bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural traps and seals for expanding CO2 storage in the northern Horda Platform, North Sea
Authors: Osmond Johnathon , Mulrooney Mark , Holden Nora , Skurtveit Elin , Faleide Jan Inge , Braathen Alvar
Published: December 2021

The maturation of geological CCS along the Norwegian Continental Shelf is ongoing in the Norwegian North Sea, however, more storage sites are needed to reach climate mitigation goals by 2050. In order to augment the Aurora site and expand CO2 storage in the northern Horda Platform, regional traps and seals must be assessed to better understand the area’s potential. Here, we leverage wellbore and seismic data to map storage aquifers, identify structural traps, and assess possible top and fault seals associated with Lower and Upper Jurassic storage complexes in four major fault blocks. With respect to trap and seal, our results maintain that both prospective intervals represent viable CO2 storage options in various locations of each fault block. Mapping, modeling, and formation pressure analyses indicate that top seals are present across the entire study area, and are sufficiently thick over the majority of structural traps. Across-fault juxtaposition seals are abundant, but dominate the Upper Jurassic storage complexes. Lower Jurassic aquifers, however, are often upthrown against Upper Jurassic aquifers, but apparent across fault pressure differentials and moderate to high shale gouge ratio values correlate, suggesting fault rock membrane seal presence. Zones of aquifer self-juxtaposition, however, are likely areas of poor seal along faults. Overall, our results provide added support that the northern Horda Platform represents a promising location for expanding CO2 storage in the North Sea, carrying the potential to become a future injection hub for CCS in northern Europe.
新型コロナウイルス感染症のヘルスリテラシーの違いによる対象者セグメンテーション
Authors: Hirai Kei , Yamamura Asayo , Kato Mai , Yagihashi Mao , Miura Asako
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify the types of the risk communication for COVID-19.　We conducted the cross-sectional questionnaire survey, for 6,000 people (male = 3000, female = 3000, M = 49.41±16.59), regarded as health literacy. In the result, it is revealed there were 6 segments: "majority/social defense" in which people had the most common beliefs and thought PCR testing is necessary for all, "self-judgment/self-protection" that was highly literate, "threat denying" that completely denied threats and prevention of infection, "hoax affinity/optimism" that took in information without discernment, "vigilance/self-protection," in which people felt threatened by infection but thought that PCR testing was unnecessary, and "hyper vigilance/social defense," in which people protected others if there was even a small risk.
The Manual of Disaster: Creativity, Preparedness, and Writing the Emergency Room
Authors: Charise Andrea , Krecsy Stefan
Published: December 2021

This article offers a critical examination of creativity discourse at the intersection of two disciplinary fields: health and humanities. In contrast to creativity’s long-standing associations with making, imitation, or invention, we examine the relatively recent emergence of what we call creativity’s preparatory capacity, particularly within critical discussions of health-care and illness narratives. Working with fictional representations of the emergency room in physician-writer Jay Baruch’s short-story collection Fourteen Stories: Doctors, Patients, and Other Strangers (2007), we identify how particular narrative techniques are revealed in a range of emergency scenarios – both within and beyond the fictional setting – and what such deployments of creativity might signal for the future of literary studies more broadly.
Assessment of the need for production volumes of the main types of agricultural products, taking into account the existing differentiation of income of the population
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas – All-Russian Research Institute of Agricultural Economics (VNIIESH), Moscow, Russia, Kolesnikov Andrey V.
Published: December 2021

The agrarian policy carried out in Russia is primarily aimed at ensuring food security, the main components of which are the economic and physical availability of food to the population. However, the indicators approved in the regulatory legal acts on monitoring food security do not contribute to its objective assessment. They can be used to assess the overall state of food security. For a more objective assessment of the economic availability of food to the population of the Russian Federation, a more in-depth analysis is needed, which requires, among other things, changes in the methods for calculating food independence, taking into account the share of household disposable resources used to purchase food. It is also necessary to take into account the energy value of food, the quality of food consumed, etc. For this, it is necessary to significantly expand the information base on food consumed, including taking into account its quality and energy value. The paper attempts, based on the available analytical data, to make an assessment of the economic availability of food for households depending on their income, as well as in the context of socio-demographic groups, to determine the main factors constraining bringing the level of food consumption to rational norms.
Agrotourism as a factor of socio-economic development of rural territories of the Republic of South Ossetia
Authors:   Institute of Economics, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia, Semin Alexander N. , Mazloev Vitaliy Z. ,   VNIIOPTUSKH - branch of the Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas - VNIIESkH, Moscow, Russia, Kibirov Alikhan Ya. ,   Federal Scientific Center of Agrarian Economy and Social Development of Rural Areas - VNIIESH, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2021

The article examines topical issues of the formation and development of agricultural tourism in rural areas of unrecognized (partially recognized) small states on the example of the Republic of South Ossetia (RSO). The purpose of this work is to scientifically substantiate and develop organizational and economic conditions for the formation of agritourism as a factor in the socio-economic development of rural areas. The object of research is agritourism business and its impact on the economy of rural households and the development of rural areas of the Republic of South Ossetia (RSO). The scientific novelty of the research lies: in the methodological substantiation of the need to develop agrarian tourism as a special non-agricultural form of family small business in rural settlements; in systematization of various models of agritourism in order to adapt and use the most acceptable forms of them in the conditions of rural areas of the RSO; in development of a system of organizational measures and economic mechanisms for the creation of a republican rural agrarian and tourist cluster, closely interacting with the tourist business community of the neighboring North Caucasian republics of the Russian Federation; in development and substantiation of a basic model of rural family agritourism, based on the historical traditions of Ossetians, who have preserved their identity, culture, language and national flavor of their ancient ancestors - Alans.
PECULIARITIES CONDITIONS OF OCCURRENCE AND FORMATION OF DEFORMATION MEZOSTRUCTURES IN THE AREA OF KOBYLETSKA POLYANA VILLAGE (MARMOROSH MASSIF OF EASTERN CARPATHIANS)
Authors:   Donetsk National Technical University, Alokhin Viktor , Boiarska Alina ,   Donetsk National Technical University, Мurovska Anna ,   Institute of Geophysics of NAS of Ukraine, Ishkov Valerii ,   Dnipro University of Technology
Published: December 2021

Purpose. The aim of the work was to establish the peculiarities of the conditions of occurrence and formation of deformation discontinuous mesostructures on the basis of field geological-structural and tectonophysical studies and microstructural analysis of rock samples. Methodology. The following are used in the work: traditional field geological and structural methods; methods of field tectonophysical research; computer programs «Fabric-8» and «Win-Tensor» for field data processing, construction of roses-diagrams of elements of discontinuous dislocations and reconstruction of paleostress field, mineralogical-petrographic and microstructural methods for studying the composition of rocks and microdeformations in sections. Results. According to the results of research, the systems of discontinuous deformation mesostructures and their correlation with regional discontinuous faults are established. The analysis of tectonic movements and their kinematic types is carried out, reconstruction of fields of paleonstresses is executed and features of changes of their types in different age deposits are established. The forms of manifestations of discontinuous dislocations at the micro level in sections are established. Scientific novelty. Several systems of discontinuous dislocation mesostructures have been established, which correspond to the main systems of regional discontinuous faults. Changes of their kinematic type in time are established for the same systems of discontinuous dislocations. Dislocations of the landslide type are a characteristic feature of the youngest sediments of the study area. Significant changes in the characteristics of paleostress fields on the research area have been established. Practical significance. The established peculiarities of the conditions of occurrence and evolution of discontinuous mesostructures in time allow to clarify the history of formation of the Marmorosh massif. It is established that the areas of intersection of discontinuous dislocations of different systems are the most promising for iron ore. Such areas are characterized by multistage in the development of discontinuous dislocations in time and abrupt changes in the kinematic types of paleostress fields. Key words: shales, limestones, sandstones, discontinuous deformations, landslides, mesostructures, paleostress field.
INFLUENCE OF UNDERMINING ROCK MASS ON THE STATE OF MINE WORKINGS
Authors:   Donetsk National Technical University, Kodunov Boris , Nosach Alexander ,   Donetsk National Technical University
Published: December 2021

Purpose. Research of influence of shifts of rocks on a condition of mine workings at their undermining by longwalls. Methods. The study used a computer simulation method. The simulation was performed by simulating the process of rock shift. The initial coordinates of the points of the rock mass turned into the final ones. This allowed to build sections of the rock mass after undermining, which characterized its deformed state, as well as graphs of displacements and deformations in the mine workings. Results. The performed simulation showed that during the movement of the longwall, the mine working (drift), which is undermined, consistently falls into the zone of horizontal deformations of tension, compression and complete displacements. After stopping the longwall, part of the mine working near the boundaries of the displacement area will be constantly in the zones of stretching and compression. It is established that at a distance of 40 m in front of the moving face, the mine working is in the least favorable conditions with maximum vertical compression deformations. Under the given conditions the drift for the most part after completion of clearing works is in a zone of full subsidence. This zone is characterized by the maximum possible subsidence and the absence of deformations. The performed researchers showed that the conditions of undermining of the southern field haulage drift of seam l7 proved to be quite favorable. Shifts and deformations did not cause a significant deterioration in the state of mine working, except for the increase of slopes on the edge sections of the subsidence trough, which makes it difficult to carry out electric locomotive rolling. For any other purpose, after minor repairs, the mine working may continue to operate. Scientific novelty. The study of the process of shear by computer simulation allowed to establish the patterns of shear and deformation during undermining of the mine working. This is the first time for the conditions of the Ukrainian Donbass. Practical significance. The obtained results can be used to predict the condition of mine workings that are undermined during the cleaning works in similar conditions. Key words: undermining overlying mine workings, shifts, deformations, zone of full subsidence, subsidence trough.
نقل حركة الهمزة في العربيّة دراسة لغوية مقارنة بين القراءات القرآنية واللهجة الفلسطينية
Authors: مصطفى عبد الباسط التميمي تقي الدين
Published: December 2021

تجمع هذه الدراسة بين الأصالة والتّراث المتمثّل في نقل حركة الهمزة للسّاكن قبلها في اللّهجة الفلسطينيّة الحديثة، وربط ذلك بالشّعر العربي وبالقراءات العشر الكبرى من طريق طيِّبة الّنشر عبر قصيدة ابن الجَزَري الموسومة، ثم تفسير ذلك تفسيراً صوتيّاً بناءً على آراء القدماء وتوجيه المحدثين، وتخفيف الهمزة في العربيّة مذهبٌ منتشرٌ، فالهمزة تخفّف بالإبدال وبالنّقل وبالحذف وبالإدخال وغيرها.
The Eastern Sea Route as Depicted in a Chinese Historical Geographical Description of Foreign Lands of the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368) Daoyi zhilüe (“A Brief Description of the Island Barbarians”, 1349/1350): Chapters 1–4, Translation with Commentary
Authors: Kolnin Ilia S.
Published: December 2021

This article is the first in the series of planned publications with translations of separate chapters from a Chinese historical-geographical description of foreign lands Daoyi zhilüe (“A Brief Description of Island Barbarians”, 1349/1350) written during the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368). The first four chapters of the treatise which describe policies on the eastern sea route from China are included in this work. The article offers the first translation of these chapters into Russian, accompanied by detailed historical commentary. Apart from that, in the research part of the article the author has briefly analyzed the order of the chapters in the treatise and compared it with the previous sources of similar nature. The translations are an important source for studying various aspects of the history of the Penghu islands, Taiwan and the Philippines in the 14th century AD.
Socioeconomic Changes in South Arabia in The First Half of The Sixteenth Century.
Authors: Gasanov Talib A.
Published: December 2021

One of the world’s largest humanitarian crises that have been going on in Yemen for the last ten years has highlighted the growing tensions within its society. To better understand the rising antagonism between the North and the South, it is necessary to analyze the significant historic events that influenced the development of the Yemeni identity. For the inhabitants of South Yemen and Hadramaut, many of such events took place in the first half of the sixteenth century. The following article presents an analysis of these events focusing on the available Yemeni sources, especially the “Tārīkh al-Shiḥr wa akhbār al-qarn al-‘āshir”, the annals by Muḥammad b. ‘Umar al-Ṭayyib Bā Faqīh al-Shiḥrī (d. 17th cent. AD). The comparison of this chronicle with other sources reveals how the clash between Hadramaut, the Portuguese and the Ottoman empires, as well as an attempt by the Kathīrī Sultan Badr Bū Ṭuwairiq to establish a centralized South Arabian state, caused deeper integration of this region into global politics. Ironically, it was the Sultan’s loyalty towards the Ottoman Empire meant to ensure the rise of al-Shihr as one of the main trade centres of the Arabian Peninsula that soon contributed to its decline. Lastly, the sources reflect the spread of firearms that had an impact on the stratification of South Arabian society and gave more power to the tribes, allowing them to subjugate the sultans, thereby preventing the creation of a unified state in the following centuries.
Medieval or Early Pre-Modern? Dating Several Fragments from a Judeo-Persian Manuscript (C40 Hebrew, the IOM RAS)
Authors: Belkina Ekaterina M.
Published: December 2021

The article examines some paleographic and codicological aspects of several fragments of the undated manuscript C40 from the Hebrew Collection in the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IOM RAS). This is a codex of Shahin's Musa-name, formed from some different, scattered fragments. Apparently, three large fragments of this manuscript are taken from medieval codices, which were gathered by one person (the so-called “restorer”) in the 19th century. Judging from the results of their comparative and historical analysis, one can suggest some possibilities for dating of each fragment. The author dates these fragments back to the late 15th early 16th centuries C.E. According to her, they were transcribed in the region where the cities of Qum and Kashan are located (the current provinces of Qum and Isfahan in Iran). Unfortunately, it is hardly possible to provide a more accurate localization. However, several dated and previously studied Jewish manuscripts from this period and this area have nearly the same attributes, quality, or characteristics of the writing material and the type of writing, as well as some textual pattern.
Study of the chemical composition of Amir Wali coins by x-ray fluorescent analysis
Authors: Alyoshin Alexey N.
Published: December 2021

The chemical composition of seven coins of Amir Wali of six dirhams par value (two types) minted in Astarabad in 769 and 75 Hijri (1368 and 1374 AD) was studied by x-ray fluorescent analysis using a portable TRACER 5i spectrometer. There were established the basic composition of the coin alloy and the quantitative content of the trace elements. The performed comparison with the coin alloys compositions of the preceding dynasties demonstrated continuity of minting technologies and similarity of ore sources used in the production of dirhams during the reign of Amir Wali in Astarabad. Based on the literary data of galenic ores composition mined in the Zenjan province, it is suggested that the raw material for coin mintage was extracted from a deposit located near the city of Damgan.
Between tradition and modernity: Lauddin and his “Story of the Young Captain” (commented translation and research article)
Authors: Goriaeva Lubov V.
Published: December 2021

The publication (a research article and Russian translation) deals with the earliest specimen of Malay documentary prose, the memoirs of a non-professional author Lauddin, who came from a prosperous merchant family. The book describes actual historical events, which took place in the mid 18th century: the dramatic rivalry between the Dutch and the British in the Java and Sumatra regions. This rivalry was crucial for Lauddin’s fate as that of his father and brothers. In terms of its content, Lauddin's work can certainly be considered innovative. At the same time, a truthful story about events in which he himself was a witness or participant is built according to the laws of the Malay epic narrative. The book traces parallels with such classics as the “Chronicle of the Kings of Pasai”, “Malay Annals”, and “The Tale of Hang Tuah”. Thus, Lauddin shows that he sticks to the canon and, willingly or unwillingly, includes his memoirs in the traditional literary context.
Estimating the prevalence of neurosurgical interventions in adults with spina bifida using the Health Facts data set: implications for transition planning and the development of adult clinics
Authors: Domino Joseph S. , Lundy Paige , Glynn Earl F. , Partington Michael
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

As the care of patients with spina bifida continues to evolve, life expectancy is increasing, leading to a critical need for transition planning from pediatric-based to adult-based care. The burden of neurosurgical care for adults with spina bifida remains unknown. In this study, the authors sought to use a large national data set to estimate the prevalence of neurosurgical interventions in adults with spina bifida.

METHODS

This study utilized Health Facts, which is a de-identified proprietary data set abstracted from all Cerner electronic health records. It includes 69 million unique patients with > 500 million encounters in 580 centers. Validation, technical exclusions, and data filters were applied to obtain an appropriate cohort of patients. The ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes for all types of spinal dysraphism, as well as the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for hydrocephalus procedures, spinal cord untethering, and Chiari decompression, were queried and records were retrieved. Demographic variables along with differences in age groups and temporal trends were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 24,764 unique patients with ≥ 1 encounter with a spinal dysraphism diagnosis between 2000 and 2017 were identified. The pediatric cohort included 11,123 patients with 60,027 separate encounters, and the adult cohort included 13,641 patients with 41,618 separate encounters. The proportion of females was higher in the adult (62.9%) than in the pediatric (51.4%) cohort. Annual encounters were stable from 2 to 18 years of age, but then decreased by approximately half with a precipitous drop after age 21 years. The sex distribution of adults and children who underwent procedures was similar (54.6% female adults vs 52.4% female children). Surgical interventions in adults were common. Between 2013 and 2017, there were 4913 procedures for hydrocephalus, with 2435 (49.6%) adult patients. Similarly, 273 (33.3%) of the 819 tethered cord procedures were performed in adults, as were 307 (32.9%) of 933 Chiari decompressions.

CONCLUSIONS

The Health Facts database offered another option for studying care delivery and utilization in patients aging with spina bifida. The median age of this population has now reached early adulthood, and a significant number of neurosurgical procedures were performed in adults. An abrupt drop in the rate of encounters occurred at 21 years of age, possibly reflecting transition issues such as access-to-care problems and lack of coordinated care.
Electrically evoked and spontaneous neural activity in the subthalamic nucleus under general anesthesia
Authors: Sinclair Nicholas C. , McDermott Hugh J. , Lee Wee-Lih , Xu San San , Acevedo Nicola , Begg Angus , Perera Thushara , Thevathasan Wesley , Bulluss Kristian J.
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is commonly performed with the patient awake to facilitate assessments of electrode positioning. However, awake neurosurgery can be a barrier to patients receiving DBS. Electrode implantation can be performed with the patient under general anesthesia (GA) using intraoperative imaging, although such techniques are not widely available. Electrophysiological features can also aid in the identification of target neural regions and provide functional evidence of electrode placement. Here we assess the presence and positional variation under GA of spontaneous beta and high-frequency oscillation (HFO) activity, and evoked resonant neural activity (ERNA), a novel evoked response localized to the subthalamic nucleus.

METHODS

ERNA, beta, and HFO were intraoperatively recorded from DBS leads comprising four individual electrodes immediately after bilateral awake implantation into the subthalamic nucleus of 21 patients with Parkinson’s disease (42 hemispheres) and after subsequent GA induction deep enough to perform pulse generator implantation. The main anesthetic agent was either propofol (10 patients) or sevoflurane (11 patients).

RESULTS

GA reduced the amplitude of ERNA, beta, and HFO activity (p < 0.001); however, ERNA amplitudes remained large in comparison to spontaneous local field potentials. Notably, a moderately strong correlation between awake ERNA amplitude and electrode distance to an “ideal” therapeutic target within dorsal STN was preserved under GA (awake: ρ = −0.73, adjusted p value [padj] < 0.001; GA: ρ = −0.69, padj < 0.001). In contrast, correlations were diminished under GA for beta (awake: ρ = −0.45, padj < 0.001; GA: ρ = −0.13, padj = 0.12) and HFO (awake: ρ = −0.69, padj < 0.001; GA: ρ = −0.33, padj < 0.001). The largest ERNA occurred at the same electrode (awake vs GA) for 35/42 hemispheres (83.3%) and corresponded closely to the electrode selected by the clinician for chronic therapy at 12 months (awake ERNA 77.5%, GA ERNA 82.5%). The largest beta amplitude occurred at the same electrode (awake vs GA) for only 17/42 (40.5%) hemispheres and 21/42 (50%) for HFO. The electrode measuring the largest awake beta and HFO amplitudes corresponded to the electrode selected by the clinician for chronic therapy at 12 months in 60% and 70% of hemispheres, respectively. However, this correspondence diminished substantially under GA (beta 20%, HFO 35%).

CONCLUSIONS

ERNA is a robust electrophysiological signal localized to the dorsal subthalamic nucleus subregion that is largely preserved under GA, indicating it could feasibly guide electrode implantation, either alone or in complementary use with existing methods.
Role of resective surgery in patients older than 60 years with therapy-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Bottan Juan S. , Suller Marti Ana , Burneo Jorge G. , Parrent Andrew G. , MacDougall Keith W. , McLachlan Richard S. , Mirsattari Seyed , Diosy David C. , Steven David A.
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy surgery for older adults is controversial owing to their longer duration of epilepsy and perceived higher surgical risk. However, because of an aging population and documented benefit of epilepsy surgery, surgery is considered more frequently for these patients. The authors’ objective was to analyze the role of resective surgery in patients older than 60 years and to assess outcomes and safety.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 595 patients who underwent resective epilepsy surgery at their center from 1999 to 2018. Thirty-one patients aged 60 years or older were identified. Sixty patients younger than 60 years were randomly selected as controls. Population characteristics, results of presurgical evaluations, outcomes, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of hemisphere dominance, side of surgery, presence of a lesion, and incidence of temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy duration was greater in the older cohort (p = 0.019), and invasive EEG was more commonly employed in younger patients (p = 0.030). The rates of Engel class I outcome at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 89.7%, 96.2%, and 94.7% for the older group and 75% (p = 0.159), 67.3% (p = 0.004), and 75.8% (p = 0.130) for the younger group, respectively. The proportion of seizure-free patients was greatest among those with temporal lobe epilepsy, particularly in the older group. Neurological complication rates did not differ significantly between groups, however medical and other minor complications occurred more frequently in the older group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients older than 60 years had equal or better outcomes at 1 year after epilepsy surgery than younger patients. A trend toward a greater proportion of patients with lesional temporal lobe epilepsy was found in the older group. These results suggest that good seizure outcomes can be obtained in older patients despite longer duration of epilepsy.
Combined stereotactic radiosurgery and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy versus tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy alone for the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases
Authors: Chiou Guan-Ying , Chiang Chi-Lu , Yang Huai-Che , Shen Chia-I , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Chen Yu-Wei , Chen Ching-Jen , Luo Yung-Hung , Hu Yong-Sin , Lin Chung-Jung , Chung Wen-Yuh , Shiau Cheng-Ying , Guo Wan-Yuo , Pan David Hung-Chi , Lee Cheng-Chia
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Whether combined radiation and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases (BMs) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations confers additional benefits over TKI therapy alone remains a matter of debate. The goal of this study was to compare outcomes between combined TKI therapy with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) versus TKI therapy alone in NSCLC patients with BMs and EGFR mutations.

METHODS

Consecutive cases of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations and BMs treated with TKIs were selected for inclusion in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on SRS: TKI therapy alone (group I) and combined SRS and TKI therapy (group II). Patients who had SRS or TKI as salvage therapy and those with prior radiation treatment for BMs were excluded. Tumor control (< 10% increase in tumor volume) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Independent predictors of tumor control and OS were identified using multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 280 patients (n = 90 in group I and n = 190 in group II). Cumulative tumor control rates were higher in group II than in group I (79.8% vs 31.2% at 36 months, p < 0.0001). Cumulative OS rates were comparable between groups I and II (43.8% vs 59.4% at 36 months, p = 0.3203). Independent predictors of tumor control were older age (p < 0.01, HR 1.03), fewer BMs (p < 0.01, HR 1.09), lack of extracranial metastasis (p < 0.02, HR 0.70), and combined SRS and TKI therapy (p < 0.01, HR 0.25). Independent predictors of OS were fewer BMs (p < 0.01, HR 1.04) and a higher Karnofsky Performance Status score (p < 0.01, HR 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the OS rate did not differ between TKI therapy with and without SRS, the addition of SRS to TKI therapy resulted in improvement of intracranial tumor control. The lack of effect on survival rate with the addition of SRS may be attributable to extracranial disease progression. The addition of SRS to TKI therapy is recommended for intracranial disease control in NSCLC patients with BMs and EGFR mutations. Potential benefits may include prevention of neurological deficits and seizures. Future prospective studies may help clarify the clinical outcome benefits of SRS in these patients.
A multicenter cohort study of early complications after cranioplasty: results of the German Cranial Reconstruction Registry
Authors: Sauvigny Thomas , Giese Henrik , Höhne Julius , Schebesch Karl Michael , Henker Christian , Strauss Andreas , Beseoglu Kerim , Spreckelsen Niklas von , Hampl Jürgen A. , Walter Jan , Ewald Christian , Krigers Aleksandrs , Petr Ondra , Butenschoen Vicki M. , Krieg Sandro M. , Wolfert Christina , Gaber Khaled , Mende Klaus Christian , Bruckner Thomas , Sakowitz Oliver , Lindner Dirk , Regelsberger Jan , Mielke Dorothee
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Cranioplasty (CP) is a crucial procedure after decompressive craniectomy and has a significant impact on neurological improvement. Although CP is considered a standard neurosurgical procedure, inconsistent data on surgery-related complications after CP are available. To address this topic, the authors analyzed 502 patients in a prospective multicenter database (German Cranial Reconstruction Registry) with regard to early surgery-related complications.

METHODS

Early complications within 30 days, medical history, mortality rates, and neurological outcome at discharge according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were evaluated. The primary endpoint was death or surgical revision within the first 30 days after CP. Independent factors for the occurrence of complications with or without surgical revision were identified using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ischemic stroke were the most common underlying diagnoses that required CP. In 230 patients (45.8%), an autologous bone flap was utilized for CP; the most common engineered materials were titanium (80 patients [15.9%]), polyetheretherketone (57 [11.4%]), and polymethylmethacrylate (57 [11.4%]). Surgical revision was necessary in 45 patients (9.0%), and the overall mortality rate was 0.8% (4 patients). The cause of death was related to ischemia in 2 patients, diffuse intraparenchymal hemorrhage in 1 patient, and cardiac complications in 1 patient. The most frequent causes of surgical revision were epidural hematoma (40.0% of all revisions), new hydrocephalus (22.0%), and subdural hematoma (13.3%). Preoperatively increased mRS score (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08–1.97, p = 0.014) and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.42–5.89, p = 0.003) were independent predictors of surgical revision. Ischemic stroke, as the underlying diagnosis, was associated with a minor rate of revisions compared with TBI (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06–0.57, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors have presented class II evidence–based data on surgery-related complications after CP and have identified specific preexisting risk factors. These results may provide additional guidance for optimized treatment of these patients.
Development of a miniaturized robotic guidance device for stereotactic neurosurgery
Authors: Minchev Georgi , Wurzer Ayguel , Ptacek Wolfgang , Kronreif Gernot , Micko Alexander , Dorfer Christian , Wolfsberger Stefan
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE

Consistently high accuracy and a straightforward use of stereotactic guidance systems are crucial for precise stereotactic targeting and a short procedural duration. Although robotic guidance systems are widely used, currently available systems do not fully meet the requirements for a stereotactic guidance system that combines the advantages of frameless surgery and robotic technology. The authors developed and optimized a small-scale yet highly accurate guidance system that can be seamlessly integrated into an existing operating room (OR) setup due to its design. The aim of this clinical study is to outline the development of this miniature robotic guidance system and present the authors’ clinical experience.

METHODS

After extensive preclinical testing of the robotic stereotactic guidance system, adaptations were implemented for robot fixation, software usability, navigation integration, and end-effector application. Development of the robotic system was then advanced in a clinical series of 150 patients between 2013 and 2019, including 111 needle biopsies, 13 catheter placements, and 26 stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrode placements. During the clinical trial, constant modifications were implemented to meet the setup requirements, technical specifications, and workflow for each indication. For each application, specific setup, workflow, and median procedural accuracy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Application of the miniature robotic system was feasible in 149 of 150 cases. The setup in each procedure was successfully implemented without adding significant OR time. The workflow was seamlessly integrated into the preexisting procedure. In the course of the study, procedural accuracy was improved. For the biopsy procedure, the real target error (RTE) was reduced from a mean of 1.8 ± 1.03 mm to 1.6 ± 0.82 mm at entry (p = 0.05), and from 1.7 ± 1.12 mm to 1.6 ± 0.72 mm at target (p = 0.04). For the SEEG procedures, the RTE was reduced from a mean of 1.43 ± 0.78 mm in the first half of the procedures to 1.12 ± 0.52 mm (p = 0.002) at entry in the second half, and from 1.82 ± 1.13 mm to 1.57 ± 0.98 mm (p = 0.069) at target, respectively. No healing complications or infections were observed in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

The miniature robotic guidance device was able to prove its versatility and seamless integration into preexisting workflow by successful application in 149 stereotactic procedures. According to these data, the robot could significantly improve accuracy without adding time expenditure.
The Development of Contemporary Ukrainian Cinema
Authors: Bezruchko Oleksandr , Kachmar Nataliia
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the research is to investigate the history of contemporary Ukrainian cinema and to analyze the ways of its development. Highlight the main problems of national film production; identify the main principles and areas of its potential realization, the conditions for creating a successful and engaging film industry in Ukraine. The research methodology consists of the following methods: analytical – the study and analysis of historical materials of the Ukrainian cinema formation; empirical – the generalization of monitoring the intensity of filmmaking; theoretical – the research of prospects and directions of national film potential realization. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the prospects and directions of the national film potential realization are outlined based on the detailed in-depth analysis of the Ukrainian cinema historical development, an estimation of its modern condition. Conclusions. Analysis of the current state of Ukrainian cinema showed that the national cinema has undergone changes in the basic guidelines and value vectors of its development, intensified the process of realizing its potential, began building effective mechanisms of administrative and legal regulation of this area for development and proper functioning of the domestic film industry.
The Musical Arrangement of a Live-Action Film
Authors: Yeremenko Liliia , Kichapina Anna
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study is to analyze the characteristics of a live-action film’s musical arrangement; to identify the impact of musical arrangement on the audience’s perception, on the example of the film composer Eric Serra’s works. The research methodology is to apply the following methods: theoretical – analysis of the music functions in making a film and the implementation of the director’s vision, generalizing the influence of musical arrangement on the viewer. Scientific novelty. The functions of film music that help in creating a live-action film were analyzed for the first time, a detailed analysis of the interdependence of music and visuals was made, by theoretical analysis of music functions; it has been found out how it affects the perception of the audience. Conclusions. In the article, we analyzed the functions of musical arrangement in a live-action film. Through the analysis of the influence of music on the audience’s perception, it has been established how the musical arrangement helps to realize the author’s vision. The role of music in making a live-action film has been researched. Through theoretical and practical research of various cinematography aspects that are relevant at the moment (in particular, the problem of the sound space in a movie), it becomes possible to reach a new aesthetic level of design, creation, perception and understanding of cinematic works.
Boosting branch-and-bound MaxSAT solvers with clause learning
Authors: Li Chu-Min , Xu Zhenxing , Coll Jordi , Manyà Felip , Habet Djamal , He Kun
Published: December 2021

The Maximum Satisfiability Problem, or MaxSAT, offers a suitable problem solving formalism for combinatorial optimization problems. Nevertheless, MaxSAT solvers implementing the Branch-and-Bound (BnB) scheme have not succeeded in solving challenging real-world optimization problems. It is widely believed that BnB MaxSAT solvers are only superior on random and some specific crafted instances. At the same time, SAT-based MaxSAT solvers perform particularly well on real-world instances. To overcome this shortcoming of BnB MaxSAT solvers, this paper proposes a new BnB MaxSAT solver called MaxCDCL. The main feature of MaxCDCL is the combination of clause learning of soft conflicts and an efficient bounding procedure. Moreover, the paper reports on an experimental investigation showing that MaxCDCL is competitive when compared with the best performing solvers of the 2020 MaxSAT Evaluation. MaxCDCL performs very well on real-world instances, and solves a number of instances that other solvers cannot solve. Furthermore, MaxCDCL, when combined with the best performing MaxSAT solvers, solves the highest number of instances of a collection from all the MaxSAT evaluations held so far.
GIRD syndrome in male handball and volleyball players: Is the decrease of total range of motion the turning point to pathology?
Authors: Schmalzl Jonas , Walter Helen , Rothfischer Wolfram , Blaich Sören , Gerhardt Christian , Lehmann Lars-Johannes
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND: Adaptations in glenohumeral range of motion may affect overhead athletes and lead to shoulder pathologies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and postero-superior impingement among male handball and volleyball players and the relationship between these pathologies and training level (amateur vs. professional), position (attack vs. no attack), experience (> 5 years vs. < 5 years) and sports. METHODS: Sixty-seven handball players and 67 volleyball players with a mean age of 25 [± 5] years were included. The range of motion including external and internal rotation in 90∘ abduction of the dominant and non-dominant shoulder was measured of each examined athlete. Visual analogue scale, disabilities of the shoulder and hand score, constant score and subjective shoulder value were recorded. The athletes were examined for postero-superior impingement and abduction force was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Internal rotation was significantly lower and external rotation was significantly greater in the dominant arm for both sports. 72% presented with GIRD. GIRD was more prevalent in athletes active for > 5 years (odds ratio (OR) 3), in those training > 3 times per week (OR 1.4) and in handball players (OR 2.7). 24% presented with postero-superior impingement. Players active for > 5 years (OR 1.22), professionals (OR 1.14), volleyball players (OR 1.19), offensive players (OR 2.2) and athletes with GIRD > 10∘ (OR 1.5) showed a higher prevalence of postero-superior impingement. CONCLUSION: GIRD is a common phenomenon in handball and volleyball players. Offensive players are frequently suffering from postero-superior impingement. GIRD > 10∘ leads in nearly 75% of the athletes to a decrease of total range of motion and a high rate of postero-superior impingement. Thus, a decreased range of motion seems to be the turning point from adaptation to pathology. Therefore, regular controls of range of motion and countermeasures by means of stretching the posterior shoulder joint should be integrated in the training content.
The diagnosis and prognosis of coronary microvascular disease using PET/CT
Authors: Zhang Xi , Li Hui , Wu Ping , Yuan Lin , Wu Zhifang , Liu Haiyan , Li Sijin
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of 13N–NH3·H2O positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) for non-obstructive coronary microvascular disease (CMVD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with clinically suspected non-obstructive CMVD (35 males, 35 females) between March 2017 and August 2019. The average age of the patients was 53.32±7.82 years. The patients underwent 13N–NH3·H2O PET/CT and were divided into two groups based on diagnostic criteria: a CMVD group and a non-CMVD group. They were then followed up for 180–1,095 days. Data were analyzed using an χ2 test, the logistic regression model, the multiple linear regression model, the Kaplan–Meier method, the Cox proportional hazards regression model, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: (1) The incidence of cardiovascular family history and a high calcification score (11–400) was higher in the CMVD group than in the non-CMVD group (58.8% vs. 20.8% and 29.4% vs. 5.7%, respectively; P < 0.05 for all), stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) values were lower in the CMVD group than in the non-CMVD group (2.280±0.693 vs. 3.641±1.365 and 2.142±0.339 vs. 3.700±1.123, respectively), and calcification score was higher in the CMVD group than in the non-CMVD group (110.18±165.07 vs. 13.21±41.68, respectively; P < 0.05 for all). Gender and diabetes were risk factors for stress MBF reduction (β= 1.287 and β= –0.636, respectively), calcification score and hypertension were risk factors for CFR reduction (β= –0.004 and β= –0.654, respectively), and hypertension, family history, and calcification score were risk factors in the CMVD group (OR = 7.323, OR = 5.108, OR = 1.012, respectively; P < 0.05 for all). (2) The prognosis of patients with CFR < 2.5 was worse than that of patients with CFR≥2.5 (x2 value: 27.404, P < 0.001). The risk of adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic patients was also increased (β= 0.328, P < 0.001). When CFR was set to 2.595, the prognostic sensitivity was 94% and the specificity was 80%. CONCLUSION: The technology of 13N–NH3·H2O PET/CT can be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of non-obstructive CMVD. Cardiovascular risk factors are related to the occurrence and prognosis of CMVD.
My adventures with Nick and Hannah: Anthropological explorations into sexdolls and the potential implications for human intimacy
Authors: van Voorst Roanne
Published: December 2021

This paper introduces two anthropological case-studies; one in which the (female) author personally rented a male sexdoll to experience, and one in which an owner of a sexdoll was observed in her house, interacting with her doll. Through the first case, in which the anthropological methodology of participation and reflection is used, it is explored what sexdoll-intimacy could look like for a heterosexual female. The second case study uses observation and in-depth interviewing to explore what sexdolls may mean for an atypical group of users: asexuals. Both case-studies serve to reflect on the potential positive impacts for human intimacy, as well as on potential challenges or concerns. It discusses the wider theme of intimacy and human relationships, using sociological literature on former important technological innovations and their societal impact. One of the major conclusions of the paper is that instead of focusing on the ‘humanification’ of robots and sexdolls, as is currently happening in this field of innovation, it is useful for social scientists to turn the topic up side down: focusing on the potential of robotification of humans. This also means a shift from focusing on the (possible) future, to current societal dynamics. Another conclusion is that, while social-scientific scholars have been largely critical on sexdoll innovations; it is equally useful to take a more descriptive approach and experience, rather than moralize, what sexdolls may bring individuals and the larger society.
The Impact of the hAPP695SW Transgene and Associated Amyloid-β Accumulation on Murine Hippocampal Biochemical Pathways
Authors: Khorani Mona , Bobe Gerd , Matthews Donald G. , Magana Armando Alcazar , Caruso Maya , Gray Nora E. , Quinn Joseph F. , Stevens Jan F. , Soumyanath Amala , Maier Claudia S.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the brain.

Objective:

To gain a better insight into alterations in major biochemical pathways underlying AD.

Methods:

We compared metabolomic profiles of hippocampal tissue of 20-month-old female Tg2576 mice expressing the familial AD-associated hAPP695SW transgene with their 20-month-old wild type female littermates.

Results:

The hAPP695SW transgene causes overproduction and accumulation of Aβ in the brain. Out of 180 annotated metabolites, 54 metabolites differed (30 higher and 24 lower in Tg2576 versus wild-type hippocampal tissue) and were linked to the amino acid, nucleic acid, glycerophospholipid, ceramide, and fatty acid metabolism. Our results point to 1) heightened metabolic activity as indicated by higher levels of urea, enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation, and lower fatty acid levels; 2) enhanced redox regulation; and 3) an imbalance of neuro-excitatory and neuro-inhibitory metabolites in hippocampal tissue of aged hAPP695SW transgenic mice.

Conclusion:

Taken together, our results suggest that dysregulation of multiple metabolic pathways associated with a concomitant shift to an excitatory-inhibitory imbalance are contributing mechanisms of AD-related pathology in the Tg2576 mouse.