bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immersion, Diversion, Subversion: Living a Feminist Methodology
Authors: Sathyamala C.
Published: February 2022

This chapter tells the story of my fifteen-month ethnographic study in Tamil Nadu, India. I begin by tracing my journey from the time I, as a physician, opted out of clinical medicine to work at the primary care level in rural India. I look at how in this process I gathered theory, methods, politics and found a way of being. The interpretive approach followed acknowledges how my background, positionality, and emotions were an integral part of producing ‘data’. I observed the village people’s everyday lives, as reflected, and refracted through a multi-layered class, caste and gender lenses even as I negotiated my everyday life in the village. Reflecting on the methodology I adopted, I conclude that methodologies need to be lived rather than applied.
Alpha-alpha scattering in the Multiverse
Authors: Elhatisari Serdar , Lähde Timo A. , Lee Dean , Meißner Ulf-G. , Vonk Thomas
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We investigate the phase shifts of low-energy α-α scattering under variations of the fundamental parameters of the Standard Model, namely the light quark mass, the electromagnetic fine-structure constant as well as the QCD θ-angle. As a first step, we recalculate α-α scattering in our Universe utilizing various improvements in the adiabatic projection method, which leads to an improved, parameter-free prediction of the S- and D-wave phase shifts for laboratory energies below 10 MeV. We find that positive shifts in the pion mass have a small effect on the S-wave phase shift, whereas lowering the pion mass adds some repulsion in the two-alpha system. The effect on the D-wave phase shift turns out to be more pronounced as signaled by the D-wave resonance parameters. Variations of the fine-structure constant have almost no effect on the low-energy α-α phase shifts. We further show that up-to-and-including next-to-leading order in the chiral expansion, variations of these phase shifts with respect to the QCD θ-angle can be expressed in terms of the θ-dependent pion mass.
Effect of surgical stabilization of rib fractures in polytrauma: an analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Becker Lars , Schulz-Drost Stefan , Spering Christopher , Franke Axel , Dudda Marcel , Lefering Rolf , Matthes Gerrit , Bieler Dan ,   Committee on Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care, Trauma Management (Sektion NIS) of the German Trauma Society (DGU)
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In severely injured patients with multiple rib fractures the beneficial effect of surgical stabilization is still unknown. The existing literature shows divergent results and especially the indication and the right timing of an operation are subject of a broad discussion. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of a surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) on the outcome in a multi-center database with special regard to the duration of ventilation, intensive care and overall hospital stay.

Methods

Data from the TraumaRegister DGU® collected between 2008 and 2017 were used to evaluate patients over 16 years with severe rib fractures (AIS ≥ 3). In addition to the basic comparison a matched pair analysis of 395 pairs was carried out in order to find differences and to increase comparability.

Results

In total 483 patients received an operative treatment and 29,447 were treated conservatively. SSRF was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate (7.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.008) but a longer ventilation time and longer stay as well as in the intensive care unit (ICU) as the overall hospital stay. Both matched pair groups showed a good or very good neurological outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) in 4 of 5 cases. Contrary to the existing recommendations most of the patients were not operated within 48 h.

Conclusions

In our data set, obviously most of the patients were not treated according to the recent literature and showed a delay in the time for operative care of well over 48 h. This may lead to an increased rate of complications and a longer stay at the ICU and the hospital in general. Despite of these findings patients with operative treatment show a significant lower mortality rate.
Predictability of success and open conjunctival revision rates in the subsequent eye after XEN45 Gel Stent implantation according to lens status
Authors: Kiessling D. , Rennings C. , Hild M. , Lappas A. , Dietlein T.S. , Roessler G.F. , Widder R.A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To determine the predictability of success and the risk of open conjunctival revision in the subsequent eye after XEN45 Gel Stent implantation according to lens status.

Methods

This was a retrospective single-centre study involving 132 eyes of 66 participants who had undergone intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering XEN45 Gel Stent implantation, either as a standalone procedure in phakic and pseudophakic eyes or in combination with phacoemulsification. Successful surgery was defined by three scores: IOP at follow-up < 21 mmHg (score A) or < 18 mmHg (score B) and an IOP reduction > 20% or IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 40% (score C). In all scores, one open conjunctival revision was allowed, and additional repeat surgery was considered a failure. The predictability of success and revision rate depending on the outcome of the first eye were calculated using Bayes’ theorem.

Results

IOP-lowering did not differ significantly between the first and second eyes. Success rates of standalone surgery in the second eye after successful surgery in the first eye significantly exceed rates after prior failure. For the combined procedure, the rates did not differ significantly. For score A, we determined a 76.6% chance of success following a prior success and a 57.9% chance, if prior surgery failed. The corresponding probabilities were 75% and 59.1% for score B, while 66.7% and 15.7% for score C, respectively. We calculated a 60% risk for revision surgery in the standalone phakic group. If the first eye was not revised, the risk of revision in the subsequent eye was 20%. The corresponding risks were 72.7% and 5% for the standalone procedure in pseudophakic patients and 38.4% and 41.7% for the combined procedure, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of our study offer a tool to predict the outcome of subsequent eye surgeries based on either the outcome in the initial eye and the type of surgery performed, owing to the high predictive potential.
Additional fiber orientations in the sagittal stratum—noise or anatomical fine structure?
Authors: Caspers Svenja , Axer Markus , Gräßel David , Amunts Katrin
Published: February 2022

The sagittal stratum is a prominent and macroscopically clearly visible white-matter structure within occipital and parietal lobes with a highly organized structure of parallel fibers running in rostro-caudal direction. Apart from the major tract running through, i.e., the optic radiation, the source and arrangement of other fibers within the sagittal stratum is only partially understood. Recent diffusion imaging studies in-vivo suggest additional minor fiber directions, perpendicular to the major rostro-caudal ones, but the spatial resolution does not allow to resolve them, and to unambiguously distinguish it from noise. Taking this previous evidence as motivation, the present study used 3D polarized light imaging (3D-PLI) for micrometer resolution analysis of nerve fibers in postmortem specimens of a vervet monkey brain. The analysis of coronal occipital and parietal sections revealed that the sagittal stratum consisted of an external and an internal layer, which are joined and crossed by fibers from the surrounding white matter and the tapetum. Fibers from different parietal and occipital regions entered the sagittal stratum in the dorsal, ventral or middle sector, as solid large bundles or as several small fiber aggregations. These patterns were remarkably similar to published results of tracer experiments in macaques. Taking this correspondence as external validation of 3D-PLI enabled translation to the human brain, where a similarly complex fiber architecture within the sagittal stratum could be exemplified in a human hemisphere in our study. We thus argue in favor of a dedicated fiber microstructure within the sagittal stratum as a correlate of the additional fiber directions typically seen in in-vivo diffusion imaging studies.
Urban sprawl facilitates invasions of exotic plants across multiple spatial scales
Authors: Boscutti Francesco , Lami Francesco , Pellegrini Elisa , Buccheri Massimo , Busato Francesco , Martini Fabrizio , Sibella Rossella , Sigura Maurizia , Marini Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

Exotic plant invasions are considered one of the major threats to biodiversity causing important impacts at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Understanding the drivers of plant invasions across multiple spatial and temporal scales often requires a landscape approach. The effect of landscape composition on biological invasion has been extensively studied, whereas landscape configuration effects were seldom considered or the analyses were limited to single species. Here, we aimed to analyze how the expansion of urban and agricultural areas can affect exotic species richness (both neophytes and archaeophytes) at three spatial scales, namely regional (scale: 37.5 km2), landscape (scale: 7.1 km2) and local (scale: 100 m2). We considered the possible contribution of urban and agricultural areas both in terms of composition (i.e. habitat cover) and configuration (i.e. shape complexity of patches). First, we found that increasing urbanization coupled with high shape complexity of urban elements were major drivers of both neophyte and archaeophyte invasions across heterogeneous landscapes. In particular, shape complexity seemed to be a key driver of plant invasions at large spatial scale, whereas the type of recipient habitat and urban cover determined the exotic success at the patch level. Second, archaeophytes were also affected by agriculture land use, i.e. agricultural patches shape complexity increased their spread at both regional and landscape scales. High shape complexity of highly disturbed habitats is expected to increase the exchange surface that exotic plant use to spread their propagules across the landscape mosaics. Our findings suggest that urban planning aimed at curbing urban fragmentation by both reducing shape complexity and diffuse urban sprawl might greatly improve the resistance of landscapes to biological invasions.
From Greenwashing to Machinewashing: A Model and Future Directions Derived from Reasoning by Analogy
Authors: Seele Peter , Schultz Mario D.
Published: February 2022

This article proposes a conceptual mapping to outline salient properties and relations that allow for a knowledge transfer from the well-established greenwashing phenomenon to the more recent machinewashing. We account for relevant dissimilarities, indicating where conceptual boundaries may be drawn. Guided by a “reasoning by analogy” approach, the article addresses the structural analogy and machinewashing idiosyncrasies leading to a novel and theoretically informed model of machinewashing. Consequently, machinewashing is defined as a strategy that organizations adopt to engage in misleading behavior (communication and/or action) about ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI)/algorithmic systems. Machinewashing involves misleading information about ethical AI communicated or omitted via words, visuals, or the underlying algorithm of AI itself. Furthermore, and going beyond greenwashing, machinewashing may be used for symbolic actions such as (covert) lobbying and prevention of stricter regulation. By outlining diverse theoretical foundations of the established greenwashing domain and their relation to specific research questions, the article proposes a machinewashing model and a set of theory-related research questions on the macro, meso, and micro-level for future machinewashing research. We conclude by stressing limitations and by outlining practical implications for organizations and policymakers.
Reproducibility of coronary artery calcium quantification on dual-source CT and dual-source photon-counting CT: a dynamic phantom study
Authors: van der Werf Niels R. , Booij Ronald , Greuter Marcel J. W. , Bos Daniel , van der Lugt A. , Budde R. P. J. , van Straten Marcel
Published: February 2022

To systematically compare coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantification between conventional computed tomography (CT) and photon-counting CT (PCCT) at different virtual monoenergetic (monoE) levels for different heart rates. A dynamic (heart rates of 0, < 60, 60–75, and > 75 bpm) anthropomorphic phantom with three calcification densities was scanned using routine clinical CAC protocols with CT and PCCT. In addition to the standard clinical protocol of 70 keV, PCCT images were reconstructed at monoE levels of 72, 74, and 76 keV. CAC was quantified using Agatston, volume, and mass scores. Agatston scores 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and compared between PCCT and CT. Volume and mass scores were compared with physical quantities. For all CAC densities, routine clinical protocol Agatston scores of static CAC were higher for PCCT compared to CT. At < 60 bpm, Agatston scores at 74 and 76 keV reconstructions were reproducible (overlapping CI) for PCCT and CT. Increased heart rates yielded different Agatston scores for PCCT in comparison with CT, for all monoE levels. Low density CAC volume scores showed the largest deviation from physical volume, with mean deviations of 59% and 77% for CT and PCCT, respectively. Overall, mass scores underestimated physical mass by 10%, 38%, and 59% for low, medium, and high density CAC, respectively. PCCT allows for reproducible Agatston scores for dynamic CAC (< 60 bpm) when reconstructed at monoE levels of 74 or 76 keV, regardless of CAC density. Deviations from physical volume and mass were, in general, large for both CT and PCCT.
The geometric field of linearity of linear sets
Authors: Jena Dibyayoti , Van de Voorde Geertrui
Published: February 2022

If an $${\mathbb {F}}_q$$

F
q

-linear set $$L_U$$

L
U

in a projective space is defined by a vector subspace U which is linear over a proper superfield of $${\mathbb {F}}_{q}$$

F
q

, then all of its points have weight at least 2. It is known that the converse of this statement holds for linear sets of rank h in $$\mathrm {PG}(1,q^h)$$

PG
(
1
,

q
h

)

but for linear sets of rank $$k<h$$

k
<
h

the converse of this statement is in general no longer true. The first part of this paper studies the relation between the weights of points and the size of a linear set, and introduces the concept of the geometric field of linearity of a linear set. This notion will allow us to show the main theorem, stating that for particular linear sets without points of weight 1, the converse of the above statement still holds as long as we take the geometric field of linearity into account.
Combining disparate surveys across time to study satisfaction with life: the effects of study context, sampling method, and transport attributes
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Shaw F. Atiyya , Mokhtarian Patricia L. , Circella Giovanni , Watkins Kari E.
Published: February 2022

Satisfaction with life is a self-reported measure of the quality of life that has become a critical societal indicator extensively used for the evaluation and comparison of a wide range of trends and policies. This study fuses five cross-sectional travel surveys conducted from 1992 to 2018 across various geographical locations in California. Using the fused sample, we develop generalized ordered logit models to examine the effects of demographic characteristics, travel-related attributes, general and transport-related attitudinal variables, and context-control variables on individuals’ self-reported measures of life satisfaction. We find that longer commute times, mobility limitations, and a tendency to see travel as a waste of time are negatively associated with life satisfaction. To enable the use of disparate cross-sectional survey data, we incorporate context-control variables into the models. We find that life satisfaction appears to be increasing as GDP per capita increases. Among employed people, the macro-scale unemployment rate positively influences their life satisfaction. Interestingly, all else equal, we find that online opinion panel respondents have lower life satisfaction relative to respondents from other sampling methods (mainly address-based sampling), a finding that should be considered in future research using these sampling methods. Overall, this study provides a unique look at life satisfaction within a transport context, while providing an example of fusing small-scale survey datasets to study longitudinal, domain-specific, influences on variables like subjective well-being.
Evaluation of the acceptability of patient-reported outcome measures in women following pelvic floor procedures
Authors: Ruseckaite Rasa , Bavor Claire , Marsh Lucy , Dean Joanne , Daly Oliver , Vasiliadis Dora , Ahern Susannah
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable tools in evaluating the outcomes of surgical treatment health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and may be incorporated into related clinical quality registries. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating PROMs into the Australian Pelvic Floor Procedure Registry (APFPR).

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with women with SUI (N = 12) and their managing clinicians (N = 11) in Victoria, Australia. Interview topics covered content and face validity, appropriateness, and acceptability of three incontinence-specific, two pain, one anxiety and depression, one sexual function and one patient global impression of improvement instruments identified through the literature to determine their suitability and acceptability for the APFPR. We analysed interview data into topics using conventional content analysis.

Results

Study participants agreed that PROMs were needed for the APFPR. Both participant groups suggested that some of the instruments were ambiguous, therefore only three instruments (one incontinence-specific, sexual function and patient global impression of improvement) will be included in the APFPR. Both clinicians and women agreed it would be appropriate to answer PROMs at baseline and then at 6- and 12-month postsurgically. Email, phone call and mail-out of the instruments were the preferred options for administration.

Conclusion

Most women and clinicians supported the feasibility of incorporating PROMs in the APFPR. Participants believed the PROMs would demonstrate useful aggregate HRQoL data and have potential for use in individual care.
Identification of the best medium for experiments on chemical computation with Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction and ferroin-loaded Dowex beads
Authors: Muzika F. , Górecki J.
Published: February 2022

Our study is focused on identification of the best medium for future experiments on information processing with Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction proceeding in Dowex beads with immobilized catalyst inside. The optimum medium should be characterized by long and stable nonlinear behavior, mechanical stability and should allow for control with electric potential. We considered different types of Dowex ion-exchange resins, bead distributions and various initial concentrations of substrates: malonic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedione. The electric potential on platinum electrodes, stabilized by a potentiostat is used to control medium evolution. A negative electric potential generates activator species HBrO2 on the working electrode according to the reaction: BrO3−  + 2e−  + 3H+  → HBrO2 + H2O, while positive electric potential attracts inhibitor species Br− to the proximity of it. We study oscillation amplitude and period stability in systems with ferroin loaded Dowex 50W-X2 and Dowex 50W-X8 beads during experiments exceeding 16 h. It has been observed, that the above mentioned resins generate a smaller number of CO2 bubbles close to the beads than Dowex 50W-X4, which makes Dowex 50W-X2 and Dowex 50W-X8 more suitable for applications in chemical computing. We report amplitude stability, oscillation frequency, merging and annihilation of travelling waves in a lattice of Dowex 50W-X8 beads (mesh size 50–100) in over 19 h long experiments with equimolar solution of malonic acid and 1,4-cyclohexanedione. This system looks as a promising candidate for chemical computing devices that can operate for a day.
Spatial Structure of Youth Migration in Indonesia: Does Education Matter?
Authors: Malamassam Meirina Ayumi
Published: February 2022

It is broadly understood that migration works in a selective way, particularly by age and education. However, little is known about the variation of the spatial structures of migration by educational background. Using migration data from Indonesia’s 2000 and 2010 population censuses, this study examined the education-specific youth migration flows in Indonesia by highlighting interactions between origin and destination regions and examining factors contributing to the migration structure. Strong interactions were found amongst regions located in the same island or in close geographic proximity for all education levels. More dispersed patterns of origin–destination pairs were observed in tertiary-educated migration structure. The effects of economic opportunities appear to have had more pronounced effect in the migration structure of the least educated group. The findings highlight the increasing importance of rural areas in highly educated migration flows and the greater attractiveness of more developed regions for the lower educated migration structure. The spatial structures of education-specific youth migration flows reinforce the wide inequality gap in education and employment opportunities across regions in Indonesia.
Exploring the level of lockdown fatigue and effect of personal resilience and coping behaviours on university students during the covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis from Iraq
Authors: Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool , Mohammed Ali Haider , Wayyes Abdulrasool M. , Farhan Sinan Subhi , Al-Ani Omar Abdulwahid , Blebil Ali , Dujaili Juman
Published: February 2022

Governments worldwide have imposed lockdowns in their countries to restrict unnecessary movement and curb the spread and transmission of the Covid-19 as a mitigation measure. The education sector has also implemented rapid changes, and this has transformed the operational procedures for both students and lecturers. As the pandemic has progressed, its emotional and psychological toll is equally bearing on students, leading to lockdown fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the level of lockdown-induced fatigue and its correlation with personal resilience and coping skills among university students in Iraq. This study used quantitative methods of research using a cross-sectional study design. A questionnaire survey was distributed electronically among 819 university students in Iraq. The study used three standardised scales: the lockdown fatigue scale, brief resilience scale, and coping behaviours questionnaire for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were done using SPSS. Overall, students indicated a high level of lockdown fatigue with a mean score of 33.48out of 50. Fear of personal safety and the wellbeing of the family was the most fear expressed by the students. The ability to go through stressful times and unpleasant events was the most common worry among the students. Female, urbanised, and science field students were the most students who suffered from lockdown-induced fatigue. However, positive coping behaviours and personal resilience were significantly correlated with decreasing fatigue levels during the lockdown period. Level of lockdown fatigue accelerated in an alarming stage among university students in Iraq. Hence, students need to build their emotional resilience and learn how to navigate surviving hard times and bounce back after a loss. This could be facilitated by counselling services being availed to educational and social institutions to benefit university students.
Identifying biological affinities of Holocene northern Iberian populations through the inner structures of the upper first molars
Authors: Gamarra Beatriz , Lozano Marina , Del Bove Antonietta , Subirà M. Eulàlia , Edo Manuel , Castellana Concepció , Vergès Josep Maria , Morales Juan Ignacio , Cebrià Artur , Oms F. Xavier , Tornero Carlos , Gómez-Bach Anna
Published: February 2022

Neolithisation was a relatively fast process that affected both the interior and coastal zones of the Iberian Peninsula, but it was also a heterogeneous process that had diverse impacts on genomic and cultural diversity. In the Late Neolithic–Chalcolithic, a change in funerary practices, cultural material and trade networks occurred, and genomic heterogeneity decreased, suggesting human mobility and genetic admixture between different Iberian populations. Dental morphology has emerged as an effective tool for understanding genomic variability and biological affinities among ancient human populations. But, surprisingly, less attention has been paid to the morphological traits of inner dental tissues in Holocene European populations and their utility for the study of population dynamics. We applied 3D geometric morphometric methods on the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) of the first upper molars to explore the biological affinities of north-eastern Iberian Peninsula populations from the Late Neolithic–Chalcolithic to the Bronze Age. Our results show that the EDJ morphologies of the northern Iberian Peninsula populations were generally homogeneous, indicative of genetic admixture as a result of human mobility and exchange networks. However, differences in the EDJ traits in remains from the Can Sadurní site are indicative of distant biological affinities with nearby populations. Additionally, the hypocone associated dentine area and the position of the trigon dentine horns relative to each other on the occlusal surface best describe the variability found among the samples studied. This study highlights the utility of EDJ morphology as a genetic proxy in Holocene population dynamic studies when paleogenomic studies are absent.
“Too big to fail”: the resilience and entrenchment of food aid through food banks in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dekkinga Paulien , van der Horst Hilje , Andriessen Thirza
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to better understand the resilience and further entrenchment of food aid through food banks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first months of the pandemic in the Netherlands, concerns quickly rose about the number of people falling into conditions of food insecurity. Adding insult to injury, food banks reported problems in their operations. The analysis shows that after some adaptations to initial problems, food banks were largely able to continue their service. This ability was partly based on organizational flexibility. However, in order to understand the resilience of food aid through food banks, it is imperative to understand food banks as part of a system of food aid that extends beyond the organizational boundaries. This system includes a range of other actors and resources, including donors, public support and governmental backing that contributed to the resilience of the food aid system. While this embeddedness in a system as well as broad public support were essential for the resilience of food aid through food banks, both factors also indicate the further entrenchment of food banks in the understanding and practices of ensuring food security for people in poverty. Ultimately, when the root causes of a need for food aid are not addressed, a resilient system of food aid through food banks can eventually prove detrimental to societal resilience, specifically the ability to ensure dignified access to adequate food.
Dual inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and MCL-1 enhances cytotoxicity of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Abdul Rahman Siti Fairus , Azlan Azali , Lo Kwok-Wai , Azzam Ghows , Mohana-Kumaran Nethia
Published: February 2022

One of the many strategies that cancer cells evade death is through up-regulation of the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. Hence, these proteins have become attractive therapeutic targets. Given that different cell populations rely on different anti-apoptotic proteins for survival, it is crucial to determine which proteins are important for Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell survival. Here we determined the survival requirements for the NPC cells using a combination of the CRISPR/Cas9 technique and selective BH3-mimetics. A human apoptosis RT2 Profiler PCR Array was first employed to profile the anti-apoptotic gene expressions in NPC cell lines HK-1 and C666-1. The HK-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic genes (MCL-1, BFL-1, BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-w). Similarly, the C666-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic genes except BFL-1 (undetectable level). Notably, both cell lines highly expressed MCL-1. Deletion of MCL-1 sensitized the NPC cells to BCL-XL selective inhibitor A-1331852, suggesting that MCL-1 and BCL-XL may be important for NPC cell survival. Co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-2 with MCL-1 selective inhibitor S63845 and BCL-2 selective inhibitor ABT-199 inhibited NPC cell proliferation but the effect on cell viability was more profound with co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL with S63845 and A-1331852, implying that MCL-1 and BCL-XL are crucial for NPC cell survival. Furthermore, co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL inhibited the growth and invasion of NPC spheroids. Deletion of BFL-1 sensitized NPC cells to A-1331852 suggesting that BFL-1 may play a role in NPC cell survival. Taken together co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1/BFL-1 could be potential treatment strategies for NPC.
Data quality, experimental artifacts, and the reactivity of the psychological subject matter
Authors: Feest Uljana
Published: February 2022

While the term “reactivity” has come to be associated with specific phenomena in the social sciences, having to do with subjects’ awareness of being studied, this paper takes a broader stance on this concept. I argue that reactivity is a ubiquitous feature of the psychological subject matter and that this fact is a precondition of experimental research, while also posing potential problems for the experimenter. The latter are connected to the worry about distorted data and experimental artifacts. But what are experimental artifacts and what is the most productive way of dealing with them? In this paper, I approach these questions by exploring the ways in which experimenters in psychology simultaneously exploit and suppress the reactivity of their subject matter in order to produce experimental data that speak to the question or subject matter at hand. Highlighting the artificiality of experimental data, I raise (and answer) the question of what distinguishes a genuine experimental result from an experimental artifact. My analysis construes experimental results as the outcomes of inferences from the data that take material background assumptions as auxiliary premises. Artifacts occur when one or more of these background assumptions are false, such that the data do not reliably serve the purposes they were generated for. I conclude by laying out the ways in which my analysis of data quality is relevant to, and informed by, recent debates about the replicability of experimental results.
Erosion of sand screens by solid particles: a review of experimental investigations
Authors: Abduljabbar Abdullah , Mohyaldinn Mysara Eissa , Younis Obai , Alghurabi Ahmed , Alakbari Fahd Saeed
Published: February 2022

In oil and gas industry, sand can be carried with oil and gas, when producing from unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs. The existence of sand particles with fluids flow can lead to severe damages to production system’s components. Therefore, sand control techniques are needed to prevent potential damages. Standalone sand screens (SAS) are widely used because they can provide reliable sand control with low cost and low complexity. However, SAS application can become disadvantageous because of mechanical erosion due to sand particle impingement. The experimental investigation of sand screens erosion is challenging, as the measurements are to be carried out for a representative SAS material and geometry at laboratory-scale simulated conditions. The simulated conditions should mimic the real flow conditions, which involve many interrelated parameters. Some of these parameters are related to the entrained sand particles (i.e., particle shape, size and, concentration) while other parameters are related to the flow characteristics (i.e., flow velocity and fluid properties). In this review, the key factors influencing sand screens erosion are described, and erosion mechanisms are highlighted. In addition, experimental results showing the effects of key parameters on SAS erosion are discussed and evaluated. Also, challenges associated with previous studies, along with a proposed outlook to overcome those challenges, are presented. It has been found that the limitations of the previous studies are related to test setup and flow direction, particle–particle interaction, and particle–fluid interaction considerations. This review highlighted noticeable research gaps in sand screens erosion measurements that can be considered in future.
An overview of sociotechnical research on maritime energy efficiency
Authors: Viktorelius Martin , Varvne Hanna , von Knorring Hannes
Published: February 2022

A qualitative synthesis is presented covering the literature on operational energy efficiency in shipping based on research from a sociotechnical perspective. Three themes were identified, using thematic analysis, as particularly significant for the management of energy: (i) cooperation, communication, and knowledge sharing between stakeholders; (ii) organizational information processing (cognitive bottlenecks and sense making practices); and (iii) professional education and training. We conclude that while previous research has uncovered many of the barriers to increasing energy efficiency, few studies have examined the interdependence of practices and technologies underlying organizational cognitive systems and change. The identified research gap calls for more longitudinal process-based case studies investigating the design, implementation, and use of information technologies supporting organizational planning and decision-making required for improving energy efficiency.
Does Regular Physical Activity Mitigate the Age-Associated Decline in Pulmonary Function?
Authors: Burtscher Johannes , Millet Grégoire P. , Gatterer Hannes , Vonbank Karin , Burtscher Martin
Published: February 2022

Whereas the negative effects of aging and smoking on pulmonary function are undisputed, the potential favorable effects of physical activity on the aging process of the otherwise healthy lung remain controversial. This question is of particular clinical relevance when reduced pulmonary function compromises aerobic exercise capacity (maximal oxygen consumption) and thus contributes to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Here, we discuss whether and when the aging-related decline in pulmonary function limits maximal oxygen consumption and whether, how, and to what extent regular physical activity can slow down this aging process and preserve pulmonary function and maximal oxygen consumption. Age-dependent effects of reduced pulmonary function (i.e., FEV1, the volume that has been exhaled after the first second of forced expiration) on maximal oxygen consumption have been observed in several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Complex interactions between aging-related cellular and molecular processes affecting the lung, and structural and functional deterioration of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems account for the concomitant decline in pulmonary function and maximal oxygen consumption. Consequently, if long-term regular physical activity mitigates some of the aging-related decline in pulmonary function (i.e., FEV1 decline), this could also prevent a steep fall in maximal oxygen consumption. In contrast to earlier research findings, recent large-scale longitudinal studies provide growing evidence for the beneficial effects of physical activity on FEV1. Although further confirmation of those effects is required, these findings provide powerful arguments to start and/or maintain regular physical activity.
Robustness of structural superlubricity beyond rigid models
Authors: Feng Shizhe , Xu Zhiping
Published: February 2022

Structural superlubricity is a theoretical concept stating that the friction force is absent between two rigid, incommensurate crystalline surfaces. However, elasticity of the contact pairs could modify the lattice registry at interfaces by nucleating local slips, favoring commeasure. The validity of structural superlubricity is thus concerned for large-scale systems where the energy cost of elastic distortion to break the lattice registry is low. In this work, we study the size dependence of superlubricity between single-crystal graphite flakes. Molecular dynamics simulations show that with nucleation and propagation of out-of-plane dislocations and strained solitons at Bernal interfaces, the friction force is reduced by one order of magnitude. Elastic distortion is much weaker for non-Bernal or incommensurate ones, remaining notable only at the ends of contact. Lattice self-organization at small twist angles perturbs the state of structural superlubricity through a reconstructed potential energy surface. Theoretical models are developed to illustrate and predict the interfacial elastoplastic behaviors at length scales beyond those in the simulations. These results validate the rigid assumption for graphitic superlubricity systems at microscale, and reveal the intrinsic channels of mechanical energy dissipation. The understandings lay the ground for the design of structural superlubricity applications.
Monolayer Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Metal-Free Catalyst with Enhanced Performance in Photo- and Electro-Catalysis
Authors: Piao Huiyan , Choi Goeun , Jin Xiaoyan , Hwang Seong-Ju , Song Young Jae , Cho Sung-Pyo , Choy Jin-Ho
Published: February 2022

Highlights

The g-C3N4 monolayer in the perfect 2D limit was successfully realized, for the first time, by the well-defined chemical strategy based on the bottom-up process.

The most striking evidence was made from Cs–high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements by observing directly the atomic structure of g-C3N4 unit cell, which was again supported by the corresponding high resolution transmission electron microscopy image simulation results.

We demonstrated that the newly prepared g-C3N4 monolayer showed outstanding photocatalytic activity for H2O2 generation as well as excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction.

The exfoliation of bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) into monolayer has been intensively studied to induce maximum surface area for fundamental studies, but ended in failure to realize chemically and physically well-defined monolayer of g-C3N4 mostly due to the difficulty in reducing the layer thickness down to an atomic level. It has, therefore, remained as a challenging issue in two-dimensional (2D) chemistry and physics communities. In this study, an “atomic monolayer of g-C3N4 with perfect two-dimensional limit” was successfully prepared by the chemically well-defined two-step routes. The atomically resolved monolayer of g-C3N4 was also confirmed by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. In addition, the experimental Cs-HRTEM image was collected, for the first time, which was in excellent agreement with the theoretically simulated; the evidence of monolayer of g-C3N4 in the perfect 2D limit becomes now clear from the HRTEM image of orderly hexagonal symmetry with a cavity formed by encirclement of three adjacent heptazine units. Compared to bulk g-C3N4, the present g-C3N4 monolayer showed significantly higher photocatalytic generation of H2O2 and H2, and electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction. In addition, its photocatalytic efficiency for H2O2 production was found to be the best for any known g-C3N4 nanomaterials, underscoring the remarkable advantage of monolayer formation in optimizing the catalyst performance of g-C3N4.
Commitment and Resoluteness in Rational Choice
Authors: Andreou Chrisoula
Published: February 2022

Drawing and building on the existing literature, this Element explores the interesting and challenging philosophical terrain where issues regarding cooperation, commitment, and control intersect. Section 1 discusses interpersonal and intrapersonal Prisoner's Dilemma situations, and the possibility of a set of unrestrained choices adding up in a way that is problematic relative to the concerns of the choosers involved. Section 2 focuses on the role of precommitment devices in rational choice. Section 3 considers the role of resoluteness in rational choice and action. Finally, section 4 delves into some related complications concerning the nature of actions and the nature of intentions.
Statistical Methods for Climate Scientists
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Tippett Michael
Published: February 2022

A comprehensive introduction to the most commonly used statistical methods relevant in atmospheric, oceanic and climate sciences. Each method is described step-by-step using plain language, and illustrated with concrete examples, with relevant statistical and scientific concepts explained as needed. Particular attention is paid to nuances and pitfalls, with sufficient detail to enable the reader to write relevant code. Topics covered include hypothesis testing, time series analysis, linear regression, data assimilation, extreme value analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Canonical Correlation Analysis, Predictable Component Analysis, and Covariance Discriminant Analysis. The specific statistical challenges that arise in climate applications are also discussed, including model selection problems associated with Canonical Correlation Analysis, Predictable Component Analysis, and Covariance Discriminant Analysis. Requiring no previous background in statistics, this is a highly accessible textbook and reference for students and early-career researchers in the climate sciences.
Universal Grammar and Iconicity
Authors: Li Yafei
Published: February 2022

Within linguistics, the formal and functional approaches each offer insight into what language might be and how it operates, but so far, there have been hardly any systematic attempts to integrate them into a single theory. This book explores the relationship between universal grammar - the theory that we have an innate mechanism for generating sentences - and iconicity - the resemblance between form and meaning in language. It offers a new theory of their interactions, 'UG-iconicity interface' (UG-I), which shows that not only do universal grammar and iconicity coexist, but in fact collaborate in intricate and predictable ways. The theory explains various recalcitrant cross-linguistic facts surrounding the serial verb constructions, coordination, semantically and categorically obscure 'linkers', the multiple grammatical aspects of the external argument, and non-canonical arguments. This groundbreaking work is essential reading for researchers and postgraduate students in linguistics, as well as scholars in psychology and cognitive science.
A simple model for arbitrary pollution effects on rotating free-surface flows
Authors: Faugaret Antoine , Duguet Yohann , Fraigneau Yann , Martin Witkowski Laurent
Published: February 2022

In an experimental context, the contamination of an air–liquid interface by ambient pollutants can strongly affect the dynamics and the stability of a given flow. In some configurations, the interfacial flow can even be blocked by surface tension effects. A cylindrical free-surface flow driven by a slow rotating disc is considered here as a generic example of such effects and is investigated both experimentally and numerically. We suggest here a simple numerical model, without any superficial transport of the pollutants, adaptable into any code for single-phase flows. For the stationary axisymmetric base flow, the radial velocity at the interface is set to zero whereas the usual stress-free boundary conditions are retained for the perturbations. The model does not feature any free parameter. For a geometrical aspect ratio of 1/4, known to display ambiguous behaviour regarding stability thresholds, the modal selection as well as a nonlinear stability island found in the experiments are well reproduced by the model, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The robustness of the model has also been validated by replacing the radial velocity profile by a more accurate experimental fit, with very little influence on the stability results.
Phenotypic investigation of 4-nitrophenylacetyl- and 4-nitro-1H-imidazoyl-based compounds as antileishmanial agents
Authors: Santos Camila C. , Zhang Huaisheng , Batista Marcos M. , de Oliveira Gabriel M. , Demarque Kelly C. , da Silva Natália L. , Moreira Otacílio C. , Ogungbe Ifedayo Victor , Soeiro Maria de Nazaré Correia
Published: February 2022

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a spectrum of clinical manifestations characterized by severe skin ulcerations that leads to social stigma. There are limited treatment options for CL, and the available drugs are becoming less efficacious due to drug resistance. More efficacious and safer antileishmanial drugs are needed. In this study, the biological effect of seven synthetically accessible nitroaromatic compounds was evaluated in vitro against amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, followed by in vivo evaluation using mouse models of CL. Two compounds (6 and 7) were active against amastigotes in vitro [half-maximal effective concentration (EC50): 4.57 ± 0.08 and 9.19 ± 0.68 μm, respectively], with selectivity indexes >50, and the other compounds were not selective. In vivo, compounds 6 and 7 (10 mg kg−1, twice a day for 14 days) failed to reduce skin lesion sizes and parasite loads determined by light microscopy of lesion imprints and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Nevertheless, the in vitro leishmanicidal efficacy sustained their use as templates for nitroimidazole-based antileishmanial drug discovery programmes focusing on analogues with more suitable properties.
The roles of task, segment type, and attention in L2 perceptual training
Authors: Carlet Angélica , Cebrian Juli
Published: February 2022

Previous studies show that attention plays an important role in second language (L2) phonetic attainment. This study compares the effect of two high variability phonetic training methods (identification (ID) and categorical AX discrimination (DIS)) on specifically targeted sounds and on implicitly exposed but untargeted sounds. Four groups of Spanish/Catalan bilingual learners of English were trained on either a subset of English vowels (/iː ɪ æ ʌ ɜː/) or word-initial and word-final stops. The study also examined if the potential effect of training generalized to new stimuli and persisted two months after training. Results revealed that trainees significantly outperformed the controls in their identification of targeted sounds, and improvement generalized to new stimuli and was maintained after training, showing the efficacy of both training methodologies. However, while all trainees performed similarly with initial stops, ID trainees outperformed DIS trainees in vowel perception. Interestingly, only DIS trainees showed a significant improvement in the perception of untargeted sounds, indicating that this training method (possibly due to the absence of labels and the exposure to two physically present stimuli in each trial) may be more suited to enhance learners’ perception of both targeted and untargeted sounds.