bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Durability of Stabilized Earthen Constructions: A Review
Authors: Medvey Boldizsár , Dobszay Gergely
Published: January 2020

It has become general practice to stabilize earthen materials with chemical binders, since one of their main weaknesses is their lack of durability. The most commonly used stabilizer is cement, which reinforces earth by enhancing its strength and water resistance with chemical bonds, while at the same time significantly increases its embodied energy and reduces its sorption capacity. These side-effects greatly reduce the sustainability appeal of earthen materials, leading to a contradiction in this application of cement. Since the researcher community has been aware of this more and more results are published of experiments with alternative stabilizers. This review provides an overview of research about the durability of stabilized earthen walls, the methods used to assess it and parameters that have been shown to affect it. The review features a brief history of this field, but focuses more on recently published data about the water erosion performance of stabilized earthen construction materials. Conclusions about the existing test methods are drawn, with directions for further development suggested.
Ultrasonic exfoliation of carbon fiber: electroanalytical perspectives
Authors: Casimero Charnete , Hegarty Catherine , McGlynn Ruairi J. , Davis James
Published: January 2020

Electrochemical anodisation techniques are regularly used to modify carbon fiber surfaces as a means of improving electrochemical performance. A detailed study of the effects of oxidation (+ 2 V) in alkaline media has been conducted and Raman, XPS and SEM analyses of the modification process have been tallied with the resulting electrochemical properties. The co-application of ultrasound during the oxidative process has also been investigated to determine if the cavitational and mass transport features influence both the physical and chemical nature of the resulting fibers. Marked discrepancies between anodisation with and without ultrasound is evident in the C1s spectra with variations in the relative proportions of the electrogenerated carbon-oxygen functionalities. Mechanisms that could account for the variation in surface species are considered.

Graphic abstract
The flexible break assignment problem for large tour scheduling problems with an application to airport ground handlers
Authors: Kiermaier Ferdinand , Frey Markus , Bard Jonathan F.
Published: February 2020

The paper examines the complexity of assigning multiple breaks to shifts in the context of large-scale tour scheduling. A mixed-integer programming (MIP) model is presented that includes shift and days-off scheduling along with break assignments for a multi-skilled workforce. To achieve tractability, a two-stage decomposition procedure is proposed that separates the tour scheduling problem (TShP) from the break assignment problem (BAP). The former MIP is first solved to determine the shifts and days off for the workforce that minimize labor and shortages costs over the planning horizon. The results are used as input to a second MIP that optimally places the breaks to minimize the costs of working hours and uncovered periods. Three implicit BAP formulations are investigated. To better understand the literature and the models previously developed, a 3-field break classification scheme is introduced. The first field characterizes the number of breaks permitted per shift, the second specifies whether the length of the breaks is fixed or variable, and the third limits their position in a shift. A complexity analysis of the resulting 12 BAPs along with a few special cases is also included. Most problems are shown to be strongly NP-hard. Computations are presented for a wide variety of scenarios for both the TShP and the BAP using data provided by a European airport ground handler company. In all, over 500 instances were investigated using high and low demand fluctuation curves and the various break and shift flexibility options. The results indicate that increasing flexibility in break regulations can make a significant difference in coverage, but the degree depends on the underlying structure of the demand curve as well as on the types of shifts permitted. Formulations with the most flexible shift and break regulations reduced undercoverage by up to 16.68% compared to the most common scenarios in which shifts are limited to a single lunch break.
Disorientation and self-consciousness: a phenomenological inquiry
Authors: Fernández Velasco Pablo
Published: January 2020

The present paper explores the phenomenology of disorientation and its relationship with self-consciousness. Section 1 discusses previous literature on the links between self-location and self-consciousness and proposes a distinction between minimal self-location (which requires only an ego-centric frame of reference) and integrated self-location (which requires the integration of egocentric and allocentric frames of reference). The double aim of the paper is to use this distinction to deepen our understanding of spatial disorientation, and to use the phenomenology of disorientation to elucidate the role that integrated self-location plays in shaping self-consciousness. Section 2 starts by looking at the experience of being “turned around”, which is a common experience of disorientation. This analysis leads to the conclusion that integrated self-location is transmodal and depends on all three egocentric axes, and that disorientation destabilizes this integrated self-location. Section 3 explores a corpus of reports of disorientation episodes and highlights four key characteristics of these experiences (anxiety, vulnerability, confusion and diminishment) and their links to self-consciousness, focusing on the transformations in both the lived body and the experience of space. The central thesis of this paper is that during disorientation a destabilization of integrated self-location results in a diminished form of self-consciousness.
Imagery and Explanation in the Dynamics of Recall of Intuitive and Scientific Knowledge: Insights from Research on Children’s Cosmologies
Authors: Bryce Tom G. K. , Blown Eric J.
Published: January 2020

This article closely examines (a) the representational connotation which is often implicit in many analyses of the scientific knowledge which children have (or have not) acquired when they are asked to say or show what they know and (b) the still common-place presumption that recollections are akin to the extraction of ideas from a mental database. We demonstrate how recent findings in neuroscience reject traditional thinking about the nature of ‘representation’ and the character of associated imagery and verbal explanation. Researchers have to contend with the fact that concepts must be regarded as flexible, and that memory is dynamic. Such considerations emphasise the creative, rather than the reproductive, nature of remembering, thus calling into question the status of what is thought to be ‘grasped’ and ‘imaged’ by those being interviewed, possibly casting some doubt on the status of children’s conceptions (and misconceptions) and the categories into which these are sometimes placed in schematic depictions of their understanding. Examples from research on children’s cosmologies are used to illustrate the discussion. It is argued that science education researchers endeavouring to uncover what children know, intuitively and scientifically, through interviewing them, face a reconsideration of the theoretical underpinnings to much of their work.
Digital Predistortion for 5G Small Cell: GPU Implementation and RF Measurements
Authors: Pascual Campo Pablo , Lampu Vesa , Meirhaeghe Alexandre , Boutellier Jani , Anttila Lauri , Valkama Mikko
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present a high data rate implementation of a digital predistortion (DPD) algorithm on a modern mobile multicore CPU containing an on-chip GPU. The proposed implementation is capable of running in real-time, thanks to the execution of the predistortion stage inside the GPU, and the execution of the learning stage on a separate CPU core. This configuration, combined with the low complexity DPD design, allows for more than 400 Msamples/s sample rates. This is sufficient for satisfying 5G new radio (NR) base station radio transmission specifications in the sub-6 GHz bands, where signal bandwidths up to 100 MHz are specified. The linearization performance is validated with RF measurements on two base station power amplifiers at 3.7 GHz, showing that the 5G NR downlink emission requirements are satisfied.
Specifying the information effect: reference points and procedural justifications affect legal attitudes in four survey experiments
Authors: Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan , van den Bos Kees
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Providing detailed information about sentencing reduces punitive attitudes of laymen (the information effect). We assess whether this extends to modest information treatments and probe which specific informational types matter most. In addition to previous studies, we include affective measures and trust in judges.

Methods

In four survey experiments, 1778 Dutch participants were exposed to a sentence concerning a serious traffic offense resulting in a fatal accident. Studies 1 and 2 explore the effect of a press release on negative and positive affect. Studies 3 and 4 explore the effects of various types of information on affect and trust in judges.

Results

Modest information treatments generally heightened positive affect, reduced negative affect and—sometimes—increased trust in judges. Providing procedural cues and reference points about the sentence had a sizable effect on legal attitudes.

Conclusions

The information effects pertain to a broader set of attitudes than currently presumed in the literature. Furthermore, subtle treatments containing procedural cues and reference points can change attitudes towards judicial verdicts. Future research needs to explore if this finding extends to other contexts.
Human Rights: The Global South's Route to Climate Litigation
Authors: Rodríguez-Garavito César
Published: February 2020

After twenty-five years of climate litigation dominated by cases in the United States, Australia, and other jurisdictions in the Global North, a second wave of lawsuits arose in the mid-2010s that prominently feature cases filed in countries of the Global South. I argue that the use of human rights norms and strategies characterizes the “Global South route” to climate litigation, one that is firmly rooted in the trajectory of human rights adjudication and litigation in key Southern countries over the last three decades. I posit that, in order to understand the present and the future of this route, it is essential to (1) track its origins and features to the trajectory of “Global South constitutionalism” over the last three decades, especially litigation around socioeconomic rights, and (2) unpack the category of “Global South” countries, in order to avoid overgeneralizations and to identify the types of countries that are likely to see most climate litigation and court decisions. I close by suggesting that, in light of the planetary and urgent nature of the climate challenge, future research and advocacy should explore transnational forms of litigation that cut across the North-South divide and pay systematic attention to the impact of climate litigation.
Just the Facts: Diagnosis and risk-stratification following transient ischemic attack
Authors: Perry Jeffrey J. , Fernando Shannon M.
Published: February 2020

A 67-year-old male presents to the emergency department (ED) with a 10-minute history of right upper extremity and right facial weakness, which came on suddenly. His symptoms spontaneously remitted. He has never experienced symptoms like this before. He has a past medical history of coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and is a lifelong smoker. The patient states that he now feels completely well and back to his baseline. On examination, the patient is afebrile. Blood pressure is 160/87, heart rate is 89 in sinus rhythm, and respiratory rate is 16. His oxygen saturation on room air is 94%. Glucose is 5.6 mmol/L. Cranial nerve and peripheral neurological examination are completely unremarkable. Reflexes, coordination, and gait are all within normal limits. Cardiac and respiratory examination are also unremarkable. His electrocardiogram shows normal sinus rhythm.
THE INTERSECTION MOTIVE OF THE MODULI STACK OF SHTUKAS
Authors: RICHARZ TIMO , SCHOLBACH JAKOB
Published: February 2020

For a split reductive group$G$over a finite field, we show that the intersection (cohomology) motive of the moduli stack of iterated$G$-shtukas with bounded modification and level structure is defined independently of the standard conjectures on motivic$t$-structures on triangulated categories of motives. This is in accordance with general expectations on the independence of$\ell$in the Langlands correspondence for function fields.
Isolation of κ-casein glycomacropeptide from bovine whey fraction using food grade anion exchange resin and chitin as an adsorbent
Authors: Nakano Takuo , Betti Mirko
Published: February 2020

Bovine κ-casein glycomacropeptide (GMP) found in cheese whey is a sialylated phosphorylated peptide which is thought to be a potential ingredient for functional food as well as dietetic food. This study was undertaken to determine whether high purity GMP can be isolated from soluble whey fraction (SWF) using column chromatography on food grade anion exchange resin and chitin as an adsorbent. Samples of commercially available anion exchange resin (resin A, resin B and resin C) and those of chitin (chitin A, chitin B and chitin C) were examined in this experiment. The GMP fraction obtained from each column was analyzed for amino acid composition which reflects the purity of the peptide. Major findings for commercial anion exchange resin were that: (1) the proportion of GMP monitored as sialic acid in total recovered sialic acid was similar among the three samples of resin accounting for average 78% of recovered sialic acid; (2) the GMP fraction from resin A or resin B contained undetectable level of contaminating amino acids including phenylalanine, histidine, arginine and tyrosine; (3) the GMP fraction from resin C contained small amounts (<1 mol%) of contaminating amino acids, arginine, phenylalanine and tyrosine; and (4) the GMP binding capacity expressed as mg/100 mg dry weight of resin was more than 2.5 times higher in resin C (average 22.9) than in resin A or resin B with no difference between resin A and resin B averaging 8.7. Results obtained for chitin A, chitin B and chitin C were in general similar to those found with resin A and resin B. Since chitin has a remarkable GMP binding capacity averaging 8.6 mg/100 mg dry weight of chitin, it may be a useful adsorbent for whey fractionation. Further research is needed to develop an efficient inexpensive method to purify GMP.
The politics of State aid in the European Union: explaining variation in aid allocation among Member States
Authors: Schito Marco
Published: February 2020

Despite widespread acknowledgement of the dangers of selective subsidisation, government support to business remains common practice. Looking at State aid allocations in the European Union, the article explores why some countries grant more aid than others. Scholarship has failed to address this issue in a comprehensive manner, focusing either on the responsiveness of governments to voters’ preferences or on the use of subsidies as a way to ensure the political survival of the incumbent. Using the lens of distributive politics, this article proposes a more comprehensive account of State aid politics that joins these two perspectives. By means of time-series cross-section regression analysis, it tests how aid allocation depends on the attainment of policy goals (namely correction of market failures), electoral pragmatism and responsibility towards international commitments. The results show that politicians are indeed electorally pragmatic, but not necessarily responsive, due to institutional constraints and international commitments.
Protein intake adequacy among Nigerian infants, children, adolescents and women and protein quality of commonly consumed foods
Authors: de Vries-ten Have Judith , Owolabi Adedotun , Steijns Jan , Kudla Urszula , Melse-Boonstra Alida
Published: January 2020

Protein is important for growth, maintenance and protection of the body. Both adequacy of protein quantity and protein quality in the diet are important to guarantee obtaining all the essential amino acids. Protein–energy malnutrition is widely present in developing countries such as Nigeria and might result in stunting and wasting. Needs for protein differ depending on age and physiological status and are higher during growth, pregnancy and lactation. The present review assessed protein quantity and quality in diets of Nigerian infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant and lactating women. Literature reviews and calculations were performed to assess adequacy of Nigerian protein intake and to examine the Nigerian diet. The digestible indispensable amino acid score was used to calculate protein quality of nine Nigerian staple foods and of a mixture of foods. The Nigerian population had mostly adequate protein intake when compared with the most recent protein recommendations by the FAO (2013) and WHO/FAO/UNU (2007). An important exception was the protein intake of adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating women. Most of the assessed Nigerian plant-based staple foods were of low protein quality and predominantly lacked the amino acid lysine. The addition of animal-source foods can bridge the protein quality gap created by predominance of plant-based foods in the Nigerian diet. The methodology of this review can be applied to other low- and middle-income countries where diets are often plant-based and lack variety, which might influence protein intake adequacy.
Transcatheter closure of elongated and pulmonary hypertensive patent arterial duct in infants using Amplatzer vascular plug II
Authors: Jain Sneha M. , Pradhan Priya M. , Sen Supratim , Dalvi Bharat V.
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of Amplatzer vascular plug II in large and elongated ducts in infants.

Introduction:

Patent arterial duct device closure is technically challenging in infants with large and elongated ducts because Amplatzer duct occluder and Amplatzer duct occluder II have high chances of causing aortic coarctation and left pulmonary artery stenosis, respectively. The Amplatzer vascular plug II being soft with no retention discs on either sides helps in mitigating these problems.

Method:

This is a prospective, observational study involving infants with clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic evidence of large left to right shunt. All the children underwent duct closure using Amplatzer vascular plug II.

Results:

Eighteen infants qualified for the study. Mean age and weight were 8.63 ± 3.84 months and 6.3 ± 1.7 kg, respectively. The angiographic mean duct diameter at the pulmonary artery end was 4.66 ± 0.92 mm, and the mean duct length was 9.4 ± 2.48 mm. The size of Amplatzer vascular plug II used varied from 6 mm to 10 mm. Technical success was achieved in 16/18 cases. One patient had device embolisation, and in the other, the device was found to be unstable. The ratio of Amplatzer vascular plug II size to the duct diameter was 1.65 ± 0.27, while the ratio of ductal length to device length was 1.48 ± 0.46 in those with successful outcome.

Conclusions:

Amplatzer vascular plug II is a safe and effective option in appropriately selected infants with elongated ducts. Diameter and length of Amplatzer vascular plug II vis-a-vis those of the ductus are important determinants of the successful outcome.
Integrating sustainability into the multi-criteria assessment of urban dietary patterns
Authors: Garcia-Alvarez-Coque Jose-Maria , Abdullateef Ola , Fenollosa Loreto , Ribal Javier , Sanjuan Neus , Soriano Jose Miguel
Published: January 2020

This study develops a decision-making procedure to help policymakers compare alternative patterns for sustainable diets by reaching a compromise among three criteria: socio-economic perspective, health and environment (including carbon and water footprints). An Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was performed in several stages. First, a total of 25 stakeholders (members of organizations on the Valencia Food Policy Council) evaluated criteria that are relevant to the sustainability of diets. Secondly, a workshop with 14 experts from different backgrounds evaluated by consensus four dietary alternatives: Mediterranean, flexitarian, pescatarian and vegan. In terms of environment, experts gave priority to the vegan diet. However, the Mediterranean diet pattern (MDP) appeared, according to the process, as the most suitable pattern from the holistic perspective that integrates all relevant criteria. The MDP was ranked first in terms of the health criterion and the socio-economic perspective. These include culture, affordability, social impact and local production as decision elements that food policy advisory bodies take into consideration to define sustainable diets.
Multiscale and Multispectral Characterization of Mineralogy with the ExoMars 2022 Rover Remote Sensing Payload
Authors: Allender E. J. , Cousins C. R. , Gunn M. D. , Caudill C. M.
Published: February 2020

In 2022, the European Space Agency and Roscosmos will launch the ExoMars rover, with the scientific objective to detect evidence of life within the Martian surface via the deployment of a 2 m drill. The ExoMars Pasteur payload contains several imaging and spectroscopic instruments key to this objective: the Panoramic Camera (PanCam), Infrared Spectrometer for ExoMars (ISEM), and Close‐UP Imager (CLUPI). These instruments are able to collect data at a variety of spatial (sub‐mm to decimeter) and spectral (3.3 to 120 nm) resolutions across the 440 to 3,300 nm wavelength range and collectively will form a picture of the geological and morphological characteristics of the surface terrain surrounding the rover. We deployed emulators of this instrument suite at terrestrial analog sites that formed in a range of aqueous environments to test their ability to detect and characterize science targets. We find that the emulator suite is able to effectively detect, characterize, and refine the compositions of multiple targets at working distances spanning from 2 to 18 m. We report on (a) the detection of hydrothermal alteration minerals including Fe‐smectites and gypsum from basaltic substrates, (b) the detection of late‐stage diagenetic gypsum veins embedded in exposures of sedimentary mudstone, (c) multispectral evidence of compositional differences detected from fossiliferous mudstones, and (d) approaches to cross‐referencing multi‐scale and multi‐resolution data. These findings aid in the development of data products and analysis toolkits in advance of the ExoMars rover mission.
Evaluation of Different Heat Flux Products Over the Tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Pokhrel Samir , Dutta Ushnanshu , Rahaman Hasibur , Chaudhari Hemantkumar , Hazra Anupam , Saha Subodh Kumar , Veeranjaneyulu Chinta
Published: January 2020

Net heat flux (Qnet) and its components from four reanalysis (NCEP‐2, CFSR, ERA5, and MERRA) and two blended products (OAFlux & TropFlux) are compared with in situ observation (two Research Moored Array for African‐Asian‐Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction buoys and one Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution buoy) over the north Indian Ocean to quantify their uncertainties in daily, seasonal, and annual scales. These comparisons provide the present status of Qnet error in most state of the art reanalysis/blended products. The root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) remains similar to the RMSE a decade earlier, despite more observation and improved models and reanalysis methods. However, there is a clear separation of flux quality from the older generation of reanalysis (NCEP‐2) to the newer production of reanalysis (MERRA, CFSR, and ERA5). While individually ERA5 provides the best estimate, the ensemble mean (i.e., average of ERA5, CFSR, MERRA, TropFlux, and OAFlux) is very close to ERA5 both in terms of correlations and RMSE and provides the most reliable estimate by virtue of removal of some of the uncertainties in estimation of flux by each of the flux products. A significant reduction of RMSE in Qnet estimates from 100 W/m2 (in NCEP‐2) to 45 W/m2 (in the ensemble mean) is considerable progress. It is noteworthy that all the recent flux products estimate the increasing trend of Qnet in the north Bay of Bengal and subseasonal fluctuations with significant fidelity. Also, in the south of equator location vigorous subseasonal fluctuations in boreal winter are well captured. We believe that this is significant progress in the estimation of Qnet over the Indian Ocean.
High Peak‐Current Lightning Discharges Associated With Downward Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flashes
Authors: Wada Y. , Enoto T. , Nakamura Y. , Morimoto T. , Sato M. , Ushio T. , Nakazawa K. , Yuasa T. , Yonetoku D. , Sawano T. , Kamogawa M. , Sakai H. , Furuta Y. , Makishima K. , Tsuchiya H.
Published: January 2020

During 2017–2018 winter operation of the Gamma‐Ray Observation of Winter Thunderclouds experiment in Japan, two downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) that triggered atmospheric photonuclear reactions were detected. They took place during winter thunderstorms on 5 December 2017 and 9 January 2018 at Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Each event coincided with an intracloud/intercloud discharge, which had a negative‐polarity peak current higher than 150 kA. Their radio waveforms in the low‐frequency band are categorized as a distinct lightning type called “energetic in‐cloud pulse” (EIP). Negative‐polarity EIPs have been previously suggested to be highly associated with downward TGFs, and the present observations provide evidence of the correlation between them for the first time. Furthermore, both of the downward TGFs followed “gamma‐ray glows,” minute‐lasting high‐energy emissions from thunderclouds. It is suggested that the negative EIPs took place with downward propagating negative leaders or upward positive ones developed in highly electrified regions responsible for the gamma‐ray glows.
The Extraterrestrial Dust Flux: Size Distribution and Mass Contribution Estimates Inferred From the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) Micrometeorite Collection
Authors: Suttle M. D. , Folco L.
Published: January 2020

This study explores the long‐duration (0.8–2.3 Ma), time‐averaged micrometeorite flux (mass and size distribution) reaching Earth, as recorded by the Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) micrometeorite collection. We investigate a single sediment trap (TAM65), performing an exhaustive recovery and characterization effort and identifying 1,643 micrometeorites (between 100 and 2,000 μm). Approximately 7% of particles are unmelted or scoriaceous, of which 75% are fine‐grained. Among cosmic spherules, 95.6% are silicate‐dominated S‐types, and further subdivided into porphyritic (16.9%), barred olivine (19.9%), cryptocrystalline (51.6%), and vitreous (7.5%). Our (rank)‐size distribution is fit against a power law with a slope of −3.9 (R2 = 0.98) over the size range 200–700 μm. However, the distribution is also bimodal, with peaks centered at ~145 and ~250 μm. Remarkably similar peak positions are observed in the Larkman Nunatak data. These observations suggest that the micrometeorite flux is composed of multiple dust sources with distinct size distributions. In terms of mass, the TAM65 trap contains 1.77 g of extraterrestrial dust in 15 kg of sediment (<5 mm). Upscaling to a global annual estimate gives 1,555 (±753) t/year—consistent with previous micrometeorite abundance estimates and almost identical to the South Pole Water Well estimate (~1,600 t/year), potentially indicating minimal variation in the background cosmic dust flux over the Quaternary. The greatest uncertainty in our mass flux calculation is the accumulation window. A minimum age (0.8 Ma) is robustly inferred from the presence of Australasian microtektites, while the upper age (~2.3 Ma) is loosely constrained based on 10Be exposure dating of glacial surfaces at Roberts Butte (6 km from our sample site).
New Paths for Survivability of Organic Material in the Martian Subsurface
Authors: Montgomery W.
Published: January 2020

Recent space missions have identified organics, chlorinated and non‐chlorinated, on Mars. Understanding the origin, current state and reactivity of this carbonaceous material is critical to efforts to detect organic signatures of possible past life on Mars. Environmental effects such as ultraviolet radiation, pressure, diagenesis, aqueous activity, and presence of perchlorates have been assessed previously using analog experiments. To this list, Fox, et al. adds and quantifies the effect of galactic cosmic rays and solar winds on organic material on the surface and in the near subsurface of Mars. Their work, using laboratory analog materials and radiation, shows that the same organic acids, formic and oxalic acid, are produced after exposure equivalent to that over Martian history at depths of less than 5 cm, independent of mineral matrix or starting organic materials. These experiments suggest that planned subsurface exploration using the drill on the Rosalind Franklin Rover (ExoMars) will sample organic material which has not been altered by cosmic rays, although it may have been exposed to other environmental factors such as water or salts.
Tectonic Control on Rapid Late Miocene—Quaternary Incision of the Mekong River Knickzone, Southeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Replumaz Anne , San José Malwina , Margirier Audrey , van der Beek Peter , Gautheron Cécile , Leloup Philippe Hervé , Ou Xiong , Kai Cao , Wang Guo‐Can , Zhang Yuan‐Ze , Valla Pierre G. , Balvay Mélanie
Published: January 2020

The incision history of the Three Rivers (Salween, Mekong, and Yangtze) region in the Southeast Tibetan Plateau has been linked to both tectonic and climatic controls. In this study, we report new apatite (U‐Th)/He and fission‐track thermochronology data from the >6,000‐m‐high Kawagebo massif, which forms the edge of the high plateau on the western flank of the steepened knickzone reach of the middle Mekong River valley. Thermal‐history modeling of a thermochronological age‐elevation profile shows rapid cooling since ~1.5 Ma and suggests a mean Quaternary exhumation rate of >1 km/Myr at the valley bottom. The amount of Quaternary exhumation is too high to be caused by fluvial incision alone and requires additional tectonic uplift. Comparing our data from the western flank of the Mekong River valley with published data from the eastern flank shows differential exhumation across the valley in the late Miocene, with the western flank undergoing more exhumation, but relatively uniform exhumation in the Quaternary. We relate rapid exhumation since the late Miocene on the western flank of the Mekong valley and the high topography of the Kawagebo massif to localized tectonic uplift associated with a restraining (left stepping) overstep between the still‐active right‐lateral Parlung and Zhongdian strike‐slip faults. The pattern of river steepness index across the knickzone also indicates that it results from locally focused uplift. Our results demonstrate the importance of detailed thermochronologic studies in this very active region to constrain the complex multiphase tectonic history before invoking any potential climatic forcing of river incision.
On the Impact of Salt Marsh Pioneer Species‐Assemblages on the Emergence of Intertidal Channel Networks
Authors: Bij de Vaate I. , Brückner M. Z. M. , Kleinhans M. G. , Schwarz C.
Published: February 2020

Tidal marshes play an important role in climate change mitigation through natural coastal protection. The effectiveness of the natural coastal defense by tidal marshes is closely related to their channel network which is in turn greatly influenced by their vegetation cover and shape. Previous research suggests a dual effect of vegetation on marsh topography; stabilizing sediment on the one hand versus promoting erosion and channel incision on the other hand. This study links these effects to different vegetation species,Salicornia procumbens,Spartina anglica, andPuccinellia maritima(further referred to asSalicornia,Spartina, andPuccinellia), by means of a coupled bio‐hydromorphodynamic modeling study. Single species, species‐assemblages, and species shifts were studied, incorporating both species‐specific physical plant properties and spatiotemporal growth strategies. The results indicate the influence of vegetation on the marsh topography to be highly species‐dependent, but also of a very complex nature. Both the presence ofSpartinaandPuccinelliaresulted in significant channel development, whereasSalicorniadid not induce topographic change. The combination of several species promoted or reduced channel development depending on the included species. Species‐shifts linked with climatic changes resulted in increased erosion of the existing channel network potentially reducing the protective capacity of the marsh.
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 protects mice from high-fat diet-induced metabolic stress by limiting oxidative damage to the mitochondria from brown adipose tissue
Authors: Lee Jae-Ho , Go Younghoon , Kim Do-Young , Lee Sun Hee , Kim Ok-Hee , Jeon Yong Hyun , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Bae Jae-Hoon , Song Dae-Kyu , Rhyu Im Joo , Lee In-Kyu , Shong Minho , Oh Byung-Chul , Petucci Christopher , Park Jeen-Woo , Osborne Timothy F. , Im Seung-Soon
Published: February 2020

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) is an NADP+-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate in the mitochondrial matrix, and is critical for the production of NADPH to limit the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we showed that high-fat diet (HFD) feeding resulted in accelerated weight gain in the IDH2KO mice due to a reduction in whole-body energy expenditure. Moreover, the levels of NADP+, NADPH, NAD+, and NADH were significantly decreased in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the HFD-fed IDH2KO animals, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial function and reduced expression of key genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, energy expenditure, and ROS resolution. Interestingly, these changes were partially reversed when the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole was added to the HFD. These observations reveal a crucial role for IDH2 in limiting ROS-dependent mitochondrial damage when BAT metabolism is normally enhanced to limit weight gain in response to dietary caloric overload.
Autophagy in metabolic syndrome: breaking the wheel by targeting the renin–angiotensin system
Authors: Menikdiwela Kalhara R. , Ramalingam Latha , Rasha Fahmida , Wang Shu , Dufour Jannette M. , Kalupahana Nishan S. , Sunahara Karen K. S. , Martins Joilson O. , Moustaid-Moussa Naima
Published: February 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex, emerging epidemic which disrupts the metabolic homeostasis of several organs, including liver, heart, pancreas, and adipose tissue. While studies have been conducted in these research areas, the pathogenesis and mechanisms of MetS remain debatable. Lines of evidence show that physiological systems, such as the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and autophagy play vital regulatory roles in MetS. RAS is a pivotal system known for controlling blood pressure and fluid balance, whereas autophagy is involved in the degradation and recycling of cellular components, including proteins. Although RAS is activated in MetS, the interrelationship between RAS and autophagy varies in glucose homeostatic organs and their cross talk is poorly understood. Interestingly, autophagy is attenuated in the liver during MetS, whereas autophagic activity is induced in adipose tissue during MetS, indicating tissue-specific discordant roles. We discuss in vivo and in vitro studies conducted in metabolic tissues and dissect their tissue-specific effects. Moreover, our review will focus on the molecular mechanisms by which autophagy orchestrates MetS and the ways future treatments could target RAS in order to achieve metabolic homeostasis.
α-Linolenic acid but not linolenic acid protects against hypertension: critical role of SIRT3 and autophagic flux
Authors: Li Guohua , Wang Xinpei , Yang Hongyan , Zhang Pengfei , Wu Fangqin , Li Yunchu , Zhou Yingjie , Zhang Xing , Ma Heng , Zhang Wei , Li Jia
Published: February 2020

Although dietary α-linolenic acid (ALA) or linolenic acid (LA) intake was reported to be epidemiologically associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension, recent clinical trials have yielded conflicting results. Comparable experimental evidence for the roles of these two different fatty acids is still lacking and the underlying mechanisms need to be further elucidated. Our data showed that ALA but not LA supplementation alleviated systolic blood pressure elevation and improved ACh-induced, endothelium-dependent vasodilation in both spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and AngII-induced hypertensive mice. In addition, SHRs displayed reduced vascular Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression, subsequent superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) hyperacetylation and mitochondrial ROS overproduction, all of which were ameliorated by ALA but not LA supplementation. In primary cultured endothelial cells, ALA treatment directly inhibited SIRT3 reduction, SOD2 hyperacetylation, mitochondrial ROS overproduction and alleviated autophagic flux impairment induced by AngII plus TNFα treatment. However, these beneficial effects of ALA were completely blocked by silencing SIRT3. Restoration of autophagic flux by rapamycin also inhibited mitochondrial ROS overproduction in endothelial cells exposed to AngII plus TNFα. More interestingly, SIRT3 KO mice developed severe hypertension in response to a low dose of AngII infusion, while ALA supplementation lost its anti-hypertensive and endothelium-protective effects on these mice. Our findings suggest that ALA but not LA supplementation improves endothelial dysfunction and diminishes experimental hypertension by rescuing SIRT3 impairment to restore autophagic flux and mitochondrial redox balance in endothelial cells.
Locus-specific DNA methylation of Mecp2 promoter leads to autism-like phenotypes in mice
Authors: Lu Zongyang , Liu Zhen , Mao Wei , Wang Xinying , Zheng Xiaoguo , Chen Shanshan , Cao Beibei , Huang Shisheng , Zhang Xuliang , Zhou Tao , Zhang Yu , Huang Xingxu , Sun Qiang , Li Jia-Da
Published: February 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease with a strong heritability, but recent evidence suggests that epigenetic dysregulation may also contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. Especially, increased methylation at the MECP2 promoter and decreased MECP2 expression were observed in the brains of ASD patients. However, the causative relationship of MECP2 promoter methylation and ASD has not been established. In this study, we achieved locus-specific methylation at the transcription start site (TSS) of Mecp2 in Neuro-2a cells and in mice, using nuclease-deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) fused with DNA methyltransferase catalytic domains, together with five locus-targeting sgRNAs. This locus-specific epigenetic modification led to a reduced Mecp2 expression and a series of behavioral alterations in mice, including reduced social interaction, increased grooming, enhanced anxiety/depression, and poor performance in memory tasks. We further found that specifically increasing the Mecp2 promoter methylation in the hippocampus was sufficient to induce most of the behavioral changes. Our finding therefore demonstrated for the first time the casual relationship between locus-specific DNA methylation and diseases symptoms in vivo, warranting potential therapeutic application of epigenetic editing.
Parents’ motivations, concerns and understanding of genome sequencing: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Lewis Celine , Sanderson Saskia , Hill Melissa , Patch Chris , Searle Beverly , Hunter Amy , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: January 2020

The 100,000 Genomes Project is a hybrid clinical and research project in which patients and parents are offered genome sequencing for cancer and rare and inherited disease diagnosis; all participants receive their main findings and contribute their data for research, and are offered optional secondary findings. Our aim was to explore participating parents’ attitudes towards and understanding of genome sequencing in this hybrid context. We conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 20 parents of children with rare diseases participating in the 100,000 Genomes Project. Parents were positive about contributing to research, although some had needed reassurance about data protections. Although most felt positive about secondary findings, some could not recall or misunderstood key aspects. Some were also concerned about potential emotional impact of results and a few raised concerns about life insurance implications, and the impact of future legal changes. Participants were generally positive about consent appointments, but several raised concerns about ‘information overload’ because of deciding about secondary findings at the same time as about the main diagnostic genome sequencing and data contribution. Additional information resources, particularly online tools, were highlighted as potentially useful ways of supporting the consent process. We conclude that parents offered genome sequencing as part of a national hybrid clinical and research project report many positive attitudes and experiences, but also concerns and misunderstandings. Further research is needed on how best to support informed consent, particularly about secondary findings. Additional resources such as online tools might usefully support future genome sequencing consent processes.
Flickering nanometre-scale disorder in a crystal lattice tracked by plasmonic flare light emission
Authors: Carnegie Cloudy , Urbieta Mattin , Chikkaraddy Rohit , de Nijs Bart , Griffiths Jack , Deacon William M. , Kamp Marlous , Zabala Nerea , Aizpurua Javier , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: February 2020

The dynamic restructuring of metal nanoparticle surfaces is known to greatly influence their catalytic, electronic transport, and chemical binding functionalities. Here we show for the first time that non-equilibrium atomic-scale lattice defects can be detected in nanoparticles by purely optical means. These fluctuating states determine interface electronic transport for molecular electronics but because such rearrangements are low energy, measuring their rapid dynamics on single nanostructures by X-rays, electron beams, or tunnelling microscopies, is invasive and damaging. We utilise nano-optics at the sub-5nm scale to reveal rapid (on the millisecond timescale) evolution of defect morphologies on facets of gold nanoparticles on a mirror. Besides dynamic structural information, this highlights fundamental questions about defining bulk plasma frequencies for metals probed at the nanoscale.
Carbon dioxide electroreduction on single-atom nickel decorated carbon membranes with industry compatible current densities
Authors: Yang Hengpan , Lin Qing , Zhang Chao , Yu Xinyao , Cheng Zhong , Li Guodong , Hu Qi , Ren Xiangzhong , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin
Published: January 2020

Carbon dioxide electroreduction provides a useful source of carbon monoxide, but comparatively few catalysts could be sustained at current densities of industry level. Herein, we construct a high-yield, flexible and self-supported single-atom nickel-decorated porous carbon membrane catalyst. This membrane possesses interconnected nanofibers and hierarchical pores, affording abundant effective nickel single atoms that participate in carbon dioxide reduction. Moreover, the excellent mechanical strength and well-distributed nickel atoms of this membrane combines gas-diffusion and catalyst layers into one architecture. This integrated membrane could be directly used as a gas diffusion electrode to establish an extremely stable three-phase interface for high-performance carbon dioxide electroreduction, producing carbon monoxide with a 308.4 mA cm−2 partial current density and 88% Faradaic efficiency for up to 120 h. We hope this work will provide guidance for the design and application of carbon dioxide electro-catalysts at the potential industrial scale.
Radical-mediated C-C cleavage of unstrained cycloketones and DFT study for unusual regioselectivity
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Li Man , Yang Shan , Xue Xiao-Song , Wu Xinxin , Zhu Chen
Published: February 2020

The C-C σ-bond activation of unstrained cycloketones represents an ingenious and advanced technique in synthetic chemistry, but it remains a challenging area which has been largely underexplored. Herein we report an efficient strategy for the direct C-C cleavage of cyclohexanones and cyclopentanones. The cyclic C-C σ-bond is readily cleaved under mild conditions with the aid of an in situ formed side-chain aryl radical. Density functional theory calculations are carried out to shed light on the unusual regioselectivity of C-C bond cleavage. The reaction affords a variety of structurally diverse 3-coumaranones and indanones that widely exist in natural products and bioactive molecules, illustrating the synthetic value of this method.
The tight junction protein TJP1 regulates the feeding-modulated hepatic circadian clock
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Tong , Han Jinbo , Wang Yiguo
Published: January 2020

Circadian clocks in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral tissues orchestrate behavioral and physiological activities of mammals in response to environmental cues. In the liver, the circadian clock is also modulated by feeding. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we show that TJP1 (tight junction protein 1) functions as a mediator of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) to modulate the hepatic circadian clock. TJP1 interacts with PER1 (period circadian regulator 1) and prevents its nuclear translocation. During feeding, mTOR phosphorylates TJP1 and attenuates its association with PER1, thereby enhancing nuclear shuttling of PER1 to dampen circadian oscillation. Therefore, our results provide a previously uncharacterized mechanistic insight into how feeding modulates the hepatic circadian clock.
A RAF-SnRK2 kinase cascade mediates early osmotic stress signaling in higher plants
Authors: Lin Zhen , Li Yuan , Zhang Zhengjing , Liu Xiaolei , Hsu Chuan-Chih , Du Yanyan , Sang Tian , Zhu Chen , Wang Yubei , Satheesh Viswanathan , Pratibha Pritu , Zhao Yang , Song Chun-Peng , Tao W. Andy , Zhu Jian-Kang , Wang Pengcheng
Published: January 2020

Osmoregulation is important for plant growth, development and response to environmental changes. SNF1-related protein kinase 2s (SnRK2s) are quickly activated by osmotic stress and are central components in osmotic stress and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways; however, the upstream components required for SnRK2 activation and early osmotic stress signaling are still unknown. Here, we report a critical role for B2, B3 and B4 subfamilies of Raf-like kinases (RAFs) in early osmotic stress as well as ABA signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. B2, B3 and B4 RAFs are quickly activated by osmotic stress and are required for phosphorylation and activation of SnRK2s. Analyses of high-order mutants of RAFs reveal critical roles of the RAFs in osmotic stress tolerance and ABA responses as well as in growth and development. Our findings uncover a kinase cascade mediating osmoregulation in higher plants.