bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wildfire during deposition of the “Illinger Flözzone” (Heusweiler-Formation, “Stephanian B”, Kasimovian–Ghzelian) in the Saar-Nahe Basin (SW-Germany)
Authors: Uhl Dieter , Jasper André
Published: September 2020

Wildfires occurred more or less regularly in many Pennsylvanian ecosystems, not only in seasonally dry regions but also in the ever wet tropics. One of the reasons for this was probably the relatively high atmospheric oxygen conditions prevailing during this period. The present study reports evidence for the occurrence of wildfires during deposition of the Upper Pennsylvanian Heusweiler Formation (“Stephanian B”, Kasimovian–Gzhelian) in the intramontane Saar-Nahe (or Saar-Lorraine) Basin in SW-Germany. Based on anatomical features of the charcoal, as well as the co-occurring adpression flora, it seems possible that some of the fires occurred in an ecosystem inhabited by Cordaites. Some of the charcoal fragments exhibit traces of pre-charring decay by fungi, indicating either the consumption of litter by ground or surface fires, or of still standing (partly) dead trees by crown fires.
Maritime operation of an unmanned rotorcraft with tethered ship deck landing system
Authors: Schuchardt B. I. , Dautermann T. , Donkels A. , Krause S. , Peinecke N. , Schwoch G.
Published: September 2020

In security-critical situations in the maritime area, ship-based deployment of remotely piloted aircraft systems could enable automated acquisition of aerial images and other sensor data. If intervention is required, response times of federal institutions could be shortened significantly without endangering personnel. This paper gives an overview of research undertaken at DLR in cooperation with the German Federal Police for Maritime Tasks. For a safe ship deck landing of an unmanned rotorcraft a combination of precise navigation and tethered landing system has been developed and patented. Relative double-difference algorithms are used for precise navigation of the rotorcraft to a hover point over the ship deck. From there, an electromagnetic winch is lowered from the rotorcraft that connects to the ship deck. The resulting cable connection is used for aligning the rotorcraft during landing and securing it on the ship deck afterwards. First demonstrations on a real ship deck show the feasibility of the system.
Graft factors as determinants of postoperative delirium after liver transplantation
Authors: Patrono D. , Rigo F. , Bormida S. , Berchialla P. , Giordanengo L. , Skurzak S. , Balagna R. , Romagnoli R.
Published: September 2020

Post-operative delirium (POD) is a frequent complication after surgery, occurring in 15–20% of patients. POD is associated with a higher complications rate and mortality. Literature on POD after liver transplantation (LT) is limited, with the few available studies reporting an incidence of 10–47%. The aim of this study was analyzing pattern, risk factors and clinical impact of POD after LT. Data on donor and recipient characteristics, postoperative course and POD of consecutive adult LT recipients from March 2016 to May 2018 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors for POD were analyzed using univariable logistic regression and Lasso regression. Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis. 309 patients underwent LT during study period; 3 were excluded due to perioperative death. Incidence of POD was 13.4% (n = 41). The median day of onset was 5th (IQR [4–7]) with a median duration of 4 days (IQR [3–7]). Several risk factors, related to the severity of liver disease and graft characteristics, were identified. Graft macrovesicular steatosis was the only factor independently associated with POD at multivariable analysis (OR 1.27, CI 1.09–1.51,p = 0.003). POD was associated with a higher rate of severe postoperative complications and longer intensive care unit and hospital stay, but did not significantly impact on patient and graft survival. Incidence of POD after LT is comparable to that observed after general surgery and graft factors are strongly associated with its onset. These results help identifying a subset of patients to be considered for preventive interventions.
Effect of octahedron tilt on the structure and magnetic properties of bismuth ferrite
Authors: Hong Yang , Li Jun , Bai Han , Song Zhenjia , Wang Ming , Zhou Zhongxiang
Published: September 2020

Multiferroic BiFeO3-based ceramics were synthesized using the rapid liquid-phase sintering method. The rare-earth ion (Sm3+, Gd3+, Y3+) doping causes structural distortion without changing the intrinsic rhombohedral perovskite structure. Raman analysis shows that the effect of doping on E modes is greater than A1 modes, and the microstructure of FeO6 octahedron can be regulated by ion doping. A-site trivalent ion doped ceramics exhibit improved magnetism compared with pure BiFeO3 ceramic, which originated from the suppressed spiral spin structure of Fe ions. The tilt of FeO6 octahedron as a typical structure instability causes the anomalous change of the imaginary part of permittivity at high frequency, and doped ceramics exhibit natural resonance around 16–17 GHz.
The Sahara as a Bridge, Not a Barrier: An Essay and Book Review on Recent Transregional Perspectives
Authors: Wippel Steffen
Published: September 2020

In the course of the spatial turn, long-established regional subdivisions of the world have been deconstructed, and area studies are increasingly opening up for transregional research. One (re)emerging research field is Trans-Saharan Studies, which considers historical and contemporary entanglements between the Maghreb, the Sahara and the Sahel (with further connections far beyond). Against this background, Steffen Wippel’s essay reviews six recently published works that can be assigned to trans-Saharan research: two comprehensive textbooks and a catalogue written in French, two edited volumes that tackle entangled trans-Saharan and trans-Mediterranean migration flows and a study of an enclosed, yet widely interconnected inner-Saharan place and population group.
Changes at the edge: trends in sea ice, ocean temperature and ocean color at the Northwest Atlantic/Southern Arctic interface
Authors: York Ashley V. , Frey Karen E. , Young Luisa N. C.
Published: September 2020

Spatial and temporal trends of remotely sensed sea-ice cover, sea surface temperatures, chlorophyll-aconcentration and primary production in the Baffin Bay, Davis Strait and Labrador Sea were analyzed for the 1998–2017 period. We found spatial variability in the trends of these cryospheric, biologic and oceanographic phenomena. For example, in the northern Baffin Bay, we observed decreases in annual sea-ice persistence, yet increases along the Labrador Sea-ice edge during winter, with the latter having significant correlations with broader atmospheric patterns. In general, we observed increases in summer sea surface temperatures across the study region, except a small area of cooling along the southern Greenlandic coast. We also found significant negative trends in April chlorophyll-aand primary production followed by significant positive trends for both biological phenomena in May, owing to anomalously high values in 2014 and 2015. Notably, we found a significant positive correlation between days of monthly sea ice presence in April with May primary production quantities. Finally, we found a significant positive trend in total annual primary production over the study period. This novel finding suggests an important relationship between the timing of breakup along the sea-ice edge and peaks in biological production.
Bias-corrected estimates of glacier thickness in the Columbia River Basin, Canada
Authors: Pelto Ben M. , Maussion Fabien , Menounos Brian , Radić Valentina , Zeuner Maurice
Published: September 2020

Several global datasets of glacier thickness exist, but the number of observations from western Canada are sparse and spatially biased. To supplement these limited observations, we measured ice thickness with ice penetrating radar on five glaciers in the Columbia Mountains, Canada. Our radar surveys, when combined with previous surveys for two glaciers in the Rocky Mountains, total 182 km of transects that represent 34 672 point measurements of ice thickness. Our measurements are, on average, 38% thicker than previous surface inversion model estimates of glacier thickness. Using our measurements within a cross-validation scheme, we model ice thickness with the Open Global Glacier Model (OGGM) driven with recent observations of surface mass balance and glacier elevation. We calibrated OGGM ice thickness by optimizing the ice creep parameter in the model. The optimized OGGM yields an ice volume for Columbia Basin of 122.5 ± 22.4 km3for the year 2000, which is 23% greater than the range of previous estimates. At current rates of glacier mass loss for this region, glaciers would disappear from the basin in about 65–80 years. Disappearance of these glaciers will negatively affect the basin's surface hydrology, freshwater availability and aquatic ecosystems.
Casein glycomacropeptide is well tolerated in healthy adults and changes neither high-sensitive C-reactive protein, gut microbiota nor faecal butyrate: a restricted randomised trial
Authors: Wernlund Pernille G. , Hvas Christian L. , Dahlerup Jens F. , Bahl Martin I. , Licht Tine R. , Knudsen Knud E. B. , Agnholt Jørgen S.
Published: September 2020

Casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) is a bioactive milk-derived peptide with potential anti-inflammatory effects. Animal studies suggest that CGMP may work by altering gut microbiota composition and enhancing butyrate production. Its effects on intestinal homoeostasis, microbiota and metabolites in humans are unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess both the intestinal and systemic immunomodulatory effects of orally ingested CGMP. We hypothesised that daily oral CGMP intake would reduce high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in healthy adults. In a single-centre limited but randomised, double-blinded, reference-controlled study, we compared the effects of a 4-week intervention of either 25 g of oral powder-based chocolate-flavoured CGMP or a reference drink. We included twenty-four healthy adults who all completed the study. CGMP had no systemic or intestinal immunomodulatory effects compared with a reference drink, with regard to either hsCRP or faecal calprotectin level, faecal microbiota composition or faecal SCFA content. CGMP ingestion did not affect satiety or body weight, and it caused no severe adverse events. The palatability of CGMP was acceptable, and adherence was high. CGMP did not induce or change gastrointestinal symptoms. In conclusion, we found no immunomodulatory effects of CGMP in healthy adults. In a minor group of healthy adults, oral ingestion of 25 g of CGMP during 4 weeks was safe, well tolerated, had acceptable palatability and was without any effects on body weight.
Episodic Memory Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: Disentangling the Role of Encoding and Retrieval
Authors: Siquier Antònia , Andrés Pilar
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The source of episodic memory (EM) impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still unclear. In the present study, we sought to quantify specifically encoding, consolidation, and retrieval process deficits in a list-learning paradigm by a novel method, the item-specific deficit approach (ISDA).

Methods:

We applied the ISDA method to the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) in a sample of 15 PD patients and 15 healthy participants.

Results:

The results revealed differences in free recall performance between PD patients and controls. These patients, however, benefited from cues as much as controls did, and total recall did not differ between groups. When analyzing the ISDA indices for encoding, consolidation, and retrieval deficits, the results showed a general memory deficit, but with a clear focus on encoding and retrieval, as revealed by the sensitivity values. Moreover, controlling for initial learning did not eliminate group effects in retrieval.

Conclusions:

Our findings reveal a mixed pattern in PD patients, with deficits in both encoding and retrieval processes in memory. Also, despite the fact that an encoding dysfunction may explain some of the deficits observed at retrieval, it cannot fully account for the differences, highlighting that both encoding and retrieval factors are necessary to understand memory deficits in PD.
Music Playing and Interhemispheric Communication: Older Professional Musicians Outperform Age-Matched Non-Musicians in Fingertip Cross-Localization Test
Authors: Piccirilli Massimo , Palermo Maria Teresa , Germani Alessandro , Bertoli Maria Laura , Ancarani Viola , Buratta Livia , Dioguardi Maria Stefania , Scarponi Laura , D’Alessandro Patrizia
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Numerous investigations have documented that age-related changes in the integrity of the corpus callosum are associated with age-related decline in the interhemispheric transfer of information. Conversely, there is accumulating evidence for more efficient white matter organization of the corpus callosum in individuals with extensive musical training. However, the relationship between making music and accuracy in interhemispheric transfer remains poorly explored.

Methods:

To test the hypothesis that musicians show enhanced functional connectivity between the two hemispheres, 65 professional musicians (aged 56–90 years) and 65 age- and sex-matched non-musicians performed the fingertip cross-localization test. In this task, subjects must respond to a tactile stimulus presented to one hand using the ipsilateral (intra-hemispheric test) or contralateral (inter-hemispheric test) hand. Because the transfer of information from one hemisphere to another may imply a loss of accuracy, the value of the difference between the intrahemispheric and interhemispheric tests can be utilized as a reliable measure of the effectiveness of hemispheric interactions.

Results:

Older professional musicians show significantly greater accuracy in tactile interhemispheric transfer than non-musicians who suffer from age-related decline.

Conclusions:

Musicians have more efficient interhemispheric communication than age-matched non-musicians. This finding is in keeping with studies showing that individuals with extensive musical training have a larger corpus callosum. The results are discussed in relation to relevant data suggesting that music positively influences aging brain plasticity.
The interaction effect between gender and profession in posttraumatic growth among hospital personnel
Authors: Hamama-Raz Yaira , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Bibi Haim , Swarka Muhareb , Gelernter Renana , Abu-Kishk Ibrahim
Published: September 2020

Aim:

To explore if there is an interaction effect between gender (men and women) and profession (nurses and physicians) in posttraumatic growth (PTG).

Background:

PTG is defined as a positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances. It may take the form of improved self-image, a deeper understanding of self, increased spirituality, and/or enhanced interpersonal relationships. Gender and profession were found separately to be associated with PTG, but to date were not examined under interaction effect.

Methods:

We employed a cross-sectional study conducted in the tertiary medical center in Israel using a convenience sample. One hundred and twenty-eight nurses and seventy-eight physicians gave their consent and agreed to fill out self-report questionnaires regarding personal and professional data and PTG Inventory.

Findings:

The correlation matrix revealed that being a woman was associated with higher PTG total scale (r = 0.242; P ≤ 0.001) and its subscales except for spiritual change that showed no evidence of statistical effect. Similar pattern was found for being a nurse with PTG total scale (r = 0.223; P ≤0.001) and its subscales except for relating to others that showed no evidence of statistical effect. However, the interaction effect revealed that among men, there was no difference in the level of PTG and its subscales based on profession (Physicians men = 62.54 (20.82) versus Nurses men = 60.26 (22.39); F = 9.618; P = 0.002). Among women, nurses had a significantly higher scores in PTG (Physicians women = 61.81 (18.51) versus Nurses women = 73.87 (12.36); F = 9.618; P = 0.002) and its subscales in comparison to physicians except for subscale relating to other.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest implications for research and practice namely exploring PTG among nurses and physicians would benefit from applying interaction effect of gender and profession. For practice, advocating PTG within the health care organization is needed to be tailored with gender and professional sensitivity.
Solar oblateness & asphericities temporal variations: Outstanding some unsolved issues
Authors: Rozelot Jean P. , Kosovichev Alexander G. , Kilcik Ali
Published: September 2020

Solar oblateness has been the subject of several studies dating back to the nineteenth century. Despite difficulties, both theoretical and observational, tangible results have been achieved. However, variability of the solar oblateness with time is still poorly known. How the solar shape evolves with the solar cycle has been a challenging problem. Analysis of the helioseismic data, which are the most accurate measure of the solar structure up to now, leads to the determination of asphericity coefficients which have been found to change with time. We show here that by inverting even coefficients of f-mode oscillation frequency splitting to obtain the oblateness magnitude and its temporal dependence can be inferred. It is found that the oblateness variations lag the solar activity cycles by about 3 years. A major change occurred between solar cycles 23 and 24 is that the oblateness was greater in cycle 24 despite the lower solar activity level. Such results may help to better understand the near-subsurface layers as they strongly impacts the internal dynamics of the Sun and may induce instabilities driving the transport of angular momentum.
A Clock in the Sun?
Authors: Russell C. T. , Luhmann J. G. , Jian L. K.
Published: September 2020

The sunspot cycle is quite variable in duration and amplitude, yet in the long term, it seems to return to solar minimum on schedule, as if guided by a clock with an average period of close to 11.05 years for the sunspot number cycle and 22.1 years for the magnetic cycle. This paper provides a brief review of the sunspot number cycle since 1750, discusses some of the processes controlling the solar dynamo, and provides clues that may add to our understanding of what controls the cadence of the solar clock.
The dynamo-wind feedback loop : Assessing their non-linear interplay
Authors: Perri Barbara , Sacha Brun Allan , Strugarek Antoine , Réville Victor
Published: September 2020

Though generated deep inside the convection zone, the solar magnetic field has a direct impact on the Earth space environment via the Parker spiral. It strongly modulates the solar wind in the whole heliosphere, especially its latitudinal and longitudinal speed distribution over the years. However the wind also influences the topology of the coronal magnetic field by opening the magnetic field lines in the coronal holes, which can affect the inner magnetic field of the star by altering the dynamo boundary conditions. This coupling is especially difficult to model because it covers a large variety of spatio-temporal scales. Quasi-static studies have begun to help us unveil how the dynamo-generated magnetic field shapes the wind, but the full interplay between the solar dynamo and the solar wind still eludes our understanding.

We use the compressible magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) code PLUTO to compute simultaneously in 2.5D the generation and evolution of magnetic field inside the star via an α-Ω dynamo process and the corresponding evolution of a polytropic coronal wind over several activity cycles for a young Sun. A multi-layered boundary condition at the surface of the star connects the inner and outer stellar layers, allowing both to adapt dynamically. Our continuously coupled dynamo-wind model allows us to characterize how the solar wind conditions change as a function of the cycle phase, and also to quantify the evolution of integrated quantities such as the Alfvén radius. We further assess the impact of the solar wind on the dynamo itself by comparing our results with and without wind feedback.
‘Aspect’ as a feature of meaning in the Classical Greek verb
Authors: Hazel John
Published: September 2020

This Journal published in 2016 an article by Jerome Moran on ‘Tense, Time and Aspect in the Greek Verb’ (Moran, 2016). It rightly pointed to the unsatisfactory nature of the treatment of the concept of ‘verbal aspect’ in available grammars and language courses, but did not sufficiently, I think, throw light on the issue for practising teachers and their students, nor did it satisfactorily clarify the intellectual issue posed. And yet this concept, which is not difficult to understand, is all-embracing and lies at the heart of the meaning of verbs in the classical language so that it is important to understand the distinctions it provides within the scope of the Greek verb.
Empirical Brightness Control and Equalization of Mars Context Camera Images
Authors: Robbins Stuart J. , Kirchoff Michelle R. , Hoover Rachael H.
Published: September 2020

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft has been in orbit around Mars since March 2006. The Context Camera (CTX) on MRO has returned over 115,000 images of the planet at approximately 5–6 m per pixel, providing nearly global coverage. During that time, Mars has gone through nearly seven of its own years, changing solar distance from 1.38 to 1.67 AU and the corresponding solar flux by 45% due to its orbital eccentricity. Seasonal effects and transient phenomena affect atmospheric transparency. These changes, along with an aging detector, prevent easily equalizing images to create a visually smoothly illuminated product from CTX images. We have developed a method, based on previous work by other researchers for other data sets, to mitigate almost all brightness variations between images in order to create the appearance of an evenly illuminated, practically seamless mosaic. We describe how the process works, which uses a reference source to tie brightness values, and demonstrate its effects across Mars' surface. While the workflow developed for this product is applicable to other planetary bodies, it requires a reference source, which may not yet exist.
The Role of Deformation Bands in Dictating Poromechanical Properties of Unconsolidated Sand and Sandstone
Authors: Miller Peter K. , Marone Chris , Saffer Demian M.
Published: September 2020

Cataclastic shear bands in sands and sandstones are typically stronger, stiffer, and exhibit lower permeability than the surrounding matrix, and therefore act as barriers to fluid flow. Previous work has quantified the reduction in permeability associated with these features; however, little is known about the role of shear band structure in controlling the way they impact permeability and elastic properties. Here, we report on a suite of laboratory measurements designed to measure the poromechanical properties for host material and natural shear bands, over effective stresses from 1–65 MPa. In order to investigate the role of host material properties in controlling poromechanical evolution with stress, we sampled shear bands from two well‐studied sandstones representing structurally distinct end‐members: a poorly cemented marine terrace sand from the footwall of the McKinleyville thrust fault in Humboldt County, California, and a strongly‐cemented sandstone from the hanging wall of the Moab Fault in Moab, Utah. The permeability‐porosity trends are similar for all samples, with permeability decreasing systematically with increasing effective stress and decreasing porosity. The permeability of the host material is consistently >1 order of magnitude greater than the shear bands for both localities. For the unconsolidated case, shear bands are less permeable and stiffer than the host material, whereas for the consolidated case, shear bands are slightly less permeable, and wave speeds are slower than in the host. We attribute the differences between the McKinleyville and Moab examples to changes in structure of the nearby host material that accompanied formation of the shear band.
Observed Ocean Bottom Temperature Variability at Four Sites in the Northwestern Argentine Basin: Evidence of Decadal Deep/Abyssal Warming Amidst Hourly to Interannual Variability During 2009–2019
Authors: Meinen Christopher S. , Perez Renellys C. , Dong Shenfu , Piola Alberto R. , Campos Edmo
Published: September 2020

Consecutive multiyear records of hourly ocean bottom temperature measurements are merged to produce new decade‐long time series at four depths ranging from 1,360 to 4,757 m within the northwest Argentine Basin at 34.5°S. Energetic temperature variations are found at a wide range of time scales. All sites exhibit fairly linear warming trends of approximately 0.02–0.04°C per decade over the period 2009–2019, although the trends are only statistically different from zero at the two deepest sites at depths of ~4,500–4,800 m. Near‐bottom temperatures from independent conductivity‐temperature‐depth profiles collected at these same locations every 6–24 months over the same decade show roughly consistent trends. Based on the distribution of spectral energies at the deepest sites and a Monte Carlo‐style analysis, sampling at least once per year is necessary to capture the significant warming trends over this decade to within 50% error bars at a 95% confidence limit.
Application of Deep Learning to Estimate Atmospheric Gravity Wave Parameters in Reanalysis Data Sets
Authors: Matsuoka D. , Watanabe S. , Sato K. , Kawazoe S. , Yu W. , Easterbrook S.
Published: September 2020

Gravity waves play an essential role in driving and maintaining global circulation. To understand their contribution in the atmosphere, the accurate reproduction of their distribution is important. Thus, a deep learning approach for the estimation of gravity wave momentum fluxes was proposed, and its performance at 100 hPa was tested using data from low‐resolution zonal and meridional winds, temperature, and specific humidity at 300, 700, and 850 hPa in the Hokkaido region (Japan). To this end, a deep convolutional neural network was trained on 29‐year reanalysis data sets (JRA‐55 and DSJRA‐55), and the final 5‐year data were reserved for evaluation. The results showed that the fine‐scale momentum flux distribution of the gravity waves could be estimated at a reasonable computational cost. Particularly, in winter, when gravity waves are stronger, the median root means square errors (RMSEs) of the maximum momentum flux and the characteristic zonal wavenumber were 0.06–0.13 mPa and 1.0 × 10−5, respectively.
High Temporal‐Spatial Resolution Observation of Tornadogenesis in a Shallow Supercell Associated With Typhoon Hagibis (2019) Using Phased Array Weather Radar
Authors: Adachi Toru , Mashiko Wataru
Published: September 2020

This paper reports finely resolved radar signatures of tornadogenesis associated with a typhoon and elucidates how a small‐scale tornadic vortex emerged on the ground in relation to the parent storm structure. Approximately 5 min before producing JEF‐2 damage, a counterrotating vortex pair appeared above the rear‐flank outflow region. The vortex pair developed upward, and its counterclockwise vortex approached a preexisting mesocyclone located aloft. At their closest approach, an abrupt intensification of the counterclockwise vortex occurred in the upper part and propagated downward. Meanwhile, significant vortex shrinking occurred at low levels. As a result, a small‐scale tornadic vortex emerged over the damaged area. We suggest that coupling of the vortex pair with a mesocyclone and near‐surface vorticity stretching played crucial roles in tornadogenesis. Since the coupling occurred on a minute scale and was affected by subtle spatial change on a scale of hundreds of meters, the tornado occurred in highly sensitive conditions.
Observations of Electron‐Only Magnetic Reconnection Associated With Macroscopic Magnetic Flux Ropes
Authors: Man H. Y. , Zhou M. , Yi Y. Y. , Zhong Z. H. , Tian A. M. , Deng X. H. , Khotyaintsev Y. , Russell C. T. , Giles B. L.
Published: September 2020

We report a Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission observation of magnetic reconnection occurring at the edge of a large‐scale magnetic flux rope (MFR), the cross‐section of which was about 2 RE. The MFR was observed at the duskside in the Earth's magnetotail and was highly oblique with its axis approximately along the XGSM direction. We find an electron‐scale current sheet near the edge of this MFR. The Hall magnetic and electric field, super‐Alfvénic electron outflow, parallel electric field, and positive energy dissipation were observed associated with the current sheet, which indicates that MMS detected a reconnecting current sheet with a large guide field. Interestingly, ions were not coupled in this reconnection, akin to the electron‐only reconnection observed in the turbulent magnetosheath. We further find that the electron‐only reconnection is commonly associated with a macroscopic MFR. This result will shed new light on understanding the multiscale coupling associated with an MFR in space plasmas.
Seismic Crustal Structure and Morphotectonic Features Associated With the Chain Fracture Zone and Their Role in the Evolution of the Equatorial Atlantic Region
Authors: Marjanović Milena , Singh Satish C. , Gregory Emma P. M. , Grevemeyer Ingo , Growe Kevin , Wang Zhikai , Vaddineni Venkata , Laurencin Muriel , Carton Hélène , Gómez de la Peña Laura , Filbrandt Christian
Published: September 2020

Oceanic transform faults and fracture zones (FZs) represent major bathymetric features that keep the records of past and present strike‐slip motion along conservative plate boundaries. Although they play an important role in ridge segmentation and evolution of the lithosphere, their structural characteristics, and their variation in space and time, are poorly understood. To address some of the unknowns, we conducted interdisciplinary geophysical studies in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, the region where some of the most prominent transform discontinuities have been developing. Here we present the results of the data analysis in the vicinity of the Chain FZ, on the South American Plate. The crustal structure across the Chain FZ, at the contact between ∼10 and 24 Ma oceanic lithosphere, is sampled along seismic reflection and refraction profiles. We observe that the crustal thickness within and across the Chain FZ ranges from ∼4.6–5.9 km, which compares with the observations reported for slow‐slipping transform discontinuities globally. We attribute this presence of close to normal oceanic crustal thickness within FZs to the mechanism of lateral dike propagation, previously considered to be valid only in fast‐slipping environments. Furthermore, the combination of our results with other data sets enabled us to extend the observations to morphotectonic characteristics on a regional scale. Our broader view suggests that the formation of the transverse ridge is closely associated with a global plate reorientation that was also responsible for the propagation and for shaping lower‐order Mid‐Atlantic Ridge segmentation around the equator.
Riverine and Oceanic Nutrients Govern Different Algal Bloom Domain Near the Changjiang Estuary in Summer
Authors: Xu Lingjing , Yang Dezhou , Greenwood Jim , Feng Xingru , Gao Guandong , Qi Jifeng , Cui Xuan , Yin Baoshu
Published: September 2020

The Changjiang Estuary and adjacent sea area in the East China Sea suffer from frequent harmful algal blooms. However, the relative importance of riverine nutrient input from the Changjiang River and oceanic nutrient input from the Taiwan Warm Current and Kuroshio Current to the development and distribution of summer phytoplankton blooms in this area remains unclear. To address this problem, we deployed a coupled physical‐biological model. The coupled model successfully reproduces the main hydrographic and biogeochemical features in this domain. Both satellite observations and model results show two regions of elevated chlorophyll concentrated in this site. Simulated results show that harmful algal blooms in the region north of the Zhoushan Islands are mainly driven by riverine nutrients from the Changjiang River, while algal blooms in the region south of the Zhoushan Islands are mainly controlled by nutrients from the open ocean. Nutrient input, particularly phosphate, from the Kuroshio subsurface water contributes most to the accumulation of dinoflagellate biomass and chlorophyll in the southern region, while the Taiwan Warm Current has less influence. This has implications for nutrient control and land management practices: Although reducing riverine nutrient loads may significantly reduce phytoplankton growth north of the Zhoushan Islands, it will have little effect in the area to the south.
Predicting Drivers of Collective Soil Function With Woody Plant Encroachment in Complex Landscapes
Authors: Farella Martha M. , Breshears David D. , Gallery Rachel E.
Published: September 2020

Dryland (arid and semiarid) ecosystems are extensive, home to a third of the human population, and a major contributor to terrestrial net primary productivity and associated biogeochemical cycles. Many dryland systems are undergoing woody plant encroachment, which can substantially alter landscape‐scale soil nutrient dynamics via long‐recognized “islands of fertility” mechanisms. To effectively constrain soil biogeochemistry responses to woody plant encroachment, predictions are needed for microbial biomass and especially microbial activity in addition to existing predictions for soil nutrients—referred to collectively hereafter as “collective soil functioning.” Here we evaluated whether collective soil functioning could be predicted from a suite of metrics including plant cover, precipitation, soil physiochemical characteristics, and topographic variables across complex landscapes undergoing woody plant encroachment by mesquite (Prosopis velutina). Plant cover alone predicted nearly half of the variability (R2 = 48.5%) in collective soil functioning and had a significant effect on each component of this index (soil nutrients, microbial biomass, and microbial activity). Prediction strength for collective soil functioning increased to 55.4%, and the error term decreased by 13.4% when precipitation, soil physiochemical characteristics, and topographic metrics were also included in models (plant and environment model). Besides the expected effects of plant cover, other significant predictors of collective soil functioning included state factors such as topography, precipitation, and parent material along with soil age and bulk density. These results illustrate that mesquites influence many components of soil functionality but the strength of this effect depends on which component is analyzed and which environmental variables are considered.
A Convolution Method to Assess Subgrid‐Scale Interactions Between Flow and Patchy Vegetation in Biogeomorphic Models
Authors: Gourgue Olivier , van Belzen Jim , Schwarz Christian , Bouma Tjeerd J. , van de Koppel Johan , Temmerman Stijn
Published: September 2020

Interactions between water flow and patchy vegetation are governing the functioning of many ecosystems. Yet, numerical models that simulate those interactions explicitly at the submeter patch scale to predict geomorphological and ecological consequences at the landscape scale (order of km2) are still very computationally demanding. Here, we present a novel and efficient convolution technique to incorporate biogeomorphic feedbacks in numerical models across multiple spatial scales (from less than 1 m2 to several km2). This new methodology allows for spatially refining coarse‐resolution hydrodynamic simulations of flow velocities (order of m) around fine‐resolution patchy vegetation patterns (order of 10 cm). Although flow perturbations around each vegetation grid cell are not simulated with the same level of accuracy as with more expensive finer‐resolution models, we show that our approach enables spatial refinement of coarse‐resolution hydrodynamic models by resolving efficiently subgrid‐scale flow velocity patterns within and around vegetation patches (mean error, spatial variability, and spatial correlation improved by, respectively, 13%, 66%, and 49% on average in our test cases). We also provide evidence that our approach can substantially improve the representation of important biogeomorphic processes, such as subgrid‐scale effects on net sedimentation rate and habitable surface area for vegetation (respectively 66% and 39% better on average). Finally, we estimate that replacing a fine‐resolution model by a coarser‐resolution model associated with the convolution method could reduce the computational time of real‐life fluctuating flow simulations by several orders of magnitude. This marks an important step forward toward more computationally efficient multiscale biogeomorphic modeling.
Number Formats, Error Mitigation, and Scope for 16‐Bit Arithmetics in Weather and Climate Modeling Analyzed With a Shallow Water Model
Authors: Klöwer M. , Düben P. D. , Palmer T. N.
Published: September 2020

The need for high‐precision calculations with 64‐bit or 32‐bit floating‐point arithmetic for weather and climate models is questioned. Lower‐precision numbers can accelerate simulations and are increasingly supported by modern computing hardware. This paper investigates the potential of 16‐bit arithmetic when applied within a shallow water model that serves as a medium complexity weather or climate application. There are several 16‐bit number formats that can potentially be used (IEEE half precision, BFloat16, posits, integer, and fixed‐point). It is evident that a simple change to 16‐bit arithmetic will not be possible for complex weather and climate applications as it will degrade model results by intolerable rounding errors that cause a stalling of model dynamics or model instabilities. However, if the posit number format is used as an alternative to the standard floating‐point numbers, the model degradation can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, mitigation methods, such as rescaling, reordering, and mixed precision, are available to make model simulations resilient against a precision reduction. If mitigation methods are applied, 16‐bit floating‐point arithmetic can be used successfully within the shallow water model. The results show the potential of 16‐bit formats for at least parts of complex weather and climate models where rounding errors would be entirely masked by initial condition, model, or discretization error.
Using the Quality Improvement (QI) Tool Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to Examine Implementation Barriers to Common Workflows in Integrated Pediatric Care
Authors: Tamene Mahader , Morris Anita , Feinberg Emily , Bair-Merritt Megan H.
Published: September 2020

Objective: To use quality improvement tools to optimize pediatric behavioral health (BH) integration, a promising approach to increasing access to behavioral health care services for children. Method: As part of the practice transformation efforts of a pediatric BH integration initiative implemented in three community health centers, we used Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), a quality improvement tool, to examine barriers in implementing 2 core BH integration workflows: universal screening to identify developmental and behavioral concerns and implementation of real-time “warm” hand-offs. Results: Failure modes fell broadly into 2 categories across both workflows: (a) parental/caregiver characteristics and receptivity to the new workflow and (b) consistent implementation of the workflow by health center staff. Failures related to parental/caregiver characteristics included low literacy, language incongruence, and feeling burdened, intimidated, or offended by the screening process. Failures related to implementation of the workflow involved difficulties in administration of the correct age-appropriate screening form and incomplete hand-offs between primary care providers and behavioral health clinicians. Improvement strategies were identified to address both workflow failures, including making changes to electronic medical record functionality, modifying behavioral health clinician scheduling template, and retraining staff. Conclusions: Pediatric primary care practices planning for, or in the early stages of, BH integration may consider using the FMEA tool to support successful implementation.

Implications for Impact Statement

The present study demonstrates that Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a useful quality improvement (QI) tool to identify barriers of implementing pediatric BH integration and systematically planning improvement efforts. Behavioral health clinicians, including pediatric psychologists, primary care providers, and other members of the primary care team can leverage these findings to inform behavioral health (BH) integration model implementation in the pediatric primary care setting.
Referral to Digital Parent Training in Primary Care: Facilitators and Barriers
Authors: Fehrenbacher Caitlin , Schoeny Michael E. , Reed Monique , Shattell Mona , Breitenstein Susan M.
Published: September 2020

Objective: Parent training (PT) programs for parents of preschool-aged children promote effective parenting practices and reduce the risk for the development of child behavior problems. Digital platforms and self-administered formats can expand access to preventive PT and complement traditional behavioral services. Primary care provides an ideal environment to refer patients to prevention-focused PT; however, effective integration of a referral process requires an understanding of implementation facilitators and barriers. The current study is a secondary analysis of facilitators and barriers to the implementation of a referral to ezParent, a self-administered, digital PT program, in four primary care clinics from the perspective of clinic personnel. Method: Personnel from participating clinics took part in semistructured group interviews to share their experiences of referral to ezParent. Researchers extracted themes using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: Clinic personnel support preventive PT, but time, workflow, and organizational barriers impede consistent referral implementation. Conclusions: The authors discuss recommendations for harnessing facilitators for referring primary care patients to digital PT using the strengths of multidisciplinary clinical teams and organizational structures.

Implications for Impact Statement

Primary care providers (PCPs) and staff in primary health care clinics support self-administered, digital parent training (PT) as a preventive resource; however, they struggle to integrate program referrals into well-child visits. PCP and staff recommendations have implications for ways in which psychologists and other mental health specialists can support successful preventive referrals to self-administered, digital PT resources.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Integrated Pediatric Primary Care: Placing “How” in the Context of Now
Authors: Lines Meghan McAuliffe , Riley Andrew R.
Published: September 2020

The integration of behavioral health services into pediatric primary care settings has expanded rapidly in recent years, and pediatric psychologists have played a prominent role in this development. As integrated care becomes mainstream, there is a growing need to develop and disseminate pragmatic strategies for maximizing the reach and impact of behavioral services in primary care. This special issue in includes papers focused on 4 central themes: understanding and increasing engagement with integrated primary care services, identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation, reducing health disparities, and workforce development. In this introduction to the special issue, we preview each of these contributions and consider their implications in the context of the 2 great pandemics of our time: COVID-19 and systemic racial injustice. The work included in this special issue provides clear examples of strategies clinicians can use to analyze and improve their clinical services, articulates methods of adapting interventions to particular patient populations, and sets a roadmap for the future of integrated primary care psychology.

Implications for Impact Statement

This special issue depicts the current state of the field of integrated primary care psychology (IPC). Themes include understanding and increasing engagement with IPC services, exploring barriers and facilitators to implementation, and building culturally informed service models to reduce disparities in care. The aim of this special issue is to contribute to the growing evidence for how pediatric psychologists can more effectively contribute to pediatric population health in the IPC setting.
The role of natural killer cells in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Earls Rachael H. , Lee Jae-Kyung
Published: September 2020

Numerous lines of evidence indicate an association between sustained inflammation and Parkinson’s disease, but whether increased inflammation is a cause or consequence of Parkinson’s disease remains highly contested. Extensive efforts have been made to characterize microglial function in Parkinson’s disease, but the role of peripheral immune cells is less understood. Natural killer cells are innate effector lymphocytes that primarily target and kill malignant cells. Recent scientific discoveries have unveiled numerous novel functions of natural killer cells, such as resolving inflammation, forming immunological memory, and modulating antigen-presenting cell function. Furthermore, natural killer cells are capable of homing to the central nervous system in neurological disorders that exhibit exacerbated inflammation and inhibit hyperactivated microglia. Recently, a study demonstrated that natural killer cells scavenge alpha-synuclein aggregates, the primary component of Lewy bodies, and systemic depletion of natural killer cells results in exacerbated neuropathology in a mouse model of alpha-synucleinopathy, making them a highly relevant cell type in Parkinson’s disease. However, the exact role of natural killer cells in Parkinson’s disease remains elusive. In this review, we introduce the systemic inflammatory process seen in Parkinson’s disease, with a particular focus on the direct and indirect modulatory capacity of natural killer cells in the context of Parkinson’s disease.
A novel β2-AR/YB-1/β-catenin axis mediates chronic stress-associated metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jinxia , Qu Lishuai , Wan Chunhua , Xiao Mingbing , Ni Wenkai , Jiang Feng , Fan Yihui , Lu Cuihua , Ni Runzhou
Published: September 2020

β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signalling is strongly associated with tumour progression by the coupling of β-ARs with either a G protein or β-arrestin; however, the related mechanism underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis is not clear. Here, we reveal that the transcription factor Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) interacts with β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) following stimulation with the agonist isoproterenol (ISO). Clinicopathological analysis demonstrated that β2-AR is significantly correlated with YB-1, which favours the progression of HCC. The binding of YB-1 with β2-AR resulted in YB-1 phosphorylation at serine 102 (S102) via the β-arrestin-1-dependent activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, followed by the translocation of YB-1 to the nucleus to carry out its tumour-related function. β2-AR-mediated activation of YB-1 facilitated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HCC metastasis. The interference of YB-1 expression significantly attenuated liver tumour metastasis induced by chronic stress. Analysis of the transcriptional profile and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) identified β-catenin as a crucial target of YB-1. Our results unveiled a novel β2-AR-mediated regulatory axis in HCC metastasis that might be helpful for the development of HCC therapeutics.