bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid Flow and Leakage Assessment Through an Unlined/Shotcrete Lined Pressure Tunnel: A Case from Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Panthi Krishna Kanta , Basnet Chhatra Bahadur
Published: February 2021

The use of unlined/shotcrete lined pressure tunnels and shafts are cost-effective solutions for a hydropower project and are being implemented worldwide. To implement this concept, the ground conditions at the area of concern should be favorable regarding minimum principal stress magnitude, which should be higher than hydrostatic water head acting on the tunnel periphery. In addition, the rock mass should be relatively unjointed or joints in the rock mass should be relatively tight. Among the most important issues in the design of unlined/shotcrete lined pressure tunnels is the extent of hydraulic jacking and water leakage out of the tunnel during operation. This manuscript first presents fluid flow and potential hydraulic jacking assessment of two selected locations of the headrace tunnel of Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project (UTHP) in Nepal using the UDEC. It is noted here that the 7960 m long headrace tunnel will experience a hydrostatic water head that will vary from 2.9 to 11.5 bars (0.29–1.15 MPa). The headrace tunnel is supported by sprayed concrete (shotcrete) in combination with systematic rock bolts in the tunnel walls and crown. The invert of the tunnel and few hundred meters downstream end (at surge shaft area) of the headrace tunnel is being concrete lined after the completion of all other works. The qualitative fluid flow assessment carried out using UDEC indicated considerable pressure built-up in the joint systems suggesting potential hydraulic jacking. This was especially the case at the downstream segment (downstream from chainage 7100 m) of the headrace tunnel. The manuscript further presents the quantitative results of water leakage estimation from the headrace tunnel carried out using Panthi (Panthi KK (2006) Analysis of engineering geological uncertainties related to tunnelling in Himalayan rock mass conditions. PhD Thesis, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway;Panthi, Note on estimating specific leakage using Panthi’s approach, NTNU, Trondheim, 2010;) approach. The leakage assessment carried out indicated an average specific leakage of about 2.5 l/min/m tunnel, which may result in over 210 l/s leakage from the headrace tunnel. The evaluation also indicated that the outer reach (860 m downstream segment) of the headrace tunnel after chainage 7100 m seems extremely vulnerable and over 80 l/s water leakage may occur only from this headrace tunnel segment during operation of the hydropower plant.
Substantia nigra neuromelanin magnetic resonance imaging in patients with different subtypes of Parkinson disease
Authors: Wang Lu , Yan Yayun , Zhang Liyao , Liu Yan , Luo Ruirui , Chang Ying
Published: February 2021

Neuromelanin (NM) is a dark pigment that mainly exists in neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). In Parkinson disease (PD) patients, NM concentration decreases gradually with degeneration and necrosis of dopamine neurons, suggesting potential use as a PD biomarker. We aimed to evaluate associations between NM concentration in in vivo SN and PD progression and different motor subtypes using NM magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI). Fifty-four patients with idiopathic PD were enrolled. Patients were divided into groups by subtypes with different clinical symptoms: tremor dominant (TD) group and postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD) group. Fifteen healthy age-matched volunteers were enrolled as controls. All subjects underwent clinical assessment and NM-MRI examination. PD patients showed significantly decreased contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values in medial and lateral SN (P < 0.05) compared to controls. CNR values in lateral SN region decreased linearly with PD progression (P = 0.001). PIGD patients showed significant decreases in CNR mean values in lateral SN compared to TD patients (P = 0.004). Diagnostic accuracy of using lateral substantia nigra (SN) in TD and PIGD groups was 79% (sensitivity 76.5%, specificity 78.6%). NM concentration in PD patients decreases gradually during disease progression and differs significantly between PD subtypes. NM may be a reliable biomarker for PD severity and subtype identification.
Serotonin-specific neurons differentiated from human iPSCs form distinct subtypes with synaptic protein assembly
Authors: Jansch Charline , Ziegler Georg C. , Forero Andrea , Gredy Sina , Wäldchen Sina , Vitale Maria Rosaria , Svirin Evgeniy , Zöller Johanna E. M. , Waider Jonas , Günther Katharina , Edenhofer Frank , Sauer Markus , Wischmeyer Erhard , Lesch Klaus-Peter
Published: February 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have revolutionized the generation of experimental disease models, but the development of protocols for the differentiation of functionally active neuronal subtypes with defined specification is still in its infancy. While dysfunction of the brain serotonin (5-HT) system has been implicated in the etiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders, investigation of functional human 5-HT specific neurons in vitro has been restricted by technical limitations. We describe an efficient generation of functionally active neurons from hiPSCs displaying 5-HT specification by modification of a previously reported protocol. Furthermore, 5-HT specific neurons were characterized using high-end fluorescence imaging including super-resolution microscopy in combination with electrophysiological techniques. Differentiated hiPSCs synthesize 5-HT, express specific markers, such as tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and 5-HT transporter, and exhibit an electrophysiological signature characteristic of serotonergic neurons, with spontaneous rhythmic activities, broad action potentials and large afterhyperpolarization potentials. 5-HT specific neurons form synapses reflected by the expression of pre- and postsynaptic proteins, such as Bassoon and Homer. The distribution pattern of Bassoon, a marker of the active zone along the soma and extensions of neurons, indicates functionality via volume transmission. Among the high percentage of 5-HT specific neurons (~ 42%), a subpopulation of CDH13 + cells presumably designates dorsal raphe neurons. hiPSC-derived 5-HT specific neuronal cell cultures reflect the heterogeneous nature of dorsal and median raphe nuclei and may facilitate examining the association of serotonergic neuron subpopulations with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Long-term serological follow-up after primary Coxiella burnetii infection in patients with vascular risk factors for chronic Q fever
Authors: Buijs Sheila B. , Stuart Sanne K. , Oosterheert Jan Jelrik , Karhof Steffi , Hoepelman Andy I. M. , Renders Nicole H. M. , van Petersen André S. , Bleeker-Rovers Chantal P. , Wever Peter C. , Koning Olivier H. J.
Published: February 2021

We evaluated the long-term serological follow-up of patients with vascular risk factors for chronic Q fever that were previously Coxiellaburnetii seropositive. C. burnetii phase I IgG titers were reevaluated in patients that gave informed consent or retrospectively collected in patients already deceased or lost to follow-up. Of 107 patients, 25 (23.4%) became seronegative, 77 (72.0%) retained a profile of past resolved Q fever infection, and five (4.7%) developed chronic Q fever. We urge clinicians to stay vigilant for chronic Q fever beyond two years after primary infection and perform serological testing based on clinical presentation.
Tree species and microhabitat affect forest bog spider fauna
Authors: Gallé Róbert , Gallé-Szpisjak Nikolett , Zsigmond Andreea-Rebeka , Könczey Boróka , Urák István
Published: February 2021

Peat bogs are among the most threatened habitats in Central Europe. They are characterized by stagnant water with low pH and lower nutrient content compared to the surrounding habitats. The flora and fauna of peat bogs comprised of many habitat specialist and rare species. We explored the differences in spider fauna of European spruce and Scots pine forests. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of microhabitat diversity in the bog forests of the Poiana Stampei peat bog complex, Bucovina, Romania. We collected numerous rare and cold-adapted species. .We found a strong effect of forest type, presumably due to the different microclimatic conditions of the forests. European spruce forests had lower species richness of ground-dwelling fauna than Scots pine forests; however, we found contradictory results for vegetation-dwelling species richness. Hummocks had a more positive effect on the ground-dwelling spiders of Scots pine than in European spruce forests, presumably due to the more open structure of sphagnum hummocks than ground level. However, this effect was negative for vegetation dwellers. The cold-adapted species with restricted ranges are vulnerable to climate change, and bogs may serve as important micro-refugia for them. Central European bogs are isolated and highly threatened by anthropogenic activities, such as drainage, peat extraction, and eutrophication. The deterioration habitat quality of peat bogs will result in a significant loss in the regional species pool of the Carpathians.
Completeness in affine and statistical geometry
Authors: Opozda Barbara
Published: February 2021

We begin the study of completeness of affine connections, especially those on statistical manifolds or on affine hypersurfaces. We collect basic facts, prove new theorems and provide examples with remarkable properties.
Sólo Se Vive Una Vez: Evaluation of a Social Marketing Campaign Promoting HIV Screening and Prevention for Immigrant Latinxs
Authors: Shah Harita S. , Grieb Suzanne M. Dolwick , Flores-Miller Alejandra , Yenokyan Karine , Castellanos-Aguirre Jimena , Greenbaum Adena , Page Kathleen R.
Published: February 2021

Latinxs in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by HIV and more likely to have delayed diagnosis than their non-Latinx peers. We developed and implemented Sólo Se Vive Una Vez (You Only Live Once), the first Spanish-language campaign aimed at improving HIV testing and prevention among Latinx immigrants in Baltimore, Maryland. Sólo Se Vive Una Vez featured a website (www.solovive.org) and social marketing campaign promoting free HIV testing through the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) clinic and Latinx outreach team. The campaign was not associated with a change in the overall number of Latinxs obtaining HIV testing. However, Latinx HIV testers who reported being exposed to the campaign had significantly higher rates of high-risk sexual behaviors, mean number of sexual partners, and substance use. The campaign was also associated with increased PrEP referrals through the BCHD Latinx outreach team.
How land-use intensity affects sexual and parthenogenetic oribatid mites in temperate forests and grasslands in Germany
Authors: Wehner Katja , Schuster Romina , Simons Nadja K. , Norton Roy A. , Blüthgen Nico , Heethoff Michael
Published: February 2021

Intensive land use has been shown to alter the composition and functioning of soil communities. Due to their low dispersal ability, oribatid mites are particularly vulnerable to land-use intensification and species which are not adjusted to management-related disturbances become less abundant. We investigated how different land-use parameters in forests and grasslands affect oribatid mite diversity and abundance, with a focus on: (1) species-level impacts, by classifying species as increasing (‘winners’) or decreasing (‘losers’) in abundance with higher land-use intensity, and (2) reproductive impact, by investigating whether sexual and parthenogenetic species react differently. We collected 32,542 adult oribatid mites in 60 forests and grasslands of known land-use intensity in two regions of Germany. Diversity and total abundance as well as the proportion of sexual species were higher in forests than in grasslands. Diversity declined with higher land-use intensity in forests, but increased with higher mowing and fertilization in grasslands. Depending on land-use parameter and region, abundance either declined or remained unaffected by increasing intensity. Gravidity was higher in sexual than in parthenogenetic species and sexuals had 1.6× more eggs per gravid female. Proportions of sexual species and gravid females decreased with land-use intensity in forests, but increased with mowing in grasslands. At the species level, 75% of sexuals and 87.5% of parthenogens were ‘losers’ of higher percentages of dead wood originating from management-related disturbances. Across land-use parameters and habitats, a similar proportion of sexual and parthenogenetic oribatid mite species were ‘losers’ of high land-use intensity. However, ‘winner’ species were more common among sexuals.
Sum of High-Risk Gene Mutation (SHGM): A Novel Attempt to Assist Differential Diagnosis for Adrenocortical Carcinoma with Benign Adenoma, Based on Detection of Mutations of Nine Target Genes
Authors: Zheng Guo-Yang , Zhang Xue-Bin , Li Han-Zhong , Zhang Yu-Shi , Deng Jian-Hua , Wu Xing-Cheng
Published: February 2021

There has been no research on applying gene detection to differential diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). We attempted to explore a novel auxiliary method for differential diagnosis between ACC with benign adrenocortical adenoma (ACA), based on mutations of target genes in tissues. Nine genes were chosen as target genes, including TP53, CTNNB1, ARMC5, PRKAR1A, ZNRF3, RB1, APC, MEN1, and RPL22. Exons sequencing of target genes were performed in 98 cases of tissue samples by FastTarget technology, including 41 ACC tissues, 32 ACA tissues, and 25 normal adrenal gland tissues. Significant mutations were detected and identified, and the clinical information was collected, for further comparative analysis and application to assist differential diagnosis of ACC. We identified 132 significant gene mutations and 227 significant mutation sites in 37 ACC tissues, much more than ACA and normal adrenal gland tissues. Mutation rates of 6 genes in ACC tissues were obviously higher than ACA tissues, including ZNRF3, ARMC5, TP53, APC, RB1, and PRKAR1A, regarded as high-risk genes. The sum of mutated high-risk genes detected in each sample was denominated sum of high-risk gene mutation (SHGM), and the rates of SHGM > 0 and SHGM > 1 in ACC tissues were 73.0% and 62.2%, respectively, both obviously higher than those in ACA tissues, with significant statistic differences. Especially for 8 cases of ACC with diameter < 5 cm, SHGM > 0 and SHGM > 1 were found in 6 samples (75%) and 4 samples (50%), respectively. However, no relevance was found between SHGM and clinical characteristics of ACC. We identified 6 high-risk genes in ACC tissues, with significantly higher mutation rates than ACA or normal adrenal gland tissues. The sum of mutated high-risk genes detected in ACC tissues was denominated SHGM, which was potential to assist the differential diagnosis of ACC with ACA, especially for the small-size ACC.
What mediates the racial/ethnic disparity in psychosocial stress among breast cancer patients?
Authors: Sánchez-Díaz C. T. , Strayhorn S. , Tejeda S. , Vijayasiri G. , Rauscher G. H. , Molina Y.
Published: February 2021

Background

Prior studies have observed greater levels of psychosocial stress (PSS) among non-Hispanic (nH) African American and Hispanic women when compared to nH White patients after a breast cancer diagnosis. We aimed to determine the independent and interdependent roles of socioeconomic position (SEP) and unmet support in the racial disparity in PSS among breast cancer patients.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the Breast Cancer Care in Chicago study (n = 989). For all recently diagnosed breast cancer patients, aged 25–79, income, education, and tract-level disadvantage and affluence were summed to create a standardized socioeconomic position (SEP) score. Three measures of PSS related to loneliness, perceived stress, and psychological consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis were defined based on previously validated scales. Five domains of unmet social support needs (emotional, spiritual, informational, financial, and practical) were defined from interviews. We conducted path models in MPlus to estimate the extent to which PSS disparities were mediated by SEP and unmet social support needs.

Results

Black and Hispanic patients reported greater PSS compared to white patients and greater unmet social support needs (p = 0.001 for all domains). Virtually all of the disparity in PSS could be explained by SEP. A substantial portion of the mediating influence of SEP was further transmitted by unmet financial and practical needs among Black patients and by unmet emotional needs for Hispanic patients.

Conclusions

SEP appeared to be a root cause of the racial/ethnic disparities in PSS within our sample. Our findings further suggest that different interventions may be necessary to alleviate the burden of SEP for nH AA (i.e., more financial support) and Hispanic patients (i.e., more emotional support).
ZNF471 modulates EMT and functions as methylation regulated tumor suppressor with diagnostic and prognostic significance in cervical cancer
Authors: Bhat Samatha , Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Adiga Divya , Fernandes Rayzel , Shukla Vaibhav , Bhandari Poonam , Pandey Deeksha , Sharan Krishna , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: February 2021

Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women in developing countries. However, the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets for therapy remain to be fully understood. We investigated the epigenetic regulation, biological functions, and clinical utility of zinc-finger protein 471 (ZNF471) in CC. Analysis of cervical tissues and five independent public datasets of CC showed significant hypermethylation of the ZNF471 gene promoter. In CC cell lines, promoter DNA methylation was inversely correlated with ZNF471 expression. The sensitivity and specificity of the ZNF471 hypermethylation for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) vs tumor and normal vs tumor was above 85% with AUC of 0.937. High methylation and low ZNF471 expression predicted poor overall and recurrence-free survival. We identified −686 to +114 bp as ZNF471 promoter, regulated by methylation using transient transfection and luciferase assays. The promoter CpG site methylation of ZNF471 was significantly different among cancer types and tumor grades. Gal4-based heterologous luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that ZNF471 acts as a transcriptional repressor. The retroviral mediated overexpression of ZNF471 in SiHa and CaSki cells inhibited growth, proliferation, cell migration, invasion; delayed cell cycle progression in vitro by increasing cell doubling time; and reduced tumor growth in vivo in nude mice. ZNF471 overexpression inhibited key members of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), Wnt, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. ZNF471 inhibited EMT by directly targeting vimentin as analyzed by bioinformatic analysis, ChIP-PCR, and western blotting. Thus, ZNF471 CpG specific promoter methylation may determine the prognosis of CC and could function as a potential tumor suppressor by targeting EMT signaling.
Sensitivity of projected climate impacts to climate model weighting: multi-sector analysis in eastern Africa
Authors: Kolusu Seshagiri Rao , Siderius Christian , Todd Martin C. , Bhave Ajay , Conway Declan , James Rachel , Washington Richard , Geressu Robel , Harou Julien J. , Kashaigili Japhet J.
Published: February 2021

Uncertainty in long-term projections of future climate can be substantial and presents a major challenge to climate change adaptation planning. This is especially so for projections of future precipitation in most tropical regions, at the spatial scale of many adaptation decisions in water-related sectors. Attempts have been made to constrain the uncertainty in climate projections, based on the recognised premise that not all of the climate models openly available perform equally well. However, there is no agreed ‘good practice’ on how to weight climate models. Nor is it clear to what extent model weighting can constrain uncertainty in decision-relevant climate quantities. We address this challenge, for climate projection information relevant to ‘high stakes’ investment decisions across the ‘water-energy-food’ sectors, using two case-study river basins in Tanzania and Malawi. We compare future climate risk profiles of simple decision-relevant indicators for water-related sectors, derived using hydrological and water resources models, which are driven by an ensemble of future climate model projections. In generating these ensembles, we implement a range of climate model weighting approaches, based on context-relevant climate model performance metrics and assessment. Our case-specific results show the various model weighting approaches have limited systematic effect on the spread of risk profiles. Sensitivity to climate model weighting is lower than overall uncertainty and is considerably less than the uncertainty resulting from bias correction methodologies. However, some of the more subtle effects on sectoral risk profiles from the more ‘aggressive’ model weighting approaches could be important to investment decisions depending on the decision context. For application, model weighting is justified in principle, but a credible approach should be very carefully designed and rooted in robust understanding of relevant physical processes to formulate appropriate metrics.
Virulence tests of Neofusicoccum parvum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Phytophthora palmivora on Theobroma cacao
Authors: Puig A. S. , Keith L. M. , Matsumoto T. K. , Gutierrez O. A. , Marelli J. P.
Published: February 2021

Neofusicoccum parvum is a recently reported pathogen affecting Theobroma cacao L., and has been isolated from symptomatic pods on Oahu and Hawaii Islands. Determining infection routes and virulence are essential for assessing the impact of N. parvum on cacao production and developing effective disease management strategies. Infection routes were determined by inoculating unwounded stems and pods with six isolates of N. parvum alongside Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Phytophthora palmivora. Fifty percent of unwounded stems inoculated with P. palmivora developed lesions, but only a single lesion developed following inoculation with N. parvum (isolate H44). L. theobromae and the remaining N. parvum isolates did not induce lesion development on unwounded stems. In contrast, all N. parvum and L. theobromae isolates produced lesions on 40–100% of unwounded pods of GNV 164 and GNV 360. Low incidences of infection were observed in unwounded pods of ICS 95 (0–66.7%), SHRS 21 (0–75%), and SHRS 33 (0–20%). On wounded pods, all pathogen species produced similar size lesions, ranging from 1.90 to 7.60 cm four days after inoculation. Results from this study show that all three species can produce high rates of pod infection on some clones in the absence of wounds, but stem infection is less likely. In addition, this is the first report of L. theobromae infecting cacao pods and P. palmivora infecting stems in the absence of wounds.
Potential adaptation strategies for climate change impact among flood-prone fish farmers in climate hotspot Uganda
Authors: Oyebola Oyediran O. , Efitre Jackson , Musinguzi Laban , Falaye Augustine E.
Published: February 2021

Climate-induced floods are increasing in Africa. The need to evolve framework for adaptation to climate change impact (CCI) among flood-prone fish farmers necessitated this study. Based on availability, 60 farming active flood-experienced fish farmers were purposively selected from flood-prone (Gulu and Kibuku) regions in climate hotspot Uganda. These were assessed for CCI adaptation tendencies in their socioeconomics and farming operation/techniques (FOI) indices, CCI awareness, CCI adaptation strategies, and perceived required interventions (RIs) using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive and multivariate regression tools. Respondents were mostly male, adults, educated, Christian, married, medium-sized family, social group members, 1–5 years’ experience, medium-sized farms, and government trained. Income was 1.0–6.0 million Ugx/year. In FOI, semi-intensive culture system, use of rainwater plus groundwater, small-sized (< 0.5 ha) ponds, ponds possession of inlets and outlets, seasonal farming and mixed culture/farming dominated. Most respondents were aware of CCI, while erratic rainfall with floods and prolonged drought mostly impacted farming. AS-Adaptation Strategy were changed stocking time and livelihood diversification. Communication technology and social group’s membership enhanced adaptation, while inadequate awareness constrains adaptation. Respondents’ RI(s) were tree planting, irrigation and pond perimeter trenching. Gender, government training, farm size, water sources and presence of inlet and outlets in ponds (FOI) predicted adaptation (R = 0.802, R2 = 0.64, P < 0.05). Some socioeconomic, technical and awareness indices could assist CCI flexibility. However, the statistically significant predictors of adaptation, identified adaptive strategies, constraints to adaptation and required interventions could be integrated into a framework for effective CCI adaptation for sustainable fish farming in flood-prone scenarios.
Illegal logging, governance effectiveness and carbon dioxide emission in the timber-producing countries of Congo Basin and Asia
Authors: Piabuo Serge Mandiefe , Minang Peter A. , Tieguhong Chupezi Julius , Foundjem-Tita Divine , Nghobuoche Frankline
Published: February 2021

The empirical link between governance and illegal logging is widely accepted amongst scientist, although a minority still purports that illegal logging does not necessarily prevail because of poor governance. However, the nexus linking governance, illegal logging and carbon emission is not well enshrined in scientific literature. This paper seeks to review the literature on illegal logging and governance and empirically investigate the effect of illegal logging and governance effectiveness on carbon emission. Using panel dynamic ordinary least square method on data covering three Congo Basin timber-producing countries and three Asian timber-producing countries, this paper further investigates disaggregated effects between these two groups of countries. The empirical evidence underscores that Congo Basin timber-producing countries are characterised by increasing trend of illegal logging, poor governance effectiveness and corruption. Panel regression reveals a positive and significant impact of illegal logging, governance effectiveness and corruption on carbon emission. Asian producing countries depict a reducing trend in illegal logging and improvements in governance and corruption. There is a positive but not significant impact of illegal logging on carbon emission, and governance effectiveness reduces carbon emission. Thus, the dynamics of governance, illegal logging and carbon emission is not the same between timber-producing countries in Asia and Congo producing counties, thus suggesting the ability of institutions to curb illegal logging and enforce laws to reduce the effects of carbon emission. Multi-stakeholder consultations, government engagement, partnerships and training of control staff can help curb corruption. Legality checks should go beyond having legal documents to effectively check and control of timber concessions and small-scale logging.
Moral Progress and Evolution: Knowledge Versus Understanding
Authors: Severini Eleonora
Published: February 2021

The paper explores the interplay among moral progress, evolution and moral realism. Although it is nearly uncontroversial to note that morality makes progress of one sort or another, it is far from uncontroversial to define what constitutes moral progress. In a minimal sense, moral progress occurs when a subsequent state of affairs is better than a preceding one. Moral realists conceive “it is better than” as something like “it more adequately reflects moral facts”; therefore, on a realist view, moral progress can be associated with accumulations of moral knowledge. From an evolutionary perspective, on the contrary, since there cannot be something like moral knowledge, one might conclude there cannot even be such a thing as moral progress. More precisely, evolutionism urges us to ask whether we can acknowledge the existence of moral progress without being committed to moral realism. A promising strategy, I will argue, is to develop an account of moral progress based on moral understanding rather than moral knowledge. On this view, moral progress follows increases in moral understanding rather than accumulations of moral knowledge. Whether an understanding-based account of moral progress is feasible and what its implications for the notion itself of moral progress are, will be discussed.
On the Role of a Conserved Methionine in the Na+-Coupling Mechanism of a Neurotransmitter Transporter Homolog
Authors: Zhou Wenchang , Trinco Gianluca , Slotboom Dirk J. , Forrest Lucy R. , Faraldo-Gómez José D.
Published: February 2021

Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT) play a key role in glutamatergic synaptic communication. Driven by transmembrane cation gradients, these transporters catalyze the reuptake of glutamate from the synaptic cleft once this neurotransmitter has been utilized for signaling. Two decades ago, pioneering studies in the Kanner lab identified a conserved methionine within the transmembrane domain as key for substrate turnover rate and specificity; later structural work, particularly for the prokaryotic homologs GltPh and GltTk, revealed that this methionine is involved in the coordination of one of the three Na+ ions that are co-transported with the substrate. Albeit extremely atypical, the existence of this interaction is consistent with biophysical analyses of GltPh showing that mutations of this methionine diminish the binding cooperativity between substrates and Na+. It has been unclear, however, whether this intriguing methionine influences the thermodynamics of the transport reaction, i.e., its substrate:ion stoichiometry, or whether it simply fosters a specific kinetics in the binding reaction, which, while influential for the turnover rate, do not fundamentally explain the ion-coupling mechanism of this class of transporters. Here, studies of GltTk using experimental and computational methods independently arrive at the conclusion that the latter hypothesis is the most plausible, and lay the groundwork for future efforts to uncover the underlying mechanism.
Correction to: Social epistemological conception of delusion
Authors: Miyazono Kengo , Salice Alessandro
Published: February 2021

The article Social epistemological conception of delusion, written by Kengo Miyazon and Alessandro Salice, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 17 September 2020 without open access.
Molecular insight into somaclonal variation phenomena from transcriptome profiling of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) lines
Authors: Pawełkowicz Magdalena Ewa , Skarzyńska Agnieszka , Mróz Tomasz , Bystrzycki Estelle , Pląder Wojciech
Published: February 2021

Somaclonal variation during in vitro culture is often an undesirable phenomenon but may also be a source of genetic variation useful for breeders. The molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain uncertain. In this study, we analyzed the fruit transcriptome of three independent cucumber lines using RNA-sequencing technology and performed an extensive in silico study to determine how somaclonal variation altered gene expression. Comparison of the transcriptome profiles with the wild-type cucumber ‘Borszczagowski B10’ revealed 418, 364, and 273 genes that were differentially regulated. We performed bioinformatic functional analysis, gene ontology classification, molecular network analysis, and explored differentially expressed genes associated with processes such as protein and nucleic acid binding, enzyme activity, signaling, transport, sugar and lipid metabolism. We determined that the differential gene expression may be caused by polymorphism in the genic region and may also be a result of interaction among molecular networks, which triggers specific pathways.
Correction to: Pore Network Modeling of the Effects of Viscosity Ratio and Pressure Gradient on Steady-State Incompressible Two-Phase Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Gjennestad Magnus Aa. , Winkler Mathias , Hansen Alex
Published: February 2021

In the original publication of the article, the Electronic Supplementary Material was missed.
Post-illumination activity of Bi2WO6 in the dark from the photocatalytic “memory” effect
Authors: Yang Weiyi , Chen Yan , Gao Shuang , Sang Licheng , Tao Ruoge , Sun Caixia , Shang Jian Ku , Li Qi
Published: February 2021

Photocatalysts with the photocatalytic “memory” effect could resolve the intrinsic activity loss of traditional photocatalysts when the light illumination is turned off. Due to the dual requirements of light absorption and energy storage/release functions, most previously reported photocatalysts with the photocatalytic “memory” effect were composite photocatalysts of two phase components, which may lose their performance due to gradually deteriorated interface conditions during their applications. In this work, a simple solvothermal process was developed to synthesize Bi2WO6 microspheres constructed by aggregated nanoflakes. The pure phase Bi2WO6 was found to possess the photocatalytic “memory” effect through the trapping and release of photogenerated electrons by the reversible chemical state change of W component in the (WO4)2− layers. When the illumination was switched off, Bi2WO6 microspheres continuously produced H2O2 in the dark as those trapped photogenerated electrons were gradually released to react with O2 through the two-electron O2 reduction process, resulting in the continuous disinfection of Escherichia coli bacteria in the dark through the photocatalytic “memory” effect. No deterioration of their cycling H2O2 production performance in the dark was observed, which verified their stable photocatalytic “memory” effect.
Exercise Addiction and Perfectionism: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Çakın Gizem , Juwono Ignatius Darma , Potenza Marc N. , Szabo Attila
Published: February 2021

Background and aims

Exercise addiction may be conceptualized as a behavioral addiction in which a person develops an unhealthy obsession with exercise and physical activity. While exercise addiction is not a formally recognized disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual or the International Classification of Diseases, it has been studied and connected to both personal and situational factors. Perfectionism is a feature that has been strongly linked to exercise addiction. The objective of this systematic literature review, performed by following the PRISMA protocol, was to examine relationships between exercise addiction and perfectionism while also considering the subdimensions of perfectionism in different groups.

Methods

Three databases (PsycINFO, PubMed/Medline, and SPORTDiscus) were examined. Sixty relevant articles were identified, of which 22 met inclusion criteria.

Results

The findings substantiate that perfectionism and its dimensions are weakly or moderately related to exercise addiction. This relationship has been observed in adults, adolescents, athletes, and patients with eating disorders. Of the 22 studies examined, only one did not identify an association between perfectionism or its subdomain(s) and exercise addiction. However, in most studies, the common variance between perfectionism and exercise addiction is relatively small, raising questions regarding the clinical relevance of the relationship.

Conclusion

Perfectionism is related to exercise addiction, but the strength of the relationship varies in different circumstances, which should be examined in future research.
Cardiovascular safety of calcium, magnesium and strontium: what does the evidence say?
Authors: Curtis Elizabeth M. , Cooper Cyrus , Harvey Nicholas C.
Published: February 2021

Calcium, magnesium and strontium have all been implicated in both musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health and disease. However, despite these three elements being closely chemically related, there is marked heterogeneity of their characteristics in relation to cardiovascular outcomes. In this narrative review, we describe the relevant evidential landscape, focusing on clinical trials where possible and incorporating findings from observational and causal analyses, to discern the relative roles of these elements in musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health. We conclude that calcium supplementation (for bone health) is most appropriately used in combination with vitamin D supplementation and targeted to those who are deficient in these nutrients, or in combination with antiosteoporosis medications. Whilst calcium supplementation is associated with gastrointestinal side effects and a small increased risk of renal stones, purported links with cardiovascular outcomes remain unconvincing. In normal physiology, no mechanism for an association has been elucidated and other considerations such as dose response and temporal relationships do not support a causal relationship. There is little evidence to support routine magnesium supplementation for musculoskeletal outcomes; greater dietary intake and serum concentrations appear protective against cardiovascular events. Strontium ranelate, which is now available again as a generic medication, has clear anti-fracture efficacy but is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Whilst a signal for increased risk of myocardial infarction has been detected in some studies, this is not supported by wider analyses. Strontium ranelate, under its current licence, thus provides a useful therapeutic option for severe osteoporosis in those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors.
Erforschung potenzieller Entwicklungsverläufe diagnostischer Fähigkeiten angehender Chemielehrkräfte hinsichtlich Lernendenvorstellungen – Die Bedeutung individueller Vorstellungen über Lernendenvorstellungen
Authors: Heeg Julian , Bittorf Robert Marten , Schanze Sascha
Published: February 2021

In den naturwissenschaftlichen Fächern ist die Diagnose von individuellen Lernendenvorstellungen aufgrund ihrer Bedeutung für Lehr-Lernprozesse ein zentrales Element der Lehrkräfteprofessionalisierung. In vielen Modellierungen zum Professionswissen von Lehrkräften finden sich daher Elemente zum Umgang mit Lernendenvorstellungen. Zusätzlich existieren für einzelne naturwissenschaftliche Fächer erste ausführliche Beschreibungen der inhaltlichen und methodischen Güte von diagnostischen Fähigkeiten. Gleichzeitig zeigen einige Studien, dass angehende Lehrkräfte verschiedenste Schwierigkeiten mit einer Durchführung einer formellen Diagnose von Lernendenvorstellungen haben. Wenige Erkenntnisse existieren bislang in Bezug auf die Entwicklung derartiger diagnostischer Fähigkeiten. Erste Studien deuten außerdem darauf hin, dass sich (angehende) Lehrkräfte häufiger einer eher hindernisorientierten Perspektive hinsichtlich Lernendenvorstellungen zuordnen lassen. Über das Ausmaß des Einflusses einer solchen Perspektive auf die Diagnose von Lernendenvorstellungen ist bislang ebenfalls wenig bekannt.

Ausgehend von diesen beiden Desideraten hat dieser Beitrag daher zwei primäre Ziele: Erstens sollen Entwicklungsprozesse angehender Chemielehrkräfte hinsichtlich der Diagnose von Lernendenvorstellungen erforscht werden. Zweitens steht die Ermittlung des Einflusses individueller Vorstellungen über Lernendenvorstellungen u. a. auf die Diagnose im Fokus. Hierfür wurden sieben Bachelorstudierende (gymnasiales Lehramt Chemie) in drei Gruppen über den Zeitraum eines Semesters bei der Bearbeitung von drei unterschiedlichen Fallbeispielen videografiert. Zusätzlich wurden die erstellten schriftlichen Diagnosen eingesammelt. Die qualitativ inhaltsanalytische Auswertung der Daten zeigt, dass die Studierenden sich lediglich partiell in ihren diagnostischen Fähigkeiten entwickeln. Als eine mögliche Erklärung hierfür werden die Vorstellungen der angehenden Lehrkräfte über Lernendenvorstellungen diskutiert. Ausblickend werden Implikationen für die universitäre Lehrkräftebildung abgeleitet.
The cytokine storm and thyroid hormone changes in COVID-19
Authors: Croce L. , Gangemi D. , Ancona G. , Liboà F. , Bendotti G. , Minelli L. , Chiovato L.
Published: February 2021

Background

COVID-19 is now a worldwide pandemic. Among the many extra-pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19, recent evidence suggested a possible occurrence of thyroid dysfunction.

Purpose

The Aim of the present review is to summarize available studies regarding thyroid function alterations in patients with COVID-19 and to overview the possible physio-pathological explanations.

Conclusions

The repercussions of the thyroid of COVID-19 seem to be related, in part, with the occurrence of a “cytokine storm” that would, in turn, induce a “non-thyroidal illness”. Some specific cytokines and chemokines appear to have a direct role on the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis. On the other hand, some authors have observed an increased incidence of a destructive thyroiditis, either subacute or painless, in patients with COVID-19. The hypothesis of a direct infection of the thyroid by SARS-Cov-2 stems from the observation that its receptor, ACE2, is strongly expressed in thyroid tissue. Lastly, it is highly probable that some pharmaceutical agents largely used for the treatment of COVID-19 can act as confounding factors in the laboratory evaluation of thyroid function parameters.
Experimental investigation on the nanoindentation viscoelastic constitutive model of quartz and kaolinite in mudstone
Authors: Sun Changlun , Li Guichen , Gomah Mohamed Elgharib , Xu Jiahui , Rong Haoyu
Published: February 2021

The creep behaviors in deep underground engineering structures, especially in soft rocks, have a remarkable impact on the long-term stability of the excavations, which finally leads to the high risk and failure of it. Accordingly, it is essential to recognize the time-dependent deformation through the investigation of this phenomenon. In this study, the creep behaviors of soft rocks were examined to help understand the underlying mechanism of the extended time-dependent deformation. Due to the limited results about the time-dependent properties of the constituents of the rock that reveal their heterogeneity, the targeting nanoindentation technique (TNIT), was adopted to investigate the viscoelastic characteristics of kaolinite and quartz in a two-constituent mudstone sample. The TNIT consists of identifications of mineralogical ingredients in mudstone and nanoindentation experiments on each identified constituent. After conducting experiments, the unloading stages of the typical indentation curves were analyzed to calculate the hardness and elastic modulus of both elements in mudstone. Additionally, the 180 s load-holding stages with the peak load of 50 mN were transformed into the typical creep strain–time curves for fitting analysis by using the Kelvin model, the standard viscoelastic model, and the extended viscoelastic model. Fitting results show that the standard viscoelastic model not only can perfectly express the nanoindentation creep behaviors of both kaolinite and quartz but also can produce suitable constants used to measure their creep parameters. The creep parameters of kaolinite are much smaller than that of quartz, which causes the considerable time-dependent deformation of the soft mudstone. Eventually, the standard viscoelastic model was also verified on the quartz in a sandstone sample.
Indoor versus outdoor transmission of SARS-COV-2: environmental factors in virus spread and underestimated sources of risk
Authors: Senatore Vincenzo , Zarra Tiziano , Buonerba Antonio , Choo Kwang-Ho , Hasan Shadi W. , Korshin Gregory , Li Chi-Wang , Ksibi Mohamed , Belgiorno Vincenzo , Naddeo Vincenzo
Published: February 2021

The first case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in Europe was officially confirmed in February 2020. On 11 March 2020, after thousands of deaths from this disease had been reported worldwide, the WHO changed their classification of COVID-19 from a public health emergency of international concern to a pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been shown to be much more resistant to environmental degradation than other coated viruses. Several studies have shown that environmental conditions can influence its viability and infectivity. This review summarizes current knowledge on the transmission pathways of the novel coronavirus, and directs attention towards potentially underestimated factors that affect its propagation, notably indoor spread and outdoor risk sources. The contributions of significant indoor factors such as ventilation systems to the spread of this virus need to be carefully ascertained. Outdoor risk sources such as aerosolized particles emitted during wastewater treatment and particulate matter (PM), both of which may act as virus carriers, should be examined as well. This study shows the influence of certain underestimated factors on the environmental behavior and survival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These aspects of coronavirus propagation need to be accounted for when devising actions to limit not only the current pandemic but also future outbreaks.

Graphic abstract
Volkssprachige Literatur und höfische Kultur um 1200
Authors: Benz Maximilian
Published: February 2021

Für die mittelhochdeutschen Romane um 1200 läßt sich eine spezifische sozialgeschichtliche Einbettung annehmen, die Konsequenzen für ein Modell literarischer Kommunikation hat. Im Zusammenspiel von Verfassern, geistlichen Beratern – dem Hofklerus – und zunächst einmal adligen Damen entstehen die Texte, denen eine hofklerikale Perspektive auf Fragen feudaladliger Existenz eignet: Die ästhetisch komplexen volkssprachigen Texte lassen klare Problembezüge erkennen. Im Rahmen dieses Modells literarischer Kommunikation wird der Erec Hartmanns von Aue als Absage an Versuche ritterlicher Selbsterlösung gedeutet, denen der sich der göttlichen Gnade öffnende Wille des demütig Gläubigen gegenübergestellt wird. Der Tristan Gottfrieds von Straßburg scheint mit Blick auf die Protagonisten ein Negativexempel zu entwickeln, wobei durch suggestive Gestaltungsdynamiken das Abrücken der edelen herzen von Tristan und Isolde zunächst verhindert und dann umso stärker forciert wird.