bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quest for B Modes from Inflationary Gravitational Waves
Authors: Kamionkowski Marc , Kovetz Ely D.
Published: August 2016

The search for the curl component (B mode) in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization induced by inflationary gravitational waves is described. The canonical single-field slow-roll model of inflation is presented, and we explain the quantum production of primordial density perturbations and gravitational waves. It is shown how these gravitational waves then give rise to polarization in the CMB. We then describe the geometric decomposition of the CMB polarization pattern into a curl-free component (E mode) and curl component (B mode) and show explicitly that gravitational waves induce B modes. We discuss the B modes induced by gravitational lensing and by Galactic foregrounds and show how both are distinguished from those induced by inflationary gravitational waves. Issues involved in the experimental pursuit of these B modes are described, and we summarize some of the strategies being pursued. We close with a brief discussion of some other avenues toward detecting/characterizing the inflationary gravitational-wave background.
Major Mechanisms of Atmospheric Moisture Transport and Their Role in Extreme Precipitation Events
Authors: Gimeno Luis , Dominguez Francina , Nieto Raquel , Trigo Ricardo , Drumond Anita , Reason Chris J.C. , Taschetto Andréa S. , Ramos Alexandre M. , Kumar Ramesh , Marengo José
Published: August 2016

We review the major conceptual models of atmospheric moisture transport, which describe the link between evaporation from the ocean and precipitation over the continents. We begin by summarizing some of the basic aspects of the structure and geographical distribution of the two major mechanisms of atmospheric moisture transport, namely low-level jets (LLJs) and atmospheric rivers (ARs). We then focus on a regional analysis of the role of these mechanisms in extreme precipitation events with particular attention to the intensification (or reduction) of moisture transport and the outcome, in terms of precipitation anomalies and subsequent flooding (drought), and consider changes in the position and occurrence of LLJs and ARs with respect to any associated flooding or drought. We then conclude with a graphical summary of the impacts of precipitation extremes, highlighting the usefulness of this information to hydrologists and policymakers, and describe some future research challenges including the effects of possible changes to ARs and LLJs within the context of future warmer climates.
Coral Reefs Under Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Challenges and Opportunities for Management and Policy
Authors: Anthony Kenneth R.N.
Published: August 2016

Carbon emissions in an industrialized world have created two problems for coral reefs: climate change and ocean acidification. Climate change drives ocean warming, which impacts biological and ecological reef processes, triggers large-scale coral bleaching events, and fuels tropical storms. Ocean acidification slows reef growth, alters competitive interactions, and impairs population replenishment. For managers and policymakers, ocean warming and acidification represent an almost paradoxical challenge by eroding reef resilience and simultaneously increasing the demand for reef resilience. Here, I address this problem in the context of challenges and potential solutions. Management efforts can compensate for reduced coral reef resilience in the face of global change, but to a limited extent and over a limited time frame. Critically, a realistic perspective on what sustainability measures can be achieved for coral reefs in the face of ocean warming and acidification is important to avoid setting unachievable goals for regional and local-scale management programs.
The Role of Material Efficiency in Environmental Stewardship
Authors: Worrell Ernst , Allwood Julian , Gutowski Timothy
Published: August 2016

Materials production requires a large amount of energy use and is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, producing approximately 25% of all anthropogenic CO2 emissions. It produces large volumes of waste both in production and at end-of-life disposal. More efficient use of materials could play a key role in achieving multiple environmental and economic benefits. Material efficiency entails the pursuit of technical strategies, business models, consumer preferences, and policy instruments that would lead to a substantial reduction in the production of new materials required to deliver well-being. Although many opportunities exist, material efficiency is not realized in practice to its full potential. We evaluate the potential for material efficiency improvement, highlight the drivers to realize material efficiency, and anticipate ways forward to realize the potential of dematerializing our lives and the economy to limit the impacts of climate change and remain on a sustainable development path.
Climate Change and Water and Sanitation: Likely Impacts and Emerging Trends for Action
Authors: Howard Guy , Calow Roger , Macdonald Alan , Bartram Jamie
Published: August 2016

Climate change represents the most significant challenge of the twenty-first century and poses risks to water and sanitation services. Concerns for water supply include damage to infrastructure from flooding, loss of water sources due to declining rainfall and increasing demand, and changes in the water quality of water sources and within distribution of water. Sanitation concerns include damage and loss of services from floods and reduced carrying capacity of waters receiving wastewater. Key actions to reduce climate risks include the integration of measures of climate resilience into water safety plans, as well as improved accounting and management of water resources. Policy prescriptions on technologies for service delivery and changes in management models offer potential to reduce risks, particularly in low-income settings. Water and sanitation services contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Choice of wastewater treatment technologies, improved pumping efficiency, use of renewable sources of energy, and within-system generation of energy offer potential for reducing emissions. Overall, greater attention and research are required to understand, plan for, and adapt to climate change in water and sanitation services. As with many other climate change adaptations, the likely benefits from no-regrets solutions are likely to outweigh the costs of investment.
Trends and Directions in Environmental Justice: From Inequity to Everyday Life, Community, and Just Sustainabilities
Authors: Agyeman Julian , Schlosberg David , Craven Luke , Matthews Caitlin
Published: August 2016

This article begins with a review and synthesis of some of the key theories, scholars, case examples, debates, methods, and (multiple) interpretations of environmental justice (EJ), as well as its expansion and globalization. We then look to some newly emerging themes, actions, and strategies for EJ and just sustainabilities. First, we look at the practices and materials of everyday life, illustrated by food and energy movements; second, the ongoing work on community and the importance of identity and attachment, informed by urban planning, food, and climate concerns; third, the growing interest in the relationship between human practices and communities and nonhuman nature. We also expand on the longstanding interest in just sustainabilities within this movement, illustrated by a wide range of concerns with food, energy, and climate justice. These new areas of work illustrate both recent developments and a set of paths forward for both the theory and practice of EJ.
Money Market Funds and Regulation
Authors: Lewis Craig M.
Published: August 2016

This article examines money market funds and the regulation that was promulgated in the wake of the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy during the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. Various explanations for the ensuing run-like behavior are discussed, including a first-mover advantage related to potential fire sales, the ability to redeem shares at a stable $1.00 when funds are valued below $1.00, and flights to quality and transparency. We then discuss regulatory reform, beginning with the SEC's 2010 amendments and concluding with its 2014 Money Market Fund Reform rules, which require (a) all funds to implement liquidity fees and redemption gates and (b) institutional prime funds to price at their floating net asset value. The economic underpinnings of the SEC's final policy choices are discussed and compared to alternatives, such as capital buffers, that were considered but not adopted.
Possibilities and Contestation in Twenty-First-Century US Criminal Justice Downsizing
Authors: Phelps Michelle S.
Published: August 2016

After four decades of an expanding carceral state, political leaders are increasingly championing proposals framed as smart—rather than simply tough—on crime. Yet as states increasingly adopt progressive reforms like scaling back the drug war, punishment in other respects continues to grow harsher. This article applies the agonistic perspective to explain these contradictory trends. I argue that the struggles of agonists in the penal field, in the context of socio-structural changes, have produced this pattern of reform. In particular, although the conservative Right on Crime movement has claimed much of the credit, recent policy shifts would not have been possible without the long struggle of progressive and moderate actors throughout the past four decades to challenge the punitive status quo. In addition, the emergent alliances between groups with contrasting political ideologies help explain both the possibilities and limitations of reform.
Genomics of Natural Populations of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Fitzgerald J. Ross , Holden Matthew T.G.
Published: August 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen and an important cause of livestock infections. The first S. aureus genomes to be published, 15 years ago, provided the first view of genome structure and gene content. Since then, thousands of genomes from a wide array of strains from different sources have been sequenced. Comparison of these sequences has resulted in broad insights into population structure, bacterial evolution, clone emergence and expansion, and the molecular basis of niche adaptation. Furthermore, this information is now being applied clinically in outbreak investigations to inform infection control measures and to determine appropriate treatment regimens. In this review, we summarize some of the broad insights into S. aureus biology gained from the analysis of genomes and discuss future directions and opportunities in this dynamic field of research.
Staphylococcus aureus RNAIII and Its Regulon Link Quorum Sensing, Stress Responses, Metabolic Adaptation, and Regulation of Virulence Gene Expression
Authors: Bronesky Delphine , Wu Zongfu , Marzi Stefano , Walter Philippe , Geissmann Thomas , Moreau Karen , Vandenesch François , Caldelari Isabelle , Romby Pascale
Published: August 2016

Staphylococcus aureus RNAIII is one of the main intracellular effectors of the quorum-sensing system. It is a multifunctional RNA that encodes a small peptide, and its noncoding parts act as antisense RNAs to regulate the translation and/or the stability of mRNAs encoding transcriptional regulators, major virulence factors, and cell wall metabolism enzymes. In this review, we explain how regulatory proteins and RNAIII are embedded in complex regulatory circuits to express virulence factors in a dynamic and timely manner in response to stress and environmental and metabolic changes.
A Life of Neurotransmitters
Authors: Snyder Solomon H.
Published: August 2016

Development of scientific creativity is often tied closely to mentorship. In my case, two years with Julius Axelrod, the sum total of my research training, was transformative. My mentoring generations of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows has been as nurturing for me as it has been for them. Work in our lab over fifty years has covered the breadth of neurotransmitters and related substances, focusing on the discovery and characterization of novel messenger molecules. I can't conceptualize a more rewarding professional life.
Welfare, Wealth, and Sustainability
Authors: Irwin Elena G. , Gopalakrishnan Sathya , Randall Alan
Published: August 2016

Growing concerns over climate change and the potential for large damages due to nonlinear processes underscore the need for a meaningful sustainability assessment of an economy. Economists have developed rigorous approaches to conceptualizing sustainability based on the paradigm of weak sustainability, which relies on extensive substitution among reproducible capital, renewable resources, and exhaustible natural resources. In contrast, strong sustainability emphasizes physical limits to this substitution and the importance of maintaining the resilience of normally functioning biophysical processes. Recent progress in resource and environmental economics has demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating strong sustainability features, including tipping points, uncertainties, and resilience, to assess efficiency and optimal policies. Given that weak sustainability and intertemporal efficiency share a welfare theoretic foundation, we ask: To what extent can these approaches be applied to evaluate sustainability? We highlight recent work on assessing sustainability in imperfect economies and dynamic models of intertemporal welfare that embed strong sustainability features.
The Discovery of Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Coffin John M. , Fan Hung
Published: August 2016

In 1970 the independent and simultaneous discovery of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses (then RNA tumor viruses) by David Baltimore and Howard Temin revolutionized molecular biology and laid the foundations for retrovirology and cancer biology. In this historical review we describe the formulation of the controversial provirus hypothesis by Temin, which ultimately was proven by his discovery of reverse transcriptase in Rous sarcoma virus virions. Baltimore arrived at the same discovery through his studies on replication of RNA-containing viruses, starting with poliovirus and then moving to vesicular stomatitis virus, where he discovered a virion RNA polymerase. Subsequent studies of reverse transcriptase led to the elucidation of the mechanism of retrovirus replication, the discovery of oncogenes, the advent of molecular cloning, the search for human cancer viruses, and the discovery and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Climate Change and the Arboviruses: Lessons from the Evolution of the Dengue and Yellow Fever Viruses
Authors: Tabachnick Walter J.
Published: August 2016

The impact of anticipated changes in global climate on the arboviruses and the diseases they cause poses a significant challenge for public health. The past evolution of the dengue and yellow fever viruses provides clues about the influence of changes in climate on their future evolution. The evolution of both viruses has been influenced by virus interactions involving the mosquito species and the primate hosts involved in virus transmission, and by their domestic and sylvatic cycles. Information is needed on how viral genes in general influence phenotypic variance for important viral functions. Changes in global climate will alter the interactions of mosquito species with their primate hosts and with the viruses in domestic cycles, and greater attention should be paid to the sylvatic cycles. There is great danger for the evolution of novel viruses, such as new serotypes, that could compromise vaccination programs and jeopardize public health. It is essential to understand (a) both sylvatic and domestic cycles and (b) the role of virus genetic and environmental variances in shaping virus phenotypic variance to more fully assess the impact of global climate change.
Strabismus and the Oculomotor System: Insights from Macaque Models
Authors: Das Vallabh E.
Published: August 2016

Disrupting binocular vision in infancy leads to strabismus and oftentimes to a variety of associated visual sensory deficits and oculomotor abnormalities. Investigation of this disorder has been aided by the development of various animal models, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. In comparison to studies of binocular visual responses in cortical structures, investigations of neural oculomotor structures that mediate the misalignment and abnormalities of eye movements have been more recent, and these studies have shown that different brain areas are intimately involved in driving several aspects of the strabismic condition, including horizontal misalignment, dissociated deviations, A and V patterns of strabismus, disconjugate eye movements, nystagmus, and fixation switch. The responses of cells in visual and oculomotor areas that potentially drive the sensory deficits and also eye alignment and eye movement abnormalities follow a general theme of disrupted calibration, lower sensitivity, and poorer specificity compared with the normally developed visual oculomotor system.
Ocular Photoreception for Circadian Rhythm Entrainment in Mammals
Authors: Van Gelder Russell N. , Buhr Ethan D.
Published: August 2016

Circadian rhythms are self-sustained, approximately 24-h rhythms of physiology and behavior. These rhythms are entrained to an exactly 24-h period by the daily light-dark cycle. Remarkably, mice lacking all rod and cone photoreceptors still demonstrate photic entrainment, an effect mediated by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These cells utilize melanopsin (OPN4) as their photopigment. Distinct from the ciliary rod and cone opsins, melanopsin appears to function as a stable photopigment utilizing sequential photon absorption for its photocycle; this photocycle, in turn, confers properties on ipRGCs such as sustained signaling and resistance from photic bleaching critical for an irradiance detection system. The retina itself also functions as a circadian pacemaker that can be autonomously entrained to light-dark cycles. Recent experiments have demonstrated that another novel opsin, neuropsin (OPN5), is required for this entrainment, which appears to be mediated by a separate population of ipRGCs. Surprisingly, the circadian clock of the mammalian cornea is also light entrainable and is also neuropsin-dependent for this effect. The retina thus utilizes a surprisingly broad array of opsins for mediation of different light-detection tasks.
The Human Brain in Depth: How We See in 3D
Authors: Welchman Andrew E.
Published: August 2016

Human perception is remarkably flexible: We experience vivid three-dimensional (3D) structure under diverse conditions, from the seemingly random magic-eye stereograms to the aesthetically beautiful, but obviously flat, canvases of the Old Masters. How does the brain achieve this apparently effortless robustness? Using brain imaging we are beginning to discover how different parts of the visual cortex support 3D perception by tracing different computations in the dorsal and ventral pathways. This review concentrates on studies of binocular disparity and its combination with other depth cues. This work suggests that the dorsal visual cortex is strongly engaged by 3D information and is involved in integrating signals to represent the structure of viewed surfaces. The ventral cortex may store representations of object configurations and the features required for task performance. These differences can be broadly understood in terms of the different computational demands of reducing estimator variance versus increasing the separation between exemplars.
A Gram-Negative Bacterial Secreted Protein Types Prediction Method Based on PSI-BLAST Profile
Authors: Ding Shuyan , Zhang Shengli
Published: August 2016

Prediction of secreted protein types based solely on sequence data remains to be a challenging problem. In this study, we extract the long-range correlation information and linear correlation information from position-specific score matrix (PSSM). A total of 6800 features are extracted at 17 different gaps; then, 309 features are selected by a filter feature selection method based on the training set. To verify the performance of our method, jackknife and independent dataset tests are performed on the test set and the reported overall accuracies are 93.60% and 100%, respectively. Comparison of our results with the existing method shows that our method provides the favorable performance for secreted protein type prediction.
Eliciting Challenges on Social Connectedness among Filipino Nurse Returnees: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Method Research
Authors: Cortez Mary Jane L. , Del Rosario Christian V. , Diño Michael Joseph S.
Published: August 2016

This cross-sectional study utilized a nested concurrent design to determine the association of Filipino nurse returnees’ length of stay since they returned and their social connectedness as well as the essence of communication from their perspective. The respondents, who are Filipino nurses (n=107) who worked abroad and returned to the Philippines for good, were employed from June to July of 2015 via referrals from colleges and institutions in Metro Manila and Bulacan areas in the Philippines. The quantitative results revealed, in one hand, significant but weak correlation between the respondent’s length of stay and social connectedness (r=0.224,p=0.021,α=0.05). On the other hand, three themes were generated from the qualitative analysis, namely, (1) Taking-In, (2) Taking-Hold, and (3) Letting-Go. The Social Connection System (SCS) provides a visual depiction of the social connectedness of a person. This research is geared towards the understanding of the interesting phenomenon of migration and social coherence of Filipino professionals.
Occurrence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep of the Guarapuava region, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Gheller Janaína Menegazzo , Carniel Rafael , Carrasco Adriano Oliveira de Torres , Seki Meire Christina
Published: August 2016

A toxoplasmose e neosporose são doenças que podem afetar os animais de produção causando perdas econômicas significativas. Sabendo disso, foram determinados os fatores de risco e a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum em 81 ovinos de sete propriedades da região de Guarapuava, Paraná, Brasil. A pesquisa de anticorpos foi realizada por meio da Reação de Imunofluorêscencia Indireta (RIFI) e foi observada uma frequência de 40,74% para T. gondii e de 3,70% para N. caninum. Os fatores de risco pressupostos para ambas as infecções foram: o contato direto dos ovinos com felinos, para T. gondii, e com cães para N. caninum, presença de aborto no rebanho e o acesso de outras espécies animais ao mesmo bebedouro dos ovinos. Por meio do Teste Exato de Fisher foram calculados o IC (95%), Odds ratio e o valor de p, os quais não revelaram associação entre a ocorrência de anticorpos e os fatores de riscos analisados. Pode-se afirmar que os protozoários T. gondii e N. caninum estão presentes entre os rebanhos de ovinos dessa região.
Perkinsus beihaiensis infectando a ostra Crassostrea rhizophorae em cultivo e em estoque natural na Baía de Camamu, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Luz Mariane Dos Santos Aguiar , Boehs Guisla
Published: August 2016

Foi investigada a infecção de Perkinsus beihaiensis (Perkinsozoa) na ostra Crassostrea rhizophorae em um sistema de cultivo do tipo espinhel e em um estoque natural de ostras no manguezal adjacente ambos localizados no estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. As colheitas foram realizadas em outubro e novembro de 2012 e em janeiro de 2013. As ostras (n = 300) foram medidas, examinadas macroscopicamente quanto a sinais da infecção e submetidas às técnicas laboratoriais: histologia, ensaio em meio de cultivo de tioglicolato de Ray (RFTM), reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e sequenciamento, que confirmou a identificação do patógeno. As análises histológicas e o RFTM mostraram, respectivamente, prevalência média de 93,3% e de 69%. A infecção foi geralmente leve ou muito leve. Não houve diferença significativa (p > 0,05) entre os ambientes em termos de prevalência ou severidade da infecção. Este é o primeiro registro de P. beihaiensis no estado da Bahia e o segundo em ostras do Brasil e América do Sul.
Acute cardiopulmonary repercussions in the correct use of the dry-powder inhalers
Authors: Martinelli Bruno , Pinto Karina S. , Besse Carolina R. , Barrile Silvia R. , Rosa Deborah M. C. , Pessoa Bruna V.
Published: August 2016

Study model: It is a cross-over, clinical and comparative study. Objective: To evaluate the acute respiratory and cardiac respercussions in correct use of the dry powder inhalers (DPI) in patients with asthma. Methodology: Seventeen adult patients with asthma using DPI (Formoterol and Budesonide) were evaluated in two moments. The mensuared variables, before and after use of DPI, were: anthropometric, cognitive, muscle strength, vital signs, periferic oxygen saturation, respiratory pressures and peak expiratory flow. In the first moment (M1) was evaluated and monitored the usual performance before and immediately after using DPI and delivered an explicative leaflet about the correct use. In the second moment (M2), 30 days after M1, there was the same evaluation, however, with correct use of the DPI. Results: In the M2 there were increases to inspiratory pressure of 64,2±2,03 to 74,1±31,7 (cmH2O); expiratory pressure of 71,05±33,8 to 80±31,4 (cmH2O); vital capacity of 3,3±0,9 to 3,9±0,9 (l) and reductions in the pulse frequence of 80,3±10,7 to 72,2±9,4 (bm) and double product of 10001±1693 to 8846±1416 (paired t test, p<0,05). Conclusions: The correct use of the DPI promoves the positive respiratory and cardiac repercussions, improving respiratory conditions and reducing cardiac work><0,05).  Conclusions: The correct use of the DPI promoves the positive respiratory and cardiac repercussions, improving respiratory conditions and reducing cardiac work
A ESTRATÉGIA DE INTEGRAÇÃO DO SUL DO ESTADO DE MATO GROSSO AO TERRITÓRIO NACIONAL DURANTE O GOVERNO VARGAS:UMA ANÁLISE A PARTIR DA CRIAÇÃO DA COLÔNIA AGRÍCOLA NACIONAL DE DOURADOS EM 1943
Authors: Silva Walter Guedes
Published: August 2016

O apelo ao nacionalismo marcou o discurso do Presidente da República do Brasil Getúlio Vargas (1930-1945), que se utilizou da mídia para convocar os trabalhadores à conquista do território nacional, que se daria por meio da política migratória e colonizadora condizente com a necessidade de integração territorial e de industrialização do país. Para isso, Vargas criou oito Colônias Agrícolas Nacionais, dentre elas, a Colônia Agrícola Nacional de Dourados no Sul do estado do Mato Grosso, hoje estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. O objetivo deste artigo consiste em analisar a criação da Colônia Agrícola Nacional de Dourados, em 1943, como forma de garantir a integridade da fronteira entre Brasil-Paraguai e a integração da região atendida por esse projeto colonizador ao território nacional. Os procedimentos adotados repousaram na revisão da bibliografia regional e em discursos do então presidente Getúlio Vargas, que contribuiu para a compreensão dos ideais do governo Vargas em implantar uma política que (re)estruturou o território regional em pequenas propriedades familiares, como forma de garantir a integração dessa região ao mercado nacional como produtora de matéria-prima e receptora de correntes migratórias.
REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS E SUA RELAÇÃO COM A QUALIDADE DE ÁGUA EM COMUNIDADES DO ENTORNO DO PARQUE ESTADUAL DO IBITIPOCA, MG-BRASIL
Authors: Galvão Davi Fortes , Dupas Francisco , Otênio Marcelo
Published: August 2016

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi o de levantar a representação social (RS) das bacias hidrográficas (BHs) para as comunidades do entorno do Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca, relacionando com o estado de conservação dos recursos hídricos (RH) e as práticas agropecuárias. Foi utilizada a técnica quali/quantitativa do discurso do sujeito coletivo (DSC) com entrevistas gravadas que recuperam opiniões, representações, posicionamentos, saberes tradicionais, crenças e atitudes. Resultou no levantamento das RS em relação aos rios e córregos relacionando-os com a qualidade dos RH e as variáveis de uso e cobertura do solo. Foi constatado a existência de RS mais e menos impactantes quando comparadas entre si e que essas RS afetam a qualidade dos RH de acordo com os discursos, analises de água e estudo do uso e cobertura do solo. Consideramos que dependendo das RS do indivíduo, existe uma maior propensão do sujeito em adotar práticas que sejam mais conservacionistas em função da RS atribuída ao tema. O estudo do uso e cobertura do solo mostrou como se manifestam e como as RS influenciam na utilização do solo. As análises de água foram fundamentais no relacionamento das RS com seu impacto nos RH das comunidades.
Soluble ST2 for Prediction of Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Death in an Elderly, Community‐Dwelling Population
Authors: Parikh Ravi H. , Seliger Stephen L. , Christenson Robert , Gottdiener John S. , Psaty Bruce M. , deFilippi Christopher R.
Published: August 2016

Background

Soluble
ST
2 (
sST
2), a marker of myocyte stretch and fibrosis, has prognostic value in many cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that
sST
2 levels are associated with incident heart failure (HF), including subtypes of preserved (
HF
p
EF
) and reduced (
HF
r
EF
) ejection fraction, and cardiovascular death.

Methods and Results

Baseline serum
sST
2 was measured in 3915 older, community‐dwelling subjects from the Cardiovascular Health Study without prevalent HF.
sST
2 levels were associated with older age, male sex, black race, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, other biomarkers of inflammation, cardiac stretch, myocardial injury, and fibrosis, and abnormal echocardiographic parameters. In longitudinal analysis, greater
sST
2 was associated with a higher risk of incident HF and cardiovascular death; however, in multivariate models adjusting for other cardiac risk factors and the cardiac‐specific biomarker, N‐terminal pro–type B natriuretic peptide, these associations were attenuated. In these models, an
sST
2 level above the US Food and Drug Administration–approved cut‐off value (>35 ng/mL) was significantly associated with incident HF (hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.20; 95%
CI
, 1.02–1.43) and cardiovascular death (
HR
, 1.21; 95%
CI
, 1.02–1.44), and greater
sST
2 was continuously associated with cardiovascular death (per 1‐ln increment:
HR
, 1.24; 95%
CI
, 1.02–1.50).
sST
2 was not associated with the
HF
subtypes of
HF
p
EF
and
HF
r
EF
in adjusted analysis. Addition of
sST
2 to existing risk models of HF and cardiovascular death modestly improved discrimination and reclassification into a higher risk.

Conclusions

The predictive value of
sST
2 for HF of all subtypes and cardiovascular death is modest in an elderly population despite strong cross‐sectional associations with risk factors and underlying cardiac pathology.
Postsecondary Schooling and Parental Resources: Evidence from the PSID and HRS
Authors: Haider Steven J. , McGarry Kathleen
Published: August 2016

We examine the association between young adult postsecondary schooling and parental financial resources using two datasets that contain high-quality data on parental resources: the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We find the association to be pervasive—it exists for income and wealth, it extends far up the income and wealth distributions, it remains even after we control for a host of other characteristics, and it continues beyond simply beginning postsecondary schooling to completing a four-year degree. Using the Transition to Adulthood supplement to the PSID, we also find that financial resources strongly affect postsecondary schooling for all levels of high school achievement, and particularly for those at the highest level.
Evolutionary Algorithms for Boolean Functions in Diverse Domains of Cryptography
Authors: Picek Stjepan , Carlet Claude , Guilley Sylvain , Miller Julian F. , Jakobovic Domagoj
Published: August 2016

The role of Boolean functions is prominent in several areas including cryptography, sequences, and coding theory. Therefore, various methods for the construction of Boolean functions with desired properties are of direct interest. New motivations on the role of Boolean functions in cryptography with attendant new properties have emerged over the years. There are still many combinations of design criteria left unexplored and in this matter evolutionary computation can play a distinct role. This article concentrates on two scenarios for the use of Boolean functions in cryptography. The first uses Boolean functions as the source of the nonlinearity in filter and combiner generators. Although relatively well explored using evolutionary algorithms, it still presents an interesting goal in terms of the practical sizes of Boolean functions. The second scenario appeared rather recently where the objective is to find Boolean functions that have various orders of the correlation immunity and minimal Hamming weight. In both these scenarios we see that evolutionary algorithms are able to find high-quality solutions where genetic programming performs the best.
Is Hong Kong no Longer a Land of Opportunities after the 1997 Handover?
Authors: Wong Yi-Lee , Koo Anita
Published: August 2016

A belief that Hong Kong is a land of opportunities for the talented and the hardworking makes many speculate that an increasing involvement of younger generations in politics in recent years results from their blocked social mobility. What remains unclear is whether new generations are indeed deprived of mobility opportunities in nowadays Hong Kong. We seek to address this issue empirically by analysing two datasets collected in 1989 and 2007. Situating our discussion against the context of the study of social mobility, we discuss our analysis from two perspectives of social mobility: absolute mobility (mobility due to structural changes) and relative mobility (mobility due to changes in social fluidity). Against a changing class structure over the set period, structural opportunities for upward mobility are actually available to the younger generations; but, seemingly, whether they could grasp such opportunities to get ahead has become more strongly dependent on their class background.
Indothrix Krombein, 1957 (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) newly recorded genus from China, with description of one new species
Authors: LI SHUANG-SHUANG , XU ZAI-FU
Published: August 2016

The genus Indothrix Krombein, 1957 is newly recorded from China. Indothrix brevicornis Li & Xu, sp. nov. (China: Zhejiang) is described and illustrated. Key to the three world species of the genus is given.
A new species of Nanophyllium Redtenbacher, 1906 from the northern coast of New Guinea (Phasmida, Phylliidae)
Authors: CUMMING ROYCE T.
Published: August 2016

A new species of leaf insect, Nanophyllium stellae n. sp. is described and illustrated. As for the majority of the current taxa of Nanophyllium Redtenbacher, 1906, the new species is named from a single male specimen, as no other specimens are currently known to exist. A key to the current species of Nanophyllium Redtenbacher, 1906 is provided. The holotype was photographed using a Canon 5D Mark II and a MP-E 65mm macro lens and will be deposited in the San Diego Natural History Museum. Photos were stacked using Zerene photo stacking software, version 1.04, 64-bit. Measurements of anatomical figures were made to the nearest 0.1 mm. Currently, only four species of Nanophyllium Redtenbacher, 1906 have been described, all from males, with N. stellae n. sp. marking the fifth species. To date, there have been no females described, save one possible N. hasenpuschi Brock & Grösser, 2008 specimen illustrated from Nabire, Irian Jaya (Brock & Hasenpusch, 2003).
Interaction of an Upper-Tropospheric Jet with a Squall Line Originating along a Cold Frontal Boundary
Authors: Stechman Daniel M. , Rauber Robert M. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Jewett Brian F. , Jorgensen David P.
Published: August 2016

On 8 June 2003, an expansive squall line along a surface cold frontal boundary was sampled during the Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment. The Naval Research Laboratory P-3 aircraft and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration P-3 aircraft simultaneously sampled the leading and trailing edge of this squall line, respectively, with X-band Doppler radars. Data from these two airborne radar systems have been synthesized to produce a pseudo-quad-Doppler analysis of the squall line, yielding a detailed three-dimensional kinematic analysis of its structure. A simulation of the squall line was carried out using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to complement the pseudo-quad-Doppler analysis. The simulation employed a 3-km, convection-allowing, nested domain centered over the pseudo-quad-Doppler domain, along with a 9-km parent domain to capture the larger synoptic-scale cyclone.

The pseudo-quad-Doppler analysis reveals that the convective line was embedded within the upper-tropospheric jet stream, causing local decelerations and deviations in the jet-level flow. The vertical transport of low momentum air from the boundary layer via convective updrafts is shown to significantly decelerate jet-level flow. Pressure perturbations associated with the intrusion of low momentum air into the jet stream–level flow led to deviation of the jet stream flow around the squall line that resulted in counter-rotating ribbons of vertical vorticity parallel to the squall line. Model results indicate that disturbances in the jet stream structure persisted downwind of the squall line for several hours.
A Tale of Two Sources in Native Advertising
Authors: Wu Mu , Huang Yan , Li Ruobing , Bortree Denise Sevick , Yang Fan , Xiao Anli , Wang Ruoxu
Published: August 2016

In the strategic communication field, native advertising has been hailed as the next big trend. However, this type of marketing technique may negatively affect the perceptions of brands as well as media outlets that provide such content due to its obscurity of persuasive intent and ambiguity of the content source. The current study examined these issues by conducting a 2 (priming: presence vs. absence) × 2 (media credibility: high vs. low) × 2 (corporate credibility: high vs. low) factorial between-subjects experiment. A total of 500 participants recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk completed the online experiment. Findings suggested that priming of native advertising information would significantly improve users’ ad recognition and change their content perception. In addition, a series of three-way interaction effects suggested that the interaction between the two types of source credibility (media and corporate) tend to work as a function of priming of native advertising information, which could completely change individuals’ perception of the ad content and evaluation of the media source in the future, but not their future corporate evaluation. Important theoretical as well as practical implications have also been discussed in this article.
The Sociology of Theology Revisited and Applied
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: August 2016

This paper reconsiders and restates the sociology of theology as an investigation of the social origins of theological doctrines. It treats the sociology of theology as an integral part of the sociology of religion and links it with the sociology of ideology (or knowledge). In particular, it applies the sociology of theology to the emergence and diffusion of Calvinism as a theological system. The paper posits and identifies essential social origins of the main Calvinist sociological doctrines, such as those of an absolute, omnipotent God and Divine predestination. It specifically identifies their social origins in a definite political system for the first doctrine and a ruling class of society for the second. It shows that these doctrines are theological and ideological projections and rationalizations of Calvinists pursuing or attaining power and domination since Calvin and his collaborators, and through their descendants. The paper aims to make a contribution to the sociology of theology as a relatively neglected part of the contemporary sociology of religion and ideology.
Comparative Analyses of MIRT Models and Software (BMIRT and flexMIRT)
Authors: Yavuz Guler , Hambleton Ronald K.
Published: August 2016

Application of MIRT modeling procedures is dependent on the quality of parameter estimates provided by the estimation software and techniques used. This study investigated model parameter recovery of two popular MIRT packages, BMIRT and flexMIRT, under some common measurement conditions. These packages were specifically selected to investigate the model parameter recovery of three item parameter estimation techniques, namely, Bock–Aitkin EM (BA-EM), Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), and Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro (MH-RM) algorithms. The results demonstrated that all estimation techniques had similar root mean square error values when larger sample size and higher test length were used. Depending on the number of dimensions, sample size, and test length, each estimation technique exhibited some strengths and weaknesses. Overall, the BA-EM technique was found to have shorter estimation time with all test specifications.
Studying administrative reforms through textual analysis: the case of Italian central government accounting
Authors: Liguori Mariannunziata , Steccolini Ileana , Rota Silvia
Published: August 2016

This article contributes to the literature on public sector reforms by proposing textual analysis as a useful research strategy to explore how reform archetypes and related ideas are deployed in the parliamentary debate and regulations advancing reforms. Public Administration (PA), New Public Management (NPM) and Public Governance (GOV) can be depicted as three different archetypes providing characteristic administrative ideas and concepts and related tools and practices, which lead reforms. We use textual analysis to look into more than 20 years of Italian central government accounting reforms and investigate how the three administrative archetypes have evolved, intertwined and replaced each other. Textual analysis proves a useful tool through which to investigate reform processes and allows us to show that in neo-Weberian countries, such as Italy, NPM and GOV, far from being revolutionary paradigms, may represent fashionable trends that have not left significant traces in the practice and rhetoric of reforms.

Points for practitioners

In contexts based on civil law traditions, the introduction of new reforms appears to be slow and difficult, and is often more successful when it respects extant PA systems, which remain well rooted in the public sector. Decision-makers may want to keep this into consideration when proposing or implementing new changes. From an organizational point of view, this underlines the importance of reassuring civil servants and politicians of the consistency of the ‘new’ proposed models with those they have been accustomed to, and of using the traditional language of PA to explain and introduce new ideas and tools and make them more acceptable. However, this has to be balanced by an actual change in the old systems and routines, using continuity to bring about change and avoiding the re-enactment of merely formalistic approaches.
Justice during Armed Conflict
Authors: Loyle Cyanne E. , Binningsbø Helga Malmin
Published: August 2016

While armed conflict is ultimately about violent interaction between combatant groups, a variety of policies are pursued in conjunction with violence that contribute to the course of conflict and its outcomes. One underdeveloped area of research is the use of judicial and quasi-judicial processes during armed conflict. These processes, including trials, truth commissions, reparations, amnesties, purges, or exiles, are directly related to the actions and abuses of the conflict itself—a phenomenon we refer to as during-conflict justice (DCJ). To enable researchers to answer questions about when and why governments and rebels resort to these strategies, and to what effect, we created a global, cross-national dataset which includes 2,205 justice processes implemented during 204 internal armed conflicts between 1946 and 2011. Using these data, this article investigates the conditions under which governments and rebels employ DCJ as well as the potential effects of DCJ usage on conflict dynamics and outcomes.
Deception Declassified: The Social Organisation of Cover Storying in a Secret Intelligence Operation
Authors: Luscombe Alex
Published: August 2016

This article asks why and how governments keep secrets from publics, journalists and politicians using the strategy of ‘cover storying’. To develop a theory of cover storying, insights are drawn from political sociologies of state secrecy and from recent sociological examinations of secrecy and deception in organisations. This theory is illustrated by analysing Cobra Mist, a secretive and deceptive Anglo-American Cold War intelligence operation. Examining recently declassified documents, this article develops a framework for the analysis of five interrelated narrative conditions that shape social processes of cover storying: correspondence; plausibility; accountability; constraint; and durability. In conclusion this article reflects on the broader implications of this analysis for contemporary state and organisational theories and understandings of secrecy.
Technology Readiness and Customer Satisfaction with Travel Technologies: A Cross-Country Investigation
Authors: Wang Ying , So Kevin Kam Fung , Sparks Beverley A.
Published: August 2016

Technologies have dramatically transformed tourist experience. However, research has largely focused on traveler attitudes and technology adoption rather than their experience with travel technologies. Taking a cross-country perspective, this study examines the role of technology readiness (TR) as a personality trait in shaping travelers’ satisfaction with travel technologies, using airlines as a case study. Results of an online survey of travelers in Australia, China, and the United States revealed the moderating effects of the TR dimensions of optimism and innovativeness as well as country of residence on the relationships between perceived quality of technology-enabled services (TESs), satisfaction with TESs, overall satisfaction, and future behavior. These relationships were stronger among travelers with higher TR and varied across countries. The results suggest that tourism and hospitality service providers should incorporate measures of traveler TR and TESs’ performance into their customer-experience monitoring system.
A Self-assessment Tool for Screening Young Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Using Strong Heart Family Study Data
Authors: Yan Fengxia , Cha EunSeok , Lee Elisa T. , Mayberry Robert M. , Wang Wenyu , Umpierrez Guillermo
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to characterize risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes in young adults aged 18 to 29 years to develop a noninvasive risk assessment tool for use with younger American populations.

Methods

The self-assessment tool was developed with the Strong Heart Family Study data. A total of 590 young American Indian adults (242 men) who had normoglycemia and were not receiving diabetes treatment were included. Risk factors recommended by the American Diabetes Association were used to assess diabetes risk in these young adults. A logistic regression model was developed to calculate the predicted probability. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the model.

Results

The final model showed that parental history of diabetes, obesity level, alcohol consumption, and high fasting glucose, even within normal range, were significantly associated with onset of prediabetes/diabetes in 5 years. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was 0.68 with original and validated data, indicating that the risk assessment tool had reasonably good discrimination ability.

Conclusions

This new noninvasive screening tool, based on data from American Indian young adults, has potential to screen young adults’ early-onset diabetes risk. Future studies are warranted to test this risk assessment tool in other racial/ethnic young adults.