bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping cortical disease-burden at individual-level in frontotemporal dementia: implications for clinical care and pharmacological trials
Authors: McKenna Mary Clare , Tahedl Marlene , Lope Jasmin , Chipika Rangariroyashe H. , Li Hi Shing Stacey , Doherty Mark A. , Hengeveld Jennifer C. , Vajda Alice , McLaughlin Russell L. , Hardiman Orla , Hutchinson Siobhan , Bede Peter
Published: December 2021

Imaging studies of FTD typically present group-level statistics between large cohorts of genetically, molecularly or clinically stratified patients. Group-level statistics are indispensable to appraise unifying radiological traits and describe genotype-associated signatures in academic studies. However, in a clinical setting, the primary objective is the meaningful interpretation of imaging data from individual patients to assist diagnostic classification, inform prognosis, and enable the assessment of progressive changes compared to baseline scans. In an attempt to address the pragmatic demands of clinical imaging, a prospective computational neuroimaging study was undertaken in a cohort of patients across the spectrum of FTD phenotypes. Cortical changes were evaluated in a dual pipeline, using standard cortical thickness analyses and an individualised, z-score based approach to characterise subject-level disease burden. Phenotype-specific patterns of cortical atrophy were readily detected with both methodological approaches. Consistent with their clinical profiles, patients with bvFTD exhibited orbitofrontal, cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal atrophy. Patients with ALS-FTD displayed precentral gyrus involvement, nfvPPA patients showed widespread cortical degeneration including insular and opercular regions and patients with svPPA exhibited relatively focal anterior temporal lobe atrophy. Cortical atrophy patterns were reliably detected in single individuals, and these maps were consistent with the clinical categorisation. Our preliminary data indicate that standard T1-weighted structural data from single patients may be utilised to generate maps of cortical atrophy. While the computational interpretation of single scans is challenging, it offers unrivalled insights compared to visual inspection. The quantitative evaluation of individual MRI data may aid diagnostic classification, clinical decision making, and assessing longitudinal changes.
The role of extraversion and neuroticism for experiencing stress during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bellingtier Jennifer A. , Mund Marcus , Wrzus Cornelia
Published: December 2021

Although long postulated, it has been scarcely researched how personality traits play out differently in distinct situations. We examined if Neuroticism and Extraversion, personality traits known to moderate stress processes, function differently in highly stressful situations requiring reduced social contact, that is, the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on past findings, we expected neuroticism to be associated with exacerbated perceptions of stress. In contrast to past findings, we expected extraversion, which usually ameliorates stress, to be associated with intensified perceptions of stress, especially in regard to the sociability facet. During the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, one-hundred-thirty adults (age M = 21.7 years) reported on their personality traits including their facets with the BFI-2, COVID-19-related stressors, and their perceived stress during the last month (using the PSS). Findings indicated that neuroticism was associated with higher perceived stress regardless of the COVID-19-related stressors experienced. Facet level analysis revealed differences for anxiety, depression, and volatility. Importantly, trait extraversion was unassociated with stress experiences, whereas specifically the facet of sociability was associated with higher perceived stress. Also, the facets of assertiveness and energy both moderated the relationship between COVID-19-related stressors and perceived stress. In line with the transactional theory of stress, our findings indicate that perceptions of stress were best understood by looking at the interaction of environmental stressors and personality differences. Furthermore, the study substantiates that facets of personality traits offer unique information beyond broad traits in specific contexts.
Noise-immune image blur detection via sequency spectrum truncation
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wang Xuewei , Lyu Litong , Han Yanjun , Zheng Jinjin , Guo Wenwu , Guo Jingbo
Published: December 2021

Blur detection is aimed to differentiate the blurry and sharp regions from a given image. This task has attracted much attention in recent years due to its importance in computer vision with the integration of image processing and artificial intelligence. However, blur detection still suffers from problems such as the oversensitivity to image noise and the difficulty in cost–benefit balance. To deal with these issues, we propose an accurate and efficient blur detection method, which is concise in architecture and robust against noise. First, we develop a sequency spectrum-based blur metric to estimate the blurriness of each pixel by integrating a re-blur scheme and the Walsh transform. Meanwhile, to eliminate the noise interference, we propose an adaptive sequency spectrum truncation strategy by which we can obtain an accurate blur map even in noise-polluted cases. Finally, a multi-scale fusion segmentation framework is designed to extract the blur region based on the clustering-guided region growth. Experimental results on benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance and the best balance between cost and benefit. It offers an average F1 score of 0.887, MAE of 0.101, detecting time of 0.7 s, and training time of 0.5 s. Especially for noise-polluted blurry images, the proposed method achieves the F1 score of 0.887 and MAE of 0.101, which significantly surpasses other competitive approaches. Our method yields a cost–benefit advantage and noise immunity that has great application prospect in complex sensing environment.
Blind spots in AI ethics
Authors: Hagendorff Thilo
Published: December 2021

This paper critically discusses blind spots in AI ethics. AI ethics discourses typically stick to a certain set of topics concerning principles evolving mainly around explainability, fairness, and privacy. All these principles can be framed in a way that enables their operationalization by technical means. However, this requires stripping down the multidimensionality of very complex social constructs to something that is idealized, measurable, and calculable. Consequently, rather conservative, mainstream notions of the mentioned principles are conveyed, whereas critical research, alternative perspectives, and non-ideal approaches are largely neglected. Hence, one part of the paper considers specific blind spots regarding the very topics AI ethics focusses on. The other part, then, critically discusses blind spots regarding to topics that hold significant ethical importance but are hardly or not discussed at all in AI ethics. Here, the paper focuses on negative externalities of AI systems, exemplarily discussing the casualization of clickwork, AI ethics’ strict anthropocentrism, and AI’s environmental impact. Ultimately, the paper is intended to be a critical commentary on the ongoing development of the field of AI ethics. It makes the case for a rediscovery of the strength of ethics in the AI field, namely its sensitivity to suffering and harms that are caused by and connected to AI technologies.
Leaching of ilmenite to produce titanium based materials: a review
Authors: Thambiliyagodage Charitha , Wijesekera Ramanee , Bakker Martin G.
Published: December 2021

Naturally available ilmenite mineral is being used as a starting material to produce titanium based products that have wide applications. Transformation of ilmenite to different titanium based materials by strong and weak acid, and base digestion, is discussed. Effects of temperature, concentration of acid/base, reaction time on dissolution of ilmenite are extensively reviewed. Characterization of the starting materials, intermediates and the products by x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, brunauer–emmett–teller surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscopy are presented. Further, advantages and disadvantages associated with the digestion methods are discussed.
Sexual Function in Women with Differences of Sex Development or Premature Loss of Gonadal Function
Authors: Engberg Hedvig , Strandqvist Anna , Berg Elisabeth , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Nordenström Anna , Frisén Louise , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén
Published: December 2021

Background

Previous studies have suggested that sexual function may be compromised in women born with differences of sex development (DSD) or early loss of gonadal function.

Aim

To describe sexual function and sexual wellbeing in women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), complete gonadal dysgenesis (GD) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in relation to gynecological measures and in comparison with unaffected women.

Methods

A cross sectional study including 20 women with CAIS, 8 women with 46,XY GD, 8 women with 46,XX GD, 21 women with POI, and 62 population-derived controls. Study participants underwent gynecological examination for anatomical measurements and evaluation of tactile sensitivity. They responded to the validated Sexual Activity Log (SAL), Profile of Female Sexual Function (PFSF), and the Personal Distress Scale (PDS).

Results

The women with CAIS, XY GD, XX GD and POI showed overall satisfying sexual function in comparison to unaffected age-matched population female controls with a median of 1 to 2 satisfying sexual episodes per week among both the patients and the controls depending on available partner. Women with CAIS had shorter vagina and smaller clitoris and women with XY GD had a significantly shallower vagina in comparison to controls. Clitoral width was also significantly smaller among women with XX GD compared to controls. However, results showed overall good genital touch sensitivity with no significant differences between groups.

Clinical Implications

Women with DSD or POI can be informed on overall satisfactory sexual function and normal genital touch sensitivity.

Strengths & Limitations

The strength is the use of age-matched population-based controls to these rare conditions of DSD and POI. Limitations are the nonresponder rate of recruited controls, as well as the small groups of women with DSD.

Conclusion

Women with differences of sex development or early loss of gonadal function show overall good sexual well-being, however clinicians have to make efforts to optimize caretaking and treatment to ensure good sexual quality of life for all patients.
Xenophon of Athens
Authors: Humble Noreen
Published: December 2021

Xenophon of Athens (c. 430–354 BCE) has long been considered an uncritical admirer of Sparta who hero-worships the Spartan King Agesilaus and eulogises Spartan practices in his Lacedaimoniôn Politeia. By examining his own self-descriptions - especially where he portrays himself as conversing with Socrates and falling short in his appreciation of Socrates' advice - this book finds in Xenophon's overall writing project a Socratic response to his exile and situates his writings about Sparta within this framework. It presents a detailed reading of the Lacedaimoniôn Politeia as a critical and philosophical examination of Spartan socio-cultural practices. Evidence from his own Hellenica, Anabasis and Agesilaus is shown to confirm Xenophon's analysis of the weaknesses in the Spartan system, and that he is not enamoured of Agesilaus. Finally, a comparison with contemporary Athenian responses to Sparta, shows remarkable points of convergence with his fellow Socratic Plato, as well as connections with Isocrates too.
Assessment of standard precaution related to infection prevention readiness of healthcare facilities in Bangladesh: Findings from a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Jubayer Biswas Md Abdullah Al , Hassan Md Zakiul , Monjur Mohammad Riashad , Islam Md Saiful , Rahman Aninda , Akhtar Zubair , Chowdhury Fahmida , Banu Sayera , Homaira Nusrat
Published: December 2021

Background:

Baseline assessment of standard precaution relating to infection prevention and control (IPC) preparedness to fight health crisis within healthcare facilities at different levels and its associated factors in Bangladesh remains unknown.

Methods:

We analyzed the nationally representative Bangladesh health facility survey (BHFS) data conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) during July–October 2017. We used the World Health Organization (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) manual to determine the standard precautions related to the IPC readiness index. Using a conceptual framework and multivariable linear regression, we identified the factors associated with the readiness index.

Results:

We analyzed data for 1,524 surveyed healthcare facilities. On average, only 44% of the standard precaution elements were available in all facilities. Essential elements, such as guidelines for standard precautions (30%), hand-washing soap (29%), and pedal bins (38%), were not readily available in all facilities. The tuberculosis service area was least prepared, with 85% of elements required for standard precaution deficient in all facilities. Significantly lower readiness indexes were observed in the rural healthcare facilities (mean difference, −13.2), healthcare facilities administered by the MoHFW (mean difference, −7.8), and private facilities (mean difference, −10.1) compared to corresponding reference categories.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed a severe lack of standard precaution elements in most healthcare facilities, particularly in rural health centers. These data can provide a baseline from which to measure improvement in infection prevention and control (IPC) in these facilities and to identify areas of gaps for targeted interventions to improve IPC strategies that can improve the Bangladesh health system.
The commutative nonassociative algebra of metric curvature tensors
Authors: Fox Daniel J. F.
Published: December 2021

The space of tensors of metric curvature type on a Euclidean vector space carries a two-parameter family of orthogonally invariant commutative nonassociative multiplications invariant with respect to the symmetric bilinear form determined by the metric. For a particular choice of parameters these algebras recover the polarization of the quadratic map on metric curvature tensors that arises in the work of Hamilton on the Ricci flow. Here these algebras are studied as interesting examples of metrized commutative algebras and in low dimensions they are described concretely in terms of nonstandard commutative multiplications on self-adjoint endomorphisms. The algebra of curvature tensors on a 3-dimensional Euclidean vector space is shown isomorphic to an orthogonally invariant deformation of the standard Jordan product on$3 \times 3$symmetric matrices. This algebra is characterized up to isomorphism in terms of purely algebraic properties of its idempotents and the spectra of their multiplication operators. On a vector space of dimension at least 4, the subspace of Weyl (Ricci-flat) curvature tensors is a subalgebra for which the multiplication endomorphisms are trace-free and the Killing type trace-form is a multiple of the nondegenerate invariant metric. This subalgebra is simple when the Euclidean vector space has dimension greater than 4. In the presence of a compatible complex structure, the analogous result is obtained for the subalgebra of Kähler Weyl curvature tensors. It is shown that the anti-self-dual Weyl tensors on a 4-dimensional vector space form a simple 5-dimensional ideal isometrically isomorphic to the trace-free part of the Jordan product on trace-free$3 \times 3$symmetric matrices.
Getting the ducks in a row
Authors: Ellingsen Simen Å.
Published: December 2021

Vessels – in the widest sense – travelling on a water surface continuously do work the water surrounding it, causing energy to be radiated in the form of surface waves. The concomitant resistance force, the wave resistance, can account for as much as half the total drag on the vessel, so reducing it to a minimum has been a major part of ship design research for many decades. Whether the ‘vessel’ is an ocean-going ship or a swimming duckling, the physics governing the V-shaped pattern of radiated waves behind it is in essence the same, and just as fuel economy is important for commercial vessels, it is reasonable to assume that also swimming waterfowl seek to minimise their energy expenditure. Using theory and methods from classic marine hydrodynamics, Yuan et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 928, 2021, R2) consider whether, by organising themselves optimally, ducklings in a row behind a mother duck can reduce, eliminate or even reverse their individual wave resistance. They describe two mechanisms which they term ‘wave riding’ and ‘wave passing.’ The former is intuitive: the ducklings closest to the mother can receive a forward push by riding its mother's stern waves. The latter is perhaps a more striking phenomenon: when the interduckling distance is precisely right, every duckling in the row can, in principle, swim without wave resistance due to destructive wave interference. The phenomenon appears to be the same as motivates the recent US military research project Sea Train, a row of unmanned vehicles travelling in row formation.
Drainage system and thermal structure of a High Arctic polythermal glacier: Waldemarbreen, western Svalbard
Authors: Karušs Jānis , Lamsters Kristaps , Sobota Ireneusz , Ješkins Jurijs , Džeriņš Pēteris , Hodson Andrew
Published: December 2021

Understanding glacier drainage system behaviour and its response to increased meltwater production faces several challenges in the High Arctic because many glaciers are transitioning from polythermal to almost entirely cold thermal structures. We, therefore, used ground-penetrating radar data to investigate the thermal structure and drainage system of Waldemarbreen in Svalbard: a small High Arctic glacier believed to be undergoing thermal change. We found that Waldemarbreen retains up to 80 m of temperate ice in its upper reaches, but this thickness most likely is a relict from the Little Ice Age when greater ice volumes were insulated from winter cooling and caused greater driving stresses. Since then, negative mass balance and firn loss have prevented latent heat release and allowed near-surface ice temperatures to cool in winter, thus reducing the thickness of the temperate ice. Numerous reflectors that can be traced up-glacier are interpreted as englacial channels formed by hydrofracturing in the crevassed upper region of the glacier. The alternative cut and closure mechanism of conduit initiation only forms conduits in parts of the lower ablation area. Consequently, Waldemarbreen provides evidence that hydrofracturing at higher elevations can play a major role in englacial water drainage through cold ice.
Darriwilian (Middle Ordovician) new trilobites from the Upper Yangtze Region, South China, and their macroevolutionary and paleobiogeographic implications
Authors: Wei Xin , Zhou Zhi-Qiang , Zhan Ren-Bin , Wu Rong-Chang , Gong Fang-Yi , Liu Jian-Bo
Published: December 2021

Two new genera and six new species of trilobites are systematically documented herein:Sinagnostus mirabilisnew genus new species,Yanpingia punctatan. gen. n. sp.,Illaenus taoyuanensisn. sp.,Panderia striolatusn. sp.,Nileus yichongqiaoensisn. sp., andParatiresias peculiarisn. sp. The materials were collected from the Darriwilian (late Middle Ordovician) strata in the Upper Yangtze Region, South China. Also provided is an emended diagnosis of the genusParatiresiasbased on the new speciesParatiresias peculiaris, which is the oldest known species of this genus with an extremely narrow (sag. and exsag.) preglabellar field. Those Chinese species previously referred toNanillaenusare reassigned toIllaenussensu lato. These trilobites add new data for the Darriwilian trilobite macroevolution and show highly endemic to South China and the faunal exchanges between South China and Tarim, Kazakhstan, Alborz, as well as Sibumasu and North China.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/ec3be9be-b003-4367-910d-7a0ac4edc982
From Thin to Thick Justice and Beyond: Access to Justice and Legal Pluralism in Indigenous Taiwan
Authors: Upton J. Christopher
Published: December 2021

In recent decades, the Taiwan judiciary has taken steps toward securing Indigenous people’s access to the justice system. These measures reflect a vision of access to justice framed narrowly on national courts and legal actors through the provision of free legal counsel, courtroom interpreters, and special court units dedicated to Indigenous people. These measures embrace a thin understanding of access to justice that overlooks important hurdles to both seeking and providing such access to Indigenous people. This article considers some of the key challenges of Indigenous people’s access to justice in Taiwan and the role of the judiciary in both perpetuating and addressing those challenges. It argues for a thicker understanding of access to justice that addresses the circumstances of contemporary Indigenous life and confronts the entrenchment of colonialism in the state framework. Field research in eastern Taiwan shows how aspects of normativity, spatiality, economics, order, language, and institutions, ensconced in a legal framework that reinforces an unequal power relationship between the state and Indigenous people, have shaped the character of access to the justice system and, in turn, continue to operate as obstacles to meaningful access to justice for Taiwan’s Indigenous people.
Schmitt, Dicey, and the power and limits of referendums in the United Kingdom
Authors: Qvortrup Matt , Trueblood Leah
Published: December 2021

Carl Schmitt and AV Dicey are two of history's most influential constitutional theorists, and they offer two of history's most influential accounts of referendums. In most respects, their approaches to referendums are in direct opposition to each other. On Schmitt's view, the purpose of referendums is to acclaim executive actors. On Dicey's view, the role of referendums is to constrain them. Despite disagreeing about whether referendums should acclaim or constrain the executive, Schmitt and Dicey agree that an agenda-setting role for representatives in referendums is inevitable. This paper argues that, in the UK context, if Schmitt and Dicey are right about the necessary agenda-setting power of representatives in referendums, then the accounts of referendums they each offer must be two sides of the same coin. Given the dominance of the executive over the legislature in the UK and the uncodified nature of the constitution, referendums are processes that necessarily both acclaim and limit the executive.
Ancient Bioi and Luke's Modifications of Matthew's Longer Discourses
Authors: Archer Joel
Published: December 2021

Matthew's Gospel is known for its long, flowing discourses. The speeches in Luke, by contrast, are shorter and scattered throughout his narrative. Some believe this difference is evidence against the so-called ‘Farrer hypothesis’ – the view that Luke used both Mark and Matthew as sources. One response, however, is that Luke wanted to bring his speech lengths into closer conformity with the literary standards of Greco-Roman bioi. An analysis of seventeen representative bioi suggests that Matthew's speeches were exceptionally long for medium-sized biographies such as his own. This fact provides a plausible literary motivation for Luke to abbreviate Matthew's discourses.
Is Joshua a Type of Christ in Hebrews 4.8? An Assessment of the Referent of Ἰησοῦς
Authors: McKay J. Michael
Published: December 2021

The referent of Ἰησοῦς in Heb 4.8 is traditionally understood to refer to Joshua son of Nun and frequently as a type referring to Jesus the Christ. I will argue against this reading and, instead, maintain that the referent of Ἰησοῦς is Jesus. Two lines of evidence are provided. First, analysis of the context demonstrates that the ‘Joshua’ option disrupts the author's argument, and that understanding the referent to be Jesus clarifies the argument. Second, the use of thenomina sacraabbreviations to refer to Jesus in the earliest manuscripts demonstrates that they interpreted Ἰησοῦς as referring to Jesus.
Luke's Doublets and the Synoptic Problem
Authors: Grünstäudl Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

The Synoptic Gospels contain a significant number of so-called doublets, i.e. sayings or narratives which appear twice in one and the same Gospel. Since the nineteenth century these doublets have functioned as a classical argument in favour of the existence of Q. Focusing on treatments of Luke's doublets within the contemporary rivalry between the Farrer hypothesis and the two-document hypothesis, the present article contributes to a not-Q-biased discussion of the evidence. While adherents of the two-document hypothesis should not overestimate the force of doublet-based arguments, defenders of the Farrer hypothesis should pay greater attention to the creation and elimination of doublets as part of Luke's alleged redactional activity.
Predicting short-term suicidal thoughts in adolescents using machine learning: developing decision tools to identify daily level risk after hospitalization
Authors: Czyz E. K. , Koo H. J. , Al-Dajani N. , King C. A. , Nahum-Shani I.
Published: December 2021

Background

Mobile technology offers unique opportunities for monitoring short-term suicide risk in daily life. In this study of suicidal adolescent inpatients, theoretically informed risk factors were assessed daily following discharge to predict near-term suicidal ideation and inform decision algorithms for identifying elevations in daily level risk, with implications for real-time suicide-focused interventions.

Methods

Adolescents (N = 78; 67.9% female) completed brief surveys texted daily for 4 weeks after discharge (n = 1621 observations). Using multi-level classification and regression trees (CARTSs) with repeated 5-fold cross-validation, we tested (a) a simple prediction model incorporating previous-day scores for each of 10 risk factors, and (b) a more complex model incorporating, for each of these factors, a time-varying person-specific mean over prior days together with deviation from that mean. Models also incorporated missingness and contextual (study week, day of the week) indicators. The outcome was the presence/absence of next-day suicidal ideation.

Results

The best-performing model (cross-validated AUC = 0.86) was a complex model that included ideation duration, hopelessness, burdensomeness, and self-efficacy to refrain from suicidal action. An equivalent model that excluded ideation duration had acceptable overall performance (cross-validated AUC = 0.78). Models incorporating only previous-day scores, with and without ideation duration (cross-validated AUC of 0.82 and 0.75, respectively), showed relatively weaker performance.

Conclusions

Results suggest that specific combinations of dynamic risk factors assessed in adolescents' daily life have promising utility in predicting next-day suicidal thoughts. Findings represent an important step in the development of decision tools identifying short-term risk as well as guiding timely interventions sensitive to proximal elevations in suicide risk in daily life.
Risk factors for loneliness among older people in a Nordic regional context – a longitudinal study
Authors: Nyqvist Fredrica , Näsman Marina , Hemberg Jessica , Nygård Mikael
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of loneliness among older people and to identify risk factors for loneliness in a Nordic regional context over a six-year period. Longitudinal data from the Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA) study of 4,269 older adults living in northern Sweden and western Finland, aged 65, 70, 75 and 80 at baseline in 2010, were analysed. Logistic regressions were used to analyse socio-demographic, social and health-related risk factors at baseline and changes in these for experiences of loneliness at follow-up. The results showed that most older adults (85%) did not experience loneliness at baseline or at follow-up in our study region. However, 3 per cent of the sample reported loneliness in both study years, indicating enduring and chronic loneliness. Analyses revealed that being widowed and becoming a widow/er as well as poor self-rated health at baseline and the onset of depression were risk factors for loneliness. Finally, the risk of loneliness was higher in older people living in Sweden. Further work is needed to explore changes and stability in loneliness as well as to increase our understanding of between-country differences in loneliness.
Quantitative Assessment and Measurement of X-ray Detector Performance and Solid Angle in the Analytical Electron Microscope
Authors: Zaluzec Nestor J.
Published: December 2021

A wide range of X-ray detectors and geometries are available today on transmission/scanning transmission analytical electron microscopes. While there have been numerous reports of their individual performance, no single experimentally reproducible metric has been proposed as a basis of comparison between the systems. In this paper, we detail modeling, experimental procedures, measurements, and specimens which can be used to provide a manufacturer-independent assessment of the performance of an analytical system. Using these protocols, the geometrical collection efficiency, system peaks, and minimum detection limits can be independently assessed and can be used to determine the best conditions to conduct modern hyperspectral and/or spectrally resolved tomographic analyses for an individual instrument. A simple analytical formula and specimen is presented which after suitable system calibrations can be used to experimentally determine the X-ray detector solid angle.
Towards a minimal conception of Transitional Justice
Authors: Gentile Valentina , Foster Megan
Published: December 2021

Transitional Justice (TJ) focuses on the processes of dealing with the legacy of large-scale past abuses (in the aftermath of traumatic experiences such as war or authoritarianism) with the aim of fostering domestic justice and creating the basis for a sustainable peace. TJ however also entails the problem of how a torn society may be able to become a self-determining member of a just international order. This paper presents a minimal conception of TJ, which departs from Rawls' conception of normative stability of the international order, which suggests disentangling the two goals of fostering democracy within torn societies and TJ itself. The scope of TJ is therefore limited to enabling these societies to create minimal internal conditions for joining a just international order on equal footing. This paper makes an original contribution to two different debates, namely normative research on TJ, and post-Rawlsian literature in general. First, it provides a new direction for normative theorizing about TJ which takes both its domestic and international dimensions seriously into consideration. Second, it extends Rawls' political liberal outlook to an area where it is not usually understood to apply.
Comparison of Three Methodologies for Removal of Random‐Noise‐Induced Biases From Second‐Order Statistical Parameters of Lidar and Radar Measurements
Authors: Jandreau Jackson , Chu Xinzhao
Published: December 2021

Random‐noise‐induced biases are inherent issues to the accurate derivation of second‐order statistical parameters (e.g., variances, fluxes, energy densities, and power spectra) from lidar and radar measurements. We demonstrate here for the first time an altitude‐interleaved method for eliminating such biases, following the original proposals by Gardner and Chu (2020, https://doi.org/10.1364/ao.400375) who demonstrated a time‐interleaved method. Interleaving in altitude bins provides two statistically independent samples over the same time period and nearly the same altitude range, thus enabling the replacement of variances that include the noise‐induced biases with covariances that are intrinsically free of such biases. Comparing the interleaved method with previous variance subtraction (VS) and spectral proportion (SP) methods using gravity wave potential energy density calculated from Antarctic lidar data and from a forward model, this study finds the accuracy and precision of each method differing in various conditions, each with its own strengths and weakness. VS performs well in high‐SNR, yet its accuracy fails at lower‐SNR as it often yields negative values. SP is accurate and precise under high‐SNR, remaining accurate in worse conditions than VS would, yet develops a positive bias under low‐SNR. The interleaved method is accurate in all SNRs but requires a large number of samples to drive random‐noise terms in covariances toward zero and to compensate for the reduced precision due to the splitting of return signals. Therefore, selecting the proper bias removal/elimination method for actual signal and sample conditions is crucial in utilizing lidar/radar data, as neglecting this can conceal trends or overstate atmospheric variability.
Seismic Attenuation at the Equatorial Mid‐Atlantic Ridge Constrained by Local Rayleigh Wave Analysis From the PI‐LAB Experiment
Authors: Saikia Utpal , Rychert Catherine A. , Harmon Nicholas , Michael Kendall J.
Published: December 2021

The ocean lithosphere represents a simple realisation of the tectonic plate, offering a unique opportunity to better understand its physical and chemical properties in relationship to those of the underlying asthenosphere. While seismic velocity is frequently used to image the plate, seismic attenuation (Qμ−1) offers an important complimentary observation. We use fundamental mode Rayleigh waves from 17 local, M > 4.2 earthquakes recorded at stations located on 0–80 My old lithosphere near the equatorial Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. We determine the attenuation coefficient () for periods between 15 and 40 s and invert for 1‐D average shear wave quality factor values () and shear wave velocity (Vs). We find values of 175 ± 16 at 50 km depth, decreasing to 90 ± 15 at greater than 60 km. Comparison of our and Vs measurements to previous observations from oceanic settings shows agreement in terms of higher and Vs in the lithosphere in comparison to the asthenosphere. The observations from oceanic settings are in general agreement with the laboratory predictions for ‐Vs relationships for thermal models. However, a small amount of partial melt (1%) is required to explain several previous observations. Our result also compares favorably to previous observations of lithospheric and asthenospheric attenuation with respect to frequency. Melt is not required for the 1‐D average of our study area, consistent with previous electromagnetic and seismic imaging that suggested melt in punctuated and/or thin channel anomalies rather than over broad regions of the mantle.
Induced Magnetic Fields and Plasma Motions in the Inner Part of the Martian Magnetosphere
Authors: Dubinin E. , Fraenz M. , Modolo R. , Pätzold M. , Tellmann S. , Vaisberg O. , Shuvalov S. , Zelenyi L. , Chai L. , Wei Y. , McFadden J. , DiBraccio G. , Espley J.
Published: December 2021

Analysis of Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN)/Supra‐Thermal And Thermal Ion Composition observations in the Martian upper atmosphere, bounded at higher altitudes by the shocked solar wind, shows that the draping of interplanetary magnetic field penetrates down to low altitudes (∼200−250 km) and governs dynamics of the ionosphere. The upper ionospheric plasma is driven into motion flowing around Mars similar to the shocked solar wind in the adjacent magnetosheath. Such a fluid‐like motion is accompanied by ion acceleration caused by the bending of the magnetic field, leading to ion extraction and finally to ion pickup. Extraction of ions and their acceleration produces a recoil effect of the bulk ionosphere in the opposite direction. This provides a strong asymmetry in ion dynamics in two different hemispheres, accompanied by wrapping of the magnetic field lines around Mars and respective reconnection.
Mesoscale and Submesoscale Shelf‐Ocean Exchanges Initialize an Advective Marine Heatwave
Authors: Chen Ke , Gawarkiewicz Glen , Yang Jiayan
Published: December 2021

Observations and high‐resolution numerical modeling are used to investigate the dynamical processes related to the initiation of an advective Marine Heatwave in the Middle Atlantic Bight of the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf. Both the observations and the model identify two significant cross‐shelf intrusions in November 2016 and January 2017, with the latter inducing large‐magnitude water mass anomalies across the shelf. Model prognostic fields reveal the importance of the combination of cyclonic eddies or ringlets and upwelling‐favorable winds in producing the large‐distance cross‐shelf penetration and temperature/salinity anomalies. The cyclonic eddies in close proximity to the shelfbreak set up local along‐isobath pressure gradients and provide favorable conditions for the intensification of the shelfbreak front, both processes driving cross‐isobath intrusions of warm, salty offshore water onto the outer continental shelf. Subsequently, strong and persistent upwelling‐favorable winds drive a rapid, bottom intensified cross‐shelf penetration in January 2017 composed of the anomalous water mass off the shelfbreak. The along‐shelf settings including realistic representation of bathymetric features are essential in the characteristics of the cross‐shelf penetration. The results highlight the importance of smaller scale cyclonic eddies and the intricacy of the interplay between multiple processes to drive significant cross‐shelf events.
Ice and Supercooled Liquid Water Distributions Over the Southern Ocean Based on In Situ Observations and Climate Model Simulations
Authors: Yang Ching An , Diao Minghui , Gettelman Andrew , Zhang Kai , Sun Jian , McFarquhar Greg , Wu Wei
Published: December 2021

Three climate models are evaluated using in situ airborne observations from the Southern Ocean Clouds, Radiation, Aerosol Transport Experimental Study (SOCRATES) campaign. The evaluation targets cloud phases, microphysical properties, thermodynamic conditions, and aerosol indirect effects from −40°C to 0°C. Compared with 580‐s averaged observations (i.e., 100 km horizontal scale), the Community Atmosphere Model version 6 (CAM6) shows the most similar result for cloud phase frequency distribution and allows more liquid‐containing clouds below −10°C compared with its predecessor—CAM5. The Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) underestimates (overestimates) ice phase frequencies below (above) −20°C. CAM6 and E3SM show liquid and ice water contents (i.e., LWC and IWC) similar to observations from −25°C to 0°C, but higher LWC and lower IWC than observations at lower temperatures. Simulated in‐cloud RH shows higher minimum values than observations, possibly restricting ice growth during sedimentation. As number concentrations of aerosols larger than 500 nm (Na500) increase, observations show increases of LWC, IWC, liquid, and ice number concentrations (Nliq, Nice). Number concentrations of aerosols larger than 100 nm (Na100) only show positive correlations with LWC and Nliq. From −20°C to 0°C, higher aerosol number concentrations are correlated with lower glaciation ratio and higher cloud fraction. From −40°C to −20°C, large aerosols show positive correlations with glaciation ratio. CAM6 shows small increases of LWC and Nliqwith Na500and Na100. E3SM shows small increases of Nicewith Na500. Overall, CAM6 and E3SM underestimate aerosol indirect effects on ice crystals and supercooled liquid droplets over the Southern Ocean.
Sex differences in neuronal systems function and behaviour: beyond a single diagnosis in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Williams Olivia O. F. , Coppolino Madeleine , Perreault Melissa L.
Published: December 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with functional brain alterations that underlie the expression of behaviour. Males are diagnosed up to four times more than females, and sex differences have been identified in memory, cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency, and social communication. Unfortunately, there exists a lack of information on the sex-dependent mechanisms of ASD, as well as biological markers to distinguish sex-specific symptoms in ASD. This can often result in a standardized diagnosis for individuals across the spectrum, despite significant differences in the various ASD subtypes. Alterations in neuronal connectivity and oscillatory activity, such as is observed in ASD, are highly coupled to behavioural states. Yet, despite the well-identified sexual dimorphisms that exist in ASD, these functional patterns have rarely been analyzed in the context of sex differences or symptomology. This review summarizes alterations in neuronal oscillatory function in ASD, discusses the age, region, symptom and sex-specific differences that are currently observed across the spectrum, and potential targets for regulating neuronal oscillatory activity in ASD. The need to identify sex-specific biomarkers, in order to facilitate specific diagnostic criteria and allow for more targeted therapeutic approaches for ASD will also be discussed.
Targeting of histone methyltransferase DOT1L plays a dual role in chemosensitization of retinoblastoma cells and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy
Authors: Mao Yu , Sun Yu , Wu Zhixuan , Zheng Jingzhi , Zhang Jianing , Zeng Jiaqi , Lee Chunsik , Kim Jong Kyong
Published: December 2021

Aberrant and exclusive expression of chromatin regulators in retinoblastoma (RB) in contrast to terminally differentiated normal retina presents a unique opportunity of selective targeting for RB. However, precise roles of these chromatin regulators in RB development and their potential as therapeutic targets have not been defined thoroughly. Here, we report that targeting of disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L), a histone H3K79 methyltransferase, sensitizes RB cells to chemotherapeutic drugs by impairing the DNA damage response and thereby potentiating apoptosis while it is largely inefficacious as a single-agent therapy. Moreover, we identified high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) as a novel DOT1L target gene in RB cells and found that its aberrant expression is dependent on DOT1L. As HMGA2 depletion reduced CHK1 phosphorylation during DNA damage response and augmented the drug sensitivity in RB cells, our results suggested that DOT1L targeting has a dual role in chemosensitization of RB cells by directly interfering with the immediate involvement of DOT1L in early DNA damage response upon genotoxic insults and also by downregulating the expression of HMGA2 as a rather late effect of DOT1L inhibition. Furthermore, we provide the first preclinical evidence demonstrating that combined therapy with a DOT1L inhibitor significantly improves the therapeutic efficacy of etoposide in murine orthotopic xenografts of RB by rendering the response to etoposide more potent and stable. Taken together, these results support the therapeutic benefits of DOT1L targeting in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in RB, with mechanistic insights into how DOT1L targeting can improve the current chemotherapy in an RB cell-selective manner.
A turquoise fluorescence lifetime-based biosensor for quantitative imaging of intracellular calcium
Authors: van der Linden Franka H. , Mahlandt Eike K. , Arts Janine J. G. , Beumer Joep , Puschhof Jens , de Man Saskia M. A. , Chertkova Anna O. , Ponsioen Bas , Clevers Hans , van Buul Jaap D. , Postma Marten , Gadella Theodorus W. J. , Goedhart Joachim
Published: December 2021

The most successful genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) employ an intensity or ratiometric readout. Despite a large calcium-dependent change in fluorescence intensity, the quantification of calcium concentrations with GECIs is problematic, which is further complicated by the sensitivity of all GECIs to changes in the pH in the biological range. Here, we report on a sensing strategy in which a conformational change directly modifies the fluorescence quantum yield and fluorescence lifetime of a circular permutated turquoise fluorescent protein. The fluorescence lifetime is an absolute parameter that enables straightforward quantification, eliminating intensity-related artifacts. An engineering strategy that optimizes lifetime contrast led to a biosensor that shows a 3-fold change in the calcium-dependent quantum yield and a fluorescence lifetime change of 1.3 ns. We dub the biosensor Turquoise Calcium Fluorescence LIfeTime Sensor (Tq-Ca-FLITS). The response of the calcium sensor is insensitive to pH between 6.2–9. As a result, Tq-Ca-FLITS enables robust measurements of intracellular calcium concentrations by fluorescence lifetime imaging. We demonstrate quantitative imaging of calcium concentrations with the turquoise GECI in single endothelial cells and human-derived organoids.
Small molecule modulation of the Drosophila Slo channel elucidated by cryo-EM
Authors: Raisch Tobias , Brockmann Andreas , Ebbinghaus-Kintscher Ulrich , Freigang Jörg , Gutbrod Oliver , Kubicek Jan , Maertens Barbara , Hofnagel Oliver , Raunser Stefan
Published: December 2021

Slowpoke (Slo) potassium channels display extraordinarily high conductance, are synergistically activated by a positive transmembrane potential and high intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and are important targets for insecticides and antiparasitic drugs. However, it is unknown how these compounds modulate ion translocation and whether there are insect-specific binding pockets. Here, we report structures of Drosophila Slo in the Ca2+-bound and Ca2+-free form and in complex with the fungal neurotoxin verruculogen and the anthelmintic drug emodepside. Whereas the architecture and gating mechanism of Slo channels are conserved, potential insect-specific binding pockets exist. Verruculogen inhibits K+ transport by blocking the Ca2+-induced activation signal and precludes K+ from entering the selectivity filter. Emodepside decreases the conductance by suboptimal K+ coordination and uncouples ion gating from Ca2+ and voltage sensing. Our results expand the mechanistic understanding of Slo regulation and lay the foundation for the rational design of regulators of Slo and other voltage-gated ion channels.
RNF219 attenuates global mRNA decay through inhibition of CCR4-NOT complex-mediated deadenylation
Authors: Poetz Fabian , Corbo Joshua , Levdansky Yevgen , Spiegelhalter Alexander , Lindner Doris , Magg Vera , Lebedeva Svetlana , Schweiggert Jörg , Schott Johanna , Valkov Eugene , Stoecklin Georg
Published: December 2021

The CCR4-NOT complex acts as a central player in the control of mRNA turnover and mediates accelerated mRNA degradation upon HDAC inhibition. Here, we explored acetylation-induced changes in the composition of the CCR4-NOT complex by purification of the endogenously tagged scaffold subunit NOT1 and identified RNF219 as an acetylation-regulated cofactor. We demonstrate that RNF219 is an active RING-type E3 ligase which stably associates with CCR4-NOT via NOT9 through a short linear motif (SLiM) embedded within the C-terminal low-complexity region of RNF219. By using a reconstituted six-subunit human CCR4-NOT complex, we demonstrate that RNF219 inhibits deadenylation through the direct interaction of the α-helical SLiM with the NOT9 module. Transcriptome-wide mRNA half-life measurements reveal that RNF219 attenuates global mRNA turnover in cells, with differential requirement of its RING domain. Our results establish RNF219 as an inhibitor of CCR4-NOT-mediated deadenylation, whose loss upon HDAC inhibition contributes to accelerated mRNA turnover.