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<i>In situ</i> zooplankton density estimates at a foraging site in the Canadian Arctic are below minimum prey thresholds for adult bowhead whales (<i>Balaena mysticetus</i>)
No full textBowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are an iconic Arctic species with a critical ecological role as a top predator. Bowheads can reach up to 80 tonnes and 20 m, yet feed on zooplankton four orders of magnitude smaller. Arctic zooplankton community composition and distribution are changing, which may have direct impacts on bowhead foraging. Data on the threshold prey density for successful bowhead feeding are needed to predict these impacts. However, zooplankton densities are patchy temporally and spatially, influenced by oceanographic conditions that alter the location of energetically profitable patches. We assessed spatio-temporal patterns in zooplankton abundance and distribution using a multi-frequency echosounder following a systematic and opportunistic survey near feeding whales in Iqalujjuaq Fjord, Cumberland Sound, Nunavut (65.66°N, 65.20°W) during August 2023. Zooplankton net samples were used to validate the acoustic data. There was a strong link between copepod distribution and environmental variables (e.g. water depth and tidal cycle) (generalized additive models, P < .001). Copepods were present in 49.8% of the fjord, with a median density of 3240 copepods m−3 and 0.26 g C m−3. Based on published prey density requirements, this site provides feeding opportunities for juveniles but is insufficient for the needs of adults (>0.44 g C m−3)
Design, synthesis, and photophysical properties of an iridium(III) complex bearing an indolo[3,2,1-<i>jk</i>]carbazole-decorated NHC ligand
No full textThe synthesis and characterization of a novel blue-green emitting neutral heteroleptic iridium(III) complex Ir(dFppy)2(iCzmi) (λPL = 505 nm in MeCN) is reported. This represents the first example of an NHC ligand bearing an indolo-[3,2,1-jk]carbazolyl (iCz) unit, and the first use of an iCz containing ligand as the ancillary ligand in a heteroleptic Iridium(III) complex. The influence of the iCz moiety on the photophysical properties of Ir(dFppy)2(iCzmi) is explored by comparing its properties with those of the reference emitter—Ir(dFppy)2(pmi). Both complexes show similar photophysical properties, which are rationalized in terms of a detailed computational study
Reclaiming heaven from history:a theological critique of Martin Hägglund's <i>This Life</i>
No full textMartin Hägglund's This Life offers an incisive critique of Christian visions of eternal life. Theological responses to Hägglund emphasize the ‘worldly’ nature of heaven over-against overly Platonic, ‘otherworldly’ accounts of everlasting life. In contrast, I suggest Hägglund's critique fails to grapple with theocentric forms of creaturely consummation qualitatively distinct from mundane life. I critique Hägglund's ‘suspicious’ reading of Augustine and CS Lewis, and, in dialogue with Michael Rosen, suggest his account of what makes finite life meaningful participates in an early modern movement from heaven to ‘historical immortality’. Hägglund thinks heaven is not desirable, yet when interpreted in the foregoing terms, this is the precise objection I direct at his account of ‘historical immortality’
Applications of dimension interpolation to orthogonal projections
No full textDimension interpolation is a novel programme of research which attempts to unify the study of fractal dimension by considering various spectra which live in between well-studied notions of dimension such as Hausdorff, box, Assouad and Fourier dimension. These spectra often reveal novel features not witnessed by the individual notions and this information has applications in many directions. In this survey article, we discuss dimension interpolation broadly and then focus on applications to the dimension theory of orthogonal projections. We focus on three distinct applications coming from three different dimension spectra, namely, the Fourier spectrum, the intermediate dimensions, and the Assouad spectrum. The celebrated Marstrand–Mattila projection theorem gives the Hausdorff dimension of the orthogonal projection of a Borel set in Euclidean space for almost all orthogonal projections. This result has inspired much further research on the dimension theory of projections including the consideration of dimensions other than the Hausdorff dimension, and the study of the exceptional set in the Marstrand–Mattila theorem
Regional and institutional trends in assessment for academic promotion
No full textThe assessment of research performance is widely seen as a vital tool in upholding the highest standards of quality, with selection and competition believed to drive progress. Academic institutions need to take critical decisions on hiring and promotion, while facing external pressure by also being subject to research assessment. Here we present an outlook on research assessment for career progression with specific focus on promotion to full professorship, based on 314 policies from 190 academic institutions and 218 policies from 58 government agencies, covering 32 countries in the Global North and 89 countries in the Global South. We investigated how frequently various promotion criteria are mentioned and carried out a statistical analysis to infer commonalities and differences across policies. Although quantitative methods of assessment remain popular, in agreement with what is found in more geographically restricted studies they are not omnipresent. We find differences between the Global North and the Global South as well as between institutional and national policies, but less so between disciplines. A preference for bibliometric indicators is more marked in upper-middle-income countries. Although we see some variation, many promotion policies are based on the assumption of specific career paths that become normative rather than embracing diversity. In turn, this restricts opportunities for researchers. These results challenge current practice and have strategic implications for researchers, research managers and national governments
Modulation of donor in purely organic triplet harvesting AIE-TADF photosensitizer for image-guided photodynamic therapy
No full textImage-guided photodynamic therapy has been acknowledged as one of the most demonstrative therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment because of its high precision, non-invasiveness, and improved imaging ability. A series of purely organic photosensitizers, denoted as BTMCz, BTMPTZ, and BTMPXZ, have been designed and synthesized and are found to exhibit both thermally activated delayed fluorescence and aggregation-induced emission simultaneously. Experimental and theoretical studies were combined to reveal that modulation of the donor of the photosensitizer enables distinct thermally activated delayed fluorescence via a second-order spinorbit perturbation mechanism involving lowest singlet charge-transfer and higher-lying triplet locally excited states, respectively. Further, different donor strengths and unique aggregations (H-, J- and Xtype packings) greatly influence their color-tunable up-converted luminescence and endow them with superb dispersibility in water. The confocal microscopy-based cellular uptake study confirms the successful internalization of the nano-probes. At the same time, BTMCz enables the generation of reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen) under white-light irradiation, enabling the efficient killing of cancer cells.<br/
PROTOCOL - Non‐criminal justice interventions for countering cognitive and behavioural radicalisation amongst children and adolescents:a systematic review of effectiveness and implementation
No full textThis is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows. (1) Examine whether secondary and tertiary interventions delivered outside of the criminal justice system are effective at countering the cognitive and behavioural radicalisation of children and adolescents by synthesising evidence relating to relevant primary and secondary outcomes of effectiveness. (2) Examine whether secondary and tertiary interventions delivered outside of the criminal justice system are being implemented as intended by synthesising evidence that captures how interventions are implemented, considering whether they are implemented as expected or in ways that align with their underlying logic. (3) Identify those implementation factors (facilitators and barriers) and moderators that impact how interventions working with children and adolescents are delivered
Effect of hypoxia on aquaporins and hepatobiliary transport systems in human hepatic cells
No full textObjectives Hepatic ischemia and hypoxia are accompanied by reduced bile flow, biliary sludge and cholestasis. Hepatobiliary transport systems, nuclear receptors and aquaporins were studied after hypoxia and reoxygenation in human hepatic cells. Methods Expression of Aquaporin 8 (AQP8), Aquaporin 9 (AQP9), Pregnane X receptor (PXR), Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), Organic anion transporting polypeptide 1 (OATP1), and the Multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) were investigated in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived hepatic cells and the immortalized hepatic line HepG2. HepG2 was subjected to combined oxygen and glucose deprivation for 4 h followed by reoxygenation. Results Expression of AQP8 and AQP9 increased during differentiation in iPSC-derived hepatic cells. Hypoxia did not alter mRNA levels of AQP8, but reoxygenation caused a marked increase in AQP8 mRNA expression. While expression of OATP1 had a transient increase during reoxygenation, MRP4 showed a delayed downregulation. Knock-down of FXR did not alter the expression of AQP8, AQP9, MRP4, or OATP1. Post-hypoxic protein levels of AQP8 were reduced after 68 h of reoxygenation compared to normoxic controls. Post-transcriptional mechanisms rather than reduced transcription cause reduction in AQP8 protein concentration after hypoxia-reoxygenation in hepatic cells. Expression patterns differed between hepatobiliary transport systems during hypoxia and reoxygenation. Expression of AQP8 and AQP9 increased during differentiation in induced pluripotent stem cells. Expression of hepatobiliary transporters varies during hypoxia and reoxygenation. Post-hypoxic protein levels of AQP8 were reduced after 68 h of reoxygenation. Conclusions Post-transcriptional mechanisms rather than reduced transcription cause reduction in AQP8 protein concentration after hypoxia-reoxygenation in hepatic cells. Expression patterns differed between hepatobiliary transport systems during hypoxia and reoxygenation
Constructing stay-at-home fathers’ work-care identities in China
No full textThis article examines how stay-at-home fathers (SAHFs) position their primary caregiving identity in relation to paid work that they either used to have or currently have part-time/freelance. The aim is to understand how their sense of masculinity is shaped by and/or rebelled against normative gender expectations. 22 Chinese SAHFs participated in this qualitative research, involving one-to-one repeat structured interviews over a year. Four fathering identities emerged from the data: “Ambivalent SAHFs”, “Reluctant SAHFs”, “Proud SAHFs”, and “Reflective SAHFs”. The juxtaposition of these subject positions indicates the tensions between assuming the primary caregiving role and conforming to normative gendered expectations for men. However, the findings also demonstrate that stay-at-home fathering identity is not fixed, but subject to change over time, with spousal support being crucial to their transition. This constant evolution challenges oversimplified categorizations of SAHFs as purely choice-driven or circumstantial
Interfaith dialogue and mystical consciousness in India:Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Aurobindo, the Hari-Hara mystery, and the Hindu-Christian encounter
No full textInterfaith Dialogue and Mystical Consciousness in India is a research inquiry in interfaith studies that uses hermeneutical phenomenology to address vexing issues arising in the study of mysticism and enlightened sages. This book raises the following questions: If all human beings have access to mystical consciousness, and some do access it, how is it that only a few become luminary sages, displaying extraordinary power? What is the ethical responsibility of such sages? And how is the encounter among sages/mystics of different traditions contributing to the harmonious unfolding of religious diversity? The author provides original answers and a renewed vision of Hinduism through the lens of two of the most loved and admired sages of modern India—Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Aurobindo. This book is a blueprint for transformative research on religion: it envisions an innovative method— integrative hermeneutical phenomenology—contributing to the development of interfaith mysticism. Bringing to the fore key themes such as Self-realization, the Hari-Hara mystery, and Mystic Fire, the author shows the importance of mystical experience in the understanding of the religious “Other” and the future of religion. The book will be of interest to scholars and students of religious studies, interreligious/interfaith studies, comparative religion/theology, and interfaith relations, and to thoughtful readers with an interest in Asia and spiritual practice. Those interested in the mysteries of India and Hindu spirituality will find in this book a pioneering analysis of Hindu mystical consciousness and the Christian encounter with it.“Interfaith Dialogue and Mystical Consciousness in India is a remarkable book, a deep and perceptive study of two monumental spiritual giants of the last century, Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Aurobindo. The book is meticulous and scholarly, yet at the same time sensitive to the mystical currents flowing so vitally through those holy visionaries’ lives and words. Isaac Portilla writes carefully, making his case point by point, and yet with great and bold imagination, as he aims to provide spiritual foundations for interreligious learning in the century to come, and indeed, nourishment for the spiritual journey to which we are all called.”—Francis X. Clooney, SJ, Parkman Professor of Divinity, Harvard University, USA“In this at once very profound yet admirably clear work, Isaac Portilla dives deeply into a comparative study of Hindu and Christian mysticism. The author’s masterful scholarship encompasses figures of both traditions such as, from the Hindu tradition, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramana Maharshi, and Sri Ramakrishna, and from the Christian tradition, Raimon Panikkar and Francis Clooney. Portilla is clearly drawing on a deep well of both scholarship and experience in his work. The book itself thus becomes an example of the methods it commends, helping to pave the way to the multifaith future that humanity must embrace if it is to survive the twenty-first century.”—Jeffery D. Long, Professor or Religion and Asian Studies, Elizabethtown College, USA“Through the prism of “hermeneutic phenomenology”, Isaac Portilla highlights the centrality of mystical consciousness across Hindu and Christian traditions, and its significance for an experientially grounded interfaith dialogue. In conversation with sage-mystics such as Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Aurobindo, and Henri Le Saux, Portilla configures – with interpretive insight and attention to sociohistorical context – thoughtful patterns of engaging with the “other” who may inhabit a rich continuum of mystical experience. Foregrounding the vital dimension of inwardness, Portilla gestures towards certain Hindu-Christian complementarities on the mystical path. This is a highly creative work of constructive theology which draws on Hindu conceptions of the triadic structure of ultimate reality and inflects them towards the horizon of the mystery of divine-human relationality.”—Ankur Barua, Senior Lecturer in Hindu Studies, University of Cambridge, UK“In 'Interfaith dialogue and Mystical Consciousness in India, Dr Portilla has provided a cogent and innovative analysis to blaze new ground on the important subject of interreligious dialogue and encounter, specifically Hindu-Christian, with potential repercussions for all such dialogue.”—William P. Hyland, OSB Oblate, Senior Lecturer in Church History, University of St. Andrews, U