bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Galilean conformal bootstrap. Part II. ξ = 0 sector
Authors: Chen Bin , Hao Peng-xiang , Liu Reiko , Yu Zhe-fei
Published: December 2022

Abstract

In this work, we continue our work on two dimensional Galilean conformal field theory (GCFT2). Our previous work (2011.11092) focused on the ξ ≠ 0 sector, here we investigate the more subtle ξ = 0 sector to complete the discussion. The case ξ = 0 is degenerate since there emerge interesting null states in a general ξ = 0 boost multiplet. We specify these null states and work out the resulting selection rules. Then, we compute the ξ = 0 global GCA blocks and find that they can be written as a linear combination of several building blocks, each of which can be obtained from a sl(2, ℝ) Casimir equation. These building blocks allow us to give an Euclidean inversion formula as well. As a consistency check, we study 4-point functions of certain vertex operators in the BMS free scalar theory. In this case, the ξ = 0 sector is the only allowable sector in the propagating channel. We find that the direct expansion of the 4-point function reproduces the global GCA block and is consistent with the inversion formula.
Wilson lines and boundary operators of BCFW shifts
Authors: Huang Rijun , Jin Qingjun , Li Yi
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Boundary operators are gauge invariant operators whose form factors correspond to boundary contributions of BCFW shifts. In gauge theory, the boundary operators contain infinite series, which are constrained by gauge symmetry. We compute the boundary operators of all possible BCFW shifts in Yang-Mills theory and QCD, and show that the infinite series can be elegantly organized into Wilson lines, which are natural building blocks for non-local gauge invariant operators. We comment on their connection to jet functions and gauge invariant off-shell amplitudes. We also verify our results by studying various BCFW shifts of four and five-point amplitudes.
Liver-derived metabolites as signaling molecules in fatty liver disease
Authors: Keles Umur , Ow Jin Rong , Kuentzel Katharina Barbara , Zhao Li Na , Kaldis Philipp
Published: December 2022

Excessive fat accumulation in the liver has become a major health threat worldwide. Unresolved fat deposition in the liver can go undetected until it develops into fatty liver disease, followed by steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Lipid deposition in the liver is governed by complex communication, primarily between metabolic organs. This can be mediated by hormones, organokines, and also, as has been more recently discovered, metabolites. Although how metabolites from peripheral organs affect the liver is well documented, the effect of metabolic players released from the liver during the development of fatty liver disease or associated comorbidities needs further attention. Here we focus on interorgan crosstalk based on metabolites released from the liver and how these molecules act as signaling molecules in peripheral tissues. Due to the liver’s specific role, we are covering lipid and bile mechanism-derived metabolites. We also discuss the high sucrose intake associated with uric acid release from the liver. Excessive fat deposition in the liver during fatty liver disease development reflects disrupted metabolic processes. As a response, the liver secretes a variety of signaling molecules as well as metabolites which act as a footprint of the metabolic disruption. In the coming years, the reciprocal exchange of metabolites between the liver and other metabolic organs will gain further importance and will help to better understand the development of fatty liver disease and associated diseases.
Grundzüge des neuen Genehmigungsverfahrens für klinische Arzneimittelprüfungen im Rahmen der Verordnung (EU) Nr. 536/2014 und der Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Mitgliedstaaten
Authors: Sudhop Thomas , Riedel Claudia , Krafft Hartmut
Published: December 2022

Mit der am 31.01.2022 anwendbar gewordenen Verordnung (EU) Nr. 536/2014 zu klinischen Prüfungen mit Humanarzneimitteln wurde die weitgehende Vollharmonisierung der Genehmigungs- und Überwachungsverfahren klinischer Arzneimittelprüfungen in der Europäischen Union (EU) und dem Europäischen Wirtschaftsraum (EWR) vollzogen. Neben einem vollständig papierlosen Antragsverfahren erfolgt auch die gesamte Kommunikation aller Beteiligten über das eigens für die Verordnung entwickelte Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), über das auch – jeweils zeitlich gestaffelt – alle nicht geschützten Informationen und Inhalte des Genehmigungsantrags und der Ergebnisse der klinischen Prüfung der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht werden. Wie bereits unter den alten rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen ergeht die Genehmigung einer klinischen Prüfung durch die jeweils betroffenen Mitgliedstaaten. In den Fällen, in denen eine klinische Prüfung in mehreren Mitgliedstaaten durchgeführt werden soll, erfolgt die Bewertung des allgemeinen Teils der Unterlagen nunmehr gemeinsam durch die betroffenen Mitgliedstaaten unter koordinierender Federführung eines berichterstattenden Mitgliedstaates. Der vorliegende Artikel skizziert das Genehmigungsverfahren mit seinem Fristenkonzept und adressiert weitere Aspekte der Verordnung, wie z. B. Details zum Schutz der an der klinischen Prüfung teilnehmenden Personen, die Sicherheitsberichterstattung sowie die Transparenzregelungen.
Einsatz von Virtual Reality in der HNO-Lehre: eine Alternative zum konventionellen Anatomiemodell
Authors: von Schnakenburg P. , Heermann S. , Kromeier J. , Offergeld C.
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund

Die Beurteilung des Mittelohrs erfordert ein komplexes dreidimensionales Verständnis, dessen Vermittlung für die curriculare Lehre ebenso wichtig ist wie für die ärztliche Weiterbildung.

Zielsetzung

Überprüft wurde, inwieweit Virtual Reality (VR) als Alternative zu konventionellen Lehrmethoden in der Vermittlung von Inhalten der Anatomie, Physiologie und Pathologie zum Einsatz kommen kann. Zielsetzung ist die Evaluation einer VR-gestützten Lehrmethode im Vergleich zur konventionellen Lehre am anatomischen Modell.

Methodik

Die Studie wurde als zweiarmige prospektive Single-Center-Studie im Sommersemester 2021 an der Universitätsklinik Freiburg durchgeführt. Für ein Modul zum Thema Mittelohr wurden 177 Studierende randomisiert in eine Kontroll- und Studiengruppe eingeteilt. Vorab wurden demografische Daten abgefragt sowie eine quantitative Evaluation hinsichtlich Kompetenz und persönlicher Haltung erhoben. Nach Bearbeitung der Modelle wurden die Gruppen formativ geprüft und die Ergebnisse vergleichend untersucht. Abschließend wurde durch ein Crossover der Modelle eine qualitative Evaluation der Modelle im Vergleich ermöglicht und eine erneute quantitative Evaluation durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

In der formativen Prüfung konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Gruppen nachgewiesen werden. Die Evaluationen konnten eine gesteigerte Selbsteinschätzung der Wissenskompetenz, eine tendenziell ausgesprochen positive Haltung zur VR-Methode nach Kursabschluss sowie generell vorteilhafte subjektive Aspekte des VR-Modells aufweisen. Zudem zeigte sich ein positiver Effekt und ein positives Meinungsbild für die Vermittlung anatomischer Inhalte.

Schlussfolgerung

Der Einsatz von VR eignet sich als Alternative zu konventionellen Lehrmethoden in der curricularen HNO-Lehre. Die Ergebnisse zeigen bereits aktuell eine Gleichwertigkeit der VR und lassen ein großes Potenzial dieser Methode für zukünftige Lehraufgaben erwarten.
Improvement of thermoalkaliphilic laccase (CtLac) by a directed evolution and application to lignin degradation
Authors: Yang Youri , Ghatge Sunil , Hur Hor-Gil
Published: December 2022

Thermoalkaliphilic laccase (CtLac) from the Caldalkalibacillus thermarum strain TA2.A1 has advantageous properties with potential industrial applications, such as high enzyme activity and stability at 70 °C and pH 8.0. In the present study, a directed evolution approach using a combination of random and site-directed mutagenesis was adopted to enhance the laccase activity of CtLac. Spectrophotometric assay and real-time oxygen measurement techniques were employed to compare and evaluate the enzyme activity among mutants. V243 was targeted for site-directed mutagenesis based on library screening. V243D showed a 25–35% higher laccase activity than wild-type CtLac in the spectrophotometric assay and oxygen consumption measurement results. V243D also showed higher catalytic efficiency than wild-type CtLac with decreased Km and increased kcat values. In addition, V243D enhanced oxidative degradation of the lignin model compound, guaiacylglycerol-β-guaiacyl ether (GGGE), by 10% and produced a 5–30% increase in high-value aldehydes than wild-type CtLac under optimal enzymatic conditions (i.e., 70 °C and pH 8.0). Considering the lack of protein structural information, we used the directed evolution approach to predict Val at the 243 position of CtLac as one of the critical amino acids contributing to the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Moreover, it found that the real-time oxygen measurement technique could overcome the limitations of the spectrophotometric assay, and apply to evaluate oxidase activity in mutagenesis research.

Key points

• CtLac was engineered for enhanced laccase activity through directed evolution approach

• V243D showed higher catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) than wild-type CtLac

• V243D produced higher amounts of high-value aldehydes from rice straw than wild-type CtLac
The reef-building coral Galaxea fascicularis: a new model system for coral symbiosis research
Authors: Puntin Giulia , Craggs Jamie , Hayden Róisín , Engelhardt Kara E. , McIlroy Shelby , Sweet Michael , Baker David M. , Ziegler Maren
Published: December 2022

Reef-building corals owe their evolutionary success to their symbiosis with unicellular algae (Symbiodiniaceae). However, increasingly frequent heat waves lead to coral mass-bleaching events and pose a serious threat to the survival of reef ecosystems. Despite significant efforts, a mechanistic understanding of coral–algal symbiosis functioning, what leads to its breakdown and what can prevent it, remains incomplete. The main obstacles are low amenability of corals to experimental handling and, owing to its obligatory nature, the difficulties of manipulating the coral–algal association. Indeed, many studies on the symbiotic partnership are conducted on other cnidarian model organisms and their results may therefore not be fully transferable to tropical reef-building corals. Here, we identify the tropical stony coral species Galaxea fascicularis as a novel candidate coral model system. Individual polyps of this species can be separated, enabling highly replicated genotype studies, and are well suited to experimental investigation of the symbiosis as they can be easily and effectively rid of their algal symbionts (bleached). We show that bleached adult individuals can reestablish symbiosis with non-native symbionts, and we report the completion of the gametogenic cycle ex situ, with the successful spawning in aquaria over multiple years. These achievements help overcome several of the major limitations to direct research on corals and highlight the potential of G. fascicularis as an important new model system for investigations of symbiosis functioning and manipulation.
Approximation of Wave Packets on the Real Line
Authors: Iserles Arieh , Luong Karen , Webb Marcus
Published: December 2022

In this paper we compare three different orthogonal systems in $$\textrm{L}_2({\mathbb {R}})$$

L
2

(
R
)

which can be used in the construction of a spectral method for solving the semi-classically scaled time dependent Schrödinger equation on the real line, specifically, stretched Fourier functions, Hermite functions and Malmquist–Takenaka functions. All three have banded skew-Hermitian differentiation matrices, which greatly simplifies their implementation in a spectral method, while ensuring that the numerical solution is unitary—this is essential in order to respect the Born interpretation in quantum mechanics and, as a byproduct, ensures numerical stability with respect to the $$\textrm{L}_2({\mathbb {R}})$$

L
2

(
R
)

norm. We derive asymptotic approximations of the coefficients for a wave packet in each of these bases, which are extremely accurate in the high frequency regime. We show that the Malmquist–Takenaka basis is superior, in a practical sense, to the more commonly used Hermite functions and stretched Fourier expansions for approximating wave packets.
Quality of leadership and self-rated health: the moderating role of ‘Effort–Reward Imbalance’: a longitudinal perspective
Authors: Kuchenbaur Marco , Peter Richard
Published: December 2022

Objective

Longitudinal studies on the influence of leadership behavior on employees’ self-rated health are scarce. As a result, potential mechanisms describing the impact of leadership behavior on health have not been adequately investigated so far. The present study accounts for the influence of leadership behavior on self-rated health within the framework of the Effort–Reward Imbalance model.

Methods

The study was conducted on the basis of a cohort which comprised a random sample of healthcare workers from ten different hospitals and one elderly nursing home in Germany. A 2-level repeated measurement model with random intercept and slopes was modeled, since it was aimed to account for individual as well as intra-individual variation of subjective health across three time points over 36 months. Beside ‘Effort–Reward Imbalance’ and ‘Quality of Leadership’ from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, physical and mental health was assessed by German version of the SF12 multipurpose short-form measure of health status.

Results

‘Effort–Reward Imbalance’ and a lack in ‘Quality of Leadership’ negatively affect self-rated physical health. No effect was found for self-rated mental health. Effort–Reward Imbalance significantly moderates the effect of ‘Quality of Leadership’ on self-rated physical health.

Conclusion

The findings, and the interaction effects in particular, suggest that leadership behavior moderated by factors such as appreciation and support, influences self-rated physical health. The study therefore provides an interpretation for leadership behavior and its influence on employees’ self-rated health within the ‘Effort–Reward Imbalance’ model.
Drought patterns: their spatiotemporal variability and impacts on maize production in Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Ferreira Nicole Costa Resende , Rötter Reimund Paul , Bracho-Mujica Gennady , Nelson William C. D. , Lam Quang Dung , Recktenwald Claus , Abdulai Isaaka , Odhiambo Jude , Foord Stefan
Published: December 2022

Due to global climate change, droughts are likely to become more frequent and more severe in many regions such as in South Africa. In Limpopo, observed high climate variability and projected future climate change will likely increase future maize production risks. This paper evaluates drought patterns in Limpopo at two representative sites. We studied how drought patterns are projected to change under future climatic conditions as an important step in identifying adaptation measures (e.g., breeding maize ideotypes resilient to future conditions). Thirty-year time horizons were analyzed, considering three emission scenarios and five global climate models. We applied the WOFOST crop model to simulate maize crop growth and yield formation over South Africa’s summer season. We considered three different crop emergence dates. Drought indices indicated that mainly in the scenario SSP5-8.5 (2051–2080), Univen and Syferkuil will experience worsened drought conditions (DC) in the future. Maize yield tends to decline and future changes in the emergence date seem to impact yield significantly. A possible alternative is to delay sowing date to November or December to reduce the potential yield losses. The grain filling period tends to decrease in the future, and a decrease in the duration of the growth cycle is very likely. Combinations of changed sowing time with more drought tolerant maize cultivars having a longer post-anthesis phase will likely reduce the potential negative impact of climate change on maize.
Highly efficient and recyclable novel spindles Fe2O3@SiO2/In2O3 nanomagnetic catalyst designed for green synthesis of azomethine compounds
Authors: El-Attar Heba G. , Salem Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Seham A. , Bakr Eman A.
Published: December 2022

A novel and reusable nanomagnetic catalyst, Fe2O3@SiO2/In2O3, was synthesized by a facile chemical approach in three successive steps. The nanocatalyst was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, and VSM. The XRD pattern displays the characteristic peaks of Fe2O3 and SiO2, accompanied by new peaks assigned to different planes of In2O3 that confirm the formation of In2O3 on the surface of Fe2O3@SiO2 core/shell spindles. The TEM micrographs show spindle-like particles of Fe2O3 covered with SiO2 shell, and the In2O3 nanoparticles in an average diameter of 20 nm are hung on the surface of the Fe2O3@SiO2. The nanomagnetic catalyst Fe2O3@SiO2/In2O3 was used for the transformation of the (4-nitrophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-5-amine, and chalcones derivatives, into valuable azomethine compounds of 3-(substituted)-1-(pyridine-2-yl)allylidene)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-5-amine with high rate and efficient catalyst recovery. The yield obtained through the catalytic route reached 90–95% in shorter reaction times compared with uncatalyzed reaction method.

Graphical abstract
Employer Attractiveness of EMNEs: The Role of CSR in Overcoming Country-of-Origin Image Constraints in Developed Host Countries
Authors: Le Bich Ngoc , Morschett Dirk
Published: December 2022

Attracting a qualified workforce is a challenge for all companies but in particular for foreign subsidiaries of emerging market MNEs (EMNEs) in developed countries due to their double disadvantages of liability of foreignness plus liability of emergingness. Based on signaling theory, this study investigates whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes to overcoming these liabilities. A web-based experiment with realistic recruitment webpages, involving 490 potential applicants from Germany, Switzerland and Austria, reveals that potential applicants in developed host countries have lower job-pursuit intention to EMNEs than to developed market MNEs, but that good CSR helps mitigate this negative effect. Nonetheless, we find that applicants are not intensively searching for CSR information on a recruitment webpage, constituting an impediment in EMNEs’ attempts to reap maximum benefits from their CSR engagement.
Enhanced MCM5 Level Predicts Bad Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wang Shuming , Wu Weiqin , Han Xiang
Published: December 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fatal heterogeneous hematologic malignancy. There is an urgent need to identify potential biomarkers to better classify sufferers with bad outcomes that might need more advanced treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate prognostic indicators that predict the outcome of sufferers with AML. The datasets of AML sufferers including mRNA sequencing data and clinical information were acquired from GEO datasets (GSE38865) and TCGA datasets. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis to screen genes correlated to survival. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses biological process analysis were utilized in verifying the function of various genes. Sufferers with elevated MCM5 level exhibited a worse prognosis, according to the survival analysis. It was indicated through multivariate and univariate analysis that MCM5 level was an independent adverse prognostic element for over survival in AML sufferers based on GEO and TCGA datasets. Meanwhile, MCM5 level in AML samples was higher than in normal samples. Additionally, it was indicated through PPI network and functional enrichment analyses that through accelerating cell cycle and DNA replication, MCM5 promoted AML progression. In conclusions, MCM5 level was an independent poor prognostic element in AML sufferers based on GEO and TCGA datasets. This is the first time that MCM5 is reported to be a biomarker of poor prognosis in AML.
Künstliche Intelligenz in der Sozialen Arbeit
Authors: Steiner Olivier , Tschopp Dominik
Published: December 2022

Der Beitrag definiert in seinem ersten Teil Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) und beschreibt Technologien, die KI ermöglichen (sollen). Im zweiten Teil werden zwei Anwendungsszenarien von KI in der Sozialen Arbeit beschrieben und mögliche Potenziale, Grenzen und Risiken der Technologie herausgearbeitet. Eingehender diskutiert werden hier Technologien des Predictive Risk Modellings (PRM) sowie Chatbots in Beratungssettings der Sozialen Arbeit. In einer abschließenden Diskussion wird der bisherige Stand der Entwicklung von KI in der Sozialen Arbeit in einem ethischen Modell kritisch reflektiert.
Evolutionary Psychology and Normal Science: in Search of a Unifying Research Program
Authors: Egeland Jonathan
Published: December 2022

Why are there so many controversies in evolutionary psychology? Using a couple of concepts from philosophy of science, this paper argues that evolutionary psychology has not reached the stage of mature, normal science, since it does not currently have a unifying research program that guides individual scientists working in the discipline. The argument goes against claims made by certain proponents and opponents of evolutionary psychology, and it is supported by discussion of several examples. The paper notes that just because evolutionary psychology has not reached the stage of normal science, the discipline is nevertheless a source of many progressive theoretical developments and interesting empirical discoveries.
Petrogenesis and Metallogenic Evolution of Leucogranites from the Paleoproterozoic Malanjkhand Granitoids, Central India
Authors: Pandit Dinesh
Published: December 2022

The Birsa and Devgaon leucogranites represent contemporaneous episodes of highly fractionated felsic magmatism associated with the Paleoproterozoic Malanjkhand granitoids in the Bastar craton, Central India. Major element oxides geochemistry reveals that two leucogranites are strictly granite in composition and both show calc-alkaline affinity. Geochemical discrimination diagrams inferred that these leucogranites shows affinity towards I-type magma with metaluminous characters. Geochemical classification inferred that the Birsa leucogranite preferred to be magnesian whereas Devgaon leucogranite designated to be ferroan type. Geothermobarometry estimation suggested that 1.2-4.5 kbar pressure and 750°-830°C temperature conditions at the shallow depth of the continental crust is responsible for the emplacement of leucogranites. Crystallization evolution of feldspar in the leucogranite provided evidences of late stage felsic magmatism in the Malanjkhand pluton. Molybdenum enrichment in the leucogranite possibly due to crystal fractionation under high oxygen fugacity conditions inherited from the magma chamber in the continental crust. Anomalous high concentration of Mo in the Devgaon leucogranite is contributed from episodic hydrothermal system with poor supply of sulphur. Occurrences of molybdenite in the Devgaon leucogranite provides high exploration potential to investigates granite molybdenite system in the Bastar craton.
Finite Rupture Attributes Associated with the Great-Earthquake-Prone Areas (GEPAs) of Continental Earthquakes
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wu Zhongliang , Romanelli Fabio , Vaccari Franco , Peresan Antonella , Kossobokov Vladimir G. , Panza Giuliano F.
Published: December 2022

In the neo-deterministic seismic hazard assessment (NDSHA) evaluation, great-earthquake-prone areas (GEPAs) play an important role in defining the ‘controlling earthquakes’ or ‘scenario earthquakes’. When considering great earthquakes, their finite rupture attributes, which contribute to determine the strong ground motions and intensities, have to be taken into account. For continental earthquakes in China, the great earthquakes are located mainly within the boundary zones of the ‘tectonic blocks’. The ‘tectonic block’ model indicates the focal mechanisms and some finite rupture attributes of the great earthquakes within the boundary zones. Accordingly, in the NDSHA for China, it is both necessary and feasible for the GEPAs to consider the finite rupture attributes of great earthquakes. The Sichuan-Yunnan border in southwest China has been taken as an example to naturally develop the originally used circular shape of GEPAs into one with more degrees-of-freedom, better reflecting the possible rupture processes of the considered earthquakes.
Geochemical Trends and Rare Earth Elements’ Behaviour in the Recently Exposed Weathering Profiles of the Deccan Basalts from Central India
Authors: Patel Anuradha , Raj Rachna , Tripathi Jayant K.
Published: December 2022

The Deccan basalts have been undergoing intense weathering in the tropical conditions since the passage of India through the equator. This study is on the basalts’ weathering from central India’s present present-day semiarid climate. Two weathering profiles from the districts of Indore and Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, have been studied using mineralogy and geochemistry. The profiles show incipient weathering with low to medium Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Mafic Index of Alteration-oxidising (MIA(O)) values. The presence of smectite in weathered zones, mineralogically attests to incipient weathering. The pyroxene and plagioclase-rich zones have produced smectite clays in the basalts. The rare earth elements (REE) and, to a greater extent, the heavy (H) REE show mobility during incipient weathering, which appears to be due to differential retention of REE in the clay minerals. The smectites seem to retain light (L) REE more significantly than HREE. The ancient terrain showing currently incipient weathering indicates recent exposure of the profiles by the erosion under neotectonic activity. In this fashion, the frequent exposures of new weathering surfaces on the basalts may have played a significant role in the uninterrupted consumption of CO2 by silicate weathering since around 50 Ma.
The Fibrolite Problem: Implications for Reaction Overstep Studies
Authors: Sharma Jeev Jatan , Pant Naresh Chandra , Saikia Ashima
Published: December 2022

Despite several experimental studies the phase relations in aluminosilicates, especially involving the high-temperature polymorph, are not well understood. The widespread occurrence of fibrolite before sillimanite in rocks is described as the ‘fibrolite problem’. Fibrolite is considered to have higher free energy than sillimanite because of the excess surface energy contribution due to the higher surface/volume ratio. Equilibrium thermodynamics fails to reconcile the stability of fibrolite, with higher free energy, at lower temperatures than sillimanite. The existing literature invokes reaction kinetics to suggest that the low energy of {110} faces leads to acicular fibrolite growth rather than prismatic sillimanite. Here the ‘fibrolite problem’ is discussed from a perspective of high nucleation rates and hindered growth rates. An analog to fibrolite-sillimanite crystallization is suggested in the crystallization of mullite, a member of the Al2O3-SiO2 system. The crystallization of fibrolite in rocks shifts the position of the sillimanite producing reactions from the equilibrium PT depending upon the ΔS and ΔV of the reaction. Thermodynamic datasets calibrated using such natural samples tend to produce accurate predictions for sillimanite stability in geological terranes but inherently possess a reaction overstep and hence should be used carefully while quantifying reaction oversteps.
Tertiary Coal and Lignite Deposits of India and their Source Rock Potential: A Review on the Contribution of the Indian Coal Petrologists
Authors: Kumar Alok
Published: December 2022

Coal could be utilized as an important source of energy because it contain an ample amount of organic matter favoring suitability for hydrocarbon generation and industrial utilization. Indian coal deposits are associated with two stratigraphic horizons: Gondwana coal of the Permian age and Tertiary coal and lignites of the Paleogene age.

The Permian coal has high demand in India due to its grade, for industrial utilization and power generation, resulting in the shortage of reserves with a hike in price. Therefore, people are orientated to Tertiary coal and lignite deposits for their optimum utilization.

The significant lignite deposits of India occur in the states Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala. Besides the lignite horizons, coal-bearing horizon seams also occur in Tertiary sediments. The known coal deposits of the Tertiary age occur in the northern and north-eastern parts of India. In the northern region, Tertiary coal deposits occur in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Whereas, in the north-eastern part, Tertiary coal deposits are located in Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.

The objective of this review is to provide brief information about the contribution of Indian coal petrologists on various Tertiary coal deposits for their source rock potential.
Impact of radial compression protocols on radial artery occlusion and hemostasis time in coronary angiography
Authors: Takamatsu Sachiko , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Sone Naohiko , Tougi Kiyotaka , Yamauchi Shuichiro , Yuri Takuya , Ii Nobuhisa , Sugimoto Tomoko , Masutani Motomaru , Hirohata Atsushi
Published: December 2022

Protocols for hemostasis after trans-radial approach (TRA) vary depending on the institute as there is no established evidence-based protocol. This study aimed to investigate the clinical implications of radial compression protocols. Consecutive patients who underwent outpatient invasive catheter angiography before and after April 2018 were treated with traditional and new protocols, respectively. Using the same hemostasis band, in the conventional protocol, fixed amount of air was removed soon after the procedure, 2 h later, and 3 h later, whereas the air was removed as much as possible every 30 min in the new protocol. A total of 1842 patients (71 ± 10 years old, 77% male) were included. Compared with the traditional protocol group (n = 1001), the new protocol group (n = 841) had a significantly lower rate of dual antiplatelet therapy (35% and 24% in the traditional and new groups, respectively, p < 0.001). The time required for complete hemostasis was approximately one-third with the new protocol (190 ± 16 and 66 ± 32 min, p < 0.001) with no clinically relevant bleeding. The incidence of radial artery occlusion (RAO) was 9.8% and 0.9% in the traditional and new protocol groups, respectively (p < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, the new protocol was associated with a reduced risk of RAO (odds ratio 0.10, p < 0.001) and a shorter hemostasis time (odds ratio 0.01, p < 0.001). The new protocol for hemostasis after TRA was strongly associated with a shorter hemostasis time and a lower rate of RAO.
On Yingxi (影戏): exploring the origin of Chinese film aesthetics
Authors: Jia Leilei , Wang Jing
Published: December 2022

In China, “Yingxi” (shadow play) is a compound term referring to various forms of traditional performance, shadow play in particular. As a folk art of oral and personal instruction for more than 2000 years, “presenting through light” is shadow play’s most basic artistic characteristic. This concept is recorded in different periods, nationalities and regions and the term Yingxi also refers to various signifieds. Following the historical convention, we adopt the term to name modern “film” introduced from the West. In fact, Yingxi not only emphasizes the internal relationship between film and Chinese traditional opera, but also adheres to the historical tradition of “performing stories with light and shadow” that embedded in the art of shadow plays.
The differential measure for Pythagorean fuzzy multiple criteria group decision-making
Authors: Sharaf Iman Mohamad
Published: December 2022

Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFSs) proved to be powerful for handling uncertainty and vagueness in multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM). To make a compromise decision, comparing PFSs is essential. Several approaches were introduced for comparison, e.g., distance measures and similarity measures. Nevertheless, extant measures have several defects that can produce counter-intuitive results, since they treat any increase or decrease in the membership degree the same as the non-membership degree; although each parameter has a different implication. This study introduces the differential measure (DFM) as a new approach for comparing PFSs. The main purpose of the DFM is to eliminate the unfair arguments resulting from the equal treatment of the contradicting parameters of a PFS. It is a preference relation between two PFSs by virtue of position in the attribute space and according to the closeness of their membership and non-membership degrees. Two PFSs are classified as identical, equivalent, superior, or inferior to one another giving the degree of superiority or inferiority. The basic properties of the proposed DFM are given. A novel method for multiple criteria group decision-making is proposed based on the introduced DFM. A new technique for computing the weights of the experts is developed. The proposed method is applied to solve two applications, the evaluation of solid-state drives and the selection of the best photovoltaic cell. The results are compared with the results of some extant methods to illustrate the applicability and validity of the method. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine its stability and practicality.
Transparent, Ultra-Stretching, Tough, Adhesive Carboxyethyl Chitin/Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Toward High-Performance Soft Electronics
Authors: Zhang Jipeng , Hu Yang , Zhang Lina , Zhou Jinping , Lu Ang
Published: December 2022

To date, hydrogels have gained increasing attentions as a flexible conductive material in fabricating soft electronics. However, it remains a big challenge to integrate multiple functions into one gel that can be used widely under various conditions. Herein, a kind of multifunctional hydrogel with a combination of desirable characteristics, including remarkable transparency, high conductivity, ultra-stretchability, toughness, good fatigue resistance, and strong adhesive ability is presented, which was facilely fabricated through multiple noncovalent crosslinking strategy. The resultant versatile sensors are able to detect both weak and large deformations, which owns a low detection limit of 0.1% strain, high stretchability up to 1586%, ultrahigh sensitivity with a gauge factor up to 18.54, as well as wide pressure sensing range (0–600 kPa). Meanwhile, the fabrication of conductive hydrogel-based sensors is demonstrated for various soft electronic devices, including a flexible human–machine interactive system, the soft tactile switch, an integrated electronic skin for unprecedented nonplanar visualized pressure sensing, and the stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators with excellent biomechanical energy harvesting ability. This work opens up a simple route for multifunctional hydrogel and promises the practical application of soft and self-powered wearable electronics in various complex scenes.
m6A Profile Dynamics Indicates Regulation of Oyster Development by m6A-RNA Epitranscriptomes
Authors: Le Franc Lorane , Petton Bruno , Favrel Pascal , Rivière Guillaume
Published: December 2022

The N  6-methylation of RNA adenosines (N  6-methyladenosine, m6A) is an important regulator of gene expression with critical implications in vertebrate and insect development. However, the developmental significance of epitranscriptomes in lophotrochozoan organisms remains unknown. Using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), we generated transcriptome-wide m6A-RNA methylomes covering the entire development of the oyster from oocytes to juveniles. Oyster RNA classes display specific m6A signatures, with messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exhibiting distinct profiles and being highly methylated compared to transposable element (TE) transcripts. Epitranscriptomes are dynamic and correspond to the chronological steps of development (cleavage, gastrulation, organogenesis, and metamorphosis), with minimal mRNA and lncRNA methylation at the morula stage followed by a global increase. mRNA m6A levels are correlated with transcript levels, and shifts in methylation profiles correspond to expression kinetics. Differentially methylated transcripts cluster according to embryo-larval stages and bear the corresponding developmental functions (cell division, signal transduction, morphogenesis, and cell differentiation). The m6A level of TE transcripts is also regulated and peaks during the gastrulation. We demonstrate that m6A-RNA methylomes are dynamic and associated with gene expression regulation during oyster development. The putative epitranscriptome implication in the cleavage, maternal-to-zygotic transition, and cell differentiation in a lophotrochozoan model brings new insights into the control and evolution of developmental processes.
Continued impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical and translational science early-career researchers
Authors: Mayowski Colleen , Meagher Emma A. , Althouse Andrew D. , Patino-Sutton Cecilia , Thakar Maya S. , Welch Julie L. , Rubio Doris M. , White Gretchen E.
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic had an immediate impact on the lives and work of early-career researchers. We leveraged a cluster-randomized trial and compared survey data collected over two timepoints to explore whether these impacts persisted. Although more than a year had passed, 74% of participants reported that their research was affected in multiple ways in both 2020 and 2021. These data suggest that the effects of the pandemic on early-career researchers may be prolonged. Our findings additionally serve as an impetus to identify and implement solutions to early-career challenges that undoubtedly existed before the pandemic, but which COVID-19 brought into the spotlight.
Effect of tesamorelin in people with HIV with and without dorsocervical fat: Post hoc analysis of phase III double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Rahman Farah , McLaughlin Taryn , Mesquita Pedro , Morin Josee , Potvin Diane , De Chantal Marilyn , Aberg Judith A.
Published: December 2022

Tesamorelin, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone, is indicated for the reduction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in people with HIV. Here, we performed a post hoc analysis of participants receiving tesamorelin for 26 weeks in a phase III clinical trial. Efficacy data were compared between individuals with and without dorsocervical fat, stratified by tesamorelin response. Among tesamorelin responders, VAT and waist circumference (WC) decreased in both dorsocervical fat groups and did not statistically differ (VATP= 0.657, WCP= 0.093). These data demonstrate that tesamorelin is equally effective and should be considered in the treatment of excess VAT regardless of the presence of dorsocervical fat.
Differences in Household Preparedness and Adaptation for COVID-19
Authors: Clay Lauren A. , Kendra James
Published: December 2022

Objective:

To quantify differences in preparedness for and adaptations to COVID-19 in a cohort sample of New York City residents.

Methods:

A proportional quota sample (n = 1020) of individuals residing in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic participated in a Qualtrics web survey. Quotas were set for age, sex, race, and income to mirror the population of New York City based on the 2018 American Community Survey.

Results:

Low self-efficacy, low social support, and low sense of community increased the odds of securing provisions to prepare for COVID-19. Being an essential worker, poor mental health, and having children in the household reduced the likelihood of engaging in preparedness practices. Essential workers and individuals with probable serious mental illness were less likely to report preparedness planning for the pandemic.

Conclusions:

The findings contribute to evolving theories of preparedness. There are differences across the sample in preparedness types, and different kinds of preparedness are associated with different household characteristics. Findings suggest that public officials and others concerned with population wellbeing might productively turn attention to education and outreach activities indexed to these characteristics.
Development of a novel body weight support system for gait rehabilitation
Authors: Rodrigues Lucas A. O. , Gonçalves Rogério S.
Published: December 2022

Modern rehabilitation processes for neurological patients have been widely assisted by robotic structures, with continuous research and improvements. The use of robotic assistance in rehabilitation is a consolidated technique for upper limb training sessions. However, human gait robotic rehabilitation still needs further research and development. Based on that, this paper deals with the development of a novel active body weight support (BWS) system integrated with a serious game for poststroke patients. This paper starts with a brief review of the state of the art of applied technologies for gait rehabilitation. Next, it presents the obtained mathematical model followed by multibody synthesis techniques and meta-heuristic optimization to the proposed device. The control of the structure is designed using proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers tuned with meta-heuristic optimization and associated with a suppression function to perform assist-as-needed actions. Then, the prototype is integrated with a serious game designed specifically for this application. Finally, a pilot study is conducted with the structure and healthy volunteers. The results obtained show that the mobility of the novel BWS is as expected and the proposed system potentially offers a novel tool for gait training.
Relative contribution of essential and non-essential activities to SARS-CoV-2 transmission following the lifting of public health restrictions in England and Wales
Authors: Hoskins Susan , Beale Sarah , Nguyen Vincent , Boukari Yamina , Yavlinsky Alexei , Kovar Jana , Byrne Thomas , Fragaszy Ellen , Fong Wing Lam Erica , Geismar Cyril , Patel Parth , Navaratnam Annalan M. D. , van Tongeren Martie , Johnson Anne M. , Aldridge Robert W. , Hayward Andrew
Published: December 2022

Purpose

We aimed to understand which non-household activities increased infection odds and contributed greatest to SARS-CoV-2 infections following the lifting of public health restrictions in England and Wales.

Procedures

We undertook multivariable logistic regressions assessing the contribution to infections of activities reported by adult Virus Watch Community Cohort Study participants. We calculated adjusted weighted population attributable fractions (aPAF) estimating which activity contributed greatest to infections.

Findings

Among 11 413 participants (493 infections), infection was associated with: leaving home for work (aOR 1.35 (1.11–1.64), aPAF 17%), public transport (aOR 1.27 (1.04–1.57), aPAF 12%), shopping once (aOR 1.83 (1.36–2.45)) vs. more than three times a week, indoor leisure (aOR 1.24 (1.02–1.51), aPAF 10%) and indoor hospitality (aOR 1.21 (0.98–1.48), aPAF 7%). We found no association for outdoor hospitality (1.14 (0.94–1.39), aPAF 5%) or outdoor leisure (1.14 (0.82–1.59), aPAF 1%).

Conclusion

Essential activities (work and public transport) carried the greatest risk and were the dominant contributors to infections. Non-essential indoor activities (hospitality and leisure) increased risk but contributed less. Outdoor activities carried no statistical risk and contributed to fewer infections. As countries aim to ‘live with COVID’, mitigating transmission in essential and indoor venues becomes increasingly relevant.
Temporary prolongation of the QT interval in acute ebastine intoxication due to challenge video on TikTok in a girl
Authors: Sert Sadiye
Published: December 2022

Antihistamines are among the most widely used medications in the world. Ebastine is an antihistaminic which is long-acting, second-generation, and selective H1-receptor inverse agonist. I report a twelve-year-and-six-month-old girl with temporary prolongation of the QTc interval caused by acute ebastine intoxication due to TikTok challenge. Initial electrocardiogram showed sinus arrhythmia (72 beats/min) and prolongation of the QTc interval (QTc 482 milliseconds). Gastric lavage was performed. Intravenous fluid was administered, and activated charcoal (1 g/kg/per dose) was given. Electrocardiogram 9 h after drug ingestion showed sinus rhythm and normal QTc interval (QTc 414milliseconds). During follow-up, no electrocardiogram abnormalities were detected with electrocardiogram monitoring. She was discharged on day 2 without any complications. This case report is the first in the literature to show acute intoxication with ebastine due to challenge video on TikTok, which leads to a temporary prolongation of the QTc interval. Also, with this case report, I assert the fact that it is important to properly supervise the use of social media, such as TikTok and to review the content of TikTok videos.
Why the impacts of climate change may make us less likely to reduce emissions
Authors: Millward-Hopkins Joel
Published: December 2022

Non-technical summary

A widely held belief is that once the impacts of warming are experienced more directly and substantially, especially by affluent populations, the necessary support for a politics prioritising ambitious emissions reductions will follow. But consideration of the indirect socioeconomic impacts of warming suggests this could be false hope.

Technical summary

There is some evidence to support the common intuition that, as the direct impacts of warming intensify – particularly in the affluent Global North – a politics ambitious enough to confront the climate emergency may finally find support. However, it seems at least equally likely that the opposite trend will prevail. This proposition can be understood by considering various indirect impacts of warming, including the widening of socioeconomic inequalities (within and between countries), increases in migration (intra- and inter-nationally) and heightened risk of conflict (from violence and war through to hate speech and crime). Compiling these impacts reveals a considerable and highly inconvenient overlap with key drivers of the authoritarian populism that has proliferated in the 21st century. It highlights the risk of a socio-ecological feedback loop where the consequences of warming create a political environment entirely at odds with that required to reduce emissions. Such a future is, of course, far from inevitable. Nonetheless, the risks highlight the urgent need to find public support for combined solutions to climate change and inequality, which go well beyond the status-quo. This is necessary not only for reasons of economic and climate justice, but in order to mitigate political barriers to carbon mitigation itself.

Social media summary

As the impacts of warming are experienced more directly and substantially, we may vote for precisely the wrong people.