bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canopy cover and microtopography control precipitation-enhanced thaw of ecosystem-protected permafrost
Authors: Eklof Joel F , Jones Benjamin M , Dafflon Baptiste , Devoie Élise G , Ring Katie M , English Marie E , Waldrop Mark P , Neumann Rebecca B
Published: March 2024

Northern high-latitudes are projected to get warmer and wetter, which will affect rates of permafrost thaw and mechanisms by which thaw occurs. To better understand the impact of rain, as well as other factors such as snow depth, canopy cover, and microtopography, we instrumented a degrading permafrost plateau in south-central Alaska with high-resolution soil temperature sensors. The site contains ecosystem-protected permafrost, which persists in unfavorable climates due to favorable ecologic conditions. Our study (2020–2022) captured three of the snowiest years and three of the four wettest years since the site was first studied in 2015. Average thaw rates along an across-site transect increased nine-fold from 6 ± 5 cm yr−1 (2015–2020) to 56 ± 12 cm yr−1 (2020–2022). This thaw was not uniform. Hummock locations, residing on topographic high points with relatively dense canopy, experienced only 8 ± 9 cm yr−1 of thaw, on average. Hollows, topographic low points with low canopy cover, and transition locations, which had canopy cover and elevation between hummocks and hollows, thawed 44 ± 6 cm yr−1 and 39 ± 13 cm yr−1, respectively. Mechanisms of thaw differed between these locations. Hollows had high warm-season soil moisture, which increased thermal conductivity, and deep cold-season snow coverage, which insulated soil. Transition locations thawed primarily due to thermal energy transported through subsurface taliks during individual rain events. Most increases in depth to permafrost occurred below the ∼45 cm thickness seasonally frozen layer, and therefore, expanded existing site taliks. Results highlight the importance of canopy cover and microtopography in controlling soil thermal inputs, the ability of subsurface runoff from individual rain events to trigger warming and thaw, and the acceleration of thaw caused by consecutive wet and snowy years. As northern high-latitudes become warmer and wetter, and weather events become more extreme, the importance of these controls on soil warming and thaw is likely to increase.
Multifunctional beam modulation based on gratings combined with additive metasurfaces
Authors: Chen Cong , Gao Peng , Dai Yaowei , Tong Xiamin , Gao Jingyuan , Liu Hai
Published: March 2024

A design scheme combining grating and element additive metasurface is proposed in this paper. Multi-dimensional joint control of the phase, amplitude, angle and polarization and multi-functional integrated metasurface applications were realized by using the inherent characteristics of the light wave properties (polarization and wavelength). Firstly, suitable structural parameters are obtained based on the reflection response of the unit structure, and a 2-bit encoded metasurface array is constructed by utilizing the combinatorial operation between the unit structure. Combined with the polarization selectivity of the lower grating, the dual-function integration of asymmetric transmission (the contrast ratio is 98%) and abnormal reflections (operating bandwidth is 300 nm) was realized. Next, two new half-wave plates were obtained by addition and rotating the elemental structure, and the polarization conversion efficiency of 95%–97% was achieved thanks to the Fabry–Perot cavity formed by the upper metasurface and lower grating. Finally, encoded metasurface based on the geometric phase principle to achieve 300 nm bandwidth cross-polarized wave deflection characteristics with polarization conversion efficiency close to 100%. Our work combines grating structures with element additive metasurfaces, which solves the problem that element structure needs to be redesigned with the change of function, and also paves the way for the application of multifunctional integrated metasurfaces in optical sensing, optical imaging and other fields.
Exploring the photocatalytic degradation of organic textile dye using hydrothermally synthesized Ce-doped metal chalcogenide nanomaterial
Authors: Bhat Bilal Ahmad , Jadon Nimisha , Sharma Harendra K
Published: March 2024

The advancement of economical, facile and non-toxic approaches towards waste water treatment is a promising research area currently among scientific community. In this regard photocatalysis has specifically received significant attention due to its application in the eradication of toxic elements from wastewater. Hence, in the present study Ce-doped FeSe2 photocatalysts were prepared employing the simple, inexpensive and ecofriendly hydrothermal method. The prepared Ce-FeSe2 nanomaterial was subjected to different characterization techniques like x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and UV–visible spectroscopy to explore the characteristic properties of the prepared nanomaterials. XRD results revealed good crystallinity and purity of all synthesized Ce-FeSe2 nanomaterials. Surface morphology and elemental composition of the prepared nanomaterials was determined by FE-SEM and EDS spectroscopy. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to explore the optical characteristic of the prepared photocatalysts. The results of optical absorption spectrum confirmed that increasing dopant percentage shows an improvement towards optical properties. The photocatalytic ability of the prepared Ce-FeSe2 nanomaterials was examined against the potentially toxic industrial dyes like Rhoadmine B (RB). The photocatalytic results show that 95.21% of dye degradation was exhibited by 7% Ce- doped FeSe2 nanomaterial under UV-visible light illumination duration of 120 min. Findings of the photocatalytic degradation process fitted well with pseudo first order reaction kinetics for RB dye.
OA-GAN: organ-aware generative adversarial network for synthesizing contrast-enhanced medical images
Authors: Yang Yulin , Liu Jing , Zhan Gan , Chen Qingqing , Wang Fang , Li Yinhao , Kumar Jain Rahul , Lin Lanfen , Hu Hongjie , Chen Yen-Wei
Published: March 2024

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) images are vital for clinical diagnosis of focal liver lesions (FLLs). However, the use of CE-CT images imposes a significant burden on patients due to the injection of contrast agents and extended shooting. Deep learning-based image synthesis models offer a promising solution that synthesizes CE-CT images from non-contrasted CT (NC-CT) images. Unlike natural images, medical image synthesis requires a specific focus on certain organs or localized regions to ensure accurate diagnosis. Determining how to effectively emphasize target organs poses a challenging issue in medical image synthesis. To solve this challenge, we present a novel CE-CT image synthesis model called, Organ-Aware Generative Adversarial Network (OA-GAN). The OA-GAN comprises an organ-aware (OA) network and a dual decoder-based generator. First, the OA network learns the most discriminative spatial features about the target organ (i.e. liver) by utilizing the ground truth organ mask as localization cues. Subsequently, NC-CT image and captured feature are fed into the dual decoder-based generator, which employs a local and global decoder network to simultaneously synthesize the organ and entire CECT image. Moreover, the semantic information extracted from the local decoder is transferred to the global decoder to facilitate better reconstruction of the organ in entire CE-CT image. The qualitative and quantitative evaluation on a CE-CT dataset demonstrates that the OA-GAN outperforms state-of-the-art approaches for synthesizing two types of CE-CT images such as arterial phase and portal venous phase. Additionally, subjective evaluations by expert radiologists and a deep learning-based FLLs classification also affirm that CE-CT images synthesized from the OA-GAN exhibit a remarkable resemblance to real CE-CT images.
Identifying autism using EEG: unleashing the power of feature selection and machine learning
Authors: Ranaut Anamika , Khandnor Padmavati , Chand Trilok
Published: March 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by communication barriers, societal disengagement, and monotonous actions. Currently, the diagnosis of ASD is made by experts through a subjective and time-consuming qualitative behavioural examination using internationally recognized descriptive standards. In this paper, we present an EEG-based three-phase novel approach comprising 29 autistic subjects and 30 neurotypical people. In the first phase, preprocessing of data is performed from which we derived one continuous dataset and four condition-based datasets to determine the role of each dataset in the identification of autism from neurotypical people. In the second phase, time-domain and morphological features were extracted and four different feature selection techniques were applied. In the last phase, five-fold cross-validation is used to evaluate six different machine learning models based on the performance metrics and computational efficiency. The neural network outperformed when trained with maximum relevance and minimum redundancy (MRMR) algorithm on the continuous dataset with 98.10% validation accuracy and 0.9994 area under the curve (AUC) value for model validation, and 98.43% testing accuracy and AUC test value of 0.9998. The decision tree overall performed the second best in terms of computational efficiency and performance accuracy. The results indicate that EEG-based machine learning models have the potential for ASD identification from neurotypical people with a more objective and reliable method.
A generalized nonstandard finite difference method for a class of autonomous dynamical systems and its applications
Authors: Hoang Manh
Published: March 2024

In this work, a class of continuous-time autonomous dynamical systems describing many important phenomena and processes arising in real-world applications is considered. We apply the nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) methodology proposed by Mickens to design a generalized NSFD method for the dynamical system models under consideration. This method is constructed based on a novel non-local approximation for the right-hand side functions of the dynamical systems. It is proved by rigorous mathematical analyses that the NSFD method is dynamically consistent with respect to positivity, asymptotic stability and three classes of conservation laws, including direct conservation, generalized conservation and sub-conservation laws. Furthermore, the NSFD method is easy to be implemented and can be applied to solve a broad range of mathematical models arising in real-life. Finally, a set of numerical experiments is performed to illustrate the theoretical findings and to show advantages of the proposed NSFD method.
Multistability in a discrete-time SI epidemic model with Ricker growth: Infection-induced changes in population dynamics
Authors: Strube Laura , Childs Lauren
Published: March 2024

One-dimensional discrete-time population models, such as those with logistic or Ricker growth, may exhibit periodic or chaotic dynamics depending on the parameter values. Adding epidemiological interactions into a population model increases its dimension and the resulting complexity of its dynamics. Previous work showed that a discrete susceptible-infectious-recovered (SIR) model with Ricker growth and density-dependent, non-fatal infection exhibits qualitatively similar total population dynamics in the presence and absence of disease. In contrast, a more complicated three-class susceptible-infectious-virus (SIV) system that includes disease-induced mortality does not. Instead, infection in the SIV system shifts the periodic behavior in a manner that distinguishes it from the corresponding disease-free system. Here, we examine a two-class susceptible-infectious (SI) model with Ricker population growth, density-dependent infection, and parameters that tune disease-induced mortality and the capacity of infected individuals to reproduce. We use numerical bifurcation analysis to determine the influence of infection on the qualitative structure of the long-time behavior. We show that when disease is allowed to alter reproduction or disease-induced mortality, infection produces distinctly different bifurcation structures than that of the underlying disease-free system. In particular, it shifts both the location of period-doubling bifurcations and the onset of chaos. Additionally, we show that disease-induced mortality introduces multistability into the system such that a given set of model parameters can produce multiple distinct qualitative behaviors depending upon initial conditions. This work demonstrates that the infection-induced changes in dynamics observed by previous authors do not require the presence of infecting virus particles in the environment. In doing so, our work also advances understanding of the conditions under which discrete epidemiological models exhibit multistability.
On the structure and evolution of poroacoustic solitary waves: Finite-time gradient catastrophe under the Darcy–Jordan model
Authors: Shimp C. , Lambers J. , Jordan P.
Published: March 2024

We revisit and extend the poroacoustic-based investigation carried out by Jordan in [Wave Motion 94 (2020), 102498], wherein the topic of wave overturning was the central focus. In particular, we develop a numerical method that accurately solves the Cauchy problem for the 1D, uni-directional, Darcy–Jordan model, even after the solution profile becomes multi-valued. Through the analysis of the behavior of the solution over time, the spatial discretization is adapted so that all solution values at each point

(
x
,
t
)

(x,t)

in the space-time grid can be computed through targeted application of root-finding methods, and without any knowledge of an analytical solution. The effectiveness of the method is then demonstrated using a variety of physically-relevant initial conditions.
Invited Commentary: Combining Information to Answer Epidemiologic Questions About a Target Population
Authors: Dahabreh Issa J
Published: March 2024

Epidemiologists are attempting to address research questions of increasing complexity by developing novel methods for combining information from diverse sources. Cole et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2023;192(3)467–474) provide 2 examples of the process of combining information to draw inferences about a population proportion. In this commentary, we consider combining information to learn about a target population as an epidemiologic activity and distinguish it from more conventional meta-analyses. We examine possible rationales for combining information and discuss broad methodological considerations, with an emphasis on study design, assumptions, and sources of uncertainty.
Estimation of the prevalence of opioid misuse in New York State counties, 2007-2018: a bayesian spatiotemporal abundance model approach
Authors: Santaella-Tenorio Julian , Hepler Staci A , Rivera-Aguirre Ariadne , Kline David M , Cerda Magdalena
Published: March 2024

An important challenge to addressing the opioid overdose crisis is the lack of information on the size of the population of people who misuse opioids (PWMO) in local areas. This estimate is needed for better resource allocation, estimation of treatment and overdose outcome rates using appropriate denominators (ie, the population at risk), and proper evaluation of intervention effects. In this study, we used a bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal integrated abundance model that integrates multiple types of county-level surveillance outcome data, state-level information on opioid misuse, and covariates to estimate the latent (hidden) numbers of PWMO and latent prevalence of opioid misuse across New York State counties (2007-2018). The model assumes that each opioid-related outcome reflects a partial count of the number of PWMO, and it leverages these multiple sources of data to circumvent limitations of parameter estimation associated with other types of abundance models. Model estimates showed a reduction in the prevalence of PWMO during the study period, with important spatial and temporal variability. The model also provided county-level estimates of rates of treatment and opioid overdose using the numbers of PWMO as denominators. This modeling approach can identify the sizes of hidden populations to guide public health efforts in confronting the opioid overdose crisis across local areas.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Study to assess the impact of analytics software on operating room controlled substance management and drug diversion
Authors: Carollo Dominic S , Mullet Andrew P , Hays Amanda J , Fitzgibbons Stacey A , Nelkin Heather D , Raymond Alexandre P
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of an advanced analytics software solution in the operating room (OR) on tracking and evaluating controlled substance discrepancies. The authors hypothesized that the software would increase identification of these discrepancies and improve the efficiency of the preexisting manual process.

Methods

In this evaluation comparing data from before to after implementation of the software, data were collected using the preexisting manual process for 50 days before implementation, followed by a 25-day period for acclimation to the new software, and ending with a 49-day postimplementation review period. Data collected included the total number of medication discrepancies, time required for discrepancy review and reconciliation by an OR analyst, types of discrepancies, and number of discrepancies leading to provider audits.

Results

Before implementation of the analytics software, there were 7,635 OR cases with a total of 674 charting discrepancies (8.83 discrepancies per 100 total OR cases) discovered across 439 OR cases. After implementation, there were 7,454 OR cases with a total of 930 charting discrepancies (12.48 discrepancies per 100 total OR cases; P < 0.0001) discovered across 680 OR cases. While discrepancies increased by 38%, the median review time for the OR analyst per case decreased (P < 0.0001) and the percentage of incidents resolved by the OR analyst increased by 14% while the number of cases requiring additional documentation by the provider decreased by 10%.

Conclusion

Implementation of advanced analytics software in the OR significantly increased the number of controlled substance charting discrepancies identified compared to the preimplementation review process while increasing the efficiency of the OR analyst.
Impact of a non-therapeutic laparotomy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with induction (m)FOLFIRINOX: Trans-Atlantic Pancreatic Surgery (TAPS) Consortium study
Authors: Theijse Rutger T , Stoop Thomas F , Janssen Quisette P , Prakash Laura R , Katz Matthew H G , Doppenberg Deesje , Tzeng Ching-Wei D , Wei Alice C , Zureikat Amer H , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Besselink Marc G
Published: March 2024

Background

Surgery in selected patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer after induction chemotherapy may have drawbacks related to surgical risks and breaks or delays in oncological treatment, in particular when curative intent resection is not possible (that is non-therapeutic laparotomy). The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and oncological impact of a non-therapeutic laparotomy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with induction (m)FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy.

Methods

This was a retrospective international multicentre study including patients diagnosed with pathology-proven locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with at least one cycle of (m)FOLFIRINOX (2012–2019). Patients undergoing a non-therapeutic laparotomy (group A) were compared with those not undergoing surgery (group B) and those undergoing resection (group C).

Results

Overall, 663 patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer were included (67 patients (10.1%) in group A, 425 patients (64.1%) in group B, and 171 patients (25.8%) in group C). A non-therapeutic laparotomy occurred in 28.2% of all explorations (67 of 238), with occult metastases in 30 patients (30 of 67, 44.8%) and a 90-day mortality rate of 3.0% (2 of 67). Administration of palliative therapy (65.9% versus 73.1%; P = 0.307) and median overall survival (20.4 [95% c.i. 15.9 to 27.3] versus 20.2 [95% c.i. 19.1 to 22.7] months; P = 0.752) did not differ between group A and group B respectively. The median overall survival in group C was 36.1 (95% c.i. 30.5 to 41.2) months. The 5-year overall survival rates were 11.4%, 8.7%, and 24.7% in group A, group B, and group C, respectively. Compared with group B, non-therapeutic laparotomy (group A) was not associated with reduced overall survival (HR = 0.88 [95% c.i. 0.61 to 1.27]).

Conclusion

More than a quarter of surgically explored patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer after induction (m)FOLFIRINOX did not undergo a resection. Such non-therapeutic laparotomy does not appear to substantially impact oncological outcomes.
Aveir VR real-world performance and chronic pacing threshold prediction using mapping and fixation electrical data
Authors: Tam Mark T K , Cheng Yuet-Wong , Chan Joseph Y S , Chan Chin-Pang , Au Alex C K , Fan Katie W S , Chim Thomas M Y , Kwok Wan-Ying , Fong Fuk-Kei , Lai Angel , Tan Guang-Ming , Yan Bryan P
Published: March 2024

Aims

Aveir VR performance and predictors for its pacing threshold (PCT) in a real-world cohort were investigated.

Methods

Electrical measurements at various stages of an Aveir VR implant were prospectively collected. Predictors for 3-month PCT were studied. A retrospective cohort of consecutive 139 Micra implants was used to compare the PCT evolution. High PCT was defined as ≥1.5 V, using a pulse width of 0.4 ms for Aveir and 0.24 ms for Micra. Excellent PCT was defined as ≤0.5 V at the respective pulse width.

Results

Among the 123 consecutive Aveir VR implant attempts, 122 (99.2%) were successful. The majority were of advanced age (mean 79.7) and small body size (mean BSA 1.60). Two patients (1.6%) experienced complications, including one pericardial effusion after device reposition and one intraoperative device dislodgement. Eighty-eight patients reached a 3-month follow-up. Aveir 3-month PCT was correlated with impedance at mapping (P = 0.015), tether mode (P < 0.001), end-of-procedure (P < 0.001), and mapping PCT (P = 0.035), but not with PCTs after fixation (P > 0.05). Tether mode impedance >470 ohms had 88% sensitivity and 71% specificity in predicting excellent 3-month PCT. Although it is more common for Aveir to have high PCT at end of procedure (11.5% for Aveir and 2.2% for Micra, P = 0.004), the rate at 3 months was similar (2.3% for Aveir and 3.1% for Micra, P = 1.000).

Conclusion

Aveir VR demonstrated satisfactory performance in this high-risk cohort. Pacing thresholds tend to improve to a greater extent than Micra after implantation. The PCT after fixation, even after a waiting period, has limited predictive value for the chronic threshold. Low-mapping PCT and high intraoperative impedance predict chronic low PCT.
The 2020 Mw 7.0 Samos (Eastern Aegean Sea) Earthquake: joint source inversion of multitype data, and tsunami modelling
Authors: Sun Yu-Sheng , Melgar Diego , Ruiz-Angulo Angel , Ganas Athanassios , Taymaz Tuncay , Crowell Brendan , Xu Xiaohua , Tsironi Varvara , Karasante Ilektra , Yolsal-Çevikbilen Seda , Erman Ceyhun , Irmak Tahir Serkan , Çubuk-Sabuncu Yeşim , Eken Tuna
Published: March 2024

We present a kinematic slip model and a simulation of the ensuing tsunami for the 2020 Mw 7.0 Néon Karlovásion (Samos, Eastern Aegean Sea) earthquake, generated from a joint inversion of high-rate GNSS, strong ground motion and InSAR data. From the inversion, we find that the source time function has a total duration of ∼20 s with three peaks at ∼4, 7.5 and 15 s corresponding to the development of three asperities. Most of the slip occurs at the west of the hypocentre and ends at the northwest downdip edge. The peak slip is ∼3.3 m, and the inverted rake angles indicate predominantly normal faulting motion. Compared with previous studies, these slip patterns have essentially similar asperity location, rupture dimension and anticorrelation with aftershocks. Consistent with our study, most published papers show the source duration of ∼20 s with three episodes of increased moment releases. For the ensuing tsunami, the eight available gauge records indicate that the tsunami waves last ∼18–30 hr depending on location, and the response period of tsunami is ∼10–35 min. The initial waves in the observed records and synthetic simulations show good agreement, which indirectly validates the performance of the inverted slip model. However, the synthetic waveforms struggle to generate long-duration tsunami behaviour in simulations. Our tests suggest that the resolution of the bathymetry may be a potential factor affecting the simulated tsunami duration and amplitude. It should be noted that the maximum wave height in the records may occur after the decay of synthetic wave amplitudes. This implies that the inability to model long-duration tsunamis could result in underestimation in future tsunami hazard assessments.
Slopes of the pressure-dependent elastic–electrical correlations in artificial sandstones
Authors: Han Tongcheng , Huang Tao , He Haiming , Fu Li-Yun
Published: March 2024

Seismic and electromagnetic explorations are two of the most successful geophysical applications for understanding the subsurface earth, and the joint interpretation of seismic and electromagnetic survey data can help to better characterize the rocks because they contain independent and complementary information about the rocks. However, the success of the joint interpretation depends on the understanding of the correlations between the elastic and electrical rock properties and their influencing factors. Confining pressure is an important geological parameter that has been found to give rise to linear elastic–electrical correlations in sandstones. However, it is still poorly known what controls the slopes of the pressure-dependent linear correlations, even though slope is one of the most important parameters determining the linear correlation. We make artificial sandstones with controlled porosity and permeability, respectively, and measure their pressure-dependent elastic (electrical resistivity) and electrical (P-wave velocity) properties simultaneously, as well as porosity. We show that the slopes of the measured electrical resistivity versus P-wave velocity as an implicit function of confining pressure correlate positively with the compliant porosity in all the samples. The results not only reveal the petrophysical parameter that controls the slopes of the pressure-dependent linear elastic–electrical correlations in sandstones, but also provide a basis for the discrimination of the slope-controlling parameter from the simultaneously measured elastic and electrical properties.
A multi-ancestry genome-wide association study in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Michalek Dominika A , Tern Courtney , Zhou Wei , Robertson Catherine C , Farber Emily , Campolieto Paul , Chen Wei-Min , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Rich Stephen S
Published: March 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by destruction of the pancreatic β-cells. Genome-wide association (GWAS) and fine mapping studies have been conducted mainly in European ancestry (EUR) populations. We performed a multi-ancestry GWAS to identify SNPs and HLA alleles associated with T1D risk and age at onset. EUR families (N = 3223), and unrelated individuals of African (AFR, N = 891) and admixed (Hispanic/Latino) ancestry (AMR, N = 308) were genotyped using the Illumina HumanCoreExome BeadArray, with imputation to the TOPMed reference panel. The Multi-Ethnic HLA reference panel was utilized to impute HLA alleles and amino acid residues. Logistic mixed models (T1D risk) and frailty models (age at onset) were used for analysis. In GWAS meta-analysis, seven loci were associated with T1D risk at genome-wide significance: PTPN22, HLA-DQA1, IL2RA, RNLS, INS, IKZF4-RPS26-ERBB3, and SH2B3, with four associated with T1D age at onset (PTPN22, HLA-DQB1, INS, and ERBB3). AFR and AMR meta-analysis revealed NRP1 as associated with T1D risk and age at onset, although NRP1 variants were not associated in EUR ancestry. In contrast, the PTPN22 variant was significantly associated with risk only in EUR ancestry. HLA alleles and haplotypes most significantly associated with T1D risk in AFR and AMR ancestry differed from that seen in EUR ancestry; in addition, the HLA-DRB1*08:02-DQA1*04:01-DQB1*04:02 haplotype was ‘protective’ in AMR while HLA-DRB1*08:01-DQA1*04:01-DQB1*04:02 haplotype was ‘risk’ in EUR ancestry, differing only at HLA-DRB1*08. These results suggest that much larger sample sizes in non-EUR populations are required to capture novel loci associated with T1D risk.
Ocean warming shapes embryonic developmental prospects of the next generation in Atlantic cod
Authors: Skjærven Kaja H , Alix Maud , Kleppe Lene , Fernandes Jorge M O , Whatmore Paul , Nedoluzhko Artem , Andersson Eva , Kjesbu Olav Sigurd
Published: March 2024

Although early embryonic protein production relies exclusively on maternal molecules such as messenger RNAs (mRNAs) incorporated into ovarian follicles, knowledge about any thermally induced, intergenerational effects is scarce in ectotherms. Here, we investigated how elevated temperatures (9°–12°C vs. 6°C) during oogenesis influenced the next generation by targeting maternal mRNAs in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) embryos, in view of up- and down-regulated genes in ovarian follicles of pre-spawning adults. Overall, the spawning female liver showed significantly higher levels of free amino acids and N-metabolites at 9°C than at 6°C. Higher-than-optimal temperatures induced adjustments in embryo transcriptome proportional to the temperature increase relative to the control group. The adjustments included alterations in maternal-effect genes, which are developmentally conserved among vertebrates. The transcriptomic differences for a selection of genes in embryos were reflected in ovarian follicles (containing multiple cell types) several months ahead of the spawning season, implying that environmental conditions of the adults are key for adjusting the genetic instructions for offspring development. This programming of fundamental traits from mother to offspring appears part of a sophisticated process to adapt the offspring to a changing ocean, though within life stage-specific, physiological thermal tolerance windows.
Growing Awareness: Limited Testing and Screening Bias for Hepatitis Delta Virus in Utah 2000–2021
Authors: Hesterman Matthew C , Fallon Braden S , Lynch Keisa M , Weller Melodie L
Published: March 2024

Background

This study assessed the epidemiology of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) within the University of Utah UHealth health care system (2000–2021).

Methods

Analysis of HDV/HBV testing, diagnostic codes, liver enzymes, and comorbidities was performed.

Results

Among the 1962 HBV patients, only 22.2% underwent HDV testing, revealing an 8.3% positivity rate for HDV coinfections. This study observed a consistent increase in HBV and HDV cases, with higher HDV detection rates linked to increased testing. Limited HDV testing and potential screening biases were evident.

Discussion

Improved HDV testing and surveillance are crucial for early detection and implementation of targeted therapies.
Characterization of Mycobacterium orygis, Mycobacterium bovis, and Mycobacterium caprae Infections in Humans in Western Canada
Authors: Riopel Nicholas D , Long Richard , Heffernan Courtney , Tyrrell Gregory J , Shandro Cary , Li Vincent , Islam Md Rashedul , Stobart Michael , Sharma Meenu K , Soualhine Hafid , Cooper Ryan
Published: March 2024

Epidemiologic research on zoonotic tuberculosis historically used Mycobacterium bovis as a surrogate measure; however, increased reports of human tuberculosis caused by other animal-associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex members like Mycobacterium orygis necessitates their inclusion. We performed a retrospective cohort study including persons infected with any animal-lineage M tuberculosis complex species in Alberta, Canada, from January 1995 to July 2021, identifying 42 patients (20 M bovis, 21 M orygis, 1 M caprae). Demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics were compared against persons with culture-confirmed M tuberculosis infection. The proportion of culture-positive infections caused by M orygis increased continuously from 2016 to 2020. Significantly more females at a higher median age were impacted by M orygis, with all patients originating from South Asia. Mycobacterium bovis caused significantly more extrapulmonary disease and disproportionately impacted young females, particularly those pregnant or postpartum. All infections were acquired abroad. These findings can aid in developing targeted public health interventions.
Investment Uncertainties and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Onitekun Olumide , Ogun Oluremi
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the effect of uncertainties, segmented into macroeconomic and political components, on investment in sub-Saharan Africa, with thirty-one countries represented. The analyses were further nuanced to trace the investment-growth link within this set of countries. Two investment types—private and foreign direct—were covered in separate analyses. The sample of countries was chosen through stratified sampling to include oil-exporting, other resource-intensive, and nonresource-endowed countries. The Jorgenson investment model, which explicitly incorporates uncertainty into the investment decision-making process using adaptive and extrapolative approaches, was adopted for the study, and augmented with the partial adjustment model to address the assumption that the user cost of capital adjusts instantaneously. For the two investment types considered, the impartial contract and foreign investment model and the country risk and private investment model were adopted, respectively. The two-way system generalized method of moments technique was employed for estimation. The results showed that foreign direct investment (FDI) in oil-exporting and other resource-intensive countries was only sensitive to macroeconomic uncertainty, while FDI in nonresource-intensive countries was vulnerable to both macroeconomic and political uncertainties. This finding strengthens the belief that, regardless of political instability, natural resources are a major attraction for foreign investors in sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, the study revealed that private investment in the resource-intensive region was primarily affected by macroeconomic uncertainty, whereas its political vulnerability was mainly observed in the oil-exporting and nonresource-intensive regions. To mitigate investment uncertainties in sub-Saharan Africa, it is crucial to focus on minimizing the volatility of interconnected price variables, requiring collaborative efforts.
SLC24A-mediated calcium exchange as an indispensable component of the diatom cell density-driven signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xuehua , Zuo Zhicheng , Xie Xiujun , Gao Shan , Wu Songcui , Gu Wenhui , Wang Guangce
Published: March 2024

Diatom bloom is characterized by a rapid increase of population density. Perception of population density and physiological responses can significantly influence their survival strategies, subsequently impacting bloom fate. The population density itself can serve as a signal, which is perceived through chemical signals or chlorophyll fluorescence signals triggered by high cell density, and their intracellular signaling mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we focused on the model diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and designed an orthogonal experiment involving varying cell densities and light conditions, to stimulate the release of chemical signals and light-induced chlorophyll fluorescence signals. Utilizing RNA-Seq and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis, we identified four gene clusters displaying density-dependent expression patterns. Within these, a potential hub gene, PtSLC24A, encoding a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, was identified. Based on molecular genetics, cellular physiology, computational structural biology, and in situ oceanic data, we propose a potential intracellular signaling mechanism related to cell density in marine diatoms using Ca2+: upon sensing population density signals mediated by chemical cues, the membrane-bound PtSLC24A facilitates the efflux of Ca2+ to maintain specific intracellular calcium levels, allowing the transduction of intracellular density signals, subsequently regulating physiological responses, including cell apoptosis, ultimately affecting algal blooms fate. These findings shed light on the calcium-mediated intracellular signaling mechanism of marine diatoms to changing population densities, and enhances our understanding of diatom bloom dynamics and their ecological implications.
Memory-Political Deterrence: Shielding Collective Memory and Ontological Security through Dissuasion
Authors: Gustafsson Karl , Mälksoo Maria
Published: March 2024

Traditionally used within the context of hard military power in interstate relations, the concept of deterrence has been progressively extended to non-state actors and new issue areas. While scholarship on the social aspects of deterrence has expanded our understanding of this core international security practice, the focus of existing research has largely remained on physical security. This article argues that there is a phenomenon in international politics that can be called memory-political deterrence. Memory-political deterrence refers to the ways in which states seek to dissuade other political actors from taking actions that threaten the collective memory narratives that underpin the ontological security of the deterring actor. Memory-political deterrence works, for example, through political rhetoric, declarations, diplomatic insults, commemorative practices, and punitive memory laws. We illustrate the article’s arguments through empirical examples from Russia’s and China’s recent memory-political deterrence efforts toward Ukraine and Japan, respectively. In doing so, we elucidate the ways in which memory politics is intertwined with geopolitics, underpinning wider world-ordering aspirations.
A data-driven approach to choosing privacy parameters for clinical trial data sharing under differential privacy
Authors: Chen Henian , Pang Jinyong , Zhao Yayi , Giddens Spencer , Ficek Joseph , Valente Matthew J , Cao Biwei , Daley Ellen
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Clinical trial data sharing is crucial for promoting transparency and collaborative efforts in medical research. Differential privacy (DP) is a formal statistical technique for anonymizing shared data that balances privacy of individual records and accuracy of replicated results through a “privacy budget” parameter, ε. DP is considered the state of the art in privacy-protected data publication and is underutilized in clinical trial data sharing. This study is focused on identifying ε values for the sharing of clinical trial data.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed 2 clinical trial datasets with privacy budget ε ranging from 0.01 to 10. Smaller values of ε entail adding greater amounts of random noise, with better privacy as a result. Comparison of rates, odds ratios, means, and mean differences between the original clinical trial datasets and the empirical distribution of the DP estimator was performed.

Results

The DP rate closely approximated the original rate of 6.5% when ε > 1. The DP odds ratio closely aligned with the original odds ratio of 0.689 when ε ≥ 3. The DP mean closely approximated the original mean of 164.64 when ε ≥ 1. As ε increased to 5, both the minimum and maximum DP means converged toward the original mean.

Discussion

There is no consensus on how to choose the privacy budget ε. The definition of DP does not specify the required level of privacy, and there is no established formula for determining ε.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the application of DP holds promise in the context of sharing clinical trial data.
Quality of life of caregivers at the end of their child’s pediatric cancer treatment: cancer-specific worry and material hardship
Authors: Galtieri Liana R , Perez Megan N , Barakat Lamia P
Published: March 2024

Objective

Emerging research suggests that completion of pediatric cancer treatment can be challenging for caregivers given shifting roles and responsibilities. Lower caregiver quality of life (QOL) has been associated with cancer-related variables, higher cancer caregiving strain, and more household material hardship during pediatric cancer treatment. Caregiver QOL at the end of treatment has not been fully investigated but has implications for child and family well-being. Using a psycho-oncology framework, this study aimed to understand the cumulative burden of household material hardship and cancer-related factors on caregiver QOL at the end of treatment.

Methods

Caregivers (N = 143) of children (Mage=10.51 years) within 1 year of ending active cancer treatment completed self-report questionnaires assessing their QOL, cancer-specific worry, and material hardship (e.g., housing, insurance). Total months of active cancer treatment were extracted from the medical record. Hierarchical linear regression was used to test the relative effects of length of treatment, material hardship, and cancer-specific worry on caregiver QOL.

Results

Cancer-specific worry was significantly associated with and accounted for significant variance in caregiver QOL, above and beyond the length of treatment and material hardship. Caregivers who endorsed more cancer-specific worry had poorer QOL. Material hardship was also significantly associated with caregivers’ QOL, but length of treatment was not.

Conclusions

Caregivers with sufficient resources and less worry about cancer have higher QOL. Findings highlight the importance of end-of-treatment screening of caregivers’ subjective cancer-specific worry in addition to material hardship, irrespective of their cancer-related stressors, for ongoing psychosocial support.
Successful treatment of ulcerated hemangioma with diversion colostomy in a neonate with LUMBAR syndrome
Authors: Shah Ananya , Tollefson Megha , Ahn Edward S , Gibreel Waleed , Polites Stephanie
Published: March 2024

We present the case of a 3-week-old girl with LUMBAR syndrome, a rare condition involving segmental infantile hemangiomas (IH) in the lumbosacral region, myelopathy, and other congenital anomalies. The patient developed severe ulceration of a left buttock IH. Treatment included broad-spectrum antibiotics, debridement, and a laparoscopic temporary colostomy. Propranolol therapy, wound care, and fecal diversion led to successful healing of the ulceration. The report highlights the challenges of ulcerated IH in the perineal area due to exposure to urine and stool. The comprehensive approach resulted in positive outcomes, including the successful surgical treatment of spinal dysraphism, successful colostomy reversal, and developmental progress. This case contributes insight into the surgical management of severe perianal ulcerated IH associated with LUMBAR syndrome, highlighting the importance of a tailored surgical approach with a multidisciplinary framework.
Laparoscopic light source skin burn
Authors: Hamdi Jamal T
Published: March 2024

Skin burn injury from light cables is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery, but it can be severe and distressing for both the patient and the surgeon. A case report of skin burns due to laparoscopic light source is presented in this article, followed by an experimental trial to confirm the findings, and review of literature. The light source is usually connected to the camera to give adequate light inside the abdominal cavity for visualization of the internal organs, and hence, safe surgery. The light source should deliver cool light to prevent any burn from heat to skin or internal organs, but in fact, it is not usually cool and can reach high temperatures. Precautions and recommendations to avoid skin burns due to the light source are included. Surgeons should be aware of burns from light sources in laparoscopic surgery and take precautions to prevent them.
Recurrent vaginal evisceration of abdominal contents with subsequent resection of necrotic omentum in a 35-year-old woman
Authors: Horton Crista E , Baghdadi Ahmad , Putnick Jennine , Gravely Trevor
Published: March 2024

Vaginal evisceration is a rare surgical emergency in which intra-abdominal contents protrude through a dehisced vaginal cuff, which can lead to bowel ischemia and abdominal sepsis. This condition occurs due to vaginal cuff weakness secondary to prior surgeries or trauma. Recurrence after repair is rare and few cases have been documented. Here we present a young woman with multiple prior gynecologic surgeries who presented with eviscerated small bowel and omentum from her vagina five months following surgical treatment of a previous vaginal evisceration. Via a transabdominal surgical approach, general surgery and gynecology teams reduced the intra-abdominal contents, resected a pedicle of necrotic omentum, suture repaired the vaginal cuff, and placed a dehydrated placental allograft. This extremely rare case of recurrent vaginal evisceration demonstrates the importance of taking appropriate preventative surgical measures, maintaining a healthy level of suspicion for recurrence, knowing potential complications, and educating patients to prevent recurrent vaginal evisceration.
Diagnostic challenges of recurrent malaria in non-endemic areas
Authors: Ramirez-Hidalgo Maria F , González Eric López , Moles Silvia Iglesias , García Cristina Acosta , Muñoz Jose Miguel Rubio , Ortega Ricard López , Navés Laura Gros , Sánchez Albert Bernet , Jover-Sáenz Alfredo
Published: March 2024

In Spain, a patient’s unexpected relapse with Plasmodium falciparum raises questions about genetic influences on treatment efficacy. Meanwhile, in a separate case, a recurrence of Plasmodium malariae prompts speculation on latent reservoirs and treatment strategies. Here, we delve into these complex cases that underscore the evolving landscape of malaria.
Superoxide signalling and antioxidant processing in the plant nucleus
Authors: Karpinska Barbara , Foyer Christine H
Published: March 2024

The superoxide anion radical (O2·−) is a one-electron reduction product of molecular oxygen. Compared with other forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide has limited reactivity. Nevertheless, superoxide reacts with nitric oxide, ascorbate, and the iron moieties of [Fe–S] cluster-containing proteins. Superoxide has largely been neglected as a signalling molecule in the plant literature in favour of the most stable ROS form, hydrogen peroxide. However, superoxide can accumulate in plant cells, particularly in meristems, where superoxide dismutase activity and ascorbate accumulation are limited (or absent), or when superoxide is generated within the lipid environment of membranes. Moreover, oxidation of the nucleus in response to environmental stresses is a widespread phenomenon. Superoxide is generated in many intracellular compartments including mitochondria, chloroplasts, and on the apoplastic/cell wall face of the plasma membrane. However, nuclear superoxide production and functions remain poorly documented in plants. Accumulating evidence suggests that the nuclear pools of antioxidants such as glutathione are discrete and separate from the cytosolic pools, allowing compartment-specific signalling in the nucleus. We consider the potential mechanisms of superoxide generation and targets in the nucleus, together with the importance of antioxidant processing in regulating superoxide signalling.