bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Awareness Analysis on Renewable Energy in Malaysia
Authors: Zakaria S U , Basri S , Kamarudin S K , Majid N A A
Published: July 2019

Renewable energy is growing rapidly and becoming a popular alternative source of energy. Malaysia is looking forward to achieve 50% implementation of renewable energy (RE) by 2050. Sustainable energy development has been related to environmental issues, which can be eradicated by replacing fossil fuels with natural resources such as hydropower, solar, and wind to generate electricity. Public awareness is important towards accomplishing the goal in implementing renewable energy. Thus, this study focused on the survey of renewable energy awareness which was conducted randomly in urban and rural areas in Malaysia. The aims of the study were to identify and explore public awareness of renewable energy based on the respondents’ educational level and area of residence. The perspective on renewable energy by each residential area is related to knowledge and technologies. The survey data was analysed using probability sampling and stratified technique. The results indicated that most of Malaysians realized and are informed about renewable energy which is gradually increasing in terms of sustainability awareness. Therefore, this study is expected to be useful in spreading understanding among citizens about the application of renewable energy by obtaining data on public knowledge and opinions. There were concerns about the environment with 90.3% of the responses showing that the public were aware of the negative impacts of pollution, which indicated a positive use of alternative energy. However, the implementation of renewable energy technologies was not optimised due to the expensive costs involved (98.8%). In achieving the government target, excellent and smart initiatives should be taken to attract the Malaysian public of every level in society by increasing public awareness of renewable energy as well as encouraging the people to adopt renewable technologies in their daily lives and help save the environment.
Solar photovoltaic/thermal-thermoelectric generator performance review
Authors: Zulakmal M Y , Fudholi A , Rukman N S , Mat S , Chan H Y , Sopian K
Published: July 2019

Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are currently limited by the temperature factor that causes the drop of efficiency when the module temperature rises. Many approaches were made to solve the issue so that the performance of the solar cell is improved including the integration of thermoelectric generator (TEG) hybrid. The objective of these improvements is to increase the temperature coefficient that will enhance the efficiency of the solar cells. Some approach may produce other benefits like thermal energy or building integration other than producing electrical energy. Common PV panels only utilize 15-30% of the irradiation received while the rest of it are reflected away or turned into heat waste. In this paper, the relationship of PV heat waste and PV performance relationship is explored. Photovoltaic/thermal-thermoelectric generator (PV/T-TEG) hybrid layouts were compared based on its performances including overall efficiency to identify solutions for this type of application. PV efficiency and losses due to thermal limits will demonstrate the issue as temperature increases. Solar cell that is available in the current market is simulated for its temperature prediction and heat dissipation. This will determine the potential application for a TEG hybrid. Previous conducted experiments and simulations show a 0.14% to 5.2% increment in electrical efficiency. The prediction model will agree with this range of finding. The current advancement in solar PV/T-TEG is compiled and the future approach that can be taken to solve the temperature limits will be discussed.
Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility Management and Strategy to Reshaping Consumer Behaviour
Authors: Lim GN , Arumugam PV
Published: July 2019

Plastics have become a major issue to our environment especially the unavoidable usage of plastic straws whenever you buy drinks. Plastic straws, lid and stirrer is not completely biodegrades. Ban the straws is not possible since it is an accessible tool to mankind especially to disable people. This issue can be solved with collective effort amongst the customers and companies to replace plastic straw with biodegradable straws. This paper provides review on the contribution and potential of consumer behaviour concept and marketing capabilities in initiating the right mindset in promoting pro-environmental behaviour. A feasible framework model is proposed to companies especially food and beverages companies. The framework comprise of two key issues (1) sustainable competitive advantage to companies (2) promoting pro-environmental behaviour amongst customers. The first key issue discusses about how companies can benefits from environmental friendly practice. These benefits comprise of sustainable branding, incorporating in corporate social responsible and better business performance. The second key issue discusses systematic perspective for food and beverages companies to promote understanding and changing environmental behaviour of their customers. Huge franchise chain food and beverages companies like McDonald and Starbucks support on biodegradable straw, lid and stirrer would contribute to a snowballing effect worldwide. McDonalds is in 100 countries and having more than 35,000 restaurants worldwide, is more than capable to promote pro-environmental behaviour to their customers. This paper provides a feasible framework for McDonalds and Starbucks to initiate the pro-environment lifestyle and experience towards sustainable competitive advantage. This paper also proposes some strategies suggest to reshaping consumer behaviour which include the government, company and customer. Thus, provide recommendation to carry more studies on Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility Management model and preventive measure in managing plastics issues for future research.
Comparison of woody and non-woody biomass as a fuel source for direct carbon fuel cell
Authors: Palniandy L K , Yoon L W , Wong W Y , Yong S K
Published: July 2019

Direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) is an emerging technology for energy production. The application of biomass in DCFC will be a major transition from the use of coals to generate energy. However, the relationship between biomass or biochar composition and electrochemical performance of DCFC is yet to be studied. The performance of DCFC by using carbon fuel originated from woody and non-woody biomass were compared and investigated in this study. The effect of pyrolysis temperature ranges from 550 °C to 850 °C on the preparation of biochar from rubberwood (RW) and rice husk (RH) was evaluated for power generation. However, the presence of high ash content of more than 30% in RH biochar reduced the cell performance compared to RW biochar with only less than 10%. The presence of impurities such as silica in RH biochar are detrimental for cell performance, and this might be a factor for the production of lower power density (0.07 mW/cm2) compared to a higher power density (0.5 mW/cm2) obtained from RW biochar. The presence of oxygen functional group on the surface of RW biochar might have aided its higher electrochemical performance. This study concludes that woody biochar fuels are feasible for DCFC application, and further optimization of DCFC could be investigated.
Multi-Layer Heat Extraction from Non-Convective Zone of Solar Ponds for Efficiency Enhancement
Authors: Yaakob Y. , Ibrahim D. , Moria H. , Date A. , Akbarzadeh A.
Published: July 2019

Heat from solar pond has been successfully extracted from lower convective zone (LCZ). An attempt to extract the absorbed heat in non-convective zone (NCZ) using external heat exchanger is introduced with aim to enhance the overall efficiency of solar pond. A sets of external heat exchanger system are installed to extract heat at different level in NCZ by withdraw the hot brine and re-injecting it back at the same level. Cold brine from upper convective zone (UCZ) is used to collect the extracted heat from each of heat exchanger. The result shows by extracting heat from NCZ, the thermal efficiency of solar pond could be increased by up to 50% compared to the common heat extraction solely from LCZ and reducing the upward heat lost to surrounding.
Exergy-based Analysis of Diesel Engine when fuelled with Fossil Diesel and Palm Methyl Ester (PME)
Authors: Ng Jo-Han , Chow Kai Jie , Yao Wong Kang , Tung Chong Cheng
Published: July 2019

Biomass-based energy sources as an alternative to conventional fossil fuel have gained public attention due to the increasing rate of environmental pollutions and depletion of fossil energy source. For diesel engines, comparisons on fuel sustainability and First Law of Thermodynamics are common to inspect biodiesel’s potential in replacing conventional diesel fuel. However, the present work focuses on the energetic and exergetic comparisons of a light-duty diesel engine fuelled with fossil diesel and neat Palm Methyl Ester (PME). This study also covers emission characteristics and exergy destruction rate under varying engine operating parameters and fuel types. It was revealed that the best engine thermal efficiency when fuelled with fossil diesel and PME are 22.1% (2750 rpm, 1950W) and 24.3% (3000 rpm, 2400W), respectively. Additionally, the exergy efficiencies of the diesel engine at the same operating conditions appear to be approximately 2% lower than their First Law counterparts. This can be attributed to the generation of the entropy in reactions which destroyed the fuels’ potential. The availability destroyed rates were observed to have significant impacts on the exergy efficiencies of the diesel engine. Thus, heat transfer and exhaust exergy rates were investigated since they are the main factors for this outcome. In general, the use of PME fuel will be more beneficial in terms of exergy destruction, engine’s thermal and exergy efficiencies due to its higher oxygen content which improves the fuel combustion process.
Characterization of tar formation during high temperature gasification of different chemical compositions in biomass
Authors: Zubair Yahaya Ahmad , Rao Somalu Mahendra , Muchtar Andanastuti , Anwar Sulaiman Shaharin , Wan Daud Wan Ramli
Published: July 2019

The characteristics of tar generated from tropical-plant-based biomass with different chemical compositions during high temperature gasification are crucial to understand the tar formation. In this paper, lignin-rich palm kernel shell (PKS) and hemicellulose and cellulose-rich coconut shell (CS) were gasified in a downdraft fixed-bed reactor at 900 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to examine the functional groups and tar compounds. The results of FT-IR indicate that the PKS tar has a lower intensity peak in the fingerprint region than that of CS. The GC-MS results exhibits that the higher molecular weight of tar compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are higher in CS tar compared to that in PKS tar. PKS tar is susceptible to create a lighter molecular weight of tar compounds, such as phenolics. Both of the materials have a great potential to be used for renewable energy feedstock.
DESIGN OF A SMALL PATCH ANTENNA AT 3.5 GHZ FOR 5G APPLICATION
Authors: Ferdous Nayla , Chin Hock Goh , Hamidah A.Hamid Saidatul , Raman M. Nazri A. , Sieh Kiong Tiong , Ismail Mahamod
Published: July 2019

In this paper a low profile patch antenna has been designed for 5G communication application. The resonating frequency has been chosen as 3.5 GHz for 5G application. FR4 epoxy material with permittivity of 4.3 has been chosen for the substrate material which has fire redundant property. The size of the substrate is 25.2×48 mm2. The main radiating patch is in a shape of ellipse and the line feed technique is used. The simulation is done by CST microwave studio software. Different parameters like S-Parameter, Antenna Gain, Directivity, Efficiency has been observed. The antenna has a gain of more than 5 dB which is very useful for communication applications. The antenna is designed for 5G communication applications.
Solar-Powered Cooling System for Residential Building
Authors: Yaakob Y , Ibrahim D , Awalludin M A , Moria H
Published: July 2019

High power consumption cooling devices such as air conditioners increase electricity power demands. In this project, an alternative solar-powered cooling system is suggested to reduce the air temperature to human comfort level and reduce their household electricity usage. Plants are used in this project to undergo transpiration, which is a natural process where moisture is carried from the roots to the underside of the leave to be evaporated. Heron’s fountain technique was applied to reduce the power consumption of the water pump by lifting up water using gravity. Power consumption is reduced to 23 watts per hour and the air temperature around 1 °C to 2 °C of a 90 square feet single bedroom depending on the surrounding condition. This gives human a range of thermal comfort of 25 °C to 29 °C in residential buildings.
Energy Security in ASEAN Region: Its challenges
Authors: Mat Sahid Endang Jati , Ching Sin Tan , Chin Hock Goh
Published: July 2019

The ASEAN region has been experiencing a robust economic growth in the past decades and the economy is expected to expand further for the next few decades. To satisfy the thirst brought about by the economic growth, primary energy demand in the region is expected tripled its value, mainly due to progress of industrialization and motorization. An increase of energy requirement in the region will necessitate some of the energy demand to be met through imported energy sources. This highly dependency of energy import resources is a signal to policy makers to address the burgeoning concerns of the energy issues in the region. Therefore revising existing and formulating new policies are crucial to improve the energy supply security of the region. This paper looks into the challenges of the energy security in Southeast Asia by identifying the energy gaps challenges on the availability of energy resources and the energy supply and demand projection up to 2050. Finally this paper will discuss on the issues on energy governance in the region for the purpose of enhancing its energy security level.
Added value of regional reanalyses for climatological applications
Authors: Kaiser-Weiss Andrea K , Borsche Michael , Niermann Deborah , Kaspar Frank , Lussana Cristian , Isotta Francesco A , van den Besselaar Else , van der Schrier Gerard , Undén Per
Published: July 2019

Regional reanalyses constitute valuable new data sources for climatological applications by providing consistent meteorological parameter fields commonly requested, e.g., wind speed, solar radiation, temperature and precipitation. Within the European project Uncertainties in Ensembles of Regional ReAnalyses (UERRA) three different numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have been employed to generate different European regional reanalyses and subsequent surface reanalysis products. The uncertainties of the individual reanalysis products and of the combined UERRA multi-model ensemble are investigated by comparing against observations. Here, we provide guidance on the meteorological parameters and spatial-temporal scales where regional reanalyses add value to global reanalyses. The reanalysis fields are compared to station measurements and derived gridded fields, as well as satellite data. In general, reanalyses are especially valuable in data sparse areas, where the NWP models are superior in transporting information compared to the traditional gridding procedures based on station observations. For wind speed at heights relevant for wind energy, where little conventional observations exist, regional reanalyses can provide higher resolution horizontally, vertically, and in time, adding value to global reanalyses. Solar radiation fields capture the variability in general, however, they are prone to model-dependent biases. Temperature fields were generally found to be in good agreement with station observations, with biases for the (moderately) extreme values causing potential pitfalls for threshold applications such as climate indices. Comparisons of the precipitation fields in different areas of Europe demonstrate that various reanalyses excel in different regions. The multi-model ensemble of regional reanalyses was found to provide better uncertainty estimates than an ensemble realisation from one reanalysis system alone. The freely available regional reanalyses provide a new, high resolution data source, which might be attractive for many applications, especially when conventional data are sparse or restricted by data policies.
Active formation of Li-ion batteries and its effect on cycle life
Authors: Pathan Tanveerkhan S , Rashid Muhammad , Walker Marc , Widanage W D , Kendrick Emma
Published: July 2019

The formation of the solid electrolyte interphase during the formation and conditioning steps, is a very time consuming and expensive process. We present an active formation method in LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2(NMC-111) versus graphite lithium-ion batteries, which maintains the cycling performance of the cells. Ten different active formation protocols were evaluated, which consisted of cycling between an upper (Vu) and lower (Vl) voltages. The cells were evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cycling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyse the surface of the electrodes after cycling. Cycling performance and resistance measurements from the EIS results confirm the different effect of formation protocols in the lifetime and performance of the cells. We show that during the formation protocol the interface composition is optimised through the transport of lithium ions through the initial organic decomposition layer on the graphite at higher cell voltages (>3.65 V). These higher voltage cycling formation protocols giving an interface with greater stability and enhanced cycling are observed in the cells.
Human core duplicon gene families: game changers or game players?
Authors: Bekpen Cemalettin , Tautz Diethard
Published: July 2019

Illuminating the role of specific gene duplications within the human lineage can provide insights into human-specific adaptations. The so-called human core duplicon gene families have received particular attention in this respect, due to special features, such as expansion along single chromosomes, newly acquired protein domains and signatures of positive selection. Here, we summarize the data available for 10 such families and include some new analyses. A picture emerges that suggests broad functions for these protein families, possibly through modification of core cellular pathways. Still, more dedicated studies are required to elucidate the function of core-duplicons gene families and how they have shaped adaptations and evolution of humans.
Attenuating the DNA damage response to double-strand breaks restores function in models of CNS neurodegeneration
Authors: Tuxworth Richard I , Taylor Matthew J , Martin Anduaga Ane , Hussien-Ali Alaa , Chatzimatthaiou Sotiroula , Longland Joanne , Thompson Adam M , Almutiri Sharif , Alifragis Pavlos , Kyriacou Charalambos P , Kysela Boris , Ahmed Zubair
Published: July 2019

DNA double-strand breaks are a feature of many acute and long-term neurological disorders, including neurodegeneration, following neurotrauma and after stroke. Persistent activation of the DNA damage response in response to double-strand breaks contributes to neural dysfunction and pathology as it can force post-mitotic neurons to re-enter the cell cycle leading to senescence or apoptosis. Mature, non-dividing neurons may tolerate low levels of DNA damage, in which case muting the DNA damage response might be neuroprotective. Here, we show that attenuating the DNA damage response by targeting the meiotic recombination 11, Rad50, Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 complex, which is involved in double-strand break recognition, is neuroprotective in three neurodegeneration models in Drosophila and prevents Aβ1-42-induced loss of synapses in embryonic hippocampal neurons. Attenuating the DNA damage response after optic nerve injury is also neuroprotective to retinal ganglion cells and promotes dramatic regeneration of their neurites both in vitro and in vivo. Dorsal root ganglion neurons similarly regenerate when the DNA damage response is targeted in vitro and in vivo and this strategy also induces significant restoration of lost function after spinal cord injury. We conclude that muting the DNA damage response in the nervous system is neuroprotective in multiple neurological disorders. Our results point to new therapies to maintain or repair the nervous system.
The Influence of Cortico-Cerebellar Structural Connectivity on Cortical Excitability in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Guder Stephanie , Frey Benedikt M , Backhaus Winifried , Braass Hanna , Timmermann Jan E , Gerloff Christian , Schulz Robert
Published: July 2019

Brain imaging has recently evidenced that the structural state of distinct reciprocal cortico-cerebellar fiber tracts, the dentato-thalamo-cortical tract (DTCT), and the cortico-ponto-cerebellar tract (CPCeT), significantly influences residual motor output in chronic stroke patients, independent from the level of damage to the corticospinal tract (CST). Whether such structural information might also directly relate to measures of cortical excitability is an open question. Eighteen chronic stroke patients with supratentorial ischemic lesions and 17 healthy controls underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess recruitment curves of motor evoked potentials of both hemispheres. Diffusion-weighted imaging and probabilistic tractography were applied to reconstruct reciprocal cortico-cerebellar motor tracts between the primary motor cortex and the cerebellum. Tract-related microstructure was estimated by means of fractional anisotropy, and linear regression modeling was used to relate it to cortical excitability. The main finding was a significant association between cortical excitability and the structural integrity of the DTCT, the main cerebellar outflow tract, independent from the level of damage to the CST. A comparable relationship was neither detectable for the CPCeT nor for the healthy controls. This finding contributes to a mechanistic understanding of the putative supportive role of the cerebellum for residual motor output by facilitating cortical excitability after stroke.
HPLC Coupled with Chemometric Analysis and LC–MS Studies of Three Flavonoids in Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers Revealed Impact of Chemodiversity on the Quest for the Chemical Markers
Authors: Katakam Sagar , Rathod Rajeshwari , Sharma Poojadevi , Kachhadiya Dharmesh , Anandjiwala Sheetal , Sharma Sonal , Shrivastava Neeta
Published: July 2019

Globally, Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers is used as an important component in herbal drug formulations for liver health. The present study is aimed to develop a suitable analytical approach for simultaneous analysis of three flavonoids (rutin, deguelin and rotenone) to establish quality control methods for plant. A novel High-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) method has been developed to quantify these flavonoids in T. purpurea. The method was validated, and data were subjected to chemometric analysis to select most optimal marker compound. The method that was found linear with R2 values ranges from 0.996 to 0.998 with good recoveries. Intra- and inter-day precision values were <2. HPLC analysis revealed high level of chemodiversity. Quantity of all the three chemical markers was found significantly disparate in samples from different locations. Deguelin was detectable only in three out of total eight samples. However, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was found sufficiently sensitive to detect all the compounds in all samples. Thus, results suggest to apply combination of approaches to enhance confidence in chromatographic methods for quality control of herbal drugs. Principal component analysis ranked the markers as Rutin>Rotenone>Deguelin. This comprehensive approach employing multichromatography platforms can be successfully utilized in analysis of these bioactive markers and routine standardization of herbal material and formulations containing T. purpurea.
Children Exposed or Unexposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Weight, Height, and Body Mass Index During the First 5 Years of Life—A Danish Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Moseholm Ellen , Helleberg Marie , Sandholdt Håkon , Katzenstein Terese L , Storgaard Merete , Pedersen Gitte , Johansen Isik S , Weis Nina
Published: July 2019

Background

Exposures to human immunodeficiency (HIV) and antiretroviral therapy in utero may have adverse effects on infant growth. Among children born in Denmark and aged 0–5 years, we aimed to compare anthropometric outcomes in HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children with those in children not exposed to HIV.

Methods

In a nationwide register-based study we included all singleton HEU children born in Denmark in 2000–2016. HEU children were individually matched by child sex, parity, and maternal place of birth to 5 singleton controls born to mothers without HIV. Weight-for-age z (WAZ) scores, length-for-age z (LAZ) scores, and weight-for-length or body mass index–for–age z scores were generated according to the World Health Organization standards and the Fenton growth chart for premature infants. Differences in mean z scores were analyzed using linear mixed models, both univariate and adjusted for social and maternal factors.

Results

In total, 485 HEU children and 2495 HIV-unexposed controls were included. Compared with controls, HEU children were smaller at birth, with an adjusted difference in mean WAZ and LAZ scores of −0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI], −.46 to −.12) and −0.51 (95% CI, −.71 to −.31), respectively (both P ≤ .001). Over time, there was a trend toward increasing WAZ and LAZ scores in HEU children, and there was no significant difference in adjusted WAZ scores after age 14 days (−0.13 [95% CI, −.27 to .01]; P = .07) and LAZ scores after age 6 months (−0.15 [95% CI, −.32 to .02]; P = .08).

Conclusion

Compared with a matched control group, HEU children were smaller at birth, but this difference decreased with time and is not considered to have a negative effect on the health and well-being of HEU children during early childhood.
Criteria for surveys: from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Scientific Initiatives Committee
Authors: Haugaa Kristina H , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Cameli Matteo , D'Andrea Antonello , Dweck Marc R , Carvalho Ricardo Fontes , Holte Espen , Manka Robert , Michalski Blazej , Podlesnikar Tomaz , Popescu Bogdan A , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Sitges Marta , Stankovic Ivan , Maurer Gerald , Edvardsen Thor
Published: July 2019

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence in all aspects of cardiovascular imaging. The mission of the EACVI is to promote excellence in clinical diagnosis, research, technical development, and education in cardiovascular imaging with a particular focus on education, training, scientific initiatives, and research. The EACVI established the Scientific Initiatives Committee (SIC) in December 2018. This committee has responsibility for surveys among imagers, patients’ surveys and surveys including data from clinical practice. The current document describes the aims of the EACVI SIC and the creation of the international EACVI survey network. This document summarizes the EACVI's standards for the survey questions and standards for writing the papers with the results of the surveys. These are in accordance with previous recommendations and were approved by the EACVI SIC and the EACVI Board in 2019.
Activation of local innate immune signal induces periodontitis in microbiota-dependent manner
Authors: Wang Nan , Xia Dengsheng
Published: July 2019

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Both inflammation and dysbiosis have been implicated in periodontitis development. However, the relationship between local inflammation and dysbiosis, and the precise roles of local inflammation in periodontitis are not well-elucidated. In present study, we explored the role of local inflammation in periodontitis. We established a periodontitis model by administration of Pam3CSK4 to local oral area and compared the difference of outcome between local and systemic administration. We monitored the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, local inflammation and alveolar bone loss. We also evaluated the dysbiosis, NF-κB activation. Local but not systemic administration of Pam3CSK4-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines productions and finally resulted in periodontitis. Pam3CSK4 caused dysbiosis and promoted Porphyromonas gingivalis growth. The bacterial growth and NF-κB activation were required for Pam3CSK4-induced periodontitis. We evaluated the effect of local inflammation by inducing TLR2 activation on dysbiosis and periodontitis. Activation of local innate immune signal induces periodontitis in microbiota-dependent manner.
New constraints on the 1922 Atacama, Chile, earthquake from Historical seismograms
Authors: Kanamori Hiroo , Rivera Luis , Ye Lingling , Lay Thorne , Murotani Satoko , Tsumura Kenshiro
Published: July 2019

We recently found the original Omori seismograms recorded at Hongo, Tokyo, of the 1922 Atacama, Chile, earthquake (MS = 8.3) in the historical seismogram archive of the Earthquake Research Institute (ERI) of the University of Tokyo. These recordings enable a quantitative investigation of long-period seismic radiation from the 1922 earthquake. We document and provide interpretation of these seismograms together with a few other seismograms from Mizusawa, Japan, Uppsala, Sweden, Strasbourg, France, Zi-ka-wei, China and De Bilt, Netherlands. The 1922 event is of significant historical interest concerning the cause of tsunami, discovery of G wave, and study of various seismic phase and first-motion data. Also, because of its spatial proximity to the 1943, 1995 and 2015 great earthquakes in Chile, the 1922 event provides useful information on similarity and variability of great earthquakes on a subduction-zone boundary. The 1922 source region, having previously ruptured in 1796 and 1819, is considered to have significant seismic hazard. The focus of this paper is to document the 1922 seismograms so that they can be used for further seismological studies on global subduction zones. Since the instrument constants of the Omori seismographs were only incompletely documented, we estimate them using the waveforms of the observed records, a calibration pulse recorded on the seismogram and the waveforms of better calibrated Uppsala Wiechert seismograms. Comparison of the Hongo Omori seismograms with those of the 1995 Antofagasta, Chile, earthquake (Mw = 8.0) and the 2015 Illapel, Chile, earthquake (Mw = 8.3) suggests that the 1922 event is similar to the 1995 and 2015 events in mechanism (i.e. on the plate boundary megathrust) and rupture characteristics (i.e. not a tsunami earthquake) with Mw = 8.6 ± 0.25. However, the initial fine scale rupture process varies significantly from event to event. The G1 and G2, and R1 and R2 of the 1922 event are comparable in amplitude, suggesting a bilateral rupture, which is uncommon for large megathrust earthquakes.
The Effects of Temporal Variation on Fitness, Functional Traits, and Species Distribution Patterns
Authors: Emery Nancy C , La Rosa Raffica J
Published: July 2019

Temporal variation is a powerful source of selection on life history strategies and functional traits in natural populations. Theory predicts that the rate and predictability of fluctuations should favor distinct strategies, ranging from phenotypic plasticity to bet-hedging, which are likely to have important consequences for species distribution patterns and their responses to environmental change. To date, we have few empirical studies that test those predictions in natural systems, and little is known about how genetic, environmental, and developmental factors interact to define the “fluctuation niche” of species in temporally variable environments. In this study, we evaluated the effects of hydrological variability on fitness and functional trait variation in three closely related plant species in the genus Lasthenia that occupy different microhabitats within vernal pool landscapes. Using a controlled greenhouse experiment, we manipulated the mean and variability in hydrological conditions by growing plants at different depths with respect to a shared water table and manipulating the magnitude of stochastic fluctuations in the water table over time. We found that all species had similarly high relative fitness above the water table, but differed in their sensitivities to water table fluctuations. Specifically, the two species from vernal pools basins, where soil moisture is controlled by a perched water table, were negatively affected by the stochasticity treatments. In contrast, a species from the upland habitat surrounding vernal pools, where stochastic precipitation events control soil moisture variation, was insensitive to experimental fluctuations in the water table. We found strong signatures of genetic, environmental (plastic), and developmental variation in four traits that can influence plant hydrological responses. Three of these traits varied across plant development and among experimental treatments in directions that aligned with constitutive differences among species, suggesting that multiple sources of variation align to facilitate phenotypic matching with the hydrological environment in Lasthenia. We found little evidence for predicted patterns of phenotypic plasticity and bet-hedging in species and traits from predictable and stochastic environments, respectively. We propose that selection for developmental shifts in the hydrological traits of Lasthenia species has reduced or modified selection for plasticity at any given stage of development. Collectively, these results suggest that variation in species’ sensitivities to hydrological stochasticity may explain why vernal pool Lasthenia species do not occur in upland habitat, and that all three species integrate genetic, environmental, and developmental information to manage the unique patterns of temporal hydrological variation in their respective microhabitats.
Thermoprofile Parameters Affect Survival of Megachile rotundata During Exposure to Low-Temperatures
Authors: Yocum George D , Rinehart Joseph P , Rajamohan Arun , Bowsher Julia H , Yeater Kathleen M , Greenlee Kendra J
Published: July 2019

Insects exposed to low temperature stress can experience chill injury, but incorporating fluctuating thermoprofiles increases survival and blocks the development of sub-lethal effects. The specific parameters required for a protective thermoprofile are poorly understood, because most studies test a limited range of thermoprofiles. For example, thermoprofiles with a wave profile may perform better than a square profile, but these two profiles are rarely compared. In this study, two developmental stages of the alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, eye-pigmented pupae, and emergence-ready adults, were exposed to one of eight thermoprofiles for up to 8 weeks. All the thermoprofiles had a base of 6°C and a peak temperature of either 12°C or 18°C. The duration at peak temperature varied depending on the shape of the thermoprofile, either square or wave form. Two other treatments acted as controls, a constant 6°C and a fluctuating thermal regime (FTR) with a base temperature of 6°C that was interrupted daily by a single, 1-h pulse at 20°C. Compared with constant 6°C, all the test thermoprofiles significantly improved survival. Compared with the FTR control, the thermoprofiles with a peak temperature of 18°C outperformed the 12°C profiles. Bees in the eye-pigmented stage exposed to the 18°C profiles separated into two groups based on the shape of the profile, with higher survival in the square profiles compared with the wave profiles. Bees in the emergence-ready stage exposed to 18°C profiles all had significantly higher survival than bees in the FTR controls. Counter to expectations, the least ecologically relevant thermoprofiles (square) had the highest survival rates and blocked the development of sub-lethal effects (delayed emergence).
The Focusing Energy-Critical Nonlinear Wave Equation With Random Initial Data
Authors: Kenig Carlos , Mendelson Dana
Published: July 2019

We consider the focusing energy-critical quintic nonlinear wave equation in 3D Euclidean space. It is known that this equation admits a one-parameter family of radial stationary solutions, called solitons, which can be viewed as a curve in $ \dot H^s_x({{\mathbb{R}}}^3) \times H^{s-1}_x({{\mathbb{R}}}^3)$, for any $s> 1/2$. By randomizing radial initial data in $ \dot H^s_x({{\mathbb{R}}}^3) \times H^{s-1}_x({{\mathbb{R}}}^3)$ for $s> 5/6$, which also satisfy a certain weighted Sobolev condition, we produce with high probability a family of radial perturbations of the soliton that give rise to global forward-in-time solutions of the focusing nonlinear wave equation that scatter after subtracting a dynamically modulated soliton. Our proof relies on a new randomization procedure using distorted Fourier projections associated to the linearized operator around a fixed soliton. To our knowledge, this is the 1st long-time random data existence result for a focusing wave or dispersive equation on Euclidean space outside the small data regime.
Basepoint Free Cycles on 0n from Gromov–Witten Theory
Authors: Belkale P , Gibney A
Published: July 2019

Basepoint free cycles on the moduli space $\overline{\operatorname{M}}_{0,n}$ of stable $n$-pointed rational curves, defined using Gromov–Witten invariants of smooth projective homogeneous spaces are introduced and studied. Intersection formulas to find classes are given. Gromov–Witten divisors for projective space are shown equivalent to conformal blocks divisors for type A at level 1.
Quadratic Twists of Abelian Varieties With Real Multiplication
Authors: Shnidman Ari
Published: July 2019

Let $F$ be a totally real number field and $A/F$ an abelian variety with real multiplication (RM) by the ring of integers $\mathcal {O}$ of a totally real field. Assuming $A$ admits an $\mathcal {O}$-linear 3-isogeny over $F$, we prove that a positive proportion of the quadratic twists $A_d$ have rank 0. If moreover $A$ is principally polarized and $III(A_d)$ is finite, then a positive proportion of $A_d$ have $\mathcal {O}$-rank $1$. Our proofs make use of the geometry-of-numbers methods from our previous work with Bhargava, Klagsbrun, and Lemke Oliver and develop them further in the case of RM. We quantify these results for $A/\mathbb {Q}$ of prime level, using Mazur’s study of the Eisenstein ideal. For example, suppose $p \equiv 10$ or $19 \pmod {27}$, and let $A$ be the unique optimal quotient of $J_0(p)$ with a rational point $P$ of order 3. We prove that at least $25\%$ of twists $A_d$ have rank 0 and the average $\mathcal {O}$-rank of $A_d(F)$ is at most 7/6. Using the presence of two different 3-isogenies in this case, we also prove that roughly $1/8$ of twists of the quotient $A/\langle P\rangle$ have nontrivial 3-torsion in their Tate–Shafarevich groups.
Combination of Azithromycin and Gentamicin for Efficient Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections
Authors: Ren Huan , Liu Yiwei , Zhou Jingyi , Long Yuqing , Liu Chang , Xia Bin , Shi Jing , Fan Zheng , Liang Yuying , Chen Shuiping , Xu Jun , Wang Penghua , Zhang Yanhong , Zhu Guangbo , Liu Huimin , Jin Yongxin , Bai Fang , Cheng Zhihui , Jin Shouguang , Wu Weihui
Published: July 2019

Background

Trans-translation is a ribosome rescue system that plays an important role in bacterial tolerance to environmental stresses. It is absent in animals, making it a potential treatment target. However, its role in antibiotic tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains unknown.

Methods

The role and activity of trans-translation during antibiotic treatment were examined with a trans-translation–deficient strain and a genetically modified trans-translation component gene, respectively. In vitro assays and murine infection models were used to examine the effects of suppression of trans-translation.

Results

We found that the trans-translation system plays an essential role in P. aeruginosa tolerance to azithromycin and multiple aminoglycoside antibiotics. We further demonstrated that gentamicin could suppress the azithromycin-induced activation of trans-translation. Compared with each antibiotic individually, gentamicin and azithromycin combined increased the killing efficacy against planktonic and biofilm-associated P. aeruginosa cells, including a reference strain PA14 and its isogenic carbapenem-resistance oprD mutant, the mucoid strain FRD1, and multiple clinical isolates. Furthermore, the gentamicin-azithromycin resulted in improved bacterial clearance in murine acute pneumonia, biofilm implant, and cutaneous abscess infection models.

Conclusions

Combination treatment with gentamicin and azithromycin is a promising strategy in combating P. aeruginosa infections.
A Practical Guide to Sliding and Surface Semilandmarks in Morphometric Analyses
Authors: Bardua C , Felice R N , Watanabe A , Fabre A -C , Goswami A
Published: July 2019

Synopsis

Advances in imaging technologies, such as computed tomography (CT) and surface scanning, have facilitated the rapid generation of large datasets of high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) specimen reconstructions in recent years. The wealth of phenotypic information available from these datasets has the potential to inform our understanding of morphological variation and evolution. However, the ever-increasing ease of compiling 3D datasets has created an urgent need for sophisticated methods of capturing high-density shape data that reflect the biological complexity in form. Landmarks often do not take full advantage of the rich shape information available from high-resolution 3D specimen reconstructions, as they are typically restricted to sutures or processes that can be reliably identified across specimens and exclude most of the surface morphology. The development of sliding and surface semilandmark techniques has greatly enhanced the quantification of shape, but their application to diverse datasets can be challenging, especially when dealing with the variable absence of some regions within a structure. Using comprehensive 3D datasets of crania that span the entire clades of birds, squamates and caecilians, we demonstrate methods for capturing morphology across incredibly diverse shapes. We detail many of the difficulties associated with applying semilandmarks to comparable regions across highly disparate structures, and provide solutions to some of these challenges, while considering the consequences of decisions one makes in applying these approaches. Finally, we analyze the benefits of high-density sliding semilandmark approaches over landmark-only studies for capturing shape across diverse organisms and discuss the promise of these approaches for the study of organismal form.
User stories as lightweight requirements for agile clinical decision support development
Authors: Kannan Vaishnavi , Basit Mujeeb A , Bajaj Puneet , Carrington Angela R , Donahue Irma B , Flahaven Emily L , Medford Richard , Melaku Tsedey , Moran Brett A , Saldana Luis E , Willett Duwayne L , Youngblood Josh E , Toomay Seth M
Published: July 2019

Objective

We sought to demonstrate applicability of user stories, progressively elaborated by testable acceptance criteria, as lightweight requirements for agile development of clinical decision support (CDS).

Materials and Methods

User stories employed the template: As a [type of user], I want [some goal] so that [some reason]. From the “so that” section, CDS benefit measures were derived. Detailed acceptance criteria were elaborated through ensuing conversations. We estimated user story size with “story points,” and depicted multiple user stories with a use case diagram or feature breakdown structure. Large user stories were split to fit into 2-week iterations.

Results

One example user story was: As a rheumatologist, I want to be advised if my patient with rheumatoid arthritis is not on a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), so that they receive optimal therapy and can experience symptom improvement. This yielded a process measure (DMARD use), and an outcome measure (Clinical Disease Activity Index). Following implementation, the DMARD nonuse rate decreased from 3.7% to 1.4%. Patients with a high Clinical Disease Activity Index improved from 13.7% to 7%. For a thromboembolism prevention CDS project, diagrams organized multiple user stories.

Discussion

User stories written in the clinician’s voice aid CDS governance and lead naturally to measures of CDS effectiveness. Estimation of relative story size helps plan CDS delivery dates. User stories prove to be practical even on larger projects.

Conclusions

User stories concisely communicate the who, what, and why of a CDS request, and serve as lightweight requirements for agile development to meet the demand for increasingly diverse CDS.
Skeletal response to whole body vibration and dietary calcium and phosphorus in growing pigs
Authors: Huseman Chelsie J , Sigler Dennis H , Welsh Thomas H , Suva Larry J , Vogelsang Martha M , Dominguez Brandon J , Huggins Shannon , Paulk Chad
Published: July 2019

The quality and strength of the skeleton is regulated by mechanical loading and adequate mineral intake of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Whole body vibration (WBV) has been shown to elicit adaptive responses in the skeleton, such as increased bone mass and strength. This experiment was designed to determine the effects of WBV and dietary Ca and P on bone microarchitecture and turnover. A total of 26 growing pigs were utilized in a 60-d experiment. Pigs were randomly assigned within group to a 2 × 2 factorial design with dietary Ca and P concentration (low and adequate) as well as WBV. The adequate diet was formulated to meet all nutritional needs according to the NRC recommendations for growing pigs. Low Ca, P diets had 0.16% lower Ca and 0.13% lower P than the adequate diet. Pigs receiving WBV were vibrated 30 min/d, 3 d/wk at a magnitude of 1 to 2 mm and a frequency of 50 Hz. On days 0, 30, and 60, digital radiographs were taken to determine bone mineral content by radiographic bone aluminum equivalency (RBAE) and serum was collected to measure biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin, OC) and bone resorption (carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks, CTX-I). At day 60, pigs were euthanized and the left third metacarpal bone was excised for detailed analysis by microcomputed tomography (microCT) to measure trabecular microarchitecture and cortical bone geometry. Maximum RBAE values for the medial or lateral cortices were not affected (P > 0.05) by WBV. Pigs fed adequate Ca and P tended (P = 0.10) to have increased RBAE max values for the medial and lateral cortices. WBV pigs had significantly decreased serum CTX-1 concentrations (P = 0.044), whereas animals fed a low Ca and P diet had increased (P < 0.05) OC concentrations. In bone, WBV pigs showed a significantly lower trabecular number (P = 0.002) and increased trabecular separation (P = 0.003), whereas cortical bone parameters were not significantly altered by WBV or diet (P > 0.05). In summary, this study confirmed the normal physiological responses of the skeleton to a low Ca, P diet. Interestingly, although the WBV protocol utilized in this study did not elicit any significant osteogenic response, decreases in CTX-1 in response to WBV may have been an early local adaptive bone response. We interpret these data to suggest that the frequency and amplitude of WBV was likely sufficient to elicit a bone remodeling response, but the duration of the study may not have captured the full extent of an entire bone remodeling cycle.