bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do Adolescents’ Perceptions of Relationships with Teachers Change during Upper-Secondary School Years?
Authors: Bayram Özdemir Sevgi , Özdemir Metin
Published: November 2019

The student-teacher relationship has mostly been assumed to be static. This approach is limited in providing information on how relationships with teachers evolve over time, and how possible changes affect young people’s adjustment. To address this gap in knowledge, the present study examined whether adolescents follow different trajectories in their perceptions of relationship with teachers and whether students on different trajectories differ from each other in their adjustment. The sample included 829 students residing in Sweden (Mage = 13.43,SD = 0.55, 51% girls). Three distinct teacher-relationship trajectories were identified. More than half (66%) of the adolescents (average-stable trajectory) reported an average level of positive relationships with teachers at grade 7, and did not change significantly over the three years. About 24% of the adolescents (high-increasing trajectory) reported a high level of fair and supportive teacher-relationships at T1, and continued to increase in their positive views from grade 7 to grade 9. Ten percent of the adolescents (average-declining trajectory) reported an average level of positive relationships with teachers at grade 7, but showed a decline in their positive views towards teachers over time. Relative to adolescents on an average-stable trajectory, adolescents on a high-increasing trajectory reported greater school satisfaction, higher achievement values, and lower failure anticipation. By contrast, adolescents in the average-declining group reported worsening school adjustment. No significant moderating effects of immigrant status and gender were found. These findings highlight the importance of the association between the continuous experience of supportive and fair teacher treatment and youth adjustment.
Characterization of PVC-based polymer inclusion membranes with phosphonium ionic liquids
Authors: Witt Katarzyna , Radzymińska-Lenarcik Elżbieta
Published: November 2019

Membrane techniques can be used to separate different compounds, i.e., toxic metal ions from waste waters. As any other method of separation, also this one, based on polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), has certain limitations. One of them is the stability of membranes. In the present paper, the dependence of the physical and chemical properties on composition of PVC-based polymer inclusion membranes doped with phosphonium ionic liquids (CYPHOS IL 101, CYPHOS IL 104, CYPHOS IL 105 and CYPHOS IL 109) was studied. The thermal stability of investigated membranes was examined by thermogravimetry together with differential thermogravimetry analysis. Obtained results showed that studied PIMs are stable to the temperature of about 170 °C. The membrane morphology was examined by attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The visibility of all characteristic bands in the ATR-FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of individual components in the membranes: a polymer, a plasticizer and the carriers. It also suggested that there were no signs of the covalent bond formation between the polymer, the plasticizer and the carrier. Only van der Waals or hydrogen bonds could be present. Moreover, in the SEM images of the investigated PIMs a rough surface without pores was observed.
Calorimetry in the studies of by-pass cement kiln dust as an additive to the calcium aluminate cement
Authors: Nocuń-Wczelik Wiesława , Stolarska Katarzyna
Published: November 2019

The studies focused on the kinetics of early hydration in the high-calcium aluminate cement (CAC 70)—by-pass cement kiln dusts (BPCKD)—mixtures. For this purpose, the mixtures of cement with this additive or with some potential constituents of dusts were produced. The microcalorimeter was applied to follow the kinetics of hydration. The investigations with the aim of finding the relationship between the components of initial mixtures and the modification of hydration process were carried out. The rheological properties were characterized, and the chemical shrinkage characteristics were produced. The phase assemblage characterization and microscopic observations were done as well. In case of the high-calcium aluminate-based binders, the modification of setting process was observed; the rheological properties and chemical shrinkage were affected too. The acceleration of heat evolution—the shortening of so-called induction period in the presence of BPCKD additive—was observed. The results were compared to those obtained for the CAC with ordinary Portland cement additive. The results of calorimetric measurements are discussed in terms of the chemical and phase assemblage of this additive as compared to the Portland cement clinker precursors and potassium chloride—the solid and liquid components of the dust.
Longitudinal analysis of quality of life following treatment with Asunercept plus reirradiation versus reirradiation in progressive glioblastoma patients
Authors: Wick Wolfgang , Krendyukov Andriy , Junge Klaus , Höger Thomas , Fricke Harald
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Glioblastoma is an aggressive malignant cancer of the central nervous system, with disease progression associated with deterioration of neurocognitive function and quality of life (QoL). As such, maintenance of QoL is an important treatment goal. This analysis presents time to deterioration (TtD) of QoL in patients with recurrent glioblastoma receiving Asunercept plus reirradiation (rRT) or rRT alone.

Methods

Data from patients with a baseline and ≥ 1 post-baseline QoL assessment were included in this analysis. TtD was defined as the time from randomisation to the first deterioration in the EORTC QLQ-C15, PAL EORTC QLQ-BN20 and Medical Research Council (MRC)-Neurological status. Deterioration was defined as a decrease of ≥ 10 points from baseline in the QLQ-C15 PAL overall QoL and functioning scales, an increase of ≥ 10 points from baseline in the QLQ-C15 PAL fatigue scale and the QLQ-BN20 total sum of score, and a rating of “Worse” in the MRC-Neurological status. Patients without a deterioration were censored at the last QoL assessment. Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to describe TtD and treatment groups (Asunercept + rRT or rRT alone) were compared using the log-rank test.

Results

Treatment with Asunercept + rRT was associated with significant improvement of TtD compared with rRT alone for QLQ-CL15 PAL overall QoL and physical functioning, and MRC Neurological Status (p ≤ 0.05). In the Asunercept + rRT group, QoL was maintained beyond progresison of disease (PoD).

Conclusion

Treatment with Asunercept plus rRT significantly prolongs TtD and maintains QoL versus rRT alone in recurrent glioblastoma patients.
From flood risk mapping toward reducing vulnerability: the case of Addis Ababa
Authors: De Risi Raffaele , Jalayer Fatemeh , De Paola Francesco , Carozza Stefano , Yonas Nebyou , Giugni Maurizio , Gasparini Paolo
Published: November 2019

Flood risk maps for the built environment can be obtained by integrating geo-spatial information on hazard, vulnerability and exposure. They provide precious support for strategic urban planning and decision-making. These maps, generated in a probabilistic framework, can consider various sources of uncertainty in the flood risk assessment such as the occurrence of extreme flooding events, future land use and land cover, characteristics of the buildings, and exposure to flooding. This paper investigates how these maps can be used in complicated urban context such as developing countries, where engineers are forced to work with scarce or little data. Specifically, a detailed investigation on the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been conducted. Although the city of Addis Ababa is undergoing extensive formal housing development, it is most likely that the informal settlements will continue to constitute a significant portion of urban housing landscape in the years to come. Recent research findings and field work from a large project (FP7-CLUVA) are employed in order to provide a quantified basis for decision-making between alternative adaptation strategies for informal buildings in Addis Ababa. Risk maps, obtained by up-scaling more accurate risk assessment results at neighborhood level, are adopted for risk zoning of the urban residential texture within the city. This provides risk-based criteria for both identifying suitable flood adaptation strategies and prioritizing between viable risk mitigation measures.
Shopping trip mode choice of older adults: an application of activity space and hybrid choice models in understanding the effects of built environment and personal goals
Authors: Ramezani Samira , Laatikainen Tiina , Hasanzadeh Kamyar , Kyttä Marketta
Published: November 2019

Rapid growth of the older population worldwide, coupled with their overreliance on automobile and its negative consequences for the environment and for their wellbeing, has encouraged research on travel behavior of this age group. This study contributes to the literature by providing an integrated analysis of the effects of sociodemographic, built environmental, psycho-social, trip, and activity space attributes on shopping trip mode choice of older adults in Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Data was collected using an online map-based survey. Two person-based activity space models were developed, in addition to the commonly used 500-m buffer, to measure activity space and built environmental attributes. Integrated Choice and Latent Variable (ICLV) models were utilized to explore modal choice. Although the use of activity space models did not significantly increase the fit of ICLV models, it provided different information. Walkability index showed a positive significant effect on walking trips in individualized residential exposure model. A positive effect on transit use or biking was found in individual home range and 500-m buffer. The shape and dispersion of activity spaces affected mode choice as well. Green space influenced the goal of being physically active which in turn affected mode choice. Three personal goals of being physically active, having cultural and social affairs, and caring for others influenced mode choice. Results indicate the priority of the use of activity space and hybrid choice models in understanding travel behavior. Findings of this study can guide policies aiming to increase the use of more sustainable modes among this age group.
Evaluating technological emergence using text analytics: two case technologies and three approaches
Authors: Ranaei Samira , Suominen Arho , Porter Alan , Carley Stephen
Published: November 2019

Scientometric methods have long been used to identify technological trajectories, but we have seldom seen reproducible methods that allow for the identification of a technological emergence in a set of documents. This study evaluates the use of three different reproducible approaches for identifying the emergence of technological novelties in scientific publications. The selected approaches are term counting technique, the emergence score (EScore) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). We found that the methods provide somewhat distinct perspectives on technological.
The term count based method identifies detailed emergence patterns. EScore is a complex bibliometric indicator that provides a holistic view of emergence by considering several parameters, namely term frequency, size, and origin of the research community. LDA traces emergence at the thematic level and provides insights on the linkages between emerging research topics. The results suggest that term counting produces results practical for operational purposes, while LDA offers insight at a strategic level.
The Role of Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) in Medical Dosimetry Education
Authors: Cheung Eva Yi Wah , Law Maria Yuen Yee , Cheung Felix
Published: November 2019

Medical dosimetry is an important component in training of radiation therapist, yet it is not easy for student to understand the principle of treatment planning and to be familiar with the relationship of the clinical target volume (CTV), planned target volume (PTV), and the nearby organs at risk (OARs) by just imagination. This study is conducted to evaluate whether using VERT in teaching medical dosimetry can help student to improve their learning experience. Students of cohort 2015 and 2016 were taught under TPS mode and TPS + VERT mode respectively. Direct comparison was conducted through self-evaluation survey, between two groups of students, in terms of their understanding of the concept of medical dosimetry and their level of confidence in completing different types of plans after the course. Both groups of students were able to understand the concept of medical dosimetry and able to complete 3D conformal plans after taking the course. Though, the students received TPS mode reported that they had lower level of confidence in completing the planning and required longer time for self-study and practice compared to the students who received the TPS + VERT mode. This study demonstrated that including VERT into medical dosimetry education can improve students’ learning experience, by improving their self-confidence, as well as reducing time required for their self-study and practice.
Applicability of heat-exchanger theory to estimate heat losses to surrounding formations in a thermal flood
Authors: Lawal Kazeem A.
Published: November 2019

Heat losses to cap and base rocks undermine the performance of a thermal flood. As a contribution to this subject, this paper investigates the applicability of the principles of heat exchanger to characterise heat losses between a petroleum reservoir and the adjacent geologic systems. The reservoir-boundary interface is conceptualised as a conductive wall through which the reservoir and adjacent formations exchange heat, but not mass. For a conduction-dominated process, the heat-transport equations are formulated and solved for both adiabatic and non-adiabatic conditions. Simulations performed on a field-scale example show that the rate of heating a petroleum reservoir is sensitive to the type of fluids saturating the adjoining geologic systems, as well as the characteristics of the cap and base rocks of the subject reservoir. Adiabatic and semi-infinite reservoir assumptions are found to be poor approximations for the examples presented. Validation of the proposed model against an existing model was satisfactory; however, remaining differences in performances are rationalised. Besides demonstrating the applicability of heat-exchanger theory to describe thermal losses in petroleum reservoirs, a novelty of this work is that it explicitly accounts for the effects of the reservoir-overburden and reservoir-underburden interfaces, as well as the characteristics of the fluid in the adjacent strata on reservoir heating. These and other findings should aid the design and management of thermal floods.
Triple Therapy Versus Dual Bronchodilation and Inhaled Corticosteroids/Long-Acting β-Agonists in COPD: Accumulating Evidence from Network Meta-Analyses
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Calzetta Luigino , Rogliani Paola , Matera Maria Gabriella
Published: November 2019

Guidelines are mainly based on evidence of well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but there are limitations to the transferability of conclusions of RCTs to usual care mainly because the patients enrolled in RCTs are selected and not representative of the population encountered in daily practice; moreover, the research environment is substantially different from that of the real world. Because of the scarcity of data generated in large unselected populations in everyday clinical practice, the possibility of using meta-analyses can be considered. Recently, several meta-analyses have attempted to clarify the role of triple therapy containing a long-acting β-agonist (LABA), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) delivered from a single inhaler in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also considering that there is a big difference in the use of triple therapy between what is recommended by COPD guidelines or strategies and the prescriptive behaviour of clinicians. Taking into account the results of the most recent meta-analyses, we believe that triple therapy provides modest clinical benefit in the general COPD population, but in patients on LABA/LAMA combination therapy, who still experience acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs) and have blood eosinophil counts ≥ 300 cells·μl−1, it is of clinical relevance. On the contrary, adding a LAMA to an ICS/LABA combination elicits relevant clinical benefit in the general COPD population, supporting the role of dual bronchodilation therapy for the treatment of COPD. The quantitative synthesis of the currently available clinical evidence seems to suggest that, in patients with COPD already on ICS/LABA combination, the therapy can be improved without an increase of cardiovascular severe adverse events (SAEs) when a LAMA is added to the combination.
Renegotiating the Empire, Forging the Nation-State: The Albanian Case through the Political Economic Thought of Ismail Qemali, Fan Noli, and Luigj Gurakuqi, c. 1890–1920s
Authors: Brisku Adrian
Published: November 2019

This article examines historical positions regarding the question of the small nation-(state) of Albania remaining “in” the larger Ottoman supranational entity and “out” as independent nation-state during the late 19th and early 20th century. It does so mainly, but not only, through the language of political economy (wealth creation and redistribution) as articulated in the thoughts and deeds of three founding intellectual and political figures of the Albanian nation-(state): Ismail Qemali, Fan Noli, and Luigj Gurakuqi. While lacking a clear political-economic perspective for this emerging nation in the late Ottoman period, all the three figures maintained that as an independent, small nation-state, Albania could survive and perhaps thrive if its wealth and national economic development remained anchored within a larger political and economic space. More than Qemali, Gurakuqi, and Noli envisaged a greater state role in the country’s “national economy-building” process. But while Gurakuqi was more of a “nationalist” on wealth creation, Noli sought to pursue a more “radical,” redistributive path to national development.
Can Enumerative Induction Be Defended by Modal Scepticism and Modal Empiricism?
Authors: FENG SHUYI
Published: November 2019

In the spirit of modal scepticism, Peter Hawke offers a modal epistemology, the safe explanation theory (SET), which takes the form of modal empiricism. By employing SET, he tries to defend enumerative induction (EI): it is reasonable to believe that any X is F on the basis of a sufficiently large sample in which any X is F. In this paper, I argue that Hawke’s defence fails. Moreover, I point out a problem with SET, which results in this failure: SET is too strict to account for some possibility claims that we are entitled to believe.
Food habits of South Pacific hake (Merluccius gayi) in Ecuadorian waters
Authors: Varela José Luis , Pincay-Espinoza Jonathan Eduardo
Published: November 2019

The food habits of the South Pacific hake (Merluccius gayi) from Ecuadorian waters were studied by analysing 232 stomachs of specimens ranging from 23.4–83.1 cm in total length (TL). Fish was the most important prey group (Alimentary Index, %AI = 94),Ctenosciaena peruvianabeing the most represented prey species (%AI = 62.17). PERMANOVA analysis showed dietary differences between the smallest individuals (class I < 30 cm TL) and the largest (class IV 40–45 cm TL; class V ≥ 45 cm TL). In addition, spatial differences in dietary composition were found between the three sampled regions (Manabí, Santa Elena and Guayas). The results of this study indicate that the South Pacific hake is an opportunistic predator feeding on a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.
A Thunderstorm Identification Method Combining the Area of Graupel Distribution Region and Weather Radar Reflectivity
Authors: Yang B. , Gao X. , Han Y. , Zhang Y. , Gao T.
Published: November 2019

Thunderstorm identification from weather radar data remains a fundamental problem in lightning nowcasting. In this study, a novel thunderstorm identification method combining the area of graupel distribution region and weather radar reflectivity is proposed. To optimize identification parameters of the identification method, the radar echoes with 312 thunderstorms in 17 weather processes in Nanjing area, China, from 2014 to 2015 were identified and tested to obtain the optimal identification parameters. The results indicate that the optimal parameter combination is to set the storm region identification reflectivity threshold at 0°C isothermal level to 30 dBZ and set the area of graupel distribution region to 2 km2. With such a parameter combination, the optimal identification results with the probability of detection of 91%, false alarm rate of 6.9%, and critical success index of 85.3% could be obtained. Moreover, the proposed thunderstorm identification method can also provide effective means for thunderstorm nowcasting.
An Automatic Rainfall‐Type Classification Algorithm Combining Diverse 3‐D Features of Radar Echoes
Authors: Lei Bo , Xu Zi‐Xin , Yang Ling , Li Xuehua , Zhen Xiaoqiong
Published: November 2019

This paper proposes an improved algorithm which combines neural networks with diverse 3‐D structural features to partition radar reflectivity into convective and stratiform precipitation types. Radar data used in this work were obtained from three networked X‐band Doppler radars located in Chengdu, China. The proposed algorithm consists of the two sections: six high‐resolution features, which could be extracted from radar volume scanning and expressed the characteristics of the target in many ways, are selected as input to the neural network; systematic self‐diagnosis is implemented; and the optimized model is determined according to analysis of bias and variance of classifier. Three state‐of‐art classification algorithms were implemented as references for algorithm evaluation. Both subjective comparison and statistical results convince that performance of the proposed algorithm is better than performance of traditional classification algorithms in various weather systems. The statistical results show that the proposed algorithm F‐score values are 3%, 24%, and 30% higher than the fuzzy logic, SHY95, and BL algorithms and the recognition speed of the proposed algorithm is 54 times, two times, and four times that of fuzzy logic, SHY95, and BL, respectively. Considering network training is an offline procedure, classification by proposed neural network algorithm has great potential in real‐time weather analysis for the precipitation classification.
An Improved Method for Determining Near‐Surface Currents From Wave Dispersion Measurements
Authors: Smeltzer B. K. , Æsøy E. , Ådnøy A. , Ellingsen S. Å.
Published: November 2019

A new inversion method for determining near‐surface shear currents from a measured wave spectrum is introduced. The method is straightforward to implement and starts from the existing state‐of‐the‐art technique of assigning effective depths to measured wavenumber‐dependent Doppler shift velocities. A polynomial fit is performed, with the coefficients scaled based on a simple derived relation to produce a current profile that is an improved estimate of the true profile. The method involves no user‐input parameters, with the optimal parameters involved in the polynomial fit being chosen based on a simple criterion involving the measured Doppler shift data only. The method is tested on experimental data obtained from a laboratory where current profiles of variable depth dependence could be created and measured by particle image velocimetry, which served as “truth” measurements. Applying the new inversion method to experimentally measured Doppler shifts resulted in a >3 times improvement in accuracy relative to the state of the art for current profiles with significant near‐surface curvature. The experiments are dynamically similar to typical oceanographic flows such as wind‐drift profiles, and our laboratory thus makes a suitable and eminently useful scale model of the real‐life setting. Our results show that the new method can achieve improved accuracy in reconstructing near‐surface shear profiles from wave measurements by a simple extension of methods, which are currently in use, incurring little extra complexity and effort. A novel adaptation of the normalized scalar product method has been implemented, able to extract Doppler shift velocities as a function of wavenumber from the measured wave spectrum.
On the Variability of Arabian Sea Mixing and its Energetics
Authors: Singh Shikha , Valsala Vinu , Prajeesh A. G. , Balasubramanian Sridhar
Published: November 2019

The mechanism of interannual variability of Arabian Sea (AS) mixing is studied by examining its energetics from 60 years of model output (1950–2009) generated using an ocean general circulation model. The model results are compared with ocean reanalysis data for the same period. Both model and reanalysis data show consistent patterns of interannual variability of AS mixing. It is observed that the dominant mode of interannual variability has a basin‐wide structure with monotonic sign throughout the basin, albeit with a higher intensity in the central and southeast regions of the AS. The variability is primarily controlled by El Ni
o‐Southern Oscillation with shallower (deeper) mixed layer during El Ni
o (La Ni
a). During a typical La Ni
a year, the wind stress forcing, heat fluxes, and evaporation minus precipitation together cause deepening of mixed layer depth (MLD) in AS. This MLD variability has the strongest signal in winter months (i.e., December to February [DJF]). Further, the resolved mixing energetics suggest that the dominant forcing of MLD variability changes with seasons and has a regional preference. Buoyancy production of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) governs the mixing and associated MLD variability in central AS during September to November (SON) and in northeast AS during DJF. Both buoyancy and mechanical production of TKE govern MLD variability in southwest to central AS from June to August and southeast AS in SON. Thus, the study highlights basin‐wide structure of interannual variability of AS mixing along with its controlling mechanisms with strong regional dependency owing to the contrasting nature of forcing prevailing over various parts of the AS.
On the Accuracy of Reconstructing Plasma Sheet Electron Fluxes From Temperature and Density Models
Authors: Dubyagin S. , Ganushkina N. , Liemohn M.
Published: November 2019

The particle simulations of the inner magnetosphere require time‐dependent boundary conditions for the particle flux set in the transition region between dipolar and tail‐like configurations. Usually, the flux is reconstructed from particle density and temperature predicted by empirical models or magnetohydrodynamic simulations. However, this method requires assumptions about the energy spectra to be made. This uncertainty adds to the inaccuracy of the empirical models or magnetohydrodynamic predictions. We use electron flux measurements in the nightside at r=6–11RE in the 1–300 keV energy range to estimate the potential accuracy of the electron flux reconstruction from the macroscopic plasma parameter models. We use kappa and Maxwellian distribution functions as well as two population approximations to describe the electron spectra. It is found that this method works reasonably well in the thermal energy range (1–10 keV). However, the average difference between measured and predicted fluxes becomes as large as 1 order of magnitude at energies ≥40 keV. The optimal value of the kappa parameter is found to be between 3 and 4, but it depends strongly on magnetic local time and radial distance. We conclude that the development of the flux‐based models (model of differential flux at several reference energies) instead of density and temperature models can be considered as a promising direction.
Copula Theory as a Generalized Framework for Flow‐Duration Curve Based Streamflow Estimates in Ungaged and Partially Gaged Catchments
Authors: Worland Scott. C. , Steinschneider Scott , Farmer William , Asquith William , Knight Rodney
Published: November 2019

Flow‐duration curve (FDC) based streamflow estimation methods involve estimating an FDC at an ungaged or partially gaged location and using the time series of nonexceedance probabilities estimated from donor streamgage sites to generate estimates of streamflow. We develop a mathematical framework to illustrate the connection between copulas and prior FDC‐based approaches. The performance of copula methods is compared to several other streamflow estimation methods using a decade of daily streamflow data from 74 sites located within two river basins in the southeast United States with different climate characteristics and physiographic properties. We show that copula approaches: (1) outperform other methods in the limiting case of perfect information with regard to the rank‐based correlation structure and FDCs across the gaging network; (2) provide a hedge against poor performance when donor information becomes sparser and less informative; (3) outperform other methods when used for partially gaged sites with several years of available data; and (4) remain a competitive albeit nondominating method for ungaged sites and partially gaged sites with limited data when realistic error is introduced in the estimation of FDCs and correlations across the gaging network.
Regressed Models for Multirate Mass Transfer in Heterogeneous Media
Authors: Elenius Maria T. , Abriola Linda M.
Published: November 2019

Several applications to flow and transport in sorptive porous media are fundamentally dependent on the heterogeneous medium properties. This poses a challenge for direct numerical simulations, as fine grids are needed. One alternative approach is the application of the multirate mass transfer (MRMT) method. In this approach, rather than explicitly modeling immobile regions, such as clay layers, the solute concentration in these regions is treated by explicit state variables, and the transport between mobile and immobile regions is modeled by first‐order exchange terms. In the implementation of this approach, fine‐scale simulations on subdomains are often necessary to develop appropriate parameters, since regressed models for the estimation of these parameters, based on a priori data, are unavailable. To facilitate applications of MRMT to three‐dimensional heterogeneous media at the field scale, in this work, upscaled parameters needed for a two‐rate MRMT model are fit to several hundred three‐dimensional fine‐scale simulations by employing a two‐step fitting procedure. The fitted parameters are then regressed with respect to geostatistical, sorptive, and flow parameters. Upscaled simulations using the fitted and the regressed parameters produce breakthrough curves that are very similar to fine‐scale curves. The data used to regress the parameters span a range of heterogeneous properties and flow conditions, and the model is demonstrated to be robust to untested parameter values and initial and boundary conditions. These developed regressions can be employed to efficiently account for back‐diffusion and desorption in future modeling of transport in heterogeneous media without the need to perform fine‐scale simulations.
Mimicking Geologic Depositional Fabrics for Multiphase Flow Experiments
Authors: Krishnamurthy Prasanna G. , Meckel Tip A. , DiCarlo David
Published: November 2019

A novel laboratory technique is presented for generating two‐dimensional beadpacks with reproducible natural geologic sedimentary bedforms. The heterogeneous beadpacks are deposited in a 0.6 m × 0.6 m × 0.02 m glass slab chamber using a programmable two‐axis linear actuator. The method takes advantage of natural mechanical sorting processes, along with the ability to program the motion of the arm, to efficiently build cross‐beds and ripple laminae similar to those seen in natural water‐lain clastic deposits. By using a mixture of grain sizes (200 to 800 μm diameter), depositional fabrics with multiscale heterogeneity (mm to dm) are generated. Reproducibility tests show very high correlation among multiple fabric realizations produced with similar inputs. After introducing this first‐of‐a‐kind capability to produce depositionally realistic fabrics at scales larger than that of rock cores, a demonstrative study is presented that illustrates gravity unstable multiphase flow which is relevant in the context of CO2 sequestration. Preliminary results highlight the dramatic impact small scale capillary heterogeneities have on multiphase immiscible displacement and can help bridge understanding between core scale experiments and reservoir scale observations.
Proneness of European Catchments to Multiyear Streamflow Droughts
Authors: Brunner Manuela I. , Tallaksen Lena M.
Published: November 2019

Droughts can have severe ecological, social, and economic impacts. Some impacts are particularly severe if droughts last longer than 1 year and water stores are not fully replenished. The proneness of European catchments to multiyear droughts has not been studied extensively, even though such events pose a great challenge for water resources management in many regions. In this study, we assess regions and catchments in Europe that might be prone to multiyear droughts by stochastically simulating long discharge records. The simulation approach uses phase randomization and the flexible, four‐parameter kappa distribution to generate potential realizations of (long) drought events. Both observed and stochastically simulated series are used to identify multiyear drought events. Catchments prone to multiyear droughts are located in southern France, central Europe, and southwestern England. To assess potential future changes in the proneness to multiyear events, we follow a purely empirical approach. We link the proneness of a catchment to multiyear events to its low‐flow regime as described by the seasonality ratio. Our results show that catchments with a melt‐dominated flow regime are generally not affected by multiyear droughts, whereas many catchments with a rainfall‐dominated flow regime show such proneness. We further find that catchments experiencing regime changes toward a rainfall‐dominated flow regime might be more affected by multiyear droughts in the future. Overall, four regions stood out that might potentially become more affected in the future if historical trends in regimes continue: southeastern England, southeastern France, central Norway, and the Pre‐Alps.
Effect of topiramate on eating behaviours in Prader-Willi syndrome: TOPRADER double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study
Authors: Consoli Angèle , Çabal Berthoumieu Sophie , Raffin Marie , Thuilleaux Denise , Poitou Christine , Coupaye Muriel , Pinto Graziella , Lebbah Said , Zahr Noel , Tauber Maïthé , Cohen David , Bonnot Olivier
Published: November 2019

Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic syndrome leading to severe behavioural disorders and mild cognitive impairment. The objective of this double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial was to study the efficacy and tolerance of topiramate on behavioural disorders in patients with PWS. Participants (aged 12–45 years) had genetically confirmed PWS and severe irritability/impulsivity, eating disorders and/or obesity, and skin picking. Thirty-two participants received a placebo (PBO), and 30 participants received topiramate (TOP) (50–200 mg/day) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the rate of responders using the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale. The secondary outcome measures included the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist, the Dykens Hyperphagia Questionnaire (DHK), the Self-Injurious Behaviour Scale (SIBS) and the body mass index (BMI). We found no significant difference in the primary outcome (the CGI-I): 9 (30%) patients were very much or much improved in the TOP group compared to 7 (22.6%) patients in the PBO group. However, the DHK behaviour and severity scores improved significantly more over time in patients treated with topiramate versus those receiving a placebo, with a significant dose–effect relationship. DHK scores were also significantly associated with genetic subtypes and hospitalisation status. The effects of topiramate on eating behaviours remained significant after adjusting for genetic subtype and hospitalisation. Topiramate had therefore a significant effect on eating disorders, with a dose–effect relationship. Given the burden of eating disorders in PWS, we believe that topiramate may become the first psychotropic option within the global care of obesity in individuals with PWS.
A protective role for N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D in 6-OHDA-induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Palese Francesca , Pontis Silvia , Realini Natalia , Piomelli Daniele
Published: November 2019

N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) catalyzes the cleavage of membrane NAPEs into bioactive fatty-acid ethanolamides (FAEs). Along with this precursor role, NAPEs might also serve autonomous signaling functions. Here, we report that injections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the mouse striatum cause a local increase in NAPE and FAE levels, which precedes neuronal cell death. NAPE, but not FAE, accumulation is enhanced in mice lacking NAPE-PLD, which display a substantial reduction in 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity, as shown by increased survival of substantia nigra dopamine neurons, integrity of striatal dopaminergic fibers, and striatal dopamine metabolite content. Reduced damage is accompanied by attenuation of the motor response evoked by apomorphine. Furthermore, NAPE-PLD silencing protects cathecolamine-producing SH-SY5Y cells from 6-OHDA-induced reactive oxygen species formation, caspase-3 activation and death. Mechanistic studies in mice suggest the existence of multiple molecular contributors to the neuroprotective effects of NAPE-PLD deletion, including suppression of Rac1 activity and attenuated transcription of several genes (Cadps, Casp9, Egln1, Kcnj6, Spen, and Uchl1) implicated in dopamine neuron survival and/or Parkinson’s disease. The findings point to a previously unrecognized role for NAPE-PLD in the regulation of dopamine neuron function, which may be linked to the control of NAPE homeostasis in membranes.
Neutrophils promote venular thrombosis by shaping the rheological environment for platelet aggregation
Authors: Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Schink Severin J. , Fabritius Matthias , Mittmann Laura , Hessenauer Maximilian E. T. , Pircher Joachim , Zuchtriegel Gabriele , Uhl Bernd , Holzer Martin , Massberg Steffen , Krombach Fritz , Reichel Christoph A.
Published: November 2019

In advanced inflammatory disease, microvascular thrombosis leads to the interruption of blood supply and provokes ischemic tissue injury. Recently, intravascularly adherent leukocytes have been reported to shape the blood flow in their immediate vascular environment. Whether these rheological effects are relevant for microvascular thrombogenesis remains elusive. Employing multi-channel in vivo microscopy, analyses in microfluidic devices, and computational modeling, we identified a previously unanticipated role of leukocytes for microvascular clot formation in inflamed tissue. For this purpose, neutrophils adhere at distinct sites in the microvasculature where these immune cells effectively promote thrombosis by shaping the rheological environment for platelet aggregation. In contrast to larger (lower-shear) vessels, this process in high-shear microvessels does not require fibrin generation or extracellular trap formation, but involves GPIbα-vWF and CD40-CD40L-dependent platelet interactions. Conversely, interference with these cellular interactions substantially compromises microvascular clotting. Thus, leukocytes shape the rheological environment in the inflamed venular microvasculature for platelet aggregation thereby effectively promoting the formation of blood clots. Targeting this specific crosstalk between the immune system and the hemostatic system might be instrumental for the prevention and treatment of microvascular thromboembolic pathologies, which are inaccessible to invasive revascularization strategies.
The panniculus carnosus muscle: A novel model of striated muscle regeneration that exhibits sex differences in the mdx mouse
Authors: Bahri Ola A. , Naldaiz-Gastesi Neia , Kennedy Donna C. , Wheatley Antony M. , Izeta Ander , McCullagh Karl J. A.
Published: November 2019

The dermal striated muscle panniculus carnosus (PC), prevalent in lower mammals with remnants in humans, is highly regenerative, and whose function is purported to be linked to defence and shivering thermogenesis. Given the heterogeneity of responses of different muscles to disease, we set out to characterize the PC in wild-type and muscular dystrophic mdx mice. The mouse PC contained mainly fast-twitch type IIB myofibers showing body wide distribution. The PC exemplified heterogeneity in myofiber sizes and a prevalence of central nucleated fibres (CNFs), hallmarks of regeneration, in wild-type and mdx muscles, which increased with age. PC myofibers were hypertrophic in mdx compared to wild-type mice. Sexual dimorphism was apparent with a two-fold increase in CNFs in PC from male versus female mdx mice. To evaluate myogenic potential, PC muscle progenitors were isolated from 8-week old wild-type and mdx mice, grown and differentiated for 7-days. Myogenic profiling of PC-derived myocytes suggested that male mdx satellite cells (SCs) were more myogenic than female counterparts, independent of SC density in PC muscles. Muscle regenerative differences in the PC were associated with alterations in expression of calcium handling regulatory proteins. These studies highlight unique aspects of the PC muscle and its potential as a model to study mechanisms of striated muscle regeneration in health and disease.
Terrestrial Vegetation Drives Methane Production in the Sediments of two German Reservoirs
Authors: Tittel Jörg , Hüls Matthias , Koschorreck Matthias
Published: November 2019

Inland waters and reservoirs in particular are significant sources of methane to the atmosphere. However, little information is available on the extent to which organic carbon from terrestrial vegetation or from internal photosynthesis fuels the methane production. This limits our ability to constrain methane emissions efficiently. We studied the isotopic composition (13C, 14C) of pelagic and sedimentary carbon sources in two small German reservoirs. The methane was enriched by radiocarbon with isotopic ranges (∆14C 5‰ to 31‰) near to fresh terrestrial organic carbon (OC, 17‰ to 26‰). In contrast, potential source OC produced by internal photosynthesis was characterized by negative ∆14C values (−30‰ and −25‰) as derived from signatures of inorganic carbon in the reservoirs. The particulate OC in stream supplies (terrestrial OC) was also 14C depleted in almost all cases, but highly variable in ∆14C (−131‰ to 42‰). Although the import of terrestrial OC was lower than the amount of OC produced by reservoir-internal photosynthesis, we conclude that the methane production was predominantly fuelled by catchment vegetation. The utilized terrestrial OC was of contemporary origin, fixed within years to decades before sampling and supplemented with reservoir-internal or aged terrestrial OC. Our results indicate that terrestrial biomass is an important driver of methane production in reservoirs receiving significant imports of terrestrial OC.
Probabilistic risk assessment and spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in groundwater sources in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Emenike PraiseGod Chidozie , Tenebe Imokhai , Ogarekpe Nkpa , Omole David , Nnaji Chidozie
Published: November 2019

The study investigated the concentration of potentially toxic heavy metals (PTHM) in groundwater sources (hand-dug wells and boreholes), spatial distribution, source apportionment, and health risk impact on local inhabitants in Ogun state. One hundred and eight water samples from 36 locations were analysed for Cr, Ni, Pb, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca and Al. Mean values of 0.013, 0.003, 0.010, 0.088, 0.004 and 3.906 mg/L were obtained for Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Al respectively at Iju district. Meanwhile, the average values of Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Al concentrations at Atan district were 0.008, 0.0023, 0.011, 0.003, and 1.319 mg/L respectively. Results also revealed that the 44.4% and 11.13% of the borehole and well-water samples surpassed the World Health Organization limits for Pb at Atan. In Iju, the concentration of Pb and Al were relatively high, exceeding the stipulated standard in 100% of the samples. The Multivariate statistical analysis employed produced principal factors that accounted for 78.674% and 86.753% of the variance at Atan and Iju region respectively. Based on this, PTHM were traced to geogenic sources (weathering, dissolution, leaching) and anthropogenic emissions from industrial activities. In addition, the hazard quotient values obtained from the health risk assessment identified potential non-carcinogenic risk due to Pb via ingestion route. Ni was found to have high carcinogenic risk on adult and children, having exceeded the threshold limit. The outcome of the carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that 88.67% (for adults) and 1.12% (for children) of the cancer risk values surpassed the specified limits at Iju, whereas the cancer risk values were considerably lesser at Atan. In conclusion, the report of this study should serve as a beacon that will spark up strategic planning, comprehensive water resource management, and extensive treatment schemes in order to address the health complications linked with environmental pollution.
Acetylation of the histone H3 tail domain regulates base excision repair on higher-order chromatin structures
Authors: Banerjee Deb Ranjan , Deckard Charles E. , Zeng Yu , Sczepanski Jonathan T.
Published: November 2019

Despite recent evidence suggesting that histone lysine acetylation contributes to base excision repair (BER) in cells, their exact mechanistic role remains unclear. In order to examine the influence of histone acetylation on the initial steps of BER, we assembled nucleosome arrays consisting of homogeneously acetylated histone H3 (H3K18 and H3K27) and measured the repair of a site-specifically positioned 2′-deoxyuridine (dU) residue by uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1). We find that H3K18ac and H3K27ac differentially influence the combined activities of UDG/APE1 on compact chromatin, suggesting that acetylated lysine residues on the H3 tail domain play distinct roles in regulating the initial steps of BER. In addition, we show that the effects of H3 tail domain acetylation on UDG/APE1 activity are at the nucleosome level and do not influence higher-order chromatin folding. Overall, these results establish a novel regulatory role for histone H3 acetylation during the initiation of BER on chromatin.