bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development and impact of an ice‐contact proglacial lake during the Last Glacial Termination, Palaeolake Riada, central Ireland
Authors: Delaney Catherine
Published: March 2022

The retreat of the last Irish Ice Sheet across the Irish midlands resulted in the formation of an ice‐contact lake, Palaeolake Riada, along its eastern margin during recession. However, the full extent and characteristics of the lake and its impact on ice dynamics are unknown, as glacigenic landforms and deposits relating to the lake have not been mapped in sufficient detail to allow reconstruction of ice‐marginal behaviour. This paper presents new mapping of subglacial, ice‐marginal and glaciolacustrine landforms and deposits in the Irish midlands. Glacial landforms and landform associations across this wide area have been identified using aerial photographs and high‐resolution digital elevation models derived from LiDAR and radar data. Reconstructions of successive ice‐margin retreat positions are combined with glacio‐isostatically adjusted digital elevation models to identify the probable position of lake outflows and reconstruct the development of the proglacial Palaeolake Riada through time. These reconstructions indicate that at its largest, Palaeolake Riada had an ice‐contact margin of 113 km, and covered an area of over 2300 km2. Initially, ice recession was concentrated around meltwater discharge outlets, but these became less important as the lake expanded and thermo‐mechanical erosion occurred along the entire subaqueous margin.
The Anthropocene as an Event, not an Epoch
Authors: Gibbard Philip , Walker Michael , Bauer Andrew , Edgeworth Matthew , Edwards Lucy , Ellis Erle , Finney Stanley , Gill Jacquelyn L. , Maslin Mark , Merritts Dorothy , Ruddiman William
Published: March 2022

Over the course of the last decade the concept of the Anthropocene has become widely established within and beyond the geoscientific literature but its boundaries remain undefined. Formal definition of the Anthropocene as a chronostratigraphical series and geochronological epoch following the Holocene, at a fixed horizon and with a precise global start date, has been proposed, but fails to account for the diachronic nature of human impacts on global environmental systems during the late Quaternary. By contrast, defining the Anthropocene as an ongoing geological event more closely reflects the reality of both historical and ongoing human–environment interactions, encapsulating spatial and temporal heterogeneity, as well as diverse social and environmental processes that characterize anthropogenic global changes. Thus, an Anthropocene Event incorporates a substantially wider range of anthropogenic environmental and cultural effects, while at the same time applying more readily in different academic contexts than would be the case with a rigidly defined Anthropocene Series/Epoch.
MCFA alleviate H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in AML12 cells via the ERK1/2/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Wang Danping , Chen Jinglong , Sun Huangbing , Chen Wenjing , Yang Xiaojing
Published: March 2022

Oxidative stress is an important factor in the occurrence and development of liver disease. Medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have potential antioxidant function, whereas the exact underlying mechanism of MCFA in oxidative injury of hepatocytes remains unclear. In our present study, three different MCFAs, 8‐carbon octanoic acid (OA), 10‐carbon capric acid (CA), and 12‐carbon lauric acid (LA), have been performed to observe their protective action for hepatocyte under the H2O2 challenge. The result showed that MCFA treatment significantly increased the cell viability, T‐AOC, and expression of antioxidant‐related genes in AML12 cells under oxidative stress condition, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, MCFA treatment significantly increased the protein expression of Nrf2 and the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2; LA treatment significantly promoted the Nrf2 nuclear translocation. With a further test, the rescue ability of MCFA was blocked by treating with the ERK inhibitor U0126. Overall, our data suggested that MCFA treatment has positive impact on protecting AML12 cells against oxidative stress through ERK1/2/Nrf2 pathway.
Immuno‐Modulatory Effects of Microparticles Formulated from Degradable Polystyrene Analogue
Authors: Truong Thi Hong Anh , Mothe Srinivasa Reddy , Min Jaclyn Lee , Tan Hui Min , Jackson Alexander W. , Nguyen Dang T. , Ye Danson Kwong Jia , Kanaujia Parijat , Thoniyot Praveen , Dang Tram T.
Published: March 2022

Environmental accumulation of non‐degradable polystyrene (PS) microparticles from plastic waste poses potential adverse impact on marine life and human health. Herein, microparticles from a degradable PS analogue (dePS) are formulated and their immuno‐modulatory characteristics are comprehensively evaluated. Both dePS copolymer and microparticles are chemically degradable under accelerated hydrolytic condition. In vitro studies show that dePS microparticles are non‐toxic to three immortalized cell lines. While dePS microparticles do not induce macrophage polarization in vitro, dePS microparticles induce in vivo upregulation of both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers in immuno‐competent mice, suggesting the coexistence of mixed phenotypes of macrophages in the host immune response to these microparticles. Interestingly, on day 7 following subcutaneous in mice, dePS microparticles induce a lower level of several immuno‐modulatory biomarkers (matrix metallo‐proteinases (MMPs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), and arginase activity) compared to that of reference poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microparticles. Remarkably, compared to PS microparticles, dePS microparticles exhibit similar in vitro and in vivo bioactivity while acquiring additional chemical degradability. Overall, this study gains new insights into the host immune response to dePS microparticles and suggests that this dePS analogue might be explored as an alternative material choice for biomedical and consumer care applications.
A note on approximate controllability of second‐order neutral stochastic delay integro‐differential evolution inclusions with impulses
Authors: Sivasankar Sivajiganesan , Udhayakumar Ramalingam
Published: March 2022

In this work, we offer a set of appropriate conditions for the approximate controllability of second‐order impulsive neutral stochastic integro‐differential evolution inclusions with infinite delay. We validate the major conclusions using concepts from the cosine function, sine function, and the fixed point method. The discussion then shifts to nonlocal second‐order stochastic integro‐differential systems. Finally, we give a theoretical application to help our conversation be more successful.
Optimal control analysis for a Candida auris nosocomial infection model with environmental transmission
Authors: Unni Kumaran Shyni , Rajagopal Lavanya
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose a mathematical model to investigate the role of environmental reservoirs in the transmission dynamics of the rising Candida auris infections in nosocomial settings. The ability of the pathogen to resist commonly used hospital disinfectants ensures its persistent contamination of hospital surfaces and medical equipment readily leading to patient colonization. Colonized patients shed the pathogen into their surroundings thereby increasing the fungal concentration in the hospital environment. We analyze the model for its basic mathematical properties, perform sensitivity analysis, and formulate an optimal problem to determine the efficiency of control interventions, namely, standard transmission precautions, proper laboratory identification, and isolation of patients identified with colonization in reducing the contamination and transmission of C. auris infections. We characterize the optimal controls using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle and further prove the uniqueness of the optimality system. Numerical simulations are performed to substantiate the theoretical analysis, and the results are illustrated graphically.
Quality of life and physical activities of daily living among stroke survivors; cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ellepola Sachini , Nadeesha Nethuli , Jayawickrama Ishara , Wijesundara Anjali , Karunathilaka Nimantha , Jayasekara Priyamali
Published: March 2022

Aim

To examine the relationship between quality of life (QoL), level of physical activities of daily living (PADL) and associated factors among stroke survivors during the acute stage as there is little evidence in Sri Lanka.

Design

We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study among conveniently recruited stroke survivors in Sri Lanka (n = 134).

Methods

QoL was assessed by the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), while the PADL was assessed by the Barthel Index (BI). The relationship between SF36 and BI was assessed by Pearson correlation, while Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was performed to determine the factors associated with QoL and PADL.

Results

The majority of the SF36 domains were below the average level of 50, while BI indicated that most of them belonged to either the severely or totally dependent category. Aphasia, disability, dysarthria, type of stroke, dyslipidaemia, smoking, alcohol consumption, geographical area and income were the associated factors of QoL, while disability of the face and limbs, dysarthria and smoking were the associated factors of PADL (p < .05).
Discordant prognosis of mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal and endometrial cancer reflects variation in antitumour immune response and immune escape
Authors: Glaire Mark A , Ryan Neil AJ , Ijsselsteijn Marieke E , Kedzierska Katarzyna , Obolenski Sofia , Ali Reem , Crosbie Emma J , Bosse Tjalling , de Miranda Noel FCC , Church David N
Published: March 2022

Defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) causes elevated tumour mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) in multiple cancer types. dMMR/MSI colorectal cancers (CRCs) have enhanced T‐cell infiltrate and favourable outcome; however, this association has not been reliably detected in other tumour types, including endometrial cancer (EC). We sought to confirm this and explore the underpinning mechanisms. We first meta‐analysed CRC and EC trials that have examined the prognostic value of dMMR/MSI and confirmed that dMMR/MSI predicts better prognosis in CRC, but not EC, with statistically significant variation between cancers (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54–0.73 versus HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.72–1.58; PINT = 0.02). Next, we studied intratumoural immune infiltrate in CRCs and ECs of defined MMR status and found that while dMMR was associated with increased density of tumour‐infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ T‐cells in both cancer types, the increases were substantially greater in CRC and significant only in this group (PINT = 4.3e‐04 and 7.3e‐03, respectively). Analysis of CRC and EC from the independent Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) series revealed similar variation and significant interactions in proportions of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes, CD8+, CD4+, NK cells and immune checkpoint expression, confirming a more vigorous immune response to dMMR/MSI in CRC than EC. Agnostic analysis identified the IFNγ pathway activity as strongly upregulated by dMMR/MSI in CRC, but downregulated in EC by frequent JAK1 mutations, the impact of which on IFNγ response was confirmed by functional analyses. Collectively, our results confirm the discordant prognosis of dMMR/MSI in CRC and EC and suggest that this relates to differences in intratumoural immune infiltrate and tumour genome. Our study underscores the need for tissue‐specific analysis of cancer biomarkers and may help inform immunotherapy use. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The lanolin‐based oil plasticized polylactide: Thermal and chemical characteristics
Authors: Okpuwhara Rita O. , Oboirien Bilainu O. , Sadiku Emmanuel R.
Published: March 2022

Bio‐based plasticizers are a significant replacement for petrochemical‐based plasticizers because they are from renewable resources. The plasticizing effect of lanolin‐based oil at a different concentration and as an additive on polylactide's thermal and chemical stability (PLA) was investigated. The thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The plasticized PLA samples were also analyzed with a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), X‐ray powder diffraction (powder XRD), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The plasticizer modified the thermal stability of the PLA polymer by increasing the cold crystallization temperature (Tcc), as shown by DSC. At the same time, the DMA data indicated a reduction in the dynamic storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) with increased amounts of plasticizer content. The powder X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that the PLA has no polymorphic crystalline transition with the oil plasticizer. The analysis from the results shows the oil additive's potential as a bio‐based plasticizer for PLA However, further performance improvements are required for large‐scale production. From the results obtained, there are enhancements in the thermal and physical properties of the modified PLA, and it is suitable for composite production.
Manufacturing process for III–V multijunction solar cells on germanium substrates with a total thickness below 60 microns
Authors: Lombardero Iván , Cifuentes Luis , Gabás Mercedes , Algora Carlos
Published: March 2022

In this work, we demonstrate a new manufacturing process that allows to fabricate thin solar cells avoiding problems related to the brittleness or fragility of thin wafers without needing any carrier nor temporary substrate. This technique has been successfully applied to Ge single and GaInP/Ga(In)As/Ge triple‐junction solar cells grown on Ge substrates, achieving 47.5‐ and 55.5‐μm‐thick substrates, respectively. Although this technique should allow to thin substrates to any desired thickness, a final thickness around 20–30 μm is recommended due to practical concerns such as the uneven substrate thickness throughout the wafer. In any case, a III–V solar cell with such a thickness should be thin enough for most applications and, in particular, for space ones.
Dreaming college: Transition experiences of undergraduate students with disabilities
Authors: Ressa Theodoto
Published: March 2022

Postsecondary education is one of the targeted outcomes for students with disabilities; however, few aspiring students with disabilities attend college, and fewer complete a degree program. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perspectives of five undergraduate students with disabilities who attended college in the United States to identify factors (enablers) that facilitated successful transitions to college. Results suggest that participants’ self‐determination allowed them to manage the effects of their impairments and settings to reach their educational goals and participate in postsecondary education. The implication is that increased attention to inclusion, transitions, and postsecondary education competencies should begin early in the schooling process.
Severe asthma in children: Description of a large multidisciplinary clinical cohort
Authors: Forero Molina Maria , Okoniewski William , Puranik Sandeep , Aujla Shean , Celedón Juan C. , Larkin Allyson , Forno Erick
Published: March 2022

Background

Children with severe asthma have substantial morbidity and healthcare utilization. Pediatric severe asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and a multidisciplinary approach can improve the diagnosis and management of these children.

Methods

We reviewed the electronic health records for patients seen in the Severe Asthma Clinic (SAC) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh between August 2012 and October 2019.

Results

Of the 110 patients in whom we extracted data, 46% were female, 48% were Black/African American, and 41% had ≥1 admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for asthma. Compared to patients without a PICU admission, those with ≥1 PICU admission were more likely to be non‐White (64.4% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.031) and more atopic (eosinophil count geometric mean = 673 vs. 319 cells/mm3, p = 0.002; total IgE geometric mean = 754 vs. 303 KU/L, p = 0.003), and to have lower pre‐bronchodilator FEV1 (58.6% [±18.1%] vs. 69.9% [±18.7%], p = 0.002) and elevated FeNO (60% vs. 22%, p = 0.02). In this cohort, 84% of patients were prescribed high‐dose ICS/LABA and 36% were on biologics. Following enrollment in the SAC, severe exacerbations decreased from 3.2/year to 2.2/year (p < 0.0001); compared to the year before joining the SAC, in the following year the group had 106 fewer severe exacerbations.

Conclusions

This large cohort of children with severe asthma had a high level of morbidity and healthcare utilization. Patients with a history of PICU admissions for asthma were more likely to be nonwhite and highly atopic, and to have lower lung function. Our data support a positive impact of a multidisciplinary clinic on patients with severe childhood asthma.
A dual center and dual vendor comparison study of automated perfusion‐weighted phase‐resolved functional lung magnetic resonance imaging with dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Behrendt Lea , Smith Laurie J. , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Klimeš Filip , Kaireit Till F. , Pöhler Gesa H. , Kern Agilo L. , Gonzalez Cristian Crisosto , Dittrich Anna‐Maria , Marshall Helen , Schütz Katharina , Hughes Paul J. C. , Ciet Pierluigi , Tiddens Harm A. W. M. , Wild Jim M. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: March 2022

For sensitive diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary disease, ionizing radiation‐free imaging methods are of great importance. A noncontrast and free‐breathing proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for assessment of pulmonary perfusion is phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI. Since there is no validation of PREFUL MRI across different centers and scanners, the purpose of this study was to compare perfusion‐weighted PREFUL MRI with the well‐established dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI across two centers on scanners from two different vendors. Sixteen patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) (Center 1: 10 patients; Center 2: 6 patients) underwent PREFUL and DCE MRI at 1.5T in the same imaging session. Normalized perfusion‐weighted values and perfusion defect percentage (QDP) values were calculated for the whole lung and three central slices (dorsal, central, ventral of the carina). Obtained parameters were compared using Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, Bland–Altman analysis, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, and Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Moderate‐to‐strong correlations between normalized perfusion‐weighted PREFUL and DCE values were found (posterior slice: r = 0.69, p < 0.01). Spatial overlap of PREFUL and DCE QDP maps showed an agreement of 79.4% for the whole lung. Further, spatial overlap values of Center 1 were not significantly different to those of Center 2 for the three central slices (p > 0.07). The feasibility of PREFUL MRI across two different centers and two different vendors was shown in patients with CF and obtained results were in agreement with DCE MRI.
Swedish exceptionalism and the Sars‐CoV2 pandemic crisis: Representations of crisis and national identity in the public sphere
Authors: Simonsen Sandra
Published: March 2022

In abstaining from law‐enforced virus containment measures, the Swedish response to the severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic crisis stood out as radically different compared to other European nations. The present study aims to provide an understanding of the deviant Swedish crisis strategy and to do so from a cultural perspective by illustrating how the crisis and national self‐identification were interpreted and contested in the public sphere. Drawing on a content analysis of claims made by politicians, scientific experts, public intellectuals, journalists, and editors, I illustrate how crisis response was associated with collective, national identity and how this identity was said to enable an exceptional crisis response. This association, I argue, gave rise to the stigmatization of dissident voices that were accused of undermining social order. Responding to a call by crisis researchers, the present study serves as an attempt to bring social and cultural factors back into the center of crisis research.
Surface and Interface Engineering of Zn Anodes in Aqueous Rechargeable Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Jiaxian , Huang Zihao , Ming Fangwang , Zeng Ye , Wei Binbin , Jiang Qiu , Qi Zhengbing , Wang Zhoucheng , Liang Hanfeng
Published: March 2022

Rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have shown great potential as an alternative to lithium‐ion batteries. The ZIBs utilize Zn metal as the anode, which possesses many advantages such as low cost, high safety, eco‐friendliness, and high capacity. However, on the other hand, the Zn anode also suffers from many issues, including dendritic growth, corrosion, and passivation. These issues are largely related to the surface and interface properties of the Zn anode. Many efforts have therefore been devoted to the modification of the Zn anode, aiming to eliminate the above‐mentioned problems. This review gives a comprehensive summary on the mechanism behind these issues as well as the recent progress on Zn anode modification with focus on the strategies of surface and interface engineering, covering the design and application of both the Zn anode supports and surface protective layers, along with abundant examples. In addition, the promising research directions and perspective on these strategies are also presented.
Acid‐Responsive Aggregated Gold Nanoparticles for Radiosensitization and Synergistic Chemoradiotherapy in the Treatment of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Luan Siyuan , Xie Rou , Yang Yushang , Xiao Xin , Zhou Jianfeng , Li Xiaokun , Fang Pinhao , Zeng Xiaoxi , Yu Xiangrong , Chen Meiwan , Gao Huile , Yuan Yong
Published: March 2022

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are limited by insufficient therapeutic efficacy of low‐dose radiation and nonspecific drug biodistribution. Herein, an acid‐responsive aggregated nanosystem (AuNPs‐D‐P‐DA) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) is designed for radiosensitization and synergistic chemoradiotherapy. In response to the acid microenvironment of esophageal cancer (EC), small‐sized AuNPs‐D‐P‐DA forms large‐sized gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) aggregates in tumor tissues to hinder the backflow of AuNPs to the circulation, resulting in enhanced tumor accumulation and retention. Simultaneously, the AuNPs‐based radiosensitization is significantly improved because of the high concentration and large size of intratumoral AuNPs, while DOX are delivered and released specifically into tumor cells triggered by the acid microenvironment for chemo‐radio synergistic therapy. Acid‐responsive AuNPs exacerbate radiation‐induced DNA damage, cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and low colony formation ability in vitro and enhance anti‐tumor efficacy in vivo compared to un‐responsive control. When combined with acid‐responsive DOX, the therapeutic efficacy of the formulation is further improved by their synergistic effect. After the treatment of acid‐responsive AuNPs plus radiotherapy, fatty acid metabolism is reprogrammed in xenograft models, which provides potential targets for further improvement of radiosensitization. In summary, the acid‐responsive AuNPs‐D‐P‐DA nanosystem leverages the radio‐ and chemotherapeutic synergies of AuNPs‐sensitized X‐ray irradiation and acid‐responsive DOX in the treatment of EC.
Molecular Design of Covalent Triazine Frameworks with Anisotropic Charge Migration for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Lan Zhi‐An , Chi Xu , Wu Meng , Zhang Xirui , Chen Xiong , Zhang Guigang , Wang Xinchen
Published: March 2022

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) represent promising polymeric photocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production with visible light. However, the separation and transfer of charges in CTFs are isotropic because of the uniform distribution of donor–acceptor motifs in the skeleton. Herein, to achieve the anisotropic charge carrier separation and migration, thiophene (Th) or benzothiadiazole (BT) unit is selected as the dopant to modify the molecular structure of CTF‐based photocatalysts. Both theoretical and experimental studies reveal that the incorporation of Th or BT units induces the anisotropic charge carrier separation and migration at the interface of CTFs. The optimized polymer manifests a much enhanced photocatalytic activity for photocatalytic hydrogen production with visible light, and thus this study provides a useful tool to design conjugated polymer photocatalysts at the molecular level for solar energy conversion.
Perylene‐diimide‐based cathode interlayer materials for high performance organic solar cells
Authors: Yao Jia , Chen Qi , Zhang Cen , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Li Yongfang
Published: March 2022

Organic solar cells (OSCs), benefiting from their significant advantages, such as light weight, flexibility, low cost, and large area manufacturing adaptability, are considered promising clean energy technologies. Currently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of state‐of‐the‐art OSCs has reached over 18% through materials and device engineering. Specifically, cathode engineering with cathode interlayer materials (CIMs) is an important strategy to improve the PCEs and stability of OSCs. Among various CIMs reported in the literature, perylene diimides (PDIs) are more appropriate for working as cathode interlayers in OSCs owing to their distinct advantages of suitable energy levels, high electron affinity, high electron mobility, and facile modification. In this review, the mechanism of cathode engineering is concisely summarized, and recent research progress on PDI derivatives working as CIMs in OSCs is systematically reviewed. Finally, prospects and suggestions are provided for the development of PDI‐based CIMs for practical applications.
ESPcourse evaluation purposes and methodology: Tertiary teachers’ perspective and policy implications
Authors: Vidaković Mirna , Jerković Jelena , Rakić Dušan
Published: March 2022

Course evaluation has held a prominent position in higher education in the past few decades, yet there exist certain deficiencies pertaining to its design and implementation in some contexts, such as tertiary English for specific purposes (ESP) programs in Serbia and Slovenia. This study focused on ESP course evaluation at universities in these two countries. It examined teachers' evaluation practices, concerns, and suggestions so as to gain insight into their acquaintance with evaluation purposes and methodology, and identify challenges they encounter. The sample comprised 58 ESP teachers who completed a questionnaire, the results of which were analyzed by the authors for both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings reveal that respondents were aware of the importance of conducting course evaluation but also point to the need for promoting their acquaintance with its various methodological aspects (e.g., data collection, evaluation of participants) in order to be able to perform the procedure in a manner that suits their specific teaching context. The findings have important policy implications in terms of providing education and training so as to build teachers' evaluation capacity. Although the study included data from only two European countries, it sheds light on evaluation issues that are of general concern to all teachers of English.
Telemetry‐based aerial surveys for estimating abundance of sparse populations
Authors: Clement Matthew J. , Hervert John J. , Bright Jill L.
Published: March 2022

Aerial surveys are commonly used to collect data for estimating abundance of a variety of large animals. In the context of aerial surveys, common abundance estimators, including distance sampling, closed population mark‐resight models, and sightability models, all require visually scanning a large area, usually along transects. For sparse populations, such extensive surveys may be inefficient and costly. We evaluated abundance estimators proposed by Rivest et al. (1998) and Clement et al. (2015) in which animals are located using telemetry instead of extensive visual searches, thereby reducing flight time. We conducted aerial surveys of Sonoran pronghorn in southwest Arizona in 2017 and evaluated the bias and precision of abundance estimates returned by both estimators. We also compared the costs of telemetry surveys to sightability surveys, a more common method. Both telemetry‐based methods generated unbiased abundance estimates for a population of known size. However, in a population of unknown size, there was evidence of a non‐random distribution of telemetry collars and downward bias in abundance estimates. The telemetry‐based methods dramatically increased the sighting rate of Sonoran pronghorn during flights and reduced total flight time by >90%, a substantial time and cost savings. However, telemetry‐based approaches incur an additional cost of maintaining telemetry collars on animals in the population. For Sonoran pronghorn and other species, telemetry‐based abundance estimators may offer significant cost savings over estimators requiring extensive visual searches, if there are not meaningful deviations from model assumptions. Telemetry‐based methods will be most useful if the cost of collaring animals is low, if animals are sparse or hard to detect, if the study has a short duration, and if the study species has a loose social structure and tends to form large groups.
Pattern of covalent and non‐covalent interactions within the pentaiodide anion in the structure of (3‐HOC5H9NH2)I5
Authors: Shestimerova Tatiana A. , Bykov Andrey V. , Kuznetsov Alexey N. , Grishko Alexey Y. , Wei Zheng , Dikarev Evgeny V. , Shevelkov Andrei V.
Published: March 2022

3‐Hydroxypiperidinium pentaiodide was synthesized by a facile reaction in concentrated aqueous HI. Its crystal structure comprises 3‐hydroxypiperidinium cations and pentaiodide anions, the latter having geometry of cis‐shaped chains composed of I2 and I3− building units. The analysis of interatomic distances, Raman spectroscopy data, and results of DFT calculations, including non‐covalent interaction analysis, showed that the title compound exhibits a complex pattern of covalent and non‐covalent interactions. Those include I−I covalent bonds and I⋅⋅⋅I halogen bonds within the I5− anion as well as (N)H⋅⋅⋅I and (O)H⋅⋅⋅I hydrogen bonds and even weaker (C)H⋅⋅⋅I van‐der‐Waals interactions between the cations and anions.
Introduction
Authors: Ruotsalainen Maria , Törhönen Maria , Karhulahti Veli-Matti
Published: March 2022

A decade ago, it was still somewhat conventional to start a study by writing how “esports is a novel phenomenon.” As we write this introduction in 2021, that is no longer true. Today, more than a thousand studies have been published on esports, including several books and special issues. Moreover, the work is no longer conducted purely in the “game studies” related fields, but across numerous domains from medical and health sciences to economics and sports. Esportsis no longer a novel phenomenon, not even for researchers. As both the industry and academia of esports progress—with hundreds of digital (and some analog) game titles being played as “esports”—it is more and more difficult to address “esports” in general. As the need for more specific case studies keeps increasing, this book on Overwatch responds to that need.
Overwatch to Oversnatch: The Mutually Reinforcing Gendered Power Relations of Pornography, Streaming, and Esports
Authors: Apperley Thomas
Published: March 2022

This chapter argues that the controversial policing of women’s bodies in esports and livestreaming is reflected in the pornification of Overwatch. This chapter makes three claims. First, mainstream heterosexual Overwatch pornography reinforces the assumed masculinity of esports. Second, the pornographic fantasies depicted reinforce everyday misogynistic attitudes to women in esports. Third, Overwatch porn also provides scope for more inclusive and diverse approaches to sexuality in emerging areas such as cosplay erotica. This chapter provides crucial insight into the porous boundaries between esports, mainstream pornography, and cosplay erotica which highlights how Overwatch pornography reinforces and reflects the discursive formations of heteronormative masculinity and misogyny in esports.
Gender and Toxic Meritocracy in Competitive Overwatch: Case “Ellie”
Authors: Friman Usva , Ruotsalainen Maria
Published: March 2022

This chapter examines toxic meritocracy in relation to gender in competitive Overwatch, asking how gender affects a player’s opportunities for engagement in that scene. It analyzes online news stories and community discussions concerning “Ellie” – a fabricated competitive woman gamer created as a “social experiment” by a man player. The confluences between gender and toxic meritocracy become visible in the assumption there must be an experienced man gamer behind the battletag, the gender-based harassment targeted at Ellie, and the reflections on the importance of setting an example as the first team taking a woman player for Contenders. The analysis shows that despite a strong belief in meritocracy upheld within the community, there are many barriers limiting the participation of those entering competitive Overwatch as women.
Holographic duality between local Hamiltonians from random tensor networks
Authors: Apel Harriet , Kohler Tamara , Cubitt Toby
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The AdS/CFT correspondence realises the holographic principle where information in the bulk of a space is encoded at its border. We are yet a long way from a full mathematical construction of AdS/CFT, but toy models in the form of holographic quantum error correcting codes (HQECC) have replicated some interesting features of the correspondence. In this work we construct new HQECCs built from random stabilizer tensors that describe a duality between models encompassing local Hamiltonians whilst exactly obeying the Ryu-Takayanagi entropy formula for all boundary regions. We also obtain complementary recovery of local bulk operators for any boundary bipartition. Existing HQECCs have been shown to exhibit these properties individually, whereas our mathematically rigorous toy models capture these features of AdS/CFT simultaneously, advancing further towards a complete construction of holographic duality.
Comorbidities of bladder pain syndrome in the context of the HITOP distress category: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fischer-Grote Linda , Fössing Vera , Aigner Martin , Boeckle Markus , Fehrmann Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is, looking at different care settings, to examine prevalence rates of psychological distress-level comorbidities in female interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients, their impact on Quality of Life (QoL), and the correlation between such comorbidities and symptom severity.

Methods

A systematic literature search according to PRISMA guidelines was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were found that met inclusion criteria. Prevalence rates of depression and anxiety are higher in IC/BPS patients compared to the general population; however, due to a wide array of measurements, statistical comparisons between care settings were only possible in two cases showing mixed results. No studies meeting inclusion criteria exist that examine PTSD and borderline personality disorder, though rates of past traumatic experiences seem to be higher in patients than in healthy controls. Psychological comorbidities of the distress category, especially depression, are found in most studies to be related to symptom severity, also yielding statistically significant associations.

Conclusions

While there is still need for studies focused on some of the comorbidities as well as on different care settings, the data already show that psychological comorbidities of the distress category play an important role in IC/BPS patients regarding suffering, QoL, and symptom severity, thus emphasizing the need for highly specialized interdisciplinary treatment.
Creatinine standardization: a key consideration in evaluating whole blood creatinine monitoring systems for CKD screening
Authors: Dalton Raymond Neil , Isbell Timothy Scott , Ferguson Ryan , Fiore Louis , Malic Andrei , DuBois Jeffrey Anton
Published: March 2022

Early detection of CKD using point of care creatinine and eGFR testing improves patient management outcomes. We undertook a field study to evaluate the use of a whole blood creatinine/eGFR device to screen a rural Nicaraguan population to determine the variability between creatinine methods and specimen types. All specimens including capillary and venous dried blood spots (DBS) were tested with an isotope dilution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (ID-LCMS) gold standard method. This is to our knowledge the first time a capillary whole blood (POC) method has been directly compared to the gold standard IDMS method, through the novel approach of using dried blood spots. Capillary and venous whole blood specimens were obtained and tested directly with the BCMS method, and then, DBS samples were prepared. Venous plasma specimens were tested using three laboratory analyzer creatinine methods. DBS were sent to the site performing ID-LCMS. Control samples were also prepared to assess the stability of shipment and storage of DBS. The ID-LCMS method was aligned using primary and secondary standards. Sixty-six (66) patients participated in the study, and the CKD prevalence rate was 7.8%. While all creatinine methods showed a good correlation to ID-LCMS, there was a positive bias (mean absolute bias range: 0.21–0.63 mg/dL). All methods used were 100% sensitive, but specificity varied from 62.7 to 94.9% with PPV ranging from 25 to 62.5%. A correction factor was used to align the values from each method to ID-LCMS which improved the specificity of each method. This study used a unique DBS approach to align capillary whole blood creatinine to ID-LCMS. To ensure reliability of BCMS for identifying screened patients with CKD, it is important to establish IDMS traceability and alignment prior to undertaking CKD studies.
Diversification Rate is Associated with Rate of Molecular Evolution in Ray-Finned Fish (Actinopterygii)
Authors: Ritchie Andrew M. , Hua Xia , Bromham Lindell
Published: March 2022

Understanding the factors that drive diversification of taxa across the tree of life is a key focus of macroevolutionary research. While the effects of life history, ecology, climate and geography on diversity have been studied for many taxa, the relationship between molecular evolution and diversification has received less attention. However, correlations between rates of molecular evolution and diversification rate have been detected in a range of taxa, including reptiles, plants and birds. A correlation between rates of molecular evolution and diversification rate is a prediction of several evolutionary theories, including the evolutionary speed hypothesis which links variation in mutation rates to differences in speciation rates. If it is widespread, such correlations could also have significant practical impacts, if they are not adequately accounted for in phylogenetic inference of evolutionary rates and timescales. Ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) offer a prime target to test for this relationship due to their extreme variation in clade size suggesting a wide range of diversification rates. We employ both a sister-pairs approach and a whole-tree approach to test for correlations between substitution rate and net diversification. We also collect life history and ecological trait data and account for potential confounding factors including body size, latitude, max depth and reef association. We find evidence to support a relationship between diversification and synonymous rates of nuclear evolution across two published backbone phylogenies, as well as weak evidence for a relationship between mitochondrial nonsynonymous rates and diversification at the genus level.
Electrolyte and Acid–Base Disturbances in Emergency High‐Risk Abdominal Surgery, a Retrospective Study
Authors: Cihoric Mirjana , Kehlet Henrik , Lauritsen Morten Laksáfoss , Højlund Jakob , Foss Nicolai Bang
Published: March 2022

Background

Patients undergoing emergency high‐risk abdominal surgery potentially suffer from both systemic dehydration and hypovolaemia. Data on the prevalence and clinical impact of electrolyte disturbances in this patient group, specifically the differences in patients with intestinal obstruction (IO) versus perforated viscus (PV) are lacking.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing emergency high‐risk abdominal surgery in a standardized perioperative pathway were included in this retrospective single‐center cohort study. Electrolytes and arterial blood gas analysis were measured during the early perioperative period. Prevalence and clinical impact of electrolyte disturbances were assessed.

Results

A total of 354 patients were included in the study. Preoperative alkalemia dominated preoperatively, significantly more prevalent in IO (45 vs. 32%, p < .001), while acidosis was most pronounced postoperatively in PV (49 vs. 28%, p < .0001). Preoperative hypochloraemia and hypokalemia were more frequent in the IO (34 vs. 20% and 37 vs. 25%, respectively). Hyponatremia was highly prevalent in both IO and PV. Pre‐ and postoperative hypochloremia were independently associated with 30‐day postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with IO (OR 2.87 (1.35, 6.23) p = 0.006, OR 6.86 (1.71, 32.2) p = 0.009, respectively). Hypochloremic patients presented with reduced long‐term survival as compared with the normo‐ and hyperchloremic patients (p < 0.05). Neither plasma sodium nor potassium showed a significant association with outcome.

Conclusion

These observations suggest that acute high‐risk abdominal patients have frequent preoperative alkalosis shifting to postoperative acidosis. Both pre‐ and postoperative hypochloremia were independently associated with both impaired short‐ and long‐term outcome in patients with intestinal obstruction, with potential implications for the choice of resuscitations fluids.
PTH Spikes During Surgical Treatment for Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Silveira Andre Albuquerque , Brescia Marilia D'Elboux Guimaraes , do Nascimento Climerio Pereira , Magnabosco Felipe Ferraz , Arap Sergio Samir , de Menezes Montenegro Fabio Luiz
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine whether PTH spikes in renal hyperparathyroidism can interfere with the interpretation of intraoperative PTH monitoring and to determine its frequency and characteristics.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment in a single tertiary institution. Patients were divided into two groups: spike and no spike. Patients with secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism were analyzed separately. Intraoperative PTH monitoring by venous serial samples: two samples were taken before the excision of the parathyroid gland, and two others were taken after resection.

Results

PTH spikes occurred in 23.5% (53 of 226), and their occurrence was similar between secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism patients (p = 0.074). The relative PTH spike intensity was higher in transplanted patients than in dialysis patients (55 vs. 20%, p = 0.029). A characteristic of the secondary hyperparathyroidism patients was the highest frequency of surgical failure (23 vs. 7.5%, p = 0.016) and the higher occurrence of supernumerary glands in the spike group (23 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.035). Supernumerary parathyroid was associated with surgical failure [19.1 (6.5–55.7) odds ratio [confidence interval], p < 0.001). In the studies evaluating the diagnostic test validity for patients on dialysis and experiencing spikes, the most significant impacts were in the sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of the method.

Conclusions

PTH spikes occurred in up to 23.5% of renal hyperparathyroidism surgical treatments and can negatively influence the intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring. Regarding the phenomenon of PTH spikes, it is prudent to think about the possibility of a hyperplastic supernumerary gland.
Synthesis, microstructure and indentation Vickers hardness for (Y3Fe5O12)x/Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ composites
Authors: Rekaby M. , Mohammed N. H. , Ahmed M. , Abou-Aly A. I.
Published: March 2022

High-performance and low-cost composites are engineers’ dream for technological applications. To fulfill the material for an engineering application, it is important to understand the mechanical properties of the material. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the impact of nano-sized Yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12) addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the polycrystalline Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ (CuTl-1223) superconductor. Co-precipitation and solid-state reaction methods were utilized to prepare Y3Fe5O12 nanoparticles and Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ superconductor, respectively. (Y3Fe5O12)x/Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ nanoparticle/superconductor composites were formed by adding small contents of Y3Fe5O12 (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 wt%) to the CuTl-1223 matrix. The volume fraction percentage of the main phase, CuTl-1223, was increased from 87.9 to 91.4% as x was adjusted from 0.00 to 0.04 wt%. The unit cell parameters (a and c) remained unchanged following the addition of Y3Fe5O12 nanoparticles to the host CuTl-1223. The porosity percentage (P %) was decreased from 39.1 to 29.4% as x was increased from 0.00 to 0.10 wt%. Thus, the addition of Y3Fe5O12 nanoparticles has the ability to reduce weak links and voids among the CuTl-1223 superconducting grains. The grain morphology for the prepared composites was identified through scanning electron microscopy. The different elemental compositions were detected by energy-dispersive X-ray measurements. Vickers microindentation hardness test was employed to study the mechanical strength of the prepared composites. Analysis and modelling of Vickers hardness (Hv) versus test load (F) were done through various models. Meyer’s empirical law showed that all the prepared composites follow normal indentation size effect behaviour. Hays and Kendall model clarified that the applied test load was sufficient to produce both elastic and plastic deformation for the investigated samples. The elastic/plastic deformation model indicated that the prepared samples contain an elastic relaxation portion that recovers after withdrawing the test load. The proportional sample resistance and modified proportional sample resistance models confirmed the HK model findings. Moreover, the HK model was found to be the most suitable model for describing the microhardness results of the prepared samples. Furthermore, the elastic modulus (E), yield strength (Y), fracture toughness (K) and brittleness index (B) for the prepared composites were calculated as function of Y3Fe5O12 addition.