bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning Back to Kuhn
Authors: Kasavin Ilya T. , Porus Vladimir N. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The article examines the problem of interpreting normal and revolutionary science in the concept of Thomas Kuhn. It is shown that the “normal science” is the central concept of the Kuhn’s history of science, designed in accordance with the normative definition of science adopted by him. Such a story serves an internal purpose – to justify the special epistemical status of expert knowledge. But there is also an external goal – to establish professional science as an institution with special epistemological status and social function, which is situated in a center of intellectual power and property. Historians are those who are forced to constantly rewrite history – either following the methodology of “rational reconstruction” or responding to the challenges of their time. To be a “conservative” or a “revolutionary” in the history of science is a choice made not only for philosophical reasons, but also under the influence of the general socio-cultural situation of the epoch.
Russian Engineering in the Context of Philosophical and Sociological Studies
Authors: Chebotareva Elena E. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

This article explores the problems of Russian engineering in the context of the world studies in philosophy of engineering. Firstly, the author highlights the main questions and topics of the modern philosophy of engineering: what engineering is, the “magic” and “human-oriented” nature of technologies, and models of engineering ethics. Secondly, the article presents a specific mythological narrative of domestic engineers (“the theory of a missed chance”) and shows the inclusion of this “theory” in alternate historical fiction. Thirdly, the article identifies the reasons for emergence of such mythology in the engineering environment. The author highlights a historical context of “missed chances” for the turning of technical inventions into innovations and claims that the country's engineering potential was not used to a full extent. For greater objectivity, the article uses the works both of foreign and domestic researchers. In addition, the author raised a question about the relatedness of the concepts of engineer and innovation. Finally, the article gives an answer to the question about the essence of the engineer; the author believes that the engineering is primarily an environment, close to the human life world, understanding and maintaining the links between science and technology, providing the necessary channels for transforming inventions into innovations, i.e. commercially realized technologies. The given definition demonstrates the prospects for the development of socio-humanitarian research in the field of engineering.
David Hume’s Epistemology and Its Contemporary Importance
Authors: Vasilyev Vadim V. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The paper is about some epistemological ideas of David Hume. At first, I give a review of his most influential epistemological conceptions: his exposition of the problem of induction in the context of his investigation of the nature of empirical reasonings, his analysis of epistemic status of the principle of causation, and his skeptical arguments concerning existence of external world and demonstrative knowledge. Then I discuss those Hume’s epistemological ideas which, as I believe, are usually not rightly understood in literature about Hume’s philosophy. They are connected to his theory of probabilistic reasonings. It is quite common to contrast his theory with approach of Thomas Bayes, but I try to show that in reality Hume’s theory is in perfect agreement with the Bayes’ theorem. In order to do this I interpret a topic of probability of our belief in testimonies of miracles, which Hume discusses, in terms of Bayes’ theorem: P(miracle/testimony) = P(testimony/miracle) x P(miracle) // P(testimony). According to this interpretation a probability of veracity of testimony of a miracle diminishes with diminishing of probability of miracles and diminishes when probability of testimonies increases. That’s very Hume’s position. At the end of the paper I discuss Hume’s insights on non-rational aspects of human cognition, which had anticipated some recent developments in cognitive psychology. In this context I also consider a possibility of justification of our principles of empirical cognition in Hume’s epistemology. I argue that Hume gave a kind of justification of them after all in terms of final causes, and quite legitimate.
Brave New World
Authors: Koshovets Olga B. , Frolov Igor E. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The article focuses on the crucial changes that science as an established social institution and an epistemological enterprise is undergoing, the key one is the loss of its monopoly on the production of socially useful knowledge and gradual transformation into something new, which, due to institutional and cultural reasons, we continue to call ‘science’. We suppose that the most appropriate conceptualization of the new phenomenon, which is replacing science as an institution, is “technoscience”, since the technical component in scientific practices has now taken a dominant position and technology production has become more important than fundamental knowledge. Technoscience has at least two sources: 1) capitalization of scientific activity that has led to classical science has been replaced with technoscience developing on first-priority funded applied research; 2) theorization and autonomy of the techno sphere, which have resulted in instrumentalization of all levels of knowledge production as well as in technological / symbolic construction of reality and tangled ontology of technoscientific objects. We discuss both of these sources, with particular attention being paid to such trends as epistemic strategies transformation, modified reality, social sciences and humanities conformation to technoscience norms, and knowledge bearers egalitarianization. A crucial transformation of both science itself and its position in society breaks inevitably a demarcation line that separates scientific knowledge from other types of knowledge while promotes the replacement of scientific theory with discourses. Apparently, in “technoscience” an ethos of its own is being formed, where interaction with the “external environment” (with other social spheres) is crucial. In this context, scientific activity is becoming more and more transepistemic, transinstitutional practice, and accordingly ceases to be guided by the classical scientific ethos determined by the goals and objectives of academic community itself.
Causal Efficiency of Intentional Acts
Authors: Sekatskaya Maria A. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

Willusionists claim that recent developments in psychology and neuroscience demonstrate that consciousness is causally inefficient [Carruthers, 2007; Eagleman, 2012; Wegner, 2002]. In section 1, I show that willusionists provide two types of evidence: first, evidence that we do not always know the causes of our actions; second, evidence that we lack introspective awareness of the causal efficiency of our intentional acts.In section 2, I analyze the first type of evidence. Recent research in the field of social psychology has shown that irrelevant factors affect human behavior. For example, it has been shown that pleasant smells make a person more helpful toward strangers [Baron, 1997], whereas images of eyes that a person sees on a poster reduce the likelihood of cheating [Bateson, Nettle, & Roberts, 2006]. I argue that minor influences do not necessarily lead to something more sinister, and the contrary has not been empirically proven so far.In section 3, I analyze the second type of evidence that Daniel Wegner [2002] provides in favor of willusionism. Wegner claims that conscious will is usually understood in one of two ways: (1) «as something that is experienced when we perform an action» [Wegner, 2002, p. 3] or (2) «as a force of mind, a name for the causal link between our minds and our actions» [ibid.]. According to Wegner, it is a conceptual truth that for something to count as an instance of conscious will it must both be (1) felt as voluntary, and (2) causally efficient in bringing about a certain effect. Wegner claims that what satisfies (1) can fail to satisfy (2), and vice versa. The major part of Wegner’s book is the review and analysis of diverse psychological phenomena: automatisms, hypnosis, illusions of control, influence of unconscious factors on human behavior, as well as some neuroscientific data. I briefly review the data provided by Wegner, and come to the conclusion that, although they show that there is a double dissociation between consciously willed processes and the acts that are supposedly caused by these processes, they do not justify further conclusions made by Wegner.According to Wegner, the feeling of conscious will is just an indicator of unconscious processes which, in fact, cause our behavior. I argue that the data considered by Wegner do not provide direct information about the neuronal processes that underlie conscious intentional processes. Moreover, double dissociation can only show that one process neither a necessary nor sufficient cause of another process. It cannot show that one process is not among the causes leading to another process.In section 4, I argue that the experimental data discussed in the article are important for philosophical theories of intentionality.
Generalized Trust in Taiwan and (as Evidence for) Hirschman’s doux commerce Thesis
Authors: Cohen Marc A. ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: February 2020

Data from the World Values Survey shows that generalized trust in Mainland China—trust in out-group members—is very low, but generalized trust in Taiwan is much higher. The present paper argues that positive interactions with out-group members in the context of Taiwan’s export-oriented economy fostered generalized trust—and so explains this difference. This line of argument provides evidence for Albert O. Hirschman’s doux commerce thesis, that market interaction can improve persons and even stabilize the social order. The present paper defends this point by separating two theses that Hirschman combines under that label, a countervailing forces thesis and a doux commerce thesis narrowly understood. These theses offer different explanations (or mechanisms) for how commerce could have those positive effects. The data about Taiwanese trust practices provides evidence for the latter.
Gout in the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Mimicking Cellulitis: A Case Report
Authors: Ohnishi Jun , Ishimaru Naoto , Seto Hiroyuki , Kanzawa Yohei , Kinami Saori
Published: February 2020

A 65-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with fever and inflammation of the right ankle. We initiated antibiotics on suspicion of cellulitis. After no clinical improvement, we performed magnetic resonance imaging, which showed a fluid collection in the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon sheath. Synovial fluid analysis revealed monosodium uric crystals. Final diagnosis was FHL tendonitis secondary to gout proven by synovial fluid analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of FHL tendonitis caused by gout. When ankle inflammation is examined in clinical situations, FHL tendonitis caused by gout should be considered.
Opioids depress breathing through two small brainstem sites
Authors: Bachmutsky Iris , Wei Xin Paul , Kish Eszter , Yackle Kevin
Published: February 2020

The rates of opioid overdose in the United States quadrupled between 1999 and 2017, reaching a staggering 130 deaths per day. This health epidemic demands innovative solutions that require uncovering the key brain areas and cell types mediating the cause of overdose— opioid-induced respiratory depression. Here, we identify two primary changes to murine breathing after administering opioids. These changes implicate the brainstem’s breathing circuitry which we confirm by locally eliminating the µ-Opioid receptor. We find the critical brain site is the preBötzinger Complex, where the breathing rhythm originates, and use genetic tools to reveal that just 70–140 neurons in this region are responsible for its sensitivity to opioids. Future characterization of these neurons may lead to novel therapies that prevent respiratory depression while sparing analgesia.
The expression of small RNAs in exosomes of follicular fluid altered in human polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Hu Junhe , Tang Tao , Zeng Zhi , Wu Juan , Tan Xiansheng , Yan Jiao
Published: February 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause reproductive disorders that may affect oocyte quality from punctured follicles in human follicular fluid (HFF). The non-coding RNA family includes micro RNA (miRNA), piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA); these non-coding RNA transcripts play diverse functions and are implicated in a variety of diseases and health conditions, including infertility. In this study, to explore the role of HFF exosomes in PCOS, we extracted and sequenced RNA from HFF exosomes of PCOS patients and compared the analysis results with those of non-PCOS control group. The HFF exosomes were successfully isolated and characterized in a variety of ways. The sequencing results of the HFF exosomal RNA showed that about 6.6% of valid reads in the PCOS group and 8.6% in the non-PCOS group were successfully mapped to the human RNA database. Using a hierarchical clustering method, we found there were ten small RNA sequences whose expression was significantly different between the PCOS and non-PCOS groups. We chose six of them to predict target genes of interest for further GO analysis, and pathway analysis showed that the target genes are mainly involved in biosynthesis of amino acids, glycine, serine and glycosaminoglycan, as well as threonine metabolism. Therefore, the small RNA sequences contained in HFF EXs may play a key role in the mechanism that drives PCOS pathogenesis, and thereby can act as molecular biomarkers for PCOS diagnosis in the future.
Early‐season grazing of native grasses offers potential profitable benefit
Authors: Rushing Jason Brett , Maples Joshua Gilchrist , Rivera John Daniel , Lyles Johnson Clay
Published: February 2020

A grazing trial was conducted in Mississippi during 2016 and 2017 to compare pasture, animal, and economic performance of three perennial, warm‐season grass systems. Grass treatments included: (i) Argentine bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge; BAH); (ii) KY Ecotype big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman; BBS); and (iii), KY Ecotype indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash], big bluestem and little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash; MIX]. Paddocks were continuously stocked using weaned beef (Bos taurus) steers across three grazing intervals (I, II, and III) during late spring and summer. Pasture measurements included forage mass (FM) and nutritive value. Greatest FM was observed during grazing interval II in 2016 (931.70 kg ha–1). Nutritive values declined as the season progressed. The BAH had greater CP and TDN, and lower ADF and NDF concentrations than BBS and MIX in 2016. Differences were not as discernable in 2017. Greatest ADG were observed for BBS interval I in 2017 (1.34 kg d–1), MIX interval I 2017 (1.21 kg d–1), and BBS interval I 2016 (1.19 kg d–1). Beef yield per hectare (GAIN) was greatest for interval I across both years (464.78 kg ha–1). By species, GAIN was greatest for BBS in interval I (451.32 kg ha–1). For economic analysis, BBS had the lowest total annual pasture cost (US$142.65 ha–1), and had the greatest NET returns for 2016 ($268.96 ha–1) and 2017 ($249.98 ha–1). Implementing native warm‐season grasses (NWSG) in stocker cattle systems for early‐season grazing can be productive in Mississippi.
Spatiotemporal shading regulates anthocyanin, proanthocyanidin, and sucrose accumulation in black soybean seeds
Authors: Dennis Takpah , Li Xiaoman , Xiao Xinli , Deng Juncai , Ajayo Babatope Samuel , Long Xiyang , Zhang Qihui , Zhang Xiaowen , Hu Baoyu , Wang Xiaochun , Zhang Jing , Yang Wenyu , Liu Jiang
Published: February 2020

The accumulation of soybean seed constituents such as anthocyanin, proanthocyanidin (PA), and sucrose is affected by various environmental stresses. Considerable information is available on the effects of different environmental stresses; however, the effect of shade at various development stages on the accumulation of the various seed constituents remains elusive. We investigated the effect of shade application on anthocyanin, PA, and sucrose contents at different seed development stages of two black soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties. This study comprised two separate trials: maize–soybean relay intercropping (IC) and soybean monoculture. The shade treatments in the soybean monoculture trial comprised shade applications at whole growth stage, at vegetative stage (SV), and at reproductive stage (SR) and a no‐shade control. Anthocyanin, PA, and sucrose contents were analyzed from seeds obtained at development stages of full‐size seed (R6), physiological maturity (R7), full maturity, 95% mature pods on the plant (R8), and natural air dry (AD). Genotype, shade, and planting season and their interactions had a strong influence on anthocyanin, PA, and sucrose accumulation in soybean seeds at the different seed development stages. Among all the shade treatments, relay IC recorded the highest anthocyanin contents in 2017 (1.88 mg g−1) and 2018 (1.76 mg g−1) in AD seeds. In addition, the application of shade increased PA, and maximum PA (27.14 mg g−1) was obtained in the SV treatment at R6 stage. The overall best sucrose contents (6.14 mg g−1 in 2017 and 7.04 mg g−1 in 2018) were obtained in soybean seeds harvested at R8 under SV treatment.
Contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography: A potential exclusion diagnosis modality in dense breast patients
Authors: Qin Yun , Liu Ying , Zhang Xueqin , Zhao Shuang , Zhong Huanhuan , Huang Juan , Yu Jianqun
Published: February 2020

Background

China has an increasing burden of breast cancer. However, with a large population of dense breast patients, the diagnostic efficiency of conventional digital mammography is attenuated.

Methods

From July 2017 to October 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 397 dense breast patients who underwent contrast‐enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) in West China Hospital. Among them, 53 patients who had both CESM and dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) results and 114 patients who had pathological diagnoses were finally enrolled. All images were reviewed by two independent radiologists according to the 2013 Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) with all disagreements handed to an associate professor for final decisions. Correlation analyses between CESM and DCE‐MRI were conducted. The diagnostic performance of CESM were investigated.

Results

The kappa value of the BI‐RADS scores between CESM and DCE‐MRI was 0.607 (P < .001), indicating high correspondence between CESM and DCE‐MRI. As for lesion size measurement, moderate correlation (Kendall's tau coefficient: 0.556, P < .001) was detected between CESM and DCE‐MRI. Using pathological diagnoses as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of CESM were 82.4%, 96.4%, and 0.894, respectively.

Conclusion

CESM demonstrated excellent overall diagnostic accuracy and a moderate correlation in lesion size estimation against DCE‐MRI in dense breast patients, supporting it to be an alternative to DCE‐MRI in breast cancer detection and diagnosis, especially for exclusion diagnosis.
Secure image transmission through crypto‐OFDM system using Rubik's cube algorithm over an AWGN channel
Authors: Dharavathu Krishna , Mosa Anuradha
Published: February 2020

Confidentiality of information must be maintained when it is required to be transmitted over a communication channel or when it is stored in a computer for further information access. Establishing a highly reliable and secure means of wireless communication for the transfer of digital data (text, images, audio, and video) from source to destination is becoming a prime requirement in present‐day wireless communications. Security can be achieved at the network level as well as at the data level. Data‐level security is made through cryptographic techniques. This paper emphasizes data‐level security aspects in a wireless communication system for the secure transmission of images over an AWGN channel condition. Here, a crypto orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system (crypto‐OFDM system) is designed using Rubik's cube encryption algorithm scheme for secured transmission of images under the MATLAB environment. The quality of the image transmission is analyzed using peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and BER at different SNR conditions. The quality of the encryption algorithm was also tested with statistical metrics, which are the histogram, NPCR, UACI, entropy, correlation coefficient analysis, etc. The numerical results reveal that a DCT‐based crypto‐OFDM system with Rubik's cube algorithm show a better performance over earlier cryptosystems and also perform superior to the original/basic OFDM system. The statistical analysis tests prove that Rubik's cube algorithm is one of the most robust algorithms for security point of view and is easy to implement, as Rubik's cube algorithm makes use of natural characteristics of pixel values, which form the basis for designing the secret key.
The transition from hypertension to hypertensive heart disease and heart failure: the PREFERS Hypertension study
Authors: Ekström Mattias , Hellman Anna , Hasselström Jan , Hage Camilla , Kahan Thomas , Ugander Martin , Wallén Håkan , Persson Hans , Linde Cecilia
Published: February 2020

Aims

Despite evidence‐based therapeutic approaches, target blood pressure is obtained by less than half of patients with hypertension. Hypertension is associated with a significant risk for heart failure, in particular heart failure with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although treatment is suggested to be given early after hypertension diagnosis, there is still no evidence‐based medical treatment for HFpEF. We aim to study the underlying mechanisms behind the transition from uncomplicated hypertension to hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and HFpEF. To this end, we will combine cardiac imaging techniques and measurements of circulating fibrosis markers to longitudinally monitor fibrosis development in patients with hypertension.

Methods and results

In a prospective cohort study, 250 patients with primary hypertension and 60 healthy controls will be characterized at inclusion and after 1 and 6 years. Doppler echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and electrocardiogram will be used for measures of cardiac structure and function over time. Blood biomarkers reflecting myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction will be analysed. As a proxy for HFpEF development, the primary endpoint is to measure echocardiographic changes in LV function and structure (E/e′ and LAVI) and to relate these measures of LV filling to blood pressure, biomarkers, electrocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance.

Conclusions

We aim to study the timeline and transition from uncomplicated hypertension to HHD and HFpEF. In order to identify subjects prone to develop HHD and HFpEF, we want to find biomarkers and cardiac imaging variables to explain disease progression. Ultimately, we aim at finding new pathways to prevent HFpEF.
A novel authentication and key‐agreement scheme for satellite communication network
Authors: Altaf Izwa , Arslan Akram Muhammad , Mahmood Khalid , kumari Saru , Xiong Hu , Khurram Khan Muhammad
Published: February 2020

In these days, satellite communication networks are playing a significant role in facilitating the crucial infrastructural services that include environmental monitoring, electronic surveillance, public safety, intelligence operations for law enforcement, government agencies, and the military. However, security researchers have uncovered that many protocols for these satellite communication networks have some vulnerabilities and flaws that can allow remote attackers to intercept, block, and manipulate critical communication over the network. Therefore, in this article, we introduce an efficient and simple authentication key agreement protocol for securing mobile satellite communication systems. Our proposed protocol resists against denial of service, smart‐card stolen, replay, user impersonation, and stolen verifier attack. Furthermore, our protocol provides various functionality features like perfect‐forward secrecy, mutual‐authentication, dynamic identity, and session‐key agreement. Moreover, the performance analysis of our protocol shows that the communication and computation cost of the proposed protocol is far less than the existing protocols. Hence, our proposed protocol offers simple, efficient, secure authentication, and key agreement for mobile satellite systems.
Molecular insights into the coding region mutations of low‐density lipoprotein receptor adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1) linked to familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Shaik Noor A. , Al‐Qahtani Faten , Nasser Khalidah , Jamil Kaiser , Alrayes Nuha Mohammad , Elango Ramu , Awan Zuhier Ahmed , Banaganapalli Babajan
Published: February 2020

Background

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a lipid disorder caused by pathogenic mutations in LDLRAP1 gene. The present study has aimed to deepen our understanding about the pathogenicity predictions of FH causative genetic mutations, as well as their relationship to phenotype changes in LDLRAP1 protein, by utilizing multidirectional computational analysis.

Methods

FH linked LDLRAP1 mutations were mined from databases, and the prediction ability of several pathogenicity classifiers against these clinical variants, was assessed through different statistical measures. Furthermore, these mutations were 3D modelled in protein structures to assess their impact on protein phenotype changes.

Results

Our findings suggest that Polyphen‐2, when compared with SIFT, M‐CAP and CADD tools, can make better pathogenicity predictions for FH causative LDLRAP1 mutations. Through, 3D simulation and superimposition analysis of LDLRAP1 protein structures, it was found that missense mutations do not create any gross changes in the protein structure, although they could induce subtle structural changes at the level of amino acid residues. Near native molecular dynamic analysis revealed that missense mutations could induce variable degrees of fluctuation differences guiding the protein flexibility. Stability analysis showed that most missense mutations shifts the free energy equilibrium and hence they destabilize the protein. Molecular docking analysis demonstrates the molecular shifts in hydrogen and ionic bonds and Van der waals bonding properties, which further cause differences in the binding energy of LDLR‐LDLRAP1 proteins.

Conclusions

The diverse computational approaches used in the present study may provide a new dimension for exploring the structure–function relationship of the novel and deleterious LDLRAP1 mutations linked to FH.
Looping Star fMRI in Cognitive Tasks and Resting State
Authors: Dionisio‐Parra Beatriz , Wiesinger Florian , Sämann Philipp G. , Czisch Michael , Solana Ana Beatriz
Published: February 2020

Background

Conventional T2*‐weighted functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is performed with echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequences that create substantial acoustic noise. The loud acoustic noise not only affects the activation of the auditory cortex, but may also interfere with resting state and task fMRI experiments.

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel, quiet, T2*, whole‐brain blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD)‐fMRI method, termed Looping Star, compared to conventional multislice gradient‐echo EPI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Phantom/Subjects

Glover stability QA phantom; 10 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T: gradient echo (GE)‐EPI and T2* Looping Star fMRI.

Assessment

Looping Star fMRI was presented and compared to GE‐EPI with a working memory (WM) task and resting state (RS) experiments. Temporal stability and acoustic measurements were obtained for both methods. Functional maps and activation accuracy were compared to evaluate the performance of the novel sequence.

Statistical Tests

Mean and standard deviation values were analyzed for temporal stability and acoustic noise tests. Activation maps were assessed with one‐sample t‐tests and contrast estimates (CE). Paired t‐tests and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) were used to compare fMRI sensitivity and performance.

Results

Looping Star presented a 98% reduction in sound pressure compared with GE‐EPI, with stable temporal stability (0.09% percent fluctuation), but reduced temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) (mean difference = 15.9%). The novel method yielded consistent activations for RS and WM (83.4% and 69.5% relative BOLD sensitivity), which increased with task difficulty (mean CE 2‐back = 0.56 vs. 0‐back = 0.08, P < 0.05). A few differences in spatial activations were found between sequences, leading to a 4–8% lower activation accuracy with Looping Star.

Data Conclusion

Looping Star provides a suitable approach for whole‐brain coverage with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution and BOLD sensitivity, with only 0.5 dB above ambient noise. From the comparison with GE‐EPI, further developments of Looping Star fMRI should target increased sensitivity and spatial specificity for both RS and task experiments.

Level of Evidence

2.

Technical Efficacy Stage

1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:739–751.
An SERS analytical protocol for characterizing native Japanese plant extracts
Authors: Kato Kana , Doherty Brenda , Degano Ilaria , Sabatini Francesca , Miliani Costanza , Romani Aldo , Ito Ken , Brunetti Brunetto G.
Published: February 2020

The identification of natural dyes in ancient textiles is a longstanding challenge for scientists; yet, the effort honours the skill and knowledge of master dyers by retracing traditional dyeing methods and assisting in conserving historical treasures for future generations. Here, the main constituents of selected native Japanese extracts from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Scutellaria baicalensis, the barks of Phellodendron amurense and Morella rubra, the dried flower bud of Syzygium aromataticum, and the fruit of Terminalia chebula are determined by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy following traditional Japanese extraction methods. The analytical amalgamation of data from SERS examinations on crude extracts and on subsequently refiltered and diluted extracts provides further effective and sensitive results for the combined identification of napthoquinones (shikonin and alkanin), alkaloid (berberine), polyhydroxyflavonoids (baicalin/baicalein, myricetin/myricitrin), diarylheptanoids, allylbenzene (eugenol), and tannins (gallic/ellagic acid). The comparison of results from this analytical protocol with those achieved by the more traditional chromatographic and mass spectrometric method provides and questions data regarding generally accepted marker components and enantioselective discriminations that serve to enrich the database of biological sources of colouring materials to be used in determining historically important Japanese colorants and dyestuffs.
Gene expression profile suggesting immunological dysregulation in two Brazilian Bloom's syndrome cases
Authors: Montenegro Marilia M. , Quaio Caio R. , Palmeira Patricia , Gasparini Yanca , Rangel‐Santos Andreia , Damasceno Julian , Novak Estela M. , Gimenez Thamires M. , Yamamoto Guilherme L. , Ronjo Rachel S. , Novo‐Filho Gil M. , Chehimi Samar N. , Zanardo Evelin A. , Dias Alexandre T. , Nascimento Amom M. , Costa Thais V. M. M. , Duarte Alberto J. da S. , Coutinho Luiz L. , Kim Chong A. , Kulikowski Leslie D.
Published: February 2020

Background

Bloom syndrome (BS) is a rare autosomal recessive chromosome instability disorder. The main clinical manifestations are growth deficiency, telangiectasic facial erythema, immunodeficiency, and increased risk to develop neoplasias at early age. Cytogenetic test for sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) is used as a diagnostic marker for BS. In addition, most patients also present mutations in the BLM gene, related to defects in the DNA repair mechanism. However, the molecular mechanism behind the pathogenicity of BS is still not completely understood.

Methods

We describe two patients confirmed with BS by SCE and molecular analysis. Also, we performed the gene expression profile by the RNA‐seq methodology in mRNA transcripts for differential gene expression analysis using as a biological condition for comparison BS versus health controls.

Results

We detected 216 differentially expressed genes related to immunological pathways such as positive regulation and activation of B cells, immune effector process and absence of difference of DNA repair genes expression. In addition; we also observed differentially expressed genes associated with apoptosis control, such as BCL2L1, CASP7, CDKN1A, E2F2, ITPR, CD274, TNFAIP6, TNFRSF25, TNFRSF13C, and TNFRSF17.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the combination of altered expression of genes involved in signaling pathways of immune response and apoptosis control may contribute directly to the main characteristics observed in BS, such as recurrent infections, growth failure, and high risk of cancer. Transcriptome studies of other instability syndromes could allow a more accurate analysis of the relevant gene interactions associated with the destabilization of the genome. This is a first description of the profile of differential gene expression related to immunological aspects detected in patients with BS by RNA‐seq.
Personal growth initiative and posttraumatic stress among survivors of transportation accidents: Mixture modeling indicating changes in group membership over time
Authors: Shigemoto Yuki , Robitschek Christine
Published: February 2020

The current study explored subgroups in reported personal growth initiative (PGI) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and examined the changes in class memberships among survivors of a transportation accident. Participants at Time 1 were 602 adults who reported directly experiencing a transportation accident within the past year (Mmonths = 6.36; SDmonths = 3.20). Of these participants, 171 adults completed the follow‐up survey after 3 months (Time 2). Finite mixture modeling was conducted to identify the heterogeneity of PTSS in relation with PGI at each time point. At Time 1, a four‐class model was the best‐fitting model, and at Time 2, a three‐class model was the best‐fitting model. As hypothesized, when examined cross‐sectionally, various subgroups were identified at each time point, finding subgroups with moderate to high levels of PGI but differing in their PTSS. However, when examining the longitudinal changes in class membership from Time 1 to Time 2, members of subgroups with higher PGI skills at Time 1 were more likely to be assigned to subgroups with lower PTSS at Time 2. The current study suggests a potential application of PGI skills in alleviating PTSS after a transportation accident and having a critical role in adjustment after hardship.
Genspezifische Therapieansätze bei der Alzheimer-Krankheit und anderen Tauopathien
Authors: Feneberg E. , Otto M.
Published: February 2020

Die Alzheimer-Krankheit ist pathologisch durch die Aggregation und Akkumulation von Amyloid-β und Protein Tau gekennzeichnet. Bisher war das Ziel der meisten Interventionsstudien die toxischen Proteinprodukte zum Beispiel durch die Immunisierung mit Antikörpern gegen Tau und Amyloid-β zu reduzieren. In den letzten Jahren sind jedoch Möglichkeiten entstanden, direkt auf die Entstehung dieser Proteinprodukte einzuwirken. Dabei werden Antisense-Oligonukleotide (ASO) eingesetzt, die die Proteintranslation pathologischer Alzheimer-Gene hemmen und damit frühzeitig auf die Krankheitsentwicklung Einfluss nehmen. Unser Beitrag fasst den aktuellen Stand der Entwicklung ASO-basierter Therapiestrategien bei der Alzheimer-Krankheit zusammen.
Effect of Powder Recycling on Defect Formation in Electron Beam Melted Alloy 718
Authors: Gruber Hans , Luchian Cosmina , Hryha Eduard , Nyborg Lars
Published: February 2020

The extent to which powder recycling can be permitted before risking a loss in performance of critical components is a major aspect for the viability of electron beam melting (EBM). In this study, the influence of powder oxidation during multi-cycle EBM processing on the formation of oxide-related defects in Alloy 718 is investigated. The amount of defects and their distribution in samples produced from virgin and re-used powder is studied by means of image analysis and oxygen measurements. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy is performed to understand their origin and formation mechanism. The results indicate a clear correlation between the powder oxygen content and the amount of oxide inclusions present in the investigated samples. The inclusions consist of both molten and unmolten Al-rich oxide which originates from the surface of the recycled powder. Upon interaction with the electron beam, the oxide tends to cluster in the liquid metal and form critical sized defects. Hot isostatic pressing can be successfully used to densify samples produced from virgin powder. However, in the material fabricated from recycled powder, a considerable amount of damage relevant oxide inclusion defects remain after HIP treatment, especially in the contour region. It is suggested that the quality of EBM-processed Alloy 718 is at present dependent on the oxygen level in the powder in general, and on the surface chemistry of the power in particular, which needs to be controlled to maintain a low amount of inclusions.
Preliminary Study to Develop an Alternative Method for the Non-targeted Determination of Xenobiotics in Food by Means of Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to High Resolution and Accuracy Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Scarpone Rossana , Rosato Roberta , Chiumiento Francesco , Cipolletti Chiara , Sergi Manuel , Compagnone Dario
Published: February 2020

This preliminary study describes the use of high resolution and accuracy mass spectrometry techniques combined with new generation chemical software products for detecting and identifying contaminants in food commodities. As a first step, the extracts of routine target analysis samples (obtained in our official laboratory responsible for food residues control) were acquired and processed with this method in order to search unknown and non-targeted contaminants in food. In order to verify the feasibility of the presented method, the research has been firstly addressed to untargeted pesticides and their metabolites in stone fruits commodities and tomatoes. The differential analysis carried with Compound Discoverer 2.0 between the investigated unknown sample and the blank matrix sample allowed to remove all the matrix molecular components; Aggregated Computational Toxicology Resource (ACToR) helped to understand and predict chemical interpretation of substances. The acquisition in FullScan-AIF and FullScan-ddMS2 allowed the clear detection and identification of isobaric compounds such as quinalphos and phoxim. In order to verify that the proposed method is suitable to the scope of application, the main points of SANTE/11813/2017 Document have been followed. The results demonstrate that no false positives and no false negatives have been detected from the analysis of samples spiked with 55 pesticides at 0.010 and 0.10 mg kg−1. This preliminary study has been also tested with a Proficiency Test (EUPT-FV-SM08) and, according to EUPT-FV-SM08 Final Report, our laboratory has been included in the 67% (56) that clearly detected over 70% pesticides. Finally, this method has been extended to other matrices and contaminants.
Current Human Ecology in the Amazon and beyond: a Multi-Scale Ecosemiotic Approach
Authors: Tønnessen Morten
Published: February 2020

Umwelt theory is an expression of von Uexküll’ssubjective biologyand as such usually applied in analysis of individual animals, yet it is fundamentally relational and therefore also suitable for analysis of more complex wholes. Since the birth of the modern environmental movement in the 1960s, there has been growing scientific and political acknowledgement of there being aglobalenvironmental crisis, which today manifests itself as a climate change and biodiversity crisis. This calls for a multi-scale ecosemiotic approach to analysis of human ecology at various levels and scales. In this article I explore to what extent ecosemiotic methodology, drawing on Umwelt theory and its consistently subjective perspective, can be applied in analysis of human ecology at different geographical and ecological scales ranging from the global to the local. The article incorporates a case study of human–animal relations in Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve in the Central Amazon. This is a seasonal floodplain forest area surrounded by rivers. I investigate aspects of the living conditions and ecology of the reserve, with a main focus on indigenous communities and the circumstances of two primate species, namely the red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) and the black-headed squirrel monkey (Saimiri vanzolinii). I outline matrixes of levels of study in ecosemiotics, and scales in human ecology, and apply two scales to the Mamirauá case. These take an individual animal’s and an individual human being’s subjective experience as their respectively starting points. This allows for multi-scale studies of human ecology from complementary angles.
Representation as indwelling: Contextualizing Michael Psellos’empsychos grapheacross artistic, liturgical, and literary theory
Authors: Betancourt Roland
Published: February 2020

Through terms that articulate the arts as the results of divine possession or inspiration, the writings of Byzantine thinkers repeatedly expressed the manner in which representation was believed to operate as a form of divine indwelling occurring beyond the skill and originality of the artist, writer, or performer. Beyond ideas of naturalism or style, the literary, visual, and performance arts arose through the event of divine participation. The goal of this article is to contextualize the concept ofempsychos graphe, as articulated by Michael Psellos, within a longer and broader history of similar concepts across literary, liturgical, and artistic thought.
ARISTOTLE'S IDEAL CITY-PLANNING:POLITICS7.12
Authors: Segev Mor
Published: February 2020

AtPol.7.12, 1331a19–20, Aristotle states it as a matter of fact that the citizenry of the best city should be divided into ‘public messes’ (syssitia). His primary concern in the rest of the chapter is to uncover the optimal way in whichsyssitiashould be organized, and the way in which they should be situated in relation to other facilities, public buildings,agoraiand temples in the city. The proposed plan is roughly as follows.Syssitiawould be divided into three main sections. First, thesyssitiaof soldiers would be held at the guardhouses located at strategic points along the walls surrounding the city (1331a20–3). Next come ‘the most supremesyssitiaof the magistrates’ (τὰ κυριώτατα τῶν ἀρχείων συσσίτια: 1331a24–5) and thesyssitia‘of the priests’ (τῶν ἱερέων: 1331b5). These would be held at a place appropriately having ‘an appearance directed at establishing virtue and [being] more strongly positioned than the neighbouring parts of the city’ (1331a28–30), that is, the highest place in the city. This envisioned acropolis would also house temples (1331a24–5). Situated below it would be the ‘freeagora’, which would include gymnasia (1331a35–7) and would be generally directed at leisurely activity (1331b12). Finally, below the freeagora, a ‘necessaryagora’ and buildings of officials entrusted with legal, commercial and municipal duties would be established, at a location conducive to importing and exporting goods (1331b6–12).
HERACLIDES’ EPITOME OF ARISTOTLE'SCONSTITUTIONSANDBARBARIAN CUSTOMS: TWO NEGLECTED FRAGMENTS
Authors: Verhasselt Gertjan
Published: February 2020

The Aristotelian Πολιτεῖαι collected information on the history and organization of reportedly 158 city-states. Of these only the Ἀθηναίων πολιτεία survives almost in its entirety on two papyri. All that remains of the other constitutions is the epitome by Heraclides Lembus (second centuryb.c.e.) and about 130 fragments. This article will look at the transmission of Heraclides’ epitome (itself preserved as excerpts) and explore the possibility of identifying further fragments of the original text.
Time trends in mid-upper-arm anthropometry from 1982 to 2011 in male children and adolescents from Kolkata, India
Authors: Żegleń Magdalena , Kryst Łukasz , Dasgupta Parasmani , Saha Rana , Das Rituparna , Das Sukanta
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate inter-generational changes in selected mid-upper-arm measurements of boys from Kolkata, India. The analysis was based on the anthropometric measurements of two cohorts of Bengali boys aged 7–16 from middle-class families, in 1982–83 and 2005–11. The two cohorts were compared in terms of their mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) and mid-upper-arm area (MUAA), mid-upper-arm muscle area (MUAMA), mid-upper-arm fat area (MUAFA) and Arm Fat Index (AFI). The significances of the differences were determined using two-way ANOVA. All features differed significantly between the examined cohorts and all showed a general positive secular trend. In most cases, the biggest differences were noted for 14- and 16-year olds and the smallest for the youngest boys. The contemporary boys seemed to have more favourable overall developmental conditions, probably related to socioeconomic progress in India over recent decades.
Discriminating Underground Nuclear Explosions Leading To Late‐Time Radionuclide Gas Seeps
Authors: Harp Dylan R. , Bourret S. Michelle , Stauffer Philip H. , Kwicklis Edward M.
Published: February 2020

Utilizing historical data from the U.S. nuclear test program and freely available barometric pressure data, we performed an analytical barometric‐pumping efficiency analysis to determine factors resulting in late‐time radionuclide gas seeps from underground nuclear explosions. We considered 16 underground nuclear explosions with similar geology and test setup, of which five resulted in the measurement of late‐time radionuclide gas concentrations at the ground surface. The factors we considered include barometric frequency and amplitude, depth of burial, air‐filled porosity, intact‐rock permeability, fracture aperture, and fracture spacing. The analysis indicates that the best discriminators of late‐time radionuclide gas seeps for these explosions are barometric frequency and amplitude and air‐filled porosity. While geologic information on fracture aperture and spacing is not available for these explosions, the sensitivity of barometric‐pumping efficiency to fracture aperture indicates that it would likely also be a good discriminator.