bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleation of Stick‐Slip Instability Within a Large‐Scale Experimental Fault: Effects of Stress Heterogeneities Due to Loading and Gouge Layer Compaction
Authors: Buijze L. , Guo Y. , Niemeijer A. R. , Ma S. , Spiers C. J.
Published: July 2020

Geodetic observations and large‐scale laboratory experiments show that seismic instability is preceded by slow slip within a finite nucleation zone. In laboratory experiments rupture nucleation is studied mostly using bare (rock) interfaces, whereas upper crustal faults are typically filled with gouge. To investigate effects of gouge on rupture nucleation, we performed a biaxial shearing experiment on a 350 mm long saw‐cut fault filled with gypsum gouge, at room temperature and a minimum horizontal stress σ2 = 0.3–5 MPa. The gouge layer was sandwiched between polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plates For reference also a fault without gouge was deformed. Strain gauges and Digital Image Correlation were used to monitor the deformation field along the fault zone margins. Stick‐slip behavior occurred on both the gouge‐filled fault and the PMMA fault. Nucleation of instability on the PMMA fault persistently occurred from one location 2/3 to 3/4 along the fault adjacent to a slow slip zone at the fault end, but nucleation on the gouge‐filled fault was more variable, nucleating at the ends and/or at approximately 2/3 along the fault, with precursory slip occurring over a large fraction of the fault. Nucleation correlated to regions of high average fault stress ratio τ/σn, which was more variable for the gouge‐filled fault due to small length scale variations in normal stress caused by heterogeneous gouge compaction. Rupture velocities and slip rates were lower for the gouge‐filled fault than for the bare PMMA fault. Stick‐slip persisted when σ2 was lowered and the nucleation zone length increased, expanding from the center to the sample ends before transitioning into instability.
Record‐Breaking Sea Surface Temperatures in the Yellow and East China Seas
Authors: Yan Yunwei , Chai Fei , Xue Huijie , Wang Guihua
Published: July 2020

Satellite observations of sea surface temperature (SST) show that SST in 2004, 2006, and 2016 broke the previous record in the Yellow and East China Seas (YECS). The underlying cause of the record‐breaking SSTs in the YECS is still under debate. Our analysis results demonstrate that enhanced solar radiation and weakened wind, due to a high‐pressure system over the YECS splitting from the western Pacific subtropical high, were mainly responsible for the record‐breaking SSTs in these 3 years. The enhanced solar radiation and weakened wind both depressed oceanic turbulent mixing, and more heat was concentrated in a shallower mixed layer, inducing an anomalous SST rise and resulting in the record‐breaking SSTs.
Origin of an Uncommon Multiple‐Stroke Positive Cloud‐to‐Ground Lightning Flash With Different Terminations
Authors: Yuan Shanfeng , Qie Xiushu , Jiang Rubin , Wang Dongfang , Sun Zhuling , Srivastava Abhay , Williams Earle
Published: July 2020

An uncommon three‐stroke positive cloud‐to‐ground (+CG) lightning flash was observed by synchronous multifrequency radiation sensors, and the three‐dimensional development of the channel was carefully mapped. Results show that three positive strokes grounded at different points approximately 4–8 km apart and time intervals between neighboring +CG strokes were 85 and 222 ms, respectively. This +CG flash was preceded by an intracloud (IC) discharge. The locations of the termination points on the ground were just below the preestablished horizontal IC discharge channels, and the three strokes were linked with each other through sharing horizontal negative leader channels inside the cloud. There were stepping pulses less than 0.4 ms before the first and second return strokes (RSs), and their location results were distributed nearby the following RS, indicating that the pulses might be associated with the attachment process. The first and second positive strokes occurred when the horizontal in‐cloud negative channel stopped extending, while the third positive stroke occurred below the opposite end of an advancing negative leader in the cloud. The above results suggest that the downward positive leader preceding the strokes possibly developed either from different decayed leader channels or from the opposite end of an advancing leader channel. A high‐speed camera captured a downward positive attempted leader from another +CG flash, revealing how a downward positive leader incepted from a horizontal negative lightning channel.
Experiments Reveal How Permafrost Carbon Becomes Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: July 2020

Field samples from Alaska show how sunlight and iron convert permafrost carbon to carbon dioxide. Climate models ignore this process.
This Week: Sacred Springs and the Search for the Origin of Life
Authors:   AGU
Published: July 2020

What Earth and space science stories are we recommending this week?
Characterizing and Quantifying African Dust Transport and Deposition to South America: Implications for the Phosphorus Budget in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Prospero Joseph M. , Barkley Anne E. , Gaston Cassandra J. , Gatineau Alexandre , Campos y Sansano Arthur , Panechou Kathy
Published: July 2020

Soils in the Amazon Basin are deficient in phosphorus, essential to soil fertility. Previous studies suggested that African mineral dust deposited to Amazonian soils served as an important source of phosphorus that enhances soil fertility. These studies lacked the quantitative measurements essential to validate estimates. Here we present daily measurements of mineral dust and PM10 carried in the trade winds at Cayenne, French Guiana, during 2002–2017. MERRA‐2 model dust concentrations showed excellent agreement with measurements over this period. Consequently, we used MERRA‐2 to estimate temporal and spatial deposition rates to Amazonia. Our annual deposition rate, 8–10 Tg dust, is substantially lower than previous estimates. Deposition rates are greatest over the northern and northeastern regions of South America. In contrast, rates are low in central Amazonia. Our results raise questions about the impact of African dust on soil fertility in Amazonia. However, African aerosol transport carries other aerosol species that could play a role in soil fertility, including biomass‐burning products known to contain substantial concentrations of phosphorus. Our study highlights the need for more measurements of aerosol and precipitation chemistry over wider expanses of South America in order to better characterize aerosol chemical and physical properties, to identify aerosol sources, and to constrain model estimates. We show that over 2002–2017 dust transport to South America was negatively correlated to rainfall over the Sahel in North Africa. Long‐term monitoring is needed to capture changes in transport from Africa that might occur as a result of climate change.
Differences in local population history at the finest level: the case of the Estonian population
Authors: Pankratov Vasili , Montinaro Francesco , Kushniarevich Alena , Hudjashov Georgi , Jay Flora , Saag Lauri , Flores Rodrigo , Marnetto Davide , Seppel Marten , Kals Mart , Võsa Urmo , Taccioli Cristian , Möls Märt , Milani Lili , Aasa Anto , Lawson Daniel John , Esko Tõnu , Mägi Reedik , Pagani Luca , Metspalu Andres , Metspalu Mait
Published: July 2020

Several recent studies detected fine-scale genetic structure in human populations. Hence, groups conventionally treated as single populations harbour significant variation in terms of allele frequencies and patterns of haplotype sharing. It has been shown that these findings should be considered when performing studies of genetic associations and natural selection, especially when dealing with polygenic phenotypes. However, there is little understanding of the practical effects of such genetic structure on demography reconstructions and selection scans when focusing on recent population history. Here we tested the impact of population structure on such inferences using high-coverage (~30×) genome sequences of 2305 Estonians. We show that different regions of Estonia differ in both effective population size dynamics and signatures of natural selection. By analyzing identity-by-descent segments we also reveal that some Estonian regions exhibit evidence of a bottleneck 10–15 generations ago reflecting sequential episodes of wars, plague and famine, although this signal is virtually undetected when treating Estonia as a single population. Besides that, we provide a framework for relating effective population size estimated from genetic data to actual census size and validate it on the Estonian population. This approach may be widely used both to cross-check estimates based on historical sources as well as to get insight into times and/or regions with no other information available. Our results suggest that the history of human populations within the last few millennia can be highly region specific and cannot be properly studied without taking local genetic structure into account.
Surface-enhanced electrochemiluminescence combined with resonance energy transfer for sensitive carcinoembryonic antigen detection in exhaled breath condensates
Authors: Ding Li , Xu Shaohua , Huang Dandan , Chen Lifen , Kannan Palanisamy , Guo Longhua , Lin Zhenyu
Published: July 2020

A sensitive sensor was developed based on surface-enhanced electrochemiluminescence (SEECL) combined with resonance energy transfer (RET) to detect CEA in exhaled breath condensates (EBCs).
Synthesis and characterization of three new rare-earth orthoborates: Ba2MgY2(BO3)4, Ba2CdY2(BO3)4, and Ba2CdSc(BO3)3
Authors: Liu Runqing , Wu Hongping , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng
Published: July 2020

Three rare-earth orthoborates Ba2MgY2(BO3)4, Ba2CdY2(BO3)4, and Ba2CdSc(BO3)3 were synthesized via a high-temperature solution method and their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction for the first time.
The renoprotective effect of diosgenin on aristolochic acid I-induced renal injury in rats: impact on apoptosis, mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy
Authors: Jin Chengni , Miao Xin , Zhong Yujie , Han Jiahui , Liu Qi , Zhu Jiachang , Xia Xiaodong , Peng Xiaoli
Published: July 2020

Diosgenin relieved aristolochic acid I-induced renal injury in rats by suppressing apoptosis, maintaining mitochondrial dynamics equilibrium, and inhibiting autophagy.
A type-II blue phosphorus/MoSe2 van der Waals heterostructure: improved electronic and optical properties via vertical electric field
Authors: Shu Huabing
Published: July 2020

Electric-field-driving effective separation of photoexcited electron–hole pairs in the P2/MoSe2 vdW heterostructure.
Biomolecule-assisted synthesis of porous network-like Ni3S2 nanoarchitectures assembled with ultrathin nanosheets as integrated negative electrodes for high-performance lithium storage
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Yue , Liu Kun , Zhang Jinhui , Wu Xiaoyu
Published: July 2020

Porous network-like Ni3S2 nanoarchitectures have been successfully synthesized on nickel foam via a facile eco-friendly biomolecule-assisted hydrothermal process, in which l-cysteine is served as both the sulfur source and the directing molecule.
“Layer peeling” co-delivery system for enhanced RNA interference-based tumor associated macrophages-specific chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Mu Weiwei , Li Feifei , Zhang Jing , Hou Teng , Pang Xiuping , Yin Xiaolan , Zhang Na
Published: July 2020

“Layer peeling” co-delivery systems provide a novel strategy to realize xenotype cells-targeting delivery and enhance the cancer chemoimmunotherapy effects.
A novel bifunctional microencapsulated phase change material loaded with ZnO for thermal energy storage and light–thermal energy conversion
Authors: Huang Chaowei , Li Qiuting , Yang Yubin , Wei Sheng , Ji Rong , Zhang Qingfeng , Zhu Yucao , Zhang Huanzhi , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian , Xia Yongpeng
Published: July 2020

Novel bifunctional microencapsulated PCMs were synthesized via in situ polymerization by introducing nano-ZnO into the polymer shells, which providing the microencapsulated PCMs with good light-thermal conversion properties and thermal stability.
A cation exchange strategy to construct a targeting nanoprobe for enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging of tumors
Authors: Chen Siyu , Zhang Qin , Sun Haitao , Zheng Yingyan , Chen Qian , Luo Yu , Chen Hangrong , Zhou Quan
Published: July 2020

Excellent imaging performance and good biocompatibility of contrast agents are considered as prerequisites for accurate tumor diagnosis.
Whose Service Is It Anyway? Patients as Co-Designers to Improve Dysphagia Care Pathways
Authors: Brady Grainne C. , Roe Justin W. G.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The field of speech-language pathology has made remarkable strides to improve the evidence-based management of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Dysphagia services have evolved in response to the ever-increasing evidence base for the role of the speech-language pathology in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia. However, dysphagia service pathway design and provision are driven by service capacity or national guidance. Rarely are patients and clinicians truly working together to develop or redesign dysphagia care pathways. This article will describe Experience Based Co-Design and how the methodology has contributed to a better understanding of pretreatment service provision at our center.

Conclusion

We make recommendations for clinicians on the application of this methodology in future projects for the design and redesign of speech-language pathology dysphagia services.
Eating, Drinking, and Comfort at End-of-Life: Promoting a Quality of
Death
Authors: Askren Annette N. , Kershner Marnie
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Dysphagia is common in the last days of life (Bogaardt et al., 2015). Patients themselves, their families and caregivers, and health care professionals often struggle to deploy best practices in dysphagia management during this stage. Despite agreement that one's end-of-life should promote comfort, whether or not this is achieved can be unintentionally negatively impacted by the values of loved ones and health care workers, as well as health care workers' practice patterns. Importantly, we have yet to establish a comprehensive understanding of the patient experience at end-of-life to determine what truly entails “comfort” surrounding eating and drinking. Speech-language pathologists are increasingly consulted to address swallowing at end-of-life. It behooves the skilled clinician to have an understanding of the human condition in the final days to hours of life.

Method

In this piece, we explore the effects of food, drink, and the fasted state in both healthy adults and adults at end-of-life. We pose the thought-provoking question: Do food and drink contribute to a quality of death?

Conclusion

With this information, we work at the top of our license as providers who bring a unique, comprehensive understanding of such patients to the multidisciplinary comfort care team.
First detection of NHD and ND2 in the interstellar medium
Authors: Melosso M. , Bizzocchi L. , Sipilä O. , Giuliano B. M. , Dore L. , Tamassia F. , Martin-Drumel M.-A. , Pirali O. , Redaelli E. , Caselli P.
Published: July 2020

Context. Deuterium fractionation processes in the interstellar medium (ISM) have been shown to be highly efficient in the family of nitrogen hydrides. To date, observations have been limited to ammonia (NH2D, NHD2, ND3) and imidogen radical (ND) isotopologues.

Aims. We want to explore the high-frequency windows offered by the Herschel Space Observatory to search for deuterated forms of the amidogen radical NH2 and to compare the observations against the predictions of our comprehensive gas-grain chemical model.

Methods. Making use of the new molecular spectroscopy data recently obtained at high frequencies for NHD and ND2, we searched for both isotopologues in the spectral survey toward the Class 0 protostar IRAS 16293-2422, a source in which NH3, NH, and their deuterated variants have previously been detected. We used the observations carried out with HIFI (Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared) in the framework of the key program “Chemical Herschel surveys of star forming regions” (CHESS).

Results. We report the first detection of interstellar NHD and ND2. Both species are observed in absorption against the continuum of the protostar. From the analysis of their hyperfine structure, accurate excitation temperature and column density values are determined. The latter were combined with the column density of the parent species NH2 to derive the deuterium fractionation in amidogen. We find a high deuteration level of amidogen radical in IRAS 16293-2422, with a deuterium enhancement about one order of magnitude higher than that predicted by earlier astrochemical models. Such a high enhancement can only be reproduced by a gas-grain chemical model if the pre-stellar phase preceding the formation of the protostellar system has a long duration: on the order of one million years.

Conclusions. The amidogen D/H ratio measured in the low-mass protostar IRAS 16293-2422 is comparable to that derived for the related species imidogen and much higher than that observed for ammonia. Additional observations of these species will provide more insights into the mechanism of ammonia formation and deuteration in the ISM. Finally, we indicate the current possibilities to further explore these species at submillimeter wavelengths.
Demonstration of a wideband submillimeter-wave low-noise receiver with 4–21 GHz IF output digitized by a high-speed 32 GSps ADC
Authors: Kojima T. , Kiuchi H. , Uemizu K. , Uzawa Y. , Kroug M. , Gonzalez A. , Dippon T. , Kageura T.
Published: July 2020

We report on a 275–500 GHz heterodyne receiver system in combination with a wideband intermediate-frequency (IF) backend to realize 17 GHz instantaneous bandwidth. The receiver frontend implements a heterodyne mixer module that integrates a superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer chip and a cryogenic low-noise preamplifier. The SIS mixer is developed based on high-current-density junction technologies to achieve a wideband radio frequency (RF) and IF bandwidth. The IF backend comprises an IF chain divided into two channels for 4.0–11.5 GHz and 11.3–21.0 GHz and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) module that is capable of high-speed sampling at 32 Giga samples per second with 12.5 GHz bandwidth per channel and an effective number of bits of 6.5. The IF backend allows us to simultaneously cover the full 4–21 GHz IF range of the receiver frontend. The measured noise temperature of the receiver frontend was below three times the quantum noise (hf/kB) over the entire RF band. A dual-polarization sideband-separating receiver based on this technique could provide up to 64 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth, which demonstrates the possibility of future wideband radio astronomical observations with advanced submillimeter-wave heterodyne receivers.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Women Presenting with Venous Thromboembolism during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period: Findings from the RIETE Registry
Authors: Elgendy Islam Y. , Fogerty Annemarie , Blanco-Molina Ángeles , Rosa Vladimir , Schellong Sebastian , Skride Andris , Portillo José , Lopez-Miguel Patricia , Monreal Manuel , Weinberg Ido
Published: July 2020

Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality, there is a paucity of real-world clinical data on clinical presentation and management of VTE during pregnancy and postpartum period. Using data from the international RIETE (Registro Informatizado Enfermedad Trombo Embólica) registry, pregnant and postpartum women with VTE were identified. Baseline characteristics, risk factors, therapies, and outcomes were compared. From March 2001 to July 2019, 596 pregnant and 523 postpartum women had symptomatic, objectively confirmed VTE. Pregnant or postpartum women were less likely to have another risk factor for VTE (i.e., immobility, cancer, recent travel) than nonpregnant women aged < 50 years. The prevalence of thrombophilia was higher among pregnant and postpartum women compared with nonpregnant women (53.2% vs. 46%). Pulmonary embolism (PE) was less commonly diagnosed in pregnant versus postpartum women (27% vs. 42%). Pregnant women with PE were commonly treated with low molecular weight heparin (73% vs. 29%), and received more inferior vena cava filters (6.0% vs. 4.2%) compared with postpartum women. By 90 days, one pregnant and one postpartum woman died after PE, and one died after a deep venous thrombosis. The incidence of recurrent VTE was low. In this largest cohort of pregnant and postpartum women with confirmed VTE, we found that pregnant and postpartum women with VTE were unlikely to present with other risk factors for VTE. Adverse outcomes in our study were uncommon.
Exact solutions to steady radial flow in a porous medium with variable permeability
Authors: Nec Y. , Huculak G.
Published: July 2020

A wide class of exact solutions to equations of steady flow of ideal gas in a porous medium is obtained in a planar annular domain comprising sectors of distinct permeabilities. The formulation involves an unconventional Sturm–Liouville problem. The class also admits solutions to configurations with respective distinct generation rates. The solutions are expected to be applicable to landfill gas or natural gas extraction. The breaking of axial symmetry enables realistic modeling of the radius of influence for both horizontal and vertical wells. The analysis proves that the well’s reach would have an azimuthal dependence in any problem with a heterogeneous medium. Therefore, it is suggested that the concept of radius of influence as perceived today be revised.
A hierarchical Bayesian mixture model for inferring the expression state of genes in transcriptomes
Authors: Thompson Ammon , May Michael R. , Moore Brian R. , Kopp Artyom
Published: July 2020

Significance

How do the cells of an organism—each with an identical genome—give rise to tissues of incredible phenotypic diversity? Key to answering this question is the transcriptome: the set of genes expressed in a given tissue. We would clearly benefit from the ability to identify qualitative differences in expression (whether a gene is active or inactive in a given tissue/species). Inferring the expression state of genes is surprisingly difficult, owing to the complex biological processes that give rise to transcriptomes and to the vagaries of techniques used to generate transcriptomic datasets. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian mixture model that—by describing those biological and technical processes—allows us to infer the expression state of genes from replicate transcriptomic datasets.
Induced proximity of a TIR signaling domain on a plant-mammalian NLR chimera activates defense in plants
Authors: Duxbury Zane , Wang Shanshan , MacKenzie Craig I. , Tenthorey Jeannette L. , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Huh Sung Un , Hu Lanxi , Hill Lionel , Ngou Pok Man , Ding Pingtao , Chen Jian , Ma Yan , Guo Hailong , Castel Baptiste , Moschou Panagiotis N. , Bernoux Maud , Dodds Peter N. , Vance Russell E. , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: July 2020

Significance

Animal NLRs form wheel-like structures called inflammasomes upon perception of pathogen-associated molecules. The induced proximity of the signaling domains at the center of the wheel is hypothesized to recruit caspases for the first step of immune signal transduction. We expressed a plant-animal NLR fusion to demonstrate that induced proximity of TIR signaling domains from plant NLRs is sufficient to activate plant immune signaling. This demonstrates that a signaling-competent inflammasome can be formed from known, minimal components. The intrinsic NADase activity of plant TIRs is necessary for immune signaling, but fusions to a bacterial or a mammalian TIR domain with NADase activity, which also lead to accumulation of NAD
+
hydrolysis products (e.g. cyclic ADP-ribose), were unable to activate immune signaling.
Thinner biological tissues induce leaflet flutter in aortic heart valve replacements
Authors: Johnson Emily L. , Wu Michael C. H. , Xu Fei , Wiese Nelson M. , Rajanna Manoj R. , Herrema Austin J. , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Hughes Thomas J. R. , Sacks Michael S. , Hsu Ming-Chen
Published: July 2020

Significance

Percutaneous valve replacement procedures enable the deployment of bioprosthetic heart valves through a catheter, which offers a minimally invasive option to treat valvular heart disease. Although these bioprostheses typically employ thinner leaflet tissues to accommodate the collapsed valve dimensions, the impact of using such tissues remains poorly understood. This study used high-fidelity computational methods to model realistic aortic valve implants and analyze the behavior of thinner tissues in the valvular system. The results from this investigation provide essential knowledge about a previously understudied phenomenon and indicate that thinner, more flexible biological tissues induce significant leaflet flutter during the cardiac cycle. This observed response introduces blood flow disturbances and leaflet irregularities that can lead to cardiovascular dysfunction and reduced valve durability.
The pragmatics of text-emoji co-occurrences on Chinese social media
Authors: Yang Xiran , Liu Meichun
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the pragmatics of emojis co-occurring with or embedded in text on Chinese social media with
this central research question: what are the patterns and the communicative functions manifested by emojis in co-occurrence with
Chinese text? Building on the metafunctional approach of multimodal analysis, popular online posts from Sina Weibo which contain
both emoji(s) and text have been collected and analyzed to discover the representational, interactive, and compositional features
manifested by emojis co-occurring with text. We have found that these emojis on Weibo appear most frequently at the end of the
posts and reflect some unique Chinese cultural and linguistic features. Based on recurring pragmatic and functional patterns of
text-emoji co-occurrences, it is proposed that emojis are used to perform speech acts, highlight subjective interpretations, and
enhance informality, while substituting, reinforcing, and complementing the meanings conveyed by verbal language.
MiR-9-5p inhibits mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress in AD cell models by targeting GSK-3β
Authors: Liu Junli , Zuo Xiaoqin , Han Jixiang , Dai Qingxiang , Xu Huining , Liu Ying , Cui Sen
Published: July 2020

This study aims to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of overexpression microRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p) on the Aβ-induced mouse hippocampal neuron cell line HT22. Different concentrations of Aβ25-35 (10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 μM) treatment were used to establish AD model in HT22 cells. The CCK-8 assay was used to measure the cell viability. The mRNA expression levels of miR-9-5p and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were determined by RT-qPCR. HT22 cell apoptosis was analyzed flow cytometry. MiR-9-5p was down-regulated in Aβ25-35-induced HT22 cells. GSK-3β is a functional target for miR-9-5p. MiR-9-5p overexpression inhibited Aβ25-35-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, cell apoptosis, and oxidative stress by regulating GSK-3β expression in HT22 cells. Furthermore, through targeting GSK-3β, overexpression of miR-9-5p partly activated nuclear factor Nrf2/Keap1 signaling, including part increases of Nrf2, HO-1, SOD-1, GCLC expression and slight decrease of Keap1 expression. Our results showed miR-9-5p may play a powerful role in the pathogenesis of AD.
Spatio-temporal characteristics of cultivated land fragmentation in different landform areas with a case study in Northeast China
Authors: Qian Fengkui , Chi Yanru , Lal Rattan , Lorenz Klaus
Published: July 2020

Assessing the temporal and spatial characteristics of cultivated land fragmentation is necessary to identify management practices that can reduce negative environmental effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use principal component analysis and spatial autocorrelation to analyze the dynamic characteristics of cultivated land fragmentation in different landform areas in Liaoning Province, China, in terms of time and space. An additional objective was to match the changes with the natural and social environment to support the sustainable development of fragmented cultivated land. The results indicated that the evolutionary trends of cultivated land fragmentation in the central plain area showed a weakening trend, contrary to those observed in the western hilly and eastern mountainous areas. Moreover, the spatial distribution characteristics of cultivated land fragmentation in the western hilly area were generally “external low, internal high,” primarily because of the edge density of cultivated land patches. The spatial distribution characteristics of cultivated land fragmentation in the central plain area were generally “external high, internal low,” primarily because of the number and division of cultivated land patches. The spatial distribution characteristics of cultivated land fragmentation in the eastern mountainous area were generally “south low, north high” because of the division of cultivated land patches. These results can provide guidelines for planners, managers, decision-makers and others to formulate regulatory policies, identify land remediation areas, and promote the sustainable development of cultivated land.
Final report on supplementary comparison of national standards for liquid flow COOMET.M.FF-S2 (COOMET Project 406/UA/07)
Authors: Frahm E , Mickan B , Gulyuk V , Reut G , Zigmantas G , Benkova M , Kayumov M
Published: July 2020

A supplementary comparison, COOMET.M.FF-S2, in the field of water flow was organized by the COOMET Technical Committee (TC) 1.4 Flow Measurement. The goal of the comparison was to confirm the calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) of the participating national metrology institutes (NMIs) in the flow ranges between 0.5 m3/h and 5.0 m3/h, and, respectively, between 20.0 m3/h and 100.0 m3/h. This is the first comparison in the field of fluid flow which has been done by the COOMET TC Flow Measurement.

This report describes the comparison results of the following water flow facilities (NMIs): PTB (Braunschweig, Germany), National standards Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan), LEI (Kaunas, Lithuania), SMU (Bratislava, Slovakia), BelGIM (Minsk, Belarus), VNIIR (Kazan, Russia).

The PTB was designated as the pilot lab of this comparison, due to the low measurement uncertainty of its water flow primary standard, in comparison to all participants, and because of its experience in leading and participating in previous international flow comparisons.

In order to cover a large flowrate range, two transfer standard packages were delivered to all involved NMIs of the inter-laboratory comparison. For low flowrate range and nominal diameter of 25 mm a turbine meter and an electromagnetic flowmeter were used as transfer standards. For upper flow rates two turbine meters with a nominal diameter of 80 mm were used. All calibrations were made during March 2009 until May 2012.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Final report on key comparison EURAMET.AUV.V-K2
Authors: Kolasa Joanna , Virovska Daniela
Published: July 2020

This final report describes the results obtained in a key comparison of primary vibration calibration facilities. Two piezoelectric standard accelerometers (one single-ended as well one back-to-back type) were calibrated first at Central Office of Measures (GUM), acting as pilot and linking laboratory, and Bulgarian Institute for Metrology (BIM). The results of the BIM obtained in this comparison were linked to the CCAUV.V-K2 key comparison through the joint participation of the GUM. The degrees of equivalence were computed for BIM with respect to the CCAUV.V-K2 key comparison reference value.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCAUV, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Effect of incompatibility between healing agent and cement matrix on self-healing performance of intelligent cementitious composite
Authors: Xue Caihong , Li Wengui , Castel Arnaud , Wang Kejin , Sheng Daichao
Published: July 2020

Encapsulation-based intelligent self-healing cementitious composite with a potential of crack self-healing and closure is promising to recovery concrete from damage and improve the durability and serviceability of infrastructures. The efficiency of self-healing concrete were investigated, but limited studies have been conducted on effect of incompatibility between the self-healing agent and cement matrix on the cracking behaviour and recovery efficiency of crack-healed concrete. In this study, a coupled experimental and numerical investigations were adopted to understand the cracking behaviours of crack-healed cementitious composites using traction–separation law by extended finite element method (XFEM). Firstly, experimental investigation was conducted to characterize the properties and parameters of cement matrix and healing agent-crack interface to calibrate the traction–separation law. Then, various parameters of healing agent, cement matrix, and their interface on the performance of crack-healed cementitious composite was numerically analysed. The results indicate that to achieve excellent self-healing performance, it is vital to consider the incompatibility between healing agent and cement matrix in the design of intelligent self-healing cementitious composites.
Strong lattice anharmonicity exhibited by the high-energy optical phonons in thermoelectric material
Authors: Wu Peng , Fan Feng-Ren , Hagihala Masato , Kofu Maiko , Peng Kunling , Ishikawa Yoshihisa , Lee Sanghyun , Honda Takashi , Yonemura Masao , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya , Wang Guoyu , Nakajima Kenji , Sun Zhe , Kamiyama Takashi
Published: July 2020

Thermoelectric material SnSe has aroused world-wide interests in the past years, and its inherent strong lattice anharmonicity is regarded as a crucial factor for its outstanding thermoelectric performance. However, the understanding of lattice anharmonicity in SnSe system remains inadequate, especially regarding how phonon dynamics are affected by this behavior. In this work, we present a comprehensive study of lattice dynamics on Na0.003Sn0.997Se0.9S0.1 by means of neutron total scattering, inelastic neutron scattering, Raman spectroscopy as well as frozen-phonon calculations. Lattice anharmonicity is evidenced by pair distribution function, inelastic neutron scattering and Raman measurements. By separating the effects of thermal expansion and multi-phonon scattering, we found that the latter is very significant in high-energy optical phonon modes. The strong temperature-dependence of these phonon modes indicate the anharmonicity in this system. Moreover, our data reveals that the linewidths of high-energy optical phonons become broadened with mild doping of sulfur. Our studies suggest that the thermoelectric performance of SnSe could be further enhanced by reducing the contributions of high-energy optical phonon modes to the lattice thermal conductivity via phonon engineering.
Research on the Technology of Boulder Treatment in Urban Metro Tunnel Construction
Authors: Zhang G , Ran G Y , Hu H
Published: July 2020

With the development of shield tunneling in urban metro shield technology is applied more and more in complex layer. Taking the construction of Shenzhen Metro Line 5 as an example, in this paper the formation mechanism and distribution law of isolated boulder is deep analyzed, the difficult and risk of shield tunneling in the boulder existing mix ground is discussed, and the main methods and measures for the breaking of the boulder during construction is introduced. Through comparing of eight treatment method for boulder, the advantage and disadvantage of various processing methods is proposed, therefore it could apply to different project.
Optimization of Biogas-Fed Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System
Authors: Mungkalasiri W , Mungkalasiri J
Published: July 2020

In this work, an integrated system of biogas tri-reforming and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for power generation was studied by using Aspen Plus simulation. Biogas obtained from a sugar industry with 75%CH4 and 25%CO2 was used as feedstock. However, biogas-feed SOFC power generation system released carbon dioxide (CO2) which was the main cause of global warming. Therefore, solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) was considered for CO2 reduction called reversible solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC). The RSOFC system included four units; tri-reforming, SOFC, SOEC and methanation. This research aimed to optimize operating conditions of the RSOFC system for generating maximum electricity and reducing CO2. The results of biogas tri-reforming with SOFC system showed that the electrical power production was 6233 W/m2 and CO2 emission was 1603 kg/hr. The results of RSOFC system indicated that CO2 emission was reduced by 24.7%.
70-year Evolution of China’s Environmental Policy —Based on the Analysis of Policy Text Using Nvivo 11.0
Authors: Liu Jiajie , Du George , Liu Weina , Zhang Dianwei
Published: July 2020

Reviewing the development of China’s environmental policy is of great significance to China’s policy formulation and environmental protection in other developing countries and regions. This research took the environmental policy texts 70 years ago, i.e. from the founding of New China as the research object, and used NVivo 11.0 software to analyze the text encoding. It sorted out and summarized the development process of China’s environmental policy: initial stage (1975-1991), difficult stage (1992-2002), exploration stage (2003-2012), and development stage (2013-2018). It shows evolution logic behind value rationality of China’s environmental policies, increasing policy suitability, and continuous optimization of policies.
The Smoke Spread Rule under Different Longitudinal Wind Speed in the Case of Fire in a Blocked Tunnel
Authors: Ran G Y , Zhang G , Zhang H , Sun J C
Published: July 2020

In recent years the development of the field of underground transportation is entering a new era. At the same time the loss caused by the tunnel fire is also incalculable. In the case of fire, its complex interior, less entrances and exits, and long evacuation routes bring great difficulties to the evacuation of people, often causing significant casualties and property losses. In this paper, FDS will be used to study the smoke spreading law of the tunnel with train blockage in terms of no mechanical ventilation and different ventilation speeds in different fire source locations. The results show that the critical wind speed of the tunnel with train blockage is lower than that of the tunnel without train blockage.
Challenges for Design Engineers in Sustainable Engineering
Authors: Deng Y M , Baeyens J , Zhang H L , Li S
Published: July 2020

Very few industrial processes only produce the target product, but other materials not desired by the manufacturer are also obtained. These unwanted products constitute the residues of the processes and their discharge contributes to the overall environmental impact. The concept of preventing pollution is gaining increased importance, and certain industries that are particularly similar in nature, could benefit from PPP (Pollution Prevention Program) cross-fertilization. Implementing PPP sets important targets and benefits. A number of codes of good practice lead to PPP, both from a management and technical viewpoints. The fast development of technology and pollution standards implies important challenges for environmental engineers, environmental research and development. Although there is no general route to success, there are however a number of pollution prevention and waste reduction schemes that apply. These alternatives and procedures are illustrated in the paper. It is clear that environment-caring companies will be more readily accepted by their human environment. It is also evident that the engineer of the 21st century faces new and complex environmental challenges. Research remains the backbone of successful development.
On the Outdoor Microclimates of Building Clusters in Cold Regions
Authors: Pan W , Mei H
Published: July 2020

Building clusters are settlements that are gradually formed by people living in cold regions after long-term resistance to the cold climate. For those facing extreme living environments, building clusters can effectively produce a cluster effect to generate a more comfortable outdoor microclimate for humans. In this paper, building clusters are summarized into 4 types, and a comparative study on the outdoor microclimates of the different types of building clusters is provided. In the study, the microclimate-based equivalent temperature (MBET) is used as the main parameter, and the micro-climate simulation software ENVI-met is used as a simulation tool. The results validate the important role of the building cluster type in producing the microclimate and provide a new basis for the type selection and design of building clusters in cold regions.
Dynamic pharmacy leadership during the COVID-19 crisis: Optimizing patient care through formulary and drug shortage management
Authors: Pulk Rebecca Ann , Leber Molly , Tran Lydia , Ammar Mahmoud , Amin Nilesh , Miller LeeAnn , Yazdi Marina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for health systems around the world. We describe our approach to adapting the pharmacy leadership structure to address critical medication shortages through innovative data analysis, procurement strategies, and rapid implementation of medication policy.

Yale New Haven Health deployed a system incident management command structure to effectively respond to the COVID-19 crisis. System pharmacy services adopted a similar framework to enable efficient communication and quick decision-making in key domains, including drug procurement and policy. By refining a model to project health-system medication needs, we were able to anticipate challenges and devise alternative treatment algorithms. By leveraging big data and creating a system knowledge base, we were able to consolidate reporting and coordinate efforts to ensure system success. Various procurement strategies were employed to ensure adequate supply, including frequent communication with our wholesaler, sourcing direct from suppliers, outsourcing of sterile products compounding to registered 503B outsourcing facilities, and acquisition of active pharmaceutical ingredients for compounding of essential medications. Strategic positioning of pharmacists within the health system’s incident command response teams and rapid adaption of drug use policy governance fueled accelerated response and nimble implementation. Communication was streamlined and executed via multiple outlets to reach a broad audience across the health system.

Conclusion

With medication shortages posing a threat to patient care, dynamic pharmacy leadership proved essential to providing patient care at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. System alignment and the rapid adaption of the existing framework for drug shortage management and medication use policy were crucial to success in crisis response.
Medication utilization in patients in New York hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dabestani Arash , DeAngelo Dawn , Chhay Sophia R , Larson Bayli J , Ganio Michael C
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Utilization of hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and supportive therapy drugs in hospitals in New York during the early weeks of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was analyzed.

Drug utilization trends for 7 medications used to treat patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 at 47 New York hospitals were identified. The data demonstrated sharp increases in aggregate utilization of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine and the number of patients receiving either drug beginning on March 15, with a notable 20% median increase per day through March 31. The net quantity of drug charge units per day for midazolam, propofol, ketamine, cisatracurium, and fentanyl also increased during the study period. Following peak utilization, use of all study drugs decreased at different times throughout April 2020. The data were used to provide information to various stakeholders in the drug supply chain during the initial surge of the pandemic.

Conclusion

This analysis describes the increased use, beginning in mid-March 2020, of hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, midazolam, propofol, ketamine, cisatracurium, and fentanyl in 47 hospitals in New York State. The increased utilization of supportive therapy drugs was consistent with the surge in patients with presumed or confirmed COVID-19 during the study period. These data and observations can help clinicians, health-system leaders, manufacturers, wholesalers, and policymakers understand the impact of current and future pandemics on the drug supply chain.
Two decades of functional–structural plant modelling: now addressing fundamental questions in systems biology and predictive ecology
Authors: Louarn Gaëtan , Song Youhong
Published: July 2020

Background

Functional–structural plant models (FSPMs) explore and integrate relationships between a plant’s structure and processes that underlie its growth and development. In the last 20 years, scientists interested in functional–structural plant modelling have expanded greatly the range of topics covered and now handle dynamical models of growth and development occurring from the microscopic scale, and involving cell division in plant meristems, to the macroscopic scales of whole plants and plant communities.

Scope

The FSPM approach occupies a central position in plant science; it is at the crossroads of fundamental questions in systems biology and predictive ecology. This special issue of Annals of Botany features selected papers on critical areas covered by FSPMs and examples of comprehensive models that are used to solve theoretical and applied questions, ranging from developmental biology to plant phenotyping and management of plants for agronomic purposes. Altogether, they offer an opportunity to assess the progress, gaps and bottlenecks along the research path originally foreseen for FSPMs two decades ago. This review also allows discussion of current challenges of FSPMs regarding (1) integration of multidisciplinary knowledge, (2) methods for handling complex models, (3) standards to achieve interoperability and greater genericity and (4) understanding of plant functioning across scales.

Conclusions

This approach has demonstrated considerable progress, but has yet to reach its full potential in terms of integration and heuristic knowledge production. The research agenda of functional–structural plant modellers in the coming years should place a greater emphasis on explaining robust emergent patterns, and on the causes of possible deviation from it. Modelling such patterns could indeed fuel both generic integration across scales and transdisciplinary transfer. In particular, it could be beneficial to emergent fields of research such as model-assisted phenotyping and predictive ecology in managed ecosystems.