bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-IR reconfigurable 1D Ag grating Fabry–Perot absorber hybridized with phase-change material GSST
Authors: Zamani Naser , Hatef Ali , Nadgaran Hamid
Published: August 2021

Chalcogenide phase-change materials (PCMs) offer a unique feature that can be used to dynamically control the response of the photonic devices and achieve fast, nonvolatile, reversible, multilevel, and specific optical modulation. The phase-change material

G
e

2

S
b

2

S
e

4

T
e

1

(GSST) has recently received a lot of attention due to the large index contrast between its amorphous and crystalline states with significantly low optical loss in the optical to near-IR spectrum. In this paper, we propose a tunable and reconfigurable hybrid PCM plasmonic nanostructure composed of a spacer layer of GSST sandwiched between a Ag back reflector and a 1D Ag Fabry–Perot grating structure. We use the finite element method (FEM) to numerically calculate the light absorption, absorption contrast, and figure of merit of the plasmonic nanostructure for both the amorphous and crystalline state of the GSST. Our calculations show that with constant structural variation the observed multimode absorption is drastically modified when the GSST undergoes a phase change from the amorphous to the crystalline state. The absorption contrast spectrum, which is defined as the absorption difference between the amorphous and crystalline state of GSST, shows four extrema modes between 70% and 89%. The figure of merit spectrum shows two large values of 44.39 and 37.78 at the 1502 nm and 2063 nm wavelengths, respectively. We also address the observed modes in the absorption contrast spectrum through spatial representation of the enhanced electric field distribution at their corresponding wavelengths. We show how the phase change in the GSST spacer can control the coupling between the optical cavity modes and the Ag surface plasmon resonance modes in the cavities and GSST spacer strip boundaries. The findings in this paper may open new avenues toward the design of next-generation photonic systems such as thermal emission controllers, sensors, ranging holograms, modulators and optical detection devices.
Enhanced chiral sensing using achiral metasurfaces with gain
Authors: Droulias Sotiris
Published: August 2021

The inherent weak nature of chiroptical signals provided by typical polarimetric measurements of natural optically active media has led to the development of different techniques to achieve enhanced chiral sensing. Intuitively, the introduction of gain could provide the desired enhancement; however, this requires gain media that can couple directly to the chiral medium. Here, it is shown that nanophotonic systems that generate collinear electric and magnetic dipole moments can mediate the coupling between the gain and chiral medium, leading to signals stronger than those achieved by the chiral medium alone or when combined with the same nanophotonic system without gain. Depending on how strongly gain couples with the nanophotonic system, both background amplification and loss compensation are possible. In this context, it also is shown that the enhancement occurs within the regime of loss compensation, because background amplification may also result in amplified transmitted fields, but does not guarantee the enhancement of chiroptical signals.
Ultrafast all-optical metamaterial terahertz switch by exploiting nanoparticle-enriched substrate nonlinearity and graphene resonators
Authors: Karampour Nasrollah , Nozhat Najmeh
Published: August 2021

The emergence of graphene as a new material with several extraordinary optical properties paves a way to introduce new electromagnetic devices in the terahertz (THz) band. In this paper, we have exploited the unique qualities of graphene in combination with the optical Kerr effect in order to propose a new THz switch. In the proposed structure, two graphene layers with circular and notch ring patterns are stacked to obtain two narrowband absorption peaks at the frequencies of 3.65 and 6.5 THz with high absorption values of 92% and 97%, respectively. The imposed pump power in interaction with the nanocomposite substrate provides a controlling mechanism that makes this structure an ideal candidate for all-optical devices in the THz regime. The obtained switching time of the proposed structure is 2 ps, and the maximum extinction ratio of 83% is achieved for the pump power of 273 mW. Moreover, the absorption spectrum of the switch can be manipulated by the chemical potential of graphene layers, which is useful for electro-optical modulation application. The application of the THz switch as an all-optical tunable filter is also studied in this paper.
Developing an optimized metasurface for light trapping in thin-film solar cells using a deep neural network and a genetic algorithm
Authors: Shameli Mohammad Ali , Fallah Amirhossein , Yousefi Leila
Published: August 2021

In this paper, using a deep neural network and a genetic algorithm, an optimized digital metasurface is designed to trap sunlight in thin-film solar cells. The deep neural network is trained using full-wave numerical simulation results as the training dataset, and it is designed to predict the electromagnetic response of thin-film solar cells whose active layers are shaped as a digital metasurface. The developed neural network can predict the results much faster than full-wave solvers and therefore can be used for optimization purposes. Using the results generated by the trained neural network, an evolutionary procedure based on the genetic algorithm is developed to find the optimum structure for the digital metasurface, which provides the highest short circuit current inside the thin-film solar cell. The performance of the resultant optimum design is validated using full-wave numerical simulation illustrating a short circuit current of

15.39

m
A

/

c
m

2

and

13.30

m
A

/

c
m

2

for TE and TM polarization of the incident light, respectively. The resultant short circuit current is 2.47 and 2.13 times higher than a simple thin-film solar cell with the same amount of silicon inside, for TE and TM polarization of the incident light, respectively. To have a more comprehensive comparison, the designed optimum structure is compared with several standard shapes for the metasurface, such as star and plus sign. This comparison showed that the optimum structure provides a short circuit current which is much higher than the current achieved by standard shapes.
Broadening, nonlinear filtering, and compression of microjoule energy laser pulses at 1  µm wavelength
Authors: Nkeck Joel Edouard , Guiramand Léo , Ropagnol Xavier , Blanchard François
Published: August 2021

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate the generation of 30 nm of spectral broadening in a bulk cadmium sulfide (CdS) semiconductor generated by a 280 fs long pulse at 1.024 µm wavelength and with a microjoule energy level. Using second-harmonic generation in barium borate, the complex ring pattern induced by self-focusing due to the strong nonlinear interaction of the laser pulse in the pair of CdS crystals is filtered out using second-harmonic nonlinear crystal to recover a Gaussian shape spatial profile. We also present the temporal compression of the resulting 512 nm laser pulse up to 45 fs by using a pair of standard transmissive gratings, leading to a pulse compression factor of 6.13. This technique is compact, inexpensive, and robust and produces ultrafast optical pulses from an input laser pulse whose duration and energy range are generally incompatible with a straightforward compression method in nonlinear optical fibers.
Wideband reconfigurable signal generation based on recirculating frequency-shifting using an optoelectronic loop
Authors: Yin Ziqiang , Zhang Xiangpeng , Liu Chenyu , Zeng Henan , Li Wangzhe
Published: August 2021

A novel photonic-assisted reconfigurable wideband signal generator for linearly frequency-modulated (LFM) signals generation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A frequency-shifting recirculating optoelectronic (FSRO) loop is employed to shift and stitch a seed signal repeatedly in the time and the frequency domains through feedback modulation. After experiencing multiple recirculation, a time duration and bandwidth extended LFM signal with a quadratically varying phase of no phase discontinuity is generated. By simply changing loop parameters, the time duration, the bandwidth and the central frequency of the generated LFM signals are adjustable. Although the phase noise will deteriorate during the recirculation, the generated LFM signals with an increased time bandwidth product (TBWP) are still suitable for practical radar applications. A proof-of-concept experiment is carried out. The generation of LFM signals in C and X bands with a TBWP increased by a maximum factor of 196 are achieved. Microwave imaging of rotational targets based on the generated LFM signal is also demonstrated.
Die Entwicklung bayerischer Hochschulrechenzentren – Handlungsempfehlungen aus einer Fallstudie für ein professionelles IT-Servicemanagement
Authors: Jonas Claudius , Lautenschlager Jonathan , Eymann Torsten
Published: August 2021

Im digitalen Informationszeitalter stellen Hochschulrechenzentren (HRZ) einen zentralen Bestandteil zur Erfüllung operativer Aufgaben in Forschung, Lehre und Verwaltung von Hochschulen dar. Dabei stehen HRZ vor unterschiedlichen Herausforderungen, die durch diverse Nutzeranforderungen sowie Anforderungen bezüglich IT-Sicherheit und Regulatorik hervorgerufen werden. Um diese Herausforderungen zu bewältigen, ist es essenziell, bisher dezentral und heterogen geprägte IT-Services stetig zu professionalisieren. Dadurch entsteht die Notwendigkeit, sich für einen nachhaltigen Betrieb der HRZ stärker an etablierten Servicestandards und Anforderungen von hochschulinternen sowie hochschulexternen Nutzergruppen zu orientieren. Ein professionelles IT-Servicemanagement (ITSM) wird damit zur Grundlage für HRZ. Im Rahmen eines durch das bayerische Wissenschaftsministerium geförderten Projektes wird durch eine vergleichende Fallstudie zum einen der Status des ITSM der bayerischen HRZ systematisch erfasst, zum anderen darauf aufbauend eine Weiterentwicklung unterstützt. Dazu wurden Interviews und Selbstevaluierungen von neun unterschiedlichen Hochschulen durchgeführt und die Ergebnisse anschließend evaluiert. In diesem Beitrag werden die zentralen Erkenntnisse vorgestellt und Handlungsempfehlungen daraus abgeleitet.
Die Entwicklungsbeschleunigung von Robotic Process Automation Lösungen – Fallstudie einer deutschen Gesundheitsbehörde
Authors: Vollenberg Carolin , Koch Julian , Trampler Michael , Bade Friederike-Maria , Coners André , Plattfaut Ralf
Published: August 2021

Krisen erfordern flexibles Handeln und schnelle Anpassungen sowohl von Menschen als auch von öffentlichen Institutionen. Die öffentliche Hand und insbesondere die deutschen Gesundheitsbehörden sind während der Covid-19-Pandemie, beginnend im März 2020, massiv herausgefordert. Die Bewältigung des teilweise exponentiell wachsenden Prozessvolumens durch kurzfristige Infektionsereignisse muss in kürzester Zeit fachgerecht erfolgen und unterliegt einer permanenten Reaktion und Anpassung an sich ändernde Rahmenbedingungen. Bestehende Strukturen und ineffiziente Prozesse erschweren diese notwendige Skalierung der Bearbeitung zunehmend. In diesem Beitrag werden mittels Aktionsforschung Ansätze für eine beschleunigte und flexible Entwicklung von Robotic Process Automation (RPA)-Lösungen zur Automatisierung bestehender Verwaltungsprozesse innerhalb einer betroffenen Gesundheitsbehörde in Deutschland untersucht. Als Ergebnis wurden Ansätze für eine schnellere und weniger komplexe Entwicklung von RPA-Lösungen in einer sehr schnell skalierenden und gleichzeitig stark heterogenen IT-Systemlandschaft erarbeitet und bewertet.
Circadian rhythm shows potential for mRNA efficiency and self-organized division of labor in multinucleate cells
Authors: Zinn-Brooks Leif , Roper Marcus L.
Published: August 2021

Multinucleate cells occur in every biosphere and across the kingdoms of life, including in the human body as muscle cells and bone-forming cells. Data from filamentous fungi suggest that, even when bathed in a common cytoplasm, nuclei are capable of autonomous behaviors, including division. How does this potential for autonomy affect the organization of cellular processes between nuclei? Here we analyze a simplified model of circadian rhythm, a form of cellular oscillator, in a mathematical model of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. Our results highlight a potential role played by mRNA-protein phase separation to keep mRNAs close to the nuclei from which they originate, while allowing proteins to diffuse freely between nuclei. Our modeling shows that syncytism allows for extreme mRNA efficiency—we demonstrate assembly of a robust oscillator with a transcription rate a thousand-fold less than in comparable uninucleate cells. We also show self-organized division of the labor of mRNA production, with one nucleus in a two-nucleus syncytium producing at least twice as many mRNAs as the other in 30% of cycles. This division can occur spontaneously, but division of labor can also be controlled by regulating the amount of cytoplasmic volume available to each nucleus. Taken together, our results show the intriguing richness and potential for emergent organization among nuclei in multinucleate cells. They also highlight the role of previously studied mechanisms of cellular organization, including nuclear space control and localization of mRNAs through RNA-protein phase separation, in regulating nuclear coordination.
High-throughput Interpretation of Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor Short-read Sequencing Data with PING
Authors: Marin Wesley M. , Dandekar Ravi , Augusto Danillo G. , Yusufali Tasneem , Heyn Bianca , Hofmann Jan , Lange Vinzenz , Sauter Jürgen , Norman Paul J. , Hollenbach Jill A.
Published: August 2021

Thekiller-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor(KIR)complex on chromosome 19 encodes receptors that modulate the activity of natural killer cells, and variation in these genes has been linked to infectious and autoimmune disease, as well as having bearing on pregnancy and transplant outcomes. The medical relevance and high variability ofKIRgenes makes short-read sequencing an attractive technology for interrogating the region, providing a high-throughput, high-fidelity sequencing method that is cost-effective. However, because this gene complex is characterized by extensive nucleotide polymorphism, structural variation including gene fusions and deletions, and a high level of homology between genes, its interrogation at high resolution has been thwarted by bioinformatic challenges, with most studies limited to examining presence or absence of specific genes. Here, we present the PING (Pushing Immunogenetics to the Next Generation) pipeline, which incorporates empirical data, novel alignment strategies and a custom alignment processing workflow to enable high-throughputKIRsequence analysis from short-read data. PING providesKIRgene copy number classification functionality for allKIRgenes through use of a comprehensive alignment reference. The gene copy number determined per individual enables an innovative genotype determination workflow using genotype-matched references. Together, these methods address the challenges imposed by the structural complexity and overall homology of theKIRcomplex. To determine copy number and genotype determination accuracy, we applied PING to European and African validation cohorts and a synthetic dataset. PING demonstrated exceptional copy number determination performance across all datasets and robust genotype determination performance. Finally, an investigation into discordant genotypes for the synthetic dataset provides insight into misaligned reads, advancing our understanding in interpretation of short-read sequencing data in complex genomic regions. PING promises to support a new era of studies of KIR polymorphism, delivering high-resolutionKIRgenotypes that are highly accurate, enabling high-quality, high-throughputKIRgenotyping for disease and population studies.
Mathematical framework for place coding in the auditory system
Authors: Reyes Alex D.
Published: August 2021

In the auditory system, tonotopy is postulated to be the substrate for a place code, where sound frequency is encoded by the location of the neurons that fire during the stimulus. Though conceptually simple, the computations that allow for the representation of intensity and complex sounds are poorly understood. Here, a mathematical framework is developed in order to define clearly the conditions that support a place code. To accommodate both frequency and intensity information, the neural network is described as a space with elements that represent individual neurons and clusters of neurons. A mapping is then constructed from acoustic space to neural space so that frequency and intensity are encoded, respectively, by the location and size of the clusters. Algebraic operations -addition and multiplication- are derived to elucidate the rules for representing, assembling, and modulating multi-frequency sound in networks. The resulting outcomes of these operations are consistent with network simulations as well as with electrophysiological and psychophysical data. The analyses show how both frequency and intensity can be encoded with a purely place code, without the need for rate or temporal coding schemes. The algebraic operations are used to describe loudness summation and suggest a mechanism for the critical band. The mathematical approach complements experimental and computational approaches and provides a foundation for interpreting data and constructing models.
A conserved role of the duplicated Masculinizer gene in sex determination of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella
Authors: Visser Sander , Voleníková Anna , Nguyen Petr , Verhulst Eveline C. , Marec František
Published: August 2021

Sex determination in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is based on Feminizer (Fem), a W-linked Fem piRNA that triggers female development in WZ individuals, and the Z-linked Masculinizer (Masc), which initiates male development and dosage compensation in ZZ individuals. While Fem piRNA is missing in a close relative of B. mori, Masc determines sex in several representatives of distant lepidopteran lineages. We studied the molecular mechanisms of sex determination in the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Pyralidae). We identified an E. kuehniella Masc ortholog, EkMasc, and its paralog resulting from a recent duplication, EkMascB. Both genes are located on the Z chromosome and encode a similar Masc protein that contains two conserved domains but has lost the conserved double zinc finger domain. We developed PCR-based genetic sexing and demonstrated a peak in the expression of EkMasc and EkMascB genes only in early male embryos. Simultaneous knock-down experiments of both EkMasc and EkMascB using RNAi during early embryogenesis led to a shift from male- to female-specific splicing of the E. kuehniella doublesex gene (Ekdsx), their downstream effector, in ZZ embryos and resulted in a strong female-biased sex-ratio. Our results thus confirmed the conserved role of EkMasc and/or EkMascB in masculinization. We suggest that the C-terminal proline-rich domain, we have identified in all functionally confirmed Masc proteins, in conjunction with the masculinizing domain, is important for transcriptional regulation of sex determination in Lepidoptera. The function of the Masc double zinc finger domain is still unknown, but appears to have been lost in E. kuehniella.
Human reliability analysis of high-temperature molten metal operation based on fuzzy CREAM and Bayesian network
Authors: Wu Yaju , Xu Kaili , Wang Ruojun , Xu Xiaohu
Published: August 2021

Human errors are considered to be the main causation factors of high-temperature molten metal accidents in metallurgical enterprises. The complex working environment of high- temperature molten metal in metallurgical enterprises has an important influence on the reliability of human behavior. A review of current human reliability techniques confirms that there is a lack of quantitative analysis of human errors in high-temperature molten metal operating environments. In this paper, a model was proposed to support the human reliability analysis of high-temperature molten metal operation in the metallurgy industry based on cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM), fuzzy logic theory, and Bayesian network (BN). The comprehensive rules of common performance conditions in conventional CREAM approach were provided to evaluate various conditions for high-temperature molten metal operation in the metallurgy industry. This study adopted fuzzy CREAM to consider the uncertainties and used the BN to determine the control mode and calculate human error probability (HEP). The HEP for workers involved in high-temperature melting in steelmaking production process was calculated in a case with 13 operators being engaged in different high-temperature molten metal operations. The human error probability of two operators with different control modes was compared with the calculation result of basic CREAM, and the result showed that the method proposed in this paper is validated. This paper quantified point values of human error probability in high-temperature molten metal operation for the first time, which can be used as input in the risk evaluation of metallurgical industry.
Short- and long-term mortality prediction after an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Asians: A machine learning approach
Authors: Aziz Firdaus , Malek Sorayya , Ibrahim Khairul Shafiq , Raja Shariff Raja Ezman , Wan Ahmad Wan Azman , Ali Rosli Mohd , Liu Kien Ting , Selvaraj Gunavathy , Kasim Sazzli
Published: August 2021

Background

Conventional risk score for predicting short and long-term mortality following an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is often not population specific.

Objective

Apply machine learning for the prediction and identification of factors associated with short and long-term mortality in Asian STEMI patients and compare with a conventional risk score.

Methods

The National Cardiovascular Disease Database for Malaysia registry, of a multi-ethnic, heterogeneous Asian population was used for in-hospital (6299 patients), 30-days (3130 patients), and 1-year (2939 patients) model development. 50 variables were considered. Mortality prediction was analysed using feature selection methods with machine learning algorithms and compared to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score. Invasive management of varying degrees was selected as important variables that improved mortality prediction.

Results

Model performance using a complete and reduced variable produced an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) from 0.73 to 0.90. The best machine learning model for in-hospital, 30 days, and 1-year outperformed TIMI risk score (AUC = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.846–0.910; vs AUC = 0.81, 95% CI:0.772–0.845, AUC = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.870–0.935; vs AUC = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.746–0.838, AUC = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.798–0.872; vs AUC = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.715–0.802, p < 0.0001 for all). TIMI score underestimates patients’ risk of mortality. 90% of non-survival patients are classified as high risk (>50%) by machine learning algorithm compared to 10–30% non-survival patients by TIMI. Common predictors identified for short- and long-term mortality were age, heart rate, Killip class, fasting blood glucose, prior primary PCI or pharmaco-invasive therapy and diuretics. The final algorithm was converted into an online tool with a database for continuous data archiving for algorithm validation.

Conclusions

In a multi-ethnic population, patients with STEMI were better classified using the machine learning method compared to TIMI scoring. Machine learning allows for the identification of distinct factors in individual Asian populations for better mortality prediction. Ongoing continuous testing and validation will allow for better risk stratification and potentially alter management and outcomes in the future.
Willingness to pay for an intervention that reduces soda consumption among a sample of middle-class adult Mexicans
Authors: Colchero M. A. , Guerrero-López C. M. Carlos M. , Barrientos-Gutiérrez T. Tonatiuh , Salmerón J. Jorge , Bautista-Arredondo Sergio
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite the growing public awareness of the adverse health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption in Mexico, little is known about the population’s intention to reduce SSB consumption and the social value of interventions to accomplish such behavioral change. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) for an intervention that reduces soda consumption by half in Mexico.

Methods

We applied contingent valuation methods in a sample of 471 Mexican adults from a cohort study. We assessed the relative value of benefits by providing incremental information to participants in three scenarios: soda consumption reduction, + health benefits, + social benefits. To estimate factors associated with the WTP, we ran an interval regression.

Results

87% of respondents reported they would like to reduce SSB consumption. High soda consumption, intention to reduce soda consumption and higher household income are associated with higher WTP. We found that the WTP increases as additional benefits are provided. The WTP, as a proportion of income, is higher for the lowest income level.

Conclusion

The average WTP per person may be seen as the minimum amount the country should invest on interventions to reduce soda consumption.
DNA barcoding of brackish and marine water fishes and shellfishes of Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem
Authors: Habib Kazi Ahsan , Neogi Amit Kumer , Rahman Muntasir , Oh Jina , Lee Youn-Ho , Kim Choong-Gon
Published: August 2021

The present study aims to apply a DNA barcoding tool through amplifying two mitochondrial candidate genes i.e., COI and 16S rRNA for accurate identification of fish, aquatic molluscs and crustaceans of Sundarbans mangrove wetland, to build a reference library of fish and shellfishes of this unique ecosystems. A total of 185 mitochondrial COI barcode sequences and 59 partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene were obtained from 120 genera, 65 families and 21 orders of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. The collected samples were first identified by examining morphometric characteristics and then assessed by DNA barcoding. The COI and 16S rRNA sequences of fishes and crustaceans were clearly discriminated among genera in their phylogenies. The average Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distances of COI barcode sequences within species, genera, and families of fishes are 1.57±0.06%, 15.16±0.23%, and 17.79±0.02%, respectively, and for 16S rRNA sequences, these values are 1.74±.8%, 0.97±.8%, and 4.29±1.3%, respectively. The minimum and maximum K2P distance based divergences in COI sequences of fishes are 0.19% and 36.27%, respectively. In crustaceans, the K2P distances within genera, families, and orders are 1.4±0.03%, 17.73±0.15%, and 22.81±0.02%, respectively and the minimum and maximum divergences are 0.2% and 33.93%, respectively. Additionally, the present study resolves the misidentification of the mud crab species of the Sundarbans asScylla olivaceawhich was previously stated asScylla serrata. In case of molluscs, values of interspecific divergence ranges from 17.43% to 66.3% in the barcoded species. The present study describes the development of a molecular and morphometric cross-referenced inventory of fish and shellfish of the Sundarbans. This inventory will be useful in future biodiversity studies and in forming future conservation plan.
Overclaiming is not related to dark triad personality traits or stated and revealed risk preferences
Authors: Keller Lucas , Bieleke Maik , Koppe Kim-Marie , Gollwitzer Peter M.
Published: August 2021

The tendency to be overly confident in one’s future and skills has long been studied. More recently, a correlate of this overconfidence, the tendency to overclaim knowledge, has been in the focus of research. Its antecedents and downstream behavioral consequences are still in question. In a sample of undergraduate students (N= 168), we tested whether a set of characteristics of the person (e.g., age, gender) and personality traits (i.e., the Dark Triad) is related to overclaiming knowledge. Moreover, we investigated whether overclaiming, in turn, predicts risk preferences. To this end, we asked individuals to rate their confidence in solving a set of different math problems and their familiarity with a set of math concepts. Some of these concepts were nonexistent, thereby allowing participants to overclaim knowledge. Participants then stated their general risk preference and performed three tasks revealing their general, financial, and social risk preferences. We demonstrated the hypothesized relationship between overclaiming and confidence. Furthermore, we observed that the assessed characteristics of the person were not correlated with overclaiming. If anything, height and digit ratio, a phenomenological correlate of hormonal differences during development, tended to be associated with overclaiming. Surprisingly, overclaiming was not at all related to risk preferences or personality traits. This set of results shows the need for relevant theoretical and methodological refinements.
Spatial-temporal heterogeneity and meteorological factors of hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Xinjiang, China from 2008 to 2016
Authors: Xie Ling , Huang Ruifang , Wang Hongwei , Liu Suhong
Published: August 2021

The study aims to depict the temporal and spatial distributions of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in Xinjiang, China and reveal the relationships between the incidence of HFMD and meteorological factors in Xinjiang. With the national surveillance data of HFMD in Xinjiang and meteorological parameters in the study area from 2008 to 2016, in GeoDetector Model, we examined the effects of meteorological factors on the incidence of HFMD in Xinjiang, China, tested the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of HFMD risk, and explored the temporal-spatial patterns of HFMD through the spatial autocorrelation analysis. From 2008 to 2016, the HFMD distribution showed a distinct seasonal pattern and HFMD cases typically occurred from May to July and peaked in June in Xinjiang. Relative humidity, precipitation, barometric pressure and temperature had the more significant influences on the incidence of HFMD than other meteorological factors with the explanatory power of 0.30, 0.29, 0.29 and 0.21 (P<0.000). The interaction between any two meteorological factors had a nonlinear enhancement effect on the risk of HFMD. The relative risk in Northern Xinjiang was higher than that in Southern Xinjiang. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis results indicated a fluctuating trend over these years: the positive spatial dependency on the incidence of HFMD in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015, the negative spatial autocorrelation in 2009 and a random distribution pattern in 2011, 2013 and 2016. Our findings revealed the correlation between meteorological factors and the incidence of HFMD in Xinjiang. The correlation showed obvious spatiotemporal heterogeneity. The study provides the basis for the government to control HFMD based on meteorological information. The risk of HFMD can be predicted with appropriate meteorological factors for HFMD prevention and control.
Landscape barriers to pollen and seed flow in the dioecious tropical tree Astronium fraxinifolium in Brazilian savannah
Authors: Manoel Ricardo O. , Rossini Bruno C. , Cornacini Maiara R. , Moraes Mário L. T. , Cambuim José , Alcântara Marcelo A. M. , Silva Alexandre M. , Sebbenn Alexandre M. , Marino Celso L.
Published: August 2021

Gene flow studies provide information on gene exchange between populations, which is essential for developing genetic conservation strategies. Such analyses enable a better understanding of the life history and seed and pollen dispersal mechanisms of plant species. In this study, we investigate pollen and seed flow in a regenerant population of the pioneer speciesAstronium fraxinifoliumin an area degraded during the construction of a hydroelectric dam. We mapped, sampled, sexed, and genotyped 386 individuals in the regenerant population (RP), as well as 128 adult trees located along two highways adjacent to the degraded area; one in Mato Grosso do Sul State (MS) and other in São Paulo State (SP). Parentage analyses was carried out for 370 individuals of the RP population, using as putative parents 348 individuals from RP and all 128 individuals sampled in MS and SP. Based on parentage analysis and eight microsatellite loci, our analyses revealed that for individuals of the RP with an identified father (pollen donor), 1.1% of the pollen was dispersed up to 532 m, while for those with an identified mother (seed donor), 0.5% of seeds were dispersed up to 4,782 m. However, a large proportion of pollen (76.5%) and seeds (57%) immigrated from trees outside the sampled populations. Pollen and seeds were dispersed through a pattern of isolation by distance. Genetic diversity was significantly similar between adults of both highway populations and individuals from RP, with significant levels of inbreeding detected only in RP. Our results demonstrate that the nearest trees contributed pollen and seeds for the recovery of the degraded area, indicating reproductive spatial isolation among the sampled populations due to the damming of the river. Such results help to understand the process of regeneration forA.fraxinifoliumin regenerant populations to inform strategies for conservation and environmental recovery with this species.
Fully automated whole-liver volume quantification on CT-image data: Comparison with manual volumetry using enhanced and unenhanced images as well as two different radiation dose levels and two reconstruction kernels
Authors: Hagen Florian , Mair Antonia , Bitzer Michael , Bösmüller Hans , Horger Marius
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of fully automated liver volume quantification vs. manual quantification using unenhanced as well as enhanced CT-image data as well as two different radiation dose levels and also two image reconstruction kernels.

Material and methods

The local ethics board gave its approval for retrospective data analysis. Automated liver volume quantification in 300 consecutive livers in 164 male and 103 female oncologic patients (64±12y) performed at our institution (between January 2020 and May 2020) using two different dual-energy helicals: portal-venous phase enhanced, ref. tube current 300mAs (CARE Dose4D) for tube A (100 kV) and ref. 232mAs tube current for tube B (Sn140kV), slice collimation 0.6mm, reconstruction kernel I30f/1, recon. thickness of 0.6mm and 5mm, 80–100 mL iodine contrast agent 350 mg/mL, (flow 2mL/s) and unenhanced ref. tube current 100mAs (CARE Dose4D) for tube A (100 kV) and ref. 77mAs tube current for tube B (Sn140kV), slice collimation 0.6mm (kernel Q40f) were analyzed. The post-processing tool (syngo.CT Liver Analysis) is already FDA-approved. Two resident radiologists with no and 1-year CT-experience performed both the automated measurements independently from each other. Results were compared with those of manual liver volume quantification using the same software which was supervised by a senior radiologist with 30-year CT-experience (ground truth).

Results

In total, a correlation of 98% was obtained for liver volumetry based on enhanced and unenhanced data sets compared to the manual liver quantification. Radiologist #1 and #2 achieved an inter-reader agreement of 99.8% for manual liver segmentation (p<0.0001). Automated liver volumetry resulted in an overestimation (>5% deviation) of 3.7% for unenhanced CT-image data and 4.0% for contrast-enhanced CT-images. Underestimation (<5%) of liver volume was 2.0% for unenhanced CT-image data and 1.3% for enhanced images after automated liver volumetry. Number and distribution of erroneous volume measurements using either thin or thick slice reconstructions was exactly the same, both for the enhanced as well for the unenhanced image data sets (p> 0.05).

Conclusion

Results of fully automated liver volume quantification are accurate and comparable with those of manual liver volume quantification and the technique seems to be confident even if unenhanced lower-dose CT image data is used.
Examining the effects of time of day and sleep on generalization
Authors: Tandoc Marlie C. , Bayda Mollie , Poskanzer Craig , Cho Eileen , Cox Roy , Stickgold Robert , Schapiro Anna C.
Published: August 2021

Extracting shared structure across our experiences allows us to generalize our knowledge to novel contexts. How do different brain states influence this ability to generalize? Using a novel category learning paradigm, we assess the effect of both sleep and time of day on generalization that depends on the flexible integration of recent information. Counter to our expectations, we found no evidence that this form of generalization is better after a night of sleep relative to a day awake. Instead, we observed an effect of time of day, with better generalization in the morning than the evening. This effect also manifested as increased false memory for generalized information. In a nap experiment, we found that generalization did not benefit from having slept recently, suggesting a role for time of day apart from sleep. In follow-up experiments, we were unable to replicate the time of day effect for reasons that may relate to changes in category structure and task engagement. Despite this lack of consistency, we found a morning benefit for generalization when analyzing all the data from experiments with matched protocols (n = 136). We suggest that a state of lowered inhibition in the morning may facilitate spreading activation between otherwise separate memories, promoting this form of generalization.
Structural and functional studies of the first tripartite protein complex at the Trypanosoma brucei flagellar pocket collar
Authors: Isch Charlotte , Majneri Paul , Landrein Nicolas , Pivovarova Yulia , Lesigang Johannes , Lauruol Florian , Robinson Derrick R. , Dong Gang , Bonhivers Mélanie
Published: August 2021

The flagellar pocket (FP) is the only endo- and exocytic organelle in most trypanosomes and, as such, is essential throughout the life cycle of the parasite. The neck of the FP is maintained enclosed around the flagellum via the flagellar pocket collar (FPC). The FPC is a macromolecular cytoskeletal structure and is essential for the formation of the FP and cytokinesis. FPC biogenesis and structure are poorly understood, mainly due to the lack of information on FPC composition. To date, only two FPC proteins, BILBO1 and FPC4, have been characterized. BILBO1 forms a molecular skeleton upon which other FPC proteins can, theoretically, dock onto. We previously identified FPC4 as the first BILBO1 interacting partner and demonstrated that its C-terminal domain interacts with the BILBO1 N-terminal domain (NTD). Here, we report by yeast two-hybrid, bioinformatics, functional and structural studies the characterization of a new FPC component and BILBO1 partner protein, BILBO2 (Tb927.6.3240). Further, we demonstrate that BILBO1 and BILBO2 share a homologous NTD and that both domains interact with FPC4. We have determined a 1.9 Å resolution crystal structure of the BILBO2 NTD in complex with the FPC4 BILBO1-binding domain. Together with mutational analyses, our studies reveal key residues for the function of the BILBO2 NTD and its interaction with FPC4 and evidenced a tripartite interaction between BILBO1, BILBO2, and FPC4. Our work sheds light on the first atomic structure of an FPC protein complex and represents a significant step in deciphering the FPC function in Trypanosoma brucei and other pathogenic kinetoplastids.
Law and the Janus-faced Morality of Political Correctness
Authors: José Manuel José Manuel
Published: August 2021

This introduction explores the relationship between Law and Political Correctness (PC), considering different stages (from culture wars on campus to narrative outsider jurisprudences), as well as diverse (contextually instable and often contradictory) narrative webs. This reflective path opens three main different problems: the first concerns the way how the sensitivity to political correctness is programmatically (contingently) pursued through statutory law; the second identifies the difficulties which plurality and fragmentation create, when we consider Law’s vocation for comparability; the third denounces specific institutionalizing procedures and social effects associable to the culture of political correctness. Acknowledging that the integrated discussion of these themes, in their juridical systematic implications, is fundamentally encore à faire, the last part of the text introduces in detail the seven chapters which follow, highlighting the stimulant plurality of perspectives and approaches which they manifest.
The Semiotics of Consent and the American Law Institute’s Reform of the Model Penal Code’s Sexual Assault Provisions
Authors: Catá Backer Larry
Published: August 2021

The concept of consent is  ubiquitous in the West.  It is the foundation of its construction of meaning for sovereignty (and political legitimacy), and for personal autonomy (and human dignity). Ubiquity, however, has come with a price.  The making of a transposable meaning for consent that bridges political community and interpersonal relations  has drawn sharply into focus  the malleability of the concept, and its utility for masking a power of politics behind an orthodoxy of meaning that is both politically correct, and at the same time its own inversion. This short essay on the semiotics of “consent” considers the manifestation of the concept as object, as symbol, and as a cluster of political interpretation that itself contains within it the Janus faced morality of political correctness. It takes as its starting and end point the idea that free consent is the product of a process of management that reduces consent to the sum of status and authority over the thing assented.  The exploration is framed around the recent arguments in the American Law institute’s Model Penal Code Project around the meaning of consent in sexual relations.  The essay first situates the problematique of consent—as action and object that incarnates power relations and the boundaries of the taboo. It then  illustrates the way that semiotic meaning making produces a political correctness that produces paradox by critically chronicling the meaning of consent  respecting sexual intimacy in criminal law. It enhances sexual liberation by placing it within a cage of limitations that  ultimately transfers the power over consent form the individual to the state. That meaning making suggests the way that consent as an act, and as a state of being, is transposed to the broader context of political economic relations.
Should we say "functional diversity" to refer to "disability"?
Authors: Alemany Macario
Published: August 2021

This article addresses "political correctness" (PC) regarding the rights of people with disabilities and specifically the state of the question in Spain. First, we focus on the expression itself and clarify what is understood by PC. This implies reviewing, albeit briefly, the main conceptual and ideological framework PC is grounded in. Second, we describe the new conceptualisation of disability given by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, tasked with ensuring compliance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In Spain, this Convention is about to give rise to substantial legislative reforms in civil and procedural matters, leading to a turnaround in the way the matter has been traditionally treated. Thirdly, we expose a critique of the demands to turn "functional diversity" into the sole politically correct expression to refer to the condition of people with disabilities. To finish, I come back to the question of PC and present my position on the effects of this doctrine on the prevention of discrimination against marginalised groups.
Sellamiento del suelo en el Bosque de Chapultepec y propuestas de restauración
Authors: Cotler Ávalos Helena , Cram Silke , Mendoza Ruiz Leobardo , Ramírez Beltrán Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2021

El Bosque de Chapultepec, uno de los parques urbanos más antiguos de América, presenta hoy en día un palimpsesto arquitectónico, constituido de calzadas, caminos, glorietas, museos, estacionamientos que han ido sellando el suelo. Este sellamiento impide la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos esenciales para la población de la Ciudad de México, como la captura de carbono y nitrógeno, la infiltración y purificación del agua, el soporte de la vegetación y el hábitat de edafofauna. El análisis del área sellada se realizó mediante la sistematización e integración de información de distinta índole: cartográfica, imágenes satélites y trabajo de campo, integrados y analizados en un sistema de información geográfico.
La primera y segunda sección del Bosque presentan un sellamiento de 45 y 52% respectivamente, mientras que la tercera sección, más alejada, solo un 14%. En conjunto, el Bosque de Chapultepec presenta un 33% de su superficie sellada. Esta información constituye un criterio importante para decidir la ubicación de nuevas infraestructuras. Para incrementar las áreas que proporcionen servicios ecosistémicos se propone el de-sellamiento de caminos y kioskos abandonados, los cuales suman 4.41 hectáreas. Actualmente, en estas áreas ya se observa una regeneración de plantas anuales que crecen entre el asfalto intemperizado, lo cual es indicativo del potencial que tienen estas áreas para incrementar biodiversidad.
Efektivitas Penggunaan Metode Counseling Learning Method (CLM) untuk Meningkatkan Kemahiran Berbicara
Authors: Aidillah Suja  , Cahya Edi Setyawan
Published: August 2021

This study aims to determine the Implementation Methods Counseling Learning Method to improve speaking skills for second-grade students of MTs Al-Muhajirin Tapung and determine the factors that influence the adoption of the Counseling Learning Method. This study is a research experiment, experimental research is a research method that is used to search for a specific treatment effect against the other in uncontrolled conditions. By using experimental design Pretest – Posttest None Control Group Design. Ways of data collection are observation and an oral test. The results of the analysis of the data obtained on the Application Methods Counseling Learning Method in Learning Arabic to improve speaking skills for second-grade students of MTs Al-Muhajirin Tapung based on observations obtained 95.8% means "Very Good" on the level of 80-100%. And based on the results of the oral test of the analysis of the data obtained, it can be concluded that the adoption of Methods in Learning Arabic is effective to improve speaking skills for second-grade students of MTs Al-Muhajirin Tapung.

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Penerapan Metode Counseling Learning Method (CLM) dalam Pembelajaran bahasa Arab efektif untuk meningkatkan kemahiran berbicara bagi siswa kelas VII MTs Al-Muhajirin Tapung dan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor apa yang mempengaruhi penerapan Metode tersebut. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian Eksperimen, penelitian eksperimen adalah metode penelitian yang digunakan untuk mencari pengaruh perlakuan tertentu terhadap yang lain dalam kondisi yang terkendalikan. Dengan menggunakan desain eksperimen Pretest–Posttest None Control Group Design. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi dan tes lisan. Adapun hasil dari analisis data yang diperoleh tentang Penerapan Metode Counseling Learning Method (CLM) dalam Pembelajaran bahasa Arab untuk meningkatkan kemahiran berbicara bagi siswa kelas VIII MTs Al-Muhajirin Tapung berdasarkan hasil observasi diperoleh 95.8% berarti “Baik Sekali” dari tingkatan 80-100%. Dan berdasarkan hasil tes lisan, analisis data yang diperoleh dapat disimpulkan bahwa Penerapan Metode Counseling Learning Method (CLM) dalam Pembelajaran bahasa Arab efektif untuk meningkatkan kemahiran berbicara bagi siswa kelas VIII MTs Al-Muhajirin Tapung.