bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive compensatory photosynthesis in a semi-arid rangeland bunchgrass
Authors: Hamerlynck Erik P. , O’Connor Rory C. , Copeland Stella M.
Published: March 2023

While increased foliar photosynthesis is well documented across many plant species in response to diverse modes of herbivory, the compensatory ability of photosynthetically active reproductive structures is unknown. To address this, we partially defoliated basal florets in seed heads of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), an exotic Eurasian perennial bunchgrass widely distributed across North American sagebrush steppe. We followed direct and indirect responses by tracking post-clipping photosynthesis in clipped basal and unclipped distal florets, respectively, and comparing these to similar florets on unclipped seed heads. Compensatory photosynthesis was apparent 24 h after clipping; over the pre-anthesis period, clipped basal floret photosynthesis was + 62%, stomatal conductance was + 82%, and PSII photochemical yield was − 39% of unclipped controls. After anthesis, intact florets distal to clipped florets had modestly higher photosynthetic rates compared to controls, while basal floret rates did not differ between treatments. Compensatory photosynthesis reduced intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE; photosynthesis/stomatal conductance) 68–40% below controls over pre- and post-anthesis periods, respectively. Specific mass (dry mass/area) of clipped florets was − 15% of controls, while florets distal to these had specific mass 11% greater than distal or basal florets on unclipped seed heads. These results suggest damaged basal florets provided carbon to unaffected distal florets. This could explain crested wheatgrass’s ability to produce viable seeds under conditions limiting to native bunchgrasses, and presents a novel mechanism germane to the development of convergent drought- and grazing-tolerance traits important to arid and semi-arid rangeland plant community resilience to climate variability.
Certifying Fully Dynamic Algorithms for Recognition and Hamiltonicity of Threshold and Chain Graphs
Authors: Beisegel Jesse , Köhler Ekkehard , Scheffler Robert , Strehler Martin
Published: March 2023

Solving problems on graphs dynamically calls for algorithms to function under repeated modifications to the graph and to be more efficient than solving the problem for the whole graph from scratch after each modification. Dynamic algorithms have been considered for several graph properties, for example connectivity, shortest paths and graph recognition. In this paper we present fully dynamic algorithms for the recognition of threshold graphs and chain graphs, which are optimal in the sense that the costs per modification are linear in the number of modified edges. Furthermore, our algorithms also consider the addition and deletion of sets of vertices as well as edges. In the negative case, i.e., where the graph is not a threshold graph or chain graph anymore, our algorithms return a certificate of constant size. Additionally, we present optimal fully dynamic algorithms for the Hamiltonian cycle problem and the Hamiltonian path problem on threshold and chain graphs which return a vertex cutset as certificate for the non-existence of such a path or cycle in the negative case.
The physiology of intraoperative error: using electrokardiograms to understand operator performance during robot-assisted surgery simulations
Authors: D’Ambrosia Christopher , Aronoff-Spencer Eliah , Huang Estella Y. , Goldhaber Nicole H. , Jacobsen Garth R. , Sandler Bryan , Horgan Santiago , Appelbaum Lawrence G. , Christensen Henrik , Broderick Ryan C.
Published: March 2023

Background

No platform for objective, synchronous and on-line evaluation of both intraoperative error and surgeon physiology yet exists. Electrokardiogram (EKG) metrics have been associated with cognitive and affective features that are known to impact surgical performance but have not yet been analyzed in conjunction with real-time error signals using objective, real-time methods.

Methods

EKGs and operating console point-of-views (POVs) for fifteen general surgery residents and five non-medically trained participants were captured during three simulated robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) procedures. Time and frequency-domain EKG statistics were extracted from recorded EKGs. Intraoperative errors were detected from operating console POV videos. EKG statistics were synchronized with intraoperative error signals.

Results

Relative to personalized baselines, IBI, SDNN and RMSSD decreased 0.15% (S.E. 3.603e−04; P = 3.25e−05), 3.08% (S.E. 1.603e−03; P < 2e−16) and 1.19% (S.E. 2.631e−03; P = 5.66e−06), respectively, during error. Relative LF RMS power decreased 1.44% (S.E. 2.337e−03; P = 8.38e−10), and relative HF RMS power increased 5.51% (S.E. 1.945e−03; P < 2e−16).

Conclusions

Use of a novel, on-line biometric and operating room data capture and analysis platform enabled detection of distinct operator physiological changes during intraoperative errors. Monitoring operator EKG metrics during surgery may help improve patient outcomes through real-time assessments of intraoperative surgical proficiency and perceived difficulty as well as inform personalized surgical skills development.

Graphical abstract
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body mass index in children and adolescents after kidney transplantation
Authors: Kanzelmeyer Nele Kirsten , Weigel Friederike , Boeckenhauer Johannes , Haffner Dieter , Oh Jun , Schild Raphael
Published: March 2023

Background

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected lifestyles and resulted in significant weight gain in the general population. Its impact on children after kidney transplantation (KTx) is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated body mass index (BMI) z-scores during the COVID-19 pandemic in 132 pediatric KTx patients, followed-up at three German hospitals. Among those, serial blood pressure measurements were available for 104 patients. Lipid measurements were available from 74 patients. Patients were categorized according to gender and age group, i.e., children versus adolescents. Data were analyzed by a linear mixed model approach.

Results

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, female adolescents presented with higher mean BMI z-scores compared to male adolescents (difference: − 1.05, 95% CI − 1.86 to − 0.24, p = 0.004). No other significant differences could be observed among the other groups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mean BMI z-score increased in adolescents (difference: male, 0.23, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.28; female 0.21, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.29, each p < 0.001), but not in children. The BMI z-score was associated with adolescent age, and with the combination of adolescent age, female gender, and the duration of the pandemic (each p < 0.05). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mean systolic blood pressure z-score significantly increased in female adolescents (difference: 0.47, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.49).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents in particular showed a significant increase in their BMI z-score after KTx. Additionally, an increase in systolic blood pressure was associated with female adolescents. The findings suggest additional cardiovascular risks in this cohort.

Graphical abstract
Changing correlations: a flexible definition of non-Gaussian multivariate dependence
Authors: Bárdossy András
Published: March 2023

Dependencies between variables are often very complex, and may for high values, be different from that of the low values. As the normal distribution and the corresponding copula behave symmetrically for low and high values the frequent application of the normal copula for the description of the dependence may be inappropriate. In this contribution a new way of defining high dimensional multivariate distributions with changing correlations is presented. The method can also be used for a flexible definition of tail dependence. Examples of copulas with linear changing correlations illustrate the methodology. Parameter estimation methods and simulation procedures are discussed. A five dimensional example using groundwater quality data and another four dimensional one using air pollution data, are used to illustrate the methodology.
Feasibility and benefits of home initiation of subcutaneous apomorphine infusion for patients with Parkinson’s disease: the APOKADO study
Authors: Zagnoli Fabien , Leblanc Amélie , Viakhireva-Dovganyuk Irina , Delabrousse-Mayoux Jean-Philippe , Pouyet Alain , Ziegler Marc , Sogni Laura , Patat Marie , Bouillot Régis , Vérin Marc ,   The APOKADO Group, Arhire Andrei , Barres Philippe , Blondiaux Maxime , Bouffeteau Jean-Claude , Brandel Jean-Philippe , Carel Christophe , Castelnovo Giovanni , Coustans Marc , Courault Lucie , Crauser Christian , Degaey Isabelle , Degos Bertrand , Delabrousse Jean-Philippe , Denis Béatrice , Dourneau Marie-Claude , Duretete Arnaud , Feve Jean-Marc François , Follin Erika , Gugenheim Michel , Hubsch Cécile , Patte Karsenti Nathalie , Louchart Pierre , Massengo Serge , Mejias José , Monteiro Homero , Muh Philippe , Pedespan Bernard , Sattler Virginie , Sevin Mathieu , Tir Mélissa , Tirel Badets Anne , Verin Marc , Viakhireva Irina , Vidry Elisabeth , Wiart Jean-Charles
Published: March 2023

Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) is used to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who are experiencing motor fluctuations. However, the need to initiate this treatment during a hospital stay may restrict patients’ access to it. To assess the feasibility and benefits of initiating CSAI in the patient’s own home. A French prospective multicenter longitudinal observational study (APOKADO) among patients with PD who required subcutaneous apomorphine, comparing in-hospital versus home initiation. Clinical status was assessed according to the Hoehn and Yahr score), the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. We assessed patients’ quality of life with the 8-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire, rated the improvement in their clinical status on the 7-point Clinical Global Impression–Improvement scale, recorded adverse events, and ran a cost–benefit analysis. 145 patients with motor fluctuations were included in 29 centers (office and hospital). Of these, 106 (74%) were initiated onto CSAI at home, and 38 (26%) in hospital. At inclusion, the two groups were comparable for all demographic and PD characteristics. After 6 months, quality of life, adverse events and early dropout rates were similarly rare-across the two groups. Patients in the home group improved more quickly their quality of life and became more autonomous in managing the device than those in the hospital group, and their care costed less. This study shows that home (versus in-hospital) initiation of CSAI is feasible, improves patients’ quality of life more quickly, with the same level of tolerance. It is also less expensive. This finding should make it easier for patients to access this treatment in the future.
Assessment of aquifer recharge and groundwater availability in a semiarid region of Brazil in the context of an interbasin water transfer scheme
Authors: Costa Alexandre C. , Dupont Fanny , Bier George , van Oel Pieter , Walker David W. , Martins Eduardo S. P. R.
Published: March 2023

Particularly in arid and semiarid areas, more and more populations rely almost entirely on imported water. However, the extent to which intentional discharge into transiting river
systems and unintentional leakage may be augmenting water resources for communities along and down gradient of the water transfer scheme has not previously been subject to research. The objective of this study was to assess both the potential of a large-scale water
transfer (WT) scheme to increase groundwater availability by channel transmission losses in a large dryland aquifer system (2,166 km²) in Brazil, and the capability of the receiving streams to transport water downstream under a prolonged drought. An integrated surface-water/groundwater model was developed to improve the estimation of the groundwater resources, considering the spatio-temporal variability of infiltrated rainfall for aquifer
recharge. Aquifer recharge from the WT scheme was simulated under prolonged drought conditions, applying an uncertainty analysis of the most influential fluxes and parameters. The annual recharge (66 mm/year) was approximately twice the amount of water abstracted
(1990–2016); however, the annual recharge dropped to 13.9 mm/year from 2012 to 2016, a drought period. Under similar drought conditions, the additional recharge (6.89 × 106 m³/year) from the WT scheme did not compensate for the decrease in groundwater head in areas that
do not surround the receiving streams. Actually, the additional recharge is counteracted by a decrease of 25% of natural groundwater recharge or an increase of 50% in pumping rate; therefore, WT transmission losses alone would not solve the issue of the unsustainable management of groundwater resources.
Inequality constrained stochastic nonlinear optimization via active-set sequential quadratic programming
Authors: Na Sen , Anitescu Mihai , Kolar Mladen
Published: March 2023

We study nonlinear optimization problems with a stochastic objective and deterministic equality and inequality constraints, which emerge in numerous applications including finance, manufacturing, power systems and, recently, deep neural networks. We propose an active-set stochastic sequential quadratic programming (StoSQP) algorithm that utilizes a differentiable exact augmented Lagrangian as the merit function. The algorithm adaptively selects the penalty parameters of the augmented Lagrangian, and performs a stochastic line search to decide the stepsize. The global convergence is established: for any initialization, the KKT residuals converge to zero almost surely. Our algorithm and analysis further develop the prior work of Na et al. (Math Program, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10107-022-01846-z). Specifically, we allow nonlinear inequality constraints without requiring the strict complementary condition; refine some of designs in Na et al. (2022) such as the feasibility error condition and the monotonically increasing sample size; strengthen the global convergence guarantee; and improve the sample complexity on the objective Hessian. We demonstrate the performance of the designed algorithm on a subset of nonlinear problems collected in CUTEst test set and on constrained logistic regression problems.
Bryoherms from the lower Sarmatian (upper Serravallian, Middle Miocene) of the Central Paratethys
Authors: Piller Werner E. , Harzhauser Mathias
Published: March 2023

Bryozoan–serpulid–algal–thrombolite bioherms of up to 50 cm size are described from the Sarmatian (upper Middle Miocene) of the Central Paratethys. They occur on top of lower Sarmatian carbonate sediments of high-energy conditions and the individual bioherms settle on crests of ripples. The buildups are overlain and partly truncated by cross-bedded oolites of late Sarmatian age. Buildup growth starts with aCryptosula/Hydroides(bryozoan/serpulid) pioneer community, followed by nodularSchizoporella(bryozoan) colonies overgrown by coralline algae/microbial mats and a thrombolite with calcareous algal filaments. All these constituents form a framestone fabric which is overall dominated by bryozoans labeling them as bryoherms. Inside the bioherms ecological successions of higher frequencies occur which are interpreted to reflect short-time environmental fluctuations such as nutrient availability, oxygenation (possible anoxia), salinity (possible brackish water), temperature and water level. The internal succession in individual bioherms is related to long-term environmental changes including general shallowing, increasing nutrient supply and decreasing water circulation and oxygenation. The described bioherms are most similar to modern bryostromatolites of the Coorong lagoon in S Australia and also similar to structures in the Netherlands. The widespread occurrence of bryoherms/bryostromatolites in the Central Paratethys suggests a phase of considerable eutrophication during the early Sarmatian.
Subjective age and the association with intrinsic capacity, functional ability, and health among older adults in Norway
Authors: Langballe Ellen Melbye , Skirbekk Vegard , Strand Bjørn Heine
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the relationships between subjective age, intrinsic capacity, functional ability and health among Norwegians aged 60 years and older. The Norwegian Survey of Health and Ageing (NORSE) is a population-based, cross-sectional study of home-dwelling individuals aged 60–96 years in the former county of Oppland. Age- and sex-adjusted regression models were used to investigate the gap between subjective and chronological age and this gap’s association with self-reported and objectively measured intrinsic capacity (covering all six sub domains defined by WHO), health, and functional ability among 817 NORSE participants. The results show most participants felt younger than their chronological age (86.5%), while relatively few felt the same as their chronological age (8.3%) or older (5.2%). The mean subjective age was 13.8 years lower than mean chronological age. Participants with incontinence, poor vision, or poor hearing felt 3.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.6, 5.5)], 2.9 [95% CI (0.2, 5.6)], and 2.9 [95% CI (0.3, 5.5)] years older, respectively, than participants without those conditions, whereas none of the following factors—anxiety, depression, chronic disease, Short Physical Performance Battery score, grip strength, cognition, or frailty—significantly had an impact on the gap. In line with prior research, this study finds that feeling considerably younger than one’s chronological age is common at older ages. However, those with poor hearing, poor vision, and incontinence felt less young compared to those not having these conditions. These relationships may exert undesirable effects on vitality and autonomy, which are considered key factors of intrinsic capacity and healthy ageing.
Point-based metric and topological localisation between lidar and overhead imagery
Authors: Tang Tim Yuqing , De Martini Daniele , Newman Paul
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present a method for solving the localisation of a ground lidar using overhead imagery only. Public overhead imagery such as Google satellite images are readily available resources. They can be used as the map proxy for robot localisation, relaxing the requirement for a prior traversal for mapping as in traditional approaches. While prior approaches have focused on the metric localisation between range sensors and overhead imagery, our method is the first to learn both place recognition and metric localisation of a ground lidar using overhead imagery, and also outperforms prior methods on metric localisation with large initial pose offsets. To bridge the drastic domain gap between lidar data and overhead imagery, our method learns to transform an overhead image into a collection of 2D points, emulating the resulting point-cloud scanned by a lidar sensor situated near the centre of the overhead image. After both modalities are expressed as point sets, point-based machine learning methods for localisation are applied.
Generative adversarial networks review in earthquake-related engineering fields
Authors: Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Rosso Marco Martino , Aloisio Angelo , Cirrincione Giansalvo
Published: March 2023

Within seismology, geology, civil and structural engineering, deep learning (DL), especially via generative adversarial networks (GANs), represents an innovative, engaging, and advantageous way to generate reliable synthetic data that represent actual samples’ characteristics, providing a handy data augmentation tool. Indeed, in many practical applications, obtaining a significant number of high-quality information is demanding. Data augmentation is generally based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning data-driven models. The DL GAN-based data augmentation approach for generating synthetic seismic signals revolutionized the current data augmentation paradigm. This study delivers a critical state-of-art review, explaining recent research into AI-based GAN synthetic generation of ground motion signals or seismic events, and also with a comprehensive insight into seismic-related geophysical studies. This study may be relevant, especially for the earth and planetary science, geology and seismology, oil and gas exploration, and on the other hand for assessing the seismic response of buildings and infrastructures, seismic detection tasks, and general structural and civil engineering applications. Furthermore, highlighting the strengths and limitations of the current studies on adversarial learning applied to seismology may help to guide research efforts in the next future toward the most promising directions.
The importance of fine-scale landscape characteristics for habitat selection in penguins
Authors: Colombelli-Négrel Diane , Iasiello Larissa
Published: March 2023

Investigating the ecology of a species and the spatial requirements needed for their survival within an environment can improve and help develop conservation measures. In this study, we reviewed the literature describing the importance of fine-scale landscape characteristics on the distribution of penguin species. We then investigated little penguin nest-site use across eleven colonies in South Australia, with a focus on nest type, vegetation cover, nest entrance orientation, proximity to the nearest active nest, and side of the island. We showed that both abiotic and biotic variables were important for nest-site use in penguins and that the specific variables varied between species and populations. Little penguins in South Australia did not appear to use nest sites randomly, and active nests were mostly found on the northern side of the island and facing east or west. Our study highlights the importance of gaining a better understanding of penguin nest-site use, and their fitness consequences for populations, to ensure effective conservation outcomes.
Effect of alkalinity on the diffusion of solvent-fractionated lignin through cellulose membranes
Authors: Ghaffari Roujin , Almqvist Henrik , Idström Alexander , Sapouna Ioanna , Evenäs Lars , Lidén Gunnar , Lawoko Martin , Larsson Anette
Published: March 2023

Mass transport of liberated lignin fragments from pits and fiber walls into black liquor is considered a determining step in the delignification process. However, our current understanding of the diffusion of lignin through cellulose and the influential parameter on this process is very limited. A comprehensive and detailed study of lignin mass transport through cellulosic materials is, therefore, of great importance. In this study, diffusion cell methodology is implemented to systematically investigate the transport of fractionated kraft lignin molecules through model cellulose membranes. Pulping is a complex process and lignin is very heterogenous material therefore to perform a more detailed study on lignin diffusion, we included an additional solvent fractionation step. One of the benefits of this method is that the setup can be adjusted to various experimental conditions allowing the complex chemical reactions occurring during pulping, which would affect the mass transfer of lignin, to be avoided. Here, the effects of the alkalinity of the aqueous solution and molecular weight of the kraft lignin molecules on their diffusion were investigated. Additionally, NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and UV/Vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the starting material and the molecules that passed through the membrane. Lignin molecules detected in the acceptor chamber of the diffusion cells had lower molecular weights, indicating a size fractionation between the donor and acceptor chamber. UV/Vis showed higher concentrations of ionized conjugated kraft lignin molecules in the acceptor chamber, which is a sign of chemical fractionation. This study suggests that the diffusion of lignin through small cellulose pores can be enhanced by decreasing the average molecular weight of the diffusing kraft lignin molecules and increasing alkalinity.
Losers and losses of COVID-19: a directed technical change analysis with fiscal and monetary policies
Authors: Afonso Oscar
Published: March 2023

We develop a directed technical change growth model with both public and private sectors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, labor productivity and R &D activity in the private sector are considered to have a negative shock. The former shock causes an immediate fall in the private premium, which can be reversed during transition dynamics towards the steady-state. Fiscal policies are materialized in direct and indirect R &D subsidies, and the monetary policies consist of relaxing cash-in-advance restrictions. An appropriate fiscal policy, together or not with monetary policy, can restore the pre-shock situation. Monetary policy is reinforced in the presence of monetary-transaction costs on consumption and of money-in-the-utility function.
Human health risk associated with metal exposure at Agbogbloshie e-waste site and the surrounding neighbourhood in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Dodd Matt , Amponsah Lydia Otoo , Grundy Stephen , Darko Godfred
Published: March 2023

Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana, was a center for informal e-waste recycling until it was closed recently. This study investigated the potential health risks of toxic metals (including As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) found in the surface soils based on their concentrations and in vitro bioaccessibility. Mean concentrations at the burning sites were As: 218; Cd: 65; Cr: 182; Cu: 15,841; Ni: 145; Pb: 6,106; Sb: 552; and Zn: 16,065 mg/kg while the dismantling sites had mean concentrations of As: 23; Cd: 38; Cr: 342; Cu: 3239; Ni: 96; Pb: 681; Sb: 104; and Zn: 1658 mg/kg. The findings confirmed the enrichment of potentially toxic metals at the dismantling and burning sites, exceeding international environmental soil quality guidelines. Based on the total metal concentrations, bioaccessibility, and calculated risk indices, the risks associated with incidental ingestion of soil-borne metal contaminants at the dismantling and burning sites were very high. Despite evidence of higher metal concentrations in the communities near the burning and dismantling sites, the human health risk associated with soil ingestion was significantly lower in the surrounding neighborhood.
Optimizing the Design of an Estuarine Water Quality Monitoring Network by Optimal Control Techniques
Authors: Alvarez-Vázquez Lino J. , Martínez Aurea , Rodríguez Carmen , Vázquez-Méndez Miguel E.
Published: March 2023

In this work, we propose a novel methodology in order to automatically optimize the location of the sampling points for a water quality monitoring network in an estuary, in such a way that any unknown pollution source can be identified (both in intensity and location) from the data supplied by those sampling points. In the central part of the article, after a rigorous mathematical formulation of the environmental problem, the full details of its numerical implementation are given. Finally, we present and analyze the results when applying the above proposed technique to study a real case in Ría of Vigo (northwestern Spain).
Features and Bugs in Schnieder’s Theory of Properties
Authors: Båve Arvid
Published: March 2023

Although Benjamin Schnieder’s theory of the “ordinary conception” of properties successfully handles paradoxical properties—particularly, the property of non-self-instantiation—it fails to account for ordinary, non-pathological cases. The theory allows the inference of ‘a has the property of being F’ only given F(a) and the prior assertibility of ‘the property of being F can exist’. While this allows us to block an inference to a contradiction, it also blocks all of the non-pathological instances of the inference from ‘a is F’ to ‘a has the property of being F’. It thereby fails both as a theory of the ordinary conception and as a replacement of the ordinary notion, assuming the latter is defective.
Framework for unsupervised incremental evolution of stylized images
Authors: Uhde Florian
Published: March 2023

This paper examines and showcases a framework to generate artworks using evolutionary algorithms. Based on the idea of an incremental abstract artistic process stylized images are generated from different input images without human supervision. After explaining the underlying concept, the solution space of different styles is explored and its properties for style consistency and style variety are discussed. A first step towards better control of the outcome is implemented through masking, followed by a discussion about potential improvements and further research.
Improving diagnosis-based cost groups in the Dutch risk equalization model: the effects of a new clustering method and allowing for multimorbidity
Authors: Oskam Michel , van Kleef Richard C. , van Vliet René C. J. A.
Published: March 2023

Health insurance markets with community-rated premiums typically use risk equalization (RE) to compensate insurers for predictable profits on people in good health and predictable losses on those with a chronic disease. Over the past decades RE models have evolved from simple demographic models to sophisticated health-based models. Despite the improvements, however, non-trivial predictable profits and losses remain. This study examines to what extent the Dutch RE model can be further improved by redesigning one key morbidity adjuster: the Diagnosis-based Cost Groups (DCGs). This redesign includes (1) revision of the underlying hospital diagnoses and treatments (‘dxgroups’), (2) application of a new clustering procedure, and (3) allowing multi-qualification. We combine data on spending, risk characteristics and hospital claims for all individuals with basic health insurance in the Netherlands in 2017 (N = 17 m) with morbidity data from general practitioners (GPs) for a subsample (N = 1.3 m). We first simulate a baseline RE model (i.e., the RE model of 2020) and then modify three important features of the DCGs. In a second step, we evaluate the effect of the modifications in terms of predictable profits and losses for subgroups of consumers that are potentially vulnerable to risk selection. While less prominent results are found for subgroups derived from the GP data, our results demonstrate substantial reductions in predictable profits and losses at the level of dxgroups and for individuals with multiple dxgroups. An important takeaway from our paper is that smart design of morbidity adjusters in RE can help mitigate selection incentives.
Self-reported glaucoma prevalence and related factors, contribution to reported visual impairment, and functional burden in a cross-sectional study in Colombia
Authors: Castellanos-Perilla Nicolás , Garcia-Cifuentes Elkin , Pineda-Ortega Juliana , Lema Sofia , Gelvis Geronimo , Cano-Gutierrez Carlos Alberto , Mejia-Vergara Alvaro J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Describe the self-reported prevalence of glaucoma in Colombian older adults, emphasizing the most important risk factors and associated daily-life functional alterations.

Methods

This a secondary analysis of the Health, Wellness, and Aging survey conducted in the year 2015. Diagnosis of glaucoma was obtained from self-report. Functional variables were assessed through activities of daily living questionnaires. A descriptive analysis followed by bivariate and multivariate regression models adjusting for confounding variables was conducted.

Results

Self-reported prevalence of glaucoma was 5.67%, with higher rate in women, OR 1.22 (1.13–1.40) p = .003, older age OR 1.02 (1.01–1.02) p < .001, and with higher education OR 1.38 (1.28–1.50) p < .001. Glaucoma was independently associated with diabetes OR 1.37 (1.18–1.61) p  < .001 and hypertension 1.26 (1.08–1.46) p = .003. It also showed statistically significant correlations with poor SRH OR 1.15 (1.02–1.32) p < .001, self-reported visual impairment 1.73 (1.50–2.01) p < .001, and impairment in money management OR 1.59 (1.16–2.08) p  = .002, grocery shopping OR 1.57 (1.26–1.96) p < .001 and preparing meals OR 1.31 (1.06–1.63) p  = .013 and having had falls during the last year OR 1.14 (1.01–1.31) p = 0.041.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the self-reported prevalence of glaucoma in older adults in Colombia to be higher than reported data. Glaucoma and visual impairment in older adults represent a public health concern, since glaucoma was associated with adverse outcomes like functional loss and risk of falling, affecting the quality of life and their participation in society.
Clusters or paperbags? What can we actually learn from the structure and reactivity of oligonuclear metal-oxo-alkoxide complexes?
Authors: Kessler Vadim G.
Published: March 2023

The term cluster has been proposed in Inorganic Chemistry for species featuring well-defined metal-metal bond based structures and implies inherent stability against metal core transformation. The present article provides additional arguments for the formation of metal oxo-alkoxide species on the action of external self-assembly forces, without invoking such stability. These species are easily restructured on hydrolysis in aqueous medium and their alleged photo and electro catalytic reactivity may actually be due to metal oxide nanoparticles resulting from their transformation. A new term “paperbag compound” is proposed instead of ‘cluster’ to denote oligonuclear non-cluster species. New insights into the reactivity of metal oxide nanoparticles in biological systems can be obtained from analysis of structure and bonding parameters in paperbag compounds as molecular models.

Graphical Abstract
Global shocks, cascading disruptions, and (re-)connections: viewing the COVID-19 pandemic as concurrent natural experiments to understand land system dynamics
Authors: Piquer-Rodríguez María , Friis Cecilie , Andriatsitohaina R. Ntsiva N. , Boillat Sébastien , Roig-Boixeda Paula , Cortinovis Chiara , Geneletti Davide , Ibarrola-Rivas Maria-Jose , Kelley Lisa C. , Llopis Jorge C. , Mack Elizabeth A. , Nanni Ana Sofía , Zaehringer Julie G. , Henebry Geoffrey M.
Published: March 2023

Context

For nearly three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted human well-being and livelihoods, communities, and economies in myriad ways with consequences for social-ecological systems across the planet. The pandemic represents a global shock in multiple dimensions that has already, and is likely to continue to have, far-reaching effects on land systems and on those depending on them for their livelihoods.

Objectives

We focus on the observed effects of the pandemic on landscapes and people composing diverse land systems across the globe.

Methods

We highlight the interrelated impacts of the pandemic shock on the economic, health, and mobility dimensions of land systems using six vignettes from different land systems on four continents, analyzed through the lens of socio-ecological resilience and the telecoupling framework. We present preliminary comparative insights gathered through interviews, surveys, key informants, and authors’ observations and propose new research avenues for land system scientists.

Results

The pandemic’s effects have been unevenly distributed, context-specific, and dependent on the multiple connections that link land systems across the globe.

Conclusions

We argue that the pandemic presents concurrent “natural experiments” that can advance our understanding of the intricate ways in which global shocks produce direct, indirect, and spillover effects on local and regional landscapes and land systems. These propagating shock effects disrupt existing connections, forge new connections, and re-establish former connections between peoples, landscapes, and land systems.
Super Pragmatics of (linguistic-)pictorial discourse
Authors: Schlöder Julian J. , Altshuler Daniel
Published: March 2023

Recent advances in the Super Linguistics of pictures have laid the Super Semantic foundation for modelling the phenomena of narrative sequencing and co-reference in pictorial and mixed linguistic-pictorial discourses. We take up the question of how one arrives at the pragmatic interpretations of such discourses. In particular, we offer an analysis of: (i) the discourse composition problem: how to represent the joint meaning of a multi-picture discourse, (ii) observed differences in narrative sequencing in prima facie equivalent linguistic vs pictorial discourses, and (iii) the phenomenon of co-referencing across pictures. We extend Segmented Discourse Representation Theory to spell out a formal Super Pragmatics that applies to linguistic, pictorial and mixed discourses, while respecting the particular ‘genius’ of either medium and computing their distinctive pragmatic interpretations.
Artificial intelligence centric scientific research on COVID-19: an analysis based on scientometrics data
Authors: Shukla Amit K. , Seth Taniya , Muhuri Pranab K.
Published: March 2023

With the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease throughout the geographies of the globe, expertise from every field has been sought to fight the impact of the virus. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially, has been the center of attention due to its capability to produce trustworthy results in a reasonable time. As a result, AI centric based research on coronavirus (or COVID-19) has been receiving growing attention from different domains ranging from medicine, virology, and psychiatry etc. We present this comprehensive study that closely monitors the impact of the pandemic on global research activities related exclusively to AI. In this article, we produce highly informative insights pertaining to publications, such as the best articles, research areas, most productive and influential journals, authors, and institutions. Studies are made on top 50 most cited articles to identify the most influential AI subcategories. We also study the outcome of research from different geographic areas while identifying the research collaborations that have had an impact. This study also compares the outcome of research from the different countries around the globe and produces insights on the same.
Machine Learning-Based Delineation of Geodomain Boundaries: A Proof-of-Concept Study Using Data from the Witwatersrand Goldfields
Authors: Zhang Steven E. , Nwaila Glen T. , Bourdeau Julie E. , Ghorbani Yousef , Carranza Emmanuel John M.
Published: March 2023

Machine-aided geological interpretation provides an opportunity for rapid and data-driven decision-making. In disciplines such as geostatistics, the integration of machine learning has the potential to improve the reliability of mineral resources and ore reserve estimates. In this study, inspired by existing geostatistical approaches that use radial basis functions to delineate domain boundaries, we reformulate the problem into a machine learning task for automated domain boundary delineation to partition the orebody. We use an actual dataset from an operating mine (Driefontein gold mine, Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa) to showcase our new method. Using various machine learning algorithms, domain boundaries were created. We show that based on a combination of in-discipline requirements and heuristic reasoning, some algorithms/models may be more desirable than others, beyond merely cross-validation performance metrics. In particular, the support vector machine algorithm yielded simple (low boundary complexity) but geologically realistic and feasible domain boundaries. In addition to the empirical results, the support vector machine algorithm is also functionally the most resemblant of current approaches that makes use of radial basis functions. The delineated domains were subsequently used to demonstrate the effectiveness of domain delineation by comparing domain-based estimation versus non-domain-based estimation using an identical automated workflow. Analysis of estimation results indicate that domain-based estimation is more likely to result in better metal reconciliation as compared with non-domained based estimation. Through the adoption of the machine learning framework, we realized several benefits including: uncertainty quantification; domain boundary complexity tuning; automation; dynamic updates of models using new data; and simple integration with existing machine learning-based workflows.
Prevalence and management of sleep disturbance in adults with primary brain tumours and their caregivers: a systematic review
Authors: Martin Jason A. , Hart Nicolas H. , Bradford Natalie , Naumann Fiona , Pinkham Mark B. , Pinkham Elizabeth P. , Holland Justin J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aims of this systematic review were to (1) examine the prevalence, severity, manifestations, and clinical associations/risk factors of sleep disturbance in primary brain tumour (PBT) survivors and their caregivers; and (2) determine whether there are any sleep-focused interventons reported in the literature pertaining to people affected by PBT.

Methods

This systematic review was registered with the international register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022299332). PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsychINFO, and CINAHL were electronically searched for relevant articles reporting sleep disturbance and/or interventions for managing sleep disturbance published between September 2015 and May 2022. The search strategy included terms focusing on sleep disturbance, primary brain tumours, caregivers of PBT survivors, and interventions. Two reviewers conducted the quality appraisal (JBI Critical Appraisal Tools) independently, with results compared upon completion.

Results

34 manuscripts were eligible for inclusion. Sleep disturbance was highly prevalent in PBT survivors with associations between sleep disturbance and some treatments (e.g., surgical resection, radiotherapy, corticosteroid use), as well as other prevalent symptoms (e.g., fatigue, drowsiness, stress, pain). While the current review was unable to find any sleep-targeted interventions, preliminary evidence suggests physical activity may elicit beneficial change on subjectively reported sleep disturbance in PBT survivors. Only one manuscript that discussed caregivers sleep disturbance was identified.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance is a prevalent symptom experienced by PBT survivors, yet there is a distinct lack of sleep-focused interventions in this population. This includes a need for future research to include caregivers, with only one study identified. Future research exploring interventions directly focused on the management of sleep disturbance in the context of PBT is warranted.
Taurine Promotes Differentiation and Maturation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells from the Subventricular Zone via Activation of GABAA Receptors
Authors: Gutiérrez-Castañeda Nadia Estefanía , González-Corona Jessica , Griego Ernesto , Galván Emilio J. , Ochoa-de la Paz Lenin David
Published: March 2023

Neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons in the brain, occurs throughout the lifespan in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone (SVZ) lining the lateral ventricles of the mammal brain. In this process, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its ionotropic receptor, the GABAA receptor (GABAAR), play a critical role in the proliferation, differentiation, and migration process of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPC). Taurine, a non-essential amino acid widely distributed throughout the central nervous system, increases the proliferation of SVZ progenitor cells by a mechanism that may involve GABAAR activation. Therefore, we characterized the effects of taurine on the differentiation process of NPC expressing GABAAR. Preincubation of NPC-SVZ with taurine increased microtubule-stabilizing proteins assessed with the doublecortin assay. Taurine, like GABA, stimulated a neuronal-like morphology of NPC-SVZ and increased the number and length of primary, secondary, and tertiary neurites compared with control NPC of the SVZ. Furthermore, neurite outgrowth was prevented when simultaneously incubating cells with taurine or GABA and the GABAAR blocker, picrotoxin. Patch-clamp recordings revealed a series of modifications in the NPCs’ passive and active electrophysiological properties exposed to taurine, including regenerative spikes with kinetic properties similar to the action potentials of functional neurons.
Reported outcomes in transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas: a systematic review
Authors: Layard Horsfall Hugo , Lawrence Alistair , Venkatesh Ashwin , Loh Ryan T. S. , Jayapalan Ronie , Koulouri Olympia , Sharma Rishi , Santarius Thomas , Gurnell Mark , Dorward Neil , Mannion Richard , Marcus Hani J. , Kolias Angelos G.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Transsphenoidal surgery is an established treatment for pituitary adenomas. We examined outcomes and time points following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma to identify reporting heterogeneity within the literature.

Methods

A systematic review of studies that reported outcomes for transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma 1990–2021 were examined. The protocol was registered a priori and adhered to the PRISMA statement. Studies in English with > 10 patients (prospective) or > 500 patients (retrospective) were included.

Results

178 studies comprising 427,659 patients were included. 91 studies reported 2 or more adenoma pathologies within the same study; 53 studies reported a single pathology. The most common adenomas reported were growth hormone-secreting (n = 106), non-functioning (n = 101), and ACTH-secreting (n = 95); 27 studies did not state a pathology. Surgical complications were the most reported outcome (n = 116, 65%). Other domains included endocrine (n = 104, 58%), extent of resection (n = 81, 46%), ophthalmic (n = 66, 37%), recurrence (n = 49, 28%), quality of life (n = 25, 19%); and nasal (n = 18, 10%). Defined follow up time points were most reported for endocrine (n = 56, 31%), extent of resection (n = 39, 22%), and recurrence (n = 28, 17%). There was heterogeneity in the follow up reported for all outcomes at different time points: discharge (n = 9), < 30 days (n = 23), < 6 months (n = 64), < 1 year (n = 23), and > 1 year (n = 69).

Conclusion

Outcomes and follow up reported for transsphenoidal surgical resection of pituitary adenoma are heterogenous over the last 30 years. This study highlights the necessity to develop a robust, consensus-based, minimum, core outcome set. The next step is to develop a Delphi survey of essential outcomes, followed by a consensus meeting of interdisciplinary experts. Patient representatives should also be included. An agreed core outcome set will enable homogeneous reporting and meaningful research synthesis, ultimately improving patient care.