bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing double bouquet cells into a modular cortical associative memory model
Authors: Chrysanthidis Nikolaos , Fiebig Florian , Lansner Anders
Published: September 2019

We present an electrophysiological model of double bouquet cells and integrate them into an established cortical columnar microcircuit model that has previously been used as a spiking attractor model for memory. Learning in that model relies on a Hebbian-Bayesian learning rule to condition recurrent connectivity between pyramidal cells. We here demonstrate that the inclusion of a biophysically plausible double bouquet cell model can solve earlier concerns about learning rules that simultaneously learn excitation and inhibition and might thus violate Dale’s principle. We show that learning ability and resulting effective connectivity between functional columns of previous network models is preserved when pyramidal synapses onto double bouquet cells are plastic under the same Hebbian-Bayesian learning rule. The proposed architecture draws on experimental evidence on double bouquet cells and effectively solves the problem of duplexed learning of inhibition and excitation by replacing recurrent inhibition between pyramidal cells in functional columns of different stimulus selectivity with a plastic disynaptic pathway. We thus show that the resulting change to the microcircuit architecture improves the model’s biological plausibility without otherwise impacting the model’s spiking activity, basic operation, and learning abilities.
Expression of selected miRNA, RARβ and FHIT genes in BALf of squamous cell lung cancer (squamous-cell carcinoma, SCC) patients: a pilot study
Authors: Dutkowska Agata , Antczak Adam , Domańska-Senderowska Daria , Brzeziańska-Lasota Ewa
Published: September 2019

Two suppressor genes which often undergo epigenetic silencing during the early stages of lung carcinogenesis are those encoding retinoic acid receptor-β (RARβ) and Fhit protein (FHIT). RARβ expression is regulated by miRNA-34a and miRNA-141, and FHIT expression by miRNA-143 and miRNA-217. The aim of the study was to assess how selected miRNAs regulate the expression of their targeted genes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf), obtained from patients with SCC of the lung. It also examines the relationship between the genetic findings and the clinical and pathomorphological features of the tumor. A total of 50 BALf samples were taken: 25 from patients with SCC and 25 from healthy donors. The expression (RQ) of the selected genes was analyzed by qPCR, as well as the miRNA level, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between the expression of the genes themselves and their corresponding miRNAs; in addition, the expression of the genes and miRNAs were compared with the pathomorphological features of the tumor and the clinical features of patients. Analysis of the RQ values showed downregulation of RARß, FHIT and miRNA-34a and increased expression of miRNA-141, miRNA-143 and miRNA-217 in all BALf samples (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between the expression of the selected genes and corresponding miRNAs, history of smoking, cancer stage, age and sex of the patients. The presence of the selected genes and miRNAs in BALf material does not seem to have diagnostic potential in patients with SCC; however, the results should be verified on a larger group of patients.
Dapedium sp. from the Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) Úrkút Manganese Ore Formation (Bakony Mts., Hungary) and an overview of diversity of dapediiform fishes
Authors: Szabó Márton , Pálfy József
Published: September 2019

Dapediidae are a characteristic group of deep-bodied Mesozoic actinopterygian fishes with a moderate diversity at genus- and species-level. Here, we add a new occurrence to their patchy fossil record and describe in detail a nearly complete dapediid specimen from the pelagic deposit of the Toarcian Úrkút Manganese Ore Formation in the Transdanubian Range of Hungary. The preserved characters represent nearly all anatomically important body parts and allow assignment toDapediumand comparison with other dapediid genera. This is the first reported occurrence of the order in Hungary and the Carpathian Basin that extends the known geographical range of the genus to the Mediterranean (western Tethyan) Jurassic. A review of the temporal distribution of published occurrences of dapediids permits speculation that the disappearance of exclusively Late Triassic genera, coincident with the end-Triassic extinction event, was likely related to their specialised feeding strategies and light or incomplete squamation. Multiple environmental crises (warming, acidification and anoxia) severely affected reefal habitats and favoured the survival of the generalist-durophagousDapedium. The Úrkút specimen adds important data to the Early Jurassic, particularly ToarcianLagerstätte-dominated fossil record of dapediids. In contrast to the end-Triassic, the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event did not lead to genus extinction among dapediids, possibly prevented by adaptations evolved during the preceding and similarly multi-stressor event. Continuing studies of Mesozoic fish specimens in Hungarian collections may provide new records and insights into other groups as well.
NanoCarb hyperspectral sensor: on performance optimization and analysis for greenhouse gas monitoring from a constellation of small satellites
Authors:   for the SCARBO consortium, Gousset Silvère , Croizé Laurence , Le Coarer Etienne , Ferrec Yann , Rodrigo-Rodrigo Juana , Brooker Laure
Published: September 2019

NanoCarb is an innovative Fourier-transform imaging spectrometer dedicated to the measurement of CO2and CH4. Both its unusual optical principle and sampling strategy allow to reach a compact design, ideal for small satellite constellation as investigated by the European project SCARBO. The NanoCarb performance assessment as well as a proof of concept is required in this framework. We have developed a design strategy to optimize the performances. We demonstrate the potential of the concept through an estimation of the sensitivity, compliant with the space mission target. We also present a preliminary mitigation of the bias induced by water on CO2and CH4retrieval, illustrating the efficiency and the flexibility of the NanoCarb partial interferogram sampling technique. The presented design reaches a sub-ppm random error for CO2and sub-10 ppb random error for CH4, considering 128 km swath and 2 by 2 km2ground resolution. Design optimization and more systematic performances are discussed.
Development and Management of Base Flow of a Sand-dominated Alluvial Aquifer of a Large Ephemeral River for Drinking Water Supply in Semi-arid and Fluoride Affected Areas: Example of the River Mayurakshi, Birbhum District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Sikdar P.K. , Dey Sudeshna , Ghosal U. , Chakraborty S.
Published: September 2019

Semi-arid tropical regions in India and elsewhere face major challenges in the management of public water supply for drinking purpose. In such regions knowledge on base flow availability in major rivers is important in development of water management strategies and estimation of small to medium water supplies especially for semi-arid conditions where groundwater is contaminated with fluoride at variable depths.

This study focuses on identification, exploitation and utilization of the unexploited base flow of the river Mayurakshi between Md. Bazar in the west and Sainthia in the east in Birbhum district, West Bengal, by understanding the subsurface hydrogeology of the river as well as a proper knowledge of the water budget, water resources in storage, and water quality.

Exploratory drilling on the river bed revealed two aquifer settings: unconfined in the west, and semi-confined in the east. Water level is shallow occurring within 2 m below ground level. The sands of the unconfined aquifer are mostly coarse and that of the semi-confined aquifer are medium to coarse. The transmissivity values reveal that the potentiality of the aquifer in the western stretch of the river is higher than that of the eastern stretch. Water supply systems that can be constructed below the river are bedmounted infiltration gallery and collector well with radials. Water quality does not exceed the permissible limit of Indian Drinking Water Standard except for manganese, iron and colliform bacteria. Therefore, the water needs to be treated for these parameters before supplying to the communities for drinking purpose.
Clay Minerals and Micromorphology of the Loess Paleosols, Kashmir Valley, India
Authors: Ali Aasif , Achyuthan Hema , Azhardin Mohamad
Published: September 2019

Loess paleosols have been often studied to reconstruct late Quaternary past climate changes. In the present study, textural analysis, TOC, CaCO3 content, micromorphology and clay mineralogy of the three loess paleosol profiles from three sites (Choori, Alochibagh and Burzahama), from Kashmir valley are presented. Based on the dates of Burzahama section, the exposed loess paleosols are approximately dated to 45ka. Textural analyses suggest that the sediments are largely fine silt followed by silty loam and silty clay loam. The fine sand component in the loess and paleosols indicate that winds in the valley were strong, but in phases the wind velocity was low. The paleosols are much thicker than loess layers and form several horizons within the lithosections. The increase of CaCO3 content indicates that it has leached in phases and along with total organic carbon (TOC) resulted in mild pedogenesis with variations in the rate of pedogenesis within the paleosols and forming pedocomplexes. Micromorphology of the loess-paleosols indicates the presence of calcite nodules with iron oxide coating indicating sub-aerial weathering and pedogenesis. The presence of channel structures in loess paleosols formed due to root traces and pores probably during the warmer periods. The replacement of chlorite by smectite clays in loess paleosols suggests that the alteration of clay minerals probably took place in cold, dry, warmer climatic conditions in low wind regime.
Hydrogeochemistry of High Fluoride Groundwater to Understand the Suitability of Groundwater for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes in Granulite Belt Part of Bhopalpatnam Area, Bijapur District, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Munna Korsa , Guhey Rajeeva , Jhariya D.C.
Published: September 2019

Present study describes the hydrogeochemistry of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, with the aim to understand fluoride concentration by geochemical behavior of groundwater, from recharge to discharge through factors such as rock weathering, aquifer lithology, cation exchange etc. Sixty-two representative groundwater samples from Bijapur District were collected during two different seasons pre-monsoon and post-monsoon (2016) and analyzed for major cations and anions. Results clearly demonstrate that the seasonal effect imposes a serious impact on the concentration of ions due to the dilution of water in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. High concentration of fluoride is observed during pre-monsoon (3.58 mg/L) and post-monsoon (3.12 mg/L) periods which are higher than the BIS permissible limit i.e. 1.5 mg/L. Gibbs diagram shows rock–water interaction dominance and evaporation dominance, which are responsible for the change in the quality of water in hard rock aquifer of the study area. Suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purpose also assessed this study. Considering the findings from the present study, the study area needs special attention to ensure the supply of potable water to maintain sustainable life.
Interaction Between Planetary Boundary Layer and PM2.5 Pollution in Megacities in China: a Review
Authors: Miao Yucong , Li Jing , Miao Shiguang , Che Huizheng , Wang Yaqiang , Zhang Xiaoye , Zhu Rong , Liu Shuhua
Published: September 2019

Purpose of Review

During the past decades, the number and size of megacities have been growing dramatically in China. Most of Chinese megacities are suffering from heavy PM2.5pollution. In the pollution formation, the planetary boundary layer (PBL) plays an important role. This review is aimed at presenting the current state of understanding of the PBL-PM2.5interaction in megacities, as well as to identify the main gaps in current knowledge and further research needs.

Recent Findings

The PBL is critical to the formation of urban PM2.5pollution at multiple temporal scales, ranging from diurnal change to seasonal variation. For the essential PBL structure/process in pollution, the coastal megacities have different concerns from the mountainous or land-locked megacities. In the coastal cities, the recirculation induced by sea-land breeze can accumulate pollutants, whereas in the valley/basin, the blocking effects of terrains can lead to stagnant conditions and thermal inversion. Within a megacity, although the urbanization-induced land use change can cause thermodynamic perturbations and facilitate the development of PBL, the increases in emissions outweigh this impact, resulting in a net increase of aerosol concentration. Moreover, the aerosol radiative effects can modify the PBL by heating the upper layers and reducing the surface heat flux, suppressing the PBL and exacerbating the pollution.

This review presented the PBL-PM2.5interaction in 13 Chinese megacities with various geographic conditions and elucidated the critical influencing processes. To further understand the complicated interactions, long-term observations of meteorology and aerosol properties with multi-layers in the PBL need to be implemented.
An overview of key evolutions in the light-duty vehicle sector and their impact on oil demand
Authors: Albrahim Mohammed , Zahrani Ahmed Al , Arora Anvita , Dua Rubal , Fattouh Bassam , Sieminski Adam
Published: September 2019

The light-duty vehicle (LDV) sector is undergoing many changes, including technological advancements (e.g., vehicle electrification, automation), new business models (e.g., ride-hailing), and government regulations and policies (e.g., fuel economy (FE) standards, zero-emission vehicle mandates, infrastructure investments, and incentives to encourage adoption of alternative fuel vehicles). Despite significant uncertainty, these developments, combined with demographic growth, will influence the future LDV fleet size and composition, and consequently the oil demand from LDVs. This paper provides a review of changes in the LDV sector and an assessment of their impact on oil demand. It takes into account the impact of LDV fleet growth, increasing penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels (focus on biofuels), and improvements in internal combustion engine vehicles’ (ICEV) FE. Our analysis indicates that oil demand in 2040 could remain unchanged relative to 2016, but depending on the development of certain trends, demand could shrink or increase by ~6 million barrels per day (±25% relative to 2016). Our findings suggest that ICEV FE improvements could have a much greater impact on oil demand than the emergence of EVs. Moreover, preliminary research indicates that automation and shared mobility could reinforce the economic attractiveness of EVs, thereby increasing their penetration and impact on oil demand. Because of uncertainties in the development of these two trends by 2040 and difficulties in quantifying the complex interactions, we have not captured these effects in our model. Therefore, the range of uncertainty on the oil demand evolution could be even higher than our model indicates.
Plasma lipocalin‐2 levels in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Eruysal Emily , Ravdin Lisa , Kamel Hooman , Iadecola Costantino , Ishii Makoto
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Lipocalin‐2 is an acute‐phase protein with pleotropic functions that has been implicated in several diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is unknown if circulating lipocalin‐2 levels are altered in the preclinical stage of AD, where AD pathology has accumulated but cognition remains relatively intact.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we used an immunoassay to measure plasma lipocalin‐2 levels in cognitively normal (Clinical Dementia Rating 0) elderly individuals. 38 of 156 subjects were classified as preclinical AD by cerebrospinal fluid criteria.

Results

Plasma lipocalin‐2 levels were higher in preclinical AD compared with control subjects and associated with cerebrospinal fluid amyloid‐beta42 levels but not cerebrospinal fluid tau or phosphorylated‐tau181 levels. Exploratory analyses revealed that plasma lipocalin‐2 was associated with executive function but not episodic memory.

Discussion

Collectively, these results raise the possibility that circulating lipocalin‐2 is involved early in AD pathogenesis and may represent an early blood biomarker of amyloid‐beta pathology.
Incidence of mild cognitive impairment in World Trade Center responders: Long‐term consequences of re‐experiencing the events on 9/11/2001
Authors: Clouston Sean A.P. , Diminich Erica D. , Kotov Roman , Pietrzak Robert H. , Richards Marcus , Spiro Avron , Deri Yael , Carr Melissa , Yang Xiaohua , Gandy Sam , Sano Mary , Bromet Evelyn J. , Luft Benjamin J.
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study examined whether World Trade Center (WTC) exposures and chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a longitudinal analysis of a prospective cohort study of WTC responders.

Methods

Incidence of MCI was assessed in a clinical sample of WTC responders (N= 1800) who were cognitively intact at baseline assessment. Crude incidence rates were calculated and compared to population estimates using standardized incidence ratios. Multivariable analyses used Cox proportional‐hazards regression.

Results

Responders were 53.1 years old (SD = 7.9) at baseline. Among eligible cognitively intact responders, 255 (14.2%) developed MCI at follow‐up. Incidence of MCI was higher than expected based on expectations from prior published research. Incidence was higher among those with increased PTSD symptom severity, and prolonged exposure was a risk factor in apolipoprotein‐ε4 carriers.

Conclusions

PTSD and prolonged WTC exposures were associated with increased incidence of MCI in WTC responders, results that may portend future high rates of dementia in WTC‐exposed responders.
Tau pathology in cognitively normal older adults
Authors: Ziontz Jacob , Bilgel Murat , Shafer Andrea T. , Moghekar Abhay , Elkins Wendy , Helphrey Jessica , Gomez Gabriela , June Danielle , McDonald Michael A. , Dannals Robert F. , Azad Babak Behnam , Ferrucci Luigi , Wong Dean F. , Resnick Susan M.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Tau pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, is observed in the brains of virtually all individuals over 70 years.

Methods

Using 18F‐AV‐1451 (18F‐flortaucipir) positron emission tomography, we evaluated tau pathology in 54 cognitively normal participants (mean age: 77.5 years, SD: 8.9) from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. We assessed associations between positron emission tomography signal and age, sex, race, and amyloid positivity. We investigated relationships between regional signal and retrospective rates of change in regional volumes and cognitive function adjusting for age, sex, and amyloid status.

Results

Greater age, male sex, black race, and amyloid positivity were associated with higher 18F‐AV‐1451 retention in distinct brain regions. Retention in the entorhinal cortex was associated with lower entorhinal volume (β = −1.124, SE = 0.485, P = .025) and a steeper decline in memory performance (β = −0.086, SE = 0.039, P = .029).

Discussion

Assessment of medial temporal tau pathology will provide insights into early structural brain changes associated with later cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
Quantitative gait, cognitive decline, and incident dementia: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Darweesh Sirwan K.L. , Licher Silvan , Wolters Frank J. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Ikram M. Kamran , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Poor gait has recently emerged as a potential prodromal feature of cognitive decline and dementia. We assessed to what extent various aspects of poor gait are independently associated with cognitive decline and incident dementia.

Methods

We leveraged detailed quantitative gait (GAITRite™) and cognitive assessments in 4258 dementia‐free participants (median age 67 years, 55% women) of the population‐based Rotterdam Study (baseline 2009–2013). We summarized 30 gait parameters into seven mutually independent gait domains and a Global Gait score. Participants underwent follow‐up cognitive assessments between 2014 and 2016 and were followed up for incident dementia until 2016 (median 4 years).

Results

Three independent gait domains (Base of Support, Pace, and Rhythm) and Global Gait were associated with cognitive decline. Two independent gait domains (Pace and Variability) and Global Gait were associated with incident dementia. Associations of gait with cognitive decline and incident dementia were only present in individuals who had been cognitively unimpaired at baseline.

Discussion

Poor performance on several independent gait domains precedes cognitive decline and incident dementia.
THE CONORMAL TORUS IS A COMPLETE KNOT INVARIANT
Authors: SHENDE VIVEK
Published: September 2019

We use microlocal sheaf theory to show that knots can only have Legendrian isotopic conormal tori if they themselves are isotopic or mirror images.
A Gift from the Buddhist Monastery: The Role of Buddhist Medical Practices in the Assimilation of the Opium Poppy in Chinese Medicine during the Song Dynasty (960–1279)
Authors: Canton-Alvarez Jose A.
Published: September 2019

This paper aims to critically appraise the incorporation of opium poppy into medical practice in Song-dynasty China. By analysing materia medica and formularies, along with non-medical sources from the Song period, this study sheds light on the role of Chinese Buddhist monasteries in the process of incorporation of foreign plants into Chinese medicine. It argues that Buddhist monasteries played a significant role in the evolution of the use of opium poppy in Song dynasty medicine. This is because the consumption practices in Buddhist monasteries inspired substantial changes in the medical application of the flower during the Southern Song dynasty. While, at the beginning of Song dynasty, court scholars incorporated opium poppy into official materia medica in order to treat disorders such ashuangdan andxiaoke, as well as cinnabar poisoning, this study of the later Song medical treatises shows how opium poppy was repurposed to treat symptoms such as diarrhoea, coughing and spasms. Such a shift in the medical use of the poppy occurred after Chinese literati and doctors became acquainted with the role of the flower in the diet and medical practices of Buddhist monks across China. Therefore, the case study of the medical application of opium poppy during the Song dynasty provides us with insights into how the spread of certain practices in Buddhist monasteries might have contributed to the change in both professional medical practices and daily-life healthcare in local communities in that period.
Re. I. Understanding galaxy sizes, associated luminosity densities, and the artificial division of the early-type galaxy population
Authors: Graham Alister W.
Published: September 2019

For decades, the deceptive simplicity of the radius

$R_{\rm e}$

, enclosing an arbitrary 50% of a galaxy’s light, has hamstrung the understanding of early-type galaxies (ETGs). Half a century ago, using these ‘effective half-light’ radii from de Vaucouleurs’

$R^{1/4}$

model, Sérsic reported that bright ETGs follow the relation

$\mathfrak{M}_B\propto2.5\log R_{\rm e}$

; and consequently, one has that

$\langle\mu\rangle_{\rm e}\propto2.5\log R_{\rm e}$

and

$\mu_{\rm e}\propto2.5\log R_{\rm e}$

, where

$\mu_{\rm e}$

and

$\langle\mu\rangle_{\rm e}$

are the effective surface brightness at

$R_{\rm e}$

and the mean effective surface brightness within

$R_{\rm e}$

, respectively. Sérsic additionally observed an apparent transition which led him to advocate for a division between what he called dwarf and giant ETGs; a belief frequently restated to occur at

$\mathfrak{M}_B \approx -18$

mag or

$n\approx 2.5$

. Here, the location of this false dichotomy in diagrams using ‘effective’ parameters is shown to change by more than 3 mag simply depending on the arbitrary percentage of light used to quantify a galaxy’s size. A range of alternative radii are explored, including where the projected intensity has dropped by a fixed percentage plus a battery of internal radii, further revealing that the transition at

$\mathfrak{M}_B
\approx -18$

mag is artificial and does not demark a boundary between different physical processes operating on the ETG population.

The above understanding surrounding the effective radius

$R_{\rm e}$

is of further importance because quantities such as dynamical mass

$\sigma^2R/G$

, gravitational-binding energy

$GM^2/R$

, acceleration

$GM/R^2$

, and the ‘Fundamental Plane’ also depend on the arbitrary percentage of light used to define R, with implications for dark matter estimates, galaxy formation theories, compact massive galaxies, studies of peculiar velocity flows, and more. Finally, some of the vast literature which has advocated for segregating the ETG population at

$\mathfrak{M}_B \approx -18$

mag (

$M\approx1$

–

$2\times10^{10}\,{\rm M}_{\odot}$

) is addressed, and it is revealed how this pervasive mindset has spilled over to influence both the classical bulge versus pseudobulge debate and recently also correlations involving supermassive black hole masses.
Stratigraphic and geomorphologic evidence of three MIS 2 glacial advances in the South Fork Hoh River valley, Olympic Mountains, Washington, USA
Authors: Wyshnytzky Cianna E. , Rittenour Tammy M. , Thackray Glenn D. , Shulmeister James
Published: September 2019

The geomorphology and stratigraphy of the South Fork Hoh River (SF Hoh), Olympic Mountains, Washington, allow for greater understanding of Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 2 (MIS 2) ice fluctuations, glacial dynamics, and sedimentation. Age control from optically stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon dating constrains deposited sediments associated with four Late Pleistocene ice-marginal positions that formed under reduced ice volume conditions compared with MIS 3–5 glaciers in the same drainage. The earliest MIS 2 ice margin extended into the main Hoh River valley (pre–SF 1, 28 ka to >23.0 ka). After retreat, the ice occupied three closely spaced ice-marginal positions (SF 1–3) that range in age from 22.0 ka to shortly after 18.7 ka. While the SF 1 and SF 3 positions were previously identified as the Twin Creeks I and II positions, the intermediate SF 2 position had not been recognized. Moraines are composed of poorly sorted, but stratified, sediment and few tills. Diamicton units show evidence of water reworking. This research documents a detailed record of MIS 2 glaciation in a maritime setting in western North America and provides evidence of rapid MIS 2 ice-marginal fluctuations that likely reflect responses to millennial-scale climatic fluctuations and may be relevant to understanding other complex MIS 2 moraine sequences.
The 1953–1965 rise in Atmospheric bomb 14C in Central Norway
Authors: Svarva Helene , Grootes Pieter , Seiler Martin , Stene Sølvi , Thun Terje , Værnes Einar , Nadeau Marie-Josée
Published: September 2019

Sub-annual measurements, eight increments per year, of cellulose in a Scots pine tree growing in central Norway are presented as a proxy for tropospheric 14CO2 at biweekly to monthly resolution. The results are validated by comparison to direct atmospheric measurements in the years 1959–1965, and a new dataset is obtained for 1953–1958. In this period, our cellulose measurements deviate from the Bomb 13 NH1 calibration curve, which is derived from single-year measurements of tree rings. This is due to seasonal cycles in tropospheric radiocarbon (14C) concentrations, caused by the first series of atmospheric nuclear weapons tests.
Increased adiposity by feeding growing rats a high-fat diet results in iron decompartmentalisation
Authors: Lobo Alexandre R. , Gaievski Eduardo H. S. , de Mesquita Carlos Henrique , De Carli Eduardo , Teixeira Pryscila Dryelle S. , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Borelli Primavera , de Sá Lilian R. M. , Colli Célia
Published: September 2019

The present study reports the effects of a high-fat (HF) diet of over 8 weeks on the Fe status of growing rats. Tissue Fe levels were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and whole-body adiposity was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Histopathology and morphometry of adipose tissue were performed. Liver homogenates were used for measuring ferroportin-1 protein levels by immunoblotting, and transcript levels were used for Fe genes measured by real-time PCR. Tissue Fe pools were fit to a compartmental biokinetic model in which Fe was assessed using fourteen compartments and twenty-seven transfer constants (kj,ifrom tissue ‘i’ to tissue ‘j’) adapted from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) 69. Tenkj,iwere calculated from the experimental data using non-linear regression, and seventeen were estimated by allometry according to the formula${k_{i,j}} = a \times {M^b}$. Validation of the model was carried out by comparing predicted and analysed Fe pool sizes in erythrocytes, the liver and the spleen. Body adiposity was negatively associated with serum Fe levels and positively associated with liver Fe stores. An inferred increase in Fe transfer from bone marrow to the liver paralleled higher hepatic Fe concentrations and ferritin heavy-chain mRNA levels in the HF diet-fed animals, suggesting that liver Fe accumulation occurred at least in part due to a favoured liver erythrocyte uptake. If this feeding condition was to be prolonged, impaired Fe decompartmentalisation may occur, ultimately resulting in dysmetabolic Fe overload.
Women's Silence and Jewish Influence: The Problematic Origins of the Conjectural Emendation on 1 Cor 14.33b–35
Authors: Neutel Karin B.
Published: September 2019

This article explores the origins of the conjectural emendation on 1 Cor 14.33b–35, first made in 1863 by Jan Willem Straatman. It shows that Straatman attributes the instruction on women's silence to Jewish influence and bases his view on a reconstruction of early Christianity in which Paul and his Gentile message were opposed by Jewish adversaries. This anti-Jewish tendency persisted in subsequent scholarship and has continued to characterise the understanding of this passage into the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Political Effectiveness, Negative Externalities, and the Ethics of Economic Sanctions
Authors: Peksen Dursun
Published: September 2019

As part of the roundtable “Economic Sanctions and Their Consequences,” this essay discusses whether economic sanctions are morally acceptable policy tools. It notes that both conventional and targeted sanctions not only often fail to achieve their stated objectives but also bring about significant negative externalities in target countries. Economic dislocation and increases in political instability instigated by sanctions disproportionately affect the well-being of opposition groups and marginalized segments of society, while target elites and their support base remain insulated from the intended costs of foreign pressure. Sanctions might also incentivize target governments to use repressive means to consolidate their rule and weaken the opposition. Given these serious shortcomings, I argue that sanctions are ethically problematic tools of foreign policy. Nonetheless, this does not mean that sanctions should be rejected outright, as there might be cases where sanctions are the only viable option, and they might work effectively under certain circumstances. Rather, the essay suggests that policymakers should apply more caution in considering the use of sanctions given their low probability of success, and should be more concerned with the delicate balance between political gain and civilian pain before levying sanctions, whether comprehensive or targeted.
Distinction, Necessity, and Proportionality: Afghan Civilians’ Attitudes toward Wartime Harm
Authors: Dill Janina
Published: September 2019

How do civilians react to being harmed in war? Existing studies argue that civilian casualties are strategically costly because civilian populations punish a belligerent who kills civilians and support the latter's opponent. Relying on eighty-seven semi-structured interviews with victims of coalition attacks in Afghanistan, this article shows that moral principles inform civilians’ attitudes toward their own harming. Their attitudes may therefore vary with the perceived circumstances of an attack. Civilians’ perception of harm as unintended and necessary, in accordance with the moral principles of distinction and necessity, was associated with narratives that cast an attack as relatively more legitimate and with a partial or full release of the coalition from blame. The principle of proportionality, which requires that civilian casualties are caused in pursuit of a legitimate war aim, informed their abstract attitudes toward civilian casualties in Afghanistan. Two rules of international law, which accord with the moral principles of distinction and necessity, were reflected in the civilians’ attitudes. The legal rule of proportionality, which diverges from the namesake moral principle, failed to resonate with the civilians. The article explores whether compliance with the legal rules of distinction and necessity can contribute to mitigating the strategic costs of civilian casualties.
Civilian Immunity Without the Doctrine of Double Effect
Authors: Benbaji Yitzhak , Burri Susanne
Published: September 2019

Civilian Immunity (‘Immunity’) is the legal and moral protection that civilians enjoy against the effects of hostilities under the laws of armed conflict and according to the ethics of killing in war. Immunity specifies different permissibility conditions fordirectly targeting civilianson the one hand, and forharming civilians incidentallyon the other hand. Immunity is standardly defended by appeal to the Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE). We show that Immunity's prohibitive stance towards targeting civilians directly, and its more permissive stance towards harming them incidentally, can be defended without appealing to the DDE if agents suffer fromoverconfidence. Overconfidence is a cognitive bias that affects agents who are required to make decisions in the presence of significant uncertainty.
Morality in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Dempsey E. E. , Moore C. , Johnson S. A. , Stewart S. H. , Smith I. M.
Published: September 2019

Moral reasoning and decision making help guide behavior and facilitate interpersonal relationships. Accounts of morality that position commonsense psychology as the foundation of moral development, (i.e., rationalist theories) have dominated research in morality in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the well-documented differences in commonsense psychology among autistic individuals, researchers have investigated whether the development and execution of moral judgement and reasoning differs in this population compared with neurotypical individuals. In light of the diverse findings of investigations of moral development and reasoning in ASD, a summation and critical evaluation of the literature could help make sense of what is known about this important social-cognitive skill in ASD. To that end, we conducted a systematic review of the literature investigating moral decision making among autistic children and adults. Our search identified 29 studies. In this review, we synthesize the research in the area and provide suggestions for future research. Such research could include the application of an alternative theoretical framework to studying morality in autism spectrum disorder that does not assume a deficits-based perspective.
The regulation of competition and procurement in the National Health Service 2015–2018: enduring hierarchical control and the limits of juridification
Authors: Osipovič Dorota , Allen Pauline , Sanderson Marie , Moran Valerie , Checkland Kath
Published: September 2019

Since 1990, market mechanisms have occurred in the predominantly hierarchical National Health Service (NHS). The Health and Social Care Act 2012 led to concerns that market principles had been irrevocably embedded in the NHS and that the regulators would acquire unwarranted power compared with politicians (known as ‘juridification’). To assess this concern, we analysed regulatory activity in the period from 2015 to 2018. We explored how economic regulation of the NHS had changed in light of the policy turn back to hierarchy in 2014 and the changes in the legislative framework under Public Contracts Regulations 2015. We found the continuing dominance of hierarchical modes of control was reflected in the relative dominance and behaviour of the sector economic regulator. But there had also been a limited degree of juridification involving the courts. Generally, the regulatory decisions were consistent with the 2014 policy shift away from market principles and with the enduring role of hierarchy in the NHS, but the existing legislative regime did allow the incursion of pro market regulatory decision making, and instances of such decisions were identified.
Motiviert durch Musik
Authors: Schütz Kathrin , Rötters Annika
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. In der Studie wurde die Wirkung von Musik auf die Bewertung der eigenen, intrinsischen Motivation und auf das Flow-Erleben im Reitsport untersucht. Reiter, die eine Woche mit Musik ritten, wurden mit Reitern, die eine Woche ohne Musik ritten, innerhalb eines Prä-Posttest-Designs verglichen. Die Stichprobe ( N = 69) bestand aus einer Experimentalgruppe ( n = 35) und einer Kontrollgruppe ( n = 34). Sowohl für die intrinsische Motivation als auch für das Flow-Erleben ergaben sich hoch signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen mit starken Effekten. Die intrinsische Motivation der Experimentalgruppe war im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe nach einer Woche höher als zuvor.
Manipulate Me
Authors: Thissen Alica , Spinath Frank M. , Becker Nicolas
Published: September 2019

Abstract. The cube construction task represents a novel format in the assessment of spatial ability through mental cube rotation tasks. Instead of selecting the correct answer from several response options, respondents construct their own response in a computerized test environment, leading to a higher demand for spatial ability. In the present study with a sample of 146 German high-school students, we tested an approach to manipulate the item difficulties in order to create items with a greater difficulty range. Furthermore, we compared the cube task in a distractor-free and a distractor-based version while the item stems were held identical. The average item difficulty of the distractor-free format was significantly higher than in the distractor-based format ( M = 0.27 vs. M = 0.46) and the distractor-free format showed a broader range of item difficulties (.02 ≤  pi ≤ .95 vs. .37 ≤  pi ≤ .63). The analyses of the test results also showed that the distractor-free format had a significantly higher correlation with a broad intelligence test ( r = .57 vs. r = .17). Reasons for the higher convergent validity of the distractor-free format (prevention of response elimination strategies and the broader range of item difficulties) and further research possibilities are discussed.
Wrench‐Related Dome Formation and Subsequent Orogenic Syntax Bending in a Hot Orogen (Variscan Ibero‐Armorican Arc, the Ouessant Island, France)
Authors: Authemayou Christine , Le Gall Bernard , Caroff Martial , Bussien Grosjean Denise
Published: September 2019

During the Carboniferous collision stage, the West European Variscan orogen was affected by oblique convergence, wrenching, plate‐scale oroclinal bending, and widespread exhumation of the deep crust. One of these exhumed units forms the Léon dome located on the northern flank of the Ibero‐Armorican Arc in the western part of the Armorican massif. Structural field data from the Ouessant Island reveal kinematic changes between 330 and 300 Ma that affected the northwestern margin of the Léon dome. This margin underwent two ductile deformation phases with opposite strike‐slip shear senses. Dextral strike‐slip wrenching combined with orogen‐normal shortening, orogen‐parallel stretching, and local top‐to‐the‐NE shearing occurred during the Léon dome formation and exhumation of its gneissic core at 330–310 Ma. During tightening of the Ibero‐Armorican Arc at ~300 Ma, more localized sinistral wrenching reactivated the northwestern boundary of the Léon dome. The resulting N70°E trending sinistral Porspoder‐Ouessant shear zone together with its conjugate dextral South Armorican shear zone controlled the lateral escape of the Léon‐North‐Central Armorican rigid tectonic wedge triggered by indentation of the Cantabrian orocline at the core of the Ibero‐Armorican Arc.
Solving the Global Nitrogen Imbalance
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

Excess nitrogen causes serious environmental problems, but too little can lead to food insecurity and unrest. A team of researchers proposes a five-pronged solution to our planet’s nitrogen woes.
Reply to Comment by Tsurutani et al. on “First Observation of Mesosphere Response to the Solar Wind High‐Speed Streams”
Authors: Yi Wen , Xue Xianghui , Reid Iain M. , Murphy Damian J.
Published: September 2019

In our recent paper, Yi, Reid, Xue, Younger, Spargo, et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024446, hereinafter Y17A), we presented a first analysis of 9‐ and 6.75‐day periodic oscillations observed in the Earth's neutral mesospheric density during 2005 and 2006. These observations reveal a direct coupling between the Sun's upper atmosphere and the Earth's mesosphere. Tsurutani et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JA022499, hereinafter T19) have commented on T19 by way of suggesting possible physical mechanisms for Y17A's observations (Y17A do not address possible mechanisms in their paper).
Energetic Ion Dynamics in the Perturbed Electromagnetic Fields Near Europa
Authors: Breer Benjamin R. , Liuzzo Lucas , Arnold Hannes , Andersson Peter N. , Simon Sven
Published: September 2019

We model the dynamics of energetic magnetospheric ions in the perturbed electromagnetic fields near Jupiter's moon Europa. The inhomogeneities in the fields near Europa are generated by the induced dipole field from the moon's subsurface ocean as well as the Alfvénic plasma interaction with its ionosphere and induced field. Inhomogeneities in Europa's ionosphere at various length scales generate substantial asymmetries in the mass loading process that further complicate the structure of the moon's electromagnetic environment. In our study, the electromagnetic fields near Europa are obtained from an established hybrid model, whereas a particle tracing tool is applied to analyze the precipitation of the three most abundant energetic ion species (hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur) onto the moon's surface at various energies from 1 keV up to 5 MeV. To isolate the contributions of the induced dipole and ionospheric mass loading to the field perturbations and the resulting precipitation patterns, we consider multiple field configurations of successively increasing complexity. For ion energies in the kiloelectron volt regime, magnetic field line draping effectively shields large portions of Europa's surface against energetic ion impacts and drastically alters the shape of the precipitation patterns, compared to uniform fields. The fine structure of these patterns strongly depends on the complexity of the applied ionosphere model. Only in the megaelectron volt regime, the precipitation patterns are qualitatively similar for uniform and draped fields. However, the precipitation of megaelectron volt ions onto Europa is still not homogeneous, since the strong magnetospheric field keeps ion gyroradii much smaller than the moon's radius.
Three‐Dimensional Representation of Large‐Scale Structures Based on Observations in Atmospheric Surface Layers
Authors: Liu Hongyou , Wang Guohua , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: September 2019

Large amounts of synchronous multipoint measurement data were acquired from long‐term observations in high‐Reynolds‐number atmospheric surface layers (Reτ∼O(106)) at the Qingtu Lake observation array site. Based on these experimental data, the general shapes of three‐dimensional (3‐D) large‐scale coherent structures are constructed coupled with the symmetry of two‐point streamwise velocity correlations in the spanwise direction, where the spanwise symmetry is confirmed to be applicable in the atmospheric surface layer flow by experimental verification. The full extent of the 3‐D structure is much larger than a 2‐D slice at the condition point and increases significantly with the reference height in the logarithmic region. Moreover, the streamwise length and the spanwise width of the horizontal section are found to vary systematically with the relative height to the condition point. These variations are parametrized and can subsequently be used to infer the horizontal section at different relative heights. Then, a plausible empirical model is proposed by taking into consideration the streamwise shift caused by the inclination angle, and the 3‐D structure can be predicted by this model using the primary flow parameters and location information. This study contributes to a better understanding of dominant structures in the outer region of wall turbulence at high Reynolds numbers.
Episodic Erosion With a Power Law Probability Density, and the Accumulation of Cosmogenic Nuclides
Authors: Muzikar Paul
Published: September 2019

In steady state, the concentration n of a cosmogenic nuclide in a surface can be used to study the local erosion rate. When the erosion is due to episodic spalling events, this concentration is not constant in time but has a statistical distribution which reflects the underlying spallation process. In this paper, we study a model in which slabs of rock of depth w are removed in instantaneous events; the time intervals t between these events are random variables. The probability density for t, p(t), is taken to have a Pareto distribution, with a power law decrease at large values of t. This case is interesting to study, since the Pareto distribution can lead to the occurrence of a wide range of time intervals, which can lead to a broad distribution of measured values of n. We derive analytic expressions for the average and the variance of n in steady state and compare our results to previous work, which took p(t) to decrease exponentially with t. We also show results from simulations of the Pareto model, which allow us to gain insight into the time‐dependent behavior of the nuclide concentration.
Physical Mechanisms Controlling the Offshore Propagation of Convection in the Tropics: 1. Flat Island
Authors: Coppin David , Bellon Gilles
Published: September 2019

An idealized convection‐permitting simulation is performed to investigate the physical mechanisms responsible for the nighttime offshore propagation of convection around tropical islands. An idealized island is placed in the middle of a long, nonrotating channel oceanic domain with constant sea surface temperature. A strong diurnal cycle typical of a tropical island is simulated, with a thermally forced sea breeze in daytime and the associated inland propagation of precipitation. Offshore propagation of a land breeze and its associated convection is simulated every night but with varying extent. Gravity waves of first and second baroclinic modes trigger convection far from the coast if the offshore conditions are favorable. This accelerates the propagation speed of the land breeze as it reduces the onshore wind associated with the lower branch of the overturning large‐scale circulation. Higher‐order modes may trigger convection or reinforce existing convection but less systematically. The distance of propagation is particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature at the top of the boundary layer, with occasional incursions of a dry anomaly at the top of the boundary layer near the island preventing convection from developing far from the island.