bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The synthesis, mechanisms, and additives for bio‐compatible polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels: A review on current advances, trends, and future outlook
Authors: Yang Ming , Wang Zeyu , Li Manni , Yin Zhengliang , Butt Hassaan Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Vinyl polymers are widely used in biological, textile and industrial applications and are currently attracting research attention for specialized bio‐based applications. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels show great advantages as a material with high biocompatibility, permeability, hydrophilicity, and low‐friction coefficient, allowing applications as smart materials, wound dressings, and flexible sensors. However, the poor mechanical properties of PVA hydrogels and biocompatibility less than natural polymers make them unsuitable in practical applications. Additives are often added to PVA hydrogels to enhance mechanical properties, endow more compatibility, functionality and expand their application range. Among them, bio‐additives such as nanocellulose, natural polysaccharides and proteins are biodegradable, biocompatible, and inexpensive, broadening their applications in the biomedical and tissue engineering fields. This work reviews the synthesis of PVA hydrogels, methods to enhance their mechanical properties, types of bio‐additives incorporated for biocompatibility, their mechanism of interaction with PVA and future prospects of PVA composite bio‐hydrogels for application in various fields. Representative cases are carefully selected and discussed with regard to their composition and pros and cons are discussed. Finally, future requirements, as well as the opportunities and challenges of these bio‐additives for improving the multifunctionality of PVA hydrogels are also presented.
Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of (SIDipp)AsK – A NHC‐arsinidenyl compound
Authors: Gottschling Hannah M. , Balmer Markus , Richter Roman‐Malte , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: November 2022

Herein, the characterization and reactivity of the metalated arsinidenyl (SIDipp)AsK (1 a) is described. This compound was obtained via deprotonation of the saturated “parent arsinidene” (SIDipp)AsH (1) with the strong base benzyl potassium and appears as pyrophoric, insoluble, red solid. The ability of crown ethers to improve the solubility of metal compounds through complex formation has been used to obtain crystals of (SIDipp)AsK. Thus, the crown ether complex [K(18‐crown‐6)(SIDipp)As] (1 b) was characterized as the first of its kind by single crystal x‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, (SIDipp)AsK was treated with di‐tert‐butylchloropnictogens (tBu2ECl, E=P, As, Sb, Bi) to give the interpnictogen compounds of the type (SIDipp)AsEtBu2 (2–5) with low valent arsenic substituents.
Conclusion: What We Have Learnt From Multidisciplinary Views on Human Flourishing
Authors: Bosch María José
Published: November 2022

Wellbeing and flourishing are two interconnected concepts. Usually both are studied from just one discipline. In this book we combine research from academics look to combine the evidence on how flourishing has an impact and is influenced by health, art, entrepreneurship, and work life, among other factors. These influences and impact can be categorized in three groups. First, the interconnection with the self that is how we construction the image of ourselves impacts how we interpret and perceive different stimuli or experiences, and this has an impact on our flourishing. Second, the interconnection with others impacts the relationship we build with them, and this relationship impacts our flourishing. Finally, the interconnection with the environment shows us that being aware of the impact that our behaviors and traditions the environment can foster behaviors and changes that look to promote flourishing.
In Pursuit of Eudaimonia: Past Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Ryff Carol D.
Published: November 2022

Eudaimonic well-being builds on the writings of Aristotle and integrates contemporary theories of positive psychological functioning. The empirically operationalization is detailed, emphasizing the importance of rigorous psychometric evaluation. Scientific advances of this model of well-being are noted, showing links to sociodemographic factors, experiences in work and family life, and health outcomes. Three future directions for research are considered. The first addresses growing problems of socioeconomic inequality and their role in undermining the opportunities of disadvantaged segments of society to experience eudaimonia. These problems have now been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted those who were already vulnerable. The second new direction examines the role of the arts and humanities as factors that nurture eudaimonic well-being. Whether the arts can activate needed compassion and caring among the privileged is also considered. The third new direction examines the intersection of entrepreneurial studies with eudaimonic well-being. Conventional conceptions of entrepreneurial success focus on business profits; a case is made that eudaimonia, of the entrepreneur as well as his/her employees and surrounding communities, constitute further measure of success that elevate issues of virtue, morality, and ethics.
Revising Policy to Reflect Our Better Nature
Authors: Aknin Lara B.
Published: November 2022

Governments should help citizens thrive, not merely survive. Doing so means alleviating stress and addressing mental illness, as well as amplifying positive experiences and emotions that allow humans to blossom and grow. But what factors support human flourishing? In this chapter, I challenge early pessimistic views of human nature as purely selfish by summarizing evidence demonstrating that humans are social and prosocial beings. Critically, I discuss how social and prosocial behavior have been repeatedly shown to promote well-being, a finding that aligns with numerous theories espousing that meaningful social connections are the essential feature to human flourishing (Ryff and Singer, Personality and Social Psychology Review 4(1):30–44, 2000). Using these insights, I suggest that institutions should revise their policies to mirror and inspire human proclivities to connect and care.
Forgiveness in Human Flourishing
Authors: Toussaint Loren , Worthington Everett L. , Webb Jon R. , Wilson Colwick , Williams David R.
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, we examine the association between forgiveness and flourishing. We begin by identifying what forgiveness and flourishing are. We then move to considering conceptual models as well as evidence supporting the connection between forgiveness and flourishing. An early model of the forgiveness and mental health relationship offers a beginning in this regard. Next, we examine the stress-and-coping models of forgiveness of oneself and others. The final model is the scaffolding self and social systems model of forgiveness and subjective well-being. These models offer multiple vantage points from which to consider the forgiveness-flourishing connection. Limitations to these models and to the current state of knowledge on forgiveness and flourishing are highlighted, especially the limits to comprehensive assessment of flourishing in the extant literature. Conclusions and future directions for studying and promoting flourishing in people of different religious affiliation, cultures, countries, and life-circumstances are discussed in closing.
Concluding Reflections on Europe in the Age of Post-truth Politics
Authors: Hálfdanarson Guðmundur , Conrad Maximilian
Published: November 2022

This chapter presents the book’s concluding reflections and argues that the contributors to this volume are in general agreement on the detrimental effects of that post-truth politics can have on European democracies, but that this does not necessarily mean that democracy is doomed. The challenges posed by the post-truth era have also triggered resistance among various governmental agencies and international organisations. Recent experience from COVID-19 shows that on the one hand a small group of populist activists have been fairly successful in stoking some people’s fears of vaccines and their opposition to various mitigation measures, casting doubt on the scientific information provided by health experts. On the other hand, some commentators have predicted that the pandemic spells the end of the post-truth era. As the conditions for post-truth politics remain, it would be premature to declare the demise of post-truth politics any time soon. At the same time, as support for populist political parties has stagnated or even declined in recent European elections, there is hope that the tide has been stemmed at least for the time being.
Claiming Authority Over ‘Truths’ and ‘Facts’: Information Risk Campaigns to Prevent Irregular Migration
Authors: Brändle Verena K.
Published: November 2022

The chapter discusses the role of governments’ information campaigns for irregular migrants within the current post-truth context. The chapter argues that with such campaigns, governments claim authority over the ‘truths’ and ‘facts’ of irregular migration. While the campaign messages are presented as reliable information, information from other actors are more likely regarded as rumours or misinformation.
Fast and Robust Estimation of Atmospheric Phase Screens Using C-Band Spaceborne SAR and GNSS Calibration
Authors: Manzoni Marco
Published: November 2022

Over the last few years, a growing interest has been observed in the field of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) meteorology. The atmosphere has always been seen as a disturbance in interpreting interferograms (the output product of InSAR processing). A space-borne radar, however, can sense the refractive index of the medium it travels. The refractive index, in turn, is sensitive to pressure, temperature, and humidity of the air. Therefore, SAR data contains information about the atmosphere’s status and can be exploited by Numerical Weather Prediction Models (NWPM) as additional information to improve weather forecasts. This chapter investigates a fast and robust method for generating the so-called Atmospheric Phase Screens (APS) from InSAR data. The method exploits both Permanent Scatterers (PS) and Distributed Scatterers (DS) in an optimal way leading to wide and dense APS maps. When operating at large scales, it is also mandatory to calibrate the data using a network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. The calibration can remove the so-called Orbital Phase Screens (OPS) that otherwise severely corrupt the atmospheric measurements. Results using real data acquired by the European Sentinel-1 mission show the potential of InSAR meteorology to provide valuable data to improve weather forecasts.
Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy and Imaging with SiPMs Readout of Scintillators: Front-End Electronics and Position Sensitivity Algorithms
Authors: Buonanno Luca
Published: November 2022

This is an introductory article to the topics more widely discussed in the PhD thesis from the same author. Following a short introduction and the motivations for researching innovative gamma-ray detector systems, this article describes a novel 85 dB dynamic range per channel integrated circuit for SiPM charge signal readout, named GAMMA, and the custom FPGA-based readout system. Experimental results presented in this article, obtained using a planar array of NUV-HD SiPMs, encompass the single-photon sensitivity achieved by GAMMA ASIC and the 2.6% resolution at the 137Cs peak emission energy of 662 keV, when using GAMMA ASIC to collect current signal from a detector array that is coupled to a LaBr3 scintillation crystal. Pixellation of the detector matrix allows for coarse position of interaction sensitivity in the scintillation crystal using machine learning reconstruction algorithms.
Arms and the Armed: The Evocative Ritual Language in Val Camonica Rock Art
Authors: Priuli Ausilio
Published: November 2022

Depictions of weapons and of armed human figures in Camunianand Alpinerock art are common, particularly after the advent of metalwork and especially beginning with the Copper Age. They are found on monuments and on rocks, as can be seen clearly in the megalithic sanctuaries featuring stelae, anthropomorphic stelae, and statues-menhir, as well as in the most significant Alpine spiritual centers and elsewhere, such as Val Camonica (It. Valle Camonica, Lo. Al Camònega), Mount Bego (Mont Bégo), Val Tellina, and Monte Baldo, on the Veroneseshore of Lake Garda (Lago di Garda). Depictions of weapons are important for the chronological and cultural placement of the engraved complexes; the depictions of armed human figures that dominate some Alpine engraving sets are no less important. That is particularly the case in Val Camonica and Val Tellina, over a very long period of time running from the Bronze Age up to the Iron Age and even into prehistoric times. The depictions of men holding weapons—in a wide variety of stylistic, iconographic, and compositional arrangements, and belonging to many different periods and stages of engraving—represent a ritual language that was used at the very time the pictures were being created. They are an evocative language that commemorated, revived, and spoke of mythical forefathers, ancestral heroes, departed warriors, founders of communities, and indeed anyone who played an important role in the past and became an object of worship. The ritual gesture of depicting them might have served the ritual function not only of commemoration but of calling their presence back from the past into the community in times of particular need.
Masters Through the Ages: Interpretation of a Renaissance Martial Art System and the Foundation of a Modern School
Authors: Penso Jacopo
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to describe the modern experience and process of reconstructing a five-hundred-year-old martial art (the Renaissance arte delle armi) from the study of extant sources and materials, mainly treatises and weapons of the time, for the understanding and practice of motions and embodied concepts. The approaches, methods, and praxis will be analyzed, exploring the delicate operation of reconstructing a martial art system from written words. Among the masters of the past, this experience focuses on the teaching of Master Achille Marozzo from Bologna, who published his treatise on fighting, Opera Nova, in 1536. Today, the Opera Nova School brings back to life this art of the past through its ongoing research and teaching, thanks to a complex and syncretic approach that condenses a wide range of information and experiences into contemporary practice. In this paper, I discuss the example of the two-handed sword discipline. The fixed sequences of codified moves, the assalti or forms, are the precious teachings provided by the historical source, which form the basis for modern interpretation. Through cycles of theoretical comprehension and practical application, it is possible to grasp the complexity of a martial art system, giving new life to an ageless art.
Dialogue with Roberto Gotti: An Initial Foray into Comparing Chinese and Italian Two-Handed Sword Methods
Authors: Chao Hing
Published: November 2022

Sword culture is a complex phenomenon that encompasses the dimensions of sword-making and polishing, sword appreciation, technical skills associated with the use of the sword, i.e., swordsmanship, as well as the written and oral traditions related to the transmission of fencing. In recent years, this diverse heritage in China and Italy has drawn increasing attention from both professional scholars and the historical martial art community. However, efforts to directly compare Asian and European historical fencing and sword culture are extremely rare. Written in the form of a dialogue with the pioneering researcher Maestro Roberto Gotti, who has been at the forefront of reconstructing Renaissance Italian martial arts for the past two decades, this study is an initial foray to compare Chinese and Italian two-handed sword traditions of the early modern period (circa1400–1630). At the same time, the author recognizes the inherent challenges to such an undertaking, such as the fact Italian and Chinese martial arts have come down to us in very different states. While Chinese martial arts continue to be practiced as a living art, Italian martial arts have mainly survived in written form. On the other hand, notwithstanding the difficulties in interpretation, Italy has preserved far more documents from which contemporary scholars may seek to uncover the past. At the same time, there are numerous differences in the way fencing knowledge was recorded, which creates an additional layer of complexity for cross-cultural comparison. In summary, considering all the difficulties inherent in this research, the findings presented here are tentative and meant to stimulate discussion and further research—no more than “throwing a stone to attract jade” as the Chinese saying goes—rather than serve as a definitive comparative statement of Chinese and Italian swordsmanship. The reader is encouraged to read Gotti’sThe Dynamic Sphere: Thesis on the Third State ofthe Vitruvian Manand the reply to this study, jointly written by Gotti and Penso (appended to the end of this chapter), in order to form a more complete view of the dialogue.
Decorative Techniques in Oriental Swords: Savoir Faire in Craftsmanship and Artistry
Authors: Lo Betty
Published: November 2022

One important aspect in the study and appreciation of arms is the techniques and methods for their decoration. The wide range of materials and techniques used in the creation of swords and daggers were intended to add to the aesthetic qualities of functional items, either for everyday or ceremonial use. Throughout the ages, beautiful swords and daggers were worn by the elite and were presented to warriors and courtiers as gifts to symbolize victory, honor, virility, and to reinforce the bond of loyalty. They were also worn by men as jewelry of prestige and status. Techniques used by artisans to embellish these swords and bladed weapons are the subject of this paper. Examples from museums and private collections are selected to demonstrate the exquisite craftsmanship of gilding and coloring, inlay and damascening, stone and gem-setting, embossing, chasing and engraving, enameling, 3D carving, wiring and filigree, etching and openwork. This chapter focuses on how these techniques were used to produce distinctive details of decorated antique swords and daggers of Eastern origins from the Ottoman empire, Persia, and India.
Stringy multifield quintessence and the Swampland
Authors: Brinkmann Max , Cicoli Michele , Dibitetto Giuseppe , Pedro Francisco G.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We consider quintessence models within 4D effective descriptions of gravity coupled to two scalar fields. These theories are known to give rise to viable models of late-time cosmic acceleration without any need for flat potentials, and so they are potentially in agreement with the dS Swampland conjecture. In this paper we investigate the possibility of consistently embedding such constructions in string theory. We identify situations where the quintessence fields are either closed string universal moduli or non-universal moduli such as blow-up modes. We generically show that no trajectories compatible with today’s cosmological parameters exist, if one starts from matter-dominated initial conditions. It is worth remarking that universal trajectories compatible with observations do appear, provided that the starting point at early times is a phase of kinetic domination. However, justifying this choice of initial conditions on solid grounds is far from easy. We conclude by studying Q-ball formation in this class of models and discuss constraints coming from Q-ball safety in all cases analyzed here.
E-Univex Sets, E-Univex Functions and E-Differentiable E-Univex Programming
Authors: Abdulaleem Najeeb
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we introduce a new concept of sets and a new class of functions called E-univex sets and E-univex functions, respectively. For an E-differentiable function, the concept of E-univexity is introduced by generalizing several concepts of generalized convexity earlier defined into optimization theory. In addition, some properties of E-differentiable E-univex functions are investigated. Further, also concepts of E-differentiable generalized E-univexity are introduced. Then, the sufficiency of the so-called E-Karush–Kuhn–Tucker necessary optimality conditions are proved for an E-differentiable nonlinear optimization problem in which the involved functions are E-univex and/or generalized E-univex.
Evaluation der COVID-19-Impfung nach breiter Anwendung – ein Zwischenfazit für Deutschland im Juli 2022
Authors: Siedler Anette , Schönfeld Viktoria , Peine Caroline , Perumal Nita , Friedsam Amelie , Stoliaroff-Pépin Anna , Harder Thomas
Published: November 2022

Seit Dezember 2020 stehen in Deutschland Impfstoffe gegen COVID-19 zur Verfügung. Zu den Hauptaufgaben des Fachgebiets Impfprävention des Robert Koch-Instituts (RKI) in der COVID-19-Pandemie gehören die Erhebung von Impfquoten und das Monitoring der Wirksamkeit der Impfung. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die hierfür während der Pandemie etablierten Strukturen, Datengrundlagen und Studien. Ausgehend vom Digitalen Impfquotenmonitoring (DIM), welches für die tagesaktuelle Berechnung der Impfquote in mehreren Altersgruppen verwendet wird, werden die Berechnung der Inzidenzen nach Impfstatus und die Methodik der Impfeffektivitätsschätzung gegen verschiedene Endpunkte (Hospitalisierung, intensivstationäre Betreuung, Tod) beschrieben. Während diese Methode lediglich eine erste Abschätzung der Impfeffektivität erlaubt, kann in bevölkerungsbezogenen nichtrandomisierten Studien eine detailliertere und genauere Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit der COVID-19-Impfstoffe unter Realbedingungen erfolgen. Hierzu wird die gemeinsam mit dem Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI) durchgeführte krankenhausbasierte Fall-Kontrollstudie COViK vorgestellt. Die Vorteile und Limitationen der genannten Strukturen und Instrumente werden diskutiert. Abschließend wird ein Ausblick auf hieraus resultierende künftige Herausforderungen in der Pandemie und beim Übergang in die endemische Lage gegeben.
Risikofaktorenanalyse zu den Gründen des Ausscheidens aus der fachärztlichen Weiterbildung im Fach Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie
Authors: Brandt Oskar , Tjardes Thorsten , Grimaldi Gina , Mutschler Manuel , Imach Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund

Aktuell liegen keine Daten zu Weiterbildungsabbrüchen und Klinikwechseln im Fach Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (O&U) vor. Ziele der Studie sind die Identifikation von persönlichen und strukturellen Risikofaktoren, die zum Abbruch/Wechsel der Weiterbildung in O&U führen, sowie Lösungsstrategien vorzustellen.

Methodik

Im Sommer 2020 wurde eine deutschlandweite, anonyme Onlinebefragung unter den Weiterbildungsassistenten*innen (WA) in O&U durchgeführt. Dienstliche Mailadressen wurden über das Traumanetzwerk© der DGU und die Deutsche Krankenhausgesellschaft identifiziert (n = 2090). Ein Fragebogen (51 Fragen) wurde mit SurveyMonkey Inc. (San Mateo, California, USA) erstellt. Teilnahmeberechtigt waren alle WA, die in den 6 Jahren vor Umfragebeginn (ab Juli 2014) für mind. einen Monat im Fach O&U tätig waren.

Zur Identifikation der Risikofaktoren wurde eine binär logistische Regression berechnet. Das Signifikanzniveau lag bei p = 0,05.

Ergebnisse

Von den 221 Befragten wechselten 37 % die Weiterbildungseinrichtung, und 5 % brachen die Weiterbildung in O&U vorzeitig ab.

Die Regression ergab 3 signifikante Risikofaktoren, die Klinik zu wechseln.

Das Leben in einer Partnerschaft (p = 0,029, RR: 2,823) und weniger als 2 Tage Hospitationen vor Weiterbildungsbeginn (p = 0,002, RR: 2,4) erhöhen das Risiko für Wechsel. Eine Einteilung der WA für Operationen gemäß dem Weiterbildungsplan/-stand (p = 0,028, RR: 0,48) senkt das Risiko für Wechsel. Signifikante Risikofaktoren für das Ausscheiden aus der Weiterbildung konnten nicht ermittelt werden (zu geringe Fallzahl, n = 11).

Diskussion

Weiterbildungswechsel und -abbrüche in der O&U sind ein relevantes Problem (42 %). Das Geschlecht hat keinen signifikanten Einfluss. Maßnahmen wie längere Hospitationen sowie Op.-Einteilung entsprechend dem Weiterbildungsplan/-stand können das Wechselrisiko minimieren.

Graphic abstract
Regulation of insulin secretion in mouse islets: metabolic amplification by alpha-ketoisocaproate coincides with rapid and sustained increase in acetyl-CoA content
Authors: Panten Uwe , Brüning Dennis , Rustenbeck Ingo
Published: November 2022

Glucose and alpha-ketoisocaproate, the keto acid analogue of leucine, stimulate insulin secretion in the absence of other exogenous fuels. Their mitochondrial metabolism in the beta-cell raises the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio, thereby providing the triggering signal for the exocytosis of the insulin granules. However, additional amplifying signals are required for the full extent of insulin secretion stimulated by these fuels. While it is generally recognized that the amplifying signals are also derived from the mitochondrial metabolism, their exact nature is still unclear. The current study tests the hypothesis that the supply of cytosolic acetyl-CoA is a signal in the amplifying pathway. The contents of acetyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA plus CoA-SH were measured in isolated mouse islets. Insulin secretion was recorded in isolated perifused islets. In islets, the ATP-sensitive K+channels of which were pharmacologically closed and which were preincubated without exogenous fuel, 10 mmol/L alpha-ketoisocaproate enhanced the acetyl-CoA content after 5 and 20 min incubations and decreased the acetyl-CoA plus CoA-SH within 5 min, but not after 20 min. In islets not exposed to drugs, the preincubation with 3 mmol/L glucose, a non-triggering concentration, elevated the acetyl-CoA content. This content was further increased after 5 min and 20 min incubations with 30 mmol/L glucose, concurrent with a strong increase in insulin secretion. Alpha-ketoisocaproate and glucose increase the supply of acetyl-CoA in the beta-cell cytosol during both phases of insulin secretion. Most likely, this increase provides a signal for the metabolic amplification.
Managing an open nasofrontal encephalocele after birth
Authors: Apostolou Nicolas , Gräfe Daniel , Knüpfer Matthias , Krause Matthias
Published: November 2022

Encephaloceles are relatively uncommon in western countries. Most of the reported cases involve occipital encephaloceles. Open frontal encephaloceles comprise a rare entity. Most of them will be detected during early prenatal diagnostic, whereas the majority of the pregnancies will be terminated after the consent of the parents. Open frontal encephaloceles pose a great challenge to neurosurgeons as well as anesthesiologists, as these infants present with a microcephaly, non-physiological intracranial anatomy, and low birth weight, thus making the infant prone to excessive blood loss, hypothermia, and death. Neonates born with an incomplete cutaneous coverage are exposed to an imminent threat to life due to the risk of meningitis, necessitating surgical repair in the first days of life. We represent a rare case of an open nasofrontal encephalocele managed surgically in the first day of life. Surgery did not influence the neurological outcome of the patient.
A rare presentation of a bilateral intracranial parameningeal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma mimicking vestibular schwannoma in a two-year-old child: a case report
Authors: Salloum Nadia Liber , Sokol Drahoslav , Kandasamy Jothy , Torgerson Antonia , Wallace Hamish B. , Kaliaperumal Chandrasekaran
Published: November 2022

Intracranial parameningeal rhabdomyosarcomas are rare, aggressive, rapidly progressive paediatric malignancies that carry a poor prognosis. The authors report a case of a 2-year-old boy who initially presented with a left facial palsy, ataxia and, shortly after, bloody otorrhoea. MRI imaging was initially suggestive of a vestibular schwannoma. However, there was rapid progression of symptoms and further MRI imaging showed very rapid increase in tumour size with mass effect and development of a similar tumour on the contralateral side. A histological diagnosis of bilateral parameningeal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was made. Despite treatment, progression led to hydrocephalus and diffuse leptomeningeal disease, from which the patient did not survive. Few intracranial parameningeal rhabdomyosarcomas have previously been reported and these report similar presenting symptoms and rapid disease progression. However, this is the first reported case of a bilateral intracranial parameningeal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma which, on initial presentation and imaging, appeared to mimic a vestibular schwannoma.
Causes of death after laryngeal cancer diagnosis: A US population-based study
Authors: Afify Abdelrahman Yousry , Ashry Mohamed Hady , Sadeq Mohammed Ahmed , Elsaid Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Background

Several reports examined the survival of laryngeal cancer (LC) patients, most of these studies only focused on the prognosis of the disease, and just a small number of studies examined non-cancer-related causes of death. The objective of the current study is to investigate and quantify the most common causes of deaths following LC diagnosis.

Methods

The data of 44,028 patient with LC in the United States diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program and analyzed. We stratified LC patients according to various demographic and clinical parameters and calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for all causes of death.

Results

Over the follow-up period, 25,407 (57.7%) deaths were reported. The highest fatalities (11,121; 43.8%) occurred within 1–5 years following LC diagnosis. Non-cancer causes of death is the leading cause of death (8945; 35.2%), followed by deaths due to laryngeal cancer (8,705; 34.3%), then other cancers deaths (7757; 30.5%). The most common non-cancer causes of death were heart diseases (N = 2953; SMR 4.42), followed by other non-cancer causes of death (N = 1512; SMR 3.93), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (N = 1420; SMR 4.90), then cerebrovascular diseases (N = 547; SMR 4.28). Compared to the general population, LC patients had a statistically significant higher risk of death from all reported causes.

Conclusions

Non-cancer causes of death is the leading cause of death in LC patients, exceeding deaths attributed to LC itself. These findings provide important insight into how LC survivors should be counselled regarding future health risks.
Development and external validation of multivariable risk models to predict incident and resolved neuropathic pain: a DOLORisk Dundee study
Authors: Hébert Harry L. , Veluchamy Abirami , Baskozos Georgios , Fardo Francesca , Van Ryckeghem Dimitri , Pearson Ewan R. , Colvin Lesley A. , Crombez Geert , Bennett David L. H. , Meng Weihua , Palmer Colin N. A. , Smith Blair H.
Published: November 2022

Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat, and an understanding of the risk factors for its onset and resolution is warranted. This study aimed to develop and externally validate two clinical risk models to predict onset and resolution of chronic neuropathic pain. Participants of Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study (GS; general Scottish population; n = 20,221) and Genetic of Diabetes Audit and Research in Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS; n = 5236) were sent a questionnaire on neuropathic pain and followed- -up 18 months later. Chronic neuropathic pain was defined using DN4 scores (≥ 3/7) and pain for 3 months or more. The models were developed in GS using logistic regression with backward elimination based on the Akaike information criterion. External validation was conducted in GoDARTS and assessed model discrimination (ROC and Precision-Recall curves), calibration and clinical utility (decision curve analysis [DCA]). Analysis revealed incidences of neuropathic pain onset (6.0% in GS [236/3903] and 10.7% in GoDARTS [61/571]) and resolution (42.6% in GS [230/540] and 23.7% in GoDARTS [56/236]). Psychosocial and lifestyle factors were included in both onset and resolved prediction models. In GoDARTS, these models showed adequate discrimination (ROC = 0.636 and 0.699), but there was evidence of miscalibration (Intercept = − 0.511 and − 0.424; slope = 0.623 and 0.999). The DCA indicated that the models would provide clinical benefit over a range of possible risk thresholds. To our knowledge, these are the first externally validated risk models for neuropathic pain. The findings are of interest to patients and clinicians in the community, who may take preventative or remedial measures.
Structure of the Muruntau gold ore region in the Kyzyl-Kum desert (Central Asia)
Authors: Mukhin Pavel , Mirkamalov Rustam , Seltmann Reimar
Published: November 2022

The giant gold deposit Muruntau in most works belongs to the “orogenic type”. However, in the description of the geology of the deposit, there is usually no information about the stages (deformation, metamorphism) and the role of regional processes in the formation of host and mineralized rocks of the deposit. Our fieldwork provides unique geological evidence and previously unpublished data that are not reported in any other publications to date. This article presents the results of a detailed structural study of the terrane hosting the Muruntau gold deposit on the example of four sites and the results of deep drilling of two wells. The conducted studies confirm that the lowest Muruntau megaterrane consists of multi-stage metamorphosed Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic sedimentary-volcanic rocks and Late Paleozoic carbonate sediments overlain by Late Carboniferous flysch and olistostrome in the top. Two main stages (D1 and D2) of rock deformation in the lower part of the megaterrane associated with the Early Paleozoic accretion and two subsequent stages (D3 and D4) associated with the Late Paleozoic accretion and orogeny are described. Thrust processes D2 and D3 caused the formation of recumbent folds of different orientation and vergence. The normal antiform (D4) extending W–E is an orogenic fold. The Muruntau gold deposit is located in a regional synmetamorphic thrust zone called the Main Muruntau Thrust (MMT), which formed during the Early Paleozoic D2 stage. The MMT is responsible for the formation of secondary rock anisotropy along the cleavage of the D2 recumbent folds and conformal lens-like body of mineralized rocks and gently sloping veins with an area of 7.0 × 2.6 km. The internal structure of the deposit retains fragments of deformed gold quartz veins into recumbent folds. These structural data make it possible to link low-grade gold mineralized zones with Early Paleozoic deformations. We suggest that rock anisotropy within the MMT controlled mineralization twice: in the Early Paleozoic as a synmetamorphic flat high-permeable zone and in the Late Paleozoic as a relatively low-permeable zone for post-magmatic fluids.
Examining the potential of VR program Tilt Brush in reducing anxiety
Authors: Tan Janice , Kannis-Dymand Lee , Jones Christian
Published: November 2022

Recent advancement in technology has made virtual reality (VR) more accessible and immersive than ever before, resulting in its increasing utility in various industries. Despite this, VR has remained an underutilised tool within clinical psychology. This study aimed to explore the potential of using VR for therapeutic benefits through examining the level of flow and anxiety-reducing effects of freeform drawing in real life (on paper) versus drawing in VR (using Tilt Brush) via a randomised-controlled trial with 40 participants. State and trait anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, level of flow was measured using the Long Flow State Scale, and level of presence was measured using the iGroup Presence Questionnaire. Overall level of flow was not significantly different between both groups, implying drawing in VR induces as much flow as drawing in real life. Level of flow was positively correlated to level of presence experienced in the VR group (p < .01). Although there was no significant interaction effect, both groups experienced an overall decrease in state anxiety, with the VR group experiencing a significant reduction of state anxiety from pre- to post-test (p < .01).
Encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab in BRAF V600E–mutated colorectal cancer: an early post-marketing phase vigilance study
Authors: Sakata Hidenori , Murase Maki , Kato Takeshi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Sugihara Kenichi , Suzuki Shigenobu , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: November 2022

Background

Triplet and doublet regimens of encorafenib plus cetuximab with and without binimetinib, respectively, were approved in Japan for unresectable, metastatic, BRAF V600E-mutated colorectal cancer (mCRC) that had progressed after 1–2 prior chemotherapies. This early post-marketing phase vigilance (EPPV) study collected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from Japanese patients to ensure safety measures as appropriate.

Methods

Patients with BRAF V600E mCRC who received the triplet or doublet regimens in Japan were selected for this study. ADRs were collected as spontaneous reports between November 27, 2020 and May 26, 2021. Serious ADRs were evaluated according to guidelines of the International Council for Harmonisation and the EudraVigilance list of Important Medical Event Terms.

Results

An estimated 550 Japanese patients with mCRC received the triplet or doublet regimens during the 6-month EPPV period. Overall, 101 and 42 patients reported ADRs and serious ADRs, respectively. No ADRs leading to death were reported. The most frequently reported ADRs were nausea (17 patients), serous retinal detachment (16), decreased appetite (12), diarrhea (11), and vomiting (11). Among the important identified/potential risks that are defined in the risk management plans for encorafenib and binimetinib, eye disorder-related ADRs were observed in 32 patients, rhabdomyolysis-related ADRs in 12, hemorrhage-related ADRs in 7, and hepatic dysfunction-related ADRs in 7. Of 22 patients with serious eye disorders, 20 recovered or were recovering during the EPPV period.

Conclusion

The safety profile in this EPPV study was similar to that from the phase III BEACON CRC study and no new safety concerns were identified.
Alternative visions of “ethical” dairying: changing entanglements with calves, cows and care
Authors: Thompson Merisa S.
Published: November 2022

Few sectors are more ethically contentious than dairy, with debates tending to be polarised between “intensification” and “abolitionist” narratives which often drown out alternative voices operating in-between. This paper examines the marginal spaces occupied by a group of farmers in the United Kingdom who are attempting to move towards what they see as “more ethical” dairying. Drawing on findings from ethnographic research on five farms which have adopted “cow-calf contact rearing”—which focuses on keeping calves with their mothers longer, in opposition to conventional practices of removing them shortly after birth—it asks what values underpin this alternative approach, and how and why “ethical” dairies seek to dairy ethically. To do this, it draws on a feminist epistemology and methodology that sees ethics as situated and contextual, and finds an “ethics of care” to be central to changing entanglements between humans and nonhuman animals. Instead of casting dairy as either “good” or “bad”, it explores the activities of farms which are trying to move towards what they perceive to be “better”, and draws three conclusions: (a) “ethical” dairying demonstrates a heterogeneity of dairy practices which are grounded in “care” and are happening between narrative extremes of intensification versus abolition; (b) although this practice may be, and could be, commodified, farmers are primarily guided by strong ideological principles and influenced by affective and empathetic “entanglements” with cows and calves, the agency of bovines themselves, and their social and ecological environment; and (c) “cow-calf contact rearing” represents a significant shift from a focus on the broader welfare environment towards centring the quality of individual cows’ lives. Ultimately, the paper argues that we should pay greater attention to alternative economies built on an “ethics of care” when envisaging new sustainable food and agricultural systems.
Where’s the Body?: Victimhood as the Wrongmaker in Abortion
Authors: Derin Jacob
Published: November 2022

Much of the work in moral philosophy and the political debate on abortion has focused on when in human development personhood begins. In this article, using a variant of Derek Parfit’s view on personal identity, I instead frame the question as one of victimhood. I argue for what I call the Victim Requirement for the wrongness of killing–killing is wrong only if there is an identifiable victim. An identifiable victim is, temporally speaking, in the midst of a chain of psychological connections in the sense of “Relation R.” I go on to argue for a version of psychological identity which makes consciousness a necessary condition of rational self-interest and numerical identity across time. The implications for the abortion debate, based upon the best neurological evidence, are that abortion cannot be wrong before at least 22 weeks of pregnancy and perhaps significantly later. I then respond to alternatives to my Victim Requirement and argue that they either fail on their own merits or are deeply problematic. Finally, I discuss the role of autonomy and consent in a world where fetal consciousness develops much earlier.
Dynamic and monotonic response of Monopile Foundations for Offshore wind turbines using centrifuge testing
Authors: Seong Juntae , Abadie Christelle N. , Madabhushi Gopal S.P. , Haigh Stuart K.
Published: November 2022

The seismic response of monopile foundations is a growing area of research as the offshore wind industry expands worldwide, including in earthquake prone regions of the world. This paper presents dynamic centrifuge tests aimed at investigating the dynamic response of monopiles in both dry and saturated sandy soils. The latter case includes soil liquefaction under strong input motions, with measured excess pore pressures indicating liquefaction. The natural frequency of the monopile-soil system is experimentally determined by measuring the response to a sine sweep motion. Strong earthquakes are then applied at this frequency and its harmonics. This paper discusses the response of the monopile in terms of the peak accelerations observed in the dry and saturated tests, as well as using response spectra and amplification ratios. The dynamic bending moments along the pile are also measured to infer the bending moment profile with depth. Finally, two identical monopiles are pushed-over in each of the centrifuge tests to establish the pre and post-earthquake monotonic response, including the lateral stiffness and capacity, which are compared for the dry model tests and the saturated case.
Circadian clocks signal future states of affairs
Authors: Pridmore Brant
Published: November 2022

On receiver-based teleosemantic theories of representation, the chemical states of the circadian clocks in animal, plant and cyanobacterial cells constitute signals of future states of affairs, often the rising and setting of the sun. This signalling is much more rigid than sophisticated representational systems like human language, but it is not simple on all dimensions. In most organisms the clock regulates many different circadian rhythms. The process of entrainment ensures that the mapping between chemical states of the clock and the daily light-dark cycle is adjusted to deal with seasonal changes. In regulating anticipatory behaviour, the states of the clock look forward both to the time the behaviour is supposed to happen and the later time when the anticipated circumstances are supposed to arise. The case of the circadian clock shows that purely indicative signals can arise in very basic biological systems and brings into sharp relief the trade-offs involved in characterizing representational systems. On receiver-based teleosemantic theories, future-directed signals are not restricted to complex multicellular organisms but are ubiquitous in the biological world.
The phase space structure of retrograde mean motion resonances with Neptune: the 4/5, 7/9, 5/8 and 8/13 cases
Authors: Kotoulas Thomas , Morais Maria Helena Moreira , Voyatzis George
Published: November 2022

We compute planar and three-dimensional retrograde periodic orbits in the vicinity of the restricted three-body problem (RTBP) with the Sun and Neptune as primaries and we concentrate on the dynamics of higher-order exterior mean motion resonances with Neptune. By using the circular planar model as the basic model, families of retrograde symmetric periodic orbits are computed at the 4/5, 7/9, 5/8 and 8/13 resonances. We determine the bifurcation points from the planar circular to the planar elliptic problem and we find all the corresponding families. In order to obtain a global view of the families of periodic orbits, the eccentricity of the primaries takes values in the whole interval $$0<e'<1$$

0
<

e
′

<
1

. Then, we find all the possible vertical critical orbits (v.c.o) of the planar circular problem and we proceed to the three-dimensional circular restricted 3-body problem. In this model, retrograde periodic orbits are generated mainly from the retrograde v.c.o. Also, if we continue families of direct orbits for $$i>90^\circ $$

i
>

90
∘

, then we can obtain families of 3D symmetric retrograde periodic orbits. The linear stability is examined too. Stable periodic orbits are associated with phase space domains of resonant motion where TNOs can be captured. In order to study the phase space structure of the above resonances, we construct dynamical stability maps for the whole inclination interval ($$0<i<180^\circ $$

0
<
i
<

180
∘

) by using the well-known “MEGNO Chaos Indicator”. Finally, we discuss about TNOs which are currently located at these resonances.
Immobilization of a cellulose carbamate-type chiral selector onto silica gel by alkyne-azide click chemistry for the preparation of chiral stationary chromatography phases
Authors: Bui Cuong Viet , Rosenau Thomas , Hettegger Hubert
Published: November 2022

A new synthesis strategy for the preparation of cellulose derivative-based chiral selectors and the subsequent mild immobilization onto pre-functionalized silica gel are introduced, utilizing Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide Huisgen cycloaddition (“click”) chemistry. A cellulose 3,5-dimethylphenyl carbamate derivative carrying propynyl carbamate groups was prepared by a combination of carbonate aminolysis and isocyanate chemistry. For immobilization, 3-azidopropyl-functionalized silica gel as an inert carrier was used, synthesized via a 3-chloropropyl intermediate. The chiral selector, as well as the inorganic/organic hybrid materials (silica gel/chiral selector), were comprehensively characterized by ATR-FTIR, solid-state 13C and 29Si NMR, liquid-state NMR, GPC, TGA, and elemental analysis. The enantioseparation performance of the immobilized-type chiral stationary phase was evaluated by HPLC with a set of representative chiral test analytes and different eluents and compared to a respective coated-type (=non-covalently bound) chiral stationary phase carrying the same selector quality and quantity on the same silica gel matrix. The immobilization did not adversely affect the chiral separation performance; on the contrary, in some chromatographic separations the immobilized-type chiral stationary phase surprisingly even surpassed the coated reference material.

Graphical abstract
Ericksen’s Secret Influence
Authors: Virga Epifanio G.
Published: November 2022

Sometimes, even a cursory remark at the end of a lecture, if growing out of deep intelligence and directed to a sensitive mind, can have momentous consequences. This was the case in the episode recounted here, which linked Ericksen and de Gennes, albeit indirectly.