bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holographic point source for digital lensless holographic microscopy
Authors: Lopera Maria J. , Trujillo Carlos
Published: May 2022

A holographic point source (HPS) developed for digital lensless holographic microscopy (HPS-DLHM) is presented. The HPS is an off-axis phase transmission hologram of an experimental micrometer pinhole recorded on a photopolymer holographic film. An amplitude division interferometer, adjusted to operate at maximum diffraction efficiency, has been employed to record the hologram. The results of HPS-DLHM have been contrasted with the results obtained via conventional DLHM, and the two techniques were found to give similar measurements. Compared with conventional pinhole-based DLHM illumination, our cost-effective proposal provides increased mechanical stability, the possibility of wider spherical illumination cones, and shorter reconstruction distances. These superior features pave the way to applying this quantitative phase imaging (QPI) technique in biomedical and telemedicine applications. The imaging capabilities of our HPS-DLHM proposal have been tested by using an intricate sample of a honeybee leg, a low-absorption sample of epithelial cheek cells, a 1951 USAF test target, and smeared human erythrocytes.
Polarization conversion using customized subwavelength laser-induced periodic surface structures on stainless steel
Authors: Elshorbagy Mahmoud H. , Sánchez-Brea Luis Miguel , Buencuerpo Jerónimo , del Hoyo Jesús , Soria-García Ángela , Pastor-Villarrubia Verónica , San-Blas Alejandro , Rodríguez Ainara , Olaizola Santiago Miguel , Alda Javier
Published: May 2022

Stainless steel is a basic raw material used in many industries. It can be customized by generating laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) as subwavelength gratings. Here, we present the capabilities of an LIPSS on stainless steel to modify the polarization state of the reflected radiation at the IR band. These structures have been modeled using the finite element method and fabricated by femtosecond laser processing. The Stokes parameters have been obtained experimentally and a model for the shape has been used to fit the simulated Stokes values to the experimental data. The birefringence of the LIPSS is analyzed to explain how they modify the polarization state of the incoming light. We find the geometry of the subwavelength grating that makes it work as an optical retarder that transforms a linearly polarized light into a circularly polarized wave. In addition, the geometrical parameters of the LIPSS are tuned to selectively absorb one of the components of the incoming light, becoming a linear axial polarizer. Appropriately selecting the geometrical parameters and orientation of the fabricated LIPSS makes it possible to obtain an arbitrary pure polarization state when illuminated by a pure linearly polarized state oriented at an azimuth of 45°. The overall reflectance of these transformations reaches values close to 60% with respect to the incident intensity, which is the same reflectivity obtained for non-nanostructured stainless steel flat surfaces.
Dnmt1a is essential for gene body methylation and the regulation of the zygotic genome in a wasp
Authors: Arsala Deanna , Wu Xin , Yi Soojin V. , Lynch Jeremy A.
Published: May 2022

Gene body methylation (GBM) is an ancestral mode of DNA methylation whose role in development has been obscured by the more prominent roles of promoter and CpG island methylation. The waspNasonia vitripennishas little promoter and CpG island methylation, yet retains strong GBM, making it an excellent model for elucidating the roles of GBM. Here we show thatN.vitripennisDNA methyltransferase 1a (Nv-Dnmt1a) knockdown leads to failures in cellularization and gastrulation of the embryo. Both of these disrupted events are hallmarks of the maternal-zygotic transition (MZT) in insects. Analysis of the embryonic transcriptome and methylome revealed strong reduction of GBM and widespread disruption of gene expression during embryogenesis afterNv-Dnmt1aknockdown. Strikingly, there was a strong correlation between loss of GBM and reduced gene expression in thousands of methylated loci, consistent with the hypothesis that GBM directly facilitates high levels of transcription. We propose that lower expression levels of methylated genes due to reduced GBM is the crucial direct effect ofNv-Dnmt1knockdown. Subsequently, the disruption of methylated genes leads to downstream dysregulation of the MZT, culminating in developmental failure at gastrulation.
eClock: An ensemble-based method to accurately predict ages with a biased distribution from DNA methylation data
Authors: Liu Yu
Published: May 2022

DNA methylation is closely related to senescence, so it has been used to develop statistical models, called clock models, to predict chronological ages accurately. However, because the training data always have a biased age distribution, the model performance becomes weak for the samples with a small age distribution density. To solve this problem, we developed the R package eClock, which uses a bagging-SMOTE method to adjust the biased distribution and predict age with an ensemble model. Moreover, it also provides a bootstrapped model based on bagging only and a traditional clock model. The performance on three datasets showed that the bagging-SMOTE model significantly improved rare sample age prediction. In addition to model construction, the package also provides other functions such as data visualization and methylation feature conversion to facilitate the research in relevant areas.
Comprehensive lipidomic analysis reveals regulation of glyceride metabolism in rat visceral adipose tissue by high-altitude chronic hypoxia
Authors: Liang Hong , Yan Jun , Song Kang
Published: May 2022

Adipose tissue plays a central role in energy substrate homeostasis and is a key regulator of lipid flow throughout these processes. As hypoxia affects lipid metabolism in adipose tissue, we aimed to investigate the effects of high-altitude chronic hypoxia on lipid metabolism in the adipose tissue of rats using a lipidomic analysis approach. Visceral adipose tissues from rats housed in a high-altitude hypoxia environment representing 4,300 m with 14.07% oxygen (hypoxia group) and from rats housed in a low-altitude normoxia environment representing 41 m with 20.95% oxygen (normoxia group) for 8 weeks were analyzed using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry system. After 8 weeks, the body weight and visceral adipose tissue weight of the hypoxia group were significantly decreased compared to those of the normoxia group (p < 0.05). The area and diameter of visceral adipose cells in the hypoxia group were significantly smaller than those of visceral adipose cells in the normoxia group (p < 0.05). The results of lipidomic analysis showed a total of 21 lipid classes and 819 lipid species. The total lipid concentration of the hypoxia group was lower than that in the normoxia group (p < 0.05). Concentrations of diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols in the hypoxia group were significantly lower than those in the normoxia group (p < 0.05). Using univariate and multivariate analyses, we identified 74 lipids that were significantly altered between the normoxia and hypoxia groups. These results demonstrate that high-altitude chronic hypoxia changes the metabolism of visceral adipose glycerides, which may potentially modulate other metabolic processes.
Short communication: Feasibility of dengue vaccine to infect different human cell lines: An alternative potency test using HEK293T cells
Authors: Faria de Carvalho Renata , de Siqueira Penna Quintaes Lucas , de Cássia de Souza Su Thaís , Mitiko Kobayashi Leticia , Martins de Almeida Nogueira Ana Cristina
Published: May 2022

Dengue is caused by an arbovirus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family and there are four distinct, but close related, circulating serotypes. Dengue disease is of great importance for global public health, with vaccination being its main prophylactic measure. However, there is a paucity of biological models for evaluating tetravalent dengue vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of human cell lines HEK293T and THP-1 to a commercial dengue vaccine and test the feasibility of this approach in the development of a potency assay with human cell lines, as a methodological alternative to the golden standard potency assay with VERO cells. In this context, we used a batch of the commercial vaccine Dengvaxia® (CYD-TDV) for the infection tests. We evaluated the presence of the vaccine virus in THP-1 cells, differentiated into macrophages (dTHP-1), and in HEK293T by confocal microscopy, using 4G2 pan-flavivirus antibody. Vaccine infectivity and potency were determined by immunocolorimetric assay using monoclonal antibodies specific for each serotype. The results indicated that the human strain HEK293T was responsive to the tetravalent vaccine, as shown by the presence of virus particles in the cell cytoplasm in a pattern similar to the one observed with VERO cells. Moreover, it was possible to determine the infectivity and potency values of each vaccine virus serotype in the HEK293T, with serotype 4 prevailing over the others. Thus, the human cell line HEK293T provides a potential candidate to be used in assays to determine potency and identity of tetravalent dengue vaccines.
The influence of gender on COVID-19 infections and mortality in Germany: Insights from age- and gender-specific modeling of contact rates, infections, and deaths in the early phase of the pandemic
Authors: Doerre Achim , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: May 2022

Recent research points towards age- and gender-specific transmission of COVID-19 infections and their outcomes. The effect of gender, however, has been overlooked in past modelling approaches of COVID-19 infections. The aim of our study is to explore how gender-specific contact behavior affects gender-specific COVID-19 infections and deaths. We consider a compartment model to establish short-term forecasts of the COVID-19 epidemic over a time period of 75 days. Compartments are subdivided into different age groups and genders, and estimated contact patterns, based on previous studies, are incorporated to account for age- and gender-specific social behaviour. The model is fitted to real data and used for assessing the effect of hypothetical contact scenarios all starting at a daily level of 10 new infections per million population. On day 75 after the end of the lockdown, infection rates are highest among the young and working-age, but they also have increased among the old. Sex ratios reveal higher infection risks among women than men at working ages; the opposite holds true at old age. Death rates in all age groups are twice as high for men as for women. Small changes in contact rates at working and young ages have a considerable effect on infections and mortality at old age, with elderly men being always at higher risk of infection and mortality. Our results underline the high importance of the non-pharmaceutical mitigation measures (NPMM) in low-infection phases of the pandemic to prevent that an increase in contact rates leads to higher mortality among the elderly, even if easing measures take place among the young. At young and middle ages, women’s contribution to increasing infections is higher due to their higher number of contacts. Gender differences in contact rates may be one pathway that contributes to the spread of the disease and results in gender-specific infection rates and their mortality outcome. To further explore possible pathways, more data on contact behavior and COVID-19 transmission is needed, which includes gender- and socio-demographic information.
The research for PLTS normalization method based on minimum entropy change and its application in MAGDM problem
Authors: Wu Shouwen , Chen Xianfeng
Published: May 2022

In the problem of multiple attributes group decision making (MAGDM), the probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) is an useful tool which can be more flexible and accurate to express the evaluation information of decision makers (DMs). However, due to the lack of time or knowledge, DMs tend to provide the evaluation information by incomplete PLTSs (InPLTSs) which contain missing information. The process to estimate the missing information of InPLTSs is essential, which is called the normalization of InPLTSs. By analyzing the previous methods, the existing defect is that the original uncertainty information of InPLTS can be hardly retained after normalizing. Moreover, the literature that considers the normalization method from perspective of entropy change is absent. Thus, to overcome the shortcoming and fill the research blank, we propose two optimization models based on minimum entropy change of InPLTSs, which can remain the original uncertainty information of InPLTSs to the greatest extent. Inspired by entropy measure of PLTSs, the novel concepts related to entropy measure of InPLTS are developed. In addition, based on the novel normalization method, a decision model is constructed to solve the MAGDM problem. To verify the feasibility and superiority of the proposed method and model, a case about the selection of five-star scenic spots is given and we conduct to have comparative analysis with other methods.
Owning Our Voices: Vocal Discovery in the Wolfsohn-Hart Tradition, Margaret Pikes and Patrick Campbell (2021)
Authors: Rome Amy
Published: May 2022

Review of: Owning Our Voices: Vocal Discovery in the Wolfsohn-Hart Tradition, Margaret Pikes and Patrick Campbell (2021)

New York: Routledge, 222 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-36713-322-1, p/bk, £34.99
Global asymptotic stability of a scalar delay Nicholson's blowflies equation in periodic environment
Authors: Ding Xiaodan
Published: May 2022

This paper is considered with a scalar delay Nicholson's blowflies equation in periodic environments. By taking advantage of some novel differential inequality techniques and the fluctuation lemma, we set up the sharp condition to characterize the global asymptotic stability of positive periodic solutions on the addressed equation. The obtained results improve and supplement some existing ones in recent literature, and then give a more perfect answer to an open problem proposed by Berezansky et al. in [Appl. Math. Model. 34(2010) 1405–1417]. In particular, two numerical examples are provided to verify the reliability and feasibility of the theoretical findings.
Anthropometric Study of Nasal Index Among the Youth of Madheshis Community of Nepal
Authors: Sah Surendra Kumar , Tamang Man Kumar , Chaudhary Deepak , Shah Amit Kumar
Published: May 2022

Introduction
The nose is one of the important component of the face which is considered as the major clue for the ethnic origin. The proportion of the nose is determined on the same principal as that of the skull.The external nose extends the nasal cavities onto the front of the face and positions the nares so that they point downwards. The shape of the nose is pyramidal with its apex anterior in position. The upper angle of the nose between the openings of the orbits is continuous with the forehead.

Materials and Methods
This study was carried out among residents of Ramnagar Gaupalika-7, Sarlahi,Nepal, one of the core region of Madhesh Nepal dated Jan 2021 to April 2021.The cohort consists of independent adults of age group 17-45 and consenting adults from the metropolis. Ethical approval was sought prior to conducting the study from the supervising ethical committee of the Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. Written consents were taken from the subjects for the recruitment in the study.

Results
The present study involved 100 subjects of equal males and females subjects of age groups 17-45 years from Madheshis community of Nepal. The table 1, table 2, table 3 below shows the values obtained for different parameters for males and females. The mean value of nasal height for male and female is 52.59±1.89 and 50.27±2.16 mm and the nasal width for male and female is 37.64±1.72mm and 35.42±2.04mm and the value of mean nasal index for both the sexes are 71.59±2.31and 70.58±3.04 respectively. The dominant type of the nasal morphology in both the sexes are the mesorrhine type and the leptorrhine type as well.

Conclusion
The human nose is a dominant feature in facial region which differs in anatomy and morphology among racial groups and of the most characteristic differences during the analysis of ethnic and racial differences. The dominant type of the nasal index is the mesorrhine type in both the male and female of the Madheshis community. Hence the data obtained here will be useful for the differentiation of different ethnic groups of Nepal as well as in the field of forensic science and rhinoplastic surgery.
Las finanzas del henequén (1902-1938). Dos modelos de banca y dos oportunidades pérdidas
Authors: Anaya Merchant Luis
Published: May 2022

El ensayo analiza dos modelos de financiamiento aplicados al cultivo del henequén, explorando la sucesión de problemas ‘técnicos’, de mercado y políticos que hicieron declinar al llamado “oro verde”. Los ciclos que se estudian en el periodo 1902-1938 son significativos pues implican modelos divergentes de financiación (uno privado y otro de orientación social), además el período registra la transición entre dos regímenes de propiedad y de organización productiva; lo que en conjunto permite una comparación pertinente. La disolución del régimen porfiriano por “la” revolución no desarticuló la hacienda yucateca ni las organizaciones que producían y controlaban la fibra. En el Porfiriato, el henequén fue un buen negocio para pocos; en la revolución, con movimientos bruscos de demanda y precio, continuó el interés por controlar su producción, dada su importancia para los ingresos federales y estatales. En la perspectiva de incrementar su eficiencia los revolucionarios emplearon la “acción social bancaria” justificándola en el deseo de transformar socialmente la península yucateca.
Impacto del comercio alemán en la economía regional marabina (1870-1900)
Authors: Cardozo Galué Germán
Published: May 2022

En este artículo se aborda el impacto del comercio alemán en la economía regional marabina, caracterizada tradicionalmente por la agroexportación. Consumada la Independencia y creada la República de 1830, las economías regionales venezolanas continuaron con la actividad agroexportadora estimulada por la creciente demanda mundial de café en los circuitos agroexportadoras de La Guaira, Maracaibo y Puerto Cabello. La demanda cafetalera dio inicio a una etapa de franca expansión y consolidación de la Venezuela agroexportadora a la Venezuela que se sumó a la explotación industrial petrolera a inicios del siglo XX. A lo largo de este ensayo se desarrolla el impacto generado por la importancia del encuentro generacional del tradicional desarrollo agrícola en la región marabina y el nuevo impulso que cobró la actividad mercantil hacia los mercados europeos y norteamericanos. Metodológicamente abordaremos el tema en base a las fuentes consultadas en los archivos bibliográficos y documentales nacionales y extranjeros.
Optimization of mechanical wear resistance for recycled (Al-Mg-Si) reinforced SiC composite material using PM method
Authors: Omran Salman Hussien , Al-Masoudy Murtadha M. , Hassoon Omar H. , Fayad Mohammed A.
Published: May 2022

Recently, the increasing demand for advanced materials around the world led to search on require and optimal materials characteristics. An alloy (Al-Mg-Si) named hindalium was used in this study which made from aluminum recycling (aluminums sandwich panel plates). In addition, powder technology was applied to investigate the effect of adding silicon carbide (SiC) particles on the composite properties that enter in fabricate of disc brake rotors. The main reason to use this technology is a single material cannot meet the demands of an extreme engineering setting that encourage towards necessitating the use of composites. Metal matrix composites are a type of material that has a lot of potential for components and structural applications that require a lot of unique modulus, strength, and durability as well as in the same time being light in weight. The composites materials of metal base with good properties are becoming now widely used in several industrial sectors due to their high mechanical properties and resistant to wear. Al-Mg-Si alloys are a common material category because of their inherent hardness, and corrosion resistance. The properties of hardness, wear rate, and microstructure are the physical and mechanical tests were performing in this study. It is indicated that the modeling with using a Genetic Algorithm is the best solution to choose the samples that have been prepared. According to the results, it was observed that the hardness increased by 14% at 15%SiC content and the wear rate decreased by 17% as comparing with the base alloy used in this study.
Das katholische Konzept von Synodalität
Authors: Bräuer Martin
Published: May 2022

Zunächst wird die katholische Synodalität historisch betrachtet und versucht, die Entwicklungslinien bis heute nachzuzeichnen. In einem weiteren Schritt werden die aktuell gültigen kirchenrechtlichen Bestimmungen und dazu alternative Formen angeschaut. Ein eigener Blick wird auf den Synodalen Weg in Deutschland geworfen und schließlich wird die Diskussion über Synodalität unter dem gegenwärtigen Papst dargestellt und analysiert. Dabei wird auch die aktuell bis 2023 terminierte „Synode für die ganze Kirche“ in den Blick genommen.
Synodalität im Zwiespalt
Authors: Heller Dagmar
Published: May 2022

Nicht erst im Zusammenhang der Gründung der Orthodoxen Kirche der Ukraine (OKU) 2018 und den Reaktionen darauf wurde deutlich, dass von Einigkeit in der Orthodoxie über die nähere Bestimmung von Synodalität und insbesondere der Rolle des Ehrenprimats des Ökumenischen Patriarchen in deren Rahmen keine Rede sein kann. Dieser Artikel stellt die aktuelle Diskussion in der Orthodoxen Kirche zu diesem Thema dar und versucht auf dem Hintergrund verschiedener Äußerungen orthodoxer Theologen zum grundsätzlichen Verständnis von Synodalität eine Perspektive anzudeuten, um aus der Sackgasse herauszukommen.
Synodalität in der alt-katholischen Kirche
Authors: Krebs Andreas
Published: May 2022

Die alt-katholische Kirche, hervorgegangen aus dem Protest gegen das Erste Vatikanische Konzil, hat sich eine bischöflich-synodale Kirchenordnung gegeben, in der synodale Strukturen faktisch überwiegen. Doch wurden über das Gewicht der bischöflichen Autorität auch Auseinandersetzungen geführt. Darüber hinaus zeigt die alt-katholische Erfahrung, dass eine dezentral und synodal verfasste Kirche ihrerseits alles andere als „unfehlbar“ ist. Gefordert ist deshalb ein nicht nur formaler, sondern theologisch gefüllter Begriff von Synodalität.
Konsensmethode und Konsensverfahren im Ökumenischen Rat der Kirchen
Authors: Robra Martin
Published: May 2022

Dieser Artikel schaut zurück auf das Jahr 1998, als im ÖRK der Prozess des Übergangs von der parlamentarischen Entscheidungsfindungsmethode durch Mehrheitsabstimmungen zu einem Konsensverfahren mit der Forderung nach einem radikalen Wandel in der Struktur und den Abläufen des ÖRK durch ein Treffen von Vertretern orthodoxer Mitgliedskirchen im April 1998 begann. Es wird oft erzählt, wie die „Sonderkommission zur orthodoxen Mitarbeit im ÖRK“, die im selben Jahr vom Exekutivausschuss des ÖRK initiiert worden war, das Konsensverfahren auszuarbeiten begann und dem ÖRK Zentralausschuss 2002 einen Vorschlag vorlegte. Weniger bekannt ist, dass Unzufriedenheit mit der Entscheidungsfindungsmethode durch Mehrheitsabstimmung schon seit längerer Zeit geäußert worden war im Hinblick auf den Charakter des ÖRK als eine Gemeinschaft von Kirchen und auf die Verschiedenheit von Kulturen und Traditionen seiner Mitgliedskirchen. Der Artikel beschreibt dann wie 2005/2006 die „Verfassung des ÖRK“ geändert wurde und wie seither das Konsensverfahren von den leitenden Gremien des ÖR praktiziert wird. Er endet mit einigen Beobachtungen im Hinblick auf die gegenwärtigen Herausforderungen.
From newborn screening to genomic medicine: challenges and suggestions on how to incorporate genomic newborn screening in public health programs
Authors: Dikow Nicola , Ditzen Beate , Kölker Stefan , Hoffmann Georg F. , Schaaf Christian P.
Published: May 2022

Newborn screening (NBS) programs are considered among the most effective and efficient measures of secondary prevention in medicine. In individuals with medical conditions, genomic sequencing has become available in routine healthcare, and results from exome or genome sequencing may help to guide treatment decisions. Genomic sequencing in healthy or asymptomatic newborns (gNBS) is feasible and reveals clinically relevant disorders that are not detectable by biochemical analyses alone. However, the implementation of genomic sequencing in population-based screening programs comes with technological, clinical, ethical, and psychological issues, as well as economic and legal topics. Here, we address and discuss the most important questions to be considered when implementing gNBS, such as “which categories of results should be reported” or “which is the best time to return results”. We also offer ideas on how to balance expected benefits against possible harms to children and their families.
A brief review of nanoparticles-doped PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite for OLED and OPV
Authors: Ong Guang Liang , Ong Teng Sian , Yap Seong Ling , Liaw Der-Jang , Tou Teck Yong , Yap Seong Shan , Nee Chen Hon
Published: May 2022

In recent years, several strategies have been proposed and demonstrated to enhance the efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs). In both types of devices, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is commonly used to enhance hole injection. The layer is further designed by incorporating metallic-based, carbon-based, organic, inorganic, and hybrid nanoparticles with the aim of improving the performance and hence the efficiency through the improvement of light out-coupling in OLEDs and enhancement in light absorption generation of hole-charge carriers in OPVs. This review elucidates the use of different types of nanoparticles that are doped into PEDOT:PSS and their effects on OLEDs or OPVs. The effects include surface plasmon resonance (SPR), scattering, better charge transport, improvement in surface morphology and electrical properties of PEDOT:PSS. Promising results have been obtained and can potentially lead to low cost, large-area manufacturing process.
Equal Quality for Online and Lab Data: A Direct Comparison from Two Dual-Task Paradigms
Authors: Sauter Marian , Stefani Maximilian , Mack Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

Conducting behavioral experiments online has become more prevalent recently. Still, there is reluctance to embrace the possibilities this technology has to offer. So far, only simple tasks have been replicated in an online setting. In order to investigate whether collecting online also leads to high quality data in demanding tasks, we directly compared data collected in the lab with data collected online from a demanding dual-task paradigm and a psychological refractory period paradigm. In Experiment 1, we recruited from local pools, online and offline; in Experiment 2, we collected lab data from our local pool and online data from a remote commercial participant platform. We found that all relevant effects were replicated in the lab and online settings; effect sizes were similar. Additionally, most response time distributions were even statistically equivalent when comparing online and lab data. Thus, online effect sizes and variances can be comparable to lab-based data. Online studies are time-efficient and recruiting an online sample instead or on top of a laboratory sample should be considered for basic behavioral research. This can serve an important role in the generalizability and replicability of findings in the cognitive and behavioral sciences.
Influence of form deviations on the radius and roundness measurement of micro spheres
Authors: Oertel Erik , Manske Eberhard
Published: May 2022

Micro and nano coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) require small and well characterized micro spheres as probing elements. However, established strategies and instruments have mostly been designed for and applied to the characterization of larger spheres in the range of millimetres or above. That is why we have recently focused our attention towards a novel strategy which is based on a set of atomic force microscope (AFM) surface scans in conjunction with a stitching algorithm. Initial experimental results are promising, but point to several influences which require further attention.

We have, therefore, begun to model the measurement strategy and applied it on simulated spheres, in order to investigate and reduce some of these influences. The model is currently limited to effects which are related to the radius and form of the sphere. Other influences, like the AFM tip, are being ignored. In this paper, we introduce the essential parts of this model and apply it on spheres of different mean radii (60 µm, 100 µm and 150 µm) and of different qualities (Grade 3 and Grade 5). The investigations illustrate that the measurement object can have a significant influence on the measurement result and needs to be considered.
Architectures of the commons: collaborative spaces and innovation
Authors: Cohendet Patrick
Published: May 2022

The present article aims at analyzing the dynamics of innovation that emerges and develops in some iconic collaborative spaces that are epicenters of a technological or artistic revolution. The study focuses on three cases (the Homebrew Computer Club, the TransMedTech institute, and the elBulli restaurant). The results highlight some important common traits between these collaborative spaces, namely: The dynamics of innovation in these spaces is orchestrated by bottom-up initiatives carried out by informal groups of passionate individuals (called the “commoners” in the contribution) who articulate a series of “innovation commons” to develop their collaborative innovative project. Based on our observations, the dynamics of innovation in the collaborative spaces results from the following sequence of commons: 1) social relationship commons, 2) symbolic commons, and 3) innovation commons. Each of these commons corresponds to a collective action governance mechanism over a specific common pool resource which is a key determinant of the innovative project.
Photoluminescence properties of Eu3+ doped CaSr(WO4)2 phosphor by Li+ charge compensation
Authors: Zhuang Jinghao , Feng Wenlin , Zhou Bo , Zhang Qili , Liu Chong , Gong Yao
Published: May 2022

A series of CaSr(WO4)2: Eu3+ and CaSr(WO4)2: Eu3+, Li+ phosphors with different Eu3+ or Eu3+/Li+ molar contents were successfully synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction. Through a series of characterization methods, the composition, structure and luminescence characteristics of the sample are obtained. Upon excitation at 393 nm, the strong red light corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ can be observed. The effect of Li+ charge compensation on the photoluminescence of the sample is studied. The strongest red emission is obtained through 1% Eu3+ and 1% Li+ doping. All of the results indicate that Li+ charge compensation can effectively enhance the red emissions intensity of Eu3+-doped CaSr(WO4)2 phosphors.
Die Grundstrukturen sprachlicher Ambiguität
Authors: Winkler Susanne
Published: May 2022

Dieser Aufsatz untersucht die Grundstrukturen sprachlicher Ambiguität. Drei Fragen bestimmen den Gang der Diskussion: i. Was ist Ambiguität und wie kann man das Ambiguitätsparadox erklären? ii. Wie kann man Ambiguität beschreiben? iii. Wie kommt Ambiguität im Sprachgeschehen zum Einsatz? Die erste Frage zeigt das übergreifende Forschungsinteresse auf, wie Kommunikation trotz sprachlicher Ambiguität funktionieren kann. Die zweite Frage untersucht sprachliche Ambiguität, die in allen Einheiten des Sprachsystems zu finden ist. Sie reicht von minimalen Einheiten über den Satz bis hin zu Texten. Der Fokus liegt auf dem Erkennen und Klassifizieren von Ambiguität sowie auf dem Erlernen der Paraphrasetechnik. Zur Beantwortung der dritten Frage werden Faktoren der Disambiguierung, wie die Prosodie und Common Ground, diskutiert. Abschließend werden Ambiguierungsstrategien im politischen Diskurs analysiert. Das Ziel besteht darin, ambige sprachliche Strukturen zu erkennen und diese Fähigkeiten auf andere Texttypen zu übertragen.
Ambiges wird schnell übersehen – ein Plädoyer für einen Lehr-Lern-Ansatz beim „automatischen“ Denken in Stereotypen
Authors: Meyer Karlo
Published: May 2022

Der Artikel nimmt den kognitionswissenschaftlichen Ansatz der Dualen Prozesstheorie nach Daniel Kahneman auf und plädiert in Lernprozessen für eine stärkere Berücksichtigung von „automatischem“ Denken, das unseren alltäglichen Gedankenfluss maßgeblich bestimmt und bei Unklarem und Mehrdeutigem in der Regel rasch Eindeutigkeit herstellt. Neben reflektiven Klärungen sollte auch diese Ebene kognitiver Prozesse beim Umgang mit ambigen Phänomenen im Religionsunterricht berücksichtigt werden. Dazu werden exemplarisch Beispiele aus dem interreligiösen Lernen angeführt.
Kognitive Aktivierung im Evangelischen Religionsunterricht. Anmerkungen zu einem Qualitätsaspekt von Unterricht und der Entwicklung eines fachspezifischen Unterrichtsfeedbackbogens für die Evangelische Religionslehre
Authors: Hermann Stefan
Published: May 2022

Vor dem Hintergrund der Diskussion um die Qualität des Unterrichts und der Unterscheidung zwischen Sicht- und Tiefenstrukturen wird die Relevanz kognitiver Aktivierung für die fachspezifische Qualität des Evangelischen Religionsunterrichts und dessen Einbettung im Fächerkanon der Schule beleuchtet. In Anknüpfung an bisherige Forschungen und die Entwicklung erster fachübergreifender und fachspezifischer Unterrichtsfeedbackbögen wird ein Fragen- bzw. Indikatorenkatalog für Aspekte kognitiver Aktivierung im Evangelischen Religionsunterricht skizziert.
Geeking and Freaking
Authors: Finamore Adrianna
Published: May 2022

This article explores the intersection of race, class, and gender to demonstrate how inner-city, crack-addicted black women, in particular mothers, were seen by the American public as the antithesis of the “traditional conservative family values” that emerged politically in the 1980s. Black women addicted to crack cocaine in the 1980s and 1990s were objects of public contempt, largely due to negative media portrayals and the political agenda of the religious New Right. As a result, they faced harsh criticism and systemic mistreatment. Through an examination of a variety of media outlets, legislation, and political agendas, as well as scholarship from fields such as public health, sociology, and criminology, this work orients the mistreatment of crack-addicted women within the greater historical context of both the backlash against women’s rights and the desire to cling to conservative family values established in postwar America.
Premature menopause and autoimmune primary ovarian insufficiency in two international multi-center cohorts
Authors: Vogt Elinor Chelsom , Real Francisco Gómez , Husebye Eystein Sverre , Björnsdottir Sigridur , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Bertelsen Randi Jacobsen , Demoly Pascal , Franklin Karl Anders , de Aja Gallastegui Leire Sainz , González Francisco Javier Callejas , Heinrich Joachim , Holm Mathias , Jogi Nils Oscar , Leynaert Benedicte , Lindberg Eva , Malinovschi Andrei , Martínez-Moratalla Jesús , Mayoral Raúl Godoy , Oudin Anna , Pereira-Vega Antonio , Semjen Chantal Raherison , Schlünssen Vivi , Triebner Kai , Øksnes Marianne
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate markers of premature menopause (<40 years) and specifically the prevalence of autoimmune primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in European women.

Design

Postmenopausal women were categorized according to age at menopause and self-reported reason for menopause in a cross-sectional analysis of 6870 women.

Methods

Variables associated with the timing of menopause and hormone measurements of 17β-estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone were explored using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Specific immunoprecipitating assays of steroidogenic autoantibodies against 21-hydroxylase (21-OH), side-chain cleavage enzyme (anti-SCC) and 17alpha-hydroxylase (17 OH), as well as NACHT leucine-rich-repeat protein 5 were used to identify women with likely autoimmune POI.

Results

Premature menopause was identified in 2.8% of women, and these women had higher frequencies of nulliparity (37.4% vs 19.7%), obesity (28.7% vs 21.4%), osteoporosis (17.1% vs 11.6%), hormone replacement therapy (59.1% vs 36.9%) and never smokers (60.1% vs 50.9%) (P < 0.05), compared to women with menopause ≥40 years. Iatrogenic causes were found in 91 (47%) and non-ovarian causes in 27 (14%) women, while 77 (39%) women were classified as POI of unknown cause, resulting in a 1.1% prevalence of idiopathic POI. After adjustments nulliparity was the only variable significantly associated with POI (odds ratio 2.46; 95% CI 1.63–3.42). Based on the presence of autoantibodies against 21 OH and SCC, 4.5% of POI cases were of likely autoimmune origin.

Conclusion

Idiopathic POI affects 1.1% of all women and almost half of the women with premature menopause. Autoimmunity explains 4.5% of these cases judged by positive steroidogenic autoantibodies.
SGA-born adults with postnatal catch-up have a persistently unfavourable metabolic health profile and increased adiposity at age 32 years
Authors: Goedegebuure Wesley Jim , Van der Steen Manouk , Smeets Carolina Catharina Johanna , Kerkhof Gerthe Femke , Hokken-Koelega Anita Charlotte Suzanne
Published: May 2022

Background

Catch-up in weight-for-length in the first year of life results in more insulin resistance, an adverse lipid profile and more fat mass (FM) in 21-year-old adults born small for gestational age (SGA-CU) compared to peers born SGA without catch-up and those born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). The aim of present study was to investigate if the adverse metabolic health profile in the SGA-CU group would worsen or remain stable over the years and to determine the cardiometabolic health at 32 years between the SGA and AGA groups.

Methods

We longitudinally investigated 287 adults, 170 SGA with catch-up growth (SGA-CU) or persistent short stature (SGA-S) and 117 AGA at ages 21 and 32 years. Insulin sensitivity (Si) and β-cell function were measured by frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and abdominal adipose tissue and liver fat fraction by MRI scan. Also, fasting serum lipid levels and blood pressure were measured.

Results

At age 32 years, SGA-CU had lower Si than AGA (P  = 0.030), while SGA-S had similar Si than AGA. FM and trunk fat were higher in SGA-CU than AGA (P  = 0.033, P  = 0.024, respectively), while SGA-S had lower lean body mass than SGA-CU and AGA (P  = 0.001 and P  < 0.001, respectively). SGA-CU had significantly higher levels of adverse lipids than AGA. Beta-cell function, visceral fat, liver fat fraction and blood pressure were similar in all groups. Metabolic health parameters in SGA-CU and SGA-S did not worsen compared to AGA during 11 years of follow-up. Gain in weight SDS from birth to age 32 years was associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome at age 32 years.

Conclusion

At age 32 years, SGA-CU adults had insulin resistance, higher FM with central adiposity and an adverse lipid profile. Postnatal catch-up growth increases the cardiometabolic risk; therefore, accelerated gain in weight should be prevented in SGA-born children.
Single-cell RNA sequencing in silent corticotroph tumors confirms impaired POMC processing and provides new insights into their invasive behavior
Authors: Zhang Dongyun , Hugo Willy , Bergsneider Marvin , Wang Marilene B , Kim Won , Vinters Harry V , Heaney Anthony P
Published: May 2022

Objective

Provide insights into the defective POMC processing and invasive behavior in silent pituitary corticotroph tumors.

Design and methods

Single-cell RNAseq was used to compare the cellular makeup and transcriptome of silent and active corticotroph tumors.

Results

A series of transcripts related to hormone processing peptidases and genes involved in the structural organization of secretory vesicles were reduced in silent compared to active corticotroph tumors. Most relevant to their invasive behavior, silent corticotroph tumors exhibited several features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, with increased expression of mesenchymal genes along with the loss of transcripts that regulate hormonal biogenesis and secretion. Silent corticotroph tumor vascular smooth muscle cell and pericyte stromal cell populations also exhibited plasticity in their mesenchymal features.

Conclusions

Our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of impaired POMC processing and invasion in silent corticotroph tumors and suggest that a common transcriptional reprogramming mechanism simultaneously impairs POMC processing and activates tumor invasion.
Thyroid function tests, incongruent internally and with thyroid status, both in a pregnant woman and in her newborn daughter
Authors: D’Aurizio Federica , Biasotto Alessia , Cipri Claudia , Grimaldi Franco , Zucco Jessica , Marzinotto Stefania , Curcio Francesco , Benvenga Salvatore
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Thyroid function tests (TFT) are extensively used in daily clinical practice. Here, we described a case of incongruent TFT both in a pregnant woman and in her newborn.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old woman, diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis during her first pregnancy, was monitored during her second gestation. At week 5 + 2 days, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) values (Dimension VISTA 1500, Siemens Healthineers) were within normal limits. At week 19 + 5 days, TSH remained normal while FT4 increased approximately by three-fold. FT4 inconsistency was with both TSH and the clinical status since she continued to be clinically euthyroid. On the same serum sample, thyroid autoantibodies were negative. At week 25 + 4 days, the patient complained of palpitations and dyspnea, with tachycardia. Even though TSH was normal, high levels of both FT4 and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were interpreted as evidence of thyroid overactivity and methimazole was started. TFT of the pregnant woman continued to be monitored throughout gestation. Postpartum FT4 and FT3 gradually returned to normal. TFT, performed on the daughter’s serum, 3 days after birth, showed the same inconsistency as her mother but without clinical signs of congenital hyperthyroidism. Based on the clinical and laboratory setting, the presence of circulating autoantibodies against T3 and T4 (THAb) was suspected and demonstrated by radioimmunoprecipitation.

Conclusion

Analytical interferences should be supposed when TFT do not fit with the clinical picture and despite their infrequency, THAb must also be considered. To our knowledge, this is the first case describing the passage of THAb to the newborn.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic features in detecting thyroid cancer in the transition age: a meta-analysis
Authors: Cozzolino Alessia , Filardi Tiziana , Simonelli Ilaria , Grani Giorgio , Virili Camilla , Stramazzo Ilaria , Santaguida Maria Giulia , Locantore Pietro , Maurici Massimo , Gianfrilli Daniele , Isidori Andrea M , Durante Cosimo , Pozza Carlotta , _ _
Published: May 2022

Context

Significant uncertainty exists about the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic (US) features used to predict the risk of thyroid cancer in the pediatric population. Moreover, there are no specific indications for thyroid nodule evaluation in patients during the transition age.

Objective

The meta-analysis aimed to address the following question: which thyroid nodule US features have the highest accuracy in predicting malignancy in the transition age.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of observational/cohort/diagnostic accuracy studies dealing with thyroid nodule sonography, reporting US features, and using histology as a reference standard for the diagnosis of malignancy and histology or cytology for the diagnosis of benignity in the transition age (mean/median age 12–21 years).

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 14 studies, published between 2005 and 2020, including 1306 thyroid nodules (mean size 17.9 mm) from 1168 subjects. The frequency of thyroid cancer was 36.6%. The US features with the highest diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for malignancy were the presence of suspicious lymph nodes (DOR: 56.0 (95% CI: 26.0–119.0)), a ‘taller than wide’ shape of the nodule (6.0 (95% CI: 2.0–16.0)), the presence of microcalcifications (13.0 (95% CI: 6.0–29.0)) and irregular margins (9.0 (95% CI: 5.0–17.0)). Heterogeneity among the studies was substantial.

Conclusions

Following the diagnosis of a thyroid nodule in the transition age, a thorough US examination of the neck is warranted. The detection of suspicious lymph nodes and/or thyroid nodules with a ‘taller than wide’ shape, microcalcifications, and irregular margins is associated with the highest risk of malignancy in the selection of nodules candidates for biopsy.
Reviewing the physiological roles of the novel hormone-receptor pair INSL5-RXFP4: a protective energy sensor?
Authors: Hechter Drake , Vahkal Brett , Tiede Tiana , Good Sara V.
Published: May 2022

There is no common consensus for the physiological role of insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) and its cognate receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 4 (RXFP4). The experimental data for INSL5-RXFP4 expression and function point to a potential role of the peptide hormone and receptor pair in linking energy availability, homeostasis and inflammation. In this review, we summarize studies on the INSL5-RXFP4 system and propose that the current findings from diverse experimental settings point broadly to a role as a protective energy sensor (PES). Specifically, we review the evidence that (1) INSL5-RXFP4 could regulate immune response by decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and may be involved in the stress response via the HPA axis; (2) INSL5-RXFP4 may signal through sensory neurons on the vagus nerve, transmitting signals to the central nervous system; and (3) INSL5-RXFP4 could have local autocrine/paracrine roles within the intestinal tract and immune cells. Further investigation and clarification of these proposed roles of INSL5-RXFP4 may prove a greater physiological relevance for the pair and add to existing evidence of INSL5-RXFP4 role as a PES.