bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root electrical capacitance as an indicator of wheat growth and yield in a free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment
Authors: Cseresnyés Imre , Pokovai Klára , Barcza Zoltán , Marton Tibor A. , Fodor Nándor
Published: February 2022

Background and aims

This study was the first to test the efficiency of monitoring root electrical capacitance (CR*) non-destructively in the field to evaluate crop development under different environmental conditions.

Methods

A free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment was performed with two winter wheat cultivars, two levels (low and high) of nitrogen supply and two (ambient and elevated) of [CO2] in three replicate plots over two years. The validity of CR* as a proxy for root uptake activity was confirmed by tracking the ceptometer-based leaf area index (LAI).

Results

Repeated CR* measurements clearly demonstrated the seasonal dynamics in root development, with a peak at flowering, and the delayed growth in the second year caused by the unfavourable meteorological conditions. From the vegetative to flowering stages, CR* was strongly correlated with LAI (R2: 0.897–0.962). The positive effect of higher N supply and elevated [CO2] on crop growth was clearly indicated by the higher CR* values, associated with increased LAI, shoot dry mass (SDM) at flowering and grain yield (GY). The maximum CR* was closely related to GY (R2: 0.805 and 0.867) when the data were pooled across the N and CO2 treatments and the years. Unlike CR* and GY, SDM and LAI were significantly lower in the second year, presumably due to the enhanced root/shoot ratio induced by a severe spring drought.

Conclusions

The present results convincingly demonstrated the potential of the in situ root capacitance method to assess root responses dynamically, and to predict crop GY.
Quality of life profiles and their association with clinical and demographic characteristics and physical activity in people with a stoma: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Goodman William , Downing Amy , Allsop Matthew , Munro Julie , Taylor Claire , Hubbard Gill , Beeken Rebecca J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Quality of life can be negatively impacted by the formation of a stoma and is influenced by a number of factors. Research to date treats people with a stoma as a homogenous group based on their quality of life. We attempted to identify subgroups based upon self-reported quality of life and explored variables associated with group membership.

Methods

The present study is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional sample of 1419 people with a stoma. Participants completed validated questionnaires for quality of life, physical activity and clinical and demographic characteristics. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the optimal number of subgroups (profiles) and multinomial regression modelling was conducted to identify variables associated with profile membership.

Results

The analysis revealed 4 distinct profiles of people with a stoma: ‘consistently good quality of life’ [N = 891 (62.8%)], ‘some quality of life concerns’ [N = 184 (13.0%)], ‘low quality of life’ [N = 181 (12.8%)] and ‘financial concerns’ [N = 163 (11.5%)]. Modelling revealed that people with a recent stoma (formed < 2 years previously), who have a hernia and are less physically active were more likely to belong to the ‘low quality of life’ profile. Furthermore, those aged 16–55 were more likely to have financial concerns.

Conclusion

This study was the first to identify latent profiles within this population and assess whether certain variables are associated with membership. Future research should build upon this to identify additional variables associated with these profiles, which can help to provide the basis for targeting and tailoring future interventions to specific subgroups of people with a stoma.
Dependent philosophical majorities and the skeptical argument from disagreement
Authors: Jaksland Rasmus
Published: February 2022

According to the skeptical argument from disagreement, we are mandated to suspend judgement about a question if we discover that others disagree with us. Critics, however, have proposed that this skeptical argument fails if there are not equally many people on either side of the debate: numbers matter. The present paper explicates this as the argument that a group can be more likely to arrive at the correct view by majority rule than the members are on their own. Defenders of the skeptical argument have resisted that numbers matter by observing that if group members depend on each other when forming their beliefs, then the group can be less competent than its members. However, neither side of the debate has accompanied their views with quantitative estimates of how detrimental dependence is for group competence. This paper tries to improve this situation by drawing on jury theorems from social choice theory. The paper cannot settle the debate, but it shows that even the lower limit on group competence will exceed the average individual competence when dependence among voters remains moderate. This should give confidence to those who propose that asymmetry between the disputing parties can counter the skeptical argument from disagreement since being in the majority can thus be higher-order evidence for the disputed proposition.
The Subtlety of Subtales: Subaltern Voices of Sūkṣma Dharma in the Mahābhārata
Authors: Black Brian
Published: February 2022

Many scholars have identifiedsūkṣma dharma(subtledharma) as a central theme of theMahābhārata.However, beyond recognizing it as an understanding ofdharmathat is elusive and ambiguous, there has been relatively little investigation into the meaning and implications ofsūkṣma dharma. As this article shows, even if the central episodes of the main story leavesūkṣma dharmaundefined or unclear, theMahābhārata’s embedded narratives (upākhyānas) offer more explicit descriptions and demonstrations that can shed light on this otherwise elusive understanding ofdharma.By focusing on three substories, the article argues thatsūkṣma dharmais presented as a coherent and communicable teaching about how to act in morally ambiguous situations. This understanding ofsūkṣma dharma, as the article shows, is often associated with subaltern characters who demonstrate their knowledge through—what the article characterizes as—intuition and spontaneity in everyday situations.
Von der religiösen zur interreligiösen Bildung? Einwände, theoretische Klärungen und empirische Befunde zur Wirksamkeit
Authors: Schweitzer Friedrich
Published: February 2022

Ausgangspunkt dieses Beitrags ist die in Öffentlichkeit und Politik verbreitete Forderung nach einer Erweiterung der religiösen zur interreligiösen Bildung. Darüber hinaus werden Einwände gegen ein solches Programm aufgenommen, die eine „Religiösierung“ sozialer Probleme sowie ein „Othering“ befürchten. Anhand theoretischer Klärungen zu interreligiöser Bildung werden diese Einwände diskutiert, vor allem aber mit der Frage nach der Wirksamkeit interreligiöser Bildung verbunden. Dazu wird der Stand der Forschung hinsichtlich unterschiedlicher Konzeptualisierungen sowie der Befundlage dargestellt sowie exemplarisch eine Studie zum „Interreligiösen Lernen durch Perspektivenübernahme“ vorgestellt. Die Befunde belegen eine teilweise Wirksamkeit interreligiöser Bildung, verweisen aber zugleich auf ausbleibende Effekte bei Einstellungen sowie auf einen Bedarf didaktischer Präzisierungen. Die Konzeptualisierungen belegen die Möglichkeit, interreligiöse Bildung nicht im Sinne einer Verfestigung religiöser Identitäten oder einer Selbstabschließung zu verstehen, sondern einer wachsenden Vertrautheit mit anderen Religionen und der Offenheit für Überzeugungen, die sich von den eigenen unterscheiden.
True cost accounting in agri-food networks: a German case study on informational campaigning and responsible implementation
Authors: Michalke A. , Stein L. , Fichtner R. , Gaugler T. , Stoll-Kleemann S.
Published: February 2022

There is broad scientific consensus that current food systems are neither sustainable nor resilient: many agricultural practices are very resource-intensive and responsible for a large share of global emissions and loss of biodiversity. Consequently, current systems put large pressure on planetary boundaries. According to economic theory, food prices form when there is a balance between supply and demand. Yet, due to the neglect of negative external effects, effective prices are often far from representing the ‘true costs’. Current studies show that especially animal-based foodstuff entails vast external costs that currently stay unaccounted for in market prices. Against this background, we explore how informational campaigning on agricultural externalities can contribute to consumer awareness and tolerance of this matter. Further, we investigate the socially just design of monetary incentives and their implementation potentials and challenges. This study builds on the informational campaign of a German supermarket displaying products with two price tags: one of the current market price and the other displaying the ‘true’ price, which includes several environmental externalities calculated with True Cost Accounting (TCA). Based on interpretations of a consumer survey and a number of expert interviews, in this article we approach the potentials and obstacles of TCA as a communication tool and the challenges of its factual implementation in agri-food networks. Our results show that consumers are generally interested in the topic of true food pricing and would to a certain extent be willing to pay ‘true prices’ of the inquired foods. However, insufficient transparency and unjust distribution of wealth are feared to bring about communication and social justice concerns in the implementation of TCA. When introducing TCA into current discourse, it is therefore important to develop measures that are socially cautious and backed by relevant legal framework conditions. This poses the chance to create a fair playing (‘polluter pays’) with a clear assignment of responsibilities to policy makers, and practitioners in addition to customers.
Influence of Elastic and Optical Properties on AgFeO2 and AgCrO2 Delafossite to be Applied in High-Frequency Applications
Authors: El-Bassuony Asmaa. A. H. , Abdelsalam H. K. , Gamal W. M.
Published: February 2022

Nanometric AgFeO2 and AgCrO2 delafossite were easily prepared by the flash auto-combustion method. The two main bands estimated from FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) analysis were the tetrahedral A-site (573 cm−1 for AgFeO2, 630 cm−1 for AgCrO2) and the octahedral B-site (484 cm−1 for AgFeO2, 595 cm−1 for AgCrO2). This study is mainly focused on the elastic properties evaluated from the FTIR analysis and showed that AgCrO2 delafossite is more elastic than AgFeO2 delafossite. The elastic properties can be explained by studying the longitudinal and transverse velocities. Owing to the optical properties results, AgCrO2 delafossite is a promising material to be applied in optical devices. However, AgFeO2 delafossite is a promising material in magnetic applications because it showed a large switching field distribution by 9-fold more than that of AgCrO2 delafossite. Moreover, high-frequency applications were calculated from the magnetic analysis and showed that both samples could be applied in ultra-high microwave applications.
Oxidation Resistance in 1200°C Steam of a FeCrAl Alloy Fabricated by Three Metallurgical Processes
Authors: Hoffman Andrew K. , Umretiya Rajnikant V. , Gupta Vipul K. , Larsen Michael , Graff Corey , Perlee Christopher , Brennan Patrick , Rebak Raul
Published: February 2022

FeCrAl alloys are a leading candidate material for accident tolerant fuel cladding due to their good performance in both normal light-water reactor operating conditions as well as their resilience to high-temperature accident scenarios. For commercial-scale production, new fabrication techniques need to be investigated. In this study, the effects of fabrication methods on the high-temperature steam oxidation performance of C26M (Fe12Cr6Al2Mo in wt.%) were investigated. Three variants of C26M were manufactured: wrought (cast and forged) (WC26M), powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing (PMC26M), and laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AMC26M). All three variants were exposed to steam at 1200°C for 2 h. Results showed no significant variation in mass change between the variants after steam exposure. All three variants effectively formed stable protective alumina films with ~0.6–1.3 µm thickness. This study suggests FeCrAl alloys have excellent resilience to high-temperature steam in nuclear reactor accident scenarios regardless of the fabrication method.
From past to present (for a better future): The moderating role of cognitive mindset on spillover effects in environmental behaviors
Authors: Spaccatini Federica , Riva Paolo , Richetin Juliette , Porcelli Egle , Pancani Luca , Capellini Roberta , Sacchi Simona
Published: February 2022

Research literature about the environmental spillover effect produced mixed results, revealing that an initial pro-environmental behavior (PEB) is likely to promote either other PEBs (i.e., positive spillover) or pro-environmental inactions and harming behaviors (i.e., negative spillover). Such inconsistency suggests a possible crucial role of moderating variables. In two experimental studies (N Study 1 = 141, N Study 2 = 124), we investigated whether the recall of past environmental behavior (water-saving vs. water-wasting) affects future intention to perform PEBs (Study 1) and actual PEBs (Study 2), depending on participants’ cognitive mindset (manipulated in Study 1 and measured in Study 2). Results showed that the cognitive mindset is a significant moderator of spillover effects. Compared to a holistic one, an analytical mindset is more likely to result in a greater willingness to engage in future PEBs (Study 1) and actual PEB (Study 2) when past PEB is salient. The main contributions of the studies, limitations and possible future research directions are discussed.
Relationship between Direct and Relational Bullying and Emotional Well-being among Adolescents: The role of Self-compassion
Authors: Múzquiz Juan , Pérez-García Ana M. , Bermúdez José
Published: February 2022

The objectives of the present study were, first, to analyze the impact of direct and relational bullying on emotional well-being, and second to study if self-compassion could foster emotional well-being among those who suffer bullying. A sample composed of 433 adolescents (Mage = 13.28; SD = .72) answered two measures of direct and relational bullying based on the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The results showed that being a victim of either relational or direct bullying was associated with lower scores in positive affect and negative affect, while direct bullying was only associated with negative affect. Self-compassion was a strong predictor of emotional well-being, and self-compassion was a partial mediator between being a victim of bullying (either relational or direct) and negative affect. This research adds evidence that self-compassion may be an important component in prevention and intervention programs with victims of bullying.
Surgery for ulcerative colitis complicated with colorectal cancer: when ileal pouch–anal anastomosis is the right choice
Authors: Tonelli Francesco , Di Martino Carmela , Amorosi Andrea , Mini Enrico , Nesi Gabriella
Published: February 2022

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at risk of developing a colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine our experience in the treatment of ulcerative Colitis Cancer (CC), the role of the ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA), and the clinical outcome of the operated patients. Data from 417 patients operated on for ulcerative colitis were reviewed. Fifty-two (12%) were found to have carcinoma of the colon (n = 43) or the rectum (n = 9). The indication to surgery, the histopathological type, the cancer stage, the type of surgery, the oncologic outcome, and the functional result of IPAA were examined. The majority of the patients had a mucinous or signet-ring carcinoma. An advanced stage (III or IV) was present in 28% of the patients. Early (stage I or II) CC was found in all except one patient submitted to surgery for high-grade dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, or refractory colitis. Thirty-nine (75%) of the 52 patients underwent IPAA, 10 patients were treated with a total abdominal proctocolectomy with terminal ileostomy. IPAA was possible in 6/9 rectal CC. Cumulative survival rate 5 and 10 years after surgery was 61% and 53%, respectively. The survival rate was significantly lower for mucinous or signet-ring carcinomas than for other adenocarcinoma. No significant differences of the functional results and quality of life were observed between IPAA patients aged less than or more than 65 years. Failure of the pouch occurred in 5 of 39 (12.8%) patients for cancer of the pouch (2 pts) or for tumoral recurrence at the pelvic or peritoneal level. Early surgery must be considered every time dysplasia is discovered in patients affected by UC. The advanced tumoral stage and the mucous or signet-ring hystotype influence negatively the response to therapy and the survival after surgery. IPAA can be proposed in the majority of the patients with a functional result similar to that of UC patients not affected by CC. Failures of IPAA for peritoneal recurrence or metachronous cancer of the pouch can be observed when CC is advanced, moucinous, localized in the distal rectum, or is associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Nanotechnological approaches for pentamidine delivery
Authors: Andreana Ilaria , Bincoletto Valeria , Milla Paola , Dosio Franco , Stella Barbara , Arpicco Silvia
Published: February 2022

Pentamidine (PTM), which is a diamine that is widely known for its antimicrobial activity, is a very interesting drug whose mechanism of action is not fully understood. In recent years, PTM has been proposed as a novel potential drug candidate for the treatment of mental illnesses, myotonic dystrophy, diabetes, and tumors. Nevertheless, the systemic administration of PTM causes severe side effects, especially nephrotoxicity. In order to efficiently deliver PTM and reduce its side effects, several nanosystems that take advantage of the chemical characteristics of PTM, such as the presence of two positively charged amidine groups at physiological pH, have been proposed as useful delivery tools. Polymeric, lipidic, inorganic, and other types of nanocarriers have been reported in the literature for PTM delivery, and they are all in different development phases. The available approaches for the design of PTM nanoparticulate delivery systems are reported in this review, with a particular emphasis on formulation strategies and in vitro/in vivo applications. Furthermore, a critical view of the future developments of nanomedicine for PTM applications, based on recent repurposing studies, is provided.

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Based on neutrosophic fuzzy environment: a new development of FWZIC and FDOSM for benchmarking smart e-tourism applications
Authors: Alamoodi A. H. , Mohammed R. T. , Albahri O. S. , Qahtan Sarah , Zaidan A. A. , Alsattar H. A. , Albahri A. S. , Aickelin Uwe , Zaidan B. B. , Baqer M. J. , Jasim Ali Najm
Published: February 2022

The task of benchmarking smart e-tourism applications based on multiple smart key concept attributes is considered a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem. Although the literature review has evaluated and benchmarked these applications, data ambiguity and vagueness continue to be unresolved issues. The robustness of the fuzzy decision by opinion score method (FDOSM) and fuzzy weighted with zero inconsistency (FWZIC) is proven compared with that of other MADM methods. Thus, this study extends FDOSM and FWZIC under a new fuzzy environment to address the mentioned issues whilst benchmarking the applications. The neutrosophic fuzzy set is used for this purpose because of its high ability to handle ambiguous and vague information comprehensively. Fundamentally, the proposed methodology comprises two phases. The first phase adopts and describes the decision matrices of the smart e-tourism applications. The second phase presents the proposed framework in two sections. In the first section, the weight of each attribute of smart e-tourism applications is calculated through the neutrosophic FWZIC (NS-FWZIC) method. The second section employs the weights determined by the NS-FWZIC method to benchmark all the applications per each category (tourism marketing and smart-based tourism recommendation system categories) through the neutrosophic FDOSM (NS-FDOSM). Findings reveal that: (1) the NS-FWZIC method effectively weights the applications’ attributes. Real time receives the highest importance weight (0.402), whereas augmented reality has the lowest weight (0.005). The remaining attributes are distributed in between. (2) In the context of group decision-making, NS-FDOSM is used to uniform the variation found in the individual benchmarking results of the applications across all categories. Systematic ranking, sensitivity analysis and comparison analysis assessments are used to evaluate the robustness of the proposed work. Finally, the limitations of this study are discussed along with several future directions.
Diaspora und Religion. Religionspolitische Herausforderungen in der jüngeren Geschichte der Aleviten in der Türkei und Deutschland
Authors: Çiçek Hüseyin
Published: February 2022

In diesem Artikel soll der Fokus auf der jüngeren alevitischen Geschichte in der Türkei und Deutschland liegen. Entwicklungen in der Türkei und der alevitischen Diaspora in der Bundesrepublik sollen zuerst unabhängig voneinander dargelegt und in der Zusammenfassung miteinander in Beziehung gesetzt werden. Die Entscheidung hierfür folgt aus zwei wichtigen Überlegungen: Die Aleviten gehören zu wichtigen Anhängern des türkischen Republikgründers und wurden in der Gründungszeit der Republik sowie im Zeitalter der globalen Systemkonkurrenz nicht dabei unterstützt, eine eigene Identität und Religionspraxis auf- und auszubauen und eine solche auch zu praktizieren. Dabei sind die politischen, religiösen und gesellschaftlichen Forderungen der Aleviten in der türkischen Republik bis heute keine, die die türkische Nation oder Identität untergraben würden. Vielmehr ist es das Versäumnis des türkischen Staates, bspw. die Aleviten in Identitäts- und Religionsfragen als gleichberechtigt anzuerkennen, was u. a. zur Entstehung von Gegensätzen und Dichotomien geführt hat.
Sarcopenia reduces quality of life in the long-term: longitudinal analyses from the English longitudinal study of ageing
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Koyanagi Ai , Cereda Emanuele , Maggi Stefania , Barbagallo Mario , Dominguez Ligia J. , Smith Lee
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Mixed findings exist for sarcopenia/quality of life (QoL) relationship. Moreover, the majority of studies in this area have utilized a cross-sectional design or specific clinical populations. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the association between sarcopenia at baseline and QoL at 10 years follow-up in a large representative sample of older English adults.

Methods

Sarcopenia was diagnosed as having low handgrip strength and low skeletal muscle mass index. QoL was measured using the CASP (control, autonomy, self-realisation and pleasure)-19, with higher values reflecting higher QoL. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess prospective associations between sarcopenia at baseline and poor QoL at follow-up; generalized linear model with repeated measures was used for reporting mean changes during follow-up between sarcopenia and not.

Results

Among 4044 older participants initially included at baseline (mean age: 70.7 years; 55.1% females), 376 had sarcopenia. In the multivariable analysis, after adjusting for several potential confounders, sarcopenia at baseline was associated with a higher incidence of poor QoL (odds ratio, OR = 5.82; 95% confidence interval, CI 3.45–9.82). After matching for QoL values at baseline and adjusting for potential confounders, people with sarcopenia reported significantly lower values in CASP-19 (mean difference = − 3.94; 95% CI − 4.77 to − 3.10).

Conclusions

In this large representative sample of older English adults, it was observed that sarcopenia at baseline was associated with worse scores of QoL at follow-up compared to those without sarcopenia at baseline. It may be prudent to target those with sarcopenia to improve QoL.
Netzwerkbasierte Betrachtung von ko-konstruktiven Interaktionsprozessen im Unterricht – Ein Ansatz zur Beschreibung und Analyse von Angebot und Nutzung
Authors: Troll Bianka , Heil Cathleen , Pietsch Marcus , Besser Michael
Published: February 2022

Unterricht stellt ein interaktives Geschehen dar. Die verbale Beteiligung der Schüler*innen an der Interaktion im Unterricht kann dabei als Indikator für die Nutzung von Lernangeboten, aber gleichzeitig auch als potenzielles Lernangebot für andere an der Interaktion beteiligte Schüler*innen interpretiert werden. Der Artikel stellt eine netzwerkbasierte Betrachtung von ko-konstruktiven Interaktionsprozessen vor, um sich der Beschreibung und Analyse von Angebots-Nutzungs-Prozessen im Unterricht anzunähern. Netzwerkbasierte Betrachtungen liefern dabei nicht nur geeignete Visualisierungen, um Interaktionsprozesse übersichtlich darzustellen, sondern auch auf quantitativen Verfahren beruhende Ansatzpunkte für die Analyse von videobasierten Daten. Datengrundlage bildet eine schüler*innenzentriert videografierte Gruppenarbeitsphase (fünf Gruppen á 4 Schüler*innen) im Deutschunterricht einer dritten Klasse. Zur Analyse der dynamischen Interaktionsprozesse wurden die gerichteten Redebeiträge (wer spricht zu wem) der Schüler*innen sowie der Lehrkraft im zeitlichen Verlauf bezüglich ihrer Art (aufgabenbezogen prozessorientiert, aufgabenbezogen ergebnisorientiert, nicht-aufgabenbezogen) von vier geschulten Kodierer*innen kodiert. Die Analysen zeigen, dass sich der methodische Ansatz der Netzwerkanalyse eignet, um abzubilden, wer wie stark an der Bearbeitung einer Lernaufgabe beteiligt ist und wer konkret ein Lernangebot erhält. Zudem kann aufgezeigt werden, wer gemeinsam ko-konstruktiv an der Lösungsfindung beteiligt ist und wie sich der Interaktionsprozesse über die Zeit entwickelt. Die Ergebnisse werden hinsichtlich ihres Mehrwerts und möglicher Anschlussstudien kritisch diskutiert.
An Archetypal Vibration Isolator with Quasi-zero Stiffness in Multiple Directions
Authors: Zhu Guangnan , Lu Kuan , Cao Qingjie , Chen Yushu
Published: February 2022

To avoid the failure under the longitudinal, shear, and mixed wave from earthquake, an archetypal vibration isolator based on a smooth and discontinuous (SD) oscillator is proposed. This model comprises a lumped mass mounted by a vertical spring and a horizontal elastic continuum, which separately provides positive and the negative stiffness forming the stable quasi-zero stiffness (SQZS) in all vertical and horizontal directions. The equation of motion is formulated by employing the Lagrange equation, and the SQZS condition is obtained by optimizing the geometrical parameters of the system. The analysis shows that the system admits remarkable performance in vibration isolation with low resonant frequency and a large stroke of SQZS interval. The results also demonstrate the system has improved aseismic behaviour under the complex excitation of seismic wave significantly.
An Experience Sampling Study on the Association Between Social Media	Use and Self-Esteem
Authors: Miljeteig Kristina , von Soest Tilmann
Published: February 2022

Abstract. We know little about longitudinal associations between social media use and important psychological variables such as self-esteem. Using experience sampling methodology, this study examined the relationship between social media use and self-esteem in a new and ecologically valid way. Participants ( N = 200) responded to notifications sent to their smartphones several times a day for 2 weeks and reported social media use as well as current self-esteem. Multilevel analyses revealed distinct gendered patterns: Low initial self-esteem among women predicted more frequent social media use, whereas low initial self-esteem among men was related to less frequent social media use. Moreover, recent social media use predicted lower current self-esteem for women, but not for men. Low stability of self-esteem was related to more social media use, independent of gender. The findings support the notion of a reciprocal relationship between social media use and self-esteem for women, where self-esteem level may motivate women to use social media more frequently and social media may be a source of lower self-esteem. Social media use seems to have a less detrimental effect on men.
What Motivates Direct and Indirect Punishment?
Authors: Molho Catherine , Twardawski Mathias , Fan Lei
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Punishment represents a key mechanism to deter norm violations and is motivated by retribution and/or general deterrence. Retribution-motivated punishment is tailored to offense severity, whereas deterrence-motivated punishment is tailored to different factors, including punishment observability. This study aimed to replicate and extend prior work by testing how offense severity and punishment observability motivate direct, confrontational punishment versus indirect, covert punishment. Participants ( N = 308) read vignettes describing offenses with varying severity (high vs. low) and punishment observability (high vs. low). We then assessed their punishment tendencies – overall, direct, and indirect – and their endorsement of retribution and deterrence motives. Findings supported a “strong version” of intuitive retributivism. Manipulating retribution-relevant information consistently influenced punishment: participants reported stronger overall, direct, and indirect punishment tendencies when severity was high (vs. low). Self-reported deterrence (but not retribution) motives positively related to overall, direct, and indirect punishment tendencies. However, manipulating deterrence-relevant information did not influence punishment.
Precursory Signal Detected for the 2018 Sierra Negra Volcanic Eruption, Galápagos, Using Seismic Ambient Noise
Authors: Ruiz Mario Z. , Civilini Francesco , Ebinger Cynthia J. , Oliva Sarah J. , Ruiz Mario C. , Badi Gabriela , La Femina Peter C. , Casas José A.
Published: February 2022

The changes in physical properties leading up to a volcanic eruption provide clues to processes occurring within volcanoes and may reveal premonitory signals. The Sierra Negra shield volcano, located in the Galápagos Islands, erupted on 26 June 2018 after months of continued inflation and escalating earthquake activity. We applied ambient noise interferometry to five months of continuous seismic data from 12 broadband stations to calculate crustal shear‐wave velocity changes before and during the eruption. Using the Moving Window Cross‐Spectral technique and a pre‐eruption stack of ambient seismic data as reference, we found a −0.27% decrease in velocity 17 days before the eruption in station‐pairs that pass beneath the caldera's north‐eastern sector. Sensitivity kernels suggest that the velocity changes of this precursory signal are greatest at depths corresponding to the shallow sill (∼2 km) beneath the wide caldera. Our results, considered in light of geodetic, seismicity, and petrological results, suggest that this velocity decrease is in part caused by dilatation from a ML 4.8 earthquake, and degassing after a possible magma intrusion below or at the base of the sill. The precursory velocity decrease within the sill region offers an important tool for forecasting future eruptions at Sierra Negra.
A High‐Resolution 3‐D Circulation Model in a Complex Archipelago on the Coastal Scotian Shelf
Authors: Feng Tao , Stanley Ryan R. E. , Wu Yongsheng , Kenchington Ellen , Xu Jinshan , Horne Ed
Published: February 2022

A high‐resolution coastal Finite‐Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) has been configured to simulate the water circulation in the Eastern Shore Islands (ESI) archipelago on the coastal Scotian Shelf. Circulation in this area is characterized by complex interactions between the irregular coastline, a dense archipelago, tides, wind, and subtidal currents. Model outputs show close agreement with the tides, subtidal current, and hydrographic observations. Two circulation regimes within the study area were identified “inshore” and “offshore” of the 60‐m isobath. The balance between pressure gradient and Coriolis effect controls the dominant southwestward current (Nova Scotia Current) in the offshore. Rotary spectra and numerical experiments showed that the tidal current was an important component to the circulation in the inshore. Within the study area there are several clockwise and counter‐clockwise gyres related to the Coriolis effect, surface wind stress, pressure gradient, and the interaction between the irregular topography and current. The combined effects of topography, wind, tide, and Nova Scotia Current regulate the inshore circulation. The topographic features complex the cross‐shore transport. The increased bathymetric slope and strengthened relative vorticity contribute to the inshore cross‐shore current. Here, we found that the joint effect of baroclinicity and bottom relief drives the cross‐isobath transport. The ability of our model to resolve complex coastal circulation patterns provides an important basis on which to better understand how physical oceanography influences the unique ecological processes of this coastal archipelago and ultimately will help to evaluate dispersal and connectivity of coastal species in this area.
LGM Paleoclimate Constraints Inform Cloud Parameterizations and Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity in CESM2
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Otto‐Bliesner Bette L. , Brady Esther C. , Gettelman Andrew , Bacmeister Julio T. , Neale Richard B. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Shaw Jonah K. , McGraw Zachary S. , Kay Jennifer E.
Published: February 2022

The Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) simulates a high equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS > 5°C) and a Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) that is substantially colder than proxy temperatures. In this study, we examine the role of cloud parameterizations in simulating the LGM cooling in CESM2. Through substituting different versions of cloud schemes in the atmosphere model, we attribute the excessive LGM cooling to the new CESM2 schemes of cloud microphysics and ice nucleation. Further exploration suggests that removing an inappropriate limiter on cloud ice number (NoNimax) and decreasing the time‐step size (substepping) in cloud microphysics largely eliminate the excessive LGM cooling. NoNimax produces a more physically consistent treatment of mixed‐phase clouds, which leads to an increase in cloud ice content and a weaker shortwave cloud feedback over mid‐to‐high latitudes and the Southern Hemisphere subtropics. Microphysical substepping further weakens the shortwave cloud feedback. Based on NoNimax and microphysical substepping, we have developed a paleoclimate‐calibrated CESM2 (PaleoCalibr), which simulates well the observed twentieth century warming and spatial characteristics of key cloud and climate variables. PaleoCalibr has a lower ECS (∼4°C) and a 20% weaker aerosol‐cloud interaction than CESM2. PaleoCalibr represents a physically more consistent treatment of cloud microphysics than CESM2 and is a valuable tool in climate change studies, especially when a large climate forcing is involved. Our study highlights the unique value of paleoclimate constraints in informing the cloud parameterizations and ultimately the future climate projection.
Direct comparison of the acute effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in a double-blind placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects
Authors: Holze Friederike , Ley Laura , Müller Felix , Becker Anna M. , Straumann Isabelle , Vizeli Patrick , Kuehne Sebastian Silva , Roder Marc A. , Duthaler Urs , Kolaczynska Karolina E. , Varghese Nimmy , Eckert Anne , Liechti Matthias E.
Published: February 2022

Growing interest has been seen in using lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin in psychiatric research and therapy. However, no modern studies have evaluated differences in subjective and autonomic effects of LSD and psilocybin or their similarities and dose equivalence. We used a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design in 28 healthy subjects (14 women, 14 men) who underwent five 25 h sessions and received placebo, LSD (100 and 200 µg), and psilocybin (15 and 30 mg). Test days were separated by at least 10 days. Outcome measures included self-rating scales for subjective effects, autonomic effects, adverse effects, effect durations, plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), prolactin, cortisol, and oxytocin, and pharmacokinetics. The doses of 100 and 200 µg LSD and 30 mg psilocybin produced comparable subjective effects. The 15 mg psilocybin dose produced clearly weaker subjective effects compared with both doses of LSD and 30 mg psilocybin. The 200 µg dose of LSD induced higher ratings of ego-dissolution, impairments in control and cognition, and anxiety than the 100 µg dose. The 200 µg dose of LSD increased only ratings of ineffability significantly more than 30 mg psilocybin. LSD at both doses had clearly longer effect durations than psilocybin. Psilocybin increased blood pressure more than LSD, whereas LSD increased heart rate more than psilocybin. However, both LSD and psilocybin showed comparable cardiostimulant properties, assessed by the rate-pressure product. Both LSD and psilocybin had dose-proportional pharmacokinetics and first-order elimination. Both doses of LSD and the high dose of psilocybin produced qualitatively and quantitatively very similar subjective effects, indicating that alterations of mind that are induced by LSD and psilocybin do not differ beyond the effect duration. Any differences between LSD and psilocybin are dose-dependent rather than substance-dependent. However, LSD and psilocybin differentially increased heart rate and blood pressure. These results may assist with dose finding for future psychedelic research.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03604744
Restoring the dampened expression of the core clock molecule BMAL1 protects against compression-induced intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Wang Dong , Peng Pandi , Dudek Michal , Hu Xueyu , Xu Xiaolong , Shang Qiliang , Wang Di , Jia Haoruo , Wang Han , Gao Bo , Zheng Chao , Mao Jianxin , Gao Chu , He Xin , Cheng Pengzhen , Wang Huanbo , Zheng Jianmin , Hoyland Judith A. , Meng Qing-Jun , Luo Zhuojing , Yang Liu
Published: February 2022

The circadian clock participates in maintaining homeostasis in peripheral tissues, including intervertebral discs (IVDs). Abnormal mechanical loading is a known risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Based on the rhythmic daily loading pattern of rest and activity, we hypothesized that abnormal mechanical loading could dampen the IVD clock, contributing to IDD. Here, we investigated the effects of abnormal loading on the IVD clock and aimed to inhibit compression-induced IDD by targeting the core clock molecule brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (BMAL1). In this study, we showed that BMAL1 KO mice exhibit radiographic features similar to those of human IDD and that BMAL1 expression was negatively correlated with IDD severity by systematic analysis based on 149 human IVD samples. The intrinsic circadian clock in the IVD was dampened by excessive loading, and BMAL1 overexpression by lentivirus attenuated compression-induced IDD. Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway by Y-27632 or melatonin attenuated the compression-induced decrease in BMAL1 expression. Finally, the two drugs partially restored BMAL1 expression and alleviated IDD in a diurnal compression model. Our results first show that excessive loading dampens the circadian clock of nucleus pulposus tissues via the RhoA/ROCK pathway, the inhibition of which potentially protects against compression-induced IDD by preserving BMAL1 expression. These findings underline the importance of the circadian clock for IVD homeostasis and provide a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for IDD.
Investigation of Cas9 antibodies in the human eye
Authors: Toral Marcus A. , Charlesworth Carsten T. , Ng Benjamin , Chemudupati Teja , Homma Shota , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Bassuk Alexander G. , Porteus Matthew H. , Mahajan Vinit B.
Published: February 2022

Preexisting immunity against Cas9 proteins in humans represents a safety risk for CRISPR–Cas9 technologies. However, it is unclear to what extent preexisting Cas9 immunity is relevant to the eye as it is targeted for early in vivo CRISPR–Cas9 clinical trials. While the eye lacks T-cells, it contains antibodies, cytokines, and resident immune cells. Although precise mechanisms are unclear, intraocular inflammation remains a major cause of vision loss. Here, we used immunoglobulin isotyping and ELISA platforms to profile antibodies in serum and vitreous fluid biopsies from human adult subjects and Cas9-immunized mice. We observed high prevalence of preexisting Cas9-reactive antibodies in serum but not in the eye. However, we detected intraocular antibodies reactive to S. pyogenes-derived Cas9 after S. pyogenes intraocular infection. Our data suggest that serum antibody concentration may determine whether specific intraocular antibodies develop, but preexisting immunity to Cas9 may represent a lower risk in human eyes than systemically.
Morphological characteristics of pollen from triploid watermelon and its fate on stigmas in a hybrid crop production system
Authors: Subasinghe Arachchige Erandi C. W. , Evans Lisa J. , Samnegård Ulrika , Rader Romina
Published: February 2022

Hybrid crop production is more reliant on pollinators compared to open-pollinated crops because they require cross-pollination between a male-fertile and a male-sterile line. Little is known about how stigma receipt of pollen from male-sterile genotypes affects reproduction in hybrids. Non-viable and non-compatible pollen cannot fertilise plant ovules, but may still interfere with pollination success. Here we used seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) as a model hybrid plant, to evaluate the morphology, physiology, and movement of pollen from inter-planted genotypes (diploids and triploids). We found that pollen from triploids (‘Exclamation’ and ‘Royal Armada’) and diploids (‘SP-6’, ‘Summer Flavor 800’, and ‘Tiger’) was visually distinguishable. Pollen in triploids had more deformities (42.4–46%), tetrads (43–44%), and abnormal growth of callose plugs in pollen tubes. The amount of pollen in triploids to germinate on stigmas was low (8 ± 3%), and few pollen grains produced pollen tubes (6.5 ± 2%). Still, contrary to previous reports our results suggest that some viable pollen grains are produced by triploid watermelons. However, whilst honey bees can collect and deposit pollen from triploids onto stigmas, its effect on hybrid watermelon reproduction is likely to be minimal due to its low germination rate.
A Middle Pleistocene wolf from central Italy provides insights on the first occurrence of Canis lupus in Europe
Authors: Iurino Dawid A. , Mecozzi Beniamino , Iannucci Alessio , Moscarella Alfio , Strani Flavia , Bona Fabio , Gaeta Mario , Sardella Raffaele
Published: February 2022

Here, we describe a partial cranium of a large canid dated at 406.5 ± 2.4 ka from the Middle Pleistocene of Ponte Galeria (Rome, Italy). The sample represents one of the few Middle Pleistocene remains of a wolf-like canid falling within the timeframe when the Canis mosbachensis–Canis lupus transition occurred, a key moment to understand the spread of the extant wolf (Canis lupus) in Europe. CT-based methods allow studying the outer and inner cranial anatomy (brain and frontal sinuses) of a selected sample of fossil and extant canids. Morphological and biometric results allowed to: (I) ascribe the cranium from Ponte Galeria to an adult Canis lupus, representing the first reliable occurrence of this taxon in Europe; (II) provide the content for a biochronological revision of the Middle Pleistocene record of European wolves.
Activity dependent dissociation of the Homer1 interactome
Authors: Stillman Mason , Lautz Jonathan D. , Johnson Richard S. , MacCoss Michael J. , Smith Stephen E. P.
Published: February 2022

Neurons encode information by rapidly modifying synaptic protein complexes, which changes the strength of specific synaptic connections. Homer1 is abundantly expressed at glutamatergic synapses, and is known to alter its binding to metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) in response to synaptic activity. However, Homer participates in many additional known interactions whose activity-dependence is unclear. Here, we used co-immunoprecipitation and label-free quantitative mass spectrometry to characterize activity-dependent interactions in the cerebral cortex of wildtype and Homer1 knockout mice. We identified a small, high-confidence protein network consisting of mGlu5, Shank2 and 3, and Homer1–3, of which only mGlu5 and Shank3 were significantly reduced following neuronal depolarization. We identified several other proteins that reduced their co-association in an activity-dependent manner, likely mediated by Shank proteins. We conclude that Homer1 dissociates from mGlu5 and Shank3 following depolarization, but our data suggest that direct Homer1 interactions in the cortex may be more limited than expected.
The role of Rayleigh anomalies in the coupling process of plasmonic gratings and the control of the emission properties of organic molecules
Authors: Hamdad Sarah , Diallo Amadou T. , Chakaroun Mahmoud , Boudrioua Azzedine
Published: February 2022

We report the investigation of the influence of periodic metallic arrays on the emission properties of organic emitters. Beforehand, the study of the coupling process between nanoparticles through the analysis of the extinction spectra related to Rayleigh anomalies indicate the crucial role of those latter in defining the nature of the excited grating modes. The obtained results emphasis that Rayleigh Anomalies can be considered as the intermediate between individual plasmonic and collective photonic responses. Thereafter, the experimental and numerical studies of the lattice modes and their associated effects on the lifetime and emission directivity of nearby emitters indicate that tuning the geometrical grating parameters offers a possibility to select a particular coupling process from a localized effect to a far field response. Depending on the coupling strength, the emission can be strongly altered by increasing the density of states or providing diffractive orders. Eventually, this study reports that the Rayleigh Anomalies play the role of an excitation source which drives the nanoparticles to act as a set of diffractive objects for shaping the emission to be highly directive.