bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Kidney Stone Disease (KSD) with Primary Gastrointestinal Surgery: a Systematic Review over Last 2 Decades
Authors: Premakumar Y. , Gadiyar N. , Hameed B. M. Zeeshan , Veneziano D. , Somani B. K.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

We aim to provide an up-to-date literature review to further characterise the association of kidney stone disease (KSD) with gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. As KSD is associated with significant morbidity, it is important to quantify and qualify this association to provide better care and management for the patient subgroup.

Objective

To perform a systematic review of the existing literature to evaluate the association of KSD following GI surgery.

Methods

A literature search was performed of the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Key Urology, Uptodate and Cochrane Trials from January 2000 to June 2020.

Recent Findings

A total of 106 articles were identified, and after screening for titles, abstracts and full articles, 12 full papers were included. This involved a total of 9299 patients who underwent primary GI surgery. Over a mean follow-up period of 5.4 years (range: 1–14.4 years), 819 (8.8%) developed KSD, varying from 1.2 to 83% across studies. The mean time to stone formation was approximately 3 years (range: 0.5–9 years). In the 4 studies that reported on the management of KSD (n = 427), 38.6% went on to have urological intervention.

There is a high incidence of KSD following primary GI surgery, and after a mean follow-up of 3 years, around 9% of patients developed KSD. While the GI surgery was done for obesity, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer, the risk of KSD should be kept in mind during follow-up, and prompt urology involvement with metabolic assessment, medical and or surgical management offered as applicable.
A lower bound for $$\chi ({\mathcal {O}}_S)$$
Authors: Gennaro Vincenzo Di
Published: May 2021

Let $$(S,{\mathcal {L}})$$

(
S
,
L
)

be a smooth, irreducible, projective, complex surface, polarized by a very ample line bundle $${\mathcal {L}}$$
L
of degree $$d > 25$$

d
>
25

. In this paper we prove that $$\chi (\mathcal O_S)\ge -\frac{1}{8}d(d-6)$$

χ

(

O
S

)

≥
-

1
8

d

(
d
-
6
)

. The bound is sharp, and $$\chi ({\mathcal {O}}_S)=-\frac{1}{8}d(d-6)$$

χ

(

O
S

)

=
-

1
8

d

(
d
-
6
)

if and only if d is even, the linear system $$|H^0(S,{\mathcal {L}})|$$

|

H
0

(
S
,
L
)

|

embeds S in a smooth rational normal scroll $$T\subset {\mathbb {P}}^5$$

T
⊂

P

5

of dimension 3, and here, as a divisor, S is linearly equivalent to $$\frac{d}{2}Q$$

d
2

Q

, where Q is a quadric on T. Moreover, this is equivalent to the fact that a general hyperplane section $$H\in |H^0(S,{\mathcal {L}})|$$

H
∈
|

H
0

(
S
,
L
)

|

of S is the projection of a curve C contained in the Veronese surface $$V\subseteq {\mathbb {P}}^5$$

V
⊆

P

5

, from a point $$x\in V\backslash C$$

x
∈
V
\
C

.
The Assessment of Early Complications and Risk Factors Affecting Their Occurrence in Breast Reconstructive Procedures
Authors: Jończyk Justyna , Jankau Jerzy
Published: May 2021

The presence of postoperative complications may have a significant impact on the outcome of the breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate early postoperative complications and the risk factors for their occurrence. A prospective analysis was carried out to evaluate surgical outcomes after breast reconstructive surgeries performed over a 2-year period. Procedures included expander/implant (TE/IMP), pedicle transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (pTRAM), and latissimus dorsi (LD) techniques. All adverse events which occurred within 6 weeks of surgery were ranked according to severity based on the contracted Accordion grading system. Outcomes were assessed for their association with surgical, demographic, and clinical variables. Sixty-one consecutive breast reconstruction procedures were analyzed. The overall complication rate was 60.7% (n = 37), and 8 patients (13.1%) required reoperation. The lowest complication rate was observed in implant-based reconstructions (TE/IMP, 18.8%; pTRAM, 72.7%; LD, 78.3%; p = 0.008). Mild complications occurred significantly more often after LD reconstructions (LD, 60.9%; pTRAM, 22.7%; TE/IMP, 12.5%; p = 0.031), while severe complications were significantly more frequent after the pTRAM procedures (pTRAM, 27.3%; TE/IMP, 6.2%; LD, 8.7%; p = 0.047). Severe complications were associated with higher rehospitalization rate (p = 0.010) and longer hospital stay. Study revealed a significant impact of the operative method on the incidence and severity of early complications after breast reconstruction procedures with little effect from other demographic and clinical factors.
Equitable and Reasonable Utilization and the Obligation Against Causing Significant Harm – Are they Reconcilable?
Authors: Salman Salman M.A.
Published: May 2021

The relationship between the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization and the obligation against causing significant harm has been the most challenging issue in the long history of the evolution of international water law. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the genesis of the debate on the relationship between the two concepts, present the opposing positions of the different riparians thereon, and clarify how the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses has resolved this matter and rendered the two concepts reconcilable.
National Sovereignty Versus Transboundary Water Cooperation: Can You See International Law Reflected in the Water?
Authors: Sindico Francesco
Published: May 2021

Could Turkey dam the Tigris and Euphrates and deprive its downstream neighbors of vital water resources? Could Brazil over-pump the Guarani Aquifer System to the detriment of the other aquifer states? Could Egypt put pressure on upstream Nile states and prevent them from developing river related infrastructure that might limit downstream flow? International law in the field of transboundary water cooperation has evolved and would appear to condemn unilateral practices such as the ones suggested above. However, hydro politics and the lack of reception of international water law instruments by many countries sometimes make it difficult to see international law properly reflected in the management of major rivers, lakes and aquifers around the world. In this essay, I first highlight what international law dictates when it comes to the tension between national sovereignty and transboundary water cooperation. I then explore how this tension plays out in the three examples noted above. Due to limited acceptance of the existing international, bilateral, or regional legal instruments, the resolution of the tension between national sovereignty and transboundary water cooperation will often be left to customary international law.
Impact of a statewide computed tomography scan educational campaign on radiation dose and repeat CT scan rates for transferred injured children
Authors: Nabaweesi Rosemary , Akmyradov Chary , Aitken Mary E. , Kenney Phillip J. , Ramakrishnaiah Raghu H.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

Research demonstrates that children receive twice as much medical radiation from Computed Tomography (CT) scans performed at non-pediatric facilities as equivalent CTs performed at pediatric trauma centers (PTCs). In 2014, AFMC outreach staff educated Emergency Department (ED) staff on appropriate CT imaging utilization to reduce unnecessary medical radiation exposure. We set out to determine the educational campaign’s impact on injured children received radiation dose.

Methods:

All injured children who underwent CT imaging and were transferred to a Level I PTC during 2010 to 2013 (pre-campaign) and 2015 (post-campaign) were reviewed. Patient demographics, mode of transportation, ED length of stay, scanned body region, injury severity score, and trauma center level were analyzed. Median effective radiation dose (ERD) controlled for each variable, pre-campaign and post-campaign, was compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results:

Three hundred eighty-five children under 17 years were transferred from 45 and 48 hospitals, pre- and post-campaign. Most (43%) transferring hospitals were urban or critical access hospitals (30%). Pre- and post-campaign patient demographics were similar. We analyzed 482 and 398 CT scans pre- and post-campaign. Overall, median ERD significantly decreased from 3.80 to 2.80. Abdominal CT scan ERD declined significantly from 7.2 to 4.13 (P-value 0.03). Head CT scan ERD declined from 3.27 to 2.45 (P-value < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

A statewide, CT scan educational campaign contributed to ERD decline (lower dose scans and fewer repeat scans) among transferred injured children seen at PTCs. State-level interventions are feasible and can be effective in changing radiology provider practices.
Assessing the application of human-centered design to translational research
Authors: Norman Marie K. , Hamm Megan E. , Schenker Yael , Mayowski Colleen A. , Hierholzer William , Rubio Doris M. , Reis Steven E.
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Human-centered design (HCD) training offers the potential to improve both team processes and products. However, the use of HCD to improve the quality of team science is a relatively recent application, and its benefits and challenges have not been rigorously evaluated. We conducted a qualitative study with health sciences researchers trained in HCD methods. We aimed to determine how researchers applied HCD methods and perceived the benefits and barriers to using HCD on research teams.

Methods:

We conducted 1-hour, semi-structured interviews with trainees from three training cohorts. Interviews focused on perceptions of the training, subsequent uses of HCD, barriers and facilitators, and perceptions of the utility of HCD to science teams. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s process for thematic analysis.

Results:

We interviewed nine faculty and nine staff trained in HCD methods and identified four themes encompassing HCD use, benefits, challenges, and tensions between HCD approaches and academic culture.

Conclusions:

Trainees found HCD relevant to research teams for stakeholder engagement, research design, project planning, meeting facilitation, and team management. They also described benefits of HCD in five distinct areas: creativity, egalitarianism, structure, efficiency, and visibility. Our data suggest that HCD has the potential to help researchers work more inclusively and collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams and generate more innovative and impactful science. The application of HCD methods is not without challenges; however, we believe these challenges can be overcome with institutional investment.
A comparison of surgical site infections following total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgeries identified by Infection Prevention and Control and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ellison Jennifer J. R. , Boychuk Lesia R. , Chakravorty David , Chandran A. Uma , Conly John M. , Howatt Andrea , Kim Joseph , Litvinchuk Stacey , Pokhrel Arun , Shen Ye , Smith Christopher , Bush Kathryn
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To understand how the different data collections methods of the Alberta Health Services Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPC) and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) are affecting reported rates of surgical site infections (SSIs) following total hip replacements (THRs) and total knee replacements (TKRs).

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Four hospitals in Alberta, Canada.

Patients:

Those with THR or TKR surgeries between September 1, 2015, and March 31, 2018.

Methods:

Demographic information, complex SSIs reported by IPC and NSQIP were compared and then IPC and NSQIP data were matched with percent agreement and Cohen’s κ calculated. Statistical analysis was performed for age, gender and complex SSIs. A P value <.05 was considered significant.

Results:

In total, 7,549 IPC and 2,037 NSQIP patients were compared. The complex SSI rate for NSQIP was higher compared to IPC (THR: 1.19 vs 0.68 [P = .147]; TKR: 0.92 vs 0.80 [P = .682]). After matching, 7 SSIs were identified by both IPC and NSQIP; 3 were identified only by IPC, and 12 were identified only by NSQIP (positive agreement, 0.48; negative agreement, 1.0; κ = 0.48).

Conclusions:

Different approaches to monitor SSIs may lead to different results and trending patterns. NSQIP reports total SSI rates that are consistently higher than IPC. If systems are compared at any point in time, confidence on the data may be eroded. Stakeholders need to be aware of these variations and education provided to facilitate an understanding of differences and a consistent approach to SSI surveillance monitoring over time.
Case C-66/18 Comm'n v. Hungary (C.J.E.U.)
Authors: Kende Tamás , Puskás Gábor
Published: May 2021

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered a judgment on October 6, 2020 in case C-66/18 following long deliberations. The case concerned an amendment to the Hungarian law on national higher education (HEA) in 2017, requiring both new and established foreign universities in Hungary (the host state) to prove that they had a physical campus in their home state and, if their host and home states failed to conclude an international treaty on the university's operation in Hungary within a period of six months, they were forced to close and leave the Hungarian market. Of the 24 established foreign university programs in Hungary in 2017, one was particularly affected by the new requirement: an American university operating in Hungary, whose founder was at odds with the Hungarian Government, was forced to stop admitting students.
ON A PROBLEM OF ERDŐS ABOUT GRAPHS WHOSE SIZE IS THE TURÁN NUMBER PLUS ONE
Authors: QIAO PU , ZHAN XINGZHI
Published: May 2021

We consider finite simple graphs. Given a graph H and a positive integer
$n,$
the Turán number of H for the order
$n,$
denoted
$\mathrm {ex}(n,H),$
is the maximum size of a graph of order n not containing H as a subgraph. Erdős asked: ‘For which graphs H is it true that every graph on n vertices and
$\mathrm {ex}(n,H)+1$
edges contains at least two H’s? Perhaps this is always true.’ We solve this problem in the negative by proving that for every integer
$k\ge 4$
there exists a graph H of order k and at least two orders n such that there exists a graph of order n and size
$\mathrm {ex}(n,H)+1$
which contains exactly one copy of
$H.$
Denote by
$C_4$
the
$4$
-cycle. We also prove that for every integer n with
$6\le n\le 11$
there exists a graph of order n and size
$\mathrm {ex}(n,C_4)+1$
which contains exactly one copy of
$C_4,$
but, for
$n=12$
or
$n=13,$
the minimum number of copies of
$C_4$
in a graph of order n and size
$\mathrm {ex}(n,C_4)+1$
is two.
The Labor Movement As an Educational Movement: A Conceptual History of Sivistys Within the Finnish Workers’ Educational Association 1920s–1960s
Authors: Hakoniemi Elina
Published: May 2021

Education and popular adult education have been central in the development of Nordic societies, and as such, emphasis on education has also been an essential component of the Nordic labor movements. The article focuses on the conceptual history of sivistys (Bildung), a key concept and a characteristic element of the Finnish workers’ educational movement through the Finnish Workers’ Educational Association during its era of political education from the 1920s until the 1960s. Workers’ education took the concept sivistys from 19th century projects for people’s education, and thus tied workers’ education tightly to the broader field of Nordic popular adult education. In fact, the Finnish workers’ educational movement received more influence from Nordic people’s education than international socialist theories and programs for workers’ education – of which the use of the concept sivistys is a clear example.
Ship-to-ship dialogues and agreements for collision risk reduction
Authors: Argüelles Reyes Poo , García Maza Jesús A. , Martín Felipe Mateos , Bartolomé Marlene
Published: May 2021

Non-compliance with or misinterpretation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) when assessing vessel encounters, and the lack of good communication between the vessels involved in a critical situation, are primary contributing factors in collisions. Vessels engaged in an encounter should be aware that they are part of the same scenario and situation, which can become critical. Sharing and contrasting their information about the encounter would help those responsible to take manoeuvring decisions in a consistent way. There are situations whose evaluation by the respective officers in charge of the navigational watch may diverge and lead to disagreements on the actions to be taken. If there is no proper inter-ship communication, a collision may result. This paper presents a proposal for safety communication implemented in a programmable system using common equipment (automatic identification system), and applies it to a case study of one such special situation, showing how it could help to reduce the risk of collision.
The challenging task to select Salmonella target serovars in poultry: the Italian point of view
Authors: Leati Marta , Zaccherini Alessandra , Ruocco Luigi , D'Amato Stefania , Busani Luca , Villa Laura , Barco Lisa , Ricci Antonia , Cibin Veronica
Published: May 2021

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) annual report, human salmonellosis is mostly related to consumption of contaminated poultry products. Since 2003 in Europe, the Salmonella serovars considered relevant for human health and subject to control in breeding hens of Gallus gallus are: S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium (including the monophasic variant), S. Infantis, S. Hadar and S. Virchow. Herein, we investigated the Italian epidemiological situation from 2016 to 2018, comparing Salmonella serovar distributions in humans and poultry, in order to identify the target Salmonella serovars that, if controlled, would potentially have the largest public health impact in Italy. The results showed that control of S. Virchow and S. Hadar does no longer seem to be a priority in Italy and that S. Napoli and S. Derby, which are not included in the group of EU target serovars, are among the most frequent serovars isolated from humans in Italy. While S. Derby has its main reservoir in pigs, S. Napoli does not have a specific reservoir. However, because this serovar is frequently isolated from breeding poultry flocks and is characterised by causing severe human illness, it is a potential target Salmonella serovar in breeding hens of Gallus gallus in Italy.
Proof-directed program transformation: A functional account of efficient regular expression matching
Authors: FILINSKI ANDRZEJ
Published: May 2021

We show how to systematically derive an efficient regular expression (regex) matcher using a variety of program transformation techniques, but very little specialized formal language and automata theory. Starting from the standard specification of the set-theoretic semantics of regular expressions, we proceed via a continuation-based backtracking matcher, to a classical, table-driven state machine. All steps of the development are supported by self-contained (and machine-verified) equational correctness proofs.
Effects of universal critical CHD screening of neonates at a mid-sized California congenital cardiac surgery centre
Authors: Miller Robin , Martens Timothy , Jodhka Upinder , Tran Jade , Lion Richard , Bock Matthew J
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

CHD affects over 1 million children in the United States. Studies show decreased mortality from CHD with newborn cardiac screening. California began a screening programme on 1 July, 2013. We evaluated the effect of mandatory screening on surgical outcomes at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital since 1 July, 2013.

Methods:

We evaluated all infants having congenital heart surgery at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital between 1 July, 2013 and 31 December, 2018. Primary target diagnoses include hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, tetralogy of Fallot, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, transposition of the great arteries, tricuspid atresia, and truncus arteriosus. Secondary target diagnoses include aortic coarctation, double outlet right ventricle, Ebstein anomaly, interrupted aortic arch, and single ventricle. Patients were stratified by timing of diagnosis (pre-screen, screen positive, and screen negative). Primary end points were post-operative length of stay, operative mortality, absolute mortality, and actuarial survival.

Results:

The cohort included 274 infants. Of these, 79% were diagnosed prior to screening (46% prenatally). Only 38% of those screened were positive, with 13% of the cohort having a “missed diagnosis.”

Conclusions:

Primary targets were more likely to be diagnosed by screening (53%), while secondary targets were unlikely to be diagnosed by screening (10%) (p = 0.004). Outcomes such as length of stay, operative mortality, and actuarial survival were not different based on timing of diagnosis (p > 0.05). Despite late diagnosis, those not diagnosed until after screening did not have adverse outcomes.
Understanding and managing the complex balance between bleeding and thrombosis following cardiopulmonary bypass in paediatric cardiac surgical patients
Authors: Cohen Jordan A. , Faraoni David , Vener David F.
Published: May 2021

Bleeding in the perioperative period of congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with increased morbidity and mortality both from the direct effects of haemorrhage as well as the therapies deployed to restore haemostasis. Perioperative bleeding is complex and multifactorial with both patient and procedural contributions. Moreover, neonates and infants are especially at risk. The objective of this review is to summarise the evidence regarding bleeding management in paediatric surgical patients and identify strategies that might facilitate appropriate bleeding management while minimising the risk of thrombosis. We will address the use of standard and point-of-care tests, and the role of contemporary coagulation factors and other novel drugs.
Space missions: psychological and psychopathological issues
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Arone Alessandro , Ivaldi Tea , Kuts Konstantin , Loganovsky Konstantin
Published: May 2021

Exploring space is one of the most attractive goals that humanity ever set, notwithstanding, there are some psychological and psychopathological risks that should be considered. Several studies identified some possible hazards of space travels and related physical and psychological consequences on astronauts. If some psychological reactions are obviously inherent to the characteristics of the spaceships (habitability, confinement, psychological, and interpersonal relationships), other (disturbances of sleep-wake cycle, personality changes, depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosomatic symptoms, neurovestibular problems, alterations in cognitive function, and sensory perception) represent a clear warning of possible central nervous system (CNS) alterations, possibly due to microgravity and cosmic radiation. Such conditions and eventual CNS changes might compromise the success of missions and the ability to cope with unexpected events and may lead to individual and long-term impairments. Therefore, further studies are needed, perhaps, requiring the birth of a novel branch of psychology/psychiatry that should not only consider the risks related to space exploration, but the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent them.
The Seductions of Clarity
Authors: Nguyen C. Thi
Published: May 2021

The feeling of clarity can be dangerously seductive. It is the feeling associated with understanding things. And we use that feeling, in the rough-and-tumble of daily life, as a signal that we have investigated a matter sufficiently. The sense of clarity functions as athought-terminating heuristic. In that case, our use of clarity creates significant cognitive vulnerability, which hostile forces can try to exploit. If an epistemic manipulator can imbue a belief system with an exaggerated sense of clarity, then they can induce us to terminate our inquiries too early – before we spot the flaws in the system. How might the sense of clarity be faked? Let’s first consider the object of imitation: genuine understanding. Genuine understanding grants cognitive facility. When we understand something, we categorize its aspects more easily; we see more connections between its disparate elements; we can generate new explanations; and we can communicate our understanding. In order to encourage us to accept a system of thought, then, an epistemic manipulator will want the system to provide its users with an exaggerated sensation of cognitive facility. The system should provide its users with the feeling that they can easily and powerfully create categorizations, generate explanations, and communicate their understanding. And manipulators have a significant advantage in imbuing their systems with a pleasurable sense of clarity, since they are freed from the burdens of accuracy and reliability. I offer two case studies of seductively clear systems: conspiracy theories; and the standardized, quantified value systems of bureaucracies.
The Limits of Meritocracy in Stabilizing Democracy and the Twin Importance of Bureaucratic Impartiality and Effectiveness
Authors: Andersen David Delfs Erbo
Published: May 2021

Theories connecting meritocracy and democratic stability are heavily understudied, and there are few attempts to empirically disentangle the potential mechanisms. This article proposes a novel explanation, emphasizing that bureaucratic impartiality and effectiveness provide separate shields that stabilize democracies. Impartiality protects the opposition from unlawful discrimination, which raises support for democracy among the (potential) losers of elections and reduces the incentives to rebel or stage coups d’état, whereas effectiveness serves incumbent policies, which raises support among the (potential) winners and reduces the likelihood of incumbent takeovers. I find support for these propositions in comparative-historical analyses of a few paradigmatic cases—interwar Finland, Czechoslovakia, and Germany—with similar levels of economic development, imperial-autocratic legacies, and meritocratic types of administration but different regime outcomes. The results show that both impartial and effective bureaucratic behavior rather than meritocratic recruitment norms as such are important stabilizers of democracy. Yet they emphasize the importance of bureaucratic effectiveness in raising the perception that votes count to change outcomes on the ground and thus that democracy makes a difference. I argue that this should have a wider significance for the study of contemporary processes of democratic recession.
Varieties of Social Democracy and Cooperativism: Explaining the Historical Divergence between Housing Regimes in Nordic and German-Speaking Countries
Authors: Kohl Sebastian , Sørvoll Jardar
Published: May 2021

The historical-comparative study of social democracy and cooperative organization are the foster children of historical sociology. This article offers a first account of systematic ideological differences in social-democratic ideology regarding private ownership and different cooperative traditions in the housing sphere of Northern European and continental German-speaking countries. The long-run trajectory of housing welfare regimes in these two country groups has been one of divergence: Nordic countries have moved to Anglo-Saxon levels of high homeownership, high levels of mortgage indebtedness, and house price increases, whereas private tenancy, lower indebtedness, and lower price increases still characterize their German counterparts. Based on historical case studies of Germany and Norway, we argue that the divergence in these two countries can be understood by the different social-democratic and cooperative solutions to the urban housing question from the 1920s onward. Supported by a pro-ownership social democracy, Norway started to develop housing cooperatives of the owner cooperative type, whereas German social democracy was in favor of associations of the tenant cooperative type. The differential growth of these two types of cooperatives and disparities in social democratic party ideology contributed to the urban housing divergence between the two country groups that has been observed ever since. We argue, more generally, that varieties of social democracy and welfare-anticipating cooperative organizations are important in helping us understand the welfare differences between countries.
Association of vitamins, minerals, and lead with lipoprotein(a) in a cross-sectional cohort of US adults
Authors: Brandt Eric J. , Brandt Daniel J. , Desai Nihar R. , Spatz Erica S. , Nasir Khurram , Mani Arya
Published: May 2021

Abstract: Lipoprotein(a)(Lp[a]) is a low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)-like particle with potent pro-atherothrombotic properties. The association of Lp(a) with several circulating factors, including vitamins, remains unresolved. We performed an observational analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III cohort, a cohort used to monitor the nutrition status of US-citizens. We used multivariable linear regression to test associations of Lp(a) and LDL-C with levels of serum vitamins and minerals and whole-blood lead. Analyses controlled for factors known to associate with Lp(a) (age, sex, race/ethnicity, statin use, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, glomerular filtration rate, alcohol intake, and saturated fat intake). LDL-C was corrected for Lp(a) mass. Multiple sensitivity tests were performed, including considering factors as categorical variables (deficient, normal, elevated). Among 7,662 subjects, Lp(a) correlated (β-coefficient) positively (change per 1 conventional unit increase) with carotenoids (lycopene (0.17(0.06,0.28), p=0.005), lutein (0.19(0.07,0.30), p=0.002), β-cryptoxanthin (0.21(0.05,0.37), p=0.01), β-carotene (0.05(0.02,0.09), p=0.003), and α-carotene (0.15(0.01,0.30), p=0.04)) and lead (0.54(0.03,1.05), p=0.04) levels when tested as continuous variables. LDL-C had similar associations. Lp(a) did not associate with vitamins A, B12, C, or E retinyl esters, folate, RBC-folate, selenium, ferritin, transferrin saturation, or calcium. With factors as categorical variables, Lp(a) but not LDL-C negatively associated with elevated vitamin B12 (−5.41(−9.50, −1.53), p=0.01) and folate (−2.86(−5.09, −0.63), p=0.01). In conclusion, Lp(a) associated similarly to LDL-C when vitamins, minerals, and lead were tested as continuous variables, while only Lp(a) correlated with vitamin B12 and folate when tested as categorical variables. These observations are hypotheses generating and require further studies to determine causality.
The Influence of a Deep‐Water Intrusion on the Distribution of Chrysaora melanaster in the Southeastern Bering Sea
Authors: Huo Yuanzi , Decker Mary Beth , Wang Linlin , Zhao Jian , Lemoine Hayley , Lankowicz Katie , Bi Hongsheng
Published: May 2021

Scyphozoan jellyfish are conspicuous components of marine ecosystems, which during a bloom, can impact food web structure and economically important fisheries. Jellyfish biomass in the southeastern Bering Sea (SEBS) is primarily composed of Chrysaora melanaster and has varied widely over the past four decades, yet the underlying causes of these biomass fluctuations remain unclear. The present study investigated the spatial and seasonal dynamics of C. melanaster along the Alaska Peninsula in the SEBS using an adaptive resolution imaging sonar system and nets in June–July and September 2018. The abundance of C. melanaster was high in coastal waters near the Alaska Peninsula, with peak densities occurring east of Unimak Island in both sampling periods. The current pattern revealed by an acoustic Doppler current profiler showed that cold, deep water from Bering Canyon flowed onto the shelf east of Unimak Pass. Differences in the strength of this cross‐isobath, deep‐water intrusion were observed during the two sampling periods. This flow may have influenced the distribution of C. melanaster by constraining the mixed coastal water near of Unimak Island in June‐July and by transporting medusae westward, into deeper water in September, after the deep‐water intrusion weakened. The present study provides a new mechanistic understanding of how regional‐scale ocean variability in the SEBS affects C. melanaster distribution.
Estimating Vertical Land Motion and Residual Altimeter Systematic Errors Using a Kalman‐Based Approach
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad‐Hadi , Watson Christopher S. , King Matt A.
Published: May 2021

Vertical land motion (VLM) is the connection between absolute sea‐level (ASL) from a satellite altimeter (ALT) and relative sea‐level from a tide gauge (TG). VLM is often sparsely observed yet is required for understanding sea‐level rise. Many studies have sought to exploit ALT and TG data to infer VLM, yet regionally correlated systematic errors in altimetry have not been considered. We have developed a Kalman filtering and smoothing framework to simultaneously estimate location‐specific VLM and residual mission‐specific systematic errors in a geocentric reference frame. We used ALT minus TG, ALT crossovers and global positioning system (GPS) bedrock height observations in a multi‐stage solution approach that gradually separated time‐variable parameter estimates in an ill‐posed problem. We evaluated the performance of the method using the Jason‐series along‐track data in the Baltic Sea, where glacial isostatic adjustment is the dominant driver of VLM. We estimated local VLM variability at TGs of up to ∼4.5 mm/yr which is not evident in spatially interpolated GPS velocities. The estimated regional altimeter errors are significant and within the range of ∼±0.5–2.5 mm/yr. Our approach improves agreement between ASL estimates from ALT and TG records, provides a ∼20% decrease in root mean squared error of latitudinal ASL variability at TGs, and a reduction of the ASL rate from altimetry by ∼0.3 mm/yr across the region. This method advances the ALT‐TG approach to determining VLM at TG locations and systematic errors of altimetry, which is broadly applicable to other regional‐ and global‐scale studies.
Projecting Permafrost Thaw of Sub‐Arctic Tundra With a Thermodynamic Model Calibrated to Site Measurements
Authors: Garnello A. , Marchenko S. , Nicolsky D. , Romanovsky V. , Ledman J. , Celis G. , Schädel C. , Luo Y. , Schuur E. A. G.
Published: May 2021

Northern circumpolar permafrost thaw affects global carbon cycling, as large amounts of stored soil carbon becomes accessible to microbial breakdown under a warming climate. The magnitude of carbon release is linked to the extent of permafrost thaw, which is locally variable and controlled by soil thermodynamics. Soil thermodynamic properties, such as thermal diffusivity, govern the reactivity of the soil‐atmosphere thermal gradient, and are controlled by soil composition and drainage. In order to project permafrost thaw for an Alaskan tundra experimental site, we used seven years of site data to calibrate a soil thermodynamic model using a data assimilation technique. The model reproduced seasonal and interannual temperature dynamics for shallow (5–40 cm) and deep soil layers (2–4 m), and simulations of seasonal thaw depth closely matched observed data. The model was then used to project permafrost thaw at the site to the year 2100 using climate forcing data for three future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5). Minimal permafrost thawing occurred until mean annual air temperatures rose above the freezing point, after which we measured over a 1 m increase in thaw depth for every 1 °C rise in mean annual air temperature. Under no projected warming scenario was permafrost remaining in the upper 3 m of soil by 2100. We demonstrated an effective data assimilation method that optimizes parameterization of a soil thermodynamic model. The sensitivity of local permafrost to climate warming illustrates the vulnerability of sub‐Arctic tundra ecosystems to significant and rapid soil thawing.
Using Additional Moderator to Control the Footprint of a COSMOS Rover for Soil Moisture Measurement
Authors: Badiee Amir , Wallbank John R. , Fentanes Jaime Pulido , Trill Emily , Scarlet Peter , Zhu Yongchao , Cielniak Grzegorz , Cooper Hollie , Blake James R. , Evans Jonathan G. , Zreda Marek , Köhli Markus , Pearson Simon
Published: May 2021

Cosmic‐Ray Neutron Probes (CRNP) have found application in soil moisture (SM) estimation due to their conveniently large (>100 m) footprints. Here, we explore the possibility of using high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) moderator to limit the field of view, and hence, the footprint of a SM sensor formed of 12 CRNP mounted on to a mobile robotic platform (Thorvald) for better in‐field localization of moisture variation. Ultra Rapid Adaptable Neutron‐Only Simulation neutron scattering simulations are used to show that 5 cm of additional HDPE moderator (used to shield the upper surface and sides of the detector) is sufficient to (a) reduce the footprint of the detector considerably, (b) approximately double the percentage of neutrons detected from within 5 m of the detector, and (c) does not affect the shape of the curve used to convert neutron counts into SM. Simulation and rover measurements for a transect crossing between grass and concrete additionally suggest that (d) SM changes can be sensed over a length scales of tens of meters or less (roughly an order of magnitude smaller than commonly used footprint distances), and (e) the additional moderator does not reduce the detected neutron count rate (and hence increase noise) as much as might be expected given the extent of the additional moderator. The detector with additional HDPE moderator was also used to conduct measurements on a stubble field over three weeks to test the rover system in measuring spatial and temporal SM variation.
Composition of the Sub‐Cratonic Mantle of the Guiana Shield Inferred From Diamond‐Hosted Inclusions
Authors: Bassoo R. , Befus K. S.
Published: May 2021

The composition of diamond‐hosted inclusions provides insight into the character of the sub‐cratonic lithosphere of the Guiana Shield. Guyana's Paleoproterozoic diamonds preserve an inclusion suite comprised of forsterite (Fo ∼89.3–91.8), enstatite, chromite, and Cr‐pyrope. Raman thermobarometry of entrapped olivine and pyrope inclusions indicate entrapment pressures of ∼5.3–7.0 GPa. Unpolarized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements of forsterite and enstatite inclusions produce low absorbances from OH. Using established calibrations, those absorbances indicate forsterite and enstatite contain median values of 26 ± 14 and 14 ± 18 ppm H2O, respectively, and suggest a high effective viscosity of 1023.7 ± 2.1 Pa∙s for the lithospheric mantle. When combined with inclusion thermobarometry, diamond residence temperatures suggest paleo‐geotherms ranging from 35 to 40 mW m−2. Low‐to‐moderate Fe2O3 content (1.9 ± 0.8 wt.%) and low oxygen fugacity (log ƒO2 (ΔFMQ) −1.6 ± 1.1) determined from chromite inclusions indicate crystallization in reducing conditions. Forsterite and chromite inclusions retain evidence for metasomatic alteration, including Mn‐enrichment in forsterite and chromite rich in Zn. These characteristics indicate that the sub‐cratonic lithosphere of the Guiana Shield experienced episodes of partial melting and fluid‐driven metasomatism of dry, strongly viscous, and moderately depleted garnet‐spinel harzburgite. The Guiana Shield has been relatively stable since the Paleoproterozoic, meaning diamond inclusions may also provide the best means for understanding current conditions in the region's lithospheric mantle.
Submarine Canyon Oxygen Anomaly Caused by Mixing and Boundary‐Interior Exchange
Authors: McPhee‐Shaw Erika E. , Kunze Eric , Girton James B.
Published: May 2021

Closely spaced CTD stations showed elevated oxygen within Monterey Submarine Canyon. Anomalously high (2–5 μmol kg−1) dissolved oxygen was found between 600–1,100 m in the O2 minimum, co‐located with a turbulence hotspot caused by convergence of upcanyon, semidiurnal internal tidal energy flux. Furthermore, the oxygen anomaly extended >10 km downcanyon at the same depth and isopycnals of a previously identified intrusion predicted from buoyancy conservation. We show that dissolved oxygen and fine suspended particles act as independent tracers to (a) validate previous microstructure observations of intense turbulence extending >400 m above the bed (mab) at the canyon hotspot, and (b) track boundary‐interior exchange driven by mixing in the form of isopyncal‐spreading of anomalies away from a near‐boundary source. This study demonstrates the use of oxygen, commonly measured with shipboard profiling, as a tool for tracking mixing and lateral dispersal.
Stakeholder engagement to ensure the sustainability of biobanks: a survey of potential users of biobank services
Authors: Klingler Corinna , von Jagwitz-Biegnitz Magdaléna , Baber Ronny , Becker Karl-Friedrich , Dahl Edgar , Eibner Cornelius , Fuchs Jörg , Groenewold Maike K. , Hartung Mara Lena , Hummel Michael , Jahns Roland , Kirsten Romy , Kopfnagel Verena , Maushagen Regina , Nussbeck Sara Yasemin , Schoneberg Anne , Winter Theresa , Specht Cornelia
Published: May 2021

Biobanks are important infrastructures facilitating biomedical research. After a decade of rolling out such infrastructures, a shift in attention to the sustainability of biobanks could be observed in recent years. In this regard, an increase in the as yet relatively low utilisation rates of biobanks has been formulated as a goal. Higher utilisation rates can only be achieved if the perspectives of potential users of biobanks—particularly researchers not yet collaborating with biobanks—are adequately considered. To better understand their perspectives, a survey was conducted at ten different research institutions in Germany hosting a centralised biobank. The survey targeted potential users of biobank services, i.e. researchers working with biosamples. It addressed the general demand for biosamples, strategies for biosample acquisition/storage and reasons for/against collaborating with biobanks. In total, 354 researchers filled out the survey. Most interestingly, only a minority of researchers (12%) acquired their biosamples via biobanks. Of the respondents not collaborating with biobanks on sample acquisition, around half were not aware of the (services of the) respective local biobank. Those who actively decided against acquiring biosamples via a biobank provided different reasons. Most commonly, respondents stated that the biosamples required were not available, the costs were too high and information about the available biosamples was not readily accessible. Biobanks can draw many lessons from the results of the survey. Particularly, external communication and outreach should be improved. Additionally, biobanks might have to reassess whether their particular collection strategies are adequately aligned with local researchers’ needs.
The effect of obstructive sleep apnea on peripheral blood amino acid and biogenic amine metabolome at multiple time points overnight
Authors: Kiens Ott , Taalberg Egon , Ivanova Viktoria , Veeväli Ketlin , Laurits Triin , Tamm Ragne , Ottas Aigar , Kilk Kalle , Soomets Ursel , Altraja Alan
Published: May 2021

There are no clinical studies that have investigated the differences in blood serum metabolome between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and controls. In a single-center prospective observational study, we compared metabolomic profiles in the serum of OSA patients with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/h and control individuals. Peripheral blood was obtained at 3 different time points overnight: 9:00 p.m.; 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. We used a targeted approach for detecting amino acids and biogenic amines and analyzed the data with ranked general linear model for repeated measures. We recruited 31 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and 32 controls. Significant elevations in median concentrations of alanine, proline and kynurenine in OSA patients compared to controls were detected. Significant changes in the overnight dynamics of serum concentrations occurred in OSA: glutamine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, kynurenine and glycine levels increased, whereas a fall occurred in the same biomarker levels in controls. Phenylalanine and proline levels decreased slightly, compared to a steeper fall in controls. The study indicates that serum profiles of amino acid and biogenic amines are significantly altered in patients with OSA referring to vast pathophysiologic shifts reflected in the systemic metabolism.
Assessment of optogenetically-driven strategies for prosthetic restoration of cortical vision in large-scale neural simulation of V1
Authors: Antolik Jan , Sabatier Quentin , Galle Charlie , Frégnac Yves , Benosman Ryad
Published: May 2021

The neural encoding of visual features in primary visual cortex (V1) is well understood, with strong correlates to low-level perception, making V1 a strong candidate for vision restoration through neuroprosthetics. However, the functional relevance of neural dynamics evoked through external stimulation directly imposed at the cortical level is poorly understood. Furthermore, protocols for designing cortical stimulation patterns that would induce a naturalistic perception of the encoded stimuli have not yet been established. Here, we demonstrate a proof of concept by solving these issues through a computational model, combining (1) a large-scale spiking neural network model of cat V1 and (2) a virtual prosthetic system transcoding the visual input into tailored light-stimulation patterns which drive in situ the optogenetically modified cortical tissue. Using such virtual experiments, we design a protocol for translating simple Fourier contrasted stimuli (gratings) into activation patterns of the optogenetic matrix stimulator. We then quantify the relationship between spatial configuration of the imposed light pattern and the induced cortical activity. Our simulations in the absence of visual drive (simulated blindness) show that optogenetic stimulation with a spatial resolution as low as 100 $$\upmu$$
μ
m, and light intensity as weak as $$10^{16}$$

10
16

photons/s/cm$$^2$$

2

is sufficient to evoke activity patterns in V1 close to those evoked by normal vision.
A three-branch 3D convolutional neural network for EEG-based different hand movement stages classification
Authors: Liu Tianjun , Yang Deling
Published: May 2021

Motor Imagery is a classical method of Brain Computer Interaction, in which electroencephalogram (EEG) signal features evoked by the imaginary body movements are recognized, and relevant information is extracted. Recently, various deep learning methods are being focused on finding an easy-to-use EEG representation method that can preserve both temporal information as well as spatial information. To further utilize the spatial and temporal features of EEG signals, we proposed a 3D representation of EEG and an end-to-end EEG three-branch 3D convolutional neural network, to address the class imbalance problem (dataset show unequal distribution among their classes), we proposed a class balance cropped strategy. Experimental results indicated that there are also a problem of the different classification difficulty for different classes in motor stages classification tasks, we introduce focal loss to address problem of ‘easy-hard’ examples, when trained with the focal loss, the three-branch 3D-CNN network achieve good performance (relatively more balanced classification accuracy of binary classifications) on the WAY-EEG-GAL data set. Experimental results show that the proposed method is a good method, which can improve classification effect of different motor stages classification.