bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Accurate Is Clinical Evaluation in Hindfoot Coronal Alignment?
Authors: Slullitel Gastón , Álvarez Victoria , Lopez Valeria , Calvi Juan Pablo , Calvo Ana Belén
Published: October 2017

Background:

Hindfoot coronal alignment is an important factor in the assessment of patients with many different foot and ankle complaints. A number of clinical and radiographic techniques have been described to measure hindfoot coronal alignment, but none of them are widely accepted. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between clinical and radiographic hindfoot alignment measures and to evaluate the reproducibility of each.

Methods:

We evaluated 85 patients with foot and/or ankle symptoms. Hindfoot clinical alignment was measured from photographs. Each patient was placed at a distance of 1 m from the observer, with both feet placed parallel. Four photographs were taken, at a height of 40 cm: a posterior view of both lower limbs including knees, a posterior view focalized on the studied hindfoot, an anterior view of the foot, and the last view of the medial aspect of the foot. Radiographic alignment was quantified on long axial view radiographs. Patients were lying over the film cassette with a focus distance of 1 m and the beam pointed to the ankle joint. The inclination angle of the beam was 45 degrees to the floor. Measurements were independently made by 2 observers, who were asked to classify pictures into 3 categories: varus, neutral, and valgus. Radiographic measurements were made using the angle measurement tool on the radiograph viewer. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the ICC were used to quantify the inter- and intraobserver reliability for clinical assessment. Radiographic parameters were correlated by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).

Results:

The intraobserver ICC for clinical analysis was good for both observers, while the interobserver ICC was moderate for both measurements. Regarding radiographic assessment, there was significant intra- and interobserver reliability. The correlation between both methods was weak for both observers.

Conclusions:

We found only weak intra- and interobserver correlations between the clinical and radiographic assessment of hindfoot coronal alignment. It is therefore necessary to complement the clinical evaluation of hindfoot alignment with an objective measurement method such as a long axial view radiograph. Further studies comparing different measurement methods need to be performed to establish the most objective evaluation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, diagnostic study.
Caspase-1 deficiency reduces eosinophilia and interleukin-33 in an asthma exacerbation model
Authors: Menzel Mandy , Akbarshahi Hamid , Mahmutovic Persson Irma , Puthia Manoj , Bjermer Leif , Uller Lena
Published: October 2017

Rhinovirus infections are common triggers of asthma exacerbations. Viruses can activate the inflammasome, resulting in processing and activation of caspase-1. This recruitment triggers production of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, which have been implicated in asthma. Elucidating the involvement of the inflammasome and its compartments, such as caspase-1, in asthma exacerbations is warranted.

Gene expression of caspase-1 was measured in rhinovirus-infected primary bronchial epithelial cells of asthmatic and healthy donors 24 h post-infection. In anin vivoexacerbation experiment C57BL/6 wild-type and caspase-1-/-mice were challenged with house dust mite followed by exposures to the viral mimic poly(I:C). General lung inflammatory parameters and levels of T-helper type 2 (Th2)-upstream cytokines IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL-25 were assessed.

Caspase-1 expression was elevated after rhinoviral infection exclusively in bronchial epithelial cells from asthmatics. In a translational mouse model of asthma exacerbation effects of caspase-1 on airway inflammation and Th2-upstream cytokines were explored. Caspase-1 deficient mice exhibited no alterations of general lung inflammatory parameters, but showed markedly reduced eosinophilia. Furthermore, the Th2-upstream cytokines IL-33, TSLP and IL-25 were reduced at exacerbation in mice lacking caspase-1.

Rhinovirus infection increases bronchial epithelial caspase-1 in asthma. Caspase-1 may induce production of lung Th2-upstream cytokines and eosinophilia at exacerbations. Further targeting of caspase-1 signalling is warranted to explore its role in asthma exacerbations.
Bathrooms and Beyond
Authors: Adair Cassius
Published: October 2017

Drawing on personal teaching experiences, this pedagogical reflection asks whether a “pedagogy of access” might connect various strands of trans, disability, and critical race teaching methodologies. Such a pedagogical practice centers questions of nonnormative embodiment and histories of inclusion/exclusion from academic spaces within “trans” instructional praxis.
Cullin-3 and its adaptor protein ANKFY1 determine the surface level of integrin β1 in endothelial cells
Authors: Maekawa Masashi , Tanigawa Kazufumi , Sakaue Tomohisa , Hiyoshi Hiromi , Kubota Eiji , Joh Takashi , Watanabe Yuji , Taguchi Tomohiko , Higashiyama Shigeki
Published: October 2017

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from the pre-existing vasculature, is related to numerous pathophysiological events. We previously reported that a RING ubiquitin ligase complex scaffold protein, cullin-3 (CUL3), and one of its adaptor proteins, BAZF, regulated angiogenesis in the mouse retina by suppressing Notch signaling. However, the degree of inhibition of angiogenesis was made greater by CUL3 depletion than by BAZF depletion, suggesting other roles of CUL3 in angiogenesis besides the regulation of Notch signaling. In the present study, we found that CUL3 was critical for the cell surface level of integrin β1, an essential cell adhesion molecule for angiogenesis in HUVECs. By an siRNA screening of 175 BTBPs, a family of adaptor proteins for CUL3, we found that ANKFY1/Rabankyrin-5, an early endosomal BTBP, was also critical for localization of surface integrin β1 and angiogenesis. CUL3 interacted with ANKFY1 and was required for the early endosomal localization of ANKFY1. These data suggest that CUL3/ANKFY1 regulates endosomal membrane traffic of integrin β1. Our results highlight the multiple roles of CUL3 in angiogenesis, which are mediated through distinct CUL3-adaptor proteins.
Time-Resolved Resonance Raman Spectroscopy and Application to Studies on Ultrafast Protein Dynamics
Authors: Mizutani Yasuhisa
Published: October 2017

Protein dynamics play a fundamental role in allosteric regulation, which is vital to the function of many proteins. In many proteins, rather than a direct interaction, mutual modulation of properties such as ligand affinity at spatially separated sites is achieved through a conformational change. Conformational changes of proteins are thermally activated processes that involve intramolecular and intermolecular energy exchanges. In this account, I review the work of my team on the development and applications of ultrafast time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy to observe functionally important protein dynamics. We gained insights into conformational dynamics upon external stimulus and energy flow with a spatial resolution of a single amino acid residue using time-resolved visible and ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy. The results have contributed to a deeper understanding of the structural nature of protein motion and the relationship of dynamics to function. I discuss the protein dynamics and allosteric mechanism in terms of the nature of the high packing density of protein structures. In addition, I present a view of the future of molecular science on proteins.
Unilateral pulmonary artery pre-operative occlusion test: technical feasibility and safety prior to pneumonectomy or pleuropneumonectomy for malignancy
Authors: Shimohira Masashi , Hashizume Takuya , Ohta Kengo , Suzuki Kazushi , Nakagawa Motoo , Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Okuda Katsuhiro , Moriyama Satoru , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: October 2017

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to assess the technical feasibility and safety of the unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion (UPAO) test in pre-operative evaluation of pneumonectomy or pleuropneumonectomy for lung or pleural tumours.

Methods:

The UPAO test was performed on 91 patients who were scheduled to undergo or were being considered for pneumonectomy or pleuropneumonectomy between June 2003 and July 2016. There were 74 males and 17 females, with a median age of 65 years (range, 23–80). The technical success rate, procedure time and complication rate were evaluated. Technical success was defined as completion of the UPAO test.

Results:

The diagnoses of the 91 patients were as follows: lung cancer in 63, malignant pleural mesothelioma in 21, thymoma in 5, lung metastasis in 1 and lung carcinoid in 1. The UPAO test was performed successfully on 88 out of 91 patients (technical success rate: 97%). The median procedure time was 57 min (range, 34–120). Cardiac arrest due to migration of the balloon catheter to the pulmonary trunk occurred in 1 patient (complication rate: 1.1%).

Conclusion:

The UPAO test in pre-operative evaluation of pneumonectomy or pleuropneumonectomy for lung or pleural tumours appears to be technically feasible. However, it needs to be performed with care in order to avoid severe complications.

Advances in knowledge:

The UPAO test can be safely performed and is helpful in evaluating patients for pneumonectomy or pleuropneumonectomy.
USING OF ACCELERATION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ENGINE AND THE TURBOCHARGER FOR SUPERCHARGING SYSTEM DIAGNOSING
Authors: Иншаков Александр , Inshakov Aleksandr , Курбаков Иван , Kurbakov Ivan , Курбакова Мария , Kurbakova Mariya
Published: October 2017

The purpose of the research is to identify the peculiarities of interconnection of dynamic characteristics of the turbocharger TKR 6.1 and the engine D-245-35 in the presence of a fault in the pressurization system. In the practice of fault finding in the system of supercharging of automotive engine widely used method of diagnosis, OS-nated steak subs on the measurement of the boost pressure in the nominal modes. In terms of the service companies due to the lack of brake stands to estimate the load mode is often not possible. For acceleration of the turbocharger and engine at the department of mobile power tools, national research of Mordovsky State University named after N. P. Ogarev created diagnostic complex consisting of forming unit of the source signals, the optical sensor shaft speed of the turbocharger, sensor of frequency of rotation of the motor shaft, the linear displacement transducer arm balancing machines, analog-to-digital Converter, software and a personal computer. The tests were carried out on the engine MMZ D-245-35, with an installed turbocharger TKR-6.1, simulation of the working regimes was carried out on the roller-brake stand. The test results obtained a series of characteristics of the acceleration of the turbocharger engine D-245-35 and TKR-6.1 with a step input exposure. Analysis of the data showed that the presence of a malfunction of the boost «leak turbine inlet», «air filter clogged» leads to an increase in the transient time and reducing the frequency of rotation of the rotor TKR in all modes. Spaced- out characteristic obtained in idling mode in the fault conditions «loss of gases after the compressor» is accompanied by the growth of the amplitude value of the shaft speed TCR and the reduction of time of transition. This feature of the waveform of the acceleration allows us to identify faults of this kind in the diagnosis of the supercharging system.
THE EFFECT OF MIXING DURATION AND THE PROPORTION OF SMALLER COMPONENT FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PADDLE MIXER RUNNING WITH EXTRA BLADES
Authors: Фомина Мария , Fomina Mariya , Коновалов Владимир , Konovalov Vladimir , Терюшков Вячеслав , Teryushkov Vyacheslav , Чупшев Алексей , Chupshev Aleksey
Published: October 2017

The purpose of research is justification of area efficiency of the proposed mixer with vertical shaft and paddle stirrer, the edges of the blades which are fixed sinusoidal blades. Research has shown that, by virtue of the kinetics of mixing all the mixers in the early period mixing significantly improve the quality of the mixture, after which stabilization of the quality indicators, and in some cases starts and segregation of the mixture. The nature of the change of the uniformity of the mixture is kind of exponential time mixing. In this connection there is the task of identifying areas of efficiency and opportunities the application of paddle mixer proposed design for the preparation of dry feed mixtures. Important manufacturing concentrate mixtures (compaund feeds, feed concentrates or forage medicinal mixtures) based on the purchase of BVD and your own forage. Purpose: the establishment of functional dependence between the technological parameters of the mixer (the proportion of the control component and the duration of mixing) and process performance (uneven mix and adjusted intensity of mixing taking into account the uniformity of the mixture); identifying rational values of technological parameters of the mixer, providing the desired quality mix and minimum energy intensity of mixing. It is provided the description and structural diagram mixer dry material batch. The technique is described and results of experimental studies of the mixer. It is presented the expressions describing the unevenness of the mix and the energy intensity of stirring, depending on the proportion of the control component and the duration of mixing; the required duration of mixing depending on the proportion of the control component. It is built two-dimensional section of the surface response in the studied parameters. Based on the analysis of the given graphs justifies the area efficiency of the mixer: the proportion of the control component is not less than 3%; when the portion of the control component 5% duration of mixing – 300 s, when the portion of the control component 10% the duration of the mixing – 200 s.
A Widening Gap? A Gender-Based Analysis of Performance on the Colombian High School Exit Examination
Authors: Abadía Luz Karime , Bernal Gloria
Published: October 2017

En este artículo proveemos información sobre el menor desempeño de las niñas comparado con niños de similares características en las pruebas de salida del bachillerato colombianas, que son requeridas para el acceso a la Universidad. Usando la técnica de regresión cuantílica se encuentra que hay una brecha significativa a favor de los niños, que se incrementa a lo largo de la distribución. La descomposición de Juhn-Murphy-Pierce, muestra que las características personales, familiares y escolares explican una porción pequeña de las brechas, mientras que diferencias en los retornos juegan un papel importante. Adicionalmente, semuestra que la brecha observada difiere significativamente de acuerdo con la región; sugiriendo que características específicas de cada región como por ejemplo diferencias en la cultura relacionadas con el rol de la mujer- pueden estar influenciando el desempeño de las niñas.
Integrated Passenger and Freight Train Planning on Shared-Use Corridors
Authors: Ursavas E. , Zhu Stuart X.
Published: October 2017

Our study involves the decision-making problems that railway infrastructure managers face in a rail network with dedicated tracks and shared-use corridors. We will analyze the consolidation strategy for shared-use corridors, where the track serves passenger and freight trains. In the stochastic demand case, we will provide an analytical model for the railway infrastructure manager to compute the expected long-term profit using a consolidation system. We will pinpoint the different characteristics of passenger and freight trains, and analytically derive the optimum track allocation and consolidation time, together with the optimum price, in all such cases, using two different model structures, i.e., the additive and the multiplicative forms. We will extend our model further to consider the due-date requirements and volume incentives for railway operators. Our experiments will use realistic parameter values, based on the Dutch railway system.
The tale of a gardener's best friend
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: October 2017

Popular in nursery rhymes, stories and cards, robins brighten up everyone's winter. Here we fill you in on their lifecycle and suggest ideas for a range of robin activities.
S is for your curving spine…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: October 2017

This month, we continue our series that takes the form of an extended alphabetical adventure around the body, helping children to get to know themselves a little better.
Raise a confident child
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: October 2017

How do we teach resilience in our minded children? What activities or strategies can we put in place on a daily basis to help each individual child to build their self-confidence?
The things that we used to know
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: October 2017

What our ancestors ‘knew’ about what animals did in winter is completely different from what we know. So why not explore and compare what we knew then and what we do now.
Working with mothers and babies in perinatal mental health practice
Authors: Dobson Amy
Published: October 2017

The first Maternal Mental Health Alliance conference and awards ceremony celebrated work being done around the UK in this area, leaving health visitors feeling re-energised to continue passionately advocating for parents with mental health issues.
Managing childhood ailments: Scarlet fever
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

Scarlet fever, or scarlatina, is an infection that causes a blotchy, pink–red rash. It is common in young children but it can affect people of any age. It is not usually serious and can be treated by a course of antibiotics from the child's GP. Once a child has had scarlet fever they are unlikely to get it again ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2015 ).
Paving the way to better support children with learning disabilities whose behaviours challenge
Authors: Shurlock Jacqui
Published: October 2017

Paving the Way, a national policy project led by the Challenging Behaviour Foundation and the Council for Disabled Children, has found that children with learning disabilities are at greater risk of developing behaviours that challenge. Late or inadequate service responses to challenging behaviour put children at risk of poor outcomes and high-cost residential placements. The research evidence and the experiences of families and professionals indicate a need for better early intervention and the use of evidence-based approaches such as positive behavioural support.
Preparing end-of-life care for people living with dementia
Authors: Dening Karen Harrison
Published: October 2017

Helping older people with dementia to die well is extremely important, but highly challenging. In the first article of a two-part series, Karen Harrison Dening explains how care staff can recognise when the person is dying, and how to plan care accordingly
Promoting professionalism and trust in care home nurses
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: October 2017

Professionalism is a nebulous topic, but one that has an impact on every aspect of a nurse's professional life. In this article, Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of nurses meeting the standards of practice and behaviour set out in their professional code
Linear Alkanes and Reproductive Status of Polistes versicolor (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Females in Winter Aggregates
Authors: Brito Jane Herondi dos Santos , Antonialli-Junior William Fernando , Montagna Thiago Dos Santos , Mendonça Angélica , Sguarizi-Antonio Denise , Súarez Yzél Rondon , Lima Sandro Marcio , Andrade Luis Humberto da Cunha , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima
Published: October 2017

Female wasps such as Polistes versicolor can form aggregates to face weather conditions that are not suitable to sustain their colonies. The interactions between individuals in these aggregates, just as in other associations, are probably facilitated by chemical signals. Of these compounds some of the most efficient during social interactions of insects are those called contact pheromones or superficial pheromones. This special type of pheromones, known as cuticular hydrocarbons, can be found in insects cuticle. They facilitate the differentiation of caste, species and nestmates, and may be important indicators of dominance as well as fertility. Some studies indicate that linear alkanes are important cuticular compounds for intraspecific recognition and discrimination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between reproductive physiologic condition and the linear alkanes present in the cuticle of females of P. versicolor in aggregates employing Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Females from distinct aggregates were differentiated by the chemical composition of their cuticle. In each aggregate, there was difference in cuticular chemical composition between females with different ovarian development degrees, allowing the distinction between inseminated and non-inseminated females.
Social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) from two National Parks of the Caatinga Biome, in Brazil
Authors: Somavilla Alexandre , De Oliveira Márcio Luiz , Rafael José Albertino
Published: October 2017

This work recorded 593 specimens allocated in 11 genera and 23 species of social wasps were collected in Ubajara National Park and Sete Cidades National Park, Caatinga Biome, Northeast of Brazil. Chartergellus communis Richards, 1978, Chartergus globiventris de Saussure, 1854, Metapolybia docilis Richards, 1975, Polybia paulista (von Ihering, 1896), P. rejecta (Fabricius, 1798), Protonectarina sylveirae (de Saussure, 1854) and Protopolybia exigua (de Saussure, 1854) are new occurrence records for Ceará state. Apoica flavissima van der Vecht, 1898, Brachygastra augusti (de Saussure, 1854), C. globiventris, Metapolybia cingulata (Fabricius, 1804), Polybia chrysothorax (Lichtenstein, 1796), P. paulista, P. scutellaris (White, 1841) and Protopolybia chartergoides Gribodo, 1891 are new occurrence records for Piauí state. Eighteen species were collected in the Ubajara National Park, being eight exclusive and fifthteen in the Sete Cidades National Park, being five exclusive; ten species were collected in both Parks. Brachygastra augusti and M.docilis are new records for Caatinga biome.
Isolation and Characterization of Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers for Two Subterranean Termites
Authors: Dang Yu-Lei , Zhang Hong-Gui , Meng Yu-Feng , Zhang Min , Zhao Sha , You Ping , Su Xiao-Hong , Xing Lian-Xi
Published: October 2017

We isolated 15 and 18 highly polymorphic genomic microsatellite markers from two subterranean termites, Reticulitermes aculabialis and R. labralis, respectively. A total of 53 alleles were detected in 15 microsatellite loci of R. aculabialis, and the alleles were 3.533±1.302 (mean±SD), while the corresponding data of R. labralis were 115 detected alleles in 18 microsatellite loci with 6.389±1.754 alleles. The observed and expected heterozygosity was 0.496±0.236 and 0.564±0.125 in R. aculabialis, and 0.368±0.263 and 0.702±0.115 in R. labralis, respectively. Seven loci were highly polymorphic (PIC>0.5) in R. aculabialis, and 15 loci were highly polymorphic (PIC>0.5) in R. labralis. All loci showed Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These polymorphic markers provide useful tools for population genetic and breeding system studies of subterranean termites.
Persona non grata: A systematic review of de-roling in drama therapy
Authors: Lassken Savannagh
Published: October 2017

This research examines the phenomenon of de-roling in drama therapy literature with respect to its purpose and application. A systematic review of the literature indicates that the purpose of de-roling relates to the following: transitioning away from an enactment, sharing and reflecting, letting go of a character or a negatively felt sensation, setting boundaries to create distance, and integrating to learn from and amalgamate character qualities. An exploration of the five outlined purposes reveals new ways to view de-roling therapeutically.
Core self, transformations and consciousness: Transpersonal perspectives on healing and holding in Role Method and DvT
Authors: Raucher Gary
Published: October 2017

This article offers an appreciative examination and critique of theoretical tenets of Landy’s Role Method (RM) and Johnson’s Developmental Transformations (DvT) from the perspective of Ageless Wisdom teachings and transpersonal thought. Consciousness, viewed as a depth structure, challenges Landy’s assertion that his role system obviates the need for a core self and Johnson’s minimizing of transcendence as a resource for mitigating anxieties around ‘the instability of being’. The transpersonal construct of Higher Self is proposed as a means to extend drama therapists’ capacity to hold therapeutic space for existential or spiritual issues.
The fight against the least visible form of human trafficking: trafficking for labour exploitation
Authors: Aba Luz María Puente
Published: October 2017

The least visible of human trafficking is the one that is carried out for labour exploitation purposes. The aim here is to focus on two different needs: first, finding an accurate definition of forced labour, that encompass controversial questions, such as the meaning of clauses as “coercion” and “abuse of a position of vulnerability”, and the difference between human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation and forced labour; and second, identifying causes of human trafficking for labour exploitation. The article tries to put forward proposals regarding the best way of making these phenomena more visible and effectively combating them.
A remark on spherical equations in free metabelian groups
Authors: Timoshenko Evgeny I.
Published: October 2017

I. Lysenok and A. Ushakov proved that the Diophantine problem for spherical quadric equations in free metabelian groups is solvable. The present paper proves this result by using the Magnus embedding.
Multiple exciton generation in quantum dot-based solar cells
Authors: Goodwin Heather , Jellicoe Tom C. , Davis Nathaniel J.L.K. , Böhm Marcus L.
Published: October 2017

Multiple exciton generation (MEG) in quantum-confined semiconductors is the process by which multiple bound charge-carrier pairs are generated after absorption of a single high-energy photon. Such charge-carrier multiplication effects have been highlighted as particularly beneficial for solar cells where they have the potential to increase the photocurrent significantly. Indeed, recent research efforts have proved that more than one charge-carrier pair per incident solar photon can be extracted in photovoltaic devices incorporating quantum-confined semiconductors. While these proof-of-concept applications underline the potential of MEG in solar cells, the impact of the carrier multiplication effect on the device performance remains rather low. This review covers recent advancements in the understanding and application of MEG as a photocurrent-enhancing mechanism in quantum dot-based photovoltaics.
Electrospun fibers in regenerative tissue engineering and drug delivery
Authors: Nagarajan Sakthivel , Pochat-Bohatier Céline , Balme Sébastien , Miele Philippe , Kalkura S. Narayana , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: October 2017

Electrospinning is a versatile technique to produce micron or nano sized fibers using synthetic or bio polymers. The unique structural characteristic of the electrospun mats (ESM) which mimics extracellular matrix (ECM) found influential in regenerative tissue engineering application. ESM with different morphologies or ESM functionalizing with specific growth factors creates a favorable microenvironment for the stem cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Fiber size, alignment and mechanical properties affect also the cell adhesion and gene expression. Hence, the effect of ESM physical properties on stem cell differentiation for neural, bone, cartilage, ocular and heart tissue regeneration will be reviewed and summarized. Electrospun fibers having high surface area to volume ratio present several advantages for drug/biomolecule delivery. Indeed, controlling the release of drugs/biomolecules is essential for sustained delivery application. Various possibilities to control the release of hydrophilic or hydrophobic drug from the ESM and different electrospinning methods such as emulsion electrospinning and coaxial electrospinning for drug/biomolecule loading are summarized in this review.
Transition-metal complexes with oxidoborates. Synthesis and XRD characterization of [(H3NCH2CH2NH2)Zn{κ3
O,O′,O′′-B12O18(OH)6-κ1
O′′′}Zn(en)(NH2CH2CH2NH3)]·8H2O (en=1,2-diaminoethane): a neutral bimetallic zwiterionic polyborate system containing the ‘isolated’ dodecaborate(6−) anion
Authors: Altahan Mohammed A. , Beckett Michael A. , Coles Simon J. , Horton Peter N.
Published: October 2017

The title compound, [(H3NCH2CH2NH2)Zn{κ3
O,O′,O′′-B12O18(OH)6-κ1
O′′′}Zn(en)(NH2CH2CH2NH3)]·8H2O (en=1,2-diaminoethane) (1), was prepared as a crystalline solid in moderate yield from the reaction of B(OH)3 with [Zn(en)3][OH]2 in aqueous solution (15:1) ratio. The structure contains a neutral bimetallic complex comprised of a unusual dodecaborate(6−) anion ligating two [H3NCH2CH2NH2Zn(en)n]3+ centers in a monodentate (n=1) or tridentate (n=0) manner.
DeltaShaper: Enabling Unobservable Censorship-resistant TCP Tunneling over Videoconferencing Streams
Authors: Barradas Diogo , Santos Nuno , Rodrigues Luís
Published: October 2017

This paper studies the possibility of using the encrypted video channel of widely used videoconferencing applications, such as Skype, as a carrier for unobservable covert TCP/IP communications. We propose and evaluate different alternatives to encode information in the video stream in order to increase available throughput while preserving the packet-level characteristics of the video stream. We have built a censorship-resistant system, named DeltaShaper, which offers a data-link interface and supports TCP/IP applications that tolerate low throughput / high latency links. Our results show that it is possible to run standard protocols such as FTP, SMTP, or HTTP over Skype video streams.
Private Set Intersection for Unequal Set Sizes with Mobile Applications
Authors: Kiss Ágnes , Liu Jian , Schneider Thomas , Asokan N. , Pinkas Benny
Published: October 2017

Private set intersection (PSI) is a cryptographic technique that is applicable to many privacy-sensitive scenarios. For decades, researchers have been focusing on improving its efficiency in both communication and computation. However, most of the existing solutions are inefficient for an unequal number of inputs, which is common in conventional client-server settings. In this paper, we analyze and optimize the efficiency of existing PSI protocols to support precomputation so that they can efficiently deal with such input sets. We transform four existing PSI protocols into the precomputation form such that in the setup phase the communication is linear only in the size of the larger input set, while in the online phase the communication is linear in the size of the smaller input set. We implement all four protocols and run experiments between two PCs and between a PC and a smartphone and give a systematic comparison of their performance. Our experiments show that a protocol based on securely evaluating a garbled AES circuit achieves the fastest setup time by several orders of magnitudes, and the fastest online time in the PC setting where AES-NI acceleration is available. In the mobile setting, the fastest online time is achieved by a protocol based on the Diffie-Hellman assumption.
UnLynx: A Decentralized System for Privacy-Conscious Data Sharing
Authors: Froelicher David , Egger Patricia , Sousa João Sá , Raisaro Jean Louis , Huang Zhicong , Mouchet Christian , Ford Bryan , Hubaux Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2017

Current solutions for privacy-preserving data sharing among multiple parties either depend on a centralized authority that must be trusted and provides only weakest-link security (e.g., the entity that manages private/secret cryptographic keys), or leverage on decentralized but impractical approaches (e.g., secure multi-party computation). When the data to be shared are of a sensitive nature and the number of data providers is high, these solutions are not appropriate. Therefore, we present UnLynx, a new decentralized system for efficient privacy-preserving data sharing. We considermservers that constitute a collective authority whose goal is to verifiably compute on data sent fromndata providers. UnLynxguarantees the confidentiality, unlinkability between data providers and their data, privacy of the end result and the correctness of computations by the servers. Furthermore, to support differentially private queries, UnLynxcan collectively add noise under encryption. All of this is achieved through a combination of a set of new distributed and secure protocols that are based on homomorphic cryptography, verifiable shuffling and zero-knowledge proofs. UnLynxis highly parallelizable and modular by design as it enables multiple security/privacy vs. runtime tradeoffs. Our evaluation shows that UnLynxcan execute a secure survey on 400,000 personal data records containing 5 encrypted attributes, distributed over 20 independent databases, for a total of 2,000,000 ciphertexts, in 24 minutes.
Fingerprinting Keywords in Search Queries over Tor
Authors: Oh Se Eun , Li Shuai , Hopper Nicholas
Published: October 2017

Search engine queries contain a great deal of private and potentially compromising information about users. One technique to prevent search engines from identifying the source of a query, and Internet service providers (ISPs) from identifying the contents of queries is to query the search engine over an anonymous network such as Tor.

In this paper, we study the extent to which Website Fingerprinting can be extended to fingerprint individual queries or keywords to web applications, a task we call Keyword Fingerprinting (KF). We show that by augmenting traffic analysis using a two-stage approach with new task-specific feature sets, a passive network adversary can in many cases defeat the use of Tor to protect search engine queries.

We explore three popular search engines, Google, Bing, and Duckduckgo, and several machine learning techniques with various experimental scenarios. Our experimental results show that KF can identify Google queries containing one of 300 targeted keywords with recall of 80% and precision of 91%, while identifying the specific monitored keyword among 300 search keywords with accuracy 48%. We also further investigate the factors that contribute to keyword fingerprintability to understand how search engines and users might protect against KF.
Certificate Transparency with Privacy
Authors: Eskandarian Saba , Messeri Eran , Bonneau Joseph , Boneh Dan
Published: October 2017

Certificate transparency (CT) is an elegant mechanism designed to detect when a certificate authority (CA) has issued a certificate incorrectly. Many CAs now support CT and it is being actively deployed in browsers. However, a number of privacy-related challenges remain. In this paper we propose practical solutions to two issues. First, we develop a mechanism that enables web browsers to audit a CT log without violating user privacy. Second, we extend CT to support non-public subdomains.
Privacy-Preserving Distributed Linear Regression on High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Gascón Adrià , Schoppmann Phillipp , Balle Borja , Raykova Mariana , Doerner Jack , Zahur Samee , Evans David
Published: October 2017

We propose privacy-preserving protocols for computing linear regression models, in the setting where the training dataset is vertically distributed among several parties. Our main contribution is a hybrid multi-party computation protocol that combines Yao’s garbled circuits with tailored protocols for computing inner products. Like many machine learning tasks, building a linear regression model involves solving a system of linear equations. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation and comparison of different techniques for securely performing this task, including a new Conjugate Gradient Descent (CGD) algorithm. This algorithm is suitable for secure computation because it uses an efficient fixed-point representation of real numbers while maintaining accuracy and convergence rates comparable to what can be obtained with a classical solution using floating point numbers. Our technique improves on Nikolaenko et al.’s method for privacy-preserving ridge regression (S&P 2013), and can be used as a building block in other analyses. We implement a complete system and demonstrate that our approach is highly scalable, solving data analysis problems with one million records and one hundred features in less than one hour of total running time.
A Study of MAC Address Randomization in Mobile Devices and When it Fails
Authors: Martin Jeremy , Mayberry Travis , Donahue Collin , Foppe Lucas , Brown Lamont , Riggins Chadwick , Rye Erik C. , Brown Dane
Published: October 2017

Media Access Control (MAC) address randomization is a privacy technique whereby mobile devices rotate through random hardware addresses in order to prevent observers from singling out their traffic or physical location from other nearby devices. Adoption of this technology, however, has been sporadic and varied across device manufacturers. In this paper, we present the first wide-scale study of MAC address randomization in the wild, including a detailed breakdown of different randomization techniques by operating system, manufacturer, and model of device.

We then identify multiple flaws in these implementations which can be exploited to defeat randomization as performed by existing devices. First, we show that devices commonly make improper use of randomization by sending wireless frames with the true, global address when they should be using a randomized address. We move on to extend the passive identification techniques of Vanhoef et al. to effectively defeat randomization in ~96% of Android phones. Finally, we identify a previously unknown flaw in the way wireless chipsets handle low-level control frames which applies to 100% of devices we tested. This flaw permits an active attack that can be used under certain circumstances to track any existing wireless device.
Theoretical vocabularies and styles of explanation of robot behaviours in children
Authors: Datteri Edoardo , Zecca Luisa
Published: October 2017

How do children describe and explain the behaviour of robotic systems? In this paper, some distinctions between different types of explanations, drawing from the philosophy of science literature, are proposed and exemplified by reference to an activity in which primary school children are asked to describe and explain the behaviour of a pre-programmed Braitenberg-like vehicle. The proposed distinctions are also discussed against other studies drawn from the related scientific literature. A qualitative study has provided insights to further refine the analysis described here, through the introduction of other sub-categories of explanation of robotic behaviours.
Exploring factors related to college student expertise in digital games and their relationships to academics
Authors: Hamlen Karla R.
Published: October 2017

Digital game play is a common pastime among college students and monopolizes a great deal of time for many students. Researchers have previously investigated relationships between subject-specific game play and academics, but this study fulfills a need for research focusing on entertainment game strategies and how they relate to strategies and success in other contexts. Utilizing a survey of 191 undergraduate students, the goal was to investigate students’ digital game play habits, strategies, and beliefs that predict gaming expertise, and to determine if these relate to academic success. Factor analysis revealed three latent variables that predict expertise: dedication, solo mastery, and strategic play. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether these three components could also predict academic outcome variables. Findings point to the absence of a relationship between these variables and academic GPA, but to the presence of a tentative relationship between confidence in game play and confidence in personal control over academic success.
Educational robots and children’s imagery: a preliminary investigation in the first year of primary school
Authors: Bruni Filippo , Nisdeo Michela
Published: October 2017

This study, within the dual context of media education and the use of educational robots, presents a preliminary investigation relating children’s imagery of robots achieved through the analysis of 44 drawings done by children in the first year of primary school. In addition to identifying a set of analytical criteria to be further investigated, the research shows (i) some sources of children’s imagery about robots, (ii) the difficulties of a specific age group to clearly distinguish between toys, robots and human beings and (iii) some possible indications for educational paths.
Preparation and characterization of low-cost high-performance mullite-quartz ceramic proppants for coal bed methane wells
Authors: Wang Kaiyue , Wang Huijun , Zhou Yi , Li Guomin , Wu Yaqiao , Hao Jianying , Tian Yuming
Published: October 2017

In this study, the mullite-quartz-based proppants were successfully prepared by using the coal gangue as the raw materials. Then, the effects of the additive and the sintering temperature on the composition, microstructure, and properties of the proppants were investigated. Results showed that the proppants sintered at 1250°C with the 10 wt% bauxite additive presented the best performance, which was very close to that of the quartz-proppant, and met the operational requirements of the 52 MPa coal bed methane wells. The viscous flow mechanism of the liquid phase formed during the sintering process also promoted the arrangement of the grains, thus benefiting the densification and the strength of the proppants.
Selection of Superior Clones by Stability Analysis of Growth Performance in Populus davidiana Dode at Age 12
Authors: Koo Y. B. , Yeo J. K. , Woo K. S. , Kim T. S.
Published: October 2017

Stability parameters and clone x site interactions for 12-year volume were investigated in seven Populus davidiana (Korean aspen) clonal trials in South Korea. Either 24 or 38 clones were tested in each of the seven sites. All sources of variables such as clone, site, and clone x site interaction were statistically significant (p < 0.01) in the analysis of variance. The average volume of 3,199 trees was 0.043 m3. The different types of stability were shown from selected clones against the test means for volume. Clone Palkong 2 represents a relatively unstable clone that is sensitive to site changes and had greater adaptability to favorable sites. Five clones, Odae 19, Taehyun 9, Sunyeo 4, Sokwang 31, and Taehyun 3, were selected as superior clones based on stability parameters and mean volume. The selected clones have average stability and performed in a predictable manner over different planting sites. A positive relationship between stability parameters and the clone mean performance for volume was noted in this study.
Growth, Stem Quality and age-age Correlations in a Teak Provenance Trial in Tanzania
Authors: Pedersen A. P. , Hansen J. K. , Mtika J. M. , Msangi T. H.
Published: October 2017

This study examines the growth and stem straightness variation between teak (Tectona grandis L. f.) provenances in a 30-year-old field trial in the coastal lowland of Tanzania. The results are compared with earlier results. The findings demonstrate that it is possible to find large height and yield differences between teak provenances. The best performing provenance grows some 10% (height) to 40% (volume) better than the average. The provenance Topslip, India, consistently proved to be outstanding in terms of growth and stem quality confirming earlier evaluations at age 5 and 17 years. Tanzanian land races also proved to be superior, especially as regards stem straightness.
Evaluation of Resistance to the Beech Scale Insect (Cryptococcus fagisuga) and Propagation of American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) by Grafting
Authors: Ramirez M. , Loo J. , Krasowski M. J.
Published: October 2017

Scions collected from diseased trees and from those without symptoms of beech bark disease (BBD) were cleft-grafted in 2003 and 2004 onto rootstock of unknown resistance to BBD. Grafting success varied among genotypes and year (30% in 2003 and 12% in 2004), and improved with increasing rootstock diameter. Successful grafts were used to test resistance to the beech scale insect, Cryptococcus fagisuga (the initiating agent of BBD) by introducing eggs onto the bark of scions and allowing time for the emergence of all developmental stages of the insects. Significantly fewer insects colonized scions collected from putatively resistant trees than those collected from diseased trees. In some cases, where egg placement overlapped a portion of the rootstock, insect colonies developed on the rootstock but not on the scion collected from resistant trees. Occasionally, scions from putatively resistant trees were colonized, whereas some of those from diseased trees were not. When scions from putatively resistant trees were heavily colonized, only adult insects were present and no eggs or other life stages of the insect were found. The findings indicate that the extent of resistance to the scale insect (hence to BBD) ranges from partial to total resistance.
Multivariate Analysis of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Germplasm in Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu O. M. , Awopetu J. A.
Published: October 2017

Multivariate analyses were carried out on fifty-nine germplasm accessions of cashew derived from both local and exotic populations established at the research plots of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, to assess the extent of variability and pattern of genetic diversity among these cashew populations. Data collected on 36 quantitative and 33 qualitative plant characters were subjected to taximetric tools of Euclidean distance of complete linkage (furthest neighbour) and principal component analysis (PCA). The multivariate analyses tentatively grouped the selections into four distinct morphogenetically diverse clusters. The groupings appear to be a function of origin, eco-geographical distribution, genetic and/or agronomic affinity of the selections. Brazilian populations distinctly clustered together in two major groups while local clones and Indian selections dominated the other two major clusters with each group having its unique fruiting and tree growth habits. The clustering pattern at sub-cluster levels clearly reflects affinity of each genetic population. The principal component analysis and the potency indices showed that fruit characters are the most discriminating parameters for delineating cashew at the varietal level.
Genotype-Site Interactions in Growth, Physiological and Biochemical Parameters in Clones of Dalbergia Sissoo Roxb
Authors: Rawat R. S. , Nautiyal S.
Published: October 2017

A plantation trial of six selected clones of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. laid out in randomized block design at four sites in northern India during July, 1996 was evaluated for growth, physiological and biochemical parameters. Genotype-site interactions were significant for collar diameter increment, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic pigments, total soluble protein, total soluble sugar and starch content at 5 per cent level of significance. The variability estimates for these characters also indicated strong genetic control than the environment. However, stomatal conductance amongst these clones exhibited strong influence of environment that was non-additive in nature.