bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a perfect metamaterial absorber into multi-functional sensor applications
Authors: Akgol O. , Karaaslan M. , Unal E. , Sabah C.
Published: May 2017

Perfect metamaterial absorber (MA)-based sensor applications are presented and investigated in the microwave frequency range. It is also experimentally analyzed and tested to verify the behavior of the MA. Suggested perfect MA-based sensor has a simple configuration which introduces flexibility to sense the dielectric properties of a material and the pressure of the medium. The investigated applications include pressure and density sensing. Besides, numerical simulations verify that the suggested sensor achieves good sensing capabilities for both applications. The proposed perfect MA-based sensor variations enable many potential applications in medical or food technologies.
Nonlocal quantum gravity: A review
Authors: Modesto Leonardo , Rachwał Lesław
Published: May 2017

We hereby review a class of quantum gravitational theories based on weakly nonlocal analytic classical actions. The most general action is characterized by two nonpolynomial entire functions (form-factors) in terms quadratic in curvature. The form-factors avert the presence of poltergeists, that plague any local higher derivative theory of gravity and improve the high-energy behavior of loop amplitudes. For pedagogical purposes, it is proved that the theory is super-renormalizable in any dimension, i.e. only one-loop divergences survive, and is asymptotically free. Furthermore, due to dimensional reasons, in odd dimensions, there are no counterterms for pure gravity and the theory turns out to be finite. Moreover, we show that it is always possible to choose the additional terms in the action (higher in curvature) in such a way to make the full theory UV-finite and therefore, scale-invariant in quantum realm, also in even dimension.
Cyclic homology of cleft extensions of algebras
Authors: Guccione Jorge A. , Guccione Juan J. , Valqui Christian
Published: May 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative algebra with [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be a cleft extension of [Formula: see text]. We obtain a new mixed complex, simpler than the canonical one, giving the Hochschild and cyclic homologies of [Formula: see text] relative to [Formula: see text]. This complex resembles the canonical reduced mixed complex of an augmented algebra. We begin the study of our complex showing that it has a harmonic decomposition like the one considered by Cuntz and Quillen for the normalized mixed complex of an algebra.
Graph algebras and the Gelfand–Kirillov dimension
Authors: Moreno-Fernández José M. , Molina Mercedes Siles
Published: May 2017

We study some properties of the Gelfand–Kirillov dimension in a non-necessarily unital context, in particular, its Morita invariance when the algebras have local units, and its commutativity with direct limits. We then give some applications in the context of graph algebras, which embraces, among some others, path algebras and Cohn and Leavitt path algebras. In particular, we determine the GK-dimension of these algebras in full generality, so extending the main result in A. Alahmadi, H. Alsulami, S. K. Jain and E. Zelmanov, Leavitt Path algebras of finite Gelfand–Kirillov dimension, J. Algebra Appl. 11(6) (2012) 1250225–1250231.
A general reciprocity law for symbols on arbitrary vector spaces
Authors: Pablos Romo Fernando
Published: May 2017

The aim of this work is to offer a general theory of reciprocity laws for symbols on arbitrary vector spaces and to show that classical explicit reciprocity laws are particular cases of this theory (sum of valuations on a complete curve, Residue Theorem, Weil Reciprocity Law and the Reciprocity Law for the Hilbert Norm Residue Symbol). Moreover, several reciprocity laws introduced over the past few years by D. V. Osipov, A. N. Parshin, I. Horozov, I. Horozov — M. Kerr and the author — together with D. Hernández Serrano — can also be deduced from this general expression.
Online Signature Recognition Based on Pseudo-Inked Signature Image Template
Authors: Cho Young-One , Jung Jin-Woo
Published: May 2017

As human–robot interaction is widely and increasingly used, automated user verification has become a necessary condition for system access. Signature recognition is one of the representative methods for user verification. In this paper, a novel method using Pseudo-Inked Signature for online signature recognition is proposed. Pseudo-Inked Signature consists of three types of information of pen pressure value, pen tilting angle, and pen theta angle during online signature writing. We propose a fusion method for three different types of information by mimicking the inked effect of real pen writing. Besides a style of penmanship, Pseudo-Inked Signature reflects the characteristics of handwriting behavior. Therefore, it can make different Pseudo-Inked Signature even though the original signature images from different users look very similar to each other. Similarly, it can also make more similar Pseudo-Inked Signatures even though the original signature images from the same user look somewhat different to each other. In addition, since only one gray-scale image is dealt with to represent the signature style of a person by Pseudo-Inked Signature image, it is efficient and very easy to handle. Finally, we tested user verification experiments using [Formula: see text]-NN classifier. The experimental results show that Pseudo-Inked Signature is good enough for the real application.
Structural transect through Ellesmere Island (Canadian Arctic): superimposed Palaeozoic Ellesmerian and Cenozoic Eurekan deformation
Authors: Piepjohn Karsten , von Gosen Werner
Published: May 2017

The 400 km long transect through Ellesmere Island is located perpendicular to the North American continental margin between the Arctic Ocean in the NNW and the Greenland–Canadian Shield in the SSE. It provides an insight into the structural architecture and tectonic history of the upper parts of the continental crust. The northernmost segment of the transect is dominated by the composite Pearya Terrane, which amalgamated with the Laurentian margin during the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous Ellesmerian Orogeny. The Neoproterozoic to Devonian Franklinian Basin is exposed south of the terrane boundary and most probably overlies the crystalline basement of the Greenland–Canadian Shield. The structures along the transect in this area are dominated by kilometre-scale Ellesmerian folding of the Franklinian Basin deposits above a deep-seated detachment, which is suggested to be located at the boundary between the basement of the Canadian Shield and the overlying >8 km thick Franklinian Basin. Following the development of the Late Mississippian–Palaeogene Sverdrup Basin, the complex Eurekan deformation reactivated Ellesmerian thrust faults and probably parts of the associated deep-seated detachment. In addition, large Eurekan strike-slip faults affected and displaced pre-Eocene deposits and tectonic structures, particularly in the northern part of the transect.
Chemical characteristics of the ice cores obtained after the first unsealing of subglacial Lake Vostok
Authors: Alekhina Irina , Ekaykin Alexey , Moskvin Alexey , Lipenkov Vladimir
Published: May 2017

Drilling fluid (DF) is one of the main sources of chemical and biological contamination of deep ice cores and lake water samples in the exploration of Subgalcial Antarctic Lake Environments (SALE). In this study, we investigated the contamination of an ice core that represented the first samples of refrozen lake water obtained 1 year after the unsealing of Lake Vostok in 2012. We show that these samples contain inclusions of the DF with a concentration of at least 16.7 mg l
−1
(0.0019% or 19 ppmv). This makes it extremely difficult to obtain reliable data on the real chemical composition of the lake water. The focus of our study is the organic components of the DF, which built up in the secondary ice while the water was freezing in the borehole. Of all the possible organic compounds of the DF, only phenol congeners (up to 32.4 mg l
−1
) and dichlorofluoroethane HCFC-141b (14.4 mg l
−1
), a DF densifier, were found in the central channel, which is the last part of the core to freeze in the borehole. We conclude that the phenol compounds emerge due to physical processes, namely fractionation, during freezing, rather than any chemical reaction between the DF and the lake water.
BLC
Authors: Checco Alessandro , Bianchi Giuseppe , Leith Douglas J.
Published: May 2017

We propose a privacy-enhanced matrix factorization recommender that exploits the fact that users can often be grouped together by interest. This allows a form of “hiding in the crowd” privacy. We introduce a novel matrix factorization approach suited to making recommendations in a shared group (or “nym”) setting and the BLC algorithm for carrying out this matrix factorization in a privacy-enhanced manner. We demonstrate that the increased privacy does not come at the cost of reduced recommendation accuracy.
The SCION internet architecture
Authors: Barrera David , Chuat Laurent , Perrig Adrian , Reischuk Raphael M. , Szalachowski Pawel
Published: May 2017

Adhering to the end-to-end principle even more than the current Internet yields highly available point-to-point communication.
High-resolution mapping of gastric slow-wave recovery profiles: biophysical model, methodology, and demonstration of applications
Authors: Paskaranandavadivel N. , Cheng L. K. , Du P. , Rogers J. M. , O’Grady G.
Published: May 2017

Slow waves play a central role in coordinating gastric motor activity. High-resolution mapping of extracellular potentials from the stomach provides spatiotemporal detail on normal and dysrhythmic slow-wave patterns. All mapping studies to date have focused exclusively on tissue activation; however, the recovery phase contains vital information on repolarization heterogeneity, the excitable gap, and refractory tail interactions but has not been investigated. Here, we report a method to identify the recovery phase in slow-wave mapping data. We first developed a mathematical model of unipolar extracellular potentials that result from slow-wave propagation. These simulations showed that tissue repolarization in such a signal is defined by the steepest upstroke beyond the activation phase (activation was defined by accepted convention as the steepest downstroke). Next, we mapped slow-wave propagation in anesthetized pigs by recording unipolar extracellular potentials from a high-resolution array of electrodes on the serosal surface. Following the simulation result, a wavelet transform technique was applied to detect repolarization in each signal by finding the maximum positive slope beyond activation. Activation-recovery (ARi) and recovery-activation (RAi) intervals were then computed. We hypothesized that these measurements of recovery profile would differ for slow waves recorded during normal and spatially dysrhythmic propagation. We found that the ARi of normal activity was greater than dysrhythmic activity (5.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.8 ± 0.7 s; P < 0.05), whereas RAi was lower (9.7 ± 1.3 vs. 12.2 ± 2.5 s; P < 0.05). During normal propagation, RAi and ARi were linearly related with negative unit slope indicating entrainment of the entire mapped region. This relationship was weakened during dysrhythmia (slope: −0.96 ± 0.2 vs −0.71 ± 0.3; P < 0.05).

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The theoretical basis of the extracellular gastric slow-wave recovery phase was defined using mathematical modeling. A novel technique utilizing the wavelet transform was developed and validated to detect the extracellular slow-wave recovery phase. In dysrhythmic wavefronts, the activation-to-recovery interval (ARi) was shorter and recovery-to-activation interval (RAi) was longer compared with normal wavefronts. During normal activation, RAi vs. ARi had a slope of −1, whereas the weakening of the slope indicated a dysrhythmic propagation.
Nutritional regulation of renal lipogenic factor expression in mice: comparison to regulation in the liver and skeletal muscle
Authors: Kim Suk-Jeong , Kim Ji-Eun , Kim Yong-Woon , Kim Jong-Yeon , Park So-Young
Published: May 2017

Regulation of lipogenesis by pathophysiological factors in the liver and skeletal muscle is well understood; however, regulation in the kidney is still unclear. To elucidate nutritional regulation of lipogenic factors in the kidney, we measured the renal expression of lipogenic transcriptional factors and enzymes during fasting and refeeding in chow-fed and high-fat-fed mice. We also examined the regulatory effect of the liver X receptor (LXR) on the expression of lipogenic factors. The renal gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c and fatty acid synthase (FAS) was reduced by fasting for 48 h and restored by refeeding, whereas the mRNA levels of forkhead box O (FOXO)1/3 were increased by fasting and restored by refeeding. Accordingly, protein levels of SREBP-1, FAS, and phosphorylated FOXO1/3 were reduced by fasting and restored by refeeding. The patterns of lipogenic factors expression in the kidney were similar to those in the liver and skeletal muscle. However, this phasic regulation of renal lipogenic gene expression was blunted in diet-induced obese mice. LXR agonist TO901317 increased the lipogenic gene expression and the protein levels of SREBP-1 precursor and FAS but not nuclear SREBP-1. Moreover, increases in insulin-induced gene mRNA and nuclear carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChREBP) levels were observed in the TO901317-treated mice. These results suggest that the kidney shows flexible suppression and restoration of lipogenic factors following fasting and refeeding in lean mice, but this is blunted in obese mice. LXR is involved in the renal expression of lipogenic enzymes, and ChREBP may mediate the response.
Changes in brachial artery endothelial function and resting diameter with moderate-intensity continuous but not sprint interval training in sedentary men
Authors: Shenouda Ninette , Gillen Jenna B. , Gibala Martin J. , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: May 2017

Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) improves peripheral artery function in healthy adults, a phenomenon that reverses as continued training induces structural remodeling. Sprint interval training (SIT) elicits physiological adaptations similar to MICT, despite a lower exercise volume and time commitment; however, its effect on peripheral artery function and structure is largely unexplored. We compared peripheral artery responses to 12 wk of MICT and SIT in sedentary, healthy men (age = 27 ± 8 yr). Participants performed MICT (45 min of cycling at 70% peak heart rate; n = 10) or SIT (3 × 20-s “all out” cycling sprints with 2 min of recovery; n = 9), and responses were compared with a nontraining control group (CTL, n = 6). Allometrically scaled brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) increased 2.2% after 6 wk of MICT and returned to baseline levels by 12 wk, but did not change in SIT or CTL (group × time interaction, P = 0.04). Brachial artery diameter increased after 6 and 12 wk (main effect, P = 0.03), with the largest increases observed in MICT. Neither training protocol affected popliteal relative FMD and diameter, or central and lower limb arterial stiffness (carotid distensibility, central and leg pulse wave velocity) ( P > 0.05 for all). Whereas earlier and more frequent measurements are needed to establish the potential presence and time course of arterial responses to low-volume SIT, our findings suggest that MICT was superior to the intense, but brief and intermittent SIT stimulus at inducing brachial artery responses in healthy men.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We compared the effects of 12 wk of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and sprint interval training (SIT) on peripheral artery endothelial function and diameter, and central and lower limb stiffness in sedentary, healthy men. Whereas neither training program affected the popliteal artery or stiffness indexes, we observed changes in brachial artery function and diameter with MICT but not SIT. Brachial artery responses to SIT may follow a different time course or may not occur at all.
The Effects of Food Labelling on Postexercise Energy Intake in Sedentary Women
Authors: Lafrenière Jacynthe , McNeil Jessica , Provencher Véronique , Doucet Éric
Published: May 2017

Food labelling has been previously reported to influence energy intake (EI). Whether food labels influence postexercise EI remains to be determined. We assessed how food labelling and exercise (Ex) interact to influence food perception and postexercise EI. In this randomized crossover design, 14 inactive women participated in 4 experimental conditions: Ex (300 kcal at 70% ofVO2peak) and lunch labelled as low in fat (LF), Ex and lunch labelled as high in fat (HF), Rest and LF, and Rest and HF. The lunch was composed of a plate of pasta, yogurt, and oatmeal cookies, which had the same nutritional composition across the 4 experimental conditions. EI at lunch and for the 48-hour period covering the testing day and the following day was assessed. Furthermore, perceived healthiness of the meal and appetite ratings were evaluated. There were no effects of exercise and food labelling on EI. However, meals labelled as LF were perceived as heathier, and this label was associated with higher prospective food consumption. Initial beliefs about food items had a stronger effect on healthiness perception than the different food labels and explain the positive correlation with the amount of food consumed (ρ=0.34,P<0.001).
Changes in Polyphenols Contents and Antioxidant Capacities of Organically and Conventionally Cultivated Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Fruits during Ripening
Authors: Anton Dea , Bender Ingrid , Kaart Tanel , Roasto Mati , Heinonen Marina , Luik Anne , Püssa Tõnu
Published: May 2017

Polyphenols of fruits and vegetables form an important part of human dietary compounds. Relatively little is known about accumulation of phenolics during fruits ripening process. The goal of this work was to study the changes in antioxidant activity and in content of 30 polyphenols during ripening of tomato fruits. Five organically and conventionally grown tomato cultivars were investigated at three different ripening stages. Phenolic compounds were extracted with methanol and extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS. During ripening, four different changing patterns were observed: (1) high level in green fruits with minimal changes; (2) continuous increase with maximum level in red-ripe fruits; (3) decrease; (4) increase and achieving maximum level at half-ripe stage. Similar change patterns were found for organic and conventional fruits. The accumulation patterns of phenolic compounds were similar in standard-type tomatoes but differed in several cases in cherry-type cultivar. Although contents of some polyphenols decreased during ripening, total phenolics and free radical scavenging activity increased in all studied cultivars and in case of both cultivation modes. The changes in content of phenolic compounds during ripening were greatly influenced by cultivars, but cultivation mode had only minor impact on dynamics in polyphenols contents in tomato fruits.
Adenosine Triphosphate Promotes Allergen-Induced Airway Inflammation and Th17 Cell Polarization in Neutrophilic Asthma
Authors: Zhang Fang , Su Xin , Huang Gang , Xin Xiao-Feng , Cao E-Hong , Shi Yi , Song Yong
Published: May 2017

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a key mediator to alert the immune dysfunction by acting on P2 receptors. Here, we found that allergen challenge caused an increase of ATP secretion in a murine model of neutrophilic asthma, which correlated well with neutrophil counts and interleukin-17 production. When ATP signaling was blocked by intratracheal administration of the ATP receptor antagonist suramin before challenge, neutrophilic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and Th17-type responses were reduced significantly. Also, neutrophilic inflammation was abrogated when airway ATP levels were locally neutralized using apyrase. Furthermore, ATP promoted the Th17 polarization of splenic CD4+ T cells from DO11.10 mice in vitro. In addition, ovalbumin (OVA) challenge induced neutrophilic inflammation and Th17 polarization in DO11.10 mice, whereas administration of suramin before challenge alleviated these parameters. Thus, ATP may serve as a marker of neutrophilic asthma, and local blockade of ATP signaling might provide an alternative method to prevent Th17-mediated airway inflammation in neutrophilic asthma.
Experimental Study on a Self-Centering Earthquake-Resistant Masonry Pier with a Structural Concrete Column
Authors: Niu Lijun , Zhang Wenfang
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes a slotting construction strategy to avoid shear behavior of multistory masonry buildings. The aspect ratio of masonry piers increases via slotting between spandrels and piers, so that the limit state of piers under an earthquake may be altered from shear to rocking. Rocking piers with a structural concrete column (SCC) form a self-centering earthquake-resistant system. The in-plane lateral rocking behavior of masonry piers subjected to an axial force is predicted, and an experimental study is conducted on two full-scale masonry piers with an SCC, which consist of a slotting pier and an original pier. Meanwhile, a comparison of the rocking modes of masonry piers with an SCC and without an SCC was conducted in the paper. Experimental verification indicates that the slotting strategy achieves a change of failure modes from shear to rocking, and this resistant system with an SCC incorporates the self-centering and high energy dissipation properties. For the slotting pier, a lateral story drift ratio of 2.5% and a high displacement ductility of approximately 9.7 are obtained in the test, although the lateral strength decreased by 22.3% after slotting. The predicted lateral strength of the rocking pier with an SCC has a margin of error of 5.3%.
Identification of the Chemical Constituents in Simiao Wan and Rat Plasma after Oral Administration by GC‐MS and LC‐MS
Authors: Fan Yunshuang , Li Yamei , Wu Yuanyuan , Li Lixin , Wang Yuming , Li Yubo
Published: May 2017

Simiao Wan (SMW), an important multiherbal formula used in traditional Chinese medicine, is extensively used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the knowledge of the bioactive components of SMW remains unclear. Thus, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) were used to analyze the chemical constituents of volatile and nonvolatile extracts of SMW, as well as its absorbed components in rat plasma after oral SMW administration. Identification of several compounds was enabled by comparison of retention times, MS spectra, and MS/MS spectral data with the standard substance and reference materials reported in the literature. In the volatile extracts, GC‐MS identified 26 compounds in vitro, three of which observed in blood by GC‐MS. In the nonvolatile extracts, LC‐MS identified 49 compounds in SMW; 18 compounds containing 7 prototype compounds, 5 metabolites, and 6 unknown compounds were absorbed by blood. The proposed GC‐MS and LC‐MS method was appropriate not only for the rapid screening and identification of multiple components of an SMW extract but also for screening its bioactive constituents in vivo. The proposed method could be a promising tool for the quality control of other Chinese herbal medicines.
Mitophagy Transcriptome: Mechanistic Insights into Polyphenol‐Mediated Mitophagy
Authors: Tan Sijie , Wong Esther
Published: May 2017

Mitochondria are important bioenergetic and signalling hubs critical for myriad cellular functions and homeostasis. Dysfunction in mitochondria is a central theme in aging and diseases. Mitophagy, a process whereby damaged mitochondria are selectively removed by autophagy, plays a key homeostatic role in mitochondrial quality control. Upregulation of mitophagy has shown to mitigate superfluous mitochondrial accumulation and toxicity to safeguard mitochondrial fitness. Hence, mitophagy is a viable target to promote longevity and prevent age‐related pathologies. Current challenge in modulating mitophagy for cellular protection involves identification of physiological ways to activate the pathway. Till date, mitochondrial stress and toxins remain the most potent inducers of mitophagy. Polyphenols have recently been demonstrated to protect mitochondrial health by facilitating mitophagy, thus suggesting the exciting prospect of augmenting mitophagy through dietary intake. In this review, we will first discuss the different surveillance mechanisms responsible for the removal of damaged mitochondrial components, followed by highlighting the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy. Finally, we will review the functional connection between polyphenols and mitophagy and provide insight into the underlying mechanisms that potentially govern polyphenol‐induced mitophagy.
Phase Ib Pilot Study to Evaluate Reparixin in Combination with Weekly Paclitaxel in Patients with HER-2–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Schott Anne F. , Goldstein Lori J. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Ruffini Pier Adelchi , McCanna Susan , Reuben James M. , Perez Raymond P. , Kato Giraldo , Wicha Max
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) is recognized as an actionable receptor selectively expressed by breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Reparixin is an investigational allosteric inhibitor of chemokine receptors 1 and 2 (CXCR1/2), and demonstrates activity against BCSCs in human breast cancer xenografts. This phase Ib clinical trial examined dose, safety, and pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel plus reparixin therapy, and explored effects of reparixin on BCSCs in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) (trial registration ID: NCT02001974).

Experimental Design: Eligible patients had MBC and were candidates for paclitaxel therapy. Study treatment included a 3-day run-in with reparixin oral tablets three times a day, followed by paclitaxel 80 mg/m2/week (days 1, 8, and 15 for 28-day cycle) + reparixin tablets three times a day for 21/28 days; three dose cohorts were examined in a 3+3 dose escalation schema. Additional patients were recruited into an expansion cohort at the recommended phase II dose to further explore pharmacokinetics, safety, and biological effects of the combination therapy.

Results: There were neither G4–5 adverse events nor serious adverse events related to study therapy and no interactions between reparixin and paclitaxel to influence their respective pharmacokinetic profiles. A 30% response rate was recorded, with durable responses >12 months in two patients. Exploratory biomarker analysis was inconclusive for therapy effect on BCSCs.

Conclusions: Weekly paclitaxel plus reparixin in MBC appeared to be safe and tolerable, with demonstrated responses in the enrolled population. Dose level 3, 1200 mg orally three times a day, was selected for further study in a randomized phase II trial (NCT02370238). Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5358–65. ©2017 AACR.
Effect of Traffic Uncertainities on the Design of Mixed Line Rate (MLR) Optical Networks
Authors: Iyer Sridhar , Singh Shree Prakash
Published: May 2017

In the existing studies on Mixed Line Rate (MLR) optical networks, the network design methodology is based on the assumption of deterministic traffic, and hence, the effect of traffic uncertainty on the design of an MLR network remains an open problem of research. In this study, we upgrade our previously proposed cost-efficient mixed integer linear program (MILP) formulation for an MLR network, which considered a specific mean traffic for every network source-destination pair. Our upgraded model employs an optimization technique to account for the traffic uncertainties that an actual MLR optical network may encounter. Our simulation results show that (i) if the MLR network is cost-optimized under the assumption that approximately 10-20% of the demands are at their maximum (or peak) value then, the network demonstrates robustness to traffic peaks in approximately all the other demands, and (ii) the saturation of network cost for a number of source-destination pairs is network topology dependent.
Evolução do Plano de Ação para Prevenção e Controle do Desmatamento na Amazônia Legal
Authors: Mello Natália Girão Rodrigues de , Artaxo Paulo
Published: May 2017

O presente estudo analisou a evolução da implementação do Plano de Ação para Prevenção e Controle do Desmatamento na Amazônia Legal (PPCDAm). Para tal, foi realizada análise de: publicações científicas que caracterizam o problema identificado; documentos que compreendem a Fase I (2004-2008), a Fase II (2009-2011) e a Fase III (2012-2015) do PPCDAm; avaliações realizadas sobre a Fase I (realizada por Abdala, 2008) e sobre a Fase II do PPCDAm (realizada por Ipea; GIZ; Cepal, 2011); e impactos do PPDCAm na redução do desmatamento. Conclui-se que o PPCDAm trouxe resultados significativos para a contenção do desmatamento na Amazônia Legal, mas ainda se fazem necessários aprimoramentos para que sejam alcançados os objetivos de promoção de atividades sustentáveis na região. •
Impact of Chamber Dilatation on the Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Geometry in Hypertension
Authors: Verdecchia Paolo , Angeli Fabio , Mazzotta Giovanni , Bartolini Claudia , Garofoli Marta , Aita Adolfo , Poltronieri Cristina , Pinzagli Maria Gabriella , Valecchi Francesca , Martone Stefania , Ramundo Elisa , Turturiello Dario , Reboldi Gianpaolo
Published: May 2017

Background

The different geometric patterns of the left ventricle may or may not coexist with chamber dilatation. The prognostic impact of such a combination is unclear.

Methods and Results

We studied a cohort of 2635 initially untreated patients with hypertension, mean age 50 years. At entry, 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure progressively increased across the patterns of normal geometry, concentric left ventricular (LV) remodeling, eccentric nondilated
LV
hypertrophy (
LVH
), eccentric dilated
LVH
, concentric nondilated
LVH
, and concentric dilated
LVH
. During a mean follow‐up of 9.7 years, 360 patients developed a first major cardiovascular event at a rate (×100 patient‐years) of 1.41. The event rate was 0.93 in the group with normal
LV
geometry, 1.10 in the group with
LV
concentric remodeling, 1.40 in the group with nondilated eccentric
LVH
, 2.10 in the group with eccentric dilated
LVH
, 2.34 in the group with nondilated concentric
LVH
, and 4.67 in the group with dilated concentric
LVH
(log‐rank test:
P
<0.001). In a Cox model, after adjustment for several independent covariables (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, current smoking, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and average 24‐hour systolic blood pressure), concentric dilated
LVH
was associated with a 98% excess risk of cardiovascular events (
P
=0.0037). However,
LV
geometric pattern lost statistical significance when
LV
mass was entered into the model.

Conclusions

In initially untreated patients with hypertension,
LV
dilatation adds an adverse prognostic burden to the patterns of eccentric and concentric
LVH
. This phenomenon is explained by the greater
LV
mass associated with
LV
chamber dilatation.
The Postmodern Self in Theological Perspective: A Communal, Narrative, and Ecclesial Approach
Authors: Almon Russell L.
Published: May 2017

Drawing on the work of Stanley J. Grenz and Paul Ricoeur, this article proposes a communal, narrative, and ecclesial response to what Grenz calls ‘the dissipation of the self’ after modernity. Tracing briefly the rise of the self-sufficient self of modernity attention is then given to the deconstructed self of postmodernity. The article then utilizes the imago Dei as a theological resource, in conversation with Grenz and Ricoeur, for the reconstruction of the postmodern self along communal, narrative, and ecclesial lines. The final conclusion is that the postmodern self receives theological relief in the form of the ‘ecclesial self’ constituted in trinitarian community ‘in Christ’ and through the Spirit within Christ’s new humanity.
Developing identity, sense of belonging and social networks among Japanese immigrants in Scotland and Spain
Authors: Martinez-Callaghan Jordi , Gil-Lacruz Marta
Published: May 2017

This paper focuses on how Japanese immigrants who settled in Spain and Scotland are building new social networks and questions how this process changes the way they relate to Japan and their Japanese identities. A grounded theory approach was used to gather data for the study. The sample is composed of 14 immigrants interviewed in Scotland and 17 in Spain. Based on content analysis, the study found that both groups of immigrants emphasized five key elements in developing their new sense of belonging. These are: having a local partner; interest in the host country; workplace experiences; number of local and/or Japanese friends in their social network; and foreign language proficiency. Immigrant identity development is a dynamic process of construction in which both personal behavior and social aspects are involved.
Effects of a Carbohydrate‐, Glutamine‐, and Antioxidant‐Enriched Oral Nutrition Supplement on Major Surgery‐Induced Insulin Resistance: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: van Stijn Mireille F. M. , Soeters Maarten R. , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , Schreurs W. H. , Schoorl Margreet G. , Twisk Jos W. R. , De Bandt Jean‐Pascal , Bonnefont‐Rousselot Dominique , Cynober Luc , Ackermans Mariette T. , Serlie Mireille J. , Houdijk Alexander P. J.
Published: May 2017

Background: Insulin resistance after surgery hampers recovery. Oxidative stress is shown to be involved in the occurrence of postoperative insulin resistance. Preoperative carbohydrate‐rich oral nutrition supplements reduce but do not prevent insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a carbohydrate‐, glutamine‐, and antioxidant‐enriched preoperative oral nutrition supplement on postoperative insulin resistance. Methods: A double‐blind randomized controlled pilot study in 18 patients with rectal cancer, who received either the supplement (S) or the placebo (P) 15, 11, and 4 hours preoperatively, was conducted. Insulin sensitivity was studied prior to surgery and on the first postoperative day using a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic 2‐step clamp. Results: Hepatic insulin sensitivity (insulin‐mediated suppression of glucose production) decreased significantly after surgery in both groups, with no differences between the groups. Peripheral insulin sensitivity (glucose rate of disappearance, Rd) was significantly decreased after surgery in both groups (S: 37.2 [19.1–50.9] vs 20.6 [13.9–27.9]; P: 23.8 [15.7–35.5] vs 15.3 [12.6–19.1] µmol/kg·min) but less pronounced in the supplemented group (P = .04). The percentage decrease in glucose Rd did not differ between the groups. Adipose tissue insulin sensitivity (insulin‐mediated suppression of plasma free fatty acids) decreased to the same extent after surgery in both groups. Conclusion: Rectal cancer surgery induced profound insulin resistance, affecting glucose and fatty acid metabolism. The preoperative nutrition supplement somewhat attenuated but did not prevent postoperative peripheral insulin resistance.
French Fathers and Their “Indigenous Children”
Authors: Duke Bryant Kelly
Published: May 2017

This article focuses on interracial families in early twentieth-century Senegal, exploring how relationships between French fathers and their racially mixed children simultaneously challenged and reflected colonial racism. Relying on applications for scholarships and related correspondence, it offers detailed case studies of two such families and a discussion of wider trends. The article argues that despite the duty and love that they felt toward their mixed-race children, French fathers continued to see themselves as colonists and to accept some of the ideas about race and power that this entailed.
Parallel acceleration/deceleration feedrate scheduling for computer numerical control machine tools based on bi-directional scanning technique
Authors: Huang Jie , Du Xu , Zhu Li-Min
Published: May 2017

The acceleration/deceleration feedrate scheduling is one of the most important techniques in computer numerical control systems. Along with this technique, the bi-directional scanning technique is always employed. The bi-directional scanning technique consists of a backward scanning process followed by a forward scanning process. The two scanning processes in the conventional methods are executed in a serial manner by scanning through all the scheduling blocks one by one. Consequently, the feedrate scheduling will suffer from a heavy computational burden when there are massive blocks to be scanned, which deteriorates its real-time performance for computer numerical control machining. To alleviate the computational burden, a parallel acceleration/deceleration feedrate scheduling approach is proposed in this article. With this method, the scheduling blocks are splitted into several scheduling units and the feedrate for each of them is scheduled simultaneously. The feasibility of the proposed approach is validated through the feedrate scheduling for two widely used butterfly and helix paths. For a constructed example of feedrate scheduling, a significant acceleration ratio about 3.7 on a personal computer with a quad-core central processing unit is achieved.
Theoretical and numerical studies of semi-active friction damper showing viscous-damper-like characteristics
Authors: Kado Naohiro
Published: May 2017

To clarify the feasibility of a novel, semi-active friction damper, its damping characteristics were investigated theoretically and numerically. The proposed damper suppresses vibrations by changing the direction of the frictional force, in contrast to the conventional passive and semi-active friction dampers that only focus on the magnitude of the frictional force. The theoretical analysis indicates that the proposed damper can behave as a conventional friction damper or a viscous damper depending on the use conditions; further, its effective damping ratio can be controlled by the velocity of a friction plate moving in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the vibration. The numerical simulations clarified that damping characteristics can be controlled by the ratio of the amplitude of the excitation force to the frictional force. Finally, the design criteria of the proposed damper were derived.
Investigation of the axial thrust load using numerical and experimental techniques during turbocharger operation
Authors: Lee In-Beom , Hong Seong-Ki , Choi Bok-Lok
Published: May 2017

Identification of the axial thrust load during the operating conditions of a turbocharger provides useful information to turbocharger designers. The axial force acting on the thrust bearing is mainly caused by the imbalance between the turbine wheel and the compressor wheel. It has a significant influence on the friction losses, which reduce the efficiency and the performance of a high-speed turbocharger. Well-known formulae for calculating the thrust load and the mechanical friction have been given in the literature. However, it is difficult to determine an accurate axial force by an analytical approach. This paper presents a detailed procedure for prediction of the axial thrust load during turbocharger operation. The first step is to identify the relationship between the externally applied load and the strain response using a specially designed test device and a numerical method. Next, if the operating strains and temperatures are measured, the strain signals due to the axial thrust can be adjusted by subtracting the thermal effects from the measured strains. Finally, the thrust loads in particular operating conditions are inversely obtained by inserting the adjusted strains into the calibration equations.
Compressed-natural-gas optimised downsized demonstrator engine
Authors: Hall Jonathan , Hibberd Benjamin , Streng Simon , Bassett Michael
Published: May 2017

The complexity of modern powertrain development is demonstrated by the combination of requirements to meet future emission regulations and test procedures such as the real driving emissions, the reductions in the fuel consumption and the carbon dioxide emissions as well as the expectations of customers that there must be a good driving performance. Gasoline engine downsizing is already established as a proved technology to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of automotive fleets. Additionally, alternative fuels such as natural gas offer the potential to reduce significantly both the tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions and the other regulated exhaust gas emissions without compromising the driving performance and the driving range. This paper presents results showing how the positive fuel properties of natural gas can be fully utilised in a heavily downsized engine. The engine was modified to cope with the significantly higher mechanical and thermal loads when operating at high specific outputs on compressed natural gas. In this study, peak cylinder pressures of up to 180 bar and specific power output levels of 110 kW/l were realised. It is also shown that having cylinder components specific to natural gas can yield significant reductions in the fuel consumption and, in conjunction with a variable-geometry turbine, a port-fuelled compressed-natural-gas engine can achieve a impressive low-speed torque (a brake mean effective power of 2700 kPa at 1500 r/min) and good transient response characteristics. The results achieved from the test engine while operating on compressed natural gas are compared with measurements from the baseline gasoline-fuelled direct-injection engine. In addition, a comparison between port fuel injection and direct injection of compressed natural gas is presented. This also includes an investigation into the specific performance challenges presented by port-fuel-injected compressed natural gas. The potential carbon dioxide savings offered by this heavily downsized compressed-natural-gas engine, of up to 50% at peak power and 20–40% for the driving-cycle region (including real-driving-emissions testing), are presented and discussed.
Driving Errors That Predict On-Road Outcomes in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Krasniuk Sarah , Classen Sherrilene , Morrow Sarah A. , Monahan Miriam , Danter Tim , Rosehart Heather , He Wenqing
Published: May 2017

Driving errors that predict on-road outcomes for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are not well studied. The objective of this study was to determine whether adjustment-to-stimuli and gap acceptance errors significantly predict passing/failing a standardized on-road assessment of PwMS. Thirty-seven participants completed visual ability and visual attention assessments, and participated in an on-road assessment, where seven types of driving errors and pass/fail outcomes were determined. Adjustment-to-stimuli (No.) and gap acceptance errors (commit/did not commit) significantly predicted passing/failing the on-road assessment, with an area under the curve of 91.6% ( p < .0001). With no gap acceptance errors committed, five adjustment-to-stimuli errors optimally determined pass/fail outcomes in PwMS. Furthermore, with no adjustment to stimuli errors committed, committing any gap acceptance errors also optimally determined pass/fail outcomes in PwMS. Further research may focus on visual, cognitive, and/or motor impairments underlying adjustment-to-stimuli and gap acceptance errors for eventual development of rehabilitation strategies for PwMS.
Social justice practice: A narrative inquiry perspective
Authors: Caine Vera , Steeves Pam , Clandinin D Jean , Estefan Andrew , Huber Janice , Murphy M Shaun
Published: May 2017

Narrative inquiry is both phenomenon and methodology for understanding experience. In this article, we further develop our understandings of narrative inquiry as a practice of social justice. In particular, we explore ways in which social justice issues can be re-framed and re-imagined, with attention to consequent action. Drawing on work alongside Kevlar, a youth who left school early, we explore our understandings. Being grounded in pragmatism and emphasizing relational understanding of experience situate narrative inquiry and call us to think narratively with stories. This allows for movement away from dominant narratives and toward openings to imagine otherwise in dynamic and interactive ways.
Artificial Intelligence Methodologies and Their Application to Diabetes
Authors: Rigla Mercedes , García-Sáez Gema , Pons Belén , Hernando Maria Elena
Published: May 2017

In the past decade diabetes management has been transformed by the addition of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump data. More recently, a wide variety of functions and physiologic variables, such as heart rate, hours of sleep, number of steps walked and movement, have been available through wristbands or watches. New data, hydration, geolocation, and barometric pressure, among others, will be incorporated in the future. All these parameters, when analyzed, can be helpful for patients and doctors’ decision support. Similar new scenarios have appeared in most medical fields, in such a way that in recent years, there has been an increased interest in the development and application of the methods of artificial intelligence (AI) to decision support and knowledge acquisition. Multidisciplinary research teams integrated by computer engineers and doctors are more and more frequent, mirroring the need of cooperation in this new topic. AI, as a science, can be defined as the ability to make computers do things that would require intelligence if done by humans. Increasingly, diabetes-related journals have been incorporating publications focused on AI tools applied to diabetes. In summary, diabetes management scenarios have suffered a deep transformation that forces diabetologists to incorporate skills from new areas. This recently needed knowledge includes AI tools, which have become part of the diabetes health care. The aim of this article is to explain in an easy and plane way the most used AI methodologies to promote the implication of health care providers—doctors and nurses—in this field.
Prescription Patterns and Disease Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Nursing Home and Home Care Settings: A Retrospective Analysis in Germany
Authors: Kostev Karel , Rockel Timo , Jacob Louis
Published: May 2017

Aim:

The aim of this study was to analyze prescription patterns and disease control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in nursing home and home care settings in Germany.

Methods:

The present study is based on data from the Disease Analyzer database (QuintilesIMS). Patients with an initial diagnosis of T2DM and documented HbA1c values between January 2011 and December 2015 were included in the analysis. The index date corresponded to the last documented HbA1c value. Patients in nursing homes were matched (1:1) with patients living at home based on age, gender, and dementia diagnosis. The first outcome of the study was the share of use of several antidiabetic drugs in the two different settings. The second outcome was the mean HbA1c value and the proportion of patients with HbA1c values lower than 7% in the two different groups.

Results:

In this study, 4925 individuals lived in nursing homes and 4925 individuals lived at home. The mean age was 80.7 years (SD = 7.7). Prescription patterns differed significantly between nursing home and home care settings: insulin (57.9% vs 41.1%), metformin (46.6% vs 60.5%), sulfonylurea (24.9% vs 34.2%), DPP4 inhibitors (13.4% vs 19.8%), and other antihyperglycemic drugs (7.8% vs 12.1%). In contrast, mean HbA1c values (nursing home: 7.2%; home: 7.2%) and the share of patients with Hb1Ac values lower than 7% (nursing home: 49.1%; home: 50.9%) did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Overall, the differences in prescription patterns between nursing homes and home care were not associated with significant differences in the management of T2DM.