bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indian Petitioning and Colonial State-Formation in Eighteenth-Century Bengal
Authors: TRAVERS ROBERT
Published: January 2019

This article explores the role of Indian petitioning in the process of consolidating British power after the East India Company's military conquest of Bengal in the late eighteenth century. The presentation of written petitions (often termed‘arziin Persian) was a pervasive form of state-subject interaction in early modern South Asia that carried over, in modified forms, into the colonial era. The article examines the varied uses of petitioning as a technology of colonial state-formation that worked to establish the East India Company's headquarters in Calcutta as the political capital of Bengal and the Company as a sovereign source of authority and justice. It also shows how petitioning became a site of anxiety for both colonial rulers and Indian subjects, as British officials struggled to respond to a mass of Indian ‘complaints’ and to satisfy the expectations and norms of justice expressed by petitioners. It suggests that British rulers tried to defuse the perceived political threat of Indian petitioning by redirecting petitioners into the newly regulated spaces of an emergent colonial judiciary.
Importance and use of reliable food composition data generation by nutrition/dietetic professionals towards solving Africa's nutrition problem: constraints and the role of FAO/INFOODS/AFROFOODS and other stakeholders in future initiatives
Authors: Ene-Obong Henrietta , Schönfeldt Hettie C. , Campaore Ella , Kimani Angela , Mwaisaka Rosemary , Vincent Anna , El Ati Jalila , Kouebou Pascal , Presser Karl , Finglas Paul , Charrondiere U. Ruth
Published: January 2019

Despite the rich biodiversity of the African continent and the tremendous progress so far made in food production, Africa is still struggling with the problems of food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. To combat these problems, the production and consumption of nutritious and safe foods need to be promoted. This cannot be achieved without reliable data on the quantity and quality of nutrients and other components provided through these foods. Food composition data (FCD) are compiled as food composition tables (FCT) or food composition databases (FCDB). These are subsequently used for a variety of purposes, ranging from clinical practice, research, public health/education, food industry to planning and policy, as well as nutrition monitoring and surveillance. To perform these functions effectively, the importance of reliable FCT/FCDB cannot be overemphasised. Poor quality FCT/FCDB have serious consequences on the health of the population, and provide skew evidence towards developing nutrition and health-related policies. The present paper reviews different methods to generate FCT/FCDB, their importance and use in assisting nutrition/dietetic professionals in solving Africa's nutrition problems; current status of FCT/FCDB generation, compilation and dissemination in Africa, constraint to their use by professionals and the role of FAO/INFOODS/AFROFOODS and other stakeholders towards improvement and future initiatives. The information provided will create awareness on the need for up-to-date and high-quality FCT/FCDB and facilitate the identification of data gaps and prioritisation of future efforts in FCD generation, compilation and dissemination in Africa and subsequent strategies for the alleviation of the food and nutrition problems in Africa.
Hormonal and psychological factors in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
Authors: Dekkers Guus W.F. , Broeren Maarten A.C. , Truijens Sophie E.M. , Kop Willem J. , Pop Victor J.M.
Published: January 2019

Background

The aetiology of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) is multifactorial, but the relative contribution of biological and psychological determinants is insufficiently understood. We examined the association of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thyroid hormones (thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxin) and psychological factors with NVP.

Methods

Blood chemistry and psychological measures were obtained in 1682 pregnant women participating in the Holistic Approach to Pregnancy and the first Postpartum Year (HAPPY) study between 12 and 14 weeks of gestation. The presence of NVP was measured using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis scale. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the independent role of hCG, thyroid hormones and depression as related to NVP, adjusting for age, body mass index, education, parity, smoking status, unplanned pregnancy and history of depression.

Results

Elevated levels of NVP were observed in 318 (18.9%) participants. High hCG levels [odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–1.95], elevated depressive symptoms in the first trimester (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.15–2.43) and a history of depression (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.11–2.11) were independently related to high NVP. Multiparity (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.12–1.92) and younger age (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87–0.94) were also associated with high NVP, whereas (sub)clinical hyperthyroidism was not related to high NVP.

Conclusions

The current study is the first to demonstrate that a combination of hCG hormone and psychological factors are independently related to nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
How does language proficiency affect children’s iconic gesture use?
Authors: ZVAIGZNE MEGHAN , OSHIMA-TAKANE YURIKO , HIRAKAWA MAKIKO
Published: January 2019

Previous research investigating the relationship between language proficiency and iconic gesture use has produced inconsistent findings. This study investigated whether a linear relationship was assumed although it is a quadratic relationship. Iconic co-speech gesture use by 4- to 6-year-old French–Japanese bilinguals with two levels of French proficiency (intermediate and low) but similar levels of Japanese proficiency was compared with that of high-proficiency French monolinguals (Study 1) and Japanese monolinguals with similar proficiency to the bilinguals (Study 2). To control the information participants communicated, a dynamic referential communication task was used; a difference between two cartoons had to be communicated to an experimenter. Study 1 showed a significant quadratic relationship between proficiency and iconic gesture use in French; the intermediate-proficiency bilinguals gestured least among the three proficiency groups. The monolingual and bilingual groups with similar Japanese proficiency in Study 2 gestured at similar rates. It is suggested that children gestured for different reasons depending on their language proficiency and the cognitive resources available for the task.
Urban–rural disparities in cardiovascular disease risks among middle-aged and older Chinese: two decades of urbanisation
Authors: Zhang Nan
Published: January 2019

China has been undergoing dramatic socio-economic and demographic changes in the last few decades. The rapid growth of the ageing population will pose tremendous challenges to its public health and social welfare system. This study aims to examine how urbanisation has impacted cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks among middle-aged and older Chinese in two decades, from 1991 to 2011. Data were drawn from a nationwide longitudinal data-set of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) (sweeps 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2011). Participants aged ⩾45 years old were included. A dynamic urbanisation index was created for each community (village or neighbourhood) based on community-level data that can reveal the heterogeneity within and across places and capture dimensions of social, economic and physical characteristics of urban living over time and space. Multi-level modelling analyses (level 1: occasions; level 2: individuals; level 3: households; level 4: communities) were performed on outcomes of CVD risks such as body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The results show upward trends in all CVD risks for both genders over 20 years of urbanisation after adjustment for socio-economic and demographic confounders. Urbanisation in China is associated with absolute increases in CVD risks over time among its middle-aged and older people, despite its contribution to relative reduction of the rural–urban gap over time. This is particularly true for women from the least urbanised areas. It is relevant to inform policy-making processes to target the most vulnerable groups of older people in China during its rapid urbanisation process. There is a possibility for policy intervention to reduce inequality during the process of China's planned urbanisation.
RANDOM NEURAL NETWORK METHODS AND DEEP LEARNING
Authors: Yin Yonghua
Published: January 2019

The random neural network (RNN) is a mathematical model for an “integrate and fire” spiking network that closely resembles the stochastic behavior of neurons in mammalian brains. Since its proposal in 1989, there have been numerous investigations into the RNN's applications and learning algorithms. Deep learning (DL) has achieved great success in machine learning. Recently, the properties of the RNN for DL have been investigated, in order to combine their power. Recent results demonstrate that the gap between RNNs and DL can be bridged and the DL tools based on the RNN are faster and can potentially be used with less energy expenditure than existing methods.
A Preliminary, Randomized-Controlled Trial of Mindfulness and Game-Based Executive Function Trainings to Promote Self-Regulation in Internationally-Adopted Children
Authors: Lawler Jamie M. , Esposito Elisa A. , Doyle Colleen M. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: January 2019

Although many children adopted internationally show remarkable recovery once placed in families, as a group they continue to exhibit persisting developmental deficits and delays in self-regulation. The current study uses a stratified, randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based and executive function trainings (EFTs) on internationally adopted (IA) children's self-regulation, including effortful/inhibitory control, attention, delay of gratification, and emotion-regulation. IA children ages 6–10 years were randomized into mindfulness training (MT), EFT, or no intervention (NI) groups. The MT and EFT groups attended 12 one-hour group sessions. Ninety-six children (MT, n = 33; EFT, n = 32; NI, n = 31) completed the study and were tested on computerized and non-computerized measures of self-regulation. Compared with the NI group, the MT group improved delay of gratification, and the EFT group improved inhibitory control and selective attention. There was no effect of either intervention on emotion regulation. MTs and EFTs show promise for improving self-regulation in IA children.
THE LOGIC OF AVICENNA BETWEEN AL-QIYĀS AND MANṬIQ AL-MAŠRIQIYYĪN
Authors: Chatti Saloua
Published: January 2019

Avicenna's logic is presented in many treatises, of which the most important is Al-Qiyās (Prior analytics), which is included in his encyclopaedic book Al-Šifā’. But the treatise entitled Manṭiq al-mašriqiyyīn is said to express Avicenna's own logic by some commentators. One can thus ask: is this treatise in conflict with Al-Qiyās and the other logical writings? In this paper, we will answer this question by comparing Avicenna's analyses of the absolute – i. e. non modal – propositions. We will show that there is no radical difference between both treatises in this respect, since most conditions added to the absolute propositions in Al-Qiyās can be found in Manṭiq al-mašriqiyyīn. These conditions are: (1) “as long as S exists”, (2) “as long as it is S”, (3) “as long as it is P”, (4) “at some times”, (5) “at one determined time”, (6) “sometimes but not permanently”. In Manṭiq al-mašriqiyyīn, the ḍarūrīya contains (1), the lāzima contains (2), the muntašira contains (4), the mafrūḍa contains (5), the wujūdiyya contains (6), but (3) is abandoned. The waqtiyya was evoked in Al-Qiyās, although not classified. So the temporal analysis initiated in Al-Qiyās is pursued and developed in Manṭiq al-mašriqiyyīn, even if in the latter it is sometimes confused.
Information brokers and the making of the Baring crisis, 1857–1890
Authors: Vedoveli Paula
Published: January 2019

This article offers a new interpretation of the Baring crisis, the most dramatic financial collapse of the nineteenth century, by focusing on how information brokerage allowed Barings to abandon its risk-averse practices in the mid 1880s. I argue that the mediators who bridged structural holes (gaps between social clusters) shaped actors’ access to information as well as their expectations regarding its quality. Information brokers who enjoyedphilosties with at least one of the parties connected by the bridging relationships could promote collaborative arrangements more likely to survive an environment of heightened uncertainty. The performance of such brokers in the 1880s enabled cooperation between Baring Brothers & Co. and the Banque de Paris et des Pays Bas and supported the London house's growing association with the Anglo-Argentine firm of S. B. Hale & Co. in the second half of the 1880s. Cooperation gave Barings an illusion of security amid the costs of increasing competition and supported the house's growing engagement in South American affairs. Nevertheless, the strategy proved ineffective at barring the entry of new players. By the late 1880s, ties produced by brokerage connected Barings to the house's former competitors, producing a cohesive social cluster. Barings thereafter had access to redundant information, which hindered the house's ability to assess risk.
PAY-AS-YOU-GO PENSIONS AND ENDOGENOUS RETIREMENT
Authors: Liu Pan , Thøgersen Joachim
Published: January 2019

This paper revisits two classic results in standard overlapping generations models with a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) pension system. Firstly, a PAYG system crowds out private savings and reduces the overall capital stock. Secondly, in dynamically efficient economies, a PAYG system will reduce steady-state welfare. These classic results have been derived and exposed in models with no retirement decision. However, by allowing for endogenous retirement, and without taking recourse to any frictions, uncertainty, or myopia, it is shown that a PAYG system may be neutral and may even increase the capital–labor ratio. In particular, it is shown that the effect of the pension contribution rate on capital intensity depends on the elasticity of substitution between consumption and leisure. If the elasticity of substitution is between 0 and 1, an increase in the contribution rate will increase capital intensity. Moreover, it is shown that the result regarding welfare may also be overturned. An increase in the PAYG contribution rate may increase steady-state welfare.
Characteristics Comparison of Neon, Argon, and Krypton Ion Emissions from Gas Field Ionization Sources with a Single-Atom Tip
Authors: Shichi Hiroyasu , Matsubara Shinichi , Hashizume Tomihiro
Published: January 2019

A scanning ion beam instrument equipped with a gas field ionization source (GFIS) has been commercialized, but only helium and neon are currently available as GFISs. In this study, the characteristics of neon, argon, and krypton ion emissions from a single-atom tip are compared, specifically for faster fabrication by milling of a silicon sample. Although the boiling point of argon is about 87 K, our experiments on characterizing argon ion emission can be carried out at temperatures of about 50 K at an argon gas pressure lower than 0.1 Pa. Argon exhibits ion current characteristics, as a function of tip voltage, between those of neon and krypton. The value obtained by multiplying the ion emission current by the sputtering yield is suitable for a figure of merit (FOM) for faster fabrication. The FOM for argon is the highest among the three ion species. This value must be extensively evaluated from the viewpoint of practical nano-fabrication application. The instabilities of neon, argon, and krypton ion currents (3σ) become as low as 8% in 1 h, which is sufficient for fabrication applications. We conclude that an argon or krypton GFIS ion beam instrument will be a useful tool for nano-fabrication.
The Genetic and Environmental Relationship Between Childhood Behavioral Inhibition and Preadolescent Anxiety
Authors: Bourdon Jessica L. , Savage Jeanne E. , Verhulst Brad , Carney Dever M. , Brotman Melissa A. , Pine Daniel S. , Leibenluft Ellen , Roberson-Nay Roxann , Hettema John M.
Published: January 2019

This study uses novel approaches to examine genetic and environmental influences shared between childhood behavioral inhibition (BI) and symptoms of preadolescent anxiety disorders. Three hundred and fifty-two twin pairs aged 9–13 and their mothers completed questionnaires about BI and anxiety symptoms. Biometrical twin modeling, including a direction-of-causation design, investigated genetic and environmental risk factors shared between BI and social, generalized, panic and separation anxiety. Social anxiety shared the greatest proportion of genetic (20%) and environmental (16%) variance with BI with tentative evidence for causality. Etiological factors underlying BI explained little of the risk associated with the other anxiety domains. Findings further clarify etiologic pathways between BI and anxiety disorder domains in children.
Dispersal and Frequency of Glyphosate-Resistant and Glyphosate-Tolerant Weeds in Soybean-producing Edaphoclimatic Microregions in Brazil
Authors: Lucio Felipe Ridolfo , Kalsing Augusto , Adegas Fernando Storniolo , Rossi Caio Vitagliano Santi , Correia Núbia Maria , Gazziero Dionisio Luiz Pisa , da Silva Alexandre Ferreira
Published: January 2019

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) and glyphosate-tolerant weeds cause considerable yield losses and represent a growing threat to soybean production systems. Despite the relevance of this topic, few studies have evaluated the dispersal of these species in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dispersal and frequency of known GR and glyphosate-tolerant weeds in soybean-producing microregions. A total of 2,481 interviews were conducted in different regions of Brazil. The interviews were stratified among 20 edaphoclimatic microregions (ECRs) to cover all of the country’s soybean-producing regions. A minimum number of interviews was estimated to generate a margin of error of ≤10% within the ECRs and ≤5% in the country. The values of the farmers’ responses were extrapolated to the total soybean production area of each ECR and the country as a whole, and the absolute values of each response were normalized as percentage values. The dispersal and management data demonstrate a loss of efficiency of glyphosate-resistance technology. Species that are naturally tolerant to glyphosate such as goosegrass, Commelina spp., and Ipomoea spp. had a greater presence in the ECRs, as did the resistant biotypes, particularly Conyza spp. and sourgrass, due to the large area cultivated with GR soybean, where glyphosate has been used with high frequency.
When Will Current Climate Extremes Affecting Maize Production Become the Norm?
Authors: Zampieri M. , Ceglar A. , Dentener F. , Dosio A. , Naumann G. , van den Berg M. , Toreti A.
Published: January 2019

We estimate the effects of climate anomalies (heat stress and drought) on annual maize production, variability, and trend from the country level to the global scale using a statistical model. Moderate climate anomalies and extremes are diagnosed with two indicators of heat stress and drought computed over maize growing regions during the most relevant period of maize growth. The calibrated model linearly combines these two indicators into a single Combined Stress Index. The Combined Stress Index explains 50% of the observed global production variability in the period 1980–2010. We apply the model on an ensemble of high‐resolution global climate model simulations. Global maize losses, due to extreme climate events with 10‐year return times during the period 1980–2010, will become the new normal already at 1.5 °C global warming levels (approximately 2020s). At 2 °C warming (late 2030s), maize areas will be affected by heat stress and drought never experienced before, affecting many major and minor production regions.
Contrasting Mechanical and Hydraulic Properties of Wet and Dry Fault Zones in a Proposed Shale‐Hosted Nuclear Waste Repository
Authors: Orellana Luis Felipe , Giorgetti Carolina , Violay Marie
Published: January 2019

The underground disposal of high‐level nuclear waste is a pressing issue for several countries. In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay formation is a shale with favorable barrier properties. However, small‐to‐large faults intersecting the formation bring the long‐term integrity of the future repositories into question. Here we present the first systematic laboratory study on the frictional strength, stability, dilatancy, and permeability of simulated Opalinus Clay gouge under typical repository conditions. Wet gouges exhibit an extremely low coefficient of friction (μf~0.16), velocity‐strengthening behavior, and shear‐enhanced dilatancy at the onset of slip, and permeability increase. Conversely, dry gouges remain weak (μf~0.36) but exhibit a transition from unstable to stable sliding with increasing sliding velocity. Thus, we infer that faults hosted in Opalinus Clay could be easily reactivated via aseismic creep, possibly acting as poor fluid conduits. However, if temporarily dried, the faults become potentially unstable, at least, at low sliding velocities (<~10 μm/s).
Real‐Time Coseismic Slip Estimation via the GNSS Carrier Phase to Fault Slip Approach: A Case Study of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Ohta Yusaku , Miyazaki Shin'ichi
Published: January 2019

We investigate the feasibility of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)‐based deformation monitoring that detects coseismic fault slip directly from GNSS carrier phases without conventional positioning analysis. This method, which we call the phase‐to‐slip (PTS) method, does not require high‐quality orbital information because it relies only on changes in azimuthal site‐to‐satellite ranges. With this method, computational costs for real‐time seismic monitoring can be reduced. Here we applied the PTS method to the mainshock of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake by modifying the original algorithm and using both precise orbits by International GNSS Service (IGS) and broadcast orbits. In both cases, obtained coseismic slip distributions agree well with previous studies. Calculated surface displacements from inferred slip distributions also agree with traditional positioning analysis. These results suggests that the PTS method may be useful as a supplement to currently operated deformation monitoring system, especially when external orbit and clock information are not accessible.
Global Mean Surface Temperature Response to Large‐Scale Patterns of Variability in Observations and CMIP5
Authors: Kajtar Jules B. , Collins Matthew , Frankcombe Leela M. , England Matthew H. , Osborn Timothy J. , Juniper Marcus
Published: January 2019

Global mean surface temperature (GMST) fluctuates over decadal to multidecadal time scales. Patterns of internal variability are partly responsible, but the relationships can be conflated by anthropogenically forced signals. Here we adopt a physically based method of separating internal variability from forced responses to examine how trends in large‐scale patterns, specifically the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV), influence GMST. After removing the forced responses, observed variability of GMST is close to the central estimates of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 simulations, but models tend to underestimate IPO variability at time scales >10 years, and AMV at time scales >20 years. Correlations between GMST trends and these patterns are also underrepresented, most strongly at 10‐ and 35‐year time scales, for IPO and AMV, respectively. Strikingly, models that simulate stronger variability of IPO and AMV also exhibit stronger relationships between these patterns and GMST, predominately at the 10‐ and 35‐year time scales, respectively.
A Fragment of Columbia Supercontinent: Insight for Cathaysia Block Basement From Tectono‐Magmatic Evolution and Mantle Heterogeneity
Authors: Xia Yan , Xu Xisheng
Published: January 2019

The origin of the Cathaysia block and its position in Columbia supercontinent are still enigmatic. Paleoproterozoic magmatisms developed in the Cathaysia block due to two episodes of continental back‐arc extension range in ages of circa 1.88–1.85 and 1.78–1.77 Ga. A long‐lived ultradepleted mantle domain with highly incompatible element depletion related to average depleted mantle once underlaid the Cathaysia block is revealed by the highly depleted Hf‐Nd isotopes of the Paleoproterozoic meta‐mafic rocks. A self‐consistent set of geological, geochronological, and geochemical data indicate that the Cathaysia was assembled and then maintained a position off the southern margin of North Australia Craton from the assembly to the accretion of Columbia supercontinent (circa 1.90 to 1.74 Ga). Given the evidence for Cathaysia block, mantle heterogeneity might provide an alternative approach of supercontinent reconstruction.
Accurate Depth Determination for Moderate‐Magnitude Earthquakes Using Global Teleseismic Data
Authors: Craig T. J.
Published: January 2019

The determination of accurate source depths for globally observed earthquakes has long been one of the most problematic issues in earthquake source seismology. The optimal method for constraining the depths of teleseismically observed earthquakes is through the identification of near‐source surface reflections—depth phases. However, observing such phases is complicated by the relatively small amplitude of these arrivals compared to the background noise, particularly for earthquakes with Mw < 5.5. In this study, I present a methodology for leveraging the recent expansion in global seismic network coverage to enhance the identification of coherent depth phases through an automated stacking routine using a globally distributed array. While depth solutions for each individual depth phase are often nonunique, the identification of potential depths across multiple different phases, where each shows the correct distance‐dependent delay, provides a robust way to semiautomatically determine the source depth of an earthquake. I present a range of examples for the processing routine developed, along with an example for its regional application, to the North Chilean subduction zone. The technique presented offers an opportunity to improve depth estimates for earthquakes down to Mw4.9 and, requiring significantly less analyst input than other techniques offering a similar resolution, has the potential to be applied to large earthquake data sets.
Fe‐Binding Organic Ligands in the Humic‐Rich TransPolar Drift in the Surface Arctic Ocean Using Multiple Voltammetric Methods
Authors: Slagter Hans A. , Laglera Luis M. , Sukekava Camila , Gerringa Loes J. A.
Published: January 2019

Samples inside and outside the Arctic Ocean's TransPolar Drift (TPD) have been analyzed for Fe‐binding organic ligands (Lt) with Competitive Ligand Exchange Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry (CLE‐AdCSV) using salicylaldoxime (SA). This analysis is compared to prior analyses with CLE‐AdCSV using 2‐(2‐thiazolylazo)‐p‐cresol (TAC). The TPD's strong terrestrial influence is used to compare the performance of both CLE‐AdCSV methods in representing the nature of natural organic ligands. These measurements are compared against direct voltammetric determination of humic substances (HS) and spectral properties of dissolved organic matter. The relationship between the two CLE‐AdCSV derived [Lt] versus HS in the TPD has a comparable slope, with a 40% offset toward higher values obtained with SA. Higher [Lt] values inside the TPD, most probably due to HS, explain high dissolved Fe concentrations transported over the Arctic Ocean by the TPD. Outside of the TPD in the surface Arctic Ocean HS occur as well but at lower concentrations. Here changes in HS relate to changes in dissolved Fe concentration and to [Lt] obtained with SA, whereas [Lt] obtained with TAC remain constant. Moreover, with decreasing HS the offset between the methods using TAC and SA decreases. We surmise that in the presence of HS, the TAC method detects HS only either at higher concentrations or of specific composition. On the other hand, the SA method might overestimate [Lt], as an offset with the TAC method that remains constant where HS are not detected. Regardless, HS are the dominant type of Fe‐binding organic ligand in the surface of the Arctic Ocean.
Impact of Integrated Vertical Overlap of Cumulus and Stratus on the Global Precipitation and Radiation Processes in the Seoul National University Atmosphere Model Version 0 With a Unified Convection Scheme (SAM0‐UNICON)
Authors: Park Sungsu , Kim Siyun , Shin Jihoon , Oh Eunsil
Published: January 2019

The previously proposed parameterization for the integrated vertical overlap of cumulus and stratus is implemented online into the cloud microphysics and radiation schemes of the Seoul National University Atmosphere Model version 0 with a Unified Convection Scheme (SAM0‐UNICON). Instead of a single‐merged cloud, the modified radiation scheme handles cumulus, stratus, and stratiform snow, separately, with each type having its own optical properties and vertical overlap structures. The integrated cloud overlap parameterization implemented into the cloud microphysics schemes do not reduce the biases of surface precipitation rate (PRECT) and cloud radiative forcing. Although it changes the overlap structures of clouds and precipitation areas, as well as the associated cloud microphysical processes either directly or indirectly, strong cancelation occurs among these terms, resulting in small changes to the global‐mean PRECT and cloud radiative forcing. The integrated cloud overlap parameterization implemented into the radiation scheme has a substantial impact on the simulated climate: the global‐mean cloud radiative forcing decreases substantially, mainly due to the separate treatment of radiative properties of individual cumulus, stratus, and stratiform snow, and PRECT exhibits strong regional responses. Sensitivity simulations showed that vertical cloud overlap exerts a weaker influence on the global‐mean PRECT than the previous off‐line simulations, implying that the indirect effect offsets the direct effect. In contrast to the off‐line simulations, the enhanced randomness of cumulus overlap increases PRECT over the western Pacific warm pool region. Our study indicates that vertical cloud overlap has substantial impacts on global climate through complex interactions with other physical processes.
Modeling Depth of the Redox Interface at High Resolution at National Scale Using Random Forest and Residual Gaussian Simulation
Authors: Koch Julian , Stisen Simon , Refsgaard Jens C. , Ernstsen Vibeke , Jakobsen Peter R. , Højberg Anker L.
Published: January 2019

The management of water resources needs robust methods to efficiently reduce nitrate loads. Knowledge on where natural denitrification takes place in the subsurface is thereby essential. Nitrate is naturally reduced in anoxic environments and high‐resolution information of the redox interface, that is, the depth of the uppermost reduced zone is crucial to understand the variability of the denitrification potential. In this study we explore the opportunity to use random forest (RF) regression to model redox depth across Denmark at 100‐m resolution based on ~13,000 boreholes as training data. We highlight the importance of expert knowledge to guide the RF model in areas where our conceptual understanding is not represented correctly in the training data set by addition of artificial observations. We apply random forest regression kriging in which sequential Gaussian simulation models the RF residuals. The RF model reaches a R2 score of 0.48 for an independent validation test. Including sequential Gaussian simulation honors observations through local conditioning, and the spread of 800 realizations can be utilized to map uncertainty. Emphasis is put on adequate handling of nonstationarities in variance and spatial correlation of the RF residuals. The RF residuals show no spatial correlation for large parts of the modeling domain, and a local variance scaling method is applied to account for the nonstationary variance. Moreover, we present and exemplify a framework where newly acquired field data can easily be integrated into random forest regression kriging to quickly update local models.
New strategy for designing orangish-red-emitting phosphor via oxygen-vacancy-induced electronic localization
Authors: Wei Yi , Xing Gongcheng , Liu Kang , Li Guogang , Dang Peipei , Liang Sisi , Liu Min , Cheng Ziyong , Jin Dayong , Lin Jun
Published: January 2019

Phosphor-converted white-light-emitting diodes (pc-WLED) have been extensively employed as solid-state lighting sources, which have a very important role in people’s daily lives. However, due to the scarcity of the red component, it is difficult to realize warm white light efficiently. Hence, red-emitting phosphors are urgently required for improving the illumination quality. In this work, we develop a novel orangish-red La4GeO8:Bi3+ phosphor, the emission peak of which is located at 600 nm under near-ultraviolet (n-UV) light excitation. The full width at half maximum (fwhm) is 103 nm, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) exceeds 88%, and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) is 69%. According to Rietveld refinement analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, Bi3+ ions randomly occupy all La sites in orthorhombic La4GeO8. Importantly, the oxygen-vacancy-induced electronic localization around the Bi3+ ions is the main reason for the highly efficient orangish-red luminescence. These results provide a new perspective and insight from the local electron structure for designing inorganic phosphor materials that realize the unique luminescence performance of Bi3+ ions.
Transmission–reflection optoacoustic ultrasound (TROPUS) computed tomography of small animals
Authors: Merčep Elena , Herraiz Joaquín L. , Deán-Ben Xosé Luís , Razansky Daniel
Published: January 2019

Rapid progress in the development of multispectral optoacoustic tomography techniques has enabled unprecedented insights into biological dynamics and molecular processes in vivo and noninvasively at penetration and spatiotemporal scales not covered by modern optical microscopy methods. Ultrasound imaging provides highly complementary information on elastic and functional tissue properties and further aids in enhancing optoacoustic image quality. We devised the first hybrid transmission–reflection optoacoustic ultrasound (TROPUS) small animal imaging platform that combines optoacoustic tomography with both reflection- and transmission-mode ultrasound computed tomography. The system features full-view cross-sectional tomographic imaging geometry for concomitant noninvasive mapping of the absorbed optical energy, acoustic reflectivity, speed of sound, and acoustic attenuation in whole live mice with submillimeter resolution and unrivaled image quality. Graphics-processing unit (GPU)-based algorithms employing spatial compounding and bent-ray-tracing iterative reconstruction were further developed to attain real-time rendering of ultrasound tomography images in the full-ring acquisition geometry. In vivo mouse imaging experiments revealed fine details on the organ parenchyma, vascularization, tissue reflectivity, density, and stiffness. We further used the speed of sound maps retrieved by the transmission ultrasound tomography to improve optoacoustic reconstructions via two-compartment modeling. The newly developed synergistic multimodal combination offers unmatched capabilities for imaging multiple tissue properties and biomarkers with high resolution, penetration, and contrast.
Electron-Phonon Coupling as the Source of 1/f Noise in Carbon Soot
Authors: Mihaila M. , Ursutiu D. , Sandu I.
Published: January 2019

Two 1/f noise peaks were found in a carbon soot resistor at voltages characteristic of Kohn anomalies in graphite. The ratio of the electron-phonon coupling matrix elements at the anomalies calculated from the noise peak intensities is the same as the one obtained from the Raman frequencies. This demonstrates that the electron-phonon coupling is the microscopic source of 1/f noise in carbon soot. A new, very general formula was deduced for the frequency exponent, wherein nonlinearity and dispersion are the only ingredients. The interplay between nonlinearity and dispersion in this formula describes the sublinear-supralinear transitions experimentally observed at both anomalies in the voltage dependence of the frequency exponent. A quadratic dependence of the 1/f noise parameter on the matrix element is proposed and applied to explain the M-shape of the 1/f noise in graphene. We found that the frequency exponent mimics the dependence of the noise intensity in the whole voltage range, while both are the image of the graphite phonon spectrum. This implies that the source of nonlinearity is in the electron-phonon coupling which modulates the slope of the spectrum. It requires the presence of 1/f noise in the thermal noise background of the resistor till phonon frequencies.
Geometrical Dependence on the Onset of Surface Plasmon Polaritons in THz Grid Metasurfaces
Authors: Papari Gian Paolo , Koral Can , Andreone Antonello
Published: January 2019

The transmission response of metallo-dielectric grid metasurfaces is experimentally investigated through Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy and the corresponding effective dielectric function is retrieved. Using a lumped element model we can determine the dependence of the effective plasma frequency (the transition frequency) on the metasurface filling factor F. The change of the transition frequency vs. F spans over one order of magnitude and sets the threshold between the metamaterial (homogeneous) and the photonic crystal (diffraction-like) regime, ruling the onset of two different Surface Plasmon Polaritons, spoof and high order. Field symmetry and spatial extension of such excitations are investigated for the possible applications of THz grid metasurfaces in bio- and chemical sensing and sub-wavelength imaging.
Age-related differences in the bone marrow stem cell niche generate specialized microenvironments for the distinct regulation of normal hematopoietic and leukemia stem cells
Authors: Lee Ga-Young , Jeong Seon-Yeong , Lee Hae-Ri , Oh Il-Hoan
Published: January 2019

The bone marrow (BM) microenvironment serves as a stem cell niche regulating the in vivo cell fate of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) as well as leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Accumulating studies have indicated that the regeneration of normal HSCs and the process of leukemogenesis change with advancing age. However, the role of microenvironmental factors in these age-related effects are unclear. Here, we compared the stem cell niche in neonatal and adult BM to investigate potential differences in their microenvironmental regulation of both normal and leukemic stem cells. We found that the mesenchymal niche in neonatal BM, compared to adult BM, was characterized by a higher frequency of primitive subsets of mesenchymal stroma expressing both platelet-derived growth factor receptor and Sca-1, and higher expression levels of the niche cross-talk molecules, Jagged-1 and CXCL-12. Accordingly, normal HSCs transplanted into neonatal mice exhibited higher levels of regeneration in BM, with no difference in homing efficiency or splenic engraftment compared to adult BM. In contrast, in vivo self-renewal of LSCs was higher in adult BM than in neonatal BM, with increased frequencies of leukemia-initiating cells as well as higher lympho-myeloid differentiation potential towards biphenotypic leukemic cells. These differences in LSC self-renewal capacity between neonates and adults was abrogated by switching of recipients, confirming their microenvironmental origin. Our study provides insight into the differences in leukemic diseases observed in childhood and adults, and is important for interpretation of many transplantation studies involving neonatal animal models.
Sex Differences in Mouse Popliteal Lymph Nodes
Authors: Dill-Garlow Riva , Chen KuanHui Ethan , Walker Ameae M.
Published: January 2019

Females have more robust immune responses than males, well-illustrated by the degree of inflammation elicited during delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses. Here, we have investigated underlying sex differences that may contribute to differential footpad DTH responses using wildtype and four core genotypes (FCG) mice and popliteal lymphnode cellularity and gene expression. DTH responses in XX and XY FCG females showed no role for almost all genes expressed on sex chromosomes. After then filtering-out genes differentially expressed between XX and XY females, only one gene was sexually differentially expressed in wildtype mice, glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule 1 (Glycam1), expressed 7-fold higher in females. Glycam1 facilitates leukocyte entry through high endothelial venules. Consistent with greater Glycam1 expression, female nodes contained twice as many cells. While females had more memory T cells in their nodes, males had a higher percentage of T regulatory cells. This sexual dimorphism in wildtype animals manifested pre-pubertally, was enhanced post-pubertally, and was eliminated by castration. The formation of male gonads is determined by the expression of Sry. Sry overexpression, which does not affect testosterone levels, produced an exaggerated male phenotype. We conclude that Sry expression through formation of the male gonad indirectly negatively impacts the potential for local inflammation.
Molecular Complexity Calculated by Fractal Dimension
Authors: von Korff Modest , Sander Thomas
Published: January 2019

Molecular complexity is an important characteristic of organic molecules for drug discovery. How to calculate molecular complexity has been discussed in the scientific literature for decades. It was known from early on that the numbers of substructures that can be cut out of a molecular graph are of importance for this task. However, it was never realized that the cut-out substructures show self-similarity to the parent structures. A successive removal of one bond and one atom returns a series of fragments with decreasing size. Such a series shows self-similarity similar to fractal objects. Here we used the number of distinct fragments to calculate the fractal dimension of the molecule. The fractal dimension of a molecule is a new matter constant that incorporates all features that are currently known to be important for describing molecular complexity. Furthermore, this is the first work that reveals the fractal nature of organic molecules.
Synthesis of nanogate structure in GO-ZnS sandwich material
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Luwang Meitram Niraj
Published: January 2019

Graphite Oxide (multi-layer) composite with other materials has a huge application in various field of science, due to its excellent and unique properties. Even though from past decade, immense research has been done by materials scientists in this field, but the chemistry is still not yet satisfactory. Here, in this work, through the discovery of Nanogate structure, we have reported for the first time the experimental results that enlightened the clear chemistry between the GO and ZnS which is further supported by the DFT calculations. This novel synthesis method led to the discovery of nanogate structure sandwiched between the GO layers. The nanogate formation also shows enhanced properties for various applications like photocatalytic activities, etc. Due to the nanogate formation, there might be a possibility of enormous generation of electrons on excitation of the composite materials, which can be a boom for various applications like photocatalysis, water splitting, solar cell, etc.
Progesterone Treatment Attenuates Glycolytic Metabolism and Induces Senescence in Glioblastoma
Authors: Atif Fahim , Yousuf Seema , Espinosa-Garcia Claudia , Sergeeva Elena , Stein Donald G.
Published: January 2019

We examined the effect of progesterone treatments on glycolytic metabolism and senescence as possible mechanisms in controlling the growth of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In an orthotopic mouse model, after tumor establishment, athymic nude mice received treatment with progesterone or vehicle for 40 days. Compared to controls, high-dose progesterone administration produced a significant reduction in tumor size (~47%) and an increased survival rate (~43%) without any demonstrable toxicity to peripheral organs (liver, kidney). This was accompanied by a significant improvement in spontaneous locomotor activity and reduced anxiety-like behavior. In a follow-up in vitro study of U87MG-luc, U87dEGFR and U118MG tumor cells, we observed that high-dose progesterone inhibited expression of Glut1, which facilitated glucose transport into the cytoplasm; glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH; a glycolysis enzyme); ATP levels; and cytoplasmic FoxO1 and Phospho-FoxO1, both of which control glycolytic metabolism through upstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in GBM. In addition, progesterone administration attenuated EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, which is highly activated in grade IV GBM. High-dose progesterone also induced senescence in GBM as evidenced by changes in cell morphology and β-galactocidase accumulation. In conclusion, progesterone inhibits the modulators of glycolytic metabolism and induces premature senescence in GBM cells and this can help to reduce/slow tumor progression.
RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis shows anti-tumor actions of melatonin in a breast cancer xenograft model
Authors: Jardim-Perassi Bruna Victorasso , Alexandre Pâmela A. , Sonehara Nathalia M. , de Paula-Junior Rubens , Reis Júnior Osvaldo , Fukumasu Heidge , Chammas Roger , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Zuccari Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos
Published: January 2019

Melatonin is a pleiotropic anti-cancer molecule that controls cancer growth by multiple mechanisms. RNA-Seq can potentially evaluate therapeutic response and its use in xenograft tumor models can differentiate the changes that occur specifically in tumor cells or in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Melatonin actions were evaluated in a xenograft model of triple-negative breast cancer. Balb/c nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumors were treated with melatonin or vehicle. RNA-Seq was performed on the Illumina HiSeq. 2500 and data were mapped against human and mouse genomes separately to differentiate species-specific expression. Differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to detect clusters of highly co-expressed genes. Melatonin treatment reduced tumor growth (p < 0.01). 57 DE genes were identified in murine cells, which represented the TME, and were mainly involved in immune response. The WGCNA detected co-expressed genes in tumor cells and TME, which were related to the immune system among other biological processes. The upregulation of two genes (Tnfaip8l2 and Il1f6) by melatonin was validated in the TME, these genes play important roles in the immune system. Taken together, the transcriptomic data suggests that melatonin anti-tumor actions occur through modulation of TME in this xenograft tumor model.