bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The amyloid concentric β‐barrel hypothesis: Models of synuclein oligomers, annular protofibrils, lipoproteins, and transmembrane channels
Authors: Durell Stewart R. , Guy H. Robert
Published: September 2021

Amyloid beta (Aβ of Alzheimer's disease) and α‐synuclein (α‐Syn of Parkinson's disease) form large fibrils. Evidence is increasing however that much smaller oligomers are more toxic and that these oligomers can form transmembrane ion channels. We have proposed previously that Aβ42 oligomers, annular protofibrils, and ion channels adopt concentric β‐barrel molecular structures. Here we extend that hypothesis to the superfamily of α, β, and γ‐synucleins. Our models of numerous synuclein oligomers, annular protofibrils, tubular protofibrils, lipoproteins, and ion channels were developed to be consistent with sizes, shapes, molecular weights, and secondary structures of assemblies as determined by electron microscopy and other studies. The models have the following features: (1) all subunits have identical structures and interactions; (2) they are consistent with conventional β‐barrel theory; (3) the distance between walls of adjacent β‐barrels is between 0.6 and 1.2 nm; (4) hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, interactions among aromatic side‐chains, burial and tight packing of hydrophobic side‐chains, and aqueous solvent exposure of hydrophilic side‐chains are relatively optimal; and (5) residues that are identical among distantly related homologous proteins cluster in the interior of most oligomers whereas residues that are hypervariable are exposed on protein surfaces. Atomic scale models of some assemblies were developed.
Assessing the progress of river restoration in the UK: Has biophysical condition improved over two decades of intervention?
Authors: Moore Harriet Elizabeth , Mercer Theresa G. , de Alwis Pitts Dilkushi , Beagley Sam , Naura Marc , Bryden Alexandra
Published: September 2021

Biophysical condition is one indicator of the immediate success of efforts to restore degraded rivers as well as longer‐term progress towards improving water quality. In the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the biophysical condition of river systems in the UK also reflects how well international environmental policy translates into improved river management domestically. We assess whether the condition of river systems in the UK has improved or declined over the past two decades, whether regions identified by the first WFD assessment have improved or declined, and thus, how effectively international policy has been implemented nationally. Methods include: statistical and spatial analysis of more than 25,000 habitat condition records collated in the River Habitat Survey over the 1990s and 2000s; computing of an Index of Change for Local Authorities; and comparison of Indices of Change with a sub‐sample of 1,727 WFD assessments conducted in 258 Local Authorities. Findings include that three of four measures indicate that biophysical quality has declined, although only the decline in one measure (habitat quality) was statistically significant. Riparian quality has improved, although measures do not consider invasive compared to native coverage. In total, 27 regions were identified with the worst declining quality. Comparative analysis of regions suggests that condition has declined most substantially in regions that were previously in “good” condition. Priorities for future investment include improving degraded sites, protecting high quality sites, and increasing monitoring of “data poor” regions. Our methodology offers an approach for utilising “messy” routinely collated data like the RHS. However, guidelines are needed to support the use of similar datasets for the international river restoration community.
Covering cycles in sparse graphs
Authors: Mousset Frank , Škorić Nemanja , Trujić Miloš
Published: September 2021

Let be an integer. Kouider and Lonc proved that the vertex set of every graph G with vertices and minimum degree at least can be covered by cycles. Our main result states that for every and , the same conclusion holds for graphs G with minimum degree that are sparse in the sense that In particular, this allows us to determine the local resilience of random and pseudorandom graphs with respect to having a vertex cover by a fixed number of cycles. The proof uses a version of the absorbing method in sparse expander graphs.
Omnidirectional Proximity Sensor System for Drones Using Optical Time‐of‐Flight Sensors
Authors: Tsuji Satoshi , Kohama Teruhiko
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, including drones, to conduct inspections has been attracting increasing attention. When a drone is used for inspections, it often approaches objects and obstacles, and its collision risk increases the closer it gets. In this study, we developed an omnidirectional proximity sensor system for drones using optical time‐of‐flight (ToF) sensors to avoid collisions. The sensor system consists of 87 ToF sensors that can estimate the distance between the sensors and objects. The ToF sensors are mounted on both the propeller guard of the drone and its body. Thus, they can measure objects horizontally, at ±45° Z direction, and above the drone. Further, the sensor system can detect objects around the drone in a noncontact area. Accordingly, the drone can be controlled using the measured data. Our results show that drones using the proposed sensor system can avoid unexpected contacts and collisions during flights. Consequently, we believe that the sensor system will be highly useful in drone operation. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Effect of Temperature on AC Dielectric‐Breakdown Characteristics of Vegetable‐Based Electrical Insulating Oil Derived from Rice Oil
Authors: Murakami Yuichi , Nagai Hiroki , Ino Takuma , Muramoto Yuji
Published: September 2021

This paper reports the AC dielectric‐breakdown characteristics of a rice‐oil‐based electrical insulating oil as a function of oil temperature as well as the influence of thermal degradation on its performance (kinematic viscosity, AC dielectric breakdown, moisture amount, total acid number, and pour point). We manufactured rice ester oil using the ester‐exchange reaction. The results demonstrated the following. (i) The kinematic viscosity of the rice ester oil was lower than that of the rice and mineral oils. (ii) The AC breakdown strength of the rice ester oil was higher than that of the mineral oil. The AC breakdown strength of both insulating oils increased with the increase in the oil temperature. (iii) The moisture content of the rice ester oil was larger than that of the mineral oil. (iv) The total acid numbers of the rice ester and mineral oils were almost the same. (v) The pour point of the rice ester oil was higher than that of the mineral oil. In addition, the rice ester oil exhibited high resistance to heat stress compared with the mineral oil, but the former was unsuitable for use in cold climates. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Judaism and Providence
Authors: Goldschmidt Tyron , Lebens Samuel
Published: September 2021

According to central principles of Judaism, God interacts with the world. But howmuchdoes God interact with the world? Theological views on offer range from God’s particular providence over everything to particular providence in the land of Israel only. We defend an idealist view: reality is fundamentally mental, existing in God’s mind. Accordingly, God has his providential “fingers” on everything.
Loop-generated neutrino masses in composite Higgs models
Authors: Cacciapaglia Giacomo , Rosenlyst Martin
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We present a composite scotogenic model for neutrino masses, which are generated via loops of ℤ2-odd composite scalars. We consider three different approaches to the couplings of the neutrinos (including three right-handed singlets) and the composite sector: ETC-like four-fermion interactions, fundamental partial compositeness and fermion partial compositeness. In all cases, the model can feature sizeable couplings and remain viable with respect to various experimental constraints if the three ℤ2-odd right-handed neutrinos have masses between the TeV and the Planck scales. Additionally, the lightest ℤ2-odd composite scalar may play the role of Dark Matter, either via thermal freeze-out or as an asymmetric relic. This mechanism can be featured in a variety of models based on vacuum misalignment. For concreteness, we demonstrate it in a composite two-Higgs scheme based on the coset SU(6)/Sp(6).
Radiation exposure in the endovascular therapy of cranial and spinal dural arteriovenous fistula in the last decade: a retrospective, single-center observational study
Authors: Opitz Marcel , Zensen Sebastian , Bos Denise , Li Yan , Styczen Hanna , Wetter Axel , Guberina Nika , Jabbarli Ramazan , Sure Ulrich , Forsting Michael , Wanke Isabel , Deuschl Cornelius
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in the endovascular therapy (EVT) of patients with cranial and spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF).

Methods

In a retrospective study design, DRLs and achievable dose (AD) were assessed for all patients with cranial and spinal dAVF undergoing EVT (I) or diagnostic angiography (II). All procedures were performed at the flat-panel angiography-system Allura Xper (Philips Healthcare). Interventional procedures were differentiated according to the region of fistula and the type of procedure.

Results

In total, 264 neurointerventional procedures of 131 patients with dAVF (94 cranial, 37 spinal) were executed between 02/2010 and 12/2020. The following DRLs, AD, and mean values could be determined: for cranial dAVF (I) DRL 507.33 Gy cm2, AD 369.79 Gy cm2, mean 396.51 Gy cm2; (II) DRL 256.65 Gy cm2, AD 214.19 Gy cm2, mean 211.80 Gy cm2; for spinal dAVF (I) DRL 482.72 Gy cm2, AD 275.98 Gy cm2, mean 347.12 Gy cm2; (II) DRL 396.39 Gy cm2, AD 210.57 Gy cm2, mean 299.55 Gy cm2. Dose levels of EVT were significantly higher compared to diagnostic angiographies (p < 0.001). No statistical difference in dose levels regarding the localization of dAVF was found.

Conclusion

Our results could be used for establishing DRLs in the EVT of cranial and spinal dAVF. Because radiation exposure to comparably complex interventions such as AVM embolization is similar, it may be useful to determine general DRLs for both entities together.
Composite Criteria for Non‐Operative Management of Acute Non‐Complicated Appendicitis Result in Low Failure Rates
Authors: Shay Shahaf , Kupietzky Amram , Weiss Daniel Joshua , Dover Roi , Lourie Nachum Emil Eliezer , Mordechay‐Heyn Tzlil , Mazeh Haggi , Mizrahi Ido
Published: September 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of conservative management of non‐complicated acute appendicitis (AA) using our unique institutional protocol, and to compare between these and the outcomes of operative management.

Methods

Patients admitted to our institution between March 2016 and October 2019 with non‐complicated AA were grouped according to their initial management: non‐operative versus surgical. Our unique protocol for non‐operative management includes: pain < 3 days; afebrile upon admission; non‐gravid; WBC <15,000 (× 109/L); CRP < 5 mg/dl; appendix diameter < 1 cm; no appendicolith on imaging; no prior episode of AA; no history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease; no evidence of peritonitis on physical examination. The primary outcome measured was failure of non‐surgical management during the index admission. Secondary outcomes included recurrence rate, readmissions, complications, length of antibiotic treatment and length of stay (LOS).

Results

A total of 695 patients were included, 436 in the operative group and 259 in the non‐surgical treatment group. The mean follow‐up time was 1004.9 ± 205.7 days. Patients initially treated conservatively rarely required surgery during their index admission (6.9%). Recurrence rate was 19.1% after a mean follow up of 33.4 months. The overall failure rate of conservative management was documented in 20.8% of the patients. The complication rate was higher in those treated with upfront surgery (1.6% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001). The overall LOS was not statistically different between the groups.

Conclusions

Our composite protocol for non‐surgical management of non‐complicated AA results in a low failure rate. A well calculated patient treatment allocation in non‐complicated AA can advocate for wide‐spread use of the conservative approach.
Semi-Analytical Estimates for the Orbital Stability of Earth’s Satellites
Authors: De Blasi Irene , Celletti Alessandra , Efthymiopoulos Christos
Published: September 2021

Normal form stability estimates are a basic tool of Celestial Mechanics for characterizing the long-term stability of the orbits of natural and artificial bodies. Using high-order normal form constructions, we provide three different estimates for the orbital stability of point-mass satellites orbiting around the Earth. (i) We demonstrate the long-term stability of the semimajor axis within the framework of the $$J_2$$

J
2

problem, by a normal form construction eliminating the fast angle in the corresponding Hamiltonian and obtaining $${\mathcal {H}}_{J_2}$$

H

J
2

. (ii) We demonstrate the stability of the eccentricity and inclination in a secular Hamiltonian model including lunisolar perturbations (the ‘geolunisolar’ Hamiltonian $${\mathcal {H}}_\mathrm{gls}$$

H
gls

), after a suitable reduction of the Hamiltonian to the Laplace plane. (iii) We numerically examine the convexity and steepness properties of the integrable part of the secular Hamiltonian in both the $${\mathcal {H}}_{J_2}$$

H

J
2

and $${\mathcal {H}}_\mathrm{gls}$$

H
gls

models, which reflect necessary conditions for the holding of Nekhoroshev’s theorem on the exponential stability of the orbits. We find that the $${\mathcal {H}}_{J_2}$$

H

J
2

model is non-convex, but satisfies a ‘three-jet’ condition, while the $${\mathcal {H}}_\mathrm{gls}$$

H
gls

model restores quasi-convexity by adding lunisolar terms in the Hamiltonian’s integrable part.
High-resolution analysis of observed thermal growing season variability over northern Europe
Authors: Aalto Juha , Pirinen Pentti , Kauppi Pekka E. , Rantanen Mika , Lussana Cristian , Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa Päivi , Gregow Hilppa
Published: September 2021

Strong historical and predicted future warming over high-latitudes prompt significant effects on agricultural and forest ecosystems. Thus, there is an urgent need for spatially-detailed information of current thermal growing season (GS) conditions and their past changes. Here, we deployed a large network of weather stations, high-resolution geospatial environmental data and semi-parametric regression to model the spatial variation in multiple GS variables (i.e. beginning, end, length, degree day sum [GDDS, base temperature + 5 °C]) and their intra-annual variability and temporal trends in respect to geographical location, topography, water and forest cover, and urban land use variables over northern Europe. Our analyses revealed substantial spatial variability in average GS conditions (1990–2019) and consistent temporal trends (1950–2019). We showed that there have been significant changes in thermal GS towards earlier beginnings (on average 15 days over the study period), increased length (23 days) and GDDS (287 °C days). By using a spatial interpolation of weather station data to a regular grid we predicted current GS conditions at high resolution (100 m × 100 m) and with high accuracy (correlation ≥ 0.92 between observed and predicted mean GS values), whereas spatial variation in temporal trends and interannual variability were more demanding to predict. The spatial variation in GS variables was mostly driven by latitudinal and elevational gradients, albeit they were constrained by local scale variables. The proximity of sea and lakes, and high forest cover suppressed temporal trends and inter-annual variability potentially indicating local climate buffering. The produced high-resolution datasets showcased the diversity in thermal GS conditions and impacts of climate change over northern Europe. They are valuable in various forest management and ecosystem applications, and in adaptation to climate change.
Testing the accuracy of high-resolution satellite-based and numerical model output precipitation products over Ethiopia
Authors: Dubache Getachew , Asmerom Birhanu , Ullah Waheed , Ogwang Bob Alex , Amiraslani Farshad , Weijun Zhu , Gul Chaman
Published: September 2021

The indirect rainfall estimates by satellites and numerical models are the alternative options for the regions lacking enough and accurate ground observations. However, these indirect estimates often lack homogeneity and need to be evaluated before application. This study used gauge observations to test the accuracy of recently produced high-resolution satellite-based and numerical model output rainfall products over Ethiopia. Tropical Applications of Meteorology Using Satellite data and Ground-Based Observations (TAMSAT v3.1), Climate Hazard group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS v2.0), and the ERA5 reanalysis products were evaluated at monthly, seasonal, and annual temporal scales for the years 1992–2009. The satellite products showed nearly similar characteristics with much better accuracy than the model reanalysis output, which underestimated the rainfall amounts. Both satellite and reanalysis products captured the shapes of the rainfall at a monthly scale but less accurately at a seasonal scale. In general, the satellite-based products outperformed the reanalysis data set with a high correlation coefficient and index of agreement values, as well as low Root Mean Square Error and BIAS values. On the other hand, the reanalysis (ERA5) product showed a considerable underestimation in all sites. Therefore, satellite-based products are more reliable for researches in the region. However, the algorithms in both satellites need further calibration for a better estimation of seasonal rainfall amounts.
Comparing utility functions between risky and riskless choice in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Bujold Philipe M. , Seak Leo Chi U. , Schultz Wolfram , Ferrari-Toniolo Simone
Published: September 2021

Decisions can be risky or riskless, depending on the outcomes of the choice. Expected utility theory describes risky choices as a utility maximization process: we choose the option with the highest subjective value (utility), which we compute considering both the option’s value and its associated risk. According to the random utility maximization framework, riskless choices could also be based on a utility measure. Neuronal mechanisms of utility-based choice may thus be common to both risky and riskless choices. This assumption would require the existence of a utility function that accounts for both risky and riskless decisions. Here, we investigated whether the choice behavior of two macaque monkeys in risky and riskless decisions could be described by a common underlying utility function. We found that the utility functions elicited in the two choice scenarios were different from each other, even after taking into account the contribution of subjective probability weighting. Our results suggest that distinct utility representations exist for risky and riskless choices, which could reflect distinct neuronal representations of the utility quantities, or distinct brain mechanisms for risky and riskless choices. The different utility functions should be taken into account in neuronal investigations of utility-based choice.
Changes in Tissue Composition and Load Response After Transtibial Amputation Indicate Biomechanical Adaptation
Authors: Bramley J. L. , Worsley P. R. , Bader D. L. , Everitt C. , Darekar A. , King L. , Dickinson A. S.
Published: September 2021

Despite the potential for biomechanical conditioning with prosthetic use, the soft tissues of residual limbs following lower-limb amputation are vulnerable to damage. Imaging studies revealing morphological changes in these soft tissues have not distinguished between superficial and intramuscular adipose distribution, despite the recognition that intramuscular fat levels indicate reduced tolerance to mechanical loading. Furthermore, it is unclear how these changes may alter tissue tone and stiffness, which are key features in prosthetic socket design. This study was designed to compare the morphology and biomechanical response of limb tissues to mechanical loading in individuals with and without transtibial amputation, using magnetic resonance imaging in combination with tissue structural stiffness. The results revealed higher adipose infiltrating muscle in residual limbs than in intact limbs (residual: median 2.5% (range 0.2–8.9%); contralateral: 1.7% (0.1–5.1%); control: 0.9% (0.4–1.3%)), indicating muscle atrophy and adaptation post-amputation. The intramuscular adipose content correlated negatively with daily socket use, although there was no association with time post-amputation. Residual limbs were significantly stiffer than intact limbs at the patellar tendon site, which plays a key role in load transfer across the limb-prosthesis interface. The tissue changes following amputation have relevance in the clinical understanding of prosthetic socket design variables and soft tissue damage risk in this vulnerable group.
Blue Eyes Help Men Reduce the Cost of Cuckoldry
Authors: Bressan Paola
Published: September 2021

Men with light eyes lack the dominant gene allele that codes for dark-brown eyes. Pairing with a woman who lacks the same allele must increase paternity confidence in these men, because any children with dark eyes would be extremely unlikely to have been fathered by them. This notion implies that men with light (blue or green) eyes should (1) prefer light-eyed women, especially in a long-term context, and (2) feel more threatened by light-eyed than by dark-eyed rivals. Yet because choosiness is costly and paternity concerns are entirely driven by the prospect of paternal investment, any such inclinations would be adaptive only in men who expect to invest in their children. Here I test these ideas using the data of over 1000 men who rated the facial attractiveness of potential partners, and the threat of potential rivals, whose eye color had been manipulated. Light-eyed men liked light-eyed women better (particularly as long-term companions), and feared light-eyed rivals more, than did dark-eyed men. An exploratory analysis showed that these large, robust effects disappeared in men who had felt rejected by their fathers while growing up—suggesting that such men are not expecting to invest in their own children either.
Redistribution and beliefs about the source of income inequality
Authors: Valero Vanessa
Published: September 2021

Previous literature demonstrates that beliefs about the determinants of income inequality play a major role in individual support for income redistribution. This study investigates how people form beliefs regarding the extent to which work versus luck determines income inequality. Specifically, I examine whether people form self-serving beliefs to justify supporting personally advantageous redistributive policies. I use a laboratory experiment where I directly measure beliefs and manipulate the incentives to engage in self-deception. I first replicate earlier results demonstrating that (1) people attribute income inequality to work when they receive a high income and to luck when they receive a low income and (2) their beliefs about the source of income inequality influence their preferences over redistributive policies. However, I do not find that people’s beliefs about the causes of income inequality are further influenced by self-serving motivations based on a desire to justify favorable redistributive policies. I conclude that, in my experiment, self-serving beliefs about the causes of income inequality are driven primarily by overconfidence and self-image concerns and not to justify favorable redistributive policies.
Barriers and Facilitators for Return to Work from the Perspective of Workers with Common Mental Disorders with Short, Medium and Long-Term Sickness Absence: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
Authors: Joosen Margot C. W. , Lugtenberg Marjolein , Arends Iris , van Gestel Hanneke J. A. W. M. , Schaapveld Benedikte , Terluin Berend , van Weeghel Jaap , van der Klink Jac J. L. , Brouwers Evelien P. M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose Although common mental disorders (CMDs) highly impact individuals and society, a knowledge gap exists on how sickness absence can be prevented in workers with CMDs. This study explores: (1) workers’ perceived causes of sickness absence; (2) perceived return to work (RTW) barriers and facilitators; and (3) differences between workers with short, medium and long-term sickness absence. Methods A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted involving 34 workers with CMDs. Semi-structured interviews were held at two time-points during their RTW process. The 68 interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and thematically analyzed to explore workers’ perspective on sickness absence causes, RTW barriers and facilitators, and compare data across the three sub-groups of workers. Results Workers reported various causes for their absence, including: (1) high work pressure; (2) poor work relationships; (3) unhelpful thoughts and feelings, e.g. lacking self-insight; and (4) ineffective coping behaviors. According to workers, RTW was facilitated by work adjustments, fulfilling relationships with supervisors, and adequate occupational health guidance. Workers with short-term leave more often reported favorable work conditions, and proactive coping behavior. In contrast, the long-term group reported reactive coping behavior and dissatisfaction with their work. Conclusion Supporting workers with CMDs in gaining self-awareness and regaining control, discussing the value of their work, and creating work conditions that enable workers to do valuable work, seem central for successful RTW and might prevent sickness absence. Supervisors play a key role in enabling workers to do valuable work and further research should focus on how supervisors can be supported in this task.
Teachers’ Disciplinary Boundedness in the Implementation of Integrated Computational Modeling in Physics
Authors: Vieyra Rebecca , Himmelsbach Joshua
Published: September 2021

This study explored teachers’ conceptualizations of integrated computational modeling in secondary physics by exposing twelve experienced physics teachers to programming and then analyzing interview responses. Responses revealed that teachers fell along a spectrum of disciplinary boundary–stretching mentalities. This paper presents a preliminary conceptual framework for exploring both horizontal (interdisciplinary) and vertical (intradisciplinary) boundary stretching, as well as for identifying bounded mentalities as teachers consider integration. Horizontal boundary stretchers envisioned opportunities to use computational modeling to shift their curriculum or pedagogical approaches in physics to help students enhance skills underlying multiple fields, while vertical boundary stretchers considered how computing might allow students to explore physics concepts more deeply. Teachers with more boundary-stretching indicators at the outset of an integrated curriculum development workshop were more likely to persist in the implementation of computational modeling–integrated materials in their physics classrooms than those who expressed more bounded thinking. These findings emphasize the importance of considering teachers’ perceptions about how their own science discipline is connected to similar fields and provide implications about how to identify potential adopters of innovative teaching approaches.
Contaminant Source Identification in Aquifers: A Critical View
Authors: Gómez-Hernández J. Jaime , Xu Teng
Published: September 2021

Forty years and 157 papers later, research on contaminant source identification has grown exponentially in number but seems to be stalled concerning advancement towards the problem solution and its field application. This paper presents a historical evolution of the subject, highlighting its major advances. It also shows how the subject has grown in sophistication regarding the solution of the core problem (the source identification), forgetting that, from a practical point of view, such identification is worthless unless it is accompanied by a joint identification of the other uncertain parameters that characterize flow and transport in aquifers.
Do Public Consultations Reduce Blame Attribution? The Impact of Consultation Characteristics, Gender, and Gender Attitudes
Authors: Kevins Anthony , Vis Barbara
Published: September 2021

Can public consultations—gatherings organised to solicit constituent opinions—reduce the blame attributed to elected representatives whose decisions end up backfiring? Using two pre-registered survey experiments conducted on nationally representative samples of US respondents, we examine whether the effectiveness of consultations as a blame avoidance tool may be shaped by: (1) consultation characteristics, especially regarding whether or not representatives align their policies, either actively or passively, with constituent opinion; and (2) elected representative and constituent characteristics, especially regarding a representative’s gender and constituents’ gender attitudes. Results suggest that public consultations are indeed liable to decrease blame attribution, just so long as constituent opinion is not explicitly opposed to the representative’s decision. Active alignment with constituent opinion, however, does not appear to be a requirement for decreased blame attribution—and effects related to gender and gender attitudes are also largely absent. These findings are important for scholars seeking to better understand blame attribution, clarifying how public consultations might help politicians to pre-empt blame by reducing clarity of responsibility.
Abscisic acid induces somatic embryogenesis and enables the capture of high-value genotypes in Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [MIRB.] Franco)
Authors: Walther Madlen , Wagner Isabel , Raschke Juliane , Zoglauer Kurt , Rupps Andrea
Published: September 2021

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is one of Europe’s most important non-native tree species due to its drought tolerance as well as timber quality and yield. To obtain superior seed from selected parental trees, breeding programs had been established in seed orchards. Douglas fir seed is used as source material for somatic embryogenesis with the aim to select elite genotypes invaluable for clonal mass propagation. To improve given protocols for somatic embryo initiation, we used immature Douglas fir zygotic embryos as explants and abscisic acid (ABA) as plant growth regulator in contrast to the application of auxins and cytokinins. With ABA supplementation, induction frequencies were slightly but in mean higher than with auxin/cytokinin, showing also a strong genotype effect. This offered the possibility to capture SE cultures from otherwise recalcitrant crosses. Furthermore, we observed remarkable differences between the two sets of plant growth regulators concerning the morphological development of the explants, including the absence of non-embryogenic callus by using ABA as inducer. This simplifies the detection of events and the handling of the obtained cultures. Nevertheless, a histological approach suggested, that the same competent cells are addressed by the different hormonal stimulation. Besides, we studied the influence of different points in time of cone harvest, two different basal media and different genetic backgrounds of the explants as well as the maturation ability of the induced embryogenic cultures. In sum, we were able to improve the first steps of somatic embryogenesis and to maintain a significantly higher number of high-value genotypes.
Endogenous testosterone density predicts unfavorable disease at final pathology in intermediate risk prostate cancer
Authors: Porcaro Antonio Benito , Tafuri Alessandro , Panunzio Andrea , Rizzetto Riccardo , Amigoni Nelia , Cerrato Clara , Shakir Aliasger , Gallina Sebastian , Bianchi Alberto , Cianflone Francesco , Serafin Emanuele , Gozzo Alessandra , Di Filippo Giacomo , Migliorini Filippo , Novella Giovanni , Brunelli Matteo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: September 2021

Objective

To test the hypothesis that endogenous testosterone (ET) density could be associated with tumor load (TL) in patients with intermediate risk (IR) prostate cancer (PCa).

Materials and methods

Endogenous testosterone density (ETD, ratio between ET and prostate volume [PV]), biopsy positive cores density (BPCD, the ratio between the number of positive cores and PV) and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD, ratio between total PSA and PV) were retrospectively evaluated on a prospectively collected data on 430 patients with IR PCa submitted to radical prostatectomy (RP). Tumor load (TL) was measured as the percentage of prostatic volume occupied by cancer at final pathology. Unfavorable disease (UD) was defined as tumor upgrading (ISUP grading group 4, 5) and/or upstaging (pT3a or 3b) in prostate specimens. Associations were assessed by the logistic regression and linear regression models.

Results

Overall, UD, which was detected in 122 out of 430 IR patients (28.4%), was predicted by BPCD (odd ratio, OR = 1.356; 95% CI 1.048–1.754;p = 0.020) with a sensitivity 98.4% and overall accuracy 71.9%. On multivariate analysis, BPCD was independently predicted by PSAD (regression coefficient,b = 1.549; 95% CI 0.936–2.162;p < 0.0001), ETD (b = 0.032; 95% CI 0.023–0.040;p < 0.0001) and TL (b = 0.009; 95% CI 0.005–0.014;p < 0.0001). As BPCD increased, ETD and ET levels increased accordingly, but patients with BPCD > 1.0%/mL had significantly lower ET levels.

Conclusions

As ETD increased, BPCD and TL increased, accordingly; furthermore, patients with lower ET levels were more likely to have occult UD. The influence of tumor load, and unfavorable disease on ET and ETD needs to be addressed by further studies.
Beneficence, Non-Identity, and Responsibility: How Identity-Affecting Interventions in Nature can Generate Secondary Moral Duties
Authors: O’Brien Gary David
Published: September 2021

In chapter 3 of Wild Animal Ethics Johannsen argues for a collective obligation based on beneficence to intervene in nature in order to reduce the suffering of wild animals. In the same chapter he claims that the non-identity problem is merely a “theoretical puzzle” (p.32) which doesn’t affect our reasons for intervention. In this paper I argue that the non-identity problem affects both the strength and the nature of our reasons to intervene. By intervening in nature on a large scale we change which animals come into existence. In doing so, we enable harmful animals to inflict harms on other animals, and we put other animals in harm’s way. The harms that these animals will inflict and endure are foreseeable. Furthermore, since non-human animals aren’t moral agents, harmful animals cannot be morally responsible for their harmful actions. I argue therefore that by causing animals to exist, knowing that they will inflict and suffer harms, we become morally responsible for those harms. By engaging in identity-affecting actions then we take on secondary moral duties towards the animals we have thereby caused to exist, and these secondary moral duties may be extremely demanding, even more so than the initial costs of intervention. Finally, these duties are duties of justice rather than duties of beneficence, and as such are more stringent than purely beneficence-based moral reasons. Furthermore, this conclusion flows naturally from several plausible principles which Johannsen explicitly endorses.
Genetic Investigation in Segregating Generation of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Chithra K. , Devaraju M. , Srinivasa V. , Varalakshmi B. , Asha A. B.
Published: September 2021

The genetic variability studies indicated that the prevalence of sufficient genetic variation among the genotypes for all the characters. The high Genotypic co-efficient of variation and Phenotypic co-efficient of variation were observed for the number of primary branches and number of fruits per plant. High heritability coupled with high Genetic Advance as per cent of Mean was observed for plant height, number of primary branches, plant spread from North to South, plant spread from East to West, fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and Total Soluble Solids indicating that these characters are governed by additive gene action. Hence, direct selection may be followed for the improvement of brinjal by assessing these characters.
Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Breast MRI: Assessment and Clinical Implications
Authors: Chalfant James S. , Mortazavi Shabnam , Lee-Felker Stephanie A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose of Review

To present recent literature regarding the assessment and clinical implications of background parenchymal enhancement on breast MRI.

Recent Findings

The qualitative assessment of BPE remains variable within the literature, as well as in clinical practice. Several different quantitative approaches have been investigated in recent years, most commonly region of interest-based and segmentation-based assessments. However, quantitative assessment has not become standard in clinical practice to date. Numerous studies have demonstrated a clear association between higher BPE and future breast cancer risk. While higher BPE does not appear to significantly impact cancer detection, it may result in a higher abnormal interpretation rate. BPE is also likely a marker of pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with decreases in BPE during and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy correlated with pCR. In contrast, pre-treatment BPE does not appear to be predictive of pCR. The association between BPE and prognosis is less clear, with heterogeneous results in the literature.

Assessment of BPE continues to evolve, with heterogeneity in approaches to both qualitative and quantitative assessment. The level of BPE has important clinical implications, with associations with future breast cancer risk and treatment response. BPE may also be an imaging marker of prognosis, but future research is needed on this topic.
Considerations in Management for Trans and Gender Diverse Patients with Inherited Cancer Risk
Authors: Coad Beth , Giblin Josephine , Walsh Reubs J. , Kuczkowska Oliwia , von Vaupel-Klein Alexander M. , Berner Alison
Published: September 2021

Purpose of Review

To best support all patients with inherited cancer risk, we must broaden our scope of practice to consider the needs of the transgender and gender diverse (trans) community. We considered best practice for supporting trans patients including tailored risk assessments and management recommendations.

Recent Findings

There is limited literature considering trans patient care in cancer genetics. Small case studies have highlighted how medical transition and cancer risk–reducing options intersect with the need for individualised care. Studies have also shown that cancer genetics professionals do not feel prepared to support trans patients.

Patient-centred care for trans patients relies on a multidisciplinary team (MDT) engaged in shared decision-making. National guidelines are needed to standardise access to appropriate discussions around risk-reducing options and screening. International collaborative research is required to provide empiric data on the impact of gender-affirming treatments on cancer risk, and more experiential data is needed from trans patients accessing cancer genetics services. Finally, education and training in this area should be formally embedded for all cancer genetics professionals.
Garnet-type solid electrolyte: Advances of ionic transport performance and its application in all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Gonzalez Puente P. M. , Song Shangbin , Cao Shiyu , Rannalter Leana Ziwen , Pan Ziwen , Xiang Xing , Shen Qiang , Chen Fei
Published: September 2021

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), which use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, have become a hot research topic due to their high energy and power density, ability to solve battery safety issues, and capabilities to fulfill the increasing demand for energy storage in electric vehicles and smart grid applications. Garnet-type solid electrolytes have attracted considerable interest as they meet all the properties of an ideal solid electrolyte for ASSLBs. The garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) has excellent environmental stability; experiments and computational analyses showed that this solid electrolyte has a high lithium (Li) ionic conductivity (10−4–10−3 S·cm−1), an electrochemical window as wide as 6 V, stability against Li metal anode, and compatibility with most of the cathode materials. In this review, we present the fundamentals of garnet-type solid electrolytes, preparation methods, air stability, some strategies for improving the conductivity based on experimental and computational results, interfacial issues, and finally applications and challenges for future developments of LLZO solid electrolytes for ASSLBs.
What is the Blue Economy? A spatialised governmentality perspective
Authors: Midlen Alex
Published: September 2021

The Blue Economy is a recent economic development paradigm, being promoted worldwide as a way to deliver sustainable ocean development in the context of the sustainable development goals. Research has drawn attention to its contested nature and the propensity of sectoral interests to co-opt it to their own ends. An emerging body of critical studies of the Blue Economy, as practiced, provides an opportunity to address the question “What is the blue economy?” in new ways. This review of published empirical case studies initiates a conversation between governmentality concepts and place-space–time theory, aiming to open new lines of enquiry regarding the influence of spatiality on the nature of governance. This approach has allowed the elucidation of a complex and nuanced understanding of the Blue Economy, complementing earlier discourse and content analyses. In relation to Blue Economy governance, I pose the specific question, “Does place matter?”, leading to an interrogation of material and spatial relations in Blue Economy governance. I describe a complex spatialised governmentality, dominated by growth-based imaginaries and market-led practices. I draw attention to the production of ocean space through socio-material Blue Economy relations and the material and spatial contingency of its governance. Finally, I draw a distinction between “place” and “location” which has important consequences for Blue Economy governance.
LPbyCD: a new scalable and interpretable approach for Link Prediction via Community Detection in bipartite networks
Authors: Koptelov Maksim , Zimmermann Albrecht , Crémilleux Bruno , Soualmia Lina F.
Published: September 2021

Many aspects from real life with bi-relational structure can be modeled as bipartite networks. This modeling allows the use of some standard solutions for prediction and/or recommendation of new relations between objects in such networks. In this work, we combine an existing bipartite local models method with approaches for link prediction from communities to address the link prediction problem in this type of networks. The motivation of this work stems from the importance of an application task, drug–target interaction prediction. Searching valid drug candidates for a given biological target is an essential part of modern drug development. We model the problem as link prediction in a bipartite multi-layer network, which helps to aggregate different sources of information into one single structure and as a result improves the quality of link prediction. We adapt existing community measures for link prediction to the case of bipartite multi-layer networks, propose alternative ways for exploiting communities, and show experimentally that our approach is competitive with the state-of-the-art. We also demonstrate the scalability of our approach and assess interpretability. Additional evaluations on data of a different origin than drug–target interactions demonstrate the genericness of the proposed approach.
A Semantics-Based Trajectory Segmentation Simplification Method
Authors: Liu Minshi , He Guifang , Long Yi
Published: September 2021

With the development of mobile positioning technology, a large amount of mobile trajectory data has been generated. Therefore, to store, process and mine trajectory data in a better way, trajectory data simplification is imperative. Current trajectory data simplification methods are either based on spatiotemporal features or semantic features, such as road network structure, but they do not consider semantic features of a trajectory stop. To overcome this limitation, this study presents a trajectory segmentation simplification method based on stop features. The proposed method first extracts the stop feature of a trajectory, then divides the trajectory into move segments and stop segments based on the stop features, and finally simplifies the obtained segments. The proposed method is verified by experiments on personal trajectory data and taxi trajectory data. Compared with the classic spatiotemporal simplification method, the proposed method has higher spatiotemporal and semantic accuracy under different simplification scales. The proposed method is especially suitable for trajectory data with more stop features.
Artificial photosynthesis: photoanodes based on polyquinoid dyes onto mesoporous tin oxide surface
Authors: Volpato Giulia Alice , Colusso Elena , Paoloni Lorenzo , Forchetta Mattia , Sgarbossa Francesco , Cristino Vito , Lunardon Marco , Berardi Serena , Caramori Stefano , Agnoli Stefano , Sabuzi Federica , Umari Paolo , Martucci Alessandro , Galloni Pierluca , Sartorel Andrea
Published: September 2021

Dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells represent an appealing solution for artificial photosynthesis, aimed at the conversion of solar light into fuels or commodity chemicals. Extensive efforts have been directed towards the development of photoelectrodes combining semiconductor materials and organic dyes; the use of molecular components allows to tune the absorption and redox properties of the material. Recently, we have reported the use of a class of pentacyclic quinoid organic dyes (KuQuinone) chemisorbed onto semiconducting tin oxide as photoanodes for water oxidation. In this work, we investigate the effect of the SnO2 semiconductor thickness and morphology and of the dye-anchoring group on the photoelectrochemical performance of the electrodes. The optimized materials are mesoporous SnO2 layers with 2.5 μm film thickness combined with a KuQuinone dye with a 3-carboxylpropyl-anchoring chain: these electrodes achieve light-harvesting efficiency of 93% at the maximum absorption wavelength of 533 nm, and photocurrent density J up to 350 μA/cm2 in the photoelectrochemical oxidation of ascorbate, although with a limited incident photon-to-current efficiency of 0.075%. Calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) support the role of the reduced species of the KuQuinone dye via a proton-coupled electron transfer as the competent species involved in the electron transfer to the tin oxide semiconductor. Finally, a preliminary investigation of the photoelectrodes towards benzyl alcohol oxidation is presented, achieving photocurrent density up to 90 μA/cm2 in acetonitrile in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide and pyridine as redox mediator and base, respectively. These results support the possibility of using molecular-based materials in synthetic photoelectrochemistry.

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