bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Configuration of a Far‐Infrared Radiometer to Study the Arctic Winter Atmosphere
Authors: Coursol Laurence , Libois Quentin , Gauthier Pierre , Blanchet Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2020

Several far‐infrared (FIR) satellite missions are planned for the next decade, with a special interest for the Arctic region. A theoretical study is performed to help with the design of an FIR radiometer, whose configuration in terms of channels number and frequencies is optimized based on information content analysis. The problem is cast in a context of vertical column experiments (1D) to determine the optimal configuration of a FIR radiometer to study the Arctic polar night. If only observations of the FIR radiometer were assimilated, the results show that for humidity, 90% of the total information content is obtained with four bands, whereas for temperature, 10 bands are needed. When the FIR measurements are assimilated on top of those from the advanced infrared sounder (AIRS), the former bring in additional information between the surface and 850 hPa and from 550 to 250 hPa for humidity. Moreover, between 400 and 200 hPa, the FIR radiometer is better than AIRS at reducing the analysis error variance for humidity. This indicates the potential of FIR observations for improving water vapor analysis in the Arctic.
Rapid Vegetation Succession and Coupled Permafrost Dynamics in Arctic Thaw Ponds in the Siberian Lowland Tundra
Authors: Magnússon Rúna Í. , Limpens Juul , van Huissteden Jacobus , Kleijn David , Maximov Trofim C. , Rotbarth Ronny , Sass‐Klaassen Ute , Heijmans Monique M. P. D.
Published: June 2020

Thermokarst features, such as thaw ponds, are hotspots for methane emissions in warming lowland tundra. Presently we lack quantitative knowledge on the formation rates of thaw ponds and subsequent vegetation succession, necessary to determine their net contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. This study sets out to identify development trajectories and formation rates of small‐scale (<100 m2), shallow arctic thaw ponds in north‐eastern Siberia. We selected 40 ponds of different age classes based on a time‐series of satellite images and measured vegetation composition, microtopography, water table, and thaw depth in the field and measured age of colonizing shrubs in thaw ponds using dendrochronology. We found that young ponds are characterized by dead shrubs, while older ponds show rapid terrestrialization through colonization by sedges andSphagnummoss. While dead shrubs and open water are associated with permafrost degradation (lower surface elevation, larger thaw depth), sites with sedge and in particularSphagnumdisplay indications of permafrost recovery. Recruitment ofBetula nanaonSphagnumcarpets in ponds indicates a potential recovery toward shrub‐dominated vegetation, although it remains unclear if and on what timescale this occurs. Our results suggest that thaw ponds display potentially cyclic vegetation succession associated with permafrost degradation and recovery. Pond formation and initial colonization by sedges can occur on subdecadal timescales, suggesting rapid degradation and initial recovery of permafrost. The rates of formation and recovery of small‐scale, shallow thaw ponds have implications for the greening/browning dynamics and carbon balance of this ecosystem.
Crustal Thickness Variation Across the Sea of Marmara Region, NW Turkey: A Reflection of Modern and Ancient Tectonic Processes
Authors: Jenkins J. , Stephenson S. N. , Martínez‐Garzón P. , Bohnhoff M. , Nurlu M.
Published: June 2020

The Marmara region in Turkey is an important geological setting, both from a tectonic and a seismic hazard/risk perspective. We present a new map of crustal thickness variation across this complex region to better understand the interplay of past and present tectonic processes that have formed present‐day structure. Maps of crustal thickness are created using Ps converted phases and receiver function (RF) analysis of earthquakes recorded at all publicly available seismic stations and stations in the national monitoring network (run by AFAD Disaster and Emergency Management Authority Turkey). RFs are converted from time to depth using a local 3‐D full‐waveform tomographic model and are combined in multiphase common conversion point stacks. Direct P to S converted arrivals and associated multiples are mapped to produce continuous maps of the Moho discontinuity. Results show Moho depths ranging from 26–41 km with a regional trend of westward thinning reflecting the effects of the extensional regime in western Anatolia and the neighboring Aegean Sea. The thinnest crust is observed beneath the western end of the Sea of Marmara, attributed to transtensional basin opening. A distinct region of increased crustal thickness bounded by the West Black Sea Fault in the west, and the northern strand of the North Anatolian Fault in the south, defines the ancient crustal terrane of the Istanbul Zone. Isostatic arguments indicate that the thickened crust and lower elevation in the Istanbul Zone require it to be underlain by thicker lithosphere, a conclusion that is consistent with its hypothesized origin near the Odessa shelf.
Toward Operational Wave‐Current Interactions Over the Agulhas Current System
Authors: Barnes Michael A. , Rautenbach Christo
Published: June 2020

A computationally inexpensive operational wave forecasting system taking wave‐current interactions over the fast‐flowing Agulhas Current into account is explored. Spectral wave model hindcasts at 1/16 of a geographical degree are employed using the Simulating Waves in the Nearshore (SWAN) wave model. Unidirectional wave‐current coupling, with currents affecting waves, is performed using both Operational Mercator 1/12 degree (ORCA12) and GLOBCURRENT 1/4 degree currents. Comparisons between the coupled and uncoupled simulations indicate that wave amplification or lowering is highly dependent on the current magnitude and wave incident angle. In opposing current scenarios, the significant wave height can increase by 20–40% and by 60% in extreme cases. Model validation is performed using Jason‐3 satellite altimetry measurements and in situ directional wave buoy measurements. The nearshore wave directional dispersion is found to be significantly influenced by the core of the Agulhas Current. This is especially prominent in current‐following cases with wave‐current direction differences of up to 20°. The findings are all corroborated by simplistic, idealized models.
Improved Himawari‐8/AHI Radiance Data Assimilation With a Double Cloud Detection Scheme
Authors: Li Xin , Zou Xiaolei , Zhuge Xiaoyong , Zeng Mingjian , Wang Ning , Tang Fei
Published: June 2020

This study explores the possibility of improving the impact of the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) clear‐sky radiance data assimilation (DA), focusing on cloud detection. First, the performance of the “clear‐channel” detection scheme of the minimum residual (MR) method embedded in the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) DA system is compared with the performances of the CLouds from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer Extended (CLAVR‐x) cloud processing system and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud‐product‐generating algorithm. The MR scheme does not reliably identify optically thin clouds along cloud edges. The MR‐estimated cloud‐top pressures are often too high for upper‐level clouds, rendering some cloud‐contaminated channels falsely clear. An infrared‐only AHI cloud mask (ACM) algorithm is added to the MR scheme to perform a so‐called double cloud detection (DCD). The DCD scheme adds nine ACM tests for selecting clear pixels and two thin cloud tests for rejecting pixels affected by upper‐level clouds. For a 1‐month period, we show the positive impacts of assimilating AHI infrared channels on short‐term forecasts of temperature and humidity using the DCD scheme rather than the MR scheme. Improvements in the DCD experiment extend more vertically, horizontally, and temporally than those in the MR experiment during the 48‐hr forecasting time. In terms of daily variations in forecasting performance, the DCD experiment consistently improves while the MR experiment fluctuates between improvement and degradation. Such improvements come from an elimination of those data having negative observation‐minus‐background values of large magnitudes due to cloud contamination, which causes positive biases in humidity analyses.
The Shipwreck of the Airship “Dirigibile Italia” in the 1928 Polar Venture: A Retrospective Analysis of the Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Conditions
Authors: Zolesi B. , Pezzopane M. , Bianchi C. , Meloni A. , Cander Lj. R. , Tozzi R.
Published: June 2020

On 25 May 1928 the airship “Dirigibile Italia” during its return trip to the base in NyAlesund, after overflying the North Pole, shipwrecked on the ice‐pack in a region at about 400 km northeast of Svalbard Islands. Survivors, by using a portable high frequency (HF) radio transmitter, tried unsuccessfully to send SOS messages and to establish a radio link with the ship “Città di Milano” of the Italian Navy, closely anchored at King's Bay. Only after 9 days of repeated radio‐distress transmissions, a Russian radio amateur close to the town of Arkhangelsk about 1,900 km away was able to receive the messages launched by the survivors and raise the alarm. This paper aims at giving a retrospective analysis of the ionospheric and geomagnetic conditions of that epoch in order to explain the HF radio communications problems encountered by the survivors. The International Reference Ionosphere model has been applied, and early geomagnetic measurements have been evaluated, to come up with theories explaining the events. We assert the HF transmission difficulties were associated with the “radio silent” or “dead zones” associated with F‐region propagation. These may have been exacerbated by solar and geomagnetically disturbed conditions of the days immediately following the airship wreck.
High‐Speed Solar Wind Imprints on the Ionosphere During the Recovery Phase of the August 2018 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Ren Dexin , Lei Jiuhou , Zhou Su , Li Wenbo , Huang Fuqing , Luan Xiaoli , Dang Tong , Liu Yu
Published: June 2020

The low‐latitude ionospheric TEC observed by the Beidou geostationary satellite showed large enhancement during 27–30 August 2018 of the storm recovery phase. The cause of the positive ionospheric storm during the recovery phase has yet to be resolved. In this study, multiple observations, including aurora, high‐latitude convection, potential, and the TEC maps, were used to study the contributions from the high‐speed solar wind to the ionosphere during the recovery phase of the storm. It was found that the high‐speed solar wind was effective in modulating the intensity and the size of the auroral oval, high‐latitude convection, and potential pattern. The Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model generally reproduced the observed evolution of the ionosphere at high latitudes during the recovery phase of the storm, and it was used to quantitatively investigate the effects of the high‐speed solar wind on the recovery phase ionosphere. The results suggested that the high‐speed solar wind caused increase of TEC at auroral oval was about 2 TECU. The high‐speed solar wind, combined with oscillating interplanetary magnetic field Bz, led to the enhancement of the low‐latitude prompt penetrating electric fields and increased the low‐latitude TEC of about 2 TECU. Therefore, the high‐speed solar wind was a possible driver to the ionospheric positive storm during the recovery phase, but the causes for the more than 10‐TECU enhancement at low and middle latitudes during the recovery phase of this event are unknown.
Flow Recession Equations for Karst Systems
Authors: Basha H. A.
Published: June 2020

The proper management and exploitation of karst water resources require first and foremost an accurate characterization of the karst aquifer. Analysis of the recession curve of a spring hydrograph is one efficient approach of determining the hydraulic characteristics of a karst system. In the present work, six flow recession equations for various flow conditions are presented that highlight the dichotomy of the dual flow characteristics between the fissured matrix and the conduit system. They are defined in terms of lumped physical parameters that characterize the dominant flow processes occurring in a karst aquifer. The processes consist either of a pressure‐driven flow or a gravity‐driven flow in a conduit that is interacting laterally with the groundwater flow in the surrounding matrix. The recession equations are composed of two distinct functions that represent separately the flood flow component and the base flow component. They allow the separate evaluation of the conduit and matrix drainage processes and capture the strongly varying recession in the early stages as well as the slow decline in the latter stages of the spring recession hydrograph. Approximate equations for large times are also developed that allow the direct estimation of the model parameters of the karst system using simple algebraic formulas. The flow recession equations were applied to three real karst systems and proved to be effective in simulating the observed recession hydrographs and estimating its hydraulic properties.
Changes in the transcriptome, ploidy, and optimal light intensity of a cryptomonad upon integration into a kleptoplastic dinoflagellate
Authors: Onuma Ryo , Hirooka Shunsuke , Kanesaki Yu , Fujiwara Takayuki , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Miyagishima Shin-ya
Published: June 2020

Endosymbiosis of unicellular eukaryotic algae into previously nonphotosynthetic eukaryotes has established chloroplasts in several eukaryotic lineages. In addition, certain unicellular organisms in several different lineages ingest algae and utilize them as temporal chloroplasts (kleptoplasts) for weeks to months before digesting them. Among these organisms, the dinoflagellate Nusuttodinium aeruginosum ingests the cryptomonad Chroomonas sp. and enlarges the kleptoplast with the aid of the cryptomonad nucleus. To understand how the cryptomonad nucleus is remodeled in the dinoflagellate, here we examined changes in the transcriptome and ploidy of the ingested nucleus. We show that, after ingestion, genes involved in metabolism, translation, and DNA replication are upregulated while those involved in sensory systems and cell motility are downregulated. In the dinoflagellate cell, the cryptomonad nucleus undergoes polyploidization that correlates with an increase in the mRNA levels of upregulated genes. In addition, the ingested nucleus almost loses transcriptional responses to light. Because polyploidization and loss of transcriptional regulation are also known to have occurred during the establishment of endosymbiotic organelles, these changes are probably a common trend in endosymbiotic evolution. Furthermore, we show that the kleptoplast and dinoflagellate are more susceptible to high light than the free-living cryptomonad but that the ingested nucleus reduces this damage.
The role of social cognition skills and social determinants of health in predicting symptoms of mental illness
Authors: Santamaría-García Hernando , Baez Sandra , Gómez Carlos , Rodríguez-Villagra Odir , Huepe David , Portela Maria , Reyes Pablo , Klahr Joel , Matallana Diana , Ibanez Agustin
Published: June 2020

Social factors, such as social cognition skills (SCS) and social determinants of health (SDH), may be vital for mental health, even when compared with classical psycho-physical predictors (demographic, physical, psychiatric, and cognitive factors). Although major risk factors for psychiatric disorders have been previously assessed, the relative weight of SCS and SDH in relation to classical psycho-physical predictors in predicting symptoms of mental disorders remains largely unknown. In this study, we implemented multiple structural equation models (SEM) from a randomized sample assessed in the Colombian National Mental Health Survey of 2015 (CNMHS,n = 2947, females: 1348) to evaluate the role of SCS, SDH, and psycho-physical factors (totaling 17 variables) as predictors of mental illness symptoms (anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric symptoms). Specifically, we assessed the structural equation modeling of (a) SCS (emotion recognition and empathy skills); (b) SDH (including the experience of social adversities and social protective factors); (c) and classical psycho-physical factors, including psychiatric antecedents, physical–somatic factors (chronic diseases), and cognitive factors (executive functioning). Results revealed that the emotion recognition skills, social adverse factors, antecedents of psychiatric disorders and chronic diseases, and cognitive functioning were the best predictors of symptoms of mental illness. Moreover, SCS, particularly emotion recognition skills, and SDH (experiences of social adversities, familial, and social support networks) reached higher predictive values of symptoms than classical psycho-physical factors. Our study provides unprecedented evidence on the impact of social factors in predicting symptoms of mental illness and highlights the relevance of these factors to track early states of disease.
The inhibition of IL-2/IL-2R gives rise to CD8+ T cell and lymphocyte decrease through JAK1-STAT5 in critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Shi Hongbo , Wang Wenjing , Yin Jiming , Ouyang Yabo , Pang Lijun , Feng Yingmei , Qiao Luxin , Guo Xianghua , Shi Honglin , Jin Ronghua , Chen Dexi
Published: June 2020

Although most patients with COVID-19 pneumonia have a good prognosis, some patients develop to severe or critical illness, and the mortality of critical cases is up to 61.5%. However, specific molecular information about immune response in critical patients with COVID-19 is poorly understood. A total of 54 patients were enrolled and divided into three groups, among which 34 were common, 14 were severe, and 6 were critical. The constitution of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients was analyzed by CyTOF. The profile of cytokines was examined in plasma of patients using luminex. The IL-2 signaling pathway was investigated in the PBMC of patients by qRT-PCR. The count and percentage of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in critical patients compared to common and severe patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The count of T cells, B cells, and NK cells was remarkably decreased in critical patients compared to normal controls. The percentage of CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in critical patients than that in common and severe patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The expression of IL-2R, JAK1, and STAT5 decreased in PBMC of common, severe, and critical patients, but IL-2 level was elevated in severe patients and decreased in critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The decrease of CD8+ T cells in critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia may be related to the IL-2 signaling pathway. The inhibition of IL-2/IL-2R gives rise to CD8+ T cell and lymphocyte decrease through JAK1-STAT5 in critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
Human telomerase reverse transcriptase positively regulates mitophagy by inhibiting the processing and cytoplasmic release of mitochondrial PINK1
Authors: Shin Woo Hyun , Chung Kwang Chul
Published: June 2020

Mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homologue-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) gene have been linked to an early-onset autosomal recessive form of familial Parkinson′s disease (PD). PINK1, a mitochondrial serine/threonine-protein kinase, plays an important role in clearing defective mitochondria by mitophagy – the selective removal of mitochondria through autophagy. Evidence suggests that alteration of the PINK1 pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of PD, but the mechanisms by which the PINK1 pathway regulates mitochondrial quality control through mitophagy remain unclear. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is a catalytic subunit of telomerase that functions in telomere maintenance as well as several non-telomeric activities. For example, hTERT has been associated with cellular immortalization, cell growth control, and mitochondrial regulation. We determined that hTERT negatively regulates the cleavage and cytosolic processing of PINK1 and enhances its mitochondrial localization by inhibiting mitochondrial processing peptidase β (MPPβ). Consequently, hTERT promotes mitophagy following carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and improves the function of damaged mitochondria by modulating PINK1. These findings suggest that hTERT positively regulates PINK1 function, leading to increased mitophagy following mitochondrial damage.
Structure and mechanism of the Nap adhesion complex from the human pathogen Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Aparicio David , Scheffer Margot P. , Marcos-Silva Marina , Vizarraga David , Sprankel Lasse , Ratera Mercè , Weber Miriam S. , Seybert Anja , Torres-Puig Sergi , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Luis , Reitz Julian , Querol Enrique , Piñol Jaume , Pich Oscar Q. , Fita Ignacio , Frangakis Achilleas S.
Published: June 2020

Mycoplasma genitalium is a human pathogen adhering to host target epithelial cells and causing urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Essential for infectivity is a transmembrane adhesion complex called Nap comprising proteins P110 and P140. Here we report the crystal structure of P140 both alone and in complex with the N-terminal domain of P110. By cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and tomography (cryo-ET) we find closed and open Nap conformations, determined at 9.8 and 15 Å, respectively. Both crystal structures and the cryo-EM structure are found in a closed conformation, where the sialic acid binding site in P110 is occluded. By contrast, the cryo-ET structure shows an open conformation, where the binding site is accessible. Structural information, in combination with functional studies, suggests a mechanism for attachment and release of M. genitalium to and from the host cell receptor, in which Nap conformations alternate to sustain motility and guarantee infectivity.
High-resolution patterning of colloidal quantum dots via non-destructive, light-driven ligand crosslinking
Authors: Yang Jeehye , Hahm Donghyo , Kim Kyunghwan , Rhee Seunghyun , Lee Myeongjae , Kim Seunghan , Chang Jun Hyuk , Park Hye Won , Lim Jaehoon , Lee Minkyoung , Kim Hyeokjun , Bang Joohee , Ahn Hyungju , Cho Jeong Ho , Kwak Jeonghun , Kim BongSoo , Lee Changhee , Bae Wan Ki , Kang Moon Sung
Published: June 2020

Establishing multi-colour patterning technology for colloidal quantum dots is critical for realising high-resolution displays based on the material. Here, we report a solution-based processing method to form patterns of quantum dots using a light-driven ligand crosslinker, ethane-1,2-diyl bis(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoate). The crosslinker with two azide end groups can interlock the ligands of neighbouring quantum dots upon exposure to UV, yielding chemically robust quantum dot films. Exploiting the light-driven crosslinking process, different colour CdSe-based core-shell quantum dots can be photo-patterned; quantum dot patterns of red, green and blue primary colours with a sub-pixel size of 4 μm × 16 μm, corresponding to a resolution of >1400 pixels per inch, are demonstrated. The process is non-destructive, such that photoluminescence and electroluminescence characteristics of quantum dot films are preserved after crosslinking. We demonstrate that red crosslinked quantum dot light-emitting diodes exhibiting an external quantum efficiency as high as 14.6% can be obtained.
Impacts drive lunar rockfalls over billions of years
Authors: Bickel Valentin Tertius , Aaron Jordan , Manconi Andrea , Loew Simon , Mall Urs
Published: June 2020

Past exploration missions have revealed that the lunar topography is eroded through mass wasting processes such as rockfalls and other types of landslides, similar to Earth. We have analyzed an archive of more than 2 million high-resolution images using an AI and big data-driven approach and created the first global map of 136.610 lunar rockfall events. Using this map, we show that mass wasting is primarily driven by impacts and impact-induced fracture networks. We further identify a large number of currently unknown rockfall clusters, potentially revealing regions of recent seismic activity. Our observations show that the oldest, pre-Nectarian topography still hosts rockfalls, indicating that its erosion has been active throughout the late Copernican age and likely continues today. Our findings have important implications for the estimation of the Moon’s erosional state and other airless bodies as well as for the understanding of the topographic evolution of planetary surfaces in general.
A bedform phase diagram for dense granular currents
Authors: Smith Gregory , Rowley Peter , Williams Rebecca , Giordano Guido , Trolese Matteo , Silleni Aurora , Parsons Daniel R. , Capon Samuel
Published: June 2020

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are a life-threatening volcanic hazard. Our understanding and hazard assessments of these flows rely on interpretations of their deposits. The occurrence of stratified layers, cross-stratification, and bedforms in these deposits has been assumed as indicative of dilute, turbulent, supercritical flows causing traction-dominated deposition. Here we show, through analogue experiments, that a variety of bedforms can be produced by denser, aerated, granular currents, including backset bedforms that are formed in waning flows by an upstream-propagating granular bore. We are able to, for the first time, define phase fields for the formation of bedforms in PDC deposits. We examine how our findings impact the understanding of bedform features in outcrop, using the example of the Pozzolane Rosse ignimbrite of the Colli Albani volcano, Italy, and thus highlight that interpretations of the formative mechanisms of these features observed in the field must be reconsidered.
Mechanism of effector capture and delivery by the type IV secretion system from Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Meir Amit , Macé Kevin , Lukoyanova Natalya , Chetrit David , Hospenthal Manuela K. , Redzej Adam , Roy Craig , Waksman Gabriel
Published: June 2020

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterial pathogen that utilises a Type IV secretion (T4S) system to inject effector proteins into human macrophages. Essential to the recruitment and delivery of effectors to the T4S machinery is the membrane-embedded T4 coupling complex (T4CC). Here, we purify an intact T4CC from the Legionella membrane. It contains the DotL ATPase, the DotM and DotN proteins, the chaperone module IcmSW, and two previously uncharacterised proteins, DotY and DotZ. The atomic resolution structure reveals a DotLMNYZ hetero-pentameric core from which the flexible IcmSW module protrudes. Six of these hetero-pentameric complexes may assemble into a 1.6-MDa hexameric nanomachine, forming an inner membrane channel for effectors to pass through. Analysis of multiple cryo EM maps, further modelling and mutagenesis provide working models for the mechanism for binding and delivery of two essential classes of Legionella effectors, depending on IcmSW or DotM, respectively.
Thermal energy storage and thermal conductivity properties of Octadecanol-MWCNT composite PCMs as promising organic heat storage materials
Authors: Al-Ahmed Amir , Sarı Ahmet , Mazumder Mohammad Abu Jafar , Hekimoğlu Gökhan , Al-Sulaiman Fahad A. , Inamuddin
Published: June 2020

Fatty alcohols have been identified as promising organic phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage, because of their suitable temperature range, nontoxicity and can be obtained from both natural and synthetic sources. Like all other organic PCMs, octadecanol (OD) as PCM suffers from low thermal conductivity (TC). In this work, to enhance its TC, it was grafted on the functionalized MWCNT and were used as a conductive filler to enhance overall thermal properties of OD in a composite PCM (CPCMs) structure. The OD/OD-g-MWCNT sample showed better dispersion within the composites and the presence of additional OD boosted the overall heat storage enthalpy compared to that of plane composite sample with OD/MWCNT. In a non-quantitative approach, it was observed that, any increase in grafting ratio of OD increases the heat storage enthalpy of the composites. The heat storage enthalpy of (267.7 J/g) OD/OD-g-MWCNT(4:1)-5wt% composite PCM had reached very close to the heat storage enthalpy value of pure OD (269.3 J/g), and much higher than that of OD/MWCNT-5wt% (234.5 J/g). Champion sample i.e. OD/OD-g-MWCNT (4:1)-5wt%, showed good heat storage enthalpy, cycling performance, thermal stability and TC enhancement by 262.5%.
Life Cycle Assessment of Compostable Coffee Pods: A US University Based Case Study
Authors: Kooduvalli Komal , Vaidya Uday Kumar , Ozcan Soydan
Published: June 2020

Single-serve machines have proven to be a rapid and convenient mechanism for preparing coffee for consumption. However, disposing the single-use coffee pods accompanying each use creates insurmountable waste in landfills. With the introduction of biobased products being certified as industrially compostable, there is scope for an effective waste stream for nearly all biobased products that avoids adding to landfills. The case presented in this paper demonstrates the success of composting compostable coffee pods within a local industrial-scale composting facility. Utilizing the existing local composting facility at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, a life cycle assessment was performed to calculate the overall embodied energy and related environmental impact(s) to determine the feasibility of using compostable coffee pods over conventional plastic ones. Testing showed complete degradation within 46 days, proving composting to be a feasible waste stream option and a sustainable marketing edge while treading the path toward a circular economy. Cost savings of 21% were realized in terms of waste disposal, in addition to creating a value-added product at the end of the coffee pods life cycle, with nutrient-rich compost being recirculated to campus gardens and farms.
Measurement of excitation-inhibition ratio in autism spectrum disorder using critical brain dynamics
Authors: Bruining Hilgo , Hardstone Richard , Juarez-Martinez Erika L. , Sprengers Jan , Avramiea Arthur-Ervin , Simpraga Sonja , Houtman Simon J. , Poil Simon-Shlomo , Dallares Eva , Palva Satu , Oranje Bob , Matias Palva J. , Mansvelder Huibert D. , Linkenkaer-Hansen Klaus
Published: June 2020

Balance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I) is a key principle for neuronal network organization and information processing. Consistent with this notion, excitation-inhibition imbalances are considered a pathophysiological mechanism in many brain disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, methods to measure E/I ratios in human brain networks are lacking. Here, we present a method to quantify a functional E/I ratio (fE/I) from neuronal oscillations, and validate it in healthy subjects and children with ASD. We define structural E/I ratio in an in silico neuronal network, investigate how it relates to power and long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) of the network’s activity, and use these relationships to design the fE/I algorithm. Application of this algorithm to the EEGs of healthy adults showed that fE/I is balanced at the population level and is decreased through GABAergic enforcement. In children with ASD, we observed larger fE/I variability and stronger LRTC compared to typically developing children (TDC). Interestingly, visual grading for EEG abnormalities that are thought to reflect E/I imbalances revealed elevated fE/I and LRTC in ASD children with normal EEG compared to TDC or ASD with abnormal EEG. We speculate that our approach will help understand physiological heterogeneity also in other brain disorders.
Social environment modulates investment in sex trait versus lifespan: red deer produce bigger antlers when facing more rivalry
Authors: Carranza Juan , Pérez-Barbería Javier , Mateos Concha , Alarcos Susana , Torres-Porras Jerónimo , Pérez-González Javier , Sánchez-Prieto Cristina B. , Valencia Juliana , Castillo Leticia , de la Peña Eva , Barja Isabel , Seoane José M. , Reglero Manuel M. , Flores Antonio , Membrillo Alberto
Published: June 2020

Theory predicts that the plastic expression of sex-traits should be modulated not only by their production costs but also by the benefits derived from the presence of rivals and mates, yet there is a paucity of evidence for an adaptive response of sex-trait expression to social environment. We studied antler size, a costly and plastic sex trait, and tooth wear, a trait related to food intake and longevity, in over 4,000 male Iberian red deer(Cervus elaphus hispanicus)from 56 wild populations characterized by two contrasting management practices that affect male age structure and adult sex-ratio. As a consequence, these populations exhibit high and low levels of male-male competition for mating opportunities. We hypothesized that males under conditions of low intra-sexual competition would develop smaller antlers, after controlling for body size and age, than males under conditions of high intra-sexual competition, thus reducing energy demands (i.e. reducing intake and food comminution), and as a consequence, leading to less tooth wear and a concomitant longer potential lifespan. Our results supported these predictions. To reject possible uncontrolled factors that may have occurred in the wild populations, we carried out an experimental design on red deer in captivity, placing males in separate plots with females or with rival males during the period of antler growth. Males living with rivals grew larger antlers than males living in a female environment, which corroborates the results found in the wild populations. As far as we know, these results show, for the first time, the modulation of a sexual trait and its costs on longevity conditional upon the level of intra-sexual competition.
Multimodality Imaging-Based Characterization of Regional Material Properties in a Murine Model of Aortic Dissection
Authors: Bersi Matthew R. , Acosta Santamaría Víctor A. , Marback Karl , Di Achille Paolo , Phillips Evan H. , Goergen Craig J. , Humphrey Jay D. , Avril Stéphane
Published: June 2020

Chronic infusion of angiotensin-II in atheroprone (ApoE−/−) mice provides a reproducible model of dissection in the suprarenal abdominal aorta, often with a false lumen and intramural thrombus that thickens the wall. Such lesions exhibit complex morphologies, with different regions characterized by localized changes in wall composition, microstructure, and properties. We sought to quantify the multiaxial mechanical properties of murine dissecting aneurysm samples by combining in vitro extension-distension data with full-field multimodality measurements of wall strain and thickness to inform an inverse material characterization using the virtual fields method. A key advance is the use of a digital volume correlation approach that allows for characterization of properties not only along and around the lesion, but also across its wall. Specifically, deformations are measured at the adventitial surface by tracking motions of a speckle pattern using a custom panoramic digital image correlation technique while deformations throughout the wall and thrombus are inferred from optical coherence tomography. These measurements are registered and combined in 3D to reconstruct the reference geometry and compute the 3D finite strain fields in response to pressurization. Results reveal dramatic regional variations in material stiffness and strain energy, which reflect local changes in constituent area fractions obtained from histology but emphasize the complexity of lesion morphology and damage within the dissected wall. This is the first point-wise biomechanical characterization of such complex, heterogeneous arterial segments. Because matrix remodeling is critical to the formation and growth of these lesions, we submit that quantification of regional material properties will increase the understanding of pathological mechanical mechanisms underlying aortic dissection.
Continuous Exposure to 1.7 GHz LTE Electromagnetic Fields Increases Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species to Decrease Human Cell Proliferation and Induce Senescence
Authors: Choi Jisu , Min Kyeongrae , Jeon Sangbong , Kim Nam , Pack Jeong-Ki , Song Kiwon
Published: June 2020

Due to the rapid development of mobile phone technology, we are continuously exposed to 1.7 GHz LTE radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), but their biological effects have not been clarified. Here, we investigated the non-thermal cellular effects of these RF-EMFs on human cells, including human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs), Huh7 and Hep3B liver cancer stem cells (CSCs), HeLa and SH-SY5Y cancer cells, and normal fibroblast IMR-90 cells. When continuously exposed to 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF for 72 h at 1 and 2 SAR, cell proliferation was consistently decreased in all the human cells. The anti-proliferative effect was higher at 2 SAR than 1 SAR and was less severe in ASCs. The exposure to RF-EMF for 72 h at 1 and 2 SAR did not induce DNA double strand breaks or apoptotic cell death, but did trigger a slight delay in the G1 to S cell cycle transition. Cell senescence was also clearly observed in ASC and Huh7 cells exposed to RF-EMF at 2 SAR for 72 h. Intracellular ROS increased in these cells and the treatment with an ROS scavenger recapitulated the anti-proliferative effect of RF-EMF. These observations strongly suggest that 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF decrease proliferation and increase senescence by increasing intracellular ROS in human cells.
Full Spectrum Raman Excitation Mapping Spectroscopy
Authors: Finnie Paul , Ouyang Jianying , Lefebvre Jacques
Published: June 2020

A generalization of the Raman scattering (RS) spectrum, the Raman excitation map (REM) is a hyperspectral two-dimensional (2D) data set encoding vibrational spectra, electronic spectra and their coupling. Despite the great potential of REM for optical sensing and characterization with remarkable sensitivity and selectivity, the difficulty of obtaining maps and the length of time required to acquire them has been practically limiting. Here we show, with a simple setup using current optical equipment, that maps can be obtained much more rapidly than before (~ms to ~100 s now vs. ~1000 s to hours before) over a broad excitation range (here ~100 nm is demonstrated, with larger ranges straightforward to obtain), thus taking better advantage of scattering resonance. We obtain maps from different forms of carbon: graphite, graphene, purified single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and chirality enriched SWCNTs. The relative speed and simplicity of the technique make REM a practical and sensitive tool for chemical analysis and materials characterization.
Integrative phenotyping of glycemic responders upon clinical weight loss using multi-omics
Authors: Valsesia Armand , Chakrabarti Anirikh , Hager Jörg , Langin Dominique , Saris Wim H. M. , Astrup Arne , Blaak Ellen E. , Viguerie Nathalie , Masoodi Mojgan
Published: June 2020

Weight loss aims to improve glycemic control in obese but strong variability is observed. Using a multi-omics approach, we investigated differences between 174 responders and 201 non-responders, that had lost >8% body weight following a low-caloric diet (LCD, 800 kcal/d for 8 weeks). The two groups were comparable at baseline for body composition, glycemic control, adipose tissue transcriptomics and plasma ketone bodies. But they differed significantly in their response to LCD, including improvements in visceral fat, overall insulin resistance (IR) and tissue-specific IR. Transcriptomics analyses found down-regulation in key lipogenic genes (e.g.SCD,ELOVL5) in responders relative to non-responders; metabolomics showed increase in ketone bodies; while proteomics revealed differences in lipoproteins. Findings were consistent between genders; with women displaying smaller improvements owing to a better baseline metabolic condition. Integrative analyses identified a plasma omics model that was able to predict non-responders with strong performance (on a testing dataset, the Receiving Operating Curve Area Under the Curve (ROC AUC) was 75% with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) [67%, 83%]). This model was based on baseline parameters without the need for intrusive measurements and outperformed clinical models (p = 0.00075, with a +14% difference on the ROC AUCs). Our approach document differences between responders and non-responders, with strong contributions from liver and adipose tissues. Differences may be due to de novo lipogenesis, keto-metabolism and lipoprotein metabolism. These findings are useful for clinical practice to better characterize non-responders both prior and during weight loss.
Design and Fabrication of Low-cost Microfluidic Channel for Biomedical Application
Authors: Tiwari Shailendra Kumar , Bhat Somashekara , Mahato Krishna K.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the design, simulation and low-cost fabrication of microfluidic channel for biomedical application. Channel is fabricated using soft lithography technique. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is used to make the master for the channel. Channel pattern is transferred on PCB plate using toner transfer technique followed by ferric chloride etching. Paper also discusses, the issues involved in PCB based master fabrication and their viable solutions. Glass is used as substrate material and the channel is made of Sylgard 184 Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Channel is interfaced with a syringe pump to observe the fluid flow. To predict the behavior of the channel, FEM simulation is performed using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2a. There is a good match between the theoretical, simulation and test results. Finally, to test the biocompatibility of the channel, genomic DNA is passed through the channel and gel electrophoresis analysis is performed.
In-depth Mendelian randomization analysis of causal factors for coronary artery disease
Authors: Tan Yuan-De , Xiao Peng , Guda Chittibabu
Published: June 2020

Selecting a set of valid genetic variants is critical for Mendelian randomization (MR) to correctly infer risk factors causing a disease. We here developed a method for selecting genetic variants as valid instrumental variables for inferring risk factors causing coronary artery disease (CAD). Using this method, we selected two sets of single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP) genetic variants (SNP338 and SNP363) associated with each of the three potential risk factors for CAD including low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides (TG) from two independent GWAS datasets. We performed in-depth multivariate MR (MVMR) analyses and the results from both datasets consistently showed that LDL-c was strongly associated with increased risk for CAD (β = 0.396,OR = 1.486 per 1 SD (equivalent to 38 mg/dL), 95CI = (1.38, 1.59) in SNP338; and β = 0.424, OR = 1.528 per 1 SD, 95%CI = (1.42, 1.65) in SNP363); HDL-c was strongly associated with reduced risk for CAD (β = −0.315, OR = 0.729 per 1 SD (equivalent to 16 mg/dL), 95CI = (0.68, 0.78) in SNP338; and β = −0.319, OR = 0.726 per 1 SD, 95%CI = (0.66, 0.80), in SNP363). In case of TG, when using the full datasets, an increased risk for CAD (β = 0.184, OR = 1.2 per 1 SD (equivalent to 89 mg/dL), 95%CI = (1.12, 1.28) in SNPP338; and β = 0.207, OR = 1.222 per 1 SD, 95%CI = (1.10, 1.36) in SNP363) was observed, while using partial datasets that contain shared and unique SNPs showed that TG is not a risk factor for CAD. From these results, it can be inferred that TG itself is not a causal risk factor for CAD, but it’s shown as a risk factor due to pleiotropic effects associated with LDL-c and HDL-c SNPs. Large-scale simulation experiments without pleiotropic effects also corroborated these results.
Computational modeling to determine key regulators of hypoxia effects on the lactate production in the glycolysis pathway
Authors: Hashemzadeh Shabnam , Shahmorad Sedaghat , Rafii-Tabar Hashem , Omidi Yadollah
Published: June 2020

In solid tumors, hypoxia can trigger aberrant expression of transcription factors and genes, resulting in abnormal biological functions such as altered energetic pathways in cancer cells. Glucose metabolism is an important part of this phenomenon, which is associated with changes in the functional expression of transporters and enzymes involved in the glycolysis pathway. The latter phenomenon can finally lead to the lactate accumulation and pH dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment and subsequently further invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Having capitalized on the computational modeling, in this study, for the first time, we aimed to investigate the effects of hypoxia-induced factor-1 (HIF-1) mediated hypoxia on the magnitude of functional expression of all the enzymes and transporters involved in the glycolysis process. The main objective was to establish a quantitative relationship between the hypoxia intensity and the intracellular lactate levels and determine the key regulators of the glycolysis pathway. This model clearly showed an increase in the lactate concentration during the oxygen depletion. The proposed model also predicted that the phosphofructokinase-1 and phosphoglucomutase enzymes might play the most important roles in the regulation of the lactate production.
Patient’s pre-operative dental anxiety is related to diastolic blood pressure and the need for post-surgical analgesia
Authors: Fernandez-Aguilar Javier , Guillén Isabel , Sanz María T. , Jovani-Sancho Mar
Published: June 2020

In order to study the relationship of the patient’s anxiety level from Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) vs different physiological parameters: pre and post-operative blood pressure, and pre and post-operative heart rates, and subsequently, relate the results to the patient’s post-operative anti-inflammatory analgesic need, 185 patients requiring a simple dental extraction were recruited. They filled out the DAS in the waiting room prior to their procedure and once in the examination room, their preoperative blood pressure and heart rate was measured. Once the dental extraction had been completed, their blood pressure and heart rate were measured again. Before leaving the clinic, the patient was given an analgesic form in which they had to indicate whether or not they had required analgesia after the procedure. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed statistically significant differences between pre-operative and post-operative (P = 0.001). DAS was related with pre-operative diastolic blood pressure (pre-DBP) (P = 0.001) and post-operative diastolic blood pressure (post-DBP) as well as pre-operative heart rate (pre-HR) (P = 0.027) and post-operative heart rate (post-HR) (P = 0.013). Patients with high levels of DAS tend to take more Ibuprofen 400 mg (P = 0.038). The different levels of anxiety will determine what type of anti-inflammatory analgesia the patient will take, if necessary.