bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Theoretical Approach for Accurate Determination of the Density and Thermochemical Properties of Energetic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Li Yang , Oommen Charlie , Sarathy S. Mani
Published: October 2020

Energetic ionic liquids (EILs) are novel explosives and propellants which are useful for a variety of military and industrial applications. The physicochemical properties of EILs play an important role in determining their performance in practical applications. In this study, a combination of ab initio and empirical methods has been developed to accurately predict the key properties of EILs: a) temperature‐dependent heat of formation (ΔHf), entropy (S) and heat capacity (Cp) of cation/anion pairs in the gas phase; b) 298 K density (ρ) and heat of formation (ΔHf) of EILs in the condensed phase. Ab initio methods were selected based on comprehensive validations of the thermochemical properties of closed shell molecules (glyoxal), open shell radicals (vinylperoxy), triplet carbines (oxoethylidene), and the densities of various simple salts (LiF, NaF, KF, MgF2, CaF2, LiCl, NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2). The CBS‐APNO/G3/G4//M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory was selected for the calculation of geometries, frequencies, energies, etc., and the CBS‐APNO level of theory was chosen for calculating the original volumes of cations and anions. The proposed methods/approach calculated: a) the gas‐phase thermochemistry of the cation/anion pairs of simple salts (Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, F− and Cl−) and six triazolium‐based energetic salts (ESs) or EILs representatives (3‐azido1,2,4‐triazolium, 1‐methyl‐3‐azido‐1,2,4‐triazolium, 1,4‐dimethyl‐3‐azido‐1,2,4‐triazolium, nitrate and perchlorate), b) the condensed‐phase density, lattice energy and heat of formation of ESs/EILs (3‐azido1,2,4‐triazolium nitrate, 3‐azido‐1,2,4‐triazolium perchlorate, 1‐methyl‐3‐azido‐1,2,4‐triazolium nitrate, 1‐methyl‐3‐azido‐1,2,4‐triazolium perchlorate, 1,4‐dimethyl‐3‐azido‐1,2,4‐triazolium nitrate and 1,4‐dimethyl‐3‐azido‐1,2,4‐triazolium perchlorate). In comparison with experimental and theoretical results in literature, excellent agreement was observed for all properties. Overall, discrepancies were less than 10 %, a clear indication of the reliability of proposed methods/approach.
Beirut ammonium nitrate explosion: Are not we really learning anything?
Authors: Pasman Hans J. , Fouchier Charline , Park Sunhwa , Quddus Noor , Laboureur Delphine
Published: October 2020

Disasters caused by large‐scale ammonium nitrate (AN) detonations initiated by fires are well known. The Beirut explosion is again a very sad event with disastrous consequences, but it is not a surprise in the sense of a new phenomenon. It is tragic that calamities with AN occur despite ample guidelines for prevention. Knowledge of the decomposition of AN over the years has greatly progressed, as well how to initiate a detonation with a strong shock wave from a high explosive charge. However, to reproduce the initiation of a detonation by a fire under controlled laboratory conditions never succeeded. The details of the transition of decomposing AN to a detonation remained an open question. Is it a deflagration to detonation mechanism, or is it a shock to detonation one? Knowledge of this may further help process safety measures for the product. The paper will bring research contributions from over a century together, it will develop a scenario how this disaster could happen in Beirut, how much of the AN contributed to the blast, and how further research effort could be beneficial. In addition, the paper estimates the TNT mass equivalent of the AN detonation in Beirut employing three different methods.
Effectiveness of long‐lasting insecticide netting on Tribolium castaneum is modulated by multiple exposures, biotic, and abiotic factors
Authors: Gerken Alison R , Scully Erin D , Campbell James F , Morrison William R
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Prevention is the first line of defense in mitigating losses of post‐harvest crops. Long‐lasting insecticide treated (LLIN) could be used in food facilities to expose insects to insecticide at different areas within a facility. Prior research has shown that single short exposures reduce movement and longer exposures increase mortality for stored‐product insect pests, but we do not know how multiple short duration exposures and biotic and abiotic conditions affect insects exposed to LLIN. Here, we repeatedly exposed red flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum, to LLIN to assess the cumulative effects. We also examined the effects of beetle age and time of day during exposure, and temperature, humidity and food availability during recovery after a single exposure to LLIN.

RESULTS

We found that four repeated 10‐min exposures had similar knockdown effects as a single 30‐min exposure. We also found that beetles were more affected when aged 1–6 days versus 14–20 days or were exposed at mid‐ or late in the day versus earlier in the day. Higher recovery levels were observed with food and at higher relative humidity. In addition, older beetles were more active than younger beetles during exposure, which could reduce time in contact with netting and partially explain why older beetles tended to be less affected.

CONCLUSION

Some individuals can recover after exposure to LLIN, dependent on exposure duration and environmental factors, but our study shows that sublethal effects likely persist and future work should consider the physiology of T. castaneum before, during, and after exposure to LLIN. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Novel C‐arm based planning spine surgery robot proved in a porcine model and quantitative accuracy assessment methodology
Authors: Kim Hyung Cheol , Jeon Hyeongseok , An Seong Bae , Kim Hongho , Hwang Sungteac , Cha Yongyeob , Moon Seohyun , Shin Dong Ah , Ha Yoon , Kim Keung Nyun , Yoon Do Heum , Yi Seong
Published: October 2020

Background

We assessed pedicle screw accuracy utilizing a novel navigation‐based spine surgery robotic system by comparing planned pathways with placed pathways in a porcine model.

Methods

We placed three mini screws per vertebra for accuracy evaluation and used a reference frame for registration in four pigs (46 screws in 23 vertebrae). We planned screw paths and performed screw insertion under robot guidance. Using C‐arm and CT images, we evaluated accuracy by comparing the 3D distance of the placed screw head/tip from the planned screw head/tip and 3D angular offset.

Results

Mean registration deviation between the preoperative 3D space (C‐arm) and postoperative CT scans was 0.475 ± 0.119 mm. The average offset from preoperative plan to final placement was 4.8 ± 2.0 mm from the head (tail), 5.3 ± 2.3 mm from the tip and 3.9 ± 2.4 degrees of angulation.

Conclusions

Our spine surgery robot showed good accuracy in executing an intended planned trajectory and screw path. This faster and more accurate robotic system will be applied in future studies, first in cadavers and subsequently in the clinical field.
Enhanced Solar‐Driven‐Heating and Tough Hydrogel Electrolyte by Photothermal Effect and Hofmeister Effect
Authors: Wei Junjie , Wei Gumi , Wang Zhipeng , Li Wenjun , Wu Dongbei , Wang Qigang
Published: October 2020

Although plenty of progress and achievements are made on hydrogel electrolyte researches, the inherent inferior low‐temperature performance of hydrogel electrolyte is still a severe challenge for wider application on the energy storage devices, due to the high content of water within hydrogel. Herein, an enhanced solar‐driven‐heating composite hydrogel electrolyte and a solar‐driven‐heating graphene based micro‐supercapacitor are developed utilizing the photothermal conversion ability and self‐initiation of MoS2 nanosheets and additional Hofmeister effect. The MoS2 composite hydrogel electrolyte not only improves the reliability of micro‐supercapacitor owing to its splendid mechanical properties, but also endows the micro‐supercapacitor with superior low‐temperature electrochemical performance and broadens its operating environment to a much lower temperature (−56 °C), which should be attributed to the excellent ability in converting endless solar energy into required thermal energy. These efforts would construct a new application platform for solar energy conversion and present an efficient method to structure severe‐cold resistant solid state energy storage devices for next‐generation.
System of systems uncertainty quantification using machine learning techniques with smart grid application
Authors: Raz Ali K. , Wood Paul C. , Mockus Linas , DeLaurentis Daniel A.
Published: October 2020

System‐of‐Systems capability is inherently tied to the participation and performance of the constituent systems and the network performance which connects the systems together. It is imperative for the SoS stakeholders to quantify the SoS capability and performance to any uncertain variations in the system participation and network outages so that the system participation is incentivized and network design optimized. However, given the independent operations, management, and objectives of constituent systems, along with an increasing number of systems that collectively become a part of SoS, it becomes difficult to obtain a closed analytical function for SoS performance characterization. In this paper, we investigate and compare two machine learning techniques, Artificial Neural Network and Parametric Bayesian Estimation, to obtain a predictive model of the SoS given the uncertainty in the constituent system participation and the network conditions. We demonstrate our approach on a smart grid SoS application example and describe how the two machine learning techniques enable SoS robustness and resilience analysis by quantifying the uncertainty in the model and SoS operations. The results of smart grid example establish the value of SoS uncertainty quantification (UQ) and show how smart grid operators can utilize UQ models to maintain the desired robustness as operating conditions evolve and how the designers can incorporate low‐cost networks into the SoS while maintaining high performance and resilience.
Structure‐Composition Subtleties in NaZn13‐type Derivatives of Sr/Ca(AuxAl1–x)12–13
Authors: Pham Joyce , Palasyuk Andriy , Miller Gordon J.
Published: October 2020

In the ternary (Sr/Ca)‐Au‐Al phase space for 5–8 at % Sr/Ca and nearly equimolar mixture of Au and Al, five new NaZn13‐derivatives Sr/Ca(AuxAl1–x)12–13 were discovered and their atomic site preferences and electronic structures were studied: (1) at higher Au content, cubic SrAuxAl13–x [7.24(2) ≥ x ≥ 6.68(2)] shows no obvious atomic site preferences; (2) at lower Au content, tetragonal SrAuxAl13–x [6.59(1) ≥ x ≥ 6.35(3)] shows icosahedra exclusively centered by Al and preferential atomic arrangements to maximize the number of Au–Al (or Al‐rich) shortest distances; (3) a monoclinic SrAu6.10(3)Al6.40 compound was uncovered from studies of a single crystal specimen with problematic refinement issues but more detailed powder X‐ray diffraction analysis which suggest even more pronounced geometric distortion from the NaZn13‐type structure as well as preferential arrangements for Au–Al nearest contacts; (4) tetragonal SrAu5.75(2)Al6.25 with all empty icosahedra; and (5) orthorhombic CaAu6.09(2)Al6.01(1) with icosahedra that are half empty and half partially occupied by Al. Electronic DOS and COHP curves were used to rationalize the structural depiction of Sr/Ca(AuxAl1–x)12–13 as icosahedra packing of (AuxAl1–x)12–13 with voids filled by the electropositive Sr/Ca.
A Recalibration of Theatre’s Hypermediality
Authors: Crossley Mark
Published: October 2020

It is often proposed that the unique capacity of theatre is that it allows all media hosted within it to manifest themselves in their own particular forms. This chapter pursues Lars Elleström’s notion that theatre is indeed highly multimodal and integrates many basic and qualified media, prompting a recalibration of current definitions of a hypermedium incorporating all arts and media. The author contends that, alongside the significance of material mobility, there are specific temporal, spatial and sensorial modes that are fundamental in defining the mechanics and the potential of the hypermedium. This interplay of modalities creates new forms of hybrid signification through particulardialogues of immediacy and hypermediacy,participant authorship,angles of mediationandangles of exclusivity, transporting theatre into new and sometimes challenging relationships with other assertive qualified media types, notably what the author refers to as thearchitecture of commerce.
Electronic Screens in Film Diegesis: Modality Modes and Qualifying Aspects of a Formation Enhanced by the Post-digital Era
Authors: Virginás Andrea
Published: October 2020

The proliferation of television screens, video monitors and computer or mobile screens in film diegetic worlds is an apparently simple numeric increase of certain objects within the filmed space, conditioned by, and thus mirroring, contemporary technological changes. However, one should consider this intermediary screenic formation as a complex and versatile audiovisual and narrative method that could have emerged in this frequency only in our current post-digital era. This chapter argues that fine-tuning the model of media functioning presented in Elleström’s “The Modalities of Media” for this specific phenomenon enables a more precise description of the process along which the three presemiotic media modalities morph into the semiotic one. By presenting a systematic description of electronic screens in film diegetic worlds, and a general assessment of the intermedial processes at work, the chapter examines Euro-American films influenced by the video, respectively, the digital era and technology.
Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Writing Systems: All East-Asian but Different Scripts
Authors: Pae Hye K.
Published: October 2020

The three East-Asian scripts—Chinese (characters and Pinyin), Japanese (multi-scripts), and Korean (alphabetic Hangul)—are discussed. Under each script, a brief historical account of the given writing system, the key features of the script, and the strengths and weaknesses as a script are described. The commonalities and differences among the three scripts are next discussed. Since it is claimed that Asian orthography, particularly Chinese characters, curbs Asians’ creativity (Hannas, 1997, 2003), East-Asian students’ performance in international comparison tests is reviewed in comparison to that of American counterparts. Finally discussed are the implications of script differences among the three writing systems for script relativity.
The East and the West
Authors: Pae Hye K.
Published: October 2020

This chapter reviews the cultural aspects of the East and the West. A wide range of differences between the East and the West is discussed in terms of the extrinsic and intrinsic differences. The extrinsic differences comprise architecture, the mode of clothing, everyday practices, and language and script, while the intrinsic differences consist of culture and value systems, attention and perception (holistic vs. analytic), problem solving (relation vs. categorization), and rhetorical structure (linear vs. roundabout). The locus of these differences is identified with respect to philosophical foundations and the characteristics of Eastern and Western cultures. The prevalent interpretations of the differences between the East and the West center on Diamond’s (1999) guns, germs, and steel, Nisbett’s (2003) geography of thought, and Logan’s (2004) alphabet effects. However, these interpretations cannot explain differences in ideologies, religious practices, and societal values among Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans. Therefore, script relativity becomes a new interpretation of the engine behind the differences among the three East-Asian nations and between the East and the West.
Overlengthening of the radial column in radial head replacement: a review of the literature and presentation of a classification system
Authors: Wegmann K. , Hackl M. , Leschinger T. , Burkhart K. J. , Müller L. P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Radial head arthroplasty is a common procedure in elbow surgery. It has been shown to be of benefit for the patients, but there also are relevant complications that should be prevented if possible. One significant complication is overlengthening of the radial head prosthesis. In overlengthening, the head of the prosthesis overextends the physiological level of the native radial head and leads to overcompression in the radiohumeral joint. Rapid erosion and arthritic changes may then impede the clinical outcome. The incidence of overlengthening is not precisely known, but estimations range to up to 20% of all implanted prostheses.

Methods

The present review discusses the available body of literature on overlengthening and lines out a classification system that may be used to guide treatment algorithms. The classification is based on the personal experiences of the author during their clinical practice.

Results

In low-grade overlengthening (type I) conservative treatment can be an option. In Types II–IV usually revision surgery is needed. Depending on the state of the capitulum and joint stability, it is possible re-implant a prosthesis, or rely on implant removal alone.

Discussion

The present review aimed at shedding light into overlengthening as a complication radial head replacement and to help identify and treat it.
Effects of artificial ultraviolet B radiation on the macrophyte Lemna minor: a conceptual study for toxicity pathway characterization
Authors: Xie Li , Solhaug Knut Asbjørn , Song You , Johnsen Bjørn , Olsen Jorunn Elisabeth , Tollefsen Knut Erik
Published: October 2020

Main conclusion

UVB radiation caused irradiance-dependent and target-specific responses in non-UVB acclimated Lemna minor. Conceptual toxicity pathways were developed to propose causal relationships between UVB-mediated effects at multiple levels of biological organisation.

Macrophytes inhabit waterways around the world and are used in hydroponics or aquaponics for different purposes such as feed and wastewater treatment and are thus exposed to elevated levels of UVB from natural and artificial sources. Although high UVB levels are harmful to macrophytes, mechanistic understanding of irradiance-dependent effects and associated modes of action in non-UVB acclimated plants still remains low. The present study was conducted to characterise the irradiance-dependent mechanisms of UVB leading to growth inhibition in Lemna minor as an aquatic macrophyte model. The L. minor were continuously exposed to UVB (0.008–4.2 W m−2) and constant UVA (4 W m−2) and photosynthetically active radiation, PAR (80 µmol m−2 s−1) for 7 days. A suite of bioassays was deployed to assess effects on oxidative stress, photosynthesis, DNA damage, and transcription of antioxidant biosynthesis, DNA repair, programmed cell death, pigment metabolism and respiration. The results showed that UVB triggered both irradiance-dependent and target-specific effects at multiple levels of biological organization, whereas exposure to UVA alone did not cause any effects. Inhibition of photosystem II and induction of carotenoids were observed at 0.23 W m−2, whereas growth inhibition, excessive reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction and chlorophyll depletion were observed at 0.5–1 W m−2. Relationships between responses at different levels of biological organization were used to establish a putative network of toxicity pathways to improve our understanding of UVB effects in aquatic macrophytes under continuous UVB exposures. Additional studies under natural illuminations were proposed to assess whether these putative toxicity pathways may also be relevant for more ecologically relevant exposure scenarios.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using cinnamon bark extract, characterization, and fluorescence activity in Au/eosin Y assemblies
Authors: ElMitwalli Omar S. , Barakat Omar A. , Daoud Rabbani M. , Akhtar Sultan , Henari Fryad Z.
Published: October 2020

This study reports the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using an unconventional, eco-friendly method that utilizes cinnamon bark extract as a reducing agent and stabilizer. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV–Vis spectrum shows the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak around 535 nm. TEM shows the spherical shape of AuNPs and the particle size distribution at around 35 nm. The ability of the synthesized AuNPs as a quencher of eosin Y dye was monitored using a fluorometer. It was found that in the presence of AuNPs, the fluorescence peak of eosin is quenched. The fluorescence of the mixture of eosin and AuNPs is enhanced in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein. TEM shows that the average size of the AuNPs is reduced from 35 to 5 nm with the addition of eosin, and the size of AuNPs then increased to 26 nm upon adding BSA to the mixture of ANPs and eosin. These fluorescence fluctuations may be used for trace identification and biosensing.
Pyrosequenzierung zur molekularen Altersschätzung in der DNA-Spurenanalyse
Authors: Fleckhaus Jan , Schneider Peter M.
Published: October 2020

The estimation of the chronological age based on DNA methylation markers by bisulfite sequencing is a promising new method in forensic molecular genetics. The application of the method to forensic trace samples from crime scenes was recently legalized following a change of the German law. Biological traces display a challenging sample source since they are usually of small amount. To increase sensitivity, we have developed an optimized pyrosequencing protocol for quantitative methylation analysis.
Guided Wave Propagation in Functionally Graded One-Dimensional Hexagonal Quasi-Crystal Plates
Authors: Zhang B. , Yu J.G. , Zhang X.M.
Published: October 2020

Due to the high brittleness, cracks, holes, and other defects that are easily generated in quasi-crystal structures can affect safe applications in serious cases. For guided wave non-destructive testing, the propagation of Lamb and SH waves in functionally graded one-dimensional hexagonal quasi-crystal plates are investigated. Governing equations of wave motion in the context of Bak’s model are deduced and solved by the Legendre orthogonal polynomial method. Dispersion curves, phonon and phason displacement, and stress distributions are illustrated. The convergence of the present method applied to functionally graded quasi-crystal plates is verified. Moreover, the influences of the phonon-phason coupling effect and graded fields on wave characteristics are analyzed. Some new results are obtained: angular frequencies of phason modes always decrease as phonon-phason coupling coefficients, Ri, increase; and phonon and phason displacements of Lamb and SH waves at high frequencies are mainly distributed in the region that contains more quasi-crystal material with a smaller elasticity modulus and less rigidity. The obtained results establish the theoretical foundation of guided wave non-destructive testing for functionally graded quasi-crystal plates.
Load Ratios Carried by Each Constituent for Some Problems of a Particulate Composite Modeled as a Mixture of Two Linear Elastic Solids
Authors: Kurt E. , Dokuz M. S.
Published: October 2020

The basic constitutive equations of theory of mixtures obtained for a mixture of two linear elastic solids can be used as an alternative way to describe the mechanical behavior of binary composite materials. Determining the load ratios carried by each constituent solid of a binary composite is one of challenges of this theory. In this study, the results of directly calculating the ratios of external load carried by each constituent solid for the case of perfectly bonded interface between binary mixture constituents are discussed. Thus, the effects of loading type and volume fraction of the constituent solids to the load ratios carried by each constituent solid are investigated by using three different loading cases and three different volume fractions. Finally, displacement, stress and diffusive force results of two constituent solids using the calculated load ratios are given.
Incorporation is Not Enough: The Agenda Influence of Black Lawmakers in Congressional Committees
Authors: Peay Periloux C.
Published: October 2020

Traditionally, scholars argue that the committee structure is central to the policymaking process in congress, and that those that wield the gavel in committees enjoy a great deal of influence over the legislative agenda. The most recent iterations of Congress are more diverse than ever before. With 55 members—of whom, five chair full committees and 28 sit atop subcommittees—the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is in a place to wield a significant leverage over the legislative agenda in the 116th Congress. However, noticeable proportional gains in minority membership in Congress have yet to produce sizable policy gains for the communities they represent. An examination of bill sponsorship from the 103rd–112th congresses reveals underlying institutional forces—i.e., marginalization and negative agenda setting—leave Black lawmakers at a distinct disadvantage compared to their non-black counterparts. Bills in policy areas targeted by the CBC are subject to disproportionate winnowing in congressional committees. Unfortunately, a number of institutional resources often found to increase a bill's prospects—including placements and leadership on committees with jurisdiction over policy areas of interest—are relatively ineffective for CBC members looking to forward those key issues onto the legislative agenda.
Development of an algorithm for optimizing nitrogen fertilization in wheat using GreenSeeker proximal optical sensor
Authors: Ali Ali M.
Published: October 2020

Proximal plant sensing with active canopy sensors offers a leap in the non-destructive assessment of crop agronomic information. For managing fertilizer nitrogen (N), sensor readings must be translated using functional models or algorithms to fertilizer amounts. Six field experiments were conducted in three wheat seasons in the West Nile Delta in Egypt to develop and validate an algorithm based on GreenSeeker canopy reflectance sensor for field-specific fertilizer N management in wheat, which takes into account both spatial and temporal variability of N during the crop growth season. The proposed algorithm is based on the prediction of total N uptake and response index of N uptake determined from normalized difference vegetation index measured by the sensor from plots differing in yield potential as established by applying a range of fertilizer N levels in the four experiments conducted in the first two wheat seasons. The treatments in the two experiments conducted in the third wheat season were designed to define appropriate fertilizer N management prior to applying a sensor-based dose at Feekes 6 stage (jointing stage). The application of 40 and 60 kg N ha−1at 10 and 30 days after sowing of wheat and a sensor-guided dose of N estimated by using the algorithm developed in this study resulted in yields similar to those obtained by following the general recommendation, but with an average of 66 kg N ha−1less fertilizer N. These results were also reflected in a substantial increase in N recovery (21.9%) and agronomic (7.7 kg grain kg−1N) efficiencies compared with the general recommendation, thereby proving the usefulness of the sensor-based algorithm in optimizing fertilizer N management in wheat.
First camera-trap record of the snow leopard Panthera uncia in Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Nepal
Authors: Koju Narayan Prasad , Bashyal Bijay , Pandey Bishnu Prasad , Shah Satya Narayan , Thami Shankar , Bleisch William V.
Published: October 2020

The snow leopard Panthera uncia is the flagship species of the high mountains of the Himalayas. There is potentially continuous habitat for the snow leopard along the northern border of Nepal, but there is a gap in information about the snow leopard in Gaurishankar Conservation Area. Previous spatial analysis has suggested that the Lamabagar area in this Conservation Area could serve as a transboundary corridor for snow leopards, and that the area may connect local populations, creating a metapopulation. However, there has been no visual confirmation of the species in Lamabagar. We set 11 infrared camera traps for 7 months in Lapchi Village of Gaurishankar Conservation Area, where blue sheep Pseudois nayaur, musk deer Moschus leucogaster and Himalayan tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus, all snow leopard prey species, had been observed. In November 2018 at 4,100 m, 5 km south-west of Lapchi Village, one camera recorded three images of a snow leopard, the first photographic evidence of the species in the Conservation Area. Sixteen other species of mammals were also recorded. Camera-trap records and sightings indicated a high abundance of Himalayan tahr, blue sheep and musk deer. Lapchi Village may be a potentially important corridor for snow leopard movement between the east and west of Nepal and northwards to Quomolongma National Park in China. However, plans for development in the region present increasing threats to this corridor. We recommend development of a transboundary conservation strategy for snow leopard conservation in this region, with participation of Nepal, China and international agencies.
Vaping-assoziierte Lungenerkrankung «VAPI»
Authors: Hage René , Schuurmans Macé M.
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Elektronische Zigaretten sind kleine, handliche Geräte, die über ein Verdampfungssystem verfügen und damit die Inhalation von Aerosolgemischen ermöglichen. In letzter Zeit sind mehrere Erkrankungsfälle publiziert worden, die auf den Konsum von E-Zigaretten zurückgeführt werden können. In Fallserien ist ein Syndrom mit der Bezeichnung «Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Illness» (VAPI) beschrieben worden, das durch isolierte respiratorische Symptome oder durch kombinierte respiratorische, gastro-intestinale und konstitutionelle Symptome gekennzeichnet ist. VAPI kann rasch progredient sein und zu schwerer respiratorischer Insuffizienz sowie intensivmedizinischer Behandlungsbedürftigkeit führen. Trotz diverser Therapiestrategien sind bereits über 50 Todesfälle zu beklagen. Das Vitamin-E-Azetat wird von den inhalierten Substanzen am häufigsten mit VAPI assoziiert. Obwohl die Auslöser und Krankheitsmechanismen noch nicht umfassend untersucht und geklärt sind, fassen wir das bisherige Wissen zur Klinik, Pathologie, Radiologie und Therapie zusammen.
Observations of the Electrodynamical Ties Between Sporadic E and the Plasmasphere
Authors: Helmboldt J. F.
Published: October 2020

A joint investigation was conducted of coherent backscatter radar observations of irregularities within the E and F regions and tomographic mapping of corotating plasmaspheric irregularities (CPIs) near Japan and the American northwest from June 2018. Within both areas, the amplitudes/detection rates for CPIs associated with ionospheric phase fronts aligned northwest‐to‐southeast peaked at night, predominantly premidnight. Likewise, the line‐of‐sight velocity dispersion measured within the E region from coherent backscatter in both areas peaked during the same time periods. Additionally, there were several instances of southwest propagating phase fronts within the E region backscatter data, with speeds ∼100 m s−1 and wavelengths ∼300 km. Both the CPI amplitudes and E region velocity dispersions were typically larger near Japan. In both geographic areas, detections of sporadic E (ES) were prevalent during all times, as is typical at midlatitudes in northern summer. Such southwestward propagating phase fronts have often been observed within summer nighttime ES layers and have been tied to electrobuoyancy waves in the F region. Simulations of plane wave electric field disturbances within ES layers with amplitudes constrained by the backscatter velocity dispersion measurements were able to reproduce the observed CPI properties. These simulated disturbances had smaller wavelengths (50 km) and speeds (20 m s−1) than those observed within the backscatter data but had similar oscillation periods. This may imply a population of smaller‐scale wave‐like disturbances that contribute significantly to the observed velocity dispersion but are too small to be resolved within the radar data.
Radiocarbon in Marine Methane Reveals Patchy Impact of Seeps on Surface Waters
Authors: Joung DongJoo , Leonte Mihai , Valentine David L. , Sparrow Katy J. , Weber Thomas , Kessler John D.
Published: October 2020

Geological sources of methane (CH4), such as hydrocarbon seeps, are significant yet poorly constrained sources of CH4 to seawater and the overlying atmosphere. We investigate the radiocarbon content (14C) and concentrations of dissolved CH4 in surface waters from the Coal Oil Point seep field to test the hypothesis that geological sources can dominate the regional background signal of CH4. We find that surface waters with elevated CH4 concentration were populated with seep‐CH4 and that lower concentrations of CH4 were well explained by mixing with the regional background of nongeological CH4. Substantial differences in concentration and 14C‐CH4 were observed over distances <5 km, demonstrating that surface currents mix background‐CH4 into the seep field. These results indicate that even a prolific seep region like the Santa Barbara Basin exerts limited influence on the regional background of CH4 in the surface layer but is a significant driver of patchiness in oceanic CH4 biogeochemistry.
A Quantitative Model‐Based Assessment of Stony Desert Landscape Evolution in the Hami Basin, China: Implications for Plio‐Pleistocene Dust Production in Eastern Asia
Authors: Abell Jordan T. , Rahimi Stefan R. , Pullen Alex , Lebo Zachary J. , Zhang Dehai , Kapp Paul , Gloege Lucas , Ridge Sean , Nie Junsheng , Winckler Gisela
Published: October 2020

Dust plays an important role in climate, and while our current representation of dust production includes shifts in vegetation, soil moisture, and ice cover, it does not account for the role of landscape evolution. Here, we use the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled to an aerosol chemistry model to quantify the effects of arid landscape evolution on boundary layer conditions, dust production, and radiative properties in the Hami Basin, China, a dynamic stony desert in eastern Asia. Relative to today, altered surface roughness, sediment erodibility, and albedo combine to produce up to a ~44% increase in wind speeds (mean ≈ 15%), up to a ~59% increase in dust loading (mean ≈ 30%), and up to a ~4.4 W m−2 increase in downwelling radiation (mean ≈ 2.4 W m−2) over the Hami Basin. Our modeling results, along with geomorphological data for the western Gobi Desert, provide evidence that stony deserts acted as important Plio‐Pleistocene dust sources.
Southern Ocean Upwelling and the Marine Iron Cycle
Authors: Weber Thomas
Published: October 2020

The iron (Fe) supply to phytoplankton communities in the Southern Ocean surface exerts a strong control on oceanic carbon storage and global climate. Hydrothermal vents are one potential Fe source to this region, but it is not known whether hydrothermal Fe persists in seawater long enough to reach the surface before it is removed by particle scavenging. A new study (Jenkins, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087266) fills an important gap in this puzzle: a helium‐3 mass balance model is used to show that it takes ~100 yr for deep hydrothermally influenced waters to upwell to the surface around Antarctica. However, estimates of Fe scavenging time scales range from tens to hundreds of years and must be more narrowly constrained to fully resolve the role of hydrothermal Fe in the ocean's biological pump.
Two‐Dimensional Hybrid Particle‐in‐Cell Simulations of Magnetosonic Waves in the Dipole Magnetic Field: On a Constant L‐Shell
Authors: Min Kyungguk , Liu Kaijun , Denton Richard E. , Němec František , Boardsen Scott A. , Miyoshi Yoshizumi
Published: October 2020

Two‐dimensional hybrid particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations are carried out on a constant L‐shell (or drift shell) surface of the dipole magnetic field to investigate the generation process of near‐equatorial fast magnetosonic waves (a.k.a equatorial noise; MSWs hereafter) in the inner magnetosphere. The simulation domain on a constant L‐shell surface adopted here allows wave propagation and growth in the azimuthal direction (as well as along the field line) and is motivated by the observations that MSWs propagate preferentially in the azimuthal direction in the source region. Furthermore, the equatorial ring‐like proton distribution used to drive MSWs in the present study is (realistically) weakly anisotropic. Consequently, the ring‐like velocity distribution projected along the field line by Liouville's theorem extends to rather high latitude, and linear instability analysis using the local plasma conditions predicts substantial MSW growth up to ±27° latitude. In the simulations, however, the MSW intensity maximizes near the equator and decreases quasi‐exponentially with latitude. Further analysis reveals that the stronger equatorward refraction at higher latitude due to the larger gradient of the dipole magnetic field strength prevents off‐equatorial MSWs from growing continuously, whereas MSWs of equatorial origin experience little refraction and can fully grow. Furthermore, the simulated MSWs exhibit a rather complex wave field structure varying with latitude, and the scattering of energetic ring‐like protons in response to MSW excitation occurs faster than the bounce period of those protons so that they do not necessarily follow Liouville's theorem during MSW excitation.
Publisher Correction: Primary functional brain connections associated with melancholic major depressive disorder and modulation by antidepressants
Authors: Ichikawa Naho , Lisi Giuseppe , Yahata Noriaki , Okada Go , Takamura Masahiro , Hashimoto Ryu-ichiro , Yamada Takashi , Yamada Makiko , Suhara Tetsuya , Moriguchi Sho , Mimura Masaru , Yoshihara Yujiro , Takahashi Hidehiko , Kasai Kiyoto , Kato Nobumasa , Yamawaki Shigeto , Seymour Ben , Kawato Mitsuo , Morimoto Jun , Okamoto Yasumasa
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Fate of free and bound phytol and tocopherols during fruit ripening of two Capsicum cultivars
Authors: Krauß Stephanie , Hermann-Ene Vanessa , Vetter Walter
Published: October 2020

Phytol and tocopherols and their fatty acid esters (PFAE and TFAE) are isoprenoid lipid components which can be found for instance in vegetables. Their behavior during maturation of fruits and vegetables could reveal valuable information on their biosynthetic formation and biological function. As pods of the genus Capsicum contain considerable amounts of both PFAE and TFAE, two cultivars (i.e. Capsicum annuum var. Forajido and Capsicum chinense var. Habanero) were grown in a greenhouse project. The date of flowering and fruit formation of each blossom was noted and fruits were harvested in four specific periods which corresponded with different stages of ripening, i.e. unripe, semi-ripe, ripe and overripe. Quantification by means of gas chromatography mass spectrometry and creation of development profiles strongly supported the suggestion that PFAE and TFAE were formed as storage molecules during fruit ripening and parallel degradation of chlorophyll. Additionally, compound-specific carbon isotope ratios (δ13C values (‰)) of originally in PFAE and chlorophyll bound phytol ultimately proved that PFAE, besides tocopherols, serve as sink for the cytotoxic phytol moiety released from chlorophyll degradation during fruit ripening. Furthermore, color measurements were successfully implemented to simplify the usually cumbersome separation of chili fruits into different ripening degrees.
Development and validation of an immune-related gene prognostic model for stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Ming , Xia Yu , Wang Yadong , Fan Fei , Li Xian , Song Jukun , Ding Jie
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and its occurrence and prognosis are closely related to inflammation. The aim of the present study was to identify gene signatures and construct an immune-related gene (IRG) prognostic model in STAD using bioinformatics analysis.

Methods: RNA sequencing data from healthy samples and samples with STAD, IRGs, and transcription factors were analyzed. The hub IRGs were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Using the hub IRGs, we constructed an IRG prognostic model. The relationships between IRG prognostic models and clinical data were tested.

Results: A total of 289 differentially expressed IRGs and 20 prognostic IRGs were screened with a threshold of P<0.05. Through multivariate stepwise Cox regression analysis, we developed a prognostic model based on seven IRGs. The prognostic model was validated using a GEO dataset (GSE 84437). The IRGs were significantly correlated with the clinical outcomes (age, histological grade, N, and M stage) of STAD patients. The infiltration abundances of dendritic cells and macrophages were higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group.

Conclusions: Our results provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of STAD. An IRG prognostic model based on seven IRGs exhibited the predictive value, and have potential application value in clinical decision-making and individualized treatment.
Optimisation‐based deployment of beacons for indoor positioning using wireless communications and signal power ranking
Authors: Chang Ching‐Lung , Chang Chuan‐Yu , Chen Shuo‐Tsung , Syu Jhe‐Ming
Published: October 2020

Beacon‐based indoor positioning is popular in recent years. In this work, the authors aim to enhance the positioning accuracy by proposing signal power ranking (SPR) and solving related optimisation‐based deployment problem of beacons using wireless communication and Bluetooth 4.0 Bluetooth low‐energy network technologies. The authors first adopt grid‐based field to be the proposed deployment field. Second, they convert the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) to several levels called SPR. Third, an optimisation‐based model for deployment problem of beacons in indoor positioning is proposed on the basis of the above two considerations. The proposed model is to minimise the number of beacons required under some fundamental conditions including full coverage and full discrimination, respectively. Finally, the algorithm of simulated annealing is applied to solve the linear programming problem in this model. By the optimal results, the user can obtain a vector table of RSSI for each location efficiently in the test field. On the other hand, the user in the test field can receive the beacon RSSI value at the same time. In order to determine the user's location, the received beacon RSSI value is compared with the values in the vector table.
Orbital features of distant trans-Neptunian objects induced by giant gaseous clumps
Authors: Emel’yanenko V. V.
Published: October 2020

Context.The discovery of distant trans-Neptunian objects has led to heated discussions about the structure of the outer Solar System.

Aims.We study the dynamical evolution of small bodies from the Hill regions of migrating giant gaseous clumps that form in the outer solar nebula via gravitational fragmentation. We attempt to determine whether the observed features of the orbital distribution of distant trans-Neptunian objects could be caused by this process.

Methods.We consider a simple model that includes the Sun, two point-like giant clumps with masses of ∼10 Jupiter masses, and a set of massless objects initially located in the Hill regions of these clumps. We carry out numerical simulations of the motions of small bodies under gravitational perturbations from two giant clumps that move in elliptical orbits and approach each other. The orbital distribution of these small bodies is compared with the observed distribution of distant trans-Neptunian objects.

Results.In addition to the known grouping in longitudes of perihelion, we note new features for observed distant trans-Neptunian objects. The observed orbital distribution points to the existence of two groups of distant trans-Neptunian objects with different dynamical characteristics. We show that the main features of the orbital distribution of distant trans-Neptunian objects can be explained by their origin in the Hill regions of migrating giant gaseous clumps. Small bodies are ejected from the Hill regions when the giant clumps move in high-eccentricity orbits and have a close encounter with each other.

Conclusions.The resulting orbital distribution of small bodies in our model and the observed distribution of distant trans-Neptunian objects have similar features.
Preprocessing of vector magnetograms for magnetohydrostatic extrapolations
Authors: Zhu X. , Wiegelmann T. , Inhester B.
Published: October 2020

Context. Understanding the 3D magnetic field as well as the plasma in the chromosphere and transition region is important. One way is to extrapolate the magnetic field and plasma from the routinely measured vector magnetogram on the photosphere based on the assumption of the magnetohydrostatic (MHS) state. However, photospheric data may be inconsistent with the MHS assumption. Therefore, we must study the restriction on the photospheric magnetic field, which is required by the MHS system. Moreover, the data should be transformed accordingly before MHS extrapolations can be applied.

Aims. We aim to obtain a set of surface integrals as criteria for the MHS system and use this set of integrals to preprocess a vector magnetogram.

Methods. By applying Gauss’ theorem and assuming an isolated active region on the Sun, we related the magnetic energy and forces in the volume to the surface integral on the photosphere. The same method was applied to obtain restrictions on the photospheric magnetic field as necessary criteria for a MHS system. We used an optimization method to preprocess the data to minimize the deviation from the criteria as well as the measured value.

Results. By applying the virial theorem to the active region, we find the boundary integral that is used to compute the energy of a force-free field usually underestimates the magnetic energy of a large active region. We also find that the MHS assumption only requires the x-, y-component of net Lorentz force and the z-component of net torque to be zero. These zero components are part of Aly’s criteria for a force-free field. However, other components of net force and torque can be non-zero values. According to new criteria, we preprocess the magnetogram to make it more consistent with the MHS system and, at the same time close, to the original data.
Application of the GPR and ERT methods for non-invasive examination of a flood dike
Authors: Gołębiowski Tomisław , Piwakowski Bogdan , Ćwiklik Michał
Published: October 2020

As part of the NAWA-EMMAT project, geophysical surveys were carried out on selected sites in Poland, i.e. on the flood dike and in the surrounding of the concrete water dam. The goal of the surveys was the non- invasive detection of loose zones in the flood dike and fractured zones located in the subsoil of the water dam. Terrain geophysical measurements were conducted with the use of electrical and electromagnetic methods as well as applying seismic methods. Due to the limitations of the length of this paper, only selected results recorded on the flood dike using selected geophysical methods, i.e. electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) are presented. The presence of several higher hydraulic permeability zones in the dike was suggested by the results of the ERT method. The GPR method allowed, due to its high resolution, to identify small leakage zones in the body of the dike. An attempt at a quantitative interpretation of the geophysical data was made; for this purpose, the synthetic results obtained from numerical modelling of electrical and electromagnetic fields were applied. For proper construction of numerical models and further interpretation, the results of geotechnical sounding, geological drilling and the results of petrophysical measurements were also used.