bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desmin prevents muscle wasting, exaggerated weakness and fragility, and fatigue in dystrophic mdx mouse
Authors: Ferry Arnaud , Messéant Julien , Parlakian Ara , Lemaitre Mégane , Roy Pauline , Delacroix Clément , Lilienbaum Alain , Hovhannisyan Yeranuhi , Furling Denis , Klein Arnaud , Li Zhenlin , Agbulut Onnik
Published: June 2020

Key points

Desmin, similar to dystrophin, is associated with costameric structures bridging sarcomeres to the extracellular matrix.

Deletion of the desmin gene in mdx mice [double knockout (DKO) mice] induces marked muscle weakness and fatigue resistance compared to mdx mice.

Muscle fragility (higher susceptibility to contraction‐induced injury) was also aggravated in DKO mice compared to mdx mice.

By contrast to mdx mice, the DKO mice did not undergo muscle hypertrophy.

Desmin cDNA transfer with adeno‐associated virus in newborn mdx mice reduced muscle weakness.

Overall, desmin plays important and beneficial roles in muscle wasting, performance and fragility in dystrophic muscle.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disease caused by dystrophin deficiency. Desmin, similar to dystrophin, is associated with costameric structures bridging sarcomeres to the extracellular matrix that contributes to muscle function. In the present study, we attempted to provide further insight into the roles of desmin, for which the expression is increased in the muscle from the mouse mdx DMD model. We show that a deletion of the desmin gene (Des) in mdx mice [double knockout (DKO) mice, mdx:desmin–/–] induces a marked muscle weakness; namely, a reduced absolute maximal force production and increased fatigue compared to that in mdx mice. Fragility (i.e. higher susceptibility to contraction‐induced injury) was also aggravated in DKO mice compared to mdx mice, despite the promotion of supposedly less fragile muscle fibres in DKO mice, and this worsening of fragility was related to a decreased muscle excitability. Moreover, in contrast to mdx mice, the DKO mice did not undergo muscle hypertrophy, as indicated by smaller and fewer fibres, with a reduced percentage of centronucleated fibres, potentially explaining the severe muscle weakness. Notably, Desmin cDNA transfer with adeno‐associated virus in newborn mdx mice improved specific maximal force normalized to muscle weight. Overall, desmin plays important and beneficial roles in muscle wasting, performance and fragility in dystrophic mdx mice, which differ, at least in part, from those observed in healthy muscle.
El producto paneuropeo de pensiones individuales (PEPP) como una experiencia regulatoria interesante para Iberoamérica
Authors: Tapia Hermida Alberto J.
Published: June 2020

En este estudio se analiza el Reglamento (UE) 2019/1238 que establece el producto paneuropeo de pensiones individuales (PEPP) en tres apartados: En primer lugar, se exponen los aspectos generales referidos a su forma, su contenido y su aplicación temporal. En el segundo apartado, se examina la estructura del PEPP integrada por sus aspectos objetivos y por los sujetos que intervienen en su desarrollo. El tercer apartado se dedica a analizar el funcionamiento del PEPP desde dos puntos de vista: primero, según las actuaciones previstas (inscripción, distribución y supervisión); y, segundo, según las fases del desarrollo de estos PEPP que son dos: la primera fase es la de acumulación y en ella se regulan las normas de inversión para sus promotores, las opciones de inversión para sus ahorradores, la protección del inversor y el cambio de promotor de un PEPP. La segunda fase es la de disposición y en ella se regulan el principio general de aplicación de las condiciones nacionales, las formas de las prestaciones y la planificación de la jubilación y el asesoramiento en materia de prestaciones.
El seguro de responsabilidad civil y la jurisprudencia colombiana. Examen de los más recientes pronunciamientos de la corte suprema de justicia
Authors: Isaza Posse María Cristina
Published: June 2020

El tema se aborda de manera separada en cada uno de los distintos aspectos relacionados con el seguro de responsabilidad civil y la cobertura que se otorga mediante estos contratos de seguro.
¿Cuáles son las consecuencias en las primas (premio) de los contratos de seguro ante la disminución de ciertos riesgos amparados por el cumplimiento de las acciones decretadas para atender la emergencia sanitaria generada por el virus covid-19?
Authors: Rosales Orozco María Teresa , Durán Castellón Juan Pablo
Published: June 2020

Las consecuencias en las primas de los contratos de seguro ante la disminución de ciertos riesgos amparados por la suspensión obligatoria de actividades decretadas no esenciales o por el resguardo domiciliario estricto indicado a determinado sector de la población, como medidas de acción ordenadas para atender la emergencia sanitaria generada por el virus COVID-19 en México, son su disminución, reducción, ajuste y devolución.
Reconstruction of Trimmed NURBS Surfaces for Gap-Free Intersections
Authors: Urick Benjamin , Crawford Richard H. , Hughes Thomas J. R. , Cohen Elaine , Riesenfeld Richard F.
Published: June 2020

The modern engineering technologies of computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are ubiquitous in engineering practice. They are focused on creating, analyzing, and fabricating engineering artifacts represented as geometric models. Historically, these technologies developed independently, with different geometric representations that are customized to the needs of the technology. As a result, the combined use of these technologies has led to differences in data structures, file formats, and user knowledge and practice, requiring translation of representations between systems to support interoperability. Complicating this situation is the approximate nature of modeling operations in CAD systems, which can result in gaps at the boundary curves between mating trimmed surfaces of a model. The research presented here is aimed at removing the gaps between trimmed surfaces, resulting in a “watertight” model that is suitable for use directly by downstream applications. A three-step algorithm is presented that includes analysis of the parametric space of the trimming curves, reparameterization to create a global parameter space, and reconstruction of the intersecting surfaces to ensure continuity at the trimming curve.
Positioning Accuracy Reliability of Industrial Robots Through Probability and Evidence Theories
Authors: Zhang Dequan , Peng Zhouyuan , Ning Guosong , Han Xu
Published: June 2020

The positioning accuracy of industrial robots has an important influence on the stability and accuracy of robotic motion, which is one of the important indexes to measure the performance of robots. At present, some probability theory based methods are used to evaluate the positioning accuracy reliability of industrial robots. In practical engineering, the precise probability distribution of some robot’s parameters cannot be obtained directly. This study first uses the aleatory-epistemic hybrid model to describe the uncertain parameters of industrial robots. Second, the uncertain parameters are considered to construct the kinematic equation of industrial robots. Third, a probability-evidence hybrid reliability analysis model of industrial robots is established. Finally, the reliability interval of industrial robots under different thresholds can be obtained. Compared with the traditional method, the reliability results of industrial robots obtained by this method is an interval, which can more objectively evaluate the kinematics reliability of industrial robots. In the example, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a six degrees of freedom (6-DoF) industrial robot.
Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Metaheuristic Design Generation of Non-Trivial Flat-Foldable Origami Tessellations With Degree-4 Vertices
Authors: Chen Yao , Yan Jiayi , Feng Jian , Sareh Pooya
Published: June 2020

Flat-foldable origami tessellations are periodic geometric designs that can be transformed from an initial configuration into a flat-folded state. There is growing interest in such tessellations, as they have inspired many innovations in various fields of science and engineering, including deployable structures, biomedical devices, robotics, and mechanical metamaterials. Although a range of origami design methods have been developed to generate such fold patterns, some non-trivial periodic variations involve geometric design challenges, the analytical solutions to which are too difficult. To enhance the design methods of such cases, this study first adopts a geometric-graph-theoretic representation of origami tessellations, where the flat-foldability constraints for the boundary vertices are considered. Subsequently, an optimization framework is proposed for developing flat-foldable origami patterns with four-fold (i.e., degree-4) vertices, where the boundaries of the unit fragment are given in advance. A metaheuristic using particle swarm optimization (PSO) is adopted for finding optimal solutions. Several origami patterns are studied to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design method. It will be shown that in comparison with the analytical approach and genetic algorithms (GAs), the presented method can find both trivial and non-trivial flat-foldable solutions with considerably less effort and computational cost. Non-trivial flat-foldable patterns show different and interesting folding behaviors and enrich origami design.
An Experimental Investigation of Forces on Cortical Bone in Deep-Hole Bone Drilling
Authors: Lee JuEun , Chu Serena Y.
Published: June 2020

Deep-hole bone drilling is critical in many surgical implantation procedures. Unlike most common bone-drilling processes, deep-hole bone drilling is performed using a high drilling depth to drill-bit diameter ratio, which can lead to undesirable mechanical and thermal damage during surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to investigate the thrust force and torque generated in deep-hole bone drilling. Drilling tests were performed on bovine cortical bones at a drilling hole depth of 36 mm using a 2.5 mm diameter twist drill bit with a spindle speed of 3000 rpm and feed rates of 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 mm/rev. Bone chips were collected at different depths and examined using a fiber-optic microscope. Not only are drilling forces a good indicator to assess drilling performances but also chip formation and morphology are important aspects for understanding bone-drilling behaviors. The force signals revealed two distinct states, which were referred to as normal and abnormal states in this study. In the normal state, the force signals remained constant once the drill tip became fully engaged in bone cutting, whereas after a certain drilling depth, the forces considerably increased in the abnormal state. The results of this study indicate that the rapid increase in the force in the abnormal state is mainly attributed to chip clogging inside the flutes as the drilling depth increases. This study also demonstrated that the chip morphology varies with respect to drilling depth, where fragmented chips are produced at shallow drilling depths and powdery chips are produced at deeper drilling depths.
Effect of Chemical Vapor Infiltration Induced Matrix Porosity on the Mechanical Behavior of Ceramic Matrix Minicomposites
Authors: Nagaraja Abhilash , Gururaja Suhasini
Published: June 2020

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) exhibit process-induced defects such as matrix porosity at multiple length scales that have a considerable influence on their mechanical and failure behavior. This work focuses on the microscale mechanical behavior of single tow CMCs in the presence of microporosities that exist within fiber bundles of the composite. Microporosities in a single tow C/boron nitride (BN)/SiC CMC minicomposite fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) have been characterized by X-ray microcomputed tomography. The porosity distribution in the scanned region has been represented by probability distribution functions (PDFs) that serve as an input to numerical homogenization. Effective elastic properties in the presence of matrix micropores have been obtained by a two-step numerical homogenization approach considering the statistical distributions of pore parameters obtained from experimental characterization. A variation of the approach has been utilized to investigate the severity of pores with respect to their location and orientation relative to the fiber reinforcement.
A time domain decentralized algorithm for two channel active noise control
Authors: Pradhan Somanath , Zhang Guoqiang , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: June 2020

Due to their low computational complexity, reduced wiring cost, and flexibility of scaling up, decentralized multiple channel active control systems are attractive in many applications. In a decentralized multiple channel active control system, a number of small subsystems are constructed, which are updated independently with only the associated error signals. In this letter, a time domain two channel decentralized control algorithm is proposed to achieve the similar noise reduction performance as the centralized one. Auxiliary filters are introduced to filter the reference signal for control filter update and a unique design method is proposed to shape the frequency response of the auxiliary filters. The simulation results using the measured impulse responses demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm for broadband noise control.
Assessing Psychosocial Work Environments of Coaches in Spain and Their Relationships With Mental Health, Behavioral-Stress Symptoms, and Burnout
Authors: Hinojosa-Alcalde Ingrid , Andrés Ana , Didymus Faye F. , Norman Leanne , Soler Susanna
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial work environment (PWE) of a sample of coaches in comparison with the reference values of the Spanish general workforce, as well as to explore the relationship between PWE and mental health, behavioral-stress symptoms, and burnout. A representative sample (N = 1,481) of Spanish coaches (18.1% women, mean age = 32.98 years, SD = 11.60) completed a battery of questionnaires. Results showed that, in comparison with the general workforce, coaches showed statistically significant differences in most of the PWE areas assessed. The emotional demands experienced by coaches are a health risk, while trust regarding management and recognition are positive features in their PWE. Coaches’ emotional demands were associated with low mental-health scores and higher levels of behavioral-stress symptoms and burnout, whereas social community at work and role clarity were protective factors for health. Practical implications to provide more favorable work environments for coaches are discussed.
The interdependence of renal epithelial and endothelial metabolism and cell state
Authors: Balzer Michael S. , Susztak Katalin
Published: June 2020

A cascade of metabolic and endothelial and epithelial cell state changes contributes to kidney fibrosis (Lovisa
et al
. in 9 June 2020 issue).
Sequential Time-Kill, a Simple Experimental Trick To Discriminate between Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics Models with Distinct Heterogeneous Subpopulations versus Homogenous Population with Adaptive Resistance
Authors: Chauzy A. , Ih H. , Jacobs M. , Marchand S. , Grégoire N. , Couet W. , Buyck J. M.
Published: June 2020

Experiments were conducted with polymyxin B and two
Klebsiella pneumonia
isogenic strains (the wild type, KP_WT, and its transconjugant carrying the mobile colistin resistance gene, KP_MCR-1) to demonstrate that conducting two consecutive time-kill experiments (sequential TK) represents a simple approach to discriminate between pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics models with two heterogeneous subpopulations or adaptive resistance.
Population Genomic Molecular Epidemiological Study of Macrolide-Resistant Streptococcus pyogenes in Iceland, 1995 to 2016: Identification of a Large Clonal Population with a
pbp2x
Mutation Conferring Reduced
In Vitro
β-Lactam Susceptibility
Authors: Southon Sara B. , Beres Stephen B. , Kachroo Priyanka , Saavedra Matthew Ojeda , Erlendsdóttir Helga , Haraldsson Gunnsteinn , Yerramilli Prasanti , Pruitt Layne , Zhu Luchang , Musser James M. , Kristinsson Karl G.
Published: June 2020

Resistance to macrolide antibiotics is a global concern in the treatment of
Streptococcus pyogenes
(group A
Streptococcus
[GAS]) infections. In Iceland, since the detection of the first macrolide-resistant isolate in 1998, three epidemic waves of macrolide-resistant GAS infections have occurred, with peaks in 1999, 2004, and 2008. We conducted whole-genome sequencing of all 1,575 available GAS macrolide-resistant clinical isolates of all infection types collected at the national reference laboratory in Reykjavik, Iceland, from 1998 to 2016.
Restoring Herpesvirus Entry Mediator (HVEM) Immune Function in HVEM
−/−
Mice Rescues Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Latency and Reactivation Independently of Binding to Glycoprotein D
Authors: Tormanen Kati , Wang Shaohui , Jaggi Ujjaldeep , Ghiasi Homayon
Published: June 2020

HSV-1 is a common cause of ocular infections worldwide and a significant cause of preventable blindness. Corneal scarring and blindness are consequences of the immune response induced by repeated reactivation events. Therefore, HSV-1 therapeutic approaches should focus on preventing latency and reactivation. Our data suggest that the immune function of HVEM plays an important role in the HSV-1 latency and reactivation cycle that is independent of HVEM binding to gD.
Evaluation of a Rapid Point-of-Care Multiplex Immunochromatographic Assay for the Diagnosis of Enteric Fever
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Nodoushani Ariana , Khanam Farhana , DeCruz Alyssa T. , Lambotte Paul , Scott Robert , Bogoch Isaac I. , Vaidya Krista , Calderwood Stephen B. , Bhuiyan Taufiqur R. , Esfandiari Javan , Ryan Edward T. , Qadri Firdausi , Andrews Jason R. , Charles Richelle C.
Published: June 2020

Enteric fever remains a significant global problem, and control programs are significantly limited by the lack of an optimal assay for identifying individuals with acute infection. This is especially critical considering the recently released World Health Organization (WHO) position paper endorsing the role of the typhoid conjugate vaccine in communities where enteric fever is endemic. A reliable diagnostic test is needed to assess and evaluate typhoid intervention strategies and determine which high-burden areas may benefit most from a vaccine intervention. Our collaborative team has developed and evaluated a point-of-care serodiagnostic assay based on detection of anti-HlyE and LPS IgA. Our finding of the high diagnostic accuracy of the DPP Typhoid System for the rapid detection of enteric fever has the potential to have significant public health impact by allowing for improved surveillance and for control and prevention programs in areas with limited laboratory capacity.
Late Devonian lonestones, diamictites, and coeval black shales from the Appalachian Basin: Discerning relationships and implications for Late Devonian Appalachian history and glacially driven seafloor anoxia
Authors: Ettensohn* Frank R. , Clayton Geoff , Lierman† R. Thomas , Mason Charles E. , Krause Federico F. , DeBuhr Christopher , Brackman Thomas B. , Anderson Eric D. , Dennis Allen J. , Pashin Jack C.
Published: June 2020

A 3 ton (2.7 metric tonnes [t]), granitoid lonestone with Appalachian provenance was found in situ in offshore Devonian black shale in northeastern Kentucky, United States, and is denoted herein as the Robinson boulder, or lonestone, after its discoverer, Michael J. Robinson. This large boulder appears to have been displaced nearly 500 km from its source on the opposite margin of the Acadian/Neoacadian Appalachian foreland basin. While previous identifications of possible lonestones have been attributed to Pleistocene glacial events, scrutiny of this lonestone’s origin suggests that the boulder, which was embedded in the Upper Devonian Cleveland Shale Member of the Ohio Shale in northeastern Kentucky, is most likely a Devonian ice-rafted glacial dropstone. Notably, palynologic correlation with reported glacial diamictites elsewhere in the basin indicates such a source. Together, the dropstone and diamictites, separated by ~500 km, provide evidence for alpine glaciation in the ancient Acadian/Neoacadian orogen and for tidewater glaciers in the adjacent, eastern margin of the foreland basin. The latest Devonian marine transgression and Neoacadian foreland subsidence are interpreted to have been associated with tidewater glacial connections to the open sea. Importantly, the existence of this dropstone and its likely glacial precursor events require new considerations about contemporary black-shale sedimentation and the influence of tectonics on the delivery of glacial sediments to foreland basins.
Pliocene–Pleistocene landscape evolution and watershed reorganization east of the central Andes in Argentine Patagonia
Authors: Griffing Corinne Y. , Clague John J. , Barendregt Rene W. , Menounos Brian , Hemming Sidney R. , Rabassa Jorge , Ercolano Bettina , Martinez Oscar
Published: June 2020

Uplift of the central Andes during the Miocene was followed by large-scale reorganization of Atlantic-draining rivers in Argentine Patagonia. Here, we document the abandonment of one large river in the late Pliocene and the establishment of the modern drainage in the Early Pleistocene. A chronology for these events is provided by 40Ar/39Ar ages on basalt flows. Remnants of the Pliocene paleovalley system are well preserved in the Lago Cardiel–Gobernador Gregores area, where they are eroded into flat-lying basalt flows dated from ca. 13.9 Ma to 8.6 Ma. Younger basalts that erupted onto the abandoned floor of the paleovalley are as young as 3.7 Ma. Abandonment of the Pliocene paleovalley and establishment of the modern Río Chico and Río Shehuen catchments happened near the close of the Pliocene when Andean glaciers incised the east-sloping pediment on which the late Miocene drainage was established. Lago Cardiel sits within a large endorheic basin that is inset into the late Pliocene paleovalley. The basin began to develop just before 4 Ma, after the paleovalley was abandoned. It became larger and deeper during the Pleistocene due to mass movements along its margins, deflation of the basin floor during times when Lago Cardiel was dry or nearly dry, and possibly lowering along bounding faults. The Pliocene–Pleistocene landscape and drainage changes that we have documented are not unique to the Lago Cardiel–Gobernador Gregores area; similar changes are apparent elsewhere in Patagonia east of the crest of the Andes.
Deglacial landforms and Holocene vegetation trajectories in the northern interior cedar-hemlock forests of British Columbia
Authors: Gavin* Daniel G. , White Ariana , Sanborn Paul T. , Hebda Richard J.
Published: June 2020

The northern Rocky Mountain Trench of eastern British Columbia is a broad valley mantled by glaciolacustrine terraces supporting a complex mix of mesic-temperate (“interior wet belt”) forests that are strongly affected by terrain and substrate. Neither the geomorphic history during early Holocene deglaciation nor the vegetation history of the origin of the Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) and Thuja plicata (western redcedar) populations in the interior wet-belt forest is well understood. Sediment cores were obtained from two lakes, 10 km apart and occupying different terraces (83 m elevational difference), and these were compared to existing fire-history and paleoclimate reconstructions. Radiocarbon dates and a mapped terrain classification indicate the upper terrace formed as a lacustrine and glaciofluvial kame terrace hundreds of years prior to the lower terrace, which was formed by glaciolacustrine sediments of a proglacial lake. The minimum limiting ages of these terraces correlate with dated jökulhlaup deposits of the Fraser River. The upper site’s first detectable pollen at >11.0 ka was dominated by light-seeded pioneer taxa (Poaceae [grasses], Artemisia [sagebrush], and Populus [aspen]) followed by a peak in Pinus (pine) and finally dominance by Betula (birch) at 10.2 ka. Pollen data suggest an earlier invasion of T. heterophylla (western hemlock) (by ca. 8 ka) than previously understood. Wetlands on extensive, poorly drained, glaciolacustrine soils promoted the persistence of boreal taxa and open forests (e.g., Picea mariana [black spruce]), while the better-drained upper kame terrace promoted development of closed-canopy shade-tolerant taxa. Invasion and expansion of mesic cedar-hemlock taxa progressed since at least the middle Holocene but was highly constrained by edaphic controls.
New paleontological evidence for complex middle Paleozoic tectonic evolution in the Appalachian western Blue Ridge
Authors: Lupo Mary E. , Tull James F. , Repetski John , Mueller Paul A.
Published: June 2020

Reconstructing the tectonic evolution of the southern Appalachian metamorphic internides is hampered by the relative paucity of accurate geochronologic constraints and the apparent rarity or absence of Paleozoic cover sequences. At the orogen’s greatest width, near the junction of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, the western Blue Ridge is a composite metamorphic allochthon of three major thrust sheets: (A) a basal sheet above the Great Smoky fault overlying rocks of the foreland thrust belt composed of the Lower Cambrian Chilhowee Group and underlying Sandsuck Formation of the Neoproterozoic Walden Creek Group; (B) an intermediate sheet above the Maggies Mill–Citico fault composed of the middle Paleozoic Maggies Mill Formation; and (C) the main mass of the western Blue Ridge above the Alaculsy Valley–Miller Cove fault composed of the Neoproterozoic Ocoee Supergroup, and younger overlying sequences in the Epperson and Murphy synclinoria. The age of peak deformation and metamorphism in all of these sequences has historically been assigned to the Ordovician Taconic orogeny, but recent paleontologic discoveries suggest these events are significantly younger. In addition to the middle Paleozoic fauna recently reported from the Maggies Mill Formation in the intermediate thrust sheet, Silurian-Devonian conodonts have been found in units formerly correlated with the Walden Creek Group in the Epperson synclinorium. These discoveries suggest that widespread middle Paleozoic successor basin sequences unconformably overlie the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian drift-facies of the Chilhowee Group (and equivalents) and underlying rift-facies of the Ocoee Supergroup, and require modifications to existing models for the timing of the region’s stratigraphic framework and tectono-metamorphic evolution.
Cyclostratigraphic calibration of the Eifelian Stage (Middle Devonian, Appalachian Basin, Western New York, USA)
Authors: Pas Damien , Da Silva Anne-Christine , Over D. Jeffrey , Brett Carlton E. , Brandt Lauren , Over Jin-Si , Hilgen Frederik J. , Dekkers Mark J.
Published: June 2020

Over the past decade the integration of astrochronology and U/Pb thermal ionization mass spectrometry dating has resulted in major improvements in the Devonian time scale, which allowed for accurate determination of ages and rates of change in this critical interval of Earth history. However, widely different durations have been published for the Middle Devonian Eifelian stage. Here we aim to solve this discrepancy by building an astronomically calibrated time scale using a high-resolution geochemical data set collected in the early to late Eifelian outer-ramp and deep-shelf deposits of the Seneca section (Appalachian Basin, Western New York, USA). The Middle Devonian Eifelian Stage (GTS2012; base at 393.3 ± 1.2 m.y. and duration estimate of 5.6 ± 1.9 m.y.), is bracketed by two major bioevents, respectively the Choteč event at its base and the Kačák event just prior to the Eifelian–Givetian boundary. To capture the record of Milankovitch-scale climatic cycles and to develop a model of the climatic and oceanographic variations that affected the Appalachian Basin during the Eifelian, 750 samples were collected at typically 2.5 cm intervals across the Seneca section. Major and trace elements were measured on each sample with an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer. To estimate the duration of the Seneca section sampled, we applied multiple spectral techniques such as harmonic analysis, the multi-taper, and evolutionary spectral analysis, and we tuned the Log10Ti series using the short orbital eccentricity ∼100 k.y. cycle. Then, to assess the reliability of our cyclostratigraphic interpretation we ran the Average Spectral Misfit method on selected proxies for detrital input variation. The estimated duration derived using this method falls in the range of durations estimated with the tuning method. Using the approximate position of the Emsian–Eifelian and Eifelian–Givetian boundaries, constrained within <1 m, the proposed estimation of the total duration of the Eifelian age is ∼5 m.y. Interpolated from the high-resolution U-Pb radiometric age available for the Tioga F Bentonite, the numerical ages of the Emsian–Eifelian and the Eifelian–Givetian were respectively recalibrated at 393.39 Ma and 388.24 Ma. The uncertainty from the radiometric date is respectively ± 0.86 Ma and ± 0.86 Ma.
Rare andde novoduplications containingSHOXin clubfoot
Authors: Sadler Brooke , Haller Gabe , Antunes Lilian , Nikolov Momchil , Amarillo Ina , Coe Bradley , Dobbs Matthew B. , Gurnett Christina A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Congenital clubfoot is a common birth defect that affects at least 0.1% of all births. Nearly 25% cases are familial and the remaining are sporadic in inheritance. Copy number variants (CNVs) involving transcriptional regulators of limb development, includingPITX1andTBX4, have previously been shown to cause familial clubfoot, but much of the heritability remains unexplained.

Methods

Exome sequence data from 816 unrelated clubfoot cases and 2645 in-house controls were analysed using coverage data to identify rare CNVs. The precise size and location of duplications were then determined using high-density Affymetrix Cytoscan chromosomal microarray (CMA). Segregation in families andde novostatus were determined using qantitative PCR.

Results

Chromosome Xp22.33 duplications involvingSHOXwere identified in 1.1% of cases (9/816) compared with 0.07% of in-house controls (2/2645) (p=7.98×10−5, OR=14.57) and 0.27% (38/13592) of Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities/the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 controls (p=0.001, OR=3.97). CMA validation confirmed an overlapping 180.28 kb duplicated region that includedSHOXexons as well as downstream non-coding regions. In four of six sporadic cases where DNA was available for unaffected parents, the duplication wasde novo. The probability of fourde novomutations inSHOXby chance in a cohort of 450 sporadic clubfoot cases is 5.4×10–10.

Conclusions

Microduplications of the pseudoautosomal chromosome Xp22.33 region (PAR1) containingSHOXand downstream enhancer elements occur in ~1% of patients with clubfoot.SHOXand regulatory regions have previously been implicated in skeletal dysplasia as well as idiopathic short stature, but have not yet been reported in clubfoot.SHOXduplications likely contribute to clubfoot pathogenesis by altering early limb development.
PGC-1α-mediated regulation of mitochondrial function and physiological implications
Authors: Halling Jens Frey , Pilegaard Henriette
Published: June 2020

The majority of human energy metabolism occurs in skeletal muscle mitochondria emphasizing the importance of understanding the regulation of myocellular mitochondrial function. The transcriptional co-activator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) has been characterized as a major factor in the transcriptional control of several mitochondrial components. Thus, PGC-1α is often described as a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis as well as a central player in regulating the antioxidant defense. However, accumulating evidence suggests that PGC-1α is also involved in the complex regulation of mitochondrial quality beyond biogenesis, which includes mitochondrial network dynamics and autophagic removal of damaged mitochondria. In addition, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production has been suggested to regulate skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, which may also be influenced by PGC-1α. This review aims to highlight the current evidence for PGC-1α-mediated regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function beyond the effects on mitochondrial biogenesis as well as the potential PGC-1α-related impact on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle.

Novelty PGC-1α regulates mitochondrial biogenesis but also has effects on mitochondrial functions beyond biogenesis. Mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, including fission, fusion, and mitophagy, are regulated by PGC-1α. PGC-1α-mediated regulation of mitochondrial quality may affect age-related mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity.
Integration of viscoplastic effects in a one-dimensional constitutive model for ground response analysis
Authors: Yniesta Samuel , Janati-Idrissi Mallak
Published: June 2020

During an earthquake, strain-rate effects affect both the stiffness and damping behaviour of soils, yet existing constitutive models for ground response analysis are typically formulated within a rate-independent framework. In this paper, a one-dimensional (1D) viscoplastic stress–strain model is presented to introduce strain rate effects in ground response analysis. Its constitutive equations are based on a model that uses a cubic spline fit of the modulus reduction curve and a coordinate transformation technique to match any input modulus reduction and damping curve. A viscous stress component is added to model the effect of strain rate on the mechanical behaviour of soils using a single input parameter. The model is able to reproduce the linear increase in shear strength with the logarithm of shear strain rate and allows the introduction of viscous effects in 1D ground response analysis with control over damping and modulus reduction behaviour. The model is implemented in a software for ground response analysis and used to predict the results of a centrifuge test modeling 1D wave propagation. The results show that the model accurately predicts the amplification and attenuation of shear waves, in a context where strain rates impact the response of the model significantly.
Influence of collagen changes on the tenderness of yak rumen smooth muscle during storage
Authors: Yan Mingyi , Li Shengsheng
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of collagen changes on the tenderness of yak rumen smooth muscle during storage. Yak rumen smooth muscle was stored at 3 ± 1 °C for 7 d and the Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF); total, soluble, and insoluble collagen content (TCC, SCC); collagen solubility (CS); and histological structure were monitored. Label-free mass spectrometry was used to validate the changes in collagen. Collagen changes significantly influenced yak rumen smooth muscle tenderness. A significant positive relationship was found between WBSF and TCC, SCC, as well as CS. The label-free mass spectrometry results validated that the collagen of smooth muscle was degraded during storage. Histological analysis revealed that yak rumen smooth muscle structure was destroyed during storage. Smooth muscle underwent a similar change in tenderness as skeletal muscle, and the weakening of connective tissue was the main reason for smooth muscle tenderness development.
Hyperpycnal flow depositional characteristics and model in an ancient continental basin: a record from the Oligocene Lower Huagang Formation in the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin
Authors: Liu Jiangyan , Zhu Rui , Zhang Changmin , Hou Guowei , He Miao , Huang Lingyu
Published: June 2020

Modern observations have determined the presence of hyperpycnal flows; however, their presence in ancient rocks is scarcely reported in the literature, particularly with respect to continental strata. The present study is the first to use core and thin-section analyses and examination of physical reservoir properties to identify hyperpycnal flow sediment from the lower section of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the central Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin. The multiple fine sandy layers are characterized by lower reverse-graded and upper normal-graded bedding with horizontal bedding, climbing-ripple lamination, wavy bedding, and small foreset laminae. Microerosion surfaces are occasionally present between the reverse-graded and normal-graded bedding, and plant fragments are sometimes visible in the deposits. The same grain size sequence changes are observed in the thin sections. This lithologic combination is considered to be related to hyperpycnal flow sedimentation caused by flood events. The lower reverse-graded and upper normal-graded bedding sequences indicate that the flood energy first increased then decreased and the microerosion surfaces were formed through erosion of lower sediments by the flood. Hyperpycnal flows can directly transport deposits from an estuary to a deep-water basin, which distinguishes them from typical turbidity currents. This study also establishes a sedimentary model of the hyperpycnal flow in lacustrine basin, which can be used as a reference for future hyperpycnal deposit studies.
The effect of buffer strip width and selective logging on streamside polypore communities
Authors: Peura Maiju , Oldén Anna , Elo Merja , Kotiaho Janne S. , Mönkkönen Mikko , Halme Panu
Published: June 2020

Preserving streamside forest habitats or buffer strips is considered to reduce forestry-related biodiversity loss in commercial forest landscapes. However, it is still unclear what type of management in and near streamside forests can be undertaken without compromising their biodiversity and natural change through succession. Using a before–after, control–impact study design, we tested the impacts of forested buffer strips (15 or 30 m wide, with or without selective logging), preserved after clear-cutting, on the changes of polypore communities in streamside boreal forests in Finland. Manipulations in 28 sites produced four treatment classes, the community compositions of which were compared with seven unmanaged controls before and 12 years after the manipulations. The polypore community composition in 15 m wide buffer strips changed differently than that in controls and resembled the community composition typically found in production forests. Moreover, selective logging tended to homogenize polypore communities. These responses of polypore communities indicate that the natural biodiversity and succession of streamside forests was disturbed in both 15 m wide and selectively logged buffer strips. Streamside forests in nonlogged 30 m wide buffer strips seemed to retain the natural polypore community composition and succession, at least during the 12-year period.
Levetiracetam induction of theta frequency oscillations in rodent hippocampus in vitro
Authors: Xing Hang , Xu Sihan , Xie Xin’e , Wang Yuan , Lu Chengbiao , Han Xiong
Published: June 2020

Levetiracetam (LEV) has been demonstrated to improve cognitive function. Hippocampal theta rhythm (4–12 Hz) is associated with a variety of cognitively related behaviors, such as exploration in both humans and animal models. We investigated the effects of LEV on the theta rhythm in the rat hippocampal CA3 in hippocampal slices in vitro. We found that LEV increased the theta power in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in theta power can be blocked by GABAA receptor (GABAAR) or NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonists but not by AMPA receptor antagonist, indicating the involvement of GABAAR and NMDAR in the induction of theta activity. Interestingly, LEV enhancement of theta power can be also blocked by taurine or GABA-A agonist THIP, indicating that LEV induction of theta may be related to the indirect boosting of GABA action via reduction of extrasynaptic GABAAR activation. Furthermore, the increased theta power can be partially reduced by the mACh receptor (mAChR) antagonist atropine but not by nACh receptor antagonists, suggesting that mAChR activation provides excitatory input into local network responsible for LEV-induced theta. Our study demonstrated that LEV induced a novel theta oscillation in vitro, which may have implications in the treatment of the neuronal disorders with impaired theta oscillation and cognitive function.
Thermodynamics of the viscous f(T,B) gravity in the new agegraphic dark energy model
Authors: Pourbagher A. , Amani Alireza
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we first obtain the energy density by the approach of the new agegraphic dark energy model, and then the [Formula: see text] gravity model is studied as an alternative to the dark energy in a viscous fluid by flat-FRW background, in which [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are torsion scalar and boundary term. The Friedmann equations will be obtained in the framework of modified teleparallel gravity by tetrad components. We consider that the universe dominates with components such as matter and dark energy by an interacting model. The Hubble parameter is parameterized by the power-law for the scale factor, and then we fit the corresponding Hubble parameter with observational data constraints. The variation of the equation of state (EoS) for dark energy is plotted as a function of the redshift parameter, and the accelerated expansion of the universe is explored. In what follows, the stability of the model is also studied on the base of the sound speed parameter. Finally, the generalized second law of thermodynamics is investigated by entropies of inside and on the boundary of the apparent horizon in thermodynamics equilibrium.
Nonzero tensor condensates in cold quark matter within the three-flavor Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model with the Kobayashi–Maskawa–’t Hooft interaction
Authors: Kagawa Ai , Morimoto Masatoshi , Tsue Yasuhiko , da Providência João , Providência Constança , Yamamura Masatoshi
Published: June 2020

The possible formation of tensor condensates originated from a tensor-type interaction between quarks is investigated in the three-flavor Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model including the Kobayashi–Maskawa–’t Hooft interaction, which leads to flavor mixing. It is shown that independent two tensor condensates appear and a tensor condensate related to the strange quark easily occurs by the effect of the flavor mixing compared with one related to light quarks. Also, it is shown that the tensor condensate related to the strange quark appears at a slightly smaller chemical potential if the Kobayashi–Maskawa–’t Hooft interaction is included, due to the flavor mixing effect. It is also shown that the two kinds of tensor condensates may coexist in a certain quark chemical potential due to the flavor mixing.
Improved Semantic Segmentation of Water Bodies and Land in SAR Images Using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Pai M. M. Manohara , Mehrotra Vaibhav , Verma Ujjwal , Pai Radhika M.
Published: June 2020

The availability of computationally efficient and powerful Deep Learning frameworks and high-resolution satellite imagery has created new approach for developing complex applications in the field of remote sensing. The easy access to abundant image data repository made available by different satellites of space agencies such as Copernicus, Landsat, etc. has opened various avenues of research in monitoring the world’s oceans, land, rivers, etc. The challenging research problem in this direction is the accurate identification and subsequent segmentation of surface water in images in the microwave spectrum. In the recent years, deep learning methods for semantic segmentation are the preferred choice given its high accuracy and ease of use. One major bottleneck in semantic segmentation pipelines is the manual annotation of data. This paper proposes Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) on the training data (images and their corresponding labels) to create an enhanced dataset on which the networks can be trained, therefore, reducing human effort of manual labeling. Further, the research also proposes the use of deep-learning approaches such as U-Net and FCN-8 to perform an efficient segmentation of auto annotated, enhanced data of water body and land. The experimental results show that the U-Net model without GAN achieves superior performance on SAR images with pixel accuracy of 0.98 and F1 score of 0.9923. However, when augmented with GANs, the results saw a rise in these metrics with PA of 0.99 and F1 score of 0.9954.
Chapter 17 Mining-induced fault reactivation in the UK
Authors: Donnelly Laurance
Published: June 2020

Faults are susceptible to reactivation during coal mining subsidence. The effects may be the generation of a scarp along the ground surface that may or may not be accompanied by associated ground deformation including fissuring or compression. Reactivated faults vary considerably in their occurrence, height, length and geometry. Some reactivated faults may not be recognizable along the ground surface, known only to those who have measured the ground movements or who are familiar with the associated subtle ground deformations. In comparison, other reactivated faults generate scarps up to several metres high and many kilometres long, often accompanied by widespread fissuring of the ground surface. Mining subsidence-induced reactivated faults have caused damage to roads, structures and land. The objective of this chapter is to provide a general overview of the occurrence and characteristics of fault reactivation in the UK.
Chapter 18 Radon gas hazard
Authors: Appleton J. D. , Jones D. G. , Miles J. C. H. , Scivyer C.
Published: June 2020

Radon (
222
Rn) is a natural radioactive gas that occurs in rocks and soils and can only be detected with special equipment. Radon is a major cause of lung cancer. Therefore, early detection is essential. The British Geological Survey and Public Health England have produced a series of maps showing radon affected areas based on underlying geology and indoor radon measurements, which help to identify radon-affected buildings. Many factors influence how much radon accumulates in buildings. Remedial work can be undertaken to reduce its passage into homes and workplaces and new buildings can be built with radon preventative measures.
Chapter 19 Methane gas hazard
Authors: Wilson Steve , Mortimer Sarah
Published: June 2020

This paper identifies potential sources, and the key chemical properties, of methane. Guidance is provided on deriving a conceptual site model for methane, utilizing various lines of evidence to inform a robust, scientific, reasoned and logical assessment of associated gas risk. Discussion is provided regarding the legislative context of permanent gas risk assessment for methane, including via qualitative, semi-quantitative and detailed quantitative (including finite element modelling) techniques. Strategies for mitigating risks associated with methane are also outlined, together with the legal context for consideration of methane both in relation to the planning regime and under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Chapter 2 Seismic hazard
Authors: Musson R. M. W.
Published: June 2020

It is often thought that earthquakes do not occur in the UK; however, the seismicity of the UK is usually classified as low-to-moderate. On average, a magnitude 3.2 M
w
moment magnitude or larger earthquake occurs once per year, and 4.2 M
w
or larger every 10 years. The latter is capable of causing non-structural damage to property. The damage caused by British earthquakes is generally not life-threatening, and no-one has been killed in a British earthquake (at the time of writing, May 2013) since 1940. Damage is caused by shaking, not by ground rupture, so the discovery of a fault surface trace at a construction site is not something to be worried about as far as seismic hazard is concerned. For most ordinary construction in the UK, earthquake hazard can be safely discounted; this is not the case with high-consequence facilities such as dams, bridges and nuclear power plants.