bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal fluid metallomics in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Banerjee Gargi , Forsgard Niklas , Ambler Gareth , Keshavan Ashvini , Paterson Ross W. , Foiani Martha S. , Toombs Jamie , Heslegrave Amanda , Thompson Edward J. , Lunn Michael P. , Fox Nick C. , Zetterberg Henrik , Schott Jonathan M. , Werring David J.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage. Biomarkers of clinically silent bleeding events, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ferritin and iron, might provide novel measures of disease presence and severity.

Methods

We performed an exploratory study comparing CSF iron, ferritin, and other metal levels in patients with CAA, control subjects (CS) and patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ferritin was measured using a latex fixation test; metal analyses were performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

CAA patients (n = 10) had higher levels of CSF iron than the AD (n = 20) and CS (n = 10) groups (medians 23.42, 15.48 and 17.71 μg/L, respectively, p = 0.0015); the difference between CAA and AD groups was significant in unadjusted and age-adjusted analyses. We observed a difference in CSF ferritin (medians 10.10, 7.77 and 8.01 ng/ml, for CAA, AD and CS groups, respectively, p = 0.01); the difference between the CAA and AD groups was significant in unadjusted, but not age-adjusted, analyses. We also observed differences between the CAA and AD groups in CSF nickel and cobalt (unadjusted analyses).

Conclusions

In this exploratory study, we provide preliminary evidence for a distinct CSF metallomic profile in patients with CAA. Replication and validation of these results in larger cohorts is needed.
Molecular detection of Wolbachia endosymbiont in reptiles and their ectoparasites
Authors: Manoj Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari , Latrofa Maria Stefania , Mendoza-Roldan Jairo Alfonso , Otranto Domenico
Published: July 2021

Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted Gram-negative endosymbiont of onchocercid nematodes and arthropods, has a role in the biology of their host; thus it has been exploited for the filariasis treatment in humans. To assess the presence and prevalence of this endosymbiont in reptiles and their ectoparasites, blood and tail tissue as well as ticks and mites collected from them were molecularly screened for Wolbachia DNA using two sets of primers targeting partial 16S rRNA and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) genes. Positive samples were screened for the partial 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes for filarioids. Of the different species of lizards (Podarcis siculus, Podarcis muralis and Lacerta bilineata) and snakes (Elaphe quatuorlineata and Boa constrictor constrictor) screened from three collection sites, only P. siculus scored positive for Wolbachia 16S rRNA. Among ectoparasites collected from reptiles (Ixodes ricinus ticks and Neotrombicula autumnalis, Ophionyssus sauracum and Ophionyssus natricis mites), I. ricinus (n = 4; 2.8%; 95% CI, 0.9–7) from P. siculus, N. autumnalis (n = 2 each; 2.8%; 95% CI, 0.9–6.5) from P. siculus and P. muralis and O. natricis (n = 1; 14.3%; 95% CI, 0.7–55.4) from Boa constrictor constrictor scored positive for Wolbachia DNA. None of the positive Wolbachia samples scored positive for filarioids. This represents the first report of Wolbachia in reptilian hosts and their ectoparasites, which follows a single identification in the intestinal cells of a filarioid associated with a gecko. This data could contribute to better understand the reptile filarioid-Wolbachia association and to unveil the evolutionary pattern of Wolbachia in its filarial host.
Plant–soil feedbacks in mangrove ecosystems: establishing links between empirical and modelling studies
Authors: Wimmler Marie-Christin , Bathmann Jasper , Peters Ronny , Jiang Jiang , Walther Marc , Lovelock Catherine E. , Berger Uta
Published: July 2021

Key message

Plant–soil feedbacks in mangrove ecosystems are important for ecosystem resilience and can be investigated by establishing links between empirical and modelling studies.

Plant–soil feedbacks are important as they provide valuable insights into ecosystem dynamics and ecosystems stability and resilience against multiple stressors and disturbances, including global climate change. In mangroves, plant–soil feedbacks are important for ecosystem resilience in the face of sea level rise, carbon sequestration, and to support successful ecosystem restoration. Despite the recognition of the importance of plant–soil feedbacks in mangroves, there is limited empirical data available. We reviewed empirical studies from mangrove ecosystems and evaluate numerical models addressing plant–soil feedbacks. The empirical evidence suggests that plant–soil feedbacks strongly influence ecological processes (e.g. seedling recruitment and soil elevation change) and forest structure in mangrove ecosystems. Numerical models, which successfully describe plant–soil feedbacks in mangrove and other ecosystems, can be used in future empirical studies to test mechanistic understanding and project outcomes of environmental change. Moreover, the combination of both, modelling and empirical approaches, can improve mechanistic understanding of plant–soil feedbacks and thereby ecosystem dynamics in mangrove ecosystems. This combination will help to support sustainable coastal management and conservation.
The role of sagittal pelvic morphology in the development of adult degenerative scoliosis
Authors: de Reuver Steven , van der Linden Philip P. , Kruyt Moyo C. , Schlösser Tom P. C. , Castelein René M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Pelvic morphology dictates the alignment and biomechanics of the spine. Recent observations in different types of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis indicate that individual pelvic morphology is related to the spinal levels in which scoliosis develops: primary lumbar adolescent scoliosis is associated with a higher pelvic incidence (PI) than thoracic scoliosis and non-scoliotic controls. We hypothesize that adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) of the lumbar spine follows the same mechanical principles and is associated with a high PI.

Methods

This study used an existing CT-scan database, 101 ADS patients were sex and age matched to 101 controls. The PI was measured by two observers with multi-planar reconstruction, perpendicular to the hip-axis according to a previously validated technique.

Results

The PI was 54.1° ± 10.8° in ADS patients and 47.7° ± 10.8° in non-scoliotic controls (p < 0.001). The median ADS curve apex was the disc L2-3 and median curve length was 4 vertebral levels. The mean supine Cobb angle was 21° ± 8° (ranged 10°–47°). There was no significant correlation between PI and the apex level (p = 0.883), the curve length (p = 0.418) or the Cobb angle (p = 0.518).

Conclusions

ADS normally develops de novo in the lumbar spine of patients with a higher PI than controls, similar to primary lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This suggests a shared mechanical basis of both deformities. Pelvic morphology dictates spinal sagittal alignment, which determines the segments of the spine that are prone to develop scoliosis.
Electroanalytical overview: utilising micro- and nano-dimensional sized materials in electrochemical-based biosensing platforms
Authors: Crapnell Robert D. , Banks Craig E.
Published: July 2021

Research into electrochemical biosensors represents a significant portion of the large interdisciplinary field of biosensing. The drive to develop reliable, sensitive, and selective biosensing platforms for key environmental and medical biomarkers is ever expanding due to the current climate. This push for the detection of vital biomarkers at lower concentrations, with increased reliability, has necessitated the utilisation of micro- and nano-dimensional materials. There is a wide variety of nanomaterials available for exploration, all having unique sets of properties that help to enhance the performance of biosensors. In recent years, a large portion of research has focussed on combining these different materials to utilise the different properties in one sensor platform. This research has allowed biosensors to reach new levels of sensitivity, but we note that there is room for improvement in the reporting of this field. Numerous examples are published that report improvements in the biosensor performance through the mixing of multiple materials, but there is little discussion presented on why each nanomaterial is chosen and whether they synergise well together to warrant the inherent increase in production time and cost. Research into micro-nano materials is vital for the continued development of improved biosensing platforms, and further exploration into understanding their individual and synergistic properties will continue to push the area forward. It will continue to provide solutions for the global sensing requirements through the development of novel materials with beneficial properties, improved incorporation strategies for the materials, the combination of synergetic materials, and the reduction in cost of production of these nanomaterials.

Graphical abstract
Designing electrode configuration of electroosmosis based edema treatment as a complement to hyperosmotic therapy
Authors: Wang Teng , Kleiven Svein , Li Xiaogai
Published: July 2021

Background

Hyperosmotic therapy is a mainstay treatment for cerebral edema. Although often effective, its disadvantages include mainly acting on the normal brain region with limited effectiveness in eliminating excess fluid in the edema region. This study investigates how to configure our previously proposed novel electroosmosis based edema treatment as a complement to hyperosmotic therapy.

Methods

Three electrode configurations are designed to drive the excess fluid out of the edema region, including 2-electrode, 3-electrode, and 5-electrode designs. The focality and directionality of the induced electroosmotic flow (EOF) are then investigated using the same patient-specific head model with localized edema.

Results

The 5-electrode design shows improved EOF focality with reduced effect on the normal brain region than the other two designs. Importantly, this design also achieves better directionality driving excess edema tissue fluid to a larger region of surrounding normal brain where hyperosmotic therapy functions better. Thus, the 5-electrode design is suggested to treat edema more efficiently via a synergic effect: the excess fluid is first driven out from the edema to surrounding normal brain via EOF, where it can then be treated with hyperosmotic therapy. Meanwhile, the 5-electrode design drives 2.22 mL excess fluid from the edema region in an hour comparable to the other designs, indicating a similar efficiency of EOF.

Conclusions

The results show that the promise of our previously proposed novel electroosmosis based edema treatment can be designed to achieve better focality and directionality towards a complement to hyperosmotic therapy.
Amino acid metabolism as a therapeutic target in cancer: a review
Authors: Endicott Molly , Jones Michael , Hull Jonathon
Published: July 2021

Malignant cells often demonstrate a proliferative advantage when compared to non-malignant cells. However, the rapid growth and metabolism required for survival can also highlight vulnerabilities specific to these malignant cells. One such vulnerability exhibited by cancer is an increased demand for amino acids (AAs), which often results in a dependency on exogenous sources of AAs or requires upregulation of de novo synthesis. These metabolic alterations can be exploited by therapy, which aims to improve treatment outcome and decrease relapse and reoccurrence. One clinically utilised strategy targeting AA dependency is the use of asparaginase in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), which results in a depletion of exogenous asparagine and subsequent cancer cell death. Examples of other successful strategies include the exploitation of arginine deiminase and methioninase, nutrient restriction of methionine and the inhibition of glutaminase. In this review, we summarise these treatment strategies into three promising avenues: AA restriction, enzymatic depletion and inhibition of metabolism. This review provides an insight into the complexity of metabolism in cancer, whilst highlighting these three current research avenues that have support in both preclinical and clinical settings.
CSO Classifier 3.0: a scalable unsupervised method for classifying documents in terms of research topics
Authors: Salatino Angelo , Osborne Francesco , Motta Enrico
Published: July 2021

Classifying scientific articles, patents, and other documents according to the relevant research topics is an important task, which enables a variety of functionalities, such as categorising documents in digital libraries, monitoring and predicting research trends, and recommending papers relevant to one or more topics. In this paper, we present the latest version of the CSO Classifier (v3.0), an unsupervised approach for automatically classifying research papers according to the Computer Science Ontology (CSO), a comprehensive taxonomy of research areas in the field of Computer Science. The CSO Classifier takes as input the textual components of a research paper (usually title, abstract, and keywords) and returns a set of research topics drawn from the ontology. This new version includes a new component for discarding outlier topics and offers improved scalability. We evaluated the CSO Classifier on a gold standard of manually annotated articles, demonstrating a significant improvement over alternative methods. We also present an overview of applications adopting the CSO Classifier and describe how it can be adapted to other fields.
Evaluation of the InTray and Compact Dry culture systems for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections in patients presenting to primary health clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Olaru Ioana D. , Elamin Wael , Chisenga Mutsawashe , Malou Nada , Piton Jeremie , Yeung Shunmay , Ferrand Rashida A. , Hopkins Heidi , Chonzi Prosper , Masunda Kudzai P. E. , Manangazira Portia , Ferreyra Cecilia , Kranzer Katharina
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial resistance surveillance data is lacking from many resource-limited settings mainly due to limited laboratory testing. Novel culture systems may address some of the limitations of conventional culture media and expand the availability of microbiology services. The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance of InTray COLOREX Screen/ESBL and Compact Dry for the detection of uropathogens and of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms from urine samples. Urines samples were collected from patients presenting with symptoms of urinary tract infection to primary care clinics in Harare. Performance of the InTray COLOREX Screen, ESBL and Compact Dry chromogenic media were compared to the reference of culture using Brilliance UTI agar and conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A total of 414 samples were included in the analysis. Of the included samples, 98 were positive on Brilliance UTI agar and 83 grew Enterobacterales. The sensitivities and specificities for Enterobacterales were 89.2% (95% CI 80.4–94.9) and 98.2% (95% CI 96.1–99.3) for InTray Screen and 95.2% (95% CI 88.1–98.7) and 99.7% (95% CI 98.3–100) for Compact Dry. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases were present in 22 isolates from the Brilliance UTI agar. The sensitivity of the InTray COLOREX ESBL culture plates for the detection of ESBL-producing organisms was 95.5% (95% CI 77.2–99.9) and specificity was 99.5% (95% CI 98.2–99.9%). Our findings show good performance of the novel culture systems for the detection of uropathogens and ESBL-producing organisms. Both systems have several advantages over conventional media and have the potential to expand and decentralize laboratory testing.
Anatomical aspects of the insula, opercula and peri-insular white matter for a transcortical approach to insular glioma resection
Authors: Dziedzic Tomasz Andrzej , Bala Aleksandra , Marchel Andrzej
Published: July 2021

The insula is a lobe located deep in each hemisphere of the brain and is surrounded by eloquent cortical, white matter, and basal ganglia structures. The aim of this study was to provide an anatomical description of the insula and white matter tracts related to surgical treatment of gliomas through a transcortical approach. The study also discusses surgical implications in terms of intraoperative brain mapping. Five adult brains were prepared according to the Klingler technique. Cortical anatomy was evaluated with the naked eye, whereas white matter dissection was performed with the use of a microscope. The widest exposure of the insular surface was noted through the temporal operculum, mainly in zones III and IV according to the Berger-Sanai classification. By going through the pars triangularis in all cases, the anterior insular point and most of zone I were exposed. The narrowest and deepest operating field was observed by going through the parietal operculum. This method provided a suitable approach to zone II, where the corticospinal tract is not covered by the basal ganglia and is exposed just under the superior limiting sulcus. At the subcortical level, the identification of the inferior frontoocipital fasciculus at the level of the limen insulae is critical in terms of preserving the lenticulostriate arteries. Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the insula and subcortical white matter that is exposed through each operculum is essential in preoperative planning as well as in the intraoperative decision-making process in terms of intraoperative brain mapping.
Is Deep-Learning and Natural Language Processing Transcending the Financial Forecasting? Investigation Through Lens of News Analytic Process
Authors: Khalil Faisal , Pipa Gordon
Published: July 2021

This study tries to unravel the stock market prediction puzzle using the textual analytic with the help of natural language processing (NLP) techniques and Deep-learning recurrent model called long short term memory (LSTM). Instead of using count-based traditional sentiment index methods, the study uses its own sum and relevance based sentiment index mechanism. Hourly price data has been used in this research as daily data is too late and minutes data is too early for getting the exclusive effect of sentiments. Normally, hourly data is extremely costly and difficult to manage and analyze. Hourly data has been rarely used in similar kinds of researches. To built sentiment index, text analytic information has been parsed and analyzed, textual information that is relevant to selected stocks has been collected, aggregated, categorized, and refined with NLP and eventually converted scientifically into hourly sentiment index. News analytic sources include mainstream media, print media, social media, news feeds, blogs, investors’ advisory portals, experts’ opinions, brokers updates, web-based information, company’ internal news and public announcements regarding policies and reforms. The results of the study indicate that sentiments significantly influence the direction of stocks, on average after 3–4 h. Top ten companies from High-tech, financial, medical, automobile sectors are selected, and six LSTM models, three for using text-analytic and other without analytic are used. Every model includes 1, 3, and 6 h steps back. For all sectors, a 6-hour steps based model outperforms the other models due to LSTM specialty of keeping long term memory. Collective accuracy of textual analytic models is way higher relative to non-textual analytic models.
Brief Report: The Effectiveness of Hugging a Huggable Device Before Having a Conversation with an Unfamiliar Person for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Kumazaki Hirokazu , Sumioka Hidenobu , Muramatsu Taro , Yoshikawa Yuichiro , Shimaya Jiro , Iwanaga Ryoichiro , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Mimura Masaru
Published: July 2021

Sensory overresponsivity (SOR) emerges before anxiety and positively predicts subsequent increasing levels of anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sensory seeking behavior occurs as compensation for SOR, and individuals may seek sensory input in one sensory domain to compensate for SOR. Tactile seeking behavior is sufficient to decrease social anxiety in communicating with unfamiliar people. We assessed the effectiveness of hugging a huggable device before a conversation for reducing the psychological stress associated with speaking to an unfamiliar person or robot. Our analysis showed a significant effect, with Hugvie contributing to decreased stress for both interlocutors. Thus, this study demonstrated the efficacy of hugging it before conversation, which emphasizes the importance of tactile seeking for individuals with ASD.
Delay-induced blow-up in a planar oscillation model
Authors: Eremin Alexey , Ishiwata Emiko , Ishiwata Tetsuya , Nakata Yukihiko
Published: July 2021

In this paper we study a system of delay differential equations from the viewpoint of a finite time blow-up of the solution. We prove that the system admits blow-up solutions, no matter how small the length of the delay is. In the non-delay system every solution approaches to a stable unit circle in the plane, thus time delay induces blow-up of solutions, which we call “delay-induced blow-up” phenomenon. Furthermore, it is shown that the system has a family of infinitely many periodic solutions, while the non-delay system has only one stable limit cycle. The system studied in this paper is an example that arbitrary small delay can be responsible for a drastic change of the dynamics. We show numerical examples to illustrate our theoretical results.
Can (perceived) mental-rotation performance mediate gender differences in math anxiety in adolescents and young adults?
Authors: Rahe Martina , Quaiser-Pohl Claudia
Published: July 2021

Math anxiety is a negative affective reaction in situations concerning mathematics and is related to poor math performance and a lower mathematical self-concept. Gender differences appear in math anxiety even though gender differences in math abilities are non-existent or minimal in effect size. In the present study, gender and age differences in math anxiety, mental-rotation performance, and perceived mental-rotation performance are investigated as well as (perceived) mental-rotation performance as possible mediators of the relation between gender and math anxiety. Ninety-seven children (54 females) between 11 and 15 years and 84 undergraduate students (59 females) solved a mental-rotation test, rated their performance in this test, and filled out a questionnaire about math anxiety. Increasing gender differences with age were found for math anxiety, mental-rotation performance, and perceived mental-rotation performance. Mental-rotation performance and perceived mental-rotation performance were significant individual mediators for gender differences in math anxiety. Adequate measures should be discussed to enhance females’ mental-rotation abilities and their perception of these skills to reduce gender differences in math anxiety.
Firearm Storage Practices of US Members of the American College of Surgeons
Authors: Campbell Brendan T. , Kuhls Deborah A. , Talley Cynthia L. , Bulger Eileen M. , Stewart Ronald M.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:

As a part of its firearm injury prevention action plan, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) surveyed the entire US ACS membership regarding individual members’ knowledge, experience, attitudes, degree of support for ACS Committee on Trauma (COT) firearm programs, and degree of support for a range of firearm injury prevention policies. This survey included questions regarding members’ prevalence of firearm ownership, type of firearm(s) owned, type of firearm(s) in the home, personal reasons for firearm ownership, and methods of firearm/ammunition storage.

STUDY DESIGN:

An email invitation to participate in an anonymous, 23-item survey on firearms was sent to all US ACS members (n = 54,761) by a contracted survey research firm. Cross tabulation of questionnaire items by demographic characteristics and chi-square analyses were performed with statistical significance p < 0.05.

RESULTS:

The overall response rate was 20.4% (11,147/54,761). Forty-two percent of respondents keep firearms in their home (82% long guns, 82% handguns; 32% high-capacity magazine fed, semi-automatic rifles); 75% keep guns for self-defense/protection, 73% for target shooting; 39% store firearms unlocked, and 32% store guns unlocked and loaded. Results vary by practice/training location, practice type, military experience, sex, age, presence of children in the home, level of training, and race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS:

A significant percentage of ACS members keep firearms in their home, and nearly one-third store firearms in an unlocked and loaded fashion. Safe storage is a basic tenet of responsible firearm ownership. These data present opportunities for engaging surgeons in efforts to improve safe firearm storage.
Survey of American College of Surgeons Members on Firearm Injury Prevention
Authors: Kuhls Deborah A. , Campbell Brendan T. , Thomas Arielle , Michaels Holly , Bulger Eileen M. , Stewart Ronald M.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:

Firearm-related injuries and deaths continue to be a substantial public health burden in the US. The purpose of this study was to describe the results of a survey of US members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) on their practices, attitudes, and beliefs about firearms and firearm policies. The survey was designed to gain a representative understanding of the views of all US ACS members to help inform ACS positions related to firearm injury prevention.

STUDY DESIGN:

A professional survey firm was engaged to facilitate the design of the survey and to support a web-based platform. Data collection through an anonymous survey began in July 2018, with the survey closing in September 2018. Survey data were weighted and analyses included descriptive and bivariate statistics.

RESULTS:

There were 54,761 ACS members invited to participate in the survey. Of those, 11,147 respondents completed the survey, for an overall response rate of 20.4%. Respondents were questioned on firearm experience, purpose of firearm ownership, opinions on firearm ownership, and importance of ACS support for specific firearm legislation. Survey results varied by practice and training location, practice type, military experience, gender, age, presence of children in the home, level of training, and race and ethnicity. Most survey respondents were ACS fellows (n = 7,579 [68%]), male (n = 8,671 [77.8%]), and White (n = 8,639 [77.5%]). Forty-two percent of respondents keep guns in their home. Seventy-five percent of respondents believe that it is very or extremely important for the ACS to support policy initiatives to lower the incidence of firearm injury.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is broad support among ACS members for many initiatives related to firearm injury prevention. The degree of support for these measures varies based on both the specific initiative and demographic characteristics. The results align with the ACS strategy of healthcare professionals working together to better understand and address the root causes of violence, and simultaneously working together to make firearm ownership as safe as reasonably possible.
Ageing and Health
Authors: Greer Scott L. , Lynch Julia , Reeves Aaron , Falkenbach Michelle , Gingrich Jane , Cylus Jonathan , Bambra Clare
Published: July 2021

One of the most important political and economic challenges facing Europe and elsewhere is the ageing of societies. Must ageing populations create conflict between generations and crisis for health systems? Our answer is no. The problem is not so much demographic change as the political and policy challenge of creating fair, sustainable and effective policies for people of all ages. This book, based on a large European Observatory study, uses new evidence to challenge some of the myths surrounding ageing and its effects on economies and health systems. Cataclysmic views of population ageing are often based on stereotypes and anecdotes unsupported by evidence. How we address ageing societies is a choice. Societies can choose policies that benefit people of all ages, promoting equity both within and between generations, and political coalitions can be built to support such policies. This title is available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Post-mortem Examination of the Nervous System: Fresh versus Fixed
Authors: Hammond Robert , Dunham Chris , McFadden Deborah , Del Bigio Marc , Perez-Rosendahl Mari , Vinters Harry V.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Post-mortem examination of the nervous system is a complex task that culminates in “brain cutting”. It relies on expertise in neuroanatomy, clinical neurosciences, neuroimaging and experience in order to recognise the most subtle abnormalities. Like any specialist examination in medicine, it warrants formal training, a standardised approach and optimal conditions. Revelations of aberrant tissue retention practices of a select few pathologists (e.g. Goudge, Liverpool and Alder Hey inquiries) and a motivated sociopolitical climate led some Canadian jurisdictions to impose broad restrictions on tissue retention. This raised concerns that nervous system examinations for diagnosis, education and research were at risk by limiting examinations to the fresh or incompletely fixed state. Professional experience indicates that cutting an unfixed or partly fixed brain is inferior.

Methods:

To add objectivity and further insight we sought the expert opinion of a group of qualified specialists. Canadian neuropathologists were surveyed for their opinion on the relative merits of examining brains in the fresh or fully fixed state.

Results:

A total of 14 out of 46 Canadian neuropathologists responded (30%). In the pervasive opinion of respondents, cutting and sampling a brain prior to full fixation leads to a loss of diagnostic accuracy, biosafety and academic deliverables.

Conclusions:

Brain cutting in the fresh state is significantly impaired along multiple dimensions of relevance to a pathologist’s professional roles and obligations.
Applying the lessons of implementation science to maximize feasibility and usability in team science intervention development
Authors: Rolland Betsy , Resnik Felice , Hohl Sarah D. , Johnson LaKaija J. , Saha-Muldowney Mondira , Mahoney Jane
Published: July 2021

The Science of Team Science (SciTS) has generated a substantial body of work detailing characteristics of effective teams. However, that knowledge has not been widely translated into accessible, active, actionable, evidence-based interventions to help translational teams enhance their team functioning and outcomes. Over the past decade, the field of Implementation Science has rapidly developed methods and approaches to increase the translation of biomedical research findings into clinical care, providing a roadmap for mitigating the challenges of developing interventions while maximizing feasibility and utility. Here, we propose an approach to intervention development using constructs from two Implementation Science frameworks, Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, and Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance, to extend the Wisconsin Interventions for Team Science framework described in Rolland et al. 2021. These Implementation Science constructs can help SciTS researchers design, build, test, and disseminate interventions that meet the needs of both adopters, the institutional leadership that decides whether to adopt an intervention, and implementers, those actually using the intervention. Systematically considering the impact of design decisions on feasibility and usability may lead to the design of interventions that can quickly move from prototype to pilot test to pragmatic trials to assess their impact.
Counting Pandemic Statistics Remotely Using Webcams
Authors: Oury Jacob D , Ritter Frank E , Cissé Fatoumata B
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Lack of mask use during large public events might spread COVID-19. It is now possible to measure this and similar public health information using publicly available webcams. We demonstrate a rapid assessment approach for measuring mask usage at a public event.

Method:

We monitored crowds at public areas in Sturgis, SD using a live, high-definition, town-sponsored video stream to analyze the prevalence of mask wearing. We developed a rapid coding procedure for mask wearing and analyzed brief (5 to 25 min) video segments to assess mask-wearing compliance in outdoor public areas. We calculated compliance estimates and compared reliability among the human coders.

Results:

We were able to observe and quantify public behavior on the public streets. This approach rapidly estimated public health information (e.g., 512 people observed over 25 minutes with 2.3% mask usage) available on the same day. Coders produced reliable estimates across a sample of videos for counting masked users and mask-wearing proportion. Our video data is stored in Databrary.org.

Conclusions:

This approach has implications for disaster responses and public health. The approach is easy to use, can provide same day results, and can provide public health stakeholders with key information on public behavior.
Introduction: 1918 and the Ambiguities of “Old-New Europe”
Authors: Newman John Paul , Zách Lili
Published: July 2021

Our special issue discusses different perspectives on the important changes that took place in the transition from empire to nation-state at the end of the First World War, focusing especially on transnational connections, structural and historical continuities, and marginal voices that have been fully or partially concealed by the emphasis on a radical national awakening in 1918. Specific articles broach topics such as the implications of 1918 on notions of gender and ethnicity, 1918 and the violence of the “Greater War,” and the legacies and memories of 1918 across the 20th century. Our approach treats the “New Europe” of 1918 as a largely coherent geopolitical and cultural space, one which can be studied in an interdisciplinary fashion. We contend that 1918 is not simply a clean break in which one epoch cleanly makes way for another, but rather it is an ambiguous and contradictory pivot, one which created an “Old-New Europe” caught between the forces of the imperial past and those of the national future. Our intention is not to dismiss entirely the importance of the transformations of 1918 but rather to show how there exists a tension between those changes and the many continuities and legacies that cut across the traditional chronology.
Land Reform, Henry Rider Haggard, and the Politics of Imperial Settlement, 1900–1920
Authors: Watts James
Published: July 2021

This article considers the links between land reform and emigration through the figure of Henry Rider Haggard and argues that these two issues were deeply intertwined within British politics. Land reform in Britain is often considered as a domestic issue, but imperial campaigners often presented this in terms of the British empire. Haggard campaigned for twenty years for a greater living link to the land in Britain and the empire and believed that this link had profound effects upon English patriotism, character, and health. The imperial frontier had a spirit that improved English character, an idea that Haggard developed in the 1870s and is evident in much of his fiction. Imperial emigration was presented as a patriotic act that aided imperial defence in Australia from Chinese expansion and in South Africa from indigenous opposition. Population was the only way to bolster and defend the empire. Considering his books, speeches, newspaper reviews, and his work for the Royal Colonial Institute, this article argues that British politics and the land between 1900 and 1920 should be considered in an imperial frame. Existing work has neglected the imperial aspect of land reform, and how it was presented by emigration societies, which many imperialists considered an obvious way of dealing with unemployment and increasing urbanization whilst bolstering Greater Britain.
Physical properties of UHT light cream: impact of the high-pressure homogenization and addition of hydrocolloids
Authors: Nardy Paiva Virgínia , de Souza Soares Lucas , Stephani Rodrigo , Pereira Silva Álvaro Augusto , Fernandes de Carvalho Antônio , Rodrigues Toledo Renhe Isis , Tuler Perrone Ítalo
Published: July 2021

The beneficial effects of a healthy diet on the quality of life have prompted the food industry to develop low-fat variants, but fat content directly affects the physicochemical and sensory properties of food products. The utilization of high-pressure homogenization (HP) and incorporation of hydrocolloids have been suggested as strategies to improve the physical stability and rheological properties of light cream. Thus, this study aims to analyze the associated effect of high-pressure homogenization (80 MPa) and three different hydrocolloids: microcrystalline cellulose, locust bean gum and xanthan gum, on emulsion stability and rheological properties of ultra-high-temperature (UHT) light cream (ULC) with a 15% w/w fat content. The stability of ULC was determined by the ζ potential of oil droplets and emulsion stability percentage. Rheological characterization was based on flow behavior tests and dynamic oscillatory measurements, which were carried out in a rheometer. Results showed that the high-pressure homogenization process did not influence the emulsion stability of the treatments. Moreover, the hydrocolloids added to systems present weak interactions with milk proteins since all ULC showed macroscopical phase separation. The samples presented the same rheological behavior and were classified as pseudoplastic fluids (n < 1). ULC treated at 80 MPa was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more consistent than the treatments at 20 MPa. All ULC showed a predominant elastic behavior (G′ > G″), and a remarkable increase in both G′ and G″ at 80 MPa. The results presented in this study highlight the potential of HP for altering some rheological characteristics of UHT light cream, for example, to increase its consistency. These results are important for the dairy industry and ingredient suppliers, in the standardization of UHT light cream and/or to develop low-fat products.
Zoometric data extraction from drone imagery: the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)
Authors: de Kock Meyer E , O’Donovan Declan , Khafaga Tamer , Hejcmanová Pavla
Published: July 2021

Data extraction from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery has proved effective in animal surveys and monitoring, but to date has scarcely been used for detailed population analysis and individual animal feature extraction. We assessed the zoometric and feature extraction of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) using data acquired from a captive population for comparison with reintroduced populations monitored by UAVs. Highly accurate scaled and geo-rectified imagery derived from UAV surveys allowed precise morphometric measurements of the oryx. The scaled top-view imagery combined with baseline data from known sex, age, weight and pregnancy status of captive individuals were used to develop predictive models. A bracketed index developed from the predictive models showed high accuracy for classifying the age group ≤16 months, animals with a weight >80 kg and pregnancy. The pregnancy classification decision tree model performed with 91.7% accuracy. The polynomial weight predictive model performed well with relatively high accuracy when using the total top-view surface measurement. Photogrammetrically processed UAV-acquired imagery can yield valuable zoometric data, feature extraction and modelling; it is a tool with a practical application for field biologists that can assist in the decision-making process for species conservation management.
Current status of Great Bustard Otis tarda in Turkey: population size, distribution, movements, and threats
Authors: ÖZGENCİL İBRAHİM KAAN , AKARSU FERDİ , KARATAŞ MEHMET MAHİR , GÜRSOY-ERGEN ARZU , SAYGILI-YİĞİT FULYA , KARAKAYA MUHARREM , SOYLUER MELİSA
Published: July 2021

The Great Bustard Otis tarda is a globally threatened species with populations inhabiting the steppe zones of Turkey. In recent decades, its populations in Turkey have suffered severe declines in range and size. Although the remaining populations are in urgent need of protection, there has been no national-scale study on the species since 2009, and huge information gaps remain concerning its range, abundance, and movements in the country. Here, we combined data from five years of fieldwork together with all available sight and literature records to present up-to-date estimates of distribution and population size in Turkey, to better understand its movement patterns, to reveal its recent and historical population changes, and to assess its national extinction risk and threats. We find that the species’ breeding population has shrunk by 20–29% over the last five years, and there are only 559–780 breeding Great Bustards in Turkey distributed in two discrete subpopulations. Comparison with historical records shows that the species’ range has shrunk by at least 60% since the beginning of the 20th century. We suggest possible migratory routes within and through Turkey and that Turkey might have a higher regional importance for the species than previously thought. Illegal hunting, agricultural intensification, shift to irrigated crops, overgrazing, collision with powerlines, and disturbance are the most severe threats to the species in Turkey. Our national Red List assessment yields an Endangered categorisation. Further studies are needed to understand the metapopulation structure and movements of the species and to conserve its remaining populations in Turkey.
Internationalism, Diplomacy and the Revolutionary Origins of the Middle East's ‘Northern Tier’
Authors: Yenen Alp
Published: July 2021

Through bilateral treaties between Moscow, Ankara, Tehran and Kabul, revolutionary diplomacy shaped the ‘Northern Tier’ of the Middle East in the early 1920s. This article argues that the infamous Young Turk leaders, though in exile after the First World War, remained at the centre of a significant moment in transnational revolutionary diplomacy in Eurasia. Based on a hitherto underutilised collection of published and unpublished private papers in juxtaposition with other archival sources, this article illustrates the working of a dual process of internationalism. While campaigning for Muslim internationalism, the Young Turk leaders were able to partake in international politics, but ironically reduced their own legitimacy and capacity as non-state actors by championing revolutionary bilateralism between Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Soviet Russia.
Sekundärprävention des Hirnschlags: Laborchemische und bildgebende Biomarker beim ischämischen Schlaganfall
Authors: Katan Mira , Wegener Susanne
Published: July 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die korrekte Zuordnung der Ursache eines Hirnschlags ist die Voraussetzung für eine gute Sekundärprävention. Atherosklerose der grossen hirnzuführenden Gefässe, kardiale Embolien, Kleingefässerkrankungen (Mikroangiopathie) und andere, seltenere Ursachen können einem Hirnschlag zugrunde liegen. Laborchemische und bildgebende Biomarker können genutzt werden, um die Schlaganfallätiologie zu finden. In diesem Artikel wird das aktuelle Wissen zu Biomarkern in der Sekundärprävention von Schlaganfall zusammengefasst. Ausserdem wird das Potential von Biomarkern aufgezeigt, künftig zur Diagnostik und klinischen Versorgung von Hirnschlagpatienten beizutragen.
Vorhofflimmern und Hirnschlag: Moderne Behandlung und individuelles Hirnblutungsrisiko
Authors: Seiffge David
Published: July 2021

Zusammenfassung. Vorhofflimmern ist eine der häufigsten Ursachen für einen Hirnschlag. Bei der Behandlung von Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern und Hirnschlag stellen sich verschiedene klinische Herausforderungen und Schwierigkeiten. In diesem Artikel werden die folgenden Fragen unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Literatur behandelt: 1) Wann ist der optimale Zeitpunkt nach einem Hirnschlag, um mit einer Antikoagulation zu beginnen? 2) Wie sollten Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern, die trotz Antikoagulation einen Hirnschlag erleiden, behandelt werden? 3) Welchen Nutzen hat das MRI für eine individuelle Risikoberatung? 4) Wie sollten Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern und einer Hirnblutung behandelt werden? Praktische Hinweise für den klinischen Alltag runden die Darstellung ab.
Kognitive Defizite und Demenz nach Schlaganfall
Authors: Gallucci Laura , Umarova Roza M.
Published: July 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die Vorhersage des Schlaganfall-Outcome bleibt aufgrund einer hohen interindividuellen Variabilität eine Herausforderung. Die steigende Lebenserwartung und die Zunahme der Anzahl von chronisch kranken Patienten werden die Variabilität im Schlaganfall-Outcome weiter erhöhen. Die Bedeutung von durch den Schlaganfall hervorgerufenen kognitiven Defiziten sollte in dieser Hinsicht nicht unterschätzt werden. Sie sind relevant für die spätere Alltagsselbstständigkeit aber auch unmittelbar für die somatische Rehabilitation. Die kognitive Störung nach Schlaganfall kann i) in einer oder mehreren kognitiven Domänen auftreten und damit unterschiedlichste Profile zeigen; ii) in der Ausprägung stark variieren – von leichter kognitiver Störung bis hin zu klinisch manifester Demenz; iii) sich sofort nach dem Ereignis oder um einige Monate verzögert manifestieren. Viele demographische, klinische Faktoren oder Schlaganfallfaktoren sind als Prädiktoren für relevante kognitive Verschlechterung nach Schlaganfall bekannt. Bisher wurden diese Risikofaktoren aber unabhängig voneinander untersucht. Ein umfassendes Modell, welches einheitlich alle diese Faktoren zusammen berücksichtigte, fehlte bis jetzt. Wir schlagen vor, dass die Konzepte für Hirnreserve und kognitive Reserve, die bereits für die Erfassung der inter-individuellen Variabilität bei neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen etabliert sind, auch für eine Vorhersage von kognitiven Defiziten nach Schlaganfall hilfreich sein können. Dabei lässt sich der Schweregrad der kognitiven Störung als Interaktion zwischen Hirnreserve (z. B. Hirnvolumen), kognitiver Reserve (z. B. Ausbildungsniveau) und Schlaganfallfaktoren (z. B. Läsionsgrösse, Anatomie) verstehen. Die ersten Studien konnten diese Hypothese bestätigen. Zukünftig dürfte die Berücksichtigung dieser Faktoren eine wesentlich präzisere Vorhersage der kognitiven Störung nach Schlaganfall erlauben. Für die Klinik bietet dies dann die Möglichkeit, im Rahmen einer individualisierten Rehabilitation gefährdete Patienten frühzeitig zu erkennen und diesen ggf. zusätzliche Interventionen zur Prävention einer Demenz nach Schlaganfall zukommen zu lassen.
Passive Ground‐Based Optical Techniques for Monitoring the On‐Orbit ICESat‐2 Altimeter Geolocation and Footprint Diameter
Authors: Magruder Lori , Brunt Kelly , Neumann Thomas , Klotz Bradley , Alonzo Michael
Published: July 2021

Corner cube retro‐reflectors (CCRs), passive optical components, are used to independently evaluate the geolocation accuracy and effective laser footprint diameter of NASA's laser altimetry mission, ICESat‐2, at two specific study sites: White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and along a segment of the 88°S line of latitude in Antarctica. The CCR methodology provides ICESat‐2 the ability to monitor these altimeter performance metrics throughout the mission lifetime as an indicator of the health of the instrument and the quality of the observations for science applications. The results using this technique reveal a mean geolocation accuracy of the ICESat‐2 measurements of 3.5 m ± 2.1 m, meeting the mission requirement of 6.5 m. For those instances where multiple CCRs are illuminated, the mean effective laser footprint diameter is 10.9 m ± 1.2 m, with the variability assumed to be due to the influence of atmospheric conditions, but warrants further investigation.