bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver lymphatic anatomy and role in systemic lymphatic disease
Authors: Smith Christopher L. , Liu Mandi , Saravanan Madhumitha , Dewitt Aaron G. , Biko David M. , Pinto Erin M. , Escobar Fernando A. , Krishnamurthy Ganesh , Brownell Jefferson N. , Mamula Petar , Glatz Andrew C. , Gillespie Matthew J. , O’Byrne Michael L. , Ravishankar Chitra , Rome Jonathan J. , Dori Yoav
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To characterize hepatic to systemic lymphatic connections in patients with systemic lymphatic disease using intra-hepatic lymphangiography and to compare outcomes after lymphatic intervention.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients with intra-hepatic lymphangiography from May 2014 – April 2019 at our institution were included. Imaging review was performed and hepatic lymphatic connections and flow patterns were characterized. Clinical data were reviewed and comparisons between patients undergoing lymphatic intervention with or without abnormal hepatic lymphatics were performed.

Results

During the study period, 105 patients underwent intra-hepatic lymphangiography. Primary clinical presentation included ascites (19/105), chylothorax (27/105), plastic bronchitis (PB) (17/105), and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) (42/105). Five categories of hepatic lymphatic connections and flow patterns were identified (%): normal (25%, 26/105), hepatoperitoneal (12%, 13/105), hepatopulmonary (10.5%, 11/105), hepatomesenteric (7.5%, 8/105), and hepatoduodenal (41%, 43/105) with four patients having more than one abnormal pattern. A comparison between clinical presentation and imaging category revealed an increased likelihood of having ascites with hepatoperitoneal (p< .0001), chylothorax/PB with hepatopulmonary (p= .01), and PLE with hepatoduodenal (p< .001) connections. Seventy-six patients had a lymphatic intervention, 24% with normal, and 76% with abnormal liver lymphatics. There was no difference in length of hospital stay or mortality between the two groups, but there was a prolonged time to symptom resolution (p= .006) and persistent symptoms after 6 months (5% vs 44%,p= .002) in the group with abnormal liver lymphatics.

Conclusion

We identified five liver lymphatic imaging categories with a substantial correlation to presenting lymphatic disease. Abnormal imaging patterns correlated with increased morbidity. Evaluation of liver lymphatics should be considered in patients with a systemic lymphatic disease if central lymphatic imaging is normal.

Key Points

•We identified five liver lymphatic imaging patterns: normal, hepatoperitoneal, hepatomesenteric, hepatopulmonary, and hepatoduodenal.

•Imaging patterns were correlated with disease presentation (normal – chylothorax/PB, hepatoperitoneal – ascites/chylothorax, hepatopulmonary – chylothorax/PB, hepatoduodenal – PLE).

•Abnormal imaging patterns correlated with increased morbidity.
Cardiovascular profiling in the diabetic continuum: results from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study
Authors: Schmitt Volker H. , Leuschner Anja , Jünger Claus , Pinto Antonio , Hahad Omar , Schulz Andreas , Arnold Natalie , Tröbs Sven-Oliver , Panova-Noeva Marina , Keller Karsten , Zeller Tanja , Beutel Manfred , Pfeiffer Norbert , Strauch Konstantin , Blankenberg Stefan , Lackner Karl J. , Prochaska Jürgen H. , Wild Philipp S. , Münzel Thomas
Published: June 2021

Aims

To assess the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes in the general population and to investigate the associated cardiovascular burden and clinical outcome.

Methods and Results

The study sample comprised 15,010 individuals aged 35–74 years of the population-based Gutenberg Health Study. Subjects were classified into euglycaemia, prediabetes and T2DM according to clinical and metabolic (HbA1c) information. The prevalence of prediabetes was 9.5% (n = 1415) and of T2DM 8.9% (n = 1316). Prediabetes and T2DM showed a significantly increased prevalence ratio (PR) for age, obesity, active smoking, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension compared to euglycaemia (for all, P < 0.0001). In a robust Poisson regression analysis, prediabetes was established as an independent predictor of clinically-prevalent cardiovascular disease (PRprediabetes 1.20, 95% CI 1.07–1.35, P = 0.002) and represented as a risk factor for asymptomatic cardiovascular organ damage independent of traditional risk factors (PR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, P = 0.025). Prediabetes was associated with a 1.5-fold increased 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease compared to euglycaemia. In Cox regression analysis, prediabetes (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.76–2.51, P < 0.0001) and T2DM (HR 4.28, 95% CI 3.73–4.92, P < 0.0001) indicated for an increased risk of death. After adjustment for age, sex and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, only T2DM (HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.63–2.20, P < 0.0001) remained independently associated with increased all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Besides T2DM, also prediabetes inherits a significant cardiovascular burden, which translates into poor clinical outcome and indicates the need for new concepts regarding the prevention of cardiometabolic disorders.
Factors associated with a high or low implantation of self-expanding devices in TAVR
Authors: Veulemans Verena , Maier Oliver , Piayda Kerstin , Berning Kira Lisanne , Binnebößel Stephan , Polzin Amin , Afzal Shazia , Dannenberg Lisa , Horn Patrick , Jung Christian , Westenfeld Ralf , Kelm Malte , Zeus Tobias
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Optimizing valve implantation depth (ID) plays a crucial role in minimizing conduction disturbances and achieving optimal functional integrity. Until now, the impact of intraprocedural fast (FP) or rapid ventricular pacing (RP) on the implantation depth has not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to (1) evaluate the impact of different pacing maneuvers on ID, and (2) identify the independent predictors of deep ID.

Methods

473 TAVR patients with newer-generation self-expanding devices were retrospectively enrolled and one-to-one propensity-score-matching was performed, resulting in a matching of 189 FP and RP patients in each cohort. The final ID was analyzed, and the underlying functional, anatomical, and procedural conditions were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The highest ID was reached under RP in severe aortic valve calcification and valve size 26 mm. Multivariate analysis identified left ventricular outflow (LVOT) calcification [OR 0.50 (0.31–0.81) p = 0.005*], a “flare” aortic root [OR 0.42 (0.25–0.71), p = 0.001*], and RP (OR 0.49 [0.30–0.79], p = 0.004*) as independent highly preventable predictors of a deep ID. In a model of protective factors, ID was significantly reduced with the number of protective criteria (0–2 criteria: − 5.7 mm ± 2.6 vs. 3–4 criteria − 4.3 mm ± 2.0; p < 0.0001*).

Conclusion

Data from this retrospective analysis indicate that RP is an independent predictor to reach a higher implantation depth using self-expanding devices. Randomized studies should prove for validation compared to fast and non-pacing maneuvers during valve delivery and their impact on implantation depth.

Trail registration

Clinical Trial registration: NCT01805739.

Graphic abstract

Study design: Evaluation of the impact of different pacing maneuvers (fast ventricular pacing—FP vs. rapid ventricular pacing—RP) on implantation depth (ID). After one-to-one-propensity-score-matching, independent protective and risk factors for a very deep ID beneath 6 mm toward the LVOT (< − 6 mm) were identified. Stent frame pictures as a courtesy by Medtronic®. AVC aortic valve calcification.
Loss-of-function manipulations to identify roles of diverse glia and stromal cells during CNS scar formation
Authors: Wahane Shalaka , Sofroniew Michael V.
Published: June 2021

Scar formation is the replacement of parenchymal cells by stromal cells and fibrotic extracellular matrix. Until as recently as 25 years ago, little was known about the major functional contributions of different neural and non-neural cell types in the formation of scar tissue and tissue fibrosis in the CNS. Concepts about CNS scar formation are evolving rapidly with the availability of different types of loss-of-function technologies that allow mechanistic probing of cellular and molecular functions in models of CNS disorders in vivo. Such loss-of-function studies are beginning to reveal that scar formation and tissue fibrosis in the CNS involves complex interactions amongst multiple types of CNS glia and non-neural stromal cells. For example, attenuating functions of the CNS resident glial cells, astrocytes or microglia, can disrupt the formation of limitans borders that form around stromal cell scars, which leads to increased spread of inflammation, increased loss of neural tissue, and increased fibrosis. Insights are being gained into specific neuropathological mechanisms whereby specific dysfunctions of different types of CNS glia could cause or contribute to disorder-related tissue pathology and dysfunction. CNS glia, as well as fibrosis-producing stromal cells, are emerging as potential major contributors to diverse CNS disorders either through loss- or gain-of-functions, and are thereby emerging as important potential targets for interventions. In this article, we will review and discuss the effects on CNS scar formation and tissue repair of loss-of-function studies targeted at different specific cell types in various disorder models in vivo.
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia After Hospitalization for COVID-19 Disease: Our Screening Results
Authors: Marchese Maria Raffaella , Ausili Cefaro Carolina , Mari Giorgia , Proietti Ilaria , Carfì Angelo , Tosato Matteo , Longobardi Ylenia , D’Alatri Lucia ,   “Gemelli Against COVID-19 Post-Acute Care Team”
Published: June 2021

A high percentage of patients suffered symptoms also after recovery from the Coronavirus Disease—2019 (COVID-19) infection. It is not well clear what are the specific long-term sequelae (complications and symptoms). During the acute phase the patients may develop a multi-organ system pathology including aerodigestive tract. As the pathophysiology of COVID-19 emerges, the aim of our study was to describe the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia after COVID-19 disease. From March to July 2020 we enrolled patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection who had been previously hospitalized for the disease. They were screened for dysphagia by mean of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10). The cases with EAT-10 score > 3 were graded for the aspiration risk by applying the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) and were submitted to the Swal-QoL questionnaire. The cases with a GUSS score > 19 were subjected to FEES. 8/117 (7%) patients had positive screening result. 4/8 (50%) revealed an abnormal health related quality of life in oropharyngeal dysphagia with a mean Swal-QoL score of 69.73. The most affected domain was the “time of meals” (mean score 65) following by the “sleep” (mean score 66) and “eating desire” (mean score 72). 1/8 cases showed increased risk for aspiration and did not showed endoscopic signs of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Our results showed that the prevalence of upper dysphagia after hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 is not anecdotal and that probably this long-lasting sequela has a psychogenic etiology.
Shunt performance in 349 patients with hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Tervonen Joona , Adams Hadie , Lindgren Antti , Elomaa Antti-Pekka , Kämäräinen Olli-Pekka , Kärkkäinen Virve , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Huttunen Jukka , Koivisto Timo , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Leinonen Ville , Huuskonen Terhi J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a common sequelae leading to poorer neurological outcomes and predisposing to various complications.

Methods

A total of 2191 consecutive patients with aSAH were acutely admitted to the Neurointensive Care at the Kuopio University Hospital between 1990 and 2018 from a defined population. A total of 349 (16%) aSAH patients received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, 101 with an adjustable valve (2012–2018), 232 with a fixed pressure valve (1990–2011), and 16 a valveless shunt (2010–2013). Clinical timelines were reconstructed from the hospital records and nationwide registries until death (n = 120) or June 2019.

Results

Comparing the adjustable valves vs. the fixed pressure valves vs. the valveless shunts, intraventricular hemorrhage was present in 61%, 44% and 100%, respectively. The median times to the shunt were 7 days vs. 38 days vs. 10 days. The rates of the first revision were 25% vs. 32% vs. 69%. The causes included infection in 11% vs. 7% vs. 25% and overdrainage in 1% vs. 4% vs. 31%. The valveless shunt was the only independent risk factor (HR 2.9) for revision. After the first revision, more revisions were required in 48% vs. 52% vs. 45%.

Conclusions

The protocol to shunt evolved over time to favor earlier shunt. In post-aSAH hydrocephalus, adjustable valve shunts, without anti-siphon device, can be installed at an early phase after aSAH, in spite of intraventricular blood, with a modest risk (25%) of revision. Valveless shunts are not recommendable due to high risk of revisions.
A phase I, single-center, open-label study of RM-1929 photoimmunotherapy in Japanese patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tahara Makoto , Okano Susumu , Enokida Tomohiro , Ueda Yuri , Fujisawa Takao , Shinozaki Takeshi , Tomioka Toshifumi , Okano Wataru , Biel Merrill A. , Ishida Kosuke , Hayashi Ryuichi
Published: June 2021

Background

To determine the safety, preliminary efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of a single cycle of RM-1929 photoimmunotherapy, an anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab conjugated with a light-activatable dye (IRDye®700DX), in Japanese patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (rHNSCC).

Methods

Patients received a single fixed dose (640 mg/m2) of RM-1929 and a fixed light treatment dose (50 J/cm2 for superficial illumination; 100 J/cm fiber diffuser length for interstitial illumination). Safety, tumor response (modified RECIST v1.1 by central radiology review), pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity were evaluated.

Results

Three Japanese patients were enrolled who had failed ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy including radiation, chemotherapy, cetuximab, and immunotherapy. Target lesions were: submental lesion; right superficial cervical node lesion and oropharynx lesion; and external auditory canal lesion. All patients experienced ≥ 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), but none were considered dose-limiting. TEAEs were mild to moderate in severity except for one grade 3 application-site pain, which was transient, resolved without sequelae within 24 h, and did not affect study treatment administration. Thirteen of 17 TEAEs reported were possibly or probably related to study treatment. Three patient reports of application-site pain and localized edema were deemed probably related to study treatment. Objective response was observed in two patients (both partial responses). The third patient had disease progression. RM-1929 concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in all patients. No patients tested positive for anti-drug antibodies.

Conclusions

RM-1929 photoimmunotherapy showed a manageable safety profile in rHNSCC. Tumor response in these heavily pre-treated patients was clinically meaningful and warrants further investigation.

Clinical trial registration

The trial was registered with the Japanese registry of clinical trials as jRCT2031200133.
Spatial clustering and meso-scale correlates of thyroid disorder among women in India: evidence from the National Family Health Survey (2015–16)
Authors: Singh Shri Kant , Aditi Aditi , Gupta Jitendra
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Thyroid disorders are a major public health burden. Generally, women exhibit higher differentials in the prevalence of these disorders. This study focuses on the socio-economic and behavioural correlates of thyroid disorders along with their spatial clustering among women of reproductive age in India.

Methods

The study uses dataset from the fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) carried out in 2015–16 to assess self-reported thyroid disorders. Poor–rich ratio (PRR) and concentration index (CI) were used to study the variation in thyroid disorder among women arising out of economic inequality. Moran’s I statistics and bivariate local spatial autocorrelation (BiLISA) maps were used to understand spatial dependence and clustering of thyroid disorder. Spatial lag and error models were applied to examine the correlates of the disorder.

Results

Thyroid disorder prevalence was higher among women from socio-economically better-off households. Adjusted effects showed that users of iodized salt were 1.14 times more likely to suffer from a thyroid disorder as compared to non-users, which is contrary to the general belief that a higher percentage of consumption of iodide salt leads to a lower prevalence of thyroid disorder. A higher autoregressive coefficient (0.71) indicated significantly higher spatial clustering in thyroid disorders.

Conclusions

The prevalence of thyroid disorder in India depends appreciably on spatial and various ecological factors. Sedentary lifestyles among women may be aggravating diseases, which has strong linkage with thyroid disorders. It is strongly recommended to effectively integrate universal salt iodization with activities geared towards the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.
Electrokinetic energy conversion of electro-magneto-hydro-dynamic nanofluids through a microannulus under the time-periodic excitation
Authors: Zhao Guangpu , Zhang Jiali , Wang Zhiqiang , Jian Yongjun
Published: June 2021

In this work, the effects of externally applied axial pressure gradients and transverse magnetic fields on the electrokinetic energy conversion (EKEC) efficiency and the streaming potential of nanofluids through a microannulus are studied. The analytical solution for electro-magneto-hydro-dynamic (EMHD) flow is obtained under the condition of the Debye-Hückel linearization. Especially, Green’s function method is used to obtain the analytical solutions of the velocity field. The result shows that the velocity distribution is characterized by the dimensionless frequency Ω, the Hartmann number Ha, the volume fraction of the nanoparticles φ, the geometric radius ratio a, and the wall ζ potential ratio b. Moreover, the effects of three kinds of periodic excitations are compared and discussed. The results also show that the periodic excitation of the square waveform is more effective in increasing the streaming potential and the EKEC efficiency. It is worth noting that adjusting the wall ζ potential ratio and the geometric radius ratio can affect the streaming potential and the EKEC efficiency.
Nonlinear vibration of functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced composite truncated conical shell using first-order shear deformation theory
Authors: Yang Shaowu , Hao Yuxin , Zhang Wei , Yang Li , Liu Lingtao
Published: June 2021

In this study, the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is used to establish a nonlinear dynamic model for a conical shell truncated by a functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC). The vibration analyses of the FG-GPLRC truncated conical shell are presented. Considering the graphene platelets (GPLs) of the FG-GPLRC truncated conical shell with three different distribution patterns, the modified Halpin-Tsai model is used to calculate the effective Young’s modulus. Hamilton’s principle, the FSDT, and the von-Karman type nonlinear geometric relationships are used to derive a system of partial differential governing equations of the FG-GPLRC truncated conical shell. The Galerkin method is used to obtain the ordinary differential equations of the truncated conical shell. Then, the analytical nonlinear frequencies of the FG-GPLRC truncated conical shell are solved by the harmonic balance method. The effects of the weight fraction and distribution pattern of the GPLs, the ratio of the length to the radius as well as the ratio of the radius to the thickness of the FG-GPLRC truncated conical shell on the nonlinear natural frequency characteristics are discussed. This study culminates in the discovery of the periodic motion and chaotic motion of the FG-GPLRC truncated conical shell.
On well-posedness of two-phase nonlocal integral models for higher-order refined shear deformation beams
Authors: Zhang Pei , Qing Hai
Published: June 2021

Due to the conflict between equilibrium and constitutive requirements, Eringen’s strain-driven nonlocal integral model is not applicable to nanostructures of engineering interest. As an alternative, the stress-driven model has been recently developed. In this paper, for higher-order shear deformation beams, the ill-posed issue (i.e., excessive mandatory boundary conditions (BCs) cannot be met simultaneously) exists not only in strain-driven nonlocal models but also in stress-driven ones. The well-posedness of both the strain- and stress-driven two-phase nonlocal (TPN-StrainD and TPN-StressD) models is pertinently evidenced by formulating the static bending of curved beams made of functionally graded (FG) materials. The two-phase nonlocal integral constitutive relation is equivalent to a differential law equipped with two restriction conditions. By using the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM), the coupling governing equations are solved numerically. The results show that the two-phase models can predict consistent scale-effects under different supported and loading conditions.
Spatial correlation of broadband earthquake ground motion in Norcia (Central Italy) from physics-based simulations
Authors: Schiappapietra Erika , Smerzini Chiara
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the spatial correlation of response spectral accelerations from a set of broadband physics-based ground motion simulations generated for the Norcia (Central Italy) area by means of the SPEED software. We produce several ground-motion scenarios by varying either the slip distribution or the hypocentral location as well as the magnitude to systematically explore the impact of such physical parameters on spatial correlations. We extend our analysis to other ground-motion components (vertical, fault-parallel, fault-normal) in addition to the more classic geometric mean to highlight possible ground-motion directionality and therefore identify specific spatial correlation features. Our analyses provide useful insights on the role of slip heterogeneities as well as the relative position between hypocentre and slip asperities on the spatial correlation. Indeed, we found a significant variability in terms of both range and sill among the considered case studies, suggesting that the spatial correlation is not only period-dependent, but also scenario-dependent. Finally, our results reveal that the isotropy assumption may represent an oversimplification especially in the near-field and thus it may be unsuitable for assessing the seismic risk of spatially-distributed infrastructures and portfolios of buildings.
Research with a Solidarity Clinic: Design Implications for CSCW Healthcare Service Design
Authors: Vlachokyriakos Vasilis , Crivellaro Clara , Kouki Hara , Giovanopoulos Christos , Olivier Patrick
Published: June 2021

This paper reports on a long-term collaboration with a self-organised social clinic, within solidarity movements in Greece. The collaboration focused on the co-creation of an oral history group within the social clinic, aiming to record and make sense of a collection of digital oral histories from its volunteers and volunteers-doctors. The process aimed to support reflection and shape the future of the clinic’s ongoing social innovation and to transform institutional public health services. Positioning the work of solidarity movement as designing social innovation, the work contributes to CSCW and ‘infrastructuring’ in Participatory Design aspiring to support social activism and social transformation processes. More specifically, through our empirical insights on the process of infrastructuring an oral history group within a social movement; and related insights about their ongoing participatory health service provision—we provide implications for CSCW concerned with its role in institutional healthcare service transformation.
Organic matter amendments improve soil fertility in almond orchards of contrasting soil texture
Authors: Villa Yocelyn B. , Khalsa Sat Darshan S. , Ryals Rebecca , Duncan Roger A. , Brown Patrick H. , Hart Stephen C.
Published: June 2021

The effects of organic matter amendments (OMA) on soil fertility in permanent cropping systems like orchards is under-studied compared to annual cropping systems. We evaluated experimentally the impact of OMAs on soil fertility in almond (Prunus dulcis) orchards over a two-year period with annual applications. Two OMAs, derived from composted green waste (GWC) or composted manure wood chips (MWC), were applied as surface mulch and compared to a control at two sites with different soil textures (sandy loam and loamy sand). OMAs increased soil moisture content (0–0.1 m depth) at both sites by 27–37%. Both amendments increased soil inorganic N at the sandy loam (GWC: 194%; MWC: 114%) and loamy sand (GWC: 277%; MWC: 114%) sites the month following application, but soil inorganic N concentrations quickly decreased to values similar to those of control plots. After two-years, the GWC and the MWC amendments increased the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) by 112% and 29%, respectively, in the sandy loam site, but no change was observed in the loamy sand site. The greatest increase in soil extractable K occurred in the GWC-amended plots at the sandy loam site even though the initial K concentration of MWC was higher. Both OMAs increased soil organic carbon (SOC) after two years, but the SOC increase in the GWC-amended plots was greater. Our results suggest that OMAs can significantly improve soil fertility after one or two annual applications, and that fertility gains appear to be dependent on soil texture than the nutrient concentrations of the OMA.
Back out or hang on? An event history analysis of withdrawal from doctoral education in Germany
Authors: Jaksztat Steffen , Neugebauer Martin , Brandt Gesche
Published: June 2021

Despite the benefits of a PhD for degree-holders as well for society as a whole, doctoral student attrition is a common phenomenon. Unfortunately, the empirical literature on dropout from doctoral education is scant, especially for non-US countries—an omission we address in the current study. Building on Tinto’s model of student attrition and rational choice theory, the study empirically assesses the association of different individual, institutional, and external factors with the propensity to leave doctoral studies. Unlike most studies in the field, it draws on longitudinal data using event history modelling, observing doctoral students in multiple disciplines and a wide range of universities. The key results can be summarized as follows: In Germany, women are more likely to dropout than men. The probability of dropping out strongly depends on the discipline and the availability of a scholarship. A close contact with the supervisor and exchange with other PhDs are associated with a lower dropout probability. Moreover, having children increases dropout rates. The study findings provide first empirical guidance for interventions that can possibly help reducing dropout.
Review of the analysis of 234Th in small volume (2–4 L) seawater samples: improvements and recommendations
Authors: Clevenger Samantha J. , Benitez-Nelson Claudia R. , Drysdale Jessica , Pike Steven , Puigcorbé Viena , Buesseler Ken O.
Published: June 2021

The short-lived radionuclide234Th is widely used to study particle scavenging and transport from the upper ocean to deeper waters. This manuscript optimizes, reviews and validates the collection, processing and analyses of total234Th in seawater and suggests areas of further improvements. The standard234Th protocol method consists of scavenging234Th from seawater via a MnO2precipitate, beta counting, and using chemical recoveries determined by adding230Th. The revised protocol decreases sample volumes to 2 L, shortens wait times between steps, and simplifies the chemical recovery process, expanding the ability to more rapidly and safely apply the234Th method.
Erratum to: Power Analysis and Sample Size Planning in Ancova Designs
Authors: Shieh Gwowen
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11336-019-09692-3
Fishy business: regulatory and enforcement challenges of transnational organised IUU fishing crimes
Authors: Stefanus Andrea A. , Vervaele John A. E.
Published: June 2021

The article aims to find the answer on the main question of how can the criminalisation of IUU fishing, especially when committed by OCGs, under suppression conventions tackle the deficits of regulations and enforcement at the international and national levels? These deficits have origin in the limited prescription by international fisheries instruments and a large autonomy and discretion of states leading to substantive divergent policies, legal framework and practices at the national level. Further, the actual international fisheries instruments do not provide for regulatory and enforcement solutions in relation to the involvement of OCGs in IUU fishing. We argue that suppression conventions at global and regional levels could serve as solutions to supplement the deficits. In explaining the argument, first we examine the phenomenon of IUU fishing and its TOC dimensions, and the significant harms caused by it. Second, we examine the regulations and enforcement provisions of international and national fisheries instruments to establish the deficits. Third, we elaborate why suppression conventions are suitable solutions. Fourth, we analyse how suppression conventions can be regulated at global and regional levels in a way that they tackle the deficits. The results of this study can be used as a reference on how a transnational crime can be criminalised under suppression conventions both in terms of its reasonings and options and thus can contribute to the study of transnational criminal law. This study is important for transnational criminal law scholars, policy makers and practitioners in the field of enforcement.
Co-editing PINK1 and DJ-1 Genes Via Adeno-Associated Virus-Delivered CRISPR/Cas9 System in Adult Monkey Brain Elicits Classical Parkinsonian Phenotype
Authors: Li Hao , Wu Shihao , Ma Xia , Li Xiao , Cheng Tianlin , Chen Zhifang , Wu Jing , Lv Longbao , Li Ling , Xu Liqi , Wang Wenchao , Hu Yingzhou , Jiang Haisong , Yin Yong , Qiu Zilong , Hu Xintian
Published: June 2021

Whether direct manipulation of Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk genes in the adult monkey brain can elicit a Parkinsonian phenotype remains an unsolved issue. Here, we used an adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 system to directly co-edit PINK1 and DJ-1 genes in the substantia nigras (SNs) of two monkey groups: an old group and a middle-aged group. After the operation, the old group exhibited all the classic PD symptoms, including bradykinesia, tremor, and postural instability, accompanied by key pathological hallmarks of PD, such as severe nigral dopaminergic neuron loss (>64%) and evident α-synuclein pathology in the gene-edited SN. In contrast, the phenotype of their middle-aged counterparts, which also showed clear PD symptoms and pathological hallmarks, were less severe. In addition to the higher final total PD scores and more severe pathological changes, the old group were also more susceptible to gene editing by showing a faster process of PD progression. These results suggested that both genetic and aging factors played important roles in the development of PD in the monkeys. Taken together, this system can effectively develop a large number of genetically-edited PD monkeys in a short time (6–10 months), and thus provides a practical transgenic monkey model for future PD studies.
Correction to: ARoCuS Web application promotes standardized treatment and documentation of rotator cuff tears
Authors: Walter S. G. , Cucchi D. , Thomas W. , Friedrich M. J. , Jansen T.
Published: June 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12306-021-00717-8
Longitudinal Assessment of Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Farmers and Residents of an Italian Alpine Region
Authors: Paglia Giuseppe , Del Greco Fabiola M. , Carli Cristoph , Sigurdsson Baldur B. , Smarason Sigurdur , Wegher Mario , Pattaro Cristian , Wegher Lino
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to obtain a longitudinal evaluation of the exposure to chlorpyrifos (CP) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (CPM) in agricultural workers in South Tyrol and in a residential group living in the same area. CP and CPM are widely used pesticides in agriculture. Biological monitoring of CP and CPM exposure in humans can be achieved by analyzing urinary levels of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy). TCPy a metabolite of CP and CPM which is produced by a two-step metabolic transformation. Between May 14th, 2014 and March 16th, 2015 we conducted a longitudinal study on 28 farmers actively working in spray pesticide treatment and 43 non-farmers living in the same agricultural area of South Tyrol (Italy). Urine samples were collected at two time points: during the pesticide treatment period and in a temporally distant season that should guarantee metabolite clearance. We developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the determination of urinary TCPy levels. During the treatment season, both farmers and residents showed higher TCPy levels (median = 6.8 and 6.73 ug/g creatinine, respectively) than during the non-treatment season (median = 2.54 and 3.22 ug/g creatinine, respectively), suggesting a similar effect of the pesticide spraying on both groups. However, the observed TCPy levels resulted in a daily CP and CPM intake well below the limits recommended by FAO/WHO. During the non-treatment season, non-farmers showed higher TCPy levels values than farmers, suggesting the existence of TCPy of other unmeasured sources of exposure not considered in this study. This suggests that, for a comprehensive evaluation of the risks associated with TCPy exposure, additional sources should be identified in addition to CP and CPM pesticides.
An objective analysis of quality and readability of online information on COVID-19
Authors: Wrigley Kelly N. E. , Murray K. E. , McCarthy C. , O’Shea D. B.
Published: June 2021

High quality, readable health information is vital to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and readability of online COVID-19 information using 6 validated tools. This is a cross-sectional study. “COVID-19” was searched across the three most popular English language search engines. Quality was evaluated using the DISCERN score, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria and Health On the Net Foundation Code of Conduct. Readability was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Gunning-Fog Index. 41 websites were suitable for analysis. 9.8% fulfilled all JAMA criteria. Only one website was HONCode certified. Mean DISCERN score was 47.8/80 (“fair”). This was highest in websites published by a professional society/medical journal/healthcare provider. Readability varied from an 8th to 12th grade level. The overall quality of online COVID-19 information was “fair”. Much of this information was above the recommended 5th to 6th grade level, impeding access for many.
Morphometric analysis of a drainage basin using geographical information system in Gilgel Abay watershed, Lake Tana Basin, upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Bogale Alemsha
Published: June 2021

GIS and remote sensing approach is an effective tool to determine the morphological characteristics of the basin. Gilgel Abay watershed is stretched between latitude 10.56° to 11.22° N and longitude 36.44° to 37.03° E which is one major contributing river of Lake Tana which is the source of Blue Nile. The present study addressed linear and areal morphometric aspect of the watershed. The study deals with emphasis on the evolution of morphometric parameters such as stream order, stream length, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, stream frequency, texture ratio, elongation ratio, circularity ratio, and form factor ratio. The morphometric analysis of the basin revealed that Gilgel Abay is firth-order drainage basin with total of 662 drainage network, of which 511 are first order, 111 are second order, 30 are third order, 9 are fourth order, and 1 is fifth-order stream. The total length of stream is longer for first order and decrease with increasing stream order. The mean bifurcation ratio is 5.16 which is greater than the standard range, and it indicates that basin is mountainous and susceptible to flooding. Low drainage density is observed which is 0.6 km−2. It indicates that basin is highly permeable and thick vegetation cover. Areal aspect of the morphometric analysis of the basin revealed that the basin is slightly potential to flooding and soil erosion, indicating that runoff generated from the upland area of the watershed is significantly infiltrated at the gentle downstream part and contributing to groundwater potential. Further studies with the help of GIS and remote sensing with high-resolution remote sensing data integrating with ground control data in the field are more effective to formulate appropriate type of natural resource management system.
Incremental and acceleration production estimation and their effect on optimization of well infill locations in tight gas reservoirs
Authors: Dheyauldeen Atheer , Al-Fatlawi Omar , Hossain Md Mofazzal
Published: June 2021

The main role of infill drilling is either adding incremental reserves to the already existing one by intersecting newly undrained (virgin) regions or accelerating the production from currently depleted areas. Accelerating reserves from increasing drainage in tight formations can be beneficial considering the time value of money and the cost of additional wells. However, the maximum benefit can be realized when infill wells produce mostly incremental recoveries (recoveries from virgin formations). Therefore, the prediction of incremental and accelerated recovery is crucial in field development planning as it helps in the optimization of infill wells with the assurance of long-term economic sustainability of the project. Several approaches are presented in literatures to determine incremental and acceleration recovery and areas for infill drilling. However, the majority of these methods require huge and expensive data; and very time-consuming simulation studies. In this study, two qualitative techniques are proposed for the estimation of incremental and accelerated recovery based upon readily available production data. In the first technique, acceleration and incremental recovery, and thus infill drilling, are predicted from the trend of the cumulative production (Gp) versus square root time function. This approach is more applicable for tight formations considering the long period of transient linear flow. The second technique is based on multi-well Blasingame type curves analysis. This technique appears to best be applied when the production of parent wells reaches the boundary dominated flow (BDF) region before the production start of the successive infill wells. These techniques are important in field development planning as the flow regimes in tight formations change gradually from transient flow (early times) to BDF (late times) as the production continues. Despite different approaches/methods, the field case studies demonstrate that the accurate framework for strategic well planning including prediction of optimum well location is very critical, especially for the realization of the commercial benefit (i.e., increasing and accelerating of reserve or assets) from infilled drilling campaign. Also, the proposed framework and findings of this study provide new insight into infilled drilling campaigns including the importance of better evaluation of infill drilling performance in tight formations, which eventually assist on informed decisions process regarding future development plans.
Pacific Islanders in the Era of COVID-19: an Overlooked Community in Need
Authors: Cha Leah , Le Thomas , Ve’e Taunuu , Ah Soon Natalie T. , Tseng Winston
Published: June 2021

Background

Pacific Islanders (PIs), an indigenous, diverse population in the USA, have endured generational burdens of Western colonization and institutional racism that placed this population at socioeconomic and health disadvantages, such as in poverty, chronic disease, and now COVID-19. However, little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on this historically disadvantaged population. This study assessed the extent US PIs have been adversely affected by COVID-19 across the 50 states.

Methods

Using state-level national data as of September 9th, 2020, we conducted a secondary-data analysis of COVID-19 cases and deaths in PIs relative to their population representation and other racial groups, case odds ratios, and age-adjusted standard mortality ratios.

Key Results

Only 46% of states reported PI cases and 36% of states reported PI deaths. Of 23 states with available data on PIs, PIs were overrepresented in COVID-19 cases and deaths relative to their population representation in 21 and 14 states, respectively. The proportion of COVID-19 cases and deaths to the PI population was highest among all racial groups in 15 and 9 states, respectively. PIs had higher odds of exposure to COVID-19 than Whites in 21 of 23 states, and higher number of observed deaths than expected in 6 of 7 states with available PI data.

Conclusions

Engaging PI community-based and faith-based organizations in medical and public health outreach efforts, health workforce employment and training programs, along with granular data collection and reporting, are vital to mitigate the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on this population.
Mocking the u-plane integral
Authors: Korpas Georgios , Manschot Jan , Moore Gregory W. , Nidaiev Iurii
Published: June 2021

Theu-plane integral is the contribution of the Coulomb branch to correlation functions of$${\mathcal {N}}=2$$N=2gauge theory on a compact four-manifold. We consider theu-plane integral for correlators of point and surface observables of topologically twisted theories with gauge group$$\mathrm{SU}(2)$$SU(2), for an arbitrary four-manifold with$$(b_1,b_2^+)=(0,1)$$(b1,b2+)=(0,1). Theu-plane contribution equals the full correlator in the absence of Seiberg–Witten contributions at strong coupling, and coincides with the mathematically defined Donaldson invariants in such cases. We demonstrate that theu-plane correlators are efficiently determined using mock modular forms for point observables, and Appell–Lerch sums for surface observables. We use these results to discuss the asymptotic behavior of correlators as function of the number of observables. Our findings suggest that the vev of exponentiated point and surface observables is an entire function of the fugacities.
Robust programming for basin-level water allocation with uncertain water availability and policy-driven scenario analysis
Authors: Yao Liming , Su Zerui , Hou Shuhua
Published: June 2021

Uncertainties from hydrological and meteorological environments constantly pose disturbances to water sustainability. Programming under such uncertainties aims at finding solutions to this risky condition. From the sight of uncertain water availability, this paper builds a water life cycle model to reduce the risks of inappropriate estimations of water availability within a river basin and incorporates the results in robust programming. Then, a policy-driven scenario analysis is conducted to provide managerial implications in terms of ongoing water-saving policies. With Min–Tuo river basin as the case, we finally reach the conclusions that: (1) Equity is a necessity when considering the water allocation in a river basin, which enables a more sustainable mode of local water use. (2) Local citizens’ willingness to follow the policies is a key to relieve the water pressure, while the progress of water-saving techniques could add to its effectiveness.
Process Concept for the Dry Recovery of Thermal Energy of Liquid Ferrous Slags
Authors: Firsbach Felix , Senk Dieter , Babich Alexander
Published: June 2021

Slags are valuable by-products of iron- and steelmaking processes. Their efficient reutilization and the recuperation of their thermal energy are key for improving the overall efficiency of these processes. With the innovative approach presented in this work, it is possible to recover thermal heat from liquid slags. The process concept consists of a slag tundish and four subsequent heat exchangers. The liquid slag is poured into the slag tundish which homogenizes the slag and guarantees a constant mass flow. The heat exchangers extract thermal energy from the slag and transfer it to water or oil. The first module cools the slag from the tapping temperature of about 1500 °C down to 850 °C. Inside the second module, more thermal energy is gathered from the already solidified slag cooling the slag down to ambient temperature. The captured energy can be used for various processes, such as gas preheating or generation of steam. The solidified slag is volume stable and forms amorphous phases, depending on its basicity. The process was designed, and the concept was tested on lab-scale demonstrators with an overall heat recovery rate of 42%. Some applications of the recovered slag heat are also presented in this work.

Graphical Abstract

Scheme of the process concept with the three heat exchangers and buffer unit.
On Bounded Finite Potent Operators on Arbitrary Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Romo Fernando Pablos
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work is to study the structure of bounded finite potent endomorphisms on Hilbert spaces. In particular, for these operators, an answer to the Invariant Subspace Problem is given and the main properties of its adjoint operator are offered. Moreover, for every bounded finite potent endomorphism we show that Tate’s trace coincides with the Leray trace and with the trace defined by R. Elliott for Riesz Trace Class operators.
Siegel theta series for indefinite quadratic forms
Authors: Roehrig Christina
Published: June 2021

The modular transformation behavior of theta series for indefinite quadratic forms is well understood in the case of elliptic modular forms due to Vignéras, who deduced that solving a differential equation of second order serves as a criterion for modularity. In this paper, we will give a generalization of this result to Siegel theta series.
Regulierung des Schattenbankensektors: Der Fall des chinesischen BigTech Ant Group als Blaupause?
Authors: Böhnke Victoria
Published: June 2021

Der kurzfristig abgesagte Börsengang der Ant Group im November 2020 hat für Aufsehen an den internationalen Finanzmärkten gesorgt. Ant Group ist das auf Finanzdienstleistungen spezialisierte Tochterunternehmen eines großen chinesischen Technologiekonzerns. Eine Regulierungsänderung, die die Ant Group als Finanzholding einstuft und das systemische Risiko seiner Geschäftsaktivitäten begrenzen soll, zeigt, wie die chinesischen Behörden die Marktmacht großer Technologiekonzerne im Finanzsektor einschränken und so eine stärkere Regulierung des Schattenbankensektors umsetzen. Kann dieser Ansatz zur Regulierung des Schattenbankensektors in China ein Vorbild für die Europäische Union sein? Zunächst werden die Entwicklung des Schattenbankensektors und seine Bedeutung für globale Finanzstabilität sowie aktuelle Herausforderungen für die Regulierung diskutiert. Anhand einer Fallstudie zur Ant Group werden Chancen und Herausforderungen des Regulierungsansatzes der chinesischen Behörden erörtert und Implikationen für die Regulierung in Europa abgeleitet. Zusammenfassend erscheint eine Regulierung großer Technologiekonzerne, die umfangreiche, mit traditionellen Banken vergleichbare Finanzdienstleistungen anbieten, mit Blick auf die Finanzstabilität erforderlich, da diese über eine (potenziell) große Marktmacht verfügen.