bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic assessment of geothermal resources and their development in Dikili-İzmir region
Authors: Turan A. , Artun E. , Saner S.
Published: May 2021

Dikili-Izmir Region (Western Turkey) has been an active area of development for the utilization of geothermal resources. In this study, we aim to quantify the untapped resource-potential in this region for both direct and indirect utilization purposes. After collecting geological data from the literature, probabilistic heat-in-place calculations are carried out. Yuntdağ Volcanites and Kozak Pluton are considered, and the latter is proposed as an enhanced geothermal system. It is shown that, with 50% probability, 75 MW$$_e$$

e

and 17 MW$$_e$$

e

of net electrical power can be produced from Yuntdağ and Kozak reservoir systems, respectively. When the unit volumes of reservoirs are considered, Kozak can produce 3.2 and 2.5 times of what Yuntdağ can produce in terms of electrical and thermal power, respectively. A sensitivity analysis is performed to understand the impact of reservoir characteristics on the reserves. Within the uncertainty ranges defined, reservoir size, temperature and recovery factor are found to be critical parameters that affect the net power output. Sustainability attributes are evaluated from both economic and environmental perspectives and potential benefits are discussed.
Correction to: Neural dynamics based complete grid coverage by single and multiple
Authors: Singha Arindam , Ray Anjan Kumar , Samaddar Arun Baran
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04606-4
Geomechanical characterization of a heterogenous rock mass using geological and laboratory test results: a case study of the Niobec Mine, Quebec (Canada)
Authors: Heidarzadeh Shahriyar , Saeidi Ali , Lavoie Catherine , Rouleau Alain
Published: May 2021

To conduct a successful geomechanical characterization of rock masses, an appropriate interpretation of lithological heterogeneity should be attained by considering both the geological and geomechanical data. In order to clarify the reliability and applicability of geological surveys for rock mechanics purposes, a geomechanical characterization study is conducted on the heterogeneous rock mass of Niobec Mine (Quebec, Canada), by considering the characteristics of its various identified lithological units. The results of previous field and laboratory test campaigns were used to quantify the variability associated to intact rock geomechanical parameters for the different present lithological units. The interpretation of geomechanical similarities between the lithological units resulted in determination of three main rock units (carbonatite, syenite, and carbonatite-syenite units). Geomechanical parameters of these rock units and their associated variabilities are utilized for stochastic estimation of geomechanical parameters of the heterogeneous rock mass using the Monte Carlo Simulation method. A comparison is also made between the results of probabilistic and deterministic analyses to highlight the presence of intrinsic variability associated with the heterogeneous rock mass properties. The results indicated that, for the case of Niobec Mine, the carbonatite-syenite rock unit could be considered as a valid representative of the entire rock mass geology since it offers an appropriate geomechanical approximation of all the present lithological units at the mine site, in terms of both the magnitude and dispersion of the strength and deformability parameters.

Article Highlights

Evaluating the reliability and applicability of geological survey outcomes for rock mechanics purposes.

A geomechanical characterization study is conducted on the heterogeneous rock mass by considering the various identified rock lithotypes.

The geomechanical parameters of intact units and their associated variabilities are used to stochastically estimate the geomechanical parameters of the heterogeneous rock mass by employing the Monte Carlo Simulation.

A comparison is also made between the results of probabilistic and deterministic geomechanical analyses.

The results indicate that, in the case of Niobec Mine, the combined syenite-carbonatite rock unit could be considered as a valid representative of the entire rock mass.
The effect of randomly distributed natural fibers on some geotechnical characteristics of a lateritic soil
Authors: Lawer A. K. , Ampadu S. I. K. , Owusu-Nimo F.
Published: May 2021

Weak lateritic subgrades are more often than not encountered during road construction in Ghana. This makes it necessary to find economically efficient ways to improve the engineering properties of these marginal lateritic soils. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of coconut fiber (30 mm, 60 mm and 90 mm fiber lengths) and palm fiber on some geotechnical characteristics of a weak lateritic subgrade. The lateritic soil was collected from the KNUST campus and blended with various percentages of the fibers varying between 0.1 and 1.0% by weight of dry soil. The mixed materials were then subjected to various laboratory tests including compaction, unconfined compression test and 4-day-soaked California bearing ratio test. From the results, it was observed that increasing the fiber content decreased the maximum dry density and increased the optimum moisture content. The inclusion of the fiber increased the soaked CBR from 7 to a maximum of 18, 22, and 25 at 30 mm, 60 mm and 90 mm fiber lengths, respectively. The unconfined compressive strength also increased from 140 to a maximum of 353 kPa, 398 kPa and 447 kPa, respectively, for 30 mm, 60 mm and 90 mm fiber lengths. Similarly, palm fiber inclusion recorded maximum soaked CBR value of 14% and UCS value of 352 kPa. These peak values were obtained at optimum fiber contents of 0.2%.
Prediction of Indian summer monsoon onset with high resolution model: a case study
Authors: Rajan Devaraj , Desamsetti Srinivas
Published: May 2021

India is an agro-based country, receives nearly 80% of the annual rainfall during the summer monsoon season, and has a vital socioeconomic security link. The start of the Indian rainy season is observed over the country's southern tip (Kerala) and is referred to as the monsoon onset. The Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) onset is one of the key aspects and unique for each year. This paper aims the prediction of ISM onset for different years by using the operational numerical weather forecasts at medium-range time scales by using different atmospheric variables from UKMO, and NCMRWF deterministic (NCUM) and ensemble model (NEPS) weather forecasts. For predicting the 2018 onset, we have adopted objective methods like the rainfall criteria, daily circulation index, potential temperature, moisture transport etc. The results for an early onset year (2018) show that the models could predict the onset date agreeing with the observed India Meteorological Department (IMD) onset date of 29 May 2018 from both UKMO 5-day and NCUM 10-day forecasts. This study also emphasizes on the utilization of the medium-range numerical weather forecasts, providing enough time to plan the farming activities. We also present the models’ performance/ skill for assessing the onset dates for the delayed onset (2019) and timely onset (2020) monsoons with NCUM 10-days lead time, and the results agree with IMD dates. From the UKMO, NCUM, NEPS models’ rainfall forecast show that the onset date on 29 May 2018 as IMD. Similarly, the analysis from circulation index, potential temperature, vertically integrated moisture transport analysis, outgoing long wave radiation, tropospheric temperature index clearly shows the onset date agreeing with IMD observations. Similarly, for the late onset (2019) and timely onset (2020) years, the daily circulation index agrees with IMD observed onset dates. Finally, these results from the deterministic and probabilistic forecasts are consistent with the observed onset dates, and these medium range forecasts are highly helpful to compute the monsoon onset date with higher lead times (10 days) within the error of one day.
Wear of a rough disc in dry sliding contact with a smooth ball: experiment and modeling
Authors: Dzierwa Andrzej , Pawlus Pawel
Published: May 2021

The main objective of this work is to model wear of a disc which was subjected to dry contact with a ball in unidirectional sliding. Tribological tests of sliding pairs were carried out using a tribological tester T-11 in a ball-on disc configuration. Stationary balls made of 100Cr6 steel with a hardness of 62 ± 2 HRC co-acted with rotating discs with 42CrMo4 steel with a hardness of 40 ± 2HRC. Discs were machined by lapping, grinding, milling, and vapour blasting. The values of the Sq parameter of disc surfaces were between 0.1 and 5.86 µm. Wear volumes of the discs were lower for bigger roughness heights. The simulation of disc wear was conducted on the basis of the repetitive contact between sliding surfaces. Strong correlation was achieved between the modeled and measured volumetric wear levels.
Inter-rater and Intra-rater Reliability in the Radiographic Diagnosis of Growth Arrest in Paediatric Physeal Fractures
Authors: Banting Nicole , Schaeffer Emily K. , Bone Jeffrey , Habib Eva , Hooper Nikki , Reilly Christopher W. , Cooper Anthony , Mulpuri Kishore
Published: May 2021

Background

Fractures through the physis account for 18–30% of paediatric fractures and can lead to growth arrest in 5–10% of these cases. Long-term radiographic follow-up is usually necessary to monitor for signs of growth arrest at the affected physis. Given plain radiographs of a physeal fracture obtained throughout patient follow-up, different surgeons may hold different opinions about whether or not early growth arrest has occurred despite using identical radiographs to guide decision-making. This study aims to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of early growth arrest diagnosis among orthopaedic surgeons given a set of identical plain radiographs.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients aged 2–18 years previously treated for a physeal fracture at a paediatric tertiary care hospital between 2011 and 2018. De-identified anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of 39 patients from the date of injury and minimum one-year post-injury were administered in a survey to international paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Each surgeon was asked whether they would diagnose the patient with growth arrest based on the radiographs provided. Surgeons were asked to complete this process again two weeks after the initial review, but using identical shuffled radiographs. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was calculated using appropriate kappa statistics.

Results

A total of 11 paediatric orthopaedic surgeons completed the first round of the survey, and 9 of these 11 completed the second round. The inter-rater reliability for the first round was 0.22 [95% CI (0.06, 0.35)] and 0.21 [95% CI (0.02, 0.32)] for the second round. The average kappa for intra-rater reliability was − 0.05 [95% CI (− 0.31, 0.21)]. Comparison by injury side showed no significant variation in diagnosis {p = 0.509, OR = 0.90, [95% CI (0.67, 1.22)]}, while comparison by location of injury varied significantly (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Radiographic diagnosis of growth arrest among paediatric orthopaedic surgeons demonstrated ‘fair’ inter-rater agreement and no intra-rater agreement, suggesting critical differences in identifying growth arrest on plain radiographs. Further research is necessary to develop an improved diagnostic approach for growth arrest among orthopaedic surgeons.

Level of Evidence

Diagnostic level III.
Immunosuppression and Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile Infection Risk in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: Morales-Marroquin Elisa , Xie Luyu , Uppuluri Madhuri , Almandoz Jaime P. , de la Cruz-Muñoz Nestor , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

Immunosuppressant use increases risk of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection. To date, no studies have analyzed the relationship between immunosuppressant use and C difficile infections after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS).

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of the 2015-2018 MBSAQIP data was conducted. The MBSAQIP data include information from 854 affiliated practices in the US and Canada. Initial sample size was 760,076 MBS patients. After excluding participants due to missing variables (n = 188,106) and the use of surgical procedures other than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastroplasty (n = 129,712), final analyses were performed on 442,258 participants. Logistic regression models generated the odds of C difficile infection developing post MBS, according to immunosuppressant status (positive or negative).

RESULTS:

Unadjusted logistic regression analysis showed that patients using immunosuppressants were 95% more likely to have postoperative C difficile infection (odds ratio 1.945; 95% CI, 1.230 to 3.075; p < 0.001) vs MBS patients not taking immunosuppressants. After adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, preoperative BMI, diabetes status, and surgical procedure type, the association remained unaffected (adjusted odds ratio 1.956; 95% CI, 1.236 to 3.095; p < 0.01). Patients who completed the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure had more than double the odds of C difficile infection developing compared with those who completed the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure (odds ratio 2.183; 95% CI, 1.842 to 2.587; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results using a population-based sample of MBS patients showed that those taking immunosuppressants have a significantly higher risk of developing Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection postoperatively. These findings suggest that patients using immunosuppressants should be closely monitored both pre and post procedure.
Transplant Surgery Pipeline: A Report from the American Society of Transplant Surgeons Pipeline Taskforce
Authors: Quillin Ralph C. , Cortez Alexander R. , Dageforde Leigh Anne , Watkins Anthony , Collins Kelly M. , Garonzik-Wang Jacqueline , Glorioso Jamie M. , Tevar Amit D. , Emond Jean C. , Segev Dorry L.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND:

Transplant surgery fellowship has evolved over the years and today there are 66 accredited training programs in the US and Canada. There is growing concern, however, about the number of US-trained general surgery residents pursuing transplant surgery. In this study, we examined the transplant surgery pipeline, comparing it with other surgical subspecialty fellowships, and characterized the resident transplantation experience.

METHODS:

Datasets were compiled and analyzed from surgical fellowship match data obtained from the National Resident Matching Program and ACGME reports and relative fellowship competitiveness was assessed. The surgical resident training experience in transplantation was evaluated.

RESULTS:

From 2006 to 2018, a total of 1,094 applicants have applied for 946 transplant surgery fellowship positions; 299 (27.3%) were US graduates. During this period, there was a 0.8% decrease per year in US-trained surgical residents matching into transplant surgery (p = 0.042). In addition, transplant surgery was one of the least competitive fellowships compared with other National Resident Matching Program surgical subspeciality fellowships, as measured by the number of US applicants per available fellowship position, average number of fellowship programs listed on each applicant's rank list, and proportion of unfilled fellowship positions (each, p < 0.05). Finally, from 2015 to 2017, there were 57 general surgery residency programs that produced 77 transplant surgery fellows, but nearly one-half of the fellows (n = 36 [46.8%]) came from 16 (28.1%) programs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Transplant surgery is one of the least competitive and sought after surgical fellowships for US-trained residents. These findings highlight the need for dedicated efforts to increase exposure, mentorship, and interest in transplantation to recruit strong US graduates.
Egypt and the Desert
Authors: Darnell John Coleman
Published: May 2021

Deserts, the Red Land, bracket the narrow strip of alluvial Black Land that borders the Nile. Networks of desert roads ascended to the high desert from the Nile Valley, providing access to the mineral wealth and Red Sea ports of the Eastern Desert, the oasis depressions and trade networks of the Western Desert. A historical perspective from the Predynastic through the Roman Periods highlights how developments in the Nile Valley altered the Egyptian administration and exploitation of the deserts. For the ancient Egyptians, the deserts were a living landscape, and at numerous points along the desert roads, the ancient Egyptians employed rock art and rock inscriptions to create and mark places. Such sites provide considerable evidence for the origin of writing in northeast Africa, the religious significance of the desert and expressions of personal piety, and the development of the early alphabet.
The Changing Nature of Epilepsy Surgery: A Retrospective Review of Practice Profiles
Authors: Baruah Satyakam , Olivier André , Hall Jeffery A.
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Recent literature documents a trend of gradual decline in temporal lobe (resective) epilepsy surgery over the past decade. Amongst these, a large scale, comprehensive survey done in selected European, Australian and American centres documents trends of resective temporal epilepsy surgery across two decades. Montreal Neurological Institute has been the leading epilepsy surgery centre for more than 50 years now. It has been at the forefront of investigating and managing epilepsy in Canada. We have looked into the trends of epilepsy surgery in our institute in the past 44 years.

Methods:

The records of all adult epilepsy surgery procedures (excluding reoperations) performed by the senior authors were analysed from 1971 to 2015. Data retrieved for analysis included type of surgery (intracranial recording, resective, and neuromodulatory) and the specific surgical target for resection. Procedures were grouped into temporal resective, extratemporal (ET) resective and placement of intracranial electrodes (stereotactic electroencephalogram (SEEG)).

Results:

A total of 2,078 new procedures were performed from 1971 to 2015 at the Montreal Neurological Institute. Temporal procedures constituted the bulk of the proportion of all procedures each year and the entire study period. SEEG group shows linear increase in the number of cases over the years catching up with the total number of temporal procedures.

Conclusions:

Our study involving a homogenous dataset spanning nearly 50 years shows a decline in temporal lobe surgeries and an increase in intracranial investigations despite the class I evidence of its effectiveness. This corroborates the trends in epilepsy surgery practice profiles in tertiary centres of developed countries.
Robust coordination in adversarial social networks: From human behavior to agent-based modeling
Authors: Hajaj Chen , Joveski Zlatko , Yu Sixie , Vorobeychik Yevgeniy
Published: May 2021

Decentralized coordination is one of the fundamental challenges for societies and organizations. While extensively explored from a variety of perspectives, one issue that has received limited attention is human coordination in the presence of adversarial agents. We study this problem by situating human subjects as nodes on a network, and endowing each with a role, either regular (with the goal of achieving consensus among all regular players), or adversarial (aiming to prevent consensus among regular players). We show that adversarial nodes are, indeed, quite successful in preventing consensus. However, we demonstrate that having the ability to communicate among network neighbors can considerably improve coordination success, as well as resilience to adversarial nodes. Our analysis of communication suggests that adversarial nodes attempt to exploit this capability for their ends, but do so in a somewhat limited way, perhaps to prevent regular nodes from recognizing their intent. In addition, we show that the presence of trusted nodes generally has limited value, but does help when many adversarial nodes are present, and players can communicate. Finally, we use experimental data to develop computational models of human behavior and explore additional parametric variations: features of network topologies and densities, and placement, all using the resulting data-driven agent-based (DDAB) model.
History, Zomia, Closure
Authors: Tagliacozzo Eric
Published: May 2021

It is difficult to expound in any pithy fashion on the imprint that James C. Scott's work has had on writing history in the orbit of Asia. Where to start? From The Moral Economy of the Peasant all the way to Against the Grain, Scott's work has found receptive and fertile ground among his peers in Asian studies, who have often proudly pointed out to their non-Asianist colleagues that Scott is “one of their own.” This has certainly been true “internally” as well, in the ways that Southeast Asianists have spoken to their fellow professionals in the larger, allied subdisciplines of South and East Asian studies. It does not matter that Scott's books have touched on a wide variety of subjects: the central concerns with power, agency, space, and the essence of a shared humanity have all resonated with his professional interlocutors.
Characterization of biofilms and antimicrobial resistance of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species involved with subclinical mastitis
Authors: Francisco Márcia Silva , Rossi Ciro César , Brito Maria Aparecida Vasconcelos Paiva , Laport Marinella Silva , Barros Elaine Menezes , Giambiagi-deMarval Marcia
Published: May 2021

Biofilm formation is a central feature to guarantee staphylococcal persistence in hosts and is associated with several diseases that are difficult to treat. In this research paper, biofilm formation and antimicrobial susceptibility were investigated in staphylococcal strains belonging to several species. These strains were isolated from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis and most of them were coagulase-negative, with the prevalence of Staphylococcus chromogenes. High genetic diversity was observed among the strains by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by disk diffusion and more than 50% of the strains were resistant to ampicillin and penicillin G, with multi-resistance profiles (13.6%) also being observed. Most strains (65.9%) formed biofilms when cultivated in BHI supplemented with 1% glucose. Most strains (72.7%) carried the intercellular adhesion gene (icaA), while less than half (36.3%) carried the biofilm-associated protein gene (bap). Concentrations of up to 10xMIC of erythromycin and tetracycline were not sufficient to suppress cell viability in preformed biofilms. Our results revealed that a genetically diverse group of biofilm-forming Staphylococcus species can be involved in subclinical mastitis. Since high antimicrobial concentrations cannot eradicate biofilm cells in vitro, their use in dairy animals may be ineffective in controlling infections, while supporting selection of resistant microorganisms. These data reinforce the need for alternative therapies aiming at disrupting biofilms for effective disease control.
The economic cost of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: a population-based study
Authors: Tannous Wadad Kathy , Hay Phillipa , Girosi Federico , Heriseanu Andreea I. , Ahmed Moin Uddin , Touyz Stephen
Published: May 2021

Background

The most common eating disorders (EDs) are bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED), serious psychiatric illnesses that have devastating effects on the physical and psychological wellbeing of sufferers. EDs range in complexity and severity but can be life-threatening without appropriate treatment. Although it is well-known that quality of life impacts is high for ED sufferers, research regarding fiscal and related costs is severely limited. The aim of this study was to understand economic and other costs of EDs at the community level.

Method

Data were derived from 2017 household community representative structured interview of 2977 people aged ⩾ 15 years in South Australia. ED diagnoses, health systems, productivity, transaction, out-of-pocket expenses and other related costs of BN and BED were used to estimate the economic burden of EDs in South Australia.

Results

The annual total economic cost of EDs in 2018 was estimated at $84 billion for South Australia. This included $81 billion from the burden of disease as the result of years lived with disability (YLD) ($62 billion) and years of life lost ($19 billion). The health system costs, productivity and tax revenue loss to the Australian economy were estimated at $1 billion, $1.6 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively.

Conclusions

The YLD average cost in 2018 in South Australia was $296 649 per person. This is two-thirds of the costs borne by individuals and the wider economy. Prevention and management initiatives for EDs need to take into account these costs when assessing their potential benefits.
Illuminating Methods, Picturing Instruments: Tycho Brahe's Instrumental Images
Authors: Horacek Ivana
Published: May 2021

This article considers the function of twenty-two hand-colored prints of mathematical instruments in Tycho Brahe's Astronomiae instauratae mechanica (Instruments of the renewed astronomy; 1598), a hand-painted presentation treatise dedicated to Emperor Rudolf II and conferred on a network of individuals connected to the imperial court in Prague. Although the accompanying text communicates the instruments’ use and composition, the images demand close inspection because they articulate Brahe's observationally driven astronomy. They do so through structured, repeated, and consecutive representations; through expanded viewer access, achieved by adhering to multiple perspectives; through the juxtaposition of colors, which focuses attention on the heads of the instruments (the part that does the measuring); and through the use of gold paint, which emphasizes the head and brings to mind the very metallic nature of the instruments. Much like an astronomer taking multiple measurements of cosmological phenomena, these images allow viewers and readers, as they leaf through the pages of the treatise, to become virtual participants in Brahe's instauration of astronomy.
Dosimetric study on the use of Eclipse beam angle optimiser for conformal planning
Authors: Yousif Yousif A. M. , Judge Ali , Zifodya Jackson
Published: May 2021

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Eclipse’s beam angle optimiser (BAO) for three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy planning.

Materials and methods:

Eleven 3D conformal lung plans, with varied tumour volumes, were retrospectively studied. For each clinical plan, a BAO plan was produced and then optimised by an experienced planner. Plan quality was assessed using International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU)-83 and  Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) recommended dose reporting metrics for dose volume prescribing and reporting.

Results:

Differences in dose volume histograms for both methods showed no clinical significance. Planning target volume Dmax for both plans was comparable and within ICRU guidelines. Reported spinal cord Dmax and the doses to 33% and 67% volume of the heart were within the RTOG recommended limits. Mean lung V20 values for BAO and non-BAO plans were 20 and 16%, respectively. The average monitor units for the BAO plans were about 11% lower. The conformity and homogeneity indices were within the acceptable range for both cases. On average, it took 23 minutes to plan using the BAO compared to 68 minutes for the non-BAO plans.

Conclusion:

Eclipse BAO shows the potential to produce good quality conformal plans and reduce planning time. This process could be further refined with multi-leaf collimator and optimal collimator angle options.
Military Veterans and Welfare Reform: Bridging Two Policy Worlds through Qualitative Longitudinal Research
Authors: Scullion Lisa , Jones Katy , Dwyer Peter , Hynes Celia , Martin Philip
Published: May 2021

There has been an increasing focus in the UK on the support provided to the Armed Forces community, with the publication of the Armed Forces Covenant (2011), the Strategy for our Veterans (2018) and the first ever Office for Veterans’ Affairs (2019). There is also an important body of research – including longitudinal research – focusing on transitions from military to civilian life, much of which is quantitative. At the same time, the UK has witnessed a period of unprecedented welfare reform. However, research focused on veterans’ interactions with the social security system has been largely absent. This article draws on the authors’ experiences of undertaking qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) to address this knowledge gap. We reflect on how QLR was essential in engaging policy makers enabling the research to bridge the two parallel policy worlds of veterans’ support and welfare reform, leading to significant policy and practice impact.
On the Interplanetary Parameter Schemes Which Drive the Variability of the Source/Seed Electron Population at GEO
Authors: Katsavrias Ch. , Aminalragia–Giamini S. , Papadimitriou C. , Sandberg I. , Jiggens P. , Daglis I.A. , Evans H.
Published: May 2021

Electron variability at geosynchronous orbit (GEO) plays a key role in satellite operations especially concerning the low energies which can lead to surface charging effects on spacecraft. In this work, we use 9 years (2011–2019) of electron measurements from GOES‐13, 14 and 15 satellites to study the evolution of electron fluxes with respect to various solar, solar wind, and magnetospheric parameters. The source electron fluxes are shown to be well correlated with AE index and Newell's function, while the seed electron fluxes are shown to be well correlated with solar wind speed. Based on these findings, we have developed a predictive multiple regression model for electron fluxes in the 30–600 keV energy range which uses solely solar wind parameters' measurements. The model may have a variety of applications related to the nowcasting/forecasting of the distribution of electron fluxes at GEO including serving as low‐energy boundary conditions for studying electron acceleration to relativistic energies or providing information for predicting surface and/or internal charging effects on spacecraft.
A Consistently High‐Latitude South China From 820 to 780 Ma: Implications for Exclusion From Rodinia and the Feasibility of Large‐Scale True Polar Wander
Authors: Park Yuem , Swanson‐Hysell Nicholas L. , Xian Hanbiao , Zhang Shihong , Condon Daniel J. , Fu Hairuo , Macdonald Francis A.
Published: May 2021

The Tonian supercontinent Rodinia is hypothesized to have included almost all Proterozoic continental blocks. Competing models variably place South China at the core or periphery of Rodinia or separated from it entirely. Tonian paleogeographic models also vary in whether they incorporate hypothesized large and rapid oscillatory true polar wander associated with the ca. 810–795 Ma Bitter Springs Stage. Here, we present paleomagnetic data paired with U‐Pb chemical abrasion isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry zircon geochronology from the Tonian Xiajiang Group in South China to establish the craton's position and test the Bitter Springs Stage true polar wander hypothesis. Fine‐grained siliciclastic sediments and ashes of the Xiajiang Group post‐date the Jiangnan Orogeny, which united the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks. A U‐Pb zircon date of 815.73 ± 0.18 Ma from a tuff near the base of the Xiajiang Group constrains the Jiangnan Orogeny to have ended between ca. 830 and 816 Ma. The paleomagnetic and geochronologic data constrain South China to high latitudes ca. 813 Ma and indicate a relatively stable high‐latitude position from ca. 821 to 805 Ma. These high‐latitude constraints either connect the craton to Rodinia along its periphery or disconnect it from the supercontinent entirely. The difference in pole position between the pre‐Bitter Springs Stage Xiajiang Group pole and the syn‐Bitter Springs Stage Madiyi Formation pole is significantly less than that predicted for the Bitter Springs Stage true polar wander hypothesis. If this pole difference is interpreted as true polar wander superimposed upon differential plate motion, it requires South China to have been separate from Rodinia.
Seasonally Variable Aquifer Discharge and Cooler Climate in Bermuda During the Last Interglacial Revealed by Subannual Clumped Isotope Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jade Z. , Petersen Sierra V. , Winkelstern Ian Z. , Lohmann Kyger C.
Published: May 2021

Faunal analog reconstructions suggest that Last Interglacial (MIS 5e) sea surface temperatures were cooler around Bermuda and in the Caribbean than modern climate. Here we describe new and revised clumped isotope measurements of Cittarium pica fossil shells supporting previous findings of cooler than modern temperatures in Bermuda during the Last Interglacial. We resolve temperature and δ18Ow differences between two closely located and apparently coeval sites described in Winkelstern et al. (2017), https://doi.org/10.1002/2016pa003014 through reprocessing raw isotopic data with the updated Brand/IUPAC parameters. New subannual‐resolution clumped isotope data reveal large variations in δ18Ow out of phase with seasonal temperature changes (i.e., lower δ18Ow values in winter). Supported by modern δ18Ow measurements identifying similar processes occurring today, we suggest past variations in coastal δ18Ow were driven by seasonally variable freshwater discharge from a subterranean aquifer beneath the island. Taken together, our results emphasize the importance of δ18Ow in controlling carbonate δ18O, and suggest that typical assumptions of constant δ18Ow should be made cautiously in nearshore settings and can contribute to less accurate reconstructions of paleotemperature.
Local‐ and Large‐Scale Drivers of Variability in the Coastal Freshwater Budget of the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Meredith Michael P. , Stammerjohn Sharon E. , Ducklow Hugh W. , Leng Melanie J. , Arrowsmith Carol , Brearley J. Alexander , Venables Hugh J. , Barham Mark , van Wessem Jan Melchior , Schofield Oscar , Waite Nicole
Published: May 2021

The west Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is a region of marked climatic variability, exhibiting strong changes in sea ice extent, retreat of most of its glaciers, and shifts in the amount and form of precipitation. These changes can have significant impacts on the oceanic freshwater budget and marine biogeochemical processes; it is thus important to ascertain the relative balance of the drivers and the spatial scales over which they operate. We present a novel 7‐year summer‐season (October to March; 2011 to 2018) series of oxygen isotopes in seawater (δ18O), augmented with some winter sampling, collected adjacent to Anvers Island at the WAP. These data are used to attribute oceanic freshwater changes to sea ice and meteoric sources, and to deduce information on the spatial scales over which the changes are driven. Sea ice melt shows significant seasonality (∼9% range) and marked interannual changes, with pronounced maxima in seasons 2013/14 and 2016/17. Both of these extrema are driven by anomalous winds, but reflect strongly contrasting dynamic and thermodynamic sea ice responses. Meteoric water also shows seasonality (∼7% range) with interannual variability reflecting changes in the input of accumulated precipitation and glacial melt to the ocean. Unlike sea ice melt, meteoric water extremes are especially pronounced in thin (<10 m) surface layers close to the proximate glacier, associated with enhanced ocean stratification. Isotopic tracers help to deconvolve the complex spatio‐temporal scales inherent in the coastal freshwater budget, and hence improve our knowledge of the separate and cumulative physical and ecological impacts.
Isotropically resolved label-free tomographic imaging based on tomographic moulds for optical trapping
Authors: Lee Moosung , Kim Kyoohyun , Oh Jeonghun , Park YongKeun
Published: May 2021

A major challenge in three-dimensional (3D) microscopy is to obtain accurate spatial information while simultaneously keeping the microscopic samples in their native states. In conventional 3D microscopy, axial resolution is inferior to spatial resolution due to the inaccessibility to side scattering signals. In this study, we demonstrate the isotropic microtomography of free-floating samples by optically rotating a sample. Contrary to previous approaches using optical tweezers with multiple foci which are only applicable to simple shapes, we exploited 3D structured light traps that can stably rotate freestanding complex-shaped microscopic specimens, and side scattering information is measured at various sample orientations to achieve isotropic resolution. The proposed method yields an isotropic resolution of 230 nm and captures structural details of colloidal multimers and live red blood cells, which are inaccessible using conventional tomographic microscopy. We envision that the proposed approach can be deployed for solving diverse imaging problems that are beyond the examples shown here.
A novel murine model to study the impact of maternal depression and antidepressant treatment on biobehavioral functions in the offspring
Authors: Scarborough Joseph , Mueller Flavia S. , Weber-Stadlbauer Ulrike , Mattei Daniele , Opitz Lennart , Cattaneo Annamaria , Richetto Juliet
Published: May 2021

Antenatal psychopathology negatively affects obstetric outcomes and exerts long-term consequences on the offspring’s wellbeing and mental health. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these associations remain largely unknown. Here, we present a novel model system in mice that allows for experimental investigations into the effects of antenatal depression-like psychopathology and for evaluating the influence of maternal pharmacological treatments on long-term outcomes in the offspring. This model system in based on rearing nulliparous female mice in social isolation prior to mating, leading to a depressive-like state that is initiated before and continued throughout pregnancy. Using this model, we show that the maternal depressive-like state induced by social isolation can be partially rescued by chronic treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine (FLX). Moreover, we identify numerous and partly sex-dependent behavioral and molecular abnormalities, including increased anxiety-like behavior, cognitive impairments and alterations of the amygdalar transcriptome, in offspring born to socially isolated mothers relative to offspring born to mothers that were maintained in social groups prior to conception. We also found that maternal FLX treatment was effective in preventing some of the behavioral and molecular abnormalities emerging in offspring born to socially isolated mothers. Taken together, our findings suggest that the presence of a depressive-like state during preconception and pregnancy has sex-dependent consequences on brain and behavioral functions in the offspring. At the same time, our study highlights that FLX treatment in dams with a depression-like state can prevent abnormal behavioral development in the offspring.
NBR1 is a critical step in the repression of thermogenesis of p62-deficient adipocytes through PPARγ
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Linares Juan F. , Duran Angeles , Xia Wenmin , Saltiel Alan R. , Müller Timo D. , Diaz-Meco Maria T. , Moscat Jorge
Published: May 2021

Activation of non-shivering thermogenesis is considered a promising approach to lower body weight in obesity. p62 deficiency in adipocytes reduces systemic energy expenditure but its role in sustaining mitochondrial function and thermogenesis remains unresolved. NBR1 shares a remarkable structural similarity with p62 and can interact with p62 through their respective PB1 domains. However, the physiological relevance of NBR1 in metabolism, as compared to that of p62, was not clear. Here we show that whole-body and adipocyte-specific ablation of NBR1 reverts the obesity phenotype induced by p62 deficiency by restoring global energy expenditure and thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. Impaired adrenergic-induced browning of p62-deficient adipocytes is rescued by NBR1 inactivation, unveiling a negative role of NBR1 in thermogenesis under conditions of p62 loss. We demonstrate that upon p62 inactivation, NBR1 represses the activity of PPARγ, establishing an unexplored p62/NBR1-mediated paradigm in adipocyte thermogenesis that is critical for the control of obesity.
Circulation of pertussis and poor protection against diphtheria among middle-aged adults in 18 European countries
Authors: Berbers Guy , van Gageldonk Pieter , Kassteele Jan van de , Wiedermann Ursula , Desombere Isabelle , Dalby Tine , Toubiana Julie , Tsiodras Sotirios , Ferencz Ildikó Paluska , Mullan Kathryn , Griskevicius Algirdas , Kolupajeva Tatjana , Vestrheim Didrik Frimann , Palminha Paula , Popovici Odette , Wehlin Lena , Kastrin Tamara , Maďarová Lucia , Campbell Helen , Ködmön Csaba , Bacci Sabrina , Barkoff Alex-Mikael , He Qiushui ,   the Serosurveillance Study Team, van Vliet Jeffrey , Bogaard Marjan , van Loghem Elske , van der Klis Fiona , Jasinska Joanna , Piérard Denis , Jørgensen Charlotte Sværke , Brisse Sylvain , Rapti Vasiliki , Molnar Zsuzsanna , Burke Deirdre , Lipnickiene Vilnele , Galajeva Jelena , Aase Audun , Moura Sofia , Leustean Mihaela , Brytting Mia , Vitek Marta , Avdicova Maria , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Mertsola Jussi
Published: May 2021

Reported incidence of pertussis in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) varies and may not reflect the real situation, while vaccine-induced protection against diphtheria and tetanus seems sufficient. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of DTP antibodies in EU/EEA countries within the age groups of 40–49 and 50–59 years. Eighteen countries collected around 500 samples between 2015 and 2018 (N = 10,302) which were analysed for IgG-DTP specific antibodies. The proportion of sera with pertussis toxin antibody levels ≥100 IU/mL, indicative of recent exposure to pertussis was comparable for 13/18 countries, ranging between 2.7–5.8%. For diphtheria the proportion of sera lacking the protective level (<0.1 IU/mL) varied between 22.8–82.0%. For tetanus the protection was sufficient. Here, we report that the seroprevalence of pertussis in these age groups indicates circulation of B. pertussis across EU/EEA while the lack of vaccine-induced seroprotection against diphtheria is of concern and deserves further attention.
AutoSpill is a principled framework that simplifies the analysis of multichromatic flow cytometry data
Authors: Roca Carlos P. , Burton Oliver T. , Gergelits Václav , Prezzemolo Teresa , Whyte Carly E. , Halpert Richard , Kreft Łukasz , Collier James , Botzki Alexander , Spidlen Josef , Humblet-Baron Stéphanie , Liston Adrian
Published: May 2021

Compensating in flow cytometry is an unavoidable challenge in the data analysis of fluorescence-based flow cytometry. Even the advent of spectral cytometry cannot circumvent the spillover problem, with spectral unmixing an intrinsic part of such systems. The calculation of spillover coefficients from single-color controls has remained essentially unchanged since its inception, and is increasingly limited in its ability to deal with high-parameter flow cytometry. Here, we present AutoSpill, an alternative method for calculating spillover coefficients. The approach combines automated gating of cells, calculation of an initial spillover matrix based on robust linear regression, and iterative refinement to reduce error. Moreover, autofluorescence can be compensated out, by processing it as an endogenous dye in an unstained control. AutoSpill uses single-color controls and is compatible with common flow cytometry software. AutoSpill allows simpler and more robust workflows, while reducing the magnitude of compensation errors in high-parameter flow cytometry.
Genetic fate-mapping reveals surface accumulation but not deep organ invasion of pleural and peritoneal cavity macrophages following injury
Authors: Jin Hengwei , Liu Kuo , Tang Juan , Huang Xiuzhen , Wang Haixiao , Zhang Qianyu , Zhu Huan , Li Yan , Pu Wenjuan , Zhao Huan , He Lingjuan , Li Yi , Zhang Shaohua , Zhang Zhenqian , Zhao Yufei , Qin Yanqing , Pflanz Stefan , Kasmi Karim E. I. , Zhang Weiyi , Liu Zhaoyuan , Ginhoux Florent , Ji Yong , He Ben , Wang Lixin , Zhou Bin
Published: May 2021

During injury, monocytes are recruited from the circulation to inflamed tissues and differentiate locally into mature macrophages, with prior reports showing that cavity macrophages of the peritoneum and pericardium invade deeply into the respective organs to promote repair. Here we report a dual recombinase-mediated genetic system designed to trace cavity macrophages in vivo by intersectional detection of two characteristic markers. Lineage tracing with this method shows accumulation of cavity macrophages during lung and liver injury on the surface of visceral organs without penetration into the parenchyma. Additional data suggest that these peritoneal or pleural cavity macrophages do not contribute to tissue repair and regeneration. Our in vivo genetic targeting approach thus provides a reliable method to identify and characterize cavity macrophages during their development and in tissue repair and regeneration, and distinguishes these cells from other lineages.
Microfluidic platform accelerates tissue processing into single cells for molecular analysis and primary culture models
Authors: Lombardo Jeremy A. , Aliaghaei Marzieh , Nguyen Quy H. , Kessenbrock Kai , Haun Jered B.
Published: May 2021

Tissues are complex mixtures of different cell subtypes, and this diversity is increasingly characterized using high-throughput single cell analysis methods. However, these efforts are hindered, as tissues must first be dissociated into single cell suspensions using methods that are often inefficient, labor-intensive, highly variable, and potentially biased towards certain cell subtypes. Here, we present a microfluidic platform consisting of three tissue processing technologies that combine tissue digestion, disaggregation, and filtration. The platform is evaluated using a diverse array of tissues. For kidney and mammary tumor, microfluidic processing produces 2.5-fold more single cells. Single cell RNA sequencing further reveals that endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and basal epithelium are enriched without affecting stress response. For liver and heart, processing time is dramatically reduced. We also demonstrate that recovery of cells from the system at periodic intervals during processing increases hepatocyte and cardiomyocyte numbers, as well as increases reproducibility from batch-to-batch for all tissues.