bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New method of remnant closure during distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Kelemen D. , Kerbeche A. , Farkas N. , Vereczkei A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomies still remains a relevant problem. The present study describes our first series with a new method of pancreatic remnant closure.

Methods

A free fascia-peritoneum graft — harvested from the internal rectus sheet — was fixed onto the pancreatic stump by one circular stitch. The method was applied in 18 cases.

Results

The postoperative hospital stay was 8 days in average. No clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) developed. The morbidity rate was 39%, mostly Clavien-Dindo Grade II types. There was no reoperation or mortality.

Conclusion

The first series showed advantageous results with our method. Certainly, further studies are needed for the evaluation of this new and promising technique.
Shaping the course of early-onset Parkinson’s disease: insights from a longitudinal cohort
Authors: Bovenzi Roberta , Conti Matteo , Degoli Giulia Rebecca , Cerroni Rocco , Simonetta Clara , Liguori Claudio , Salimei Chiara , Pisani Antonio , Pierantozzi Mariangela , Stefani Alessandro , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Schirinzi Tommaso
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Early
-onset Parkinson’s disease (EOPD) labels those cases with onset earlier than fifty. Although peculiarities emerged either in clinical or pathological features, EOPD is managed alike typical, late-onset PD. A customized approach would be, instead, better appropriate. Accordingly, a deeper characterization of the clinical course, with an estimation of the disease progression rate, the therapy flow, and the main motor and non-motor complications occurrence, is needed.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort of 193 EOPD patients (selected on a single-centre population of 2000 PD cases) was retrospectively analysed, providing descriptive statics on a series of clinical parameters (genetics, phenotype, comorbidities, therapies, motor and non-motor complications, marital and gender issues) and modelling the trajectories from diagnosis to 10 years later of both Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD).

Results

EOPD had a prevalence of 9.7%, including few monogenic cases. It mostly appeared as a motor syndrome, with asymmetric, rigid-akinetic presentation. H&Y linearly progressed with an increment of 0.92 points/10 years; LEDD flow had a non-linear trend, increasing of 526.90 mg/day in 0–5 years, and 166.83 mg/day in 5–10 years. Motor fluctuations started 6.5 ± 3.2 years from onset, affecting up to 80% of the cohort. Neuropsychiatric troubles interested the 50%, sexual complaints the 12%. Gender-specific motor disturbances emerged.

Conclusion

We shaped EOPD course, modelling a “brain-first” PD subtype, slowly progressive, with non-linear dopaminergic requirement. Major burden mostly resulted from motor fluctuations, neuropsychiatric complications, sexual and marital complaints, with a considerable gender-effect.
Obstacles to the diffusion of adaptation in the Rhein-Neckar region in Germany
Authors: Schmidt Nicole M. , Wagner Madeleine
Published: May 2023

Because the impacts of climate change are felt at the local level, we assess adaptation diffusion mechanisms (i.e., learning, competition, and emulation) among smaller big cities and medium-sized towns. Since the diffusion of adaptation has immediate spatial implications, we argue that local conditions play an important role in the diffusion process. The densely populated Rhein-Neckar Metropolitan Region in Germany is an ideal case for studying diffusion mechanisms with regard to adaptation. Using a rich data set of 28 interviews, we unpack the views of local actors such as mayors, city council politicians, city administration representatives, and representatives from regional agencies and identify factors influencing the diffusion of adaptation. We find limited or compromised diffusion due to insufficient knowledge about adaptation, competition between municipalities, and cooperation with cities outside the region. In addition, we find some (albeit limited) political will for adaptation. While some of the interviewed politicians considered making long-term investments in adaptation, most highlighted competing local issues and viewed adaptation with caution, illustrating adaptation’s lack of salience and social legitimacy. Indeed, one crucial finding was that housing and mobility are more important to a wide range of politicians and bureaucrats alike. By examining diffusion mechanisms at the subnational level, we combine theoretical perspectives from political science and geography to show how local decision-makers—in particular, politicians—influence the diffusion mechanisms of adaptation.
A high-throughput metabolomics in vitro platform for the characterization of hepatotoxicity
Authors: Ramirez-Hincapie Sabina , Birk Barbara , Ternes Philipp , Giri Varun , Haake Volker , Herold Michael , Zickgraf Franziska Maria , Verlohner Andreas , Huener Hans-Albrecht , Kamp Hennicke , Driemert Peter , Landsiedel Robert , Richling Elke , Funk-Weyer Dorothee , van Ravenzwaay Bennard
Published: May 2023

Cell-based metabolomics provides multiparametric physiologically relevant readouts that can be highly advantageous for improved, biologically based decision making in early stages of compound development. Here, we present the development of a 96-well plate LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics screening platform for the classification of liver toxicity modes of action (MoAs) in HepG2 cells. Different parameters of the workflow (cell seeding density, passage number, cytotoxicity testing, sample preparation, metabolite extraction, analytical method, and data processing) were optimized and standardized to increase the efficiency of the testing platform. The applicability of the system was tested with seven substances known to be representative of three different liver toxicity MoAs (peroxisome proliferation, liver enzyme induction, and liver enzyme inhibition). Five concentrations per substance, aimed at covering the complete dose-response curve, were analyzed and 221 uniquely identified metabolites were measured, annotated, and allocated in 12 different metabolite classes such as amino acids, carbohydrates, energy metabolism, nucleobases, vitamins and cofactors, and diverse lipid classes. Multivariate and univariate analyses showed a dose response of the metabolic effects, a clear differentiation between liver toxicity MoAs and resulted in the identification of metabolite patterns specific for each MoA. Key metabolites indicative of both general and mechanistic specific hepatotoxicity were identified. The method presented here offers a multiparametric, mechanistic-based, and cost-effective hepatotoxicity screening that provides MoA classification and sheds light into the pathways involved in the toxicological mechanism. This assay can be implemented as a reliable compound screening platform for improved safety assessment in early compound development pipelines.

Graphical abstract
Generalized $$\mathbb {XOR}$$ Operation and the Categorical Equivalence of the Abbott Algebras and Quantum Logics
Authors: Burešová Dominika
Published: May 2023

Considering the inference rules in generalized logics, J.C. Abbott arrives to the notion of orthoimplication algebra (see Abbott (1970) and Abbott (Stud. Logica. 2:173–177, XXXV)). We show that when one enriches the Abbott orthoimplication algebra with a falsity symbol and a natural $$\mathbb {XOR}$$
XOR
-type operation, one obtains an orthomodular difference lattice as an enriched quantum logic (see Matoušek (Algebra Univers. 60:185–215, 2009)). Moreover, we find that these two structures endowed with the natural morphisms are categorically equivalent. We also show how one can introduce the notion of a state in the Abbott $$\mathbb {XOR}$$
XOR
algebras strenghtening thus the relevance of these algebras to quantum theories.
Recirculating packed-bed biofilm photobioreactor combined with membrane ultrafiltration as advanced wastewater treatment
Authors: Díaz Oliver , González Enrique , Vera Luisa , Fernández Luis Javier , Díaz-Marrero Ana R. , Fernández José J.
Published: May 2023

Packed-bed biofilm photobioreactor combined with ultrafiltration membrane was investigated for intensifying the process for secondary wastewater effluent treatment. Cylindrical glass carriers were used as supporting material for the microalgal-bacterial biofilm, which developed from indigenous microbial consortium. Glass carriers allowed adequate growth of the biofilm with limited suspended biomass. Stable operation was achieved after a start-up period of 1000 h, where supernatant biopolymer clusters were minimized and complete nitrification was observed. After that time, biomass productivity was 54 ± 18 mg·L−1·day−1. Green microalgae Tetradesmus obliquus and several strains of heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification bacteria and fungi were identified. Combined process exhibited COD, nitrogen and phosphorus removal rates of 56 ± 5%, 12 ± 2% and 20 ± 6%, respectively. Membrane fouling was mainly caused by biofilm formation, which was not effectively mitigated by air-scouring aided backwashing.
Social Infrastructure and the Alleviation of Loneliness in Europe
Authors: Swader Christopher S. , Moraru Andreea-Valentina
Published: May 2023

In Europe, individualist societies, in which people more highly value independence, have fewer people who are lonely. Yet these societies also have more people who live alone, a strong determinant of loneliness. Evidence suggests that some unrecognized societal-level resources or characteristics can explain this.

We uncover multiple pathways toward a lower degree of loneliness among European societies using an ideal method for this purpose, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Using data from the 2014 wave of the European Social Survey and other sources, we analyzed loneliness outcomes among 26 European societies. Our findings suggest two necessary conditions for a low degree of loneliness: high internet access and high association participation. Further, three pathways are sufficient for achieving less loneliness at the societal level. Most societies that have less loneliness follow both the welfare support and cultural support pathways. The third path, commercial provision, is mutually exclusive with welfare support because the former requires a weak welfare state.

The surest policy for building societies that have lower rates of loneliness includes the expansion of internet accessibility, the fostering of civil society through association participation and volunteering, and a welfare state that protects potentially vulnerable populations while funding opportunities for social interaction. This article further contributes methodologically by demonstrating “configurational robustness testing,” a more comprehensive means to implement current best practices for fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis robustness testing.
Bringing the Nature Futures Framework to life: creating a set of illustrative narratives of nature futures
Authors: Durán América Paz , Kuiper Jan J. , Aguiar Ana Paula Dutra , Cheung William W. L. , Diaw Mariteuw Chimère , Halouani Ghassen , Hashimoto Shizuka , Gasalla Maria A. , Peterson Garry D. , Schoolenberg Machteld A. , Abbasov Rovshan , Acosta Lilibeth A. , Armenteras Dolors , Davila Federico , Denboba Mekuria Argaw , Harrison Paula A. , Harhash Khaled Allam , Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen Sylvia , Kim HyeJin , Lundquist Carolyn J. , Miller Brian W. , Okayasu Sana , Pichs-Madruga Ramon , Sathyapalan Jyothis , Saysel Ali Kerem , Yu Dandan , Pereira Laura M.
Published: May 2023

To halt further destruction of the biosphere, most people and societies around the globe need to transform their relationships with nature. The internationally agreed vision under the Convention of Biological Diversity—Living in harmony with nature—is that “By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people”. In this context, there are a variety of debates between alternative perspectives on how to achieve this vision. Yet, scenarios and models that are able to explore these debates in the context of “living in harmony with nature” have not been widely developed. To address this gap, the Nature Futures Framework has been developed to catalyse the development of new scenarios and models that embrace a plurality of perspectives on desirable futures for nature and people. In this paper, members of the IPBES task force on scenarios and models provide an example of how the Nature Futures Framework can be implemented for the development of illustrative narratives representing a diversity of desirable nature futures: information that can be used to assess and develop scenarios and models whilst acknowledging the underpinning value perspectives on nature. Here, the term illustrative reflects the multiple ways in which desired nature futures can be captured by these narratives. In addition, to explore the interdependence between narratives, and therefore their potential to be translated into scenarios and models, the six narratives developed here were assessed around three areas of the transformative change debate, specifically, (1) land sparing vs. land sharing, (2) Half Earth vs. Whole Earth conservation, and (3) green growth vs. post-growth economic development. The paper concludes with an assessment of how the Nature Futures Framework could be used to assist in developing and articulating transformative pathways towards desirable nature futures.
Factors influencing patients’ experience of communication with the medical team of the emergency department
Authors: Degabriel Dea , Petrino Roberta , Frau Eleonora Dafne , Uccella Laura
Published: May 2023

The Emergency Department (ED) setting often presents situations where the doctor–patient relationship is fundamental and may be challenging. Thus, it is important to use effective communication to improve outcomes. This study explores patients’ experience of communication with the medical team aiming to discover whether there are some objective factors which may affect their perception. A prospective, cross-sectional study in two hospitals: an urban, academic trauma center and a small city hospital. Adult patients discharged from the ED in October 2021 were consecutively included. Patients filled out a validated questionnaire, the Communication Assessment Tool for Teams (CAT-T), assessing communication perception. Additional data about the participants were collected by the physician in a dedicated tab to assess whether there were objective factors influencing the patient’s perception of the medical team's communication skills. Statistical analysis was then performed. 394 questionnaires were analyzed. The average score for all items exceeded 4 (good). Younger patients and patients who were conveyed by ambulance attributed lower scores than other groups (p value < 0.05). A significant difference between the two hospitals was also observed in favour of the bigger hospital. In our study long waiting times did not generate less satisfied responses. The item which received the lowest scores was “the medical team encouraged me to ask questions”. Overall, patients were satisfied with doctor–patient communication. Age, setting, way of conveyance to the hospital are objective factors that may influence patients’ experience and satisfaction in the ED.
An Update on Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Andrini Elisa , Lamberti Giuseppe , Alberici Laura , Ricci Claudio , Campana Davide
Published: May 2023

The mainstay of appendiceal neuroendocrine neoplasm (aNEN) treatment is surgery, based on simple appendectomy or right-sided hemicolectomy with lymphadenectomy (RHC). The majority of aNENs are adequately treated with appendectomy, but current guidelines have poor accuracy in terms of selecting patients requiring RHC, especially in aNENs 1–2 cm in size. Simple appendectomy is curative for appendiceal NETs (G1–G2) < 1 cm (if the resection status is R0), whereas RHC with lymph node dissection is recommended in tumors ≥ 2 cm in diameter, based on the high risk of nodal metastases in these cases. The clinical management of aNENs 1–2 cm in size is more controversial because lymph node or distant metastases are uncommon but possible. In our opinion, patients with tumor size > 15 mm or with grading G2 (according to WHO 2010) and/or lympho-vascular invasion should be referred for radicalization with RHC. However, decision-making in these cases should include discussion within a multidisciplinary tumor board at referral centers with the aim of offering each patient a tailored treatment, also considering that relatively young patients with long-life expectancy represent the majority of cases.
Subgroup specific relations between the goal-striving reasons framework and subjective well-being
Authors: Ehrlich Christian , Milston Sashenka
Published: May 2023

People’s reasons for goal pursuit strongly relate to well-being. An important concept that captures differences in the reasons for goal pursuit is the goal-striving reasons framework. Until today, it remains unclear whether the goal-striving reasons framework relates differently to the well-being of particular groups of people. Using the positive-activity model as a guiding framework, the paper at hand analyses a number of person-related characteristics which are relevant in a goal-setting context and are assumed to change the relationship between goal-striving reasons and well-being. Employing a large cumulative data set the person-related characteristics comprise of demographic variables (age, gender, managerial status) and selected well-being related variables (assertiveness, burnout, engagement, goal progress). Using correlation analyses in conjunction with Fisher’s z-test the results show that contrary to older employees (aged 24 or older) the goal-striving reasons of younger people are not related to their well-being. Women’s self-esteem reasons are more strongly related to well-being than they are for men. People’s goal-striving reasons are more strongly associated with well-being for people with high levels of assertiveness, low levels of burnout, or high levels of engagement. The findings have implications for the delivery of the Happiness through Goal Setting Training, a Positive Psychology Intervention based on the goal-striving reasons framework, as it identifies various alterations of the training to cater for the needs of these subgroups.
Kwaliteitsverbetering als een gezamenlijke opgave
Authors: Naber Juultje , Reijmer Yael , van den Berg Bellis
Published: May 2023

Samenvatting

Om de implementatie van het Kwaliteitskader Verpleeghuiszorg in de praktijk te bevorderen startte het ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (VWS) in 2019 in samenwerking met kennisorganisatie Vilans het ondersteuningsprogramma Waardigheid en trots op locatie. Verpleeghuislocaties die deelnemen aan dit programma starten met een Scan Kwaliteitskader Verpleeghuiszorg (scan KKV), die in kaart brengt wat de kwaliteit van zorg is ten opzichte van het kwaliteitskader en welke verbeterpunten aandacht behoeven. Dit artikel beschrijft de werkzame elementen van deze scan en de geleerde lessen.
Estimating Probabilities of Extreme ENSO Events from Copernicus Seasonal Hindcasts
Authors: Merryfield William J. , Lee Woo-Sung
Published: May 2023

Multi-system seasonal hindcasts supporting operational seasonal forecasts of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) are examined to estimate probabilities that El Niño and La Niña episodes more extreme than any in the reliable observational record could occur in the current climate. With 184 total ensemble members initialized each month from 1993 to 2016, this dataset greatly multiplies the realizations of ENSO variability during this period beyond the single observed realization, potentially enabling a detailed assessment of the chances of extreme ENSO events. The validity of such an assessment is predicated on model fidelity, which is examined through two-sample Cramér–von Mises tests. These do not detect differences between observed and modeled distributions of the Niño 3.4 index once multiplicative adjustments are applied to the latter to match the observed variance, although differences too small to be detected cannot be excluded. Statistics of variance-adjusted hindcast Niño 3.4 values imply that El Niño and La Niña extremes exceeding any that have been instrumentally observed would be expected to occur with a > 3% chance per year on average across multiple realizations of the hindcast period. This estimation could also apply over the next several decades, provided ENSO variability remains statistically similar to the hindcast period.
Application of Parametric Sub-Bottom Profilers for Responsible in Situ Management of Underwater Shallow-Buried Archaeological Materials
Authors: Winton Trevor
Published: May 2023

The application potential of parametric sub-bottom profilers (SBPs) to in situ management of underwater archaeological sites at risk from degradational loss of shallow-buried materials is presented. This approach is based on the process-driven in situ preservation and research frameworks advocated by the 2001 UNESCOConvention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritageand provides a basis for greater uptake by the archaeological community. Results from research at a purposely prepared sub-seabed site and on the adjoiningJames Matthews(1841) wreck site in Western Australia demonstrate how noninvasive SBP-derived data support responsible management of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites by: (1) identifying and/or confirming the presence of sub-seabed UCH material, (2) identifying the potential level of risk of further material loss from ongoing degradation, (3) providing key information with which to make a sound in situ management or site-research plan for the sub-seabed material, and (4) delivering monitoring feedback regarding the success of in situ management actions.
The Unlucky Voyage: Batavia’s (1629) Landscape of Survival on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands in Western Australia
Authors: Paterson Alistair , Green Jeremy , van Duivenvoorde Wendy , Franklin Daniel , Flavel Ambika , Smits Liesbeth , Shragge Jeffrey , Manders Martijn , Souter Corioli , Shefi Deb , Anderson Ross , Hoskin Thomas , Issa Nader , Nash Mike
Published: May 2023

The loss of the Dutch East India Company ship Batavia in 1629 on the Houtman Abrolhos off the west coast of Australia and subsequent mutiny is one of the most dramatic events in the history of European encounters with Australia, and was widely popularized in 17th-century publications. The archaeological remains surpass that of a shipwreck with its consequent jetsam and flotsam, and are the silent witnesses to a cultural landscape of survival created within a few months by a horrible sequence of events. Here we present archaeological evidence collected from 2014 to 2019 in a new research project that informs on these historical events. We discovered 12 victims in single and multiple graves, as well as evidence for survivors’ resistance to a band of mutineers and remains of the possible gallows site where 7 mutineers were executed. Together these sites contribute to the understanding of the survival landscape at one of the earliest European sites in Australia.
Common Sports Injuries of Track and Field Athletes Using Cloud Computing and Internet of Things
Authors: He Quantao , Li Xiongfei , Li Wenjuan
Published: May 2023

Cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), are popular technologies on the Internet. They can connect everything with the Internet and have a huge role in promoting social development. This paper aimed to conduct an in-depth study on the common sports injuries of track and field athletes by studying the related algorithms of cloud computing and the IoT, and selected the cluster analysis method, so that it can better serve the analysis of human movement. The problem studied in this paper is to find out how to improve the efficiency of clustering algorithms, especially the ability to process high-dimensional data. A motion algorithm system that is suitable for analyzing human sports injuries. This paper gave a general introduction to the cluster analysis algorithm in cloud computing and IoT, made a detailed analysis of the common sports injuries of track and field athletes, and applied the cluster analysis method to the analysis of human sports injuries. The basic principle is to use mathematical methods to quantitatively determine the relationship between samples based on their own attributes and certain similarity or difference indicators, and cluster the samples according to the degree of this relationship. The introduction of this method greatly enhances the efficiency of clustering algorithms, especially the ability to process high-dimensional data, which is suitable for analyzing human sports injuries. Based on the experiments in this paper, it can see that this paper took 70 track and field athletes from a high school as the research object, and conducted a more detailed analysis of the nature, location and causes of their common sports injuries. The computational and Internet of Things (IoT) based research method for common athletic injuries among track and field athletes proposed in this article is higher than the multi-level model method, with a speed of about 10% faster and an accuracy of 18% higher than the multi-level model method. The experimental results in this paper showed that using cloud computing and IoT as the basic methods to study common sports injuries of track and field athletes can obtain richer experimental data and make the analysis of results more scientific and credible, which has practical significance for the study of human sports injuries.
Dynamic control and timely correction of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients undergoing traumatic spinal vertebral fracture surgery to reduce surgery site infection
Authors: Saeidiborojeni Hamidreza , Asl Meraj Forougi , Shabrandy Akam , Ahangar Saeed Gharooee
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives

This study was designed to clarify the impact of precise and dynamic control and timely correction of accurate blood sugar control in reducing the rate of post-spinal fracture surgery infections in impaired glucose tolerance or diabetic patients by posterior approach.

Methods

In this single-blinded clinical trial, a total of 290 patients with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance candidate for traumatic spinal vertebral fracture by posterior approach (PSF) were randomly assigned to either a blood glucose control group (n = 145) or a control group (n = 145). The blood glucose control group received precise control of blood sugar levels before, during, and after surgery, while the control group did not. The incidence of SSI was compared between the two groups at one- and six months post-surgery using statistical tests and SPSS software version 22.

Results

Based on intergroup comparisons, the rate of infection at the site of surgery one month after spinal vertebral fracture surgery (PSF) in patients in the blood glucose control group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05, 4.8%, and 11.7%). There was no significant difference between the rate of infection in the surgical site six months after spinal vertebral fracture surgery (PSF) in patients of the two groups studied (P > 0.05, 4.1%, and 4.8%). According to intragroup comparisons, there was no significant difference between the infection rate of the surgical site one month and six months after spinal vertebral fracture surgery in the patients of the blood sugar control group (P > 0.05). In patients in the control group, the infection rate at the surgery site of surgery 6 months after surgery was significantly lower than at the site of surgery one month after surgery (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed that malnutrition variables, malignancy, duration of stay in the ICU after surgery, and blood sugar correction intervention statistically correctly contributed significantly to the classification of patients with infection and predicted the incidence of infection in Patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Accurate and timely blood sugar control before, during, and after spinal vertebral fracture surgery by posterior approach is crucial in reducing the risk of SSI in diabetic or impaired glucose tolerance patients. The study highlights the importance of both dynamic control and timely correction of blood glucose levels, not only in the early postoperative period but also in preventing later infectious complications.

Highlights
Prevention and Treatment of Nonfreezing Cold Injuries and Warm Water Immersion Tissue Injuries: A Supplement to the Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Zafren Ken , Hollis Sarah , Weiss Eric A. , Danzl Daniel , Wilburn Jessie , Kimmel Nadia , Imray Chris , Giesbrecht Gordon , Tipton Mike
Published: May 2023

We convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of nonfreezing cold injuries (NFCIs; trench foot and immersion foot) and warm water immersion injuries (warm water immersion foot and tropical immersion foot) in prehospital and hospital settings. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between benefits and risks/burdens according to the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians. Treatment is more difficult with NFCIs than with warm water immersion injuries. In contrast to warm water immersion injuries that usually resolve without sequelae, NFCIs may cause prolonged debilitating symptoms, including neuropathic pain and cold sensitivity.
A Web of Our Own Making
Authors: Barba-Kay Antón
Published: May 2023

There no longer seems any point to criticizing the internet. We indulge in the latest doom-mongering about the evils of social media-on social media. We scroll through routine complaints about the deterioration of our attention spans. We resign ourselves to hating the internet even as we spend much of our waking lives with it. Yet our unthinking surrender to its effects-to the ways it recasts our aims and desires-is itself digital technology's most powerful achievement. A Web of Our Own Making examines how online practices are reshaping our lives outside our notice. Barba-Kay argues that digital technology is a 'natural technology'-a technology so intuitive as to conceal the extent to which it transforms our attention. He shows how and why this technology is reconfiguring knowledge, culture, politics, aesthetics, and theology. The digital revolution is primarily taking place not in Silicon Valley but within each of us.
Juan Carlos Onetti, Manuel Puig and Luisa Valenzuela
Authors: Craig Linda
Published: May 2023

Onetti, Puig and Valenzuela, writers linked by their common geography and history, share and explore a post-colonial emptiness, a constant questioning of realism and a love of tango.
Juan Goytisolo: The Author as Dissident
Authors: Ribeiro de Menezes Alison
Published: May 2023

This book assesses Goytisolo's contribution to cultural debates in Spain since the sixties and revises the prevailing critical interpretation of his fiction, arguing that his works represent an ethical engagement with postmodernist theory rather than an illustration of it.
Concurrent analysis of hospital stay durations and mortality of emerging severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants using real-time electronic health record data at a large German university hospital
Authors: Hazard Derek Y. , Grodd Marlon , Makoudjou Adeline , Lozano Sara , Prunotto Andrea , Tippmann Patric , Zöller Daniela , Mathé Philipp , Rieg Siegbert , Wolkewitz Martin
Published: May 2023

Multistate methodology proves effective in analyzing hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with emerging variants in real time. An analysis of 2,548 admissions in Freiburg, Germany, showed reduced severity over time in terms of shorter hospital stays and higher discharge rates when comparing more recent phases with earlier phases of the pandemic.
Earmarked Funding and the Control–Performance Trade-Off in International Development Organizations
Authors: Heinzel Mirko , Cormier Ben , Reinsberg Bernhard
Published: May 2023

Since the 1990s, the funding of multilateral development assistance has rapidly transformed. Donors increasingly constrain the discretion of international development organizations (IDOs) through earmarked funding, which limits the purposes for which a donor's funds can be used. The consequences of this development for IDOs’ operational performance are insufficiently understood. We hypothesize that increases in administrative burdens due to earmarked funding reduce the performance of IDO projects. The additional reporting required of IDOs by earmarked funds, while designed to enhance accountability, ultimately increases IDOs’ supervision costs and weakens their performance. We first test these hypotheses with data on project costs and performance of World Bank projects using both ordinary-least-squares and instrumental-variable analyses. We then probe the generalizability of those findings to other organizations by extending our analysis to four other IDOs: the African Development Bank (AfDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Using data on the performance of 7,571 projects approved between 1990 and 2020, we find that earmarked funding undermines both cost-effectiveness and project performance across IDOs. Donors seeking value for money may consider allocating more money to core funds rather than to earmarked funds.
Association between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia stronger in young males than in females
Authors: Hjorthøj Carsten , Compton Wilson , Starzer Marie , Nordholm Dorte , Einstein Emily , Erlangsen Annette , Nordentoft Merete , Volkow Nora D. , Han Beth
Published: May 2023

Background

Previous research suggests an increase in schizophrenia population attributable risk fraction (PARF) for cannabis use disorder (CUD). However, sex and age variations in CUD and schizophrenia suggest the importance of examining differences in PARFs in sex and age subgroups.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide Danish register-based cohort study including all individuals aged 16–49 at some point during 1972–2021. CUD and schizophrenia status was obtained from the registers. Hazard ratios (HR), incidence risk ratios (IRR), and PARFs were estimated. Joinpoint analyses were applied to sex-specific PARFs.

Results

We examined 6 907 859 individuals with 45 327 cases of incident schizophrenia during follow-up across 129 521 260 person-years. The overall adjusted HR (aHR) for CUD on schizophrenia was slightly higher among males (aHR = 2.42, 95% CI 2.33–2.52) than females (aHR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.89–2.17); however, among 16–20-year-olds, the adjusted IRR (aIRR) for males was more than twice that for females (males: aIRR = 3.84, 95% CI 3.43–4.29; females: aIRR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.53–2.15). During 1972–2021, the annual average percentage change in PARFs for CUD in schizophrenia incidence was 4.8 among males (95% CI 4.3–5.3; p < 0.0001) and 3.2 among females (95% CI 2.5–3.8; p < 0.0001). In 2021, among males, PARF was 15%; among females, it was around 4%.

Conclusions

Young males might be particularly susceptible to the effects of cannabis on schizophrenia. At a population level, assuming causality, one-fifth of cases of schizophrenia among young males might be prevented by averting CUD. Results highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of CUD and policy decisions regarding cannabis use and access, particularly for 16–25-year-olds.
The longitudinal association between infant negative emotionality, childhood maltreatment, and ADHD symptoms: A secondary analysis of data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study
Authors: Golm Dennis , Brandt Valerie
Published: May 2023

Background:

Infant temperament predicts harsh parenting, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Moreover, childhood maltreatment has consistently been associated with later ADHD symptoms. We hypothesized that infant negative emotionality predicted both ADHD symptoms and maltreatment, and that there was a bidirectional association between maltreatment experiences and ADHD symptoms.

Methods:

The study used secondary data from the longitudinal Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2860). A structural equation model was conducted, using maximum likelihood with robust standard errors. Infant negative emotionality acted as a predictor. Outcome variables were childhood maltreatment and ADHD symptoms at ages 5 and 9.

Results:

The model demonstrated good fit (root-mean-square error of approximation = .02, comparative fit index = .99, Tucker–Lewis index = .96). Infant negative emotionality positively predicted childhood maltreatment at ages 5 and 9, and ADHD symptoms at age 5. Age 5 maltreatment/ADHD symptoms predicted age 9 ADHD symptoms/maltreatment. Additionally, both childhood maltreatment and ADHD symptoms at age 5 mediated the association between negative emotionality and childhood maltreatment/ADHD symptoms at age 9.

Conclusions:

Given the bidirectional relationship between ADHD and experiences of maltreatment, it is vital to identify early shared risk factors to prevent negative downstream effects and support families at risk. Our study showed that infant negative emotionality, poses one of these risk factors.
Navigating the healthcare system with my child with CHD: parental perspectives on developmental follow-up practices
Authors: Bolduc Marie-Eve , Rennick Janet E. , Gagnon Isabelle , Sokol Eva , Majnemer Annette , Brossard-Racine Marie
Published: May 2023

Background:

Parents of children with CHD face several barriers when trying to access the services needed to support their child’s development. In fact, current developmental follow-up practices may not identify developmental challenges in a timely manner and important opportunities for interventions may be lost. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of parents of children and adolescents with CHD with respect to developmental follow-up in Canada.

Methods:

Interpretive description was used as a methodological approach for this qualitative study. Parents of children aged 5–15 years with complex CHD were eligible. Semi-structured interviews that aimed to explore their perspectives regarding their child’s developmental follow-up were conducted.

Results:

Fifteen parents of children with CHD were recruited for this study. They expressed that the lack of systematic and responsive developmental follow-up services and limited access to resources to support their child’s development placed an undue burden on their families, and as a result, they needed to assume new roles as case managers or advocates to address these limitations. This additional burden resulted in a high level of parental stress, which, in turn, affected the parent–child relationship and siblings.

Conclusions:

The limitations of the current Canadian developmental follow-up practices put undue pressure on the parents of children with complex CHD. The parents stressed the importance of implementing a universal and systematic approach to developmental follow-up to allow for the timely identification of challenges, enabling the initiation of interventions and supports and promoting more positive parent–child relationships.
Is the transition from primary to secondary school a risk factor for energy balance-related behaviours? A systematic review
Authors: Emke Helga , Dijkstra Coosje , Kremers Stef , Chinapaw Mai JM , Altenburg Teatske
Published: May 2023

Objective:

The substantial changes in the physical and social environment during the transition from primary to secondary school may significantly impact adolescents’ energy balance-related behaviours (i.e. dietary behaviour, sedentary behaviour, sleep behaviour and physical activity (PA)). This is the first review systematically summarising evidence on changes in four energy balance-related behaviours of adolescents across the school transition from primary to secondary school.

Design:

For this systematic review, the electronic databases Embase, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus were searched for relevant studies from inception to August 2021. PubMed was searched for relevant studies from inception to September 2022. Inclusion criteria were: (i) longitudinal studies reporting; (ii) one or more energy balance-related behaviours; and (iii) across the school transition, that is, with measurement(s) during both primary and secondary school.

Setting:

Transition from primary to secondary school

Participants:

Adolescents across the transition from primary to secondary school.

Results:

Thirty-four studies were eligible. We found strong evidence for an increase in sedentary time, moderate evidence for a decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption, and inconclusive evidence for a change in total, light, and moderate-to-vigorous PA, active transport, screen time, unhealthy snack consumption, and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption among adolescents across the school transition.

Conclusions:

During the transition from primary to secondary school, sedentary time and fruit and vegetable consumption tend to change unfavourably. More high-quality, longitudinal research is needed specifically on changes in energy balance-related behaviour across the school transition, especially regarding sleep behaviour. (Prospero registration: CRD42018084799)
Reconstructing Continuous Ice Sheet Elevation Changes in the Amundsen Sea Sector During 2003–2021 by Merging Envisat, ICESat, CryoSat‐2, and ICESat‐2 Multi‐Altimeter Observations
Authors: Yue Lianzhe , Chao Nengfang , Chen Gang , Chen Lihao , Zhang Baojun , Sun Runzhi , Zhang Yanze , Wang Shuai , Wang Zhengtao , Li Fupeng , Yu Nan , Ouyang Guichong
Published: May 2023

The Amundsen Sea (AS) sector in West Antarctica accounts for a significant proportion of Earth's ice losses and is the largest contributor of Antarctica's mass loss. To evaluate its contribution to global sea‐level rise, we reconstruct the long‐term continuous surface elevation changes (CSEC) record of the AS sector by an improved least‐squares plane fitting method (ILSPFM), which merged the relative surface elevation change (SEC) series instead of height from Envisat, ICESat, CryoSat‐2, and ICESat‐2 missions during 2003–2021. The accuracy of CSEC is improved by 25.9% using ILSPFM. The average rate of CSEC in the AS sector was −24.25 ± 0.48 cm yr−1 during 2003–2021. The largest signals of SEC are found over Pine Island, Thwaites, and Pope Glaciers, with the largest decline of SEC over Pope Glacier with a total SEC of −82.44 ± 7.21 m and an annual change rate of −4.34 ± 0.38 m yr−1. The ridge between Pine Island and Thwaites Glaciers is found in the AS sector, indicating that the change of ice sheet is dynamic thinning and closely related to the topography and the distance from the grounding line. Compared with meteorological data sets, we find that the codirectional fluctuation in CSEC is delayed by 3 months with surface temperature, and the precipitation leading SEC series as the phase arrow points straight down from the cross wavelet transform. Our new record shows that the AS sector thinned rapidly from 2003 to 2021 but decelerated from 2019 to 2021, and it was clearly correlated to the surface temperature, precipitation, and local terrain.
Local Generation of Magnetosonic Waves by Ring Beam Hot Protons in the Martian Ionosphere
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Jiang , Chen Zuzheng , Xu Xiaojun , Cui Jun , Cao Jinbin
Published: May 2023

Magnetosonic (MS) waves are dominant plasma waves causing severe Martian ionospheric erosion. They are generally considered to originate upstream of Martian bow shock with frequencies near the upstream proton gyrofrequency. However, whether MS waves can be locally excited lacks theoretical analysis. Here we present an event of MS waves with frequencies above and closely related to the local proton gyrofrequency in the Martian ionosphere. Concurrently, ring beam hot proton distributions are observed due to the penetration of magnetosheath protons. By employing the observed plasma and magnetic field data, the calculated linear growth rates for MS waves agree well with the observed wave power spectra, demonstrating that they can be locally excited by unstable ring beam hot protons at Mars. Our results could be of great help in understanding the excitation of MS waves in a heavy ion‐rich environment around unmagnetized planets.
Polychromatic full-polarization control in mid-infrared light
Authors: Chen Jin , Yu Feilong , Liu Xingsi , Bao Yanjun , Chen Rongsheng , Zhao Zengyue , Wang Jiuxu , Wang Xiuxia , Liu Wen , Shi Yuzhi , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Chen Xiaoshuang , Lu Wei , Li Guanhai
Published: May 2023

Objects with different shapes, materials and temperatures can emit distinct polarizations and spectral information in mid-infrared band, which provides a unique signature in the transparent window for object identification. However, the crosstalk among various polarization and wavelength channels prevents from accurate mid-infrared detections at high signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we report full-polarization metasurfaces to break the inherent eigen-polarization constraint over the wavelengths in mid-infrared. This recipe enables to select arbitrary orthogonal polarization basis at individual wavelength independently, therefore alleviating the crosstalk and efficiency degradation. A six-channel all-silicon metasurface is specifically presented to project focused mid-infrared light to distinct positions at three wavelengths, each with a pair of arbitrarily chosen orthogonal polarizations. An isolation ratio of 117 between neighboring polarization channels is experimentally recorded, exhibiting detection sensitivity one order of magnitude higher than existing infrared detectors. Remarkably, the high aspect ratio ~30 of our meta-structures manufactured by deep silicon etching technology at temperature −150 °C guarantees the large and precise phase dispersion control over a broadband from 3 to 4.5 μm. We believe our results would benefit the noise-immune mid-infrared detections in remote sensing and space-to-ground communications.
Compact multi-foci metalens spectrometer
Authors: Wang Ruoxing , Ansari Muhammad Afnan , Ahmed Hammad , Li Yan , Cai Wenfeng , Liu Yanjun , Li Songtao , Liu Jianlong , Li Li , Chen Xianzhong
Published: May 2023

A lightweight and portable spectrometer is desirable for miniaturization and integration. The unprecedented capability of optical metasurfaces has shown much promise to perform such a task. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact high-resolution spectrometer with a multi-foci metalens. The novel metalens is designed based on wavelength and phase multiplexing, which can accurately map the wavelength information into its focal points located on the same plane. The measured wavelengths in the light spectra agree with simulation results upon the illumination of various incident light spectra. The uniqueness of this technique lies in the novel metalens that can simultaneously realize wavelength splitting and light focusing. The compactness and ultrathin nature of the metalens spectrometer render this technology have potential applications in on-chip integrated photonics where spectral analysis and information processing can be performed in a compact platform.