bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress of Covalent Organic Frameworks‐Based Materials in Photocatalytic Applications: A Review
Authors: Qi Shi‐peng , Guo Rui‐tang , Bi Zhe‐xu , Zhang Zhen‐rui , Li Chu‐fan , Pan Wei‐guo
Published: August 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are one type of porous organic materials linked by covalent bonds. COFs materials exhibit many outstanding characteristics such as high porosity, high chemical and thermal stability, large specific surface area, efficient electron transfer efficiency, and the ability for predesigned structures. These exceptional advantages enable COFs materials to exhibit remarkable performance in photocatalysis. Additionally, the activity of COFs materials as photocatalysts can be significantly upgraded by ion doping and the formation of heterojunctions. This paper summarizes the latest research progress on COF‐based materials applied in photocatalytic systems. Initially, typical structures and preparation methods of COFs are analyzed and compared. Moreover, the essential principles of photocatalytic reactions over COFs‐based materials and the latest research developments in photocatalytic hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, pollutants elimination, organic transformation, and overall water splitting are indicated. At last, the outlook and challenges of COF‐based materials in photocatalysis are discussed. This review is intended to permit instructive guidance for the efficient use of photocatalysis based on COFs in the future.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives‐Based Nanostructure with Different Dimensionalities for Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Aitang , Zhang Quan , Fu Hucheng , Zong Hanwen , Guo Hanwen
Published: August 2023

With the urgent demand for the achievement of carbon neutrality, novel nanomaterials, and environmentally friendly nanotechnologies are constantly being explored and continue to drive the sustainable development of energy storage and conversion installations. Among various candidate materials, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives with unique nanostructures have attracted increasing attention and intensive investigation for the construction of next generation electrode materials, benefitting from their unique intrinsic characteristics such as large specific surface area, high porosity, and chemical tunability as well as the interconnected channels. Nevertheless, the poor electrochemical conductivity severely limits their application prospects, hence a variety of nanocomposites with multifarious structures have been designed and proposed from different dimensionalities. In this review, recent advances based on MOFs and their derivatives in different dimensionalities ranging from 1D nanopowders to 2D nanofilms and 3D aerogels, as well as 4D self‐supporting electrodes for supercapacitors are summarized and highlighted. Furthermore, the key challenges and perspectives of MOFs and their derivatives‐based materials for the practical and sustainable electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications are also briefly discussed, which may be served as a guideline for the design of next‐generation electrode materials from different dimensionalities.
Inequalities in Neo-mutualistic Professional Organisations: The Boundary Work of Creative Workers in Italy
Authors: Lucciarini Silvia , Pulignano Valeria
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, we discuss how multi-professional organisations, such as mutual aid cooperatives of creative workers, operate as agents of differentiation within and between professions. Analysing the actions of individuals and organisations and how they influence each other is key to understanding their implications in terms of differentiation ‘within’ and ‘between’ professions, in the dual sense of a growing division of labour, and also rising inequalities amongst workers operating in the same occupational ecosystem but in different professional fields. Drawing on Lamont and Molnar’s concept of ‘boundary work’ that is already used in the sociology of professions, we seek to uncover and explain the relational dynamics that characterise the ‘professional closure regimes’ set up in creative industries as a result of the activities of cooperatives of creative workers and of the workers themselves.

Our work is grounded in a case study of an Italy-based creative workers’ cooperative employing approximately 8000 workers with different professional profiles; in the analysis, these are photographers, video makers, and lighting and sound technicians.
WKB analysis of the linear problem for modified affine Toda field equations
Authors: Ito Katsushi , Zhu Mingshuo
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We study the WKB analysis of the solutions to the linear problem for a modified affine Toda field equation, which is equivalent to the higher-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) studied in the ODE/IM correspondence. After gauge transformation, we diagonalize the flat connection of the linear problem to reduce the latter to a set of independent first-order linear differential equations. We explicitly perform this procedure for classical affine Lie algebras with lower ranks. In particular, we study the WKB solutions of the $$ {D}_r^{(1)} $$

D
r

1

- and $$ {D}_{r+1}^{(2)} $$

D

r
+
1

2

-type linear problems, which correspond to the higher-order ODEs with the pseudo-differential operator. The diagonalized connection is obtained from the Riccati equations of the adjoint linear problem and related to the conserved currents of the integrable hierarchy constructed by Drinfeld and Sokolov up to total derivatives.
SERCA2 regulates proinsulin processing and processing enzyme maturation in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Iida Hitoshi , Kono Tatsuyoshi , Lee Chih-Chun , Krishnan Preethi , Arvin Matthew C. , Weaver Staci A. , Jarvela Timothy S. , Branco Renato C. S. , McLaughlin Madeline R. , Bone Robert N. , Tong Xin , Arvan Peter , Lindberg Iris , Evans-Molina Carmella
Published: August 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Increased circulating levels of incompletely processed insulin (i.e. proinsulin) are observed clinically in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have suggested that Ca2+ signalling within beta cells regulates insulin processing and secretion; however, the mechanisms that link impaired Ca2+ signalling with defective insulin maturation remain incompletely understood.

Methods

We generated mice with beta cell-specific sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase-2 (SERCA2) deletion (βS2KO mice) and used an INS-1 cell line model of SERCA2 deficiency. Whole-body metabolic phenotyping, Ca2+ imaging, RNA-seq and protein processing assays were used to determine how loss of SERCA2 impacts beta cell function. To test key findings in human model systems, cadaveric islets were treated with diabetogenic stressors and prohormone convertase expression patterns were characterised.

Results

βS2KO mice exhibited age-dependent glucose intolerance and increased plasma and pancreatic levels of proinsulin, while endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ levels and glucose-stimulated Ca2+ synchronicity were reduced in βS2KO islets. Islets isolated from βS2KO mice and SERCA2-deficient INS-1 cells showed decreased expression of the active forms of the proinsulin processing enzymes PC1/3 and PC2. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining revealed mis-location and abnormal accumulation of proinsulin and proPC2 in the intermediate region between the ER and the Golgi (i.e. the ERGIC) and in the cis-Golgi in beta cells of βS2KO mice. Treatment of islets from human donors without diabetes with high glucose and palmitate concentrations led to reduced expression of the active forms of the proinsulin processing enzymes, thus phenocopying the findings observed in βS2KO islets and SERCA2-deficient INS-1 cells. Similar findings were observed in wild-type mouse islets treated with brefeldin A, a compound that perturbs ER-to-Golgi trafficking.

Conclusions/interpretation

Taken together, these data highlight an important link between ER Ca2+ homeostasis and proinsulin processing in beta cells. Our findings suggest a model whereby chronic ER Ca2+ depletion due to SERCA2 deficiency impairs the spatial regulation of prohormone trafficking, processing and maturation within the secretory pathway.

Data availability

RNA-seq data have been deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; accession no.: GSE207498).

Graphical Abstract
The Dean–Kawasaki Equation and the Structure of Density Fluctuations in Systems of Diffusing Particles
Authors: Cornalba Federico , Fischer Julian
Published: August 2023

The Dean–Kawasaki equation—a strongly singular SPDE—is a basic equation of fluctuating hydrodynamics; it has been proposed in the physics literature to describe the fluctuations of the density of N independent diffusing particles in the regime of large particle numbers $$N\gg 1$$

N
≫
1

. The singular nature of the Dean–Kawasaki equation presents a substantial challenge for both its analysis and its rigorous mathematical justification. Besides being non-renormalisable by the theory of regularity structures by Hairer et al., it has recently been shown to not even admit nontrivial martingale solutions. In the present work, we give a rigorous and fully quantitative justification of the Dean–Kawasaki equation by considering the natural regularisation provided by standard numerical discretisations: We show that structure-preserving discretisations of the Dean–Kawasaki equation may approximate the density fluctuations of N non-interacting diffusing particles to arbitrary order in $$N^{-1}$$

N

-
1

(in suitable weak metrics). In other words, the Dean–Kawasaki equation may be interpreted as a “recipe” for accurate and efficient numerical simulations of the density fluctuations of independent diffusing particles.
Multi-vector optimization scheme for distributed components in energy islands
Authors: Gagin Stepan , Bettermann Michael , de Meer Hermann
Published: August 2023

Recent advancements in energy systems, such as the emergence of prosumers and sector coupling approaches, introduce additional flexibilities over multiple energy sectors, such as heating, electricity, and mobility. Due to the complexity of such distributed systems, the optimization of energy allocation is a non-trivial task, especially considering constraints and limitations introduced by distributed devices or sub-systems. Additionally, the variety of devices forces approaches to be highly situational and not universally applicable. In this paper, a two-level optimization scheme is proposed, which aims at reducing the optimization complexity of sector-coupled systems. The multi-vector optimization embedded in the two-level optimization scheme is formulated as a mixed-integer linear problem, optimizing the energy flow between domains, which are modeled as an abstraction of a sector. Distributed devices are modeled as components that represent an abstraction of devices connected to an energy domain. The optimization process is evaluated based on the data from a residential complex in Ghent, Belgium. It shows that the approach is capable of minimizing costs, $$\text{CO}_{2}$$

CO
2

emissions, and dependency on external resources.
Towards interoperable local energy communities in Austria
Authors: Eibl Günther , Kazmi Jawad , Langthaler Oliver , Schirl Maximilian , Wilker Stefan
Published: August 2023

To ensure continued reliable operation of the energy grid in the face of a rising number of local energy communities (LECs), they need to be integrated in a way that ensures that they do not negatively impact but rather support the overall system, e.g., by providing flexibility. Project ECOSINT aims at intelligent, digital integration of LECs to achieve this goal. Along with several other tasks, this includes the development of a suitable software architecture, which is currently in progress and has yielded a conceptual model as a first result. Among the numerous requirements regarding LECs and their software architecture which have been collected in the initial phase of the project, interoperability has been identified as a crucial factor for success. This is addressed by incorporating AIT’s virtual lab (VLab) framework, which is presented and demonstrated using the example of an electric vehicle (EV) charging scenario as part of the ECOSINT solution.
Robustness and sensitivity analyses of rough Volterra stochastic volatility models
Authors: Matas Jan , Pospíšil Jan
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we analyze the robustness and sensitivity of various continuous-time rough Volterra stochastic volatility models in relation to the process of market calibration. Model robustness is examined from two perspectives: the sensitivity of option price estimates and the sensitivity of parameter estimates to changes in the option data structure. The following sensitivity analysis consists of statistical tests to determine whether a given studied model is sensitive to changes in the option data structure based on the distribution of parameter estimates. Empirical study is performed on a data set consisting of Apple Inc. equity options traded on four different days in April and May 2015. In particular, the results for RFSV, rBergomi and $$\alpha $$
α
RFSV models are provided and compared to the results for Heston, Bates, and AFSVJD models.
Expected values for variable network games
Authors: Chakrabarti Subhadip , Gogoi Loyimee , Gilles Robert P. , Borkotokey Surajit , Kumar Rajnish
Published: August 2023

A network game assigns a level of collectively generated wealth to every network that can form on a given set of players. A variable network game combines a network game with a network formation probability distribution, describing certain restrictions on network formation. Expected levels of collectively generated wealth and expected individual payoffs can be formulated in this setting. We investigate properties of the resulting expected wealth levels as well as the expected variants of well-established network game values as allocation rules that assign to every variable network game a payoff to the players in a variable network game. We establish two axiomatizations of the Expected Myerson Value, originally formulated and proven on the class of communication situations, based on the well-established component balance, equal bargaining power and balanced contributions properties. Furthermore, we extend an established axiomatization of the Position Value based on the balanced link contribution property to the Expected Position Value.
Circulating microRNAs can predict chemotherapy-induced toxicities in patients being treated for primary breast cancer
Authors: Davey Matthew G. , Abbas Ray , Kerin Eoin P. , Casey Maire Caitlin , McGuire Andrew , Waldron Ronan M. , Heneghan Helen M. , Newell John , McDermott Ailbhe M. , Keane Maccon M. , Lowery Aoife J. , Miller Nicola , Kerin Michael J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Prescribing NAC for breast cancer is a pragmatic treatment strategy for several reasons; however, certain patients suffer chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Unfortunately, identifying patients at risk of toxicity often proves challenging. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules which modulate genetic expression. The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating miRNAs are sensitive biomarkers that can identify the patients likely to suffer treatment-related toxicities to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for primary breast cancer.

Methods

This secondary exploratory from the prospective, multicentre translational research trial (CTRIAL ICORG10/11–NCT01722851) recruited 101 patients treated with NAC for breast cancer, from eight treatment sites across Ireland. A predetermined five miRNAs panel was quantified using RQ-PCR from patient bloods at diagnosis. MiRNA expression was correlated with chemotherapy-induced toxicities. Regression analyses was performed using SPSS v26.0.

Results

One hundred and one patients with median age of 55 years were recruited (range: 25–76). The mean tumour size was 36 mm and 60.4% had nodal involvement (n = 61) Overall, 33.7% of patients developed peripheral neuropathies (n = 34), 28.7% developed neutropenia (n = 29), and 5.9% developed anaemia (n = 6). Reduced miR-195 predicted patients likely to develop neutropenia (P = 0.048), while increased miR-10b predicted those likely to develop anaemia (P = 0.049). Increased miR-145 predicted those experiencing nausea and vomiting (P = 0.019), while decreased miR-21 predicted the development of mucositis (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

This is the first study which illustrates the value of measuring circulatory miRNA to predict patient-specific toxicities to NAC. These results support the ideology that circulatory miRNAs are biomarkers with utility in predicting chemotherapy toxicity as well as treatment response.
Flood pulses and fish species coexistence in tropical rivers - a theoretical food web model
Authors: van der Sleen Peter , Rams Maartje
Published: August 2023

Freshwater fish diversity reaches its zenith in large tropical rivers. Although the origins of this diversity have been relatively well studied, the mechanisms that maintain high fish diversity in tropical rivers remain largely unknown. It has been hypothesized that the annual flood pulse, a perennial feature of many lowland rivers in the tropics, reduces competitive exclusion and consequently promotes species coexistence. During the high-water season, superabundant allochthonous resources and relatively low fish density may reduce intra- and interspecific competition. During the low-water season on the other hand, resource availability is low and predation pressure high, offsetting competitive differences between species and controlling fish population sizes. Here, we tested the potential role of these mechanisms for species coexistence using a food web model where fish species exhibit strong differences in competition strength and compete for finite resources. We simulated fish interactions when a regular flood pulse was either present or absent. We found that extinction rates in the simulations without an annual flood pulse were consistently higher when compared to those with a flood pulse, indicating more species could coexist when a regular annual flood pulse is present. If the flood pulse is a relevant mechanism for fish species coexistence, as our model results suggest, then flood pulse changes could result in species extinctions and lower fish diversity. Deforestation, climate change, and the construction of large hydropower dams are current drivers of hydrological change across the tropics, increasing the urgency to understand the role of natural flooding regimes for the maintenance of tropical freshwater fish diversity.
Stratification and temporal evolution of mixing regimes in diurnally heated river flows
Authors: Nguyen-Dang Cindy , Williamson Nicholas , Armfield Steven W. , Kirkpatrick Michael P. , Norris Stuart E.
Published: August 2023

Direct numerical simulations of stratified open channel flows subject to a varying surface heat flux are performed. The influence of the diurnal heating time on the spatial and temporal variation of mixing in the flow and the characteristics of the mean flow state are examined. The control parameters are the bulk stability parameter $$\lambda_{B}$$

λ
B

, defined through the ratio of the channel height $$\delta$$
δ
and a bulk Obukhov length scale $$\mathscr{L}_{B}$$

L
B

, and the diurnal time scale $$\hat{t}$$

t
^

, defined as the ratio of the heating time to an eddy turnover time. The Prandtl number Pr and Reynolds number $$Re_{\tau}$$

R

e
τ

have values of 1 and 400. Simulations are performed over $$\hat{t} = 1$$

t
^

=
1

to 24 and $$\lambda_{B} = 0.6$$

λ
B

=
0.6

to 26. Two key flow features are used to classify the flow regimes observed, namely the laminar layer depth (LLD) and stratified layer depth (SLD) where the LLD is defined as the depth from the free surface when the buoyancy Reynolds number $$Re_{B} \approx 7$$

R

e
B

≈
7

and the SLD is the depth from the free surface when the turbulent Froude number $$Fr \approx 1$$

F
r
≈
1

. This study attempts to characterise how these length scales vary across the diel cycle. The LLD is a viscous length scale and a regime map of a viscous parameter, the bulk Obhukov Reynolds number $$Re_\mathscr{L}$$

R

e
L

, and $$\hat{t}$$

t
^

is presented to classify the LLD behaviour. A regime map of $$\lambda _{B}$$

λ
B

and $$\hat{t}$$

t
^

is presented to classify the behaviour of the SLD. Three classifications for each layer depth behaviour within a diel cycle form the basis of the regime maps for this paper: a neutral flow where the LLD or SLD does not exist (denoted by NL and NS), a stratified flow where the LLD or SLD are diurnally varying (denoted as DL and DS) and a persistent layer of the LLD or SLD (denoted as PL and PS). The transition between the NL to DL is $$\hat{t} \propto Re_{\mathscr{L}}^{4.5}$$

t
^

∝
R

e

L

4.5

, DL to PL is $$\hat{t} \propto Re_{\mathscr{L}}^{- 0.5}$$

t
^

∝
R

e

L

-
0.5

, NS to DS is $$\hat{t} \propto \lambda _{B}^{0}$$

t
^

∝

λ

B

0

and DS to PS is $$\hat{t} \propto \lambda _{B}^{1}$$

t
^

∝

λ

B

1

. The regime maps may be used as a predictive tool to determine when suppressed mixing regimes occur in rivers. At each flow depth, the flow sweeps though a range of mixing states across the diel cycle. The local mixing efficiency are briefly assessed and found to scale well with the instantaneous $$Fr$$

Fr

 number according to the regimes proposed by Garanaik and Venayagamoorthy (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 867, 2019, pp. 323-333).
PGPR control Phytophthora capsici in tomato through induced systemic resistance, early hypersensitive response and direct antagonism in a cultivar-specific manner
Authors: Arkhipov Alexander , Carvalhais Lilia C. , Schenk Peer M.
Published: August 2023

Plant pathogens cause significant crop losses worldwide and present significant challenges to reliable food systems. The hemibiotroph Phytophthora capsici is ranked within the top 10 most problematic oomycete plant pathogens. P. capsici induces significant damage to plants by causing root rot, stem blight, and fruit rot, leading to decreased crop yields, economic losses, and increased plant susceptibility to secondary infections. The current study tested the hypothesis that plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), namely Bacillus velezensis UQ9000N and Pseudomonas azotoformans UQ4510An, have inhibitory effects against various fungi and oomycetes. This study also hypothesised that the plant genotype affects the capability of UQ4510An to control P. capsici infection. Our results revealed that B. velezensis UQ9000N and P. azotoformans UQ4510An inhibited the growth of several plant pathogens by 50% or higher. These bacteria also induced abnormal mycelial morphology of P. capsici and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Moreover, P. azotoformans UQ4510An exhibited anti-oomycete activity in vitro and in planta, by reducing symptoms of P. capsici infection in various tomato plant cultivars in a genotype-dependent manner. Some tomato cultivars which presented less improvements of phenotypic parameters from the UQ4510An inoculation in the absence of the pathogen had a more pronounced reduction in symptoms upon P. capsici infection. Furthermore, our results indicated that the main biocontrol mechanism of P. azotoformans UQ4510An against P. capsici is a combination of direct antagonism and induction of induced systemic resistance (ISR) involving a hypersensitive response (HR) in the plant host at early stages of infection.
Sustainable consumption behaviour among guests in luxury hotels through the lens of the extended theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Piramanayagam Senthilkumaran , Sen Samita , Seal Partho Pratim
Published: August 2023

This study aims to analyse the determinants of sustainable consumption behaviour (SCB) of guests in luxury hotels by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional approach to analyse the determinants of guests’ SCB. Data for the study were collected between November 2021 to January 2022 from 298 respondents using Google Forms. The result indicates that the SCB of guests at luxury hotels is predominantly influenced by the guest’s attitude towards sustainability. Other significant factors that determine the sustainable consumption behaviour of guests at luxury hotels are perceived cost, perceived benefit, and perceived behavioural control. The study also demonstrates the applicability of TPB and the need for its extension to understand individuals’ SCB from the perspective of perceived cost and benefit.
Effect of heat treatment temperature on the morphology and upconversion properties of LaF3:Yb,Er nanoparticles
Authors: Tegze Borbála , Tolnai Gyula , Hessz Dóra , Kubinyi Miklós , Madarász János , Sáfrán György , Hórvölgyi Zoltán
Published: August 2023

LaF3:5%Yb3+,0.5%Er3+ upconverting nanoparticles were synthesized with co-precipitation method and heat treated at temperatures 300–600 °C. The morphology of the particles was characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry and dynamic light scattering. Crystal structure was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal behaviour was investigated by simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). Upconversion behaviour was studied in detail by fluorescence spectroscopy, with 980 nm excitation. Particle sizes increased with increasing heat treatment temperature, and samples showed significant aggregation above 500 °C. Hexagonal LaF3 crystal structure was identified for all samples, with increased crystallinity after heat treatment at 400 °C, which was corroborated with TG/DTA results. XRD and energy-dispersive spectrometry results revealed that at higher temperatures new crystal phases formed, as some Yb3+ and Er3+ dopant ions segregated into new nanocrystals, made of, for example, YbOF and YbOOH, which caused a significant decrease in the upconversion emission of the samples. The highest upconversion emission was achieved after heat treatment at 400 °C.
Thromboxane prostanoid signaling in macrophages attenuates lymphedema and facilitates lymphangiogenesis in mice
Authors: Mishima Toshiaki , Hosono Kanako , Tanabe Mina , Ito Yoshiya , Majima Masataka , Narumiya Shuh , Miyaji Kagami , Amano Hideki
Published: August 2023

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that prostaglandin E2, an arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite, enhances lymphangiogenesis in response to inflammation. However, thromboxane A2 (TXA2), another AA metabolite, is not well known. Thus, this study aimed to determine the role of thromboxane prostanoid (TP) signaling in lymphangiogenesis in secondary lymphedema.

Methods and results

Lymphedema was induced by the ablation of lymphatic vessels in mouse tails. Compared with wild-type mice, tail lymphedema in Tp-deficient mice was enhanced, which was associated with suppressed lymphangiogenesis as indicated by decreased lymphatic vessel area and pro-lymphangiogenesis-stimulating factors. Numerous macrophages were found in the tail tissues of Tp-deficient mice. Furthermore, the deletion of TP in macrophages increased tail edema and decreased lymphangiogenesis and pro-lymphangiogenic cytokines, which was accompanied by increased numbers of macrophages and gene expression related to a pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype in tail tissues. In vivo microscopic studies revealed fluorescent dye leakage in the lymphatic vessels in the wounded tissues.

Conclusions

The results suggest that TP signaling in macrophages promotes lymphangiogenesis and prevents tail lymphedema. TP signaling may be a therapeutic target for improving lymphedema-related symptoms by enhancing lymphangiogenesis.
High-quality DNA isolation protocol for detection of Khapra beetle (Dermestidae: Trogoderma granarium Everts, 1898) in standard wheat germ trap
Authors: Zhu Xiaocheng , Gopurenko David , Galea Francesca , Marsh Ian B. , McDougall Sandra , Thotagamuwa Agasthya
Published: August 2023

Background

Khapra beetle (Dermestidae: Trogoderma granarium Everts, 1898) is an internationally significant pest of grain crops and stored grain products. Wheat germ traps, routinely used in surveillance sampling of Khapra beetle provide feed-substrates used by the pest throughout its life cycle. However, Khapra beetle larvae, eggs and other traces of the pest, such as larval frass and exuviae, in wheat germ traps are difficult to sort and taxonomically identify. Additionally, high levels of polysaccharides in wheat germ can inhibit PCR based molecular detection of this pest captured in the traps.

Methods and results

We have developed a sensitive and low-cost protocol for extracting trace levels of Khapra beetle DNA from an entire wheat germ trap. Overnight digestion of entire trap contents in 6 mL of ATL buffer, followed by a 40 min lysis step was optimal for DNA extraction. Paired with reported qPCR assays, this protocol allows the detection of a few hairs of T. granarium in a typical 2-gram wheat germ trap.

Conclusion

This DNA extraction protocol makes it possible to perform a more rapid identification of the pest following wheat germ sample collection. The protocol has potential to improve international efforts for Khapra beetle surveillance.
A Mixed-Methods Study on Religiosity, Pandemic Beliefs, and Psychological Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia
Authors: Ting Rachel Sing-Kiat , Goh Pei Hwa , Ong Esther Zhen-Mei
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the association between religious identity, religiosity (internal vs external), and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from two cross-sectional surveys were used to test these associations among Malaysians from the three major religious groups—Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists—as well as mixed qualitative coding on illness beliefs and helpful resources. During the pandemic, higher religiosity was associated with less perceived stress, external religiosity was negatively associated with stress, and internal religiosity was positively associated with life satisfaction among young adults. Thematic coding also confirmed a variety of illness beliefs and helpful resources relevant to social and religious norms. Different pathways of religious coping were utilized during the pandemic.
Phenotyping the obesities: reality or utopia?
Authors: Portincasa Piero , Frühbeck Gema
Published: August 2023

In this thematic issue on phenotyping the obesities, prominent international experts offer an insightful and comprehensive collection of articles covering the current knowledge in the field. In order to actually capture all the polyhedral determinants of the diverse types of obesity, the granularity of the phenotypic information acquired must be expanded in the context of a personalized approach. Whilst the use of precision medicine has been successfully implemented in areas like cancer and other diseases, health care providers are more reluctant to embrace detailed phenotyping to guide diagnosis, treatment and prevention in obesity. Given its multiple complex layers, phenotyping necessarily needs to go beyond the multi-omics approach and incorporate all the diverse spheres that conform the reality of people living with obesity. Potential barriers, difficulties, roadblocks and opportunities together with their interaction in a syndemic context are analyzed. Plausible lacunae are also highlighted in addition to pointing to the need of redefining new conceptual frameworks. Therefore, this extraordinary collection of state-ofthe-art reviews provides useful information to both experienced clinicians and trainees as well as academics to steer clinical practice and research in the management of people living with obesity irrespective of practice setting or career stage.
Recording of Low-Oxygen Stress Response Using Chlorophyll Fluorescence Kinetics in Apple Fruit
Authors: Schlie Tim-Pascal , Dierend Werner , Köpcke Dirk , Rath Thomas
Published: August 2023

Long-term storage of apples (Malus x domestica, Borkh.) is increasingly taking place under Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere (DCA). The oxygen level is lowered to ≤ 1 kPa O2 and the apples are stored just above the Lower Oxygen Limit (LOL). Low oxygen stress during controlled atmosphere storage can lead to fermentation in apples if oxygen levels are too low. Chlorophyll fluorescence can be used to detect low-oxygen stress at an early stage during storage. The currently available non-imaging fluorescence systems often use the minimal fluorescence (Fo) parameter. In contrast, the use of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics is insufficiently described. Therefore, this study aimed to gain more knowledge about the response of chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics to low oxygen stress in apples using a fluorescence imaging system. The results show that the kinetic fluorescence curves differ under aerobic and fermentation conditions. The fermentative conditions initiated a decrease in fluorescence intensity upon application of the saturation pulses during exposure to actinic light. This result was made at 18 °C and 2 °C ambient temperatures. Interestingly, the kinetic curve changed at 2 °C before fermentation products accumulated in the apples. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) decreased under fermentation conditions in the dark phase after relaxation. Upon entering the dark relaxation phase after Kautsky induction, ɸPSII began to increase. Under atmospheric oxygen conditions, ɸPSII reached values of 0.81 to 0.76, while under fermentation, ɸPSII values ranged from 0.57 to 0.44.
Assessing troglomorphic and phylogenetically informative traits in troglobionts: a new cave-dwelling centipede illuminates the evolution of a soil-dwelling lineage (Chilopoda: Geophilidae)
Authors: Bonato Lucio , Ferreira Rodrigo Lopes
Published: August 2023

Cave-dwelling species are of special interest in evolutionary biology, because (i) many share particular traits associated with the cave habitat (troglomorphic traits), and (ii) some represent relict lineages that may conserve ancestral traits or possibly transitional traits, which may provide insights into the evolution of other highly derived species. However, these different kinds of characters are hard to assess thoroughly in troglobionts belonging to little known terrestrial arthropod groups. We describe a new species of centipedes from the Areias System caves, Brazil, namely, Plutogeophilus jurupariquibaba gen.n. sp.n., which adds to the few putative troglobionts known among Chilopoda Geophilomorpha. We analyzed a suite of characters in the light of a phylogenetic analysis and by direct comparison with epigean relatives, controlling for interindividual variation and its confounding sources. We found that: (i) troglomorphic traits of P. jurupariquibaba may include large body, elongate antennae, elongate legs and claws, and possibly also elongate setae and large coxal pores; (ii) the cave-dwelling Plutogeophilus is the sister lineage of the soil-dwelling Macronicophilus, whose morphology is highly derived and whose phylogenetic position remained unclear; (iii) compared with other extant geophilids, symplesiomorphic traits and apparently intermediate traits found in Plutogeophilus provide insights on the origin of the morphology of Macronicophilus, suggesting a stepwise modification of labrum, forcipular apparatus and ultimate legs, and the derivation of the unique rounded and spiny tip of the second maxillae from a pointed claw.
Challenging Behaviours in Primary Classrooms: Examining Causal Attributions and Strategies Used by Primary School Teachers in India
Authors: Patnaik Susmita , Subban Pearl
Published: August 2023

In this study, we examined 535 primary classroom teachers’ causal attributions about challenging behaviour in West Bengal, India. The participants completed a questionnaire that collected information about their perceptions, causal attribution, and proposed strategies to address a range of challenging behaviours that were presented through five vignettes. The participants identified student-related and family-related factors as the main causes of challenging behaviour more frequently compared to teacher-related causes. They reported using proactive strategies more often than reactive strategies to address challenging behaviours in their classrooms. The findings provided insight into teachers’ causal attributions influencing their choice of classroom-management strategies, which helped to understand teaching practices and how they affect students. The implications of the study are presented to improve professional learning and practice for teachers and guide them to adopt strength-based strategies to address challenging behaviour in primary schools in West Bengal, India.
THE SOPHIST'S PUZZLING EPISTÊMÊ IN THE SOPHIST
Authors: Murphy David J.
Published: August 2023

Against prevailing interpretations, this article contends that Plato's Sophist and Statesman accord the sophist a kind of ‘knowing-how’ (epistêmê). In Soph. 233c10‒d2, the Visitor and Theaetetus agree that the sophist has not truth but a δοξαστικὴ ἐπιστήμη. This phrase cannot mean ‘a seeming knowledge’, for –ικός adjectives formed from verbs express the ability to perform the action denoted by the verb—here, δοξάζω. Although not a first-order, subject-area knowledge, sophistry is a second-order knowledge of how to form and use judgements (doxai). Other acknowledgements of the sophist's epistêmê and the ascription to him of τέχνη, ‘craft/expertise’, confirm that the Visitor's conclusion is not to be dismissed as irony. To critics who argue from the Gorgias and from other works that Plato must consider the Visitor's conclusion an error, the author replies: 1) other dialogues do not control the Visitor dialogues; 2) the Visitor does not validly demonstrate that the sophist lacks all knowledge; 3) by admitting sensibles into Being, the Visitor and Theaetetus allow the objects of epistêmê to include things in the embodied world, even likenesses. Non-philosophers’ epistêmê in the Visitor dialogues is not implicated in the difficulties that critics have raised about epistemology in the so-called Two Worlds dialogues. On this new ontology, even the sophist, if guided by philosophical rulers, can benefit citizens by employing his elenctic expertise as Socrates did, aiding their growth toward virtue.
Yorkshire folk versus Yorkshire boors: evidence for sociological fractionation in nineteenth-century Yorkshire dialect writing
Authors: COOPER PAUL
Published: August 2023

In this article I illustrate the discourses surrounding enregistered Yorkshire dialect and identity which appear to demonstrate sociological fractionation (Agha 2007) in nineteenth-century texts including dialect literature and literary dialect (Shorrocks 1996), dialect poems, ballads, songs, dialogues, and the dialect from Yorkshire characters in novels and plays. The emergent discourses highlight perceptions of Yorkshire characters in literary texts as boors who use generic enregistered (Agha 2003) ‘Yorkshire’ dialect, whereas many local writers contest these representations and argue that the dialect used by literary characters is inaccurate. Moreover, we can observe quantifiable differences in the representations of dialect features in writing aimed at local versus wider audiences. This also correlates with a broader range of social identities depicted for Yorkshire speakers in dialect literature than in literary dialect. I conclude that the recirculation of these discourses is evidence of sociological fractionation, as we see local writers acting as an ingroup challenging and contesting the views and identities portrayed by an outgroup. At the centre of these discourses, we can consistently observe discussion and use of enregistered Yorkshire dialect, which illustrates the additional ideological complexity of the links between language and identity in the nineteenth century.
Exploring the experience of a cognitive rehabilitation intervention for cancer-related cognitive change in people living with cancer: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Joyce Andrea , Burns Lindsey , McAloney-Kocaman Kareena
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Some cancer patients experience cancer-related cognitive change (CRCC). Cognitive rehabilitation interventions (CRIs) have recently been developed to help mitigate the impact of CRCC, which, untreated, can impact resumption of daily life post-cancer treatment. The experience of participants is important to understand but largely absent within research literature. This study aimed to explore how those with CRCC experience the phenomenon following completion of a CRI.

Methods

This study comprised a qualitative phenomenological approach. This involved conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 6 self-referred participants from one CRI. Participants were invited to discuss their experience of CRCC and what the CRI therefore meant to them. Interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Analysis of the findings revealed 4 key themes. (1) “Experiencing and addressing isolation” comprises reflections on posttreatment perceived abandonment and consequent feelings of belonging through CRI participation. (2) “Identity” explores participants’ reflections around perceived loss-of-self and feelings of empowerment from the intervention. (3) “Cognitive and physical balance” comprises the planning and choices participants make, supported by both their own and CRI coping strategies as they seek acceptance of cognitive change. (4) “Course reflections” explore reflections on intervention structure, format, and delivery, focusing on 2 subthemes of accessibility, flexibility and inclusivity, and communication. All participants reflected positively on their experience.

Significance of results

Results support further dissemination among health professionals and implementation of this CRI to better support self-reported CRCC concerns within this population. Future qualitative research should explore the long-term impact of CRI interventions.
PIC Simulations of Overstretched Ion‐Scale Current Sheets in the Magnetotail
Authors: Arnold H. , Sitnov M. I.
Published: August 2023

Onset of reconnection in the tail requires the current sheet thickness to be of the order of the ion thermal gyroradius or smaller. However, existing isotropic plasma models cannot explain the formation of such thin sheets at distances where the X‐lines are typically observed. Here we reproduce such thin and long sheets in particle‐in‐cell simulations using a new model of their equilibria with weakly anisotropic ion species assuming quasi‐adiabatic ion dynamics, which substantially modifies the current density. It is found that anisotropy/agyrotropy contributions to the force balance in such equilibria are comparable to the pressure gradient in spite of weak ion anisotropy. New equilibria whose current distributions are substantially overstretched compared to the magnetic field lines are found to be stable in spite of the fact that they are substantially longer than isotropic sheets with similar thickness.
Prediction of childhood overweight and obesity at age 10–11: findings from the Studying Lifecourse Obesity PrEdictors and the Born in Bradford cohorts
Authors: Ziauddeen Nida , Roderick Paul J. , Santorelli Gillian , Alwan Nisreen A.
Published: August 2023

Background

In England, 41% of children aged 10–11 years live with overweight or obesity. Identifying children at risk of developing overweight or obesity may help target early prevention interventions. We aimed to develop and externally validate prediction models of childhood overweight and obesity at age 10–11 years using routinely collected weight and height measurements at age 4–5 years and maternal and early-life health data.

Methods

We used an anonymised linked cohort of maternal pregnancy and birth health records in Hampshire, UK between 2003 and 2008 and child health records. Childhood body mass index (BMI), adjusted for age and sex, at 10–11 years was used to define the outcome of overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 91st centile) in the models. Logistic regression models and multivariable fractional polynomials were used to select model predictors and to identify transformations of continuous predictors that best predict the outcome. Models were externally validated using data from the Born in Bradford birth cohort. Model performance was assessed using discrimination and calibration.

Results

Childhood BMI was available for 6566 children at 4–5 (14.6% overweight) and 10–11 years (26.1% overweight) with 10.8% overweight at both timepoints. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.82 at development and 0.83 on external validation for the model only incorporating two predictors: BMI at 4–5 years and child sex. AUC increased to 0.84 on development and 0.85 on external validation on additionally incorporating maternal predictors in early pregnancy (BMI, smoking, age, educational attainment, ethnicity, parity, employment status). Models were well calibrated.

Conclusions

This prediction modelling can be applied at 4–5 years to identify the risk for childhood overweight at 10–11 years, with slightly improved prediction with the inclusion of maternal data. These prediction models demonstrate that routinely collected data can be used to target early preventive interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity.
Subcortical volumetric alterations in four major psychiatric disorders: a mega-analysis study of 5604 subjects and a volumetric data-driven approach for classification
Authors: Okada Naohiro , Fukunaga Masaki , Miura Kenichiro , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Matsumoto Junya , Hashimoto Naoki , Kiyota Masahiro , Morita Kentaro , Koshiyama Daisuke , Ohi Kazutaka , Takahashi Tsutomu , Koeda Michihiko , Yamamori Hidenaga , Fujimoto Michiko , Yasuda Yuka , Hasegawa Naomi , Narita Hisashi , Yokoyama Satoshi , Mishima Ryo , Kawashima Takahiko , Kobayashi Yuko , Sasabayashi Daiki , Harada Kenichiro , Yamamoto Maeri , Hirano Yoji , Itahashi Takashi , Nakataki Masahito , Hashimoto Ryu-ichiro , Tha Khin K. , Koike Shinsuke , Matsubara Toshio , Okada Go , van Erp Theo G. M. , Jahanshad Neda , Yoshimura Reiji , Abe Osamu , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Matsuo Koji , Yamasue Hidenori , Okamoto Yasumasa , Suzuki Michio , Turner Jessica A. , Thompson Paul M. , Ozaki Norio , Kasai Kiyoto , Hashimoto Ryota
Published: August 2023

Differential diagnosis is sometimes difficult in practical psychiatric settings, in terms of using the current diagnostic system based on presenting symptoms and signs. The creation of a novel diagnostic system using objective biomarkers is expected to take place. Neuroimaging studies and others reported that subcortical brain structures are the hubs for various psycho-behavioral functions, while there are so far no neuroimaging data-driven clinical criteria overcoming limitations of the current diagnostic system, which would reflect cognitive/social functioning. Prior to the main analysis, we conducted a large-scale multisite study of subcortical volumetric and lateralization alterations in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder using T1-weighted images of 5604 subjects (3078 controls and 2526 patients). We demonstrated larger lateral ventricles volume in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, smaller hippocampus volume in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia-specific smaller amygdala, thalamus, and accumbens volumes and larger caudate, putamen, and pallidum volumes. In addition, we observed a leftward alteration of lateralization for pallidum volume specifically in schizophrenia. Moreover, as our main objective, we clustered the 5,604 subjects based on subcortical volumes, and explored whether data-driven clustering results can explain cognitive/social functioning in the subcohorts. We showed a four-biotype classification, namely extremely (Brain Biotype [BB] 1) and moderately smaller limbic regions (BB2), larger basal ganglia (BB3), and normal volumes (BB4), being associated with cognitive/social functioning. Specifically, BB1 and BB2–3 were associated with severe and mild cognitive/social impairment, respectively, while BB4 was characterized by normal cognitive/social functioning. Our results may lead to the future creation of novel biological data-driven psychiatric diagnostic criteria, which may be expected to be useful for prediction or therapeutic selection.