bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glomerulonephritis and autoimmune vasculitis are independent of P2RX7 but may depend on alternative inflammasome pathways
Authors: Prendecki Maria , McAdoo Stephen P , Turner‐Stokes Tabitha , Garcia‐Diaz Ana , Orriss Isabel , Woollard Kevin J , Behmoaras Jacques , Cook H Terence , Unwin Robert , Pusey Charles D , Aitman Timothy J , Tam Frederick WK
Published: March 2022

P2RX7, an ionotropic receptor for extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is expressed on immune cells, including macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells and is upregulated on nonimmune cells following injury. P2RX7 plays a role in many biological processes, including production of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β via the canonical inflammasome pathway. P2RX7 has been shown to be important in inflammation and fibrosis and may also play a role in autoimmunity. We have developed and phenotyped a novel P2RX7 knockout (KO) inbred rat strain and, taking advantage of the human‐resembling unique histopathological features of rat models of glomerulonephritis, we induced three models of disease: nephrotoxic nephritis, experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis, and experimental autoimmune vasculitis. We found that deletion of P2RX7 does not protect rats from models of experimental glomerulonephritis or the development of autoimmunity. Notably, treatment with A‐438079, a P2RX7 antagonist, was equally protective in WKY WT and P2RX7 KO rats, revealing its ‘off‐target’ properties. We identified a novel ATP/P2RX7/K+ efflux‐independent and caspase‐1/8‐dependent pathway for the production of IL‐1β in rat dendritic cells, which was absent in macrophages. Taken together, these results comprehensively establish that inflammation and autoimmunity in glomerulonephritis is independent of P2RX7 and reveals the off‐target properties of drugs previously known as selective P2RX7 antagonists. Rat mononuclear phagocytes may be able to utilise an ‘alternative inflammasome’ pathway to produce IL‐1β independently of P2RX7, which may account for the susceptibility of P2RX7 KO rats to inflammation and autoimmunity in glomerulonephritis. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Genomic catastrophe, the peritoneal cavity and ovarian cancer prevention
Authors: Yoon Ju Yoon , Chapel David B , Goebel Emily , Qian Xiaohua , Mito Jeffrey K , Horowitz Neil S , Miron Alexander , Soong T Rinda , Xian Wa , Crum Christopher P
Published: March 2022

The current theory of carcinogenesis for the deadliest of ‘ovarian’ cancers—high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC)—holds that the malignancy develops first in the fallopian tube and spreads to the ovaries, peritoneum, and/or regional lymph nodes. This is based primarily on the observation of early forms of serous neoplasia (serous tubal intraepithelial lesions [STILs], and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas [STICS]) in the fimbria of women undergoing risk reduction surgery. However, these lesions are uncommon in the general population, confer a low risk (5%) of HGSC following their removal in at‐risk women with germ‐line BRCA1/2 mutations, and require 4 or more years to recur as intraperitoneal HGSC. These features suggest that isolated STILs and STICs behave as precursors, with uncertain cancer risk rather than carcinomas. Their evolution to HGSC within, or after, escape from the tube could proceed stepwise with multiple biologic events; however, it is unclear whether tubal or ovarian HGSCs encountered in the setting of advanced disease evolved in the same fashion. The latter scenario could also be explained by a ‘catastrophic’ model in which STICs suddenly develop with invasive and metastatic potential, overwhelming or obscuring the site of origin. Moreover, a similar model might explain the sudden emergence of HGSC in the peritoneal cavity following escape of precursor cells years before. Long‐term follow‐up data from opportunistic or prophylactic salpingectomy should shed light on where malignant transformation occurs, as well as the timeline from precursor to metastatic HGSC. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Unraveling the genetic components of perenniality: Toward breeding for perennial grains
Authors: Kong Wen Qian , Nabukalu Pheonah , Cox Stan , Johnston Robyn , Scanlon Michael J. , Robertson Jon S. , Goff Valorie H. , Pierce Gary J. , Lemke Cornelia , Compton Rosana , Reeves Jaxk , Paterson Andrew H.
Published: March 2022

Social Impact Statement

Although tremendously successful at feeding humanity, row crop agriculture based on annuals contributes to numerous ecosystem dis‐services, ranging from soil degradation and aquatic eutrophication to greenhouse gas production. In contrast, perennial grain crops (which produce harvests for multiple seasons from single plantings) have the potential to provide valuable regulating and supporting ecosystem services in addition to food production. In particular, losses of ecological capital that threaten permanent food insecurity such as ~1% of global soil per year are expected to be mitigated or even reversed by crops that combine the high yield realized by scientific breeding via multiple cropping cycles from single plantings.

Perennial herbaceous may provide food and biomass while preserving ecological capital and reducing energy inputs. Sorghum has two perennial relatives and rich morphological diversity being used to breed for perenniality.

We elucidate genetic determinants of rhizomatousness and survival, in two BC1F2 populations totaling 246 genotypes derived from backcrossing different annual Sorghum bicolor X perennial S. halepense F1 plants to a tetraploidized S. bicolor. RNA‐seq assisted in identifying candidate genes for rhizomatousness.

Correspondence of rhizomatousness quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with those from two populations derived from crosses between S. halepense progenitors S. bicolor X S. propinquum suggests either the preservation of interspecific polymorphism or the formation of novel alleles following polyploid S. halepense formation. Correspondence of tillering and branching QTLs further supports their developmental. Identification of genes from RNA‐seq study within QTL intervals provides insight toward discovery of causal rhizomatous genes.

An unexpected finding from both S. halepense‐ and S. propinquum‐derived populations is that alleles contributing to late flowering are related to reduced rhizomatousness. Twelve of 16 QTL regions conferring rhizomatousness fall in paleo‐duplicated regions tracing to single ancestral regions 96 million years ago, indicating that corresponding genes in these regions have retained similar functions since the duplication event.
Enhanced NO2‐Sensing Properties of Cu‐Loaded SnO2 Nanoparticles Synthesized via Precipitation and Impregnation Methods
Authors: Leangtanom Pimpan , Chanlek Narong , Yordsri Visittapong , Wisitsoraat Anurat , Tuantranont Adisorn , Jaruwongrungsee Kata , Phanichphant Sukon , Kruefu Viruntachar
Published: March 2022

Herein, NO2 noxious gas sensors based on precipitation/impregnation synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles loaded with Cu2O (Cu2O–SnO2) are presented. The particle properties are characterized by nitrogen adsorption, X‐ray spectroscopic, and microscopic analyses. The NO2‐sensing performances in terms of sensor response, response times, selectivity, and stability are optimized by varying Cu contents. The optimal sensing film (1.0 wt%Cu–SnO2) shows a high sensor response of ≈5680–5 ppm of NO2 at a low operating temperature of 200 °C. In addition, 1.0 wt%Cu–SnO2 sensor exhibits very high NO2 selectivity against SO2, H2S, C2H5OH, H2, C2H2, C2H4, and CH4 compared with unloaded one. Therefore, the 1.0 wt%Cu–SnO2 sensor is a promising candidate for highly sensitive and selective detection of NO2.
Ten years of paediatric robotic surgery: Lessons learned
Authors: Salö Martin , Bonnor Linda , Graneli Christina , Stenström Pernilla , Anderberg Magnus
Published: March 2022

Background

Costs and a low total number of cases may be obstacles to the successful implementation of a paediatric robotic surgery programme. The aim of this study was to evaluate a decade of paediatric robotic surgery and to reflect upon factors for success and to consider obstacles.

Materials and Methods

All children operated on with robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery between 2006 and 2016 were included in a retrospective, single‐institutional study in Lund, Sweden.

Results

A total of 152 children underwent robotic surgery during the study time with the most frequent procedures being fundoplication (n = 55) and pyeloplasty (n = 53). Procedure times decreased significantly during the study period. Overall, 18 (12%) of the operations were converted to open surgery, and seven (5%) patients required a reoperation.

Conclusions

Despite a low volume of surgery, we have successfully introduced robotic paediatric surgery in our department. Our operative times and conversion rates are continuously decreasing.
Sliding mode control of uncertain FMII 2D systems under directional event‐triggered schemes
Authors: Lv Xinyu , Niu Yugang , Cao Zhiru
Published: March 2022

This article is concerned with the event‐triggered sliding mode control problem for two‐dimensional (2D) systems depicted by the second Fornasini–Marchesini (FMII) model. By considering the structural characteristics of FMII 2D systems, three event‐triggering schemes in one or two directions are analyzed and the corresponding partial ordering on pairs of triggering instants are given. In particular, the two‐directional event‐triggering scheme reflects the essential difference between FMII model and Roesser model. Accordingly, a two‐directional event‐triggered mechanism from sensors to controller is developed and the event‐triggered sliding mode controller is designed. Since the FMII 2D model is affected by two adjacent control signals, the updation of the control signals at two points and is detailedly discussed. Both the reachability of the sliding surface and the uniform ultimate boundedness of the resultant closed‐loop system are achieved. Meanwhile, the desired controller gain matrix and sliding matrix are determined by solving stability conditions. Finally, the proposed control scheme is further demonstrated via the heat exchanger process.
The effect of E‐cigarette indoor vaping restrictions on infant mortality
Authors: Cooper Michael , Pesko Michael F.
Published: March 2022

We estimate the effect of county‐level e‐cigarette indoor vaping restrictions (IVRs) on infant mortality using United States birth certificates from 2010 to 2015. We estimate difference‐in‐differences models and find that e‐cigarette IVRs increased infant mortality by 0.39 infants per 1000 live births (12.9%). These effects were disproportionately higher for infants born to younger mothers and in locations with higher baseline levels of prenatal smoking. Infant mortality increased by 34.1% between 100 days to 1 year after IVRs. Infant mortality due to infections and neoplasms were particularly elevated.
Development and evaluation of a multi‐class analytical method based on solid‐phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in urban wastewater samples
Authors: Konda Satyanand , Asati Ankita , Williams Mike , Mudiam Mohana Krishna Reddy
Published: March 2022

An analytical method has been developed for the quantitative evaluation of 64 pharmaceuticals and personal care products in urban wastewater using solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Design of experiments approach was used in the multiparametric optimization of solid‐phase extraction method for the analysis of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The method was found to be linear within the range of 0.01–1 μg/L with coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.990 to 0.999. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be in the range of 0.002–0.028 and 0.007–0.091 μg/L, respectively. The accuracy was calculated with respect to percent recovery, and it was found to be in the range of 70.0–129% for all the analytes. The intra‐ and interday precisions were found to be less than 15% relative standard deviation for all the analytes. The developed analytical method was applied to real samples collected from four different sampling sites of Musi River in Hyderabad to evaluate its performance. The method found a wide application for the analysis of urban wastewater samples.
Right‐heart dysfunction in women with congenital heart disease and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Siegmund A. S. , Bilardo C. M. , van Veldhuisen D. J. , Dickinson M. G. , Gyselaers W.
Published: March 2022

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Martinez‐Portilla et al. Click here to view the article.
Real‐time identification of fetal anomalies on ultrasound using artificial intelligence: what's next?
Authors: Drukker L.
Published: March 2022

Linked article: This Editorial comments on the article by Lin et al. Click here to view the article.
Correction to: Compliance and Resistance within Neoliberal Academia
Authors: Gair Susan , Hager Tamar , Herzog Omri
Published: March 2022

The original version of the book was originally published in 2021 with exclusive rights reserved by the Publisher. As of 2022 it has been changed to an open access publication: © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s).
Visual Plagiarism: Seeing the Forest and the Trees
Authors: Foxe John Paul , Miller Allyson , Farrelly Glen , Hui Vincent , Nubla Dianne , Schindler-Lynch Colleen
Published: March 2022

Recent years have seen an increase in conversations in higher education around academic integrity. The subject of plagiarism in traditional written assessments has been much discussed and well researched. Considerably less is known about visual plagiarism. For the purposes of this chapter, we are defining “visuals” as mechanisms that convey meaning without articulation of, or dependence on language. Although some scholarly literature on visual plagiarism exists, there is a dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic and even less published are instructional or best-practice resources for instructors. Further complicating this topic are the differing ethical, legal, professional, and academic standards across fields. Here, we discuss practical ways to pre-emptively approach the topic of visual plagiarism through the education of faculty and students. We address prevention with suggestions for best practices in four distinct disciplines. Additionally, academic policy and administrative challenges are explored. Finally, we make recommendations for further research. This chapter will be of use both across Canada and globally, by providing a framework for defining and examining visual plagiarism in academic contexts and offering guidelines for pedagogical approaches to educate faculty, administration, and students on this important issue.
Beyond the Traditional: Academic Integrity in Canadian Librarianship
Authors: Morrow Leeanne
Published: March 2022

Academic integrity and information literacy concepts are interwoven throughout academic processes. In Canada these are reflected in both secondary and postsecondary assessment environments. Academic librarians are well positioned within and beyond the academy to promote a culture of academic integrity to post-secondary and high school students. In 2008 authors Drinan and Bertram Gallant addressed the opportunity for librarians to take an active role in building a culture of integrity stating “The issue of plagiarism is one that cries out for the active participation of librarians not only in the academic integrity systems on their respective campuses, but also in the national and international academic integrity movement” (p. 137). The question is where are librarians in this movement in Canada? Beyond plagiarism, how far have librarians come in their involvement in academic integrity culture both on and off Canadian campuses? This chapter will look beyond the librarian's role in teaching information literacy and its principles in the classroom to further examine the inroads being made as an active partner with campus services and students in our communities. Connections between ACRL's six information literacy frames and academic integrity with a specific focus on “Scholarship as Conversation” and the role students' play in this process will be highlighted. Librarians have a pivotal role to play in moving the academic integrity conversation forward. Through their understanding of critical and ethical use of information they can be at the forefront of advocating for integrity in academic work and assisting in the success of students on and off campus.
Understanding Provincial and Territorial Academic Integrity Policies for Elementary and Secondary Education in Canada
Authors: Stoesz Brenda M.
Published: March 2022

Research on academic integrity and misconduct in higher education is not difficult to locate, as work in this area has increased dramatically over the past several decades. Overall, findings reveal that cheating is a serious problem plaguing higher education with many institutions documenting various approaches to address the relevant issues. A careful look at this literature, however, exposes significant gaps in our understanding of academic integrity and misconduct in Canadian elementary and secondary (or K-12) education, which is problematic as behaviours practiced in these settings during the formative years may influence behaviours in later life stages. Furthermore, school policies, which reinforce expectations for students and teachers in the workplace are of particular importance as K-12 teachers arguably impact students’ approaches to academic integrity. This chapter focuses on key questions related to K-12 education in Canada: Do provincial and territorial ministries of education address academic integrity through policy for K-12 education? If these policies exist, what evidence demonstrates their influence on the implementation of academic integrity education at the school level? To begin to examine these questions, I conducted an environmental scan of Canadian ministries of education websites to identify academic integrity and misconduct policies. I found that only a few education ministries outline student expectations for academic integrity and consequences for misconduct or describe teacher responsibilities for providing academic integrity education and responding to academic misconduct (i.e., Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan). To conclude this chapter, I discuss the implications of the presence or absence of effective academic integrity and misconduct policies for K-12 education in Canada and beyond, the impact on higher education and advanced training, as well as avenues for future research in the field.
Contract Cheating in Canada: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Eaton Sarah Elaine
Published: March 2022

In this chapter I present an overview of contract cheating in Canada over half a century, from 1970 to the early 2020s. I offer details about a failed attempt at legislation to make ghostwritten essays and exams illegal in Ontario in 1972. Then, I highlight a 1989 criminal case, noted as being the first of its kind in Canada, and possibly the Commonwealth, in which an essay mill owner and his wife were charged with fraud and conspiracy. The case was dismissed by the judge, leaving the contract cheating industry to flourish, which it has done. I synthesize the scant empirical data available for Canada and offer an educated estimate of the prevalence of contract cheating. Finally, I conclude with a call to action for educators, advocates, and policy makers. I conclude with a call to action for Canadians to take a stronger stance against contract cheating.
Debates in Public Policy—Problem Framing, Knowledge and Interests
Authors: Head Brian W.
Published: March 2022

There are different types of public policy problems. In democratic political systems, policy problems arise in very diverse political and institutional contexts. These influence how the problems are debated and resolved. Policy decision-making is structured through organisational processes that reflect historical institutional arrangements. Complex policy problems often involve conflicting interests and divergent perceptions among various stakeholder groups. Disagreements about problems and policies arise from many factors, including material interests, socio-cultural values and political (dis)trust. The framing of problems and solutions is expressed in different ways, through the language of economic benefits, ideological outlooks, group values and political loyalties. Leaders of political, economic and social organisations argue for the priority of some issues over others, depending on their judgements about threats, rewards and opportunities. Leaders typically offer simplified and persuasive narratives about problems and solutions, in order to attract wide support for their preferred approach. Evidence and expertise are mobilised selectively by policy actors to influence the perceived credibility of their own favoured policy options. However, rigorous evidence is not privileged in everyday politics—policy debates are structured through the interplay of many forms of knowledge, values, emotions and interests. Expertise can assist in managing complex problems but never determines the outcomes.
Repulsive black holes and higher-derivatives
Authors: Cremonini Sera , Jones Callum R. T. , Liu James T. , McPeak Brian , Tang Yuezhang
Published: March 2022

Abstract

In two-derivative theories of gravity coupled to matter, charged black holes are self-attractive at large distances, with the force vanishing at zero temperature. However, in the presence of massless scalar fields and four-derivative corrections, zero-temperature black holes no longer need to obey the no-force condition. In this paper, we show how to calculate the long-range force between such black holes. We develop an efficient method for computing the higher-derivative corrections to the scalar charges when the theory has a shift symmetry, and compute the resulting force in a variety of examples. We find that higher-derivative corrected black holes may be self-attractive or self-repulsive, depending on the value of the Wilson coefficients and the VEVs of scalar moduli. Indeed, we find black hole solutions which are both superextremal and self-attractive. Furthermore, we present examples where no choice of higher-derivative coefficients allows for self-repulsive black hole states in all directions in charge space. This suggests that, unlike the Weak Gravity Conjecture, which may be satisfied by the black hole spectrum alone, the Repulsive Force Conjecture requires additional constraints on the spectrum of charged particles.
Precision holography for 5D Super Yang-Mills
Authors: Gautason Friðrik Freyr , Puletti Valentina Giangreco M.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We study 1/2-BPS Wilson loop (WL) operators in maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory (MSYM) on S5. Their vacuum expectation value (vev) can be computed exactly at large N thanks to supersymmetric localization. The holographic dual to MSYM on S5 is geometrically realized by a stack of N D4-branes with spherical worldvolume in ten dimensions. We compute the vev of the circular WL using holography by evaluating the partition function of a fundamental string in this background. Our focus is on the next-to-leading order correction to the string partition function which is composed of two parts; the dilaton coupling to the worldsheet and the one-loop fluctuations of the worldsheet itself. We face a variety of issues, some related to the presence of a non-constant dilaton, and others that are common to its AdS analogue. However, the universality of UV divergences as well as the importance of a proper choice of an IR regulator have been recently stressed in the literature. Inspired by this, we resolve our issues by first carefully treating the Weyl anomaly which receives contributions from the non-constant dilaton, and then by computing the ratio of our partition function and the one of a string in AdS4×CP3, which is dual to a 1/2-BPS WL in ABJM. Crucially, this approach yields a finite result which matches the corresponding ratio of WL vevs on the gauge theory side.
There are no topologically transitive operators in the noncommutative Schwartz space
Authors: Piszczek Krzysztof , Przestacki Adam
Published: March 2022

The aim of this note is to prove that there are no topologically transitive operators in the noncommutative Schwartz space.
Chancen und Herausforderungen der zunehmenden Digitalisierung der Lehre im Fach Anästhesiologie aus Sicht der Studierenden
Authors: Hunck S. , Engelhard K. , Mildenberger P. , Kurz S.
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat die medizinische Lehre weltweit verändert. Seit dem Sommersemester 2020 stehen digitale Lehrformate im Fokus, deren Einsatz zuvor in Intensität und Form in Deutschland sehr unterschiedlich ausgeprägt war.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Untersuchung stellt die Chancen und Herausforderungen des Einsatzes verschiedener digitaler Lehrformate in der Anästhesiologie aus der Sicht der Studierenden dar.

Methode

Medizinstudierende der Semester 5–9 im Fachgebiet Anästhesiologie wurden anhand eines 5‑Punkte-Likert-skalierten Fragebogens zu ihren Einstellungen und Erfahrungen mit der digitalen Lehre im Sommersemester 2020 befragt. Untersuchte Lehrformate waren digital aufgezeichnete Vorlesungen sowie Video-Online-Seminare und Praktika.

Ergebnisse

An der vorliegenden Studie nahmen 141 Studierende teil. Insgesamt haben 80,9 % der Studierenden mehr aufgezeichnete Vorlesungen online angehört, als sie Präsenzvorlesungen besucht hätten, und 84,3 % würden dies auch zukünftig so machen. Obwohl die Studierenden digitale Vorlesungen und Video-Online-Seminare für die Wissensvermittlung als geeignet beurteilten, besteht für die Zukunft der Wunsch, diese zur Wissensvertiefung wieder durch mehr praktischen Präsenzunterricht in Kleingruppen zu ergänzen.

Schlussfolgerung

Als Vorteil digitaler asynchroner Formate unterstreicht die Studie die Option des zeit- und ortsunabhängigen individuellen Lernens. Als klarer Nachteil dieser Formate ist die mangelnde Interaktion von Studierenden und Dozierenden zu nennen. So erscheint es sinnvoll, die im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie forcierte Digitalisierung für die Wissensvermittlung der für die Anästhesiologie relevanten Inhalte weiterauszubauen und im Sinne einer Blended-Learning-Strategie zu optimieren.
Fractures in elderly mice demonstrate delayed ossification of the soft callus: a cellular and radiographic study
Authors: Clement N. D. , Gaston M. S. , Simpson A. H.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the cellular age-related changes in fracture repair and relate these to the observed radiographic assessments at differing time points.

Methods

Transverse traumatic tibial diaphyseal fractures were created in 12–14 weeks old (youngn = 16) and 18 months old (elderlyn = 20) in Balb/C wild mice. Fracture calluses were harvested at five time points from 1 to 35 days post fracture for histomorphometry (percent of cartilage and bone), radiographic analysis (total callus volume, callus index, and relative bone mineral content).

Results

The elderly mice produced an equal amount of cartilage when compared to young mice (p > 0.08). However, by day 21 there was a significantly greater percentage of bone at the fracture site in the young group (mean percentage 50% versus 11%,p < 0.001). It was not until day 35 when the elderly group produced a similar amount of bone compared to the young group at 21 days (50% versus 53%, non-significant (ns)). The callus area and callus index on radiographic assessment was not significantly different between young and elderly groups at any time point. Relative bone mineral content was significantly greater in the young group at 14 days (545.7 versus -120.2,p < 0.001) and 21 days (888.7 versus 451.0,p < 0.001) when compared to the elderly group. It was not until day 35 when the elderly group produced a similar relative bone mineral content as the young group at 21 days (888.7 versus 921.8, ns).

Conclusions

Elderly mice demonstrated a delay in endochondral ossification which was associated with a decreased relative bone mineral content at the fracture site and may help assess these cellular changes in a clinical setting.
Aachen Technology Overview of 3D Textile Materials and Recent Innovation and Applications
Authors: Gries Thomas , Bettermann Isa , Blaurock Carolin , Bündgens Andreas , Dittel Gözdem , Emonts Caroline , Gesché Valentine , Glimpel Nikola , Kolloch Martin , Grigat Niels , Löcken Henning , Löwen Alexander , Jacobsen Jens-Lennart , Kimm Magdalena , Kelbel Hannah , Kröger Hauke , Kuo Kai-Chieh , Peiner Christoph , Sackmann Johannes , Schwab Max
Published: March 2022

This paper provides an overview of the recent definition, technologies and current trends regarding 3D fabrics. In this paper a definition of 3D fabrics, including spacer fabrics, is given and the recent technologies regarding weaving, braiding, weft and warp knitting and tailored fiber placement are presented. Furthermore, an overview of the latest developments in 3D fabrics at the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University is presented including: large circular 3D knitting, braided and woven structures for medical purposes, newest testing methods and equipment for spacer fabrics, multiaxial fabrics for composites, warp knitted spacer fabrics for space and construction applications, ceramic matrix composite 3D braiding and 4D textiles.
Means and ways of engaging, communicating and preserving local soil knowledge of smallholder farmers in Central Vietnam
Authors: Huynh Ha T. N. , Lobry de Bruyn Lisa A. , Knox Oliver G. G. , Hoang Hoa T. T.
Published: March 2022

Increasing interest in farmers’ local soil knowledge (LSK) and soil management practice as a way to promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation needs a reliable means to connect to it. This study sought to examine if Visual Soil Assessment (VSA) and farmer workshops were suitable means to engage, communicate and preserve farmers’ LSK in two mountainous communes of Central Vietnam. Twenty-four farmers with reasonable or comprehensive LSK from previously studied communes were selected for the efficacy of VSA and farmer workshops for integrating LSK into a well-accepted soil assessment tool (VSA). In field sites chosen by the farmers, VSA was independently executed by both farmers and scientists at the same time. Close congruence of VSA scores between the two groups highlighted that farmers could competently undertake VSA. Farmers’ VSA score was compared with their perception of field’s soil quality. For the majority of farmers’ perception of soil quality was consistent to their VSA score (62.5%), while the remainder perceived their soil quality was lower than their VSA score. For most farmers their assessment of soil quality using VSA valued their LSK, and the two measures were well aligned. Soil colour and presence or vulnerability to erosion were common soil characteristics mentioned by farmers and affected the final VSA score. Farmers’ participation in VSA and workshops strengthen farmers’ confidence in their LSK and provided guidance on the impact of their soil management on soil improvement and conservation.
The contestations of diversity, culture and commercialization: why tissue culture technology alone cannot solve the banana Xanthomonas wilt problem in central Uganda
Authors: Mulugo Lucy , Kibwika Paul , Kyazze Florence Birungi , Bonaventure Aman Omondi , Kikulwe Enoch
Published: March 2022

Several initiatives by the Government of Uganda, Research Institutes and CGIAR centers have promoted the use of tissue culture (TC) banana technology as an effective means of providing clean planting material to reduce the spread of BananaXanthomonaswilt (BXW) but its uptake is still low. We examine factors that constrain uptake of tissue culture banana planting materials in central Uganda by considering the cultural context of banana cultivation. Data were collected using eight focus group discussions involving 64 banana farmers and 10 key informant interviews and subjected to thematic analysis. Results showed that banana cultivars in the study communities were important for food, cultural practices and medicine. Cultivars supplied through TC were based on commercial considerations focusing on market value and household income and insufficient attention was given to their cultural importance. Farmers regard banana from TC planting material to be incompatible with their tastes and preferences for traditional food and drinks, culture and medicine. Furthermore, the plantlets are perceived as complicated to use, and farmers report requiring more knowledge and information on how to plant and maintain the plantlets on-farm. In these aspects, TC planting material does not align with cultural values linked to societal welfare. Future efforts aimed at controlling pests and diseases would benefit from more location-specific and holistic approaches that integrate cultural dimensions alongside planting material hygiene, quality and vigor.
Three-year follow-up of de-escalated axillary treatment after neoadjuvant systemic therapy in clinically node-positive breast cancer: the MARI-protocol
Authors: van Loevezijn Ariane A. , van der Noordaa Marieke E. M. , Stokkel Marcel P. M. , van Werkhoven Erik D. , Groen Emma J. , Loo Claudette E. , Elkhuizen Paula H. M. , Sonke Gabe S. , Russell Nicola S. , van Duijnhoven Frederieke H. , Vrancken Peeters Marie-Jeanne T. F. D.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer patients, evidence supporting response-guided treatment after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) instead of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is increasing, but follow-up results are lacking. We assessed three-year axillary recurrence-free interval (aRFI) in cN+ patients with response-adjusted axillary treatment according to the ‘Marking Axillary lymph nodes with Radioactive Iodine seeds’ (MARI)-protocol.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed all stage II–III cytologically proven cN+ breast cancer patients who underwent the MARI-protocol between July 2014 and November 2018. Pre-NST axillary staging with FDG-PET/CT (less- or more than four suspicious axillary nodes; cALN < 4 or cALN ≥ 4) and post-NST pathological axillary response measured in the pre-NST largest tumor-positive axillary lymph node marked with an iodine seed (MARI-node; ypMARI-neg or ypMARI-pos) determined axillary treatment: no further treatment (cALN < 4, ypMARI-neg), axillary radiotherapy (ART) (cALN < 4, ypMARI-pos and cALN ≥ 4, ypMARI-neg) or ALND plus ART (cALN ≥ 4, ypMARI-pos).

Results

Of 272 women included, the MARI-node was tumor-negative in 56 (32%) of 174 cALN < 4 patients and 43 (44%) of 98 cALN ≥ 4 patients. According to protocol, 56 (21%) patients received no further axillary treatment, 161 (59%) received ART and 55 (20%) received ALND plus ART. Median follow-up was 3.0 years (IQR 1.9–4.1). Five patients (one no further treatment, four ART) had axillary metastases. Three-year aRFI was 98% (95% CI 96–100). The overall recurrence risk remained highest for patients with ALND (HR 4.36; 95% CI 0.95–20.04, p = 0.059).

Conclusions

De-escalation of axillary treatment according to the MARI-protocol prevented ALND in 80% of cN+ patients with an excellent three-year aRFI of 98%.
Is It Possible to Estimate Spanish Missing Person’s Forced and Fatal Outcomes Cases Using Socio-demographic Data? Gender, Age and Nationality
Authors: García-Barceló Néstor , Córcoles Miguel Ángel Alcázar , Menéndez Javier Revuelta , Woolnough Penny , Álvarez José Luis González
Published: March 2022

Although research on missing persons has globally increased during the past few years, most of the studies conducted have focused on the description of socio-demographic and situational factors associated with this phenomenon. The aim of this study is to explore in-depth the relation between missing person’s socio-demographic factors and missing person’s typology and outcomes. A full 1-year sample of police recorded missing persons (n = 24,284) was extracted from the Spanish ‘Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains (PDyRH)’ system and a multivariate statistical approach was used. The findings of this research show that, although nationality and gender are mainly important from a descriptive level, age is the socio-demographic variable that better classifies the typology and outcome of missing person cases. These findings suggest that age is a modulating variable of this phenomenon. Thus, there is a need for the conduction of research for each specific age group focused on identifying psychosocial, criminological and geographical risk factors which could explain missing person case outcomes from a multifaceted approach. Considering previous research in the field, the findings of this research are mostly consistent with these previous studies and entail different implications, both at prevention level and in the scope of police investigations.
The efficacy of a computer-adaptive reading program on grade 5 students’ reading achievement scores
Authors: Campbell Laurie O. , Howard Cassandra , Lambie Glenn W. , Gao Xueying
Published: March 2022

Reading in upper-elementary grades includes comprehending complex texts and learning disciplinary-specific vocabulary. This study aims to determine the effects of a computer-adaptive supplementary reading program on fifth-grade students’ reading achievement. Using propensity score matching to create equivalent groups of 450 students for both control and intervention groups (N = 900), a quasi-experimental design was employed to examine changes in fifth-grade students’ overall, comprehension, vocabulary, reading achievement scores who used this program as compared to those who did not. Students from eight school districts and 108 schools in a Southeastern state were matched based on demographics and initial reading ability, and the Title I status of their schools. Students in the intervention group received at least 30 min per week of supplemental computer-adaptive reading instruction between the months of September and May. Mean differences between pre- and post-test scores identified that students in the intervention group utilizing a computer adaptive reading curriculum had statistically significant higher gains than students in the control group on their overall reading, vocabulary, and reading comprehension scores with small effect sizes. The findings support the use of a supplemental computer adaptive reading program for improving overall reading and reading comprehension outcomes among these fifth-grade students.
Anticipating technical car sequencing rules in the master production scheduling of mixed-model assembly lines
Authors: Krueger Thorben , Koberstein Achim , Bittner Norbert
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose a new linear programming-based approach that enables the consideration of technical car sequencing rules in the master production scheduling of mixed-model assembly lines at a much higher level of detail than previous approaches. To this end, we investigate certain interdependencies of car sequencing rules, which have largely been neglected, both in practice and in the research literature. We illustrate the existence and impact of these interdependencies and show that they induce additional implicit constraints, which can be represented by linear inequalities and incorporated into linear optimization models for master production scheduling. In a numerical study, we evaluate the approach and show, that it can significantly reduce sequencing violations compared to existing approaches.
Current international research into cellulose as a functional nanomaterial for advanced applications
Authors: Eichhorn S. J. , Etale A. , Wang J. , Berglund L. A. , Li Y. , Cai Y. , Chen C. , Cranston E. D. , Johns M. A. , Fang Z. , Li G. , Hu L. , Khandelwal M. , Lee K.-Y. , Oksman K. , Pinitsoontorn S. , Quero F. , Sebastian A. , Titirici M. M. , Xu Z. , Vignolini S. , Frka-Petesic B.
Published: March 2022

This review paper provides a recent overview of current international research that is being conducted into the functional properties of cellulose as a nanomaterial. A particular emphasis is placed on fundamental and applied research that is being undertaken to generate applications, which are now becoming a real prospect given the developments in the field over the last 20 years. A short introduction covers the context of the work, and definitions of the different forms of cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) that are most widely studied. We also address the terminology used for CNMs, suggesting a standard way to classify these materials. The reviews are separated out into theme areas, namely healthcare, water purification, biocomposites, and energy. Each section contains a short review of the field within the theme and summarizes recent work being undertaken by the groups represented. Topics that are covered include cellulose nanocrystals for directed growth of tissues, bacterial cellulose in healthcare, nanocellulose for drug delivery, nanocellulose for water purification, nanocellulose for thermoplastic composites, nanocellulose for structurally colored materials, transparent wood biocomposites, supercapacitors and batteries.
Flow Experiences Across Adulthood: Preliminary Findings on the Continuity Hypothesis
Authors: Tse Dwight C. K. , Nakamura Jeanne , Csikszentmihalyi Mihaly
Published: March 2022

Flow experience is a psychological state characterized by simultaneous absorption, concentration, and enjoyment. Examining the change and continuity of the flow experience––an optimal state that contributes to well-being––is critical to the understanding of the lifelong trajectory of human flourishing. Nevertheless, to date there has been no systematic investigation of the relationship between age and flow experiences across adulthood. Developmental models of flow experiences suggest the continuity hypothesis that people are motivated to sustain a high level of flow experiences as long as conditions permit. We conducted two studies to investigate flow experiences among adults of different ages. Study 1 (N = 1,162; age range 30–80) used longitudinal data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) project, investigating the changes in flow experiences at work over a 10-year span. Study 2 (N = 393; age range 20–82) was an online survey that examined age-related differences in flow experiences. Both studies revealed minimal relationships between age and flow experiences. Post-hoc analyses revealed no significant moderating effect of common demographics including gender, race, and education on the age–flow relationship. Taken together, these studies elucidate the “flow profile” in adulthood that is consistent with the continuity hypothesis. We discuss relations of the findings to the literature on flow experiences and well-being.
A novel framework for brain tumor detection based on convolutional variational generative models
Authors: Salama Wessam M. , Shokry Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Brain tumor detection can make the difference between life and death. Recently, deep learning-based brain tumor detection techniques have gained attention due to their higher performance. However, obtaining the expected performance of such deep learning-based systems requires large amounts of classified images to train the deep models. Obtaining such data is usually boring, time-consuming, and can easily be exposed to human mistakes which hinder the utilization of such deep learning approaches. This paper introduces a novel framework for brain tumor detection and classification. The basic idea is to generate a large synthetic MRI images dataset that reflects the typical pattern of the brain MRI images from a small class-unbalanced collected dataset. The resulted dataset is then used for training a deep model for detection and classification. Specifically, we employ two types of deep models. The first model is a generative model to capture the distribution of the important features in a set of small class-unbalanced brain MRI images. Then by using this distribution, the generative model can synthesize any number of brain MRI images for each class. Hence, the system can automatically convert a small unbalanced dataset to a larger balanced one. The second model is the classifier that is trained using the large balanced dataset to detect brain tumors in MRI images. The proposed framework acquires an overall detection accuracy of 96.88% which highlights the promise of the proposed framework as an accurate low-overhead brain tumor detection system.
Darwinian standard model of physics obtains general relativity
Authors: Lori Nicolas
Published: March 2022

A Darwinian perspective of the standard model of physics (SMP) quantum fields (QFs) is proposed, called the physics-cell (PC) approach. Because Darwinian evolution is not deterministic, the PC approach allows for the violation of the charge-parity-time symmetry. In the PC approach, the SMP laws are contained in the PCs which receive and emit QFs through the PCs’ outer surface which is necessarily constrained by Bekenstein’s surface-information limit. The establishment of gauge invariance-compatible communication protocol-agreements between the PCs obtains an average correlation of QFs that is equivalent to an asymmetric metric tensor with the symmetric component being equivalent to general relativity and the anti-symmetric component being very small but still large enough to allow for enough ex-nihilo mass-creation to explain dark matter. Based on experimental data, the PC minimum-size is $$1.5\cdot 10^{-31}$$

1.5
·

10

-
31

m which is similar to the scale at which the grand unified theory force convergence occurs. Plus, the cosmological constant energy density is equal to the energy density of the discreteness-correction QF alterations that constitute the dark energy and are caused by the finiteness of the PC time-step which equals $$5.0\cdot 10^{-40}$$

5.0
·

10

-
40

s, hence obtaining a PC maximum information processing rate of $$6.6\cdot 10^{47}$$

6.6
·

10
47

qubit/s. Moreover, the PC approach obtains that the minimum mass for black holes is $$2.1 \cdot 10^{9}$$

2.1
·

10
9

larger than the maximum mass for which the no-hiding theorem can apply and that the maximum capacity for quantum computers is about $$29.0 \cdot 10^{12}$$

29.0
·

10
12

qubit.
Effect of dynamic contact angle variation on spontaneous imbibition in porous materials
Authors: Bianchi Janetti Michele , Janssen Hans
Published: March 2022

We investigate the influence of contact angle variations on spontaneous imbibition of moisture in porous materials. While the contact angle is typically assumed constant when modelling the moisture transfer in porous media, experimental findings put this assumption into question. It has been shown that during imbibition the contact angle notably rises with increasing meniscus velocity. This phenomenon resultantly affects the moisture retention curve, the relation linking the local capillary pressure to the local moisture saturation, which in turn impacts the imbibition rate and moisture distribution. This study investigates these dynamic effects via a pore network technique as well as a continuum approach. It is shown that the impacts of pore-scale contact angle variations on the imbibition process can be reproduced at the continuum scale through a modified moisture retention curve including a dynamic term. Complementarily a closed-form equation expressing the dynamic capillary pressure in terms of local saturation and saturation rate is derived. The continuum approach is then finally employed to predict measured moisture saturation profiles for imbibition in Berea sandstone and diatomite found in literature, and a fair agreement between simulated and measured outcomes is observed.