bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative evaluation of the pacient with bronchopulmonary cancer
Authors: Maxim Igor
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND.In the Republic of Moldova, we have reported 983 cases of bronchopulmonary cancer (BPC)
annually, in 2019. This impressive number of patients requires a more efficient mobilization of the medical
system to solve these cases.
AIM. The high incidence of newly diagnosed cases of BPC in advanced stages implies a reserved attitude for
the surgical treatment of these patients, as well as the presence of associated pathologies, compromise more
the situations, and the possibility to provide effective solutions to solve these cases. The group of patients
who have tertiary prevention as a measure of treatment becomes imposing. This order of ideas outlines the
need for a different medical-surgical approach for this category of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS.For
the assessment of functional criteria for operability for patients with BPC, especially in advanced lung cancer,
using comorbidity scores (ASA, Charlson, Elixhauser) and the formation of indications for surgical treatment
are significant, because surgery offers the greatest opportunity for healing. The team responsible for the
preoperative assessment should include both a perioperative mortality risk assessment and a postoperative
pulmonary function prediction to optimally advise patients on anticipated outcomes. Due to both advanced
cancer on presentation and comorbid conditions, only one-third of patients are ultimately considered
candidates for surgical resection. Despite modern surgical, anesthetic, and postoperative techniques, there is
still a perioperative mortality rate of 1-5%. Postoperative myocardial infarction is an important source of
morbidity and mortality for those undergoing extensive lung resections, especially trans-pericardial
pneumonectomies. Until surgery is suggested, preoperative evaluation of the cardiovascular system should
be required for the existence of active heart disease (unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction,
decompensated heart failure, arrhythmias, or valve defects).In addition to identifying cardiac risk factors, a
preoperative assessment is incomplete without quantifying a patient's functional capacity. This can be
achieved by the results of a formal stress test, measured in units of metabolic equivalents of task (MET).
Geriatric assessment (GA) is a method used to collect information about the physical condition of elderly
patients, which may be useful in estimating life expectancy and predicting treatment toxicity. GA includes an
assessment of functional status, fatigue, cognitive function, mental health, nutritional status, the individual's
ability to complete instrumental activities of daily living, comorbidities, social support, and the presence of
geriatric syndromes. CONCLUSIONS. A thorough analysis of the results of diagnostic tests, referring to the
functional evaluation of patients with advanced BPC and/or comorbidities, would allow the extension of
surgical indications to obtain new results and increase over time the survival and quality of life of these
patients.
Zoológicos humanos: gente em exibição na era do imperialismo
Authors: Koutsoukos Sandra Sofia Machado
Published: May 2021

A partir de meados do século XIX, a exibição de pessoas em museus, circos, zoológicos, feiras e instituições científicas se tornou mais frequente no Ocidente, como forma de entretenimento e objeto de estudo. As correntes de pensamento racial da época estabeleciam hierarquias e colocavam negros, índios e outros povos colonizados no início de escalas da evolução humana. Exibidos ao vivo por meses a fio junto a elementos de sua cultura material, os diversos grupos eram apresentados como primitivos para contrastar com as nações mais ricas. Tais exposições ajudavam a dar crédito à noção de inferioridade racial e ensinavam ao público que o racismo era científico, terminando por incutir novos sentimentos de superioridade no branco e ocidental, justificando e desculpando o crescente imperialismo.
Simulation of color discrimination and detection capability of coned silicon nanowire device
Authors: Sun Jun-Kai , Wang Jun-Zhuan , Shi Yi ,   School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
Published: May 2021

Filterless color discriminative imaging system is greatly demanded, with the pixel size shrinking to subwavelength. Nanowires have broad applications in photodetectors and have excellent ability to discriminate color by the cavity mode effect due to its well-controlled geometry. Here we use the finite element method to simulate a coned nanowire device which can split the light as well as serve as a photodetector array. The numerical simulation results show that the important parameters such as the wavelength range and resolution realized by the device can be modulated by the top radius, bottom radius, length, and material as well. And we also analyze how the surroundings and the incident angle affect the performance of the device. These results have important reference significance for the practical application of tapered nanowires as photodetectors.
Design and fabrication of 905 nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser with high power conversion efficiency
Authors: Zhao Zhuang-Zhuang , Xun Meng , Pan Guan-Zhong , Sun Yun , Zhou Jing-Tao , Wang Da-Hai , Wu De-Xin ,   Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
Published: May 2021

Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) have lots of excellent properties, such as circular beam, low threshold, single longitudinal mode, high speed modulation and monolithic array fabrication capability. The VCSELs have been widely used in data communication and short-distance optical interconnection. In the fields of distance detection and automatic driving, high accuracy lidars have become an indispensable component. In practical applications, 905 nm laser exhibits little absorption by the water vapor in the air. In addition, the 905 nm laser can match with both inexpensive Si detector and high response avalanche photodiode (APD). Therefore, the 905 nm semiconductor laser has become a key light source of lidar. This paper presents the design and fabrication of 905 nm VCSEL with high power conversion efficiency. First, the main factors influencing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of VCSEL are analyzed theoretically. It is concluded that the slope efficiency contributes to the PCE most. In order to achieve a high slope efficiency, strained InGaAs is used as a quantum well material. Due to the wavelength redshift caused by the thermal effect, the lasing peak wavelength of the multiple quantum well (MQW) is designed to be about 892 nm by optimizing the In composition. The active region consists of three pairs of In0.123Ga0.88As/Al0.3Ga0.7 MQWs. The N-distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) are designed to have 40 pairs of Al0.9Ga0.1As/Al0.12Ga0.88As, and the P-DBRs are designed to have 20 pairs of Al0.9Ga0.1As/Al0.12Ga0.88As. The epitaxial structure is designed and grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The cavity mode of the epitaxial wafer is around 903.7 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum is also measured. The peak wavelength is approximately 893.7 nm, and the full width at half maximum is 21.6 nm. Then, the 905 nm VCSELs with different apertures (6–18 μm) are fabricated via semiconductor technologies such as photolithography, evaporation, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), wet oxidation, electroplating, etc. Finally, the L-I-V characteristics and spectra of VCSELs with different apertures are tested. The obtained maximum slope efficiency and PCE of the devices are 1.12 W/A and 44.8%, respectively. In addition, the influences of aperture size on the far-field profiles and spectra of the devices are investigated. These 905 nm VCSELs with high PCE are potential for the miniaturization and lowing the cost of LiDAR.
Lattice Bounded Distance Equivalence for 1D Delone Sets with Finite Local Complexity
Authors: Ambroz Petr , Masakova Zuzana , Pelantova Edita
Published: May 2021

Spectra of suitably chosen Pisot-Vijayaraghavan numbers represent non-trivial examples of self-similar Delone point sets of finite local complexity, indispensable in quasicrystal modeling. For the case of quadratic Pisot units we characterize, dependingly on digits in the corresponding numeration systems, the spectra which are bounded distance to an average lattice. Our method stems in interpretation of the spectra in the frame of the cut-and-project method. Such structures are coded by an infinite word over a finite alphabet which enables us to exploit combinatorial notions such as balancedness, substitutions and the spectrum of associated incidence matrices.
Niños y niñas influyentes en YouTube e Instagram: contenidos y presencia de marcas durante el confinamiento
Authors:   Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Feijoo Beatriz , Fernández-Gómez Erika ,   Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
Published: May 2021

Esta investigación analiza el contenido y la presencia de marcas en las publicaciones realizadas por 13 niños y niñas influyentes menores de catorce años de habla hispana en YouTube e Instagram durante el primer periodo de confinamiento en España (14 de marzo al 26 de abril de 2020). Durante este, el visionado de YouTube se incrementó en 55%. Se examinaron un total de 304 publicaciones. Los contenidos vinculados con la pandemia han sido frecuentes, con historias guionizadas basadas en rutinas, recomendaciones y hábitos saludables. Asimismo, los niños influyentes han concienciado de la necesidad de no salir de casa y de respetar las normas higiénicas y de salud impuestas. Este comportamiento contrasta con la alta presencia de marcas en las publicaciones de estos influencers, en un elevado número de ocasiones, sin señalarlas explícitamente y vinculadas con el confinamiento de forma contextual. Se evidencia la necesidad de afrontar una actitud crítica ante los contenidos que consume el público infantil, especialmente en los periodos de mayor consumo de dispositivos y redes sociales como ha sucedido a nivel mundial durante la pandemia.
Los inicios de la pandemia de COVID19 en Twitter. Análisis computacional de la conversación pública en lengua española
Authors:   Tecnológico de Monterrey, Cebral-Loureda Manuel , Sued-Palmeiro Gabriela Elisa ,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Published: May 2021

Cuando comenzó la pandemia de COVID 19, las plataformas sociales tuvieron un rol central en la producción y acceso a la información. Este estudio identifica los tópicos de mayor interés y sus sentimientos asociados en Twitter en la conversación pública en lengua española en ese periodo. Asimismo, analiza el rol de Twitter como plataforma social involucrada en la conversación pública, como medio para la autocomunicación de masas y para amplificar la voz de un conjunto reducido de actores de alta visibilidad. Se recolectaron 231.375 tuits en España y América Latina durante dos meses. Se midieron indicadores de frecuencia y sentimientos, y se agruparon términos para identificar tópicos y determinar el interés de los usuarios sobre estos, mediante métodos digitales y de lenguaje computacional en R. La frecuencia de los principales términos es dinámica a lo largo del período estudiado, lo que sugiere diferentes percepciones de la pandemia. Los tópicos principales refieren a conversaciones en torno a la cantidad de casos, muertos y contagiados, con prevalencia de sentimientos negativos. La muestra analizada corresponde a mensajes generados por usuarios comunes en su gran mayoría, pero una parte de ella ha sido amplificada a gran escala mediante retuits y marcas de favoritos.
“Vital testimonio confirmó…”: Polarización de fuentes y redes en el Caso Catrillanca en Twitter
Authors:   Universidad Finis Terrae, Barbosa Santos Marcelo Luis , Jaramillo Castro Oscar ,   Universidad Finis Terrae, Aguirre Daniel ,   Universidad del Desarrollo
Published: May 2021

Este estudio analiza la polarización de las opiniones en Twitter que se generaron en torno al asesinato del comunero mapuche Camilo Catrillanca en Chile, en 2018, tras revelarse las irregularidades del procedimiento policial en torno a su muerte. Se explora la presencia de las llamadas cámaras de eco y las burbujas de filtro en clústeres formados por grupos con mayor presencia de usuarios radicalizados políticamente de acuerdo con sus perfiles en la plataforma. Apoyado en técnicas de análisis de redes sociales (ARS), analítica de medios sociales y análisis de contenido, se observa que las redes formadas por actores más radicales de derecha son más homofílicas y usan menor diversidad de fuentes. Se discuten los resultados, se señalan limitaciones y posibles caminos futuros.
Spain is different. Cobertura en línea de la cumbre del clima de París en cinco países
Authors:   Universidad de Navarra (España), Erviti-Ilundáin María Carmen , León Bienvenido ,   Universidad de Navarra (España)
Published: May 2021

Dada la importancia de los contextos nacionales para adecuar la comunicación del cambio climático a cada país, esta investigación tuvo por objetivo averiguar si la cobertura realizada por los medios españoles es diferente de la de otros países en volumen de artículos, temas y fuentes. Realizamos un análisis de contenido de publicaciones en línea (n=527) sobre la cumbre del clima de París (COP21, 2015) en 13 medios de cinco países: Estados Unidos y Reino Unido (del bloque anglosajón), y Alemania, Francia y España (de la Europa continental). Los resultados indican que la cobertura realizada en España difiere notablemente de la de los otros países, incluidos los de Europa continental. El alineamiento ideológico de los medios españoles no parece afectar al volumen de cobertura sobre el cambio climático, como ocurre en el ámbito internacional. Estos resultados permiten matizar las conclusiones de investigaciones previas y proponer recomendaciones para la cobertura mediática en España.
El uso del formato audiovisual en Facebook: un medio para representar la identidad
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Corredor Javier Alejandro , Corredor Manuel Alberto ,   Fundación Universitaria Agustiniana – Uniagustiniana
Published: May 2021

Este artículo describe los objetivos identitarios y los temas que los estudiantes universitarios (N=231) tratan en formato audiovisual en sus muros de Facebook. Para tal fin, se realizó un análisis de contenido de una muestra de 1514 publicaciones de los usuarios. Estas publicaciones fueron codificadas en términos de sus objetivos identitarios, de los temas abordados, de la acción realizada y del formato utilizado, para evaluar si el formato audiovisual tenía objetivos y usos diferentes a los demás usados por los estudiantes en las redes. Los objetivos identitarios se definen como la finalidad de la publicación en relación con la presentación del self en un espacio público. Los resultados muestran que las publicaciones audiovisuales cumplen un rol importante en la construcción de la identidad virtual de los jóvenes. Se utilizan con objetivos identitarios de autodescripción y transmisión de contenidos, y cubren un amplio rango de temas, incluyendo algunos asociados a series y películas.
¿Una palabra vale más que mil imágenes? Imágenes mentales evocadas por las marcas en la publicidad
Authors:   ESIC Business & Marketing School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Gavilan Diana , Avello María ,   Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Published: May 2021

Los autores proponen que la marca, elemento común a todos los anuncios, puede mejorar las imágenes mentales provocadas por la publicidad. Basándose en la Teoría de la Codificación Dual, las marcas conocidas facilitan vías adicionales –visuales y verbales– para recuperar argumentos con los que construir imágenes mentales. Por lo tanto, los estímulos de marca en publicidad conectan al consumidor con recuerdos y experiencias pasadas relevantes. La hipótesis plantea que es más probable que una marca familiar aumente la capacidad de un anuncio en el móvil de evocar imágenes mentales mediante sus tres dimensiones: vivacidad, cantidad y elaboración. Se controló la capacidad del individuo para utilizar imágenes en el procesamiento de la información. Por medio de un experimento en línea, este estudio proporciona pruebas empíricas de las diferencias en las imágenes mentales evocadas por la publicidad digital debido a la familiaridad de la marca. Los resultados también muestran diferencias en las dimensiones de las imágenes mentales debido a la familiaridad con la marca. Los hallazgos sugieren que, por debajo de cierto nivel de familiaridad con la marca, las imágenes mentales de los anuncios pueden disminuir. La familiaridad con la marca podría mejorar el procesamiento de la información publicitaria y, por lo tanto, la generación de imágenes mentales visuales.
Compression of Monochromatic and Multicolored Image with Neural Network
Authors: Mustafa Ragmi , Ahmedi Basri , Mustafa Kujtim
Published: May 2021

Nowadays we have so much images provided by different types of machines, while we need to store them or transfer to other devices or via internet, we need to compress them because the images usually have large amount of size. Compressing them reduces time for transferring files. The compression can be done with different methods and software in order to reduce their capacity expressed in megabytes as much as tens of hundreds of gigabytes for more files. It is well known that the speed of information transmission depends mainly on its quantity or the capacity of the information package. Image compression is a very important task for data transfer and data storage, especially nowadays because of the development of many image acquisition devices. If there is no compression technique used on these data, they may occupy immense space of memory, or render difficult data transmission. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) have demonstrated good capacities for lossy image compression. The ANN algorithm we investigate is BEP-SOFM, which uses a Backward Error Propagation algorithm to quickly obtain the initial weights, and then these weights are used to speed up the training time required by the Self-Organizing Feature Map algorithm. In order to obtain these initial weights with the BEP algorithm, we analyze the hierarchical approach, which consists in preparing the image to compress using the quadtree data structure by segmenting the image into blocks of different sizes. Small blocks are used to represent image areas with large-scale details, while the larger ones represent the areas that have a small number of observed details. Tests demonstrate that the approach of quadtree segmentation quickly leads to the initial weights using the BEP algorithm.
Giant Mucinous Carcinoma Originating from the Appendix: A Case Report
Authors: Takeda Makoto , Onuki Yoshinori , Oishi Kosuke , Kubota Osamu , Uchiyama Takashi , Arai Yoshifumi , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms can involve peritoneal pseudomyxoma or invasion of adjacent organs. This report describes a rare case in which a giant appendiceal mucinous carcinoma expansively developed in the retroperitoneum without perforating the abdominal cavity.

Case Presentation

The patient was a 55-year-old woman with no relevant history who was admitted to our hospital after imaging examination revealed a retroperitoneal tumor. The clinical diagnosis was a retroperitoneal tumor involving the hedge mucin. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy and partial resection of the duodenum and right abdominal wall to ensure complete tumor resection. Histopathologic findings suggested that the tumor was a mucinous carcinoma arising from the appendix. The postoperative course was uneventful. Although adjuvant chemotherapy was performed for 6 months, peritoneal recurrence developed 7 years and 4 months postoperatively. Nine years have passed since the surgery, and the patient is alive and receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Detailed pathologic examinations revealed that the tumor originated from the appendix. The characteristics of mucinous carcinoma contributed to the extensive growth of the tumor.
Common Rule of Research with Human Subjects
Authors: Coleman Carl H
Published: May 2021

The Common Rule is a set of U.S. federal regulations that govern research with human subjects conducted or supported by certain federal departments and agencies. With the exception of specific types of low‐risk studies, the Common Rule requires all covered research to be reviewed and approved by an interdisciplinary ethics committee known as an ‘institutional review board’ (IRB). IRBs are charged with ensuring that the risks to subjects are minimised; that the risks are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits of the research; that, except in limited circumstances, informed consent will be appropriately obtained and documented; that the selection of subjects will be equitable; and, when appropriate, that the research includes adequate provisions for data monitoring and adequate provisions to protect subjects' privacy and the confidentiality of data.

Key Concepts

The Common Rule is a set of U.S. regulations governing research with human subjects conducted or supported by certain federal departments or agencies.

With the exception of certain types of low‐risk studies, the Common Rule requires all covered research to be reviewed and approved by an institutional review board.

The Common Rule applies only to activities that are designed to develop or contribute to generalisable knowledge.

The Common Rule applies only to studies that involve either obtaining information or biospecimens through intervention or interaction with individuals; or using, studying, analysing or generating identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens.

IRBs exist both within research institutions and as free‐standing entities that review research submitted by external investigators.

IRBs must have at least five members with diverse professional and demographic backgrounds, including at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas and at least one member who is not affiliated with the institution.

With limited exceptions, any institution in the United States engaged in cooperative research with other institutions must rely on a single IRB to approve any portion of the research conducted in the United States.

IRBs are charged with weighing the risks and benefits of proposed research, ensuring the adequacy of the informed consent process, ensuring that the selection of subjects will be equitable, and, when appropriate, ensuring that the research includes adequate provisions for data monitoring and adequate provisions to protect subjects' privacy and the confidentiality of data.

In studies involving the storage, maintenance and secondary research use of identifiable private information or identifiable biospecimens, the Common Rule permits subjects or their representatives to consent to broad categories of future research before the details of those studies are known.

In limited circumstances, the Common Rule permits IRBs to waive the requirement to obtain or document informed consent.
Genetics of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
Authors: Mukaddam Mona Al , Pignolo Robert J
Published: May 2021

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP, OMIM# 135100) is an ultra‐rare genetic disease that turns skeletal muscle, tendons and connective tissue into bone. FOP is due to an over‐activating mutation in ACVR1/ALK2 receptor that leads to prenatal bone and joint abnormalities, most notably the malformed big toe, and postnatal episodes of soft tissue swelling or ‘flare‐ups’ that lead to heterotopic ossification (HO). The most common pathogenic variant c.617G>A; p.R206H is reported in about 97% of known FOP cases; less common reported pathogenic variants can be associated with milder or more severe phenotypes and other atypical FOP findings. Inheritance is autosomal dominant; however, most of the reported cases are sporadic. Currently, there is not a cure or approved treatment for FOP however several drugs are in clinical development.

Key Concepts

FOP is a genetic form of heterotopic ossification due to an activating pathogenic variant in
ACVR1/ALK2
.

Inheritance is autosomal dominant, however, most reported cases are sporadic.

The R206H pathogenic variant is reported in approximately 97% of known FOP cases.

Genotype‐phenotype correlations have been reported but there is significant variation in disease progression.

Genetic variants in
ACVR1
could provide therapeutic pathways.
Protozoan Diversity and Biogeography
Authors: Pearson Leanne A , Neilan Brett A
Published: May 2021

Protozoa is an informal name used to describe a polyphyletic group of single‐celled eukaryotic organisms (protists) that feed mostly by heterotrophy. Over 26 000 morphospecies of protists have been named, spanning all modern eukaryotic supergroups. They are incredibly diverse in terms of physiology and lifestyle, which has enabled them to colonise a wide range of moist environments, including marine, freshwater and extreme habitats. Many species have evolved specialised anatomical structures for feeding, motility and exchange of genetic material. They can be free‐living, parasitic or symbiotic, or can transition between these states. Some are also capable of forming dormant cysts or spores, which enable them to resist environmental stress. Species were traditionally defined based on morphological features and modes of nutrition, which do not always correlate with phylogenetic similarity; thus, it is difficult to ascertain their true biodiversity and biogeography. However, some appear to be abundant and widespread in nature, while others are rare and limited to very specific environmental niches.

Key Concepts

‘Protozoa’ is not a formal phylogenetic taxon but is loosely used to describe diverse unicellular eukaryotic organisms (protists) with a mostly heterotrophic lifestyle.

Protists are found in virtually all moist environments on Earth, including fresh and marine water, soil, extreme environments and the fluids of plants and animals.

Protists may be free‐living, parasitic or symbiotic, or may transition between these lifestyles.

In order to persist under stressful conditions, some species may form dormant cysts or spores. These structures also enable protists to survive passive transport from one location to the next. Protists may have a variety of specialised anatomical structures for feeding, locomotion and the exchange of genetic material, including extrusomes, pseudopodia and cilia.

The taxonomy of protists was traditionally based on morphological features and nutritional mode but, has since been revised based on biochemical and genetic similarities. Many of the previously described morphospecies are actually clusters of several phylogenetically distinct entities.

As a group, protists are incredibly abundant and geographically widespread. Common species may be present in densities of tens of thousands of cells per litre of water (or gram of soil), for example. However, some species are relatively rare.

Despite their capacity for global distribution, most species display some degree of endemism.
Protein‐Coding Segments: Evolution of Exon–Intron Gene Structure
Authors: Igor Rogozin
Published: May 2021

Many eukaryotic genes are disrupted by noncoding regions of DNA of variable sizes called introns, giving the genes an exon–intron structure. Origin and evolution of introns is an important, long‐standing problem. The availability of multiple, complete genome sequences allows one to address many fundamental evolutionary questions. Analysis of orthologous genes from completely sequenced eukaryotic genomes revealed numerous shared intron positions in orthologous genes between animals, fungi, plants and protists. The data on intron positions were used as the starting point for evolutionary reconstruction with various phylogenetic methods. These methods reconstructed intron‐rich ancestors but in many cases inferred lineage‐specific high levels of intron loss and gain. These results indicate that numerous introns were present already at the earliest stages of evolution of eukaryotes and are compatible with the hypothesis that the original, catastrophic intron invasion accompanied the emergence of the eukaryotic cells.

Key Concepts

The exon–intron gene structure is highly dynamic.

Orthologous genes from distant eukaryotic species share up to 25–30% intron positions.

Intron gains and losses might occur during limited time spans.

The last eukaryotic common ancestor was intron rich.

In the course of evolution the splice signal shifts from exons to introns.

The scenario of the origin and evolution of introns that is best compatible with the results of comparative genomics goes as follows: self‐splicing introns since the earliest stages of life's evolution followed by numerous spliceosomal introns invading genes of the emerging eukaryotes and subsequent lineage‐specific loss and gain of spliceosomal introns.
Reproductive Strategies
Authors: Fox Gordon A
Published: May 2021

The ‘reproductive strategies’ of organisms – the timing and intensity of reproduction, mortality and growth in their life cycles – can have large effects on their Darwinian fitness. A ‘strategy’ in this context should be understood as a ‘syndrome’ that affects Darwinian fitness, rather than as implying conscious intent. That these strategies do evolve can be seen by considering the immense variation among species in quantities like the numbers of offspring produced, length of lifespan, age when reproduction begins, and number of reproductive bouts. Experiments have demonstrated that these traits do respond to selection. The theory of the evolution of reproductive strategies is based on the demography of populations. Making this theory useful in particular studies can depend on two tasks, both of which can be daunting. Some realism in estimating and modelling the capture and allocation of resources is necessary, as are estimates of how fitness consequences vary over time.

Key Concepts

Organisms vary considerably in their reproductive strategies, from reproducing once in a long lifespan to reproducing frequently in much shorter life spans.

The traits affecting reproductive strategies can have large effects on Darwinian fitness, and as a result, they evolve.

Availability of resources strongly constrains the evolution of reproductive strategies, causing their evolution along trade‐offs between competing demographic functions.

Contemporary theory of the evolution of reproductive strategies focuses on demographic consequences of changes in age‐ or state‐specific survival and fertility.

Changing survival or fertility involves allocating resources to traits affecting them.

A key challenge is making measurement and modelling of resources biologically reasonable.

Since the environment varies over time, fitness in the long term depends on the geometric (rather than the usual arithmetic) mean of the rate of growth.

Senescence can be a consequence of natural selection, but it does not always do so.
Formulaic Sequences
Authors: Wray Alison
Published: May 2021

Formulaic sequences are strings of words jointly representing a meaning or function that is often, though not always, different from the literal meaning of the component words. There is evidence from clinical linguistics, psychology, and neurology that they are processed, stored, or accessed (or a combination of these) differently from other word strings that do not have the same “formulaic” properties. However, the extent of their presence in languages is unclear, and linguistic theories have different views about what they are, and how they sit in relation to words and grammar. Theorists also differ in whether they consider formulaic sequences to be learned whole and then gradually broken down (if necessary), or glued together from previously learned single words once it is noticed that the particular combination is frequent in the language. One persistent challenge for researchers is how to help second language learners master sufficient formulaic sequences to sound idiomatic.
Intelligibility in World Englishes
Authors: Browne Kevin C.
Published: May 2021

“Intelligibility” is a term not easily defined or agreed upon by researchers of World Englishes. Determining what intelligible speech in English entails with the language being spoken as a first or second language in every region of the world presents challenges unique to the language. This entry presents an overview of how intelligibility has been interpreted by researchers. Particular attention is given to how intelligibility has at times been defined interchangeably with “comprehensibility” and “interpretability” despite Smith and Nelson's plea that researchers clearly differentiate the terms in their work. Some issues in intelligibility research include the question of whether or not “universal intelligibility” across all varieties of English is a practical or definable notion, and the difficulties inherent in attempting to determine “whose” or “which” English(es) might reflect a standard or models of English.
Opportunities for hepatitis B vaccination by SUD treatment programs
Authors: Feinberg Judith , Pearce Stacey
Published: May 2021

Despite significant effort from federal, state and local governments as well as health care providers, the opioid epidemic persists, with an increasing number of people who inject drugs (PWID). The COVID‐19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend; more than 87,000 Americans died of a drug overdose in the 12‐month period that ended in September 2020. Though the extent to which these public health crises intersect is difficult to gauge, there were notable spikes in overdose deaths in April and May of 2020 at the height of the pandemic. In remarks to the Joint Session of Congress on April 28, 2021, President Joe Biden acknowledged this as a priority topic for his administration, noting plans to make “critical investments to address the opioid crisis.”
A Manganese Phosphate Cathode for Long‐Life Aqueous Energy Storage
Authors: Yang Duo , Song Yu , Zhang Ming‐Yue , Qin Zengming , Dong Ran , Li Cuicui , Liu Xiao‐Xia
Published: May 2021

Mn‐based materials for aqueous energy storage are reaching the capacity ceiling due to the limited Mn4+/Mn3+ redox. The disproportionation of Mn3+ often occurs, forming soluble Mn2+ and thus leading to severer capacity decays. Here, an amorphous manganese phosphate material [AMP, Na1.8Mn4O1.4(PO4)3] is fabricated using an electrochemical method for the first time. Benefitting from the open framework and the insoluble nature of Mn2+ in AMP, the Mn3+/Mn2+ and Mn4+/Mn3+ redox couples can participate in the charge storage processes. The AMP electrode shows a high capacity of 253.4 mAh g−1 (912.4 F g−1 or 912.4 C g−1) at the current density 1 A g−1 and good rate capability. Experimental results indicate AMP experiences a mixed charge storage mechanism (i.e., cation intercalation and conversion reactions) in Na2SO4 electrolyte. Besides, electrolyte engineering can effectively prevent the decomposition of AMP during cycling test, achieving capacity retention of 97% in 5000 cycles. Importantly, AMP can accommodate different cations (e.g., Mg2+, Ca2+, etc.), exhibiting great potential for aqueous energy storage.
Safeguarding Osteointegration in Diabetic Patients: A Potent “Chain Armor” Coating for Scavenging ROS and Macrophage Reprogramming in a Microenvironment‐Responsive Manner
Authors: He Qingqing , Yuan Shuai , Tang Han , Wang Si , Mu Zhixiang , Li Dize , Wang Shan , Jing Xuan , Hu Shanshan , Ji Ping , Chen Tao
Published: May 2021

Risk of implant failure increases profoundly in patients with pre‐existing conditions (e.g., diabetes). Current therapies adopt a one‐sided focus on the direct antibacterial properties of biomaterials and osteogenesis stimulation. However, in this study it is demonstrated that a “chain armor” structure (Ce‐TA) that mainly targets the regulation of the local pathological microenvironment, provides a novel solution to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) by simulating superoxide dismutase and catalase and significantly improving osteointegration under diabetic conditions. Ce‐TA based on a metal phenolic network biological functional interface is successfully constructed. Ce‐TA, an ultrathin armor structure, is biocompatible and facile. Through in vitro assays it is demonstrated that Ce‐TA reshapes the diabetic microenvironment into a regenerative one in a microenvironment‐responsive manner, where Ce‐TA regulates hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) activity by reducing the level of mitochondrial ROS, and effectively alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction and reprogrammes macrophages to a pro‐healing state. Furthermore, it is confirmed that Ce‐TA shows excellent therapeutic effects on the reducing postoperative infection and enhances osteointegration of intra‐osseous implants in diabetic rat models. The proposed strategy opens up a promising opportunity for repurposing metals with intrinsic enzyme‐like activity for the goal of enhancing the osteointegration of devices with orthopedic and dental applications among diabetic patients.
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes Based Ultralow‐k Materials: The Effect of Cage Size
Authors: Zhou Dai‐Lin , Li Jiang‐Hui , Guo Qing‐Yun , Lin Xiong , Zhang Qin , Chen Feng , Han Di , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2021

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are of considerable interest as building blocks for preparing low‐k materials. To date T8 POSS has been extensively investigated while the potential of larger POSS cages remain an unexplored area. Herein, the first known contribution to map the role of POSS cage size on the dielectric and other comprehensive properties of hybrid materials with identical chemical compositions is described. First, three vinyl POSS (T8, T10, and T12) species are isolated from a commercial POSS mixture. Then, they are converted to benzocyclobutene functionalized and thermo‐crosslinked hybrid materials. It is found that the cage size can strongly affect their k values, more importantly, showing a linear decrease while increasing the cage volumes (k = 2.24, 2.02, and 1.83 for c‐T8B8, c‐T10B10, and c‐T12B12, respectively). This finding highlights a profound influence of POSS cage changes on dielectric properties and could be used to predict ultralow‐k (1.5–1.1) materials by extrapolating to larger T14, T16, and T18 POSS cages. Meanwhile, varying the cage size has no obvious effect on the materials’ other properties, and all of them exhibit good comprehensive properties. Moreover, such low‐k values can persist at high temperature and high humidity conditions, which affords some promising (ultra)low‐k dielectrics for modern integrated circuit development.
Photo‐Triggered Shape Reconfiguration in Stretchable Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Patterned Azobenzene‐Functionalized Liquid Crystalline Polymer Networks
Authors: Cho Woongbi , Jeon Jisoo , Eom Wonsik , Lee Jae Gyeong , Kim Dong‐Gyun , Kim Yong Seok , Han Tae Hee , Wie Jeong Jae
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the “Kirigami” have been exploited to engineer stretchable electronics that exhibit enhanced deformability without sacrificing their mechanical and electrical properties. However, kirigami‐inspired engineering is often limited to passive mechanical stretching for 3D shape morphing. To counter this problem, in this study, azobenzene‐functionalized liquid crystalline polymer networks (azo‐LCNs) are monolithically integrated with patterned reduced graphene oxide (rGO), called azo‐LCN/rGO, to achieve on‐demand shape reconfiguration in response to external stimuli (UV, NIR, solar rays, and portable light); in addition, the azo‐LCN/rGO exhibit highly enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. The cross‐sectional area and thickness of rGO patterns are controlled using a masking technique and evaporative self‐assembly. By the spatial patterning of rGO, insulating azo‐LCNs are converted into electrically conducting structures (381.9 S cm−1). The elastic modulus of <2 µm thick azo‐LCN can be tailored in the range of 1.3–6.4 GPa by integration with rGO layers of thickness less than 2 µm. Upon UV irradiation, azo‐LCN/rGO exhibit both for/backward in‐plane bending as well as out‐of‐plane chiral twisting, thus overcoming the typical trade‐off relationship between elastic modulus and deformability. Finally, an on‐demand contactless shape reconfiguration in azo‐LCN/rGO by UV irradiation in conjunction with passive mechanical strain is demonstrated.
Metallic Plasmonic Array Structures: Principles, Fabrications, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Yang Kang , Yao Xu , Liu Bowen , Ren Bin
Published: May 2021

The vast development of nanofabrication has spurred recent progress for the manipulation of light down to a region much smaller than the wavelength. Metallic plasmonic array structures are demonstrated to be the most powerful platform to realize controllable light–matter interactions and have found wide applications due to their rich and tunable optical performance through the morphology and parameter engineering. Here, various light‐management mechanisms that may exist on metallic plasmonic array structures are described. Then, the typical techniques for fabrication of metallic plasmonic arrays are summarized. Next, some recent applications of plasmonic arrays are reviewed, including plasmonic sensing, surface‐enhanced spectroscopies, plasmonic nanolasing, and perfect light absorption. Lastly, the existing challenges and perspectives for metallic plasmonic arrays are discussed. The aim is to provide guidance for future development of metallic plasmonic array structures.
Repurposing Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) as a Conductivity‐Reducing Additive for Polyethylene‐Based High‐Voltage Insulation
Authors: Pourrahimi Amir Masoud , Kumara Sarath , Palmieri Fabrizio , Yu Liyang , Lund Anja , Hammarström Thomas , Hagstrand Per‐Ola , Scheblykin Ivan G. , Fabiani Davide , Xu Xiangdong , Müller Christian
Published: May 2021

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is found to be a highly effective conductivity‐reducing additive for low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), which introduces a new application area to the field of conjugated polymers. Additives that reduce the direct‐current (DC) electrical conductivity of an insulation material at high electric fields have gained a lot of research interest because they may facilitate the design of more efficient high‐voltage direct‐current power cables. An ultralow concentration of regio‐regular P3HT of 0.0005 wt% is found to reduce the DC conductivity of LDPE threefold, which translates into the highest efficiency reported for any conductivity‐reducing additive to date. The here‐established approach, i.e., the use of a conjugated polymer as a mere additive, may boost demand in absolute terms beyond the quantities needed for thin‐film electronics, which would turn organic semiconductors from a niche product into commodity chemicals.
Organic Solar Cells with 18% Efficiency Enabled by an Alloy Acceptor: A Two‐in‐One Strategy
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhou Liang , Liu Wenrui , Zhou Zichun , Yue Qihui , Zheng Wenyu , Sun Ri , Liu Wuyue , Xu Shengjie , Fan Haijun , Feng Liheng , Yi Yuanping , Zhang Wenkai , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: May 2021

The trade‐off between the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current density (Jsc) has become the core of current organic photovoltaic research, and realizing the minimum energy offsets that can guarantee effective charge generation is strongly desired for high‐performance systems. Herein, a high‐performance ternary solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of over 18% using a large‐bandgap polymer donor, PM6, and a small‐bandgap alloy acceptor containing two structurally similar nonfullerene acceptors (Y6 and AQx‐3) is reported. This system can take full advantage of solar irradiation and forms a favorable morphology. By varying the ratio of the two acceptors, delicate regulation of the energy levels of the alloy acceptor is achieved, thereby affecting the charge dynamics in the devices. The optimal ternary device exhibits more efficient hole transfer and exciton separation than the PM6:AQx‐3‐based system and reduced energy loss compared with the PM6:Y6‐based system, contributing to better performance. Such a “two‐in‐one” alloy strategy, which synergizes two highly compatible acceptors, provides a promising path for boosting the photovoltaic performance of devices.
Engineering of Active Sites in Metal–Organic Frameworks for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Cirujano Francisco G. , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi
Published: May 2021

The production of biodiesel using solid catalysts is a sustainable methodology to renewable fuels from the valorization of biomass derived oils and fats. Here, the use of tailorable multifunctional metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogeneous catalysts for esterification/transesterification reactions is reviewed, which allows the synthesis of biodiesel molecules under broader and safer conditions. The influence of engineering of active sites at either the nodes or porous cavities in MOFs as reusable Lewis/Brönsted acid catalysts to produce higher yields of biodiesel during several reaction cycles is described. The examples described here indicate the promising activity and stability of these novel materials in the sustainable production of biofuels.
Fluorinated Chitosan Mediated Synthesis of Copper Selenide Nanoparticles with Enhanced Penetration for Second Near‐Infrared Photothermal Therapy of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhang Shaohua , Li Guangzhi , Deng Dashi , Dai Yizhi , Liu Zhuang , Wu Song
Published: May 2021

The emergence of near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) light activated photomedicines has extended the penetration depth for noninvasive theranostics, especially for photothermal nanomedicines. Intravesical instillation therapy of bladder cancer (BCa) is restricted greatly due to the short residence time and the low penetration ability of therapeutic agents in clinic. Therefore, improving the mucoadhesiveness and penetration of therapeutic agents are crucial factors in treatment of BCa. The development of NIR‐II light triggered photothermal transduction agents for enhanced penetration and photothermal ablation of BCa post‐intravesical instillation has not yet been investigated. Herein, Cu2‐xSe biocompatible particles are prepared through a fluorinated chitosan (FCS)‐mediated one‐pot aqueous approach, which possesses enhanced penetrating ability and high photothermal conversion capability for effective NIR‐II photothermal therapy (PTT). Owing to the outstanding transmucosal ability of FCS, FCS capped Cu2‐xSe nanoparticles exhibit much better transmucosal and penetration performance than their non‐fluorinated counterparts to significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of NIR‐II PTT to ablate orthotopic bladder tumors. This study presents a promising phototherapy agent based on Cu2‐xSe modified with FCS for efficient NIR‐II PTT for BCa treatment post‐intravesical instillation.
Advanced Switchable Molecules and Materials for Oil Recovery and Oily Waste Cleanup
Authors: Lu Yi , Zhu Yeling , Yang Fan , Xu Zhenghe , Liu Qingxia
Published: May 2021

Advanced switchable molecules and materials have shown great potential in numerous applications. These novel materials can express different states of physicochemical properties as controlled by a designated stimulus, such that the processing condition can always be maintained in an optimized manner for improved efficiency and sustainability throughout the whole process. Herein, the recent advances in switchable molecules/materials in oil recovery and oily waste cleanup are reviewed. Oil recovery and oily waste cleanup are of critical importance to the industry and environment. Switchable materials can be designed with various types of switchable properties, including i) switchable interfacial activity, ii) switchable viscosity, iii) switchable solvent, and iv) switchable wettability. The materials can then be deployed into the most suitable applications according to the process requirements. An in‐depth discussion about the fundamental basis of the design considerations is provided for each type of switchable material, followed by details about their performances and challenges in the applications. Finally, an outlook for the development of next‐generation switchable molecules/materials is discussed.