bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3d modularity
Authors: Cheng Miranda C.N. , Chun Sungbong , Ferrari Francesca , Gukov Sergei , Harrison Sarah M.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We find and propose an explanation for a large variety of modularity-related symmetries in problems of 3-manifold topology and physics of 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 theories where such structuresa prioriare not manifest. These modular structures include: mock modular forms, SL(2,ℤ) Weil representations, quantum modular forms, non-semisimple modular tensor categories, and chiral algebras of logarithmic CFTs.
The β-function of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 supersymmetric gauge theories regularized by higher covariant derivatives as an integral of double total derivatives
Authors: Stepanyantz K.V.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

For a general

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supersymmetric gauge theory regularized by higher covariant derivatives we prove in all orders that the β-function defined in terms of the bare couplings is given by integrals of double total derivatives with respect to loop momenta. With the help of the technique used for this proof it is possible to construct a method for obtaining these loop integrals, which essentially simplifies the calculations. As an illustration of this method, we find the expression for the three-loop contribution to the β-function containing the Yukawa couplings and compare it with the result of the standard calculations made earlier. Also we briefly discuss, how the structure of the loop integrals for the β-function considered in this paper can be used for the all-loop perturbative derivation of the NSVZ relation in the non-Abelian case.
Erratum to: Partial Deconfinement
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Ishiki Goro , Watanabe Hiromasa
Published: October 2019

Eq. (B.1) should be corrected
Condensates of interacting non-Abelian SO(5)Nf anyons
Authors: Borcherding Daniel , Frahm Holger
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Starting from a one-dimensional model of relativistic fermions with SO(5) spin and U(N

f
) flavour degrees of freedom we study the condensation of SO(5)N

f
anyons. In the low-energy limit the quasi-particles in the spin sector of this model are found to be massive solitons forming multiplets in the SO(5) vector or spinor representations. The solitons carry internal degrees of freedom which are identified as SO(5)N

f
anyons. By controlling the external magnetic fields the transitions from a dilute gas of free anyons to various collective states of interacting ones are observed. We identify the generalized parafermionic cosets describing these collective states and propose a low temperature phase diagram for the anyonic modes.
AdS3× S3 tree-level correlators: hidden six-dimensional conformal symmetry
Authors: Rastelli Leonardo , Roumpedakis Konstantinos , Zhou Xinan
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We revisit the calculation of holographic correlators in AdS
3. We develop new methods to evaluate exchange Witten diagrams, resolving some technical difficulties that prevent a straightforward application of the methods used in higher dimensions. We perform detailed calculations in the AdS
3
× S
3
× K 3 background. We find strong evidence that four-point tree-level correlators of KK modes of the tensor multiplets enjoy a hidden 6d conformal symmetry. The correlators can all be packaged into a single generating function, related to the 6d flat space superamplitude. This generalizes an analogous structure found in AdS
5
× S
5 supergravity.
The gut microbiota modulates differential adenoma suppression by B6/J and B6/N genetic backgrounds in ApcMin mice
Authors: Moskowitz Jacob E. , Andreatta Federica , Amos-Landgraf James
Published: October 2019

Tumor multiplicity in the ApcMin (Min) mouse model of CRC is a classic quantitative trait that is subject to complex genetic and environmental factors, and therefore serves as an ideal platform to study modifiers of disease. While disparate inbred genetic backgrounds have well-characterized modifying effects on tumor multiplicity, it is unclear whether more closely related backgrounds such as C57BL/6J and C57BL6/N differentially modify the phenotype. Furthermore, it is unknown whether the complex gut microbiota (GM) influences the effects of these background strains. We assessed tumor multiplicity in F1 mice generated from the original Min colony from the McArdle Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin (C57BL/6JMlcr-ApcMin) crossed with either C57BL/6J or C57BL/6N wild-type mice. We also used complex microbiota targeted rederivation to rederive B6NB6JMF1-ApcMin embryos using surrogate dams harboring complex GMs from two different sources to determine the effects of complex GM. Both B6/J and B6/N backgrounds significantly repressed tumor multiplicity. However, the B6/N background conferred a stronger dominant suppressive effect than B6/J. Moreover, we observed that complex GM likely modulated B6/N-mediated adenoma repression such that two distinct communities conferred differential tumor multiplicity in isogenic B6NB6JMF1-ApcMin mice. Although we cannot rule out possible maternal effects of embryo transfer, we show that B6/J and B6/N have modifier effects on Min, and these effects are further altered by the complex GM. Foremost, strict attention to genetic background and environmental variables influencing the GM is critical to enhance reproducibility in models of complex disease traits.
Lipidome analysis of Symbiodiniaceae reveals possible mechanisms of heat stress tolerance in reef coral symbionts
Authors: Rosset S. , Koster G. , Brandsma J. , Hunt A. N. , Postle A. D. , D’Angelo C.
Published: October 2019

Climate change-induced global warming threatens the survival of key ecosystems including shallow water coral reefs. Elevated temperatures can disrupt the normal physiological functioning of photosynthetic organisms by altering the fluidity and permeability of chloroplast membranes that is defined and regulated by their lipid composition. Since the habitat-forming reef corals rely on the obligatory symbiosis with dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae, their heat stress response can be expected to be strongly influenced by the symbiont's lipid metabolism. However, in contrast to the steady increase in the knowledge of the functioning of coral symbionts at the genomic and transcriptomic level, the understanding of their membrane lipid composition and regulation in response to temperature stress is lagging behind. We have utilised mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analyses to identify the key polar lipids that form the biological membranes of reef coral symbionts, comparing the thermotolerant species Durusdinium trenchii with the thermosensitive taxon Cladocopium C3, both hosted by Acropora valida. Our results indicate that the superior thermotolerance D. trenchii inside the host corals could be achieved through (1) the amount and saturation of sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols, in particular through putative photosystem II interactions, (2) the increased digalactosyldiacylglycerol to monogalactosyldiacylglycerol ratio with the potential to stabilise thylakoid membranes and integrated proteins, and (3) the chaperone-like function of lyso-lipids. Thereby, our study provides novel insights into the heat tolerance of coral symbionts, contributing to the understanding of the potential of coral reef ecosystems to respond and adjust to heat stress events that are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Finally, our identification of multiple mechanisms of heat tolerance in Symbiodiniaceae furthers the knowledge of the general stress physiology of photosynthetic organisms.
Maximizing ENSO as a source of western US hydroclimate predictability
Authors: Patricola Christina M. , O’Brien John P. , Risser Mark D. , Rhoades Alan M. , O’Brien Travis A. , Ullrich Paul A. , Stone Dáithí A. , Collins William D.
Published: October 2019

Until recently, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was considered a reliable source of winter precipitation predictability in the western US, with a historically strong link between extreme El Niño events and extremely wet seasons. However, the 2015–2016 El Niño challenged our understanding of the ENSO-precipitation relationship. California precipitation was near-average during the 2015–2016 El Niño, which was characterized by warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies of similar magnitude compared to the extreme 1997–1998 and 1982–1983 El Niño events. We demonstrate that this precipitation response can be explained by El Niño’s spatial pattern, rather than internal atmospheric variability. In addition, observations and large-ensembles of regional and global climate model simulations indicate that extremes in seasonal and daily precipitation during strong El Niño events are better explained using the ENSO Longitude Index (ELI), which captures the diversity of ENSO’s spatial patterns in a single metric, compared to the traditional Niño3.4 index, which measures SST anomalies in a fixed region and therefore fails to capture ENSO diversity. The physically-based ELI better explains western US precipitation variability because it tracks the zonal shifts in tropical Pacific deep convection that drive teleconnections through the response in the extratropical wave-train, integrated vapor transport, and atmospheric rivers. This research provides evidence that ELI improves the value of ENSO as a predictor of California’s seasonal hydroclimate extremes compared to traditional ENSO indices, especially during strong El Niño events.
Daily intake of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 improves inflammation and lipid metabolism in overweight healthy adults: a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Hirose Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Yoshikai Yasunobu , Murosaki Shinji
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The effects of heat-killedLactobacillus plantarumL-137 (HK L-137) on inflammation and lipid metabolism were investigated in overweight volunteers.

Methods

One hundred healthy subjects with a body mass index from 23.0 to 29.9 (51 men and 49 women; mean age: 41.4 years) were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study. Subjects were randomly assigned to daily administration of a tablet containing HK L-137 (10 mg) or a placebo tablet for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected every 4 weeks to measure biomarkers of lipid metabolism and inflammatory mediators.

Results

The percent change of concanavalin A-induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly larger in the HK L-137 group than in the control group, similar to previous studies. The decreases of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase over time were significantly larger in the HK L-137 group than in the control group, as were the decreases of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the leukocyte count at one time point. These effects of HK L-137 were stronger in the subjects with higher C-reactive protein levels.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that daily intake of HK L-137 can improve inflammation and lipid metabolism in subjects at risk of inflammation.
Risks associated with oral deferiprone in the treatment of infratentorial superficial siderosis
Authors: Sammaraiee Y. , Banerjee G. , Farmer S. , Hylton B. , Cowley P. , Eleftheriou P. , Porter J. , Werring D. J.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Deferiprone is an iron chelator that has recently been used to treat patients with infratentorial superficial siderosis (iSS). It is considered to have a generally favourable safety profile but concerns have been raised due to the risk of agranulocytosis. We aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of oral deferiprone as a treatment for patients with iSS.

Methods

We present a case series of 10 consecutive patients presenting with classical iSS treated with deferiprone.

Results

Ten patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.3 years (range 0.5–5.5 years). Four patients (40%) were withdrawn from treatment because of treatment-related side effects. The reasons for treatment discontinuation were neutropenic sepsis (n = 3) and fatigue (n = 1). In 2 out of the 3 cases of neutropenic sepsis, patients initially developed neutropenia without sepsis. The mean time to neutropenic sepsis following deferiprone was 1.2 years (range 0.3–2.5) with mean neutrophil count of 0.4 (range 0.3–0.5). Six patients (60%) reported no change in neurological function while on treatment, and four patients (40%) reported that their condition deteriorated.

Conclusions

Deferiprone was poorly tolerated, with 40% of patients withdrawing from treatment, most commonly due to neutropenic sepsis, after an average of 2 years on treatment. This study increases the number of reported cases of agranulocytosis in patients with iSS treated with deferiprone. Clinicians treating iSS patients with deferiprone should be aware that this drug has a potentially life-threatening side effect of neutropenic sepsis, and should ensure that appropriate haematological monitoring is in place.
Marfan syndrome in adolescence: adolescents’ perspectives on (physical) functioning, disability, contextual factors and support needs
Authors: Warnink-Kavelaars Jessica , Beelen Anita , Goedhart Tine M. H. J. , de Koning Lisanne E. , Nollet Frans , Alsem Mattijs W. , Menke Leonie A. , Engelbert Raoul H. H.
Published: October 2019

Although essential for providing optimal adolescent patient support, knowledge of the impact of Marfan syndrome in adolescence is limited. To explore adolescents’ perceived impact of Marfan syndrome on (physical) functioning (activities, participation), disability (limitations, restrictions), contextual factors and support needs, we interviewed 19 adolescents with Marfan syndrome. Audio-recordings were transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Identified themes were “difficulties in keeping up with peers” and “being and feeling different from peers”. Furthermore, an adolescent Marfan syndrome-specific International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) model derived from the data describing the adolescent perceived impact of Marfan syndrome on functioning, disability and its contextual factors. Adolescents perceived problems in keeping up with peers in school, sports, leisure and friendships/relationships, and they could not meet work requirements. Moreover, participants perceived to differ from peers due to their appearance and disability. Contextual factors: coping with Marfan syndrome, self-esteem/image, knowledge about Marfan syndrome, support from family/friends/teachers, ability to express needs and peer-group acceptation acted individually as barrier or facilitator for identified themes.

Conclusion: Adolescents with Marfan syndrome perceived limitations and restrictions in (physical) functioning. They perceived problems in keeping up with peers and perceived to differ from peers due to their appearance and disability. This warrants awareness and tailored physical, psychosocial, educational and environmental support programmes to improve (physical) functioning and empowerment of adolescents with Marfan syndrome.What is known:• Marfan syndrome is a hereditary connective tissue disorder.• Marfan syndrome affects multiple systems.What is new:• Adolescents with Marfan syndrome perceive (1) problems in keeping up with peers in school, sports, leisure, friendships/relationships and work (2) to differ from peers due to their appearance and disability.• An adolescent Marfan syndrome-specific International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth model derived from the data describing the adolescent perceived impact of Marfan syndrome on functioning, disability and contextual factors.
A high-quality cucumber genome assembly enhances computational comparative genomics
Authors: Osipowski Paweł , Pawełkowicz Magdalena , Wojcieszek Michał , Skarzyńska Agnieszka , Przybecki Zbigniew , Pląder Wojciech
Published: October 2019

Genetic variation is expressed by the presence of polymorphisms in compared genomes of individuals that can be transferred to next generations. The aim of this work was to reveal genome dynamics by predicting polymorphisms among the genomes of three individuals of the highly inbred B10 cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.) line. In this study, bioinformatic comparative genomics was used to uncover cucumber genome dynamics (also called real-time evolution). We obtained a new genome draft assembly from long single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing reads and used short paired-end read data from three individuals to analyse the polymorphisms. Using this approach, we uncovered differentiation aspects in the genomes of the inbred B10 line. The newly assembled genome sequence (B10v3) has the highest contiguity and quality characteristics among the currently available cucumber genome draft sequences. Standard and newly designed approaches were used to predict single nucleotide and structural variants that were unique among the three individual genomes. Some of the variant predictions spanned protein-coding genes and their promoters, and some were in the neighbourhood of annotated interspersed repetitive elements, indicating that the highly inbred homozygous plants remained genetically dynamic. This is the first bioinformatic comparative genomics study of a single highly inbred plant line. For this project, we developed a polymorphism prediction method with optimized precision parameters, which allowed the effective detection of small nucleotide variants (SNVs). This methodology could significantly improve bioinformatic pipelines for comparative genomics and thus has great practical potential in genomic metadata handling.
Pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy for Japanese patients with HER2-positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer: a subgroup analysis of the JACOB trial
Authors: Shitara Kohei , Hara Hiroki , Yoshikawa Takaki , Fujitani Kazumasa , Nishina Tomohiro , Hosokawa Ayumu , Asakawa Takashi , Kawakami Satoe , Muro Kei
Published: October 2019

Background

The phase III JACOB trial (NCT01774786) compared the efficacy and safety of pertuzumab and trastuzumab plus chemotherapy with placebo and trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. We conducted a subgroup analysis in Japanese patients.

Methods

Patients were randomized 1:1 to pertuzumab 840 mg or placebo, plus trastuzumab (loading dose, 8 mg/kg; maintenance dose, 6 mg/kg) and chemotherapy (cisplatin 80 mg/m2, and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice daily for 28 doses or 5-fluorouracil 800 mg/m2 every 24 h for 120 h), every 3 weeks. Continuation of chemotherapy after 6 cycles was at the discretion of the patient and the treating physician.

Results

A total of 40 Japanese patients were included in each arm. Median overall survival was 22.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.8–not evaluable) and 15.6 months (95% CI 9.7–19.2) in the pertuzumab and placebo arms, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64 [95% CI 0.37–1.10]). Median progression-free survival was 12.4 months (95% CI 6.1–14.1) in the pertuzumab arm and 6.3 months (95% CI 4.3–8.1) in the placebo arm (HR 0.50 [95% CI 0.30–0.82]). Grade ≥ 3 adverse events and serious adverse events were more frequent in the pertuzumab arm than the placebo arm.

Conclusions

Results from this subgroup analysis of the JACOB trial suggest similar efficacy of pertuzumab in Japanese patients and patients in the overall population, encouraging continued investigation of new agents for gastric cancer in Japanese patients.
Anxiety Disorders in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Nimmo-Smith Victoria , Heuvelman Hein , Dalman Christina , Lundberg Michael , Idring Selma , Carpenter Peter , Magnusson Cecilia , Rai Dheeraj
Published: October 2019

Anxiety is common in children with ASD; however, the burden of specific anxiety disorders for adults with ASD is under-researched. Using the Stockholm Youth Cohort, we compared anxiety disorder diagnoses among autistic adults (n = 4049), with or without intellectual disability, and population controls (n = 217,645). We conducted additional sibling analyses. Anxiety disorders were diagnosed in 20.1% of adults with ASD compared with 8.7% of controls (RR = 2.62 [95% CI 2.47–2.79]), with greatest risk for autistic people without intellectual disability. Rates of almost all individual anxiety disorders were raised, notably obsessive–compulsive disorder and phobic anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders were more common in full siblings and half-siblings of people with ASD. The implications of this are explored.
Health-related quality-of-life among patients with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li X. T. , Li P. Y. , Liu Y. , Yang H. S. , He L. Y. , Fang Y. G. , Liu J. , Liu B. Y. , Chaplin J. E.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To systematically review studies investigating health-related quality-of-life (HrQoL) in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), to examine questionnaires used and to conduct a meta-analysis of control studies with normal ovarian function.

Methods

Data sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of science, CNKI, and CQVIP, searched from inception until June 2018. The search strategy was a combination of medical (e.g. POI), subjective (e.g. well-being) and methodological (e.g. questionnaires) keywords. PRISMA guidelines were used to assess outcome data quality/validity by one reviewer, verified by a second reviewer. Risk of bias within studies was evaluated. A meta-analysis compared HrQoL in patients and non-patients. Due to measurement differences in the studies, the effect size was calculated as standard mean difference.

Results

We identified 6869 HrQoL studies. Nineteen geographically diverse studies met inclusion criteria, dated from 2006, using 23 questionnaires. The meta-analysis included six studies with 645 POI participants (age 33.3 ± 5.47) and 492 normal-ovarian control subjects (age 32.87 ± 5.61). Medium effect sizes were found for lower overall HrQoL (pooled SMD = − 0.73, 95% CI − 0.94, − 0.51;I2 = 54%) and physical function (pooled SMD = − 0.54, 95% CI − 0.69, − 0.39;I2 = 55%). Heterogeneity was investigated. Effect sizes varied for sexual function depending on the measure (SMD = − 0.27 to − 0.74), overall HrQoL (SF-36) had the largest effect size (− 0.93) in one study. The effect sizes for psychological and social HrQoL were small.

Conclusion

POI is associated with low-to-medium effect size on HrQoL compared to normal ovarian controls. The greatest effects are found in general HrQoL and most sexual function areas. Condition-specific questionnaires and RCTs are recommended for further investigation.
Narrative philosophy of religion: apologetic and pluralistic orientations
Authors: Burley Mikel
Published: October 2019

Recent decades have witnessed a growing interest in narrative both in certain areas of philosophy and in the study of religion. The philosophy of religion has not itself been at the forefront of this narrative turn, but exceptions exist—most notably Eleonore Stump’s work on biblical stories and the problem of suffering. Characterizing Stump’s approach as an apologetic orientation, this article contrasts it with pluralistic orientations that, rather than seeking to defend religious faith, are concerned with doing conceptual justice to the range of possible human perspectives, both religious and nonreligious. By discussing various examples, the article makes a case for narrative philosophy of religion, especially in its pluralistic form.
Comparison of three common whole blood platelet function tests for in vitro P2Y12 induced platelet inhibition
Authors: Dias Joao D. , Pottgiesser Torben , Hartmann Jan , Duerschmied Daniel , Bode Christoph , Achneck Hardean E.
Published: October 2019

In the context of interventional cardiology, platelet function testing may identify patients treated with P2Y12-inhibitors at an increased risk of mortality, thrombosis and bleeding. Several whole blood point-of-care platelet function analyzers are available; however, inter-device differences have not been examined systematically. To compare three platelet function tests under standardized in vitro conditions. Healthy volunteer (n = 10) blood samples were spiked with increasing concentrations of ticagrelor (0–7500 ng/mL) and/or ASA (0–3280 ng/mL), measured on three platelet function analyzers (TEG®6s, Multiplate®, and VerifyNow®) and respective Effective Concentration (EC) levels EC10, EC50 and EC90 were calculated. Repeatability was assessed in a separate group of pooled blood samples (n = 10) spiked with ticagrelor at EC10, EC50 and EC90. ASA had no impact on ADP-activated channels for all three devices. TEG®6s was able to distinguish (p ≤ 0.05) between all ticagrelor EC zones; VerifyNow®and Multiplate®were able to distinguish between three and two zones, respectively. Multiplate®showed the largest window between EC10 and EC90 (19–9153 ng/mL), followed by TEG®6s (144–2589 ng/mL), and VerifyNow®(191–1100 ng/mL). Drug effect models distribution of disagreements were identified for TEG®6s (5.0%), VerifyNow®(8.3%), and Multiplate®(13.3%). TEG®6s showed the smallest average coefficient of variation between EC conditions (5.1%), followed by Multiplate®(14.1%), and VerifyNow®(17.7%). Linear models could be generated between TEG®6s and Multiplate®, but not VerifyNow®. Significant differences were found between whole blood point-of-care platelet function analyzers and the clinical impact of these differences needs to be further investigated.
Vaporization of Ni, Al and Cr in Ni-Base Alloys and Its Influence on Surface Defect Formation During Manufacturing of Single-Crystal Components
Authors: Dong Z. H. , Sergeev D. , Kobertz D. , D’Souza N. , Feng S. , Müller M. , Dong H. B.
Published: October 2019

Vaporization and its associated surface defect formation have become one of the most important challenges in manufacturing single-crystal components. During the kinetic-influenced casting and solution heat treatment of Ni-base superalloys, elements undergo processes of vaporization and deposition causing unpredictable defects. To quantitatively examine the vaporization phenomenon, partial vapor pressures of Ni, Al and Cr in Ni-base alloys were measured in the γ phase over the temperature range of 1473 K to 1650 K using Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry. Experimental results showed that the partial pressure of Al is about two orders of magnitude lower than that of Ni and five times lower than that of Cr, revealing that the vaporization of Al is almost negligible compared with those of Ni and Cr at solution heat treatment temperatures. Variation of partial pressures during homogenization of the as-cast Ni-base alloys was measured in long-term isothermal experiments at 1573 K. It was found that Cr vapor pressure decreases by a factor of two in the first 20 hours whereas the Ni and Al remain nearly constant.
Development of Pore-Free Ti-Si-C MAX/Al-Si Composite Materials Manufactured by Squeeze Casting Infiltration
Authors: Dmitruk Anna , Naplocha Krzysztof , Żak Andrzej , Strojny-Nędza Agata , Dieringa Hajo , Kainer Karl Ulrich
Published: October 2019

Open-porous MAX phase skeletons from Ti3SiC2 were manufactured by Microwave-Assisted Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (MASHS) and subsequently subjected to squeeze casting infiltration with an Al-Si lightweight casting alloy (EN AC-44200). This alloy was chosen due to its high flowability, corrosion resistance and good machinability. The manufactured composites, together with a reference sample of the original alloy, underwent testing of thermal properties, including thermal conductivity and diffusivity, specific heat and thermal expansion in the temperature range 50-500 °C, which corresponds to the expected working temperatures of the material. The fabricated AlSi/Ti3SiC2 composites have significantly increased thermal stability, with coefficients of thermal expansion (approximately 10-11 × 10−6 °C−1) half that of the original alloy. As regards mechanical properties, the instrumental Young’s modulus and Vickers hardness of the composite materials are 170.8 and 8.5 GPa, respectively. Moreover, the microstructure and phase composition, structural defects and potential impacts between constituents of the manufactured composites were characterized using SEM, TEM and STEM microscopy and EDS and XRD analysis.
Growth responses of seedlings produced by parent seeds from specific altitudes
Authors: Iakovoglou Valasia , Takos Ioannis , Pantazi Georgia , Pipsou Aikaterini , Neofotistou Maria
Published: October 2019

Restoration activities in semi-arid Mediterranean areas like Greece face many obstacles, such as summer droughts that are becoming more intense with climate change, that pose limitations to transplanting success. Seedlings for restoration must be of high quality; a vigorous root system is critical to enable seedlings to tolerate adverse conditions. Here we investigated the effects of altitude and source parent for seeds on the growth of subsequent seedlings to determine the best seed sources for obtaining highest-quality, most-tolerant seedlings for restoration efforts. Seeds ofQuercus cocciferaL. were collected on an altitudinal gradient of 50 m (200, 250 and 300 m a.s.l.) and from specific parents at each altitude. Subsequent seedlings were grown for 3 months in a greenhouse with controlled irrigation. The results indicated a strong altitudinal and parental seed effect on seedling characteristics. As altitude decreased, biomass of the seedlings increased, and they developed more vigorous roots and more photosynthetic leaf tissue. Thus, altitude and parent are critical factors to consider when producing seed-derived seedling. By collecting seeds from a specific altitude and parent, more vigorous and stress-tolerant seedlings can be obtained to enhance transplanting success.
Study of Uranium in Drinking Water around the Sohna Fault Line in Haryana
Authors: Chahal Anju , Kumar Suneel , Panghal Amanjeet , Kumar Ajay , Singh Joga , Singh Parminder , Bajwa B.S.
Published: October 2019

Quality of drinking water is associated directly with the health of mass population. Therefore, study on radiation level in groundwater has been taken up around the Sohna fault line, Haryana state, India. Uranium concentration has been measured in drinking water samples collected from sources such as hand pump, tube well from different depths around the Sohna fault line, using LED Fluorimetry Technique. Uranium concentration in study area varies from 0.10 μg/L to 223.16 μg/L with an average value of 22.09 μg/L. The average value of uranium concentration is within the safe limit recommended by World Health Organization (WHO, 2011) and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The annual effective dose has also been measured in all the water samples and is found to be below the prescribed dose limit of 100 μSvy–1 recommended by WHO (2011). Risk assessment of uranium in water is also calculated using life time cancer risk, life time average daily dose and hazard quotient. The high uranium concentration observed in certain areas is due to interaction of ground water with the soil formation of this region and the local sub-surface geology of the region.
Biosorption of lanthanum and samarium by chemically modified free Bacillus subtilis cells
Authors: Giese Ellen C. , Jordão Caio S.
Published: October 2019

Previous studies showed that Bacillus subtilis possessed high physiological activity in industrial waste treatment as a biosorbent for recovery metals, and in this study, the sorption capacity for both La3+ and Sm3+ was demonstrated. The effects of lanthanide concentration and contact time were tested to acid and alkali pre-treated cells. Very high levels of removal, reaching up to 99% were obtained for both lanthanide ions. Langmuir isotherm model was applied to describe the adsorption isotherm and indicated a better correlation with experimental data R2 = 0.84 for La3+ using sodium hydroxide pre-treated free cells and R2 = 0.73 for Sm3+ to acid pre-treated B. subtilis cells as biosorbents. Results of this study indicated that chemically modified B. subtilis cells are a very good candidate for the removal of light rare-earth elements from aquatic environments. The process is feasible, reliable, and eco-friendly.
Shear force estimation in rough boundaries using SVR method
Authors: Sheikh Khozani Zohreh , Hosseinjanzadeh Hossein , Wan Mohtar Wan Hanna Melini
Published: October 2019

The accuracy of support vector regression (SVR) procedure in modeling the percentage of shear force carried by walls in a rectangular channel with rough boundaries was investigated. The SVR model is extended, and the more appropriate kernel function and input combination are studied. Finally, the SVR model with an exponential kernel function and three influence parameters was selected as the best SVR model with the lowest error. The output of this more appropriate SVR model is presented as a program. Then, this most appropriate SVR model is compared with three equations presented by other researchers for rough and smooth channels. The SVR model with the highest accuracy and lowest statistical values (RMSE of 0.565) performed the best compared with the other equations.
Evaluation of groundwater potentials of Orogun, South–South part of Nigeria using electrical resistivity method
Authors: Nwachukwu Sixtus , Bello Rasaq , Balogun Ayomide O.
Published: October 2019

An investigation has been made of the groundwater potentials of Orogun Town, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity survey. This study motivated to determine electrical resistivity parameters of the area. The aim of this work is to use electrical resistivity method to explore the groundwater potentials of Orogun Town with the determination of its Dar Zarrouk parameters. A total of eight vertical electrical sounding (VES) were conducted with maximum electrode spacing of 150 m. The data were acquired using ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter and processed using IPI2win and Interpex softwares. The groundwater potentials of the area are evaluated based on the longitudinal conductance (S), transverse resistance (T), coefficient of electrical anisotropy (λ), resistivity for the formation ($$\rho_{\text{m}}$$ρm), reflection coefficient (RC) and resistivity contrast (FC). The results reveal four subsurface geoelectric layers in seven of the eight VES while one VES revealed three subsurface geoelectric layers. Resistivity values for all the layers in the study area are very high, higher than what is expected in a sedimentary basin as we have in the study area. The resistivity values range from 8470 Ωm (layer 1, VES 7) to 118,030,000 Ωm (layer 3, VES 8). Depth to aquifer in the study area ranged from 1.61 m (VES 2) to 12.41 m (VES 1), while resistivity values of the aquifer ranged from 64,182 Ωm (VES 3) to 118,030,000 Ωm (VES 8). The results from the formation parameters evaluated showed that the area has good groundwater potential but might have been highly contaminated, especially from hydrocarbon sources and other man-made pollutants. The suggested contamination of the aquifer is as a result of the high values of resistivity of the aquifer layers.
Analysis of a Frequency Response of a Noisy Optical Network for Its Self-adaptation
Authors: Rataj Artur , Kamli Amira , Atmaca Tulin
Published: October 2019

We study the quality of frequency response in a noisy optical network. Such a response can be useful in traditional frequency-domain industrial loop controllers. In particular, we analyse a (step, frequency) response of a simulated computer network, where the stimulus is one of the coefficients which regulate the network’s strategy of packet transmission, and the response is the network’s momentary performance. This way, we find a frequency range, where an instantaneous dependence between the stimulus and the response can direct a self-adaptation scheme of the proposed strategy due to changing network conditions. To stay in the safe limits of the network’s behaviour, we make the stimulus weak. We use a bursty traffic model to test the limits of this approach. We use a model of an optical ring of an experimental NGREEN network developed at NOKIA. The discussed technique was capable of optimising the network’s behaviour.
The state of operational technology security
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: October 2019

It's a sad and worrying fact that awareness about cyber security – and subsequent action – has lagged behind as technology has progressed. This is true in every domain, but perhaps none more so than operational technology (OT). The systems used to run manufacturing plants, control power stations and water utilities and manage countless industrial processes – with many of the installations being deemed critical national infrastructure (CNI) because of their importance to safety, daily life and a country's economy – have often been left poorly protected from cyber attacks. In this interview, Tim Ennis and David Gray of NTT Security discuss the state of OT security and what can be done about it.

This is particularly true with operational technology (OT). The systems used to run manufacturing plants, control power stations and water utilities, as well as manage countless industrial processes, have often been left poorly protected from cyber attacks. In this interview, Tim Ennis and David Gray of NTT Security discuss the state of OT security and what can be done about it.
Horizontal tail local angle-of-attack and total pressure measurements through static pressure ports and Kiel pitot
Authors: Granzoto R. M. , Algodoal L. A. , Zambrano G. J. , Becker G. G.
Published: October 2019

Aircraft handling qualities may be influenced by wing-tip flow separations and horizontal tail (HT) reduced efficiency caused by loss of local dynamic pressure or local tailplane flow separations in high angle-of-attack manoeuvres. From the flight tester’s perspective, provided that the test aircraft presents sufficient longitudinal control authority to overcome an uncommanded nose-up motion, this characteristic should not be a safety factor. Monitoring and measuring the local airflow in the aircraft’s HT provides information for safe flight-test envelope expansion and data for early aerodynamic knowledge and model validation. This work presents the development, installation and pre-flight calibration using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), flight-test calibration, results and benefits of differential pressure based local angle-of-attack and total pressure measurements through 20 static pressure ports and a Kiel pitot. These sensors were installed in a single-aisle, four-abreast, full fly-by-wire medium-range jet airliner with twin turbofan engines and conventional HT (low vertical position).
NORMAL FUNCTIONS FOR ALGEBRAICALLY TRIVIAL CYCLES ARE ALGEBRAIC FOR ARITHMETIC REASONS
Authors: ACHTER JEFFREY D. , CASALAINA-MARTIN SEBASTIAN , VIAL CHARLES
Published: October 2019

For families of smooth complex projective varieties, we show that normal functions arising from algebraically trivial cycle classes are algebraic and defined over the field of definition of the family. In particular, the zero loci of those functions are algebraic and defined over such a field of definition. This proves a conjecture of Charles.
Suicide by Gladiator? TheActs of Perpetua and Felicitasin its North African Context
Authors: Cobb L. Stephanie
Published: October 2019

The third-century martyr text that tells the story of Perpetua and her coreligionists as they witnessed to their faith in Carthage—thePassion of Perpetua and Felicitas—is much beloved by modern readers. It purports to be Perpetua's prison diary, and, as such, it is the earliest writing by a Christian woman that has been preserved. In the fifth century, two shorter texts—the Acts—were written that recount in quite different ways the experiences of these North African Christians. In this essay, I explore the ways these shorter accounts reimagine the original text as well as the possible motives for doing so. The fifth-century author did not merely shorten thePassion; he made marked changes to it. It presents, for instance, a dramatic change in the death scene: whereas the Passion narrates Perpetua drawing the gladiator's sword to her own throat, the Acts report that she was killed by a lion. An analysis of these revisions to the Passion suggest the author was working from an Augustinian perspective. The author revised the Passion to deny the Donatists’ claims to the Carthaginian martyrs. The author's revision of Perpetua's death, therefore, is best understood as a rejection of Donatist desires for martyrdom.
National and Rational Dress: Catholics Debate Female Fashion in Lithuania, 1920s–1930s
Authors: Cuplinskas Indre
Published: October 2019

The debates about female fashion in the new Republic of Lithuania in the 1920s and 1930s saw papal representatives, bishops, leading public intellectuals, and members of Catholic youth movements argue about deep décolletés and short skirts. In this predominantly Catholic country, objections made against modern fashion may initially look like a conservative stand against modern developments. Studying more closely the debate around women's fashion as it developed in a particular subset of the Catholic population in Lithuania—educated youth in the Ateitis Catholic student association, this article examines the interconnected arguments that were woven together to evaluate what women should wear in interwar Lithuania and shows that Catholics in this northeastern European country aimed to create a modern national and rational woman. At issue were not just Catholic moral norms but also national identity and the challenges posed by mass consumer culture. The new ideal being proposed was a modern Catholic female intelligentsia, a gender ideal that embraced the opportunities offered in the first decades of the twentieth century, such as suffrage, education, urban living, more active participation in civic life, while retaining more conservative moral norms, questioning consumer culture, and debating woman's nature and mission.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHINA INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL COURT
Authors: Cai Wei , Godwin Andrew
Published: October 2019

China has confirmed its ambition to join the global competition for international business dispute resolution services by establishing the China International Commercial Court (CICC). The CICC has now begun operation following a judicial interpretation issued by the Supreme People's Court. By examining the trial process of the CICC as set out by the Supreme People's Court and comparing the rules with other international commercial courts, this article provides a detailed overview and critical analysis of the issues surrounding cases brought to the CICC. Overall, compared with the approaches adopted by other international commercial courts, the approach adopted by the CICC is conservative. Without bold innovations to China's existing judicial system, the competitiveness of the CICC is likely to be limited. This article argues that it is desirable for the Court to be more actively reformed. Such reforms might also promote judicial reform in China generally and increase China's institutional competitiveness in the global business world. This article also aims to outline the challenges that parties (in particular those from overseas) may face in litigation before the CICC and provide the international community with a critical analysis of the operation and framework of the CICC.
THE EXPANDING PROTECTION OF MEMBERS OF A PARTY'S OWN ARMED FORCES UNDER INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW
Authors: Kenny Cóman , McDermott Yvonne
Published: October 2019

Does international law govern how States and armed groups treat their own forces? Do serious violations of the laws of war and human rights law that would otherwise constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity fall squarely outside the scope of international criminal law when committed against fellow members of the same armed forces? Orthodoxy considered that such forces were protected only under relevant domestic criminal law and/or human rights law. However, landmark decisions issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) suggest that crimes committed against members of the same armed forces are not automatically excluded from the scope of international criminal law. This article argues that, while there are some anomalies and gaps in the reasoning of both courts, there is a common overarching approach under which crimes by a member of an armed group against a person from the same forces can be prosecuted under international law. Starting from an assessment of the specific situation of the victim, this article conducts an in-depth analysis of the concepts of ‘hors de combat’ and ‘allegiance’ for war crimes and that of the ‘lawful target’ for crimes against humanity, providing an interpretative framework for the future prosecution of such crimes.
INTERNATIONAL LITIGATION AND THE DISAGGREGATION OF DISPUTES: UKRAINE/RUSSIA AS A CASE STUDY
Authors: Hill-Cawthorne Lawrence
Published: October 2019

This article explores the phenomenon of ‘disaggregation’ of disputes in international law, that is, the carving up of broader disputes into discrete legal claims based on different international legal rules and subject to the jurisdiction of different international tribunals. In particular, its focus is on certain under-explored consequences of this phenomenon for the jurisdiction of international tribunals, asking whether the relationship between the specific claims and the broader dispute might affect the jurisdiction of the tribunals. Employing the ongoing Ukraine/Russia dispute, which has yielded multiple claims before different international tribunals, the article offers an original analysis of these jurisdictional questions. It presents three approaches discernible from case law where tribunals face claims over which they appear to have jurisdiction that implicate a broader dispute over which they do not. The article ends with a consideration of possible explanations for why a tribunal might follow one approach over the others in any given case.
Distribution and conservation status of Magnolia ovoidea (Magnoliaceae): a Critically Endangered species in Yunnan, China
Authors: Han Chunyan , Tao Lidan , Sun Weibang
Published: October 2019

Magnolia ovoidea is a narrowly endemic, Critically Endangered tree with a fragmented distribution in south-west Yunnan, China. We examined the size structure of this species, documented threats and assessed its extinction risk. We found the species in six locations, all in unprotected areas, in Maguan County. The largest subpopulations are in Donggua Lin and Youfang Po, with 17 and 50 living individuals, respectively. The distribution of the diameter at breast height of the M. ovoidea population has an inverse J-shape, indicating a stable size structure. However, the distribution of the height of seedlings is L-shaped, suggesting inhibited regeneration. The natural vegetation is severely fragmented in all six locations, surrounded by roads, farmlands, and Alnus nepalensis or Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations. We recommend that M. ovoidea should be categorized on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered based on criteria B2ab(iii) + C2a(i).