bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural blue zircon from Vesuvius
Authors: Sun Yi , Schmitt Axel K. , Häger Tobias , Schneider Marcus , Pappalardo Lucia , Russo Massimo
Published: October 2020

Zircon from syenitic ejecta of Vesuvius (Campania, Italy) is unusually blue, a property shared with gem zircon from Ratanakiri province (Cambodia), which turns from natural reddish-brown to blue when heated under reducing conditions. Here, the origins of these unusual crystals were traced through geochronology, trace elements, and O-Hf isotopic compositions. The causes of its colour were investigated through optical and electron microscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy, and Raman microspectroscopy. Colour stability upon heating and ultraviolet light (UV) exposure was tested using Ratanakiri zircon as a control. Vesuvius zircon contains vesiculated zones with abundant inclusions ~2.5 μm to <100 nm in diameter (mostly U-rich thorianite and pyrochlore-group minerals), while homogeneous zircon domains are high in Th and U (up to 5.9 and 1.8 wt%, respectively). Its blue colouration is stable under UV radiation, as well as heat-treatment under reducing conditions (1000 °C; >15 h). Turbid domains rich in large inclusions change to yellow-brown after heating under oxidizing conditions, while transparent domains remain pale blue or colourless. Optical absorption spectra display sharp absorption lines attributed to U4+, and slightly elevated absorption towards shorter wavelengths. The ~1007 cm−1 ν3(SiO4) Raman band is broadened due to lattice distortion by non-stoichiometric elements in high-Th/-U zircon, whereas narrow bands in inclusion-rich domains indicate a decrease in lattice strain due to inclusion precipitation. Blue colouration in Vesuvius zircon is explained by the effect of light scattering (Rayleigh and/or Mie scattering) on highly refractive actinide-rich inclusions ranging in size from <1/10 to few multiples of the wavelengths of visible light. Inclusions likely formed during fluid-mediated coupled dissolution-reprecipitation that locally transformed lattice-strained actinide-rich zircon within several hundreds of years prior to eruption.
Comparison of two curing protocols during adhesive cementation: can the step luting technique supersede the traditional one?
Authors: Tosco Vincenzo , Monterubbianesi Riccardo , Orilisi Giulia , Sabbatini Simona , Conti Carla , Özcan Mutlu , Putignano Angelo , Orsini Giovanna
Published: October 2020

This study aims to compare the degree of conversion of two different curing protocols used during adhesive cementation. The following resin luting agents were tested: Hri Flow (MF) and pre-heated Hri Micerium (MH); light-cure Nexus Third Generation (NX3L) and dual-cure Nexus Third Generation (NX3D); dual cured RelyX Ultimate (RXU) and light-cure RelyX Veneers (RXL). For each tested material, ten samples were prepared and divided into two groups which had different curing protocols (P1 and P2): in P1, samples were cured for 40 s; in P2, samples were cured for 5 s, and then, after 20 s, cured again for additional 40 s. The degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated both during the first 5 min of the curing phase and after 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days (p = 0.05). Different trends were observed in DC values after 5 min by comparing P1 and P2. In both P1 and P2, DC decreased as follows, MH > MF > NX3L > RXL > RXU > NX3D. There were significant differences of DC values among all resin luting agents (p < 0.05) in P1, while no significant differences existed between MH and MF, and NX3L and RXL in P2. At 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days the light curing luting agents had a higher DC than the dual luting agents (p < 0.05). P1 and P2 were not statistically different at each time point (p > 0.05). Both P1 and P2 protocols let achieve an acceptable DC after 28 days. The tested P2 can be safely used to lute indirect restorations, simplifying the removal of cement excesses.
One out of ten: low sampling efficiency of cloth dragging challenges abundance estimates of questing ticks
Authors: Nyrhilä Siiri , Sormunen Jani J. , Mäkelä Satu , Sippola Ella , Vesterinen Eero J. , Klemola Tero
Published: October 2020

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) act as important vectors of zoonotic pathogens. For instance, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes pose a severe health risk as aetiological agents of Lyme borreliosis. Commonly, to study the abundance of questing (host-seeking) ticks, a 1 m2 piece of cloth is dragged over vegetation for a determined distance. Here, we designed a tick-sampling study to estimate the sampling efficiency of this standard method. We established 10 m dragging transects in a hemiboreal mixed forest patch in SW Finland for a 5-day monitoring period. Five of the transects were cloth-dragged 3× a day, whereas another five transects were dragged 6× a day in a manner that after each morning, midday and afternoon dragging, a second dragging was conducted on the same transect immediately. Captured Ixodes ricinus ticks were subsequently analysed for tick-borne pathogens. The initial population size of nymphal ticks on a transect was approximated by the accumulated nymph catch from the dragging sessions. The sampling efficiency of the cloth dragging was low, as a single dragging in a previously untouched vegetation strip always caught less than 12% (mean 6%) of the estimated population of active nymphs that were assumed to be questing during the study. Clear results were not found for daily activity rhythm, as ticks were caught in all daily dragging sessions. Approximately every third nymph and every second adult carried a pathogen, but nothing indicated that the occurrence of a pathogen affected the likelihood of the tick being caught by cloth dragging. Our results suggest that only a minority of active ticks can be caught by a single cloth dragging. The abundance estimates in many tick investigations might thus be downward biased.
Associations Between Mode of Birth and Neuropsychological Development in Children Aged 4 Years: Results from a Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Takács Lea , Putnam Samuel P. , Monk Catherine , Dahlen Hannah G. , Thornton Charlene , Bartoš František , Topalidou Anastasia , Peters Lilian L.
Published: October 2020

The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to examine the association between Cesarean section (CS) and child development and behavior. The sample consisted of 256 children who were born at term without serious perinatal pathologies. Their development and behavior was assessed at the age of four using Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), Children’s Behavior Questionnaire and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between CS and child outcomes. CS was associated with better scores in the Problem Solving domain of the ASQ in the whole sample. After stratifying by child sex, the positive association between CS and the Problem Solving domain was significant in boys, while no association was found in girls. Girls were rated less optimally in the Gross Motor domain of the ASQ when born via CS. Mode of birth was not associated with behavioral outcomes.
Intraoperative zero-heat-flux thermometry overestimates esophageal temperature by 0.26 °C: an observational study in 100 infants and young children
Authors: Nemeth Marcus , Lovric Marijana , Asendorf Thomas , Bräuer Anselm , Miller Clemens
Published: October 2020

In pediatric anesthesia, deviations from normothermia can lead to many complications, with infants and young children at the highest risk. A measurement method for core temperature must be clinically accurate, precise and should be minimally invasive. Zero-heat-flux (ZHF) temperature measurements have been evaluated in several studies in adults. We assessed the agreement between the 3M Bair Hugger™ temperature measurement sensor (TZHF) and esophageal temperature (TEso) in children up to and including 6 years undergoing surgery with general anesthesia. Data were recorded in 5 min-intervals. We investigated the accuracy of the ZHF sensor overall and in subgroups of different age, ASA classification, and temperature ranges by Bland–Altman comparisons of differences with multiple measurements. Change over time was assessed by a linear mixed model regression. Data were collected in 100 children with a median (1st–3rd quartile) age of 1.7 (1–3.9) years resulting in 1254 data pairs. Compared to TEso (range from 35.3 to 39.3 °C; median 37.2 °C), TZHF resulted in a mean bias of +0.26 °C (95% confidence interval +0.22 to +0.29 °C; 95% limits of agreement −0.11 to +0.62 °C). Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was 0.89. There was no significant or relevant change of temperature over time (0.006 °C per hour measurement interval, p = 0.199) and no relevant differences in the subgroups. Due to the mean bias of +0.26 °C in TZHF, the risk of hypothermia may be underestimated, while the risk of hyperthermia may be overestimated. Nevertheless, because of its high precision, we consider ZHF valuable for intraoperative temperature monitoring in children and infants.
How Does Adolescents’ Openness to Diversity Change Over Time? The Role of Majority-Minority Friendship, Friends’ Views, and Classroom Social Context
Authors: Bayram Özdemir Sevgi , Özdemir Metin , Boersma Katja
Published: October 2020

Young people are growing up in increasingly “super-diverse” societies, and show variations in how they approach diversity and embrace differences. Developing a good understanding of why some youth appreciate and value diversity whereas others do not is crucial in identifying ways to promote social interactions among different groups in broader society. The current study examined whether adolescents follow different trajectories in their views on diversity, and identified possible factors behind how they change over time. The sample included 1362 adolescents residing in Sweden (Mage = 13.18, SD = 0.43, 48% girls). Adolescents reported on their openness to diversity and classroom social climate. The peer nominations method was used to measure majority-minority friendship, and friends’ views on diversity. Latent growth analysis showed that adolescents, on average, became more open to diversity over time, but with clear heterogeneity. Three distinct trajectories were identified as: high-increasing, average-increasing, and average-declining. Relative to the high-increasing group, the other two were more likely to be male and immigrant. Relative to the high-increasing group, adolescents on the average-increasing trajectory perceived their classroom climate as less cooperative, while the adolescents on the average-declining trajectory were less likely to have friends with positive views on diversity. The findings suggest that schools may serve as a shared ground for promoting openness to diversity.
Application of short-term methods to estimate the environmental stress cracking resistance of recycled HDPE
Authors: Gobetti Anna , Ramorino Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Environmental stress cracking is a serious problem for polyethylene because it can cause failure without any visible warning due to the slow crack growth accelerated by aggressive agents. Tie molecules and entanglements are the main macromolecular characteristic increasing environmental stress cracking resistance, thus in this work mechanical and thermal properties governed by those macromolecular characteristics are determined by performing simple tests executable in the industrial laboratories for quality control on recycled high-density polyethylene. The mutual relation between the determined properties confirms their dependence on the investigated macromolecular characteristics and allows to predict in a comparative way the expected environmental stress cracking. The mechanical properties related to the environmental stress cracking resistance are the strain hardening modulus and the natural draw ratio. The strain hardening modulus is an intrinsic property that measure the disentanglement capability of the inter-lamellar links and the natural draw ratio is a highly sensitive parameter to the macromolecular network strength via the intercrystalline tie molecules. Since the measurement of these properties according to the standard ISO 18,488 requires a temperature chamber not often available in the industrial laboratories, the tensile test was performed also at room temperature and displacement rate 0.5 mm/min; a proportionality between the data obtained at different test condition emerged. The thermal property related to the environmental stress cracking resistance is the stepwise isothermal segregation ratio that state the chain fraction that generates a high rate of tie molecules responsible of environmental stress cracking resistance.
Big data analytics (BDA) and degree of internationalization: the interplay between governance of BDA infrastructure and BDA capabilities
Authors: Bertello Alberto , Ferraris Alberto , Bresciani Stefano , De Bernardi Paola
Published: October 2020

In order to face the challenges of internationalization and to cope more efficiently with the uncertainty of foreign expansion, firms are called to analyze an increasing amount of real-time semi-structured and unstructured datasets. In this sense, big data analytics (BDA) can become strategic in stimulating the international growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the specific relationship between BDA and internationalization has been analyzed fragmentarily within the mainstream literature. With the purpose of shedding light on this relationship, the authors drew on resource-based view (RBV) and collected data through a questionnaire directed to CEOs of 266 SMEs, receiving 103 responses. A quantitative analysis based on an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression showed that the relationship between governance of BDA infrastructure and the degree of internationalization (DOI) is not significant, while the direct effect of BDA capabilities as well as the interaction term between BDA infrastructure and BDA capabilities are positive and significant. This suggests that the governance of BDA per se is not enough for enhancing internationalization in SMEs. On the contrary, this article points out the relevance of developing specific BDA capabilities and the existence of a positive interplay between governance of BDA infrastructure and BDA capabilities that can exploit the new knowledge coming from BDA in SME international growth.
The Biological Clock: Age, Risk, and the Biopolitics of Reproductive Time
Authors: Yopo Díaz Martina
Published: October 2020

The present article explores the social and subjective dimensions of the biological clock and its implications for reproductive time through a qualitative study based on 40 life story interviews of women from Santiago de Chile. Although the narrative of the biological clock has become a prevalent frame for addressing reproductive time in the context of late childbearing, age-related infertility, and the use of assisted reproductive technologies, few studies engage in an in-depth analysis of the biological clock—its boundaries, dynamics, and the particular ways in which it shapes women’s views and experiences of reproductive time. The present article aims to advance current knowledge on the intersection of time, reproduction, and biopolitics by arguing that the biological clock regulates reproductive time by shaping the boundaries and dynamics of female fertility through the clock. By determining reproductive time as quantitative, standardised, linear, and irreversible and by outlining the passing of time through pressure, risk, and burden, the biological clock determines when it is possible and desirable to have children and regulates reproduction, gender, and the female life course. These findings highlight the importance of critically addressing the narrative of the biological clock and its implications for women’s views and experiences of reproductive time.
Vividness as a natural kind
Authors: Tooming Uku , Miyazono Kengo
Published: October 2020

Imaginings are often characterized in terms of vividness. However, there is little agreement in the philosophical literature as to what it amounts to and how to even investigate it. In this paper, we propose a natural kind methodology to study vividness and suggest treating it as a homeostatic property cluster with an underlying nature that explains the correlation of properties in that cluster. This approach relies on the empirical research on the vividness of mental imagery and contrasts with those accounts that treat vividness as an explanatory primitive and with those that attempt to provide a definition. We apply the natural kind methodology to make several substantive (but also provisional) claims about the vividness of mental imagery. First, we will argue that it forms a homeostatic property cluster, in that it is reliably correlated with, but not defined by, some properties, such as the level of detail, clarity, perception-likeness and intensity. In arguing for this claim, we also show how the cluster can be modified in the light of empirical research by complementing it with a correlation between vividness and familiarity. Second, we will argue that these correlations can be explained by an underlying property at the architectural level; i.e., the availability of stored sensory information for the elaboration of a mental image.
Correction to: Treatment of adults with intracranial hemorrhage on apixaban or rivaroxaban with prothrombin complex concentrate products
Authors: Castillo Renee , Chan Alissa , Atallah Steven , Derry Katrina , Baje Mark , Zimmermann Lara L. , Martin Ryan , Groysman Leonid , Stern‑Nezer Sara , Minokadeh Anush , Nova Alan , Huang WanTing , Cang William , Schomer Kendra
Published: October 2020

The article “Treatment of adults with intracranial hemorrhage on apixaban or rivaroxaban with prothrombin complex concentrate products”, written by Renee Castillo, Alissa Chan, Steven Atallah, Katrina Derry, Mark Baje, Lara L. Zimmermann, Ryan Martin, Leonid Groysman, Sara Stern-Nezer, Anush Minokadeh, Alan Nova, WanTing Huang, William Cang, Kendra Schomer, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 4 June 2020 without open access
Disease-specific plasma levels of mitokines FGF21, GDF15, and Humanin in type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease in comparison with healthy aging
Authors: Conte Maria , Sabbatinelli Jacopo , Chiariello Antonio , Martucci Morena , Santoro Aurelia , Monti Daniela , Arcaro Marina , Galimberti Daniela , Scarpini Elio , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Giuliani Angelica , Olivieri Fabiola , Franceschi Claudio , Salvioli Stefano
Published: October 2020

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), and Humanin (HN) are mitochondrial stress-related mitokines, whose role in health and disease is still debated. In this study, we confirmed that their plasma levels are positively correlated with age in healthy subjects. However, when looking at patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD), two age-related diseases sharing a mitochondrial impairment, we found that GDF15 is elevated in T2D but not in AD and represents a risk factor for T2D complications, while FGF21 and HN are lower in AD but not in T2D. Moreover, FGF21 reaches the highest levels in centenarian’ offspring, a model of successful aging. As a whole, these data indicate that (i) the adaptive mitokine response observed in healthy aging is lost in age-related diseases, (ii) a common expression pattern of mitokines does not emerge in T2D and AD, suggesting an unpredicted complexity and disease-specificity, and (iii) FGF21 emerges as a candidate marker of healthy aging.
Preliminary study on mechanical characteristics of maxillofacial soft and hard tissues for virtual surgery
Authors: Zhuang Yu , Chen Jie , Liu Qingcheng , Zou Fan , Lin Yuheng , An Qinglong , Yu Hongbo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Virtual surgery system can provide us a realistic and immersive training environment, in which haptic force-feedback gives operators ‘touching feeling.’ Appropriate deformation models of soft and hard tissues are required for the achievement of real-time haptic feedback. To improve accuracy of modeling and haptic feedback simulation for maxillofacial virtual surgery, mechanical characteristics of soft and hard tissues should be explored.

Methods

Craniofacial soft tissues from one male and female cadavers were divided into two layers: skin and muscle. Maxillofacial tissues were divided into frontal, chin, temporalis, masseter regions. Insertion and cutting process were conducted using VMX42 5-axis linkage system and recorded by piezoelectric dynamometer. Maximum stiffness values were analyzed, and insertion curves before puncture were fitted using a polynomial model. Elasticity modulus and hardness of maxillofacial hard tissues were measured and analyzed using Berkovich nanoindentation.

Results

Tissues in different maxillofacial regions, as well as from different layers (skin and muscle), displayed various mechanical performance. Maximum stiffness values and cutting force of soft tissues in male and female had significant difference. The third-order polynomial was demonstrated to fit the insertion curves well before puncture. Furthermore, elasticity modulus and hardness of enamel were significantly greater than that of zygoma, maxilla and mandible.

Conclusion

Mechanical properties of hard tissues are relatively stable, which can be applied in virtual surgery system for physical model construction. Insertion model and cutting force for soft tissues are meaningful and applicable and can be utilized to promote the accuracy of response for haptic feedback sensations.
Ex vivo Induction of Apoptotic Mesenchymal Stem Cell by High Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Le Tien Minh , Morimoto Naoki , Ly Nhung Thi My , Mitsui Toshihito , Notodihardjo Sharon Claudia , Ogino Shuichi , Arata Jun , Kakudo Natsuko , Kusumoto Kenji
Published: October 2020

Among promising solutions for tissue repair and wound healing, mesenchymal stem (or stromal) cells (MSCs) have been a focus of attention and have become the most clinically studied experimental cell therapy. Recent studies reported the importance of apoptosis in MSC-mediated immunomodulation, in which apoptotic MSCs (apoMSCs) were shown to be superior to living MSCs. Nowadays, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), a physical technique that uses only fluid pressure, has been developed and applied in various bioscience fields, including biotechnology, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine, as its safe and simply operation. In the current study, we investigated the impact of HHP treatment on human bone marrow-MSC survival and proliferation. Based on the detection of executioner caspase activation, phosphatidylserine exposure, DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) and irrefutable ultrastructural morphological changes on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), our data revealed that HHP treatment induced complete apoptosis in MSCs. Notably, this technique might provide manipulated products for use in cell-based therapies as manufacturing capability expands. We hope that our findings will contribute to the improvement of MSCs or EVs in translational research development.
Could the grasses have played a role in the earliest salt exploitation? Phytoliths analysis of prehistoric salt spring from Hălăbutoaia - Ţolici (Romania)
Authors: Danu Mihaela , Delhon Claire , Weller Olivier
Published: October 2020

The salt spring exploitation fromHălăbutoaia- Ţolici (Neamț County, Romania) dates back to the Early Neolithic and lasted throughout Chalcolithic. The deposit stratigraphy is estimated at 8 m and covers 2500 years of history (c. 6000–3500 BCE). In order to document the possible use of plants, particularly of the grasses, in the salt production process, we realized a detailed study of phytoliths preserved in several archaeological levels ofHălăbutoaiasite. The most identified morphotypes come from grass family. Analysis revealed an important representation of inflorescence bracts phytoliths (especially Elongate dendritic) showing the anthropogenic origin of the assemblages. Bilobateare also well represented. These forms attest the presence of wild panicoid grasses (e.g. wild millet) and/or cultivated millets in the area. In some very punctual assemblages, forms produced by dicots are well represented. Considering the low phytoliths production by dicots plants, it involves a special accumulation of these types of plants that could be related to woody plants used as fuel for salt production. It is very possible that grasses had a very important role in pyrotechnology used to produce salt, either as the main fuel or as a mean for controlling the temperature or even as a firelighter.
Vulnerability assessment considering impact of future groundwater exploitation on coastal groundwater resources in northeastern Jeju Island, South Korea
Authors: Chang Sun Woo , Chung Il-Moon , Kim Min-Gyu , Yifru Bisrat Ayalew
Published: October 2020

Jeju Island is the largest island in South Korea. Recently, extensive groundwater abstraction has been reported from the shallow aquifer in the northeast region of the island. This study simulated the freshwater resources of the aquifer to estimate the sustainability of groundwater use on Jeju Island in terms of its vulnerability to seawater intrusion. Three-dimensional finite-difference numerical groundwater models were simulated using the MODFLOW-family code SEAWAT. Precise and recent groundwater level and multi-depth salinity data obtained from the study site were used for model calibration; the simulated results showed good agreement with the observed data. SEAWAT was used to delineate the current seawater-freshwater interface to quantitatively estimate the coastal fresh groundwater resources. Future stress scenarios were also simulated in response to increased pumping and various changes in the recharge. The results showed that current groundwater use in the coastal aquifer did not induce seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifer, but seawater intrusion will occur if the dry season continues for the next ten years. The vulnerability assessment based on the predicted groundwater levels and ion concentrations using numerical simulations suggests future vulnerability in the aquifer; therefore, continuous assessment and visualization of the aquifer sustainability is vital. Future projections by the integrated SEAWAT simulation and GALDIT assessment showed that an increase in groundwater pumping may escalate the vulnerability status of coastal groundwater resources from moderate to high in some areas of the study site, by inducing lateral seawater intrusion in deeper areas of the unconfined aquifer.
Evaluation of drilling muds enhanced with modified starch for HPHT well applications
Authors: Sulaimon Aliyu Adebayo , Akintola Sarah Abidemi , Mohd Johari Mohd Adam Bin , Isehunwa Sunday Oloruntoba
Published: October 2020

The use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in oil and gas well drilling operations has improved the filtration loss and mud cake properties of drilling muds. The introduction of starch has also reduced, for example, the viscosity, fluid loss, and mud cake properties of the  drilling fluids. However, normal starch has some drawbacks such as low shear stress resistance, thermal decomposition, high retrogradation, and syneresis. Hence, starch modification, achieved through acetylation and carboxymethylation, has been introduced to overcome these limitations. In this study, modified starches, from cassava and maize, were used to enhance the properties of water-based muds under high-pressure high temperature (HPHT) conditions, and their performances were compared with that of the CMC. The mud samples added with acetylated cassava or maize starch exhibited the smallest filtrate volumes and filtrate losses within the American Petroleum Institute specification. Therefore, these modified starch-added muds could replace CMC as fluid loss agents since, unlike it, they can withstand HPHT conditions.
Cytogenetic investigation of Arctic char × brook trout F1, F2 and backcross hybrids revealed remnants of the chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Pomianowski Konrad , Ocalewicz Konrad
Published: October 2020

Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) hybridize and their offspring is viable and fertile. This may be a real treat for the native European stocks of Arctic char which gene pools might be unintendedly contaminated with the genetic elements of brook trout. On the other hand, hybrids of these two species are appreciated by customers and have some potential for the aquaculture. Moreover, Salvelinus hybrids and backcross individuals are interesting models in the research focused on influence of hybridization on the genomic organization and chromosome rearrangements. Thus, the main goal of the present study was to examine chromosomes of Arctic char × brook trout F1, F2 hybrids and backcross individuals and compare with genomic information concerning parental species to recognize karyotypic changes provoked by the hybridization events. Application of conventional and molecular (FISH) techniques allow to identify characteristic chromosomes for both parental species in the hybrid progeny and show multiplicity of cytotypes among different types of crosses with variability in structure and number of chromosome (81–85) and chromosome arm (99–101). Chromosome fragment was detected in the karyotype of one F1 and one backcross individual and the presence of one triploid (3n) fish was documented. Occurrence of chromosomes containing internally located telomeric sequences (ITS) inherited after brook trout or both parental species was shown in F1 and backcross progeny. Moreover, additional CMA3-positive signal on chromosome from Arctic char pair no. 2 in F1 fish and interstitially located active NOR visible on subtelo-acrocentric (F2 hybrid) and acrocentric (Sf × H individual) chromosomes were detected. Described polymorphic chromosomes together with specific, interstitial location of CMA3-positive found in F2 and Sf × H hybrids and DAPI-positive regions observed in H × Sa fish at different uniarmed chromosomes pair presumably are remnants of chromosomal rearrangements. Provided results strongly indicate that the hybridization process influenced the genome organization in the Salvelinus hybrid progeny.
Acid-assisted extraction and hydrolysis of inulin from chicory roots to obtain fructose-enriched extracts
Authors: Stökle Katrin , Jung Dennis , Kruse Andrea
Published: October 2020

Chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum) roots are an agricultural residue and a low cost feedstock for the production of the platform chemical 5-Hxdroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In a first step, inulin and fructose have to be extracted from the roots. The resulting aqueous extract represents the starting material for the HMF production. In the reaction to HMF, inulin has to be hydrolyzed first to fructose. For this reason, two methods to increase the fructose content in these extracts before the reaction were investigated. This was conducted within the framework of integrating acid hydrolysis into a biorefinery process for HMF production. The first method (one-step process) was acid-assisted extraction to directly hydrolyze inulin in the course of the extraction process. Chicory roots were extracted at 60 and 80 °C at pH 2 and 4 using buffer solutions. The second approach (two-step process) was aqueous extraction at neutral pH followed by nitric acid hydrolysis of the extract at 60 and 80 °C under reduced pH. It was found that in the first approach, the pH of 2 led to a fivefold increase in the fructose content of the extract, resulting from inulin hydrolysis and corresponding to 56% of theoretical fructose yield. For the second approach, it was possible to achieve complete hydrolysis at pH below 2.5 and at 80 °C. Separating extraction and hydrolysis was found to be more suitable in terms of including this process step into a biorefinery concept for HMF production. It was possible to reduce the initial inulin content by 95%.
Flame retardant and durable chloroprene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber blends crosslinked with copper(I) oxide
Authors: Kobędza Piotr , Smejda-Krzewicka Aleksandra , Olejnik Anna , Strzelec Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of application of copper(I) oxide (Cu2O) as an unconventional crosslinking agent of chloroprene (CR) and styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubber compositions. The use of Cu2O arises from the need to limit the application of ZnO as a CR crosslinking agent. The obtained results indicate that CR/SBR blends crosslinked with Cu2O are characterized by good mechanical properties and a high degree of crosslinking The results show that the proportion of both processing rubbers, as well as the amount of copper(I) oxide, influence the crosslinking of CR/SBR blends and the properties of the vulcanizates. Performing FTIR analysis has allowed the development of a crosslinking mechanism. Crosslinking presumably takes place according to the mechanism of Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction. Silica, chalk, china clay and nanofiller (montmorillonite modified with quaternary ammonium salt containing hydroxyl groups) were applied as fillers. Among the fillers, silica had the greatest impact on improving the properties. It is arisen from silica activity, unlike other used fillers. The AFM analysis allowed us to determine the miscibility of the rubbers and dispersion of fillers. Thermal analysis was performed to determine the changes occurring as a result of material heating. The low intensity of the peaks corresponding to the crosslinking of the CR/SBR blends may indicate a small amount of bonds formed during heating, or possibility is the formation of connections between chains with a low binding energy. The use of chalk, china clay or silica increases the thermal stability of the vulcanizates. Obtained vulcanizates were characterized by increased incombustibility. The study of combustion time in the air showed that the prepared vulcanizates did not support the burning.
Heart Failure Diagnosis, Readmission, and Mortality Prediction Using Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Models
Authors: Guo Aixia , Pasque Michael , Loh Francis , Mann Douglas L. , Payne Philip R. O.
Published: October 2020

Purpose of Review

One in five people will develop heart failure (HF), and 50% of HF patients die in 5 years. The HF diagnosis, readmission, and mortality prediction are essential to develop personalized prevention and treatment plans. This review summarizes recent findings and approaches of machine learning models for HF diagnostic and outcome prediction using electronic health record (EHR) data.

Recent Findings

A set of machine learning models have been developed for HF diagnostic and outcome prediction using diverse variables derived from EHR data, including demographic, medical note, laboratory, and image data, and achieved expert-comparable prediction results.

Machine learning models can facilitate the identification of HF patients, as well as accurate patient-specific assessment of their risk for readmission and mortality. Additionally, novel machine learning techniques for integration of diverse data and improvement of model predictive accuracy in imbalanced data sets are critical for further development of these promising modeling methodologies.
Electrostatic attraction caused by triboelectrification in climbing geckos
Authors: Song Yi , Wang Zhouyi , Li Yang , Dai Zhendong
Published: October 2020

Adhesion achieved through feet setae is fundamental for gecko agilely maneuvering. Although diverse hypotheses have been proposed, none of them thoroughly explains the setae function, implying a kind of hybrid-mechanism-based adhesion in geckos. In addition to van der Waals interactions and capillary force, the electrostatic attraction that emerges from triboelectrification was suggested as a component of setae adhesion. Nevertheless, the contribution by electrostatic attraction to the total setae attachment is still controversial. In this study, we analyzed the occurrence of electrostatic attraction at gecko setae through experiments and model analyses. By touching the substrates with only ∼1/70th of the foot area, freely wall-climbing geckos developed tribocharge at their feet setae with a density of ∼277 pC/mm2, generating electrostatic attractions with a strength of ∼4.4 mN/mm2. From this perspective, the adhesion driven by triboelectrification could account for about 1% of total adhesion. Model analyses at spatula level indicated a similar result showing that the electrostatic force might account for ∼3% of the adhesion that facilitates wall-climbing in geckos. The low contribution of the electrostatic force partly explains why geckos always face difficulty in maneuvering onto those substrates (e.g., teflon) where they could easily develop tribocharge but difficultly generate van der Waals force. However, long-range electrostatic forces may play other roles in a distance range where the van der Waals interaction cannot function. These findings not only add to our understanding of the mechanism of gecko adhesion, but also will help us advance gecko-inspired fibular adhesives.
Coalitions and coordination in Washington think tanks: board interlock among Washington D.C.-based policy research and planning organizations
Authors: Furnas Alexander C.
Published: October 2020

Think tanks have become central players in the political and policy ecosystem of the United States, yet the communication and coordination strategies and connections between them remain relatively unexamined. This paper begins to remedy that by using IRS 990 data to construct and analyze the largest board interlock network among policy planning organizations to date. An analysis of 277 policy research organizations located in Washington D.C. reveals high levels of resource seeking, issue-area coordination and weak evidence of ideological coordination among these substantively important organizations in American politics.
Observations of the Low‐Mode Internal Tide and Its Interaction With Mesoscale Flow South of the Azores
Authors: Löb Jonas , Köhler Janna , Mertens Christian , Walter Maren , Li Zhuhua , von Storch Jin‐Song , Zhao Zhongxiang , Rhein Monika
Published: October 2020

Understanding the temporal variability of internal tides plays a crucial role in identifying sources and sinks of energy in the ocean. Using a 10‐month‐long time series from moored instruments inside a tidal beam south of the Azores, the magnitude and the underlying causes of temporal variability in the first two modes of the internal tide energy flux was studied. We analyzed changes of the direction and coherence of the energy flux, its modal structure, and the impact of two eddies. Semidiurnal energy fluxes were further compared with estimates from a 1/10° ocean global circulation model, as well as with fluxes derived from satellite altimetry. All energy fluxes correlate reasonably well in direction, deviations from its fixed phase relation to astronomical forcing, and modal composition while model and satellite underestimate the total energy flux. A pronounced damping of the in situ fluxes coincides with the passing of two eddies. In the presence of a surface‐intensified eddy, the coherent part of the energy flux in the first two modes is lowered by more than 40%, a subsurface eddy coincides with a decrease of the energy flux mainly in the second mode. These observations support the hypothesis that eddy interactions increase the incoherent part of the energy flux and transfer energy from low modes into higher modes, which can lead to increased local dissipation. It remains an open question how much of the energy converted from lower to higher modes results in local dissipation, a crucial part in creating energetically consistent ocean‐climate models.
New Insights into Uncertainties About Earth’s Rising Temperature
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: October 2020

A comparison of climate models finds that much of the variation in their predictions of global warming arises from differences in how they simulate the response of convective processes to warming.
Predicting the Next Big Frost Quake
Authors: Pinson Jerald
Published: October 2020

Frost quakes occur in boreal regions when rapidly expanding ice underground causes frozen soils to fracture. A recent frost quake in Finland has given scientists a rare look into how they form.
Estimation of Permafrost SOC Stock and Turnover Time Using a Land Surface Model With Vertical Heterogeneity of Permafrost Soils
Authors: Shu Shijie , Jain Atul K. , Koven Charles D. , Mishra Umakant
Published: October 2020

We developed vertically resolved soil biogeochemistry (carbon and nitrogen) module and implemented it into a land surface model, ISAM. The model captures the vertical heterogeneity of the northern high latitudes permafrost soil organic carbon (SOC). We also implemented Δ14C to estimate SOC turnover time, a critical determinant of SOC stocks, sequestration potential, and the carbon cycle feedback under changing atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] and climate. ISAM accounted for the vertical movement of SOC caused by cryoturbation and its linkage to frost heaving process, oxygen availability, organo‐mineral interaction, and depth‐dependent environmental modifiers. After evaluating the model processes using the site and regional level heterotrophic respiration, SOC stocks, and soil Δ14C profiles, the vertically resolved soil biogeochemistry version of the model (ISAM‐1D) estimated permafrost SOC turnover time of 1,443 years, which is about 3 times more than the estimation based on the without vertically resolved version of ISAM (ISAM‐0D). ISAM‐1D‐simulated SOC stocks for permafrost regions was 319 Pg C in the top 1 m soil depth by the 2000s, about 80% higher than the estimates based on ISAM‐0D. ISAM‐1D SOC stock and turnover time were compared well with the observations. However, the longer SOC turnover time preserves less SOC stocks due to the lower carbon use efficiency (CUE) for SOC than ISAM‐0D and thus respires more SOC than being transferred downward by cryoturbation. ISAM‐1D simulated reduced SOC sequestration (3.7 Pg C) compared to ISAM‐0D (4.8 Pg C) and published Earth system models (ESMs) over the 1860s–2000s, due to weaker [CO2]‐carbon cycle and stronger climate‐carbon cycle feedbacks, highlighting the importance of the vertically heterogeneous soil for understanding the permafrost SOC sinks.
Pore Fluid Pressures and Strength Contrasts Maintain Frontal Fault Activity, Northern Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand
Authors: French Melodie E. , Morgan Julia K.
Published: October 2020

Diverse modes of fault slip occur within shallow subduction zones, but their relationships to upper plate deformation are poorly understood. IODP Expedition 375 collected samples and data across the northern Hikurangi margin, where tsunamigenic earthquakes and slow slip events occur. Site U1518 intersected the Pāpaku fault, a splay fault within the frontal accretionary wedge. To constrain in situ physical conditions and strength of the system, we conducted isotropic loading and triaxial compression experiments on hanging wall and foot wall cores and interpreted the results using critical state soil mechanics theory. The hanging wall is relatively strong, reflecting its tectonic history, whereas the foot wall and fault are anomalously weak owing to elevated pore pressure (λ∗ ≥ 0.3). Critical state in both samples corresponds to a friction coefficient of 0.6, constraining the strength of the Pāpaku fault. Low fault strength, maintained by excess pore pressures, suggests that the Pāpaku fault may still be active.
Seasonal and Hemispheric Asymmetries of F Region Polar Cap Plasma Density: Swarm and CHAMP Observations
Authors: Hatch S. M. , Haaland S. , Laundal K. M. , Moretto T. , Yau A. W. , Bjoland L. , Reistad J. P. , Ohma A. , Oksavik K.
Published: October 2020

One of the primary mechanisms of loss of Earth's atmosphere is the persistent “cold” (
 20 eV) ion outflow that has been observed in the magnetospheric lobes over large volumes with dimensions of order several Earth radii. As the main source of this cold ion outflow, the polar cap F region ionosphere and conditions within it have a disproportionate influence on these magnetospheric regions. Using 15 years of measurements of plasma density Ne made by the Swarm spacecraft constellation and the Challenging Mini Satellite Payload (CHAMP) spacecraft within the F region of the polar cap above 80° Apex magnetic latitude, we report evidence of several types of seasonal asymmetries in polar cap Ne. Among these, the transition between “winter‐like” and “summer‐like” median polar cap Ne occurs 1 week prior to local spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and 1 week after local spring equinox in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). Thus, the median SH polar cap Ne lags the median NH polar cap Ne by approximately 2 weeks with respect to hemispherically local spring and fall equinox. From interhemispheric comparison of statistical distributions of polar cap plasma density around each equinox and solstice, we find that distributions in the SH are often flatter (i.e., less skewed and kurtotic) than those in the NH. Perhaps of most significance to cold ion outflow, we find no evidence of an F region plasma density counterpart to a previously reported hemispheric asymmetry whereby cold plasma density is higher in the NH magnetospheric lobe than in the SH lobe.
Diverse Slip Behavior of the Banyak Islands Subsegment of the Sunda Megathrust in Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Morgan Paul M. , Feng Lujia , Meltzner Aron J. , Mallick Rishav , Hill Emma M.
Published: October 2020

Nearly every type of slip behavior of which megathrusts are known to be capable of has been observed within a narrow ~75‐km‐wide strip of the Sunda megathrust—the Banyak Islands subsegment. The diverse list of recorded slip events starts with the great 1861 MW ~ 8.5 earthquake and includes the 1907 MW ~ 8.2 shallow tsunami earthquake, the 1966–1981 slow slip event, the great 2005 MW 8.6 Nias‐Simeulue earthquake and associated afterslip, many small (M < 6) to moderate (6 ≤ M < 7) earthquakes, and the large 6 April 2010 MW 7.8 Banyak Islands earthquake. In this paper we map out the spatial and temporal relationships between these slip events to search for a pattern and possible controls on slip behavior. We use GPS and coral geodetic data to derive a coseismic slip distribution for the relatively understudied 2010 event and find that this event fits like a puzzle piece into a low slip patch left by the 2005 event. We compare the recent slip sequence with the historical sequence associated with the 1861 event and find that the modern slip pattern could be a repeat of the historical slip pattern, possibly suggesting the importance of stationary fault properties in controlling slip. The diverse set of slip events mostly fit our expectations within depth‐dependent rupture zones; however, the overlaps between events of different slip types may complicate this conceptual model. Along strike, we suggest that a subducting fracture zone could act to diversify the slip behavior, and we explore possible mechanisms for this slip control.