bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex principal component analysis-based complex-valued fully connected NN equalizer for optical fibre communications
Authors: Huang Xingyuan , Wang Yongjun , Li Chao , Gao Ran , Zhang Qi , Han Lu , Xin Xiangjun
Published: November 2023

An increasing number of scholars have proposed many schemes to mitigate the Kerr nonlinearity effect restricting the transmission capacity of optical fibres. In this paper, we proposed a complex principal component analysis-based complex-valued fully connected neural network (P-CFNN) model aided by perturbation theory and demonstrated it experimentally on a dual-polarization 64-quadrature-amplitude modulation coherent optical communication system. What we believe to be a novel complex principal component analysis (CPCA) algorithm applied to complex-valued fully connected neural network (CFNN) is designed to further reduce the computational complexity of the model. Meanwhile, an equivalent real-valued fully connected neural network (RFNN) with the same time complexity as a CFNN is proposed for fair performance comparison. Under all launched optical powers, the performance of the P-CFNN equalizer is the best among all comparison algorithms, and the maximum ΔQ-factor compared to without employing the nonlinear compensation algorithm reaches 3.94 dB. In addition, under the constraint of the same Q-factor, we confirmed that the proposed P-CFNN obtained a 40% reduction in time complexity and a 70% reduction in space complexity compared with the PCA-based RFNN, which also proved the very large application prospect of the P-CFNN equalizer in optical fibre communication systems.
Propagation effects in polarization-gated attosecond soft-X-ray pulse generation
Authors: Mitra Sambit , Schötz Johannes , Zhang Chunmei , Hyuk Ko Dong , Chang Zenghu , Corkum Paul B. , Staudte André , Kling Matthias F.
Published: November 2023

Accurate estimation of the duration of soft-x-ray pulses from high-harmonic generation (HHG) remains challenging given their higher photon energies and broad spectral bandwidth. The carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) dependence of generated soft-x-ray spectra is indicative of attosecond pulse generation, but advanced simulations are needed to infer the pulse duration from such data. Here, we employ macroscopic propagation simulations to reproduce experimental polarization-gated CEP-dependent soft-x-ray spectra. The simulations indicate chirped pulses, which we theoretically find to be compressible in hydrogen plasmas, suggesting this as a viable compression scheme for broadband soft-x-rays from HHG.
High-speed secure key distribution based on interference spectrum-shift keying with signal mutual modulation in commonly driven chaos synchronization
Authors: Deng Zhitao , Gao Xulin , An Yuehua , Wang Anbang , Fu Songnian , Wang Yuncai , Yuwen Qin , Gao Zhensen
Published: November 2023

The secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) are unprecedentedly important for a modern secure communication system. This paper proposes what we believe to be a novel scheme of high-speed key distribution based on interference spectrum-shift keying with signal mutual modulation in commonly driven chaos synchronization. In this scheme, delay line interferometers (DLI) are utilized to generate two low-correlation interference spectra from commonly driven synchronous chaos, and then a 2 × 2 optical switch can effectively change the relationship between the two interference spectra in post-processing by shifting the states of the switch. The signals then undergo electro-optic nonlinear transformation through a hardware module, which includes a signal mutually modulating module (SMMM) and a dispersion component. This optimization significantly enhances the entropy source rate of synchronized chaos from both legitimate users. Moreover, thanks to the introduction of DLIs and electro-optic nonlinear transformation module, the key space of the proposed scheme is remarkably improved. In comparison to traditional chaotic drive-response architectures, the scheme effectively suppresses residual correlation. A 6.7 Gbit/s key distribution rate with a bit error rate below 3.8 × 10−3 is experimentally demonstrated over a 40 km single-mode fiber (SMF).
Highly precise timing alignment of multi-wavelength interleaved cavity-less pulse sources with FROG
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Fu Meicheng , Chen Xin , Qi Junli , Yi Wenjun , Zhang Yuanda , Zhang Yi , Xu Yao , Li Xiujian
Published: November 2023

Strictly uniform time interval between adjacent channels is a crucial requirement for the multi-wavelength interleaved (MWI) pulse sources, which difficult alignment can be easily solved by what we believe to be our novel method based on frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG). By utilizing highly precise measurements from FROG, which provide fully two-dimensional information of the pulses in time and frequency domain, we can intuitively identify the time mismatches between different channels in the MWI pulse sources. This enables us to directly align the timing of each channel with sub-picosecond resolution at the first time. MWI pulse sources with total repetition rate of 20.8 GHz (four wavelengths) and 41.6 GHz (eight wavelengths) are precisely aligned by the proposed method, this achievement will pave the way for advancements in photonic analog-digital converters (PADC), high-speed optical communications and so on.
Hybrid fiber–solid-state laser with 3D-printed intracavity lenses
Authors: Angstenberger Simon , Ruchka Pavel , Hentschel Mario , Steinle Tobias , Giessen Harald
Published: November 2023

Microscale 3D-printing has revolutionized micro-optical applications ranging from endoscopy, imaging, to quantum technologies. In all these applications, miniaturization is key, and in combination with the nearly unlimited design space, it is opening novel, to the best of our knowledge, avenues. Here, we push the limits of miniaturization and durability by realizing the first fiber laser system with intra-cavity on-fiber 3D-printed optics. We demonstrate stable laser operation at over 20 mW output power at 1063.4 nm with a full width half maximum (FWHM) bandwidth of 0.11 nm and a maximum output power of 37 mW. Furthermore, we investigate the power stability and degradation of 3D-printed optics at Watt power levels. The intriguing possibilities afforded by free-form microscale 3D-printed optics allow us to combine the gain in a solid-state crystal with fiber guidance in a hybrid laser concept. Therefore, our novel ansatz enables the compact integration of a bulk active media in fiber platforms at substantial power levels.
Coupled air lasing gain and Mie scattering loss: an aerosol effect in filament-induced plasma spectroscopy
Authors: Xue Jiayun , Zhang Zhi , Wang Yuezheng , Shang Binpeng , Guo Jiewei , Tao Shishi , Zhang Nan , Guo Lanjun , Qi Pengfei , Lin Lie , Liu Weiwei
Published: November 2023

Femtosecond laser filament-induced plasma spectroscopy (FIPS) demonstrates great potential in remote sensing for identifying atmospheric pollutant molecules. Due to the widespread aerosols in the atmosphere, remote detection based on FIPS would be affected by both the excitation and the propagation of fingerprint fluorescence, which still remain elusive. Here the physical model of filament-induced aerosol fluorescence is established to reveal the combined effect of Mie scattering and amplification spontaneous emission, which is subsequently proven by experimental results, the dependence of the backward fluorescence on the interaction length between filaments and aerosols. These findings provide an insight into the complicated aerosol effect in the overall physical process of FIPS including propagation, excitation, and emission, paving the way to its practical application in atmospheric remote sensing.
Extending the 3D scanning range of reflective dynamic focusing device-based laser scanners
Authors: Liu Yi , Qiao Yaqing , Ding Yuhang , Lu Wangrong , Chen Tianting , Ma Haoran , Duan Jun , Xiong Wei , Deng Leimin
Published: November 2023

Reflective dynamic focusing devices (RDFDs) have shown their potential in laser scanning as high-performance laser Z-direction focusing devices. However, the scanning range of RDFD-based scanners is limited by aberrations during dynamic focusing. An aspheric symmetry correction (ASC) method was proposed to extend the effective scanning range. An aspheric lens was introduced to correct the optical path difference (OPD) and optimize aberrations. As a result, the scanning range in the three-dimensional (3D) space increased by 15.2%. The ASC method has been proven to extend the 3D scanning range of RDFD-based scanners and may have broad application prospects.
Gender imbalances among top-cited scientists across scientific disciplines over time through the analysis of nearly 5.8 million authors
Authors: Ioannidis John P. A. , Boyack Kevin W. , Collins Thomas A. , Baas Jeroen
Published: November 2023

We evaluated how the gender composition of top-cited authors within different subfields of research has evolved over time. We considered 9,071,122 authors with at least 5 full papers in Scopus as of September 1, 2022. Using a previously validated composite citation indicator, we identified the 2% top-cited authors for each of 174 science subfields (Science-Metrix classification) in 4 separate publication age cohorts (first publication pre-1992, 1992 to 2001, 2002 to 2011, and post-2011). Using NamSor, we assigned 3,784,507 authors as men and 2,011,616 as women (for 36.1% gender assignment uncertain). Men outnumbered women 1.88-fold among all authors, decreasing from 3.93-fold to 1.36-fold over time. Men outnumbered women 3.21-fold among top-cited authors, decreasing from 6.41-fold to 2.28-fold over time. In the youngest (post-2011) cohort, 32/174 (18%) subfields had > = 50% women, 97/174 (56%) subfields had > = 30% women, and 3 subfields had = <10% women among the top-cited authors. Gender imbalances in author numbers decreased sharply over time in both high-income countries (including the United States of America) and other countries, but the latter had little improvement in gender imbalances for top-cited authors. In random samples of 100 women and 100 men from the youngest (post-2011) cohort, in-depth assessment showed that most were currently (April 2023) working in academic environments. 32 women and 44 men had some faculty appointment, but only 2 women and 2 men were full professors. Our analysis shows large heterogeneity across scientific disciplines in the amelioration of gender imbalances with more prominent imbalances persisting among top-cited authors and slow promotion pathways even for the most-cited young scientists.
World Health Organization Danger Signs to predict bacterial sepsis in young infants: A pragmatic cohort study
Authors: Akinseye Omolabake , Popescu Constantin R. , Chiume-Kayuni Msandeni , Irvine Michael A. , Lufesi Norman , Mvalo Tisungane , Kissoon Niranjan , Wiens Matthew O. , Lavoie Pascal M.
Published: November 2023

Bacterial sepsis is generally a major concern in ill infants. To help triaging decisions by front-line health workers in these situations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed danger signs (DS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent to which nine DS predict bacterial sepsis in young infants presenting with suspected sepsis in a low-income country setting. The study pragmatically evaluated nine DS in infants younger than 3 months with suspected sepsis in a regional hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, between June 2018 and April 2020. Main outcomes were positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures for neonatal pathogens, and mortality. Among 401 infants (gestational age [mean ± SD]: 37.1±3.3 weeks, birth weight 2865±785 grams), 41 had positive blood or CSF cultures for a neonatal pathogen. In-hospital mortality occurred in 9.7% of infants overall (N = 39/401), of which 61.5% (24/39) occurred within 48 hours of admission. Mortality was higher in infants with bacterial sepsis compared to other infants (22.0% [9/41] versus 8.3% [30/360]; p = 0.005). All DS were associated with mortality except for temperature instability and tachypnea, whereas none of the DS were significantly associated with bacterial sepsis, except for “unable to feed” (OR 2.25; 95%CI: 1.17–4.44; p = 0.017). The number of DS predicted mortality (OR: 1.75; 95%CI: 1.43–2.17; p<0.001; AUC: 0.756), but was marginally associated with positive cultures with a neonatal pathogen (OR 1.22; 95%CI: 1.00–1.49; p = 0.046; AUC: 0.743). The association between number of DS and mortality remained significant after adjusting for admission weight, the only statistically significant co-variable (OR 1.75 [95% CI: 1.39–2.23]; p<0.001). Considering all positive cultures including potential bacterial contaminants resulted a non-significant association between number of DS and sepsis (OR 1.09 [95% CI: 0.93–1.28]; p = 0.273). In conclusion, this study shows that DS were strongly associated with death, but were marginally associated with culture-positive pathogen sepsis in a regional hospital setting. These data imply that the incidence of bacterial sepsis and attributable mortality in infants in LMIC settings may be inaccurately estimated based on clinical signs alone.
Utilization of accessible resources in the fabrication of an affordable, portable, high-resolution, 3D printed, digital microscope for Philippine diagnostic applications
Authors: Cabello Mark Kristan Espejo , De Guzman Jeremie E.
Published: November 2023

Philippine clinical laboratory licensing requirements mandate that diagnostic microscopy for Tuberculosis (TB) sputum microscopy, urinalysis, pap smears, wet smears, an option for complete blood count, stool exams, and malaria thick and thin smears should be accessible and available in health facilities including primary care centers. However, access to these essential diagnostics is hampered by the lack of trained personnel, relatively high costs for supplies and equipment especially in rural and underserved areas. This served as motivation for our team to utilize accessible resources in the form of affordable 3D printers, available CAD software, and components to build our low-cost Openflexure microscope (OFM) prototype. We successfully fabricated our prototype for a total of 310$ with a weight of 525g. We used pathology teaching slides from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and examined the OFM prototype imaging capabilities. The calculated image resolution was 13% higher compared to an LED light microscope sample captured by a mobile phone at 40x and 15% for 100x. The sampled slide images had adequate clarity with some identifiable cellular features for Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), Tuberculosis in soft tissue, and Ascariasis. We were able to correct the color aberrations of the OFM we built and was able to scan images up to 1000x magnification without using oil. Given the features and cost, the OFM prototype can be an attractive and affordable option as an alternative or augmentation to diagnostic microscopy in Philippine primary care. Moreover, it may enable telepathology to support diagnostic microscopy in frontline care.
Water sovereignty for Indigenous Peoples: Pathways to pluralist, legitimate and sustainable water laws in settler colonial states
Authors: O’Donnell Erin
Published: November 2023

In settler colonial states, the doctrine of discovery that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their lands also took their waters. The original water theft of colonization was underpinned by the erroneous assumption of ‘aqua nullius’ and remains almost entirely unacknowledged and largely unaddressed. Scholarly literature has focused on the injustice of this water theft and the human rights of Indigenous Peoples (under UNDRIP as well as their human right to water). This review shows that aqua nullius also renders settler state water law not fit for purpose in two important ways. Firstly, the legitimacy of settler state water laws is contested, presenting a foundational challenge to water governance, and failing to acknowledge the plurality of water laws in settler colonial states. Secondly, settler water law is experiencing a more widespread failure to deliver ecologically sustainable water management. In responding to the injustice of aqua nullius, foundational reform of settler state water laws can enable the settler state to learn from Indigenous laws that have supported thriving communities and genuinely sustainable water management for millennia. Drawing on examples from Aotearoa New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and Australia, this review shows how acknowledging, and challenging, the false assumption of aqua nullius creates novel pathways for reform, enabling pluralist water laws and water governance models that improve both legitimacy and sustainability of settler state water governance.
Az elektromos járművek számának elterjedése és az ezt kiváltó
tényezők vizsgálata globális szinten
Authors: Béresné Mártha Bernadett , Maklári Eszter
Published: November 2023

A fenntartható gazdasági fejlődés napjaink egyik gyakran kutatott
közgazdasági témája. A fogyasztói társadalom elterjedése rengeteg
környezetvédelmi problémát von maga után. Ez utóbbit erősíti a benzinnel és
a dízellel működő gépjárművek károsanyag-kibocsátása. A légszennyezés
csökkentése érdekében globálisan, azon belül Európában is egyre népszerűbbé
vált az elektromos járművek forgalmazása és használata. De mi a helyzet a
fejlődő, vagy éppen átmeneti gazdasági helyzetű országokkal? Tanulmányunk
során dokumentumelemzést végeztünk folyóiratcikkek, jogszabályok,
rendeletek tanulmányozásával, amely során főként azt vizsgáltuk, hogy a
forgalomba hozott elektromos járművek számának a növekedése milyen
tényezőknek köszönhető. Több országot vizsgálva, azokat gazdasági
fejlettség szerint csoportosítva, elsősorban arra kerestük a választ, hogy
létezik-e általánosan elfogadható „jó gyakorlat” kormányzati ösztönző
tényezők vonatkozásában. Megállapítottuk, hogy nincs ilyen. A fejlődő
országokban a gazdaságot sújtó, számtalan infrastrukturális, élelmezési,
járványügyi, túlnépesedési probléma következtében a helyi vezetés kevesebb
figyelmet és pénzforrást tud biztosítani a környezetszennyezés okozta
gondok megoldására, ezért ezekben az államokban szinte egyáltalán nem
jellemző a zöld rendszámmal rendelkező autók számának növelése érdekében
hozott intézkedések bevezetése.
Role of Public Libraries in Bridging the Digital Divide
Authors: K.G. SUDHIER , P Suman Barath
Published: November 2023

The study investigated the role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide in the Kerala State Central library (KSCL), Thiruvananthapuram. The study employed a descriptive survey method using a structured questionnaire distributed among library users. The study discussed the use of ICT and internet services in the library, the purpose of using the internet, digital services, e-governance services, e-resources provided by the library and factors that cause the digital divide. The findings revealed that the majority of the users are not aware of ICT (47.0%) and internet services (39.4%) provided by the library. The users preferred photocopy (43.2%) and OPAC (31.8%) services. The library users are accessing the internet for education, reading news, and employment purposes, and mostly use computers (52.2%) to access e-journals and e-books provided by the library. M-governance (12.8%) and E-district (12.0%), were the most frequently used e-governance information services provided by the library. The users opined the primary factors that causes digital divide are lack of ICT skills and illiteracy. Non-Parametric test showed that significant difference between the purpose of internet usage and the place of living, as well as the factors driving the digital divide. Public library services are essential for common people to overcome the digital gap and the library can bring new technologies to reduce the digital gap of public users and can assist them in getting education, employment, and government services. The respondents suggested that the library should conduct user awareness program about emerging technologies and orientation for users to familiarize the services provided by the library.
Assessment and Practice of Information and Research Literacy Skills among Students in Indian Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Sohail Md , Sharma Asha
Published: November 2023

The study presented and focused on the process and implementation of the information and research literacy program, the level of awareness among students and research scholars, and their potential after receiving information and research literacy training. The purpose of this study is to learn more about users' information and research literacy skills when it comes to various information sources and services. The essential component of information literacy provided students with a significant amount of insight into the practical instructional methods they could use to use the information sources without difficulty. The aim of this study is to assess the level of information and research literacy among students in Indian higher education institutions and to identify areas for improvement. The study found that while students have basic knowledge of information and research literacy, they struggle with more advanced research skills such as finding, evaluating, and synthesizing information. To separate the content, a list of 33 topics was used, covering the majority of topics to measure the awareness of information and research literacy skills and how to overcome their improper implementation among students and research scholars. The study highlights the need for institutions to prioritize the development of these skills through targeted training and practice opportunities.
Open Access Mandates and Policies Adopted by the Indian Research Organisations
Authors: Deori Maya , Mohammad Nazim , Verma Manoj Kumar
Published: November 2023

Open access is a broad term that refers to information and knowledge that are freely available in the public domain for public use or distribution on a massive level, without the need for a subscription or access fee. The open access policies and mandates compel and encourage academics and scientists to publish their scholarly content in open access, considering it a societal duty since they receive research grants from the government. The present study evaluates the funded scholarly communication and availability of their funded research communication in OA platform from four major Indian research funders (i.e., CSIR, DBT, DST, and ICAR) that have mandated open access policies by discussing the policies induced by each organisation in last five years (2017-21) indexed in the Scopus database. The OA-funded or affiliated scientific literature is indexed to a very minimum number in comparison to total publications mainly for each funder which mostly adopted green and gold OA routes of publications. The average citation of OA-funded publications is more than non-OA-funded publications. The funder also initiates awareness campaigns and workshops on open access to encourage and motivate researchers by engraving free publications with worldwide exposure and visibility.
Deregulation of Selected MicroRNAs in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Searching for Potential Prognostic Biomarkers
Authors: Kovaříková Helena , Baranová I. , Laco J. , Rozkošová K. , Vošmiková H. , Vošmik M. , Dundr P. , Němejcová K. , Michálek J. , Palička V. , Chmelařová M.
Published: November 2023

Sinonasal carcinomas are head and neck tumours arising from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses characterized by unfavourable outcome, difficult treatment, diagnosis and prognosis. MicroRNAs are key molecules in the regulation of development and progression of cancer and their expression profiles could be used as prognostic biomarkers, to predict the patients’ survival and response to treatment. In this study, we used quantitative real‑time PCR with TaqMan® Advanced miRNA Assays to investigate the relative expression values of selected micro- RNAs in a unique set of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples obtained from 46 patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. Our results showed statistically significant up-regulation of three mature microRNAs: miR-9-5p (fold change: 6.80), miR-9-3p (fold change: 3.07) and let-7d (fold change: 3.93) in sinonasal carcinoma patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and logrank test identified association between higher expression of miR-9-5p and longer survival of the patients (P = 0.0264). Lower expression of let-7d was detected in the patients with impaired survival, and higher expression of miR-137 was linked to shorter survival of the patients. We also identified several correlations between expression of the studied microRNAs and recorded clinicopathological data. Higher expression of miR-137 and lower expression of let-7d correlated with local recurrence (P = 0.045 and P = 0.025); lower expression of miR-9-5p and higher expression of miR-155-5p correlated with regional recurrence (P = 0.045 and P = 0.036). Higher expression of miR-9-3p correlated with occupational risk (P = 0.031), presence of vascular invasion (P = 0.013) and perineural invasion (P = 0.031). Higher expression of miR-155-5p was present in the samples originating from maxillary sinus (P = 0.011), cN1-3 classified tumours (P = 0.009) and G2-3 classified tumours (P = 0.017). In conclusion, our study supports the hypothesis of future prospect to use expression of miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers of squamous cell sinonasal carcinoma. In particular, miR-9-5p and miR-9-3p seem to be important members of the sinonasal cancer pathogenesis.
Adaptive mutation: shall we survive bacterial genetic skills?
Authors: Krašovec Rok , Jerman Igor
Published: November 2023

The origin and dynamics of genetic variations is one of the key questions in the modem science that has still not come out with a final answer. Emerging concepts regarding genetic variation have always produced a great controversy because they hold a key to unlock a great mystery of evolution. With such a powerful motivation scientist working in the molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry gathered a vast amount of experimental data showing us that a genome is a dynamic, hierarchically organized and complex integrated system for storing and processing information. Dynamic balance between stability and mutability of DNA nucleotide sequences is essential for a proper functioning of the organism. Beside many DNA repairing proteins and DNA protective mechanisms organisms possess also biochemical systems capable of changing DNA information. One of the most controversial and at the same time the most informative one is a phenomenon called adaptive mutation. We shall review findings concerning the phenomenon of adaptive mutation in prokaryotes and point out an urgent need for the upgrade of the awkward neo-darvinistic view on the origin .of the genetic variation.
Aquatic macrophytes of the mountain lake Krnsko jezero, Slovenia
Authors: Urbanc-Berčič Olga , Gaberščik Alenka , Šiško Milijan , Brancelj Anton
Published: November 2023

The macrophyte vegetation in the mountain lake Kmsko jezero has been monitored since I 991. Five species of aquatic macrophytes,occupying different depths, were present in the lake. Changes in depth distribution were detected due to accelerated eutrophication caused by inputs of nutrients from the watershed. In the period between 1997 and 1998 repeated earthquakes additionally influenced the processes in the lake Kmsko jezero, by increased input of matter. The occasional phytoplankton blooms reduced water transparency and consequently disturbance to growth, development and distribution of anchored macrophytes occurred. In 1998 macrophytes spread down to 7.0 m, reaching the maximum at 5.8 kg DW m2 at 2 m depth. The total primary production in the lake was estimated at 4991 kg organic matter per year out of which Chara and Potamogeton species presented 95.5 % and 0.6 %, respectively.
Mycorrhizal potential of two forest research plots with respect to reduction of the emissions from the Thermal Power Plant Sostanj
Authors: Al Sayegh Petkovšek Samar , Kraigher Hojka
Published: November 2023

The mycorrhizal potential of two differently polluted forest research plots was determined in the emission area of the Thermal Power Plant Sostanj. Zavodnje is the polluted, while Mislinja is the less polluted plot. Mycorrhizal potential of the soils from the two sites was estimated in a pot experiment. Types of ectomycorrhizae were identified in the soil cores and on short roots of Norway spruce seedlings. The fresh weight of needles and stems, number of short roots and the percentage of mycorrhizal short roots on seedlings from Zavodnje were significantly lower incomparison with Mislinja. The results indicate that the mycorrhizal potential of the more polluted site is lower. Mycorrhizal potential is discussed with respect to the results from our earlier studies.
Growth and root respiration of C4 plants under CO2 enrichment
Authors: Maček Irena , Pfanz Hardy , Vodnik Dominik
Published: November 2023

Respiratory measurements of apical root parts of several C4 plant species (Echinochloa crus-galli var. crus-galli, Setaria pumila and Zea mays DK 312 (Dekalb, USA) subjected to an elevated CO2 regime during growth in climatic chambers or at natural CO2 springs were performed. Biomass production, root respiratory potential and root respiration of Echinochloa was not significantly changed by high atmospheric CO2 treatment in the climatic chambers, compared to ambient CO2 treatment. Root respiratory potential of C4 weeds (Echinochloa crus-galli and Setaria pumila) growing in natural CO2 spring area was not significantly affected by extremelyhigh CO2 in the rhizosphere. Yet, respiratory potential of one and a half month old sown maize seedlings was significantly lower in the roots exposed to naturally elevated CO2 concentrations.
Influence of in vitro propagation on the economically important traits of strawberry cv. Marmolada
Authors: Viršček Marn Mojca , Berljak Jasna , Koron Darinka
Published: November 2023

In vitro propagation of strawberries is a promising alternative to traditional propagation, since it provides better sanitary status of plants. The possibility of somaclonal variation presents one of the drawbacks of this method, but this phenomena can be minimised by the choice of optimal tissue culture procedure. To evaluate the influence of in vitro growing on economically important traits of strawberry cv. Marmolada, rooted plants were produced in vitro from a long term and from a newly established culture. These plants were used as mother plants for short multiplication in the field.Vegetative and generative traits of their runner plants were compared with conventionally produced cold storage plants and plants derived directly from tissue culture. Statistically significant differences were observed among different plant types in the number of runners per plant,number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. The most pronounced differences were observed in the number of fruits per plant and in the yield per plant. Plants obtained directly from tissue culture were almost twice as productive as conventionally produced cold storage plants. Conventionally produced cold storage plants had statistically significantly higher yields and fruit number per plant than runner plants derived from micropropagated mother plants. High yields of plants obtained directly from in vitro were mainly the results oftheir significantly prolonged ripening.
Non-foliar photosynthesis and its contribution to the overall carbon balance of plants
Authors: Aschan Guido , Pfanz Hardy
Published: November 2023

In addition to the green leaves, commonly considered as the main sources of photosynthate production, higher plants can potentially use nearly all vegetative and reproductive structures to perform photosynthetic CO2 assimilation. Green leaves, stems and green sterile flower organs, optimized for light harvesting and photosynthetic performance, are characterized by net photosynthetic assimilation utilizing mainly the atmospheric carbon dioxide. In contrast, chlorophyll-containing bark and wood tissue, most fruit, root and fertile flower organs are primary sub­ ordinated to non-photosynthetic functions, but typically perform an effective internal CO2 recycling using the respiratory released CO2. Non-foliar photosynthesis, either manifested as positive net photosynthesis or internal CO2 refixation is regarded as an important strategy of additional carbon acquisition. The main strategies of additional carbon acquisition by non-foliar chlorophyllous organs are illustrated, presenting selected examples developed in reproductive as well as in vegetative plant structures.
Vpliv simptomatske bakterijske okužbe na izražanje genov, povezanih z imunostjo v hemocitih kopenskega raka Porcellio scaber
Authors: Dolar Andraž , Ogorevc Jernej , Jemec Kokalj Anita
Published: November 2023

Kopenski enakonožci vrste Porcellio scaber so v naravnem okolju izpostavljeni številnim patogenom in parazitom, ki lahko pri gostitelju povzročijo poškodbe tkiv ter vplivajo na imunokompetenco in fitnes organizma. Bakterijska okužba povzroči aktivacijo mehanizmov prirojene imunosti, kot so fagocitoza, tvorba reaktivnih kisikovih in dušikovih zvrsti, aktivnost antioksidativnih encimov, nodulacija ter proces melanizacije. Molekularni vzorci patogenov oziroma mikrobov ter s patogenezo povezane poškodbe pri gostitelju sprožijo prepisovanje genov v celicah hemolimfe, tj. hemocitih, ki opravljajo pomembno funkcijo mediatorjev imunskega odgovora. V aktualni raziskavi smo preučevali spremembe v izražanju genov ob simptomatski bakterijski okužbi z Rhabochlamydia porcellionis ter jih primerjali z asimptomatskimi oziroma zdravimi P. scaber. Iz hemolimfe (hemocitov) asimptomatskih in simptomatskih živali smo izolirali celokupno RNA, jo prepisali v cDNA ter z metodo RT-qPCR določili relativno izražanje izbranih genov, povezanih z imunostjo (Toll4, Dscam, MyD88, Cat, MnSod, CypG, A2m, Atg5 in Nos). Ugotovili smo značilne spremembe v izražanju izbranih genov, kar kaže na njihovo vlogo v imunskem odgovoru P. scaber v primeru bakterijske okužbe, dodatno pa smo z biokemijskimi metodami dokazali povečano aktivnost encima alfa-2-makroglobulin ter mejno značilno povišanje encima katalaza. Na podlagi rezultatov lahko zaključimo, da preučevani geni predstavljajo molekularne označevalce za imunski odziv, ki jih je moč uporabiti v različnih okoljskih raziskavah.
Providence et passions divines dans le stoïcisme : comment prémunir un dieu bienveillant contre la colère ?
Authors: Le Penru Rodolphe
Published: November 2023

Against the Epicureans who conceive the gods as indifferent to make them inaccessible to anger, the Stoics assert that the god is incapable of anger due to his very benevolence. However, doesn’t the Stoic god’s concern for man threaten his impassivity and expose him to feel anger and passions? In this paper, I address, in a theological context, the classic ethical problem of the compatibility between the integrity of the individual and his concern for others. Several hypotheses are examined. Is divine benevolence merely a disposition to do good to human beings, devoid of any affection for them? If it is a feeling, is it an aspiration to the very exercise of the virtue of benevolence, rather than to the good of mankind in itself? Or could it be understood, in the context of the cosmic οἰκείωσις, as the god’s care for his own parts? Finally, should not we distinguish, in god’s philanthropy, between the φιλία he feels for the wise men and the ἔρως he feels for everyone else?
Galen on the Stoic-Peripatetic Controversy about Mixtures: Qualities or Bodies?
Authors: Mirrione Claudia
Published: November 2023

Galen’s elemental mixture of fire, air, water and earth (and of the corresponding primary qualities, hot, cold, dry and wet) is primarily a physical process, in which primary elements mix and give rise to all compounded physical bodies, inanimate and animate. As such, the concrete, physical process of mixture is an essential basis for a thorough understanding of Galen’s physical system. In this article I pursued a twofold aim. First, I showed Galen’s syncretic approach while expounding his theory of mixture (insofar as he attributes that theory equally to ‘Hippocrates’, Aristotle and the Stoics) and illustrated the reasons behind this approach. Second, and more importantly, I addressed Galen’s epistemological position concerning mixture’s constituents and answered the question of whether, according to Galen, are the qualities alone, conceived more Aristotelico as conceptually distinct from the body itself, to mix or if Galen viewed mixture, as the Stoics did, as a coextension of bodies. As we argue, Galen assigns the epistemological status of πιθανόν to the Aristotelian and Peripatetic doctrines. This indicates that, to a certain extent, he joins this historical debate and is more closely aligned with Aristotle and the Peripatetics than with the Stoics. By resorting to what is πιθανόν Galen obtains two results: (1) does not expose himself to accusations of dogmatism but, at the same time and in his method, enters the ongoing controversy about qualities and bodies without taking a definitive position, and (2) he preserves his syncretic theoretical structure which finds its linchpin in the defence of a medical-cum-philosophical continuism.
The use of CGM to identify hypoglycemia and glycemic patterns in congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Gariepy Martin , Yoosefi Niyoosha , Silva Carolina , Chanoine Jean-Pierre , Abdulhussein Fatema S.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Unrecognized hypoglycemia, especially in the neonatal population, is a significant cause of morbidity and poor neurologic outcomes. Children with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) are at risk of hypoglycemia and point of care testing (POCT) is the standard of care. Studies have shown that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves glycemic control and reduces the frequency of hypoglycemia among children with type 1 diabetes. There is limited experience with the use of CGM in children with HI. To assess the glycemic pattern of children with HI on stable therapy and evaluate the frequency of undetected hypoglycemia using Dexcom G6® CGM.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational pilot study was done in 10 children, ages 3 months to 17 years. Each child had a clinical or genetic diagnosis of HI on stable medical therapy. Participants were asked to continue their usual POCT blood glucose monitoring, as well as wear a blinded Dexcom G6® CGM during a 20-day study period with the potential of unblinding if there was severe hypoglycemia detected during the study trial.

Results

During the study period, 26 hypoglycemic events were noted by CGM in 60 % of the participants with 45 % occurring between 0600 and 0800.

Conclusions

CGM can help detect hypoglycemia and blood glucose trends during a time when there is usually no POCT, which can guide medical management. 30 % of our population had a dose adjustment in their medications. This study was limited by population size.
The lexicon and culture – culture and the lexicon
Authors: Reichmann Oskar
Published: November 2023

The article analyzes the relationship between lexicon and culture, first from a description theoretical perspective. The focus is on a conception of these two under aspects of technical language, particularly with regard to the relationship between noun and verb-based technical language. Subsequently, an attempt is made to derive culture from speech, specifically from the linguistic action within a language community, while taking into account hermeneutic problems. In closing the article explains how the unity of word usage and culture can be presented and communicated to a target audience by the FWB, a semantically-oriented dictionary. The lemma glaube in its definition 4 serves as an example.
Women in Lexicography:

a collaborative citizens project
Authors: Domínguez Vázquez María José , Mosquera Sánchez Lola , Chidimma Nebechukwu Deborah , Sih U-Tong
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the version 1.0 of the collaborative citizens project Women in Lexicography (WL), which aims to compile and to increase the visibility of female lexicographers’ work in different countries and continents. It explains how this project came about and how the main structural and content characteristics of this collaborative tool were defined, focusing on the description of the Dictionary Platform where WL is hosted and the macro and microstructure of Women in Lexicography. In addition to the presentation of the dictionary from a lexicographical perspective, the role of the work as a cultural mediator is the guiding principle of the contribution. This open science, i. e. this citizen lexicography project, represents a model of sustainable and socially responsible lexicography.
„Ein Mann, ein Wort, viele EMLexler, ein Wörterbuch“
Authors: Hollós Zita , Kalicz Andrea
Published: November 2023

The following report reflects on the latest activities of the EMLex programme and gives a short overview of the international summer term which took place 2023 at the Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem in Budapest.
Blood-brain barrier breakdown in COVID-19 ICU survivors: an MRI pilot study
Authors: Shi Wen , Jiang Dengrong , Rando Hannah , Khanduja Shivalika , Lin Zixuan , Hazel Kaisha , Pottanat George , Jones Ebony , Xu Cuimei , Lin Doris , Yasar Sevil , Cho Sung-Min , Lu Hanzhang
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) results in severe inflammation at the acute stage. Chronic neuroinflammation and abnormal immunological response have been suggested to be the contributors to neuro-long-COVID, but direct evidence has been scarce. This study aims to determine the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) survivors using a novel MRI technique.

Methods

COVID-19 ICU survivors (n=7) and age and sex-matched control participants (n=17) were recruited from June 2021 to March 2023. None of the control participants were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 ICU survivors were studied at 98.6 ± 14.9 days after their discharge from ICU. A non-invasive MRI technique was used to assess the BBB permeability to water molecules, in terms of permeability surface area-product (PS) in the units of mL/100 g/min.

Results

PS was significantly higher in COVID-19 ICU survivors (p=0.038) when compared to the controls, with values of 153.1 ± 20.9 mL/100 g/min and 132.5 ± 20.7 mL/100 g/min, respectively. In contrast, there were no significant differences in whole-brain cerebral blood flow (p=0.649) or brain volume (p=0.471) between the groups.

Conclusions

There is preliminary evidence of a chronic BBB breakdown in COVID-19 survivors who had a severe acute infection, suggesting a plausible contributor to neurological long-COVID symptoms.
Nationalsozialistische Schreibtischtäter in Würdigungen zu Rechtslehrern
Authors: Dammann Klaus
Published: November 2023

In diesem Beitrag werden Diskussionen untersucht, die sich mit Rechtslehrer-Würdigungstexten befassen. Es geht um die, welche die „Zeit der Verstrickung“ und damit ‚Schreibtischtaten‘ (Bluttaten inklusive) im Deutschfaschismus bis 1945 in besonderer Weise behandeln. Zu der Diskussion um den einschlägigen Abschnitt in Treibers „Juristische Lebensläufe“ (1979) sind vier andere mit gleichem Thema hinzugefügt. Eine dreht sich um Luhmanns Fallrahmen für NS-Lebensläufe (1965), kritisiert von Reemtsma und Kühl. Insgesamt fünf Kommunikationszusammenhänge, auch mit nichtsoziologischen Autoren im Fokus, werden daraufhin verglichen, welches Beobachtungsinstrumentarium zu sozialen Erwartungen (speziell Norm-, Motivations-, Moral-, Person- sowie Zeittheorie) zur Kennzeichnung der Würdigungen verwendet wird. Ergebnis: Sie unterscheiden sich weniger als szientistisch (speziell: soziologistisch) zu erwarten wäre. Es wird untersucht, wie man das erklären kann. Die Hypothese wird bestätigt, dass der ‚Realitätskontakt‘ einer soziologischen Theorie es schafft, in Abstraktionen Kongruenzen von soziologischen und anderen Beobachtungsformen zu finden. Dieser Kontakt findet nicht nur mit Realitätstests (Verwendung empirischer Methodik) sondern auch mit Realitätsbezug (einer Theoriemethodik) statt, d. h. dadurch, dass man soziologische Begriffe auf Selbstabstraktionen des außersoziologischen Gegenstandsbereichs ‚aufruhen‘ lässt. Heißt das, dass Begriffe (z. B. auch solche des Rechts) in die Soziologie diffundieren? In der „Anwendungsforschung“ hat man gegenteilig die Diffusion soziologischer Erkenntnis in außersoziologische Bereiche (auch ins Recht) untersucht.
Modeling synaptic integration of bursty and beta oscillatory inputs in ventromedial motor thalamic neurons in normal and parkinsonian states
Authors: Cavarretta Francesco , Jaeger Dieter
Published: November 2023

The Ventromedial Motor Thalamus (VM) is implicated in multiple motor functions and occupies a central position in the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical loop. It integrates glutamatergic inputs from motor cortex (MC) and motor-related subcortical areas, and it is a major recipient of inhibition from basal ganglia. Previousin vitro experimentsperformed in mice, showed that dopamine depletion enhances the excitability of thalamocortical (TC) neurons in VM due to reduced M-type potassium currents. To understand how these excitability changes impact synaptic integrationin vivo, we constructed biophysically detailed mouse VM TC model neurons fit to normal and dopamine-depleted conditions, using the NEURON simulator. These models allowed us to assess the influence of excitability changes with dopamine depletion on the integration of synaptic inputs expectedin vivo. We found that VM neuron models in the dopamine-depleted state showed increased firing rates with the same synaptic inputs. Synchronous bursting in inhibitory input from the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR), as observed in parkinsonian conditions, evoked a post-inhibitory firing rate increase with a longer duration in dopamine-depleted than control conditions, due to different M-type potassium channel densities. With beta oscillations in the inhibitory inputs from SNR and the excitatory inputs from cortex, we observed spike-phase locking in the activity of the models in normal and dopamine-depleted states, which relayed and amplified the oscillations of the inputs, suggesting that the increased beta oscillations observed in VM of parkinsonian animals are predominantly a consequence of changes in the presynaptic activity rather than changes in intrinsic properties.

Significance Statement

The ventromedial motor thalamus is implicated in multiple motor functions. Experimentsin vitroshowed this area undergoes homeostatic changes following dopamine depletion (parkinsonian state). Here we studied the expected impact of these changesin vivo, using biophysically detailed modeling. We found that dopamine depletion increased firing rate in the ventromedial thalamocortical neurons and changed their responses to synchronous inhibitory inputs from substantia nigra reticulata. All thalamocortical neuron models relayed and amplified beta oscillations from substantia nigra reticulata and cortical/subcortical inputs, suggesting that increased beta oscillations observed in parkinsonian animals predominantly reflect changes in presynaptic activity.