bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble matching of repeat satellite images applied to measure fast-changing ice flow, verified with mountain climber trajectories on Khumbu icefall, Mount Everest
Authors: Altena Bas , Kääb Andreas
Published: August 2020

Velocities within an icefall are typically the fastest within a glacier system and experience complex flow. The combination of convergent and fast flow, and steep slope generate a quickly changing and intensely fractured surface. This complicates velocity extraction from repeat satellite images, especially when common pattern matching procedures are used. In this study, we exploit the high temporal revisit of medium-resolution satellite images using a novel image matching technique, ensemble matching, making it possible to generate a high-resolution (30 m) velocity field from high-repeat image sequences despite challenging image conditions. We demonstrate this technique for the first time in the glaciology domain using repeat Sentinel-2 optical data over the famous Khumbu icefall, situated on the southern slopes of Mount Everest. Estimates of velocity go just over 1 m d−1, which is slower than summer velocities from noisy single pair image matching. This icefall is frequently crossed by high-altitude mountaineers who use a route confined by fixed ropes and ladders set out every season. The mountain climbers typically record their trajectory on their personal satellite navigation device. We use such volunteered geographic information to verify our velocity estimates, confirming our underestimation with ensemble matching. Besides unprecedented remotely sensed surface velocities over the icefall, we also note that the generated velocity field can aid with the planning of a safe passage through this icefall.
Varying ensiling conditions affect the fermentation quality and abundance of bacterial key players in lucerne silages
Authors: Hartinger T. , Kube K. , Gresner N. , Südekum K.-H.
Published: August 2020

The successful ensiling of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) depends on a rapid acidification in the silo and consequently relies on a sufficient proliferation of, particularly homofermentative, lactic acid bacteria. Similarly, growth of spoilage bacteria, such as enterobacteria and clostridia, must be suppressed and silage additives are therefore frequently applied to promote favourable conditions during ensiling. Three silage additives or soil were applied during lucerne ensiling and investigated for their effects on silage quality characteristics and abundances of total bacteria as well as the bacterial key players Lactobacillus spp., homofermentative Lact. plantarum, heterofermentative Lact. buchneri, Clostridium spp. and Enterobacteriaceae after 30 days of storage. Inoculation with viable Lact. plantarum resulted in highest concentration of this species and excellent silage quality, i.e. high lactic acid concentration coupled with low acetic acid and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations. A sodium nitrite and hexamine-based additive did not support growth of lactic acid bacteria, which was also apparent by higher pH and low lactic acid concentration. No effect of treatments was found on spoilage-related enterobacteria and clostridia, even not when adding soil to lucerne to increase initial clostridial contamination. However, soil treatment resulted in increased ammonia-nitrogen and acetic acid concentrations. Consequently, among the bacterial key players, lactic acid bacteria concentrations were related to silage quality. Regarding spoilage bacteria, however, alterations in silage quality characteristics were not reflected in the abundances of enterobacteria and clostridia. Future investigations should underpin the present findings and help to understand how silage additives affect microbial key players and silage fermentation.
Evaluation of cellulolytic exogenous enzyme-containing microbial inoculants as feed additives for ruminant rations composed of low-quality roughage
Authors: Zayed M. S. , Szumacher-Strabel M. , El-Fattah D. A. A. , Madkour M. A. , Gogulski M. , Strompfová V. , Cieślak A. , El-Bordeny N. E.
Published: August 2020

The supplementation of ruminant diets with exogenous cellulolytic enzymes can improve their digestibility and feeding value. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing roughage (rice straw) and concentrate with inoculants containing four fungal strains (Pleurotus ostreatus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trichoderma reesei and Trichoderma viride) and four bacterial strains (Paenibacillus polymyxa, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus circulans and Bacillus subtilis), given separately or as a mixture, as a source of exogenous cellulolytic enzymes, on basic rumen parameters in vitro, including digestibility and methane production. A batch culture trial was used to select the best supplements, and a long-term rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) was used to evaluate the effects of P. chrysosporium, B. subtilis, and a 1 : 1 mixture of these two on dietary component digestibility and fermentation parameters. In the batch culture evaluation, there were significant increases in the organic matter (OM) digestibility, the total gas production expressed as ml/g of dry matter, the OM, the neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and the acid detergent fibre (ADF) of the supplemented rations, as compared to the control, excluding the rations supplemented with T. viride and B. circulans. In the RUSITEC, the ration supplemented with mixed inoculants showed significantly higher digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, NDF and ADF than did the ration supplemented with the P. chrysosporium and B. subtilis inoculants. It can be concluded that the simultaneous use of fungal and bacterial exogenous cellulases on rice straw roughage improves its digestibility, without negative effects on other rumen parameters.
Genetic load and biological changes to extant humans
Authors: Saniotis Arthur , Henneberg Maciej , Mohammadi Kazhaleh
Published: August 2020

Extant humans are currently increasing their genetic load, which is informing present and future human microevolution. This has been a gradual process that has been rising over the last centuries as a consequence of improved sanitation, nutritional improvements, advancements in microbiology and medical interventions, which have relaxed natural selection. Moreover, a reduction in infant and child mortality and changing societal attitudes towards fertility have led to a decrease in total fertility rates (TFRs) since the 19th century. Generally speaking, decreases in differential fertility and mortality have meant that there is less opportunity for natural selection to eliminate deleterious mutations from the human gene pool. It has been argued that the average human may carry ~250–300 mutations that are mostly deleterious, as well as several hundred less-deleterious variants. These deleterious alleles in extant humans mean that our fitness is being constrained. While such alleles are viewed as reducing human fitness, they may also have had an adaptive function in the past, such as assisting in genetic complexity, sexual recombination and diploidy. Saying this, our current knowledge on these fitness compromising alleles is still lacking.
Diet composition and some observations on the feeding ecology of the rhizostome Rhopilema nomadica in Israeli coastal waters
Authors: Kuplik Z. , Angel D. L.
Published: August 2020

Since the mid-1980s, swarms of the rhizostome Rhopilema nomadica have been an annual phenomenon in Israeli Mediterranean coastal waters during the summer months. Despite its annual prominence and the potential impact on food webs and ecosystem services, studies concerning its feeding ecology and its interactions with other biota in the marine food web have not been conducted. During summer 2015 gut contents of 41 R. nomadica were analysed as well as ambient plankton assemblages. More than 60% of the medusae diet was found to consist of microzooplankton <150 μm. Size correlations revealed that larger R. nomadica consumed faster swimming prey while smaller medusae relied more on the slower swimming taxa. The medusan diet reflected most of the ambient plankton taxa, but no statistically significant correlations between the relative abundance in diet and ambient plankton were found. As summer progressed, there was a gradual decrease in both mean medusa bell diameter (from 42.2–16 cm) and integrity of feeding structures. These findings suggest that R. nomadica, at least at the time of its appearance in Israeli coastal waters, may exert less predatory pressure on the plankton than we might otherwise expect.
Heritability of specific cognitive functions and associations with schizophrenia spectrum disorders using CANTAB: a nation-wide twin study
Authors: Lemvigh Cecilie K. , Brouwer Rachel M. , Pantelis Christos , Jensen Maria H. , Hilker Rikke W. , Legind Christian S. , Anhøj Simon J. , Robbins Trevor W. , Sahakian Barbara J. , Glenthøj Birte Y. , Fagerlund Birgitte
Published: August 2020

Background

Many cognitive functions are under strong genetic control and twin studies have demonstrated genetic overlap between some aspects of cognition and schizophrenia. How the genetic relationship between specific cognitive functions and schizophrenia is influenced by IQ is currently unknown.

Methods

We applied selected tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) to examine the heritability of specific cognitive functions and associations with schizophrenia liability. Verbal and performance IQ were estimated using The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III and the Danish Adult Reading Test. In total, 214 twins including monozygotic (MZ = 32) and dizygotic (DZ = 22) pairs concordant or discordant for a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and healthy control pairs (MZ = 29, DZ = 20) were recruited through the Danish national registers. Additionally, eight twins from affected pairs participated without their sibling.

Results

Significant heritability was observed for planning/spatial span (h2 = 25%), self-ordered spatial working memory (h2 = 64%), sustained attention (h2 = 56%), and movement time (h2 = 47%), whereas only unique environmental factors contributed to set-shifting, reflection impulsivity, and thinking time. Schizophrenia liability was associated with planning/spatial span (rph = −0.34), self-ordered spatial working memory (rph = −0.24), sustained attention (rph = −0.23), and set-shifting (rph = −0.21). The association with planning/spatial span was not driven by either performance or verbal IQ. The remaining associations were shared with performance, but not verbal IQ.

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence that some cognitive functions are heritable and associated with schizophrenia, suggesting a partially shared genetic etiology. These functions may constitute endophenotypes for the disorder and provide a basis to explore genes common to cognition and schizophrenia.
JOINT TIME-SERIES AND CROSS-SECTION LIMIT THEORY UNDER MIXINGALE ASSUMPTIONS
Authors: Hahn Jinyong , Kuersteiner Guido , Mazzocco Maurizio
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we complement joint time-series and cross-section convergence results derived in a companion paper Hahn, Kuersteiner, and Mazzocco (2016, Central Limit Theory for Combined Cross-Section and Time Series) by allowing for serial correlation in the time-series sample. The implications of our analysis are limiting distributions that have a well-known form of long-run variances for the time-series limit. We obtain these results at the cost of imposing strict stationarity for the time-series model and conditional independence between the time-series and cross-section samples. Our results can be applied to estimators that combine time-series and cross-section data in the presence of aggregate uncertainty in models with rationally forward-looking agents.
A New Method of Real-Time Kinematic Positioning Suitable for Baselines of Different Lengths
Authors: Liu Jinhai , Tu Rui , Zhang Rui , Huang Xiaodong , Zhang Pengfei , Lu Xiaochun
Published: August 2020

This study introduces a new real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning method which is suitable for baselines of different lengths. The method merges carrier-phase wide-lane, and ionosphere-free observation combinations (LWLC) instead of using pseudo-range, and carrier-phase ionosphere-free combination (PCLC), or single-frequency pseudo-range and phase combination (P1L1). In a first step, the double-differenced wide-lane ambiguities were calculated and fixed using the pseudo-range and carrier-phase wide-lane combination observations. Once the double-differenced wide-lane integer ambiguities were known, the wide-lane combined observations were regarded as accurate pseudo-range observations. Subsequently, the carrier-phase wide-lane, and ionosphere-free combined observations were used to fix the double-differenced carrier-phase integer ambiguities, achieving the final RTK positioning. The RTK positioning analysis was performed for short, medium, and long baselines, using the P1L1, PCLC, and LWLC methods, respectively. For a short baseline, the LWLC method demonstrated positioning accuracy similar to the P1L1 method, and performed better than the PCLC method. For medium and long baselines, the positioning accuracy of the LWLC method was slightly higher than those of the PCLC and P1L1 methods. In conclusion, the LWLC method provided high-precision RTK positioning results for baselines with different lengths, as it used high-precision carrier-phase observations with fixed ambiguities instead of low-precision pseudo-range observations.
Of neurons and pericytes: The neuro-vascular approach to diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Eleftheriou Cyril G. , Ivanova Elena , Sagdullaev Botir T.
Published: August 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus and an increasingly common cause of visual impairment. Blood vessel damage occurs as the disease progresses, leading to ischemia, neovascularization, blood–retina barrier (BRB) failure and eventual blindness. Although detection and treatment strategies have improved considerably over the past years, there is room for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the diabetic retina. Indeed, it has been increasingly realized that DR is in fact a disease of the retina’s neurovascular unit (NVU), the multi-cellular framework underlying functional hyperemia, coupling neuronal computations to blood flow. The accumulating evidence reveals that both neurochemical (synapses) and electrical (gap junctions) means of communications between retinal cells are affected at the onset of hyperglycemia, warranting a global assessment of cellular interactions and their role in DR. This is further supported by the recent data showing down-regulation of connexin 43 gap junctions along the vascular relay from capillary to feeding arteriole as one of the earliest indicators of experimental DR, with rippling consequences to the anatomical and physiological integrity of the retina. Here, recent advancements in our knowledge of mechanisms controlling the retinal neurovascular unit will be assessed, along with their implications for future treatment and diagnosis of DR.
Balloon angioplasty of bidirectional Glenn anastomosis
Authors: Matoq Amr , Radtke Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Objective:

We aim to assess the safety and efficacy of the transcatheter balloon dilation of superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (SCPA).

Background:

SCPA stenosis can lead to impaired pulmonary blood flow, hypoxemia and development of veno-venous collaterals with right-to-left shunt. Balloon dilation of SCPA has been rarely reported and follow-up information is lacking.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent cardiac catheterisation and angioplasty of SCPA and reviewed patient’s demographics, diagnosis, SCPA surgery and post-operative course, catheterisation haemodynamics, procedural technique, angiography, and the findings of follow-up catheterisation.

Results:

Between 2008 and 2017, seven patients showed significant narrowing of SCPA and underwent balloon angioplasty, all of whom had undergone bidirectional Glenn (BDG). Indications for cardiac catheterisation included persistent pleural effusion, hypoxemia, and echocardiographic evidence of BDG stenosis or routine pre-Fontan assessment. Five patients had bilateral SCPA. The procedure was successful in all cases with increase in the stenosis diameter from a median of 3.3 mm (range 1.2–4.7 mm) to a median of 4.7 mm (range 2.6–7.8 mm). All patients had at least one follow-up cardiac catheterisation. Only one patient required repeat angioplasty at the 2.3-month follow-up with no further recurrence. Sustained results and interval growth were noted in all other cases during up to 29 months of follow-up. No adverse events were encountered.

Conclusion:

Based on our small series, balloon angioplasty of BDG stenosis is feasible and safe and appears to provide sustained improvement with interval growth and only the rare recurrence of stenosis.
Role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in an adolescent with a giant intrapericardial mass
Authors: Krupickova Sylvia , Voges Inga , Mohiaddin Raad
Published: August 2020

A 14 -year-old boy presented with chest pain and breathlessness. Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade features and suspicion of cardiac mass. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrated a large, well-defined pericardial mass, suggesting atypical large coronary fistula with pericardial haematoma or primary cardiac/pericardial tumour such as angiosarcoma. Histology confirmed a mixed-type vascular malformation. Sirolimus therapy was initiated.
Percutaneous catheter interventions via Glidesheath Slender in small children
Authors: Gendera Katarzyna , Eicken Andreas , Ewert Peter , Georgiev Stanimir , Tanase Daniel
Published: August 2020

Background:

Catheterization in small children should be performed with the lowest diameter introducer sheaths to prevent permanent vessel damage. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of the Glidesheath Slender in small children.

Methods and results:

We present a group of 52 patients (male: n = 36) with median age 118.5 days (min. 3; max. 1302), median weight: 5.3 kg (min. 1.4; max. 14.0), median height: 60.5 cm (min. 39; max. 102), and median body surface area 0.28 m2 (min. 0.12; max. 0.63) in whom percutaneous catheter interventions (n = 55) were performed via a Glidesheath Slender. In 49 children, the intervention was performed from femoral access (artery n = 35; vein n = 14) in 2 from the axillary arterial access and in 1 from the jugular venous access. In all patients, the vessel access was obtained under ultrasound guidance. After the catheterization, the pulse on the peripheral arteries (posterior tibial artery or radial artery) was palpable in all patients, and no signs for vessel dysfunction were present.

Conclusion:

The Glidesheath Slender effectively reduces the outer sheath diameter for various types of interventions in small children by one French, reducing the risk of vessel complications (stenosis, occlusion). Interventions via Glidesheath Slender in small patients are safe and feasible and extend the transcatheter possibilities in small children with congenital heart diseases.
Identifying elements for a comprehensive paediatric cardiac rehabilitation programme
Authors: Curran Tracy , Gauthier Naomi , Duty Susan M. , Pojednic Rachele
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to identify relevant content among four important domains for the development and structure of a paediatric cardiac rehabilitation curriculum for young patients with congenital heart disease using a consensus approach.

Methods:

A three-round e-Delphi study among congenital heart disease and paediatric exercise physiology experts was conducted. Round 1, experts provided opinions in a closed- and open-ended electronic questionnaire to identify specific elements necessary for inclusion in a paediatric cardiac rehabilitation programme. Round 2, experts were asked to re-rate the same items after feedback and summary data were provided from round 1. Round 3, the same experts were asked to re-rate items that did not reach consensus from round 2.

Results:

Forty-seven experts were contacted via e-mail to participate on the Delphi panel, 37 consented, 35 completed round 1, 29 completed round 2, and 28 completed the final round. After round 2, consensus was reached in 55 of 60 (92%) questionnaire items across four domains: exercise training, education, outcome metrics, and self-confidence.

Conclusion:

This study established consensus towards programme structure, exercise training principles, educational content, patient outcome measures, and self-confidence promotion. By identifying the key components within each domain, there is potential to benchmark recommended standards and practice guidelines for the development of a paediatric cardiac rehabilitation curriculum to be used and tested by exercise physiologists, paediatric and adult congenital cardiologists, and other healthcare team members for optimising the health and wellness of paediatric patients with congenital heart disease.
Evaluation of a VERT-based module for proton radiotherapy education and training
Authors: Rabus Amber , Kirby Mike C. , Nasole Laura , Bridge Pete
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

In many countries, there is a skills gap in proton therapy with many staff unprepared to work with the new technology. The new Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) proton module provides learners with a simulated proton machine 3D environment. This project aimed to evaluate the role of VERT in training the radiotherapy workforce for the future use of protons.

Methods:

A practical teaching session using VERT was deployed after a traditional teaching session had provided basic knowledge. A questionnaire deployed before and after VERT enabled comparison of knowledge while a combination of Likert and open questions gathered participant feedback concerning the initiative.

Results:

A total of 38 students provided evaluation of the session. Overall, there were high levels of satisfaction and enjoyment with 35 participants reporting enjoyment and 36 indicating that the event be repeated.

Discussion:

Participants felt that they had learned from the experience, although quantitative data lacked statistical significance to demonstrate this. All participants agreed that VERT had provided improved understanding of proton dose deposition arising from visualisation of beams and dose deposition. Most participants agreed that the simulation was realistic and that it had improved their understanding. Feedback in relation to future sessions concerned smaller group sizes, more patient cases, more time and additional clinical datasets.

Conclusion:

A proton simulation module has been shown to be an enjoyable teaching tool that improves students’ confidence in their knowledge of the underpinning theory and clinical usage of the modality. Learners felt better prepared to encounter protons in clinical practice. Future work will build on these findings using smaller group work and a more robust assessment tool to identify long-term impact of the training.
How to assess sustainability transformations: a review
Authors: Salomaa Anna , Juhola Sirkku
Published: August 2020

Non-technical summary

There is a call to change societies to become more sustainable. We examine how the concept of sustainability transformation has been used and find that it has been defined in many ways. The concept is still used without many real-world examples – we found only four studies that had assessed whether a multi-sectoral sustainability transformation had taken place. There is a need to further clarify what sustainability transformation means and how it can be assessed.
Wie viele Familien in Deutschland sind in welchem Ausmaß psychosozial belastet?
Authors: Lorenz Simon , Ulrich Susanne Marlene , Kindler Heinz , Liel Christoph
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Kumulation von Risikofaktoren ist ein gängiges Kriterium zur Indikation eines frühen Hilfebedarfs. Über die Anzahl und das Ausmaß der psychosozial belasteten Familien in Deutschland ist bislang nur wenig bekannt. Mit Daten von N=7 549 Familien der Studie Kinder in Deutschland – KiD 0 – 3 und einem Inventar aus 25 Risikofaktoren wurde die Klassifizierung der Familien in Risikogruppen anhand einfacher Summenindizes mit den Ergebnissen einer Latenten Klassenanalyse (LCA) verglichen. Während einfache Summenindizes 24 – 30 % der Familien als belastet identifizierten, erzeugte die inhaltlich überlegene LCA eine Vier-Klassen-Lösung mit 59 % unbelasteten und 5 % hochbelasteten Familien. Im mittleren Belastungsbereich unterscheidet sich die Gruppe der sozioökonomisch belasteten Familien (19 %) von Familien mit hohem elterlichem Stress und Konfliktpotenzial (17 %). Die Ergebnisse liefern wichtige Hinweise für die Versorgungsforschung zu Frühen Hilfen.
Retrospektive Evaluation eines interdisziplinären Nachsorgeangebots für suchtmittelexponierte Neugeborene
Authors: Noort Betteke Maria van , Timme Anja , Watrin-Avino Laura , Nagel Manuela , Bührer Christoph , Hüseman Dieter , Siedentopf Jan-Peter , Wiefel Andreas , Leupold Heike , Winter Sibylle
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. Pränatale Suchtmittelexposition ist ein großer Risikofaktor für organische, neurologische und psychische Entwicklungsstörungen. In der Gesamtstichprobe ( N = 84) erfolgte auf Grund der Schwere der Störung bei fast der Hälfte der Kinder eine medikamentöse Behandlung des Neonatalen Entzugssyndroms. 56 Familien nahmen das Nachsorgeangebot im Rahmen einer Kooperation zwischen Geburtsmedizin, Neonatologie und Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie wahr (BK-Gruppe) und 28 erschienen nicht (N-Gruppe). In der N-Gruppe nahmen die Mütter präpartal häufiger Substitutionsmittel ein ( p=0,02). Kinder aus der BK-Gruppe erhielten häufiger Unterstützung durch Jugendhilfe (22 %) und wurden seltener (46 %) in den elterlichen Haushalt entlassen ( p<0,05). Bei über 80 % der Säuglinge wurde eine Regulationsstörung diagnostiziert. Nach unseren Erfahrungen besteht aufgrund der Vielzahl von Entwicklungsrisiken und psychosozialen Belastungen eine dringliche Indikation zur interdisziplinären Diagnostik und Behandlung aller dieser Neugeborenen.
Impact of Nested Moisture Cycles on Coastal Chalk Cliff Failure Revealed by Multiseasonal Seismic and Topographic Surveys
Authors: Dietze M. , Cook K. L. , Illien L. , Rach O. , Puffpaff S. , Stodian I. , Hovius N.
Published: August 2020

Cliff failure is a fundamental process shaping many coastlines worldwide. Improved insight into direct links between cliff failure and forcing mechanisms requires precise information on the timing of individual failures, which is difficult to obtain with conventional observation methods for longer stretches of coastline. Here we use seismic records and auxiliary data spanning 25 months to precisely identify and locate 81 failure events along the 8.6‐km‐long chalk cliff coast of Jasmund, on Germany's largest island, Rügen. The subminute precision of event timing allows the linkage of individual failures to triggers over a wide range of relevant time scales. We show that during the monitoring interval, marine processes were negligible as a trigger of cliff failure, although still being important for the removal of resulting deposits. Instead, cliff failure was associated with terrestrial controls on rock moisture. Most failures occurred when water caused a state transition of the cliff forming chalk, from solid to liquid. Water content was modulated by (i) subsurface flow toward the cliff, (ii) rain onto the cliff, and (iii) condensation of atmospheric moisture, leading to clustered failures preferentially during the night. Seasonal water availability, controlled by plant activity, imposed an annual cycle of cliff failure, and wetter and drier than average years imposed a month‐long legacy effect on cliff failure dynamics. Similar terrestrial control mechanisms may also be relevant for other coastal chalk cliffs, in addition to already investigated marine triggers.
Degradation of Satellite‐Based Navigation Performance Observed From an Anomaly Crest Location in the Indian Longitude Sector
Authors: Goswami Samiddha , Ray Sarbani , Paul Ashik
Published: August 2020

GPS amplitude and phase scintillations in terms of the index S4 and σϕ and the corresponding losses of lock in signal have been studied with consequent errors in receiver positions for the whole month of March 2014 from Calcutta situated near the northern crest of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA). The impact of phase and amplitude scintillations is found to be different on GPS satellites in terms of intensities and duration. There are 42 and 59 cases of loss of lock in C/NO and phase, respectively, all occurring during 13–18 UT (LT = UT + 06:00). For all the cases, duration of amplitude loss of lock is longer than that of phase loss of lock. Associated with such signal perturbations, deviations in receiver positions are found to occur having maximum values of 31.72 m for latitude and 85.2 m for longitude during 15–16 UT. Though 9.5% of the cases start when amplitude scintillation was moderate (0.4 < S4 ≤ 0.6), 32.2% of the cases occurred when phase scintillation was moderate (0.2 < σϕ ≤ 0.7). The percentage of occurrences of moderate amplitude scintillation is 5.07% during 19:00–20:00 UT and does not occur thereafter, whereas the percentage of occurrences of moderate phase scintillations are found to be 18% even during 21:00–22:00 UT. The percentage of occurrences of weak phase scintillations was also higher (49.25%) compared to 1.98% corresponding to amplitude scintillations even at 23:00 UT. Occurrence of phase scintillations on GPS links has not been frequently reported from this longitude sector before, mainly due to nonavailability of appropriate transmissions.
Pore‐Scale Modeling of Drainage Displacement Patterns in Association With Geological Sequestration of CO2
Authors: Zacharoudiou Ioannis , Boek Edo S. , Crawshaw John
Published: August 2020

We investigate the immiscible displacement (drainage) of a wetting fluid in a porous medium by a nonwetting fluid using multi–graphics processing unit (GPU) lattice Boltzmann simulations with the aim of better understanding the pore‐scale processes involved in the geological sequestration of CO2. Correctly resolving the dynamics involved in multiphase flow in permeable media is of paramount importance for any numerical scheme. Generally, the average fluid flow is assumed to be at low Reynolds numbers Reav. Hence, by neglecting inertial effects, this immiscible displacement should be characterized by just two dimensionless numbers, namely, the capillary number Caav and the viscosity ratio, which quantify the ratio of the relevant forces, that is, the viscous and capillary forces. Our investigation reveals that inertial effects cannot be neglected in the range of typical capillary numbers associated with multiphase flow in permeable media. Even as the average Caav and Reav decrease away from the injection point, inertial effects remain important over a transient amount of time during abrupt Haines jumps, when the nonwetting phase passes from a narrow restriction to a wider pore space. The local Rel at the jump sites is orders of magnitude higher than the average Reav, with the local dynamics being decoupled from the externally imposed flow rate. Therefore, a full Navier‐Stokes solver should be used for investigating pore‐scale displacement processes. Using the Ohnesorge number to restrict the parameter selection process is essential, as this dimensionless number links Caav and Reav and reflects the thermophysical properties of a given system under investigation.
Molecular Tracing of Riverine Soil Organic Matter From the Central Himalaya
Authors: Märki L. , Lupker M. , Gajurel A. P. , Gies H. , Haghipour N. , Gallen S. , France‐Lanord C. , Lavé J. , Eglinton T.
Published: August 2020

The isomer distribution of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs) in soils has been shown to correlate to the local mean annual temperature. Here, we explore the use of brGDGT distributions as proxy for the elevation at which soil organic carbon is preferentially mobilized in the Central Himalaya. Soil brGDGT distributions collected along an altitudinal profile, spanning elevations from 200 to 4,450 m asl, are linearly correlated to elevation. We use this calibration to trace the provenance of soil organic matter in suspended sediments of rivers draining the Himalaya. BrGDGT distributions of fluvial sediments reflect the mean elevation of the soil cover in most catchments. Inverse modeling of the brGDGT data set suggests similar relative contribution to soil organic carbon mobilization from different land covers within a factor 2. We conclude that riverine soil organic carbon export in the Himalaya mostly occurs pervasively and is at the catchment scale insensitive to anthropogenic perturbations.
Insights Into Mount Etna December 2018 Eruption From Joint Inversion of Deformation and Gravity Data
Authors: Chauhan Mahak Singh , Cannavó Flavio , Carbone Daniele , Greco Filippo
Published: August 2020

We present results of the joint analysis of ground deformation and superconducting gravity data encompassing Etna's December 2018 eruption. The horizontal ground deformation points to a mechanism of dike opening. Accordingly, we consider forward analytical models describing the effects of a tensile dislocation and use two data inversion approaches, based on heuristic and probabilistic methods. The observed changes can be explained assuming the intrusion of a fluid lighter than bubble‐free magma, along a dike‐like structure. However, the poor fit to the vertical deformation and the discrepancy between bulk volume increase, deduced by the data inversion (some tens of millions of m3), and volume emitted through effusive activity (∼1 × 106 m3) suggest that a more complex mechanism led to the eruption, involving partial inelastic accommodation of the strain and the formation of void space through increase in the fracturing rate of the medium.
Drumbeat LP “Aftershocks” to a Failed Explosive Eruption at Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador
Authors: Butcher S. , Bell A. F. , Hernandez S. , Calder E. , Ruiz M. , Mothes P.
Published: August 2020

Highly periodic, repetitive long‐period (LP) earthquakes, known as “drumbeats,” have been observed at a range of volcanoes, typically during the ascent of degassed magma. Accelerating rates of drumbeats have been reported before explosions and potentially offer forecasts of future activity. However, the broader phenomenology of drumbeats is poorly understood. Here we describe an episode of over 900 LP earthquakes recorded in November 2015 at Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador, that we believe are associated with a failed explosion. Rates of LP drumbeats accelerated for 10 hr, consistent with an inverse Omori's law. Before any explosion occurred, seismicity decreased following Omori's law, over a further 6 days. Despite earthquake rates decelerating, amplitudes, spectral peaks, Q values, and periodicity remain constant, suggesting there is little change in the source process with time. We argue that the decelerating seismicity is a result of progressive reduction of gas flux, unable to provide sufficient overpressure for explosion.
The Role of Westerly Wind Bursts During Different Seasons Versus Ocean Heat Recharge in the Development of Extreme El Niño in Climate Models
Authors: Yu Sungduk , Fedorov Alexey V.
Published: August 2020

The mechanisms and predictability of extreme El Niño events, as in 1982, 1997, and 2015, remain unclear. Here we investigate the relative roles of the ocean initial heat recharge and westerly wind bursts (WWBs) that occur during different seasons in the generation of extreme El Niño events in a climate model (CESM1.2). Several sets of 100‐member ensemble simulations, along with CMIP5 and atmospheric reanalysis data, are used. We show that while the probability of extreme El Niño increases progressively with ocean heat recharge, tropical conditions by year‐end are least predictable (the largest ensemble spread) for moderately‐to‐strongly recharged ocean initial states, rather than neutrally charged. Even after strong early‐year WWBs and recharged ocean the occurrence of extreme El Niño has limited predictability. While the early‐year WWBs are still important for strong El Niño, it is to a lesser extent than suggested previously, as mid‐year WWBs play a critical role in El Niño progression.
Energetic Constraints on the Intertropical Convergence Zone Position in the Observed Seasonal Cycle From Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA‐2)
Authors: Wei Ho‐Hsuan , Bordoni Simona
Published: August 2020

Idealized simulations show that the approximate colocation between the ITCZ and the energy flux equator (EFE), which holds on the annual and zonal average, breaks down on subseasonal timescales, as the Hadley cell develops a shallow return flow and negative gross moist stability (GMS). Here, we explore if similar mechanisms are seen in reanalysis data. In the zonal mean, a temporal offset exists between the ITCZ and the EFE as the ITCZ is retreating from the Northern to Southern Hemisphere and the Hadley cell transports energy northward across the equator despite a northward‐shifted ITCZ. At these times, the southern cell has a bottom‐heavy structure, with a distorted cell boundary and northward energy transport. In the Eastern Pacific, while bottom‐heavy structures exist throughout the year, the bottom heaviness is stronger in boreal fall, when GMS is negative, and SSTs are weak while their Laplacian is large and negative below the ITCZ.
Warm Arctic, Cold Siberia Pattern: Role of Full Arctic Amplification Versus Sea Ice Loss Alone
Authors: Labe Zachary , Peings Yannick , Magnusdottir Gudrun
Published: August 2020

The effect of future Arctic amplification (AA) on the extratropical atmospheric circulation remains unclear in modeling studies. Using a collection of coordinated atmospheric and coupled global climate model perturbation experiments, we find an emergent relationship between the high‐latitude 1,000–500 hPa thickness response and an enhancement of the Siberian High in winter. This wave number‐1‐like sea level pressure anomaly pattern is linked to an equatorward shift of the eddy‐driven jet and a dynamical cooling response in eastern Asia. Additional simulations, where AA is imposed directly into the model domain by nudging, demonstrate how the sea ice forcing is insufficient by itself to capture the vertical extent of the warming and by extension the amplitude of the response in the Siberian High. This study demonstrates the importance of the vertical extent of the tropospheric warming over the polar cap in revealing the “warm Arctic, cold Siberia” anomaly pattern in future projections.
Understanding Uneven Land Subsidence in Beijing, China, Using a Novel Combination of Geophysical Prospecting and InSAR
Authors: Guo Lin , Gong Huili , Li Jiwei , Zhu Lin , Xue Aimin , Liao Lin , Sun Ying , Li Yongsheng , Zhang Zhenxin , Hu Leyin , Gao Mingliang , Zhou Chaofan , Cheng Rui , Zhou Jiahui
Published: August 2020

A novel approach was developed to quantitatively examine land subsidence. It combines a new geophysical (NG) prospecting and the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technology to explore uneven development of land subsidence in Beijing, China. We derived land subsidence spatial information over 4 years (from November 2014 to July 2018) based on Sentinel‐1 satellite imagery and the small‐baseline InSAR (SBAS‐InSAR) method. Also, profile data were acquired using seismic frequency resonance (SFR) approach in a few settlement areas. We developed a geological model based on boreholes and SFR data. Thus, we can quantitively study the driving forces of a typical uneven land subsidence. We found that faults are controlling spatial developments of land subsidence in Beijing. The subsidence rates have different values along the same fault. Also, we revealed the contributions of compressible layers to the formation of uneven land subsidence.
Ionospheric Modulation by Storm Time Pc5 ULF Pulsations and the Structure Detected by PFISR‐THEMIS Conjunction
Authors: Wang Boyi , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Hartinger Michael , Sivadas Nithin , Lyons Larry L. , Varney Roger H. , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: August 2020

We investigate a significant duskside ionospheric density modulation in the Pc5 frequency band and related spatial structures during the storm on 28 May 2017. We take advantage of 3‐D ionospheric observations by the PFISR and simultaneous magnetospheric in situ observations. Inversion of the density suggests that the Pc5 pulsations modulated precipitating electrons over a broad range of energies (~5–500 keV). Such strong electron precipitation likely caused a significant density modulation rate of ~8 and ionospheric Pedersen and Hall conductances to vary rapidly and peaked at ~70–100 S. The reflection coefficient was also substantially modulated between 0.5 and 0.9. Moreover, the observations by the multibeam PFISR and THEMIS E both reveal that the Pc5 pulsations propagated westward in the duskside region. It suggests that quasiperiodic activities in the nightside and subsequent duskward drifts were likely the source of the duskside Pc5 pulsations.
Polar Flattening of Jupiter's Magnetosphere
Authors: Ranquist D. A. , Bagenal F. , Wilson R. J.
Published: August 2020

Jupiter's magnetosphere is filled with plasma that expands from Io into an equatorial plasma disk, which preferentially inflates the magnetosphere against the solar wind equatorially. This results in a polar flattened magnetosphere and changes the dynamics between the solar wind and the magnetopause boundary. The degree of polar flattening at Jupiter, however, is not well known because no spacecraft has traversed the magnetopause at high latitudes. Instead, estimates must be made from much lower latitudes. In this study, we present a new method of estimating the large‐scale shape of magnetospheres by using magnetic field draping within the magnetosheath. Utilizing data of Jupiter's dawn magnetosheath from the Juno spacecraft, we estimate the ratio of the semimajor to semiminor axes of the Jupiter‐Sun‐North Y‐Z elliptical cross section of Jupiter's magnetopause is 1.29 ± 0.29.
Early Tsunami Detection With Near‐Fault Ocean‐Bottom Pressure Gauge Records Based on the Comparison With Seismic Data
Authors: Mizutani Ayumu , Yomogida Kiyoshi , Tanioka Yuichiro
Published: August 2020

Offshore real‐time ocean bottom networks of seismometers and ocean bottom pressure (OBP) gauges have been recently established such as DONET and S‐net around the Japanese islands. One of their purposes is to practice rapid and accurate tsunami forecasting. Near‐fault OBP records, however, are always contaminated by nontsunami components such as sea‐bottom acceleration change until an earthquake stops its fault or sea‐floor motions. This study proposes a new method to separate tsunami and ocean bottom displacement components from coseismic OBP records in a real‐time basis. Associated with the Off‐Mie earthquake of 2016 April 1, we first compared OBP data with acceleration, velocity, and displacement seismograms recorded by seismometers at common ocean bottom sites in both time and frequency domains. Based on this comparison, we adopted a band‐pass filter of 0.05–0.15 Hz to remove ocean‐bottom acceleration components from the OBP data. Resulting OBP waveforms agree well with the tsunami components estimated by a 100‐s low‐pass filter with records of several hundred seconds in length. Our method requires only an early portion of a given OBP record after 30 s of an origin time in order to estimate its tsunami component accurately. Our method enhances early tsunami detections with near‐fault OBP data; that is, it will make a tsunami forecasting system faster and more reliable than the previous detection schemes that require data away from source regions or after coseismic motions are over.
In Situ Characterization of Three‐Phase Flow in Mixed‐Wet Porous Media Using Synchrotron Imaging
Authors: Scanziani Alessio , Alhosani Abdulla , Lin Qingyang , Spurin Catherine , Garfi Gaetano , Blunt Martin J. , Bijeljic Branko
Published: August 2020

We use fast synchrotron X‐ray microtomography to understand three‐phase flow in mixed‐wet porous media to design either enhanced permeability or capillary trapping. The dynamics of these phenomena are of key importance in subsurface hydrology, carbon dioxide storage, oil recovery, food and drug manufacturing, and chemical reactors. We study the dynamics of a water‐gas‐water injection sequence in a mixed‐wet carbonate rock. During the initial waterflooding, water displaced oil from pores of all size, indicating a mixed‐wet system with local contact angles both above and below 90°. When gas was injected, gas displaced oil preferentially with negligible displacement of water. This behavior is explained in terms of the gas pressure needed for invasion. Overall, gas behaved as the most nonwetting phase with oil as the most wetting phase; however, pores of all size were occupied by oil, water, and gas, as a signature of mixed‐wet media. Thick oil wetting layers were observed, which increased oil connectivity and facilitated its flow during gas injection. A chase waterflooding resulted in additional oil flow, while gas was trapped by oil and water. Furthermore, we quantified the evolution of the surface areas and both Gaussian and the total curvature, from which capillary pressure could be estimated. These quantities are related to the Minkowski functionals which quantify the degree of connectivity and trapping. The combination of water and gas injection, under mixed‐wet immiscible conditions, leads to both favorable oil flow and significant trapping of gas, which is advantageous for storage applications.
RUNX1 mutations in blast-phase chronic myeloid leukemia associate with distinct phenotypes, transcriptional profiles, and drug responses
Authors: Adnan Awad Shady , Dufva Olli , Ianevski Aleksandr , Ghimire Bishwa , Koski Jan , Maliniemi Pilvi , Thomson Daniel , Schreiber Andreas , Heckman Caroline A. , Koskenvesa Perttu , Korhonen Matti , Porkka Kimmo , Branford Susan , Aittokallio Tero , Kankainen Matti , Mustjoki Satu
Published: August 2020

Blast-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (BP-CML) is associated with additional chromosomal aberrations,RUNX1mutations being one of the most common. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy has only limited efficacy in BP-CML, and characterization of more defined molecular subtypes is warranted in order to design better treatment modalities for this poor prognosis patient group. Using whole-exome and RNA sequencing we demonstrate thatPHF6andBCORL1mutations,IKZF1deletions, and AID/RAG-mediated rearrangements are enriched inRUNX1mutBP-CML leading to typical mutational signature. On transcriptional level interferon and TNF signaling were deregulated in primaryRUNX1mutCML cells and stem cell and B-lymphoid factors upregulated giving a rise to distinct phenotype. This was accompanied with the sensitivity ofRUNX1mutblasts to CD19-CAR T cells in ex vivo assays. High-throughput drug sensitivity and resistance testing revealed leukemia cells fromRUNX1mutpatients to be highly responsive for mTOR-, BCL2-, and VEGFR inhibitors and glucocorticoids. These findings were further investigated and confirmed in CRISPR/Cas9-edited homozygousRUNX1−/−and heterozygousRUNX1−/mutBCR-ABL positive cell lines. Overall, our study provides insights into the pathogenic role ofRUNX1mutations and highlights personalized targeted therapy and CAR T-cell immunotherapy as potentially promising strategies for treatingRUNX1mutBP-CML patients.