bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical coherence tomography analysis of inner and outer retinal layers in eyes with chiasmal compression caused by suprasellar tumours
Authors: Lee Ga‐In , Park Kyung‐Ah , Son Giyoung , Kong Doo‐Sik , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To compare postoperative macular thickness measurements of inner and outer retinal layers in eyes of patients with chiasmal compression with or without visual field (VF) recovery and healthy controls using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Macular spectral‐domain OCT has been used for the auto‐segmentation of images obtained from 100 eyes affected with chiasmal compression compared with 100 healthy controls enrolled in this study. We have divided eyes with chiasmal compression into two groups: group 1 characterized by VF recovery after tumour excision and group 2 showing partial or no recovery of VF. The thickness of the macular retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), photoreceptor layer (PRL), inner retinal layer (IRL) and outer retinal layer (ORL) was segmented. The correlation between macular RNFL (mRNFL) and functional parameters has been analysed.

Results

Both groups 1 and 2 showed significant thinning of RNFL, GCL, IPL and IRL in all quadrants. However, no significant changes have been detected in PRL and ORL of patients in either group compared with healthy controls. A significant thickening was detected in INL and ONL of group 2 compared with healthy controls and group 1. Postoperative mRNFL thickness is significantly correlated with VF defects and visual acuity except temporal quadrant.

Conclusions

Eyes with chiasmal compression showed thinning of the inner retinal layers with thickening of the INL and ONL in patients with partial to no recovery of VF. The changes in retinal microstructures are well‐correlated with functional recovery. Further studies are needed to reveal the clinical implications of these findings in patients with chiasmal compression.
Epigenetic programming—The important first 1000 days
Authors: Linnér Agnes , Almgren Malin
Published: October 2019

The perinatal period is a time of fast physiological change, including epigenetic programming. Adverse events may lead to epigenetic changes, with implications for health and disease. Our review covers the basics of clinical epigenetics and explores the latest research, including the role of epigenetic processes in complex disease phenotypes, such as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and immunological disorders. Some studies suggest that epigenetic alterations are linked to early life environmental stressors, including mode of delivery, famine, psychosocial stress, severe institutional deprivation and childhood abuse.

Conclusion

Epigenetic modifications due to perinatal environmental exposures can lead to lifelong, but potentially reversible, phenotypic alterations and disease.
Stabilisation and detoxification of henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) extract for hair dye cosmetics by spray‐drying encapsulation
Authors: Tang Ying , He Wendan , Yang Shuyan , Liu Lei
Published: October 2019

Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) leaves have been widely used as a natural plant colorant for hair dyeing and body art. However, the utilisation of henna dye extract in commercial colour cosmetics is compromised by its potential harmful effects to humans. This study demonstrates that spray‐drying encapsulation using maltodextrin and gum arabic as biocompatible polymeric carriers can be used as a promising strategy to detoxify henna dye extract while maintaining its hair dyeing efficiency for cosmetics. Henna extract‐loaded microcapsules with an average particle size of 4.1 μm were prepared with an excellent encapsulation efficiency (98.4%) and a negative zeta potential (−34.4 mV). The morphology and physicochemical properties of the microcapsules were characterised by comparison with a spray‐dried sample of neat henna extract. The in vitro toxicological results showed that the microencapsulation process significantly reduced the contact toxicity of henna extract towards human epidermal keratinocytes as well as to the eyes and skin. The encapsulated henna extract also exhibited improved storage stability at three different temperatures (4, 25 and 50°C) for 14 days. Furthermore, the microcapsules demonstrated satisfactory hair dyeing efficiency as natural colorants with good colour fastness towards light and washing.
The use of BIOCHIP mosaics in diagnostics of bullous pemphigoid: Evaluation and comparison to conventional multistep procedures
Authors: Adaszewska Alicja , Kalińska‐Bienias Agnieszka , Jagielski Paweł , Woźniak Katarzyna , Kowalewski Cezary
Published: October 2019

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease associated with autoantibodies against BP180 and/or BP230 antigens. The immunoassays available for serological diagnostics include indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on monkey esophagus (ME), salt‐split skin (SSS), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for BP180‐NC16a and BP230. Only a few studies validated innovative BIOCHIP mosaic, but none compared agreement between BIOCHIP substrates with conventional methods separately.

Methods

We evaluated the agreement between BIOCHIP and conventional methods and assessed sensitivity and specificity in BP diagnosis. The study comprised 51 BP patients and 39 controls.

Results

Analysis showed very good agreement between BIOCHIP‐SSS vs classic IIF‐SSS (0.933, P < 0.001) and for BIOCHIP‐BP180‐NC16a vs ELISA‐BP180‐NC16a (0.933, P < 0.001). A good strength of agreement between BIOCHIP‐ME vs classic IIF‐ME was observed (0.694, P < 0.001) similar to BIOCHIP‐BP230 vs ELISA‐BP230 (0.793, P < 0.001). BIOCHIP‐ME sensitivity was 51.0%, whereas IIF‐ME was 76.5%. Epidermal reaction on BIOCHIP‐SSS was found in 94.1% of BP patients and in all patients on IIF‐SSS (sensitivity 100%). BIOCHIP‐BP180‐NC16a sensitivity was lower than in ELISA‐BP180‐NC16a (76.5% vs 82.4%). BP230 sensitivity of both methods was similar (45.1% vs 43.1%). The specificity for all antigens was 100%.

Conclusion

BIOCHIP mosaic is a useful method presenting satisfactory agreement with conventional immunoassays.
Optimal fasting glucose levels with regard to cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in people treated with or without antidiabetic medication
Authors: Jung Hae Hyuk , Lee Sunhwa
Published: October 2019

Aims

To investigate the optimal fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels among individuals actively treated or untreated with antidiabetic drugs.

Methods

In two population‐based cohorts of Korean adults extracted from the National Health Information Database, multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios of outcomes over 10 and 8 years of follow‐up were estimated according to achieved FBG levels and antidiabetic drug use. The primary outcomes were major cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all‐cause mortality.

Results

In total, 66 533 of 450 537 and 100 556 of 767 382 participants in the respective cohorts received antidiabetic treatment. For untreated FBG, the CVD risk and mortality increased linearly from an FBG threshold of 5.6 mmol/L; however, for FBG treated with antidiabetic drugs there were J‐shaped associations with the outcome risks. For treated FBG levels of 4.4 to 5.5 mmol/L, 7.8 to 8.8 mmol/L, 8.9 to 9.9 mmol/L and ≥ 10.0 mmol/L, vs 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L, the hazard ratios for major CVD events were 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04‐1.32), 1.06 (95% CI 0.96‐1.18), 1.37 (95% CI 1.22‐1.53) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.46‐1.78), respectively, and those for all‐cause mortality were 1.20 (95% CI 1.11‐1.29), 1.05 (95% CI 0.99‐1.12), 1.29 (95% CI 1.10‐1.50) and 1.69 (95% CI 1.59‐1.81), respectively.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that pharmacological therapy achieving FBG levels of <7.8 to 8.9 mmol/L and a non‐pharmacological approach to maintaining normal glucose levels help reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, while lowering FBG to normal levels through antidiabetic drugs is not beneficial or may even be harmful.
Functional implications of Cav2.3 R‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels in the murine auditory system – novel vistas from brainstem‐evoked response audiometry
Authors: Lundt Andreas , Soós Julien , Seidel Robin , Henseler Christina , Müller Ralf , Raj Ginde Varun , Imran Arshaad Muhammad , Ehninger Dan , Hescheler Jürgen , Sachinidis Agapios , Broich Karl , Wormuth Carola , Papazoglou Anna , Weiergräber Marco
Published: October 2019

Voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) are considered to play a key role in auditory perception and information processing within the murine inner ear and brainstem. In the past, Cav1.3 L‐type VGCCs gathered most attention as their ablation causes congenital deafness. However, isolated patch‐clamp investigation and localization studies repetitively suggested that Cav2.3 R‐type VGCCs are also expressed in the cochlea and further components of the ascending auditory tract, pointing to a potential functional role of Cav2.3 in hearing physiology. Thus, we performed auditory profiling of Cav2.3+/+ controls, heterozygous Cav2.3+/− mice and Cav2.3 null mutants (Cav2.3−/−) using brainstem‐evoked response audiometry. Interestingly, click‐evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) revealed increased hearing thresholds in Cav2.3+/− mice from both genders, whereas no alterations were observed in Cav2.3−/− mice. Similar observations were made for tone burst‐related ABRs in both genders. However, Cav2.3 ablation seemed to prevent mutant mice from total hearing loss particularly in the higher frequency range (36–42 kHz). Amplitude growth function analysis revealed, i.a., significant reduction in ABR wave WI and WIII amplitude in mutant animals. In addition, alterations in WI‐WIV interwave interval were observed in female Cav2.3+/− mice whereas absolute latencies remained unchanged. In summary, our results demonstrate that Cav2.3 VGCCs are mandatory for physiological auditory information processing in the ascending auditory tract.
Bathymetric and geological maps from the British Antarctic Survey
Authors: Nowell David
Published: October 2019

Since my 2012 feature about British Antarctic Survey (BAS) geological maps, the survey has continued to produce a series of ad hoc maps highlighting the results of their ongoing research, often in collaboration with their international colleagues. Not only has BAS added to their geological mapping series with James Ross Island off the Antarctic Peninsula, they have also produced a map of the bedrock topography of the entire continent, together with two bathymetric and geological settings sheets of the seas to the north of Antarctica. The first oceanographic map focuses on the South Sandwich Islands, some of the most remote United Kingdom overseas territories, roughly 700 km south‐east of South Georgia. Finally, the Drake Passage sheet shows the sea bed morphology from the Falklands and Tierra del Fuego to the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula, spanning 70–50°W in longitude and 52–63°S in latitude. Below 60° south, all international territorial claims have been frozen by the Antarctic Treaty, which has demilitarized the entire continent since 1961 and ensured it remains untainted by mineral exploration and which has now expanded to a membership of over 50 nations.
Risk factors during pregnancy and birth‐related complications in HIV‐positive versus HIV‐negative women in Denmark, 2002–2014
Authors: Ørbæk M , Thorsteinsson K , Moseholm Larsen E , Katzenstein TL , Storgaard M , Johansen IS , Pedersen G , Bach D , Helleberg M , Weis N , Lebech A‐M
Published: October 2019

Objectives

We aimed to compare risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women living with HIV (WLWH) with those in women of the general population (WGP) in Denmark. Further, we estimated risk of pregnancy‐ or birth‐related complications.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including all WLWH who delivered a live‐born child from 2002 to 2014 and WGP, matched by origin, age, year and parity, was carried out. We compared risk factors during pregnancy and estimated risk of pregnancy‐ and birth‐related complications using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2334 pregnancies in 304 WLWH and 1945 WGP were included in the study. WLWH had more risk factors present than WGP during pregnancy: previous caesarean section (CS) (24.7% versus 16.3%, respectively; P = 0.0001), smoking (14.2% versus 7.5%, respectively; P = 0.0001) and previous perinatal/neonatal death (2.3% versus 0.9%, respectively; P = 0.03). We found no difference between groups regarding gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, low birth weights or premature delivery. More children of WLWH had intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.2; P = 0.02]. Median gestational age and birth weight were lower in children born to WLWH. WLWH had a higher risk of emergency CS (EmCS) (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2–2.1; P = 0.0005) and postpartum haemorrhage (aOR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0–1.9; P = 0.02) but not infection, amniotomy, failure to progress, low activity‐pulse‐grimace‐appearance‐respiration (APGAR) score or signs of asphyxia.

Conclusions

WLWH had more risk factors present during pregnancy, similar risks of most pregnancy‐ and birth‐related complications but a higher risk of postpartum haemorrhage and EmCS compared with WGP. Children born to WLWH had lower median birth weights and gestational ages and were at higher risk of IUGR.
Beneficial effects of the novel marine oxygen carrier M101 during cold preservation of rat and human pancreas
Authors: Lemaire Florent , Sigrist Séverine , Delpy Eric , Cherfan Julien , Peronet Claude , Zal Franck , Bouzakri Karim , Pinget Michel , Maillard Elisa
Published: October 2019

Ischaemia impairs organ quality during preservation in a time‐dependent manner, due to a lack of oxygen supply. Its impact on pancreas and islet transplantation outcome has been demonstrated by a correlation between cold ischaemia time and poor islet isolation efficiency. Our goal in the present study was to improve pancreas and islet quality using a novel natural oxygen carrier (M101, 2 g/L), which has been proven safe and efficient in other clinical applications, including kidney transplantation, and for several pre‐clinical transplantation models. When M101 was added to the preservation solution of rat pancreas during ischaemia, a decrease in oxidative stress (ROS), necrosis (HMGB1), and cellular stress pathway (p38 MAPK)activity was observed. Freshly isolated islets had improved function when M101 was injected in the pancreas. Additionally, human pancreases exposed to M101 for 3 hours had an increase in complex 1 mitochondrial activity, as well as activation of AKT activity, a cell survival marker. Insulin secretion was also up‐regulated for isolated islets. In summary, these results demonstrate a positive effect of the oxygen carrier M101 on rat and human pancreas during preservation, with an overall improvement in post‐isolation islet quality.
Role of the bolus degree of structure on the protein digestibility during in vitro digestion of a pea protein‐fortified sponge cake chewed by elderly
Authors: Assad‐Bustillos Melissa , Palier Juliette , Rabesona Hanitra , Choiset Yvan , Della Valle Guy , Feron Gilles
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the digestibility of proteins in a pea protein‐fortified sponge cake, as well as the impact of the degree of structure of the bolus produced by elderly subjects on the digestibility of proteins by combining ex vivo and in vitro approaches via the standardized protocol INFOGEST. The sponge cakes were consumed by a group of 20 elderly subjects with contrasting physiology, their boli were recovered just before swallowing, and their apparent viscosity was measured to delineate the bolus degree of structure. According to this criterion, two pools were formed with boli from subjects selected at the extremes: low viscosity and high viscosity, with apparent viscosity values (at 120 s−1) of 124 ± 18 and 208 ± 19 Pa s, respectively. The sponge cakes and the two pools underwent in vitro digestion. Protein hydrolysis kinetics was followed by measuring the released primary amino groups (NH2) and by sodium‐dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis at different time points. For all samples, the representative bands of pea proteins disappear gradually during digestion, accompanied by the appearance of bands indicating the presence of proteins with MW < 15 kDa. In addition, the NH2 concentrations increase over time and do not differ between sponge cake and pea protein isolate. Moreover, the degree of structure of the food bolus has no significant effect on the concentration of NH2 released. These results showed that pea proteins in a fortified sponge cake are bioaccessible under standardized conditions and that the degree of structure of the bolus did not influence protein digestibility for these foods.
The political economy of local government financialization and the role of policy diffusion
Authors: Mertens Armin , Trampusch Christine , Fastenrath Florian , Wangemann Rebecca
Published: October 2019

By analyzing why English local governments have made extensive use of long‐term market loans with embedded derivatives, this paper seeks to contribute to the growing literature on local government financialization. Using an original, large‐N panel dataset for the period from 1998 to 2014, we show that the configuration of the local political economy is an important driver of financialization processes: a Labour Party majority as well as fiscal and economic stress make it more likely that councils adopt risky financial instruments. As the use of financial innovations has also diffused geographically, policy diffusion impacts local governments as well. Highlighting the conditional effect of finance sector power, which only increases the use of financial innovations in very large councils, as well as the temporal dimension of fiscal and economic stress, we create ample avenues for further research.
Responsibilization: The case of road safety governance
Authors: Hysing Erik
Published: October 2019

Governments are increasingly turning to new modes of governance to induce nonstate actors to voluntarily take responsibility for societal problems. Using the concept of responsibilization as a theoretical lens, this article analyzes changes in road safety governance in Sweden. How, why, and to whom has the responsibility for road safety been attributed in Swedish policymaking, and how have state authorities engaged in processes of responsibilization during its implementation? The results show a shift in attribution of responsibility from individual road users to a broad set of so‐called system designers, based on moral, causal, and preventive rationales. Responsibilization both occurswithinthe state apparatus and is imposed by state authorities on nonstate actors using soft governance measures. Responsibilization provides a fruitful theoretical lens for governance studies by identifying shifts in responsibility (including deresponsibilization), explicating normative/ethical underpinnings of new governance modes, and helping to open the “black box” of the state.
Who justifies attacks on civilians? Analysis of attitudes toward terrorism based on value surveys
Authors: Kiendrebeogo Youssouf , Ianchovichina Elena
Published: October 2019

What are the common characteristics among individuals who justify attacks on civilians? Using nationally representative Gallup World Poll surveys of 30,787 individuals from 27 developing countries in different parts of the world, this paper identifies the partial correlates of extremism. The results suggest that the typical extremist who supports attacks on civilians is more likely to be young, unemployed, and struggling to make ends meet, relatively uneducated, and not as religious as others, but more willing to sacrifice own life for his or her beliefs. Gender and marital status are not found to explain the individual‐level variation in attitudes toward extremism. These results are robust to various sensitivity analyses, although some of them vary in magnitude and significance across countries and geographic regions.
The effect of dopamine on pulmonary diffusing capacity and capillary blood volume responses to exercise in young healthy humans
Authors: Michaelchuk Wade W. , Tedjasaputra Vincent , Bryan Tracey L. , van Diepen Sean , Stickland Michael K.
Published: October 2019

New Findings

What is the Central question?

Does dopamine, a pulmonary vascular vasodilator, contribute to the regulation of pulmonary diffusing capacity and capillary blood volume responses to exercise and exercise tolerance?

What are the main findings and their importance?

Dopamine appears not to be important for regulating pulmonary diffusing capacity or pulmonary capillary blood volume during exercise in healthy participants. Dopamine blockade trials demonstrated that endogenous dopamine is important for maintaining exercise tolerance; however, exogenous dopamine does not improve exercise tolerance.

Pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) and diffusing membrane capacity (Dm) expansion are important contributors to the increased pulmonary diffusing capacity (DLCO) observed during upright exercise. Dopamine is a pulmonary vascular vasodilator, and recent studies suggest that it may play a role in Vc regulation through changes in pulmonary vascular tone. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous dopamine and dopamine receptor‐2 (D2‐receptor) blockade on DLCO, Vc and Dm at baseline and during cycle exercise, as well as time‐to‐exhaustion at 85% of . We hypothesized that dopamine would increase DLCO, Vc, Dm and time‐to‐exhaustion, while D2‐receptor blockade would have the opposite effect. We recruited 14 young, healthy, recreationally active subjects ( 45.8 ± 6.6 ml kg−1 min−1). DLCO, Vc and Dm were determined at baseline and during exercise at 60% and 85% of under the following randomly assigned and double blinded conditions: (1) intravenous saline and placebo pill, (2) intravenous dopamine (2 µg kg−1 min−1) and placebo pill, and (3) intravenous saline and D2‐receptor antagonist (20 mg oral metoclopramide). Exogenous dopamine and dopamine blockade had no effect on DLCO, Vc and Dm responses at baseline or during exercise. Dopamine blockade reduced time‐to‐exhaustion by 47% (P = 0.04), but intravenous dopamine did not improve time‐to‐exhaustion. While dopamine modulation did not affect DLCO, Vc or Dm, the reduction in time‐to‐exhaustion with D2‐receptor blockade suggests that endogenous dopamine is important for exercise tolerance.
Students’ Knowledge and Behaviors for Active Living: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Senlin
Published: October 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to capture students’ essential knowledge and behaviors concerning active living. Methods: Students (N = 1,079) from elementary, middle, and high schools in the United States reported their knowledge of physical activity and fitness (PAF knowledge), and physical activity and sedentary behavior using grade-specific PE Metrics tests and Youth Activity Profile, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to address the research purposes. Results: The total PAF knowledge scores and scores in subareas varied by gender and school level. A declining trend for physical activity and an increasing trend for sedentary behavior were observed. PAF knowledge positively predicted physical activity in elementary school boys and middle school girls and negatively predicted sedentary behavior in middle school students and high school boys. Certain PAF knowledge subareas (e.g., elementary school PD#3: knowledge about the characteristics of health-enhancing physical activity; middle school PD#1: knowledge of physical activity participation as part of a healthful lifestyle; high school PD#4: monitoring and adjusting physical activity to meet fitness needs) also significantly predicted behaviors. Conclusion: The findings may guide teachers’ curricular and instructional actions to enhance students’ PAF knowledge through physical education.
Coupling ultracold matter to dynamical gauge fields in optical lattices: From flux attachment to ℤ
2
lattice gauge theories
Authors: Barbiero Luca , Schweizer Christian , Aidelsburger Monika , Demler Eugene , Goldman Nathan , Grusdt Fabian
Published: October 2019

An implementation of a simple lattice gauge theory coupled to matter is proposed for ultracold atoms in optical lattices.
Meningeal γδ T cell–derived IL-17 controls synaptic plasticity and short-term memory
Authors: Ribeiro Miguel , Brigas Helena C. , Temido-Ferreira Mariana , Pousinha Paula A. , Regen Tommy , Santa Cátia , Coelho Joana E. , Marques-Morgado Inês , Valente Cláudia A. , Omenetti Sara , Stockinger Brigitta , Waisman Ari , Manadas Bruno , Lopes Luísa V. , Silva-Santos Bruno , Ribot Julie C.
Published: October 2019

Meningeal γδ T cells are biased toward IL-17 production and control hippocampal synaptic plasticity and short-term memory.
A Single Transcription Factor (PDD1) Determines Development and Yield of Winter Mushroom (
Flammulina velutipes
)
Authors: Wu Taju , Hu Chengcheng , Xie Baogui , Zhang Long , Yan Shujie , Wang Wei , Tao Yongxin , Li Shaojie
Published: October 2019

Mushrooms are sources of food and medicine and provide abundant nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, most of the edible mushrooms cannot be cultivated commercially due to the limited understanding of basidioma development. From winter mushroom (
Flammulina velutipes
; also known as Enokitake), one of the most commonly cultivated mushrooms, we identified a novel transcription factor, PDD1, positively regulating basidioma development. PDD1 increases expression during basidioma development. Artificially increasing its expression promoted basidioma formation and dramatically increased mushroom yield, while reducing its expression dramatically impaired its development. In its PDD1 overexpression mutants, mushroom number, height, yield, and biological efficiency were significantly increased. PDD1 regulates the expression of some genes that are important in or related to basidioma development. PDD1 is the first identified transcription factor with defined functions in mushroom development among commercially cultivated mushroom species, and it might be useful in mushroom breeding.
Eruption and emplacement dynamics of coarse-grained, wall rock–rich beds in the Keanakāko‘i Tephra, Kīlauea, Hawai‘i
Authors: Isgett* Samantha J. , Houghton Bruce F. , Swanson Donald A.
Published: October 2019

A series of coarse-grained, relatively well-sorted, but wall rock–rich pyroclastic deposits within Unit H of the Keanakāko‘i deposits at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, is the focus of this study. These “c” subunits within Unit H consist of alternations between very coarse and relatively well-sorted pyroclastic fall deposits and products of relatively concentrated pyroclastic density currents. They are associated with both accretionary lapilli–bearing ash falls (a beds) and cross-bedded, fine-grained pyroclastic density current deposits (b beds). The Unit H sequence is related to phreatomagmatic explosions from multiple sources in the modern caldera, and we infer that most vents for the c subunits were located near the southern part of the caldera. The c beds contain varying proportions of dense, outgassed juvenile bombs and hydrothermally altered wall rock that suggest, along with coarser grain size and good sorting, that fragmentation conditions were relatively dry for phreatomagmatic eruptions and were perhaps aided by the release of magmatic gases from a deep magma source. The c fall subunits, with thinning half distances of 200–300 m, are more widely dispersed than both the most powerful Hawaiian fountaining eruptions and the well-documented historical explosive eruptions at Kīlauea, with proximal dispersal rates similar to historical subplinian eruptions at other volcanoes. The c pyroclastic density currents were erosive and of a style that represents a threat that is underrated at Kīlauea.
Uvalde Pool of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer
Authors: Green R.T. , Bertetti F.P. , Fratesi B. , McGinnis R.N.
Published: October 2019

The Uvalde Pool comprises the western portion of the San Antonio segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer. Assessment of available data on the hydrogeology of Uvalde County confirms the conceptualization that the Edwards Aquifer in Uvalde County to the west of the city of Knippa acts as a partially separate groundwater basin. This portion of the Edwards Aquifer is referred to as the Uvalde Pool. The Edwards Aquifer to the east of the Uvalde Pool is referred to as the San Antonio Pool. A constriction in groundwater flow between the two pools, referred to as the Knippa Gap, and marked differences in groundwater elevations on either side of the Knippa Gap are the motivation to treat the Uvalde and San Antonio Pools as separate hydrogeological features. The Uvalde Pool is unique because it is the only place where the Edwards Aquifer is in hydraulic communication with the overlying and younger Buda Limestone and the Austin Chalk Aquifers. Given the karstic nature of the Edwards Aquifer in the Uvalde Pool and its relatively limited spatial extent, the Uvalde Pool is characterized as a highly transmissive aquifer, but with relatively limited storage capacity.
Barton Springs segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer, central Texas
Authors: Hunt Brian B. , Smith Brian A. , Hauwert Nico M.
Published: October 2019

The Barton Springs segment of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer is a prolific karst aquifer system containing the fourth largest spring in Texas, Barton Springs. The Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer supplies drinking water for ~60,000 people, provides habitat for federally listed endangered salamanders, and sustains the iconic recreational Barton Springs pool. The aquifer is composed of Lower Cretaceous carbonate strata with porosity and permeability controlled by depositional facies, diagenesis, structure, and karstification creating a triple permeability system (matrix, fractures, and conduits). Groundwater flow is rapid within an integrated network of conduits discharging at the springs. Upgradient watersheds provide runoff to the recharge zone, and the majority of recharge occurs in the streams crossing the recharge zone. The remainder is direct recharge from precipitation and other minor sources (inflows from Trinity Group aquifers, the San Antonio segment, the bad-water zone, and anthropogenic sources). The long-term estimated mean water budget is 68 ft3/s (1.93 m3/s). The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District developed rules to preserve groundwater supplies and maximize spring flow rates by preserving at least 6.5 ft3/s (0.18 m3/s) of spring flow during extreme drought. A paradox of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer is that rapid recharge allows the Barton Springs segment of the aquifer to be sustainable long term, but the aquifer is vulnerable and limited in droughts. The karstic nature of the aquifer makes the Barton Springs segment vulnerable to a variety of natural and anthropogenic contaminants. Future challenges will include maintaining the sustainability of the aquifer, considering climate change, population growth, and related land-use changes.
The Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) and Trinity (Hill Country) Aquifer System, Texas
Authors: Jones Ian C. , Anaya Roberto
Published: October 2019

The groundwater flow system composed of the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) Aquifer and the Hill Country portion of the Trinity Aquifer together occupy an area of ~100,000 km2 of west-central Texas. In addition to the common groundwater flow system, these aquifers also share a common, contiguous hydrostratigraphy—the Trinity Group hydrostratigraphic unit. The aquifers provide the primary source of water for the Edwards Plateau and Texas Hill Country and also sustain numerous springs and streams in the region. The sensitivity of the aquifers to drought and well discharge has raised concerns over the availability of water from these aquifers.

Groundwater discharge takes the form of (1) discharge to streams and springs; (2) evapotranspiration; (3) pumpage from wells; and (4) cross-formational flow across the Balcones fault zone boundary to the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer and underlying parts of the Trinity Aquifer. Groundwater inflow to these aquifers occurs by diffuse and discrete infiltration through the aquifer outcrops. Due to regional variability of lithologic compositions, hydraulic conductivity and storativity vary both vertically and laterally throughout the aquifer, with hydraulic conductivity decreasing with depth and from north to south.
Effects of urbanization on the Edwards Aquifer
Authors: Sharp John M.
Published: October 2019

The Edwards Aquifer along the Balcones fault zone is in a rapidly growing, urbanizing area. Urbanization creates major hydrogeological impacts, generally increasing impervious cover and flooding intensity, water demands, groundwater recharge, and temperatures both above and below the land surface; covering springs and small streams; altering the porosity and permeability fields; and contaminating groundwater, surface water, and soils. Urbanization also alters topography, natural flora, and the local climate. Several of these effects have either been documented or predicted for the Edwards Aquifer. Groundwater recharge from leaky utility systems and irrigation return flow is significant, particularly during times of low rainfall. The hydraulic properties of the epikarst, particularly the permeability field, can be highly modified. Aquifer water quality remains excellent, but increased anthropogenic chemical nitrate and chloride concentrations, and occasional bacteriological contamination have been observed. The eventual effects of these changes on the aquifers’ unique ecosystems is not known.

Urbanization and urban sprawl are projected to increase, which will continue to alter the Edwards Aquifer system physically, chemically, and biologically. Understanding of these changes, their causes, and their effects is necessary to addressing the critical and growing environmental and water-resources issues of urban areas in the coming century.
Emerging contaminants in groundwater, karst, and the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer
Authors: Mahler Barbara , Musgrove MaryLynn
Published: October 2019

Karst aquifers have hydrogeologic characteristics that render them uniquely vulnerable to contamination from emerging contaminants (ECs). ECs comprise numerous chemical groups, including pharmaceuticals, personal-care products, flame retardants, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds, nanoparticles, and microplastics. Many ECs have sources, transport pathways, and chemical characteristics that facilitate their infiltration into groundwater, either indirectly from surface water or directly from sources such as landfill leachate and septic systems. What little is known about the occurrence, fate, and transport of ECs in the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer indicates that the aquifer might be increasingly vulnerable to this type of contamination. The natural physical characteristics of this karst aquifer and anthropogenic sources of ECs associated with increased urbanization in central Texas contribute to this vulnerability. In this chapter, we review groups of ECs and their sources, occurrence of ECs in groundwater and karst, and current knowledge about the occurrence of ECs in the Edwards Aquifer. We conclude by discussing specific factors, such as rapid flow and contaminant sources, that contribute to the vulnerability of the Edwards Aquifer to contamination by ECs.
Desalination: Growing opportunities in Texas
Authors: Mancha Erika , Walker W. Shane
Published: October 2019

In Texas, the investigation and implementation of desalination began in the 1960s. The earliest operating desalination plants in Texas were in Port Mansfield (south of Corpus Christi) in 1965 and Dell City (far West Texas) in 1968. Since 1999, the number and capacity of desalination plants operating in Texas have steadily increased. In 2016, there were 49 municipal desalination plants in the state, and the total municipal desalination capacity was ~142 million gallons per day (537 million liters per day). The predominant desalination technology used today in municipal desalination plants is reverse osmosis, a membrane filtration process in which dissolved solids (salts) are removed from saline water by applying pressure and forcing the water through a semipermeable membrane. Three desalination plants are currently in operation within the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) Aquifer boundaries, and additional desalination of brackish groundwater from the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) and Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifers can alleviate stress on water resources from projected population growth and lessen potential water scarcity in central Texas.
Surface geophysics, Edwards and Trinity Aquifers, central Texas
Authors: Saribudak* Mustafa
Published: October 2019

Geophysical methods have been an important component of effective hydrogeologic investigations over the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers in central Texas. Various electrical and electromagnetic methods have been used to map stratigraphy and geologic structure and to locate buried karst features. Geophysical methods can also characterize faults and fractures in the Balcones fault zone. Six case studies across three segments (San Antonio, Barton Springs, and Northern segments) of the Edwards Aquifer show that the locations of buried caves and sinkholes, on all three segments, are best defined using a combination of two- and three-dimensional resistivity imaging and natural potential (self-potential) methods. Localization and characterization of the Haby Crossing and Mount Bonnell faults, which are known to be the most significant faults in the Balcones fault zone, are best accomplished by integrating multiple geophysical methods (e.g., electrical resistivity, natural potential, magnetic, ground-penetrating radar, conductivity, and seismic refraction tomography). It is noted, however, that other karstic regions could respond differently to different geophysical methods and require different primary geophysical methods.
Historical note: The Edwards Aquifer Authority
Authors: Illgner Rick , Schindel Geary M.
Published: October 2019

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) was established in 1996 after lawsuits that were filed for the protection of endangered species in Comal and San Marcos Springs revealed the need for aquifer management. Several events set the stage for water management in Texas and the creation of the EAA. The EAA succeeded the Edwards Underground Water District, which was formed after the 1951–1956 drought of record. The EAA was eventually granted regulatory responsibilities, including issuing permits for wells, setting limits on groundwater pumpage, and development of a habitat conservation plan to protect endangered species.
Thermophysical properties and mineralogical composition of the Umbria-Marche carbonate succession (central Italy)
Authors: Chicco Jessica , Verdoya Massimo , Giuli Gabriele , Invernizzi Chiara
Published: October 2019

Results from laboratory analyses of thermophysical properties and mineralogical composition of rocks belonging to the main geological formations of the Umbria-Marche stratigraphic succession are presented. We carried out measurements of thermal conductivity, porosity, and density. The samples were mineralogically characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction and by calcimetry. Scanning electron microscope analyses were conducted to ascertain the absence of mineralized veins, which could have biased the mineralogical composition. A mixing model was also applied to infer the thermal conductivity. The results can be useful to characterize the behavior of shallow geothermal systems in the study region.
Model for development of small carbonate platforms in the Umbria-Marche Apennines supported by strontium isotope stratigraphy
Authors: Lundblad* Steven P.
Published: October 2019

The objective of this research was to determine the age relationships between Early Jurassic sedimentary units in the Umbria-Marche Apennines using strontium isotope stratigraphy. These age relations are critical for evaluating the mechanism by which the small platforms in the region formed. I present an alternative model for carbonate platform differentiation and evolution based on the strontium isotope data; this model relies primarily on growth of individual small platforms through differential sediment accumulation rather than the generally accepted model of extensive late-stage faulting. Strontium isotope stratigraphy provides a high-resolution correlation tool for the region. Because 87Sr/86Sr values steadily decrease in the Hettangian–Pliensbachian section of the Early Jurassic, they illuminate relationships in different carbonate facies very well. This is particularly valuable where physical and/or biostratigraphic correlation is difficult, such as in the Umbria-Marche carbonate platforms.

Strontium isotopic ratios from measured basinal stratigraphic sections along the Burano and Bosso Rivers indicate that at least a 100 m section of the Corniola Formation was deposited while adjacent platforms continued to grow. The small Umbria-Marche platforms drowned synchronously in the late Sinemurian, based on 87Sr/86Sr values from several platforms at the end of Calcare Massiccio Formation deposition. Measured 87Sr/86Sr values for all platforms are the same within error. These stratigraphic relationships indicate that differentiation into shallow- and deep-water facies occurred in the latest Triassic/earliest Jurassic, early in the development of the margin.

Current models explain the differentiation of platforms and basins by late-stage extensive normal faulting, requiring hundreds of meters of stratigraphic throw. Large-displacement faults are not consistent with the age relations determined by strontium isotope stratigraphy in the region. Minor faulting in the Late Triassic coupled with growth by differential sediment accumulation of small, shallow-water carbonate platforms continuing for several million years would produce the exposed platform/basin relationships. Inferred accumulation rates for the platform and basin sequences suggest that the observed relief of the platform escarpments was generated in less than 7 m.y., a time period consistent with the documented stratigraphy in the region.
Terrestrial Cr-spinels in the Maiolica limestone: Where are they from?
Authors: Lenaz Davide , Schmitz Birger , Alvarez Walter
Published: October 2019

In total, 33 and 65 chrome-spinel (Cr-spinel) grains in the >63 and 32–63 μm size fractions, respectively, were recovered from 12 beds in two stratigraphically separated groups along the 240-m-thick Monte Acuto section of the Maiolica limestone in central Italy, spanning from the Berriasian to the early Hauterivian. The chemistry of these detrital spinels suggests they may represent windblown ophiolitic detritus, showing the evolution of an ophiolite evolving from a mid-ocean-ridge basalt setting (Bosso section) to a suprasubduction-zone setting, including a backarc and an arc setting (Monte Acuto section). The source of the Maiolica detrital minerals may have been the obducting ophiolites of the Albanides and/or the Hellenides, which show a similar evolution. In this case, it is particularly important to note how the Cr-spinel detritus in the Maiolica limestone records this evolution over a relatively short period of time, lasting ~10 m.y.
Zircon provenance analysis from Lower Paleocene pelagic limestones of the Bottaccione section at Gubbio (Umbria-Marche basin, Italy)
Authors: Aguirre-Palafox L.E. , Alvarez W. , Boschi S. , Martin E. , Schmitz B.
Published: October 2019

Dating detrital zircon grains from sands and sandstones has become an important geological technique for determining sediment provenance and dispersal patterns. Here, we report what we believe to be the first provenance study of zircon grains extracted by dissolving large samples of pelagic limestone. Our samples come from the Paleocene section of the Umbria-Marche Apennines, Italy. Recovery of these zircon grains was a fortunate by-product of a study on chromite grains aimed to determine the kinds of meteorites that have fallen on Earth through time. The zircons we recovered included both euhedral crystals interpreted as airborne ash from volcanic eruptions of the same age as the sediment in which they were found, and rounded grains interpreted as windblown detrital material with a history of sediment transport, probably derived from desert regions. This study focuses on the rounded grains, to provide constraints on the source region from which they came.

Samples from five levels in the 12 m immediately above the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary at Gubbio, Italy, yielded detrital zircon grains with ages clustered in eight bands extending back to the Neoarchean. A previous study of this outcrop using proxies for the noncarbonate detrital content had suggested a source region for this dust either in North Africa or in Central Asia. A comparison of our dates from the actual dust grains to geochronological studies from the literature suggests source regions in North Africa and/or the Iberian Peninsula, rather than in Central Asia. In reaching this conclusion, we considered the orogenic events that may have produced each of the eight age bands, the specific source regions that may have supplied zircons from each age group, and the implications for paleoclimate (especially aridity) and paleowind conditions for the few million years just after the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.
Seismicity of central Italy in the context of the geological history of the Umbria-Marche Apennines
Authors: Barchi Massimiliano R. , Collettini Cristiano
Published: October 2019

In the Umbria-Marche Apennines, direct evidence of earthquakes (including data from geodetic, geophysical, historical, and paleoseismological research) is not older than 20–10 ka, but the events themselves are influenced by the whole ~250 m.y. geological history of the region. For seismic sequences that have occurred in the past few decades, seismological data of increasing quality provide detailed images of the active NNW-SSE–trending normal fault systems in the upper 10 km of the crust. Major historical earthquakes and sparse paleoseismological data are also aligned parallel to the same lineaments, which clearly define the distribution of the major seismogenic sources of the region. The close connection between active tectonics and older Quaternary faults that border a series of extensional intramountain basins is demonstrated by the fact that seismogenic and Quaternary faults are distributed along the same alignments, formed within similarly oriented stress fields, and accommodate WSW-ENE extension coherently with the active strain field. The Quaternary to present tectonics form part of a long-lived extensional process, active over 15–20 m.y., which is migrating eastward through time across the Italian peninsula, superimposed on the previous compressional phase that created the Apennines. The older Umbria-Marche geological history, recorded in the Triassic to Paleogene stratigraphic succession of the region, also influences the present-day distribution of seismicity. Specifically, the complex mechanical stratigraphy of the region determines the superposition of rocks with different rheological behaviors and overall thickness of the seismogenic layer. Almost all of the earthquakes occur within the sedimentary cover, with main shocks located close to the basal contact with the underlying Paleozoic basement.