bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current status and future perspectives for localizing the solar photovoltaic industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlOtaibi Zaid S. , Khonkar Hussam I. , AlAmoudi Ahmed O. , Alqahtani Saad H.
Published: February 2020

Saudi Arabia has developed Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to reduce the country’s dependence on oil by supporting promising private energy organizations and by developing opportunities that contributes to the national economy. In the manufacturing sector, the government is encouraging technology transfers in the renewable energy industries. It is expected to result in the localization of significant parts of the renewable energy value chain in Saudi Arabia. Solar energy systems are proven renewable energy source globally and domestically, it has its long and vast share of experience, from operations and maintenance, to solar data monitoring and gathering. Wide areas had been identified, where this technology can be highly installed and integrated. Components can be manufactured from locally available raw materials to achieve the final products. This study analyzed the key elements of the value chain for producing crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic systems. This paper presents recommendations for localizing this industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Although these recommendations are based on the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia, such are also highly relevant for further application to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region, where widespread energy transitions from fossil fuels to renewable resources are already taking place.
Are Digital Menus Really Better than Traditional Menus? The Mediating Role of Consumption Visions and Menu Enjoyment
Authors: Yim Mark Yi-Cheon , Yoo Chan Yun
Published: February 2020

This study examined consumers’ responses to interactive media in a restaurant setting (i.e., digital menus). Study 1 tested a conceptual model, which examined the underlying process shaping customers’ evaluations of a Web-based digital menu. The results demonstrated that consumption visions and menu enjoyment mediated the effects of perceived interactivity on attitudes toward the digital menus. Study 1 also identified direct product experience as an important moderator of the relationship. Study 2 extended and replicated Study 1 in an offline setting by conducting a lab experiment that compared the use of digital and traditional menus in ordering foods that participants have experienced versus those they have not. In general, tablet-based digital menus generated greater enjoyment, increased intentions to adopt, and encouraged participants to order more within a shorter time. But they were preferred only for less-experienced foods. Furthermore, consumption visions were important mediators of interactivity effects in the digital menu condition, but not in the traditional paper menu condition, while menu enjoyment played a mediating role in both conditions.
Study of defecation disorders in elderly patients
Authors: Corrêa Neto Isaac José Felippe , Mosca Neto Mario , Lanfranchi Vanessa Santos , Pedroso Thales Ranieri , Figueiredo Henrique Carvalho e Silva , Mocerino Jéssica , Pascutti Marcia , Robles Laercio
Published: February 2020

Introduction Defecation disorders, whether anal incontinence or chronic intestinal constipation, are frequent pelvic floor alterations in the general population and are more common in those with risk factors,i.e., in the elderly, women with an obstetric background, and those with comorbidities, history of pelvic radiotherapy, diabetics, the bedridden, or those with history of orifice surgery, among others.

Objective To analyze the incidence of defecation disorders in geriatric patients treated at the Medical Specialties Outpatient Service (MSOS) of Hospital Santa Marcelina.

Methods Prospective, randomized study that interviewed the same patients in two moments: 1) subjective anamnesis through spontaneous history and 2) objective anamnesis with specific questionnaires to assess anal incontinence and chronic constipation.

Results Between March 2016 and June 2017, 149 patients were analyzed, of whom 114 (76.5%) were female, with a similar mean age between genders; 51.67% had symptoms of anal incontinence and/or chronic constipation. Only 35.5% of patients with complaints of fecal leakage or flatus spontaneously reported them, while 87.1% of constipated patients did so. In the present study, no significant correlation was observed between the mode of delivery (p = 0.106), pregnancy (p = 0.099), and the number of deliveries (p = 0.126) with anal incontinence. In turn, there was no higher incidence of chronic intestinal constipation in females (p = 0.099) and most patients with this complaint had Bristol type 1 or 2 stools.

Conclusion The incidence of defecation disorders in the geriatric population is high and, most notably, anal incontinence is not spontaneously reported by most patients.
Diferenciación de camélidos en la región Chaco-Santiagueña (Argentina) para el período Agroalfarero (350-1550 dC)
Authors: del Papa Luis Manuel
Published: February 2020

Los camélidos sudamericanos han sido uno de los recursos de mayor importancia desde la llegada de los primeros humanos al continente, registrándose su domesticación para los Andes centro-sur alrededor de 4400-3000 aP. Las investigaciones realizadas en la región Chaco-Santiagueña para la etapa Agroalfarera (350 dC hasta la conquista española en el siglo dieciséis) en su mayoría han interpretado la presencia o ausencia de la especie doméstica de camélidosLama glamaa partir de fuentes etnohistóricas o por consideraciones eto-ecológicas. Sin embargo, con el avance de los estudios zooarqueológicos en la región, asignamos por técnicas osteométricas y análisis estadísticos multivariados especímenes al taxónL. glamapara un sitio Agroalfarero tardío (ca. 1200-1500 dC). En este trabajo se incorporan sitios de toda la secuencia Agroalfarera y de distintas zonas geográficas de la región Chaco-Santiagueña con el fin de diferenciar especies de camélidos. A partir de los resultados se interpreta el posible uso de camélidos silvestres y domesticados en la región desde los primeros grupos sedentarios. El uso de llamas podría haber sido una herramienta importante para el establecimiento de redes de interacción social a grandes distancias.
Mixed Bruce–Roberts numbers
Authors: Bivià-Ausina Carles , Ruas Maria Aparecida Soares
Published: February 2020

We extend the notions of μ*-sequences and Tjurina numbers of functions to the framework of Bruce–Roberts numbers, that is, to pairs formed by the germ at 0 of a complex analytic variety X ⊆ ℂn and a finitely ${\mathcal R}(X)$-determined analytic function germ f : (ℂn, 0) → (ℂ, 0). We analyze some fundamental properties of these numbers.
ON THEσ-NILPOTENT NORM AND THEσ-NILPOTENT LENGTH OF A FINITE GROUP
Authors: HU BIN , HUANG JIANHONG , SKIBA ALEXANDER N.
Published: February 2020

LetGbe a finite group andσ= {σi|i∈I} some partition of the set of all primes$\Bbb{P}$. ThenGis said to be:σ-primaryifGis aσi-group for somei;σ-nilpotentifG=G1× … ×Gtfor someσ-primary groupsG1, … ,Gt;σ-solubleif every chief factor ofGisσ-primary. We use$G^{{\mathfrak{N}}_{\sigma}}$to denote theσ-nilpotent residualofG, that is, the intersection of all normal subgroupsNofGwithσ-nilpotent quotientG/N. IfGisσ-soluble, then theσ-nilpotent length(denoted bylσ(G)) ofGis the length of the shortest normal chain ofGwithσ-nilpotent factors. LetNσ(G) be the intersection of the normalizers of theσ-nilpotent residuals of all subgroups ofG, that is,$${N_\sigma }(G) = \bigcap\limits_{H \le G} {{N_G}} ({H^{{_\sigma }}}).$$

Then the subgroupNσ(G) is called theσ-nilpotent normofG. We study the relationship of theσ-nilpotent length with theσ-nilpotent norm ofG. In particular, we prove that theσ-nilpotent length of aσ-soluble groupGis at mostr(r> 1) if and only iflσ(G/Nσ(G)) ≤r.
1 Corinthians 15.28 and the Grammar of Paul's Christology
Authors: Jamieson R. B.
Published: February 2020

1 Cor 15.28 is often regarded as problematic for ‘divine Christology’ in Paul, because the Son's final submission to the Father is held to tell against his ontological equality with the Father. The current article argues that this conclusion involves a category mistake. The ‘grammar’ of Paul's Christology requires that we distinguish between what Paul says of and on the basis of Christ's divinity, and what Paul says of and on the basis of Christ's humanity, a strategy sometimes called ‘partitive exegesis’. The article evaluates recent solutions to this problem, warrants partitive exegesis from within 1 Corinthians, and offers a partitive reading of 1 Cor 15.28: the Son submits to the Father as the final act of an office he holds as a human, in order to perfect the human vocation of vicegerency over creation.
Wild carnivores, domestic dogs and ticks: shared parasitism in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Ramos V. N. , Lemos F. G. , Azevedo F. C. , Arrais R. C. , Lima C. F. M. , Candeias I. Z. , Martins M. M. , Sandrin A. C. L. G. , Siqueira S. M. , Szabó M. P. J.
Published: February 2020

The increase of contact between natural and rural areas is prominent in Brazil, due to agricultural activities and concern with the environmental conservation. In this context, domestic animals, wild fauna and humans are exposed to mutual exchange of parasites, microorganisms and diseases. We studied tick parasitism of wild carnivores and domestic dogs, and the environmental of questing ticks, in extensive cattle ranch areas intermingled with natural vegetation, and in a natural reserve, both in a region of Cerrado biome, Midwestern Brazil. From 2008 to 2015, we inspected 119 wild carnivores from nine species, and collected six tick species (Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma tigrinum, Dermacentor nitens and Rhipicephalus microplus). The most numerous and infested hosts were Cerdocyon thous, Lycalopex vetulus, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Puma concolor and Conepatus amazonicus. From 139 domestic dogs, we collected A. sculptum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and R. microplus. From vegetation, samplings resulted in A. sculptum, A. dubitatum, A. ovale, Amblyomma rotundatum and R. microplus, with dominance of A. sculptum. Domestics and wild animals presented high overlapping of infestations by A. sculptum, a generalist and anthropophilic tick species. This tick is the most important vector of the Brazilian spotted fever, a lethal human disease. This fact elicits attention and requires efforts to monitor the presence of pathogens vectored by ticks circulating in this type of agroecosystem, including in other regions of the Brazil, because the most of the natural vegetation remaining have been increasingly immersed in pastures and agricultural matrix.
Measurement and genetic architecture of lifetime depression in the Netherlands as assessed by LIDAS (Lifetime Depression Assessment Self-report)
Authors: Fedko Iryna O. , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , Helmer Quinta , Mbarek Hamdi , Huider Floris , Amin Najaf , Beulens Joline W. , Bremmer Marijke A. , Elders Petra J. , Galesloot Tessel E. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , van Loo Hanna M. , Picavet H. Susan J. , Rutters Femke , van der Spek Ashley , van de Wiel Anne M. , van Duijn Cornelia , de Geus Eco J. C. , Feskens Edith J. M. , Hartman Catharina A. , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Smit Jan H. , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Bot Mariska
Published: February 2020

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mood disorder, with a heritability of around 34%. Molecular genetic studies made significant progress and identified genetic markers associated with the risk of MDD; however, progress is slowed down by substantial heterogeneity as MDD is assessed differently across international cohorts. Here, we used a standardized online approach to measure MDD in multiple cohorts in the Netherlands and evaluated whether this approach can be used in epidemiological and genetic association studies of depression.

Methods

Within the Biobank Netherlands Internet Collaboration (BIONIC) project, we collected MDD data in eight cohorts involving 31 936 participants, using the online Lifetime Depression Assessment Self-report (LIDAS), and estimated the prevalence of current and lifetime MDD in 22 623 unrelated individuals. In a large Netherlands Twin Register (NTR) twin-family dataset (n ≈ 18 000), we estimated the heritability of MDD, and the prediction of MDD in a subset (n = 4782) through Polygenic Risk Score (PRS).

Results

Estimates of current and lifetime MDD prevalence were 6.7% and 18.1%, respectively, in line with population estimates based on validated psychiatric interviews. In the NTR heritability estimates were 0.34/0.30 (s.e. = 0.02/0.02) for current/lifetime MDD, respectively, showing that the LIDAS gives similar heritability rates for MDD as reported in the literature. The PRS predicted risk of MDD (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15–1.32, R2 = 1.47%).

Conclusions

By assessing MDD status in the Netherlands using the LIDAS instrument, we were able to confirm previously reported MDD prevalence and heritability estimates, which suggests that this instrument can be used in epidemiological and genetic association studies of depression.
Whyjumpedis so difficult: tense/aspect marking in Mandarin–English bilingual children
Authors: NICOLADIS Elena , YANG Yuehan , JIANG Zixia
Published: February 2020

Learning to mark for tense in a second language is notoriously difficult for speakers of a tenseless language like Chinese. In this study we test two reasons for these difficulties in Chinese–English sequential bilingual children: (1) morphophonological transfer (i.e., avoidance of complex codas), and (2) interpretation of–edas an aspect marker of completion, like the Mandarin–le. Mandarin–English bilingual children and age-matched monolinguals did a cartoon retell task. The verbs used in the stories were coded for accuracy in English, telicity, and suppliance of–edor–le. The results were consistent with morphophonological transfer: the bilingual children were more accurate with irregular past forms in English than regular forms. The results were also consistent with the bilingual children's interpretation of–edas an aspect marker: most of their production of–edwas on telic verbs. We discuss possible reasons for the children's interpretation of–edas an aspect marker.
The Subversive Potential of Wikipedia: A Resource for Diversifying Political Science Content Online
Authors: Timperley Claire
Published: February 2020

Wikipedia is a powerful tool that reinforces dominant knowledge paradigms, especially those emanating from the Global North. Simultaneously, it has subversive potential to challenge these paradigms, offering a far-reaching platform to voices that have been traditionally marginalized and underserved. Despite this potential, instructors often employ an “abstinence approach” to Wikipedia, telling students to avoid using it in their academic work. This article advocates for active engagement with Wikipedia with the aim of challenging bias resulting from omission or underrepresentation of particular material to develop more diverse, publicly accessible political science content. First, I explain the theoretical objectives of the assignment and describe its structure. Then I reflect on its successes, challenges, and possible modifications.
Animals and the Impact of Trade Law and Policy: A Global Animal Law Question
Authors: Offor Iyan
Published: February 2020

There is a critical research gap regarding the trade and animal welfare interface: we do not know, empirically, what the impact of trade on animal welfare is. This gap exists, in part, as a result of the paternalism of international trade law and the underdevelopment of global animal law. This article addresses, firstly, the collision of dichotomous trade and animal welfare priorities in legal and political systems. It then explores attempts at reconciliation by the World Trade Organization and the European Union. This involves an investigation of the impact of trade on animal welfare. This impact is categorized into four component parts: (i) open markets, (ii) low animal-welfare havens, (iii) a chilling effect, and (iv) lack of labelling. Case studies from the European Union are examined. Thirdly, the article critiques trade law and policy as ill-suited primary drivers of global governance for animals. Global animal law is identified as a promising alternative, although its early development has been unduly affected by international trade law.
Soil COS Exchange: A Comparison of Three European Ecosystems
Authors: Kitz Florian , Spielmann Felix M. , Hammerle Albin , Kolle Olaf , Migliavacca Mirco , Moreno Gerardo , Ibrom Andreas , Krasnov Dmitrii , Noe Steffen M. , Wohlfahrt Georg
Published: February 2020

The potential of carbonyl sulfide (COS) flux measurements as an additional constraint for estimating the gross primary production depends, among other preconditions, on our understanding of the soil COS exchange and its contribution to the overall net ecosystem COS flux. We conducted soil chamber measurements of COS, with transparent chambers, in three different ecosystems across Europe. The in situ measurements were followed by laboratory measurements of soil samples collected at the study sites. The soil samples were exposed to UV radiation to investigate the role of photo‐degradation for COS exchange. In situ and laboratory measurements revealed pronounced intersite and intrasite variability of COS exchange. In situ COS fluxes were primarily governed by radiation in the savannah‐like grassland (SAV), soil temperature and intrasite heterogeneity in the deciduous broadleaf forest, and soil water content and intrasite heterogeneity in the evergreen needleleaf forest. The soil of the ecosystem with the highest light intensity incident on the soil surface, SAV, was a net source for COS, while the soils of the other two ecosystems were COS sinks. UV radiation increased COS emissions and/or reduced COS uptake from all soil samples under laboratory conditions. The impact of UV on the COS flux differed between soil samples, with a tendency toward a stronger response of the COS flux to UV radiation exposure in samples with higher soil organic matter content. Our results emphasize the importance of photo‐degradation for the soil COS flux and stress the substantial spatial variability of soil COS exchange in ecosystems.
Observations Show That Wind Farms Substantially Modify the Atmospheric Boundary Layer Thermal Stratification Transition in the Early Evening
Authors: Rajewski D. A. , Takle E. S. , VanLoocke A. , Purdy S. L.
Published: February 2020

Single wind turbines and large wind farms modify local scales of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) turbulence through different mechanisms dependent on location within the wind farm. These changes in turbulence scales would most likely have notable influence on surface fluxes and microclimate during the afternoon and early evening stability transition. Profiles of Richardson number and shear and buoyancy from 1‐Hz tall tower measurements in and near a wind farm in an agricultural landscape were used to quantify departures in stability characteristics during the fallow seasons. A single turbine wake decoupled turbulent connection between the surface and above the wind turbine, changed the onset of near‐surface stabilization (earlier by a few hours), and lengthened the transition period (by up to an hour) within the rotor wake. Deep within a large wind farm, turbulence recovered to near‐ambient conditions and departures of the transition onset and duration were within 30 min of the natural ABL.
A Model for the Effusion Rate Produced by a Magma Pulse
Authors: Dragoni Michele , Piombo Antonello
Published: February 2020

We assume that a magma pulse enters a magma chamber from the plumbing system, producing an overpressure triggering an effusive volcanic eruption. The chamber is modeled as a spherical cavity in an elastic half‐space, connected to the Earth's surface by a vertical conduit, and the magma as an incompressible Newtonian liquid. Overpressure in the chamber is calculated as a function of time during the eruption and has different behaviors depending on the characteristics of the magma pulse and of the volcanic system. The time history of effusion rate is controlled by the pulse duration and the geometrical and rheological parameters of the model. The calculated effusion rates are compared with different classes of effusion rates extrapolated from historical data of Mount Etna, which are asymmetric functions of time. For appropriate values of the model parameters, the calculated time histories are found to fit well those derived from observation.
Impact of Satellite Observations on Forecasting Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
Authors: Noguchi S. , Kuroda Y. , Mukougawa H. , Mizuta R. , Kobayashi C.
Published: February 2020

The observational impacts of satellite data assimilation on extended‐range forecasts of sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are investigated by conducting ensemble forecast experiments. We use two Japanese novel reanalysis products: the Japanese 55‐year reanalysis (JRA‐55) and its subset that assimilates conventional observations only (JRA‐55C). A comparative examination on the reproducibility for SSWs between the two ensemble forecasts reveals that the impact of satellite observations is significant for forecasts starting 5 days before the SSW onset, with 20% less accuracy in the JRA‐55C forecasts. Moreover, some of forecasts of vortex‐splitting SSWs show a sudden appearance of deep difference, which lasts over a few months in the lower stratosphere and significantly affects the surface climate. These results highlight an important role of mesospheric and upper stratospheric circulations on the onset and development of SSWs.
Relative Contributions of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Coupled Processes to North Pacific and North Atlantic Variability
Authors: Myers Timothy A. , Mechoso Carlos R.
Published: February 2020

Patterns of sea surface temperature (SST) variability over the northern oceans arise from a combination of atmospheric, oceanic, and coupled processes. Here we use a novel methodology and a suite of observations to quantify the processes contributing to the dominant patterns of interannual SST variability over these regions. We decompose the upper ocean heat content tendency associated with such dominant patterns into contributions from different heat fluxes: (a) atmospherically driven, (b) surface feedbacks, and (c) oceanic. We find that in the subtropics, cloud radiative flux, turbulent heat flux, and residual oceanic processes each contributes substantially to North Pacific SST variability, whereas turbulent heat flux primarily induces North Atlantic SST variability. Cloud radiative fluxes therefore provide a major source of interannual SST variability in the North Pacific but not in the North Atlantic. In midlatitudes, SST fluctuations over the northern oceans are driven by the combination of turbulent and oceanic heat fluxes.
Flexure of the Lithosphere Beneath the North Polar Cap of Mars: Implications for Ice Composition and Heat Flow
Authors: Broquet A. , Wieczorek M. A. , Fa W.
Published: February 2020

The geodynamical response of the lithosphere under stresses imposed by the geologically young north polar cap is one of the few clues we have to constrain both the polar cap composition and the present‐day thermal state of Mars. Here we combine radar data with a flexural loading model to self‐consistently estimate the density (
) and real dielectric constant (
) of the polar cap, and the elastic thickness of the lithosphere underneath (
). Our results show that
ranges from 920 to 1,520 kg m
,
is 2.75 (+0.40,
0.35), and
is between 330 and 450 km. We determine a polar cap volume that is up to 30% larger than current estimates that all neglect lithospheric flexure. Our inferred compositions suggest that, for dust content larger than about 6 vol%, 10 vol% CO
ice is mixed within the polar deposits, which has important implications for the climate evolution of Mars.
Analysis of Plasma Irregularities on a Range of Scintillation‐Scales Using the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars
Authors: Lamarche Leslie J. , Varney Roger H. , Siefring Carl L.
Published: February 2020

Scintillation in the polar cap ionosphere is observed with a Coherent Electromagnetic Radio Tomography (CERTO) receiver while the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars (RISR) provide background plasma conditions in a 3D volume. We interpret fluctuations in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultrahigh frequency (UHF) signal associated with mid‐scale ionospheric structuring using 3D density gradients and plasma drift velocity vectors and calculate the maximum gradient drift instability growth rate. Plasma structuring is evident for any plasma density gradient, but sub‐kilometer structures are less likely on the leading edge of polar patches, possibly due to a much faster diffusion rate for small‐scale structures. Structures are much more uniformly distributed around density enhancements that do not have clear leading and trailing edges. Although the gradient drift instability is an important factor in polar cap structuring, linear growth rates are most successful at predicting structuring around isolated density enhancements in consistent plasma flows. For more general density gradients, the time history of a plasma parcel and local diffusion rates must also be considered.
Morphological Differences of the Northern Equatorial Ionization Anomaly Between the Eastern Asian and American Sectors
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Donghe , Mo Xiaohua , Xiong Chao , Hao Yongqiang , Xiao Zuo
Published: February 2020

The morphological difference of the northern equatorial ionization anomaly between the eastern Asian and American sectors is statistically studied with ground‐based total electron content data from 2000 to 2011. The intensity (Ic), latitudinal location (Lc), and occurrence time (Tc) of the daytime equatorial ionization anomaly crest are derived from daytime peak total electron content in time‐latitude plots. The main results are as follows. Lc in the two sectors exhibits an apparent difference, especially in solar minimum, during which Lc in the American sector shows an annual variation that is more poleward in northern summer and more equatorward in northern winter, while Lc in the eastern Asian sector shows a semiannual variation that is more poleward around equinoxes and more equatorward around solstices. Ic tends to be stronger in the eastern Asian sector than that in the American sector in all seasons, and this difference increases with the increase of the solar flux index. Tc tends to be earlier in northern winter and later in northern summer in both sectors and shows dependence on solar activity. We demonstrate that the seasonal variation of Lc in the American sector is not dominated by the ionospheric equatorial zonal electric field, and suggest that the difference of Lc between the two sectors is probably related to different meridional wind effects due to the displacement of geographic and magnetic equators. The Ic difference is probably related to the longitudinal wave number‐3 and ‐4 structures driven by tidal forcing from the 5lower atmosphere.
Fine‐Scale Visualization of Aurora in a Wide Area Using Color Digital Camera Images From the International Space Station
Authors: Nanjo Sota , Hozumi Yuta , Hosokawa Keisuke , Kataoka Ryuho , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Oyama Shin‐ichiro , Ozaki Mitsunori , Shiokawa Kazuo , Kurita Satoshi
Published: February 2020

The full‐color photographs of aurora have been taken with digital single‐lens reflex cameras mounted on the International Space Station (ISS). Since these photographs do not have accurate time and geographical information, in order to use them as scientific data, it is necessary to calibrate the imaging parameters (such as looking direction and angle of view of the camera) of the photographs. For this purpose, we calibrated the imaging parameters using a city light image taken from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite following the method of Hozumi et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-016-0532-z). We mapped the photographs onto the geographic coordinate system using the calibrated imaging parameters. To evaluate the accuracy of the mapping, we compared the aurora taken simultaneously from ISS and ground. Comparing the spatial structure of discrete aurora and the temporal variation of pulsating aurora, the accuracy of the data set is less than 0.3 s in time and less than 5 km in space in the direction perpendicular to the looking direction of the camera. The generated data set has a wide field of view (
1,100 
 900 km), and their temporal resolution is less than 1 s. Not only that, the field of view can sweep a wide area (
3,000 km in longitude) in a short time (
10 min). Thus, this new imaging capability will enable us to capture the evolution of fine‐scale spatial structure of aurora in a wide area.
Subseasonal Variability of Elevated Dust Concentrations Over South Florida
Authors: Kramer S. J. , Kirtman B. P. , Zuidema P. , Ngan F.
Published: February 2020

Dust mass concentrations have been measured daily at Miami, Florida, in the summer months, and biweekly throughout the remaining months, since 1974. The 43‐year record of dust mass concentrations indicate large daily, seasonal, and interannual variations, with most of the dust arriving within 5–8 episodes each summer. On average, dust arrives to Miami, Florida, 10 days after emission from North Africa, with measured concentrations depending on characteristics of the lower free‐tropospheric winds due to the vast travel distance. Daily dust mass concentrations from July and August, the months that contribute the most to the annual mean, are used to characterize the synoptic conditions most favorable for dust transport. Two key regions are linked with the highest daily dust mass concentrations above Miami: (i) easterly winds, averaged over 850–500 mb, over the Tropical West Atlantic [15–25°N, 45–80°W], and (ii) southerly winds, similarly averaged, over the Florida Peninsula [20–30°N,75–80°W]. Winds within these two regions are enhanced when the North Atlantic subtropical high is displaced south and zonally elongated, relocating the western edge over Florida. A dust‐transport‐efficiency index, based on the maximum potential for dust to arrive above Miami with limited loss to deposition or mixing, identifies high‐dust loading cases on the subseasonal scale. Monthly dust‐transport‐efficiency values agree well with the monthly dust trends over the 43‐year time span. While seasonal dust loadings have been decreasing over Florida in the past decade, the transport efficiency has been increasing, possibly due to trends in the North Atlantic subtropical high.
A comparative genomics study of 23 Aspergillus species from section Flavi
Authors: Kjærbølling Inge , Vesth Tammi , Frisvad Jens C. , Nybo Jane L. , Theobald Sebastian , Kildgaard Sara , Petersen Thomas Isbrandt , Kuo Alan , Sato Atsushi , Lyhne Ellen K. , Kogle Martin E. , Wiebenga Ad , Kun Roland S. , Lubbers Ronnie J. M. , Mäkelä Miia R. , Barry Kerrie , Chovatia Mansi , Clum Alicia , Daum Chris , Haridas Sajeet , He Guifen , LaButti Kurt , Lipzen Anna , Mondo Stephen , Pangilinan Jasmyn , Riley Robert , Salamov Asaf , Simmons Blake A. , Magnuson Jon K. , Henrissat Bernard , Mortensen Uffe H. , Larsen Thomas O. , de Vries Ronald P. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Machida Masayuki , Baker Scott E. , Andersen Mikael R.
Published: February 2020

SectionFlaviencompasses both harmful and beneficialAspergillusspecies, such asAspergillus oryzae, used in food fermentation and enzyme production, andAspergillus flavus, food spoiler and mycotoxin producer. Here, we sequence 19 genomes spanning sectionFlaviand compare 31 fungal genomes including 23Flavispecies. We reassess their phylogenetic relationships and show that the closest relative ofA. oryzaeis notA. flavus, butA. minisclerotigenesorA. aflatoxiformansand identify high genome diversity, especially in sub-telomeric regions. We predict abundant CAZymes (598 per species) and prolific secondary metabolite gene clusters (73 per species) in sectionFlavi. However, the observed phenotypes (growth characteristics, polysaccharide degradation) do not necessarily correlate with inferences made from the predicted CAZyme content. Our work, including genomic analyses, phenotypic assays, and identification of secondary metabolites, highlights the genetic and metabolic diversity within sectionFlavi.
A combined experimental and modelling approach for the Weimberg pathway optimisation
Authors: Shen Lu , Kohlhaas Martha , Enoki Junichi , Meier Roland , Schönenberger Bernhard , Wohlgemuth Roland , Kourist Robert , Niemeyer Felix , van Niekerk David , Bräsen Christopher , Niemeyer Jochen , Snoep Jacky , Siebers Bettina
Published: February 2020

The oxidative Weimberg pathway for the five-step pentose degradation to α-ketoglutarate is a key route for sustainable bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to added-value products and biofuels. The oxidative pathway from Caulobacter crescentus has been employed in in-vivo metabolic engineering with intact cells and in in-vitro enzyme cascades. The performance of such engineering approaches is often hampered by systems complexity, caused by non-linear kinetics and allosteric regulatory mechanisms. Here we report an iterative approach to construct and validate a quantitative model for the Weimberg pathway. Two sensitive points in pathway performance have been identified as follows: (1) product inhibition of the dehydrogenases (particularly in the absence of an efficient NAD+ recycling mechanism) and (2) balancing the activities of the dehydratases. The resulting model is utilized to design enzyme cascades for optimized conversion and to analyse pathway performance in C. cresensus cell-free extracts.
Stimulus dependent transformations between synaptic and spiking receptive fields in auditory cortex
Authors: Kim Kyunghee X. , Atencio Craig A. , Schreiner Christoph E.
Published: February 2020

Auditory cortex neurons nonlinearly integrate synaptic inputs from the thalamus and cortex, and generate spiking outputs for simple and complex sounds. Directly comparing synaptic and spiking activity can determine whether this input-output transformation is stimulus-dependent. We employ in vivo whole-cell recordings in the mouse primary auditory cortex, using pure tones and broadband dynamic moving ripple stimuli, to examine properties of functional integration in tonal (TRFs) and spectrotemporal (STRFs) receptive fields. Spectral tuning in STRFs derived from synaptic, subthreshold and spiking responses proves to be substantially more selective than for TRFs. We describe diverse spectral and temporal modulation preferences and distinct nonlinearities, and their modifications between the input and output stages of neural processing. These results characterize specific processing differences at the level of synaptic convergence, integration and spike generation resulting in stimulus-dependent transformation patterns in the primary auditory cortex.
Measured greenhouse gas budgets challenge emission savings from palm-oil biodiesel
Authors: Meijide Ana , de la Rua Cristina , Guillaume Thomas , Röll Alexander , Hassler Evelyn , Stiegler Christian , Tjoa Aiyen , June Tania , Corre Marife D. , Veldkamp Edzo , Knohl Alexander
Published: February 2020

The potential of palm-oil biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared with fossil fuels is increasingly questioned. So far, no measurement-based GHG budgets were available, and plantation age was ignored in Life Cycle Analyses (LCA). Here, we conduct LCA based on measured CO2, CH4and N2O fluxes in young and mature Indonesian oil palm plantations. CO2dominates the on-site GHG budgets. The young plantation is a carbon source (1012 ± 51 gC m−2 yr−1), the mature plantation a sink (−754 ± 38 gC m−2 yr−1). LCA considering the measured fluxes shows higher GHG emissions for palm-oil biodiesel than traditional LCA assuming carbon neutrality. Plantation rotation-cycle extension and earlier-yielding varieties potentially decrease GHG emissions. Due to the high emissions associated with forest conversion to oil palm, our results indicate that only biodiesel from second rotation-cycle plantations or plantations established on degraded land has the potential for pronounced GHG emission savings.
Photo splitting of bio-polyols and sugars to methanol and syngas
Authors: Wang Min , Liu Meijiang , Lu Jianmin , Wang Feng
Published: February 2020

Methanol is a clean liquid energy carrier of sunshine and a key platform chemical for the synthesis of olefins and aromatics. Herein, we report the conversion of biomass-derived polyols and sugars into methanol and syngas (CO+H2) via UV light irradiation under room temperature, and the bio-syngas can be further used for the synthesis of methanol. The cellulose and even raw wood sawdust could be converted into methanol or syngas after hydrogenolysis or hydrolysis pretreatment. We find Cu dispersed on titanium oxide nanorod (TNR) rich in defects is effective for the selective C−C bond cleavage to methanol. Methanol is obtained from glycerol with a co-production of H2. A syngas with CO selectivity up to 90% in the gas phase is obtained via controlling the energy band structure of Cu/TNR.
Female mating tactics in lekking fallow deer (Dama dama): experience explains inter-individual variability more than costs
Authors: Imperio Simona , Lombardi Sonia , De Marinis Annamaria , Ronchi Francesca , Santini Giacomo , Focardi Stefano
Published: February 2020

Most studies on ungulate reproduction have focused on the covariates of male reproductive success, while there is much less information on female tactics of mate choice. The aim of this work is to fill this gap and to assess condition-dependent variations in female tactics in a lekking fallow deer (Dama dama) population. In particular, we investigated three indirect selection mechanisms: i) aggregation: when females join an already formed female group; ii) copying: when females copy the mate choice of other females and iii) territory choice: when females select a territory where many copulations had previously occurred. Our results show that female fallow deer, which are less experienced (younger) and/or incur higher travel costs (home range far from the lek), adopt indirect forms of mate selection more often than older females or females residing near the lek, respectively. Compared to adults, younger females remained longer in the lek (almost three times) and in male territories, returning to the lek after copulation. However, despite the time spent at the lek, younger females were not able to select the highest-rank males, and relied on territory choice more often than older females. Farther does visited the lek less frequently (farthest females only once) and arrived on average 5 days later than closer females (which performed up to 7 visits), but they were seen more often within female groups (aggregation). We did not find a different amount of copying in younger or in farther females. Our results contribute to advance our understanding of female behaviours in ungulate leks.
Genomic divergence reveals unique populations among Indian Yaks
Authors: Sivalingam Jayakumar , Vineeth M. R. , Surya T. , Singh Karanveer , Dixit S. P. , Niranjan S. K. , Tantia M. S. , Gupta I. D. , Ravikumar D.
Published: February 2020

The present study focused upon identification of genome-wide SNPs through the reduced representation approach and to study the genomic divergence of the Indian yak populations. A total of 80 samples belonging to Arunachali yak (N = 20), Himachali yak (N = 20), Ladakhi yak (N = 20) and Sikkimi yak (N = 20) of India were used in the study. The results of the study revealed a total of 579575 high quality SNPs along with 50319 INDELs in the Indian yaks. The observed heterozygosity was found to be high in Himachali yak, followed by Arunachali yak, Ladakhi yak and Sikkimi yaks. The Sikkimi yaks was found to be genetically distant, followed by Ladakhi yaks which was observed to have some few individuals from Arunachali and Himachali yaks. Arunachali and Himachali yaks are found to get clustered together and are genetically similar. The study provides evidence about the genomic diversity in the Indian yak populations and information generated in the present study may help to formulate a suitable breeding plan for endangered Indian yaks. Moreover, the unique yak populations identified in the study will further help to focus attention for future characterization and prioritization of the animals for conservation purposes through the ddRAD approach.
Response of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus to shark bite mitigation products
Authors: Thiele Madeline , Mourier Johann , Papastamatiou Yannis , Ballesta Laurent , Chateauminois Eric , Huveneers Charlie
Published: February 2020

Globally, the frequency of shark bites is rising, resulting in an increasing demand for shark deterrents and measures to lessen the impact of shark bites on humans. Most existing shark protection measures are designed to reduce the probability of a bite, but fabrics that minimise injuries when a shark bite occurs can also be used as mitigation devices. Here, we assessed the ability of the Ocean Guardian Scuba7 and Kevlar material to reduce the likelihood of blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus, from feeding, and to minimise injuries from shark bites. Sharks were enticed to consume a small piece of local reef fish (bait) placed between the two Scuba7 electrodes with the deterrents randomly being turned on or kept off. In the second experiment, the bait was attached to a small pouch made of either standard neoprene or neoprene with a protective layer of Kevlar around it. The Scuba7 reduced the proportion of baits being taken by 67%, (from 100% during control trials to 33%). Sharks also took more time to take the bait when the device was active (165 ± 20.40 s vs. 38.9 ± 3.35 s), approached at a greater distance (80.98 ± 1.72 cm vs. 38.88 ± 3.20 cm) and made a greater number of approaches per trial (19.38 ± 2.29 vs. 3.62 ± 0.53) than when the Scuba7 was inactive. The sizes of punctures from shark bites were significantly smaller on neoprene with Kevlar compared to standard neoprene (3.64 ± 0.26 mm vs. 5.88 ± 0.29 mm). The number of punctures was also fewer when Kevlar was used (14.92 ± 3.16 vs. 74.1 ± 12.44). Overall, the Ocean Guardian Scuba7 and Kevlar reduced the impact of blacktip reef shark bites. These findings may help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing shark deterring and protective products.
HDAC6, modulated by miR-206, promotes endometrial cancer progression through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Zheng Yawen , Yang Xiaohui , Wang Chunyan , Zhang Shuo , Wang Zhiling , Li Meng , Wang Yuanjian , Wang Xiaojie , Yang Xingsheng
Published: February 2020

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer in women. Since early EC has a good prognosis, identifying methods for early diagnosis is valuable. Here, we aimed to study the role of HDAC6, which has been indicated important in many kinds of cancers, in EC diagnosis and therapy. First, the expression levels of HDAC6 in EC tissues and cells were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and through bioinformatics and dual luciferase assays, HDAC6 was found to be a direct target of miR-206. Then, CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were performed; these results indicated that HDAC6 promoted EC cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion, while miR-206 produced the opposite effects. In addition, rescue assays verified that the effect of miR-206 could be reversed by HDAC6, and global gene expression analysis confirmed the relationship between miR-206 and HDAC6. Finally, we measured the levels of PTEN, p-AKT and p-mTOR and other key molecules and speculated that miR-206 might target HDAC6 to suppress EC progression via the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, downregulation of miR-206 and upregulation of HDAC6 in EC may predict poor prognosis, and as the target gene of miR-206, HDAC achieves its carcinogenic effect through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Core endophyte communities of different citrus varieties from citrus growing regions in China
Authors: Munir Shahzad , Li Yongmei , He Pengfei , Huang Min , He Pengbo , He Pengjie , Cui Wenyan , Wu Yixin , He Yueqiu
Published: February 2020

The native microbiomes of citrus trees play important roles in plant health, with good communication between the native microbiome and the host plant. Here, we report on the native endophytes in 24 citrus varieties in nine citrus growing regions in China; some of the trees were healthy and others had asymptomatic or symptomatic huanglongbing, which is caused by the pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). We used culture-dependent analysis and characterized the isolates by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The endophytes were compared between different citrus varieties, regions, and disease states (healthy, asymptomatic, and symptomatic). The total number of endophytes isolated from most of the citrus varieties was 104–106 CFU/g of leaves, but it differed significantly by disease state, with the highest numbers in the healthy leaves and the lowest in the symptomatic leaves (p < 0.05). Among the citrus varieties, the Valencia variety had the maximum number of endophyte species (22). The most dominant endophytes were Bacillus subtilis, B. velezensis, Curtobacterium luteum, and Microbacterium testaceum. The higher frequency of B. subtilis in the healthy/asymptomatic plants compared to the symptomatic plants suggests that it has a role in huanglongbing resistance. Native endophyte communities in various citrus varieties could be used to improve citrus growth and combat CLas.
Predicting Microstructural Void Nucleation in Discontinuous Fiber Composites through Coupled in-situ X-ray Tomography Experiments and Simulations
Authors: Hanhan Imad , Agyei Ronald F. , Xiao Xianghui , Sangid Michael D.
Published: February 2020

Composite materials have become widely used in engineering applications, in order to reduce the overall weight of structures while retaining their required strength. In this work, a composite material consisting of discontinuous glass fibers in a polypropylene matrix is studied at the microstructural level through coupled experiments and simulations, in order to uncover the mechanisms that cause damage to initiate in the microstructure under macroscopic tension. Specifically, we show how hydrostatic stresses in the matrix can be used as a metric to explain and predict the exact location of microvoid nucleation that occurs during damage initiation within the composite’s microstructure. Furthermore, this work provides evidence that hydrostatic stresses in the matrix can lead to coupled microvoid nucleation and early fiber breakage, and that small fragments of fibers can play an important role in the process of microvoid nucleation. These results significantly improve our understanding of the mechanics that drive the initiation of damage in the complex microstructures of discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastics, while also allowing scientists and engineers to predict the microstructural damage behavior of these composites at sub-fiber resolution and with high accuracy.