bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On dynamic pull‐in instability of electrostatically actuated multilayer nanoresonators: A semi‐analytical solution
Authors: Taati Ehsan
Published: July 2019

Based on the nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, a theoretical approach is developed to investigate the effects of small scale and intermolecular force on the dynamic pull‐in behavior of electrostatically actuated nanoresonators. To this purpose, nanoresonators are modeled as multilayer beams with rectangular cross‐sections and fixed‐fixed and fixed‐free end conditions which are embedded in an elastic medium containing Winkler and Pasternak elastic foundations. Also, the effects of nonlocal parameter, fringing field due to the finite width of beams, Casimir or van der Waals intermolecular forces, nonlinear term induced by mid‐plane stretching and Winkler and Pasternak elastic foundations are considered in the mathematical modeling of pull‐in behavior. Finally, a hybrid semi‐analytical method is proposed to solve the nonlinear partial differential equation in two steps using the separation of variable technique. First, the Galerkin method is used to reduce a nonlinear ordinary differential equation with respect to time variable. Next, the parameter expansion method is applied to solve ensuing equation and obtain the time history response of transverse deflection. As case studies, the numerical results including curves of voltage‐normalized frequency, time history of normalized maximum deflection and phase portrait of two six‐layer cantilever and fully fixed beams are presented and discussed in detail. Findings indicate that the effect of small scale on the pull‐in voltages is more significant for both boundary conditions, in comparison with the intermolecular force. Also, it is seen that the pull‐in voltages of cantilever beams become larger by considering the nonlocal effect, contrary to the case of fully fixed beams.
Black holes and general Freudenthal transformations
Authors: Borsten L. , Duff M. J. , Fernández-Melgarejo J. J. , Marrani A. , Torrente-Lujan E.
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We study General Freudenthal Transformations (GFT) on black hole solutions in Einstein-Maxwell-Scalar (super)gravity theories with global symmetry of type E
7. GFT can be considered as a 2-parameter, a, b ∈ ℝ, generalisation of Freudenthal duality:

$$ x\to {x}_F= ax+b\tilde{x} $$

x
→

x
F

=
ax
+
b

x
˜

, where x is the vector of the electromagnetic charges, an element of a Freudenthal triple system (FTS), carried by a large black hole and

$$ \tilde{x} $$

x
˜

is its Freudenthal dual. These transformations leave the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy invariant up to a scalar factor given by a
2 ± b
2. For any x there exists a one parameter subset of GFT that leave the entropy invariant, a
2 ± b
2 = 1, defining the subgroup of Freudenthal rotations. The Freudenthal plane defined by spanℝ{x,

$$ \tilde{x} $$

x
˜

} is closed under GFT and is foliated by the orbits of the Freudenthal rotations. Having introduced the basic definitions and presented their properties in detail, we consider the relation of GFT to the global symmetries or U-dualities in the context of supergravity. We consider explicit examples in pure supergravity, axion-dilaton theories and N = 2, D = 4 supergravities obtained from D = 5 by dimensional reductions associated to (non-degenerate) reduced FTS’s descending from cubic Jordan Algebras.
The effect of early broad-spectrum versus delayed narrow-spectrum antibiotic therapy on the primary cure rate of acute infection after osteosynthesis
Authors: Hellebrekers Pien , Verhofstad Michiel H. J. , Leenen Luke P. H. , Varol Hilal , van Lieshout Esther M. M. , Hietbrink Falco
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Infection near metal implants is a problem that presents challenging treatment dilemmas for physicians. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of two treatment protocols for acute fracture-related infections.

Methods

Seventy-one patients in two level-1 trauma centres in the Netherlands were retrospectively included in this study. These trauma centres had different standardised protocols for acute infection after osteosynthesis: 39 patients were selected from protocol A and 32 from protocol B. Both protocols involve immediate surgical debridement and soft tissue coverage, but differ in antibiotic approach: (A) immediate empirical combination antibiotic therapy with rifampicin, or (B) postponed (1–5 days) targeted antibiotic therapy. The primary outcome of these protocols was success, defined as a fracture healing in the absence of infection. The secondary outcome was antibiotic resistance patterns. Logistic regression was conducted on patients and treatment-related factors in association with primary success.

Results

Primary success was achieved in 72% of protocol A patients, in 47% of those in protocol B (P = 0.033), and with prolongation of treatment success was achieved in 90% and 78% of patients, respectively. Protocol A exhibited a better primary success rate (adjusted OR 3.45, CI 1.13–10.52) when adjusted for age and soft tissue injury. There was no significant difference in antibiotic resistance between the two protocols.

Conclusion

Both protocols yielded high overall success rates. Immediate empirical antibiotics can be used safely without additional bacterial resistance and may contribute to increased success rates.
Reviewing the Role of Instagram in Education: Can a Photo Sharing Application Deliver Benefits to Medical and Dental Anatomy Education?
Authors: Douglas Naomi Katherine May , Scholz Max , Myers Matthew Alex , Rae Shivani Margaret , Elmansouri Ahmad , Hall Samuel , Border Scott
Published: July 2019

Instagram is an increasingly popular social media site tailored towards sharing photos and videos. An audit investigating current Instagram accounts focusing on anatomy education found a variety of successful teaching styles, including clinical images, descriptive videos, multiple-choice questions, and cartoons. Utilising Instagram for educational purposes, benefits such as ease of use, hashtags, and its effectiveness in conveying visual topics should be weighed against limitations such as passive learning and the requirement of committed staff to oversee its use.
Flexible Tactile Electronic Skin Sensor with 3D Force Detection Based on Porous CNTs/PDMS Nanocomposites
Authors: Sun Xuguang , Sun Jianhai , Li Tong , Zheng Shuaikang , Wang Chunkai , Tan Wenshuo , Zhang Jingong , Liu Chang , Ma Tianjun , Qi Zhimei , Liu Chunxiu , Xue Ning
Published: July 2019

Flexible tactile sensors have broad applications in human physiological monitoring, robotic operation and human–machine interaction. However, the research of wearable and flexible tactile sensors with high sensitivity, wide sensing range and ability to detect three-dimensional (3D) force is still very challenging. Herein, a flexible tactile electronic skin sensor based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposites is presented for 3D contact force detection. The 3D forces were acquired from combination of four specially designed cells in a sensing element. Contributed from the double-sided rough porous structure and specific surface morphology of nanocomposites, the piezoresistive sensor possesses high sensitivity of 12.1 kPa−1 within the range of 600 Pa and 0.68 kPa−1 in the regime exceeding 1 kPa for normal pressure, as well as 59.9 N−1 in the scope of < 0.05 N and > 2.3 N−1 in the region of < 0.6 N for tangential force with ultra-low response time of 3.1 ms. In addition, multi-functional detection in human body monitoring was employed with single sensing cell and the sensor array was integrated into a robotic arm for objects grasping control, indicating the capacities in intelligent robot applications.
The Effectiveness of 3-D Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Penile Deformities in Patients With Peyronie's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Özmez Abdulkadir , Ortac Mazhar , Cevik Gokhan , Akdere Hakan , Bakır Barış , Kadıoğlu Ateş
Published: July 2019

Background

Anatomic and functional evaluation of the penis before treatment is very important in the choice of treatment in patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD).

Aim

To compare 3 different methods for the evaluation of the penile deformity, including auto-photography, combined intracavernous injection stimulation test (CIS), and 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) during artificial penile erection in patients with PD.

Methods

Pretreatment penile deformities of patients with PD were compared with those detected with auto-photography, using goniometer after intracavernosal vasoactive agent, and 3D CT correlations among these 3 methods were investigated.

Main Outcome Measures

Assessments of penile curvature with auto-photography, CIS, and 3D CT.

Results

The mean age of 36 patients who were included in the study was 58 ± 8.25 (36–72) years, and the mean time since the onset of the disease was 25 ± 24 months (2–144). Degrees of penile curvatures measured using auto-photography, CIS, and CT were determined as 24° (0°–80°), 40° (0°–90°), and 34° (0°–80°), respectively. When general correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the penile curvatures of all patients using 3 methods, a moderate correlation between auto-photography and both CIS (r = 0.72, P < .001) and 3D CT (r = 0.56, P < .001) was detected, whereas a strong correlation was noticed between CIS and 3D CT (r = 0.78, P < .001). When the correlation analysis between patients with and without ED was examined, a statistically significant decrease in the strength of correlation between CIS and auto-photography in patients with ED (0.629 vs 0.925, P < .05), however, was detected without any statistically significant difference in patients without ED (0.694 vs 0.813, P > .05).

Conclusion

The superiority of 3D CT over auto-photography and its strong correlation with CIS in most parameters have been demonstrated. However, it was found that CT did not give more information than the evaluation with CIS. Current limitations and cost increases limit the use of 3D CT in the assessment of PD.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatric Migraine
Authors: Webb Megan E. , Amoozegar Farnaz , Harris Ashley D.
Published: July 2019

This literature review provides an overview of the research using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pediatric migraine and compares findings with the adult migraine literature. A literature search using PubMed was conducted using all relevant sources up to February 2019. Using MRI methods to categorize and explain pediatric migraine in comparison with adult migraine is important, in order to recognize and appreciate the differences between the two entities, both clinically and physiologically. We aim to demonstrate the differences and similarities between pediatric and adult migraine using data from white matter and gray matter structural studies, cerebral perfusion, metabolites, and functional MRI (fMRI) studies, including task-based and resting-state blood oxygen level-dependent studies. By doing this we identify areas that need further research, as well as possible areas where intervention could alter outcomes.
A PATCHWORK QUILT SEWN FROM BROWNIAN FABRIC: REGULARITY OF POLYMER WEIGHT PROFILES IN BROWNIAN LAST PASSAGE PERCOLATION
Authors: HAMMOND ALAN
Published: July 2019

In last passage percolation models lying in the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang (KPZ) universality class, the energy of long energy-maximizing paths may be studied as a function of the paths’ pair of endpoint locations. Scaled coordinates may be introduced, so that these maximizing paths, or polymers, now cross unit distances with unit-order fluctuations, and have scaled energy, or weight, of unit order. In this article, we consider Brownian last passage percolation in these scaled coordinates. In the narrow wedge case, when one endpoint of such polymers is fixed, say at

$(0,0)\in \mathbb{R}^{2}$

, and the other is varied horizontally, over

$(z,1)$

,

$z\in \mathbb{R}$

, the polymer weight profile as a function of

$z\in \mathbb{R}$

is locally Brownian; indeed, by Hammond [‘Brownian regularity for the Airy line ensemble, and multi-polymer watermelons in Brownian last passage percolation’, Preprint (2016), arXiv:1609.02971, Theorem 2.11 and Proposition 2.5], the law of the profile is known to enjoy a very strong comparison to Brownian bridge on a given compact interval, with a Radon–Nikodym derivative in every

$L^{p}$

space for

$p\in (1,\infty )$

, uniformly in the scaling parameter, provided that an affine adjustment is made to the weight profile before the comparison is made. In this article, we generalize this narrow wedge case and study polymer weight profiles begun from a very general initial condition. We prove that the profiles on a compact interval resemble Brownian bridge in a uniform sense: splitting the compact interval into a random but controlled number of patches, the profile in each patch after affine adjustment has a Radon–Nikodym derivative that lies in every

$L^{p}$

space for

$p\in (1,3)$

. This result is proved by harnessing an understanding of the uniform coalescence structure in the field of polymers developed in Hammond [‘Exponents governing the rarity of disjoint polymers in Brownian last passage percolation’, Preprint (2017a), arXiv:1709.04110] using techniques from Hammond (2016) and [‘Modulus of continuity of polymer weight profiles in Brownian last passage percolation’, Preprint (2017b), arXiv:1709.04115].
Psychological distress and C-reactive protein in a South African national survey
Authors: Sewpaul Ronel , Naudé Petrus J.W. , Stein Dan J. , Labadarios Demetre
Published: July 2019

Objective:

To examine the association of psychological distress with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in a South African cohort.

Methods:

Data were analysed on individuals aged ≥15 years from the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES) of 2012. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Linear regression models assessed the association of psychological distress with serum CRP, adjusting for possible confounding factors.

Results:

The analytic sample comprised n = 3944 individuals (mean age = 40 and sex = 36% males). Psychological distress was significantly associated with increased serum CRP levels (B = 0.31 and p = 0.001). This association was no longer significant after adjusting for demographic variables, lifestyle factors, cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, trauma and anti-inflammatory medication use (B = 0.15 and p = 0.062).

Conclusion:

Psychological distress was associated with elevated levels of CRP among South African adults. However, the association was confounded by a range of factors, with demographic variables (age, sex and population group) having the largest confounding effect. These findings indicate that CRP is not a useful biomarker of psychological distress, and that additional work is needed on the underlying psychobiology of psychological distress.
Conspiracy theorizing as political practice in Guinea
Authors: Fioratta Susanna
Published: July 2019

This article examines conspiracy theory as an integral part of political practice. In 2010, following a tumultuous year that included a military takeover and a junta-led massacre of civilians, the Republic of Guinea held what was widely considered to be the country's first democratic presidential election since independence in 1958. During this time, many Guineans regularly exchanged information about secret intrigues at the highest levels of politics. These popular reports of powerful figures conspiring to fix the election influenced people's talk and actions, contributing to an environment in which abstract suspicions crystallized in real, and sometimes violent, events. These events in turn heightened suspicions of high-level conspiracy and, among people who identified as ethnic Fulɓe, reinforced the widespread conviction that they were being targeted. Focusing ethnographically on two episodes in which theories of conspiracy influenced how Guineans perceived and shaped the course of the 2010 elections, this article explores conspiracy theorizing as an emergent mode of politics that may have profound effects.
Changes in breast milk lutein concentrations and their associations with dietary lutein intake: a 12-week prospective analytical study
Authors: Zhang Yaqin , Yang Jiao , Huang Ninghua , Xiao Linyan , Lin Hong , Luo Jiayou , Zhang Zhaofeng , Zou Zhiyong
Published: July 2019

We aimed to investigate the trends of breast milk lutein concentrations at different times and their relationship with dietary lutein intake during the 12 weeks after delivery. Breast milk samples were collected from thirty-seven mothers at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum. A HPLC detection method was used to measure breast milk lutein concentrations. Dietary intake was assessed using an FFQ, and then dietary lutein intake was calculated. The correlations between dietary lutein intake and breast milk lutein concentrations during lactation were investigated by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. General linear regression models were used to evaluate the optimal regression equation. The mean values of dietary lutein intake at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum were 5·22 (sd 3·60), 7·28 (sd 4·30) and 7·33 (sd 4·24) mg/d, respectively. The mean values of breast milk lutein concentrations at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum were as follows: 46·41 (sd 41·36), 57·96 (sd 40·00) and 62·33 (sd 30·10) μg/l, respectively. Breast milk lutein concentrations were positively associated with dietary lutein intake at 4 weeks postpartum (r 0·527, P < 0·05), which was consistent with the positive correlations observed at 8 and 12 weeks postpartum (r 0·444, P < 0·05; r 0·468, P < 0·05) by the sensitivity analysis. Increased dietary lutein intake can increase the concentration of lutein in the breast milk, and women are recommended to increase their dietary intake of green leafy vegetables and fruits that are rich in lutein during the pregnancy and postpartum periods.
Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions of the Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks in the Helan Mountains, North China
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhu Qiang , Zeng Zuoxun , Wan Le
Published: July 2019

The periodic dispersal and assembly of continental fragments has been an inherent feature of the continental crust. Based on the discovery of large-scale supercontinent cycle and the theory of plate tectonics, several supercontinents have been identified, such as Columbia/Nuna, Rodinia, Gondwana and Pangaea. Neoproterozoic magmatic events related to the break-up of Rodinia are globally well preserved. Although Neoproterozoic magmatic events were very weak in the North China Craton (NCC), they are crucial in reconstructing the geometries of the NCC and could facilitate the completion of the Neoproterozoic configuration of the supercontinent. In this study, c. 853–835 Ma magmatic rocks are identified in the western margin of the NCC. Precise zircon U–Pb age determination yields 206Pb/238U average ages of 835.5 ± 5.3 Ma (HL-39) and 853.7 ± 4.5 Ma (HL-30). In situ zircon Hf isotope compositions of the samples reveal that their parental magma was formed by the reworking of ancient crust evolved from Mesoproterozoic mantle. In summary, the discovery of Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks in the western margin of the NCC, and reported synchronous rocks in other parts of the NCC indicate that the NCC might be conjoined with the supercontinent Rodinia during the Neoproterozoic. This discovery is of significant help in unravelling the early Neoproterozoic history of the NCC and the evolution of the supercontinent Rodinia.
Density functional theory meta GGA study of water adsorption in MIL-53(Cr)
Authors: Cockayne E.
Published: July 2019

We use density functional theory meta-generalized gradient approximation TPSS + D3(BJ) + U + J calculations to investigate the energetics and geometry of water molecules in the flexible metal-organic framework material Materials of Institut Lavoisier (MIL)-53(Cr) as a function of cell volume. The critical concentration of water to cause the transition from the large pore (lp) to the narrow pore (np) structure is estimated to be about 0.13 water molecule per Cr. At a concentration x = 1 water molecule per Cr, the zero-temperature np and lp configurations each have a hydrogen bond between the H of each framework hydroxyl group and water oxygen (OW). At intermediate volumes, water dimer-like configurations are observed. A concentration x = 1.25 leads to hydrogen bonding between water molecules in the np phase that is absent for x = 1. Our results suggest possible mechanisms for pore closing in hydrated MIL-53(Cr).
Stock market co-movement, domestic economic policy and the macroeconomic trilemma: the case of the UK (1922–2016)
Authors: Forero-Laverde German
Published: July 2019

This article explores the global cycle hypothesis by testing whether the US stock market serves as an explanatory variable for the evolution of expansions and contractions in the UK stock market from 1922 until 2016. Alternatively, it tests an index that groups the stock markets of advanced economies to identify whether this driving force is international. Second, regarding co-movement with the US, the article explores whether its time-varying nature is contingent on the domestic and international economic policy regimes. I find evidence that there is a strong and contemporaneous co-movement between the US and UK stock markets. Additionally, through a VAR model, I identify that the movements in the UK stock market cause, in the Granger sense, changes in the index for advanced economies up to two years later. Furthermore, in the short-run co-movement between the US and UK stock markets is contingent on the macroeconomic trilemma while, in the long run, both domestic and international policy regimes affect the relationship. A final contribution is the design of a new methodology for describing the evolution of financial time series as risk-adjusted above or below average returns to different time horizons: the Local Bull Bear Indicators (LBBIs).
Postverbal negation and the lexical split of not
Authors: MACLEOD MORGAN
Published: July 2019

In Early Modern English, verbal negation was commonly expressed by the addition of not directly after a lexical verb, a construction which subsequently underwent a pronounced decline in frequency as part of broader changes in verbal syntax. Even after the rise of the auxiliary do, however, constructions with the same surface form as the earlier pattern have continued to be used as a stylistically marked alternative. Data from the Hansard Corpus are presented here to show an increase in the frequency of these constructions since the mid twentieth century. The syntactic environments in which contemporary postverbal negation occurs are compared to the patterns existing in Early Modern English, and evaluated in the light of trends within constituent negation. The interpretation proposed is that a lexical split has occurred to produce two separate lexemes of the form not, with different syntactic properties. Postverbal negation would thus occur in Present-day English when speakers choose to make use of the new lexeme.
The establishment and functioning of the PRIMORE (European PRImary care MultiprOfessional REsearcher network) Project
Authors: Jacobsen Frode F. , Akman Mehmet , Aarendonk Diederik
Published: July 2019

There is a need for multiprofessional comprehensive studies to better understand the relationship between design and provision of primary care and long-term care and health outcomes. The PRIMORE (PRImary care MultiprOfessional REsearcher network) project aims at bringing together researchers with different backgrounds and from a wide range of professional groups within the fields of primary care research and long-term care research to develop and share knowledge for the benefit of research on municipal health and care services, and eventually, the quality of municipal health and care in Europe. Main activities of the project will be network development, capacity building, providing a platform where multiprofessional primary care research activities can take place and publishing position papers.
Aims, claims, and the bargaining model of war
Authors: Schultz Kenneth A. , Goemans Henk E.
Published: July 2019

Although in principle states can bargain over the entire extent of their combined territory, we observe historically that states bargain within far more limited confines defined by well-bounded claims. We argue that this observation stems from the fact that states generally have limited territorial aims due either to limited benefits of obtaining additional territory and/or the costs of absorbing and controlling new territories and their inhabitants. Using a formal model, we show that introducing states with limited aims over territory has strategic implications for bargaining that have not been appreciated in canonical models that do not consider heterogeneity in state preferences. Whereas traditional models generally imply that small demands undermine the credibility of a challenger's threat, the existence of states with limited territorial aims makes limited demands credible, effective, and stable in the face of shocks to relative power. We then employ geospatial data on the geographic extent of territorial disputes in the period 1947–2000 to establish two results: the size of claims is weakly related to the relative power of disputants and unaffected by dramatic changes in power, and smaller claims are associated with a higher probability that the challenger will receive any concession.
Patientenedukation in der Pflege – Themensammlung & Unterrichtsvorschläge (Teil 4)
Authors: Zegelin Angelika , Sunder Nadine , Segmüller Tanja
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung. In den vorangegangenen drei Beiträgen dieser Artikelserie wurden bereits theoretische Fundierungsaspekte, Übernahmeerfordernisse, Settings, spezifische Besonderheiten, relevante Interventionsstrategien und Prozesse, verdeutlichende Beispiele sowie pflegewissenschaftlich begründete Edukations- und Unterstützungskonzepte gegeben. Im letzten Artikelteil wird Ihnen eine bunt gemischte Ideensammlung unterbreitet, die Sie im besten Fall dazu anregt, sich der Vermittlung des Themas Patientenedukation in Ihrer Berufspraxis ganz konkret anzunehmen.
Empirical Modeling of the Geomagnetosphere for SIR and CME‐Driven Magnetic Storms
Authors: Andreeva V. A. , Tsyganenko N. A.
Published: July 2019

During geomagnetic disturbances, the solar wind arrives in the form of characteristic sequences lasting from tens of hours to days. The most important magnetic storm drivers are the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the slow‐fast stream interaction regions (SIRs). Previous data‐based magnetic field models did not distinguish between these types of the solar wind driving. In the present work we retained the basic structure of the Tsyganenko and Andreeva (2015) model but fitted it to data samples corresponding to (1) SIR‐driven storms, (2) CME‐driven storms preceded with a shock ahead of the CME, and (3) CME‐driven storms without such shocks. The storm time dynamics of the model current systems has been represented using the parametrization method developed by Tsyganenko and Sitnov (2005), based on dynamical variables Wi, calculated from concurrent solar wind characteristics and their previous history. The database included observations of THEMIS, Polar, Cluster, Geotail, and Van Allen Probes missions during 155 storms in 1997–2016. The model current systems drastically differ from each other with respect to decay rate and total current magnitudes. During SIR‐induced storms, all current systems saturate, while during CME‐induced disturbances, the saturation occurs only for the symmetric ring current and the tail current. The partial ring current parameters are drastically different between SIR‐ and CME‐induced storm sets. In the case of SIR‐driven storms, the total partial ring current is comparable with symmetric ring current, whereas for all CME‐induced events it is nearly twice higher. The results are compared with GOES 15 magnetometer observations.
Mantle‐Derived Fluids in the East Java Sedimentary Basin, Indonesia
Authors: Zaputlyaeva Alexandra , Mazzini Adriano , Caracausi Antonio , Sciarra Alessandra
Published: July 2019

The Tertiary back‐arc sedimentary basin in East Java (Indonesia) hosts a large variety of piercement structures and hydrocarbon fields. Some of the latter (Wunut, Tanggulangin, Carat, Watudakon) are located a few kilometers away from the Arjuno‐Welirang volcanic complex and neighboring Lusi, the largest active sediment‐hosted hydrothermal system on Earth. In order to investigate interactions between volcanic and sedimentary settings, we performed gas sampling on these four shallow (200‐ to 1,000‐m depth) petroleum fields. The fields around Lusi are dominated by thermogenic gas that was altered during biodegradation processes. The helium isotope ratios (3He/4He) are as high as 6.7 RA, which is remarkably similar to those measured at the fumaroles of the adjacent volcanic complex (R = 7.3 RA) and at the Lusi site (up to 6.5 RA). This highlights the pervasive outgassing of mantle‐derived fluids in the sedimentary basin. Despite these two systems sharing the same mantle‐derived helium source, their hydrocarbons have two different genetic histories: Lusi hydrocarbon gas has been more recently generated and is less molecularly and isotopically fractionated, while the gas trapped in the reservoirs is older and more altered. Unlike Lusi, the hydrocarbon fields contain small amounts of CO2 resulting from biodegradation processes. The Watukosek fault system, originating from the Arjuno‐Welirang volcanic complex and extending toward the northeast of Java, intersects Lusi and the hydrocarbon fields. This network of faults controls the migration of mantle‐derived fluids within the sedimentary basin, feeding the focused venting at the Lusi site and promoting the slower and pervasive migration in the reservoirs.
Analysis of Changes in Reference Evapotranspiration, Pan Evaporation, and Actual Evapotranspiration and Their Influencing Factors in the North China Plain During 1998–2005
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Chen J. , Pan T.
Published: July 2019

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays an important role in both energy and water balances. Determining changes in the different types of ET and their influencing factors under climate change is crucial to fully understand the mechanisms controlling ET and regional water cycles. Based on ET and meteorological data measured during 1998–2005 at the Yucheng Comprehensive Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the variation of reference ET (ET0), pan evaporation (Epan), and lysimeter ET (the actual ET, Elys) were estimated. Together with a Mann‐Kendall trend test, correlation and sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the effects of climatic factors, crop coefficients (Kc), and leaf area index (LAI) on different types of ET. During 1998–2005, precipitation presented an upward trend at all time scales, and average temperature (Ta), minimum temperature (Tmin), relative humidity, Epan, and ET0 exhibited downward trends. Elys displayed a downward trend at the daily scale and an upward trend at monthly and annual scales. The correlation analysis indicated that Epan and Elys were significantly positively correlated with all climatic factors except precipitation and relative humidity. The sensitivity analysis revealed that except for relative humidity, the influence of the other climatic factors on ET0 was positive. The highest sensitivity was found for relative humidity, followed by Ta, maximum temperature (Tmax), and Tmin. An analysis of the influence of Kc and LAI on the actual ET indicated that with an increase of Kc and LAI, the actual water demand of crops also displayed an upward trend.
Seismic Sensors Probe Lipari’s Underground Plumbing
Authors: Di Luccio Francesca , Persaud Patricia , Cucci Luigi , Esposito Alessandra , Ventura Guido , Clayton Robert
Published: July 2019

An international team of scientists installed a novel, dense network of 48 seismic sensors on the island of Lipari to investigate the active magma system underground.
Climate Change Increases the Potential for Extreme Wildfires
Authors: Di Virgilio Giovanni , Evans Jason P. , Blake Stephanie A. P. , Armstrong Matthew , Dowdy Andrew J. , Sharples Jason , McRae Rick
Published: July 2019

Pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) wildfires cause devastation in many regions globally. Given that fire‐atmosphere coupling is associated with pyroCbs, future changes in coincident high index values of atmospheric instability and dryness (C‐Haines) and near‐surface fire weather are assessed for southeastern Australia using a regional climate projection ensemble. We show that observed pyroCb events occur predominantly on forested, rugged landscapes during extreme C‐Haines conditions, but over a wide range of surface fire weather conditions. Statistically significant increases in the number of days where both C‐Haines and near‐surface fire weather values are conducive to pyroCb development are projected across southeastern Australia, predominantly for November (spring), and less strongly for December (summer) in 2060‐2079 versus 1990‐2009, with future C‐Haines increases linked to increased 850‐hPa dewpoint depression. The increased future occurrence of conditions conducive to pyroCb development and their extension into spring have implications for mitigating these dangerous wildfires and urbanizing fire‐prone landscapes.
Variability of the Proton Radiation Belt
Authors: Selesnick R. S. , Albert J. M.
Published: July 2019

Significant steady but slow variability of radiation belt proton intensity, in the energy range ∼19–200 MeV and for L<2.4, has been observed in an empirical model derived from data taken by Van Allen Probes during 2013–2019. It is compared to predictions of a theoretical model based on measured initial and boundary conditions. Two aspects of the variability are considered in detail and require adjustments to model parameters. Observed inward transport of proton intensity maxima near L=1.9 and associated increasing intensity are caused in the model by inward radial diffusion from an external source while conserving the first two adiabatic invariants. The diffusion coefficient is constrained by these observations and is required to have increased near the start of 2015 by a factor ∼2. Observed decay of proton intensity at L<1.6 can be caused only in part by energy loss to free and bound electrons in the local plasma and neutral atmosphere. Another, unknown loss mechanism is required to match observed proton decay rates as a function of energy. Accounting for the expected influence of slow radial diffusion at low L, the additional loss should have a mean lifetime near 22 years, independent of L and energy in the range ∼19–70 MeV. Several candidate loss mechanisms are considered—added plasma or neutral density, elastic Coulomb scattering, plasma wave scattering, field‐line curvature scattering, and collision with orbital debris—but none are found viable.
Weakening Mechanisms of Alpine Fault Gouge in High‐Velocity Shear Experiments
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Morgan Chance B. , Carpenter Brett M. , Reches Ze'ev
Published: July 2019

The Alpine Fault, New Zealand, is a large plate boundary fault with history of major seismic events that frequently ruptured to the surface. To better understand earthquake slip at shallow depth, we analyzed the frictional properties of gouge samples collected at three field exposures distributed along 40 km of the fault trace. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates (30–55%) and quartz/feldspar (41–64%), with small amounts of calcite (4–12%). The gouge samples were sheared in a confined rotary cell under room conditions at a normal stress of 2–3 MPa, under alternating slip velocity steps from 0.002 to 1.47 m/s. We found initial friction coefficients of 0.6–0.8 and gentle velocity strengthening during early slip with short displacement and low velocity. A drastic weakening of more than 50% reduction of the frictional strength occurred after displacements of 2–5 m as slip velocity exceeds ~0.2 m/s, and there was no strength recovery even when slip velocity reduced back to low levels. This weakening was associated with marked temperature rise and intense CO2 and H2O emissions. Based on continuous monitoring of gas pressure, CO2, and H2O concentrations within the gouge chamber, our analysis revealed that the dynamic weakening was triggered by gouge‐zone pressurization, which was driven by thermal decomposition of calcite and dehydration of absorbed water. The pressurization process was enhanced by slip localization and establishment of a low‐permeability shear zone. We further envision that the gouge zone pressurization is likely to cause local overpressure and internal fluidization within of the fine‐grain gouge layer that leads to dynamic weakening.
Shear Velocity Structure From Ambient Noise and Teleseismic Surface Wave Tomography in the Cascades Around Mount St. Helens
Authors: Crosbie Kayla J. , Abers Geoffrey A. , Mann Michael Everett , Janiszewski Helen A. , Creager Kenneth C. , Ulberg Carl W. , Moran Seth C.
Published: July 2019

Mount St. Helens (MSH) lies in the forearc of the Cascades where conditions should be too cold for volcanism. To better understand thermal conditions and magma pathways beneath MSH, data from a dense broadband array are used to produce high‐resolution tomographic images of the crust and upper mantle. Rayleigh‐wave phase‐velocity maps and three‐dimensional images of shear velocity (Vs), generated from ambient noise and earthquake surface waves, show that west of MSH the middle‐lower crust is anomalously fast (3.95 ± 0.1 km/s), overlying an anomalously slow uppermost mantle (4.0–4.2 km/s). This combination renders the forearc Moho weak to invisible, with crustal velocity variations being a primary cause; fast crust is necessary to explain the absent Moho. Comparison with predicted rock velocities indicates that the fast crust likely consists of gabbros and basalts of the Siletzia terrane, an accreted oceanic plateau. East of MSH where magmatism is abundant, middle‐lower crust Vs is low (3.45–3.6 km/s), consistent with hot and potentially partly molten crust of more intermediate to felsic composition. This crust overlies mantle with more typical wave speeds, producing a strong Moho. The sharp boundary in crust and mantle Vs within a few kilometers of the MSH edifice correlates with a sharp boundary from low heat flow in the forearc to high arc heat flow and demonstrates that the crustal terrane boundary here couples with thermal structure to focus lateral melt transport from the lower crust westward to arc volcanoes.
Development and Evaluation of an Ensemble‐Based Data Assimilation System for Regional Reanalysis Over the Tibetan Plateau and Surrounding Regions
Authors: He Jie , Zhang Fuqing , Chen Xingchao , Bao Xinghua , Chen Deliang , Kim Hyun Mee , Lai Hui‐Wen , Leung L. Ruby , Ma Xulin , Meng Zhiyong , Ou Tinghai , Xiao Ziniu , Yang Eun‐Gyeong , Yang Kun
Published: July 2019

The Tibetan Plateau is regarded as the Earth's Third Pole, which is the source region of several major rivers that impact more 20% the world population. This high‐altitude region is reported to have been undergoing much greater rate of weather changes under global warming, but the existing reanalysis products are inadequate for depicting the state of the atmosphere, particularly with regard to the amount of precipitation and its diurnal cycle. An ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation system based on the limited‐area Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was evaluated for use in developing a regional reanalysis over the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding regions. A 3‐month prototype reanalysis over the summer months (June−August) of 2015 using WRF‐EnKF at a 30‐km grid spacing to assimilate nonradiance observations from the Global Telecommunications System was developed and evaluated against independent sounding and satellite observations in comparison to the ERA‐Interim and fifth European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA5) global reanalysis. Results showed that both the posterior analysis and the subsequent 6‐ to 12‐hr WRF forecasts of the prototype regional reanalysis compared favorably with independent sounding observations, satellite‐based precipitation versus those from ERA‐Interim and ERA5 during the same period. In particular, the prototype regional reanalysis had clear advantages over the global reanalyses of ERA‐Interim and ERA5 in the analysis accuracy of atmospheric humidity, as well as in the subsequent downscale‐simulated precipitation intensity, spatial distribution, diurnal evolution, and extreme occurrence.
Field Comparison of DNA‐Labeled Nanoparticle and Solute Tracer Transport in a Fractured Crystalline Rock
Authors: Kittilä A. , Jalali M. R. , Evans K. F. , Willmann M. , Saar M. O. , Kong X.‐Z.
Published: July 2019

Field tracer experiments were conducted to examine tracer transport properties in a fracture‐dominated crystalline rock mass at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland. In the experiments reported here, both the DNA nanotracers and solute dye tracers were simultaneously injected. We compare the transport of DNA nanotracers to solute dye tracers by performing temporal moment analysis on the recorded tracer breakthrough curves and estimate the swept volumes and flow geometries. The DNA nanotracers, approximately 166 nm in diameter, are observed to travel at a higher average velocity than the solutes but with lower mass recoveries, lower swept volumes, and less dispersion. Moreover, size exclusion and potentially, particle density effects are observed during the transport of the DNA nanotracers. Compared to solute tracers, the greatest strength of DNA nanotracers is the demonstrated zero signal interference of background noise during repeat or multitracer tests. This work provides encouraging results in advancing the use of DNA nanotracers in hydrogeological applications, for example, during contaminant transport investigations or geothermal reservoir characterization.
Phytochemical Approach and Bioanalytical Strategy to Develop Chaperone-Based Medications
Authors: Kastenholz Bernd
Published: July 2019

Currently, no pharmaceuticals for the etiological treatment of degenerative protein-misfolding diseases (e.g., ALS, Alzheimer’s or prion diseases) are commercially available. Therefore, in this technical note theoretical considerations and practical approaches concerning the development of chaperone-based medications from medicinal plants (e.g., Ginkgo biloba) are reviewed and discussed in detail. Phytochaperones and other agents isolated from medicinal plants are proposed to serve as the general basis of drug development in protein-misfolding diseases.
COX inhibition: Catalepsy and Striatum Dopaminergic-GABAergic-Glutamatergic Neurotransmission
Authors: Fathi-Moghaddam Hadi , Shafiee Ardestani Mehdi , Shafiee Ardestani Meysam , Barzegar-Pourshuraki Davood , Gravand Amin , Navidpour Latifeh , Ebrahiminik Hojat , Shafiee Abbas
Published: July 2019

Selective COX-2 and COX-1 inhibitors were administered (i.p. acutely) to normal and parkinsonian rats, followed by the analysis of the striatal dopamine, GABA and glutamate concentrations using the microdialysis technique, simultaneously, the catalepsy of animals was evaluated. Selective COX-2 inhibition showed improving effects on the catalepsy followed by decreasing the striatum glutamatergic-GABAergic and enhancing the dopaminergic neurotransmission. Nonetheless COX inhibition had no significant improving effects on damaged Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta (SNc) neurons.
Did nature also choose arsenic?
Authors: Wolfe-Simon Felisa , Davies Paul , Anbar Ariel
Published: July 2019

All known life requires phosphorus (P) in the form of inorganic phosphate (PO4- or Pi) and phosphate-containing organic molecules. Pi serves as the backbone of the nucleic acids that constitute genetic material and as the major repository of chemical energy for metabolism in polyphosphate bonds. Arsenic (As) lies directly below P on the periodic table and so the two elements share many chemical properties, although their chemistries are sufficiently dissimilar that As cannot directly replace P in modern biochemistry. Arsenic is toxic precisely because As and P are similar enough that organisms attempt this substitution. We hypothesize that ancient biochemical systems, analogous to but distinct from those known today, could have utilized arsenate in the equivalent biological role of phosphate. Organisms utilizing such "weird life" biochemical pathways may have supported a "shadow biosphere" at the time of the origin and early evolution of life on Earth or on other planets. Such organisms may even persist on Earth today, undetected, in unusual niches.
Markedly enhanced intratumoral spread and antitumor effect of oncolytic adenovirus expressing decorin
Authors: Yun Chae-Ok , Kim Joo-Hang , Choi Il-Kyu , Lee Young-Sook , Yoo Ji Young , Yoon A-Rum , Kim Hoguen , Seidler Daniela
Published: July 2019

With the aim of improving viral distribution and tumor penetration, we have engineered decorin expressing replication-incompetent (dl-LacZ-DCNG) and -competent (Ad-[DELTA]E1B-DCNG) adenoviruses. In both tumor spheroids and established solid tumors in vivo, administration of dl-LacZ-DCNG resulted in greater transduction efficiency and viral spread throughout the tumor mass. Ad-[DELTA]E1B-DCNG also enhanced viral distribution and tumor spread, leading to an increased anti-tumor effect and survival advantage. Upon histological analysis, Ad-[DELTA]E1B-DCNG also elicited greater percentage of apoptotic cells and extensive necrosis compared to those from untreated or control virus-treated tumors. Furthermore, Ad-[DELTA]E1B-DCNG substantially decreased extracellular matrix components within the tumor tissue, while normal tissue adjacent to the tumor was not affected. Finally, intratumoral administration of Ad-[DELTA]E1B-DCNG did not enhance but inhibited the formation of pulmonary metastases of B16BL6 melanoma cells in mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate the utility of decorin as a dispersion agent and suggest its utility and potential in improving the efficacy of replicating adenovirus-mediated cancer gene therapy.
Siberian flood basalt magmatism and Mongolia-Okhotsk slab dehydration
Authors: Ivanov Alexei , Litasov Konstantin
Published: July 2019

Experimental data combined with numerical calculations suggest that fast subducting slabs are cold enough to carry into the deep mantle a significant portion of the water in antigorite, which transforms with increasing depth to phase A and then to phase E and/or wadsleyite by solid-solid phase transition. Clathrate hydrates and ice VII are also stable at PT conditions of cold slabs and represent other potential phases for water transport into the deep mantle. Some cold slabs are expected to deflect while crossing the 410 km and stagnate in transition zone being unable to penetrate through 660 km discontinuity. In this way slabs can move a long way beneath continents after long-lived subduction. With time, the stagnant slabs are heated to the temperature of the ambient transition zone and release free H~2~O-bearing fluid. Combining with transition zone water filter model this may cause voluminous melting of overlying upper mantle rocks. If such process operates in nature, magmas geochemically similar to island-arc magmas are expected to appear in places relatively remote from active arcs at the time of their emplacement. Dolerites of the south-eastern margin of the Siberian flood basalt province, located about 700 km from suggested trench, were probably associated with fast subduction of the Mongolia-Okhotsk slab and originated by dehydration of the stagnant slab in the transition zone. We show that influence of the subduction-related deep water cycle on Siberian flood basalt magmatism gradually reduced with increasing distance from the subduction zone.