bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parent Relationship Satisfaction and Reflective Functioning as Predictors of Emotional Availability and Infant Behavior
Authors: Salo Saara J. , Pajulo Marjukka , Vinzce Lazlo , Raittila Simo , Sourander Johanna , Kalland Mirjam
Published: March 2021

Marital and parenting systems are likely to interact during the first year of an infant’s life. This study examines the longitudinal interrelations of relationship satisfaction and parental reflective functioning (PRF) and their predictive relations with later emotional availability (EA) and infant social-emotional behaviors (SEB) including skills as well as behavioral problems among first-time Finnish mothers and fathers (n = 556). The follow-up period was between three and 12 months. In addition to having direct effects, we examined a mediational model in which self-reports on PRF factors of interest and curiosity and appropriateness of reasoning would mediate the effects of previous relationship satisfaction to the parent and dyadic side of EA and infant SEB at 12 months. The results show significant stability for relationship satisfaction and PRF for both mothers and fathers as well as direct effects on EA and SEB. However, we found differences between mothers and fathers. For mothers, path analysis indicated support for a mediational model where earlier relationship satisfaction predicted later EA and infant problem behaviors also through the current level of PRF. For fathers, both relationship satisfaction and PRF had direct, but not mediated, effects, and on both infant problem behaviors as well as infant social competence. Together, despite these differences, focusing clinically on both relationship satisfaction and PRF may prove significant in preventing later relational and/or infant difficulties in SEB for both mothers and fathers.
Interface Roughening in Two Dimensions
Authors: Münster Gernot , Cañizares Guerrero Manuel
Published: March 2021

Roughening of interfaces implies the divergence of the interface width w with the system size L. For two-dimensional systems the divergence of $$w^2$$

w
2

is linear in L. In the framework of a detailed capillary wave approximation and of statistical field theory we derive an expression for the asymptotic behaviour of $$w^2$$

w
2

, which differs from results in the literature. It is confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations.
Learning from failure at the science–policy interface for climate action in agriculture
Authors: Dinesh Dhanush , Hegger Dries , Vervoort Joost , Campbell Bruce M. , Driessen Peter P. J.
Published: March 2021

Science–policy engagement efforts to accelerate climate action in agricultural systems are key to enable the sector to contribute to climate and food security goals. However, lessons to improve science–policy engagement efforts in this context mostly come from successful efforts and are limited in terms of empirical scope. Moreover, lessons have not been generated systematically from failed science–policy engagement efforts. Such analysis using lessons from failure management can improve or even transform the efficacy of efforts. To address this knowledge gap, we examined challenges and failures faced in science–policy engagement efforts of the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). We developed an explanatory framework inspired by Cash et al.’s criteria for successful knowledge systems for sustainable development: credibility, salience, and legitimacy, complemented with insights from the wider literature. Using this framework in a survey, we identified factors which explain failure. To effectively manage these factors, we propose a novel approach for researchers working at the science–policy interface to fail intelligently, which involves planning for failure, minimizing risks, effective design, making failures visible, and learning from failures. This approach needs to be complemented by actions at the knowledge system level to create an enabling environment for science–policy interfaces.
On the trade-offs and synergies between forest carbon sequestration and substitution
Authors: Soimakallio Sampo , Kalliokoski Tuomo , Lehtonen Aleksi , Salminen Olli
Published: March 2021

Forest biomass can be used in two different ways to limit the growth of the atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations: (1) to provide negative emissions through sequestration of carbon into forests and harvested wood products or (2) to avoid GHG emissions through substitution of non-renewable raw materials with wood. We study the trade-offs and synergies between these strategies using three different Finnish national-level forest scenarios between 2015 and 2044 as examples. We demonstrate how GHG emissions change when wood harvest rates are increased. We take into account CO2 and other greenhouse gas flows in the forest, the decay rate of harvested wood products and fossil-based CO2 emissions that can be avoided by substituting alternative materials with wood derived from increased harvests. We considered uncertainties of key parameters by using stochastic simulation. According to our results, an increase in harvest rates in Finland increased the total net GHG flow to the atmosphere virtually certainly or very likely, given the uncertainties and time frame considered. This was because the increased biomass-based CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere together with decreased carbon sequestration into the forest were very likely higher than the avoided fossil-based CO2 emissions. The reverse of this conclusion would require that compared to what was studied in this paper, the share of long-living wood products in the product mix would be higher, carbon dioxide from bioenergy production would be captured and stored, and reduction in forest carbon equivalent net sink due to wood harvesting would be minimized.
Granzyme B PET Imaging of Combined Chemotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Colon Cancer
Authors: Goggi Julian L , Hartimath Siddesh V , Xuan Tan Yun , Khanapur Shivashankar , Jieu Beverly , Chin Hui Xian , Ramasamy Boominathan , Cheng Peter , Rong Tang Jun , Fong Yong Fui , Yuen Tsz Ying , Msallam Rasha , Chacko Ann-Marie , Renia Laurent , Johannes Charles , Hwang You Yi , Robins Edward G
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Chemotherapeutic adjuvants, such as oxaliplatin (OXA) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), that enhance the immune system, are being assessed as strategies to improve durable response rates when used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy in cancer patients. In this study, we explored granzyme B (GZB), released by tumor-associated immune cells, as a PET imaging-based stratification marker for successful combination therapy using a fluorine-18 (18F)-labelled GZB peptide ([18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP).

Methods

Using the immunocompetent CT26 syngeneic mouse model of colon cancer, we assessed the potential for [18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP to stratify OXA/5-FU and ICI combination therapy response via GZB PET. In vivo tumor uptake of [18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP in different treatment arms was quantified by PET, and linked to differences in tumor-associated immune cell populations defined by using multicolour flow cytometry.

Results

[18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP tumor uptake was able to clearly differentiate treatment responders from non-responders when stratified based on changes in tumor volume. Furthermore, [18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP showed positive associations with changes in tumor-associated lymphocytes expressing GZB, namely GZB+ CD8+ T cells and GZB+ NK+ cells.

Conclusions

[18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP tumor uptake, driven by changes in immune cell populations expressing GZB, is able to stratify tumor response to chemotherapeutics combined with ICIs. Our results show that, while the immunomodulatory mode of action of the chemotherapies may be different, the ultimate mechanism of tumor lysis through release of Granzyme B is an accurate biomarker for treatment response.
The braingraph.org database with more than 1000 robust human connectomes in five resolutions
Authors: Varga Bálint , Grolmusz Vince
Published: March 2021

The human brain is the most complex object of study we encounter today. Mapping the neuronal-level connections between the more than 80 billion neurons in the brain is a hopeless task for science. By the recent advancement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we are able to map the macroscopic connections between about 1000 brain areas. The MRI data acquisition and the subsequent algorithmic workflow contain several complex steps, where errors can occur. In the present contribution we describe and publish 1064 human connectomes, computed from the public release of the Human Connectome Project. Each connectome is available in 5 resolutions, with 83, 129, 234, 463 and 1015 anatomically labeled nodes. For error correction we follow an averaging and extreme value deleting strategy for each edge and for each connectome. The resulting 5320 braingraphs can be downloaded from the https://braingraph.org site. This dataset makes possible the access to this graphs for scientists unfamiliar with neuroimaging- and connectome-related tools: mathematicians, physicists and engineers can use their expertize and ideas in the analysis of the connections of the human brain. Brain scientists and computational neuroscientists also have a robust and large, multi-resolution set for connectomical studies.
D-optimal designs for Poisson regression with synergetic interaction effect
Authors: Freise Fritjof , Graßhoff Ulrike , Röttger Frank , Schwabe Rainer
Published: March 2021

We characterizeD-optimal designs in the two-dimensional Poisson regression model with synergetic interaction and provide an explicit proof. The proof is based on the idea of reparameterization of the design region in terms of contours of constant intensity. This approach leads to a substantial reduction in complexity as properties of the sensitivity can be treated along and across the contours separately. Furthermore, some extensions of this result to higher dimensions are presented.
Bioinspired and biomimetic membranes for water purification and chemical separation: A review
Authors: Abaie Elham , Xu Limeimei , Shen Yue-xiao
Published: March 2021

Bioinspired and biomimetic membranes that contain biological transport channels or attain their structural designs from biological systems have been through a remarkable development over the last two decades. They take advantage of the exceptional transport properties of those channels, thus possess both high permeability and selectivity, and have emerged as a promising solution to existing membranes. Since the discovery of biological water channel proteins aquaporins (AQPs), extensive efforts have been made to utilize them to make separation membranes-AQP-based membranes, which have been commercialized. The exploration of AQPs’ unique structures and transport properties has resulted in the evolution of biomimetic separation materials from protein-based to artificial channel-based membranes. However, large-scale, defect-free biomimetic membranes are not available yet. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art biomimetic membranes and summarizes the latest research progress, platform, and methodology. Then it critically discusses the potential routes of this emerging area toward scalable applications. We conclude that an appropriate combination of bioinspired concepts and molecular engineering with mature polymer industry may lead to scalable polymeric membranes with intrinsic selective channels, which will gain the merit of both desired selectivity and scalability.
Estimating copy number using next-generation sequencing to determine ERBB2 amplification status
Authors: Nakamura Kohei , Aimono Eriko , Oba Junna , Hayashi Hideyuki , Tanishima Shigeki , Hayashida Tetsu , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Kosaka Takeo , Hishida Tomoyuki , Kawakubo Hirohumi , Kitago Minoru , Okabayashi Koji , Funakoshi Takeru , Okita Hajime , Ikeda Sadakatsu , Takaishi Hiromasa , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Assessing Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) amplification status in breast and gastric cancer is necessary for deciding the best therapeutic strategy. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are currently used for assessing protein levels and gene copy number (CN), respectively. The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to measure ERBB2 CN in breast cancer is approved by the United States Federal Drug Administration as a companion diagnostic. However, a CN of less than 8 is evaluated as “equivocal”, which means that some ERBB2 amplification cases diagnosed as “HER2 negative” might be false-negative cases. We reviewed the results of gene profiling targeting 160 cancer-related genes in breast (N = 90) and non-breast (N = 19) cancer tissue, and compared the ERBB2 CN results with the IHC/FISH scores. We obtained an estimated CN from the measured CN by factoring in the histological proportion of tumor cells and found that an ERBB2-estimated CN of 3.2 or higher was concordant with the combined IHC/FISH outcome in 98.4% (88/90) of breast cancer cases, while this was not always evident among non-breast cancer cases. Therefore, NGS-estimated ERBB2 CN could be considered a diagnostic test for anti-HER2 therapy after the completion of adequate prospective clinical trials.
Method for designing multi-input system identification signals using a compact time-frequency representation
Authors: Roeser Mathias Stefan , Fezans Nicolas
Published: March 2021

A flight test campaign for system identification is a costly and time-consuming task. Models derived from wind tunnel experiments and CFD calculations must be validated and/or updated with flight data to match the real aircraft stability and control characteristics. Classical maneuvers for system identification are mostly one-surface-at-a-time inputs and need to be performed several times at each flight condition. Various methods for defining very rich multi-axis maneuvers, for instance based on multisine/sum of sines signals, already exist. A new design method based on the wavelet transform allowing the definition of multi-axis inputs in the time-frequency domain has been developed. The compact representation chosen allows the user to define fairly complex maneuvers with very few parameters. This method is demonstrated using simulated flight test data from a high-quality Airbus A320 dynamic model. System identification is then performed with this data, and the results show that aerodynamic parameters can still be accurately estimated from these fairly simple multi-axis maneuvers.
Immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: chasing the light at the end of the tunnel
Authors: Brouwer Thomas P. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L. , de Miranda Noel F. C. C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has had a significant impact on the survival of a subset of patients with advanced cancers. It has been particularly effective in immunogenic cancer types that present large numbers of somatic mutations in their genomes. To date, all conventional immunotherapies have failed to produce significant clinical benefits for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, probably due to its poor immunogenic properties, including low numbers of neoantigens and highly immune-suppressive microenvironments.

Conclusions

Herein, we discuss advances that have recently been made in cancer immunotherapy and the potential of this field to deliver effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients. Preclinical investigations, combining different types of therapies, highlight possibilities to enhance anti-tumor immunity and to generate meaningful clinical responses in pancreatic cancer patients. Results from completed and ongoing (pre)clinical trials are discussed.
Laser welding of austenitic ferrofluid container for the KRAKsat satellite
Authors: Janiczak Rafał , Pańcikiewicz Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

The production of a ferrofluid container, intended for use in the KRAKsat (CubeSat type) satellite in space conditions, is presented. Mechanized laser beam welding for AISI 316L stainless steel test joint and container prototype was developed and tested. The welded test joints were examined by non-destructive visual, penetration and radiographic testing and destructive testing by macro- and microscopic examination, static tensile test, static bending test, and hardness measurements. The welded container prototype was examined by leak test, temperature-vacuum test and vibration test. Test joints’ evaluation showed a proper selection of welding parameters and expected quality of joints. Austenitic microstructure with small δ-ferrite content in base materials, heat-affected zones, and welds guarantees sufficient mechanical properties for this part geometry. The tensile strength range of test joints was 687–729 MPa, hardness range was 140–200 HV3, and the bending angle was 180°. Welding of the prototype container and testing of tightness, resistance to temperature changes, and vibration were successful. Compliance with flywheel design and manufacturing requirements will enable the launch of a research satellite into orbit with such a wheel.
Irrigation-based agricultural intensification and future groundwater potentiality: experience of Indian states
Authors: Paria Bidur , Pani Amartya , Mishra Pulak , Behera Bhagirath
Published: March 2021

While access to assured irrigation is a prerequisite for sustainable agricultural intensification, increasing use of groundwater for the same and decreasing areas under surface irrigation are expected to cause considerable hydro-ecological imbalance and hence serious concerns for sustainability. Importantly, the extent, nature, efficiency and impact of irrigation vary across regions depending on the geophysical and agro-climatic conditions, farming practices and socioeconomic setup. Nevertheless, it is suggested that appropriate crop diversification coupled with necessary policy and institutional supports can potentially reduce pressure on groundwater and make intensification in agriculture sustainable. Given this backdrop, this paper examines impact of irrigation and crop diversification on agricultural intensification and its implications for future groundwater dynamics in major Indian states. Using secondary data and applying panel data regression techniques for the period 1990–1991 to 2014–2015, the paper finds that both greater irrigation facilities and diversified crop basket increase cropping intensity. Similarly, use of more chemical fertilizers and higher yield also influence cropping intensity positively. However, rainfall variations and share of GSDP in agriculture have no significant impact. Based on the literature review and the above findings as well as using the insights from the informal interactions and random discussion carried out with the farmers and others stakeholders (e.g., researchers, community workers, extension service providers, NGO, etc.), the fuzzy cognitive models show that future policies and institutions should focus on improvement in agricultural systems and promoting surface irrigation. Besides, conservation and harvesting of rainwater, efficient functioning of the user groups, judicious use of chemical fertilizers and emphasis on cultivation of less water-intensive crops would also be crucial in this regard.
Temporal stability of primate scent samples
Authors: Poirier Alice C. , Waterhouse John S. , Dunn Jacob C. , Smith Andrew C.
Published: March 2021

A common recommendation in the field of animal chemosignaling is to store and transport scent samples frozen, since they are likely to change with time and degrade due to bacterial activity inside the sample containers and the loss of the most volatile compounds. However, we still ignore the exact pattern of change or degradation for these types of samples. Here we experimentally tested the stability of primate scent samples during analytical procedures. For this purpose, we used swabs of naturally deposited glandular secretions from captive tamarins (Neotropical primates) analyzed by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We successively extracted the samples by solid-phase microextraction, while controlling for the delay between extractions, and compared the number of compounds detected in the samples under each condition. We found that compounds were lost and transformed over time inside the sample vials. Such natural decay of scent signals is likely to contribute to the long term information transmitted. We found no evidence that long delays at room temperature affected sample chemical composition more than short delays. Nonetheless, we showed that repeated extraction of a sample increased the loss of compounds. The changes in sample chemical composition observed over time in this experiment support standard recommendation to avoid storing samples for long periods at room temperature and to extract each sample only once, in order to ensure optimum results.
Efficacy of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Patients With Chronic Phase CML Resistant or Intolerant to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Yassine Farah , Reljic Tea , Moustafa Muhamad Alhaj , Iqbal Madiha , Murthy Hemant S. , Kumar Ambuj , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A.
Published: March 2021

Approximately 15–20% of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients fail tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy secondary to resistance or intolerance. In the pre-TKI era, front-line allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo- HCT) represented the standard approach for patients with chronic phase-CML (CP-CML) who were deemed fit to tolerate the procedure and had a human leukocyte antigen compatible donor available. Currently, CP-CML patients are eligible for allo-HCT only if they fail more than one TKI and/or are intolerant to the drug. We performed a systematic review/meta-analysis of the available literature to assess the evidence regarding allo-HCT efficacy in CP-CML patients. Data from eligible studies were extracted in relation to benefits (overall survival [OS], progression-free survival, disease- free survival [DFS], complete remission [CR], and molecular response [MR]) and harms (nonrelapse mortality [NRM], relapse, and acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease), and stratified by age into adult and pediatric groups. For adult allo-HCT recipients, the pooled OS, DFS, CR and, MR were 84% [95% confidence interval (CI) 59–99%], 66% (95% CI 59–73%), 56% (95% CI 30–80%), and 88% (95% CI 62–98%), respectively. Pooled NRM and relapse were 20% (95% CI 15–26%) and 19% (95% CI 10–28%), respectively. For the pediatric group, the OS rate was reported in one study and was 91% (95% CI 72–99%). Our results suggest that allo-HCT is an effective treatment for TKI-resistant or TKI-intolerant CP- CML. Post-transplant strategies are still needed to further mitigate the risk of relapse.
The Changing Role of CEOs in Dutch Listed Companies, 1957–2007
Authors: SLUYTERMAN KEETIE , WESTERHUIS GERARDA
Published: March 2021

This paper looks at the position of CEOs in Dutch listed companies in the context of institutional change. Following up on discussions on Varieties of Capitalism and the contrasts between coordinated and liberal market economies, we explore the position of the CEO in the Netherlands in the second half of the twentieth century. On the basis of our database of Dutch CEOs, as well as an analysis of articles and published interviews, we show that the move toward a more liberal market economy had a clear impact on the position of CEOs and on the way their role was perceived. This paper highlights the importance of studying leaders in their historical context, with implications for the selection of future CEOs as they face increasing pressure on issues such as inequality and climate change.
Grain yield and water-use efficiency of summer maize in response to mulching with different plastic films in the North China Plain
Authors: Zong Rui , Han Huifang , Li Quanqi
Published: March 2021

Plastic film (PF) mulching is widely applied in agriculture to improve water-use efficiency (WUE) and crop production. However, without efficient recovery, the residual plastic fragments in arable land threaten soil health and food security. Degradable films are generally considered as alternatives to conventional PF to mitigate PF pollution. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the effects of various film mulching treatments (conventional PF mulching, transparent degradable film (TDF) mulching, and black degradable film (BDF) mulching, and no mulching) on soil water availability and summer maize yield in the North China Plain (NCP). Soil moisture, soil water storage, water use, and grain yield were recorded. Below 20 cm depth, soil moisture and soil water storage were higher in film mulching than in no mulching. Conventional PF mulching yielded the best water conservation, especially from sowing to jointing. TDF and BDF were similar in their regulation of soil moisture. Comparing to no mulching, conventional PF and degradable transparent film significantly reduced maize grain yield by 15.4 and 8.0% (average over 2 years), and reduced WUE by 9.4 and 7.8% (average 2 years), respectively. The observed reduction of grain yield in transparent film mulching might be caused by excessive soil temperature, especially at vegetative stages, which potentially accelerates crop senescence. Black film mulching reduced the soil cumulative temperature and prevent crops from being overheated. As consequence, grain yield and WUE of summer maize under BDF covering were significantly increased by 11.1 and 15.6%, respectively, over the 2 years. Therefore, we suggest that BDF can be used to replace conventional plastics to improve crop yield and control environmental pollution in the NCP.
Democracy and Adjustment in Niger: A Conflict of Rationales
Authors: Bonnecase Vincent
Published: March 2021

In the early 1990s, Niger saw growing anger towards the military regime in power, not only because of police violence, but also due to its economic and social policies, particularly its first structural adjustment programme. After several months of revolts, the regime fell, giving way to a democratic government in 1991. Under pressure from international financial institutions, the new government quickly embarked on the same economic and social path as the previous one and adopted an adjustment policy, resistance to which had played a fundamental role in its accession to power. The government faced increasing street protests, and was overthrown by the army in January 1996, with most of the population not mobilizing to protect the democratic institutions. This article examines the conflicts of rationales that marked these few years, and shows how, by whom, and to what extent these rationales were opposed in practical terms. It also offers a social history of the adjustments by looking at how they were received by the people. By so doing, it looks back at a moment that has profoundly marked Niger's recent history: in this country, as in others, the adjustments have reconfigured rivalries, produced violence, and left an indelible mark on the political imaginary up to the present day.
Crittendenia gen. nov., a new lichenicolous lineage in the Agaricostilbomycetes (Pucciniomycotina), and a review of the biology, phylogeny and classification of lichenicolous heterobasidiomycetes
Authors: Millanes Ana M. , Diederich Paul , Westberg Martin , Wedin Mats
Published: March 2021

The lichenicolous ‘heterobasidiomycetes’ belong in the Tremellomycetes (Agaricomycotina) and in the Pucciniomycotina. In this paper, we provide an introduction and review of these lichenicolous taxa, focusing on recent studies and novelties of their classification, phylogeny and evolution. Lichen-inhabiting fungi in the Pucciniomycotina are represented by only a small number of species included in the genera Chionosphaera, Cyphobasidium and Lichenozyma. The phylogenetic position of the lichenicolous representatives of Chionosphaera has, however, never been investigated by molecular methods. Phylogenetic analyses using the nuclear SSU, ITS, and LSU ribosomal DNA markers reveal that the lichenicolous members of Chionosphaera form a monophyletic group in the Pucciniomycotina, distinct from Chionosphaera and outside the Chionosphaeraceae. The new genus Crittendenia is described to accommodate these lichen-inhabiting species. Crittendenia is characterized by minute synnemata-like basidiomata, the presence of clamp connections and aseptate tubular basidia from which 4–7 spores discharge passively, often in groups. Crittendenia, Cyphobasidium and Lichenozyma are the only lichenicolous lineages known so far in the Pucciniomycotina, whereas Chionosphaera does not include any lichenicolous taxa.
A taxonomic reassessment of the genusSticta(lichenized Ascomycota:Peltigeraceae) in the Hawaiian archipelago
Authors: Moncada Bibiana , Smith Clifford W. , Lücking Robert
Published: March 2021

The taxonomy of the genusStictain Hawaii is reassessed, based on a separately published molecular phylogeny using the fungal barcoding marker ITS. Based on Magnusson and Zahlbruckner's treatment from 1943 and Magnusson's catalogue from 1955, seven species ofStictaand three infraspecific taxa had been reported from the archipelago, all widespread except the putative endemicS. plumbicolor. Here we provide a taxonomic treatment of 13 taxa, 12 species and one subspecies, distinguished in a previous phylogenetic analysis:S. acyphellata,S. andina,S. antoniana,S. emmanueliana,S. flynnii,S. fuliginosa,S. hawaiiensis,S. limbata,S. plumbicolor,S. scabrosasubsp.hawaiiensis,S. smithii,S. tomentosaandS. waikamoi. All taxa are described, discussed and illustrated and a dichotomous key is presented. The implications of revised species taxonomies for studies in other fields such as ecology, ecophysiology, biogeography, biochemistry, and applications such as environmental monitoring are discussed. We also propose a protocol to useStictalichens to monitor the environmental health of Hawaiian ecosystems.
Photoprotection in lichens: adaptations of photobionts to high light
Authors: Beckett Richard Peter , Minibayeva Farida , Solhaug Knut Asbjørn , Roach Thomas
Published: March 2021

Lichens often grow in microhabitats where they are exposed to severe abiotic stresses such as desiccation and temperature extremes. They are also often exposed to levels of light that are greater than lichen photobionts can use in carbon fixation. Unless regulated, excess energy absorbed by the photobionts can convert ground state oxygen to reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS can attack the photosynthetic apparatus, causing photoinhibition and photo-oxidative stress, reducing the ability of the photobionts to fix carbon. Here, we outline our current understanding of the effects of high light on lichens and the mechanisms they use to mitigate or tolerate this stress in hydrated and desiccated states. Tolerance to high light can be achieved first by lowering ROS formation, via synthesizing light screening pigments or by thermally dissipating the excess light energy absorbed; second, by scavenging ROS once formed; or third, by repairing ROS-induced damage. While the primary focus of this review is tolerance to high light in lichen photobionts, our knowledge is rather fragmentary, and therefore we also include recent findings in free-living relatives to stimulate new lines of research in the study of high light tolerance in lichens.
Weight gain as a risk factor for progressive neurochemical abnormalities in first episode mania patients: a longitudinal magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Bond David J. , Silveira Leonardo E. , Torres Ivan J. , Lam Raymond W. , Yatham Lakshmi N.
Published: March 2021

Background

We previously reported that bipolar disorder (BD) patients with clinically significant weight gain (CSWG; ⩾7% of baseline weight) in the 12 months after their first manic episode experienced greater limbic brain volume loss than patients without CSWG. It is unknown whether CSWG is also a risk factor for progressive neurochemical abnormalities.

Methods

We investigated whether 12-month CSWG predicted greater 12-month decreases in hippocampal N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and greater increases in glutamate + glutamine (Glx) following a first manic episode. In BD patients (n = 58) and healthy comparator subjects (HS; n = 34), we measured baseline and 12-month hippocampal NAA and Glx using bilateral 3-Tesla single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We used general linear models for repeated measures to investigate whether CSWG predicted neurochemical changes.

Results

Thirty-three percent of patients and 18% of HS experienced CSWG. After correcting for multiple comparisons, CSWG in patients predicted a greater decrease in left hippocampal NAA (effect size = −0.52, p = 0.005). CSWG also predicted a greater decrease in left hippocampal NAA in HS with a similar effect size (−0.53). A model including patients and HS found an effect of CSWG on Δleft NAA (p = 0.007), but no diagnosis effect and no diagnosis × CSWG interaction, confirming that CSWG had similar effects in patients and HS.

Conclusion

CSWG is a risk factor for decreasing hippocampal NAA in BD patients and HS. These results suggest that the well-known finding of reduced NAA in BD may result from higher body mass index in patients rather than BD diagnosis.
The Status of Status in World Politics
Authors: MacDonald Paul K. , Parent Joseph M.
Published: March 2021

What is status? How does it work? What effects does it tend to have? A new wave of scholarship on status in international relations has converged on a central definition of status, several causal pathways, and the claim that the pursuit of status tends to produce conflict. The authors take stock of the status literature and argue that this convergence is not only a sign of progress, but also an obstacle to it. They find that the consensus definition conceals critical contradictions between standing and membership, that its causal pathways are promising but often in tension with each other, and that the literature may be overlooking the ways in which status can help states avoid conflict and promote cooperation under certain conditions.
A mixed-method analysis of the #SugarTax debate on Twitter
Authors: Bridge Gemma , Flint Stuart W , Tench Ralph
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To explore the #SugarTax debate on Twitter to assess actors involved, their connections and the topics being discussed during the implementation and first anniversary of the UK Soft Drink Industry Levy.

Design:

The structure of the #SugarTax debate on Twitter was assessed using social network analysis. The actors involved, their connections and the topics of discussion taking place were also explored using content, sentiment and thematic analyses.

Setting:

Twitter between 2017 and 2019.

Participants:

Twitter users engaging in discussions relating to the hashtag ‘SugarTax’.

Results:

Tweets (n5366) posted between 5 August 2017 and 7 May 2019 containing #SugarTax were downloaded from Twitter using Network Overview for Discovery and Exploration in Excel. The network included 1883 users, with 686 unique edges and 4679 edges with duplicates. The majority of tweets were negative in sentiment, when assessed by both automatic (64 %,n141) and manual sentiment analysis (52 %,n115) methods. Nine key themes were identified and grouped into two groups according to ‘support for a sugar or SSB tax’ or ‘opposition for a sugar or SSB tax’.

Conclusions:

Twitter was used as a platform for debating the benefits and limitations of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. The findings indicate that numerous actors are involved in the debates on Twitter, with advocates and lobbyists using the platform to raise support for their campaigns and reshape public perceptions. The findings and the methods used may be of interest to policymakers as well as to academics and members of the public looking to explore and engage in policy debates.
Disabled people and the labor market in the 1950s: the Japanese experience
Authors: Yamashita Mai
Published: March 2021

Outbreaks of war create large numbers of disabled people. After Japan's defeat in World War II, the Japanese government, under the policy of GHQ, began to create labor policies for disabled soldiers and the general disabled. However, historical research on the labor market participation of the disabled in Japan has not progressed. This study examines the job placement program for the physically disabled in the immediate postwar period. The end of the war encouraged the participation of people with disabilities in the labor market. In the early 1950s, the Ministry of Labor actively tried to find jobs for the disabled to improve the lives of disabled soldiers and bring new labor market participation to disabled people. This research revealed an active debate on whether the participation of disabled people in the labor market should be promoted by coercive state policies requiring companies to hire people with disabilities or by public support. Through analysis of the labor market for disabled people in 1950s, we will provide hints for deeper thinking about who the workers are and what it means to work in our society.
Investigation on the chipless RFID tag with a UWB pulse using a UWB IR-based reader
Authors: Mekki Kawther , Necibi Omrane , Dinis Hugo , Mendes Paulo , Gharsallah Ali
Published: March 2021

In order to encrypt/encode data based on the magnitude level of the radar cross-section (RCS), we propose an approach with a precise estimation considering the resonant characteristics of a multipatch backscatter-based chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) dedicated for chipless tags depolarization. The working principle is based on the polarization mismatch between the tag and the reader antenna to control the magnitude of the backscatter, which allows a reliable detection in real environments. We introduce in this paper a new 4-bit chipless RFID tag with an enhanced RCS, based on a triangular patch antenna with multiple resonators. Additionally, we propose an ultra-wideband impulse radar (UWB-IR)-based reader that interrogates the chipless tag with a UWB pulse, and the received backscatter was studied in both time- and frequency-domains. The antenna was operating from 4.7 to 6.1 GHz, a band allocated for RFID systems. The obtained experimental measurement results in the environment of anechoic chamber were exceptionally relevant to validate the simulation results.
The Transnational Patriot
Authors: Nightingale Alastair , Muldoon Orla , Quayle Michael
Published: March 2021

Abstract. This article explores how the populist radical right manage identity talk on an international stage. Speeches from the Europe of Nations and Freedom conference held in Koblenz, Germany, on January 21, 2017, were analyzed using a rhetorical and critical discursive psychology approach. This occasion was a celebratory public display of international solidarity between political actors who privilege national interests, advocate stronger immigration control and are Eurosceptic. Results highlight two interdependent rhetorical strategies that construct an inclusive diverse transnational political community, built on the core shared ideology of exclusionary nationalist nativism. Firstly, “Constructing the Transnational Patriot” works up a superordinate political category often labeled the “patriots” that transcends individual nation-states. Temporal and spatial boundary work was done to construct the political collective as extensive, expanding and enduring. This capacity for the speakers to position themselves as prototypical members of a transnational political community facilitates and demands the second rhetorical strategy, “Ambivalent Diversity.” Here speakers acknowledge and celebrate the cultural diversity of their political collective through a precious “national diversity” between nation-states while simultaneously displaying hostility to cultural diversity within nation-states. Speakers present themselves, and their political collective, as courageous protectors of the segregated national diversity against the threatening collusion between the violent oppressive political “elite” and exploitative immigrants. The speakers hijack the liberal understanding of diversity and reconfigure it in support of an argument defending the victimized majority and national cultural homogeneity.
A Comparative Study of Ionospheric Day‐To‐Day Variability Over Wuhan Based on Ionosonde Measurements and Model Simulations
Authors: Zhou Xu , Yue Xinan , Liu Han‐Li , Lu Xian , Wu Haonan , Zhao Xiukuan , He Jianhui
Published: March 2021

Ionospheric day‐to‐day variability is essential for understanding the space environment, while it is still challenging to properly quantify and forecast. In the present work, the day‐to‐day variability of F2 layer peak electron densities (NmF2) is examined from both observational and modeling perspectives. Ionosonde data over Wuhan station (30.5°N, 114.5°E; 19.3°N magnetic latitude) are compared with simulations from the specific dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere eXtension (SD‐WACCM‐X) and the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) in 2009 and 2012. Both SD‐WACCM‐X and TIEGCM are driven by the realistic 3 h geomagnetic index and daily solar input, and the former includes self‐consistently solved physics and chemistry in the lower atmosphere. The correlation coefficient between observations and SD‐WACCM‐X simulations is much larger than that of the TIEGCM simulations, especially during dusk in 2009 and nighttime in 2012. Both the observed and SD‐WACCM‐X simulated day‐to‐day variability of NmF2 reveal a similar day‐night dependence in 2012 that increases large during the nighttime and decreases during the daytime, and shows favorable consistency of daytime variability in 2009. Both the observations and SD‐WACCM‐X simulations also display semiannual variations in nighttime NmF2 variability, although the month with maximum variability is slightly different. However, TIEGCM does not reproduce the day‐night dependence or the semiannual variations well. The results emphasize the necessity for realistic lower atmospheric perturbations to characterize ionospheric day‐to‐day variability. This work also provides a validation of the SD‐WACCM‐X in terms of ionospheric day‐to‐day variability.
Stress Drop Variations in the Region of the 2014 MW8.1 Iquique Earthquake, Northern Chile
Authors: Folesky Jonas , Kummerow Jörn , Shapiro Serge A.
Published: March 2021

We compute stress drops from P and S phase spectra for 534 earthquakes in the source region of the 2014 MW8.1 Iquique megathrust earthquake in the northern Chilean subduction zone. An empirical Green's function based method is applied to suitable event pairs selected by template matching of eight years of continuous waveform data. We evaluate the parameters involved in the stress drop estimation, consider the effect of the local velocity structure and apply an empirical linear relation between P and S phase related geometry factors (k values). Data redundancy produced by multiple empirical Green's function and the combination of P and S phase spectra leads to a substantial reduction of uncertainty and robust stress drop estimates. The resulting stress drop values show a well‐defined log‐normal distribution with a median value of 4.36 MPa; most values range between 0.1 and 100 MPa. There is no evidence for systematic large scale lateral variations of stress drop. A detailed analysis reveals several regions of increased median stress drop, an increase with distance to the interface, but no consistent increase with depth. This suggests that fault regime and fault strength have a stronger impact on the stress drop behavior than absolute stresses. Interestingly, we find a weak time‐dependence of the median stress drop, with an increase immediately before the April 1, 2014 MW8.1 Iquique mainshock, a continuous reduction thereafter and a subsequent recovery to average values. Additionally, the data set indicates a relatively strong dependence of stress drop on magnitude which extends over the entire analyzed magnitude range.
Methane Hydrate Formation and Evolution During Sedimentation
Authors: You K. , Flemings P. B.
Published: March 2021

We explored methane hydrate formation with sedimentation with a newly developed one‐dimensional, multiphase flow, multicomponent transport numerical model. Our model couples methane hydrate formation from in situ microbial methane generation within the hydrate stability zone (HSZ), methane recycling, and microbial methane generation below the base of the hydrate stability zone (BHSZ). Both recycled methane and deeply generated methane are transported into the HSZ by buoyancy‐driven free gas flow. Free gas flows through the HSZ by both the processes of capillary‐dependent pore fillings and by salt exclusion during hydrate formation, with the former being the dominant mechanism. We quantitively illustrated the formation of enriched hydrate in muddy sediments above, and interconnected free gas below, the BHSZ, which are common features along the world's continental margin. In addition, we showed two ways to form concentrated methane hydrate above the BHSZ. The first mechanism is local free gas flow during methane recycling. This happens at sites with sufficient methane generation above the BHSZ. The second mechanism is deep microbial methane generation which is transported into the HSZ by free gas flow. This mechanism plays a more important role at sites with high sedimentation rates. This study provides new insights into methane hydrate formation and distribution below the seafloor. It is important for understanding the carbon cycle and carbon storage below the seafloor and for resource evaluation and exploitation.
Bed‐Load Transport in Vegetated Flows: Phenomena, Parametrization, and Prediction
Authors: Wu Haoliang , Cheng Nian‐Sheng , Chiew Yee‐Meng
Published: March 2021

This study presents an experimental study on bed‐load transport in the presence of emergent vegetation, which is simulated using uniformly sized circular cylinders arranged in a homogeneous distribution. The spatial variability of bed‐load fluxes in vegetated flows is first examined. Then a model is proposed for evaluating the bed‐load transport rate based on the scour holes that form around the vegetation stems. The influences of spatial variability and intensified turbulence on sediment transport are finally considered by relating the dimensionless transport rate and flow intensity to the stem size and vegetation density. The derived formula for predicting the bed‐load transport rate in vegetated flows is applicable for weak to moderate transport conditions.
Integrating Gravimetry Data With Thermal Infra‐Red Data From Satellites to Improve Efficiency of Operational Irrigation Advisory in South Asia
Authors: Bose Indira , Hossain Faisal , Eldardiry Hisham , Ahmad Shahryar , Biswas Nishan K. , Bhatti Ahmad Zeeshan , Lee Hyongki , Aziz Mazharul , Kamal Khan Md. Shah
Published: March 2021

The rapid decline of groundwater resources in South Asia due to excessive irrigation during dry season requires awareness of optimal on‐field water requirements. Such information is currently provided on farmer cellphones through an operational Irrigation Advisory System (IAS). To minimize the cost of sending such irrigation advisory texts to farmers while maximizing impact of IAS on groundwater sustainability, we integrated Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data with Landsat Thermal Infrared (TIR) Imagery to target regions in greater need of the IAS service. We demonstrated the concept of an improved IAS over eight irrigation districts of the Ganges and Indus basins. The Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) was used to monitor on‐field water consumption (evapotranspiration‐ET) over cropped areas using Landsat TIR data at plot‐scale spatial resolution. Comparison of SEBAL ET with crop water demand from Penman‐Monteith (FAO56) technique quantified the extent of overirrigation at the plot scale and provided a tangible pathway to microtarget the IAS service only to farmers with the largest groundwater use footprint, thereby improving the impact of the IAS service further. Our results suggested that an operational IAS that integrates GRACE and Landsat TIR data on average can save about 85% (80 million m3) of groundwater per dry season for irrigation districts of Northern India and 87% (or 150 million m3) per year for irrigation districts of Eastern Pakistan.