bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation, preservation and extinction of high-pressure minerals in meteorites: temperature effects in shock metamorphism and shock classification
Authors: Hu Jinping , Sharp Thomas G.
Published: January 2022

The goal of classifying shock metamorphic features in meteorites is to estimate the corresponding shock pressure conditions. However, the temperature variability of shock metamorphism is equally important and can result in a diverse and heterogeneous set of shock features in samples with a common overall shock pressure. In particular, high-pressure (HP) minerals, which were previously used as a solid indicator of high shock pressure in meteorites, require complex pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) histories to form and survive. First, parts of the sample must be heated to melting temperatures, at high pressure, to enable rapid formation of HP minerals before pressure release. Second, the HP minerals must be rapidly cooled to below a critical temperature, before the pressure returns to ambient conditions, to avoid retrograde transformation to their low-pressure polymorphs. These two constraints require the sample to contain large temperature heterogeneities, e.g. melt veins in a cooler groundmass, during shock. In this study, we calculated shock temperatures and possibleP–Tpaths of chondritic and differentiated mafic–ultramafic rocks for various shock pressures. TheseP–Tconditions and paths, combined with observations from shocked meteorites, are used to constrain shock conditions andP–T–thistories of HP-mineral bearing samples. The need for rapid thermal quench of HP phases requires a relatively low bulk-shock temperature and therefore moderate shock pressures below ~ 30 GPa, which matches the stabilities of these HP minerals. The low-temperature moderate-pressure host rock generally shows moderate shock-deformation features consistent with S4 and, less commonly, S5 shock stages. Shock pressures in excess of 50 GPa in meteorites result in melt breccias with high overall post-shock temperatures that anneal out HP-mineral signatures. The presence of ringwoodite, which is commonly considered an indicator of the S6 shock stage, is inconsistent with pressures in excess of 30 GPa and does not represent shock conditions different from S4 shock conditions. Indeed, ringwoodite and coexisting HP minerals should be considered as robust evidence for moderate shock pressures (S4) rather than extreme shock (S6) near whole-rock melting.
Characterization and management of interaction risks between livestock and wild ungulates on outdoor pig farms in Spain
Authors: Jiménez-Ruiz Saúl , Laguna Eduardo , Vicente Joaquín , García-Bocanegra Ignacio , Martínez-Guijosa Jordi , Cano-Terriza David , Risalde María A. , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: January 2022

Background

To control the transmission of relevant shared diseases, such as animal tuberculosis (TB) and African swine fever (ASF), it is essential to reduce the risk of interaction between livestock and wild ungulates. In Eastern and Central Europe, the current spread of ASF virus affecting wild boar and domestic pigs (especially those raised outdoors and/or in backyards) has devastated the pig sector in affected regions and is seriously threatening other exporting countries. Here, we evaluated the risk of wildlife-livestock interactions on 45 outdoor pig farms in Spain, the second largest pork producer in the EU and then proposed biosecurity-related actions. An integrated, systematic wildlife risk mitigation protocol based on interviews, questionnaires and field audits was developed and applied on each farm.

Results

Most of the interaction risk points were associated with water sources (84.2%; 701/832), mainly springs and ponds, which accounted for almost all the specific points with high or very high risk scores. The risk of interaction at feeding points (6.9%; 57/832) and those associated with facilities for livestock and/or game management (8.9%; 74/832) were rated as low and very low risk, respectively. Wild boar were present and hunted on 69% of the farms. Supplementary feeding for wild ungulate species (mainly wild boar) was provided on almost half (48.9%; 22/45) the surveyed farms. Risk mitigation actions were categorised to target water access, waterers, food, other livestock species, grazing, wildlife, and offal disposal. Of the total number of actions (n = 2016), 82.7% were identified as priority actions while 17.3% represented alternative options which were identified less cost-effective. On average, 37.1 (median: 32; range 14–113) action proposals per study farm were made and 2.0 (median: 1; range 0–4) per risk point. The mean estimated cost of implementing the proposed priority actions was 14,780 €/farm (25.7 €/hectare and 799.4 €/risk point).

Conclusions

This study expands the knowledge of interaction risks between domestic pigs and wild ungulates in outdoor pig farming systems and highlights the importance of considering local risks and management practices when designing and prioritising adapted wildlife risk mitigation and biosecurity actions. This practical and feasible protocol developed for Mediterranean ecosystems is easily transferable to professionals and can be adapted to extensive (outdoor) production or epidemiological systems in other European regions.
Profitability of technical trading strategies under market manipulation
Authors: Ma Alfred
Published: January 2022

Most technical trading strategies use the official closing price for analysis. But what is the effect when the official closing price is subject to market manipulation? This paper answers this question by testing the difference of profitabilities between using the official closing price and the last tick price. The results show a significant improvement of profitability by using the last tick price over the official closing price based on a data set in Hong Kong from 2011 to 2018.
Liquidity connectedness in cryptocurrency market
Authors: Hasan Mudassar , Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Arif Muhammad , Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: January 2022

We examine the dynamics of liquidity connectedness in the cryptocurrency market. We use the connectedness models of Diebold and Yilmaz (Int J Forecast 28(1):57–66, 2012) and Baruník and Křehlík (J Financ Econom 16(2):271–296, 2018) on a sample of six major cryptocurrencies, namely, Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Monero (XMR), and Dash. Our static analysis reveals a moderate liquidity connectedness among our sample cryptocurrencies, whereas BTC and LTC play a significant role in connectedness magnitude. A distinct liquidity cluster is observed for BTC, LTC, and XRP, and ETH, XMR, and Dash also form another distinct liquidity cluster. The frequency domain analysis reveals that liquidity connectedness is more pronounced in the short-run time horizon than the medium- and long-run time horizons. In the short run, BTC, LTC, and XRP are the leading contributor to liquidity shocks, whereas, in the long run, ETH assumes this role. Compared with the medium term, a tight liquidity clustering is found in the short and long terms. The time-varying analysis indicates that liquidity connectedness in the cryptocurrency market increases over time, pointing to the possible effect of rising demand and higher acceptability for this unique asset. Furthermore, more pronounced liquidity connectedness patterns are observed over the short and long run, reinforcing that liquidity connectedness in the cryptocurrency market is a phenomenon dependent on the time–frequency connectedness.
In silico screening method for non-responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure: a pilot study
Authors: Hwang Minki , Uhm Jae-Sun , Park Min Cheol , Shim Eun Bo , Lee Chan Joo , Oh Jaewon , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Joung Boyoung , Pak Hui-Nam , Kang Seok-Min , Lee Moon-Hyoung
Published: January 2022

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment option for patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. However, the problem of some patients not responding to CRT remains unresolved. This study aimed to propose a novel in silico method for CRT simulation.

Methods

Three-dimensional heart geometry was constructed from computed tomography images. The finite element method was used to elucidate the electric wave propagation in the heart. The electric excitation and mechanical contraction were coupled with vascular hemodynamics by the lumped parameter model. The model parameters for three-dimensional (3D) heart and vascular mechanics were estimated by matching computed variables with measured physiological parameters. CRT effects were simulated in a patient with HF and left bundle branch block (LBBB). LV end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (LVESV), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and CRT responsiveness measured from the in silico simulation model were compared with those from clinical observation. A CRT responder was defined as absolute increase in LVEF ≥ 5% or relative increase in LVEF ≥ 15%.

Results

A 68-year-old female with nonischemic HF and LBBB was retrospectively included. The in silico CRT simulation modeling revealed that changes in LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF by CRT were from 174 to 173 mL, 116 to 104 mL, and 33 to 40%, respectively. Absolute and relative ΔLVEF were 7% and 18%, respectively, signifying a CRT responder. In clinical observation, echocardiography showed that changes in LVEDV, LVESV, and LVEF by CRT were from 162 to 119 mL, 114 to 69 mL, and 29 to 42%, respectively. Absolute and relative ΔLVESV were 13% and 31%, respectively, also signifying a CRT responder. CRT responsiveness from the in silico CRT simulation model was concordant with that in the clinical observation.

Conclusion

This in silico CRT simulation method is a feasible technique to screen for CRT non-responders in patients with HF and LBBB.
Does robotic technology successfully restore the joint line after total knee arthroplasty? A retrospective analysis
Authors: Agrawal Varun O. , Gadekar Anup P. , Vaidya Narendra
Published: January 2022

Background

Our study aims to determine the effectiveness of robotic technology for total knee arthroplasty in the successful restoration of the joint line of the knee with respect to that of a normal human anatomical knee. The restoration of the joint line is an important technical goal on which the postoperative outcomes and the success of the surgery depend.

Methods

Sixty-four postoperative plain anteroposterior radiographs of 60 patients, who received total knee arthroplasty by using the robotic technology were analyzed and compared with 66 similar radiographs of 60 patients who received the conventional method. The distances of the lateral epicondyle to the joint line (LEJL) and proximal tibiofibular joint to the joint line (PTFJJL) were calculated and analyzed.

Results

We found that the mean value of LEJL minus PTFJJL in the robotic group was 0.334 ± 0.115 (mean ± SD), while in the conventional group, it was 2.304 ± 0.308. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. The mean ratio (LEJL:PTFJJL) in the robotic group was also equal to 1.017 ± 0.042.

Conclusion

From these findings it could be concluded that the robotic technology significantly increases the accuracy of the total knee arthroplasty and, compared to the conventional method, achieves an almost anatomical position of the joint line.
Phytochemical analysis and thrombolytic profiling of Costus afer stem fractions
Authors: Ogugofor Martins Obinna , Njoku Ugochi Olivia , Njoku Obioma Uzoma , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: January 2022

Background

The most commonly occurring mechanism driving ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction is thrombosis. It is normally characterized by platelet activation and aggregation. Thrombolytics have been used in the treatment of several forms of thrombosis, but their adverse effects have limited their usefulness. Thus, there is a need to develop alternatives from medicinal plants known to possess antithrombotic activity such asCostus afer.

Results

The phytochemical evaluations indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins. The antithrombotic profiling showed that streptokinase had the highest percentage clot lysis, followed by ethylacetate fraction of the extract, which was higher than aspirin and other fractions of the extract.

Conclusion

The present findings show thatC. aferstem extract and various fractions possess antithrombotic activities. However, further studies are needed to characterize the antithrombotic bioactive compounds present in the different fractions that are responsible for the activities.
Optimization of miR-22 expression cassette for rAAV delivery on diabetes
Authors: Yang Li , Du Wenya , Zheng Zhaoyue , Wang Li , Xiao Lin , Yang Qingzhe , Hao Qiukui , Zhou Jiao , Du Jintao , Li Jun , Valencia C. Alexander , Dong Birong , Chow Hoi Yee , Fu Xianghui , Dong Biao
Published: January 2022

MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) was suggested to be important for type 2 diabetes but its functions for this disease remained unclear. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated miR delivery is a powerful approach to study miR functions in vivo, however, the overexpression of miR-22 by rAAV remains challenging because it is one of the most abundant miRs in the liver. In this study, a series of expression cassettes were designed and compared. It was shown that different lengths of primary miR-22 were overexpressed in HEK293 and HeLa cells but the longer ones were more efficiently expressed. miR-22 may be placed in either introns or the 3′ UTR of a transgene for efficient overexpression. RNA polymerase III or II promoters were successfully utilized for miR expression but the latter showed higher expression levels in cell lines. Specifically, miR-22 was expressed efficiently together with an EGFP gene. After screening, a liver-specific TTR promoter was chosen to overexpress miR-22 in diabetic mice fed a high-fat diet. It was shown that miR-22 was overexpressed 2-3 folds which improved the insulin sensitivity significantly. The approach utilized in this study to optimize miR overexpression is a powerful tool for the creation of efficient rAAV vectors for the other miRs.
Introduction to this special section: Seismic acquisition
Authors: Millis Keith , Richard Guillaume , Li Chengbo
Published: January 2022

In the life cycle of a seismic product, the lion's share of the budget and personnel hours is spent on acquisition. In most modern seismic surveys, acquisition involves hundreds of specialized personnel working for months or years. Seismic acquisition also must overcome potential liabilities and health, safety, and environmental concerns that rival facility, pipeline, construction, and other operational risks. As only properly acquired data can contribute effectively to processing and interpretation strategies, a great deal of importance is placed on acquisition quality. Arguably, many of the advances the seismic industry has experienced find their origin arising from advances in acquisition techniques. Full-waveform inversion (FWI), for example, can reach its full potential only when seismic acquisition has provided both low frequencies and long offsets.
The Wolfspar experience with low-frequency seismic source field data: Motivation, processing, and implications
Authors: Brenders Andrew , Dellinger Joe , Ahmed Imtiaz , Díaz Esteban , Gherasim Mariana , Jin Hu , Vyas Madhav , Naranjo John
Published: January 2022

The promise of fully automatic full-waveform inversion (FWI) — a (seismic) data-driven velocity model building process — has proven elusive in complex geologic settings, with impactful examples using field data unavailable until recently. In 2015, success with FWI at the Atlantis Field in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico demonstrated that semiautomatic velocity model building is possible, but it also raised the question of what more might be possible if seismic data tailor-made for FWI were available (e.g., with increased source-receiver offsets and bespoke low-frequency seismic sources). Motivated by the initial value case for FWI in settings such as the Gulf of Mexico, beginning in 2007 and continuing into 2021 BP designed, built, and field tested Wolfspar, an ultralow-frequency seismic source designed to produce seismic data tailor-made for FWI. A 3D field trial of Wolfspar was conducted over the Mad Dog Field in the Gulf of Mexico in 2017–2018. Low-frequency source (LFS) data were shot on a sparse grid (280 m inline, 2 to 4 km crossline) and recorded into ocean-bottom nodes simultaneously with air gun sources shooting on a conventional dense grid (50 m inline, 50 m crossline). Using the LFS data with FWI to improve the velocity model for imaging produced only incremental uplift in the subsalt image of the reservoir, albeit with image improvements at depths greater than 25,000 ft (approximately 7620 m). To better understand this, reprocessing and further analyses were conducted. We found that (1) the LFS achieved its design signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) goals over its frequency range; (2) the wave-extrapolation and imaging operators built into FWI and migration are very effective at suppressing low-frequency noise, so that densely sampled air gun data with a low S/N can still produce useable model updates with low frequencies; and (3) data density becomes less important at wider offsets. These results may have significant implications for future acquisition designs with low-frequency seismic sources going forward.
Memorial
Authors: Li Xiang-Yang , Chapman Mark , Liu Enru
Published: January 2022

Hengchang Dai, 1957–2021
Seismic Soundoff: The major opportunities and challenges for SEG
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: January 2022

In this episode, SEG President Anna Shaughnessy discusses the major opportunities and challenges facing SEG and the geosciences in the years ahead. She discusses the recently formed Strategic Options Task Force and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee, offers words of wisdom to young geoscientists, and showcases the Geophysical Sustainability Atlas. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/13633 .
Hands-On Training Courses for Cervical Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Procedures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Phoolcharoen Natacha , Varon Melissa Lopez , Baker Ellen , Parra Sonia , Carns Jennifer , Cherry Katelin , Smith Chelsey , Sonka Theresa , Doughtie Kathleen , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Richards-Kortum Rebecca , Schmeler Kathleen , Salcedo Mila Pontremoli
Published: January 2022

In 2018, there were approximately 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer worldwide. More than 85% of cases occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), primarily because of poor access to screening and a limited number of medical providers trained to diagnose and treat cervical precancerous lesions. Our objective was to provide locally arranged, hands-on training courses for medical providers in LMICs to learn to perform cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. The courses included didactic lectures and hands-on training stations using low-cost simulation models developed by bioengineers and students at Rice University in Houston, TX, United States, and the Malawi Polytechnic in Blantyre, Malawi. The hands-on training stations included visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), colposcopy, cervical biopsy, endocervical curettage, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), and thermal ablation. Provider pre- and postcourse confidence levels in performing the procedures were evaluated. From February 2017 to January 2020, we arranged 15 hands-on training courses in seven cities across six countries (El Salvador, Mozambique, Trinidad and Tobago, Lesotho, Malawi, and Nepal). Overall, there were 506 participants. The average number of participants per course was 38 (range 19-92). The participants included doctors, nurses, and midwives. The course duration varied from 1 to 3 days. Increased confidence in performing VIA, colposcopy and cervical biopsy, ablation, and LEEP was reported by 69%, 71%, 61%, and 76% of participants, respectively. Our findings suggest that locally arranged, hands-on cervical cancer prevention training courses in LMICs can improve provider confidence in performing cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. These courses are part of a larger strategy to build local capacity for delivering and improving cervical cancer prevention services in LMICs.
Inoperable Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy and Rationale for Systemic Therapy
Authors: Daly Megan E.
Published: January 2022

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is the standard treatment for medically inoperable, early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer. SABR results in high rates of in-field tumor control, but among larger and more biologically aggressive tumors, regional and distant failures are problematic. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is rarely used in this patient population and the benefit is unclear. Alternative systemic therapy options with a milder side-effect profile are of considerable interest, and several randomized phase III trials are currently testing immune checkpoint inhibitors in this setting. We review the rationale, data, and ongoing studies evaluating systemic therapy in medically inoperable, early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer treated with SABR.
Patient-Centered Palliative Care for Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer
Authors: Temel Jennifer S. , Petrillo Laura A. , Greer Joseph A.
Published: January 2022

The evidence base demonstrating the benefits of an early focus on palliative care for patients with serious cancers, including advanced lung cancer, is substantial. Early involvement of specialty-trained palliative care clinicians in the care of patients with advanced lung cancer improves patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life, and health care delivery, including hospice utilization. Since the time that many of these palliative care trials were conducted, the paradigm of cancer care for many cancers, including lung cancer, has changed dramatically. The majority of patients with advanced lung cancer are now treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors or targeted therapies, both of which have had a significant impact on patient's experience and outcomes. With this changing landscape of lung cancer therapeutics, patients are facing new and different challenges, including dealing with novel side effect profiles and coping with greater uncertainty regarding their prognosis. Patients who are living longer with their advanced cancer also struggle with how to address survivorship issues, such as sexual health and exercise, and decision making about end-of-life care. Although palliative care clinicians remain well-suited to address these care needs, they may need to learn new skills to support patients treated with novel therapies. Additionally, as the experience of patients with advanced lung cancer is becoming more varied and individualized, palliative care research interventions and clinical programs should also be delivered in a patient-centered manner to best meet patient's needs and improve their outcomes. Tailored and technology-based palliative care interventions are promising strategies for delivering patient-centered palliative care.
Outcomes of Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Who Received Inpatient Palliative Care Consultation
Authors: Pasquarella Anthony V. , Islam Shahidul , Ramdhanny Angela , Gendy Mina , Pinto Priya , Braunstein Marc J.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE:

Palliative care (PC) plays an established role in improving outcomes in patients with solid tumors, yet these services are underutilized in hematologic malignancies (HMs). We reviewed records of hospitalized patients with active HM to determine associations between PC consultation and length of stay, intensive care unit stay, 30-day readmission, and 6-month mortality compared with those who were not seen by PC.

METHODS:

We reviewed all oncology admissions at our institution between 2013 and 2019 and included patients with HM actively on treatment, stratified by those seen by PC to controls not seen by PC. Groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests on the basis of the type and distribution of data. Multiple logistic regression models with stepwise variable selection methods were used to find predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS:

Three thousand six hundred fifty-four admissions were reviewed, among which 370 unique patients with HM were included. Among these, 102 (28%) patients saw PC, whereas the remaining 268 were controls with similar comorbidities. When compared with controls, PC consultation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in 30-day readmissions (16% v 27%; P = .024), increased length of stay (11.5 v 6 days; P < .001), increased intensive care unit admission (28% v 9%; P < .001), and increased 6-month mortality (67% v 15%; P < .001). These data were confirmed in multivariable models.

CONCLUSION:

In this retrospective study, more than two thirds of patients with HM did not receive PC consultation despite having similar comorbidities, suggesting that inpatient PC consultation is underutilized in patients with HM, despite the potential for decreased readmission rates.
Use of Palliative Care Among Commercially Insured Patients With Metastatic Cancer Between 2001 and 2016
Authors: Ferrario Alessandra , Zhang Fang , Ross-Degnan Dennis , Wharam J. Frank , Twaddle Martha L. , Wagner Anita K.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE:

Early palliative care, concomitant with disease-directed treatments, is recommended for all patients with advanced cancer. This study assesses population-level trends in palliative care use among a large cohort of commercially insured patients with metastatic cancer, applying an expanded definition of palliative care services based on claims data.

METHODS:

Using nationally representative commercial insurance claims data, we identified patients with metastatic breast, colorectal, lung, bronchus, trachea, ovarian, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver cancers and melanoma between 2001 and 2016. We assessed the annual proportions of these patients who received services specified as, or indicative of, palliative care. Using Cox proportional hazard models, we assessed whether the time from diagnosis of metastatic cancer to first encounter of palliative care differed by demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, or region.

RESULTS:

In 2016, 36% of patients with very poor prognosis cancers received a service specified as, or indicative of, palliative care versus 18% of those with poor prognosis cancers. Being diagnosed in more recent years (2009-2016 v 2001-2008: hazard ratio [HR], 1.8; P < .001); a diagnosis of metastatic esophagus, liver, lung, or pancreatic cancer, or melanoma ( v breast cancer, eg, esophagus HR, 1.89; P < .001); a greater number of comorbidities (American Hospital Formulary Service classes > 10 v 0: HR, 1.71; P < .001); and living in the Northeast (HR, 1.43; P < .001) or Midwest ( v South: HR, 1.39; P < .001) were the strongest predictors of shorter time from diagnosis to palliative care.

CONCLUSION:

Use of palliative care among commercially insured patients with advanced cancers has increased since 2001. However, even with an expanded definition of services specified as, or indicative of, palliative care, < 40% of patients with advanced cancers received palliative care in 2016.
Fourth-order exceptional points with spinning resonators
Authors: Qin Haoye , Yin Yiheng , Ding Ming
Published: January 2022

Investigation of exceptional points mostly focuses on the second-order case and employs the gain-involved parity-time (PT) symmetric systems. Here, we propose an approach to implementing fourth-order exceptional points (FOEPs) using directly coupled optical resonators with rotation. On resonance, the system manifests FOEP through tuning the spinning velocity to targeted values. Eigenfrequency bifurcation and enhanced sensitivity for nanoparticle have been presented. Also, near FOEP, nonreciprocal light propagation exhibits great boost and dramatic change, which may be applied to high-efficiency isolators and circulators.
Metabolic Profiling of Obesity With and Without the Metabolic Syndrome: A Multisample Evaluation
Authors: Lind Lars , Salihovic Samira , Sundström Johan , Elmståhl Sölve , Hammar Ulf , Dekkers Koen , Ärnlöv Johan , Smith J Gustav , Engström Gunnar , Fall Tove
Published: January 2022

Context

There is a dispute whether obesity without major metabolic derangements may represent a benign condition or not.

Objective

We aimed to compare the plasma metabolome in obese subjects without metabolic syndrome (MetS) with normal-weight subjects without MetS and with obese subjects with MetS.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study at 2 academic centers in Sweden. Individuals from 3 population-based samples (EpiHealth, n = 2342, SCAPIS-Uppsala, n = 4985, and SCAPIS-Malmö, n = 3978) were divided into groups according to their body mass index (BMI) and presence/absence of MetS (National Cholesterol Education Program [NCEP]/consensus criteria). In total, 791 annotated endogenous metabolites were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

We observed major differences in metabolite profiles (427 metabolites) between obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and normal-weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) subjects without MetS after adjustment for major lifestyle factors. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted branch-chained and aromatic amino acid synthesis/metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and sphingolipid metabolism. The same pathways, and similar metabolites, were also highlighted when obese subjects with and without MetS were compared despite adjustment for BMI and waist circumference, or when the metabolites were related to BMI and number of MetS components in a continuous fashion. Similar metabolites and pathways were also related to insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) in a separate study (POEM, n = 501).

Conclusion

Our data suggest a graded derangement of the circulating metabolite profile from lean to obese to MetS, in particular for metabolites involved in amino acid synthesis/metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. Insulin resistance is a plausible mediator of this gradual metabolic deterioration.
Nadja Danilenko. Picturing the Islamicate World: The Story of al-Iṣṭakhrī’s Book of Routes and Realms
Authors: Savadi Fateme
Published: January 2022

The review of the book.
The Model of Universals in Kalam Atomism: On al-Juwaynī’s Theory of al-Aḥwal
Authors: Aktaş Mehmet
Published: January 2022

The theory of ahwāl, which can be evaluated as the understanding of universals of Imām al-Haremeyn Ebü’l-Maālī al-Juwaynī (d. 478/1085) and its earlier Ash‘arī theological system, is also considered as the common truths of this system. However, in this period, two different conceptions of truth stand out: those who adopt the theory of ahwāl and those who do not. While those who reject ahwāl evaluate the truths in a nominal framework, those who defend this theory talk about the common state and truth for the existing (mevcūd) in a realistic manner. In this direction, although they have approached the Aristotelian understanding of universal by capturing a realist method through the theory of states, there are fundamental differences between them. Although the Aristotelian understanding of the universal is about the objects, the ahwāl of the Theologians are limited to the essence-accident binary, which are the building blocks of objects in the created (hādis) universe. In other words the Theologians are realists in the building blocks of objects, but nominalists in the object’s layer. In addition, ahwāl are not accepted as subject in propositions, unlike Aristotelian universals. Because of this form of the ahwāl, the second essences were not included in the Ash‘arī theology of the period. Finally, ahwāl are accepted as adjectives beyond the figurative narrative. For this reason, although the “place” of states is still uncertain, this place is not the word, mind, object or beyond-object. In this framework, the theory of states will be evaluated in three ways in this article, namely “figure”, “extend” and “place”.
Criticism of the Neo-Classical Salafı Understanding Forming the Discourse of Religious Exclusivism An Evaluation on the Specifics of the Critiques Aimed at Fakhr al-Dın al-Razı Regarding the Epistemological Value of Language
Authors: Cengiz Mehdi
Published: January 2022

Al-Rāzī stated that specific criteria should exist for interpreting religious texts, with one of the two in particular prioritizing the conflict of ʿaql [reason] and naql [revelation]. Accordingly, he developed the theory of the hypothetical nature of linguistic evidence. According to al-Rāzī’s theory, literary evidence have been exposed to possible errors from transferring al-nahw [lexicography, morphology, and grammar] rules to the present day; different linguistic possibilities such as figurative speech homonymy and transfer of meanings (naql al-lugha) are likely to have occurred in the process. Therefore, religious texts do not express certainty when qarīnas [contextual clues] are absent. Ibn Taymiyya and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, leading names in the neo-classical Salafī understanding, described the view that literal evidence does not express ʿilm [definitive knowledge] but rather expresses Ûann [speculative knowledge] as taghūt [an idol], criticizing it to have a marginalizing and exclusionary style. The present article will examine the discourse of religious exclusivism produced within the framework of the hypotheticality of language and will show that this discourse is caused by Ibn Taymiyya’s and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya’s words being misunderstood. This study will first explain what is meant by religious exclusion and provide the intellectual background of the theory of the hypotheticality of language. Next, it will cover Ibn Taymiyya’s and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya’s questioning of al-Rāzī’s religiosity, and finish with how the accusations against Rāzī had stemmed from a misunderstanding of his ideas.
On Otherness: An Analysis in the Context of Ibn Sına’s Theory of Relation
Authors: Gökgöz Zehra
Published: January 2022

The mode of existence of relatives has been a matter of debate throughout the history of thought. Having evaluated the debate through the contrast between a first intelligible that has individuals in the external world and a second intelligible that has no counterpart at the individual level in the external world, Ibn Sīnā believed the relative to be a categorical accident with individuals that can be pointed at in the external world. In the Metaphysics of al-Shifā, Ibn Sīnā proposed a solution aimed at eliminating the objections based on the infinite regress against his view. The article tests the applicability of the model built in this solution to the meaning of otherness (al-mughāyara), the results of which reveal the incompatibility of otherness with this model as a problem. When examining the source of this problem, the following findings are noted: The categorical relative (al-muḍāf) and pure relation (iḍāfa) are not the same thing. Pure relation is a general concept upon which the categorical relative is based and to which it cannot be reduced, because the predicate of oneness (wahda) becomes valid for multiplicity (kathra) through pure relation. Otherness is a general predicate that is inherent in and coextensive with pure relation; in this way, otherness is included in the most general class of concepts that explain the order in the existence of all existents including the categorical relative. As Ibn Sīnā’s solution model in Metaphysics aims to explain the result of pure relation in essences, it cannot be applied to pure relation phases that prioritize results and transcend categories and thus cannot be applied to otherness.
Taqī al-Dīn al-Rasid and His Treatise on Algebra Mathematical Evaluation, Translation, and Editio Princeps
Authors: Baga Elif
Published: January 2022

Taqī al-Dīn al-Rāṣid is one of the most important representatives of the Ottoman tradition on mathematical sciences. His research focus being on astronomy, astronomical instruments, mathematics, optics, mechanics, and physics is understood from his surviving works. Taqī al-Dīn’s establishment and management of the Istanbul Observatory, which was the first observatory in the Ottoman Empire, made him an important figure in many ways. However, despite the aforementioned importance, the mathematics he learned, taught, produced and used has been a subject for very few studies. The primary way of determining the quality and the level of a work is to look at the kind of tools used for its creation. Therefore, this article will present the edition princeps, the translation and the evaluation of Taqī al-Dīn al-Rāṣid’s treatise on algebra, al-Nisab al-mutashākila fī ʻilm al-jabr wa-l-muqābala. It will be presented in the context of the idea that revealing a scientific character and the career of scholars who stand out in mathematical sciences can be possible by analyzing their mathematical works. The nature of the science of algebra, which can be applied to any problem encountered on any subject regardless of geometry or arithmetic, makes this idea more meaningful. For the correct examination of classical mathematical works, first the original text is verified and transformed into a format that provides an easy reading, then it is to be translated into the desired language. Finally a mathematical analysis and historical evaluation are needed to explain the main structure and justification of the content of the article.
The Power and Limits of Reason: Al-Razı on the Possibility of General and Particular Metaphysical Knowledge
Authors: Altaş Eşref , Asadov Ayaz
Published: January 2022

This article examines al-Rāzī’s views on the possibility of metaphysical knowledge. Firstly, after outlining his classification of the metaphysical knowable into essence and existence as well as undetailed (ijmālī) and detailed (tafṣīlī), the article analyzes al-Rāzī’s acceptance of the possibility of general knowledge of metaphysics under a few headings by delving into some major themes. These include the claims that the category of existence is broader than the world of the sensible, that theoretical reasoning leads to metaphysical knowledge, and lastly that the theoretical evidence provides necessary knowledge about the existence of a creator. Al-Rāzī has also been demonstrated in al-Matālib to have inherited the arguments rejecting metaphysical knowledge, which he had attributed in his earlier works to a group with the name muhandisiyyūn, by restricting them to the issue of God’s essence being knowable. For al-Rāzī, theoretical reasoning could provide knowledge about the existence of a particular metaphysical being but not about its quiddity. The article further underlines the metaphysical and epistemic theses for the position on the unknowability of God’s essence and discusses its semantic interpretation. The debate on the potential of theoretical reason to provide uncertain knowledge of detailed metaphysics in the form of the best possible explanations (the metaphysics of the best explanation, or al-awlawiyya), however, is left to another article.
Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain levels in CLN2 disease patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy normalise after two years on treatment
Authors: Iwan Katharina , Patel Nina , Heslegrave Amanda , Borisova Mina , Lee Laura , Bower Rebecca , Mole Sara E. , Mills Philippa B. , Zetterberg Henrik , Mills Kevin , Gissen Paul , Heywood Wendy E.
Published: January 2022

Classic late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease) is caused by a deficiency of tripeptidyl-peptidase-1. In 2017, the first CLN2 enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) cerliponase alfa (Brineura) was approved by the FDA and EMA. The CLN2 disease clinical rating scale (CLN2 CRS) was developed to monitor loss of motor function, language and vision as well as frequency of generalised tonic clonic seizures. Using CLN2 CRS in an open label clinical trial it was shown that Brineura slowed down the progression of CLN2 symptoms.

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a protein highly expressed in myelinated axons. An increase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood NfL is found in a variety of neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative, traumatic, and cerebrovascular diseases. We analysed CSF NfL in CLN2 patients treated with Brineura to establish whether it can be used as a possible biomarker of response to therapy. Newly diagnosed patients had CSF samples collected and analysed at first treatment dose and up to 12 weeks post-treatment to look at acute changes. Patients on a compassionate use programme who were already receiving ERT for approximately 1yr had CSF samples collected and NfL analysed over the following 1.3 years (2.3 years post-initiation of ERT) to look at long-term changes.

All newly diagnosed patients we investigated with classical late infantile phenotype had high NfL levels >2000 pg/ml at start of treatment. No significant change was observed in NfL up to 12 weeks post-treatment. After one year of ERT, two out of six patients still had high NfL levels, but all patients showed a continued decrease, and all had low NfL levels after two years on ERT. NfL levels appear to correspond and predict improved clinical status of patients on ERT and could be useful as a biomarker to monitor neurodegeneration and verify disease modification in CLN2 patients on ERT.
Low power, less occupying area, and improved speed of a 4-bit router/rerouter circuit for low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoders
Authors: Senthilpari Chinnaiyan , Deena Rosalind , Lini Lee
Published: January 2022

Background: Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are more error-resistant than other forward error-correcting codes. Existing circuits give high power dissipation, less speed, and more occupying area. This work aimed to propose a better design and performance circuit, even in the presence of noise in the channel.

Methods: In this research, the design of the multiplexer and demultiplexer were achieved using pass transistor logic. The target parameters were low power dissipation, improved throughput, and more negligible delay with a minimum area. One of the essential connecting circuits in a decoShder architecture is a multiplexer (MUX) and a demultiplexer (DEMUX) circuit. The design of the MUX and DEMUX contributes significantly to the performance of the decoder. The aim of this paper was the design of a 4 × 1 MUX to route the data bits received from the bit update blocks to the parallel adder circuits and a 1 × 4 DEMUX to receive the input bits from the parallel adder and distribute the output to the bit update blocks in a layered architecture LDPC decoder. The design uses pass transistor logic and achieves the reduction of the number of transistors used. The proposed circuit was designed using the Mentor Graphics CAD tool for 180 nm technology.

Results: The parameters of power dissipation, area, and delay were considered crucial parameters for a low power decoder. The circuits were simulated using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and the results depicted a significantly low power dissipation of 7.06 nW and 5.16 nW for the multiplexer and demultiplexer, respectively. The delay was found to be 100.5 ns (MUX) and 80 ns (DEMUX).

Conclusion: This decoder’s potential use may be in low-power communication circuits such as handheld devices and Internet of Things (IoT) circuits.
Temporal trends of sex differences for COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, severe disease, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death: a meta-analysis of 229 studies covering over 10M patients
Authors: Pijls Bart G. , Jolani Shahab , Atherley Anique , Dijkstra Janna I.R. , Franssen Gregor H.L. , Hendriks Stevie , Yi-Wen Yu Evan , Zalpuri Saurabh , Richters Anke , Zeegers Maurice P.
Published: January 2022

Background: This review aims to investigate the association of sex with the risk of multiple COVID-19 health outcomes, ranging from infection to death.

Methods: Pubmed and Embase were searched through September 2020. We considered studies reporting sex and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. Qualitative and quantitative data were extracted using standardised electronic data extraction forms with the assessment of Newcastle Ottawa Scale for risk of bias. Pooled trends in infection, hospitalization, severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death rate were calculated separately for men and women and subsequently random-effects meta-analyses on relative risks (RR) for sex was performed.

Results: Of 10,160 titles, 229 studies comprising 10,417,452 patients were included in the analyses. Methodological quality of the included studies was high (6.9 out of 9). Men had a higher risk for infection with COVID-19 than women (RR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.07 to 1.21). When infected, they also had a higher risk for hospitalization (RR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.27 to 1.41), higher risk for severe COVID-19 (RR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.17 to 1.27), higher need for Intensive Care (RR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.28 to 1.55), and higher risk of death (RR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.28 to 1.43). Within the period studied, the RR for infection and severity increased for men compared to women, while the RR for mortality decreased for men compared to women.

Conclusions: Meta-analyses on 229 studies comprising over 10 million patients showed that men have a higher risk for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, disease severity, ICU admission and death. The relative risks of infection, disease severity and death for men versus women showed temporal trends with lower relative risks for infection and severity of disease and higher relative risk for death at the beginning of the pandemic compared to the end of our inclusion period.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42020180085 (20/04/2020)
Effects of physical activity and dietary supplement on fat free mass and bone mass density during weight loss – a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Roth Anja , Sattelmayer Martin , Schorderet Chloé , Gafner Simone , Allet Lara
Published: January 2022

Background: After a diet- or surgery induced weight loss almost 1/3 of lost weight consists of fat free mass (FFM) if carried out without additional therapy. Exercise training and a sufficient supply of protein, calcium and vitamin D is recommended to reduce the loss of FFM.

Objective: To investigate the effect of exercise training, protein, calcium, and vitamin D supplementation on the preservation of FFM during non-surgical and surgical weight loss and of the combination of all interventions together in adults with obesity.

Methods: A systematic review was performed with a pairwise meta-analysis and an exploratory network meta-analysis according to the PRISMA statement.

Results: Thirty studies were included in the quantitative analysis. The pairwise meta-analysis showed for Exercise Training + High Protein vs. High Protein a moderate and statistically significant effect size (SMD 0.45; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.86), for Exercise Training + High Protein vs. Exercise Training a high but statistically not significant effect size (SMD 0.91; 95% CI -0.59 to 2.41) and for Exercise Training alone vs. Control a moderate but statistically not significant effect size (SMD 0.67; 95% CI -0.25 to 1.60). In the exploratory network meta-analysis three interventions showed statistically significant effect sizes compared to Control and all of them included the treatment Exercise Training.

Conclusions: Results underline the importance of exercise training and a sufficient protein intake to preserve FFM during weight loss in adults with obesity. The effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation remains controversial and further research are needed.