bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of alkali metal ions on the formation mechanism of HCN during pyridine pyrolysis
Authors: Liu Ji , Zhao Wei , Fan Xinrui , Xu Mingxin , Zheng Shu , Lu Qiang
Published: April 2021

The catalytic effects of alkali metal ions (Na+ and K+) on NOx precursor formation during coal pyrolysis were investigated using the N-containing compound pyridine as a model compound. Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) level of theory were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of pyridine pyrolysis and the pathways for HCN formation. The calculation results indicate that Na+ and K+ have distinct influences on different pyrolysis reactions; these alkali metal ions facilitate the initial hydrogen transfer from C1 to N and C2, whereas they hinder the other hydrogen migration reactions. Both Na+ and K+ significantly reduce the activation energies for C–C bond breakage and triple-bond formation, whereas they increase the activation energies for the isomerization reactions. The different effects essentially result from the distinct charge distributions induced by the two ions. Due to the distinct influences on the different reactions, the rate-determining steps are modulated, affecting the competitiveness of the different possible pathways of HCN formation. The formation of HCN from pyridine is promoted in the presence of Na+ and K+ because all the overall activation energies are decreased for different pathways. The calculation results agree well with previous experimental studies. Thus, the findings offer a new and promising approach to reveal the formation mechanism of NOx and facilitate the control of NOx for coal utilization.
Sharp Bounds of the Hermitian Toeplitz Determinants for Some Classes of Close-to-Convex Functions
Authors: Lecko Adam , Śmiarowska Barbara
Published: April 2021

Sharp upper and lower bounds of the Hermitian Toeplitz determinants of the second and third orders are found for various subclasses of close-to-convex functions.
Multi-scale joint feature network for micro-expression recognition
Authors: Li Xinyu , Wei Guangshun , Wang Jie , Zhou Yuanfeng
Published: April 2021

Micro-expression recognition is a substantive cross-study of psychology and computer science, and it has a wide range of applications (e.g., psychological and clinical diagnosis, emotional analysis, criminal investigation, etc.). However, the subtle and diverse changes in facial muscles make it difficult for existing methods to extract effective features, which limits the improvement of micro-expression recognition accuracy. Therefore, we propose a multi-scale joint feature network based on optical flow images for micro-expression recognition. First, we generate an optical flow image that reflects subtle facial motion information. The optical flow image is then fed into the multi-scale joint network for feature extraction and classification. The proposed joint feature module (JFM) integrates features from different layers, which is beneficial for the capture of micro-expression features with different amplitudes. To improve the recognition ability of the model, we also adopt a strategy for fusing the feature prediction results of the three JFMs with the backbone network. Our experimental results show that our method is superior to state-of-the-art methods on three benchmark datasets (SMIC, CASME II, and SAMM) and a combined dataset (3DB).
Adaptive Trade-offs Towards the Last Glacial Maximum in North-Western Europe: a Multidisciplinary View from Walou Cave
Authors: Moreau Luc , Draily Christelle , Cordy Jean-Marie , Boyle Katherine , Buckley Michael , Gjesfjeld Erik , Filzmoser Peter , Borgia Valentina , Gibson Sally A. , Day Jason , Beyer Robert , Manica Andrea , Vander Linden Marc , de Grooth Marjorie , Pirson Stéphane
Published: April 2021

The impact of deteriorating climatic conditions on variability in the archaeological record towards the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) remains uncertain. Partly as a result of poor-quality data, previous studies on Upper Palaeolithic (UP) societies of North-Western Europe prior to the LGM have focused on techno-typological traditions and diversification to outline the diachronic processes through which assemblage composition changed. This study addresses the adaptive trade-offs brought about by the general climatic downturn towards the LGM in North-Western Europe, by investigating the impact of local climate and habitat characteristics on the behavioural variability that characterises Gravettian technological organisation compared to the previous Aurignacian, based on two assemblages from Walou Cave, Belgium. This site is one of the rare well-stratified sites in North-Western Europe with evidence for multiple occupation events accompanied by a fine-grained palaeoenvironmental record. We use a combination of analytical techniques (AMS, LA-ICP-MS and ZooMS) to evaluate questions about hunter-gatherer adaptations. Faunal remains at Walou Cave mirror the faunal diversity documented at numerous other Aurignacian and Gravettian sites in the broader European context, which is similar between both periods. The overall picture presented here, using multiple lines of evidence, is not entirely clear; nonetheless, the results suggest that Gravettian technologies are unlikely to solely be a product of heightened risk in relation to a significant reshuffling of food resources compared to the previous Aurignacian. Future research of the factors structuring assemblage variability prior to the LGM will have to assess whether Aurignacian and Gravettian technologies indeed offer no relative material advantage over one another, a phenomenon called ‘technological equivalence’.
Unique steel belt press technology for high strength papers from high yield pulp
Authors: Joelsson Tove , Svedberg Anna , Norgren Sven , Pettersson Gunilla , Berg Jan-Erik , Garcia-Lindgren Cherryleen , Engstrand Per
Published: April 2021

The dry strength properties of hot-pressed moist paper improved as stiff high-yield pulp fibers soften and the sheet density increased. Very high wet strength was also achieved without adding strengthening agents. This research focuses on a new hot-pressing methodology based on a steel belt-based pilot cylinder press with infrared heating. The heated steel belt transports the moist paper into the cylinder nip with two adjacent steel rollers with adjustable nip pressure. The temperature ranges up to 300 °C, maximum speed is 5 m/min, maximum pulling force from the steel belt is 70 kN and the line load in the two press nips is 15 kN/m each. High peak pressures are possible due to the hard press nip between steel rolls and steel belt, allowing a good heat transfer to the paper. The long dwell time allows strained drying of the paper which results to high density and high wet strength. Paper samples from high-yield pulps were tested at different nip pressures, temperatures and machine speeds while the dry content was kept constant at about 63%. High nip pressure showed the largest effect on densification and dry strength. While high temperature and long dwell time seem to be most important in achieving high wet strength.
It's right, but risky too: Inclusive behavior as a positive risk in adolescence
Authors: May Natalie G. , Ballard Staci C. , Siperstein Gary N.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Although adolescent risk‐taking is often characterized as negative, more recent work focuses on risk as a spectrum of negative to positive behaviors. We propose inclusive behavior as a new category of positive risk‐taking focused on helping and facilitating social belonging for those who are marginalized or excluded. We use a qualitative approach to explore adolescents’ perceptions of the risks involved in inclusive behavior and the factors that motivate acting inclusively at school.

Methods

30 focus groups were conducted at 16 middle and high schools across the United States. The cross‐sectional sample consisted of 194 students in grades 6–12 (11–19 years old). Students were majority female (61%) and self‐identified as white (68%). Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

Students often perceived the decision to act inclusively as risky because it involved weighing uncertain outcomes, including potential costs (e.g. peer rejection) and rewards (e.g. friendship). Students primarily focused on the role of peer group influence, but also discussed how school norms, the identity of the peer they were trying to include, and their own motivations affected the perceived risk involved in acting inclusively.

Conclusions

This study provides an exploratory look at adolescents’ experiences of inclusive behavior. Findings support the current conceptualization of positive risk‐taking behavior and suggest a multi‐level framework for inclusive risks. Exploring the factors that make inclusive behavior differentially risky across individuals and contexts is a first step towards understanding how inclusive behavior fits within the positive risk‐taking framework and designing interventions to reduce the risks involved.
Effect of N‐acetyl‐cysteine treatment on sensorineural hearing loss: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Bai Xue , Wang Miao , Niu Xun , Yu Hong , Yue Jian‐Xin , Sun Yu
Published: April 2021

N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) is an efficacious treatment for sensorineural hearing loss in animal models, such as noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL), however previous research into the effect of NAC on patients with hearing loss produced contradictory results. In this study, we investigated the effect of NAC treatment on sensorineural hearing loss. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched in their entirety using the key words: hearing loss, NAC, N‐acetylcysteine, and sensorineural hearing loss. Studies which included assessment of hearing loss with pure‐tone threshold (PTA) data were selected. Eligible studies regarding the effects of NAC treatment on patients with hearing loss were collected by two independent reviewers. A total of 1197 individuals were included from seven published studies. Two studies reported data for a sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (SISNHL) group. Three studies reported data for a NIHL group. Other studies reported data for drug‐induced hearing loss. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that the overall effect of NAC treatment on sensorineural hearing loss was invalid. However, NAC treatment was linked with improved patient outcomes of hearing tests in cases of sudden hearing loss, but did not prevent hearing loss induced by noise or ototoxicity. However, there is a need for better‐designed studies with larger samples to further prove the correlation between the effect of NAC and hearing loss.
Communicating evidence in icons and summary formats for policymakers: what works?
Authors: Brick Cameron , Freeman Alexandra L.J.
Published: April 2021

Policy decisions have vast consequences, but there is little empirical research on how best to communicate underlying evidence to decision-makers. Groups in diverse fields (e.g., education, medicine, crime) use brief, graphical displays to list policy options, expected outcomes and evidence quality in order to make such evidence easy to assess. However, the understanding of these representations is rarely studied. We surveyed experts and non-experts on what information they wanted and tested their objective comprehension of commonly used graphics. A total of 252 UK residents from Prolific and 452 UK What Works Centre users interpreted the meaning of graphics shown without labels. Comprehension was low (often below 50%). The best-performing graphics combined unambiguous metaphorical shapes with color cues and indications of quantity. The participants also reported what types of evidence they wanted and in what detail (e.g., subgroups, different outcomes). Users particularly wanted to see intervention effectiveness and quality, and policymakers also wanted to know the financial costs and negative consequences. Comprehension and preferences were remarkably consistent between the two samples. Groups communicating evidence about policy options can use these results to design summaries, toolkits and reports for expert and non-expert audiences.
Predicting healthcare-associated infections, length of stay, and mortality with the nursing intensity of care index
Authors: Cohen Bevin , Sanabria Elioth , Liu Jianfang , Zachariah Philip , Shang Jingjing , Song Jiyoun , Calfee David , Yao David , Larson Elaine
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were (1) to develop and validate a simulation model to estimate daily probabilities of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), length of stay (LOS), and mortality using time varying patient- and unit-level factors including staffing adequacy and (2) to examine whether HAI incidence varies with staffing adequacy.

Setting:

The study was conducted at 2 tertiary- and quaternary-care hospitals, a pediatric acute care hospital, and a community hospital within a single New York City healthcare network.

Patients:

All patients discharged from 2012 through 2016 (N = 562,435).

Methods:

We developed a non-Markovian simulation to estimate daily conditional probabilities of bloodstream, urinary tract, surgical site, and Clostridioides difficile infection, pneumonia, length of stay, and mortality. Staffing adequacy was modeled based on total nurse staffing (care supply) and the Nursing Intensity of Care Index (care demand). We compared model performance with logistic regression, and we generated case studies to illustrate daily changes in infection risk. We also described infection incidence by unit-level staffing and patient care demand on the day of infection.

Results:

Most model estimates fell within 95% confidence intervals of actual outcomes. The predictive power of the simulation model exceeded that of logistic regression (area under the curve [AUC], 0.852 and 0.816, respectively). HAI incidence was greatest when staffing was lowest and nursing care intensity was highest.

Conclusions:

This model has potential clinical utility for identifying modifiable conditions in real time, such as low staffing coupled with high care demand.
The Misreporting Trade-Off Between List Experiments and Direct Questions in Practice: Partition Validation Evidence from Two Countries
Authors: Kuhn Patrick M. , Vivyan Nick
Published: April 2021

To reduce strategic misreporting on sensitive topics, survey researchers increasingly use list experiments rather than direct questions. However, the complexity of list experiments may increase nonstrategic misreporting. We provide the first empirical assessment of this trade-off between strategic and nonstrategic misreporting. We field list experiments on election turnout in two different countries, collecting measures of respondents’ true turnout. We detail and apply a partition validation method which uses true scores to distinguish true and false positives and negatives for list experiments, thus allowing detection of nonstrategic reporting errors. For both list experiments, partition validation reveals nonstrategic misreporting that is: undetected by standard diagnostics or validation; greater than assumed in extant simulation studies; and severe enough that direct turnout questions subject to strategic misreporting exhibit lower overall reporting error. We discuss how our results can inform the choice between list experiment and direct question for other topics and survey contexts.
Learning to See: Convolutional Neural Networks for the Analysis of Social Science Data
Authors: Torres Michelle , Cantú Francisco
Published: April 2021

We provide an introduction of the functioning, implementation, and challenges of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify visual information in social sciences. This tool can help scholars to make more efficient the tedious task of classifying images and extracting information from them. We illustrate the implementation and impact of this methodology by coding handwritten information from vote tallies. Our paper not only demonstrates the contributions of CNNs to both scholars and policy practitioners, but also presents the practical challenges and limitations of the method, providing advice on how to deal with these issues.
Maternal diet high in linoleic acid alters offspring fatty acids and cardiovascular function in a rat model
Authors: Shrestha Nirajan , Sleep Simone , Helman Tessa , Holland Olivia , Cuffe James S. M. , Perkins Anthony V. , McAinch Andrew J. , Headrick John P. , Hryciw Deanne H.
Published: April 2021

Linoleic acid (LA), an essential n-6 fatty acid (FA), is critical for fetal development. We investigated the effects of maternal high LA (HLA) diet on offspring cardiac development and its relationship to circulating FA and cardiovascular function in adolescent offspring, and the ability of the postnatal diet to reverse any adverse effects. Female Wistar Kyoto rats were fed low LA (LLA; 1·44 % energy from LA) or high LA (HLA; 6·21 % energy from LA) diets for 10 weeks before pregnancy and during gestation/lactation. Offspring, weaned at postnatal day 25, were fed LLA or HLA diets and euthanised at postnatal day 40 (n 6–8). Maternal HLA diet decreased circulating total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in females and decreased total plasma n-3 FA in males, while maternal and postnatal HLA diets decreased total plasma n-3 FA in females. α-Linolenic acid (ALA) and EPA were decreased by postnatal but not maternal HLA diets in both sexes. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets increased total plasma n-6 and LA, and a maternal HLA diet increased circulating leptin, in both male and female offspring. Maternal HLA decreased slopes of systolic and diastolic pressure–volume relationship (PVR), and increased cardiac Col1a1, Col3a1, Atp2a1 and Notch1 in males. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets left-shifted the diastolic PVR in female offspring. Coronary reactivity was altered in females, with differential effects on flow repayment after occlusion. Thus, maternal HLA diets impact lipids, FA and cardiac function in offspring, with postnatal diet modifying FA and cardiac function in the female offspring.
SINCE ORPHEUS WAS IN SHORT PANTS: REASSESSING OEAGRUS AT ARISTOPHANES, WASPS 579–80
Authors: Cowan Robert
Published: April 2021

In Aristophanes’ Wasps, Philocleon says that he and his fellow jurors do not acquit Oeagrus until he has recited a speech from the Niobe. Scholars have almost universally assumed that this was the name of a contemporary tragic actor, despite its extreme rarity. This article argues that the reference is rather to the father of Orpheus. As a figure from the generation before the archetypal bard, ‘an Oeagrus’ represents the old-fashioned poetry to which Philocleon and his fellow jurors are devoted.
Indigenous rhizobial strains SEMIA 4108 and SEMIA 4107 for common bean inoculation: A biotechnological tool for cleaner and more sustainable agriculture
Authors: Lisboa Bruno Britto , Schmidt Thomas Müller , Thomé Arthur Henrique Ely , Sperotto Raul Antonio , Volpiano Camila Gazolla , de São Jose Jackson Freitas Brilhante , Vargas Luciano Kayser , Granada Camille Eichelberger
Published: April 2021

Inoculation of symbiotic N2-fixing rhizobacteria (rhizobia) in legumes is an alternative to reduce synthetic N fertiliser input to crops. Even though common bean benefits from the biological N2 fixation carried out by native rhizobia isolates, the low efficiency of this process highlights the importance of screening new strains for plant inoculation. Two rhizobial strains (SEMIA 4108 and SEMIA 4107) previously showed great potential to improve the growth of common beans under greenhouse conditions. Thus, this study evaluated the growth and grain yield of common bean plants inoculated with those strains in field experiments. The rhizobial identification was performed by 16S rRNA sequencing and the phylogeny showed that SEMIA 4108 and SEMIA 4107 are closely related to Rhizobium phaseoli, within a clade containing other 18 Rhizobium spp. type strains. Common bean plants inoculated with SEMIA 4107 showed similar productivity to N-fertilised (N+) plants in the first experiment (2016/17) and higher productivity in the second experiment (2018/19). The development of inoculated plants was different from that observed for N+. Nonetheless, comparing inoculated treatments with N-fertilised control, no yield or productivity losses at the end of the growing process were detected. Our results showed that inoculation of the rhizobial isolates SEMIA 4108 and SEMIA 4107 improved the growth and grain yield of common bean plants. The observed agronomical performance confirms that both strains were effective and can sustain common bean growth without nitrogen fertilisation under the edaphoclimatic conditions of this study.
Where Is the Middle Class? Evidence from 60 Million English Death and Probate Records, 1892–1992
Authors: Cummins Neil
Published: April 2021

This article analyzes a newly constructed individual level dataset of every English death and probate from 1892–1992. This analysis shows that the twentieth century’s “Great Equalization” of wealth stalled in mid-century. The probate rate, which captures the proportion of English holding any significant wealth at death rose from 10 percent in the 1890s to 40 percent by 1950 and has stagnated to 1992. Despite the large declines in the wealth share of the top 1 percent, from 73 to 20 percent, the median English individual died with almost nothing throughout. All changes in inequality after 1950 involve a reshuffling of wealth within the top 30 percent. I translate the individual level data to synthetic households; the majority have at least one member probated. Yet the bottom 60 percent of households hold only 12 percent of all wealth, at their peak wealth-holding level, in the early 1990s. I also compare the new wealth data with existing estimates of top wealth shares, home-ownership trends, wealth survey distributions, aggregate wealth, and the wealth Gini coefficient.
A systematic review of adherence to group interventions in psychosis: do people attend?
Authors: Sedgwick Ottilie , Hardy Amy , Newbery Katie , Cella Matteo
Published: April 2021

Background

Evidence supports the use of group therapy for symptom reduction and improving functioning in people with psychosis. However, research guidelines highlight the importance of establishing the feasibility of interventions. Adherence is an important indicator of feasibility and an essential step in supporting the development of the evidence base for group interventions. This review aims to estimate adherence, and possible barriers and facilitators, to psychotherapeutic groups in people with psychosis.

Methods

Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched for cross-referencing terms related to group therapy and psychosis. Studies were assessed against inclusion criteria and methodological quality was evaluated. Data wasextracted from each paper including the average session attendance, demographic, clinical, study and therapy-related characteristics and the impact of these on adherence levels evaluated.

Results

Fifty-nine original research papers were included, reporting on 52 independent studies which consisted of 66 therapy groups comprised of 2109 participants. Average adherence was 76.4% (s.d. = 17.4). Adherence was improved by receiving incentives and was higher in participants of older age. Study sample size was inversely associated with adherence levels. Study quality was variable with approximately 61.5% found to be at risk of bias. The results support the feasibility of group therapy and suggest that adherence in people with psychosis is not dissimilar to those for people experiencing common mental health difficulties. These findings, alongside efficacy evidence, support the use of group interventions in people with psychosis but also highlight the need for further high-quality research on the efficacy for these approaches.
Efficacy of an integrative approach for bipolar disorder: preliminary results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Valls Èlia , Bonnín C. Mar , Torres Imma , Brat Mercè , Prime-Tous Mireia , Morilla Ivette , Segú Xavier , Solé Brisa , Torrent Carla , Vieta Eduard , Martínez-Arán Anabel , Reinares María , Sánchez-Moreno José
Published: April 2021

Background

Bipolar disorder (BD) represents one of the most therapeutically complex psychiatric disorders. The development of a feasible comprehensive psychological approach to complement pharmacotherapy to improve its clinical management is required. The main objective of the present randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to test the efficacy of a novel adjunctive treatment entitled integrative approach in patients with BD, including: psychoeducation, mindfulness training, and functional remediation.

Methods

This is a parallel two-armed, rater-blind RCT of an integrative approach plus treatment as usual (TAU), v. TAU alone. Participants were recruited at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and randomized to one of the two conditions. They were assessed at baseline and after finishing the intervention. The main outcome variable included changes in psychosocial functioning assessed through the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST).

Results

After finishing the treatment, the repeated-measures analyses revealed a significant group × time interaction in favor of the patients who received the integrative approach (n = 28) compared to the TAU group (n = 37) (Pillai's trace = 0.10; F(1,57) = 6.9; p = 0.01), improving the functional outcome. Significant effects were also found in two out of the six domains of the FAST, including the cognitive domain (Pillai's trace = 0.25; F(1,57) = 19.1; p < 0.001) and leisure time (Pillai's trace = 0.11; F(1,57) = 7.15; p = 0.01). Regarding the secondary outcomes, a significant group × time interaction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale changes was detected (Pillai's trace = 0.08; F(1,62) = 5.6; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that the integrative approach represents a promising cost-effective therapy to improve psychosocial functioning and residual depressive symptoms in patients suffering from BD.
Governing Researchers through Public Involvement
Authors: KOMPOROZOS-ATHANASIOU ARIS , PAYLOR JONATHAN , MCKEVITT CHRISTOPHER
Published: April 2021

This paper focuses on recent developments in UK health research policy, which place new pressures on researchers to address issues of accountability and impact through the implementation of patient and public involvement (PPI). We draw on an in-depth interview study with 20 professional researchers, and we analyse their experiences of competing for research funding, focusing on PPI as a process of professional research governance. We unearth dominant professional narratives of scepticism and alternative identifications in their enactment of PPI policy. We argue that such narratives and identifications evidence a resistance to ways in which patient involvement has been institutionalised and to the resulting subject-positions researchers are summoned to take up. We show that the new subjectivities emerging in this landscape of research governance as increasingly disempowered, contradictory and fraught with unresolved tensions over the ethical dimensions of the researchers’ own professional identities.
Maternal pre- and postnatal substance use and attachment in young children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hyysalo Noora , Gastelle Marissa , Flykt Marjo
Published: April 2021

Maternal substance use has often been associated with insecure and disorganized child attachment. We evaluated this association with a meta-analysis of young children and, further, systematically reviewed mediating and moderating factors between maternal substance use and child attachment. We performed a systematic database search of quantitative English language studies on child attachment that included substance-using mothers and their children below 6 years of age. Eleven studies (N = 1,841) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis of attachment security and seven (N = 1,589) studies were included in the meta-analysis of attachment disorganization. We found that maternal substance use was negatively associated with secure attachment in children, but the effect size was small (r = −.10). The association with disorganized attachment was not significant (r = .15). Related to moderating and mediating factors (k = 6), we found evidence on the role of teratogenic and sociological factors on child attachment. Most importantly, the impact of cumulative risks was vital. However, literature was scarce, and studies varied in risk of bias, leaving many unanswered questions on other potential factors underlying the development of attachment in these high-risk children. We discuss the results considering clinical implications and future directions.
Scents and Sensibilities: Interwar Lublin's Courtyards
Authors: Weismann Stephanie
Published: April 2021

From horse dung to garlic, olfactory debates raged in interwar Poland. Smells are ubiquitous and substantially influence how we perceive the atmosphere of a given place. This article focuses on ‘smell affairs’ and olfactory sensibilities that were emerging in the city of Lublin in Poland after 1918. In particular, it addresses what Lublin's courtyard smells tell us about the condition, development and mindset of a Polish city at that time. On their way into the ‘modern’ era, Lublin's citizens began to complain about rural elements interfering with the ‘metropolitan’ character of Lublin as well as how ‘ethnic smells’ of fellow Jewish citizens would intrude upon the air of ‘their’ ‘Polish’ city. Poking one's nose into the air and the ‘smellscapes’ of the urban courtyard, one can observe what was regarded as a part, or not, of a modern city in independent Poland.
Iron status in late pregnancy is inversely associated with birth weight in Colombia
Authors: Puerto Alejandra , Trojan Annabelle , Alvis-Zakzuk Nelson R , López-Saleme Rossana , Edna-Estrada Francisco , Alvarez Alvaro , Alvis-Guzman Nelson , Zakzuk Josefina
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Gestational anaemia (GA) is common in developing countries. This study assessed the relationship of late GA and negative perinatal outcomes in participants recruited in a reference maternity unit of the Caribbean region of Colombia.

Design:

Prospective analytical birth cohort study. Maternal Hb and serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured. GA was defined as Hb levels <6·82 mmol/l (<11 g/dl), SF depletion as SF levels <12 µg/l. Birth outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PB) and small for gestational age (SGA) were examined.

Setting:

Mothers in the first stage of labour, living in urban or rural areas of Bolívar, were enrolled in an obstetrical centre located in Cartagena, Colombia. Blood and stool samples were taken prior delivery. Maternal blood count, SF levels and infant anthropometric data were recorded for analysis.

Participants:

1218 pregnant women aged 18–42 years and their newborns.

Results:

Prevalence of GA and SF depletion was 41·6 % and 41·1 %, respectively. GA was positively associated with poverty-related sociodemographic conditions. Prenatal care attendance lowered the risk of PB, LBW and SGA. Birth weight was inversely associated with Hb levels, observing a −36·8 g decrease in newborn weight per 0·62 mmol/l (or 1 g/dl) of maternal Hb. SF depletion, but not anaemia, was associated with PB. SGA outcome showed a significant association with anaemia, but not a significant relationship with SF depletion.

Conclusions:

Birth weight and other-related perinatal outcomes are negatively associated with Hb and SF depletion. Prenatal care attendance reduced the risk of negative birth outcomes.
TIME THROUGH TIME: ITS EVOLUTION THROUGH WESTERN PHILOSOPHY IN SEVEN IDEAS
Authors: Thomas Emily
Published: April 2021

What is time? Just like everything else in the world, our understanding of time has changed continually over time. This article tracks this question through the history of Western philosophy and looks at major answers from the likes of Aristotle, Kant, and McTaggart.
MOTHERHOOD AND THE MORAL LOAD
Authors: Callahan Laura Frances
Published: April 2021

Many of the decisions mothers face are morally intense. They're experienced as highly morally significant, and they are also often very morally complex, meaning that there aren't black-and-white, obvious answers to questions about what one morally may or must do. For example, I suggest that breastfeeding is complex in this way, despite a good deal of cultural pressure in favour of trying to do it. Acknowledging many of the decisions of motherhood as complex or as ‘grey areas’ is accurate, and also good for mums. But it also burdens mums with the responsibility of researching, discussing, thinking through, and ultimately making significant, complex moral decisions for themselves. I call this the moral load, taking inspiration from Emma's ‘mental load’. In the last section I consider what we could or should do to try to lessen the moral load as a burden on mums.
WRITING IN PHILOSOPHY: REPLY TO FREDERICK
Authors: Earp Brian D.
Published: April 2021

Frederick (2021, see the preceding article) offers a critique of my writing tips aimed at undergraduate students coming to philosophy – and in many cases, essay writing – for the first time (Earp, 2021, in this volume) Frederick claims that most of my tips are good tips but characterizes two of them as bad tips, as follows:

Bad tip 1. Be very careful about making any universal claims (involving words such as ‘every’, ‘never’, ‘always’). Such a claim can be refuted by just a single counterexample. Do not leave yourself open to such refutation. Make a universal claim only if you are sure that there are no counterexamples.

Bad tip 2. Pick a smaller, more narrow thesis and argue for it thoroughly rather than a more ambitious thesis for which you argue less thoroughly.
Circularly polarized high-power antenna with higher-order mode excitation
Authors: Varun Yadav Swati , Chittora Ashish
Published: April 2021

A circularly polarized high-power antenna with higher-order mode excitation (TM01) is presented in this paper. The proposed structure consists of metal plates placed on the conical horn antenna's aperture for achieving TM01 to circular polarized TE11 mode conversion at the output. The structure is simulated on CST Microwave Studio. The designed antenna exhibits high gain and a directive radiation pattern. The axial ratio of the proposed structure is below 3 dB. The simulated and measured reflection coefficient for TM01 mode excitation is below −10 dB over a frequency range of 2.95–3.13 GHz. The structure is purely metallic, and the calculated high-power microwave (HPM) capability is up to the MW level. The proposed antenna is helpful for portable HPM systems.
Strain Localization in the Root of Detachment Faults at a Melt‐Starved Mid‐Ocean Ridge: A Microstructural Study of Abyssal Peridotites From the Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: Bickert M. , Cannat M. , Tommasi A. , Jammes S. , Lavier L.
Published: April 2021

Detachment faults that exhume mantle peridotites to the seafloor play a major role in the accommodation of plate divergence at slow‐spreading ridges. Using 99 samples of partially serpentinized peridotites dredged from a nearly amagmatic segment of the eastern part of the Southwest Indian Ridge, we characterize the deformation processes active in the root zone of detachment fault systems. The deformation is heterogeneous even at the sample scale and combines both brittle and crystal‐plastic mechanisms. Strain localization is initially controlled by strength contrasts at the grain scale between olivine and orthopyroxene and between variably oriented olivine crystals. Orthopyroxene deformation is primarily brittle (microfractures), but kink bands and dynamic recrystallization are locally observed. In contrast, olivine deforms primarily by dislocation creep with dynamic recrystallization under high deviatoric stresses (80–270 MPa). Olivine grains poorly oriented to deform by dislocation glide display kink bands and localized microfractures. Dynamic recrystallization controlled by strain and stress concentrations produce anastomosing zones of grain size reduction (GSR). GSR zones contain limited late to post‐kinematic amphibole, suggesting the presence of small volumes of hydrous fluids. Plagioclase, when present, is post‐kinematic. This heterogeneous high‐stress deformation is observed, with variable intensity, in every sample investigated, suggesting that it was pervasively distributed in the root region of axial detachments. Abyssal peridotite samples from more magmatically robust slow mid‐ocean ridges do not show this pervasive high stress deformation microstructure, implying magma, when present, tends to localize most of the strain at the root of axial detachment systems.
Relationship Between the Locations of the Midlatitude Trough and Plasmapause Using GNSS‐TEC and Arase Satellite Observation Data
Authors: Shinbori Atsuki , Otsuka Yuichi , Tsugawa Takuya , Nishioka Michi , Kumamoto Atsushi , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Matsuda Shoya , Kasahara Yoshiya , Matsuoka Ayako
Published: April 2021

Relationship between the locations of the midlatitude trough minimum in the ionosphere and plasmapause in the inner magnetosphere has been statistically investigated using global navigation satellite system (GNSS)‐total electron content (TEC) and electron density data obtained from the Arase satellite from March 23, 2017 to May 31, 2020. In this analysis, we identify the midlatitude trough minimum as a minimum value of GNSS‐TEC at subauroral and midlatitude regions, and determine the plasmapause as an electron density decrease by a factor of 5 or more within ΔL < 0.5 in the inner magnetosphere. As a result, the plasmapause does not always coincide with the midlatitude trough minimum in all magnetic local time (MLT) sectors under all geomagnetic conditions. During the geomagnetically quiet periods, the midlatitude trough minimum is located at higher and lower geomagnetic latitudes (GMLATs) of the plasmapause in the MLT ranges of 5–21 and 21–5 h, respectively. This implies that both the features could not be on the same magnetic field line. On the other hand, during the storm main phase, the midlatitude trough minimum and plasmapause move toward a low‐latitude region with day‐night and dawn‐dusk asymmetries and the correlation becomes highest, compared with that under other geomagnetic conditions. Especially, both the features mapped on the ionosphere at a height of 300 km exist near GMLAT in the afternoon‐midnight sectors. This suggests that the midlatitude trough and plasmapause are formed at almost the same location due to an enhanced subauroral polarization stream during the storm main phase.
Observations of Energized Electrons in the Martian Magnetosheath
Authors: Horaites K. , Andersson L. , Schwartz S. J. , Xu S. , Mitchell D. L. , Mazelle C. , Halekas J. , Gruesbeck J.
Published: April 2021

This observational study demonstrates that the magnitude and location of energization of electrons in the Martian magnetosheath is more complex than previous studies suggest. Electrons in Mars's magnetosheath originate in the solar wind and are accelerated by an electric field when they cross the bow shock. Assuming that this acceleration is localized solely to the shock, the field‐aligned electron distributions in the sheath are expected to be highly asymmetric. However, such an asymmetry is not observed in this study. Based on the analysis here, it is suggested that an additional parallel acceleration takes place downstream of the Martian bow shock. This additional acceleration suppresses the expected asymmetry of the electron distribution. Consequently, along a flux tube in the magnetosheath that is tied on both ends to the bow shock the difference in energization between parallel and anti‐parallel electrons is less than about 20 eV. Where this energization difference is expected to be maximal, we find the energization difference to be at most ≲25% of the predicted value.
Physics‐Based Earthquake Simulations in Slow‐Moving Faults: A Case Study From the Eastern Betic Shear Zone (SE Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Herrero‐Barbero Paula , Álvarez‐Gómez José A. , Williams Charles , Villamor Pilar , Insua‐Arévalo Juan M. , Alonso‐Henar Jorge , Martínez‐Díaz José J.
Published: April 2021

In regions with slow‐moving faults, the incompleteness of earthquake and fault data complicates the study of seismic hazard. The instrumental and historical seismic catalogs cover a short period compared with the long‐time interval between major events. Paleoseismic evidence allows us to increase the time frame of actual observations, but data is still scarce and imprecise. Physics‐based earthquake simulations overcome the limitations of actual earthquake catalogs and generate long‐term synthetic seismicity. The RSQSim earthquake simulator used in our study reproduces the earthquake physical processes based on a 3D fault model that contains the kinematics, the long‐term slip rates and the rate‐and‐state friction properties of the main seismogenic sources of a region. The application of earthquake simulations to the Eastern Betic Shear Zone, a slow fault system at southeastern Spain, allows the compilation of 100 kyr‐synthetic catalogs ofMW > 4.0 events. Multisection earthquakes and complete ruptures of some faults in this region, preferentially on strike‐slip dominant ruptures, are possible according to our simulations. The largestMW > 6.5 events are likely as a result of jumping ruptures between the Carboneras and the Palomares faults, with recurrence times of < 20,000 years; and less frequently between the Alhama de Murcia and the Los Tollos faults. A great variability of interevent times is observed between successive synthetic seismic cycles, in addition to the occurrence of complex co‐ruptures between faults. Consequently, the occurrence of larger earthquakes, evenMW ≥ 7.0, cannot be ruled out, contrasting with the low to moderate magnitudes recorded in the instrumental and historical earthquake catalog.
Low‐Temperature Plasticity and Dislocation Creep of Fangshan Dolomite
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Shao Tongbin , Song Maoshuang , Wang Hao
Published: April 2021

To explore the rheology of dolomite and investigate recent findings regarding the so‐called inversion of activation energy between dislocation and diffusion creep, we compressed medium‐grained Fangshan dolomite (113 ± 42 µm) at effective confining pressures of 50–300 MPa, temperatures of 27°C–900°C, and strain rates of 10−6 to 2 × 10−4 s−1 using a Paterson gas‐medium apparatus. Two end‐member deformation regimes with corresponding diagnostic flow laws and microstructures were identified. At temperatures ≤500°C, low‐temperature plasticity (LTP), which is characterized by microstructures of predominant abrupt undulatory extinctions and f‐twins, was determined to dominate the deformation of Fangshan dolomite. The corresponding flow behavior can be described by an with and (Regime 1). At temperatures ≥800°C, dislocation creep, which shows characteristic microstructures of smooth undulating extinction and new recrystallized grains, dominated the deformation of Fangshan dolomite. The corresponding flow behavior can be expressed by a power law equation, with , , and (Regime 2). At temperatures between ∼500 and 800°C, a transition regime between LTP and dislocation creep was identified (Regime 3) with the dependence of flow stress on strain rate increasing gradually with increasing temperature. When extrapolated to natural conditions, our flow law of dislocation creep for dolomite in combination with that of diffusion creep reported by Davis et al. (2008) suggests that the dislocation creep regime of dolomite is limited to a relatively narrow region of high temperature and relatively high stress, whereas the diffusion creep regime dominates the deformation of dolomite in tectonic settings with low stress levels.
Formation of Small Craters in the Lunar Regolith: How Do They Influence the Preservation of Ancient Melt at the Surface?
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Michael Greg , Haber Thomas , Wünnemann Kai
Published: April 2021

The impact melt that records the formation time of basins is essential for the understanding of the lunar bombardment history. To better understand melt distribution on the Moon, this study investigates mixing of melt by small impacts using a Monte Carlo numerical model. The obtained mixing behavior is then integrated into a larger scale model developed in previous work. While large impacts produce most of the melt volume in both the regolith and megaregolith, we find that the dominant source of melt near the surface is small impacts. Material in the top meter is affected mainly by impacts that form craters <5 km in diameter. In the uppermost 10 cm, melt with age <0.5 Ga is abundant; while as depth increases older melt is increasingly present. This may indicate that the excess of impact melt <0.5 Ga in lunar samples from the near surface is caused by the cumulative mixing of small impacts. A comparison of the age distribution of melt derived from craters of different sizes with that of impact glass constrains the size of spherule‐forming impacts. Our model is consistent with observations if most impact glass spherules from the near surface are produced by <100 m craters and >100 m craters do not contribute abundant spherules. The distribution of the datable melt with depth is also analyzed, which is essential for future sampling missions. Excavated materials of young and large craters (>100 m on highlands; >10 km on maria) appear to be the most fruitful targets.
Structure and Thermal Evolution of Exoplanetary Cores
Authors: Bonati Irene , Lasbleis Marine , Noack Lena
Published: April 2021

Most of the large rocky bodies in the solar system display evidence of past and/or current magnetic activity, driven by thermochemical convection in an electrically conducting fluid layer. The discovery of a large number of extrasolar planets motivates the search for magnetic fields beyond the solar system. While current observations are limited to providing planetary radii and minimum masses, studying the evolution of exoplanets' magnetic fields and their interaction with the atmosphere can open new avenues for constraining interior properties from future atmospheric observations. Here, we investigate the evolution of massive rocky planets (0.8 − 2 MEarth) with different bulk and mantle iron contents. Starting from their temperature profiles after accretion, we determine the structure of the core and model its subsequent thermal and magnetic evolution over 5 Gyr. We find that the planetary iron inventory and distribution strongly affect core structure, evolution, and the lifetime of a magnetic field. Planets with large bulk and mantle iron contents tend to feature large solid inner cores, which can grow up to the liquid outer core radius, shutting down any pre‐existing magnetic activity. Consequently, the longest dynamo lifetimes (∼ 4.25 Gyr) are obtained for massive planets with intermediate iron inventories. The smaller inner core radii and the chemical buoyancy fluxes introduced by the presence of light impurities can extend the magnetic field lifetimes to more than 5 Gyr. While the calculated magnetic fields are too weak to be detected by ground facilities, indirect observations may provide valuable insights into exoplanetary dynamos.