bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using integrated modelling to understand seasonal vegetation dynamics and its relationship to runoff generation
Authors: Bian Zihao , Wang Lachun , Gu Yan , Pan Ye , Yao Yuanzhi , Zhao Jing , Ji Xiaomin
Published: April 2020

Vegetation dynamics and hydrological processes are major components of terrestrial ecosystems, and they interact strongly with each other. Studies of hydrological responses to vegetation dynamics are usually conducted on a long‐term scale, whereas the hydrological responses within a single year have rarely been studied. In the present study, Poyang Lake runoff (PYL‐R) model, a new hydrological model coupled with leaf area index (LAI) remote sensing products, was established and applied to simulate the runoff process in the Poyang Lake Watershed. The simulation results obtained in three sub‐watersheds of the Poyang Lake Watershed (Ganjiang Watershed, Xinjiang Watershed, and Fuhe Watershed) agreed well with the observations (Nash efficiency coefficient values andRvalues exceeded 0.6 and 0.9, respectively). The PYL‐R experiment (PYL‐R‐E) model was designed as a contrast model without considering the impact of LAI. The simulated monthly runoff results obtained using the PYL‐R and PYL‐R‐E models were compared, and the within‐year changes in the differences between the two results were analysed to evaluate and quantify the impact of vegetation dynamic on runoff. From January to July, when LAI values increased by around 2.6 m2m−2, monthly runoff depth differences between PYL‐R and PYL‐R‐E results increased by 35.25, 27.98, and 29.14 mm in the Ganjiang, Xinjiang, and Fuhe watersheds, respectively. Dense vegetation caused high interception and evapotranspiration during summer, which largely reduced runoff. By contrast, during winter, the effect of vegetation was weaker on runoff process whereas the impacts of other factors (e.g., precipitation) were higher. The sensitivity of monthly runoff to vegetation dynamics varied greatly throughout the whole year. In particular, during August and September, the LAI‐caused runoff changes were very high, accounting for 28–42% of monthly runoff in the sub‐watersheds. Our findings clarify the effects of changes in vegetation on hydrological processes over short time scales, thereby providing insights into the effects of scale on eco‐hydrological processes.
Anisotropic polaritons in van der Waals materials
Authors: Ma Weiliang , Shabbir Babar , Ou Qingdong , Dong Yemin , Chen Huanyang , Li Peining , Zhang Xinliang , Lu Yuerui , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: April 2020

Polaritons in two‐dimensional (2D) materials continues to garner significant attention due to their favorable ability of field‐confinement and intriguing potential for low‐loss and ultrafast optical and photonic devices. The recent experimental observation of in‐plane anisotropic dispersion in natural van der Waals materials has revealed much richer physics as compared to isotropic plasmonic materials, which provides new insight to manipulate the polaritons and manufacture flat optical devices with unprecedented controls. Herein, we give an overview of the recent progress in in‐plane anisotropic polaritons launched and visualized in the near‐field range in 2D layered van der Waals materials. Furthermore, future prospects in this promising but emerging field are featured on the basis of its peculiar applications. This review article will stimulate the scientific community to explore other hyperbolic materials and structures in order to develop optical technologies with novel functionalities and further improve the understanding of the exotic photonic phenomena.

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Thrombospondin‐5 and fluvastatin promote angiogenesis and are protective against endothelial cell apoptosis
Authors: Muqri Furqan , Helkin Alex , Maier Kristopher G. , Gahtan Vivian
Published: April 2020

The thrombospondins (TSPs), multifunctional matricellular proteins, are known mediators of endothelial cell (EC) angiogenesis and apoptosis. TSP‐1, an antiangiogenic molecule, is important in the progression of vascular disease, in part by inducing EC apoptosis. TSP‐2, although less studied, also induces EC apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis. The effects of TSP‐5 are largely unexplored in ECs, but TSP‐5 is believed to be protective against arterial disease. Statin drugs have been shown to have beneficial pleiotropic effects, including decreasing EC apoptosis, increasing angiogenesis, and blocking TSP signaling. We hypothesized TSP‐5 will be proangiogenic and antiapoptotic, and statin pretreatment would reverse the proapoptotic and antiangiogenic phenotype of TSP‐1 and TSP‐2. ECs were exposed to serum‐free medium, TSP‐1, TSP‐2, or TSP‐5 with or without fluvastatin pretreatment. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed on 96 apoptosis and 96 angiogenesis‐related genes using microfluidic card assays. Angiogenesis was measured using Matrigel assays, while apoptosis was measured by fluorescent caspase assay. TSP‐5 suppressed apoptotic genes and had a mixed effect on the angiogenic genes; however, TSP‐5 did not alter apoptois but was proangiogenic. Pretreatment with fluvastatin downregulated proapoptotic genes and apoptosis and upregulated proangiogenic genes and angiogenesis. Findings indicate TSP‐5 and fluvastatin have a protective effect on ECs, being proangiogenic and reversing the antiangiogenic effects of TSP‐1 and TSP‐2. In conclusion, TSP‐5 and fluvastatin may be beneficial for inducing angiogenesis in the setting of ischemia.
Knockout of E2F1 enhances the polarization of M2 phenotype macrophages to accelerate the wound healing process
Authors: Xiao Hui , Wu Yi‐Ping , Yang Chang‐Chun , Yi Zhen , Zeng Ning , Xu Yi , Zeng Hong , Deng Pei , Zhang Qi , Wu Min
Published: April 2020

Wound healing is a complex process, which is classically divided into inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Macrophages play a key role in wound healing, however, whether E2F1 mediates the M1/M2 polarization during the wound healing process is not known. Skin wounds were surgically induced in E2F1−/− mice and their WT littermates. At day 2 and day 7 post‐surgery, the wounded skin tissues including 2 to 3 mm normal skin were obtained. The wounded skin tissues were used for the analyses of immunofluorescence staining (CD68, iNOS, CD206), western blotting (CD68, iNOS, CD206, PPAR‐γ) and Co‐immunoprecipitation (E2F1‐PPAR‐γ interactions). E2F1−/− mice exhibited faster wound healing process. At day 2, the M2 macrophages were remarkably increased in the E2F1−/− mice. Surprisingly, in the border zone of the wound, E2F1−/− mice had also more M2 macrophages and fewer M1 macrophages at day 7 post‐surgery, suggesting a certain degree of polarization amongst the M1 and M2 phenotypes. Co‐IP revealed that E2F1 indeed interacted with PPAR‐γ, meanwhile western blotting and RT‐PCR showed higher expression of PPAR‐γ in the E2F1−/− mice as compared to that in the WT mice. Therefore, the findings suggest that wound healing process could be accelerated with enhanced M2 polarization through increased PPAR‐γ expression in E2F1 knockout mice.
Internal loading in stormwater ponds as a phosphorus source to downstream waters
Authors: Taguchi Vinicius J. , Olsen Tyler A. , Natarajan Poornima , Janke Ben D. , Gulliver John S. , Finlay Jacques C. , Stefan Heinz G.
Published: April 2020

We assessed the prevalence and causes of sediment phosphorus (P) release within urban stormwater ponds, a process that may reduce P removal by sedimentation. Data collected from surface water of 98 urban stormwater ponds in Minnesota showed that nearly 40% had median summer total P concentrations in excess of average stormwater runoff (0.38 mg L−1), implying effects of internal loading. We sampled seven ponds more intensively and found four were strongly stratified with persistent hypolimnetic anoxia, despite mean depths <2 m. Sediment core incubations revealed that, unlike in most lakes, both labile organic P (NaOH minus persulfate extractions) and redox‐sensitive P (NH4Cl and Na2S2O4 extractions) contribute to P release. Together, these analyses suggest P accumulated in stormwater ponds is highly susceptible to internal release and potentially contributes to downstream eutrophication. Understanding how frequently these conditions occur and how they affect different P forms is vital to improving pond design and management.
Environmental and Structural Drivers of Fish Distributions among Petroleum Platforms across the U.S. Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Bolser Derek G. , Egerton Jack P. , Grüss Arnaud , Loughran Tyler , Beyea Taylor , McCain Kyle , Erisman Brad E.
Published: April 2020

Petroleum platforms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are important habitats for fishes and support regional fisheries. However, drivers of the horizontal (i.e., latitudinal and longitudinal) and vertical (i.e., position in the water column) distribution patterns of fishes associated with these artificial habitats are not fully understood on a GOM-wide scale. To build upon previous studies on a large spatial scale and focus on species-specific drivers, we conducted 114 submersible rotating drop-camera and water quality sonde surveys at 54 platforms throughout the GOM. We then fitted two sets of binomial generalized additive mixed models integrating environmental and structural (i.e., characteristics of platforms) predictors to encounter/nonencounter data for 17 fish species so as to understand their horizontal and vertical distribution patterns throughout the GOM in platform habitat. Significant predictors for horizontal distribution included distance from shore (for Bermuda Chub Kyphosus saltatrix, Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili, Vermilion Snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens), salinity (Bermuda Chub, Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus), the number of platforms within 5 km (Blue Runner Caranx crysos, Crevalle Jack Caranx hippos), and dissolved oxygen concentration (Red Snapper). Significant predictors for vertical distribution included temperature (for Atlantic Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber, Bermuda Chub, Blue Runner, Greater Amberjack, Red Snapper), salinity (Greater Amberjack, Red Snapper), dissolved oxygen concentration (Red Snapper), and seafloor depth (Red Snapper). However, the majority of the study species were not influenced by the predictors included in the horizontal (11 of 17 species) and vertical distribution (12 of 17 species) generalized additive mixed models. Thus, many GOM fishes were found to associate with platforms over a relatively wide range of environmental conditions and platform characteristics. This suggests specific environmental conditions and distinct platform characteristics may not be as important as the simple number of available platforms for determining the distributions of many platform-associated fishes in the GOM.
Structural analysis of pathogenic missense mutations in GABRA2 and identification of a novel de novo variant in the desensitization gate
Authors: Sanchis‐Juan Alba , Hasenahuer Marcia A. , Baker James A. , McTague Amy , Barwick Katy , Kurian Manju A. , Duarte Sofia T. ,   NIHR BioResource, Carss Keren J. , Thornton Janet , Raymond F. Lucy
Published: April 2020

Background

Cys‐loop receptors control neuronal excitability in the brain and their dysfunction results in numerous neurological disorders. Recently, six missense variants in GABRA2, a member of this family, have been associated with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE). We identified a novel de novo missense variant in GABRA2 in a patient with EIEE and performed protein structural analysis of the seven variants.

Methods

The novel variant was identified by trio whole‐genome sequencing. We performed protein structural analysis of the seven variants, and compared them to previously reported pathogenic mutations at equivalent positions in other Cys‐loop receptors. Additionally, we studied the distribution of disease‐associated variants in the transmembrane helices of these proteins.

Results

The seven variants are in the transmembrane domain, either close to the desensitization gate, the activation gate, or in inter‐subunit interfaces. Six of them have pathogenic mutations at equivalent positions in other Cys‐loop receptors, emphasizing the importance of these residues. Also, pathogenic mutations are more common in the pore‐lining helix, consistent with this region being highly constrained for variation in control populations.

Conclusion

Our study reports a novel pathogenic variant in GABRA2, characterizes the regions where pathogenic mutations are in the transmembrane helices, and underscores the value of considering sequence, evolutionary, and structural information as a strategy for variant interpretation of novel missense mutations.
The Impact of Information Disclosure on Consumer Behavior: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment of Calorie Labels on Restaurant Menus
Authors: Cawley John , Susskind Alex , Willage Barton
Published: April 2020

In 2018, the U.S. adopted a nationwide law requiring that chain restaurants post calorie counts on their menus and menu boards. This has led to considerable interest in the extent to which providing calorie information leads consumers to choose healthier diets.

To estimate the impact of calorie labeling, we conducted a randomized controlled field experiment in two full‐service restaurants, in which the control group received menus without calorie counts and the treatment group received the same menus but with calorie counts. We estimate that the calorie labels resulted in a 3.0 percent reduction in calories ordered, with the reduction occurring in appetizers and entrées but not drinks or desserts. Exposure to the information also increased consumers’ support for requiring calorie labels by 9.6 percent. These results are informative about the impact of the new nationwide menu label requirement, and more generally contribute to the literature on the impact of information disclosure on consumer behavior.
Development and characterization of multifunctional carbon fabric‐reinforced polymer composites incorporated with inorganic flame retardants
Authors: Afzal Ayesha , Tariq Asra , Shakir Fayzan , Satti Aamir Naseem , Taimoor Muhammad , Ghani Usman , Jaffer Usman , Rashid Iqra Abdul , Khaliq Zubair
Published: April 2020

Carbon fabric‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were incorporated with novel, environment‐friendly and, low‐cost inorganic flame‐retardant (FR) materials. Synergistic properties of potash alum (KA) and magnesium hydroxide (MH) were obtained by infusing these materials in the carbon woven fabric with diglycidial ether of bisphenol‐A epoxy (EP) matrix through resin infusion technology. Composite samples EP80%MH20% and EP80%MH15%KA5% showed Underwriter Laboratories 94 (UL94) V‐2 rating, EP80%MH10%KA10% and EP80%MH5%KA15% showed UL94 V‐1 rating, and EP80%KA20% showed UL94 V‐0 rating. Flame retardancy of EP was improved with increasing concentration of KA up to UL94 V‐0 while a high concentration of MH improved flame retardancy only up to UL94 V‐2 rating, which is not suitable for the material. Flexural modulus and flexural strength of EP were decreased with increasing concentration of KA and MH because both FR created the distance between the EP chains and hence imparted ductility. Thermogravimetric analysis showed an increase in char residue with increasing KA concentration. The char residue of EP100% (without FR materials) was 16.5 wt%, which increased to 71.2 wt% for EP80%KA20%. CFR samples were prepared with the given FR materials and it was seen that reduction in mechanical properties was compensated with the help of CFRP.
Model predictive control of distributed networked control systems with quantization and switching topology
Authors: Shi Ting , Shi Peng , Zhang Huiyan
Published: April 2020

This work is concerned with the robust model predictive control (MPC) for a class of distributed networked control systems (NCSs), in which the input quantization and switching topology are both considered. By utilizing the sector bound approach, the NCSs with quantization are converted into the linear systems with sector bound uncertainties. The topology switching is governed by a switching signal and the dynamic behavior is modeled as a switched control system. A new robust MPC design technique is derived to minimize the upper bound of a weighted quadratic performance index. Moreover, the conditions of both the recursive feasibility of the MPC design and the stability of the resulting closed‐loop system are developed. Finally, simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed MPC design.
Membership and contributorship in organizations: An update of modern systems theory
Authors: Grothe‐Hammer Michael
Published: April 2020

This article argues for an update of modern systems theory, in particular of the systems theory of organizations. Recent works have pointed out that existing understandings of membership fall short when it comes to accounting for the modern variety of organizational phenomena. This is also true for modern systems theory, which still relies on a rather conventional understanding of membership. Against this backdrop, I propose to draw on recent developments in related fields of communication‐centred organization research and to adopt the notion of ‘contributorship'. Following such works, contributorship can be defined as the decision on the distribution of rights to participate in the internal decision processes of an organization. By contrast, I propose to reformulate the notion of membership and define it as the decision that establishes whether a certain person belongs to the organization or not, that is, is a member of it or not. In addition, I propose to drop the existing systems‐theoretical assertion that membership is the core‐defining premise for the constitution of an organization. Instead, I argue that contributorship, not membership, is the basic premise needed by every organization to be constituted. Building on these insights, I will conclude the article by discussing the three possibilities of affiliating persons to an organization, that is, as mere members, mere contributors or both.
N-glycosylation controls inflammatory licensing-triggered PD-L1 upregulation in human mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Strauch Vivien , Saul Domenica , Berisha Mirjeta , Mackensen Andreas , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Jitschin Regina
Published: April 2020

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are characterized by their multipotency, regenerative potential, and immunoregulatory properties. Nowadays, MSCs represent a promising cell-therapeutic option for hyperinflammatory conditions such as graft-vs-host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A better understanding of their biology is a prerequisite for improving their treatment efficacy. Emerging evidence suggests that immunosuppressive properties are not constitutively active in MSCs. Instead, microenvironmental inflammatory stimuli such as the cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α license MSCs to acquire a tolerance-promoting phenotype. The immunological checkpoint molecule programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an important regulator of T-cell responses. Binding of PD-L1 to the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on T-cells suppresses their activation, proliferation, and induces apoptosis. Previous studies have revealed that cell surface expression and secretion of PD-L1 are part of the MSCs' immunomodulatory armamentarium. Here, we report that inflammatory licensing leads to an enhanced PD-L1 cell surface expression and secretion, which are both accompanied by an increased posttranslational protein N-glycosylation. These post-translational modifications have been shown to be critical for key biological processes such as cell trafficking, receptor signaling, and immunohomeostasis. In fact, promoting N-glycosylation in MSCs yielded increased PD-L1 levels. We report for the first time that PD-L1 N-glycosylation plays a decisive role for its transport to the MSCs' cell surface and its subsequent secretion (in response to proinflammatory trigger). Our data offer insights into a novel regulatory mechanism with the potential to be exploited as a means to foster the immunosuppressive potency of human MSCs.
Comparison of Underwater Video with Electrofishing and Dive Counts for Stream Fish Abundance Estimation
Authors: Hitt Nathaniel P. , Rogers Karli M. , Snyder Craig D. , Dolloff C. Andrew
Published: April 2020

Advances in video technology enable new strategies for stream fish research. We compared juvenile (age‐0) and adult (age‐1 and older) Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis abundance estimates from underwater video with those from backpack electrofishing and dive count methods across a series of stream pools in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (n = 41). Video methods estimated greater mean abundance of adult trout than did one‐pass electrofishing, but video estimates of adult abundance were not different than estimates from three‐pass electrofishing or dive count methods. In contrast, videos underestimated the abundance of juvenile trout; we suggest that this is because predator avoidance behaviors by juvenile trout limit their use of microhabitat locations visible to cameras. Integrated abundance estimates from two cameras increased correspondence to comparison methods relative to estimates from single cameras, demonstrating the importance of an expanded field of view for video sampling in streams. Geomorphic features helped to explain methodwise differences: more adult Brook Trout were estimated with video than with three‐pass electrofishing as riffle crest depth and boulder composition increased, indicating habitat associations with trout escapement from electrofishing. Our results demonstrated that video techniques can provide a robust alternative or supplement to traditional methods for estimating adult trout abundance in stream pools.
LDL-Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy
Authors: Pirillo Angela , Norata Giuseppe D. , Catapano Alberico L.
Published: April 2020

The causal relation between elevated levels of LDL-C and cardiovascular disease has been largely established by experimental and clinical studies. Thus, the reduction of LDL-C levels is a major target for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In the last decades, statins have been used as the main therapeutic approach to lower plasma cholesterol levels; however, the presence of residual lipid-related cardiovascular risk despite maximal statin therapy raised the need to develop additional lipid-lowering drugs to be used in combination with or in alternative to statins in patients intolerant to the treatment. Several new drugs have been approved which have mechanisms of action different from statins or impact on different lipoprotein classes.
Einleitung
Authors: Prochazka Fabian
Published: April 2020

Demokratien benötigen einen Raum, in dem gesellschaftlich relevante Themen gesetzt, diskutiert und ausgehandelt werden können. Diesen Raum bildet die Öffentlichkeit, die als „Diskussionssystem“ (Gerhards & Neidhardt, 1990, S. 15) der Gesellschaft fungiert. Öffentlichkeit ist damit der Raum, in dem sich Bürger_innen eine politische Meinung bilden und in der Folge informierte Entscheidungen in Wahlen und anderen Formen politischer Beteiligung treffen können (Schweiger, 2017, S. 1; Begenat, 2016, S. 16). Eine gemeinsame Öffentlichkeit, an der alle Bürger_innen teilhaben können, stellt daher eine unverzichtbare Voraussetzung für ein integriertes demokratisches Gemeinwesen dar (Vlasic, 2004, S. 67).
Öffentlichkeit unter Online-Bedingungen
Authors: Prochazka Fabian
Published: April 2020

Das folgende Kapitel definiert zunächst den Journalismus als zentrales Vertrauensobjekt dieser Studie und skizziert die Bedingungen von Öffentlichkeit, unter denen sich das Vertrauensverhältnis zwischen Journalismus und Publikum aktuell konstituiert. Journalismus wird dabei verstanden als ein Teil von Öffentlichkeit, der die zentralen Vermittlungs- und Informationsleistungen in demokratischen Gesellschaften erbringt. Durch die digitale Transformation der Öffentlichkeit sieht sich der Journalismus jedoch mit einem Bedeutungsverlust konfrontiert: Neben den Journalismus treten nicht-journalistische Informationsquellen wie Alternativmedien, Originalquellen (z. B. Politiker_innen, Verbände) und öffentliche Bürgerkommunikation (z. B. Nutzerkommentare).
Qualitative Leitfadeninterviews – Methode
Authors: Prochazka Fabian
Published: April 2020

Den ersten Teil der empirischen Erhebung bilden Leitfadeninterviews. Das Leitfadeninterview zeichnet sich gegenüber anderen qualitativen Interviewformen durch einen höheren Grad der Standardisierung aus (Loosen, 2016a, S. 142; Meyen, Löblich, Pfaff-Rüdiger, & Riesmeyer, 2011, S. 83). Der namensgebende Leitfaden gibt die Themen und Fragen vor, die mit den Befragten im Interview besprochen werden. Dieses Vorgehen ermöglicht die Vergleichbarkeit der einzelnen Interviews, da allen Befragten dieselben Fragen gestellt werden.
Leitfadeninterviews – Ergebnisse
Authors: Prochazka Fabian
Published: April 2020

Das folgende Kapitel stellt die Ergebnisse der Leitfadeninterviews dar. Zunächst wird zur Orientierung ein grober Überblick über die interviewten Personen, ihr Vertrauen in Journalismus, ihre Informationsnutzung und ihr Interesse an aktuellen Nachrichten gegeben. Dieses erste Kapitel geht auch auf die Rolle der relevanten Personenmerkmale Vertrauen in Politik und Wissen über Journalismus für das individuelle Vertrauen in Journalismus ein und stellt kurz dar, welche zentralen Qualitätswahrnehmungen die Befragten vom Journalismus haben, was sie den Medien vorwerfen bzw. an ihnen loben.
Quantitative Online-Befragung – Methode
Authors: Prochazka Fabian
Published: April 2020

An die qualitativen Interviews schließt sich eine Online-Repräsentativbefragung an, deren Daten über ein kommerzielles Online-Access-Panel erhoben wurden. Eine Online-Befragung ist für die vorliegende Studie gut geeignet, da ein wesentlicher Schwerpunkt auf dem Zusammenhang von Vertrauen in Journalismus mit Online-Informationsnutzung liegt. Im vorliegenden Fall spricht auch das Thema für eine Online-Befragung, weil starke Medienskeptiker in Befragungsformen mit weniger wahrgenommener Anonymität (Face-to-Face, Telefon) vermutlich noch schwieriger zu erreichen sind.
Geometrical aspects of an Abelian (2,0) action
Authors: Andriolo E. , Lambert N. , Papageorgakis C.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We explore various geometrical aspects of an action for six-dimensional chiral 2-forms based on the formalism of 1903.12196. We elucidate the coupling to general backgrounds and construct the full supersymmetric completion to an abelian (2, 0) superconformal lagrangian including matter. We investigate the non-standard diffeomorphism properties of the fields and their relation to the hamiltonian formulation. We also test the action by considering compactifications on a circle, K3 and a Riemann surface. The results are consistent with expectations for an action describing the low-energy physics of an M5-brane in M-theory.
Discrimination of grass pollen of different species by FTIR spectroscopy of individual pollen grains
Authors: Diehn Sabrina , Zimmermann Boris , Tafintseva Valeria , Bağcıoğlu Murat , Kohler Achim , Ohlson Mikael , Fjellheim Siri , Kneipp Janina
Published: April 2020

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy enables the chemical characterization and identification of pollen samples, leading to a wide range of applications, such as paleoecology and allergology. This is of particular interest in the identification of grass (Poaceae) species since they have pollen grains of very similar morphology. Unfortunately, the correct identification of FTIR microspectroscopy spectra of single pollen grains is hindered by strong spectral contributions from Mie scattering. Embedding of pollen samples in paraffin helps to retrieve infrared spectra without scattering artifacts. In this study, pollen samples from 10 different populations of five grass species (Anthoxanthum odoratum, Bromus inermis, Hordeum bulbosum, Lolium perenne, and Poa alpina) were embedded in paraffin, and their single grain spectra were obtained by FTIR microspectroscopy. Spectra were subjected to different preprocessing in order to suppress paraffin influence on spectral classification. It is shown that decomposition by non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and extended multiplicative signal correction (EMSC) that utilizes a paraffin constituent spectrum, respectively, leads to good success rates for the classification of spectra with respect to species by a partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model in full cross-validation for several species. PLS-DA, artificial neural network, and random forest classifiers were applied on the EMSC-corrected spectra using an independent validation to assign spectra from unknown populations to the species. Variation within and between species, together with the differences in classification results, is in agreement with the systematics within the Poaceae family. The results illustrate the great potential of FTIR microspectroscopy for automated classification and identification of grass pollen, possibly together with other, complementary methods for single pollen chemical characterization.
Polymorphic α-Synuclein Strains Modified by Dopamine and Docosahexaenoic Acid Interact Differentially with Tau Protein
Authors: Sengupta Urmi , Puangmalai Nicha , Bhatt Nemil , Garcia Stephanie , Zhao Yingxin , Kayed Rakez
Published: April 2020

The pathological hallmark of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), is the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) protein. Even so, tau protein pathology is abundantly found in these diseases. Both α-Syn and tau can exist as polymorphic aggregates, a phenomenon that has been widely studied, mostly in their fibrillar assemblies. We have previously discovered that in addition to α-Syn oligomers, oligomeric tau is also present in the brain tissues of patients with PD and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, the effect of interaction between polymorphic α-Syn oligomers and tau has not been scrupulously studied. Here, we have explored the structural and functional diversity of distinct α-Syn oligomers, prepared by modifying the protein with dopamine (DA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The two α-Syn oligomers differed in aggregate size, conformation, sensitivity to proteinase K digestion, tryptic digestion, and toxicity, suggesting them as distinct α-Syn oligomeric strains. We examined their internalization mechanisms in primary neurons and seeding propensity in inducing α-Syn aggregation. Using a combined approach of molecular and cellular techniques, we observed that the tau aggregates cross-seeded with the individual α-Syn oligomeric strains differed in their biochemical and biological properties, suggesting two distinct tau strains. The tau aggregate cross-seeded with the DA-modified α-Syn oligomeric strain possessed a potent intracellular tau seeding propensity. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of unique strain-specific interaction between oligomeric α-Syn and tau. Furthermore, this study allows us to speculate that distinct α-Syn-tau interactions inducing tau aggregation might be an underlying mechanism of neurodegeneration in PD.
Peltogyne barbata (Leguminosae, Detarioideae), a new species endemic to the Trombetas River area, Brazil
Authors: Kochanovski Fabio Júnior , Sartori Ângela Lúcia Bagnatori , de Freitas Mansano Vidal
Published: April 2020

Peltogyne barbata (Leguminosae, Detarioideae), a new species endemic to lake margins and the banks of the Trombetas River in the state of Pará, northern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to P. densiflora Spruce ex Benth. in fruit shape and flower morphology, and both species occur in flooded areas (igapó). Peltogyne barbata can be distinguished by its partially tomentose ovary, the coloration of its adaxial sepals, and for having leaves present near the inflorescences pre-anthesis but branches without leaves post-anthesis. We provide an identification key to the species of the genus Peltogyne that occur in the Trombetas River region, as well as a line drawing, a distribution map and colour photographs of the new species in its native environment.
Dichapetalum stahlii (Dichapetalaceae), a new species from Ecuador
Authors: Prance Ghillean T.
Published: April 2020

A new species, Dichapetalum stahlii, is described from Los Rios in western Ecuador. It is the ninth species of the genus with fimbriate stipules. A key is provided for the seven known Ecuadorian species of the genus.
Analysis of thyroid dysfunction in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Zhu Yuhua , Bing Dan , Wang Dayong , Zhao Lidong , Yin Zifang , Zhang Qiujing , Guan Jing , Wang Qiuju
Published: April 2020

Background

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) refers to the sudden occurrence of unexplained sensorineural hearing loss. The present study showed that different systemic diseases had different influence on the occurrence and hearing outcome of SSHL. Thyroid hormone is one of the important factors for the development of fetal ear and auditory function. However, the distribution of thyroid dysfunction in SSHL patients and the effect of thyroid dysfunction on the occurrence and hearing outcome of SSHL has not been studied.

Methods

In this study, a retrospective analysis had been done in 676 patients with SSHL. We had described the distribution of thyroid function in patients with SSHL in detail, and by the statistical method, analyzed the relationship between the hearing outcome and thyroid dysfunction, respectively.

Results

In all patients, 24.41% (165/676) had abnormal thyroid function testing results. The onset age of SSHL in FT3 abnormal group (including low and high group) was younger than that in normal FT3 group. Recovery group had more patients with lower‐than‐normal T3 level as compared to non‐recovery patients. Significant associations between T3 levels and hearing outcome were observed in the subgroup with longer time elapse between symptom onset and treatment (≥14 d).

Conclusion

The incidence of thyroid dysfunction in SSHL is significantly higher than in the general population. There was obvious relationship between T3 and FT3 item of thyroid dysfunction and the onset time and hearing outcome of SSHL, which indicated that T3 or FT3 indicator may be one of the affecting factors for the SSHL. Early screening and diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction, especial T3 level, may help to evaluate the prognosis in SSHL patients.
On relative ageing of coherent systems with dependent identically distributed components
Authors: Hazra Nil Kamal , Misra Neeraj
Published: April 2020

Relative ageing describes how one system ages with respect to another. The ageing faster orders are used to compare the relative ageing of two systems. Here, we study ageing faster orders in the hazard and reversed hazard rates. We provide some sufficient conditions for one coherent system to dominate another with respect to ageing faster orders. Further, we investigate whether the active redundancy at the component level is more effective than that at the system level with respect to ageing faster orders, for a coherent system. Furthermore, a used coherent system and a coherent system made out of used components are compared with respect to ageing faster orders.
Does Social Media Promote Civic Activism? A Field Experiment with a Civic Campaign
Authors: Foos Florian , Kostadinov Lyubomir , Marinov Nikolay , Schimmelfennig Frank
Published: April 2020

Social media may help civil society organize and mobilize for different campaigns. However, the extent to which social media campaigns simply recruit like-minded individuals as compared to exerting a causal impact on joiners’ attitudes is difficult to disentangle. We test both the organizational and transformative potential of a civil society campaign in a randomized field experiment deployed via Facebook or an email newsletter in collaboration with a Bulgarian environmental campaign. As expected, we find that Bulgarian Facebook users who are active in pro-environmental groups, and those who decide to follow the campaign, are more highly educated than those who decide to stay at the sidelines. Moreover, beliefs in the effectiveness of civic society, character traits and prior activism systematically predict whether a Bulgarian Facebook user decides to join the cause on Facebook, or subscribe to the email newsletter. In contrast, we find little evidence that the campaign affected opinions, knowledge, or self-reported behavior. We conclude that social media campaigns that are commonplace among civil society organizations are effective at selecting activist-types, but changing the views and behaviors of the broader social media population may be more difficult than assumed.
Food and beverage marketing in schools: school superintendents’ perspectives and practices after the healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
Authors: Asada Yuka , Harris Jennifer L , Mancini Sally , Schwartz Marlene B , Chriqui Jamie F
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Children are surrounded by ubiquitous forms of unhealthy food marketing at home and in schools. The US Department of Agriculture now restricts food and beverage marketing that does not meet Smart Snacks in School standards. School superintendents, as districts’ top administrators, play a critical role in ensuring marketing policies are implemented and adhered to; however, there is limited research involving this stakeholder group. The current study examined superintendents’ perspectives on food marketing in schools and the marketing provision in wellness policies, as well as experiences with the implementation of such policies.

Design:

Qualitative focus groups and follow-up interviews (with focus group participants) were conducted by trained researchers.

Setting:

Focus groups occurred at The School Superintendents’ annual meeting; follow-up interviews were over the telephone.

Participants:

Superintendents and assistant superintendents (n 39) from twenty-three states participated. Interviews were recorded and professionally transcribed; transcripts were team-coded in Atlas.ti using an iteratively revised coding guide to facilitate theme generation.

Results:

Despite common concerns that marketing to children was ‘insidious’, superintendents reported a wide range of food and beverage marketing policies. In addition, the main issue is fundraising – such as ‘restaurant nights’ – that results in marketing that occurs on- and off-campus and afterschool.

Conclusions:

Discrepancies between perspectives and practices point to the challenges that superintendents face with budgetary constraints, as well as relationships with parent–teacher organisations. These findings provide important insights about superintendents’ perspectives and challenges, particularly for government and child health advocates supporting school districts, to implement these policies.
CME: Familiäre Hypercholesterinämie – Behandlung mit Statinen in der Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit
Authors: Shala-Haskaj Pranvera , Krähenmann Franziska , Schmidt Dörthe
Published: April 2020

Zusammenfassung. Patienten mit familiärer Hypercholesterinämie haben ein permanent erhöhtes kardiovaskuläres Risiko, weshalb eine Früherkennung und rechtzeitige, konsequent intensive Behandlung sehr wichtig ist. Eine besondere Herausforderung stellt die Behandlung einer familiären Hypercholesterinämie während der Schwangerschaft dar. Hier herrschen Unsicherheiten in der alltäglichen Praxis. Die Anwendung von Statinen peripartal ist nicht unbedenklich. Gemäss NICE-Richtlinien ist die Einnahme von Statinen drei Monate vor dem Empfängnisversuch aufgrund teratogener Effekte nicht empfohlen. Entsprechend sollte eine Beratung bezüglich Verhütung während der Behandlung mit Statinen bei Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter erfolgen. Eine Wiederaufnahme der Therapie ist erst nach Abschluss der Laktation empfohlen. Im Falle einer ungeplanten Schwangerschaft sollte eine Frau mit familiärer Hypercholesterinämie die Statine absetzen und sich umgehend an ihren Arzt wenden.
The Value of the Rorschach Method in Clinical Assessment of Migraine Patients
Authors: Bouteloup Margaux , Belot Rose-Angélique , Mariage André , Bonnet Magalie , Vuillier Fabrice
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Approximately 15% of the world’s population suffer from migraine. This affliction is recognized as one of the 20 leading causes of disability globally and therefore constitutes a public health problem. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress are involved in migraine. However, mentalization abilities are considered a protective factor against physical illness. The last study of migraine in adults using the Rorschach test goes back to 2001 in Italy. We propose to update the data in a French sample comparing migraine patients ( N = 32) with standards focusing on the mentalizing factors defined by de Tychey, Diwo, and Dollander (2000) . The results highlight significant differences between migraine patient functioning in the Rorschach and the general population: There are few representations and affective expression is restricted. Migraine patients have difficulties to mentalize excitations. In conclusion, mentalization-based treatment could be a beneficial intervention for migraine patients.
Vertical Transport, Entrainment, and Scavenging Processes Affecting Trace Gases in a Modeled and Observed SEAC4RS Case Study
Authors: Cuchiara G. C. , Fried A. , Barth M. C. , Bela M. , Homeyer C. R. , Gaubert B. , Walega J. , Weibring P. , Richter D. , Wennberg P. , Crounse J. , Kim M. , Diskin G. , Hanisco T. F. , Wolfe G. M. , Beyersdorf A. , Peischl J. , Pollack I. B. , St. Clair J. M. , Woods S. , Tanelli S. , Bui T. V. , Dean‐Day J. , Huey L. G. , Heath N.
Published: April 2020

The convectively driven transport of soluble trace gases from the lower to the upper troposphere can occur on timescales of less than an hour, and recent studies suggest that microphysical scavenging is the dominant removal process of tropospheric ozone precursors. We examine the processes responsible for vertical transport, entrainment, and scavenging of soluble ozone precursors (formaldehyde and peroxides) for midlatitude convective storms sampled on 2 September 2013 during the Studies of Emissions, Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) study. Cloud‐resolving simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry model combined with aircraft measurements were performed to understand the effect of entrainment, scavenging efficiency (SE), and ice physics processes on these trace gases. Analysis of the observations revealed that the SEs of formaldehyde (43–53%) and hydrogen peroxide (~80–90%) were consistent between SEAC4RS storms and the severe convection observed during the Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry Experiment (DC3) campaign. However, methyl hydrogen peroxide SE was generally smaller in the SEAC4RS storms (4%–27%) compared to DC3 convection. Predicted ice retention factors exhibit different values for some species compared to DC3, and we attribute these differences to variations in net precipitation production. The analyses show that much larger production of precipitation between condensation and freezing levels for DC3 severe convection compared to smaller SEAC4RS storms is largely responsible for the lower amount of soluble gases transported to colder temperatures, reducing the amount of soluble gases which eventually interact with cloud ice particles.
Increased Likelihood of Appreciable Afternoon Rainfall Over Wetter or Drier Soils Dependent Upon Atmospheric Dynamic Influence
Authors: Welty Josh , Stillman Susan , Zeng Xubin , Santanello Joseph
Published: April 2020

The relationship between morning soil moisture and afternoon rainfall persists as an important yet unresolved challenge in land‐atmosphere interaction study, complicated in part by atmospheric influence. Here, we address this relationship by utilizing NASA's satellite soil moisture and precipitation data for the warm season (June–September) of 2015–2019 over Northern Hemisphere land (0–60°N). Raining days are partitioned into low, medium, and high regimes of atmospheric water vapor convergence. Under the low convergence regime, afternoon rainfall is more likely to occur over wetter soils or higher relative humidity; for days with high moisture convergence, occurrence favors drier soils or lower relative humidity. For each regime, afternoon rainfall occurrence favors warmer morning soil or air temperature. These conclusions are not affected by the threshold magnitude utilized to identify afternoon rainfall events by accumulation, but the threshold value does affect the soil moisture (or relative humidity)‐precipitation relationship when convergence regimes are not considered.
An Active Plume Eruption on Europa During Galileo Flyby E26 as Indicated by Energetic Proton Depletions
Authors: Huybrighs H. L. F. , Roussos E. , Blöcker A. , Krupp N. , Futaana Y. , Barabash S. , Hadid L. Z. , Holmberg M. K. G. , Lomax O. , Witasse O.
Published: April 2020

Strong depletions of energetic protons (115–244 keV) were observed during Galileo flyby E26 of Europa. We simulate the flux of energetic protons using a Monte Carlo particle backtracing code and show that energetic proton depletions during E26 are reproduced by taking into account the perturbations of the electromagnetic fields calculated by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations and charge exchange with a global atmosphere and plume. A depletion feature occurring shortly after closest approach is driven by plume associated charge exchange, or a combination with plume associated field perturbations. We therefore conclude, with a new method and independent data set, that Galileo could have encountered a plume during E26.
3D microstructure design of lithium-ion battery electrodes assisted by X-ray nano-computed tomography and modelling
Authors: Lu Xuekun , Bertei Antonio , Finegan Donal P. , Tan Chun , Daemi Sohrab R. , Weaving Julia S. , O’Regan Kieran B. , Heenan Thomas M. M. , Hinds Gareth , Kendrick Emma , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: April 2020

Driving range and fast charge capability of electric vehicles are heavily dependent on the 3D microstructure of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) and substantial fundamental research is required to optimise electrode design for specific operating conditions. Here we have developed a full microstructure-resolved 3D model using a novel X-ray nano-computed tomography (CT) dual-scan superimposition technique that captures features of the carbon-binder domain. This elucidates how LiB performance is markedly affected by microstructural heterogeneities, particularly under high rate conditions. The elongated shape and wide size distribution of the active particles not only affect the lithium-ion transport but also lead to a heterogeneous current distribution and non-uniform lithiation between particles and along the through-thickness direction. Building on these insights, we propose and compare potential graded-microstructure designs for next-generation battery electrodes. To guide manufacturing of electrode architectures, in-situ X-ray CT is shown to reliably reveal the porosity and tortuosity changes with incremental calendering steps.