Active Zone Research Articles

LRK-1/LRRK2 and AP-3 regulate trafficking of synaptic vesicle precursors through active zone protein SYD-2/Liprin-α.

Synaptic vesicle proteins (SVps) are transported by the motor UNC-104/KIF1A. We show that SVps travel in heterogeneous carriers in C. elegans neuronal processes, with some SVp carriers co-transporting lysosomal proteins (SV-lysosomes). LRK-1/LRRK2 and the clathrin adaptor protein complex AP-3 play a critical role in the sorting of SVps and lysosomal proteins away from each other at the SV-lysosomal intermediate trafficking compartment. Both SVp carriers lacking lysosomal proteins and SV-lysosomes are dependent on the motor UNC-104/KIF1A for their transport. In lrk-1 mutants, both SVp carriers and SV-lysosomes can travel in axons in the absence of UNC-104, suggesting that LRK-1 plays an important role to enable UNC-104 dependent transport of synaptic vesicle proteins. Additionally, LRK-1 acts upstream of the AP-3 complex and regulates its membrane localization. In the absence of the AP-3 complex, the SV-lysosomes become more dependent on the UNC-104-SYD-2/Liprin-α complex for their transport. Therefore, SYD-2 acts to link upstream trafficking events with the transport of SVps likely through its interaction with the motor UNC-104. We further show that the mistrafficking of SVps into the dendrite in lrk-1 and apb-3 mutants depends on SYD-2, likely by regulating the recruitment of the AP-1/UNC-101. SYD-2 acts in concert with AP complexes to ensure polarized trafficking & transport of SVps.

Co-seismic deformation and related hazards associated with the 2022 Mw 5.6 Cianjur earthquake in West Java, Indonesia: insights from combined seismological analysis, DInSAR, and geomorphological investigations

IntroductionOn November 21, 2022, a magnitude Mw 5.6 earthquake struck Cianjur Regency in the West Java Province of Indonesia. It was followed by at least 512 aftershocks that persisted from November to June 2023. This seismic event occurred in an area previously unrecognized as an active fault zone. The consequences of this earthquake in Cianjur were severe, leading to both loss of life and extensive structural damage. The substantial damage to buildings was likely a result of abrupt alterations in the local topography due to surface deformation effects.ObjectivesThis research endeavor aims to spatially determine the patterns of ground surface deformation and its relationship with local geomorphological setting due to earthquakes in Cianjur in 2022.MethodsIn this study we conduct seismological analysis of 45 seismic stations, statistical analysis of mainshock and aftershocks data, RADAR Sentinel-1 imagery and employed the DInSAR methodology. Field survey was also conducted to determine the geomorphological characteristics in the study area.ResultsThe outcomes disclosed that the deformation encompassed both subsidence and uplift. The results signify that there was subsidence deformation in the vicinity of Cianjur and its environs during the primary earthquake on November 21, 2022, with an average deformation value of approximately -5 cm. In contrast, the measured deformation during the aftershocks exhibited uplift deformation, with an average value of 10 cm. The examination of deformation patterns amid the 2022 Cianjur earthquake sequence detects elevated deformation values in the vicinity of Cugenang district, with an orientation running from northwest to southeast. The geomorphological investigation conducted indicates that the region of Cianjur encompasses a variety of landforms, such as volcanic, structural, fluvial, and denudational. These landforms exhibit distinct responses to seismic activities. Co-seismic hazards, such as landslides frequently occur as a consequence of seismic events in mountainous terrain.Main ConclusionsSpatio-temporal variation of ground deformation could arise from various causes, such as the number and distribution of aftershocks, stress redistribution, fault interactions, secondary effects, and local geological settings. The mainshocks release accumulated stress along a fault, resulting in particular types of deformation, whereas aftershocks may redistribute stress exhibiting on adjacent faults. Secondary effects triggered by aftershocks, coupled with local geological and geomorphological conditions, further contribute to the diverse patterns of ground deformation observed during seismic events. The results of the study revealed that ground deformation had the greatest impact on fluvial, volcanic, and denudational processes, resulting in notable subsidence and uplift in specific regions. The occurrence and magnitude of co-seismic landslides were triggered by both mainshock and aftershock events, which occurred on weathered geological materials. These effects were further amplified by the simultaneous presence of the rainy season.ImplicationsThe knowledge gained from this research can be applied to evaluate the impacts of earthquakes and to proactively reduce future risks.

Tracking bioaerosol exposure among municipal solid waste workers using hematological and inflammatory biomarkers

High levels of bioaerosols may exist in the air of municipal solid waste (MSW) management facilities, constituting a significant occupational hazard for workers. In this study, we investigated the potential association between exposure to bioaerosols and inflammatory biomarkers among municipal solid waste workers (MSWWs) at both the landfill site and the municipal solid waste transfer station (MSWTS), in comparison to a control group without exposure. Air sampling was conducted at six points around the landfill, two points at the MSWTS, and one point in a public park (as a control area) during the spring and summer of 2019. The results of our study revealed that airborne pathogens were highly prevalent at the sampling points, especially in the active zone and leachate collection pond. Aspergillus species were the predominant fungal species detected in this study, with the highest occurrence observed for Aspergillus flavus (83.3%), Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus fumigatus (75.0%). Furthermore, Staphylococcus species accounted for over 75% of the total bacterial bioaerosols detected across all study areas. The blood test results of workers revealed a significant increase in platelets (PLT), immunoglobulin G (IgG), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, basophils, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) compared to the control group. Conversely, platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) in the exposed subjects exhibited a decreasing trend compared to the control group. These findings suggest a potential association between exposure to bioaerosols, particularly in the vicinity of open dumpsites, and elevated levels of hematologic and inflammatory markers in circulation. Furthermore, the influence of smoking status and confounding factors appears to be significant in both the control and exposure groups.

Local government resilience in the face of Russian aggression: the case of Ukraine

ABSTRACT The collapse of a state during crises, such as large-scale wars, demands effective preventive measures. The 2014 military aggression by Russia in Ukraine triggered profound changes and emphasised the importance of strategic responses. So, the cutoff of Russian aggression was facilitated by the coordinated interaction of state authorities and local government and the increased autonomy of local government at the grassroots level, as a result of the successful decentralisation reform in Ukraine. After the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, the local government played a vital role in sustaining Ukrainian cities and villages. This paper examines local government operations in active conflict zones and during occupation, assessing their preparedness for military actions. It delves into the unique challenges faced and necessary post-war adjustments. Through in-depth interviews in the war-affected Kharkiv region and secondary sources, we illuminate crisis management within local government during wartime in Ukraine. Therefore, this study highlights the crucial role of local government bodies in addressing the issues of local residents during a wartime crisis.

Noble gas characteristics of microbial gas in the Qaidam Basin, China: Implications for helium enrichment processes

Helium is a critical, strategic and nonrenewable resource with limited reserves and unstable supplies. However, the helium sources and migration processes in petroliferous basins remain unclear. The Qaidam Basin features multiple reservoir layers, multiple genetic types of natural gas, and varying helium concentrations, providing an ideal natural laboratory for understanding the helium enrichment processes. Here, we present the original noble gas isotopic compositions and major gas components of 11 microbial gas samples from three gas layers in the Sebei No.1 gas field, eastern Qaidam Basin, China. The helium isotopic ratios range from 0.007-0.057 Ra, reflecting a predominantly crustal source. The Quaternary Sebei microbial gas features much lower helium concentrations (0.0003-0.001%), 21Ne/22Ne (0.031-0.034), and 40Ar/36Ar ratios (292-380) than thermogenic natural gases in the Qaidam Basin. The middle gas layer (II) of the Sebei gas field features higher 21Ne/22Ne and 40Ar/36Ar ratios than the top and bottom gas layers, displaying positive correlations with higher 4He groundwater concentrations before degassing, as calculated from 4He/20Ne ratios and 20Ne concentrations in air-saturated water. However, the correlations between the 4He contents in natural gas and 21Ne/22Ne and 40Ar/36Ar ratios are unclear, suggesting that 4He dissolves into the groundwater system before degassing into a gas reservoir and that the 4He concentration variations in the gas phase are caused by the different levels of hydrocarbon dilution. Quantitative calculation of helium production revealed an external helium flux from the crustal basement except for the in-situ production from sedimentary strata even in this broadly-defined self-generating and self-preserving natural gas system. The helium resources in the Qaidam Basin are mainly distributed in tectonically active zones with uplifted pre-Jurassic basement rocks (providing sufficient helium sources), ancient groundwater system (accumulating more helium) and suitable hydrocarbon production (acting as a carrier gas but diluting helium as slightly as possible).

How borehole wall elasticity affects wellbore storage capacity in periodic hydraulic tests

Characterizing fluid transport and pore pressure diffusion is key for monitoring and understanding many natural (e.g., seismically active zones and volcanic systems) and engineered environments (e.g., enhanced geothermal reservoirs and CO2 underground storage). Borehole hydraulic testing allows for inferring relevant properties of the probed subsurface volume, such as, for example, its transmissivity and diffusivity, assessing the governing flow regime as well as detecting the presence of hydraulic boundaries. Periodic hydraulic tests (PHT) achieve these objectives using an oscillatory fluid injection procedure while measuring the fluid pressure response in monitoring boreholes. The relevant information on the pressure diffusion process occurring in a probed formation is retrieved from the phase shifts and amplitude ratios between the flow rate and the interval pressure. In general, the interpretation of PHT data relies on the assumption that the pressure diffusion process is largely unaffected by the deformation of the probed rock volume. To assess this assumption, we present a conceptual PHT model based on the theory of poroelasticity to investigate the role played by hydromechanical coupling (HMC) effects during PHT and to assess whether and to what extent additional mechanical information can be extracted from these tests. These effects include the influence of the borehole wall deformation on the wellbore storage coefficient Sw, which quantifies the difference between the injected flow rates and those actually entering the porous formation. We show that, in homogeneous formations, the commonly taken approach based on the uncoupled diffusion solution for radial flow reproduces the results of our HMC model. However, neglecting the deformation effect of the borehole wall on the storage capacity of the system during injection can lead to underestimations of both transmissivity and diffusivity, particularly at shorter oscillation periods. We present analytical expressions for the borehole wall deformation contribution to Sw, which depends on the shear modulus and does not change with the oscillatory period. We show that it is possible to obtain the effective Sw along with the transmissivity and diffusivity using observations at various oscillatory periods. In the presence of hydraulic boundaries, such as no-flow or constant-pressure boundaries, at a given distance from the injection borehole, Sw becomes period-dependent, introducing apparent variations in the inferred shear modulus of the formation if the associated HMC effects are not accounted for. Our results thus highlight the importance of accounting for HMC effects in PHT data interpretation, not only to reliably and accurately characterize and monitor hydraulic properties but also to fully exploit the potential of PHT to provide additional information on the mechanical behaviour of the probed rock volume.

Measuring Presynaptic Calcium Influx at the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction.

Synaptic transmission plays a critical role in information processing and storage within the nervous system. The triggering of action potentials activates voltage-gated calcium channels at presynaptic active zones, facilitating the calcium-dependent release of synaptic vesicles. Homeostatic mechanisms are crucial in stabilizing synaptic function. At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction, a compensatory increase in presynaptic neurotransmitter release occurs when postsynaptic glutamate receptor function is pharmacologically or genetically impaired, thereby stabilizing synaptic output. This adaptation is known as presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). Recent advancements, including confocal and super-resolution imaging techniques, have demonstrated an increase in presynaptic calcium influx during both the rapid induction and long-term maintenance of PHP. These observations indicate that the abundance and structural organization of presynaptic calcium channels, along with various active zone components, undergo modifications following the suppression of postsynaptic glutamate receptors. Such findings underscore the critical roles of trafficking and stabilization of presynaptic calcium channels and active zone proteins in homeostatic plasticity. This protocol describes using calcium indicators and confocal imaging methods to measure single-action potential-evoked presynaptic calcium influx during PHP.

Analysis of Tsunami Characteristics of Korea Southern Coast Using a Hypothetical Scenario

Large-scale earthquakes are occurring globally, especially in the South Asian crust, which is experiencing a state of tension in the aftermath of the 2011 East Japan Earthquake. Uncertainty and fear regarding the possibility of further seismic activity in the near future have been on the rise in the region. The National Disaster Management Research Institute has previously studied and analyzed the overflow characteristics of a tsunami and the rate of flood forecasting through tsunami numerical simulations of the East Sea of South Korea. However, there is currently a significant lack of research on the Southern Coast tsunamis compared to the East Coast. On the Southern Coast, the tidal difference is between 1~4 m, and the impact of the tides is hard to ignore. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the impact of the tide propagation characteristics on the tsunami. Occurrence regions that may cradle tsunamis that affect the southern coast region are the Ryukyu Island and Nankai Trough, which are active seafloor fault zones. The Southern Coast has not experienced direct damage from tsunamis before, but since the possibility is always present, further research is required to prepare precautionary measures in the face of a potential event. Therefore, this study numerically simulated a hypothetical tsunami scenario that could impact the southern coast of South Korea. In addition, the tidal wave propagation characteristics that emerge at the shore due to tide and tsunami interactions will be analyzed. This study will be used to prepare for tsunamis that might occur on the southern coast through tsunami hazard and risk analysis.

Analyzing the Vulnerability of Residential Buildings in the City of Chaitén: A Focus on an Extreme Event Scenario in a Disrupted River Corridor Following the Cataclysmic Volcanic Eruption of 2008

Pillared on the hydrodynamic simulation of an extreme flooding scenario, we subsequently evaluated the physical vulnerability of residential buildings utilizing an ad hoc developed indicator-based methodology. This method aimed to quantify the expected loss for each affected residential structure. The outcome of this assessment facilitated the creation of a detailed risk map, allowing for the identification of hotspots that require immediate prioritization in mitigation efforts. The results of our study revealed a concentrated impact of the flood, particularly in the northern sector of the city. Within this region, four high-risk areas were pinpointed, comprising 70 homes predominantly situated close to the active channel zones. Notably, our findings underscored that twelve residential buildings, located at shorter distances from the river, are particularly susceptible to the impacts of the flood, as indicated by the physical vulnerability index values. It is important to highlight that the developed methodology is specifically tailored for the analysis of lightweight, one or two-storey houses with exteriors constructed from wood and zinc plates, as opposed to structures built with concrete or stone masonry. This distinction is crucial, given the prevalence of such building types in the Chilean Patagonian region. We recommend extending the application of this methodology to other urban areas in the region, where analogous impacts are possible and similar architectural patterns are common.

Measuring the Readily Releasable Synaptic Vesicle Pool at the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction.

Presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) is a type of homeostatic regulation that stabilizes synaptic output under conditions where postsynaptic receptor function is impaired. PHP manifests as a significant increase in presynaptic neurotransmitter release, compensating for decreased postsynaptic receptor activity and thus maintaining stable excitation levels in postsynaptic cells. Presynaptic neurotransmitter release is calcium-dependent, initiated by calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels localized at the presynaptic active zones. This calcium influx triggers the fusion of vesicles from the readily releasable vesicle pool (RRP) that are ready for immediate release. Two key presynaptic cellular mechanisms are essential for PHP's induction and maintenance. First, a compensatory rise in the abundance of presynaptic calcium channels (and consequently, an increase in calcium influx) occurs when postsynaptic glutamate receptors are suppressed. Second, the RRP size enlarges during PHP. PHP is disrupted if either of these processes is impaired. This protocol outlines the use of the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique for assessing the RRP during PHP, induced either pharmacologically or genetically, at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Electrophysiological recordings typically take place at the NMJ of muscle 6 in abdominal segments A2 and A3.

Excess Child Mortality Associated With Colombia’s Armed Conflict, 1998-2019

Armed conflicts are directly and indirectly associated with morbidity and mortality due to destruction of health infrastructure and diversion of resources, forced displacement, environmental damage, and erosion of social and economic security. Colombia's conflict began in the 1940s and has been uniquely long-lasting and geographically dynamic. To estimate the proportion of infant and child mortality associated with armed conflict exposure from 1998 to 2019 in Colombia. This ecological cohort study includes data from all 1122 municipalities in Colombia from 1998 to 2019. Statistical analysis was conducted from February 2022 to June 2023. Armed conflict exposure was measured dichotomously by the occurrence of conflict-related events in each municipality-year, enumerated and reported by the Colombian National Center for Historic Memory. Deaths among children younger than 5 years and deaths among infants younger than 1 year, offset by the number of births in that municipality-year, enumerated by Colombia's national vital statistics. The analytical sample included 24 157 municipality-years and 223 101 conflict events covering the period from 1998 to 2019. Overall, the presence of armed conflict in a municipality was associated with a 52% increased risk of death for children younger than 5 years of age (relative risk, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.34-1.72]), with similar results for 1- and 5-year lagged analyses. Armed conflict was associated with a 61% increased risk in infant (aged <1 year) death (relative risk, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.43-1.82]). On the absolute scale, this translates to a risk difference of 3.7 excess child deaths per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.7-4.7 per 1000 births) and 3.0 excess infant deaths per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.3-3.6 per 1000 births) per year, beyond what would be expected in the absence of armed conflict. Across the 22-year study period, the population attributable risk was 31.7% (95% CI, 23.5%-39.1%) for child deaths and 35.3% (95% CI, 27.8%-42.0%) for infant deaths. This ecological cohort study of Colombia's spatiotemporally dynamic armed conflict suggests that municipal exposure to armed conflict was associated with excess child and infant deaths. With a record number of children living near active conflict zones in 2020, policy makers and health professionals should understand the magnitude of and manner in which armed conflicts directly and indirectly undermine child health.

Two-stage exhumation of high-pressure rocks by corner flow and mud volcanism within an active subduction zone – A case study from serpentinite mud volcanoes along the Mariana convergent margin

During International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 366 cores were recovered from three serpentinite mud volcanoes containing clasts that originate from the subduction-channel along the Philippine Sea Plate – Pacific Plate boundary. The drilled and sampled mud volcanoes (Yinazao, Fantangisña, and Asùt Tesoru) are located at distances of 55 to 72 km from the Mariana Trench. Mafic rock clasts, embedded within a serpentinite mud matrix, from the flanks and summits of both Asùt Tesoru and Fantangisña Seamounts were analyzed for reconstruction of their metamorphic and deformational overprint in order to reveal the tectono-metamorphic conditions at the metamorphic peak within the subduction channel and the subsequent low-grade overprint during exhumation. Several seamounts comprise clasts of lower plate metabasites with different metamorphic overprint (from low-grade sub-greenschist facies to lower blueschist facies). The metabasites are also associated with clasts of fossiliferous carbonates and cherts with different degrees of metamorphic and deformational overprint, that also originated from the Pacific lower Plate. This implies that these rocks were exhumed from different depths within the subduction channel before being regurgitated within a serpentinite mud matrix. The blueschist facies metamorphic rocks, being affected by metamorphic pressures in the range of 11 to 13.8 kbar at minimum, were very likely exhumed from greater depth within the subduction channel before being captured by uprising, localized serpentinite mudflows, indicating evidence that corner flow is actually taking place along the Mariana convergent margin, and that the high-pressure rocks were exhumed by corner flow in an active subduction zone. Final exhumation, however, is related to the embedding of the rocks within a serpentinite mud matrix and the buoyant ascent of serpentinite mudflows along forearc fracture zones extending from the plate boundary to the upper plate sea floor.

Geophysical methods reveal the soil architecture and subsurface stratigraphic heterogeneities across land-lake interfaces along Lake Erie

Abstract Purpose The land-lake interface is a unique zone where terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems meet, forming part of the Earth’s most geochemically and biologically active zones. The unique characteristics of this interface are yet to be properly understood due to the inherently high spatiotemporal variability of subsurface properties, which are difficult to capture with the traditional soil sampling methods. Geophysical methods offer non-invasive techniques to capture variabilities in soil properties at a high resolution across various spatiotemporal scales. Methods We combined electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground penetrating radar (GPR) with data from soil cores and in situ sensors to investigate hydrostratigraphic heterogeneities across land-lake interfaces along the western basin of Lake Erie. Results EMI revealed high spatial heterogeneities in ECa distribution across the land-lake interfaces, with higher values in the wetland and transition zones compared to the upland zone. Soil ECa maps matched soil maps from a public database with the hydric soil units delineated as high conductivity zones (ECa &gt; 40 mS/m). ERT and GPR showed vertical variation in soil properties with clear stratigraphic boundaries, and correlation of ERT profiles with lithologs from piezometers revealed the stratigraphic units of silt–clay and till sequence down to 3.5 m depth which are consistent with the surficial geology of the study area. Conclusions These results validate the use of multiple geophysical methods for extrapolating soil properties and mapping stratigraphic structures at land-lake interfaces, thereby providing the missing information required to improve the earth system model (ESM) of coastal interfaces.

Modeling of semiconductor heterostructures for energy converters and sensors

A set of modeling programs for constructing a sequence of energy zones of heterojunctions is presented for analyzing the distribution of charge carriers in the heterostructure and internal characteristics, for describing the processes of charge transfer and accumulation. Wolfram Mathematica analytical system and Delphi programming language were used. The main elements of materials are semiconductors, metals of contact structures and injection regions of nonequilibrium carriers. The programs allow determining the structural characteristics of materials, active zones and spatial charge regions, calculating quasi-Fermi levels and built-in potentials, as well as the efficiency of heterostructures in general and for separation-charge collection, charge accumulation, determining the type of metallization of barrier or ohmic contact.

The structural and functional integrity of rod photoreceptor ribbon synapses depends on redundant actions of dynamins 1 and 3.

Vertebrate vision begins with light absorption by rod and cone photoreceptors, which transmit signals from their synaptic terminals to second-order neurons: bipolar and horizontal cells. In mouse rods, there is a single presynaptic ribbon-type active zone at which release of glutamate occurs tonically in the dark. This tonic glutamatergic signaling requires continuous exo- and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. At conventional synapses, endocytosis commonly requires dynamins: GTPases encoded by three genes (Dnm1-3), which perform membrane scission. Disrupting endocytosis by dynamin deletions impairs transmission at conventional synapses, but the impact of disrupting endocytosis and the role(s) of specific dynamin isoforms at rod ribbon synapses are understood incompletely. Here, we used cell-specific knockouts of the neuron-specific Dnm1 and Dnm3 to investigate the functional roles of dynamin isoforms in rod photoreceptors in mice of either sex. Analysis of synaptic protein expression, synapse ultrastructure, and retinal function via electroretinograms showed that dynamins 1 and 3 act redundantly and are essential for supporting the structural and functional integrity of rod ribbon synapses. Single Dnm3 knockout showed no phenotype, and single Dnm1 knockout only modestly reduced synaptic vesicle density without affecting vesicle size and overall synapse integrity; whereas, double Dnm1/Dnm3 knockout impaired vesicle endocytosis profoundly, causing enlarged vesicles, reduced vesicle density, reduced ERG responses, synaptic terminal degeneration, and disassembly and degeneration of postsynaptic processes. Concurrently, cone function remained intact. These results show the fundamental redundancy of dynamins 1 and 3 in regulating the structure and function of rod ribbon synapses.Significance Statement The process of vision starts with the capturing of light by rod and cone photoreceptors within the retina. Photoreceptors communicate with downstream retinal neurons at specialized sites called ribbon synapses, where vesicles of the neurotransmitter glutamate are released and recycled. The synaptic vesicle recycling process at conventional synapses commonly requires specialized proteins for membrane scission, typically dynamins 1 and 3. The role of dynamins in vesicle cycling at photoreceptor ribbon synapses, however, is not fully understood. Here, we specifically deleted dynamins 1 and 3 in rod photoreceptors using a conditional gene knockout approach and demonstrated the redundant role of dynamins 1 and 3 in maintaining rod photoreceptor ribbon synapse structure and function.

A simple method for evaluating the relative water uptake rate of drip‐irrigated crops

AbstractDrip irrigation is widely acknowledged for its water use efficiency, yet evaluating relative water uptake rates (RWURs, ratios between the water uptake rates and the irrigation rates) remains pivotal for effective system design and management. This article presents a novel method employing straightforward measurements of wetted soil surfaces around emitters or perpendicular to driplines, both with and without water uptake, emphasizing simplicity and practicality. The proposed method offers valuable insights into agronomic water use efficiency, facilitating the optimization of drip irrigation for both annual and perennial crops. While effective for intensively irrigated crops, the method does have limitations for smaller wetted areas and longer irrigation cycles, depending also upon a reasonable determination of the active root zone depth and the soil capillary length. Despite relying on a simplified water uptake model, the accessibility and cost‐effectiveness of the method render it a valuable tool for assessing RWURs in diverse agricultural settings, contributing to the sustainable utilization of water resources in drip irrigation.

Mechanical testing and engineering applicability analysis of SAP concrete used in buffer layer design for tunnels in active fault zones

Abstract To tackle the challenge of dislocation damage when tunnels traverse active fault zones, this study introduces the concept of using brittle buffer materials for anti-dislocation. Building on this concept, we propose a novel concrete buffer material utilizing large-sized spherical super absorbent polymers (SAP) as a porogen, aimed at ensuring the safety of tunnel structures during active fault dislocations. To investigate the feasibility and superiority of SAP concrete as a buffer material compared to other similar materials, we prepared samples with three different SAP concrete proportions and conducted a series of physical and mechanical tests. The results show that SAP pre-hydrated with 0.2 mol·L−1 sodium carbonate solution exhibits a slower rate of moisture loss in the cement slurry, aiding the hydration reaction of concrete. The permeability coefficient of SAP concrete is approximately 10−7 cm·s−1, slightly lower than foam concrete of the same density level. SAP concrete buffer material demonstrates significant brittleness, in contrast to the mostly ductile nature of other buffers such as foam concrete and rubberized concrete. Utilizing the brittle nature of SAP concrete materials, when applied to tunnels affected by stick–slip active fault dislocations, its instantaneous loss of compressive capacity provides excellent yield performance, thus protecting the tunnel lining from damage. However, under certain circumferential pressure conditions, both the peak and residual strength of SAP concrete significantly increase. High peak and residual strengths do not favor the effective buffering effect of SAP concrete; therefore, an approach involving the intermittent arrangement of precast buffer blocks has been proposed for application.

"Caught in the crossfire" - women veterans' testimonies regarding excessively violent acts committed in combat zones.

As women in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are increasingly placed in supportive and combat roles in active war zones, they routinely encounter and participate in violent acts. This study focusses on the centrality of gendered inequality and oppression as a factor that shapes not only women's experience in the military but also their responses in cases of excessive violence. The goal of this study was to explore the ways women veterans of combat or combat-support units conceptualize their stance regarding violent acts which they either committed or witnessed in war zones. Using a qualitative approach, we analyzed the retrospective testimonies of 58 Israeli women veterans from the archives of an NGO that documents veteran combatants exposure to excessive violence. Most women explained their violent acts as inherent to the military system and culture, which in our analysis was categorized as examples of either internalized gender oppression or as identification with the aggressor. A smaller number of women described their attempts to protest, as they took a moral stance rooted in a feminine perspective. The three explanations revealed through the analysis of the testimonies reflect the inner tension experienced by many women in the military, as they navigate between two extreme positions, either as victims of male dominance, or as aggressors that are part of a powerful military system. In this study, gendered inequality provides a framework for analyzing the data. Thus, this study contributes to the theoretical knowledge and methodological approaches concerning violent situations in combat areas, focusing on the various ways in which women veterans subjectively and retroactively conceptualize their participation in and responses to violent acts.

System effects in T‐shaped timber shear walls: Effects of transverse walls, diaphragms, and axial loading

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of transverse shear walls (TSWs), out‐of‐plane bending stiffness of diaphragms (FDIA), and axial loading (AXL) on the lateral response of strong wood‐frame shear walls (SWs) used for multistory light frame timber buildings (LFTBs) located in highly active seismic zones. Experimental tests were conducted to understand the requirements for SW‐to‐TSW connections to achieve desirable TSW effects in non‐planar SWs and to characterize the lateral cyclic response of T‐shaped SW assemblies with and without diaphragms and axial load. Both slotted and screwed connections were evaluated as SW‐to‐TSW connections, and both showed sufficient stiffness and strength to achieve TSW effects. However, the slotted connection is preferred because it has a more ductile failure mode. Tests on T‐shaped SW assemblies with and without diaphragms and axial load revealed that TSWs significantly enhance the lateral stiffness and strength but reduce the deformation capacity with respect to that of planar SWs. FDIA and AXL effects further influence the stiffness and strength, overcoming the limitation of smaller deformation capacity in T‐shaped SWs without diaphragms. Diaphragms also make the T‐shaped SW response more symmetrical and improve the evolution of the secant stiffness, the cumulative dissipated energy, and the equivalent viscous damping over increasing levels of lateral drift. Numerical analyses of a theoretical building model with T‐shaped SWs show significant reductions in lateral drift (up to 46%) and uplift (up to 100%) compared to the case with planar SWs only, emphasizing the importance of considering system effects in the seismic design of LFTBs.

A hydrophobic groove in secretagogin allows for alternate interactions with SNAP-25 and syntaxin-4 in endocrine tissues

Vesicular release of neurotransmitters and hormones relies on the dynamic assembly of the exocytosis/trans-SNARE complex through sequential interactions of synaptobrevins, syntaxins, and SNAP-25. Despite SNARE-mediated release being fundamental for intercellular communication in all excitable tissues, the role of auxiliary proteins modulating the import of reserve vesicles to the active zone, and thus, scaling repetitive exocytosis remains less explored. Secretagogin is a Ca2+-sensor protein with SNAP-25 being its only known interacting partner. SNAP-25 anchors readily releasable vesicles within the active zone, thus being instrumental for 1st phase release. However, genetic deletion of secretagogin impedes 2nd phase release instead, calling for the existence of alternative protein-protein interactions. Here, we screened the secretagogin interactome in the brain and pancreas, and found syntaxin-4 grossly overrepresented. Ca2+-loaded secretagogin interacted with syntaxin-4 at nanomolar affinity and 1:1 stoichiometry. Crystal structures of the protein complexes revealed a hydrophobic groove in secretagogin for the binding of syntaxin-4. This groove was also used to bind SNAP-25. In mixtures of equimolar recombinant proteins, SNAP-25 was sequestered by secretagogin in competition with syntaxin-4. Kd differences suggested that secretagogin could shape unidirectional vesicle movement by sequential interactions, a hypothesis supported by in vitro biological data. This mechanism could facilitate the movement of transport vesicles toward release sites, particularly in the endocrine pancreas where secretagogin, SNAP-25, and syntaxin-4 coexist in both α- and β-cells. Thus, secretagogin could modulate the pace and fidelity of vesicular hormone release by differential protein interactions.