bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of UAV structure and evaluation of vibrational and fatigue characteristics through simulation studies
Authors: Rayed Ashraf Mahmud , Esakki Balasubramanian , Ponnambalam Arunkumar , Banik Sajal Chandra , Aly Karim
Published: August 2021

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is generic air vehicles that are significantly developed for military and civil purposes. In recent times, advancements in the field of UAVs are exceptional and tremendous. Nevertheless, numerous researches have been performed mainly to reduce the weight of the UAV structure. The flight time and allowable payload rely on the UAV structure's weight, which is considered a significant factor. Hence, in this paper, the UAV model's static structural behavior is cultivated utilizing the morals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to determine the total deformation and Von-mises stress. Three different polymer materials, namely Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Polyamide (PA), are chosen for FEA analysis of 3D printed UAV structure. The thrust generated from the motors varies from 2 kg to 5 kg, and an evaluation of structural strength characteristics is performed. The FEA study has shown that maximum deformation and maximum stress are obtained at the propeller casings and the basement of the structure, respectively. After comparing the details on deformation and stress from all three materials, the research also reveals that PLA is the best material for conception. Furthermore, topological optimization is performed on the UAV structure to reduce mass and minimize stress without compromising mechanical strength. The vibrational and fatigue characteristics of optimized UAV structure is examined. The unified body of the UAV frame will reduce the assembly time and make manufacturing much more effortless.
Die Skalenusmuskulatur
Authors: Corts Magga
Published: August 2021

Die Skalenusmuskulatur (lat. scala = Leiter, Treppe) ist eine Muskelgruppe, die sich in der seitlichen Halsregion befindet und an der ersten beziehungsweise zweiten Rippe ansetzt. Sie verbindet also den Thorax mit der HWS, so wie eine Treppe verschiedene Stockwerke miteinander verbindet.
Blutegeleinsatz beim Schulter-Arm-Syndrom
Authors: Fritsch Dominik
Published: August 2021

Das Schulter-Arm-Syndrom ist ein Symptomenkomplex, der in der Praxis häufig vorkommt und sowohl primär als auch sekundär verursacht sein kann. Die Blutegeltherapie kann insbesondere durch ihre schmerzstillenden und entzündungshemmenden Wirkungen beim Schulter-Arm-Syndrom hilfreich sein. Wie auch bei anderen Erkrankungen kann die Blutegeltherapie beim Schulter-Arm-Syndrom mit anderen Behandlungsmethoden, zum Beispiel mit der Osteopathie, kombiniert werden.
Zittern gegen stressbedingte Schulter- und Nackenschmerzen
Authors: Balke-Holzberger Ulrike
Published: August 2021

Stress kann Faszienverklebungen und -verfilzungen fördern, was wiederum unter anderem zu Schulter- und Nackenschmerzen führen kann. Unspezifische Schulter- und Nackenschmerzen entstehen oft multifaktoriell, beispielsweise durch Stress in Kombination mit Bewegungsmangel. Faszien-Stress-Release (FSR) kann insbesondere durch das Freisetzen von überschüssiger gespeicherter Energie bei unspezifischen Schulter- und Nackenschmerzen Abhilfe schaffen.
Antiphlogistisch und analgetisch
Authors: Stern Cornelia
Published: August 2021

Heilpflanzen für entzündliche Gelenkerkrankungen sind Weide, Große Brennnessel, Afrikanische Teufelskralle und Indischer Weihrauch.
Effect of Aging on Tympanometric Findings in Indian Population
Authors: Sinha Sujeet Kumar , Neupane Anuj Kumar , Gururaj Krithika
Published: August 2021

Introduction Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss being a cumulative effect of aging on hearing, is a progressive and irreversible bilateral symmetrical sensorineural loss. In older individuals, one of the most important structures which undergo changes due to aging is the middle ear. There is a dearth of studies in Indian population regarding the tympanometric characteristics in older individuals. Thus, this study was taken up with an objective to report the different tympanometric characteristics in elderly individuals (aged above 50 years) who reported with ear- or hearing-related complaints to the Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Materials and Methods A register-based analysis was conducted where immittance tests were performed.

Results There was no effect of age on static admittance, ear canal volume, and tympanometric peak pressure values. Also, there was no gender effect on tympanometric findings.

Conclusion The result of the present study helps in understanding the different middle ear mechanisms in older adults.
In situ observation of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability of liquid Fe and Fe–Si alloys under extreme conditions: Implications for planetary core formation
Authors: Terasaki Hidenori , Sakaiya Tatsuhiro , Shigemori Keisuke , Akimoto Kosaku , Kato Hiroki , Hironaka Yoichiro , Kondo Tadashi
Published: August 2021

Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instability, which occurs when a heavy fluid overlies a light fluid in a gravitational field, is an important scenario for planetary core formation, especially beneath the planetary magma ocean. This process has been discussed based on numerical simulations and experiments using analog materials. However, experiments on the RT instability using the core-forming melt have not been performed at high pressures. In this study, we perform in situ observation of the RT instability of liquid Fe and Fe–Si (Si = 10 and 20 wt. %) alloys under high pressure using a high-power laser-shock technique. The observed perturbation on the Fe–Si surface grows exponentially with time, while there is no obvious growth of perturbations on the Fe in the measured time range. Therefore, the growth rate of the RT instability increases with Si content. The timescale of the initial growth of the RT instability in planetary interiors is likely to be much faster (by more than two orders of magnitude) than the 30–40 × 106 year timescale of planetary core formation.
Confined lateral epitaxial overgrowth of InGaAs: Mechanisms and electronic properties
Authors: Goswami Aranya , Markman Brian , Brunelli Simone T. Šuran , Chatterjee Shouvik , Klamkin Jonathan , Rodwell Mark , Palmstrøm Chris J.
Published: August 2021

Template-assisted selective area growth techniques have gained popularity for their ability to grow epitaxial materials in prefabricated dielectric templates. Confined epitaxial lateral overgrowth (CELO) is one such technique that uses dielectric templates to define the geometry of the grown nanostructures. Two terminal low-temperature magneto-transport measurements were used to determine electronic properties. For doped In0.53Ga0.47As CELO nanostructures, we observe Shubnikov–De Hass oscillations in the longitudinal magnetoresistance and utilize these to estimate effective mass, carrier density, and mobilities. This analysis both reveals the presence of defects in these nanostructures and material variabilities between growth runs. Electron beam lithography and contact deposition for transport measurements were enabled by parasitic growth removal. In the future, this approach can enable other material systems to be explored for confined lateral epitaxy, improve material quality, and investigate a variety of quantum transport phenomenon in such nanoscale devices.
Modeling of q95 windows for the suppression of edge localized modes by resonant magnetic perturbations in the KSTAR tokamak
Authors: Fitzpatrick R. , Kim SangKyeun , Lee Jaehyun
Published: August 2021

The EPEC code is employed to model the q95 windows for n = 2 and n = 1 resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP)-induced edge localized mode (ELM) suppression in typical KSTAR H-mode discharges. The plasma equilibria used in the study are derived by rescaling the experimental plasma equilibrium in KSTAR discharge #18594 measured at time t = 6450 ms. The n = 2 and n = 1 ELM suppression windows predicted by EPEC are comparatively narrow in q95 (i.e., Δq95≃0.1) and are such that (assuming a relative pedestal pressure reduction of 15% is required to trigger ELM suppression), even in the middle of the windows, there is a threshold RMP coil current of about 1–3 kA/turn that must be exceeded before ELM suppression occurs. The n = 2 and n = 1 ELM suppression windows calculated by the EPEC code are consistent with the experimental observations and are also broadly similar to those recently calculated by the TM1 code [Hu et al., Phys. Plasmas 28, 052505 (2021)].
Description of longitudinal space charge effects in beams and plasma through dielectric permittivity
Authors: Yampolsky Nikolai , Bishofberger Kip
Published: August 2021

We develop a universal framework that allows for quickly solving a wide class of problems for longitudinal space charge effects in beams and plasmas in cylindrical geometry. We introduce the longitudinal dielectric permittivity for the beam of charged particles, which describes its collective space charge response. The analysis yields an effective plasma frequency, which depends on the transverse geometry of the system. This dielectric permittivity mirrors the dielectric permittivity of plasma and matches the one dimensional expression once the transverse size of the beam is large. Several particle species can be included as additive terms describing susceptibility of each specie. The developed approach allows to study stability criteria for collective beam–beam and beam–plasma instabilities for arbitrary transverse distributions in particle densities.
Optical methods for bacterial detection and characterization
Authors: McGoverin Cushla , Steed Craig , Esan Ayomikun , Robertson Julia , Swift Simon , Vanholsbeeck Frédérique
Published: August 2021

Rapid identification and enumeration of bacteria are critical, given the surge of antibiotic-resistance, global exchange of food products, and the use of bacteria for bioremediation, pharmaceutical, and food production. In response, a wide range of methods are being developed that can be broadly classified as nucleic acid-based, structure-based, mass spectrometry-based, and optically based. Optical methods have generated interest given the potential for rapid, non-destructive, high-throughput, and amplification-free measurements that require minimal sample preparation. This Perspective reviews optical methods, which are applied to identification, enumeration, and greater understanding of bacteria routinely and more importantly at the cutting edge of research, with the aim of identifying gaps and opportunities for development. We have focused primarily on methods that directly measure bacteria and not their effect on the sample matrix or sensing, which requires a biorecognition element (i.e., label specific to some component of the bacterium). We identify gaps in the existing techniques and avenues for innovation. Finally, we suggest the parameters that should be considered and recorded when reporting the development of existing and new methods for bacterial characterization. This Perspective is intended for physicists interested in developing new optical methods for the study of bacteria and microbiologists in need of an optical technique for bacterial applications.
Pressure-induced robust emission in a zero-dimensional hybrid metal halide (C9NH20)6Pb3Br12
Authors: Chen Mengting , Guo Songhao , Bu Kejun , Lee Sujin , Luo Hui , Wang Yiming , Liu Bingyan , Yan Zhipeng , Dong Hongliang , Yang Wenge , Ma Biwu , Lü Xujie
Published: August 2021

Zero-dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides are under intensive investigation owing to their unique physical properties, such as the broadband emission from highly localized excitons that is promising for white-emitting lighting. However, fundamental understanding of emission variations and structure–property relationships is still limited. Here, by using pressure processing, we obtain robust exciton emission in 0D (C9NH20)6Pb3Br12 at room temperature that can survive to 80 GPa, the recorded highest value among all the hybrid metal halides. In situ experimental characterization and first-principles calculations reveal that the pressure-induced emission is mainly caused by the largely suppressed phonon-assisted nonradiative pathway. Lattice compression leads to phonon hardening, which considerably weakens the exciton–phonon interaction and thus enhances the emission. The robust emission is attributed to the unique structure of separated spring-like [Pb3Br12]6− trimers, which leads to the outstanding stability of the optically active inorganic units. Our findings not only reveal abnormally robust emission in a 0D metal halide, but also provide new insight into the design and optimization of local structures of trimers and oligomers in low-dimensional hybrid materials.
Hormone treatment does not reliably induce spermiation or mating in Hamilton’s frog from the archaic leiopelmatid lineage
Authors: Germano Jennifer M. , Cree Alison , Molinia Frank , Arregui Lucia , Bishop Phillip J.
Published: August 2021

Amidst a global amphibian decline, captive breeding has become an important component of many conservation management programs. Some species fail to readily reproduce in captivity, including leiopelmatid frogs, an archaic lineage endemic to New Zealand. Assisted reproductive technologies can improve the reproductive potential and genetic management of captive programs. Herein we describe efforts to induce spermiation and mating in the threatened Hamilton’s frog Leiopelma hamiltoni using a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist and human chorionic gonadotrophin. The spermiation response was poor, with few individuals releasing spermatozoa and a low sperm concentration (mean (±s.e.) 27.4 ± 8.5 × 103 spermatozoa mL−1) when spermiation was stimulated. The sperm concentration peaked 12–24 h after hormone administration, suggesting this species may be slower to react than other anurans. Spermic urine was present in five males before hormone treatment. The sperm concentration was higher in this group (128.7 ± 54.9 × 103 spermatozoa mL−1) than in the hormone-induced males. All spermatozoa observed exhibited no motility or, at most, a limited swaying movement with no forward progression. In separate hormone induction trials with 60 individuals (two males to one female per trial), no mating was exhibited during the 12 h after treatment. Further studies to hormonally stimulate gamete release and mating are needed in leiopelmatids.
Catabolism of lysosome-related organelles in color-changing spiders supports intracellular turnover of pigments
Authors: Figon Florent , Hurbain Ilse , Heiligenstein Xavier , Trépout Sylvain , Lanoue Arnaud , Medjoubi Kadda , Somogyi Andrea , Delevoye Cédric , Raposo Graça , Casas Jérôme
Published: August 2021

Significance

Pigment–light interactions have shaped animal evolution, from vision to camouflage. How organisms cope with harmful photodegradative products while maintaining pigment-bearing cell integrity, from skin to light screening in eyes, remains mysterious. We studied color-changing crab spiders to unravel the intracellular mechanisms leading to within-cell formation and degradation of pigment organelles. We found that they belong to the widespread lysosome-related organelle family, like vertebrate melanosomes. The endolysosomal system allows reversible coloration in spiders by sustaining pigment turnover thanks to its fundamental anabolic and catabolic functions, a hypothesis first laid out for human eyes. Our findings imply that the ubiquitous endolysosomal system had been repurposed early in animal evolution to handle pigment–light interactions, providing phenotypic plasticity and cell function maintenance.
The relationship between physiological and performance variables during a hot/humid international rugby sevens tournament
Authors: Fenemor Stephen P. , Gill N. D. , Driller M. W. , Mills B. , Casadio J. R. , Beaven C. M.
Published: August 2021

To characterise physiological responses to competing in an international rugby sevens tournament played in hot/humid conditions, core temperature (Tc) and Tc predictors were collected from 11 elite men's rugby sevens athletes competing in the Oceania sevens tournament in Suva, Fiji. Tc, body mass change, sweat electrolytes, playing minutes, total running distance, high speed running distance (HSD), psychrometric wet bulb temperature and exertional heat illness symptoms were collected pre, during and post games. Linear mixed‐models were used to assess the effect of Tc predictors on post‐game Tc, along with differences in Tc across measurement periods. Compared to baseline on both tournament days, mean Tc was higher during all between game (recovery) measures (all d >1.30, p <0.01). On both tournament days, eight athletes reached a post‐game Tc >39.0°C, with several athletes reaching >39.0°C during warm‐ups. Mean post‐game Tc was related to playing minutes, total running distance, HSD, and post warm‐up Tc (all p < 0.01). The Tc during warm‐ups and games regularly exceeded those demonstrated to be detrimental to repeated sprint performance (> 39°C). Warm‐up Tc represents the easiest predictor of post‐game Tc to control via time/intensity modulation and the use of appropriate pre‐ and per‐cooling strategies. Practitioners should be prepared to modulate warm‐ups and other heat preparation strategies based on likely environmental conditions during hot/humid tournaments.
Depolarization induces nociceptor sensitization by CaV1.2-mediated PKA-II activation
Authors: Isensee Jörg , van Cann Marianne , Despang Patrick , Araldi Dioneia , Moeller Katharina , Petersen Jonas , Schmidtko Achim , Matthes Jan , Levine Jon D. , Hucho Tim
Published: August 2021

Depolarization drives neuronal plasticity. However, whether depolarization drives sensitization of peripheral nociceptive neurons remains elusive. By high-content screening (HCS) microscopy, we revealed that depolarization of cultured sensory neurons rapidly activates protein kinase A type II (PKA-II) in nociceptors by calcium influx through CaV1.2 channels. This effect was modulated by calpains but insensitive to inhibitors of cAMP formation, including opioids. In turn, PKA-II phosphorylated Ser1928 in the distal C terminus of CaV1.2, thereby increasing channel gating, whereas dephosphorylation of Ser1928 involved the phosphatase calcineurin. Patch-clamp and behavioral experiments confirmed that depolarization leads to calcium- and PKA-dependent sensitization of calcium currents ex vivo and local peripheral hyperalgesia in the skin in vivo. Our data suggest a local activity-driven feed-forward mechanism that selectively translates strong depolarization into further activity and thereby facilitates hypersensitivity of nociceptor terminals by a mechanism inaccessible to opioids.
Global ion heating/transport during merging spherical tokamak formation
Authors: Tanabe H. , Tanaka H. , Cao Q. , Cai Y. , Akimitsu M. , Ahmadi T. , Cheng C.Z. , Inomoto M. , Ono Y.
Published: August 2021

Here we report global ion heating/transport characteristics of magnetic reconnection during merging spherical tokamak formation experiment on TS-6 (TS-3U). Using the 96CH/320CH ultra high resolution ion Doppler tomography diagnostics, the full-2D imaging measurement clearly revealed that magnetic reconnection initially forms localized hot spots in the downstream region of outflow jet with inboard/outboard asymmetry (more deposition in the high field side) but the continuous accumulation of the heating coupled with transport process expands the high temperature region globally and forms characteristic poloidally ring-like structure aligned with field lines. The dynamic ion heating/transport process is also affected by the polarity of toroidal field and poloidally tilted/rotating global structure has experimentally been found both during and after merging. The characteristic poloidal asymmetry gets flipped when toroidal field direction is reversed and it was found that higher temperature appears in the positive potential side, which is opposite to the conventional understanding/prediction of guide field reconnection. Through the parallel acceleration process coupled with global heat transport, poloidally asymmetric non-classical feature has experimentally been found for the first time.
Future cooling gap in shared socioeconomic pathways
Authors: Andrijevic Marina , Byers Edward , Mastrucci Alessio , Smits Jeroen , Fuss Sabine
Published: August 2021

The extent to which societies will globally be able to adapt to climate change is not well understood. Here we analyze socioeconomic dimensions of adaptive capacity of populations to deal with heat stress and find income, urbanization and income inequality to be important factors in explaining adaptation to heat stress with air conditioning (AC). Using the scenario framework of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), we estimate the future cooling gap, which represents the difference between the population exposed to heat stress and the population able to protect against heat stress with AC. Depending on the scenario of socioeconomic development, total population affected by the cooling gap may vary between 2 billion and 5 billion people in 2050, with the scenario-dependent range widening further towards the end of the century. Our analysis shows vast regional inequalities in adaptive capacity for one of the most universal manifestations of climate change, underscoring the need to account for the different potential levels of adaptive capacity in assessments of climate change impacts.
A probabilistic approach to Hilbert transforms on free group von Neumann algebras
Authors: Gałązka Tomasz , Osękowski Adam
Published: August 2021

The paper contains a probabilistic proof of the

L
p

L^p

-boundedness of the Hilbert transform in the context of a free group von Neumann algebra

V
N
(

F

q

)

VN(\mathbb {F}_q)

. The argument rests on noncommutative version of good-

λ
\lambda

inequalities and yields a tight

L
log
⁡
L

L\log L

order of the

L
p

L^p

norms as

p
→

1
+

p\to 1^+

and

p
→
∞

p\to \infty

.
Some remarks on the Sobolev inequality in Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Andreucci Daniele , Tedeev Anatoli
Published: August 2021

We investigate Sobolev and Hardy inequalities, specifically weighted Minerbe’s type estimates, in noncompact complete connected Riemannian manifolds whose geometry is described by an isoperimetric profile. In particular, we assume that the manifold satisfies the

p
p

-hyperbolicity property, stated in terms of a necessary integral Dini condition on the isoperimetric profile. Our method seems to us to combine sharply the knowledge of the isoperimetric profile and the optimal Bliss type Hardy inequality depending on the geometry of the manifold. We recover the well known best Sobolev constant in the Euclidean case.
Multiple Laguerre polynomials: Combinatorial model and Stieltjes moment representation
Authors: Sokal Alan
Published: August 2021

I give a combinatorial interpretation of the multiple Laguerre polynomials of the first kind of type II, generalizing the digraph model found by Foata and Strehl for the ordinary Laguerre polynomials. I also give an explicit integral representation for these polynomials, which shows that they form a multidimensional Stieltjes moment sequence whenever

x
≤
0

x \le 0

.
Autonomous first order differential equations
Authors: Noordman Marc , van der Put Marius , Top Jaap
Published: August 2021

The problem of algebraic dependence of solutions to (non-linear) first order autonomous equations over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero is given a ‘complete’ answer, obtained independently of model theoretic results on differentially closed fields. Instead, the geometry of curves and generalized Jacobians provides the key ingredient. Classification and formal solutions of autonomous equations are treated. The results are applied to answer a question on

D
n

D^n

-finiteness of solutions of first order differential equations.
Blasphemy in scarequotes
Authors: Sherwood Yvonne
Published: August 2021

‘Blasphemy in scarequotes’ examines contemporary blasphemy cases where ‘blasphemy’ is a smokescreen for realpolitik. ‘Blasphemy’ prosecutions were often an attack on ‘secularism’, and all the sexually and politically dangerous views that often went with it. It is worth considering the story of Naboth’s vineyard in the Bible and the blasphemy charges against the politician Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, journalism student Mashal Khan, artist and poet Ashraf Fayadh, the band Pussy Riot, Aasiya Noreen, as well as Jesus and Socrates. Important in this discussion are both the Charlie Hebdo murders and the establishment of new norms of freedom of religion and freedom from religion as a result of secularist activism.
Blasphemy and law
Authors: Sherwood Yvonne
Published: August 2021

‘Blasphemy and law’ focuses on blasphemy laws, considering the challenge of differentiating between blasphemy and heresy. In order to pinpoint some kind of distinction between the two, historians and legal scholars often cite the contrast between the Hales judgment of 1676 and the Coleridge judgment of 1883. The chapter then assesses the idea of blasphemy as a ‘medieval’ crime, before tracing the evolution of blasphemy laws. One of the things that legal experts often say about blasphemy is that it has been secularized. Whereas once it applied to the purely sacred, now it applies to the social. Finally, the difference between hate speech and blasphemy legislation is an important point of discussion.
Blasphemy and minorities
Authors: Sherwood Yvonne
Published: August 2021

‘Blasphemy and minorities’ describes how ideas about blasphemy have changed with the increasingly visible presence of religious and ethnic minorities. Modern blasphemy laws tended to limit blasphemy to a crime that could only be committed by those educated as Christians against Christianity—with the result that Jews could not blaspheme, nor could Judaism be blasphemed against. Nevertheless, ‘Jews’ have been very present as images in blasphemy controversies. Today it is also very common for blasphemy to be represented as a Muslim problem. The first modern ‘blasphemous’ cartoon of Muhammad and Salman Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses (1988), as well as the Danish Cartoon Affair of 2005/2006, are fascinating examples of blasphemy and creativity.
The case for atheism
Authors: Baggini Julian
Published: August 2021

‘The case for atheism’ investigates the case for atheism, which does not depend on proving God does not exist but on making a good case for naturalism. The atheist’s naturalism consists in the view that a human being is a biological animal rather than some kind of embodied spiritual soul, as many religious believers think. The strong evidence all points to our biological nature. We need to think about inductive and abductive arguments concerning atheism as well and differentiate atheism from agnosticism, before assessing whether atheism is a faith position. What are the arguments for religious belief?
Atheist ethics
Authors: Baggini Julian
Published: August 2021

‘Atheist ethics’ argues that atheists are not only capable of leading moral lives, they may even be more able to do so than those who confuse divine law and punishment with right and wrong. The Euthyphro dilemma is very powerful argument against the idea that God is required for morality. An objection to the possibility of a godless morality is the degree of personal choice it seems to leave to the individual. It is important to identify the source(s) of morality and look at the concept of moral thinking. Ultimately, many remain unconvinced that secular ethics really can thrive without some kind of religious foundation.
Meaning and purpose
Authors: Baggini Julian
Published: August 2021

‘Meaning and purpose’ challenges the assumption that without religion, life’s meaning and purpose becomes impossible by arguing that many atheists do and have lived meaningful and purposeful lives. Indeed, atheists could credibly claim that life is more meaningful for them than it is for many religious people who see this world as a kind of preparation for the next. When heaven is the ultimate destination, life on Earth is not really valuable in itself. The atheist, as a naturalist, unequivocally accepts human mortality, with no belief in afterlife, reincarnation, or dissolution of the ego as the self rejoins ultimate reality. We mustn't forget the importance of hedonism.
Atheism in the 21st century
Authors: Baggini Julian
Published: August 2021

‘Atheism in the 21st century’ explains how, at the dawn of the 21st century, the position of atheism was fairly stable around the world. Early in this century, however, Western atheism suddenly came to much greater prominence. The new, assertive movement that was emerging was labelled 'the New Atheism'. The New Atheists were, for the most part, strongly critical of both moderate and fundamentalist religion, dismissive of the idea that they should avoid offending the faithful, and convinced that religious belief was profoundly irrational. They also claim that religion is harmful. Indeed, an objection to religion popular among the New Atheists is that most extremism is motivated by religious faith.
What is climate change?
Authors: Maslin Mark
Published: August 2021

‘What is climate change?’ discusses what climate change is. Climate change is no longer just a scientific concern, but encompasses economics, sociology, geopolitics, national and local politics, law, and health just to name a few. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) play an important role in moderating past global climate. Why they have been rising since before the Industrial Revolution, and why are they now considered dangerous pollutants? Which countries have produced the most anthropogenic GHGs and how is this changing with rapid economic development? It is important here to consider the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and how it regularly collates and assesses the most recent evidence for climate change.
History of climate change
Authors: Maslin Mark
Published: August 2021

‘History of climate change’ traces the history of climate change and the evidence that supports it. The science of climate change started in 1856 with experiments by Eunice Newton Foote demonstrating the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide. The essential science of climate change was there in the late 1950s, but it was not taken seriously until the late 1980s. Why was there a delay between the science of global warming being accepted in the late 1950s and the realization by those outside the scientific community of the true threat of global warming at the beginning of the 21st century? The key reasons for this delay were the lack of increase in global temperatures and the lack of global environmental awareness. What is the importance of the rise of the global environmental social movement and the new wave of protest and optimism of the last few years?
Modelling future climate
Authors: Maslin Mark
Published: August 2021

‘Modelling future climate’ examines the modelling of future global climate. There is a whole hierarchy of climate models, from relatively simple box models to extremely complex three-dimensional general circulation models (GCMs). Each has a role in examining and furthering the understanding of the global climate system. At the heart of the climate models is the carbon cycle, central to estimating what happens to anthropogenic carbon dioxide and methane emissions. The biggest unknown in the models is the estimation of future human global GHG emissions. It is worth noting here the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs), a set of narratives and driving forces that model the possible shape of the global economy and global emissions in the future. The latest IPCC projections on future global temperature, precipitation, and sea level based on the different SSPs make for interesting reading.
Climate change impacts
Authors: Maslin Mark
Published: August 2021

‘Climate change impacts’ assesses the potential impacts of climate change and how these alter in scale and intensity with increasing warming by breaking down the potential impacts into sectors: extreme heat and droughts, storms and floods, agriculture, ocean acidification, biodiversity, and human health. Policy-makers should identify what dangerous climate change is. We need a realistic target concerning the degree of climate change with which we can cope. Fortunately, the societal coping range is flexible and can change with the shifting baseline and the more frequent extreme events—as long as there is strong climate science to provide clear guidance on what sort of changes are going to occur.
Politics of climate change
Authors: Maslin Mark
Published: August 2021

‘Politics of climate change’ begins by looking at the history of the climate change negotiations, considering key milestones such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Copenhagen Accord, and the Paris Agreement. At the Paris climate meeting in 2015, world leaders agreed that global temperature increase should be kept below 2°C, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C. Despite this agreement, global carbon emissions have continued to rise every year. There are potential flaws in the approach of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We should note the various carbon trading schemes and the UN’s REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) programme, which has been subsequently refined as REDD+. What needs to be achieved politically if climate change is to be mitigated?
Association of Monocytes to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio With Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components
Authors: Wang Ting-jun , Cai Xiao-qi , Gong Jin , Xie Qun-fang , Xu Guo-yan , Xie Liang-di
Published: August 2021

Background

To investigate the association of monocytes to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) with metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components.

Methods

A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted from February 2018 to January 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. A total of 890 inpatients or outpatients aged 30–79 years old were enrolled, and their clinical data were collected. MS and its components were defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP-ATPIII) diagnostic criteria. Spearman correlation and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the association of MHR with MS and its components. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of MHR for MS.

Results

The monocyte counts and MHR were significantly higher in subjects with MS than those without MS (P < 0.001). The percentage of subjects carrying 3 or more MS components increased with the increment of MHR tertiles (13.7%, 32.7%, and 44.6%, P < 0.001). MHR was correlated with multiple metabolic components, including body mass index, waist circumstance, visceral fat content, total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and systolic blood pressure (all P < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed that MHR was independently associated with MS after adjusting for age, gender, multiple metabolic components, and the use of antihypertensive and antihyperglycemic medications. Compared with the lowest tertile of MHR, the risk of MS increased by 2.386 and 3.233 times in moderate (P = 0.010) and highest (P = 0.001) tertiles, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that the best cutoff value of MHR was 6.59 × 105/mg for the diagnosis of MS, with a sensitivity of 75.2% and a specificity of 52.7%.

Conclusions

Elevated MHR is associated with an increased risk of MS and the accumulation of its components.
The Relationship Between Carotid Artery Structural Abnormality and Stiffness in Patients With Prehypertension
Authors: Zhang Ling-yu , Li Jian-hua , Shen Yi-hua , Xu Guo-yan , Han Ying , Xie Liang-di
Published: August 2021

Background

To investigate the difference of carotid structural abnormality and stiffness, and the relationship between carotid structural abnormality and stiffness in prehypertensive and normotensive subjects.

Methods

A total of 581 participants (270 with prehypertension, 311 normotensive control subjects) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled from January 2017 to March 2019. Body height/weight, resting heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded. Blood biochemical indexes and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity were determined, and carotid ultrasonography was performed. Carotid intima–media thickness ≥1.0 mm and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity ≥10.0 m/s were defined as carotid structural abnormality and arterial stiffness, respectively.

Results

The percentage of patients with carotid structural abnormality (60.7% vs. 51.4%), carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity [(8.78 ± 1.48) vs. (7.92 ± 1.30) m/s], and the percentage of patients with arterial stiffness (13.7% vs. 5.8%) were increased in the prehypertension group compared with the control group (all P < 0.05). In the prehypertension group, the percentage of patients with arterial stiffness in the abnormal carotid structure subgroup (n = 164) was higher than that in the normal carotid structure subgroup (n = 106) (20.1% vs. 3.8%, χ2 = 14.551, P < 0.001). Furthermore, carotid structural abnormality, age, diabetes mellitus, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, and hypoglycemic therapy were all correlated with arterial stiffness (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that carotid structural abnormality, age, diabetes mellitus, and resting heart rate were independently correlated with arterial stiffness, and patients with carotid structural abnormality had 5.25-fold higher risk of arterial stiffness than those with a normal carotid arterial structure (odds ratio = 5.250, 95% confidence interval 1.580–17.448, P = 0.007). However, in the normotensive group, no such relationships were observed between carotid artery structural abnormality and stiffness.

Conclusions

In prehypertensives but not normotensives, carotid artery structural abnormalities and stiffness are common, and independently correlated.
Analysis of Nipple-Areola Complex Localization Using Male Cadavers: Considerations for Gender-Affirming Surgery
Authors: Moorefield Amanda K , Stock Anna , Rose-Reneau Zak , Singh Pratima K , Azari Zubeen , Wright Barth W , Singhal Virender
Published: August 2021

Background

Masculinizing chest reconstruction is the most common gender-affirming surgery in transgender males. Despite the current literature’s acknowledgment of the vital role that proper placement of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) plays in a masculine chest contour, there is still much debate regarding the best anatomical landmarks to achieve the desired result.

Objectives

The primary aim of this study is to determine which landmarks for NAC placement can be applied across diverse body types and aid surgeons in creating a masculine chest.

Methods

Twenty-five formaldehyde-embalmed male cadavers were analyzed by conducting various measurements of the NAC, nipple, and surrounding bony and muscular landmarks to identify the most consistent landmarks for proper NAC placement. Linear regression analyses were run to determine how the distance between nipple to respective landmarks varied based on antemortem body mass index (BMI), height, weight, and age.

Results

The measurements for the inferior and lateral borders of the pectoralis major muscle (PMM) displayed the least amount of variance of all the anatomical landmarks studied. Additionally, there was no significant change in these pectoral measurements with varying BMI, height, weight, or age, indicating that these measurements are reliable landmarks for NAC placement across various body types. The average NAC placement in relation to the inferior and lateral borders of PMM was around 2.5 and 2.0 cm, respectively.

Conclusions

Our cadaveric analysis indicates that aesthetically pleasing masculine chest results can be produced consistently across varying body types when adhering to a simple pectoral approach in NAC placement.
Sexual dimorphism in cranial shape and size in geomyoid rodents: multivariate and evolutionary perspectives
Authors: Calede Jonathan J M , Brown Andrew
Published: August 2021

Geomyoid rodents provide a great study system for the analysis of sexual dimorphism. They are polygynic and many inhabit harsh arid environments thought to promote sexual dimorphism. In fact, there has been extensive work published on the sexual size dimorphism of individual populations and species within this rodent clade. However, little work has been undertaken to assess the evolutionary patterns and processes associated with this sexual dimorphism. We use multivariate analyses of cranial measurements in a phylogenetic framework to determine the distribution of size and shape dimorphism among geomyoids and test for Rensch’s rule. Our results suggest that sexual dimorphism is more common in geomyids than heteromyids, but it is not in fact universal. There is evidence for variation in sexual dimorphism across populations. Additionally, in many taxa, geographic variation appears to overwhelm existing sexual dimorphism. We find support for the repeated independent evolution of shape and size dimorphism across geomyoid taxa, but we do not find support for an association between size and shape dimorphism. There is no evidence for Rensch’s rule in geomyoids, whether at the superfamily or family level. Together, our findings suggest that there is no single explanation for the evolution of sexual dimorphism in geomyoids and that, instead, it is the product of numerous evolutionary events. Future studies incorporating phylogenetic relationships will be necessary to paint a more complete picture of the evolution of sexual dimorphism in geomyoids.
The Development and Initial Findings of A Study of a Prospective Adult Research Cohort with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SPARC IBD)
Authors: Raffals Laura E , Saha Sumona , Bewtra Meenakshi , Norris Cecile , Dobes Angela , Heller Caren , O’Charoen Sirimon , Fehlmann Tara , Sweeney Sara , Weaver Alandra , Bishu Shrinivas , Cross Raymond , Dassopoulos Themistocles , Fischer Monika , Yarur Andres , Hudesman David , Parakkal Deepak , Duerr Richard , Caldera Freddy , Korzenik Joshua , Pekow Joel , Wells Katerina , Bohm Matthew , Perera Lilani , Kaur Manreet , Ciorba Matthew , Snapper Scott , Scoville Elizabeth A , Dalal Sushila , Wong Uni , Lewis James D
Published: August 2021

Background

Clinical and molecular subcategories of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are needed to discover mechanisms of disease and predictors of response and disease relapse. We aimed to develop a study of a prospective adult research cohort with IBD (SPARC IBD) including longitudinal clinical and patient-reported data and biosamples.

Methods

We established a cohort of adults with IBD from a geographically diverse sample of patients across the United States with standardized data and biosample collection methods and sample processing techniques. At enrollment and at time of lower endoscopy, patient-reported outcomes (PRO), clinical data, and endoscopy scoring indices are captured. Patient-reported outcomes are collected quarterly. The quality of clinical data entry after the first year of the study was assessed.

Results

Through January 2020, 3029 patients were enrolled in SPARC, of whom 66.1% have Crohn’s disease (CD), 32.2% have ulcerative colitis (UC), and 1.7% have IBD-unclassified. Among patients enrolled, 990 underwent colonoscopy. Remission rates were 63.9% in the CD group and 80.6% in the UC group. In the quality study of the cohort, there was 96% agreement on year of diagnosis and 97% agreement on IBD subtype. There was 91% overall agreement describing UC extent as left-sided vs extensive or pancolitis. The overall agreement for CD behavior was 83%.

Conclusion

The SPARC IBD is an ongoing large prospective cohort with longitudinal standardized collection of clinical data, biosamples, and PROs representing a unique resource aimed to drive discovery of clinical and molecular markers that will meet the needs of precision medicine in IBD.
Assessment of visceral organ growth in pigs from birth through 150 kg
Authors: Elefson Sarah K , Lu Ning , Chevalier Tyler , Dierking Shannon , Wang Ding , Monegue H James , Matthews Jamie C , Jang Young Dal , Chen Jun , Rentfrow Gregg K , Adedokun Sunday A , Lindemann Merlin D
Published: August 2021

Visceral organs (VO) are essential for their role in the metabolism and distribution of consumed nutrients as well as other life functions in animals. Two experiments were conducted to assess the natural longitudinal changes that the VO undergo from birth through 150 kg body weight (BW). In Experiment 1, a total of 96 crossbred pigs were euthanized at birth (pre-suckle), d 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 (weaning), 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 42, 49, and 63 of age. In Experiment 2, a total of 48 crossbred pigs were euthanized at 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 kg of BW. The absolute weight of VO, and the volume and length of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were measured. In both experiments, the absolute weight of VO, GIT length, and their volume increased (linear, quadratic, and/or cubic, P < 0.05) as BW and age increased. In Experiment 1, the relative weight of VO (liver, kidney, heart, and lung) decreased after initially increasing within the first week of life (linear, quadratic, and/or cubic, P < 0.05), whereas the relative weight of all VO decreased as BW increased in Experiment 2 (linear and/or quadratic, P < 0.05). The relative length of small intestine decreased and that of large intestine increased as age increased in Experiment 1 (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), whereas the relative length of the small and large intestine in Experiment 2 were relatively constant at 80% and 20% of the total length of the intestine, respectively. As age and BW increased, the relative volume of the large intestine to the total volume of the GIT increased (linear and/or quadratic, P < 0.05), while the relative volume of the small intestine decreased (linear and/or quadratic, P < 0.05). In conclusion, results showed that both absolute and relative measurements (weight, volume, and length) of VO were dependent on the BW (age) of the pig.
Early signalling processes in roots play a crucial role in the differential salt tolerance in contrasting Chenopodium quinoa accessions
Authors: Bazihizina Nadia , Vita Federico , Balestrini Raffaella , Kiferle Claudia , Caparrotta Stefania , Ghignone Stefano , Atzori Giulia , Mancuso Stefano , Shabala Sergey
Published: August 2021

Significant variation in epidermal bladder cell (EBC) density and salt tolerance (ST) exists amongst quinoa accessions, suggesting that salt sequestration in EBCs is not the only mechanism conferring ST in this halophyte. In order to reveal other traits that may operate in tandem with salt sequestration in EBCs and whether these additional tolerance mechanisms acted mainly at the root or shoot level, two quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) accessions with contrasting ST and EBC densities (Q30, low ST with high EBC density versus Q68, with high ST and low EBC density) were studied. The results indicate that responses in roots, rather than in shoots, contributed to the greater ST in the accession with low EBC density. In particular, the tolerant accession had improved root plasma membrane integrity and K+ retention in the mature root zone in response to salt. Furthermore, superior ST in the tolerant Q68 was associated with faster and root-specific H2O2 accumulation and reactive oxygen species-induced K+ and Ca2+ fluxes in the root apex within 30 min after NaCl application. This was found to be associated with the constitutive up-regulation of the membrane-localized receptor kinases regulatory protein FERONIA in the tolerant accession. Taken together, this study shows that differential root signalling events upon salt exposure are essential for the halophytic quinoa; the failure to do this limits quinoa adaptation to salinity, independently of salt sequestration in EBCs.