bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pin TQFT and Grassmann integral
Authors: Kobayashi Ryohei
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We discuss a recipe to produce a lattice construction of fermionic phases of matter on unoriented manifolds. This is performed by extending the construction of spin TQFT via the Grassmann integral proposed by Gaiotto and Kapustin, to the unoriented pin
±
case. As an application, we construct gapped boundaries for time-reversal-invariant Gu-Wen fermionic SPT phases. In addition, we provide a lattice definition of (1+1)d pin_ invertible theory whose partition function is the Arf-Brown-Kervaire invariant, which generates the ℤ8 classification of (1+1)d topological superconductors. We also compute the indicator formula of ℤ16 valued time-reversal anomaly for (2+1)d pin+ TQFT based on our construction.
On the phenomenology of sphaleron-induced processes at the LHC and beyond
Authors: Papaefstathiou Andreas , Plätzer Simon , Sakurai Kazuki
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We investigate the phenomenological aspects of non-perturbative baryon- and lepton-number-violating processes at hadron colliders. Such processes, induced by instan- ton/sphaleron configurations of the electroweak gauge fields, are believed to play a crucial role in the generation of baryon asymmetry in the early Universe at finite temperature. On the other hand, at colliders (that represent the zero-temperature high-energy regime) the rate and observability of such processes are still under debate. Motivated by current the- oretical considerations, we construct a modern event generator within the general-purpose Herwig Monte Carlo framework, that aims to capture the most relevant features of the dominant processes. We perform a detailed phenomenological analysis focussing on the Large Hadron Collider, at 13 TeV proton-proton centre-of-mass energy, a potential high- energy upgrade at 27 TeV and the proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC-hh) at 100 TeV. We derive constraints on the expected rates for various parametrisations of our model. We find that all three colliders are capable of providing meaningful information on the nature of instanton/sphaleron-induced processes at various energy scales.
Scattering amplitudes, black holes and leading singularities in cubic theories of gravity
Authors: Emond William T. , Moynihan Nathan
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We compute the semi-classical potential arising from a generic theory of cubic gravity, a higher derivative theory of spin-2 particles, in the framework of modern amplitude techniques. We show that there are several interesting aspects of the potential, including some non-dispersive terms that lead to black hole solutions (including quantum corrections) that agree with those derived in Einsteinian cubic gravity (ECG). We show that these non-dispersive terms could be obtained from theories that include the Gauss- Bonnet cubic invariant G3. In addition, we derive the one-loop scattering amplitudes using both unitarity cuts and via the leading singularity, showing that the classical effects of higher derivative gravity can be easily obtained directly from the leading singularity with far less computational cost.
The minimal simple composite Higgs model
Authors: Da Rold Leandro , Rossia Alejo N.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Most of the analysis of composite Higgs have focussed on the Minimal Composite Higgs Model, based on the coset SO(5) × U(1)
X

/ SO(4) × U(1)
X
. We consider a model based on the coset of simple groups SO(7)/ SO(6), with SO(4) × U(1)
X
embedded into SO(6). This extension of the minimal model leads to a new complex pNGB that has hypercharge and is a singlet of SU(2)
L
, with properties mostly determined by the pattern of symmetry breaking and a mass of order TeV. Composite electroweak unification also leads to new bosonic and fermion resonances with exotic charges, not present in the minimal model, the lightest of these resonances being stable. A new rich phenomenology is expected at LHC.
Inequalities for Some Integrals Involving Modified Lommel Functions of the First Kind
Authors: Gaunt Robert E.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we obtain inequalities for some integrals involving the modified Lommel function of the first kind$$t_{\mu ,\nu }(x)$$tμ,ν(x). In most cases, these inequalities are tight in certain limits. We also deduce a tight double inequality, involving the modified Lommel function$$t_{\mu ,\nu }(x)$$tμ,ν(x), for a generalized hypergeometric function. The inequalities obtained in this paper generalise recent bounds for integrals involving the modified Struve function of the first kind.
PTPN11 mutation with additional somatic alteration indicates unfavorable outcome in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: a retrospective clinical study from a single center
Authors: Miao Yan , Li Benshang , Ding Lixia , Zhu Hua , Luo Changying , Wang Jianmin , Luo Chengjuan , Chen Jing
Published: December 2019

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a heterogeneous childhood leukemia. The management of patients with JMML requires accurate assessment of genetic and clinical features to help in patient risk stratification. This study aimed to investigate the association between genomic alterations and prognosis in children with JMML. Genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 93 patients with JMML for targeted sequencing. Univariable and multivariable analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between gene mutations and prognosis of the patients. Patients withPTPN11mutation exhibited significantly lower event-free survival (EFS) compared with non-PTPN11mutations (P = 0.005). Patients without or with one somatic alteration at diagnosis showed significantly better prognosis in comparison with those with more than two alterations (P = 0.009).PTPN11mutation with additional alterations showed significantly the poorest outcome in comparison with those with only one non-PTPN11mutation, only onePTPN11mutation, and combined mutations withoutPTPN11, respectively (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: BothPTPN11mutation and the number of somatic alterations detected at diagnosis are likely to be the major determinant of outcome in JMML. The subgroup of patients withPTPN11mutation showed the shortest survival which was even worsened when a secondary mutation was present.
Workplace happiness, well-being and their relationship with psychological capital: A study of Hungarian Teachers
Authors: Kun Agota , Gadanecz Peter
Published: December 2019

Happiness and well-being at work has been an increasingly popular topic in the past two decades in academic and business contexts alike, along with positive psychology, through which organizations aim to find out, what makes working environments engaging and motivating. Few studies have focused on education, however, especially from a solution-focused perspective, even though it is a sector where employees are highly exposed to stress and burnout. Accordingly, the purpose of his study was to investigate the relationship between teachers’ psychological resources through the concept of psychological capital, workplace well-being and perceived workplace happiness. We used both qualitative (open-ended question) and quantitative (test battery) methods to examine the relation between the various factors. Content analysis of responses in our qualitative research suggests that the main pillars of teachers’ workplace happiness were realization of goals, feedback, finding meaning in work and social relationships. The results of our quantitative study indicated that workplace well-being and happiness correlated with inner psychological resources, hope and optimism in particular. We conclude that the future focus on employee well-being must take into account positive contributing factors and adopt a positively-oriented approach to promoting well-being. Suggestions for practical implications are also discussed.
Investigating the variation of the Sun’s visual shape, atmospheric refraction and Einstein’s special relativity considered
Authors: Wang Yuanxiu
Published: December 2019

By experimental measurements and theoretical analyses, this paper investigates the variation of the Sun’s visual shape and figures out the reasons for the variation of its shape. First, the method of image processing, the method of moments and the least-square method are combined to perform experimental measurements and calculations, and the features of the Sun’s visual shape are extracted from the photos of the Sun. Second, theoretical analyses are conducted based on atmospheric refraction and the Einstein’s special relativity theory. The relationship model is established between the zenith and azimuth angles of the Sun, the velocity of the Sun relative to the Earth, and the observation time and position; the refraction index of the atmosphere is expressed as a function of altitude and wavelength of light; an iterative algorithm is constructed to trace rays of light in the atmosphere; a set of formulas is derived to determine the contraction ratio and contraction direction of the Sun’s visual shape. Finally, the theoretical and experimental results are compared; their relative errors are less than 0.3%, which verifies the theoretical analyses. Both theoretically and experimentally, this research proves that the Sun’s visual shape is an ellipse; its shape variation mainly results from atmospheric refraction effects; and the length contraction effect of the Einstein’s special relativity also contributes a little, except at the time of sunrise and sunset.
Evaluation of the total distribution volume of 18F-FBPA in normal tissues of healthy volunteers by non-compartmental kinetic modeling
Authors: Romanov Victor , Isohashi Kayako , Alobthani Galal , Beshr Rouaa , Horitsugi Genki , Kanai Yasukazu , Naka Sadahiro , Watabe Tadashi , Shimosegawa Eku , Hatazawa Jun
Published: December 2019

Objective

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a noninvasive radiation therapy method for cancer treatment. In BNCT, 4-borono-2-[18F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine (18F-FBPA) PET has been employed to estimate 10B accumulation in target tumors and normal tissues if 10B borono-L-phenylalanine (10B-BPA) is used as a boron carrier. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the total distribution volume (Vt) of 18F-FBPA in normal organs of healthy volunteers by kinetic analysis and to estimate boron concentration in normal organs for the therapeutic dose of 10B-BPA using obtained Vt values.

Methods

Six healthy volunteers were injected with 18F-FBPA (3–5 MBq/kg), and 7 PET-CT scans were performed subsequently. 18F-FBPA radioactivity in whole blood and plasma was measured before, and eight times after the injection. PET images were analyzed by PMOD software. Twelve volumetric regions of interest including the brain, heart, right lung, spleen, liver, parotid salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, intestines, and bone marrow were drawn manually for each subject and analyzed with the Logan plot and two Ichise multilinear analyses (MA1 and MA2). The better model was defined by several goodness-of-fit parameters and residual distribution. After Vt values had been derived, boron concentration was estimated in ppm for the 10B-BPA-fructose (10B-BPA-fr) dose 30 g 1 and 2 h post-injection using Vt and interpolated plasma activity data.

Results

The Ichise MA2 model showed the best fit among all models. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was the lowest for the Ichise’s MA2 in all regions (mean AIC value − 14.0) comparing to the other models (Logan plot mean AIC 31.4; Ichise MA1 model mean AIC − 4.2). Mean Vt values of the Ichise MA2 model ranged from 0.94 ± 0.14 ml/ml in the pancreas to 0.16 ± 0.02 ml/ml in the right lung. Estimated boron concentration for 10B-BPA-fr had the highest value in the pancreas (14.0 ± 1.9 ppm 1 h after, and 5.7 ± 1.7 ppm 2 h after the 18F-FBPA administration) and the lowest value in the right lung (2.4 ± 0.3 ppm 1 h, and 1.0 ± 0.3 ppm 2 h post-injection).

Conclusion

The 10B concentration in normal tissues was best estimated using Vt values of 18F-FBPA with the Ichise multilinear analysis 2 (MA2).

Trail registry

The UMIN clinical trial number: UMIN000022850.
Traumatic Brain Injury with Personality Change: a Challenge to Mental Capacity Law in England and Wales
Authors: Whiting Demian
Published: December 2019

It is well documented that people with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can undergo personality changes, including becoming more impulsive in terms of how they behave. Legal guidance and academic commentary support the view that impulsiveness can render someone decisionally incompetent as defined by English and Welsh law. However, impulsiveness is a trait found within the healthy population. Arguably, impulsiveness is also a trait that gives rise to behaviours that should normally be tolerated even when they cause harm to the person enacting the behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to show why both of these considerations present as significant challenges to the law in England and Wales.
Mechanisms of Future Predicted Changes in the Zonal Mean Mid-Latitude Circulation
Authors: Shaw Tiffany A.
Published: December 2019

State-of-the-art climate models predict the zonal mean mid-latitude circulation will undergo a poleward shift and seasonally and hemispherically dependent intensity changes in the future. Here I review the mechanisms put forward to explain the zonal mean mid-latitude circulation response to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. The mechanisms are grouped according to their thermodynamic starting point, which are thought to arise from processes independent of the zonal mean mid-latitude circulation response. There are 24 mechanisms and 8 thermodynamic starting points: (i) increased latent heat release aloft in the tropics, (ii) increased dry static stability and tropopause height outside the tropics, (iii) radiative cooling of the stratosphere, (iv) Hadley cell expansion, (v) increased specific humidity following the Clausius-Clapeyron relation, (vi) cloud radiative effect changes, (vii) turbulent surface heat flux changes, and (viii) decreased surface meridional temperature gradient. I argue progress can be made by testing the thermodynamic starting points. I review recent tests of the increased latent heat release aloft in the tropics starting point, i.e., prescribing diabatic perturbations, quantifying the transient response to an abrupt CO2 increase and imposing latitudinally dependent CO2 concentration. Finally, I provide a future outlook for improving our understanding of predicted changes in the zonal mean mid-latitude circulation.
Associations Among Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Weight Status with Sexuality Outcomes: Analyses from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Grabovac Igor , Cao Chao , Haider Sandra , Stefanac Sinisa , Jackson Sarah E. , Swami Viren , McDermott Daragh T. , Smith Lee , Yang Lin
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Physical activity is likely to be associated with sexual activity. However, to date, there is no literature on the relationship between overweight/obesity and sexual activity outcomes.

Aim

Thus, the present study assessed the associations among physical activity, sedentary behavior, and weight status with sexual activity and number of previous sexual partners in a representative sample of U.S. adults.

Methods

Data on leisure time physical activity, total sitting time, weight status, sexual behavior outcomes, and other characteristics were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Study cycle 2007 to 2016. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations among body mass index, leisure time physical activity, and total sitting time with past-year sexual activity and number of sexual partners.

Main Outcome Measure

Self reported frequency of past-year sexual activity and number of sex partners in the past year.

Results

In a sample of 7,049 men (mean age: 38.3 ± 0.3 years) and 7,005 women (mean age: 38.7 ± 0.2 years) being overweight was associated with higher odds of frequent sexual activity (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.2−1.7) among men, but lower odds among women (OR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.6−0.9). Sufficient physical activity was associated with higher odds of frequent sexual activity among both men (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1−1.5) and women (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0−1.4). In those living alone, being obese was associated with lower odds of having at least 1 sexual partner for men (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.5−0.9) and women (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4−0.8). Being sufficiently physically active was associated with higher odds of having at least 1 sexual partner only in men (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.2−2.2).

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals need to be made aware of these results, as they could be used to plan tailored interventions.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths include the large, representative sample of U.S. adults and objective measures of anthropometry. Limitations include the cross-sectional design of the study and that all variables on sexual history were self-reported.

Conclusion

The present study identifies novel modifiable behavioral and biological antecedents of sexuality outcomes.
EFFECTIVE CYCLES ON SOME LINEAR BLOWUPS OF PROJECTIVE SPACES
Authors: PINTYE NORBERT , PRENDERGAST-SMITH ARTIE
Published: December 2019

We compute cones of effective cycles on some blowups of projective spaces in general sets of lines.
Determination of Bio Content in Polymers used in the Packaging of food Products
Authors: Telloli C , Rizzo A , Canducci C , Bartolomei P
Published: December 2019

The ENEA Radiocarbon Laboratory (Bologna, Italy) has been operating since 1985; it is the oldest among such laboratories operating in Italy and has been active for about 30 years in the field of dating of different types of samples with the radiocarbon (14C) liquid scintillation method. This study shows the detailed procedure for radiocarbon analysis on bioplastic materials by means of the synthesis of benzene, which includes CO2 production and purification, synthesis of acetylene, and synthesis and collection of benzene. The changes made to the original design of the synthesis procedures and the operational parameters adopted to optimize the combustion of the plastic materials are described. The measurement of 14C activity was performed using the liquid scintillation counting technique by a QuantulusTM 1220 low-background counter. The δ13C content was compared with the percentage of 14C concentration for the characterization of the bio content in plastic used in the food packaging.
History and conservation status of the Antillean manateeTrichechus manatus manatusin Hispaniola
Authors: Domínguez Tejo Haydée M.
Published: December 2019

To summarize the state of knowledge of the Endangered Antillean manateeTrichechus manatus manatusin Hispaniola, which comprises the Dominican Republic and Haiti, I reviewed documentary archives from pre-Columbian times to 2013. Manatees were historically abundant in Hispaniola but were hunted for centuries for their meat and other body parts for diverse uses. By the end of the 19th century manatees had become relatively rare around the island. Nevertheless, manatees remain widespread along the coast and occasionally occupy freshwater habitats in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti recent manatee sightings were restricted to two coastal areas. Currently, the manatee population of Hispaniola is perceived to be declining. The most commonly reported threats to the species include hunting, entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes and disturbance by boat traffic, pollution, and habitat degradation and destruction. In the Dominican Republic longstanding national laws and international agreements protect the species and its habitat, and past conservation actions have raised public awareness about the status of the manatee. In Haiti knowledge of manatees is extremely limited and the species is not legally protected. I propose country-specific and binational recommendations to improve the contemporary conservation of manatees in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
I Saw That
Authors: Kramer Sarah , Lewin Kaitlin M. , Romano Allison S. , Meier Brian P.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. The shooter bias effect reveals that individuals are quicker to “shoot” armed Black (vs. White) men and slower to “not shoot” unarmed Black (vs. White) men in a computer task. In three studies ( N = 386), we examined whether being observed would reduce this effect because of social desirability concerns. Participants completed a “shooting” task with or without a camera/live observer supposedly recording behavior. Cameras were strapped to participants’ heads (Studies 1a/1b) and pointed at them (Study 1b). In Study 2, a researcher observed participants complete the task while “filming” them with a smartphone. We replicated the shooter bias, but observation only reduced the effect in Study 2. These results reveal that being observed can reduce the shooter bias effect.
Extremism Leads to Ostracism
Authors: Hales Andrew H. , Williams Kipling D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Ostracism has been shown to increase openness to extreme ideologies and groups. We investigated the consequences of this openness-to-extremity from the perspective of potential ostracizers. Does openness-to-extremity increase one’s prospects of being ostracized by others who are not affiliated with the extreme group? Participants rated willingness to ostracize 40 targets who belong to activist groups that vary in the type of goals/cause they support (prosocial vs. antisocial), and the extremity of their actions (moderate vs. extreme). Mixed-effects modeling showed that people are more willing to ostracize targets whose group engages in extreme actions. This effect was unexpectedly stronger for groups pursuing prosocial causes. It appears openness-to-extremity entails interpersonal cost, and could increase reliance on the extreme group for social connection.
SORCE‐Based Solar Spectral Irradiance (SSI) Record for Input Into Chemistry‐Climate Studies
Authors: Harder J.W. , Béland S. , Snow M.
Published: December 2019

Whole atmosphere chemistry‐climate model (CCM) transient studies require a solar spectral irradiance (SSI) time series with very broad wavelength coverage with an uninterrupted daily cadence over a full solar cycle time period. Herein is described the construction of a SSI record valid over Solar Cycles 23 and 24 (SC23 and SC24) specifically designed to provide: (1) a daily solar spectrum from SORCE (Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment) observations from 208–2400 nm over the 2003 to 2015 time frame, (2) a wavelength extension of this spectrum out to 10000 nm from daily spectral synthesis from the Solar Radiation Physical Model (SRPM), (3) SRPM gap‐filled spectra during the extended SORCE safe‐hold time period (Aug 2013–March 2014) and back to Solar Cycle 23 maximum conditions in 2001 and 2002, (4) analysis of solar images generated by the Precision Solar Photometric Telescope (PSPT) network from the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (MLSO) and Rome Observatory (OAR) (These images act both as input to the SRPM model and as a stand‐alone proxy of solar variability.), (5) documentation of uncertainties and biases in the time series as a function of wavelength, and (6) comparative analysis of the SORCE time series with SRPM over the full wavelength range of the data set.
Do Oceanic Hypoxic Regions Act as Barriers for Sinking Particles? A Case Study in the Eastern Tropical North Atlantic
Authors: Rasse Rafael , Dall'Olmo Giorgio
Published: December 2019

In oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), the attenuation rates of particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes of large particles are known to be reduced, thus increasing the efficiency with which the biological carbon pump (BCP) transfers carbon to the abyss. The BCP efficiency is expected to further increase if OMZs expand. However, little is known about how the POC fluxes of small particles—a significant component of the BCP—are attenuated inside OMZs. In this study, data collected by two BGC‐Argo floats deployed in the hypoxic OMZ of the eastern tropical North Atlantic were used to estimate net instantaneous fluxes of POC via small particle during 3 years. This information was analyzed together with meteorological data and published POC fluxes of large particles and allowed us to conclude that (1) major pulses of surface‐derived small particles toward the OMZ interior coincided with seasonal changes in wind stress and precipitation; (2) a permanent layer of small particles, presumably linked to microbial communities, was found in the upper section of the OMZ which might play a key role attenuating POC fluxes; and (3) fluxes of large particles were attenuated less efficiently inside this poorly oxygenated region than above it, while attenuation of small‐particle fluxes were equivalent or significantly higher inside the OMZ. These results highlight that more information about the processes controlling the fluxes of small and large particles in hypoxic OMZs is needed to better understand the impact of hypoxic OMZs on the BCP efficiency.
Antarctic Sea Ice Expansion, Driven by Internal Variability, in the Presence of Increasing Atmospheric CO2
Authors: Singh H. A. , Polvani L. M. , Rasch P. J.
Published: December 2019

A number of physically based hypotheses have been proposed to explain the surprising expansion of Antarctic sea ice area (SIA) over the satellite era (1979 to 2015). Here, we use a fully coupled state‐of‐the‐art global climate model to show that internal variability alone can produce such multidecadal periods of Antarctic SIA expansion even as atmospheric CO2 increases at observed rates and the planet warms. When our model is started from a relatively warm Southern Ocean state, Antarctic SIA sometimes (in one of three ensemble members) expands over multidecadal time scales at a rate comparable to that over the satellite era. SIA expansion occurs concurrently with rising atmospheric CO2 and warming global surface temperatures, and SIA trends by region and sector resemble those over the satellite era. Our results suggest that internal variability over long time scales in the Southern Ocean region may suffice to explain Antarctic SIA expansion over the satellite era.
Electrical Conductivity Versus Temperature in Freezing Conditions: A Field Experiment Using a Basket Geothermal Heat Exchanger
Authors: Coperey A. , Revil A. , Stutz B.
Published: December 2019

We use a basket geothermal heat exchanger during 518 hr to freeze a portion of soil. This field experiment is monitored using time lapse electrical conductivity tomography and a set of 47 in situ temperature sensors. A frozen soil core characterized by negative temperatures and low conductivity values (<10−3 S/m) develops over time. A petrophysical model describing the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity in freezing conditions is applied to the field data and compared to two laboratory experiments performed with two core samples from the test site. The results show that this petrophysical model can be used to interpret field measurements bridging electrical conductivity to temperature and liquid water content.
Electron Acceleration in a Magnetotail Reconnection Outflow Region Using Magnetospheric MultiScale Data
Authors: Eriksson Elin , Vaivads Andris , Alm Love , Graham Daniel B. , Khotyaintsev Yuri V. , André Mats
Published: December 2019

We study Magnetospheric MultiScale observations in the outflow region of magnetotail reconnection. We estimate the power density converted via the three fundamental electron acceleration mechanisms: Fermi, betatron, and parallel electric fields. The dominant mechanism, both on average and the peak values, is Fermi acceleration with a peak power density of about +200 pW/m3. The magnetic field curvature during the most intense Fermi acceleration is comparable to the electron gyroradius, consistent with efficient electron scattering. The peak power densities due to the betatron acceleration are a factor of 3 lower than that for the Fermi acceleration, the average betatron acceleration is close to zero and slightly negative. The contribution from parallel electric fields is significantly smaller than those from the Fermi and betatron acceleration. However, the observational uncertainties in the parallel electric field measurement prevent further conclusions. There is a strong variation in the power density on a characteristic ion time scale.
The August 2018 Kaktovik Earthquakes: Active Tectonics in Northeastern Alaska Revealed With InSAR and Seismology
Authors: Gaudreau É. , Nissen E. K. , Bergman E. A. , Benz H. M. , Tan F. , Karasözen E.
Published: December 2019

The largest earthquakes recorded in northern Alaska (
6.4 and
6.0) occurred
6 hr apart on 12 August 2018, in the northeastern Brooks Range. The earthquakes were captured by Sentinel‐1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) satellites and Earthscope Transportable Array seismic data, giving insight into the little‐known active tectonic processes of Arctic Alaska, obscured until recently by sparse data availability. In this study, InSAR modeling, teleseismic back projections, calibrated hypocentral relocations, and regional moment tensor solutions resolve two previously unknown, SSW dipping right‐lateral fault segments. These are the first active faults identified as conjugate to the NE trending sinistral Canning displacement zone directly to the west, which is therefore a more complex zone of diffuse faulting than previously thought. The northeastern Brooks Range has been characterized as an area of low to moderate seismic hazard, but these earthquakes illustrate the potential for larger, possibly destructive events in a region earmarked for rapid resource development.
Northern Tropical Atlantic Warming in El Niño Decaying Spring: Impacts of El Niño Amplitude
Authors: Wu Renguang , He Zhuoqi
Published: December 2019

The decay time of El Niño events is considered to be an important factor in determining whether or not the northern tropical Atlantic (NTA) warming occurs in boreal spring of El Niño decaying years. Through coupled model experiments with different types of sea surface temperature anomalies specified in the tropical Pacific domain, the present study illustrates that the NTA warming is larger and more persistent during slow than fast decaying El Niño events. The amplitude of El Niño events is shown to be another important factor in the difference of the spring NTA warming between slow and fast decaying El Niño events. The NTA warming difference is mainly attributed to the wind speed‐related latent heat flux difference in preceding winter according to the model simulations and the observations. The differences of NTA wind and SST variations between slow and fast decay El Niño simulations are mostly consistent with the observations.
Intraslab Deformation and Rupture of the Entire Subducting Crust During the 25 October 2018 Mw 6.8 Zakynthos Earthquake
Authors: Chousianitis Konstantinos , Konca A. Ozgun
Published: December 2019

We constrained the rupture process of the 25 October 2018 Mw6.8 Zakynthos earthquake by jointly inverting near‐fault strong motion records, static, and high‐rate GPS displacements along with teleseismic waveforms. The inverted slip distribution is characterized by two asperities with peak slip amplitude of 1.4 m, which is located at 17 km depth. The rupture essentially propagated unilaterally in the downdip direction after the initiation and to the north‐northeast toward Zakynthos island. The earthquake produced a deep rupture whose downdip extent approached 38 km, indicating that this event broke the entire underthrust Ionian oceanic crust beneath the megathrust and penetrated into the top few kilometers of the solid uppermost mantle. The extent of the rupture implied the presence of a low coefficient of dynamic friction. The mainshock triggered a counterclockwise rotation of the stress field with respect to the long‐term regional stress. Aftershocks occurred at shallower depths than the coseismic slip zone.
Improving Predictions of Fine Particle Immobilization in Streams
Authors: Drummond Jennifer , Schmadel Noah , Kelleher Christa , Packman Aaron , Ward Adam
Published: December 2019

Fine particles are critical to stream ecosystem functioning, influencing in‐stream processes from pathogen transmission to carbon cycling, all of which depend on particle immobilization. However, our ability to predict particle immobilization is limited by (1) availability of combined solute and particle tracer data and (2) identifying parameters that appropriately represent fine particle immobilization, due to the myriad of objective functions and model formulations. We found that improved predictions of the full distribution of possible fine particle residence times requires using an objective function that assesses both the peak and tailing of breakthrough curves together with solute tracers to constrain in‐stream transport processes. The representation of immobilization processes was significantly improved when solute tracer data were combined with a particle model, starkly contrasting the common assumption that fine particles transport as washload. We develop a clear strategy for improving fine particle transport predictions, reshaping the potential role of fine particles in water quality management.
Is Airy Isostasy Applicable to Icy Moons?
Authors: Čadek O. , Souček O. , Běhounková M.
Published: December 2019

Airy isostasy is commonly used in planetary science to explain the relationship between crustal thickness variations and topography. Recently, several researchers have questioned the validity of this concept and proposed alternative approaches. Here we examine the accuracy of these approaches by comparing their results with those obtained from the numerical solution of the equations governing the flow in the crust of a small icy moon with a subsurface ocean. We find that the traditional approach based on application of Archimedes' principle with elevations referred to the geoid, provides a satisfactory estimate of crustal thickness for low harmonic degrees. The alternative approach, based on the deviatoric stress minimization, gives correct results for isoviscous model, but its accuracy deteriorates as the viscosity contrast increases. The other alternative approach, in which the deviatoric stress is neglected, is significantly less accurate than other methods, leading to biased results for models with a thick crust.
Quantification of the Uncertainty in Coastal Storm Hazard Predictions Due to Wave‐Current Interaction and Wind Forcing
Authors: Lyddon Charlotte E. , Brown Jennifer M. , Leonardi Nicoletta , Saulter Andrew , Plater Andrew J.
Published: December 2019

Coastal flood warning and design of coastal protection schemes rely on accurate estimations of water level and waves during hurricanes and violent storms. These estimations frequently use numerical models, which, for computational reasons, neglect the interaction between the hydrodynamic and wave fields. Here, we show that neglecting such interactions, or local effects of atmospheric forcing, causes large uncertainties, which could have financial and operational consequences because flood warnings are potentially missed or protection schemes underdesigned. Using the Severn Estuary, SW England, we show that exclusion of locally generated winds underestimates high water significant wave height by up to 90.1%, high water level by 1.5%, and hazard proxy (water level + 1/2 significant wave height) by 9.1%. The uncertainty in water level and waves is quantified using a system to model tide‐surge‐wave conditions, Delft3D‐FLOW‐WAVE in a series of eight model simulations for four historic storm events.
Empirical Evidence Linking the Pacific Decadal Precession to Kuroshio Extension Variability
Authors: Anderson Bruce T.
Published: December 2019

Recent research has revealed a new mode of quasi‐decadal climate variability—the Pacific Decadal Precession (PDP)—that has teleconnected impacts upon the state of the ocean and atmosphere across the North Pacific. Previous research has revealed similar decadal scale variability in the location, intensity, and stability of the North Pacific's western boundary current system and in particular the Kuroshio Extension (KE) current, suggesting potential links between the large‐scale (~1,000 km and larger) ocean/atmosphere variations associated with the PDP and mesoscale (~100 km) variations in the KE. Empirical analyses using self‐consistent historical state estimates of the ocean and atmosphere over the North Pacific—derived from the 20th Century Reanalysis Version 2c (20CRv2c) and Simple Ocean Data Assimilation – sparse input version 3 (SODAsi.3) data sets for the period 1851–2013—confirm these links exist. Further, these empirical analyses suggest that the PDP both forces and responds to KE variability on decadal time scales. Our synthesis of these empirical results with previously published empirical, theoretical, and numerical results argues for the presence of a self‐sustaining decadal oscillation of the ocean/atmosphere system across the extratropical North Pacific in which large‐scale ocean‐atmosphere coupling positively reinforces the atmospheric circulations that generate KE variability while mesoscale ocean‐atmosphere coupling allows the subsequent KE variability to reverse these atmospheric circulations.
Subauroral and Polar Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances During the 7–9 September 2017 Storms
Authors: Zhang Shun‐Rong , Erickson Philip J. , Coster Anthea J. , Rideout William , Vierinen Juha , Jonah Olusegun , Goncharenko Larisa P.
Published: December 2019

This study provides new scenarios for storm time traveling ionospheric disturbance excitation and subsequent propagation at subauroral and polar latitudes. We used ground‐based total electron content observations from Global Navigation Satellite System receivers combined with wide field, subauroral ionospheric plasma parameters measured with the Millstone Hill Incoherent Scatter Radar during strong September 2017 geospace storms. Observations provide the first evidence of significant influences on traveling ionospheric disturbance (TID) propagation and excitation caused by the presence of large subauroral polarization stream flow channels. Simultaneous large‐ and medium‐scale TIDs evolved during the event in a broad subauroral and midlatitude area near dusk. Similar concurrent TIDs occurred near dawn sectors as well during a period of sustained southward Bz. Medium‐scale TIDs at subauroral and midlatitudes had wave fronts aligned northwest‐southeast near dusk, and northeast‐southwest near dawn. These wave fronts were highly correlated with the direction of storm time large zonal plasma drift enhancements at these latitudes. At high latitudes, unexpected, predominant, and persistent storm time TIDs were identified with 2000+ km zonal wave fronts and 15% total electron content perturbation amplitudes, moving in transpolar propagation pathways from the dayside into the nightside. This propagation direction in the polar region was opposite to the normal assumption that TIDs originated in the nightside auroral region. Results suggest that significant dayside sources, such as cusp regions, can be efficient in generating transpolar TIDs during geospace storm intervals.
Multiplication and division of the orbital angular momentum of light with diffractive transformation optics
Authors: Ruffato Gianluca , Massari Michele , Romanato Filippo
Published: December 2019

We present a method to efficiently multiply or divide the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light beams using a sequence of two optical elements. The key element is represented by an optical transformation mapping the azimuthal phase gradient of the input OAM beam onto a circular sector. By combining multiple circular-sector transformations into a single optical element, it is possible to multiply the value of the input OAM state by splitting and mapping the phase onto complementary circular sectors. Conversely, by combining multiple inverse transformations, the division of the initial OAM value is achievable by mapping distinct complementary circular sectors of the input beam into an equal number of circular phase gradients. Optical elements have been fabricated in the form of phase-only diffractive optics with high-resolution electron-beam lithography. Optical tests confirm the capability of the multiplier optics to perform integer multiplication of the input OAM, whereas the designed dividers are demonstrated to correctly split up the input beam into a complementary set of OAM beams. These elements can find applications for the multiplicative generation of higher-order OAM modes, optical information processing based on OAM beam transmission, and optical routing/switching in telecom.
PDGFB-expressing mesenchymal stem cells improve human hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Yin Xiuxiu , Hu Linping , Zhang Yawen , Zhu Caiying , Cheng Hui , Xie Xiaowei , Shi Ming , Zhu Ping , Zhao Xueying , Chen Wanqiu , Zhang Lu , Arakaki Cameron , Hao Sha , Wang Mei , Cao Wenbin , Ma Shihui , Zhang Xiao-Bing , Cheng Tao
Published: December 2019

The bone marrow (BM) niche regulates multiple hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) processes. Clinical treatment for hematological malignancies by HSC transplantation often requires preconditioning via total body irradiation, which severely and irreversibly impairs the BM niche and HSC regeneration. Novel strategies are needed to enhance HSC regeneration in irradiated BM. We compared the effects of EGF, FGF2, and PDGFB on HSC regeneration using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that were transduced with these factors via lentiviral vectors. Among the above niche factors tested, MSCs transduced with PDGFB (PDGFB-MSCs) most significantly improved human HSC engraftment in immunodeficient mice. PDGFB-MSC-treated BM enhanced transplanted human HSC self-renewal in secondary transplantations more efficiently than GFP-transduced MSCs (GFP-MSCs). Gene set enrichment analysis showed increased antiapoptotic signaling in PDGFB-MSCs compared with GFP-MSCs. PDGFB-MSCs exhibited enhanced survival and expansion after transplantation, resulting in an enlarged humanized niche cell pool that provide a better humanized microenvironment to facilitate superior engraftment and proliferation of human hematopoietic cells. Our studies demonstrate the efficacy of PDGFB-MSCs in supporting human HSC engraftment.
Pyroptosis is a critical inflammatory pathway in the placenta from early onset preeclampsia and in human trophoblasts exposed to hypoxia and endoplasmic reticulum stressors
Authors: Cheng Shi-Bin , Nakashima Akitoshi , Huber Warren J. , Davis Sarah , Banerjee Sayani , Huang Zheping , Saito Shigeru , Sadovsky Yoel , Sharma Surendra
Published: December 2019

Systemic manifestation of preeclampsia (PE) is associated with circulating factors, including inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), or alarmins. However, it is unclear whether the placenta directly contributes to the increased levels of these inflammatory triggers. Here, we demonstrate that pyroptosis, a unique inflammatory cell death pathway, occurs in the placenta predominantly from early onset PE, as evidenced by elevated levels of active caspase-1 and its substrate or cleaved products, gasdermin D (GSDMD), IL-1β, and IL-18. Using cellular models mimicking pathophysiological conditions (e.g., autophagy deficiency, hypoxia, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress), we observed that pyroptosis could be induced in autophagy-deficient human trophoblasts treated with sera from PE patients as well as in primary human trophoblasts exposed to hypoxia. Exposure to hypoxia elicits excessive unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER stress and activation of the NOD-like receptor pyrin-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in primary human trophoblasts. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), a marker for hyperactivated UPR and a crucial signaling molecule linked to NLRP3 inflammasome activation, is significantly increased in hypoxia-treated trophoblasts. No evidence was observed for necroptosis-associated events. Importantly, these molecular events in hypoxia-treated human trophoblasts are significantly observed in placental tissue from women with early onset PE. Taken together, we propose that placental pyroptosis is a key event that induces the release of factors into maternal circulation that possibly contribute to severe sterile inflammation and early onset PE pathology.
Origin of the mixed alkali effect in silicate glass
Authors: Onodera Yohei , Takimoto Yasuyuki , Hijiya Hiroyuki , Taniguchi Taketoshi , Urata Shingo , Inaba Seiji , Fujita Sanae , Obayashi Ippei , Hiraoka Yasuaki , Kohara Shinji
Published: December 2019

Silicate glasses have evolved from basic structural materials to enabling materials for advanced applications. In this article, we unravel the origin of the mixed alkali effect for alkali silicate 22.7R2O–77.3SiO2 glasses (R = Na and/or K) by identifying the variation in the alkali ion location around the non-bridging oxygen atoms. To do so, we constructed a state-of-the art structural model, which reproduces both diffraction and NMR data with a particular focus on the behavior of the alkali ions. A novel topological analysis using persistent homology found that sodium-potassium silicate glass shows a significant reduction in large cavities as a result of the mixed alkali effect. Furthermore, a highly correlated pair arrangement between sodium and potassium ions around non-bridging oxygen atoms was identified. The potassium ions can be trapped in K–O polyhedra due to the increased bridging oxygen coordination; therefore, the correlated pair arrangement is likely the intrinsic origin of the mixed alkali effect.
Retraction Note: Dietary patterns and their associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in Tasmanian older adults: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Nguyen Hoa H. , Wu Feitong , Oddy Wendy H. , Wills Karen , Brennan-Olsen Sharon L. , Jones Graeme , Winzenberg Tania
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Determination of the Faraday rotation perpendicular to the optical axis in uniaxial CeF3 crystal by using the Generalized-High Accuracy Universal Polarimeter
Authors: Nakagawa Kenta , Asahi Toru
Published: December 2019

Many single crystals have been developed and commercialized for optical isolators. However, optical isolator materials have been limited to isotropic crystals or to the isotropic direction (optic axis) of anisotropic crystals. This study investigates the wavelength dependences of linear birefringence, linear dichroism, Faraday rotation and magnetic-circular dichroism in a single crystal rare-earth fluoride, namely CeF3. Measurements were made in the direction parallel and perpendicular to the optic axis under an applied magnetic field. The magnetic field was generated by Nd-Fe-B magnets installed in the generalized-high accuracy universal polarimeter (G-HAUP). The first application of G-HAUP to a magneto-optical material is presented. In the CeF3 crystal, the Verdet constants along directions parallel and perpendicular to the optic axis were positive over the measured wavelength region (300–680 nm), and their magnitudes were nearly equal. The success in the accurate measurement on Faraday rotation along anisotropic directions has opened the way to study on optical isolators along the direction other than optic axis.
Author Correction: Plant recording across two centuries reveals dramatic changes in species diversity of a Mediterranean archipelago
Authors: Chiarucci Alessandro , Fattorini Simone , Foggi Bruno , Landi Sara , Lazzaro Lorenzo , Podani János , Simberloff Daniel
Published: December 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.