bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the ghrelin system in alcohol use disorder and alcohol‐associated liver disease: A narrative review
Authors: Kharbanda Kusum K. , Farokhnia Mehdi , Deschaine Sara L. , Bhargava Raghav , Rodriguez‐Flores Marcela , Casey Carol A. , Goldstone Anthony P. , Jerlhag Elisabet , Leggio Lorenzo , Rasineni Karuna
Published: November 2022

Unhealthy alcohol consumption is a global health problem. Adverse individual, public health, and socioeconomic consequences are attributable to harmful alcohol use. Epidemiological studies have shown that alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) are the top two pathologies among alcohol‐related diseases. Consistent with the major role that the liver plays in alcohol metabolism, uncontrolled drinking may cause significant damage to the liver. This damage is initiated by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which can further progress to advanced liver disease. The only effective therapeutic strategies currently available for ALD are alcohol abstinence or liver transplantation. Any molecule with dual‐pronged effects at the central and peripheral organs controlling addictive behaviors and associated metabolic pathways are a potentially important therapeutic target for treating AUD and ALD. Ghrelin, a hormone primarily derived from the stomach, has such properties, and regulates both behavioral and metabolic functions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding the peripheral and central functions of the ghrelin system and its role in AUD and ALD pathogenesis. We first discuss the correlation between blood ghrelin concentrations and alcohol use or abstinence. Next, we discuss the role of ghrelin in alcohol‐seeking behaviors and finally its role in the development of fatty liver by metabolic regulations and organ crosstalk. We propose that a better understanding of the ghrelin system could open an innovative avenue for improved treatments for AUD and associated medical consequences, including ALD.
Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) diversity along a rainy season and edge effects in a riparian forest in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Costa Lêda Naiara Pereira , Novais Samuel , Oki Yumi , Fernandes G. Wilson , Borges Magno Augusto Zazá
Published: November 2022

Knowledge on the distribution of mosquito communities over time and across human‐modified landscapes is important in determining the risk for vector‐borne disease. The diversity of mosquitoes along a rainy season and edge effects were evaluated in a riparian forest in the Cerrado biome, Southeastern Brazil. Mosquito communities were sampled with Shannon traps in three distinct habitats (forest interior, forest edge and pasture) throughout an entire rainy season, comprising five sampling months (December 2015 to April 2016). A total of 13 549 mosquitoes belonging to 54 species were sampled. Mosquito species richness and abundance were greater in February, which coincided with the middle of the rainy season and just after the months with greater rainfall. Mosquito species richness did not differ among habitats for any particular month. In February, month when 74% of individuals were recorded, mosquito abundance was lower in the pasture compared with the forest edge and interior, which did not differ statistically from each other. Four of the six most abundant mosquito species (which account for 93.5% of the sampled individuals) had more individuals collected in the forest edge, and 28 species were more abundant at the edge compared with 15 species in the forest interior. Months with high rainfall probably allowed the availability and maintenance of high‐water level in breeding sites leading to a further increase in mosquito populations. While the pasture did not seem to have the ideal abiotic conditions and/or resources (e.g. food and breeding sites) for mosquito species, edge effects appear to favour mosquito populations. Therefore, the risk of mosquito‐borne diseases is expected to be greater in the middle of the rain season at the riparian forest‐pasture edge, when and where a greater number of disease‐vectoring species are present.
Quercetin and polycystic ovary syndrome; inflammation, hormonal parameters and pregnancy outcome: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Vaez Sima , Parivr Kazem , Amidi Fardin , Rudbari Nasim Hayati , Moini Ashraf , Amini Naser
Published: November 2022

Problem

Women with PCOS have a reduced total antioxidant level in addition to higher oxidative stress. Quercetin is a flavonol‐type antioxidant that may be found in many foods. Does quercetin affect inflammatory and hormonal factors and clinical outcomes in PCOS patients?

Method of Study

Seventy‐two women with PCOS were randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups, and each received a daily dosage of 500 mg of Quercetin for the intervention group or a placebo for the control group for a period of 40 days from the start of the menstrual cycle until the day of ovulation. Serum levels of IL‐6, TNF‐alpha, LH, FSH, and AMH were measured using ELISA. In addition, oocyte and embryo grade before IVF and pregnancy rate have been examined.

Results

LH levels reduce significantly in the quercetin group (4.351.62 at baseline to 3.061.43 after 3 months) (p = .029). The results indicated that Quercetin significantly decreased TNF alpha levels in comparison to the pretest (p = .008). Following capsule administration, IL‐6 levels significantly decreased in the quercetin group (p = .001). Except for Δ LH, ΔIL6, and ΔFSH, there was no significant difference in any of the hormones and inflammations parameter changes.

Conclusion

Quercetin consumption causes improvement in oocyte and embryo grade and the pregnancy rate in PCOS patients. As a result, regular consumption of Quercetin has been shown to decrease inflammatory and LH parameters, making it beneficial for the management of PCOS and related diseases.
Reproductive traits and change in body shape of neonates in the Oak Forest Skink, Plestiodon lynxe
Authors: Feria‐Ortiz Manuel , García‐Vázquez Uri Omar , Pavón‐Vázquez Carlos Joaquín , Nieto‐Montes de Oca Adrián
Published: November 2022

Reproductive traits are critically important for understanding how organisms adapt to their respective environments. In this study, we provide information on relative litter mass (RLM) and other litter and neonate related characters of nine female Plestiodon lynxe captured in the field. We also recorded seven body dimensions in 16 neonates and 15 two‐month juveniles, and on the basis of these dimensions we compared the body shape of these two age classes to detect changes in the proportions of body parts. The average litter size (4.55) is larger than that found in other viviparous species of Plestiodon, but smaller than those of congeneric oviparous species of similar size. However, the average body size of newborns (25.49 mm) is similar to that of other oviparous and viviparous species of Plestiodon. The average RLM was relatively high (0.36). The relative size of the head and limbs becomes proportionally smaller, whereas the axilla‐groin length becomes proportionally larger in the first 2 months of life. We suggest that these changes are related to changes in locomotion and microhabitat use.
The development, reliability, and validity of the Facilitator Assessment Tool: An implementation fidelity measure used in Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children
Authors: Martin Mackenzie , Lachman Jamie M. , Murphy Hugh , Gardner Frances , Foran Heather
Published: November 2022

Background

The Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children (PLH‐YC) programme aims to reduce violence against children and child behaviour problems among families in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Although the programme has been tested in four randomised controlled trials and delivered in over 25 countries, there are gaps in understanding regarding the programme's implementation fidelity and, more generally, concerning the implementation fidelity of parenting programmes in LMICs.

Aims

This study aims to address these gaps by examining the psychometric properties of the PLH‐YC‐Facilitator Assessment Tool (FAT)—an observational tool used to measure the competent adherence of PLH‐YC facilitators. Examining the psychometric properties of the FAT is important in order to determine whether there is an association between facilitator competent adherence and programme outcomes and, if correlated, to improve facilitator performance. It is also important to develop the implementation literature among parenting interventions in LMICs.

Methods

The study examined the content validity, intra‐rater reliability, and inter‐rater reliability of the FAT. Revision of the tool was based on consultation with programme trainers, experts, and assessors. A training curriculum and assessment manual was created. Assessors were trained in Southeastern Europe and their assessments of facilitator delivery were analysed as part of a large‐scale factorial experiment (N = 79 facilitators).

Results

The content validity process with PLH‐YC trainers, experts, and assessors resulted in substantial improvements to the tool. Analyses of percentage agreements and intraclass correlations found that, even with practical challenges, assessments were completed with adequate yet not strong intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the literature on the implementation of parenting programmes in LMICs. The study found that the FAT appears to capture its intended constructs and can be used with an acceptable degree of consistency. Further research on the tool's reliability and validity—specifically, its internal consistency, construct validity, and predictive validity—is recommended.
Prevalence and perspectives of illegal trade in cacti and succulent plants in the collector community
Authors: Margulies Jared D. , Moorman Francesca R. , Goettsch Bárbara , Axmacher Jan C. , Hinsley Amy
Published: November 2022

Although illegal wildlife trade (IWT) represents a serious threat to biodiversity, research into the prevalence of illegal plant collection and trade remains scarce. Because cacti and succulents are heavily threatened by overcollection for often illegal, international ornamental trade, we surveyed 441 members of the cacti and succulent hobbyist collector community with a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. We sought to understand collector perspectives on the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and on the threats IWT poses to cactus and succulent conservation. Most respondents (74% of 401 respondents) stated that illegal collection in cacti and succulents represents a “very serious problem” and that the problem of wild plant collection is increasing (72% of 319 respondents). Most forms of illegal collection and trade were seen as very unacceptable by respondents. Self‐reported noncompliance with CITES rules was uncommon (11.2% of 418 respondents); it remains a persistent problem in parts of the cacti and succulent hobbyist community. People engaging in rule breaking, such as transporting plants without required CITES documents, generally did so knowingly. Although 60.6% of 381 respondents regarded CITES as a very important tool for conservation, sentiment toward CITES and its efficacy in helping species conservation was mixed. Collectors in our survey saw themselves as potentially playing important roles in cactus and succulent conservation, but this potential resource remains largely untapped. Our results suggest the need for enhanced consultation with stakeholders in CITES decision‐making. For challenging subjects like IWT, developing evidence‐based responses demands deep interdisciplinary engagement, including assessing the conservation impact of species listings on CITES appendices.
Breaking the constraint on the number of cervical vertebrae in mammals: On homeotic transformations in lorises and pottos
Authors: Galis Frietson , Van Dooren Tom J. M. , van der Geer Alexandra A. E.
Published: November 2022

Mammals almost always have seven cervical vertebrae. The strong evolutionary constraint on changes in this number has been broken in sloths and manatees. We have proposed that the extremely low activity and metabolic rates of these species relax the stabilizing selection against changes in the cervical count. Our hypothesis is that strong stabilizing selection in other mammals is largely indirect and due to associated pleiotropic effects, including juvenile cancers. Additional direct selection can occur due to biomechanical problems (thoracic outlet syndrome). Low metabolic and activity rates are thought to diminish these direct and indirect effects. To test this hypothesis within the primates, we have compared the number of cervical vertebrae of three lorisid species with particularly low activity and metabolic rates with those of more active primate species, including with their phylogenetically closest active relatives, the galagids (bushbabies). In support of our hypothesis, we found that 37.6% of the lorisid specimens had an abnormal cervical count, which is a higher percentage than in the other nine primate families, in which the incidence varied from zero to 2.2%. We conclude that our data support the importance of internal selection in constraining evolvability and of a relaxed stabilizing selection for increasing evolvability. Additionally, we discuss that there is no support for a role of the muscularized diaphragm in the evolutionary constraint.
“What matters most?” for older patients who have cancer
Authors: dos Santos Hughes Simone Fernandes , Malone Michael L.
Published: November 2022

This editorial comments on the article by Nishijima et al. in this issue.
Restricted mean survival time versus conventional effect summary for treatment decision‐making: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Shi Sandra M. , Palmer Jennifer A. , Newmeyer Natalie , Carroll Danette , Steinberg Nessa , Olivieri‐Mui Brianne , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: November 2022

Background

Treatment effect is typically summarized in terms of relative risk reduction or number needed to treat (“conventional effect summary”). Restricted mean survival time (RMST) summarizes treatment effect in terms of a gain or loss in event‐free days. Older adults' preference between the two effect summary measures has not been studied.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods study using a quantitative survey and qualitative semi‐structured interviews. For the survey, we enrolled 102 residents with hypertension at five senior housing facilities (mean age 81.3 years, 82 female, 95 white race). We randomly assigned respondents to either RMST‐based (n = 49) or conventional decision aid (n = 53) about the benefits and harms of intensive versus standard blood pressure‐lowering strategies and compared decision conflict scale (DCS) responses (range: 0 [no conflict] to 100 [maximum conflict]; <25 is associated with implementing decisions). We used a purposive sample of 23 survey respondents stratified by both their random assignment and DCS from the survey. Inductive qualitative thematic analysis explored complementary perspectives on preferred ways of summarizing treatment effects.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) total DCS was 22.0 (14.3) for the conventional decision aid group and 16.7 (14.1) for the RMST‐based decision aid group (p = 0.06), but the proportion of participants with a DCS <25 was higher in the RMST‐based group (26 [49.1%] vs 34 [69.4%]; p = 0.04). Qualitative interviews suggested that, regardless of effect summary measure, older individuals' preference depended on their ability to clearly comprehend quantitative information, clarity of presentation in the visual aid, and inclusion of desired information.

Conclusions

When choosing a blood pressure‐lowering strategy, older adults' perceived uncertainty may be reduced with a time‐based effect summary, although our study was underpowered to detect a statistically significant difference. Given highly variable individual preferences, it may be useful to present both conventional and RMST‐based information in decision aids.
Perceived stigma, barriers, and facilitators experienced by members of the opioid use disorder community when seeking healthcare
Authors: McCurry Mary K. , Avery‐Desmarais Shannon , Schuler Monika , Tyo Mirinda , Viveiros Jennifer , Kauranen Brianna
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, have negative attitudes towards individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and these attitudes can contribute to suboptimal care.

The aim of this study was to identify stigma, barriers and facilitators experienced by members of the OUD community when interacting with the healthcare system.

Design

A qualitative exploratory design used semi‐structured focus group interviews to address the study aim.

Methods

Following IRB approval, purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with a history of OUD, family caregivers of individuals with OUD, and support group leaders from regional recovery groups to provide a broad perspective of stigmatizing issues and barriers to care. Focus group discussions were conducted, and video recorded using web‐based conferencing software. Transcripts from the focus groups and field notes were analyzed and coded into themes.

Results

Both structural and social determinants of health were identified by participants as stigmatizing and/or barriers to care. Thematic content analysis resulted in eight themes: stigmatizing language, being labeled, inequitable care, OUD as a chronic illness, insurance barriers, stigma associated with medications for OUD (MOUD), community resources, and nursing knowledge and care.

Conclusion

Members of the OUD community are challenged by both internal and external stigma when seeking healthcare. Stigma negatively affects public support for allocation of resources to treat OUD. Interventions aimed at reducing stigma are critical to support effective OUD treatment and prevent barriers to OUD care.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding the complex relationships between stigma and structural determinants of health will allow nursing science to develop educational interventions that provide the next generation of nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to advance health equity for individuals with OUD.
Exploring morphological evolution in relation to habitat moisture in the moss genus Fissidens using molecular data generated from herbarium specimens
Authors: Budke Jessica M. , Patel Nikisha R. , Consortium GoFlag , Wienhold Mark D. , Bruggeman‐Nannenga Maria A.
Published: November 2022

Morphological evolution in mosses has long been hypothesized to accompany shifts in microhabitats, which can be tested using comparative phylogenetics. These lines of inquiry have been developed to include target capture sequencing, which can yield phylogenomic scale data from herbarium specimens. Here, we test the relationship between taxonomically important morphological characters in the moss genus Fissidens, using a 400‐locus data set generated using a target‐capture approach in tandem with a three‐locus phylogeny generated using Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic trees generated using ASTRAL and Bayesian inference were used to test the monophyly of subgenera/sections. These trees provide the basis for ancestral character state reconstructions and phylogenetic correlation analyses for five morphological characters and characters related to the moisture habitat, scored from the literature and by specimen inspection. Many of these characters exhibit statistically significant phylogenetic signal. Significant correlations were found between the limbidium (phyllid/leaf border of the gametophyte) and habitat moisture niche breadth, which could be interpreted as the more extensive limbidium enabling species to survive across a wider variety of habitats. We also found correlations between costa anatomy, peristome morphology, and the limbidium, which could reflect the evolutionary recruitment of genetic networks from the gametophyte to the sporophyte phase. The correlation found between average habitat moisture and the sexual system indicates that dioicous and polyoicous species are more likely to be found in moist habitats and that these higher moisture levels could be particularly, reproductively advantageous to species with separate sexes.
Sleep researchers’ rankings of sleep journals
Authors: Jakobsson Støre Siri , Norell‐Clarke Annika , Jakobsson Niklas
Published: November 2022

The impact factor is used to rank the quality of scientific journals but has been criticised for a number of reasons. The aim of the study was to investigate sleep researchers’ perceptions of sleep journals to determine whether subjective rankings of journals were in line with the journals’ impact factors. Clarivate's Journal Citation Reports website was used to identify journals containing the words ‘sleep’ or ‘dream’ in the titles with an impact factor since 2018, resulting in 12 journals. A survey including questions about how the respondent would rank these journals (e.g., three most prestigious journals) was developed. A total of 122 sleep researchers completed the survey. Sleep, Sleep Medicine Reviews and Journal of Sleep Research were ranked as the three most prestigious sleep journals, in line with the impact factors of the journals. For the rest of the journals, the subjective rankings and impact factors did not correspond as much.
Validation of an automated sleep detection algorithm using data from multiple accelerometer brands
Authors: Plekhanova Tatiana , Rowlands Alex V. , Davies Melanie J. , Hall Andrew P. , Yates Tom , Edwardson Charlotte L.
Published: November 2022

To evaluate the criterion validity of an automated sleep detection algorithm applied to data from three research‐grade accelerometers worn on each wrist with concurrent laboratory‐based polysomnography (PSG). A total of 30 healthy volunteers (mean [SD] age 31.5 [7.2] years, body mass index 25.5 [3.7] kg/m2) wore an Axivity, GENEActiv and ActiGraph accelerometer on each wrist during a 1‐night PSG assessment. Sleep estimates (sleep period time window [SPT‐window], sleep duration, sleep onset and waking time, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset [WASO]) were generated using the automated sleep detection algorithm within the open‐source GGIR package. Agreement of sleep estimates from accelerometer data with PSG was determined using pairwise 95% equivalence tests (±10% equivalence zone), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with 95% confidence intervals and limits of agreement (LoA). Accelerometer‐derived sleep estimates except for WASO were within the 10% equivalence zone of the PSG. Reliability between data from the accelerometers worn on either wrist and PSG was moderate for SPT‐window duration (ICCs ≥ 0.65), sleep duration (ICCs ≥ 0.54), and sleep onset (ICCs ≥ 0.61), mostly good for waking time (ICCs ≥ 0.80), but poor for sleep efficiency (ICCs ≥ 0.08) and WASO (ICCs ≥ 0.08). The mean bias between all accelerometer‐derived sleep estimates worn on either wrist and PSG were low; however, wide 95% LoA were observed for all sleep estimates, apart from waking time. The automated sleep detection algorithm applied to data from Axivity, GENEActiv and ActiGraph accelerometers, worn on either wrist, provides comparable measures to PSG for SPT‐window and sleep duration, sleep onset and waking time, but a poor measure of wake during the sleep period.
Genealogies of Truth: Theology, Philosophy and History
Authors: Milbank John
Published: November 2022

Modern Christian theology still seeks to escape from the historical constitution of truth. This not only contradicts the Incarnation, but has its own genealogical origins in a dubious loss of Christian philosophy as an integral enterprise. In general, genealogy can be seen as negative or positive. Negative genealogy alternatively traces a break with myth, as with early philosophy, or else, as with Hindu thought, traces a break with the spiritual dominance of the One through the inevitable corruption wrought by the Many. Nietzsche offers a strange materialist version of this and Heidegger a nihilistic mutation of the same ‘Asiatic’ account. Some Catholics on the Right have instead stressed a Nietzschean decline through the dominance of a false, ‘herded’ One, abandoning the supremacy of personhood. Positive genealogy is rooted in the Incarnation, is at once natural and cultural, and seeks a blending of the One and the Many, the common good and the personal. Christianity is committed primarily to a positive genealogy and a positive development along these lines. However, theology can make use of a negative genealogy by tracing at once a decline from Unity (like the Hindu narrative) and a decline from a truly personalist fusion of the One with the Many that inherently involves a historical and incarnate generation of the truth.
A new species of Agaricus sect. Agaricus (Agaricaceae) from India
Authors: Arya C. P. , Pradeep C. K.
Published: November 2022

Agaricus albovariabilis is presented as a new species from peninsular India on the basis of morphological features and ITS sequence analysis. It is charcterized by small to medium sized white basidiomata, becoming brownish at maturity, unchanging context, mild anise odor, negative Schäffer's and KOH reactions, and clavate to vesiculose clavate cheilocystidia. It is presented with detailed descriptions, photographs, phylogenetic reconstruction and a comparison with phenetically similar species.
Basophil activation test has high reproducibility and is feasible in the clinical setting
Authors: Jaumdally Hannah , Kwok Matthew , Jama Zainab , Hesse‐Lamptey Rochelle , McKendry Richard , Galvez Oliver , Daniel Yvonne , Santos Alexandra F.
Published: November 2022

Background

The basophil activation test (BAT) has high accuracy to diagnose peanut allergy and can reduce the need for oral food challenges (OFC); however, so far it has not been incorporated in clinical practice.

Methods

We assessed the reproducibility of BAT within the same laboratory and between two different laboratories and the feasibility of using BAT in the clinical setting.

Results

One hundred and two children being assessed for peanut allergy were tested on BAT (72 allergic, 30 sensitized tolerant). There was little internal variation (coefficient of variation <15%) in the BAT and a very strong correlation (Rs > .95) between BAT performed across laboratories. The 2 BAT methods were strongly correlated but not interchangeable. In the cases of discrepancy, our in house BAT method was 100% accurate. BAT was feasible and well‐accepted by clinicians: no patient with positive BAT was referred for OFC, leading to reduction in the number of OFC required. Twenty one percent of patients who underwent OFC reacted to peanut. A negative BAT also encouraged the performance of OFC in sensitized children who would otherwise be considered allergic, 50% of whom did not react and incorporated peanut in the diet.

Conclusions

The BAT is a robust test that can reliably be transferred between laboratories; however, different BAT methods are not interchangeable. BAT was well integrated in the clinical decision‐making process in a specialized center.
The Dependency–Counterdependency Dynamic: Interactive Effects of System Justification and Power‐Distance Orientation on Radicalization against the Political System
Authors: Travaglino Giovanni A. , Moon Chanki
Published: November 2022

System Justification Theory posits that individuals are less prone to engage in radical action against a system on which they depend. In the present research, we investigated how the association between system‐justifying tendencies and radical intentions is moderated by individuals' orientation towards power differentials, namely their “power distance.” A stronger power distance orientation implies that individuals perceive power differentials as a fixed feature of society, curtailing prospects for change. We hypothesized that, at lower levels of power distance orientation, system‐justification tendencies would be associated with reduced radical intentions. We contend this will occur because individuals feel dependent on a system perceived as malleable (dependency hypothesis). Conversely, at higher levels of power distance orientation, we expected system‐justification tendencies to be associated with stronger radical intentions. We argue that this effect reflects the rejection of dependency on a system perceived as fixed (counterdependency hypothesis). This dependency‐counterdependency dynamic was tested using a multigroup latent structural equation model and samples from four countries (NTotal = 2,502), South Korea, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Results were consistent with the hypothesized dynamic across all countries. Theoretical implications of the findings, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
WLTOG: An optimization approach for wild large‐range target omnidirectional geolocation based on monocular PTZ camera
Authors: Zhou Xinxin , Yuan LinWang , Tang Hua , Huang Yi , Feng Ningyu , Wu Changbin
Published: November 2022

The pan‐tilt‐zoom (PTZ) cameras are increasingly popular in urban management and resource protection due to their omnidirectional coverage and reasonable cost. Traditionally, the research of monocular camera geolocation focuses on small‐range ones with a central projection camera under ideal conditions, making it challenging to meet the requirements of omnidirectional coverage and large‐range geolocation for PTZ cameras. In this article, a wild large‐range target omnidirectional geolocation (WLTOG) algorithm was proposed. Firstly, the WLTOG algorithm is used to transform the target in a single image to the camera's optical axis, thereby obtaining the camera posture value. After that, by using a high‐order overdetermined equation, it fits the nonlinear mapping relationship between multiple pairs of PTZ camera postures and the geospatial coordinates. At last, it realizes the bidirectional calculation between pixel coordinates and geospatial coordinates. The experimental PTZ camera is mounted on a communication tower in a wild environment. Therefore, this method can be utilized to construct an omnidirectional geolocation relationship that meets the requirements of omnidirectional geolocation within 945 m based on unknown accurate internal and external orientation elements. The WLTOG algorithm is conducive to the geometric measurement of video and GIS‐augmented video surveillance.
Urban growth modeling based on cellular automata with transition rules optimized using genetic fuzzy systems
Authors: Foroutan Ehsan , Delavar Mahmoud Reza , Pijanowski Bryan Christopher , Araabi Babak Nadjar
Published: November 2022

This article presents a new methodology for urban growth modeling by integrating cellular automata (CA) and genetic fuzzy algorithms. The urban growth phenomenon is a spatio‐temporal and continuous process that can be modeled by employing fuzzy logic as a framework for handling vagueness. Dependence upon an expert for assigning membership functions and rule weights has made the fuzzy logic approach rather subjective. Our proposed methodology overcomes this shortcoming by applying genetic algorithms to tune and optimize the fuzzy logic system and to make it expert independent. The optimization process encompasses a fuzzy membership function and weights for fuzzy rules. This model uses linguistic variables for defining CA transition rules and applies them to represent the non‐deterministic nature of urban growth. The proposed model is applied to simulate urban growth in the Tehran Metropolitan Area in Iran across time steps of 1988, 1999, and 2010 developed using Landsat TM and ETM+ images and a Digital Elevation Model. The first data pairs were employed for calibration of the model parameters, and the remainder of the data was used for validation of the model across time. The model was evaluated using a relative operating characteristic of 0.88 and a figure of merit statistic of 0.31, which quantifies the model goodness of fit.
A new bridge principle for the normativity of logic
Authors: Orilia Francesco
Published: November 2022

Logic appears to be normative for rational belief. The thesis of the normativity of logic holds that indeed logic has such a normative status. Gilbert Harman has questioned it, thereby giving rise to what has been called “Harman's skeptical challenge”. MacFarlane has clarified that in order to answer this challenge and support the normativity of logic, one needs a “bridge principle” that appropriately connects logical entailments and norms for belief, as well as relevant desiderata for the evaluation of candidate bridge principles. Steinberger has identified a list of desiderata, on the basis of which he has proposed his own bridge principle and shown the inadequacy of previous proposals. This paper argues that Steinberger's list is in need of revision and his principle is unsatisfactory, and then puts forward a revised list of desiderata and a new bridge principle in support of the normativity of logic.
Frozen for combat: Quality of deep‐frozen thrombocytes, produced and used by The Netherlands Armed Forces 2001–2021
Authors: Noorman Femke , Rijnhout Tim W. H. , de Kort Bob , Hoencamp Rigo
Published: November 2022

Background

The Netherlands Armed Forces (NLAF) are using −80°C deep‐frozen thrombocyte concentrate (DTC) since 2001. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of storage duration and alterations in production/measurement techniques on DTC quality. It is expected that DTC quality is unaffected by storage duration and in compliance with the European guidelines for fresh and cryopreserved platelets.

Study Design and Methods

Pre‐freeze and post‐thaw product platelet content and recovery were collected to analyze the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) type, duration of frozen storage (DMSO‐1 max 12 years and DMSO‐2 frozen DTC max 4 years at −80°C) and type of plasma used to suspend DTC. Coagulation characteristics of thawed DTC, plasma and supernatant of DTC (2× 2500 G) were measured with Kaolin thromboelastography (TEG) and phospholipid (PPL) activity assay.

Results

Platelet content and recovery of DTC is ±10%–15% lower in short‐stored products and remained stable when stored beyond 0.5 years. Thawed DTC (n = 1724) were compliant to the European guidelines (98.1% post‐thaw product recovery ≥50% from original product, 98.3% ≥200 × 109 platelets/unit). Compared to DMSO‐1, products frozen with DMSO‐2 showed ±8% reduced thaw–freeze recovery, a higher TEG clot strength (MA 58 [6] vs. 64 [8] mm) and same ±11 s PPL clotting time. The use of cold‐stored thawed plasma instead of fresh thawed plasma did not influence product recovery or TEG‐MA.

Discussion

Regardless of alterations, product quality was in compliance with European guidelines and unaffected by storage duration up to 12 years of −80°C frozen storage.
Influence of Strain History on Dynamic Strain Localization and Stress State During High-Rate Tensile Loading of Titanium Alloys: Experiments, Modeling, and Analytical Methods
Authors: Gour Govind , Thomson Daniel , Ramakrishnan Karthik Ram , Townsend David , Petrinic Nik , Pellegrino Antonio
Published: November 2022

The determination of the mechanical response of engineering materials subjected to high loading rates plays an important role in determining their performance and application. The high strain-rate tensile response of metals is usually investigated by means of the split-Hopkinson tension bar (SHTB) apparatus. The interpretation of the obtained results is, however, subjected to analogous stress and strain uniformity challenges present during quasi-static tensile experiments. Beyond the onset of necking, strains cease to be uniform along the gauge length and localize around the necking zone. Consequently, the nominal strain rate underestimates the effective strain rate experienced by the material. The analysis of the effective strain rate and stress state beyond the onset of necking has received considerable attention in the literature. Several research efforts have focused on the optimization of the geometry of specimens to be employed for the characterization of the dynamic tensile response using the SHTB. The present work investigates, systematically, the effects of strain history and adiabatic heating on the stress state during dynamic loading. A series of monotonic and various strain history experiments were conducted and analyzed. The diameter evolution, effective strain rate, and temperature histories were measured for all conducted experiments. Numerical simulations were carried out to examine the stress state during strain localization and to accurately reproduce engineering and local thermos-mechanical variables. The effectiveness of existing postnecking corrections for high-rate experiments is assessed. A modified postnecking correlation taking into account the effects of adiabatically induced thermal softening is proposed.
Comparison of one-dimensional and three-dimensional glottal flow models in left-right asymmetric vocal fold conditions
Authors: Yoshinaga Tsukasa , Zhang Zhaoyan , Iida Akiyoshi
Published: November 2022

While the glottal flow is often simplified as one-dimensional (1D) in computational models of phonation to reduce computational costs, the 1D flow model has not been validated in left-right asymmetric vocal fold conditions, as often occur in both normal and pathological voice production. In this study, we performed three-dimensional (3D) and 1D flow simulations coupled to a two-mass model of adult male vocal folds and compared voice production at different degrees of left-right stiffness asymmetry. The flow and acoustic fields in 3D were obtained by solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations using the volume penalization method with the moving vocal fold wall as an immersed boundary. Despite differences in the predicted flow pressure on vocal fold surface between the 1D and 3D flow models, the results showed reasonable agreement in vocal fold vibration patterns and selected voice outcome measures between the 1D and 3D models for the range of left-right asymmetric conditions investigated. This indicates that vocal fold properties play a larger role than the glottal flow in determining the overall pattern of vocal fold vibration and the produced voice, and the 1D flow simplification is sufficient in modeling phonation, at least for the simplified glottal geometry of this study.
Surficial sediment sound speed estimation from wide-angle multipath arrivals
Authors: Chiu Linus Y. S. , Lin Ying-Tsong
Published: November 2022

Multipath acoustic arrivals on fixed receivers from a moving source in an underwater waveguide include wide-angle bottom reflections that are affected by sediment properties. Hence, one can use them as input data for seabed geoacoustic parameter estimation. In this study, the effects of seabed properties on such measurements are theoretically analyzed. The result shows that one can utilize time delays and source distances at the critical angle points of multipath arrivals to determine the sediment sound speed. The effect of sediment attenuation is also discussed, and the proposed method is demonstrated with experimental data.
Mechanical switching of a comblike dual dynamic polymer network
Authors: Nicolella Paola , Seiffert Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Hydrogels are polymer networks swollen in water and, therefore, suitable for biomedical applications. For this purpose, hydrogels have to mimic the functionality and mechanics of natural tissues. In drug delivery, for example, the diffusion is crucial and can be controlled through targeted variation of the network mesh-size. In tissue engineering, on the other side, the mechanics plays a fundamental role and can be strengthened through the use of two interpenetrated polymer networks, realizing a double network, or with two dynamic motifs anchored in one common network, realizing a dual dynamic network (DDN). However, current knowledge encompasses mainly nonlinear rheological characterization of these networks. We intend to fill this gap and provide a systematic linear rheological study. To realize this strategy, we combine two supramolecular motifs in a common network, thereby realizing a comblike DDN with the ability to change the building blocks on demand. In our DDN, a tetra-poly(ethylene) glycol (pEG) (the first building block) is functionalized on each arm with two dynamic motifs: terpyridine capable of undergoing metal-complexation with different divalent metal ions, and a thermo-responsive unit consisting of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) (the second building block) that is capable of undergoing temperature-dependent nano-phase-separation. In particular, we change the molar mass of the tetra-pEG-terpyridine and the pNIPAAm grafted chains. In addition, we investigate two different metal ions that form complexes with the terpyridine. With this platform, we tune the elastic properties on demand, and we systematically study the structure–property relationships with oscillatory shear rheology in the linear regime.
Tailoring the linear viscoelastic response of industrial double dynamics networks through the interplay of associations
Authors: Carillo Consiglia , Zoellner Stephan , van Ruymbeke Evelyne , Vlassopoulos Dimitris
Published: November 2022

We investigate the linear viscoelastic properties of industrial pressure sensitive adhesives comprising double networks with an entangled acrylate-based polymer and two types of intermolecular associations (crosslinking), permanent (epoxide) and reversible (metal-chelate), having different compositions. A combination of shear rheometry and an appropriately modified version of the Time Marching Algorithm (TMA) allows to probe and analyze the behavior of the different double dynamic networks, in particular, the effects of the type and amount of crosslinks on their linear viscoelastic spectra. To this end, the dynamics of the double networks are compared with the respective individual responses of the polymeric component without crosslinks and the single networks (possessing only physical or only chemical crosslinks), in order to quantify their contributions to the relaxation mechanisms, particularly the interplay between disentanglement and bond association/dissociation processes. With the help of the TMA model, we also examine the respective roles of the lifetime of stickers, polydispersity, and molar mass. Triggered by the good comparison between predictions and experimental data, we propose a framework to tune material parameters in order to obtain a desired viscoelastic behavior.
Relaxation dynamics of supramolecular polymer networks with mixed cross-linkers
Authors: Xu Donghua , Olsen Bradley D. , Craig Stephen L.
Published: November 2022

The linear rheological properties of supramolecular polymer networks formed by mixtures of two different bis-Pd(II) cross-linkers with poly(4-vinylpyridine) in dimethyl sulfoxide are examined. The changes in storage and loss moduli of the networks with mixed cross-linkers are compared to those of samples with a single type of cross-linkers. While the plateau moduli, and presumably network topology, of the networks remain equal regardless of the cross-link distribution, the relaxation time contributed by the faster cross-linkers is increased (by a factor of about 1.5 for the specific samples used in this work) by the presence of the slower cross-linkers, while the reverse influences are not significant. This effect can be explained by the fact that a certain fraction of the elastically effective strands cross-linked with fast cross-linkers is pinned on one end by slow cross-linkers, reducing by half the rate of fast chain relaxation. This effect is anticipated to be general for gels with two well-separated relaxation times.
Equilibration dynamics of a dynamic covalent network diluted in a metallosupramolecular polymer matrix
Authors: Lyons Rowanne , Hammer Larissa , André Alexis , Fustin Charles-André , Nicolaÿ Renaud , van Ruymbeke Evelyne
Published: November 2022

We investigate the viscoelastic properties of double dynamic networks (DDNs) based on side-functionalized PnBA chains. One of these networks is highly crosslinked by metal-ligand junctions characterized by a fast association/dissociation dynamics, while the other network is sparsely crosslinked with slow dynamic covalent networks (DCNs). We first show that modulating the dynamics of the metallosupramolecular networks, by playing with the temperature, the density of reversible junctions, or the stress applied, has direct consequences on the local equilibration of the DCN. The latter takes place by a constraint release Rouse process at the rhythm of the association/dissociation of the metal-ligand junctions. Then, based on creep-recovery experiments, we investigate the ability of the DDNs to recover their initial shape after a creep test and show again the important role played by the metallosupramolecular network. In particular, the sample recovery strongly depends on the network connectivity, which is enhanced if a denser metallosupramolecular network is used as it reduces the possible creep of the double dynamic network and increases its elastic memory. The sample recovery also depends on the association-dissociation dynamics of the metallosupramolecular bonds as it fixes how fast the stretched DCN can come back to its equilibrium conformation and can recover its initial shape after a large deformation has been applied. Adjusting the dynamics of the weak network is thus a key process to govern the viscoelastic response of the slow network.
Durable spike-specific T cell responses after different COVID-19 vaccination regimens are not further enhanced by booster vaccination
Authors: Maringer Yacine , Nelde Annika , Schroeder Sarah M. , Schuhmacher Juliane , Hörber Sebastian , Peter Andreas , Karbach Julia , Jäger Elke , Walz Juliane S.
Published: November 2022

Several COVID-19 vaccines are approved to prevent severe disease outcome after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whereas induction and functionality of antiviral antibody response are largely studied, the induction of T cells upon vaccination with the different approved COVID-19 vaccines is less studied. Here, we report on T cell immunity 4 weeks and 6 months after different vaccination regimens and 4 weeks after an additional booster vaccination in comparison with SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses in convalescents and prepandemic donors using interferon-gamma ELISpot assays and flow cytometry. Increased T cell responses and cross-recognition of B.1.1.529 Omicron variant–specific mutations were observed ex vivo in mRNA- and heterologous-vaccinated donors compared with vector-vaccinated donors. Nevertheless, potent expandability of T cells targeting the spike protein was observed for all vaccination regimens, with frequency, diversity, and the ability to produce several cytokines of vaccine-induced T cell responses comparable with those in convalescent donors. T cell responses for all vaccinated donors significantly exceeded preexisting cross-reactive T cell responses in prepandemic donors. Booster vaccination led to a significant increase in anti-spike IgG responses, which showed a marked decline 6 months after complete vaccination. In contrast, T cell responses remained stable over time after complete vaccination with no significant effect of booster vaccination on T cell responses and cross-recognition of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 mutations. This suggested that booster vaccination is of particular relevance for the amelioration of antibody response. Together, our work shows that different vaccination regimens induce broad and long-lasting spike-specific CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
Apparent Absence of Selective Pressure on Pneumocystis jirovecii Organisms in Patients with Prior Methotrexate Exposure
Authors: Bonnet Pierre L. , Le Gal Solène , Gautier Chloé , Hoffmann Claire V. , Le Nan Nathan , Happe André , Le Berre Rozenn , Saraux Alain , Nevez Gilles
Published: November 2022

Pneumocystis jirovecii
infections occur in patients treated with methotrexate (MTX) because of immunosuppressive effects of this highly potent dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitor. Conversely, MTX may act as an anti
-P. jirovecii
drug and consequently may exert a selective pressure on this fungus.