bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting trace methane levels with plasma optical emission spectroscopy and supervised machine learning
Authors: Vincent Jordan , Wang Hui , Nibouche Omar , Maguire Paul
Published: July 2020

Trace methane detection in the parts per million range is reported using a novel detection scheme based on optical emission spectra from low temperature atmospheric pressure microplasmas. These bright low-cost plasma sources were operated under non-equilibrium conditions, producing spectra with a complex and variable sensitivity to trace levels of added gases. A data-driven machine learning approach based on partial least squares discriminant analysis was implemented for CH4 concentrations up to 100 ppm in He, to provide binary classification of samples above or below a threshold of 2 ppm. With a low-resolution spectrometer and a custom spectral alignment procedure, a prediction accuracy of 98% was achieved, demonstrating the power of machine learning with otherwise prohibitively complex spectral analysis. This work establishes proof of principle for low cost and high-resolution trace gas detection with the potential for field deployment and autonomous remote monitoring.
Qubit transformations on Rashba ring with periodic potential
Authors: Kregar Ambrož , Ramšak Anton
Published: July 2020

A spin-qubit transformation protocol is proposed for an electron in a mesoscopic quantum ring with tunable Rashba interaction controlled by the external electric field. The dynamics of an electron driven around the ring by a series of Landau–Zenner-like transitions between a finite number of local voltage gates is determined analytically. General single-qubit transformations are demonstrated to be feasible in a dynamical basis of localized pseudo-spin states. It is also demonstrated that by the use of suitable protocols based on changes of the Rashba interaction full Bloch sphere can be covered. The challenges of a possible realization of the proposed system in semiconductor heterostructures are discussed.
Brownian motion-induced amplitude noise in vapor-cell frequency standards
Authors: Micalizio S , Godone A , Gozzelino M , Levi F
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate that the Brownian motion of alkali metal atoms in buffer gas gives rise to a significant source of frequency instability in vapor cell clocks. We consider, in particular, laser pumped cell devices working in pulsed operation and using a resonant Gaussian light beam to detect the clock transition. It is well known that the diffusion motion through the buffer gas results from many random walks performed by the atoms, as a consequence of the collisions with other atoms/molecules. Owing to this random-walk behavior, the atoms explore different intensity regions of the Gaussian laser beam, reducing the forward light transmission and causing amplitude fluctuations at the photodetector. The contribution of this so called transit noise to the clock frequency stability turns out in the low 10−14 region for a centimeter-scale cell, at the same level of other amplitude noises, like laser relative intensity noise and shot noise. As a consequence, even if it is not the main source of instability in currently used vapor cell clocks, Brownian motion-induced noise represents a novel source of frequency fluctuations and it should be accounted for in the clock stability budget. A preliminary evaluation of the transit noise is also reported for microcell devices.
Satellite and airborne remote sensing of gross primary productivity in boreal Alaskan lakes
Authors: Kuhn Catherine , Bogard Matthew , Johnston Sarah Ellen , John Aji , Vermote Eric , Spencer Rob , Dornblaser Mark , Wickland Kim , Striegl Rob , Butman David
Published: July 2020

In terrestrial and marine ecosystems, remote sensing has been used to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP) for decades, but few applications exist for shallow freshwater ecosystems.Here we show field-based GPP correlates with satellite and airborne lake color across a range of optically and limnologically diverse lakes in interior Alaska. A strong relationship between in situ GPP derived from stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) and space-based lake color from satellites (e.g. Landsat-8, Sentinel-2 and CubeSats) and airborne imagery (AVIRIS-NG) demonstrates the potential power of this technique for improving spatial and temporal monitoring of lake GPP when coupled with additional field validation measurements across different systems. In shallow waters clear enough for sunlight to reach lake bottoms, both submerged vegetation (macrophytes and algae) and phytoplankton likely contribute to GPP. The stable isotopes and remotely sensed shallow lake color used here integrate both components. These results demonstrate the utility of lake color as a feasible means for mapping lake GPP from remote sensing. This novel methodology estimates GPP from remote sensing in shallow lakes by combining field measurements of oxygen isotopes with airborne, satellite and CubeSat imagery. This use of lake color for providing insight into ecological processes of shallow lakes is recommended, especially for remote arctic and boreal landscapes.
Shifting biomass allocation determines community water use efficiency under climate warming
Authors: Quan Quan , Zhang Fangyue , Meng Cheng , Ma Fangfang , Zhou Qingping , Sun Fubao , Niu Shuli
Published: July 2020

Understanding how net primary production (NPP) and its allocation respond to climate warming is of fundamental importance in predicting ecosystem carbon (C) cycle and C-climate feedback. Especially, the optimal partitioning theory suggests that plants preferentially allocate photosynthates toward the above- or below-ground parts to acquire the limiting resources to maximize their growth rate and optimize resource use under environmental change. However, it remains elusive on how NPP allocation changes and regulates community water-use efficiency (WUEc) under climate warming. In this study, we conducted a manipulative warming experiment with three levels of warming treatments (control, + 1.5 °C and + 2.5 °C) to explore the response of NPP allocation and its regulation on WUEc in an alpine meadow. Results showed that above-ground NPP (ANPP) and below-ground NPP (BNPP) responded differently to warming. On average, W1.5 (+ 1.5 °C) and W2.5 (+ 2.5 °C) treatments increased BNPP by 28.98% and 33.28% and increased NPP by 20.05% and 38.70%, respectively, across 4 years. Whereas no consistent warming effect on ANPP was observed across years. The fraction of BNPP to total NPP (fBNPP) responded positively to warming under low ambient temperature and community biomass while it responded negatively under high ambient temperature and community biomass. Notably warming-induced changes in fBNPP negatively correlated with warming-induced changes in WUEc. These results suggested that warming effect on NPP allocation was largely contextually dependent and implied important biological regulation on WUEc. The emerging trade-offs between NPP allocation and WUEc reflect adaptation strategy of plant community under climate change.
An International Collaboration towards Transformed Engineering Practice in Digital Earth
Authors: Desha C , Caldera S , Fukui H , Yasumoto S
Published: July 2020

Building on an appreciation of the ‘Time Lag Dilemma’ (previously published by the first author) and drawing on lived experiences (2017-18), the authors briefly describe the course and its assessment items. The authors also reflect on the benefits for academics in both universities to build capacity for embedding Digital Earth related knowledge and skills within their own coursework. The success of the course has immediate implications for ISDE community collaboration and capacity building within higher education, and more broadly bridging the gap between engineering and geospatial disciplines in the workplace. It is clear that the education sector has a key role to play in improving capacity to use digital and spatial information for meaningful enquiry and problem-solving.
Knowledge extraction from Copernicus satellite data
Authors: Dumitru C O , Schwarz G , Datcu M
Published: July 2020

We describe two alternative approaches of how to extract knowledge from high- and medium-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images of the European Sentinel-1 satellites. To this end, we selected two basic types of images, namely images depicting arctic shipping routes with icebergs, and - in contrast - coastal areas with various types of land use and human-made facilities. In both cases, the extracted knowledge is delivered as (semantic) categories (i.e., local content labels) of adjacent image patches from big SAR images. Then, machine learning strategies helped us design and validate two automated knowledge extraction systems that can be extended for the understanding of multispectral satellite images.
From Data to Knowledge using the GEOSS platform to support Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Giuliani Gregory , Mazzetti Paolo , Santoro Mattia , Nativi Stefano , Bemmelen Joost van , Colangeli Guido , Lehmann Anthony
Published: July 2020

[no-abstract]
A Docker-based HPC architecture for RS imagery processing
Authors: Hu Fenghua , Zhang Jingliang
Published: July 2020

Remote sensing imagery processing requires strong computing demand. HPC can provides powerful computing capability and has been proved as an efficient approach for acceleration. To build and deploy a HPC is costly due to its complexity and need of dedicated hardware and this restricts its application in RS field. Docker is a container technology and can simplify software deployment and improve resource utilization. This paper proposes an architecture which is based on Docker and can lower the barrier to use HPC for average user. It greatly simplifies deployment of HPC as well as improve the resource utilization by sharing with other applications.
Accurately monitoring urbanization at global scale – the world settlement footprint
Authors: Marconcini M , Gorelick N , Metz-Marconcini A , Esch T
Published: July 2020

Reliably monitoring global urbanization is of key importance for supporting a variety of applications involving the analysis of human presence (e.g., socioeconomic development, population distribution, risks assessment, epidemiology, conservation areas protection, etc.). To this purpose, in order to accurately outline the actual settlement extent globally we generated the World Settlement Footprint (WSF) 2015, i.e. a 10m resolution binary mask derived by jointly exploiting multitemporal optical and radar satellite imagery, which outperforms all other existing similar layers. Furthermore, to characterize the urbanization occurred in the last three decades, we recently completed the WSF Evolution, i.e. a novel dataset outlining the growth of settlement extent globally at 30m spatial resolution on a yearly basis from 1985 to 2015.
Unidata Science Gateway for Enabling Science as a Service to Facilitate Open Science and Reproducible Research
Authors: Ramamurthy M
Published: July 2020

Unidata, an NSF-funded geoscience cyberinfrastructure facility, has deployed data infrastructure and data-proximate scientific workflows and analysis tools, using cloud computing technologies, for analyzing and visualizing well-documented datasets that combine robust access to well-documented datasets. Docker containers and Jupyter notebooks, and other analytic methods are enabled via “Software as a Service” and “Data as a Service”. The collective impact of these services is to enable scientists to not only conduct their research but also share their work with other researchers.
A process for the accurate reconstruction of pre-filtered and compressed digital aerial images
Authors: Scarmana Gabriel , MacDougall Kevin
Published: July 2020

The study of compression and decompression methods is crucial for storage and/or transmission of large numbers of image data which is required for archiving aerial photographs, satellite images and digital ortho-photos. Hence, the proposed work aims to increment the compression ratio (CR) of digital images in general. While emphasis is made on aerial images, the same principle may find applications to other types of raster based images. The process described here involves the application of pre-defined low-pass filters (i.e. kernels) prior to applying standard image compression encoders. Low-pass filters have the effect of increasing the dependence between neighbouring pixels which can be used to improve the CR. However, for this pre-filtering process to be considered as a compression instrument, it should allow for the original image to be accurately restored from its filtered counterpart.

The development of the restoration process presented in this study is based on the theory of least squares and assumes the knowledge of the filtered image and the low-pass filter applied to the original image. The process is a variant of a super-resolution algorithm previously described, but its application and adaptation to the filtering and restoration of images, in this case (but not exclusively) aerial imagery, using a number of scales and filter dimensions is the expansion detailed here. An example of the proposed process is detailed in the ensuing sections. The example is also indicative of the degree of accuracy that can be attained upon applying this process to gray-scale images of different entropies and coded in a lossy or lossless mode.
How Citizen Science and Artificial Intelligence can support Digital Earth
Authors: Schade Sven , Delipetrev Blagoj , Mitton Irena , Kotsev Alexander
Published: July 2020

The Digital Earth vision stimulates thinking on how to benefit from new data sources and technologies. In this contribution, we particularly focus on the application of machine learning algorithms on data that has been collected with mobile devices. We present experiences from Copernicus and the identification of (alien) species in order to open a discussion about the possibilities and limits of using Citizen Science and Artificial Intelligence for Digital Earth.
Application of mathematical morphology in digital images for extraction of airport tracks
Authors: Godoy T G , Silva E A , Cardim G P , Ferreira A L A
Published: July 2020

The products created using remote sensing enables the detection of desired shapes, making possible the update of Cartographic products that can used for a variety of purposes. Techniques of digital image processing are generally used in methodologies of detection and identification of changes. Accordingly, this work aims to present the results of using the Mathematical Morphology (MM) techniques to the extraction of airport tracks from digital images for cartographic products updating.
Intellectual Information Platform bringing together diverse data and models for the interdisciplinary projects implementation and environmental management
Authors: Zelentsov V , Potryasaev S , Pimanov I , Semenov A
Published: July 2020

The structure of the Intellectual Information Platform (IIP) and examples of its application for decision-making support in environmental management are considered. The IIP structure is based on a service-oriented architecture. The flexible nature of IIP software allows to integrate a wide range of environmental parameters assessment models and diverse initial data, including earth remote sensing data. Results of case studies for different IIP applications such as water bodies monitoring, forestry management, flood forecasting, etc., showed full-scale implementation of the IIP required functionality.
Trends of genetic parameters and stand volume productivity of selected clones of Eucalyptus pellita observed in clonal trials in Wonogiri, Central Java
Authors: Kartikaningtyas D , Nirsatmanto A , Sunarti S , Setyaji T , Handayani B R , Surip
Published: July 2020

Breeding program of Eucalyptus pellita has proceeded into advanced generationswith clonal development as best way to deliver greater genetic gain. Clonal test is a prerequisite for selecting and verifying the clones productivity before deployment. Following the breeding strategy, clonal trials of E. pellita were established in Wonogiri, CentralJava. The purposes of this study are to observe trends of genetic parameters and stand volume productivity of clones tested in clonal trials of E. pellita. The trials were laid out in two experimental designs: 1) nine clones, 16 replications, single tree-plot, spacing 3 x 2m;2) 4 clones, 2-4 replications, 16 squares tree-plot, spacing 3 x 2m. Each trial also contains control (i.eseedling material). Measurements were conducted five times from six monthsto 46 months age. Results showed that trends of growth increased along the measurements with nine tested clones performed better than control seedlings. The growths were significantly different among clones along the ages with clone repeatibility ranging from 0.49 to 0.98.Three selected clones namely clone 1,2 and 3on the basis of height growth and multiplication rates showed higher stand volume productivity compared to control and consistently increased on average of0.37 m3/ha at 6 months to 73.93 m3/ha at 46 months age.
Evaluation of five seeds of medicinal plants in the nursery level
Authors: Hakim L
Published: July 2020

Five plants i.e.Kemuning (Murrayapaniculata (L.) Jack), Temurui (Murrayakoenigii (L.) Spreng), Kuntobimo (Kigeliaafricana (Lam.) Benth. Syn. K. pinnata (Jacq.) DC.),Sala (CouroupitaguianensisAubl), and Salam (Syzygiumpolyanthum (Wight) Walp.) are regarded as types of plants that have the potential to be developed as raw materials for herbal medicine. Those five plants were planted in thespecies trial as well as ex-situ conservation plots in the Grand Forest Park Bunder, Gunungkidul at the end of 2018. This study aimsto find out more about research status of these plant types by literature review method, e.g. from books, proceedings, both print and online journals, and conducting seed evaluation in the Yogyakarta Center for Forest Biotechnology and Tree Improvement. Seed evaluation method in the nursery was conducted by measuring diameter, height and sturdiness of as many as 36 seedlings for each plant. The seed evaluation in the nursery showed the average diameter of 4.93 mm, theaverage height of 31.66 cm, and the average seedling sturdiness of 6.63. The evaluation results also show that the best seeds ready for field test planting in order are Sala, Salam, and Kemuning. As for Temurui and Kuntobimo seedlings, due to their limited height, an intensive maintenance is needed, especially fertilization, so that at the end of the year theywould also beready for field planting.
Vegetation Structure and Potential of Blue Carbon based on Hydromorphic Degraded Mangrove in the Northern Manokwari, West Papua
Authors: Hendri  , Hadiyan Y , Rumbruren YP , Moeljono S , Maturbongs R.
Published: July 2020

The mangrove forest in northern West Papua Province has important roles in both economic and ecological interests. This forest is facing various pressures so it is now degraded. The objective of this study was to ascertain the vegetation structure and potential for the blue carbon reserves. The bio-physical characteristic data were collected by establishing sampling plots at 2 locations representing coastal and estuarine mangrove forest. The results showed that the species diversity index in Saubeba Bay (estuarine mangrove) was low (H’= 1.26), while, the species diversity index in Saukori Bay (coastal mangrove) was very low (H’= 0.66). In Saubeba Bay,Bruguiera cyclindrica and Avicenialanatahad the largest IVI, namely 87.47% and 80.55% respectively, while in Bay SaukoriAegiceras floridumhad the highest IVI (139.01%). The total carbon stocks of AGB and BGB of mangrove forest in Saubeba Bay were 224,77 MgC/ha and 77,57 MgC/ha respectively, while those in Saukori Baywere 174,90 MgC/ha and 59,98 MgC/ha, respectively.
Using Predicted Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk for Discrimination of Awake or Nocturnal Hypertension
Authors: Sakhuja Swati , Booth John N , Anstey David E , Jaeger Byron C , Lewis Cora E , Lloyd-Jones Donald M , Schwartz Joseph E , Shimbo Daichi , Shikany James M , Sims Mario , Muntner Paul
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Several atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors are associated with awake and nocturnal hypertension.

METHODS

We assessed the association between a composite ASCVD risk score and awake or nocturnal hypertension using data from participants aged 40–79 years who completed ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at the Year 30 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study exam in 2015–2016 (n = 716) and the baseline Jackson Heart Study exam in 2000–2004 (n = 770). Ten-year predicted ASCVD risk was calculated using the Pooled Cohort risk equations. Awake hypertension was defined as mean awake systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥135 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥85 mm Hg and nocturnal hypertension was defined as mean asleep SBP ≥120 mm Hg or DBP ≥70 mm Hg.

RESULTS

Among participants with a 10-year predicted ASCVD risk <5%, 5% to <7.5%, 7.5% to <10%, and ≥10%, the prevalence of awake or nocturnal hypertension as a composite outcome was 29.5%, 47.8%, 62.2%, and 69.7%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, higher ASCVD risk was associated with higher prevalence ratios for awake or nocturnal hypertension among participants with clinic-measured SBP/DBP <130/85 mm Hg but not ≥130/85 mm Hg. The C-statistic for discriminating between participants with vs. without awake or nocturnal hypertension was 0.012 (95% confidence interval 0.003, 0.016) higher when comparing a model with ASCVD risk and clinic-measured blood pressure (BP) together vs. clinic-measured BP without ASCVD risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Using 10-year predicted ASCVD risk in conjunction with clinic BP improves discrimination between individuals with and without awake or nocturnal hypertension.
Presymptomatic Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Among Residents and Staff at a Skilled Nursing Facility: Results of Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction and Serologic Testing
Authors: Goldberg Scott A , Lennerz Jochen , Klompas Michael , Mark Eden , Pierce Virginia M , Thompson Ryan W , Pu Charles T , Ritterhouse Lauren L , Dighe Anand , Rosenberg Eric S , Grabowski David C
Published: July 2020

High rates of asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 infection suggest benefits to routine testing in congregate care settings. Screening was undertaken in a single nursing facility without a known case of coronavirus disease 2019, demonstrating an 85% prevalence among residents and 37% among staff. Serology was not helpful in identifying infections.
Shallow structure of Los Humeros (LH) caldera and geothermal reservoir from magnetotellurics and potential field data
Authors: Corbo-Camargo Fernando , Arzate Jorge , Fregoso Emilia , Norini Gianluca , Carrasco-Núñez Gerardo , Yutsis Vsevolod , Herrera Juan , Hernández Javier
Published: July 2020

This study focuses in the analysis of the internal structure of the upper 3 km of Los Humeros (LH) caldera and the relation of electrical and hydrothermal anomalies. For this purpose, we measured, processed and interpreted 78 broad-band magnetotelluric (MT) soundings. We performed a 3-D inversion of the data set (ModEM) using all MT soundings, although only half of the available frequencies per sounding due to limited computed power. We also carried out the 2-D inversions (NLCG) of the invariant determinant along two orthogonal profiles (EW and NS) crossing the caldera structure; their comparison yields similar resistivity and structural models results. The resistivity modelling is complemented with the results of a joint 3-D inversion of an accurate gravity database of 720 stations, and total field aeromagnetic data (SGM) from the caldera crater. The combined results provide novel details about the structure of the shallow geothermal reservoir of the resurgence caldera complex hosting the active hydrothermal system. Density and resistivity models show the existence of a composed crater basin structure separated by an EW high-density structure; the northern basin is associated to the LH crater, whereas the southern basin associates to the emergent Los Potreros (LP) caldera basin. The magnetization model indicates that there is a common source for the magnetic volcanic products observed at the caldera surface, and that the LP fault is the more magnetized fault of the geothermal system. The propylic zoning under the geothermal field, which according to the MT model results has resistivities above ∼100 Ω-m, was extrapolated using this and additional criteria to obtain the distribution of other hypothetical propylitic zones of hydrothermal potential.
Periostin Is Expressed by Pericytes and Is Crucial for Angiogenesis in Glioma
Authors: Huizer Karin , Zhu Changbin , Chirifi Ihsan , Krist Bart , Zorgman Denise , van der Weiden Marcel , van den Bosch Thierry P P , Dumas Jasper , Cheng Caroline , Kros Johan M , Mustafa Dana A
Published: July 2020

The expression of the matricellular protein periostin has been associated with glioma progression. In previous work we found an association of periostin with glioma angiogenesis. Here, we screen gliomas for POSTN expression and identify the cells that express periostin in human gliomas. In addition, we study the role of periostin in an in vitro model for angiogenesis. The expression of periostin was investigated by RT-PCR and by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we used double labeling and in situ RNA techniques to identify the expressing cells. To investigate the function of periostin, we silenced POSTN in a 3D in vitro angiogenesis model. Periostin expression was elevated in pilocytic astrocytoma and glioblastoma, but not in grade II/III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. The expression of periostin colocalized with PDGFRβ+ cells, but not with OLIG2+/SOX2+ glioma stem cells. Silencing of periostin in pericytes in coculture experiments resulted in attenuation of the numbers and the length of the vessels formation and in a decrease in endothelial junction formation. We conclude that pericytes are the main source of periostin in human gliomas and that periostin plays an essential role in the growth and branching of blood vessels. Therefore, periostin should be explored as a novel target for developing anti-angiogenic therapy for glioma.
Physiological dormancy broken by endozoochory: Austral parakeets (Enicognathus ferrugineus) as legitimate dispersers of calafate (Berberis microphylla) in the Patagonian Andes
Authors: Bravo Carolina , Chamorro Daniel , Hiraldo Fernando , Speziale Karina , Lambertucci Sergio A , Tella José L , Blanco Guillermo
Published: July 2020

Aims

Seed dispersal by endozoochory is an important process in plant regeneration and the establishment of new populations. Seeds with dormancy may especially benefit after disperser gut passage. However, the ways in which gut passage affect the germination of plant species with physiological dormancy remain unclear. Here, we experimentally assessed the mutualistic interaction between the Austral parakeet (Enicognathus ferrugineus) as a disperser of calafate (Berberis microphylla), a thorny bush inhabiting the understory of the Austral temperate forests of South America with seeds that are characterized by deep physiological dormancy.

Methods

Germination success and viability of calafate seeds obtained from faeces and from intact fruits were tested under four treatments: (i) digested seeds, (ii) digested seeds with faecal extract, (iii) intact seeds from fruit and (iv) intact seeds from fruit with pulp.

Important Findings

About 65% of the Austral parakeet droppings contained calafate seeds. Viability of seeds did not differ between treatments. However, germination was significantly higher in digested seeds than in intact seeds from fruits, while no difference was found between faecal and pulp extracts. Neither faecal matter nor fruit pulp provided seeds with any ecological advantages derived from enhancing germinability, but did confer some disadvantage in germination time. Faecal matter is expected to be completely lacking around seeds after several months under snow before germinating in the following spring, given intense washing due to persistent rain and the spring thaw in the Patagonian Andes. The higher germinability along with faster germination of digested seeds supports the hypothesis of a legitimate mutualistic interaction between Austral parakeets and calafate. We hypothesized that the passage through the disperser digestive tract might break physiological dormancy as differences in germinability between ingested and non-ingested seeds. Our results highlight the relevant role of endozoochory in plant species with physiological dormancy living in highly seasonal environments.
Physiological and biomass partitioning shifts to water stress under distinct soil types in Populus deltoides saplings
Authors: Yang Senlin , Shi Jian , Chen Lianghua , Zhang Jian , Zhang Danju , Xu Zhenfeng , Xiao Jiujin , Zhu Peng , Liu Yang , Lin Tiantian , Zhang Li , Yang Hanbo , Zhong Yu
Published: July 2020

Aims

Although soil environments exist extensive heterogeneity for many plants with a wide range of distribution, researches about effects of soil conditions on plants’ tolerance and adaptation are particularly inadequate. In our study, the aims are to reveal physiological strategies of Populus deltoides against drought stress under different soil conditions and to select the most suitable soil type for P. deltoides plantation.

Methods

Under controlled conditions, we used P. deltoides as a model species to detect differences in gas exchange rate, antioxidative capacity, nitrogen metabolism and biomass accumulation and partitioning in response to drought stress under three mineral soil types with distinct physicochemical characters, i.e. red soil (RS), yellow soil (YS) and yellow-brown soil (BS).

Important Findings

Exposure to 25% of field water holding capacity in soil for 3 months had significantly decreased biomass of all organs, photosynthetic rate, enzyme activities related to N assimilation, but increased H2O2, malondialdehyde and content of both NO3− and NH4+, when P. deltoides was planted in both RS and YS. In contrast, under BS, there are slightly negative effects exerted by water deficit on total biomass, gas exchange rate, activities of enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism and membrane damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which can be associated with a consistent increase in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, and a higher ratio of root mass to shoot mass. It is concluded that, such higher capacity in tolerance and adaptation against drought stress under BS relative to both RS and YS could be accounted for more sufficient nutrient provision in soil parental materials and better soil aeration conditions which play a vital role in plant acclimation to water shortage. Our study also revealed that, distribution areas of BS might be preferable for cultivation of P. deltoides, when compared with those of RS and YS.
Early induction and increased risk of precursor B-cell neoplasms after exposure of infant or young-adult mice to ionizing radiation
Authors: Tachibana Hirotaka , Morioka Takamitsu , Daino Kazuhiro , Shang Yi , Ogawa Mari , Fujita Misuzu , Matsuura Akira , Nogawa Hiroyuki , Shimada Yoshiya , Kakinuma Shizuko
Published: July 2020

Epidemiological studies of atomic-bomb survivors have revealed an increased risk of lymphoid neoplasm (i.e. acute lymphoblastic leukemia) associated with radiation exposure. In particular, children are more susceptible to radiation-induced precursor lymphoid neoplasm than adults. Although ~75% of human lymphoid tumors are B-cell neoplasms, the carcinogenic risk associated with each stage of differentiation of B-cells after radiation exposure is poorly understood. Therefore, we irradiated mice at infancy or in young adulthood to investigate the effect of age at exposure on the risk of developing B-cell neoplasms. Histopathology was used to confirm the presence of lymphoid neoplasms, and the population of B-cell neoplasms was classified into the precursor B-cell (pro-B and pre-B cell) type and mature B-cell type, according to immunophenotype. The data revealed that precursor B-cell neoplasms were induced soon after radiation exposure in infancy or young adulthood, resulting in a greater risk of developing the neoplasms. This was particularly the case for the pro-B cell type after young adult exposure. Our findings suggest that exposure to radiation at young age increases the risk of developing precursor B-cell neoplasms in humans.
The inner gas mass–temperature profile in the core of nearby galaxy clusters
Authors: Liu Haonan , Fabian Andrew C , Pinto Ciro
Published: July 2020

We present a mass–temperature profile of gas within the central 10 kpc of a small sample of cool core clusters. The mass of the hottest gas phases, at 1.5 and 0.7 keV, is determined from X-ray spectra from the XMM Reflection Grating Spectrometers. The masses of the partially ionized atomic and the molecular phases are obtained from published H α and CO measurements. We find that the mass of gas at 0.7 keV in a cluster is remarkably similar to that of the molecular gas. Assuming pressure equilibrium between the phases, this means that they occupy volumes differing by 105. The molecular gas is located within the H α nebula which is often filamentary and coincides radially and in position angle with the soft X-ray emitting gas.
Regulation of MALAT1 triple helix stability and in vitro degradation by diphenylfurans
Authors: Donlic Anita , Zafferani Martina , Padroni Giacomo , Puri Malavika , Hargrove Amanda E
Published: July 2020

Small molecule-based modulation of a triple helix in the long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been proposed as an attractive avenue for cancer treatment and a model system for understanding small molecule:RNA recognition. To elucidate fundamental recognition principles and structure–function relationships, we designed and synthesized nine novel analogs of a diphenylfuran-based small molecule DPFp8, a previously identified lead binder of MALAT1. We investigated the role of recognition modalities in binding and in silico studies along with the relationship between affinity, stability and in vitro enzymatic degradation of the triple helix. Specifically, molecular docking studies identified patterns driving affinity and selectivity, including limited ligand flexibility, as observed by ligand preorganization and 3D shape complementarity for the binding pocket. The use of differential scanning fluorimetry allowed rapid evaluation of ligand-induced thermal stabilization of the triple helix, which correlated with decreased in vitro degradation of this structure by the RNase R exonuclease. The magnitude of stabilization was related to binding mode and selectivity between the triple helix and its precursor stem loop structure. Together, this work demonstrates the value of scaffold-based libraries in revealing recognition principles and of raising broadly applicable strategies, including functional assays, for small molecule–RNA targeting.
Mental Health for Individuals with Pansexual and Queer Identities
Authors: Galupo M. Paz
Published: July 2020

There is a growing need to articulate a framework for exploring mental health disparities among individuals with pansexual and queer identities. This chapter provides an overview of the methodological challenges for researching plurisexuality in general, and pansexual and queer identities in particular. Challenges include the conceptualization of sexuality on a continuum, assumptions of alignment normativity, and the use of multiple labels. The author discusses the strategic use of pansexual and queer identity labels and their relation to current health-related research. The author outlines the scant research on pansexual and queer mental health disparities and offers considerations for moving a larger research agenda forward.
The Experience of Agency
Authors: Mylopoulos Myrto , Shepherd Joshua
Published: July 2020

This chapter reflects on questions about the nature and sources of agentive phenomenology—that is, the set of those experience-types associated with exercises of agency, and paradigmatically with intentional actions. The discussion begins with pioneering work in psychology and neuroscience that dates to the early 1980s. Much of the current work on agentive phenomenology in both psychology and philosophy draws motivation from this work, and the questions it raises. After discussing empirical work relevant to agentive phenomenology, the chapter considers its nature, covering questions about the scope of agentive phenomenology, about its relationship to other types of experiences, about the best way to characterize aspects of agentive phenomenology, and about the function of various types of agentive experience.
Stress cardiac MRI in stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Ge Yin , Deva Djeven P. , Connelly Kim A. , Yan Andrew T.
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review

Non-invasive testing is often the first step in the evaluation of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is an established modality with high diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value. This review will focus on the recent advances in understanding how stress CMR can help guide patient care.

Recent findings

Diagnostic accuracy of stress CMR has been validated against coronary angiography with fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with stable CAD. Large registry data have shown stress CMR to have important prognostic importance and that its cost-effectiveness compares favorably to alternatives. In patients with stable CAD, guidance using a CMR based strategy led to equivalent outcomes when compared to coronary angiography with FFR.

In persons with stable CAD, Stress CMR is an accurate and cost-effective imaging modality that should be considered in patients at intermediate pre-test probability of CAD. Prognostic studies have shown it to have excellent negative predictive value and that it can safely serve as a “gatekeeper” for invasive angiography.
Nocturnal blood pressure: the dark side of white-coat hypertension
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Paoletti Federico , Tadic Marijana , Sala Carla , Gherbesi Elisa , Dell’Oro Raffaella , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Aim:

The impact of defining white-coat hypertension (WCH) and white-coat uncontrolled hypertension (WCUH) based on daytime and night-time thresholds of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), instead of 24-h mean value, is unclear. We aimed to reclassify BP status according to both diurnal and nocturnal thresholds in a large sample of hypertensive patients seen in a specialist center and previously classified as WCH and WCUH based on 24-h BP values.

Methods:

A data-base of 7353 individual 24-h ABP monitoring (ABPM) from untreated and treated hypertensive individuals with office BP at least 140 mmHg and/or 90 mmHg was analysed and a subset of 3223 patients characterized by mean 24-h BP less than 130/80 mmHg (i.e. WCH and WCUH) was included in the present analysis.

Results:

As many as 1281 patients were classified as WCH and 1942 as WCUH. Among them, elevated out-of-office BP according to night-time threshold (i.e. ≥120/70 mmHg) was found in about 30% of cases. In particular, prevalence rates of nocturnal hypertension were 26.9% in WCH and 31.8% in WCUH. Isolated daytime hypertension (i.e. ≥135/85 mmHg) was detected in an additional 4% of individuals.

Conclusion:

Classification of WCH and WCUH based on mean 24-h BP thresholds does not allow to detect an adverse BP phenotype, such as nocturnal hypertension in a large fraction of untreated and treated patients.
The impact of calibration approaches on the accuracy of oscillometric central aortic blood pressure measurement
Authors: Gotzmann Michael , Hogeweg Maximilian , Bauer Frederic , Seibert Felix S. , Rohn Benjamin J. , Mügge Andreas , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Two fully automated oscillometric devices have become available for the noninvasive assessment of central aortic blood pressure (BP). They tend, however, to underestimate SBP. It has been proposed that calibration by mean/diastolic instead of systolic/diastolic brachial BP may reduce this bias. The present work compares the accuracy of these two calibrations in the Mobil-O-Graph.

Methods:

Post-hoc analysis of the largest validation study on noninvasive assessment of central BP so far. Data on both calibration approaches were available in 159 patients without atrial fibrillation, who underwent simultaneous invasive and noninvasive assessment of central BP. Noninvasive BP measurements were conducted using the SphygmoCor XCEL (calibration by systolic/diastolic brachial BP only) and the Mobil-O-Graph (calibration by both systolic/diastolic and mean/diastolic brachial BP).

Results:

Measurements of both devices and both calibration methods revealed highly significant correlations for systolic and diastolic central BP with invasively assessed BP (P < 0.001 each). Calibration by mean/diastolic and systolic/diastolic BP yielded similar correlations for central DBP (R
2 0.56 vs. R
2 0.55, P = 0.919). Correlation of central SBP, however, was significantly lower using calibration by mean/diastolic brachial BP (R
2 0.86 vs. R
2 0.74, P = 0.002). Numerically, the SphygmoCor device revealed the highest correlation (R
2 0.92 for central SBP and 0.72 for central DBP; P < 0.001 each). Calibration by systolic/diastolic brachial BP was associated with an underestimation of central SBP using both the SphygmoCor and the Mobil-O-Graph. Calibration by mean/diastolic brachial BP, instead, was associated with an overestimation, which was numerically comparable (4.8 ± 11.3 vs. −4.2 ± 8.0). The calibration method had little effects on the biases of diastolic measurements.

Conclusion:

Calibration by mean/diastolic instead of systolic/diastolic brachial BP led to an overestimation instead of underestimation of central SBP without improving accuracy. Hence, mean/diastolic calibration is not necessarily superior to systolic/diastolic calibration and the optimal approach has to be determined in a device-specific manner.
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CHORIOCAPILLARIS FLOW DEFICITS SURROUNDING CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULAR MEMBRANES
Authors: Alagorie Ahmed Roshdy , Verma Aditya , Nassisi Marco , Nittala Muneeswar , Velaga Swetha , Tiosano Liran , Sadda Srinivas R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To quantify the regional variation in choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficits percentage (FD%) surrounding treatment-naïve Type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

Patients were imaged with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography system (Carl Zeiss PLEX Elite 9000; Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). Two 6 × 6-mm volume scans were acquired. Boundary-specific segmentation was used to isolate the Type 1 CNV. For CC assessment, both structural and optical coherence tomography angiography CC slabs (10-µm thick, starting 21 µm below the retinal pigment epithelium fit reference) were exported for signal compensation and averaging using ImageJ. The resultant CC image was binarized to calculate the FD%, for para-CNV and peri-CNV rings (each 500-µm wide). In a subgroup of 20 eyes, the FD% was compared with similar regions of age-matched controls. The FD% was also analyzed in small 500 × 500-µm squares equidistant from the fovea to compensate for regional variation of CC FD% as a potential confounding factor.

Results:

Thirty-two eyes from 27 subjects were enrolled in this study. The CC FD% in the para-CNV ring was 26.58 ± 7.36, which was significantly higher than the peri-CNV ring (21.94 ± 6.31); P < 0.001. The FD% in para-CNV and peri-CNV rings was significantly greater than that of healthy controls (15.82 ± 1.29% and 15.53 ± 1.32%, respectively); P < 0.001. The FD% computed in the 500-µm squares equidistant from the fovea was also greater in the para-CNV ring (26.14 ± 7.11) than that in the peri-CNV ring (22.31 ± 6.21); P < 0.001.

Conclusion:

Choriocapillaris FD% is the highest in the region immediately surrounding the CNV.
Comparison and Correlation of Retinal Sensitivity Between Microperimetry and Standard Automated Perimetry in Low-tension Glaucoma
Authors: Tepelus Tudor C. , Song Sheena , Nittala Muneeswar G. , Nassisi Marco , Sadda SriniVas R. , Chopra Vikas
Published: July 2020

Précis:

Our study demonstrated that in low-tension glaucoma (LTG) patients, Microperimeter-3 (MP-3)-derived and Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA)-derived retinal sensitivities were similar and strongly correlated, allowing the respective data to be interrelated.

Purpose:

To compare and correlate retinal sensitivities obtained by Nidek MP-3 with those obtained from the HFA in eyes with LTG.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective comparative study, 45 eyes of 24 LTG patients underwent retinal sensitivity assessments using the MP-3 (Nidek Technologies) and the HFA (Carl Zeiss Meditec) at the UCLA-Doheny Eye Center. Global and pointwise retinal sensitivity measurements were compared and correlated between the 2 devices.

Results:

No statistically significant differences (P=0.85) were noted between the mean retinal sensitivities determined by each device (MP-3: 26.33±4.31 dB; range, 13.05 to 31.60 vs. HFA: 26.42±3.98 dB; range, 17.17 to 30.96), and a strong correlation (r=0.66,P<0.001) was noted for retinal sensitivity measurements. In addition, moderate to strong correlations were observed between the mean retinal sensitivity derived by MP-3 versus HFA-derived mean deviation (r=0.57,P<0.001), as well as, the pattern standard deviation (r=0.67,P<0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent (ICC=0.80, 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.89), while the Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the 2 devices with respect to retinal sensitivity.

Conclusion:

Retinal sensitivity measurements obtained by the MP-3 microperimetry instrument and the standard automated HFA perimeter were similar and highly correlated in patients with LTG. Given the potential benefits of microperimetry technology such as auto-eye-tracking and potentially more precise structure-function correlations, the use of microperimetry to monitor visual function in glaucoma management warrants further consideration.
Effect of manual, preloaded, and automated preloaded injectors on corneal incision architecture after IOL implantation
Authors: Cennamo Michela , Favuzza Eleonora , Salvatici Maria Cristina , Giuranno Gabriele , Buzzi Matilde , Mencucci Rita
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To analyze the effects on corneal morphology of manual, preloaded, and automated preloaded intraocular lens (IOL) injectors in eye bank human corneas by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and in patients after phacoemulsification using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Settings:

Eye Clinic, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.

Design:

Retrospective and experimental study.

Methods:

Seventy-eight corneal incisions were examined after IOL implantation: 30 in human corneas mounted on an artificial chamber using ESEM (ex vivo); 48 in patients undergoing phacoemulsification (in vivo). Three different injectors were used for both analyses: manual (Monarch III, n = 26), manual preloaded (UltraSert, n = 26), and automated preloaded system (AutonoMe, n = 26). Thirty IOLs were implanted in the ex vivo study: 5 intermediate and 5 high dioptric powers for AcrySof IQ (Monarch and UltraSert) and for Clareon (AutonoMe) IOLs. In the in vivo analysis, 16 corneal wounds for each injector were evaluated using AS-OCT; in the ex vivo study, incision width was measured and Descemet membrane detachment, posterior wound retraction, and posterior gape were analyzed.

Results:

In the eye bank corneas, the incision width was significantly wider in the high dioptric power IOL manual subgroup (P < .05), with more Descemet tearing compared with AutonoMe. In the in vivo study, the incidence of Descemet membrane detachment, posterior gape, and wound retraction was lower in the automated preloaded group at 1 postoperative day 1.

Conclusions:

The automated preloaded injector ensured less trauma to the wound and contributed to preserving the endothelial side of the incision even during the implantation of high-power IOLs and in the early postoperative period.