bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What a Neurosurgeon Should Know About the Endolymphatic Sac: Part 3 – Ménière Disease
Authors: Vaz Marco Antônio Schlindwein , Monteiro Jander Moreira , Lavinsky Joel , Santis Giuseppe Casella , Filho Marcelo Assis Moro da Rocha , Ribas Carmen Austrália Paredes Marcondes , Araújo Ricardo Marques Lopes de , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Isolan Gustavo Rassier
Published: June 2023

Objective To elucidate all the aspects that neurosurgeons should know about the Ménière disease (MD).

Methods Review of guidelines, books, and studies from 1933 to 2021, from basic to translational research, using human and animal endolymphatic sac (ES) tissue or cells, as well as reviews, case reports, and papers about surgical experience. This article is divided into three parts. In this last part, we review the MD.

Results The MD is one of the most common pathologies in the ES. It was first described by Prosper Ménière in 1861 with its clinical triad: dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss. A lot of theories relating ES to the MD have been proposed. Some of them postulate that it is caused by a narrowing and shortening in the endolymphatic duct, and others relate it to severe inflammation on the ES. Mostly due to the lack of understanding of this pathology, the diagnosis is mainly clinical, despite histopathology being helpful to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment of the MD can be done in 3 different ways: pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and surgical.

Conclusion The MD is one of the most common pathologies in the inner ear and has been largely studied over the years. The latest diagnosis guidelines must help in the classification and give better basis for diagnosis and treatment, which, despite not being curative yet, has improved over the years. Pharmacological treatment based on the possible etiologies, allied with proper diet and routine exercise, is showing promising results.
Neuroimaging of COVID-19
Authors: Kim Jisoo , Young Geoffrey S.
Published: June 2023

We review the wide variety of common neuroimaging manifestations related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID therapies, grouping the entities by likely pathophysiology, recognizing that the etiology of many entities remains uncertain. Direct viral invasion likely contributes to olfactory bulb abnormalities. COVID meningoencephalitis may represent direct viral infection and/or autoimmune inflammation. Para-infectious inflammation and inflammatory demyelination at the time of infection are likely primary contributors to acute necrotizing encephalopathy, cytotoxic lesion of the corpus callosum, and diffuse white matter abnormality. Later postinfectious inflammation and demyelination may manifest as acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, or transverse myelitis. The hallmark vascular inflammation and coagulopathy of COVID-19 may produce acute ischemic infarction, microinfarction contributing to white matter abnormality, space-occupying hemorrhage or microhemorrhage, venous thrombosis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Adverse effects of therapies including zinc, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, antivirals, and vaccines, and current evidence regarding “long COVID” is briefly reviewed. Finally, we present a case of bacterial and fungal superinfection related to immune dysregulation from COVID.
Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery of Pituitary Adenomas: Preliminary Results of the Neurosurgery Service of Hospital Cristo Redentor
Authors: Perondi Gerson , Mariante Afonso , Azambuja Fernando , Greggianin Gabriel Frizon , Dias Wanderson William dos Santos , Pinzetta Giulia
Published: June 2023

Objective The transsphenoidal surgery is a safe and effective technique to manage different skull base pathologies, such as pituitary adenomas. The purpose of the present study is to describe the initial experience with endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in the treatment of pituitary adenoma patients at a tertiary hospital that is a reference in neurosurgery in Southern Brazil.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 60 patients with pituitary adenoma who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery between 2012 and 2019. Demographic characteristics, type of tumor, baseline hormonal changes, and clinical presentation were reported, as well as postoperative outcomes, tumor resection rate, and complications.

Results The male/female ratio was of 0.53:1, and the mean age of the sample was of 54 (range: 26 to 79) years. In total, 34 patients (57%) presented the non-functioning adenoma subtype, and 26 (43%), the functioning adenoma subtype. In the non-functioning and functioning subtype groups, the average tumor diameter was of 32 mm and 18 mm, and the mean follow-up was of 27 months and 32 months respectively. Regarding visual symptoms, 79% of the patients showed improvement after surgery. Hormonal remission was achieved in 71% of the patients with prolactinoma, 85% of those with cushing, and 57% of patients with acromegaly. Overall, gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 50% of patients but with a significantly lower rate among patients with tumors with parasellar growth (high grade on the Knosp classification). The most prevalent surgical complications observed were postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and meningitis in 11% and 6% of the cases respectively.

Conclusion We have shown that transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery can produce good results in the management of pituitary adenomas, with acceptable peri- and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Regardless of the technique used, the presence of large and giant pituitary adenomas with a high Knosp grade represents an enormous challenge for contemporary neurosurgery.
Sectioning of the Filum Terminale in Patients with Chiari Malformation Type 1 Associated with Occult Tethered Cord Syndrome: Literature Review
Authors: Brito José Nazareno Pearce de Oliveira , Dantas Patryck Araújo , Bomfim Pedro Borges , Tavares Cléciton Braga , Martins Leonardo Augusto , Sousa Emerson Brandão , Cunha Michele Medeiros da
Published: June 2023

Approximately 125 years ago, a group of pathologies now known as Chiari malformations was described for the first time. However, some mechanisms of its formation still remain unknown. A bibliographic survey was performed through a search in PubMed. In 1938, it was already theorized that an increase in spinal cord tension could be the cause of Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) tonsillar herniation. In 1953, a condition known for the anchoring of the filum terminale to the vertebral canal was described for the first time and would later be known as tethered cord syndrome (TCS). Some studies have shown that it is associated with increased tension in the spinal cord, and this formed the basis for a possible pathophysiological explanation of tonsillar herniation. Case series emerged reporting that treatment for TCS with the sectioning of the filum terminale (SFT) could provide clinical improvement of patients with CM1. A new pathological entity emerged when it was realized that patients with the clinical picture of TCS could have the medullary cone in its normal position, differing from the caudal migration expected for the TCS. This condition became known as occult tethered cord syndrome (OTCS). Case series attempted to demonstrate its association with the origin of CM1, a non-intuitive association, since the cone in the normal position contradicts traction as a source of tonsillar herniation. To this day, the absence of randomized control trials limits any conclusions regarding the effectiveness of SFT for the treatment of patients with CM1.
Bridge Plate Distraction for Complex Distal Radius Fractures: A Cohort Study and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Esworthy George P. , Shaji Vibha , Duraku Liron , Wu Feiran , Power Dominic M.
Published: June 2023

Background Dorsal bridge plating (DP) of the distal radius is used as a definitive method of stabilization in complex fracture configurations and polytrauma patients.

Questions/Purposes This review aims to summarize the current understanding of DP and evaluate surgical outcomes.

Methods Four databases were searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. Papers presenting outcome or complication data for DP were included. These were reviewed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment and Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies tools. Results were collated and compared to a local cohort of DP patients.

Results Literature review identified 416 patients with a pooled complication rate of 17% requiring additional intervention. The most prevalent complications were infection/wound healing issues, arthrosis, and hardware failure. Average range of motion was flexion 46.5 degrees, extension 50.7 degrees, ulnar deviation 21.4 degrees, radial deviation 17.3 degrees, pronation 75.8 degrees, and supination 72.9 degrees. On average, DP removal occurred at 3.8 months. Quality assessment showed varied results.

There were 19 cases in our local cohort. Ten displayed similar results to the systematic review in terms of range of motion and radiographic parameters. Higher QuickDASH scores and complication rates were noted. Local DP showed earlier plate removal at 2.9 months compared to previous studies.

Conclusion DP is a valid and useful technique for treating complex distal radius fractures. It displays a lower risk of infection and pain compared to external fixation which is commonly used to treat similar injuries. Patients can recover well following treatment both in function and range of motion. Further high-quality studies are required to fully evaluate the technique.
Spatiotemporal patterns and determinants of renewable energy innovation: Evidence from a province-level analysis in China
Authors: Ma Limei , Wang Qianying , Shi Dan , Shao Qinglong
Published: June 2023

China’s renewable energy innovation is essential for realizing its carbon neutrality targets and the low-carbon transition, but few studies have spatially examined its characteristics and spillover effects. To fill the research gap, this study investigates its distribution and trends from a spatiotemporal dimension and focuses on the spatial effects of the influencing factors to identify those that have a significant impact on renewable energy innovation by using China’s provincial panel data from 2006 to 2019. The results show the following findings. (1) Renewable energy innovation shows distinct spatial differences across China’s provinces such that it is high in the east and south and low in the west and north, which exhibits spatial locking and path-dependence. (2) There is a positive spatial correlation with renewable energy innovation. (3) R&D investment and GDP per capita significantly promote renewable energy innovation, but the former effect is mainly observed in the local area, whereas the latter shows spatial effects. More market-oriented policies should be taken for the improvement of renewable energy innovation and the establishment of regional coordination mechanisms are proposed.
Imaging temperature and thickness of thin planar liquid water jets in vacuum
Authors: Buttersack Tillmann , Haak Henrik , Bluhm Hendrik , Hergenhahn Uwe , Meijer Gerard , Winter Bernd
Published: June 2023

We present spatially resolved measurements of the temperature of a flat liquid water microjet for varying ambient pressures, from vacuum to 100% relative humidity. The entire jet surface is probed in a single shot by a high-resolution infrared camera. Obtained 2D images are substantially influenced by the temperature of the apparatus on the opposite side of the infrared camera; a protocol to correct for the thermal background radiation is presented. In vacuum, we observe cooling rates due to water evaporation on the order of 105 K/s. For our system, this corresponds to a temperature decrease in approximately 15 K between upstream and downstream positions of the flowing leaf. Making reasonable assumptions on the absorption of the thermal background radiation in the flatjet, we can extend our analysis to infer a thickness map. For a reference system, our value for the thickness is in good agreement with the one reported from white light interferometry.
Projection to extract the perpendicular component (PEPC) method for extracting kinetics from time-resolved data
Authors: Ki H. , Gu J. , Cha Y. , Lee K. W. , Ihee H.
Published: June 2023

Time-resolved x-ray liquidography (TRXL) is a potent method for investigating the structural dynamics of chemical and biological reactions in the liquid phase. It has enabled the extraction of detailed structural aspects of various dynamic processes, the molecular structures of intermediates, and kinetics of reactions across a wide range of systems, from small molecules to proteins and nanoparticles. Proper data analysis is key to extracting the information of the kinetics and structural dynamics of the studied system encrypted in the TRXL data. In typical TRXL data, the signals from solute scattering, solvent scattering, and solute–solvent cross scattering are mixed in the q-space, and the solute kinetics and solvent hydrodynamics are mixed in the time domain, thus complicating the data analysis. Various methods developed so far generally require prior knowledge of the molecular structures of candidate species involved in the reaction. Because such information is often unavailable, a typical data analysis often involves tedious trial and error. To remedy this situation, we have developed a method named projection to extract the perpendicular component (PEPC), capable of removing the contribution of solvent kinetics from TRXL data. The resulting data then contain only the solute kinetics, and, thus, the solute kinetics can be easily determined. Once the solute kinetics is determined, the subsequent data analysis to extract the structural information can be performed with drastically improved convenience. The application of the PEPC method is demonstrated with TRXL data from the photochemistry of two molecular systems: [Au(CN)2−]3 in water and CHI3 in cyclohexane.
Aperture-encoded snapshot hyperspectral imaging with a lensless camera
Authors: Kim Taeyoung , Lee Kyung Chul , Baek Nakkyu , Chae Hyesuk , Lee Seung Ah
Published: June 2023

We present a lensless snapshot hyperspectral camera that is capable of hyperspectral imaging over a broad spectrum using a compact and low-cost hardware configuration. We leverage the multiplexing capability of a lensless camera, a novel type of computational imaging device that replaces the lens with a thin mask. Our device utilizes a linear variable filter and a phase mask to encode spectral information onto a monochromatic image sensor, enabling recovery of hyperspectral image stacks from a single measurement by utilizing spectral information encoded in different parts of the 2D point spread function. We perform spectral calibration using a reference color chart and verify the prototype device’s spectral and spatial resolution, as well as its imaging field of view. We report on the design and construction of the device, the image reconstruction algorithm, and spectral calibration methods and present hyperspectral images ranging from 410 to 800 nm obtained with our prototype device.
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatching success at Raine and Heron Islands
Authors: Booth David T.
Published: June 2023

Raine Island, the world’s largest green turtle nesting location, has low nest hatching success. The main causes of this low hatching success are thought to be nest destruction by subsequent nesting females, and inundation of nests during high tides and storm surges. But even nests that are protected from nest destruction and inundation appear to have relatively low hatching success, with most of the embryo mortality occurring early in incubation. Here, I compare hatching success and developmental phase of embryo death of protected ‘dry’ nests from Raine Island (RI) with similar nests from Heron Island (HI), a nesting location previously reported as having high hatching success. Nests at both sites were sampled close to the peak time of nesting (December). Twenty-eight nests were sampled at RI and 14 nests at HI. Nest temperatures were cooler during the first week of incubation at HI (median 26.9°C) than at RI (median 30.1°C), but three-days-in-a-row maximum nest temperatures were higher at HI (median 36.0°C) than at RI (median 33.5°C). I found the hatching success of sampled nests at both locations was similar, ~70%, but most embryo death occurred early in incubation at RI (median 16.5%) compared to HI (median 3.8%), but late in incubation at HI (median 4.9%) compared to RI (median 0.2%).
A review on ZIF carbon materials for sodium-ion battery
Authors: Oni Olatunji V. , Oyekunle Ifeoluwa P. , Akanni Owolabi J. , Ayejoto Daniel A.
Published: June 2023

An alternative battery system to the lithium-ion battery has become paramount due to its high cost and limited distribution across the earth's surface. One of the significant challenges encountered by Na+ batteries is the development of efficient anode material. ZIFs have been considered as one of the potential electrode materials for Na+ batteries. ZIF is a sub-family of the metal–organic framework. Aside from the fact that they are utilised for sodium-ion batteries, their exceptional thermal stabilitiy, porous structure, and robust functionalities make them suitable for various applications. In this review, the working principles of Na+ battery, the synthesis procedure of ZIF carbon materials, electrochemical performances of each material or composite, performance enhancement strategy and morphology were explored and summarised.
Effect of chemical treatment on physico-chemical properties of a novel extracted cellulosic Cryptostegia grandiflora fiber
∗
Authors: Udhayakumar A , Mayandi K , Rajini N , Devi R Kanniga , Muthukannan M , Murali M , Ismail Sikiru O , Mohammad Faruq , Al-Lohedan Hamad A
Published: June 2023

The increasing global need to achieve sustainability in product development demands the use of biodegradable materials from renewable resources in many engineering applications. Accordingly, various natural fibers were explored as suitable reinforcement in polymer matrixes due to their low density and biodegradability. Hence, in this present work, a novel fiber reinforcement was extracted from the stem of the Cryptostegia grandiflora (CG) plant through a retting process and manual intervention. The extracted Cryptostegia grandiflora fibers (CGFs) were chemically treated using NaOH and silane. Various properties like crystal structure, chemical composition, surface morphology, and thermal degradation were studied using x-ray diffraction (XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The increasing cellulose content and the removal of hemicellulose after the chemical treatment indicate the potential for this CG fiber as a better reinforcement element in polymers. The increasing trend of tensile strength was observed for the CG fiber in the following order: silane > NaOH > untreated conditions. Two-stage thermal degradation was observed in all the cases where the maximum thermal degradation was found at the silane-treated CG fibers. Based on their performance, the chemically treated CG fibres can be made into composites and used for structural applications.
Aerobic non-ureolytic bacteria-based self-healing cementitious composites: a novel approach without added calcium precursor
Authors: Tan Linzhen , Xu Jing , Wei Yongqi , Han Jigang , Yao Wu
Published: June 2023

Self-healing concrete has been widely researched to reduce the cost of repairing and maintaining concrete infrastructure. Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a promising solution that uses bacteria to produce calcite within cracks and seal them, preventing further deterioration. However, protecting the self-healing agents, including calcium precursors, bacteria, and growth nutrients, from the concrete matrix can be challenging, and encapsulation methods can lead to strength loss, slowed cement hydration, and complicated manufacturing. Therefore, in this study, to reduce the need for protective shells and their negative impact, we investigated the role of aerobic non-ureolytic bacteria in the healing process and determine the feasibility of inducing calcite precipitation without extra added calcium precursor in the concrete matrix. This study investigated the self-healing efficiency of this novel bacteria-based self-healing cementitious composites (BBSHCC) via crack observation, permeability test and compositions’ analysis. Samples at different curing ages were prepared as well to clearly indicate the impact of minerals of cementitious composites on the microbial activities. The novel BBSHCC samples, consisting solely of bacteria and nutrients, demonstrated exceptional self-healing ratios in terms of crack closure and water tightness regain. These ratios exceeded 95% and 80%, respectively, after 28 days of healing, irrespective of the curing ages. This demonstrates the high potential of using calcium minerals naturally present in the cement matrix as a calcium source for aerobic non-ureolytic bacteria Bacillus cohnii to activate biomineralization and achieve healing. Notably, with increasing curing age of the novel BBSHCC, the rate of crack closure decreased, which was likely due to decreased accessibility of calcium for biomineralization. Additionally, healing products generated by biomineralization tended to initially form locally around cementitious composites, especially in mature samples. Further analysis of the cementitious composites near the healed crack revealed a large presence of portlandite, which was suggested to be a result of biomineralization.
Open-source pneumatic pressure pump for drop-based microfluidic flow controls
Authors: Sanchez Humberto S , Chang Connie B
Published: June 2023

An open-source pneumatic pressure pump is engineered for driving fluid flow in a microfluidic device. It is designed to be a cost-effective and customizable alternative to commercial systems. The pneumatic pressure pump utilizes a single open-source microcontroller to control four dual-valve pressure regulators. The control scheme is written in the Arduino development environment and the user interface is written in Python. The pump was used to pressurize water and a fluorinated oil that have similar viscosities. The pump can accurately control pressures to a resolution of less than 0.02 psig with rapid response times of less than one second, overshoot of desired pressures by less than 30%, and setting response times of less than two seconds. The pump was also validated in its ability to produce water-in-oil drops using a drop-making microfluidic device. The resultant drop size scaled as expected with the pressures applied to the emulsion phases. The pump is the first custom-made dual-valve regulator that is used to precisely control fluid flow in a microfluidic device. The presented design is an advancement towards making more fully open-source pneumatic pressure pumps for controlling flow in microfluidic devices.
Analytical modeling of an inclined folded-beam spring used in micromechanical resonator devices
Authors: Rahbar Ranji Ahmad , Li Andy , Alirezaee Shahpour , Ahamed Mohammad Jalal
Published: June 2023

Accurate estimation of the mechanical behavior of springs is crucial for the proper design of Microelectormechanical systems (MEMS). The main objective of this study is to derive a closed-form equation for the calculation of the stiffness of an inclined spring in the form of folded-beamss. The energy-based method was used to calculate the displacements of a folded-beams that was fixed at one end and giuded at the other end. The analytical model was then compared with the finite element method using ANSYS for different inclination angles of the folded-beams spring, showing good agreement. The angle on inclination has changed from zero to 180 degress, and stiffness of folded-beams is detemined. The derived expressions of the compliances were checked for the case of serpentine springs with inclination angle of zero, and different length ratios against the literature. It is found that neglecting small lengths for calculating the stiffness of the folded-beams spring is not justified. The influential geometrical parameters, including different lengths of the spring and inclination angle of the spring, on the stiffness are studied. It is found that the angle of inclination of the principal axes of spring constants depends on the geometrical parameters, and the angle of inclination has more effect on the stiffness of a folded-beams spring than the number of folds.
Effect of TIG and activated flux TIG welding processes on weld bead geometry, microstructure, and hardness of SAF 2507 grade super duplex stainless steel joints
Authors: Dagur Himanshu , Kumar Rajeev , Singh Vivek , Chauhan Sandeep , Deep Akash , Patel Dixit
Published: June 2023

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is frequently used to fabricate super duplex stainless steel weldments due to its superior mechanical qualities and attractive appearance in contrast with other arc welding techniques. The broad use of TIG welding remains constrained despite all of its advantages. Thus, the process of activated flux tungsten inert gas (A-TIG) welding is created. In the current study, ATIG welding with different oxide fluxes is used to execute bead-on-plate welding on 6 mm thick super duplex (SS) SAF 2507 grade. The TIG and ATIG processes are used for bead-on-plate welding, and the macrostructure, microstructure, and mechanical features of super DSS weld beads are analysed. When different oxide fluxes are used, the A-TIG technique achieves a greater depth of penetration and a narrower weld bead width than the standard TIG process. SiO2 flux with ATIG welding gives the highest depth of penetration (5.42 mm) among all other fluxes used. Also, A-TIG welding using SiO2 flux has a finer grain structure and a higher hardness value than other fluxes. The primary microstructure in the A-TIG weld zone was austenitic, but delta ferrite was still present.
Probability flow solution of the Fokker–Planck equation
Authors: Boffi Nicholas M , Vanden-Eijnden Eric
Published: June 2023

The method of choice for integrating the time-dependent Fokker–Planck equation (FPE) in high-dimension is to generate samples from the solution via integration of the associated stochastic differential equation (SDE). Here, we study an alternative scheme based on integrating an ordinary differential equation that describes the flow of probability. Acting as a transport map, this equation deterministically pushes samples from the initial density onto samples from the solution at any later time. Unlike integration of the stochastic dynamics, the method has the advantage of giving direct access to quantities that are challenging to estimate from trajectories alone, such as the probability current, the density itself, and its entropy. The probability flow equation depends on the gradient of the logarithm of the solution (its ‘score’), and so is a-priori unknown. To resolve this dependence, we model the score with a deep neural network that is learned on-the-fly by propagating a set of samples according to the instantaneous probability current. We show theoretically that the proposed approach controls the Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence from the learned solution to the target, while learning on external samples from the SDE does not control either direction of the KL divergence. Empirically, we consider several high-dimensional FPEs from the physics of interacting particle systems. We find that the method accurately matches analytical solutions when they are available as well as moments computed via Monte-Carlo when they are not. Moreover, the method offers compelling predictions for the global entropy production rate that out-perform those obtained from learning on stochastic trajectories, and can effectively capture non-equilibrium steady-state probability currents over long time intervals.
Changes in the mean and variability of temperature and precipitation over global land areas
Authors: Alizadeh Omid
Published: June 2023

The frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events may change in response to shifts in the mean and variability of climate, which pose high risks to societies and natural ecosystems. Gridded near-surface temperature, precipitation, and the number of wet days from the Climatic Research Unit dataset were analyzed for two 30 year periods to explore changes in the mean and variability of temperature and precipitation over global land areas in the recent period (1991–2020) compared to the reference period (1951–1980). Global land areas are characterized by warmer and slightly wetter conditions in the recent period, while the variability of temperature and precipitation has remained nearly unchanged. Changes in the mean and variability of both temperature and precipitation are also analyzed over tropical, subtropical, and midlatitude land areas. The annual mean temperature over all these three latitudinal regions has increased in the recent period compared to the reference period, with the highest increase in subtropical and midlatitude land areas (0.7 ∘C), followed by tropical land areas (0.5 ∘C), while temperature variability has remained nearly unchanged. The annual precipitation has decreased over tropical, subtropical, and midlatitude land areas in the recent period compared to the reference period. Precipitation variability has not changed considerably over subtropical land areas. However, it has substantially increased over tropical land areas, which indicates a higher risk of droughts and periods of excess water in the recent period. In contrast, precipitation variability has decreased over midlatitude land areas, indicating narrower swings between wet and dry conditions, which decrease the risk of droughts and periods of excess water in the recent period.
Contributions to regional precipitation change and its polar-amplified pattern under warming
Authors: Bonan David B , Feldl Nicole , Zelinka Mark D , Hahn Lily C
Published: June 2023

The polar regions are predicted to experience the largest relative change in precipitation in response to increased greenhouse-gas concentrations, where a substantial absolute increase in precipitation coincides with small precipitation rates in the present-day climate. The reasons for this amplification, however, are still debated. Here, we use an atmospheric energy budget to decompose regional precipitation change from climate models under greenhouse-gas forcing into contributions from atmospheric radiative feedbacks, dry-static energy flux divergence changes, and surface sensible heat flux changes. The polar-amplified relative precipitation change is shown to be a consequence of the Planck feedback, which, when combined with larger polar warming, favors substantial atmospheric radiative cooling that balances increases in latent heat release from precipitation. Changes in the dry-static energy flux divergence contribute modestly to the polar-amplified pattern. Additional contributions to the polar-amplified response come, in the Arctic, from the cloud feedback and, in the Antarctic, from both the cloud and water vapor feedbacks. The primary contributor to the intermodel spread in the relative precipitation change in the polar region is also the Planck feedback, with the lapse rate feedback and dry-static energy flux divergence changes playing secondary roles. For all regions, there are strong covariances between radiative feedbacks and changes in the dry-static energy flux divergence that impact the intermodel spread. These results imply that constraining regional precipitation change, particularly in the polar regions, will require constraining not only individual feedbacks but also the covariances between radiative feedbacks and atmospheric energy transport.
High ambient temperatures associations with children and young adult injury emergency department visits in NYC
Authors: Girma Blean , Liu Bian , Schinasi Leah H , Clougherty Jane E , Sheffield Perry E
Published: June 2023

Injury is a significant health burden for children and young adult and may be an increasing concern in a warming climate. Research reveals many impacts to children’s health associated with hot weather and heatwave events, including a growing literature on the association between high ambient temperature and injury, which may vary by intent such as injury resulting from violence. However, little is known about how this association varies across different types of injury and subgroups of young people. We examined relationships between warm season ambient temperature and intentional and unintentional injury among children and young adults in New York City (NYC). Within a case-crossover design, our study observed injury-related emergency department (ED) visits from the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System administrative dataset. Injuries were categorized as unintentional or intentional injuries during the warm season (May through September) in NYC from 2005 to 2011 among patients (0, 1–4, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, 20–25 years old (y.o.)). Conditional logistic regression models with distributed lag non-linear functions were used to model the cumulative odds ratio (OR) injury-related ED visit over 0–5 lag days. Analyses were stratified by age group and sex to understand how associations vary across young people of different age and sex. There were a total of 572 535 injury-related ED visits. The largest effect of elevated temperature (daily minimum 77°F vs 48°F) was for unintentional injury among 5–9 y.o. (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23, 1.42) and for intentional injury among 20–25 y.o. (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.28, 1.85). Further stratified analyses revealed that the highest risk of unintentional injury was among 5–9 y.o. males and 20–25 y.o. males for intentional injury. Our results suggest that high ambient temperatures are associated with higher odds of unintentional and intentional injuries among children. This work adds to a growing body of literature demonstrating the adverse impacts of heat on children, and suggests the need for messaging to parents and children about adopting adaptive strategies to prevent injuries when it is hot outside.
The Hausdorff dimension of the harmonic measure for relatively hyperbolic groups
Authors: Dussaule Matthieu , Yang Wenyuan
Published: June 2023

The paper studies the Hausdorff dimension of harmonic measures on various boundaries of a relatively hyperbolic group which are associated with random walks driven by a probability measure with finite first moment. With respect to the Floyd metric and the shortcut metric, we prove that the Hausdorff dimension of the harmonic measure equals the ratio of the entropy and the drift of the random walk.

If the group is infinitely-ended, the same dimension formula is obtained for the end boundary endowed with a visual metric. In addition, the Hausdorff dimension of the visual metric is identified with the growth rate of the word metric. These results are complemented by a characterization of doubling visual metrics for accessible infinitely-ended groups: the visual metrics on the end boundary is doubling if and only if the group is virtually free. Consequently, there are at least two different bi-Hölder classes (and thus quasi-symmetric classes) of visual metrics on the end boundary.
Unitary representations of totally disconnected locally compact groups satisfying Ol′šhanskiĭ’s factorisation
Authors: Semal Lancelot
Published: June 2023

Inspired by Ol′šhanskiĭ’s work, we provide an axiomatic framework to describe certain irreducible unitary representations of non-discrete unimodular totally disconnected locally compact groups. We look at the applications to certain groups of automorphisms of locally finite trees and semi-regular right-angled buildings.
Equations of tensor eigenschemes
Authors: Beorchia Valentina , Galuppi Francesco , Venturello Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

We study schemes of tensor eigenvectors from an algebraic and geometric viewpoint. We characterize determinantal defining equations of such eigenschemes via linear equations in their coefficients, both in the general and in the symmetric case. We give a geometric necessary condition for a 0-dimensional scheme to be an eigenscheme.
Corrigendum to ‘Explicit interval estimates for prime numbers’
Authors: Cully-Hugill Michaela , Lee Ethan
Published: June 2023

This article corrects a mistake in ‘Explicit interval estimates for prime numbers’, Math. Comp. 91 (2022), 1955–1970. The error was in a closed-form expression for an integral involving the smoothing function. The table of pairs of

(
Δ
,

x
0

)

(\Delta ,x_0)

is recomputed for the main theorem, which states that for all

x
≥

x
0

x \geq x_0

there exists at least one prime in the interval

(
x
(
1
−

Δ

−
1

)
,
x
]

(x(1-\Delta ^{-1}),x]

.
A conserved STRIPAK complex is required for autophagy in muscle tissue
Authors: Guo Yungui , Zeng Qiling , Brooks David , Geisbrecht Erika R.
Published: June 2023

A NUAK-Stv complex functions with STRIPAK components to coordinate autophagy in Drosophila muscle tissue.
Ingestion of vegetable salads before rice inhibits the increase in postprandial serum glucose levels in healthy subjects
Authors: Tanaka Tomomi , Sakamoto Hisae , Matsuoka Ryosuke , Utsunomiya Kazunori
Published: June 2023

This study aims to confirm the “vegetable-first” effect. In addition, because we aimed dietary fiber in vegetable salad, the effect after the ingestion of vegetable salad extract (vegetable salad from which solids have been removed) before carbohydrates on postprandial serum glucose level was also evaluated. A total of 13 healthy men were given meals after one-night of fasting: rice–vegetable salad, vegetable salad–rice, and vegetable salad extract–rice. Blood samples were taken at 0, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after the ingestion of the test meal to measure serum glucose levels. Serum glucose levels were significantly lower after 45 and 60 min in the vegetable salad–rice group compared to the rice–vegetable salad group. No significant difference was found between the vegetable salad extract–rice group and the vegetable salad–rice/rice–vegetable salad group. The result suggested that it might be important to ingest vegetables to obtain the “vegetable-first” effect.
Inference of microbial covariation networks using copula models with mixture margins
Authors: Deek Rebecca A , Li Hongzhe
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Quantification of microbial covariations from 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing data is difficult due to their sparse nature. In this article, we propose using copula models with mixed zero-beta margins for the estimation of taxon–taxon covariations using data of normalized microbial relative abundances. Copulas allow for separate modeling of the dependence structure from the margins, marginal covariate adjustment, and uncertainty measurement.

Results

Our method shows that a two-stage maximum-likelihood approach provides accurate estimation of model parameters. A corresponding two-stage likelihood ratio test for the dependence parameter is derived and is used for constructing covariation networks. Simulation studies show that the test is valid, robust, and more powerful than tests based upon Pearson’s and rank correlations. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our method can be used to build biologically meaningful microbial networks based on a dataset from the American Gut Project.

Availability and implementation

R package for implementation is available at https://github.com/rebeccadeek/CoMiCoN.
Trends in acute myocardial infarction mortality in the European Union, 2012–2020
Authors: Zuin Marco , Rigatelli Gianluca , Temporelli Pierluigi , Di Fusco Stefania Angela , Colivicchi Furio , Pasquetto Giampaolo , Bilato Claudio
Published: June 2023

Aims

To assess the sex- and age-specific trends in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality in the modern European Union (EU-27) member states between years 2012 and 2020.

Methods and results

Data on cause-specific deaths and population numbers by sex for each country of the EU-27 were retrieved through a publicly available European Statistical Office (EUROSTAT) dataset for the years 2012 to 2020. AMI-related deaths were ascertained when codes for AMI (ICD-10 codes I21.0-I22.0) were listed as the underlying cause of death in the medical death certificate. Deaths occurring before the age of 65 years were defined as premature deaths. To calculate annual trends, we assessed the average annual percent change (AAPC) with relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using joinpoint regression. During the study period, 1 793 314 deaths (1 048 044 males and 745 270 females) occurred in the EU-27 due to of AMI. The proportion of AMI-related deaths per 1000 total deaths decline from 5.0% to 3.5% both in the entire population (P for trend < 0.001) and in males or females, separately. Joinpoint regression analysis revealed a continuous linear decrease in age-adjusted AMI-related mortality from 2012 to 2020 among EU-27 members [AAPC: −4.6% (95% CI: −5.1 to −4.0), P < 0.001]. The age-adjusted mortality rate showed a plateau in some Eastern European countries and was more pronounced in EU-27 females and in subjects aged ≥65 years.

Conclusion

Over the last decade, the age-adjusted AMI-related mortality has been continuously declining in most of the in EU-27 member states. However, some disparities still exist between western and eastern European countries.
Stripes and loss of color in ball pythons (Python regius) are associated with variants affecting endothelin signaling
Authors: Dao Uyen M , Lederer Izabella , Tabor Ray L , Shahid Basmah , Graves Chiron W , Seidel Hannah S ,   BIO306W Consortium, Abdeljalil Bayan , Bailey Garrett , Belman John (Teddy) , Camac Keith , Ellis Aaron , Fatima Amber , Garcia Delaney , Gregory Shannon , Haley Amber , Harrison Chloe , Kosanovich Carly , Melcher Corey , Miracle Lindsey , Pineda Natalia , Redding Catherine , Salsido Audrey , Satler Caitlin , Sealy Jake , Shukla Ananya , Strasser Hannah , Tanna Nehul , Veenhuis Evan , Wasiuddin Syed , Watson Anna , Weaver Madyson , Wells Raymond , Weymouth Kathleen
Published: June 2023

Color patterns in nonavian reptiles are beautifully diverse, but little is known about the genetics and development of these patterns. Here, we investigated color patterning in pet ball pythons (Python regius), which have been bred to show color phenotypes that differ dramatically from the wildtype form. We report that several color phenotypes in pet animals are associated with putative loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding endothelin receptor EDNRB2: (1) frameshift variants in EDNRB2 are associated with conversion of the normal mottled color pattern to skin that is almost fully white, (2) missense variants affecting conserved sites of the EDNRB2 protein are associated with dorsal, longitudinal stripes, and (3) substitutions at EDNRB2 splice donors are associated with subtle changes in patterning compared to wildtype. We propose that these phenotypes are caused by loss of specialized color cells (chromatophores), with loss ranging from severe (fully white) to moderate (dorsal striping) to mild (subtle changes in patterning). Our study is the first to describe variants affecting endothelin signaling in a nonavian reptile and suggests that reductions in endothelin signaling in ball pythons can produce a variety of color phenotypes, depending on the degree of color cell loss.
Safeguarding Sex: The Technopolitics of Humanitarian Genomic Accountability
Authors: Sandvik Kristin Bergtora , Westendorf Jasmine-Kim
Published: June 2023

This paper is about the intersection of technological utopianism with the safeguarding rush in international aid and the DNA imaginations that it has given rise to. It explores the implications of the centering of DNA technology in efforts to prevent and punish sexual exploitation and abuse by aid workers and asks what types of accountability DNA approaches yield. The article examines the discursive power of DNA imaginaries in shaping the politics and practice of safeguarding in the humanitarian sector. We consider the type of solutionism at play in the technological imaginary of consumer genomics as an appropriate mode of “catching” sexual predators among aid workers, as well as to the political interests in getting safeguarding “implemented” as rapidly (and simply) as possible. We argue that there are significant implications emerging from how the “turn to DNA” ties genetic and racialized biosurveillance to humanitarian accountability. This concerns how the humanitarian system thinks about consent and coercion and about children’s rights and bodily integrity. Moreover, we argue that drawing from the current moral crisis of safeguarding in aid, the project itself exemplifies how a discursive (white) genetic nationalism was able to shore up considerable political support and financial resources from Australian and UK political actors with little critical attention.
Susceptibility profile and β-lactamase content of global Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates resistant to ceftolozane/tazobactam and/or imipenem/relebactam—SMART 2016–21
Authors: Karlowsky James A , Lob Sibylle H , Estabrook Mark A , Siddiqui Fakhar , DeRyke C Andrew , Young Katherine , Motyl Mary R , Sahm Daniel F
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To determine susceptibility profiles and β-lactamase content for ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant and imipenem/relebactam-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected in eight global regions during 2016–21.

Methods

Broth microdilution MICs were interpreted using CLSI breakpoints. PCR to identify β-lactamase genes or WGS was performed on selected isolate subsets.

Results

Ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant [from 0.6% (Australia/New Zealand) to 16.7% (Eastern Europe)] and imipenem/relebactam-resistant [from 1.3% (Australia/New Zealand) to 13.6% (Latin America)] P. aeruginosa varied by geographical region. Globally, 5.9% of isolates were both ceftolozane/tazobactam resistant and imipenem/relebactam resistant; 76% of these isolates carried MBLs. Most ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant/imipenem/relebactam-susceptible isolates carried ESBLs (44%) or did not carry non-intrinsic (acquired) β-lactamases (49%); 95% of imipenem/relebactam-resistant/ceftolozane/tazobactam-susceptible isolates did not carry non-intrinsic β-lactamases. Isolates that carried indicators of strong PDC (Pseudomonas-derived cephalosporinase) up-regulation without a mutation known to expand the spectrum of PDC, or non-intrinsic β-lactamases, showed an 8-fold increase in ceftolozane/tazobactam modal MIC; however, this rarely (3%) resulted in ceftolozane/tazobactam resistance. Isolates with a PDC mutation and an indicator for PDC upregulation were ceftolozane/tazobactam non-susceptible (MIC,  ≥ 8 mg/L). MICs ranged widely (1 to >32 mg/L) for isolates with a PDC mutation and no positively identified indicator for PDC up-regulation. Imipenem/relebactam-resistant/ceftolozane/tazobactam-susceptible isolates without non-intrinsic β-lactamases frequently (91%) harboured genetic lesions implying OprD loss of function; however, this finding alone did not account for this phenotype. Among imipenem-non-susceptible isolates without non-intrinsic β-lactamases, implied OprD loss only shifted the distribution of imipenem/relebactam MICs up by 1–2 doubling dilutions, resulting in ∼10% imipenem/relebactam-resistant isolates.

Conclusions

P. aeruginosa with ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant/imipenem/relebactam-susceptible and imipenem/relebactam-resistant/ceftolozane/tazobactam-susceptible phenotypes were uncommon and harboured diverse resistance determinants.