bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records of monthly temperature extremes as a signal of climate change in Italy
Authors: Amendola Stefano , Maimone Filippo , Pelino Vinicio , Pasini Antonello
Published: November 2018

In a global warming regime, particular attention must be paid to possible changes in prolonged temperature extreme events on the regional scale, due to their strong impacts. But, while the increase in mean temperature is statistically significant and unequivocal, we do not know if the behaviour of extreme events is another significant signal of climate change or if it is still compatible with a “constant climate”, that is, with a stationary distribution of temperatures. Here, we propose a method to study the extremes through the analysis of the trend of the new historical records of mean monthly temperatures, and apply it to data about Italy, a country affected by a warming stronger than the global mean. A deep analysis of a 56‐year data set for 54 Italian stations and the use of Monte‐Carlo simulations permits us to achieve the evidence of a climate change also from the analysis of extremes. This analysis is performed at both the national level and for clusters of stations. The results show that the number of warm records increases more than what is expected by a constant climate “law,” in some months reaching or even overpassing the 95th percentile: May, June, July, and especially August appear as the most significant in this respect. Vice versa, the number of cold records lies often close to the fifth percentile or even under it; furthermore, in many months the cold records are very few after the middle of the 1990s. Some months can be, however, seen as “stationary islands.” For instance, the behaviour of the number of warm records in December and January follows closely the hypothesis of a constant climate, even if, in contrast, the cold records in January lie under the fifth percentile.
Gamma‐ray spectrometry as versatile tool in soil science: A critical review
Authors: Reinhardt Nadja , Herrmann Ludger
Published: November 2018

Gamma‐ray spectrometry is an established method in geo‐sciences. This article gives an overview on fundamentals of gamma‐ray spectrometry that are relevant to soil science including basic technical aspects, and discusses influencing factors, inconsistencies, limitations, and open questions related to the method. Gamma‐ray spectrometry relies on counting gamma quanta during radionuclide decay of40K,238U, and232Th, but secular equilibrium for the decay series of U and Th must be given as decays of their respective daughter radionuclides are used for determination. Secular equilibrium for U and Th decay series, however, is not always given leading to,e.g., anomalies in U concentration measurements. For soil science, gamma‐ray spectrometry is of specific value since it does not only detect a signal from the landscape surface, but integrates information over a certain volume. Besides, different spatial scales can be covered using either ground‐based or airborne sensing techniques. Together with other remote sensing methods, gamma signatures can provide completive information for understanding land forming processes and soil properties distributions. At first, signals depend on bedrock composition. The signals are in second order altered by weathering processes leading to more interpretation opportunities and challenges. Due to their physico‐chemical properties, radionuclides behave differently in soils and their properties can be distinguishedviathe resulting signatures. Hence, gamma signatures of soils are specific for local environments. Processes like soil erosion can superimpose gamma signals fromin situweathering. Soil mappings, available K and texture determination, or peat and soil erosion mapping are possible applications being discussed in this review.
Understanding farmers' investments in sustainable land management in Burundi: A case‐study in the provinces of Gitega and Muyinga
Authors: Ndagijimana Marcien , Kessler Aad , Asseldonk Marcel van
Published: November 2018

Understanding farmers' decision‐making to tackle land degradation by means of sustainable land management (SLM) practices is essential for policy makers. The main objective of this study was to identify factors that influence farmers' investments in SLM. A survey was conducted in two provinces of Burundi (Gitega and Muyinga) among 160 households. Methods for data analysis comprised descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. It was derived that both provinces experience severe land degradation, with soil erosion experienced by 88% of the farmers and soil fertility depletion by 92%. Furthermore, findings show that occurrence of soil erosion on the farm (p = 0.025), access to credit (p = 0.022), education level (p = 0.040), engagement of the household head in farming (p < 0.001), and age of the household head (p = 0.050) are significantly and positively associated with higher investments in SLM. Moreover, the findings reveal that the yearly costs per farmer associated to the SLM practices' implementation ranged from US$10.08 for soil and water conservation practices up to US$36.24 for organic fertilizers. Therefore, in order to foster SLM, we recommend policy makers in Burundi to improve access to credit markets in rural areas and enhance efforts to strengthen smallholders' skills, bringing as such more integrated and effective solutions to cope with land degradation problems.
Monitoring Metallo‐Macromolecular Assembly Equilibria by Ion Mobility‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Endres Kevin J. , Xie Ting‐Zheng , Chakraborty Sourav , Hoopingarner Chad , Wesdemiotis Chrys
Published: November 2018

Ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) allows the separation of isomeric and isobaric species on the basis of their size, shape, and charge. The fast separation timescale (ms) and high sensitivity of these measurements make IM‐MS an ideally suitable method for monitoring changes in macromolecular structure, such as those occurring in interconverting terpyridine‐based metallosupramolecular self‐assemblies. IM‐MS is used to verify the elemental composition (size) and architecture (shape) of the self‐assembled products. Additionally, this article demonstrates its applicability to the elucidation of concentration‐driven association–dissociation (fusion–fission) equilibria between isobaric structures. IM‐MS enables both quantitative separation and identification of the interconverting complexes as well as derivation of the corresponding equilibrium constants (i.e., thermodynamic information) from extracted IM‐MS abundance data.
Technical Note: Influence of entrance window deformation on reference dosimetry measurement in various beam modalities
Authors: Kinoshita Naoki , Kohno Ryosuke , Oguchi Hiroshi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Phantoms for horizontal beam geometry can avoid issues in vertical‐beam geometry, such as change in chamber depth due to evaporation, and defining the origin at the water surface. However, their thin entrance windows would deform when these phantoms are filled, which can change the chamber depth, as pointed out by The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) TRS‐398. Currently, few reports (Arib et al., J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2006; 7:55–64, and Kinoshita et al., Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. 2018; 23:199–206) are available with practical data on window deformation. Therefore, we investigated the influence of entrance window deformation on chamber depths in water phantoms and the measurements in various beam modalities.

Methods

To examine widely used phantoms and phantoms with different characteristics, three phantom types were investigated (the number of phantoms investigated appears in parentheses): PTW—type 41023 (2), Qualita—QWP‐04 (2), and IBA—WP34 (2). Prior to the investigation, these phantoms were stored for acclimatization in a room for approximately 10 h under the following two conditions: (a) room temperature: 21 ± 2°C; (b) room temperature: 27 ± 2°C. Using a dial indicator, the centers of the windows were monitored every 30 min for 12 h immediately after the phantoms were filled, in a treatment room at the room temperature of 21 ± 2°C.

Results

Immediately after the phantoms were filled, the window deformation ranged from −0.07 (inward‐deformation) to 0.3 mm (outward deformation) among the six phantoms, in comparison with empty phantom windows. For 12 h after the phantoms were filled, the change in the deformation was up to 0.23 mm, but typically less than 0.15 mm.

Conclusions

Reference dosimetry in photon, electron, and proton beams would not be influenced significantly by these window behaviors, whereas the window deformation has a slight impact on those heavy ion beams.
Sexual and urinary function following anterior lumbar surgery in females
Authors: Wuertz‐Kozak Karin , Bleisch Dominique , Nadi Najia , Prömmel Peter , Hitzl Wolfgang , Kessler Thomas M.M. , Gautschi Oliver P. , Hausmann Oliver N.
Published: November 2018

Aims

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion procedures (ALIF) and total disc replacement (TDR) with anterior exposure of the lumbar spine entail a risk of a vascular injury and dysfunction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves due to disturbance of the inferior and superior hypogastric plexus. While retrograde ejaculation is a known complication of the anterior spinal approach in males, post‐operative sexual as well as urinary function in females has not yet been thoroughly investigated and was hence the aim of this study.

Methods

Fifteen female patients documented their sexual and urinary function preoperatively, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively, using the validated questionnaires FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) and ICIQ (International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire). Randomization tests were used to statistically analyze expectation values over time (two‐sided, P < 0.05).

Results

While no statistically significant change in the total FSFI score occurred over time, a significant increase in FSFI desire score was noted between preoperative (2.95 ± 0.8) and 6 months follow‐up (3.51 ± 0.6, P = 0.02). Urinary continence remained unchanged over time.

Conclusion

In summary, ALIF and lumbar TDR do not seem to negatively influence sexual and urinary function in females. In contrast, increased sexual desire was noted, likely secondary to post‐surgical pain relief.
The effect of herpes simplex virus vector‐mediated gene therapy of protein phosphatase 1α on bladder overactivity and nociception
Authors: Majima Tsuyoshi , Mori Kenichi , Kadekawa Katsumi , Takai Shun , Funahashi Yasuhito , Reinhart Bonnie , Goins William F. , Gotoh Momokazu , Glorioso Joseph C. , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: November 2018

Aims

We studied the effect of herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors‐based gene transfer of protein phosphatase 1α (PP1α) on bladder hypersensitivity in rats.

Methods

Using adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats, non‐replicating HSV vectors carrying PP1α or green fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected into the bladder wall. At one week after vector inoculation, cystometry and Western blot assay were performed, whereas the other experiments were performed at 2 weeks after vector inoculation.

Results

GFP‐expressing cells were identified in the bladder as well as in L6/S1 dorsal root ganglia at 14 days.  In cystometry, intercontraction intervals (ICI) after resiniferatoxin (RTx; TRPV1 agonist) irrigation was significantly reduced in the PP1α group in comparison with the GFP group. Moreover, RTx‐induced freezing behavior events were observed significantly more frequently in the PP1α group than the GFP group. The number of c‐Fos positive cells in the L6 spinal dorsal horn was significantly less in the PP1α group than in the GFP group. Western blot assay revealed lower levels of phosphorylated inositol 1, 4, 5‐triphosphate receptor (p‐IP3R), and phosphorylated TRPV1 in the PP1α compared with the GFP group.

Conclusions

HSV vectors‐mediated PP1α gene therapy may be an alternative treatment modality for cystitis‐related hypersensitive bladder condition at least in part via modulation of the IP3R signaling pathway.
Impact of health‐related stigma on psychosocial functioning in the general population: Construct validity and Swedish reference data for the Stigma‐related Social Problems scale (SSP)
Authors: Ohlsson‐Nevo Emma , Karlsson Jan
Published: November 2018

Felt stigma is an internalized sense of shame about having an unwanted condition, along with fear of discrimination. The Stigma‐related Social Problems (SSP) scale was constructed to measure the impact of health‐related stigma on psychosocial functioning in people with different diseases and disorders. The performance of the SSP scale was tested in 3,422 subjects from the general population (Mid‐Swed Health Survey) and in subgroups according to gender, age, occupation, and education. The homogeneity and construct validity of the Distress and Avoidance scales were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis and the two factors were accurately reproduced across gender and age subgroups. The internal consistency reliability was high for both the Distress and Avoidance scales. Reliability coefficients were above the 0.90 standard for the Distress scale in all subgroups and for the Avoidance scale in most subgroups. The SSP scale is an instrument with sound psychometric properties that can be used to identify psychosocial disturbances.
Tunable Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Coaxial BN‐C Nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Xin , Hsia Feng‐Chun , Xue Yanming , Tang Dai‐Ming , Cretu Ovidiu , Zhang Chao , Mitome Masanori , Bando Yoshio , Sasaki Takayoshi , Golberg Dmitri
Published: November 2018

Heterostructures provide a great chance to tune the properties and functions of a nanomaterial, e.g., its mechanical and electrical properties, and thus allowing for the design and realization of novel nanoelectromechanical devices. Boron nitride and carbon nanotubes, with similar structure and mechanical properties but dramatically different electrical properties, are ideal candidates for investigating nanoscale heterostructured materials. In this work, graphitic C‐coated BN nanotubes (BN‐C NTs) were synthesized and their mechanical and electrical properties were simultaneously measured using in situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As a function of the coated carbon content, the elastic modulus obtained from second order harmonic resonance of heterostructured nanotubes could be tuned from ∼140 to ∼700 GPa, and their electrical resistivity could be adjusted within three orders of magnitude from ∼0.16 to ∼2.5×10−4 Ω · m. This work opens the way for making custom‐designed heterostructures for the requirements of specific applications.
Biodegradable Natural Pectin‐Based Flexible Multilevel Resistive Switching Memory for Transient Electronics
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Zhao Xiaoning , Wang Zhongqiang , Xu Haiyang , Hu Junli , Ma Jiangang , Liu Yichun
Published: November 2018

Transient electronics that can physically vanish in solution can offer opportunities to address the ecological challenges for dealing with the rapidly growing electronic waste. As one important component, it is desirable that memory devices combined with the transient feature can also be developed as secrecy information storage systems besides the above advantage. Resistive switching (RS) memory is one of the most promising technologies for next‐generation memory. Herein, the biocompatible pectin extracted from natural orange peel is introduced to fabricate RS memory devices (Ag/pectin/indium tin oxides (ITO)), which exhibit excellent RS characteristics, such as forming free characteristic, low operating voltages (≈1.1 V), fast switching speed (<70 ns), long retention time (>104 s), and multilevel RS behaviors. The device performance is not degraded after 104 bending cycles, which will be beneficial for flexible memory applications. Additionally, instead of using acid solution, the Ag/pectin/ITO memory device can be dissolved rapidly in deionized water within 10 min thanks to the good solubility arising from ionization of its carboxylic groups, which shows promising application for green electronics. The present biocompatible memory devices based on natural pectin suggest promising material candidates toward enabling high‐density secure information storage systems applications, flexible electronics, and green electronics.
Versatile Ternary Approach for Novel Organic Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: Bi Pengqing , Hao Xiaotao
Published: November 2018

Ternary organic solar cells (TOSCs) have attracted a significant amount of attention and have emerged as promising candidates for future clean energy in comparison with their binary counterparts owing to their main advantages of broadening the absorption width, tuning the nanomorphology, and easy fabrication. Owing to the considerable efforts, the power conversion efficiency of TOSCs now exceeds 14%. Herein, the recent excellent work on TOSCs are summarized. Besides the TOSCs with a high power conversion efficiency, thick film TOSCs, all polymer TOSCs, TOSCs with various stable features, and semitransparent TOSCs are also very important for OSCs in terms of their comercialization, which are also summarized in this review. The challenges that remain in the field are also discussed.
Oxygen‐Defected Molybdenum Oxides Hierarchical Nanostructure Constructed by Atomic‐Level Thickness Nanosheets as an Efficient Absorber for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Lu Qichen , Yang Yong , Feng Jianrui , Wang Xun
Published: November 2018

Solar steam generation is a potential approach for fresh water recycling, thus attracting increasing attention recently. To further promote water evaporation rate, some new materials need to be developed, such as plasmonic transition metal oxides. In this work, we report an oxygen‐defected molybdenum oxides hierarchical nanostructure (MoOx HNS) composed of ultrathin nanosheets with atomic‐level thickness, which is demonstrated as an efficient absorber for solar steam generation. Benefiting from broadband light absorption and special assembled architecture, the resulting MoOx HNS loaded on a PTFE membrane (MoOx HNS Membrane) exhibits excellent performance for boosting steam generation rate. Under 1 sun (1 kW m−2) illumination, the evaporation rate can reach at 1.255 kg m−2 h−1, with the energy conversion efficiency of 85.6%, which is one of the best performance compared with other desalination materials. Meanwhile, the MoOx HNS Membrane can achieve high‐performance seawater desalination in both laboratorial and outdoor conditions. The enhanced water evaporation performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the efficient solar‐to‐thermal conversion and the unique channel structure. This work expands the scope of investigated materials which can be applied in seawater desalination system.
Data‐Driven Materials Exploration for Li‐Ion Conductive Ceramics by Exhaustive and Informatics‐Aided Computations
Authors: Nakayama Masanobu , Kanamori Kenta , Nakano Koki , Jalem Randy , Takeuchi Ichiro , Yamasaki Hisatsugu
Published: November 2018

Interest in all‐solid‐state Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) using non‐flammable Li‐conducting ceramics as solid electrolytes has increased, as safe and robust batteries are urgently desired as power sources for (hybrid) electric vehicles. However, the low Li‐ion conductivities of ceramics have hindered all‐solid‐state LIB commercialization; many researchers have attempted to develop fast Li‐ion conductors. We introduce two efficient high‐throughput computational approaches for materials exploration: (i) exhaustive search and (ii) informatics‐aided prediction. For demonstration, ∼400 Li‐ and Zn‐containing oxide (Li−Zn−X−O) compounds of varied crystal structures are extracted from Materials Project datasets. We calculate the migration energies for Li‐ion conduction and the phase stabilities (decomposition energies) of these materials by simulation and apply Bayesian optimization to determine the material with the highest ionic conductivity. The results show much greater efficiency than a random search algorithm.
Kaempferol suppresses cell migration through the activation of the ERK signaling pathways in ARPE‐19 cells
Authors: Chien Hsiang‐Wen , Wang Kai , Chang Yuan‐Yen , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Yu Nuo‐Yi , Yang Shun‐Fa , Lin Hui‐Wen
Published: November 2018

Kaempferol is a flavonoid with anticancer and anti‐metastasis activity in different cancer‐cell lines. However, the underlying mechanisms by which kaempferol acts on human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE‐19) cells remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that kaempferol inhibited migration and invasion in ARPE‐19 cells at non‐toxic dosages. We discovered that kaempferol obviously reduced the enzyme activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 by increasing the phosphorylated levels of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways. Additionally, ERK1/2‐specific inhibitor PD98059 significantly reversed kaempferol's inhibitory effects on migration and expression of MMP‐2 in ARPE‐19 cells. Overall, our results are the first to demonstrate that kaempferol is capable of inhibiting cell migration by targeting ERK1/2 signaling in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Stable N‐Heterocyclic Germylenes of the Type [Fe{(η5‐C5H4)NR}2Ge] and Their Oxidation Reactions with Sulfur, Selenium, and Diphenyl Diselenide
Authors: Weyer Nadine , Guthardt Robin , Correia Bicho Bruno A. , Oetzel Jan , Bruhn Clemens , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: November 2018

Three new N‐heterocyclic germylenes of the type [Fe{(η5‐C5H4)NR}2Ge] (1RGe) containing particularly bulky alkyl [R = 2‐adamantyl (Ad), 1,1,2,2‐tetramethylpropyl (Pr*)] or aryl substituents [R = 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dipp)] were prepared and structurally characterized, in two cases (R = Ad, Dipp), by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Together with the previously described homologues with R = trimethylsilyl (TMS), tert‐butyl (tBu), and mesityl (Mes) their oxidative addition reactions with S8 and Se8 were studied, which afforded compounds of the type [1RGe(μ‐E)]2 (E = S, Se). The low solubility of most of these products severely hampered their purification and characterization. Nevertheless, their structural characterization by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction was possible in six cases (E = S, R = Ad, Pr*; E = Se, R = Ad, Pr*, Mes, Dipp). No solubility problems were encountered in oxidative addition reactions with diphenyl diselenide, affording products of the type 1RGe(SePh2)2, whose crystal structures could be determined in four cases (R = TMS, tBu, Mes, Dipp). Short intramolecular CH···Se contacts compatible with hydrogen bonds were observed for [1AdGe(μ‐Se)]2, [1Pr*Ge(μ‐Se)]2, and 1tBuGe(SePh2)2.
Gendered Effects of Home-Based Work on Parents’ Capability to Balance Work with Non-work: Two Countries with Different Models of Division of Labour Compared
Authors: Kurowska Anna
Published: November 2018

This paper explores gendered impact of home-based work (HBW) on the capability to balance work with non-work in double-earner families with dependent children in two countries with distinct models of division of labour: Poland and Sweden. At first, I critically engage with the WLB conceptualization in HBW studies and try to address identified gaps. Driving from the theoretical concept of ‘burden of responsibilities’ and setting it in the capability approach, I propose to operationalize the capability to balance work with non-work as a latent construct, observed through two indicators of the burden of unpaid work responsibilities related to one’s engagement in paid work. To simultaneously measure this capability as a latent construct and the impact of HBW on this capability, I estimate a simple structural equation model for each country. The results show that men in both countries have higher capabilities to balance work with non-work than women, but the difference between genders is smaller in Sweden. I also find that HBW is related to lower capability to balance work with non-work for mothers in both countries and for fathers in Sweden only. The results of this study show that in a relatively gender equal society (Sweden) the negative impact of home based work on the capability to balance work with non-work affects both genders. On the contrary—in a more traditional society (Poland), men are able to ‘escape’ the trap of double burden of paid and unpaid work when working from home while women do not.
Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Ego Resilience scale (ER) and a new shortened version of the Ego Undercontrol Scale (EUC)
Authors: Isaksson Martina , Ghaderi Ata , Wolf-Arehult Martina , Ramklint Mia
Published: November 2018

The Ego Resilience scale (ER) and The Ego Undercontrol scale (EUC) are designed to assess personality types based on how people inhibit or express their emotional impulses. The study aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of both scales. Two community samples were recruited through convenience sampling and were informed about the study either while attending an undergraduate class at University or through advertisement on the Internet. For the two samples respectively, 483 and 197 individuals aged 18–70 completed the self-rating questionnaires via a website. In the first sample, factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity of the ER and the EUC were evaluated and a shorter version of the EUC (EUC-13) was developed based on the outcome. In the second sample, factor structure and psychometric properties of the EUC-13 were analyzed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported both the original version of the ER and the EUC-13. Both instruments showed satisfactory levels of internal consistency for all subscales but Socially restrained behavior from the EUC-13, good test-retest reliability, as well as satisfactory preliminary evidence of validity. Further validation studies are recommended, such as investigating the scales in clinical settings.
Modelling multiply connected heterogeneous objects using mixed-dimensional material reference features
Authors: Sharma G.K. , Gurumoorthy B.
Published: November 2018

This paper proposes a general method for ab-initio modelling and representation of heterogeneous objects that are associated with complex material variation over complex geometry.

Heterogeneous objects like composites and naturally occurring objects (bones, rocks and meteorites) possess multiple and often conflicting properties (like high hardness and toughness simultaneously), which are associated with random and irregular material distribution. Modelling such objects is desired for numerical analysis and additive manufacturing to develop bio-implants, high-performance tools etc. However, it is difficult to define and map the arbitrary material distribution within the object as the material distribution can be independent of the shape parameters or form features used to construct its solid model.

This paper represents the source of random and irregular material distribution by mixed-dimensional entities with a focus on modelling compositional heterogeneity. The domain of effect of each material reference entity is defined automatically by using Medial Axis Transform (MAT), where the material distribution can be intuitively prescribed, starting from the material reference entity and terminating at the medial axis segment bounding the corresponding domain. Within such a domain, the spatial variation of the material is captured by a distance field from the material reference entity, which can be controlled locally and independently. These domains are stored using the neighbourhood relation for efficient operations like altering material distribution across the material reference entity and material evaluation for a given geometric location. Results from an implementation for 2.5D objects are shown and the extension to 3D objects is discussed.

Highlights Hybrid representation for complex heterogeneous objects. General method for ab-initio modelling of complex heterogeneous objects capture arbitrary material distribution by automatic domain decomposition. Local control of material composition through MAT around material feature. Specification of material composition without adding new entities to shape model.
European Union Law
Authors: Schütze Robert
Published: November 2018

European law has come to influence almost all fields of national law, including administrative, constitutional, contract, criminal and even tort law. But what is the European Union? How does it work? How does it produce European law? This book uses a clear framework to guide readers through all core constitutional and substantive topics of EU law. New content includes: a Brexit chapter covering the negotiation process and the possible future relationships between the United Kingdom and the European Union, new EU private international law and EU criminal law sections, and extended coverage of delegated legislation, human rights and free movement of persons. All chapters reflect judicial and legislative practice up to 31st December 2017. Key features include case extracts accompanied by extensive critical discussion of the theoretical and practical aspects of EU law, over 100 figures and tables clarifying complex topics and a companion website with full 'Lisbonised' versions of cited cases and many extra materials.
Vitamin D and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the General Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eslami Omid , Shidfar Farzad , Akbari-Fakhrabadi Maryam
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Background: Up to now, the association between vitamin D and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is still inconsistent and there is a lack of a comprehensive review on this topic. Aim: To systematically review the literature including both observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the association between vitamin D and CRF in the general population. Methods: The literature was investigated by exploring databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and ISI Web of Science as well as a manual search up to April 2017 by using related MeSH terms and key words. All the English-language articles that were conducted in the general population without any restriction on age range of participants and date of publication were included in the study. Results: Among the 731 records which were found initially, a total of 20 articles including 18 cross-sectional studies and 2 RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Among the cross-sectional studies, findings on the association between serum 25(OH) D and CRF were incongruent. Additionally, studies which had reported significant results varied remarkably in terms of sample size, study population and the effect size of the association. In addition, RCTs found no significant improvement in CRF following vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion: Overall, evidence from cross-sectional studies does not support a strong association between vitamin D and CRF, although a number of studies demonstrated modest positive associations. Furthermore, limited RCTs did not confirm such an association. Further high quality research is needed to obtain a definite conclusion on this topic. “
Aeolian Material Transport and Its Role in Landscape Connectivity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Authors: Diaz Melisa A. , Adams Byron J. , Welch Kathleen A. , Welch Susan A. , Opiyo Stephen O. , Khan Alia L. , McKnight Diane M. , Cary S. Craig , Lyons W. Berry
Published: November 2018

Arid regions, particularly polar and alpine desert environments, have diminished landscape connectivity compared to temperate regions due to limited and/or seasonal hydrological processes. For these environments, aeolian processes play a particularly important role in landscape evolution and biotic community vitality through nutrient and solute additions. The McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) are the largest ice‐free area in Antarctica and are potentially a major source of aeolian material for the continent. From this region, samples were collected at five heights (~5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 cm) above the surface seasonally for 2013 through 2015 from Alatna Valley, Victoria Valley, Miers Valley, and Taylor Valley (Taylor Glacier, East Lake Bonney, F6 (Lake Fryxell), and Explorer's Cove). Despite significant geological separation and varying glacial histories, low‐elevation and coastal sites had similar major ion chemistries, as did high‐elevation and inland locations. This locational clustering of compositions was also evident in scanning electron microscopy images and principal component analyses, particularly for samples collected at ~100 cm above the surface. Compared to published soil literature, aeolian material in Taylor Valley demonstrates a primarily down‐valley transport of material toward the coast. Soluble N:P ratios in the aeolian material reflect relative nutrient enrichments seen in MDV soils and lakes, where younger, coastal soils are relatively N depleted, while older, up‐valley soils are relatively P depleted. The aeolian transport of materials, including water‐soluble nutrients, is an important vector of connectivity within the MDV and provides a mechanism to help “homogenize” the geochemistry of both soil and aquatic ecosystems.
Druitt and Goldstein Receive 2018 Norman�L. Bowen Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2018

Tim Druitt and Steven Goldstein will receive the 2018 Norman L. Bowen Award at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2018, to be held 10–14 December in Washington, D. C. The award recognizes “outstanding contributions to volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology.”
Rapid Loss of Relativistic Electrons by EMIC Waves in the Outer Radiation Belt Observed by Arase, Van Allen Probes, and the PWING Ground Stations
Authors: Kurita S. , Miyoshi Y. , Shiokawa K. , Higashio N. , Mitani T. , Takashima T. , Matsuoka A. , Shinohara I. , Kletzing C. A. , Blake J. B. , Claudepierre S. G. , Connors M. , Oyama S. , Nagatsuma T. , Sakaguchi K. , Baishev D. , Otsuka Y.
Published: November 2018

There has been increasing evidence for pitch angle scattering of relativistic electrons by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves. Theoretical studies have predicted that the loss time scale of MeV electrons by EMIC waves can be very fast, suggesting that MeV electron fluxes rapidly decrease in association with the EMIC wave activity. This study reports on a unique event of MeV electron loss induced by EMIC waves based on Arase, Van Allen Probes, and ground‐based network observations. Arase observed a signature of MeV electron loss by EMIC waves, and the satellite and ground‐based observations constrained spatial‐temporal variations of the EMIC wave activity during the loss event. Multisatellite observation of MeV electron fluxes showed that ~2.5‐MeV electron fluxes substantially decreased within a few tens of minutes where the EMIC waves were present. The present study provides an observational estimate of the loss time scale of MeV electrons by EMIC waves.
Sand Suspension and Transport During Inundation of a Dutch Barrier Island
Authors: Engelstad A. , Ruessink B. G. , Hoekstra P. , van der Vegt M.
Published: November 2018

Overwash and inundation of barrier islands transport large amounts of sediment landward, which could potentially increase the aggradation of these islands in times of sea level rise. However, not much is known about the detailed processes of sediment suspension and transport during inundation. Here we analyze field data of suspended sediment, water levels, waves, and currents which were collected during five inundation events on a barrier island in the Netherlands. We found that depth‐integrated suspended sand concentrations and cross‐shore sand transport showed high variability during and between inundation events at our location, where 80% of the combined transport from all inundation events was completed before high tide. This is primarily caused by variations in cross‐shore flow velocities which were strongest (up to 1.2 m/s onshore) before high tide. However, episodically high depth‐integrated suspended sand concentrations (defined as >2kg/m2) were observed on infragravity time scales (∼20–200 s), suggesting that the contribution of infragravity waves to the combined bed shear stresses of waves and currents was important. High contributions of infragravity waves to the transport coincided with observed bore‐like wave shapes, which might partly be attributed to higher short waves riding and suspending sediment at the position of the crest. Two transport regimes were thus found to govern the transport during inundation: a flow‐driven regime when flow velocities were high (>0.5 m/s) and the ratio of infragravity wave and current related shields numbers was below 0.11 and an episodic regime when this ratio exceeded 0.11.
Insensitivity of the Cloud Response to Surface Warming Under Radical Changes to Boundary Layer Turbulence and Cloud Microphysics: Results From the Ultraparameterized CAM
Authors: Parishani Hossein , Pritchard Michael S. , Bretherton Christopher S. , Terai Christopher R. , Wyant Matthew C. , Khairoutdinov Marat , Singh Balwinder
Published: November 2018

We study the cloud response to a +4K surface warming in a new multiscale climate model that uses enough interior resolution to begin explicitly resolving boundary layer turbulence (i.e., ultraparameterization or UP). UP's predictions are compared against those from standard superparameterization (SP). The mean cloud radiative effect feedback turns out to be remarkably neutral across all of our simulations, despite some radical changes in both cloud microphysical parameter settings and cloud‐resolving model grid resolution. The overall low cloud response to warming is a positive low cloud feedback over land, a negative feedback (driven by cloud optical depth increase) at high latitudes, and weak feedback over the low‐latitude oceans. The most distinct effects of UP result from tuning decisions impacting high‐latitude cloud feedback. UP's microphysics is tuned to optimize the model present‐day, top‐of‐atmosphere radiation fluxes against CERES observations, by lowering the cloud ice‐liquid phase shift temperature ramp, adjusting the ice/liquid autoconversion rate, and increasing the ice fall speed. This reduces high‐latitude low cloud amounts and damps the optical depth feedback at high latitudes, leading to a slightly more positive global cloud feedback compared to SP. A sensitivity test that isolates these microphysical impacts from UP's grid resolution confirms that the microphysical settings are mostly responsible for the differences between SP and UP cloud feedback.
Improving Assimilation of Radiance Observations by Implementing Model Space Localization in an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Lei Lili , Whitaker Jeffrey S. , Bishop Craig
Published: November 2018

Experiments using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Finite‐Volume Cubed‐Sphere Dynamical Core Global Forecasting System (FV3GFS) reveal that the four‐dimensional ensemble‐variational method (4DEnVAR) performs similarly to an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) when no radiance observations are assimilated, but 4DEnVAR is superior to an EnKF when radiance observations are assimilated. The hypothesis for the cause of the differences between 4DEnVAR and EnKF is the difference in vertical localization, since radiance observations are integral observations in the vertical and 4DEnVAR uses model space localization while the EnKF uses observation space localization. A modulation approach, which generates an expanded ensemble from the raw ensemble and eigenvectors of the localization matrix, has been adopted to implement model space localization in the operational National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration EnKF. As constructed, the expanded ensemble is a square root of the vertically localized background error covariance matrix, so no explicit vertical localization is necessary during the EnKF update. The size of the expanded ensemble is proportional to the rank of the vertical localization matrix—for a vertical localization scale of 1.5 (3.0) scale heights, 12 (7) eigenvectors explain 96% of the variance of the localization matrix, so the expanded ensemble is 12 (7) times larger than the raw ensemble. Results from assimilating only radiance observations in the FV3GFS model confirm that EnKF with model‐space vertical localization performs better than observation‐space localization, and produces results similar to 4DEnVAR. Moreover, a 960‐member ensemble is sufficient to turn off the vertical localization entirely and yields significant improvements comparing to an 80‐member ensemble with model space localization.
Predicting geogenic Arsenic in Drinking Water Wells in Glacial Aquifers, North‐Central USA: Accounting for Depth‐Dependent Features
Authors: Erickson M. L. , Elliott S. M. , Christenson C. A. , Krall A. L.
Published: November 2018

Chronic exposure to arsenic (As) via drinking groundwater is a human health concern worldwide. Probabilities of elevated geogenic As concentrations in groundwater were predicted in complex, glacial aquifers in Minnesota, north‐central USA, a region that commonly has elevated As concentrations in well water. Maps of elevated As hazard were created for depths typical of drinking water supply and with well construction attributes common for domestic wells. Conventional variables describing aquifer properties and materials, position on the hydrologic landscape, and soil geochemistry were among the most influential for predicting the probability of elevated As. We also found that certain well construction attributes were influential in predicting As hazard. Smaller distances between the top of the well screen and overlying aquitard (proximity) and shorter well screen lengths were each associated with higher probabilities of elevated As. Influential predictor variables, which are either mapped across the region or are well construction attributes, are proxies in the model for measurable physical or geochemical causes of elevated As (e.g., redox condition, till or aquifer sediment chemistry, and water chemistry), which are not mapped across the region. Our setting shares some important characteristics with deltaic and other high‐As aquifers in Southeast Asia: late Quaternary age, complex layering of coarse‐ and fine‐grained materials, low‐As sediment concentrations, and geochemical controls on As mobilization. Translating three‐dimensional geologic and geochemical understanding of As mobility to quantifiable variables for modeling with powerful, flexible statistical tools could improve predictions and help identify safer groundwater supply options in the USA, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere.
Administration of antibiotics contributes to cholestasis in pediatric patients with intestinal failure via the alteration of FXR signaling
Authors: Xiao Yongtao , Zhou Kejun , Lu Ying , Yan Weihui , Cai Wei , Wang Ying
Published: November 2018

The link between antibiotic treatment and IF-associated liver disease (IFALD) is unclear. Here, we study the effect of antibiotic treatment on bile acid (BA) metabolism and investigate the involved mechanisms. The results showed that pediatric IF patients with cholestasis had a significantly lower abundance of BA-biotransforming bacteria than patients without cholestasis. In addition, the BA composition was altered in the serum, feces, and liver of pediatric IF patients with cholestasis, as reflected by the increased proportion of primary BAs. In the ileum, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) expression was reduced in patients with cholestasis. Correspondingly, the serum FGF19 levels decreased significantly in patients with cholestasis. In the liver, the expression of the rate-limiting enzyme in bile salt synthesis, cytochrome P450 7a1 (CYP7A1), increased noticeably in IF patients with cholestasis. In mice, we showed that oral antibiotics (gentamicin, GM or vancomycin, VCM) reduced colonic microbial diversity, with a decrease in both Gram-negative bacteria (GM affectedEubacteriumandBacteroides) and Gram-positive bacteria (VCM affectedClostridium,BifidobacteriumandLactobacillus). Concomitantly, treatment with GM or VCM decreased secondary BAs in the colonic contents, with a simultaneous increase in primary BAs in plasma. Moreover, the changes in the colonic BA profile especially that of tauro-beta-muricholic acid (TβMCA), were predominantly associated with the inhibition of the FXR and further altered BA synthesis and transport. In conclusion, the administration of antibiotics significantly decreased the intestinal microbiota diversity and subsequently altered the BA composition. The alterations in BA composition contributed to cholestasis in IF patients by regulating FXR signaling.
Bridging reproductive and microbial ecology: a case study in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Aguilar-Trigueros Carlos A , Hempel Stefan , Powell Jeff R , Cornwell William K , Rillig Matthias C
Published: November 2018

Offspring size is a key trait for understanding the reproductive ecology of species, yet studies addressing the ecological meaning of offspring size have so far been limited to macro-organisms. We consider this a missed opportunity in microbial ecology and provide what we believe is the first formal study of offspring-size variation in microbes using reproductive models developed for macro-organisms. We mapped the entire distribution of fungal spore size in the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (subphylum Glomeromycotina) and tested allometric expectations of this trait to offspring (spore) output and body size. Our results reveal a potential paradox in the reproductive ecology of AM fungi: while large spore-size variation is maintained through evolutionary time (independent of body size), increases in spore size trade off with spore output. That is, parental mycelia of large-spored species produce fewer spores and thus may have a fitness disadvantage compared to small-spored species. The persistence of the large-spore strategy, despite this apparent fitness disadvantage, suggests the existence of advantages to large-spored species that could manifest later in fungal life history. Thus, we consider that solving this paradox opens the door to fruitful future research establishing the relationship between offspring size and other AM life history traits.
Manipulating and monitoring nanoparticles in micellar thin film superstructures
Authors: ten Hove Jan Bart , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Velders Aldrik H.
Published: November 2018

Understanding the dynamics of discrete self-assembled structures under influence of external triggers is of interest to harvest the potential of nano- and mesoscale materials. In particular, controlling the hierarchical organization of (macro)molecular and nanoparticle building blocks in monolayer superstructures is of paramount importance for tuning properties and characteristics. Here we show how the electron beam in cryo-transmission electron microscopy can be exploited to induce and follow local migration of building blocks and global migration of micellar aggregates inside micrometer-sized superstructures. We employ stroboscopic exposure to heat up and convert the vitrified superstructure into a liquid-like thin film under cryogenic conditions, resulting in controlled evaporation of water that finally leads to rupture of the micelle-containing superstructure. Micelle-embedded nanoparticles prove a powerful tool to study the complex hierarchically built-up superstructures, and to visualize both global movement of individual dendrimicelles and local migration of nanoparticles inside the micellar core during the exposure series.