bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource‐use dynamics of co‐occurring chondrichthyans from the First Coast, North Florida, USA
Authors: Morgan Clark , Shipley Oliver N. , Gelsleichter James
Published: December 2019

Recent studies on shark assemblages on the northeast Florida and southeast Georgia coast (hereafter referred to collectively as the “First Coast”) have demonstrated differences in species and age‐class composition of catch from previously characterized estuaries and newly surveyed area beaches, demonstrating that these regions may provide a critical habitat to different segments (i.e., life stages) of local shark populations. In this study, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) from muscle tissue and blood plasma were used to examine trophic dynamics (and temporal variability thereof) of the three dominant co‐occurring species found along First Coast beaches (the Atlantic Sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, Blacknose shark Carcharhinus acronotus and Blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus) to determine if they exhibit overlap in resource use along with spatial and temporal habitat use. Although considered spatially segregated from the beach species, a dominant, age‐class species found in First Coast estuaries (juvenile Sandbar sharks Carcharhinus plumbeus) was also included in this analysis for comparison. Temporal variability of resource‐use characteristics was detected at the species level. Resource‐use overlap among species varied by tissue type and was generally higher for blood plasma, suggesting greater resource sharing over more recent time periods. Over longer time periods Atlantic Sharpnose and Blacktip sharks exhibited resource‐use expansion, whereas Blacknose sharks exhibited a narrowing in resource use, suggesting a more specialized foraging strategy compared to the other species. The resource‐use breadth of Sandbar sharks also expanded between blood plasma and muscle tissue. Significant size relationships were detected in Blacktip and Sandbar sharks, indicating ontogenetic resource shifts for both species. A diversity of highly productive resource pools likely support shark populations along the First Coast such that resource‐use differentiation is not required to facilitate species co‐occurrence. This work may shed light on understanding patterns of species co‐occurrence as well as aid in future conservation efforts.
Revisiting the Educational Gradient in Marriage in Japan
Authors: Fukuda Setsuya , Raymo James M. , Yoda Shohei
Published: December 2019

Objective

This article documents trends in the educational gradient in marriage in Japan and evaluates the mechanisms underlying those trends by drawing on two broad theoretical frameworks emphasizing gender revolution and labor market bifurcation.

Background

Efforts to explain reversal of the negative educational gradient in women's marriage have been limited in both theoretical scope and geographical focus. Distinctive features of the Japanese context allow us to shed new light on multiple sources of change in marriage behavior.

Method

The authors apply the harmonic‐mean two‐sex marriage model to person‐period data for men and women to investigate the changes in marriage rates by educational attainment and by specific educational pairings during the period 1988 to 2015. Our focus on changes in patterns of educational pairing facilitates the evaluation of predictions from the two broad theoretical frameworks.

Results

The analyses showed that the negative educational gradient in women's first marriage disappeared by 2005 and that a positive gradient emerged after 2009. This change was brought about by a combination of decline in the marriage rates of less‐educated women and an increase in the marriage rates of highly educated women. The former was the result of declining educational homogamy, whereas the latter was due to a rise in female educational hypogamy. In contrast, the educational gradient for men remained positive throughout the time period examined.

Conclusion

Our study provides the first evidence of a positive educational gradient in women's marriage in Japan and provides empirical evidence consistent with expectations derived from two different, but interrelated and potentially reinforcing, theoretical frameworks.
Bullying Environment Moderates the Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health in Bullied US Children
Authors: Sibold Jeremy , Edwards Erika M. , O'Neil Linnae , Murray‐Close Dianna , Hudziak James J.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Exercise reduces the odds of sadness and suicidality in bullied students, but the role of the bullying environment on this relationship remains unknown.

METHODS

Using combined data from the 2013 and 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 29,207), adjusted logistic regression models estimated odds ratios between exercise, sadness, and suicidal ideation and attempt, stratified by bullying exposure (electronically/at school).

RESULTS

Overall, 40.2% of students bullied at school and 48.3% of students bullied electronically reported feeling sad, compared to 22.6% of those not bullied. Bullied students were 2–3 times more likely to report suicidal ideation, and 3–4 times more likely to report suicidal attempt, regardless of bullying context. Students who were bullied at school and exercised 4–7 days per week had lower odds of sadness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.81), suicidal ideation (AOR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.53–82), and suicidal attempt (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.48–0.98) compared to those who exercised 0–3 days. There were no protective effects of exercise for students bullied electronically.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise reduced sadness and suicidality in adolescents bullied at school but not for students who were cyberbullied. Bullying environment should be a primary consideration in school mental health treatment and maintenance paradigms.
A major facilitator superfamily domain 8 frameshift variant in a cat with suspected neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Guevar Julien , Hug Petra , Giebels Felix , Durand Alexane , Jagannathan Vidhya , Leeb Tosso
Published: December 2019

A 2‐year‐old male domestic shorthair cat was presented for a progressive history of abnormal posture, behavior, and mentation. Menace response was absent bilaterally, and generalized tremors were identified on neurological examination. A neuroanatomical diagnosis of diffuse brain dysfunction was made. A neurodegenerative disorder was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging findings further supported the clinical suspicion. Whole‐genome sequencing of the affected cat with filtering of variants against a database of unaffected cats was performed. Candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing followed by genotyping of a control population. Two homozygous private (unique to individual or families and therefore absent from the breed‐matched controlled population) protein‐changing variants in the major facilitator superfamily domain 8 (MFSD8) gene, a known candidate gene for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 7 (CLN7), were identified. The affected cat was homozygous for the alternative allele at both variants. This is the first report of a pathogenic alteration of the MFSD8 gene in a cat strongly suspected to have CLN7.
Understanding Trump's Trade Policy with China: International Pressures Meet Domestic Politics
Authors: Wang Zhaohui
Published: December 2019

The trade confrontation between the United States and China has heightened global concerns that a trade war between the two largest economies would have serious consequences for the world economy. This article suggests employing a neoclassical realist framework to examine Trump's trade policy with China as to best explain the US–China trade disputes since 2018. It argues that Trump's trade policy with China is fundamentally driven by the increasingly competitive US–China relationship, which is influenced by Trump's perception of China as America's primary strategic competitor and concern with the US trade deficit, and reinforced by the Trumpization of the Republican Party under the US domestic polarization. The neoclassical realist analysis suggests that the trade tension embedded in the strategic competition between the two countries is likely to continue for a considerable time.
Nationalism vs. Interests: A Neoclassical Realist Perspective on Japan's Policy towards China under the Second Abe Administration
Authors: Zakowski Karol
Published: December 2019

The aim of this article is to analyze the influence of Prime Minister Abe Shinzō's nationalist stance on Japan's policy towards China from a neoclassical realist perspective. It is argued that the extent to which Abe's ideological leaning exerted impact on foreign policy making depended on external stimuli, as well as Abe's domestic political interests. Prime Minister Abe generally perceived China as a threat to Japan, and remained assertive towards it, but he also pragmatically displayed flexibility in such areas as history issues, security policy, and territorial dispute. This article analyzes these complex developments in light of the changes in international environment and domestic politics, examining three periods: Abe's first administration (2006–2007); the escalation of diplomatic disputes with China (2012–2014); and gradual rapprochement with China (since 2014). It is concluded that the nationalist beliefs of decision makers affect foreign policy to the greatest extent whenever they are in line with other kinds of variables, such as external pressures and domestic interests.
Nurse home visitation with vulnerable families in rural areas: A qualitative case file review
Authors: Wideman Ellie S. , Dunnigan Allison , Jonson‐Reid Melissa , Kohl Patricia , Constantino John , Tandon Mini , Recktenwald Angela , Tompkins Ron
Published: December 2019

Objective

Nurse home visiting may address challenges and resource disparities that threaten maternal and infant well‐being in rural areas, but little is known about United States' program implementation. This qualitative study explored how family and community characteristics affected rural nurse home visiting.

Sample

The sample for content analysis included families beginning services in 2010–2011 living in the rural counties with the highest caseloads (433 families).

Design

Electronic nurse home visiting case files from three rural counties were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The partner agency provided input on key constructs of interest but independent coding was also done to capture additional themes. Quantitative county level data and comments from member checking informed interpretation. Member checking included individual nurses serving the selected counties (n = 3) and input from an agency level supervisory meeting for validation.

Results

Concerns of families served (e.g., mental health) may not be unique to rural areas, but challenges to accessing resources and constellation of needs were. Nurses adapted engagement and service strategies to meet these needs.

Conclusion

Agencies serving rural areas should allocate resources and adapt training to support nurses based on unique community profiles. More research on rural nurse home visiting practice and outcomes is needed.
Persistent Risk‐Related Worry as a Function of Recalled Exposure to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Prior Trauma
Authors: Parker Andrew M , Finucane Melissa L. , Ayer Lynsay , Ramchand Rajeev , Parks Vanessa , Clancy Noreen
Published: December 2019

Large oil spills are disasters associated with psychological effects for exposed communities. The amount of worry that individuals experience after a disaster may be influenced by many factors, such as the type and extent of exposure to disaster impacts, prior trauma, and sociodemographic characteristics. This study examined the nature and predictors of worry about ongoing impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DH) oil spill reported by Gulf of Mexico coastal residents. A random sample of 2,520 adult residents of Gulf of Mexico coastal counties were administered a telephone survey in 2016, including items about persistent worry and exposure to DH impacts, prior trauma, residence at the time of the spill, and sociodemographic characteristics. Respondents varied in the amount of worry they reported about ongoing health, social, and economic impacts. Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, higher exposure to the DH oil spill was related to higher levels of worry about ongoing impacts, with past traumatic events related specifically to worry about health impacts. Unexpectedly, those who moved into the region after the spill showed similar levels of worry to residents exposed to the spill, and higher levels than residents who did not recall being exposed to the DH oil spill. This study highlights the impact of the DH oil spill on coastal residents many years after the DH disaster. The findings underscore the need to examine multiple pathways by which individuals experience disasters and for risk researchers to close knowledge gaps about long‐term impacts of oil spills within a multi‐dimensional framework.
Relational ethics as a cultural constraint on fathers' parental leave in a Confucian welfare state, South Korea
Authors: Kim Yeon‐Jin , Kim Suyoung
Published: December 2019

Promoting fathers' parental leave has recently become of major policy interest in many welfare states. The Korean Government also introduced paid parental leave for working fathers in 2001 and has increasingly strengthened such incentive schemes. However, despite its rapid advancement, fathers' utilisation of parental leave is increasing slowly and most fathers still opt out of their responsibilities for childcare. As sociocultural norms are a primary cause of this low take‐up behaviour pattern, this study focuses on the Confucian relational ethics deeply embedded in Korean society. Through in‐depth interviews with 15 Korean working couples, this article demonstrates how Confucian relational ethics constrain fathers from enjoying their individual right to parental leave by designating them as last‐resort caregivers within families and as forefront workers in the workplace. This study shows the importance of the sociocultural grounding of a society to ordinary citizens when they utilise a social policy in their daily lives.
Corticospinal responses during passive shortening and lengthening of tibialis anterior and soleus in older compared to younger adults
Authors: Škarabot Jakob , Ansdell Paul , Howatson Glyn , Goodall Stuart , Durbaba Rade
Published: December 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are there age‐related differences in corticospinal responses whilst passively changing muscle length?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In contrast to young, older adults exhibited no modulation of corticospinal excitability in tibialis anterior during passive ankle movement. These data show impaired sensorimotor response in older adults during length changes of tibialis anterior, thus contributing to our understanding of age‐related changes in sensorimotor control.

Corticospinal responses have been shown to increase and decrease with passive muscle shortening and lengthening, respectively, as a result of changes in muscle spindle afferent feedback. The ageing sensory system is accompanied by a number of alterations that might influence the processing and integration of sensory information. Consequently, corticospinal excitability might be modulated differently whilst changing muscle length. In 10 older adults (66 ± 4 years), corticospinal responses (MEP/Mmax) were evoked in a static position, and during passive shortening and lengthening of soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA), and these data were compared to the re‐analysed data pool of 18 younger adults (25 ± 4 years) published previously. Resting motor threshold was greater in SOL compared to TA (P < 0.001), but did not differ between young and older (P = 0.405). No differences were observed in MEP/Mmax between the static position, passive shortening or lengthening in SOL (young: all 0.02 ± 0.01; older: 0.05 ± 0.04, 0.03 ± 0.02 and 0.04 ± 0.01, respectively; P = 0.298), and responses were not dependent on age (P = 0.090). Conversely, corticospinal responses in TA were modulated differently between the age groups (P = 0.002), with greater MEP/Mmax during passive shortening (0.22 ± 0.12) compared to passive lengthening (0.13 ± 0.10) and static position (0.10 ± 0.05) in young (P < 0.001), but unchanged in older adults (0.19 ± 0.11, 0.22 ± 0.11 and 0.18 ± 0.07, respectively; P ≥ 0.867). The present experiment shows that length‐dependent changes in corticospinal excitability in TA of the young are not evident in older adults. This suggests impaired sensorimotor response during muscle length changes in older age that might only be present in ankle flexors, but not extensors.
Transmission Loss and Dynamic Response of Hierarchical Membrane-Type Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Edwards William T. , Chang Chia-Ming , McKnight Geoffrey , Sorensen Adam , Nutt Steven R.
Published: December 2019

A deployment-scale array of locally resonant membrane-type acoustic metamaterials (MAMs) is fabricated. The acoustic performance of the array is measured in a transmission loss chamber, and a complex interaction between the individual cell and the array length scales is shown to exist. Transmission behavior of both the membrane and the array are independently studied using analytical models, and a method for estimating transmission loss through the structure that combines vibroacoustic predictions from both length scales is presented and shown to agree with measurements. Degradation of transmission loss performance often associated with scaling individual MAM cells into arrays is explained using analytical tools and verified using laser vibrometry. A novel design for hierarchical locally resonant acoustic metamaterials is introduced, and experimental and analytical data confirm this approach offers an effective strategy for minimizing or eliminating the efficiency losses associated with scaling MAM structures.
Characterizing Mist Distribution in Through-Tool Minimum Quantity Lubrication Drills
Authors: Raval Jay K. , Kao Yi-Tang , Tai Bruce L.
Published: December 2019

The mist distribution is a critical factor in through-tool minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) drilling since a small amount of lubricant is used. However, it has rarely been discussed because of the difficulty in measuring the mist flow experimentally. In this paper, an optical approach is developed to approximate the mist distribution by using high-speed images from multiple angles. Drill bits with two through-tool channel shapes (circle and triangle) and three helix angles (0 deg, 30 deg, and 45 deg) are 3D printed for mist distribution analysis. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is conducted to investigate the underlying physics behind mist flow variations. The results show that, in the circular channel, the mist is concentrated near the periphery; the low concentration region shifts away from the chisel point as the helix angle increases. For the triangular channel, the mist is concentrated near three vertices but is less affected by the helix angle. Furthermore, based on the CFD solution, high mist concentration tends to be in low-velocity regions and vice versa. This study confirms a noticeable difference of mist flow distribution in different through-tool channel designs.
Five new species of genera Torrenticola and Monatractides (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae) from Hainan Island, China

Authors: Gu Xinyao , Guo Jianjun
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with five new species of torrenticolid water mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae) from Hainan Island, China, i.e. Monatractides cuspiscoxer sp. nov., M. jini sp. nov., M. vietusacoxer sp. nov., Torrenticola postfusina sp. nov. and T. hainanensis sp. nov.. Detailed descriptions for these new species and a modified key to all species of Torrenticolidae in China are provided.
Investigation of phases and chemical states of tin titanate films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Chung Hong Keun , Pyeon Jung Joon , Baek In-Hwan , Lee Ga-Yeon , Lee Hansol , Won Sung Ok , Han Jeong Hwan , Chung Taek-Mo , Park Tae Joo , Kim Seong Keun
Published: December 2019

Although perovskite tin titanate (SnTiO3, STO) has been predicted to have ferroelectricity with a large spontaneous polarization, the implementation of metastable perovskite STO remains a great challenge. In this study, the atomic layer deposition of STO films was attempted using bis(1-dimethylamino-2-methyl-2-propoxy)tin(II) as the Sn source, titanium-tetrakis-isopropoxide as the Ti source, and water as the oxygen source. It was found that during the process, adsorption of both the precursors was enhanced on the heterogeneous reaction surface because of the correlation growth behavior. STO films remained amorphous below 250 °C. Furthermore, although the film was crystallized at 270 °C, the perovskite phase was not identified. Despite the use of the Sn precursor with Sn2+, Sn ions in all the films transformed into Sn4+. Although the postdeposition annealing process in a forming gas atmosphere was conducted for the perovskite conversion, the STO film transformed into Ti5Sn3, an intermetallic compound, at 500 °C.
Environmental Features Associated With Older Adults’ Physical Activity in Different Types of Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Keskinen Kirsi E. , Rantakokko Merja , Suomi Kimmo , Rantanen Taina , Portegijs Erja
Published: December 2019

The authors studied associations of nature- and infrastructure-based features with physical activity (PA) in different urban neighborhood types; 848 community-dwelling people aged 75–90 years reported PA and three perceived nature-based destinations and seven infrastructure-based features as outdoor mobility facilitators. Neighborhood type was defined using a geographic information system based on proximity to central service areas and residential density (city center, subcenter, and dense and dispersed areas outside centers). PA was higher in dense areas and the city center. Binary logistic regression showed that perceiving nature-based destinations increased the odds for higher PA in the city center and areas outside centers. In dispersed areas, perceived infrastructure-based facilitators were especially associated with higher PA. Environmental features were not associated with PA in subcenters. Higher residential density, as a proxy for a higher amount of infrastructure, rather than center proximity, may underlie older adults’ PA. The spatial context should be acknowledged in studies on environment–PA associations.
Is Sedentary Behavior or Physical Activity Associated With Loneliness in Older Adults? Results of the European-Wide SITLESS Study
Authors: Tully Mark A. , McMullan Ilona I. , Blackburn Nicole E. , Wilson Jason J. , Coll-Planas Laura , Deidda Manuela , Caserotti Paolo , Rothenbacher Dietrich , _ _
Published: December 2019

Research has found that social relationships are central to the health and well-being of an aging population. Evidence exploring the association between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses objectively measured PA and SB (ActiGraph®) and self-reported measures of loneliness (the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale) and social engagement (the Lubben Social Network Scale) from the SITLESS study, a European-wide study of community-dwelling older adults. Social isolation was associated with SB where higher levels of SB were associated with an increase in the level of social isolation, controlling for age, sex, living arrangements, employment status, body mass index, educational background, marital status, and self-reported general health. In contrast, PA was not associated with social isolation, and neither SB nor PA was a statistically significant predictor of loneliness. SB may be linked to social isolation in older adults, but PA and SB are not necessarily linked to loneliness in older community-dwelling adults.
Growth of triangle zone fold-thrusts within the NW Borneo deep-water fold belt, offshore Sabah, southern South China Sea
Authors: Wu Jonny , McClay Ken , de Vera Jose
Published: December 2019

The NW Borneo deep-water fold-and-thrust belt, offshore Sabah, southern South China Sea, contains a structurally complex region of three to four seafloor ridges outboard of the shelf-slope break. Previous studies have suggested the seafloor ridges formed either above shale diapirs produced by mass movement of overpressured shales (i.e., mobile shale) or above an imbricate fold-and-thrust array. Here, we performed tectonostratigraphic analyses on a petroleum industry three-dimensional (3-D) seismic volume that imaged the full growth stratal record. We show fold growth history, deformation styles, along-strike structural variabilities, and synkinematic sedimentation during triangle zone–style fold growth. Nine seismic horizons within growth strata were mapped and correlated to petroleum industry seismostratigraphy. Synkinematic sedimentation interactions with growing folds and near-surface strains were analyzed from seismic attribute maps. We interpret that the seafloor structures were formed by imbricate thrusts above multiple detachments. We estimate ∼8 km minimum shortening since the late Miocene ca. 10 Ma. The folds show oversteepened fold forelimbs, back-rotated backlimbs, and forward-vergent (NW to NNW) “blind” thrust ramps that terminate within the growth strata. Fold cores show evidence of internal shear. Immature folds show detachment fold geometries, whereas mature folds show forelimb break thrusts, type I triangle zones, and rotated forward-vergent roof thrusts. Thrust linkages spaced ∼10 km apart were exploited as thrust top synkinematic sedimentation pathways; the linkages also partition near-surface strains. Our comprehensive, three-dimensional documentation of triangle zone fold growth and sedimentation in a deep-water fold belt highlights internal shear, multiple detachments, and opposite thrust vergence; mobile shales are not required to explain the deformation.
Characteristic slip distribution and earthquake recurrence along the eastern Altyn Tagh fault revealed by high-resolution topographic data
Authors: Kang Wenjun , Xu Xiwei , Oskin Michael E. , Yu Guihua , Luo Jiahong , Chen Guihua , Luo Hao , Sun Xinzhe , Wu Xiyan
Published: December 2019

The seismic cycle model is roughly constrained by limited offset data sets from the eastern Altyn Tagh fault with a low slip rate. The recent availability of high-resolution topographic data from the eastern Altyn Tagh fault provides an opportunity to obtain distinctly improved quantitative, dense measurements of fault offsets. In this paper, we used airborne light detection and ranging data and unmanned aircraft vehicle photogrammetry to evaluate fault offsets. To better constrain the large earthquake recurrence model, we acquired dense data sets of fault displacements using the LaDiCaoz_v2.1 software. A total of 321 offset measurements below 30 m highlight two new observations: (1) surface-slip of the most recent earthquake and multiple events exhibit both short-wavelength (m-scale) and long-wavelength (km-scale) variability; and (2) synthesis of offset frequency analysis and coefficient of variation indicate regular slip events with ∼6 m slip increment on fault segments to the west of the Shulehe triple junction. The distribution of offsets and paleoseismological data reveal that the eastern Altyn Tagh fault exhibits characteristic slip behavior, with the characteristic slip of ∼6 m and a recurrence period ranging from 1170 to 3790 years. Paleoearthquake recurrence intervals and slip increments yield mean horizontal slip-rate estimates of 2.1–2.6 mm/yr for fault segments to the west of the Shulehe triple junction. Assuming a 10 km rupture depth and a 30 GPa shear modulus, we estimated a characteristic slip event moment magnitude (Mw) of ∼7.6. Finally, we discuss the interaction mechanism between Altyn Tagh fault (strike fault) and the NW-trending thrust faults (reverse faults) that caused the sudden decrease of sinistral slip rate at the Shulehe and Subei triple junctions; our results support the eastward “lateral slip extrusion” model.
Development of multiple adrenal myelolipomas after trauma-induced adrenal haemorrhage
Authors: Sundaram Karthik M , Gaulding James , Gellert Lan Lin , Fonseca Ricardo B
Published: December 2019

Adrenal myelolipomas represent a benign neoplasm with known associations with many chronic diseases, 21-hydroxylase deficiency and cancer. However, the aetiology of adrenal myelolipomas remains unknown. Here, we present a case of a patient with image-proven bilateral adrenal haemorrhages caused by trauma with the subsequent development of bilateral adrenal myelolipomas several years later. Resection and pathological analysis of left adrenal gland confirmed the presence of multiple adrenal myelolipomas. Our case strongly suggests that trauma was the inciting event that led to the formation of these lesions.
Increasing adolescent firearm homicides and racial disparities following Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ self-defence law
Authors: Degli Esposti Michelle , Wiebe Douglas J , Gravel Jason , Humphreys David K
Published: December 2019

Establishing whether specific laws impact rates of firearm homicide in adolescents is critical for identifying opportunities to reduce preventable adolescent death. We evaluated Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, enacted October 2005, using an interrupted time series design from 1999 to 2017. We used segmented quasi-Poisson regression to model underlying trends in quarterly rates of adolescent (15–19 years) firearm homicide in Florida and disaggregated by race (Black/White). We used synthetic and negative controls (firearm suicide) to address time-varying confounding. Before Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, the mean quarterly rate was 1.53 firearm homicides per 100 000 adolescents. Black adolescents comprised 63.5% of all adolescent firearm homicides before and 71.8% after the law. After adjusting for trends, the law was associated with a 44.6% increase in adolescent firearm homicide. Our analysis indicates that Florida’s Stand Your Ground is associated with a significant increase in firearm homicide and may also exacerbate racial disparities.
Directions of lithosphere interactions in the Pamir – Hindu Kush junction inferred from anisotropic tomography
Authors: Aminov Jamshed , Koulakov Ivan , Jakovlev Andrey , Zhao Junmeng , El-Khrepy Sami , Aminov Jovid , Al Arifi Nassir , Aminov Javhar , Mamadjanov Yunus
Published: December 2019

The Pamir and Hindu Kush are examples of a puzzling collision system where a complex junction of colliding lithospheric plates coexists with intermediate depth seismicity at 300 km. In this study, we constructed a new tomography model using travel time data from local events recorded by the TIPAGE (Tien Shan – Pamir Geodynamic program) network. In addition to the P- and S-wave velocities down to 200 km, we derived the azimuthal anisotropy. The velocity anomalies were consistent with the results of previous studies. In the crust, the velocity structure and anisotropy directions were mainly oriented along major suture zones. At depths of 80–120 km, a narrow low-velocity anomaly coinciding with the distribution of deep seismicity was interpreted as a trace of entrained crustal material by the dipping lithosphere. The anisotropy directions at these depths were mainly oriented northwest–southeast and were interpreted as indicating the direction of the motion of colliding plates. The difference in the magnitude of anisotropy south and north of the Pamir seismic zone suggests that the lithosphere coming from the south possesses less anisotropy than that of the Asian plate. The local tomography model was supplemented by previously computed regional tomography that expanded the area both laterally and axially. Beneath the Pamir, both continental plates coming from the north and south form a drop-shaped anomaly that will possibly delaminate in time. Beneath the Hindu Kush, we could clearly trace a continuous almost vertical subduction of the Katawaz block from the south. Thus, the continental collision beneath the Pamir and subduction beneath the Hindu Kush are separate processes with different rates and directions of plate movement.
Fertilisation azotée, phosphatée et potassique dans la production du bleuet nain sauvage
Authors: Lafond Jean
Published: December 2019

Plusieurs études ont démontré l’importance de la fertilisation en azote (N) dans l’accroissement de la productivité du bleuet. Peu d’information est toutefois disponible sur le phosphore (P) et le potassium (K). Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de déterminer les impacts de la fertilisation NPK sur les propriétés chimiques du sol et les paramètres agronomiques. Les traitements ont consisté en quatre doses de N (0 à 90 kg N ha-1), deux doses de P (0 et 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) et quatre doses de K (0 à 90 kg K2O ha-1). Le dispositif expérimental, établi sur six sites au Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, était un factoriel en blocs complets aléatoires. Le pH du sol a diminué suivant les applications de N, de 0,1 unité dans la couche de surface et de 0,2 unité dans la couche 5-30 cm. Des accumulations de P et de K ont été mesurées en surface. Les rendements en fruits ont augmenté de 43 % à la suite des applications de N. Une application de 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 a semblé nécessaire pour maximiser les rendements lorsque les apports en N dépassaient 50 kg ha-1. Une dose ≥ 30 kg K2O ha-1 a diminué les rendements en fruits jusqu’à 24 % lorsque combinée avec une dose > 60 kg N ha-1.
Einstein–Cartan–Dirac gravity with U(1) symmetry breaking
Authors: Cabral Francisco , Lobo Francisco S. N. , Rubiera-Garcia Diego
Published: December 2019

Einstein–Cartan theory is an extension of the standard formulation of General Relativity where torsion (the antisymmetric part of the affine connection) is non-vanishing. Just as the space-time metric is sourced by the stress-energy tensor of the matter fields, torsion is sourced via the spin density tensor, whose physical effects become relevant at very high spin densities. In this work we introduce an extension of the Einstein–Cartan–Dirac theory with an electromagnetic (Maxwell) contribution minimally coupled to torsion. This contribution breaks the U(1) gauge symmetry, which is suggested by the possibility of a torsion-induced phase transition in the early Universe, yielding new physics in extreme (spin) density regimes. We obtain the generalized gravitational, electromagnetic and fermionic field equations for this theory, estimate the strength of the corrections, and discuss the corresponding phenomenology. In particular, we briefly address some astrophysical considerations regarding the relevance of the effects which might take place inside ultra-dense neutron stars with strong magnetic fields (magnetars).
The structure of clusters formed by Stockmayer supracolloidal magnetic polymers
Authors: Novak Ekaterina V. , Pyanzina Elena S. , Sánchez Pedro A. , Kantorovich Sofia S.
Published: December 2019

Unlike Stockmayer fluids, that prove to undergo gas-liquid transition on cooling, the system of dipolar hard or soft spheres without any additional central attraction so far has not been shown to have a critical point. Instead, in the latter, one observes diverse self-assembly scenarios. Crosslinking dipolar soft spheres into supracolloidal magnetic polymer-like structures (SMPs) changes the self-assembly behaviour. Moreover, aggregation in systems of SMPs strongly depends on the constituent topology. For Y- and X-shaped SMPs, under the same conditions in which dipolar hard spheres would form chains, the formation of very large loose gel-like clusters was observed (E. Novak et al., J. Mol. Liq. 271, 631 (2018)). In this work, using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the self-assembly in suspensions of four topologically different SMPs --chains, rings, X and Y-- whose monomers interact via Stockmayer potential. As expected, compact drop-like clusters are formed by SMPs in all cases if the central isotropic attraction is introduced, however, their shape and internal structure turn out to depend on the SMPs topology.

Graphical abstract
Analysis of an SU(8) model with a spin-1 2 field directly coupled to a gauged Rarita–Schwinger spin-3 2 field
Authors: Adler Stephen L.
Published: December 2019

In earlier work we analyzed an abelianized model in which a gauged Rarita–Schwinger spin-[Formula: see text] field is directly coupled to a spin-[Formula: see text] field. Here, we extend this analysis to the gauged [Formula: see text] model for which the abelianized model was a simplified substitute. We calculate the gauge anomaly, show that anomaly cancellation requires adding an additional left chiral representation [Formula: see text] spin-[Formula: see text] fermion to the original fermion complement of the [Formula: see text] model, and give options for restoring boson–fermion balance. We conclude with a summary of attractive features of the reformulated [Formula: see text] model, including a possible connection to the [Formula: see text] root lattice.
Influence of humidity on crack propagation in the welding joint
Authors: Zhang Xi , Dong Yue , Lv Qibing , Gou Guoqing , Gao Wei
Published: December 2019

The SMA490BW weathering steel is a key material used in train bogies. The quality of its welded structures is the main constrain of the rail speed and safety. To study the influence of humidity on crack propagation in welding joints, the welding operation was performed under environments of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% humidity. The crack propagation test against the microstructure observation was carried out. Results show that the crack propagation rate is mainly affected by the microstructure of the material and the humidity had little influence.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of high strength TMCP steel hybrid disk laser-MAG welded joint
Authors: Lei Zheng , Zhu Zongtao , Yang Xiaoyi , Jiang Yishuai , Chen Hui
Published: December 2019

Hybrid laser-arc welding (HLAW) was carried out on high strength thermo-mechanical controlled process (TMCP) steel of 14 mm thickness using single-pass welding (SPW) and multi-pass welding (MPW) processes. Well-formed weld joints with good performance were successfully obtained. The results showed that the microstructure of weld was pre-eutectoid ferrite, acicular ferrite and some granular bainite. There were mainly lath bainite, granular bainite and acicular ferrite in the heat-affected zone. The grain sizes of SPW were thicker than MPW, and the bainite content of MPW was higher than SPW. The average hardness value of the fusion zone was lower than that of the Heat affected zone, but higher than that of the base material. The weld was divided into upper arc domain zone (ADZ) and lower laser domain zone (LDZ). The ADZ was harder than the LDZ. The average absorbed energy of SPW and MPW in the fusion zone at −40[Formula: see text]C was 125.5 and 92 J/cm2, respectively. The influences of microstructure on impact toughness were summarized by analyzing the hardness distribution and microstructure of the welded joint. The brittle transition temperatures of the two processes obtained by the energy criterion and the morphology criterion were close to each other.
Trapped modes in an infinite tube with inhomogeneity
Authors: Li Wei-Sha , Lee Kang Yong , Li Xian-Fang
Published: December 2019

Symmetric and anti-symmetric trapped modes in a cylindrical tube with a segment of higher density are studied. The problem is reduced to an eigenvalue problem of the spatial Helmholtz equation subject to vanishing Dirichlet boundary condition in the cylindrical coordinate system. Through the domain decomposition method and matching technique, multiple frequency parameters are determined by solving the characteristic equation, and the corresponding n-fold periodic trapped modes can be constructed. It is found that in addition to the fundamental mode, the second- and higher-order trapped modes exist, which depend on the density ratio and length of the inhomogeneity. The local inhomogeneity leads to a decrease of the cutoff frequencies of the homogeneous tube and the corresponding vibration mode is localized near the inhomogeneous segment.
Design of DQPSK Demodulator for Implantable Biomedical Devices
Authors: Garg Vaibhav , Kandpal Kavindra
Published: December 2019

Implantable biomedical devices (IBDs) play a vital role in today’s healthcare industry. Such applications demand high data rate, low power and small-sized demodulators. This work presents a simple small-sized low-power architecture for differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) demodulator for these devices. The proposed circuitry is designed in UMC 90-nm CMOS technology and occupies a layout area of 0.015[Formula: see text]mm2. It is operated at 1-V supply voltage with a power consumption of 405[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W. The carrier frequency is 10[Formula: see text]MHz and the obtained data rate is 20[Formula: see text]Mbps. Hence it exhibits a high data-rate-to-carrier-frequency (DRCF) ratio of 200% making it ideal for IBDs.
An Efficient Prediction Framework for Multi-parametric Yield Based on Uncertainty of Performance-Relevant Structure
Authors: Li Xin , Yuan Haifei , Li Dongming , Fang Zhi
Published: December 2019

Due to the aggressive shrinking of integrated circuit (IC) fabrication technology, variability in design parameters leads to significant yield loss. Therefore, efficient parametric yield prediction has been a critical task for today’s ICs, especially when multiple performances are considered simultaneously. However, most of the previous yield prediction works have failed to take into account uncertainty of performance-relevant structures. Neglecting the uncertainty effects will tend to result in predictive accuracy loss. To avoid the issue, this paper proposes a multi-parametric yield prediction framework based on the uncertainty of performance-relevant structures. In the proposed framework, saddle point estimation and mixed copula function are applied to maintain the uncertainty-relevant structures among performance metrics and predict the multi-parametric yield accurately. First, the framework constructs a general statistical model for performance metrics to illustrate the uncertainty of performance-relevant structures. The general model is explicitly expressed in terms of underlying process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) parameters. Then, based on the general performance model and taking total leakage current and gate delay for example, their marginal distributions are estimated by assuming the PVT parameters as normal random variables. Finally, a mixed copula-based yield prediction method is suggested to solve the uncertainty-relevant structure problem. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed yield prediction framework is capable of predicting multi-parametric yield under arbitrary performance-relevant structures. Compared to Monte Carlo (MC) analysis, the relative errors of yield prediction are less than 5%, which means the framework has good accuracy and efficiency.
A Compact CPW Fed Wideband Slot Antenna for Wireless Communications
Authors: Gorai Amrita , Roy Bappadittya , Mahanti G. K.
Published: December 2019

A compact circularly polarized CPW-fed slot antenna is proposed here. The antenna consists of a pentagonal patch within an asymmetrical slot with a single coplanar waveguide feed. The proposed antenna is excited with CPW feed mechanism and investigated experimentally. The structure is fabricated on FR4 epoxy substrate with a permittivity of 4.4. The impedance bandwidth of 10[Formula: see text]GHz (4[Formula: see text]GHz to 14[Formula: see text]GHz) and the axial ratio bandwidth of 1.2[Formula: see text]GHz with the corresponding fractional bandwidth of 113%. The simulation results fulfil the bandwidth requirements of IEEE 802.11a (5.15–5.35[Formula: see text]GHz/5.47–5.725[Formula: see text]GHz) for wireless applications. In terms of bandwidth, compactness and circular polarization comparable results between simulated and measured results clearly show the validity of the proposed structure.
Efficient Diminished-1 Modulo (2n+1) Adder Using Parallel Prefix Adder
Authors: Singhal Subodh Kumar , Mohanty B. K. , Patel Sujit Kumar , Saxena Gaurav
Published: December 2019

Parallel prefix adder (PPA) is the core component of diminished-1 modulo ([Formula: see text]) adder structure. In this paper, group-carry selection logic based PPA design is proposed and it is free from redundant logic operations which otherwise present in the existing PPA design based on group sum selection logic. Further, the logic expression of pre-processing unit of PPA is also presented in a simplified form to save some logic resources. The proposed PPA design for bit-width 32-bit involves 26.1% less area, consumes 28.4% less power and marginally higher critical-path delay than the existing PPA design. An efficient diminished-1 modulo ([Formula: see text]) adder structure is presented using proposed PPA design and modified carry computation algorithm of existing design. The proposed diminished-1 modulo ([Formula: see text]) adder structure for bit-width 32-bit offers a saving of 25.5% in area-delay-product (ADP) and 24.1% in energy-delay-product (EDP) than the best of the existing modulo adder structure.
Hardware Design of a Kind of Grid Multi-Scroll Chaotic System Based on a MSP430F169 Chip
Authors: Xu Wei , Cao Ning
Published: December 2019

Based on only MSP430F169 chip, a digital chaotic generator for a grid-like JERK chaotic system is designed, from which grid-like [Formula: see text] chaotic attractors are generated. By analyzing the nonlinear functions of the gird-like chaotic system, the saddle focal balance points are respectively extended in [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text] direction. According to the hardware requirements of MSP430F169 chip, using Euler algorithm to discretize the chaotic system, the values of 36 saddle focal balance points need to be recalculated. The numerical values of the focal balance points which are involving iterative operations are given by the proposed comparative piece-wise method, their analysis and numerical simulations are also performed. The software and hardware design ideas are given for implementation, the experiment results are verification of the feasibility of the scheme.
Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles on D-shaped fiber as saturable absorber
Authors: Ahmad H. , Soltani S. , Thambiratnam K.
Published: December 2019

In this study, short [Formula: see text]-switching laser pulses are generated by drop-casting two-dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS[Formula: see text] nanoparticles as saturable absorbers (SA) on a side polished optical fiber in a [Formula: see text]-band laser cavity. The proposed laser is capable of generating highly stable [Formula: see text]-switched laser pulses at the wavelength of 1559.42[Formula: see text]nm with a maximum repetition rate of 73.96[Formula: see text]kHz, and a minimum pulse width of 1.93[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. The relatively high signal-to-noise ratio of 58.7[Formula: see text]dB indicates a highly stable output. The proposed SA can be applied in a variety of fields due to its ease of manufacturing and cost-effectiveness as well as its robust and compact design.