bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognizing lines of code violating company-specific coding guidelines using machine learning
Authors: Ochodek Miroslaw , Hebig Regina , Meding Wilhelm , Frost Gert , Staron Miroslaw
Published: November 2019

Software developers in big and medium-size companies are working with millions of lines of code in their codebases. Assuring the quality of this code has shifted from simple defect management to proactive assurance of internal code quality. Although static code analysis and code reviews have been at the forefront of research and practice in this area, code reviews are still an effort-intensive and interpretation-prone activity. The aim of this research is to support code reviews by automatically recognizing company-specific code guidelines violations in large-scale, industrial source code. In our action research project, we constructed a machine-learning-based tool for code analysis where software developers and architects in big and medium-sized companies can use a few examples of source code lines violating code/design guidelines (up to 700 lines of code) to train decision-tree classifiers to find similar violations in their codebases (up to 3 million lines of code). Our action research project consisted of (i) understanding the challenges of two large software development companies, (ii) applying the machine-learning-based tool to detect violations of Sun’s and Google’s coding conventions in the code of three large open source projects implemented in Java, (iii) evaluating the tool on evolving industrial codebase, and (iv) finding the best learning strategies to reduce the cost of training the classifiers. We were able to achieve the average accuracy of over 99% and the average F-score of 0.80 for open source projects when using ca. 40K lines for training the tool. We obtained a similar average F-score of 0.78 for the industrial code but this time using only up to 700 lines of code as a training dataset. Finally, we observed the tool performed visibly better for the rules requiring to understand a single line of code or the context of a few lines (often allowing to reach the F-score of 0.90 or higher). Based on these results, we could observe that this approach can provide modern software development companies with the ability to use examples to teach an algorithm to recognize violations of code/design guidelines and thus increase the number of reviews conducted before the product release. This, in turn, leads to the increased quality of the final software.
Vulnerability and the Consenting Subject: Reimagining Informed Consent in Embryo Donation
Authors: Hewer Rebecca
Published: November 2019

Informed consent is medico-legal orthodoxy and the principal means by which research encounters with the body are regulated in the UK. However, biomedical advancements increasingly frustrate the degree to which informed consent can be practiced, whilst introducing ambiguity into its legal significance. What is more, feminist theory fundamentally disrupts the ideologically liberal foundations of informed consent, exposing it as a potentially inadequate mode of bioethical regulation. This paper explores these critiques by reference to a case study—embryo donation to health research, following fertility treatment, as regulated by the HFEA 1990—and contends that informed consent cannot adequately respond to the material realities of this research encounter. Thereafter, by drawing on feminist theories of vulnerability, this paper proffers an alternative bioethical approach, which calls for structural reform in recognition of the fundamentally bilateral constitution of self and society and a renewed appreciation for the affective/dispositional tenor of lived experience.
Myocardial phenotypes and dysfunction in HFpEF and HFrEF assessed by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Berlot Bostjan , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Palazzuoli Alberto , Marino Paolo
Published: November 2019

Heart failure (HF) with either reduced or preserved ejection fraction is an increasingly prevalent condition. Cardiac imaging plays a central role in trying to identify the underlying cause of the underlying systolic and diastolic dysfunction, as the imaging findings have implications for patient’s management and individualised treatment. The imaging modalities used more frequently in patients with heart failure in clinical routine are echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance. Both techniques keep some strengths and weakness due to their spatial and temporal resolution. Notably, several features in the diagnostic algorithm of heart failure with preserved systolic function (HFpEF) may be improved by an integrated approach. This review focuses on the role of each modality in characterising cardiac anatomy, systolic and diastolic function as well as myocardial tissue characterisation in the most common phenotypes of dilated and hypertrophied hearts.
Aquatic bryophytes play a key role in sediment-stressed boreal headwater streams
Authors: Turunen Jarno , Muotka Timo , Aroviita Jukka
Published: November 2019

Forestry-related land use can cause increasing instream sedimentation, burying and eradicating stream bryophytes, with severe ecological consequences. However, there is limited understanding of the relative roles and overall importance of the two frequently co-occurring stressors, increased fine sediments and loss of bryophytes, to stream biodiversity and ecosystem functions. By using random forest modeling and partial dependence functions, we studied the relative importance of stream bryophytes and fine sediments to multiple biological endpoints (leaf-decaying fungi, diatom, bryophyte, and benthic macroinvertebrate communities; leaf decomposition) using field survey data from headwater streams. Stream bryophyte abundance and richness were negatively related to fine sediment cover, highlighting the detrimental effect of sedimentation on bryophytes. However, bryophyte abundance was consistently more important a determinant of variation in community composition than was fine sediment cover. Leaf decomposition was influenced by shredder abundance, water temperature and, to a lesser degree, stream size. Our results suggest that the loss of stream bryophytes due to increasing sedimentation, rather than fine sediments per se, seems to be the key factor affecting multiple biological responses. Enhancing the re-establishment of bryophyte stands could partly compensate for the negative impacts of sedimentation on bryophytes and, consequently, on several other components of boreal stream ecosystems.
Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with peripheral arterial diseases
Authors: Szymanski Filip M. , Gorko Dariusz , Platek Anna E. , Ostrowski Tomasz , Celejewski Krzysztof , Chudzinski Witold , Szymanska Anna , Stepkowski Kamil , Rys-Czaporowska Anna , Semczuk-Kaczmarek Karolina , Galazka Zbigniew , Filipiak Krzysztof J.
Published: November 2019

Background

The presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a novel cardiovascular risk factor, contributes to the development of peripheral arterial diseases (PAD). There is a lack of data showing how often these diseases coexist.

Aims

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of OSA in the population of patients with PAD.

Methods

Patients previously qualified for the first revascularization due to PAD were included in the study. All patients underwent an overnight sleep study to detect OSA. Diagnosis of OSA was made when the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was ≥5 per hour.

Results

From 141 patients (60% men, age 69.6 ± 9.5 years), OSA was diagnosed in 68 patients (48%). OSA occurred in mild form (5 ≤ AHI < 15/h) in 39 cases (28%), in moderate form (15 ≤ AHI < 30/h) in 21 cases (15%), and in severe form (AHI ≥ 30/h) in 8 cases (6%). Patients without OSA had significantly lower body mass index (BMI; 26.9 ± 5.5 vs. 27.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2, p = 0.01) and lower hip circumference (97.4 ± 11.7 vs. 98.7 ± 7.4, p = 0.04). There were no differences in the distribution of other investigated cardiovascular risk factors and diseases between these groups. There were no significant differences in OSA distribution or its severity between patients with lower extremity artery disease and carotid artery disease.

Conclusions

The prevalence of OSA in patients with PAD is very high, affecting nearly half of the studied population.
An assessment of the concentrations of PCDDs/Fs in contaminated bottom sediments and their sources and ecological risk
Authors: Baran Agnieszka , Mierzwa-Hersztek Monika , Urbaniak Magdalena , Gondek Krzysztof , Tarnawski Marek , Szara Magdalena , Zieliński Marek
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F), two types of persistent organic pollutant (POP), in an urban retention reservoir located in an industrial zone within a coal-mining region. It also assesses the potential ecological risk of the PCDDs/Fs present in bottom sediments and the relationship between their content and the fraction of organic matter.

Materials and methods

The sediment samples were collected from Rybnik Reservoir, located in the centre of the Rybnik Coal Region, Silesia, one of Poland’s major industrial centres. Seventeen PCDD/F congeners in the surface of the sediments were analysed using high-resolution gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS).

Results and discussion

The toxic equivalency (TEQ) of the PCDDs/Fs in the sediments ranged from 1.65 to 32.68 pg TEQ g−1. PCDDs constituted 59–78% of the total PCDDs/Fs, while the PCDFs accounted for 22–41%. The pattern of PCDD/F congeners in the sediments was dominated by OCDD. However, the second-most prevalent constituents were OCDF and ∑HpCDFs in the low TOC sediment (< 10 g TOC kg−1), but HpCDD in the rich TOC samples (> 10 g TOC kg−1). PCDD/F concentrations in the sediment samples were 2- to 38-fold higher than the sediment quality guidelines limit, indicating high ecological risk potential. Although a considerable proportion of PCDDs/Fs in the bottom sediments from the Rybnik Reservoir were derived from combustion processes, they were also obtained via transport, wastewater discharge, high-temperature processes and thermal electricity generation. The PCDD/F concentrations were significantly correlated with all fractions of organic matter; however, the strongest correlation coefficients were found between PCDDs/Fs and humic substances. Besides organic matter, the proportions of silt/clay fractions within sediments played an important role in the transport of PCDDs/Fs in bottom sediments.

Conclusions

The silt/clay fraction of the bottom sediments plays a dominant role in the movement of PCDDs/Fs, while the organic matter fraction affects their sorption. The results indicate that the environmental behaviour of PCDDs/Fs is affected by the quantity and quality of organic matter and the texture of sediments.
Accuracy assessment of target tracking using two 5-degrees-of-freedom wireless transponders
Authors: Eppenga Roeland , Kuhlmann Koert , Ruers Theo , Nijkamp Jasper
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Surgical navigation systems are generally only applied for targets in rigid areas. For non-rigid areas, real-time tumor tracking can be included to compensate for anatomical changes. The only clinically cleared system using a wireless electromagnetic tracking technique is the Calypso® System (Varian Medical Systems Inc., USA), designed for radiotherapy. It is limited to tracking maximally three wireless 5-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) transponders, all used for tumor tracking. For surgical navigation, a surgical tool has to be tracked as well. In this study, we evaluated whether accurate 6DOF tumor tracking is possible using only two 5DOF transponders, leaving one transponder to track a tool.

Methods

Two methods were defined to derive 6DOF information out of two 5DOF transponders. The first method uses the vector information of both transponders (TTV), and the second method combines the vector information of one transponder with the distance vector between the transponders (OTV). The accuracy of tracking a rotating object was assessed for each method mimicking clinically relevant and worst-case configurations. Accuracy was compared to using all three transponders to derive 6DOF (Default method). An optical tracking system was used as a reference for accuracy.

Results

The TTV method performed best and was as accurate as the Default method for almost all transponder configurations (median errors < 0.5°, 95% confidence interval < 3°). Only when the angle between the transponders was less than 2°, the TTV method was inaccurate and the OTV method may be preferred. The accuracy of both methods was independent of the angle of rotation, and only the OTV method was sensitive to the plane of rotation.

Conclusion

These results indicate that accurate 6DOF tumor tracking is possible using only two 5DOF transponders. This encourages further development of a wireless EM surgical navigation approach using a readily available clinical system.
Thomas Manlevelt: God in Logic
Authors: van der Helm Alfred
Published: November 2019

This paper was presented at the Second World Congress on Logic and Religion on the sub-topic of logics vis-à-vis illogicalities in religion. It deals with fourteenth-century-logician Thomas Manlevelt’s Ockhamist approach to logic (the ars vetus, strictly speaking) and its ontological outcome: rejection of the existence of substance. Although God, the Trinity, the Blessed Virgin, the Antichrist and the consecrated host keep popping up within the domain of logic, it is argued that Manlevelt kept clear water between logic and theology. Things divine, and especially the transubstantiation of the consecrated host, do however play a crucial role in the development of his idea of the non-existence of substance. It is suggested that this might imply the miraculous nature of the whole universe.
Genome-wide characterization and analysis of microsatellite sequences in camelid species
Authors: Manee Manee M. , Algarni Abdulmalek T. , Alharbi Sultan N. , Al-Shomrani Badr M. , Ibrahim Mohanad A. , Binghadir Sarah A. , Al-Fageeh Mohamed B.
Published: November 2019

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are among the genetic markers most widely utilized in research. This includes applications in numerous fields such as genetic conservation, paternity testing, and molecular breeding. Though ordered draft genome assemblies of camels have been announced, including for the Arabian camel, systemic analysis of camel SSRs is still limited. The identification and development of informative and robust molecular SSR markers are essential for marker assisted breeding programs and paternity testing. Here we searched and compared perfect SSRs with 1–6 bp nucleotide motifs to characterize microsatellites for draft genome sequences of the Camelidae. We analyzed and compared the occurrence, relative abundance, relative density, and guanine-cytosine (GC) content in four taxonomically different camelid species:Camelus dromedarius,C. bactrianus,C. ferus, andVicugna pacos. A total of 546762, 544494, 547974, and 437815 SSRs were mined, respectively. Mononucleotide SSRs were the most frequent in the four genomes, followed in descending order by di-, tetra-, tri-, penta-, and hexanucleotide SSRs. GC content was highest in dinucleotide SSRs and lowest in mononucleotide SSRs. Our results provide further evidence that SSRs are more abundant in noncoding regions than in coding regions. Similar distributions of microsatellites were found in all four species, which indicates that the pattern of microsatellites is conserved in family Camelidae.
The Impact of Educational Attainment on Black Women’s Obesity Rate in the United States
Authors: Curry Gwenetta Denise
Published: November 2019

Over the last two decades, Black women have been disproportionately impacted by the obesity epidemic in the USA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 56.6% of Black women are overweight or obese compared with 44.4% Hispanic and 32.8% of white women. Social scientists and public health researchers have argued that increasing educational attainment would lead to overall improvements in health outcomes. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, Cycles 1999–2010, I examined how educational attainment impacts Black women’s rate of obesity and C-reactive protein levels (N= 2685). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between body mass index (BMI) and educational attainment. C-reactive protein, inflammation response, was used to measure the body’s reaction to being exposed to stress. The results demonstrated that educational attainment among Black women does not decrease their risk of being obese or levels of C-reactive protein. This article provides evidence to support a need to increase awareness of health disparities that disproportionately impact Black women.
Training High-Order Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Systems Using Batch Least Squares and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wiktorowicz Krzysztof , Krzeszowski Tomasz
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes two methods for training Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems using batch least squares (BLS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The T-S system is considered with triangular and Gaussian membership functions in the antecedents and higher-order polynomials in the consequents of fuzzy rules. In the first method, the BLS determines the polynomials in a system in which the fuzzy sets are known. In the second method, the PSO algorithm determines the fuzzy sets, whereas the BLS determines the polynomials. In this paper, the ridge regression is used to stabilize the solution when the problem is close to the singularity. Thanks to this, the proposed methods can be applied when the number of observations is less than the number of predictors. Moreover, the leave-one-out cross-validation is used to avoid overfitting and this way to choose the structure of a fuzzy model. A method of obtaining piecewise linear regression by means of the zero-order T-S system is also presented.
The Basic Physics of Waves, Soundwaves, and Shockwaves for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Katz Jonathan Elliott , Clavijo Raul Ivan , Rizk Paul , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Over the past decade, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) has emerged as a treatment modality for erectile dysfunction (ED). To better appreciate the differences between the various devices for the treatment of ED, it is imperative for physicians to understand the underlying physics of the different shockwave generators.

Aim

In this article, we explain the physics of shockwaves by establishing a foundation regarding the basics of waves, specifically soundwaves. We also describe the different shockwave generators available and assess their potential clinical utility.

Methods

We reviewed basic principles of wave propagation, randomized controlled trials investigating Li-ESWT for ED and other medical diseases, and individual industry shockwave generator websites, in order to describe the basic physics underlying Li-ESWT.

Main Outcome Measure

We primarily aimed to describe the physics underlying shockwave generators and to provide a framework for understanding the relevant subtypes and adjustable parameters.

Results

A wave is a disturbance in a medium that transports energy without permanently transporting matter. In shockwaves, a soundwave is generated with a speed faster than the local speed of sound. Shockwaves are classically generated by three different types of energy sources: electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric, which all create a shockwave through the conversion of electric potential energy to mechanical energy. Importantly, radial pressure waves do not behave the same as conventional shockwaves and are more like “ordinary” sound waves in that they achieve a significantly lower peak pressure, a slower rise time, and propagate outwards without a focal point.

Clinical Implications

Li-ESWT is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is considered investigational in the United States. However, it is currently available to patients under clinical trial protocols and it is important to understand the basic physics of shockwaves to understand the differences between the different shockwave devices.

Strength & Limitations

This is a comprehensive review of the physics underlying Li-ESWT but only tangentially explores the biological impact of shockwaves.

Conclusion

Physicians currently using or those contemplating purchasing a Li-ESWT device should understand the basic physics underlying the device, as well as which treatment protocols were used to demonstrate clinical efficacy in treating ED.
Tracing 2000 Years at the Source of the Douix, Côte-d’Or, France: Water, Offerings, and Recurrence
Authors: Erdman Katherine M. , Chaume Bruno
Published: November 2019

The Source of the Douix in Châtillon-sur-Seine, France, has been visited by local inhabitants for over 2000 years and served as a watery focal point for the ritual deposition of various types of offerings. While water deposits are by no means uncommon across Europe, the continued use of a single space over multiple millennia is. An examination of the preserved offerings at the Douix indicate there are three phases of depositional activity: late Hallstatt to early La Tène periods, late La Tène to Gallo-Roman periods, and the early modern period. Despite being separated by hundreds of years there are similarities across depositional phases including the importance of modified metallic objects, personal ornamentation, and possible connections to women. Could the persistence of these ritual practices be the result of behavioural and ideological continuities? If not, how can we interpret this complex record of intermittent deposition? We examine the deposits from each phase in their wider social and ritual contexts, including the Douix’s connection to the Hallstatt princely centre of Mont Lassois, Gallo-Roman ritual traditions, and the historic folklore surrounding springs. We then explore the inter-depositional phases and discuss the conditions that could lead to the persistence of ideas despite the dearth of material evidence and summarise what these patterns mean for the history of ritual activity at the Source of the Douix.
Crustal growth as revealed by integrated U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotope analyses of detrital zircons from the Ganjiang River, southeastern China
Authors: Wang Andong , Li Xiaocong , Luo Xianwen , Santosh M. , Cui Yurong , Li Quanzhong , Lai Dongrong , Wan Jianjun , Zhang Xuefen
Published: November 2019

The Ganjiang River, one of eight major tributaries of the Yangtze River, located in the western hinterland of the Cathaysia Block, SE China, has a length of 823 km and a drainage area of 82 809 km2, whose detrital zircons provide a valuable means to trace sediment provenances of the river and explore the crustal growth and evolution of the Cathaysia Block. In the current study, 389 concordia zircon U–Pb age spots and rare earth element (REE) contents, in combination with 201 Lu–Hf isotope analyses, have been determined. Oscillatory zoning, high Th/U ratios and REE distribution patterns indicate that most detrital zircon grains are of magmatic origin. The age can be further divided into seven groups: 130–185 Ma with a peak at 153 Ma (7 %); 217–379 Ma with a peak at 224 Ma (16 %); 390–494 Ma with a peak at 424 Ma (37 %); 500–698 Ma with a peak at 624 Ma (5 %); 716–897 Ma with a peak at 812 Ma (10 %); 902–1191 Ma with a peak at 976 Ma (13 %); and 2232–2614 Ma with a peak at 2471 Ma (5 %). The sources of almost all the zircon age groups can be found from the exposed rocks. In particular, Yanshanian, Hercynian to Indosinian, Pan-African, Grenvillian and Palaeoproterozoic–Archaean zircons can be mainly sourced from the northern Guangdong – southern Jiangxi – western Fujian region, while Caledonian zircons come from southern and central Jiangxi, and Jinningian zircons are from central and northern Jiangxi. Most determined zircon grains exhibit negativeεHf(t) values and TDM2ages of 797 to 4016 Ma with a wide peak at 1500–2100 Ma and a keen peak at 1824 Ma, suggesting that most zircons are sourced from the reworked ancient crustal materials or crust–mantle mixing. The zircon Hf model age cumulative probability diagram shows that rapid crustal growth took place at the Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic and that about 90 % of the crust of the Cathaysia Block was formed before 1.5 Ga.
Screening candidate microR-15a- IRAK2 regulatory pairs for predicting the response to Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis in dairy cows
Authors: Chen Zhi , Zhou Jingpeng , Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Yang , Lu Xubin , Fan Yongliang , Mao Yongjiang , Loor Juan J. , Yang Zhangping
Published: November 2019

We established a mastitis model using exogenous infection of the mammary gland of Chinese Holstein cows with Staphylococcus aureus and extracted total RNA from S. aureus-infected and healthy mammary quarters. Differential expression of genes due to mastitis was evaluated using Affymetrix technology and results revealed a total of 1230 differentially expressed mRNAs. A subset of affected genes was verified via Q-PCR and pathway analysis. In addition, Solexa high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze profiles of miRNA in infected and healthy quarters. These analyses revealed a total of 52 differentially expressed miRNAs. A subset of those results was verified via Q-PCR. Bioinformatics techniques were used to predict and analyze the correlations among differentially expressed miRNA and mRNA. Results revealed a total of 329 pairs of negatively associated miRNA/mRNA, with 31 upregulated pairs of mRNA and 298 downregulated pairs of mRNA. Differential expression of miR-15a and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-like 2 (IRAK2), were evaluated by western blot and luciferase reporter assays. We conclude that miR-15a and miR-15a target genes (IRAK2) constitute potential miRNA–mRNA regulatory pairs for use as biomarkers to predict a mastitis response.
Observer-Based Consensus of Higher-Order Nonlinear Heterogeneous Multiagent Systems with Unmatched Uncertainties: Application on Robotic Systems
Authors: Rahimi N. , Binazadeh T. , Shasadeghi M.
Published: November 2019

The consensus of higher-order nonlinear heterogeneous multiagent systems with matched and unmatched uncertainties is studied in this paper. The distributed observer-based controllers for multiagent systems are achieved using a fixed-time sliding mode controller based on the disturbance observer. For this purpose, the disturbance observers are designed for finite-time estimation of matched and unmatched uncertainties. Using the estimated values, the fixed-time distributed sliding mode controllers are designed and the consensus protocol is achieved. In this regard, a theorem is proved, which guarantees the fixed-time convergence of consensus errors. The effectiveness of the proposed distributed controllers has been validated through simulations for two robotic multiagent systems and a numerical example.
User validation in ontology alignment: functional assessment and impact
Authors: Li Huanyu , Dragisic Zlatan , Faria Daniel , Ivanova Valentina , Jiménez-Ruiz Ernesto , Lambrix Patrick , Pesquita Catia
Published: November 2019

User validation is one of the challenges facing the ontology alignment community, as there are limits to the quality of the alignments produced by automated alignment algorithms. In this paper, we present a broad study on user validation of ontology alignments that encompasses three distinct but inter-related aspects: the profile of the user, the services of the alignment system, and its user interface. We discuss key issues pertaining to the alignment validation process under each of these aspects and provide an overview of how current systems address them. Finally, we use experiments from the Interactive Matching track of the Ontology Alignment Evaluation Initiative 2015–2018 to assess the impact of errors in alignment validation, and how systems cope with them as function of their services.
Insights on the environmental impacts associated with visible disturbance of ice-free ground in Antarctica
Authors: Brooks Shaun T. , Tejedo Pablo , O'Neill Tanya A.
Published: November 2019

The small ice-free areas of Antarctica provide an essential habitat for most evident terrestrial biodiversity, as well as being disproportionately targeted by human activity. Visual detection of disturbance within these environments has become a useful tool for measuring areas affected by human impact, but questions remain as to what environmental consequences such disturbance actually has. To answer such questions, several factors must be considered, including the climate and biotic and abiotic characteristics. Although a body of research has established the consequences of disturbance at given locations, this paper was conceived in order to assess whether their findings could be generalized as a statement across the Antarctic continent. From a review of 31 studies within the Maritime Antarctic, Continental Antarctic and McMurdo Dry Valleys regions, we found that 83% confirmed impacts in areas of visible disturbance. Disturbance was found to modify the physical environment, consequently reducing habitat suitability as well as directly damaging biota. Visible disturbance was also associated with hydrocarbon and heavy metal contamination and non-native species establishment, reflecting the pressures from human activity in these sites. The results add significance to existing footprint measurements based on visual analysis, should aid on-the-ground appreciation of probable impacts in sites of disturbance and benefit environmental assessment processes.
Left coronary artery atresia in the young: long-term follow-up without exercise restriction
Authors: Molossi Silvana , Doan Tam
Published: November 2019

An 11-year-old male was presented with exertional chest pain and was diagnosed with atresia of the left main coronary artery. A stress nuclear perfusion imaging was negative at initial presentation, and a vasodilator stress cardiac MRI was again negative 5 years later. The patient has fully participated in competitive sports for 6 years with no occurrence of cardiac events.
The dosimetric comparison between tomotherapy and RapidArc in normal tissue sparing for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kaewpruk Pubade , Chakrabandhu Somvilai , Wanwilairat Somsak , Nobnop Wannapha
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To compare the dosimetric results regarding the sparing effect on normal tissue between RapidArc (RA) and helical tomotherapy (HT) plans for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients in cases of the equal target dose controls utilising two techniques.

Materials and Methods:

Thirteen NPC patients treated with HT were replanned using the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) for the RA plan. The target dose of the RA plan was optimised equally to the HT plan in terms of target coverage, dose conformity (CI) and dose homogeneity (HI) for assessing the normal tissue sparing between two techniques. All dose–volume parameters monitor units (MUs) and delivery time were also investigated.

Results:

All dosimetric parameter comparisons of organs-at-risk (OARs) between the RA and HT plans were not significantly different for brain stem, spinal cord and cochlea. However, the RA plan showed a significantly lower dose to the left parotid gland. The mean and median dose were significantly lower in the RA plan versus the HT plan by p-value 0·005 and 0·039, respectively. The MUs and delivery time were also significantly lower in the RA plan with a p-value of 0·00.

Conclusions:

With the same planning target volume coverage, homogeneity and conformity, almost all of RA and HT treatment planning met the planning goal for normal tissue sparing. There were no significant differences between the two techniques except in the left parotid gland. The RA plans were superior to HT plans by effectively reducing the MUs and treatment time.
Social Citizenship, Inequality and Homeownership. Postwar Perspectives from the North of Europe
Authors: Sørvoll Jardar , Nordvik Viggo
Published: November 2019

In this article, we analyse the social distribution of residential property in Norway post-1945 in light of the concept of social citizenship. Drawing on data from censuses and tax registers, we examine the social stratification of owner-occupation and housing wealth in a Nordic nation of homeowners. Our study shows that residential property and housing wealth is very unevenly distributed, and that the share of low-income homeowners decreased markedly after 1990. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to three different conceptions of citizenship: the socio-liberal, the republican and the libertarian. Our main argument is that the falling rate of low-income owner-occupation constitutes an erosion of social citizenship viewed from the socio-liberal and republican conception of citizenship. This follows from theoretical arguments and empirical studies linking homeownership to positive welfare outcomes, such as civic engagement and social integration. The latter is arguably particularly true in some high-homeownership countries, such as Norway, where owner-occupation is the cultural norm and rental housing is associated with low quality and insecurity.
The long run influence of pension systems on the current account
Authors: Davoine Thomas
Published: November 2019

Explaining cross-country differences in current accounts is difficult. While pay-as-you-go pensions reduce the need to save for retirement, contributions to capital-funded pensions are saved for future consumption. An overlapping-generations analysis shows that capital-funded pensions increase net foreign assets holdings. With a multi-pillar system whose capital-funded part accounts for 18% of pensions, the Austrian current account balance would be 1 percentage point of gross domestic product (GDP) higher than with pure pay-as-you-go pensions in 20 years. By comparison, the Austrian current account surplus averages 1.8% of GDP. Empirically, I find that the current account of high-income countries increases with the coverage and replacement rates of capital-funded pensions.
Trust and financial advice
Authors: Burke Jeremy , Hung Angela A.
Published: November 2019

We explore the relationships between financial trust and behaviors, attitudes, knowledge, and preferences related to utilizing professional financial advice. Using survey data from the RAND American Life Panel, we find that financial trust is correlated with advice usage and likelihood of seeking advisory services. Leveraging an experiment that randomized provision of and access to advice, we find that trust is an important predictor of who chooses to receive advice, even after controlling for demographic characteristics and financial literacy. However, providing unsolicited advice has little impact on behavior, even for individuals with high levels of trust.
REDUCTIONS OF POINTS ON ALGEBRAIC GROUPS
Authors: Lombardo Davide , Perucca Antonella
Published: November 2019

Let $A$ be the product of an abelian variety and a torus defined over a number field $K$. Fix some prime number $\ell$. If $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in A(K)$ is a point of infinite order, we consider the set of primes $\mathfrak{p}$ of $K$ such that the reduction $(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\hspace{0.2em}{\rm mod}\hspace{0.2em}\mathfrak{p})$ is well-defined and has order coprime to $\ell$. This set admits a natural density. By refining the method of Jones and Rouse [Galois theory of iterated endomorphisms, Proc. Lond. Math. Soc. (3)100(3) (2010), 763–794. Appendix A by Jeffrey D. Achter], we can express the density as an $\ell$-adic integral without requiring any assumption. We also prove that the density is always a rational number whose denominator (up to powers of $\ell$) is uniformly bounded in a very strong sense. For elliptic curves, we describe a strategy for computing the density which covers every possible case.
Tolerance of corn to PRE- and POST-applied photosystem II–inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Richburg Jacob T. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Barber Tom , Roberts Trent L. , Gbur Edward E.
Published: November 2019

Weed control in corn traditionally has relied on atrazine as a foundational tool to control problematic weeds. However, the recent discovery of atrazine in aquifers and other water sources increases the likelihood of more strict restrictions on its use. Field-based research trials to find atrazine alternatives were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in Fayetteville, AR, by testing the tolerance of corn to PRE and POST applications of different photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors alone or in combination with mesotrione or S-metolachlor. All experiments were designed as a two-factor factorial, randomized complete block, with the two factors being (1) PSII-inhibiting herbicide and (2) the herbicide added to create the mixture. The PSII-inhibiting herbicides were prometryn, ametryn, simazine, fluometuron, metribuzin, linuron, diuron, atrazine, and propazine. The second factor consisted of either no additional herbicide, S-metolachlor, or mesotrione. Treatments were applied immediately after planting in the PRE experiments and to 30-cm–tall corn for the POST experiments. For the PRE study, low levels of injury (<15%) were observed at 14 and 28 d after application and corn height was negatively affected by the PSII-inhibiting herbicide applied. PRE-applied fluometuron- and ametryn-containing treatments consistently caused injury to corn, often exceeding 5%. Because of low injury levels caused by all treatments, crop density and yield did not differ from that of the nontreated plants. For the POST study, crop injury, relative height, and relative yield were affected by PSII-inhibiting herbicide and the herbicide added. Ametryn-, diuron-, linuron-, propazine-, and prometryn-containing treatments caused at least 25% injury to corn in at least 1 site-year. All PSII-inhibiting herbicides, except metribuzin and simazine when applied alone, caused yield loss in corn when compared with atrazine alone. Diuron-, linuron-, metribuzin-, and simazine-containing treatments applied PRE and metribuzin- and simazine-containing treatments applied POST should be investigated further as atrazine replacements.
Diagnostic Utility of the Portuguese Version of the Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination in Early Dementia
Authors: Peixoto Bruno , Baeta Élia , Machado Milene , Rocha Patrícia , Macedo Carla , Machado António , Gonçalves Gerly , Pimentel Paulo , Lopes Emanuela , Monteiro Luís
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Aims: This contribution studies the psychometric properties (reliability, concurrent validity, and sensitivity) of the Portuguese version of the Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) in the context of early dementia. Methods: A sample of 60 participants was distributed in two groups: control group and dementia group. The following tests were administered: the ACE-III, from which the M-ACE was extracted, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The CDR was used to determine the severity of dementia; the MoCA and ACE-III were used to determine the convergent validity of the M-ACE. Results: The reliability of the M-ACE is acceptable (α = .784). We extracted the cut-off scores and the corresponding values of sensitivity and specificity: A cutoff score of 17 on M-ACE has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 72.1%. The M-ACE correlated significantly with the ACE-III and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the M-ACE has satisfactory psychometric characteristics and is a useful screening tool in the context of early dementia. The M-ACE can be employed in primary healthcare consultations.
Impact of Retirement on Cognitive Function
Authors: Zulka Linn Elena , Hansson Isabelle , Hassing Linda B.
Published: November 2019

Abstract. This article reviews the literature and aims at identifying patterns of findings regarding the impact of retirement on cognitive function. A systematic literature search following the PRISMA statement resulted in discovering 20 studies with longitudinal designs. The results revealed negative, null, and positive associations between retirement and cognition. The conflicting results could not be explained by variations in study characteristics (study quality, operationalization of retirement, analytical approach) or cognitive abilities. However, in studies in which occupational experiences were included as a moderator, there was a positive trend for cognitive functioning when retiring from physically demanding jobs. To gain insight into mechanisms behind the relationship between retirement and cognitive functioning, study designs need to take into account the impact of preretirement factors.
The Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE)
Authors: Jovanović Veljko , Lazić Milica , Gavrilov-Jerković Vesna , Molenaar Dylan
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess positive and negative emotions. In Study 1 ( N = 4,250, 61.95% females, Mage = 28.56 years), we evaluated measurement invariance of the SPANE across gender and age using moderated factor analysis. In Study 2 ( N = 200, 52.5% females, Mage = 21.82 years), we investigated the convergent and discriminant validity of the SPANE by examining its associations with measures of well-being and religiosity. In Study 3 ( N = 160, 87.5% females, Mage = 20.38 years), we used a prospective design to examine associations of the SPANE with the Big Five personality traits. The results provided general support for the measurement invariance of the SPANE across age and gender, but some non-invariant items were detected as well. The analyses of latent mean differences across gender revealed that women reported higher levels of both positive and negative emotions than men, but the effect size for positive emotions was very small. Older participants reported lower levels of positive emotions and higher levels of negative emotions than younger participants. Both convergent and discriminant validity of the SPANE were supported.
A Dynamic Rupture Source Model for Very Low‐Frequency Earthquake Signal Without Detectable Nonvolcanic Tremors
Authors: Wu Baoning , Oglesby David D. , Ghosh Abhijit , Li Bo
Published: November 2019

A very low‐frequency earthquake is a type of seismic event that is rich in low frequencies and depleted in higher frequencies compared to regular fast local earthquakes of similar magnitude. The source process behind very low‐frequency earthquakes is still poorly understood. Here we present a dynamic rupture source model for very low‐frequency earthquake signal without detectable associated tremors. We show that a single asperity model with sudden stress drop followed by a rate strengthening effect damps the seismic radiation and increases event duration. We compute synthetic seismograms for our source model. The synthetic signal successfully reproduces the features of observed very low‐frequency earthquakes. Moreover, the synthetic very low‐frequency earthquake signal in 0.02–0.05 Hz is not accompanied by detectable tremor signals at 2–8 Hz. Our results help explain why in some cases we observe very low‐frequency earthquakes without accompanying tremor.
Lateral Variations in Lithospheric Mantle Structure Control the Location of Intracontinental Seismicity in Australia
Authors: Bezada M. J. , Smale J.
Published: November 2019

Despite decades of study, the mechanisms that lead to the localization of intracontinental seismicity remain vigorously debated. We find a very strong correlation between the attenuation of teleseismic P waves and the occurrence of intraplate seismicity in Australia. The regions with the highest attenuation host ~2 orders of magnitude more earthquakes per unit of area than the least attenuating regions. We argue that the attenuation we observe is produced by lateral variations in the thickness and/or viscosity of the lithospheric mantle and further suggest that the correlation we document implies that lithospheric mantle structure exerts first‐order controls on the localization of intraplate seismicity.
Missing Hydrological Contribution to Sea Level Rise
Authors: Kim Jae‐Seung , Seo Ki‐Weon , Jeon Taehwan , Chen Jianli , Wilson Clark R.
Published: November 2019

Over the past decade, the rate of global mean sea level (GMSL) rise is about 3.5 mm/year. Terrestrial water/ice mass loss to the oceans and ocean volume expansion explain about 3.1 mm/year, indicating that the GMSL budget is not been fully understood. Past estimates from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data have indicated that terrestrial water storage (TWS) is increasing and is thus a mitigating contributor to GMSL rise. However, TWS estimates from GRACE are uncertain mostly due to limitations in GRACE estimates of degree‐1 and degree‐2 order‐0 spherical harmonic coefficients. We obtain an improved estimate of the TWS contribution to GMSL change using revised GRACE estimates of these low‐degree coefficients. For the period 2005–2015, we find that TWS makes an additional contribution to GMSL rise of about 0.32 ± 0.02 mm/year, mostly associated with a TWS decrease. This revised estimate is sufficient to nearly balance the budget of GMSL rise.
Dayside Magnetopause Reconnection: Its Dependence on Solar Wind and Magnetosheath Conditions
Authors: Koga D. , Gonzalez W. D. , Souza V. M. , Cardoso F. R. , Wang C. , Liu Z. K.
Published: November 2019

Magnetic reconnection permits topological rearrangements of the interplanetary and magnetospheric magnetic fields and the entry of solar wind mass, energy, and momentum into the magnetosphere. Thus, magnetic reconnection is a key issue to understand space weather. However, it has not been fully understood yet under which interplanetary/magnetosheath conditions magnetic reconnection takes place more effectively at the dayside magnetopause. In the present study 25 dayside magnetopause reconnection events are investigated using the “Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms” (THEMIS) satellite observations in order to find its dependence on solar wind and magnetosheath conditions. It is found that the reconnection electric field is proportional to the interplanetary electric field and inversely proportional to the solar wind‐Alfvén Mach number and that the reconnection outflow speed is proportional to the solar wind Alfvén speed and inversely proportional to the magnetosheath plasma beta. It is also shown that the range of magnetic shear angles for which magnetic reconnection should occur is restricted to large shears as the magnetosheath flow direction becomes more perpendicular to the direction of the local magnetopause normal vector. Since these results refer to fairly typical solar wind‐Alfvén Mach number condition, they may not necessarily apply to more extreme cases.