bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Supporting Ecosystem Services of Depressional Wetlands in Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Mushet David M. , Roth Cali L.
Published: April 2020

We explored how a geographic information system modeling approach could be used to quantify supporting ecosystem services related to the type, abundance, and distribution of landscape components. Specifically, we use the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs model to quantify habitats that support amphibians and birds, floral resources that support pollinators, native-plant communities that support regional biodiversity, and above- and below-ground carbon stores in the Des Moines Lobe ecoregion of the U.S. We quantified services under two scenarios, one that represented the 2012 Des Moines Lobe landscape, and one that simulated the conversion to crop production of wetlands and surrounding uplands conserved under the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). While ACEP easements only covered 0.35% of the ecoregion, preserved wetlands and grasslands provided for 19,020 ha of amphibian habitat, 21,462 ha of grassland-bird habitat, 18,798 ha of high-quality native wetland plants, and 27,882 ha of floral resources for pollinators. Additionally, ACEP protected lands stored 257,722 t of carbon that, if released, would result in costs in excess of 45-million USD. An integrated approach using results from a GIS-based model in combination with process-based model quantifications will facilitate more informed decisions related to ecosystem service tradeoffs.
The impact of human land use and landscape productivity on population dynamics of red fox in southeastern Norway
Authors: Jahren Torfinn , Odden Morten , Linnell John D. C. , Panzacchi Manuela
Published: April 2020

In the boreal forest, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a key species due to its many strong food web linkages and its exploitation of niches that form in the wake of human activities. Recent altitudinal range expansion and a perceived population increase have become topics of concern in Scandinavia, primarily due to the potential impacts of red foxes on both prey and competitor species. However, despite it being a common species, there is still surprisingly little knowledge about the temporal and spatial characteristics of its population dynamics. In this study, we synthesized 12 years of snow-track transect data covering a 27,000-km2study area to identify factors associated with red fox distribution and population dynamics. Using Bayesian hierarchical regression models, we evaluated the relationships of landscape productivity and climate gradients as well as anthropogenic subsidies with an index of red fox population size and growth rates. We found that landscapes with high human settlement density and large amounts of gut piles from moose (Alces alces) hunting were associated with higher red fox abundances. Population dynamics were characterized by direct density-dependent growth, and the structure of density dependence was best explained by the amount of agricultural land in the landscape. Population equilibrium levels increased, and populations were more stable, in areas with a higher presence of agricultural lands, whereas density-dependent population growth was more prominent in areas of low agricultural presence. We conclude that human land use is a dominant driver of red fox population dynamics in the boreal forest. We encourage further research focusing on contrasting effects of anthropogenic subsidization on predator population carrying capacities and temporal stability, and potential impacts on prey dynamics.
Operations on stable moduli spaces
Authors: Galatius Søren , Randal-Williams Oscar
Published: April 2020

We construct certain operations on stable moduli spaces and use them to compare cohomology of moduli spaces of closed manifolds with tangential structure. We obtain isomorphisms in a stable range provided thep-adic valuation of the Euler characteristics agree, for all primespnot invertible in the coefficients for cohomology.
Numerical simulation of the dimensional transformation of atomization in a supersonic aerodynamic atomization dust-removing nozzle based on transonic speed compressible flow
Authors: Zhang Tian , Jing Deji , Ge Shaocheng , Wang Jiren , Meng Xiangxi , Ren ShuaiShuai
Published: April 2020

To simulate the transonic atomization jet process in Laval nozzles, to test the law of droplet atomization and distribution, to find a method of supersonic atomization for dust-removing nozzles, and to improve nozzle efficiency, the finite element method has been used in this study based on the COMSOL computational fluid dynamics module. The study results showed that the process cannot be realized alone under the two-dimensional axisymmetric, three-dimensional and three-dimensional symmetric models, but it can be calculated with the transformation dimension method, which uses the parameter equations generated from the two-dimensional axisymmetric flow field data of the three-dimensional model. The visualization of this complex process, which is difficult to measure and analyze experimentally, was realized in this study. The physical process, macro phenomena and particle distribution of supersonic atomization are analyzed in combination with this simulation. The rationality of the simulation was verified by experiments. A new method for the study of the atomization process and the exploration of its mechanism in a compressible transonic speed flow field based on the Laval nozzle has been provided, and a numerical platform for the study of supersonic atomization dust removal has been established.
Using yttrium as an indicator to estimate total rare earth element concentration: a case study of anthracite-associated clays from northeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Kozar Daniel , Gorski Daniel , Marchese Anthony , Pagnotti James , Sutterlin Rusty , Rezaee Mohammad , Klima Mark S. , Pisupati Sarma V.
Published: April 2020

This study demonstrated using yttrium (Y) as an indicator to estimate the total rare earth element and Y contents (REY) in coal-associated samples and to facilitate selection of samples with high REY assays in a fast and inexpensive manner. More than 10 anthracite-associated samples were collected from each of three Pennsylvanian sites (sites B, J and C) based on Thorium gamma ray logging suggesting high REY content. Several samples from each site were analyzed by ICP-MS to determine the rare earth distribution patterns and to establish the site-specific linear equations of Y and REY. The Y contents of the remaining samples were measured by a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer, and the REY values were estimated based on the site-specific linear equation developed earlier. R-squared values above 0.70 were obtained for all the estimation equations from all three sites on both a whole sample basis and an ash basis. Previously, ash content has been widely used as an indicator of high REY content. This may not be applicable for a specific site. Site B in this study is an example where ash contents could not be statistically correlated with REY, so using Y for estimation is more applicable. The demonstrated sample screening process is suitable for samples from sites that share more similar distribution patterns (either MREY or LREY or HREY) as well as for samples from sites that share multiple distribution patterns (LREY/MREY/HREY) depending on the desirable accuracy. The demonstrated process lowers the analytical cost from $70 to 80 dollars per sample to $10–15 per sample while significantly reducing the processing time and acid consumption for ICP digestion. This is particularly true when a relatively large sample size is involved, for example, 100 samples from one site analyzed by ICP-MS/OES.
Economically Optimal Rate for Nutrient Application to Maize in the Semi-deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana
Authors: Essel Benedicta , Abaidoo Robert Clement , Opoku Andrews , Ewusi-Mensah Nana
Published: April 2020

Low inherent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents of smallholder farms limit maize grain yield. Maize grain yield response to N, P, and K mineral fertilizer application and economically optimal rates for nitrogen (EORN), phosphorus (EORP), and potassium (EORK) were evaluated on a Ferric Acrisol within the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The nutrient rates evaluated were N (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha−1), P (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha−1 P2O5), and K (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1 K2O). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications using an incomplete factorial design. Nutrient responses were determined using asymptotic quadratic-plus plateau functions. The best nitrogen rate for all P and K levels was 60 kg ha−1, which gave grain yield of 5 t ha−1. Nitrogen uptake, N agronomic and N recovery efficiencies peaked at 60 kg N ha−1 while N partial factor productivity declined with increasing N application rate. Cost to grain price ratios (CP) were 1.29, 1.65, and 1.65 for N, P, and K, respectively. The EORN was 61 kg ha−1, 32% less than the recommended 90 kg N ha−1 for maize production in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Nitrogen application had the lowest CP ratio, making its application economically profitable than P and K. The findings suggest that the application of N at 61 kg N ha−1 to maize is economically profitable than at higher application rates. However, further studies should be conducted on farmers’ fields to validate the results obtained.
SNP-based genetic diversity assessment among hungarian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
Authors: Körmöczi P. , Tóth B. , Nagy-György A. , Kocsis K. , Óvári J. , Szabó B. P. , Véha A. , Cseuz L.
Published: April 2020

World’s food supply will be a great challenge due to the rapid growth of human population. Therefore, wheat breeders are facing a great task to improve further the crop quality and quantity. Genetic improvement could be the key in this progression, which is based on the exploitation of genetic resources. So it is important to hold exact information about the wheat population structure, especially the genetic diversity of elite crop germplasm. Here, we provide the characterisation of 85 Hungarian wheat varieties from 3 different Hungarian breeding programmes (Szeged, Martonvásár and Karcag) trough Competitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) technique. Population structure of these accessions were examined by STRUCTURE software and the ΔK values were calculating by the STRUCTURE HARVESTER. These investigations revealed 3 subgroups in our wheat population with 21, 19 and 45 genotypes in GrI, GrII and GrIII, respectively. We could conclude that the GrI and GrIII subgroups contained genotypes from all three origins while GrII contained genotypes only from Szeged. We also examined the allele distribution of theXgwm261locus since the 192 bp allele is reported to be linked to semi-dwarfing geneRht8, which has important role in the breeding process. Altogether we could observe 5 size variant products, but the 174 bp (22.35%), 192 bp (55.29%), and 198 bp (12.94%) long fragments could be found the most frequently. The present study confirms that population structure and genotype relatedness, based on molecular data, are consistent with the geography origin and available pedigree data. Moreover, this study could be the starting point of a following association mapping work.
Challenges in Reporting the Effect of Radiotherapy on Erectile Function
Authors: Nukala Varun , Incrocci Luca , Hunt Anastasia A. , Ballas Leslie , Koontz Bridget F.
Published: April 2020

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common side effect of prostate radiotherapy (RT), but reported rates over time and across modalities have varied widely.

Aim

To evaluate the published literature between 2002 and 2018 for high quality data utilizing prospectively gathered patient-reported ED, and to summarize the challenges in reporting of RT-induced ED (RIED).

Methods

A PubMed search and literature review was performed to identify articles describing rates of ED before and after definitive external beam RT or brachytherapy without androgen deprivation.

Outcomes

Patient-reported ED, patient and treatment variables, and study follow-up constituted the main outcomes of this study.

Results

24 articles were identified, reporting RIED rates between 17% and 90%. Variables contributing to this range included patient, treatment, and study characteristics known to impact ED reporting.

Clinical Implications

For future studies, we recommend the use of validated patient-reported questionnaires and reporting of baseline function and comorbidities, RT type and dose, and use of androgen deprivation therapy and erectile aids at the time of ED measurement. With sufficient follow-up to understand the late nature of RIED, these recommendations will improve comparison of results between studies and the applicability of results to patients undergoing pretreatment counseling regarding the risks of RIED.

Strengths & Limitations

The literature search and formulation of results were based on a broad understanding of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and the literature, but because of the focus on data reporting, a comprehensive systematic review of all RIED literature was not performed.

Conclusion

Reported rates of ED after RT vary widely due to differences in patients' baseline reported erectile function, age, comorbidities, and characteristics of the treatment delivered. The methodology of ED measurement has significant impact on the applicability and comparability of results to other studies and clinical practice.
A NEW INFERENCE STRATEGY FOR GENERAL POPULATION MORTALITY TABLES
Authors: Boumezoued Alexandre , Hoffmann Marc , Jeunesse Paulien
Published: April 2020

We propose a new inference strategy for general population mortality tables based on annual population and death estimates, completed by monthly birth counts. We rely on a deterministic population dynamics model and establish formulas that link the death rates to be estimated with the observables at hand. The inference algorithm takes the form of a recursive and implicit scheme for computing death rate estimates. This paper demonstrates both theoretically and numerically the efficiency of using additional monthly birth counts for appropriately computing annual mortality tables. As a main result, the improved mortality estimators show better features, including the fact that previous anomalies in the form of isolated cohort effects disappear, which confirms from a mathematical perspective the previous contributions by Richards, Cairnset al., and Boumezoued.
Hermeneutical Injustice, (Self-)Recognition, and Academia
Authors: Hänel Hilkje C.
Published: April 2020

Miranda Fricker's account of hermeneutical injustice and remedies for this injustice are widely debated. This article adds to the existing debate by arguing that theories of recognition can fruitfully contribute to Fricker's account of hermeneutical injustice and can provide a framework for structural remedy. By pairing Fricker's theory of hermeneutical injustice with theories of recognition, I bring forward a modest claim and a more radical claim. The first concerns a shift in our vocabulary; recognition theory can give a name to the seriousness of the long-term effects of hermeneutical injustice. The second claim is more radical: thinking of hermeneutical injustice as preventing what I call “self-recognition” provides a structural remedy to the phenomenon of hermeneutical injustice. Because hermeneutical injustice is first and foremost a structural injustice, I contend that every virtue theory of hermeneutical justice should be complemented by structural remedies in terms of recognition. Finally, what I argue sheds light on the seriousness of cases of exclusion of and discrimination against women in academia and helps to draw our attention to new ways to combat such problems.
Cervídeos como fonte de matéria-prima para produção de artefatos: Estudos de caso em três sítios arqueológicos associados a grupos caçadores-coletores do sudeste e sul do Brasil
Authors: Mingatos Gabriela Sartori , Okumura Mercedes
Published: April 2020

Dentre as inúmeras informações possíveis de se obter a partir da análise de artefatos ósseos, uma delas é a identificação das espécies e partes anatômicas utilizadas para a confecção desses artefatos. No território brasileiro, quatro espécies de cervídeos são comumente encontradas nas regiões sul e sudeste:Mazama americana, Mazama gouazoubira, Ozotoceros bezoarticuseBlastocerus dichotomus. Ao longo do Holoceno, ossos e galhadas dessas espécies de cervídeos foram utilizados no lascamento lítico, na produção de pontas ósseas e espátulas, entre outros artefatos. Estudos preliminares dos artefatos ósseos recuperados de três sítios arqueológicos de grupos caçadores-coletores do sudeste e sul do Brasil - sítio Lapa do Santo (MG), sítio Tunas (PR), e sítio Garivaldino (RS) - demonstram uma preferência por ossos de cervídeos para a confecção desses artefatos.
Profiling and Proof: Are Statistics Safe?
Authors: Gardiner Georgi
Published: April 2020

Many theorists hold that outright verdicts based on bare statistical evidence are unwarranted. Bare statistical evidence may support high credence, on these views, but does not support outright belief or legal verdicts of culpability. The vignettes that constitute the lottery paradox and the proof paradox are marshalled to support this claim. Some theorists argue, furthermore, that examples of profiling also indicate that bare statistical evidence is insufficient for warranting outright verdicts.

I examine Pritchard's and Buchak's treatments of these three kinds of case. Pritchard argues that his safety condition explains the insufficiency of bare statistical evidence for outright verdicts in each of the three cases, while Buchak argues that her treatment of the distinction between credence and belief explains this. In these discussions the three kinds of cases – lottery, proof paradox, and profiling – are treated alike. The cases are taken to exhibit the same epistemic features. I identity significant overlooked epistemic differences amongst these three cases; these differences cast doubt on Pritchard's explanation of the insufficiency of bare statistical evidence for outright verdicts. Finally, I raise the question of whether we should aim for a unified explanation of the three paradoxes.
Paradox as a Guide to Ground
Authors: Pleitz Martin
Published: April 2020

I will use paradox as a guide to metaphysical grounding, a kind of non-causal explanation that has recently shown itself to play a pivotal role in philosophical inquiry. Specifically, I will analyze the grounding structure of the Predestination paradox, the regresses of Carroll and Bradley, Russell's paradox and the Liar, Yablo's paradox, Zeno's paradoxes, and a novel omega plus one variant of Yablo's paradox, and thus find reason for the following: We should continue to characterize grounding as asymmetrical and irreflexive. We should change our understanding of the transitivity of grounding in a certain sense. We should require foundationality in a new, generalized sense, that has well-foundedness as its limit case. Meta-grounding is important. The polarity of grounding can be crucial. Thus we will learn a lot about structural properties of grounding from considering the various paradoxes. On the way, grounding will also turn out to be relevant to the diagnosis (if not the solution) of paradox. All the paradoxes under consideration will turn out to be breaches of some standard requirement on grounding, which makes uniform solutions of large groups of these paradoxes more desirable. In sum, bringing together paradox and grounding will be shown to be of considerable value to philosophy.1
Evaluation of anthropometric measures for assessment of cardiometabolic risk in early childhood
Authors: Coles Nicole , Retnakaran Ravi , Hanley Anthony , Birken Catherine , Hamilton Jill
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Waist-to-height ratio has been shown to be an important indicator of cardiometabolic risk. There are few studies evaluating this measure against existing measures of adiposity and cardiometabolic markers in early childhood. The objectives were: (i) to determine in young children the ability of waist-to-height ratio, BMI z-score, weight for length, and sum of skin fold thickness to predict cardiometabolic risk and (ii) to examine this association at ages 1, 3 and 5 years.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

A university hospital in Toronto, Ontario.

Participants:

Infants at 1 (n 406), 3 (n 112) and 5 years of age (n 94) born to mothers with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.

Results:

Weight for length and BMI z-score demonstrated the strongest correlations with biochemical measures compared to waist-to-height ratio, including leptin (at 5 years, weight for length z-score: ρ = 0·65, P < 0·001; BMI z-score: ρ = 0·67, P < 0·001) and measures of insulin resistance (at 3 years, weight for length z-score: ρ = 0·25, P = 0·02; BMI z-score: ρ = 0·24, P = 0·02). The magnitude of associations between anthropometric measures and biochemical measures strengthened over time. Weight for length and BMI z-scores were moderately correlated with overall measures of fat mass as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (ρ = 0·65, P = 0·00; ρ = 0·61, P = 0·01).

Conclusions:

Waist-to-height ratio was not superior to existing measures in predicting cardiometabolic risk in young children. BMI z-score is a preferred measure of adiposity between birth and 5 years of age.
Relationship of the high proportion of suicidal acts involving ingestion of pesticides to the low male-to-female ratio of suicide rates in China
Authors: Tong Yongsheng , Phillips Michael R. , Yin Yi , Lan Zhichao
Published: April 2020

Aims

The 2014 World Health Organization report on global suicide identified large differences in the male-to-female ratio of suicide rates between countries: most high-income countries (HICs) report ratios of 3:1 or higher while many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) – including China and India – report ratios of less than 1.5:1. Most authors suggest that gender-based social-cultural factors lead to higher rates of suicidal behaviour among women in LMICs and, thus, to relatively high female suicide rates. We aim to test an alternative hypothesis: differences in the method and case-fatality of suicidal behaviour – not differences in the rates of suicidal behaviour – are the main determinants of higher female suicide rates in LMICs.

Methods

A prospective registry of suicide attempts treated in all 14 general hospitals in a rural county in China was established and data from the registry were integrated with population and mortality data from the same county from 2009 to 2014.

Results

There were 160 suicides and 1010 medically-treated suicidal attempts in the county; 84% of female suicides and 58% of male suicides ingested pesticides while 73% of female attempted suicides and 72% of male attempted suicides ingested pesticides. The suicide rate (per 100 000 person-years of exposure) was 8.4 in females and 9.1 in males (M:F ratio = 1.08:1) while the incidence of ‘serious suicidal acts’ (i.e. those that result in death or received treatment in a hospital) was 81.5 in females and 47.7 in males (M:F ratio = 0.59:1). The case-fatality of serious suicidal acts was higher in males than in females (19 v. 10%), increased with age, was highest for violent methods (92%), intermediate for pesticide ingestion (13%) and lowest for other methods (5%).

Conclusions

The incidence of medically serious suicidal behaviour among females in rural China was similar to that reported in HICs, but the case-fatality was much higher, primarily because most suicidal acts involved the ingestion of pesticides, which had a higher case-fatality than methods commonly used by women in HICs. These findings do not support sociological explanations for the relatively high female suicide rate in China but, rather, suggest that gender-specific method choice and the case-fatality of different methods are more important determinants of the demographic profile of suicide rates. Further research that involves ongoing monitoring of the changing incidence, demographic profile and case-fatality of different suicidal methods in urban and rural parts of both LMICs and HICs is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
“Warm Arctic‐Cold Siberia” as an Internal Mode Instigated by North Atlantic Warming
Authors: Jin Chunhan , Wang Bin , Yang Young‐Min , Liu Jian
Published: April 2020

Eurasia has experienced more frequent bitter winters over the past two decades, which concurred with a prominent “Warm Arctic‐Cold Siberia” (WACS) pattern that is unexpected from global warming. Here we show, by analysis of 117‐year observations and climate model's millennial simulations, that the WACS is an internal mode of winter temperature variability, which cannot be excited by greenhouse gases and solar forcing. Observational and simulated results suggest that frequent occurrences of that WACS pattern are instigated by warm phases of Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). North Atlantic warming may activate the WACS by generating a background Atlantic‐Eurasian wave train characterized by enhanced Ural Mountain ridge and East Asian trough, which is conducive to recurrent WACS pattern. The wave train‐induced the Barents Sea ice melting can act as an amplifier, reinforcing the WACS. Although increased greenhouse gases favor a uniform warming pattern, they may contribute to WACS formation by affecting AMO.
Pre‐Oxfordian (>163 Ma) Ophiolite Obduction in Central Tibet
Authors: Ma Anlin , Hu Xiumian , Kapp Paul , BouDagher‐Fadel Marcelle , Lai Wen
Published: April 2020

The timing of Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolite obduction between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes in central Tibet is important for understanding the closure history of the Meso‐Tethys but remains poorly constrained. We investigated subaerial to shallow marine strata of the Dongqiao Formation that sit unconformably on Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolites that crystallized in a supra‐subduction zone setting at 189–181 Ma. Based on foraminiferal and coral studies, the depositional age of the Dongqiao Formation is constrained to be Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic). Provenance analyses including detrital modes, geochemistry of detrital chromian spinels, and U‐Pb age populations of detrital zircons suggest the Dongqiao Formation was sourced from uplifted Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolites and sedimentary and metamorphic rocks of Lhasa terrane affinity to the south. We conclude that Bangong‐Nujiang suture ophiolites were obducted soon after crystallization (prior to Oxfordian time; >163 Ma) onto the Lhasa terrane or a microcontinent of Lhasa terrane affinity.
Aerosol Effects on Lightning Characteristics: A Comparison of Polluted and Clean Regimes
Authors: Liu Y. , Guha A. , Said R. , Williams E. , Lapierre J. , Stock M. , Heckman S.
Published: April 2020

Oceanic lightning can be a sensitive indicator of aerosol effects on lightning characteristics as thermodynamic contrast is indistinct over adjacent oceanic regions. The study presents discernable aerosol impacts on lightning characteristics by analyzing 2 years (2017–2018) of intracloud (IC) and cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning data from Earth Networks Total Lightning Network over two key regions in southern South China Sea. Mean stroke density, IC/CG ratio, +IC fraction, and +CG fraction in polluted conditions are respectively 3.7, 2, 1.2, and 5.8‐fold larger than unpolluted counterparts. Total stroke contrast is further confirmed with the GLD360 network. Thermodynamic parameters conversely support slightly stronger convection over clean ocean. Clear evidence shows cloud droplet size diminishes with added aerosol. Aerosol invigorates more frequent and robust mixed‐phase development, endowing maritime convection with continental characteristics. Modifications in the charge reversal temperature and lower and upper positive charge regions are speculated on as means for stimulating more positive ICs and CGs.
Magnetic Properties of Sedimentary Smythite (Fe9S11)
Authors: Horng Chorng‐Shern , Roberts Andrew P. , Chen Yen‐Hua , Shea Kai‐Shuan , Chen Kuo‐Hang , Lin Chun‐Hung , Zhao Xiang , Chang Chung‐Kai
Published: April 2020

Smythite (Fe9S11) is an occasionally reported magnetic iron sulfide mineral that occurs in varied geological settings and co‐occurs commonly with other magnetic iron sulfide minerals. Determining the magnetic properties of smythite is important for understanding its geological distribution and paleomagnetic and environmental magnetic significance. We report sedimentary smythite occurrences from three locations in Taiwan (one terrestrial and two marine), which suggest that smythite forms in methanic diagenetic environments into which sulfide has been reintroduced. We report the magnetic properties of our purest smythite sample, which also contains greigite, and compare them with those of other magnetic iron sulfide minerals. The magnetization of smythite is controlled by multiaxial anisotropy, with magnetic easy axes that lie within the crystallographic basal plane. Smythite is magnetically stable with no low‐temperature magnetic transition. Hysteresis and coercivity properties of stable single domain smythite are similar to those of greigite at and below room temperature. The magnetic properties of smythite at elevated temperatures are dominated by thermal alteration, which precludes Curie temperature determination. In contrast to greigite and like pyrrhotite polytypes, smythite crystals occur as hexagonal plates. This morphological contrast facilitates discrimination of smythite from greigite in electron microscope observations, but it does not assist discrimination from pyrrhotite. Similar magnetic and morphological properties between smythite and other magnetic iron sulfides means that diagnostic mineralogical analyses (e.g., X‐ray diffraction) are needed to identify these minerals.
Critical Percolation Threshold Restricts Late‐Summer Arctic Sea Ice Melt Pond Coverage
Authors: Popović Predrag , Silber Mary C. , Abbot Dorian S.
Published: April 2020

During the summer, vast regions of Arctic sea ice are covered by meltwater ponds that significantly lower the ice reflectivity and accelerate melting. Ponds develop over the melt season through an initial rapid growth stage followed by drainage through macroscopic holes. Recent analysis of melt pond photographs indicates that late‐summer ponds exist near the critical percolation threshold, a special pond coverage fraction below which the ponds are largely disconnected and above which they are highly connected. Here, we show that the percolation threshold, a statistical property of ice topography, constrains pond evolution due to pond drainage through macroscopic holes. We show that it sets the approximate upper limit and scales pond coverage throughout its evolution after the beginning of drainage. Furthermore, we show that the rescaled pond coverage during drainage is a universal function of a single non‐dimensional parameter, η, roughly interpreted as the number of drainage holes per characteristic area of the surface. This universal curve allows us to formulate an equation for pond coverage time‐evolution during and after pond drainage that captures the dependence on environmental parameters and is supported by observations on undeformed first‐year ice. This equation reveals that pond coverage is highly sensitive to environmental parameters, suggesting that modeling uncertainties could be reduced by more directly parameterizing the ponds' natural parameter, η. Our work uncovers previously unrecognized constraints on melt pond physics and places ponds within a broader context of phase transitions and critical phenomena. Therefore, it holds promise for improving ice‐albedo parameterizations in large‐scale models.
Disentangling the Microphysical Effects of Fire Particles on Convective Clouds Through A Case Study
Authors: Takeishi Azusa , Storelvmo Trude , Fierce Laura
Published: April 2020

Aerosol emissions from forest fires may impact cloud droplet activation through an increase in particle number concentrations (“the number effect”) and also through a decrease in the hygroscopicity  κ of the entire aerosol population (“the hygroscopicity effect”) when fully internal mixing is assumed in models. This study investigated these effects of fire particles on the properties of simulated deep convective clouds (DCCs), using cloud‐resolving simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry for a case study in a partly idealized setting. We found that the magnitude of the hygroscopicity effect was in some cases strong enough to entirely offset the number/size effect, in terms of its influence on modeled droplet and ice crystal concentrations. More specifically, in the case studied here, the droplet number concentration was reduced by about 37% or more due solely to the hygroscopicity effect. In the atmosphere, by contrast, fire particles likely have a much weaker impact on the hygroscopicity of the pre‐existing background aerosol, as such a strong impact would occur only if the fire particles mixed immediately and uniformly with the background. We also show that the differences in the number of activated droplets eventually led to differences in the optical thickness of the clouds aloft, though this finding is limited to only a few hours of the initial development stage of the DCCs. These results suggest that accurately and rigorously representing aerosol mixing and  κ in models is an important step toward accurately simulating aerosol‐cloud interactions under the influence of fires.
Albedo of Black Carbon‐Contaminated Snow Across Northwestern China and the Validation With Model Simulation
Authors: Shi Tenglong , Pu Wei , Zhou Yue , Cui Jiecan , Zhang Daizhou , Wang Xin
Published: April 2020

Light‐absorbing particles in snow can significantly reduce the snow albedo. Quantification of the influence of black carbon (BC), one of the most important light‐absorbing particles, on snow albedo is essential for understanding the budgets of solar radiation on snow‐covered areas. We measured BC concentration in snow at 28 sites and snow albedo at 18 sites in a vast region across northwestern China in January 2018. The BC concentration was in a wide range of 40–1,850 ng g−1. The presence of the BC reduced the snow albedo by 0.01–0.20 at the visible wavelength band (400–750 nm). The reduction differed from sites to sites with large values close to industrial areas that are characterized by high pollutants emission. Albedos simulated with a Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiation model based on the measured BC agreed well with the measured albedos, with the deviation within ±0.03 and the average underestimation of <0.002. It worth noting that the retrieved optical effective snow grain radius was the key factor in snow albedo calculation. The BC‐induced radiative forcing was estimated to be 0.2–6.9 W m−2, indicating strong acceleration of snowmelt due to BC in northwestern China. All obtained data are extremely valuable for climate model validation associated with the albedo of BC‐contaminated snow cover.
Development of Future Heatwaves for Different Hazard Thresholds
Authors: Vogel Martha M. , Zscheischler Jakob , Fischer Erich M. , Seneviratne S. I.
Published: April 2020

In 2018 and 2019, heatwaves set all‐time temperature records around the world and caused adverse effects on human health, agriculture, natural ecosystems, and infrastructure. Often, severe impacts relate to the joint spatial and temporal extent of the heatwaves, but most research so far focuses either on spatial or temporal attributes of heatwaves. Furthermore, sensitivity of heatwaves characteristics to the choice of the heatwave thresholds in a warming climate are rarely discussed. Here, we analyze the largest spatiotemporal moderate heatwaves—that is, three‐dimensional (space‐time) clusters of hot days—in simulations of global climate models. We use three different hazard thresholds to define a hot day: fixed thresholds (time‐invariant climatological thresholds), seasonally moving thresholds based on changes in the summer means, and fully moving thresholds (hot days defined relative to the future climatology). We find a substantial increase of spatiotemporally contiguous moderate heatwaves with global warming using fixed thresholds, whereas changes for the other two hazard thresholds are much less pronounced. In particular, no or very little changes in the overall magnitude, spatial extent, and duration are detected when heatwaves are defined relative to the future climatology using a temporally fully moving threshold. This suggests a dominant contribution of thermodynamic compared to dynamic effects in global climate model simulations. The similarity between seasonally moving and fully moving thresholds indicates that seasonal mean warming alone can explain large parts of the warming of extremes. The strong sensitivity of simulated future heatwaves to hazard thresholds should be considered in the projections of potential future heat‐related impacts.
Trends in AOD, Clouds, and Cloud Radiative Effects in Satellite Data and CMIP5 and CMIP6 Model Simulations Over Aerosol Source Regions
Authors: Cherian Ribu , Quaas Johannes
Published: April 2020

Several regions worldwide have seen significant trends in anthropogenic aerosol emissions during the period of detailed satellite observations since 2001. Over Europe (EUR) and North America (NAM) there were strong declines, over China increases then declines and over India, strong increases. Regional trends in model‐simulated aerosol optical depth (AOD) and cloud radiative effects in both the Fifth and Sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects (CMIP5 and CMIP6) are broadly consistent with the ones from satellite retrievals in most parts of EUR, NAM and India. CMIP6 models better match satellite‐derived AOD trend in western NAM (increasing) and eastern China (decreasing), where CMIP5 models failed, pointing to improved anthropogenic aerosol emissions. Drop concentration trends in both observations and models qualitatively match AOD trends. The result for solar cloud radiative effect in models, however, is due to compensating errors: Models fail to reproduce observed liquid water path trends and show, in turn, opposite trends in cloud fraction.
The Mantle Transition Zone Hosts the Missing HIMU Reservoir Beneath Eastern China
Authors: Qian Sheng‐Ping , Nichols Alexander R. L. , Zhang Le , Xu Yi‐Gang , Li Jie , Guo Yu‐Long , Ren Zhong‐Yuan
Published: April 2020

The Earth's mantle shows large‐scale geochemical heterogeneities bounded by several identifiable end‐member compositions. However, the origin of extreme mantle reservoirs, for example, high 238U/204Pb (HIMU), and their location in the Earth's interior remains poorly constrained. Clinopyroxenes from late Cenozoic Wudi lavas in eastern China have heterogeneous Pb isotopic compositions, even though the erupted lavas are isotopically homogeneous. Our new results provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence for the existence of a HIMU‐like component in the sources of late Cenozoic lavas. Analyses of olivines and their host lavas indicate that the basaltic melts are derived from partial melting of carbonated peridotite. The HIMU source is likely to be younger than 700 Ma old and related to subduction events of the Paleo‐Asian ocean. In addition to deep and ancient recycling, storage of a metasomatically produced mantle reservoir in the mantle transition zone may be an important mechanism for developing extreme isotopic signatures.
A Framework for Understanding and Quantifying the Loss and Acceleration of Relativistic Electrons in the Outer Radiation Belt During Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Murphy Kyle R. , Mann Ian R. , Sibeck David G. , Rae I. Jonathan , Watt C.E.J. , Ozeke Louis G. , Kanekal Shri G. , Baker Daniel N.
Published: April 2020

We present detailed analysis of the global relativistic electron dynamics as measured by total radiation belt content (RBC) during coronal mass ejection (CME) and corotating interaction region (CIR)‐driven geomagnetic storms. Recent work has demonstrated that the response of the outer radiation belt is consistent and repeatable during geomagnetic storms. Here we build on this work to show that radiation belt dynamics can be divided into two sequential phases, which have different solar wind dependencies and which when analyzed separately reveal that the radiation belt responds more predictably than if the overall storm response is analyzed as a whole. In terms of RBC, in every storm we analyzed, a phase dominated by loss is followed by a phase dominated by acceleration. Analysis of the RBC during each of these phases demonstrates that they both respond coherently to solar wind and magnetospheric driving. However, the response is independent of whether the storm response is associated with either a CME or CIR. Our analysis shows that during the initial phase, radiation belt loss is organized by the location of the magnetopause and the strength of Dst and ultralow frequency wave power. During the second phase, radiation belt enhancements are well organized by the amplitude of ultralow frequency waves, the auroral electroject index, and solar wind energy input. Overall, our results demonstrate that storm time dynamics of the RBC is repeatable and well characterized by solar wind and geomagnetic driving, albeit with different dependencies during the two phases of a storm.
Biallelic mutations in WRAP53 result in dysfunctional telomeres, Cajal bodies and DNA repair, thereby causing Hoyeraal–Hreidarsson syndrome
Authors: Bergstrand Sofie , Böhm Stefanie , Malmgren Helena , Norberg Anna , Sundin Mikael , Nordgren Ann , Farnebo Marianne
Published: April 2020

Approximately half of all cases of Hoyeraal–Hreidarsson syndrome (HHS), a multisystem disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, developmental defects and very short telomeres, are caused by germline mutations in genes related to telomere biology. However, the varying symptoms and severity of the disease indicate that additional mechanisms are involved. Here, a 3-year-old boy with HHS was found to carry biallelic germline mutations in WRAP53 (WD40 encoding RNA antisense to p53), that altered two highly conserved amino acids (L283F and R398W) in the WD40 scaffold domain of the protein encoded. WRAP53β (also known as TCAB1 or WDR79) is involved in intracellular trafficking of telomerase, Cajal body functions and DNA repair. We found that both mutations cause destabilization, mislocalization and faulty interactions of WRAP53β, defects linked to misfolding by the TRiC chaperonin complex. Consequently, WRAP53β HHS mutants cannot elongate telomeres, maintain Cajal bodies or repair DNA double-strand breaks. These findings provide a molecular explanation for the pathogenesis underlying WRAP53β-associated HHS and highlight the potential contribution of DNA damage and/or defects in Cajal bodies to the early onset and/or severity of this disease.
The cellular prion protein is a stress protein secreted by renal tubular cells and a urinary marker of kidney injury
Authors: Bignon Yohan , Poindessous Virginie , Lazareth Hélène , Passet Bruno , Vilotte Jean-Luc , Djouadi Fatima , Mouillet-Richard Sophie , Pallet Nicolas
Published: April 2020

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress underlies the pathogenesis of numerous kidney diseases. A better care of patients with kidney disease involves the identification and validation of ER stress biomarkers in the early stages of kidney disease. For the first time to our knowledge, we demonstrate that the prion protein PrPC is secreted in a conventional manner by ER-stressed renal epithelial cell under the control of the transcription factor x-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and can serve as a sensitive urinary biomarker for detecting tubular ER stress. Urinary PrPC elevation occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, detectable urine levels of PrPC significantly increase after cardiopulmonary bypass, a condition associated with activation of the IRE1-XBP1 pathway in the kidney. In conclusion, our study has identified PrPC as a novel urinary ER stress biomarker with potential utility in early diagnosis of ongoing acute or chronic kidney injury.
Age related retinal Ganglion cell susceptibility in context of autophagy deficiency
Authors: Bell Katharina , Rosignol Ines , Sierra-Filardi Elena , Rodriguez-Muela Natalia , Schmelter Carsten , Cecconi Francesco , Grus Franz , Boya Patricia
Published: April 2020

Glaucoma is a common age-related disease leading to progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, visual field defects and vision loss and is the second leading cause of blindness in the elderly worldwide. Mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired autophagy have been linked to glaucoma and induction of autophagy shows neuroprotective effects in glaucoma animal models. We have shown that autophagy decreases with aging in the retina and that autophagy can be neuroprotective for RGCs, but it is currently unknown how aging and autophagy deficiency impact RGCs susceptibility and survival. Using the optic nerve crush model in young and olWelcome@1234d Ambra1+/gt (autophagy/beclin-1 regulator 1+/gt) mice we analysed the contribution of autophagy deficiency on retinal ganglion cell survival in an age dependent context. Interestingly, old Ambra1+/gt mice showed decreased RGC survival after optic nerve crush in comparison to old Ambra1+/+, an effect that was not observed in the young animals. Proteomics and mRNA expression data point towards altered oxidative stress response and mitochondrial alterations in old Ambra1+/gt animals. This effect is intensified after RGC axonal damage, resulting in reduced oxidative stress response showing decreased levels of Nqo1, as well as failure of Nrf2 induction in the old Ambra1+/gt. Old Ambra1+/gt also failed to show increase in Bnip3l and Bnip3 expression after optic nerve crush, a response that is found in the Ambra1+/+ controls. Primary RGCs derived from Ambra1+/gt mice show decreased neurite projection and increased levels of apoptosis in comparison to Ambra1+/+ animals. Our results lead to the conclusion that oxidative stress response pathways are altered in old Ambra1+/gt mice leading to impaired damage responses upon additional external stress factors.
Corded Ware cultural complexity uncovered using genomic and isotopic analysis from south-eastern Poland
Authors: Linderholm Anna , Kılınç Gülşah Merve , Szczepanek Anita , Włodarczak Piotr , Jarosz Paweł , Belka Zdzislaw , Dopieralska Jolanta , Werens Karolina , Górski Jacek , Mazurek Mirosław , Hozer Monika , Rybicka Małgorzata , Ostrowski Mikołaj , Bagińska Jolanta , Koman Wiesław , Rodríguez-Varela Ricardo , Storå Jan , Götherström Anders , Krzewińska Maja
Published: April 2020

During the Final Eneolithic the Corded Ware Complex (CWC) emerges, chiefly identified by its specific burial rites. This complex spanned most of central Europe and exhibits demographic and cultural associations to the Yamnaya culture. To study the genetic structure and kin relations in CWC communities, we sequenced the genomes of 19 individuals located in the heartland of the CWC complex region, south-eastern Poland. Whole genome sequence and strontium isotope data allowed us to investigate genetic ancestry, admixture, kinship and mobility. The analysis showed a unique pattern, not detected in other parts of Poland; maternally the individuals are linked to earlier Neolithic lineages, whereas on the paternal side a Steppe ancestry is clearly visible. We identified three cases of kinship. Of these two were between individuals buried in double graves. Interestingly, we identified kinship between a local and a non-local individual thus discovering a novel, previously unknown burial custom.
Investigation of titanium mesh as a cathode for the electro-Fenton process: consideration of its practical application in wastewater treatment
Authors: Lee Jiho , Son Aseom , Ko Young-Jin , Shin Min-Jung , Kim Woong Sub , Choi Jae Woo , Lee Jaesang , Hong Seok Won
Published: April 2020

We show that a Ti electrode with a large opening size is a promising cathode material in the application of the electro-Fenton process for degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater treatment.