bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evoking the Inexpressible: The Fine Art and Business of Games
Authors: DeWinter Jennifer , McAllister Ken S. , Ruggill Judd Ethan
Published: March 2022

This interview is excerpted from a series we conducted in early 2010 with Brian J. Moriarty,  Professor of Practice at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Moriarty has been developing games for the better part of 30 years, and has worked for Analog, Infocom, LucasArts, Rocket Science, Mpath, Hearme, Skotos Tech, and ImaginEngine. He has produced a host of critically and commercially acclaimed titles, including Wishbringer, Trinity, Beyond Zork, and Loom, which earned MacWorld's Adventure Game of the Year in 1990.
Playing for Plot in the Lost and Portal Franchises
Authors: Mittell Jason
Published: March 2022

The rising prominence of transmedia storytelling in the digital era has helped to spur the intertwining of narrative and ludic media. In this presentation, I will discuss the way that gameplay and storytelling co-mingle in two very different franchises with both cult and mainstream appeal: the television series Lost and the game series Portal. While each privileges the typical form of their medium, with Lost emphasizing plot and Portal foregrounding play, looking at the cultural practices of each franchise’s “forensic fans” highlights how ludic and narrative pleasures are embedded within both media and their transmedia extensions. Contrasting the appeals encouraged by their transmedia extensions and the innovative practices embraced by fans highlights how both gameplay and storytelling can work together and potentially come into conflict within contemporary media environments.
Skin Games: Fragrant Play, Scented Media and the Stench of Digital Games
Authors: Niedenthal Simon
Published: March 2022

@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }@font-face { font-family: "MS Mincho"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; }.MsoChpDefault { font-size: 10pt; font-family: Cambria; }div.WordSection1 { page: WordSection1; } This study presents an argument in favor of using multiple theory triangulation (Mäyrä 2009) as a means of generating design heuristics and gameplay scenarios for engaging the sense of smell in games. The disciplines that are drawn upon include sensory psychology, sensory anthropology, literature, interaction design and HCI research, and game studies. The physical and historical context of smell in games is sketched by considering the challenges of designing for the sense of smell, examining how different cultures have integrated smell into their lives and entertainment, analyzing the failures of scented filmic media, and surveying games in which smell has played a role: Leather Goddesses of Phobos (Infocom Inc. 1986) and Leisure Suit Larry 7: Love for Sail! (Sierra On-Line Inc. 1996). Rather than naïve immersion, in which smell merely confirms what is seen onscreen, this study seeks to root the future development of scented gameplay in Ermi and Mäyrä’s SCI model of immersion (2007), and draws upon design discourses related to the bodily and spatial uses of scent: perfume and incense. We can learn about how to effectively engage smell in games by examining the ways in which people have organized play around perfume and incense, from games that incorporate perfume themes (ranging from board games to Axe cologne advergames), to the playful behaviors of an online fragrance community (Basenotes.net). The results of this study include general design heuristics for smell in games, as well as specific gameplay concepts for an existing digital game genre (survival horror), and a physical Scratch-and-sniff party game.
"No Going Back": The Telltale Model as Thought Experiment
Authors: Sarian Antranig Arek
Published: March 2022

Since the release of The Walking Dead in 2012, the "Telltale Model" of interactive narrative has attracted a lot of criticism for providing choices that 'don't matter'. This paper is a response to this discussion taking place both in academia and popular games culture. While Telltale's choices indeed 'don't matter' this overlooks the ways in which they actually function. The Telltale Model works in a way that is analogous to the philosophical thought experiment. It presents a sequential series of moral dilemmas that all communicate a common theme. The penultimate choice in The Walking Dead Season 2 Episode 5: No Going Back (2013) performs as a final lesson - testing the player to see if they have properly internalised the themes of the series. It then responds not to the accumulated memory of their choices, but to how they respond to the final 'test' that bookends the series’ many ethical dilemmas. Telltale's choices may not have any long-term consequences, but they do serve an informative pedagogical function - just don't expect Kenny to ever "remember that".
Environmental enrichment changes rabbits’ behavior, serum hormone level and further affects cecal microbiota
Authors: Feng Yang , Fan Huimei , Liang Xue , Wang Xiaofeng , Gao Guoyan , Gun Shuangbao
Published: March 2022

Many studies have shown that stress is associated with gut microbiota. Environmental enrichment (EE) could reduce stress in farm animals; however, limited information is available on the microbial community composition in rabbits raised with or without EE. This study aimed to identify EE influences on the behavior, serum hormonal levels, and cecal microbiota of rabbits. Two hundred Rex rabbits were segregated randomly within four cohorts (n = 50); reared for 76 d within standardized enclosures (non-enriched) or within cages containing a willow-stick (WS), rubber-duck (RD), or a can of beans (CB). The rabbits’ ingestive, rest, locomotion, exploratory, grooming, and abnormal behavior were observed. The serum hormone levels for rabbits were measured, and cecal specimens were sequencedfrom the V3–V4 region using 16S rRNA amplicons. Environmental enrichment increased feeding and drinking time, promoted exploratory behavior, and reduced abnormal behavior in rabbits. Insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1) levels of the enriched cohorts were elevated in comparison to the control cohort. Serum cortisol level for CB cohort was markedly reduced in comparison to the control cohort (p < 0.05), while dopamine levels for CB cohort peaked. Further, we found that EE mainly affected the dominant microbiota. Several families, such as Erysipelotrichaceae, Tannerellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Burkholderiaceae, and Prevotellaceae were markedly reduced within the CB cohort. Bacteria such as Alloprevotella, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, Parabacteroides, and Erysipelatoclostridium were identified as having negative associations with the presence of serum cortisol. EE influenced rabbit behavior and serum hormonal levels, and CB enrichment was the most suitable for rabbits. Further, cecal microbiota composition and diversity were affected by CB enrichment. These findings suggested that CB could be considered for use in rabbit husbandry.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis with Temporal Bone Involvement- A Case Report
Authors: Joshi Vishwanath Vijay , Kamat Neemish , Verma Mitusha , Gupta Ankur , Patkar Deepak
Published: March 2022

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder of the reticuloendothelial system associated with proliferation of Langerhans cells and mature eosinophils. The hallmark of LCH is the proliferation and accumulation of a specific histiocyte: the Langerhan’s cell. Any organ or system can be affected. Here, a case of multisystem LCH with skeletal, lung and hepatobiliary involvement in a two-year child who presented with painless forehead swelling following trauma. The patient was systematically worked up with blood investigations, imaging and histopathological analysis which ultimately revealed the diagnosis of LCH. This case report is unique in that it presented with involvement of temporal bone wherein it can be confused with inflammatory pathologies like Cholesteatoma and tumours like Rhabdomyosarcoma. The child was started on vinblastine based chemotherapy and showed good response to therapy. This case report discusses the imaging differential diagnosis in temporal bone LCH along with utility of Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) in planning treatment of these cases.
Comparison of Airtraq with Macintosh Laryngoscope for Endotracheal Intubation in Paediatric Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Dwivedi Yogita , Jain Ankit , Yadav Vijay Pratap , Agarwal Atiharsh Mohan
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The Airtraq is a new intubation device that has been developed to facilitate tracheal intubation in patients with normal or difficult airway. The available paediatric sizes are 0, 1 and 2 and are of grey, purple, green colour. These can insert endotracheal tube of size 2.0-3.5/4-5.5/6-7.5, respectively. Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Airtraq laryngoscope in comparison with Macintosh by experienced anaesthesiologist for intubation in paediatric patients. Materials and Methods: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, from December 2015 to August 2017. Fifty healthy children, aged 2-10 years of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades I/II, presenting for elective surgery were randomly allocated in two equal groups. Endotracheal intubation was done either using Airtraq or Macintosh laryngoscope. Duration of intubation (primary variable), number of attempts, ease of intubation, oesophageal intubation, optimisation maneuvers, Percentage Of Glottic Opening (POGO) scoring and haemodynamic parameters were compared between two groups. Patients’ demographic data, intubation time, haemodynamic variables were analysed by Unpaired t-test. While number of attempts for intubation, ease of intubation, optimisation maneuvers and POGO scoring were analysed by Fisher’s-exact test. Data was presented as mean (SD) with categorical data presented as number (%) and as frequencies. The p-value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: There was no difference in demographic variables and duration of surgery between two groups. Intubation time, which was taken as primary variable, was found to be significantly longer in Macintosh (56.28±6.02 sec) as compared to Airtraq (25.60±3.73 sec) (p-value <0.0001). In terms of ease of intubation and POGO scoring Airtraq was better as compared to Macintosh. Haemodynamically, Airtraq was found to be better as compared to Macintosh reflected by postintubation heart rate which was 110±7.84 beats/min with Airtraq while 119.32±10.61 beats/min with Macintosh (p-value=0.0028). The two groups were statistically comparable in terms of number of attempts, optimisation maneuvers and mean blood pressure changes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Airtraq is a reliable and promising alternative to Macintosh for endotracheal intubation in paediatric patients as seen by duration of intubation, better Laryngeal view, ease of intubation and haemodynamic changes.
Lumbar Epidural Anaesthesia versus Caudal Epidural Anaesthesia- Intraoperative and Postoperative Profile in Paediatric Surgical Patients
Authors: Rashid Pareesa , Butt Khairat Mohd , Goel Sargam , Haameem Aamil , Gurcoo Showkat Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Caudal and lumbar epidural are established techniques of central neuraxial blocks in paediatric anaesthesia. Learning them by landmark guidance is extremely important given the fact that they have a short learning curve and all centres may not be equipped with modern equipment like fluoroscopy and ultrasound. Aim: To compare lumbar epidural anaesthesia with caudal epidural anaesthesia in terms of the ease of needle and catheter insertion, efficacy in providing intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, haemodynamics, patient satisfaction and complications. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was done in the Department of Anaesthesiology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India between September 2016 and June 2018. Study included 60 patients, aged 2-15 years, of American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade I and II, undergoing elective infraumbilical surgeries. Patients were either administered General Anaesthesia (GA) and 0.2% ropivacaine 0.3 mL/kg through lumbar epidural catheter, or GA and 0.2% ropivacaine 1 mL/kg through caudal epidural catheter. Pain was measured postoperatively using Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score and number of rescue topups in the form of tramadol 1.5 mg/kg epidurally were noted. Student’s independent-test was employed for intergroup and, paired t-test and Fisher’s-Exact test was used for intragroup analysis. Results: Out of 60 patients, the mean age±Standard devation (SD) in lumbar technique group and caudal technique group was 8.0000±3.42405 years and 6.5667±2.93238 years, respectively. The age, gender distribution, intraoperative and postoperative vitals (heart rate, mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation), number of rescue top ups, patient satisfaction were comparable between the two groups. On statistical comparison, needle insertion was easy in 21 patients (vs 13 in lumbar epidural group) and catheter insertion was difficult in 18 (vs 8 in lumbar epidural group) in caudal epidural block compared with lumbar epidural block (p-value=0.037 and 0.010 respectively). No complications were observed in any patient of either group except one patient in group C who had catheter occlusion in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Needle insertion was easy and catheter insertion was difficult in caudal epidural block compared with lumbar epidural block in paediatrics. Both the techniques provided comparable quality of analgesia, stable haemodynamics with minimum complications.
Nutrient Composition and Health Benefits of Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables in Ghana: A Review
Authors: Osafo Richard
Published: March 2022

Diverse indigenous leaf and fruit vegetables are rich sources of nutrients that cater for the populace especially for those residing in rural areas. However, inadequate knowledge of their constituents and health benefits have decreased its consumption in recent years as opposed to exotic vegetables. Hence to promote their consumption, nutritional, phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties of the four most popular and widely used indigenous vegetables in several parts of Ghana; Corchorus olitorius (Jute mallow), Talinum triangulare (Waterleaf), Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Cocoyam leaves), and Launaea taraxacifolia (Dandelion) were reviewed through a vigorous literature search. They possess variety of minerals and phytochemicals and as a result exhibited a wide range of pharmacological effects. This makes them a very useful inexpensive resource for tackling undernutrition and malnutrition which is prevalent in Ghana. There is therefore, a need to create awareness that will encourage their consumption in a bid to reduce malnutrition and attain the UN Sustainable Development Goal of achieving food security, improving nutrition, promoting good health and well-being by 2030.
Neonatal Morbidity Patterns and Admission Outcomes: A Cross Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Shahani Muhammad Parial , Manaf Mohd Rizal Bin Haji Abdul , Aizuddin Azimatun Noor , Abro Kaleemullah , Gemnani Vijia Kumar , Shaikh Abdul Rehman , Shahani Zainab
Published: March 2022

Objective: To determine the neonatal mortality and ascertain the disease patterns at neonatal ward in a tertiary care hospital

Material and Methods:

Design: Hospital based cross sectional study.

Participants: Two thousand, two hundred and seventy five neonates were registered using retrospective data from 1st January 2020 to 31st Dec 2020. We recorded gender, birth weight, cause of admission, and admission outcome.  Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel data spread sheet.

Results: There were 2275 patients registered from CPDR (complete patient data record register) from 1st January 2020 to 31st Dec 2020.  The mean birth weight was 2.35 kg, with lowest birth weight of 0.9kg and highest birth weight of 4.8kg (SD 0.8 and SE 0.01, CI 0.025).  Out of 2175 admitted neonates 506 (23.2%) died, 1250 (57.4%) were discharged after desired improvement, most common presenting complaint and cause of admission was HIE grade 1 , followed by Sepsis, 418 (18.5%), 380(16.9%), respectively.

Conclusions: Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy grade I is the most common morbidity pattern in our study, the mortality rate was observed very high, indicators of birth weight were also poor. There is a great need for improvement of antenatal care for mothers to enhance different measures of newborn welfare and wellbeing.
Lipopolysaccharide and the gut microbiota: considering structural variation
Authors: Mohr Alex E. , Crawford Meli'sa , Jasbi Paniz , Fessler Samantha , Sweazea Karen L.
Published: March 2022

Systemic inflammation is associated with chronic disease and is purported to be a main pathogenic mechanism underlying metabolic conditions. Microbes harbored in the host gastrointestinal tract release signaling byproducts from their cell wall, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which can act locally and, after crossing the gut barrier and entering circulation, also systemically. Defined as metabolic endotoxemia, elevated concentrations of LPS in circulation are associated with metabolic conditions and chronic disease. As such, measurement of LPS is highly prevalent in animal and human research investigating these states. Indeed, LPS can be a potent stimulant of host immunity, but this response depends on the microbial species’ origin, a parameter often overlooked in both preclinical and clinical investigations. Indeed, the lipid A portion of LPS is mutable and comprises the main virulence and endotoxic component, thus contributing to the structural and functional diversity among LPSs from microbial species. In this review, we discuss how such structural differences in LPS can induce differential immunological responses in the host.
Competitiveness
Authors: Rubalcaba Luis
Published: March 2022

The notion of competitiveness is attracting more and more attention in the new globalized economic geography. Recent interest is rooted from the beginning of the 2000s when radical changes emerged, such as the new wave of offshoring and delocalization, the economic emergence of China and other developing economies, and the digital technological revolution generating deep economic transformations. Citizens, companies, and urban, regional, and national areas compete to increase their standards of life, their growth, and their welfare. Competition is not necessarily a negative concept indicating a fight against other economic entities; it can also be a positive concept in which all entities try to achieve something good. From an ontological perspective, competitiveness can thus be defined as several units, such as cities, regions, and countries, with a common aspiration making a deliberate effort to achieve that goal. Win–win games dominate in the global arena, but coexist with some zero‐sum games. The balance depends on the type and the size of the economic units and on systemic dynamics. Many drivers have been explored and currently are based on a comprehensive multidimensional set of macro and micro indicators. Further research is needed on metrics, new global value chains and technological developments, and the policy implications including economic and social issues.
Global Commodity/Value Chains
Authors: Leslie Deborah
Published: March 2022

A global commodity chain (GCC) is made up of all the processes associated with the production of one good or service, including manufacturing, consumption, design, retailing, marketing, advertising, and disposal. The GCC approach traces the relationships between these sites, exploring the flow of value, money, symbols, and knowledge, and the ways in which GCCs are linked to uneven development. This entry reviews the literature on GCCs and later variations of this work, known as global value chain approaches.
Innovation and Regional Development
Authors: Sonn Jung Won
Published: March 2022

The traditional view of regional development and innovation is based on the innovator–learner dichotomy: a small number of regions produce innovations, and others develop by learning from these innovative regions. However, researchers in the 1980s revealed a blurred line between innovation and learning, leading to burgeoning geographical literature on innovation and regional development. After four decades, research has generally agreed that (i) innovation is one of the main drivers of regional development in advanced economies; (ii) innovation is often a product of a system of regional actors, rather than one inventor or a firm; (iii) some regions have cultures that facilitate communication and collaboration, and such cultures stimulate and facilitate innovation; (iv) innovation is often a recombination of existing knowledge in the region; (v) external knowledge should be regularly infused to keep recombination opportunities abundant; (vi) radical innovations may occur outside the traditional core regions; and (vii) innovation‐based regional development is mainly a phenomenon of advanced economies, although a limited number of regions outside the core are also successful in innovation‐based development.
Unmet Needs in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Subgroup of Patients With High Levels of Pain, Fatigue, and Psychosocial Distress 3 Years After Diagnosis
Authors: Lindqvist Joakim , Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars , Lampa Jon , Westerlind Helga
Published: March 2022

Objective

The study objective was to identify subgroups of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on their health status 3 years after diagnosis and to assess potential associations to clinical presentation at diagnosis.

Methods

This observational study included patients with RA with 3‐year follow‐up data from the Swedish Epidemiological Investigation of RA study, collected from 2011 to 2018. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis, based on symptoms of pain, fatigue, sleep quality, mood disturbances, and overall health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), was used to identify subgroups 3 years after diagnosis. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between the subgroups and patient characteristics at diagnosis.

Results

A total of 1055 individuals constituted the study population, of whom 1011 had complete data on the clustering variables and were therefore eligible for analysis (73% women, median age 58 years). The following three clusters were identified: cluster 1 (466 patients with good health status), cluster 2 (398 patients in an intermediate group), and cluster 3 (147 patients with high levels of pain and fatigue together with markedly impaired HRQoL). Cluster 3 was associated to higher baseline pain (RR: 3.71 [95% CI: 2.14‐6.41]), global health (RR: 6.60 [95% CI: 3.53‐12.33]), and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (RR: 4.40 [95% CI: 2.46‐7.87]), compared with cluster 1 (highest compared with lowest quartiles). An inverse association was seen for baseline swollen joint count (RR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.34‐0.85]).

Conclusion

A subgroup of patients with RA experience high levels of pain, fatigue, and psychosocial distress 3 years after diagnosis. This subgroup already displayed pronounced pain and functional disabilities at diagnosis.
Iterative learning control for impulsive fractional order time‐delay systems with nonpermutable constant coefficient matrices
Authors: Aydin Mustafa , Mahmudov Nazim I.
Published: March 2022

We introduce an impulsive fractional order time‐delay systems with nonpermutable constant coefficient matrices whose solution is given by delayed perturbation of Mittag–Leffler type matrix function. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the system is proved by using Banach contraction principle. The Ulam–Hyers stability of the given system below are demonstrated. Construct the iterative learning control (ILC) problem obtaining from the mentioned system. The conditions of convergence of ILC problem of each of P, D, and ‐types are presented and proved. A comprehensive example with three different original reference trajectories is given to illustrate some theoretical results. This article provides novel outcomes.
Indirect adaptive synchronization for a heterogeneous multiagent network
Authors: Arevalo‐Castiblanco Miguel F. , Tellez‐Castro Duvan , Mojica‐Nava Eduardo
Published: March 2022

This article studies the problem of indirect adaptive state feedback control for a heterogeneous MIMO network with input and matched uncertainties. A mechanical network composed of two‐wheeled robots is proposed to validate the developed methodology. Within the network, a reference system is defined, and each robot has wireless communication between them. Likewise, for control design, specific adaptive laws are adopted through matching conditions to approximate the dynamics of each agent, which are partially unknown and constructed. The inclusion of an optimal adaptive modification is considered for the suppression of input uncertainties. This methodology, along with the distributed adaptive control and identification, is validated with Lyapunov‐based stability analysis. The presented control scheme guarantees that all closed‐loop signals are bounded and ensures that synchronization errors converge asymptotically to zero. Finally, simulations oriented to the application problem mentioned are presented to validate the effectiveness of the control scheme.
In Situ Growth Mechanism for High‐Quality Hybrid Perovskite Single‐Crystal Thin Films with High Area to Thickness Ratio: Looking for the Sweet Spot
Authors: Tang Xiaobing , Wang Zhaojin , Wu Dan , Wu Zhenghui , Ren Zhenwei , Li Ruxue , Liu Pai , Mei Guanding , Sun Jiayun , Yu Jiahao , Zheng Fankai , Choy Wallace C. H. , Chen Rui , Sun Xiao Wei , Yang Fuqian , Wang Kai
Published: March 2022

The development of in situ growth methods for the fabrication of high‐quality perovskite single‐crystal thin films (SCTFs) directly on hole‐transport layers (HTLs) to boost the performance of optoelectronic devices is critically important. However, the fabrication of large‐area high‐quality SCTFs with thin thickness still remains a significant challenge due to the elusive growth mechanism of this process. In this work, the influence of three key factors on in situ growth of high‐quality large‐size MAPbBr3 SCTFs on HTLs is investigated. An optimal “sweet spot” is determined: low interface energy between the precursor solution and substrate, a slow heating rate, and a moderate precursor solution concentration. As a result, the as‐obtained perovskite SCTFs with a thickness of 540 nm achieve a record area to thickness ratio of 1.94 × 104 mm, a record X‐ray diffraction peak full width at half maximum of 0.017°, and an ultralong carrier lifetime of 1552 ns. These characteristics enable the as‐obtained perovskite SCTFs to exhibit a record carrier mobility of 141 cm2 V−1 s−1 and good long‐term structural stability over 360 days.
Methane production and microbial community characteristics of anaerobic codigestion of straws and chicken manure
Authors: Feng Lei , Song Jianan , Zhen Xiaofei
Published: March 2022

Previous studies showed that chicken manure and straws can be used as a feedstock in the production of methane during anaerobic digestions. The objective was to determine the best mixture of chicken manure and straw in the production of methane during anaerobic digestion. In this study the effect of three volatile solid (VS) rations on methane output, pH, hydrolase activity, and microbial community structure was determined. The optimal manure–straw VS ratio was M2 (9:1), where cumulative methane output reached a maximum of 227,660 ml kg–1 in 50 d. The cellulose activity was higher in the chicken manure to straw ratio of 9 than 4 or 1. The research showed that Megasphaera and Bacteroides were important cellulose‐secreting bacteria. The results show: (a) during anaerobic digestion the cellulose and lignin contents were completely degraded; (b) protease, amylase, and lipase activities were higher in M2 (9:1) than M1 (1:0) or M3 (4:1); and (c) increasing amount of straw decreased bacteria and archaea diversity. Due to the addition of straw, the unidentified_Prevotellaceae had good physiological activity in the acidic environment between 5 and 30 d, Candidatus_Cloacimonas, unidentified_Lentimicrobiaceae, and Ruminiclostridium were the main archaea between 40 and 50 d.
Management, harvest, and storage characteristics of low‐input cool‐season turfgrass sod mixtures
Authors: Braun Ross C. , Watkins Eric , Hollman Andrew B. , Mihelich Nicole T. , Patton Aaron J.
Published: March 2022

The lack of turfgrass diversity in cool‐season sod production is related to information inefficiencies, such as the lack of agronomic information available on improved, low‐input species, such as fine fescues (Festuca spp.). Collaborative research between Purdue University and University of Minnesota investigated the influence of cool‐season turfgrass species mixtures on the harvest (production and strength) and storage limitations of sod. Field experiments were established in 2018 in West Lafayette, IN, and in 2019 in St. Paul, MN. Treatments included 12 turfgrass species mixtures that consisted of the following five species: strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin), Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin), hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey), tall fescue (F. arundinacea Schreb.), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Data on turf cover, vertical growth rate, sod tensile strength, sod handling, and shelf‐life storage and transplant success were collected at multiple harvest timings from 10 to 24 mo after planting. The majority of the sod mixtures, especially those containing ≥33% strong creeping red fescue, produced high quality sod similar to the standard comparison of 100% Kentucky bluegrass sod and transplant success was not severely affected when stored for 24–72 h immediately following a spring or autumn harvest. Sod mixtures containing tall fescue, including “rhizomatous tall fescue,” consistently resulted in the lowest sod strength and handling. Overall, sod producers growing fine fescue sod may be able to not only reduce management inputs, but also yield good sod strength with low‐input sod mixtures.
Thermally stable poly(3‐hexylthiophene): Nonfullerene solar cells with efficiency breaking 10%
Authors: Gao Mengyuan , Liu Yang , Xian Kaihu , Peng Zhongxiang , Zhou Kangkang , Liu Junwei , Li Saimeng , Xie Fei , Zhao Wenchao , Zhang Jidong , Jiao Xuechen , Ye Long
Published: March 2022

Solar cells featuring polythiophenes as donors are one of the optoelectronic devices that hold notable promises for commercial application, profiting from the lowest synthetic complexity and excellent scalability. However, the complex phase behaviors of polythiophenes and their blends put constraints on modulating electrical performance and thus realizing stable performance under thermal stress. In this contribution, we present a multi‐technique approach that combines calorimetry, scattering, spectroscopy, and microscopy to thoroughly probe the thermodynamic mixing, thermal properties of materials, the evolution of nanoscale domain structure, and device performance of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) with a range of nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) such as ITIC, IDTBR, and ZY‐4Cl. Accordingly, two blending guidelines are established for matching these popular NFAs with P3HT to enable highly efficient and thermally stable cells. First, blend systems with weak vitrification and hypo‐miscibility are excellent candidates for efficient solar cells. Furthermore, high thermal stability can be achieved by selecting NFAs with diffusion‐limited crystallization. The P3HT:ZY‐4Cl blend was found to endow the best performance of over 10% efficiency and an exceptionally high T80 lifetime of >6000 h under continuous thermal annealing, which are among the highest values for P3HT‐based solar cells. This realization of high thermal stability and efficiency demonstrates the remarkable potentials of simple polythiophene :nonfullerene pairs in electronic applications.
Concentration dependency of dispersion coefficient of aqueous solutions of urea and ethyl acetate in porous media
Authors: Kheirollahi Shadi , Sadeghi Yamchi Hassan , Zirrahi Mohsen , Hassanzadeh Hassan
Published: March 2022

We report new measurements of the concentration‐dependent longitudinal dispersion coefficient of aqueous urea and ethyl acetate solutions in a porous medium at a wide range of concentrations. The longitudinal dispersion coefficient was obtained by injection of a pulse of an aqueous solution of urea (or ethyl acetate) into a carrier phase flowing through a porous column and analysis of the effluent peak using the Taylor dispersion theory. The measured longitudinal dispersion coefficients for different velocities and concentrations showed an increasing trend with concentration and pore velocity. The longitudinal dispersion coefficient measurements show a power‐law relationship with the Peclet number . The results are compared with experimental data and empirical formulas available in the literature, and a reasonable agreement is achieved over the range of Peclet numbers studied.
Prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in indigenous Bolivian forager‐horticulturalists
Authors: Gatz Margaret , Mack Wendy J. , Chui Helena C. , Law E. Meng , Barisano Giuseppe , Sutherland M. Linda , Sutherland James D. , Eid Rodriguez Daniel , Quispe Gutierrez Raul , Copajira Adrian Juan , Bani Cuata Jesus , Borenstein Amy R. , Walters Ellen E. , Irimia Andrei , Rowan Christopher J. , Wann L. Samuel , Allam Adel H. , Thompson Randall C. , Miyamoto Michael I. , Michalik David E. , Cummings Daniel K. , Seabright Edmond , Garcia Angela R. , Hooper Paul L. , Kraft Thomas S. , Finch Caleb E. , Thomas Gregory S. , Stieglitz Jonathan , Trumble Benjamin C. , Gurven Michael D. , Kaplan Hillard
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We evaluated the prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in indigenous Tsimane and Moseten, who lead a subsistence lifestyle.

Methods

Participants from population‐based samples ≥ 60 years of age (n = 623) were assessed using adapted versions of the Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination, informant interview, longitudinal cognitive testing and brain computed tomography (CT) scans.

Results

Tsimane exhibited five cases of dementia (among n = 435; crude prevalence = 1.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4, 2.7); Moseten exhibited one case (among n = 169; crude prevalence = 0.6%, 95% CI: 0.0, 3.2), all age ≥ 80 years. Age‐standardized MCI prevalence was 7.7% (95% CI: 5.2, 10.3) in Tsimane and 9.8% (95% CI: 4.9, 14.6) in Moseten. Cognitive impairment was associated with visuospatial impairments, parkinsonian symptoms, and vascular calcification in the basal ganglia.

Discussion

The prevalence of dementia in this cohort is among the lowest in the world. Widespread intracranial medial arterial calcifications suggest a previously unrecognized, non‐Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia phenotype.
Revisiting the Bonding Model for Gold(I) Species: The Importance of Pauli Repulsion Revealed in a Gold(I)‐Cyclobutadiene Complex
Authors: Wong Zeng Rong , Schramm Tim K. , Loipersberger Matthias , Head‐Gordon Martin , Toste F. Dean
Published: March 2022

Understanding the bonding of gold(I) species has been central to the development of gold(I) catalysis. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization of the first gold(I)‐cyclobutadiene complex, accompanied with bonding analysis by state‐of‐the‐art energy decomposition analysis methods. Analysis of possible coordination modes for the new species not only confirms established characteristics of gold(I) bonding, but also suggests that Pauli repulsion is a key yet hitherto overlooked element. Additionally, we obtain a new perspective on gold(I)‐bonding by comparison of the gold(I)‐cyclobutadiene to congeners stabilized by p‐, d‐, and f‐block metals. Consequently, we refine the gold(I) bonding model, with a delicate interplay of Pauli repulsion and charge transfer as the key driving force for various coordination motifs. Pauli repulsion is similarly determined as a significant interaction in AuI‐alkyne species, corroborating this revised understanding of AuI bonding.
Novel electrospun separator‐electrolyte based on PVA‐K2CO3‐SiO2‐cellulose nanofiber for application in flexible energy storage devices
Authors: Abdulkadir Bashir Abubakar , Dennis John Ojur , Adam Abbas Abdullahi , Al‐Dhahebi Adel Mohammed , Shukur Muhammad F.
Published: March 2022

Electrospun fiber membrane as a separator‐electrolyte have been prepared in this study using electrospinning process from cellulose acetate, PVA, K2CO3, and SiO2 with different concentrations. Five different concentration were prepared (14–22 wt%) using mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and acetone in a fixed ratio of 2:3. The prepared electrospun membranes were characterized and shown to exhibit good and well‐structured morphology formed by interlaying of fibers, where the thinnest and finest fibers were achieved at 20 wt% polymer concentration, resulting in average diameters of 480 ± 80 nm. The prepared membranes were activated with plasticized gel polymer electrolyte where its electrochemical properties/performance was evaluated. Based on the good porous nature of the fiber, the membrane with 20 wt% concentration exhibited good electrolyte uptake of 450.75% that is higher than the commercially prepared separator. Similarly, the membranes displayed good electrolyte retention (R) ability of 8.8. The ionic conductivity studies revealed that, the conductivity of the electrospun membranes increased with increasing polymer concentration up to 20 wt% where an optimum ionic conductivity of 3.73 × 10−3 and 7.54 × 10−3 Scm−1 at ambient temperature and 373.15 K, respectively, have been achieved. The oxidation stability of the prepared membrane in this study showed a good electrochemical stability of up to 4.8 V that is higher than that of the commercially prepared membrane and other reported electrolytes.
Technology efficiency and promotion mechanism on the response output performance of a biomimetic gelatinous polymer actuator based on different process approaches
Authors: Yang Junjie , Wei Kang , Yu Tao , Wang Siyong , Yao Jintong
Published: March 2022

In this paper, from different aspects of internal material composition, biomass modification method and assembly process factor of the biomimetic gelatinous polymer actuator (BGPA), its three process approaches including ionic liquid (IL, [EMIm]BF4) doping amount, sodium alginate (SA) ‐ carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) crosslinking ratio and casting assembly temperature were comprehensively compared, and accordingly their technology efficiency and promotion mechanism on response output performance of the BGPA had also been fully researched. The results suggested that under monotonic work cycle, when the IL doping amount was 4 ml, operating life of BGPA reached the maximum of 1720 s and its smallest tremor amplitude was 8.51%. When the SA‐CMCS crosslinking ratio was 5:5, all three evaluation indexes of the duty cycle, internal resistance and elastic modulus of BGPA achieved the minima around 0.97%, 1.61 Ω and 0.207 MPa, respectively. When the casting assembly temperature was 50°C, specific capacitance and output force density of the BGPA separately obtained the largest values of 551.34 mF/g and 16.249 mN/g. Within the cycle repetition period, the best stable output force of the BGPA was approximately 2.877 mN with 4 ml ionic liquid, and its optimal electron current was 12.771 mA at 50°C.
Chemical modification of lignin and thereafter grafting with lactic acid for flexible polymer film preparation
Authors: Dutta Koushik , Singh Ajit
Published: March 2022

Herein, a green method has been reported to develop highly flexible polymer film from alkali lignin (AL). The AL was firstly chemically modified with epichlorohydrin (ECH) at pH ~9 to synthesize epoxidized lignin (EL). Later, the soft segment was incorporated into the EL by grafting lactic acid (LA), to synthesize lignin‐polylactic acid (Lig‐PLA) copolymer in a solvent‐free condition. Synthesis of EL and Lig‐PLA copolymer was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the increasing total weight (wt) loss and increasing crystallinity for Lig‐PLA copolymer synthesized with increasing LA wt. Polymer film prepared through the hydraulic hot press method showed excellent flexibility for the Lig‐PLA copolymers synthesized with >3 wt ratio of LA with respect to EL. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis showed uniform and very smooth surfaces for the Lig‐PLA copolymer film synthesized with >6 wt ratio of LA. These findings demonstrated that flexible polymer film could be achieved through the chemical modification of lignin.
A mobile app as support for pelvic floor muscle training started prior to radical prostatectomy
Authors: Al‐Zaidi Zinah , Lindam Anna , Fransson Per , Samuelsson Eva
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of a mobile app to support pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) started prior to radical prostatectomy (RP).

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort study conducted in Sweden from June 2018 to February 2021 including men for whom RP was planned within 12 months. Users responded anonymously to questionnaires at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Our primary aim was to evaluate if the app could facilitate PFMT and increase confidence in performing pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions correctly. Our second aim was to describe the change in urinary incontinence (UI) after RP, based on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF).

Results

Of the 3043 users at baseline, 388 met the primary inclusion criteria. Of those, 71 (18.3%) were incontinent, predominantly with slight symptoms. The most common type was urge UI, 39/71 (54.9%). Of the 388 users, 159 (41.0%) answered the questionnaire at 1 month, and 131 (33.7%) at 3 months within 89–135 days. Of those 131, 127 (96.9%) indicated that the app facilitated their training ‘a lot’ or ‘somewhat’. Confidence in performing PFM contractions correctly increased from 39.7% at baseline to 74.0% at 1 month and 87.8% at 3 months (p < 0.001). At baseline, 19.8% performed PFM contractions at least daily, which increased to 74.0% at 1 month and 77.9% at 3 months (p < 0.001). At 3 months, 115/131 (87.8%) had undergone RP, 93.6% of which were robot‐assisted. Of the 115, 103 (89.6%) were incontinent, and stress UI dominated. The mean ICIQ‐UI SF score increased from 1.2 (2.4 SD) at baseline to 9.6 (5.2 SD), p < 0.001, after surgery.

Conclusions

The mobile app facilitated pelvic floor muscle training for men who were planned to undergo radical prostatectomy and used the app.
Trace‐level analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human plasma or serum by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Shin Ho‐Sang
Published: March 2022

A method to determine 8 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 23 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was described using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) of a small amount of plasma or serum sample and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The appropriate selection of the extraction solvent and dispersing solvent contributes to a high extraction yield and a clean extract. To verify the developed method, the interference, linearity of the calibration curve, detection limit, precision and accuracy were evaluated. The calibration curves were linear by 2–3 orders of magnitude with correlation coefficients above 0.997 in all cases. The LODs of PCBs, OCPs and PAHs were measured in the ranges of 0.0006–0.0029, 0.001–0.029 and 0.0002–0.012 ng/mL. The intraday precision achieved by this method was 2.19–10.3% (PCBs), 1.65–14.3% (OCPs) and 0.91–12.8% (PAHs), and the intraday accuracy 1.56–7.37% (PCBs), 2.34–19.6% (OCPs) and 1.49–15.7% (PAHs). The advantage of this method is that the analysis of PCBs, OCPs, and PAHs can be performed in a single chromatographic run, and the low detection limit enables monitoring of target substances in low exposure general public samples, and the analysis procedure is relatively simple and fast.
Novel mutation in TENM3 gene in an Iranian patient with colobomatous microphthalmia
Authors: Gholami Yarahmadi Sepideh , Sarlaki Fatemeh , Morovvati Saeid
Published: March 2022

This investigation revealed a homozygous c.5069‐1G>C variation in TENM3 gene although has not been reported for its pathogenicity and can be considered as a novel mutation. The present finding can be used for genetic diagnosis and detection of carriers in the family and other patients with similar disease manifestations.
Displacement of all three leaflets of tricuspid valve: A rare variant of Ebstein anomaly
Authors: Khajali Zahra , Rezaeian Nahid , Ansari Zahra
Published: March 2022

Ebstein anomaly, a rare congenital heart disease, is defined as displacement of hinge points of septal or posterior tricuspid leaflets but not anterior leaflet. Here, we report the case of a 35‐year‐old woman with an extremely rare pattern of Ebstein anomaly (EA) with all three tricuspid leaflets displaced downward to the apex.
Bead‐Like Coal‐Derived Carbon Anodes for High Performance Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Wei Shiwei , Deng Xiaoyang , Kundu Manab , Ma Zizai , Wang Jianxing , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: March 2022

The pursuit of long life, high rate and low‐cost anode materials is of great significance for potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs). Here, the bead‐like coal‐derived carbon films (BCCFs‐800) for PIHCs were synthesized with low‐cost coal as precursor. Benefiting from the well‐designed composite structure, the wettability on the electrode surface was enhanced and the diffusion of electrolyte ions was also facilitated, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of the electrode. A potassium ion hybrid capacitor was fabricated with BCCFs‐800 as battery‐type anode and active carbon as capacitor‐type cathode, and it delivered promising energy and power densities (119 Wh kg−1 at 186 W kg−1 and 2187 W kg−1 at 52 Wh kg−1). The as‐obtained earth‐abundant and high performance electrodes will promote the green and clean utilization of coal and accelerate the development of potassium ion electrochemical storage technology.
Controllable Surfactant‐free Synthesis of Colloidal Platinum Nanocuboids Enabled by Bromide Ions and Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Zhang Zhanzhan , Yang Guangxing , Wang Hongjuan , Cao Yonghai , Peng Feng , Yu Hao
Published: March 2022

Pt nanoparticles enclosed by Pt{100} facets show unique properties in electrocatalysis. However, a convenient, cost‐effective, controllable and scalable synthesis of surface clean Pt colloidal nanocuboids remains a big challenge. In this work, small platinum nanocubes with controllable size ranging from 3.4 to 7.1 nm and nanocuboids with tuneable length‐to‐width aspect ratios were synthesized under the 10 %CO/90 %He atmosphere, by controlling the proportion of KBr and Pt precursors and the concentration of the platinum precursor in ethylene glycol. The exposed Pt{100} terrace sites of the synthesize materials were not only identified by the transmission electron microscopic images but also by the electrochemical adsorption/desorption of hydrogen during cyclic voltammograms. In addition, the exposed Pt{100} domains were quantitatively measured by the electrochemical adsorption/desorption of germanium, proving the formation of nanocuboids. Finally, the synthesized Pt nanocubes were applied to the oxygen reduction reaction and the electrochemical oxidation of methanol, showing a big potential in electrocatalysis.