bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charge completeness and the massless charge lattice in F-theory models of supergravity
Authors: Morrison David R. , Taylor Washington
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We prove that, for every 6D supergravity theory that has an F-theory description, the property of charge completeness for the connected component of the gauge group (meaning that all charges in the corresponding charge lattice are realized by massive or massless states in the theory) is equivalent to a standard assumption made in F-theory for how geometry encodes the global gauge theory by means of the Mordell-Weil group of the elliptic fibration. This result also holds in 4D F-theory constructions for the parts of the gauge group that come from sections and from 7-branes. We find that in many 6D F-theory models the full charge lattice of the theory is generated by massless charged states; this occurs for each gauge factor where the associated anomaly coefficient satisfies a simple positivity condition. We describe many of the cases where this massless charge sufficiency condition holds, as well as exceptions where the positivity condition fails, and analyze the related global structure of the gauge group and associated Mordell-Weil torsion in explicit F-theory models.
Towards bootstrapping RG flows: sine-Gordon in AdS
Authors: Antunes António , Costa Miguel S. , Penedones João , Salgarkar Aaditya , van Rees Balt C.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The boundary correlation functions for a Quantum Field Theory (QFT) in an Anti-de Sitter (AdS) background can stay conformally covariant even if the bulk theory undergoes a renormalization group (RG) flow. Studying such correlation functions with the numerical conformal bootstrap leads to non-perturbative constraints that must hold along the entire flow. In this paper we carry out this analysis for the sine-Gordon RG flows in AdS2, which start with a free (compact) scalar in the UV and end with well-known massive integrable theories that saturate many S-matrix bootstrap bounds. We numerically analyze the correlation functions of both breathers and kinks and provide a detailed comparison with perturbation theory near the UV fixed point. Our bounds are often saturated to one or two orders in perturbation theory, as well as in the flat-space limit, but not necessarily in between.
Action on Invasive Species: Control Strategies of Parthenium hysterophorus L. on Smallholder Farms in Kenya
Authors: Tabe Ojong Martin Paul , Alvarez Miguel , Ihli Hanna J. , Becker Mathias , Heckelei Thomas
Published: December 2021

Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) is an invasive alien weed with detrimental effects on agricultural production, biodiversity, human and animal health, threating rural livelihoods in Asia and Africa. The problem emerged recently in the Kenyan Rift Valley, where it began to affect the landholdings of both agro-pastoralists and crop farmers. These vulnerable smallholders depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. In this study, we assessed the severity of parthenium invasion and farmers’ management responses using a sample of 530 agro-pastoralists in Baringo County, Kenya, in 2019. We hypothesise that the implementation of existing management strategies depends on the state of parthenium invasion and household socio-economic characteristics. The prevalence and severity of parthenium invasion differed greatly among field plots. To control weeds, farmers resort to either hand weeding, the use of synthetic herbicides, or intensive tillage, sometimes in combination with mulching. A multivariate probit regression model shows that households’ characteristics determine the type of control strategies used as well as their complementarity and substitutability. Hand weeding is the most common option, adopted by almost 40% of farmers. The use of agrochemicals or soil-based control strategies appears to be related to knowledge and information characteristics such as access to extension services, membership in organisations and the educational level of household heads. While hand weeding and the use of synthetic herbicides depict significant substitutability, the latter strategy is limited to a few larger farms with market-oriented production. As parthenium invasion continues, policies need to improve farmer awareness and access to knowledge to enable pro-poor and environmentally sustainable control of parthenium on smallholder farms.
A mathematical model of p62-ubiquitin aggregates in autophagy
Authors: Delacour Julia , Doumic Marie , Martens Sascha , Schmeiser Christian , Zaffagnini Gabriele
Published: December 2021

Aggregation of ubiquitinated cargo by oligomers of the protein p62 is an important preparatory step in cellular autophagy. In this work a mathematical model for the dynamics of these heterogeneous aggregates in the form of a system of ordinary differential equations is derived and analyzed. Three different parameter regimes are identified, where either aggregates are unstable, or their size saturates at a finite value, or their size grows indefinitely as long as free particles are abundant. The boundaries of these regimes as well as the finite size in the second case can be computed explicitly. The growth in the third case (quadratic in time) can also be made explicit by formal asymptotic methods. In the absence of rigorous results the dynamic stability of these structures has been investigated by numerical simulations. A comparison with recent experimental results permits a partial parametrization of the model.
The effect of deep learning reconstruction on abdominal CT densitometry and image quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Stiphout J. Abel , Driessen Jan , Koetzier Lennart R. , Ruules Lara B. , Willemink Martin J. , Heemskerk Jan W. T. , van der Molen Aart J.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To determine the difference in CT values and image quality of abdominal CT images reconstructed by filtered back-projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR), and deep learning reconstruction (DLR).

Methods

PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for articles regarding CT densitometry in the abdomen and the image reconstruction techniques FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR. Mean differences in CT values between reconstruction techniques were analyzed. A comparison between signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR was made. A comparison of diagnostic confidence between hybrid IR and DLR was made.

Results

Sixteen articles were included, six being suitable for meta-analysis. In the liver, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was − 0.633 HU (p = 0.483, SD ± 0.902 HU). In the spleen, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was − 0.099 HU (p = 0.925, SD ± 1.061 HU). In the pancreas, the mean difference between hybrid IR and DLR was − 1.372 HU (p = 0.353, SD ± 1.476 HU). In 14 articles, CNR was described. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher CNR. In 9 articles, SNR was described. In all cases but one, DLR showed a significantly higher SNR. In all cases, DLR showed a significantly higher diagnostic confidence.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in CT values reconstructed by FBP, hybrid IR, and DLR in abdominal organs. This shows that these reconstruction techniques are consistent in reconstructing CT values. DLR images showed a significantly higher SNR and CNR, compared to FBP and hybrid IR.

Key Points

CT values of abdominal CT images are similar between deep learning reconstruction (DLR), filtered back-projection (FBP), and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR).

DLR results in improved image quality in terms of SNR and CNR compared to FBP and hybrid IR images.

DLR can thus be safely implemented in the clinical setting resulting in improved image quality without affecting CT values.
Mechanical analysis of heterogeneous materials with higher-order parameters
Authors: Vazic Bozo , Abali Bilen Emek , Yang Hua , Newell Pania
Published: December 2021

Even though heterogeneous porous materials are widely used in a variety of engineering and scientific fields, such as aerospace, energy-storage technology, and bio-engineering, the relationship between effective material properties of porous materials and their underlying morphology is still not fully understood. To contribute to this knowledge gap, this paper adopts a higher-order asymptotic homogenization method to numerically investigate the effect of complex micropore morphology on the effective mechanical properties of a porous system. Specifically, we use the second-order scheme that is an extension of the first-order computational homogenization framework, where a generalized continuum enables us to introduce length scale into the material constitutive law and capture both pore size and pore distribution. Through several numerical case studies with different combinations of porosity, pore shapes, and distributions, we systematically studied the relationship between the underlying morphology and effective mechanical properties. The results highlight the necessity of higher-order homogenization in understanding the mechanical properties and reveal that higher-order parameters are required to capture the role of realistic pore morphologies on effective mechanical properties. Furthermore, for specific pore shapes, higher-order parameters exhibit dominant influence over the first-order continuum.
The characterization of actions at the superordinate, basic and subordinate level
Authors: Zhuang Tonghe , Lingnau Angelika
Published: December 2021

Objects can be categorized at different levels of abstraction, ranging from the superordinate (e.g., fruit) and the basic (e.g., apple) to the subordinate level (e.g., golden delicious). The basic level is assumed to play a key role in categorization, e.g., in terms of the number of features used to describe these actions and the speed of processing. To which degree do these principles also apply to the categorization of observed actions? To address this question, we first selected a range of actions at the superordinate (e.g., locomotion), basic (e.g., to swim) and subordinate level (e.g., to swim breaststroke), using verbal material (Experiments 1–3). Experiments 4–6 aimed to determine the characteristics of these actions across the three taxonomic levels. Using a feature listing paradigm (Experiment 4), we determined the number of features that were provided by at least six out of twenty participants (common features), separately for the three different levels. In addition, we examined the number of shared (i.e., provided for more than one category) and distinct (i.e., provided for one category only) features. Participants produced the highest number of common features for actions at the basic level. Actions at the subordinate level shared more features with other actions at the same level than those at the superordinate level. Actions at the superordinate and basic level were described with more distinct features compared to those provided at the subordinate level. Using an auditory priming paradigm (Experiment 5), we observed that participants responded faster to action images preceded by a matching auditory cue corresponding to the basic and subordinate level, but not for superordinate level cues, suggesting that the basic level is the most abstract level at which verbal cues facilitate the processing of an upcoming action. Using a category verification task (Experiment 6), we found that participants were faster and more accurate to verify action categories (depicted as images) at the basic and subordinate level in comparison to the superordinate level. Together, in line with the object categorization literature, our results suggest that information about action categories is maximized at the basic level.
Differential fates of introns in gene expression due to global alternative splicing
Authors: Kumari Anjani , Sedehizadeh Saam , Brook John David , Kozlowski Piotr , Wojciechowska Marzena
Published: December 2021

The discovery of introns over four decades ago revealed a new vision of genes and their interrupted arrangement. Throughout the years, it has appeared that introns play essential roles in the regulation of gene expression. Unique processing of excised introns through the formation of lariats suggests a widespread role for these molecules in the structure and function of cells. In addition to rapid destruction, these lariats may linger on in the nucleus or may even be exported to the cytoplasm, where they remain stable circular RNAs (circRNAs). Alternative splicing (AS) is a source of diversity in mature transcripts harboring retained introns (RI-mRNAs). Such RNAs may contain one or more entire retained intron(s) (RIs), but they may also have intron fragments resulting from sequential excision of smaller subfragments via recursive splicing (RS), which is characteristic of long introns. There are many potential fates of RI-mRNAs, including their downregulation via nuclear and cytoplasmic surveillance systems and the generation of new protein isoforms with potentially different functions. Various reports have linked the presence of such unprocessed transcripts in mammals to important roles in normal development and in disease-related conditions. In certain human neurological-neuromuscular disorders, including myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD/ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), peculiar processing of long introns has been identified and is associated with their pathogenic effects. In this review, we discuss different mechanisms involved in the processing of introns during AS and the functions of these large sections of the genome in our biology.
Effects of an intensive slow cortical potentials neurofeedback training in female and male adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Werneck-Rohrer Sonja G. , Lindorfer Theresa M. , Waleew Carolin , Philipp Julia , Prillinger Karin , Konicar Lilian
Published: December 2021

Background

This study aims to compare the effects of neurofeedback training on male and female adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, it examines sex differences regarding improvements in co-occurring psychopathological symptoms, cognitive flexibility and emotion recognition abilities. The study might provide first hints whether there is an influence of sex on treatment outcomes.

Methods

Six female and six male adolescents with ASD were matched according to age, IQ and symptom severity. All participants received 24 sessions of electroencephalography-based neurofeedback training. Before and after the intervention, psychological data for measuring co-occurring psychopathological symptoms as well as behavioral data for measuring cognitive flexibility and emotion recognition abilities were recorded.

Results

Caregivers rated statistically significant higher psychopathological problems in female than in male adolescents with ASD at baseline. Apart from that, no statistically significant sex-related differences were revealed in this sample; however, male adolescents tended to report greater improvements of externalizing, internalizing and total symptoms, whereas females experienced smaller improvements of externalizing and total problems, but no improvements of internalizing problems. Regarding caregivers’ assessments, more improvement of total problems was reported for females. For males, only improvements of internalizing and total problems were described.

Conclusion

This study reveals preliminary results that sex-related differences might play a role when evaluating treatment outcomes after neurofeedback training regarding comorbid psychopathological symptoms. Adolescents’ self-report and parental assessments, especially concerning psychopathological symptoms, should be combined and considered in future studies to help prevent sex bias in adolescents with ASD.
Effects of mental health and substance use disorder symptoms on the association between STDs and sexual identity: evidence from the 2017–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Adzrago David , Nyarko Samuel H. , Ananaba Nnenna , Markham Christine
Published: December 2021

Background

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases are rising in the USA, especially among sexual and gender minorities, despite the availability of numerous STD prevention programs. We examined the differences in STD prevalence among sexual and gender minority subgroups with major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence.

Methods

We combined 2017, 2018, and 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) public-use data on adults (N = 127,584) to conduct weighted multivariable logistic regression and margins analyses.

Results

Approximately 2.05% of the population reported having STDs. The population that had major depressive episode symptoms (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.46, 1.99), alcohol use dependence (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.49, 2.16), illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.73, 2.92), or marijuana use dependence (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.57, 2.31) had higher odds of contracting STDs compared to their counterparts. Lesbian/gay (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 2.24, 3.54) and bisexual (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.60, 2.37) individuals had higher odds of contracting STDs. Lesbians/gays with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use dependence, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of having STDs, compared to bisexuals and heterosexuals with major depressive episode symptoms, alcohol use, or illicit drug use other than marijuana use dependence. Bisexuals with marijuana use dependence had the highest probability of STD contraction compared to their lesbian/gay and heterosexual counterparts. Within each sexual identity subgroup, the probability of having STDs was higher for individuals with major depressive episode symptoms, or dependence on alcohol use, illicit drug use other than marijuana use, or marijuana use compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

Major depressive episode symptoms, substance use dependence, and sexual and gender minority status had higher risks for STD diagnosis, particularly for sexual and gender minorities with major depressive episode symptoms or substance use dependence. Tailored interventions based on major depressive episode symptoms and substance use dependence may reduce the prevalence of STD, especially among sexual and gender minorities.
On Surface-Plasmon-Polariton Waves Excited in the Turbadar–Otto Configuration
Authors: Mackay Tom G. , Faryad Muhammad
Published: December 2021

A local minimum in the plot of linear reflectance versus angle of incidence, on its own, is insufficient to identify a surface-plasmon-polariton wave (SPPW). Further checks are required in order to confirm the identity of a SPPW. The wavenumber should be compared with that extracted from the dispersion relation for the corresponding canonical boundary-value problem. Also, for prism-coupled configurations such as the Turbadar–Otto configuration which are based on SPPW-excitation via evanescent waves, the angle of incidence should be greater than the critical angle needed for total internal reflection.
Movement-level process modeling of microsurgical bimanual and unimanual tasks
Authors: Koskinen Jani , Huotarinen Antti , Elomaa Antti-Pekka , Zheng Bin , Bednarik Roman
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Microsurgical techniques require highly skilled manual handling of specialized surgical instruments. Surgical process models are central for objective evaluation of these skills, enabling data-driven solutions that can improve intraoperative efficiency.

Method

We built a surgical process model, defined at movement level in terms of elementary surgical actions ($$n=4$$

n
=
4

) and targets ($$n=4$$

n
=
4

). The model also included nonproductive movements, which enabled us to evaluate suturing efficiency and bi-manual dexterity. The elementary activities were used to investigate differences between novice ($$n=5$$

n
=
5

) and expert surgeons ($$n=5$$

n
=
5

) by comparing the cosine similarity of vector representations of a microsurgical suturing training task and its different segments.

Results

Based on our model, the experts were significantly more efficient than the novices at using their tools individually and simultaneously. At suture level, the experts were significantly more efficient at using their left hand tool, but the differences were not significant for the right hand tool. At the level of individual suture segments, the experts had on average 21.0 % higher suturing efficiency and 48.2 % higher bi-manual efficiency, and the results varied between segments. Similarity of the manual actions showed that expert and novice surgeons could be distinguished by their movement patterns.

Conclusions

The surgical process model allowed us to identify differences between novices’ and experts’ movements and to evaluate their uni- and bi-manual tool use efficiency. Analyzing surgical tasks in this manner could be used to evaluate surgical skill and help surgical trainees detect problems in their performance computationally.
Complementarity of Description and the Promise of Semiotics in Dealing with an Eluding Object
Authors: Rączaszek-Leonardi Joanna
Published: December 2021

I emphasize the general character of the central claim made by Terrence Deacon about the necessity of complementary description of evolving cognitive systems. Next, I clarify and augment one of the claims made in the paper about the tools offered by information theory. Finally, I point to the need of further clarification of some central notions, which should help to make connections across discourses.
Analysis of the competitiveness between a non-aflatoxigenic and an aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain on maize kernels by droplet digital PCR
Authors: Schamann Alexandra , Schmidt-Heydt Markus , Geisen Rolf
Published: December 2021

Non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains are used as a biocontrol system on maize fields to decrease the aflatoxin biosynthesis of aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains. A. flavus strain AF36 was the first commercially available biocontrol strain and is authorized for use on maize fields by the US Environmental Protection Agency, e.g., in Texas and Arizona. A droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay was developed to analyze the mechanisms of competition and interaction of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains. This assay enables the parallel identification and quantification of the biocontrol strain A. flavus AF36 and the aflatoxigenic A. flavus strain MRI19. To test the assay, spores of both strains were mixed in varying ratios and were incubated on maize-based agar or maize kernels for up to 20 days. Genomic equivalent ratios (genome copy numbers) of both strains were determined by ddPCR at certain times after incubation and were compared to the spore ratios used for inoculation. The aflatoxin biosynthesis was also measured. In general, A. flavus MRI19 had higher competitiveness in the tested habitats compared to the non-aflatoxigenic strain, as indicated by higher final genomic equivalent ratios of this strain compared to the spore ratios used for inoculation. Nevertheless, A. flavus AF36 effectively controlled aflatoxin biosynthesis of A. flavus MRI19, as a clear aflatoxin inhibition was already seen by the inoculation of 10% spores of the biocontrol strain mixed with 90% spores of the aflatoxigenic strain compared to samples inoculated with only spores of the aflatoxigenic A. flavus MRI19.
Analysis of operational issues in hydrothermal liquefaction and supercritical water gasification processes: a review
Authors: Ghavami Niloufar , Özdenkçi Karhan , Salierno Gabriel , Björklund-Sänkiaho Margareta , De Blasio Cataldo
Published: December 2021

Biomass is often referred to as a carbon–neutral energy source, and it has a role in reducing fossil fuel depletion. In addition, biomass can be converted efficiently into various forms of biofuels. The biomass conversion processes involve several thermochemical, biochemical, and hydrothermal methods for biomass treatment integration. The most common conversion routes to produce biofuels include pyrolysis and gasification processes. On the other hand, supercritical water gasification (SCWG) and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) are best suitable for converting biomass and waste with high moisture content. Despite promising efficiencies, SCWG and HTL processes introduce operational issues as obstacles to the industrialization of these technologies. The issues include process safety aspects due to operation conditions, plugging due to solid deposition, corrosion, pumpability of feedstock, catalyst sintering and deactivation, and high production costs. The methods to address these issues include various reactor configurations to avoid plugging and optimizing process conditions to minimize other issues. However, there are only a few studies investigating the operational issues as the main scope, and reviews are seldomly available in this regard. Therefore, further research is required to address operational problems. This study reviews the main operational problems in SCWG and HTL. The objective of this study is to enhance the industrialization of these processes by investigating the operational issues and the potential solutions, i.e., contributing to the elimination of the obstacles. A comprehensive study on the operational issues provides a holistic overview of the biomass conversion technologies and biorefinery concepts to promote the industrialization of SCWG and HTL.
Continuous Fabrication of Ti3C2Tx MXene-Based Braided Coaxial Zinc-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors with Improved Performance
Authors: Shi Bao , Li La , Chen Aibing , Jen Tien-Chien , Liu Xinying , Shen Guozhen
Published: December 2021

Highlights

Ti3C2Tx MXene-based coaxial zinc-ion hybrid fiber supercapacitors (FSCs) were fabricated with braided structure, which can be prepared continuously and present excellent flexibility and ultrastability.

A sports watch driven by the watch belts which weaved uses the obtained zinc-ion hybrid FSC and LED arrays lighted by the FSCs under embedding into textiles, demonstrating the great potential application in smart wearable textiles.

Zinc-ion hybrid fiber supercapacitors (FSCs) are promising energy storages for wearable electronics owing to their high energy density, good flexibility, and weavability. However, it is still a critical challenge to optimize the structure of the designed FSC to improve energy density and realize the continuous fabrication of super-long FSCs. Herein, we propose a braided coaxial zinc-ion hybrid FSC with several meters of Ti3C2Tx MXene cathode as core electrodes, and shell zinc fiber anode was braided on the surface of the Ti3C2Tx MXene fibers across the solid electrolytes. According to the simulated results using ANSYS Maxwell software, the braided structures revealed a higher capacitance compared to the spring-like structures. The resulting FSCs exhibited a high areal capacitance of 214 mF cm–2, the energy density of 42.8 μWh cm−2 at 5 mV s−1, and excellent cycling stability with 83.58% capacity retention after 5000 cycles. The coaxial FSC was tied several kinds of knots, proving a shape-controllable fiber energy storage. Furthermore, the knitted FSC showed superior stability and weavability, which can be woven into watch belts or embedded into textiles to power smart watches and LED arrays for a few days.
Manipulating Interfacial Stability Via Absorption-Competition Mechanism for Long-Lifespan Zn Anode
Authors: Qiu Meijia , Ma Liang , Sun Peng , Wang Zilong , Cui Guofeng , Mai Wenjie
Published: December 2021

The stability of Zn anode in various Zn-based energy storage devices is the key problem to be solved. Herein, aromatic aldehyde additives are selected to modulate the interface reactions between the Zn anode and electrolyte. Through comprehensively considering electrochemical measurements, DFT calculations and FEA simulations, novel mechanisms of one kind of aromatic aldehyde, veratraldehyde in inhibiting Zn dendrite/by-products can be obtained. This additive prefers to absorb on the Zn surface than H2O molecules and Zn2+, while competes with hydrogen evolution reaction and Zn plating/stripping process via redox reactions, thus preventing the decomposition of active H2O near the interface and uncontrollable Zn dendrite growth via a synactic absorption-competition mechanism. As a result, Zn–Zn symmetric cells with the veratraldehyde additive realize an excellent cycling life of 3200 h under 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2 and over 800 h even under 5 mA cm−2/5 mAh cm−2. Moreover, Zn–Ti and Zn–MnO2 cells with the veratraldehyde additive both obtain elevated performance than that with pure ZnSO4 electrolyte. Finally, two more aromatic aldehyde additives are chosen to prove their universality in stabilizing Zn anodes.
Ultra-Stable and Durable Piezoelectric Nanogenerator with All-Weather Service Capability Based on N Doped 4H-SiC Nanohole Arrays
Authors: Zhou Linlin , Zhu Laipan , Yang Tao , Hou Xinmei , Du Zhengtao , Cao Sheng , Wang Hailong , Chou Kuo-Chih , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2021

Ultra-stable piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) driven by environmental actuation sources with all-weather service capability is highly desirable. Here, the PENG based on N doped 4H-SiC nanohole arrays (NHAs) is proposed to harvest ambient energy under low/high temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions. Finite element method simulation of N doped 4H-SiC NHAs in compression mode is developed to evaluate the relationship between nanohole diameter and piezoelectric performance. The density of short circuit current of the assembled PENG reaches 313 nA cm−2, which is 1.57 times the output of PENG based on N doped 4H-SiC nanowire arrays. The enhancement can be attributed to the existence of nanohole sidewalls in NHAs. All-weather service capability of the PENG is verified after being treated at -80/80 ℃ and 0%/100% RH for 50 days. The PENG is promising to be widely used in practice worldwide to harvest biomechanical energy and mechanical energy.
Magnetic fields in the solar convection zone
Authors: Fan Yuhong
Published: December 2021

It has been a prevailing picture that active regions on the solar surface originate from a strong toroidal magnetic field stored in the overshoot region at the base of the solar convection zone, generated by a deep seated solar dynamo mechanism. This article reviews the studies in regard to how the toroidal magnetic field can destabilize and rise through the convection zone to form the observed solar active regions at the surface. Furthermore, new results from the global simulations of the convective dynamos, and from the near-surface layer simulations of active region formation, together with helioseismic investigations of the pre-emergence active regions, are calling into question the picture of active regions as buoyantly rising flux tubes originating from the bottom of the convection zone. This article also gives a review on these new developments.
Counteracting social engineering attacks
Authors: Yasin Affan , Fatima Rubia , Liu Lin , Wanga Jianmin , Ali Raian , Wei Ziqi
Published: December 2021

Social engineers are very successful at exploiting human weaknesses, gathering information, communicating with people and creating creative storylines attacking people's psychological needs and weaknesses. And that is why people, who are among the weakest links in the information security chain, remain susceptible to social engineering attacks.
Exploring the mechanisms of phishing
Authors: Kaushik Keshav , Singh Sahajpreet , Garg Saksham , Singhal Sarthak , Pandey Shambhavi
Published: December 2021

Social engineering can be defined as a form of attack involving human interactions. 1,2 It is used to force users or victims to make psychological mistakes so that they end up making a security mistake, giving up crucial information. Social engineering is about tricking users with the help of fake websites that look the same as legitimate ones or impersonating someone trustworthy, and it includes activities such as exploiting normal human behaviours like kindness and greed. Human behaviour is such that people tend to fall easily for anything they think is free, or anything they see as trustworthy.
Working Memory Impairment in Transient Ischaemic Attack: N-back as a Sensitive Measure for Detection
Authors: Smith Laura J. , Gregory Polly , Clatworthy Philip , Gallop Lucy , Stothart George
Published: December 2021

Background:

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) can lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function resulting in cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening tools may lack sensitivity for detecting cognitive impairments, particularly executive function, which tends to be the earliest affected domain in vascular cognitive impairment.

Aim:

In this preliminary study, we examine a working memory (WMem) task as a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment in TIA.

Method:

Patients referred to a TIA clinic for transient neurological symptoms completed a general cognitive screening tool (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MoCA), and a WMem task (2-N-back) in a cross-sectional design.

Results:

TIA patients (n = 12) showed significantly reduced WMem performance on the N-back compared to patients diagnosed with mimic clinical conditions with overlapping symptoms (n = 16). No group differences were observed on the MoCA.

Conclusions:

Assessing WMem may provide a sensitive measure of cognitive impairment after TIA, with implications for cognitive screening in TIA services to triage patients for further neuropsychological support, or for interventions to prevent vascular dementia.
Biomacromolecule-mediated pulmonary delivery of siRNA and anti-sense oligos: challenges and possible solutions
Authors: Hussain Yaseen , Cui Jing-Hao , Khan Haroon , Makvandi Pooyan , Alam Waqas
Published: December 2021

Biomacromolecules have gained much attention as biomedicine carriers in recent years due to their remarkable biophysical and biochemical properties including sustainability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, long systemic circulation time and ability to target. Recent developments in a variety of biological functions of biomacromolecules and progress in the study of biological drug carriers suggest that these carriers may have advantages over carriers of synthetic materials in terms of half-life, durability, protection and manufacturing facility. Despite the full pledge advancements in the applications of biomacromolecules, its clinical use is hindered by certain factors that allow the pre-mature release of loaded cargos before reaching the target site. The delivery therapeutics are degraded by systemic nucleases, cleared by reticulo-endothelial system, cleared by pulmonary mucus cilia or engulfed by lysosome during cellular uptake that has led to the failure of clinical therapy. It clearly indicates that there is a wide range of gaps in the results of experimental work and clinical applications of biomacromolecules. This review focuses mainly on the barriers (intracellular/extracellular) and hurdles to the delivery of biomacromolecules with special emphasis on siRNA as well as the delivery of antisense oligos in multiple pulmonary diseases, particularly focusing on lung cancer. Also, the challenges posed to such delivery and possible solutions have been highlighted.
Salt intake per dish in the Japanese diet: a clue to help establish dietary goals at home
Authors: Imamoto Miyuki , Takada Toshihiko , Sasaki Sho , Kato Kenji , Onishi Yoshihiro
Published: December 2021

The salt intake of Japanese at home remains high. To aid in salt reduction and encourage a balanced diet, we conducted a cross-sectional study using data from a previous clinical trial in community-dwelling individuals to evaluate major salt sources and relationships among the intake of different dishes in the Japanese diet at home. Dietary records and urinary salt excretion measurements were performed daily for 1 month in seventy-nine participants. The records were classified into six grain dish categories as staple dishes, seven side dish categories and a snack category. Regression analyses were used to estimate (1) salt intake per meal for each category of grain dish, (2) salt intake per dish from each dish category and its contribution to the total salt intake and (3) the influence of grain dish selection on the frequencies of other dishes. Salt intake per meal was approximately 3 g, regardless of grain dish selection. Fish and meat dishes showed the largest contribution to the total salt intake (35 %), followed by vegetable dishes (19 %). The intake of fish or meat and vegetables was promoted by plain rice and reduced by ramen noodles. The intake of dairy products was only promoted by bread, while that of fruits was not influenced by any grain dish category. These results suggest simple strategies to reduce salt intake while maintaining dietary balance, such as eating plain rice more often and using less salt to cook meat/fish and vegetable dishes.
New fossil remains of the commensal barnacleCryptolepas rhachianectiprovide evidence of gray whales in the prehistoric South Pacific
Authors: Taylor Larry , Abella Juan , Morales-Saldaña Jorge Manuel
Published: December 2021

We report the finding of two partial specimens ofCryptolepas rhachianecti(Cirripedia, Coronulidae), a coronulid barnacle known only to inhabit the skin of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), in Pleistocene-aged sediments from the Canoa Basin, Ecuador. While the historical range of gray whales includes the North Pacific and North Atlantic, to our knowledge this is the first inferred evidence of a gray whale population having resided within the South Pacific. We describe the twoCryptolepas rhachianectifossils, use isotopic analysis to investigate evidence of migration in their host whales, and discuss their implications for our understanding of gray whale evolutionary history.
The Mechanical Atatürk: Cybernetics and State Violence in the Second Turkish Republic
Authors: Parslow Joakim
Published: December 2021

Turkey's 1960 military coup d’état was received by Kemalists in the courts, bureaucracy, and universities as an opportunity to reinvigorate Atatürk's ideal of a centralized and rationally organized state. This article investigates how a handful of avant-garde thinkers sought to ride the post-1960 wave of reformism by promoting a techno-utopian approach to governance through publications and seminars aimed at state leaders and intellectuals. Cybernetics, they argued, offered a paradigm of adjudication and administration unblemished by association with the ascendant ideologies of the Cold War, whether socialist or conservative, and was fully in keeping with Kemalism. I argue that, although it remained largely at the stage of fantasy, Turkish cybernetics ultimately served as a set of metaphors with which conservative state thinkers from different political camps found common ground, facilitating the shift that occurred within the state during the 1970s away from the rights-based pluralism of the Constitution of 1961 and toward an effort to de-radicalize Turkish society, if necessary through violence.
Unwarranted philosophical assumptions in research on ANS
Authors: Opfer John , Samuels Richard , Shapiro Stewart , Snyder Eric
Published: December 2021

Clarke and Beck import certain assumptions about the nature of numbers. Although these are widespread within research on number cognition, they are highly contentious among philosophers of mathematics. In this commentary, we isolate and critically evaluate one core assumption: the identity thesis.
The number sense represents multitudes and magnitudes
Authors: Marshall Oliver R.
Published: December 2021

Clarke and Beck's view that numbers are both second-order and sensible is based on an empirically dubious claim, which is required to show that what they call the “weak sensitivity principle” is satisfied. The explanatory benefits that they say are gained by positing a sensory relation to numbers are also gained by positing such a relation to multitudes of objects.
The State's Imperial Shadows
Authors: Getachew Adom
Published: December 2021

This essay seeks to consider Anna Stilz's Territorial Sovereignty: A Philosophical Exploration in light of settler and nonsettler colonialism and their contemporary legacies. In particular, it examines the intergenerational claims of Indigenous communities and the extraterritorial claims of colonial and neocolonial subjects. The broad aim of this effort is to consider how centering the imperial roots of our contemporary nation-state system transforms our understanding and justifications of territorial sovereignty.
Unwanted Compatriots: Alienation, Migration, and Political Autonomy
Authors: Blake Michael
Published: December 2021

In Territorial Sovereignty: A Philosophical Exploration, Anna Stilz argues that legitimate political authority requires the actual—rather than hypothetical—consent of the governed. I argue, however, that her analysis of that consent is inconsistent, in the weight it ascribes to the felt desire to refrain from doing politics with some particular group of people. In the context of secession and self-determination, the lack of actual consent to shared political institutions is weighty enough to render such institutions presumptively illegitimate. In the context of migration, however, a lack of actual consent to the presence of newcomers is ascribed nearly no weight, and instead is taken as evidence of irrationality or immoral preferences. I argue that this apparent contradiction must be clarified before Stilz's overall account of self-governance can be accepted.
Zircon U‐Pb Age Constraints on NW Himalayan Exhumation From the Laxmi Basin, Arabian Sea
Authors: Zhou Peng , Stockli Daniel F. , Ireland Thomas , Murray Richard W. , Clift Peter D.
Published: December 2021

The Indus Fan, located in the Arabian Sea, contains the bulk of the sediment eroded from the Western Himalaya and Karakoram. Scientific drilling in the Laxmi Basin by the International Ocean Discovery Program recovered a discontinuous erosional record for the Indus River drainage dating back to at least 9.8 Ma, and with a single sample from 15.6 Ma. We dated detrital zircon grains by U‐Pb geochronology to reconstruct how erosion patterns changed through time. Long‐term increases in detrital zircon U‐Pb components of 750–1,200 and 1,500–2,300 Ma record increasing preferential erosion of the Himalaya relative to the Karakoram between 8.3–7.0 and 5.9–5.7 Ma. The average contribution of Karakoram‐derived sediment to the Indus Fan fell from 70% of the total at 8.3–7.0 Ma to 35% between 5.9 and 5.7 Ma. An increase in the contribution of 1,500–2,300 Ma zircons starting between 2.5 and 1.6 Ma indicates significant unroofing of the Inner Lesser Himalaya (ILH) by that time. The trend in zircon age spectra is consistent with bulk sediment Nd isotope data. The initial change in spatial erosion patterns at 7.0–5.9 Ma occurred during a time of drying climate in the foreland. The increase in ILH erosion postdated the onset of dry‐wet glacial‐interglacial cycles suggesting some role for climate control. However, erosion driven by rising topography in response to formation of the ILH thrust duplex, especially during the Pliocene, also played an important role, while the influence of the Nanga Parbat Massif to the total sediment flux was modest.
Seafloor Magnetism Under Hydrothermal Alteration: Insights From Magnetomineralogy and Magnetic Properties of the Southwest Indian Ridge Basalts
Authors: Wang Shishun , Chang Liao , Tao Chunhui , Bilardello Dario , Liu Long , Wu Tao
Published: December 2021

Titanomagnetites in mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) experience variable post crystallization alterations associated with seafloor tectonic and environmental processes. Compared to low‐temperature oxidation, seafloor hydrothermal alteration is thought to be more destructive but its magnetic aftermaths are insufficiently documented. Here we present comprehensive rock magnetic and electron microscopic analyses of fresh and hydrothermally‐altered MORBs dredged from the Longqi and Yuhuang hydrothermal fields, Southwest Indian Ridge. We observe large variations in magnetic properties of fresh MORBs, originated from relative proportions of nano‐scale single‐domain to vortex state and micron‐scale vortex to multi‐domain state dendritic titanomagnetites. Progressive hydrothermal alteration produces secondary magnetite through recrystallization of exsolved and dissolved Fe from primary titanomagnetite. Exsolution is evident by a dual Verwey transition signature and coexisting Ti‐poor titanomagnetites and sphenes in partially chloritized basalts. A schematic model is proposed to explain the variations in magnetomineralogy and magnetic properties with progressive hydrothermal alteration. Intermediate hydrothermal alteration products retain a secondary chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) which is related to the long‐term magnetization variations in oceanic basalts. The established framework allows characterizing MORB hydrothermal alteration and ultimately contributes to resolving the complexity of seafloor magnetism.
Early senescence and production of senescence-associated cytokines are major determinants of radioresistance in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Schoetz Ulrike , Klein Diana , Hess Julia , Shnayien Seyd , Spoerl Steffen , Orth Michael , Mutlu Samet , Hennel Roman , Sieber Anja , Ganswindt Ute , Luka Benedikt , Thomsen Andreas R. , Unger Kristian , Jendrossek Verena , Zitzelsberger Horst , Blüthgen Nils , Belka Claus , Unkel Steffen , Klinger Bertram , Lauber Kirsten
Published: December 2021

Resistance against radio(chemo)therapy-induced cell death is a major determinant of oncological treatment failure and remains a perpetual clinical challenge. The underlying mechanisms are manifold and demand for comprehensive, cancer entity- and subtype-specific examination. In the present study, resistance against radiotherapy was systematically assessed in a panel of human head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and xenotransplants derived thereof with the overarching aim to extract master regulators and potential candidates for mechanism-based pharmacological targeting. Clonogenic survival data were integrated with molecular and functional data on DNA damage repair and different cell fate decisions. A positive correlation between radioresistance and early induction of HNSCC cell senescence accompanied by NF-κB-dependent production of distinct senescence-associated cytokines, particularly ligands of the CXCR2 chemokine receptor, was identified. Time-lapse microscopy and medium transfer experiments disclosed the non-cell autonomous, paracrine nature of these mechanisms, and pharmacological interference with senescence-associated cytokine production by the NF-κB inhibitor metformin significantly improved radiotherapeutic performance in vitro and in vivo. With regard to clinical relevance, retrospective analyses of TCGA HNSCC data and an in-house HNSCC cohort revealed that elevated expression of CXCR2 and/or its ligands are associated with impaired treatment outcome. Collectively, our study identifies radiation-induced tumor cell senescence and the NF-κB-dependent production of distinct senescence-associated cytokines as critical drivers of radioresistance in HNSCC whose therapeutic targeting in the context of multi-modality treatment approaches should be further examined and may be of particular interest for the subgroup of patients with elevated expression of the CXCR2/ligand axis.