bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of nations meeting the MPOWER targets between 2014 and 2016: an update
Authors: Levy David T , Li Yameng , Yuan Zhe
Published: May 2019

Objective

Since the WHO released the Monitoring tobacco use and tobacco control policies; Protecting from the dangers of tobacco smoke; Offering help to quit tobacco; Warning the public about the dangers; Enforcing bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and Raising tobacco taxes (MPOWER) policy package to assist nations with implementing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), 88 countries have adopted at least one MPOWER policy at the highest level as of 2014. Building on previous evaluations, we estimated the reduction in smoking-attributable deaths (SADs) from all policies newly adopted at the highest level between 2014 and 2016.

Methods

For each nation that implemented highest level policies, the difference in policy effect sizes from previously validated SimSmoke models for the policies in effect in 2014 and 2016 were multiplied by the number of smokers in that nation to derive the reduction in the number of smokers. Based on research that half of all smokers die from smoking, we derived SADs averted.

Findings

In total, 43 nations adopted at least one highest-level MPOWER policy between 2014 and 2016, resulting in 14.6 million fewer SADs. The largest number of SADs averted were due to stronger health warnings (13.3 million), followed by raising taxes (0.6 million), increased marketing bans (0.4 million), smoke-free air laws (0.3 million) and cessation interventions (2500).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the continuing public health impact of tobacco control policies adopted globally since the FCTC, and highlight the importance of more countries adopting MPOWER policies at the highest level to reduce the global burden of tobacco use.
Increased BUN and glucose in a group of San Cristóbal galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis chathamensis)
Authors: Cerreta Anthony J. , Vaden Shelly L. , Lewbart Gregory A. , Muñoz‐Pérez Juan Pablo , Páez‐Rosas Diego
Published: May 2019

Veterinary health examinations were performed on 19 captive tortoises in seminatural conditions at the ‘Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado’ and at the ‘Otoy Ranch’ on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos. No abnormalities were found during physical examination, but there were significant increases in glucose and blood urea nitrogen concentrations in the tortoises sampled at the Otoy Ranch (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The glucose concentration in tortoises at the Otoy Ranch was also increased compared with health assessments conducted 1 year previously. It is suspected that diet is responsible for these differences, due to the fact that in the wild, Galapagos tortoises consume large quantities of low energy forage and previous studies have correlated a captive diet with excess dietary protein to a shortened life expectancy. These peripheral blood chemistry abnormalities constitute a need for future research in the nutrition of the Galapagos tortoise to help ensure the health and survival of these species.
High doses of sodium nitrate prior to exhaustive exercise increases plasma peroxynitrite levels in well-trained subjects: randomized, double-blinded, crossover study
Authors: Gholami Farhad , Rahmani Leila , Amirnezhad Fatemeh , Cheraghi Khadijeh
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of pre-workout sodium nitrate supplementation on nitric oxide, peroxynitrite levels, and performance parameters. Ten well-trained male subjects participated in a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study. They ingested 8, 16, and 24 mmol sodium nitrate or placebo (NaCl) dissolved in water at 2.5 h before an incremental exercise test. Respiratory gases (oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory exchange ratio) were measured throughout the exercise trials and 3 blood samples (pre-ingestion, 2.5 h post-ingestion and postexercise) were taken to analyze nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and peroxynitrite levels. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA at significance level of P < 0.05. NOx levels significantly increased following sodium nitrate ingestion compared with placebo (placebo: 40.86 ± 10.7 μmol/L, 8 mmol: 203.69 ± 25.1 μmol/L, 16 mmol: 289.41 ± 30.1 μmol/L, and 24 mmol: 300.95 ± 42.4 μmol/L, respectively) (P = 0.0001). However, this did not induce any significant change in oxygen consumption (P = 0.351), blood lactate concentration (P = 0.245), and time-to-exhaustion (P = 0.147). Peroxynitrite levels were similar compared with placebo when participants ingested 8 and 16 mmol of inorganic nitrate but a significant increase was observed after exercise at maximal intensity when participants were supplemented with 24 mmol (mean = 14.60 ± 1.3 μmol/L, P = 0.001). Pre-workout ingestion of high dose of sodium nitrate (24 mmol) induced peroxynitrate formation, a marker of oxidative stress. Caution must be taken regarding administration of higher doses before benefits or adverse effects are established in this population.
Effects of β-hydroxybutyrate treatment on glycogen repletion and its related signaling cascades in epitrochlearis muscle during 120 min of postexercise recovery
Authors: Takahashi Yumiko , Terada Shin , Banjo Mai , Seike Kohei , Nakano Suguru , Hatta Hideo
Published: May 2019

We investigated the effects of β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), the most abundant type of ketone body in mammals, on postexercise glycogen recovery in skeletal muscle by using an in vitro experimental model. Male ICR mice swam for 60 min and then their epitrochlearis muscles were removed and incubated with either physiological levels of glucose (8 mmol/L) and insulin (60 μU/mL) or glucose and insulin plus 1, 2, or 4 mmol/L of sodium β-HB. Four millimoles per liter β-HB had a significant positive effect on glycogen repletion in epitrochlearis muscle at 120 min after exercise (p < 0.01), while 2 mmol/L of β-HB showed a tendency to increase the glycogen level (p < 0.09), and 1 mmol/L of β-HB had no significant effect. We further investigated the effect of 4 mmol/L β-HB treatment on the signaling cascade related to glycogen repletion in the epitrochlearis muscles throughout a 120-min recovery period. After incubating the muscles in 4 mmol/L of β-HB for 15 min postexercise, the Akt substrate of 160 kDa Thr642(p < 0.05) and Akt Thr308(p < 0.05) phosphorylations were significantly increased compared with the control treatment. At the same time point, 5′-AMP–activated protein kinase and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase phosphorylations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the epitrochlearis muscle incubated with 4 mmol/L of β-HB than in the control muscle. Our results demonstrate that postexercise 4 mmol/L β-HB administration enhanced glycogen repletion in epitrochlearis muscle. Four millimoles per liter β-HB treatment was associated with alternation of the phosphorylated status of several proteins involved in glucose uptake and metabolic/energy homeostasis at the early stage of postexercise.
Thermodynamic analysis of the copper (I) homogeneous and heterogeneous speciation in ammonium thiosulfate leaching systems
Authors: Povar Igor , Ubaldini Stefano , Spinu Oxana , Lupascu Tudor
Published: May 2019

The paper presents a new thermodynamic approach to studying mixed ligand complex formation reactions in the multi-component two-phase system “cuprous oxide-ammoniacal copper (I) thiosulfate aqueous solution” under real conditions. The quintessence of the developed approach consists in the thermodynamic analysis of concurrent reactions in the heterogeneous system Cu(I) – NH3 – S2O32− – H2O on the basis of the introduced notion of generalized reaction equations. A detailed thermodynamic analysis in ammonium thiosulfate leaching systems has considered the formation of mixed ligand complex species Cu(OH)i(NH3)j(S2O3)k. The new feature is to focus on the chemical description of the overall process of complex formation consisting of a series of concurrent reactions, where the nature and ratio of the concentrations of chemical species, formed in such reactions, depend on the ratio of the concentrations of the metal Cu+ and ligands, temperature, and other thermodynamic parameters. On the basis of the selected thermodynamic data for involved species, the thermodynamic stability areas of solid phase and the repartition of soluble and insoluble chemical species towards the solution pH and a number of total reagent concentrations in heterogeneous mixtures have been investigated. The diagrams of heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical equilibria are used for the graphical representation of complex equilibria and distribution of soluble and insoluble species in examined systems. The used approach utilizes thermodynamic relationships coupled with original mass balance constraints, where the solid phases are explicitly expressed. The obtained results are useful for optimization of the overall scheme of thiosulfate leaching in gold hydrometallurgy to minimize reagent consumption and maximize gold extraction.
Ultralight massive photons in Stueckelberg QED cosmology with self- and curvature non-minimal couplings
Authors: El-Nabulsi Rami Ahmad
Published: May 2019

In this communication, we study non-minimal massive Stueckelberg QED for the evolution of the universe in the presence of non-minimal kinetic coupling to itself and to the curvature and where massive photons in the theory are of the order of the Hubble parameter or ultralight mass. By adopting the idea that the gauge vector field depends on the Hubble parameter, we observe that the universe is undergoing accelerated expansion with time and is dominated by quintessence, a decaying scalar field, and ultra-light massive photons. The existence of massive photons or massive particles of light is therefore able to explain the current acceleration of the quintessential universe in the absence of a cosmological constant.
Modeling and Control of a Multiphase Modular High-Frequency Converter/Inverter for Vehicle Applications
Authors: Ahi Kiarash
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a novel control algorithm for a modular high-frequency converter. This control algorithm is designed to achieve an effective frequency higher than the switching frequency on the passive elements. As a result, the ripple on the output is suppressed, and smaller capacitors can be used. In this work, the modular high-frequency converter is modeled by equivalent boost converters. Based on the equivalent models a control algorithm is developed. The accuracy of the algorithm has been verified by simulation results using PLECS in the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Kernels and cokernels in the category of augmented involutive stereotype algebras
Authors: Akbarov S. S.
Published: May 2019

We prove several properties of kernels and cokernels in the category of augmented involutive stereotype algebras: (1) this category has kernels and cokernels, (2) the cokernel is preserved under the passage to the group stereotype algebras, and (3) the notion of cokernel allows to prove that the continuous envelope [Formula: see text] of the group algebra of a compact buildup of an abelian locally compact group is an involutive Hopf algebra in the category of stereotype spaces [Formula: see text]. The last result plays an important role in the generalization of the Pontryagin duality for arbitrary Moore groups.
Finite groups with some pronormal subgroups
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Chang Jian , Chen Guiyun
Published: May 2019

A subgroup [Formula: see text] of a finite group [Formula: see text] is called pronormal in [Formula: see text] if for each [Formula: see text], the subgroups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are conjugate in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we analyze how certain properties of pronormal subgroups influence the structure of groups.
Exactness of Lepage 2-forms and globally variational differential equations
Authors: Urban Zbyněk , Volná Jana
Published: May 2019

The exactness equation for Lepage [Formula: see text]-forms, associated with variational systems of ordinary differential equations on smooth manifolds, is analyzed with the aim to construct a concrete global variational principle. It is shown that locally variational systems defined by homogeneous functions of degree [Formula: see text] are automatically globally variational. A new constructive method of finding a global Lagrangian is described for these systems, which include for instance the geodesic equations in Riemann and Finsler geometry.
Nonlocal transformations of the generalized Liénard type equations and dissipative Ermakov-Milne-Pinney systems
Authors: Guha Partha , Ghose-Choudhury A.
Published: May 2019

We employ the method of nonlocal generalized Sundman transformations to formulate the linearization problem for equations of the generalized Liénard type and show that they may be mapped to equations of the dissipative Ermakov-Milne-Pinney type. We obtain the corresponding new first integrals of these derived equations, this method yields a natural generalization of the construction of Ermakov–Lewis invariant for a time-dependent oscillator to (coupled) Liénard and Liénard type equations. We also study the linearization problem for the coupled Liénard equation using nonlocal transformations and derive coupled dissipative Ermakov-Milne-Pinney equation. As an offshoot of this nonlocal transformation method when the standard Liénard equation, [Formula: see text], is mapped to that of the linear harmonic oscillator equation, we obtain a relation between the functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] which is exactly similar to the condition derived in the context of isochronicity of the Liénard equation.
Lie symmetry reductions and dynamics of solitary wave solutions of breaking soliton equation
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Tanwar Dig Vijay
Published: May 2019

In this paper, some new invariant solutions of breaking soliton (BS) equation have been derived by using similarity transformations method. The system represents the interaction of Riemann waves propagating along [Formula: see text]-axis and long waves along [Formula: see text]-axis. The commutative relation and symmetry analysis of BS equation are derived using Lie group theory. Meanwhile, the method reduces the number of independent variables by one in each step. A repeated application of similarity transformations method reduces the BS equation into overdetermined equations, which provide invariant solutions. The derived results are more general than previous findings. The obtained solutions are supplemented by numerical simulation, which makes this research physically meaningful. Eventually, doubly soliton, multisoliton and asymptotic profiles of solutions are analyzed in the analysis and discussion section.
Low-Temperature Synthesis of Highly Efficient, Deep-Red Zn-Cu-In-Se/ZnSe Fluorescence Quantum Dots
Authors: Yang Juan , Li Jingling , Zhu Yanqing , Xu Xueqing , Xiao Xiudi , Deng Bing , Qin Kaili , Bi Zhuoneng , Chen Shuaijun , Xu Gang
Published: May 2019

We report a facile synthesis method on CuInSe2(CISe)-based quantum dots (QDs) by using tri-[Formula: see text]-octylphosphine selenium (TOPSe) as selenide precursor, with assistance of oleylamine (OAm) and [Formula: see text]-dodecanethiol (DDT). We demonstrate that the OAm and DDT jointly contribute to the formation of the low-temperature-decomposable metal-sulfide clusters, and promote the QD nucleation at relatively low temperature range of 180–200∘C. Furthermore, to improve fluorescence property, Zn-doping and ZnSe coating are simultaneously carried out. The obtained deep-red ZnCISe/ZnSe QDs possess higher quantum yield of 65% at wavelength of 670[Formula: see text]nm, which is in the best performance range ever reported. Then, we investigate the improvement mechanism, where the sufficient Zn replacement of In sites is the crucial factor. This modified core–shell structure provides two benefits, on the one hand, the enhancement on intrinsic defect-related recombination, and the other hand, the improved core–shell interface that reduces the nonradiative recombination.
Self-Supported Dendritic Pd Nanostructures: Surfactant-Free Synthesis and Their Superior Activity for Methanol Electro-Oxidation
Authors: Wang Shaozhen , Zang Biao , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Hui , Qu Liping , Chen Hongqi
Published: May 2019

This paper reports a surfactant-free synthesis of clean-surface dendritic Pd nanostructures. The key of this synthetic strategy was using ethanol as a reductant to directly reduce Pd(OH)2. In terms of electrocatalytic methanol oxidation in alkaline media, the clean-surface and self-supported Pd nanostructures are beneficial to a high catalytic performance, including superior electrocatalytic activity and stability. The as-prepared dendritic Pd shows 2.57 and 4.39 times higher specific activity than palladium nanoparticles and a commercial Pd/C catalyst, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the clean-surface nanoparticles exhibit higher performance than that of the surfactant-capped Pd nanostructures for methanol electro-oxidation. Therefore, the dendritic Pd nanostructures are potential candidates as the efficient electrode material in fuel cells.
Reputation-based secure routing protocol in mobile ad-hoc network using Jaya Cuckoo optimization
Authors: Ram Mohan Ch. , Ananthula Venugopal Reddy
Published: May 2019

The advancements in Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) are suitable to wide applications, which involve military applications, civilian domains, and disaster recovery systems. It is assumed that the nodes present in the routing protocols of MANETs are cooperative and trustworthy. This assumption makes MANET more prone to manipulation and interception, which generates several possibilities of different suspicious attacks, such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Hence, security is considered as an important parameter as the network is fond of suspicious attacks. This paper addresses the security issues by proposing an optimization algorithm, named Jaya Cuckoo Search (JCS) algorithm, which is the combination of Jaya algorithm and Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm for initiating secure route among the MANET nodes so that the path attained is feasible and secure. The proposed JCS algorithm uses a fitness function, which considers a multiobjective function using parameters, such as distance, link lifetime, delay, energy, trust, along with the reputation factor to select a secured path. The JCS algorithm shows maximum performance with energy, throughput, and PDR values as 27.826[Formula: see text]J, 0.554, and 0.628, respectively.
Repeated S–I–A-type granite trilogy in the Lachlan Orogen and geochemical contrasts with A-type granites in Nigeria: implications for petrogenesis and tectonic discrimination
Authors: Collins William J. , Huang Hui-Qing , Bowden Peter , Kemp A. I. S.
Published: May 2019

The classical S–I–A-type granites from the Lachlan Orogen, SE Australia, formed as a tectonic end-member of the accretionary orogenic spectrum, the Paleozoic Tasmanides. The sequence of S- to I- to A-type granite is repeated at least three times. All the granites are syn-extensional, formed in a dominantly back-arc setting behind a single, stepwise-retreating arc system between 530 and 230 Ma. Peralkaline granites are rare. Systematic S–I–A progressions indicate the progressive dilution of an old crustal component as magmatism evolved from arc (S-type) to proximal back-arc (I-type) to distal back-arc (A-type) magmatism. The alkaline and peralkaline A-type Younger granites of Nigeria were generally hotter and drier than the Lachlan A-type granites and were emplaced into an anhydrous Precambrian basement during intermittent intracontinental rifting. This geodynamic environment contrasts with the distal back-arc setting of the Lachlan A-type granites, where magmatism migrated rapidly across the orogen. Tectonic discrimination diagrams are inappropriate for the Lachlan granites, placing them in the wrong settings. Only the peralkaline Narraburra suite of the Lachlan Orogen fits the genuine ‘within-plate’ setting of the Nigerian A-type granites. Such discrimination diagrams require re-evaluation in the light of an improved modern understanding of tectonic processes, particularly the role of extensional tectonism and its geodynamic drivers.
On the Profitability of Bundling Sale Strategy for Online Service Markets With Network Effects
Authors: Ye Li , Wu Weijie , Ma Richard T. B. , Lui John C. S.
Published: May 2019

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing trend for online service companies to offer “bundling sales” to increase revenue. Bundling sale means that a company groups a set of products/services and charges this bundle at a fixed price, which is usually less than the total price of individual items in the bundle. In this work, our aim is to understand the underlying dynamics of bundling, particularly what is the optimal bundling sale strategy and under what situations it will be more attractive than the separate sales. We focus on online service markets that exhibit
network effects
. We formulate mathematical models to capture the interactions between buyers and sellers, analyze the market equilibrium and its stability, and provide an optimization framework to determine the optimal sale strategy for a service provider. We analyze the impact of various factors on the profitability of bundling, including the network effects, operating costs, and variance and correlation of customers’ valuations toward these services. We show that bundling is more profitable when the variance of customers’ valuations and the operational cost of the services are small. In addition, a positive network effect and a negative correlation among customers’ valuation on services increase the profitability of bundling, whereas the heterogeneity of services and the asymmetry of operating costs reduce its advantage.
Internal Models in Biological Control
Authors: McNamee Daniel , Wolpert Daniel M.
Published: May 2019

Rationality principles such as optimal feedback control and Bayesian inference underpin a probabilistic framework that has accounted for a range of empirical phenomena in biological sensorimotor control. To facilitate the optimization of flexible and robust behaviors consistent with these theories, the ability to construct internal models of the motor system and environmental dynamics can be crucial. In the context of this theoretic formalism, we review the computational roles played by such internal models and the neural and behavioral evidence for their implementation in the brain.
A2bR-dependent signaling alters immune cell composition and enhances IL-6 formation in the ischemic heart
Authors: Alter Christina , Ding Zhaoping , Flögel Ulrich , Scheller Jürgen , Schrader Jürgen
Published: May 2019

Although the cardioprotective effect of adenosine is undisputed, the role of the adenosine A2breceptor (A2bR) in ischemic cardiac remodeling is not defined. In this study we aimed to unravel the role A2bR plays in modulating the immune response and the healing mechanisms after myocardial infarction. Genetic and pharmacological (PSB603) inactivation of A2bR as well as activation of A2bR with BAY60-6583 does not alter cardiac remodeling of the infarcted (50-min left anterior descending artery occlusion/reperfusion) murine heart. Flow cytometry of immune cell subsets identified a significant increase in B cells, NK cells, CD8 and CD4 T cells, as well as FoxP3-expressing regulatory T cells in the injured heart in A2bR-deficient mice. Analysis of T-cell function revealed that expression and secretion of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α by T cells is under A2bR control. In addition, we found substantial cellular heterogeneity in the response of immune cells and cardiomyocytes to A2bR deficiency: while in the absence of A2bR, expression of IL-6 was greatly reduced in cardiomyocytes and immune cells except T cells, and expression of IL-1β was strongly reduced in cardiomyocytes, granulocytes, and B cells as determined by quantitative PCR. Our findings indicate that A2bR signaling in the ischemic heart triggers substantial changes in cardiac immune cell composition of the lymphoid lineage and induces a profound cell type-specific downregulation of IL-6 and IL-1β. This suggests the presence of a targetable adenosine–A2bR–IL-6-axis triggered by adenosine formed by the ischemic heart.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Genetic deletion and pharmacological inactivation/activation of A2bR does not alter cardiac remodeling after MI but is associated by compensatory upregulation of various pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cell subsets (B cells, NK cells, CD8 and CD4 T cells, regulatory T cells). In the inflamed heart, A2bR modulates the expression of IL-2, IFNγ, TNFα in T cells and of IL-6 in cardiomyocytes, monocytes, granulocytes and B cells. This suggests an important adenosine–IL-6 axis, which is controlled by A2bR via local adenosine.
Phospholipid oxidation products in ferroptotic myocardial cell death
Authors: Stamenkovic Aleksandra , Pierce Grant N. , Ravandi Amir
Published: May 2019

Cell death is an important component of the pathophysiology of any disease. Myocardial disease is no exception. Understanding how and why cells die, particularly in the heart where cardiomyocyte regeneration is limited at best, becomes a critical area of study. Ferroptosis is a recently described form of nonapoptotic cell death. It is an iron-mediated form of cell death that occurs because of accumulation of lipid peroxidation products. Reactive oxygen species and iron-mediated phospholipid peroxidation is a hallmark of ferroptosis. To date, ferroptosis has been shown to be involved in cell death associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney degradation. Myocardial reperfusion injury is characterized by iron deposition as well as reactive oxygen species production. These conditions, therefore, favor the induction of ferroptosis. Currently there is no available treatment for reperfusion injury, which accounts for up to 50% of the final infarct size. This review will summarize the evidence that ferroptosis can induce cardiomyocyte death following reperfusion injury and the potential for this knowledge to open new therapeutic approaches for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Lifetime Occurrence of Brain Metastases Arising from Lung, Breast, and Skin Cancers in the Elderly: A SEER-Medicare Study
Authors: Ascha Mustafa S. , Ostrom Quinn T. , Wright James , Kumthekar Priya , Bordeaux Jeremy S. , Sloan Andrew E. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Kruchko Carol , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S.
Published: May 2019

Background:

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program recently released data on brain metastases (BM) diagnosed during primary cancer staging workup (“synchronous” BM, or SBM); this study examines the incidence of SBM compared with that of lifetime BM (LBM) identified using Medicare claims for patients diagnosed with lung cancer, breast cancer, or melanoma.

Methods:

Incidence proportions (IP) and age-adjusted rates for each of SEER SBM and Medicare LBM are presented along with measures of concordance between the two sources of data, where Medicare LBM were defined by several combinations of diagnosis and putative diagnostic imaging procedure codes.

Results:

The SBM IP in lung, breast, and melanoma cancers were 9.6%, 0.3%, and 1.1%, respectively; the corresponding LBM IP were 13.5%, 1.8%, and 3.6%. The greatest SBM IP among patients with lung cancer was 13.4% for non–small cell lung cancer, and among patients with breast cancer was 0.7% for triple-negative breast cancer. The greatest LBM IP among lung cancers was 23.1% in small-cell lung cancer, and among breast cancers was 4.2% for cases of the triple negative subtype.

Conclusions:

Using a large dataset that is representative of the elderly population in the United States, these analyses estimate synchronous and lifetime incidence of BM in lung cancers, breast cancers, and melanomas.

Impact:

These and other population-based estimates may be used to guide development of BM screening policy and evaluation of real-world data sources.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Ponera Latreille, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Taiwan and Japan, with a key to East Asian species
Authors: LEONG CHI-MAN , GUÉNARD BENOIT , SHIAO SHIUH-FENG , LIN CHUNG-CHI
Published: May 2019

Ponera is a widespread genus of litter and soil ants. The highest diversity of the genus is found in Asia, with Taiwan and Japan being two of the most species-rich regions. Here, we systematically review the taxonomy of the 16 Taiwanese and Japanese Ponera species, two of which are new species from Taiwan: Ponera terayamai sp. n. and P. wui sp. n. A new key for Ponera species of East Asia is presented.
Isolating the Observed Influence of Vegetation Variability on the Climate of La Plata River Basin
Authors: Chug Divyansh , Dominguez Francina
Published: May 2019

This work aims to isolate and quantify the local and remote biogeophysical influences of slowly varying vegetation variability on the climate of La Plata basin (LPB) in the austral spring season (September–November) using observational records. Past studies have shown strong land–atmosphere coupling in LPB during this season. The analysis uses a 34-yr record (1981–2014) of the modified enhanced vegetation index (EVI2) from the NASA Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research Environments (MEaSUREs) Vegetation Index and Phenology dataset and the third-generation normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies. The dominant patterns of vegetation index variability in space and time are assessed using empirical orthogonal function/principal component analysis over the LPB. The dominant mode in the austral spring is a vegetation dipole, with greening (browning) or positive (negative) vegetation index anomalies in the northeastern (southwestern) part of the basin. Using the stepwise generalized equilibrium feedback assessment (SGEFA), the effect of the vegetation variability on the atmosphere is then isolated. The dominant mode of LPB vegetation variability in austral spring is related to warmer temperatures in the southwest LPB and enhanced precipitation over the central and southern parts of the basin. A mechanism is proposed for the increase in latent heat flux and cooler temperatures in the northeastern LPB due to greening, and the increase in sensible heat flux, warmer temperatures, and decrease in surface pressure in southwestern LPB due to browning. The geostrophic response to this induced pressure gradient leads to anomalous northerly enhancement of moisture-laden winds, deeper penetration of moisture into LPB, and increased precipitation over the central and southern parts of the basin.
Should Interpolation of Radar Reflectivity be Performed in Z or dBZ?
Authors: Warren Robert A. , Protat Alain
Published: May 2019

Interpolation of ground-based radar measurements is required when mapping data from their native spherical coordinates to a Cartesian grid. For reflectivity the question arises as to whether this processing should be performed in units ofZ(mm6m−3) or dBZ. This study addresses this question using one year of data from three radars, operating in diverse climates across Australia. For each radar, a subset of 800 volume scans is processed to identify “triads”—groups of three consecutive gates with valid data—in each of the three coordinate directions: range, azimuth, and elevation. For every triad, the reflectivity at the central gate is estimated by linearly interpolating between the outer two gates in bothZand dBZ. The resulting values are then compared with the true reflectivity at the central gate to quantify the interpolation errors. For all three sites and in all three coordinate directions, we find that interpolation inZis more accurate on average, especially in regions of high reflectivity and strong reflectivity gradient (i.e., convective cores). However, interpolation in dBZis better in regions of low and monotonically increasing/decreasing reflectivity. It is therefore recommended that reflectivities be converted from dBZtoZprior to interpolation except when identifying echo-top height or other low-reflectivity boundaries.
A Regime-Based Evaluation of Southern and Northern Great Plains Warm-Season Precipitation Events in WRF
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Dong Xiquan , Kennedy Aaron , Hagenhoff Brooke , Xi Baike
Published: May 2019

A competitive neural network known as the self-organizing map (SOM) is used to objectively identify synoptic patterns in the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) for warm-season (April–September) precipitation events over the Southern and Northern Great Plains (SGP/NGP) from 2007 to 2014. Classifications for both regions demonstrate contrast in dominant synoptic patterns ranging from extratropical cyclones to subtropical ridges, all of which have preferred months of occurrence. Precipitation from deterministic Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations run by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) are evaluated against National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Stage IV observations. The SGP features larger observed precipitation amount, intensity, and coverage, as well as better model performance than the NGP. Both regions’ simulated convective rain intensity and coverage have good agreement with observations, whereas the stratiform rain (SR) is more problematic with weaker intensity and larger coverage. Further evaluation based on SOM regimes shows that WRF bias varies with the type of meteorological forcing, which can be traced to differences in the diurnal cycle and properties of stratiform and convective rain. The higher performance scores are generally associated with the extratropical cyclone condition than the subtropical ridge. Of the six SOM classes over both regions, the largest precipitation oversimulation is found for SR dominated classes, whereas a nocturnal negative precipitation bias exists for classes featuring upscale growth of convection.
Event-Related Electrodermal Response to Stress: Results From a Realistic Driving Simulator Scenario
Authors: Daviaux Yannick , Bonhomme Emilien , Ivers Hans , de Sevin Étienne , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Bioulac Stéphanie , Morin Charles M. , Philip Pierre , Altena Ellemarije
Published: May 2019

Objective:

The study goal was to test whether induced stress during driving could be measured at the event level through electrodermal activity responses.

Background:

Stress measured in simulation scenarios could thus far show an overall change in the stress state, but not be well attributed to acute stressful events. Driving simulator scenarios that induce stress measurable at the event level in realistic situations are thus warranted. As such, acute stress reactions can be measured in the context of changing situational factors such as fatigue, substance abuse, or medical conditions.

Method:

Twelve healthy female participants drove the same route numerous times in a driving simulator, each time with different random traffic events occurring throughout. During one of the scenarios, unknown to the participants, 10 programmed neutral traffic events occurred, whereas in another scenario, at the same location, 10 stressful events occurred.

Results:

Electrodermal response results showed both effects of scenario type and of events. The amplitude of the electrodermal response was significantly correlated with subjective stress experience.

Conclusion:

We conclude that our developed ecological driving simulation scenarios can be used to induce and measure stress at the event level.

Application:

The developed simulator scenarios enable us to measure stress reactions in driving situations at the time when the event actually happens. With these scenarios, we can measure how situational factors, such as fatigue or substance abuse, can change immediate stress reactions when driving. We can further measure more specifically how induced driving stress can affect physical and mental functioning afterward.
Water-jet guided laser drilling of SiC reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites
Authors: Marimuthu S , Dunleavey J , Liu Y , Smith B , Kiely A , Antar M
Published: May 2019

Laser drilling of monolithic materials like metals and alloys is a well-established process and used extensively in a wide range of applications in many sectors including aerospace, medical and automotive. However, conventional laser drilling of materials like metal matrix composites is challenging due to the differences in the chemical and physical properties of the hard ceramic reinforcement particles and the soft-metal matrix. The water-jet guided laser process has the potential to machine advanced materials such as an aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with silicon carbide particles (Al MMC), with exceptional quality. The main objective of this research is to understand the material removal mechanism associated with water-jet guided laser drilling of Al MMCs and compare this with conventional laser drilling of Al MMC. Experimental results showed that the water-jet guided laser process is an excellent technique for drilling holes in composite materials like metal matrix composites. During water-jet guided laser drilling of Al MMC, the material has been removed by cold ablation, without leaving any residual melt layer within the bulk material. Both soft-matrix and hard-particles are removed by the same process of cold ablation, which is completely different to the conventional laser drilling process in which the solid SiC are ejected without melting, along with the molten aluminium.
Interpretations of Brazil and Global Capitalism
Authors: Lage Victor Coutinho
Published: May 2019

Certain interpretations of Brazil may be read as texts providing theorizations of global capitalism. Study of a set of these texts focusing on Florestan Fernandes’s A revolução burguesa no Brasil exposes the connections between the internal and the external and the articulations of past, present, and future in the production of inequality within and among countries. Renewed attention to them is likely to be fruitful for debates on global capitalism that are not of exclusive interest to the Brazilian case and to challenge a certain global division of intellectual labor.

Certas interpretações do Brasil podem ser lidas como textos que fornecem teorizações do capitalismo global. O estudo de um conjunto de textos com foco no A revolução burguesa no Brasil, de Florestan Fernandes, expõe as conexões entre o interno e o externo e as articulações de passado, presente e futuro na produção da desigualdade dentro e entre os países. Uma atenção renovada para eles provavelmente é proveitosa para debates sobre o capitalismo global que não são de interesse exclusivo do caso brasileiro e para desafiar certa divisão global do trabalho intelectual.
Lula, Dilma, and Temer: The Rise and Fall of Brazilian Foreign Policy
Authors: Reis da Silva André Luiz , Pérez José O.
Published: May 2019

The rapid rise and fall of Brazilian foreign policy initiatives and capacities across the Lula (2003–2010), Dilma (2011–2016), and Temer (2016–2018) governments cannot be attributed solely to any of these presidential administrations but was also affected by domestic variables, international events, and economic factors. Furthermore, identity, corporations, the media, corruption scandals, and other variables influenced each president’s ability to conduct foreign policy. Process tracing of these three governments reveals the way policies and programs such as the BRICS and IBSA can be understood in this context. In short, analyses of Brazilian foreign policy must be balanced between agent and structure.

A rápida ascensão e queda das iniciativas e capacidades da política externa brasileira nos governos Lula (2003-2010), Dilma (2011-2016) e Temer (2016-2018) não pode ser atribuída somente a qualquer uma dessas administrações presidenciais, mas também foi afetada por variáveis domésticas, eventos internacionais e fatores econômicos. Além disso, identidade, corporações, mídia, escândalos de corrupção e outras variáveis influenciaram a capacidade de cada presidente de conduzir a política externa. O rastreamento de processos desses três governos revela a maneira pela qual políticas e programas como o BRICS e o IBSA podem ser compreendidos nesse contexto. Em suma, as análises da política externa brasileira devem ser equilibradas entre agentes e estruturas.
Brazilians in London: Ideology, Social Class, and Motivations for Migration, Settlement, and Return
Authors: Robins Daniel
Published: May 2019

The United Kingdom now boasts the largest Brazilian population in Europe, but so far the processes behind this relatively new migration stream remain undertheorized. An examination of Brazilian migration to London suggests that, although increased access to economic capital certainly plays a role in it, what migrants do with this capital may vary significantly and, further, that these differences are related to social class and ideology. The likelihood that they will settle or return is also linked to the degree to which they identify with the dominant ideology of the destination society.

O Reino Unido agora possui a maior população brasileira da Europa, mas até agora os processos por trás desse fluxo de migração relativamente novo permanecem pouco teorizados. Uma examinação da migração brasileira para Londres sugere que, embora o maior acesso ao capital econômico certamente desempenhe um papel importante, o que os migrantes fazem com esse capital pode variar significativamente e, além disso, essas diferenças estão relacionadas à classe social e à ideologia. A probabilidade de eles se estabelecerem ou retornarem também está ligado ao grau no qual se identificam com a ideologia dominante da sociedade de destino.
Zoned safety monitoring model for uplift pressures of concrete dams
Authors: Hu Jiang , Ma Fuheng
Published: May 2019

Uplift pressure beneath concrete dams is related to several intrinsic factors such as geological structure, qualities of grouting and drainage engineering, and so forth. Thus, the fluctuation law and the amplitude of the uplift pressure vary along the dam axis. Based on observation data, the data mining method can be used to divide the piezometers beneath concrete dams into several zones, with similar fluctuation laws in measurement, to better identify the spatial distribution mechanism of the foundation uplift pressure. Then, zoned regression models can be established to mine the essential causes of the abnormal zone. In this paper, data mining algorithms such as time series piecewise representation, similarity measure and cluster analysis are combined to propose the zoning method for piezometers. On this basis, the variable coefficient panel data model is employed to establish regression models of various zones of piezometers. The Xixi Reservoir Dam is taken as a case study. According to the supplementary geological survey result, the credibility of the proposed method is verified. Further discussion shows that the causes of the sudden increases of the abnormal zone under the unfavorable condition include the development of local rock fissures, the aging of the grouting curtain. The observation data after the curtain reinforcement shows that uplift pressures in the abnormal zone are getting normal. The proposed method can also be easily applied to the zoned safety monitoring of arch dam deformation, reservoir slope stability, lateral bypass seepage, and so forth.
Seeking and Ensuring Interdependence: Desiring Commitment and the Strategic Initiation and Maintenance of Close Relationships
Authors: Tan Kenneth , Agnew Christopher R. , Hadden Benjamin W.
Published: May 2019

The current research offers and examines the concept of commitment desirability, defined as the subjective desire to be involved in a committed romantic relationship at a given time. In pursuing their desire for a committed romance, how do individuals high in commitment desirability strategically ensure success? We suggest that high perceived partner commitment is sought by individuals who themselves desire to be involved in a committed relationship. In three studies involving individuals both currently involved and not involved in a relationship, we found support for the hypothesized interactive effect of commitment desirability and perceived partner commitment, such that greater commitment desirability was associated with more positive relationship outcomes, especially when partners were perceived to be high in commitment. The present research suggests that commitment desirability is a meaningful predictor of relationship attitudes and behaviors. Implications for understanding relationship commitment as well as future research directions are discussed.
‘It all depends!’: A qualitative study of preferences for place of care and place of death in terminally ill patients and their family caregivers
Authors: Gerber Katrin , Hayes Barbara , Bryant Christina
Published: May 2019

Background:

It is often suggested that terminally ill patients favour end-of-life care at home. Yet, it is unclear how these preferences are formed, if the process is similar for patients and family caregivers, and if there are discrepancies between preferences for place of care and place of death. Understanding these nuances is essential to support people in their decision-making and ultimately provide better care at the end-of-life.

Aim:

To gain an in-depth understanding of how terminally ill patients and their family caregivers make decisions about preferred place of care and place of death.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews with patients and family caregivers, which were analysed thematically using qualitative description.

Setting/participants:

A total of 17 participants (8 patients and 9 caregivers) recruited from an acute palliative care hospital ward, a sub-acute hospice unit, and a palliative homecare organisation in Melbourne, Australia.

Results:

The process of forming location preferences was shaped by uncertainty relating to the illness, the caregiver and the services. Patients and caregivers dealt with this uncertainty on a level of thoughts, emotions, and actions. At the end of this process, patients and caregivers expressed their choices as contextual, personal, relational, conditional and flexible preferences.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that in many cases end-of-life decision-making does not conclude with a clear and stable choice. Understanding the reasons for the malleability of preferences and the process of how they are formed has implications for both clinicians and researchers.
Does Temporal Expectation Driven by Rhythmic Cues Differ From That Driven by Symbolic Cues Across the Millisecond and Second Range?
Authors: Ren Yanna , Xu Zhihan , Wu Fengxia , Ejima Yoshimichi , Yang Jiajia , Takahashi Satoshi , Wu Qiong , Wu Jinglong
Published: May 2019

Temporal expectation relies on different predictive information, such as regular rhythms and symbolic cues, to direct attention to a future moment in time to optimize behaviour. However, whether differences exist between temporal expectations driven by regular rhythms and symbolic cues has not been clearly established. In this study, 20 participants performed two temporal expectation tasks in which a rhythmic cue or a symbolic cue indicated (70% expected) that the target would appear after an interval of 500 ms (short), 1,500 ms (medium), or 2,500 ms (long). We found larger cueing effects for the rhythmic cued task than for the symbolic cued task during the short interval, indicating that rhythmic cues were more effective in improving performance. Furthermore, no significant difference was found during the longer interval, reflect that the behavioural differences between the two forms of temporal expectations were likely to diminish as the time interval increased. Thus, we speculate that the temporal expectation driven by rhythmic cues differs from that driven by symbolic cues only in the limited time range; however, the mechanisms underlying the two forms of temporal expectations trend to become more similar over increasing temporal scales.