bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VISUALIZING THE SHIELD OF ACHILLES: APPROACHING ITS LANDSCAPES VIA COGNITIVE PATHS
Authors: Minchin Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

My investigation into the cognitive aspects of landscape description takes as its focus the landscapes that the poet evokes on the Shield of Achilles (Il. 18.478–608). Drawing on studies in cognitive psychology I note the extent to which an audience might derive a ‘spatial mental model’ from the topographical or ‘locative’ indicators that the Homeric poet offers. Then I consider the ‘non-locative’ information that the poet conveys about the landscapes of the Shield. In this connection I develop Barbara Tversky's notion of landscape representation as a ‘cognitive collage’. What makes the scenes on the Shield vivid, however, is human presence. Finally, therefore, I draw on enactivist theories of cognition, recently introduced into Classics, which offer a valuable supplementary approach to ‘reading’ and enjoying landscape descriptions in Homer.
Systemic Instability and the Emergence of Border Disputes
Authors: Abramson Scott F , Carter David B.
Published: December 2020

Although evidence shows that territorial disputes fundamentally shape relations among states, we know surprisingly little about when territorial claims are made. We argue that revisionist states have incentives to make territorial claims when the great powers that manage the system are in crisis. We identify five main sources of systemic instability and develop measures of each of them, demonstrating that the majority of territorial claims in Europe are drawn at times when regional great powers are embroiled in crisis, for example, 1848 or 1870 during the nineteenth century. The claims that emerge at these times are not necessarily among states involved in the crises that generated turmoil (e.g., Prussia and France in 1870). We use a newly developed spatial measure of historical boundary precedents in Europe from 1650 to 1790 to demonstrate that the effect of this known spatial correlate of where claims are drawn matters only when the European system is in crisis. We further demonstrate that this claim-timing pattern is general to the global system of states. In the appendix we corroborate our explanation of our findings with a detailed case study of the territorial claims that led to the contemporary Italian state's formation.
Relative success of frost-resistant variants of Avena fatua: a field experiment
Authors: Darmency H. , Fleury A.
Published: December 2020

While climate change mainly applies to global warming and subsequent drought periods, freezing periods also are changing and may trigger genetic adaptation. However, there are few prospective, experimental demonstrations. This paper investigates how effectively genetic frost-resistant variants can respond differently to frost periods, especially in farmers’ fields where various other selection pressures occur. An experiment using Avena fatua variants was set up in the field over 8 years of winter crop rotation. The frequency of each variant identified by their leaf isozymes was estimated every year. Six years were necessary to observe a weak trend towards an increased frequency of the frost-resistant phenotype, while the other variants had apparent erratic behaviour. Selection of the frost-resistant variant was challenged by irregular low temperature selection pressure, differential dormancy, germination and seed production, and possibly herbicide sensitivity that mitigated the expression of the selection response. This experiment shows how plant polymorphism and farmers’ practices that superimpose habitat unpredictability diversify possible responses to selection pressures and delay adaptation. However, if climate change brings both higher mean temperatures and extreme values, changes of apparent plant phenology could happen for weeds species displaying the appropriate genetic variability within the time-frame of farmers’ career, thus necessitating correlative adaptation of farming practices.
Howling “A Hot Time”: The Paradoxical Anthem of the Progressive Age
Authors: O'CONNELL DEIRDRE
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the shifting meanings invested in the ragtime song “A Hot Time in the Old Time, Tonight” at the turn of the twentieth century. Complicating the tune's place in the canon of military, political, and national anthems was its associations with “vice,” black culture, and white supremacy. By mapping the ritual and representational uses of the song, this investigation demonstrates how “A Hot Time” served paradoxical functions that simultaneously affirmed and unsettled American exceptionalism. In doing so, this article traces the processes of obfuscation whereby black musical traditions and white supremacy defined America's distinctive national identity.
Denaturation of selected bioactive whey proteins during pasteurization and their ability to modulate milk immunogenicity
Authors: Bogahawaththa Dimuthu , Vasiljevic Todor
Published: December 2020

This research communication relates to the hypothesis that the consumption of raw or unprocessed cow's milk contributes to lowered prevalence of allergies. Thermal pasteurization of bovine milk can result in denaturation of minor whey proteins and loss of their bioactivity. Denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and lactoferrin (LF) in skim milk was studied under different temperature (72, 75 or 78°C) and time (0–300 s) combinations. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results revealed that denaturation of all 3 proteins occurred at 72°C and progressed with increase in temperature and holding time. About 59% of LF and 12% of IgG denatured under high-temperature short-time (72°C/ 15 s) pasteurization, while BSA was least impacted. To assess modulation of milk immunogenicity, secretion of selected T helper (Th)-type cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was studied in vitro in response to different concentrations of BSA (0.4–1.0 mg/ml) and IgG (0.8–1.6 mg/ml) in unheated skim milk. Addition of IgG at 1.6 mg/ml induced a prominent Th1-skewed cytokine profile that may not trigger a Th2-skewed allergic reaction. BSA did not appear to modulate milk immunogenicity to any significant extent.
Prospective enzymes for omega-3 PUFA biosynthesis found in endoparasitic classes within the phylum Platyhelminthes
Authors: Babaran D. , Arts M.T. , Botelho R.J. , Locke S.A. , Koprivnikar J.
Published: December 2020

The free-living infectious stages of macroparasites, specifically, the cercariae of trematodes (flatworms), are likely to be significant (albeit underappreciated) vectors of nutritionally important polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to consumers within aquatic food webs, and other macroparasites could serve similar roles. In the context of de novo omega-3 (n-3) PUFA biosynthesis, it was thought that most animals lack the fatty acid (FA) desaturase enzymes that convert stearic acid (18:0) into ɑ-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3), the main FA precursor for n-3 long-chain PUFA. Recently, novel sequences of these enzymes were recovered from 80 species from six invertebrate phyla, with experimental confirmation of gene function in five phyla. Given this wide distribution, and the unusual attributes of flatworm genomes, we conducted an additional search for genes for de novo n-3 PUFA in the phylum Platyhelminthes. Searches with experimentally confirmed sequences from Rotifera recovered nine relevant FA desaturase sequences from eight species in four genera in the two exclusively endoparasite classes (Trematoda and Cestoda). These results could indicate adaptations of these particular parasite species, or may reflect the uneven taxonomic coverage of sequence databases. Although additional genomic data and, particularly, experimental study of gene functionality are important future validation steps, our results indicate endoparasitic platyhelminths may have enzymes for de novo n-3 PUFA biosynthesis, thereby contributing to global PUFA production, but also representing a potential target for clinical antihelmintic applications.
The Structure of Religion, Ethnicity, and Insurgent Mobilization
Authors: Sarbahi Anoop
Published: December 2020

This article problematizes the social structure of ethnic groups to account for variation in insurgent mobilization within and across ethnic groups. Relying on network-based approaches to social structure, it argues that insurgent mobilization is constrained by the structural connectivity of the ethnic group, a measure of the extent to which subethnic communities—neighborhoods, villages, clans, and tribes—are socially connected internally and with each other. In agrarian societies, structural connectivity is traced to religion. On the basis of unique data on rebel recruitment from the Mizo insurgency in India and microlevel variations in changes associated with the spread of Christianity among Mizos, the author demonstrates that enhanced structural connectivity resulting from a network of highly centralized churches and institutions under the Welsh Presbyterian Mission significantly bolstered insurgent recruitment. Semistructured interviews of Mizo insurgents and ethnographic evidence from the neighboring Meitei and Naga ethnic insurgencies further support the argument and the casual mechanism.
Characterization of a hospital-based gastroenteritis outbreak caused by GII.6 norovirus in Jinshan, China
Authors: Zhang X. F. , Chen J. R. , Song C. L. , Xie D. J. , Tan M. , Wang L. , Koroma M. M. , Hou Y. Z. , Dong Z. P. , Yu J. R. , Duan W. T. , Zhao D. D. , Du J. R. , Zhu L. , Dai Y. C.
Published: December 2020

An acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreak caused by a norovirus occurred at a hospital in Shanghai, China, was studied for molecular epidemiology, host susceptibility and serological roles. Rectal and environmental swabs, paired serum samples and saliva specimens were collected. Pathogens were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. Histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) phenotypes of saliva samples and their binding to norovirus protruding proteins were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The HBGA-binding interfaces and the surrounding region were analysed by the MegAlign program of DNAstar 7.1. Twenty-seven individuals in two care units were attacked with AGE at attack rates of 9.02 and 11.68%. Eighteen (78.2%) symptomatic and five (38.4%) asymptomatic individuals were GII.6/b norovirus positive. Saliva-based HBGA phenotyping showed that all symptomatic and asymptomatic cases belonged to A, B, AB or O secretors. Only four (16.7%) out of the 24 tested serum samples showed low blockade activity against HBGA-norovirus binding at the acute phase, whereas 11 (45.8%) samples at the convalescence stage showed seroconversion of such blockade. Specific blockade antibody in the population played an essential role in this norovirus epidemic. A wide HBGA-binding spectrum of GII.6 supports a need for continuous health attention and surveillance in different settings.
Summing constraints in and across properties
Authors: Bennett Wm. G. , DelBusso Natalie
Published: December 2020

Work in Optimality Theory on the constraint set, Con, has often raised the question of whether certain types of constraints have multiple specific versions or are single general constraints that effectively sum the violations of specific variants. Comparing and evaluating analyses that differ in this way requires knowing the effect of this kind of summing on the full typology, which itself depends on the relationship of summands in the full system. Such relationships can be difficult to ascertain from inspecting violation profiles alone. This paper uses Property Theory to analyse the systematic effects of summing constraints in two distinct kinds of relationships: (i) across distinct properties, and (ii) within a constraint class in a single property. The results show how these two types collapse the typology in different, yet predictable, ways. Property Analysis provides a key to identifying constraint relationships and so to delineating the effect of summing.
Recommendations from the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology for training in diagnostic and interventional electrophysiology
Authors: Kriebel Thomas , Rosenthal Eric , Gebauer Roman , Happonen Juha-Matti , Drago Fabrizio , Krause Ulrich , Blom Nico A. , Książczyk Tomasz , Kornyei Laszlo
Published: December 2020

The field of electrophysiology (EP) in paediatric cardiology patients and adults with congenital heart disease is complex and rapidly growing. The current recommendations for diagnostic and invasive electrophysiology of the working group for Cardiac Dysrhythmias and Electrophysiology of the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology acknowledges the diveristy of European countries and centers. These training recommendations can be fulfilled in a manageable period of time, without compromising the quality of training required to become an expert in the field of paediatric and congenital EP and are for trainees undergoing or having completed accredited paediatric cardiologist fellowship. Three levels of expertise, the training for General paediatric cardiology EP, for non-invasive EP and invasive EP have been defined. This Association for European EP curriculum describes the theoretical and practicsal knowledge in clinical EP; catheter ablation, cardiac implantable electronic devices, inherited arrhythmias and arrhythmias in adults with congenital heart defects for the 3 levels of expertise.
Risk factors and lifelong impact of community-acquired pneumonia in congenital heart disease
Authors: Evers Patrick D. , Farkas Dóra K. , Khoury Michael , Olsen Morten , Madsen Nicolas L.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

The prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in adults is rising necessitating a greater understanding of acquired diseases such as community-acquired pneumonia, which remains a leading cause of age-related mortality and morbidity in the general population. We hypothesise that the CHD population, given cardiopulmonary mechanics and altered immune function, bears a uniquely high risk for pneumonia-related hospitalisations and mortality.

Methods:

A countrywide cohort study was performed to calculate the relative risk and cumulative incidence of pneumonia hospitalisations and resultant 30-day mortality amongst the adult CHD population, matched 1:10 with non-CHD persons by gender, age, and adjusted for comorbidities. Cox proportional hazard regression quantified the impact of CHD severity and extracardiac defects.

Results:

The CHD cohort includes 17,162 adults. The majority demonstrate mild/moderate CHD complexity. The cumulative incidence of pneumonia hospitalisation was higher for adults with CHD (hazard ratio 1.90; 95% confidence interval: 1.74–2.06) than the comparison cohort. This risk was increased for those with extracardiac defects or a syndrome (hazard ratio: 4.34; 95% confidence interval: 3.39–5.54). Additionally, CHD individuals with severe/univentricular subtypes demonstrate a heightened risk compared to the non-CHD cohort (hazard ratio: 2.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.94–2.84), as well as compared to those with mild/moderate CHD (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.53). In addition, pneumonia hospitalisation mortality was elevated above the comparison population with a 30-day mortality rate ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.73).

Conclusion:

Adults with CHD are at elevated risk of pneumonia hospitalisations and pneumonia-associated mortality. This risk is further elevated in those with severe CHD and extracardiac defects.
Veno-arterial CO2 difference and cardiac index in children after cardiac surgery
Authors: Insom Giulia , Marinari Eleonora , Scolari Anna Francesca , Garisto Cristiana , Vitale Vincenzo , Di Chiara Luca , Ricci Zaccaria
Published: December 2020

Veno-arterial CO2 difference has been considered as a marker of low cardiac output. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between veno-arterial CO2 difference and cardiac index estimated by MostCareTM in children after cardiac surgery and its association with other indirect perfusion parameters and the complex clinical course (vasoactive inotropic score above 15 or length of stay above 5 days).

Data from 40 patients and 127 arterial and venous CO2 measurements for gap calculation taken 0–5 days postoperatively were available. The median (range) veno-arterial CO2 difference value was 9 (1–25 mmHg). The correlation between veno-arterial CO2 difference and cardiac index was not significant (r: −0.16, p = 0.08). However, there was a significant correlation between veno-arterial CO2 difference and vasoactive inotropic score (r: 0.21, p = 0.02), systolic arterial pressure (r: −0.43, p = 0.0001), dP/dtMAX (r: 0.26, p = 0.004), and arterio-venous O2 difference (r: 0.63, p = 0.0001). Systolic arterial pressure (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–0.99), dP/dtMAX (OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00–0.06), lactates (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.21–3.31), and veno-arterial CO2 difference (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.35) showed a significant univariate association with the complex clinical course. In conclusion, veno-arterial CO2 difference did not correlate with cardiac index estimated by MostCareTM in our cohort of post-cardiosurgical children, but it identified patients with the complex clinical course, especially when combined with other direct and indirect variables of perfusion.
Straddling between Different Worlds: Navigating Diverse Fieldwork Modes
Authors: Anugrah Iqra
Published: December 2020

Fieldwork often is seen as a challenging and misunderstood intellectual enterprise. Long perceived as the domain of the few, fieldwork and immersion continue to be the chosen methodological techniques for many political scientists. Focusing on my own fieldwork experience in Indonesia since 2015 as an early-career researcher, I discuss and reflect on three types of activities: (1) policy research, (2) dissertation research, and (3) activist work. In particular, I highlight fieldwork serendipities, fieldwork logistics, and my experience in gathering data and interacting with various interlocutors. It is hoped that this self-reflection will help readers to better understand the relationship between researchers and their interlocutors and collaborators, demystify the fieldwork process, and better prepare political scientists who use fieldwork in their research.
Classifying and Defining Deities in the Late Vedic Age: A Study and an Annotated Translation of Yāska's Nirukta Chapter 7
Authors: VISIGALLI PAOLO , KAWAMURA YŪTO
Published: December 2020

Yāska's Nirukta (ca. fifth-third century bce), the seminal text of the Sanskritic discipline of nirvacana or ‘etymology’, is one of the most important yet least studied late Vedic texts. Particularly little attention has been paid to Nirukta Chapter 7. This chapter outlines Yāska's views on Vedic deities and articulates the hermeneutic principles whereby they are classified and defined. It plays a crucial, yet underappreciated, role in the history of ancient India's theological and hermeneutical speculations. The absence of an accessible English translation, which tackles the text's many conceptual and linguistic complexities, is the main reason why Nirukta Chapter 7 has not received the attention it deserves. We offer the first complete annotated English translation in a century. A comprehensive introduction clarifies the structure and rationale of Chapter 7 and elucidates the salient features of Yāska's theology.
Prevalence of common mental disorders among Syrian refugee children and adolescents in Sultanbeyli district, Istanbul: results of a population-based survey
Authors: Scherer N. , Hameed S. , Acarturk C. , Deniz G. , Sheikhani A. , Volkan S. , Örücü A. , Pivato I. , Akıncı İ. , Patterson A. , Polack S.
Published: December 2020

Aims

Research demonstrates elevated levels of common mental disorders among Syrian refugees, but the majority of studies have, to date, focused on adult populations. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Syrian children and adolescents living in Sultanbeyli district of Istanbul, Turkey.

Methods

A population-based survey among Syrian children and adolescents aged 8–17 years living in Sultanbeyli district was conducted in 2019, as part of an all-age survey of disability. 80 clusters of 50 participants (all-ages) were selected from the local municipality's refugee registration database using probability proportionate to size sampling. Children aged 8–17 years were assessed for symptoms of common mental disorders using the Child Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES-8) and abbreviated versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED).

Results

Of the 852 participants, 23.7% (95% CI 19.9-27.2) screened positive for symptomatic depression, PTSD and anxiety. The prevalence estimates for depression, PTSD and anxiety were 12.5% (95% CI 9.8–15.6), 11.5% (95% CI 9.1–14.4) and 9.2% (95% CI 6.8–12.1), respectively. Depression and PTSD were significantly more common in older adolescents, whilst anxiety and PTSD were significantly more common in girls. Depression was more common in children from poorer households and those who had received no education. Children coming from larger households were less likely to show symptoms of PTSD.

Conclusions

Syrian refugee children and adolescents are vulnerable to common mental disorders, and culturally appropriate prevention and intervention support are needed for this population.
Distance-learning with Seneca
Authors: Dutmer Evan
Published: December 2020

On April 6th 2020 Steven Hunt wrote in Ad Familiares about the relative preparedness of Classics for distance-learning in a time of coronavirus (Hunt 2020). He wrote, ‘Classics continues to thrive online, buzzing up and down the wires, zapping through the air, and into countless homes through computer screen, laptop, ipad and smartphone.’ (Hunt 2020). Pointing to over two decades of intentional investment in an online, digital world for Classics and Classics learning in the UK and US, Hunt concludes: ‘So now, with the challenges before us of having to teach remotely using the internet, Latinists are already digital natives: students know how to find the materials, use them efficiently, and learn.’
Grammar-Translation: What Is It—Really—For Students?
Authors: Piantaggini Lance
Published: December 2020

This article began as a blog post with the title ‘Grammar-Translation: Not Really A Method…’ (Piantaggini, 2020). Of course, that choice of title was intended to hook the reader rather than actually make such a claim. Without a doubt, Grammar-translation (GT) is a language teaching method recognised for its historical significance (Musumeci, 1997), its role amongst other emerging language teaching methods (Shrum & Glisan, 2005), as well as its shortcomings (Richards & Rodgers, 2014). This article investigates the method, and its effect on teachers and students.
Human Activity Makes India’s Coastlines More Vulnerable
Authors: Stonecash Matthew
Published: December 2020

Researchers propose the creation of an anthropogenic vulnerability index to help guide conservation policy decisions.
Host Rock Variability Powers the Diversity of Steam‐Driven Eruptions
Authors: Montanaro Cristian , Cronin Shane J. , Scheu Bettina , Kennedy Ben , Scott Bradley J. , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: December 2020

Steam‐driven eruptions are explosive events that are fueled by pressurized water and steam trapped within rock and sediments. We show how rock properties modulate explosion size, dynamics, and hazard footprint based on examples from Lake Okaro (New Zealand). Laboratory decompression experiments demonstrate that fragmentation of strong/unaltered host rocks comes with a high energy cost (∼10%–11% of bulk explosion energy). Consequently a low energy fraction (∼7%–8%) remains for kinetic energy and thus particle ejection. In contrast, disaggregation of unconsolidated sediments requires little energy (<2%–7%), allowing higher outputs of kinetic energy (22%–25%), and more efficient debris dispersion. Experimental estimates of bulk explosive energies are consistent with both field observations and empirical models applied to Lake Okaro crater dimensions. This integration of experimental methods, field observations, and empirical modeling underscores the dominant role of alteration state and host rock lithology when estimating crater‐forming and ballistic hazards in volcanic/geothermal areas.
An Autogenic Cycle of Fluvial Transience in Dipping, Layered Rocks
Authors: Sheehan C. E. , Ward D. J.
Published: December 2020

We describe an autogenic process by which steady fluvial incision through dipping, layered rocks of different erodibilities cyclically generates migrating drainage divides. We develop an analytical expression for calculating the autogenic periodicity, test it by simulating the incision of idealized strike valleys with a landscape evolution model, and apply our models to estimate the autogenic periodicity within two strike valleys in central Utah. Our analysis suggests that depending on the long‐term incision rate of the San Rafael River network, the autogenic periodicity within the two valleys can overlap with the ∼100 kyr glacial‐interglacial period of climatic forcing, in which case the two different signals would be difficult to separate. Our method should apply to other regions of dipping layered rocks and can be used as a preliminary test to assess whether autogenic or exogenic forcings are more likely to have created a given set of transient features.
Geomorphic Evidence for the Presence of Ice Deposits in the Permanently Shadowed Regions of Scott‐E Crater on the Moon
Authors: Moon Seulgi , Paige David A , Siegler Matthew A , Russell Patrick S
Published: December 2020

The abundance and distribution of ice on the Moon are still unknown. Here, we examine the connections between geomorphic characteristics and the potential presence of lunar ice in permanently shadowed regions of the Scott‐E crater in the lunar south polar region. We first quantify surface characteristics, such as roughness, based on high‐resolution optical images and topography data and then model spatial variations of water ice stability using a high‐resolution thermal model. We find that the surface roughness in regions where thermally stable surface ice is predicted is significantly lower than in adjacent regions where subsurface ice or no ice is predicted. This correspondence may result from processes such as preferential cold‐trapping in depressions or high albedo areas, or enhanced regolith transport in the ice‐rich regolith.
Impacts of Hurricane Maria on Land and Convection Modification Over Puerto Rico
Authors: Hosannah N. , Ramamurthy P. , Marti J. , Munoz J. , González J. E.
Published: December 2020

Hurricane Maria drastically altered the landscape across the island of Puerto Rico. This article investigates modifications to surface‐atmospheric interactions due to Hurricane Maria induced land damage and the associated impacts on local convective dynamics. Herein, we employed LANDSAT‐8 image mosaics to quantify the hurricane induced land modification. Results of the analysis indicate that the island suffered significant forest damage—much of which registered as a 28.35% increase in barren land and a 10.85% increase in pasture. Smaller changes included a decrease in cultivated agricultural land cover by 0.76%, along with wetland and water increases of 0.62% and 0.25%, respectively. Pre and postMaria land classifications were then assimilated into the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System cloud resolving model for the simulation of the June 23 to July 2, 2018 period under two land conditions. Results of the numerical experiments indicate that surface to atmosphere interactions were significantly modified when the land cover was altered, and that the highest deviations between pre and postMaria convection occurred over elevated areas with extreme hurricane induced land changes, such as the Cordillera Central mountain range and the El Yunque rainforest.
Iba: The First Pure Tropical Cyclogenesis Over the Western South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Reboita M. S. , Crespo N. M. , Dutra L. M. M. , Silva B. A. , Capucin B. C. , da Rocha R. P.
Published: December 2020

In March 2019, the tropical western South Atlantic Ocean (∼16.5°S) registered the first pure tropical cyclogenesis since the beginning of the satellite era, which the Brazilian Navy named Iba. This study presents a description of the synoptic features and meteorological mechanisms contributing to Iba's initial cyclonic vorticity as well as the anomalous synoptic patterns linked to this unprecedented tropical cyclogenesis. Moreover, a general description of Iba's lifecycle is provided. The genesis of Iba was as a pure tropical cyclone (00:00 UTC on March 22), and it underwent subtropical (18:00 UTC on March 25) and extratropical (06:00 UTC on March 29) transitions. Anomalies for a 5‐day period prior to the genesis relative to the March climatology show environmental features appropriate for tropical cyclogenesis: (a) vertical wind shear in the 850–200 hPa lower than 10 m s−1, (b) intense initial cyclonic relative vorticity at 925 hPa (−10 × 10−5 s−1), (c) latent and sensible heat fluxes near the climatological values (∼150 W m−2), (d) warmer sea surface temperature (+2°C), and (e) relative humidity at 700 hPa 20% higher than the climatology. These features were associated with an anomalous wave pattern at 500 hPa, resembling a blocking structure over the southeastern South Pacific Ocean, and an anticyclonic circulation at upper levels over southeastern Brazil. This environment propitiated a weak vertical wind shear and convective cloud organization. Near the surface, the horizontal wind shear between the postfrontal southwesterly winds and the northeasterly winds of the South Atlantic subtropical anticyclone helped to generate Iba's initial cyclonic vorticity.
Large Sensitivity of Simulated Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) to Global Warming: Implications of ISMR Projections
Authors: Rajesh P. V. , Goswami B. N. , Choudhury B. A. , Zahan Yasmin
Published: December 2020

Reliable projections of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) to the next century by climate models is critical for policy toward sustainable development goals but depends on sensitivity of the models simulating ISMR as global mean temperature changes. Here, using observed ISMR and historical global temperature (1850–2005), we find that the mean ISMR scales as (3.95 ± 1.13%)/K, lower than the Clausius‐Clapeyron (CC) scaling (∼7%/K). However, the sensitivity of the intensity of daily rainfall extremes is (29.5 ± 3.4)%/K, four times as large as the CC scaling. We also find that the sensitivities of simulated mean ISMR by 36 CMIP5 and CMIP6 models each at 13.36%/K and 11.82%/K, respectively, are 2–3 times larger than the observed sensitivity and independent of the chosen period. Larger than simulated CC scaling of ISMR is consistent with simulated strengthening of Indian monsoon circulation in contrast to observations. Models' sensitivity appears to be due to their stronger than observed response to forcing over land resulting in stronger north‐south heating gradient and acceleration of monsoon circulation. Projected sensitivity of ISMR in models with increased greenhouse gas forcing weakens compared to the historical period approaching the CC scaling. Required to delineate the contributions of larger than observed intrinsic sensitivity of the models from projected sensitivity, our findings provide a way to correct the bias potentially improving the reliability of ensemble mean projections of ISMR.
Post‐Miocene Erosion in Central Nepal Controlled by Midcrustal Ramp Position, Duplex Growth, and Dynamically Maintained Elastic Strain
Authors: Johnston S. N. , Cannon J. M. , Copeland P.
Published: December 2020

To better understand what drives erosion in central Nepal, we have mapped regions of preferential erosion by comparing modern detrital muscovite 40Ar/39Ar data to bedrock data from the Narayani river catchment and two subcatchments in central Nepal. We compare our pattern of erosion to erosion patterns from previous studies. Each shows a zone of preferential erosion from 5 km south to 20 km north of the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Peak erosion occurs in a 5‐km‐wide, orogen‐parallel band, north of the MCT, overlapping proposed ramps in the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). This location of peak erosion is consistent with the interpretation that erosion is tectonically driven. Although peak erosion is spatially coincident with the interpreted MHT ramps, the zone of enhanced erosion extends north of the ramps' downdip limits suggesting that an additional driver of rock uplift is at work. This can be explained by a duplex growing along the ramp back‐tilting and uplifting older duplex faults. This region also coincides with a dynamically supported bulge in the High Himalaya where a reservoir of elastic strain appears to be maintained over numerous seismic cycles further enhancing erosion.
A Rating Curve Model Accounting for Cyclic Stage‐Discharge Shifts due to Seasonal Aquatic Vegetation
Authors: Perret E. , Renard B. , Le Coz J.
Published: December 2020

Managing stage‐discharge relations at hydrometric stations affected by seasonal aquatic vegetation is challenging. Their ratings vary continuously in time so that establishing the streamflow time series is difficult. To the best of our knowledge, no rating curve model exists to deal with a vegetated channel control, only manual adjustment methods. To address this issue, a temporal rating curve model accounting for transient changes due to vegetation is developed. The model is built on basic concepts from open‐channel hydraulics and plant physiology. In the model, the flow resistance varies through time as a function of the plant development (growth and decay) and of the plant ability to reconfigure. Model parameters and uncertainty are estimated through Bayesian inference combining prior knowledge on the hydraulic controls at the station and observational data. In addition to the traditionally used stage‐discharge gaugings, the model allows the use of qualitative observations on the plant development state (e.g., no plant, growth, and decay). The model is tested and validated for a French hydrometric station where frequent gaugings (twice a month) and written comments about vegetation are available over more than 20 years. Relative errors between the simulated discharges and the observed discharges mostly range between ±20% for the temporal rating curve. In contrast, they are higher than ±50% with a standard model with no vegetation module. This case study highlights the importance of using observations about plant development to predict water discharge. We finally discuss some possible improvements and extensions of the model and recommend methods for data collection.
Microstructure and domain engineering of lithium niobate crystal films for integrated photonic applications
Authors: Sun Dehui , Zhang Yunwu , Wang Dongzhou , Song Wei , Liu Xiaoyan , Pang Jinbo , Geng Deqiang , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong
Published: December 2020

Recently, integrated photonics has attracted considerable interest owing to its wide application in optical communication and quantum technologies. Among the numerous photonic materials, lithium niobate film on insulator (LNOI) has become a promising photonic platform owing to its electro-optic and nonlinear optical properties along with ultralow-loss and high-confinement nanophotonic lithium niobate waveguides fabricated by the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible microstructure engineering of LNOI. Furthermore, ferroelectric domain engineering in combination with nanophotonic waveguides on LNOI is gradually accelerating the development of integrated nonlinear photonics, which will play an important role in quantum technologies because of its ability to be integrated with the generation, processing, and auxiliary detection of the quantum states of light. Herein, we review the recent progress in CMOS-compatible microstructure engineering and domain engineering of LNOI for integrated lithium niobate photonics involving photonic modulation and nonlinear photonics. We believe that the great progress in integrated photonics on LNOI will lead to a new generation of techniques. Thus, there remains an urgent need for efficient methods for the preparation of LNOI that are suitable for large-scale and low-cost manufacturing of integrated photonic devices and systems.
Whole-genome sequencing analysis of the cardiometabolic proteome
Authors: Gilly Arthur , Park Young-Chan , Png Grace , Barysenka Andrei , Fischer Iris , Bjørnland Thea , Southam Lorraine , Suveges Daniel , Neumeyer Sonja , Rayner N. William , Tsafantakis Emmanouil , Karaleftheri Maria , Dedoussis George , Zeggini Eleftheria
Published: December 2020

The human proteome is a crucial intermediate between complex diseases and their genetic and environmental components, and an important source of drug development targets and biomarkers. Here, we comprehensively assess the genetic architecture of 257 circulating protein biomarkers of cardiometabolic relevance through high-depth (22.5×) whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in 1328 individuals. We discover 131 independent sequence variant associations (P < 7.45 × 10−11) across the allele frequency spectrum, all of which replicate in an independent cohort (n = 1605, 18.4x WGS). We identify for the first time replicating evidence for rare-variant cis-acting protein quantitative trait loci for five genes, involving both coding and noncoding variation. We construct and validate polygenic scores that explain up to 45% of protein level variation. We find causal links between protein levels and disease risk, identifying high-value biomarkers and drug development targets.
Long-distance spin-transport across the Morin phase transition up to room temperature in ultra-low damping single crystals of the antiferromagnet α-Fe2O3
Authors: Lebrun R. , Ross A. , Gomonay O. , Baltz V. , Ebels U. , Barra A.-L. , Qaiumzadeh A. , Brataas A. , Sinova J. , Kläui M.
Published: December 2020

Antiferromagnetic materials can host spin-waves with polarizations ranging from circular to linear depending on their magnetic anisotropies. Until now, only easy-axis anisotropy antiferromagnets with circularly polarized spin-waves were reported to carry spin-information over long distances of micrometers. In this article, we report long-distance spin-transport in the easy-plane canted antiferromagnetic phase of hematite and at room temperature, where the linearly polarized magnons are not intuitively expected to carry spin. We demonstrate that the spin-transport signal decreases continuously through the easy-axis to easy-plane Morin transition, and persists in the easy-plane phase through current induced pairs of linearly polarized magnons with dephasing lengths in the micrometer range. We explain the long transport distance as a result of the low magnetic damping, which we measure to be ≤ 10−5 as in the best ferromagnets. All of this together demonstrates that long-distance transport can be achieved across a range of anisotropies and temperatures, up to room temperature, highlighting the promising potential of this insulating antiferromagnet for magnon-based devices.
The corona of a surface bubble promotes electrochemical reactions
Authors: Vogel Yan B. , Evans Cameron W. , Belotti Mattia , Xu Longkun , Russell Isabella C. , Yu Li-Juan , Fung Alfred K. K. , Hill Nicholas S. , Darwish Nadim , Gonçales Vinicius R. , Coote Michelle L. , Swaminathan Iyer K. , Ciampi Simone
Published: December 2020

The evolution of gaseous products is a feature common to several electrochemical processes, often resulting in bubbles adhering to the electrode’s surface. Adherent bubbles reduce the electrode active area, and are therefore generally treated as electrochemically inert entities. Here, we show that this general assumption does not hold for gas bubbles masking anodes operating in water. By means of imaging electrochemiluminescent systems, and by studying the anisotropy of polymer growth around bubbles, we demonstrate that gas cavities adhering to an electrode surface initiate the oxidation of water-soluble species more effectively than electrode areas free of bubbles. The corona of a bubble accumulates hydroxide anions, unbalanced by cations, a phenomenon which causes the oxidation of hydroxide ions to hydroxyl radicals to occur at potentials at least 0.7 V below redox tabled values. The downhill shift of the hydroxide oxidation at the corona of the bubble is likely to be a general mechanism involved in the initiation of heterogeneous electrochemical reactions in water, and could be harnessed in chemical synthesis.
Security analysis and improvement of source independent quantum random number generators with imperfect devices
Authors: Lin Xing , Wang Shuang , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Fan-Yuan Guan-Jie , Wang Rong , Chen Wei , He De-Yong , Zhou Zheng , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu
Published: December 2020

A quantum random number generator (QRNG) as a genuine source of randomness is essential in many applications, such as number simulation and cryptography. Recently, a source-independent quantum random number generator (SI-QRNG), which can generate secure random numbers with untrusted sources, has been realized. However, the measurement loopholes of the trusted but imperfect devices used in SI-QRNGs have not yet been fully explored, which will cause security problems, especially in high-speed systems. Here, we point out and evaluate the security loopholes of practical imperfect measurement devices in SI-QRNGs. We also provide corresponding countermeasures to prevent these information leakages by recalculating the conditional minimum entropy and adding a monitor. Furthermore, by taking into account the finite-size effect, we show that the influence of the afterpulse can exceed that of the finite-size effect with the large number of sampled rounds. Our protocol is simple and effective, and it promotes the security of SI-QRNG in practice as well as the compatibility with high-speed measurement devices, thus paving the way for constructing ultrafast and security-certified commercial SI-QRNG systems.
Ravens parallel great apes in physical and social cognitive skills
Authors: Pika Simone , Sima Miriam Jennifer , Blum Christian R. , Herrmann Esther , Mundry Roger
Published: December 2020

Human children show unique cognitive skills for dealing with the social world but their cognitive performance is paralleled by great apes in many tasks dealing with the physical world. Recent studies suggested that members of a songbird family—corvids—also evolved complex cognitive skills but a detailed understanding of the full scope of their cognition was, until now, not existent. Furthermore, relatively little is known about their cognitive development. Here, we conducted the first systematic, quantitative large-scale assessment of physical and social cognitive performance of common ravens with a special focus on development. To do so, we fine-tuned one of the most comprehensive experimental test-batteries, the Primate Cognition Test Battery (PCTB), to raven features enabling also a direct, quantitative comparison with the cognitive performance of two great ape species. Full-blown cognitive skills were already present at the age of four months with subadult ravens’ cognitive performance appearing very similar to that of adult apes in tasks of physical (quantities, and causality) and social cognition (social learning, communication, and theory of mind). These unprecedented findings strengthen recent assessments of ravens’ general intelligence, and aid to the growing evidence that the lack of a specific cortical architecture does not hinder advanced cognitive skills. Difficulties in certain cognitive scales further emphasize the quest to develop comparative test batteries that tap into true species rather than human specific cognitive skills, and suggest that socialization of test individuals may play a crucial role. We conclude to pay more attention to the impact of personality on cognitive output, and a currently neglected topic in Animal Cognition—the linkage between ontogeny and cognitive performance.
Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum strain JDFM216 improves cognitive behavior and modulates immune response with gut microbiota
Authors: Park Mi Ri , Shin Minhye , Mun Daye , Jeong Seong-Yeop , Jeong Do-Youn , Song Minho , Ko Gwangpyo , Unno Tatsuya , Kim Younghoon , Oh Sangnam
Published: December 2020

Increasing evidence indicates that alterations in gut microbiota are associated with mammalian development and physiology. The gut microbiota has been proposed as an essential player in metabolic diseases including brain health. This study aimed to determine the impact of probiotics on degenerative changes in the gut microbiota and cognitive behavior. Assessment of various behavioral and physiological functions was performed using Y-maze tests, wheel running tests, accelerated rotarod tests, balance beam tests, and forced swimming tests (FSTs), using adult mice after 50 weeks of administering living probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum strain JDFM216 or a vehicle. Immunomodulatory function was investigated using immune organs, immune cells and immune molecules in the mice, and gut microbiota was also evaluated in their feces. Notably, the L. fermentum JDFM216-treated group showed significantly better performance in the behavior tests (P < 0.05) as well as improved phagocytic activity of macrophages, enhanced sIgA production, and stimulated immune cells (P < 0.05). In aged mice, we observed decreases in species belonging to the Porphyromonadaceae family and the Lactobacillus genus when compared to young mice. While administering the supplementation of L. fermentum JDFM216 to aged mice did not shift the whole gut microbiota, the abundance of Lactobacillus species was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Our findings suggested that L. fermentum JDFM216 also provided beneficial effects on the regulation of immune responses, which has promising implications for functional foods. Taken together, L. fermentum JDFM216 could confer the benefit of improving health with enhanced cognition, physiological behavior, and immunity by modulating the gut microbiota.
Chaotic genetic structure and past demographic expansion of the invasive gastropod Tritia neritea in its native range, the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Boissin Emilie , Neglia Valentina , Baksay Sandra , Micu Dragos , Bat Levent , Topaloglu Bulent , Todorova Valentina , Panayotova Marina , Kruschel Claudia , Milchakova Nataliya , Voutsinas Emanuela , Beqiraj Sajmir , Nasto Ina , Aglieri Giorgio , Taviani Marco , Zane Lorenzo , Planes Serge
Published: December 2020

To better predict population evolution of invasive species in introduced areas it is critical to identify and understand the mechanisms driving genetic diversity and structure in their native range. Here, we combined analyses of the mitochondrial COI gene and 11 microsatellite markers to investigate both past demographic history and contemporaneous genetic structure in the native area of the gastropodTritia neritea, using Bayesian skyline plots (BSP), multivariate analyses and Bayesian clustering. The BSP framework revealed population expansions, dated after the last glacial maximum. The haplotype network revealed a strong geographic clustering. Multivariate analyses and Bayesian clustering highlighted the strong genetic structure at all scales, between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, but also within basins. Within basins, a random pattern of genetic patchiness was observed, suggesting a superimposition of processes involving natural biological effects (no larval phase and thus limited larval dispersal) and putative anthropogenic transport of specimens. Contrary to the introduced area, no isolation-by-distance patterns were recovered in the Mediterranean or the Black Seas, highlighting different mechanisms at play on both native and introduced areas, triggering unknown consequences for species’ evolutionary trajectories. These results ofTritia neriteapopulations on its native range highlight a mixture of ancient and recent processes, with the effects of paleoclimates and life history traits likely tangled with the effects of human-mediated dispersal.