bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of radar data assimilation and orography on predictability of deep convection
Authors: Bachmann Kevin , Keil Christian , Weissmann Martin
Published: October 2018

Deep convection represents a classic example of limited predictability on the convective scale. We investigate the potential impact of assimilating radar reflectivity and velocity observations on the predictive skill of precipitation in short‐term forecasts (up to 6 hr) using the operational COSMO‐KENDA ensemble data assimilation and forecasting system in an idealized set‐up. Additionally, the role of a Gaussian‐shaped mountain providing a permanent source of predictability for the location of convective precipitation is examined with and without data assimilation.

Using a hierarchy of quality measures, we found a long‐lasting beneficial impact of radar data assimilation throughout the entire forecast range of 6 hr. The up‐scaled normalized RMS error and the Fractions Skill Score show that precipitation forecasts based on initial conditions including the assimilation of radar data are skilful on scales larger than 40 km at a lead time of 6 hr and thus are better than a reference ensemble without any data assimilation at lead times of less than 1 hr. The presence of orography strongly increases the predictability of precipitation throughout the forecast range, particularly within the immediate area and where no radar data are assimilated.

This remarkable impact of radar data assimilation exceeding 6 hr is larger and longer‐lasting than in many real modelling systems. While this is partly related to the idealized set‐up assuming a perfect forecast model, perfect large‐scale boundary conditions and a perfect radar forward operator, our study demonstrates the potential impact that could be achieved for radar data assimilation if the systematic model and operator deficiencies, as well as boundary condition errors, could be reduced. Furthermore, our results highlight the important role of orography in structuring the precipitation field, especially if no observations are assimilated.
A double generally weighted moving average exceedance control chart
Authors: Masoumi Karakani Hossein , Human Schalk William , van Niekerk Janet
Published: October 2018

Since the inception of control charts by W. A. Shewhart in the 1920s, they have been increasingly applied in various fields. The recent literature witnessed the development of a number of nonparametric (distribution‐free) charts as they provide a robust and efficient alternative when there is a lack of knowledge about the underlying process distribution. In order to monitor the process location, information regarding the in‐control (IC) process median is typically required. However, in practice, this information might not be available due to various reasons. To this end, a generalized type of nonparametric time‐weighted control chart labeled as the double generally weighted moving average (DGWMA) based on the exceedance statistic (EX) is proposed. The DGWMA‐EX chart includes many of the well‐known existing time‐weighted control charts as special or limiting cases for detecting a shift in the unknown location parameter of a continuous distribution. The DGWMA‐EX chart combines the better shift detection properties of a DGWMA chart with the robust IC performance of a nonparametric chart, by using all the information from the start until the most recent sample to decide if a process is IC or out‐of‐control. An extensive simulation study reveals that the proposed DGWMA‐EX chart, in many cases, outperforms its counterparts.
On the performance of coefficient of variation charts in the presence of measurement errors
Authors: Tran Kim Phuc , Heuchenne Cédric , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: October 2018

In the literature, coefficient of variation control charts have been introduced under the assumption of no measurement errors. However, measurement errors always exist in practice, and they do affect the performance of control charts in the detection of an out‐of‐control situation. In this paper, we therefore study the performance of a coefficient of variation Shewhart‐type control chart (Shewhart‐CV chart) and also one‐sided coefficient of variation exponentially weighted moving average–type control charts (EWMA‐γ2charts) using a model with linear covariates. Moreover, we propose and study the performance of a two‐sided EWMA‐γ2chart using a model with linear covariates. Several figures and tables are provided and analyzed to evaluate the statistical performance of these control charts for different sources of measurement errors. The obtained results show that theprecisionandaccuracyerrors significantly affect the performance of both the Shewhart‐CV and EWMA‐γ2control charts. An example illustrating the use of this study is finally presented.
Enhancement of the degree of control of photofragment distributions by laser phase modulation
Authors: García‐Vela A.
Published: October 2018

The possibility of enhancing the degree of control of a transient photofragment distribution achieved by means of laser phase modulation is explored. Such a control is exerted through interference between overlapping resonances, which are populated in a superposition by the laser field. It is found that by varying the central frequency of the pump laser across the energy range of the resonance superposition created, the effects of laser phase modulation on the resonance interference mechanism change remarkably, causing significant variations on the photofragment distribution. Knowledge of these variations can be used to increase and optimize the control effects of the scheme applied. The results presented here show that the intensity of the phase modulation control effect on the fragment distribution can be increased by more than double. Thus, varying the laser carrier frequency as an additional control parameter makes the control scheme more efficient and flexible.
Mean square exponential stabilization of sampled‐data Markovian jump systems
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Sun Jian , Chen Jie
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the problem of mean square exponential stabilization for sampled‐data Markovin jump systems is studied. A time‐scheduled Lyapunov functional consisting of a exponential‐type looped function is constructed using segmentation technology and linear interpolation. Based on this new Lyapunov functional, a less conservative mean square exponential stability criterion is obtained such that a bigger maximum decay rate can be easily calculated. Meanwhile, the quantitative relationship among some system parameters, maximum sampling period, and decay rate is established. Moreover, a time‐dependent state feedback sample‐data controller is designed. Significant improvements of the proposed exponential‐type time‐scheduled Lyapunov functional method over some existing ones are verified by numerical examples.
Event‐triggered output feedback H∞ control for networked control systems
Authors: Shen Yanjun , Li Fengjiao , Zhang Daoyuan , Wang Yan‐Wu , Liu Yungang
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates event‐triggered output feedback H∞ control for a networked control system. Transmitted through a network under an event‐triggered scheme, the sample outputs of the plant are used to drive the dynamical output feedback controller to generate a new control signal in the discrete‐time domain. The discrete‐time control signals are also transmitted through the network to drive the plant. As a result of two types of transmission delays, the controlled plant and the dynamical output feedback controller are driven by the discrete‐time outputs and control signals at different instants of time. An interval decomposition method is introduced to place the controlled plant and the output feedback controller into the same updated time interval but with updated signals at different instants. Based on a proper Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, sufficient conditions are derived to ensure H∞ performance for the controlled plant. Finally, numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the practical utility of the proposed method.
Delay analysis for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Halima Nadhir Ben , Boujemaa Hatem
Published: October 2018

In this article, we derive the waiting time and total delay of packets for cooperative cognitive radio networks. In the primary network, there are primary transmitter (PT) and receiver (PR). In the secondary network, there are a source, M relays and a destination. Our results are valid for any number of relays and different relaying protocols: opportunistic amplify and forward (AF), partial AF, reactive AF and reactive DF. The analysis is carried out for nodes with fixed and adaptive transmit power. For fixed transmit power (FTP), we cannot guarantee that interference to PR is less than threshold T. Therefore, some relays are inactive because they generate harmful interference to PR. For adaptive transmit power (ATP), the power of a relay node is fixed so that peak interference power (PIP) or average interference power (AIP) constraints are verified. We also take into account interference from the primary transmitter (PT) by analyzing the delays based on signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The role of lesson study in teacher learning and professional development of EFL teachers in Turkey: A case study
Authors: Yalcin Arslan Fadime
Published: October 2018

The lesson study (jugyoukenkyuu) approach to professional development, used in Japan and various regions of North America, encourages teachers to reflect on their teaching in order to improve its overall quality. The purpose of the current study is to analyze the influence of this approach on the professional development of English as a foreign language (EFL) preservice teachers in Turkey. The lesson study format was new to all participants, and data were collected from research lessons, observations, and reflections during the teaching process. The findings suggest that lesson study contributes to teacher learning by providing teachers with concrete examples of practice.
Enhancing the thermal stability of natural rubber/recycled ethylene propylene diene rubber blends through the use of bio‐compatibilizers
Authors: Hayeemasae Nabil , Ismail Hanafi
Published: October 2018

Recycling of rubber waste and searching for alternative routes to prolong the service life of rubber products are of significant concern. One of the ideas to reduce the rubber waste is to blend it with the virgin rubber to gain synergistic properties from its own advantages. In this study, natural rubber (NR) and recycled ethylene propylene diene rubber (R‐EPDM) were blended as a way to combine the mechanical properties and oxidative resistance given by NR and R‐EPDM, respectively. New approaches in enhancing the thermal stability were observed through the use of bio‐compatibilizers that is, alkanolamide (AKA)‐based refined, bleached, and deodorized palm stearin (RBDPS) and NR latex (NRL). The thermal stability of the blends was monitored through two techniques: thermo‐oxidative aging and thermogravimetric Analysis. Results indicated that the aging resistance of the blends was improved by addition of AKA and NRL as bio‐compatibilizers. This is confirmed by the enhancement of thermal decomposition temperature and the activation energies of the blends. The obtained TG profiles and the calculated kinetic parameters indicated that introducing AKA and NRL enhanced their thermal stability, especially at higher contents of AKA and NRL. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E155–E165, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A massive class of $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ AdS4 IIA solutions
Authors: Passias Achilleas , Prins Daniël , Tomasiello Alessandro
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We initiate a classification of$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supersymmetric AdS4solutions of (massive) type IIA supergravity. The internal space is locally equipped with either an SU(2) or an identity structure. We focus on the SU(2) structure and determine the conditions it satisfies, dictated by supersymmetry. Imposing as an Ansatz that the internal space is complex, we reduce the problem of finding solutions to a Riccati ODE, which we solve analytically. We obtain in this fashion a large number of new families of solutions, both regular as well as with localized O8-planes and conical Calabi-Yau singularities. We also recover many solutions already discussed in the literature.
Holographic zero sound from spacetime-filling branes
Authors: Gushterov Nikola I. , O’Bannon Andy , Rodgers Ronnie
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We use holography to study sound modes of strongly-interacting conformal field theories with non-zero temperature, T , and U(1) chemical potential, μ. Specifically, we consider charged black brane solutions of Einstein gravity in (3+1)-dimensional Anti-de Sitter space coupled to a U(1) gauge field with Dirac-Born-Infeld action, representing a spacetime-filling brane. The brane action has two free parameters: the tension and the non-linearity parameter, which controls higher-order terms in the field strength. For all values of the tension, non-linearity parameter, and T /μ, and at sufficiently small momentum, we find sound modes with speed given by the conformal value and attenuation constant of hydrodynamic form. In particular we find sound at arbitrarily low T /μ, outside the usual hydrodynamic regime, but in the regime where a Fermi liquid exhibits Landau’s “zero” sound. In fact, the sound attenuation constant as a function of T /μ qualitatively resembles that of a Fermi liquid, including a maximum, which in a Fermi liquid signals the collisionless to hydrodynamic crossover. We also explore regimes of the tension and non-linearity parameter where two other proposed definitions of the crossover are viable, via pole collisions in Green’s functions or peak movement in the charge density spectral function.
Asymptotic symmetries of three-dimensional Chern-Simons gravity for the Maxwell algebra
Authors: Concha Patrick , Merino Nelson , Miskovic Olivera , Rodríguez Evelyn , Salgado-Rebolledo Patricio , Valdivia Omar
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We study a three-dimensional Chern-Simons gravity theory based on the Maxwell algebra. We find that the boundary dynamics is described by an enlargement and deformation of the bms3 algebra with three independent central charges. This symmetry arises from a gravity action invariant under the local Maxwell group and is characterized by presence of Abelian generators which modify the commutation relations of the super-translations in the standard bms3 algebra. Our analysis is based on the charge algebra of the theory in the BMS gauge, which includes the known solutions of standard asymptotically flat case. The field content of the theory is different than the one of General Relativity, but it includes all its geometries as particular solutions. In this line, we also study the stationary solutions of the theory in ADM form and we show that the vacuum energy and the vacuum angular momentum of the stationary configuration are influenced by the presence of the gravitational Maxwell field.
On elliptic genera of 6d string theories
Authors: Kim Joonho , Lee Kimyeong , Park Jaemo
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We study the elliptic genera of 6d strings based on their modular properties. They are weak Jacobi forms of weight 0, whose indices are determined from the 2d chiral anomalies. We propose the ansatz for the elliptic genera which reflects the analytic structure of instanton partition functions. Given a finite amount of initial BPS data, we completely determine the elliptic genera of 6d strings in various 6d SCFTs. We also apply our ansatz to study$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(2,0\right) $$N=20and (1, 1) little strings as well as$$ \mathcal{N}=\left(1,0\right) $$N=10heterotic little strings, for which T-duality of little string theories supplies a sufficient number of initial BPS data. The anomaly polynomials of 6d little strings are worked out, which is needed for the elliptic genera bootstrap. In some little string theories, the elliptic genera must have the extra contributions from the Coulomb branch, which correspond to the additional zero modes for the full strings. The modified ansatze for such elliptic genera are also discussed.
The plane-wave spectrum from the worldsheet
Authors: Eberhardt Lorenz , Ferreira Kevin
Published: October 2018

Abstract

We study string theory on AdS3 backgrounds with mixed flux using the hybrid formalism of Berkovits, Vafa and Witten. We solve the worldsheet description of the theory completely in the plane-wave limit. This constitutes a direct derivation of the plane-wave spectrum from the worldsheet with mixed flux.
Sexual Dysfunction and Satisfaction in Japanese Couples During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Saotome Tomoko Tanaka , Yonezawa Keiko , Suganuma Nobuhiko
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Sexual function and frequency can change between couples during pregnancy and postpartum, with a decline in sexual function in women.

Aim

To investigate sexual function in couples during pregnancy and postpartum.

Methods

This questionnaire-based cross-sectional descriptive study solicited data from 551 couples, 127 (23%) of whom responded: 15 during the first trimester; 26 during the second trimester; and 21, 22, 21, and 22 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum, respectively. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were used for female and male participants, respectively, and included questions about delivery, breastfeeding, partner’s contribution to housework, and desire to have more children for women, and about aspects of their partner’s pregnancy and postpartum life for men. Data about maternal/paternal age, parity, body mass index, and mode of delivery were also collected.

Main Outcome Measure

FSFI and IIEF total and subcategory scores with attributable factors.

Results

The total and subcategory scores related to female and male sexual functions were lowest at 1 and 3 months postpartum, with 79 women reporting female sexual dysfunction (score <26.55). The FSFI subcategory scores (except desire and satisfaction) differed between 1 and 12 months postpartum. The IIEF scores showed no significant differences. The total mean IIEF scores were 17.9 ± 9.6 and 54.9 ± 12.0 in men with and without erectile dysfunction (ED), respectively. The FSFI scores were 8.6 ± 7.2 and 18.2 ± 8.6 in women whose partner had and did not have ED, respectively. No significant differences (P = .76) were observed between the male satisfaction subcategories.

Conclusion

Sexual function decreased around the time of delivery for men and women, but did not correlate with the sexual satisfaction of men. Type of delivery, breastfeeding, intimacy, and partner’s contribution to housework did not affect sexual dysfunction.
Does preoperative magnetic resonant cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), improve the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Authors: Al-Aubaidi Tariq , Ghadhban Basim R. , Chitheer Samer S.
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a non-invasive imaging test with excellent overall sensitivity and specificity for demonstrating the level and the presence of a biliary obstruction. MRCP has emerged as an accurate, diagnostic modality for investigating the biliary and pancreatic duct. In some cases, it has been recommended that preoperative MRCP is a good choice for the detection of CBD stones.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to assess the value of preoperative MRCP on the safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

The randomized study was carried out on 100 patients aged 16–65 years, admitted in Baghdad Teaching Hospital between 2013 and 2015. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed for them. 45 patients had preoperative MRCP followed by conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, while 55 patients underwent only laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The findings of the two groups were compared.

Results:

In the first group: pre-operative MRCP screening exposed clinically silent CBD stones in 2 patients (4.44%), while one patient (2.22%) had accessory cystic duct and another one had an abnormal insertion of cystic duct (2.22%). In the second group, 4 patients had postoperative complications (P < 0.05): residual stones, postoperative bile leak, jaundice and pancreatitis.

Highlights:
The nature of the heat source of mafic magmatism during the formation of the Vilyui rift based on the ages of dike swarms and results of numerical modeling
Authors: Polyansky O.P. , Prokopiev A.V. , Koroleva O.V. , Tomshin M.D. , Reverdatto V.V. , Babichev A.V. , Sverdlova V.G. , Vasiliev D.A.
Published: October 2018

Possible mechanisms of rifting and the thermal regime of the lithosphere beneath the rift zone of the Vilyui sedimentary basin are considered based on the available isotopic ages of dike swarms, rates of sedimentation, and results of numerical modeling. Temporal correlations between the intrusion of mafic magma and a sharp increase in the rate of subsidence and sedimentation in the rift basin prove the contribution of both plate-tectonic and magmatic factors to the formation of the Vilyui rift. The results show a relationship between the rapid extension of the lithosphere and the formation of mafic dike swarms in the Yakutsk–Vilyui Large Igneous Province of the Siberian Platform at the Frasnian–Famennian boundary, with a peak at ~ 374.1 Ma, and at the end of the Late Devonian, with a peak at ~ 363.4 Ma. There were two pulses of dike formation during rapid subsidence of the basin basement in the period 380–360 Ma, with a sedimentation rate of 100–130 m/Myr, at a background rate of 10–20 m/Myr. Analysis of numerical thermomechanical models revealed that the best-fit model is that combining the mechanisms of intraplate extension (passive rifting) and the ascent of a mantle magmatic diapir (active rifting). A conclusion about the nature of the heat source of trap magmatism has been drawn: The plume-driven regime of the lithosphere can better explain the dynamics of extension during rifting than the decompression melting mechanism.
Jesner v. Arab Bank
Authors: Hamilton Rebecca J.
Published: October 2018

The exclusion of transnational human rights litigation from U.S. federal courts is, for most practical purposes, now complete. On April 24, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a 5–4 ruling inJesner v. Arab Bank,deciding that foreign corporations cannot be sued under the Alien Tort Statute (ATS).
Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ Role Conflict in a Natural
Disaster: Professional Versus Family Responsibilities
Authors: Turrentine Mark A. , Monga Manju , Swaim Laurie S.
Published: October 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate role conflict between professional
and familial responsibilities among obstetric health care providers during a
natural disaster between those required to stay in the hospital versus those
who were at home during a catastrophic weather event.

Methods

A survey was used of obstetric attending and resident physicians in the
Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
following Hurricane Harvey on August 26, 2017.

Results

Ninety one of 103 physicians (88%) completed the survey. Survey
responses were compared between physicians who worked in the hospital (n
= 47) versus those who were at home (n = 44) during the storm
and its immediate aftermath. Physicians in the hospital and at home agreed
(47% and 48%, respectively, P = 0.94)
that professional duties conflicted with family obligations and felt torn
(49% and 55%, respectively, P = 0.48)
regarding family obligations. A majority of homebound health care providers
disagreed with the statement that professional duties override family
responsibilities, whereas less than half of in-hospital providers felt the
same (68% at-home versus 47% of the hospital-team,
P = 0.10).

Conclusion

As organizations prepare for possible catastrophic situations, institutions
must realize that obstetric health care providers will experience role
conflict between professional and family responsibilities. (Disaster
Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:33–37)
Divine contractions: theism gives birth to idealism
Authors: GOLDSCHMIDT TYRON , LEBENS SAMUEL
Published: October 2018

The first part of the article presents three little arguments from theism to idealism. The second part employs these arguments to make sense of a puzzling doctrine of Jewish mysticism: the doctrine of divine contraction (Heb.tzimtzum).
Exposure and feedback in language acquisition: adult construals of children's early verb-form use in Hebrew
Authors: LUSTIGMAN Lyle , CLARK Eve V.
Published: October 2018

This study focuses on adult responses to children's verb uses, the information they provide, and how they change over time. We analyzed longitudinal samples from four children acquiring Hebrew (age-range: 1;4–2;5; child verb-forms = 8,337). All child verbs were coded for inflectional category, and for whether and how adults responded to them. Our findings show that: (a) children's early verbs wereopaquewith no clear inflectional target (e.g., the child-formtapescorresponds toletapes‘to-climb’,metapes‘is-climbing’,yetapes‘will-climb’), with inflections added gradually; (b) most early verbs were followed by adult responses using the same lexeme; and (c) as opacity in children's verbs decreased, adults made fewer uses of the same lexeme in their responses, and produced a broader array of inflections and inflectional shifts. In short, adults are attuned to what their children know and respond to their early productions accordingly, with extensive ‘tailor-made’ feedback on their verb uses.
The controversial role of vitamin D as an antioxidant: results from randomised controlled trials
Authors: Tagliaferri Sara , Porri Debora , De Giuseppe Rachele , Manuelli Matteo , Alessio Francesco , Cena Hellas
Published: October 2018

Increased oxidative stress has been implicated as a potential causal factor in the development of several diseases. In the last decade, an extensive literature has been produced on vitamin D, not limited to its well-known function like a steroid hormone on skeletal tissue, but for its potential pleiotropic role in human health. Several researchers have suggested relationships between vitamin D intake and health outcomes such as cancer prevention and increased immunity, or possible role in preventing diabetes, and in inflammation. Little is known about its antioxidant effect. The aim of the present review was to explore major evidence regarding the potential scavenger capacity of vitamin D in high-evidence human studies. Studies considered by the present review suggest that the potential role of vitamin D as an antioxidant could not be confirmed. Current literature showed controversial effects about the ability of cholecalciferol to prevent or ameliorate oxidative stress biomarkers, and there is need of further and high-quality studies testing the antioxidant effect of vitamin D supplementation.
Timing of eating across ten European countries – results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) calibration study
Authors: Huseinovic Ena , Winkvist Anna , Freisling Heinz , Slimani Nadia , Boeing Heiner , Buckland Genevieve , Schwingshackl Lukas , Olsen Anja , Tjønneland Anne , Stepien Magdalena , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Mancini Francesca , Artaud Fanny , Kühn Tilman , Katzke Verena , Trichopoulou Antonia , Naska Androniki , Orfanos Philippos , Tumino Rosario , Masala Giovanna , Krogh Vittorio , Santucci de Magistris Maria , Ocké Marga C , Brustad Magritt , Jensen Torill Enget , Skeie Guri , Rodríguez-Barranco Miguel , Huerta José María , Ardanaz Eva , Quirós José Ramón , Jakszyn Paula , Sonestedt Emily , Ericson Ulrika , Wennberg Maria , Key Timothy J , Aune Dagfinn , Riboli Elio , Weiderpass Elisabete , Bertéus Forslund Heléne
Published: October 2018

Objective

To examine timing of eating across ten European countries.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) calibration study using standardized 24 h diet recalls collected during 1995–2000. Eleven predefined food consumption occasions were assessed during the recall interview. We present time of consumption of meals and snacks as well as the later:earlier energy intake ratio, with earlier and later intakes defined as 06.00–14.00 and 15.00–24.00 hours, respectively. Type III tests were used to examine associations of sociodemographic, lifestyle and health variables with timing of energy intake.

Setting

Ten Western European countries.

Subjects

In total, 22 985 women and 13 035 men aged 35–74 years (n36 020).

Results

A south–north gradient was observed for timing of eating, with later consumption of meals and snacks in Mediterranean countries compared with Central and Northern European countries. However, the energy load was reversed, with the later:earlier energy intake ratio ranging from 0·68 (France) to 1·39 (Norway) among women, and from 0·71 (Greece) to 1·35 (the Netherlands) among men. Among women, country, age, education, marital status, smoking, day of recall and season were all independently associated with timing of energy intake (allP<0·05). Among men, the corresponding variables were country, age, education, smoking, physical activity, BMI and day of recall (allP<0·05).

Conclusions

We found pronounced differences in timing of eating across Europe, with later meal timetables but greater energy load earlier during the day in Mediterranean countries compared with Central and Northern European countries.
Fish consumption prior to pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Benjamin Renata H , Mitchell Laura E , Canfield Mark A , Hoyt Adrienne T , Lai Dejian , Ramadhani Tunu A , Carmichael Suzan L , Case Amy P , Waller D Kim ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the relationships between maternal fish consumption and pregnancy outcomes in a large, population-based sample of women in the USA.

Design

We collected average fish consumption prior to pregnancy using a modified version of the semi-quantitative Willett FFQ. We estimated adjusted OR (aOR) and 95 % CI for associations between different levels of fish consumption and preterm birth (<37 weeks), early preterm birth (<32 and <35 weeks) and small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA; <10th percentile).

Setting

The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS).

Subjects

Control mother–infant pairs with estimated delivery dates between 1997 and 2011 (n 10 919).

Results

No significant associations were observed between fish consumption and preterm birth or early preterm birth (aOR = 0·7–1·0 and 0·7–0·9, respectively). The odds of having an SGA infant were elevated (aOR = 2·1; 95 % CI 1·2, 3·4) among women with daily fish consumption compared with women consuming fish less than once per month. No associations were observed between other levels of fish consumption and SGA (aOR = 0·8–1·0).

Conclusions

High intake of fish was associated with twofold higher odds of having an SGA infant, while moderate fish consumption prior to pregnancy was not associated with preterm or SGA. Our study, like many other studies in this area, lacked information regarding preparation methods and the specific types of fish consumed. Future studies should incorporate information on nutrient and contaminant contents, preparation methods and biomarkers to assess these relationships.
Diagnostic workup and endovascular treatment of popliteal artery trauma
Authors: Lee Cheong J. , Loo Rory , Wohlauer Max V. , Patel Parag J.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Although management paradigms for certain arterial trauma, such as aortic injuries, have moved towards an endovascular approach, the application of endovascular techniques for the treatment of peripheral arterial injuries continues to be debated. In the realm of peripheral vascular trauma, popliteal arterial injuries remain a devastating condition with significant rates of limb loss. Expedient management is essential and surgical revascularization has been the gold standard. Initial clinical assessment of vascular injury is aided by readily available imaging techniques such as duplex ultrasonography and high resolution computed tomographic angiography. Conventional catheter based angiography, however, remain the gold standard in the determination of vascular injury. There are limited data examining the outcomes of endovascular techniques to address popliteal arterial injuries. In this review, we examine the imaging modalities and current approaches and data regarding endovascular techniques for the management popliteal arterial trauma.
Hydrology Dictates Fate of Carbon from Northern Hardwood Forests
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: October 2018

As spring snowmelt and fall rains inundate northern hardwood forests with moisture, soil bacteria get moving and increase carbon exports to the atmosphere and into nearby water bodies.
Mantle Deformation in the Eastern Himalaya, Burmese Arc and Adjoining Regions
Authors: Saikia Dipankar , Kumar M. Ravi , Singh Arun , Roy Sunil K. , Raju P. Solomon , Lyngdoh A.C
Published: October 2018

This study presents new results of shear wave splitting at 56 broadband stations installed in the Eastern Himalaya, Burmese Arc, and adjoining regions. The fast polarization directions (FPDs) within the Himalaya, Burmese Arc and the foredeep are parallel to the strike of the orogens, suggesting a coherently deformed lithospheric mantle under compression. The FPDs follow the Main Boundary Thrust and the Main Central Thrust in the central segment of the Arunachal Himalaya. Smaller delay times (∼0.7 s) can be best explained by multiple layers of anisotropy, where combined effects of the anisotropic fabric of a coherently deformed lithosphere of the Arunachal Himalaya and plate motion related strain are playing a role. Null measurements in the Siang window may be due to the Indian plate interaction with Eurasia and Burma plates, causing different layers of anisotropy. Another possibility is the coincidence of source polarization direction with the fast axis. In the Bengal Basin, the Nulls could be due to annihilation of frozen anisotropy in the downwelling Indian lithosphere and the APM‐related strain, or a highly heterogeneous mantle affected by the Kereguelen plume magmatism, at ∼116 Ma.
Initiation of Strike‐Slip Faults, Serpentinization, and Methane: The Nootka Fault Zone, the Juan de Fuca‐Explorer Plate Boundary
Authors: Rohr Kristin M. M. , Furlong Kevin P. , Riedel Michael
Published: October 2018

The Nootka fault zone is a ridge‐trench‐trench transform fault that was initiated ~4 Ma when the Explorer ridge became independent of the Juan de Fuca ridge. Multibeam data around the fault zone and a compilation of several seismic reflection surveys provide insight into initiation of strike‐slip faults. Previous interpretations assumed that the two faults seen cutting the seafloor are subparallel to shear between the Explorer and Juan de Fuca plates and formed instantaneously at 4 Ma. Increased data density shows that these faults are subparallel to seafloor magnetic anomalies and appear to have utilized extensional faults formed at the ridge. They are surrounded by numerous buried steeply dipping, small‐offset growth faults; at least some of which are likely still active. Our observations corroborate analogue models of strike‐slip fault initiation that predict formation of Riedel‐like shears within a zone of faulting and that displacement localizes over time. The existence of several long subparallel faults and a very wide zone of faulting has been predicted by models of distributed shear at depth. Along the Nootka fault zone basement has risen by several hundred meters and bright reversed‐polarity reflectors some of which are interpreted to be methane hydrate reflectors are common. Hydration, likely as serpentinization, of the upper mantle could explain both sets of observations: Serpentinization can result in a 30–50% volume expansion and methane is observed in vents driven by this process. Biogenic sources of methane are likely to be present and concentrated by currently active fluid flow in the faulted sediments.
Current and Future Disease Burden From Ambient Ozone Exposure in India
Authors: Conibear Luke , Butt Edward W. , Knote Christoph , Spracklen Dominick V. , Arnold Stephen R.
Published: October 2018

Long‐term ambient ozone (O3) exposure is a risk factor for human health. We estimate the source‐specific disease burden associated with long‐term O3 exposure in India at high spatial resolution using updated risk functions from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II. We estimate 374,000 (95UI: 140,000–554,000) annual premature mortalities using the updated risk function in India in 2015, 200% larger than estimates using the earlier American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II risk function. We find that land transport emissions dominate the source contribution to this disease burden (35%), followed by emissions from power generation (23%). With no change in emissions by 2050, we estimate 1,126,000 (95UI: 421,000–1,667,000) annual premature mortalities, an increase of 200% relative to 2015 due to population aging and growth increasing the number of people susceptible to air pollution. We find that the International Energy Agency New Policy Scenario provides small changes (+1%) to this increasing disease burden from the demographic transition. Under the International Energy Agency Clean Air Scenario we estimate 791,000 (95UI: 202,000–1,336,000) annual premature mortalities in 2050, avoiding 335,000 annual premature mortalities (45% of the increase) compared to the scenario of no emission change. Our study highlights that critical public health benefits are possible with stringent emission reductions, despite population growth and aging increasing the attributable disease burden from O3 exposure even under such strong emission reductions. The disease burden attributable to ambient fine particulate matter exposure dominates that from ambient O3 exposure in the present day, while in the future, they may be similar in magnitude.
The Longitudinal Variations of Upper Thermospheric Zonal Winds Observed by the CHAMP Satellite at Low and Midlatitudes
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Wenbin , Wang Hui , Dang Tong , Liu Jing , Wu Qian
Published: October 2018

In this work, we investigate the longitudinal patterns of thermospheric zonal winds (~400 km) and their seasonal and solar activity dependence using CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload cross‐track wind data and Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) simulations. CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload data show that there are large longitudinal variations in thermospheric zonal winds. These longitudinal variations do not have significant solar activity dependence. In the northern hemisphere at low and middle latitudes, the daytime zonal winds are more westward between −90° and 90° longitudes and more eastward at other longitudes. The nighttime zonal wind direction with pattern is opposite to that in the daytime. In the southern hemisphere at low and middle latitudes, the local time variation of the longitudinal wind structure, including positive and negative peak locations, is almost the reverse of that in the northern hemisphere. Thus, the zonal wind patterns also show great hemispheric asymmetry. In addition, the longitudinal patterns of zonal winds in both hemispheres show seasonal variations. The longitudinal patterns during the June solstice are significantly different from those in other seasons. These observational results are well reproduced in TIEGCM simulations. To elucidate the physical processes responsible for the observed and simulated longitudinal patterns of the zonal winds, the TIEGCM is also run for different geomagnetic field configurations. A comparison between the TIEGCM results shows that geomagnetic field structure is the main cause of the large longitudinal variations of thermospheric zonal winds and their local time, hemispheric asymmetry, and seasonal changes at low and middle latitudes.
Viscous Accretionary Prisms: Viscoelastic Relaxation of the Makran Accretionary Prism Following the 2013 Baluchistan, Pakistan Earthquake
Authors: Peterson Katherine E. , Barnhart William D. , Li Shaoyang
Published: October 2018

Geodetic observations of postseismic transients following earthquakes commonly help to inform the rheology of the lower crust and mantle, frictional properties of faults, and the kinematics of deformation across the earthquake cycle. Here we use interferometric synthetic aperture radar time series observations of postseismic deformation following the 2013 Mw 7.7 Baluchistan, Pakistan earthquake to investigate the viscoelastic rheology of the Makran accretionary prism. Using observations that began 15 months after the earthquake and a suite of potential fault geometries, we show that the ongoing deformation transient in the vicinity of the earthquake cannot be explained by afterslip alone. Instead, the gross spatial and temporal characteristics of the transient can be explained by viscoelastic relaxation of a shallow (>6 km) weak zone bounded by the Baluchistan earthquake and the underthrusting Arabian oceanic plate. Our first‐order results show that the viscoelastic lower accretionary prism has a thickness of 8–12 km and exhibits power law (n = 3.5) behavior with viscosities of 1017–1018 Pa·s. These estimated viscosities may be higher if afterslip occurred during the initial period of postseismic deformation not constrained by our observations. The power law rheology suggests that creep processes common at lower crustal and mantle temperatures may be active at comparatively lower temperatures in the Makran. We hypothesize that the weak nature of the Makran accretionary prism is driven by high pore fluid pressures introduced by underplated sediments and/or hydrocarbon development, and we show a mechanically weak accretionary prism may lead to overestimates of plate coupling when linear elasticity is assumed.
Toward a Broadband Parameterization Scheme for Estimating Surface Solar Irradiance: Development and Preliminary Results on MODIS Products
Authors: Huang Guanghui , Liang Shunlin , Lu Ning , Ma Mingguo , Wang Dongdong
Published: October 2018

A broadband parameterization scheme for estimating surface solar irradiance (SSI, ~ 0.3–4.0 μm) is developed based on extensive radiative transfer simulations on a diversity of atmospheric conditions. In the new scheme, the accumulated SSI arriving at the surface is considered as a whole, but the different radiative attenuations, such as the ozone absorption, permanent gas absorption, water vapor absorption, Rayleigh scattering, aerosol absorption and scattering, and cloud absorption and scattering, are accounted for separately. In particular, for the cloud radiative attenuations, the single scattering and multiple scattering of clouds are parameterized respectively to improve the accuracy. Compared with the complicated spectral radiative transfer model of LibRadtran (Emde et al., 2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd‐9‐1647‐2016), more than 90% of the SSI discrepancies are within ±5%, which means in theory the new parameterization scheme is very accurate. When the broadband parameterization scheme is practically applied to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products, the validation results indicate that the high‐quality instantaneous SSI can be thus acquired. At eight sites over China, R2 ranges from 0.86 to 0.96 and all RMSEs lie within 100 W/m2, while at seven sites over the United States, R2 fluctuates within the range of 0.82–0.94 and the RMSEs at most sites are <90 W/m2, with the exception of Table Mountain. The performance of the new parameterization scheme is comparable to those of more complicated methods such as the look‐up‐table methods and the δ‐two‐stream approximation methods. But it is more attractive due to its simplicity and efficiency.
Down-regulation of HPGD by miR-146b-3p promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth through activation of STAT3 and AKT pathways
Authors: Yao Shuihong , Xu Jingyun , Zhao Kaixuan , Song Pengxia , Yan Qin , Fan Weifei , Li Wan , Lu Chun
Published: October 2018

While the application of early screening and HPV vaccines has reduced the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer, it remains the third most common carcinoma and fourth leading cause of cancer-associated death among women worldwide. The precise mechanisms underlying progression of cervical cancer are not fully understood at present. Here, we detected significant down-regulation of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) in cervical cancer tissues. Overexpression of HPGD inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth to a significant extent. To clarify the mechanisms underlying HPGD down-regulation in cervical cancer, miRNA microarray, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analyses were performed. HPGD was identified as a direct target of miR-146b-3p displaying up-regulation in cervical cancer tissues. Similar to the effects of HPGD overexpression, down-regulation of miR-146b-3p strongly suppressed proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth of cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, HPGD negatively regulated activities of STAT3 and AKT that promote cervical cancer cell proliferation. Notably, HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 were determined as potential contributory factors to these alterations. Our results collectively suggest that the HPGD/miR-146b-3p axis plays a significant role in cervical cancer and may serve as a potentially effective therapeutic target.
Carbon monoxide-induced TFEB nuclear translocation enhances mitophagy/mitochondrial biogenesis in hepatocytes and ameliorates inflammatory liver injury
Authors: Kim Hyo Jeong , Joe Yeonsoo , Rah So-Young , Kim Seul-Ki , Park Se-Ung , Park Jeongmin , Kim Jin , Ryu Jinhyun , Cho Gyeong Jae , Surh Young-Joon , Ryter Stefan W. , Kim Uh-Hyun , Chung Hun Taeg
Published: October 2018

Carbon monoxide (CO) can confer protection against cellular stress, whereas the potential involvement of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis remains incompletely understood. We demonstrate here that the activation of protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) with CO increased the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB). PERK activation by CO increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the phosphatase activity of calcineurin against TFEB. Moreover, we found that in the deficiency of TFEB, CO not only failed to recruit Parkin to the mitochondria but also failed to increase expression of lysosomal genes such as Lamp1, CathB, and TPP1. Therefore, we suggest that CO increases mitophagy through TFEB nuclear translocation by PERK-calcinuerin activation. In addition, the inhibition of TFEB with siRNA against TFEB abrogated the increase of mtDNA with CO, markers of mitochondrial biogenesis such as PGC1α, NRF1, and TFAM, and the mitochondrial proteins COX II, COX IV, and cytochrome c. To investigate the effects of CO on mitochondrial homeostasis in vivo, mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/d-galactosamine (D-GalN). CO inhalation reduced liver injury after challenge with LPS/GalN. Furthermore, CO inhalation increased TFEB activation, mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in mice treated with LPS/GalN. Our findings describe novel mechanisms underlying CO-dependent cytoprotection in hepatocytes and liver tissue via activation of TFEB-dependent mitophagy and associated induction of both lysosomal and mitochondrial biogenesis.