bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights from Computational Modelling: Selective Stimulation of Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Guo Tianruo , Tsai David , Bai Siwei , Shivdasani Mohit , Muralidharan Madhuvanthi , Li Liming , Dokos Socrates , Lovell Nigel H.
Published: August 2020

Improvements to the efficacy of retinal neuroprostheses can be achieved by developing more sophisticated neural stimulation strategies to enable selective or differential activation of specific retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent retinal studies have demonstrated the ability to differentially recruit ON and OFF RGCs – the two major information pathways of the retina – using high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS). However, there remain many unknowns, since this is a relatively unexplored field. For example, can we achieve ON/OFF selectivity over a wide range of stimulus frequencies and amplitudes? Furthermore, existing demonstrations of HFS efficacy in retinal prostheses have been based on epiretinal placement of electrodes. Other clinically popular techniques include subretinal or suprachoroidal placement, where electrodes are located at the photoreceptor layer or in the suprachoroidal space, respectively, and these locations are quite distant from the RGC layer. Would HFS-based differential activation work from these locations? In this chapter, we conducted in silico investigations to explore the generalizability of HFS to differentially active ON and OFF RGCs. Computational models are particularly well suited for these investigations. The electric field can be accurately described by mathematical formulations, and simulated neurons can be “probed” at resolutions well beyond those achievable by today’s state-of-the-art experimental techniques.
Preprocessing General Head Models for BEM-FMM Modeling Pertinent to Brain Stimulation
Authors: Wartman William A.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a major noninvasive neurostimulation method in which a coil placed near the head employs electromagnetic induction to produce electric fields and currents within the brain. To predict the actual site of stimulation, numerical simulation of the electric fields within the head using high-resolution subject-specific head models is required. A TMS modeling software toolkit has been developed based on the boundary element fast multipole method (BEM-FMM), which has several advantages over conventional finite element method (FEM) solvers.

Objective: To extend the applicability of the BEM-FMM TMS simulation toolkit to head models whose meshing scheme produces a single mesh for every unique tissue instead of producing a single mesh for every unique tissue/tissue boundary.

Method: The MIDA model of the IT’IS Foundation, Switzerland, comprises 115 high-resolution tissue models in the form that the BEM-FMM toolkit is modified to accept. The updated BEM-FMM toolkit is tested using this head model.

Results: The BEM-FMM toolkit has been successfully modified to accept head models consisting of one unique mesh per unique tissue while still supporting its initial model format of one unique mesh per boundary between two specific tissues. Performance impacts occur in the preprocessing phase only, meaning that the charge computation method performs equally well regardless of model format.
Personalization of Multi-electrode Setups in tCS/tES: Methods and Advantages
Authors: Salvador R. , Biagi M. C. , Puonti O. , Splittgerber M. , Moliadze V. , Siniatchkin M. , Thielscher A. , Ruffini G.
Published: August 2020

Transcranial current stimulation (tCS or tES) protocols yield results that are highly variable across individuals. Part of this variability results from differences in the electric field (E-field) induced in subjects’ brains during stimulation. The E-field determines how neurons respond to stimulation, and it can be used as a proxy for predicting the concurrent effects of stimulation, like changes in cortical excitability, and, ultimately, its plastic effects. While the use of multichannel systems with small electrodes has provided a more precise tool for delivering tCS, individually variable anatomical parameters like the shape and thickness of tissues affect the E-field distribution for a specific electrode montage. Therefore, using the same montage parameters across subjects does not lead to the homogeneity of E-field amplitude over the desired targets. Here we describe a pipeline that leverages individualized head models combined with montage optimization algorithms to reduce the variability of the E-field distributions over subjects in tCS. We will describe the different steps of the pipeline – namely, MRI segmentation and head model creation, target specification, and montage optimization – and discuss their main advantages and limitations.
Modelling Studies of Non-invasive Electric and Magnetic Stimulation of the Spinal Cord
Authors: Fernandes Sofia Rita , Salvador Ricardo , de Carvalho Mamede , Miranda Pedro Cavaleiro
Published: August 2020

Experimental studies on transcutaneous spinal cord direct current and magnetic stimulation (tsDCS and tsMS, respectively) show promising results in the neuromodulation of spinal sensory and motor pathways, with possible clinical application in spinal functional rehabilitation. Modelling studies on the electric field (EF) distribution during tsDCS and tsMS can be powerful tools to understand the underlying biophysics and to guide stimulation protocols for a specific clinical target. In this chapter, we review modelling studies of tsDCS and report on our own modelling findings on tsDCS and tsMS. We discuss the main differences between the EF induced by these two stimulation techniques and the implications for clinical practice, addressing the relevance of modelling studies for more personalized target protocols and individualized dosing.
O(N) models with boundary interactions and their long range generalizations
Authors: Giombi Simone , Khanchandani Himanshu
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We study the critical properties of scalar field theories in d + 1 dimensions with O(N) invariant interactions localized on a d-dimensional boundary. By a combination of large N and epsilon expansions, we provide evidence for the existence of non-trivial O(N) BCFTs in 1 < d < 4. Due to having free fields in the bulk, these models possess bulk higher-spin currents which are conserved up to terms localized on the boundary. We suggest that this should lead to a set of protected spinning operators on the boundary, and give evidence that their anomalous dimensions vanish. We also discuss the closely related long-range O(N ) models in d dimensions, and in particular study a weakly coupled description of the d = 1 long range O(N) model near the upper critical value of the long range parameter, which is given in terms of a non-local non-linear sigma model. By combining the known perturbative descriptions, we provide some estimates of critical exponents in d = 1.
Helicity at small x: oscillations generated by bringing back the quarks
Authors: Kovchegov Yuri V. , Tawabutr Yossathorn
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We construct a numerical solution of the recently-derived large-N

c
&N

f
small-x helicity evolution equations [1] with the aim to establish the small-x asymptotics of the quark helicity distribution beyond the large-N

c
limit explored previously in the same framework. (Here N

c
and N

f
are the numbers of quark colors and flavors.) While the large-N

c
helicity evolution involves gluons only, the large-N

c
&N

f
evolution includes contributions from quarks as well. We find that adding quarks to the evolution makes quark helicity distribution oscillate as a function of x. Our numerical results in the large-N

c
&N

f
limit lead to the x-dependence of the flavor-singlet quark helicity distribution which is well-approximated by

$$ {\left.\Delta \Sigma \left(x,{Q}^2\right)\right|}_{\mathrm{large}\hbox{-} {N}_c\&{N}_f}\sim {\left(\frac{1}{x}\right)}^{\alpha_h^q}\cos \left[{\omega}_q\ln \left(\frac{1}{x}\right)+{\varphi}_q\right]. $$

ΔΣ

x

Q
2

large
‐

N
c

&

N
f

∼

1
x

α
h
q

cos

ω
q

ln

1
x

+

φ
q

.

The power

$$ {\alpha}_h^q $$

α
h
q

exhibits a weak N

f
-dependence, and, for all N

f
values considered, remains very close to

$$ {\alpha}_h^q\left({N}_f=0\right)=\left(4/\sqrt{3}\right)\sqrt{\alpha_s{N}_c/\left(2\pi \right)} $$

α
h
q

N
f

=
0

=

4
/

3

α
s

N
c

/

2
π

obtained earlier in the large-N

c
limit [2, 3]. The novel oscillation frequency ω

q
and phase shift φ

q
depend more strongly on the number of flavors N

f
(with ω

q
= 0 in the pure-glue large-N

c
limit). The typical period of oscillations for ∆Σ is rather long, spanning many units of rapidity. We speculate whether the oscillations we find are related to the sign variation with x seen in the strange quark helicity distribution extracted from the data [456–7].
Helical massive fermions under rotation
Authors: Ambruş Victor E.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The properties of a massive fermion field undergoing rigid rotation at finite temperature and chemical potential are discussed. The polarisation imbalance is taken into account by considering a helicity chemical potential, which is dual to the helicity charge operator. The advantage of the proposed approach is that, as opposed to the axial current, the helicity charge current remains conserved at finite mass. A computation of thermal expectation values of the vector, helicity and axial charge currents, as well as of the fermion condensate and stress-energy tensor is provided. In all cases, analytic constitutive equations are derived for the non-equilibrium transport terms, as well as for the quantum corrections to the equilibrium terms (which are derived using an effective relativistic kinetic theory model for fermions with helicity imbalance) in the limit of small masses. In the context of the parameters which are relevant to relativistic heavy ion collisions, the expressions derived in the massless limit are shown to remain valid for masses up to the thermal energy, except for the axial charge conductivity in the azimuthal direction, which presents strong variations with the particle mass.
Instant folded strings and black fivebranes
Authors: Giveon Amit , Itzhaki Nissan , Peleg Uri
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We study the recent claim that black NS5-branes are filled with folded strings. We calculate, in the near-extremal case, the number of folded strings at the black fivebranes interior, using different approaches, and get the exact same answer. The backreaction of the folded strings leads us to argue that the interior of the black fivebrane is AdS
2 (times a compact manifold) and that infalling matter cannot reach the interior, due to a shock wave at the horizon. These considerations also suggest a novel insight into the black fivebranes entropy.
The association of hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance with incident depressive symptoms over 4 years of follow-up: The Maastricht Study
Authors: Geraets Anouk F. J. , Köhler Sebastian , Muzambi Rutendo , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Oenema Anke , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Henry Ronald M. A. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Wesselius Anke , Koster Annemarie , Verhey Frans R. J. , Schram Miranda T.
Published: August 2020

Aims/hypothesis

Depression is twice as common in individuals with type 2 diabetes as in the general population. However, it remains unclear whether hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance are directly involved in the aetiology of depression. Therefore, we investigated the association of markers of hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance, measured as continuous variables, with incident depressive symptoms over 4 years of follow-up.

Methods

We used data from the longitudinal population-based Maastricht Study (n = 2848; mean age 59.9 ± 8.1 years, 48.8% women, 265 incident depression cases, 10,932 person-years of follow-up). We assessed hyperglycaemia by fasting and 2 h post-load OGTT glucose levels, HbA1c and skin autofluorescence (reflecting AGEs) at baseline. We used the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index and HOMA-IR to calculate insulin resistance at baseline. Depressive symptoms (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥10) were assessed at baseline and annually over 4 years. We used Cox regression analyses, and adjusted for demographic, cardiovascular and lifestyle risk factors.

Results

Fasting plasma glucose, 2 h post-load glucose and HbA1c levels were associated with an increased risk for incident depressive symptoms after full adjustment (HR 1.20 [95% CI 1.08, 1.33]; HR 1.25 [1.08, 1.44]; and HR 1.22 [1.09, 1.37] per SD, respectively), while skin autofluorescence, insulin sensitivity index and HOMA-IR were not (HR 0.99 [0.86, 1.13]; HR 1.02 [0.85, 1.25]; and HR 0.93 [0.81, 1.08], per SD, respectively).

Conclusions/interpretation

The observed temporal association between hyperglycaemia and incident depressive symptoms in this study supports the presence of a mechanistic link between hyperglycaemia and the development of depressive symptoms.
Existence and uniqueness of the Liouville quantum gravity metric for $$\gamma \in (0,2)$$
Authors: Gwynne Ewain , Miller Jason
Published: August 2020

We show that for each $$\gamma \in (0,2)$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
2
)

, there is a unique metric (i.e., distance function) associated with $$\gamma $$
γ
-Liouville quantum gravity (LQG). More precisely, we show that for the whole-plane Gaussian free field (GFF) h, there is a unique random metric $$D_h$$

D
h

associated with the Riemannian metric tensor “$$e^{\gamma h} (dx^2 + dy^2)$$

e

γ
h

(
d

x
2

+
d

y
2

)

” on $${\mathbb {C}}$$
C
which is characterized by a certain list of axioms: it is locally determined by h and it transforms appropriately when either adding a continuous function to h or applying a conformal automorphism of $$\mathbb {C}$$
C
(i.e., a complex affine transformation). Metrics associated with other variants of the GFF can be constructed using local absolute continuity. The $$\gamma $$
γ
-LQG metric can be constructed explicitly as the scaling limit of Liouville first passage percolation (LFPP), the random metric obtained by exponentiating a mollified version of the GFF. Earlier work by Ding et al. (Tightness of Liouville first passage percolation for $$\gamma \in (0,2)$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
2
)

, 2019. arXiv:1904.08021) showed that LFPP admits non-trivial subsequential limits. This paper shows that the subsequential limit is unique and satisfies our list of axioms. In the case when $$\gamma = \sqrt{8/3}$$

γ
=

8
/
3

, our metric coincides with the $$\sqrt{8/3}$$

8
/
3

-LQG metric constructed in previous work by Miller and Sheffield, which in turn is equivalent to the Brownian map for a certain variant of the GFF. For general $$\gamma \in (0,2)$$

γ
∈
(
0
,
2
)

, we conjecture that our metric is the Gromov–Hausdorff limit of appropriate weighted random planar map models, equipped with their graph distance. We include a substantial list of open problems.
Sea surface phytoplankton community response to nutrient and light changes
Authors: Mustaffa Nur Ili Hamizah , Kallajoki Liisa , Hillebrand Helmut , Wurl Oliver , Striebel Maren
Published: August 2020

The sea surface microlayer (SML) is the boundary layer between the ocean and the atmosphere and plays a unique role in marine biogeochemistry. Phytoplankton communities in this uppermost surface layer are exposed to extreme ultraviolet (UV) radiation and potentially high nutrient supplies. In order to understand the response of SML communities to such contrasting conditions, we conducted experiments at three different sites, the North Sea (open ocean) and two sites, outer and middle fjord, in the Sognefjord, Norway, with differing physical and chemical parameters. We manipulated light, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply to natural communities collected from the SML and compared their response to that of the underlying water (ULW) communities at 1-m depth. Phytoplankton communities in both SML and ULW responded significantly to N addition, suggesting the upper 1-m surface phytoplankton communities were N-limited. While phytoplankton growth rates were higher with high N and high light supply, biomass yield was higher under low light conditions and with a combined N and P supply. Furthermore, biomass yield was generally higher in the ULW communities compared to SML communities. Nutrient and light effects on phytoplankton growth rates, particulate organic carbon (POC) and stoichiometry varied with geographical location. Phytoplankton growth rates in both SML and ULW at the open ocean station, the site with highest salinity, did not respond to light changes, whereas the communities in the middle fjord, characterized by high turbidity and low salinity, did experience light limitation. This work on the upper surface phytoplankton communities provides new insights into possible effects of coastal darkening and increases understanding of oceanic biogeochemical cycling.
The Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Versus Adjuvant Therapy for Resectable Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xiao Xin , Hong Hyokyoung G. , Zeng Xiaoxi , Yang Yu‐Shang , Luan Si‐Yuan , Li Yi , Chen Long‐Qi , Yuan Yong
Published: August 2020

Objective

Inconclusive results are available as to whether chemo/radiotherapy should be administered to resectable esophageal cancer patients before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery (adjuvant therapy). The paper, via a meta‐analysis of effects of treatment modalities when administering chemo/radiotherapy, aims to systematically evaluate the effect of timing of chemo/radiotherapy and surgery.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search for clinical trials of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy for patients with esophageal cancer. Using meta‐analysis, we conducted direct and adjusted indirect comparisons of overall survival, complete resection rate (R0 resection), perioperative mortality, leakage rate and local recurrence in patients with resectable esophageal cancer.

Results

A total of 32 studies involving 7985 patients with esophageal cancer were included in the meta‐analysis. Twenty‐five randomized controlled studies indirectly compared neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy with surgery alone, while five non‐randomized controlled studies and two randomized controlled studies directly compared neoadjuvant with adjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, compared with surgery along with adjuvant therapy, showed a significant overall survival advantage in our pooled analysis (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.79–0.98). Directly compared with adjuvant therapy, neoadjuvant therapy demonstrated a lower local recurrence rate (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.43–0.74) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 1%). Neoadjuvant therapy, comparing to surgery with or without adjuvant therapy, showed a significantly higher R0 resection rate (OR 2.86; 95% CI 2.02–4.04) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 38%) and no significant differences in postoperative anastomotic leakage (P = 0.50). However, neoadjuvant therapy, compared with surgery adjuvant therapy, significantly increased perioperative mortality in both direct and indirect comparisons (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

We found that neoadjuvant therapy was associated with higher overall survival and R0 resection rate without increasing postoperative anastomotic leakage for patients with resectable esophageal cancer, whereas neoadjuvant therapy was associated with higher perioperative mortality after esophagectomy.
Effect of high-fat diet on the pharmacokinetics and safety of flumatinib in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Kuang Yun , Song Hui-ling , Yang Guo-ping , Pei Qi , Yang Xiao-yan , Ye Ling , Yang Shuang , Wu Shu-ting , Guo Can , He Qing-nan , Huang Jie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of a high-fat diet on the pharmacokinetics and safety of flumatinib mesylate tablets in healthy Chinese subjects.

Methods

This study was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-period crossover trial in which subjects were randomly assigned to take 400 mg of flumatinib mesylate after a high-fat diet or a fasted state. After a 14-day washout period, the two groups were administered flumatinib mesylate under opposite conditions. Blood samples were collected at baseline 0 and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Plasma concentrations of flumatinib and its metabolites (M1 and M3) were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using the non-compartmental module of the Phoenix WinNonlin Version 7.0 software. BE module of WinNonLin was used for statistical analysis of AUC0–t, AUC0–∞ and Cmax in plasma.

Results

Twelve healthy subjects, half male and half female, were enrolled. One subject withdrew due to a treatment-emergent adverse event. Eleven subjects were administered drugs on fasting and 12 were administered drugs after a high-fat diet. On high-fat diet/fasting, the least square geometric mean (LSGM) ratios of flumatinib, M1, M3, and their 90% confidence interval (CI) were as follows: for flumatinib, Cmax, AUC0–t and AUC0–∞ were 281.65% (225.80–351.31%), 167.43% (143.92–194.79%), and 166.87% (143.47–194.09%); for M1, Cmax, AUC0–t, and AUC0–∞ were 188.59% (145.29–244.79), 163.94% (149.11–180.24%), and 164.48% (150.36–179.94%); for M3, Cmax, AUC0–t, and AUC0–∞ were 63.47% (54.02–74.57%), 85.23% (74.72–97.22%), and 96.73% (86.63–108.02%).

Conclusion

Among the subjects, oral administration of 400 mg of flumatinib was safe and well tolerated. High-fat diet significantly increases the exposure to flumatinib, therefore, fasting may be recommended.

Clinical trial registration

The study was registered at chictr.org Identifier: ChiCTR-IIR-17013179.
Crop cultivation of Middle Yayoi culture communities (fourth century bce–first century ce) in the Kanto region, eastern Japan, inferred from a radiocarbon-dated archaeobotanical record
Authors: Leipe Christian , Endo Eiko , Kuramochi Shunsuke , Wagner Mayke , Tarasov Pavel E.
Published: August 2020

AMS-dated archaeobotanical assemblages from hearth deposits of Middle Yayoi (fourth century bce–first century ce) cultural layers of the Maenakanishi site (36°09′N, 139°24′E) in northern Saitama Prefecture demonstrate that besides rice, foxtail and broomcorn millet were the most important staple crops during the second and first centuries bce. The reliance on less demanding dry-field crops at Maenakanishi and other Early to Middle Yayoi settlements in north-western Kanto and the Central Highlands in eastern central Japan contrasts with concurrent agricultural production in western and north-eastern (Tohoku) Japan, where rice cultivation generally dominated and millets apparently played a minor role. Two factors, which likely influenced this pattern, are the uneven density distribution and the cultural heterogeneity of indigenous non-agricultural Jomon populations during the formation and spread of the Yayoi culture (tenth/fourth century bce–250 ce) brought to the Japanese islands by farmers from the Asian mainland. In western Japan the spread of rice cultivation was likely promoted by low Jomon population densities. The higher importance of foxtail and broomcorn millet at Maenakanishi may be explained by cultural influence from the northern Central Highlands. Early agricultural communities in this region appear to have preferred these newcomer crops that required less labour and organisational efforts.
Management of colorectal anastomotic stricture with multidiameter balloon dilation: long-term results
Authors: Chan R.-H. , Lin S.-C. , Chen P.-C. , Lin W.-T. , Wu C.-H. , Lee J.-C. , Lin B.-W.
Published: August 2020

Background

Postoperative colorectal anastomotic strictures are quite common. As such, many techniques have been available to address such a problem, one of which is endoscopic dilation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes following endoscopic dilation using a multidiameter balloon.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with postoperative anastomotic stenosis treated with endoscopic dilation using a multidiameter balloon at our institution, in January 2005–December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, excluding those with tumor recurrence. Perioperative factors, complications, and recurrence rates were analyzed.

Results

There were 40 patients, (22 males and 18 females, mean age 64.6 ± 10.7 years, range 33–84 years). The median follow-up period was 56 months (interquartile range 22.5–99 months). Only 1 complication occurred, micro-perforation due to guided wire injury, which was managed conservatively. Five (12.5%) patients developed restenosis and underwent repeat balloon dilation. None of the five recurrences required more aggressive management, such as redo anastomosis.

Conclusions

Endoscopic multidiameter balloon dilation is a safe and effective method for treating benign colorectal anastomotic strictures.
Evaluation of current solid waste disposal site based on socio-economic and geospatial data: a case study of Wolkite town, Ethiopia
Authors: Weldeyohanis Yenenesh Hailu , Aneseyee Abreham Berta , Sodango Terefe Hanchiso
Published: August 2020

Wolkite is a town like many developing countries, faces problems associated with poor solid waste management. The town has only one major landfill site, which is found at Gasore kebele, near to the town. However, the waste dumping in this site has been affecting the surrounding community. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the current solid waste deposal site and socioeconomic impact of the current solid waste disposal site in the study area. The data were collected through field observation, key informant interview, focus group discussion, and household survey. Geospatial data were also used to evaluate the current solid disposal site. In this study, fifty-two household and two focus group discussion were participated. The quantitative data coded and analyzed using SPSS software. The data described using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were also expressed using narrative description whereas the geospatial data were analyzed by ArcGIS. The study result showed that the landfill site is proximate to stream and river, church, mosque, rural settlement, main road, and vegetation. The disposal site has affecting negatively to the local community; besides, the municipal waste is disposed arbitrarily on open field, roadside, dumped everywhere and solid waste disposed jointly with liquid at the landfill site, therefore, this study recommends to select suitable landfill site in the of the town.
Coming to Terms with Technoscience: The Heideggerian Way
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: August 2020

Heidegger’s oeuvre (> 100 volumes) contains a plethora of comments on contemporary science, or rathertechnosciencebecause, according to Heidegger, science is inherently technical. What insights can be derived from such comments for philosophers questioning technoscience as it is practiced today? Can Heidegger’s thoughts become a source of inspiration for contemporary scholars who are confronted with automated sequencing machines, magnetic resonance imaging machines and other technoscientific contrivances? This is closely related to the question of method, I will argue. Although Heidegger himself was notoriously ambivalent when it came to method, especially in his later writings, his oeuvre nonetheless contains important hints for how a philosophical questioning of technoscience could be practiced, such as: paying attention to language (to the words that we use) or taking a step backwards (towards the moment of commencement of the type of rationality at work). For Heidegger, method means: being underway, and a philosophical method must be developed along the way. After discussing Heidegger’s views on method, both in his earlier and in his later writings, three dimensions of contemporary technoscience will be addressed, namely: technoscientific objects (research artefacts), technoscientific sites (laboratories as unworldly environments) and technoscience as a global enterprise. In the final section, the question will be addressed whether and how a critical encounter between philosophy and technoscience is possible.
The Case Against Factorism: On the Labels of $$\otimes$$-Factor Hilbert-Spaces of Similar Particles in Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Muller F. A. , Leegwater Gijs
Published: August 2020

We discuss the case against Factorism, which is the standard assumption in quantum mechanics that the labels of the $$\otimes$$
⊗
-factor Hilbert-spaces in direct-product Hilbert-spaces of composite physical systems of similar particles refer to particles, either directly or descriptively. We distinguish different versions of Factorism and argue for their truth or falsehood. In particular, by introducing the concepts of snapshot Hilbert-space and Schrödinger-movie, we demonstrate that there are Hilbert-spaces and $$\otimes$$
⊗
-factorisations where the labels do refer, even descriptively, to similar particles, which renders them probabilistically absolutely discernible.
Abilities in the blind spot of testing regimes: Eliciting the benefits and the limitations of participatory research approaches for numeracy in adult basic education
Authors: Curdt Wiebke , Schreiber-Barsch Silke
Published: August 2020

In the past decade, the numeracy component in adult basic education has gained scholarly attention. The issue has been addressed by large-scale assessments of adults’ skills and intergovernmental policy agendas, but also by qualitative research into numeracy from the perspective of social practice theory. However, some aspects of numeracy are still under-researched. This article argues that adults withlearning difficulties(also referred to by some asintellectual disabilities) and their numeracy-related abilities are still hidden in the blind spot of large-scale testing regimes. To address this underrepresentation, the authors present an overview of the key paradigms of a global testing culture, outline their two areas of interest, disability and numeracy, and identify the blind spots of large-scale international surveys. They consider ways of extending the range of methodological approaches to investigating (literacy and) numeracy, and opt for a participatory research approach, for which they identify five guiding principles. They showcase and reflect on these guiding principles by presenting selected data from a small-scale qualitative study on numeracy practices of adults with learning difficulties. Their aim is to demonstrate the benefits and limitations of using participatory research approaches in the context of investigating numeracy amongallmembers of a country’s adult population.
Are Italian research assessment exercises size-biased?
Authors: Demetrescu Camil , Ribichini Andrea , Schaerf Marco
Published: August 2020

Research assessment exercises have enjoyed ever-increasing popularity in many countries in recent years, both as a method to guide public funds allocation and as a validation tool for adopted research support policies. Italy’s most recently completed evaluation effort (VQR 2011–14) required each university to submit to the Ministry for Education, University, and Research (MIUR) 2 research products per author (3 in the case of other research institutions), chosen in such a way that the same product is not assigned to two authors belonging to the same institution. This constraint suggests that larger institutions, where collaborations among colleagues may be more frequent, could suffer a size-related bias in their evaluation scores. To validate our claim, we investigate the outcome of artificially splitting Sapienza University of Rome, one of the largest universities in Europe, in a number of separate partitions, according to several criteria, noting significant score increases for several partitioning scenarios.
Content internalism and conceptual engineering
Authors: Pollock Joey
Published: August 2020

Cappelen (Fixing language, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2018) proposes a radically externalist framework (the ‘Austerity Framework’) for conceptual engineering. This approach embraces the following two theses. Firstly, the mechanisms that underlie conceptual engineering are inscrutable: they are too complex, unstable and non-systematic for us to grasp. Secondly, the process of conceptual engineering is largely beyond our control. One might think that these two theses are peculiar to the Austerity Framework, or to metasemantic externalism more generally. However, Cappelen argues that there is no reason to think that internalism avoids either commitment. Cappelen argues that to do so she must provide arguments for 3 claims: (a) there are inner states that are scrutable and within our control; (b) concepts supervene on these inner states; and (c) the determination relation from supervenience base to content is itself scrutable and within our control. In this paper, I argue that internalist conceptual role theories of content can meet Cappelen’s challenge.
Trade and environmental pollution in Africa: accounting for consumption and territorial-based emissions
Authors: Adams Samuel , Opoku Eric Evans Osei
Published: August 2020

This paper employs a recently constructed consumption-based carbon dioxide emissions data in which emissions computations are made based on fossil fuel usage domestically, in addition to emissions emanating from imports minus exports. We contrast this measure with the commonly measured territory-based carbon dioxide emissions data and examine how trade performance (split into imports, exports, and total trade) impacts these two measures of carbon dioxide. We focus on 22 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 1995–2014. Employing the system generalized method of moments, we find trade to generally have positive effect on emissions. The results are consistent across the different measures of trade and carbon dioxide emissions. The results of the paper allow us to give some policy suggestions regarding carbon dioxide emissions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Effects of endocrine disruptors on fetal testis development, male puberty, and transition age
Authors: Cargnelutti Francesco , Di Nisio Andrea , Pallotti Francesco , Sabovic Iva , Spaziani Matteo , Tarsitano Maria Grazia , Paoli Donatella , Foresta Carlo
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are exogenous substances able to impair endocrine system; consequently, they may cause numerous adverse effects. Over the last years, particular focus has been given to their harmful effects on reproductive system, but very little is known, especially in males. The aim of this review is to discuss the detrimental effects of EDs exposure on fetal testis development, male puberty, and transition age.

Methods

A search for the existing literature focusing on the impact of EDs on fetal testis development, male puberty, andrological parameters (anogenital distance, penile length, and testicular volume), and testicular cancer with particular regard to pubertal age provided the most current information available for this review. Human evidence-based reports were given priority over animal and in vitro experimental results. Given the paucity of available articles on this subject, all resources were given careful consideration.

Results

Information about the consequences associated with EDs exposure in the current literature is limited and often conflicting, due to the scarcity of human studies and their heterogeneity.

Conclusions

We conclude that current evidence does not clarify the impact of EDs on human male reproductive health, although severe harmful effects had been reported in animals. Despite controversial results, overall conclusion points toward a positive association between exposure to EDs and reproductive system damage. Further long-term studies performed on wide number of subjects are necessary in order to identify damaging compounds and remove them from the environment.
Estimating the Benefits of Derelict Crab Trap Removal in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Arthur Courtney , Friedman Scott , Weaver Jennifer , Van Nostrand Dan , Reinhardt James
Published: August 2020

Ghost fishing in derelict blue crab traps is ubiquitous and causes incidental mortality which can be reduced by trap removal programs. In an effort to scale the benefits of such removal programs, in the context of restoring the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this paper calculates the ecological benefits of trap removal by estimating the extent of derelict blue crab traps across Gulf of Mexico waterbodies and combining these estimates with Gulf-specific crab and finfish mortality rates due to ghost fishing. The highest numbers and densities of traps are found in Louisiana, with estimates ranging up to 203,000 derelict traps across the state and up to 41 traps per square kilometer in areas such as Terrebonne Bay. Mortality rates are estimated at 26 crabs per trap per year and 8 fish per trap per year. The results of this analysis indicate a Gulf-wide removal program targeting 10% of derelict traps over the course of 5 years would lead to a combined benefit of more than 691,000 kg of crabs and fish prevented from mortality in ghost fishing traps. These results emphasize the importance of ongoing derelict trap removal programs. Future work could assess additional benefits of trap removal programs, such as fewer entanglements of marine organisms, improved esthetics, and increases in harvestable catch. Lastly, this model could be utilized by fishery managers to calculate the benefits of other management options designed to decrease the extent and impact of derelict fishing gear.
Visual perception and dissociation during Mirror Gazing Test in patients with anorexia nervosa: a preliminary study
Authors: Demartini Benedetta , Nisticò Veronica , Tedesco Roberta , Marzorati Andrea , Ferrucci Roberta , Priori Alberto , Gambini Orsola , Caputo Giovanni B.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

It has been widely shown that dissociative features might play a fundamental role in producing body image distortions in patients affected by eating disorders. Here, we hypothesize that the Mirror Gazing Test (MGT), a task consisting in mirror exposure in a condition of sensory deprivation, would elicit dissociative symptoms in a group of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

Methods

Fourteen patients with AN and fourteen healthy controls (HC) underwent a 10 min MGT and completed the Strange Face Questionnaire and a short version of the Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale, along with a psychological assessment for eating disorders psychopathology, anxiety and depression.

Results

AN patients reported a higher number of strange-face apparitions and dissociative sensations than HC during the MGT. Dissociative identity (compartmentalization of two or more identities) and depersonalization (detachment of bodily-self) were much higher in patients with AN than in HC. These findings were correlated with body dissatisfaction and disruption in interoceptive awareness.

Conclusion

Dissociation and body image dysfunction are strongly connected in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa. Future research should investigate the same aspects in other psychiatric conditions characterized by body image distortions, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Level of evidence

I, Experimental studies.
Early cannabis initiation: Substance use and mental health profiles of service‐seeking youth
Authors: Hawke Lisa D. , Wilkins Leanne , Henderson Joanna
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Early cannabis use is associated with mental health and substance use (MHSU) challenges into adulthood. Given the vulnerability of youth who use cannabis, it is important to understand their clinical profiles and markers of risk. This cross‐sectional descriptive study examines youth who began using cannabis during early adolescence compared to those who initiated at an older age.

Methods

634 youth and emerging adults (age M = 19.5, SD = 2.3; 46.5% female) were assessed at intake in a Canadian youth mental health and concurrent disorder out‐patient service. Measures of demographic characteristics and MHSU were compared for youth who initiated cannabis use under the age of 14 versus 14 years or over.

Results

Nearly 30% of youth initiated cannabis use before age 14. Those who initiated cannabis early were younger and had distinct psychosocial risk factors. They were more likely to use cannabis (p = .005), tobacco (p = .006), powder cocaine (p = .030), and/or benzodiazepines (p = .033) at a high frequency. If they used other substances, they were more likely to have begun using them younger (all p < .001). Early initiators had more externalizing mental health symptoms (p = .024), crime/violence concerns (p < .001), and past trauma (p = .001).

Conclusions

Distinct, clinically meaningful differences emerged between youth who initiated cannabis use early versus later. Early cannabis use is associated with multiple, overlapping needs. Cannabis use and concurrent MHSU should be systematically assessed from an early age, and prevention/promotion efforts should take early onset into account.
Attitudes about aggression and perpetration of Adolescent Dating Aggression: A cross‐lagged panel model
Authors: Sabol Brianna M. , Kernsmith Poco D. , Hicks Megan R. , Smith‐Darden Joanne P.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Several cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies have found associations between attitudes about aggression and aggressive behaviors. However, few studies examine all subtypes of Adolescent Dating Aggression (ADA)—physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, and stalking; occurring in person or electronically—and there is a paucity of longitudinal studies that follow adolescents over several years.

Methods

Middle school and high school students (N = 1240), in the Midwestern United States, participated in surveys one time per year for four years. Data from each year (Y1, Y2, Y3, & Y4) was used to conduct a cross‐lagged panel analysis of attitudes about aggression and aggressive behaviors, among both cohorts.

Results

By Y4, approximately 46% of the middle school cohort and 60% of the high school cohort perpetrated some form of ADA. The cross‐lagged panel analysis revealed significant cross‐sectional associations in the middle school (Y1, Y2, & Y4) and high school (Y1 & Y2) cohorts. Aggressive behaviors were significantly associated with future aggressive behaviors for the middle and high school cohorts each year. Similarly, attitudes about aggression were significantly associated with attitudes in the following years for both cohorts. Among the middle school cohort, there were significant cross‐lagged effects between aggressive behaviors in Y2 and attitudes about aggression in Y3, as well as aggressive behaviors in Y3 and attitudes about aggression in Y4. Among the high school cohort, a bidirectional association was found from Y2 to Y3.

Conclusions

These findings suggest prevention programs should be implemented earlier, among middle school aged adolescents, and target factors beyond attitudes supporting aggression.
Pop culture words
Authors: Ahn Hyejeong , Kiaer Jieun
Published: August 2020

The English language is a global lingua franca that has itself been experiencing rapid change. This change can be attributed mainly to easy access to the internet worldwide and the popular use of social media. Frequent and common online communication amongst multilingual speakers mediated in English has naturally generated a diverse semiotic repertoire. As a result, new words are constantly and rapidly evolving on online platforms across language boundaries where there is little linguistic authority in place. The forms of many new words in English are becoming more hybridised and complex than ever before and the origins of these words are often difficult to trace because of their simultaneous and multitrajectory pathways.
Where are we going and where have we been?
Authors: Chen Ningyang
Published: August 2020

In their article, ‘Back to basics’, Zhou and Zha critique a ‘disheartening picture’ they found in my paper ‘The English major crisis in China’ (2019) and proposes an alternative view based on a model reform project. I will take the opportunity of this invitation to respond to reflect further on my study and the issue under debate.
CRL optics and silicon drift detector for P06 Microprobe experiments at 35 keV
Authors: Falkenberg Gerald , Seiboth Frank , Koch Frieder , Falch Ken Vidar , Schropp Andreas , Brückner Dennis , Garrevoet Jan
Published: August 2020

A provisional setup for X-ray microprobe experiments at 35 keV is described. It is based on compound refractive lenses (CRLs) for nanofocusing and a Vortex silicon drift detector with 2 mm sensor thickness for increased sensitivity at high energies. The Microprobe experiment (PETRA III) generally uses Kirkpatrick-Baez mirrors for submicrometer focusing in the energy range of 5–21 keV. However, various types of scanning X-ray microscopy experiments require higher excitation energies. The CRL optics were characterized by X-ray ptychography and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) knife edge scans on a siemens star pattern and showed beam sizes down to 110 nm. The performance of the new setup for microscopic X-ray diffraction (XRD)–XRF scanning X-ray microscopy measurements at 35 keV is demonstrated on a cross-section of a painting fragment.
Selection Bias and Social Science History
Authors: Inwood Kris , Maxwell-Stewart Hamish
Published: August 2020

Historians and social scientists routinely, and inevitably, rely on sources that are unrepresentative of the past. The articles in this special issue of the journal illustrate the widespread prevalence of selection bias in historical sources, and the ways in which historians negotiate this challenge to reach useful conclusions from valuable, if imperfect sources.
Ultraschall der Hüfte (adaptiert nach SGUM-Richtlinien)
Authors: Tamborrini Giorgio , Bianchi Stefano
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit wird die vereinfachte Ultraschallanatomie der Hüfte erläutert. Hierbei werden die adaptierten grundlegenden Standardebenen nach SGUM-Richtlinien im Detail beschrieben und anhand einer Auswahl von hochauflösenden Ultraschall-Bildern illustriert. Fundierte Kenntnisse der sonografischen Anatomie sind unabdingbar, um Pathologien zu erkennen.
Forecasting Catastrophic Rupture in Brittle Rocks Using Precursory AE Time Series
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Zhi , Zhou Xiao‐Ping
Published: August 2020

An evidently precursory acoustic emission (AE) time series, characterized by a time‐reversed Omori law, is registered prior to the unconfined catastrophic rupture of brittle sandstone. This provides insights into the physical process controlling catastrophic rupture and underlies the failure forecast. The onset of acceleration of damage is first identified based on the acousto‐optical characteristics. The precursory time series of rise time (RT) rate is used to forecast pseudo‐prospectively the catastrophic rupture in the framework of the time‐reversed Omori law. Investigations on multiple unconfirmed failure cases on the laboratory scale show that forecasts become more precise and less biased as the precursory AE time series proceeds toward rupture. In contrast to retrospective forecast, pseudo‐prospective forecast obtains a higher quality. Moreover, the use of amplitude as a precursor benefits the increase of warning time, and the flaw‐to‐flaw interaction introduces a strong disturbance on the forecast.