bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of RST1 and RIPR proteins in plant RNA quality control systems
Authors: Auth Mariann , Nyikó Tünde , Auber Andor , Silhavy Dániel
Published: April 2021

To keep mRNA homeostasis, the RNA degradation, quality control and silencing systems should act in balance in plants. Degradation of normal mRNA starts with deadenylation, then deadenylated transcripts are degraded by the SKI-exosome 3′-5′ and/or XRN4 5′-3′ exonucleases. RNA quality control systems identify and decay different aberrant transcripts. RNA silencing degrades double-stranded transcripts and homologous mRNAs. It also targets aberrant and silencing prone transcripts. The SKI-exosome is essential for mRNA homeostasis, it functions in normal mRNA degradation and different RNA quality control systems, and in its absence silencing targets normal transcripts. It is highly conserved in eukaryotes, thus recent reports that the plant SKI-exosome is associated with RST1 and RIPR proteins and that, they are required for SKI-exosome–mediated decay of silencing prone transcripts were unexpected. To clarify whether RST1 and RIPR are essential for all SKI-exosome functions or only for the elimination of silencing prone transcripts, degradation of different reporter transcripts was studied in RST1 and RIPR inactivated Nicotiana benthamiana plants. As RST1 and RIPR, like the SKI-exosome, were essential for Non-stop and No-go decay quality control systems, and for RNA silencing- and minimum ORF-mediated decay, we propose that RST1 and RIPR are essential components of plant SKI-exosome supercomplex.
An Evaluation of Strategies Used to Maximize Intervention Fidelity in a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Sexual Assault Resistance Program for University Women
Authors: Hobden Karen L. , Thurston Wilfreda E. , McVey Gail L. , Senn Charlene Y.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we describe and evaluate the strategies used to maximize intervention fidelity in a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of a sexual assault resistance intervention. The EAAA program was based on the best available theory and evidence on how women can successfully resist sexual coercion from male acquaintances. Extensive protocols for hiring, training, and supervising facilitators were established a priori. Detailed intervention manuals were developed that clearly described program goals, learning objectives, core elements, troubleshooting tips, sections that must be delivered verbatim, adaptations that could be made if necessary, and the ideal and minimum dose. Program sessions were audio-recorded, and a subsample of recordings were scored for adherence to the manuals using detailed Intervention Fidelity Checklists (IFC) developed specifically for this research. The Gearing et al. (2011) Comprehensive Intervention Fidelity Guide (CFIG) was employed retrospectively to provide objectivity to our analysis and help identify what we did well and what we could have done better. The SARE (Sexual Assault Resistance Education) Trial received high scores (38 out of 44 (86%) from each of the first two authors on the CFIG, suggesting a high level of intervention fidelity. Although a potential for bias on the part of the two raters was an obvious limitation, as was our neglection to include measures of implementation receipt, which Gearing et al. (2011) recommended, our analysis underscores the utility in employing methods recommended to enhance intervention fidelity when developing and evaluating evidence-based interventions.
Beyond the Cuckoo’s Nest: Patient and Public Attitudes about Psychiatric Electroceutical Interventions
Authors: Cabrera Laura Y. , Gilbert Maryssa M. C. , McCright Aaron M. , Achtyes Eric D. , Bluhm Robyn
Published: April 2021

Recent research emphasizes the role of psychiatric electroceutical interventions (PEIs), bioelectronic treatments that employ electrical stimulation to affect and modify brain function, to effectively treat psychiatric disorders. We sought to examine attitudes about three PEIs—electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and deep brain stimulation—among patients with depression and members of the general public. As part of a larger study to assess different stakeholders’ attitudes about PEIs, we conducted semi-structured key informant interviews with 16 individuals living with depression and 16 non-depressive members of the general public. We used a purposive sampling approach to recruit potential participants based on eligibility criteria. We performed qualitative content analysis of interview transcripts. Participants from both groups expressed an overall cautionary attitude towards PEIs, yet there were mixed attitudes in both groups. Patients commonly described electroconvulsive therapy as scary, traumatic, or intense, while members of the general public often referenced the treatment’s negative portrayal in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Patients and the general public saw transcranial magnetic stimulation as a potentially viable option, but in most cases only if medication was not effective. Deep brain stimulation attitudes were predominantly negative among patients and cautionary among public. The overall cautionary attitudes towards PEIs, together with the technological features and social aspects underlying those attitudes, highlight the need for unbiased education to fill the gaps in knowledge and inform perceptions of those who may benefit from these treatments.
Face and Mask: “Person” and “subjectivity” in Language and Through Signs
Authors: Paolucci Claudio
Published: April 2021

In this paper, I will deal with the way linguistics and semiotics focus on person and subjectivity in language. I start from two different meanings of the “person” word and from Benveniste and Latour’s theories of enunciation. Later, I deal with the problem of subjectivity in language and I connect it to two different views: Benveniste’s idea that subjectivity is grounded on the “I” and Guillaume’s idea of a primacy of the “he”. Starting from the Iliad and from the semiotic idea of subject, I take side for Guillaume and Latour’s theory: it is the delocutive structure of the “he” which, in language, expresses subjectivity, namely the capacity of the subject to make himself the object of his reflections and of his words.
Residuated Structures and Orthomodular Lattices
Authors: Fazio D. , Ledda A. , Paoli F.
Published: April 2021

The variety of (pointed) residuated lattices includes a vast proportion of the classes of algebras that are relevant for algebraic logic, e.g., $$\ell $$
ℓ
-groups, Heyting algebras, MV-algebras, or De Morgan monoids. Among the outliers, one counts orthomodular lattices and other varieties of quantum algebras. We suggest a common framework—pointed left-residuated $$\ell $$
ℓ
-groupoids—where residuated structures and quantum structures can all be accommodated. We investigate the lattice of subvarieties of pointed left-residuated $$\ell $$
ℓ
-groupoids, their ideals, and develop a theory of left nuclei. Finally, we extend some parts of the theory of join-completions of residuated $$\ell $$
ℓ
-groupoids to the left-residuated case, giving a new proof of MacLaren’s theorem for orthomodular lattices.
Cost-effectiveness of sequential daily teriparatide/weekly alendronate compared with alendronate monotherapy for older osteoporotic women with prior vertebral fracture in Japan
Authors: Mori Takahiro , Crandall Carolyn J. , Fujii Tomoko , Ganz David A.
Published: April 2021

Summary

Using a Markov microsimulation model among hypothetical cohorts of community-dwelling older osteoporotic Japanese women with prior vertebral fracture over a lifetime horizon, we found that daily subcutaneous teriparatide for 2 years followed by weekly oral alendronate for 8 years was not cost-effective compared with alendronate monotherapy for 10 years.

Purpose

Teriparatide has proven efficacy in reducing osteoporotic fractures, but with substantial cost. We examined the cost-effectiveness of sequential teriparatide/alendronate (i.e., daily subcutaneous teriparatide for 2 years followed by weekly oral alendronate for 8 years) compared with alendronate monotherapy for 10 years among community-dwelling older osteoporotic women with prior clinical or morphometric vertebral fracture in Japan.

Methods

Using a previously validated and updated Markov microsimulation model, we obtained incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (Japanese yen [¥] (or US dollars [$]) per quality-adjusted life year [QALY]) from the perspective of a single payer responsible for both public healthcare and long-term care. We assumed a lifetime horizon with a willingness-to-pay of ¥5million (or $47,500) per QALY in the base case. We modeled the cost of biosimilar teriparatide, which has been available since November 2019 in Japan, assuming the efficacy was the same as that of the brand version.

Results

In the base case, sequential teriparatide/alendronate was not cost-effective compared with alendronate monotherapy. In deterministic sensitivity analyses, sequential teriparatide/alendronate would become cost-effective with 85%, 50%, and 15% price discounts to teriparatide at ages 70, 75, and 80, respectively, compared to the current biosimilar cost. Otherwise, results were especially sensitive to changes that affected efficacy of teriparatide or alendronate. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the probabilities of sequential teriparatide/alendronate being cost-effective were 0%, 1%, and 37% at ages 70, 75, and 80, respectively.

Conclusions

Among high-risk osteoporotic women in Japan, sequential teriparatide/alendronate was not cost-effective compared with alendronate monotherapy, even with the availability of biosimilar teriparatide.
Persistence with oral bisphosphonates and denosumab among older adults in primary care in Ireland
Authors: Walsh Mary E. , Fahey Tom , Moriarty Frank
Published: April 2021

Summary

Gaps in pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis can reduce effectiveness. Among older adults, we found about half of new users of oral bisphosphonate and denosumab persisted with their treatment at 2 years, with few switching to alternative therapy. Persistence is suboptimal and warrants evaluation of interventions to improve this.

Purpose

Gaps in pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis can reduce effectiveness. This study aimed to estimate persistence rates for oral bisphosphonates and denosumab in older primary care patients and identify factors associated with discontinuation.

Methods

Older patients newly prescribed oral bisphosphonates or denosumab during 2012–2017 were identified from 44 general practices (GP) in Ireland. Persistence without a coverage gap of >90 days was calculated for both medications from therapy initiation. Factors associated with time to discontinuation were explored using Cox regression analysis. Exposures included age group, osteoporosis diagnosis, fracture history, calcium/vitamin D prescription, number of other medications, health cover, dosing frequency (bisphosphonates) and previous bone-health medication (denosumab).

Results

Of 41,901 patients, n=1569 were newly initiated on oral bisphosphonates and n=1615 on denosumab. Two-year persistence was 49.4% for oral bisphosphonates and 53.8% for denosumab and <10% were switched to other medication. Having state-funded health cover was associated with a lower hazard of discontinuation for both oral bisphosphonates (HR=0.49, 95% CI=0.36–0.66, p<0.01) and denosumab (HR=0.71, 95% CI=0.57–0.89, p<0.01). Older age group, number of medications and calcium/vitamin D prescription were also associated with better bisphosphonate persistence, while having osteoporosis diagnosed was associated with better denosumab persistence.

Conclusion

Persistence for osteoporosis medications is suboptimal. Of concern, few patients are switched to other bone-health treatments when denosumab is stopped which could increase fracture risk. Free access to GP services and medications may have resulted in better medication persistence in this cohort. Future research should explore prescribing choices in primary care osteoporosis management and evaluate cost-effectiveness of interventions for improving persistence.
Non-destructive handheld XRF study of archaeological composite silver objects—the case study of the late Roman Seuso Treasure
Authors: Mozgai Viktória , Bajnóczi Bernadett , May Zoltán , Mráv Zsolt
Published: April 2021

This study details the non-destructive chemical analysis of composite silver objects (ewers, situlas, amphora and casket) from one of the most significant late Roman finds, the Seuso Treasure. The Seuso Treasure consists of fourteen large silver vessels that were made in the fourth–early fifth centuries AD and used for dining during festive banquets and for washing and beautification. The measurements were systematically performed along a pre-designed grid at several points using handheld X-ray fluorescence analysis. The results demonstrate that all the objects were made from high-quality silver (above 90 wt% Ag), with the exception of the base of the Geometric Ewer B. Copper was added intentionally to improve the mechanical properties of soft silver. The gold and lead content of the objects shows constant values (less than 1 wt% Au and Pb). The chemical composition as well as the Bi/Pb ratio suggests that the parts of the composite objects were manufactured from different silver ingots. The ewers were constructed in two ways: (i) the base and the body were made separately, or (ii) the ewer was raised from a single silver sheet. The composite objects were assembled using three methods: (i) mechanical attachment; (ii) low-temperature, lead-tin soft solders; or (iii) high-temperature, copper-silver hard solders. Additionally, two types of gilding were revealed by the XRF analysis, one with remnants of mercury, i.e. fire-gilding, and another type without remnants of mercury, presumably diffusion bonding.
Segmented intravaginal ring for the combination delivery of hydroxychloroquine and anti-CCR5 siRNA nanoparticles as a potential strategy for preventing HIV infection
Authors: Traore Yannick L. , Chen Yufei , Padilla Fernanda , Ho Emmanuel A.
Published: April 2021

Vaginal drug delivery has been shown to be a promising strategy for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Therapy delivered at the site of infection has many advantages including improved therapeutic efficacy, reduction in systemic toxicity, and reduced potential for development of drug resistance. We developed a “smart” combination intravaginal ring (IVR) that will (1) provide continuous release of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to induce T cell immune quiescence as the first-line of defense and (2) release nanoparticles containing anti-CCR5 siRNA only during sexual intercourse when triggered by the presence of seminal fluid as the second-line of defense. The IVR was capable of releasing HCQ over 25 days with a mean daily release of 31.17 ± 3.06 µg/mL. In the presence of vaginal fluid simulant plus seminal fluid simulant, over 12 × more nanoparticles (5.12 ± 0.9 mg) were released over a 4-h period in comparison to IVR segments that were incubated in the presence of vaginal fluid simulant alone (0.42 ± 0.19 mg). Anti-CCR5 siRNA nanoparticles were able to knockdown 83 ± 5.1% of CCR5 gene expression in vitro in the CD4+ T cell line Sup-T1. The IVR system also demonstrated to be non-cytotoxic to VK2/E6E7 vaginal epithelial cells.

Graphical abstract
Prognostic role of proliferating CD8+ cytotoxic Tcells in human cancers
Authors: Blessin Niclas C. , Li Wenchao , Mandelkow Tim , Jansen Hannah L. , Yang Cheng , Raedler Jonas B. , Simon Ronald , Büscheck Franziska , Dum David , Luebke Andreas M. , Hinsch Andrea , Möller Katharina , Menz Anne , Bernreuther Christian , Lebok Patrick , Clauditz Till , Sauter Guido , Marx Andreas , Uhlig Ria , Wilczak Waldemar , Minner Sarah , Krech Till , Fraune Christoph , Höflmayer Doris , Burandt Eike , Steurer Stefan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Expansion of CD8+ cytotoxic Tlymphocytes is a prerequisite for anti-cancer immune activity and has gained interest in the era of immune checkpoint therapy.

Methods

To understand the CD8+ T cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment, we used multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry to quantitate CD8+ proliferation (Ki67 co-expression) in tissue microarrays from 1107 colorectal, 642 renal cell, 1066 breast, 375 ovarian, 451 pancreatic and 347 gastric cancer samples.

Results

The density and the percentage of proliferating (Ki67+) CD8+ T cells were both highly variable between tumor types as well as between patients with the same tumor type. Elevated density and percentage of proliferating CD8+ cytotoxic T cells were significantly associated with favorable tumor parameters such as low tumor stage, negative nodal stage (p ≤ 0.0041 each), prolonged overall survival (p ≤ 0.0028 each) and an inflamed immune phenotype (p = 0.0025) in colorectal cancer and, in contrast, linked to high tumor stage, advanced ISUP/Fuhrman/Thoenes grading (each p ≤ 0.003), shorter overall survival (p ≤ 0.0330 each) and an immune inflamed phenotype (p = 0.0094) in renal cell cancer. In breast, ovarian, pancreatic and gastric cancer the role of (Ki67+)CD8+ Tcells was not linked to clinicopathological data.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate a tumor type dependent prognostic impact of proliferating (Ki67+)CD8+ Tcells and an inverse impact in colorectal and renal cell cancer.
Biopsy findings after detection of de novo donor-specific antibodies in renal transplant recipients: a single center experience
Authors: Waldecker Christoph B. , Zgoura Panagiota , Seibert Felix S. , Gall Sabina , Schenker Peter , Bauer Frederic , Rohn Benjamin , Viebahn Richard , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: April 2021

Background

De novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are associated with an increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection and a substantial reduction of allograft survival. We hypothesized that detection of DSA should prompt a biopsy even in the absence of proteinuria and loss of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, data on a population without proteinuria or loss of kidney function is scant, and this is the main novelty of our study design.

Methods

Single center retrospective analysis on biopsy findings after detection of de novo DSA. One-hundred-thirty-two kidney and pancreas-kidney transplant recipients were included. Eighty-four of these patients (63.6%) underwent allograft biopsy. At the time of biopsy n = 50 (59.5%) had a protein/creatinine ratio (PCR) > 300 mg/g creatinine and/or a loss of eGFR ≥ 10 ml/min in the previous 12 months, whereas 40.5% did not. Diagnosis of rejection was performed according to Banff criteria.

Results

Seventy-seven (91.7%) of the biopsies had signs of rejection (47.6% antibody mediated rejection (ABMR), 13.1% cellular, 20.2% combined, 10.7% borderline). Among subjects without proteinuria or loss of eGFR ≥ 10 ml/min/a (n = 34), 29 patients (85.3%) showed signs of rejection (44.1% antibody mediated (ABMR), 14.7% cellular, 11.8% combined, 14.7% borderline).

Conclusion

The majority of subjects with de novo DSA have histological signs of rejection, even in the absence of proteinuria and deterioration of graft function. Thus, it appears reasonable to routinely perform an allograft biopsy after the detection of de novo DSA.

Graphic abstract
Diabetes classification application with efficient missing and outliers data handling algorithms
Authors: Torkey Hanaa , Ibrahim Elhossiny , Hemdan EZZ El-Din , El-Sayed Ayman , Shouman Marwa A.
Published: April 2021

Communication between sensors spread everywhere in healthcare systems may cause some missing in the transferred features. Repairing the data problems of sensing devices by artificial intelligence technologies have facilitated the Medical Internet of Things (MIoT) and its emerging applications in Healthcare. MIoT has great potential to affect the patient's life. Data collected from smart wearable devices size dramatically increases with data collected from millions of patients who are suffering from diseases such as diabetes. However, sensors or human errors lead to missing some values of the data. The major challenge of this problem is how to predict this value to maintain the data analysis model performance within a good range. In this paper, a complete healthcare system for diabetics has been used, as well as two new algorithms are developed to handle the crucial problem of missed data from MIoT wearable sensors. The proposed work is based on the integration of Random Forest, mean, class' mean, interquartile range (IQR), and Deep Learning to produce a clean and complete dataset. Which can enhance any machine learning model performance. Moreover, the outliers repair technique is proposed based on dataset class detection, then repair it by Deep Learning (DL). The final model accuracy with the two steps of imputation and outliers repair is 97.41% and 99.71% Area Under Curve (AUC). The used healthcare system is a web-based diabetes classification application using flask to be used in hospitals and healthcare centers for the patient diagnosed with an effective fashion.
Abrasion Resistance of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for Railway Sleepers
Authors: Hasnat Ariful , Ghafoori Nader
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to determine the abrasion resistance of ultra-high-performance concretes (UHPCs) for railway sleepers. Test samples were made with different cementitious material combinations and varying steel fiber contents and shapes, using conventional fine aggregate. A total of 25 UHPCs and two high-strength concretes (HSCs) were selected to evaluate their depth of wear and bulk properties. The results of the coefficient of variation (CV), relative gain in abrasion, and abrasion index of the studied UHPCs were also obtained and discussed. Furthermore, a comparison was made on the resistance to wear of the selected UHPCs with those of the HSCs typically used for prestressed concrete sleepers. The outcomes of this study revealed that UHPCs displayed excellent resistance against abrasion, well above that of HSCs. Amongst the utilized cementitious material combinations, UHPCs made with silica fume as a partial replacement of cement performed best against abrasion, whereas mixtures containing fly ash showed the highest depth of wear. The addition of steel fibers had a more positive influence on the abrasion resistance than it did on compressive strength of the studied UHPCs.
Structure, phase transformation, and hardness of NiTiHfNd alloys
Authors: Zhao Chunwang , Zhao Shilei
Published: April 2021

Ni50Ti29Hf21−xNdx (x = 0, 1, 2 at.%) and Ni50Ti29−xHf21Ndx (x = 1, 2 at.%) alloys were fabricated via arc melting. For the first time, the influence of Nd addition on structure, phase transformation, and hardness of NiTiHf alloy was investigated experimentally. It is found that the NiTiHfNd alloys consist of NiTiHf matrix and Nd-rich precipitates. Ni50Ti29Hf21 alloy demonstrates a martensitic transformation temperature as high as 314.1 °C, a thermal hysteresis as narrow as 37.7 °C, and a Vickers hardness as high as 500 HV. Nd addition obviously decreases the martensitic transformation temperature of NiTiHf alloys but still maintains a relatively narrow thermal hysteresis and a relatively high Vickers hardness compared with most other components of NiTiHf-based alloys.
Green synthesis of single phase hausmannite Mn3O4 nanoparticles via Aspalathus linearis natural extract
Authors: Diallo A. , Tandjigora N. , Ndiaye S. , Jan Tariq , Ahmad I. , Maaza M.
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant precursors has been extensively studied. However, less attention has been given to Mn3O4. This contribution validates the synthesis of single-phase Hausmannite Mn3O4 nanoparticles by a green approach without using any standard acid/base compounds, surfactants, and organic/inorganic dissolving agents. The chemical chelation of the Mn precursor was performed via bioactive compounds of the Aspalathus Linearis’ extract, an African indigenous plant. Annealing at 400 °C for ~ 1 h was required to crystallize the small amorphous nanoparticles with an initial bimodal size distribution peaking at $$\left\langle {\phi_{1} } \right\rangle$$

ϕ
1

 ~ 4.21 nm and $$\left\langle {\phi_{2} } \right\rangle$$

ϕ
2

 ~ 8.51 nm respectively. Such annealing lead to increase in the diameter of the nanoparticles from 17 to 28 nm.The morphological, structural, vibrational, surface, and photoluminescence properties of the single-phase Hausmannite nanoparticles were comprehensively investigated by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy(HRTEM),Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman and X-rays Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), spectroscopy as well as room temperature photoluminescence. Structural and morphological investigations revealed the formation of quasi-spherical nanoparticles having a single phase Hausmannite Mn3O4 crystal structure. XPS results also validated the XRD results about the formation of Hausmannite Mn3O4 nanoparticles. Raman investigations allowed a crystal-clear distinction between the Mn3O4 nature of the nanoparticles from the potential γ -Mn2O3 phase as both phases belong to the same space group and both assume tetragonally-distorted cubic lattices of nearly similar dimensions. The optical studies of the single phase Hausmannite crystalline nanoparticles exhibited a broad photoluminescence in the spectral range of 300–700 nm, which is ideal for emission devices.

Graphic abstract
A novel sensitive based approach to ATC enhancement in wind power integrated transmission system
Authors: Narain Aishvarya , Srivastava S. K. , Singh S. N.
Published: April 2021

Available transfer capability (ATC) plays an important role for both buyers and suppliers in the deregulated power system. As the integration of renewable energy sources is taking place very quickly in the system. It is not suggested to place wind generation (WG) at any point of the system. In this paper, the optimal location of buses for WG using a novel sensitive based formula is proposed. The zones are formed using the transmission congestion distribution factor (TCDF) values. The average transmission congestion distribution factor (ATCDF) is used to locate the optimal point of the system. When the WG is integrated into the system its obvious ATC increases but at which point the ATC values will be more is considered as the main objective. The WG is placed at every bus in the zone created by the TCDF value and the ATC value is calculated. The test is performed on the IEEE-30 bus system in MATLAB coding environment. The comparison result shows the ATC value enhances more when the WG is placed according to the proposed method. The proposed method also helps to find multiple locations for WG installation according to ATCDF value.

Highlights

Average TCDF value is proposed to find the optimal bus location for getting more ATC value.

Integration of WG according to highest ATCDF value in the system.

Comparison of ATC obtain from the integration of WG at different buses in sensitive zones.

Validation of a proposed method by comparing the ATC value obtain from integrating WG at different buses.

The optimal bus location based on the ATCDF value gave enhance ATC value compare to the other bus location.

ATCDF value helps in finding the multiple locations for integration of WG in the system.
The effect of copper source on the stability and activity of α-tocopherol acetate, butylated hydroxytoulene and phytase
Authors: Concarr Michael J. , O’Rourke Rachel , Murphy Richard A.
Published: April 2021

The supplementation of Copper (Cu) is essential for the optimum performance of physiological functions, including growth performance and immune function. Cu is usually formulated into animal premixes in the form of inorganic salts, such as sulphates, or organic minerals. Organic minerals are mineral salts that are either complexed or chelated to organic ligands such as proteins, amino acids, and polysaccharides. Cu is often formulated into premixes alongside other essential components such as vitamins, enzymes and synthetic antioxidants, all of which are susceptible to negative interactions with Cu which can detrimentally effect both their stability and activity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of five different commercially available Cu sources in relation to their effect on the stability of α-tocopherol acetate and on the activity of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and three commercially available phytases in vitro. The results determined that Cu source played a significant role in relation to limiting the interactions between Cu and each of the other components in vitro. There were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05), not only, between the inorganic and organic Cu sources but also between some of the individual organic Cu sources in relation to their effect on α-tocopherol acetate, BHT and phytase.
International Investment Law and Legal Theory
Authors: Kammerhofer Jörg
Published: April 2021

Expropriation is a hotly debated issue in international investment law. This is the first study to provide a detailed analysis of its norm-theoretical dimension, setting out the theoretical foundations underlying its understanding in contemporary legal scholarship and practice. Jörg Kammerhofer combines a doctrinal discussion with a theoretical analysis of the structure of the law in this area, undertaking a novel approach that critically re-evaluates existing case-law and writings. His approach critiques the arguments for a single expropriation norm based on custom, interpretation and arbitral precedents within international investment law, drawing also on generalist international legal thought, to show that both cosmopolitan and sovereigntist arguments are largely political, not legal. This innovative work will help scholars to understand the application of theory to investment law and help specialists in the field to improve their arguments.
The Face and Faciality in Medieval French Literature, 1170–1390
Authors: Hazard Alice
Published: April 2021

Modern theoretical approaches thrown new light on the concepts of face and faciality in the Roman de la Rose and other French texts from the Middle Ages.
Role of Atmospheric Indices in Describing Inshore Directional Wave Climate in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Scott T. , McCarroll R. J. , Masselink G. , Castelle B. , Dodet G. , Saulter A. , Scaife A. A. , Dunstone N.
Published: April 2021

Improved understanding of how our coasts will evolve over a range of time scales (years‐decades) is critical for effective and sustainable management of coastal infrastructure. A robust knowledge of the spatial, directional and temporal variability of the inshore wave climate is required to predict future coastal evolution and hence vulnerability. However, the variability of the inshore directional wave climate has received little attention, and an improved understanding could drive development of skillful seasonal or decadal forecasts of coastal response. We examine inshore wave climate at 63 locations throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland (1980–2017) and show that 73% are directionally bimodal. We find that winter‐averaged expressions of six leading atmospheric indices are strongly correlated (r = 0.60–0.87) with both total and directional winter wave power (peak spectral wave direction) at all studied sites. Regional inshore wave climate classification through hierarchical cluster analysis and stepwise multi‐linear regression of directional wave correlations with atmospheric indices defined four spatially coherent regions. We show that combinations of indices have significant skill in predicting directional wave climates (R2 = 0.45–0.8; p < 0.05). We demonstrate for the first time the significant explanatory power of leading winter‐averaged atmospheric indices for directional wave climates, and show that leading seasonal forecasts of the NAO skillfully predict wave climate in some regions.
Increasing Human‐Perceived Heat Stress Risks Exacerbated by Urbanization in China: A Comparative Study Based on Multiple Metrics
Authors: Luo Ming , Lau Ngar‐Cheung
Published: April 2021

More than half of the total population in China are living in cities. Especially, the people in highly developed and spatially integrated city clusters, i.e., urban agglomerations (UAs), are facing increasing human‐perceived heat stress that describes the combined effects of hot temperature, high humidity, and lowered surface wind speed. By analyzing multiple indicators over 20 major UAs across China, we demonstrate that summer heat stress has been significantly intensifying in nearly all UAs during 1971–2014. This intensification is more profound in northern than southern regions and is especially stronger in more urbanized and densely populated areas (e.g., Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei and the Yangtze River Delta). Based on a dynamic classification of weather stations using time‐varying land use/land cover maps, we find that urban core areas exhibit distinctly stronger increasing heat stress trends than their surrounding rural areas. On average, urbanization contributes to approximately one‐quarter of the total increase in mean heat stress over urban core areas of UAs and nearly half of the total increase in extreme heat stress events. The urbanization effect is also dependent on the geographical region within China. Urbanization tends to have stronger intensifying effects on heat stress in UAs with higher population density in low‐altitude areas, while it has a relatively weaker intensifying and even weakening effect in some arid and high‐altitude regions. Moreover, as various heat stress metrics may yield different estimations of long‐term trend and urbanization contribution, the particular choice of heat stress indicator is of critical importance for investigations on this subject matter.
From Flood to Drip Irrigation Under Climate Change: Impacts on Evapotranspiration and Groundwater Recharge in the Mediterranean Region of Valencia (Spain)
Authors: Pool S. , Francés F. , Garcia‐Prats A. , Pulido‐Velazquez M. , Sanchis‐Ibor C. , Schirmer M. , Yang H. , Jiménez‐Martínez J.
Published: April 2021

Agricultural irrigation is the major water consumer in the Mediterranean region. In response to the growing pressure on freshwater resources, more efficient irrigation technologies have been widely promoted. In this study, we assess the impact of the ongoing transition from flood to drip irrigation on future hydroclimatic regimes under various climate change scenarios, with a particular focus on actual evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge in the Mediterranean region of Valencia, Spain. Hydroclimatic predictions for the near‐term future (2020–2049) and the mid‐term future (2045–2074) were made under two emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) using a hydrological model that was forced with data from five GCM‐RCM combinations and field‐based irrigation volume and frequency observations. Our findings suggest that climate change could lead to statistically significant changes in the regional hydroclimatic regime despite projection uncertainties. Major changes include a statistically significant decrease in mean groundwater recharge of up to −6.6% under flood irrigation and −9.3% under drip irrigation and contrasting changes in mean actual evapotranspiration for flood and drip irrigation in the order of +1% and −2.1%, respectively. Since sustainably available water resources in the Valencia region are entirely allocated, the expected changes and associated uncertainties create a challenging context for future water management. Our simulations further indicate that, rather than climate change, the choice of irrigation technique may have a greater impact on actual evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge. Our findings therefore highlight the importance of considering both climate change and irrigation technique when assessing future water resources in irrigated Mediterranean agriculture.
Spatially Resolved Measurements in Tropical Reservoirs Reveal Elevated Methane Ebullition at River Inflows and at High Productivity
Authors: Linkhorst Annika , Paranaíba José R. , Mendonça Raquel , Rudberg David , DelSontro Tonya , Barros Nathan , Sobek Sebastian
Published: April 2021

An increasing number of rivers is being dammed, particularly in the tropics, and reservoir water surfaces can be a substantial anthropogenic source of greenhouse gases. On average, 80% of the CO2‐equivalent emission of reservoirs globally has been attributed to CH4, which is predominantly emitted via ebullition. Since ebullition is highly variable across space and time, both measuring and upscaling to an entire reservoir is challenging, and estimates of reservoir CH4 emission are therefore not well constrained. We measured CH4 ebullition at high spatial resolution with an echosounder and bubble traps in two reservoirs of different use (water storage and hydropower), size and productivity in the tropical Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest biome. Based on the spatially most well‐resolved whole‐reservoir ebullition measurements in the tropics so far, we found that mean CH4 ebullition was twice as high in river inflow areas as in other parts of the reservoirs, and more than 4 times higher in the eutrophic compared to the oligotrophic reservoir. Using different upscaling approaches rendered similar whole‐reservoir CH4 ebullition estimates, suggesting that highly spatially‐resolved measurements may be more important for constraining reservoir‐wide CH4 estimates than choice of upscaling approach. The minimum sampling effort was high (>250 and >1,700 thirty‐meter segments of hydroacoustic survey to reach within 50% or 80% accuracy, respectively). This suggests that traditional manual bubble‐trap measurements should be abandoned in favor of highly resolved measurements in order to get spatially representative estimates of CH4 ebullition, which accounted for 60% and 99% of total C emission in the two studied reservoirs.
Disturbances in Sporadic‐E During the Great Solar Eclipse of August 21, 2017
Authors: Chen G. , Wang J. , Reinisch B. W. , Li Y. , Gong W.
Published: April 2021

The great solar eclipse traveled eastward through the American Continent from coast to coast on August 21, 2017 and provided a rare opportunity to investigate the ionospheric responses to the rapid solar radiation variations. We have analyzed the peak electron density and density gradient variations in Sporadic E (Es) and applied the data of four Digisondes close to the eclipse path. All the four Digisondes have recorded the same interesting phenomena. One is the depletion on the fbEs (blanketing frequency of Es layer) curve during the solar eclipse and the other is the enhancements on the semi‐transparency parameter of Es layer Δf after the solar eclipse, where Δf = ftEs−fbEs, and ftEs is the top frequency of Es layer. The wind disturbances on the tidal wind and the photoionization decrease during the eclipse are put forward as a possible reason for the peak plasma density reduce. The periodic gravity waves have been observed in both ionospheric E and F region. However, the Δf enhancements occurred after the gravity waves had passed through the Es layer. Thus, we suggest that the solar induced waves did not raise the plasma density gradient directly. Gravity waves breaking may occur in the Mesosphere/Lower Thermosphere region to deposit momentum and produce turbulence, and so the accompanying instabilities may be generated to enhance the electron density gradient in E‐region.
A Modular Model of Jupiter's Magnetospheric Magnetic Field Based on Juno Data
Authors: Wang Jian‐zhao , Huo Zhuo‐xi , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2021

Accurate modeling of Jupiter's magnetospheric magnetic field is important for not only scientific research but also mission planning. We develop a new empirical global model of Jupiter's magnetic field in the Juno era, including components from the planetary dynamo, Chapman‐Ferraro currents, and equatorial current sheet. The internal field is based on the JRM09 model. The shielding field is obtained by minimizing the component normal to Jupiter's magnetopause and varies due to the change of solar wind dynamic pressure. Combined with the curved magnetodisk, the high‐resolution TS07 method is used for modeling Jupiter's magnetodisc and tail currents. The best‐fitting results show an asymmetric magnetodisc current system in azimuthal direction with a tilted angle to Jupiter's magnetic equator. The sweep‐back effects of Jupiter's magnetic fields are also reproduced by the radial current system. This new model is validated by comparing with Juno's magnetometer data in the range from 5 Rj to 60 Rj, where Rj = 71,492 km is the radius of Jupiter.
Stagnant Slabs and Their Return Flows From Finite‐Frequency Tomography of the 410‐km and 660‐km Discontinuities
Authors: Guo Zhen , Zhou Ying
Published: April 2021

Slab pull is generally considered as the dominant force that drives the global movement of tectonic plates. This convection mode is well constrained in the upper mantle but the convection pattern in the mid mantle is more speculative. In this study, we present high‐resolution global models of the 410‐km and 660‐km discontinuity structure from finite‐frequency tomography of SS precursors. The new models reveal a strong positive correlation between the two discontinuities under major subduction zones. In regions where large‐scale stagnant slabs have been reported in the mantle transition zone (MTZ), both discontinuities occur at depths greater than the global average. This structure correlates well with seismic wavespeed anomalies, suggesting possible return flows from the lower mantle warming up the shallow MTZ above the stagnant slabs. Using a simple model for stagnant slabs in geodynamical simulations, we show that this mode of mass exchange between the upper mantle and the lower mantle occurs predominantly in the vicinity of the slabs, and, the return flows become stronger as the extent of slab stagnation increases.
A Climatological View of Horizontal Ice Plates in Clouds: Findings From Nadir and Off‐Nadir CALIPSO Observations
Authors: Kikuchi M. , Okamoto H. , Sato K.
Published: April 2021

We study horizontal ice plates in clouds using satellite lidar measurements of the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO). This study investigates global microphysical and geographical properties of horizontal ice plates to obtain insights into ice‐plate climatology based on lidar’s long‐term measurements during 2006–2014. We then summarize the effects of the lidar's viewing angle change from 0.3° to 3.0° in 2007 on satellite particle phase/shape classifications. Using a classification algorithm developed in the previous studies, we show that the ice plate detection decreases by 81.7% due the tilting. With an updated version of this algorithm, 30.8% of these are recovered, although 50.8% remain undetected. Nevertheless, this study also shows that geographical characteristics of ice plates are still preserved during the off‐nadir period (within the remaining 50%), suggesting the undiscovered climatological information on ice plates in the post‐2007 observations. According to our analysis, the tilting mainly affects horizontal ice plate detection, while the impacts on water and randomly oriented ice detections are limited. The temperature of the ice plates ranges from −25.5°C and −7.5°C, with a mode temperature of −13.5°C, although the ice plates also occur ubiquitously across mid‐ to high‐latitudes between −20°C and −40°C, which is much colder than what found in previous nadir studies. This study offers a detailed discussion on the fundamental characteristics of horizontal ice plates that will provide robust information for the algorithm preparation for future satellite lidar observations such as the Earth, Clouds, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE).
Hilltop Curvature Increases With the Square Root of Erosion Rate
Authors: Gabet E. J. , Mudd S. M. , Wood R. W. , Grieve S. W. D. , Binnie S. A. , Dunai T. J.
Published: April 2021

The shape of soil‐mantled hillslopes is typically attributed to erosion rate and the transport efficiency of the various processes that contribute to soil creep. While climate is generally hypothesized to have an important influence on soil creep rates, a lack of uniformity in the measurement of transport efficiency has been an obstacle to evaluating the controls on this important landscape parameter. We addressed this problem by compiling a data set in which the transport efficiency has been calculated using a single method, the analysis of hilltop curvatures using 1‐m LiDAR data, and the erosion rates have also been determined via a single method, in‐situ cosmogenic 10Be concentrations. Moreover, to control for lithology, we chose sites that are only underlain by resistant bedrock. The sites span a range of erosion rates (6–922 mm/kyr), mean annual precipitation (39–320 cm/yr), and aridity index (0.08–1.38). Surprisingly, we find that hilltop curvature varies with the square root of erosion rate, whereas previous studies predict a linear relationship. In addition, we find that the inferred transport coefficient also varies with the square root of erosion rate but is insensitive to climate. We explore various mechanisms that might link the transport coefficient to the erosion rate and conclude that present theory regarding soil‐mantled hillslopes is unable to explain our results and is, therefore, incomplete. Finally, we tentatively suggest that processes occurring in the bedrock (e.g., fracture generation) may play a role in the shape of hillslope profiles at our sites.
Joint Inversion for Surface Accumulation Rate and Geothermal Heat Flow From Ice‐Penetrating Radar Observations at Dome A, East Antarctica. Part I: Model Description, Data Constraints, and Inversion Results
Authors: Wolovick M. J. , Moore J. C. , Zhao L.
Published: April 2021

Ice‐penetrating radar data contain a wealth of information about the bed and internal structure of the ice sheet. While these data have long been used to diagnose the presence of basal water, infer attenuation rates, or explore the internal stratigraphy of the ice sheet, they have rarely been used jointly in a formal inverse model for the ice sheet temperature structure. Here, we invert a coupled thermomechanical ice sheet and basal hydrology model to infer both geothermal heat flow (GHF) and accumulation rate from multiple classes of radar observations in the area around Dome A, East Antarctica. Our forward model solves for a coupled steady state between the ice sheet flow field, temperature, and basal hydrology, including melt, water transport, and freeze‐on. We fit radar observations of basal water, freeze‐on, and internal layers, along with a GHF prior based on aeromagnetic observations. We minimize the combined misfit function by first using an evolutionary algorithm followed by localized perturbation tests. In addition to inferring the spatial distribution of GHF and accumulation rate, we are also able to estimate the uncertainty about our best‐fit answer, as well as quantify how our result depends on each individual data constraint. Our results demonstrate a new method for combining multiple glaciological constraints into a single inverse model of the ice sheet, and give us a more rigorous picture of the information content provided by each data set. In a companion paper we analyze and interpret the best‐fit model.