bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomythology as a Geotourism Attraction, Case Study: The Sangkuriang Legend in The Bandung Highland and Its’ Surrounding Areas Based on Geological to Hermeneutics Interpretation
Authors: Abdurahman Oman , Sukamto Kadarisman Denny
Published: February 2023

The Bandung Highlands and its surrounding areas (BHLs) are rich in important geodiversity and geoheritage sites because of its values. They are of knowledge value, educational value, environmental value, cultural value, economic value, and others. An important one is the value of tradition in the form of legend, in this case the Sangkuriang in the Sunda community - the majority of the population is in BHLs - even in the archipelago. All of them have made the BHLs area an important geotourism destination in West Java. Meanwhile, the development of a new sub-discipline called "geomythology" provides an opportunity to make the Sangkuriang legend important. In this paper, a study is conducted on the Sangkuring legend as a form of geomythology that is popular among the BHLs people, even throughout the West Java province. Aspects of geomythology as a branch of science in the Sangkuriang legend are dissected and related to the events of the formation of BHLs and some of the mountains that surround it, ancient Bandung Lake, and important geological outcrops in it. The results of the study found that the names and sequences of events in the Sangkuriang legend matched with the geographical names and geological history of the formation of BHLs and their environment. People often associate various natural phenomena in BHLs with these legends. This is seen from the point of view of public education in geotourism is very important. Furthermore, the legend has also been interpreted with and by hermeneutic approach where the results enrich the narrative of interpretation in geotourism (geo-interpretation) in BHLs.
Conceptual structure of the binary axiological opposition truth — lie
Authors: Zabotkina Vera I. , Boyarskaya Elena L.
Published: February 2023

Axiological categories and the concepts they consist of have always been a major area of interest in science. The development of cognitive linguistics has opened new perspectives for the study of axiological events, categories and concepts within them. This article explores the structure of the axiological binary opposition truth-lie, based on the material of the English language. In English, the verbalised concept truth encodes information about both objective truth as well as its subjective perception and re-translation. A combination of methods — definitional, frame and conceptual analyses — makes it possible to investigate and model the structure of the frames TRUTH and LIE, identify their main slots and the type of conceptual information they encode. The results of the analyses suggest that the two frames have the same structure and the same number and type of slots. However, the conceptual content of the slots is different. From the conceptual point of view, the axiological binary opposition truth — lie is a continuum having an intermediate blend zone “neither truth nor lie”, incorporating the axiological paradoxes, which form the conceptual basis of manipulation.
The "Me" in the "We" Anthropological Engagements with Personalized Medicine
Authors: N. Svendsen Mette
Published: February 2023

From the introduction:

No one can doubt the current relevance of personalized medicine in Danish society. "The state will steal your DNA" and "Critique: DNA project is high risk” are but two catchy newspaper headlines from a heated public debate about the planned state-run national genome bank in Denmark, Nationalt Genom Center. What has spurred discussion is the government’s suggested organizational and ethical framework for collecting, banking, and using genomes from the Danish people as part of its realization of personalized medicine in Danish health care. The framing of "stealing" and the articulation of this project as "high risk" points to the discussion’s central issue of how to treat and administer genomes as concomitantly part of the "me" of the person and the "we" of the welfare state. Anthropology has a lot to offer in understanding the intertwining of the person and the collectivity. But before I discuss what anthropology can bring to personalized medicine and this question, let me begin with what anthropology is.
Design and the Social: Intersections between design, critique and STS
Authors: Danholt Peter , Halse Joachim
Published: February 2023

From the introduction:

The notion of society provided by the French philosopher Gabriel Tarde challenges the idea that society - or rather societies - are exclusively human. Rather, societies are all around, above, below, besides and inside of the human and on a scale ranging from the minuscule to the interstellar, arguably. Such a definition of society is fascinating, since taken for granted notions of society and the social that implicitly rely on society as being exclusively human, become in return destabilized. We are invited to think, study and act the social and society differently. This special issue constitutes an attempt at such an invitation.
Det usynlige menneske i platformsarbejde – en kvalitativ undersøgelse af algoritmisk ledelse
Authors: Kusk Kalle , Duus Katrine , Hansen Sne Scott , Floros Konstantinos
Published: February 2023

Arbejde medieret gennem digitale platforme indebærer en stor mængde usynligt arbejde. Vi undersøger dette arbejde gennem et kvalitativt studie fra arbejdernes perspektiv på rengørings- og madleveringsplatforme i en overvejende dansk kontekst. Vores studie viser, at det usynlige arbejde består i følgende: Supportarbejderne, der er ansat ved platformene, understøtter arbejdet; platformsarbejderne påtager sig arbejde med de algoritmiske systemer; kunderne koordinerer med platformsarbejderne, og i tilfældet af madleveringsarbejde så koordinerer restaurantarbejderne med madbude. På denne baggrund hævder vi, modsat tidligere studier af crowdwork, at selv relativt synlige platformsarbejdere, som er involveret i rengøring og madlevering, leverer store mængder usynligt arbejde. Den såkaldte ”algoritmiske ledelse” på platformene beror altså i disse tilfælde på menneskelige skøn og vurderinger, og vi diskuterer implikationerne heraf i en bredere samfundsmæssig kontekst.
Databasering i socialt arbejde: Den skrøbelige tilblivelse af en databaseret screeningsteknologi i familieplejen
Authors: Schrøder Ida , Jacobsen Charlotte Bredahl , Christensen Michael , Koustrup Cecilie
Published: February 2023

I denne artikel undersøger vi et spørgsmål, der ofte bliver diskuteret i praksis og i forskning. Nemlig, hvordan forandrer nye digitale teknologier den offentlige forvaltning af velfærdsydelser? Men frem for at rette blikket mod selve ”den nye teknologi”, undersøger vi, hvordan samspillet mellem organisationen og den nye teknologi bidrager til at skabe nye arbejdspraksisser. Med inspiration fra Science and Technology Studies analyserer vi, hvordan et nyt databaseret screeningsredskab til socialt arbejde forandrer sig i samspillet med den organisatoriske praksis, det bliver forankret i. Analysen baseres på kvalitativ empiri fra otte kommuners arbejde med at implementere screeningsredskabet til at understøtte familieplejekonsulenters vurderinger af trivsel og læring hos børn, der er anbragt i pleje. Analysen viser, at arbejdet med teknologien udvikler sig på tre markant forskellige måder, der varierer fra en individbåret-, til en stramt systematisk- og over i en tværfaglig arbejdspraksis. På den baggrund argumenterer vi for, at udvikling og implementering af teknologier til at databasere socialt velfærdsarbejde ikke skal anskues som neutrale og universelle løsninger, men derimod som nye arbejdspraksisser, der skal udvikles i tæt samspil med medarbejdere, arbejdsgange og betingelser.
Healthcare Delivery
Authors: Schneider H , Kredo T , Odendaal W A , Abdullah F
Published: February 2023

We report here on the process and findings of a research prioritisation exercise for universal health coverage (UHC) in South Africa, conducted during the course of 2019. As plans to roll out National Health Insurance (NHI) gather momentum and we transition into a pandemic recovery phase, we believe that it is now time to revisit these priorities, while recognising that experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed new system challenges and strengths and introduced new priorities. The UHC research priority-setting methodology followed a stepwise process of collation of evidence, expert brainstorming and the development of a survey completed by 68 members of the Public Health Association of South Africa. Themes related to leadership and governance were ranked most highly, and with other priorities generated, provide an initial road map of knowledge needs that could guide individual institutions and commissioning by funding bodies. We further reflect on the importance of researcher-decision-maker dialogue and strengthening the contribution of health policy and systems research to policy and practice, especially as new reforms are implemented.
The Limit of the Useful
Authors: Bataille Georges
Published: February 2023

The first English-language translation of an essential, early work key to understanding the French philosopher's later thought.

In the decade prior to the publication of Inner Experience (L'expérience intérieure), the twentieth-century French philosopher Georges Bataille produced a nascent masterwork containing some of his most original and extensive reflections on a range of subjects. With thoughts on ritual sacrifice and military conquest, the nature of laughter, and the mechanisms of capitalism, The Limit of the Useful, as Bataille had planned to title the work, illuminates the philosopher's later corpus, yet it remained unfinished and unpublished in his lifetime, and untranslated until now. 

This is the first English-language translation of what Cory Austin Knudson and Tomas Elliott argue is one of Bataille's most structurally consistent works. Paired with draft essays and plans for The Accursed Share, along with over a hundred pages of appendixes and notes, the volume distinctively elaborates Bataille's thought. The Limit of the Useful spans a decade of rich intellectual ferment in Bataille's life as he first formulated his challenge to capitalism, engaging with concepts and ideas in ways not seen in his other published works. The volume bridges the gap between Bataille's surrealist literary writings and later scientific pretensions, drawing attention to, and filling in, an overlooked lacuna in his oeuvre.
Granger causality analysis for calcium transients in neuronal networks, challenges and improvements
Authors: Chen Xiaowen , Ginoux Faustine , Carbo-Tano Martin , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M , Wyart Claire
Published: February 2023

One challenge in neuroscience is to understand how information flows between neurons in vivo to trigger specific behaviors. Granger causality (GC) has been proposed as a simple and effective measure for identifying dynamical interactions. At single-cell resolution however, GC analysis is rarely used compared to directionless correlation analysis. Here, we study the applicability of GC analysis for calcium imaging data in diverse contexts. We first show that despite underlying linearity assumptions, GC analysis successfully retrieves non-linear interactions in a synthetic network simulating intracellular calcium fluctuations of spiking neurons. We highlight the potential pitfalls of applying GC analysis on real in vivo calcium signals, and offer solutions regarding the choice of GC analysis parameters. We took advantage of calcium imaging datasets from motoneurons in embryonic zebrafish to show how the improved GC can retrieve true underlying information flow. Applied to the network of brainstem neurons of larval zebrafish, our pipeline reveals strong driver neurons in the locus of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), driving target neurons matching expectations from anatomical and physiological studies. Altogether, this practical toolbox can be applied on in vivo population calcium signals to increase the selectivity of GC to infer flow of information across neurons.
Multiple polarity kinases inhibit phase separation of F-BAR protein Cdc15 and antagonize cytokinetic ring assembly in fission yeast
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rahul , Hall Aaron R , Mangione MariaSanta C , Igarashi Maya G , Roberts-Galbraith Rachel H , Chen Jun-Song , Vavylonis Dimitrios , Gould Kathleen L
Published: February 2023

The F-BAR protein Cdc15 is essential for cytokinesis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and plays a key role in attaching the cytokinetic ring (CR) to the plasma membrane (PM). Cdc15’s abilities to bind to the membrane and oligomerize via its F-BAR domain are inhibited by phosphorylation of its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Multiple cell polarity kinases regulate Cdc15 IDR phosphostate, and of these the DYRK kinase Pom1 phosphorylation sites on Cdc15 have been shown in vivo to prevent CR formation at cell tips. Here, we compared the ability of Pom1 to control Cdc15 phosphostate and cortical localization to that of other Cdc15 kinases: Kin1, Pck1, and Shk1. We identified distinct but overlapping cohorts of Cdc15 phosphorylation sites targeted by each kinase, and the number of sites correlated with each kinases’ abilities to influence Cdc15 PM localization. Coarse-grained simulations predicted that cumulative IDR phosphorylation moves the IDRs of a dimer apart and toward the F-BAR tips. Further, simulations indicated that the overall negative charge of phosphorylation masks positively charged amino acids necessary for F-BAR oligomerization and membrane interaction. Finally, simulations suggested that dephosphorylated Cdc15 undergoes phase separation driven by IDR interactions. Indeed, dephosphorylated but not phosphorylated Cdc15 undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation to form droplets in vitro that recruit Cdc15 binding partners. In cells, Cdc15 phosphomutants also formed PM-bound condensates that recruit other CR components. Together, we propose that a threshold of Cdc15 phosphorylation by assorted kinases prevents Cdc15 condensation on the PM and antagonizes CR assembly.
Snf1/AMPK fine-tunes TORC1 signaling in response to glucose starvation
Authors: Caligaris Marco , Nicastro Raffaele , Hu Zehan , Tripodi Farida , Hummel Johannes Erwin , Pillet Benjamin , Deprez Marie-Anne , Winderickx Joris , Rospert Sabine , Coccetti Paola , Dengjel Jörn , De Virgilio Claudio
Published: February 2023

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) are central kinase modules of two opposing signaling pathways that control eukaryotic cell growth and metabolism in response to the availability of energy and nutrients. Accordingly, energy depletion activates AMPK to inhibit growth, while nutrients and high energy levels activate TORC1 to promote growth. Both in mammals and lower eukaryotes such as yeast, the AMPK and TORC1 pathways are wired to each other at different levels, which ensures homeostatic control of growth and metabolism. In this context, a previous study (Hughes Hallett et al., 2015) reported that AMPK in yeast, that is Snf1, prevents the transient TORC1 reactivation during the early phase following acute glucose starvation, but the underlying mechanism has remained elusive. Using a combination of unbiased mass spectrometry (MS)-based phosphoproteomics, genetic, biochemical, and physiological experiments, we show here that Snf1 temporally maintains TORC1 inactive in glucose-starved cells primarily through the TORC1-regulatory protein Pib2. Our data, therefore, extend the function of Pib2 to a hub that integrates both glucose and, as reported earlier, glutamine signals to control TORC1. We further demonstrate that Snf1 phosphorylates the TORC1 effector kinase Sch9 within its N-terminal region and thereby antagonizes the phosphorylation of a C-terminal TORC1-target residue within Sch9 itself that is critical for its activity. The consequences of Snf1-mediated phosphorylation of Pib2 and Sch9 are physiologically additive and sufficient to explain the role of Snf1 in short-term inhibition of TORC1 in acutely glucose-starved cells.
Rethinking academia in a time of climate crisis
Authors: Urai Anne E , Kelly Clare
Published: February 2023

Addressing the climate crisis requires radical and urgent action at all levels of society. Universities are ideally positioned to lead such action but are largely failing to do so. At the same time, many academic scientists find their work impeded by bureaucracy, excessive competitiveness, and a loss of academic freedom. Here, drawing on the framework of “Doughnut Economics,” developed by Kate Raworth, we suggest seven new principles for rethinking the norms of scientific practice. Based on these, we propose a call to action, and encourage academics to take concrete steps towards the creation of a flourishing scientific enterprise that is fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
Change the direction: 3D optimal control simulation by directly tracking marker and ground reaction force data
Authors: Nitschke Marlies , Marzilger Robert , Leyendecker Sigrid , Eskofier Bjoern M. , Koelewijn Anne D.
Published: February 2023

Optimal control simulations of musculoskeletal models can be used to reconstruct motions measured with optical motion capture to estimate joint and muscle kinematics and kinetics. These simulations are mutually and dynamically consistent, in contrast to traditional inverse methods. Commonly, optimal control simulations are generated by tracking generalized coordinates in combination with ground reaction forces. The generalized coordinates are estimated from marker positions using, for example, inverse kinematics. Hence, inaccuracies in the estimated coordinates are tracked in the simulation. We developed an approach to reconstruct arbitrary motions, such as change of direction motions, using optimal control simulations of 3D full-body musculoskeletal models by directly tracking marker and ground reaction force data. For evaluation, we recorded three trials each of straight running, curved running, and a v-cut for 10 participants. We reconstructed the recordings with marker tracking simulations, coordinate tracking simulations, and inverse kinematics and dynamics. First, we analyzed the convergence of the simulations and found that the wall time increased three to four times when using marker tracking compared to coordinate tracking. Then, we compared the marker trajectories, ground reaction forces, pelvis translations, joint angles, and joint moments between the three reconstruction methods. Root mean squared deviations between measured and estimated marker positions were smallest for inverse kinematics (e.g., 7.6 ± 5.1 mm for v-cut). However, measurement noise and soft tissue artifacts are likely also tracked in inverse kinematics, meaning that this approach does not reflect a gold standard. Marker tracking simulations resulted in slightly higher root mean squared marker deviations (e.g., 9.5 ± 6.2 mm for v-cut) than inverse kinematics. In contrast, coordinate tracking resulted in deviations that were nearly twice as high (e.g., 16.8 ± 10.5 mm for v-cut). Joint angles from coordinate tracking followed the estimated joint angles from inverse kinematics more closely than marker tracking (e.g., root mean squared deviation of 1.4 ± 1.8 deg vs. 3.5 ± 4.0 deg for v-cut). However, we did not have a gold standard measurement of the joint angles, so it is unknown if this larger deviation means the solution is less accurate. In conclusion, we showed that optimal control simulations of change of direction running motions can be created by tracking marker and ground reaction force data. Marker tracking considerably improved marker accuracy compared to coordinate tracking. Therefore, we recommend reconstructing movements by directly tracking marker data in the optimal control simulation when precise marker tracking is required.
Fatigue Life Prediction for the Skin Structures of Aircraft Sensor Pod Under Acoustic Load with Mean Stress
Authors: Jeon Min-Hyeok , Kim Yeon-Ju , Cho Hyun-Jun , Lee Mi-Yeon , Kim In-Gul , Lee Hansol , Cho Jae Myung , Bae Jong In , Park Ki-Young
Published: February 2023

The skin structure of sensor pod mounted on the exterior of aircraft can be exposed to the acoustic dynamic load and static load such as aerodynamic pressure and inertial load during flight. Fatigue life prediction of structural model under acoustic load should be performed and also differential stiffness of model modified by static load should be considered. The acoustic noise test spectrum of MIL-STD-810G was applied to the structural model and the stress response power spectral density (PSD) was calculated. The frequency response analysis was performed with or without prestress induced by inplane static load, and the response spectrum was compared. Time series data was generated using the calculated PSD, and the time and frequency domain fatigue life were predicted and compared. The variation of stress response spectrum due to static load and predicted fatigue life according to the different structural model considering mean stress were examined and decreasing fatigue life was observed in the model with prestress of compressive static load.
Application of Recurrent Neural-Network based Kalman Filter for Uncertain Target Models
Authors: Kim DongBeom , Jeong Daekyo , Lim Jaehyuk , Min Sawon , Moon Jun
Published: February 2023

For various target tracking applications, it is well known that the Kalman filter is the optimal estimator(in the minimum mean-square sense) to predict and estimate the state(position and/or velocity) of linear dynamical systems driven by Gaussian stochastic noise. In the case of nonlinear systems, Extended Kalman filter(EKF) and/or Unscented Kalman filter(UKF) are widely used, which can be viewed as approximations of the(linear) Kalman filter in the sense of the conditional expectation. However, to implement EKF and UKF, the exact dynamical model information and the statistical information of noise are still required. In this paper, we propose the recurrent neural-network based Kalman filter, where its Kalman gain is obtained via the proposed GRU-LSTM based neural-network framework that does not need the precise model information as well as the noise covariance information. By the proposed neural-network based Kalman filter, the state estimation performance is enhanced in terms of the tracking error, which is verified through various linear and nonlinear tracking problems with incomplete model and statistical covariance information.
Squib Ignition and Status Check Circuits Design for Compact Embedded Systems in Guided Missiles
Authors: Kim Wonsop , Ahn Keehyun , Lee Minseok
Published: February 2023

In the recent defence industries, it is required to develop the small and low cost embedded systems for guided missiles. According to the characteristics of guided missiles, the mission is conducted with multiple phases, which include a squib activation phase. By considering the unexpected squib activation, the squib system should be disabled after the launch of a guided missile. Therefore, the squib system needs to include the functions of the safe ignition and status check. This paper presents the squib ignition and status check circuits design for the compact embedded systems in guided missiles. Validation results show that for the functions of the squib ignition and status check, the presented circuits design performs well. The designed circuits also were implemented with various electronic devices and validated by the ground and flight tests.
A Study on Transport and Dispersion of Chemical Agent According to Lagrangian Puff and Particle Models in NBC_RAMS
Authors: Ku Hyeyun , Seo Jiyun , Nam Hyunwoo
Published: February 2023

This research mainly focuses on the transport and dispersion of chemical agent plume according to the Lagrangian Puff Model and Lagrangian Particle Model of NBC_RAMS(Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reporting And Modeling S/W System). NBC_RAMS was developed with the purposes of estimating the fate of Chemical, Biological, and Radioactive(CBR) agent plumes and evaluating damages in the Republic of Korea. First, it calculates the local weather pattern, i.e. wind speed, wind direction, and temperature, by considering the effects of land uses and topography. The plume behaviors are calculated by adopting the Lagrangian Puff Model(LPFM) or Lagrangian Particle Model(LPTM). In this research, we assumed a virtual chemical agent exposure event in a stable atmospheric condition during the summer season. The plume behaviors were estimated by both LPFM and LPTM on the used area(urbanized and dry area) and the agricultural land. The higher heat flux in the used area led to stronger winds and further downward movement moving of the chemical agent than the farmland. The lateral dispersion of the chemical plume was emphasized in the Lagrangian Puff Model because it adopted Gaussian distribution.
Management of Menopausal Symptoms
Authors: Crandall Carolyn J. , Mehta Jaya M. , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: February 2023

Importance

Menopause, due to loss of ovarian follicular activity without another pathological or physiological cause, typically occurs between the ages of 45 years and 56 years. During the menopausal transition, approximately 50% to 75% of women have hot flashes, night sweats, or both (vasomotor symptoms) and more than 50% have genitourinary symptoms (genitourinary syndrome of menopause [GSM]).

Observations

Vasomotor symptoms typically last more than 7 years and GSM is often chronic. Efficacious treatments for women with bothersome vasomotor symptoms or GSM symptoms include hormonal and nonhormonal options. Systemic estrogen alone or combined with a progestogen reduces the frequency of vasomotor symptoms by approximately 75%. Oral and transdermal estrogen have similar efficacy. Conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) were the only hormonal treatments for which clinical trials were designed to examine cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolism, and breast cancer risk. Compared with placebo, the increased risk of stroke and venous thromboembolism associated with CEE (with or without MPA) and breast cancer (with use of CEE plus MPA) is approximately 1 excess event/1000 person-years. Low-dose CEE plus bazedoxifene is not associated with increased risk of breast cancer (0.25%/year vs 0.23%/year with placebo). Bioidentical estrogens approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (with identical chemical structure to naturally produced estrogens, and often administered transdermally) also are available to treat vasomotor symptoms. For women who are not candidates for hormonal treatments, nonhormonal approaches such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, escitalopram, gabapentin, paroxetine, and venlafaxine are available and are associated with a reduction in frequency of vasomotor symptoms by approximately 40% to 65%. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is associated with subjective improvement in GSM symptom severity by approximately 60% to 80%, with improvement in severity by 40% to 80% for vaginal prasterone, and with improvement in severity by 30% to 50% for oral ospemifene.

Conclusions and Relevance

During the menopausal transition, approximately 50% to 75% of women have vasomotor symptoms and GSM symptoms. Hormonal therapy with estrogen is the first-line therapy for bothersome vasomotor symptoms and GSM symptoms, but nonhormonal medications (such as paroxetine and venlafaxine) also can be effective. Hormone therapy is not indicated for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
High‐Performance Photodetector and Angular‐Dependent Random Lasing from Long‐Chain Organic Diammonium Sandwiched 2D Hybrid Perovskite Non‐Linear Optical Single Crystal
Authors: Ulaganathan Rajesh Kumar , Roy Pradip Kumar , Mhatre Swapnil Milind , Murugesan Raghavan Chinnambedu , Chen Wei‐Liang , Lai Man‐Hong , Subramanian Ambika , Lin Chang‐Yu , Chang Yu‐Ming , Canulescu Stela , Rozhin Alex , Liang Chi‐Te , Sankar Raman
Published: February 2023

3D organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskites are excellent materials for optoelectronic applications due to their exceptional properties, solution processability, and cost‐effectiveness. However, the lack of environmental stability highly restricts them from practical applications. Herein, a stable centimeter‐long 2D hybrid perovskite (N‐MPDA)[PbBr4] single crystal using divalent N1‐methylpropane‐1,3‐diammonium (N‐MPDA) cation as an organic spacer, is reported. The as‐grown single crystal exhibits stable optoelectronic performance, low threshold random lasing, and multi‐photon luminescence/multi‐harmonic generation. A photoconductive device fabricated using (N‐MPDA)[PbBr4] single crystal exhibits an excellent photoresponsivity (≈124 AW−1 at 405 nm) that is ≈4 orders of magnitudes higher than that of monovalent organic spacer‐assisted 2D perovskites, such as (BA)2PbBr4 and (PEA)2PbBr4, and large specific detectivity (≈1012 Jones). As an optical gain media, the (N‐MPDA)[PbBr4] single crystal exhibits a low threshold random lasing (≈6.5 µJ cm−2) with angular dependent narrow linewidth (≈0.1 nm) and high‐quality factor (Q ≈ 2673). Based on these results, the outstanding optoelectronic merits of (N‐MPDA)[PbBr4] single crystal will offer a high‐performance device and act as a dynamic material to construct stable future electronics and optoelectronic‐based applications.
3D Printing of Electron/Ion‐Flux Dual‐Gradient Anodes for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Batteries
Authors: He Hanna , Zeng Li , Luo Dan , He Jun , Li Xiaolong , Guo Zaiping , Zhang Chuhong
Published: February 2023

3D porous Zn‐metal anodes have aroused widespread interest for Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Nevertheless, the notorious “top‐growth” dendrites caused by the intrinsic top‐concentrated ions and randomly distributed electrons may ultimately trigger a cell failure. Herein, an electron/ion‐flux dual‐gradient 3D porous Zn anode is reported for dendrite‐free ZIBs by adopting 3D printing technology. The 3D‐printed Zn anode with layer‐by‐layer bottom‐up attenuating Ag nanoparticles (3DP‐BU@Zn) establishes dual‐gradient electron/ion fluxes, i.e., an internal bottom‐up gradient electron flux created by bottom‐rich conductive Ag nanoparticles, and a gradient ion flux resulting from zincophilic Ag nanoparticles which pump ions toward the bottom. Meanwhile, the 3D‐printing‐enabled hierarchical porous structure and continuously conducting network endow unimpeded electron transfer and ion diffusion among the electrode, dominating a bottom‐preferential Zn deposition behavior. As a result, the 3DP‐BU@Zn symmetrical cell affords highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with an extremely small voltage hysteresis of 17.7 mV and a superior lifespan over 630 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Meanwhile, the 3DP‐BU@Zn//VO2 full cell exhibits remarkable cyclic stability over 500 cycles. This unique dual‐gradient strategy sheds light on the roadmap for the next‐generation safe and durable Zn‐metal batteries.
An overview of recent advances in polymer composites with improved UV‐shielding properties
Authors: Muzata Tanyaradzwa S. , Gebrekrstos Amanuel , Orasugh Jonathan Tersur , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: February 2023

Owing to their competitive price, ease of processability, and rust resistance, polymers are the most extensively used materials in everyday life. However, consistent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to the degradation and discoloration of polymeric materials. Various polymer composites containing inorganic and organic nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed to improve the UV‐shielding properties of neat polymers. However, the most used UV‐shielding inorganic NPs are prone to photocatalytic processes, leading to further polymer chain degradation. To overcome this challenge, organic NPs have been used; however, they easily agglomerate, decreasing the UV‐shielding performance of the polymer composites. Herein, we critically report the fundamentals of the UV‐shielding mechanism and the synthesis methods, surface modification, and characterization of the most important inorganic and organic UV‐shielding NPs. We then summarize the various processing techniques used to disperse NPs in polymer matrices to obtain polymer composites with improved UV‐shielding properties. Finally, we propose a broader understanding of how the NP characteristics, their interaction with polymer matrices, and the various processing methods affect the UV‐shielding performance of the obtained polymer composites. In addition, various applications of inorganic and organic NPs‐containing UV‐shielding polymer composites have been reported.
Optimal regulation performance of discrete time‐delay systems based on quantization and input energy constraints
Authors: Li Qianhao , Yang Qingsheng , Zhan Xisheng , Yan Huaicheng
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study the optimal regulation problem of networked control systems and propose a new performance index for a given discrete time‐delay system. The regulation performance of the controlled plant is investigated by considering the effects of various constraints on the communication channel such as quantization, bandwidth, and packet dropouts using frequency domain methods and two‐degree‐of‐freedom control techniques. The results show that the regulation performance is not only related to the location and direction of the non‐minimum phase zeros and unstable poles of a given system but also related to the internal time delay of the controlled plant. Packet dropouts, quantization, and bandwidth limitations can also negatively affect the optimal performance. In addition, the trade‐off of the input energy constraint can also make the optimal regulation performance suffer. Finally, the reliability of this innovative result is illustrated by some simulation examples.
Halogen‐Rich Lithium Argyrodite Solid‐State Electrolytes: A Review
Authors: Peng Linfeng , Yu Chuang , Cheng Shijie , Xie Jia
Published: February 2023

Exploring solid electrolytes (SEs) with high ionic conductivity, excellent chemical/electrochemical stability, and excellent compatibility with electrodes is important for promoting the development of all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs). Halogen‐rich lithium argyrodite electrolytes have received a lot of attention recently due to their ultrahigh room‐temperature lithium‐ion conductivity and relatively low cost. In this review, the properties of the halogen‐rich argyrodite electrolytes are presented in terms of their crystal structure, ionic conduction mechanism, and compatibilities with oxide cathode and Li‐metal anode. Secondly, the preparation process of SE film and the performances of ASSBs based on this electrolyte are summarized. Finally, the challenges and the next research directions of the electrolytes are proposed. Halogen‐rich lithium argyrodite electrolytes are one of the promising sulfide electrolytes, the collation of this paper can provide us with a better understanding of the current development status of this type of electrolyte and advance their further development.
Mindfulness skills in trainee child and adolescent psychotherapists: Exploring the effects of mindfulness‐based workshops in a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Kalmar Julia , Bressler Charlotte , Gruber Elena , Baumann Ines , Vonderlin Eva , Bents Hinrich , Heidenreich Thomas , Mander Johannes
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Mindfulness may be a helpful tool to enhance psychotherapists' self‐care and intrapersonal skills. To gain deeper knowledge about how to improve mindfulness skills in child and adolescent psychotherapists, we investigated the impact of two mindfulness‐based workshops and a self‐experience interval (individual homework practice of mindfulness exercises) on quantitative and qualitative measures in a nonrandomised study.

Methods

Thirty‐six trainee psychotherapists took part in the 6‐week workshop‐based mindfulness intervention (experimental group, EG). Twenty‐one trainee psychotherapists served as a comparison group (CG). All participants completed the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS‐D), the Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS‐D) and the Empathy Scale for Social Workers (ESSW) at pre, post and 6‐month follow‐up. Benefits of the regular use of mindfulness practice of 10 trainee psychotherapists in the EG were analysed using qualitative content analysis at the 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

The quantitative analyses revealed a significant increase over time on the KIMS‐D subscale “acting with awareness” in both groups and a significant increase over time on the KIMS‐D subscale “accepting without judgment” in the EG in contrast to the CG. The qualitative analyses indicated good acceptance of the mindfulness‐based workshop intervention. Qualitative changes referred to the achievement of knowledge in theory and practice concerning mindfulness and the integration of mindfulness‐based interventions in everyday life.

Conclusion

The mindfulness intervention appeared to produce quantitative long‐term changes concerning mindfulness aspects and qualitative changes. Future research should elaborate conditions (i.e., intervention length, intensity and setting) that may influence the manifestation of quantitative and/or qualitative changes in mindfulness‐based workshop interventions in professionals.
Molecular Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using Single NGS‐Based Assay
Authors: Nallamilli Babi Ramesh Reddy , Guruju Naga , Jump Vanessa , Liu Ruby , Hegde Madhuri
Published: February 2023

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X‐linked inherited neuromuscular disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the dystrophin gene (DMD; locus Xp21.2). The variant spectrum of DMD is unique in that 65% of causative mutations are intragenic deletions, with intragenic duplications and point mutations (along with other sequence variants) accounting for 6% to 10% and 30% to 35%, respectively. The traditional strategy for molecular diagnostic testing for DMD involves initial screening for deletions/duplications using microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization followed by a full‐sequence analysis of DMD for sequence variants. This traditional strategy is expensive and time‐consuming due to the involvement of two separate tests to detect all types of variants in the DMD gene. Recent advancements in next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology and improvements in analysis algorithms related to copy number variant detection ultimately resulted in the development of a single NGS‐based assay to detect all variant types, including deletions/duplications and sequence variants. This article initially discusses the strategic algorithm for establishing a molecular diagnosis of DMD and later provides detailed molecular diagnostic protocols for DMD, including an NGS‐based sequencing assay with sequence and copy number variant analysis. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Next‐generation sequencing of the entire genomic sequence of the DMD gene using IDT xGen Lockdown Probes
Optimization of a capacitive wireless power transfer system with two electric field repeaters
Authors: Minnaert Ben , Monti Giuseppina
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a capacitive wireless power transfer link with two repeaters between the transmitter and receiver is analyzed. The performance of the system is optimized by maximizing the different gains. Two approaches of practical interest are analytically studied and solved. First, the couplings between different resonators is considered fixed and the optimal load and source of the system are determined as function of the network characteristics. Second, the performance is optimized by varying the couplings between resonators for a configuration with a given (nonideal) source and load. The analytical results are verified through circuital simulations. It is demonstrated that, under certain conditions, both approaches allow for the maximization of the different gains, resulting in more optimization options than a single repeater configuration.
Prenatal maternal stress and the severity of autism spectrum disorder: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alamoudi Rana A. , Al‐Jabri Basma A. , Alsulami Malek A. , Sabbagh Heba Jafar
Published: February 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder linked to several genetic and environmental factors including antenatal stress. Hence, we aimed to examine whether a mother's stress during pregnancy is associated with the severity of autism spectrum disorder in children. The study was conducted with 459 mothers of children with autism (aged 2–14 years) who were attending rehabilitation and educational centers in the two major cities of Makkah and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Environmental factors, consanguinity, and ASD family history were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The Prenatal Life Events Scale questionnaire was used to assess whether the mothers were exposed to stress during pregnancy. Two models of ordinal regression analysis were conducted including gender, child age maternal age, parental age, maternal education, parental education, income nicotine exposure, mother taking medication during pregnancy, family history of ASD, gestation, consanguinity, exposure of prenatal life events (in model 1), and severity of prenatal life events (in model 2). Family history of ASD showed a statistically significant association with the severity of ASD in both regression models (p = .015, odds ratio [OR]: 4.261 in Model 1, and p = .014, OR: 4.901 in model 2). In model 2, the moderate severity prenatal life events showed higher statistically significant adjusted odds ratio for ASD severity compared to no stress (p = .031; OR: 3.82). Within the limitations of this study, prenatal stressors showed some potential contribution to ASD severity. Family history of ASD was the only factor that showed a persistent association with ASD severity. A study that assesses the effect of COVID‐19 stress on ASD prevalence and severity is recommended.
Using a modified piggyBac transposon‐combined Cre/loxP system to produce selectable reporter‐free transgenic bovine mammary epithelial cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Hu Guangdong , Song Meijun , Wang Yan , Hao Kexing , Wang Jing , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2023

Transposon systems are widely used for genetic engineering in various model organisms. PiggyBac (PB) has recently been confirmed to have highly efficient transposition in the mouse germ line and mammalian cell lines. In this study, we used a modified PB transposon system mediated by PB transposase (PBase) mRNA carrying the human lactoferrin gene driven by bovine β‐casein promoter to transfect bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs), and the selectable reporter in two stable transgenic BMEC clones was removed using cell‐permeant Cre recombinase. These reporter‐free transgenic BMECs were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and exhibited a competence of SCNT embryos similar to stable transgenic BMECs and nontransgenic BMECs. The comprehensive information from this study provided a modified approach using an altered PB transposon system mediated by PBase mRNA in vitro and combined with the Cre/loxP system to produce transgenic and selectable reporter‐free donor nuclei for SCNT. Consequently, the production of safe bovine mammary bioreactors can be promoted.
Distribution of livestock sectors in Canada: Implications for manureshed management
Authors: Bittman Shabtai , Worth Devon , Hunt Derek , Spiegal Sheri , Kleinman Peter , Nanayakkara Sama , Vendramini Joao , Silveira Maria , Flynn Colton , Reid Keith , Martin Tim , VanderZaag Andrew , Javorek Steven
Published: February 2023

Canada's livestock production and human populations are concentrated in southern regions. Understanding spatial and temporal distributions of animals and excreted nutrients is key to optimizing manure resources and minimizing impact of livestock. Here, we identify manureshed concerns and opportunities by reconciling nitrogen supply and demand on a regional and national scale. Data based on national statistics and farm surveys were allocated to homogeneous soil polygons (Soil Landscapes of Canada [SLC]) to quantify changes in nutrient distribution and ammonia (NH3) emissions across Canada (1981–2018). Livestock sectors tied to domestic consumption, dairy and poultry, were stable over time and well dispersed. Export driven beef production has moved west since 1981, whereas pig production was prominent in Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario. Per ha manure N excretion across livestock sectors in 2018 was generally low with 58% and 6% of the SLCs averaging <25 and >100 kg N ha−1, respectively. Although only 3% of SLCs had average NH3 emissions reaching 16–200 kg ha−1, most of these were located near cities and emissions spiked in spring when more people might be exposed. The greatest concentrations of nutrients and livestock occurred around the three largest metropolitan areas: Toronto, Montreal–Quebec City, and Vancouver, posing challenges for nutrient recycling and public health. This study shows that as Canadian cities and livestock agriculture grow in southern Canada, so will challenges around food production, human health, and managing nutrients. Livestock and land use strategies are needed to reconcile changing animal sectors and growing populations.
Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms as a Potential Marker for Disease Progression
Authors: Zhou Ang , Leach Joseph R. , Zhu Chengcheng , Dong Huiming , Jiang Fei , Lee Yoo Jin , Iannuzzi James , Gasper Warren , Saloner David , Hope Michael D. , Mitsouras Dimitrios
Published: February 2023

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) may rupture before reaching maximum diameter (Dmax) thresholds for repair. Aortic wall microvasculature has been associated with elastin content and rupture sites in specimens, but its relation to progression is unknown.

Purpose

To investigate whether dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI of AAA is associated with Dmax or growth.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 27 male patients with infrarenal AAA (mean age ± standard deviation = 75 ± 5 years) under surveillance with DCE MRI and 2 years of prior follow‐up intervals with computed tomography (CT) or MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3‐T, dynamic three‐dimensional (3D) fast gradient‐echo stack‐of‐stars volumetric interpolated breath‐hold examination (Star‐VIBE).

Assessment

Wall voxels were manually segmented in two consecutive slices at the level of Dmax. We measured slope to 1‐minute and area under the curve (AUC) to 1 minute and 4 minutes of the signal intensity change postcontrast relative to that precontrast arrival, and, Ktrans, a measure of microvascular permeability, using the Patlak model. These were averaged over all wall voxels for association to Dmax and growth rate, and, over left/right and anterior/posterior quadrants for testing circumferential homogeneity. Dmax was measured orthogonal to the aortic centerline and growth rate was calculated by linear fit of Dmax measurements.

Statistical Tests

Pearson correlation and linear mixed effects models. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In 44 DCE MRIs, mean Dmax was 45 ± 7 mm and growth rate in 1.5 ± 0.4 years of prior follow‐up was 1.7 ± 1.2 mm per year. DCE measurements correlated with each other (Pearson r = 0.39–0.99) and significantly differed between anterior/posterior versus left/right quadrants. DCE measurements were not significantly associated with Dmax (P = 0.084, 0.289, 0.054 and 0.255 for slope, AUC at 1 minute and 4 minutes, and Ktrans, respectively). Slope and 4 minutes AUC significantly associated with growth rate after controlling for Dmax.

Conclusion

Contrast uptake may be increased in lateral aspects of the AAA. Contrast enhancement 1‐minute slope and 4‐minutes AUC may be associated with a period of recent AAA growth that is independent of Dmax.

Evidence Level

3.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.