bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent fault analysis of transmission line using phasor measurement unit incorporating auto-reclosure protection scheme
Authors: Swain Kunjabihari , Cherukuri Murthy
Published: April 2021

The power system stability and reliability are stimulated by the faults on the transmission line. Many researchers have explored the performance of the transmission system under various kinds of faults. Specifically, the arrival of expeditious and effective data acquisition systems with high rate of sampling has set down the foundation for successful real-time monitoring. Using the LabVIEW and the data acquisition system’s of National Instruments (NI), virtual systems have been developed for obtaining optimal paradigmatic data with appropriate characterization and quality transmission. The primary objective of the work is to perceive and comprehend the transmission line faults with the aid of synchronized phasor measurements obtained from the phasor measurement unit (PMU) as well as protecting the system using auto-reclosing signal. The developed algorithms include phaselet coefficients for perception as well as comprehension. In order to increase the accuracy, particle swarm optimized extreme learning machine technique has also been used for comprehension. A protection scheme is employed using auto-reclosing to minimize the power loss and quick reconnection the power line in case of temporary fault. Developed algorithms have been validated on a practical laboratory transmission line using NI PMU. As the LabVIEW platform has been used for simulations, it is composed of visual displays such that the system operator can efficiently perform the planning and control decisions.
Distribution and risk appraisal of dissolved trace elements in Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Authors: Pant Ramesh Raj , Bishwakarma Kiran , Basnet Buddha Bahadur , Pal Khadka Bahadur , Karki Laxmi , Dhital Yam Prasad , Bhatta Youb Raj , Pant Bhoj Raj , Thapa Lal B.
Published: April 2021

Contamination of the trace elements (TEs) in the freshwater ecosystems is becoming a worldwide problem. This study was carried out to investigate the TEs contamination, and their associated health risk in Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake, Gandaki Province, Nepal. A total of 30 water samples were collected from both lakes during the pre-monsoon season in 2016. The samples were analyzed for the TEs including copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cesium (Cs), and arsenic (As) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results exhibited that the mean concentrations of all the TEs were higher in Rupa Lake as compared to Begnas Lake except Pb. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis revealed that both the geogenic and anthropic sources were the major contributors of TEs in the lake water. Anthropic activities were considered to contribute the TEs like Zn and Mn in lake water mainly via agricultural runoff, while evaluating the risk of TEs on human health all the elements showed HQ < 1 and CR < 10−4 indicating currently very low health risk concerns. In good agreement with above, the water quality index (WQI) of the Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake was 2.67 and 5.66, respectively, specifying the lake water was safe for drinking and public health concern. This appraisal would help the policymakers and concerned stakeholders for the sustainable management of Ramsar listed freshwater lakes in the Himalayas.
Exergy efficiency of thermochemical syngas-to-ethanol production plants
Authors: e Silva Marcos Paulo Gabriel da Costa , Miranda Júlio Cesar de Carvalho
Published: April 2021

This work presents exergy analyses applied in four different conceptual second-generation ethanol production processes through a thermochemical route using catalysts based on Molybdenum (P-1), Copper (P-2), and Rhodium (P-3 and P-4), aiming to assess their exergetic efficiencies. The results show that the conceptual processes have satisfactory exergy efficiencies in both cases, when compared among themselves and when compared with other processes reported in literature. The processes’ efficiency for P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-4 were, respectively, 52.4%, 41.4%, 43.7% and 48.9%. The reactors were the sections in which exergy destruction was more significant, due to the exothermic reactions and mixing points (where streams with different temperatures were mixed). Such results show the potential of thermochemical ethanol production, besides opening the possibilities of process improvement.

Graphic abstract
Bipedal Humanoid Hardware Design: a Technology Review
Authors: Ficht Grzegorz , Behnke Sven
Published: April 2021

Purpose of Review

As new technological advancements are made, humanoid robots that utilise them are being designed and manufactured. For optimal design choices, a broad overview with insight on the advantages and disadvantages of available technologies is necessary. This article intends to provide an analysis on the established approaches and contrast them with emerging ones.

Recent Findings

A clear shift in the recent design features of humanoid robots is developing, which is supported by literature. As humanoid robots are meant to leave laboratories and traverse the world, compliance and more efficient locomotion are necessary. The limitations of highly rigid actuation are being tackled by different research groups in unique ways. Some focus on modifying the kinematic structure, while others change the actuation scheme. With new manufacturing capabilities, previously impossible designs are becoming feasible.

A comprehensive review on the technologies crucial for bipedal humanoid robots was performed. Different mechanical concepts have been discussed, along with the advancements in actuation, sensing, and manufacturing. The paper is supplemented with a list of the recently developed platforms along with a selection of their specifications.
The Scoliosis Research Society adult spinal deformity standard outcome set
Authors: de Kleuver Marinus , Faraj Sayf S. A. , Haanstra Tsjitske M. , Wright Anna K. , Polly David W. , van Hooff Miranda. L. , Glassman Steven D. ,   the COSSCO study group, Alanay Ahmet , Basu Saumyajit , Bess Shay , Brodke Darrel , Carreon Leah Y. , De Kleuver Marinus , Defino Helton L. A. , Faraj Sayf S. A. , Glassman Steven D. , Gehrchen Martin , Gupta Munish C. , Haanstra Tsjitske M. , Hai Yong , Halm Henry F. M. , Harding Ian , Lafage Virginie , Liu Gabriel , Matsumoto Morio , Obeid Ibrahim , Parent Stefan , Pellisé Ferran , Place Howard M. , Polly David W. , Rothenfluh Dominique A. , Sethi Rajiv , Spruit Maarten , Stephen Lewis J. , Uribe Juan S. , Van Hooff Miranda L. , Wright Anna K. , Yagi Mitsuru , Zhu Zezhang
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Symptomatic adult spinal deformity (ASD) with an extremely variable presentation with pain, with and without neurogenic leg pain, and/or disturbed sagittal and coronal balance, causes a significant societal burden of disease. It is an important consequence of the aging adult population, generating a plethora of spine-related interventions with variable treatment efficacy and consistently high costs. Recent years have witnessed more than a threefold increase in the prevalence and treatment of ASD, and further increases over the coming decades are expected with the growing elderly population worldwide. The ability to monitor and assess clinical outcomes has not kept pace with these developments. This paper addresses the pressing need to provide a set of common outcome metrics for this growing group of patients with back pain and other disabilities due to an adult spinal deformity.

Methods

The standard outcome set was created by a panel with global representation, using a thorough modified Delphi procedure. The three-tiered outcome hierarchy (Porter) was used as a framework to capture full cycle of care. The standardized language of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO-ICF) was used.

Results

Consensus was reached on a core set of 25 WHO-ICF outcome domains (‘What to measure’); on the accompanying globally available clinician and patient reported measurement instruments and definitions (‘How to measure’), and on the timing of the measurements (‘When to measure’). The current work has brought to light domains not routinely reported in the spinal literature (such as pulmonary function, return to work, social participation), and domains for which no adequate instruments have yet been identified (such as how to clinically quantify in routine practice lumbar spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, radicular pain, and loss of lower extremity motor function).

Conclusion

A standard outcome set was developed for patients undergoing treatment for adult spinal deformity using globally available outcome metrics. The current framework can be considered a reference for further work, and may provide a starting point for routine methodical and systematic monitoring of outcomes. Post-COVID e-health may accelerate the routine capture of these types of data.
Automotive Ethernet
Authors: Matheus Kirsten , Königseder Thomas
Published: April 2021

Learn about the latest developments in Automotive Ethernet technology and implementation with this fully revised third edition. Including 20% new material and greater technical depth, coverage is expanded to include detailed explanations of the new PHY technologies 10BASE-T1S (including multidrop) and 2.5, 5, and 10GBASE-T1, discussion of EMC interference models, and description of the new TSN standards for automotive use. Featuring details of security concepts, an overview of power saving possibilities with Automotive Ethernet, and explanation of functional safety in the context of Automotive Ethernet. Additionally provides an overview of test strategies and main lessons learned. Industry pioneers share the technical and non-technical decisions that have led to the success of Automotive Ethernet, covering everything from electromagnetic requirements and physical layer technologies, QoS, and the use of VLANs, IP and service discovery, to network architecture and testing. The guide for engineers, technical managers and researchers designing components for in-car electronics, and those interested in the strategy of introducing a new technology.
Laurence Sterne and the Eighteenth-Century Book
Authors: Williams Helen
Published: April 2021

Scrutinising Sterne's fiction through a book history lens, Helen Williams creates novel readings of his work based on meticulous examination of its material and bibliographical conditions. Alongside multiple editions and manuscripts of Sterne's own letters and works, a panorama of interdisciplinary sources are explored, including dance manuals, letter-writing handbooks, newspaper advertisements, medical pamphlets and disposable packaging. For the first time, this wealth of previously overlooked material is critically analysed in relation to the design history of Tristram Shandy, conceptualising the eighteenth-century novel as an artefact that developed in close conjunction with other media. In examining the complex interrelation between a period's literature and the print matter of everyday life, this study sheds new light on Sterne and eighteenth-century literature by re-defining the origins of his work and of the eighteenth-century novel more broadly, whilst introducing readers to diverse print cultural forms and their production histories.
Portuguese Cinema (1960–2010)
Authors: Rui Graça André
Published: April 2021

Why has Portugal's vibrant and creative cinema industry not been more commercially successful?
Household Food and Water Emergency Preparedness Practices Across the United States
Authors: Hiatt Erin , Belliard Carla , Lloyd Call Michelle A. , Jefferies Laura K. , Kener Madalyn , Eggett Dennis L. , Richards Rickelle
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To evaluate food and water storage practices in the United States, including the extent that government emergency preparedness guidelines were followed.

Methods:

Qualtrics panelists (n = 572) completed a 142-item online survey in August 2014. Cognitive interviews (n = 5) and pilot data (n = 14) informed survey development. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Open-ended responses related to water storage preparation were classified into 5 categories.

Results:

Many respondents reported being somewhat or well prepared to provide food and water for their households during a large-scale disaster or emergency. Only 53% met Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines to have water last at least 3 days. Based on respondents’ self-report, it appeared that those who prepared personally-filled containers for water did not carefully follow FEMA instructions. Most respondents had non-perishable foods available, with 96% meeting the FEMA guidelines of at least 3 days of storage.

Conclusion:

Households were generally prepared to provide food and, to a lesser extent, water in emergency situations, but were not consistently following FEMA guidelines. Additional easy-to-follow, evidence-based information may better help citizens accurately implement food and water storage emergency preparedness guidelines.
A Malaysian Medical Non-Governmental Organization’s (NGO) Experience in the Emergency Response for COVID-19, Using the Whole-of-Society Collaborative Concept
Authors: Abd Samat Azlan Helmy , Abdul Rashid Aneesa , Mohd Yunus Nur Asyikin , Salim Ahmad Munawwar Helmi , Musa Husna
Published: April 2021

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are one of the important players during a pandemic, including the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) Response and Relief Team (IMARET). During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, IMARET played a key role in assisting health relief efforts in Malaysia. We are sharing this experience as a medical NGO’s response to the pandemic. This report presents data from the March 18 to June 10, 2020, retrieved from IMARET’s database with approval from the Executive Committee and the IMARET COVID-19 Task Force. We report that IMARET’s task force consists of 30 people, mostly medical doctors. Supplies distributed included personal protective equipment with other medical equipment, such as portable ultrasounds and ventilators. IMARET engaged with 33 collaborators and 92 partners and funders. There were 135 volunteers with the majority being medical volunteers. IMARET raised more than RM $3 million (US $740 000) garnering support from over 40 000 donors in 85 days. In conclusion, NGOs play a significant role that effectively enhance and complement the consolidated works by the authorities and public in the effort to overcome COVID-19 challenges.
So close and yet so far: U–Pb geochronological constraints of the Jaibaras Rift Basin and the intracratonic Parnaíba Basin in SW Gondwana
Authors: Cerri Rodrigo I. , Warren Lucas V. , Varejão Filipe G. , Silva Alex J. Choupina A. , Lana Cristiano , Assine Mario L.
Published: April 2021

Several sag-type basins apparently developed from rift systems, but there is no consensus about how and if these grabens influenced the sedimentation of the post-rift thermal subsidence phase. The Ediacaran Jaibaras Rift Basin is one of the best-exposed sedimentary records among the NE Brazil late Precambrian – early Cambrian rift system, cropping out at the eastern margin of the intracratonic Parnaíba Basin and extending below it towards the west. Here we present detrital zircon U–Pb ages of rocks from the Jaibaras (Aprazível Formation) and Parnaíba (Ipu Formation) basins, in order to understand the provenance patterns, maximum depositional ages (MDA) and age relationship between these units. The MDA for the Aprazível Formation (c. 499 ± 5 Ma) indicates a Cambrian age for the upper part of the Jaibaras Basin. The bulk U–Pb data indicate that the Ipu Formation started to deposit during late Cambrian and/or Early Ordovician time, despite its MDA (c. 528 ± 11 Ma) being older than that of the Aprazível Formation. Detrital zircon provenance suggests that the primary source areas for the early deposits of the Parnaíba Basin were mountains related to the Brasiliano Orogeny to the south and SE (e.g. Rio Preto and Riacho do Pontal metamorphic belts). Finally, our data emphasize the key change in source areas from the rift to the initial deposition of the intracratonic phase, indicating major depositional style changes between both basins after the Gondwana assembly.
Fiscal Capacity and Dualism in Colonial States: The French Empire 1830–1962
Authors: Cogneau Denis , Dupraz Yannick , Mesplé-Somps Sandrine
Published: April 2021

What was the capacity of European colonial states? How fiscally extractive were they? What was their capacity to provide public goods and services? And did this change in the “developmentalist” era of colonialism? To answer these questions, we use archival sources to build a new dataset on colonial states of the second French colonial empire (1830–1962). French colonial states extracted a substantial amount of revenue, but they were under-administered because public expenditure entailed high wage costs. These costs remained a strong constraint in the “developmentalist” era of colonialism, despite a dramatic increase in fiscal capacity and large overseas subsidies.
Mojeño Trinitario
Authors: Rose Françoise
Published: April 2021

Mojeño Trinitario (Glottocode: trin1274) is a variety of Mojeño, an indigenous language of the Arawak family spoken in Lowland Bolivia. The Trinitario variety of Mojeño is spoken in the Isiboro-Secure Indigenous Territory, the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory, along the Mamoré river, in Trinidad and around the villages of San Lorenzo de Moxos and San Francisco de Moxos (Figure 1). It is spoken by around 3000 speakers () and is endangered by the gradual loss of inter-generational transmission (Crevels 2002). Old Mojeño data (Marbán 1702) has been crucial in the identification of the Arawak family, when Gilij compared it to the Maipure language (Gilij 1780–1784).
On the Art of Dramatic Probability: Elizabeth Inchbald'sRemarks for The British Theatre
Authors: Freeman Lisa A.
Published: April 2021

In 1806, Longman & Co. publishers commissioned the accomplished actress, playwright, and novelist Elizabeth Inchbald to compose a series of prefatory remarks for the plays to be included in theirBritish Theatreseries. One hundred and twenty-five in all, each of the plays for Longman'sBritish Theatrewas originally published and sold separately at a rate of about one per week. Once the series was complete, the plays were bound together and sold as a twenty-five-volume set. As the surviving diary entries from the two-year period during which she wrote herRemarkstestify, the task proved both arduous and unrelenting for Inchbald, especially as she had no hand in selecting the plays to be included and no control over the order in which she was asked to compose her critical commentaries. Working almost constantly, no sooner had she read one play, drafted her remarks, and copyedited the proof, than she had to turn to the next play sent by Longman, collect her thoughts, and start the process all over again. For the most part, as Annibel Jenkins has noted, “[T]here seems to be no pattern of publishing by date or genre; a tragedy by Shakespeare came out one week and a contemporary comedy the next.” At one point, the strain of this process was so unbearable that Inchbald even tried to renege on her contractual obligations, writing to Longman, “begging to decline any further progress.” This request, as her first biographer, James Boaden, records, Longman “could not be expected to permit; and she was therefore compelled toremarkthrough the whole year.” In the event, and however “dreadful” the task may have been for Inchbald, the widely advertised series proved a “great commercial success,” and Inchbald'sRemarkshave come down to us as one of the first great achievements in English dramatic criticism of the early nineteenth century.
TRAYECTORIAS DE MODERNIZACIÓN INDUSTRIAL Y CAMBIO ESTRUCTURAL EN AMÉRICA LATINA, 1970–2017
Authors: Vázquez-López Raúl
Published: April 2021

Este artículo analiza las trayectorias de modernización estructural para la industria de ocho países latinoamericanos (Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, México, Perú, Uruguay) desde 1970 hasta la fecha. Desde una perspectiva teórica estructuralista que explora las interacciones dinámicas entre el cambio estructural y el escalamiento tecnológico, se construye un índice de modernización. Los hallazgos muestran que el establecimiento de modelos económicos neoliberales en Latinoamérica a partir de los años ochenta, significó un punto de ruptura en estas trayectorias. Mientras la racionalización de procesos productivos por parte de las empresas implicó un desplazamiento del empleo en dirección de usos de baja productividad relativa, el desarrollo de industrias intensivas en capital e insertas en dinámicas globales, no impulsó la modernización estructural debido a la naturaleza de las tareas efectuadas. Los ejercicios permiten esbozar una primera tipología en términos de las carencias más apremiantes de cada caso.
Interventions for child and youth anxiety disorders: Involving parents, teachers, and peers
Authors: Barrett Paula M.
Published: April 2021

Child and youth anxiety are the most common problem experienced during the school years. We know that we can effectively treat and prevent childhood anxiety by using individual, group, and community-based interventions that involve parents, peers, and educators. Recent research has shown that children who experience anxiety often develop depression in adolescence. Therefore, it is important to disseminate anxiety Intervention strategies both for the prevention of anxiety and, in the longer term, of depression Problems. Australia is a leading country in the development, evaluation, and Implementation ofsuch strategies. This paper describes, in detail, a community-based Intervention program.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Brazilian adolescents over time: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sbaraini Mariana , Cureau Felipe Vogt , Ritter Julianna do Amaral , Schuh Daniela Schneid , Madalosso Mariana Migliavacca , Zanin Gabriella , Goulart Maíra Ribas , Pellanda Lucia Campos , Schaan Beatriz D
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To estimate the burden of excess weight in Brazilian adolescents.

Design:

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Setting:

We searched the literature in four databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SciELO and LILACS). Studies were included if they had cross-sectional or cohort design and enrolled Brazilian adolescents. Studies based on self-reported measures were excluded. Random effect models were used to calculate prevalence estimates and their 95 % CI.

Participants:

Brazilian adolescents (10 to 19 years old).

Results:

One hundred and fifty-one studies were included. Trend analyses showed a significant increase in the prevalence of excess weight in the last decades: 8·2 % (95 % CI 7·7, 8·7) until year 2000, 18·9 (95 % CI 14·7, 23·2) from 2000 to 2009, and 25·1 % (95 % CI 23·4, 26·8) in 2010 and after. A similar temporal pattern was observed in the prevalence of overweight and obesity separately. In sensitivity analyses, lower prevalence of excess weight was found in older adolescents and those defined using International Obesity Task Force cut-off points. The Southeast and South regions had the highest prevalence of excess weight, overweight and obesity. No significant difference in prevalence by sex was found, except for studies before the year 2000.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazilian adolescents is high and continues to rise. Public policies on an individual level and targeting modifications in the obesogenic environment are necessary.
Review of clinical and emerging biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment management of pancreatic cancer: towards personalised medicine
Authors: Osei Ernest , Oghinan Christabel , Asare Akua , Ho Hillary , Manful Solomon
Published: April 2021

Background:

Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most commonly diagnosed cancer and the 3rd leading cause of cancer mortality and accounts for approximately 2·7% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases and 6·4% of all cancer mortalities in Canada. It has a very poor survival rate mainly due to the difficulty of detecting the disease at an early stage. Consequently, in the advancement of disease management towards the concept of precision medicine that takes individual patient variabilities into account, several investigators have focused on the identification of effective clinical biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity, capable of early diagnosis of symptomatic patients and early detection of the disease in asymptomatic individuals at high risk for developing pancreatic cancer.

Materials and methods:

We searched several databases from August to December 2020 for relevant studies published in English between 2000 and 2020 and reporting on biomarkers for the management of pancreatic cancer. In this narrative review paper, we describe 13 clinical and emerging biomarkers for pancreatic cancers used in screening for early detection and diagnosis, to identify patients’ risk for metastatic disease and subsequent relapse, to monitor patient response to specific treatment and to provide clinicians the possibility of prospectively identifying groups of patients who will benefit from a particular treatment.

Conclusions:

Current and emerging biomarkers for pancreatic cancer with high specificity and sensitivity has the potential to account for individual patient variabilities, for early detection of disease before the onset of metastasis to improve treatment outcome and patients’ survival, help screen high-risk populations, predict prognosis, provide accurate information of patient response to specific treatment and improve patients monitoring during treatment. Thus, the future holds promise for the use of effective clinical biomarkers or a panel of biomarkers for personalised patient-specific targeted medicine for pancreatic cancer.
The Role of Multilateralism of the WTO in International Trade Stability
Authors: Chowdhury Abdur , Liu Xuepeng , Wang Miao , Wong M. C. S.
Published: April 2021

We look at the effect of the WTO on stabilizing international trade using both a fixed-effects and an event study approach. Our results show that WTO members experience lower trade volatilties in a predictable and integrated system. In addition, we focus on the trade volatility comovement among countries in a multilateral framework. Previous research has mainly focused on WTO membership in a bilateral trade framework, which only allows interactions between two trade partners without considering any possible influence from other countries. A bilateral trade framework does not fully capture the effect of WTO membership, nor does it investigate why the multilateral platform of the WTO should exist. With a unique setup estimating interactions among multiple trading dyads, we find strong evidence supporting positive correlation or comovement of trade volatilities across trading pairs. Such a comovement appears much stronger among WTO members than between WTO and non-WTO members. Due to the feedback mechanism among dyads in a multilateral framework, such as the WTO, bilateral trade stability may further stabilize the global trade. Our results remain robust to a battery of sensitivity checks.
Neuroimaging studies exploring the neural basis of social isolation
Authors: Zovetti Niccolò , Rossetti Maria Gloria , Perlini Cinzia , Brambilla Paolo , Bellani Marcella
Published: April 2021

According to the social brain hypothesis, the human brain includes a network designed for the processing of social information. This network includes several brain regions that elaborate social cues, interactions and contexts, i.e. prefrontal paracingulate and parietal cortices, amygdala, temporal lobes and the posterior superior temporal sulcus. While current literature suggests the importance of this network from both a psychological and evolutionary perspective, little is known about its neurobiological bases. Specifically, only a paucity of studies explored the neural underpinnings of constructs that are ascribed to the social brain network functioning, i.e. objective social isolation and perceived loneliness. As such, this review aimed to overview neuroimaging studies that investigated social isolation in healthy subjects. Social isolation correlated with both structural and functional alterations within the social brain network and in other regions that seem to support mentalising and social processes (i.e. hippocampus, insula, ventral striatum and cerebellum). However, results are mixed possibly due to the heterogeneity of methods and study design. Future neuroimaging studies with longitudinal designs are needed to measure the effect of social isolation in experimental v. control groups and to explore its relationship with perceived loneliness, ultimately helping to clarify the neural correlates of the social brain.
Himalayan‐Tibetan Erosion Is Not the Cause of Neogene Global Cooling
Authors: Clift Peter D. , Jonell Tara N.
Published: April 2021

Uplift and erosion of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau have resulted in the deposition of some of the largest sedimentary masses on Earth. Chemical weathering of these materials has been invoked as a primary driver of long‐term global cooling because weathering of silicate material consumes atmospheric CO2. We here combine geochemical data from scientific drill sites in the Arabian and South China Seas, together with sediment mass flux budgets, to estimate changes in chemical weathering fluxes for the Indus, Mekong, and Pearl river systems. The rate of CO2 consumption decreased by 50% between ∼16 and 5.3 Ma, especially in the Indus system, as onshore erosion slowed and provenance shifted away from mafic arc units in the suture zone. Falling chemical weathering fluxes during a period of global cooling refutes the idea that Himalaya–Tibetan Plateau uplift drove Neogene global cooling.
Lightning Initiation From Fast Negative Breakdown is Led by Positive Polarity Dominated Streamers
Authors: Huang Anjing , Cummer Steven A. , Pu Yunjiao
Published: April 2021

Evidence of positive polarity dominated streamers preceding fast negative breakdown (FNB) and of simultaneous positive and negative polarity streamer development in lightning initiation is reported. Observations of lightning initiation as FNB have remained a puzzle because simulations of lightning initiation have shown that negative streamers are not produced in virgin air without simultaneous positive streamers. Here, the authors observe positive streamer development forms first or at least simultaneously with negative streamers. Further evidence comes from observations of mixed fast breakdown (FB). The overall trajectory of the positive breakdown during such mixed events indicates that the positive streamers continuously propagate during the burst of strong negative breakdown. These observations indicate that even when negative streamers dominate the overall very high frequency (VHF) emissions, both positive and negative streamers are propagating simultaneously from the initiation point. These findings on the structure and dynamics of FB provide key new insight to our understanding of lightning initiation.
Changes in Internal Wave‐Driven Mixing Across the Arctic Ocean: Finescale Estimates From an 18‐Year Pan‐Arctic Record
Authors: Dosser H. V. , Chanona M. , Waterman S. , Shibley N. C. , Timmermans M.‐L.
Published: April 2021

The Arctic climate is changing rapidly, with dramatic sea ice declines and increasing upper‐ocean heat content. While oceanic heat has historically been isolated from the sea ice by weak vertical mixing, it has been hypothesized that a reduced ice pack will increase energy transfer from the wind into the internal wave (IW) field, enhancing mixing and accelerating ice melt. We evaluate this positive ice/internal‐wave feedback using a finescale parameterization to estimate dissipation, a proxy for the energy available for IW‐driven mixing, from pan‐Arctic hydrographic profiles over 18 years. We find that dissipation has nearly doubled in summer in some regions. Associated heat fluxes have risen by an order of magnitude, underpinned by increases in the strength and prevalence of IW‐driven mixing. While the impact of the ice/internal‐wave feedback will likely remain negligible in the western Arctic, sea‐ice melt in the eastern Arctic appears vulnerable to the feedback strengthening.
First Simultaneous Observation of STEVE and SAR Arc Combining Data From Citizen Scientists, 630.0 nm All‐Sky Images, and Satellites
Authors: Martinis C. , Nishimura Y. , Wroten J. , Bhatt A. , Dyer A. , Baumgardner J. , Gallardo‐Lacourt B.
Published: April 2021

On September 28, 2017 citizen scientist observations at Alberta, Canada (51°N, 113° W) detected aurora and a thin east‐west purplish arc, known as strong thermal emission velocity enhancement (STEVE) that lasted less than 20 min. All‐sky imagers at subauroral latitudes measured stable auroral red (SAR) arcs during the entire night. The imager at Bridger, MT (45.3°N, 108.9°W) also measured a STEVE. The overlapping geometry allowed to determine that the height of STEVE was 225–275 km. STEVE is brighter in the 630.0 nm images in the West and almost merges with the SAR arc in the East. A DMSP satellite pass in the southern hemisphere was at the conjugate location of the Bridger imager during the STEVE observation. When mapped into the northern hemisphere intense subauroral ion drift and subauroral polarization streams were detected associated with the two optical signatures measured in 630.0 nm.
Black Carbon and Secondary Brown Carbon, the Dominant Light Absorption and Direct Radiative Forcing Contributors of the Atmospheric Aerosols Over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhu Chong‐Shu , Qu Yao , Huang Hong , Chen Ji , Dai Wen‐Ting , Huang Ru‐Jin , Cao Jun‐Ji
Published: April 2021

Black carbon (BC), primary brown carbon (BrCpri), and secondary brown carbon (BrCsec) are important light‐absorbing aerosol. BC and BrC from the surrounding area can reach the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and influence climate change and glacial melting. Here, we presented a study of the light absorption, radiative forcing, and potential source areas of BC and BrC over the northeastern, central, and southwestern TP. The higher light absorption was observed in the northeastern and southwestern sites compared to the central TP site. The major carbonaceous light‐absorbing was attributed to BC with the percentages of 65%, 56%, and 82% in Ngari, Qinghai Lake, and Beiluhe, respectively. The heighten contribution of BrCsec to total light absorption indicated the importance of BrCsec in the TP, especially in the northeastern and southwestern areas. The BrCsec radiative forcings relative to BC were much higher than those of BrCpri. The potential BC and BrCpri source distributions were obtained.
Shock Remanent Magnetization Intensity and Stability Distributions of Single‐Domain Titanomagnetite‐Bearing Basalt Sample Under the Pressure Range of 0.1–10 GPa
Authors: Sato Masahiko , Kurosawa Kosuke , Kato Shota , Ushioda Masashi , Hasegawa Sunao
Published: April 2021

Knowledge of the shock remanent magnetization (SRM) property is crucial to interpret the spatial changes in magnetic anomalies observed over the impact crater. This study reports the spatial distributions of SRM intensity and stability of single‐domain titanomagnetite‐bearing basalt based on the SRM acquisition experiments using a two‐stage light gas gun with Al projectiles, remanence measurements for divided subsamples, and impact simulations. The SRM properties systematically change with increasing pressure, and three distinctive aspects are recognized at different pressure ranges: (1) constant intensity below 0.1 GPa, (2) linear trend as intensity is proportional to pressure up to 1.1 GPa, and (3) constant intensity and increasing stability above 1.9 GPa. The SRM intensity and stability distributions suggest that the crustal rocks containing the single‐domain titanomagnetite originally had an SRM intensity distribution according to the distance from the impact point, which changed depending on the remanence stability after the impact.
Hydrogen Adsorption on Sub‐Bituminous Coal: Implications for Hydrogen Geo‐Storage
Authors: Iglauer Stefan , Abid Hussein , Al‐Yaseri Ahmed , Keshavarz Alireza
Published: April 2021

Hydrogen is a clean fuel that can potentially revolutionize the energy supply chain and decarbonize fuel consumption. However, a key hurdle that needs to be overcome before a full‐scale hydrogen economy can be established is hydrogen storage which is currently the main limitation. Here, we propose that hydrogen gas can be stored in underground coal seams, where it adsorbs on the coal surface. However, currently, no hard data related to such a procedure exists. We, therefore, demonstrate experimentally that significant amounts of hydrogen gas can be stored via this route. Hydrogen adsorption capacities reached 0.6 moles H2/kg of coal at 14.3 MPa, and adsorption capacity initially increased strongly with pressure (up to ∼4 MPa) and then plateaued out, while temperature only had a very minor influence. This study provides fundamental data for hydrogen storage in coal seams, and thus aids in the industrial implementation of a hydrogen supply chain.
Joint effects of prenatal exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and psychosocial stressors on corticotropin-releasing hormone during pregnancy
Authors: Eick Stephanie M. , Goin Dana E. , Cushing Lara , DeMicco Erin , Smith Sabrina , Park June-Soo , Padula Amy M. , Woodruff Tracey J. , Morello-Frosch Rachel
Published: April 2021

Background

Prenatal exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and psychosocial stressors has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth. Previous studies have suggested that joint exposure to environmental chemical and social stressors may be contributing to disparities observed in preterm birth. Elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) during mid-gestation may represent one biologic mechanism linking chemical and nonchemical stress exposures to preterm birth.

Methods

Using data from a prospective birth cohort (N = 497), we examined the cross-sectional associations between five individual PFAS (ng/mL; PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and Me-PFOSA-AcOH) and CRH (pg/mL) using linear regression. PFAS and CRH were measured during the second trimester in serum and plasma, respectively. Coefficients were standardized to reflect change in CRH associated with an interquartile range (IQR) increase in natural log-transformed PFAS. We additionally examined if the relationship between PFAS and CRH was modified by psychosocial stress using stratified models. Self-reported depression, stressful life events, perceived stress, food insecurity, and financial strain were assessed using validated questionnaires during the second trimester and included as binary indicators of psychosocial stress.

Results

An IQR increase in PFNA was associated with elevated CRH (β = 5.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.79, 8.55). Increased concentrations of PFOA were also moderately associated with CRH (β = 3.62, 95% CI = −0.42, 7.66). The relationship between PFNA and CRH was stronger among women who experienced stressful life events, depression, food insecurity, and financial strain compared to women who did not experience these stressors.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional study is the first to examine the relationship between PFAS exposure and CRH levels in mid-gestation. We found that these associations were stronger among women who experienced stress, which aligns with previous findings that chemical and nonchemical stressor exposures can have joint effects on health outcomes.
Eradication of specific donor-dependent variations of mesenchymal stem cells in immunomodulation to enhance therapeutic values
Authors: Zhang Chunxue , Zhou Liqiang , Wang Zhen , Gao Wenxia , Chen Wei , Zhang Huina , Jing Bo , Zhu Xu , Chen Lei , Zheng Changhong , Shi Kaiyan , Wu Li , Cheng Liming , Zhang Kunshan , Sun Yi Eve
Published: April 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most widely clinically trialed stem cells, due to their abilities to differentiate into multiple cell lineages, to secrete regenerative/rejuvenative factors, and to modulate immune functions, among others. In this study, we analyzed human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs from 32 donors and revealed donor-dependent variations in two non-correlated properties, (1) cell proliferation, and (2) immune modulatory functions in vitro and in vivo, which might explain inconsistent clinical efficacies of MSCs. Through unbiased transcriptomic analyses, we discovered that IFN-γ and NF-κB signaling were positively associated with immune modulatory function of MSCs. Activation of these two pathways via IFN-γ and TNF-α treatment eradicated donor-dependent variations. Additional transcriptomic analyses revealed that treatment with these two factors, while having abolished donor-dependent variations in immune modulatory function, did not overall make different donor-derived MSCs the same at whole transcriptomic levels, demonstrating that the cells were still different in many other biological perspectives, and may not perform equally for therapeutic purposes other than immune modulation. Pre-selection or pre-treatment to eradicate MSC variations in a disease-treatment-specific manner would therefore be necessary to ensure clinical efficacies. Together this study provided novel insights into the quality control perspective of using different-donor-derived MSCs to treat inflammation-related clinical conditions and/or autoimmune diseases.
Taraxasterol acetate targets RNF31 to inhibit RNF31/p53 axis-driven cell proliferation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tang Chao-Tao , Yang Jing , Liu Zi-De , Chen Youxiang , Zeng Chunyan
Published: April 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Several studies have suggested that taraxasterol acetate (TA) can inhibit the growth of tumor cells. However, to date, it remains unclear how TA inhibits cell growth and how RNF31 functions as an oncogene. We examined the expression of RNF31 in CRC tissue samples via immunohistochemistry and elucidated the function of RNF31 in CRC cells by constructing a cell model with RNF31 depletion. A cycloheximide (CHX)-chase analysis and immunofluorescence assays were conducted to demonstrate that TA can promote RNF31 degradation by activating autophagy. We used the PharmMapper website to predict targets of TA and identified RNF31. CHX-chase experiments showed that TA could facilitate RNF31 degradation, which was inhibited by the administration of chloroquine. Immunofluorescence assays showed that RNF31 protein was colocalized with LC3I/II and p62, suggesting that TA promoted RNF31 degradation by activating autophagy. We also found that CRC patients with RNF31 overexpression had poorer survival than those with low RNF31 expression. The results of the CHX-chase experiment showed that depletion of RNF31 alleviated p53 degradation, which was inhibited by MG132. A series of co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays revealed that RNF31 interacts with p53 and promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation. A Co-IP assay performed with a truncated RNF31 plasmid showed that the PUB domain interacts with p53. Moreover, the PUB domain is the key structure in the induction of p53 ubiquitination. Our findings reveal a key role of RNF31 in CRC cell growth and indicate a mechanism through which TA inhibits cell growth.
Drosophila TNFRs Grindelwald and Wengen bind Eiger with different affinities and promote distinct cellular functions
Authors: Palmerini Valentina , Monzani Silvia , Laurichesse Quentin , Loudhaief Rihab , Mari Sara , Cecatiello Valentina , Olieric Vincent , Pasqualato Sebastiano , Colombani Julien , Andersen Ditte S. , Mapelli Marina
Published: April 2021

The Drosophila tumour necrosis factor (TNF) ligand-receptor system consists of a unique ligand, Eiger (Egr), and two receptors, Grindelwald (Grnd) and Wengen (Wgn), and therefore provides a simple system for exploring the interplay between ligand and receptors, and the requirement for Grnd and Wgn in TNF/Egr-mediated processes. Here, we report the crystallographic structure of the extracellular domain (ECD) of Grnd in complex with Egr, a high-affinity hetero-hexameric assembly reminiscent of human TNF:TNFR complexes. We show that ectopic expression of Egr results in internalisation of Egr:Grnd complexes in vesicles, a step preceding and strictly required for Egr-induced apoptosis. We further demonstrate that Wgn binds Egr with much reduced affinity and is localised in intracellular vesicles that are distinct from those containing Egr:Grnd complexes. Altogether, our data provide insight into ligand-mediated activation of Grnd and suggest that distinct affinities of TNF ligands for their receptors promote different and non-redundant cellular functions.
Complete polarization of electronic spins in OLEDs
Authors: Scharff Tobias , Ratzke Wolfram , Zipfel Jonas , Klemm Philippe , Bange Sebastian , Lupton John M.
Published: April 2021

At low temperatures and high magnetic fields, electron and hole spins in an organic light-emitting diode become polarized so that recombination preferentially forms molecular triplet excited-state species. For low device currents, magnetoelectroluminescence perfectly follows Boltzmann activation, implying a virtually complete polarization outcome. As the current increases, the magnetoelectroluminescence effect is reduced because spin polarization is suppressed by the reduction in carrier residence time within the device. Under these conditions, an additional field-dependent process affecting the spin-dependent recombination emerges, possibly related to the build-up of triplet excitons and their interaction with free charge carriers. Suppression of the EL alone does not prove electronic spin polarization. We therefore probe changes in the spin statistics of recombination directly in a dual singlet-triplet emitting material, which shows a concomitant rise in phosphorescence intensity as fluorescence is suppressed. Finite spin-orbit coupling in these materials gives rise to a microscopic distribution in effective g-factors of electrons and holes, Δg, i.e., a distribution in Larmor frequencies. This Δg effect in the pair, which mixes singlet and triplet, further suppresses singlet-exciton formation at high fields in addition to thermal spin polarization of the individual carriers.
Mixed hierarchical local structure in a disordered metal–organic framework
Authors: Sapnik Adam F. , Bechis Irene , Collins Sean M. , Johnstone Duncan N. , Divitini Giorgio , Smith Andrew J. , Chater Philip A. , Addicoat Matthew A. , Johnson Timothy , Keen David A. , Jelfs Kim E. , Bennett Thomas D.
Published: April 2021

Amorphous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of materials. However, their structural characterisation represents a significant challenge. Fe-BTC, and the commercial equivalent Basolite® F300, are MOFs with incredibly diverse catalytic ability, yet their disordered structures remain poorly understood. Here, we use advanced electron microscopy to identify a nanocomposite structure of Fe-BTC where nanocrystalline domains are embedded within an amorphous matrix, whilst synchrotron total scattering measurements reveal the extent of local atomic order within Fe-BTC. We use a polymerisation-based algorithm to generate an atomistic structure for Fe-BTC, the first example of this methodology applied to the amorphous MOF field outside the well-studied zeolitic imidazolate framework family. This demonstrates the applicability of this computational approach towards the modelling of other amorphous MOF systems with potential generality towards all MOF chemistries and connectivities. We find that the structures of Fe-BTC and Basolite® F300 can be represented by models containing a mixture of short- and medium-range order with a greater proportion of medium-range order in Basolite® F300 than in Fe-BTC. We conclude by discussing how our approach may allow for high-throughput computational discovery of functional, amorphous MOFs.