bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A network pharmacology approach to explore active compounds and pharmacological mechanisms of a patented Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of endometriosis
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhu Yuhang , Xie Ningning , Wang Hui , Wang Fangfang , Zhou Jue , Qu Fan
Published: February 2022

Objective

Endometriosis is a common benign disease in women of reproductive age. Qu’s formula (QUF) is a patented Chinese herbal medicine for treating endometriosis that has been proven to be effective in treating and preventing the recurrence of endometriosis. This study is aimed to discover its molecular mechanism and to explore the potential drug targets.

Methods

A QUF target and endometriosis-related gene set was identified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM) databases and five disease-gene databases. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established to discover the potential mechanism. MalaCards was searched for targets and signaling pathways related to endometriosis, and the search results were also used to identify the key factors in QUF. Molecular docking was performed to visualize the interactions between the effective molecules and proteins encoded by critical genes. Cell experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to further validate the therapeutic effects of the active compounds in QUF on endometriosis.

Results

A compound-target network with 117 nodes (94 genes and 23 active compounds) and 224 edges was generated. The results of GO and KEGG analyses indicated that QUF could act by regulating the immune response, apoptosis and proliferation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. VEGFA, CXCL8, CCL2, IL1B and PTGS2 were selected for molecular docking analysis from two critical subnetworks with high correlation scores in MalaCards, and the active compounds of QUF had binding potential and high affinity for them. The mRNA expression levels of CCL2, IL1B and PTGS2 significantly decreased after treatment with quercetin. MD simulations showed that the combinations of quercetin and these proteins were relatively stable.

Conclusion

The network pharmacological strategy integrates molecular docking to unravel the molecular mechanism by which QUF protects against endometriosis. Our findings not only confirm the clinical effectiveness of QUF but also provide a foundation for further experimental study.
TBISTAT: An open-source, wireless portable, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy capable potentiostat for the point-of-care detection of S100B in plasma samples
Authors: Burgos-Flórez Francisco , Rodríguez Alexander , Cervera Eliana , Zucolotto Valtencir , Sanjuán Marco , Villalba Pedro J.
Published: February 2022

Point-of-Care (POC) testing for biomarker detection demands techniques that are easy to use, readily available, low-cost, and with rapid response times. This paper describes the development of a fully open-source, modular, wireless, battery-powered, smartphone-controlled, low-cost potentiostat capable of conducting electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the electrochemical detection of the S100B protein captured in an ANTI-S100B functionalized thin-film gold interdigitated electrode platform to support traumatic brain injury diagnosis and treatment. EIS results from the developed potentiostat were validated with a commercial benchtop potentiostat by comparing impedance magnitude and phase values along the EIS frequency range. In addition, an experimental design was performed for detecting S100B in spiked human plasma samples with S100B concentrations of clinical utility, and a calibration curve was found for quantifying S100B detection. No statistically significant differences were found between EIS results from the developed potentiostat and the commercial potentiostat. Statistically significant differences in the changes in charge transfer resistance signal between each tested S100B concentration (p < 0.05) were found, with a limit of detection of 35.73 pg/mL. The modularity of the proposed potentiostat allows easier component changes according to the application demands in power, frequency excitation ranges, wireless communication protocol, signal amplification and transduction, precision, and sampling frequency of ADC, among others, when compared to state-of-the-art open-source EIS potentiostats. In addition, the use of minimal, easy acquirable open-source hardware and software, high-level filtering, accurate ADC, Fast Fourier Transform with low spectral leakage, wireless communication, and the simple user interface provides a framework for facilitating EIS analysis and developing new affordable instrumentation for POC biosensors integrated systems.
Evidence for the early emergence of piperaquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria and modeling strategies to mitigate resistance
Authors: Small-Saunders Jennifer L. , Hagenah Laura M. , Wicht Kathryn J. , Dhingra Satish K. , Deni Ioanna , Kim Jonathan , Vendome Jeremie , Gil-Iturbe Eva , Roepe Paul D. , Mehta Monica , Mancia Filippo , Quick Matthias , Eppstein Margaret J. , Fidock David A.
Published: February 2022

Multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites have emerged in Cambodia and neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, compromising the efficacy of first-line antimalarial combinations. Dihydroartemisinin + piperaquine (PPQ) treatment failure rates have risen to as high as 50% in some areas in this region. For PPQ, resistance is driven primarily by a series of mutant alleles of the P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT). PPQ resistance was reported in China three decades earlier, but the molecular driver remained unknown. Herein, we identify a PPQ-resistant pfcrt allele (China C) from Yunnan Province, China, whose genotypic lineage is distinct from the PPQ-resistant pfcrt alleles currently observed in Cambodia. Combining gene editing and competitive growth assays, we report that PfCRT China C confers moderate PPQ resistance while re-sensitizing parasites to chloroquine (CQ) and incurring a fitness cost that manifests as a reduced rate of parasite growth. PPQ transport assays using purified PfCRT isoforms, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, highlight differences in drug transport kinetics and in this transporter’s central cavity conformation between China C and the current Southeast Asian PPQ-resistant isoforms. We also report a novel computational model that incorporates empirically determined fitness landscapes at varying drug concentrations, combined with antimalarial susceptibility profiles, mutation rates, and drug pharmacokinetics. Our simulations with PPQ-resistant or -sensitive parasite lines predict that a three-day regimen of PPQ combined with CQ can effectively clear infections and prevent the evolution of PfCRT variants. This work suggests that including CQ in combination therapies could be effective in suppressing the evolution of PfCRT-mediated multidrug resistance in regions where PPQ has lost efficacy.
High-level carbapenem tolerance requires antibiotic-induced outer membrane modifications
Authors: Murtha Andrew N. , Kazi Misha I. , Schargel Richard D. , Cross Trevor , Fihn Conrad , Cattoir Vincent , Carlson Erin E. , Boll Joseph M. , Dörr Tobias
Published: February 2022

Antibiotic tolerance is an understudied potential contributor to antibiotic treatment failure and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The molecular mechanisms governing tolerance remain poorly understood. A prominent type of β-lactam tolerance relies on the formation of cell wall-deficient spheroplasts, which maintain structural integrity via their outer membrane (OM), an asymmetric lipid bilayer consisting of phospholipids on the inner leaflet and a lipid-linked polysaccharide (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) enriched in the outer monolayer on the cell surface. How a membrane structure like LPS, with its reliance on mere electrostatic interactions to maintain stability, is capable of countering internal turgor pressure is unknown. Here, we have uncovered a novel role for the PhoPQ two-component system in tolerance to the β-lactam antibiotic meropenem in Enterobacterales. We found that PhoPQ is induced by meropenem treatment and promotes an increase in 4-amino-4-deoxy-L-aminoarabinose [L-Ara4N] modification of lipid A, the membrane anchor of LPS. L-Ara4N modifications likely enhance structural integrity, and consequently tolerance to meropenem, in several Enterobacterales species. Importantly, mutational inactivation of the negative PhoPQ regulatormgrB(commonly selected for during clinical therapy with the last-resort antibiotic colistin, an antimicrobial peptide [AMP]) results in dramatically enhanced tolerance, suggesting that AMPs can collaterally select for meropenem tolerance via stable overactivation of PhoPQ. Lastly, we identify histidine kinase inhibitors (including an FDA-approved drug) that inhibit PhoPQ-dependent LPS modifications and consequently potentiate meropenem to enhance lysis of tolerant cells. In summary, our results suggest that PhoPQ-mediated LPS modifications play a significant role in stabilizing the OM, promoting survival when the primary integrity maintenance structure, the cell wall, is removed.
SPCS1-Dependent E2-p7 processing determines HCV Assembly efficiency
Authors: Alzahrani Nabeel , Wu Ming-Jhan , Sousa Carla F. , Kalinina Olga V. , Welsch Christoph , Yi MinKyung
Published: February 2022

Recent studies identified signal peptidase complex subunit 1 (SPCS1) as a proviral host factor for Flaviviridae viruses, including HCV. One of the SPCS1’s roles in flavivirus propagation was attributed to its regulation of signal peptidase complex (SPC)-mediated processing of flavivirus polyprotein, especially C-prM junction. However, whether SPCS1 also regulates any SPC-mediated processing sites within HCV polyprotein remains unclear. In this study, we determined that loss of SPCS1 specifically impairs the HCV E2-p7 processing by the SPC. We also determined that efficient separation of E2 and p7, regardless of its dependence on SPC-mediated processing, leads to SPCS1 dispensable for HCV assembly These results suggest that SPCS1 regulates HCV assembly by facilitating the SPC-mediated processing of E2-p7 precursor. Structural modeling suggests that intrinsically delayed processing of the E2-p7 is likely caused by the structural rigidity of p7 N-terminal transmembrane helix-1 (p7/TM1/helix-1), which has mostly maintained membrane-embedded conformations during molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. E2-p7-processing-impairing p7 mutations narrowed the p7/TM1/helix-1 bending angle against the membrane, resulting in closer membrane embedment of the p7/TM1/helix-1 and less access of E2-p7 junction substrate to the catalytic site of the SPC, located well above the membrane in the ER lumen. Based on these results we propose that the key mechanism of action of SPCS1 in HCV assembly is to facilitate the E2-p7 processing by enhancing the E2-p7 junction site presentation to the SPC active site. By providing evidence that SPCS1 facilitates HCV assembly by regulating SPC-mediated cleavage of E2-p7 junction, equivalent to the previously established role of this protein in C-prM junction processing in flavivirus, this study establishes the common role of SPCS1 in Flaviviridae family virus propagation as to exquisitely regulate the SPC-mediated processing of specific, suboptimal target sites.
The type 3 secretion effector IpgD promotes S. flexneri dissemination
Authors: Köseoğlu Volkan K. , Jones Marieke K. , Agaisse Hervé
Published: February 2022

The bacterial pathogen Shigella flexneri causes 270 million cases of bacillary dysentery worldwide every year, resulting in more than 200,000 deaths. S. flexneri pathogenic properties rely on its ability to invade epithelial cells and spread from cell to cell within the colonic epithelium. This dissemination process relies on actin-based motility in the cytosol of infected cells and formation of membrane protrusions that project into adjacent cells and resolve into double-membrane vacuoles (DMVs) from which the pathogen escapes, thereby achieving cell-to-cell spread. S. flexneri dissemination is facilitated by the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) through poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we show that the T3SS effector IpgD facilitates the resolution of membrane protrusions into DMVs during S. flexneri dissemination. The phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphatase activity of IpgD decreases PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels in membrane protrusions, thereby counteracting de novo cortical actin formation in protrusions, a process that restricts the resolution of protrusions into DMVs. Finally, using an infant rabbit model of shigellosis, we show that IpgD is required for efficient cell-to-cell spread in vivo and contributes to the severity of dysentery.
Representaciones sociales sobre el desarrollo del turismo en tierras indígenas Terena
Authors: Bonfim Izac De Oliveira Belino , Corbari Sandra Dalila , Mendes Julio Da Costa , Serqueira Bernadete Dias
Published: February 2022

Las Tierras Indígenas (TI) son porciones territoriales que, luego de pasar por un proceso administrativo de demarcación, garantizan la posesión y usufructo de las tierras, por parte de una o más comunidades indígenas. En estos territorios se pueden realizar distintas actividades económicas, incluido el desarrollo del turismo. Este estudio tiene como objetivo, comprender las representaciones sociales (RS) de la sociedad de Aquidauana (Brasil), involucrada directa o indirectamente con la insipiente actividad turística existente en las TIs del pueblo Terena y su potencial desarrollo.  Para la realización de la investigación se elegieron diferentes procedimientos metodológicos. En la investigación se utilizaron fuentes bibliográficas primarias y secundarias y se estableció contacto con la Terena a través de la observación directa no estructurada, em las TI Limão Verde y Taunay / Ipegue, incluyendo también áreas retomadas. Además, se realizaron entrevistas dialogadas com actores sociales no indígenas del área urbana y rural de Aquidauana. Para el tratamiento de la RS se utilizó la metodología de análisis del Discurso Colectivo del Sujeto (CSD). Se concluye, que los entrevistados han encubierto el racismo y otros prejuicios. Como consecuencia, existe incredulidad en la capacidad de las comunidades Terena para gestionar el turismo en sus tierras.
Universidades e suas áreas verdes:
Authors: Muhle Rita Paradeda , De Moura Carvalho Isabel Cristina
Published: February 2022

O artigo discute as relações de oito universidades do Rio Grande do Sul com a gestão de suas áreas verdes, buscando compreender como as vinculavam aos projetos educacionais e processos de ambientalização institucional. A tipologia destas áreas variou entre Hortos, Jardins Botânicos, Áreas de Preservação Permanente, Reservas Legais, Reservas Particulares do Patrimônio Natural e Refúgio de Vida Silvestre. Foram utilizadas técnicas de observação-participante, entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise documental. Os resultados descrevem instáveis trajetórias dessas áreas e várias formas de esvaziamento do sentido de lugar destes espaços. A permanência dessas áreas parece depender mais de pessoas engajadas na sua preservação do que da garantia institucional. Mesmo que as universidades sejam cobradas por uma gestão ambientalmente responsável e sustentável, a gestão das áreas verdes que lhes pertencem é incerta.
Educação ambiental nas redes educativas do grupo de pesquisa Territórios de Aprendizagens Autopoiéticas
Authors: Gonzalez Soler , Ramos Andreia Teixeira
Published: February 2022

Este texto aborda as andarilhagens do grupo de pesquisa Territórios de aprendizagens autopoiéticas (CNPq). Assim sendo, apresentaremos as produções acadêmicas e as discussões epistemológicas e metodológicas que surgiram com as pesquisas realizadas com as comunidades tradicionais que vivem em áreas de manguezais; docentes e estudantes da educação básica; docentes e graduandos das licenciaturas e mestrandos do Mestrado Profissional em Educação da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Nosso interesse é expor as contribuições do grupo com a pesquisa narrativa, a pesquisa cartográfica em estudos com os cotidianos e a perspectiva ecologista de educação, entrelaçando a educação das relações étnico-raciais com a educação ambiental, tecidas nos cotidianos escolares e em outras redes educativas.
Enhanced aging resistance of poly(ε-caprolactone)/brewers’ spent grain composites
Authors: Hejna Aleksander , Formela Krzysztof , Barczewski Mateusz , Kuang Tairong , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2022

The presented paper investigated the influence of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) extrusionparameters on the photo-oxidative resistance of poly(ε-caprolactone)-based wood polymer composites.Filler samples characterized by the higher melanoidin content were more efficient in hindering of polymerdegradation, inhibiting the decomposition of the polymer amorphous phase. As a result, deteriorationof mechanical performance was limited, which was expressed by the higher values of aging factorfor samples containing BSG extruded at higher temperatures.
Analiza składu kopolimeru na podstawie symulacji małych układów reakcyjnych
Authors: Lechowicz Jaromir
Published: February 2022

Metodą symulacji Monte Carlo zbadano przebieg gradientowej kopolimeryzacji monomerów dwufunkcyjnych. Skład kopolimeru wyznaczono poprzez uśrednienie składu kolejnych segmentów łańcuchów makrocząsteczek. Zmiana wielkości segmentów pozwoliła na oszacowanie profilu gradientu składu małych układów reakcyjnych. Zastosowana procedura nie wymaga dużego układu obliczeniowego.
MENILIK MODAL SIMBOLIK HALIMI ZUHDY SEBAGAI SASTRAWAN ARAB DARI INDONESIA
Authors: Milal Mukhamad Syaiful
Published: February 2022

This research aims to disclose the symbolic capital of Halimi Zuhdy as an Arabic Poet of Indonesian. Halimi's legitimacy cannot be separated from the symbolic, social and cultural capital he possesses. This research scrutinizes the strategy and legitimacy of Halimi as an Arab Poet from Indonesia. To describe this problem, the researcher uses the literary sociology approach of Pierre Bourdieu, especially concerning the arena of literary production and legitimacy in gaining symbolic capital. Halimi has practical social capital as he was educated at an Islamic boarding school. At the same time, institutionally, Halimi is a caregiver for the Darunnun Islamic boarding school. In Halimi's cultural capital, he has written several Arabic literary works and he has achieved a position as Chair of the Arabic Language and Literature study program and a new position of Deputy Dean the Faculty of Humanities UIN Malang. Meanwhile, in terms of symbolic capital, Halimi was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature from Munir Mazid for his achievements. The accumulation of capital built up in the literary arena has made Halimi achieve the position of an Indonesian Arab Poet. The dialectic of knowledge built by Halimi has also accumulated his fame.
Indikatoren und Methoden zur Erfassung und Bewertung von Ökosystemleistungen in metropolitanen Räumen
Authors: Albert Christian , Henke Reinhard , Iwanowski Janette , Kosan Antje , Mehl Dietmar , Romelli Claudia
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a scientifically credible and practically relevant set of indicators and methods to assess and evaluate ecosystem services of relevance for land use and landscape planning. The research questions are (i) to identify suitable ecosystem services, indicators, and methods, and (ii) to assess the proposed indicators regarding the respective data availability and assessment effort. The region of Frankfurt/Rhein-Main (Germany) serves as the case study. The methods include the synthesis of a specifically adapted list of ecosystem services indicators based on relevant prior research and an expert-based and application-oriented evaluation. The proposed list for the region of Frankfurt/Rhein-Main contains 27 ecosystemservices, with one or more associated indicators each. The evaluation reveals that metropolitan regions in Germany usually provide sufficient data to assess almost all ecosystem services. The assessment effort differs, but is generally moderate. The paper concludes with recommendations for practical application in the Frankfurt region and beyond.
Determination of Primary School Teachers' Mathematical Gender Stereotypes and Examination of Their Reflection on Students
Authors: NURLU USTUN Ozge , AKSOY Naciye
Published: February 2022

This study aims to investigate primary school teachers’ mathematical gender stereotypes and to discover whether these stereotypes, if any, are reflected on students. The study was designed as a multiphase mixed methods study. Accordingly, in the quantitative and qualitative stages of the study, different sample groups including both fourth-grade teachers and fourth-grade students in Ankara were studied. Teachers’ Gender Stereotype Scale toward Mathematics, observation form, Students’ Gender Stereotype Questionnaire and Mathematics Achievement Test were sequentially used to collect data. The data were analyzed by Mann Whithey U test and content analysis. Results demonstrate that in comparision to the teacher who has neutral gender related beliefs toward mathematics, the teacher with strong traditional mathematical gender stereotypes favouring their male students. However, results show that students do not internalise their teachers’ mathematical gender stereotypes, and, Hense, there is reflection of teachers’ gender stereotypes on students’ mathematical achievements. By carrying out longitudinal studies, it should be followed at which educational level students begin to acquire such gendered perspectives, which academic fields and professions they choose, and thus the effects of teacher characteristics on students should be revealed more comprehensively.
Peer-feedback as a part of collaborative problem solving
Authors: Hošpesová Alena , Novotná Jarmila , Chan Esther , Clarke David
Published: February 2022

The article presents a study within the international project named The Social Unit of Learning. This study examines the ways in which students interact with each other when solving an open mathematical problem in small groups (four students a group). Attention is focused on peer feedback, especially on its form and how it affects the process of solving the problem. From our analysis, feedback appears often in the group discussion and takes the form of both positive (confirmation; question asking for clarification, request for clarification, eliciting) and negative reactions (rejection, explained or unexplained objection, doubt, question involving doubt). The analysis also identified a communication pattern that generalizes the course of the group discussion and factors influencing the quality of peer feedback related to the content structure of the problem (thematic, conceptual and competence layer).
Application of Fourier Truncation Method to Numerical Differentiation for Bivariate Functions
Authors: Semenova Evgeniya V. , Solodky Sergiy G. , Stasyuk Serhii A.
Published: February 2022

The problem of numerical differentiation for periodic bivariate functions with finite smoothness is studied.
To achieve stable approximations, we investigate some variants of the Fourier truncation method.
Estimates of the accuracy and volume of the used Fourier coefficients are found for the constructed methods.
We perform numerical experiments that confirm correctness of our theoretical conclusions.
Development and validation of customized pedagogical kits for high-school chemistry teaching and learning: the redox reaction example
Authors: Easa Enas , Blonder Ron
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we describe the structure, development, and validation process of customized pedagogical kits (CPKs) for differentiated instruction (DI) in chemistry. The CPKs rely on the DI approach, comprising varied pedagogical activities (e.g., games, inquiry activities, puzzles, simulations, models) designed as treatments, to help chemistry teachers personalize their teaching according to students’ misconceptions. The kits are based on the response to intervention (RTI) model, where the teacher applies an ongoing evaluation to meet the individual student’s needs within an evolutionary flexible process of learning. Each kit includes a diagnostic task, its characterization, pedagogical treatments for diagnosed misconceptions, and an assessment task, to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments implemented in the classroom. The kits are developed along relevant literature criteria for using DI strategies and are based on constant validation and ongoing assessment, as demonstrated in the Redox-reaction CPK development. The validation and impact of the CPK on students’ achievements are supported by 25 chemistry teachers that implemented the full kit in their classrooms. Furthermore, the CPKs developed in the present research have succeeded in resolving many of the difficulties and challenges mentioned in the literature as obstructing the implementation of DI.
Analysis of mismatched heterointerfaces by combined HREM image processing and modelling
Authors: Möbus G. , Levay A. , Inkson B.J. , Hÿtch M.J. , Trampert A. , Wagner T.
Published: February 2022

Lattice mismatched heterointerfaces are classified by a simple five parameter configuration space which allows to quantify the following properties: gradual partial coherence, distribution and localisation of misfit dislocations, anisotropy of strain fields, elastic dissimilarity of the lattices. HREM images are digitally processed into one-dimensional strain and Fourier spectrum profiles along the interface at selected distance from the interface. The interpretation of these profiles as a Fourier expansion of displacement waves is justified through a link to continuum modelling approaches presented earlier. Limitations and microscope conditions for this simple direct image interpretation approach are listed and discussed.
A thermodynamic assessment of the In–Se system
Authors: Li J.-B. , Record M.-C. , Tedenac J.-C.
Published: February 2022

Available experimental thermodynamic and phase diagram data were critically reviewed. A thermodynamic assessment of the binary In-Se system was performed based on the evaluation of literature. The intermediate compounds taken into account are In4Se3, InSe, In6Se7, In9Se11, In5Se7, and polymorphic In2Se3(α, β, γ and δ). All these compounds were treated as stoichiometric phases. The liquid phase was described using the association model with the associate species of ‘In2Se3’. A set of thermodynamic parameters was obtained, and the calculated phase diagram is presented.
On the dislocation mechanisms of dynamic strain ageing in fatigued plain carbon steels
Authors: Mughrabi Haël
Published: February 2022

The fatigue life of plain ferritic carbon steels fatigued in stress-controlled (plastic-strain-controlled) tests exhibits a maximum (minimum) at a temperature of approx. 300 °C as a result of dynamic strain ageing (DSA). In the regime of DSA, an enhanced cyclic hardening related to an increased dislocation density is observed, and the dislocation arrangement changes from a dislocation cell structure (at intermediate stress amplitudes) at room temperature to a dense edge di-/multipolar bundle/wall/vein structure in the temperature range of DSA and back to a dislocation cell/ subgrain structure at higher temperatures. Related effects occur also in α-iron containing some carbon when fatigued at room temperature at a very low strain rate. This behaviour is considered to be typical of body-centred cubic materials.

In the present study, the dislocation mechanisms responsible for this behaviour are discussed in detail, and a dislocation glide model is developed which can explain both the enhanced dislocation density and the change of the dislocation arrangement in the regime of DSA. The model is based on the different mobilities of mobile edge and less mobile screw dislocations in body-centred cubic metals and on the strong tendency towards multiple slip leading to a dislocation cell structure at lower temperatures. In the regime of DSA, it is proposed that the edge dislocations are hindered more strongly in their glide motion by the solute carbon atoms than the screw dislocations so that screws and edges are then more or less equally mobile. Taking into account that screw dislocations of opposite sign annihilate mutually by cross slip, this explains the observed dislocation arrangement of dense edge di-/multipolar bundles/ walls/veins of high dislocation density which, in turn, leads to an enhanced cyclic hardening rate. The dislocation sub-grain structure observed at higher temperatures reflects the increasing tendency for the transformation from dislocation cell to subgrain structures, as the temperature is increased.
Effect of the γ’volume fraction on the creep strength of Ni-base superalloys
Authors: Mukherji Debashis , Rösler Joachim
Published: February 2022

Three single-crystalline Ni-base superalloys with varying content of the γ′ phase are investigated with respect to their microstructure and creep behaviour at 1000 °C. It is shown by convergent beam electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy that the composition of the matrix and precipitates as well as the lattice misfit between both phases are similar for all three model alloys despite a variation of the γ′ content from about 50 to about 65 %. This allows to study the influence of the precipitate volume fraction on high-temperature behaviour in separation from other microstructural parameters. Highest creep strength is found for the alloy with intermediate particle content (about 58 %), which is significantly below the particle volume fraction of contemporary single-crystal superalloys such as CMSX-4.
On the nature of internal interfaces in tempered martensite ferritic steels
Authors: Dronhofer A. , Pešicka J. , Dlouhý A. , Eggeler G.
Published: February 2022

This paper presents results on the evolution of microstructure in 12% Cr tempered martensite ferritic steels during heat treatment and creep. Prior austenite grain size and micro grain size measurements were performed using optical microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, orientations of micro grains are determined using TEM and SEM. Prior austenite grain sizes, micro grain dimensions and orientation relationships between micro grains are interpreted in terms of processes associated with the formation of martensite and ferrite during heat treatment and creep. The elongated micro grains (in the interior of prior austenite grains) can have high- or low-angle boundaries. The hierarchical evolution of internal interfaces is described. Micro grain boundaries most often represent (i) variant boundaries separating individual former martensite variants and (ii) subgrain boundaries (associated with recovery processes during tempering and creep). The present results also show that there is a need to study (i) the evolution of dislocation density during heat treatment and creep and (ii) the precipitation of carbides during tempering and creep in relation to the different types of internal interfaces.
Point defects, precipitates and the strength anomaly in ordered Fe–Al alloys
Authors: Laakmann Jochen , Hartig Christian , Mecking Heinrich
Published: February 2022

The strength of B2-ordered Fe60Al40has been investigated with respect to the influence of vacancies and interstitial impurities. Preconditioned states with different ratios of the concentration of vacancies and interstitial impurities have been established, which then were recovered by subsequent annealing treatments. The evolution of the recovered states with temperature has been monitored by measuring the strength (ultra-microhardness) at room temperature as a function of the annealing temperature. The observed dependencies are discussed on the basis of the resistance of vacancies and impurities to dislocation motion, of vacancy – interstitial interactions and also of the possible formation and dissolution of precipitates (primarily perovskites). The yield stress maximum which, independent of the stoichiometry, appears near 800 K is found to be controlled by vacancy migration in combination with strain ageing by interstitial agglomerates and by the formation of precipitates.
High-strength Cu–Ti-rich bulk metallic glasses and nano-composites
Authors: Calin Mariana , Eckert Jürgen , Schultz Ludwig
Published: February 2022

Cu47Ti34Zr11Ni8, Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni8Fe1 and Cu47Ti33Zr11Ni8Si1 bulk glassy alloys were prepared by injection copper mold casting. Mechanical properties, glass-forming ability, thermal stability and microstructural characteristics of as-cast rods were investigated. Calorimetric studies indicate a beneficial role of small Si or Fe addition on the thermal stability of Cu–Ti – Zr –Ni bulk glassy alloys. Compression tests reveal fracture strengths of 2040 to 2190 MPa, Young’s moduli of 100 to 109 GPa and elastic strains up to 2.4 %. The Si-containing glassy alloy exhibits a plastic elongation of 2.2%. The significant increase in plasticity observed for the Si-containing alloy is due to a special bimodal composite structure consisting of nano-scaled Cu crystals homogeneously dispersed in the bulk metallic glass matrix. The increase of the global plasticity can be explained by the formation of multiple shear bands that make the glassy alloy resistant to crack propagation.
Deformation mechanism and inverse Hall – Petch behavior in nanocrystalline materials
Authors: Wolf D. , Yamakov V. , Phillpot S. R. , Mukherjee A. K.
Published: February 2022

It is widely accepted that for the very smallest grain sizes (typically below 20 – 30 nm), dislocations play no significant role in the deformation of nanocrystalline materials. However, the grain-boundary mechanisms responsible for the reported decrease in strength with decreasing grain size in this regime (the ‘inverse Hall–Petch effect’) remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate by molecular-dynamics simulation that, in the absence of both grain growth and any dislocations, nanocrystalline fcc metals deform via a mechanism involving an intricate interplay between grain-boundary sliding and grain-boundary diffusion. By quantitatively reproducing the well-known Coble-creep formula for coarse-grained materials, we show that the ‘inverse Hall–Petch effect’ arises from sliding-accommodated grain-boundary diffusion creep. Previous, apparently contradictory, suggestions that GB sliding, on the one hand, or GB-diffusion creep, on the other, are responsible for this behavior can thus be reconciled as originating from one and the same deformation mechanism. We discuss the reasons why we believe that these simulations also capture the room-temperature deformation behavior of nanocrystalline fcc metals in the absence of dislocation nucleation and microcracking.
Unconventional deformation mechanism in nanocrystalline metals?
Authors: Swygenhoven H. van , Derlet P. M. , Budrovic Z. , Hasnaoui A.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, suggestions from molecular dynamics on the plastic deformation mechanism of nanocrystalline (nc) fcc metals are discussed. Investigation of the local average stress in the grain boundaries during deformation highlights the role of the non-equilibrium grain boundary structure in both inter- and intra-deformation processes. The relevance of the mechanism suggested by computer simulations is discussed in terms of the inherent restrictions of the technique and experimental observations.
On the line defects associated with grain boundary junctions
Authors: Gertsman Valéry Y.
Published: February 2022

Triple junctions of grain boundaries, being line defects themselves, can contain other line defects – dislocations and disclinations. Geometrical properties of such line defects are considered in this paper. While some extrinsic defects can be brought into or generated in the junction, others are intrinsic to the triple junction, satisfying requirements of equilibrated structure.
Young’s modulus in nanostructured metals
Authors: Zhou Y. , Erb U. , Aust K. T. , Palumbo G.
Published: February 2022

The interface effect on Young’s modulus was investigated in electro-deposited fully-dense Ni –P alloys with a relatively constant phosphorus content (2– 3 wt%), but with different grain sizes ranging from 4 to 29 nm. Essentially the same Young’s modulus was observed for grain sizes ≥ 18 nm. A noticeable decrease in Young’s modulus was found at grain sizes ≤ 17 nm. The reduction in Young’s modulus was found to correlate well with the increase in all interface contributions. These observations agree with various studies on other fully-dense metals for grain sizes between 5 and 80 nm. Previously reported large decreases in the Young’s modulus were likely caused by the significant amount of porosity in the microstructure.
Non-standard questions in English, German, and Japanese
Authors: Endo Yoshio
Published: February 2022

This paper discusses the nature of non-standard questions in English, German, and Japanese. I will first introduce some basic properties of non-standard questions and then show that non-standard questions can be classified into the speaker-oriented type and the addressee-oriented type. It is suggested that the addressee-oriented non-standard questions can be further classified into the counter-expectation type and the aggressive question type.
Interpreting high negation in Negative Interrogatives: the role of the Other
Authors: Larrivée Pierre , Mari Alda
Published: February 2022

This paper presents an account of the peculiar properties of Negative Interrogatives (NI). In utteringDon’t you speak Italian?, the speakers is biased towards the underlying positive proposition, expects a positive answer, and seeks a confirmation of that expectation from the hearer. What’s more, NI involves uncertainty with respect top, a novel observation that we bring to the fore by comparison with epistemic modals. Using a framework by which speech-acts are derived by the two operators Speaker and Other representing sources of information, the high negative is assigned to the Other projection, the positive proposition being left under the responsibility of the Speaker. Thus, the NI is motivated by evidence contradicting the speaker’s belief, which is expressed by the negation that is attributed to another source and that therefore has full referential force. Because the questions is addressed by the Speaker in spite of evidence that¬p${\neg}p$, NI displays uncertainty as topand gives rise to a confirmation request. With direct mapping from syntax to semantics and pragmatics, the parsimonious account thus explains the morphosyntactic and interpretative properties of Negative Interrogatives.
The prosody of French rhetorical questions
Authors: Beyssade Claire , Delais-Roussarie Elisabeth
Published: February 2022

Besides information-seeking questions, there are all kinds of non-standard questions, whose function is not to request information from the addressee, but rather to convey information about the speaker’s epistemic or emotional state. These include rhetorical questions, surprise questions, incredulity questions, etc. This paper focuses on rhetorical questions (RQs), a sub-type of non-canonical questions, and presents the first production experiment which has investigated them in French to date. We compared string-identical rhetorical and information seeking questions (ISQs) in French. Experimental design and preliminary results are presented and discussed. In the final part of the paper, we discuss possible correlations between these findings and the semantic and pragmatic properties that distinguish RQs from ISQs.
The exact solutions of the stochastic fractional-space Allen–Cahn equation
Authors: Albosaily Sahar , Mohammed Wael W. , Hamza Amjad E. , El-Morshedy Mahmoud , Ahmad Hijaz
Published: February 2022

The fundamental objective of this article is to find exact solutions to the stochastic fractional-space Allen–Cahn equation, which is derived in the Itô sense by multiplicative noise. The exact solutions to this equation are required since it appears in many discipline areas including plasma physics, quantum mechanics and mathematical biology. The tanh–coth method is used to generate new hyperbolic and trigonometric stochastic and fractional solutions. The originality of this study is that the results produced here expand and improve on previously obtained results. Furthermore, we use Matlab package to display 3D surfaces of analytical solutions derived in this study to demonstrate the effect of stochastic term on the solutions of the stochastic-fractional-space Allen–Cahn equation.
Measured distribution of cloud chamber tracks from radioactive decay: A new empirical approach to investigating the quantum measurement problem
Authors: Schonfeld Jonathan F.
Published: February 2022

Using publicly available video of a diffusion cloud chamber with a very small radioactive source, I measure the spatial distribution of where tracks start and consider possible implications. This is directly relevant to the quantum measurement problem and its possible resolution, and it appears never to have been done before. The raw data are relatively uncontrolled, leading to caveats that should guide future, more tailored experiments. Aspects of the results may suggest a modification to Born’s rule at very small wave function, with possibly profound implications for the detection of extremely rare events such as proton decay, but other explanations are not ruled out. Speculatively, I introduce two candidate small-wavefunction Born rule modifications: a hard cutoff and an offset model with a stronger underlying physical rationale. Track distributions from decays in cloud chambers represent a previously unappreciated way to probe the foundations of quantum mechanics and a novel case of wave functions with macroscopic signatures.
Effects of face masks on the appearance of emotional expressions and invariant characteristics
Authors: Lau Wee Kiat , Huckauf Anke
Published: February 2022

Faces convey a lot of information about a person. However, the usage of face masks occludes important parts of the face. There is already information that face masks alter the processing of variable characteristics such as emotional expressions and the identity of a person. To investigate whether masks influenced the processing of facial information, we compared ratings of full faces and those covered by face masks. 196 participants completed one of two parallel versions of the experiment. The data demonstrated varying effects of face masks on various characteristics. First, we showed that the perceived intensity of emotional expressions was reduced when the face was covered by face masks. This can be regarded as conceptual replication and extension of the impairing effects of face masks on the recognition of emotional expressions. Next, by analyzing valence and arousal ratings, the data illustrated that emotional expressions were regressed toward neutrality for masked faces relative to no-masked faces. This effect was grossly pronounced for happy facial expressions, less for neutral expressions, and absent for sad expressions. The sex of masked faces was also less accurately identified. Finally, masked faces looked older and less attractive. Post hoc correlational analyses revealed correlation coefficient differences between no-masked and masked faces. The differences occurred in some characteristic pairs (e.g., Age and Attractiveness, Age and Trustworthiness) but not in others. This suggested that the ratings for some characteristics could be influenced by the presence of face masks. Similarly, the ratings of some characteristics could also be influenced by other characteristics, irrespective of face masks. We speculate that the amount of information available on a face could drive our perception of others during social communication. Future directions for research were discussed.
Neuromodulation of somatosensory pain thresholds of the neck musculature using a novel transcranial direct current stimulation montage: a randomized double-blind, sham controlled study
Authors: Kold Sebastian , Kragh Anna J. , Graven-Nielsen Christoffer S. , Elnegaard Frederikke S. , Lund Fredrik , Vittrup Ida V. , Cliff Katja L. , Sivarooban Rathiba , Petrini Laura
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of primary motor cortex (M1) and cathodal of the primary sensory cortex (S1) have previously shown to modulate the sensory thresholds when administered with the reference electrode located over the contralateral supraorbital area (SO). Combining the two stimulation paradigms into one with simultaneous stimulation of the two brain areas (M1 + S1 − tDCS) may result in a synergistic effect inducing a prominent neuromodulation, noticeable in the pain thresholds. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the novel M1 + S1 − tDCS montage compared to sham-stimulation in modulating the pain thresholds in healthy adults.

Methods

Thirty-nine (20 males) subjects were randomly assigned to either receiving 20 min. active M1 + S1 − tDCS or sham tDCS in a double-blinded single session study. Thermal and mechanical pain thresholds were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

There were no significant differences in the pain thresholds within either group, or between the M1 + S1 − tDCS group and the Sham-tDCS group (p>0.05), indicating that the intervention was ineffective in inducing a neuromodulation of the somatosensory system.

Conclusions

Experimental investigations of novel tDCS electrode montages, that are scientifically based on existing studies or computational modelling, are essential to establish better tDCS protocols. Here simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex and primary sensory cortex showed no effect on the pain thresholds of the neck musculature in healthy subjects. This tDCS montage may have been ineffective due to how the electrical field reaches the targeted neurons, or may have been limited by the design of a single tDCS administration. The study adds to the existing literature of the studies investigating effects of new tDCS montages with the aim of establishing novel non-invasive brain stimulation interventions for chronic neck pain rehabilitation.

North Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics (VN-20180085)

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04658485).
Overtourism aus Sicht der einheimischen Bevölkerung: Theoretische Fundierung und empirische Erkenntnisse einer Fallstudie aus dem Allgäu
Authors: Bauer Alfred , Gardini Marco A. , Skock André
Published: February 2022

Im Kontext der Overtourism-Diskussion und im Zuge der fortwährenden COVID-19-Pandemie gewinnt die Perspektive der lokalen Bevölkerung im tourismuswissenschaftlichen Forschungsdiskurs immer mehr an Bedeutung. Dementsprechend sind es vorrangig die Einheimischen, die sich mit zunehmenden touristischen Überfüllungseffekten in ihren Heimatorten konfrontiert sehen. Dabei führt die unmittelbare Interaktion zwischen diesen beiden Interessengruppen vor allem in stark frequentierten Destinationen und beliebten Hotspots vielfach zu Konfliktpotenzialen unterschiedlichsten Ausmaßes. Dieser Beitrag soll die Perspektive der Einheimischen in der gegenwärtigen Overtourism-Forschung aufarbeiten und dabei vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Pandemiesituation, Bezug auf die diesbezüglichen Problemstellungen nehmen. Die vorliegende Fallstudie aus dem Allgäu ergänzt empirisch die themenzentrierte Betrachtung, die über die Wahrnehmung von Crowding-Effekten und Overtourism sowie die Einstellung gegenüber lokalen Besucherlenkungsmaßnahmen aus Sicht der Allgäuer Bevölkerung Auskunft geben soll.