Search

During the 2020–2021 winter season, we detected 6 gamma‐ray glows at Kanazawa University, Japan. Negative surface electric fields (E‐fields; in the sign convention of atmospheric electricity) were observed by a field mill during all the glow cases. In five of the six cases, the peak E‐field reached around −12 kV m−1, and the E‐field during the glow detection was the strongest in the interval including 3 hr before and after the detection time. Therefore, negative charges should have been dominant in the thunderclouds that produced the gamma‐ray glows, and electrons were probably accelerated and multiplied by the E‐fields between a predominantly negative charge layer and a localized positive charge layer below. In addition, we extracted 8 non‐detection cases in the 2020–2021 winter season, in which surface E‐fields were stronger than −12 kV m−1. In 5 of the 8 cases, radar echoes were inadequately developed, suggesting insufficient charge accumulation. On the other hand, the remaining 3 cases had well‐developed radar echoes, and there was no significant difference from the detection cases. Plain Language Summary: Gamma‐ray glow is a minute‐lasting burst of high‐energy photons associated with thunderclouds. High‐energy photons are considered to originate from high‐energy electrons accelerated and multiplied in strong electric fields inside thunderclouds. When a gamma‐ray glow is detected on the ground, electrons are considered to be accelerated downward by upward electric fields. In the 2020–2021 winter season, we detected a total of 6 gamma‐ray glows during winter thunderstorms at Kanazawa University, Japan. An electric‐field monitor recorded negative electric fields at the surface during all the glow detections, indicating negative charges overhead. It suggests that the thunderclouds that produced the gamma‐ray glows were strongly charged negatively, and a localized positive charge layer existed in the lower part to produce an upward electric field for downward electron acceleration. Key Points: In the 2020–2021 winter season, 6 gamma‐ray glows were detected at Kanazawa University, Japan, with electric‐field measurementSurface electric fields were negative during the detection of all the gamma‐ray glowsHigh‐energy electrons seemed to be produced between a well‐developed negative charge region and a localized positive charge region below [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relativistic Runaway Electrons Avalanches (RREAs) development depends on the applied electric field and the environment's air density. This dependency controls the RREA exponential growth length scale. The RREA development affects the bremsstrahlung excess occurring due to the passage of charged particles through the thundercloud's electric fields, the gamma‐ray glow. We used Monte Carlo simulations to develop an empirical model showing the RREA behavior in a realistic atmospheric density profile. The new formulation shows how the density variation modulates the electron population under electric field strengths near the RREA electric field threshold. The model limits the initial RREA altitude range as a function of the electric field strength. The new model is valid between ∼0.6 and ∼18 km, covering the relevant heights to investigate the generation of ground‐detected gamma‐ray glows. Plain Language Summary: Thunderclouds are energy sources for trespassing charged particles from cosmic rays. This extra energy gain may induce electron avalanches, known as Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREAs), resulting in an enhanced gamma‐ray flux via bremsstrahlung, the gamma‐ray glow. Recent studies relate this enhancement to electric field strengths close to the RREA requirement. The atmospheric density variations affect avalanche development by modifying the RREA requirement, resulting in isolated avalanches by imposing limits to the avalanche's initial altitude. We show how RREAs develop in a realistic atmospheric density profile. We present a modification on the characteristic avalanche length under this condition. The initial avalanche altitude is crucial because it completely modifies the density profile trespassed by a downward electron shower. Finally, we discuss the consequences of isolated RREAs for high‐energy emissions and show that the electric field strength constrains the possible initial altitudes for the gamma‐ray glow. Key Points: A new empirical model quantifies how electron avalanches vanish because of atmospheric density variations with ∼10% accuracyThe model limits the initial altitude of electron avalanche development for electric field strengths near the avalanche thresholdWe narrow the possible gamma‐ray glow source height range with the new model which is valid through ∼0.6–18 km [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gamma‐ray glow, a minute‐lasting burst of high‐energy photons from a thundercloud, was detected by ground‐based apparatus at Kanazawa University, Japan, in a winter thunderstorm on 18 December 2018. The gamma‐ray glow was quenched by a lightning flash within a brief time window of 40 ms. The lightning flash produced several low‐frequency (LF) E‐change pulses that were temporally coincident with the termination of the gamma‐ray glow, and that were located within 0.5 km from the observation site by the Fast Antenna Lightning Mapping Array. The LF pulses had the same polarity as a positive cloud‐to‐ground current and a normal‐polarity in‐cloud current. Since this polarity is against the upward electric field for producing the gamma‐ray glow (accelerating electrons to the ground), we infer that the glow was terminated by a normal‐polarity in‐cloud discharge activity between a middle negative layer and an upper positive layer. Plain Language Summary: Strong electric fields inside thunderclouds may accelerate electrons to relativistic energy, and cause a burst of high‐energy photons called gamma‐ray glow. Gamma‐ray glows are sometimes terminated with a lightning flash as it discharges electric fields responsible for electron acceleration. In this study, we observed the termination of a gamma‐ray glow with a detailed lightning mapping observation in the radio‐frequency band. An in‐cloud lightning flash between two charge layers inside a thundercloud reduced an electric field that accelerated electrons. Radio‐frequency observations of glow termination are a powerful tool to investigate the charge structure associated with electron acceleration. Key Points: A gamma‐ray glow was terminated by a lightning flash within a brief time window of 40 msPositive‐polarity low‐frequency pulses were located within 0.5 km of the detection siteThe glow was ceased by a normal‐polarity in‐cloud discharge activity between a middle negative layer and an upper positive layer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric field of thunderclouds modifies components and energy spectra of the cosmic‐ray air shower. In particular, thunderstorms accelerate charged particles, resulting in an enhancement of gamma‐ray fluxes on the ground, known as a gamma‐ray glow. This phenomenon has been observed in recent years by the Gamma‐Ray Observation of Winter THunderclouds collaboration from winter thunderstorms in the Hokuriku area of Japan. The present work examines the ambient conditions required to produce spectral features of the previously detected gamma‐ray glows, by using Monte Carlo simulations of particle interactions in the atmosphere. We focus on three parameters, the strength and length of the electric field, and the length of a null‐field attenuation region below the electrified region. The average spectrum of observed gamma‐ray glows in winter thunderstorms of Japan requires an electric field intensity close to 0.31 MV/m, slightly exceeding the Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanche threshold of 0.284 MV/m. The vertical size of the electric field region should be comparable to 1 km. The estimated attenuation region size is 300–500 m, necessary to reduce the low‐energy photon flux of the average gamma‐ray glows. There is still a wide range of acceptable parameter sets with degeneracy to make a similar spectrum. Plain Language Summary: Thunderclouds modify the incident cosmic‐ray flux due to their electric field. In particular, thunderstorms accelerate charged particles inducing enhancement of the gamma‐ray flux at the ground, known as the gamma‐ray glow. Throughout recent years, the community observes gamma‐ray glows on the Japanese Hokuriku coast. This paper examines the ambient conditions required to produce the characteristic gamma‐ray glow spectrum using Monte Carlo simulation. We focus on the electric field strength, and electric field length and introduced a null‐field attenuation region following previously reported features of Japanese winter thunderclouds. We conclude that most observed gamma‐ray glows at the Hokuriku region require electric fields close to 0.32 MV/m along approximately 1 km and an attenuation region of 300–500 m to reproduce the observations. Finally, the three studied variables can be differently combined to generate similar spectra regarding a space of phase of three coordinates being electric field strength, electric field length, and attenuation space length. Key Points: We use Monte Carlo simulations of electron and gamma‐ray interactions in thunderstorms to explain observed gamma‐ray glowsWe successfully simulated gamma‐ray glow spectra and extracted an acceptable set of ambient atmospheric factors of the glowFit configurations have electric fields as ∼0.30 MV/m with a ∼1 km size scale and a null field region of ∼0.5 km below that [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma‐ray glows associated with thunderclouds have been observed since the 1980s, however it remains unclear how, and at which thunderstorms gamma‐ray glows are generated in dense atmospheres. In this study, we report the first Compton camera imaging of a gamma‐ray glow from a winter thundercloud. On 14 January 2022, using two identical Bi4Ge3O12 scintillators in energy range of 0.05–5 MeV, we detected two gamma‐ray glows lasting ∼4 min in a mountain area 25 km from the Japan Sea and 410 m above sea level. The same events were also observed by the Compton camera, where the first glow we observed suggested statistically significant (4.0 and 5.9 σ level) signals of two enhanced concentrations in gamma‐ray photon images in a range of 0.15–1.5 MeV. These concentrations were most clearly observed in a time window of Δt = 50 s around the peak intensity of the gamma‐ray glow. Plain Language Summary: Observations of gamma rays from thunderclouds started in 1980s, leading to intensive studies in the last 40 years. However, the question of where and how such gamma rays are produced in thunderclouds remains unclear, as no gamma‐ray images have been obtained to date. This paper presents the first successful gamma‐ray imaging of a thundercloud in a winter of Japan. In particular, we installed a Compton camera of 10 × 10 cm2 in size, that is a compact but high sensitivity camera originally developed in the field of astronomy to observe gamma‐ray sky. At the peak of a gamma‐ray emission, we detected significant enhancements in the gamma‐ray photon image. The image provides the source position and beam pattern of the gamma‐ray emission, thus may be connected to highly electrified region and electron acceleration inside thunderclouds. Key Points: Gamma‐ray glows were observed in a mountainous area 25 km from the Japan Sea and 410 m above sea level on 14 January 2022, during winterOne of the glows suggested two enhanced concentrations in gamma‐ray images, which was taken for the first time with a Compton cameraThe first successful gamma‐ray imaging provides a new means of investigating radiation beam pattern of gamma‐ray glows in thunderclouds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter thunderstorms in Japan have been recognized as an ideal target to observe high‐energy atmospheric phenomena thanks to low‐charge‐center cloud structures. During four winter seasons in Japan (from 2016 October to 2020 March), seven downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) were detected by gamma‐ray and broadband low‐frequency (LF: 0.8–500 kHz) monitors. All the detected TGFs took place at the initial stage of lightning flashes. Based on the LF observation, the seven downward TGFs in the present study can be classified into two types: energetic‐bipolar and small‐bipolar types. Three of them are energetic‐bipolar events, coincident with a high peak‐current LF pulse that originates from a negative return stroke with a peak current larger than 100 kA. The others are small‐bipolar events, followed by a negative bipolar LF pulse with a moderate peak current. Three of the four small‐bipolar events are multi‐pulse TGFs, while all of the energetic‐bipolar events in this study are single‐pulse TGFs. Plain Language Summary: Terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) are a transient high‐energy emission from lightning discharges. While a lot of upward TGFs have been detected by satellites, a few downward TGF have been detected by ground‐based experiments. Our detection network in Japan has detected seven downward TGFs in winter thunderstorms for 4 years. Lightning discharges associated with the downward TGFs were also monitored in the low‐frequency radio band. The low‐frequency pulses associated with the downward TGFs can be classified into two types. Correlation analysis of downward TGFs with gamma‐ray and low‐frequency observations is a powerful approach to reveal the production mechanism of TGFs. Key Points: Downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) in winter thunderstorms of Japan can be classified into two types based on low‐frequency (LF) observationsThree events were single‐pulse TGFs coincident with high peak‐current LF pulses of return strokesFour events were followed by moderate peak‐current LF pulses, and three of them are multi‐pulse TGFs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report of resection of rectal cancer in the rectal remnant after Hartmann's surgery using only a trans-anal procedure. The adhesions to the uterus were then dissected, revealing the staple that remained the rectal stump (white arrow) after the previous Hartman's surgery. b Final view of the dissection. 2 Intraoperative findings during trans-anal total meso-rectal resection. a The dissection line was set at 2 cm from the tumor on the anal side. [Extracted from the article]

Cosmic‐ray shower, hitting the atmosphere all the time, includes high‐energy electrons. Electric fields in thunderstorms accelerate these electrons so that they can reach farther distances with producing secondary electrons. The strong field above 0.284 MV m−1 causes the Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREA) process with an exponential increase of electrons. Even with lower electric fields below this RREA threshold which are usually measured in thunderstorms, an increase in electrons' kinetic energy and production of secondary electrons can occur without avalanche processes, known as Modification Of Spectra (MOS) of the cosmic‐ray shower. Both phenomena are related to observed gamma ray glow, which is bremsstrahlung emission from accelerated electrons in thunderstorms. We calculate an extended range and kinetic energy of electrons below the RREA threshold using an analytical evaluation and Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations. For example, at 0.280 MV m−1 slightly below the RREA threshold, 3 MeV electrons gain 100% of their original kinetic energy through the passage of the continuous slowing down approximation (CSDA) range defined at the null electric field, which is consistent with results in previous studies as the transition to the RREA process. Even at a lower field of 0.260 MV m−1, the energy recovery by the field allows an injected 20 MeV electron beam to extend its average electron range from 73 m, in the null field configuration, to 562 m. We have performed analytical calculation and Geant4 simulations of atmospheric electron behavior for initial electron energy of 0.1–100 MeV and an electric field below 0.290 MV m−1. Key Points: We develop calculations for e− spatial range with electric fields up to the avalanche threshold, 0.284 MV/m, related to gamma ray glowOur particle simulation shows that thunderstorm fields below avalanche level extend the range of 1–100 MeV electrons by a factor of 2–10The calculations indicate a transition to avalanche regime with 3 MeV electron under 0.280 MV/m that extends the spatial range to infinity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a precise measurement of 3 He analyzing powers for p- 3 He elastic scattering with the polarized 3 He target at 50, 65, 70, and 100 MeV. The data at 65 and 70 MeV are compared with the theoretical predictions based on the modern nucleon-nucleon potentials. Large discrepancies between the data and the predictions are clearly seen at the angles where the 3 He analyzing power takes the minimum and maximum values, which are not explained by Δ -isobar effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 17:00 on January 12, 2020 (UTC), radiation detectors installed at two locations with a 1.35 km separation in Kanazawa City, Japan, captured a total of four gamma‐ray enhancements. The first pair was simultaneously observed at the two locations at 17:03 and were abruptly terminated by a lightning discharge. The remaining two enhancements were also nearly simultaneously observed ∼3 min later, and one of them was also terminated by another lightning discharge. At the last termination, a downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flash and a negative energetic in‐cloud pulse were observed. Both pairs were associated with thundercloud cells. In the first pair, simultaneous detection in two locations 1.35 km apart suggests either a gamma‐ray glow emerged in‐between and time variability of its intensity were directly observed or there were two (or more) gamma‐ray glows in the cell which reached the two detectors coincidentally. In the latter pair, the peak time in the downwind detector was ∼40 s later than that of the upwind detector. If the irradiation region moved with the cell, it would have taken ∼110 s. The discrepancy suggests either the glow moved 2.5 times faster than the cell or there were two (or more) glows in the cell. Also, the fact that the thunderstorm cell hosting the latter glows experienced the lightning discharge ∼3 min before suggests that the strong electric field in the cell can develop within a few minutes. Plain Language Summary: Thunderclouds sometime emit gamma rays with a duration of minutes, which are called "gamma‐ray glow". It is bremsstrahlung emission from high‐energy electrons accelerated in the cloud. At around 17:00 (UTC) January 12, 2020, two radiation detectors installed 1.35 km apart in Kanazawa City, Japan, captured a total of four count rate enhancements. The first two disappeared with a lightning discharge, and the last one with another lightning, in this case accompanied by an intense gamma ray flash called a "downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flash" (TGF). The overall behavior is similar to another gamma‐ray glow observed in the same location on January 2018 (e.g. Wada et al. 2019, https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-019-0168-y). This is also the third report of gamma‐ray glow termination associated with both lightning discharges and TGFs. However, while the 2018 event can be explained well by assuming that the electron acceleration region moves with the thundercloud cell (monitored by rainfall map) and then terminated by a lightning discharge, the time profiles of the four current events cannot. To explain the behavior of the 2020 data, new models such as electron acceleration region(s) rapidly emerging in a thundercloud cell, and/or multiple electron acceleration regions co‐existing in a single cell, are discussed. Key Points: Four gamma‐ray enhancements were observed at two locations 1.35 km apart along the wind direction, and their time profiles were analyzedThe termination of three of them was also recorded. The last one was associated with a downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flash and a negative energetic in‐cloud pulseThe acceleration region of gamma‐ray glows in a thundercloud can develop within a few minutes after experiencing a discharge [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During three winter seasons from November 2016 to March 2019, 11 gamma‐ray glows were detected at a single observation site of our ground‐based gamma‐ray monitoring network in Kanazawa, Japan. These events are analyzed with observations of an X‐band radar network, a ceilometer, a disdrometer, and a weather monitor. All the detected glows were connected to convective high‐reflectivity regions of more than 35 dBZ, developed up to an altitude of >2 km. They were also accompanied by heavy precipitation of graupels. Therefore, graupels in the lower layer of thunderclouds that correspond to high‐reflectivity regions can form strong electric fields producing gamma‐ray glows. Also, these events are compared with a limited sample of nondetection cases, but no significant differences in meteorological conditions were found between detection and nondetection cases in the present study. Plain Language Summary: Strong electric fields inside thunderclouds can accelerate electrons to relativistic energies, and gamma‐ray photons from the accelerated electrons can be observed as minute‐lasting "gamma‐ray glows." During winter thunderstorms in Japan, we detected eleven gamma‐ray glows at sea level. The observations were combined with meteorological measurements such as atmospheric temperature, cloud bases, types of precipitation particles, and radar‐echo measurements. All the detected gamma‐ray glows were taking place during a passage of tall and well‐developed radar‐echo regions, and accompanied by heavy precipitation of graupel/hail pellets. The graupel/hail particles in the lower layer of thunderclouds could have contributed to gamma‐ray glows production. Key Points: Eleven gamma‐ray glows were observed during three winter seasons at a single observation site in JapanAll the detected gamma‐ray glows were associated with tall and well‐developed radar‐echo structures of thunderstormsGraupel pallets in the lower layer of thunderclouds could be related to downward electron acceleration for the gamma‐ray glows [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relativistic runaway electron avalanches (RREAs) imply a large multiplication of high‐energy electrons (∼1 MeV). Two factors are necessary for this phenomenon: a high electric field sustained over a large distance and an energetic particle to serve as a seed. The former sustains particle energies as they keep colliding and lose energy randomly; and the latter serves as a multiplication starting point that promotes avalanches. RREA is usually connected to both terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) and gamma‐ray glows (also known as Thunderstorm Ground Enhancement (TGE) when detected at ground level) as possible generation mechanism of both events, but the current knowledge does not provide a clear relationship between these events (TGF and TGE), beyond their possible common source mechanism, still as they have different characteristics. In particular, their timescales differ by several orders of magnitude. This work shows that chain reactions by TGF byproducts can continue for the timescale of gamma‐ray glows and even provide energetic particles as seeds for RREAs of gamma‐ray glows. Key Points: Photonuclear reactions triggered by a terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGF) will sustain a gamma‐ray emission level that can promote new relativistic runaway electron avalanches (RREAs)Both photonuclear reactions and their induced RREA can extend TGF effects to minute timescaleWe evaluate the possibility of gamma‐ray glows promoted by RREAs originating from photonuclear‐induced nuclides decays [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report simulation results of photonuclear reactions in the atmosphere triggered by a downward terrestrial gamma ray flash in lightning. Possible channels of reactions in the atmosphere and their cross‐sections are verified with the ENDF/B‐VII.1 library. Monte Carlo simulations with two stages are then performed with the Geant4 framework. In the first stage, electrons following the relativistic runaway electron avalanche spectrum are produced in a mass model of the atmosphere, and production of photoneutrons and β+‐decay nuclei is calculated based on the nuclear data library. In total 1 × 1013 neutrons and 4 × 1012β+‐decay nuclei are produced by 1018 energetic electrons above 1 MeV. In the second stage, propagation of the photoneutrons and positrons from the β+‐decay nuclei in the previous stage is calculated. As a result, we model on‐ground distributions of fluxes and energy spectra for neutrons, neutron‐related gamma rays, and annihilation ones. The simulation model is to be compared with photonuclear events detected in low‐charge‐center winter thunderstorms. Plain Language Summary: Lightning discharges occasionally emit a powerful flash of gamma rays called terrestrial gamma ray flashes. Gamma rays in terrestrial gamma ray flashes have high energies enough to react with atmospheric nuclei such as nitrogen and oxygen. The nuclear reactions in the atmosphere produce neutrons and unstable isotopes that emit positrons. In this paper, we utilize a Monte Carlo simulation framework, calculate a series of reactions and processes in the atmosphere, and then construct a distribution model of neutrons, neutron‐related gamma rays, and positron‐related ones at ground level. The obtained model can be compared with recent observations of nuclear reactions during winter thunderstorms in Japan. Key Points: Possible channels of atmospheric photonuclear reactions in lightning are surveyed from a nuclear‐reaction data libraryMonte Carlo calculations are performed to simulate photoneutron and β+‐decay‐nuclide productions in the atmosphereOn‐ground distributions of fluxes and spectra for neutrons, neutron‐related gamma rays, and annihilation gamma rays are modeled [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a winter thunderstorm on 6 February 2017 in Japan, photonuclear reactions such as 14N(γ, n)13N were triggered by a downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flash (TGF), as reported by Enoto et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature24630). In the present paper, we compare the observation with a simulation model of downward TGFs and subsequent photonuclear reactions constructed by the first paper of the series and Wada, Enoto, Nakazawa, et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.123.061103). The observation and model consist of three components: annihilation gamma rays from positrons produced by β+‐decay nuclei, deexcitation gamma rays originating from neutron captures, and radiation doses by TGF photons. Each component of the observation is reproduced by the simulation model, and we constrain a relation between the number of avalanche electrons and their production altitude of the downward TGF. The constraints by three components match within an order of magnitude. The downward TGF is estimated to comprise (0.5–2.5) × 1019 avalanche electrons above 1 MeV produced at an altitude of 1.4–2.7 km. Despite differences in altitude, direction, and season, downward TGFs in winter thunderstorms are thought to have the same mechanism of electron acceleration and multiplication in lightning as TGFs observed by in‐orbit satellites. Plain Language Summary: Lightning flashes are sometimes accompanied by strong high‐energy emission called "terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes" (TGFs). The energy of gamma rays in TGFs is high enough to trigger nuclear reactions with atmospheric nuclei such as nitrogen and oxygen. The nuclear reactions produce neutrons and unstable isotopes that emit positrons. In the companion paper of this series, we calculated the nuclear reactions and propagation processes of their products such as positrons and neutrons and modeled their characteristics at ground level by simulations. In the present paper, the simulation model is compared with the actual observation of a TGF and nuclear reactions during winter thunderstorms in Japan. The model successfully reproduces the observation and estimate the production altitude the number of energetic electrons involved in the TGF. Key Points: A simulation model of photonuclear reactions in lightning is compared with an observation during a winter thunderstorm reported by Enoto et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature24630)Three detected signatures originating from positrons, neutrons, and TGF photons are reproduced by the simulation modelA downward TGF triggering photonuclear reactions comprised 1018 to 1019 avalanche electrons produced at 1.4–2.7 km above sea level [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research studies have assessed the relationship between attention to social information and peripheral (e.g., plasma and salivary) oxytocin (OT) levels in typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A relationship between them was observed in TD children, but not in children with ASD. However, this relationship remains unexamined in other age groups. To clarify whether this lack of association is maintained throughout development in individuals with ASD, we aimed to assess the relationship between salivary OT levels and attention to social information in adolescents and adults with and without ASD. Methods: We recruited male adolescents and adults with ASD (n = 17) and TD participants (n = 24). Using the all-in-one eye-tracking system Gazefinder, we measured the percentage fixation time allocated to social information. We also measured the salivary OT levels and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) of participants. Subsequently, we confirmed group differences and conducted a correlation analysis to investigate the relationships between these three measures. Results: Salivary OT levels did not show any significant difference between the ASD and TD groups and were negatively correlated with the AQ in the whole-group analysis, but not in within-group analysis. Individuals with ASD had significantly lower percentage fixation times than did TD individuals for eye regions in human faces with/without mouth motion, for upright biological motion, and for people regions in the people and geometry movies. The percentage of fixation for geometric shapes in the people and geometry movies was significantly higher in the ASD than in the TD group. In the TD group, salivary OT levels were positively correlated with percentage fixation times for upright biological motion and people and negatively correlated with inverted biological motion and geometry. However, no significant correlations were found in the ASD group. Conclusions: Our exploratory results suggest that salivary OT levels in adolescents and adults with ASD are less indicative of attention to social stimuli than they are in TD adolescents and adults. It is suggested that their association is slightly weaker in adolescents and adults with ASD and that this attenuated relationship appears to be maintained throughout development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global hydrological models (GHMs) have become an established tool to simulate water resources worldwide. Most of the GHMs are however uncalibrated and typically use a set of basic hydrological parameters, that could potentially lead to unrealistic projections of the terrestrial water cycle. The calibration of hydrological models is usually performed by using and comparing modeled to observed discharge. Accurate station data and reliable time series data of discharge are, however, often not available for many parts of the world and classic calibration approaches are therefore not feasible. In this paper, we aim to develop a new calibration approach that requires no additional data, is easy to implement, and substantially improves model performance, especially in regions where uncalibrated model performance is rather poor. This is achieved by using the Budyko framework, which provides a conceptual representation of the long‐term water and energy balance. We use a state‐of‐the‐art GHM and calibrate the model within nine river catchments of different sizes and characteristics. Since observed river discharge is available for these catchments, we are able to compare the Budyko‐based calibration approach to a classic discharge‐based calibration scheme and the uncalibrated model version. In all catchments, the Budyko‐based calibration approach decreases biases and increases model performance compared to the uncalibrated model version although performance improvements obtained through a classic calibration approach are greater. Nonetheless, a Budyko‐based calibration is a valuable, intermediate approach between use of a basic set of a priori hydrological parameters and classical calibration against discharge data. Key Points: Most global hydrological models are uncalibrated using predefined sets of basic hydrological parametersWe developed a simple calibration approach that requires no additional data and substantially improves model performanceThe new approach is based on the Budyko framework providing a conceptual representation of the long‐term water and energy balance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2017–2018 winter operation of the Gamma‐Ray Observation of Winter Thunderclouds experiment in Japan, two downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) that triggered atmospheric photonuclear reactions were detected. They took place during winter thunderstorms on 5 December 2017 and 9 January 2018 at Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Each event coincided with an intracloud/intercloud discharge, which had a negative‐polarity peak current higher than 150 kA. Their radio waveforms in the low‐frequency band are categorized as a distinct lightning type called "energetic in‐cloud pulse" (EIP). Negative‐polarity EIPs have been previously suggested to be highly associated with downward TGFs, and the present observations provide evidence of the correlation between them for the first time. Furthermore, both of the downward TGFs followed "gamma‐ray glows," minute‐lasting high‐energy emissions from thunderclouds. It is suggested that the negative EIPs took place with downward propagating negative leaders or upward positive ones developed in highly electrified regions responsible for the gamma‐ray glows. Plain Language Summary: We observed, on the ground, intense and brief gamma‐ray emissions, called "downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes," twice during winter thunderstorms in Japan. They coincided with a kind of in‐cloud lightning discharges called "negative energetic in‐cloud pulses." They have been previously predicted to have a connection to downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes, and we observationally confirm the prediction for the first time. Furthermore, the two downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes were preceded by weak and minute‐lasting gamma‐ray emissions coming from thunderclouds, called "gamma‐ray glows." High electric fields inside thunderclouds required to produce gamma‐ray glows were thus related to the downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes and the negative energetic in‐cloud pulses. Key Points: Two downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes detected in Japan were coincident with high peak‐current lightning dischargesThe lightning discharges can be categorized as negative energetic in‐cloud pulsesBoth cases took place in highly electrified regions responsible for production of gamma‐ray glows [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) composed of non-equilibrium alloy, Co2FeSn films were prepared by atomically controlled alternate deposition at various substrate temperatures. X-ray diffraction patterns and Mössbauer spectra clarify that Co2FeSn films in the Heusler alloy phase can be realized by growing at a substrate temperature of 250 °C or below. Phase separation into cubic CoSn, hexagonal CoSn and cubic CoFe phases occurs in films grown at substrate temperatures 300 °C or greater. Fe/MgO/Co2FeSn MTJs were prepared with the Co2FeSn layer grown at various substrate temperatures. The MTJs with the ferromagnetic Co2FeSn layer grown at a substrate temperature of 250 °C showed tunnel magnetoresistance ratios of 72.2% and 43.5% at 2 K and 300 K, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that investigated the annealing behavior of the secondary defects in boron ion-implanted silicon using cross-sectional transmission electron microscope observations. Typical micrographs of defect behavior; Correlation of depth distributions between defects and impurities.

Presents a study conducted to estimate the ultimate performance of metal single-electron transistors. Theoretical background; Description of the experimental setup; Results.

Presents a study that examined the radiative transitions of A-oriented three-step asymmetric coupled quantum wells in an electric field by photoluminescence. Number of transitions observed in the spectra; Features of the transitions; Origin of the transitions.

Summary: Mosquito surveillance studies to identify mosquito‐borne flaviviruses have identified West Nile Virus (WNV) for the first time in Zambia. The Zambian WNV isolate from Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected in the Western Province was closely related genetically to WNV lineage 2 South African strains which have been previously shown to be highly neuroinvasive. These data provide the first evidence of the circulation of WNV in Zambia and suggest there should be an increased awareness of possible associated human and animal diseases in that country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An on‐ground observation program for high‐energy atmospheric phenomena in winter thunderstorms along the Japan Sea has been performed via measurements of gamma ray radiation, atmospheric electric field, and low‐frequency radio band. On 11 February 2017, the radiation detectors recorded gamma ray emission lasting for 75 s, and then abruptly terminated with a nearby lightning discharge. The gamma ray spectrum extended up to 20 MeV and was reproduced by a cutoff power law model with a photon index of 1 . 3 6 − 0 . 04 + 0 . 03, being consistent with Bremsstrahlung radiation from a thundercloud (known as a gamma‐ray glow or a thunderstorm ground enhancement). The low‐frequency radio monitors, installed ∼50 km away from the gamma ray observation site recorded leader development of an intracloud/intercloud discharge spreading over ∼60 km area with a ∼300‐ms duration. The timing of the gamma ray termination coincided with the moment when the leader development of the intracloud/intercloud discharge passed 0.7 km horizontally away from the radiation monitors. The intracloud/intercloud discharge started ∼15 km away from the gamma ray observation site. Therefore, the glow was terminated by the leader development, while it did not trigger the lightning discharge in the present case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports further experimental results obtained in high Reynolds number actual flow facility in Japan. The experiments were performed in a pipe flow with water, and the friction Reynolds number was varied up to Reτ = 5.3 × 104. This high Reynolds number was achieved by using water as the working fluid and adopting a large-diameter pipe (387 mm) while controlling the flow rate and temperature with high accuracy and precision. The streamwise velocity was measured by laser Doppler velocimetry close to the wall, and the mean velocity profile, called log-law profile U+ = (1/κ) ln(y+) + B, is especially focused. After careful verification of the mean velocity profiles in terms of the flow rate accuracy and an evaluation of the consistency of the present results with those from previously measurements in a smaller pipe (100 mm), it was found that the value of κ asymptotically approaches a constant value of κ = 0.384. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The Si resonator is applied for measuring the voltage in a highly isolated manner. The working principle is based on the resonant frequency shift caused by the electrical field from the electrode connected to the high-voltage source (supposing the battery). Here, the resonator is electrically floated, and its potential is decided by the relative position against the electrodes which are connected to the high voltage and the driving voltage. The induced voltage on the resonator is analyzed against the driving frequency. The resonance is found by the paired peaks in the amplitude curve. The setup for the electrical measurement can make the sensor system compact. A new sensor design for avoiding the electrical field concentration realizes the measurement over 400 V without the breakdown. This will match with the high-voltage dc power supply system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose TAFRO syndrome is a novel disorder manifesting as fever, anasarca, thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency and organomegaly, and its etiology has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to elucidate similarities and differences between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and TAFRO syndrome. Methods We examined 46 consecutive patients diagnosed with SLE and determined whether they meet the proposed diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome (2015 version). Results Of the 46 patients with SLE, four (8.7%) also met the TAFRO syndrome criteria (TAFRO-like group). All patients in the TAFRO-like group were males, and their mean age was significantly higher than that of the non-TAFRO group (67.5 ± 8.7 vs. 39.3 ± 18.1 years, p = 0.004). C-reactive protein and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly higher, and frequencies of anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies were significantly lower in the TAFRO-like than non-TAFRO group. Elder cases (onset age ≥ 50 years) met significantly more categories of the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome than did those with younger cases. Conclusions Several patients with SLE, especially elder cases, showed features similar to those of TAFRO syndrome. Although exclusion of SLE is needed in the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome, TAFRO syndrome-like SLE should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with reactive {001} facet-dominant TiO2 have attracted a great deal of attention owing to their high solar cell performance, despite the origin and the variation of the results being controversial. Here, we report the characteristic charge transport properties of DSSCs composed of {001} and {101} facet-dominant TiO2 nanoparticles in order to explain the origin of solar cell performance. Based on transient photocurrent and photovoltage measurements and transient absorption spectroscopy, the energetics of TiO2 semiconductors and dye sensitizers are utilized to understand the electron diffusion, recombination, and injection kinetics to determine solar cell performance. Novel strategies to improve DSSC performance by utilizing the characteristics of {001} facet-dominant TiO2 nanoparticles are proposed, which are (1) enhancement of electron injection and (2) reduction of carrier recombination for JSC and VOC improvement, despite the drawback of slower electron diffusion in the mesoporous network of {001} facet-dominant TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-architectures of single-crystalline anatase TiO2 nanosheets predominantly exposing the {001} facet are constructed in well-oriented configurations based on the strategies of controlled growth of TiO2 in novel growth modes, i.e. (a) the epitaxial growth mode of TiO2 nanosheets on the surface of oriented crystalline substrates, TiO2 and SnO2, resulting in an ordered growth direction, and (b) the hierarchical growth mode of TiO2 nanosheets on oriented nano-crystals, TiO2 nanowires, resulting in a well-ordered orientation and high surface areas as compared with conventional random growth of nanosheets. The present work explores a variety of methods for morphology control of TiO2 nanosheets directly grown on nanostructures as mother components, on which the potential of anatase TiO2 nanosheets to expose a high fraction of the reactive {001} facet is maximized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Once a localized reaction (beaking) was detected, discontinuation of bisphosphonates (BPs) and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved its shape. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete atypical femoral fracture increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required. Introduction: Femoral localized reaction (localized periosteal thickening of the lateral cortex, beaking) is reported to precede atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and to develop in 8-10% of patients with autoimmune diseases taking BPs and glucocorticoids. The aims of the present study were to retrospectively investigate the shapes of localized reaction to consider how to manage the condition. Methods: Twenty femora of 12 patients with autoimmune diseases who were on BPs and glucocorticoids exhibited femoral localized reaction. The heights of localized reaction were measured and the shapes classified as pointed, arched, and other. Localized reaction changes were divided into three categories: deterioration, no change, and improvement. A severe form of localized reaction was defined; this was associated with prodromal pain, de novo complete AFF, or incomplete AFF with a fracture line at the localized reaction. Results: The mean height of localized reaction was 2.3 ± 0.8 mm (range, 1.0-3.7 mm) and the pointed type was 35%. Localized reaction was significantly higher (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.003) and the pointed type more common (78 vs. 27%; p = 0.035) in those with the severe form of localized reaction. Seven patients with localized reactions discontinued BPs just after localized reaction was detected, but five continued on BPs for 2 years. Localized reaction deterioration was more common in patients who continued than discontinued BPs (100 vs. 29%; p = 0.027). After 2 years, all patients had discontinued BPs and localized reaction did not deteriorate further in any patient. Conclusions: Once a localized reaction was detected, discontinuation of BPs and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved it. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete AFF increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ideally, the results from models operating at different scales should agree in trend direction and magnitude of impacts under climate change. However, this implies that the sensitivity to climate variability and climate change is comparable for impact models designed for either scale. In this study, we compare hydrological changes simulated by 9 global and 9 regional hydrological models (HM) for 11 large river basins in all continents under reference and scenario conditions. The foci are on model validation runs, sensitivity of annual discharge to climate variability in the reference period, and sensitivity of the long-term average monthly seasonal dynamics to climate change. One major result is that the global models, mostly not calibrated against observations, often show a considerable bias in mean monthly discharge, whereas regional models show a better reproduction of reference conditions. However, the sensitivity of the two HM ensembles to climate variability is in general similar. The simulated climate change impacts in terms of long-term average monthly dynamics evaluated for HM ensemble medians and spreads show that the medians are to a certain extent comparable in some cases, but have distinct differences in other cases, and the spreads related to global models are mostly notably larger. Summarizing, this implies that global HMs are useful tools when looking at large-scale impacts of climate change and variability. Whenever impacts for a specific river basin or region are of interest, e.g. for complex water management applications, the regional-scale models calibrated and validated against observed discharge should be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea-level change (SLC) is a much-studied topic in the area of climate research, integrating a range of climate science disciplines, and is expected to impact coastal communities around the world. As a result, this field is rapidly moving, and the knowledge and understanding of processes contributing to SLC is increasing. Here, we discuss noteworthy recent developments in the projection of SLC contributions and in the global mean and regional sea-level projections. For the Greenland Ice Sheet contribution to SLC, earlier estimates have been confirmed in recent research, but part of the source of this contribution has shifted from dynamics to surface melting. New insights into dynamic discharge processes and the onset of marine ice sheet instability increase the projected range for the Antarctic contribution by the end of the century. The contribution from both ice sheets is projected to increase further in the coming centuries to millennia. Recent updates of the global glacier outline database and new global glacier models have led to slightly lower projections for the glacier contribution to SLC (7-17 cm by 2100), but still project the glaciers to be an important contribution. For global mean sea-level projections, the focus has shifted to better estimating the uncertainty distributions of the projection time series, which may not necessarily follow a normal distribution. Instead, recent studies use skewed distributions with longer tails to higher uncertainties. Regional projections have been used to study regional uncertainty distributions, and regional projections are increasingly being applied to specific regions, countries, and coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoswitching and competitive processes of the referent photochromic diarylethene derivative 1,2-bis(2,4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-3-thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene (DTE) and a novel bridged analog DTE-m5 have been investigated by state-of-the-art TD-DFT calculations and ultrafast spectroscopy supported by advanced chemometric data treatments. Focusing on DTE, the overall deactivation pathway of both antiparallel (AP) and parallel (P) conformers of the open form (OF) (1 : 1 in solution) has been resolved and rationalized starting from the Franck–Condon (FC) region to the ground state recovery. For the photo-excited P conformer, after ultrafast relaxation (∼200 fs) towards the S1 relaxed state, an expected ISC occurred (55 ps) to produce a triplet state, 3P, the latter relaxing within 2.5 μs. Concerning the AP conformer, the photocyclization reaction is reported to proceed immediately (100 fs) starting from the FC region while the relaxed singlet state is populated in parallel. For the first time, we discovered that the latter state evolves through an unexpected ISC process (1 ps) giving rise to a second triplet state,3AP. For DTE-m5, by slightly constraining the molecule with the bridge, this triplet becomes reactive and participates in the formation of 10% of closed form (CF) probably through an adiabatic mechanism. Concerning the photoreversion, in accordance with the literature, we report on a two-step process, a 190 fs vibrational relaxation followed by a 6 ps ring-opening reaction. For the overall species at the singlet or triplet manifold, the use of advanced MCR-ALS allows us to obtain specific spectral signatures. This study is therefore a new step within the comprehension of DTE photochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of teicoplanin according to the pharmacokinetics (PK) therapeutic level achieved in patients with renal dysfunction. Target trough concentration (C) was ≥15-30 μg/ml which has been recommended in patients with normal renal function. Adult patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m) who were treated by teicoplanin were included in the study. We adopted two types of regimen for the initial 3 days: the conventional regimen, and the enhanced loading regimen (10 mg/kg twice daily on the 1st day, followed by 6.7-10 mg/kg once daily for the 2nd and 3rd days]. Two hundred and eighty-eight patients were evaluated for safety, and 106 patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections were evaluated for clinical efficacy. A significantly higher success rate was obtained in patients who achieved the target initial C compared with those that did not (75.0 % vs 50.0 %, p = 0.008). In a multivariate analysis, initial C ≥15 μg/ml was an independent factor for clinical success (adjusted odds ratio: 4.20, 95 % confidence interval: 1.34-13.15). In patients with 15-30 μg/ml of maximal C during therapy, nephrotoxicity occurred in 13.1 %, and hepatotoxicity in 2.6 %, and these incidences were not significantly higher compared with those patients with <15 μg/ml. In conclusion, achievement of C of 15-30 μg/ml without delay was necessary to improve clinical outcomes for the treatment by teicoplanin in patients with renal dysfunction. Further investigation is required regarding the optimal loading regimen to achieve the therapeutic levels in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The incidence of beaking, which has been reported to precede atypical femoral fracture, was high and increased over 2 years in patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking bisphosphonates and glucocorticoids. Regular femoral X-rays are strongly recommended to screen for beaking, and bisphosphonate drug holidays should be considered. Introduction: Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) have been recently recognized as complications associated with bisphosphonate (BP) use. AFFs are considered to be stress fractures; localized periosteal thickening of the lateral cortex is often present at the fracture site; this thickening is termed 'beaking.' Beaking has been reported to precede AFF. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the incidence of latent beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases taking BPs and glucocorticoids and to identify risk factors for beaking. Methods: A total of 125 patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking BPs and glucocorticoids was included; 116 patients underwent X-rays and analysis of serum and urine bone metabolic markers annually for 2 years. Mean patient age was 54.5 years; there were 105 (90.5 %) females and the mean duration of disease was 13.2 years. Focal lateral cortical thickening in femoral X-rays was defined as beaking. Results: Beaking was detected in 15 femora of 10 patients (8.0 %) at the time of recruitment. Over the 2-year observation period, the incidence of beaking increased to 21 femora of 12 patients (10.3 %), and a complete AFF at the location of beaking occurred in one patient. Beaking was associated with a longer duration of BP treatment (6.1 ± 1.0 years vs. 5.0 ± 2.9 years, p = 0.01). Age 40-60 years, BP therapy ≥4 years, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with beaking. Conclusions: The incidence of beaking was high, and increased over 2 years, in patients with autoimmune diseases who were taking BPs and glucocorticoids. Regular femoral X-rays are strongly recommended to screen for beaking. Long-term BP/glucocorticoid use was a risk factor for beaking in patients with autoimmune diseases; BP drug holidays should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To sustain growing food demand and increasing standard of living, global water use increased by nearly 6 times during the last 100 years, and continues to grow. As water demands get closer and closer to the water availability in many regions, each drop of water becomes increasingly valuable and water must be managed more efficiently and intensively. However, soaring water use worsens water scarcity conditions already prevalent in semi-arid and arid regions, increasing uncertainty for sustainable food production and economic development. Planning for future development and investments requires that we prepare water projections for the future. However, estimations are complicated because the future of the world's waters will be influenced by a combination of environmental, social, economic, and political factors, and there is only limited knowledge and data available about freshwater resources and how they are being used. TheWater Futures and Solutions (WFaS) initiative coordinates its work with other ongoing scenario efforts for the sake of establishing a consistent set of new global water scenarios based on the shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) and the representative concentration pathways (RCPs). The WFaS "fasttrack" assessment uses three global water models, namely H08, PCR-GLOBWB, and WaterGAP. This study assesses the state of the art for estimating and projecting water use regionally and globally in a consistent manner. It provides an overview of different approaches, the uncertainty, strengths and weaknesses of the various estimation methods, types of management and policy decisions for which the current estimation methods are useful. We also discuss additional information most needed to be able to improve water use estimates and be able to assess a greater range of management options across the water-energy-climate nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag-nanoparticle thin films on a polyimide substrate were subjected to microwave sintering by use of a single-mode waveguide applicator. A two-step sintering process was employed. First, at low conductivities of the film, the film sample was placed at the site of the maximum electric field and subjected to microwave irradiation. Second, when the conductivity of the film increased, the film sample was placed at the site of the maximum magnetic field and again subjected to microwave irradiation. The microwave sintering processwas completed within 1.5 min, which is significantly lower than the time required for the oven heating process. The resulting conductivity of the film, albeit only 30% of that of the bulk material, was seven times that of a film annealed at the same temperature in a furnace. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the nanoparticles underwent both grain necking and grain growth during microwave sintering. In addition, this sintering process was equivalent to the oven heating process performed at a 50 °C higher annealing temperature. An electromagnetic wave simulation and a heat transfer simulation of the microwave sintering process were performed to gain a thorough understanding of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst develops through the dissolution of carbonate rock and is a major source of groundwater contributing up to half of the total drinking water supply in some European countries. Previous approaches to model future water availability in Europe are either too-small scale or do not incorporate karst processes, i.e. preferential flow paths. This study presents the first simulations of groundwater recharge in all karst regions in Europe with a parsimonious karst hydrology model. A novel parameter confinement strategy combines a priori information with recharge-related observations (actual evapotranspiration and soil moisture) at locations across Europe while explicitly identifying uncertainty in the model parameters. Europe's karst regions are divided into four typical karst landscapes (humid, mountain, Mediterranean and desert) by cluster analysis and recharge is simulated from 2002 to 2012 for each karst landscape. Mean annual recharge ranges from negligible in deserts to >1ma-1 in humid regions. The majority of recharge rates range from 20 to 50% of precipitation and are sensitive to subannual climate variability. Simulation results are consistent with independent observations of mean annual recharge and significantly better than other global hydrology models that do not consider karst processes (PCR-GLOBWB, WaterGAP). Global hydrology models systematically under-estimate karst recharge implying that they over-estimate actual evapotranspiration and surface runoff. Karst water budgets and thus information to support management decisions regarding drinking water supply and flood risk are significantly improved by our model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, freshwater shortage is one of the most dangerous risks for society. Changing hydro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions have aggravated water scarcity over the past decades. A wide range of studies show that water scarcity will intensify in the future, as a result of both increased consumptive water use and, in some regions, climate change. Although it is well-known that El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects patterns of precipitation and drought at global and regional scales, little attention has yet been paid to the impacts of climate variability on water scarcity conditions, despite its importance for adaptation planning. Therefore, we present the first global-scale sensitivity assessment of water scarcity to ENSO, the most dominant signal of climate variability. We show that over the time period 1961-2010, both water availability and water scarcity conditions are significantly correlated with ENSO-driven climate variability over a large proportion of the global land area (> 28.1%); an area inhabited by more than 31.4% of the global population. We also found, however, that climate variability alone is often not enough to trigger the actual incidence of water scarcity events. The sensitivity of a region to water scarcity events, expressed in terms of land area or population exposed, is determined by both hydro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions. Currently, the population actually impacted by water scarcity events consists of 39.6% (CTA: consumption-to-availability ratio) and 41.1% (WCI: water crowding index) of the global population, whilst only 11.4% (CTA) and 15.9% (WCI) of the global population is at the same time living in areas sensitive to ENSO-driven climate variability. These results are contrasted, however, by differences in growth rates found under changing socioeconomic conditions, which are relatively high in regions exposed to water scarcity events. Given the correlations found between ENSO and water availability and scarcity conditions, and the relative developments of water scarcity impacts under changing socioeconomic conditions, we suggest that there is potential for ENSO-based adaptation and risk reduction that could be facilitated by more research on this emerging topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of hereditary metabolic diseases characterized by abnormal glycosylation of proteins and lipids. Often, multisystem disorders with central nervous system involvement and a large variety of clinical symptoms occur. The main characteristics are developmental delay, seizures, and ataxia. In this paper we report the clinical and biochemical characteristics of a 5-year-old girl with a defective galactosylation of N-glycans, resulting in developmental delay, muscular hypotonia, epileptic seizures, inverted nipples, and visual impairment. Next generation sequencing revealed a de novo mutation (c.797G > T, p.G266V) in the X-chromosomal gene SLC35A2 (solute carrier family 35, UDP-galactose transporter, member A2; MIM 300896). While this mutation was found heterozygous, random X-inactivation of the normal allele will lead to loss of normal SLC35A2 activity in respective cells. The functional relevance of the mutation was demonstrated by complementation of UGT-deficient MDCK-RCA and CHO-Lec8 cells by normal UGT-expression construct but not by the mutant version. The effect of dietary galactose supplementation on glycosylation was investigated, showing a nearly complete normalization of transferrin glycosylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]