bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PHACTR-1 (Phosphatase and Actin Regulator 1) Deficiency in Either Endothelial or Smooth Muscle Cells Does Not Predispose Mice to Nonatherosclerotic Arteriopathies in 3 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Rubin Sébastien , Bougaran Pauline , Martin Soizic , Abelanet Alice , Delobel Valentin , Pernot Mathieu , Jeanningros Sylvie , Bats Marie-Lise , Combe Christian , Dufourcq Pascale , Debette Stéphanie , Couffinhal Thierry , Duplàa Cécile
Published: April 2022

Background:

Genome-wide association studies have revealed robust associations of common genetic polymorphisms in an intron of the PHACTR-1 (phosphatase and actin regulator 1) gene (chr6p24), with cervical artery dissection, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and fibromuscular dysplasia. The aim was to assess its role in the pathogenesis of cervical artery dissection or fibromuscular dysplasia.

Methods:

Using various tissue-specific Cre-driver mouse lines,
Phactr1
was deleted either in endothelial cells using 2 tissue-specific Cre-driver (PDGFB [platelet-derived growth factor B]-Cre
ERT2
mice and Tie2 [tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and EGF homology domains]-Cre) and smooth muscle cells (smooth muscle actin-Cre
ERT2
) with a third tissue-specific Cre-driver.

Results:

To test the efficacy of the
Phactr1
deletion after cre-induction, we confirmed first, a decrease in Phactr1 transcription and Phactr1 expression in endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell isolated from Phactr1
iPDGFB
and Phactr1
iSMA
mice. Irrespective to the tissue or the duration of the deletion, mice did not spontaneously display pathological phenotype or vascular impairment: mouse survival, growth, blood pressure, large vessel morphology, or actin organization were not different in knockout mice than their comparatives littermates. Challenging vascular function and repair either by angiotensin II–induced hypertension or limb ischemia did not lead to vascular morphology or function impairment in Phactr1-deleted mice. Similarly, there were no more consequences of
Phactr1
deletion during embryogenesis in endothelial cells.

Conclusions:

Loss of PHACTR-1 function in the cells involved in vascular physiology does not appear to induce a pathological vascular phenotype. The in vivo effect of the intronic variation described in genome-wide association studies is unlikely to involve downregulation in PHACTR-1 expression.
Abstract EP01: One Size Does Not Fit All: Impact Of Using A Regular Cuff For All Blood Pressure Measurements
Authors: Brady Tammy M , Charleston Jeanne , Ishigami Junichi , Prokopowicz Gregory P , Miller Edgar R , Matsushita Kunihiro , Appel Lawrence J
Published: April 2022

Background:
Blood pressure (BP) guidelines recommend individualized cuff selection based on mid-arm circumference, but many clinics, especially in resource-constrained settings, use a regular adult cuff for all patients.

Objective:
Determine the effects of using a regular adult BP cuff compared to using a BP cuff that is appropriately sized for an individual’s mid-upper arm circumference.

Methods:
We conducted a randomized cross-over trial of 165 community-dwelling adults [mean age 55 yrs, 33% male (n=54), 68% Black (n=113)]. Participants had 2 sets of triplicate BP measurements (WelchAllyn ProB 2000) using a regular adult cuff and an appropriate cuff, in random order.

Results:
30% (n=50) of the study participants had systolic BP (SBP) ≥130 mmHg, and 42% (n=69) had a BMI ≥ 30kg/m
2
. As shown in the
Table
, among persons who required a small adult cuff, a regular cuff resulted in significantly lower readings [SBP -3.8 (-6.3 to -1.3) and DBP -1.5 (-3.0 to -0.0) mmHg]. In contrast, among persons who required a large or extra-large adult cuff, a regular cuff was associated with significantly higher readings [SBP 4.8 (2.9 to 6.7) and 19.7 (16.3 to 23.2) mmHg, respectively]. The overestimation of BP due to undercuffing misclassified 39 % of participants with a hypertensive BP (≥130/80 mmHg) while the underestimation of BP due to overcuffing missed 22% of participants with a hypertensive BP.

Conclusions:
In this trial, using a regular adult cuff in all individuals resulted in striking differences in SBP and DBP. A renewed emphasis on cuff size is warranted, particularly in populations with high prevalence of obesity requiring large or extra large cuff sizes.
Abstract EP23: Age-related Disparities In Access To A Usual Source Of Healthcare Among Adults With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2018
Authors: Zheutlin Alexander R , Stulberg Eric
Published: April 2022

Introduction:
Among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), regular follow-up is integral to secondary prevention. Lack of a usual source of healthcare may contribute to healthcare disparities, particularly among young adults with ASCVD.

Methods:
Using pooled data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2013-2018), the prevalence of a usual healthcare source among US adults with ASCVD was estimated overall and by age (20-39 years, 40-64 years, 65+ years). Covariates for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics were obtained. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between age and having a usual source of healthcare among US adults with ASCVD with adjustment for socioeconomic, demographic variables, and health-related variables.

Results:
Among all adults with ASCVD (weighted N= 55,501,274.0), 95.2% had a usual source of healthcare. Adults with a usual source of healthcare were older adults, had history of high cholesterol, and more healthcare visits in the prior 12 months, compared to those without a usual source. Among adults aged 20-39 years 85.8% had usual source of healthcare, compared to 93.6% of adults 40-64 years and 96.5% of adults 65+. After full adjustment, adults 40-64 years and 65+ were more likely to have a usual source of healthcare (OR 5.1, 95% CI [1.3,19.7]; OR 6.5, 95% CI [1.6,26.5]), compared to adults 20-39 years. Additionally, among adults with ASCVD food insecurity was associated with a lower prevalence of a usual source of healthcare.

Discussion:
The majority of US adults with ASCVD had access to a usual source of healthcare. However, fewer young adults with ASCVD had access to a usual source of health care. Younger adults represent a vulnerable population, and face barriers to care that differ from older patients. Regular access to a usual source of healthcare represents a modifiable factor impeding the care of younger adults with ASCVD.
Abstract EP26: Impacts Of Social Isolation During The COVID-19 Pandemic On Congestive Heart Failure Disease Management
Authors: Tawfellos George , Torosoff Mikhail
Published: April 2022

Background:
We investigated the impact of social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the severity and frequency of congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms and the frequency of hospital admissions.

Hypothesis:
We assessed the hypothesis that the psychosocial impacts of loneliness, as manifested during the COVID19 pandemic, caused potentially worsened congestive heart failure (CHF) symptom frequency and severity as well as the frequency of hospitalizations.

Material and methods:
This was a single tertiary center cohort study of inpatients admitted with a primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Each patient was asked to rate the extent of isolation related to the pandemic and the extent of changes in the severity and frequency of symptoms on a numeric scale during an in-person interview. The number of admission due to CHF since the start of the pandemic and in the two years before the start of the pandemic was also compared.

Results:
The study cohort included 40 patients, 52.5% females, 69.7+/-13.3 years old. Of these patients, 47.5% reported near-complete pandemic-related isolation and an additional 32.5% reported mild isolation. Symptom worsening was reported in 55% of all patients, which was more common in socially isolated patients (73.7%), while patients who maintained social contacts more commonly reported no change or improvement in symptoms (61.9%, p=0.024). There was also a strong trend in increased symptom frequency associated with social isolation (63.2% in isolated patients vs. 33.3% in the rest of the cohort, p=0.059). The pandemic period was also associated with a significant overall reduction in CHF-related hospital admissions, from 1.9+/-1.3 to 0.7+/-1.4 times (p=0.001), but no significant differences according to the social isolation status.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant symptom increase in patients who reported social isolation. At the same time and despite this symptom increase, a significant reduction in CHF-related hospital admissions suggests reluctance of patients to be treated in the hospital environment. The effects of interventions aimed at reducing social isolation should be investigated.
Abstract EP32: Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Associations With The Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease And Stroke Among Middle-aged Japanese Workers: Analysis Using Inverse Probability Weighting
Authors: Al-shoaibi Abubakr A , Li Yuanying , Chiang Chifa , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Song Zean , Saif-Ur-Rahman KM , Masako Shimoda , Masaaki Matsunaga , Aoyama Atsuko , Tamakoshi Koji , Ota Atsuhiko , Yatsuya Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Introduction:
Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an established causal factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic stroke. A positive linear association between LDL-C and risk of CHD or ischemic stroke was reported from western populations but among Japanese the evidence still insufficient especially on the risk of ischemic stroke. This study used a longitudinal data from the Aichi Worker’s Cohort Study to explore the associations of LDL-C levels with the incidence of CHD, and stroke subtypes.

Methods:
Pooled data of 6325 adults (5001 men and 1324 women) who responded to the second (2002) and third (2007) wave surveys of the study were used for the current analysis. Propensity scores for LDL-C categories were generated using multinomial logistic regression that included age, sex, smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, history of diabetes and hypertension, antihypertensive medication, taking dyslipidemia medication and survey year. Hazard ratios (HRs) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated from inverse probability weighted (IPW) cox proportional hazards model for LDL-C categories associations with risks of CHD, stroke and its subtypes, and CVD. We also used restricted cubic spline to examine the possible nonlinear relationship.

Results:
During a median of 14 years of follow-up, 73 strokes (40 ischemic stroke, 30 hemorrhagic stroke and 3 unknown) and 60 CHD were observed. In comparison with LDL-C < 120 mg/ dl, LDL-C ≥160 mg/dl was significantly associated with the increased risk of CVD (HR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.12-2.86) and CHD (HR 3.82, 95% CI: 1.80-8.06), but not with stroke (HR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.54-2.06), hemorrhagic stroke (HR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.13-1.67) or ischemic stroke (HR 1.56, 95% CI: 0.66-3.68). The results of restricted cubic spline analysis showed that the risks of CVD and CHD gradually increased from LDL-C of 120 mg/dl. On the other hand, the risk of ischemic stroke was flat until around LDL-C of 160 mg/dl and then increased afterward. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke was flat from LDL-C of 120 mg/dl or above, but showed an increased risk trend towards lower levels of LDL-C.

Conclusions:
Based on this recent, long-term prospective study among middle-aged Japanese workers and by applying the IPW method to adjust for several confounding variables, we found that LDL-C was linearly and positively associated with CHD incidence while higher LDL-C levels tended to be at an increased risk of ischemic stroke, though non-significant.
Abstract EP50: Implementation Of A Cloud-Connected Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Program During The Postpartum Period Improves Ascertainment
Authors: Mujic Ema , Parker Samantha , Yarrington Christina
Published: April 2022

Introduction:
Postpartum hypertension is a leading cause of postpartum hospital readmissions and severe maternal morbidity. Monitoring postpartum blood pressure (BP) through office visits is challenging due to barriers in accessing care, which disproportionately affect people of color. Remote BP monitoring programs are promising but many require cellular data plans or smartphones. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of a cloud-connected remote BP monitoring program in BP ascertainment during the six weeks postpartum in a diverse, safety-net hospital population.

Methods:
Eligible patients were those delivering between April 2020 through September 2021 at Boston Medical Center and at high-risk of postpartum hypertension, including those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, chronic hypertension, or hypertension during hospitalization for delivery. Patients were given a cell-enabled cuff and provided instructions in either English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole to take their BP daily for six weeks. BP measurements are transmitted to a web-based portal via the local cellular network. Data collected through the portal were merged with clinical information from the medical record. Metrics of compliance included frequency, defined as number of daily measurements ascertained, and duration, or day of last measurement, within the six-week period were examined using means and standard deviations (SD). We examined compliance by self-reported race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic). We calculated the prevalence of postpartum hypertension, defined as ≥ 2 BP measures with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg. Severe hypertension was defined as SBP ≥160 and/or DPB ≥110.

Results:
Among the 3,525 deliveries during the study period, 1,008 (28.6%) were eligible for the program. Of the eligible participants, 40.5% identified as Black (n=409), 36.3% as Hispanic (n=366), and 14.4% as White (n=145). Participation was high; only 15 patients (1.5%) did not take any BP measures. Among the 993 participants, the average number of daily BP measures was 17.1 (SD: 10.4), which was similar across racial/ethnic groups (Black: 17.3, Hispanic: 16.5, White: 17.1). Furthermore, the mean duration of participation was 31.7 days (SD: 12.2), which was also similar by race/ethnicity. In this high-risk cohort, the prevalence of postpartum hypertension was 64.3% (n=638), with 9.6% (n=61) meeting severe criteria.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, implementation of a cloud-connected BP monitoring program among a diverse, safety-net population was successful at ascertaining multiple BP measures in the postpartum period. Furthermore, similar patterns of use across racial and ethnic groups suggest that this program could reduce disparities with respect to postpartum BP ascertainment.
Abstract EP62: Impact Of Smoking On In-hospital Mortality Following Type 2 Myocardial Infarction- A Nationwide Population-based Analysis
Authors: Jain Akhil , Vyas Ankit , Mondal Avilash , Nunez Frailyn , Yarrarapu Siva Naga , Ijaz Hasnan , Sachdeva Sonali , Desai Rupak
Published: April 2022

Background:
Smoking has been linked to coronary artery vasoconstriction and increased myocardial oxygen demand. However, its impact on the outcomes of type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) remains unknown.

Methods:
We analyzed odds and predictors of in-hospital mortality in smokers vs. non-smokers from National Inpatient Sample (2018) T2MI hospitalizations after excluding secondary diagnoses of Type 1 MI.

Results:
Of 33155 T2MI admissions, 55.4% (n=14780) were smokers and 44.6% non-smokers (n=18375). Smokers were often younger (median 68 vs 74 yrs) and males (57.7% vs. 44.9%) than non-smokers. Unadjusted (OR 0.67, 95CI 0.50-0.91 (p=0.01) and demographically adjusted (OR 0.71, 95CI 0.52-0.98 (p=0.034) regression analyses revealed “smokers’ paradox” for in-hospital mortality. However, when additionally adjusted for comorbidities, the lower risk of all-cause mortality in smokers vs non-smokers failed to reach a statistical significance (OR 0.81, 95CI 0.56-1.16, p=0.253)
[Table 1a]
. Smokers had a higher rate of substance abuse, depression, and prior MI/PCI/CABG/stroke (p<0.05). Higher risk of all-cause mortality was found in patients with advanced age (OR 1.05), males (vs female OR 1.92) whereas whites (vs blacks OR 0.61, Hispanics OR 0.70), patients from higher-income quartile (76-100th vs. 0-25th OR 0.37) had a lower risk of mortality. CHF (OR 27.20), sepsis (OR 8.83), fluid-electrolyte disorders (OR 4.72), metastatic cancers (OR 3.29), coagulopathy (OR 2.16), prior VTE (OR 2.66) and CKD (OR 1.41) raised the odds of mortality in smokers whereas hypertension, hyperlipidemia, past cancer, prior PCI and prior TIA/Stroke showed lower odds of mortality (all p<0.05)
[Table 1b]
.

Conclusion:
In-hospital mortality associated with T2MI in unadjusted and sociodemographically adjusted models showed "Smoker's Paradox" but when controlled for comorbidities the lower odds failed to reach a statistical significance. The predictors of T2MI related mortality in smokers may help clinicians to identify high-risk patients.
Abstract EP65: Left Coronary Artery Cross-sectional Area And Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Asymptomatic South Asians: Results From The MASALA Study
Authors: Brown Akemi , Carr Jeffrey , Nair Sangeeta , Terry James G , Lin Feng , Kanaya Alka M
Published: April 2022

Background:
South Asians have a higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVC) burden than other race/ethnic groups that is not fully explained by traditional risk factors. Smaller coronary artery luminal diameter has been proposed as a potential reason for this higher risk among South Asians. A few studies have measured coronary artery diameter in South Asians demonstrating smaller coronary luminal diameter explained by smaller body size. However, these studies were done symptomatic individuals with high burden of coronary plaque, and stenosis and vascular tone is known to impact lumen diameter. No studies have measured coronary artery external diameters in asymptomatic South Asians.

Methods:
We analyzed data from 513 participants, between ages of 42 and 68 years, enrolled in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study (2016-2018). We analyzed coronary cross-sectional area (CSA) with thin slice non-contrast cardiac CT scans. This is equivalent to the outermost (adventitial) boundary measured with intravascular ultrasound of the coronary arteries. We computed mean CSA in the proximal and mid LAD segments perpendicular to the centerline of the vessel. We examined bivariate associations of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC) with LAD CSA. We then created multivariable models adjusted for age and sex to determine independent correlations with LAD CSA.

Results:
We used data from 285 men and 228 women with mean age 56±7 years. The overall mean LAD CSA was 22.8±6.8 mm
2
for men and 17.6±6.2 mm
2
for women. In bivariate analysis, higher LAD CSA was associated with male sex, and higher age, BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting glucose, total and LDL-cholesterol, CAC scores, statin medication use, and lower HDL-cholesterol. In multivariable models, only male sex (β 0.044, p<0.001), hypertension (β 0.024, p<0.001), and BMI (β 0.003 per kg/m
2
, p <0.001) were significantly associated with LAD CSA. High CAC was marginally associated with LAD CSA (CAC>100: B 0.015 p = 0.065) while age, diabetes, and cholesterol levels were not independently associated with LAD CSA.

Conclusion:
These preliminary results suggest that LAD CSA is highly correlated with sex, body size, and hypertension, but not other metabolic risk factors that are more aberrant among South Asians. Long-term follow-up will determine whether LAD CSA is an important contributor to cardiovascular disease events among South Asians.
Abstract P207: Dietary Diversity And Quality And Cvd Risk Factors In The Reasons For Geographic And Racial Differences In Stroke (REGARDS)
Authors: Tark Ji Yun , Heckler Brian , Kim Hyunkyoung , Padhye Nikhil S , Judd Suzanne E , Safford Monika , Mozaffarian Dariush , de Oliveira Otto Marcia C
Published: April 2022

Background:
Diet diversity and quality are each recommended to promote a healthy diet and prevent chronic disease. Yet, little is known on how diet diversity relates to diet quality or cardiometabolic health, particularly in underrepresented subgroups disproportionally affected by poor nutrition and CVD.

Aims:
To determine relationships of 1) dietary diversity with diet quality, and 2) diet diversity and quality with CVD risk factors (blood pressure, plasma LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, total:HDL ratio, CRP, glucose) in a diverse population of U.S. adults.

Methods:
We evaluated 21,350 Black and White adults aged ≥45 years in REGARDS. A validated dietary questionnaire at baseline was used to estimate two distinct aspects of diet diversity: food count (no. of food items eaten at least once a week) and dissimilarity (Jaccard distance, capturing diversity of attributes of foods eaten). Diet quality was estimated using the AHA-2020 and AHEI-2010 scores. Cross-sectional associations with CVD risk factors were examined using multivariable linear regression.

Results:
Food count and dissimilarity each
inversely
correlated with diet quality scores (r ranging from -0.04 to -0.11). In multivariable models, diet diversity had mixed or mostly null associations with CVD risk factors (See Table). For instance, food count inversely associated with HDL-C and LDL-C; while dissimilarity inversely associated with plasma glucose but positively with triglycerides. In contrast, AHA-2020 and AHEI-2010 were consistently favorably associated with nearly all CVD risk factors. Associations of diet diversity were similar in Blacks and Whites, while most associations of diet quality were stronger among Whites (
P
-interaction < 0.0015).

Conclusion:
Diet diversity metrics were not associated with diet healthfulness or most CVD risk factors among U.S. adults. Our findings support a focus on diet quality, with adequate intake of healthful food groups, rather than diversity, to promote cardiometabolic health.
The Impact of Edge Displacement Vaserstein Distance on UD Parsing Performance
Authors: Anderson Mark , Gómez-Rodríguez Carlos
Published: April 2022

We contribute to the discussion on parsing performance in NLP by introducing a measurement that evaluates the differences between the distributions of edge displacement (the directed distance of edges) seen in training and test data. We hypothesize that this measurement will be related to differences observed in parsing performance across treebanks. We motivate this by building upon previous work and then attempt to falsify this hypothesis by using a number of statistical methods. We establish that there is a statistical correlation between this measurement and parsing performance even when controlling for potential covariants. We then use this to establish a sampling technique that gives us an adversarial and complementary split. This gives an idea of the lower and upper bounds of parsing systems for a given treebank in lieu of freshly sampled data. In a broader sense, the methodology presented here can act as a reference for future correlation-based exploratory work in NLP.
Tractable Parsing for CCGs of Bounded Degree
Authors: Schiffer Lena Katharina , Kuhlmann Marco , Satta Giorgio
Published: April 2022

Unlike other mildly context-sensitive formalisms, Combinatory Categorial Grammar (CCG) cannot be parsed in polynomial time when the size of the grammar is taken into account. Refining this result, we show that the parsing complexity of CCG is exponential only in the maximum degree of composition. When that degree is fixed, parsing can be carried out in polynomial time. Our finding is interesting from a linguistic perspective because a bounded degree of composition has been suggested as a universal constraint on natural language grammar. Moreover, ours is the first complexity result for a version of CCG that includes substitution rules, which are used in practical grammars but have been ignored in theoretical work.
Review essay: ‘Constitutional lawyers are Dutchmen’
Authors: Wijffels Alain
Published: April 2022

V. Bogdanor’s Beyond Brexit (2019) is a constitutional lawyer’s argument in favour of a codified constitution for the United Kingdom. During the UK’s temporary membership of the European Communities and European Union (1973-2020), main features of the constitution which still prevailed in the 1960s have changed. The author discusses parliamentary sovereignty, referendums, collective government responsibility, human rights, and devolution.
Note minime sul ius dotium in Marziano Capella
Authors: Bono Francesco
Published: April 2022

Martianus Capella’s De nuptiis Philologiae et Mercurii, 9.898, echoes ancient jurisprudence, not only because the divinity Saturnus is depicted as a jurist, but because the passage also refers to a jurisprudential rule on dowries. The text suggests that dotem dicere is possible after a marriage has been celebrated. Legal authorities (both imperial constitutions and works by jurists) show that Saturnus’ words are consistent with principles of Roman law on dowries.
Urban privileges (‘keuren’) in medieval Flanders: charters or dynamic legal documents?
Authors: Declercq Georges
Published: April 2022

Between 1163 and 1240 urban privileges in the county of Flanders often lack the formal characteristics typical of medieval charters. They consist solely of a list of legal articles preceded by a general heading. In Flanders, such formless law texts are traditionally known as ‘keuren’. The most famous of these documents is the so-called ‘Grote Keure’ by which Count Philip of Alsace imposed a uniform criminal law on the major towns in his realm between 1165 and 1175. In this paper, I argue that these formless law texts are dynamic legal documents that could be updated whenever this was necessary: obsolete clauses were omitted, other passages were modified and new articles were added as time went by. At first, these changes were made to the Latin texts of the ‘keuren’. In a second stage they were translated into the vernacular and these French or Dutch versions then became the basis for further changes.
The imperial policy against heretics of restricting succession in the fourth century AD, with an appendix on the Theodosian Code
Authors: Sirks Boudewijn
Published: April 2022

A distinctive common feature of the measures against heretics and apostates in the 4th century AD is that their rights regarding successions are being curtailed or even removed. How was that done and is here a general policy visible? And what was the purpose behind these measures? Was it merely the wish of relatives to keep assets in the family as Riedlberger suggests, or was it to prevent that these sects became affluent, or perhaps was there a theological dimension to it? Since the essential texts derive from the Theodosian Code, this collection of imperial constitutions is discussed as well.
Evaluating the Effect of Semantic Congruency and Valence on Multisensory Integration
Authors: Letts Elyse , Basharat Aysha , Barnett-Cowan Michael
Published: April 2022

Previous studies have found that semantics, the higher-level meaning of stimuli, can impact multisensory integration; however, less is known about the effect of valence, an affective response to stimuli. This study investigated the effects of both semantic congruency and valence of non-speech audiovisual stimuli on multisensory integration via response time (RT) and temporal-order judgement (TOJ) tasks [assessing processing speed (RT), Point of Subjective Simultaneity (PSS), and time window when multisensory stimuli are likely to be perceived as simultaneous (temporal binding window; TBW)]. Through an online study with 40 participants (mean age: 26.25 years; females = 17), we found that both congruence and valence had a significant main effect on RT (congruency and positive valence decrease RT) and an interaction effect (congruent/positive valence condition being significantly faster than all others). For TOJ, there was a significant main effect of valence and a significant interaction effect where positive valence (compared to negative valence) and the congruent/positive condition (compared to all other conditions) required visual stimuli to be presented significantly earlier than auditory stimuli to be perceived as simultaneous. A subsequent analysis showed a positive correlation between TBW width and RT (as TBW widens, RT increases) for the categories that were furthest from true simultaneity in their PSS (Congruent/Positive and Incongruent/Negative). This study provides new evidence that supports previous research on semantic congruency and presents a novel incorporation of valence into behavioural responses.
Synopsis of the Neotropical Sclerodermus Latreille (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) with description of a new species attacking human beings
Authors: AZEVEDO CELSO O. , COLOMBO WESLEY D.
Published: April 2022

We provide a Neotropical synopsis of the genus Sclerodermus Latreille. The genus is recognized by having the antenna with 11 flagellomeres, the head globoid or nearly so, the eyes present and flat, and the clypeal median lobe strongly angled and deeply separated from the lateral lobes. The strong polymorphism of having wings is an intra- and intergeneric feature and the macropterous specimens are diagnosed by having forewings with the pterostigma slender and only the R cell closed. In this synopsis we recognized seven previously known species: S. formicarius Kieffer, S. galapagensis Brues, S. iridomyrmicicola Bruch, S. macrogaster (Ashmead), S. soror Westwood, S. spilonotum Evans, and S. wilsoni Evans. The type-species, S. domesticus Latreille is also included, but their occurrence in the Neotropical Region is in doubt. Additionally, we discovered one more species, S. chicomendesi n. sp., which is described and illustrated, based on both sexes with molecular support. This species was found attacking a woman in her office in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where there was wood furniture with holes bored by beetles of the Ptinidae genus Tricorynus Waterhouse. We also provide a key to the Neotropical species of this genus and a discussion about species attacking human beings.
The Oracle of Delphi—a molecular phylogenetic approach to Greek Cordulegaster Leach in Brewster, 1815 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Cordulegastridae)
Authors: SCHNEIDER THOMAS , VIERSTRAETE ANDY , IKEMEYER DIETMAR , VAN PELT GERT JAN , CASPERS MAX , MÜLLER OLE , DUMONT HENRI J.
Published: April 2022

Taxonomy of the genus Cordulegaster Leach in Brewster, 1815 in Greece is not completely understood. The taxonomic status of the subspecies C. helladica buchholzi (Lohmann, 1993), C. helladica kastalia (Lohmann, 1993), and C. heros pelionensis Theischinger, 1979 was still unclear. We applied a molecular genetic approach using sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA fragments—cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1). This approach revealed that specimens presently assigned to C. heros pelionensis should be considered as conspecific to the nominate subspecific taxon making C. heros a monotypic species. Two major monophyletic lines were found within the Greek representatives of the species grouped around C. bidentata Selys, 1843: the clade of the European endemic C. bidentata and the clade composed of three species: C. helladica (Lohmann, 1993), C. buchholzi (stat. nov., raised to species level), and C. insignis Schneider, 1845. Cordulegaster helladica is restricted to the Peloponnese. Cordulegaster buchholzi is not restricted to the Cyclades as previously thought, but widespread from the Cyclades over the island Euboea to south-east mainland Greece reaching in the west near Mount Parnassos, where it hybridize with C. bidentata. Hybridization between C. bidentata and C. buchholzi was detected at the Castalian Spring, where in ancient times the Oracle of Delphi was located, and some kilometres east of the Castalian Spring. These hybrids had been formerly named C. helladica kastalia. In the case of C. insignis montandoni St. Quentin, 1971 we have investigated specimens some kilometres away from the type locality in Romania, which all revealed hybrids between C. bidentata and C. insignis. However, we do not know if specimens phenotypically looking like C. insignis from further west in the SE Balkans represent isolated population of C. insignis within the range of C. bidentata or belong to a broader hybrid zone between C. bidentata and C. insignis.
Two new deep-sea species of Capitella (Annelida: Capitellidae) from sunken wood in the Northeast Pacific
Authors: MAGALHÄES WAGNER F. , HILLIARD JUSTIN
Published: April 2022

Natural and experimental wood falls harbor a rich and abundant macrofaunal community in the deep-sea. Two undescribed capitellids have been collected from wood species bundles deployed at 3,100 m at the “Deadwood 2” site in Monterey Bay and several other locations in the northeastern Pacific. Capitella blakei sp. nov. is a widely distributed deep-sea capitellid in the northeastern Pacific occurring from the Monterey canyon north to the Endeavour segment of the San Juan de Fuca Ridge, a range of almost 1,400 km. It belongs to a group of Capitella species having only individuals with male external characteristics, chaetigers 1–7 with notopodial and neuropodial capillaries and is readily distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a peristomium clearly separated from prostomium, deep lateral and ventral grooves, and methyl green staining pattern. Capitella multibranchiata sp. nov. is unique in the genus by the presence of branchiae on abdominal notopodial and neuropodial segments. The adult morphology of both species is described and compared to their most apparently related congeners. Our results have shown a greater diversity of deep-sea Capitella than previously known. The wide geographical distribution of C. blakei sp. nov. on wood habitats indicates that these wood falls may be functioning as ecological and evolutionary stepping-stones between the enriched sediments of vents and seeps.
Value of Flexible Nano-Sensor with Carbon Nanotube and Graphene in Ultrasound Screening of Congenital Heart Malformations in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Pan Ruike , Zhang Yanping , Yu Ming , Zhang Shuqing , Wu Shuoming
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to explore the application value of flexible nano-sensors with carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene (Gr) in the ultrasound screening of congenital heart defects (CHD) in early pregnancy. The change of the sensitivity strain factor, mechanical properties, and resistance
changes of the flexible nanosensor were analysed under different strains. The prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of early pregnancy 2640 pregnant women was selected as the research object. The nuchal translucency (NT) thickening value, blood flow spectrum of ductus venosus (DV), ductus venosus
a (DVa) wave, and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were measured under the ultrasound diagnosis. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of different indicators in screening the cardiac malformations were compared. It was found that when the volume ratio of CNT:Gr was 1:5, the initial resistance
of the sensor was the smallest; the resistance of the sensor was 2.75 KΩ˜4.68 KΩ when the strain was 1%; and the maximum frequency of the sensor was 0.25. NT+TR+DVa wave (DVa) combined diagnosis detected 8 cases of CHD, the sensitivity and specificity were 80% and 96.48%, respectively.
The sensitivity of combined diagnosis of NT+TR+DVa was greatly higher than that of NT, DV and TR alone. It indicated that the flexible nano sensor based on CNT and Gr in this study showed good stability and durability, and high sensitivity in the diagnosis of fetal structure and cardiac malformations,
which can provide reference value for the screening of fetal diseases in early pregnancy.
Tornado Radar Images and Path Directions: An Assessment of Public Knowledge in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Senkbeil Jason C. , Sherman-Morris Kathleen , Skeeter Walker , Vaughn Cole
Published: April 2022

Due to the current use and reliance on tornado warning polygons, several published articles have concentrated on themes related to risk perception and interpretation of risk within and outside of polygons. Despite the general success of warning polygons, not everybody is able to spatially estimate their risk by looking at maps with tornado warning polygons. Using polygons in conjunction with radar images can improve comprehension and better inform protective action decision-making for tornado warnings. Additionally, a potential latent area of research is how past tornado tracks and climatological knowledge about tornado path directions may influence tornado risk perception and protective action decision-making. In this study, we surveyed 1023 individuals across the southeastern United States. Participants were asked to rate their level of concern for a tornadic supercell moving toward two locations. They were also asked to name the direction tornadoes usually come from and travel toward in their counties. Results indicated significantly more concern about the radar reflectivity within the supercell than concern about the location of the hook echo. Additionally, the perceived directions of tornado paths across the region were inaccurate with 75 percent of the sample either not answering, indicating that they did not know the most common direction for tornado paths, or answering that tornadoes travel in uncommon or unrealistic path directions. The Atlanta metropolitan area was used as a case study to illustrate inaccurate perceptions of path directions.
Subseasonal-to-Seasonal Arctic Sea Ice Forecast Skill Improvement from Sea Ice Concentration Assimilation
Authors: Zhang Yong-Fei , Bushuk Mitchell , Winton Michael , Hurlin Bill , Delworth Thomas , Harrison Matthew , Jia Liwei , Lu Feiyu , Rosati Anthony , Yang Xiaosong
Published: April 2022

The current GFDL seasonal prediction system, the Seamless System for Prediction and Earth System Research (SPEAR), has shown skillful prediction of Arctic sea ice extent with atmosphere and ocean constrained by observations. In this study we present improvements in subseasonal and seasonal predictions of Arctic sea ice by directly assimilating sea ice observations. The sea ice initial conditions from a data assimilation (DA) system that assimilates satellite sea ice concentration (SIC) observations are used to produce a set of reforecast experiments (IceDA) starting from the first day of each month from 1992 to 2017. Our evaluation of daily sea ice extent prediction skill concludes that the SPEAR system generally outperforms the anomaly persistence forecast at lead times beyond 1 month. We primarily focus our analysis on daily gridcell-level sea ice fields. SIC DA improves prediction skill of SIC forecasts prominently in the June-, July-, August-, and September-initialized reforecasts. We evaluate two additional user-oriented metrics: the ice-free probability (IFP) and ice-free date (IFD). IFP is the probability of a grid cell experiencing ice-free conditions in a given year, and IFD is the first date on which a grid cell is ice free. A combined analysis of IFP and IFD demonstrates that the SPEAR model can make skillful predictions of local ice melt as early as May, with modest improvements from SIC DA.
A Bayesian Hierarchical Framework for Postprocessing Daily Streamflow Simulations across a River Network
Authors: Ossandón Álvaro , J. S. Nanditha , Mendoza Pablo A. , Rajagopalan Balaji , Mishra Vimal
Published: April 2022

Despite the potential and increasing interest in physically based hydrological models for streamflow forecasting applications, they are constrained in terms of agility to generate ensembles. Hence, we develop and test a Bayesian hierarchical model (BHM) to postprocess physically based hydrologic model simulations at multiple sites on a river network, with the aim to generate probabilistic information (i.e., ensembles) and improve raw model skill. We apply our BHM framework to daily summer (July–August) streamflow simulations at five stations located in the Narmada River basin in central India, forcing the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model with observed rainfall. In this approach, daily observed streamflow at each station is modeled with a conditionally independent probability density function with time varying distribution parameters, which are modeled as a linear function of potential covariates that include VIC outputs and meteorological variables. Using suitable priors on the parameters, posterior parameters and predictive posterior distributions—and thus ensembles—of daily streamflow are obtained. The best BHM model considers a gamma distribution and uses VIC streamflow and a nonlinear covariate formulated as the product of VIC streamflow and 2-day precipitation spatially averaged across the area between the current and upstream station. The second covariate enables correcting the time delay in flow peaks and nonsystematic biases in VIC streamflow. The results show that the BHM postprocessor increases probabilistic skill in 60% compared to raw VIC simulations, providing reliable ensembles for most sites. This modeling approach can be extended to combine forecasts from multiple sources and provide skillful multimodel ensemble forecasts.
Impedance Planimetry and the Changing Paradigm of Esophageal Dysphagia
Authors: Makamson Luci M. , Holm Tyler E. , Jenkins Hayley N. , Mehaffey Niall A. , Mansour Emily A. , Coleman Thomas P. , Norton Christian H. , Walker Savannah C. , McClain Jessica E. , Parker Adam C. , Brousse Brandon R. , Schaefer David C. , Kutcher Matthew E. , Moremen Jacob R.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Patients presenting with dysphagia can encounter a pathway to therapy and relief that is expensive and frustrating. High resolution impedance planimetry (HRIP) is a new mechanism for enhancing and possibly hastening that process. A balloon with integrated pressure sensors is utilized to measure luminal geometry and pressure by volume-controlled distention. Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility and body contractility are assessed at the time of other endoscopic procedures. Here we describe a single-center experience utilizing HRIP in the endoscopic evaluation of patients presenting with dysphagia.

Methods

A prospectively maintained registry of patients undergoing impedance planimetry assessments at an academic medical center was queried for demographics, procedural details, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results

Data was reviewed for 122 procedures performed by two providers. HRIP was performed in 63 (52%) patients for initial dysphagia assessment, 36 (30%) for follow-up assessment, and 20 (16%) as a procedural adjunct at the time of other planned procedures. HRIP contractile response was characterized as normal in 36%, absent in 32%, and diminished/disorganized in 14%. These results motivated clinical planning for surgical referral in 7 (5%) patients, 31 (26%) additional testing, and 82 (68%) continued medical management and follow-up.

Discussion

HRIP is an emerging endoscopic modality which can streamline diagnostic work-up and therapeutic planning for patients with symptomatic dysphagia. Using functional esophageal assessment at the time of other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, HRIP may expedite care and lead to improved patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
Through the Eyes of Dr Sherman—That 10 Percent
Authors: Aaland Mary
Published: April 2022

As chief of surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta Roger Sherman trained generations of trauma surgeons, including me. Our relationship had three phases, each with a specific lesson that stayed with me throughout my career: first, the interview for a fellowship; second, my training at Grady, or “Grady 101;” and third, relating to important people outside of surgical practice, which I understood to be “that 10 percent” that really, really disliked me.

I was caught during a time when there was a severe contraction of the number of training programs in surgery. Despite the red flag of having gone to four different residencies, Dr. Sherman still decided to offer me fellowship position. Training at Grady meant seeing more patients with severe trauma and burns than most surgeons see in a lifetime, with an autonomy that was coupled with responsibility and the expectation of accountability. The 10 percent often included non-surgical consultants and administrators that might be adversarial at first but could provide support if they were informed about the impact of their decisions on patients.

Being part of Dr. Sherman’s staff was a privilege. In his words “surgery … is an awesome responsibility afforded to only a few … a high honor surpassed only by being trusted to teach others this demanding and marvelous craft.”
Indigenous strengths-based approaches to healthcare and health professions education – Recognising the value of Elders’ teachings
Authors: Kennedy Andrea , Sehgal Anika , Szabo Joanna , McGowan Katharine , Lindstrom Gabrielle , Roach Pamela , Crowshoe Lynden (Lindsay) , Barnabe Cheryl
Published: April 2022

Background

A strengths-based lens is essential for the pursuit of health equity among Indigenous populations. However, health professionals are often taught and supported in practice via deficit-based approaches that perpetuate inequity for Indigenous peoples. Deficit narratives in healthcare and health education are reproduced through practices and policies that ignore Indigenous strengths, disregard human rights, and reproduce structural inequalities. When strengths are recognised it is possible to build capacities and address challenges, while not losing sight of the structural factors impacting Indigenous peoples’ health.

Objective

In this paper, we examine Indigenous strengths-based approaches to policy and practice in healthcare and health professions education when delivered alongside teachings shared by Elders from the Cree, Blackfoot and Métis Nations of Alberta, Canada.

Method

Literature and Elders’ teachings were used to shift strengths-based approaches from Western descriptions of what might be done, to concrete actions aligned with Indigenous ways.

Results

Four pointers for future action adopting a strengths-based approach are identified: enacting gifts – focusing on positive attributes; upholding relationality – centring good relationships; honouring legacy – restoring self-determination; and reconciling truth – attending to structural determinants of health.

Conclusion

Identified directions and actionable strategies offer a promising means to advance Indigenous health equity through strengths-based actions that change existing narratives and advance health equity.