bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To the Cavendish Laboratory of the University of Cambridge, 1931
Authors: Goss W. M. , Hooker Claire , Ekers Ronald D.
Published: January 2023

From the 1851 Exhibition Scholarship Committee to Pawsey on 1 October 1931:Pawsey started out in research in the midst of excitement over the possibilities of radio communications and the iteratively developing physical understanding of the ionosphere and of the equipment that might be used to investigate it. During 1926–28 he completed his BSc at the University of Melbourne, Victoria. In 1929 he began a Master’s Degree, which was at that time a research-only degree, under the direction of Professor T.H. Laby. He was supported by receiving the M.J. Bartlett Research Scholarship. Presumably this, along with his work as a tutor in Physics at Queens College, provided him with a small, but independent, income. He embarked on a study of “atmospherics”—electrical disturbances in the atmosphere that Appleton, at King’s College, London, and others had linked in part with thunderstorm activity—and their impact on radio broadcasting. From January 1930 to August 1931, he carried out observations using a cathode ray direction finder, working with George H. Munro and Lenard Huxley as part of the Australian Radio Research Board (RRB). Pawsey wrote in 1933: “We were able to give strong evidence that all atmospherics originate in lightning flashes, and made measurements of intensity enabling the distance of the thunderstorms to be roughly determined.” (Ratcliffe & Pawsey, 1933)
Pawsey’s Role in Australian Radar Research in World War II, 1939–1945
Authors: Goss W. M. , Hooker Claire , Ekers Ronald D.
Published: January 2023

Joe Pawsey played a critically important role in the development of radar in Australia. His leadership contributed to the success of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Division of Radiophysics—RPL—in 1939–1945. More than anyone else at RPL, he exemplified, and cultivated in the scientific staff, the combination of practical, engineering expertise and know-how, with a thorough understanding of the physical principles of the radar equipment that underpinned the Australian achievements across the war years. His ability to navigate personalities and social systems constructively was equally critical to RPL’s successes.
Sustainability of Geosynthetics-Based Landslide Stabilization Solutions
Authors: Damians Ivan P. , Miyata Yoshihisa , Rimoldi Pietro , Touze Nathalie , Kraus John
Published: January 2023

This paper considers the sustainability of geosynthetics-based solutions to mitigate landslide risks. The different types of geosynthetics are briefly described, along with their functions and applications relevant to landslides, emphasizing reinforcement. The paper identifies the sustainability factors to consider when applying geosynthetics for these purposes. The paper then presents an overview based on existing literature to illustrate how geosynthetics typically outperform traditional methods across a range of sustainability criteria across the entire life cycle. The paper shows lastly how the value integrated model for sustainable evaluations (MIVES) tool can be applied to evaluate and compare alternative methods for remediation of landslides and recommends further studies using this tool.
Establishment of the Disaster Risk Reduction Unit in UNESCO and UNESCO’s Contribution to Global Resilience
Authors: Barriga Delgado Lesly Mercedes , Pavlova Irina , Yasukawa Soichiro , Esperancinha Sergio
Published: January 2023

The occurrence of catastrophes has increased considerably in recent decades. Climate change, urban pressure and lack of disaster preparedness are increasingly transforming natural hazards into disasters, causing multiple losses. In the last decades, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) has captured significant attention as the main approach to reduce vulnerabilities and exposure and improve preparedness to protect regional, national and local development. One of the main international agreements adopted to strengthen and enhance society’s resilience is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), which emphasises the need for more inclusive, multi-hazard DRR processes and its synergies with climate change, health, and sustainable development. Within this framework, UNESCO enhances preparedness and builds resilience at all levels through multi-hazard, multi-discipline, and multi-stakeholder DRR mechanisms, supporting the Member States particularly on eight thematics. Likewise, UNESCO has been a catalyst for international, interdisciplinary cooperation in many aspects of disaster risk reduction and mitigation. The organisation has supported activities of international DRR programmes, such as International Consortium on Landslides (ICL), as part of its global contributions to this and other international agreements.
Advanced Technologies for Landslides—ATLaS (WCoE 2020–2023)
Authors: Casagli Nicola , Tofani Veronica , Moretti Sandro , Fanti Riccardo , Gigli Giovanni , Bianchini Silvia , Segoni Samuele , Frodella William , Carlà Tommaso
Published: January 2023

The UNESCO Chair on Prevention and Sustainable Management of Geo-Hydrological Hazards, University of Florence has been a member of the International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) since 2002. It was designated as one of World Centres of Excellence (WCoE) for Landslide Risk Reduction five times for 2008–2011, 2011–2014, 2014–2017, 2017–2020 and 2020–2023, with a project entitled “Advanced Technologies for Landslides”. In this paper, we describe the activities carried out by the UNESCO Chair as a member of ICL and as WCoE, and its contribution to the risk reduction policies promoted by the 2020 Kyoto Commitment.
Editorial of the New Open Access Book Series “Progress in Landslide Research and Technology”
Authors: Sassa Kyoji
Published: January 2023

The Kyoto Landslide Commitment 2020—A Commitment to the ISDR-ICL Sendai Partnerships 2015–2025, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the 2030 United Nations Agenda Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda, and the Paris Climate Agreement was established with signatures by 90 partner organizations in November 2020 (Sassa in Landslides 18:5–20, 2021). To secure and provide a global and stable platform for the Kyoto Landslide Commitment 2020 to be continued until 2030 and beyond, an open access book series was proposed by the KLC2020 Secretariat in 2022. The high-level panel discussion during the Fifth World Landslide Forum examined the proposal, and all panelists and participants accepted the proposal. Then, the Launching Declaration of the ICL Open Access Book Series “Progress in Landslide Research and Technology” for the Kyoto Landslide Commitment 2020 was adopted by all panelists and the onsite and online participants of WLF5 on 3 November 2021 (Sassa in Landslides 19:1–5, 2022). This article is a progress report of the founding two issues of “Progress in Landslide Research and Technology” in 2022 for all authors, potential readers of this book series as well as KLC2020 signatory partners, KLC2020 official promoters, and ICL members.
Long-lasting Post-quake Deformation Buildups in the Grounds that Spread Laterally in Recent Earthquakes
Authors: Konagai Kazuo , Kiyota Takashi , Furuta Ryoichi , Shiga Masataka , Pokhrel Rama Mohan , Ikeda Takaaki
Published: January 2023

In seismically active regions, loose saturated sandy soils are prone to liquefaction. A strong ground shake can create considerable excess pore water pressures in these soils and temporarily decreases the effective stress and shear strength, leading to strength loss, excessive ground settlements, and lateral spreading. Not to mention the immediate ground deformation, post-seismic settlement, and lateral ground spreading often build up slowly and steadily, causing problems for quick rehabilitations to lifeline facilities, etc. However, this long-lasting post-quake deformation buildup has caught less public attention, and quantitative pieces of evidence are less numerous than those about immediate impacts. This article reviews case histories, showing quantitatively that liquefied soils can remain soft for months.
Coseismic Stress Changes, Landslides in the 2004 Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake, and Their Impact on Post-quake Rehabilitations
Authors: Konagai Kazuo
Published: January 2023

The impact of a large inland earthquake is profound because of its intense shakes and the associated landslides and debris flows. The quake-induced landslides and debris flow are often the most devastating secondary effect of an earthquake in terms of all kinds of losses, causing long-lasting problems in post-quake rehabilitation activities. An earthquake-induced landslide is just one scene of ever-evolving mountain topography. Therefore, studying terrain dynamics is vital to comprehend the possibility of hazards and propose and apply rational rehabilitation tactics. Though serious, the damage caused by the Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake of October 23, 2004, has given us a rare opportunity to study the landform changes caused by an earthquake that hit an active-folding mountainous terrain. To deal with rehabilitation problems in a scientific manner, a research program, “Earthquake damage in active-folding areas: the creation of a comprehensive data archive and suggestions for its application to remedial measures for civil-infrastructure systems,” was set up getting the Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This article reviews some significant findings obtained through this project and even beyond it. The results show that essential aspects of quake-caused problems were linked to deep-seated tectonic displacements, namely the internal driving stress field associated with earthquakes to evolve the active-folding terrain.
Landslides and Countermeasures in Western Japan: Historical Largest Landslide in Unzen and Earthquake-Induced Landslides in Aso, and Rain-Induced Landslides in Hiroshima
Authors: Higaki Daisuke , Hirota Kiyoharu , Dang Khang , Nakai Shinji , Kaibori Masahiro , Matsumoto Satoshi , Yamada Masataka , Tsuchiya Satoshi , Sassa Kyoji
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces three catastrophic landslide disasters on the tectonic orogenic belt in Western Japan caused by rainfalls or earthquakes and the countermeasures against them. The first case story is the mega slide of Unzen-Mayuyama of Quaternary volcanic rock due to the 1792 earthquake. The landslide and subsequent tsunami caused the worst Japanese landslide-induced disaster in Shimabara and Ariake Bay. The stone pillars installed after the disaster, indicating the arrival points of the tsunami will generate awareness of the tsunami caused by landslides for future generations. Secondly, the Kumamoto earthquake of 2016 has induced many shallow landslides on tephra-covered slopes and massive slope failures that disrupted highway and rail traffic. Unmanned construction to secure workers has been introduced to stabilize the slope failure early. There is an urgent need for research on the identification of hazardous slopes for landslides on tephra-covered slopes. Thirdly, the Hiroshima disaster in 2018 was characterized by landslides, mainly in the suburban residential areas in Hiroshima City, where heavy rains have caused landslides from the weathered soil, so-called “Masa,” of granitic rocks. Similar disasters occurred in 1999 and 2014 in Hiroshima. The restoration project has been carried out by adopting necessary structural measures such as Sabo dams and non-structural measures such as land use regulations and/or early warning systems based on the Sediment Disaster Prevention Act.
How to Teach Remotely the Vegetation Works to Protect Slopes Against Mass Wasting: A Case of Using Video Materials in Bhutan
Authors: Hirota Kiyoharu , Suganuma Yasuhisa , Iwasaki Tomoharu , Kuwano Takeshi
Published: January 2023

This paper describes the outline of the video tutorial prepared for vegetation workers and relevant officers in Bhutan to learn how vegetation works are to be done in remote areas. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA for short) took a project on cutting unstable slopes in Gangthangkha, Wangdue, Bhutan, so that they should be gentler than 45° to improve slope stability with vegetation works. Particularly stabilizing slopes along Prime National Highway No. 1 (PNH-1 for short) was the overriding priority because slope failures along this highway have reportedly occurred in rainy seasons. Before vegetation works were carried out on the studied slope of the project, the authors conducted germination tests to choose seeds and methods suitable for the vegetation works. They chose Paspalum Atratum, Ruzi grass, and GM mixed (Grass Mixture seed formulating of Cock’s foot 70% and Italian Ryegrass 30% of 100 kg) based on their test results. The soil thickness associated with sowing was set at 5 cm. The authors tried the following types of vegetation methods on the studied site. Type A is arranging on the slope stripes of soil mixed with seeds and fertilizer, Type B is spreading out a five cm-thick seeds-mixed soil layer over the slope, and Type C is transplanting germination beds. In conclusion, Type C is the best in terms of its performance because the whole slope is quickly covered with already grown plants. In Type B, it is not until grass covers the entire slope that the slope is finally stabilized. Type A is good for seeds-mixed soil stripes, but it takes time for the grass to spread gradually over the whole slope.
Landslide Inventory Map of the Valemount Area, British Columbia, Canada. A Detailed Methodological Description
Authors: Bornaetxea Txomin , Blais-Stevens Andrée , Miller Brendan
Published: January 2023

Landslides are a recurring geomorphological process in high mountainous areas like Valemount in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, British Columbia. The compilation of detailed information about the spatial distribution and characteristics of past landslides is essential for assessing future potential hazards. To provide baseline geoscience information to stakeholders and decision-makers, we carried out a landslide inventory that covers roughly 1200 km2. Using visual interpretation of aerial orthophotos, a digital elevation model of 5 × 5 m resolution and satellite imagery, we compiled up to 1286 landslides and classified them into 11 categories and three levels of certainty. The current paper describes the mapping methodology and summarizes our results.
Experimental Simulation of Landslide Creep in Ring Shear Machine
Authors: Bhandary Netra Prakash
Published: January 2023

Soil material undergoes a volumetric change when deformed, and the change continues until the material reaches its critical state. In granular soils, the critical state is one that exhibits the least frictional resistance, but in clayey materials, the frictional resistance decreases further upon shearing due to particle reorientation in the plane of failure, and the material volume attains a stable or steady state only after a large amount of shear deformation, which depending on the material type varies from a few to tens of centimeters. This state of shear deformation is generally known as the residual state. This article focuses on residual-state creep shear tests on common clayey materials for the purpose of experimentally simulating the landslide creep and understanding the displacement behavior of large-scale creeping landslides. As a general understanding, the deep-seated creeping landslides displace as a result of residual-state shearing of clayey material in the slip surface. So, a modified bishop-type torsional ring shear machine was developed for studying the residual-state shear creep behavior of clayey soils. In the ring shear tests, the material is first sheared under a strain-controlled pattern, and after the sample reaches its residual state of shear, different sets of constant shear loads are applied until the sample fails again and again. The test results reveal that at the residual state of shear, the creep behavior is exhibited only after a load equivalent to the residual frictional resistance of the material is applied. Moreover, it was understood that the displacement required for the beginning of the tertiary stage of creep of particular soil material, i.e., the early stage of creep failure is the same for all sets of creep loads.
Integrable 3D lattice model in M-theory
Authors: Yagi Junya
Published: January 2023

Abstract

It is argued that the supersymmetric index of a certain system of branes in M-theory is equal to the partition function of an integrable three-dimensional lattice model. The local Boltzmann weights of the lattice model satisfy a generalization of Zamolodchikov’s tetrahedron equation. In a special case the model is described by a solution of the tetrahedron equation discovered by Kapranov and Voevodsky and by Bazhanov and Sergeev.
Characteristics of Distributions of Sets and Their (R)- and (N)-Denseness
Authors: Miska Piotr , Tóth János T.
Published: January 2023

Let $$0\le q\le 1$$

0
≤
q
≤
1

and $$\mathbb {N}$$
N
denotes the set of all positive integers. In this paper we will deal with it too the family $${\mathcal {U}}(x^q)$$

U
(

x
q

)

of all regularly distributed set $$X=\{x_1<x_2<\cdots<x_n<\cdots \} \subset \mathbb {N}$$

X
=
{

x
1

<

x
2

<
⋯
<

x
n

<
⋯
}
⊂
N

whose ratio block sequence $$\begin{aligned} \frac{x_1}{x_1}, \frac{x_1}{x_2}, \frac{x_2}{x_2}, \frac{x_1}{x_3}, \frac{x_2}{x_3}, \frac{x_3}{x_3}, \dots , \frac{x_1}{x_n}, \frac{x_2}{x_n}, \dots , \frac{x_n}{x_n}, \dots \end{aligned}$$

x
1

x
1

,

x
1

x
2

,

x
2

x
2

,

x
1

x
3

,

x
2

x
3

,

x
3

x
3

,
⋯
,

x
1

x
n

,

x
2

x
n

,
⋯
,

x
n

x
n

,
⋯

is asymptotically distributed with distribution function $$g(x) = x^q;\ x \in (0,1]$$

g

(
x
)

=

x
q

;

x
∈

(
0
,
1
]

, and we will show that the regular distributed set, regular sequences, regular variation at infinity are equivalent notations. In this paper also we discuss the relationship between notations as (N)-denseness, directions sets, generalized ratio sets, dispersion and exponent of convergence.
Globally Coupled Anosov Diffeomorphisms: Statistical Properties
Authors: Bahsoun Wael , Liverani Carlangelo , Sélley Fanni M.
Published: January 2023

We study infinite systems of globally coupled Anosov diffeomorphisms with weak coupling strength. Using transfer operators acting on anisotropic Banach spaces, we prove that the coupled system admits a unique physical invariant state, $$h_\varepsilon $$

h
ε

. Moreover, we prove exponential convergence to equilibrium for a suitable class of distributions and show that the map $$\varepsilon \mapsto h_\varepsilon $$

ε
↦

h
ε

is Lipschitz continuous.
Lesion Characteristics Associated with Loss of Primary Patency After Endovascular Therapy for Common Femoral Artery Lesions
Authors: Yamauchi Yasutaka , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Iwata Yo , Suzuki Kenji , Fujimura Naoki , Yamaoka Terutoshi , Miyamoto Akira , Nakama Tatsuya ,   On Behalf of the CAULIFLOWER Study Investigators
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To identify lesion characteristics associated with restenosis after endovascular therapy (EVT) for common femoral artery (CFA) lesions in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) in real-world practice.

Materials and Methods

We included 751 Japanese patients with PAD who underwent CFA EVT. Data were from a large-scale retrospective multicenter registry study. The association of lesion characteristics with the risk of restenosis was investigated with the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

Lesions extended to the external iliac artery in 10.0% of patients, were isolated in the CFA in 59.9%, and involved the bifurcation in 30.1%. Chronic total occlusion was noted in 21.1%, and 99% stenosis, in 19.9%. Among the limbs with CFA lesions, 16.4% had a history of CFA EVT. Mean total lesion length was 32 ± 15 mm, and reference vessel diameter, 7.3 ± 1.4 mm. Plain old balloon angioplasty, drug-coated balloon angioplasty, and stent implantation were performed in 56.3, 23.2, and 20.5% of patients, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 10.4 ± 9.5 months. Rates of freedom from restenosis and reintervention at 1 year were 78.2 and 86.6%, respectively. Lesion characteristics independently associated with restenosis were history of CFA EVT, reference vessel diameter less than 6 mm, and lesion length greater than or equal to 50 mm; adjusted hazard ratios were 1.63 (P = 0.007), 1.93 (P = 0.006), and 1.71 (P = 0.018), respectively.

Conclusion

History of CFA EVT, smaller reference vessel diameter, and longer lesion length are independent risk factors for restenosis after CFA EVT.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.
Breakdown of Heteroclinic Connections in the Analytic Hopf-Zero Singularity: Rigorous Computation of the Stokes Constant
Authors: Baldomá Inmaculada , Capiński Maciej J. , Guardia Marcel , Seara Tere M.
Published: January 2023

Consider analytic generic unfoldings of the three- dimensional conservative Hopf-zero singularity. Under open conditions on the parameters determining the singularity, the unfolding possesses two saddle-foci when the unfolding parameter is small enough. One of them has one-dimensional stable manifold and two-dimensional unstable manifold, whereas the other one has one- dimensional unstable manifold and two-dimensional stable manifold. Baldomá et al. (J Dyn Differ Equ 25(2):335–392, 2013) gave an asymptotic formula for the distance between the one-dimensional invariant manifolds in a suitable transverse section. This distance is exponentially small with respect to the perturbative parameter, and it depends on what is usually called a Stokes constant. The nonvanishing of this constant implies that the distance between the invariant manifolds at the section is not zero. However, up to now there do not exist analytic techniques to check that condition. In this paper we provide a method for obtaining accurate rigorous computer-assisted bounds for the Stokes constant. We apply it to two concrete unfoldings of the Hopf-zero singularity, obtaining a computer-assisted proof that the constant is nonzero.
Optical coherence tomography reflects clinically relevant gray matter damage in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cagol Alessandro , Fuertes Nuria Cerdá , Stoessel Marc , Barakovic Muhamed , Schaedelin Sabine , D’Souza Marcus , Würfel Jens , Brandt Alexander U. , Kappos Ludwig , Sprenger Till , Naegelin Yvonne , Kuhle Jens , Granziera Cristina , Papadopoulou Athina
Published: January 2023

Background

Retinal degeneration leading to optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes is frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Objective

To investigate associations among OCT changes, MRI measurements of global and regional brain volume loss, and physical and cognitive impairment in PwMS.

Methods

95 PwMS and 52 healthy controls underwent OCT and MRI examinations. Mean peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) volume were measured. In PwMS disability was quantified with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Associations between OCT, MRI, and clinical measures were investigated with multivariable regression models.

Results

In PwMS, pRNFL and GCIPL were associated with the volume of whole brain (p < 0.04), total gray matter (p < 0.002), thalamus (p ≤ 0.04), and cerebral cortex (p ≤ 0.003) –both globally and regionally–, but not white matter. pRNFL and GCIPL were also inversely associated with T2-lesion volume (T2LV), especially in the optic radiations (p < 0.0001). The brain volumes associated with EDSS and SDMT significantly overlapped with those correlating with pRNFL and GCIPL.

Conclusions

In PwMS, pRNFL and GCIPL reflect the integrity of clinically-relevant gray matter structures, underling the value of OCT measures as markers of neurodegeneration and disability in multiple sclerosis.
Application of real-time quaking-induced conversion in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease surveillance
Authors: Hermann Peter , Schmitz Matthias , Cramm Maria , Goebel Stefan , Bunck Timothy , Schütte-Schmidt Julia , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter , Stadelmann Christine , Matschke Jakob , Glatzel Markus , Zerr Inga
Published: January 2023

Background

Evaluation of the application of CSF real-time quaking-induced conversion in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease surveillance to investigate test accuracy, influencing factors, and associations with disease incidence.

Methods

In a prospective surveillance study, CSF real-time quaking-induced conversion was performed in patients with clinical suspicion of prion disease (2014–2022). Clinically or histochemically characterized patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (n = 888) and patients with final diagnosis of non-prion disease (n = 371) were included for accuracy and association studies.

Results

The overall test sensitivity for sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease was 90% and the specificity 99%. Lower sensitivity was associated with early disease stage (p = 0.029) and longer survival (p < 0.001). The frequency of false positives was significantly higher in patients with inflammatory CNS diseases (3.7%) than in other diagnoses (0.4%, p = 0.027). The incidence increased from 1.7 per million person-years (2006–2017) to 2.0 after the test was added to diagnostic the criteria (2018–2021).

Conclusion

We validated high diagnostic accuracy of CSF real-time quaking-induced conversion but identified inflammatory brain disease as a potential source of (rare) false-positive results, indicating thorough consideration of this condition in the differential diagnosis of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. The surveillance improved after amendment of the diagnostic criteria, whereas the incidence showed no suggestive alterations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Automated macular segmentation can distinguish glaucomatous from compressive optic neuropathy
Authors: Soares Ricardo Machado , Braga Joana Figueiredo , da Silva Fernandes Joana , Ferreira Catarina Cunha , Ribeiro Lígia , Alves Hélio , Meira Dália
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To compare macular damage in glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) and compressive optic neuropathy (CON) and assess its diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing between diseases.

Methods

Observational, cross-sectional, single-center study. Patients with GON, CON, and healthy controls were included according to the eligibility criteria. An automated spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) algorithm was used to segment the circumpapilary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macula. The layer thickness was measured in each sector according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study and the 6-sector Garway-Heath-based grids. Data was compared across all study groups, and the significance level was set at 0.05.

Results

Seventy-five eyes of 75 participants, 25 with GON, 25 with CON, and 25 healthy controls (CG), were included. Macular thickness was diminished in the ganglion cell complex of GON and CON patients compared to CG (p<0.05). The best Garway-Heath-based grid parameters for distinguishing GON and CON were the nasal-inferior (NI) and nasal-superior sectors and the NI/temporal inferior (TI) damage ratios in the macular ganglion cell (mGCL) and inner plexiform (IPL) layers. Moreover, the combination of the NI sector and NI/TI damage ratios in both layers had higher discriminative power (AUC 0.909; 95% CI 0.830–0.988; p<0.001) than combining parameters in each layer separately.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the evaluation of macular segmented layers damage by SD-OCT may be a helpful add-on tool in the differential diagnosis between GON and CON.
The challenge of optimizing supports for people living with and beyond cancer: creating proximity between cancer and non-profit community-based providers
Authors: Tremblay Dominique , Touati Nassera , Usher Susan , Gentil Barbara , Courval Marie-Josée
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Non-profit community-based organizations (CO) remain insufficiently integrated into cancer networks. Drawing on dimensions of proximity, this study explores how and why coordination between cancer teams and COs is established and solidified.

Methods

A descriptive interpretive study is undertaken in Québec (Canada), where a cancer program has long promoted the integration of COs in the cancer trajectory. Semi-directed interviews with providers, managers and people living with and beyond cancer (total n = 46) explore the challenges of coordination between cancer and CO providers, along with facilitating or impeding factors. Three main themes related to coordination in cancer networks emerge, which are analyzed by operationalizing the multi-dimensional framework of proximity.

Results

Findings reveal a lack of cognitive proximity, which calls for efforts to both identify patient needs and increase cancer team knowledge and appreciation of CO resources. Organizational proximity refers to systems and rules that facilitate interactions, and we find that referral mechanisms and communication channels are inadequate, with patients often playing a linking role despite barriers. Coordination improves when relational proximity is established between cancer and CO teams, and this can be enhanced by geographic proximity; in one region, COs have a physical presence within the cancer center.

Conclusion

Integrating COs into the cancer network can help meet the spectrum of needs faced by people living with and beyond cancer. This study offers managers and decision-makers insight into how coordination between cancer teams and COs can be supported. Proximity allows the distinct contributions of actors to be considered in context and contributes to understanding the “how” of integrated practice.
Adverse events in neurosurgery: a comprehensive single-center analysis of a prospectively compiled database
Authors: Dao Trong Philip , Olivares Arturo , El Damaty Ahmed , Unterberg Andreas
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To prospectively identify and quantify neurosurgical adverse events (AEs) in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

From January 2021 to December 2021, all patients treated in our department received a peer-reviewed AE-evaluation form at discharge. An AE was defined as any event after surgery that resulted in an undesirable clinical outcome, which is not caused by the underlying disease, that prolonged patient stay, resulted in readmission, caused a new neurological deficit, required revision surgery or life-saving intervention, or contributed to death. We considered AEs occurring within 30 days after discharge. AEs were categorized in wound event, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) event, CSF shunt malfunction, post-operative infection, malpositioning of implanted material, new neurological deficit, rebleeding, and surgical goal not achieved and non-neurosurgical AEs.

Results

2874 patients were included. Most procedures were cranial (45.1%), followed by spinal (33.9%), subdural (7.7%), CSF (7.0%), neuromodulation (4.0%), and other (2.3%). In total, there were 621 AEs shared by 532 patients (18.5%). 80 (2.8%) patients had multiple AEs. Most AEs were non-neurosurgical (222; 8.1%). There were 172 (6%) revision surgeries. Patients receiving cranial interventions had the most AEs (19.1%) although revision surgery was only necessary in 3.1% of patients. Subdural interventions had the highest revision rate (12.6%). The majority of fatalities was admitted as an emergency (81/91 patients, 89%). Ten elective patients had lethal complications, six of them related to surgery (0.2%).

Conclusion

This study presents the one-year results of a prospectively compiled AE database. Neurosurgical AEs arose in one in five patients. Although the need for revision surgery was low, the rate of AEs highlights the importance of a systematic AE database to deliver continued high-quality in a high-volume center.
Intraoral scanner-based monitoring of tooth wear in young adults: 24-month results
Authors: Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie , Schlenz Moritz Benedikt , Wöstmann Bernd , Glatt Anna Sophia , Ganss Carolina
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Tooth wear causes irreversible cumulated surface loss and already occurs at a young age. Therefore, the objective of this clinical prospective observational study was to monitor the occlusal surface of a mandibular first molar in young adults for a period of 24 months. Furthermore, potential aetiological factors obtained by a questionnaire were considered.

Materials and methods

The study teeth (FDI #36 or #46) of 81 participants (mean age 22.8 ± 2.2 years) were scanned with the intraoral scanner (IOS, Trios 3, 3Shape) at the second follow-up (T2) after an observation period of 24 months. Standard-tessellation-language datasets were superimposed with baseline (T0) and T2 scans in 3D analysis software (GOM Inspect). The maximum vertical substance loss was measured between T0 and T2 at 6/7 areas (4/5 cusps and 2 ridges) of each study tooth and data compared to the already published data of the first follow-up (T1) after 12-month observation period. The morphology of tooth wear was classified into three groups: cupping (C), facet (F) and combined cupping-facet (CF). The analysis of aetiological factors, such as acid impacts, was based on a questionnaire filled out by participants at time points T0, T1 and T2. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).

Results

The buccal load-bearing cusps (mesiobuccal: median 15 μm, 95%CI 11/18 μm; mesiolingual 8 μm, 0/11 μm) were most affected by tooth wear. Loss values increased significantly at T2 compared to T1 for all areas, although significantly less than in the first 12 months (T0–T1). Areas that already exhibited F at T0 mostly displayed them also at T2 and only rarely developed further into C or CF. The only association between aetiological factors and loss values could be detected for sex as males had significantly higher loss values than females.

Conclusions

Progression of tooth wear could be clearly shown with high interindividual variations in loss values among participants. This indicates the need for individual monitoring with IOS.

Clinical relevance

IOSs show the potential for patient-specific monitoring to detect the progression of tooth wear. Thus, data of 24 months fills the gap of tooth wear data for young adults in literature. Further studies over a longer observation period are highly recommended to gain more information about the dynamic of tooth wear and aetiological factors.
Map building using helmet-mounted LiDAR for micro-mobility
Authors: Yoshida Ibuki , Yoshida Akihiko , Hashimoto Masafumi , Takahashi Kazuhiko
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a point-cloud mapping method using a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) mounted on a helmet worn by a rider of micro-mobility. The distortion in LiDAR measurements, which is caused by motion and shaking of micro-mobility and rider, is corrected by estimating the pose (3D positions and attitude angles) of the helmet based on the information from normal distributions transform-based simultaneous localization and mapping (NDT SLAM) and an inertial measurement unit. A Kalman filter-based algorithm for the distortion correction is presented under the assumption that the helmet moves at nearly constant translational and angular velocities in any directions. The distortion-corrected LiDAR measurements are mapped onto an elevation map, and the measurements relating to stationary objects in the environments are extracted using the occupancy grid method. The stationary object measurements are utilized to build a point-cloud map. The experimental results in a campus road environment demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Towards functional spin-echo BOLD line-scanning in humans at 7T
Authors: Raimondo Luisa , Heij Jurjen , Knapen Tomas , Dumoulin Serge O. , van der Zwaag Wietske , Siero Jeroen C. W.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Neurons cluster into sub-millimeter spatial structures and neural activity occurs at millisecond resolutions; hence, ultimately, high spatial and high temporal resolutions are required for functional MRI. In this work, we implemented a spin-echo line-scanning (SELINE) sequence to use in high spatial and temporal resolution fMRI.

Materials and methods

A line is formed by simply rotating the spin-echo refocusing gradient to a plane perpendicular to the excited slice and by removing the phase-encoding gradient. This technique promises a combination of high spatial and temporal resolution (250 μm, 500 ms) and microvascular specificity of functional responses. We compared SELINE data to a corresponding gradient-echo version (GELINE).

Results

We demonstrate that SELINE showed much-improved line selection (i.e. a sharper line profile) compared to GELINE, albeit at the cost of a significant drop in functional sensitivity.

Discussion

This low functional sensitivity needs to be addressed before SELINE can be applied for neuroscientific purposes.
Learning experiences of adaptive experts: a reflexive thematic analysis
Authors: Kua Joanne , Teo Winnie , Lim Wee Shiong
Published: January 2023

Whilst adaptive experts have well-researched beliefs and attitudes towards learning, what is unclear are the interactions that occur within the learning environment that constitute their learning experiences. The practice of geriatric medicine emphasises the interdisciplinary care of complex frail older adults. Our study sets out to understand the learning experiences of adaptive experts in geriatric medicine by examining how interactions at the intra-personal, inter-personal and organisational levels contributed to the development of adaptive expertise. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study through semi-structured interviews of 16 geriatricians experts from a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Data were analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis. The core essence of the learning experiences was described as a journey of ‘knowing when we do not know’, which was characterised by three themes: (i) Anchoring ethos of person-centric care where the experts drew upon their values to develop a holistic view of the patient beyond the medical domain, (ii) Enabling stance of being curious where their curiosity and openness to learning was nurtured through the practice of reflection, and with the benefit of time as a commodity and for development of expertise, and (iii) Scaffolding organisational culture of inquiry where an environment that is supportive of learning is built on the culture of psychological safety and the culture of mentoring. Taken together, our study highlighted the importance of interactions at the intra-personal, inter-personal and organisational levels in the learning experiences of adaptive experts.
Sunspots That Matter: The Effect of Weather on Solar Technology Adoption
Authors: Lamp Stefan
Published: January 2023

This paper tests for the presence of behavioral biases in household decisions to adopt solar photovoltaic installations using exogenous variation in weather. I find that residential technology uptake responds to exceptional weather, defined as deviations from the long-term mean, in line with the average time gap between decision-making and completion of the installation. In particular, a one standard deviation increase in sunshine hours during the purchase period leads to an approximate increase of 4.7% in weekly solar PV installations. This effect persists in aggregate data. I consider a range of potential mechanisms and find suggestive evidence for projection bias and salience as key drivers of my results.
Physical activity and risk of chronic kidney disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 cohort studies involving 1,281,727 participants
Authors: Seidu Samuel , Abdool Mohammad , Almaqhawi Abdullah , Wilkinson Thomas J. , Kunutsor Setor K. , Khunti Kamlesh , Yates Tom
Published: January 2023

The role of regular physical activity in preventing vascular and non-vascular disease is well established. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality and largely preventable, but it is uncertain if regular physical activity can reduce the risk of CKD. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational cohort studies in the general population, we sought to assess the association between physical activity and CKD risk. Relevant studies with at least one-year of follow-up were sought from inception until 02 May 2022 in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and manual search of relevant articles. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the maximum versus the minimal amount of physical activity groups were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. A total of 12 observational cohort studies comprising 1,281,727 participants and 66,217 CKD events were eligible for the analysis. The pooled multivariable-adjusted RR (95% CI) of CKD comparing the most versus the least physically active groups was 0.91 (0.85–0.97). The association was consistent across several study level subgroups. Exclusion of any single study at a time from the meta-analysis did not change the direction or significance of the association. There was no evidence of small study effects among contributing studies. The GRADE quality of the evidence was low. In the general population, individuals who are most physically active have a lowered risk of CKD compared to those who are not or least physically active. CRD42022327640.
Hydrometeorological Extreme Events in Africa: The Role of Satellite Observations for Monitoring Pluvial and Fluvial Flood Risk
Authors: Gosset Marielle , Dibi-Anoh Pauline A , Schumann Guy , Hostache Renaud , Paris Adrien , Zahiri Eric-Pascal , Kacou Modeste , Gal Laetitia
Published: January 2023

This article reviews the state of the art in the use of space-borne observations for analyzing extreme rainfall and flood events in Africa. Floods occur across many space and timescales, from very localized flash flood events to slow propagation of discharge peaks in large rivers. We discuss here how satellite data can help us understand the genesis and impacts of these flood events, monitor their evolution, and better constrain prediction models, thereby improving early warning and population protection. To illustrate these topics, we reanalyze major flood events that occurred in Niger, Mozambique, Central African Republic and Ivory Coast, using satellite information.
Crisis Migration Adverse Childhood Events: A New Category of Youth Adversity for Crisis Migrant Children and Adolescents
Authors: Ertanir Beyhan , Cobb Cory L. , Unger Jennifer B. , Celada-Dalton Teresa , West Amy E. , Zeledon Ingrid , Perazzo Patrizia A. , Cano Miguel Ángel , Des Rosiers Sabrina E. , Duque Maria C. , Ozer Simon , Cruz Natalie , Scaramutti Carolina , Vos Saskia R. , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Maldonado-Molina Mildred M. , Nehme Lea , Martinez Charles R. , Zayas Luis H. , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: January 2023

The present article proposes an extension of the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to apply to crisis migration – where youth and families are fleeing armed conflicts, natural disasters, community violence, government repression, and other large-scale emergencies. We propose that adverse events occurring prior to, during, and following migration can be classified as crisis-migration-related ACEs, and that the developmental logic underlying ACEs can be extended to the new class of crisis-migration-related ACEs. Specifically, greater numbers, severity, and chronicity of crisis-migration-related ACEs would be expected to predict greater impairments in mental and physical health, poorer interpersonal relationships, and less job stability later on. We propose a research agenda centered around definitional clarity, rigorous measurement development, prospective longitudinal studies to establish predictive validity, and collaborations among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Effects of Bumetanide on Neurocognitive Functioning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: van Andel Dorinde M , Sprengers Jan J , Königs Marsh , de Jonge Maretha V , Bruining Hilgo
Published: January 2023

We present the secondary-analysis of neurocognitive tests in the ‘Bumetanide in Autism Medication and Biomarker’ (BAMBI;EUDRA-CT-2014-001560-35) study, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled (1:1) trial testing 3-months bumetanide treatment (≤ 1 mg twice-daily) in unmedicated children 7–15 years with ASD. Children with IQ ≥ 70 were analyzed for baseline deficits and treatment-effects on the intention-to-treat-population with generalized-linear-models, principal component analysis and network analysis. Ninety-two children were allocated to treatment and 83 eligible for analyses. Heterogeneous neurocognitive impairments were found that were unaffected by bumetanide treatment. Network analysis showed higher modularity after treatment (mean difference:-0.165, 95%CI:-0.317 to − 0.013,p = .034) and changes in the relative importance of response inhibition in the neurocognitive network (mean difference:-0.037, 95%CI:-0.073 to − 0.001,p = .042). This study offers perspectives to include neurocognitive tests in ASD trials.
Influence of North Pacific subtropical mode water variability on the surface mixed layer through the heaving of the upper thermocline on decadal timescales
Authors: Kobashi Fumiaki , Usui Norihisa , Akimoto Nanami , Iwasaka Naoto , Suga Toshio , Oka Eitarou
Published: January 2023

Decadal variability of the North Pacific subtropical mode water (STMW) and its influence on the upper thermocline and mixed layer are examined in a four-dimensional variational ocean re-analysis for the Western North Pacific over 30 years (FORA–WNP30). The STMW that forms south of the Kuroshio Extension becomes thick/cold and thin/warm on decadal timescales. These variations are subducted and advected to the south, where thick (thin) STMW causes the upper thermocline to heave up (down) above the STMW, producing cold (warm) temperature anomalies at subsurface depths, with especially large anomalies at the depths of the seasonal thermocline. Temperature anomalies also appear in the mixed layer from March to November, except in September. These anomalies have the same sign as the temperature anomalies of the STMW, although they are due not to the reemergence of the STMW at the surface but to the heaving of the upper thermocline. In the FORA–WNP30, because the formation of the mixed layer temperature anomalies owes much to the increment introduced by data assimilation, the mechanism remains unclear. A heat budget analysis of the mixed layer, however, suggests the importance of entrainment and/or vertical diffusion at the base of the mixed layer for conveying temperature anomalies from the upper thermocline to the mixed layer. The STMW also affects the mixed layer depth. A thick (thin) STMW shoals (deepens) the seasonal thermocline, enhancing (weakening) stratification at depths below the mixed layer and thus hindering (favoring) mixed layer development from July to September.