bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and tribological performance of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber/carbon black/cryptocrystalline graphite composites
Authors: Tong Xi , Bai Zhimin , Wu Jiangtao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, cryptocrystalline graphite (CG) was investigated as a novel functional filler for acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR)/carbon black (CB) composites. NBR/CB/CG composites are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that NBR/CB/CG‐10 increased by 18.2%, 11.0%, and 10.0% in tensile strength, 300% tensile modulus and tear strength, respectively compared with NBR/CB. Uniform filler dispersion and stronger interfacial interaction contributed to enhancing the mechanical property of NBR/CB/CG composites. It was revealed that the small particle size, rough surface, and defective structure of CG facilitated its exfoliation and intercalation. In addition, the tribological performance of NBR/CB/CG composites was tested on a ring‐on‐block wear tester under dry sliding conditions. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate of NBR/CB/CG‐5 reduced by 50.3% and 51.4%, respectively through the formation of fine lubrication and transfer films. CG enhanced the thermal stability, mechanical, and tribological performance of NBR composites simultaneously and the results of this work proved that CG would be a cost‐effective and resource‐available functional filler especially suitable for rubber seal application.
Boosting pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution of Molybdenum Disulfide Particles by Interfacial Engineering†
Authors: Liao Liling , Yang Lun , Zhao Gang , Zhou Haiqing , Cai Fengming , Li Yi , Wang Xiuzhang , Yu Fang 
Published: September 2020

Main observation and conclusionThe design of high‐efficiency non‐noble and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly paramount for water splitting and renewable energy systems. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with abundant edge sites can be utilized as a promising alternative, but its catalytic activity is greatly related to the pH values, especially in an alkaline environment due to the extremely high energy barriers for water adsorption and dissociation steps. Here we report an exceptionally efficient and stable electrocatalyst to improve the sluggish HER process of layered MoS2 particles in different pH electrolytes, especially in base. The electrocatalyst is constructed by in situ growing selenium‐doped MoS2 (Se‐MoS2) nanoparticles on three‐dimensional cobalt nickel diselenide (Co0.2Ni0.8Se2) nanostructured arrays. Due to the large number of active edge sites of Se‐MoS2 particles exposed at the surface, robust electrical conductivity and large surface area of Co0.2Ni0.8Se2 support, and strong interfacial interactions between Se‐MoS2 and Co0.2Ni0.8Se2, this hybrid catalyst shows very outstanding catalytic HER properties featured by low overpotentials of 30 and 122 mV at 10 and 100 mA/cm2 with good operational stability in base, respectively, which outperforms most of inexpensive catalysts consisting of layered MoS2, transition metal selenides and sulfides, and it performs as well as noble Pt catalysts. Meanwhile, this electrocatalyst is also very active in neutral and acidic electrolytes, requiring low overpotentials of 93 and 94 mV at 10 mA/cm2, respectively, demonstrating its superb pH universality as a HER electrocatalyst with excellent catalytic durability. This study provides a straightforward strategy to construct an efficient non‐noble electrocatalyst for driving the HER kinetics in different electrolytes.
On the Solution of the Stokes Equation on Regions with Corners
Authors: Rachh Manas , Serkh Kirill 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe detailed behavior of solutions to Stokes equations on regions with corners has been historically difficult to characterize. The solutions to Stokes equations on regions with corners are known to develop singularities in the vicinity of corners; in particular, the solutions are known to have infinite oscillations along almost every ray that meet at the corner. While the nature of singularities for the differential equation have been analyzed in great detail, very little is known about the nature of singularities for the corresponding integral equations. In this paper, we observe that, when the Stokes equation is formulated as a boundary integral equation, the solutions are representable by rapidly convergent series of the form , where t is the distance from the corner and the parameters μj, βj are real, and are determined via an explicit formula depending on the angle at the corner. In addition to being analytically perspicuous, these representations lend themselves to the construction of highly accurate and efficient numerical discretizations, significantly reducing the number of degrees of freedom required for the solution of the corresponding integral equations. The results are illustrated by several numerical examples. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Morphological diversity and ecological niche divergence in goitered and sand gazelles
Authors: Hemami Mahmoud‐Reza , Khosravi Rasoul , Groves Colin , Ahmadi Mohsen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe phylogeny and species boundaries of Gazella subgutturosa and G. marica have been long debated. The achievements of past conservation efforts have been compromised by a lack of knowledge about the phylogeny and taxonomic status of different populations. We integrated the recent genetic findings by previous studies with morphometric analyses and ecological niche modeling (ENM) to assess discreteness among populations of these gazelle species in Asia. Taxonomic diversity of gazelles was investigated by using principal components analysis (PCA) based on 14 cranial measures of male skulls. Ecological niche divergence was examined based on a PCA on climatic factors and a species distribution modeling (SDM) with environmental variables. Morphometric results indicated substantial differentiation in size between skulls of the western Zagros Mountains including west and south‐western Iran and Arabian Peninsula from all other samples east of the Zagros Mountains from Iran to China. ENM also revealed that gazelles in the east and west of Zagros Mountains occupy distinct niches and that there are apparent areas of disconnection across the goitered gazelle suitable range. A complete divergent niche occupation was also observed between goitered gazelles of northern Mongolia and other populations of the species, except those in China. Taking the inferences from ENM and morphology together with previous genetics results, we conclude that gazelles in the west and south‐west of Iran may represent G. marica. Also, our combined analyses revealed divergence among gazelles of Iran, Central Asia, and Mongolia/China. These results may pave the way for future studies and have conservation implications particularly for reintroduction/supplementation programs.
Environmental DNA is an effective tool to track recolonizing migratory fish following large‐scale dam removal
Authors: Duda Jeffrey J. , Hoy Marshal S. , Chase Dorothy M. , Pess George R. , Brenkman Samuel J. , McHenry Michael M. , Ostberg Carl O. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for use in conservation and resource management, including for tracking the recolonization dynamics of fish populations. We used eDNA to assess the effectiveness of dam removal to restore fish passage on the Elwha River in Washington State (USA). Using a suite of 11 species‐specific eDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, we showed that most targeted anadromous species (five Pacific Salmon species and Pacific Lamprey) were able to pass upstream of both former dam sites. Multiscale occupancy modeling showed that the timing and spatial extent of recolonization differed among species during the four years of post‐dam removal monitoring. More abundant species like Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon migrated farther into the upper portions of the watershed than less abundant species like Pink Salmon and Chum Salmon. Sampling also allowed assessment of potamodromous fish species. Bull Trout and Rainbow Trout, ubiquitous species in the watershed, were detected at all sampling locations. Environmental DNA from Brook Trout, a non‐native species isolated between the dams prior to dam removal, was detected downstream of Elwha dam but rarely upstream of the Glines Canyon Dam suggested that the species has not expanded its range appreciably in the watershed following dam removal. We found that eDNA was an effective tool to assess the response of fish populations to large‐scale dam removal on the Elwha River.
In vitro and in vivo mammalian mutation assays support a nonmutagenic mechanism of carcinogenicity for hydrazine
Authors: Nicolette John , Murray Joel , Sonders Paul , Kondratiuk Alison , Crosby Meredith 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHydrazine has been described as a mutagenic, probable human carcinogen. It is mutagenic in in vitro systems such as bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) tests and some yeast systems, as well as in in vivo systems with drosophila. It was shown to cause chromosome damage both in vitro and in vivo but was negative in some well‐validated mammalian mutation systems such as CHO HPRT assays. Importantly, there is only one in vivo gene mutation test reported, which was negative. Our objective was to determine if hydrazine is mutagenic in mammalian test systems. Thus, we conducted an in vitro gene mutation test in Muta™Mouse lung epithelial cells (FE1 cell assay) and a regulatory‐compliant in vivo Big Blue® mouse test. Consistent with previous reports, an additional six‐well Ames assay showed that hydrazine was mutagenic to bacteria. The FE1 cell assay was negative in conditions with and without metabolic activation when tested to cytotoxicity limits. In the Big Blue® mouse study, female mice received dosages of hydrazine up to 10.9 mg/kg via drinking water for 28 days. This dose is comparable to a dose used in a carcinogenicity study where female mice had significant increases in hepatocellular adenoma at 11.5 mg/kg. There were no increases in mutant frequency in liver and lung, two tissues sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of hydrazine in mice. Our research shows that hydrazine is not mutagenic in mammalian cells either in vitro or in vivo, indicating mutagenicity may not play a role in the carcinogenicity of hydrazine.
In conversation with Fatimah Jackson: The life and career of an African American Muslim biological anthropologist
Authors: Jackson Fatimah , Mulla Sameena 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAs an important voice in genetic and molecular anthropology, Fatimah Jackson has challenged race science and modeled ethical, methodological, and analytical responsibility in relation to the role of race and exclusion in anthropology. She has published innovative research on ecology, plant–human–animal interactions, health, and disease, particularly in her commitment to studying malaria and its abatement. In this conversation, Jackson shares her frank assessments of the racism and sexism she has faced. Current events and day‐to‐day life shaped her outlook and cultivated her curiosities, as did her involvement in key scientific achievements, such as the Human Genome and Human Genome Diversity Projects. These trials and tribulations were not merely challenges to transcend or leave behind. They were central to her experiences, first as a student and then as a scholar, shaping her commitments to science, scholarship, and pedagogy. In this interview, the interweaving of biography and science that makes Jackson's pedagogy so distinctive also marks her reflections on her career.
Snowpack disrupts relationship between young water fraction and isotope amplitude ratio; approximately one fifth of mountain streamflow less than one year old
Authors: Campbell Éowyn M. S. , Pavlovskii Igor , Ryan M. Cathryn 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPrevious “fraction of young water” (Fyw) estimates based on relative annual isotopic amplitudes in precipitation (Ap) and streamflow (As) produced low Fyw values in mountain catchments, which is contrary to extensive research that reports rapid water transmission in mountains. This study investigated this discrepancy by testing the effect of snow accumulation on the model that underpins the Fyw method. A Monte‐Carlo analysis of simulations for 20,000 randomly‐generated catchment model configurations used 10 years of precipitation inputs for the Upper Elbow River catchment in the Rocky Mountains (Alberta, Canada) to model discharge with and without snowpack storage of winter precipitation. Neither direct nor modified precipitation input produced a 1:1 relationship between As/Ap and Fyw, undermining the applicability of the original Fyw method in mountain watersheds with large seasonal snow accumulation. With snowpack‐modified input a given As/Ap ratio corresponds to a range of Fyw values, which can still provide semi‐quantitative information. In the small (435 km2) Elbow River catchment a Fyw range of 7–23% supports previous findings of rapid transmission in mountain catchments. Further analysis showed that the improved discharge prediction (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency > 0.9) correlates with higher Fyw values and demonstrated that the interannual shifts in δ18O can be used to estimate of new water (<1 year) fraction in winter streamflow, and the estimate of 20% for the Elbow River further supports rapid transmission in mountain catchments.
Microinjection manipulation decreases the expression of GABA‐A receptor signaling pathway genes in mouse embryos derived using intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Zhang Zili , Wang Ting , Huang Juanhua , Huang Yonghan , Zhang Qingxue 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe GABA‐A receptor signaling pathway regulates proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and responses to overt DNA damage during embryonic development.MethodsTo analyze the gene expression after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in in vivo mouse embryos, the global pattern of gene expression dataset, GSE23009, was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Genes with differential expression were identified using the R software package, and RT‐qPCR was performed to confirm the microarray results.ResultsMouse blastocysts derived from ICSI fertilization had decreased expression of GABA‐A receptor signaling pathway genes. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes were not elucidated. The gene expression of the GABA‐A pathway was not significantly different between blastocysts obtained from IVF and in vivo fertilization. However, microinjection after IVF significantly reduced the expression of the GABA‐A pathway gene to levels similar to those in the ICSI group.ConclusionBased on our results, decreased gene expression is a result of the microinjection manipulation performed during ICSI.
Parylene photonics: a flexible, broadband optical waveguide platform with integrated micromirrors for biointerfaces
Authors: Reddy Jay W. , Lassiter Maya , Chamanzar Maysamreza 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTargeted light delivery into biological tissue is needed in applications such as optogenetic stimulation of the brain and in vivo functional or structural imaging of tissue. These applications require very compact, soft, and flexible implants that minimize damage to the tissue. Here, we demonstrate a novel implantable photonic platform based on a high-density, flexible array of ultracompact (30 μm × 5 μm), low-loss (3.2 dB/cm at λ = 680 nm, 4.1 dB/cm at λ = 633 nm, 4.9 dB/cm at λ = 532 nm, 6.1 dB/cm at λ = 450 nm) optical waveguides composed of biocompatible polymers Parylene C and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This photonic platform features unique embedded input/output micromirrors that redirect light from the waveguides perpendicularly to the surface of the array for localized, patterned illumination in tissue. This architecture enables the design of a fully flexible, compact integrated photonic system for applications such as in vivo chronic optogenetic stimulation of brain activity.
Very fast variations of SiO maser emission in evolved stars
Authors: Gómez-Garrido M. , Bujarrabal V. , Alcolea J. , Soria-Ruiz R. , de Vicente P. , Desmurs J.-F. 
Published: September 2020

Context.Stars on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) are long-period variables that present strong flux variations at almost all wavelengths, including the SiO maser lines. The periods of these variations are of 300–500 days in Mira-type stars and somewhat shorter in semi-regular variables. The variability of the SiO lines on short timescales has been investigated, but the data are inconclusive.Aims.We aim to study the time evolution of the SiO maser lines in Mira-type and semi-regular variables at short timescales. We also discuss the origin of the observed fast variations.Methods.We observed the SiO maser lines at 7 mm (28SiOv= 1,2J= 1–0) and 3 mm (28SiOv= 1J= 2–1) using the 40 m Yebes antenna and the 30 m IRAM telescope, respectively, with a minimum spacing of 1 day. We studied the semi-regular variables RX Boo and RT Vir and the Mira-type variables U Her, R LMi, R Leo, andχCyg. We performed a detailed statistical analysis of the variations on different timescales.Results.RX Boo shows strong and fast variations in the intensity of the different spectral features of the SiO lines at 7 and 3 mm. On a timescale of one day, we find variations of ≳10% in 25% of the cases. Variations of greater than ~50% are often found when the observations are separated by 2 or 3 days. A similar variation rate of the SiO lines at 7 mm is found for RT Vir, but the observations of this object are less complete. On the contrary, the variations of the SiO maser line intensity in the Mira-type variables are moderate, with typical variation rates around ≲10% in 7 days. This phenomenon can be explained by the presence of particularly small maser-emitting clumps in semi-regular variables, which would lead to a strong dependence of the intensity on the density variations due to the passage of shocks.
Efficacy of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography for the De Novo Detection of Chronic Total Occlusion Prior to Coronary Angiography: A Preliminary and Retrospective Study
Authors: Lee Dae Hyun , Thiruvengadam Swetha Kambhampati , Mohammed Mahad , Goli Rakesh , Thiemann David , Lawson Barbara D. , Resar Jon R. , Mohanty Bibhu D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCoronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) offers high-resolution anatomic characterization of the coronary vasculature but may be suboptimal for lesions dependent on real-time visualization of flow including chronic total occlusion (CTO). In CTOs, heavy calcification and distal vessel opacification from collateralization may confound luminal assessment. Several studies have examined the role of CCTA in characterizing known CTOs to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the efficacy of CCTA in the de novo diagnosis of CTOs prior to coronary angiography (CAG) has not been demonstrated. A total of 233 consecutive patients who presented for CAG within a 3-month period of having CCTA were retrospectively reviewed. Those patients with prior diagnosis of CTO or prior bypass of the occluded vessels were excluded. Sensitivity and specificity analysis of CCTA in identifying CTOs using CAG as the gold standard was performed. The prevalence of CTO was 21.11% in the population that met criteria for analysis (n = 199). The sensitivity of CCTA in predicting CTO was 57.1%, while the specificity was 96.8%. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CCTA in detection of CTO were 82.8 and 89.4%, respectively. Our study shows that CCTA has excellent specificity but poor sensitivity in the detection of CTO thus limiting its clinical use in de novo diagnosis. Further studies to determine the effect of de novo CTO diagnosis on clinically important procedural factors, such as radiation exposure, contrast use, and need for repeat procedures, are warranted and may implicate a role for CCTA in this setting.
Self-Fulfilling Fire Sales: Fragility of Collateralized Short-Term Debt Markets
Authors: Kuong John Chi-Fong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper shows that collateralized short-term debt, although privately optimal for reducing borrowers’ risk-taking incentives, can induce fragility (multiple equilibria). Despite sequential-service property being absent in collateralized debt, such as repurchase agreements, a systemic run can arise, featuring large increases in default risks, fire-sale discounts of collateral, cost of credit, and amount of credit rationing. Asset price guarantees, leverage caps, and central clearing promote stability and welfare. Using global games techniques, I show that a systemic run is more likely in bad times, and a large enough asset price guarantee reduces run risks.
TLSO: The Effect of Spinal Translation on Initial Coronal Curve Correction, Lateral Trunk Shift, and Coronal Balance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Falbo Kierra J. , Hutchinson Sara , Kelly Megan , Peethambaran Ammanath 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is often treated orthotically with thoracic lumbar sacral orthoses (TLSOs). The goal of these TLSOs is to improve the scoliotic curve during wear to prevent further curve progression. To achieve this in-orthosis curve improvement, clinicians often apply corrective modifications to a 3D model of the patient's trunk through computer-aided design (CAD) software, which are fabricated into the TLSO. Modifications often include laterally shifting certain portions of the orthosis to apply corrective forces to the scoliotic curve. The amount and magnitude of the shifting applied are loosely based on clinical experience and patient characteristics, but the decision is somewhat arbitrary. The purpose of this study is to determine any existing correlation between applied coronal translation (shift) through CAD modifications of TLSOs and resulting coronal curve correction in female subjects with idiopathic scoliosis.

Materials and Methods
Female subjects with idiopathic scoliosis who were prescribed a TLSO were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were collected from medical records on age, sex, hours of TLSO wear, body mass index (BMI), and Risser sign. Radiographic Cobb angle, data regarding curve flexibility, and the amount of coronal translation used during the CAD modification process were recorded. Differences in the primary scoliotic curve were then assessed based on initial x-rays and in-orthosis x-rays to calculate the change in Cobb angle, apical vertebra translation (AVT), coronal balance (CB), and thoracic trunk shift (TTS).

Results
Seventeen participants were included in the study. Average measured curve flexibility was 59.64%, and applied coronal translation to the CAD model ranged from 3 to 19 mm. Average Cobb angle improvement from the initial x-ray to the first in-orthosis x-ray was 23.57%, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Average improvement of AVT was 6.52 mm, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CB improved by an average of 5.29 mm, and TTS improved by an average of 2.33 mm, neither of which was found to be a statistically significant improvement. No correlation was found between applied shifting in CAD modifications and Cobb angle improvement, AVT improvement, CB improvement, or TTS improvement.

Conclusions
These results do not support the hypothesis that greater applied lateral shifting in TLSO CAD modifications leads to greater coronal scoliotic curve correction. Orthotists are not able to predict in-orthosis coronal curve correction based on CAD modifications, spinal flexibility, and BMI alone. Additional factors play a role in the complexity of AIS treatment.