bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporting of methods for automated devices: A systematic review and recommendation for studies using FlowCam for phytoplankton
Authors: Owen Bianca M. , Hallett Chris S. , Cosgrove Jeffrey J. , Tweedley James R. , Moheimani Navid R.
Published: June 2022

Accurate and detailed reporting of methods is essential for scientific progress, yet it is widely accepted that authors across all scientific fields tend to provide insufficient methods detail. Given the recent proliferation of automated and semi‐automated technologies for data collection, to address this widespread issue the details needed for interpretation and reproducibility for each specific technique first need to be identified. A systematic literature review assessed the comprehensiveness of method details reported by 116 peer‐reviewed studies published between 2017 and 2020 using the FlowCam (a widely used imaging flow cytometer) to image phytoplankton, finding all to be lacking in critical details, inhibiting reproducibility, and limiting the veracity of some findings. Through this review and three case studies, we identify several key method details that should be reported by FlowCam studies to ensure their findings are credible, comparable, and replicable and illustrate the wide‐reaching implications for not doing so. Future studies using FlowCam for phytoplankton analyses should ensure clear reporting of all relevant details relating to the FlowCam unit, sample preparation, run settings, post‐processing of images, and the considered use of only verified measurement outputs. A methods reporting template is presented as a guideline intended to enhance the quality, interpretability, and repeatability of future FlowCam papers. The pervasiveness of inadequacies in FlowCam methods reporting identified here highlights how vital it is for users of any automated or semi‐automated scientific technologies to have a clear understanding of the impact of all method details on their findings, and to report these details adequately.
Refining the arithmetical hierarchy of classical principles
Authors: Fujiwara Makoto , Kurahashi Taishi
Published: June 2022

We refine the arithmetical hierarchy of various classical principles by finely investigating the derivability relations between these principles over Heyting arithmetic. We mainly investigate some restricted versions of the law of excluded middle, De Morgan's law, the double negation elimination, the collection principle and the constant domain axiom.
Influence of surface modification on droplet mobility during dropwise condensation
Authors: Balbarona J.A. , Denoga G.J.C. , SalapareIII H.S.
Published: June 2022

A two‐step surface fabrication technique is used to modify the wetting characteristics of copper sheets for heat transfer application. It consists of oxygen plasma treatment that results in the formation of surface nanostructures, and a post‐functionalization process using self‐assembled monolayers. The copper samples are characterized by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Results show that surface roughness, described using hybrid and functional roughness parameters, varies with irradiation power. The plasma‐treated copper samples become superhydrophobic with water contact angles ranging from 150° to 160° after the post‐functionalization. Condensation experiments are conducted to explore the influence of surface wettability on condensate formation. Results show that droplets formed on the superhydrophobic copper sheets are smaller and more mobile with sweep events that are 9x more frequent compared to those on untreated copper sheets. Sweep events are shown to be influenced by surface porosity, which is defined using standard roughness parameters. It is demonstrated that higher surface porosity results to higher sweep interval.
Investigation of sheet thickness in the electromagnetic welding of aluminum‐stainless steel
Authors: Ayaz M. , Khandaei M. , Vahidshad Y.
Published: June 2022

The goal of present research is to investigate the effect of thickness of aluminum, stainless steel and driver sheets on the ultimate tensile strength, weld width and hardness of aluminum‐stainless steel joint in the electromagnetic welding. First, the finite element analysis was applied to predict the joint formation between aluminum and stainless steel sheets by using the weldability window. Then, the experiments were conducted using the response surface methodology and desirability function to attain the desirable values of sheet thickness. Eventually, the microstructure of weld interface was observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the quality of welds. It was observed that the values of ultimate tensile strength, weld width and hardness can be simultaneously improved by selecting the thickness of aluminum, stainless steel and driver at 0.78 mm, 0.37 mm and 0.96 mm respectively. The microstructure analysis exhibited that the detrimental effects of intermetallic layers on the weld strength can be limited by reducing the thickness of intermetallic to 4 μm.
Effect of different precursors on structural and luminescence properties of Mn3O4nanoparticles prepared by co‐precipitation method
Authors: Balamurugan M. , Sivaprakash P. , Sivakumar S. , Ramachandran S. , Saravanan S.
Published: June 2022

Manganese oxide nanomaterials (Mn3O4) have been prepared from manganese salts of two different anions and studied the role of metal precursor. Manganous sulphate monohydrate and manganese oxalate were used as manganese metal precursors. The obtained Mn3O4samples were characterized by x‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐vis absorbance spectra and photoluminescence excitation spectra. The x‐ray diffraction reveals that the prepared nanoparticles are crystalline in nature with tetragonal structure. In addition, the x‐ray diffraction concludes that the lattice parameters were altered with change in the precursors. The transmission electron microscope exhibits the prepared manganese oxide particles were nano in scale between the ranges of 25 nm to 60 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed the presence of manganese oxide. The luminescence intensity of the samples varies depending upon the precursors used. The sample comprising of mixed precursors shows higher luminescence intensity than the samples containing MnSO4 ⋅ H2O and MnC2O4precursors. This is owing to the fact that the surface of the sample has a lower concentration of hydroxyl ions, which was confirmed from the Fourier transform infrared spectra.
Effect of varying chromium and titanium content on corrosion, mechanical and solid particle erosion properties of iron alloy based coating
Authors: Sharma R.K. , Das R.K. , Kumar S.R.
Published: June 2022

In the present study, three different series of iron alloy based coating materials with varying chromium and titanium content (FeMoCSiBCr10, FeMoCSiBCr10Ti10, FeMoCSiBTi10) were deposited on 316L stainless steel using High velocity oxy‐fuel spraying method. The effect of alloying element chromium and titanium on corrosion, mechanical and erosion properties of iron alloy based coating material was evaluated. Corrosion test was performed in the medium of sodium chloride (3.5 wt.%). Mechanical tests were performed in terms of micro‐hardness and fracture toughness. The solid particle erosion test of iron based coating materials was performed according to steady state condition by varying impact speed and impingement angle. The finding of results indicated that in case of 10 wt.% titanium, the micro‐hardness and fracture toughness was increased by 25.6 % and 16 % respectively, whereas in case of 10 wt.% chromium, the micro‐hardness and fracture toughness was increased by 20.6 % and 9.8 % respectively. It can be concluded for the selection of an alloying element in an iron alloy based coating material, titanium should be given preference over chromium to get better mechanical and solid particle erosion properties whereas chromium should be given preference over titanium to get better corrosion properties.
Synthetic pro‐peptide design to enhance the secretion of heterologous proteins by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cho Ji Sung , Oh Hye Ji , Jang Young Eun , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Areum , Song Jong‐Am , Lee Eun Jung , Lee Jeewon
Published: June 2022

Heterologous protein production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a useful and effective strategy with many advantages, including the secretion of proteins that require posttranslational processing. However, heterologous proteins in S. cerevisiae are often secreted at comparatively low levels. To improve the production of the heterologous protein, human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (hG‐CSF) in S. cerevisiae, a secretion‐enhancing peptide cassette including an hIL‐1β‐derived pro‐peptide, was added and used as a secretion enhancer to alleviate specific bottlenecks in the yeast secretory pathway. The effects of three key parameters—N‐glycosylation, net negative charge balance, and glycine‐rich flexible linker—were investigated in batch cultures of S. cerevisiae. Using a three‐stage design involving screening, selection, and optimization, the production and secretion of hG‐CSF by S. cerevisiae were significantly increased. The amount of extracellular mature hG‐CSF produced by the optimized pro‐peptide after the final stage increased by 190% compared to that of the original pro‐peptide. Although hG‐CSF was used as the model protein in the current study, this strategy is applicable to the enhanced production of other heterologous proteins, using S. cerevisiae as the host.
Rational Design of Biaxial Tensile Strain for Boosting Electronic and Ionic Conductivities of Na2MnSiO4 for Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sakata Gurmesa Gamachis , Teshome Tamiru , Ermias Benti Natei , Ayalneh Tiruye Girum , Datta Ayan , Setarge Mekonnen Yedilfana , Amente Geffe Chernet
Published: June 2022

Using first‐principles calculations, biaxial tensile (ϵ=2 and 4 %) and compressive (ϵ=−2 and −4 %) straining of Na2MnSiO4 lattices resulted into radial distance cut offs of 1.65 and 2 Å, respectively, in the first and second nearest neighbors shell from the center. The Si−O and Mn−O bonds with prominent probability density peaks validated structural stability. Wide‐band gap of 2.35 (ϵ=0 %) and 2.54 eV (ϵ=−4 %), and narrow bandgap of 2.24 eV (ϵ=+4 %) estimated with stronger coupling of p–d σ bond than that of the p–d π bond, mainly contributed from the oxygen p‐state and manganese d‐state. Na+‐ion diffusivity was found to be enhanced by three orders of magnitude as the applied biaxial strain changed from compressive to tensile. According to the findings, the rational design of biaxial strain would improve the ionic and electronic conductivity of Na2MnSiO4 cathode materials for advanced rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries.
A New ‘Off–On’ System Based on Core‐Substituted Naphthalene Diimide with Dimethylamine for Reversible Acid–Base Sensing
Authors: More Vishal G. , Nadimetla Dinesh N. , Zalmi Geeta A. , Gawade Vilas K. , Jadhav Ratan W. , Mane Yogesh D. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: June 2022

A new ‘Off–On’ system designed and synthesised by functionalisation of a naphthalene diimide (NDI) core with dimethylamine produces 4,9‐bis(dimethylamino)‐2,7‐dioctylbenzo[lmn][3,8]‐phenanthroline‐1,3,6,8‐(2H,7H)‐tetraone, abbreviated as DDPT (1). DDPT 1 was synthesised using a simple strategy, namely aromatic nucleophilic substitution using Br2‐NDI with dimethylamine at 110 °C. DDPT was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. DDPT 1 was then used for optical studies through protonation of its dimethylamine core with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), blue‐shifting the absorption band from 600 nm to 545 nm in solution. Interestingly, the fluorescence of DDPT 1 is weak in solution with a quantum yield Φ=0.09, which is significantly enhanced to Φ=0.78 upon addition of TFA. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to 2.77 nm. Furthermore, DDPT 1 can be used for naked eyed detection not only under UV light (365 nm) but also using visible light, as clear changes can be clearly seen upon addition of TFA. The binding constant of DDPT was calculated to 2.1×10−3 m−1. Importantly, DDPT 1 showed reversible switching by alternative addition of acid (TFA) and base (triethylamine) without loss of activity. Immobilised on paper, DDPT 1 can be used for strip‐test sensing in which the colour changes from blue to reddish when expose to TFA vapours and reverse in the presence of triethylamine vapours.
Reference nodule transcriptomes for Melilotus officinalis and Medicago sativa cv. Algonquin
Authors: Huang Rui , Snedden Wayne A. , diCenzo George C.
Published: June 2022

Host/symbiont compatibility is a hallmark of the symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing interaction between rhizobia and legumes, mediated in part by plant‐produced nodule‐specific cysteine‐rich (NCR) peptides and the bacterial BacA membrane protein that can act as a NCR peptide transporter. In addition, the genetic and metabolic properties supporting symbiotic nitrogen fixation often differ between compatible partners, including those sharing a common partner, highlighting the need for multiple study systems. Here, we report high‐quality nodule transcriptome assemblies for Medicago sativa cv. Algonquin and Melilotus officinalis, two legumes able to form compatible symbioses with Sinorhizobium meliloti. The compressed M. sativa and M. officinalis assemblies consisted of 79,978 and 64,593 contigs, respectively, of which 33,341 and 28,278 were assigned putative annotations, respectively. As expected, the two transcriptomes showed broad similarity at a global level. We were particularly interested in the NCR peptide profiles of these plants, as these peptides drive bacterial differentiation during the symbiosis. A total of 412 and 308 NCR peptides were predicted from the M. sativa and M. officinalis transcriptomes, respectively, with approximately 9% of the transcriptome of both species consisting of NCR transcripts. Notably, transcripts encoding highly cationic NCR peptides (isoelectric point > 9.5), which are known to have antimicrobial properties, were ∼2‐fold more abundant in M. sativa than in M. officinalis, and ∼27‐fold more abundant when considering only NCR peptides in the six‐cysteine class. We hypothesize that the difference in abundance of highly cationic NCR peptides explains our previous observation that some rhizobial bacA alleles which can support symbiosis with M. officinalis are unable to support symbiosis with M. sativa.
A simple lattice projection method for estimating conformer strain energies using diamond or Lonsdaleite lattices to identify atomistic steric interactions and dihedral strain
Authors: Fodor Matthew D. , Hughes Thomas S.
Published: June 2022

A model for visualizing and estimating the strain energies of acyclic alkanes and substituted cyclohexanes and cyclopentanes has been described. This model relies upon an atomistic depiction of a particular conformer superimposed upon the requisite lattice, diamond or Lonsdaleite, to identify strain elements associated with eclipsed bonds and/or van der Waals interactions. To test the validity of this approach, the estimated strain energies obtained from the lattice model were compared against the corresponding density functional theory (DFT) energies derived at the B3LYP/6‐311+G** level of theory. The results show excellent correlation with linear best fit equation E (Lattice Model) = 1.01 E (DFT) and an R2 of 0.994. The average error in the lattice model estimate is 0.26 kcal/mol using a set of eight parameters optimized to a set of substituted cyclohexane, decalin, and cyclopentane envelope conformers.x
Combined impact of UV radiation and nitric acid on high‐density polyethylene containers as a laboratory test
Authors: Geburtig Anja , Wachtendorf Volker , Falkenhagen Jana
Published: June 2022

In a laboratory test, transparent high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) jerrycans have been exposed to both UV radiation and 55 wt‐% nitric acid solution at (41 ± 2)°C, for up to 20 days. For comparison, UV radiant exposure (21 days) and nitric acid exposure (up to 6 weeks) were performed separately, at nearly equal temperatures. The damages are compared with FTIR spectroscopy in ATR and HT‐gel permeation chromatography(GPC) on a molecular level and with hydraulic internal pressure testing as a component test. For the used jerrycans, relevant oxidation can only be found after the combined exposure. This is caused by the decomposition of nitric acid into nitrous gases by UV radiation, which is also observed at lower concentrations (28 wt‐%). After 6 days of laboratory exposure, this is rated as critical, which corresponds to about 1/10 year in Central Europe, according to the UV radiant exposure. The gradual increase in oxidative damage shows the reproducibility of the test.
A theoretical simulation of the magnetic properties of nanocomposites based on graphene nanoflakes
Authors: Cheranovskii Vladyslav O. , Slavin Victor V. , Tchougréeff Andrei L. , Dronskowski Richard V.
Published: June 2022

Using exact diagonalization, the density matrix renormalization group approach and the quantum Monte‐Carlo method, we studied the peculiarities of the magnetization profiles and the possibility of spin switching for the Heisenberg spin models of low‐dimensional composite magnets formed by graphene nanoclusters and complex transition‐metal compounds. For these models, we found the presence of intermediate plateaus in the low‐temperature magnetization profiles, which is in agreement with known experimental and theoretical studies of the magnetization profiles of nanostructured magnets with the ferrimagnetic spin ordering in the ground state. For spin‐chain model of composite magnets proposed, we also found a possibility of single and double spin switching with the macroscopic jump of the ground state spin results from frustrated spin interactions.
Broncholith‐associated mucus plug mimicking lung cancer
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshiaki , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Yokoyama Akihito
Published: June 2022

Key message

A mucus plug caused by bronchial obstruction of a broncholith may mimic lung cancer, and bronchoscopic removal of the broncholith was useful for differential diagnosis.
Single Lithium Ion Conducting “Binderlyte” for High‐Performing Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Santiago Alexander , Sanchez‐Diez Eduardo , Oteo Uxue , Aldalur Itziar , Echeverría María , Armand Michel , Martinez‐Ibañez María , Zhang Heng
Published: June 2022

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are deemed as a viable solution to improve the power and/or energy density of the contemporary lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, poor Li‐ion diffusivity within high‐energy cathodes causes sluggish kinetics of the corresponding redox reactions particularly at high C‐rates, thereby largely impeding the performance of rechargeable LMBs. In this work, a dual‐functional single Li‐ion conducting polysalt is proposed as both catholyte and binding agent (coined “Binderlyte”) for rechargeable LMBs. The designed Binderlyte is thermally and electrochemically stable, allowing its use for high‐energy cathodes like Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2 (NMC111). The implementation of designer Binderlyte endows the Li° || NMC111 cell with superior cycling stability and capacity retention even at an extremely high C‐rate of 10C. In particular, the soft and flexible nature of the Binderlyte allows the thick NMC cathode to operate at extremely low porosity (20 vol%) with almost no capacity decay. This work may provide a paradigm shift on the design of innovative polymeric materials, which are essential for developing high‐performing rechargeable LMBs.
The munchies: Marijuana legalization and food sales in Washington
Authors: Hodge Timothy R. , Hazel Cooper
Published: June 2022

This paper uses the differential timing and varying degree of recreational marijuana access across Washington counties to estimate the relationship between recreational marijuana sales and food sales. Using panel event study design methods over a period that covers the emergence of Washington's retail marijuana industry, we find a statistically significant increase in taxable food sales without evidence of an increase in or substitution away from other food categories. Specifically, the introduction of recreational marijuana sales increases per capita taxable food sales by 5% to 6% and a 1% increase in marijuana sales increases per capita taxable food sales by 0.018%. These findings imply there may be additional tax revenue and health costs that need to be included in the recreational marijuana debate.
Pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachis following sinoscopy in an adult horse
Authors: Dash Rupert Frederick , Spiesshofer Pius , Morgan Rhiannon Emma , Perrier Melanie
Published: June 2022

A horse presented to the referral hospital for pyrexia and unilateral nasal discharge. Computed tomographic examination demonstrated changes consistent with unilateral primary sinusitis. Frontal and rostral maxillary trephination facilitated sinoscopy and lavage of the paranasal sinuses. Postoperatively, subcutaneous emphysema of the head and neck developed and upon further investigation pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachis were diagnosed on radiographic examination. The trephine portals were the likely entry point of the subcutaneous emphysema; gas then dissected through the fascial planes of the neck into the mediastinum. It is hypothesised that gas also extended along cervical fascial planes and through intervertebral foramina to enter the spinal canal causing pneumorrhachis. This is accordant with cases in human medicine and current understanding of mediastinal anatomy. The horse recovered with conservative management; however, it is noteworthy that pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachis are potential complications of sinoscopy. Pneumothorax can subsequently develop, which could be life threatening.
Peri‐anaesthetic management of three dogs undergoing renal transplantation surgery
Authors: Wilson Jordan N. , Douglas Hope , Aronson Lillian R.
Published: June 2022

This report describes the perioperative anaesthetic management of three dogs undergoing renal transplant surgery at the University of Pennsylvania using a familial donor kidney. All three cases were pre‐medicated with morphine for preoperative sedation and analgesia. Two cases were induced with a combination of fentanyl, midazolam and propofol. One case was induced with etomidate and midazolam. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and an opioid constant‐rate infusion in all three cases, with one case also receiving a ketamine constant‐rate infusion throughout the anaesthetic procedure. Intraoperative complications that were corrected included hypotension (N = 2), hypokalaemia (N = 2), hyperkalaemia (N = 2), metabolic and respiratory acidosis (N = 2), low colloid‐oncotic pressure (N = 2), tachycardia (N = 1), bradycardia (N = 1) and anaemia secondary to intraoperative haemorrhage (N = 1). All dogs survived to be discharged from the hospital. The total survival times were 623, 350 and 46 days, which are longer than the previously reported median survival time of 24 days from discharge.
Visual Social Relationships of Memes and Selfies, and How They Imply Touch
Authors: Andreallo Fiona
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, I examine literature focusing on visual social relationships of selfies and memes to expose current theories about how these visually defined practices communicate through Touch. Furthermore, I argue that the literature essentially locates selfies and memes as practices of Touch, including the fundamentals of gestural, embodied and multimodal practice. The proliferation of research suggesting that selfies and memes act as practices of Touch flags an urgent need for research addressing socially networked relationships of Touch.
How Touch Works in Everyday Networked Social Relationships
Authors: Andreallo Fiona
Published: June 2022

This chapter presents a way to begin mapping Touch in everyday networked practices by examining how Touch is culturally significant. Extending from the previous chapter, networked Touch is first identified as embodied and multimodal. The five fundamentals of the cultural mode of Touch—identified as connection, engagement, contiguity, differentiation and positioning—are then located for how they are culturally significant in everyday relationships. Finally, acknowledging networked social relationships as embodied and multimodal, I argue that visual social relationships can be understood as practices of Touch and mapped through close examination of the fundamentals of Touch. Furthermore, the fundamentals (as a map) could potentially be used to investigate the technological self beyond visual social relationships.
Mapping Touch of (Ugly) Selfies, Memes, and Jokes as Forms of Intimacy and Violence
Authors: Andreallo Fiona
Published: June 2022

To further consider the ways Touch both enables and constrains bodies and ways of being, this chapter examines Touch as including forms of both intimacy and violence. Extending from the implicit understandings of selfies and memes as Touch (Chap.10.1007/978-3-030-94316-5_2) and the initial mapping of Touch (Chap.10.1007/978-3-030-94316-5_3), the PrettyGirlsUglyFaces meme (and the selfies that make up the meme) is used as an example to consider selfies and memes as intimacy and violence. Then, drawing on the fundamentals of Touch (Chap.10.1007/978-3-030-94316-5_3), I begin to plot a map of Touch, identifying how the example meme and selfies act as intimate connections that are positioned in a culture of violence. Central to this chapter is the identification of the joke’s importance to the positioning of visual conversations in social networks. As a form of Touch, the joke is identified as both enabling and constraining intimacy and violence. Examining memes and selfies as practices of connectivity and symbolic violence further recognises Touch for the ways it culturally both enables and constrains bodies and identifications.
Semeful Sociabilities: Socially Networked Photography as Embodied Relationships of Touch
Authors: Andreallo Fiona
Published: June 2022

In this chapter, I define cultural semes in response to academic discussions of technological seams. Discussions of technological seams are divided by aspirations of seamlessness and seamfulness. Seamlessness aims towards technology being seamlessly integrated into our everyday relationships. Arguments ofseamfulness are driven by a focus on user empowerment and how seamlessness acts as a form of social control. In this context,semefulness focuses explicitly on the significance and meanings of Touch in human–technology physical relationships. Identifying social media and the technological self as embodied and drawing on the findings throughout this book, I propose the term “semeful sociabilities” to describe networked social media practices of the technological self, recognising visual social relationships as culturally meaningful practices of Touch.
Key Takeaways and Prospective Research
Authors: Andreallo Fiona
Published: June 2022

This chapter outlines the book’s key takeaways and future research trajectories, emphasising that Touch is a key cultural communicative aspect of social media relationships, and more broadly of digitally networked relationships. I summarise the key argument of each chapter, then drawing these arguments together, I locate and define the key aspects of “semeful sociabilities” as a means to map Touch of digitally networked social relationships and to describe the technological self as meaningful (semeful) and part of meaning-making processes. Mapping Touch is a means through which selfies and memes (as fundamental elements of everyday cultural communication and embodied networked practices) can be explored as meaningful cultural relationships, exposing the social, cultural and political realities of everyday socialities. Future trajectories for semeful sociabilities include application to a range of other memes and selfies, and to networked social relationships beyond visual. Furthermore, I propose that mapping Touch (to identify semeful social relationships) can provide insight into investigations and mapping of automated systems. Semeful sociabilities has the potential to identify and expose the semefulness (meanings) and impact of seamless systems and gain a better understanding of ourselves as humans as we design our technological futures.
Bowing to a New Emperor: Three Different Missionary Perspectives on the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Schindler Georg
Published: June 2022

This contribution further questions the assumption of a consistently colonial gaze by European travellers to Asia, by carefully connecting Catholic imaginations of Asia as a geopolitical space with reflections on the necessity of European audience to understand Chinese political rule and legitimacy. Hence, it is necessary to propose a more nuanced framework to investigate the impact of the Qing conquest of China on Catholic evaluations of the political situation in East Asia. In the sixteenth and seventeenth century, China is described as a highly developed country, and the question is how to adjust such a vision within the new political reality. A variety of answers are given by Catholic missionaries, depending on their personal experiences, political theories and theological stances. In particular, the essay presents three perspectives towards the new Qing dynasty, presenting texts by Adam Schall, Martino Martini and Domingo Fernanéz de Navarette.
New and innovative microwave-assisted technology for synthesis of guar gum-grafted acrylamide hydrogel superabsorbent for the removal of acid red 8 dye from industrial wastewater
Authors: Batouti Mervette El , Sadik Wagih , Eldemerdash Abdel Ghaffar , Hanafy Esra , Fetouh Howida Abouel
Published: June 2022

The goal of this study is to develop a new effective guar gum-grafted acrylamide hydrogel for wastewater treatment, abbreviated as (guar gum-g-acrylamide). For the non-biodegradable and hazardous synthetic acid red 8, the produced guar gum-g-acrylamide hydrogel is a promising thermally stable adsorbent. Microwave-aided technique, ammonium persulfate initiator, and N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide cross-linker are used to make a hydrogel comprising natural polysaccharides guar gum grafted by poly acrylamide. Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrate that varied percentages of acrylamide successfully graft the backbone of guar gum. When the grafting percentage of acrylamide is raised, the hydrogel’s maximum adsorption capacity (qe) increases. At pH 1 of dye solution, maximum adsorption capacity (qe) is 18 mg.g−1, at pH 9; qe is decreased up to 8 mg.g−1. At 0.5 g.L−1 hydrogel, the dye has a low removal percentage (34%), but when the hydrogel dosage is increased to 8 g.L−1, the removal percentage increases to 90%. When the initial AR8 dye concentration was increased from 50 to 300 mg.L−1, the removal percentage reduced to 20% and the adsorbed quantity dye increased from 17 to 44 mg.g−1, but both parameters became limited above this dye concentration. Other ideal conditions for AR8 dye removal by the hydrogel include 60 min of contact time, 150 revolutions per minute (rpm), and a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. The AR8 dye adsorption kinetic is pseudo-second order, assuming electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged AR8 dye molecules and the positively charged hydrogel-functional group. The adsorption values fit the Langmuir isotherm, with qmax. of 54.054 mg.g−1. The adsorbed quantity (qe) decreases as the temperature rises, indicating that dye molecules physisorbed on the hydrogel pores, and the maximum adsorption capacity is at 20 °C. The exothermic and spontaneity of adsorption were confirmed by the negative values of heat of adsorption (∆H°ads.) and standard Gibbs free energy of adsorption (∆G°ads.). The reusability of the hydrogel was validated after three cycles of desorption of AR8 dye from the hydrogel surface in alkaline solution.
Laryngeal function-preserving of frontolateral vertical partial laryngectomy (FLVPL) for selected T4a glottic cancer with thyroid cartilage invasion adherence to the anterior commissure: an innovative attempt
Authors: Yan Honghong , Wu Di , Mai Jun-hao , Zhao Zheng , Xu Pengfei , Liao Lieqiang , Lin Hongsheng , Zhang Xin-rui , Liu Xue-Kui
Published: June 2022

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy in selected T4a glottic cancer (thyroid cartilage invasion adherence to the anterior commissure) treated with frontolateral vertical partial laryngectomy (FLVPL) and laryngeal framework reconstruction using titanium mesh.

Methods

Six patients with the limited T4a glottic cancer with thyroid cartilage destruction adherence to the anterior commissure, underwent FLVPL from 2009 to 2016 in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center. All patients were followed up postoperatively.

Results

All patients comprised radical tumor resection and favorable functional outcomes, and no aspiration and laryngeal stenosis were observed. According to postoperative pathology, four patients should go through postsurgical radiotherapy with a mean dose of 66 Gy. But one of them refused to undergo postoperative radiotherapy, who observed local recurrence in postcricoid area underwent total laryngectomy (TL) and ipsilateral selected neck dissection in post-surgery two year. During follow-up period, all patients were still alive, and five patients without local recurrence and distant metastases.

Conclusion

FLVPL and laryngeal framework reconstruction using titanium mesh is one viable surgical procedure to obtain adequate oncologic and functional outcomes.
Combined long-term enriched environment and caffeine supplementation improve memory function in C57Bl6 mice
Authors: Stazi Martina , Zampar Silvia , Nadolny Madeleine , Büschgens Luca , Meyer Thomas , Wirths Oliver
Published: June 2022

Regular physical activity has been associated with healthy brain aging, reflected by beneficial effects on cognition and learning and memory. Nutritional supplements such as caffeine have been shown to act as cognitive enhancers and may possess neuroprotective properties. Interestingly, caffeine also improves athletic capabilities and is widely used by athletes because of its performance-enhancing effect, while information on potential additive beneficial effects of physical activity and caffeine on cognitive performance is scarce. In the present study, the effects of caffeine supplementation in combination with prolonged physical and cognitive stimulation in the form of the enriched environment (EE) housing for a duration of 4 months were analyzed. We demonstrate that caffeine supplementation together with prolonged environmental enrichment led to enhanced memory function, resulting in improved recognition and spatial working memory in behavioral paradigms such as the novel object recognition task or the Morris water maze in C57Bl6 wild-type mice. Mice housed under EE conditions showed increased gene expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. The present findings underscore the potential impact of continuous physical activity in the prevention of age-related cognitive decline and may offer new options for combinatorial approaches.
Comparison of 3-year outcomes of photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in a European cohort
Authors: Liu Siyin , Chhabra Ramandeep
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Combined use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) agents, such as ranibizumab (IVR) or aflibercept (IVA), has been shown to be effective for treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). However, it is currently not well established which anti-VEGF agent provides superior outcomes for performing combination therapy. The present study compares the visual outcomes and re-treatment burden of combination therapy of PDT with either IVR or IVA in a European cohort of patients with PCV.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was done on PCV patients who had received combination therapy of PDT with either IVR or IVA. The demographic characteristics, visual outcome, and anti-VEGF re-treatment exposures were analysed and compared.

Results

A total of forty-four eyes (n = 11 male, 25%) were included in the analysis: 7 patients received IVR, 19 started with IVR but switched to IVA (IVS), and 18 received IVA, in combination with PDT. The BCVA improved in all three groups at 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, 30-, and 36-month follow-ups after PDT, although the improvement was not statistically significant in the IVR group. The number of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections required/year after PDT was significantly fewer than before PDT. Significantly less eyes in the IVS group attained a good visual acuity of more than 70 ETDRS letters at the final visit.

Conclusion

Both IVR and IVA combined with PDT were effective treatments for the European cohort of patients with PCV. In eyes refractory to IVR, performing PDT promptly may be more beneficial than switching to IVA.
Germline specification and axis determination in viviparous and oviparous pea aphids: conserved and divergent features
Authors: Lin Gee-Way , Chung Chen-yo , Cook Charles E. , Lin Ming-Der , Lee Wen-Chih , Chang Chun-che
Published: June 2022

Aphids are hemimetabolous insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis without pupation. The annual life cycle of most aphids includes both an asexual (viviparous) and a sexual (oviparous) phase. Sexual reproduction only occurs once per year and is followed by many generations of asexual reproduction, during which aphids propagate exponentially with telescopic development. Here, we discuss the potential links between viviparous embryogenesis and derived developmental features in the pea aphidAcyrthosiphon pisum, particularly focusing on germline specification and axis determination, both of which are key events of early development in insects. We also discuss potential evolutionary paths through which both viviparous and oviparous females might have come to utilize maternal germ plasm to drive germline specification. This developmental strategy, as defined by germline markers, has not been reported in other hemimetabolous insects. In viviparous females, furthermore, we discuss whether molecules that in other insects characterize germ plasm, like Vasa, also participate in posterior determination and how the anterior localization of thehunchbackorthologueAp-hbestablishes the anterior-posterior axis. We propose that the linked chain of developing oocytes and embryos within each ovariole and the special morphology of early embryos might have driven the formation of evolutionary novelties in germline specification and axis determination in the viviparous aphids. Moreover, based upon the finding that the endosymbiontBuchnera aphidicolais closely associated with germ cells throughout embryogenesis, we propose presumptive roles forB. aphidicolain aphid development, discussing how it might regulate germline migration in both reproductive modes of pea aphids. In summary, we expect that this review will shed light on viviparous as well as oviparous development in aphids.
Beeinflussen moderne Informationssysteme die Wahl der Klinik bei Patienten mit Gefäßpathologien?
Authors: Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander , Koberstein Nadine , Schäfer Alexander E. , Zerwes Sebastian , Böckler Dittmar
Published: June 2022

Hintergrund

Die Entscheidung, selbstständig eine Klinik zu wählen, ist für Patienten wichtig. Durch Digitalisierung und Mobilität besteht Wahlmöglichkeit. Durch die zunehmende Nutzung des Internets könnte dies an Bedeutung gewinnen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Erfassung verschiedener Wege der Informationsbeschaffung, Analyse der Einflussfaktoren auf die Nutzung digitaler Medien und die Wahl der behandelnden Kliniken.

Material und Methoden

Prospektive, systematische, monozentrische Analyse (2014–2015) aller ambulanten Patienten der Klinik für Gefäßchirurgie und Endovaskuläre Chirurgie Heidelberg. Zum einen wurden mithilfe von Fragebögen demografische Daten und Fragen hinsichtlich des Entscheidungsprozesses zur Klinikwahl und zum Internetverhalten analysiert. Zum anderen wurde mithilfe des „European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Questionnaire“ (EQ5) gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität ermittelt.

Ergebnisse

Die Studienteilnahme lag nach Drop-out bei 36,1 %. Die 814 Teilnehmer waren im Durchschnitt 64,8 Jahre alt, 2/3 waren Männer (66,1). Sie waren signifikant älter als Frauen (61,8). Der errechnete EQ5-Index ergab im Durchschnitt 0,79 (visuelle Analogskala 64,60). Männer gaben eine signifikant höhere Lebensqualität als Frauen an. Es bestand kein Zusammenhang zwischen Alter und Lebensqualität. Wichtigste Entscheidungskriterien zur Klinikwahl waren: Empfehlung des Arztes, guter Ruf und Erreichbarkeit der Klinik. 50 % der Teilnehmer, insbesondere jüngere Patienten mit höherer Lebensqualität, nutzten für die Klinikwahl auch das Internet.

Diskussion

Diese Studie konnte zeigen, dass es noch nicht das moderne Informationssystem Internet ist, weswegen sich Patienten für eine Klinik entscheiden. Der Arzt wird als Entscheidungsgrundlage präferiert. Das Internet ist für jüngere Patienten mit höherer Lebensqualität von Wichtigkeit.
An analysis about the accuracy of geographic profiling in relation to the number of observations and the buffer zone
Authors: Santosuosso Ugo , Papini Alessio
Published: June 2022

Geographic Profiling (GP) attempts to reconstruct the spreading centre of a series of events due to the same cause. The result of the analysis provides an approximated localization of the spreading centre within an area (often represented as a red red), where the probability of finding it is higher than a given threshold (typically 95%). The analysis has as an assumption that the events will be likely to occur at very low probability around the spreading centre, in a ring-shaped zone called the buffer zone. Obvious examples are series of crimes perpetrated by an offender (unwilling to perpetrate offences close to home), or the localities of spread of an invasive species, where the buffer zone, if present, depends on the biological features of the species. Our first aim was to show how the addition of new events may change the preliminary approximate localization of the spreading centre. The analyses of the simulated data showed that if B, the parameter used to represent the radius of the buffer zone, varies within a range of 10% from the real value, after a low number of events (7–8), the method yields converging results in terms of distance between the barycentre of the red zone and the “real” user provided spreading centre of a simulated data set. The convergence occurs more slowly with the increase in inaccuracy of B. These results provide further validity to the method of the GP, showing that even an approximate choice of the B value can be sufficient for an accurate location of the spreading centre. The results allow also to quantify how many samples are needed in relation to the uncertainty of the chosen parameters, to obtain feasible results.
Assessing the Efficacy of Contextualized Group Counseling Education in Asia: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Sing-Kiat Ting Rachel , Jian-Ai Thong Justine , Lim Joy Yung-Re , Jones Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

Many experiential learning teaching models are developed in Western cultures, with their efficacy not tested in non-Western cultures, especially in counseling education. This study examined the learning experiences of students (n = 52) enrolled in a culturally contextualized experiential teaching method implemented across a 3-year period in a Malaysian university Masters-level group counseling course. The course changes included group demonstrations by lecturers and peers, live group participation and observation, group dynamics map drawing and debriefing, paired group proposal writing and presentation, and group note- taking. This study adopted a mixed method approach with a short survey consisting of both standardized scales and open-ended questions, administered at the beginning and end of each 12-week semester. Archival data on students’ evaluation was also retrieved from the year before the intervention, to compare with the 3 years of intervention. Results showed a statistically significant improvement in students’ perceived group leadership skills and leadership characteristics at the end of the course. Students’ overall satisfaction with the course quality also improved significantly from the year prior to the implementation of the new teaching method. Qualitative coding identified three major themes–active learning classroom that led to confidence in group counseling knowledge and skills; experiential activities in the tutorial sessions, with opportunities to carry out their proposed group activities; and formative feedback given throughout the semester during tutorial settings contributing to the higher course satisfaction rate. To conclude, we discuss the implications of contextualized experiential learning for higher education counseling pedagogy in the Asian region.
Alginate modified graphene oxide for rapid and effective sorption of some heavy metal ions from an aqueous solution
Authors: Abd-Elhamid A. I. , Elgoud E. M. Abu , Aly H. F.
Published: June 2022

Herein, we investigated a new strategy to modify the graphene oxide (GO) with sodium alginate (SA) using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as a binding agent. The graphene oxide-sodium alginate composite was highly loaded with carboxylate (–COO−Na+) groups, which permitted fast and efficient interaction with the metal ions. Therefore, the prepared composite was employed as an efficient adsorbent to uptake some heavy metals from an aqueous solution. The as-synthesized GO-SA was characterized by various advanced techniques before and after the removal process. The analysis of the experimental data showed that the Langmuir model fits well the adsorption data with maximum adsorption capacities of 887.21, 161.25, and 139.62 mg g−1 for Pb2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+, respectively. Moreover, the GO-SA presented a good regeneration and reuse ability, enhancing the removal rate for all the studied metal ions. In addition, the prepared composite showed a suitable selectivity for Pb2+ from Zn2+, and Cd2+ co-existed solution.
Genomics facilitates evaluation and monitoring of McCloud River Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss stonei)
Authors: Habibi Ensieh , Miller Michael R. , Gille Daphne , Sanders Leigh , Rodzen Jeff , Aurniger Grace M. , Stephens Molly , Finger Amanda J.
Published: June 2022

The McCloud River Redband Trout (MRRT; Oncorhynchus mykiss stonei) is a unique subspecies of rainbow trout that inhabits the isolated Upper McCloud River of Northern California. A major threat to MRRT is introgressive hybridization with non-native rainbow trout from historical stocking and contemporary unauthorized introductions. To help address this concern, we collected RAD-sequencing data on 308 total individuals from MRRT and other California O. mykiss populations and examined population structure using Principal Component and admixture analyses. Our results are consistent with previous studies; we found that populations of MRRT in Sheepheaven, Swamp, Edson, and Moosehead creeks are nonintrogressed. Additionally, we saw no evidence of introgression in Dry Creek, and suggest further investigation to determine if it can be considered a core MRRT conservation population. Sheepheaven Creek was previously thought to be the sole historical lineage of MRRT, but our analysis identified three: Sheepheaven, Edson, and Dry creeks, all of which should be preserved. Finally, we discovered diagnostic and polymorphic SNP markers for monitoring introgression and genetic diversity in MRRT. Collectively, our results provide a valuable resource for the conservation and management of MRRT.