bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐series multispectral imaging in soybean for improving biomass and genomic prediction accuracy
Authors: Sakurai Kengo , Toda Yusuke , Kajiya‐Kanegae Hiromi , Ohmori Yoshihiro , Yamasaki Yuji , Takahashi Hirokazu , Takanashi Hideki , Tsuda Mai , Tsujimoto Hisashi , Kaga Akito , Nakazono Mikio , Fujiwara Toru , Iwata Hiroyoshi
Published: August 2022

Multispectral (MS) imaging enables the measurement of characteristics important for increasing the prediction accuracy of genotypic and phenotypic values for yield‐related traits. In this study, we evaluated the potential application of temporal MS imaging for the prediction of aboveground biomass (AGB) in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Field experiments with 198 accessions of soybean were conducted with four different irrigation levels. Five vegetation indices (VIs) were calculated using MS images from soybean canopies from early vegetative to early reproductive stage. To predict the genotypic values of AGB, VIs at the different growth stages were used as secondary traits in a multitrait genomic prediction. The prediction accuracy of the genotypic values of AGB from MS and genomic data largely outperformed that of the genomic data alone before the flowering stage (90% of accessions did not flower), suggesting that it would be possible to determine cross‐combinations based on the predicted genotypic values of AGB. We compared the prediction accuracy of a model using the five VIs and a model using only one VI to predict the phenotypic values of AGB and found that the difference in prediction accuracy decreased over time at all irrigation levels except for the most severe drought. The difference in the most severe drought was not as small as that in the other treatments. Only the prediction accuracy of a model using the five VIs in the most severe droughts gradually increased over time. Therefore, the optimal timing for MS imaging may depend on the irrigation levels.
Pore‐scale analytic model to calculate the suction stress in partially saturated soils
Authors: Zhou Dejian , Tatomir Alexandru , Sauter Martin
Published: August 2022

The expression of effective stress in unsaturated conditions has remained controversial ever since the concept was first proposed in the 1950s by Bishop. In this paper, based on the first law of thermodynamics, a novel approach is proposed to calculate the effective stress in unsaturated soil systems by applying the improved bundled cylindrical capillary model and the probability density function of soil particles. The proposed model provided an expression for Bishop's effective stress model and Bishop's coefficient χ. The basic assumptions of the model are (a) the water in the unsaturated pores can be divided into capillary water and adsorbed water, and (b) the soil pore network is considered as a rigid body, and the particle structure is unchanged with saturation variation. Published experimental data are compared with Lu's effective stress model and our model results. The findings show that the proposed model performs well over a wide range of saturation conditions for nonexpansive soils, such as sand, and the capillary stage for expansive soils, such as silt, and clay materials.
Academic Professional Development to Support Mixed Modalities
Authors: Tynan Belinda , Bossu Carina , Leitch Shona
Published: August 2022

This chapter will explore professional development (PD) of academic and teaching staff in the use of technologies to support learning in mixed modalities including blended and online modalities in higher education contexts. The authors will explore current practices in both face-to-face (f2f) and online/distance education contexts. A succinct annotated review of key seminal and recent texts will be provided of current trends in relation to PD of staff and the implications that arise from this research for practitioners. Two very different but relevant examples of PD will be provided to bring the discussion to life: (i) at the Open University, UK, and (ii) at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia.
EFT Diagrammatica. Part II. Tracing the UV origin of bosonic D6 CPV and D8 SMEFT operators
Authors: Naskar Wrishik , Prakash Suraj , Rahaman Shakeel Ur
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In recent times, SMEFT, along with a superlative repertoire of theoretical and computational tools, has emerged as an efficacious platform to test the viability of proposed BSM scenarios. With symmetry as the backbone, higher mass dimensional (≥ 5) SMEFT operators constitute the lingua franca for studying and comparing the direct or indirect effects of UV models on low energy observables. The steady increase in the accessible energy scales for contemporary particle collision experiments prompts us to inspect effective operators beyond the leading order and investigate their measurable impact as well as their connections with the appropriate BSM proposals. We take the next step in delineating the possible UV roots of SMEFT operators by extending our diagrammatic approach, previously employed for CP, baryon, and lepton number conserving dimension-6 operators, to the complete set of purely bosonic SMEFT operators up to mass dimension-8. We catalogue a diverse array of Feynman diagrams elucidating how the operators encapsulate heavy field propagators while abiding by a notion of minimalism.
Graviton non-gaussianity in α-vacuum
Authors: Kanno Sugumi , Sasaki Misao
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We compute the leading order non-Gaussianity, i.e., the bispectrum, of the tensor perturbation in the general α-vacuum on de Sitter space in general relativity. In addition to the well-known Bunch-Davies (BD) vacuum, there exits an infinite number of de Sitter invariant vacua represented by a real parameter α and a phase ϕ, with α = 0 being the BD vacuum. They are called α-vacua. In the standard slow-roll inflation, as de Sitter invariance no longer applies, the α-vacua lose its relevance in the rigorous sense. Nevertheless, if we assume that the parameter α is only weakly dependent on the wavenumber with an appropriate UV cutoff, we may consider pseudo-α-vacua. In the case of false vacuum inflation where the background spacetime is pure de Sitter, a non-trivial (non-BD) α-vacuum could indeed be realized. We find an intriguing result that the bispectrum may be exponentially enhanced to be detectable by observation even if the spectrum is too small to be detected.
The supersymmetric Neveu-Schwarz branes of non-relativistic string theory
Authors: Bergshoeff E. A. , Lahnsteiner J. , Romano L. , Rosseel J.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We construct the basic Neveu-Schwarz (NS) brane solutions of non-relativistic string theory using longitudinal T-duality as a solution generating technique. Extending the NS background fields to a supergravity multiplet, we verify that all solutions we find are half-supersymmetric. The two perturbative solutions we find both have an interpretation as the background geometry outside a string-like object. Correspondingly, we refer to these non-Lorentzian backgrounds as winding string and unwound string solution. Whereas the winding string is part of the on-shell spectrum of non-relativistic string theory, the unwound string only makes sense off-shell where it mediates the instantaneous gravitational force. Seen from the nine-dimensional point of view, we find that the winding string solution is sourced by a non-relativistic massive particle and that the unwound string solution is sourced by a massless Galilean particle of zero colour and spin. We explain how these two string solutions fit into a discrete lightcone quantization of string theory. We shortly discuss the basic NS five-brane and Kaluza-Klein monopole solutions and show that they are both half-supersymmetric.
Bochner Representable Operators on Spaces of Continuous Functions
Authors: Nowak Marian
Published: August 2022

Let $$C_b(X)$$

C
b

(
X
)

be the Banach lattice of all bounded continuous real-valued functions on a completely regular Hausdorff space X and $$\beta $$
β
denote the natural strict topology on $$C_b(X)$$

C
b

(
X
)

. For a Banach space $$(E,\Vert \cdot \Vert _E)$$

(
E
,
‖
·

‖
E

)

, a linear operator $$T:C_b(X)\rightarrow E$$

T
:

C
b

(
X
)

→
E

is said to be tight if $$\Vert T(u_\alpha )\Vert _E\rightarrow 0$$

‖
T

(

u
α

)

‖

E

→
0

whenever $$(u_\alpha )$$

(

u
α

)

is a uniformly bounded net in $$C_b(X)$$

C
b

(
X
)

such that $$u_\alpha \rightarrow 0$$

u
α

→
0

uniformly on all compact sets in X. It is shown that a linear operator $$T:C_b(X)\rightarrow E$$

T
:

C
b

(
X
)

→
E

is nuclear tight if and only if T is a nuclear operator between the locally convex space $$(C_b(X),\beta )$$

(

C
b

(
X
)

,
β
)

and a Banach space E and if and only if T is Bochner representable, that is, there exist a positive Radon measure $$\mu $$
μ
on X and a E-valued $$\mu $$
μ
-Bochner integrable function g on X so that $$T(u)=\int _X u(x)g(x)d\mu $$

T

(
u
)

=

∫
X

u

(
x
)

g

(
x
)

d
μ

for all $$u\in C_b(X)$$

u
∈

C
b

(
X
)

.
SARS-CoV-2-Antikörper-Antwort auf die zweite COVID-19-Impfung bei neuromuskulären Patienten unter immunmodulierender Therapie
Authors: Hosseini S. S. Justus , Dudakova Anna , Kummer Karsten , Zschüntzsch Jana
Published: August 2022

Einer erfolgreichen Impfung (adäquater Anstieg der Anti-S[Spike]-Protein-Antikörper) gegen SARS-CoV‑2 (engl. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) wird ein suffizienter Schutz gegen einen schweren Verlauf von COVID-19 (engl. coronavirus disease 2019) zugeschrieben. Bei Patient*innen mit chronisch-inflammatorischen Erkrankungen (engl. „chronic inflammatory diseases“ [CID]) und Immunsuppression ist der Impferfolg weiterhin im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs. Daher evaluierten wir bei Patient*innen mit einer neuromuskulären Erkrankung (NME), die zu regelmäßigen Infusionen von Immunglobulinen in unserer neurologischen Tagesklinik/Ambulanz vorstellig wurden, 2 Wochen nach vollständiger Immunisierung die Antikörpertiter gegen das S1 (S1-Untereinheit des Spike-Proteins) -Antigen von SARS-CoV‑2. Unsere Daten zeigen, dass Patient*innen mit einer chronischen autoimmunen NME und gleichzeitiger immunsuppressiver bzw. immunmodulierender Therapie nach einer Impfung sowohl mit einem mRNA- als auch mit einem Vektorimpfstoff eine Antikörperantwort aufwiesen. Im Vergleich zu gesunden Proband*innen zeigte sich eine vergleichbare Anzahl an Serokonversionen durch die Impfung. Eine Korrelation zwischen Immunglobulindosierung und Impfantwort sowie Infusionsintervall und Impfantwort ließ sich nicht feststellen. Demgegenüber zeigte jedoch insbesondere die Kombination aus Mycophenolatmofetil (MMF) und Prednisolon eine signifikante Reduktion der spezifischen Antikörpersynthese.
Explosive hamstrings strength asymmetry persists despite maximal hamstring strength recovery following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts
Authors: San Jose Argell T. , Maniar Nirav , Timmins Ryan G. , Beerworth Kate , Hampel Chris , Tyson Natalie , Williams Morgan D. , Opar David A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To investigate the differences in maximal (isometric and concentric peak torque) and explosive (rate of torque development (RTD)) hamstring and quadriceps strength symmetry between males and females during early- and late-phase rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring tendon (HT) autografts and to determine the interaction of time and sex on maximal and explosive strength symmetry.

Methods

A total of 38 female and 51 male participants were assessed during early (3–6 months post-operative) and late (7–12 months post-operative) phases of rehabilitation following ACLR. Maximal (concentric and isometric peak torque) and explosive (isometric RTD) hamstring and quadriceps strength were assessed and presented as limb symmetry index (LSI).

Results

Maximal concentric hamstrings asymmetry (Early: 86 ± 14; Late 92 ± 13;p = 0.005) as well as maximal concentric (Early, 73 ± 15; Late 91 ± 12;p < 0.001) and explosive (Early: 82 ± 30; Late: 92 ± 25;p = 0.03) quadriceps asymmetry decreased from early to late rehabilitation. However, there were no significant changes in maximal isometric quadriceps strength and explosive isometric hamstring strength in the same time period. Females had a larger asymmetry in maximal concentric (Females: 75 ± 17; Males: 81 ± 15;p = 0.001) and explosive (Females: 81 ± 32; Males: 89 ± 25;p = 0.01) quadriceps strength than males throughout rehabilitation. There were no sex differences in maximal and explosive hamstring strength. There were no sex by time interactions for any variables.

Conclusion

Explosive hamstring strength asymmetry did not improve despite recovery of maximal hamstring strength during rehabilitation following ACLR with HT autografts. While sex did not influence strength recovery, females had larger maximal and explosive quadriceps strength asymmetry compared to males throughout rehabilitation following ACLR.

Level of evidence

Level III
Determination of local density in components made by fused deposition modeling through indentation test
Authors: Lambiase Francesco , Scipioni Silvia Ilaria , Paoletti Alfonso
Published: August 2022

The present study is aimed at determining the local density of components made by fused deposition modeling (FDM) through non-destructive indentation tests. An experimental campaign was performed to assess such a relationship. Specimens were made varying the amount of material flow and the direction of deposition. The specimen’s dimension and weight were measured to determine the average density. The internal porosity due to uncomplete filling produced due to the deposition process was also assessed through cross-sectioning. Instrumented indentation tests were conducted on the samples to determine a relationship between the density and the slopes during the loading and unloading phases. The tests were performed using flat cylindrical indenters of different diameters. The results indicated that the density of the specimens was strongly influenced by the adopted material flow and the orientation during deposition. An empirical relationship was determined between the slopes measured during indentation tests and the density. Such a relationship is independent of the deposition orientation. The optimized procedure represents a valuable tool to determine the local density of components made by fused deposition modeling through non-destructive indentation tests.
Sheaf homology of hyperplane arrangements, Boolean covers and exterior powers
Authors: Everitt Brent , Turner Paul
Published: August 2022

We compute the sheaf homology of the intersection lattice of a hyperplane arrangement with coefficients in the graded exterior sheaf $$\varLambda ^\bullet F$$

Λ
∙

F

of the natural sheaf F. This builds on the results of our previous paper Everitt and Turner (Adv Math 402:Paper No. 108354, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aim.2022.108354) where this homology was computed for $$\varLambda ^1F=F$$

Λ
1

F
=
F

, itself a generalisation of an old result of Lusztig. The computational machinery we develop in this paper is quite different though: sheaf homology is lifted to what we call Boolean covers, where we instead compute homology cellularly. A number of tools are given for the cellular homology of these Boolean covers, including a deletion–restriction long exact sequence.
Playing With the Index of M-Theory
Authors: Del Zotto Michele , Nekrasov Nikita , Piazzalunga Nicolò , Zabzine Maxim
Published: August 2022

Motivated by M-theory, we study rank n K-theoretic Donaldson–Thomas theory on a toric threefold X. In the presence of compact four-cycles, we discuss how to include the contribution of D4-branes wrapping them. Combining this with a simple assumption on the (in)dependence on Coulomb moduli in the 7d theory, we show that the partition function factorizes and, when X is Calabi–Yau and it admits an ADE ruling, it reproduces the 5d master formula for the geometrically engineered theory on $$A_{n-1}$$

A

n
-
1

ALE space, thus extending the usual geometric engineering dictionary to $$n>1$$

n
>
1

. We finally speculate about implications for instanton counting on Taub-NUT.
Comparison of compressed sensing-sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) accelerated 3D T2W TSE sequence versus conventional 3D and 2D T2W TSE sequences in rectal cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Gong Xiaoling , Wen Daguang , Wei Hong , Shen Yu , Deng Yujiao , Wang Ya , Wei Mingtian , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wang Ziqiang , Wu Bing
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic value of compressed sensing-sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) accelerated 3-dimensional (3D) T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (T2W TSE) sequence in patients with rectal cancer compared with conventional 3D and 2-dimensional (2D) sequences.

Methods

A total of 54 patients who underwent the above three sequences were enrolled. Two radiologists independently reviewed the image quality using an ordinal 5-point Likert scale. The quantitative measurement was performed to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The diagnostic value was assessed using TN staging, extramural vascular invasion and mesorectal fascia status. Friedman and McNemar’s tests were applied for comparative analysis.

Results

Forty-two patients were successfully included. Compared with 3D and 2D sequences, the CS-SENSE 3D sequence speeded up by 39% and 23%, respectively. The edge sharpness of CS-SENSE 3D images was similar to that of 3D and 2D images. The noise of CS-SENSE 3D images was comparable to that of 3D images but higher than that of 2D images. The SNRtumor and SNRrectal wall of CS-SENSE 3D images were considerably lower than those of 3D and 2D images. The CNR of CS-SENSE 3D images was similar to that of 3D images but lower than that of 2D images. However, no considerable differences were noted in diagnostic value among the three sequences.

Conclusions

CS-SENSE 3D T2 sequence provided comparable diagnostic performance, with substantially reduced imaging time and no significant sacrifices in image quality. This technique may serve as a reliable tool for evaluating rectal cancer.

Graphical abstract
Mitochondrial calpain-1 activates NLRP3 inflammasome by cleaving ATP5A1 and inducing mitochondrial ROS in CVB3-induced myocarditis
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Li Minghui , Chen Zhiwei , Yu Yong , Shi Hui , Yu Ying , Wang Yucheng , Chen Ruizhen , Ge Junbo
Published: August 2022

Treatment options for myocarditis are currently limited. Inhibition of calpains has been shown to prevent Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced cardiac injuries, but the underlying mechanism of action of calpains has not been elucidated. We investigated whether NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome participated in CVB3-induced myocarditis, and investigated the effects of calpain-1 on CVB3-induced cardiac injury. NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in CVB3-infected hearts, evidenced by elevated protein levels of NLRP3, N-terminal domain of Gasdermin D, and cleaved caspase-1, and the increased co-localization of NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein. The intraperitoneal administration of MCC950, a selective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, led to decreased levels of serum creatine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin-18, interleukin-1β, prevention of the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and improvement of cardiac function under CVB3 infection. Transgenic mice overexpressing the endogenous calpain inhibitor calpastatin (Tg-CAST mice) exhibited not only decreased apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and enhanced cardiac function but also inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis. The selective inhibition of calpain-1 using PD151746 protected cardiomyocytes in vitro from CVB3 infection by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome and, thus, preserved cell viability. Mechanistically, we showed that mitochondrial dysfunction preceded inflammatory response after CVB3 treatment and elimination of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) using mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (mito-TEMPO) recapitalized the phenotype observed in Tg-CAST mice. Furthermore, the promotion or inhibition of calpain-1 activation in vitro regulated the mitochondrial respiration chain. Mito-TEMPO reversed calpain-1-mediated NLRP3 inflammation activation and cell death. We also found that mitochondrial calpain-1, which was increased after CVB3 stimulation, activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and resulted in cell death. Furthermore, ATP synthase-α (ATP5A1) was revealed to be the cleaving target of calpain-1 after CVB3 treatment. Downregulating ATP5A1 using ATP5A1-small interfering RNA impaired mitochondrial function, decreased cell viability, and induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In conclusion, CVB3 infection induced calpain-1 accumulation in mitochondria, and led to subsequent ATP5A1 cleavage, mitochondrial ROS overproduction, and impaired mitochondrial function, eventually causing NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inducing pyroptosis. Therefore, our findings established the role of calpain in viral myocarditis and unveiled its underlying mechanism of its action. Calpain appears as a promising target for the treatment of viral myocarditis.
Psychological variables associated with quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: the role of body image distress
Authors: Cerea Silvia , Sansoni Maria , Scarzello Giovanni , Groff Elena , Ghisi Marta
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and body image distress in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), considering relevant psychological variables (i.e., coping strategies, social anxiety symptoms, self-esteem, intolerance of uncertainty, pain, and distress). We also aimed to explore gender differences in patients with HNC in terms of relevant psychological variables in HNC.

Methods

Fifty-one HNC patients (37 males and 14 females) completed self-report questionnaires to assess body image distress, physical and mental QoL, and relevant psychological variables in HNC (coping strategies, social anxiety symptoms, self-esteem, intolerance of uncertainty, pain, and distress) before undergoing treatment. Pearson’s correlations and four-step hierarchical regressions were performed to assess the relationship between body image distress, QoL, and the abovementioned psychological variables, while one-way analyses of variance and one-way analysis of covariance were employed to assess gender differences.

Results

Physical QoL was associated with body image distress above and beyond disease duration, distress, coping strategies, pain, mental QoL, and self-esteem, while mental QoL was associated with pain above and beyond distress, coping strategies, physical QoL, self-esteem, and body image distress. Concerning gender differences, females scored higher than males on most of the explored psychological variables, except for physical QoL and intolerance of uncertainty, and showed lower mental QoL and self-esteem than males.

Conclusion

Body image distress and pain emerged as negatively associated with QoL, and almost all the explored psychological variables differed among genders. Psychological interventions targeting body image distress and pain should be promoted in patients with HNC to increase their QoL, while keeping gender differences in mind.
Hybrid deep learning diagonal recurrent neural network controller for nonlinear systems
Authors: El-Nagar Ahmad M. , Zaki Ahmad M. , Soliman F. A. S. , El-Bardini Mohammad
Published: August 2022

In the present paper, a hybrid deep learning diagonal recurrent neural network controller (HDL-DRNNC) is proposed for nonlinear systems. The proposed HDL-DRNNC structure consists of a diagonal recurrent neural network (DRNN), whose initial values can be obtained through deep learning (DL). The DL algorithm, which is used in this study, is a hybrid algorithm that is based on a self-organizing map of the Kohonen procedure and restricted Boltzmann machine. The updating weights of the DRNN of the proposed algorithm are developed using the Lyapunov stability criterion. In this concern, simulation tasks such as disturbance signals and parameter variations are performed on mathematical and physical systems to improve the performance and the robustness of the proposed controller. It is clear from the results that the performance of the proposed controller is better than other existent controllers.
Participatory modeling from a stakeholder perspective: On the influence of collaboration and revisions on psychological ownership and perceived model quality
Authors: Gutschmidt Anne , Lantow Birger , Hellmanzik Ben , Ramforth Ben , Wiese Matteo , Martins Erko
Published: August 2022

Participatory enterprise modeling is about gathering domain experts and involving them directly in the creation of models, aided by modeling experts. It is meant to increase commitment to and quality of models. This paper presents an exploratory study focusing on the subjective view of the domain experts. We investigated the influence of direct collaboration versus individual modeling, and the influence of model revisions by modeling experts on psychological ownership and perceived model quality. We chose process modeling as a particular form of enterprise modeling. Our results give hint that domain experts working individually with a modeling expert perceive model quality as higher than those working collaboratively whereas psychological ownership did not show any difference. Revisions caused changes in the subjects’ assessments only of model quality. Moreover, we will present qualitative results from interviews we led with the participants. They reveal interesting insight on how outcome and perception of the procedure and the method in both settings can be positively influenced. The interviews also emphasize the special role of the method experts who are sometimes even considered as co-owners of the model.
The common sense of expert activists: practitioners, scholars, and the problem of statelessness in Europe
Authors: Beyer Judith
Published: August 2022

In this article, I follow a group of professionals in their efforts to address the problem of statelessness in Europe. My interlocutors divide the members of their group into “practitioners,” on the one hand, and “scholars” on the other. Relating this emic dichotomization to Antonio Gramsci’s dialectical take on common sense, I argue against a theoretical reductionism that regards expertise and activism as two essentially different and mostly separate endeavors, and put forward the concept of the “expert activist.” Unpacking what I call the “practitioner–scholar dilemma,” I show that in their effort to end statelessness, “practitioners” take a reformist route that aims at realizing citizenship for the stateless, while “scholars” are open to a more revolutionary path that contemplates the denaturalization and even the eradication of the state. By drawing on Gramsci, I suggest that the impasse the group encounters in their work might relate more to the structural constraints imposed by the state within or against which they operate than to the problem of statelessness they are trying to solve. This article contributes to a body of emergent work in anthropology that explores the intersection of scholarly expertise and activism.
Multivariate selection and the making and breaking of mutational pleiotropy
Authors: Svensson Erik I.
Published: August 2022

The role of mutations have been subject to many controversies since the formation of the Modern Synthesis of evolution in the early 1940ties. Geneticists in the early half of the twentieth century tended to view mutations as a limiting factor in evolutionary change. In contrast, natural selection was largely viewed as a “sieve” whose main role was to sort out the unfit but which could not create anything novel alone. This view gradually changed with the development of mathematical population genetics theory, increased appreciation of standing genetic variation and the discovery of more complex forms of selection, including balancing selection. Short-term evolutionary responses to selection are mainly influenced by standing genetic variation, and are predictable to some degree using information about the genetic variance–covariance matrix (G) and the strength and form of selection (e. g. the vector of selection gradients,β). However, predicting long-term evolution is more challenging, and requires information about the nature and supply of novel mutations, summarized by the mutational variance–covariance matrix (M). Recently, there has been increased attention to the role of mutations in general andMin particular. Some evolutionary biologists argue that evolution is largely mutation-driven and claim that mutation bias frequently results in mutation-biased adaptation. Strong similarities betweenGandMhave also raised questions about the non-randomness of mutations. Moreover, novel mutations are typically not isotropic in their phenotypic effects and mutational pleiotropy is common. Here I discuss the evolutionary origin and consequences of mutational pleiotropy and how multivariate selection directly shapesGand indirectlyMthrough changed epistatic relationships. I illustrate these ideas by reviewing recent literature and models about correlational selection, evolution ofGandM, sexual selection and the fitness consequences of sexual antagonism.
Chance and Necessity: Hegel’s Epistemological Vision
Authors: Nescolarde-Selva J. , Usó-Doménech J. L. , Gash H.
Published: August 2022

In this paper the authors provide an epistemological view on the old controversial random-necessity. It has been considered that either one or the other form part of the structure of reality. Chance and indeterminism are nothing but a disorderly efficiency of contingency in the production of events, phenomena, processes, i.e., in its causality, in the broadest sense of the word. Such production may be observed in natural and artificial processes or in human social processes (in history, economics, society, politics, etc.). Here we touch the object par excellence of all scientific research whether natural or human. In this work, is presented a hypothesis whose practical result satisfies the Hegelian dialectic, with the consequent implication of their mutual reciprocal integration. Producing abstractions, without which, there is no thought or knowledge of any kind, from the concrete, that is, the real problem, which in this case is a given Ontological System or Reality.
Designing a double-coated cathode with high entropy oxides by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis for highly stable Li–S batteries
Authors: Colombo Roberto , Garino Nadia , Versaci Daniele , Amici Julia , Para Maria Laura , Quartarone Eliana , Francia Carlotta , Bella Federico , Bodoardo Silvia
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, Li–S batteries are considered as one of the most promising alternatives to Li-ion technology in the near future, thanks to their high specific capacity and their significantly lower environmental impact and production costs. Consequently, many efforts have been directed to tackle with the inherent issues that affect Li–S batteries. One of the main problems is the so-called shuttle effect, which basically entails the unwanted migration of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) from the cathode to the anode side, causing the degradation of the cell. Here, we report an effective strategy to restrain the shuttle effect and increase the kinetics at the cathode of the lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery. A functional layer including high entropy oxides (HEO) coated onto the sulfur cathode allows to exploit the HEOs capability as promoter catalysts for the conversion of LiPSs. Pure HEO powders are synthesized by fast, highly efficient microwave irradiation, followed by heat treatment at 930 °C. The formation of highly crystalline HEO is confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The LiPSs adsorption capability of HEO is evaluated by UV–vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The effect of the HEO-coated sulfur cathode on the electrochemical performance of the Li–S battery is studied by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge. The cell with double-coated cathode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1173 mAh/g at C/10 with 45% capacity retention over 500 cycles at C/5, approaching ~ 99% coulombic efficiency.

Graphical abstract
PUM2 aggravates the neuroinflammation and brain damage induced by ischemia–reperfusion through the SLC7A11-dependent inhibition of ferroptosis via suppressing the SIRT1
Authors: Liu Qingran , Liu Yongchang , Li Yan , Hong Zhen , Li Shaoquan , Liu Chen
Published: August 2022

Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs due to the restoration of blood perfusion after cerebral ischemia, which results in the damage of the brain structures and functions. Unfortunately, currently there are no effective methods for preventing and treating it. The pumilio 2 (PUM2) is a type of RBPs that has been reported to participate in the progression of several diseases. Ferroptosis is reported to be involved in I/R injury. Whether PUM2 modulated I/R injury through regulating ferroptosis remains to be elucidated. The cerebral I/R models including animal middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model and oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced cortical neuron injury cell model of were established and, respectively. RT-qPCR was applied for evaluating PUM2, SIRT1 and SLC7A11 expression. Western blot was employed for measuring the protein expression levels. The viability of cortical neurons was tested by MTT assay. The histological damage of the brain tissues was assessed by H&E staining. The level of PUM2 was boosted in both the brain tissues of the MCAO model and OGD/R-induced cortical neuron injury model. Silence of PUM2 alleviated MCAO-induced brain injury and decreased the death of PC12 cell exposed to OGD/R. PUM2 also aggravated the accumulation of free iron in MCAO mice and OGD/R-induced cortical neuron injury model. In addition, PUM2 suppressed SLC7A11 via inhibiting expression of SIRT1. Rescue assays unveiled that downregulation of SLC7A11 reversed PUM2 mediated neuroinflammation and brain damage induced by I/R. PUM2 aggravated I/R-induced neuroinflammation and brain damage through the SLC7A11-dependent inhibition of ferroptosis by suppressing SIRT1, highlighting the role of PUM2 in preventing or treating cerebral I/R injury.
What do we see in pictures? The sensory individuals of picture perception
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: August 2022

When I am looking at an apple, I perceptually attribute certain properties to certain entities. Two questions arise: what are these entities (what is it that I perceptually represent as having properties) and what are these properties (what properties I perceive this entity as having)? This paper is about the former, less widely explored, question: what does our perceptual system attribute properties to? In other words, what are these ‘sensory individuals’. There have been important debates in philosophy of perception about what sensory individuals would be the most plausible candidates for which sense modalities. The aim of this paper is to ask a related question about picture perception: what is the sensory individual of picture perception? When we look at a picture and see an apple depicted in it, what kind of entity do we see? What do we perceptually attribute properties to? I argue that the most straightforward candidates (ordinary objects, sui generis sensory individuals, no sensory individuals) are all problematic and that the most plausible candidate for the sensory individuals of picture perception are spatiotemporal regions.
Knowledge development, technology and quality of experience in collaborative learning: a perspective from Saudi Arabia universities
Authors: Alyami Abdulrahman , Pileggi Salvatore F. , Hawryszkiewycz Igor
Published: August 2022

Technology has recently gained relevance within collaborative learning environments to provide robustness, agility and flexibility. Several recent studies have investigated the role of technology, as well as researchers have defined different metrics to assess learning outcomes and experience along the collaborative knowledge development process. More recently, technology has played a key role to face the new challenges related to COVID-19, which forced to move on remote or hybrid learning. This research focuses on the quality of learning experience in terms of academic performance and perceived satisfaction. From a methodological point of view, a conceptual framework has been proposed and a quantitative study has been conducted among undergraduate and postgraduate students that are undertaking programs related to System Design in Saudi Arabia universities. 152 responses have been collected through an online survey and analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS. Results show a positive impact of technology along the collaborative knowledge development process and a strong correlation among the different quality of learning experience parameters considered. Indeed, despite some challenges, an integrated use of technology seems to properly support the most pressing needs in terms of quality experience, while the well-known social/educational issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not object of this study. Those findings are expected to contribute to the Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 and, more holistically, to the assessment of collaborative learning environments that extensively rely on technology.
Extraterrestrial Life Signature Detection Microscopy: Search and Analysis of Cells and Organics on Mars and Other Solar System Bodies
Authors: Enya Keigo , Yoshimura Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Kensei , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a review of the space exploration for life signature search with a special focus on the fluorescence microscope we developed for the life signature search on Mars and in other sites. Considering where, what, and how to search for life signature is essential. Life signature search exploration can be performed on the Mars surface and underground, on Venus’ cloud, moon, asteroids, icy bodies (e.g., moons of Jupiter and Saturn), and so on. It is a useful strategy to consider the targeted characteristics that may be similar to those of terrestrial microorganisms, which are microorganisms with uniform spherical or rod structures with approximately 1 μm diameter surrounded by a membrane having a metabolic activity and mainly made of carbon-based molecules. These characteristics can be analyzed by using a fluorescence microscope and a combination of fluorescence pigments with specific staining characteristics to distinguish the microorganism characteristics. Section 1 introduces the space exploration for life signature search. Section 2 reviews the scientific instruments and achievements of past and ongoing Mars exploration missions closely related to astrobiology. Section 3 presents the search targets and analysis of astrobiology. Section 4 discusses the extraterrestrial life exploration methods that use a microscope together with other methods (based on mass spectrometry, morphology, detection of growth, movement, and death, etc. for microscopic and macroscopic organism). Section 5 expounds on the life signature detection fluorescence microscope, for which we have manufactured a bread board model and tested for extraterrestrial life exploration.
Ses Fontanelles Shipwreck (Mallorca, Balearic Islands): An Exceptional Late Roman Vessel and Its Cargo
Authors: Munar Llabrés Sebastià , Cardell Jaume , de Juan Carlos , Cau Miguel Ángel , Bernal-Casasola Darío , Picornell Llorenç , García Riaza Enrique
Published: August 2022

This article summarises the results of the underwater rescue excavation of the shipwreck of Ses Fontanelles (Mallorca, Balearic Islands). The excavation documented the remains of a vessel, 12 m long and 5 m beam, loaded with two tiers of amphorae, which had set sail from the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. The cargo includes numerous amphorae which were still sealed and bearing tituli picti, allowing for the analysis of their content. There is little doubt that the shipwreck of Ses Fontanelles is a key site for our understanding of third–fourth-century trade in the Western Mediterranean.
„Kidney biopsy codes for pathologists“
Authors: Leh Sabine , Dendooven Amélie
Published: August 2022

Medizinische Codierungssysteme erfüllen viele Aufgaben. Generell ermöglichen sie das Auffinden, die Annotation und die Analyse von Informationen. Für die histopathologische Beurteilung von medizinischen Nierenbiopsien gibt es kein dediziertes Codierungssystem. Das Ziel des Projekts Kidney Biopsy Codes for Pathologists (KBC) ist es, ein Codierungssystem für nichtneoplastische Nierenerkrankungen zu erstellen, das die Codierung jeder Diagnose oder/und jedes mikroskopischen Schadensmusters ermöglicht. In einem Expertenworkshop wurden die Prinzipien des KBC-Systems festgelegt. Auf der Grundlage von Fachwissen und Erfahrung sowie durch die Analyse von Fachtexten wurde eine Terminologie mit Synonymen und Parent-child(Ober‑/Unterbegriff)-Beziehungen festgelegt. Anschließend wurden eine projektinterne Überprüfungsrunde und ein zweiter Expertenworkshop durchgeführt. KBC besteht derzeit aus 576 aktiven Begriffen, von denen 168 zu einer kompakten und 408 zu einer detaillierten Codierungsgruppe gehören. Die KBC-Struktur ist multihierarchisch, mit einer Krankheitskonzeptachse und einer Schadensmusterachse sowie der Möglichkeit, zusätzliche Attribute anzugeben. Die Konzepte sind nach Nierenkompartimenten gruppiert. Ein umfassendes Codierungssystem für nichtneoplastische Nierenerkrankungen ist etabliert. Das KBC-Projekt strebt eine Zusammenarbeit mit SNOMED international an, um eine definierte Untergruppe in SNOMED CT zu erstellen. Kann KBC in ein bestehendes Rahmenwerk wie SNOMED CT integriert werden, würde dies Pflege und Administration gewährleisten und einen breiten, internationalen Reviewprozess erleichtern.
How public catering accelerates sustainability: a German case study
Authors: Speck Melanie , Wagner Lynn , Buchborn Felix , Steinmeier Fara , Friedrich Silke , Langen Nina
Published: August 2022

Public catering has become increasingly important in recent years. With increasing annual customers, the sector’s impact on the environment is also growing continuously. At the same time, public catering offers a lever to promote sustainable nutrition that has rarely been used so far. Small changes in kitchen practices and food offers can thus be multiplied into a significant positive impact on environmental challenges, such as climate change or loss of biodiversity due to the large number of servings. In contrast to private households, management decisions in public catering can influence the food-related environmental impact of thousands of customers. This article deals with the nationwide level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resource use in the German public catering segment “business” and its saving potentials by different scenarios of unsupported and supported recipe revision. In this paper, we define "unsupported" as the intuitive optimization of recipes by employees of public catering businesses. In contrast, “supported” approaches had to meet specific target goals, for example of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung; engl. German Nutrition Society or the sustainable level. Specifically, we will test how (A) an unsupported recipe revision, (B) a recipe revision based on dietary recommendations and (C) a recipe revision using scientific guidance affect the environmental impact of a dish. As a methodological framework, an online survey of public catering companies was conducted as well as a scenario analysis at menu level and at nationwide level. The results are based on empirical data on the one hand, and on extrapolations on the other. The results show that the nationwide implementation of recipe revision according to scientific guidance—such as concrete target goals for the GHG emissions per serving—can save up to 44% of resource use in the German business catering sector (which corresponds to 3.4 million tons of resources per year) and as much as 40% of GHG emissions (0.6 million tons GHG emissions per year). Even in the scenario of unsupported recipe revision, GHG and resource savings of up to 20% can be realized. The results show that public catering can reduce its material and carbon footprint by 20% overnight. Moreover, the findings show indications for the sustainable transformation of public catering. Nevertheless, it must be noted that these are some first steps of the transformation, which will require further changes with even greater impacts and political activities.
Impact of accurate diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases on postoperative outcomes in lung cancer
Authors: Azuma Yoko , Sakamoto Susumu , Homma Sakae , Sano Atsushi , Sakai Takashi , Koezuka Satoshi , Otsuka Hajime , Tochigi Naobumi , Kishi Kazuma , Iyoda Akira
Published: August 2022

Objective

The prognostic impact of interstitial lung disease (ILD) subclassification based on both high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan findings and histopathological findings is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 104 patients who were diagnosed with clinical ILD according to HRCT scan findings and who underwent lung cancer surgery. Via an expert multidisciplinary discussion, we re-classified HRCT scan findings and validated the histopathological patterns of ILDs in lung specimens.

Results

There were several mismatches between HRCT scan findings and histological patterns. Moreover, 87 (83.7%) and 6 (5.8%) patients were diagnosed with definitive ILD and pathological non-ILD, respectively. Finally, 82 patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) were divided into the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 61) group and the other group (n = 21). The 5-year overall survival rate of the IPF group was significantly lower than that of the other group (22.8% vs 67.9%; p = 0.011). Sub-classification of IIPs was found to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with lung cancer.

Conclusion

An accurate diagnosis of IIPs/IPF according to both HRCT scan findings and histological patterns is important for providing an appropriate treatment among patients with lung cancer who presented with clinical ILD.
The Dutch judicial approach to various types of co-offending among members of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Authors: van Deuren Sjoukje , Ballin Marianne F. H. Hirsch , Kleemans Edward R. , Blokland Arjan A. J.
Published: August 2022

The Dutch criminal law system is based on individual liability, yet part of the crime and violence Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) members commit is collective in nature. This study examines the criminal law approach towards collective criminal behavior of OMCG members. The study analyzes police files and court judgements of criminal law cases that were filed against members of Dutch OMCGs. Additionally, interviews were carried out with public prosecutors involved in these criminal cases. The results show that it is often difficult to legally address OMCGs as criminal organizations or weigh the mere symbolic contribution of fellow club members to crime, such as the use of the OMCGs’ violent reputation. Furthermore, the results suggest that in order to circumvent legal difficulties in addressing group symbolism and OMCGs as collectives via criminal law, the Dutch Public Prosecution Office has recently opted for a stronger interplay between criminal and civil law, targeting both individual OMCG members and the structural aspects of OMCGs. Future research is needed to establish which (interplays between) legal instruments are most effective in responding to collective criminal behavior.