bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-organized submicron structures in photoresist films by UV-laser irradiation at water-confined conditions
Authors: Ehrhardt Martin , Lai Shengying , Lorenz Pierre , Zajadacz Joachim , Han Bing , Zimmer Klaus
Published: August 2023

A new kind of self-organized pattern formation process has been found during laser irradiation of polymer films in water confinement just below the laser ablation threshold, resulting in a randomly oriented pattern with a period of about 475 nm. The morphology, orientation, period, and amplitude of these patterns are inconsistent with both laser-induced periodic surface structures that typically consist of linear grooves with periods smaller the laser wavelength and wrinkling patterns that feature a much larger period and appear at layered systems. Excimer laser (λ = 248 nm, tp = 25 ns) exposure of 650 nm thick photoresist films on silicon wafers cause the growth of irregular submicron patterns. The pattern morphology that is examined with imaging techniques is correlated to processing parameters. The amplitude of these laser-induced self-organized (LISE) submicron structures are strengthened with pulse number and laser fluence. The experimental results are discussed together with simulations of laser heating the photoresist film in water confinement. The proposed pattern formation mechanism of such laser-induced self-organized submicron structures at temporal excitation of a confined polymer surface comprises the formation of an oriented roughness based on LIPSS that are developed to wrinkled structures due to the transient formation of a soft subsurface area that provides conditions for wrinkling of the water cooled, stiff polymer surface by laser-induced stress fields. Size, amplitude, and morphology of the LISE pattern provide good properties for applications in such fields as wetting, friction, optics, and bioactivity.
Proper Edge Colorings of Cartesian Products with Rainbow $$C_4$$-s
Authors: Gyárfás András , Sárközy Gábor N.
Published: August 2023

Related to the famous (7,4)-problem, in an earlier paper we introduced B-colorings. We call a proper edge coloring of a graph G a B-coloring if every 4-cycle of G is colored with four different colors. Let $$q_B(G)$$

q
B

(
G
)

denote the smallest number of colors needed for a B-coloring of G. Here we look at $$q_B(G)$$

q
B

(
G
)

for Cartesian products of paths and cycles. Our main result is that $$q_B(G)$$

q
B

(
G
)

is equal to the chromatic index of G for grids, i.e. for Cartesian products of paths (apart from a few exceptions). This extends an earlier result for the case when G is the d-dimensional cube. Our main tool is a lemma which gives $$q_B(G\square H)\le q_B(G)+q_B(H)$$

q
B

(
G
□
H
)

≤

q
B

(
G
)

+

q
B

(
H
)

if $$\chi (G)\le q_B(H), \chi (H)\le q_B(G)$$

χ

(
G
)

≤

q
B

(
H
)

,
χ

(
H
)

≤

q
B

(
G
)

, where $$\chi (G)$$

χ
(
G
)

is the chromatic number of G.
The late Pleistocene Sacarosa tephra-fall deposit, Misti Volcano, Arequipa, Peru: its magma, eruption, and implications for past and future activity
Authors: Harpel Christopher J. , Cuno Juan José , Takach Marie K. , Rivera Marco , Aguilar Rigoberto , Tepley Frank J. , Garcia Fredy
Published: August 2023

Between 38.5 ka cal BP and 32.4 ka cal BP, a dacitic Volcanic Explosivity Index 5 eruption at Misti volcano emplaced the Sacarosa tephra-fall deposit. Its biotite phenocrysts, fine grain size, scarce lithics, and abundant loose crystals characterize the deposit at locations sampled. The eruption’s ~ 800 °C magma rose rapidly from ~ 10 km depth, culminating in a Plinian eruption which reached a mass eruption rate of 7.7 × 106–4.1 × 107 kg/s and emplaced about 3 km3 of tephra within tens of hours. The unit comprises two layers of subequal thickness separated by a diffuse contact with the upper distinguished by being slightly coarser and less well sorted than the lower. The deposit’s coarser upper layer indicates either climactic conditions or a lesser degree of fragmentation during the latter half of the eruption. Strong winds distributed the deposit southwest of Misti, where it crops out over at least 800 km2 and drapes the present site of Arequipa with up to 100 cm of tephra. The Sacarosa deposit is the first among the Cayma stage deposits, a distinctive group of felsic, biotite-bearing units, to be carefully described and its eruption characterized. Several Cayma stage deposits were emplaced by voluminous explosive eruptions similar to the Sacarosa eruption, representing a ~ 8.9–15.5 ky interval of powerful eruptions. Such an explosive eruption today would threaten Arequipa’s over 1,100,000 residents, many of whom live within the Sacarosa deposit’s distribution.
Mechanical modeling, seismic fragility, and correlation issues for groups of spherical pressure vessels
Authors: Karaferis N. D. , Melissianos V. E. , Vamvatsikos D.
Published: August 2023

A roadmap is outlined for determining comprehensive seismic fragility curves for (single or groups of) spherical pressure vessel structures commonly found in oil refineries. The developed modeling techniques aim to strike a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency, with a focus on capturing the most pertinent failure modes relevant to these structural types. First, a set of “partial” fragilities is determined based on each vessel’s fill ratio, as the response varies substantially depending on the amount of liquid content. Considering that a seismic assessment process invariably involves simultaneous consideration of such partial fragilities, a Monte Carlo-based approach is employed for their combination. The results naturally depend on the level of correlation employed, but can be almost perfectly matched by simpler analytical methods in the edge cases of full and zero correlation.
Craniofacial and dental features in children aged 3–5 years with congenital Zika syndrome
Authors: Díaz Catalina , Aragón Natalia , Lopez-Medina Eduardo , Arango Maria Cristina , Dávalos Diana , Contreras-Rengifo Adolfo
Published: August 2023

Objective

Zika virus infection has been associated to congenital zika syndrome (CZS) in newborns and is characterized by microcephaly, central/axial motor and sensory dysfunction, dysphagia among other previously described severe health complications. CZS is usually diagnosed postpartum by evident/apparent neural development problems. Although there are some reports of craniofacial/dentition development in CZS, several clinical oral aspects are still unknown. This study describes some structural and functional characteristics of facial and cranial growth and deciduous dentition in CZS-affected children.

Material and methods

Some cranial, facial and dental characteristics were determined in 14 children with CZS aged 3–5 years and compared them against 12 apparently healthy children paired by age and gender.

Results

Fourteen CZS cases presented microcephaly, maxillary prognathism, altered facial thirds, asymmetric pupillary line, bruxism (p = 0.006), deep and anterior open bite and distal step decidual molar relationship (p = 0.031). CZS children cannot feed by themselves and most cannot walk and have not develop coordinated and intelligible language according to their chronological age. In contrast, controls presented normal skull features, have autonomous locomotion skills, speak intelligible language, feed by themselves, presented a harmonic intermaxillary relationship and have symmetrical facial thirds.

Conclusion

Microcephaly, dysphagia, bruxism, mandibular retrognathia, altered facial proportions and malocclusion are the main craniofacial and oral features at CZS.

Clinical relevance

The complications of CZS including those related with the face and the oral cavity are still being identified. This study revealed some cranial, facial and oral features in children affected by CSZ. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation protocols must address these syndromic features that could improve children and parents living conditions.
Convergent and divergent intra- and internetwork connectivity in Parkinson’s disease with wearing-off
Authors: Zhai Heng , Fan Wenliang , Xiao Yan , Zhu Zhipeng , Ding Ying , He Chentao , Zhang Wei , Xu Yan , Zhang Yuhu
Published: August 2023

Objective

Our study aimed to explore the functional connectivity alterations between cortical nodes of resting-state networks in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with wearing-off (WO) at different levels.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 36 PD patients without wearing-off (PD-nWO), 30 PD patients with wearing-off (PD-WO), and 35 healthy controls (HCs) to extract functional networks. Integrity, network, and edge levels were calculated for comparison between groups. UPDRS-III, MMSE, MOCA, HAMA, and HAMD scores were collected for further regression analysis.

Results

We observed significantly reduced connectivity strength in the dorsal attention network and limbic network in the PD-WO group compared with the HC group. The PD-WO group showed a decreased degree of functional connectivity at 12 nodes, including the bilateral orbital part of the superior frontal gyrus, right olfactory cortex, left medial orbital part of the superior frontal gyrus, bilateral gyrus rectus, right parahippocampal gyrus, right thalamus, left Heschl’s gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus part of the temporal pole, left middle temporal gyrus part of the temporal pole, and right inferior temporal gyrus. Furthermore, the PD-WO group showed a significantly lower degree of functional connectivity in the left orbital part of the superior frontal gyrus and right gyrus rectus than the PD-nWO group. Internetwork analysis indicated reduced functional connectivity in five pairs of resting-state networks.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated altered intra- and internetwork connections in PD patients with WO. These findings will facilitate a better understanding of the distinction between the network changes in PD pathophysiology.
Medical versus neurosurgical treatment in ICH patients: a single center experience
Authors: Pierini P. , Novelli Agnese , Bossi F. , Corinaldesi R. , Paciaroni M. , Mosconi M. G. , Alberti A. , Venti M. , de Magistris I. Leone , Caso V.
Published: August 2023

Background and aims

The effect of surgical treatment for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains uncertain. We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study on supra-centimeter spontaneous ICH treated with either neurosurgical or conservative management. The baseline demographics and risk factors were correlated with in-hospital mortality and 3 and 6-month survival rates stratified by management.

Methods

We included all patients with evidence of spontaneous ICH > 1 cm detected by CT and admitted between august 2020 and march 2021 to the “SMM” Hospital in Perugia.

Results

Onehundredandtwentytwo patients were included in the study, and 45% (n.55) were surgically treated. The mean age was 71.9 ± 15.3, and 61% (n.75) were males. Intra-hospital mortality ended up being 31% (n.38), 3 months-survival was 63% (n.77) and 6 months-survival was 60% (n.73).

From the multivariate analysis of the surgical patients versus medical patient, we observed that the surgical patients were younger (67.5 ± 14.9 vs 75.5 ± 14.7 y; OR 0.87; Cl 95% 0.85–0.94; p 0.001), with greater ICH volume at the onset (61 ± 39.4 cc vs 51 ± 64 cc; OR 1.03; Cl 95% 1.005–1.07; p 0.05), more midline shift (7.61 ± 5.54 mm vs 4.09 ± 5.88 mm; OR 1.37; Cl 95% 1.045–1.79; p 0.023), and a higher ICH score (3 vs 2 mean ICH score; OR 21.12; Cl 95% 2.6–170.6; p 0.004). Intra-hospital mortality in the surgical group and in the conservative treatment group was respectively 33% vs 30%, 3 month-survival was 64% vs 63% and 6 month- survival were 60% in both groups.

Conclusions

Our patient cohort shows no overall benefit from surgery over conservative treatment, but surgical patients were younger and had larger ICH volume.
Psychological and Behavioural Within-participant Predictors of Adherence to Oral HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
Authors: Taylor Alison , Hayes Rosalie , Nwokolo Nneka , Whitlock Gary , Dosekun Olamide , McCormack Sheena , Gafos Mitzy , Evangeli Michael
Published: August 2023

Oral PrEP’s effectiveness relies on adequate adherence during periods of substantial HIV risk. Since most PrEP users will miss doses, understanding predictors within participants can help to explain adherence. We used a cross-sectional, within-participant design with 67 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men taking PrEP daily. Using a questionnaire, informed by the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills Model, participants were asked about an adherent and a non-adherent episode. PrEP non-adherence was associated with non-normality of the day (p < .001), being out of the home (p < .001), weekend days (p = .01), having company (p = .02), using substances (p = 0.02), not using reminders (p = .03), lower PrEP information (p = .04), lower behavioural skills (p < .001) and less positive affect (p = .002). PrEP adherence assessment could focus on situational variations, supporting the construction of alternative strategies to facilitate adherence in these situations.
Chlorella in aquaculture: challenges, opportunities, and disease prevention for sustainable development
Authors: Aly Salah M. , ElBanna Noha I. , Fathi M
Published: August 2023

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, which has become a crucial source of protein and income. However, bacterial infections pose a significant challenge to the aquaculture industry and traditional treatments, such as antibiotics and chemicals, have limitations and environmental concerns. Disease prevention and control measures, such as the use of probiotics, vaccines, and biosecurity measures, are essential for the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. Further research is also needed to develop more effective and sustainable strategies for the prevention and control of bacterial fish pathogens in aquaculture, where alternative treatments such as herbal extracts, essential oils, and probiotics require further investigation for efficacy and safety. Microalgae, particularly Chlorella, have potential applications in various industries such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment. However, their large-scale production and commercialization face challenges. Safety of Chlorella to fish is a crucial issue that requires careful evaluation, with hematology being an essential tool to assess its effects on fish health and physiology. Studies show that Chlorella is safe for fish and does not have adverse effects on growth, survival, or immune system function. Chlorella is a safe and sustainable option for aquaculture, free from harmful chemicals and antibiotics. The Green Water System utilizes Chlorella as a natural filter and nutrient recycler, improving water quality and providing a well-balanced diet for aquatic animals. This eco-friendly approach also enhances fish immune systems, growth rates, and survival rates. The scientometric review shows significant research activity, with Chang JS being a prominent author and People’s R China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences leading in contributions. The use of Chlorella shows promise as an alternative treatment for bacterial fish pathogens in aquaculture due to its antibacterial properties, safety, and sustainability. However, challenges such as cost-effectiveness and standardization need to be addressed for successful implementation in the aquaculture industry.
Neoadjuvant carboplatin in triple-negative breast cancer: results from NACATRINE, a randomized phase II clinical trial
Authors: de Pádua Souza Cristiano , Carneiro Ana Suellen Barroso , de Oliveira Lessa Ana Cecília , Lacerda Domício Carvalho , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Zorzetto Marina Moreira Costa , de Freitas Ana Julia Aguiar , Santana Iara Viana Vidigal , de Oliveira Marco Antonio , Palmero Edenir Inêz , Marques Márcia Maria Chiquitelli , Reinert Tomás
Published: August 2023

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is the mainstay of treatment of stages II and III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study aims to evaluate if the addition of carboplatin to NACT is associated with an increase in the pathological complete response (pCR) rates in TNBC.

Methods

We conducted an open-label phase II randomized clinical trial in a single center in Brazil. Patients with stage II and III TNBC were randomized to receive standard NACT with or without carboplatin. All the patients received doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) plus cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) both intravenously (i.v.) q21 days for four cycles. Patients were then randomized for additional treatment with weekly (wk) paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 i.v., for 12 cycles) plus wk carboplatin AUC 1.5 (experimental arm) or without wk carboplatin (control arm). Randomization was stratified according to gBRCA status, age, and AJCC 8th edition clinical stage (II vs. III). The primary endpoint was the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary endpoints included recurrence-free survival and overall survival.

Results

Between 2017 and 2021, 146 patients were randomized, 73 on each arm. The median age was 45 years. Most patients (66.4%) had locally advanced stage III disease, 67.1% had T3/T4 tumors, and 56.2% had clinically positive axillary lymph nodes. Germline BRCA status was available for all patients, and 19.9% had pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants. The pCR rate (ypT0ypN0) was numerically increased by 13.7%, being 43.8% (31 of 73 patients) in the experimental and 30.1% (22 of 73 patients) in the control arm, not meeting the prespecified goal of increasing the pCR in 15% (p-value = 0.08). Survival outcomes are immature.

Conclusion

The addition of carboplatin to standard NACT in stages II and III TNBC was associated with a non-statistically significant numerical increase in the pCR rate. Follow-up for survival outcomes and translational research initiatives are ongoing.
The Integration of Gender Equality (SDG 5) into University Teaching: the View from the Frontline
Authors: Merma-Molina Gladys , Urrea-Solano Mayra , Hernández-Amorós María J.
Published: August 2023

Most universities are working committedly towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The University of Alicante (UA) (Spain) has designed a series of strategies to help crystallize its aims within these goals, including those related to gender equality (SDG 5). Given the context, the aims of this study are (1) to find out whether teachers integrate SDG 5 into their teaching and, if so, what strategies they use, (2) to analyse how they perceive the effects of this and what factors help or hinder the process, and (3) to check for possible differences in these perceptions according to sex and faculty. Some 310 teachers from all the UA faculties participated. A descriptive and comparative analysis was performed, as was a content analysis. Half of the participants were found to be implementing these strategies, with women in general and teachers from the Faculty of Humanities in particular appearing to be most aware of the subject. However, only a minority applied them on a mainstream basis. The most used strategy was inclusive language. Other strategies, such as reflecting on equality, promoting equal participation, visibilizing women in different areas of knowledge, equal treatment of students and gender research, were also present in their narratives but to only a very small degree. Improved professional development for teachers and greater student awareness of gender issues were identified as positive effects of incorporating these strategies. Participants also felt that low awareness and a lack of time and training were obstacles to the process. Universities should therefore establish specific institutional policies aimed at integrating SDG 5 as a quality indicator. Training programmes should be redesigned to take into account a more practical approach, the type of learning (classroom, online or mixed), and subsequent follow-up in the classroom to guarantee effective integration.
Road to Equity in Maternal and Child Health: Honoring the Past and Blazing New Paths
Authors: Rowley Diane L. , Hogan Vijaya K. , Abresch Chad
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper is a historical account of an initiative, as recalled by the authors who were directly involved, that brought to the forefront the long-standing and unjust reproductive health inequities in the United States. It is composed of three distinct but interrelated parts that together map the past, present, and future of addressing racial inequities in Maternal and Child Health.

Description

This paper is composed of three distinct but interrelated parts that together map the past, present, and future of addressing racial inequities in Maternal and Child Health. Part I recounts the history and achievements of a Centers for Disease for Control and Prevention initiative in the 1980–90’s, led by the Prematurity Research Group in the Division of Reproductive Health, Pregnancy and Infant Health Branch. This initiative stimulated a paradigm shift in how we understand and address black infant mortality and the inequities in this outcome. Part II illustrates examples of some exemplary programmatic and policy legacies that stemmed either directly or indirectly from the Centers for Disease for Control and Prevention paradigm shift. Part III provides a discussion of how effectively the current practice in Maternal and Child Health applies this paradigm to address inequities and proposes a path for accelerating Title V agencies’ progress toward birth equity.

Assessment

This CDC initiative was transformative in that it raised the visibility of African American researchers, moved the field from a focus on traditional epidemiologic risks such as personal health promotion and medical interventions, to include racism as a risk factor for inequitable birth outcomes. The paradigm examined the specific roles of historical and structural racism, and the racialized, contextualized, and temporal exposures that are unique to Black women’s experiences in the United States.

Conclusion

The initiative radically changed the narratives about the underlying factors contributing to inequities in birth outcomes of Black women, altered the way we currently approach addressing inequities, and holds the keys for transforming practice to a more holistic and systematic approach to building sustained organizational structures in maternal and child health that accelerate the achievement of birth equity.
Patch area and uniform sampling on the surface of any ellipsoid
Authors: Marples Callum Robert , Williams Philip Michael
Published: August 2023

Algorithms for generating uniform random points on a triaxial ellipsoid are non-trivial to verify because of the non-analytical form of the surface area. In this paper, a formula for the surface area of an ellipsoidal patch is derived in the form of a one-dimensional numerical integration problem, where the integrand is expressed using elliptic integrals. In addition, analytical formulae were obtained for the special case of a spheroid. The triaxial ellipsoid formula was used to calculate patch areas to investigate a set of surface sampling algorithms. Particular attention was paid to the efficiency of these methods. The results of this investigation show that the most efficient algorithm depends on the required coordinate system. For Cartesian coordinates, the gradient rejection sampling algorithm of Chen and Glotzer is best suited to this task, when paired with Marsaglia’s method for generating points on a unit sphere. For outputs in polar coordinates, it was found that a surface area rejection sampler is preferable.
Mr. Active and Little Miss Passive? The Transmission and Existence of Gender Stereotypes in Children’s Books
Authors: Pownall Madeleine , Heflick Nathan
Published: August 2023

Do popular children’s books tend to reflect gender stereotypes, and do parents prefer their daughters to read books reflecting this pattern? We explored these research questions using the popular Roger Hargreaves’ Mr. Men and Little Miss collection of children’s storybooks, which is a series of individual stories all titled with and based on a binarized gendered character (e.g., Mr. Greedy, Little Miss Sunshine). Using a deductive content analysis approach, Study 1 revealed that the characters in the series’ 81 books tend to behave in gender stereotypical ways, with male characters more adventurous and active and female characters more domestic and passive. Books that had female leads were also more likely to have male secondary characters. In Study 2, participants rated the masculinity/femininity and positivity/negativity of the traits of each of the book series’ titular main characters without knowing the (gendered) book title. The traits used in Little Miss stories were associated with femininity, and the Mr Men story traits with masculinity. In Study 3, when faced with the prospect of selecting a Little Miss book to read to their daughter, parents preferred counter-stereotypical book choices (e.g., Little Miss Brainy). Perceived consistency with what parents wanted to teach their daughters about women predicted this book choice. Overall, although these books tended to reflect traditional gender stereotypes (Studies 1, 2), and people held these beliefs (Study 3), we found that parents wanted a counter-stereotypical book for their daughter. Implications for the transmission of gender stereotypes via children’s literature and parental choices are discussed.
Integrative views of representations and processes in morphology: an introduction
Authors: Marzi Claudia , Pirrelli Vito
Published: August 2023

One of the most enduring conceptualisations of the language architecture rests on a modular subdivision of work between lexical representations of stored items on the one hand, and dynamic processes, modelled as procedural rules working on such items, on the other hand. In morphology, network-based approaches have suggested an alternative “integrative” view of word representations and processes, where lexical representations consist of partially overlapping activation patterns spreading over several processing units. From this integrative perspective, the resulting network isbotha lexiconanda word processor. We argue that the network-based view provides a stimulating research framework for several complementary levels of language inquiry (including theoretical, computational and neuro-psychological approaches) to be fruitfully integrated into a novel, comprehensive understanding of morphology. We discuss some implications of this view and delineate prospects of progress in this area.
Reducing Bias and Quantifying Uncertainty in Fluorescence Produced by PCR
Authors: DeJaco Robert F. , Roberts Matthew J. , Romsos Erica L. , Vallone Peter M. , Kearsley Anthony J.
Published: August 2023

We present a new approach for relating nucleic-acid content to fluorescence in a real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. By coupling a two-type branching process for PCR with a fluorescence analog of Beer’s Law, the approach reduces bias and quantifies uncertainty in fluorescence. As the two-type branching process distinguishes between complementary strands of DNA, it allows for a stoichiometric description of reactions between fluorescent probes and DNA and can capture the initial conditions encountered in assays targeting RNA. Analysis of the expected copy-number identifies additional dynamics that occur at short times (or, equivalently, low cycle numbers), while investigation of the variance reveals the contributions from liquid volume transfer, imperfect amplification, and strand-specific amplification (i.e., if one strand is synthesized more efficiently than its complement). Linking the branching process to fluorescence by the Beer’s Law analog allows for an a priori description of background fluorescence. It also enables uncertainty quantification (UQ) in fluorescence which, in turn, leads to analytical relationships between amplification efficiency (probability) and limit of detection. This work sets the stage for UQ-PCR, where both the input copy-number and its uncertainty are quantified from fluorescence kinetics.
Emergent Lag Phase in Flux-Regulation Models of Bacterial Growth
Authors: Bate Fiona , Amekan Yumechris , Pushkin Dmitri O. , Chong James P. J. , Bees Martin
Published: August 2023

Lag phase is observed in bacterial growth during a sudden change in conditions: growth is inhibited whilst cells adapt to the environment. Bi-phasic, or diauxic growth is commonly exhibited by many species. In the presence of two sugars, cells initially grow by consuming the preferred sugar then undergo a lag phase before resuming growth on the second. Biomass increase is characterised by a diauxic growth curve: exponential growth followed by a period of no growth before a second exponential growth. Recent literature lacks a complete dynamic description, artificially modelling lag phase and employing non-physical representations of precursor pools. Here, we formulate a rational mechanistic model based on flux-regulation/proteome partitioning with a finite precursor pool that reveals core mechanisms in a compact form. Unlike earlier systems, the characteristic dynamics emerge as part of the solution, including the lag phase. Focussing on growth of Escherichia coli on a glucose–lactose mixture we show results accurately reproduce experiments. We show that for a single strain of E. coli, diauxic growth leads to optimised biomass yields. However, intriguingly, for two competing strains diauxic growth is not always the best strategy. Our description can be generalised to model multiple different microorganisms and investigate competition between species/strains.
Prävalenz psychischer Belastungen bei ukrainischen Flüchtlingen in Deutschland – Betrachtung von Geschlechterunterschieden
Authors: Buchcik J. , Metzner F. , Kovach V. , Adedeji A.
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Der Krieg in der Ukraine hat die weltweite Anzahl von Vertriebenen erhöht. Fluchterfahrungen und traumatische Erlebnisse können zu langfristigen psychischen Problemen führen. Die Prävalenz und der Schweregrad psychischer Belastungen variieren jedoch angesichts unterschiedlicher demografischer Faktoren. Weibliche Flüchtlinge erfahren aufgrund ihres Geschlechts häufig eine besonders starke Benachteiligung und psychische Belastung.

Methode

Im Rahmen einer Querschnittstudie wurden n = 389 Personen ab 18 Jahren befragt, die nach dem Ausbruch des Krieges in der Ukraine in Deutschland Zuflucht gesucht haben. Zur Erhebung des allgemeinen Gesundheitszustands und der psychischen Belastungen sowie der sozioökonomischen und soziodemografischen Merkmale der Befragten wurde ein standardisierter Fragebogen, übersetzt in die ukrainische Sprache, eingesetzt.

Ergebnisse

Frauen bewerteten ihre psychische Gesundheit negativer als Männer. Etwa 52 % der Männer und 69 % der Frauen schliefen aufgrund von Sorgen „schlechter“ oder „viel schlechter“ als üblich. Von leichten bis schweren depressiven Symptomen sowie von Angst berichteten 85 % aller Teilnehmenden. Im Vergleich zu den Männern gaben die Frauen mehr als doppelt so häufig an, unter schweren Depressions- oder Angstsymptomen zu leiden.

Diskussion

Ein hoher Anteil der aus der Ukraine Geflüchteten weist psychische Belastungen auf. Bei den geflüchteten Frauen sind psychische Belastungen signifikant stärker ausgeprägt als bei den Männern. Weitere geschlechtersensible Studien sind erforderlich, um Faktoren zu ermitteln, die die Vulnerabilität von aus der Ukraine geflüchteten Frauen erklären können und Ansatzpunkte für präventive Angebote liefern.

Schlussfolgerung

Zur Sichtbarmachung von und Sensibilisierung für psychische Belastungen bei unkrainischen Frauen sollten Interventionen unter Berücksichtigung des Zusammenwirkens von (biologischen) Vulnerabilitätsfaktoren, geschlechtsspezifischen Postmigrationsstressoren und intersektionalen Diskriminierungen geplant und angeboten werden.
Extracting static elastic moduli of rock through elastic wave velocities
Authors: Zhang Yuliang , Gu Yiming , Zhou Hongtu , Yang Lining
Published: August 2023

In many geological conditions, obtaining the static elastic moduli of crustal rocks is an essential subject for accurate mechanical analyses of crust. The elastic wave method may be the best choice if rock specimens cannot be taken since elastic wave propagation can be applied to in-situ environments. Although many signs of progress have been made in the elastic wave method, some issues still restrict the accurate extraction of static moduli and its applications. A review of this method and its further research prospect is urgently needed. With this purpose, this paper summarized and analyzed the published experimental data about the relationship between the static and dynamic Young’s moduli of rock, and the frequency dependence of wave velocities and dynamic elastic moduli. P- and S-wave velocities, Young’s, and bulk moduli of rock, especially the saturated rock, have strong frequency dependence in a wide frequency range of 10–6–106 Hz. Different rocks or conditions (such as water content, amplitude, and pressure), have different frequency-dependent characteristics. The current elastic wave method can be classified into two methods: the empirical correlation method and the multifrequency ultrasonic method. The basic principle, advantages, and disadvantages of both methods are analyzed. Especially, the reasonability of the multifrequency ultrasonic method was elaborated given the nonlinear elasticity, strain level/rate, and pores/cracks in rock materials. Existing problems and prospects on the two methods are also pointed out, such as the choice of a proper empirical correlation, accurate determination of the critical P- and S-wave velocities, the prediction of Young’s modulus at each strain level, and the reasonability of the method under various water contents and fracture structures.
How to prove neglect in the context of the post-mortem examination
Authors: Lutz L. , Klinger M. F. , Holz F. , Verhoff M. A. , Amendt J.
Published: August 2023

Understanding the causes, extent, and period of neglect is not only a medical but also a forensic task when it comes to legal investigations. In this study, we evaluated 46 autopsied cases where there was clear evidence of physical neglect during the last period of the deceased’s life. The age of the deceased ranged from 21 to 96 years; most of them were female (71.7%). The majority of cases (89.9%) took place in a domestic environment, with partners or relatives providing care. The most frequent post-mortem findings were pressure sores, followed by inflammatory skin changes, and signs of malnutrition and dehydration. Neglect was the cause or co-cause of death in 23% of the cases. More than half of the deceased showed severe contamination of the skin surface by excrement, and in almost 40% of the cases, fly infestation was found. The majority of insects belonged to the group of house flies (Diptera: Muscidae), mainly the common house fly, Musca domestica. By analyzing the entomological evidence, it was possible to prove an insect infestation period of at least several days ante-mortem. Since the period of neglect may be relevant in terms of legal proceedings, the present work demonstrates the particular importance of insect traces in providing this evidence. While prosecution and conviction of caregivers remain challenging, it is all the more essential that entomology and legal medicine collaborate on the analysis of findings of neglect.
Gene Interaction of Dopaminergic Synaptic Pathway Genes in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Case-Control Study in Chinese Children
Authors: Zhong Lin , He Hongyao , Zhang Jing , Gao Xiaoyan , Yin Feifei , Zuo Pengxiang , Song Ranran
Published: August 2023

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a highly inherited neurodevelopmental disorder. Previous genetic research has linked ADHD to certain genes in the dopaminergic synaptic pathway. Nonetheless, research on this relationship has produced varying results across various populations. China is a multi-ethnic country with its own unique genetic characteristics. Therefore, such a population can provide useful information about the relationship between gene polymorphisms in dopaminergic synaptic pathways and ADHD. This study looked at the genetic profiles of 284 children in China’s Xinjiang. In total, 142 ADHD children and 142 control subjects were enrolled. Following the extraction of DNA from oral mucosal cells, 13 SNPs for three candidate genes (SLC6A3, DRD2, and GRIN2B) in the dopaminergic synaptic pathway of ADHD were screened. Based on the results of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses, we found that the DRD2 gene variants rs6277 and rs6275, and the SLC6A3 gene variant rs2652511, were significantly associated with ADHD in boys and girls, respectively, after adjusting for false discovery rate (FDR) in terms of allele frequencies. Furthermore, our generalized multifactorial downscaling approach identified a significant association between rs6275 and rs1012586. These findings suggest that DRD2 and SLC6A3 genes have a crucial role in ADHD susceptibility. Additionally, we observed that the interaction between GRIN2B and DRD2 genes may contribute to the susceptibility of Chinese children with ADHD.
Planning to ‘Hear the Farmer’s Voice’: an Agent-Based Modelling Approach to Agricultural Land Use Planning
Authors: Shahpari Sahar , Eversole Robyn
Published: August 2023

Agricultural land use is influenced not only by multiple aspects of biophysical and socio-economic processes, but also the cumulative impacts of individual farmer decisions. Farmers’ activities and decisions at farm scale shape land use and water utilisation at regional scale, yet land use planning processes do not take into account farmers’ knowledge and decision-making processes as they respond to, and in turn shape, change. Farmers’ voices are missing in the planning system. In this paper, we address the complexity of agricultural land use planning and examine the possibility of agricultural land use planning from the bottom-up via simulation to integrate environmental, economic and human factors that influence land use change. We present an innovative approach to model the interactions between government policy, market signals, and farmers’ land use decisions, and how the accumulated effects of these individual decisions change agricultural land use patterns at regional scale, using spatial and temporal agent-based modeling. A multi-stage mixed method spatial agent-based modeling (ABM) approach, aligned with the Geodesign framework, can incorporate local knowledge and decision-making into models of regional land use change. To illustrate the new approach, we examine the impact of milk market price on changes in land use in Tasmania, Australia. This approach brings together local knowledge with scientific, planning, and policy knowledge to generate dynamic scenarios for informed agricultural land-use planning decisions.
Shared Knowledge in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
Authors: Miraglia Laura , Di Dio Cinzia , Manzi Federico , Kanda Takayuki , Cangelosi Angelo , Itakura Shoji , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Massaro Davide , Fonagy Peter , Marchetti Antonella
Published: August 2023

According to the Theory of Natural Pedagogy, object-directed emotion may provide different information depending on the context: in a communicative context, the information conveys culturally shared knowledge regarding the emotional valence of an object and is generalizable to other individuals, whereas, in a non-communicative context, information is interpreted as a subjective disposition of the person expressing the emotion, i.e., personal preference. We hypothesized that this genericity bias, already present in infants, may be a feature of human communication and, thus, present at all ages. We further questioned the effects of robotic ostensive cues. To explore these possibilities, we presented object-directed emotions in communicative and non-communicative contexts under two conditions: adult participants (N = 193) were split into those who underwent the human-demonstrator condition and those who underwent the robot-demonstrator condition, i.e., a human actor or a robot displayed object-directed emotions, respectively. Questionnaires further assessed the participants’ attachment style and mentalization ability. The results showed that (1) Natural Pedagogy Theory applies to humans across the lifespan; (2) Shared knowledge depends on the contexts (communicative vs. non-communicative) and who is sharing the information (human or robot); and (3) robotic ostensive cues trigger participants’ attention, conversely, in their absence, participants do not turn the robot into a communicative partner by not assigning it a communicative intention due to a difficulty in reading the robot’s mind. Taken together, our findings indicate that robotic ostensive cues may ease the human-robot interaction (HRI), which is also biased by the human attachment style. The study has been preregistered in Open Science Framework, OSF on September 9, 2021 (Registration DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9TWY8).
Reading the materiality of the Oxyrhynchus Papyri: non-invasive analyses to reveal scribal choices
Authors: Ghigo Tea , Dominguez Alberto Nodar
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the first ever material characterisation of inks used in 23 documentary papyri excavated in Oxyrhynchus, about 160 km south-east of Cairo. These papyri date to between the fourth and seventh centuries CE, and are nowadays preserved at the Art, Archaeology and Ancient World Library in Oxford. The material analyses were carried out with in situ analytical methods, namely infrared reflectography (IRR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Moreover, the data obtained with XRF on the papyrus support were further explored with principal component analysis (PCA). To our knowledge, this study represents the first instance in which PCA was applied to a dataset obtained from ancient papyri with portable, non-invasive analytical equipment. The differences in the material composition highlighted suggest the papyrus used for these documents proceeded from different sources. Furthermore, the investigation of the writing inks confirmed a trend we highlighted during previous material studies of manuscripts from the Byzantine period: carbon-based ink is predominantly used for documentary texts, while iron-gall ink is for literary texts. Finally, the peculiar case of a document bearing the proceedings from the court of Alexandria suggests the existence, in this area, of specific technical and scribal traditions that have not been pointed out before.
200 Years of Fossil Fuels and Climate Change (1900-2100)
Authors: Shanmugam G.
Published: August 2023

The geologic record shows that the Earth’s climate has always been changing naturally during the past 600 million years in terms of CO2 and temperature, without CO2 emissions from Fossil Fuels by humans. There were both warming and cooling periods prior to the appearance of human beings on the Planet Earth. The Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW) is attributed to the Industrial Age that commenced in 1760 in the Great Britain and later in the USA. The principal driver behind the Industrial Revolution has been Fossil Fuels (i.e., Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal). Since 1900, Fossil Fuels have been the single most important driver of the modern human civilization. If the Net–Zero CO2 policy were to be implemented, large numbers of people would die and the modern human civilization would come to a sudden halt, and humans left alive would have to revert back to the lifestyles of the Neanderthals who lived 40,000 years ago without the benefits of Fossil Fuels. The failure of the Net–Zero policy is already evident by (1) the Germany’s shift back to coal from unreliable wind to face the energy crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine War on 24th February 2022, (2) the bankruptcy of Sri Lanka in 2022 caused by the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policy that banned chemical fertilizers, and (3) the major victory by the Dutch pro-farmers party (BBB) in the 2023 provincial elections in opposition to the Dutch government’s climate policy to eliminate nitrogen emissions by reducing 30% of livestocks in the Netherlands. A climate-change model for 200 Years (1900-2100) is proposed based on four basic parameters, namely, CO2, Temperature, Population, and GDP per capita. The model shows a steady increase in all four parameters from 1900 to 2100. In this model, calculations based on the Max Planck’s Curve by Van Wijngaarden and Happer (2020), an increase in CO2 and Temperature by 2100 would be trivial and that would not hinder either the population growth or the GDP growth. Therefore, Climate Change is not an existential threat. The proposed road-map for the future is to continue to use the Fossil Fuels as usual. The ultimate driver of the Earth’s climate is the omnipotent Sun, not humans. The CO2 in the atmosphere helps not only to modulate the Earth’s Temperature suitable for human survival, but also to enhance Global Greening. Therefore, we should shift our resources and attention away from Global Warming and aim towards eliminating Global Poverty.
Geochemistry of Hindoli Group Metasediments, SE Aravalli Craton, NW India: Implications on Provenance Characteristics and Tectonic Setting
Authors: Saxena Asha , Pandit M. K. , Zhao J. H.
Published: August 2023

The NE-SW trending Jahazpur Belt in NW India has been considered correlative with the Aravalli Fold Belt, based on lithological similarities and greenschist facies metamorphic assemblages. The 2.54 Ga ‘Jahazpur Granite’ constitutes the basement for the overlying Hindoli and Jahazpur Group sediments in this belt. These meta sedimentary sequences presently occur as a greenschist facies ensemble of phyllite, marble, greywacke, and meta-conglomerate. In this study, the trace and Rare Earth Elements geochemistry of the Paleoproterozoic Hindoli Group metapelites and metagreywackes was evaluated for source characterization and tectonic setting. The transition metals and Th, La abundances, and Th/Sc, Zr/Sc and La/Sc ratios (1.19 and 1.5, 21.31 and 17.35 and 4.02 and 2.97, for metapelites and metagreywackes, respectively) of Hindoli Group suggest a felsic source for them and some degree of sediment maturity. Both Hindoli metapelites and metagreywackes are enriched in LREE and display significant negative Eu anomalies, further substantiating a predominant felsic component in the source region. The provenance modeling calculations indicate that the detritus was mainly sourced from Mangalwar Complex, along with some inputs from Jahazpur Granite, Bundelkhand TTG and Hindoli volcanics. Geochemical characteristics also discriminate a continental collision associated with an Active Continental Margin tectonic setting for the deposition of Hindoli sediments.