bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsurface Structural Mapping using EIGEN6C4 Data over Bundelkhand Craton and Surroundings: An Appraisal on Kimberlite/lamproite Emplacement
Authors: Pal Sanjit Kumar , Kumar Sarvesh
Published: August 2019

The Bundelkhand craton is surrounded by different mobile belts. The central Indian tectonic zone (CITZ) in the southern part is one of the prominent tectonic zones. CITZ is an important structural controlling factor for the Majhgawan and Hinota Kimberlite pipes. Several dyke swarms and quartz vein fractures are resulted due to volcanic and tectonic activity in the present study area. The objective of the present study is to delineate the subsurface lineaments using different edge enhancement techniques for mineral exploration in the future. Initially, First vertical derivative (FVD), total horizontal derivative (THD), tilt derivative (TDR) and theta (THETA) map have been applied to EIGEN6C4 Bouguer anomaly data. Composite lineament density map has been generated using all enhanced maps to analyze the effect of length of lineaments in the unit area. Upward continuation maps for different height have been generated to distinguish the shallower and deeper body effects. Further, Euler 3D deconvolution technique has been applied to Bouguer anomaly data to calculate the possible depth of associated lineaments. A comparative analysis of upward continuation depth and Euler’s depth has been carried out zone wise.
Comparative Evaluation of Active Tectonics in Parts of the Frontal Region of NW Himalaya, India by Geomorphic Analysis and Geophysical Investigation
Authors: Nath Somalin , Chatterjee R.S. , Mohanty S.P. , Gaurav Shashi
Published: August 2019

The Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) is the southern-most boundary of Himalayan mountain belt. It represents a zone of active deformation between the sub-Himalaya and Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain. Morphometric analysis of five sixth order drainage basins along the HFT has been carried out for evaluating relative tectonic activity of the region. Based on the combination of various geomorphic indices such as drainage basin spatial asymmetry, drainage gradient, drainage cross profile and mountain front sinuosity indices, the relative tectonic activity in and around the test site drainage basins was evaluated. Where all the indices are not in agreement, the relative importance of the geomorphic indices was considered to evaluate relative tectonic activity which was then compared with the abundance of drainage anomalies and previously reported active tectonic features (including active faults and fractures). Finally, the results were corroborated with the spatial frequency distribution pattern of previous seismicity (> 2.5 Mw). Geophysical investigation by multi-frequency, bi-static ground penetrating radar (GPR), conducted at selective locations in the piedmont-alluvial region of Solani and Markanda drainage basins, supports active deformation of sub-surface sediment layers. Well-defined offset and warping of near-surface sediment layers indicating the presence of active fault and deformation of sediment layers were observed in 40 MHz and 100 MHz radargrams near Biharigarh and Mujahidpur villages in Solani drainage basin (Uttarakhand and U.P.) and near Toka village in Markanda drainage basin (H.P.).
Integrated Management of Upper Errakalava and Gunderu Watersheds, Upland Area of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh — RS and GIS Approach
Authors: Rambabu T. , Raghuram P. , Pitchaiah P. Sankara , Raju P.A. R. K.
Published: August 2019

The upland of West Godavari district experiences a relatively high rainfall with increasing trends towards north. The northeastern part of the study area is hilly terrain that mostly covered by forest. This area acts as a good recharge and run-off zone for the low-lying upland area. The central and southern parts of the area occupied by highly porous and permeable sandstone and alluvium forms good repositories of groundwater. Groundwater remains the principal source of irrigation and drinking. Major portion of this area is a flat to gently undulating terrain with clayey and fine loamy soils, facilitating intensive agricultural activities. Thus, the area under study forms an excellent natural geo-environment for human habitat. The present integrated watershed analysis, remote sensing coupled with GIS, is aimed at generating sustainable developmental measures of land and water resources on watershed basis in the area. For that, various thematic layers viz. settlements and transportation, slope and digital elevation model, lithology and structure, drainage and surface water resources, land use land cover, geomorphology and ground water prospects etc. were generated. Overlay of these resource maps further helped in the development of mitigation / treatment strategies in suggesting water harvesting structures. This approach enables the watershed users to take necessary actions to implement such measures for the sustainability of both land and water resources in the entire district. The integrated watershed analysis is aimed at generating sustainable developmental measures of land and water resources on watershed basis in the area. However, the underlying concept of present study is the sustenance of geo-environment.\
Identification of prognostic factors to predict cognitive decline of patients with early Alzheimer's disease in the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study
Authors: Yagi Takuya , Kanekiyo Michio , Ito Junichi , Ihara Ryoko , Suzuki Kazushi , Iwata Atsushi , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Aoshima Ken ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the factors including neuropsychological test performances and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers which can predict disease progression of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a Japanese population.

Methods

The group classification on early AD population in both Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (J‐ADNI) and North American ADNI (NA‐ADNI) was performed using the inclusion criteria including brain amyloid positivity on positron emission tomography or CSF. Participants with early AD from each cohort were stratified into two groups based on a cutoff 1.0 of Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) change at month 24 (m24): participants in “progress group” have CDR‐SB change ≥ 1.0 and participants in “stable group” have CDR‐SB change < 1.0. Then, we performed identification of prognostic factors from baseline items including neuropsychological scores (Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale[ADAS‐cog 13], Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), CDR, FAQ, and Geriatric Depression Scale), CSF markers (t‐tau, p‐tau, and beta‐amyloid 1‐42), vital signs (body weight, pulse rate, etc.,), by using two statistical approaches, Welch's t‐test and simple linear regression by ordinary least squares. Comparisons between participants with J‐ADNI and participants with NA‐ADNI were also performed.

Results

Trends of CDR‐SB changes were very similar between J‐ADNI and NA‐ADNI early AD population enrolled in this study. Baseline levels of CSF t‐tau, p‐tau, Mini‐Mental State Examination, FAQ, and ADAS‐cog13 were identified as prognostic factors in both J‐ADNI and NA‐ADNI. Based on a detailed subscale analysis on ADAS‐cog13, four subscales (Q1: word recall, Q3: construction, Q4: delayed word recall, and Q8: word recognition) were identified as prognostic factors in both J‐ADNI and NA‐ADNI.

Discussion

Characterizing population with early AD can provide benefits for promoting efficiency in conducting AD clinical trials for disease‐modifying treatments. Thus, implementing these prognostic factors into clinical trials may be potentially a good method to enrich participants with early AD who are suitable for evaluating treatment effects.
Multi-objective optimisation of semi-closed cycle engines for high-altitude UAV propulsion
Authors: Tacconi J. , Visser W. P. J. , Verstraete D.
Published: August 2019

The maximum attainable performance of small gas turbines represents a strong limitation to the operating altitude and endurance of high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Significant improvement of the cycle thermal efficiency can be achieved through the introduction of heat exchangers, with the consequent increase of the overall engine weight. Since semi-closed cycle engines can achieve a superior degree of compactness compared to their open cycle counterparts, their use can offset the additional weight of the heat exchangers. This paper applies semi-closed cycles to a high-altitude UAV propulsion system, with the objective of assessing the benefits introduced on the engine performance and weight. A detailed model has been created to account for component performance and size variation as function of thermodynamic parameters. The sizing has been coupled with a multi-objective optimisation algorithm for minimum specific fuel consumption and weight. Results of two different semi-closed cycle configurations are compared with equivalent state-of-the-art open cycles, represented by a recuperated and an intercooled-recuperated engine. The results show that, for a fixed design power output, engine weight is approximately halved compared to state-of-the-art open cycles, with slightly improved specific fuel consumption performance. Optimum semi-closed cycles furthermore operate at higher overall pressure ratios than open cycles and make use of recuperators with higher effectiveness as the mass penalty of the recuperator is smaller due to the lower engine mass flow rates.
First passage problems for upwards skip-free random walks via the scale functions paradigm
Authors: Avram Florin , Vidmar Matija
Published: August 2019

In this paper we develop the theory of theWandZscale functions for right-continuous (upwards skip-free) discrete-time, discrete-space random walks, along the lines of the analogous theory for spectrally negative Lévy processes. Notably, we introduce for the first time in this context the one- and two-parameter scale functionsZ, which appear for example in the joint deficit at ruin and time of ruin problems of actuarial science. Comparisons are made between the various theories of scale functions as one makes time and/or space continuous.
Reliability analysis of k-out-of-n systems based on a grouping of components
Authors: Ding Weiyong , Fang Rui , Zhao Peng
Published: August 2019

In this paper we treat a two-stage grouping procedure of building a k-out-of-n system from several clusters of components. We use a static framework in which the component reliabilities are fixed. Under such a framework, we address the impact of the selecting strategies, the sampling probabilities, and the component reliabilities on the constructed system’s reliability. An interesting finding is that the level of component reliabilities could be identified as a decisive factor in determining how the selecting strategies and the component reliabilities affect the system reliability. The new results generalize and extend those established earlier in the literature such as Di Crescenzo and Pellerey (2011), Hazra and Nanda (2014), Navarro, Pellerey, and Di Crescenzo (2015), and Hazra, Finkelstein, and Cha (2017). Several Monte Carlo simulation experiments are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Chinese ‘Case Law’ in Comparative Law Studies: Illusions and Complexities
Authors: LIU Qiao
Published: August 2019

Chinese court cases have attained increasing importance in recent studies of Chinese law, but remain insufficiently understood. In this article, I demonstrate why Chinese court cases should be given more weighty consideration in comparative studies involving Chinese law as a comparator, and how such cases, particularly ‘Guiding Cases’ and ‘Gazette Cases’ (which are published in the official Gazette of the Supreme People's Court), should be properly dealt with and assessed in view of the complexity of the court case system in China.
Evaluation of a co-facilitated information and learning programme for service users: the EOLAS programme
Authors: Higgins A. , Downes C. , Monahan M. , Hevey D. , Boyd F. , Cusack N. , Gibbons P.
Published: August 2019

Background:

The co-production and co-facilitation of recovery-focused education programmes is one way in which service users may be meaningfully involved as partners.

Objectives:

To evaluate the impact of a clinician and peer co-facilitated information programme on service users’ knowledge, confidence, recovery attitudes, advocacy and hope, and to explore their experience of the programme.

Methods:

A sequential design was used involving a pre–post survey to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, advocacy, recovery attitudes and hope following programme participation. In addition, semi-structured interviews with programme participants were completed. Fifty-three participants completed both pre- and post-surveys and twelve individuals consented to interviews.

Results:

The results demonstrated statistically significant changes in service users’ knowledge about mental health issues, confidence and advocacy. These improvements were reflected in the themes which emerged from the interviews with participants (n = 12), who reported enhanced knowledge and awareness of distress and wellness, and a greater sense of hope. In addition, the peer influence helped to normalise experiences for participants, while the dual facilitation engendered equality of participation and increased the opportunity for meaningful collaboration between service users and practitioners.

Conclusions:

The evaluation highlights the potential strengths of a service user and clinician co-facilitated education programme that acknowledges and respects the difference between the knowledge gained through self-experience and the knowledge gained through formal learning.
Motion of Newtonian drops deposited on liquid-impregnated surfaces induced by vertical vibrations
Authors: Sartori Paolo , Guglielmin Elia , Ferraro Davide , Filippi Daniele , Zaltron Annamaria , Pierno Matteo , Mistura Giampaolo
Published: August 2019

We have studied the motion of drops on inclined liquid-impregnated surfaces (LISs) subject to vertical vibrations. The liquid drops comprise distilled water and different aqueous solutions of glycerol of increasing viscosity. The use of weak pinning LISs strongly affects the dynamical phase diagram. First of all, there is no trace of the dominant static region at low oscillating amplitudes reported for oscillating solid surfaces characterized by contact angle hysteresis. On the contrary, at sufficiently low oscillating amplitudes, the drops always move downwards with a velocity that depends only on the drop viscosity. Further increasing the oscillating amplitude may drive the drop upwards against gravity, as reported for dry surfaces. The use of more viscous drops widens this climbing region. Arguably, the main novelty of this work concerns the observation of two distinct descending regimes where the downhill speed differs by a factor of five or more. Fast-rate videos show that the evolution of the drop profile is diverse in the two regimes, likely because the vertical oscillations reduce the effect of the oil meniscus surrounding the drop at high accelerations.
SOSITHEUS AND HIS ‘NEW’ SATYR PLAY
Authors: Nervegna Sebastiana
Published: August 2019

Active in Alexandria during the second half of the third century, Dioscorides is the author of some forty epigrams preserved in theAnthologia Palatina. Five of these epigrams are concerned with Greek playwrights: three dramatists of the archaic and classical periods, Thespis, Aeschylus and Sophocles, and two contemporary ones, Sositheus and Machon. Dioscorides conceived four epigrams as two pairs (Thespis and Aeschylus, Sophocles and Sositheus) clearly marked by verbal connections, and celebrates each playwright for his original contribution to the history of Greek drama. Thespis boasts to have discovered tragedy; Aeschylus to have elevated it. The twin epigrams devoted to Sophocles and Sositheus present Sophocles as refining the satyrs and Sositheus as making them, once again, primitive. Finally, Machon is singled out for his comedies as ‘worthy remnants of ancient art (τέχνης … ἀρχαίης)’. Dioscorides’ miniature history of Greek drama, which is interesting both for its debts to the ancient tradition surrounding classical playwrights and for the light it sheds on contemporary drama, clearly smacks of archaizing sympathies. They drive Dioscorides’ selection of authors and his treatment of contemporary dramatists: both Sositheus and Machon are praised for consciously looking back to the masters of the past. My focus is on Sositheus and his ‘new’ satyr-play. After discussing the relationship that Dioscorides establishes between Sophocles’ and Sositheus’ satyrs, and reviewing scholarly interpretations of Sositheus’ innovations, I will argue that Dioscorides speaks the language of New Music. His epigram celebrates Sositheus as rejecting New Music and its trends, and as composing satyr plays that were musically old fashioned and therefore reactionary.
The dynamic relationship between pain, depression and cognitive function in a sample of newly diagnosed arthritic adults: a cross-lagged panel model
Authors: James Richard J. E. , Ferguson Eamonn
Published: August 2019

Background

Pain and depression are common in the population and co-morbid with each other. Both are predictive of one another and are also associated with cognitive function; people who are in greater pain and more depressed respectively perform less well on tests of cognitive function. It has been argued that pain might cause deterioration in cognitive function, whereas better cognitive function earlier in life might be a protective factor against the emergence of disease. When looking at the dynamic relationship between these in chronic diseases, studying samples that already have advanced disease progression often confounds this relationship.

Methods

Using data from waves 1 to 3 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) (n = 516), we examined the interplay between pain, cognitive function and depression in a subsample of respondents reporting a diagnosis of arthritis at wave 2 of the ELSA using cross-lagged panel models.

Results

The models showed that pain, cognitive function and depression at wave 1, prior to diagnosis, predict pain at wave 2, and that pain at wave 1 predicts depression at wave 2. Pain and depression at wave 2 predict cognitive function at wave 3.

Conclusions

The results indicate that better cognitive function might be protective against the emergence of pain prior to an arthritis diagnosis, but cognitive function is subsequently impaired by pain and depression. Furthermore, higher depression predicts lower cognitive function, but not vice versa. This is discussed in the context of the emerging importance of inflammation in depression.
Brains of a feather flocking together? Peer and individual neurobehavioral risks for substance use across adolescence
Authors: Kim-Spoon Jungmeen , Deater-Deckard Kirby , Brieant Alexis , Lauharatanahirun Nina , Lee Jacob , King-Casas Brooks
Published: August 2019

Adolescence is a period of heightened susceptibility to peer influences, and deviant peer affiliation has well-established implications for the development of psychopathology. However, little is known about the role of brain functions in pathways connecting peer contexts and health risk behaviors. We tested developmental cascade models to evaluate contributions of adolescent risk taking, peer influences, and neurobehavioral variables of risk processing and cognitive control to substance use among 167 adolescents who were assessed annually for four years. Risk taking at Time 1 was related to substance use at Time 4 indirectly through peer substance use at Time 2 and insular activation during risk processing at Time 3. Furthermore, neural cognitive control moderated these effects. Greater insular activation during risk processing was related to higher substance use for those with greater medial prefrontal cortex activation during cognitive control, but it was related to lower substance use among those with lower medial prefrontal cortex activation during cognitive control. Neural processes related to risk processing and cognitive control play a crucial role in the processes linking risk taking, peer substance use, and adolescents’ own substance use.
Triage in Complex, Coordinated Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Pepper Matt , Archer Frank , Moloney John
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Terror attacks have increased in frequency, and tactics utilized have evolved. This creates significant challenges for first responders providing life-saving medical care in their immediate aftermath. The use of coordinated and multi-site attack modalities exacerbates these challenges. The use of triage is not well-validated in mass-casualty settings, and in the setting of intentional mass violence, new and innovative approaches are needed.

Methods:

Literature sourced from gray and peer-reviewed sources was used to perform a comparative analysis on the application of triage during the 2011 Oslo/Utoya Island (Norway), 2015 Paris (France), and 2015 San Bernardino (California USA) terrorist attacks. A thematic narrative identifies strengths and weaknesses of current triage systems in the setting of complex, coordinated terrorist attacks (CCTAs).

Discussion:

Triage systems were either not utilized, not available, or adapted and improvised to the tactical setting. The complexity of working with large numbers of patients, sensory deprived environments, high physiological stress, and dynamic threat profiles created significant barriers to the implementation of triage systems designed around flow charts, physiological variables, and the use of tags. Issues were identified around patient movement and “tactical triage.”

Conclusion:

Current triage tools are inadequate for use in insecure environments, such as the response to CCTAs. Further research and validation are required for novel approaches that simplify tactical triage and support its effective application. Simple solutions exist in tactical triage, patient movement, and tag use, and should be considered as part of an overall triage system.
The accuracy of measures in screening adults for spiritual suffering in health care settings: A systematic review
Authors: Bahraini Sayna , Gifford Wendy , Graham Ian D. , Wazni Liquaa , Brémault-Phillips Suzette , Hackbusch Rebekah , Demers Catrine , Egan Mary
Published: August 2019

Objective

Guidelines for palliative and spiritual care emphasize the importance of screening patients for spiritual suffering. The aim of this review was to synthesize the research evidence of the accuracy of measures used to screen adults for spiritual suffering.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature. We searched five scientific databases to identify relevant articles. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted data, and assessed study methodological quality.

Results

We identified five articles that yielded information on 24 spiritual screening measures. Among all identified measures, the two-item Meaning/Joy & Self-Described Struggle has the highest sensitivity (82–87%), and the revised Rush protocol had the highest specificity (81–90%). The methodological quality of all included studies was low.

Significance of Results

While most of the identified spiritual screening measures are brief (comprised 1 to 12 items), few had sufficient accuracy to effectively screen patients for spiritual suffering. We advise clinicians to use their critical appraisal skills and clinical judgment when selecting and using any of the identified measures to screen for spiritual suffering.
Burning postharvest sugarcane residue for control of surface-deposited divine nightshade (Solanum nigrescens) and itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) seed
Authors: Spaunhorst Douglas J. , Orgeron Albert J. , White Paul M.
Published: August 2019

Burning postharvest sugarcane residue is a standard practice to remove extraneous leaf material before spring regrowth. Live-fires were simulated from field-collected postharvest sugarcane residue and seeds of divine nightshade and itchgrass were exposed to dry and moistened postharvest residue (PHR) at four densities (6.1, 12.1, 18.2, and 24.2 Mg ha−1) and a nonburned control. The moisture content of residue exposed to simulated rainfall was 14% more in Experiment 2 than Experiment 1; however, burning PHR with 44% moisture when wind speeds were lower allowed the fire to continue and created a smoldering effect that reduced weed emergence by 23% when compared with burning PHR with 30% moisture during breezy conditions. The moistened 6.1 Mg ha−1 PHR treatment resulted in 53% more divine nightshade and itchgrass emergence when compared with dry 6.1 Mg ha−1 PHR after burning, and greater emergence was attributed to more seed survival for divine nightshade than itchgrass. The PHR moisture condition failed to influence the burn duration; however, the burn duration increased 103% and 56% as the amount of PHR increased from 6.1 to 12.1 Mg ha−1 and 12.1 to 18.2 Mg ha−1, respectively. The combination of high wind speeds and moistened PHR did not enhance the maximum burn temperature near the soil surface, but surface-deposited divine nightshade and itchgrass seeds were susceptible to prolonged exposure times at 100 C. Burning PHR from fields with poor stands or older ratoon, especially when PHR is abundantly wet, will not produce temperatures lethal to divine nightshade and itchgrass seeds. The fluid-filled and fleshy content that comprises divine nightshade fruit protected seed from short durations of high temperatures, but may not insulate seeds long enough when exposed to a smoldering fire.
Parametric Sensitivity of Vegetation Dynamics in the TRIFFID Model and the Associated Uncertainty in Projected Climate Change Impacts on Western U.S. Forests
Authors: Hawkins Linnia R. , Rupp David E. , McNeall Doug J. , Li Sihan , Betts Richard A. , Mote Philip W. , Sparrow Sarah N. , Wallom David C. H.
Published: August 2019

Changing climate conditions impact ecosystem dynamics and have local to global impacts on water and carbon cycles. Many processes in dynamic vegetation models (DVMs) are parameterized, and the unknown/unknowable parameter values introduce uncertainty that has rarely been quantified in projections of forced changes. In this study, we identify processes and parameters that introduce the largest uncertainties in the vegetation state simulated by the DVM Top‐down Representation of Interactive Foliage and Flora Including Dynamics (TRIFFID) coupled to a regional climate model. We adjust parameters simultaneously in an ensemble of equilibrium vegetation simulations and use statistical emulation to explore sensitivities to, and interactions among, parameters. We find that vegetation distribution is most sensitive to parameters related to carbon allocation and competition. Using a suite of statistical emulators, we identify regions of parameter space that reduce the error in modeled forest cover by 31±9%. We then generate large initial atmospheric condition ensembles with 10 improved DVM parameterizations under preindustrial, contemporary, and future climate conditions to assess uncertainty in the forced response due to parameterization. We find that while most parameterizations agree on the direction of future vegetation transitions in the western United States, the magnitude varies considerably: for example, in the northwest coast the expansion of broadleaf trees and corresponding decline of needleleaf trees ranges from 4 to 28% across 10 DVM parameterizations under projected future climate conditions. We demonstrate that model parameterization contributes to uncertainty in vegetation transition and carbon cycle feedback under nonstationary climate conditions, which has important implications for carbon stocks, ecosystem services, and climate feedback.
New Tool Reveals That Soils Are Teeming with Active Microbes
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: August 2019

BONCAT, a new type of amino acid tagging, highlights and categorizes active soil microbes in situ.
Changes in HCFC Emissions in China During 2011–2017
Authors: Fang X. , Yao B. , Vollmer M. K. , Reimann S. , Liu L. , Chen L. , Prinn R. G. , Hu J.
Published: August 2019

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the main substitutes of chlorofluorocarbons, are regulated by the Montreal Protocol. Chinese HCFC emissions increased fast from the beginning of this century. However, limit reports based on atmospheric measurement are available for years after 2011, an important period when significant changes are expected. Combining atmospheric observations at seven sites across China with a FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model‐based Bayesian inversion technique, we estimate emission magnitudes and changes of four major HCFCs in China during 2011–2017. The emissions of all four HCFCs reached peaks before 2015. Our results agreed well with the reported bottom‐up inventories. The Chinese ozone depletion potential (ODP)‐weighted emission of the three most abundant HCFCs accounted for 37% of global totals from 2011 to 2016. The total emission of HCFC‐22 from China, the European Union, and the United States accounted approximately a half of the global totals, suggesting large HCFC emission emitted from the rest of the world.
Effect of Rapid Changes of Solar Wind Conditions on the Pickup Ion Velocity Distribution
Authors: Bower J. S. , Moebius E. , Berger L. , Farrugia C. , Keilbach D. , Lee M. A. , Quinn P. R. , Schwadron N. , Taut A.
Published: August 2019

We performed the first systematic analysis of pickup ion (PUI) cutoff speed variations, across compression regions and due to fast fluctuations in solar wind (SW) speed and magnetic field strength. This study is motivated by the need to remove or correct for systematic effects on the determination of the interstellar flow longitude based on the longitudinal variation of the PUI cutoff. Using 2007–2014 STEREO A PLASTIC observations, we identified SW compression regions and accumulated the contained PUI velocity distributions in a superposed epoch analysis. The shift of the cutoff in velocity, interpreted as PUI energization, varies systematically across the compression region and increases approximately linearly with the speed gradient of the compression. Additionally, the shift remains positive into the negative speed gradient at the beginning of the rarefaction region. A similar response is found when PUI distributions are sorted according to the strength of fast fluctuations in SW speed, density, and magnetic field strength. These parameters remain high in the first part of the rarefaction region, suggesting a possible PUI energization through compressive turbulence. Based on these results, we removed the strongest compression regions from the interstellar flow analysis, finding no significant change in direction or uncertainty. Thus, we have revealed the influence of adiabatic compression and compressive turbulence, increasing the PUI cutoff energy, and we have demonstrated that the determination of the interstellar inflow direction via analysis of PUI distributions is robust for a multiyear data set, even in the presence of SW interaction regions.
Linear Relationship Between Aftershock Productivity and Seismic Coupling in the Northern Chile Subduction Zone
Authors: Hainzl S. , Sippl C. , Schurr B.
Published: August 2019

The aftershock productivity is known to strongly vary for different mainshocks of the same magnitude, which cannot be simply explained by random fluctuations. In addition to variable source mechanisms, different rheological properties might be responsible for the observed variations. Here we show, for the subduction zone of northern Chile, that the aftershock productivity is linearly related to the degree of mechanical coupling along the subduction interface. Using the earthquake catalog of Sippl et al. (2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB015384), which consists of more than 100,000 events between 2007 and 2014, and three different coupling maps inferred from interseismic geodetic deformation data, we show that the observed aftershock numbers are significantly lower than expected from the Båth's law. Furthermore, the productivity decays systematically with depth in the uppermost 80 km, while the b value increases. We show that this lack of aftershocks and the observed depth dependence can be simply explained by a linear relationship between the productivity and the coupling coefficient, leading to Båth law only in the case of full coupling. Our results indicate that coupling maps might be useful to forecast aftershock productivity and vice versa.
Estimation Algorithm of Incident Sources' Stokes Parameters and 2‐D DOAs Based on Reduced Mutual Coupling Vector Sensor
Authors: Tao Jianwu , Yang Cheng‐zhi , Xu Cheng‐wei
Published: August 2019

To estimate Stokes parameters and two‐dimensional (2‐D) direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) of incident sources, a computational efficient algorithm is proposed based on reduced mutual coupling vector sensor. The biquaternion‐based output model of reduced mutual coupling vector sensor is presented. The contribution in this paper is mainly on the estimation of Stokes parameters. By exploiting the information in both the covariance matrix and the pseudo‐covariance matrix of the biquaternion‐based sensor's output, the Stokes parameters and 2‐D DOAs of partially polarized source can be extracted in closed form. Comparing with the Jone's formulation, the Stokes' formulation can characterize both completely polarized waves and partially polarized waves. Thus, the proposed algorithm is also applicable to completely polarized source. Because the proposed algorithm presents in closed form and does not require the search or iterative process, it is computationally more efficient. Simulations are used to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Autophagy inhibition-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition augments local myofibroblast differentiation in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hill Charlotte , Li Juanjuan , Liu Dian , Conforti Franco , Brereton Christopher J. , Yao Liudi , Zhou Yilu , Alzetani Aiman , Chee Serena J. , Marshall Ben G. , Fletcher Sophie V. , Hancock David , Ottensmeier Christian H. , Steele Andrew J. , Downward Julian , Richeldi Luca , Lu Xin , Davies Donna E. , Jones Mark G. , Wang Yihua
Published: August 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the prototypic progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease, is thought to be a consequence of repetitive micro-injuries to an ageing, susceptible alveolar epithelium. Ageing is a risk factor for IPF and incidence has been demonstrated to increase with age. Decreased (macro)autophagy with age has been reported extensively in a variety of systems and diseases, including IPF. However, it is undetermined whether the role of faulty autophagy is causal or coincidental in the context of IPF. Here, we report that in alveolar epithelial cells inhibition of autophagy promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process implicated in embryonic development, wound healing, cancer metastasis and fibrosis. We further demonstrate that this is attained, at least in part, by increased p62/SQSTM1 expression that promotes p65/RELA mediated-transactivation of an EMT transcription factor, Snail2 (SNAI2), which not only controls EMT but also regulates the production of locally acting profibrogenic mediators. Our data suggest that reduced autophagy induces EMT of alveolar epithelial cells and can contribute to fibrosis via aberrant epithelial–fibroblast crosstalk.
Quantitative fermentation of unpretreated transgenic poplar by Caldicellulosiruptor bescii
Authors: Straub Christopher T. , Khatibi Piyum A. , Wang Jack P. , Conway Jonathan M. , Williams-Rhaesa Amanda M. , Peszlen Ilona M. , Chiang Vincent L. , Adams Michael W. W. , Kelly Robert M.
Published: August 2019

Microbial fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass to produce industrial chemicals is exacerbated by the recalcitrant network of lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses comprising the plant secondary cell wall. In this study, we show that transgenic poplar (Populus trichocarpa) lines can be solubilized without any pretreatment by the extreme thermophile Caldicellulosiruptor bescii that has been metabolically engineered to shift its fermentation products away from inhibitory organic acids to ethanol. Carbohydrate solubilization and conversion of unpretreated milled biomass is nearly 90% for two transgenic lines, compared to only 25% for wild-type poplar. Unexpectedly, unpretreated intact poplar stems achieved nearly 70% of the fermentation production observed with milled poplar as the substrate. The nearly quantitative microbial conversion of the carbohydrate content of unpretreated transgenic lignocellulosic biomass bodes well for full utilization of renewable biomass feedstocks.
Allele specific repair of splicing mutations in cystic fibrosis through AsCas12a genome editing
Authors: Maule Giulia , Casini Antonio , Montagna Claudia , Ramalho Anabela S. , De Boeck Kris , Debyser Zeger , Carlon Marianne S. , Petris Gianluca , Cereseto Anna
Published: August 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in theCFTR gene. The 3272–26A>G and 3849+10kbC>TCFTRmutations alter the correct splicing of theCFTRgene, generating new acceptor and donor splice sites respectively. Here we develop a genome editing approach to permanently correct these genetic defects, using a single crRNA and theAcidaminococcus sp. BV3L6, AsCas12a. This genetic repair strategy is highly precise, showing very strong discrimination between the wild-type and mutant sequence and a complete absence of detectable off-targets. The efficacy of this gene correction strategy is verified in intestinal organoids and airway epithelial cells derived from CF patients carrying the 3272–26A>G or 3849+10kbC>T mutations, showing efficient repair and complete functional recovery of the CFTR channel. These results demonstrate that allele-specific genome editing with AsCas12a can correct aberrantCFTRsplicing mutations, paving the way for a permanent splicing correction in genetic diseases.
Supramolecular trap for catching polyamines in cells as an anti-tumor strategy
Authors: Chen Junyi , Ni Hanzhi , Meng Zhao , Wang Jing , Huang Xiayang , Dong Yansheng , Sun Chao , Zhang Yadan , Cui Lei , Li Jian , Jia Xueshun , Meng Qingbin , Li Chunju
Published: August 2019

Polyamines are essential for the growth of eukaryotic cells and can be dysregulated in tumors. Here we describe a strategy to deplete polyamines through host–guest encapsulation using a peptide-pillar[5]arene conjugate (P1P5A, P1 = RGDSK(N3)EEEE) as a supramolecular trap. The RGD in the peptide sequence allows the molecule to bind to integrin αvβ3-overexpressing tumor cells. The negative charged glutamic acid residues enhance the inclusion affinities between the pillar[5]arene and cationic polyamines via electrostatic interactions and facilitate the solubility of the conjugate in aqueous media. The trap P1P5A efficiently encapsulates polyamines with association constants of 105–106 M−1. We show that P1P5A has a wide spectrum of antitumor activities, and induces apoptosis via affecting the polyamine biosynthetic pathway. Experiments in vivo show that P1P5A effectively inhibits the growth of breast adenocarcinoma xenografts in female nude mice. This work reveals an approach for suppressing tumor growth by using supramolecular macrocycles to trap polyamines in tumor cells.
Origin of nanoscale heterogeneity in the surface oxide film protecting stainless steel against corrosion
Authors: Ma Li , Wiame Frédéric , Maurice Vincent , Marcus Philippe
Published: August 2019

Stainless steels are widely used as metal components owing to self-protection in aggressive environments, provided by an extremely thin surface oxide film enriched in chromium oxide. Yet, despite decades of research, the mechanisms distributing the chromium enrichment at small length scale are poorly understood, although it may cause loss of stability and local failure of the corrosion resistance. Here, we apply high resolution surface analysis to investigate at small time and length scales the nucleation and growth mechanisms of the surface oxide on a model stainless steel. Starting from an oxide-free surface, we report the direct observation of the oxide nucleation and local oxidation of chromium, which governs the nanoscale heterogeneity of the growing surface oxide by chromium pumping from the atomic terraces to the steps for preferential Cr(III) oxide nucleation and subsequently by segregation from the atomic planes below to grow the Cr(III) layer incompletely saturating the stainless steel surface. This work provides new insight on corrosion chemistry, by evidencing local chemical and structural defects self-generated at the nanoscale by the building process of the protective oxide barrier, and affecting the passive film stability.
MRI of Whole Rat Brain Perivascular Network Reveals Role for Ventricles in Brain Waste Clearance
Authors: Magdoom Kulam Najmudeen , Brown Alec , Rey Julian , Mareci Thomas H. , King Michael A. , Sarntinoranont Malisa
Published: August 2019

Investigating the mechanisms by which metabolic wastes are cleared from nervous tissue is important for understanding natural function and the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. Recent evidence suggests clearance may be the function of annular spaces around cerebral blood vessels, called perivascular spaces (PVS), through which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is transported from the subarachnoid space into brain parenchyma to exchange with interstitial fluid (also known as the glymphatic system). In this work, an MRI-based methodology was developed to reconstruct the PVS network in whole rat brain to better elucidate both PVS uptake and clearance pathways. MR visible tracer (Gd-albumin) was infused in vivo into the CSF-filled lateral ventricle followed by ex vivo high-resolution MR imaging at 17.6 T with an image voxel volume two orders of magnitude smaller than previously reported. Imaged tracer distribution patterns were reconstructed to obtain a more complete brain PVS network. Several PVS connections were repeatedly highlighted across different animals, and new PVS connections between ventricles and different parts of the brain parenchyma were revealed suggesting a possible role for the ventricles as a source or sink for solutes in the brain. In the future, this methodology may be applied to understand changes in the PVS network with disease.
C mobilisation in disturbed tropical peat swamps: old DOC can fuel the fluvial efflux of old carbon dioxide, but site recovery can occur
Authors: Waldron Susan , Vihermaa Leena , Evers Stephanie , Garnett Mark H. , Newton Jason , Henderson Andrew C. G.
Published: August 2019

Southeast-Asian peat swamp forests have been significantly logged and converted to plantation. Recently, to mitigate land degradation and C losses, some areas have been left to regenerate. Understanding how such complex land use change affects greenhouse gas emissions is essential for modelling climate feedbacks and supporting land management decisions. We carried out field research in a Malaysian swamp forest and an oil palm plantation to understand how clear-felling, drainage, and illegal and authorized conversion to oil palm impacted the C cycle, and how the C cycle may change if such logging and conversion stopped. We found that both the swamp forest and the plantation emit centuries-old CO2 from their drainage systems in the managed areas, releasing sequestered C to the atmosphere. Oil palm plantations are an iconic symbol of tropical peatland degradation, but CO2 efflux from the recently-burnt, cleared swamp forest was as old as from the oil palm plantation. However, in the swamp forest site, where logging had ceased approximately 30 years ago, the age of the CO2 efflux was modern, indicating recovery of the system can occur. 14C dating of the C pool acted as a tracer of recovery as well as degradation and offers a new tool to assess efficacy of restoration management. Methane was present in many sites, and in higher concentrations in slow-flowing anoxic systems as degassing mechanisms are not strong. Methane loading in freshwaters is rarely considered, but this may be an important C pool in restored drainage channels and should be considered in C budgets and losses.
Association between dynamic resting-state functional connectivity and ketamine plasma levels in visual processing networks
Authors: Spies Marie , Klöbl Manfred , Höflich Anna , Hummer Allan , Vanicek Thomas , Michenthaler Paul , Kranz Georg S. , Hahn Andreas , Winkler Dietmar , Windischberger Christian , Kasper Siegfried , Lanzenberger Rupert
Published: August 2019

Numerous studies demonstrate ketamine’s influence on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC). Seed-based and static rsFC estimation methods may oversimplify FC. These limitations can be addressed with whole-brain, dynamic rsFC estimation methods. We assessed data from 27 healthy subjects who underwent two 3 T resting-state fMRI scans, once under subanesthetic, intravenous esketamine and once under placebo, in a randomized, cross-over manner. We aimed to isolate only highly robust effects of esketamine on dynamic rsFC by using eight complementary methodologies derived from two dynamic rsFC estimation methods, two functionally defined atlases and two statistical measures. All combinations revealed a negative influence of esketamine on dynamic rsFC within the left visual network and inter-hemispherically between visual networks (p < 0.05, corrected), hereby suggesting that esketamine’s influence on dynamic rsFC is highly stable in visual processing networks. Our findings may be reflective of ketamine’s role as a model for psychosis, a disorder associated with alterations to visual processing and impaired inter-hemispheric connectivity. Ketamine is a highly effective antidepressant and studies have shown changes to sensory processing in depression. Dynamic rsFC in sensory processing networks might be a promising target for future investigations of ketamine’s antidepressant properties. Mechanistically, sensitivity of visual networks for esketamine’s effects may result from their high expression of NMDA-receptors.
Plumbagin-induced oxidative stress leads to inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) in canine cancer cells
Authors: Alharbi Yousef , Kapur Arvinder , Felder Mildred , Barroilhet Lisa , Stein Timothy , Pattnaik Bikash R. , Patankar Manish S.
Published: August 2019

The Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) complex is the master regulator of membrane potential and a target for anti-cancer therapies. Here, we investigate the effect of drug-induced oxidative stress on NKA activity. The natural product, plumbagin increases oxygen radicals through inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. As a result, plumbagin treatment results in decreased production of ATP and a rapid increase in intracellular oxygen radicals. We show that plumbagin induces apoptosis in canine cancer cells via oxidative stress. We use this model to test the effect of oxidative stress on NKA activity. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology we demonstrate that short-term exposure (4 min) to plumbagin results in 48% decrease in outward current at +50 mV. Even when exogenous ATP was supplied to the cells, plumbagin treatment resulted in 46% inhibition of outward current through NKA at +50 mV. In contrast, when the canine cancer cells were pre-treated with the oxygen radical scavenger, N-acetylcysteine, the NKA inhibitory activity of plumbagin was abrogated. These experiments demonstrate that the oxidative stress-causing agents such as plumbagin and its analogues, are a novel avenue to regulate NKA activity in tumors.