bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of CO2 and Toluene Adsorption on a Rare‐Earth Chalcophosphate Aerogel by Post Synthetic Modification with PdCl2
Authors: Edhaim Fatimah , Rothenberger Alexander
Published: July 2019

The sol‐gel metathesis reaction was used to synthesize a new family of aerogels called a rare‐earth chalcophosphate aerogel KY(P2S6)2·K+ and the rare‐earth metal cations Y3+ connect [P2S6]2– anions to form an amorphous white gel. Supercritical drying of the resulting gel produced porous materials with a BET surface area of 443 m2·g–1. The adsorption properties of the rare‐earth chalcophosphate aerogel were studied using volatile organic hydrocarbons (VOCs) and gases as adsorptives. The results showed preferential adsorption of toluene vapor over cyclohexane and cyclopentane vapor. The adsorption capacity toward toluene was 703 mg·g–1. Favored adsorption of CO2 over CH4, N2, or H2 was also observed for the aerogel: KY(P2S6)2 (CO2/H2: 308, CO2/CH4: 67, Co2/N2: 177). Pd doped aerogel showed significant enhancement toward toluene (1291 mg·g–1) for 1 wt % Pd @ KY(P2S6)2, (2064 mg·g–1) for 3 wt % Pd @ KY(P2S6)2 and (1108 mg·g–1) for 5 wt % Pd @ KY(P2S6)2. It also showed a noticeable improvement in the gas selectivity (CO2/H2: 337, CO2/CH4: 85, Co2/N2: 205) for 1 wt % Pd @ KY(P2S6)2, (CO2/H2: 345, CO2/CH4: 109, Co2/N2: 212) for 3 wt % Pd @ KY(P2S6)2 and (CO2/H2: 319, CO2/CH4: 73, Co2/N2: 187) for 5 wt % Pd @ KY(P2S6)2.
Genome-wide association study to identify genomic regions influencing spontaneous fertility in maize haploids
Authors: Chaikam Vijay , Gowda Manje , Nair Sudha K. , Melchinger Albrecht E. , Boddupalli Prasanna M.
Published: July 2019

Efficient production and use of doubled haploid lines can greatly accelerate genetic gains in maize breeding programs. One of the critical steps in standard doubled haploid line production is doubling the haploid genome using toxic and costly mitosis-inhibiting chemicals to achieve fertility in haploids. Alternatively, fertility may be spontaneously restored by natural chromosomal doubling, although generally at a rate too low for practical applications in most germplasm. This is the first large-scale genome-wise association study to analyze spontaneous chromosome doubling in haploids derived from tropical maize inbred lines. Induction crosses between tropicalized haploid inducers and 400 inbred lines were made, and the resulting haploid plants were assessed for haploid male fertility which refers to pollen production and haploid fertility which refers to seed production upon self-fertilization. A small number of genotypes were highly fertile and these fertility traits were highly heritable. Agronomic traits like plant height, ear height and tassel branch number were positively correlated with fertility traits. In contrast, haploid induction rate of the source germplasm and plant aspect were not correlated to fertility traits. Several genomic regions and candidate genes were identified that may control spontaneous fertility restoration. Overall, the study revealed the presence of large variation for both haploid male fertility and haploid fertility which can be potentially exploited for improving the efficiency of doubled haploid derivation in tropical maize germplasm.
Industry-school projects as an aim to foster secondary school students’ interest in technology and engineering careers
Authors: Smit Robbert , Robin Nicolas , De Toffol Christina , Atanasova Sanja
Published: July 2019

Industry-school partnerships offer authentic learning opportunities and can support the development of students’ interest in a STEM career. The expectancy-value model of achievement-related choice can help to explain how several factors influence career choice. Interest-enjoyment values and attainment values are most important in students’ motivation to participate in out-of-school technology and design activities. Our research question is the following: Is there a development in secondary school students’ career interests in science-based technology-related professions while participating in industry-school partnerships? We employed a longitudinal, mixed-methods research design. The sample consists of 213 secondary school students from 9 classes and 72 students from 4 classes in 4 neighbouring schools who served as a control group. All of the students filled out a questionnaire before and after the visit. The questionnaire items were based on scales relating to an expectancy-value model. Four groups of students were interviewed with respect to the industry visit experiences. Analyses indicated that attitudes for applying technology became relevant for predicting career interest in a technology profession in the project group after the end of the project. However, career interest did not increase over time. In the qualitative analysis, four topics emerged that elucidated why career interest did not increase. Overall, the results demonstrate that factory visits combined with embedded tasks are one way to overcome fixed ability self-concepts and allow the students to reconsider a career in the technology and engineering industry towards the end of secondary school.
Developing Kaspar: A Humanoid Robot for Children with Autism
Authors: Wood Luke J. , Zaraki Abolfazl , Robins Ben , Dautenhahn Kerstin
Published: July 2019

In the late 1990s using robotic technology to assist children with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASD) emerged as a potentially useful area of research. Since then the field of assistive robotics for children with ASD has grown considerably with many academics trialling different robots and approaches. One such robot is the humanoid robot Kaspar that was originally developed in 2005 and has continually been built upon since, taking advantage of technological developments along the way. A key principle in the development of Kaspar since its creation has been to ensure that all of the advances to the platform are driven by the requirements of the users. In this paper we discuss the development of Kaspar’s design and explain the rationale behind each change to the platform. Designing and building a humanoid robot to interact with and help children with ASD is a multidisciplinary challenge that requires knowledge of the mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Child–Robot Interaction (CRI) and knowledge of ASD. The Kaspar robot has benefited from the wealth of knowledge accrued over years of experience in robot-assisted therapy for children with ASD. By showing the journey of how the Kaspar robot has developed we aim to assist others in the field develop such technologies further.
Kaolinite Occurrence of Kachchh, Gujarat: A Product from Rhyolitic Tuff by Hydrothermal Alteration
Authors: Maitra Monoj , Gangopadhyay Kamal Kumar
Published: July 2019

Kaolinite associated with Mesozoic sediments of Kachchh and alkaline igneous rocks are not well studied in view of its genesis. The petrography, EPMA and DTA studies support that the studied kaolinite samples formed by mature transformation from rhyolitic tuff by hydrothermal alteration in epithermal condition. Such postulation indicates that there was intermittent acid volcanic episode along with alkaline basic igneous magmatism in the Cretaceous of Kachchh basin, western part of India.
Deliberative Global Governance
Authors: Dryzek John S. , Bowman Quinlan , Kuyper Jonathan , Pickering Jonathan , Sass Jensen , Stevenson Hayley
Published: July 2019

Global institutions are afflicted by severe democratic deficits, while many of the major problems facing the world remain intractable. Against this backdrop, we explore the prospects for a deliberative approach that puts effective, inclusive, and transformative communication at the heart of global governance. This approach can advance both democratic legitimacy and effective problem solving. Existing institutions such as multilateral negotiations, international organizations, regimes, governance networks, and scientific assessments can be rendered more deliberative and democratic. Such reforms can pave the way for more thoroughgoing transformations in the global order that could involve citizens' assemblies, nested forums stretching from the local to the global, transnational citizens' juries and other mini-publics, crowdsourcing, and a global dissent channel. We pay special attention to climate change, peacebuilding, and global poverty.
Demand for High-Quality Beef Attributes in Developing Countries: The Case of Ecuador
Authors: Castillo María José , Carpio Carlos E.
Published: July 2019

Consumer preferences are likely to become more important in policy and market initiatives in developing countries. This study explores current and potential demand for high-quality beef in Ecuador. A survey of 547 households (including two choice experiments) was carried out in order to gather knowledge, quality perceptions, and experiences regarding Ecuadorian beef and preferences for specific beef attributes. Consumers have positive and economically significant willingness-to-pay values for all credence attributes considered in the study: sanitary control, meat maturation, animal welfare, and traceability. The results provide evidence that there is a potential market for increased-quality beef in Ecuador.
Cutting Edge and Cutting Corners: Evolving Technology, Expanding Usership, and Responsive Solutions in a Museum Database
Authors: Hansen John S.
Published: July 2019

In the mid-1980s, the Anthropology Division of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) began the creation of digital resources as a means of collections access. Much of the database work was a secondary component of projects funded by outside grants and driven by new accountability mandates. The ongoing upgrading process was sporadic in its progress, but it still accomplished the primary goals of improved housing for collections and an exhaustive database. This paper discusses how the historical complications of the data, the scale of the database, its irregular schedule of funding, and deadline-driven projects resulted in inconsistency in data and difficulty in use. Although the examples provided will be specific to the AMNH Anthropology database, the circumstances and issues are common to many databases and the approaches presented broadly applicable. The discussion includes the practices used to mitigate the negative impact of these problems and the way the Division is positioning itself for the future, even as the database continues to provide unprecedented public and institutional access to and utility for the AMNH Anthropology collections.
Influence of change expectancy and recovery processes on depression severity
Authors: Low Benjamin Chu Yuan , Lim Kokkwang , Wong Meiyin , Ooi Sayleong , Yap Chee Khong
Published: July 2019

Consumer recovery processes refer to social Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning in life, and Empowerment (“CHIME”). This study examined if expectations of change in depression could mediate the relationship between CHIME recovery processes and depression severity. Participants were patients who consulted clinical psychologists at primary care clinics. Measures of depression change expectancy, CHIME recovery processes, and depression symptoms were administered. Change expectancy partially mediated the relationship between Hope and depression severity. The same was found for Identity, but Identity also mediated the relationship between change expectancy and depression. Thus, Hope may reduce depression by improving change expectancies, whereas Identity and change expectancy may have reciprocal influences that alter depression. Findings suggest that the CHIME recovery processes may facilitate recovery from depression.
Effect of dust particle and magnetic field on EEPF and plasma oscillation
Authors: Kalita D. , Kakati B. , Kausik S. S. , Saikia B. K. , Bandyopadhyay M.
Published: July 2019

The significance of dust particles for the electron energy probability function (EEPF) and plasma oscillations is studied under varying magnetic field strength in a filamentary discharge hydrogen plasma. The experimental result shows that with an increase in dust density, the electron density decreases as a result of the charging of dust grains in the plasma background. A bi-Maxwellian EEPF is computed in both a pristine hydrogen plasma and a dust-containing plasma at different magnetic field strengths. We have observed that the increase in magnetic field decreases the lower energy electron population. The electron population of the lower energy range shows nearly identical results at magnetic field,

$B\leqslant 3.7$

 mT whereas the behaviour of the high-energy electron population becomes identical for a field strength

$B\leqslant 5.8$

 mT. From the observation, we have seen that the mid energy electron population slightly decreases and the high energy electron population slightly increases due to the presence of dust particles as compared to a pristine plasma. Further, very low energy electron population remains almost unchanged. With increase in dust density, the mid energy electron population further decreases whereas the high energy electron population slightly increases for different magnetic fields. But, no changes were observed for the very low energy electron population in the presence of dust particles. From the study of plasma oscillation, it is observed that the dominant frequency associated with the plasma oscillation is matched with the ion cyclotron frequency. The amplitude of the ion cyclotron frequency reduces with the increase of dust density which might be due to the decrease of plasma density.
Long-chainn-3 fatty acids as an essential link between musculoskeletal and cardio-metabolic health in older adults
Authors: Witard Oliver C. , Combet Emilie , Gray Stuart R.
Published: July 2019

This narrative review aims to critically evaluate scientific evidence exploring the therapeutic role(s) of long-chainn-3 PUFA in the context of ageing, and specifically, sarcopenia. We highlight that beyond impairments in physical function and a lack of independence, the age-related decline in muscle mass has ramifications for cardio-metabolic health. Specifically, skeletal muscle is crucial in regulating blood glucose homeostasis (and by extension reducing type 2 diabetes mellitus risk) and providing gluconeogenic precursors that are critical for survival during muscle wasting conditions (i.e. AIDS). Recent interest in the potential anabolic action ofn-3 PUFA is based on findings from experimental studies that measured acute changes in the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and/or chronic changes in muscle mass and strength in response to fish oil-derivedn-3 PUFA supplementation. Key findings include a potentiated response of MPS to amino acid provision or resistance-based exercise withn-3 PUFA in healthy older adults that extrapolated to longer-term changes in muscle mass and strength. The key mechanism(s) underpinning this enhanced response of MPS remains to be fully elucidated, but is likely driven by the incorporation of exogenousn-3 PUFA into the muscle phospholipid membrane and subsequent up-regulation of cell signalling proteins known to control MPS. In conclusion, multiple lines of evidence suggest that dietaryn-3 PUFA provide an essential link between musculoskeletal and cardio-metabolic health in older adults. Given that western diets are typically meagre inn-3 PUFA content, nutritional recommendations for maintaining muscle health with advancing age should place greater emphasis on dietaryn-3 PUFA intake.
Oodaaq Ø and other short-lived islets north of Greenland
Authors: Bennike Ole , Shea Jeff
Published: July 2019

In 1978, a small island was discovered north of Kaffeklubben Ø, until then considered the most northern island on Earth. This island was named Oodaaq Ø. It was visited again in 1979, and in 1980 it was seen from Kaffeklubben Ø by members of the Sirius sledge patrol. Sirius searched for Oodaaq Ø again from 1981 to 1984 but did not find it. During the period from 1996 to 2008, the region was visited regularly and a number of new islets were discovered: the 1996 ATOW Island, KMS Island, 2001 RTOW Island, 83-42 Island, Stray Dog West Island and the 2008 Island. The islets are composed of gravel. We believe the area with islets is shallow, being a continuation of a coastal plain to the south. We suggest that the sea floor in the area is irregular and that the islets form by floes of sea ice that bulldoze material from the sea floor up above sea level. In some cases, perhaps all, the islets disappear when sea ice floes bulldoze sediment back below sea level. Alternatively, the so-called islets are just accumulations of gravel on sea ice.
Dissecting the impact of depression on decision-making
Authors: Lawlor Victoria M. , Webb Christian A. , Wiecki Thomas V. , Frank Michael J. , Trivedi Madhukar , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Dillon Daniel G.
Published: July 2019

Background

Cognitive deficits in depressed adults may reflect impaired decision-making. To investigate this possibility, we analyzed data from unmedicated adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and healthy controls as they performed a probabilistic reward task. The Hierarchical Drift Diffusion Model (HDDM) was used to quantify decision-making mechanisms recruited by the task, to determine if any such mechanism was disrupted by depression.

Methods

Data came from two samples (Study 1: 258 MDD, 36 controls; Study 2: 23 MDD, 25 controls). On each trial, participants indicated which of two similar stimuli was presented; correct identifications were rewarded. Quantile-probability plots and the HDDM quantified the impact of MDD on response times (RT), speed of evidence accumulation (drift rate), and the width of decision thresholds, among other parameters.

Results

RTs were more positively skewed in depressed v. healthy adults, and the HDDM revealed that drift rates were reduced—and decision thresholds were wider—in the MDD groups. This pattern suggests that depressed adults accumulated the evidence needed to make decisions more slowly than controls did.

Conclusions

Depressed adults responded slower than controls in both studies, and poorer performance led the MDD group to receive fewer rewards than controls in Study 1. These results did not reflect a sensorimotor deficit but were instead due to sluggish evidence accumulation. Thus, slowed decision-making—not slowed perception or response execution—caused the performance deficit in MDD. If these results generalize to other tasks, they may help explain the broad cognitive deficits seen in depression.
Characterizing Chemical Terrorism Incidents Collected by the Global Terrorism Database, 1970-2015
Authors: Santos Cynthia , El Zahran Tharwat , Weiland Jessica , Anwar Mehruba , Schier Joshua
Published: July 2019

Background:

The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) is an open-source database on terrorist incidents around the world since 1970, and it is maintained by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START; College Park, Maryland USA), a US Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence. The consortium reviews media reports to determine if an event meets eligibility to be categorized as a terrorism incident for entry into the database.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to characterize chemical terrorism incidents reported to the GTD and understand more about the kinds of chemical agents used, the associated morbidity and mortality, the geography of incidents, and the intended targets.

Methods:

Chemical terrorism incidents from 1970 through 2015 were analyzed by chemical agent category, injury and fatality, geographic region, and target.

Results:

During the study period, 156,772 terrorism incidents were reported to the GTD, of which 292 (0.19%) met the inclusion criteria for analysis as a chemical terrorism incident. The reported chemical agent categories were: unknown chemical (30.5%); corrosives (23.3%); tear gas/mace (12.3%); unspecified gas (11.6%); cyanide (8.2%); pesticides (5.5%); metals (6.5%); and nerve gas (2.1%). On average, chemical terrorism incidents resulted in 51 injuries (mean range across agents: 2.5-1,622.0) and seven deaths (mean range across agents: 0.0-224.3) per incident. Nerve gas incidents (2.1%) had the highest mean number of injuries (n = 1,622) and fatalities (n = 224) per incident. The highest number of chemical terrorism incidents occurred in South Asia (29.5%), Western Europe (16.8%), and Middle East/North Africa (13.0%). The most common targets were private citizens (19.5%), of which groups of women (22.8%) were often the specific target. Incidents targeting educational institutions often specifically targeted female students or teachers (58.1%).

Conclusions:

Chemical terrorism incidents rarely occur; however, the use of certain chemical terrorism agents, for example nerve gas, can cause large mass-causality events that can kill or injure thousands with a single use. Certain regions of the world had higher frequency of chemical terrorism events overall, and also varied in their frequencies of the specific chemical terrorism agent used. Data suggest that morbidity and mortality vary by chemical category and by region. Results may be helpful in developing and optimizing regional chemical terrorism preparedness activities.
Effect of ‘rice’ pattern on high blood pressure by gender and obesity: using the community-based KoGES cohort
Authors: Han Yuri , Kang Daehee , Lee Sang-Ah
Published: July 2019

Objective:

The present study aimed to examine the association between dietary pattern and the risk of high blood pressure (BP) and to estimate the attenuated effect by gender and obesity on the association using data from a prospective cohort study in Korea.

Design:

Prospective study. Diet was assessed using a validated 103-item FFQ and was input into factor analysis after adjustment for total energy intake.

Setting:

Community-based Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (KoGES) cohort.

Participants:

Healthy individuals (n 5151) without high BP at recruitment from the community-based cohort study.

Results:

Dietary pattern was not associated with the risk of high BP regardless of the type of covariates, with the exception of the ‘rice’ pattern. The effect of the ‘rice’ pattern was observed in both men (Ptrend = 0·013) and women (Ptrend < 0·001), but the statistical significance remained only in women after adjustment for confounders (Ptrend = 0·004). The positive association of the ‘rice’ pattern with high BP risk was attenuated by obesity. After stratification by gender and obese status, in particular, the harmful effect of the ‘rice’ pattern was predominantly observed in obese women (Ptrend < 0·001) only.

Conclusions:

This longitudinal study in Korean adults found a positive association of the ‘rice’ pattern with long-term development of incident high BP, predominantly in women. The association is likely to be attenuated by gender and obese status.
Vivekananda, Sarah Farmer, and global spiritual transformations in thefin de siècle
Authors: Harris Ruth
Published: July 2019

As Swami Vivekananda travelled West at the end of the nineteenth century to propagate what has become known as ‘Hindu Universalism’, the American Sarah Farmer travelled to Palestine to embrace the new Baha’i faith. This article will ask why both wished to create ‘universal’ religions, and why they found inspiration at Green Acre, Maine in 1894 in the wake of the Chicago World Parliament of Religions in 1893. Visitors to Green Acre discussed ‘divine femininity’, engaged with men such as Vivekananda and Abdu’l-Baha, and began to criticize colonial hierarchies in the search for spiritual reconciliation, all concerns which touched on questions of ‘Eastern’ religion. However, spirituality was not a mere epiphenomenon of larger historical developments. Rather, the ‘transformation’ discussed here drew on an essentialized notion of ‘Eastern wisdom’ that contrasted spirituality with materialism, tolerance with intolerance, transcendence with instrumentalism. Yet, such polarized characterizations misjudged the ways in which Baha’i and Hindu Universalism destabilized the very categories of East and West, while retaining a vision of ‘Eastern wisdom’ untouched by Western corruptions.
Whither growth? International development, social indicators, and the politics of measurement, 1920s–1970s
Authors: Macekura Stephen
Published: July 2019

Few concepts in the history of twentieth-century history proved as important as economic growth. Scholars such as Charles Maier, Robert Collins, and Timothy Mitchell have analysed how the notion that an entity called ‘the economy’ (defined by metrics such as Gross National Product, or GNP) could be made to grow came to define economic thought and policy worldwide. Yet there has been far less attention paid to the fact that neither growth nor GNP went without challenge during their emergence and global diffusion. This article focuses on one set of growth critics: those who advocated for ‘social indicators’ in international development policy during the 1960s and 1970s. It advances three overlapping arguments: that advocates for social indicators harkened back to early twentieth-century transnational efforts to make workers’ ‘standard of living’ the primary statistical framework for policy-makers; that, while supporters of social indicators expressed frustration with technocratic governance, their reform efforts nevertheless represented technocratic critiques of modernity; and finally, that one of the major reform efforts, Morris David Morris’s advocacy on behalf of the ‘Physical Quality of Life Index’ (PQLI), as an alternative measure of national wellbeing, ultimately struggled to challenge the GNP growth paradigm, and yet proved influential in spawning subsequent research into new measures and approaches to development.
Das Kreuz mit der Kreuzallergie: Betalaktamantibiotika-Allergie
Authors: Jörg Lukas , Helbling Arthur
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung. Betalactamantibiotikaallergien sind die am häufigsten erwähnten Medikamentenallergien. In der Hausarztpraxis oder im Falle einer Hospitalisation äussern Patienten oft, an einer Penicillinallergie zu leiden, weswegen in diesen Fällen meist keine Betalactamantibiotika verwendet werden. Häufig handelt es sich bei einer vermeintlichen Allergie jedoch um Nebenwirkungen wie Diarrhoe, Nausea oder Bauchschmerzen. Der grösste Teil dieser Patienten verträgt Betalactamantibiotika ohne Probleme, weswegen eine allergologische Abklärung wichtig ist. Hierfür ist eine gute Anamnese und Dokumentation zentral, da Hautteste und in vitro Verfahren eine eingeschränkte Sensitivität haben. Ergänzend kann mittels Provokationstest eine fragliche Allergie oder alternative, potentiell kreuzreaktive Betalactamantibiotika in Hinblick auf ihre Verträglichkeit geprüft werden. Die Kreuzreaktivität mit Cephalosporinen, insbesondere der 3. Generation und höher, wird meist überschätzt. Kreuzreaktionen zu Carbapenemen sind selten.
Allergien gegen Nicht-Betalaktam-Antibiotika: eine Herausforderung in der Praxis
Authors: Scherer Hofmeier Kathrin
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die heterogene Gruppe der Nicht-Betalaktam-Antibiotika kann teilweise sehr schwere immunologisch vermittelte Hypersensitivitätsreaktionen auslösen. Die Risiken dafür sind unter den verschiedenen Vertretern sehr unterschiedlich verteilt und es ist teilweise eine genetische Prädisposition zur Entwicklung von Stevens-Johnson-Syndrom / Toxisch epidermale Nekrolyse bzw. Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS-Syndrom) festzustellen. Einzelne Patientengruppen sind besonders häufig betroffen, u. a. Patienten mit HIV oder cystischer Fibrose. In dieser Übersicht werden die einzelnen Medikamentengruppen und entsprechende Risikosituationen, sowie die zur Verfügung stehenden diagnostischen Mittel besprochen.
Interpretation of the Tropospheric Gradients Estimated With GPS During Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Graffigna Victoria , Hernández‐Pajares Manuel , Gende Mauricio , Azpilicueta Francisco , Antico Pablo
Published: July 2019

During the last decade Global Positioning System (GPS) Continuous Operating Reference Stations networks have become a new important data source for meteorology. This has dramatically improved the ability to remotely sense the atmosphere under the influence of severe mesoscale and synoptic systems. The zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) is one of the atmospheric variables continuously observed, and its horizontal variations, the horizontal tropospheric gradients, are routinely computed nowadays within the dual‐frequency GPS processing, but their interpretation and relationship with the weather is still an open question. The purpose of this paper is to contribute in this direction by studying the effect that Hurricane Harvey had on the spatial and temporal behavior of the ZTDs and gradients, when it reached Texas coast, during 18–31 August 2017. The results show that ZTD time series present a clear and rapid increase larger than 10 cm in a few hours when the hurricane reached the area. Gradients behaviors show that the hurricane also produced significant changes on them, since the magnitude and predominant directions before and after the hurricane arrived are completely different. Noticeably, the gradient vectors before the landing are consistently related to the horizontal winds and pressure fields. In this manuscript we demonstrate that the ZTD gradients can show a consistent signature under severe weather events, strongly suggesting their potential application for short‐term weather forecasting.
Aerosol Effect on the Cloud Phase of Low‐Level Clouds Over the Arctic
Authors: Filioglou M. , Mielonen T. , Balis D. , Giannakaki E. , Arola A. , Kokkola H. , Komppula M. , Romakkaniemi S.
Published: July 2019

Three years of nighttime Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation data was used in synergy with CloudSat measurements to quantify how strongly aerosol type and aerosol load affect the cloud phase in low‐level clouds over the Arctic. Supercooled liquid layers were present in the majority of observed low‐level clouds (0.75 ≤ z ≤ 3.5 km) between −10 and −25 °C. Furthermore, based on the subset (6%) of data with high quality assurance for aerosol typing, ice formation is more common in the presence of dust or continental aerosols as opposed to marine or elevated smoke aerosols. With the first aerosol group, glaciated clouds were found at cloud top temperatures of 2 to 4 °C warmer than with the latter aerosol types. Further association of the aerosol concentration with the cloud phase showed that the aerosol concentration outweighs the aerosol type effect. Depending on the aerosol load, the temperature at which a cloud completely glaciates can vary by up to 6–10 °C. However, this behavior was most pronounced in stable atmospheric conditions and absent over open ocean with lower tropospheric stability values and probably less stratified clouds. Finally, more mixed‐phase clouds were associated with high aerosol load, suggesting that mixed‐phase clouds have an extended lifetime in the Arctic under high cloud condensation nuclei concentrations. This implies that in a pristine environment, with few or no local aerosol sources, and under the investigated conditions the amount of aerosol particles affects the cloud phase more than the aerosol type does.
Observational Constraint on the Radius and Oblateness of the Lunar Core‐Mantle Boundary
Authors: Viswanathan V. , Rambaux N. , Fienga A. , Laskar J. , Gastineau M.
Published: July 2019

Lunar laser ranging (LLR) data and Apollo seismic data analyses, revealed independent evidence for the presence of a fluid lunar core. However, the size of the lunar fluid core remained uncertain by ±55 km (encompassing two contrasting 2011 Apollo seismic data analyses). Here we show that a new description of the lunar interior's dynamical model provides a determination of the radius and geometry of the lunar core‐mantle boundary (CMB) from the LLR observations. We compare the present‐day lunar core oblateness obtained from LLR analysis with the expected hydrostatic model values, over a range of previously expected CMB radii. The findings suggest a core oblateness (fc=(2.2±0.6)×10−4) that satisfies the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium over a tight range of lunar CMB radii (
 km). Our estimates of a presently relaxed lunar CMB translates to a core mass fraction in the range of 1.59–1.77% with a present‐day free core nutation within (367±100) years.
Greater Water Surface Variability Revealed by New Congo River Field Data: Implications for Satellite Altimetry Measurements of Large Rivers
Authors: Carr Andrew B. , Trigg Mark A. , Tshimanga Raphael M. , Borman Duncan J. , Smith Mark W.
Published: July 2019

Large river hydrodynamics studies inform global and regional issues pertaining to biogeochemical cycling, ecology, water availability, and flood risk. Such studies rely increasingly on satellite measurements, but these are limited by resolution, coverage, and uncertainty and their inability to directly measure bathymetry or discharge. We obtain new in situ data covering 650 km of the Congo's main stem, including elusive bathymetry and discharge measurements that complement space‐borne data sets. Our key findings relate to our water surface elevation measurements, which show that spatial coverage of existing satellite altimetry for deriving river water surface profiles may be adequate through the globally important Cuvette Centrale but is not at its outlet where our field data reveal significant spatial variability in water surface slope. The findings have implications for altimetry‐based hydrodynamics studies of other large rivers, such as those that involve estimating discharge or modeling multichannel river hydraulics.
Structural Heterogeneity and Anisotropy in the Source Zone of the 2018 Eastern Iburi Earthquake in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Gou Tao , Huang Zhouchuan , Zhao Dapeng , Wang Liangshu
Published: July 2019

We investigate 3‐D seismic structures (Vp, Vs, and Poisson's ratio) and Vp azimuthal anisotropy in the source area of the 2018 Eastern Iburi earthquake (M 6.7) in Hokkaido, Japan. Its mainshock occurred at the edge of a high‐Vp (2–4%) seismogenic zone. Significant low‐Vs (−1% to −3%) and high Poisson's ratio (2–7%) anomalies are imaged in and below the source zone and extend to the upper surface of the subducting Pacific slab, most likely reflecting ascending fluids released by the slab dehydration. A high consistency between the fault plane and the low‐Vs and high Poisson's ratio anomalies indicates that the fluids may have entered the fault and affected the rupture nucleation. A high‐V (1–3%) anomaly is revealed in the fore‐arc mantle wedge and connects with the high‐V seismogenic zone, probably reflecting a lithospheric fragment and contributing to cool down the mantle wedge. Complex seismic anisotropy is revealed in the crust in and around the source area, which may reflect complicated stress regime and strong structural heterogeneities there.
Atomic-level passivation mechanism of ammonium salts enabling highly efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Alharbi Essa A. , Alyamani Ahmed Y. , Kubicki Dominik J. , Uhl Alexander R. , Walder Brennan J. , Alanazi Anwar Q. , Luo Jingshan , Burgos-Caminal Andrés , Albadri Abdulrahman , Albrithen Hamad , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Moser Jacques-E. , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Giordano Fabrizio , Emsley Lyndon , Grätzel Michael
Published: July 2019

The high conversion efficiency has made metal halide perovskite solar cells a real breakthrough in thin film photovoltaic technology in recent years. Here, we introduce a straightforward strategy to reduce the level of electronic defects present at the interface between the perovskite film and the hole transport layer by treating the perovskite surface with different types of ammonium salts, namely ethylammonium, imidazolium and guanidinium iodide. We use a triple cation perovskite formulation containing primarily formamidinium and small amounts of cesium and methylammonium. We find that this treatment boosts the power conversion efficiency from 20.5% for the control to 22.3%, 22.1%, and 21.0% for the devices treated with ethylammonium, imidazolium and guanidinium iodide, respectively. Best performing devices showed a loss in efficiency of only 5% under full sunlight intensity with maximum power tracking for 550 h. We apply 2D- solid-state NMR to unravel the atomic-level mechanism of this passivation effect.
Outer membrane protein complex as a carrier for malaria transmission blocking antigen Pfs230
Authors: Scaria Puthupparampil V. , Rowe Christopher G. , Chen Beth B. , Muratova Olga V. , Fischer Elizabeth R. , Barnafo Emma K. , Anderson Charles F. , Zaidi Irfan U. , Lambert Lynn E. , Lucas Bob J. , Nahas Debbie D. , Narum David L. , Duffy Patrick E.
Published: July 2019

Malaria transmission blocking vaccines (TBV) target the mosquito stage of parasite development by passive immunization of mosquitoes feeding on a vaccinated human. Through uptake of vaccine-induced antibodies in a blood meal, mosquito infection is halted and hence transmission to another human host is blocked. Pfs230 is a gametocyte and gamete surface antigen currently under clinical evaluation as a TBV candidate. We have previously shown that chemical conjugation of poorly immunogenic TBV antigens to Exoprotein A (EPA) can enhance their immunogenicity. Here, we assessed Outer Membrane Protein Complex (OMPC), a membrane vesicle derived fromNeisseria meningitidis, as a carrier for Pfs230. We prepared Pfs230-OMPC conjugates with varying levels of antigen load and examined immunogenicity in mice. Chemical conjugation of Pfs230 to OMPC enhanced immunogenicity and functional activity of the Pfs230 antigen, and OMPC conjugates achieved 2-fold to 20-fold higher antibody titers than Pfs230-EPA/AdjuPhos®at different doses. OMPC conjugates were highly immunogenic even at low doses, indicating a dose-sparing effect. EPA conjugates induced an IgG subclass profile biased towards a Th2 response, whereas OMPC conjugates induced a strong Th1-biased immune response with high levels of IgG2, which can benefit Pfs230 antibody functional activity, which depends on complement activation. OMPC is a promising carrier for Pfs230 vaccines.
A valve powered by earthworm muscle with both electrical and 100% chemical control
Authors: Tanaka Yo , Funano Shun-ichi , Noguchi Yuji , Yalikun Yaxiaer , Kamamichi Norihiro
Published: July 2019

Development of bio-microactuators combining microdevices and cellular mechanical functions has been an active research field owing to their desirable properties including high mechanical integrity and biocompatibility. Although various types of devices were reported, the use of as-is natural muscle tissue should be more effective. An earthworm muscle-driven valve has been created. Long-time (more than 2 min) and repeatable displacement was observed by chemical (acetylcholine) stimulation. The generated force of the muscle (1 cm × 3 cm) was 1.57 mN on average for 2 min by the acetylcholine solution (100 mM) stimulation. We demonstrated an on-chip valve that stopped the constant pressure flow by the muscle contraction. For electrical control, short pulse stimulation was used for the continuous and repeatable muscle contraction. The response time was 3 s, and the pressure resistance was 3.0 kPa. Chemical stimulation was then used for continuous muscle contraction. The response time was 42 s, and the pressure resistance was 1.5 kPa. The ON (closed) state was kept for at least 2 min. An on-chip valve was demonstrated that stopped the constant pressure flow by the muscle contraction. This is the first demonstration of the muscle-based valve that is 100% chemically actuated and controlled.
Impact of temperature and humidity on performance of the fecal immunochemical test for advanced colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Park Chan Hyuk , Jung Yoon Suk , Kim Nam Hee , Lee Mi Yeon , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il
Published: July 2019

Although it is known that ambient temperature can affect the diagnostic performance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), the impact of other weather parameters, including humidity, on the sensitivity of FIT remains to be further investigated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ambient temperature and humidity on the performance of FIT for screening for advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN). We included asymptomatic individuals who had undergone both screening colonoscopy and FIT. The diagnostic performance of FIT, including its sensitivity, was analyzed according to the ambient temperature and humidity on the day that FIT was performed. Temperature and humidity were divided into five levels. Among 35,461 participants, 589 (1.7%) had ACRN. The positivity rate of FIT was lower at ≥24 °C (3.1%) than at <0 °C (3.9%), 0–8 °C (4.3%), and 8–16 °C (3.9%). It was also lower at 80–90% humidity (3.1%) than at < 60% humidity (3.9%). Multivariable analysis showed that high ambient temperature (≥24 °C) with high ambient humidity (≥80%) was associated with a low positivity rate of FIT (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–0.86). Sensitivity tended to decrease at high ambient temperature (<24 °C vs. ≥24 °C; 20.8% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.110) and was significantly lower at high ambient humidity (<80% vs. ≥80%; 21.0% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.044). The multivariable analysis also showed that high ambient humidity was independently associated with low sensitivity of FIT (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.28–0.96). In conclusion, high ambient humidity decreased the sensitivity, while high ambient temperature along with high ambient humidity decreased the positivity rate of FIT.
A highly responsive NH3 sensor based on Pd-loaded ZnO nanoparticles prepared via a chemical precipitation approach
Authors: Mhlongo G. H. , Motaung D. E. , Cummings F. R. , Swart H. C. , Ray S. S.
Published: July 2019

The gas-detecting ability of nanostructured ZnO has led to significant attention being paid to the development of a unique and effective approach to its synthesis. However, its poor sensitivity, cross-sensitivity to humidity, long response/recovery times and poor selectivity hinder its practical use in environmental and health monitoring. In this context, the addition of noble metals, as dopants or catalysts to modify the ZnO surface has been examined to enhance its sensing performance. Herein, we report preparation of Pd-loaded ZnO nanoparticles via a chemical precipitation approach. Various Pd loadings were employed to produce surface-modified ZnO nanostructure sensors, and their resulting NH3 sensing capabilities both in dry and humid environments were investigated. Through a comparative gas sensing study between the pure and Pd-loaded ZnO sensors upon exposure to NH3 at an optimal operating temperature of 350 °C, the Pd-loaded ZnO sensors were found to exhibit enhanced sensor responses and fast response/recovery times. The influence of Pd loading and its successful incorporation into ZnO nanostructure was examined by X-ray diffraction, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. XPS studies demonstrated that in all samples, Pd existed in two chemical states, namely Pd° and Pd2+. The possible sensing mechanism related to NH3 gas is also discussed in detail.
Phylogenetic and crystallographic analysis of Nostoc phycocyanin having blue-shifted spectral properties
Authors: Sonani Ravi R. , Rastogi Rajesh Prasad , Patel Stuti Nareshkumar , Chaubey Mukesh Ghanshyam , Singh Niraj Kumar , Gupta Gagan D. , Kumar Vinay , Madamwar Datta
Published: July 2019

The distinct sequence feature and spectral blue-shift (~10 nm) of phycocyanin, isolated from Nostoc sp. R76DM (N-PC), were investigated by phylogenetic and crystallographic analyses. Twelve conserved substitutions in N-PC sequence were found distributed unequally among α- and β-subunit (3 in α- and 9 in β-subunit). The phylogenetic analysis suggested that molecular evolution of α- and β-subunit of Nostoc-phycocyanin is faster than evolution of Nostoc-species. The divergence events seem to have occurred more frequently in β-subunit, compared to α-subunit (relative divergence, 7.38 for α-subunit and 9.66 for β-subunit). Crystal structure of N-PC was solved at 2.35 Å resolution to reasonable R-factors (Rwork/RFree = 0.199/0.248). Substitutions congregate near interface of two αβ-monomer in N-PC trimer and are of compensatory nature. Six of the substitutions in β-subunit may be involved in maintaining topology of β-subunit, one in inter-monomer interaction and one in interaction with linker-protein. The β153Cys-attached chromophore adopts high-energy conformational state resulting due to reduced coplanarity of B- and C-pyrrole rings. Distortion in chromophore conformation can result in blue-shift in N-PC spectral properties. N-PC showed significant in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activity comparable with other phycocyanin. Since Nostoc-species constitute a distinct phylogenetic clade, the present structure would provide a better template to build a model for phycocyanins of these species.
Prioritizing target-disease associations with novel safety and efficacy scoring methods
Authors: Failli Mario , Paananen Jussi , Fortino Vittorio
Published: July 2019

Biological target (commonly genes or proteins) identification is still largely a manual process, where experts manually try to collect and combine information from hundreds of data sources, ranging from scientific publications to omics databases. Targeting the wrong gene or protein will lead to failure of the drug development process, as well as incur delays and costs. To improve this process, different software platforms are being developed. These platforms rely strongly on efficacy estimates based on target-disease association scores created by computational methods for drug target prioritization. Here novel computational methods are presented to more accurately evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drug targets. The proposed efficacy scores utilize existing gene expression data and tissue/disease specific networks to improve the inference of target-disease associations. Conversely, safety scores enable the identification of genes that are essential, potentially susceptible to adverse effects or carcinogenic. Benchmark results demonstrate that our transcriptome-based methods for drug target prioritization can increase the true positive rate of target-disease associations. Additionally, the proposed safety evaluation system enables accurate predictions of targets of withdrawn drugs and targets of drug trials prematurely discontinued.
Phosphorylation of p23-1 cochaperone by protein kinase CK2 affects root development in Arabidopsis
Authors: D’Alessandro Stefano , Golin Serena , Zanin Sofia , Cendron Laura , Zottini Michela , Ruzzene Maria
Published: July 2019

Root growth is a fundamental process in plants and assures nutrient and water uptake required for efficient photosynthesis and metabolism. Postembryonic development of roots is controlled by the functionality of the meristem. Several hormones and signaling molecules regulate the size of the meristem, and among them, auxins play a major role. Protein kinase CK2, along with the chaperone protein HSP90, has been found to be involved in the regulation of auxin transport. Here, we show that p23-1, a cochaperone of HSP90, is phosphorylated by CK2 in Arabidopsis. We identified Ser201 as the major CK2 target site in p23-1 and demonstrated that phosphorylation of this site is necessary for normal root development. Moreover, we shed light on the nature of CK2 in Arabidopsis, showing that the three catalytic isoforms, CK2 αA, αB and αC, are proteins of approximately 40 kDa. Our results increase knowledge of the connection among HSP90, p23-1 and CK2 in Arabidopsis, suggesting the existence of a possible common root development mechanism controlled by these signaling molecules.