Search

The Empire State mine in Balmat, New York, is known for its fine mineral specimens, including sphalerites, calcites, pyrite, pyrrhotite, halite, and quartz. The article acknowledges the lack of detailed documentation on mineral discoveries in the area but provides a list of 116 known minerals from the Balmat mines. The Empire State mine, owned by Titan Mining Corporation, is one of six zinc mines in the region. The rocks in the mines have undergone metamorphism, and the formation of mineral pockets occurred due to fluid movements. Recent discoveries of minerals in the mine have attracted attention from collectors and researchers, and it is hoped that future documentation will provide more information about these finds. [Extracted from the article]

The origin of Earth's volatile elements is highly debated. Comparing the chalcogen isotope ratios in the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) to those of its possible building blocks, chondritic meteorites, allows constraints on the origin of Earth's volatiles; however, these comparisons are complicated by potential isotopic fractionation during protoplanetary differentiation, which largely remains poorly understood. Using first-principles calculations, we find that core-mantle differentiation does not notably fractionate selenium and tellurium isotopes, while equilibrium evaporation from early planetesimals would enrich selenium and tellurium in heavy isotopes in the BSE. The sulfur, selenium, and tellurium isotopic signatures of the BSE reveal that protoplanetary differentiation plays a key role in establishing most of Earth's volatile elements, and a late veneer does not substantially contribute to the BSE's volatile inventory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomerase can overcome replicative senescence by elongation of telomeres but is also a specific element in most cancer cells. It is expressed more vastly than any other tumor marker. Telomerase as a tumor target inducing replicative immortality can be overcome by only one other mechanism: alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). This limits the probability to develop resistance to treatments. Moreover, telomerase inhibition offers some degree of specificity with a low risk of toxicity in normal cells. Nevertheless, only one telomerase antagonist reached late preclinical studies. The underlying causes, the pitfalls of telomerase-based therapies, and future chances based on recent technical advancements are summarized in this review. Based on new findings and approaches, we propose a concept how long-term survival in telomerase-based cancer therapies can be significantly improved: the TICCA (Transient Immediate Complete and Combinatory Attack) strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomerase can overcome replicative senescence by elongation of telomeres but is also a specific element in most cancer cells. It is expressed more vastly than any other tumor marker. Telomerase as a tumor target inducing replicative immortality can be overcome by only one other mechanism: alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). This limits the probability to develop resistance to treatments. Moreover, telomerase inhibition offers some degree of specificity with a low risk of toxicity in normal cells. Nevertheless, only one telomerase antagonist reached late preclinical studies. The underlying causes, the pitfalls of telomerase-based therapies, and future chances based on recent technical advancements are summarized in this review. Based on new findings and approaches, we propose a concept how long-term survival in telomerase-based cancer therapies can be significantly improved: the TICCA (Transient Immediate Complete and Combinatory Attack) strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of an implicit medium on dispersive interactions of particle pairs is discussed, and simple expressions for the correction relative to vacuum are derived. We show that a single point Gauss quadrature leads to the intuitive result that the vacuum van der Waals C6-coefficient is screened by the permittivity squared of the environment evaluated near to the resonance frequencies of the interacting particles. This approximation should be particularly relevant if the medium is transparent at these frequencies. In this manuscript, we provide simple models and sets of parameters for commonly used solvents, atoms, and small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse a simple correlation measure for tripartite pure states that we call G(A : B : C). The quantity is symmetric with respect to the subsystems A, B, C, invariant under local unitaries, and is bounded from above by log dAdB. For random tensor network states, we prove that G(A : B : C) is equal to the size of the minimal tripartition of the tensor network, i.e., the logarithmic bond dimension of the smallest cut that partitions the network into three components with A, B, and C. We argue that for holographic states with a fixed spatial geometry, G(A : B : C) is similarly computed by the minimal area tripartition. For general holographic states, G(A : B : C) is determined by the minimal area tripartition in a backreacted geometry, but a smoothed version is equal to the minimal tripartition in an unbackreacted geometry at leading order. We briefly discuss a natural family of quantities Gn(A : B : C) for integer n ≥ 2 that generalize G = G2. In holography, the computation of Gn(A : B : C) for n > 2 spontaneously breaks part of a ℤn × ℤn replica symmetry. This prevents any naive application of the Lewkowycz-Maldacena trick in a hypothetical analytic continuation to n = 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unitary dynamics with a strict causal cone (or "light cone") have been studied extensively, under the name of quantum cellular automata (QCAs). In particular, QCAs in one dimension have been completely classified by an index theory. Physical systems often exhibit only approximate causal cones; Hamiltonian evolutions on the lattice satisfy Lieb–Robinson bounds rather than strict locality. This motivates us to study approximately locality preserving unitaries (ALPUs). We show that the index theory is robust and completely extends to one-dimensional ALPUs. As a consequence, we achieve a converse to the Lieb–Robinson bounds: any ALPU of index zero can be exactly generated by some time-dependent, quasi-local Hamiltonian in constant time. For the special case of finite chains with open boundaries, any unitary satisfying the Lieb–Robinson bound may be generated by such a Hamiltonian. We also discuss some results on the stability of operator algebras which may be of independent interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wollastonite and resulting pseudomorphs are fairly sharply crystallized and occur either as isolated crystals in areas of coarsely crystallized calcite or as crystals lining the walls of a diopside-albite rock that faces into coarsely crystallized calcite. PSEUDOMORPHS Wollastonite Skarn (WSK) Almost all the pseudomorphs observed at the WSK are alterations or replacements of primary wollastonite. A detailed preliminary study concluded that the original mineral was unlikely to be nepheline but could have been cordierite, based on the presence of crystallized quartz in the mineral assemblage of the occurrence and the likelihood from contact goniometry that the original mineral was orthorhombic rather than hexagonal. The following observations support our conclusion that these pseudomorphs resulted from later alteration of preexisting meionite crystals: We have observed no marialite crystals without a meionite core. [Extracted from the article]

It is found on some of the tourmaline crystals in low- to high-luster, hexagonal, white and yellowish-green crystals to 3 cm, though most are less than 1 cm. The white color of some crystals may be due to weathering. The Dafoe home sits directly on, and adjacent to, several tourmaline-bearing dikes (Chamberlain et al. [4]) containing an abundance of fine minerals similar to, yet different in some respects from, those found at the Powers farm. All photos by Michael R. Walter of specimens from the Dafoe property, Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York In 2019 we wrote a short preliminary article on the minerals being recovered at the Dafoe property in the township of Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, New York (Walter and Robinson [7]). What is most striking is the overwhelming influence of hematite on all the dikes found on the Dafoe property and the total lack of this mineral in the Powers farm dikes, and, for that matter, in all the other Powers tourmaline occurrences. [Extracted from the article]

• Liquidus phase relations in a hydrous silicate system were determined at 24 GPa. • Melts are neutrally buoyant at 24 GPa before ∼98% crystallization of a magma ocean. • A transient melt-rich layer may form atop the lower mantle in a mushy magma ocean. The solidification of a deep magma ocean occurred early in Earth's history. Although the initial amount of H 2 O in Earth's magma ocean is predicted to be low (e.g., <3000 ppm), as an incompatible element it becomes highly enriched (e.g. >10 wt%) in the final few percent of crystallization. In order to understand how a hydrous magma ocean would crystallize at the top of the lower mantle, we determined liquidus phase relations in the MgO-FeO-CaO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -H 2 O system at 24 GPa. We find that the bridgmanite (brg) + stishovite (st) + melt and bridgmanite (brg) + ferropericlase (fp) + melt cotectic boundary curves trend to Mg-rich melt compositions with decreasing temperature and extend to very high H 2 O contents (∼80 mol% H 2 O). The brg+st+melt curve is a subtraction curve at < ∼18 mol% H 2 O and a reaction curve at higher H 2 O contents, whereas the brg+fp+melt is a subtraction curve throughout its length. The density of melts along the two cotectics leads to neutral buoyancy with respect to shallow lower mantle and transition zone minerals at H 2 O contents up to ∼25 mol%. A transient melt-rich layer can form at the top of the lower mantle during late-stage crystallization in a mushy magma ocean when melt percolation dominates. When crystallization exceeds ∼98%, hydrous melts (>25 mol% H 2 O) become buoyant and can percolate into and hydrate the mantle transition zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the occlusion of anterior teeth in individuals with shortened dental arch (SDA). Material and methods: In a case–control clinical study, 41 individuals with SDA and 41 individuals with complete dental arch (CDA) participated. The CDA control group was matched for age and gender. Testing for occlusal contacts of anterior maxillary teeth was conducted by biting on foil strips (8 µm) with subjectively normal bite force (NBF) and maximal bite force (MBF). The data was analyzed on individual and tooth levels. Results: The median rates of anterior maxillary teeth with occlusal contacts were 0.67 (NBF) and 0.83 (MBF) in the SDA group and 0.50 (NBF) and 0.83 (MBF) in the CDA group. Within both groups, the contact rates were significantly higher in MBF. The group difference with NBF was significant. A generalized linear model showed that the odds of an anterior maxillary tooth to have an occlusal contact were greater in the SDA both for NBF with an odds ratio (OR) 2.277 and MBF with an OR 1.691. Conclusions: The findings suggest effective compensatory mechanisms relative to the occlusal function in individuals with SDA. Clinical relevance: The study delivers further evidence regarding the SDA concept as a viable option in the management of posterior tooth loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproduced with permission B Hamilton hill b in Russell is a locality known for huge tremolite crystals but even more so for being the locality where the largest tourmaline (dravite) ever found in St. Lawrence County was recovered (Chamberlain [1]). The Hall farm is well known for fine tremolite crystals in a region that has many tremolite occurrences. Tremolite crystals found here are colorless to gray, lustrous, and often form epitactic overgrowths on diopside with alteration to talc, creating pseudomorphs after diopside. All specimen photographs by Michael R. Walter Tremolite, Ca SB 2 sb Mg SB 5 sb Si SB 8 sb O SB 22 sb (OH) SB 2 sb , is an important rock-forming mineral. [Extracted from the article]

Composites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and lignin are promising and potentially cheap precursors of—to this day—expensive carbon fibers. Since the control of the CNT‐lignin interface is crucial to maximize fiber performance, it is imperative to understand the fundamental noncovalent interactions between lignin and CNT. In the present study a density functional theory study is conducted to investigate the fundamental noncovalent interaction strength between metallic (n, n) single‐walled CNT (SWCNT) and simple lignin model molecules. In particular, the respective adsorption energies are used to gauge the strength of interaction classes (ππ interaction, CHπ hydrogen bonding and OH‐related hydrogen bonding. From the data, substituent‐dependent interaction trends as well as class‐ and curvature‐dependent interaction trends are derived. Overall, we find that most of the interaction strength trends appear to be strongly influenced by geometry: flat orientation of the test molecules relative to the (n, n) SWCNT surface and small (n, n) SWCNT curvature—that is, large diameter enhances the CHπ and ππ interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a non-convex, partially observable solution for underwater vehicle localization, referred to as the time difference of arrival target motion analysis (TD-TMA). TD-TMA is especially suitable for the practical case in which localization ambiguities arise due to a lack of receivers, the effective sound velocity is unknown, and cooperation between the nodes is not available. The method relies on periodic emissions from a target vehicle, which are detected by an observer to yield a series of time difference of arrival (TDoA) measurements. The measurements are arranged in the framework of target motion analysis to obtain a set of localization solutions for the target. Maneuvering of either the target or the observer removes ambiguities and yields a single solution. We formalize TD-TMA as a least squares optimization problem, and solve it in polynomial time. Numerical results show that TD-TMA provides accurate localization performance in terms of both the target's kinematics and positioning, which are close to the posterior Cramér-Rao lower bound. Two sea experiments successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of the solution in real sea environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Were it possible to remove the marialite, the surface texture of the underlying meionite would be markedly irregular; however, the surface texture of those meionite crystals without an external layer of marialite is smooth and glassy. All the scapolite crystals we have examined have internal meionite, i.e., there are no crystals made up solely of marialite. Most commonly, meionite crystals have an external rind of opaque pale tan to white marialite, but some crystals are lustrous gray prisms with no marialite overgrowth. The Purple Diopside Mound is almost newly discovered (2012) compared to the adjacent Wollastonite Skarn, which has been a productive locality for mineral collectors for nearly 140 years. [Extracted from the article]

Industrially, some parts, such as gears, are manufactured through additive manufacturing processes. These processes require high mechanical strength and high geometric accuracy. Therefore, combining geometric accuracy with mechanical performances may provide a full understanding of the industrial product. The authors proposed two indices in previous works; the first combines all dimensional deviations from the nominal values, while the second combines the dimensional deviation with the mechanical performances. This study aims to investigate the effects of printing process parameters on both indices. The results demonstrate the infill percentage, the print speed, the layer height, and the bed temperature exerted on the two proposed indices. The trend of the two indices versus the process parameter values is shown and quantified through relationships. These indices show significant correlations with process parameters, highlighting the need to consider individual and combined effects when optimizing 3D processes. Understanding the relationships and optimizing these indicators facilitates the identification of optimal process parameters, which leads to improved efficiency and consistency in additive manufacturing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The von Neumann entropy of pure quantum states and the min-cut function of weighted hypergraphs are both symmetric submodular functions. In this article, we explain this coincidence by proving that the min-cut function of any weighted hypergraph can be approximated (up to an overall rescaling) by the entropies of quantum states known as stabilizer states. We do so by constructing a novel ensemble of random quantum states, built from tensor networks, whose entanglement structure is determined by a given hypergraph. This implies that the min-cuts of hypergraphs are constrained by quantum entropy inequalities, and it follows that the recently defined hypergraph cones are contained in the quantum stabilizer entropy cones, which confirms a conjecture made in the recent literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few long‐term studies on treatments in the shortened dental arch (SDA) are available. Objective: The objective of this trial was to analyse the long‐term success of two different treatment concepts. Methods: Patients over 35 years of age with missing molars in one jaw and at least the canine and one premolar present on both sides were eligible. In the partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP) group (N = 81), molars and missing second premolars were replaced by a precision attachment retained prosthesis. In the SDA group (N = 71), the dental arch ended with the second premolar that had to be present or replaced by a cantilever fixed dental prosthesis. Follow‐up examinations were carried out over 15 years. Results: A comprehensive outcome variable comprised four failure categories for which Kaplan‐Meier survival (success) analyses were conducted. Half of the patients exhibited a continuous preservation of the per protocol prosthetic status that remained totally unaffected by complications for more than 10 years. The event‐free success rates for moderate or worse failure implied a loss of the per protocol prosthetic status. The respective survival rates fell below 50% at 14.2 years in the PRDP group and 14.3 years in the SDA group. In none of the analyses, a significant group difference was found. Conclusions: In patients with an SDA condition, changes in the prosthetic status have to be expected. The affected proportion increases almost linearly from shortly after treatment and comprises the majority after 15 years. The influence of the examined treatments on success appears to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acoustic and electrical measurements were performed on ilmenite-rutile aggregates. • Experiments were conducted at the pressure and temperature conditions of the lunar mantle. • Fe-Ti oxides increase the electrical conductivity and the seismic velocities of the lunar mantle. • Field datasets are reproduced with overturned ilmenite-bearing cumulates containing 20% melt. The overturn of titanium-rich mantle cumulates has been invoked to explain the structure and dynamics of the Moon. These dense cumulates are stable at the core-mantle boundary (CMB) and could explain field observations inferred from geophysical studies. We report acoustic and electrical experiments on natural ilmenite-rutile aggregates up to 4.5 GPa and 1920 K. Seismic velocities show a weak pressure and temperature dependence, with Vs ∼4.2 (+/-0.2) km/s and Vp ∼ 8.0 (+/-0.2) km/s at the CMB conditions. Conductivity increases by a factor of 104 from 373 to 1920 K and is >103 S/m above 1573 K. Seismic and electrical models for the lunar mantle based on our results, considering mixtures of Fe-Ti oxides and olivine, indicate that field velocity and conductivity estimates are reproduced satisfactorily with 3–16 vol.% Fe-Ti oxides and 20 vol.% melt. Interactions between a Ti-rich, melt-bearing layer and the adjacent core likely affect the cooling and magnetic history of the Moon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If the hydrous melts released from the slab mantleinthetransitionzoneorlowermantle migrate into slab crust the water would dissolve into the undersaturated dense SiO 2 phase (Fig. Once a slab makes it to the core- mantle boundary region, water held in the slab crust or the slab mantle may be releasedduetothehighgeothermalgradient. Waterisaddedtothebasalticoceanic crust and peridotitic mantle in lithospheric plates (hereafter, slab crust and slab mantle, respectively) at mid-ocean ridges, at transform faults, and in bendingfaultsformedattheouterrisepriorto subduction[3]. [Extracted from the article]

Decades of measurements of the thermophysical properties of hot metals show that pulsed Joule heating is an effective method to heat solid and liquid metals that are chemically reactive or difficult to contain. To extend such measurements to hundreds of GPa pressure, pulsed heating methods have recently been integrated with diamond anvil cells. The recent design used a low-side switch and active electrical sensing equipment that was prone to damage and measurement error. Here, we report the design and characterization of new electronics that use a high-side switch and robust, passive electrical sensing equipment. The new pulse amplifier can heat ∼ 5 to 50 μm diameter metal wires to thousands of kelvin at tens to hundreds of GPa using diamond anvil cells. Pulse durations and peak currents can each be varied over three orders of magnitude, from 5 µs to 10 ms and from 0.2 to 200 A. The pulse amplifier is integrated with a current probe. Two voltage probes attached to the body of a diamond anvil cell are used to measure voltage in a four-point probe geometry. The accuracy of four-point probe resistance measurements for a dummy sample with 0.1 Ω resistance is typically better than 5% at all times from 2 µs to 10 ms after the beginning of the pulse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road-cut mineral occurrences of St. Lawrence County, New York: Part 3 - Oxbow road cut. Road-cut mineral occurrences of St. Lawrence County, New York: Part 4 - The Yellow Lake South road cut. Road-cut mineral occurrences of St. Lawrence County, New York: Part 7 - Lead Mine Road gash veins. [Extracted from the article]

We present the implementation of the time-dependent density-functional theory both in linear-response and in time-propagation formalisms using the projector augmented-wave method in real-space grids. The two technically very different methods are compared in the linear-response regime where we found perfect agreement in the calculated photoabsorption spectra. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods as well as their convergence properties. We demonstrate different applications of the methods by calculating excitation energies and excited state Born–Oppenheimer potential surfaces for a set of atoms and molecules with the linear-response method and by calculating nonlinear emission spectra using the time-propagation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Powers farm black tourmaline locality at Pierrepont, which is one of the best-known mineral collecting sites in northern New York State. Topics include it has been known for decades that interesting minerals also occur on the adjacent property across Leonard Brook and the principal locality consists of a single tourmaline bearing pegmatite vein on a small rise near the Dafoe residence.

Velocity and density jumps across the 410-km seismic discontinuity generally indicate olivine contents of ∼30 to 50 vol.% on the basis of the elastic properties of anhydrous olivine and wadsleyite, which is considerably less than the ∼60% olivine in the widely accepted pyrolite model for the upper mantle. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is that water dissolved in olivine and wadsleyite affects their elastic properties in ways that can reconcile the pyrolitic model with seismic observations. In order to more fully constrain the olivine content of the upper mantle near the 410-km discontinuity, and to place constraints on the mantle water content at this depth, we determined the full elasticity of hydrous wadsleyite at the P-T conditions of the discontinuity based on density functional theory calculations. Together with previous determinations for the effect of water on olivine elasticity, we simultaneously modeled the density and seismic velocity jumps (Δ ρ , Δ V P , Δ V S) across the olivine-wadsleyite transition. Our models allow for several scenarios that can well reproduce the density and seismic velocity jumps across the 410-km discontinuity when compared to globally averaged seismic models. When the water content of olivine and wadsleyite is assumed to be equal as in a simple binary system, our modeling indicates a best fit for low water contents (<0.1 wt.%) with an olivine proportion of ∼50%, suggesting a relatively dry, non-pyrolitic mantle at depths of the 410-km discontinuity. However, our modeling can be reconciled with a pyrolitic mantle if the water content in wadsleyite is ∼0.9 wt.% and that in olivine is at its storage capacity of ∼500-1500 ppm. The result would be consistent with a hydrous melt phase produced at depths just above the phase transition. • Elasticity of hydrous wadsleyite at high P-T were obtained from ab initio method. • High-precision data was used to model 410-km discontinuity without extrapolation. • Hydrous MTZ can reconcile the long-standing discrepancy on olivine content. • Pyrolitic MTZ is globally hydrous at least at its top. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this correlational study was to identify the stress levels of graduate students due to work overload. Results revealed a significant relationship between stress levels and events triggering such stress disorders, as measured by the Occupational Wear Scale. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that mental health specialists attend this type of affectations within the educational centers that offer graduate degrees, in order to contribute to improving students' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report on laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC) experiments in the FeO–MgO–SiO 2 –CO 2 (FMSC) and CaO–MgO–SiO 2 –CO 2 (CMSC) systems at lower mantle pressures designed to test for decarbonation and diamond forming reactions. Sub-solidus phase relations based on synthesis experiments are reported in the pressure range of ∼35 to 90 GPa at temperatures of ∼1600 to 2200 K. Ternary bulk compositions comprised of mixtures of carbonate and silica are constructed such that decarbonation reactions produce non-ternary phases (e.g. bridgmanite, Ca-perovskite, diamond, CO 2 –V), and synchrotron X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy are used to identify the appearance of reaction products. We find that carbonate phases in these two systems react with silica to form bridgmanite ±Ca-perovskite + CO 2 at pressures in the range of ∼40 to 70 GPa and 1600 to 1900 K in decarbonation reactions with negative Clapeyron slopes. Our results show that decarbonation reactions form an impenetrable barrier to subduction of carbonate in oceanic crust to depths in the mantle greater than ∼1500 km. We also identify carbonate and CO 2 –V dissociation reactions that form diamond plus oxygen. On the basis of the observed decarbonation reactions we predict that the ultimate fate of carbonate in oceanic crust subducted into the deep lower mantle is in the form of refractory diamond in the deepest lower mantle along a slab geotherm and throughout the lower mantle along a mantle geotherm. Diamond produced in oceanic crust by subsolidus decarbonation is refractory and immobile and can be stored at the base of the mantle over long timescales, potentially returning to the surface in OIB magmas associated with deep mantle plumes. Highlights • Experiments were made in the systems FMS-CO2 and CMS-CO2 at lower mantle pressures. • Carbonate in these systems react with silica in the lower mantle. • Decarbonation reactions with negative P–T slopes form CO 2 or diamond plus oxygen. • Carbonate in oceanic crust is limited to ∼1500 km depth along subduction geotherms. • Diamond is the stable form of carbon in oceanic crust at ambient mantle temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats rely heavily on acoustic signals in order to communicate with each other in a variety of social contexts. Among those, agonistic interactions and accompanying vocalizations have received comparatively little study. Here, we studied the communicational behaviour between male greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) during agonistic encounters. Two randomly paired adult males were placed in a box that allowed us to record video and sound synchronously. We describe their vocal repertoire and compare the acoustic structure of vocalizations between two aggression levels, which we quantified via the bats’ behaviour. By inspecting thirty, one-minute long encounters, we identified a rich variety of social calls that can be described as two basic call types: echolocation-like, low-frequency sweeps and long, broadband squawks. Squawks, the most common vocalization, were often noisy, i.e. exhibited a chaotic spectral structure. We further provide evidence for individual signatures and the presence of nonlinear phenomena in this species’ vocal repertoire. As the usage and acoustic structure of vocalizations is known to encode the internal state of the caller, we had predicted that the spectral structure of squawks would be affected by the caller’s aggression level. Confirming our hypothesis, we found that increased aggression positively correlated with an increase in call frequency and tonality. We hypothesize that the extreme spectral variability between and within squawks can be explained by small fluctuations in vocal control parameters (e.g. subglottal pressure) that are caused by the elevated arousal, which is in turn influenced by the aggression level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in PITX2 have been implicated in several genetic disorders, particularly Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome. In order to determine the most reliable bioinformatics tools to assess the likely pathogenicity of PITX2 variants, the results of bioinformatics predictions were compared to the impact of variants on PITX2 structure and function. The MutPred, Provean, and PMUT bioinformatic tools were found to have the highest performance in predicting the pathogenicity effects of all 18 characterized missense variants in PITX2, all with sensitivity and specificity >93%. Applying these three programs to assess the likely pathogenicity of 13 previously uncharacterized PITX2 missense variants predicted 12/13 variants as deleterious, except A30V which was predicted as benign variant for all programs. Molecular modeling of the PITX2 homoedomain predicts that of the 31 known PITX2 variants, L54Q, F58L, V83F, V83L, W86C, W86S, and R91P alter PITX2’s structure. In contrast, the remaining 24 variants are not predicted to change PITX2’s structure. The results of molecular modeling, performed on all the PITX2 missense mutations located in the homeodomain, were compared with the findings of eight protein stability programs. CUPSAT was found to be the most reliable in predicting the effect of missense mutations on PITX2 stability. Our results showed that for PITX2, and likely other members of this homeodomain transcription factor family, MutPred, Provean, PMUT, molecular modeling, and CUPSAT can reliably be used to predict PITX2 missense variants pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the ideas and advances surrounding the genetic basis of pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and pigmentary glaucoma (PG). As PG is the leading cause of nontraumatic blindness in young adults and current tailored interventions have proven ineffective, a better understanding of the underlying causes of PDS, PG, and their relationship is essential. Despite PDS being a subclinical disease, a large proportion of patients progress to PG with associated vision loss. Decades of research have supported a genetic component both for PDS and conversion to PG. We review the body of evidence supporting a genetic basis in humans and animal models and reevaluate classical mechanisms of PDS/PG considering this new evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A simple and high‐yielding route to tough polyarylenes of the type poly(meta,meta,para‐phenylene) (PmmpP) is developed. PmmpP is tough even in its as‐synthesized state which has an intermediate molar mass of Mw≈60 kg mol−1 and exhibits outstanding mechanical properties at further optimized molecular weight of Mw=96 kg mol−1, E=0.9 GPa, ϵ=300 %. Statistical copolymers with para,para‐spiropyran (SP) are mechanochromic, and the toughness allows mechanochromism to be investigated. Strained samples instantaneously lose color upon force release. DFT calculations show this phenomenon to be caused by the PmmpP matrix that allows build‐up of sufficiently large forces to be transduced to SP, and the relatively unstable corresponding merocyanine (MC) form arising from the aromatic co‐monomer. MC units covalently incorporated into PmmpP show a drastically reduced half life time of 3.1 s compared to 4.5 h obtained for SP derivatives with common 6‐nitro substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A simple and high‐yielding route to tough polyarylenes of the type poly(meta,meta,para‐phenylene) (PmmpP) is developed. PmmpP is tough even in its as‐synthesized state which has an intermediate molar mass of Mw≈60 kg mol−1 and exhibits outstanding mechanical properties at further optimized molecular weight of Mw=96 kg mol−1, E=0.9 GPa, ϵ=300 %. Statistical copolymers with para,para‐spiropyran (SP) are mechanochromic, and the toughness allows mechanochromism to be investigated. Strained samples instantaneously lose color upon force release. DFT calculations show this phenomenon to be caused by the PmmpP matrix that allows build‐up of sufficiently large forces to be transduced to SP, and the relatively unstable corresponding merocyanine (MC) form arising from the aromatic co‐monomer. MC units covalently incorporated into PmmpP show a drastically reduced half life time of 3.1 s compared to 4.5 h obtained for SP derivatives with common 6‐nitro substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobility is a basic need for people and society, so the steady growth of transport need will continue. The railway system is always in competition with other modes of transport and therefore has to improve productivity - within European and national requirements and specifications. The demands and wishes of customers are also changing; issues like industry 4.0, climate change, energy efficiency or digitisation are increasingly significant. ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is responsible for planning, building and operating the railway infrastructure in Austria. Current trends like digitisation and automation can show the way for the further strategic orientation. Innovation in all areas of the railway system is necessary to reach the focused goals. This can be obtained by participation in European or national research projects or by specific research on current issues. Digitisation, big data, visualisation and automation are promising solutions for the identified fields of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-stationarity of vehicle-to-vehicle channels is one of the key elements that has to be taken into account for accurate channel modeling. The time-variance and its dual—the frequency selectivity—lead to non-stationarity. These can be assessed by both the temporal autocorrelation function and the Doppler spectrum, respectively. For fixed-to-mobile channels closed-form solutions for autocorrelation functions and Doppler spectra are well known. For vehicle-to-vehicle channels closed-form solutions exist, if uncorrelated double-bounce scattering is assumed. For time-variant, delay-dependent, correlated single-bounce scattering expressions are yet to be found. This contribution addresses the mentioned problem. Specifically, the proportionality between the Doppler probability density function (pdf) and Doppler power spectral density in time-varying scenarios for non-stationary, uncorrelated scattering is demonstrated. The latter also implies a proportionality between the characteristic function and the corresponding autocorrelation function; these functions are the Fourier transforms of the Doppler pdf and Doppler power spectral density, respectively. It is shown that time-varying characteristic functions and Doppler pdfs for general vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios can be derived in prolate spheroidal coordinates. The investigation of the Doppler frequency in these coordinates allows us to derive expressions of the maximum and minimum frequencies of the Doppler pdf in the vicinity of line-of-sight. Several vehicular scenarios of interest are investigated and closed-form solutions for the Doppler pdf and characteristic function are presented. An analysis of the results shows that the obtained expressions generalize well the known closed-form results for stationary channels. This further permits deriving some time-variant statistical channel parameters like the mean Doppler and Doppler spread. These parameters are particularly important when designing a Wiener filter or estimating propagation channel characteristics for highly time-variant vehicle-to-vehicle channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on road-cut mineral occurrences of St. Lawrence County, New York which involves minerals like Dravite crystal, Calcite and quartz. It mentions that basement rocks of St. Lawrence County, New York are metamorphosed sediments (meta-sediments) of Precambrian age. It states that sampling of mineralization in St. Lawrence County, New York, represented by road cuts depends on density of roads and frequency with which they are improved by being straightened or widened.

The article reports that Lead Mine Road gash veins can be found on the southern shoulder of Lead Mine Road in the town of Macomb, approximately 200 yards from the border between the towns of Macomb and Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York. The small hill containing the Lead Mine Road gash veins is composed of Grenville-aged marble. The marble comprising most of the hill is a fine-grained, impure marble that contains abundant grains and flakes of graphite.

In this contribution, we present a method to analyze the effectiveness of multipath mitigation by extended averaging in the context of terrestrial radionavigation. We derive the requirements of extended averaging on the geometry between a ground station and an aircraft. Using that knowledge, we are able to analyze the effectiveness of extended averaging for real-world flight trajectories. Copyright © 2017 Institute of Navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most tailed bacteriophages (phages) feature linear dsDNA genomes. Characterizing novel phages requires an understanding of complete genome sequences, including the definition of genome physical ends. Result: We sequenced 48 Bacillus cereus phage isolates and analyzed Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data to resolve the genome configuration of these novel phages. Most assembled contigs featured reads that mapped to both contig ends and formed circularized contigs. Independent assemblies of 31 nearly identical I48-like Bacillus phage isolates allowed us to observe that the assembly programs tended to produce random cleavage on circularized contigs. However, currently available assemblers were not capable of reporting the underlying phage genome configuration from sequence data. To identify the genome configuration of sequenced phage in silico, a terminus prediction method was developed by means of 'neighboring coverage ratios' and 'read edge frequencies' from read alignment files. Termini were confirmed by primer walking and supported by phylogenetic inference of large DNA terminase protein sequences. Conclusions: The Terminus package using phage NGS data along with the contig circularity could efficiently identify the proximal positions of phage genome terminus. Complete phage genome sequences allow a proposed characterization of the potential packaging mechanisms and more precise genome annotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostaglandins are small pro-inflammatory molecules derived from arachidonic acid that play roles in a multitude of biological processes including, but not limited to, inflammation, pain modulation, allergies, and bone formation. Prostaglandin analogues are the front-line medications for the treatment of glaucoma, a condition resulting in blindness due to the death of retinal ganglion cells. These drugs act by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma. The currently used prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost, bimatoprost, tafluprost, and travoprost) mimic PGF2 and target one of the prostaglandin receptors (FP), though research into harnessing the other receptors using compounds like Sulprostone (EP3 receptor), or Iloprost (IP receptor) are currently ongoing. In this review, we summarize the research into each of the prostaglandin molecules (PGD2, PGE2, PGF2, PGI2, TXA2) and their respective receptors (DP, EP1, 2, 3, 4, FP, IP). We examine the modes of action of each of these receptors, their expression, their role in aqueous humour production and outflow within the eye, as well as their roles as medications for the treatment of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The best lattice reduction algorithm known in theory for approximating the Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) over lattices is the slide reduction algorithm (STOC '08 & CRYPTO '20). In this paper, we first improve the running time analysis of computing slide-reduced bases based on potential functions. This analysis applies to a generic slide reduction algorithm that includes (natural variants of) slide reduction and block-Rankin reduction (ANTS '14). We then present a rigorous dynamic analysis of generic slide reduction using techniques originally applied to a variant of BKZ (CRYPTO '11). This provides guarantees on the quality of the current lattice basis during execution. This dynamic analysis not only implies sharper convergence for these algorithms to find a short nonzero vector (rather than a fully reduced basis), but also allows to heuristically model/trace the practical behaviour of slide reduction. Interestingly, this dynamic analysis inspires us to introduce a new slide reduction variant with better time/quality trade-offs. This is confirmed by both our experiments and simulation, which also show that our variant is competitive with state-of-the-art reduction algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first attempt of improving the practical performance of slide reduction beyond speeding up the SVP oracle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamonds from Dachine, French Guiana, are unique among worldwide diamond populations. The diamonds were transported to the surface in an unusual ultramafic extrusive magma with an affinity to boninite or komatiite, which was emplaced within an arc geological setting at ~ 2.2 Ga. Dachine diamonds have internal and external morphologies indicative of relatively rapid growth from carbon oversaturated fluids or melts, and exhibit internal features consistent with residence in a high-strain environment. On the basis of nitrogen (N) defects the diamonds are categorized as Type Ib–IaA. The unusually low aggregation state of N places severe constraints on the thermal history of the diamonds, effectively ruling out derivation in convecting mantle. The carbon and N isotopic compositions of Dachine diamonds are consistent with a sedimentary source of carbon, with the majority of diamonds having δ 13 C values < − 25‰ and δ 15 N values > + 4‰. The primary carbon was presumably deposited on an early Proterozoic seafloor. Sulphide inclusions have low Ni and Cr and are comparable to lithospheric eclogitic-type sulphide inclusions. Three garnet and one clinopyroxene inclusion are also eclogitic in composition, and one garnet inclusion has a majorite component indicating an origin around 250 km depth. The silicate inclusions are highly depleted in many incompatible trace elements (e.g. LREE, Nb, Hf, Zr), and modelling indicates an eclogitic source lithology that contained a LREE-enriched trace phase such as epidote or allanite, and an HFSE-rich phase such as rutile. Four of the five inclusions are unusually enriched in Mn, as well as Ni and Co, and modelling suggests a protolith with a bulk composition of subducted normal MORB plus about 10% ferromanganese crust component. We suggest a model wherein Dachine diamonds precipitated from remobilized sedimentary carbon at the slab–mantle interface from liquids derived ultimately by deserpentinization of slab peridotite at depths of ~ 200 to 250 km. These fluids may also trigger melting in wedge peridotite, resulting in a volatile-rich ultramafic melt that transports the diamonds rapidly to the surface. The process of diamond formation and exhumation from the slab–mantle interface occurred in a Paleoproterozoic subduction zone and over a very limited timespan, likely less than a million years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When diamond anvil cell (DAC) sample chambers are outfitted with both thermal insulation and electrodes, two cutting-edge experimental methods are enabled: Joule heating with spectroradiometric temperature measurement and electrical resistance measurements of samples heated to thousands of kelvin. The accuracy of temperature and resistance measurements, however, often suffers from poor control of the shape and location of the sample, electrodes, and thermal insulation. Here, we present a recipe for the reproducible and precise fabrication of DAC sample, electrodes, and thermal insulation using a three-layer microassembly. The microassembly contains two potassium chloride thermal insulation layers, four electrical leads, a sample, and a buttressing layer made of polycrystalline alumina. The sample, innermost electrodes, and buttress layer are fabricated by focused-ion-beam milling. Three iron samples are presented as proof of concept. Each is successfully compressed and pulsed Joule heated while maintaining a four-point probe configuration. The highest pressure-temperature condition achieved is ∼ 150 GPa and 4000 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resins are widely used polymers in the automotive and aerospace fields. Different blends of novel biodegradable resins have been studied in the last years in order to provide sustainability while maintaining the same properties of epoxy resins. Bio-based thermoset resins made with acrylated epoxidized soybean oil are well-studied in different vat polymerization techniques. The present work compares a bio-based resin and a petroleum-based resin. A benchmark with different features was designed and manufactured by a VAT photopolymerization process using both materials; measured with an optical scanning device; thus, the dimensional deviations were analyzed through inspection software. Tensile and flexural specimens were manufactured with the same procedure and tested with a dynamometer machine. Therefore, the comparison between a biodegradable resin and a petroleum-based resin is discussed in terms of the quality and mechanical performances of manufactured parts, considering the use of identical printing conditions. Some parts are required to satisfy both the requirements at the same time, such as the gears. Therefore, dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength need to be controlled and evaluated in a unique final quantification. This work proposes a novelty performance index to quantify dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength simultaneously. By combining the two aspects it is possible to define the overall performance obtained with the used material, optimizing the manufacturing process by choosing the proper material for each purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the mineral occurrences located at the road-cut of St. Lawrence County in New York. Topics discussed, include the discover of crystallized barite that produces hundreds of desirable specimens in 2013, the discovery of a large quantity of crystallized barite by mineral collector Donald M. Carlin in a road cut and the difference of physical mode of occurrence of mineralized fractures from other localities.

Telomere length and cell function can be preserved by the human reverse transcriptase telomerase (hTERT), which synthesizes the new telomeric DNA from a RNA template, but is normally restricted to cells needing a high proliferative capacity, such as stem cells. Consequently, telomerase-based therapies to elongate short telomeres are developed, some of which have successfully reached the stage I in clinical trials. Telomerase is also permissive for tumorigenesis and 90% of all malignant tumors use telomerase to obtain immortality. Thus, reversal of telomerase upregulation in tumor cells is a potential strategy to treat cancer. Natural and small-molecule telomerase inhibitors, immunotherapeutic approaches, oligonucleotide inhibitors, and telomerase-directed gene therapy are useful treatment strategies. Telomerase ismore widely expressed than any other tumormarker. The low expression in normal tissues, together with the longer telomeres in normal stem cells versus cancer cells, provides some degree of specificity with low risk of toxicity. However, long term telomerase inhibition may elicit negative effects in highly-proliferative cells which need telomerase for survival, and it may interfere with telomere-independent physiological functions. Moreover, only a few hTERT molecules are required to overcome senescence in cancer cells, and telomerase inhibition requires proliferating cells over a sufficient number of population doublings to induce tumor suppressive senescence. These limitations may explain the moderate success rates in many clinical studies. Despite extensive studies, only one vaccine and one telomerase antagonist are routinely used in clinical work. For complete eradication of all subpopulations of cancer cells a simultaneous targeting of several mechanisms will likely be needed. Possible technical improvements have been proposed including the development of more specific inhibitors, methods to increase the efficacy of vaccination methods, and personalized approaches. Telomerase activation and cell rejuvenation is successfully used in regenerative medicine for tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery. However, there are also a number of pitfalls in the treatment with telomerase activating procedures for the whole organism and for longer periods of time. Extended cell lifespan may accumulate rare genetic and epigenetic aberrations that can contribute to malignant transformation. Therefore, novel vector systems have been developed for a 'mild' integration of telomerase into the host genome and loss of the vector in rapidly-proliferating cells. It is currently unclear if this technique can also be used in human beings to treat chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of birds conspicuously call or sing early in the morning, thereby creating an avian dawn chorus. While these vocalizations probably function to advertise territory occupancy, when species should start singing is not well understood. A common explanation is that birds sing at dawn to maximize signal transmission due to low atmospheric turbulence during the early morning (acoustic transmission hypothesis); however, this idea does not explain why species in the chorus often start singing at different times. Here we test a version of this hypothesis: interspecific differences in call start times during the dawn chorus are a result of noise avoidance at the song's frequency. To test this hypothesis we quantified the spectral and temporal properties of the dawn chorus and the acoustic landscape at Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Inspection of 36 dawn recordings at 12 sites identified 27 species of birds, with most species having consistent start times across sites and days. In contrast to expectations, we found that birds singing within the same frequency range did not temporally partition acoustic space during the chorus. Discriminant function analysis revealed that nearly all species in the chorus produced distinctive vocalizations. Surprisingly, song start time was positively related to peak frequency. Birds with high-frequency vocalizations did not begin singing until after orthopteran insects stopped producing loud sounds at the same frequencies. These results suggest that birds that sing at frequency bands shared by nocturnal insects avoid acoustic masking by delaying song start times. Playbacks of emerald cicada, Zammara smaragdina , buzzes conducted during the dawn chorus produced an inhibitory effect on the call activity of birds singing within the bandwidth of cicada calls. Thus, insect noise appears to create an important frequency-dependent constraint on the calling activity of birds. This constraint is overcome by temporal partitioning of acoustic space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very likely that Verdi rehearsed the vocal parts of his first opera Oberto (1839) as maestro concertatore. However, he had no influence on the first performance, since the performances were led by the first violinist or direttore d'orchestra. In the 1840s began, especially with Pietro Romani and Angelo Mariani, the emergence of the modern conductor, who combined the maestro concertatore and direttore d'orchestra in one single person. In Verdi's opinion such a conductor was the best way to realize his scores. But to Verdi's dismay it quickly turned out that the conductors of this new type, as Mariani and Toscanini, understood their conducting not only as realizing the will of the composer, but as a creative act in its own right which need not necessarily reflect the intentions of the composer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]