bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When the Leviathan goes to the market: A critical evaluation of the rules governing state-owned enterprises in trade agreements
Authors: Borlini Leonardo
Published: February 2020

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) have long constituted, and are likely to remain, an important instrument in any government’s toolbox for a variety of economic and societal goals. However, the significant extent of state ownership among the world’s top companies, and the quantitative and qualitative transformation and hybrid nature of SOEs, raises the issue of their impact on international trade flows and the competitive process. This article addresses the question of how international trade agreements regulate SOEs, with a view to furthering the international contestability of markets, while, at the same time, allowing governments to provide support to SOEs as a means of dealing with market failures and the pursuit of public goals. After a brief introduction to contemporary state capitalism, the argument is developed in three main parts. The first part situates SOEs within the GATT and WTO frameworks and elaborates on the findings of previous literature with a view to highlighting the main shortcomings of such discipline. The second part re-examines the notion of ‘competitive neutrality’ by locating contemporary trade agreements within the larger contextual relationships between the state, the market, and the social, and thus reconstructs the normative rationales and general policy implications of the disciplines under examination. Against this background, the third part critically assesses the new disciplines on SOEs in recent preferential trading areas (PTAs). The main conclusion is that the search for binding rules has not led to balanced regimes and, despite the wider scope of the new rules, notable problems that have emerged within the WTO context remain unsolved.
Family history of associated disorders in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Boris Jeffrey R. , Huang Jing , Shuey Timothy , Bernadzikowski Thomas
Published: February 2020

Introduction:

Postural tachycardia syndrome is more frequently being recognised in adolescents and adults. However, its pathophysiology remains undefined. We evaluated our database for patterns in family history of clinical symptoms and associated disorders in these patients.

Materials and methods:

Patients with postural tachycardia syndrome diagnosed in our clinic between 2014 and 2018 and who were less than 19 years at diagnosis were included. The history was reviewed for family members with postural tachycardia syndrome, dizziness and/or syncope, joint hypermobility with or without hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, and autoimmune disorders. Statistical analysis assessed the entire cohort plus differences in gender, presence or absence of joint hypermobility, and presence or absence of familial autoimmune disease.

Results:

A total of 579 patients met inclusion criteria. We found that 14.2% of patients had a family member with postural tachycardia syndrome, with male patients more likely to have an affected family member (20% versus 12.7%, p = 0.04). If the patient also had joint hypermobility, male patients were more likely to have a family member with postural tachycardia syndrome (25% versus 12.6%, p = 0.017), more than one affected family member (7.1% versus 0.74%, p = 0.001), and a family member with joint hypermobility (37.5% versus 23.7%, p = 0.032). Autoimmune disease was seen in 45.1% of family members, but more likely in female patients with concurrent hypermobility (21.1% versus 8.9%, p = 0.035).

Discussion:

This in-depth analysis of associated familial disorders in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome offers further insight into the pathophysiology of the disorder, and informs further screening of family members in these patients.
The gender congruency effect in Catalan–Spanish bilinguals: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Paolieri Daniela , Demestre Josep , Guasch Marc , Bajo Teresa , Ferré Pilar
Published: February 2020

The present study examines whether processing a word in one language is affected by the grammatical gender of its translation equivalent in another language. To this end, a group of Catalan–Spanish bilinguals performed a translation–recognition task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Participants were presented with Catalan and Spanish pairs of words and had to decide if they were translation equivalents. Correct translations included words that were gender congruent (estiuMAS/veranoMAS–summer) or gender incongruent (tardorFEM/otoñoMAS–autumn). The behavioral results showed that participants were faster and more accurate in the gender-congruent condition than in the incongruent condition. The ERP data showed a reduced N400 for the congruent condition. The facilitative effect of gender congruency observed in this study constitutes evidence of the obligatory access to grammatical gender information during bare noun processing and suggests that the bilinguals’ gender systems interact, even in highly proficient early bilinguals.
Follow-up effect of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) intercropping system on biomass and morphology of willow (Salix viminalis L.)
Authors: Helios Waldemar , Kozak Marcin , Kotecki Andrzej , Lewandowska Sylwia
Published: February 2020

In 2010, a split-plot experiment was set up in Poland in order to determine the follow-up effect of the white clover intercropping system on biomass and morphology of willow. In 2010 willow was planted in a pure stand and intercropped with white clover. In 2013, after willow achieved a proper growth stage (2010–2012), plant measurements were made in the years 2013–2014. The experiment was carried out with two factors in a split-plot design: the first factor was the cultivation system (main plot) (a) without white clover and (b) with white clover, and the second factor was three basket willow clones: 1047, 1052 and 1057 (subplot). The investigated characters were biomass yield, height of plants, shoot diameter and plant loss. No N fertilization or pesticides were used. The intercropping system (willow with white clover) reduced the number of willow plants, but the willow height was lower in the pure stand (368 cm) than in the intercropping system (409 cm). The highest dry matter yield (30.8 t ha−1), crude ash yield (434 kg ha−1) and macronutrient (N, P, K and Mg) content were obtained with clone 1047.
Facilitating livelihoods diversification through flood-based land restoration in pastoral systems of Afar, Ethiopia
Authors: Amede Tilahun , Van den Akker Elisabeth , Berdel Wolf , Keller Christina , Tilahun Gebeyaw , Dejen Asmare , Legesse Gizachew , Abebe Hunegnaw
Published: February 2020

The pastoral systems of Eastern Africa have been affected by the alternated incidence of recurrent drought and flood for the last decades, aggravating poverty and local conflicts. We have introduced an innovation to convert floods to productive use using water spreading weirs (WSW) as an entry point to capture and spread the torrential flood emerging in the neighboring highlands into rangelands and crop fields of low-lying pastoral systems in Afar, Ethiopia. The productivity and landscape feature have changed from an abandoned field to a productive landscape within 3 years of intervention. The flood patterns and sediment loads created at least four different crop management zones and productivity levels. Based on moisture and nutrient regimes, we developed land suitability maps for integrating crops and forages fitting to specific niches. The outcome was a fast recovery of landscapes, with 150% biomass yield increment, increased access to dry season feed and food. These positive outcomes could be attributed to the proper design of weirs, joint planning and execution between pastoralists, researchers and development agents, identification and availing best-fitting varieties for each management zone and developing simple GIS-based parcel level maps to guide development agents and pastoralists. The major ‘agents’ were community leaders (‘Kedoh Abbobati’) who keenly debated potential benefits and drawbacks of innovations, enforced customary rules and byelaw and suggested changes in approaches and choices of interventions. In general, an innovation system approach helped to create local confidence, attract attention of government institutions and helped local actors to identify investment areas, develop implementation strategies to increase productivity, define changes as it occurs and minimize conflicts between competing communities. However, the risk of de facto use of a plot of communal land translating into long-term occupation and ownership may be impacting a communal territory and social cohesion that was subject to other collective choice customary rules.
International humanitarian law, Islamic law and the protection of children in armed conflict
Authors: Al-Dawoody Ahmed , Murphy Vanessa
Published: February 2020

This paper compares how rules of international humanitarian law and rules of Islamic law protect children in armed conflict. It examines areas of convergence and divergence, and areas where there is room for clarification between these two legal systems. This comparative exercise spotlights four key topics marking the wartime experience of children: the unlawful recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups, the detention of children, their access to education, and the situation of children separated from their families.
Epigenetic Influences on Neurodevelopment at 11 Years of Age: Protocol for the Longitudinal Peri/Postnatal Epigenetic Twins Study at 11 Years of Age (PETS@11)
Authors: Leong Pamela , Loke Yuk Jing , Saffery Richard , Silk Tim , Burnett Alice , Josev Elisha , Scurrah Katrina , Theda Christiane , Czajko Anna , Pua Emmanuel PK , Seal Marc L , Craig Jeffrey M
Published: February 2020

Neurodevelopment is sensitive to genetic and pre/postnatal environmental influences. These effects are likely mediated by epigenetic factors, yet current knowledge is limited. Longitudinal twin studies can delineate the link between genetic and environmental factors, epigenetic state at birth and neurodevelopment later in childhood. Building upon our study of the Peri/postnatal Epigenetic Twin Study (PETS) from gestation to 6 years of age, here we describe the PETS 11-year follow-up in which we will use neuroimaging and cognitive testing to examine the relationship between early-life environment, epigenetics and neurocognitive outcomes in mid-childhood. Using a within-pair twin model, the primary aims are to (1) identify early-life epigenetic correlates of neurocognitive outcomes; (2) determine the developmental stability of epigenetic effects and (3) identify modifiable environmental risk factors. Secondary aims are to identify factors influencing gut microbiota between 6 and 11 years of age to investigate links between gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental outcomes in mid-childhood. Approximately 210 twin pairs will undergo an assessment at 11 years of age. This includes a direct child cognitive assessment, multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, biological sampling, anthropometric measurements and a range of questionnaires on health and development, behavior, dietary habits and sleeping patterns. Data from complementary data sources, including the National Assessment Program — Literacy and Numeracy and the Australian Early Development Census, will also be sought. Following on from our previous focus on relationships between growth, cardiovascular health and oral health, this next phase of PETS will significantly advance our understanding of the environmental interactions that shape the developing brain.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Generation Mechanisms of Submesoscale Currents in the Northeastern South China Sea Revealed by Numerical Simulations
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Yuchen , Qiu Bo , Sasaki Hideharu , Sun Zhongbin , Zhang Xincheng , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei
Published: February 2020

Although both geostrophic‐balanced mesoscale eddies and unbalanced small‐scale processes have been well studied in the northeastern South China Sea (NE‐SCS), less attention has been devoted to the submesoscales in between (i.e., O(1–10 km)), which is recognized as an important conduit connecting the balanced and unbalanced motions. Based on the output from a 1/30° OGCM simulation, spatiotemporal characteristics and generation mechanisms of submesoscales in the NE‐SCS are investigated in this study. Through examining the submesoscale relative vorticity and vertical velocity, the regions southwest of Taiwan (ST) and Luzon Strait (LS) are identified as two hot spots of submesoscales in the NE‐SCS. Seasonally, the submesoscales in region ST are much stronger in winter than summer, while those in LS do not show a significant seasonality. Statistical analysis suggests that the strength of submesoscales in regions ST and LS is highly correlated with the product of mixed‐layer depth and mesoscale strain rate (MSR) and with the MSR itself, respectively. By conducting theoretical scaling and energetics analysis, the authors find that the mixed‐layer instability whose strength is determined by the combination of mixed‐layer depth and MSR and the barotropic instability associated with current‐islands interactions are the dominant generation mechanisms of submesoscales in the above two regions, respectively. Further examinations of the submesoscale energy budget indicate that, to keep a balanced state, the generated submesoscales have to be dissipated by a forward energy cascade, highlighting the important role of submesoscales in the energy balance of the NE‐SCS circulation.
Decoupling Between Phytoplankton Growth and Microzooplankton Grazing Enhances Productivity in Subantarctic Waters on Campbell Plateau, Southeast of New Zealand
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez A. , Safi K. , Fernández D. , Forcén‐Vázquez A. , Gourvil P. , Hoffmann L. , Pinkerton M. , Sutton P. , Nodder S. D.
Published: February 2020

The Subantarctic zone is one of the largest High‐Nutrient Low‐Chlorophyll zones of the Southern Ocean. Despite widespread iron limitation, phytoplankton accumulation (chlorophyll a (chla) > 0.3 mg m−3) often occurs near islands and bathymetric features such as on the Campbell Plateau, southeast of New Zealand. To investigate the processes responsible for localized increases in chla commonly observed by satellites, we characterized phytoplankton biomass structure, production, and microzooplankton grazing on Campbell Plateau and surrounding waters in austral autumn (March 2017). Chla on the plateau tended to be higher, more variable (0.52 ± 0.38 mg chla m−3, mean ± standard deviation), and characterized by larger phytoplankton forms (22 ± 27%chla > 20 μm) than surrounding waters (0.29 ± 0.12 mg chla m−3, 5 ± 2%). The increased contribution of diatoms, together with higher photosystem II maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm = 0.45 ± 0.05) and lower effective absorption cross‐section (σPSII = 774 ± 90 Å RCII−1) on the plateau, suggests an alleviation of iron stress relative to surrounding waters (Fv/Fm = 0.37 ± 0.04, σPSII = 974 ± 89 Å RCII−1). Phytoplankton growth (μ0 = 0.42 ± 0.20 day−1) and production rates (6.1 ± 3.2 mg C m−3 day−1) were also higher compared to surrounding waters (0.27 ± 0.04 day−1, 3.5 ± 1.9 mg C m−3 day−1). While microzooplankton grazing (g = 0.28 ± 0.18 day−1) balanced phytoplankton growth off the plateau (g:μ0 = 1.13 ± 0.18), the imbalance observed on Campbell Plateau (g = 0.25 ± 0.25 day−1) allowed a substantial proportion of primary production to escape microzooplankton grazing control (g:μ0 = 0.48 ± 0.31). Overall, the degree of coupling tended to decrease with the depth of the mixed layer (R2 > 0.6, p < 0.001). We hypothesize that the entrainment of deeper water into the mixed layer regulates the onset and fate of the autumn bloom by altering nutrient supply and microzooplankton grazing pressure.
Transport of Oil Droplets in the Upper Ocean: Impact of the Eddy Diffusivity
Authors: Boufadel Michel , Liu Ruixue , Zhao Lin , Lu Youyu , Özgökmen Tamay , Nedwed Timothy , Lee Kenneth
Published: February 2020

The transport of oil droplets following a surface oil spill was investigated using a uniform vertical eddy diffusivity model and the K‐profile parameterization model, which assumes a maximum K value at 1/3 depth of the mixed layer. The initial droplet size distribution was obtained based on the Delvigne and Sweeney (1988, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13131‐013‐0364‐7) model. Using a uniform eddy diffusivity Kave, an exact analytical solution was used to produce the transient and steady state profile of the concentration of droplets of all sizes. It was found that the concentration at the surface is proportional to the droplet rise velocity and inversely proportional to Kave. Thus, small droplets (smaller than 100 μm) do not persist at the water surface. It was found that K‐profile parameterization produces smaller concentrations at the water surface than the uniform K model. The impact of waves was introduced into the K‐profile parameterization model through a roughness height, zo, that is comparable to the wave height. The investigation herein reveals that the Delvigne and Sweeney approach, commonly used in oil spill modeling, is not sufficient to predict the oil droplet size distribution, and that one needs to use a vertical eddy diffusivity to accurately predict the transport in the following hours and days. A new dimensionless formulation was provided to generalize the results, and showed that transport depends on three major parameters, the water friction speed, the mixed layer depth, and the droplet diameter.
Evaluation of Evaporation Climatology for the Congo Basin Wet Seasons in 11 Global Climate Models
Authors: Crowhurst David M. , Dadson Simon J. , Washington Richard
Published: February 2020

Across the Congo, there is a wide spread in rainfall in the two wet seasons in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 global climate models (GCMs). As the Congo is believed to be a moisture recycling hot spot, the evaporation of excess water from the land surface in some models could be amplifying the model spread in rainfall. This study performs an exploratory process‐based evaluation of Congo Basin evaporation in 11 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 GCMs that took part in the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project. Our aims are to improve scientific understanding about Congo evaporation, and to determine whether there are opportunities to improve how models produce Congo evaporation. Climatologically, we find that models with “realistic” rainfall simulate higher rainfall in November, the peak of the second wet season, than March, the peak of the first. However, models with “realistic” evaporation simulate lower evaporation in November than March, because these models suppress the transpiration component of the evaporation in November relative to March. In both wet seasons, subgrid rainfall schemes make these models simulate a credible ratio of transpiration to canopy evaporation, and cause them to generate evaporation in a more realistic manner. We therefore trust how these models produce evaporation in the wet seasons, and argue that lower transpiration is likely to explain why evaporation is lower in November than March in reality. We also suggest that using subgrid rainfall schemes in all GCMs could improve how models produce Congo evaporation during the wet seasons. This might reduce the model spread in Congo rainfall.
Toward a Reanalysis of Stratospheric Ozone for Trend Studies: Assimilation of the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder and Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite Limb Profiler Data
Authors: Wargan Krzysztof , Kramarova Natalya , Weir Brad , Pawson Steven , Davis Sean M.
Published: February 2020

Compatibility of the stratospheric ozone profile data from the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite Limb Profiler (OMPS‐LP) and the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) is assessed in the context of a continuity requirement for future reanalyses. A methodology for the assimilation of OMPS‐LP data into the Goddard Earth Observing System data assimilation system with a stratospheric chemistry module is developed. It is demonstrated that a simple homogenization technique significantly reduces the bias between OMPS‐LP and MLS analyses. With the homogenization applied, the mean difference between the two analyses is within 3% and the difference standard deviation within 10%, consistent with the estimated uncertainties of the satellite ozone data. Larger differences are seen in the tropical lower stratosphere. The MLS and OMPS‐LP assimilation experiments agree very well with independent data from ozonesondes and the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer. Heterogeneous ozone depletion during polar spring in both hemispheres as well as ozone transport during the 2016 quasi‐biennial oscillation disruption event are realistically represented in both analyses. This work establishes a step toward achieving continuity of the post‐2004 ozone record in future reanalyses, necessary for trend and long‐term ozone variability studies, although further development is needed to address a drift in the OMPS‐LP ozone data.
δ18O and Mg/Ca Thermometry in Planktonic Foraminifera: A Multiproxy Approach Toward Tracing Coastal Upwelling Dynamics
Authors: Salgueiro E. , Voelker A. H. L. , Martin P. A. , Rodrigues T. , Zúñiga D. , Froján M. , de la Granda F. , Villacieros‐Robineau N. , Alonso‐Pérez F. , Alberto A. , Rebotim A. , González‐Álvarez R. , Castro C. G. , Abrantes F.
Published: February 2020

Planktonic foraminifera δ18O and Mg/Ca ratios are widely considered as a powerful proxy to reconstruct past seawater‐column temperature. Due to the complex interpretation of planktonic foraminifera δ18O data in regard to past seawater temperatures, temperature determination based on the foraminifera shell Mg/Ca ratio is believed to be more accurate. Scarce Mg/Ca calibration data exists for coastal upwelling regions, resulting in incoherent results of past seawater reconstructions. The current study along the NW Iberia coastal upwelling system intends to define the best Mg/Ca temperature equation for the most representative species of this region (Neogloboquadrina incompta, Globigerina bulloides, and Globorotalia inflata). Seawater temperature from δ18O and Mg/Ca of these three planktonic foraminifera species was compared with the surface sediments alkenone derived SST and with the in situ temperatures measured at the depths where these foraminifera species currently live and calcify. The equations that better reflect each species calcification depth were selected as our regional equations for δ18O and Mg/Ca temperature reconstructions. The δ18O‐estimated temperatures for surface sediment specimens were comparable with in situ seawater‐column temperature measurements, whereas the Mg/Ca derived temperatures seem to underestimate in situ values, in special for G. bulloides from samples affected by stronger coastal upwelling. The G. bulloides δ18O and Mg/Ca estimated temperatures from samples located offshore, further from coastal upwelling influence, are comparable to surface sediment alkenone derived temperatures. Our study shows that in upwelling areas, regional calibration of planktonic foraminifera Mg/Ca temperature equations is necessary for reliable interpretations of high‐resolution past temperature variability in these important environments.
Dry Deposition of Ozone Over Land: Processes, Measurement, and Modeling
Authors: Clifton Olivia E. , Fiore Arlene M. , Massman William J. , Baublitz Colleen B. , Coyle Mhairi , Emberson Lisa , Fares Silvano , Farmer Delphine K. , Gentine Pierre , Gerosa Giacomo , Guenther Alex B. , Helmig Detlev , Lombardozzi Danica L. , Munger J. William , Patton Edward G. , Pusede Sally E. , Schwede Donna B. , Silva Sam J. , Sörgel Matthias , Steiner Allison L. , Tai Amos P. K.
Published: February 2020

Dry deposition of ozone is an important sink of ozone in near‐surface air. When dry deposition occurs through plant stomata, ozone can injure the plant, altering water and carbon cycling and reducing crop yields. Quantifying both stomatal and nonstomatal uptake accurately is relevant for understanding ozone's impact on human health as an air pollutant and on climate as a potent short‐lived greenhouse gas and primary control on the removal of several reactive greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Robust ozone dry deposition estimates require knowledge of the relative importance of individual deposition pathways, but spatiotemporal variability in nonstomatal deposition is poorly understood. Here we integrate understanding of ozone deposition processes by synthesizing research from fields such as atmospheric chemistry, ecology, and meteorology. We critically review methods for measurements and modeling, highlighting the empiricism that underpins modeling and thus the interpretation of observations. Our unprecedented synthesis of knowledge on deposition pathways, particularly soil and leaf cuticles, reveals process understanding not yet included in widely used models. If coordinated with short‐term field intensives, laboratory studies, and mechanistic modeling, measurements from a few long‐term sites would bridge the molecular to ecosystem scales necessary to establish the relative importance of individual deposition pathways and the extent to which they vary in space and time. Our recommended approaches seek to close knowledge gaps that currently limit quantifying the impact of ozone dry deposition on air quality, ecosystems, and climate.
The Interaction of the Eastward Extrusion of the Songpan‐Ganzi Terrane and the Crustal Rotational Movement of the Sichuan Basin Since the Late Paleogene: Evidence From Cretaceous and Paleogene Paleomagnetic Data Sets of the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Tong Yabo , Wu Zhonghai , Sun Yujun , Yang Zhenyu , Pei Junling , Yang Xiangdong , Li Jianfeng , Wang Chenxu
Published: February 2020

Since ~40 Ma the eastward extrusion of the Songpan‐Ganzi Terrane (SGT), induced by the continuous convergence of the Indian Plate and Eurasia, was resisted by the Sichuan Basin which led to complex crustal rotational deformation of the basin edge. The interaction between the eastward extrusion of the SGT and crustal rotational movement of the Sichuan Basin is the key to understand the Cenozoic crustal deformation of the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. However, we lack information about the dynamic mechanism of the branching of the eastward extrusion of the SGT and the characteristics of the crustal rotation of the Sichuan Basin. In the present study, the comprehensive analysis of Cretaceous and Paleogene paleomagnetic data from the southern edge of the Sichuan Basin shows a significant correlation between the locations of sampling sections on the edge of the basin and their corresponding amount of rotation. This indicates that since the time no earlier than 40 Ma (more likely since the Late Paleogene), the upper crust of the Sichuan Basin commenced passive integral clockwise rotation, relative to the eastern edge of the South China Block/Europe, which not only played an important role in promoting the eastward extrusion of the SGT dividing into the northeastern and southern branches at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, but was also probably correlative with the partial decoupling between the upper and lower crusts of the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
A Parsimonious Empirical Approach to Streamflow Recession Analysis and Forecasting
Authors: Delforge Damien , Muñoz‐Carpena Rafael , Van Camp Michel , Vanclooster Marnik
Published: February 2020

For more than a century, the study of streamflow recession has been dominated by seemingly physically based parametric methods that make assumptions on the nonlinear nature of the hydrograph recession. In practice, several studies have shown that various degrees of nonlinearity occur in the same time series and that parametric methods can underfit nonlinear recession patterns. As a result, these methods are often applied empirically to each recession segment. We propose a parsimonious data‐driven model, EDM‐Simplex, with two objectives: forecasting recession and characterizing its nonlinear behavior. We evaluate the new model through a global sensitivity analysis applied to three distinctive hydrograph series from a heterogeneous karstic catchment. The results show excellent 1‐day‐ahead forecasting performance (median Nash and Sutcliffe efficiency > 0.99) for all time series with four recession extraction methods. The sensitivity analysis also showed that empirical nonlinearity, that is, sensitivity to initial conditions, is best estimated through the absolute forecast performance and its decline over time. This indicator leads to different interpretations of nonlinearity compared to previous methods but is just as sensitive to the choice of recession extraction method. In particular, when forecasts were made for recession segments containing early stages of recession or flow anomalies, the upstream recession was significantly more linear than the downstream recession hydrographs affected by the karst. Consequently, our results support future research to interpret observed nonlinearities as a function of the catchment hydrological states for better integration of empirical, physical‐based, and operational approaches to recession analysis.
Partitioning Thresholds in Hybrid Implicit‐Explicit Representations of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Wong Daniel Lorng Yon , Doster Florian , Geiger Sebastian , Kamp Arjan
Published: February 2020

Fractures can have variable effects on fluid flow in a porous rock. Moderately conductive fractures may enhance the rock's overall effective permeability, while highly conductive fractures may completely dominate fluid transport. Fluid flow modeling is important to quantify the impact of fractures on the performance of a reservoir. However, simulating fluid flow is computationally intensive due to the heterogeneities introduced by the fracture network. In this work, complex fracture patterns are simplified using hybrid implicit‐explicit representations to yield a computationally tractable model. Hybrid modeling requires the selection of a partitioning size to group fractures by size. Small fractures are upscaled with the rock matrix; large fractures are explicitly represented. Our study shows that, given a naturally fractured reservoir, an upper limit exists for the partitioning size and that this threshold partitioning size can be determined without trial and error. Using artificial and realistic fracture patterns, we created hybrid models using different partitioning sizes and subjected them to pressure drawdowns. Simulated production rates were compared against reference results obtained from simulations on the original fracture patterns. Beyond a threshold partitioning size unique to each fracture pattern, hybrid model results deviate significantly from reference solutions. The threshold is identified from the relationship between upscaled permeabilities and partitioning sizes and corresponds to the point where the effective permeability of small fractures begins to increase rapidly. The permeability‐size relationship is obtained using numerical flow‐based upscaling. For uniformly distributed fractures with no abutment relationships, the effective medium theory is shown to generate accurate permeability‐size relationships.
Subcore Scale Fluid Flow Behavior in a Sandstone With Cataclastic Deformation Bands
Authors: Romano Carla R. , Zahasky Christopher , Garing Charlotte , Minto James M. , Benson Sally M. , Shipton Zoe K. , Lunn Rebecca J.
Published: February 2020

Accurate determination of petrophysical and multiphase flow properties in sandstones is necessary for reservoir characterization, for instance for carbon dioxide and hydrogen storage in geological formations or for enhanced oil recovery. Several studies have examined the effect of heterogeneities, such as fractures, bedding planes, and laminae, on core‐scale fluid flow. However, the influence of deformation bands that commonly occur in high porosity sandstones is poorly understood. In this study, we consider a core sample of Navajo sandstone characterized by diagonally oriented deformation bands and two laminae perpendicular to the core axis, as determined from micro X‐ray computed tomography (micro‐CT). Positron emission tomography is used to derive the single phase hydrodynamic properties of the core. A CO2 drainage experiment is conducted in the water‐saturated core and imaged with a medical X‐ray CT scanner. Medical CT enables CO2 saturation quantification with increasing CO2 injection rate. Experimental results and the accompanying numerical simulations indicate that both the laminae and the deformation bands act as capillary barriers, with the laminae forming weaker capillary barriers than the deformation bands. The deformation bands have lower permeability and porosity due to grain crushing, and a very high capillary entry pressure that inhibits CO2 migration across the bands. At the reservoir scale, deformation bands form conjugate sets and are often present in thick anastomosing clusters that define lozenge‐shaped compartments. These findings have important consequences for subsurface fluid flow. For example, the presence of deformation bands may reduce the storage capacity and injectivity in carbon storage reservoirs.
Osteopontin contributes to late-onset asthma phenotypes in adult asthma patients
Authors: Trinh Hoang Kim Tu , Nguyen Thuy Van Thao , Kim Seo-Hee , Cao Thi Bich Tra , Luu Quoc Quang , Kim Seung-Hyun , Park Hae-Sim
Published: February 2020

Patients with late-onset asthma (LOA) have poor clinical outcomes. Osteopontin (OPN) is associated with airway inflammation and remodeling. To investigate the role of OPN in LOA compared to early-onset asthma (EOA), serum OPN levels were compared between 131 adult asthma patients (48 LOA and 83 EOA patients) and 226 healthy controls (HCs). BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin with/without polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) from week 6 (A6 mice) or week 12 (A12 mice) after birth. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), cell counts, histology, andSpp1expression were assessed. The levels of OPN, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), chitinase 3-like 1 (CH3L1), and interleukin (IL) 5 were measured by ELISA. The expression of Smad3 phosphorylation and tissue transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) was evaluated by Western blot. The serum OPN levels were significantly higher in asthma patients than in HCs and in LOA patients than in those with EOA (P < 0.05) and were positively correlated with serum TGF-β1 and CH3L1 (r = 0.174,r = 0.264;P < 0.05). A12 mice showed elevated AHR with increased levels of OPN/TGF-β1/IL-5 in BALF andSpp1compared to A6 mice. Poly(I:C) induced remarkable TGF-β1, CH3L1, Th2 cytokine, and OPN levels in BALF and the expression of phosphorylated Smad3, TGM2, andSpp1in the lungs. OPN triggered TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling in the lungs, which was suppressed by dexamethasone and anti-IL5 antibody. In conclusion, aging and exposure to viral infections may induce OPN release and consequently modulate inflammation and TGF-β1/Smad3-related remodeling, contributing to the development of LOA.
Clinical significance of TP53, BIRC3, ATM and MAPK-ERK genes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: data from the randomised UK LRF CLL4 trial
Authors: Blakemore Stuart J. , Clifford Ruth , Parker Helen , Antoniou Pavlos , Stec-Dziedzic Ewa , Larrayoz Marta , Davis Zadie , Kadalyayil Latha , Colins Andrew , Robbe Pauline , Vavoulis Dimitris , Forster Jade , Carr Louise , Morilla Ricardo , Else Monica , Bryant Dean , McCarthy Helen , Walewska Renata J. , Steele Andrew J. , Chan Jacqueline , Speight Graham , Stankovic Tanja , Cragg Mark S. , Catovsky Daniel , Oscier David G. , Rose-Zerilli Matthew J. J. , Schuh Anna , Strefford Jonathan C.
Published: February 2020

Despite advances in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treatment, globally chemotherapy remains a central treatment modality, with chemotherapy trials representing an invaluable resource to explore disease-related/genetic features contributing to long-term outcomes. In 499 LRF CLL4 cases, a trial with >12 years follow-up, we employed targeted resequencing of 22 genes, identifying 623 mutations. After background mutation rate correction, 11/22 genes were recurrently mutated at frequencies between 3.6% (NFKBIE) and 24% (SF3B1). Mutations beyond Sanger resolution (<12% VAF) were observed in all genes, withKRASmutations principally composed of these low VAF variants. Firstly, employing orthogonal approaches to confirm <12% VAFTP53mutations, we assessed the clinical impact ofTP53clonal architecture. Whilst ≥ 12% VAFTP53mut cases were associated with reduced PFS and OS, we could not demonstrate a difference between <12% VAFTP53mutations and either wild type or ≥12% VAFTP53mut cases. Secondly, we identified biallelicBIRC3lesions (mutation and deletion) as an independent marker of inferior PFS and OS. Finally, we observed that mutatedMAPK-ERKgenes were independent markers of poor OS in multivariate survival analysis. In conclusion, our study supports using targeted resequencing of expanded gene panels to elucidate the prognostic impact of gene mutations.
Chronic activation of endothelial MAPK disrupts hematopoiesis via NFKB dependent inflammatory stress reversible by SCGF
Authors: Ramalingam Pradeep , Poulos Michael G. , Lazzari Elisa , Gutkin Michael C. , Lopez David , Kloss Christopher C. , Crowley Michael J. , Katsnelson Lizabeth , Freire Ana G. , Greenblatt Matthew B. , Park Christopher Y. , Butler Jason M.
Published: February 2020

Inflammatory signals arising from the microenvironment have emerged as critical regulators of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function during diverse processes including embryonic development, infectious diseases, and myelosuppressive injuries caused by irradiation and chemotherapy. However, the contributions of cellular subsets within the microenvironment that elicit niche-driven inflammation remain poorly understood. Here, we identify endothelial cells as a crucial component in driving bone marrow (BM) inflammation and HSC dysfunction observed following myelosuppression. We demonstrate that sustained activation of endothelial MAPK causes NF-κB-dependent inflammatory stress response within the BM, leading to significant HSC dysfunction including loss of engraftment ability and a myeloid-biased output. These phenotypes are resolved upon inhibition of endothelial NF-κB signaling. We identify SCGF as a niche-derived factor that suppresses BM inflammation and enhances hematopoietic recovery following myelosuppression. Our findings demonstrate that chronic endothelial inflammation adversely impacts niche activity and HSC function which is reversible upon suppression of inflammation.
Mirrored entanglement witnesses
Authors: Bae Joonwoo , Chruściński Dariusz , Hiesmayr Beatrix C.
Published: February 2020

Entanglement detection, which signifies the task of distinguishing entangled states from separable states, can be generally performed by realizing entanglement witnesses via local measurements on a single-copy level and classical communication, and are known to be experimenter friendly. We introduce a framework of constructing mirrored entanglement witnesses by showing that an experimental observable is twice as effective since it generally provides bounds from above and below for separable states. Differently stated, a pair of witnesses, mirrored witnesses, exists for the characterization of the bounds, which are two faces of one observable. We show how to generally construct those witnesses and provide examples for bipartite and multipartite systems. We also show that both mirrored witnesses can be improved by introducing nonlinearities, by which a larger set of entangled states can be certified.
SciPy 1.0: fundamental algorithms for scientific computing in Python
Authors: Virtanen Pauli , Gommers Ralf , Oliphant Travis E. , Haberland Matt , Reddy Tyler , Cournapeau David , Burovski Evgeni , Peterson Pearu , Weckesser Warren , Bright Jonathan , van der Walt Stéfan J. , Brett Matthew , Wilson Joshua , Millman K. Jarrod , Mayorov Nikolay , Nelson Andrew R. J. , Jones Eric , Kern Robert , Larson Eric , Carey C J , Polat İlhan , Feng Yu , Moore Eric W. , VanderPlas Jake , Laxalde Denis , Perktold Josef , Cimrman Robert , Henriksen Ian , Quintero E. A. , Harris Charles R. , Archibald Anne M. , Ribeiro Antônio H. , Pedregosa Fabian , van Mulbregt Paul ,   SciPy 1.0 Contributors, Vijaykumar Aditya , Bardelli Alessandro Pietro , Rothberg Alex , Hilboll Andreas , Kloeckner Andreas , Scopatz Anthony , Lee Antony , Rokem Ariel , Woods C. Nathan , Fulton Chad , Masson Charles , Häggström Christian , Fitzgerald Clark , Nicholson David A. , Hagen David R. , Pasechnik Dmitrii V. , Olivetti Emanuele , Martin Eric , Wieser Eric , Silva Fabrice , Lenders Felix , Wilhelm Florian , Young G. , Price Gavin A. , Ingold Gert-Ludwig , Allen Gregory E. , Lee Gregory R. , Audren Hervé , Probst Irvin , Dietrich Jörg P. , Silterra Jacob , Webber James T , Slavič Janko , Nothman Joel , Buchner Johannes , Kulick Johannes , Schönberger Johannes L. , de Miranda Cardoso José Vinícius , Reimer Joscha , Harrington Joseph , Rodríguez Juan Luis Cano , Nunez-Iglesias Juan , Kuczynski Justin , Tritz Kevin , Thoma Martin , Newville Matthew , Kümmerer Matthias , Bolingbroke Maximilian , Tartre Michael , Pak Mikhail , Smith Nathaniel J. , Nowaczyk Nikolai , Shebanov Nikolay , Pavlyk Oleksandr , Brodtkorb Per A. , Lee Perry , McGibbon Robert T. , Feldbauer Roman , Lewis Sam , Tygier Sam , Sievert Scott , Vigna Sebastiano , Peterson Stefan , More Surhud , Pudlik Tadeusz , Oshima Takuya , Pingel Thomas J. , Robitaille Thomas P. , Spura Thomas , Jones Thouis R. , Cera Tim , Leslie Tim , Zito Tiziano , Krauss Tom , Upadhyay Utkarsh , Halchenko Yaroslav O. , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki
Published: February 2020

SciPy is an open-source scientific computing library for the Python programming language. Since its initial release in 2001, SciPy has become a de facto standard for leveraging scientific algorithms in Python, with over 600 unique code contributors, thousands of dependent packages, over 100,000 dependent repositories and millions of downloads per year. In this work, we provide an overview of the capabilities and development practices of SciPy 1.0 and highlight some recent technical developments.
RNA-Seq reveals novel genes and pathways associated with hypoxia duration and tolerance in tomato root
Authors: Safavi-Rizi Vajiheh , Herde Marco , Stöhr Christine
Published: February 2020

Due to climate change, economically important crop plants will encounter flooding periods causing hypoxic stress more frequently. This may lead to reduced yields and endanger food security. As roots are the first organ to be affected by hypoxia, the ability to sense and respond to hypoxic stress is crucial. At the molecular level, therefore, fine-tuning the regulation of gene expression in the root is essential for hypoxia tolerance. Using an RNA-Seq approach, we investigated transcriptome modulation in tomato roots of the cultivar ‘Moneymaker’, in response to short- (6 h) and long-term (48 h) hypoxia. Hypoxia duration appeared to have a significant impact on gene expression such that the roots of five weeks old tomato plants showed a distinct time-dependent transcriptome response. We observed expression changes in 267 and 1421 genes under short- and long-term hypoxia, respectively. Among these, 243 genes experienced changed expression at both time points. We identified tomato genes with a potential role in aerenchyma formation which facilitates oxygen transport and may act as an escape mechanism enabling hypoxia tolerance. Moreover, we identified differentially regulated genes related to carbon and amino acid metabolism and redox homeostasis. Of particular interest were the differentially regulated transcription factors, which act as master regulators of downstream target genes involved in responses to short and/or long-term hypoxia. Our data suggest a temporal metabolic and anatomic adjustment to hypoxia in tomato root which requires further investigation. We propose that the regulated genes identified in this study are good candidates for further studies regarding hypoxia tolerance in tomato or other crops.
Spatio-temporal genetic tagging of a cosmopolitan planktivorous shark provides insight to gene flow, temporal variation and site-specific re-encounters
Authors: Lieber Lilian , Hall Graham , Hall Jackie , Berrow Simon , Johnston Emmett , Gubili Chrysoula , Sarginson Jane , Francis Malcolm , Duffy Clinton , Wintner Sabine P. , Doherty Philip D. , Godley Brendan J. , Hawkes Lucy A. , Witt Matthew J. , Henderson Suzanne M. , de Sabata Eleonora , Shivji Mahmood S. , Dawson Deborah A. , Sims David W. , Jones Catherine S. , Noble Leslie R.
Published: February 2020

Migratory movements in response to seasonal resources often influence population structure and dynamics. Yet in mobile marine predators, population genetic consequences of such repetitious behaviour remain inaccessible without comprehensive sampling strategies. Temporal genetic sampling of seasonally recurring aggregations of planktivorous basking sharks, Cetorhinus maximus, in the Northeast Atlantic (NEA) affords an opportunity to resolve individual re-encounters at key sites with population connectivity and patterns of relatedness. Genetic tagging (19 microsatellites) revealed 18% of re-sampled individuals in the NEA demonstrated inter/multi-annual site-specific re-encounters. High genetic connectivity and migration between aggregation sites indicate the Irish Sea as an important movement corridor, with a contemporary effective population estimate (Ne) of 382 (CI = 241–830). We contrast the prevailing view of high gene flow across oceanic regions with evidence of population structure within the NEA, with early-season sharks off southwest Ireland possibly representing genetically distinct migrants. Finally, we found basking sharks surfacing together in the NEA are on average more related than expected by chance, suggesting a genetic consequence of, or a potential mechanism maintaining, site-specific re-encounters. Long-term temporal genetic monitoring is paramount in determining future viability of cosmopolitan marine species, identifying genetic units for conservation management, and for understanding aggregation structure and dynamics.
Exposure to Oil and Hypoxia Results in Alterations of Immune Transcriptional Patterns in Developing Sheepshead Minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus)
Authors: Rodgers Maria L. , Simning Danielle , Sepúlveda Maria S. , De Guise Sylvain , Bosker Thijs , Griffitt Robert J.
Published: February 2020

The area and timing of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill highlight the need to study oil and hypoxia exposure in early life stage fishes. Though critical to health, little research has targeted the effect of oil and hypoxia exposure on developing immune systems. To this end, we exposed sheepshead minnows (Cyprinodon variegatus) at three early life stages: embryonic; post-hatch; and post-larval, to a high energy water accommodated fraction (HEWAF) of oil, hypoxia, or both for 48 hours. We performed RNAseq to understand how exposures alter expression of immune transcripts and pathways. Under control conditions, the embryonic to post-hatch comparison (first transition) had a greater number of significantly regulated immune pathways than the second transition (post-hatch to post-larval). The addition of oil had little effect in the first transition, however, hypoxia elicited changes in cellular and humoral immune responses. In the second transition, oil exposure significantly altered many immune pathways (43), and while hypoxia altered few pathways, it did induce a unique signature of generally suppressing immune pathways. These data suggest that timing of exposure to oil and/or hypoxia matters, and underscores the need to further investigate the impacts of multiple stressors on immune system development in early life stage fishes.