bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re‐delimitation of Tinospora (Menispermaceae): Implications for character evolution and historical biogeography
Authors: Lian Lian , Ortiz Rosa Del C. , Jabbour Florian , Chen Zhi‐Duan , Wang Wei
Published: November 2019

Traditional Tinospora is a heterogeneous genus, distributed in the African and Asian tropics as well as Australia and adjacent islands. Molecular phylogenetics has contributed greatly to improve our understanding of the genus over the past decade, however its circumscription is yet unresolved. In this study, we present a phylogenetic analysis of Burasaieae using six molecular markers (rbcL, atpB, matK, ndhF, trnL‐F, ITS), with a focus on Tinospora. Our results indicate that sampled species of Tinospora are distributed in three different clades. Tinospora tinosporoides, endemic to Australasia, is strongly supported as sister to the South American Borismene. By integrating lines of evidence from molecular phylogeny and morphology, we resurrected the monotypic Fawcettia to include F. tinosporoides. Our estimated age for the split of Fawcettia‐Borismene was ca. 29 Ma, suggesting that trans‐Pacific long‐distance dispersal may be the most feasible explanation for the Australasian–South American disjunction. Tinospora oblongifolia is a member of Hyalosepalum, characterized by three stamens with connate filaments, whereas T. tenera, once placed in Hyalosepalum, is recovered within Tinospora, characterized by six stamens. Evolutionary inferences of morphological characters indicate that the five selected characters, traditionally used to distinguish genera in Burasaieae, are highly homoplastic. Our molecular dating and ancestral range reconstruction suggest that Tinospora originated from Africa in the middle Oligocene (ca. 28 Ma) and expanded into Asia in the Early Miocene (ca. 21 Ma). Within Tinospora, a vicariance event occurred in the Middle Miocene (ca. 17 Ma) resulting in the split of African T. tenera and its Asian allies. One dispersal from Asia to Africa was inferred in the Late Miocene (ca. 10 Ma). Australian T. smilacina and T. esiangkara originated from Asia in the early Late Miocene (ca. 11 Ma). Thus, geodispersal and subsequent vicariance, as well as transoceanic long‐distance dispersal, have been responsible for the present distribution of Tinospora.
The spider orchid trapped in its molecular web: Phylogeny and morphological evolution of the orchid genera Bartholina and Holothrix (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae)
Authors: Le Péchon Timothée , Johnson Steven D. , Bytebier Benny
Published: November 2019

The orchid flora of southern Africa is taxonomically well‐known, although the phylogenetic relationships within and between several emblematic genera remain poorly understood. A case in point are the morphologically related genera Bartholina (2 spp.)—also known as spider orchids—and Holothrix (ca. 46 spp.) (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae: Orchidinae). In this paper, we reconstructed phylogenetic relationships for those two orchid genera. We sequenced one nuclear (ITS) and two plastid (trnL+trnL‐F, matK) DNA regions, for 62 accessions, representing 29 species (out of 48 species, 60%) of the Holothrix/Bartholina alliance. The concatenated matrix included 3507 molecular characters and was analyzed using maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference, and parsimony. Our results showed that Holothrix is paraphyletic, with Bartholina nested within Holothrix. We identified five monophyletic lineages, strongly supported by molecular data, and several morphological synapomorphies that will form the basis of a new infrageneric classification. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree clarified the taxonomy of the Holothrix villosa species complex and showed that H. villosa var. condensata is best treated at the rank of species.
Global Englishes Language Teaching: Bottom‐up Curriculum Implementation
Authors: Galloway Nicola , Numajiri Takuya
Published: November 2019

In today's globalised world, the needs of English language learners have changed, particularly those learning to use the English language as a lingua franca. Growing research showcasing the global use of English as a lingua franca (ELF), the creativity of ELF users, and the diverse ways in which they negotiate successful communication in multilingual encounters has numerous implications for the field of TESOL. This article reports on a study with preservice and in‐service TESOL practitioners taking a Global Englishes for Language Teaching (GELT) option course in a 1‐year Master's in TESOL programme at a Russell Group university in the United Kingdom. The study explores attitudes towards GELT but also towards the proposals for, and barriers to, curriculum innovation as well as factors influencing such attitudes. Interviews (n = 21) and questionnaires (n = 47) revealed that attitudes remain norm bound, yet the study revealed a positive orientation towards GELT and provided insights into the feasibility of GELT‐related curriculum innovation and teacher education syllabus design. The study calls for more research with preservice and in‐service TESOL practitioners at different stages of the innovation process to ensure successful and sustainable GELT curricular innovation.
Impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles on thioredoxin‐interacting protein and asymmetric dimethylarginine as biochemical indicators of cardiovascular disorders in gamma‐irradiated rats
Authors: Abdel‐Magied Nadia , Shedid Shereen M.
Published: November 2019

Nanoparticle is a microscopic particle that has been existed in a wide range of biotechnological purposes. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) have fewer environmental hazards and have shown positive impacts in the medical field. This work aimed to observe the effects of low and high doses of ZnO‐NPs on heart injury induced by ionizing radiation (IR). Animals were irradiated by 8 Gy of gamma rays and ZnO‐NPs (10 and 300 mg/Kg/day) were orally delivered to rats 1 hour after irradiation. Animals were dissected on 15th day postirradiation. Data showed that the oxidative damage resulted from radiation exposure, appeared by marked increments in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the level and protein expression of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) with a noticeable decline in the level and expression of thioredoxin 1 (Trx‐1) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), as well as glutathione (GSH) level and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, radiation‐induced inflammation, manifested by a noticeable elevation in the level of tumor necrotic factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, endothelial dysfunction marked with a high level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), homocysteine (Hcy), creatine kinase (CK‐MB), cardiac troponin‐I (cTn‐I), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In addition, a decrease of zinc (Zn) level in the cardiac tissue was recorded. ZnO‐NPs treatment (10 mg/kg) mitigated the oxidative stress and inflammation effects on the cardiovascular tissue through the positive modulations in the studied parameters. In contrast, ZnO‐NPs treatment (300 mg/kg) induced cardiovascular toxicity of normal rats and elevated the deleterious effects of radiation. In conclusion, ZnO‐NPs at a low dose could mitigate the adverse effects on cardiovascular tissue induced by radiation during its applications, while the high dose showed morbidity and mortality in normal and irradiated rats.
Combinatorics of Wilson loops in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM theory
Authors: Mück Wolfgang
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The theory of Wilson loops for gauge theories with unitary gauge groups is formulated in the language of symmetric functions. The main objects in this theory are two generating functions, which are related to each other by the involution that exchanges an irreducible representation with its conjugate. Both of them contain all information about the Wilson loops in arbitrary representations as well as the correlators of multiply­wound Wilson loops. This general framework is combined with the results of the Gaussian matrix model, which calculates the expectation values of$$ \frac{1}{2} $$12-BPS circular Wilson loops in$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 Super-Yang-Mills theory. General, explicit, formulas for the connected correlators of multiply-wound Wilson loops in terms of the traces of symmetrized matrix products are obtained, as well as their inverses. It is shown that the generating functions for Wilson loops in mutually conjugate representations are related by a duality relation whenever they can be calculated by a Hermitian matrix model.
On the Solvability Complexity Index for Unbounded Selfadjoint and Schrödinger Operators
Authors: Rösler Frank
Published: November 2019

We study the solvability complexity index (SCI) for unbounded selfadjoint operators on separable Hilbert spaces and perturbations thereof. In particular, we show that if the extended essential spectrum of a selfadjoint operator is convex, then the SCI for computing its spectrum is equal to 1. This result is then extended to relatively compact perturbations of such operators and applied to Schrödinger operators with (complex valued) potentials decaying at infinity to obtain $${\text {SCI}}=1$$SCI=1 in this case, as well.
Statistical shape modelling of the first carpometacarpal joint reveals high variation in morphology
Authors: Rusli Wan M. R. , Kedgley Angela E.
Published: November 2019

The first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, located at the base of the thumb and formed by the junction between the first metacarpal and trapezium, is a common site for osteoarthritis of the hand. The shape of both the first metacarpal and trapezium contributes to the intrinsic bony stability of the joint, and variability in the morphology of both these bones can affect the joint’s function. The objectives of this study were to quantify the morphological variation in the complete metacarpal and trapezium and determine any correlation between anatomical features of these two components of the first CMC joint. A multi-object statistical shape modelling pipeline, consisting of scaling, hierarchical rigid registration, non-rigid registration and projection pursuit principal component analysis, was implemented. Four anatomical measures were quantified from the shape model, namely the first metacarpal articular tilt and torsion angles and the trapezium length and width. Variations in the first metacarpal articular tilt angle (− 6.3° < θ < 12.3°) and trapezium width (10.28 mm < $${\fancyscript{w}}$$
w
 < 11.13 mm) were identified in the first principal component. In the second principal component, variations in the first metacarpal torsion angle (0.2° < α < 14.2°), first metacarpal articular tilt angle (1.0° < θ < 6.4°) and trapezium length (12.25 mm < $$\text{ }\ell$$

ℓ

 < 17.33 mm) were determined. Due to their implications for joint stability, the first metacarpal articular tilt angle and trapezium width may be important anatomical features which could be used to advance early detection and treatment of first CMC joint osteoarthritis.
From Harmony to Conflict: MacIntyrean Virtue Ethics in a Confucian Tradition
Authors: Chu Irene , Moore Geoff
Published: November 2019

This paper explores whether MacIntyrean virtue ethics concepts are applicable in non-Western business contexts, specifically in SMEs in Taiwan, a country strongly influenced by the Confucian tradition. It also explores what differences exist between different polities in this respect, and specifically interprets observed differences between the Taiwanese study and previous studies conducted in Europe and Asia. Based on case study research, the findings support the generalizability of the MacIntyrean framework. Drawing on the institutional logics perspective and synthesizing this with MacIntyrean concepts, the paper explains the differences between the studies largely by reference to the Confucian tradition operating at both the micro-level within firms and at the macro-level as a means of harmonizing the potentially competing institutional logics to which firms are subject. The recent weakening of this tradition, however, suggests that increased conflict may characterize the future.
Making exit costly but efficient: the political economy of exit clauses and secession
Authors: Huysmans Martijn , Crombez Christophe
Published: November 2019

This article presents a political economic analysis of exit from federations. After the federation has formed, members’ benefits from it may be different than expected. If a member ends up not benefitting, it may wish to secede i.e. exit the federation. Based on formal models, we show how state-contingent exit penalties can induce socially efficient exit decisions: they force the secessionist member to take into account the lost benefits of the federation for the other. Even if ex-ante specified exit penalties cannot be made state-contingent, they may still enhance social welfare by preventing forceful exit. Empirical evidence concerning Montenegro, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the EU is compatible with these claims. In spite of the simplifications inherent to any modeling exercise, we hope that our results stimulate more research into exit clauses as a means to mitigate the problem of violent secessionism.
Soy intake and breast cancer risk: a prospective study of 300,000 Chinese women and a dose–response meta-analysis
Authors:   the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group, Wei Yuxia , Lv Jun , Guo Yu , Bian Zheng , Gao Meng , Du Huaidong , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Zhang Xi , Wang Tao , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Yu Canqing , Huo Dezheng , Li Liming
Published: November 2019

Epidemiological evidence on the association of soy intake with breast cancer risk is still inconsistent due to different soy intake levels across previous studies and small number of breast cancer cases. We aimed to investigate this issue by analyzing data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study and conducting a dose–response meta-analysis to integrate existing evidence. The CKB study included over 300,000 women aged 30–79 from 10 regions across China enrolled between 2004 and 2008, and followed-up for breast cancer events until 31 December 2016. Information on soy intake was collected from baseline, two resurveys and twelve 24-h dietary recalls. We also searched for relevant prospective cohort studies to do a dose–response meta-analysis. The mean (SD) soy intake was 9.4 (5.4) mg/day soy isoflavones among CKB women. During 10 years of follow-up, 2289 women developed breast cancers. The multivariable-adjusted relative risk was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–1.22) for the fourth (19.1 mg/day) versus the first (4.5 mg/day) soy isoflavone intake quartile. Meta-analysis of prospective studies found that each 10 mg/day increment in soy isoflavone intake was associated with a 3% (95% CI 1–5%) reduced risk of breast cancer. The CKB study demonstrated that moderate soy intake was not associated with breast cancer risk among Chinese women. Higher amount of soy intake might provide reasonable benefits for the prevention of breast cancer.
Channel length-dependent characterisations of organic thin-film transistors with solution processable gadolinium phthalocyanine derivatives
Authors: Barard Seema , Mukherjee Debdyuti , Sarkar Sujoy , Kreouzis T. , Chambrier I. , Cammidge A. N. , Ray A. K.
Published: November 2019

Spin-coated 52-nm-thick films of newly synthesised gadolinium liquid crystalline bisphthalocyanine sandwich (GdPc2) complexes with octyl chains non-peripheral positions have been successfully employed as active layers for bottom-gate organic field effect transistors having both short $$(5\,\upmu {\text{m}})$$(5μm) and long $$( 20\,\upmu {\text{m}})$$(20μm) channels. The scaling down of the channel length $$( L )$$(L) decreases the field effect mobility due to the increase in the contact resistance between the gold electrodes and the GdPc2 semiconducting layer. Values of on–off ratio and sub-threshold voltage swing are higher nearly one order of magnitude for $$L = 5 \,\upmu{\text{ m}}$$L=5μm than those for $$L = 20\;\upmu m$$L=20μm.
Backbone and methyl assignment of bacteriorhodopsin incorporated into nanodiscs
Authors: Kooijman Laurens , Ansorge Philipp , Schuster Matthias , Baumann Christian , Löhr Frank , Jurt Simon , Güntert Peter , Zerbe Oliver
Published: November 2019

Resonance assignments are challenging for membrane proteins due to the size of the lipid/detergent-protein complex and the presence of line-broadening from conformational exchange. As a consequence, many correlations are missing in the triple-resonance NMR experiments typically used for assignments. Herein, we present an approach in which correlations from these solution-state NMR experiments are supplemented by data from 13C unlabeling, single-amino acid type labeling, 4D NOESY data and proximity of moieties to lipids or water in combination with a structure of the protein. These additional data are used to edit the expected peaklists for the automated assignment protocol FLYA, a module of the program package CYANA. We demonstrate application of the protocol to the 262-residue proton pump from archaeal bacteriorhodopsin (bR) in lipid nanodiscs. The lipid-protein assembly is characterized by an overall correlation time of 44 ns. The protocol yielded assignments for 62% of all backbone (H, N, Cα, Cβ, C′) resonances of bR, corresponding to 74% of all observed backbone spin systems, and 60% of the Ala, Met, Ile (δ1), Leu and Val methyl groups, thus enabling to assign a large fraction of the protein without mutagenesis data. Most missing resonances stem from the extracellular half, likely due intermediate exchange line-broadening. Further analysis revealed that missing information of the amino acid type of the preceding residue is the largest problem, and that 4D NOESY experiments are particularly helpful to compensate for that information loss.
Assessment of the peripheral microcirculation in patients with and without shock: a pilot study on different methods
Authors: Filho Roberto Rabello , de Freitas Chaves Renato Carneiro , Assunção Murillo Santucci Cesar , Neto Ary Serpa , De Freitas Flavia Manfredi , Romagnoli Maria Laura , Silva Eliézer , Lattanzio Bernardo , Dubin Arnaldo , Corrêa Thiago Domingos
Published: November 2019

Microvascular dysfunction has been associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, and the current concept of hemodynamic incoherence has gained attention. Our objective was to perform a comprehensive analysis of microcirculatory perfusion parameters and to investigate the best variables that could discriminate patients with and without circulatory shock during early intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This prospective observational study comprised a sample of 40 adult patients with and without circulatory shock (n = 20, each) admitted to the ICU within 24 h. Peripheral clinical [capillary refill time (CRT), peripheral perfusion index (PPI), skin-temperature gradient (Tskin-diff)] and laboratory [arterial lactate and base excess (BE)] perfusion parameters, in addition to near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived variables were simultaneously assessed. While lactate, BE, CRT, PPI and Tskin-diff did not differ significantly between the groups, shock patients had lower baseline tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) [81 (76–83) % vs. 86 (76–90) %, p = 0.044], lower StO2min [50 (47–57) % vs. 55 (53–65)  %, p = 0.038] and lower StO2max [87 (80–92) % vs. 93 (90–95) %, p = 0.017] than patients without shock. Additionally, dynamic NIRS variables [recovery time (r = 0.56, p = 0.010), descending slope (r = − 0.44, p = 0.05) and ascending slope (r = − 0.54, p = 0.014)] and not static variable [baseline StO2 (r = − 0.24, p = 0.28)] exhibited a significant correlation with the administered dose of norepinephrine. In our study with critically ill patients assessed within the first twenty-four hours of ICU admission, among the perfusion parameters, only NIRS-derived parameters could discriminate patients with and without shock.
Spectral Properties of Highly Emissive Derivative of Coumarin with N,N-Diethylamino, Nitrile and Tiophenecarbonyl Moieties in Water-Methanol Mixture
Authors: Kolbus Anna , Danel Andrzej , Grabka Danuta , Kucharek Mateusz , Szary Karol
Published: November 2019

The new derivative of coumarin (E)-3-[7-(diethyloamino)-2-oxo-chromen-3yl]-2-(tiophene-2-carbonyl)prop-2-enenitrile (NOSQ) was easy synthesized with commercial substrates as a result of the search of new Michael type addition sensors based on coumarins. Spectral properties of highly emissive NOSQ were investigated by steady state analysis (absorption and fluorescence measurements) and time-resolved analysis (fluorescence lifetime measurements). The effect of water-methanol mixture on the photophysical properties of the NOSQ molecule was analyzed. With increasing of volumetric fraction of water the intensity of absorbance and fluorescence was strongly reduced. The NOSQ quantum yield in methanol was quite high and the first portions of water caused a significant increase in this value. Water, which is usually a quencher, in this case caused the increase in the quantum yield. The fluorescence lifetimes had second-order decay and the values of fluorescence lifetime increased with increasing alcohol content. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental data remained in agreement and showed that the interaction between the NOSQ molecule and the solvent affects the appearance of the new conformer.
Asian Crop Dispersal in Africa and Late Holocene Human Adaptation to Tropical Environments
Authors: Power Robert C. , Güldemann Tom , Crowther Alison , Boivin Nicole
Published: November 2019

Occupation of the humid tropics by Late Holocene food producers depended on the use of vegetative agricultural systems. A small number of vegetative crops from the Americas and Asia have come to dominate tropical agriculture globally in these warm and humid environments, due to their ability to provide reliable food output with low labour inputs, as well as their suitability to these environments. The prehistoric arrival in Africa of Southeast Asian crops, in particular banana, taro and greater yam but also sugar cane and others, is commonly regarded as one of the most important examples of transcontinental exchanges in the tropics. Although chronologies of food-producer expansions in Central Africa are increasingly gaining resolution, we have very little evidence for the agricultural systems used in this region. Researchers have recovered just a handful of examples of archaeobotanical banana, taro and sugar cane remains, and so far none from greater yam. Many of the suggested dispersal routes have not been tested with chronological, ecological and linguistic evidence of food producers. While the impact of Bantu-speaking people has been emphasised, the role of non-Bantu farmers speaking Ubangi and Central Sudanic languages who have expanded from the (north)east has hardly been considered. This article will review the current hypotheses on dispersal routes and suggest that transmissions via Northeast Africa should become a new focus of research on the origins of Asian vegeculture crops in Africa.
Contractions of group representations via geometric quantization
Authors: Akylzhanov Rauan , Arnaudon Alexis
Published: November 2019

We propose a general framework to contract unitary dual of Lie groups via holomorphic quantization of their coadjoint orbits, using geometric quantization. The sufficient condition for the contractibility of a representation is expressed via cocycles on coadjoint orbits. This condition is verified explicitly for the contraction of SU$$_2$$2 into $$\mathbb {H}$$H. We construct two types of contractions that can be implemented on every matrix Lie group with diagonal contraction matrix.
Uptake of subsoil water below 2 m fails to alleviate drought response in deep-rooted Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)
Authors: Rasmussen Camilla Ruø , Thorup-Kristensen Kristian , Dresbøll Dorte Bodin
Published: November 2019

Aims

Deep-rooted agricultural crops can potentially utilize deep soil moisture to reduce periods where growth is water limited. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a deep-rooted species, but the benefits of deep roots to water uptake has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of deep roots (>2 m) under topsoil water limitation.

Methods

Chicory grown in 4 m deep soil-filled rhizotrons was exposed to either topsoil drought or resource competition from the shallow-rooted species ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and black medic (Medicago lupulina L.). The effect on deep water uptake was assessed using non-destructive measurements of roots, soil water and tracers.

Results

Water uptake occurred below 1.7 m depth in 2016, and below 2.3 m depth in 2017 and contributed significantly to chicory water use. However, neither surface soil drying nor intercropping increased deep water uptake to relieve water deficit in the shoots.

Conclusion

Chicory benefits from deep-roots during drought events, as it acceses deep soil moisture unavailable to more shallow rooted species, yet deep water uptake was unable to compensate for the reduced topsoil water uptake due to soil drying or crop competition.
Primary hepatocellular adenoma due to biallelic HNF1A mutations and its co-occurrence with MODY 3: case-report and review of the literature
Authors: Fu Junling , Wang Tong , Zhai Xiao , Xiao Xinhua
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY 3) is a consequence of heterozygous germline mutations in HNF1A, and a subtype of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is caused by biallelic somatic HNF1A mutations; rare HCA may be related to MODY 3. This study aimed to investigate the cosegregation of HNF1A mutations with diabetes and HCA in two families.

Methods

Two patients suffering from HCA and diabetes were screened for HNF1A germline and somatic mutations using direct sequence analysis and methylation-specific multiplex-ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) assay. Further, we screened eight relatives in the two independent families for diabetes, HCA and HNF1A variants. Additionally, we reviewed the literature concerning the phenotypes of MODY 3 and HCA at the background of HNF1A mutations.

Results

Here we reported two families (a total of six relatives) with two missense germline mutations of HNF1A identified initially using direct sequence analysis (c.686G>A in family A and c.526 + 1G>A in family B). Somatic deletion of the second allele of HNF1A was found in liver tumor tissues in both probands who were diagnosed with HCA. There are a total of ten cases of both MODY 3 and HCA phenotypes reported in the literature to date; incomplete penetrance for HCA was observed, and all the patients with HCA developed diabetes. The onset of diabetes and HCA was highly variable, the treatment of diabetes varied from diet to insulin, and the clinical expression of HCA ranged from silent to hemorrhage. Further, the severity of diabetes mellitus was not related to the occurrence of HCA.

Conclusions

This study describes the association of HCA and MODY 3 at the background of HNF1A mutations and highlights the importance of screening for HCA in MODY 3 families to avoid the possibility of severe complications. Further, the current study indicated that there may be a special mutational spectrum of HNF1A correlated with HCA in MODY 3 families.
In-orbit AIS performance of the Norwegian microsatellites NorSat-1 and NorSat-2
Authors: Eriksen Torkild , Helleren Øystein , Skauen Andreas Nordmo , Storesund Frode A. S. , Bjørnevik Anders , Åsheim Harald , Blindheim Eirik Voje , Harr Jon
Published: November 2019

Two Norwegian AIS-satellites, NorSat-1 and NorSat-2, were launched in July 2017. Both are equipped with the ASR x50, the latest space-AIS receiver developed by Kongsberg Seatex AS, offering advanced signal processing and continuous operation on all four AIS channels. The NorSat-satellites collect ~ 1.5 million messages from ~ 50,000 ships per day (24 h) each, which is a factor ~ 2.8 increase in the number of messages compared to the ASR 100 on-board AISSat-1 and AISSat-2. The improvements of the AIS-satellites can be attributed to three developments: the performance of the receiver, the use of antenna diversity, and the use of frequency channel diversity. Daily statistics for February 2018 over the Mediterranean Sea illustrate the improvements: The median value of the number of messages received with NorSat-1 using only one antenna is 2.3 times higher than for AISSat-1. When both NorSat-1 antennas are used, the improvement factor becomes 4.1, and finally, when two additional receiver channels are used to collect long-range AIS messages, the total improvement becomes 8.2 times. In terms of ships detected, the factors are 1.8, 2.7, and 4.4 for the respective steps. Long-range AIS messages amount to just 5% of the total AIS messages received by NorSat-1 in August 2017, but it allows to detect 20% more ships on a global scale, and as much as 10 times more ships in a the high-traffic area in the North Sea.
Fisheries women groups in Japan: a shift from well-being to entrepreneurship
Authors: Soejima Kumi , Frangoudes Katia
Published: November 2019

Women’s groups in rural fishery areas were established in the mid-1950s. By 1959, they became integrated in local Fishery Cooperative Associations as parallel organizations. These Fisheries Cooperative Associations, established in 1948, represent all fishers in Japan, who are primarily men. The purpose of the women’s groups was to provide well-being by improving the living conditions of families and communities. While men were busy building the production facilities and the cooperatives, women organized themselves to protect and improve the everyday life of families. From 1995 and the World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, some of these women groups ran economic entrepreneurial activities with the financial support of the State through the cooperatives. This new role of women’s groups aims to improve the economic and social development and environment of families and communities facing depopulation problems who need to increase the number of young people. This paper examines the role of cooperative associations in rural, fishery communities and shows how these associations “handed over” the social responsibilities to the women groups who then developed their social skills and competences. Special emphasis is put on how the women groups changed their activity from social issues to environmental protection, promotion of fishery products, and to entrepreneurial activities. The paper also problematizes the difficulties the women met in order to get their contribution to the fisheries communities and industry recognized, as well as their status.
Predictors of Condomless Sex and Sexual Health Behaviors in a Sample of Portuguese Single Adults
Authors: Rodrigues David L. , Lopes Diniz , Pereira Marco , Prada Marília , Garrido Margarida V.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Several theoretical models and intervention programs overlook the importance of individual motivations for the decision to have condomless sex. For instance, people focused on promotion (ie, eager to pursue pleasure) report less intentions to use condoms, because they perceive a lower risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections.

Aim

We aimed at understanding to what extent individual motivations are predictive of condomless sex behavior among single individuals.

Methods

A sample of 415 Portuguese individuals (254 women) with ages ranging from 18−46 years (M = 23.30; SD = 5.28) were recruited to a cross-sectional study. All participants were neither dating nor in a romantic relationship at the time of the study. The link to an anonymous web survey was shared in social networking platforms.

Main Outcome Measure

The survey included self-reported demographic variables (eg, age and sex), recent condomless sex behavior, and previously validated measures assessing regulatory focus in sexuality, ability in sexual restraint, perceived control over condom use, perceived safety with sex partners, and salience of the condom use norm.

Results

More than two-thirds of the sample had recently engaged in condomless sex. A logistic regression showed that condomless sex was more likely for participants predominantly focused on promotion in sexuality. It was also more likely among less educated participants, those with a lower ability to restrain their sexual behavior, those who perceive to have less control over condom use, those for whom the condom use norm was less salient, and those who perceived to be safer with their sex partners. No other results were significant.

Clinical Implications

Our results can be informative to sexual health care professionals when planning strategies to increase condom use awareness, by considering the role of specific individual motivations.

Strengths & Limitations

This is the first study showing that individual motivations uniquely contribute to the decision to have condomless sex. This study has 2 main limitations that constraint the generalizability of the findings: (a) cross-sectional data prevents us from establishing causality, and (b) individual data does not account for dyadic processes in sexuality (eg, condom use negotiation).

Conclusion

Our findings showed that condomless sex results from an individual focus on seeking pleasure, a lack of control in sexual behavior, and a perception of sex partners as more trustworthy. Overall, these findings are likely to help researchers and health care professionals improving theoretical models predicting condom use and preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Alzheimer's disease pathology explains association between dementia with Lewy bodies and APOE‐ε4/TOMM40 long poly‐T repeat allele variants
Authors: Prokopenko Inga , Miyakawa Gentaro , Zheng Bang , Heikkinen Jani , Petrova Quayle Daniela , Udeh‐Momoh Chinedu , Claringbould Annique , Neumann Juliane , Haytural Hazal , Kaakinen Marika A. , Loizidou Elena , Meissner Esther , Bertram Lars ,   BIOS consortium, Gveric Djordje O. , Gentleman Steve M. , Attems Johannes , Perneczky Robert , Arzberger Thomas , Muglia Pierandrea , Lill Christina M. , Parkkinen Laura , Middleton Lefkos T.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

The role of TOMM40‐APOE 19q13.3 region variants is well documented in Alzheimer's disease (AD) but remains contentious in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).

Methods

We dissected genetic profiles within the TOMM40‐APOE region in 451 individuals from four European brain banks, including DLB and PDD cases with/without neuropathological evidence of AD‐related pathology and healthy controls.

Results

TOMM40‐L/APOE‐ε4 alleles were associated with DLB (ORTOMM40‐L = 3.61; P value = 3.23 × 10−9; ORAPOE‐ε4 = 3.75; P value = 4.90 × 10−10) and earlier age at onset of DLB (HRTOMM40‐L = 1.33, P value = .031; HRAPOE‐ε4 = 1.46, P value = .004), but not with PDD. The TOMM40‐L/APOE‐ε4 effect was most pronounced in DLB individuals with concomitant AD pathology (ORTOMM40‐L = 4.40, P value = 1.15 × 10−6; ORAPOE‐ε4 = 5.65, P value = 2.97 × 10−8) but was not significant in DLB without AD. Meta‐analyses combining all APOE‐ε4 data in DLB confirmed our findings (ORDLB = 2.93, P value = 3.78 × 10−99; ORDLB+AD = 5.36, P value = 1.56 × 10−47).

Discussion

APOE‐ε4/TOMM40‐L alleles increase susceptibility and risk of earlier DLB onset, an effect explained by concomitant AD‐related pathology. These findings have important implications in future drug discovery and development efforts in DLB.
Password meters: inaccurate advice offered inconsistently?
Authors: Furnell Steven
Published: November 2019

Although we are continually offered the promise of passwords being eradicated they continue to be used extensively on the majority of devices, sites and services. 1, 2 At the same time, they remain a significant point of weakness – particularly in view of the way in which users choose and manage them. For example, in 2017, Verizon's ‘Data Breach Investigations Report’ suggested that 81% of hacking-related breaches had “leveraged either stolen and/or weak passwords” (with 62% of breaches overall having featured hacking). 3
The guide to ransomware: how businesses can manage the evolving threat
Authors: Kurpjuhn Thorsten
Published: November 2019

Today, cyber criminals are using increasingly sophisticated approaches to exploit people and businesses online. This was particularly the case last year with criminals taking a more targeted approach and using ransomware, a type of malware that makes it particularly difficult to regain control of data stored on affected devices unless a ransom is paid.
Viability of joined flight for small unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Levis E. , Pleho F. , Hedges J.
Published: November 2019

The range of small, electrically powered UAVs is still limited by the mass specific energy of batteries. This paper investigates the idea that, in cases where multiple aircraft must transit to the same location, savings in mass or an extension of achievable range are possible when they join wingtip-to-wingtip. The viability of joined flight is investigated by quantifying the relative magnitude of savings resulting from increased aerodynamic efficiency and that of penalties due to the increased structural and component weights. Through a parametric analysis the level of savings achievable is found to be greatly dependent on the proportion of the flight spent in a joined configuration and aircraft design parameters such as wing loading, aspect ratio and the added weight of the joining mechanism. A custom, multidisciplinary UAV sizing algorithm is presented and utilised to design several sample aircraft, featuring two different joining mechanism architectures. The results verify the findings of the parametric study and indicate that mass savings are possible only for moderate to low aspect ratios, with semi-permanent magnetic joining mechanism performing better than rigid structural ones, even when the joined fight segment accounts for only 30% of the total airborne time.
Can the activation of analytic cognitive style determine endorsement of secular belief?
Authors: Hudiyana Joevarian , Putra Idhamsyah E. , Ariyanto Amarina A. , Brama Gagan H.T. , Muluk Hamdi
Published: November 2019

The present study examined the effect of analytical thought priming on individual secular beliefs. In Study 1 ( N = 64), we employed analytical thinking priming and examined whether such priming can influence the participants’ endorsement of secular belief. In Study 2 ( N = 85), we employed another form of treatment condition to enhance analytical thinking and explored what components of secular beliefs were most affected by such condition. The results of both studies showed that participants primed to think with an analytic style possess higher secular belief, but not for all the domains of secular belief. We focused the discussion on the implications of these findings and the strength of secular belief measure.
Decontextualized talk in caregivers’ input to 12-month-old children during structured interaction
Authors: GRIMMINGER Angela , ROHLFING Katharina J. , LÜKE Carina , LISZKOWSKI Ulf , RITTERFELD Ute
Published: November 2019

Decontextualized talk is assumed to be used only rarely when children are younger than 30 months. Motivated by Bühler's (1934/1999) linguistic theory that describes different dimensions of (de-)contextualization, we provide evidence that this kind of input can already be found in caregivers’ talking to their 12-month-old children. Such early input is characterized by being decontextualized on some dimensions while being grounded in the immediate context on others. In this way, parents may scaffold understanding of talk about the there-and-then. We also examined whether caregivers adapt decontextualized verbal input to individual trajectories in language development. We observed 59 parent–child interactions within a decorated room when children were 12 months old, and assessed the children's linguistic development at 12 and 24 months of age. However, we did not find differences in the input directed toward children with different trajectories in language development.
A cone beam CT-based study on fiducial seed migration and planning target volume margin in prostate radiotherapy
Authors: Thuruthiyil Divya K. , Cawley Martin , Metwaly Mohamed
Published: November 2019

Aim:

This study attempts to investigate fiducial marker (FM) migration and calculate the prostate planning target volume (PTV) margin considering the setup errors after translation corrections alone (T) and translation plus rotational corrections (T+R) and anatomy variation with respect to the corrected fiducial position, analysed on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods and materials:

CBCT images from 25 patients are analysed for FM movements, setup error and anatomy variation with respect to the seed match positions. Systematic and random components of setup error and prostate movements are used to calculate the PTV margin for CBCT-based FM localisation in two scenarios, translation corrections only and translation plus rotational correction. MTNW887825 soft tissue gold markers (Civco, Orange City, FL, USA) were used with the department-specific immobilisation system and rectal and bladder filling protocols.

Results:

The average directional inter-marker distance variation is −0·05 ± 0·90 mm. The systematic setup errors for T+R are 0·40, 0·63 and 0·80 mm in right–left (RL), anterior–posterior (AP) and superior–inferior (SI), respectively. The corresponding values for T only are 0·54, 0·69 and 0·90 mm. The systematic prostate movement from T+R corrected FM positions are 0·65, 1·27 and 1·32 mm in the RL, AP and SI directions.

Findings:

Minimal FM movements are noted from the study. The PTV margins to incorporate the daily T+R corrected setup error and prostate deformation are found to be 2·5, 4·5 and 5·2 mm in the RL, AP and SI directions, respectively. The corresponding margins for T only corrected scenario are found to be 2·8, 4·8 and 5·7 mm.
First SWARM Observations of the Artificial Ionospheric Plasma Disturbances and Field‐Aligned Currents Induced by the SURA Power HF Heating
Authors: Lukianova R. , Frolov V. , Ryabov A.
Published: November 2019

A series of experiments were conducted with a conjunction between the midlatitude SURA ionospheric heating facility and the multisatellite SWARM mission. We present the first observations made by SWARM on the plasma perturbations and electric currents induced in the F2 region ionosphere by the high‐power high‐frequency O‐mode radio wave pumping. In the heated region, significant effects include a localized increase of the electron temperature accompanied by stratification of the electron density and the magnetic signatures of field‐aligned currents (FACs). The spatial structure and amplitude of FACs indicate that the current system is likely associated with the unipolar diffusion and excitation of eddy electric currents in the ionosphere. Similar effects are revealed in the laboratory experiment but not previously observed in space.
Ballooning Instability in the Magnetospheric Plasma: Two‐Dimensional Eigenmode Analysis
Authors: Rubtsov Aleksandr V. , Mager Pavel N. , Klimushkin Dmitri Yu.
Published: November 2019

This paper is concerned with the transverse structure of the ballooning instability in a two‐dimensionally inhomogeneous model of the magnetosphere, which takes into account inhomogeneity both across the magnetic shells and along the field lines. According to the previous studies, the ballooning instability can develop at steep fall of the plasma pressure from the Earth. In this paper, the region of negative plasma pressure gradient is assumed to be sharply localized across the magnetic shells. It causes the localization of the unstable perturbation in the same direction. In this region, the perturbation has a resonator‐like structure, where only modes with discrete set of the growth rate values can exist. The azimuthal wave number of the unstable mode must exceed some critical value, which is determined by the width of the localization region.
Reconstructing Coronal Hole Areas With EUHFORIA and Adapted WSA Model: Optimizing the Model Parameters
Authors: Asvestari E. , Heinemann S. G. , Temmer M. , Pomoell J. , Kilpua E. , Magdalenic J. , Poedts S.
Published: November 2019

The adopted Wang‐Sheeley‐Arge (WSA) model embedded in EUHFORIA (EUropean Heliospheric FORecasting Information Asset) is compared to EUV observations. According to the standard paradigm, coronal holes are sources of open flux; thus, we use remote sensing EUV observations and CATCH (Collection of Analysis Tools for Coronal Holes) to extract CH areas and compare them to the open flux areas modeled by EUHFORIA. From the adopted WSA model we employ only the Potential Field Source Surface (PFSS) model for the inner corona and the Schatten Current Sheet (SCS) model for the outer (PFSS+SCS). The height, Rss, of the outer boundary of the PFSS, known as the source surface, and the height, Ri, of the inner boundary of the SCS are important parameters affecting the modeled CH areas. We investigate the impact the two model parameters can have in the modeled results. We vary Rss within the interval [1.4, 3.2]R⊙ with a step of 0.1R⊙, and Ri within the interval [1.3, 2.8]R⊙ with the same step, and the condition that Ri<Rss. This way we have a set of 184 initial parameters to the model, and we assess the model results for all these possible height pairs. We conclude that the default heights used so far fail in modeling accurately CH areas and lower heights need to be considered.
Changes in Circulation and Particle Scavenging in the Amerasian Basin of the Arctic Ocean over the Last Three Decades Inferred from the Water Column Distribution of Geochemical Tracers
Authors: Grenier Melanie , François Roger , Soon Maureen , Rutgers van der Loeff Michiel , Yu Xiaoxin , Valk Ole , Not Christelle , Moran S. Bradley , Edwards R. Lawrence , Lu Yanbin , Lepore Kate , Allen Susan E.
Published: November 2019

Since the 1980–1990s, international research efforts have augmented our knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the Arctic Ocean water masses, and recent studies have documented changes. Understanding the processes responsible for these changes is necessary to be able to forecast the local and global consequences of these property evolutions on climate. The present work investigates the distributions of geochemical tracers of particle fluxes and circulation in the Amerasian Basin and their temporal evolution over the last three decades (from stations visited between 1983 and 2015). Profiles of 230‐thorium (230Th) and 231‐protactinium (231Pa) concentrations and neodymium isotopes (expressed as εNd) measured in the Amerasian Basin prior to 2000 are compared to a new, post‐2000s data set. The comparison shows a large scale decrease in dissolved 230Th and 231Pa concentrations, suggesting intensification of scavenging by particle flux, especially in coastal areas. Higher productivity and sediment resuspension from the shelves appear responsible for the concentration decrease along the margins. In the basin interior, increased lateral exchanges with the boundary circulation also contribute to the decrease in concentration. This study illustrates how dissolved 230Th and 231Pa, with εNd support, can provide unique insights not only into changes in particle flux but also into the evolution of ocean circulation and mixing.