bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The linkage of 13C and 15N soil depth gradients with C:N and O:C stoichiometry reveals tree species effects on organic matter turnover in soil
Authors: Lorenz Marcel , Derrien Delphine , Zeller Bernd , Udelhoven Thomas , Werner Willy , Thiele-Bruhn Sören
Published: November 2020

The knowledge of tree species dependent turnover of soil organic matter (SOM) is limited, yet required to understand the carbon sequestration function of forest soil. We combined investigations of13C and15N and its relationship to elemental stoichiometry along soil depth gradients in 35-year old monocultural stands of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), black pine (Pinus nigra), European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and red oak (Quercus rubra) growing on a uniform post-mining soil. We investigated the natural abundance of13C and15N and the carbon:nitrogen (C:N) and oxygen:carbon (O:C) stoichiometry of litterfall and fine roots as well as SOM in the forest floor and mineral soil. Tree species had a significant effect on SOM δ13C and δ15N reflecting significantly different signatures of litterfall and root inputs. Throughout the soil profile, δ13C and δ15N were significantly related to the C:N and O:C ratio which indicates that isotope enrichment with soil depth is linked to the turnover of organic matter (OM). Significantly higher turnover of OM in soils under deciduous tree species depended to 46% on the quality of litterfall and root inputs (N content, C:N, O:C ratio), and the initial isotopic signatures of litterfall. Hence, SOM composition and turnover also depends on additional—presumably microbial driven—factors. The enrichment of15N with soil depth was generally linked to13C. In soils under pine, however, with limited N and C availability, the enrichment of15N was decoupled from13C. This suggests that transformation pathways depend on litter quality of tree species.
“It’s All Just a Game”: How Victims of Rape Invoke the Game Metaphor to Add Meaning and Create Agency in Relation to Legal Trials
Authors: Laugerud Solveig
Published: November 2020

Metaphors are common in legal discourse because they reify abstract legal concepts. The game metaphor, sometimes used to characterise legal trials, tends to be associated with legal professionals’ work in court. This metaphor portrays a legal trial as a competitive, hostile and masculine process that excludes victims from participating in the trial. In this article, I analyse interviews with victims of rape who have had their case prosecuted in the courts in Norway. The victims use the game metaphor to characterise both the trial and their participation in it. I investigate how the game metaphor adds meaning to rape victims’ understanding and experience of a legal trial and creates room for agency in relation to the prosecution of their rape case.
Shaping Digital Innovation Via Digital-related Capabilities
Authors: Nasiri Mina , Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani , Rantala Tero , Rantanen Hannu
Published: November 2020

The aim of this research was to explore the conditions under which digital innovation opportunities emerge in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The research answered the question of what capabilities are required to shape the exploitation of digital innovation, namely market offerings and the digital business process. To address the research question with a quantitative research method, data were collected through survey questionnaires distributed among 280 SMEs operating in the service and manufacturing industries in Finland. The results revealed that among four digital-related capabilities—namely human, collaboration, technical, and innovation capabilities—human, technical, and innovation capabilities contribute to market offerings, while human, collaboration, and technical capabilities contribute to the business process.
Magnetic properties of surface sediments in Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica: spatial distribution and controlling factors
Authors: Warrier Anish Kumar , Sebastian Joju George , Amrutha K. , Yamuna Sali A. S. , Mahesh B. S. , Mohan Rahul
Published: November 2020

Purpose

We investigated the magnetic properties (abundance, grain size, and mineralogy) of iron oxides present in Lake L-55 sediments, Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica, with an aim to understand their spatial distribution and the underlying mechanisms that control their formation and distribution.

Methods

Twenty-five surficial sediments retrieved from different parts of Lake L-55 were subjected to the entire range of environmental magnetic (magnetic susceptibility, anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM)) measurements (at different field strengths). Inter-parametric ratios (χARM/SIRM,χARM/χlf,χARM/χfd, IRM20 mT/SIRM, IRM20 mT/ARM,S-ratio,L-ratio) provided insights into the magnetic properties (abundance, grain size, and mineralogy of iron oxides). Scanning electron microscopic-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (SEM-EDS) analysis was performed on magnetic extracts from a few sediments. Besides, organic matter (%) was also calculated for the sediment samples. Principal component analysis was performed to gain information on the presence of different components and their relative dominance.

Results

The iron oxides are strongly magnetic (high values of concentration-dependent parameters). The principal iron oxide is magnetite (S-ratio > 0.90) which is coarse-grained (multi-domain (MD) and stable single-domain (SSD) grains), and there is no influence of authigenic greigite, bacterial magnetite, and anthropogenic magnetite. The mineralogy is confirmed by SEM-EDS data. The iron oxides are of different grain sizes, and their contribution is in the order of MD > SSD > SP as shown by the principal component analysis. Pedogenic iron oxide minerals seem to be present in the samples whose formation is due to the oxidation of magnetite into hematite. However, they are of SSD size and not SP, suggesting that the intensity of pedogenesis isnotsufficient to form SP grains.

Conclusion

The iron oxide minerals are mainly terrigenous, and the biogenic activity within the lake is not sufficient to modify the ferrimagnetic minerals. Spatial distribution patterns suggest the non-uniform distribution of magnetite/titanomagnetite of varying sizes in the lake basin which is transported by both melt water streams and winds.
Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on urban park visitation: a global analysis
Authors: Geng Dehui (Christina) , Innes John , Wu Wanli , Wang Guangyu
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 33 million confirmed cases and over 1 million deaths globally, as of 1 October 2020. During the lockdown and restrictions placed on public activities and gatherings, green spaces have become one of the only sources of resilience amidst the coronavirus pandemic, in part because of their positive effects on psychological, physical and social cohesion and spiritual wellness. This study analyzes the impacts of COVID-19 and government response policies to the pandemic on park visitation at global, regional and national levels and assesses the importance of parks during this global pandemic. The data we collected primarily from Google’s Community Mobility Reports and the Oxford Coronavirus Government Response Tracker. The results for most countries included in the analysis show that park visitation has increased since February 16th, 2020 compared to visitor numbers prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions on social gathering, movement, and the closure of workplace and indoor recreational places, are correlated with more visits to parks. Stay-at-home restrictions and government stringency index are negatively associated with park visits at a global scale. Demand from residents for parks and outdoor green spaces has increased since the outbreak began, and highlights the important role and benefits provided by parks, especially urban and community parks, under the COVID-19 pandemic. We provide recommendations for park managers and other decision-makers in terms of park management and planning during health crises, as well as for park design and development. In particular, parks could be utilized during pandemics to increase the physical and mental health and social well-being of individuals.
An Analysis of Poplar Growth and Quality Traits to Facilitate Identification of Climate-Adapted Plant Material for Sweden
Authors: Karacic Almir , Adler Anneli , Weih Martin , Christersson Lars
Published: November 2020

Poplar plantations harbor large potential as a renewable source of biomass for bioenergy and other industrial applications. The overall aim of this study is to analyze growth, phenology, stem form, and branching characteristics of 32 poplar clones grown in a trial in southern Sweden for their suitability to be grown as industrial feedstock. In a linear mixed model, performed for diameter at breast height and stem volume, the precision was improved by the use of two competition indices. The significance of phenology and quality characteristics for growth performance and ranking of poplar clones was evaluated through genotypic correlations, and multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis used to group the material. All traits showed moderate to high broad sense heritability. In general, higher stem volume was positively correlated with later leaf senescence, and uncorrelated with spring phenology. Selection efficiency for stem diameter and height was greatly improved between age 3 and 6 years allowing a better precision in selecting a subset of clones to be further tested in production plots and pilot plantations. Two commercial Populus maximowiczii Henry × trichocarpa Torr. & Gray cultivars performed best, while some intraspecific hybrids of P. trichocarpa are considered useful to genetically diversify commercial plantations in Southern Sweden (Belgian clones) or establish plantations in north-central parts of Sweden (Swedish clones). The cluster analysis emphasized growth traits and the grouping of the clones corresponded to their origin (or parentage). The results will facilitate decisions on the use of studied material in breeding, further testing and commercial deployment of poplar plantations in Sweden.
Preferences, Partners, and Parenthood: Linking Early Fertility Desires, Marriage Timing, and Achieved Fertility
Authors: Nitsche Natalie , Hayford Sarah R.
Published: November 2020

In the United States, underachieving fertility desires is more common among women with higher levels of education and those who delay first marriage beyond their mid-20s. However, the relationship between these patterns, and particularly the degree to which marriage postponement explains lower fertility among the highly educated, is not well understood. We use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort to analyze differences in parenthood and achieved parity for men and women, focusing on the role of marriage timing in achieving fertility goals over the life course. We expand on previous research by distinguishing between entry into parenthood and average parity among parents as pathways to underachieving, by considering variation in the impact of marriage timing by education and by stage of the life course, and by comparing results for men and women. We find that women with a bachelor’s degree who desired three or more children are less likely to become mothers relative to women with the same desired family size who did not attend college. Conditional on becoming mothers, however, women with at least a bachelor’s degree do not have lower completed family size. No comparable fatherhood difference by desired family size is present. Postponing marriage beyond age 30 is associated with lower proportions of parenthood but not with lower parity among parents. Age patterns are similar for women and men, pointing at social rather than biological factors driving the underachievement of fertility goals.
Utility of RNA Sequencing Analysis in the Context of Genetic Testing
Authors: Tahiliani Jackie , Leisk Jeanne , Aradhya Kerry , Ouyang Karen , Aradhya Swaroop , Nykamp Keith
Published: November 2020

Purpose of Review

RNA analysis is beginning to be integrated into clinical laboratory genomics, and a review of its current uses and limitations is warranted. Here, we summarize the scope and utility of RNA analysis in the context of clinical genetic testing, including considerations for genetic counseling.

Recent Findings

RNA analysis is a powerful approach for interpreting some variants of uncertain significance, for analyzing splicing alterations, for providing additional functional evidence for sequence and structural variants, and for discovering novel variants. However, a review of RNA sequencing methods has noted variability in both laboratory processes and findings. Genetic counseling related to RNA analysis has to take into account nonstandardized laboratory processes, sample-type limitations, and differences in variant-interpretation outcomes.

RNA analysis is an important complement to DNA testing, although limitations still exist. Maximizing the utility of RNA analysis will require appropriate patient referrals and standardization of laboratory processes as the practice continues to expand the ability to identify and resolve molecular diagnoses.
Highly Dispersed Cobalt Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen-Doped Graphitized Carbon for Fast and Durable Potassium Storage
Authors: Shi Xiaodong , Xu Zhenming , Han Cheng , Shi Runze , Wu Xianwen , Lu Bingan , Zhou Jiang , Liang Shuquan
Published: November 2020

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) have great potential for applications in large-scale energy storage devices. However, the larger radius of K+ leads to sluggish kinetics and inferior cycling performance, severely restricting its practical applicability. Herein, we propose a rational strategy involving a Prussian blue analogue-derived graphitized carbon anode with fast and durable potassium storage capability, which is constructed by encapsulating cobalt nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon (Co-NC). Both experimental and theoretical results show that N-doping effectively promotes the uniform dispersion of cobalt nanoparticles in the carbon matrix through Co–N bonds. Moreover, the cobalt nanoparticles and strong Co–N bonds synergistically form a three-dimensional conductive network, increase the number of adsorption sites, and reduce the diffusion energy barrier, thereby facilitating the adsorption and the diffusion kinetics. These multiple effects lead to enhanced reversible capacities of 305 and 208.6 mAh g−1 after 100 and 300 cycles at 0.05 and 0.1 A g−1, respectively, demonstrating the applicability of the Co-NC anode for KIBs.
Crafting plaster through continuous mobile robotic fabrication on-site
Authors: Ercan Jenny Selen , Lloret-Fritschi Ena , Gramazio Fabio , Kohler Matthias
Published: November 2020

Industrialization of architectural components and technological advances have had a significant impact on how we design and build. These developments, resulting in mass-produced and panelized architectural components, have rationalized building construction. However, they often do not reveal the true potential of the inherent qualities of malleable materials. This research investigates the bespoke design potentials of combining a cementitious plaster, with a robotic spraying and forming process, and proposes an adaptive thin-layer additive manufacturing method for plasterwork. Research goals address an on-site construction system that is capable of performing continuous robotic plaster spraying on building elements. To support the understanding of the complex-to-simulate material behavior in this process, systematic studies and physical testing are proposed to be conducted to collect empirical knowledge and data. The goal is to explore bespoke surface qualities, with minimal waste, moving away from the modular and standardized form of the material. The paper presents the preliminary results and findings of the method that aims addressing the challenge of an adaptive construction system capable of performing continuous fabrication, for which mobile robots are proposed to be deployed.
Towards Smarter Regulation in the Areas of Competition, Data Protection and Consumer Law: Why Greater Power Should Come with Greater Responsibility
Authors: GRAEF Inge , VAN BERLO Sean
Published: November 2020

Based on a mix of conceptual insights and findings from cases, this paper discusses three ways in which the effectiveness of regulation in the areas of competition, data and consumer protection can be improved by tailoring substantive protections and enforcement mechanisms to the extent of market power held by firms. First, it is analysed how market power can be integrated into the substantive scope of protection of data protection and consumer law, drawing inspiration from competition law’s special responsibility for dominant firms. Second, it is illustrated how more asymmetric and smarter enforcement of existing data protection rules against firms possessing market power can strengthen the protection of data subjects and stimulate competition based on lessons from priority-setting and cooperation by consumer authorities. Third, it is explored how competition law’s special responsibility for dominant firms can be further strengthened in analogy with the principle of accountability in data protection law. Similarly, it is discussed how positive duties to ensure fair outcomes for consumers are developed in consumer law. The analysis offers lessons for improving the ability of the three regimes to protect consumers by imposing greater responsibility on firms with greater market power and thus posing greater risks for consumer harm.
Trust, Coordination and Multi-level Arrangements: Lessons for a European Health Union
Authors: MAGGETTI Martino
Published: November 2020

In the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis, the Swedish and Swiss governments adopted a similar policy approach. They enacted mostly non-binding measures to contain the epidemic, relying on the high level of interpersonal trust and trust in political institutions that exist in both of these (broadly comparable) countries to ensure compliance. However, unlike Sweden’s strategy, the Swiss policy response evolved during the early weeks of the “first wave”, achieving public health and socioeconomic results that have been considered as satisfactory, notwithstanding the complex institutional setting and policy process, the central location of Switzerland in continental Europe, its openness and its closeness with deeply affected regions in Italy and France. To shed light on this policy response and to draw lessons from it, this paper firstly discusses the role played by the new Swiss Epidemics Act. This law centralises decision-making capacity at the federal level and expands the competences of the central government, while leaving leeway to subnational units for implementation and recognising the need for increased international regulatory cooperation. Secondly, it shows how such a solution – a multi-level arrangement steered from the federal level with quite strong vertical and horizontal coordination mechanisms – could work as a blueprint for a European Health Union.
Variation in Indonesian cocoa farm productivity in relation to management, environmental and edaphic factors
Authors: Daymond A. J. , Prawoto A. , Abdoellah S. , Susilo A.W. , Cryer N. C. , Lahive F. , Hadley P.
Published: November 2020

A survey was conducted of Indonesian cocoa farms to assess the extent of yield variation and factors associated with this variation. The survey of 120 farms during the course of 3 years encompassed four provinces in Sulawesi (South, South-East, West and Central), Western Sumatra, Lampung, East Java and West Papua. A high degree of yield variation was observed between farms, the average over 3 years ranged from 39 to 3586 kg ha−1. Overall, yields were greater on farms that were classified as ‘highly managed’, compared to ‘moderately’ and ‘less managed’. Seasonal variability in yields was generally greater in districts with a more pronounced dry season such as South Sulawesi and Lampung. Multiple regression analyses revealed particular husbandry practices that were linked with higher cocoa yields. Specifically, the use of inorganic fertilisers, application of fungicides against blackpod and weeding were all practices that were associated with higher yields. A positive association between rainfall and yield was observed for the years 2014/15 and 2015/16 but not 2016/17, which was a La Niña year (when rainfall totals were higher). Some of the farms surveyed were planted with cocoa at very low densities implying an opportunity for yield improvement through gap filling or replanting at higher densities (although it was noted that some farmers maintained lower planting densities due to the cultivation of companion crops). Given the smallholder status of most cocoa farms in Indonesia (mean area in this study was 0.71 ha) it is important that farmers are able to maximise returns from their land in order to maintain a livelihood. This study illustrated the potential for yield improvement on Indonesian cocoa farms through adoption of best agronomic practice.
Identification of exogenous ABA and heat stress tolerance in various cotton genotypes
Authors: Guo Yaping , Fan Rong , Sun Fenglei , Qu Yanying , Zheng Kai , Chen Qin , Chen Quanjia
Published: November 2020

Cotton fibre yield and quality are markedly influenced by drought and high-temperature stress. We examined the traits of the leaf stomata in 39 cotton genotypes subjected to exogenous phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) signalling, electrolyte leakage under 40°C thermal stress, and relative GhHsfA, GhbZIP and GhHSP70 expression levels under two treatments. Stomatal density and area ranged from 66 to 182/mm2 and 663 to 1305 μm2, respectively. Under exogenous ABA signalling, the changes in stomatal aperture (ΔSAp) were in the range of 2.5–31.2%; ΔSAp and relative GhHsfA, GhbZIP and GhHSP70 expression levels were significantly correlated, respectively. Electrolyte leakage increased unequally among cotton genotypes after heat stress. The changes in electrolyte leakage (ΔEL) and relative GhHsfA, GhbZIP and GhHSP70 expression levels were very strongly correlated, respectively. Their relative expression levels could be used as references for the rapid identification of stress-tolerant cotton strains. Cluster analysis of the 39 cotton genotypes indicated that Xinluzao36, Shiyang1, shinong98-7 and Zhongmiansuo293 are heat- and drought-resistant. We integrated both analysis of physiological parameters and molecular methods to identify cotton varieties with the drought and heat tolerance, in order to provide a reference for the selection of materials and methods for the research and production of cotton.
Brief psychological intervention for distress tolerance in an adult secondary care community mental health service: an evaluation
Authors: Wright Isobel , Travers-Hill Emma , Gracey Fergus , Troup Jordan , Parkin Katherine , Casey Stephanie , Kim Youngsuk
Published: November 2020

Distress intolerance has been suggested to be a maintaining factor in several mental health conditions. Distress tolerance skills training has been found to be beneficial in emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Short-term targeted interventions are increasingly being implemented in response to demand. This study investigates the efficacy of a distress tolerance brief psychological intervention (DT BPI) delivered by non-psychologists within an adult secondary care mental health service. Questionnaire data (pre and post) are reported from 43 participants who completed the intervention. Results suggest that the intervention was associated with significant improvements in distress tolerance, mood, anxiety and wellbeing. This indicates that a DT BPI can be effective when delivered by non-psychologists to real-world adult secondary care clients. The findings offer promising evidence that DT BPI could be a beneficial, cost-effective intervention and warrants further large-scale investigation.

Key learning aims

(1)

To enhance practitioners’ awareness of distress intolerance as a potential maintaining factor and therefore treatment target.

(2)

To outline a transdiagnostic distress tolerance brief psychological intervention.

(3)

To illustrate the potential of this distress tolerance brief psychological intervention to produce positive reliable change with real-world clients when delivered by non-psychologists.
Using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) to Examine the Internal Structure of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Fresno Andrés , Arias Víctor , Núñez Daniel , Spencer Rosario , Ramos Nadia , Espinoza Camila , Bravo Patricia , Arriagada Jessica , Brunet Alain
Published: November 2020

Several studies have reported the factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results show models with different number of factors, high correlations between factors, and symptoms that belong to different factors in different models without affecting the fit index. These elements could suppose the existence of considerable item cross-loading, the overlap of different factors or even the presence of a general factor that explains the items common source of variance. The aim is to provide new evidence regarding the factor structure of PTSD using CFA and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). In a sample of 1,372 undergraduate students, we tested six different models using CFA and two models using ESEM and ESEM bifactor analysis. Trauma event and past-month PTSD symptoms were assessed with Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC–5) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL–5). All six tested CFA models showed good fit indexes (RMSEA = .051–.056, CFI = .969–.977, TLI = .965–.970), with high correlations between factors (M = .77, SD = .09 to M = .80, SD = .09). The ESEM models showed good fit indexes (RMSEA = .027–.036, CFI = .991–.996, TLI = .985–.992). These models confirmed the presence of cross-loadings on several items as well as loads on a general factor that explained 76.3% of the common variance. The results showed that most of the items do not meet the assumption of dimensional exclusivity, showing the need to expand the analysis strategies to study the symptomatic organization of PTSD.
On Thin Ice: Tiger Stripes on Enceladus
Authors: Redd Nola
Published: November 2020

Saturn’s moon Enceladus boasts fierce tiger stripes around its south pole, a mystery that has long puzzled scientists. New research explores the stripes by examining how the moon’s ice breaks.
Electrokinetic Contributions to Self‐Potential Signals From Magmatic Stressing
Authors: Arens Fee , Gottsmann Joachim , Strehlow Karen , Hickey James , Kilgour Geoff
Published: November 2020

Pre‐eruptive electrical signals at active volcanoes are generally interpreted in terms of electrokinetic processes. Spatio‐temporal self‐potential (SP) signals can be caused by strain‐induced fluid flow in volcanic aquifers, however, previous studies lack the quantitative assessments of these phenomena and the underpinning poroelastic responses. Here we use Finite‐Element Analysis to study poroelastic responses induced by subsurface stressing from sill and dike sources by jointly solving for ground displacements, pore pressure, and SP signals. We evaluate the influence of pressure source orientation on the poroelastic response in two different volcanic aquifers (pyroclastic and lava flow) to provide insights on emergent geodetic and SP signals and their sensitivity to governing parameters. Strain‐induced SP amplitudes deduced from a reference parameter set vary in both aquifer models and are of negative polarity (−0.35 and −22.6 mV) for a pressurized dike and of positive polarity (+4 and +20 mV) for a pressurized sill. Importantly, we find uniquely different SP and ground displacement patterns from either sill or dike intrusions. Our study shows that SP signals are highly sensitive to the subsurface Young's modulus, streaming potential coupling coefficient and electrical conductivity of the poroelastic domains. For the set of parameters tested, the dike model predicts SP amplitudes of up to −947 mV which are broadly representative of recorded amplitudes from active volcanoes. Our study demonstrates that electrokinetic processes reflect magma‐induced stress and strain variations and highlights the potential of joint geodetic and SP studies to gain new insights on causes of volcanic unrest.
Martian Bow Shock and Magnetic Pileup Boundary Models Based on an Automated Region Identification
Authors: Němec F. , Linzmayer V. , Němeček Z. , Šafránková J.
Published: November 2020

Empirical models of bow shock and magnetic pileup boundary locations are typically based on the identification of individual boundary crossings and their subsequent fitting by properly chosen dependences. Such an approach, however, requires a large set of identified crossings, whose compilation can be easily a source of a significant bias. Moreover, the method is inherently biased by the spacecraft orbit: the more time the spacecraft spends in a given region, the more likely it is for a crossing to be identified in there. We use a different approach based on an automated region identification and Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft data to derive empirical models of both the bow shock and magnetic pileup boundary locations around Mars. We use statistically known parameters in the solar wind, magnetosheath, and induced magnetosphere, along with the observed ratios of measured solar wind parameters, to automatically identify the region where the spacecraft is located at any given time. A simple empirical relation is then assumed for a boundary shape and location, and its free parameters are adapted to optimize the resulting model classification of individual data points. This procedure allows us to model both the bow shock and magnetic pileup boundary locations, reproducing successfully observed variations with the solar wind dynamic pressure, solar ionizing flux, and crustal magnetic fields. However, due to the sparse data coverage, the models are deemed unreliable beyond the terminator.
Synergy of Experimental Rock Mechanics, Seismology, and Geodynamics Reveals Still Elusive Upper Mantle Rheology
Authors: Jain Chhavi , Korenaga Jun
Published: November 2020

We present a novel geodynamic approach that can potentially tighten existing constraints on mantle rheology. This new approach, which we call probabilistic geodynamic modeling, is applied here to the rheology of the upper mantle. We combine the numerical modeling of plate‐driven corner flow and the seismic observation of radial anisotropy, aiming to reduce substantial uncertainties associated with experimentally derived flow laws, but our results also highlight the complex competition among different deformation mechanisms under mantle conditions. Despite the remaining rheological uncertainty, our study suggests that significant background shear flow is required near the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary to explain the strong radial anisotropy observed at 100–200 km depth underneath the Pacific plate, and the plausible nature of this background flow is characterized using our new probabilistic approach. Our analysis also provides a new insight into the asthenospheric water content and the grain size distribution in the upper mantle, but these results are also subject to nontrivial nonuniqueness. The merit of our probabilistic approach lies in its ability to assess the extent of such nonuniqueness, and we demonstrate this by quantifying the robustness of some of our results.
Biomineralization and Magnetism of Uncultured Magnetotactic Coccus Strain THC‐1 With Non‐chained Magnetosomal Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jinhua , Menguy Nicolas , Leroy Eric , Roberts Andrew P. , Liu Peiyu , Pan Yongxin
Published: November 2020

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) have long fascinated geologists and biologists because they biomineralize intracellular single domain (SD) magnetite crystals within magnetosomes that are generally organized into single or multiple chains. MTB remains in the geological record (magnetofossils) are ideal magnetic carriers and are used to reconstruct paleomagnetic and paleoenvironmental information. Here we studied the biomineralization and magnetic properties of magnetosomal magnetite produced by uncultured magnetotactic coccus strain THC‐1, isolated from the Tanghe River, China, by combining transmission electron microscope (TEM) and rock magnetic approaches. Our results reveal that THC‐1 produces hexagonal prismatic magnetite single crystals that are elongated along the [111] crystallographic direction. Most of the magnetite crystals within THC‐1 are dispersed without obvious chain assembly. A whole‐cell THC‐1 sample yields a normal SD hysteresis loop and a Verwey transition temperature of ~112 K. In contrast to MTB cells with magnetosome chain(s), THC‐1 cells have a teardrop first‐order reversal curve distribution that is indicative of moderate interparticle interactions. Due to the absence of a magnetosome chain, THC‐1 has relatively high values of the difference between the saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) below and above the Verwey transition temperature for field‐cooled and zero field‐cooled SIRM curves (δFC, δZFC) and a low δFC/δZFC value. Together with previous studies, our results demonstrate that some MTB species/strains can form magnetosomal magnetite without linear chain configurations. Magnetite produced by MTB has diverse magnetic properties, which are distinctive but not necessarily unique compared to other magnetite types. Therefore, combining bulk magnetic measurements and TEM observations remains necessary for identifying magnetofossils in the geological record.
Reconstruction of the Basin‐Wide Sea‐Level Variability in the North Sea Using Coastal Data and Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zhang Zeguo , Stanev Emil V. , Grayek Sebastian
Published: November 2020

We present an application of generative adversarial networks (GANs) to reconstruct the sea level of the North Sea using a limited amount of data from tidal gauges (TGs). The application of this technique, which learns how to generate datasets with the same statistics as the training set, is explained in detail to ensure that interested scientists can implement it in similar or different oceanographic cases. Training is performed for all of 2016, and the model is validated on data from 3 months in 2017 and compared against reconstructions using the Kalman filter approach. Tests with datasets generated by an operational model (“true data”) demonstrated that using data from only 19 locations where TGs permanently operate is sufficient to generate an adequate reconstruction of the sea surface height (SSH) in the entire North Sea. The machine learning approach appeared successful when learning from different sources, which enabled us to feed the network with real observations from TGs and produce high‐quality reconstructions of the basin‐wide SSH. Individual reconstruction experiments using different combinations of training and target data during the training and validation process demonstrated similarities with data assimilation when errors in the data and model were not handled appropriately. The proposed method demonstrated good skill when analyzing both the full signal and the low‐frequency variability only. It was demonstrated that GANs are also skillful at learning and replicating processes with multiple time scales. The different skills in different areas of the North Sea are explained by the different signal‐to‐noise ratios associated with differences in regional dynamics.
Author Correction: A large-scale estimate on the relationship between language and motor lateralization
Authors: Packheiser Julian , Schmitz Judith , Arning Larissa , Beste Christian , Güntürkün Onur , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Protecting nursery areas without fisheries management is not enough to conserve the most endangered parrotfish of the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Roos Natalia C. , Longo Guilherme O. , Pennino Maria Grazia , Francini-Filho Ronaldo B. , Carvalho Adriana R.
Published: November 2020

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a primary strategy for marine conservation worldwide, having as a common goal the protection of essential habitats to enhance fish population recovery. However, MPAs alone may not be effective because species are not isolated from critical impacts occurring outside their boundaries. We evaluated how protecting critical nursery habitats affect the population of an important fishing target, using a 6-year database to predict juvenile hotspots and estimate population trends of the endemic and endangered parrotfishScarus trispinosuswithin a mosaic of MPAs at the Abrolhos Bank, NE Brazil. We found that important nursery habitats are within no-take areas, but both juvenile and adult populations still show a declining trend over time. MPAs failed to ensure population maintenance and recovery likely due to overfishing in adjacent areas and the lack of compliance to management rules within multiple-use and within no-take MPAs. MPAs alone are not enough to protect ecologically important endangered species, but is still one of the only conservation strategies, particularly in developing countries. Our results shed light on the need for a wider adoption of more effective conservation policies in addition to MPAs, both in Brazil and in countries with similar governance contexts.
The effect of substrate wettability and modulus on gecko and gecko-inspired synthetic adhesion in variable temperature and humidity
Authors: Mitchell Christopher T. , Dayan Cem Balda , Drotlef Dirk-M. , Sitti Metin , Stark Alyssa Y.
Published: November 2020

Gecko adhesive performance increases as relative humidity increases. Two primary mechanisms can explain this result: capillary adhesion and increased contact area via material softening. Both hypotheses consider variable relative humidity, but neither fully explains the interactive effects of temperature and relative humidity on live gecko adhesion. In this study, we used live tokay geckos (Gekko gecko) and a gecko-inspired synthetic adhesive to investigate the roles of capillary adhesion and material softening on gecko adhesive performance. The results of our study suggest that both capillary adhesion and material softening contribute to overall gecko adhesion, but the relative contribution of each depends on the environmental context. Specifically, capillary adhesion dominates on hydrophilic substrates, and material softening dominates on hydrophobic substrates. At low temperature (12 °C), both capillary adhesion and material softening likely produce high adhesion across a range of relative humidity values. At high temperature (32 °C), material softening plays a dominant role in adhesive performance at an intermediate relative humidity (i.e., 70% RH).
Coral cover surveys corroborate predictions on reef adaptive potential to thermal stress
Authors: Selmoni Oliver , Lecellier Gaël , Vigliola Laurent , Berteaux-Lecellier Véronique , Joost Stéphane
Published: November 2020

As anomalous heat waves are causing the widespread decline of coral reefs worldwide, there is an urgent need to identify coral populations tolerant to thermal stress. Heat stress adaptive potential is the degree of tolerance expected from evolutionary processes and, for a given reef, depends on the arrival of propagules from reefs exposed to recurrent thermal stress. For this reason, assessing spatial patterns of thermal adaptation and reef connectivity is of paramount importance to inform conservation strategies. In this work, we applied a seascape genomics framework to characterize the spatial patterns of thermal adaptation and connectivity for coral reefs of New Caledonia (Southern Pacific). In this approach, remote sensing of seascape conditions was combined with genomic data from three coral species. For every reef of the region, we computed a probability of heat stress adaptation, and two indices forecasting inbound and outbound connectivity. We then compared our indicators to field survey data, and observed that decrease of coral cover after heat stress was lower at reefs predicted with high probability of adaptation and inbound connectivity. Last, we discussed how these indicators can be used to inform local conservation strategies and preserve the adaptive potential of New Caledonian reefs.
Evaluation of chemotherapy and P2Et extract combination in ex-vivo derived tumor mammospheres from breast cancer patients
Authors: Urueña Claudia , Sandoval Tito A. , Lasso Paola , Tawil Mauricio , Barreto Alfonso , Torregrosa Lilian , Fiorentino Susana
Published: November 2020

The main cause of death by cancer is metastasis rather than local complications of primary tumors. Recent studies suggest that breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), retains the ability to self-renew and differentiate to repopulate the entire tumor, also, they have been associated with resistance to chemotherapy and tumor recurrence, even after tumor resection. Chemotherapy has been implicated in the induction of resistant phenotypes with highly metastatic potential. Naturally occurring compounds, especially phytochemicals such as P2Et, can target different populations of cancer cells as well as BCSC, favoring the activation of immune response via immunogenic tumor death. Here, we evaluated the presence of BCSC as well as markers related to drug resistance in tumors obtained from 78 patients who had received (or not) chemotherapy before surgery. We evaluated the ex vivo response of patient tumor-derived organoids (or mammospheres) to chemotherapy alone or in combination with P2Et. A xenotransplant model engrafted with MDA-MB-468 was used to evaluate in vivo the activity of P2Et, in this model P2Et delay tumor growth. We show that patients with luminal and TNBC, and those who received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery have a higher frequency of BCSC. Further, the treatment with P2Et in mammospheres and human breast cancer cell lines improve the in vitro tumor death and decrease its viability and proliferation together with the release of immunogenic signals. P2Et could be a good co-adjuvant in antitumor therapy in patients, retarding the tumor growth by enabling the activation of the immune response.
Mathematical modelling of the dynamics and containment of COVID-19 in Ukraine
Authors: Kyrychko Yuliya N. , Blyuss Konstantin B. , Brovchenko Igor
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 disease caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has already brought unprecedented challenges for public health and resulted in huge numbers of cases and deaths worldwide. In the absence of effective vaccine, different countries have employed various other types of non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain the spread of this disease, including quarantines and lockdowns, tracking, tracing and isolation of infected individuals, and social distancing measures. Effectiveness of these and other measures of disease containment and prevention to a large degree depends on good understanding of disease dynamics, and robust mathematical models play an important role in forecasting its future dynamics. In this paper we focus on Ukraine, one of Europe’s largest countries, and develop a mathematical model of COVID-19 dynamics, using latest data on parameters characterising clinical features of disease. For improved accuracy, our model includes age-stratified disease parameters, as well as age- and location-specific contact matrices to represent contacts. We show that the model is able to provide an accurate short-term forecast for the numbers and age distribution of cases and deaths. We also simulated different lockdown scenarios, and the results suggest that reducing work contacts is more efficient at reducing the disease burden than reducing school contacts, or implementing shielding for people over 60.
Impact of drought associated with high temperatures on Coffea canephora plantations: a case study in Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: Venancio Luan Peroni , Filgueiras Roberto , Mantovani Everardo Chartuni , do Amaral Cibele Hummel , da Cunha Fernando França , dos Santos Silva Francisco Charles , Althoff Daniel , dos Santos Robson Argolo , Cavatte Paulo Cezar
Published: November 2020

Droughts are major natural disasters that affect many parts of the world all years and recently affected one of the major conilon coffee-producing regions of the world in state of Espírito Santo, which caused a huge crisis in the sector. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct an analysis with technical-scientific basis of the real impact of drought associated with high temperatures and irradiances on the conilon coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner) plantations located in the north, northwest, and northeast regions of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data from 2010 to 2016 of rainfall, air temperature, production, yield, planted area and surface remote sensing were obtained from different sources, statistically analyzed, and correlated. The 2015/2016 season was the most affected by the drought and high temperatures (mean annual above 26 °C) because, in addition to the adverse weather conditions, coffee plants were already damaged by the climatic conditions of the previous season. The increase in air temperature has higher impact (negative) on production than the decrease in annual precipitation. The average annual air temperatures in the two harvest seasons that stood out for the lowest yields (i.e. 2012/2013 and 2015/2016) were approximately 1 °C higher than in the previous seasons. In addition, in the 2015/2016 season, the average annual air temperature was the highest in the entire series. The spatial and temporal distribution of Enhanced Vegetation Index values enabled the detection and perception of droughts in the conilon coffee-producing regions of Espírito Santo. The rainfall volume accumulated in the periods from September to December and from April to August are the ones that most affect coffee yield. The conilon coffee plantations in these regions are susceptible to new climate extremes, as they continue to be managed under irrigation and full sun. The adoption of agroforestry systems and construction of small reservoirs can be useful to alleviate these climate effects, reducing the risk of coffee production losses and contributing to the sustainability of crops in Espírito Santo.
Power-law scaling to assist with key challenges in artificial intelligence
Authors: Meir Yuval , Sardi Shira , Hodassman Shiri , Kisos Karin , Ben-Noam Itamar , Goldental Amir , Kanter Ido
Published: November 2020

Power-law scaling, a central concept in critical phenomena, is found to be useful in deep learning, where optimized test errors on handwritten digit examples converge as a power-law to zero with database size. For rapid decision making with one training epoch, each example is presented only once to the trained network, the power-law exponent increased with the number of hidden layers. For the largest dataset, the obtained test error was estimated to be in the proximity of state-of-the-art algorithms for large epoch numbers. Power-law scaling assists with key challenges found in current artificial intelligence applications and facilitates an a priori dataset size estimation to achieve a desired test accuracy. It establishes a benchmark for measuring training complexity and a quantitative hierarchy of machine learning tasks and algorithms.