bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in weather conditions favor generalist over specialist species in rear‐edge alpine bird communities
Authors: de Gabriel Hernando Miguel , Roa Isabel , Fernández‐Gil Juan , Juan Jara , Fuertes Benito , Reguera Bárbara , Revilla Eloy
Published: April 2022

Rear‐edge alpine biodiversity is expected to suffer one of the largest ecological impacts due to current and foreseen climate change. For highly mobile and long‐living species, climate change might operate through a wide spectrum of demographic and ecological processes influencing population dynamics, which in turn affect local abundance and may eventually lead to population extinctions and drifts in the actual range. Using the community of six passerine species breeding in the alpine zone of the Cantabrian mountains (Northwest Iberian Peninsula), we sought to document the changes in bird abundance across the elevational gradient during the last decade, evaluate the relationship between bird abundance and local climatic conditions (i.e., weather conditions), and discuss the mechanisms by which these conditions might be mediating the observed abundance trends in a global warming context. We estimated bird abundance at the home range level using point count transects and distance sampling during the breeding season, and fitted generalized linear mixed models to describe their temporal trends across the elevational gradient. We used a structural equation modeling approach to estimate the direct, indirect, and total effects of weather and temporal variables, while considering the correlations and causal relationships among them and with the elevational gradient. We found that generalist species had an overall positive trend in their abundance, while alpine specialist had a negative trend at the highest elevations during the study period. This pattern was partly explained by the decrease in wind speed and rising temperature during the study period, which seems to have a stronger effect on abundance of specialist species at the highest elevations in this rear‐edge alpine bird community. The effects of weather conditions on the abundance of different bird species in alpine ecosystems seem to be mainly related to the capacity of weather to modulate variations in habitat quality and feeding resources across the elevational gradient. Thus, in a global warming context, it is necessary to gain knowledge of the ecological processes modulating population dynamics of alpine specialists and delineate habitat conservation practices to safeguard alpine biodiversity.
Substituent Effects on the Structures of Alkali Metal Phosphido‐Borane Complexes
Authors: Izod Keith , Madlool Atheer M. , Craig Alex , Waddell Paul G.
Published: April 2022

Metalation of tBu2PH(BH3) (1H), iPr2PH(BH3) (2H), iPrPhPH(BH3) (3H), Ph2PH(BH3) (4H) or (Mes)2PH(BH3) (5H) with one equivalent of nBuLi in either diethyl ether or THF gave the corresponding phosphido‐borane complexes, which were obtained as single crystals of the solvates [{tBu2P(BH3)}Li(OEt2)]∞ (1Li), [{iPr2P(BH3)}Li(THF)2]∞ (2Li), [{iPrPhP(BH3)}Li(OEt2)2]∞ (3Li), [{Ph2P(BH3)}Li(OEt2)2]∞ (4Li), and [{(Mes)2P(BH3)}Li(THF)2]2 (5Li) after crystallization from diethyl ether; the alternative adduct [{Ph2P(BH3)}Li(TMEDA)]∞ (4Li(TMEDA)) was isolated from the reaction of 4Li with TMEDA. Similar metalation reactions between 1H, 2H or 4H and PhCH2Na gave the complexes [{tBu2P(BH3)}Na(THF)]∞ (1Na) and [{iPr2P(BH3)}Na(THF)]∞ (2Na), and [{Ph2P(BH3)}Na(TMEDA)(THF)]∞ (4Na(TMEDA)). Compounds 1Li, 2Li, 3Li, 4Li and 4Li(TMEDA) crystallize as zig‐zag polymers, while 5Li crystallizes as a centrosymmetric dimer; compounds 1Na and 2Na crystallize as ribbon polymers, although these differ significantly in structure, while 4Na(TMEDA) crystallizes as a zig‐zag polymer.
Respirators in Healthcare: Material, Design, Regulatory, Environmental, and Economic Considerations for Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Young Cameron C. , Byrne James D. , Wentworth Adam J. , Collins Joy E. , Chu Jacqueline N. , Traverso Giovanni
Published: April 2022

Maintaining an ample supply of personal protective equipment continues to be a challenge for the healthcare industry, especially during emergency situations and times of strain on the supply chain. Most critically, healthcare workers exposed to potential airborne hazards require sufficient respiratory protection. Respirators are the only type of personal protective equipment able to provide adequate respiratory protection. However, their ability to shield hazards depends on design, material, proper fit, and environmental conditions. As a result, not all respirators may be adequate for all scenarios. Additionally, factors including user comfort, ease of use, and cost contribute to respirator effectiveness. Therefore, a careful consideration of these parameters is essential for ensuring respiratory protection for those working in the healthcare industry. Here respirator design and material characteristics are reviewed, as well as properties of airborne hazards and potential filtration mechanisms, regulatory standards of governmental agencies, respirator efficacy in the clinical setting, attitude of healthcare personnel toward respiratory protection, and environmental and economic considerations of respirator manufacturing and distribution.
Randomized trial of laryngeal organ preservation evaluating two cycles of induction chemotherapy with platinum, docetaxel, and a novel Bcl‐xL inhibitor
Authors: Swiecicki Paul L. , Bellile Emily , Casper Keith , Chinn Steven Bennett , Dragovic Aleksandar F. , Jolly Shruti , Kupfer Robbi , Malloy Kelly M. , Mierzwa Michelle Lynn , Shuman Andrew G. , Spector Matthew E. , Srinivasan Ashok , Stucken Chaz , Bradford Carol Rossier , Eisbruch Avraham , Carey Thomas E. , Prince Mark E. , Wolf Gregory T. , Worden Francis P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Single cycle induction chemotherapy (IC) with platinum and 5‐flurouracil (PF) and treatment based on clinical response predicts organ preservation in laryngeal cancer. Other agents offer intriguing alternatives with potentially increased ease of administration, reduced risk for severe toxicities, and increased platinum sensitivity.

Methods

We report the results of a phase II bioselection trial in advanced resectable laryngeal cancer utilizing an IC regimen of two cycles of platinum plus docetaxel (TP) with a Bcl‐2 inhibitor. The primary endpoint was organ preservation rate at 12 weeks post chemoradiation.

Results

Fifty‐four patients were enrolled. Response to IC was 72%. The organ preservation rate was 59% with a laryngectomy free survival of 46%. Induction related grade ≥3 toxicities were observed in 56% of patients with two grade 5 events.

Conclusions

Two cycles of TP IC plus a Bcl‐2 inhibitor did not improve laryngeal preservation compared to a single cycle of PF.
Improved segmentation of overlapping red blood cells on malaria blood smear images with TransUNet architecture
Authors: Nurçin Fatih Veysel
Published: April 2022

Malaria is a serious disease that especially affects developing countries. Resource constraints in developing countries make automated and expert replacement systems particularly important. The machine learning algorithms were studied to provide this automation where malaria parasites are detected and counted. The machine learning pipeline for malaria parasitemia classification includes segmentation and classification steps for end‐to‐end assessment. In the segmentation step, red blood cells (RBCs) are segmented for individual evaluation of RBCs. However, it is a challenging task in case of overlapping RBCs. In the proposed study, the segmentation task was studied. The purpose of this work is to improve the segmentation of overlapping RBCs. To this end, CNN‐transformer hybrid architecture, TransUNet was introduced to improve the segmentation with the help of labeled data that promotes the separation of overlapping red blood. The proposed work achieved a 94.5% Jaccard similarity index. This surpassed the results of previous approaches.
A profile of dental school deans, 2021
Authors: Weinstein George J. , Haden N. Karl , Stewart Denice C. L. , Pyle Marsha A. , Albino Austin W. , West Karen P.
Published: April 2022

Objective

In 2021, US dental school deans were surveyed to update and expand ADEA deans’ profiles developed in 2002 and 2014.

Methods

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the Academy for Advancing Leadership (AAL) collaborated on an updated version of the 2014 dental deans’ profile survey. On July 1, 2021, the research project was approved as exempt from IRB oversight. The survey was distributed in electronic format on July 31, 2021, to the deans of the 70 US dental schools, including 3 schools that had not yet held their first year of classes. A total of 60 responses were considered.

Results

Administration/management activities continue to consume deans’ time the most, followed by fundraising. Managing personnel issues and financial/budget issues, including fundraising, represent the top aspects of the position deans must master and the greatest challenges they face and expect to face for the next 5 years. Deans found these same issues the most surprising aspects of their position, reporting a low level of preparedness to meet those challenges. Most deans advocated for additional leadership programs to supplement the current training received through ADEA and AAL.

Conclusion

In recent years, gradual changes have occurred in the dental deans’ profile, with more women and underrepresented groups assuming this leadership role and the average and median ages of deans increasing. Substantial turnover occurred among deans in recent years; when the 2014 survey was conducted, one respondent was an interim/acting dean. By comparison, seven reported their deanship status as interim/acting in 2021.
Efficacy of primary drainage by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tanikawa Tomohiro , Ishii Katsunori , Katsumata Ryo , Urata Noriyo , Nishino Ken , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Kawanaka Miwa , Haruma Ken , Kawamoto Hirofumi
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

Obstructive jaundice induced by pancreatic adenocarcinoma is typically treated with biliary drainage with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)‐guided biliary drainage (ERCP‐BD). Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) was employed as an alternative method after ERCP‐BD failed. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of EUS‐BD for primary biliary drainage.

Methods

Between December 2011 and February 2019, at Kawasaki General Medical Center, we retrospectively enrolled 33 patients who had undergone endoscopic biliary drainage with a metal stent, in a first attempt to relieve obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We compared the technical and clinical outcomes between ERCP‐BD and EUS‐BD.

Results

Twenty‐three patients underwent ERCP‐BD and 10 underwent EUS‐BD. Both groups achieved 100% technical success. The clinical success rates were similar between the groups: 91% (21/23 patients) for ERCP‐BD and 100% (10/10 patients) for EUS‐BD (P = 0.48). Biliary obstruction recurred in 6/23 patients (26%) treated with ERCP‐BD and 1/10 patients (10%) treated with EUS‐BD (P = 0.40). Other adverse events occurred in 4/23 patients (17%) in the ERCP‐BD group and 1/10 patients (10%) in the EUS‐BD group (P = 0.99).

Conclusion

We suggest that EUS‐BD could be employed for primary biliary drainage in patients with obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Microwave‐assisted one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of 2‐(‐4‐oxo‐2‐(1‐(2‐oxo‐2h‐chromen‐3‐yl) ethylidene)hydrazono)thiazolidin‐5‐yl) acetic acid derivatives and their antiviral activity
Authors: Varluvothu Anjaneyulu , Vaarla Krishnaiah , Vermeire Kurt , Leelavathi Panaganti
Published: April 2022

A novel series of hydrazonothiazolidinyl acetic acid derivatives were synthesized via a straightforward microwave irradiated one‐pot multicomponent reaction approach using substituted 3‐acetylcoumarins (1a‐l), thiosemicarbazide (2), and maleic anhydride (3). The synthesis was carried out by using sodium acetate and acetic acid as a solvent at 70°C, afforded target molecules in a shorter reaction time, simple reaction workup with high yields. All the synthesized compounds were well characterized by analytical data (1H, 13C NMR and mass spectra). In vitro antiviral activity of thiazolidinyl acetic acid derivatives were evaluated against a broad panel of human viruses in different cell lines among which compound 4d exhibited excellent activity against Herpes simplex virus‐1.
A novel frameshift variant in the TSPAN12 gene causes autosomal dominant FEVR
Authors: Peng Li , Dai Erkuan , Xiao Haodong , Zhao Rulian , He Yunqi , Li Shujin , Yang Mu , Yang Zhenglin , Zhao Peiquan
Published: April 2022

Background

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is an inherited blinding eye disease with abnormal retinal vascular development. We aim to broaden the variant spectrum of FEVR and provide a basis for molecular diagnosis and genetic consultation.

Methods

We recruited five FEVR patients from one large Chinese family. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were applied to sequence, analyze, and verify variants on genomic DNA samples. Immunocytochemistry, western blot, qPCR, and luciferase assay were performed to test the influence of the variant on the protein expression and activity of the Norrin/β‐catenin pathway.

Results

We identified a novel heterozygous frameshift variant c.533dupC (p.D179Rfs*6) in Tetraspanin 12 (TSPAN12) gene that is related to FEVR. This variant caused degradation of the entire TSPAN12 protein, which failed to activate Norrin/β‐catenin signaling, possibly causing FEVR.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a novel frameshift variant D179Rfs*6 in TSPAN12 that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. We found that D179Rfs*6 caused a failure to activate Norrin/β‐catenin signaling. This finding broadens the variant spectrum of TSPAN12 and provides invaluable information for the molecular diagnosis of FEVR.
Late‐occurring pain/other dysfunctions in midurethral sling class actions are likely caused by uterosacral ligament weakness, not implant or surgeon
Authors: Petros Peter E. P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Large sums of money have been awarded against manufacturers of midurethral slings (MUS) because of complaints of pain and other complications, even though pelvic pain is rarely seen at the 6–12 weeks review.

Hypothesis and Aims

Pain/other posterior fornix symptoms (urge, frequency, nocturia, and abnormal emptying) may appear weeks or months after MUS surgery due to dislocation of already weakened uterosacral ligaments (USL), a consequence of diversion of pelvic forces from pubourethral ligaments strengthened by the sling.

Methods

Review for prevalence, pathogenic pathway from damaged USLs to pain, OAB, emptying, and other late complications by reference to data from functional anatomy imaging, mechanical support of USLs (speculum test), and post‐USL surgical repair.

Results

Pelvic pain and other pelvic symptoms frequently co‐exist pre‐operatively with SUI, but are not volunteered because patients complain of one main pelvic symptom, others being “under the surface” (Pescatori Iceberg). Late de novo occurrence of symptom complications beyond perioperative MUS surgery may occur: pain (5.7%), retention (5.4%), UTI (9.3%), and OAB (10.2%).

Xray/ultrasound evidence of pelvic forces acting on USLs support the hypothesis of diversion of forces. Improvement of pain and urgency by the “speculum test” indicates USL causation, as do cure of pain and other pelvic symptoms by USL slings.

Conclusions

Late‐occurring PFS symptoms are the fault of neither implant, nor surgeon, but more likely consequences of pelvic forces acting on USLs already weakened by childbirth/age. Bladder/bowel/pain symptoms need to be sought out preoperatively and discussed before MUS surgery.

Brief Summary

Late MUS complications, OAB, pain, retention subject to class actions, may be caused by uterosacral dislocation from pre‐existing structural weakness, not surgeon or device.
“The sweetest songs”—Ethical framing in fundraising through the agency of service users/contributors to tell their own stories
Authors: MacQuillin Ian , Crombie Jess , Smyth Ruth
Published: April 2022

Much of the discussion on the ethics of the framing of service users in fundraising and marketing materials focuses on the ethical dilemma of whether the means of using negative framing and negatively‐framed images—which it is argued are more effective at raising money—justify that end if they cause harm by stereotyping and “othering” the people so framed, rob them of their dignity, and fail to engage people in long‐term solutions. Attempts to find the right balance between these two ethical poles have proved elusive. This paper posits a new ethical solution by removing these two poles from the equation and making the ethicality of fundraising frames contingent on the voice and agency of service users/contributors to tell their own stories and contribute to their own framing: as the Niger proverb says, “a song sounds sweeter from the author's mouth.”
Genetic evidence of transoceanic migration of the small brown planthopper between China and Japan
Authors: Zhou Xin‐Yu , Ding Yi , Zhou Jia‐Yi , Sun Kang‐Kang , Matsukura Keiichiro , Zhang Hui , Chen Lei , Hong Xiao‐Yue , Sun Jing‐Tao
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén), is an important pest of rice. It is suspected of migrating over the sea from China to Japan. However, where in China it comes from and how it affects Japanese populations remain unclear.

RESULTS

Here, we studied the genetic structure of 15 L. striatellus populations sampled from Japan and China using single nucleotide polymorphisms generated by the double digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing technique. We found weak genetic differentiation between the Chinese and Japanese populations. Our data revealed migration signals of L. striatellus from China to southern and northern Japan. However, the source regions of the immigrants remain unclear due to the low genetic differentiation between populations. Our results also pointed to the possibility of backward gene flow from Japanese to Chinese populations. We suspect that the south‐eastern wind associated with the East Asian summer monsoon may facilitate the reverse migration of L. striatellus from Japan to China. Interestingly, we found that the X chromosome displayed relatively higher genetic differentiation among populations and suffered more intensive selection pressure than autosomes.

CONCLUSION

We provide genetic evidence of transoceanic migration of L. striatellus from China to Japan and found that the X chromosome can aid the deciphering of the migration trajectories of species with low genetic differentiation. These findings have implications for forecasting the outbreak of this pest and also provide insights into how to improve the tracking of the migration routes of small insects via population genomics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The narratives of new rural residents in the configuration of the peri‐urban area: From circumstancial constraints to openness
Authors: Rivera María Jesús , Sanz Tolosana Elvira
Published: April 2022

European peri‐urban areas keep growing in terms of land, population and socio‐spatial complexity. This article looks at the role of new residents in the ongoing reconfiguration of peri‐urban space, by focusing on how their narratives make sense of their residential choices and experiences. The analysis is based on the case of the peri‐urban area of Pamplona, an intermediate city in northern Spain surrounded by a peri‐urban space characterised by a disperse habitat of single and collective rural‐like settlements in a clear process of population growth. The discussion is grounded in a series of semi‐structured interviews conducted with key informants and new residents. The results reinforce the relevance of the residential lure of these territories as well as of the housing policies adopted. They also show three key elements to understand better the complexity and internal heterogeneity of this process: the different motivations supporting the residential choice; the links established with the place and its population and the experiences within the territory. Finally, the article concludes by suggesting that the different profiles of the new residents and their different orientations regarding the way of residing and experiencing the residence generate different territorialities through which they form new and coexisting ruralities, as well as a hybrid identity construction with the place.
Serum phosphopeptide profiling for colorectal cancer diagnosis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhai Guijin , Yang Liping , Luo Qun , Wu Kui , Zhao Yao , Wang Fuyi
Published: April 2022

Rationale

The identification and evaluation of novel biomarkers are essential to clinical diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Serum phosphopeptides have been recognized as a potential signature pool for cancers; therefore, we aim to profile the expression of serum phosphopeptides and to evaluate their feasibility in CRC diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted the characterization and absolute quantification of endogenous phosphopeptides in sera using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis in combination with enrichment of phosphopeptides by ZrAs‐Fe3O4@SiO2nanoparticles and use of deuterium‐labeled standards. Differentially expressed analysis of four phosphopeptides was performed, generating a two‐phosphopeptide‐based biomarker, LF3–4, by logistic regression analysis, where LF3–4 is equal to (5.85 − 5.13 × [F3] − 3.57 × [F4]), and [F3] and [F4] are the concentration of phosphopeptides DpSGEGDFLAEGGGVR and ADpSGEGDFLAEGGGVR in sera, respectively.

Results

The LF3–4 values showed significant difference in CRC cases compared with controls, and yielded a specificity of 100%, leading to correct classification of 56 (93%) out of 60 CRC patients, including 12 (92.3%) of 13 CRC cases in stage I. Double‐blind validation showed that 97.5% of CRC cases were discriminated accurately.

Conclusions

The LF3–4 value was firstly verified to be a potential biomarker for CRC diagnosis, and may expand our view in underlying mechanisms for CRC.
A case of extreme carboxyhaemoglominemia due to vaping
Authors: Grech Audrey K. , Keating Dominic T. , Garner Daniel J. , Naughton Matthew T.
Published: April 2022

Acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is known to cause neurological, metabolic and cardiorespiratory sequalae. However, data on chronic CO exposure are scant, particularly in the context of vaping, which recent literature suggests may be a greater source of CO than tobacco cigarette smoking. During a series of admissions at the time of vaping, our patient repeatedly presented with significant CO poisoning and developed pulmonary arterial hypertension with resultant high‐output right heart failure. On each occasion, our patient's levels of carboxyhaemoglobin were both higher and took longer to resolve than 12 smokers who underwent arterial blood gas testing at two time points. Our observation may reveal an association between vaping, chronic carboxyhaemoglobinemia and the development of cardiorespiratory disease. Thus, further studies into the safety of vaping and chronic CO exposure are urged.
Does deadwood moisture vary jointly with surface soil water content?
Authors: Green Mark B. , Fraver Shawn , Lutz David A. , Woodall Christopher W. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Evans Daniel M.
Published: April 2022

Deadwood moisture plays a major role in regulating deadwood decomposition rates and may also affect forest microclimate. Despite this, the temporal variability of deadwood moisture at 15‐min time scales remains relatively unknown because techniques for using high‐frequency sensors for tracking moisture at appropriate spatial and temporal intensities have been lacking. We installed a high‐density sensor array in and around a downed log to gain a detailed assessment regarding the temporal variation of volumetric water content at multiple locations within one downed dead log, the source snag, and the surrounding soil. We also measured micrometeorological variables near the log in order to predict variability of the deadwood moisture. We found that the deadwood varied in similar fashion as the soil moisture, and that this similarity allowed us to make accurate predictions of deadwood moisture using micrometeorological data and soil moisture. The primary driver of deadwood moisture was rainfall; however, diurnal cycles of subcanopy humidity and temperature seemed to cause variation in the deadwood moisture between rain events. Our findings highlight the need for applying similar techniques to a variety of forest types, deadwood types, and different forest management strategies to gain a broader understanding of high‐frequency deadwood moisture dynamics and their feedbacks with ecosystem processes, like decomposition and forest fire hazards.
A crafty means of bolstering wellbeing
Authors: Munro Liz
Published: April 2022

For vet Liz Munro – and international diver Tom Daley – crafting is a great way to relieve stress. Here Liz explains why, and gives her tips for giving crafting a go.
Disseminated cryptococcosis causing liver dysfunction in a pug
Authors: Tong Miranda X. , Hill Sarah A. , Romine Jessica F.
Published: April 2022

A nearly 2‐year‐old, male, neutered pug was referred for a 1‐month duration of progressive gastrointestinal signs and lethargy, and possible seizure activity. Blood analyses before referral had shown marked increases in hepatocellular and hepatobiliary enzymes and increased pre‐prandial and post‐prandial bile acids, with normal bilirubin. Physical exam revealed a quiet mentation and blood analyses at the time of presentation found persistent increases in hepatic enzymes, and hypoalbuminaemia. Abdominal ultrasound identified intra‐abdominal free fluid and ileocolic lymphadenopathy. Cytology of the abdominal effusion, liver and abdominal lymph nodes identified organisms of the Cryptococcus genus. The dog had a positive Cryptococcus antigen lateral flow assay titre of 1:>10,000, confirming cryptococcosis. The dog was euthanased following diagnosis. This is the first report describing a case of disseminated cryptococcosis causing liver dysfunction in a veterinary species. Cryptococcus infection should be considered in a young dog presenting with gastrointestinal signs and liver enzymopathy.
Synthesis and Structural Investigation of Protonated Haloacetyl Fluorides
Authors: Steiner Sebastian , Jessen Christoph , Kornath Andreas J.
Published: April 2022

Herein, we report the O‐monoprotonated species of chloroacetyl fluoride and fluoroacetyl fluoride in the binary superacidic systems HF/MF5 and DF/MF5 (M=As, Sb) as hexafluoridoarsenates and hexafluoridostibates. The colorless salts were characterized by low temperature vibrational spectroscopy, low temperature NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. [CClH2C(OH)F][SbF6] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with four formula units per unit cell and [CH2FC(OD)F][SbF6] in the triclinic space group P
with two formula units per cell. The experimental data are discussed together with quantum chemical calculations at the ωB97XD/aug‐cc‐pVTZ‐level of theory. Protonation leads to significant shortening of the C−F bond due to back‐donation of fluorine lone‐pair electrons.
Using Technology to Predict Leisure Activities and Quality of Life
Authors: Gabor Andrijana Mušura , Mikloušić Igor
Published: April 2022

This chapter will discuss the usage of more objective and unobtrusive ways technology can be used to assess leisure activities. It is well known that leisure activities are positively correlated with measures of quality of life and subjective well-being. How we spend our free time has a great deal of influence on how we subjectively assess the quality of our lives. One aspect of our leisure time, which is gaining more and more interest, is the use of smartphones and wearables. According to global statistics, almost half of the global population spends more than 5 h a day using their smartphones. The use of technology has a profound effect on the way we spend our lives, socialize and entertain. Because our use of technology leaves a massive amount of digital data, we are now able to search for patterns of digital behaviour and use them as proxies or predictors for real life behaviours, bypassing or complementing self-reports and subjective measures. Our discussion revolves around several aspects of technology and leisure time. First, how technology use relates to leisure activities and what alternative unobtrusive measures could be developed to measure or predict leisure activities. Second, we will discuss the positive and negative aspects of technology use.
Quantifying Energy and Fatigue: Classification and Assessment of Energy and Fatigue Using Subjective, Objective, and Mixed Methods towards Health and Quality of Life
Authors: Solomon Natalie Leah , Manea Vlad
Published: April 2022

Energy and fatigue carry important implications for vitality and overall quality of life. Lacking energy and experiencing fatigue can be both burdensome as well as adaptive. This chapter first classifies energy and fatigue and then reviews their measurement. This chapter closes with opportunities for future directions.

Energy and fatigue are present under varying conditions including in daily performance, during and after acute physical or mental strain (capacity), and in the context of chronic conditions. Energy and fatigue have been measured both subjectively and objectively. Subjective outcomes can be derived from self-reported scales and prompts; objective outcomes may be derived from performance and capacity tasks and technology-reported physiological, biological, and behavioural markers. The scales and tasks employed to measure energy have been traditionally validated but may lack daily life context and ecological validity. Prompts and behavioural monitoring methods are emerging as promising alternatives.

Energy and fatigue have also been routinely monitored for specific diseases and occupations. However, fewer studies monitor healthy individuals through consumer technology in daily life contexts. More research is needed for an objective, unobtrusive, longitudinal, and contextual measurement of energy and fatigue in the healthy general population, in service of improving health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Quantifying the Body: Body Image, Body Awareness and Self-Tracking Technologies
Authors: Boldi Arianna , Rapp Amon
Published: April 2022

The availability of wearable devices recently boosted the popularity of self-tracking technologies. Self-trackers are involved in a complex process of knowledge development, but this cannot be achieved without knowing the body. However, self-tracking devices seem to embrace an abstract and scattered conception of the body, based on unrelated numbers, graphs, and depictions, which may not be integrated into a coherent body image. This may turn into biases and distortions of how we look at our bodies, worsening, rather than improving, our self-knowledge. In this chapter we explore the ways through which the progressive “quantification” introduced by self-tracking technologies is affecting the body. We first explain a series of theoretical constructs concerning the body, which are essential to understand the impact of self-tracking on our bodies, like body schema, body image, and bodyawareness. Then, we illustrate how individuals’ body image and awareness are affected by the usage of self-tracking technologies in the sports domain. Finally, we point out some lines of future research aimed at providing people with more meaningful representations of their own body, improving their body awareness and even their body image.
Generalized Lense-Thirring metrics: higher-curvature corrections and solutions with matter
Authors: Gray Finnian , Hennigar Robie A. , Kubizňák David , Mann Robert B. , Srivastava Manu
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The Lense-Thirring spacetime describes a 4-dimensional slowly rotating approximate solution of vacuum Einstein equations valid to a linear order in rotation parameter. It is fully characterized by a single metric function of the corresponding static (Schwarzschild) solution. In this paper, we introduce a generalization of the Lense-Thirring spacetimes to the higher-dimensional multiply-spinning case, with an ansatz that is not necessarily fully characterized by a single (static) metric function. This generalization lets us study slowly rotating spacetimes in various higher curvature gravities as well as in the presence of non-trivial matter. Moreover, the ansatz can be recast in Painlevé-Gullstrand form (and thence is manifestly regular on the horizon) and admits a tower of exact rank-2 and higher rank Killing tensors that rapidly grows with the number of dimensions. In particular, we construct slowly multiply-spinning solutions in Lovelock gravity and notably show that in four dimensions Einstein gravity is the only non-trivial theory amongst all up to quartic curvature gravities that admits a Lense-Thirring solution characterized by a single metric function.
Nocardia noduli sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium with biotechnological potential
Authors: Nouioui Imen , Pötter Gabriele , Jando Marlen , Goodfellow Michael
Published: April 2022

A genome-based polyphasic study was undertaken to establish the taxonomic status of an actinobacterium strain isolated from an actinorhizal root nodule. Strain ncl1T was found to have chemotaxonomic, cultural and morphological properties characteristic of members of the genus Nocardia. The strain was closely related to Nocardia aurea in the phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences. The draft genome of the strain is 8.9 Mbp in size, has a genomic DNA G + C content of 67.0% and was predicted to contain at least 19 biosynthetic gene clusters encoding for specialized metabolites. Strain ncl1T was distinguished from its closest neighbour, N. aurea DSM 103986T, by a broad range of phenotypic properties and by low average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization scores. Consequently, the strain represents a novel Nocardia species for which the name Nocardia noduli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ncl1T (CECT 30123T = DSM 110878T). The present study provides further evidence that actinorhizal nodules are a source of novel species of Nocardia.
Das Verständnis von Wohl im Betreuungsrecht – eine Analyse anlässlich der Streichung des Wohlbegriffs aus dem reformierten Gesetz
Authors: Braun Esther , Gather Jakov , Henking Tanja , Vollmann Jochen , Scholten Matthé
Published: April 2022

Mit der 2023 in Kraft tretenden Reform des Betreuungsrechts wird der Begriff „Wohl“ aus dem Gesetz gestrichen. Hierdurch soll stärker hervorgehoben werden, dass sich der Betreuer an den subjektiven Wünschen des Betreuten statt an einem objektiven Wohlverständnis orientieren soll. In diesem Beitrag wird ermittelt, welches Verständnis von Wohl das reformierte Betreuungsrecht in Abgleich zu gängigen medizinethisch-philosophischen Auffassungen des Wohls implizit enthält. Indem untersucht wird, in welchem Verhältnis das betreuungsrechtliche und das medizinethische bzw. philosophische Verständnis von Wohl zueinanderstehen, soll die interdisziplinäre Verständigung zwischen Recht und Ethik gefördert werden.

In der Begründung zur Reform wird betont, dass dem Betreuungsrecht weiterhin ein subjektives Verständnis von Wohl zugrunde liege. Dieses Verständnis deckt sich jedoch nicht mit philosophischen subjektiven Theorien des Wohlergehens, nach denen nur das zum Wohl einer Person beiträgt, was diese sich wünscht. Das Betreuungsrecht nimmt hingegen an, dass die Befolgung bestimmter Wünsche zu objektiven Schädigungen der Person führen und damit ihr Wohl beeinträchtigen kann. Negative Konsequenzen für das objektive Wohl eines Betreuten sind betreuungsrechtlich insofern relevant, als dass sie eine Grenze für die Befolgung aktueller Wünsche aufzeigen, die auf einem natürlichen Willen basieren und nicht Ausdruck von Selbstbestimmung sind. Dies ähnelt einer hybriden Konzeption des Wohls aus medizinethisch-philosophischer Sicht, nach der grundsätzlich angenommen wird, dass die Befolgung der Wünsche einer Person zu ihrem Wohl beiträgt, während aber auch gewisse objektive Kriterien als relevant für ihr Wohl angesehen werden.
Mapping of the Buried Paleochannels on the Terminal Fans in the Western Ganga Plain: A Geomorphological and Ground Penetrating Radar-based Approach
Authors: Patel Narendra K. , Pati Pitambar
Published: April 2022

Paleochannels are valuable tools for delineating tectonics, climate, anthropogenic activities, reconstructing the paleo-geography, and studying the geomorphological evolution of the alluvial plains. Paleochannels on the terminal fans provide crucial information regarding their geomorphic evolution in space and time. Furthermore, paleochannels could be a good source for groundwater exploration. Exposed paleochannels in the recent alluvial plains are mappable by remote sensing and field evidence. However, mapping becomes difficult due to burial in relatively older alluvial surfaces, and anthropogenic disturbances complicate the case. This paper deals with an integrated method of mapping the buried paleochannels in the terminal fans from the western Ganga plain. Paleochannels have been mapped on three Holocene terminal fans, using remote sensing and Google Earth images, and Cartosat DEM. As continuity of the entire length of paleochannels could not be traced by the above tools due to burial and intense anthropogenic modifications, aligned surface water bodies were helpful at places to ascertain their continuity. The ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey by bistatic antennae (100 MHz frequency in distance mode) detected the subsurface existence of these buried paleochannels up to a maximum depth of about 35 m. Field evidence of some of these buried channels was confirmed at few excavations by the presence of channel sand. A previous study of these terminal fans through optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating suggests that channel abandonment occurred between 4.7 to 2.3 Ka, coinciding with the period of the dry climate and intense surface faulting episodes in the Ganga plain.
Sand-mudstone modeling of fluvial fan sedimentary facies: a case study of Shanxi Formation reservoir in Ordos Basin
Authors: Zhang Xuecai , Fu Jialin , Hou Fei , Zheng Xugang , Zhang Yuanpei , Wang Rui , Li Wei , Zhai Chenyu , Wang Wenbin , He Ruiwu , Liu Jin , Wang Siwen
Published: April 2022

The sand bodies formed by braided fluvial fan deposits have a certain distinctiveness. They not only have the characteristics of fluvial facies sandbodies but also follow the distribution law of alluvial fan sand bodies. The variation law of sandbodies that are present along and perpendicular to a channel is relatively complex. Therefore, constraints in the modeling process of sand–mudstone facies of this type of reservoir are essential. This study selects the second member of the Shanxi Formation reservoir formed by a braided fluvial fan in the middle of Ordos Basin to perform sand–mudstone facies modeling. First, by studying the lithology and sedimentary structure of the area, the sedimentary characteristics and sand body distribution law of braided river fan are analyzed. Then, the original data points are analyzed, the variation function with high convergence is obtained, and the sand–mud facies model under the constraint of sedimentary facies is established using the random modeling method. Finally, the accuracy of the established random model is tested via single-well thinning, multi-well thinning, and random seed model similarity. The test results confirm that the distribution law of the sand and mudstone in the model is highly similar to that of the actual stratum. And it also conforms to the sedimentary model of braided fluvial fan. The accuracy of the model established by this method is reliable, and the method can be used to predict sand body distribution in areas with low well pattern density.
Reconciling the Theory and the Practice of the Rule of Law in the European Union Measuring the Rule of Law
Authors: Beqiraj Julinda , Moxham Lucy
Published: April 2022

The Rule of Law has gained global appeal and recognition, and is one of the fundamental values upon which the European Union (EU) is based, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. In Sect. 1, we briefly consider the main elements of the Rule of Law, in particular those definitions used in the context of the EU, the Council of Europe and the United Nations (UN). Whilst acknowledging that there are national differences among EU Member States, there is broad consensus around the core meaning of the Rule of Law. These definitional issues help frame the discussion that follows on measuring the Rule of Law. In Sect. 2, we outline some general considerations regarding the rationale for measuring the Rule of Law, followed by some specific examples of measurement tools in the context of the Council of Europe (e.g., the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) tools on evaluating the efficiency and quality of European judicial systems, and the Venice Commission Rule of Law Checklist); the EU (e.g., the EU Justice Scoreboard, the Special Eurobarometer on the Rule of Law, and the Rule of Law Report); and the UN (e.g., the Sustainable Development Goals). In Sect. 3, we consider current Rule of Law trends in light of results from a range of datasets (including the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) indices, the Democracy Barometer, the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI), and the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index).
Real-time space object tracklet extraction from telescope survey images with machine learning
Authors: De Vittori Andrea , Cipollone Riccardo , Di Lizia Pierluigi , Massari Mauro
Published: April 2022

In this study, a novel approach based on the U-Net deep neural network for image segmentation is leveraged for real-time extraction of tracklets from optical acquisitions. As in all machine learning (ML) applications, a series of steps is required for a working pipeline: dataset creation, preprocessing, training, testing, and post-processing to refine the trained network output. Online websites usually lack ready-to-use datasets; thus, an in-house application artificially generates 360 labeled images. Particularly, this software tool produces synthetic night-sky shots of transiting objects over a specified location and the corresponding labels: dual-tone pictures with black backgrounds and white tracklets. Second, both images and labels are downscaled in resolution and normalized to accelerate the training phase. To assess the network performance, a set of both synthetic and real images was inputted. After the preprocessing phase, real images were fine-tuned for vignette reduction and background brightness uniformity. Additionally, they are down-converted to eight bits. Once the network outputs labels, post-processing identifies the centroid right ascension and declination of the object. The average processing time per real image is less than 1.2 s; bright tracklets are easily detected with a mean centroid angular error of 0.25 deg in 75% of test cases with a 2 deg field-of-view telescope. These results prove that an ML-based method can be considered a valid choice when dealing with trail reconstruction, leading to acceptable accuracy for a fast image processing pipeline.
Eurasian Musical Journeys
Authors: Currie Gabriela , Christenson Lars
Published: April 2022

This Element explores the circulation of musical instruments, practices, and thought in pre-modern Eurasia at the crossroads of empires and nomadic cultures. It takes into consideration mechanisms of transmission, appropriation, adaptation, and integration that helped shape musical traditions that are perceived as culturally and geographically distinct yet are historically linked. The four stories featured here range from the geographically diverse performing groups during the Sui and Tang era, to the elusive musical world of Kucha in the Tarim Basin; from the fragmentary history of a single instrument linked to the Turkic peoples across Eurasia, to the transcontinental circulation of sound-making automata, including the organ, on both east-west and north-south axes. Within the conceptual background of cultural encounter and exchange, this Element provides possible strategies for integrating such information into the historical tapestry of Eurasian transcontinental networks as explored in other Elements in the series.
Histoires globales de l’Europe contemporaine
Authors: Evans Richard J.
Published: April 2022

Histoires globales de l’Europe contemporaine

La profession d’historien est apparue en Europe au xixe siècle, en même temps que l’émergence de l’État-nation. Les historiens de la période moderne et contemporaine se sont surtout concentrés sur l’histoire politique des États-nations et l’histoire diplomatique des relations entre eux. Les aspects globaux de l’histoire européenne ont principalement été abordés sous l’angle de l’influence de l’Europe sur d’autres parties du monde, comme dans la « double révolution » d’Eric Hobsbawm (les répercussions mondiales de la Révolution française et de la révolution industrielle) ou l’histoire des possessions coloniales de l’Europe. Pourtant, de nombreux développements clefs dans l’Europe des xixe et xxe siècles, du libéralisme des révolutions latino-américaines des années 1820 aux retombées économiques de la culture du coton adossée à l’esclavage dans le Sud des États-Unis, furent manifestement sensibles aux influences mondiales. Les processus de globalisation de la fin du xxe siècle ont permis de les mettre en lumière et ont alimenté une approche qui place l’histoire de l’Europe dans un contexte global d’interaction mutuelle. Pourtant, l’État-nation n’est pas mort, et les gouvernements nationaux encouragent vigoureusement un retour aux histoires nationales au service d’une éducation patriotique. Si l’histoire globale n’est pas appelée à disparaître, sa place dans le système éducatif, en particulier dans les programmes scolaires, reste fortement contestée.
La fabrique économique de l’Europe: Les origines extra-européennes de l’Ancien Monde
Authors: Beckert Sven
Published: April 2022

La fabrique économique de l’Europe Les origines extra-européennes de l’Ancien Monde

Cet article s’intéresse à la manière dont les historiens et les économistes ont pensé l’histoire économique de l’Europe. Il remarque que les explications internes qui accordent peu d’attention au monde non européen ont dominé pendant plus d’un siècle, et passe en revue certaines des raisons de cet eurocentrisme. Cependant, un tel nombrilisme a également été de plus en plus contesté depuis un certain temps, d’abord principalement par des universitaires et des militants non européens. L’article explore enfin les débats actuels au sein de la discipline et sa reconnaissance croissante des interactions entre les économies européennes et non européennes. Deux sujets de discussion ayant joué un rôle crucial dans cette évolution sont particulièrement détaillés : la question du rôle de l’esclavage dans le développement économique européen et les riches débats qui ont lieu dans le domaine relativement nouveau de l’histoire globale du travail. Finalement, si les efforts visant à écrire l’histoire économique de l’Europe en la confinant à ses propres frontières mal définies peuvent répondre à des besoins politiques particuliers, ils sont, dans les faits, historiquement trompeurs.
ON A QUESTION OF MORETÓ
Authors: JIN PING , WANG LEI , YANG YONG
Published: April 2022

We present a family of counterexamples to a question proposed recently by Moretó concerning the character codegrees and the element orders of a finite solvable group.