bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of offloading devices on static and dynamic balance in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review
Authors: Horstink Koen Andre , van der Woude Lucas Henricus Vincentius , Hijmans Juha Markus
Published: January 2021

Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) usually have reduced somatosensory information and altered perception in feet and ankles. Somatosensory information acts as feedback for movement control and loss of somatosensation leads to altered plantar pressure patterns during gait and stance. Offloading devices are used to reduce peak plantar pressure and prevent diabetic foot ulcers. However, offloading devices can unfortunately have negative effects on static and dynamic balance. It is important to investigate these unwanted effects, since patient with DPN already are at high risk of falling and offloading devices could potentially increase this risk. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effects of plantar offloading devices used for ulcer prevention on their role in static and dynamic balance control in patients with DPN. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched using relevant search terms. After title selection, abstract selection, and full-text selection only five articles could be included for further analysis. Two articles included static balance measurements, two articles included dynamic balance measurements, and one article included both. Results suggested that static balance control is reduced when rocker bottom shoes and different insole configurations are used, however, toe-only rockers showed less evidence for reduced static balance control. There was no evidence for reduced dynamic balance control in combination with offloading devices. However, these results should be interpreted with care, since the number of studies was very small and the quality of the studies was moderate. Future research should evaluate balance in combination with different offloading devices, so that clinicians subscribing them are more aware of their potential unwanted consequences.
Evaluation of specific capacity of poultry litter in heavy metal sorption
Authors: Kucharski Piotr , Białecka Barbara , Śliwińska Anna , Pieprzyca Anna
Published: January 2021

The article highlights sorptive properties of poultry litter. Preliminary studies on sorption of Cd2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ ions at the concentration range of 1–1000 mg L-1 were carried out. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to determine the potential capacities of the poultry litter. Sorption parameter outcome from isotherms exhibited the following order: Pb > Cd > Cu > Zn > Ni. During the batch adsorption experiment, a decrease of the absorbance of solutions in the UV-Vis range was observed, proportional to the increase in the concentration of metals in the solutions. This phenomenon was associated with the precipitation of complexes of fulvic/humic-like compounds and uric acid with metals. The decrease in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration confirmed previous assumptions. The FT-IR spectroscopy showed significant role of uric acid in Cd2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ sorption. FT-IR measurements allowed determining the type of active sites involved in sorption, especially carboxylic groups. The findings should be helpful in soil reclamation practices with poultry litter.
The Role of Lengthscale in the Creep of Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu Solder Microstructures
Authors: Gu Tianhong , Gourlay Christopher M. , Britton T. Ben
Published: January 2021

Creep of directionally solidified Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu wt.% (SAC305) samples with near-<110> orientation along the loading direction and different microstructural lengthscale is investigated under constant load tensile testing and at a range of temperatures. The creep performance improves by refining the microstructure, i.e. the decrease in secondary dendrite arm spacing (λ2), eutectic intermetallic spacing (λe) and intermetallic compound (IMC) size, indicating a longer creep lifetime, lower creep strain rate, change in activation energy (Q) and increase in ductility and homogeneity in macro- and micro-structural deformation of the samples. The dominating creep mechanism is obstacle-controlled dislocation creep at room temperature and transits to lattice-associated vacancy diffusion creep at elevated temperature ($$ \frac{T}{{T_{M} }} $$

T

T
M

 > 0.7 to 0.75). The deformation mechanisms are investigated using electron backscatter diffraction and strain heterogeneity is identified between β-Sn in dendrites and β-Sn in eutectic regions containing Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 particles. The size of the recrystallised grains is modulated by the dendritic and eutectic spacings; however, the recrystalised grains in the eutectic regions for coarse-scaled samples (largest λ2 and λe) is only localised next to IMCs without growth in size.
Comparison of the Initial Growth of Different Poplar Clones on Four Sites in Western Slovakia—Preliminary Results
Authors: Heilig Dávid , Heil Bálint , Leibing Christoph , Röhle Heinz , Kovács Gábor
Published: January 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate four hybrid poplar comparison tests along a groundwater availability gradient in Western Slovakia. The weather fluctuation during the 3-year study period was described with indices, such as the Forestry Aridity Index (FAI) or the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC). The soil chemical and physical parameters were determined from soil samples from the two upper horizons. The nutrient status and supply of the trees were categorized based on leaf elemental analysis. Altogether, 21 different clones from 6 genomic groups were compared. The survival (SRV), diameter at breast height (DBH), and height of the trees (H) had been measured annually since the plantations were established, and from these measurements, mean annual height increment (MAHI) values were derived. These weather, edaphic, and clonal factors were evaluated and compared. Significant effects of the site (edaphic factors) were found as the primary source of variance and clonal differences as secondary sources of variance among the growth of trees. The interaction of site × clone effects was not significant. The results showed that for short rotation forestry (SRF), the site parameters—especially groundwater availability—are key factors.
A new investigative strategy to diagnose β-thalassemia syndrome in past human populations
Authors: Scianò Filippo , Bramanti Barbara , Gualdi-Russo Emanuela
Published: January 2021

The study of thalassaemia syndromes in archeological human remains is of growing interest in the field of paleopathology. However, a definitive diagnosis of the disease in skeletonized individuals remains difficult. Several non-specific bone lesions have been suggested as the most likely evidence of β-thalassaemia syndrome. In particular, skull lesions have been considered by several scholars as the most indicative of this hematopoietic disorder, while other authors have identified postcranial lesions as the best evidence of β-thalassemia. In this study, we reviewed the main features that have been identified in β-thalassaemia patients thanks to an extensive bibliographic research of clinical cases, radiological and microscopic analyses. Our aim was to discern between those skeletal lesions that can be considered “indicative/diagnostic” and those that are “indicative/non-diagnostic” of β-thalassaemia syndrome. With this knowledge, we developed a new evaluation form (Eva-BeTa) and tested it on previously published archeological cases. Based on our results, we believe that Eva-BeTa can be a valid diagnostic tool for the identification of ancient individuals potentially affected by β-thalassemia for further genetic confirmation.
An exceptionally preserved conulariid from Ordovician erratics of Northern European Lowlands
Authors: Sendino Consuelo , Bochmann Martin M.
Published: January 2021

A conulariid preserved in three dimensions from Ordovician fluvioglacial erratics of the Northern European Lowlands (North German Plain) is described under open nomenclature. It is assigned to the genusConulariawith similarities to Baltoscandian conulariids. The lithology of the erratic boulder and fauna contained in it provide important information on the origin and transport direction of the sediment preserved in a kame from the Saalian glaciation. This paper deals with the site of origin of the boulder in Baltoscandia analysing the comprised palaeofauna, from a palaeostratigraphic and palaeogeographic point of view, from its deposition in Ordovician times until its arrival at its current location in the Late Pleistocene. It also reveals for the first time the internal structure of the conulariid aperture.
Difference in basic concept of coronary bifurcation intervention between Korea and Japan. Insight from questionnaire in experts of Korean and Japanese bifurcation clubs
Authors: Murasato Yoshinobu , Kinoshita Yoshihisa , Shite Junya , Hikichi Yutaka , Nam Chang-Wook , Koo Bon-Kwon
Published: January 2021

The coronary bifurcation intervention varies among countries due to the differences in assessment of lesion severity and treatment devices. We sought to clarify the difference in basic strategy between South Korea and Japan. A total of 19 and 32 experts from Korean (KBC) and Japanese Bifurcation Clubs (JBC), respectively, answered a survey questionnaire concerning their usual procedure of coronary bifurcation intervention. JBC experts performed less two-stent deployment in the left main (LM) bifurcation compared to KBC experts (JBC vs. KBC: median, 1–10% vs. 21–30%, p < 0.0001) instead of higher performance of side branch dilation after cross-over stenting in both LM (60% vs. 21%, p = 0.001) and non-LM bifurcations (30% vs. 5%, p = 0.037). KBC experts more frequently performed proximal optimization technique (POT) in non-LM bifurcation (41–60% vs. 81–99%, p = 0.028) and re-POT in both LM (1–20% vs. 81–99%, p = 0.017) and non-LM bifurcations (1–20% vs. 81–99%, p = 0.0003). JBC experts more frequently performed imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, whereas KBC experts more often used a pressure wire to assess side branch ischemia. JBC experts used a rotablator more aggressively under the guidance of optical coherence tomography. We clarified the difference in the basic strategy of coronary bifurcation intervention between South Korea and Japan for better understanding the trend in each country.
3D chromatin architecture and epigenetic regulation in cancer stem cells
Authors: Feng Yuliang , Liu Xingguo , Pauklin Siim
Published: January 2021

Dedifferentiation of cell identity to a progenitor-like or stem cell-like state with increased cellular plasticity is frequently observed in cancer formation. During this process, a subpopulation of cells in tumours acquires a stem cell-like state partially resembling to naturally occurring pluripotent stem cells that are temporarily present during early embryogenesis. Such characteristics allow these cancer stem cells (CSCs) to give rise to the whole tumour with its entire cellular heterogeneity and thereby support metastases formation while being resistant to current cancer therapeutics. Cancer development and progression are demarcated by transcriptional dysregulation. In this article, we explore the epigenetic mechanisms shaping gene expression during tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell formation, with an emphasis on 3D chromatin architecture. Comparing the pluripotent stem cell state and epigenetic reprogramming to dedifferentiation in cellular transformation provides intriguing insight to chromatin dynamics. We suggest that the 3D chromatin architecture could be used as a target for re-sensitizing cancer stem cells to therapeutics.
A solution algorithm for integrated production-inventory-routing of perishable goods with transshipment and uncertain demand
Authors: Liu Peide , Hendalianpour Ayad , Razmi Jafar , Sangari Mohamad Sadegh
Published: January 2021

Supply and distribution management of blood products is a challenging task due to their short lifespan. The problem is even more sophisticated considering uncertain demand for these products. This paper addresses integrated inventory-routing of blood in a supply chain network consisting of a single supplier and a group of blood centers. Transshipment among blood centers is allowed to decrease the cost of excess inventory and shortage of goods. A mathematical model is developed that decides on the optimal quantity of supplied blood, delivery plan, inventory level, and quantity of products transshipped between blood centers with the objective of minimizing total costs. In addition, a robust optimization approach is adopted to deal with uncertainty in demand. Since the proposed model is NP-hard, a heuristic solution algorithm is developed that improves solution quality by determining the most efficient change in vehicle routes in each search stage. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is examined in a set of numerical experiments and using data from a real case of supply and distribution management of blood platelets. The results indicated that allowing transshipment reduces the need for supply capacity at the supplier, product shortage, inventory level, and the total cost.
Investigation of availability, demand, targets, and development of renewable energy in 2017–2050: a case study in Indonesia
Authors: Erdiwansyah Erdiwansyah , Mahidin Mahidin , Husin Husni , Nasaruddin Nasaruddin , Khairil Khairil , Zaki Muhammad , Jalaluddin Jalaluddin
Published: January 2021

Abundant potential of renewable energy (RE) in Indonesia is predicted to replace conventional energy which continues to experience depletion year by year. However, until now, the use of RE has only reached 2% of the existing potential of 441.7 GW.
The main overview of this work is to investigate the availability of RE that can be utilized for electricity generation in Indonesia. National energy demand and targets in the long run during the 2017–2050 period are also discussed.
Besides, government policies in supporting RE development are considered in this work. The results show that the potential of RE in Indonesia can be utilized and might replace conventional energy for decades. The use of RE for electricity generation can be achieved by employing a government policy that supports the investor as the executor of RE development. The selling price of electricity generated from RE is cheaper than electricity generated from fossils; this makes economy is more affordable for people. Finally, the target set by the government for utilizing RE as the main energy in Indonesia can be done by implementing several policies for the RE development. Thus, greenhouse gas emissions and the use of petroleum fuels can be reduced.
A Qualitative Study on Providing Alternative Solutions for Handling the HSR Passenger’s Luggage
Authors: Lo Lok Pan , Marinov Marin , Rüger Bernhard
Published: January 2021

The objective of this paper is to look at the problem of high-speed rail (HSR) passengers’ luggage and provide alternative solutions to improve luggage handling. A qualitative study is carried out to assess the current state of HSR practices, analyse existing issues with HSR passenger luggage and provide alternative solutions, including modification of the passenger unit, double-deck rolling stock, an additional train for transporting luggage, and repositioning of passenger seats. Four solutions are discussed that could solve the problem of HSR passenger luggage handling and evaluated from  four aspects namely passengers, railway operator, cost and passenger comfort level. The solution of additional trains for transporting luggage may be the preferred solution when compared with other options, without compromising the comfort of the passengers or the profit of the railway company.
Laser Interference Lithography for Fabrication of Planar Scale Gratings for Optical Metrology
Authors: Shimizu Yuki
Published: January 2021

Laser interference lithography is an attractive method for the fabrication of a large-area two-dimensional planar scale grating, which can be employed as a scale for multi-axis optical encoders or a diffractive optical element in many types of optical sensors. Especially, optical configurations such as Lloyd’s mirror interferometer based on the division of wavefront method can generate interference fringe fields for the patterning of grating pattern structures at a single exposure in a stable manner. For the fabrication of a two-dimensional scale grating to be used in a planar/surface encoder, an orthogonal two-axis Lloyd’s mirror interferometer, which has been realized through innovation to Lloyd’s mirror interferometer, has been developed. In addition, the concept of the patterning of the two-dimensional orthogonal pattern structure at a single exposure has been extended to the non-orthogonal two-axis Lloyd’s mirror interferometer. Furthermore, the optical setup for the non-orthogonal two-axis Lloyd’s mirror interferometer has been optimized for the fabrication of a large-area scale grating. In this review article, principles of generating interference fringe fields for the fabrication of a scale grating based on the interference lithography are reviewed, while focusing on the fabrication of a two-dimensional scale grating for planar/surface encoders. Verification of the pitch of the fabricated pattern structures, whose accuracy strongly affects the performance of planar/surface encoders, is also an important task to be addressed. In this paper, major methods for the evaluation of a grating pitch are also reviewed.
Software synthesis from dataflow schedule graphs
Authors: Lee Kyunghun , Lee Yaesop , Raina Abhay , Liu Yanzhou , Wu Jiahao , Defrancisci Christopher , Riggan Benjamin S. , Bhattacharyya Shuvra S.
Published: January 2021

The dataflow-model of computation is widely used in design and implementation of signal processing systems. In dataflow-based design processes, scheduling—the assignment and coordination of computational modules across processing resources—is a critical task that affects practical measures of performance, including latency, throughput, energy consumption, and memory requirements. Dataflow schedule graphs (DSGs) provide a formal abstraction for representing schedules in dataflow-based design processes. The DSG abstraction allows designers to model a schedule as a separate dataflow graph, thereby providing a formal, abstract (platform- and language-independent) representation for the schedule. In this paper, we introduce a design methodology that is based on explicit specifications of application graphs and schedules as cooperating dataflow models. We also develop new techniques and tools for automatically synthesizing efficient implementations on multicore platforms from these coupled application and schedule models. We demonstrate the proposed methodology and synthesis techniques through a case study involving real-time detection of people and vehicles using acoustic and seismic sensors.
Spectroscopic and computational study of chromone derivatives with antitumor activity: detailed DFT, QTAIM and docking investigations
Authors: Mary Y. Sheena , Mary Y. Shyma , Resmi K. S. , Rad Ali Shokuhi
Published: January 2021

Theoretical investigations of three pharmaceutically active chromone derivatives, (E)-3-((2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (TPC), (E)-3-((2-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (FHM) and(E)-3-((2-(perfluorophenyl)hydrazono)methyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (PFH) are reported. Molecular geometries, vibrational spectra, electronic properties and molecular electrostatic potential were investigated using density functional theory. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) study shows that the maximum of ellipticity parameters in the existing bonds in TPC, FHM and PFH, attributes to the bonds involving in aromatic region points toward the π-bond interactions in the molecules. Based on energy gap (1.870, 1.649 and 1.590 eV) and electrophilicity index (20.233, 22.581 and 23.203 eV) values of TPC, FHM and PFH, we can conclude that all molecules have more biological activity. The molecular electrostatic potential maps were calculated to provide information on the chemical reactivity of the molecule and also to describe the intermolecular interactions. All these studies including docking studies, help a lot in determining the biological activities of chromone derivatives. Activities of chromone derivatives are compared with 5-fluorouracil and azathioprine (antitumor, antiproliferative standards) and were found to be higher than reference ones.
Spice Variables and Their Use in Physical Oceanography
Authors: McDougall Trevor J. , Barker Paul M. , Stanley Geoffrey J.
Published: January 2021

There have been a variety of definitions of a “spice” type variable in physical oceanography. These variables have been used to measure water‐mass variations and to examine how the stability ratio varies vertically on a water column. Some authors have chosen to derive such an oceanographic variable, called potential spicity, so that its isolines are orthogonal to isolines of potential density on a suitably scaled salinity‐temperature diagram. Here it is shown that isopycnal differences of potential spicity are more than a factor of 100 different to the corresponding isopycnal differences of other measures of water‐mass variations such as spiciness, whose isopycnal differences are proportional to the compensating contributions of salinity and temperature to potential density. This behavior of potential spicity is caused by the imposition of the orthogonal constraint which lacks a physical oceanographic motivation. Such orthogonal potential spicity variables also depend on the arbitrarily chosen scaling factor that relates the scales of the salinity and temperature axes on the salinity‐temperature diagram.

A preferred alternative to using either of these two spice variables is (1) to plot variations of Absolute Salinity in approximately neutral surfaces and (2) to calculate and plot the stability ratio on vertical water columns. The anomaly of Absolute Salinity is best made with respect to a reference relationship between Absolute Salinity and Conservative Temperature that is typical of vertical casts in the oceanographic region of interest.
Urbanization Impacts on Pearl River Delta Extreme Rainfall Sensitivity to Land Cover Change Versus Anthropogenic Heat
Authors: Hu Chenxi , Fung Kwun Yip , Tam Chi‐Yung , Wang Ziqian
Published: January 2021

Impacts of urban land cover and anthropogenic heat (AH) on extreme local rainfall over the coastal Pearl River Delta (PRD) megacity region during boreal summer are investigated by conducting numerical experiments using the Weather Research and Forecastingmodel coupled with a single‐layer urban canopy model. To examine the relative importance of land cover change versus the presence of AH, three numerical experiments corresponding to different levels of urbanization in the PRD area were designed: one with cropland covering the whole region, one with urban land cover but zero AH, and one with urban land cover and a strong diurnal maximum of 300 Wm−2 of AH in the model simulations. Results show that the increase of rainfall in the urban area is much more sensitive to the intensity of AH than the mere change of surface properties. Urbanization with intense AH can enhance both the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall, which can be attributed to higher surface temperature (of about 3.5–4°C), higher convective available potential energy, and lower convective inhibition, thus creating an environment more conducive to strong convection over the urban areas. Moreover, enhanced rainfall is supported by moisture supply from the South China Sea and increased water vapor flux convergence over the PRD city area. The amount of moisture flux converging over the coastal megacity area was found to depend on the direction of prevailing background wind.
A Review of the Scope of Artisanal and Small‐Scale Mining Worldwide, Poverty, and the Associated Health Impacts
Authors: Schwartz Franklin W. , Lee Sangsuk , Darrah Thomas H.
Published: January 2021

Some of the poorest people in the world's poorest countries eke out a living in artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM). Equipped with primitive tools like picks, shovels, buckets, and gold pans, they work mining valuable resources, like gold, diamonds, tin, lithium, rare earth elements, tantalum, and cobalt, and any other usable commodity, for example, sand, coal, or mica. The mining and refining processes are labor intensive and associated with a variety of health problems due to accidents, overheating, overexertion, dust inhalation, exposure to toxic chemicals and gases, violence, and illicit and prescription drug and alcohol addiction. Evident disadvantages with ASM are counterbalanced by the immense economic benefits. For many, the true scope and scale of ASM activities are unappreciated, along with the unknown health and societal impacts. Here, we set out to elucidate the scope of ASM beyond the recovery of familiar commodities, such as gold and diamonds. We adopt a holistic perspective toward health impacts of ASM, which includes unique occupational, environmental, and human/social drivers. A particular focus is poverty as a health risk with artisanal miners. They are commonly poverty‐stricken people in poor countries, ensnared by a variety of poverty traps, which take a toll on the health and well‐being of individuals and communities. ASM sometimes provides an opportunity to diversify income in the face of a decline in subsistence agriculture. However, ASM often trades one kind of generational poverty for another, coming along with serious health risks and turmoil associated with work in an informal “cash‐rich” business.
Gap Formation Around 0.5Ωe of Whistler‐Mode Waves Excited by Electron Temperature Anisotropy
Authors: Chen Huayue , Gao Xinliang , Lu Quanming , Sauer Konrad , Chen Rui , Yao Jiansheng , Wang Shui
Published: January 2021

With a one‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulation model, we have investigated the gap formation around 0.5 of the quasi‐parallel whistler‐mode waves excited by an electron temperature anisotropy. When the frequencies of excited waves in the linear stage cross 0.5, or when they are slightly larger than 0.5 but then drift to lower values, the Landau resonance can make the electron distribution form a beam‐like/plateau population. Such an electron distribution only slightly changes the dispersion relation of whistler‐mode waves, but can cause severe damping around 0.5 via cyclotron resonance. At last, the wave spectrum is separated into two bands with a power gap around 0.5. The condition under different electron temperature anisotropy and plasma beta is also surveyed for such kind of power gap. Besides, when only the waves with frequencies lower than 0.5 are excited in the linear stage, a power gap can also be formed due to the wave‐wave interactions, i.e., lower band cascade. Our study provides a clue to reveal the well‐known 0.5 power gap of whistler‐mode waves ubiquitously observed in the inner magnetosphere.
Structure and Coalescence of Magnetopause Flux Ropes and Their Dependence on IMF Clock Angle: Three‐Dimensional Global Hybrid Simulations
Authors: Guo Jin , Lu San , Lu Quanming , Lin Yu , Wang Xueyi , Huang Kai , Wang Rongsheng , Wang Shui
Published: January 2021

Flux ropes are ubiquitous at Earth's magnetopause and play important roles in energy transport between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere. In this study, structure and coalescence of the magnetopause flux ropes formed by multiple X line reconnection in cases with different southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angles are investigated by using three‐dimensional global hybrid simulations. As the IMF clock angle decreases from 180°, the axial direction of the flux ropes becomes tilted relative to the equatorial plane, the length of the flux ropes gradually increases, and core field within flux ropes is formed by the increase in the guide field. The flux ropes are formed mostly near the subsolar point and then move poleward toward cusps. The flux ropes can eventually enter the cusps, during which their helical structure collapses, their core field weakens gradually, and their axial length decreases. When the IMF clock angle is large (i.e., the IMF is predominantly southward), the flux ropes can coalesce and form new ones with larger diameter. The coalescence between flux ropes can occur both near the subsolar point when they are newly formed and away from the subsolar point (e.g., in the southern hemisphere) when they move toward cusps. However, when the IMF clock angle is small (≤135°), we do not find coalescence between flux ropes.
Observations and Simulations of the Peak Response Time of Thermospheric Mass Density to the 27‐Day Solar EUV Flux Variation
Authors: Ren Dexin , Lei Jiuhou , Wang Wenbin , Burns Alan , Luan Xiaoli
Published: January 2021

In this study, the mass densities from Challenging Minisatellite Payload and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites and the simulation results from the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) have been used to systematically explore the peak response time (or time delay hereafter) of thermospheric mass density to the 27‐day solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) flux variation. The TIEGCM can generally reproduce the observed time delay of thermospheric mass density to the 27‐day solar EUV flux changes. The simulation results suggest that the delay of the peak of thermospheric mass density to that of the 27‐day solar EUV flux variation is about 0.9 days. However, geomagnetic activity can significantly affect the derivation of the time delay of thermospheric mass density from the pure solar EUV flux impact. Additionally, the delay of thermospheric mass density to the 27‐day solar EUV flux changes with altitude, latitude, and local time.
The Wave Origins of Longitudinal Structures in ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) Aerobraking Densities
Authors: Forbes Jeffrey M. , Bruinsma Sean , Zhang Xiaoli , Forget Francois , Marty Jean‐Charles , Millour Ehouarn , González‐Galindo Francisco
Published: January 2021

The nature and origins of longitudinal density structures in Mars’ thermosphere between 100 and 120 km altitude, and −30° and −75° latitude around winter solstice (Ls = 70–122°), as measured by the accelerometer on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) Mission, are investigated. The methodology consists of deducing the responsible waves by comparing the observed longitude versus local time phase progressions of the structures with those of probable candidate waves in the Mars Climate Database (MCD) climatology. The observed wave‐1, wave‐2, and wave‐3 structures are interpreted as originating mainly from SPW1; (SPW2, S0, DE1); and (SPW3, DE2), respectively, where SPWm denotes a stationary planetary wave with zonal wavenumber s = m, S0 is the zonally symmetric semidiurnal tide, and DE1(DE2) are the eastward‐propagating diurnal tides with s = −1(−2). All of these waves exist in the MCD with amplitudes as large as those observed, although not wholly in the narrow height‐latitude regime accessed by TGO. This disparity between the MCD and TGO amplitude structures is hypothesized to result from the extreme intrusion of the polar‐region eastward winter jet into the thermosphere in the MCD. The winter polar jet blocks poleward expansion of DE1 and DE2 beyond −30° latitude, and also impacts the structures of SPW2, S0 and SPW3 that arise from in situ nonlinear interaction between DE1 and DE2, respectively, with the diurnal migrating tide (DW1).
Arctic Sea Ice Decline Preconditions Events of Anomalously Low Sea Ice Volume Export Through Fram Strait in the Early 21st Century
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ricker Robert , Mu Longjiang
Published: January 2021

Understanding the changes of Fram Strait sea ice volume export and responsible processes is crucial due to their climate relevance. In this paper, we disentangled the processes driving the interannual variability and trends of the Fram Strait sea ice volume export in the early 21st century (2001–2019) by using dedicated numerical simulations with the support of observations. The significant decreasing trend in the sea ice volume export is caused by the persistent thinning trend of Arctic sea ice, while the interannual variability of the volume export is predominantly determined by winds. The interannual variability of the volume export can be mainly attributed to the variation in sea ice drift at Fram Strait, while the variation in Fram Strait sea ice thickness also plays an important role. As a result, the atmospheric mode that can better represent the wind variability driving the variability of both the sea ice drift and thickness at Fram Strait can better explain the variability of the sea ice volume export. The wintertime Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Fram Strait sea ice volume export continue to have a strong linkage in the early 21st century. The persistent thinning of Arctic sea ice preconditions events of anomalously low Fram Strait sea ice volume export. One of the extreme events in recent years occurred in 2017/2018. Variation in winds alone would not have caused such an extreme event without the persistent Arctic sea ice thinning.
Constraining the Decline of the Lunar Dynamo Field at ≈3.1 Ga Through Paleomagnetic Analyses of Apollo 12 Mare Basalts
Authors: Strauss B. E. , Tikoo S. M. , Gross J. , Setera J. B. , Turrin B.
Published: January 2021

Recent paleomagnetic studies of lunar rocks have suggested that the magnetic field of the Moon reached peak intensities on the order of ≈77 μT between 3.85 billion and 3.56 billion years ago (Ga) and subsequently declined to surface intensities of ≈4 μT by 3.19 Ga. However, this decline in the intensity of the lunar field has only been shown in a small number of samples, presenting challenges for constraint of its timing and thus the dynamo generation mechanisms that could be responsible. We present microscopic and magnetic analyses of Apollo samples 12008, 12009, and 12015, three fine‐grained mare vitrophyre basalts with high magnetic fidelity, indicating that these samples were not magnetized in conditions consistent with a planetary magnetic field exceeding 4–7 μT during their formation. We further report updated radiometric ages for samples 12008 and 12009 and the first‐ever radiometric age for sample 12015, dating this lunar field intensity constraint to ≈3.1 Ga. These data are consistent with results of previous work on the initial decline of the Moon's magnetic field and confirm that the mechanism of lunar dynamo generation changed dramatically between 3.6 and 3.1 Ga.
Early Cretaceous (∼138–134 Ma) Forearc Ophiolite and Tectonomagmatic Patterns in Central Tibet: Subduction Termination and Re‐initiation of Meso‐Tethys Ocean Caused by Collision of an Oceanic Plateau at the Continental Margin?
Authors: Zeng Yun‐Chuan , Xu Ji‐Feng , Chen Jian‐Lin , Wang Bao‐Di , Huang Feng , Xia Xiao‐Ping , Li Ming‐Jian
Published: January 2021

The Bangong‐Nujiang Suture Zone (BNSZ) in central Tibet represents relics of the Meso‐Tethys Ocean that once separated the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes. When and how this ocean closed has been a matter of debate, and the cause of the uncertainty stems primarily from a lack of consensus as to whether Early Cretaceous ophiolite exists within the BNSZ. New geochronological and geochemical data presented here identify ∼138–134 Ma MORB‐like and OIB‐type mafic rocks in the Kangqiong area of the western BNSZ. These data, together with the spatially associated peridotite and marine sediment, provide the first firm evidence for the presence of Early Cretaceous ophiolite within the BNSZ. Our integrated study of geological, mineralogical, and geochemical data suggests that the Kangqiong Ophiolite formed in a forearc setting related to the subduction re‐initiation of the Meso‐Tethys Ocean. By combining the present results with a synthesis of tectonomagmatism in central Tibet, including the existence of an Early Jurassic oceanic plateau within the Meso‐Tethys Ocean, the magmatic lull (∼145–130 Ma) in the Qiangtang Terrane, an angular unconformity between Lower Jurassic oceanic rocks and Upper Jurassic shallow‐marine strata, and the compositional differences and migration of magmatism before and after the magmatic lull, we propose a new model of the evolution of the Meso‐Tethys Ocean. This model proposes that the collision of an oceanic plateau with the Qiangtang continental margin caused the termination of Meso‐Tethyan subduction during the Late Jurassic and subsequent re‐initiation behind the oceanic plateau during the Early Cretaceous.
Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling of Nitrate Concentration in a Forest Stream Affected by Large‐Scale Forest Dieback
Authors: Jung Hoseung , Senf Cornelius , Beudert Burkhard , Krueger Tobias
Published: January 2021

The ecosystem function of vegetation to attenuate export of nutrients is of substantial importance for securing water quality. This ecosystem function is at risk of deterioration due to an increasing risk of large‐scale forest dieback under climate change. The present study explores the response of the nitrogen (N) cycle of a forest catchment in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany, in the face of a severe bark beetle (Ips typographus Linnaeus) outbreak and resulting large‐scale forest dieback using top‐down statistical‐mechanistic modeling. Outbreaks of bark beetle killed the dominant tree species Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.) in stands accounting for 55% of the catchment area. A Bayesian hierarchical model that predicts daily stream NO3 concentration (C) over three decades with discharge (Q) and temperature (T) (C‐Q‐T relationship) outperformed alternative statistical models. A catchment model was subsequently developed to explain the C‐Q‐T relationship in top‐down fashion. Annually varying parameter estimates provide mechanistic interpretations of the catchment processes. Release of NO3 from decaying litter after the dieback was tracked by an increase of the nutrient input parameter cs0. The slope of C‐T relation was near zero during this period, suggesting that the nutrient release was beyond the regulating capacity of the vegetation and soils. Within a decade after the dieback, the released N was flushed out and nutrient retention capacity was restored with the regrowth of the vegetation.
Deep‐Learning‐Based Adjoint State Method: Methodology and Preliminary Application to Inverse Modeling
Authors: Xiao Cong , Deng Ya , Wang Guangdong
Published: January 2021

We present an efficient adjoint model based on the deep‐learning surrogate to address high‐dimensional inverse modeling with an application to subsurface transport. The proposed method provides a completely code nonintrusive and computationally feasible way to approximate the model derivatives, which subsequently can be used to derive gradients for inverse modeling. This conceptual deep‐learning framework, that is, an architecture of deep convolutional neural network through combining autoencoder and autoregressive structure, efficiently produces an analogously analytical adjoint with the help of auto‐differentiation module in the popular deep‐learning packages. We intentionally retain training data at the specific time instances where the measurements are taken, the storage of the intermediate states and computation of their adjoint, therefore, are completely avoided. This proposed adjoint state method is tested on a synthetic two‐dimensional model for parameter estimations. The preliminary results reveal the feasibility of the proposed adjoint state method in term of computational efficiency and programming flexibility.
Assessing the Feasibility of Managed Aquifer Recharge in California
Authors: Ulibarri Nicola , Escobedo Garcia Nataly , Nelson Rebecca L. , Cravens Amanda E. , McCarty Ryan J.
Published: January 2021

With aquifers around the world stressed by over‐extraction, water managers are increasingly turning to managed aquifer recharge (MAR), directly replenishing groundwater resources through injection wells, recharge basins, or other approaches. While there has been progress in understanding the geological and infrastructure‐related considerations to make MAR more effective, critical evaluations of its institutional design and implementation are limited. This study assesses MAR projects, using a case study of projects proposed by groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) in California to comply with the state's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014; these projects will almost double the number of MAR projects in the United States. We draw on content analysis of groundwater sustainability plans that propose these projects. We first assess the types of recharge projects proposed and the stated aims of the projects, to assess when and why agencies are turning to MAR as a solution. We find that recharge basins are by far the most common approach, and that GSAs hope these basins will improve water table levels, reduce subsidence, and improve water quality. We then analyze potential barriers to project implementation and assess the projects' ability to achieve the stated goals. Primary concerns identified include a potential lack of available water, a potentially challenging legal framework, and minimal consideration of funding and cumulative land needs. To conclude, we discuss broader considerations for ensuring that MAR is an effective water management tool.
Determining Dissolved Organic Carbon Flows into the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Shultz David
Published: January 2021

A new model determines freshwater and dissolved organic carbon discharge to the Gulf of Alaska from one of the most geographically diverse but understudied regions on the planet.
22(R)-hydroxycholesterol for dopaminergic neuronal specification of MSCs and amelioration of Parkinsonian symptoms in rats
Authors: Singh Manisha , Jain Manish , Bose Samrat , Halder Ashutosh , Nag Tapas Chandra , Dinda Amit Kumar , Mohanty Sujata
Published: January 2021

Oxysterols play vital roles in the human body, ranging from cell cycle regulation and progression to dopaminergic neurogenesis. While naïve human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been explored to have neurogenic effect, there is still a grey area to explore their regenerative potential after in vitro differentiation. Hence, in the current study, we have investigated the neurogenic effect of 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (22-HC) on hMSCs obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue and dental pulp. Morphological and morphometric analysis revealed physical differentiation of stem cells into neuronal cells. Detailed characterization of differentiated cells affirmed generation of neuronal cells in culture. The percentage of generation of non-DA cells in the culture confirmed selective neurogenic potential of 22-HC. We substantiated the efficacy of these cells in neuro-regeneration by transplanting them into Parkinson’s disease Wistar rat model. MSCs from dental pulp had maximal regenerative effect (with 80.20 ± 1.5% in vitro differentiation efficiency) upon transplantation, as shown by various behavioural examinations and immunohistochemical tests. Subsequential analysis revealed that 22-HC yields a higher percentage of functional DA neurons and has differential effect on various tissue-specific primary human MSCs. 22-HC may be used for treating Parkinson’s disease in future with stem cells.
Phase-field simulation of dose rate effect on the Cu precipitation with neutron irradiation
Authors: Maqbool Shahid , Li Yongsheng , Muhammad Suleman , Yan Zhengwei , Shi Shujing
Published: January 2021

Radiation-enhanced precipitation (REP) in Fe–Cu alloys results in higher volume fraction and radius of Cu precipitates.
Constructing green mercury-free catalysts with single pyridinic N species for acetylene hydrochlorination and mechanism investigation
Authors: Qiao Xianliang , Liu Xinyu , Zhou Zhiqiang , Guan Qingxin , Li Wei
Published: January 2021

A green bifunctional polymer for acetylene hydrochlorination is directly used as a catalyst and then used as a precursor to prepare an N-doped carbon catalyst.
Mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods loaded with tetrazolyl phthalocyanine as NIR light-activated nano-switches for synergistic photothermal and photodynamic inactivation of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Ye Qiuhao , Xiao Shuanghuang , Lin Ting , Jiang Yufeng , Peng Yiru , Huang Yide
Published: January 2021

A light-controlled nano-switch was assembled by mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods with tetrazolyl phthalocyanines. This nano-switch exhibited synergistic photothermal and photodynamic inactivation of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli.
Photocatalytic activity of new nanostructures of an Ag(i) metal–organic framework (Ag-MOF) for the efficient degradation of MCPA and 2,4-D herbicides under sunlight irradiation
Authors: Hayati Payam , Mehrabadi Zohreh , Karimi Mehdi , Janczak Jan , Mohammadi Khosro , Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Dadi Fatemeh , Fard Mohammad Jaafar Soltanian , Hasanzadeh Amir , Rostamnia Sadegh
Published: January 2021

A new Ag(i) metal–organic framework (Ag-MOF) [Ag(p-OH-C6H4COOH)2(NO3)]n [Ag(PHBA)2(NO3)]n, (1) (PHBA: C8H6O4 {p-hydroxybenzoic acid}) was synthesized using two different methods; the laying method (single crystal) and sonochemical irradiation (nanostructures).
Adsorption of rhodamine B by organic porous materials rich in nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur heteroatoms
Authors: Du Xiao-Cheng , Zhu Ji-Hua , Quan Zheng-Jun , Wang Xi-Cun
Published: January 2021

Rhodamine B is a non-degradable carcinogenic dye, so it is of great significance to remove rhodamine B from wastewater.
Sodium difluorophosphate: facile synthesis, structure, and electrochemical behavior as an additive for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Huan , Hwang Jinkwang , Tonouchi Yuto , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika
Published: January 2021

NaPO2F2 prepared via a facile two-step reaction was characterized by structural analysis and used as an additive for sodium-ion batteries. The addition of NaPO2F2 formed a highly Na+-conductive SEI layer, which enhanced electrode performance.
A new metric to control nucleation and grain size distribution in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites by tuning the dielectric constant of the antisolvent
Authors: Sorenson Blaire A. , Yoon Lucy U. , Holmgren Eric , Choi Joshua J. , Clancy Paulette
Published: January 2021

In perovskite research, there is a widely exploited but poorly explained phenomenon in which the addition of “antisolvents (ATS)” to precursor solutions results in higher-quality films.
Filter-free color image sensor based on CsPbBr3−3nX3n (X = Cl, I) single crystals
Authors: Zhang Peng , Hua Yunqiu , Li Xiang , Zhang Longzhen , Liu Lin , Li Rongzhen , Zhang Guodong , Tao Xutang
Published: January 2021

Centimeter-sized CsPbBr3−3nX3n single crystals were grown using the modified Bridgman method. Eight filter-free narrowband photodetectors were fabricated based on the CsPbBr3−3nX3n crystals utilizing the concept of charge collection narrowing. A filter-free color image sensor was constructed using these eight CsPbBr3−3nX3n narrowband photodetectors.
Long‐time coherent integration based on intra‐partition range‐Doppler processing for passive bistatic radar
Authors: Zuo Luo , Wang Jun , Sui Jinxin
Published: January 2021

The Doppler mismatch, range migration and Doppler frequency migration (DFM) correction problem for realizing the long‐time coherent integration of space moving target with high‐speed manoeuvring performance in passive bistatic radar is considered. A novel method based on intra‐partition range‐Doppler (RD) processing is proposed, where the intra‐partition RD processing is first performed to achieve the pre‐accumulation of target’s energy in each partition and eliminate the Doppler mismatch. Then, the generalized keystone transform is employed to correct the range curvature. After that, the residual range walk is removed with the centre frequency of the coarse Doppler filter related to the target velocity. Furthermore, matched filtering process is carried out to compensate the DFM. The advantage of the method is that it can obtain superior coherent integration and detection performance in comparison with the existing algorithms. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the coherent integration and the detection performance for a high‐speed target.