bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable magnesium alloy (WE43) in bone‐fixation plate and screw
Authors: Byun Soo‐Hwan , Lim Ho‐Kyung , Cheon Kwang‐Hee , Lee Sung‐Mi , Kim Hyoun‐Ee , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical strength and the absorption rate of WE43 material and to develop an absorbable metallic plate and screw for craniofacial application. The extruded WE43 plate and screw were evaluated using a LeFort I osteotomy canine model of 10 beagle dogs. Animals were divided into two groups: five dogs in the experimental group and five dogs in the control group. μCT was acquired at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. At 24 weeks after the operation, all animals were sacrificed, and histologic evaluation was performed. Swelling and gas formation were observed in three dogs in the experimental groups at 8 weeks. From 12 weeks, infraorbital fistula and inflammation were observed in three dogs in the experimental group, which gradually decreased and disappeared at 24 weeks. Other two dogs showed less gas formation at 12 weeks. The plates were completely absorbed, and gas formation was not observed at 24 weeks in these two dogs. New bone was well formed around the plates and screws in both groups. Histologic examination showed no specific differences between two groups. The mechanical strength of extruded WE43 was sufficient for mid‐facial application. Plates and screws made with appropriately treated WE43 have the potential to be useful clinically.
Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography of the Central Lymphatic System: Technique and Clinical Applications
Authors: Pabon‐Ramos Waleska M. , Raman Vignesh , Schwartz Fides R. , Tong Betty C. , Koweek Lynne M.
Published: February 2020

Magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) is a noninvasive imaging technique that can be used in the management of lymphatic disorders to delineate the central lymphatic system for treatment planning. This article reviews the MRL technique, its advantages, limitations, indications, and impact on patient management.

Level of Evidence 5

Technical Efficacy Stage 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:374–380.
Lipids in Parenteral Nutrition: Biological Aspects
Authors: Calder Philip C. , Waitzberg Dan L. , Klek Stanislaw , Martindale Robert G.
Published: February 2020

Lipid emulsions are an integral part of parenteral nutrition, and traditionally have been regarded as an energy‐dense source of calories and essential fatty acids. For many years, lipids used in parenteral nutrition have been based on vegetable oils (eg, soybean‐oil emulsions). However, soybean‐oil emulsions may not have an optimal fatty‐acid composition under some circumstances when used as the only lipid source, as soybean oil is particularly abundant in the ω‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), linoleic acid. Hence, a progressive series of more complex lipid emulsions have been introduced, typically combining soybean oil with 1 or more alternative oils, such as medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) and/or olive oil and/or fish oil. The wide range of lipid emulsions now available for parenteral nutrition offers opportunities to alter the supply of different fatty acids, which potentially modifies functional properties, with effects on inflammatory processes, immune response, and hepatic metabolism. Fish oil has become an important component of modern, composite lipid emulsions, in part owing to a growing evidence base concerning its biological effects in a variety of preclinical models. These biological activities of fish oil are mainly attributed to its ω‐3 PUFA content, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA and EPA have known mechanisms of action, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidative properties. Specialized proresolving mediators, such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins, are synthesized directly from DHA and EPA, are key for the resolution of inflammation, and improve outcomes in many cell‐ and animal‐based models and, recently, in some clinical settings.
Use of Lipids in Neonates Requiring Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Deshpande Girish C. , Cai Wei
Published: February 2020

Neonates have limited antioxidative capacity and are at increased risk of infection and inflammation—a situation that is exacerbated in preterm neonates. Together, oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in many serious conditions affecting neonates, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and periventricular leukomalacia. Neonates requiring parenteral nutrition have certain nutritional requirements. For example, very long‐chain ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are regarded as conditionally essential with critical roles during early retinal and brain development, and may also have other benefits such as anti‐inflammatory effects. Because of these factors, the choice of lipid emulsion used as part of parenteral nutrition support may influence clinical outcomes in neonates. There are concerns that lipid emulsions based purely on soybean oil may increase lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, and inflammation because of their high ω‐6 PUFA and low ω‐3 PUFA concentrations. Composite fish‐oil containing lipid emulsions may provide advantages for neonates owing to their high DHA and EPA content and high antioxidant (α‐tocopherol) levels. Here, we discuss clinical trials of lipid emulsions in preterm and term neonatal populations, with a particular emphasis on markers of oxidative stress and DHA and EPA levels. Olive oil/soybean oil lipid emulsions have shown few advantages in neonates over other lipid emulsions. However, compared with either pure soybean or soybean/olive‐oil based emulsions, composite fish‐oil containing lipid emulsions reduce oxidative stress/lipid peroxidation and also increase DHA and EPA levels. These advantages may translate into clinical benefits for neonates requiring parenteral nutrition.
Polarization‐dependent anisotropic Raman response of CVD‐grown vertically stacked MoS2 layers
Authors: Kim Hanul , Ko Hayoung , Kim Soo Min , Rho Heesuk
Published: February 2020

We report on the polarized Raman scattering results of vertically stacked few‐layer MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition. Results of monolayer MoS2 showed that the polarization‐angle‐resolved intensity profiles of both out‐of‐plane A1g and in‐plane
phonon modes followed the Raman polarization selection rules. In contrast, the polarization‐angle dependence of the
phonon intensity in the multilayer region showed a deviation from the polarization selection rules, whereas that of the A1g phonon intensity remained unchanged regardless of the layer number. Furthermore, the polarization anisotropy of the
phonon intensity increased with an increase in layer number. The vertically stacked MoS2 multilayers had oblique, deformed edge boundaries that were not parallel to the basal monolayer edge, suggesting the presence of slight interlayer twisting and/or sliding between neighboring layers. Therefore, we suggest that the polarization‐dependent anisotropic behavior of the
phonon in the multilayer region is attributed to stacking disorder between MoS2 layers.
Fermentation of soybean meal improves isoflavone metabolism after soy biscuit consumption by adults
Authors: de Oliveira Silva Fabricio , Lemos Thayane CC , Sandôra Diego , Monteiro Mariana , Perrone Daniel
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Urinary excretion of isoflavones and their metabolites after the consumption of soybean meal (SBM) and fermented soybean meal (FSBM) biscuits was investigated in humans in a randomized double‐blinded crossover clinical trial.

RESULTS

Aglycones were the most abundant metabolites in urine in both treatments. After FSBM consumption, total urinary excretion of aglycones and metabolites was 54% higher when compared to SBM biscuits. All metabolites were more rapidly excreted after FSBM biscuit consumption when compared to SBM biscuits. Urinary recovery of isoflavones was higher after FSBM biscuit consumption, reaching 67%. Women excreted higher amounts of colonic metabolites and lower amounts of aglycones than men. The prevalence of O‐demethylangolensin‐producer, equol‐producer and nonproducer metabotypes was 56%, 11% and 36% after SBM consumption and 72%, 11% and 17% after FSBM consumption, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our findings indicate that fermentation improves isoflavone bioavailability and possibly reduces the impact of gut microbiota on the metabolism of isoflavones. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Prodromal Dementia With Lewy Bodies: Clinical Characterization and Predictors of Progression
Authors: van de Beek Marleen , van Steenoven Inger , van der Zande Jessica J. , Barkhof Frederik , Teunissen Charlotte E. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Lemstra Afina W.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine clinical characteristics, cognitive decline, and predictors for time to dementia in prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies with mild cognitive impairment (MCI‐LB) compared with prodromal Alzheimer's disease (MCI‐AD).

Methods

We included 73 MCI‐LB patients (12% female; 68 ± 6 years; Mini Mental State Examination, 27 ± 2) and 124 MCI‐AD patients (48% female; 68 ± 7 years; Mini Mental State Examination, 27 ± 2) from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. Follow‐up was available for 61 MCI‐LB patients and all MCI‐AD patients (3 ± 2 years). We evaluated dementia with Lewy bodies core features, neuropsychiatric symptoms, caregiver burden (Zarit caregiver burden interview), MRI, apolipoprotein genotype, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (tau/Aβ1–42 ratio). Longitudinal outcome measures included cognitive slopes (memory, attention, executive functions, and language and visuospatial functions) and time to dementia.

Results

Parkinsonism was the most frequently present core feature in MCI‐LB (69%). MCI‐LB patients more often had neuropsychiatric symptoms and scored higher on ZARIT when compared with the MCI‐AD patients. Linear mixed models showed that at baseline, MCI‐LB patients performed worse on nonmemory cognitive domains, whereas memory performance was worse in MCI‐AD patients. Over time, MCI‐LB patients declined faster on attention, whereas MCI‐AD patients declined faster on the Mini Mental State Examination and memory. Cox proportional hazards regressions showed that in the MCI‐LB patients, lower attention (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–2.3) and more posterior cortical atrophy (HR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5–5.8) predicted shorter time to dementia. In the MCI‐AD patients, worse performance on memory (HR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.2) and executive functions (HR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6) were independently associated with time to Alzheimer's dementia.

Conclusion

MCI‐LB patients have distinct neuropsychiatric and cognitive profiles with prominent decline in attention when compared with MCI‐AD patients. Our results highlight the importance of early diagnosis because symptoms already have an impact in the prodromal stages. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Novel loss‐of‐function mutation in MCM8 causes premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Xin , He Wen‐Bin , Xiao Wen‐Juan , Meng Lan‐Lan , Tan Chen , Du Juan , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Lin Ge , Tan Yue‐Qiu
Published: February 2020

Background

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one major cause of female infertility, minichromosome maintenance complex component 8 (MCM8) has been reported to be responsible for POI.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed to identify the genetic variants of women with POI. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the variants in all the family members. Various bioinformatic software was used for the pathogenicity assessment. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), real‐time quantitative PCR, and a chromosomal instability study induced by mitomycin C were performed to analyze the functional effects of the variant.

Results

A novel homozygous frameshift mutation (NM_032485.4:c.351_354delAAAG) of MCM8 gene was identified in the patients, segregated with POI in this family. This mutation is predicted to produce truncated MCM8 protein and to be pathogenic. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that the frameshift mutation led to a remarkably reduced level of MCM8 transcript products, and chromosomal instability study showed that the ability of mutant MCM8 to repair DNA breaks was impaired.

Conclusion

We identified a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in the MCM8 gene in two affected sisters with POI, and functional analysis revealed that this mutation is pathogenic. Our findings enrich the MCM8 mutation spectrum and might help clinicians to make a precise diagnosis, thereby allowing better family planning and genetic counseling.
Beyond Redistribution: In-Stream Habitat Restoration Increases Capacity for Young-of-the-Year Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in the Entiat River, Washington
Authors: Polivka Carlos M. , Claeson Shannon M.
Published: February 2020

We conducted snorkel surveys for juvenile salmonids in reaches of the Entiat River, Washington, treated with engineered logjams and in reaches without treatments to determine if observations at a habitat unit scale can identify whether restoration has increased the habitat capacity of a reach. The conceptual basis and field methodology emphasize fish density data (fish/habitat area in m2) from unrestored habitat within a reach treated with engineered logjams compared with surveys in (1) unrestored habitat in untreated reaches and (2) restored habitat in treated reaches. A Bayesian generalized linear model enabled us to quantify density differences among habitat types using advanced computational statistics. Modal density of young-of-the-year Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss was at least 3.1-fold and 2.7-fold greater, respectively, in restored habitat compared with unrestored habitat for all treated reaches examined. To distinguish the density differences in those reaches as capacity increases rather than redistribution from poor habitat to good habitat, we compared density in unrestored habitat in both treated and untreated reaches. Here we found no differences for either species, confirming that the increased density in restored habitat units did not come from depletion of unrestored habitat in the same reach. We thus concluded that restoration increased the habitat capacity of the reach at the scale of pools created by engineered logjams.
Statistical analysis of the accuracy of water content‐based electrical properties tomography
Authors: Han Jijun , Gao Yunyu , Nan Xiang , Liu Feng , Xin Sherman Xuegang
Published: February 2020

Water content‐based electrical properties tomography (wEPT) can retrieve electrical properties (EPs) from water content maps, thereby eliminating the need for B1 field measurement in the traditional magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography method. The wEPT is performed by conventional MR scanning, such as T1‐weighted spin‐echo imaging, and thus can be directly applied to clinical settings. However, the random noise propagation involved in wEPT causes inaccuracy in EP mapping. To guarantee the EP estimates desired for clinical practice, this study statically investigates the noise‐specific uncertainty of wEPT through probability density function models. We calculated the probability distribution of EP maps with different noise levels and examined the effects of scan parameters on reconstruction accuracy with various flip angles (FAs) and repetition time (TR) settings. The theoretical derivation was validated by Monte Carlo simulations and human imaging experiment at 3 T. Results showed that a serious deviation could occur in tissues with large conductivity value at a low signal‐to‐noise ratio and quantitatively demonstrate that such deviation could be mitigated by increased FAs or TRs. This study provided useful information for the setup of scan parameters, evaluation of accuracy of the wEPT under specific SNR levels, and promote its clinical applications.
The policy graph decomposition of multistage stochastic programming problems
Authors: Dowson Oscar
Published: February 2020

We propose the policy graph as a structured way of formulating a general class of multistage stochastic programming problems in a way that leads to a natural decomposition. We also propose an extension to the stochastic dual dynamic programming algorithm to solve a subset of problems formulated as a policy graph. This subset includes discrete‐time, convex, infinite‐horizon, multistage stochastic programming problems with continuous state and control variables. To demonstrate the utility of our algorithm, we solve an existing multistage stochastic programming problem from the literature based on pastoral dairy farming. We show that the finite‐horizon model in the literature suffers from end‐of‐horizon effects, which we are able to overcome with an infinite‐horizon model.
A frictional spring and cohesive contact model for accurate simulation of contact forces in numerical manifold method
Authors: Zhang Ning , Li Xu , Lin Xingchao
Published: February 2020

“Open‐close iteration” is a crucial algorithm for handling complex contacts in numerical manifold method (NMM) and discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA). This algorithm has proved to be robust and efficient for decades. However, as some researchers have pointed out, the original open‐close iteration may involve errors in sliding tests, especially in critical sliding tests with cohesive contacts. In this study, two major problems in the original algorithm are found to be nonconvergent contact force and early removed cohesive strength. The modifications are the following: (a) a frictional spring. By avoiding the trail value of normal contact force, we added a new frictional spring to the iteration scheme. This spring can apply accurate friction and can help ensure the convergence of contact forces. (b) A cohesive contact model. The original scheme can encounter an “early failure” in cohesive contacts. After investigating how contacts provide shear resistance, we found the cause and then provided a simple correction of the cohesive issue. The new algorithms in this article are essential for accurately simulating contacts by NMM/DDA.
{Nano‐gold, iron(III)‐1,3,5‐benzene tricarboxylate metal organic framework (MOF)} nano‐composite as precursor for laser ablation generation of gold‐iron AumFen+/− (m = 1–35, n = 1–5) clusters. Mass spectrometric study
Authors: Pečinka Lukáš , Havel Josef
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Gold‐iron bimetallic materials have applications in many fields, especially in nanotechnology and biomedicine. The chemistry of iron‐doped gold clusters is still not fully understood but opens up the possibility of developing new materials, e.g. of gold cages doped with iron atoms. There have been several theoretical studies on these clusters but only a few experimental studies.

Methods

Laser desorption ionisation (LDI) was used for the generation of Au–Fe bimetallic clusters via laser ablation (337 nm nitrogen laser) of the synthesised nano‐composite {nano‐gold; Fe(III) 1,3,5‐benzene tricarboxylate}, i.e. {AuNPs, Fe‐MOF}, while a quadrupole ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer, equipped with a reflectron, was used to acquire mass spectra.

Results

A {AuNPs, Fe‐MOF} nano‐composite was prepared and found suitable for the LDI generation of AumFen clusters. In addition to Aum+/− (m = 1–35) clusters, a series of positively and negatively charged gold–iron AumFen+/− clusters were generated. The mass spectra exhibited evidence for the clusters containing up to five iron atoms. In total, 113 binary AumFen+/− clusters (m = 1–35, n = 1–5) were identified in the gas phase.

Conclusions

A synthesised {AuNPs, iron(III)‐1,3,5‐benzene tricarboxylate MOF} nano‐composite was found suitable for the generation of many new gold–iron clusters and mass spectrometry was shown to be an efficient technique for the determination of the cluster stoichiometry. A broad series of over 100 bimetallic AumFen clusters, some of them suggested to be gold cages doped with iron atoms (for m = 12 and higher), not only demonstrate a rich and complex chemistry, but also open wide possibilities of biomedical applications.
A Thin Film Nanocomposite Reverse Osmosis Membrane Incorporated with S‐Beta Zeolite Nanoparticles for Water Desalination
Authors: Marioryad Hossein , Ghaedi Abdol Mohammad , Emadzadeh Daryoush , Baneshi Mohammad Mehdi , Vafaei Azam , Lau Woei‐Jye
Published: February 2020

A new type of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane incorporating S‐Beta zeolite nanoparticles was synthesized through interfacial polymerization of m‐phenylenediamine and trimesoyl chloride on the surface of nanoporous membrane support. The presence of S‐Beta zeolite in the polyamide layer of RO membrane was detected by scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscope. The impacts of S‐Beta zeolite loading ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 wt% on the separation performance of membrane were further studied and the results showed that the optimal S‐Beta zeolite for RO membrane was at 0.05 wt%. Compared to the control RO membrane without nanoparticles that showed water flux of 25.36 L/(m2.h) and NaCl rejection of 97%, the membrane incorporated with optimal zeolite loading exhibited better performance (65.25 L/(m2.h) and 97.33%) when tested using 1500 ppm NaCl solution at 300 psi.
Construction of [5/7/5] Fused Tricyclic Sulfones via Ring‐Rearrangement Metathesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Fatma Ambareen
Published: February 2020

Herein, we describe a simple and efficient synthetic approach to tricyclic sulfones containing fused [5/7/5] ring system from three isomeric Diels–Alder adducts via ring‐rearrangement metathesis (RCM) as a key step. Seven membered sulfone containing ring system developed here has been encountered as constituents of HIV protease inhibitor. To this end, we successfully synthesized three sulfone containing molecules in good yields. Some of them are unambiguously characterized by a single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Our simple approach allows the synthesis of highly fused tricyclic sulfones which are difficult to design by conventional methods.
Crystal Morphology Modification of 5, 5′‐Bisthiazole‐1,1′‐ dioxyhydroxyammonium Salt
Authors: Xu Xin , Chen Dong , Li Hongzhen , Xu Rong , Zhao Haixia
Published: February 2020

The growth morphology of 5, 5′‐bisthiazole‐1, 1′‐dioxyhydroxyammonium salt (TKX‐50) under vacuum and solvent conditions was studied by using the attached energy (AE) model .The calculation results show that the (1 1 1) face have large morphological importance in these three additives systems sodium dodecyl sulfonate, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and Tween 20 system, and the predicted TKX‐50 morphology is consistent with the experimental results. Further, the friction sensitivity and impact sensitivity of different crystal morphology of TKX‐50 were tested and discussed. The results show that the crystal morphology is an important factor in controlling the friction sensitivity and impact sensitivity of explosives.
Nickel‐Catalyzedortho‐Acyloxylation of Benzamides and Acrylamides with Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Lin Jingyi , Guo Zhao , Lin Cong , Gao Fei , Shen Liang
Published: February 2020

The nickel‐catalyzedortho‐acyloxylation of C(sp2)‐H bonds of benzamides and acrylamides assisted by8‐aminoquinolyl auxiliary has been realized for the first time. A wide range of carboxylic acids were compatible in this protocol to provide diverse carboxylic esters in moderate to excellent yields.
Capability interactions and adaptation to demand‐side change
Authors: Wang Tang , Aggarwal Vikas A. , Wu Brian
Published: February 2020

Research summary

We examine how interactions among a firm's capabilities influence the extent and direction of firm adaptation under conditions of demand‐side change. Our empirical context is the U.S. defense industry, within which we study firms receiving defense‐related Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards around September 11, 2001, an event which constituted an exogenous demand‐side shock in which technology‐related preferences of customers were reshuffled. We find that under demand‐side change, preexisting customer relationships have a double‐edged effect: They facilitate “extension‐based” adaptation when interacted with technology capabilities experiencing a decline in customer preferences, and they hinder “novelty‐based” adaptation when interacted with technology capabilities experiencing an increase in such preferences. We also find that both types of technological capabilities together facilitate adaptation along the extension and novelty paths.

Managerial summary

Demand‐side change, in which customer preferences for particular technologies are reshuffled, occurs in many industry settings. A deeper understanding of the factors shaping firm adaptation under this form of change can influence managers' decisions to implement strategies to plan for and react to such change. Using a sample of firms receiving defense‐related SBIR awards around September 11, 2001, we show that the customer relationships a firm develops prior to demand‐side change can have a double‐edged effect on firm adaptation. Such relationships facilitate “extension‐based” adaptation when combined with technology capabilities declining in customer preferences and hinder “novelty‐based” adaptation when combined with technology capabilities increasing in customer preferences. In addition, the combination of the two technological capability types facilitates adaptation along both paths.
A small podocnemidoid (Pleurodira, Pelomedusoides) from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil, and the innervation and carotid circulation of side‐necked turtles
Authors: Hermanson Guilherme , Iori Fabiano V. , Evers Serjoscha W. , Langer Max C. , Ferreira Gabriel S.
Published: February 2020

Pleurodires are less diverse than cryptodires, together forming the two major lineages of crown turtles. Their fossil record, however, is rich. A particularly large number of fossil pleurodires, many belonging to the Podocnemidoidae, has been recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Bauru Group outcrops of south‐central Brazil. Herein we describe an additional pleurodire from this region, Amabilis uchoensis gen. et sp. nov., based on a partially preserved skull. A. uchoensis is recognized as belonging to the Podocnemidoidae by the small entrance to the antrum postoticum and completely developed cavum pterygoidei, being unique among other non‐podocnemidid podocnemidoids for its medially open fenestra postotica and absent basioccipital–opisthotic contact. Our cladistic analysis places A. uchoensis as a sister taxon to Hamadachelys + other podocnemidoids. We further explore the neuroanatomy of side‐necked turtles with the aid of micro‐computed tomography of specimens of the main pleurodiran lineages. Our data shed light on the different carotid circulation patterns in pleurodires, and we propose new phylogenetic characters to describe the neuroanatomical variation of the group. Optimization of these characters shows two independent acquisitions of a foramen for the palatal branch of the carotid in chelids and podocnemidoids, and a unique loss of the vidian nerve canal in chelids, in turtles in general.
Preparation of Al/Ni Reactive Multilayer Foils and its Application in Thermal Battery
Authors: Zhu Yanli , Geng Jia , Wang Fang , Yan Shi , Zhao Penglong , Meng Qingfen , Wang Jianyong , Wu Qibing
Published: February 2020

The conventional heating materials of thermal battery have the disadvantages of low combustion rate and less heat release, so it is necessary to develop new heating materials. Al/Ni Reactive Multilayer Foils (RMFs) is an ideal heat source due to its high heat release, fast burning speed and no gas generated during combustion. Al/Ni RMFs were prepared by magnetron sputtering, and the heat transfer process of thermal battery using Al/Ni RMFs as heating material was simulated by the COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS simulation. The Al/Ni RMFs combustion reaction mechanism with different Al/Ni ratios was proposed according to DSC and XRD results. The effects of Al/Ni atomic ratio of RMFs on the melting time of electrolyte were investigated, and the temperature distribution during the activation was obtained, indicating the rapid activation process of the thermal battery.
PCR inhibition in qPCR, dPCR and MPS—mechanisms and solutions
Authors: Sidstedt Maja , Rådström Peter , Hedman Johannes
Published: February 2020

DNA analysis has seen an incredible development in terms of instrumentation, assays and applications over the last years. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) and digital PCR are now broadly applied in research and diagnostics, and quantitative PCR is used for more and more practises. All these techniques are based on in vitro DNA polymerization and fluorescence measurements. A major limitation for successful analysis is the various sample-related substances that interfere with the analysis, i.e. PCR inhibitors. PCR inhibition affects library preparation in MPS analysis and skews quantification in qPCR, and some inhibitors have been found to quench the fluorescence of the applied fluorophores. Here, we provide a deeper understanding of mechanisms of specific PCR inhibitors and how these impact specific analytical techniques. This background knowledge is necessary in order to take full advantage of modern DNA analysis techniques, specifically for analysis of samples with low amounts of template and high amounts of background material. The classical solution to handle PCR inhibition is to purify or dilute DNA extracts, which leads to DNA loss. Applying inhibitor-tolerant DNA polymerases, either single enzymes or blends, provides a more straightforward and powerful solution. This review includes mechanisms of specific PCR inhibitors as well as solutions to the inhibition problem in relation to cutting-edge DNA analysis.
Facial feedback for reinforcement learning: a case study and offline analysis using the TAMER framework
Authors: Li Guangliang , Dibeklioğlu Hamdi , Whiteson Shimon , Hung Hayley
Published: February 2020

Interactive reinforcement learning provides a way for agents to learn to solve tasks from evaluative feedback provided by a human user. Previous research showed that humans give copious feedback early in training but very sparsely thereafter. In this article, we investigate the potential of agent learning from trainers’ facial expressions via interpreting them as evaluative feedback. To do so, we implemented TAMER which is a popular interactive reinforcement learning method in a reinforcement-learning benchmark problem—Infinite Mario, and conducted the first large-scale study of TAMER involving 561 participants. With designed CNN–RNN model, our analysis shows that telling trainers to use facial expressions and competition can improve the accuracies for estimating positive and negative feedback using facial expressions. In addition, our results with a simulation experiment show that learning solely from predicted feedback based on facial expressions is possible and using strong/effective prediction models or a regression method, facial responses would significantly improve the performance of agents. Furthermore, our experiment supports previous studies demonstrating the importance of bi-directional feedback and competitive elements in the training interface.
Incorporation of Rare Earths and Yttrium in Calcite: A Critical Re-evaluation
Authors: Möller Peter , De Lucia Marco
Published: February 2020

The reported partition coefficients of REE with calcite are reviewed and critically discussed. In some of the reported experimental sets, REE concentrations are found to be supersaturated with respect to individual REE2(CO3)3 but never to REE(OH)3. Although the solutions are unsaturated with respect to individual REY carbonates, REY including Y are incorporated in calcite surfaces, where they are overgrown by calcite. Charge balances may be obtained by building {REY–Na-(CO3)2}n or by exchange of 2Ca2+ against REY3+ + blank space calcite lattice. These surface compounds may either be homogeneously distributed or clustered. Both the size and frequency of clusters increase with [REY]/[Ca] or [ΣREY3+]/[Ca2+] in solution. If these surface precipitates are removed into solutions saturated with respect to ΣREE2(CO3)3, they start growing in the aqueous phase. In this case, the apparent DREY and kREY values decrease with increasing REY concentrations in solution. In previous studies, only the individual distribution coefficients are reported not considering that the entirety of REY determines their behavior in partitioning. Given enough time, these surface clusters equilibrate with the aqueous phase before being overgrown by calcite. In the double logarithmic plots of {REY}/{Ca} versus [REY]/[Ca] or [REY3+]/[Ca2+], two relationships evolve characterizing the REY distribution in marine calcite and experimental calcites grown in Mg2+-free solutions. The double logarithmic plots of partition coefficients of REYi3+ in calcite grown from seawater show a slope exceeding unity, whereas those from fluids without Mg2+ depict slopes less than unity being both in contrast to the Henderson–Kracek rule.
A process for deriving high quality cellulose nanofibrils from water hyacinth invasive species
Authors: Sun Dongyang , Onyianta Amaka J. , O’Rourke Dominic , Perrin Guilhem , Popescu Carmen-Mihaela , Saw Lip Huat , Cai Zuansi , Dorris Mark
Published: February 2020

In this study, surface chemistry, the morphological properties, water retention values, linear viscoelastic properties, crystallinity index, tensile strength and thermal properties of water hyacinth (WH) cellulose were correlated with the degree of mechanical processing under high-pressure homogenisation. An initial low-pressure mechanical shear of WH stems resulted in the ease of chemical extraction of good quality cellulose using mild concentrations of chemical reagents and ambient temperature. Further passes through the homogeniser resulted in an overall improvement in cellulose fibrillation into nanofibrils, and an increase in water retention property and linear viscoelastic properties as the number of passes increased. These improvements are most significant after the first and second pass, resulting in up to 7.5% increase in crystallinity index and 50% increase in the tensile strength of films, when compared with the unprocessed WH cellulose. The thermal stability of the WH cellulose was not adversely affected but remained stable with increasing number of passes. Results suggest a high suitability for this process to generate superior quality cellulose nanofibrils at relatively low energy requirements, ideal for sustainable packaging applications and as a structural component to bioplastic composite formulations.
Would depositors pay to show that they do not withdraw? Theory and experiment
Authors: Kinateder Markus , Kiss Hubert János , Pintér Ágnes
Published: February 2020

In a Diamond–Dybvig type model of financial intermediation, we allow depositors to announce at a positive cost to subsequent depositors that they keep their funds deposited in the bank. Theoretically, the mere availability of public announcements (and not its use) ensures that no bank run is the unique equilibrium outcome. Multiple equilibria—including bank run—exist without such public announcements. We test the theoretical results in the lab and find a widespread use of announcements, which we interpret as an attempt to coordinate on the no bank run outcome. Withdrawal rates in general are lower in information sets that contain announcements.
The Case Against Linguistic Palaeontology
Authors: Mallory Fintan
Published: February 2020

The method of linguistic palaeontology (or palaeolinguistics) has a controversial status within archaeology. According to its defenders, it promises the ability to see into the social and material cultures of prehistoric societies and uncover facts about peoples beyond the reach of archaeology. Its critics see it as essentially flawed and unscientific. Using a particular case-study, the Indo-European homeland problem, this paper attempts to discern the kinds of inference which proponents of linguistic palaeontology make and whether they can be warranted. I conclude that, while the case for linguistic palaeontology has often been overstated, so has the case against it.
Methodology for obtaining contact angles in rock sample images using image processing and polynomial fitting techniques
Authors: Sakugawa P. M. , Jaculli M. A. , Santos R. M. G. , Camargo G. , Barreto C. E. A. G. , Pedrini H.
Published: February 2020

Estimating the contact angle in very complex rock pores presents some challenges to accurately identify the fluid–rock contact surface. This work presents a methodology to estimate the contact angle formed by the brine–rock and the brine–oil interfaces on processing high-resolution images provided by micro-CT scan. We focus the discussion on the limitations of the most popular computational techniques used to determine the contact angle and discuss how to select a practical way to evaluate it. The method consists of four steps: (1) processing the images to determine each fluid present in the image, (2) selection of the pixels that will be part of the contact interface of fluids and the contact point, (3) fitting polynomial equations for each interface and selection of the equation that gives the lowest error, (4) estimation of the contact angle based on the more appropriate polynomial equation. The contact angle is calculated based on the slope of the interfaces’ tangents at the contact point. Several types of approaches were tested to determine the contact interface and the contact point. In order to evaluate the applicability of our method, we use an analytically generated image and rock sample images. Potential errors between the angle obtained from the analytically generated image and the angle calculated from the method show the impact of the right selection of pixels during the image processing step. High sensitivity is also observed for the tangent values in the presence or absence of pixels from the rock sample analysis.
Can Behavior Analysis Help Us Understand and Reduce Racism? A review of the Current Literature
Authors: Matsuda Kozue , Garcia Yors , Catagnus Robyn , Brandt Julie Ackerlund
Published: February 2020

Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate racism, it persists globally, negatively affecting education, mental health, community relations, and economic development. Every behavior analyst can, and should, contribute to the reduction of racism in some way. Unfortunately, little behavior-analytic research exists to guide us. This article proposes ways that members of our scientific community can learn about racism from a behavioral perspective, extend experimental analyses of prejudice, and intervene to reduce racism in varied settings. It describes both traditional behavior-analytic and functional-contextualist accounts of racism and summarizes the small amount of related empirical and applied research. The review suggests that combining traditional behavior-analytic methods with acceptance and commitment training techniques may attenuate racism more effectively. The article ends with a call to collaborate around this globally important issue—and to do more to reduce racism.
A benchmark dataset of in situ Antarctic surface melt rates and energy balance
Authors: Jakobs Constantijn L. , Reijmer Carleen H. , Smeets C. J. P. Paul , Trusel Luke D. , van de Berg Willem Jan , van den Broeke Michiel R. , van Wessem J. Melchior
Published: February 2020

Surface melt on the coastal Antarctic ice sheet (AIS) determines the viability of its ice shelves and the stability of the grounded ice sheet, but very few in situ melt rate estimates exist to date. Here we present a benchmark dataset of in situ surface melt rates and energy balance from nine sites in the eastern Antarctic Peninsula (AP) and coastal Dronning Maud Land (DML), East Antarctica, seven of which are located on AIS ice shelves. Meteorological time series from eight automatic and one staffed weather station (Neumayer), ranging in length from 15 months to almost 24 years, serve as input for an energy-balance model to obtain consistent surface melt rates and energy-balance results. We find that surface melt rates exhibit large temporal, spatial and process variability. Intermittent summer melt in coastal DML is primarily driven by absorption of shortwave radiation, while non-summer melt events in the eastern AP occur during föhn events that force a large downward directed turbulent flux of sensible heat. We use the in situ surface melt rate dataset to evaluate melt rates from the regional atmospheric climate model RACMO2 and validate a melt product from the QuikSCAT satellite.
Review of induced seismicity in geothermal systems worldwide and implications for geothermal systems in the Netherlands
Authors: Buijze Loes , van Bijsterveldt Lonneke , Cremer Holger , Paap Bob , Veldkamp Hans , Wassing Brecht B.T. , van Wees Jan-Diederik , van Yperen Guido C.N. , ter Heege Jan H. , Jaarsma Bastiaan
Published: February 2020

Geothermal energy is a viable alternative to gas for the heating of buildings, industrial areas and greenhouses, and can thus play an important role in making the transition to sustainable energy in the Netherlands. Heat is currently produced from the Dutch subsurface through circulation of water between two wells in deep (1.5–3 km) geothermal formations with temperature of up to ∼100 °C. As the number of these so-called doublets is expected to increase significantly over the next decades, and targeted depths and temperatures increase, it is important to assess potential show-stoppers related to geothermal operations. One of these potential hazards is the possibility of the occurrence of felt seismic events, which could potentially damage infrastructure and housing, and affect public support. Such events have been observed in several geothermal systems in other countries. Here we review the occurrence (or the lack) of felt seismic events in geothermal systems worldwide and identify key factors influencing the occurrence and magnitude of these events. Based on this review, we project the findings for seismicity in geothermal systems to typical geothermal formations and future geothermal developments in the Netherlands. The case study review shows that doublets that circulate fluids through relatively shallow, porous, sedimentary aquifers far from the crystalline basement are unlikely to generate felt seismic events. On the other hand, stimulations or circulations in or near competent, fractured, basement rocks and production and reinjection operations in high-temperature geothermal fields are more prone to induce felt events, occasionally with magnitudes ofM> 5.0. Many of these operations are situated in tectonically active areas, and stress and temperature changes may be large. The presence of large, optimally oriented and critically stressed faults increases the potential for induced seismicity. The insights from the case study review suggest that the potential for the occurrence ofM> 2.0 seismicity for geothermal operations in several of the sandstone target formations in the Netherlands is low, especially if faults can be avoided. The potential for induced seismicity may be moderate for operations in faulted carbonate rocks. Induced seismicity always remains a complex and site-specific process with large unknowns, and can never be excluded entirely. However, assessing the potential for inducing felt seismic events can be improved by considering the relevant (site-specific) geological and operational key factors discussed in this article.
AUGUST NEANDER AND THE RELIGION OF HISTORY IN THE NINETEENTH-CENTURY ‘PRIESTHOOD OF LETTERS’
Authors: BENNETT JOSHUA
Published: February 2020

The Berlin ecclesiastical historian, August Neander (1789–1850), developed a religiously driven conception of history which excited contemporaries across the Protestant world. This article reconstructs the impetus which Neander gave to the creation of a religiously cosmopolitan historical imagination in Germany, Britain, and the United States. At a time when Hegelian and ‘scientific’ models of historical progress foretold a post-Christian future for civilization, Neander's alternative idea of world history, centred on the leavening spread of the invisible church through contrasting forms of Christianity and culture, exercised a powerful sway over Protestant historians everywhere. His universalizing historical philosophy offered an appealing mode of self-understanding to the networks which translated his ideas into new settings. Appearing to afford a mode of securing Protestantism from the twin dangers of sectarianism and unbelief, Neander's ‘unpartisan’ philosophy simultaneously became an important instrument of Protestant nation-building in the hands of the historians drawn towards it. By considering the interaction between universal and national aspirations in the development and dissemination of Neander's historical philosophy, the article examines the practical implications of historical thought, and connections between national and transnational scales of analysis, in modern religious and intellectual history.
Cross-Border LBOs, Human Capital, and Proximity: Value Addition through Monitoring in Private Equity Investments
Authors: Chemmanur Thomas J. , Hull Tyler J. , Krishnan Karthik
Published: February 2020

We show that cross-border leveraged buyout investments involving U.S. rather than non-U.S. private equity (PE) investors are more likely to have a successful exit (initial public offering or acquisition). Exogenous increases in effective proximity following the signing of “open sky agreements” between the United States and target firms’ home countries increases both the propensity of U.S. PE firms to invest in these firms and the value addition by these investors. We show that such increases in value addition by U.S. PE investors following proximity increases are at least partially due to better monitoring, facilitated by the more efficient allocation of experienced U.S. PE managers to cross-border deals.
Through fat and thin – a journey with the adipose tissues
Authors: Trayhurn Paul
Published: February 2020

The paper is based on the lecture that I gave on receiving the Nutrition Society's inaugural Gowland Hopkins Award for contributions to Cellular and Molecular Nutrition. It reviews studies on the adipose tissues, brown and white, conducted by the groups that I have led since entering nutrition research in 1975. The initial focus was on exploring metabolic factors that underpin the development of obesity using animal models. This resulted in an interest in non-shivering thermogenesis with brown adipose tissue being identified as the key effector of facultative heat production. Brown fat is less thermogenically active in various obese rodents, and major changes in activity are exhibited under physiological conditions such as lactation and fasting consistent with a general role for the tissue in nutritional energetics. My interests moved to white adipose tissue following the cloning of the Ob gene. Our initial contributions in this area included demonstrating nutritional regulation of Ob gene expression and circulating leptin levels, as well as a regulatory role for the sympathetic nervous system operating through β3-adrenoceptors. My interests subsequently evolved to a wider concern with the endocrine/signalling role of adipose tissue. Inflammation is a characteristic of white fat in obesity with the release of inflammation-related adipokines, and we proposed that hypoxia underlies this inflammatory state. O2-deprivation was shown to have substantial effects on gene expression and cellular function in white adipocytes. The hypoxia studies led to the proposition that O2 should be considered as a critical macronutrient.