Multi-methodological Investigation Research Articles

Age and Depositional Temperature of Quaternary Travertine Spring Mounds from Slovakia

Travertine spring mounds are common in Slovakia; however, their age and depositional temperature are still poorly known. Our study is the first multimethodological investigation involving stable carbon, oxygen, and clumped isotope (Δ47) analyses and U-Th age determination of travertine mounds from different locations in Slovakia (Santovka, Dudince, Čerin, Bešeňová, Liptovský Ján, Liptovské Sliače, Vyšné Ružbachy, Gánovce, and Sivá Brada) to provide information about their age, origin, precipitation conditions, and temperature. The positive δ13C values imply that the parent water was charged with heavy CO2 of deep origin. The δ18O values of spring waters range between −11.4‰ and −8.9‰, whereas the δ2H values vary from −80.5‰ to −58.3, indicating a meteoric origin for spring waters. Clumped isotope compositions (Δ47) correspond to a deposition temperature between 4 °C and 32 °C. The U-Th age data of the studied travertines vary from 1.2 (Liptovské Sliače) to 301 ka (Dudince). Our results can serve as a basis for further detailed geochronological and geochemical studies to reconstruct the paleoclimate and paleoenvironment during travertine deposition periods in Slovakia since the mid-Pleistocene transition.

Multi-Methodological Investigation of the Biersdorf Hillslope Debris Flow (Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany) Associated to the Torrential Rainfall Event of 14 July 2021

The investigation of mass movements is of major interest in mountain regions as these events represent a significant hazard for people and cause severe damage to crucial infrastructure. The torrential rainfall event that mainly occurred on the 14 July 2021 in western Central Europe not only led to severe flooding catastrophes (e.g., Meuse, Ahr and Erft rivers) but also triggered hundreds of mass movements in the low mountain range. Here, we investigate a hillslope debris flow that occurred in Biersdorf in the Eifel area (Rhenish Massif, Rheinland-Pfalz) using a comprehensive geomorphological–geophysical approach in order to better understand the triggering mechanisms and process dynamics. We combined field studies by means of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Direct Push Hydraulic Profiling (HPT) and sediment coring with UAV-generated photogrammetry, as well as debris flow runout modelling. Our results show that for the Biersdorf hillslope debris flow, the geomorphological and geotectonic position played a crucial role. The hillslope debris flow was triggered at a normal fault separating well-draining limestones of the Lower Muschelkalk, from dense weathered clay and sandstones of the Upper Buntsandstein. The combination of a large surface runoff and strong interflow at the sliding surface caused a transformation from an initial translational slide into the high-energy and widespread hillslope debris flow. We further created and validated a stand-alone model of the debris flow on a local scale achieving promising results. The model yields a 97% match to the observed runout area as well as to deposition spreads and heights. Thus, our study provides a pathway for analyzing hillslope debris flows triggered by torrential rainfall events in low mountain ranges. General knowledge on hillslope debris flows, risk assessment and hazard prevention were improved, and results can be transferred to other regions to improve risk assessment and hazard prevention.

A Multi-Methodological Investigation of Natural and Synthetic Red Beryl Gemstones

In this study, we report the experimental findings of a multi-methodological and comparative investigation of a natural (from the Wah Wah Mountains of Beaver County, Utah) and three synthetic (hydrothermally grown) gem-quality red beryls by means of: gemmological standard testing, laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectroscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible–near infrared absorption spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Gemmological, crystallo-chemical, and spectroscopic features of the natural and synthetic stones enabled us to unveil the causes of their color (from red, to purplish-red, or orange-red) and how different and complementary techniques can be efficiently used to discriminate between natural and synthetic materials, based on non-destructive, micro-destructive, and destructive techniques.

Rovibronic signatures of molecular aggregation in the gas phase: subtle homochirality trends in the dimer, trimer and tetramer of benzyl alcohol.

Molecular aggregation is of paramount importance in many chemical processes, including those in living beings. Thus, characterization of the intermolecular interactions is an important step in its understanding. We describe here the aggregation of benzyl alcohol at the molecular level, a process governed by a delicate equilibrium between OH⋯O and OH⋯π hydrogen bonds and dispersive interactions. Using microwave, FTIR, Raman and mass-resolved double-resonance IR/UV spectroscopic techniques, we explored the cluster growth up to the tetramer and found a complex landscape, partly due to the appearance of multiple stereoisomers of very similar stability. Interestingly, a consistently homochiral synchronization of transiently chiral monomer conformers was observed during cluster growth to converge in the tetramer, where the fully homochiral species dominates the potential energy surface. The data on the aggregation of benzyl alcohol also constitute an excellent playground to fine-tune the parameters of the most advanced functionals.

HIGH RESOLUTION MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SEDIMENTS - LAKE BOLĂTĂU-FEREDEU (ROMANIA)

The catchment (bedrock and soil) and sediments of lake Bolătău, Romania were studied by high resolution multi-methodological investigations to characterize paleoenvironmental and formation conditions. Particle size analyses, optical and cathodoluminescence microscopy, FTIR-ATR and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and XRF were applied for microtextural, chemical, micro-mineralogical and embedded organic material characterization and distribution of the sediments, especially concerning geochemical conditions, like pH and redox potential change. Our results support physical and chemical weathering in the process of soil formation with appearance of the new minerals appear (10Å sized phyllosilicates and clay minerals). Comparison of these studies offer possible differentiation of syn- and diagenetic mineralization, the clarification of debris contribution, microbial mediation and complex mineralization via decomposition of cell and extracellular polymeric substance. Based on the analyses on the abrasives, a suboxic environment prevailed in the depositional area and considerable microbial contribution is proposed via accumulation of lake sediments.

Manganese-Containing Inclusions in Late-Antique Glass Mosaic Tesserae: A New Technological Marker?

The present study focuses on manganese-containing inclusions identified in late-Antique glass tesserae, light brown/amber and purple in colour, from Padova (Italy), in order to clarify the nature of these inclusions, never identified in glass mosaics until now, and provide new insights on the production technologies of such kinds of tesserae. Multi-methodological investigations on manganese-containing inclusions were carried out in this work by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-X-ray diffraction (micro-XRD), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), electron microprobe (EMPA), and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The combination of analytical results shows that inclusions are crystalline, new-formed phases, mainly composed of manganese, silica and calcium, and are mineralogically ascribed as a member of the braunite-neltnerite series, with unit-cell parameters closer to those of neltnerite. However, the low Ca content makes such crystalline compounds more similar to braunite, in more detail, they could be described as Ca-rich braunite. The occurrence of such crystalline phase allows us to constrain melting temperatures between 1000 and 1150 °C, and to hypothesize pyrolusite, MnO2, as the source of manganese. In addition, it is worth underlining that the same phase is identified in tesserae characterised by different colours (light brown/amber vs purple due to different manganese/iron ratios), glassy matrices (soda-lime-lead vs soda-lime) and opacifiers (cassiterite vs no opacifier). This suggests that its occurrence is not influenced by the “chemical environment”, revealing these manganese-containing inclusions as a new potential technological marker.

Review of Talking White Trash: Mediated Representations and Lived Experiences of White-Working Class People by Tasha R. Dunn (Routledge)

In <i>Talking White Trash</i>, Tasha R. Dunn provides a multi-methodological investigation into the representations of white working-class people on screen and the everyday lives of members of the white working-class. Her work provides a nuanced way to understand the reinforcement of stereotypical depictions of this population, as well as how the white working class “talks back” to these representations. The book draws from the current political and cultural moment to assert how white working-class identity is constructed, and advocates for a more complex reading of this population than is often provided in mediated texts.

The Southern Illinois Twins/Triplets and Siblings Study (SITSS): A Longitudinal Study of Early Child Development.

This article reviews the Southern Illinois Twins/Triplets and Siblings Study (SITSS) and describes some of the findings related to recent projects that were completed using this sample. At this time, the SITSS has enrolled 375 twin pairs, 12 triplet families, 1 family of quadruplets, 98 nontwin sibling pairs and 287 singletons. Testing begins for twins and triplets as young as age 1 and then occurs yearly on their birthdays until 5 years of age. Through age 20, various follow-up studies have been conducted on the SITSS sample to examine their social, emotional, and cognitive development across childhood and adolescence from a behavioral genetic perspective. A variety of methodologies have been used to investigate gene-environment correlations (rGE) and gene-environment interactions (GxE). Advanced statistical procedures (e.g., genetic likelihood indices and multilevel modeling) have been utilized to further investigate genetic underpinnings of behavior. Recent results have indicated genetic influences on the aggressiveness of preschoolers' media preferences, increased problem behaviors related to young children's overestimation of self-competence, and the influence of early life temperament and internalizing problems on adolescent health behaviors. Additionally, the SITSS has provided evidence for evocative rGE for various behaviors (aggression, prosocial and play), as well as findings supporting interactions between the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) and the environment (peer victimization, prenatal birth complications and parental sensitivity). Together, by use of multitrait and multimethodological investigations, this behavior genetic data set assists in furthering our understanding of biological and environmental influences on children's development.

Investigating in Vitro Amyloid Peptide 1-42 Aggregation: Impact of Higher Molecular Weight Stable Adducts.

The self-assembly of amyloid peptides (Aβ), in particular Aβ1–42, into oligomers and fibrils is one of the main pathological events related to Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) to protect neurons and astrocytes from Aβ1–42 toxicity. In fact, CORMs are able to carry and release controlled levels of CO and are known to exert a wide range of anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities at physiologically relevant concentrations. In order to investigate the direct effects of CORMs on Aβ1–42, we studied the reactivity of CORM-2 and CORM-3 with Aβ1–42in vitro and the potential inhibition of its aggregation by mass spectrometry (MS), as well as fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopies. The application of an electrospray ionization-MS (ESI-MS) method allowed the detection of stable Aβ1–42/CORMs adducts, involving the addition of the Ru(CO)2 portion of CORMs at histidine residues on the Aβ1–42 skeleton. Moreover, CORMs showed anti-aggregating properties through formation of stable adducts with Aβ1–42 as demonstrated by a thioflavin T fluorescence assay and MS analysis. As further proof, comparison of the CD spectra of Aβ1–42 recorded in the absence and in the presence of CORM-3 at a 1:1 molar ratio showed the ability of CORM-3 to stabilize the peptide in its soluble, unordered conformation, thereby preventing its misfolding and aggregation. This multi-methodological investigation revealed novel interactions between Aβ1–42 and CORMs, contributing new insights into the proposed neuroprotective mechanisms mediated by CORMs and disclosing a new strategy to divert amyloid aggregation and toxicity.

Interaction of a rigid beam resting on a strong granular layer overlying weak granular soil: Multi-methodological investigations

In the geotechnical and terramechanical engineering applications, precise understandings are yet to be established on the off-road structures interacting with complex soil profiles. Several theoretical and experimental approaches have been used to measure the ultimate bearing capacity of the layered soil, but with a significant level of differences depending on the failure mechanisms assumed. Furthermore, local displacement fields in layered soils are not yet studied well. Here, the bearing capacity of a dense sand layer overlying loose sand beneath a rigid beam is studied under the plain-strain condition. The study employs using digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) and finite element method (FEM) simulations. In the FEM, an experimentally characterised constitutive relation of the sand grains is fed as an input. The results of the displacement fields of the layered soil based DPIV and FEM simulations agreed well. From the DPIV experiments, a correlation between the slip surface angle and the thickness of the dense sand layer has been determined. Using this, a new and simple approach is proposed to predict theoretically the ultimate bearing capacity of the layered sand. The approach presented here could be extended more easily for analysing other complex soil profiles in the ground-structure interactions in future.

The characterization of natural gemstones using non-invasive FT-IR spectroscopy: New data on tourmalines

Fourteen samples of tourmaline from the Real Museo Mineralogico of Federico II University (Naples) have been characterized through multi-methodological investigations (EMPA-WDS, SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS, and FT-IR spectroscopy). The samples show different size, morphology and color, and are often associated with other minerals. Data on major and minor elements allowed to identify and classify tourmalines as follows: elbaites, tsilaisite, schorl, dravites, uvites and rossmanite. Non-invasive, non-destructive FT-IR and in-situ analyses were carried out on the same samples to validate this chemically-based identification and classification. The results of this research show that a complete characterization of this mineral species, usually time-consuming and expensive, can be successfully achieved through non-destructive FT-IR technique, thus representing a reliable tool for a fast classification extremely useful to plan further analytical strategies, as well as to support gemological appraisals.

Multi-methodological investigation of the variability of the microstructure of HPMC hard capsules

The objective of this study was to analyze differences in the subtle microstructure of three different grades of HMPC hard capsule shells using mechanical, spectroscopic, microscopic and tomographic approaches. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrational spectroscopic, X-Ray scattering techniques as well as environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used. Two HPMC capsules manufactured via chemical gelling, one capsule shell manufactured via thermal gelling and one thermally gelled transparent capsule were included. Characteristic micro-structural alterations (associated manufacturing processes) such as mechanical and physical properties relevant to capsule performance and processability were thoroughly elucidated with the integration of data obtained from multi-methodological investigations. The physico-chemical and physico-mechanical data obtained from a gamut of techniques implied that thermally gelled HPMC hard capsule shells could offer an advantage in terms of machinability during capsule filling, owing to their superior micro- and macroscopic structure as well as specifically the mechanical stability under dry or humid conditions.

Multi-methodological characterisation of calcium phosphate in late-Antique glass mosaic tesserae

The present study focuses on calcium phosphate identified in some late-Antique glass tesserae, green or blue in colour, from Padova (Italy) and Tyana (Turkey). It is generally accepted that calcium phosphate is a primary opacifier, probably obtained by deliberate addition of bone powder to a transparent glass. However, no specific crystallographic–chemical–spectroscopic studies have been performed on this important type of opacifier until now. Multi-methodological investigations on calcium phosphate, on its reaction rim, and on interactions with surrounding soda–lime–silica glass were carried out in this work by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), electron microprobe (EMPA), and micro-Raman spectroscopy, in order to clarify the nature of these inclusions and provide new insights into the production technologies of such kind of glass tesserae. Our results show that calcium phosphate grains are actually hydroxyapatite characterised by an evident reaction rim, which is enriched in sodium derived from the surrounding glass and replacing calcium of the opacifier. Such a cation replacement process between opacifier and glassy matrix is also confirmed by the presence of newly formed crystals composed of sodium calcium phosphate (β-rhenanite) and calcium silicate (wollastonite, polytype 1-T). β-Rhenanite and wollastonite are generally found in the proximity of calcium phosphate grains. Notwithstanding the geographical distance between Padova and Tyana (more than 2000km), comparable results were found in all the tesserae from both sites, suggesting similar and highly standardised production technologies of late-Antique tesserae with calcium phosphate as opacifier.

Multi-methodological investigation of kunzite, hiddenite, alexandrite, elbaite and topaz, based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and conventional analytical techniques for supporting mineralogical characterization

Gem-quality alexandrite, hiddenite and kunzite, elbaite and topaz minerals were characterized through a multi-methodological investigation based on EMPA-WDS, LA-ICP-MS, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). With respect to the others, the latter technique enables a simultaneous multi-elemental composition without any sample preparation and the detection of light elements, such as Li, Be and B. The criteria for the choice of minerals were: (a) the presence of chromophore elements in minor contents and/or as traces; (b) the presence of light lithophile elements (Li, Be and B); (c) different crystal chemistry complexity. The results show that LIBS can be employed in mineralogical studies for the identification and characterization of minerals, and as a fast screening method to determine the chemical composition, including the chromophore and light lithophile elements.

Green andradite stones: gemmological and mineralogical characterisation

A multi-methodological investigation of natural gem-quality andradite crystals occurring in serpentinites (Val Malenco, Italy; Nizhniy Tagil, Russia; Kerman, Iran, and Kaghan, Pakistan), or in skarn rocks (Erongo, Namibia, and Antetezambato, Madagascar) has been performed by means of gemmological standard testing, electron-microprobe chemical analyses in wavelength-dispersive mode (EMPA-WDS), ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MID-IR) spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, in order to describe the gemmological properties and the crystal chemistry of these marketable green stones. The EMPA-WDS data show that these green garnets are almost pure andradite [Adr (Ca3Fe2Si3O12)>96.1 mol%]. The Cr-content ranges, as Cr2O3, from <0.01 up to ~1.0 wt%. This chromophore element, if present, influences the garnet’s colour, which is mainly due to Fe3+. The Cr-content does not affect the unit-cell constant, at least within the range found here. The refined electron content at the Fe-site suggests that chromium occupies the octahedral site along with iron, as found in previous investigations. The MID-IR spectra show the presence of hydroxyl groups. The refined site occupancy factors of the Si-site, modelled with the scattering curve of silicon alone, range between 99.2(4) and 99.9(2), which barely suggests potential hydrogarnet substitution [ i.e. , (SiO4)4− ↔(O4H4)4−].

Behavioral Effects of Ethanol in Cerebellum Are Age Dependent: Potential System and Molecular Mechanisms

Adolescent rats are less sensitive to the motor-impairing effects of ethanol than adults. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this age-dependent effect of ethanol have yet to be fully elucidated. Male rats of various ages were used to investigate ethanol-induced ataxia and its underlying cellular correlates. In addition, Purkinje neurons from adolescent and adult rats were recorded both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, protein kinase C (PKCγ) expression was determined in 3 brain regions in both adolescent and adult rats. The present multi-methodological investigation confirms that adolescents are less sensitive to the motor-impairing effects of ethanol, and this differential effect is not because of differential blood ethanol levels. In addition, we identify a particular cellular correlate that may underlie the reduced motor impairment. Specifically, the in vivo firing rate of cerebellar Purkinje neurons recorded from adolescent rats was insensitive to an acute ethanol challenge, while the firing rate of adult cerebellar Purkinje neurons was significantly depressed. Finally, it is demonstrated that PKCγ expression in the cortex and cerebellum mirrors the age-dependent effect of ethanol: adolescents have significantly less PKCγ expression compared to adults. Adolescents are less sensitive than adults to the motor-impairing effects of ethanol, and a similar effect is seen with in vivo electrophysiological recordings of cerebellar Purkinje neurons. While still under investigation, PKCγ expression mirrors the age effect of ethanol and may contribute to the age-dependent differences in the ataxic effects of ethanol.

Gemmological investigation of a synthetic blue beryl: a multi-methodological study

AbstractA multi-methodological investigation of a synthetic Cu/Fe-bearing blue beryl [IV(Be2.86Cu0.14)∑=3.00VI(Al1.83Fe3+0.14Mn2+0.03Mg0.03)∑=2.03IV(Si5.97Al0.03∑=6.00O18.(Li0.12Na0.04.0.40H2O)] has been performed by means of gemmological standard testing, electron microprobe chemical analyses, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analyses, infrared spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction in order to determine the gemmological properties, crystal structure and crystal-chemistry of this material. The increasing production of marketable hydrothermal synthetic beryls with 'exotic' colours and the small number of studies on the accurate location of chromophores in the crystal structure inspired this multi-methodological investigation. The X-ray structural refinements confirm that the space group of the Cu/Fe-bearing blue beryl is P6/mcc, with unit-cell parameters: 9.2483 ≤ a ≤ 9.2502 Å and 9.2184 ≤ c ≤ 9.2211 Å. The analysis of the difference Fourier maps of the electron density suggests that Cu is located at the tetrahedral site (Wyckoff 6fposition) along with Be, whereas Fe shares the octahedral site with Al (4c position). No evidence of extra-framework Cu/Fe-sites (i.e. channel sites) has been found. The Li is probably located at the extra-framework 2b site. Infrared spectra show that the H2O molecules are present with two configurations: one with the H···H vector oriented ‖[0001] and the other with H···H vector oriented ⊥[0001].

Faculty perceptions towards student library use in a large urban community college

This article reports the results of a multi-methodological investigation which examined the perceptions of full-time and part-time faculty in a large multi-campus community college towards making student assignments include some type of library use.

Impact of newspaper crime reports on fear of crime: Multimethodological investigation.

Impact of newspaper crime reports on fear of crime: Multimethodological investigation.

Impact of newspaper crime reports on fear of crime: Multimethodological investigation.

Impact of newspaper crime reports on fear of crime: Multimethodological investigation.