, and offers a promising approach for geomorphological analyses which retain information on the spatial configuration of geomorphic units. We demonstrate the method with examples from emergent sandbars on the Missouri River.
Low-Temperature Emulsion Performance-Graded Specification for Chip Seals
Authors: Castorena Cassie , Ilias Mohammad , Adams Javon , Kim Y. Richard
Published: August 2018

Chip seals are applied to existing roadways to slow deterioration and improve pavement surface conditions without increasing the pavement’s structural capacity. Chip seals typically are comprised of asphalt emulsion and aggregate. Although it is well known that the properties of asphalt emulsion are critical to chip seal performance, the current specifications for these binders are empirical in nature and are not based on the properties that relate directly to chip seal performance. This study proposes emulsion performance-graded specifications that are designed to mitigate aggregate loss at low temperatures. To develop the proposed specifications, the research team executed an experimental plan to identify the residual binder properties that relate to chip seal aggregate loss at low temperatures. This research considered both fracture mechanics and rheology-based binder properties. Dynamic shear moduli, evaluated at critical phase angle values, demonstrated the strongest correlation to chip seal aggregate loss at low temperatures. Critical phase angle values were varied as a function of the low-temperature climatic emulsion performance grade of interest. This study also established preliminary specification limits for the dynamic shear modulus values based on critical chip seal performance thresholds.
Evaluation of Ballast Behavior under Different Tie Support Conditions using Discrete Element Modeling
Authors: Hou Wenting , Feng Bin , Li Wei , Tutumluer Erol
Published: August 2018

This paper presents findings of a railroad ballast study using the discrete element method (DEM) focused on mesoscale performance modeling of ballast layer under different tie support conditions. The simulation assembles ballast gradation that met the requirements of both American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) No. 3 and No. 4A specifications with polyhedral particle shapes created similar to the field-collected ballast samples. A full-track model was generated as a basic model, on which five different support conditions were studied in the DEM simulation. Static rail seat loads of 10 kips (44.5 kN) were applied until the DEM model became stable. The pressure distribution along the tie-ballast interface predicted by DEM simulations was in good agreement with previously published results backcalculated from laboratory testing. Static rail seat loads of 20 kips (89 kN) were then applied in the calibrated DEM model to evaluate in-track performance. Results from the validated full-track DEM simulations indicated that only a small portion of ballast particles participated in load distribution under static loading. Particles on the shoulders and particles in the areas with poor support conditions often experience no or very low contact forces. Load transfer mechanisms investigated through a contact force network varied greatly among different support conditions: lack of rail seat support, full support, and lack of center support had wider force distribution angles than the high center binding and severe center binding conditions. The severe center binding scenario was found to be the most critical support condition in terms of causing the highest tie-ballast contact pressure exceeding 30% of the AREMA allowable pressure.
Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability of an MRI-Based Classification System for Injuries to the Ulnar Collateral Ligament
Authors: Ramkumar Prem N. , Frangiamore Salvatore J. , Navarro Sergio M. , Lynch T. Sean , Forney Michael C. , Kaar Scott G. , Akhavan Sam , Moutzouros Vasilios , Westermann Robert W. , Farrow Lutul D. , Schickendantz Mark S.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Despite improvements in understanding biomechanics and surgical options for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears, there remains a need for a reliable classification of UCL tears that has the potential to guide clinical decision making.

Purpose:

To assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of the newly proposed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based classification for UCL tears. Secondary objectives included assessing the effect of additional views, discrimination between distal and nondistal tears, and correlation of imaging reads with intraoperative findings of the UCL.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Nine fellowship-trained specialists from 7 institutions independently completed 4 surveys consisting of 60 elbow MRI scans with UCL tears using a newly proposed 6-stage classification system. The first and third surveys contained 60 coronal images, while the second and fourth contained the same images with coronal and axial views presented in a random order to assess intraobserver variability via the weighted kappa value and the effect of additional imaging views. Weighted kappa values were also calculated for each of the 4 surveys to acquire interobserver reliability. Reliability analysis was repeated through a 2-group classification analysis for distal and nondistal tears. Observer readings were compared with intraoperative UCL findings.

Results:

For the newly proposed 6-stage MRI-based classification, intra- and interobserver reliability demonstrated near perfect and substantial agreement, respectively. These values increased only when substratified into the 2-group distal and nondistal tear classification ( P < .05). The additional axial view did not statistically improve the agreement within and among readers. When compared with intraoperative findings from 30 elbows, observer readings were accurate for tear grade (partial and complete), proximal location, and distal location but not midsubstance tears.

Conclusion:

The newly proposed 6-stage MRI-based classification utilizing grade and location of the injury had substantial to near perfect agreement among and within fellowship-trained observers.
Impact of Historical Changes in Coarse Cereals Consumption in India on Micronutrient Intake and Anemia Prevalence
Authors: DeFries Ruth , Chhatre Ashwini , Davis Kyle Frankel , Dutta Arnab , Fanzo Jessica , Ghosh-Jerath Suparna , Myers Samuel , Rao Narasimha D. , Smith Matthew R.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Production of rice and wheat increased dramatically in India over the past decades, with reduced proportion of coarse cereals in the food supply.

Objective:

We assess impacts of changes in cereal consumption in India on intake of iron and other micronutrients and whether increased consumption of coarse cereals could help alleviate anemia prevalence.

Methods:

With consumption data from over 800 000 households, we calculate intake of iron and other micronutrients from 84 food items from 1983 to 2011. We use mixed-effect models to relate state-level anemia prevalence in women and children to micronutrient consumption and household characteristics.

Results:

Coarse cereals reduced from 23% to 6% of calories from cereals in rural households (10% to 3% in urban households) between 1983 and 2011, with wide variations across states. Loss of iron from coarse cereals was only partially compensated by increased iron from other cereals and food groups, with a 21% (rural) and 11% (urban) net loss of total iron intake. Models indicate negative association between iron from cereals and anemia prevalence in women. The benefit from increased iron from coarse cereals is partially offset by the adverse effects from antinutrients. For children, anemia was negatively associated with heme–iron consumption but not with iron from cereals.

Conclusions:

Loss of coarse cereals in the Indian diet has substantially reduced iron intake without compensation from other food groups, particularly in states where rice rather than wheat replaced coarse cereals. Increased consumption of coarse cereals could reduce anemia prevalence in Indian women along with other interventions.
Risk for Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Stress by Ethnicities in Canada: From Pregnancy Through the Preschool Years
Authors: Dharma Christoffer , Lefebvre Diana L. , Lu Zihang , Lou Wendy Y. W. , Becker Allan B. , Mandhane Piush J. , Turvey Stuart E. , Moraes Theo J. , Azad Meghan B. , Chen Edith , Elliott Susan J. , Kozyrskyj Anita L. , Sears Malcolm R. , Subbarao Padmaja
Published: August 2018

Objective:

Past cross-sectional studies have reported that mothers from ethnic minorities experience higher levels of prenatal and post-partum psychosocial distress compared with mothers from ethnic majorities. However, no studies have examined how the pattern varies longitudinally in a Canadian population of heterogeneous ethnicity.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 3,138 mothers participating in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) Study, a longitudinal multi-center study incorporating 10 distinct waves of psychosocial data collection from pregnancy until the index child was aged 5 y. Maternal self-identified ethnicity was grouped as White Caucasian, First Nations, Black, Southeast Asian, East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic and mixed ethnicity. We performed a multi-level regression to determine whether mothers of specific minority ethnicities were more likely to experience higher levels of distress (i.e. depressive symptoms and perceived stress) compared to white Caucasian mothers.

Results:

Mothers self-identifying as Black or First Nations had consistently higher distress scores than mothers from other ethnicities across all data collection times. After adjusting for relevant variables (history of depression, education, household income, marital status, and social support), First Nations mothers had a 20% increase in the mean scores of depressive symptoms compared to White Caucasian Mothers.

Conclusions:

Increased levels of perinatal and post-partum distress were seen in only some ethnic minority groups. Studies should avoid collapsing all categories into ethnic minority or majority and may need to consider how ethnicity interacts with other sociodemographic factors such as poverty.
Contemporary Management of the High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: The Clot Thickens
Authors: Reardon Peter M. , Yadav Krishan , Hendin Ariel , Karovitch Alan , Hickey Michael
Published: August 2018

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease process encountered in the acute care setting. It presents on a spectrum of severity with the most severe presentations carrying a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. In recent years, a wide range of competing treatment strategies have been proposed for the high-risk PE including new catheter-based and extracorporeal techniques, and management has become more challenging. There is currently no consensus as to the optimal approach to treatment. Contemporary management decisions are informed by the balance between the risk of deterioration and the risk of harm from intervention, within the available resources. This review will summarize the current evidence to better inform clinical decision-making in high-risk PE and highlight future directions in management.