bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Evolution of Starspot and Chromospheric Activity and Short-Term Light Variability of HK Lacertae
Authors: Olah Katalin
Published: May 2019

On the basis of 11 years of UBV photometry the light and color variability of the long-period RS CVn binary HK Lac (KOIII) is discussed. From the U-B data, which reflect the chromospheric activity, a quasi-periodic variation with the cycle length of about 5.5 years is suspected. Less evidently, a 2.7 years long overall spot coverage cycle is seen from the V(max) data.

No cyclic variation is found from the B-V data representing the photospheric temperature conditions, although there is an indication that the star was the reddest around 1985, when the chromospheric activity was in maximum.

At that time, in late 1985, we observed the star on 6 nights in UBV color in order to detect short-term variability. Fluctuations up to 0.03 magn. on time scales of 20-30 minutes were likely present. The mplitude is the highest in U colour.
Sky Survey of Flare Stars and Variable Stars – A Summary of Twelve Years' Cooperative Observation
Authors: Jianhua Sun Yili Tong
Published: May 2019

We have been observing in the Sco-Oph dark cloud region for 12 years. We have only reduced a small part of the plates. Nevertheless, 12 new flare stars and more than 40 new variables stars have been found. Besides, we have discovered a new subgroup of RR stars in the-globular cluster M4.
On Impulsive and Gradual Optical Solar Flares
Authors: Bhatnagar A. , Ambastha A. , Jain R.M. , Srivastava N.
Published: May 2019

A comparative study of H-alpha intensity and area development of several flares is presented in an attempt to investigate characteristic features of various types of optical solar flares.
Video Magnetic Field and Velocity Fields of Solar Flares and Relative Active Region
Authors: Guoxiang Ai , Jing Li
Published: May 2019

By means of Solar Magnetic Field Telescope, the fine structure of video magnetic fields (5324A) and sight-of-line velocity fields (4861A) of flare active region on July 23 (E53, S19) and Aug. 8(W25, S28) in 1987 has been obtained. The main characters are following:

1. The flares occur in places where there are compressive and osmotic motion between opposite magnetic poles. In some causes, the osmotic opposite magnetic pole dissipates after the flares.
Spectral Analysis of a White Light Flare
Authors: R. Boyer , P. Sotirovski
Published: May 2019

We discuss observations of a solar flare located close to the limb (N15, W75) at 07 00 UT on 26 September 1963 from the Crimean Astrophysical observatory.

Stark broadening and hence electron density have been obtained from measured time profile and half-width of the Baliner series lines from Hα to H M.

The emission mechanism has been deduced from a study of the continuum intensity as a function of wavelength.
An Analytical Study of the Structure of Two-Dimensional Magnetostatic Equilibria in the Presence of Gravity
Authors: Amari T. , Aly J.J.
Published: May 2019

In order to understand how prominences are supported in the solar corona, we have recently developed several 2D models describing x-invariant equilibrium configurations of a plasma occupying a half-space {z > 0} and submitted to a magnetic field then of the form

(1)
The Model of the Impulsive Phase of Stellar Flares
Authors: Grinin V.P. , Sobolev V.V.
Published: May 2019

The arguments in favour of that the primary heating of the gas at the impulsive phase of stellar flares is caused by charged particles of higher energies than in the solar flares are given. It is shown that the model of the deep heating by high energy protons (E ≃ 10 MeV) or electrons (E ≃ 100 keV) with taken into account of the radiative transfer in flare region explane the main properties of the optical continuum of the flare.
Plasma Wave Generation by Thick Target Electron Beams in Solar Flares
Authors: McClements K.G.
Published: May 2019

We investigate numerically the effect of a finite density gradient on the Langmir wavelevel produced by an electron beam in the flaring solar corona. The energy losses and associated plasma heating resulting from the presence of a beam-neutralizing reverse current are taken into account. The density and temperature structure of the background plasma are determined self-consistently, assuming steady state energy balance and hydrostatic equilibrium. The implications of our results for flare acceleration mechanisms are discussed.
Particles and Energy Transport in the Solar Atmosphere during Solar Flares
Authors: D. Heristchi , M.A. Raadu , J.-C. Vial , J.-M. Malherbe
Published: May 2019

The proposed model of particles transport in the solar atmosphere during flares consists in a low density plasmoid originating deep in the atmosphere and rising under magnetic and buoyancy forces. Confined particles are selectively released during the ascent and their interaction with the solar atmosphere produces X and γ bremsstrahlung. The characteristics of high energy particles released in the interplanetary medium are found to agree with observations.
On the Possibility of Local Magnetic Field Intensification in Evaporating Chromospheric Solar Flare Plasma
Authors: Dermendjiev V. N. , Buyukliev G. T. , Panayotova I. Ph.
Published: May 2019

The investigations of plasma motions at the initial phases of solar flares (Antonucci and Dennis, 1983; Doschek, 1983; Watanabe, 1987) suggest evaporation from the chromospheric flaring area. According to de Jager (1983) when seen at the limb the evaporated plasma will look like a “convective plume” and it can be seen separated from heated footpoint areas.

The subject of this work is the study of the possibility of forming hydrodynamic structures o-f thermal and starting plume's kind at the time of evaporation of the upper chromosphere in a flaring area. Also the possibility of increasing an initial magnetic field by a periodically moving vortex in a plume structure is investigated.
A Dynamic Scaling Law for Solar and Stellar Flare Loops
Authors: Fisher George H. , Hawley Suzanne L.
Published: May 2019

We discuss an ordinary differential equation which describes how the pressure in a coronal loop may evolve in time under the influence of a uniform, but time varying heating rate.
On the Inadequacies of the Magnetic Flare Theories and the Resolution of these Problems with the Convective Flare Theory
Authors: Crandpierro Attila
Published: May 2019

I give here a short review of some of the main problems of the magnetic theories for the flare origin. I point out that the magnetic theories are unable to solve the problems of the energetics, height and compactness of the acceleration region, compresslve inflows, magnetic field structures, particle numbers, preflare upflows and the global cause of the flare origin. Then I outline the convective flare theory which have proposals for the solutions of these problems. I show here what is the role of the magnetic field at flare origins in the frame of the convective flare theory. The convective flare theory gives a deeper level understanding than the magnetic theories and therefore it also can supply us with the derivation of some input parameters and assumptions used for the magnetic theories and so it offers a wider perspective to understand the physics of the explosive astrophysical processes.
Solar Magnetic Fields and Dynamo Process
Authors: Brandenburg A. , Tuominen I.
Published: May 2019

We have computed kineamtic dynamo models for the Sun making realistic assumptions about the different induction effects. Recent results of helioseismology are used to infer the differential rotation. By changing the value of the angular velocity at the bottom of the convection zone in the models we find more or less agreement with the observations.
Amorphous X-Ray Scattering in Coals and Devolatilized Coal By-Products
Authors: Wertz David L.
Published: May 2019

The X-ray powder pattern of a partially combusted coal product has been separated into its diffraction component (caused by die crystalline minerals present in the sample) and its amorphous scattering component which is due to the fixed carbon retained in the sample. Analysis of the atompair intensity of the amorphous scattering component indicates that the molecular scatterer(s) in the fixed carbon fraction are similar, at least in short range structural details, to those in an amorphous carbon black sample which was prepared by high temperature combustion of polynuclear aromatic materials.
X-Ray Powder Data for Two μ3-Oxo-Hexakis-(μ2-Carboxyl-atopyridine-O,O) triaquachromium(III) Perchlorates: {[Cr3O(C6H5NO2)6(H2O)3](ClO4)7· 3NaClO4· 0.5(C6H5NO2)· 3H2O} and {[Cr3O(C6H5NO2)6(H2O)3](ClO4)7 · 6NaClO4·3H2O}
Authors: Mullica D.F. , Bradshaw J.E.
Published: May 2019

Indexed X-ray diffraction powder data for {[Cr3O(C6H5NO2)6(H2O)3](CIO4)7 · 3NaCIO4·0.5(C6H5NO2)· 3H2O}, INICCR (isonicotinato) and {[Cr3O(C6H5NO2)6(H2O)3] (CIO4)7·6NaCIO4·3H2O}, PICOCR (picolinato) are reported. Both INICCR and PICOCR crystallize in the hexagonal space group P63/m. Crystal data determined for INICCR are a = 13.838(3) Å, c = 25.038(8) Å, V = 4152.2 Å3, Dx = 1.71 Mg m−3 (Dm = 1.66(5) Mg m−3), F25 = 26.5(0.020,47) and for PICOCR are a = 13.966(4) Å, c = 24.518(6) Å, V = 4141.5 Å3, Dx = 1.96 Mg m−3 (Dm = 1.94(4) Mg m−3), F21 = 17.9(0.023,51). The JCPDS Diffraction File Number for INICCR is 38-1992 and for PICOCR is 38-1993.
Standard X-Ray Diffraction Powder Patterns of Fourteen Ceramic Phases
Authors: Wong-Ng Winnie , McMurdie Howard F. , Paretzkin Boris , Kuchinski Madeline A. , Dragoo Alan L.
Published: May 2019

The following fourteen reference patterns of boride, telluride, and oxide ceramics are reported. Included in the fourteen reference patterns are data for six high Tc superconducting oxide and related phases (Ba2CaCu2TI2O8, BaCuEu2O5, BaCuTm2O5, BaCuDy2O5, Ba3.2Cu1.7Y0.8O6.1·xCO2, Sr2Bi2O5). The general methods of producing these X-ray powder diffraction reference patterns are described in this journal, Vol. 1, No. 1, pg. 40 (1986).

Samples were mixed with one or two internal standards: silicon (SRM640a), silver, tungsten, or fluorophlogopite (SRM675). Expected 2θ values for these internal standards are specified in the methods described (ibid.). Data were measured with a computer controlled step-scanning diffractometer. The POWDER-PATTERN system of computer programs was used to locate peak positions, to calibrate the patterns, and to perform variable indexing and least-squares cell refinement. A check on the overall internal consistency of the data was also provided by a computer method.

Intensities were measured as peak heights above background and were read manually from strip charts. To minimize preferred orientation effects, the powders were passed through a 400 mesh sieve and were mixed with an amorphous diluent, silica gel. Sample mounts were prepared by side-drifting and/or by dusting a thin layer of sample on a glass slide coated with a thin smear of silicone grease.
U.S.–Canada Trade Relationships: Developments and Implications
Authors: Mayer Leo V.
Published: May 2019

North American agriculture is passing through yet another period of adjustment in markets, production levels, and government programs. The adjustment grows out of an enormous change in global food conditions after 1980. Nations that traditionally imported large amounts of foodstuffs begin to move toward greater self-sufficiency and nations that exported to them saw surpluses began to pile up in their warehouses. The burden of these shifts was not borne evenly by exporting nations. The United States experienced a dramatic downturn in its food exports while other nations, often using government subsidies to gain market share, went on increasing production and exports.
Potential Income Effects of the Harkin-Gephardt Proposal on New York Dairy Farms
Authors: Kaiser Harry M. , Heslop Edward H. , Milligan Robert A.
Published: May 2019

This article reports the results of research regarding the farm-level implications for New York dairy producers of national mandatory supply control programs for feed grains and milk. The analysis is based on the proposed Harkin-Gephardt Bill which would authorize a mandatory supply control program for milk and the major supported crops. Representative farm budgets were constructed for a sample of dairy farms to assess the possible effects on costs and returns. Some farmers would gain, while others would not. The results suggest that dairy farmers who purchase all of their feed would be worse off, while farmers who grow grain would be better off under the proposed supply control program.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986: Its Impact on Pennsylvania Farmers
Authors: Grisley William , Jenkins Larry C.
Published: May 2019

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 was studied to determine its short-run impact on Pennsylvania farmers. For the 3,059 farms studied, the average increase in total tax obligation resulting from the TRA of 1986 was $446 per farm, or a 48 percent increase in federal income taxes actually paid in 1984. Differences in impact were found across farms categorized by commodity type. Egg producers were most severely impacted, while beef cattle producers least affected. In general, the increase in adjusted gross income was due to the loss of 60 percent exclusion on capital gain income.
An Evaluation of Expected Value and Expected Value-Variance Criteria in Achieving Risk Efficiency in Crop Selection
Authors: Reid Donald W. , Tew Bernard V.
Published: May 2019

This article evaluates the performance of expected value and expected value-variance criteria in achieving risk efficiency in crop selection. Results indicate that the expected returns criterion achieves risk efficiency in many situations because of constraints. However, in the absence of many constraints the expected returns criterion performs poorly except when highly mean-dominant activities are present. The expected value-variance criterion achieves a high degree of risk efficiency for all situations examined. This result implies that criteria more complex than expected value-variance are not necessary for crop selection analysis, given empirical returns distributions.
The Impact of Subsidies, Storage, and Exchange Rates on Exports of Canadian Fresh Carrots to the United States
Authors: Bierlen Ralph E. , Blandford David
Published: May 2019

Canadian exports of fresh carrots to the United States have increased substantially in recent years. The depreciation of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar has been a major factor. Canadian government subsidies also may have had an impact by accelerating the construction of cold storage facilities. These have permitted the marketing period to be extended. However, an analysis of costs and returns suggests that cold storage of carrots is commercially profitable. Storage capacity would probably have increased without government aid. The returns to storage and the change in exchange rates are the primary factors contributing to the expansion of Canadian exports.
The Effects of Commodity Program Participation on Bidding in the Conservation Reserve Program
Authors: Dicks Michael R. , Riely Patricia L. , Shagam Shayle D.
Published: May 2019

An analysis of Conservation Reserve Program contracts obtained during the 1986 sign-up periods indicates commodity program participants enrolled more acreage at higher costs than farmers not participating in other commodity programs. Significant differences also occurred between the various commodity program crops, reflecting the difference in benefits available for these crops.
Measuring the Primary Impacts of Severance Taxation: A Spatial Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Findeis Jill L. , Shortle James S. , Kibler Virginia M.
Published: May 2019

A spatial equilibrium model is used to quantify the effects of a severance tax on the Pennsylvania coal market. Two regions are identified: the Pennsylvania Market Area and an import/export region. The impacts on prices and quantities of coal supplied and demanded are found to be small. Little of the tax is exported from Pennsylvania, with a high proportion of the tax being passed back to Pennsylvania coal producers. Although the tax revenue exceeds the welfare losses in Pennsylvania, this result is very sensitive to the magnitude of the Pennsylvania own-price demand elasticity.
Using Non-Contemporaneous Data to Specify Risk Programming Models
Authors: Tew Bernard V. , Musser Wesley N. , Smith G. Scott
Published: May 2019

Specification of the variance-covariance matrix holds continuing interest for agricultural economists considering risk programming applications. This research examines alternative expected value-variance (E-V) frontiers constructed using contemporaneous and non-contemporaneous data and two statistical assumptions concerning crop prices and yields. Empirical examples from two locations for different crops illustrate the various assumptions. Considerable differences in the E-V efficient frontiers occur in both empirical settings.
Synaptic inhibition tunes contrast computation in the retina
Authors: Oesch Nicholas W. , Diamond Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2019

Inhibition shapes activity and signal processing in neural networks through numerous mechanisms mediated by many different cell types. Here, we examined how one type of GABAergic interneuron in the retina, the A17 amacrine cell, influences visual information processing. Our results suggest that A17s, which make reciprocal feedback inhibitory synapses onto rod bipolar cell (RBC) synaptic terminals, extend the luminance range over which RBC synapses compute temporal contrast and enhance the reliability of contrast signals over this range. Inhibition from other amacrine cells does not influence these computational features. Although A17-mediated feedback is mediated by both GABAA and GABAC receptors, the latter plays the primary role in extending the range of contrast computation. These results identify specific functions for an inhibitory interneuron subtype, as well as specific synaptic receptors, in a behaviorally relevant neural computation.
Testing in Literacy: The Hidden Agenda
Authors: Kemp Max
Published: May 2019

There has been unrest in our newspapers recently about standards of literacy in schools. To those of us who daily are in touch with children who have difficulties in learning to read and write, periodic public forays into the standards issues are usually unhelpful, unwarranted and uninformed. Comparisons between the standards of literacy achieved by different generations of school children are difficult to make, on the one hand because our functional literacy requirements differ from yesterday’s and on the other because the conditions of learning and performance in schools have undergone immense change during the last couple of generations.
Attitudes of Teachers and Parents in the Australian Capital Territory (A.C.T.) Towards the Integration of Moderately Intellectually Handicapped Children
Authors: Parmenter Trevor R. , Nash Rieke
Published: May 2019

This paper is a partial report of an investigation into the integration program at two A.C.T. special schools catering for moderately and severely intellectually handicapped children. Teachers and parents of the children at the special schools completed questionnaires concerning the conduct and outcomes of the program. The opinions of teachers at the regular schools were obtained by personal interview.

Overall there were positive attitudes expressed towards the program. Areas of concern include the level of support required for the regular class teacher, the level of preparation the handicapped children required before integration commenced, a worry of parents that handicapped children may be exposed to unnecessary pressures in the regular school system, and the fact that mere exposure of a handicapped child to a regular school environment may not lead to effective integration in the larger community.
Feasibility randomized controlled trial of a one-day CBT workshop (‘DISCOVER’) for 15- to 18-year-olds with anxiety and/or depression in clinic settings
Authors: Loucas Christina E. , Sclare Irene , Stahl Daniel , Michelson Daniel
Published: May 2019

Background:

‘DISCOVER’ one-day cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) workshops have been developed to provide accessible, developmentally sensitive psychological support for older adolescents experiencing emotional difficulties. Previous school-based evaluations of the DISCOVER model have shown positive outcomes.

Aims:

The current study aimed to test the model for clinically referred adolescents, in real-world settings.

Method:

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of the DISCOVER intervention, in comparison with usual care, for 15- to 18-year-olds with emotional difficulties. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinic waiting lists in UK child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Research feasibility indicators included rates of recruitment, randomization, intervention participation (group workshops and individualized follow-up telephone calls), and data collection (at baseline and 8-week follow-up). Intervention acceptability was assessed using a structured service satisfaction questionnaire and semi-structured qualitative interviews with intervention participants. Preliminary clinical outcomes were explored using adolescent-reported validated measures of depression, anxiety and well-being.

Results:

n = 24 participants were randomized to intervention and usual care groups. Workshop attendance was good and high levels of treatment satisfaction were reported, although feasibility challenges emerged in recruitment and randomization. Trends were found towards potential improvements in anxiety and well-being for the intervention group, but the effect estimate for depression was imprecise; interpretability was also limited due to the small sample size.

Conclusions:

DISCOVER appears to be a feasible and acceptable intervention model for clinically referred 15- to 18-year-olds with emotional difficulties. A full-scale RCT is warranted to evaluate effectiveness; protocol modifications may be necessary to ensure feasible recruitment and randomization procedures.
Exploring Heterogeneity on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Cluster Analytical Investigation
Authors: Carruthers Sean P. , Gurvich Caroline T. , Meyer Denny ,   Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank, Bousman Chad , Everall Ian P. , Neill Erica , Pantelis Christos , Sumner Philip J. , Tan Eric J. , Thomas Elizabeth H.X. , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E. , Rossell Susan L.
Published: May 2019

Objectives: The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a complex measure of executive function that is frequently employed to investigate the schizophrenia spectrum. The successful completion of the task requires the interaction of multiple intact executive processes, including attention, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and concept formation. Considerable cognitive heterogeneity exists among the schizophrenia spectrum population, with substantive evidence to support the existence of distinct cognitive phenotypes. The within-group performance heterogeneity of individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) on the WCST has yet to be investigated. A data-driven cluster analysis was performed to characterise WCST performance heterogeneity. Methods: Hierarchical cluster analysis with k-means optimisation was employed to identify homogenous subgroups in a sample of 210 schizophrenia spectrum participants. Emergent clusters were then compared to each other and a group of 194 healthy controls (HC) on WCST performance and demographic/clinical variables. Results: Three clusters emerged and were validated via altered design iterations. Clusters were deemed to reflect a relatively intact patient subgroup, a moderately impaired patient subgroup, and a severely impaired patient subgroup. Conclusions: Considerable within-group heterogeneity exists on the WCST. Identification of subgroups of patients who exhibit homogenous performance on measures of executive functioning may assist in optimising cognitive interventions. Previous associations found using the WCST among schizophrenia spectrum participants should be reappraised. (JINS, 2019, 25, 750–760)
Associations between coffee consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a Japanese city: the Takayama study
Authors: Yamakawa Michiyo , Wada Keiko , Goto Yuko , Mizuta Fumi , Koda Sachi , Uji Takahiro , Nagata Chisato
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Epidemiological studies suggest that coffee consumption is inversely associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Evidence from studies targeting non-white, non-Western populations is still sparse, although coffee is popular and widely consumed in Asian countries.

Design:

Population-based, prospective cohort study. We used Cox proportional hazards models with adjustment for dietary and lifestyle factors to estimate associations between coffee consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Dietary intake including coffee consumption was assessed only at baseline using a validated FFQ.

Setting:

A Japanese city.

Participants:

Individuals aged 35 years or older without cancer, CHD and stroke at baseline (n 29 079) and followed from 1992 to 2008.

Results:

From 410 352 person-years, 5339 deaths were identified (mean follow-up = 14·1 years). Coffee consumption was inversely associated with mortality from all causes and CVD among all participants, but not from cancer. Compared with the category of ‘none’, the multivariate hazard ratio (95 % CI) for all-cause mortality was 0·93 (0·86, 1·00) for <1 cup/d, 0·84 (0·76, 0·93) for 1 cup/d and 0·81 (0·71, 0·92) for 2–3 cups/d. The multivariate hazard ratio (95 % CI) for cardiovascular mortality were 0·87 (0·77, 0·99) for <1 cup/d, 0·76 (0·63, 0·92) for 1 cup/d and 0·67 (0·50, 0·89) for 2–3 cups/d. Inverse associations were also observed for mortality from other causes, specifically infectious and digestive diseases.

Conclusion:

Drinking coffee, even 1 cup/d, was inversely associated with all-cause mortality and mortality from cardiovascular, infectious and digestive diseases.
Maternal predictors of infant beverage consumption: results from the Nurture cohort study
Authors: Tovar Alison , Vadiveloo Maya , Østbye Truls , Benjamin-Neelon Sara E
Published: May 2019

Objective:

The goal of the present study was to estimate prevalence and maternal risk factors for infant beverage consumption.

Design:

Observational birth cohort.

Setting:

Central North Carolina, USA.

Participants:

Mothers 20–36 weeks pregnant were surveyed every 3 months through their infant’s first year (n 666) on their sociodemographics and infant’s consumption frequency of 100 % fruit and vegetable juices and sugar-sweetened-beverages (SSB). Repeated-measure models, using a compound symmetry covariance structure, were used to assess the association of sociodemographic and maternal predictors with introducing juice and SSB separately and explored interaction terms with time to determine how the effects of the predictors change over time.

Results:

On average, mothers were 28 years old, 72 % were non-Hispanic Black and 59 % were low-income. We found time by race, income, education, maternal age and breast-feeding duration interactions for both juice and SSB consumption. At approximately 6–7 months of age through 12 months of age, being Black, having a lower income (≤$US 20 000 v. >$US 20 000 per year) and education (less than high-school degree v. high-school degree or higher), being younger (<26 years v. ≥26 years) and breast-feeding for fewer than 26 weeks were each associated with introduction of both juice and SSB consumption.

Conclusions:

Future efforts are needed to raise awareness on the importance of national recommendations of limiting juice and SSB for infants, together with decreasing disparities in unhealthy beverage intake early in life.
Kant’s Political Legacy: Replies to Sangiovanni, Williams and Guyer
Authors: Caranti Luigi
Published: May 2019

The following are my responses to a set of extremely insightful, hence pressing, criticisms of my book Kant’s Political Legacy (2017). I wish to express my gratitude to Andrea Sangiovanni, Howard Williams and Paul Guyer for their comments, and to the editors of Kantian Review for reserving this space in the journal to discuss my ideas.
Autophagy and Apoptosis in the Midgut Epithelium of Millipedes
Authors: Rost-Roszkowska M.M. , Vilimová J. , Tajovský K. , Chachulska-Żymełka A. , Sosinka A. , Kszuk-Jendrysik M. , Ostróżka A. , Kaszuba F.
Published: May 2019

The process of autophagy has been detected in the midgut epithelium of four millipede species:Julus scandinavius,Polyxenus lagurus,Archispirostreptus gigas, andTelodeinopus aoutii.It has been examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which enabled differentiation of cells in the midgut epithelium, and some histochemical methods (light microscope and fluorescence microscope). While autophagy appeared in the cytoplasm of digestive, secretory, and regenerative cells inJ. scandinaviusandA. gigas, in the two other species,T. aoutiiandP. lagurus, it was only detected in the digestive cells. Both types of macroautophagy, the selective and nonselective processes, are described using TEM. Phagophore formation appeared as the first step of autophagy. After its blind ends fusion, the autophagosomes were formed. The autophagosomes fused with lysosomes and were transformed into autolysosomes. As the final step of autophagy, the residual bodies were detected. Autophagic structures can be removed from the midgut epithelium via, e.g., atypical exocytosis. Additionally, inP. lagurusandJ. scandinavius, it was observed as the neutralization of pathogens such asRickettsia-like microorganisms. Autophagy and apoptosis ca be analyzed using TEM, while specific histochemical methods may confirm it.
Unmet supportive care needs mediate the relationship between functional status and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Oh Juyeon , Kim Seung Hyun , Kim Jung A
Published: May 2019

Objective

The aims of this study were to identify the unmet care needs and to examine the mediating effect of unmet supportive care needs in the relationship between functional status and quality of life (QOL) in Korean patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Method

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 186 patients with ALS recruited from a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea. ALS patients' functional status, unmet supportive care needs, and QOL were assessed by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Supportive Care Needs Instrument, and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Specific Quality of Life – Revised Instrument, respectively. Mediation analysis was tested using Baron and Kenny's regression analysis and a Sobel test.

Result

The mean score for functional status was 33.35 ± 8.89; for unmet supportive care needs it was 2.40 ± 0.66; and for QOL it was 4.95 ± 1.29. Functional status was significantly correlated with unmet care needs and QOL. Unmet care needs satisfaction demonstrated a complete mediating effect on the relationship between functional status and QOL of the patients with ALS (β = –0.53, p < 0.001) and the effect was significant (Sobel test; Z = 5.48, p < 0.001).

Significance of results

Although QOL was negatively affected by the functional status in our sample, the relationship was fully mediated via unmet supportive care needs. Because there is no cure for ALS, and the condition is rapidly progressive with a lethal outcome, providing care by meeting patients’ needs is a critical aspect of caring for these patients. Early assessment of supportive care needs, providing services, and referring ALS patients to appropriate resources could enhance their QOL.
Environmental Controls on the Riverine Export of Dissolved Black Carbon
Authors: Jones Matthew W. , de Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Dittmar Thorsten , de Rezende Carlos E. , Almeida Marcelo G. , Johnson Ben T. , Marques Jomar S. J. , Niggemann Jutta , Rangel Thiago P. , Quine Timothy A.
Published: May 2019

Each year, tropical rivers export a dissolved organic carbon (DOC) flux to the global oceans that is equivalent to ~4% of the global land sink for atmospheric CO2. Among the most refractory fractions of terrigenous DOC is dissolved black carbon (DBC), which constitutes ~10% of the total DOC flux and derives from the charcoal and soot (aerosol) produced during biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion. Black carbon (BC) has disproportionate storage potential in oceanic pools and so its export has implications for the fate and residence time of terrigenous organic carbon (OC). In contrast to bulk DOC, there is limited knowledge of the environmental factors that control riverine fluxes of DBC. We thus completed a comprehensive assessment of the factors controlling DBC export in tropical rivers with catchments distributed across environmental gradients of hydrology, topography, climate, and soil properties. Generalized linear models explained 70 and 64% of the observed variance in DOC and DBC concentrations, respectively. DOC and DBC concentrations displayed coupled responses to the dominant factors controlling their riverine export (soil moisture, catchment slope, and catchment stocks of OC or BC, respectively) but varied divergently across gradients of temperature and soil properties. DBC concentrations also varied strongly with aerosol BC deposition rate, indicating further potential for deviation of DBC fluxes from those of DOC due to secondary inputs of DBC from this unmatched source. Overall, this study identifies the specific drivers of BC dynamics in river catchments and fundamentally enhances our understanding of refractory DOC export to the global oceans.
Modeling the Vegetation Dynamics of Northern Shrubs and Mosses in the ORCHIDEE Land Surface Model
Authors: Druel Arsène , Ciais Philippe , Krinner Gerhard , Peylin Philippe
Published: May 2019

Parameterizations of plant competition processes involving shrubs, mosses, grasses, and trees were introduced with the recently implemented shrubs and mosses plant functional types in the ORCHIDEE dynamic global vegetation model in order to improve the representation of high latitude vegetation dynamics. Competition is based on light capture for growth, net primary productivity, and survival to cold‐induced mortality during winter. Trees are assumed to outcompete shrubs and grasses for light, and shrubs outcompete grasses. Shrubs are modeled to have a higher survival than trees to extremely cold winters because of thermic protection by snow. The fractional coverage of each plant type is based on their respective net primary productivity and winter mortality of trees and shrubs. Gridded simulations were carried out for the historical period and the 21st century following the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. We evaluate the simulated present‐day vegetation with an observation‐based distribution map and literature data of boreal shrubs. The simulation produces a realistic present‐day boreal vegetation distribution, with shrubs, mosses north of trees and grasses. Nevertheless, the model underestimated local shrub expansion compared to observations from selected sites in the Arctic during the last 30 years suggesting missing processes (nutrients and microscale effects). The RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 projections show a substantial decrease of bare soil, an increase in tree and moss cover and an increase of shrub net primary productivity. Finally, the impact of new vegetation types and associated processes is discussed in the context of climate feedbacks.
Index‐Based Characterization and Quantification of Groundwater Dynamics
Authors: Heudorfer B. , Haaf E. , Stahl K. , Barthel R.
Published: May 2019

Time series of groundwater head measurements serve as a primary source of information on groundwater systems. In different groundwater systems, and across several scales, we observe a multitude of patterns in groundwater time series, resulting from complex hydrogeological setups. Unlike in surface hydrology, there is no generalized classification to categorize and quantify the dynamics in groundwater time series. This leads to a lack of tools that could help us disentangle the information contained in groundwater time series in a systematic way. To approach such a classification, we present a principle for organization to qualitatively describe and to quantify groundwater dynamics in a nonredundant and data efficient way. We devise a descriptive typology of groundwater dynamics and assign quantitative measures, mathematically expressing these dynamics. Based on an extensive data set of daily groundwater hydrographs from central Europe, we analyze the relationship between indices and typology based on principal component analysis. The principal component analysis is also used to investigate and discuss redundancy, that is, indices expressing similar information content of hydrographs. Further, the indices' sensitivity to measurement interval and length of the overall observed period is investigated. Finally, a case study demonstrates the potential of the typology and index approach to link groundwater dynamics to the underlying hydrogeological process controls. The tools provided for characterization and quantification of groundwater dynamics should improve future efforts of groundwater classification and prediction in ungauged aquifers and other applications.
Abyssal Transport Variations in the Southwest South Atlantic: First Insights From a Long‐Term Observation Array at 34.5°S
Authors: Valla Daniel , Piola Alberto R. , Meinen Christopher S. , Campos Edmo
Published: May 2019

The zonal structure and time variability of the abyssal flow (below 3,000 dbar) in the South Atlantic western boundary is investigated using a combination of moored observations and simultaneous hydrographic/velocity sections at 34.5°S during 2009–2018. Moored direct velocity measurements near the bottom show strong variability with a peak‐to‐peak range exceeding 80 cm/s and dominant signals at times scales of 1–2 months. Daily time series of the meridional absolute geostrophic volume transport computed from the moorings reveals a highly energetic record with a temporal standard deviation of 8.3 Sv and peak‐to‐peak variations of 49 Sv, suggesting a significant contribution of the abyssal layer flows to the Deep Western Boundary Current time variability. The absolute transport is mostly driven by barotropic changes that are dominated by variations in the bottom pressure ~650 km away from the continental slope.
Validation of Anisotropic Electron Fluid Closure Through In Situ Spacecraft Observations of Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Wetherton Blake A. , Egedal Jan , Lê Ari , Daughton William
Published: May 2019

A valid fluid model for electrons in collisionless space plasmas is desirable for understanding the structure and evolution of magnetic reconnection geometries. Additionally, such a fluid model would be useful for the simulation of systems too large to be tractable in a fully kinetic model. Using Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft observations, we provide direct confirmation of the Lê et al., 2009 (https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.085001) equations of state for the electron pressure tensor during guide field reconnection and demonstrate how the closure can be applied in efficient numerical simulation, yielding new physical insight to the electron heating problem. Furthermore, we use the Lê et al., 2009 equations of state to predict a scaling of electron heating in the exhaust comparable to the available observational data.
Evolution of the Double‐ITCZ Bias Through CESM2 Development
Authors: Woelfle M. D. , Bretherton C. S. , Hannay C. , Neale R.
Published: May 2019

The structure of the east Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) as simulated in the Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) is greatly improved as compared to its previous version, CESM version 1. Examination of intermediate model versions created as part of the development process for CESM2 shows the improvement in the ITCZ is well correlated with a reduction in the relative warmth of southeast Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) as compared to the broader tropical mean. Cooling SST in this region enhances the zonal SST and surface pressure gradients and reduces the anomalously southward SST gradient present in boreal spring in early version of CESM2. The improvements in southeast Pacific SST are attributed to increases in low cloud cover and the associated shortwave cloud forcing over the southeast. Sensitivity tests using fixed SST simulations demonstrate the increase in cloud cover between two intermediate model versions, 119 and 125, to be driven by removal of the dependence of autoconversion and accretion rates on cloud water variance as well as the removal of a secondary condensation scheme. Both of these changes reduce drizzle rates in warm clouds increasing cloud lifetime and cloud fraction in the stratocumulus to trade cumulus transition region. The improvements in southeast Pacific shortwave cloud forcing and ITCZ climatology persist through subsequent changes to the cloud microphysics parameterizations. Despite improvements in the east Pacific ITCZ, the global mean ITCZ position and Pacific cold tongue bias strength do not exhibit a systematic improvement across the development simulations.
Patterns of survival in patients with recurrent mantle cell lymphoma in the modern era: progressive shortening in response duration and survival after each relapse
Authors: Kumar Anita , Sha Fushen , Toure Ahmed , Dogan Ahmet , Ni Andy , Batlevi Connie L. , Palomba Maria Lia M. , Portlock Carol , Straus David J. , Noy Ariela , Horwitz Steven M. , Moskowitz Alison , Hamlin Paul , Moskowitz Craig H. , Matasar Matthew J. , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Younes Anas
Published: May 2019

As the survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) continues to improve, patients are increasingly being treated with multiple regimens. However, outcome after each line remains poorly characterized in the modern era. To address this knowledge gap, we retrospectively studied 404 consecutive MCL patients who were managed between 2000 and 2014 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Histologic diagnosis was centrally confirmed, and patients were followed longitudinally from diagnosis throughout their disease course. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined by Kaplan–Meier method. The median OS and PFS after first-line treatment were 9.7 and 4.0 years, respectively. After second-line therapy, the median OS and PFS were 41.1 and 14.0 months, third line were 25.2 and 6.5 months, and fourth line were 14.4 and 5.0 months. In patients less than 65 years, stem cell transplant (SCT)-based frontline regimens were associated with improved PFS compared with non-SCT regimens (median PFS: 86.2 versus 40.0 months; P < 0.01), with a trend toward longer OS (median OS: 165.0 versus 120.0 months; P = 0.06). Early treatment failure after first-line regimens was associated with worse OS (5.9 versus 2.5 years; P < 0.01). Our study should facilitate establishing proper endpoints for future clinical trials using novel treatment approaches.
LNK suppresses interferon signaling in melanoma
Authors: Ding Ling-Wen , Sun Qiao-Yang , Edwards Jarem J. , Fernández Lucia Torres , Ran Xue-Bin , Zhou Si-Qin , Scolyer Richard A. , Wilmott James S. , Thompson John F. , Doan Ngan , Said Jonathan W. , Venkatachalam Nachiyappan , Xiao Jin-Fen , Loh Xin-Yi , Pein Maren , Xu Liang , Mullins David W. , Yang Henry , Lin De-Chen , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: May 2019

LNK (SH2B3) is a key negative regulator of JAK-STAT signaling which has been extensively studied in malignant hematopoietic diseases. We found that LNK is significantly elevated in cutaneous melanoma; this elevation is correlated with hyperactive signaling of the RAS-RAF-MEK pathway. Elevated LNK enhances cell growth and survival in adverse conditions. Forced expression of LNK inhibits signaling by interferon-STAT1 and suppresses interferon (IFN) induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. In contrast, silencing LNK expression by either shRNA or CRISPR-Cas9 potentiates the killing effect of IFN. The IFN-LNK signaling is tightly regulated by a negative feedback mechanism; melanoma cells exposed to IFN upregulate expression of LNK to prevent overactivation of this signaling pathway. Our study reveals an unappreciated function of LNK in melanoma and highlights the critical role of the IFN-STAT1-LNK signaling axis in this potentially devastating disease. LNK may be further explored as a potential therapeutic target for melanoma immunotherapy.
A systems biology approach uncovers cell-specific gene regulatory effects of genetic associations in multiple sclerosis
Authors:   International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium, Madireddy Lohith , Patsopoulos Nikolaos A. , Cotsapas Chris , Bos Steffan D. , Beecham Ashley , McCauley Jacob , Kim Kicheol , Jia Xiaoming , Santaniello Adam , Caillier Stacy J. , Andlauer Till F. M. , Barcellos Lisa F. , Berge Tone , Bernardinelli Luisa , Martinelli-Boneschi Filippo , Booth David R. , Briggs Farren , Celius Elisabeth G. , Comabella Manuel , Comi Giancarlo , Cree Bruce A. C. , D’Alfonso Sandra , Dedham Katrina , Duquette Pierre , Dardiotis Efthimios , Esposito Federica , Fontaine Bertrand , Gasperi Christiane , Goris An , Dubois Bénédicte , Gourraud Pierre-Antoine , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Haines Jonathan , Hawkins Clive , Hemmer Bernhard , Hintzen Rogier , Horakova Dana , Isobe Noriko , Kalra Seema , Kira Jun-ichi , Khalil Michael , Kockum Ingrid , Lill Christina M. , Lincoln Matthew R. , Luessi Felix , Martin Roland , Oturai Annette , Palotie Aarno , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Henry Roland , Saarela Janna , Ivinson Adrian , Olsson Tomas , Taylor Bruce V. , Stewart Graeme J. , Harbo Hanne F. , Compston Alastair , Hauser Stephen L. , Hafler David A. , Zipp Frauke , De Jager Philip , Sawcer Stephen , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Baranzini Sergio E.
Published: May 2019

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 50,000 unique associations with common human traits. While this represents a substantial step forward, establishing the biology underlying these associations has proven extremely difficult. Even determining which cell types and which particular gene(s) are relevant continues to be a challenge. Here, we conduct a cell-specific pathway analysis of the latest GWAS in multiple sclerosis (MS), which had analyzed a total of 47,351 cases and 68,284 healthy controls and found more than 200 non-MHC genome-wide associations. Our analysis identifies pan immune cell as well as cell-specific susceptibility genes in T cells, B cells and monocytes. Finally, genotype-level data from 2,370 patients and 412 controls is used to compute intra-individual and cell-specific susceptibility pathways that offer a biological interpretation of the individual genetic risk to MS. This approach could be adopted in any other complex trait for which genome-wide data is available.