bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Light Curves of the Luminous Type Ic Supernova 2007D
Authors: Wang Shan-Qin , Cano Zach , Li Long , Liu Liang-Duan , Wang Ling-Jun , Zheng WeiKang , Dai Zi-Gao , Liang En-Wei , Filippenko Alexei V.
Published: May 2019

SN 2007D is a nearby (redshift z = 0.023146), luminous Type Ic supernova (SN) having a narrow light curve (LC) and high peak luminosity. Previous research based on the assumption that it was powered by the 56Ni cascade decay suggested that the inferred 56Ni mass and the ejecta mass are ∼1.5 M
⊙ and ∼3.5 M
⊙, respectively. In this paper, we employ some multiband LC models to model the R-band LC and the color (V − R) evolution of SN 2007D to investigate the possible energy sources powering them. We find that the pure 56Ni model is disfavored; the multiband LCs of SN 2007D can be reproduced by a magnetar whose initial rotational period P
0 and magnetic field strength B

p
are

(or

) ms and

(or

) G, respectively. By comparing the spectrum of SN 2007D with that of some superluminous SNe (SLSNe), we find that it might be a luminous SN like several luminous “gap-filler” optical transients that bridge ordinary and SLSNe, rather than a genuine SLSN.
Titan Surface Temperatures during the Cassini Mission
Authors: Jennings D. E. , Tokano T. , Cottini V. , Nixon C. A. , Achterberg R. K. , Flasar F. M. , Kunde V. G. , Romani P. N. , Samuelson R. E. , Segura M. E. , Gorius N. J. P. , Guandique E. , Kaelberer M. S. , Coustenis A.
Published: May 2019

By the close of the Cassini mission in 2017 the Composite Infrared Spectrometer had recorded surface brightness temperatures on Titan for 13 yr (almost half a Titan year). We mapped temperatures in latitude from pole to pole in seven time segments from northern mid-winter to northern summer solstice. At the beginning of the mission the warmest temperatures were centered at 13 S where they peaked at 93.9 K. Temperatures fell off by about 4 K toward the north pole and 2 K toward the south pole. As the seasons progressed the warmest temperatures shifted northward, tracking the subsolar point, and at northern summer solstice were centered at 24 N. While moving north the peak temperature decreased by about 1 K, reaching 92.8 K at solstice. At solstice the fall-off toward the north and south poles were 1 K and 3 K, respectively. Thus the temperature range was the same 2 K at the two poles. Our observed surface temperatures agree with recent general circulation model results that take account of methane hydrology and imply that hemispherical differences in Titan’s topography may play a role in the north–south asymmetry on Titan.
Species review of the genus Boreophilia Benick from North America (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Athetini): Systematics, habitat, and distribution
Authors: Klimaszewski Jan , Sikes Derek S. , Brunke Adam , Bourdon Caroline
Published: May 2019

Fourteen species of the genus Boreophilia Benick are now recognized in North America. Boreophiliainsecuta (Eppelsheim), reported by Lohse (1990) from North America, is a misidentification of a new species, which is described here as B.neoinsecuta Klimaszewski, sp. n., and the true B.insecuta (Epp.) does not occur in North America. An additional new species is found in Alaska, and described as B.beringi Klimaszewski & Brunke, sp. n. The following three species are synonymized (second name being valid): Boreophiliaherschelensis Klimaszewski & Godin, 2012, with Boreophiliavega (Fenyes, 1920); Boreophiliamanitobensis Lohse, 1990, with B.caseyi Lohse, 1990; and B.angusticornis (Bernahuer, 1907) with B.subplana (J Sahlberg, 1880), based on study of genital structures and external morphology. Athetagelida J Sahlberg, 1887, and Athetamunsteri Bernhauer, 1902, considered as Boreophilia in recent publications, are transferred to the genus Atheta Thomson, subgenus Dimetrota. Boreostibapiligera (J Sahlberg) is transferred to Boreophilia based on morphology and the results of our phylogenetic analysis. Boreophilianearctica is recorded from Alberta and B.nomensis is recorded from British Columbia for the first time. Each valid species is illustrated by color image of habitus, and black and white images of genitalia and tergite and sternite VIII. A new key to all Nearctic species of the genus is provided. DNA barcode data were available for nine of the 14 species, which we downloaded, analyzed, and used as additional evidence for the taxonomic conclusions reached herein.
The Probability to Reach an Agreement as a Foundation for Axiomatic Bargaining
Authors: Bastianello Lorenzo , LiCalzi Marco
Published: May 2019

We revisit the Nash bargaining model and axiomatize a procedural solution that maximizes the probability of successful bargaining. Our characterization spans several known solution concepts, including the special cases of the Nash, egalitarian, and utilitarian solutions. Using a probability‐based language, we offer a natural interpretation for the product operator underlying the Nash solution: when the bargainers' individual acceptance probabilities are independent, their product recovers the joint acceptance probability.
Sustainable mountain tourism in word and deed: A comparative analysis in the macro regions of the Alps and the Dinarides
Authors: Paunović Ivan , Jovanović Verka
Published: May 2019

This article examines similarities and differences in the attitudes and social representations of destination managers towards implementing sustainable tourism between the mountain regions of the Alps and the Dinarides. Bearing in mind the transnational impacts (i.e., environmental, economic and social) of the tourism industry the research methodology adopted an international perspective by sending a questionnaire to tourism organizations in fourteen different countries in the Alps and the Dinarides. The research is interdisciplinary in nature, because it integrates knowledge from sustainability and management science with tourism geography and social psychology. The findings confirm that social representations of sustainable tourism differ significantly in the two mountain regions.
Household earthquake preparedness in Serbia: A study of selected municipalities
Authors: Cvetković Vladimir M. , Ronan Kevin , Shaw Rajib , Filipović Marina , Mano Rita , Gačić Jasmina , Jakovljević Vladimir
Published: May 2019

This article presents the results of a qualitative study of household earthquake and community-level preparedness in Serbia and its relationship to various demographic factors. A series of 1,018 face-to-face interviews were conducted at the beginning of 2017 in eight Serbian municipalities. The results show that the population is generally unprepared, with low percentages of reported enhanced preparedness levels. In addition to presenting its findings, the study also considers future research directions, including using this study as a basis for more detailed research and to assist in facilitating community-led programs and strategies to increase earthquake safety.
The usefulness of unsupervised classification methods for landscape typification: The case of Slovenia
Authors: Perko Drago , Ciglič Rok , Hrvatin Mauro
Published: May 2019

Supervised and unsupervised classification methods can be a useful tool in determining various geographical spatial divisions, especially regionalizations and typifications. Because Slovenia is geographically very diverse, its divisions are a particularly significant and interesting research challenge. The main objective of this article is to determine the effectiveness of unsupervised classification methods, and therefore we compare the well-established landscape typology of Slovenia from 1996 with landscape typologies that were modeled using various unsupervised classification methods. Our results show that landscape typologies modeled using unsupervised classification methods deviate more from the original landscape typology of Slovenia than landscape typologies modeled using random and expert-supervised classification methods.
«Una aventura con fatales consecuencias». La incautación de la fábrica del gas de Madrid y la municipalización del servicio público de alumbrado (1917-1922)
Authors: Fernández-Paradas Mercedes , Rodríguez-Martín Nuria
Published: May 2019

Este artículo analiza la evolución de la actividad gasista en Madrid entre 1917 y 1922, años en los que la fábrica de gas estuvo controlada por el Ayuntamiento. Se analizan los motivos que llevaron al Ayuntamiento madrileño a rescindir el contrato de suministro de gas e incautarse de la fábrica de gas, propiedad de la Compañía Madrileña de Alumbrado y Calefacción por Gas. Igualmente se examinan los cambios en la gestión del negocio, y los problemas que enfrentó el Consistorio como consecuencia del aumento de los costes laborales y de las dificultades en el suministro de carbón. Finalmente, se estudian los pleitos entre la Compañía del Gas y el Ayuntamiento y las opciones planteadas por éste para desprenderse del negocio.
Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Friction Welded Steel Tubes
Authors: Kim Gyeong Woo , Kim Young Kyu , Song Kuk Hyun
Published: May 2019

We evaluate the properties of friction welded steel tubes in terms of the relationship between microstructures and mechanical properties. For this work, steel tubes with a diameter of 60.5 mm, which has a thickness of 3.3 and 2.2 mm, was prepared by length of 170 and 70 mm, and friction welding was conducted at a rotation speed of 2,000 rpm and upset time of 5 s, respectively. Applying the friction welding led to the notable grain refinement so that average grain size was refined from 15.1 μm in base material to 4.5 μm in welded zone. These refined grains achieved the significantly enhanced microhardness (20% higher) and a slightly higher tensile strength relative to the base material, respectively. In particular, the tensile tested specimens showed the fracture aspect at the base material zone not at welded zone, which means the soundly welded state.
Nano-Delivery Materials: Review of Development and Application in Drug/Gene Transport
Authors: Li Yu Lin , Sun Bin Huan
Published: May 2019

As the nanotechnology rapidly develops, the combination of nanotechnology and biotechnology to build nanoparticles with biological functionalization has brought new opportunities for the development and application of biomedical diagnosis. Many new non-viral drug/gene vectors were constructed by using nanoparticles as drug/gene carriers, especially by making conventional inorganic materials into nanoparticles and performing functional modifications. In this paper, the physical and chemical properties, preparation methods and application in drug/gene transport of several nanomaterials including mesoporous silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, dendrimers, graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes are reviewed respectively. At the same time, the merit and dismerit of different nanocarriers and their application scenarios are compared. It has been found that the excellent biocompatibility and large specific surface area of inorganic nanomaterials have great potential for drug/gene delivery. Although there are many bottlenecks and challenges for nanomaterials to settle during drug delivery development and industrial production, the improvement of inorganic nanomaterials and the development of new nanocarriers can promote the wider progress of nanocarriers in drug/gene transport.
Preparation of pH-Responsive Nanoparticles (PRNPs) for Detection of Pathogenic Escherichia coli from Stool Sample of Diarrheagenic Patients
Authors: Teawprasong Patcharapong , Polpanich Duangporn , Paripurana Venusrin , Supanakon Goragot , Jangpatarapongsa Kulachart
Published: May 2019

pH-responsive nanoparticle (PRNP) is one of the most thoroughly studied encapsulation systems in the field of nanomedicine especially therapeutic approaches, due to their controllable reaction in the particular range of pH. Herein, we aim at utilizing PRNPs to enhance efficacy of Magnetic Nanoparticles PCR Enzyme-Linked Gene Assay (MELGA). MELGA is originally based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and has been reported as the advanced technique developed for the detection of target gene at femtogram level. With the coupling magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as product enriching unit with biotin as a signal reporting unit, MELGA technique showed significantly improved sensitivity and specificity when compared to the conventional PCR in the study of detection enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), the major cause of traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea in children. Nevertheless, it is challenging to further modify MELGA for faster turnaround time by reducing steps in procedure. Therefore, this proposed technique called PRNP-modified MELGA has been invented by producing indicator loaded PRNPs to replace biotin in order to cut enzyme-substrate reaction off. In the present study, synthesized PRNPs are composed of mesoporous silica nanomaterials (MSNs) loaded with indicator throughout their mesoporous structure and coated with the pH-responsive polymer as “Gate Keeper” or outer shell molecule which is supposed to swell at pH of response and release indicator for reporting. The comparison of candidates for outer shell molecules between poly dopamine (PDA) and chitosan (CH) was carried out by characterizing the pH-responsive behaviors. Results show that at pH of response (pH = 1.2 and 2.2), PRNPs coated with CH exhibited shaper releasing behavior than that that of the one coated with PDA. It is highly anticipated that this developing technique will be a tool towards a successful molecular assay for various diagnosis.
Study on Strength Characteristics Improvement of Polyethylene Modified Bituminous Concrete Mixes
Authors: Lakshman Singh Khwairakpam , Panda Debjani
Published: May 2019

The present study shows an investigation on improvement of bituminous binder and its mixes using modified binders with different percentage (1% to 7%) of domestic waste polyethylene (PE).The temperature susceptibility and penetration index (PI) of the modified binders were calculated. It is observed that PI value of modified binder is found higher than unmodified binder. The strength characteristics in terms of Marshall Stability and moisture susceptibility expressed in terms of indirect tensile strength ratio (ITSR) of bituminous concrete were determined in the present study. Marshall stability of the bituminous mixture containing 3% PE increased by 34.2% as compare to mixture containing unmodified binder. The addition of 3% PE to neat bitumen, results in an increase of 20% in indirect tensile strength ratio. Using PE modified binder in bituminous concrete mixes increases stability, indirect tensile strength which turn in provide better resistance against permanent deformation.
Compressive Strength of Sustainable Concrete Mixes with Different Maximum Size Aggregates
Authors: Al Martini Samer , Hassan Ziad , Khartabil Ahmad
Published: May 2019

The current study investigates the effect of aggregate’s maximum size on the compressive strength of sustainable flowable concrete. The concrete mixtures were mixed for 2 hours under lab controlled environment. The purpose of the prolonged mixing was to simulate concrete in a transit truck during transportation to a construction site. The mechanical properties of the mixes were investigated through compressive strength test. Three groups of concrete mixes were prepared: the first one with 20 mm maximum size aggregates, the second group with 10 mm maximum size aggregates and third group with 5 mm max size. The concrete mixes incorporated GGBs and fly ash (FA) in binary blends. To maintain consistent initial slump for all mixes, polycarboxylate based high-range water-reducing admixture (HRWR) was used. The concrete compressive strength was measured at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days. The results showed that the mechanical properties of sustainable flow mixtures investigated were highly affected by FA, GGBS, and maximum size aggregates.
Flow Behavior of Self Consolidating Concrete Mixes with Various Maximum Size Aggregates
Authors: Al Martini Samer , Hassan Ziad , Khartabil Ahmad
Published: May 2019

The paper investigates the effects of aggregate size and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on flow behavior of self-consolidating concrete (SCC). The fresh performance of concrete mixes was evaluated through slump flow and V funnel tests. Some concrete mixes were prepared with 5 mm maximum size aggregates and other mixes with 20 mm maximum size aggregates. The effects of varying contents of SCMs (Fly ash F and GGBS) on flow behavior of SCC under binary blends were also studied. The results show that the maximum size of aggregates has effect on the flow behavior of SCC.
Carbonation Resistance of Sustainable Concrete Using Recycled Aggregate and Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Khartabil Ahmad , Al Martini Samer
Published: May 2019

Green concrete is a recent sustainable practice in UAE that was enforced by Dubai Municipality in construction field within the emirate of Dubai to reduce the carbon foot print in construction industry and to increase the durability of the structures. This led the construction industry to reduce the usage of ordinary portland cement by replacing it with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as Grand Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and flyash (FA). Incorporating GGBS or FA in concrete mixtures can improve durability parameters of hardened concrete, such as resistance to water permeability, reduced water absorption and chloride penetration. This ultimately increases the structure’s service life by increasing the threshold of concrete mixture for chloride induced corrosion. On the other hand, carbonation induced corrosion to concrete is usually being ignored or forgotten generally, due its usual slow rate ingression in plain portland cement concrete mixtures. Several studies showed that incorporating some types of SCM – especially at high percentage - can reduce the concrete resistance to carbonation. Additionally and for concrete with recycled aggregate, carbonation investigation should be taken into consideration. This is since recycled aggregates are reused aggregates that are extracted from demolished structures and buildings which were already subjected to different environmental exposures and deteriorations. Unlike chloride penetration, there is no direct ASTM standard test to anticipate the concrete mixture resistance to carbonation at early ages. In this study, concrete mixtures with flyash and different recycled aggregate replacement percentages are investigated for carbonation resistance in accelerated proposed method, considering concrete mixtures’ key parameters like water-cement ratio, and total cement content. The results are analyzed to arrive to pertinent conclusions for the best utilization of sustainable concrete for carbonation resistance.
Analysis on Evolution of Force Chain and Contact Network of Non-Cohesive Soil
Authors: Xu Ran , Liu En Long
Published: May 2019

A biaxial test model was established based on the discrete element method to simulate the microscopic evolution of non-viscous soil upon loading. The shear strain, deviator stress and volumetric strain of the samples at different time steps were recorded, the evolution process of the force chain in the samples was observed, and the average degree (coordination number), 3-cycle and average clustering coefficient over force-chain particles were also analyzed respectively from the perspective of complex network. The following analysis results are obtained. The larger the value of inter-particle friction coefficient, the higher the peak value of shear stress, and the more obvious the strain softening phenomenon. The force chains in the samples with higher inter-particle friction coefficient tend to be more vulnerable to damage during loading. In the loading process, the average degree first increases, then decreases and finally tends to be stable. The value of average degree increases with the increase of confining pressure, and decreases with the increase of friction coefficient. The clustering coefficient of the particles within the force-chain particles is linearly related to the average length of the force chains at critical state.
A Review of Alkali-Activated Slag as Cement Replacement
Authors: Mohamed Osama Ahmed , Mustafa Maadoum M.
Published: May 2019

Alkali activated slag (AAS) offers opportunities to the construction industry as an alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The production of OPC and its use contributes significantly to release of CO2 into the atmosphere while AAS is an industrial by-product that contributes much less to the environmental footprint that needs to be recycled if not landfilled. This paper outlines some of the key properties, merits and demerits of AAS when used as alternative to OPC. Competitive compressive strength of AAS concrete is amongst of the advantages of replacing cement with AAS while high shrinkage and carbonation levels are potential disadvantages.
A Reinforced Kite-Shaped Microstructure with Negative Linear and Area Hygrothermal Expansions
Authors: Lim Teik Cheng
Published: May 2019

Materials and structures are exposed to fluctuating temperature and moisture concentration, which alter their sizes; the capability to adjust the hygrothermal expansion, including into the negative region, permits greater control of hygrothermal stresses and strains. This paper introduces a type of 2D truss microstructure where each unit takes the shape of a kite with an additional reinforcing rod on the kite’s axis of symmetry. The coefficients of thermal and moisture expansions are positive in the direction parallel to the reinforcing rods, but linear negative hygrothermal expansion is obtained in the direction perpendicular to the reinforcing rods. The condition that gives areal negative hygrothermal expansion is also established, wherein this region is demarcated by the zero hygrothermal expansion line, which is attained when the inclined rods are perpendicular to each other.
Influence of Multi-Step Austempering Temperature on Tensile Performance of Unalloyed Ductile Iron
Authors: Zhuang Wei Ci , Jiang Ying Ming , Zhou Wen Tao , Liang Zhong Yang , Northwood Derek O. , Liu Cheng
Published: May 2019

Austempered ductile iron (ADI) has been widely used in various industries due to its excellent combination of high strength, ductility and good wear resistance. The tensile behavior of an unalloyed commercial ADI with a multiphase structure designed by a novel multi-step austempering treatment is investigated. The developed austempering process consists of austenitizing at 890°C for 20min, then initial rapid quenching to 180°C, and isothermal holding at 190, 220, 250°Cfor 120min, and finally air cooling to room temperature. The optimum mechanical properties with an ultimate tensile strength of 1350MPa, a yield strength of 1090MPa, as well as an elongation of 3.5% is achieved at 220°C. This is attributed to a synergistic strengthening effect of multiphase structure including a prior martensite with fine needle bainitic ferrite and film retained austenite.
Strontium in Phosphate-Modified Calcium Aluminate Cement
Authors: Kamaluddin Siti , García-Lodeiro Ines , Irisawa Keita , Meguro Yoshihiro , Kinoshita Hajime
Published: May 2019

Cements have been used to encapsulate low and intermediate level radioactive wastes. Here, phosphate-modified calcium aluminate (CAP) cement is explored as an encapsulant for strontium radioanuclide-containing wastes. Electron microscopy indicates strontium chloride, used in place of strontium radionuclides, increases porosity in CAP possibly due to increased viscosity of CAP cement during mixing. X-ray diffraction analysis detects formation of halite phase suggesting strontium chloride reacts with cement to form sodium chloride not usually detected in CAP systems as well as formation of an amorphous phase in CAP cement when thermally treated at 90°C.
Electron Beam Radiation Crosslinking of Natural Rubber Prepared by Latex Mixing Filled Silica-Graphene Blend
Authors: Jansomboon Worawat , Loykulnant Surapich , Prapainainar Paweena
Published: May 2019

Silica/graphene (Si/GE) blends produced by conventional mixing method was added into natural rubber (NR) and subsequently vulcanized by latex mixing - electron beam (EB) irradiation to crosslink into NR composites. Characteristics investigation showed that Si and GE were held together with physical interaction. Tensile properties of NR composites were investigated. The results showed that EB irradiation could be used as a tool for crosslinking NR composites to improve their tensile properties. NR filled with 2.5 phr of the Si/0.056% wt GE blend vulcanized by EB irradiation dose at 150 KGy (NR/Si/0.0565GE-EB) showed the highest tensile strength, acceptable moduli at 100, 300 and 500% modulus. The tear strength of the composite was higher than that of NR filled with only Si (NR/Si-EB). It was found that too much GE content in Si/GE blends degraded the composites and lower the tensile strength.
Design and Development of Surface Texture for Tribological Application
Authors: Nikam Manoj D. , Shimpi Dipak , Bhole Kiran , Mastud Sachin A.
Published: May 2019

Surface texturing is a process of fabricating specific patterns on a surface to enhance surface properties such as friction, contact area, air aspiration, wear, hydrophobicity, etc. Fabricating surfaces with planned micro features is an effective method to improve tribological performance of the interacting surfaces. Laser surface texturing process is one of the best suitable processes for producing micro-patterns. Micro textures are imparted on HSS discs using CO2 laser, varying the shape and dimensions of the resulting dimples affecting the frictional coefficient and wear. Experiments have been accomplished to determine effects of textural variations such as areal density of dimples, dimple shape, area of dimples and depth of dimples on the Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Wear. Effects of lubrication conditions (Dry and Wet), pin material (MS, SS, EN31), applied load (25N, 50N, 75N) and Sliding velocity (400 rpm, 800 rpm and 1200 rpm) are evaluated on COF and Wear. Tests have been performed on pin-on-disk apparatus along guidelines of Taguchi L18 Orthogonal Array, keeping constant sliding distance of 940 m (about 10,000 cycles). Experimentally, it is found that wet lubricated, circular shaped dimples, with areal density 7.5%, dimple area 0.09 mm2 with MS material pin provides best results. This experimental analysis has been performed to test the applicability, efficiency and reliability of the textured surfaces.
Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Deletion Causes Enhanced Osteoclastogenesis in Response to Inflammatory Signals through a Notch2-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Jastrzebski Sandra , Kalinowski Judith , Mun Sehwan , Shin Bongjin , Adapala Naga Suresh , Jacome-Galarza Christian E. , Mirza Faryal , Aguila H. Leonardo , Drissi Hicham , Sanjay Archana , Canalis Ernesto , Lee Sun-Kyeong , Lorenzo Joseph A.
Published: May 2019

We found that protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) was transiently induced in cultured osteoclast precursor cells. Therefore, we examined the bone phenotype and response to resorptive stimuli of PAR1-deficient (knockout [KO]) mice. Bones and bone marrow–derived cells from PAR1 KO and wild-type (WT) mice were assessed using microcomputed tomography, histomorphometry, in vitro cultures, and RT-PCR. Osteoclastic responses to TNF-α (TNF) challenge in calvaria were analyzed with and without a specific neutralizing Ab to the Notch2-negative regulatory region (N2-NRR Ab). In vivo under homeostatic conditions, there were minimal differences in bone mass or bone cells between PAR1 KO and WT mice. However, PAR1 KO myeloid cells demonstrated enhanced osteoclastogenesis in response to receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) or the combination of RANKL and TNF. Strikingly, in vivo osteoclastogenic responses of PAR1 KO mice to TNF were markedly enhanced. We found that N2-NRR Ab reduced TNF-induced osteoclastogenesis in PAR1 KO mice to WT levels without affecting WT responses. Similarly, in vitro N2-NRR Ab reduced RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in PAR1 KO cells to WT levels without altering WT responses. We conclude that PAR1 functions to limit Notch2 signaling in responses to RANKL and TNF and moderates osteoclastogenic response to these cytokines. This effect appears, at least in part, to be cell autonomous because enhanced osteoclastogenesis was seen in highly purified PAR1 KO osteoclast precursor cells. It is likely that this pathway is involved in regulating the response of bone to diseases associated with inflammatory signals.
Treatment with a CD40 Antagonist Antibody Reverses Severe Proteinuria and Loss of Saliva Production and Restores Glomerular Morphology in Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Perper Stuart J. , Westmoreland Susan V. , Karman Jozsef , Twomey Rachel , Seagal Jane , Wang Rui , McRae Bradford L. , Clarke Stephen H.
Published: May 2019

CD40 is a costimulatory receptor on APCs that is critical for the induction and maintenance of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Accordingly, CD40 and its ligand, CD40L, have long been considered targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. We developed a rat/mouse chimeric anti-mouse CD40 antagonist mAb, 201A3, and evaluated its ability to alleviate murine lupus. Treatment of NZB/W-F1 mice with 201A3 after the onset of severe proteinuria rapidly reversed established severe proteinuria and nephritis and largely restored normal glomerular and tubular morphology. This coincided with a normalization of the expression of genes associated with proteinuria and injury by kidney parenchymal cells. Anti-CD40 treatment also prevented and reversed loss of saliva production and sialadenitis. These effects on kidney and salivary gland function were confirmed using mice of a second strain, MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr, and extended to alleviating joint inflammation. Immunologically, anti-CD40 treatment disrupted multiple processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including autoreactive B cell activation, T effector cell function in target tissues, and type I IFN production. This ability to disrupt disease-critical immunological mechanisms, to reverse glomerular and tubular injury at the cellular and gene expression levels, and to confer exceptional therapeutic efficacy suggests that CD40 is a central disease pathway in murine SLE. Thus, a CD40 antagonist Ab could be an effective therapeutic in the treatment of SLE.
Nanoparticles Containing an Insulin–ChgA Hybrid Peptide Protect from Transfer of Autoimmune Diabetes by Shifting the Balance between Effector T Cells and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Jamison Braxton L. , Neef Tobias , Goodspeed Andrew , Bradley Brenda , Baker Rocky L. , Miller Stephen D. , Haskins Kathryn
Published: May 2019

CD4 T cells play a critical role in promoting the development of autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. The diabetogenic CD4 T cell clone BDC-2.5, originally isolated from a NOD mouse, has been widely used to study the contribution of autoreactive CD4 T cells and relevant Ags to autoimmune diabetes. Recent work from our laboratory has shown that the Ag for BDC-2.5 T cells is a hybrid insulin peptide (2.5HIP) consisting of an insulin C-peptide fragment fused to a peptide from chromogranin A (ChgA) and that endogenous 2.5HIP-reactive T cells are major contributors to autoimmune pathology in NOD mice. The objective of this study was to determine if poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with the 2.5HIP Ag (2.5HIP-coupled PLG NPs) can tolerize BDC-2.5 T cells. Infusion of 2.5HIP-coupled PLG NPs was found to prevent diabetes in an adoptive transfer model by impairing the ability of BDC-2.5 T cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines through induction of anergy, leading to an increase in the ratio of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells to IFN-γ+ effector T cells. To our knowledge, this work is the first to use a hybrid insulin peptide, or any neoepitope, to re-educate diabetogenic T cells and may have significant implications for the development of an Ag-specific therapy for type 1 diabetes patients.
Inflammasome-Independent and Atypical Processing of IL-1β Contributes to Acid Aspiration–Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Mizushina Yoshiko , Karasawa Tadayoshi , Aizawa Kenichi , Kimura Hiroaki , Watanabe Sachiko , Kamata Ryo , Komada Takanori , Mato Naoko , Kasahara Tadashi , Koyama Shinichiro , Bando Masashi , Hagiwara Koichi , Takahashi Masafumi
Published: May 2019

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of gastric aspiration–induced acute lung injury (ALI). However, its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome–driven IL-1β production in a mouse model of acid aspiration–induced inflammation and ALI. Acid aspiration–induced inflammatory responses and ALI in wild-type mice were significantly attenuated in IL-1β−/− mice, but not NLRP3−/− mice. In vitro experiments revealed that severe acidic stress (pH 1.75) induced the processing of pro–IL-1β into its 18-kDa mature form (p18–IL-1β), which was different from the caspase-1–processed 17-kDa form (p17–IL-1β), in human THP-1 macrophages and primary murine macrophages. Deficiency of NLRP3 and caspase-1 had no effect on acidic stress–produced IL-1β. The production of IL-1β by severe acidic stress was prevented by inhibitors of serine proteases [4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride], but not of cysteine proteases (E-64), cathepsin G, or inflammasome. The cathepsin D inhibitor pepstatin A inhibited IL-1β production induced by mild acidic stress (pH 6.2) or lactic acid, but not severe acidic stress. Using mass spectrometry and processing-site mutants of pro–IL-1β, we identified D109 as a novel cleavage site of pro–IL-1β in response to severe acidic stress and calculated the theoretical molecular mass of the mature form to be 18.2 kDa. The bioactivity of acidic stress–produced IL-1β was confirmed by its ability to promote p38 phosphorylation and chemokine upregulation in alveolar epithelial cells. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism of acid-induced IL-1β production and inflammation independent of NLRP3 inflammasome and provide new insights into the therapeutic strategies for aspiration pneumonitis and ALI.
Replicating a study about children’s drawings concerning radiation
Authors: Plotz T. , Hollenthoner F.
Published: May 2019

Radiation surrounds us in various forms and plays a huge role in our everyday life. However, little is known about student and children’s conceptions of this topic. This study is part continuation part replication of the studies carried out by Neumann and Hopf (2013). The method employed in both studies was identical. 459 students drew pictures associated with the concept “radiation” under observation. The resulting motives were subsequently categorized and compared. In this study the children barely associate the concept of “radiation” with the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. Moreover, a number of differences could be realized when compared to the reference study. For instance, significantly more students drew cell phones and computer monitors in the current study. Additionally, a greater number of drawings related to radioactivity could be observed. Overall, the findings of this work indicate that not only are students exposed to the media at a much younger age, but also more frequently. This leads to the conclusion that more and more children build their own understanding of a particular subject, which could potentially result in misconceptions.
Encouraging engineering undergraduates to voice their ideas worth sharing
Authors: García-Pinar Arancha
Published: May 2019

TED Talks have these days become a valuable tool for online information dissemination in a wide range of areas of expertise. The use of TED Talks in a course of Technical English offers numerous advantages. TED teaches how to communicate by linking different modes (i.e. the visual, gestural, verbal, written and spatial) to technological production. Students can construct communication when they attentively observe and make meaning from this ensemble of modes which go beyond the verbal. TED Talks might also give rise to different tasks that entail some type of critical multimodal analysis, by which students can study the aptness of modes. They can explore why the speaker says something visually and not verbally, or which mode is best for which purpose. Yet, TED and its zeal for sharing and transmitting ideas to a wide audience should not be regarded as a means incompatible with more traditional models of information. As Jewitt highlights (2005), rather than asking what is best, the book or the screen”, it seems more reasonable to ask “what is best for what purpose”.
Composite analysis of the tropopause inversion layer in extratropical baroclinic waves
Authors: Kaluza Thorsten , Kunkel Daniel , Hoor Peter
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The evolution of the tropopause inversion layer (TIL) during cyclogenesis in the North Atlantic storm track is investigated using operational meteorological analysis data (Integrated Forecast System from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). For this a total of 130 cyclones have been analysed during the months August through October between 2010 and 2014 over the North Atlantic. Their paths of migration along with associated flow features in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) have been tracked based on the mean sea level pressure field. Subsets of the 130 cyclones have been used for composite analysis using minimum sea level pressure to filter the cyclones based on their strength. The composite structure of the TIL strength distribution in connection with the overall UTLS flow strongly resembles the structure of the individual cyclones. Key results are that a strong dipole in TIL strength forms in regions of cyclonic wrap-up of UTLS air masses of different origin and isentropic potential vorticity. These air masses are associated with the cyclonic rotation of the underlying cyclones. The maximum values of enhanced static stability above the tropopause occur north and northeast of the cyclone centre, vertically aligned with outflow regions of strong updraft and cloud formation up to the tropopause, which are situated in anticyclonic flow patterns in the upper troposphere. These regions are co-located with a maximum of vertical shear of the horizontal wind. The strong wind shear within the TIL results in a local minimum of Richardson numbers, representing the possibility for turbulent instability and potential mixing (or air mass exchange) within regions of enhanced static stability in the lowermost stratosphere.
The unintended consequence of SO2 and NO2 regulations over China: increase of ammonia levels and impact on PM2.5 concentrations
Authors: Lachatre Mathieu , Fortems-Cheiney Audrey , Foret Gilles , Siour Guillaume , Dufour Gaëlle , Clarisse Lieven , Clerbaux Cathy , Coheur Pierre-François , Van Damme Martin , Beekmann Matthias
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Air pollution reaching hazardous levels in many Chinese cities
has been a major concern in China over the past decades. New policies have
been applied to regulate anthropogenic pollutant emissions, leading to
changes in atmospheric composition and in particulate matter (PM)
production. Increasing levels of atmospheric ammonia columns have been
observed by satellite during recent years. In particular, observations from
the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) reveal an increase of
these columns by 15 % and 65 % from 2011 to 2013 and 2015, respectively,
over eastern China. In this paper we performed model simulations for 2011,
2013 and 2015 in order to understand the origin of this increase and to
quantify the link between ammonia and the inorganic components of particles:
NH4(p)+/SO4(p)2-/NO3(p)-. Interannual change of
meteorology can be excluded as a reason: year 2015 meteorology leads to
enhanced sulfate production over eastern China, which increases the ammonium
and decreases the ammonia content, which is contrary to satellite
observations. Reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions
from 2011 to 2015 of 37.5 % and 21 % respectively, as constrained from
satellite data, lead to decreased inorganic matter (by 14 % for
NH4(p)++SO4(p)2-+NO3(p)-). This in turn leads to
increased gaseous NH3(g) tropospheric columns by as much as 24 %
and 49 % (sampled corresponding to IASI data availability) from 2011 to
2013 and 2015 respectively and thus can explain most of the observed
increase.
Trans-Pacific transport and evolution of aerosols: Spatiotemporal characteristics and source contributions
Authors: Hu Zhiyuan , Huang Jianping , Zhao Chun , Ma Yuanyuan , Jin Qinjian , Qian Yun , Leung L. Ruby , Bi Jianrong , Ma Jianmin
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Aerosols in the mid- and upper-troposphere have a long enough lifetime for trans-Pacific transport from East Asia to North America to influence air quality in the West Coast of the United States (US). Here, we conduct quasi-global simulations (180° W–180° E and 70° S–75° N) from 2010 to 2014 using an updated version of WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting model fully coupled with chemistry) to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics and source contributions of trans-Pacific aerosol transport. We find that trans-Pacific total aerosols have a maximum mass concentration (about 15 𝜇g m−3) in the boreal spring with a peak between 3 and 4 km above the surface around 40° N. Sea-salt and dust dominate the total aerosol mass concentration below 1 km and above 4 km, respectively. About 80.8 Tg of total aerosols (48.7 Tg of dust) are exported annually from East Asia, of which 26.7 Tg of aerosols (13.4 Tg of dust) reach the West Coast of the US. Dust contributions from four desert regions in the Northern Hemisphere are analyzed using a tracer-tagging technique. About 4.9, 3.9, and 4.5 Tg year−1 of dust aerosol emitted from North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, and East Asia, respectively, can be transported to the West Coast of the US. The trans-Pacific aerosols dominate the column-integrated aerosol mass (~ 65.5 %) and number concentration (~ 80 %) over the western North America. Radiation budget analysis shows that the inflow aerosols could contribute about 86.4 % (−2.91  W m−2) at the surface, 85.5 % (+1.36 W m−2) in the atmosphere and 87.1 % (−1.55 W m−2) at the top of atmosphere to total aerosol radiative effect over western North America. However, near the surface in the central and eastern North America, aerosols are mainly derived from local emissions and the radiative effect of imported aerosols decreases rapidly. This study motivates further investigations of the potential impacts of trans-Pacific aerosols from East Asia on regional air quality and hydrological cycle in North America.
The roles of island size and orography on tropical convection and aerosol transport
Authors: Kawecki Stacey , van den Heever Susan
Published: May 2019

Abstract. This study investigates the impact of island diameter size and orographic height on precipitation, convective organization and aerosol transport on and around tropical islands. Twenty-four model simulations are set up and run, in which the island diameter (50 km, 100 km, and 200 km) and peak orographic height (flat, 500 m, 1 km, and 2 km) are independently and simultaneously varied under weak and strong zonal wind regimes. In these simulations, unlike many of the previous island flow investigations, the full three-dimensional flow over and around islands is resolved. Analysis of these numerical experiments demonstrates that island orographic height is a stronger control than island size on precipitation, convective organization, and aerosol redistribution. The wind regime is found to modulate these results. Under the strong zonal wind regime, increasing orographic height induces changes to the flow around the island, leading to lee-vortex formation, reverse flow, and the earlier development of deep convection than in the flat simulation. In the weaker zonal wind experiment, increasing orographic height enhances the role of radiational heating, leading to enhanced upslope flow and stronger convergence, which produces earlier deep convection than in the flat simulation. The timing and location of the sea breeze/mountain breeze convergence determines the location of the initial vertical aerosol mixing with cloud formation and entrainment, whereas the timing of deep convection formation dictates how quickly the aerosols are mixed out of the boundary layer. Finally, it is demonstrated that cold pools play an important role in the propagation of convection towards the shore in the simulations with orography.
Arabitol, mannitol and glucose as tracers of primary biogenic organic aerosol: influence of environmental factors on ambient air concentrations and spatial distribution over France
Authors: Samaké Abdoulaye , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc , Favez Olivier , Weber Samuël , Jacob Véronique , Canete Trishalee , Albinet Alexandre , Charron Aurélie , Riffault Véronique , Perdrix Esperanza , Waked Antoine , Golly Benjamin , Salameh Dalia , Chevrier Florie , Oliveira Diogo Miguel , Besombes Jean-Luc , Martins Jean M. F. , Bonnaire Nicolas , Conil Sébastien , Guillaud Géraldine , Mesbah Boualem , Rocq Benoit , Robic Pierre-Yves , Hulin Agnès , Le Meur Sébastien , Descheemaecker Maxence , Chretien Eve , Marchand Nicolas , Uzu Gaëlle
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The primary sugar compounds (SC, defined as glucose, arabitol and mannitol) are widely recognized as suitable molecular markers to characterize and apportion primary biogenic organic aerosol emission sources. This work improves our understanding of the spatial behavior and distribution of these chemical species and evidences their major effective environmental drivers. We conducted a large study focusing on the daily (24 h) PM10 SC concentrations for 16 increasing space scale sites (local to nation-wide), over at least one complete year. These sites are distributed in several French geographic areas of different environmental conditions. Our analyses, mainly based on the examination of the short-term evolutions of SC concentrations, clearly show distance-dependent correlations. SC concentration evolutions are highly synchronous at an urban city-scale and remain well correlated throughout the same geographic regions, even if the sites are situated in different cities. However, sampling sites located in two distinct geographic areas are poorly correlated. Such pattern indicates that the processes responsible for the evolution of the atmospheric SC concentrations present a spatial homogeneity over typical areas of at least tens of kilometers. Local phenomena, such as resuspension of topsoil and associated microbiota, do no account for the major emissions processes of SC in urban areas not directly influenced by agricultural activities. The concentrations of SC and cellulose display remarkably synchronous temporal evolution cycles at an urban site in Grenoble, indicating a common source ascribed to vegetation. Additionally, higher concentrations of SC at another site located in a crop field region occur during each harvest periods, pointing out resuspension processes of plant materials (crop detritus, leaf debris) and associated microbiota for agricultural and nearby urbanized areas. Finally, ambient air temperature, relative humidity and vegetation density constitute the main effective drivers of SC atmospheric concentrations.