bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and functioning of epipelagic mesozooplankton and response to dust events during the spring PEACETIME cruisein the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Feliú Guillermo , Pagano Marc , Hidalgo Pamela , Carlotti François
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The PEACETIME cruise (May–June 2017) was a basin scale study mainly dedicated to the study of different planktonic trophic regimes in the Algerian, Tyrrhenian and Ionian basins and, in particular, focusing on areas impacted by Saharan dust deposition. This paper presents the structural and functioning patterns of the zooplankton component during this survey, including their responses to two major dust events in the Algerian and Tyrrhenian basins. The mesozooplankon was sampled at 12 stations by combining nets with 2 mesh sizes (100 and 200 µm) mounted on a bongo frame for vertical hauls within the upper 300 meter layer. In this general post-bloom situation, total mesozooplankton showed reduced variations in abundance and biomass over the whole area, with a noticeable contribution of the small size fraction (<  500 µm) of up to 50 % in abundance and 25 % in biomass. The taxonomic structure was dominated by copepods, mainly cyclopoids and calanoids, and completed by appendicularians, ostracods and chaetognaths. Distinct zooplankton taxa assemblages in the three main regions were in agreement with recently proposed regional patterns for the Mediterranean Basin, although the assemblages found in the western Ionian stations presented a closer analogy with those of the Tyrrhenian basin than with those of the Ionian basin., probably due to Atlantic water influence. Zooplankton carbon demand, grazing pressure, respiration and excretion rates were estimated using allometric relationships to the mesozooplankton size-spectrum. On average, the daily zooplankton consumption potentially represents 15 % of the phytoplankton stock, almost the whole of the primary production, with a narrow range of variations, and its excretion contributes roughly one quarter of the N and P requirements of phytoplankton production. The small size fractions make a significant contribution to these mesozooplankton estimated fluxes. Whereas in the Algerian basin (long station FAST), the initial impact on the pelagic ecosystem of a tracked dust deposition was studied, the survey of the southern Tyrrhenian basin occurred almost a week after another dust event. The changes in mesozooplankton taxonomic structure appear to be a relevant indicator to study this response, with an initial phase with no real dominance of taxa, then a disturbed state of the community with strong dominance of certain herbivorous taxa and the appearance of carnivorous species, and finally a recovery state towards a more stable system with diversification of the community. To our knowledge, PEACETIME is the first in situ study allowing observation of mesozooplankton responses before and soon after natural Saharan dust depositions. The changes in rank-frequency diagrams of the zooplankton taxonomic structure are an interesting index to highlight short-term responses of zooplankton to episodic dust deposition events.
Earth system modeling with endogenous and dynamic human societies: the copan:CORE open World–Earth modeling framework
Authors: Donges Jonathan F. , Heitzig Jobst , Barfuss Wolfram , Wiedermann Marc , Kassel Johannes A. , Kittel Tim , Kolb Jakob J. , Kolster Till , Müller-Hansen Finn , Otto Ilona M. , Zimmerer Kilian B. , Lucht Wolfgang
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Analysis of Earth system dynamics in the Anthropocene requires explicitly taking into account the increasing magnitude of processes operating in human societies, their cultures, economies and technosphere and their growing feedback entanglement with those in the physical, chemical and biological systems of the planet. However, current state-of-the-art Earth system models do not represent dynamic human societies and their feedback interactions with the biogeophysical Earth system and macroeconomic integrated assessment models typically do so only with limited scope. This paper (i) proposes design principles for constructing world–Earth models (WEMs) for Earth system analysis of the Anthropocene, i.e., models of social (world)–ecological (Earth) coevolution on up to planetary scales, and (ii) presents the copan:CORE open simulation modeling framework for developing, composing and analyzing such WEMs based on the proposed principles. The framework provides a modular structure to flexibly construct and study WEMs. These can contain biophysical (e.g., carbon cycle dynamics), socio-metabolic or economic (e.g., economic growth or energy system changes), and sociocultural processes (e.g., voting on climate policies or changing social norms) and their feedback interactions, and they are based on elementary entity types, e.g., grid cells and social systems. Thereby, copan:CORE enables the epistemic flexibility needed for contributions towards Earth system analysis of the Anthropocene given the large diversity of competing theories and methodologies used for describing socio-metabolic or economic and sociocultural processes in the Earth system by various fields and schools of thought. To illustrate the capabilities of the framework, we present an exemplary and highly stylized WEM implemented in copan:CORE that illustrates how endogenizing sociocultural processes and feedbacks such as voting on climate policies based on socially learned environmental awareness could fundamentally change macroscopic model outcomes.
The CH-IRP data set: a decade of fortnightly data of δ2H and δ18O in
streamflow and precipitation in Switzerland
Authors: Staudinger Maria , Seeger Stefan , Herbstritt Barbara , Stoelzle Michael , Seibert Jan , Stahl Kerstin , Weiler Markus
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen, 2H and 18O, provide information on water flow pathways and hydrologic catchment functioning. Here a data set of time series data on precipitation and streamflow isotope composition in Swiss medium-sized catchments, CH-IRP, is presented that is unique in terms of its long-term multi-catchment coverage along an alpine to pre-alpine gradient. The data set comprises fortnightly time series of both δ2H and δ18O as well as Deuterium excess from streamflow for 23 sites in Switzerland, together with summary statistics of the sampling at each station. Furthermore, time series of δ18O and δ2H in precipitation are provided for each catchment derived from interpolated datasets from the NISOT, GNIP and ANIP networks. For each station we compiled relevant metadata describing both the sampling conditions as well as catchment characteristics and climate infomation. Lab standards and errors are provided, and potentially problematic measurements are indicated to help the user decide on the applicability for individual study purposes. For the future, it is planned that the measurements will be continued at 14 stations as a long-term isotopic measurement network and the CH-IRP data set will, thus, be continuously be extended. The data set can be downloaded from data repository zenodo https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3659679 (Staudinger et al., 2020).
Estimation of evapotranspiration through an improved daily global solar radiation in SEBAL model: a case study of the middle Heihe River Basin
Authors: Yin Jingqiu , Qiu Xinfa , Li Shoubo , Shi Guoping , Liu Huiyu
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The agricultural activities, hydrologic cycle, and ecological environment are seriously influenced by evapotranspiration (ET), especially in arid and semi-arid areas. A new method for estimating daily global solar radiation (GSR) over rugged terrains in the middle Heihe River Basin is developed on the basis of Iqbal model C. And with the land surface parameters retrieved from multisource remote sensing data, a daily surface ET on June 21–24, 2009, is simulated by using surface energy balance algorithm for land (SEBAL) model. The results show: 1. An improved daily GSR with a resolution of 100 m × 100 m is implemented. The mean absolute bias error (MABE) is 9 W/m2, and the mean absolute relative bias error (MARBE) is 2.5 %. The MABE of the daily GSR using the SEBAL model is 122.2 W/m2, and the MARBE is 33.9 %. 2. The spatial distribution of the daily GSR is more reasonable using the improved model than the original model. The GSR is larger on a sunny slope (an open place) than on a shady slope (a rugged place). 3. Bringing the new model into SEBAL significantly improves the accuracy of the ET. The MABE of ET decreases from 2.1 mm (original scheme) to 0.6 mm (improved scheme), and the MARBE declines from 44 % to 13 % accordingly. Moreover, the spatiotemporal resolution of the ET simulation is effectively improved by the combined moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer and thematic mapper surface parameters. 4. All highest ET value appeared in all types of water bodies, followed by farmland, forest, wetland, and residential areas, the lowest values appeared over bare rock land. The water consumption in these areas is dominated by agriculture. The new results provide better theoretical basis and scientific guidance for ecosystem protection and sustainable utilization of water resources.
Comparison of root water uptake models in simulating CO2 and H2O fluxes and growth of wheat
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Huu , Langensiepen Matthias , Vanderborght Jan , Hüging Hubert , Mboh Cho Miltin , Ewert Frank
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Stomatal regulation and whole plant hydraulic signaling affect water fluxes and stress in plants. Land surface models and crop models use a coupled photosynthesis–stomatal conductance modelling approach and estimate the effect of soil water stress on stomatal conductance directly from soil water content or matrix potential without explicit representation of hydraulic signals between the soil and stomata. In order to explicitly represent stomatal regulation by soil water status as a function of the hydraulic signal and its relation to the whole plant hydraulic conductance, we coupled the crop model LINTULCC2 and the root growth model SLIMROOT with Couvreur's root water uptake model (RWU), and the HILLFLOW soil water balance model. Since plant hydraulic conductance depends on the plant development, this model coupling represents a two-way coupling between growth and plant hydraulics. To evaluate the advantage of considering plant hydraulic conductance and hydraulic signaling, we compared the performance of this newly coupled model with another commonly used approach that relates root water uptake and plant stress directly to the root zone water potential (HILLFLOW with Feddes' RWU model). Simulations were compared with gas flux measurements and crop growth data from a wheat crop grown under three water supply regimes (sheltered, rain-fed and irrigated) and two soil types (stony and silty) in Western Germany in 2016. The two models showed a relatively similar performance in simulation of dry matter, LAI, root growth, RWU, gross assimilation rate, and soil water content. The Feddes model predicts more stress and less growth in the silty soil than in the stony soil, which is opposite to the observed growth. The Couvreur model better represents the difference in growth between the two soils and the different treatments. The newly coupled model (LINTULCC2 – SLIMROOT – Couvreur – HILLFLOW) was also able to simulate the dynamics and magnitude of whole plant hydraulic conductance over the growing season. This demonstrates the importance of two-way feedbacks between growth and root water uptake for predicting the crop response to different soil water conditions in different soils. Our results suggest that a better representation of the effects of soil characteristics on root growth is needed for reliable estimations of root hydraulic conductance and gas fluxes, particularly in heterogeneous fields. The newly coupled soil–plant model marks a promissing approach but requires further testing for other scenarios regarding crop, soil, and climate.
Analysis of properties of the 19 February 2018 volcanic eruption of Mount Sinabung in S5P/TROPOMI and Himawari-8 satellite data
Authors: de Laat Adrianus , Vazquez-Navarro Margarita , Theys Nicolas , Stammes Piet
Published: May 2020

Abstract. This study presents an analysis of TROPOMI cloud heights
as a proxy for volcanic plume heights in the presence of absorbing aerosols
and sulfur dioxide for the 19 February 2018 eruption plume of the Sinabung
volcano on Sumatra, Indonesia. Comparison with CALIPSO satellite data shows that all three TROPOMI cloud
height data products based on oxygen absorption which are considered here
(FRESCO, ROCINN, O22CLD) provide volcanic ash cloud heights comparable to
heights measured by CALIPSO for optically thick volcanic ash clouds. FRESCO
and ROCINN heights are very similar, with the only differences for FRESCO cloud
top heights above 14 km altitude. O22CLD cloud top heights unsurprisingly
fall below those of FRESCO and ROCINN, as the O22CLD retrieval is less
sensitive to cloud top heights above 10 km altitude. For optically thin
volcanic ash clouds, i.e., when Earth's surface or clouds at lower altitudes
shine through the volcanic ash cloud, retrieved heights fall below the
volcanic ash cloud heights derived from CALIPSO data. Evaluation of corresponding Himawari-8 geostationary infrared (IR)
brightness temperature differences (ΔBTs) – a signature for detection
of volcanic ash clouds in geostationary satellite data and widely used as
input for quantitative volcanic ash cloud retrievals – reveals that for this
particular eruption the ΔBT volcanic ash signature changes to a
ΔBT ice crystal signature for the part of the ash plume reaching the
upper troposphere beyond 10 km altitude several hours after the start of the
eruption and which TROPOMI clearly characterizes as volcanic (SO2 > 1 DU – Dobson units – and AAI > 4 – absorbing aerosol
index – or, more conservatively, SO2 > 10). The presence of ice in volcanic ash clouds is known to
prevent the detection of volcanic ash clouds based on broadband
geostationary satellite data. TROPOMI does not suffer from this effect and
can provide valuable and accurate information about volcanic ash clouds and
ash top heights in cases where commonly used geostationary IR measurements
of volcanic ash clouds fail.
A nonstationary analysis for investigating the multiscale variability of extreme surges: case of the English Channel coasts
Authors: Turki Imen , Baulon Lisa , Massei Nicolas , Laignel Benoit , Costa Stéphane , Fournier Matthieu , Maquaire Olivier
Published: May 2020

Abstract. This research examines the nonstationary dynamics of extreme surges along the English Channel coasts and seeks to make their connection to the climate patterns at different time-scales by the use of a detailed spectral analysis in order to gain insights on the physical mechanisms relating the global atmospheric circulation to the local-scale variability of the monthly extreme surges. The variability of extreme surges highlights different oscillatory components from the interannual (~ 1.5-years, ~ 2–4-years, ~ 5–8-years) to the interdecadal (~ 12–16-years) scales with mean explained variances of ~ 25–32 % and ~ 2–4 % of the total variability, respectively. Using the two hypotheses that the physical mechanisms of the atmospheric circulation change according to the timescales and their connection with the local variability improves the prediction of the extremes, we have demonstrated statistically significant correlations between ~ 1.5-years, ~ 2–4-years, and ~ 5–8-years and 12–16-years with the different climate oscillations of Sea-Level Pressure, Zonal Wind, North Atlantic Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, respectively. Such physical links have been used to implement the parameters of the time-dependent GEV distribution models. The introduced climate information in the GEV parameters has considerably improved the prediction of the different time-scales of surges with an explained variance higher than 30 %. This improvement exhibits their nonlinear relationship with the large-scale atmospheric circulation.
Variability and stability of anthropogenic CO2 in Antarctic Bottom Waters observed in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean, 1978–2018
Authors: Mahieu Léo , Lo Monaco Claire , Metzl Nicolas , Fin Jonathan , Mignon Claude
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Antarctic bottom waters (AABWs) are known as a long term sink for anthropogenic CO2 (Cant) but is hardly quantified because of the scarcity of the observations, specifically at an interannual scale. We present in this manuscript an original dataset combining 40 years of carbonate system observations in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean (Enderby Basin) to evaluate and interpret the interannual variability of Cant in the AABW. This investigation is based on regular observations collected at the same location (63° E/56.5° S) in the frame of the French observatory OISO from 1998 to 2018 extended by GEOSECS and INDIGO observations (1978, 1985 and 1987). At this location the main sources of AABW sampled is the fresh and younger Cape Darnley bottom water (CDBW) and the Weddell Sea deep water (WSDW). Our calculations reveal that Cant concentrations increased significantly in AABW, from about + 7 µmol kg-1 in 1978–1987 to + 13 µmol kg-1 in 2010–2018. This is comparable to previous estimates in other SO basins, with the exception of bottom waters close to their formation sites where Cant concentrations are about twice as large. Our analysis shows that the CT and Cant increasing rates in AABW are about the same over the period 1978–2018, and we conclude that the long-term change in CT is mainly due to the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 in the different formation regions. This is however modulated by significant interannual to pluriannual variability associated with variations in hydrological (ϴ, S) and biogeochemical (CT, AT, O2) properties. A surprising result is the apparent stability of Cant concentrations in recent years despite the increase in CT and the gradual acceleration of atmospheric CO2. The Cant sequestration by AABWs is more variable than expected and depends on a complex combination of physical, chemical and biological processes at the formation sites and during the transit of the different AABWs. The interannual variability at play in AABW needs to be carefully considered on the extrapolated estimation of Cant sequestration based on sparse observations over several years.
Quantifying the effect of ocean bed properties on ice sheet geometry
over 40,000 years with a full-Stokes model
Authors: Schannwell Clemens , Drews Reinhard , Ehlers Todd A. , Eisen Olaf , Mayer Christoph , Malinen Mika , Smith Emma C. , Eisermann Hannes
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Simulations of ice sheet evolution over glacial cycles requires integration of observational constraints using ensemble studies with fast ice sheet models. These include physical parameterisations with uncertainties, for example, relating to grounding line migration. Ice dynamically more complete models are slow and have thus far only be applied for  50 % under almost equal forcing. Grounding line positions differ by up to 49 km, show significant hysteresis, and migrate non-steadily in both scenarios with long quiescent phases disrupted by leaps of rapid migration. The simulations quantify evolution of two different ice sheet geometries (namely thick and slow vs. thin and fast), triggered by the variable grounding line migration over the differing ocean beds. Our study extends the timescales of 3D full-Stokes by an order of magnitude to previous studies with the help of parallelisation. The extended time frame for full-Stokes models is a first step towards better understanding other processes such as erosion and sediment redistribution in the ice shelf cavity impacting the entire catchment geometry.
Potential of load and O&M costs reductions of Multi Rotor System for the south Baltic Sea
Authors: Karczewski Maciej , Domagalski Piotr , van Wingerde Arnoldus , Stoevesandt Bernhard , Jamieson Peter , Saetran Lars Roar
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Many coastal regions in Norway, Spain, Portugal, Japan or the United States are comprised of large water depths (> 50 m) making the installation of typical bottom-fixed off-shore wind turbines very difficult and expensive. This is the reason why the floating wind turbines (FOWT) are a promising solution able to exploit the high energy potential contained in these regions. The Advanced Multi-Rotor Turbine for Deep Water Off-shore Energy (AMRowe) has been undertaken to design and develop a cost–competitive, innovative floating Polish multi rotor system, aiming at the optimal usage of European off-shore wind potential. In the article, a prospective deep off-shore location in the south Baltic Sea is identified. The authors built a cost model to prove its superiority over the sites already commissioned by the Polish government. A set of metocean conditions tallied for a 50-year period is used to assess performance of the proposed multi rotor floating wind turbine and to benchmark it against a single rotor 5 MW baseline turbine. The typical load cases are also investigated to observe impact on a single rotor blade in an multi-rotor arrangement in order to begin search for the key design drivers.
Pulmonary embolism identified prior to anesthesia induction in a low-risk patient
Authors: Park Jihyoung , Bi Lee Eun , Hong Donguei , Ho Lee Kwang , Kyo Lim Hyun
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Early detection and treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) are critical for reducing morbidity and mortality of patients. However, diagnosis can be difficult if the symptoms are not clear.

Case Report: A 21-year-old male patient visited the emergency room with multiple fractures, including femur fractures. Three days later, the planned operation was scheduled. On the day of surgery, the operation was canceled due to clinical diagnosis of PE because oxygen saturation on the pulse oximeter was 71–76% without dyspnea. Later, he was diagnosed with PE of the right lower lobe based on computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography, and surgery was performed without complications after low-molecular weight heparin treatment.

Conclusion: Even if a patient is low risk and does not have symptoms suspicious of PE, careful preoperative patient monitoring and preoperative anesthetic evaluation are important for identifying additional patient risks.
Las primeras tres semanas de una clínica de telemedicina gratuita para COVID-19 en Honduras
Authors: Navas Daniela , Varela Isabel , Young Juan Carlos , Oliva Glenda , Álvarez Evelyn , Amaya Gabriel , Alemán Glenda , Durón Reyna M. , Gómez Sandra
Published: May 2020

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha impulsado que se acelere la implementación de la telemedicina en Honduras para atender pacientes con o sin sospecha de dicha enfermedad. Este estudio evaluó la implementación del Consultorio Solidario Virtual COVID-19 en Honduras en sus primeras tres semanas. Métodos: El consultorio se abrió el 12 de marzo del 2020 gracias al trabajo colaborativo de la empresa Aliv.io, la Fundación Lucas para la Salud y la Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana en Honduras. La plataforma digital cuenta con expediente electrónico y sistema de videollamada accesible por celular, tableta o computadora. Los pacientes tenían opción de consultar con 5 médicos generales y 2 médicos especialistas disponibles para pacientes de todo el país. Resultados: Se realizó 54 tele-consultas en las primeras tres semanas de funcionamiento, el 46 (85%) fueron de primera vez y 8 (15%) subsiguientes, la edad media de los pacientes fue de 33 años, procedentes de siete departamentos del país y de tres países extranjeros. Sólo el 4% tenía criterios de sospecha de COVID-19. El tiempo por consulta fue de 17 a 30 minutos. La calificación de satisfacción de usuarios fue positiva en todos los casos. Las principales barreras fueron dificultades de navegación por usuarios, algunos atribuidos a la complejidad percibida por los mismos, a la calidad del internet y la habilidad con la tecnología. Conclusiones: Los usuarios tuvieron buena aceptación del consultorio y la experiencia indicó aspectos de mejora a considerar en la continuación del servicio durante la pandemia, especialmente en términos de publicidad y educación a los usuarios.
Proposta de um modelo computacional para alocação de recursos humanos em múltiplos projetos
Authors: Penha Renato , Martens Cristina Dai Prá , Kniess Claudia Terezinha
Published: May 2020

A restrição no processo de alocação de recursos humanos nas atividades de projetos resulta no tradicional problema da área de gestão de projetos com mais de 40 anos de existência – o Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem. O desafio está em estabelecer a melhor relação de alocação entre um recurso humano nas diversas atividades em um ambiente de múltiplos projetos, mediante as inúmeras restrições presentes nas empresas de diferentes setores. Neste cenário, o objetivo deste trabalho é elaborar um modelo computacional baseado em arquitetura orientada a serviços no processo de alocação de recursos humanos em projetos de Tecnologia da Informação. O estudo é de origem qualitativa exploratória e, para a elaboração do modelo, foram realizadas pesquisas em base de dados acadêmica e de patentes de domínio público para escolha do modelo matemático mais aderente às possíveis soluções dos problemas causados pelo Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem. Os resultados demonstram que o modelo computacional proposto pode contribuir na redução do tempo gasto pelos gestores no processo de elaboração do cronograma, na contenção do custo e prazo dos projetos com impactos do Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem, além de ser utilizado como apoio às ferramentas de auxílio ao desenvolvimento de cronogramas, como o Microsoft Project, o Primavera e o Open Project.
Criando uma infraestrutura para o bom conflito
Authors: Markoff Eliane S.
Published: May 2020

Para muitos de nós, o título deste artigo pode parecer confuso. Como pode as palavras “bom” e “conflito” aparecerem juntas no mesmo título? Minha experiência como mediadora e uma ombudsperson me convenceram de que essa justaposição pode de fato ser justificada. Não são somente estas duas palavras tem potencial para serem usadas na mesma sentença, eu iriei mais longe nesta afirmação, estas duas palavras devem estar na mesma sentença. Conflito no local de trabalho ou em qualquer lugar é inevitável. Nós somos humanos. Nós cometemos erros. Nós aborrecemos os outros. Nós ofendemos os outros. Nós podemos não ter consciência de como nosso comportamento impacta os outros. Nós fazemos suposições. Muitas vezes não temos conhecimento dos “pontos sensíveis” de alguém e, às vezes, falta a diplomacia necessária para lidar adequadamente com uma situação desafiadora com outras pessoas. Nós temos sentimentos. Nós somos emocionais. Nós somos inseguros sobre certos assuntos. Nos falta muitas vezes confiança para lidar com conflito, e pode especialmente faltar o conhecimentos para resolver conflitos que tragam resultados benéficos. Sim, o conflito tem um potencial de ser disruptivo, mesmo destrutivo. Ele pode facilmente desmotivar, negativamente impactar no ambiente de trabalho, resultar na baixa moral e em um ambiente tóxico, o que pode levar a ações judiciais. Todos esses resultados são bastante indesejáveis. Neste contexto, esse artigo apresentará recomendações sobre como conduzir, bem como aproveitar, os benefícios do conflito usando equipes.
Ultra Wide Band Antenna with Defected Ground Plane and Microstrip Line Fed for Wi-Fi/Wi-Max/DCS/5G/Satellite Communications
Authors: Singh Ashish , Shet Krishnananda , Prasad Durga
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, ultra wide band angular ring antenna has been proposed for wireless applications. It has been observed that antenna resonate from 2.9 to 13.1 GHz which has 10.2 GHz bandwidth. Further, it is observed that antenna has nearly omni-directional radiation pattern for E and H-plane at 3.5, 5.8, and 8.5 GHz. The theoretical analysis of the proposed has been done using circuit theory analysis. It was also found using simulation that antenna has good input and output response of 0.2 ns. Proposed antenna measured, simulated, and theoretical results matches for antenna characteristics, i.e., reflection coefficient and radiation pattern. Bandwidth of antenna lies between 2.9 and 13.1 GHz, so this antenna is suitable for Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, digital communication system (DCS), satellite communication, and 5G applications.
Identity, Self-Identity and Beauty in Chinese Female Worker
Authors: Yun Li , Rong Rong
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, we leave “the Cultural Study” in the contemporary researches on beauty, claiming economico-political matters in our self-acceptance and image projection. Rather than studying the standard set for the middle class, we examine the middle-class dream in the self-acceptance of contemporary Chinese female migrant workers. We take “The Sundress”, a poem written by Wuxia, a migrant worker in Shenzhen, as an example, arguing that it is mainly the political and economic ideologies that function in the overdetermination of the contemporary working class’ projection of beauty in China. In the poem, the “I” speaker, a steam press operator working late in the night, (mis)identifies herself with a middle-class girl who buys and puts on the dress that she irons. She takes great pleasure and tranquillity in picturing the beauty and the leisure time that the idealized “you-I” in the dress enjoys. What’s more, our linguistic study testifies that she, as the speaker in the poem, is subjectified by the (mis)identification. Her self-acceptance, activeness and sense of control arise when she overlaps herself with that idealized body image. A great loss, however, is engendered by her having to leave that body and the fantasy world.
The Role of Osteopontin in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Vahid , Agah Elmira , Tafakhori Abbas
Published: May 2020

Context: Osteopontin (OPN) is a matrix phosphoprotein expressed by a variety of tissues and cells, including the immune system and the nervous system. Previous studies have shown that OPN may have a role in neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Objectives: The present study aimed to systematically review studies investigating the role of OPN in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients or the disease animal model. Evidence Acquisition: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to find relevant articles published up to January 20, 2019. Both human and animal model studies of ALS were considered. Results: A total of nine articles (four human studies and five animal model studies) were included. Two of the human studies reported that the CSF levels of OPN were higher among ALS patients compared to controls. The other two human studies found that OPN levels in cortical neurons did not differ significantly between ALS cases and the non-neurological control group. One of the studies found that the expression level of OPN in astrocytes was similar between ALS patients and the control group, but the level of microglial OPN significantly increased in ALS cases. Four of the animal model studies reported that the expression of OPN mRNA in spinal cord microglia significantly increased during the disease progression. The remaining animal model study found that OPN was selectively expressed by fast fatigue-resistant and slow motor neurons (MNs), which are resistant to ALS, and that the OPN expression was low among fast-fatigable MNs. Conclusions: Prompt microglial activation is a hallmark pathology of ALS, and OPN is among the most widely expressed proteins by these activated glial cells. Therefore, OPN might have a role in ALS pathogenesis. The existing evidence is not sufficient to justify whether OPN has a neurotoxic or neuroprotective role in ALS. We encourage researchers to investigate the role of OPN in ALS pathogenesis more extensively.
Leveraging Technology for Remote Learning in the Era of COVID-19 and Social Distancing
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Booth Adam L. , Calkins Sarah M. , Doxtader Erika E. , Fine Samson W. , Gardner Jerad M. , Gonzalez Raul S. , Mirza Kamran M. , Jiang Xiaoyin (Sara)
Published: May 2020

The ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly disrupted traditional modes of operation in health care and education. In March 2020, institutions in the United States began to implement a range of policies to discourage direct contact and encourage social distancing. These measures have placed us in an unprecedented position where education can no longer occur at close quarters—most notably, around a multiheaded microscope—but must instead continue at a distance. This guide is intended to be a resource for pathologists and pathologists-in-training who wish to leverage technology to continue collaboration, teaching, and education in this era. The article is focused mainly on anatomic pathology; however, the technologies easily lend themselves to clinical pathology education as well. Our aim is to provide curated lists of various online resources that can be used for virtual learning in pathology, provide tips and tricks, and share our personal experience with these technologies. The lists include videoconferencing platforms; pathology Web sites; free online educational resources, including social media; and whole slide imaging collections. We are currently living through a unique situation without a precedent or guidebook, and we hope that this guide will enable the community of pathology educators worldwide to embrace the opportunities that 21st century technology provides.
Les pratiques de non-mixité des communautés féministes en ligne à l’ère des espaces semi-privés
Authors: Waldispuehl Elena
Published: May 2020

Sur le plan de l’infrapolitique, des communautés féministes en ligne se construisent en non-mixité pour se prémunir contre les cyberviolences antiféministes, qui sont de plus en plus des armes politiques. Par l’entremise d’une ethnographie en ligne du groupe privé Sexualité féministe (non-mixte) sur Facebook, les résultats montrent comment les espaces semi-privés en ligne constituent des arènes de socialisation où se développe difficilement une conscience collective au travers de la relation entre groupes dominants et groupes subalternes. En prétendant la construction d’un espace sécuritaire en ligne, le groupe Sexualité féministe (non-mixte) n’offre finalement pas le même degré d’empowerment, de soin et de sécurité aux membres.
Femmes autochtones et militantisme en ligne : usages de Facebook et Twitter pour contrer les violences sexuelles dans la foulée du scandale policier de Val-d’Or
Authors: Pilote Anne-Marie , Hübner Lena A.
Published: May 2020

Les auteures interrogent l’apport des médias socionumériques aux luttes des femmes autochtones du Québec. À la suite du scandale de Val-d’Or – qui a vu des agents de la Sûreté du Québec éclaboussés par des allégations d’agressions sexuelles envers des femmes des nations crie et anichinabée –, les chercheuses ont mené une observation ethnographique dans les comptes Facebook et Twitter des principales militantes et associations autochtones ayant investi les médias socionumériques pour dénoncer ces violences policières. Complétée par des entrevues, leur analyse montre que la variété des actions privilégiées en ligne donne une visibilité accrue aux luttes des femmes autochtones et favorise leur prise de parole. Ces actions se révèlent des moyens efficaces pour décoloniser l’ordre social patriarcal et forger un « espace de la cause des femmes autochtones ».
Efficient recognition of facial expressions does not require motor simulation
Authors: Vannuscorps Gilles , Andres Michael , Caramazza Alfonso
Published: May 2020

What mechanisms underlie facial expression recognition? A popular hypothesis holds that efficient facial expression recognition cannot be achieved by visual analysis alone but additionally requires a mechanism of motor simulation — an unconscious, covert imitation of the observed facial postures and movements. Here, we first discuss why this hypothesis does not necessarily follow from extant empirical evidence. Next, we report experimental evidence against the central premise of this view: we demonstrate that individuals can achieve normotypical efficient facial expression recognition despite a congenital absence of relevant facial motor representations and, therefore, unaided by motor simulation. This underscores the need to reconsider the role of motor simulation in facial expression recognition.
Control of brown adipose tissue adaptation to nutrient stress by the activin receptor ALK7
Authors: Marmol Patricia , Krapacher Favio , Ibáñez Carlos F
Published: May 2020

Adaptation to nutrient availability is crucial for survival. Upon nutritional stress, such as during prolonged fasting or cold exposure, organisms need to balance the feeding of tissues and the maintenance of body temperature. The mechanisms that regulate the adaptation of brown adipose tissue (BAT), a key organ for non-shivering thermogenesis, to variations in nutritional state are not known. Here we report that specific deletion of the activin receptor ALK7 in BAT resulted in fasting-induced hypothermia due to exaggerated catabolic activity in brown adipocytes. After overnight fasting, BAT lacking ALK7 showed increased expression of genes responsive to nutrient stress, including the upstream regulator KLF15, aminoacid catabolizing enzymes, notably proline dehydrogenase (POX), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), as well as markedly reduced lipid droplet size. In agreement with this, ligand stimulation of ALK7 suppressed POX and KLF15 expression in both mouse and human brown adipocytes. Treatment of mutant mice with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 restored KLF15 and POX expression levels in mutant BAT, suggesting that loss of BAT ALK7 results in excessive activation of glucocorticoid signaling upon fasting. These results reveal a novel signaling pathway downstream of ALK7 which regulates the adaptation of BAT to nutrient availability by limiting nutrient stress-induced overactivation of catabolic responses in brown adipocytes.
The impact of sleep loss on sustained and transient attention: an EEG study
Authors: Shenfield Lucienne , Beanland Vanessa , Filtness Ashleigh , Apthorp Deborah
Published: May 2020

Sleep is one of our most important physiological functions that maintains physical and mental health. Two studies examined whether discrete areas of attention are equally affected by sleep loss. This was achieved using a repeated-measures within-subjects design, with two contrasting conditions: normal sleep and partial sleep restriction of 5-h. Study 1 compared performance on a sustained attention task (Psychomotor Vigilance task; PVT) with performance on a transient attention task (Attentional Blink; AB). PVT performance, but not performance on the AB task, was impaired after sleep restriction. Study 2 sought to determine the neural underpinnings of the phenomenon, using electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency analysis, which measured activity during the brief eyes-closed resting state before the tasks. AB performance was unaffected by sleep restriction, despite clearly observable changes in brain activity. EEG results showed a significant reduction in resting state alpha oscillations that was most prominent centrally in the right hemisphere. Changes in individual alpha and delta power were also found to be related to changes in subjective sleepiness and PVT performance. Results likely reflect different levels of impairment in specific forms of attention following sleep loss.
Cryptic diversity among Yazoo Darters (Percidae: Etheostoma raneyi) in disjunct watersheds of northern Mississippi
Authors: Sterling Ken A. , Nielsen Stuart V. , Brown Andrew J. , Warren, Jr. Melvin L. , Noonan Brice P.
Published: May 2020

The Yazoo Darter, Etheostoma raneyi (Percidae), is an imperiled freshwater fish species endemic to tributaries of the Yocona and Little Tallahatchie rivers of the upper Yazoo River basin, in northern Mississippi, USA. The two populations are allopatric, isolated by unsuitable lowland habitat between the two river drainages. Relevant literature suggests that populations in the Yocona River represent an undescribed species, but a lack of data prevents a thorough evaluation of possible diversity throughout the range of the species. Our goals were to estimate phylogenetic relationships of the Yazoo Darter across its distribution and identify cryptic diversity for conservation management purposes. Maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene returned two reciprocally monophyletic clades representing the two river drainages with high support. Bayesian analysis of cytb was consistent with the ML analysis but with low support for the Yocona River clade. Analyses of the nuclear S7 gene yielded unresolved relationships among individuals in the Little Tallahatchie River drainage with mostly low support, but returned a monophyletic clade for individuals from the Yocona River drainage with high support. No haplotypes were shared between the drainages for either gene. Additional cryptic diversity within the two drainages was not indicated. Estimated divergence between Yazoo Darters in the two drainages occurred during the Pleistocene (<1 million years ago) and was likely linked to repeated spatial shifts in suitable habitat and changes in watershed configurations during glacial cycles. Individuals from the Yocona River drainage had lower genetic diversity consistent with the literature. Our results indicate that Yazoo Darters in the Yocona River drainage are genetically distinct and that there is support for recognizing Yazoo Darter populations in the Yocona River drainage as a new species under the unified species concept.
Public priorities on locally-driven sea level rise planning on the East Coast of the United States
Authors: Carpenter Adam T.
Published: May 2020

Sea level rise poses a substantial concern to communities worldwide. Increased inundation, storm surge, saltwater intrusion, and other impacts create challenges which will require considerable planning to address. Recognizing the broad and differing scope of sea level rise issues and the variability of policy options to address them, local planning frameworks are necessary in addition to tools and resources available from state and federal governments. To help assess priorities and preferences on sea level rise planning, a survey of 503 persons affiliated with coastal communities on the East Coast of the United States was conducted in December 2017. This survey studied key aspects locally-driven sea level rise plans, including planning priorities, funding options, methods to resolve conflict, and potential responses. Six key findings address these and other concerns to provide the foundation of a locally driven framework for public officials.
Transcriptional profiling to identify the key genes and pathways of pterygium
Authors: Chen Yihui , Wang Haoyu , Jiang Yaping , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Qingzhong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Pterygium results from a variety of biological pathways that are involved in the formation of ocular surface diseases. However, the exact pathogenesis of pterygium is still unclear. Our study focused on gene expression profiles to better understand the potential mechanisms of pterygium.

Methods

RNA sequencing experiments were performed on clinical pterygium tissues and normal conjunctival tissues. To identify the hub genes for the development of pterygium, we further conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). qRT-PCR was utilized to validate the dysregulation of the most significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key hub genes in the independent subjects.

Results

A total of 339 DEGs (P-adjusted < 0.05 and log2 fold change [log2FC] ≥ 1.0) were obtained that reached statistical significance with p-values < 0.05. Among them, 200 DEGs were upregulated; these genes were mainly associated with the extracellular matrix and with cell adhesion or migration. In contrast, the 139 downregulated genes were enriched for endocrine and inflammation pathways. With regard to WGCNA, five modules were assigned based on the DEG profiles, and the biological functions of each module were verified with previously published GO terms. The functions included ECM-receptor interactions, the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-related pathway. The five hub genes with the highest connectivity in each module and the five most significant DEGs showed dysregulated expression in the independent cohort samples.

Conclusions

RNA sequencing and WGCNA provided novel insights into the potential regulatory mechanisms of pterygium. The identified DEGs and hub genes, which were classified into two groups according to different functions or signalings, may provide important references for further research on the molecular biology of pterygium.
Phosphate solubilizing bacteria stimulate wheat rhizosphere and endosphere biological nitrogen fixation by improving phosphorus content
Authors: Li Yongbin , Li Qin , Guan Guohua , Chen Sanfeng
Published: May 2020

Phosphate (P) availability often limits biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by diazotrophic bacteria. In soil, only 0.1% of the total P is available for plant uptake. P solubilizing bacteria can convert insoluble P to plant-available soluble P (ionic P and low molecular-weight organic P). However, limited information is available about the effects of synergistic application of diazotrophic bacteria and P solubilizing bacteria on the nitrogenase activity of rhizosphere and nifH expression of endosphere. In this study, we investigated the effects of co-inoculation with a diazotrophic bacterium (Paenibacillus beijingensis BJ-18) and a P-solubilizing bacterium (Paenibacillus sp. B1) on wheat growth, plant and soil total N, plant total P, soil available P, soil nitrogenase activity and the relative expression of nifH in plant tissues. Co-inoculation significantly increased plant biomass (length, fresh and dry weight) and plant N content (root: 27%, shoot: 30%) and P content (root: 63%, shoot: 30%). Co-inoculation also significantly increased soil total N (12%), available P (9%) and nitrogenase activity (69%) compared to P. beijingensis BJ-18 inoculation alone. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed co-inoculation doubled expression of nifH genes in shoots and roots. Soil nitrogenase activity and nifH expression within plant tissues correlated with P content of soil and plant tissues, which suggests solubilization of P by Paenibacillus sp. B1 increased N fixation in soils and the endosphere. In conclusion, P solubilizing bacteria generally improved soil available P and plant P uptake, and considerably stimulated BNF in the rhizosphere and endosphere of wheat seedlings.