bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Biocomposite Material Based on Wheat Waste and Suitable for 3D Printing Applications
Authors: Giani Niccolò , Mazzocchetti Laura , Benelli Tiziana , Bovo Marco , Gazzotti Stefano , Torreggiani Daniele , Tassinari Patrizia , Giorgini Loris
Published: October 2022

Biopolymers, such as poly(lactic) acid (PLA), which is obtained through green synthesis pathways from renewable resources, has attracted considerable interest in recent years because of the increasing need to reduce petroleum‐based plastic pollution and bringing their prices comparable with conventional thermoplastic commodities’ price (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene). The present work investigates the employment of 10% wt of natural materials, deriving from wheat milling process, as biofiller of PLA to develop a biocomposite filament suitable for 3D‐printing technique. The inclusion of a cost‐free natural material leads to a strong reduction of the whole material cost. Implementing this new class of composite material to additive manufacturing technique allows to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of 3D printed products.
Effect on the Thermo‐Gelation Process of the Degree and Molar Substitution of HPMC Polymer Hydrogels
Authors: Perez‐Robles Saray , Carotenuto Claudia , Minale Mario
Published: October 2022

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a polymer made of a cellulose backbone with etherified methoxy and hydroxypropyl substitutions that undergoes a reversible inverse thermo‐gelation upon heating. The thermo‐gelation follows a two‐step mechanism: first, phase separation occurs, then fibrils, formed in the polymer‐rich phase, entangle to form the three‐dimensional gel network. This work aims at understanding the influence of degree (DS) and molar substitution (MS) on the thermo‐gelation process. DS is the number of methyl groups, and the MS is the hydroxypropyl content per anhydroglucose unit. The thermo‐gelation process is here rheologically investigated for two HPMC samples, which have similar molecular weight but different MS and DS: thermal ramps are coupled with time sweep tests at selected temperatures and with frequency sweep experiments. Results show an important effect not only on the transition temperatures (beginning of the phase separation, beginning of the gelation) but also on the kinetics of the different phases of the process.
Effects of Dietary Fiber on the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Advanced Maternal Age Women: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Dongyao , Sheng Jing , Chen Li , Cheng Decui , Cao Yannan , Su Yao , Jiang Ying , Liu Wenyu , Yu Yuexin , Jia Haoyi , He Pengyuan , Wang Li , Xu Xianming
Published: October 2022

Scope

To investigate whether dietary fiber supplementation may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in advanced maternal age Chinese women (≥35 years). Secondary outcomes include glucose metabolism, diet change, weight gain, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods and results

In a randomized controlled trial, a dietary fiber group (19.56 g day−1) or control group (standard prenatal care) was conducted from 20 to 24+6 gestational weeks in advanced maternal age women. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 39‐item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). GDM was diagnosed by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 25–28 weeks. After intervention, the incidence of GDM was not significantly different between groups (21.6% vs 12.9%, p = 0.165). The mean increased in carbohydrate intake in the dietary fiber group is significantly lower than in the control group (−0.94 ± 92.12 g vs 32.27 ± 91.81 g, p = 0.032). In addition, the glucose tolerance, weight gain between 20 and 25 weeks, and preterm birth in the intervention group have improved compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Supplementation with dietary fiber during pregnancy among advanced maternal age Chinese women do not lower the incidence of GDM, but improve glucose metabolism, gestational weight gain, and preterm birth.
An application of the nonprofit virtual accountability index: Accountability in sport for development and peace
Authors: Svensson Per G. , Naraine Michael L.
Published: October 2022

In this research note, we examine web‐based accountability practices of human service nonprofits. Data were collected directly from the organizational websites of an international sample of 532 organizations involved in operating sport for social change programs, more commonly known as the field of sport for development and peace. Websites were coded using the nonprofit virtual accountability index—a theoretically grounded and robust tool—to measure information and interactivity available for stakeholders across five dimensions of accountability. Analyses of variance and independent t‐tests were used to test potential group differences based on geographical region, the thematic types of social change efforts, and the type of sport used to deliver programming. The results of this analysis highlight the critical importance of geographical location and other organizational variables for web‐based accountability practices. Furthermore, the results allow nonprofit leaders to identify common areas in need of improvement for smaller and emerging nonprofits.
Interpreting the mammal deposits of Cloggs Cave (SEAustralia),GunaiKurnaiAboriginal Country, through community‐led partnership research
Authors: McDowell Matthew C. , David Bruno , Mullett Russell , Fresløv Joanna ,   GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Delannoy Jean‐Jacques , Mialanes Jerome , Thomas Cath , Ash Jeremy , Crouch Joe , Petchey Fiona , Buettel Jessie , Arnold Lee J.
Published: October 2022

Palaeontological animal bone deposits are rarely investigated through research partnerships where the local First Nations communities have a defining hand in both the research questions asked and the research processes. Here we report research undertaken through such a partnership approach at the iconic archaeological site of Cloggs Cave (GunaiKurnai Country, East Gippsland), in the southern foothills of SE Australia's Great Dividing Range.

A new excavation was combined with detailed chronometric dating, high‐resolution 3D mapping and geomorphological studies. This allowed interpretation of a sequence of stratigraphic layers spanning from a lowermost excavated mixed layer dated to between 25,640 and 48,470 cal BP, to a dense set of uppermost, ash layers dated to between 1460 and 3360 cal BP. This long and well‐dated chronostratigraphic sequence enabled temporal trends in the abundant small mammal remains to be examined.

The fossil assemblage consists of at least 31 taxa of mammals which change in proportions through time. Despite clear evidence that the Old Ancestors repeatedly carried vegetation into the cave to fuel cool fires (no visible vegetation grows in Cloggs Cave), we observed little to no evidence of cooking fires or calcined bone, suggesting that people had little involvement with the accumulation of the faunal remains. Small mammal bones were most likely deposited in the cave by large disc‐faced owls,Tyto novaehollandae(Masked Owl) orTyto tenebricosa(Sooty Owl).

Despite being well dated and largely undisturbed, the Cloggs Cave assemblage does not appear to track known Late Quaternary environmental change. Instead, the complex geomorphology of the area fostered a vegetation mosaic that supported mammals with divergent habitat preferences. The faunal deposit suggests a local ancestral landscape characterised by a resilient mosaic of habitats that persisted over thousands of years, signalling that the Old Ancestors burned landscape fires to encourage and manage patches of different vegetation types and ages within and through periods of climate change.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Psychosocial predictors of fear of cancer recurrence in a cohort of gynecologic cancer survivors
Authors: Mell Carlie A. , Jewett Patricia I. , Teoh Deanna , Vogel Rachel I. , Everson‐Rose Susan A.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To describe fear of cancer recurrence in a cohort of women with gynecologic cancers and to identify psychosocial predictors of elevated fear of recurrence.

Methods

Survey data from an ongoing cohort study of gynecologic cancer survivors were used (n = 154). Relationships between fear of cancer recurrence measured by the 6‐item Cancer Worry Scale in the most recent survey and psychosocial factors (cancer‐related distress, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and posttraumatic growth) assessed 6–18 months prior were examined using univariate and multivariate linear regression models, adjusting for age, cancer stage, cancer type, and time since diagnosis.

Results

Most participants were ≥60 years old, diagnosed with early‐stage cancer, and 2–5 years post‐diagnosis. The mean score on the Cancer Worry Scale was 10.31 (SD = 3.01), and 46 individuals (30.0%) scored ≥12, indicating high fear of recurrence. In univariate analyses, greater distress (p = 0.007), anxiety (p = 0.006), hopelessness (p = 0.007), and posttraumatic growth (p = 0.0006) were significantly associated with higher scores on the Cancer Worry Scale. The associations of hopelessness and posttraumatic growth with higher Cancer Worry Scale scores remained significant after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

Fear of recurrence is frequent among gynecologic cancer survivors. Women who reported more distress, hopelessness, anxiety and, surprisingly, more post‐traumatic growth reported more fear. These results contribute to our understanding of which cancer survivors are most at risk of elevated fear of recurrence and highlight the importance of continued focus on psychosocial well‐being among cancer survivors.
Bending Performance and Failure Behavior of Wooden Sandwich Panels with Corrugated Cores
Authors: Smardzewski Jerzy , Krzyżaniak Łukasz , Wojciechowski Krzysztof W. , Peliński Krzysztof , Tretiakov Konstantin V. , Narojczyk Jakub W.
Published: October 2022

Wooden sandwich panels with a corrugated core have not been the subject of scientific research so far. The anisotropic properties of the wood make it challenging to form corrugated shapes. Therefore, it is decided to determine the effect of geometric imperfections of the corrugated core made of wood veneers on the stiffness and strength of sandwich panels and the core elasticity modulus. The beams are manufactured in industrial conditions and subjected to three‐point bending. The research is carried out in the form of tests and numerical calculations. It is demonstrated that geometric imperfections of the core affect the stiffness and strength of sandwich panels. The modulus of elasticity can reach values lower by up to 37% and the strength by up to 24% compared with reference panels with an ideal, symmetrical core geometry. However, their average linear elasticity modulus (1449 MPa) indicates excellent construction properties. Under the tests, four stages of beam bending are revealed. The last stage means that panels can increase stiffness even after the core is destroyed. The corrugated core's modulus of elasticity is also determined.
Safe and robust data‐driven cooperative control policy for mixed vehicle platoons
Authors: Lan Jianglin , Zhao Dezong , Tian Daxin
Published: October 2022

This article considers mixed platoons consisting of both human‐driven vehicles (HVs) and automated vehicles (AVs). The uncertainties and randomness in human driving behaviors highly affect the platoon safety and stability. However, most existing control strategies are either for platoons of pure AVs, or for special formations of mixed platoons with known HV models. This article addresses the control of mixed platoons with more general formations and unknown HV models. An innovative data‐driven policy learning strategy is proposed to design the controllers for AVs based on vehicle‐to‐vehicle (V2V) communications. The policy learning strategy is embedded with the constraints of control input, inter‐vehicular distance error and V2V communication topology. The strategy establishes a safe and robustly stable mixed platoon using prescribed communication topologies. The design efficacy is verified through simulations of a mixed platoon with different communication topologies and leader velocity profiles.
Semi‐globally tracking control for uncertain non‐affine self‐restructuring systems with state constraints
Authors: Cui Qian , Huang Xiucai , Wang Yujuan
Published: October 2022

It is still an open problem to achieve tracking control with state constraints if the initial states are out of the constrained region. This underlying problem becomes more challenging if the system suffers from modeling uncertainties and external disturbances. In this paper, we investigate such problem for a class of uncertain nonaffine self‐restructuring systems subject to state constraints in the absence of any limitation on the initial values of states. In order to steer the original system states into the desired constraint region in finite time, certain auxiliary system is firstly constructed via introducing auxiliary variables. By resorting to some auxiliary nonlinear functions, the original system with state constraints is transformed into an unconstrained one in the sense that the constraint problem of the original system is equivalent to ensuring the stability of the transformed one. By following the backstepping design technique, an adaptive control scheme is developed that enables the states to enter into the constrained region for any initial point within any fixed time and then never violate it. All the closed loop signals are ensured to be semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, one numerical simulation example is presented to verify the theoretical analysis.
High‐Yield, Magnetic Harvesting of Extracellular Outer‐Membrane Vesicles fromEscherichia coli
Authors: Shi Rui , Dong Ziliang , Ma Chongqing , Wu Renfei , Lv Rui , Liu Sidi , Ren Yijin , Liu Zhuang , van der Mei Henny C. , Busscher Henk J. , Liu Jian
Published: October 2022

Extracellular outer‐membrane vesicles (OMVs) are attractive for use as drug nanocarriers, because of their high biocompatibility and ability to enter cells. However, widespread use is hampered by low yields. Here, a high‐yield method for magnetic harvesting of OMVs fromEscherichia coliis described. To this end,E. coliare grown in the presence of magnetic iron‐oxide nanoparticles (MNPs). Uptake of MNPs byE. coliis low and does not increase secretion of OMVs. Uptake of MNPs can be enhanced through PEGylation of MNPs.E. coligrowth in the presence of PEGylated MNPs increases bacterial MNP‐uptake and OMV‐secretion, accompanied by upregulation of genes involved in OMV‐secretion. OMVs containing MNPs can be magnetically harvested at 60‐fold higher yields than achieved by ultracentrifugation. Functionally, magnetically‐harvested OMVs and OMVs harvested by ultracentrifugation are both taken‐up in similar numbers by bacteria. Uniquely, in an applied magnetic field, magnetically‐harvested OMVs with MNPs accumulate over the entire depth of an infectious biofilm. OMVs harvested by ultracentrifugation without MNPs only accumulate near the biofilm surface. In conclusion, PEGylation of MNPs is essential for their uptake inE. coliand yields magnetic OMVs allowing high‐yield magnetic‐harvesting. Moreover, magnetic OMVs can be magnetically targeted to a cargo delivery site in the human body.
Latticed‐Confined Conversion Chemistry of Battery Electrode
Authors: Fang Libin , Li Haosheng , Xu Ben Bin , Ma Jie , Pan Hongge , He Qinggang , Zheng Tianlong , Ni Wenbin , Lin Yue , Li Yangmu , Cao Yue , Sun Chengjun , Yan Mi , Sun Wenping , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: October 2022

The electrochemical conversion reaction, usually featured by multiple redox processes and high specific capacity, holds great promise in developing high‐energy rechargeable battery technologies. However, the complete structural change accompanied by spontaneous atomic migration and volume variation during the charge/discharge cycle leads to electrode disintegration and performance degradation, therefore severely restricting the application of conventional conversion‐type electrodes. Herein, latticed‐confined conversion chemistry is proposed, where the “intercalation‐like” redox behavior is realized on the electrode with a “conversion‐like” high capacity. By delicately formulating the high‐entropy compounds, the pristine crystal structure can be preserved by the inert lattice framework, thus enabling an ultra‐high initial Coulombic efficiency of 92.5% and a long cycling lifespan over a thousand cycles after the quasistatic charge–discharge cycle. This lattice‐confined conversion chemistry unfolds a ubiquitous insight into the localized redox reaction and sheds light on developing high‐performance electrodes toward next‐generation high‐energy rechargeable batteries.
The Loschmidt spectral form factor
Authors: Winer Michael , Swingle Brian
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The Spectral Form Factor (SFF) measures the fluctuations in the density of states of a Hamiltonian. We consider a generalization of the SFF called the Loschmidt Spectral Form Factor, $$ \textrm{tr}\left[{e}^{i{H}_1T}\right]\textrm{tr}\left[{e}^{-i{H}_2T}\right] $$
tr

e

i

H
1

T

tr

e

−
i

H
2

T

, for H1 − H2 small. If the ensemble average of the SFF is the variance of the density fluctuations for a single Hamiltonian drawn from the ensemble, the averaged Loschmidt SFF is the covariance for two Hamiltonians drawn from a correlated ensemble. This object is a time-domain version of the parametric correlations studied in the quantum chaos and random matrix literatures. We show analytically that the averaged Loschmidt SFF is proportional to eiλTT for a complex rate λ with a positive imaginary part, showing in a quantitative way that the long-time details of the spectrum are exponentially more sensitive to perturbations than the short-time properties. We calculate λ in a number of cases, including random matrix theory, theories with a single localized defect, and hydrodynamic theories.
On the Serre Functor in the Category of Strict Polynomial Functors
Authors: Chałupnik Marcin
Published: October 2022

We study a Serre functor in functor categories related to the category $\mathcal {P}_{d}$

P

d

of strict polynomial functors over a field of positive characteristic. Our main result shows that the derived category of the category of affine strict polynomial functors in some cases carries the structure of Calabi–Yau category. We also re-obtain the Poincaré duality formulas for Ext groups in $\mathcal {P}_{d}$

P

d

and construct a certain recollement diagram relating the derived categories of affine and ordinary strict polynomial functors.
Boundary homogenization with large reaction terms on a strainer-type wall
Authors: Gómez D. , Pérez-Martínez M.-E.
Published: October 2022

We consider a homogenization problem for the Laplace operator posed in a bounded domain of the upper half-space, a part of its boundary being in contact with the plane $$\{x_3=0\}$$

{

x
3

=
0
}

. On this part, the boundary conditions alternate from Neumann to nonlinear-Robin, being of Dirichlet type outside. The nonlinear-Robin boundary conditions are imposed on small regions periodically placed along the plane and contain a Robin parameter that can be very large. We provide all the possible homogenized problems, depending on the relations between the three parameters: period $$\varepsilon $$
ε
, size of the small regions $$r_\varepsilon $$

r
ε

and Robin parameter $$\beta (\varepsilon )$$

β
(
ε
)

. In particular, we address the convergence, as $$\varepsilon $$
ε
tends to zero, of the solutions for the critical size of the small regions $$r_\varepsilon =O(\varepsilon ^{ 2})$$

r
ε

=
O

(

ε
2

)

. For certain $$\beta (\varepsilon )$$

β
(
ε
)

, a nonlinear capacity term arises in the strange term which depends on the macroscopic variable and allows us to extend the usual capacity definition to semilinear boundary conditions.
COVID-19-Impfstrategien für Beschäftigte deutscher Kliniken: Ergebnisse einer Befragung von Leitungen der (Krankenhaus‑)Hygiene im Rahmen des B-FAST-Projektes
Authors: Scheithauer Simone , Bludau Anna , Heinemann Stephanie , Anton Martina , Knolle Percy
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund und Ziel

Zu Beginn der COVID-19-Impfkampagne in Deutschland wurden Beschäftigte in medizinischen Einrichtungen aufgrund des hohen Expositionsrisikos und des Kontakts mit vulnerablen Gruppen priorisiert gegen SARS-CoV‑2 geimpft. Die Krankenhäuser waren angehalten die Impfungen ihrer Beschäftigten möglichst schnell zu organisieren und durchzuführen. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Impfstrategie für die Mitarbeitenden deutscher Kliniken zu erfassen.

Methoden

In einer Querschnittstudie mit selbstentwickeltem Fragebogen wurden die Leitungen der (Krankenhaus‑)Hygiene aller deutschen Universitätskliniken sowie der Nicht-Universitätskliniken in Niedersachsen und Bayern im März 2021 befragt. Die Daten wurden nach den beiden Versorgungsstufen stratifiziert.

Ergebnisse

100 von 416 versendeten Fragebögen wurden vollständig ausgefüllt (Universitätsklinik: 33, Nicht-Universitätsklinik: 67). Universitätskliniken berichteten von einer größeren Impfkapazität als Nicht-Universitätskliniken, ein begrenzender Faktor waren die ungewissen Impfstofflieferungen. 89 % der Kliniken planten Informationskampagnen zum Thema Impfung oder hatten diese bereits durchgeführt. 70 % gaben an, keine Antikörpertests bei geimpften Beschäftigten durchführen zu wollen. Eine Nachverfolgung geimpfter Beschäftigter zur Detektion möglicher SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen mittels Erregernachweis durch PCR wurde von 41 % geplant. Im Falle des Nachweises einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion bei geimpften Beschäftigten hatten 72 % weitere Diagnostik geplant.

Diskussion

Alle Krankenhäuser konnten eine schnelle Umsetzung der COVID-19-Vakzinierung ihrer Beschäftigten erreichen. Zum Zeitpunkt der Befragung gab es große Unsicherheit bezüglich des Umgangs mit Durchbruchsinfektionen und der Notwendigkeit von Auffrischimpfungen.
Residual stress effects during additive manufacturing of reinforced thin nickel–chromium plates
Authors: Patterson Eann A. , Lambros John , Magana-Carranza Rodrigo , Sutcliffe Christopher J.
Published: October 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a powerful technique for producing metallic components with complex geometry relatively quickly, cheaply and directly from digital representations; however, residual stresses induced during manufacturing can result in distortions of components and reductions in mechanical performance, especially in parts that lack rotational symmetry and, or have cross sections with large aspect ratios. Geometrically reinforced thin plates have been built in nickel–chromium alloy using laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and their shapes measured using stereoscopic digital image correlation before and after release from the base-plate of the AM machine. The results show that residual stresses cause potentially severe out-of-plane deformation that can be alleviated using either an enveloping support structure, which increased the build time substantially, was difficult to remove and wasted material, or using buttress supports to the reinforced edges of the thin plate. The buttresses were quick to build and remove, minimised waste but needed careful design. Plates built in a landscape orientation required out-of-plane buttresses while those built in a portrait orientation required both in-plane and out-of-plane buttresses. In both cases, out-of-plane deformation increased on release from the baseplate but this was mitigated by incremental release which resulted in out-of-plane deformations of less than 5% of the in-plane dimensions.
Constructed Wetlands Suitability for Sugarcane Profitability, Freshwater Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Canning Adam D. , Smart James C. R. , Dyke Joshua , Curwen Graeme , Hasan Syezlin , Waltham Nathan J.
Published: October 2022

Freshwater ecosystems, such as wetlands, are among the most impacted by agricultural expansion and intensification through extensive drainage and pollution. There is a pressing need to identify ways of managing agricultural landscapes to ensure food and water security without jeopardising biodiversity and other environmental benefits. Here we examine the potential fish biodiversity and landholder financial benefits arising from the integration of constructed lagoons to improve drainage, flow regulation and habitat connectivity within a sugarcane dominated catchment in north Queensland, Australia. A hybrid approach was used, combining the findings of both fish ecological surveys and a financial cost-benefit analysis. We found that the constructed lagoons supported at least 36 native freshwater fishes (over half of all native freshwater fishes in the region), owing to their depth, vegetated margins, moderate water quality and high connectivity to the Tully River. In addition to biodiversity benefits, we estimated that surrounding sugarcane farms would have financially benefited from reduced flooding of cropland and the elevation of low-lying cropland with deposited spoil excavated from lagoon construction. Improved drainage and flow regulation allowed for improvement in sugarcane yield and elevated land increased gross margins from extending the length of the cane production cycle or enabling a switch from cattle grazing to cane production. Restoring or creating wetlands to reduce flooding in flood-prone catchments is a globally applicable model that could improve both agricultural productivity and aquatic biodiversity, while potentially increasing farm income by attracting payments for provision of ecosystem services.
Anatomical organization of forebrain circuits in the primate
Authors: Giarrocco Franco , Averbeck Bruno B.
Published: October 2022

The primate forebrain is a complex structure. Thousands of connections have been identified between cortical areas, and between cortical and sub-cortical areas. Previous work, however, has suggested that a number of principles can be used to reduce this complexity. Here, we integrate four principles that have been put forth previously, including a nested model of neocortical connectivity, gradients of connectivity between frontal cortical areas and the striatum and thalamus, shared patterns of sub-cortical connectivity between connected posterior and frontal cortical areas, and topographic organization of cortical–striatal–pallidal–thalamocortical circuits. We integrate these principles into a single model that accounts for a substantial amount of connectivity in the forebrain. We then suggest that studies in evolution and development can account for these four principles, by assuming that the ancestral vertebrate pallium was dominated by medial, hippocampal and ventral–lateral, pyriform areas, and at most a small dorsal pallium. The small dorsal pallium expanded massively in the lineage leading to primates. During this expansion, topological, adjacency relationships were maintained between pallial and sub-pallial areas. This maintained topology led to the connectivity gradients seen between cortex, striatum, pallidum, and thalamus.
Treatment of giant intracranial aneurysms: long-term outcomes in surgical versus endovascular management
Authors: Santoro Antonio , Armocida Daniele , Paglia Francesco , Iacobucci Marta , Berra Luigi Valentino , D’Angelo Luca , Cirelli Carlo , Guidetti Giulio , Biraschi Francesco , Cantore Giampaolo
Published: October 2022

Aneurysms with a major diameter > 25 mm are defined as giant intracranial aneurysms (GIAs). Different clinical, pathological, and radiological factors were revealed as playing a role in choosing the best strategy between surgical and endovascular approaches. Despite the improvement of both techniques, the efficacy and safety of these different management are still debated. We evaluated the differences in clinical and radiological outcomes of GIAs treated with surgical and endovascular techniques in a large retrospective mono-centric study. We compared aneurysm location, clinical, morphological features, treatment outcome, and complications on the ground of treatment technique. The final cohort consisted of 162 patients. All the patients were assigned on the ground of the type of eligible treatment: surgical (118 patients) and endovascular procedure (44 patients). The different treatment strategies were made through a multidisciplinary selection whereas clinical parameters, location, and morphologic features of the aneurysm were considered. The surgical group manifested a greater reduction in performance levels and neurological status in the post-operative phases than the endovascular group (p < 0.01) with a higher incidence of complications (p = 0.012) in contrast to a lower recurrence rate (p > 0.01). There is no significant difference in post-operative mortality and survival between surgical and endovascular groups. The surgical group manifested a higher incidence of complications after treatment. The endovascular group has a better post-operative outcome, but a higher risk of recurrence and the necessity of further treatment.
Nutrients (N, P, K, Na) and warming affect heterotrophic respiration in temperate forest litter
Authors: Szlachcic Ewa , Rożen Anna
Published: October 2022

At present, ecosystems are facing changes caused by global warming and anthropogenic impacts on geochemical cycles. Both temperature and nutrient availability affect litter decomposition; however, little is known about their simultaneous effect on litter decomposition in temperate forests, especially for nutrients such as Na and K. To address this perspective, we investigated how changes in N, P, Na and K supply and increased temperature affect litter decomposition measured as respiration. Moreover, the study determines what changes can be expected in the functioning of two forest types of different fertility (deciduous and coniferous). The respiration measurements were conducted in the laboratory in mesocosms filled with litter from deciduous (oak-hornbeam) and coniferous (mixed pine-oak) forests fertilized by N, P, K, and Na. The experiment was conducted at ambient (14 °C; oak-hornbeam and mixed pine-oak litter) and increased temperatures (22 °C; oak-hornbeam litter). The respiration of oak-hornbeam litter increased with increasing temperature, with Q10 values ranging from 1.49 to 2.14. Our results showed different responses of respiration to nutrient addition between temperatures and litter types. In oak-hornbeam, at 14 °C, the addition of N, P and K decreased respiration, whereas at 22 °C, such an effect was noted only under N application, and P and Na addition increased respiration. In mixed pine-oak litter at 14 °C, respiration decreased after Na addition, and other nutrients had no effect. Together, our results suggest that forecasting the impact of nutrient deposition on ecosystem functioning should consider temperature rise as a factor altering ecosystem responses to fertilization in future research.
A systematic review of multimodal prehabilitation in breast cancer
Authors: Toohey Kellie , Hunter Maddison , McKinnon Karen , Casey Tamara , Turner Murray , Taylor Suzanne , Paterson Catherine
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in women. Prehabilitation may offer improvements in physical and psychological wellbeing among participants prior to treatment. This systematic review aimed to determine the efficacy of prehabilitation in participants diagnosed with breast cancer.

Methods

A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Studies exploring the impact of prehabilitation in participants with breast cancer were included. Studies were assessed independently according to pre-eligibility criteria, with data extraction and methodological quality assessed in parallel.

Results

3184 records were identified according to our search criteria, and 14 articles were included. Articles comprised of quantitative randomised controlled trials (n = 7), quantitative non-randomised studies (n = 5), a qualitative study (n = 1), and a mixed-method study (n = 1). The majority of selected studies completed exercise programs (n = 4) or had exercise components (n = 2), with two focusing on upper-limb exercise. Five articles reported complementary and alternative therapies (n = 5). Two articles reported smoking cessation (n = 2), with a single study reporting multi-modal prehabilitation (n = 1). Mostly, prehabilitation improved outcomes including physical function, quality of life, and psychosocial variables (P < 0.05). The qualitative data identified preferences for multimodal prehabilitation, compared to unimodal with  an interest in receiving support for longer.

Conclusions

Prehabilitation for patients with breast cancer is an emerging research area that appears to improve outcomes, however, ensuring that adequate intervention timeframes, follow-up, and population groups should be considered for future investigations.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The implementation of prehabilitation interventions for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer should be utilised by multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care to patients as it has the potential to improve outcomes across the cancer care trajectory.
Logic and language in Indian religions
Authors: Bronkhorst Johannes
Published: October 2022

This article concentrates on certain beliefs that many Indian thinkers implicitly accepted and that show up in an analysis of reasoned arguments they presented. These beliefs concerned the relationship between language and reality. For Brahmanical thinkers, who owed their privileged position in society in great part to their mastery of texts — the Veda — that were deemed to be directly connected to reality, this relationship between language and reality was a matter of course. For reasons of their own, Buddhist thinkers had come to think that the world of our experience is largely determined by language. This shared belief, which most often though not always remained implicit, found its way into certain arguments. These arguments remain unintelligible without an awareness of the underlying belief.
Freedom, Equality, and Justifiability to All: Reinterpreting Liberal Legitimacy
Authors: Andersson Emil
Published: October 2022

According to John Rawls’s famous Liberal Principle of Legitimacy, the exercise of political power is legitimate only if it is justifiable to all citizens. The currently dominant interpretation of what is justifiable to persons in this sense is an internalist one. On this view, what is justifiable to persons depends on their beliefs and commitments. In this paper I challenge this reading of Rawls’s principle, and instead suggest that it is most plausibly interpreted in externalist terms. On this alternative view, what is justifiable to persons is not in any way dependent on, or relativized to, their beliefs and commitments. Instead, what is justifiable to all in the relevant sense is what all could accept as free and equal. I defend this reinterpretation of the view by showing how it is supported by Rawls’s account of the freedom and equality of persons. In addition, a considerable advantage of this suggestion is that it allows for an inclusive account of to whom the exercise of political power must be made justifiable.
An optimal eighth order derivative free multiple root finding numerical method and applications to chemistry
Authors: Zafar Fiza , Cordero Alicia , Ashraf Ifra , Torregrosa Juan R.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present an optimal eighth order derivative-free family of methods for multiple roots which is based on the first order divided difference and weight functions. This iterative method is a three step method with the first step as Traub–Steffensen iteration and the next two taken as Traub–Steffensen-like iteration with four functional evaluations per iteration. We compare our proposed method with the recent derivative-free methods using some chemical engineering problems modelled as nonlinear equations with simple and multiple roots. Stability of the presented family of methods is demonstrated by using the graphical tool known as basins of attraction.
Assessing forensic ballistics three-dimensionally through graphical reconstruction and immersive VR observation
Authors: Guarnera Luca , Giudice Oliver , Livatino Salvatore , Paratore Antonino Barbaro , Salici Angelo , Battiato Sebastiano
Published: October 2022

A crime scene can provide valuable evidence critical to explain reason and modality of the occurred crime, and it can also lead to the arrest of criminals. The type of evidence collected by crime scene investigators or by law enforcement may accordingly effective involved cases. Bullets and cartridge cases examination is of paramount importance in forensic science because they may contain traces of microscopic striations, impressions and markings, which are unique and reproducible as “ballistic fingerprints”. The analysis of bullets and cartridge cases is a complicated and challenging process, typically based on optical comparison, leading to the identification of the employed firearm. New methods have recently been proposed for more accurate comparisons, which rely on three-dimensionally reconstructed data. This paper aims at further advancing recent methods by introducing a novel immersive technique for ballistics comparison by means of Virtual Reality. Users can three-dimensionally examine the cartridge cases shapes through intuitive natural gestures, from any vantage viewpoint (including internal iper-magnified views), while having at their disposal sets of visual aids which could not be easily implemented in desktop-based applications. A user study was conducted to assess viability and performance of our solution, which involved fourteen individuals acquainted with the standard procedures used by law enforcement agencies. Results clearly indicated that our approach lead to faster adaptation of users to the UI/UX and more accurate and explainable ballistics examination results.
Earthquake fatalities and potency
Authors: Wyss Max , Speiser Michel , Tolis Stavros
Published: October 2022

We have compiled a new catalogue of earthquake fatalities for the world, covering the period 856 BC to March 2022, listing 2795 reports. We estimate that the reporting of fatal earthquakes is complete for events with more than 16 fatalities since 1927. The total number of fatalities recorded is 8,336,526. 117 countries have reported at least one earthquake with one fatality or more. 77 and 52 countries have reported more than 100 and 1000 earthquake fatalities, respectively. Caution has to be exercised in estimating what earthquake disasters are in store for a given country because the 95 year period of high quality recording is about an order of magnitude shorter than return times of great earthquakes. Nevertheless, we introduce the earthquake potency for a country, defined as the sum of recorded fatalities divided by the number of earthquakes that it took to accumulate them, which equals the average earthquake disaster size in a given country, in units of fatalities per event. Potency is listed based on all known fatal earthquakes and also based on those since 1927. Both lists have their shortcomings, but provide estimates of what size of future earthquake disaster is likely in store for a particular country. For rescue purposes, it is important to realize that small earthquake, M 5 ± 0.5, can cause significant numbers of fatalities.
Microdialysis of Voriconazole and its N-Oxide Metabolite: Amalgamating Knowledge of Distribution and Metabolism Processes in Humans
Authors: Schulz Josefine , Michelet Robin , Zeitlinger Markus , Mikus Gerd , Kloft Charlotte
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Voriconazole is an essential antifungal drug whose complex pharmacokinetics with high interindividual variability impedes effective and safe therapy. By application of the minimally-invasive sampling technique microdialysis, interstitial space fluid (ISF) concentrations of VRC and its potentially toxic N-oxide metabolite (NO) were assessed to evaluate target-site exposure for further elucidating VRC pharmacokinetics.

Methods

Plasma and ISF samples of a clinical trial with an approved VRC dosing regimen were analyzed for VRC and NO concentrations. Concentration-time profiles, exposure assessed as area-under-the-curve (AUC) and metabolic ratios of four healthy adults in plasma and ISF were evaluated regarding the impact of multiple dosing and CYP2C19 genotype.

Results

VRC and NO revealed distribution into ISF with AUC values being ≤2.82- and 17.7-fold lower compared to plasma, respectively. Intraindividual variability of metabolic ratios was largest after the first VRC dose administration while interindividual variability increased with multiple dosing. The CYP2C19 genotype influenced interindividual differences with a maximum 6- and 24-fold larger AUCNO/AUCVRC ratio between the intermediate and rapid metabolizer in plasma and ISF, respectively. VRC metabolism was saturated/auto-inhibited indicated by substantially decreasing metabolic concentration ratios with increasing VRC concentrations and after multiple dosing.

Conclusion

The feasibility of the simultaneous microdialysis of VRC and NO in vivo was demonstrated and provided new quantitative insights by leveraging distribution and metabolism processes of VRC in humans. The exploratory analysis suggested substantial dissimilarities of VRC and NO pharmacokinetics in plasma and ISF. Ultimately, a thorough understanding of target-site pharmacokinetics might contribute to the optimization of personalized VRC dosing regimens.
Military societies: self-governance and criminal justice in Indian country
Authors: Crepelle Adam , Fegley Tate , Murtazashvili Ilia
Published: October 2022

We argue that criminal justice institutions must be accessible to citizens, legitimate and have capacity to enforce law. Such was the case with the military societies of the Plains Indians: a system of criminal justice that predated the time of European contact and which remained a significant source of law and order in Indian country until the Indian Wars concluded at the end of the nineteenth century. Nonetheless, the federal government attempted to replace military societies with federal police starting circa 1850. Despite such attempts, we show that military societies remain an important institution for criminal justice on the contemporary Northern Cheyenne Reservation. When the federal government shirked on policing during the coronavirus pandemic, military societies took over important policing functions. This does not mean that traditional military societies should replace federal enforcement; rather, it shows that until the quality of federal policing improves, traditional institutions of criminal justice remain an important source of public safety in Indian country.
What can we learn (and not learn) from thought experiments in black hole thermodynamics?
Authors: El Skaf Rawad , Palacios Patricia
Published: October 2022

Scientists investigating the thermal properties of black holes rely heavily on theoretical and non-empirical tools, such as mathematical derivations, analogue experiments and thought experiments. Although the use of mathematical derivations and analogue experiments in the context of black hole physics has recently received a great deal of attention among philosophers of science, the use of thought experiments (TEs) in that context has been almost completely neglected. In this paper, we will start filling this gap by systematically analyzing the epistemic role of the two TEs that gave birth to black hole thermodynamics, namely Wheeler’s demon and Geroch’s engine. We will argue that the two main epistemic functions of these TEs are to reveal and resolve inconsistencies, in line with El Skaf’s (Probing theoretical statements with thought experiments. Synthese 199:6119–6147, 2021) approach to TEs. We will, then, go beyond El Skaf’s approach by stressing an important difference between the strategies employed to assess the reliability of each epistemic function.
Longitudinal association of executive function and structural network controllability in the aging brain
Authors: Tang Rongxiang , Elman Jeremy A. , Franz Carol E. , Dale Anders M. , Eyler Lisa T. , Fennema-Notestine Christine , Hagler Donald J. , Lyons Michael J. , Panizzon Matthew S. , Puckett Olivia K. , Kremen William S.
Published: October 2022

Executive function encompasses effortful cognitive processes that are particularly susceptible to aging. Functional brain networks supporting executive function—such as the frontoparietal control network and the multiple demand system—have been extensively investigated. However, it remains unclear how structural networks facilitate and constrain the dynamics of functional networks to contribute to aging-related executive function declines. We examined whether changes in structural network modal controllability—a network’s ability to facilitate effortful brain state transitions that support cognitive functions—are associated with changes in executive function cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Diffusion-weighted imaging and neuropsychological testing were conducted at two time points (Time 1: ages 56 to 66,N = 172; Time 2: ages 61 to 70,N = 267) in community-dwelling men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. An executive function factor score was computed from six neuropsychological tasks. Structural networks constructed from white matter connectivity were used to estimate modal controllability in control network and multiple demand system. We showed that higher modal controllability in control network and multiple demand system was associated with better executive function at Time 2, after controlling for age, young adult general cognitive ability, and physical health status. Moreover, changes in executive function over a period of 5 to 6 years (Time 1-Time 2,N = 105) were associated with changes in modal controllability of the multiple demand system and weakly in the control network over the same time period. These findings suggest that changes in the ability of structural brain networks in facilitating effortful brain state transitions may be a key neural mechanism underlying aging-related executive function declines and cognitive aging.
Perspective-taking and belief in a just world matter: Adolescents’ role experiences in bullying processes
Authors: Wolgast Anett , Donat Matthias , Liesen Johanna , Rüprich Claudia
Published: October 2022

Bullying is a serious problem around the world, especially among adolescents. Evidence exists that low levels of social perspective-taking as well as belief in a just world played an important role in bullying. Both dispositions function as psychological resources that may help students behave appropriately in social life. Previous research identified distinct bullying roles such as perpetrator, victim, assistant, reinforcer, defender, and bystander experiences. Although this participant-role approach has been extensively investigated in the last years, a simultaneous examination of students’ perspective-taking and belief in a just world in relation to their experiences in these roles is still missing. This study’s objective was to examine a differential approach of school students’ visuospatial and dispositional social perspective-taking, emotional concern, and personal belief in a just world in relation to their experiences in bullying roles. We tested these relations in a sample of n = 1309 adolescents (50.6% female, Mage = 13.73, SDage = 0.85) from 38 schools in Germany. The results from a latent structural-equation model suggested that experiences as a perpetrator, assistant, reinforcer but also as defender related to low visuospatial social perspective-taking. Emotional concern was positively related to defender experiences. Personal belief in a just world was negatively associated with experiences as a perpetrator and a victim. The results underline the importance of disentangling concurrent contributions of perspective-taking and belief in a just world related to the bullying roles. We conclude that adolescents’ visuospatial social perspective taking seems to be a further mental resource against antisocial behavior in bullying.