bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Settling of superparamagnetic silica encapsulated DNA microparticles in river water
Authors: Tang Yuchen , Zhang Fengbo , Bogaard Thom , Chassagne Claire , Ali Zeeshan , Bandyopadhyay Sulalit , Foppen Jan Willem
Published: January 2023

Particle tracers are sometimes used to track sources and sinks of riverine particulate and contaminant transport. A potentially new particle tracer is ~200 nm sized superparamagnetic silica encapsulated DNA (SiDNAFe). The main objective of this research was to understand and quantify the settling and aggregation behaviour of SiDNAFe in river waters based on laboratory settling experiments. Our results indicated, that in quiescent conditions, more than 60% of SiDNAFe settled within 30 h, starting with a rapid settling phase followed by an exponential‐like slow settling phase in the three river waters we used (Meuse, Merkske, and Strijbeek) plus MilliQ water. In suspensions of 1000× higher particle concentrations, the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh‐DLS) of SiDNAFe increased over time, with its polydispersity index (PDI) positively correlated with particle size. From these observations, we inferred that the rapid SiDNAFe settling was mainly due to homo‐aggregation and not due to hetero‐aggregation (e.g., with particulate matter present in river water). Incorporating a first‐order mass loss term which mimics the exponential phase of the settling in quiescent conditions seems to be an adequate step forward when modelling the transport of SiDNAFe in river injection experiments. Furthermore, we validated the applicability of magnetic separation and up‐concentration of SiDNAFe in real river waters, which is an important advantage for carrying out field‐scale SiDNAFe tracing experiments.
Global iterative optimization framework for predicting cognitive function statuses of patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Sheng Quan , Zhang Yutao , Shi Haifeng , Jiao Zhuqing
Published: January 2023

The existing methods to determine the cognitive function level of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) are not only inaccurate but also susceptible to the influence of the patient's education level, emotional state, and examination environment. We proposed a global iterative optimization framework (GIO) to accurately predict cognitive function statuses of ESRD patients without being affected by the above factors. First, the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data preprocessed and the time series were extracted to construct brain functional networks. Secondly, the areas under curve (AUC) of topological attribute parameters in the brain functional networks were extracted as features. After statistical analysis, the global efficiency, the characteristic path length, and the shortest path length in the small‐world network were selected as features for linear fusion. Finally, the support vector regression (SVR) was used as the basis of GIO framework, and the global iterative search strategy was introduced to find out the most appropriate penalty factor and radial basis function parameters. Achieving the objective of accurately predicting the cognitive function status of patients with end‐stage renal disease. Since this framework uses SVR which has special advantages in processing small sample data, and introduces appropriate parameter selection method, the prediction ability of GIO framework has been significantly improved. Experimental results demonstrate that the final prediction accuracy of the proposed framework is significantly better than those of SVR, LSSVR, GMO‐SVR, GMO‐LSSVR, and PSO‐SVR. The mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the proposed framework are 0.55% and 2.58%, respectively. It is suggested that this framework is more convenient to determine the current level of cognitive function in ESRD patients and is conducive to the early prevention of cognitive dysfunction in ESRD patients.
Impact of ultraviolet radiation nearly overrides the effects of elevated pCO2 on a prominent nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium
Authors: Yi Xiangqi , Gao Kunshan
Published: January 2023

Although the marine N2‐fixers Trichodesmium spp. are affected by increasing pCO2 and by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in their habitats, little is known on their potential responses to future ocean acidification in the presence of UVR. We grew Trichodesmium at two pCO2 levels (410 and 1000 μatm) under natural sunlight, documented the filament length, growth, and chlorophyll content after its acclimation to the pCO2 treatments, and measured its carbon and N2 fixation rates under different solar radiation treatments with or without UVR. We showed that the elevated pCO2 did not significantly alter the diazotroph's growth, filament length, or pigment content, and its photosynthetic rate was only affected by solar radiation treatments rather than the pCO2 levels. The presence of UV‐A and UV‐B inhibited photosynthesis by 10–22% and 17–21%, respectively. Inhibition of N2 fixation by UV‐B was proportional to its intensity, whereas UV‐A stimulated N2 fixation at low, but inhibited it at high, intensities. Elevated pCO2 only stimulated N2 fixation under moderate levels of solar radiation. The simulated depth profile of N2 fixation in the water column showed that UV‐induced inhibition dominated the combined effects of elevated pCO2 and UVR at 0–30 m depth and the combination of these factors enhanced N2 fixation at 30–60 m depth, but this effect diminished in deeper water. Our results suggest that Trichodesmium could be influenced more by UVR than by pCO2 and their combined action result in negative effects on N2 fixation under high solar radiation, but positive effects under low to moderate solar radiation.
Imaging through Random Media Using Coherent Averaging
Authors: Hwang Byungjae , Woo Taeseong , Ahn Cheolwoo , Park Jung‐Hoon
Published: January 2023

A new phase retrieval method for imaging through random media is proposed and demonstrated. Although methods to recover the Fourier amplitude through random distortions are well established, recovery of the Fourier phase has been a more difficult problem and is still a very active and important research area. Here, it is shown that by simply ensemble averaging shift‐corrected images, the Fourier phase of an object obscured by random distortions can be accurately retrieved up to the diffraction limit. The method is simple, fast, does not have any optimization parameters, and does not require prior knowledge or assumptions about the sample. The feasibility and robustness of the method are demonstrated by realizing all computational diffraction‐limited imaging through atmospheric turbulence as well as imaging through multiple scattering media.
Neuromelanin‐Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Changes in the Locus Coeruleus/Subcoeruleus Complex in Patients with Typical and Atypical Parkinsonism
Authors: Nobileau Alexis , Gaurav Rahul , Chougar Lydia , Faucher Alice , Valabrègue Romain , Mangone Graziella , Leu‐Semenescu Smaranda , Lejeune François‐Xavier , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Arnulf Isabelle , Vidailhet Marie , Grabli David , Degos Bertrand , Lehéricy Stéphane
Published: January 2023

Background

The locus coeruleus/subcoeruleus complex (LC/LsC) is a structure comprising melanized noradrenergic neurons.

Objective

To study the LC/LsC damage across Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonism in a large group of subjects.

Methods

We studied 98 healthy control subjects, 47 patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), 75 patients with PD plus RBD, 142 patients with PD without RBD, 19 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and 19 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Twelve patients with MSA had proven RBD. LC/LsC signal intensity was derived from neuromelanin magnetic resonance imaging using automated software.

Results

The signal intensity was reduced in all parkinsonian syndromes compared with healthy control subjects, except in PD without RBD. The signal intensity decreased as age increased. Moreover, the signal intensity was lower in MSA than in isolated RBD and PD without RBD groups. In PD, the signal intensity correlated negatively with the percentage of REM sleep without atonia. There were no differences in signal intensity between PD plus RBD, PSP, and MSA.

Conclusions

Neuromelanin signal intensity was reduced in all parkinsonian disorders, except in PD without RBD. The presence of RBD in parkinsonian disorders appears to be associated with lower neuromelanin signal intensity. Furthermore, lower LC/LsC signal changes in PSP could be partly caused by the effect of age. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The surface‐reconstruction virtual‐region mesh update method for problems with topology changes
Authors: González Felipe A. , Elgeti Stefanie , Behr Marek
Published: January 2023

In this work, we introduce a novel boundary‐conforming mesh‐update method that is particularly designed for problems with large boundary displacements and topology changes. This method, which we call the surface‐reconstruction virtual‐region mesh update method, integrates the virtual region approach and a surface reconstruction process to handle complex boundary movements. The virtual region approach allows having an activated and deactivated part of the mesh, where elements can freely enter or leave the activated domain. Furthermore, the surface reconstruction ensures boundary conformity of the activated domain. The robustness of the proposed method is shown in two numerical examples: a variation of the benchmark Poiseuille flow, and the flow simulation during a closing diaphragm valve. In particular, the diaphragm valve simulation includes large boundary movement, complex geometry, and closing motion. For this case, both steady and transient simulation results at different closing conditions are presented.
Pulsatile hemorrhage posterior to the mandibular third molar due to abnormal branching of the inferior alveolar artery: A case report
Authors: Takaoka Shohei , Ishibashi‐Kanno Naomi , Namai Tomono , Yamagata Kenji , Yanagawa Toru , Bukawa Hiroki
Published: January 2023

Background

The retromolar canal and foramen posterior to the mandibular third molar are rare anatomical variants through which branches of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle may pass.

Case Presentation

Pulsatile hemorrhage occurred when the removal of a mandibular third molar and a surrounding cystic lesion was attempted in a 56‐year‐old woman. On imaging, well‐developed inferior alveolar artery branch was observed in the retromolar canal, and the facial artery could not be identified on the same side.

Conclusion

Clinicians must be aware of this anatomical variant to avoid complications.
Tumor biology, biomarkers, and liquid biopsy in pediatric renal tumors
Authors: Walz Amy L. , Maschietto Mariana , Crompton Brian , Evageliou Nicholas , Dix David , Tytgat Godelieve , Gessler Manfred , Gisselsson David , Daw Najat C. , Wegert Jenny
Published: January 2023

The expansion of knowledge regarding driver mutations for Wilms tumor (WT) and malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRT) and various translocations for other pediatric renal tumors opens up new possibilities for diagnosis and treatment. In addition, there are growing data surrounding prognostic factors that can be used to stratify WT treatment to improve outcomes. Here, we review the molecular landscape of WT and other pediatric renal tumors as well as WT prognostic factors. We also review incorporation of circulating tumor DNA/liquid biopsies to leverage this molecular landscape, with potential use in the future for distinguishing renal tumors at the time of diagnosis and elucidating intratumor heterogeneity, which is not well evaluated with standard biopsies. Incorporation of liquid biopsies will require longitudinal collection of multiple biospecimens. Further preclinical research, identification and validation of biomarkers, molecular studies, and data sharing among investigators are crucial to inform therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes.
Understanding the experiences and perspectives of prenatal screening among a diverse cohort
Authors: Riches Naomi O. , Johnson Erin P. , Subramaniam Akila , Vora Neeta L. , Hardisty Emily , LaRiviere Kate , Rothwell Erin
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Rapid advances in prenatal genetic screening technology make it difficult for providers to deliver adequate prenatal counseling. The aim of this study was to understand how prenatal screening educational approaches can meet the needs of patients.

Methods

Qualitative content analysis was conducted on a diverse population who were interviewed to explore their perceived experiences and preferences for prenatal screening educational delivery.

Results

Twenty‐two women from three US sites were interviewed. Participants were racially/ethnically diverse with 22.7% identifying as Black or African American (n = 5), 40.9% as Hispanic (n = 9), and 4.5% as Pacific Islander (n = 1). Four themes were identified: prenatal screening education, prenatal screening decision‐making, return of results, and suggestions for creating a decision aid. Most results were consistent with previous research not targeting a diverse population.

Discussion/Conclusion

Our results indicate that learning style preferences vary between patients and that current methods are not consistently satisfying patient's desire for understanding, particularly with ‘high‐risk’ results, suggesting that a standardized tool could improve knowledge and decrease decisional conflict. This diverse cohort suggested a list and description of each of the testing options offered, information about each condition being screened for, a timeline for the testing and return of results, costs associated, and non‐technical language.
The burden of sleep disordered breathing in infants with Down syndrome referred to tertiary sleep center
Authors: Cho Yeilim , Kwon Younghoon , Ruth Chris , Cheng Samuel , DelRosso Lourdes M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Children with Down Syndrome (DS) are at high risk of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). We aimed to examine the burden of SDB in infants with DS referred to tertiary sleep center.

Methods

Infants (≤12 months old) with DS who underwent consecutive polysomnography (PSG) at a single academic sleep center over a 6‐year period were included. obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (obstructive apnea hypopnea index [oAHI]>1/hr), central sleep apnea (central apnea index > 5/h) and the presence of hypoventilation (% time spent with CO2 > 50 mmHg either by end‐tidal or transcutaneous> 25% of total sleep time) and hypoxemia (time spent with O2 saturation <88% >5 min) were ascertained.

Results

A total of 40 infants were included (Mean age 6.6 months, male 66%). PSGs consisted of diagnostic (n = 13) and split night (n = 27, 68%) studies. All met criteria for OSA with mean oAHI 34.6/h (32.3). Central sleep apnea was present in 11 (27.5%) of infants. A total of 11 (27.5%) had hypoxemia. Hypoventilation was present in 10 (25%) infants.

Conclusion

This study highlights the high prevalence of SDB in infants with DS referred to a sleep center, and supports early PSG assessment in this patient population.
Utilization of genetic testing in men with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Aguiar Jonathan A. , Li Eric V. , Siddiqui Mohammad R. , Soliman Moataz A. , Kumar Sai K. S. R. , Schaeffer Edward M. , Keeter Mary Kate , Brown C. Hendricks , Szymaniak Brittany M. , Ross Ashley E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Genetic evaluation of men with advanced prostate cancer is recognized as imperative both to guide treatment decisions and to trigger cascade genetic testing of family members. Here we investigate utilization patterns of genetic testing among a contemporary cohort of men with advanced prostate cancer at our institution.

Methods

We queried the Northwestern Electronic Data Warehouse from January 2021 to present for all men diagnosed with National Comprehensive Cancer Network high‐risk/very high‐risk, regional, or metastatic prostate cancer. Patients were excluded from analyses if treated at an outside institution and/or presented for a second opinion evaluation. Statistics were performed using t‐test, Chi‐squared test, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression with significance defined as p < 0.05.

Results

Atotal of 320 men (52.5%) had local/regional disease and 290 (47.5%) had metastatic disease, 53 (18.3%) of whom had castrate resistant prostate cancer. Rates of germline genetic testing rate were low in patients with localized disease (9.4%) and metastatic disease (34.1%). Only 19 (35.8%) men diagnosed with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer underwent germline genetic evaluation. Germline testing was most frequently discussed or ordered by medical oncologists (52%) followed by urologists (20%). Men who underwent germline testing were younger (p < 0.001), more likely to have Medicaid or private insurance (p = 0.002), and more likely to have metastatic disease (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in baseline PSA, ethnicity, race, or castration sensitivity status. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–0.97, p < 0.001) and metastatic disease (OR: 5.71, 95% CI: 3.63–9.22, p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of genetic testing on multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions

Here we report that utilization of genetic testing is associated with metastatic disease and inversely associated with age. Overall, utilization rates of genetic testing remain low in all patient groups, including in the metastatic castrate resistant setting, where genetic testing can identify patients with homologous recombination repair deficiency who may benefit from use of targeted therapeutics such as PARP inhibitors. Genetic testing in men with aggressive prostate cancer is critical and barriers to routine implementation of testing require further study to develop strategies to improve utilization rates.
An Adhesive Bioink toward Biofabrication under Wet Conditions
Authors: Li Wanlu , Wang Mian , Wang Shiwei , Wang Xiaoping , Avila Alan , Kuang Xiao , Mu Xuan , Garciamendez Carlos Ezio , Jiang Zewei , Manríquez Jennifer , Tang Guosheng , Guo Jie , Mille Luis Santiago , Robledo Juan Antonio , Wang Di , Cheng Feng , Li Hongbin , Flores Regina Sanchez , Zhao Zhibo , Delavaux Clément , Wang Zixuan , López Arturo , Yi Sili , Zhou Cuiping , Gómez Ameyalli , Schuurmans Carl , Yang Guo‐Yuan , Wang Yongting , Zhang Xingcai , Zhang Ximu , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: January 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting is driving significant innovations in biomedicine over recent years. Under certain scenarios such as in intraoperative bioprinting, the bioinks used should exhibit not only cyto/biocompatibility but also adhesiveness in wet conditions. Herein, an adhesive bioink composed of gelatin methacryloyl, gelatin, methacrylated hyaluronic acid, and skin secretion of Andrias davidianus is designed. The bioink exhibits favorable cohesion to allow faithful extrusion bioprinting in wet conditions, while simultaneously showing good adhesion to a variety of surfaces of different chemical properties, possibly achieved through the diverse bonds presented in the bioink formulation. As such, this bioink is able to fabricate sophisticated planar and volumetric constructs using extrusion bioprinting, where the dexterity is further enhanced using ergonomic handheld bioprinters to realize in situ bioprinting. In vitro experiments reveal that cells maintain high viability; further in vivo studies demonstrate good integration and immediate injury sealing. The characteristics of the bioink indicate its potential widespread utility in extrusion bioprinting and will likely broaden the applications of bioprinting toward situations such as in situ dressing and minimally invasive tissue regeneration.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical, Photochemical, and Photoelectrochemical Reduction of CO2 to C2+ Products
Authors: Han Gyeong Ho , Bang Junbeom , Park Gaeun , Choe Seonghyun , Jang Youn Jeong , Jang Ho Won , Kim Soo Young , Ahn Sang Hyun
Published: January 2023

Environmental problems such as global warming are one of the most prominent global challenges. Researchers are investigating various methods for decreasing CO2 emissions. The CO2 reduction reaction via electrochemical, photochemical, and photoelectrochemical processes has been a popular research topic because the energy it requires can be sourced from renewable sources. The CO2 reduction reaction converts stable CO2 molecules into useful products such as CO, CH4, C2H4, and C2H5OH. To obtain economic benefits from these products, it is important to convert them into hydrocarbons above C2. Numerous investigations have demonstrated the uniqueness of the CC coupling reaction of Cu‐based catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into useful hydrocarbons above C2 for electrocatalysis. Herein, the principle of semiconductors for photocatalysis is briefly introduced, followed by a description of the obstacles for C2+ production. This review presents an overview of the mechanism of hydrocarbon formation above C2, along with advances in the improvement, direction, and comprehension of the CO2 reduction reaction via electrochemical, photochemical, and photoelectrochemical processes.
Plastic Deformation in a Molecular Crystal Enables a Piezoresistive Response
Authors: Hasija Avantika , Thompson Amy J. , Singh Lakhvir , S. N. Megha , Mangalampalli Kiran S. R. N. , McMurtrie John. C. , Bhattacharjee Mitradip , Clegg Jack K. , Chopra Deepak
Published: January 2023

Organic materials are promising candidates for the development of efficient sensors for many medicinal and materials science applications. Single crystals of a small molecule, 4‐trifluoromethyl phenyl isothiocyanate (4CFNCS), exhibit plastic deformation when bent, twisted, or coiled. Synchrotron micro‐focus X‐ray diffraction mapping of the bent region of the crystal confirms the mechanism of deformation. The crystals are incorporated into a flexible piezoresistive sensor using a composite constituting PEDOT: PSS/4CFNCS, which shows an impressive performance at high‐pressure ranges (sensitivity 0.08 kPa−1 above 44 kPa).
High‐Efficiency Carbon‐based CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells from Dual Direction Thermal Diffusion Treatment with Cadmium Halides
Authors: Qiu Xiaosong , Xu Yuan , Li Ruoshui , Jing Yu , Yan Zhongliang , Liu Fengli , Wu Liyu , Tu Yongsheng , Shi Jialiang , Du Zhenbo , Wu Jihuai , Lan Zhang
Published: January 2023

In recent years, carbon‐based CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted more attention due to their low cost and good stability. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of carbon‐based CsPbI2Br PSCs is still no more than 16%, because of the defects in CsPbI2Br or at the interface with the electron transport layer (ETL), as well as the energy level mismatch, which lead to the loss of energy, thus limiting PCE values. Herein, a series of cadmium halides are introduced, including CdCl2, CdBr2 and CdI2 for dual direction thermal diffusion treatment. Some Cd2+ ions thermally diffuse downward to passivate the defects inside or on the surface of SnO2 ETL. Meanwhile, the energy level structure of SnO2 ETL is adjusted, which is in favor of the transfer of electron carriers and blocking holes. On the other hand, part of Cd2+ and Cl− ions thermally diffuse upward into the CsPbI2Br lattice to passivate crystal defects. Through dual direction thermal diffusion treatment by CdCl2, CdI2 and CdBr2, the performance of devices has been significantly improved, and their PCE has been increased from 13.01% of the original device to 14.47%, 14.31%, and 13.46%, respectively. According to existing reports, 14.47% is one of the highest PCE of carbon‐based CsPbI2Br PSCs with SnO2 ETLs.
Ultrafast Charge and Long Life of High‐Voltage Cathodes for Dual‐Ion Batteries via a Bifunctional Interphase Nanolayer on Graphite Particles
Authors: Zhang Kejia , Li Decheng , Shao Jie , Jiang Yu , Lv Linze , Shi Qiang , Qu Qunting , Zheng Honghe
Published: January 2023

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) with Co/Ni‐free cathodes especially graphite cathodes are very attractive energy storage systems in the long run because of the cost effectiveness and sustainability. However, graphite cathodes severely suffer from poor structural stability during anions storage at high potentials owing to the oxidative decomposition of electrolytes and volume expansion. This work proposes an artificial cathode/electrolyte interphase (CEI) strategy by implanting polyphosphoric acid (PPA) nanofilms tightly on natural graphite (NG) particles via interfacial hydrogen bonding. The electrochemical results show that the PPA‐modified graphite cathodes possess enhanced charge–discharge reversibility, accelerated electrode reaction kinetic, decreased resistance, decelerated self‐discharge, and prolonged cycling life. Through post‐analyses on the cycled graphite cathodes, the improved performance is mainly attributed to the PPA‐based CEI, which effectively mitigates the electrolyte decomposition and protects the graphitic structure. More interestingly, the hydrogen bonding interactions between poly(vinyldifluoride) (PVDF) binder and PPA as validated through density functional theory calculations and practical experiments can increase the contact sites of PVDF chains on NG@PPA particles. Meanwhile, the cross‐linking effect of PPA can enhance the mechanical strength of PVDF, thus the long life of NG@PPA cathode is also correlated with the improved mechanical stability of the entire electrode.
In Situ Growth of Graphene Catalyzed by a Phase‐Change Material at 400 °C for Wafer‐Scale Optoelectronic Device Application
Authors: Hu Liangchen , Dong Yibo , Xie Yiyang , Qian Fengsong , Chang Pengying , Fan Mengqi , Deng Jun , Xu Chen
Published: January 2023

The use of metal foil catalysts in the chemical vapor deposition of graphene films makes graphene transfer an ineluctable part of graphene device fabrication, which greatly limits industrialization. Here, an oxide phase‐change material (V2O5) is found to have the same catalytic effect on graphene growth as conventional metals. A uniform large‐area graphene film can be obtained on a 10 nm V2O5 film. Density functional theory is used to quantitatively analyze the catalytic effect of V2O5. Due to the high resistance property of V2O5 at room temperature, the obtained graphene can be directly used in devices with V2O5 as an intercalation layer. A wafer‐scale graphene‐V2O5‐Si (GVS) Schottky photodetector array is successfully fabricated. When illuminated by a 792 nm laser, the responsivity of the photodetector can reach 266 mA W−1 at 0 V bias and 420 mA W−1 at 2 V. The transfer‐free device fabrication process enables high feasibility for industrialization.
Cheating your apps: Black‐box adversarial attacks on deep learning apps
Authors: Cao Hongchen , Li Shuai , Zhou Yuming , Fan Ming , Zhao Xuejiao , Tang Yutian
Published: January 2023

Deep learning is a powerful technique to boost application performance in various fields, including face recognition, image classification, natural language understanding, and recommendation system. With the rapid increase in the computing power of mobile devices, developers can embed deep learning models into their apps for building more competitive products with more accurate and faster responses. Although there are several works of adversarial attacks against deep learning models in apps, they all need information about the models' internals (i.e., structures and weights) or need to modify the models. In this paper, we propose an effective black‐box approach by training substitute models to spoof the deep learning systems inside the apps. We evaluate our approach on 10 real‐world deep‐learning apps from Google Play to perform black‐box adversarial attacks. Through the study, we find three factors that can affect the performance of attacks. Our approach can reach a relatively high attack success rate of 66.60% on average. Compared with other adversarial attacks on mobile deep learning models, in terms of the average attack success rates, our approach outperforms its counterparts by 27.63%.
Meso‐scale modeling of size effect on pure torsional failure of concrete‐filled steel tubular columns
Authors: Jin Liu , Wang Zhongshiyu , Zhu Huajie , Li Dong , Du Xiuli
Published: January 2023

The mechanical properties of concrete‐filled steel tubular (CFST) columns with different sizes under torsional load were studied, aiming to further explore the pure torsional failure mechanism and size effect behavior of CFST columns. First, a 3D meso‐scale numerical model of CFST is established and compared with the existing experimental data. Second, the torsional failure mechanism of CFST column under different section sizes, constraints (confinement coefficient), and cross‐sectional shapes is considered. Results show that: (1) the nominal torsional strength of CFST columns presents a size effect, and the columns with square cross‐section present stronger size effect than the ones with circular shape; (2) with the increase of the confinement coefficient, the size effect of the nominal torsion strength is weakened. Finally, considering the quantitative influence of the size effect, a formula for calculating the pure torsional capacity of CFST columns was developed.
Using GPS location data to assess red fox responses to predator exclosure setup and hatching at shorebird nests
Authors: Black Kathleen M. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Robinson Samantha G. , Bellman Henrietta A. , Walker Katie M. , Catlin Daniel H. , Fraser James D.
Published: January 2023

Wire cages (i.e., predator exclosures) are frequently used to protect shorebird nests from predation. While exclosed nests often have higher survival than unexclosed nests, concerns exist over whether the conspicuous structures might draw attention of predators, potentially increasing risks to adults and newly‐hatched chicks. We present a new approach to investigating predator responses to exclosures and other stimuli at shorebird nests. We used location data from GPS‐collared red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to examine short‐term spatial responses of foxes to exclosure setup and hatching at piping plover (Charadrius melodus) nests on Fire Island, New York. We compared mean distances between fox locations and piping plover nests, and the proportions of fox locations within a 100‐m buffer of nests, before and after exclosure setup and before, during, and after hatching. Mean distances from fox locations to nests were similar before versus after exclosure setup (x̄ = 641 m before, 675 m after; permutation test for matched pairs, [PTMP], T = 0.28, P = 0.56, n = 9 foxes), before versus during hatching (x̄ = 417 m before, 340 m during; PTMP, T = −0.93, P = 0.18, n = 5 foxes) and during versus after hatching (x̄ = 340 m during, 330 m after; PTMP, T = 1.00, P = 0.84, n = 5 foxes). The proportions of fox locations within 100‐m buffers surrounding nests were similar before versus after exclosure setup (x̄ = 0.01 before, 0.03 after; PTMP, T = 0.26, P = 0.53, n = 9 foxes), before versus during hatching (x̄ = 0.04 before, 0.15 during; PTMP, T = −1.44, P = 0.09, n = 5 foxes), and during versus after hatching (x̄ = 0.15 during, 0.14 after; PTMP, T = 0.84, P = 0.80, n = 5 foxes). In 10 of 19 of our individual‐level comparisons, there were no significant differences in the distances from fox locations to nests between paired event periods. In the other 9 individual‐level comparisons, we found evidence of shifts in fox space use between paired event periods, but no clear directional trend across individuals. We conclude that the foxes in our study did not appear to consistently key in on exclosure setup or hatching at piping plover nests at the spatial scales considered in our comparisons. We recommend that managers continually re‐evaluate the effects of exclosures at their management sites, as changes in nest predation, abandonment rates, and adult plover survival may all influence the relative benefit of exclosures for population growth. Our study illustrates the potential for using spatial data to investigate predator responses to various management actions taken to protect nesting shorebirds and other prey species of conservation interest.
Introduction: Vitalism and Its Legacies in Twentieth Century Life Sciences and Philosophy
Authors: Donohue Christopher , Wolfe Charles T.
Published: January 2023

Vitalism has spent most of the twentieth century, and part of the twenty-first, being perhaps the most misunderstood and reviled philosophy of life, with organicism being a close second (on the latter see (Martindale 2013), although some theorists seek to drive a wedge between the two in favor of a ‘reasonable’, less ‘metaphysical’ position often associated with organicism (Gilbert and Sarkar 2000). As a number of the essays in this collection point out (see especially the contributions by Donohue and Moir) vitalism has been conjoined to fascism and the Nazi horrors, and has been reduced to a series of ahistorical propositions. As both Moir and Donohue emphasize, such associations require more study, but at the same time are fundamentally misleading. Nonetheless, the traditional association of vitalism and fascism as well as vitalism and pseudoscience (or anti-science, as Shmidt underscores) has been remarkably pervasive, and still operates.
A ‘Fourth Wave’ of Vitalism in the Mid-20th Century?
Authors: Peterson Erik L.
Published: January 2023

In his 1966 John Danz lectures, Francis H. C. Crick decried vitalism in the life sciences. Why did he do this three decades after most historians and philosophers of science regarded vitalism as dead? This essay argues that, by advocating the reduction of biology to physics and chemistry Crick was: (a) attempting to imbue the life sciences with greater prestige, (b) paving the way for bioengineering and the reduction of consciousness to molecules, and (c) trying to root out religious sentiment in the life sciences. In service of these goals, Crick deployed vitalism as a straw man enemy. His wave of so-called vitalists in the middle of the twentieth century in fact raised legitimate questions regarding the relationship of organisms to their DNA molecules that Crick was ill-equipped to answer. Moreover, most were not vitalists at all but advocates for what I term bioexceptionalism—an argument for the methodological utility of keeping biological pursuits within their own domains, distinct from physics and chemistry, regardless of the ontological status of living things. Nevertheless, Crick’s status as a “cross-worlds influencer” entrenched a philosophically-enervated reductionism in the life sciences for decades.
What Is Living and What Is Dead in Political Vitalism?
Authors: Moir Cat
Published: January 2023

Does vitalism inherently imply a specific politics, and if so, what is it? In this chapter, I aim to offer at least some possible answers to this question by examining historical and contemporary discussions around the politics of vitalism. In so doing, I offer an account of what vitalism is as a set of scientific and philosophical ideas about the nature of life and its status as an object of study. It is precisely because vitalism is concerned with the question of life that it implies political considerations from the get-go. However, some of the more problematic political consequences of what has often been referred to (sometimes erroneously or confusedly) as vitalism stem, I argue, from the attribution of vital powers to the non-living. This infusion of vitality into everything may seem egalitarian in its apparent levelling out of differences between forests, objects, spirits, the dead, and whole societies. Yet if everything is living, then the specificity of the living, the living itself, disappears. Whatever equality may or may not be purchased from this perspective, then, I argue that it can no longer properly be called vitalist.
A Historico-Logical Re-assessment of Hans Driesch’s Vitalism
Authors: Chen Bohang
Published: January 2023

Today vitalism is widely dismissed as a metaphysical heresy. For instance, Brigandt and Love (Reductionism in biology. In: Zalta EN (ed) The stanford encyclopedia of philosophy, 2017) claimed that “the denial of physicalism by vitalism, the doctrine that biological systems are governed by forces that are not physico-chemical, is largely of historical interest” (p. 3). Perhaps the most “infamous” vitalist is the German biologist Hans Driesch. However, Driesch (In Rádl E (ed) Actes du Huitième Congrès International de Philosophie a Prague 2–7 septembre 1934. Comité d’Organisation du Congrès, Prague, pp 10–30, 1936) himself very explicitly stated that his vitalism is “neither ‘mysticism’[…]nor ‘metaphysics’” (p. 27). So, in order to address the mismatch between the present conception of vitalism and his own, I seek to offer a historico-logical re-assessment of Driesch’s vitalism. From the historical point of view, I show that Driesch had provided long ignored theoretical reflections on the nature of entelechy (the central concept in his vitalism), especially those in relation to evolution and physics. From the logical point of view, following logical empiricists (Phillipp Frank and Rudolf Carnap), I indicate that Driesch’s vitalism should be rejected due to its lack of vital laws, at least with respect to current biology; it is an unestablished theory rather than a metaphysical heresy. Ironically, some current theoretical biologists have proposed similar theories (or principles and laws) of life, even though they (incoherently) reject Driesch’s vitalism. In the end, I briefly conclude that the failure of vitalism actually alludes to the fact that even today we understand very little about the nature of life (I mean, the pure concept/phenomenon of life!) (While I cannot elaborate here, it is of extremely importance not to conflate knowledge about the pure concept/phenomenon of life and knowledge about objects predicatable of life (Ben-Naim, manuscript, p. 281). For instance, it is common among philosophers of biology today to cite elementary knowledge in a particular biological discipline as offering a better understanding of life. Yet their promise fails to be delivered. At best, they are merely relying on knowledge about objects predicatable of life (in most cases, merely knowledge about complex organizations of matter: about heredity, reproduction, development, metabolism, etc); but such knowledge has not been shown of any relevance to the pure concept/phenomenon of life).
The Critical Difference Between Holism and Vitalism in Cassirer’s Philosophy of Science
Authors: Chirimuuta M.
Published: January 2023

This chapter surveys Ernst Cassirer’s responses to the vitalist and holist/organicist movements in biology during the early decades of the twentieth century. I argue that examination of the combination of Cassirer’s enthusiasm for holism, and rejection of vitalism, puts into relief many themes and preoccupations that are consistent across Cassirer’s philosophical career, and aids the interpretation of his philosophy of symbolic forms. I propose that it is useful to read the third volume of the Philosophy of Symbolic Forms as a critical response to anti-rationalistic tendencies in the philosophy of Henri Bergson, and other proponents of Lebensphilosophie. Hence the availability of holism, as a purportedly less obscure alternative to vitalism, suits this broader agenda. At the same time, Cassirer’s acceptance of holism depends on a commitment to the autonomy of biology which is at odds with the physicalism of the Vienna Circle, but consistent with Heidegger’s favourable response to holism in comparison with vitalism. Yet, in the end we are left with an interpretative puzzle about how Cassirer proposes to avoid the encroachment of physicalism into theorising in the biological and human sciences while maintaining his view that progress in science is the result of increasing quantification.
Is There Not a Truth of Vitalism? Vital Normativity in Canguilhem and Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Vörös Sebastjan
Published: January 2023

The paper investigates the phenomenon of vitalism through the lens of vital normativity as expounded by Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Georges Canguilhem. I argue that the two authors independently developed complementary critiques of the mechanical-behaviourist conception of life sciences, which culminated in a surprisingly similar notion of life construed as a normative (polarized) activity, i.e., an activity that is not indifferent to its own conditions of possibility. Such an alternative conception of life has far-reaching consequences for the epistemology of life sciences, for it requires it to reconsider not only its object of inquiry - the nature of (the relationship between) an organism and its environment -, but also, since scientists themselves are living beings, the nature of its epistemic practices. What I call the truth of (a specific variety of) vitalism is thus reflected not only in how life is cognized, but also in how life cognizes (itself). This last point is of particular philosophical importance, as it paves the way towards a more dynamic conception of reflection (tentatively called ouroboric thought), which takes seriously that we, as cognizers of life, at the same time live the lives of cognizers.
Gender Perspective of Social Security Law
Authors: Benito Benítez María Angustias , Ramírez Carmen Jover
Published: January 2023

The main purpose of Social Security Law is to regulate the social protection provided to those who, while carrying out a professional activity, find themselves in situations of need that are protected by the different Social Security systems of states. The purpose of these systems is to guarantee the welfare state and, therefore, they are increasingly inclined to extend their subjective scope of protection beyond those who carry out a professional activity. The gender perspective is not alien to Social Security law. It is essential to analyse Social Security from a gender perspective, not only because it includes protected situations arising from the very nature of women, but also due to the consequences the traditional distribution of roles between men and women has had in the field of Social Security. Both these issues will be studied in this chapter.
Gender Equality in the Different Fields of Private Law
Authors: Blandino Amalia , Carapezza Figlia Gabriele , Coppo Letizia , Dabić Nikićević Snežana , Dolović Bojić Katarina
Published: January 2023

In the field of private law, gender inequality takes many different shapes. It may at times be easily noticed from the text of the legal rules, for instance, when certain legal rights are reserved for members of a certain gender (i.e. independency to enter a marriage) or when they are available to both genders but in a discriminatory manner (i.e. men inherit twice as much as women). However, in many legal systems equality is guaranteed by law, but inequality still appears in practice. This may be seen from the fact that, on average, land assets are much more often owned by men or that a higher percentage of men run a business. Various social factors may induce gender inequality, like stereotypical division of gender roles in society (i.e. men as breadwinners and women as caregivers) or the persistence of patriarchal customs and practices (i.e. women should renounce their inheritance rights in favour of male inheritors). The consequences of such factors may also be felt in the field of tort law, especially when it comes to damages suffered by women performing unpaid domestic work or indirect damages suffered by women who have to provide the “informal support” for the person who suffered serious bodily harm that resulted in a situation of dependency. Finally, in the field of contract law, the most difficult tasks seem to be to reconcile the prohibition of discrimination with the freedom of contract and to determine the most suitable legal consequence in case of discrimination.
Feminist Political and Legal Theories
Authors: del Cuvillo Antonio Álvarez , Macioce Fabio , Strid Sofia
Published: January 2023

This chapter presents an overview of feminist legal and political thought, aiming at discussing the different perspectives within feminist thought. In the first part, basic concepts in feminist thought such as gender, patriarchy, and feminism are explained, and a brief overview of the historical evolution of feminist movements is provided. The other two sections focus in greater detail on political and legal theories, respectively, including a critical analysis of the influence of patriarchy on mainstream legal and political discourses. The chapter will further provide a description of how classical concepts of political or legal tradition have been reconsidered from a feminist point of view, and a short presentation of the most important issues at stake in both these fields.
Gender Research and Feminist Methodologies
Authors: Saeidzadeh Zara
Published: January 2023

This chapter is structured around the issue of gender research and what it means to conduct research with a gender perspective. Thus, it discusses research methodologies inspired by feminist ontological and epistemological approaches. Drawing on feminist standpoint theory, situated knowledge, feminist poststructuralism and intersectionality, the chapter shows how feminist scholars, especially feminist legal scholars, have adopted feminist epistemologies in challenging gender inequalities in law and society. The chapter draws on legal methods combined with feminist social theories that have assisted feminist scholars to go about legal reforms. Furthermore, focusing on qualitative methods, the chapter explains some of the methods of data collection and data analysis in gender research which have been applied interdisciplinarily across social science and humanities studies. The last part of the chapter concentrates on practical knowledge about conducting gender research that is informed with feminist epistemologies and methodologies. Finally, through some exercises, the students are given the opportunity to design and outline a gender research plan with a socio-legal approach.
Human Rights Law Through the Lens of the Gender Perspective
Authors: Evola Marco , Jungfleisch Julia , Marinković Tanasije
Published: January 2023

This chapter will provide an overview on several aspects of the gender perspective in Human Rights Law. The chapter will therefore look at the civil and political rights from a gender perspective, as well as social, economic and cultural rights of women, non-binary and LGBTIQA+ persons. The aim is to increase the students’ awareness for the gender perspective in international human rights protection, by providing an overview of currently discussed issues in this area. Such issues include the prohibition of gender-based violence, contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons, the freedom of religion, the right to private life, access to justice for women, women’s (political) empowerment, the prohibition of economic and social discrimination, and women’s right to education.
Agile IT-Entwicklung gesundheitsförderlich gestalten – Erfahrungen aus der betrieblichen Praxis
Authors: Rolfes Bärbel , Brandes Ralph
Published: January 2023

Bei der HEC GmbH, einem agil arbeitenden Unternehmen der Softwareentwicklung, wurden im Rahmen des FlexiGesA Projektes Methoden entwickelt und erprobt, um typische psychische Belastungssituationen zu erkennen und zu vermindern (das Legoboard). Auch wenn das Legoboard in der Praxis nicht für alle Teams hilfreich ist, hat sich doch gerade für Multi-Projekt-Teams ein deutlicher Vorteil gezeigt. Die psychische Gefährdungsbeurteilung wurde durch Adaption eines im Scrum Verfahren routinemäßig verwendeten Teilschrittes, der Retrospektive, etabliert und kann damit leichter verstetigt werden. Die Gesundheitsretro hat sich als hilfreiches Format erwiesen, um den Prozess der psychischen Gefährdungsbeurteilung in einem vertrauten Setting schnell und effektiv durchzuführen.