bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double J ureteral stenting in a cat with ureteral obstruction
Authors: Almeida Gabriel Moraes de , Vasconcellos Vitória Magalhães , Bernstein Marcio , Simões Adriano , Leal Gabriela Ramos
Published: July 2024

The feline ureter is susceptible to obstruction caused by various factors, including lithiasis, stenosis, neoplasia and retrocaval ureter. However, lithiasis stands as the primary cause, followed by ureteral strictures. Clinical manifestations in affected cats are often nonspecific, contingent upon the degree and laterality of obstruction, with azotaemia being a prominent consequence. This study aims to document a surgical intervention employing a double J catheter in a cat presenting with ureteral obstruction. A 12‐year‐old, male cat presented with anuria, sporadic vomiting, weight loss and anorexia. Laboratory exams revealed severe azotaemia, corroborated by ultrasonography displaying a pseudocyst and signs indicative of ureteral obstruction. Consequently, hospitalisation ensued with exploratory laparotomy surgery. During the procedure, a left nephrectomy became necessary. Utilisation of the double J catheter in the right ureter was pivotal, alongside right ureteral transposition and catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis. After surgery, peritoneal dialysis commenced promptly. A significant reduction in azotaemia was observed by the end of hospitalisation, along with normal urination and spontaneous feeding. The efficacy of employing the double J ureteral catheter was evident in restoring urinary flow and expediting the patient's recovery period, as evidenced by the data presented.
Orchestrated centers for the production of proteins or “translation factories”
Authors: Crawford Robert A. , Eastham Matthew , Pool Martin R. , Ashe Mark P.
Published: July 2024

The mechanics of how proteins are generated from mRNA is increasingly well understood. However, much less is known about how protein production is coordinated and orchestrated within the crowded intracellular environment, especially in eukaryotic cells. Recent studies suggest that localized sites exist for the coordinated production of specific proteins. These sites have been termed “translation factories” and roles in protein complex formation, protein localization, inheritance, and translation regulation have been postulated. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the translation of mRNA at these sites, the details of their mechanism of formation, and their likely functional significance. Finally, we consider the key uncertainties regarding these elusive structures in cells.

This article is categorized under:

Translation

Translation > Mechanisms

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization

Translation > Regulation
Introduction
Authors: Peverini Paolo
Published: July 2024

Classifying knowledge always inevitably implies the opportunity to exercise power. In an era where academia is increasingly anchored to a distinction between human and social sciences, to a rigid separation between disciplines presumed to safeguard their relevance, it is no small matter to recognize that there are still scholars whose work systematically eludes a fixed placement, sometimes ending up challenging a series of conventions that are anything but given or harmless. This is certainly the case for a great intellectual like Bruno Latour, forced to grapple with the reactions provoked by his body of research—so decidedly mutable and situated at the intersection of traditionally distinct disciplinary fields such as sociology, philosophy, anthropology, semiotics—to the point of resorting to the autobiographical form to describe the trajectory of an intellectual adventure made of encounters, deviations, recoveries, and circular paths.
Methods Appendix
Authors: Aggestam Karin , Rosamond Annika Bergman , Hedling Elsa
Published: July 2024

This chapter is the methods appendix of the book The Politics of Feminist Foreign Policy and Digital Diplomacy. It contains three sections. The first section focuses on methodological choices and data collection, including documents, social media data, campaigns, online observations, and interviews. The second and third parts discuss the practical implications and ethical dimensions of the research.
A Network Analysis for HSR Services in the South of Italy
Authors: Rindone Corrado , Russo Antonio
Published: July 2024

Railway transport represents a travel alternative coherent with the European and international long-term sustainability perspectives. Different European countries are planning and developing the realization of High-Speed Rail (HSR) lines along the main Trans-European Network corridor. For instance, Italy is developing the design of the HSR line Salerno – Reggio Calabria to extend the current network towards the south of Italy. In this context, this paper presents a framework for performing a network analysis. Network analysis allows the evaluation of the centrality and connectivity of a network. Methods and specifications for calculating a set of indicators (degree centrality, strength centrality, eigenvector centrality) are proposed. The framework highlights the inputs, parameters and outputs needed for calculating the proposed indicators. A first pilot application of the framework regards the current railway services offered in the south of Italy. The resulting framework and relative methodology can be useful in a transportation planning process aimed at showing the current main gaps in terms of transport connectivity in the south of Italy. The framework and the results obtained from the pilot application can support decision-makers and takers involved in the railway transportation planning process aimed at increasing accessibility and sustainability goals for people's mobility in the region where HSR lines are developing.
SMLP: Symbolic Machine Learning Prover
Authors: Brauße Franz , Khasidashvili Zurab , Korovin Konstantin
Published: July 2024

Symbolic Machine Learning Prover (SMLP)is a tool and a library for system exploration based on data samples obtained by simulating or executing the system on a number of input vectors. SMLP aims at exploring the system based on this data by taking a grey-box approach: SMLP uses symbolic reasoning for ML model exploration and optimization under verification and stability constraints, based on SMT, constraint, and neural network solvers. In addition, the model exploration is guided by probabilistic and statistical methods in a closed feedback loop with the system’s response. SMLP has been applied in industrial setting at Intel for analyzing and optimizing hardware designs at the analog level. SMLP is a general purpose tool and can be applied to any system that can be sampled and modeled by machine learning models.
Toward Liveness Proofs at Scale
Authors: McMillan Kenneth L.
Published: July 2024

While the problem of mechanized proof of liveness of reactive programs has been studied for decades, there is currently no method of proving liveness that is conceptually simple to apply in practice to realistic problems, can be scaled to large problems without modular decomposition, and does not fail unpredictably due to the use of fragile heuristics. We introduce a method of liveness proof by relational rankings, implement it, and show that it meets these criteria in a realistic industrial case study involving a model of the memory subsystem in a CPU.
Algebraic Reasoning Meets Automata in Solving Linear Integer Arithmetic
Authors: Habermehl Peter , Havlena Vojtěch , Hečko Michal , Holík Lukáš , Lengál Ondřej
Published: July 2024

We present a new angle on solving quantified linear integer arithmetic based on combining the automata-based approach, where numbers are understood as bitvectors, with ideas from (nowadays prevalent) algebraic approaches, which work directly with numbers. This combination is enabled by a fine-grained version of the duality between automata and arithmetic formulae. In particular, we employ a construction where states of automaton are obtained as derivatives of arithmetic formulae: then every state corresponds to a formula. Optimizations based on techniques and ideas transferred from the world of algebraic methods are used on thousands of automata states, which dramatically amplifies their effect. The merit of this combination of automata with algebraic methods is demonstrated by our prototype implementation being competitive to and even superior to state-of-the-art SMT solvers.
Simulating Quantum Circuits by Model Counting
Authors: Mei Jingyi , Bonsangue Marcello , Laarman Alfons
Published: July 2024

Quantum circuit compilation comprises many computationally hard reasoning tasks that lie inside #$${\textsf{P}}$$Pand its decision counterpart in $${\textsf{PP}}$$PP. The classical simulation of universal quantum circuits is a core example. We show for the first time that a strong simulation of universal quantum circuits can be efficiently tackled through weighted model counting by providing a linear-length encoding of Clifford+Tcircuits. To achieve this, we exploit the stabilizer formalism by Knill, Gottesmann, and Aaronson by reinterpreting quantum states as a linear combination of stabilizer states. With an open-source simulator implementation, we demonstrate empirically that model counting often outperforms state-of-the-art simulation techniques based on the ZX calculus and decision diagrams. Our work paves the way to apply the existing array of powerful classical reasoning tools to realize efficient quantum circuit compilation; one of the obstacles on the road towards quantum supremacy.
Information Flow Guided Synthesis with Unbounded Communication
Authors: Finkbeiner Bernd , Metzger Niklas , Moses Yoram
Published: July 2024

Information flow guided synthesis is a compositional approach to the automated construction of distributed systems where the assumptions between the components are captured as information-flow requirements. Information-flow requirements are hyperproperties that ensure that if a component needs to act on certain information that is only available in other components, then this information will be passed to the component. We present a new method for the automatic construction of information flow assumptions from specifications given as temporal safety properties. The new method is the first approach to handle situations where the required amount of information is unbounded. For example, we can analyze communication protocols that transmit a stream of messages in a potentially infinite loop. We show that component implementations can then, in principle, be constructed from the information flow requirements using a synthesis tool for hyperproperties. We additionally present a more practical synthesis technique that constructs the components using efficient methods for standard synthesis from trace properties. We have implemented the technique in the prototype tool FlowSy, which outperforms previous approaches to distributed synthesis on several benchmarks.
Lattice realizations of topological defects in the critical (1+1)-d three-state Potts model
Authors: Sinha Madhav , Yan Fei , Grans-Samuelsson Linnea , Roy Ananda , Saleur Hubert
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Topological/perfectly-transmissive defects play a fundamental role in the analysis of the symmetries of two dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs). In the present work, spin chain regularizations for these defects are proposed and analyzed in the case of the three-state Potts CFT. In particular, lattice versions for all the primitive defects are presented, with the remaining defects obtained from the fusion of the primitive ones. The defects are obtained by introducing modified interactions around two given sites of an otherwise homogeneous spin chain with periodic boundary condition. The various primitive defects are topological on the lattice except for one, which is topological only in the scaling limit. The lattice models are analyzed using a combination of exact diagonalization and density matrix renormalization group techniques. Low-lying energy spectra for different defect Hamiltonians as well as entanglement entropy of blocks located symmetrically around the defects are computed. The latter provides a convenient way to compute the g-function which characterizes various defects. Finally, the eigenvalues of the line operators in the “crossed channel” and fusion of different defect lines are also analyzed. The results are all in agreement with expectations from conformal field theory.
Weak cosmic censorship and the rotating quantum BTZ black hole
Authors: Frassino Antonia M. , Rocha Jorge V. , Sanna Andrea P.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Tests of the weak cosmic censorship conjecture examine the possibility of the breakdown of predictivity of the gravitational theory considered, by checking if curvature singularities typically present in black hole spacetimes are concealed within an event horizon at all times. A possible method to perform such tests was proposed by Wald and consists in trying to overspin an extremal rotating black hole by throwing at it a test particle with large angular momentum. In this paper, we analyze the effects of dropping a test particle into an extremal quantum rotating BTZ black hole, whose three-dimensional metric captures the exact backreaction from strongly coupled quantum conformal fields. Our analysis reveals that, despite the inclusion of quantum effects, and akin to the classical scenario, these attempts to destroy the black hole are doomed to be unsuccessful. Particles carrying the maximum angular momentum and still falling into an extremal quantum BTZ black hole can, at most, leave it extremal. Nevertheless, we found numerical evidence that large backreaction of the quantum fields tends to disfavor violations of cosmic censorship.
The quality/cosmology tension for a post-inflation QCD axion
Authors: Lu Qianshu , Reece Matthew , Sun Zhiquan
Published: July 2024

Abstract

It is difficult to construct a post-inflation QCD axion model that solves the axion quality problem (and hence the Strong CP problem) without introducing a cosmological disaster. In a post-inflation axion model, the axion field value is randomized during the Peccei-Quinn phase transition, and axion domain walls form at the QCD phase transition. We emphasize that the gauge equivalence of all minima of the axion potential (i.e., domain wall number equals one) is insufficient to solve the cosmological domain wall problem. The axion string on which a domain wall ends must exist as an individual object (as opposed to a multi-string state), and it must be produced in the early universe. These conditions are often not satisfied in concrete models. Post-inflation axion models also face a potential problem from fractionally charged relics; solving this problem often leads to low-energy Landau poles for Standard Model gauge couplings, reintroducing the quality problem. We study several examples, finding that models that solve the quality problem face cosmological problems, and vice versa. This is not a no-go theorem; nonetheless, we argue that it is much more difficult than generally appreciated to find a viable post-inflation QCD axion model. Successful examples may have a nonstandard cosmological history (e.g., multiple types of cosmic axion strings of different tensions), undermining the widespread expectation that the post-inflation QCD axion scenario predicts a unique mass for axion dark matter.
Probing flavor violation and baryogenesis via primordial gravitational waves
Authors: Borboruah Zafri A. , Ghoshal Anish , Ipek Seyda
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We show that observations of primordial gravitational waves of inflationary origin can shed light into the scale of flavor violation in a flavon model which also explains the mass hierarchy of fermions. The energy density stored in oscillations of the flavon field around the minimum of its potential redshifts as matter and is expected to dominate over radiation in the early universe. At the same time, the evolution of primordial gravitational waves acts as bookkeeping to understand the expansion history of the universe. Importantly, the gravitational wave spectrum is different if there is an early flavon dominated era compared to radiation domination expected from a standard cosmological model and this spectrum gets damped by the entropy released in flavon decays, determined by the mass of the flavon field mS and new scale of flavor violation ΛFV. We derive analytical expressions of the frequency above which the spectrum is damped, as-well-as the amount of damping, in terms of mS and ΛFV. We show that the damping of the gravitational wave spectrum would be detectable at BBO, DECIGO, U-DECIGO, μ−ARES, LISA, CE and ET detectors for ΛFV = 105−10 GeV and mS = $$ \mathcal{O}\left(\textrm{TeV}\right) $$
O

TeV

. Furthermore, the flavon decays can source the baryon asymmetry of the universe. We identify the mS – ΛFV parameter space where the observed baryon asymmetry η ~ 10−10 is produced and can be tested by gravitational wave detectors like LISA and ET. We also discuss our results in the context of the recently measured stochastic gravitational background signals by NANOGrav.
Laser-based directed energy deposition and characterisation of cBN-reinforced NiAl-based coatings
Authors: Müller Michael , Gerdt Leonid , Schrüfer Susanne , Riede Mirko , López Elena , Brueckner Frank , Leyens Christoph
Published: July 2024

Within this study, the alloy NiAl–2.5Ta–7.5Cr is investigated as a new matrix material for cBN-reinforced abrasive turbine blade tip coatings as currently used NiCoCrAlY matrix alloys suffer from insufficient strength at the high operating temperatures. Laser-based directed energy deposition with blown powder was applied to produce cBN reinforced NiAl-based coatings on monocrystalline CMSX-4 substrates. For this, powdery titanium-coated cBN and NiAl–2.5Ta–7.5Cr material were co-injected into the process zone to achieve an in situ formation of a NiAl–2.5Ta–7.5Cr/cBN composite. In order to overcome challenges such as cracking susceptibility, inductive preheating of the substrate up to 800 °C was used. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as electron backscatter diffraction were applied to analyse the fabricated samples’ microstructure. Additionally, the mechanical properties were evaluated by means of microhardness mappings. This work demonstrates the feasibility of in situ forming a metal matrix composite with a homogeneous distribution of cBN particles. The results show the beneficial effect of high-temperature preheating on the crack formation. However, the study also reveals challenges such as cracking induced by the injected cBN particles as well as severe intermixing of substrate and coating, which yields spatially resolved deviations in the chemical composition and resulting variations in microstructure and hardness.

Graphical abstract
Optimal Design of Plane Elastic Membranes Using the Convexified Föppl’s Model
Authors: Bołbotowski Karol
Published: July 2024

This work puts forth a new optimal design formulation for planar elastic membranes. The goal is to minimize the membrane’s compliance through choosing the material distribution described by a positive Radon measure. The deformation of the membrane itself is governed by the convexified Föppl’s model. The uniqueness of this model lies in the convexity of its variational formulation despite the inherent nonlinearity of the strain–displacement relation. It makes it possible to rewrite the optimization problem as a pair of mutually dual convex variational problems. The primal variables are displacement functions, whilst in the dual one seeks stresses being Radon measures. The pair of problems is analysed: existence and regularity results are provided, together with the system of optimality criteria. To demonstrate the computational potential of the pair, a finite element scheme is developed around it. Upon reformulation to a conic-quadratic & semi-definite programming problem, the method is employed to produce numerical simulations for several load case scenarios.
Exceedance statistics based on bottom-$$k$$-lists
Authors: Kozan Agah , Uyar Burak , Tanil Halil
Published: July 2024

Similar to usual lower records, Bottom-$$k$$
k
-lists (Kozan and Tanil, İstatistik J Turk Stat Assoc 13:73–79, 2013) have a wide range of practical applications in meteorology, hydrology, sports, etc. Also, exceedance statistics can be viewed as a close relative to tolerance limits—an important field of statistical science. In this study, an idea of combining these two important subjects together is studied and an exceedance statistic is defined based on bottom-$$k$$
k
-lists in an independent and identically distributed (iid) continuous random sequence. Probability mass function (pmf) of a selected exceedance statistic is obtained. Also, an illustrative application of the exceedance statistic is given.
United States clinical practice experience with eculizumab in myasthenia gravis: symptoms, function, and immunosuppressant therapy use
Authors: Habib Ali A. , Klink Andrew J. , Muppidi Srikanth , Parthan Anju , Sader S. Chloe , Balanean Alexandrina , Gajra Ajeet , Nowak Richard J. , Howard James F. ,   the ELEVATE Study Group
Published: July 2024

Background/objectives

The phase 3 REGAIN study and its open-label extension demonstrated the efficacy of the complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab in patients with treatment-refractory, acetylcholine receptor antibody–positive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). The aim of the ELEVATE study was to assess the effectiveness of eculizumab in clinical practice in adults with MG in the United States.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted in adults with MG who initiated eculizumab treatment between October 23, 2017 and December 31, 2019. Outcomes assessed before and during eculizumab treatment using a pre- versus post-treatment study design included Myasthenia Gravis–Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) total scores; minimal symptom expression (MSE); physician impression of clinical change; minimal manifestation status (MMS); and concomitant medication use.

Results

In total, 119 patients were included in the study. A significant reduction was observed in mean MG-ADL total score, from 8.0 before eculizumab initiation to 5.4 at 3 months and to 4.7 at 24 months after eculizumab initiation (both p < 0.001). At 24 months after eculizumab initiation, MSE was achieved by 19% of patients. MMS or better was achieved by 30% of patients at 24 months. Additionally, 64% of patients receiving prednisone at eculizumab initiation had their prednisone dosage reduced during eculizumab treatment and 13% discontinued prednisone; 32% were able to discontinue nonsteroidal immunosuppressant therapy.

Discussion

Eculizumab treatment was associated with sustained improvements in MG-ADL total scores through 24 months in adults with MG. Prednisone dosage was reduced in approximately two-thirds of patients, suggesting a steroid-sparing effect for eculizumab.
Accurate height and length estimation in hospitalized children not fulfilling WHO criteria for standard measurement: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Ford Chessel Carole , Berthiller Julien , Haran Isabelle , Tume Lyvonne N. , Bourgeaud Christelle , Tsapis Michael , Gaillard-Le Roux Benedicte , Gauvard Evelyne , Loire Claire , Guillot Camille , Mouneydier Karine , Nolent Paul , Blache Thibault , Cour Andlauer Fleur , Rooze Shancy , Jotterand Chaparro Corinne , Morice Claire , Subtil Fabien , Huot Margaux , Valla Frédéric V
Published: July 2024

In hospitalized children, height should be measured. When world health organization (WHO) height measurement gold standards is impossible, the ideal height estimation technique is still unclear. We conducted an international prospective study in eight different pediatric intensive care units to assess the accuracy, precision, practicability, safety, and inter-rater reliability of 12 different height estimation techniques, based on body segment measurement extrapolation, or other calculations using previous or projected heights. All extrapolation techniques were performed on each child, and later compared to their WHO gold standard heights. A total of 476 patients were enrolled. In the < 2-year subgroup, board length use and growth chart extrapolation performed best. In the ≥ 2-year subgroup, growth chart extrapolation and parents’ report were the most accurate, followed by height measurement alongside the body with a tape measure. In both groups, body segment extrapolations were poorly predictive and showed mean bias and limits of agreement that varied a lot with age. Most body segment-based techniques presented with frequent measurement difficulties, but children’s safety was rarely compromised. The inter-rater reliability of body segment measurement was low in the < 2-year subgroup.

Conclusions: To accurately estimate height in hospitalized children, health care professionals should integrate the accuracy, precision, practicability, and reliability of each measurement technique to select the most appropriate one. Body segment-based techniques were the least accurate and should probably not be used. Simple techniques like growth chart extrapolation, or measurement alongside the body (and length board measurement in the youngest) should be implemented in daily practice.

Trial Registration: The study protocol was registered (12th April 2019) on the clinical-trial.gov website (NCT03913247).

What is Known:• Height should be measured in hospitalized children to assess nutritional status and calculate various clinical parameters. • Many hospitalized children cannot be measured using WHO conventional height measurement methods. The ideal height estimation method has not been identified yet. 

What is New:• Most estimation methods based on body segment measurement extrapolation fail to accurately predict height.• Board length use and growth chart extrapolation performed best in young children (≥2 years). Growth chart extrapolation and parents’ report were the most accurate, followed by height measurement alongside the body with a tape measure in older children.
Competition between sympatric hare species in the Alps is boostered by climate change and hybridisation
Authors: Schai-Braun Stéphanie C. , Cybulska Nicolas , Filli Flurin , Jenny Hannes , Queirós Joao , Alves Paulo C. , Hackländer Klaus
Published: July 2024

Climatic variation along the elevation gradient promotes the natural parapatric occurrence of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) and Alpine mountain hare (Lepus timidus varronis) in the Alps. Recent data indicate a displacement of mountain hares caused by competition with the European hare. Competitive exclusion might take place at a fine spatial scale and hybrids may sharpen competition. Genetic non-invasive sampling (gNIS) demonstrates to be effective to retrieve information from wild animals. However, based on the accuracy of the differing genetic analysis methods, the selection of the method might decisively influence results. To examine habitat preferences of Alpine mountain hares, European hares and their hybrids with particular interest in the influence of the accuracy of the genetic analysis method on the results, we performed gNIS in Grisons (Switzerland) for four years and compared habitat associations of the genotyped samples. We recorded 137 individuals (i.e., 35 hybrids, 49 European hares, 53 Alpine mountain hares). Combined nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis including individual identification revealed to be the most accurate indirect method for the study of habitat preferences of hares. Alpine mountain hares had a narrow habitat breadth and used little habitat diversity. Hybrids showed great similarities in their habitat preferences to European hares. Hybrids might increase the competition in favour of European hares and the displacement of Alpine mountain hares, since they show similar patterns of habitat use to European hares. Ongoing climate change potentiate the niche overlap between species, increasing the risk of Alpine hare decline due to hybridisation and displacement.
Using qualitative information elicited from a panel to obtain robust conclusions: a protocol and an application to improve integrated pest management systems
Authors: Dias Luis C. , Marques Pedro , Garcia Rita , de Santo Fernanda , Tentúgal Rita , Natal-da-Luz Tiago , Sousa Álvaro , Sousa José Paulo , Freire Fausto
Published: July 2024

Multicriteria aggregation methods typically require inputs from decision makers concerning the relative importance of the criteria. This work presents an approach to use qualitative information elicited from a panel, which can be applied to compensatory and non-compensatory multicriteria aggregation methods. In particular, it considers the additive multiattribute value function and ELECTRE, two classical methods with well-known differences in the meaning of the criteria weights. Moreover, the proposed protocol makes a distinction between the importance of improving the current situation and the importance of not worsening the current situation. The inputs from the panel are aggregated to define constraints on the importance-related parameters, which can then be used for robustness and stochastic analyses. As a real-world application, a comparison of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is performed, considering the case of carrots cultivation in a French region. The comparisons are based on a sustainability assessment of the current practices and alternative IPM systems, using data from field trials, laboratory experiments and preferences from stakeholders. Results are robust to weighting choices, thus identifying which changes are recommended.
Lubrication flow in grinding
Authors: Crowson Zak , Billingham John , Houston Paul
Published: July 2024

In the machining process known as grinding, fluid is applied to regulate the temperature of the workpiece and reduce the risk of expensive thermal damage. The factors that influence the transport of this grinding fluid are not well understood; however, it is important to gain understanding in order to try to avoid the unnecessary cost incurred from its inefficient application. In this work, we use the method of matched asymptotic expansions to derive the multiscale system of equations that governs the flow. Under the lubrication approximation, we show that it is possible to calculate the flow rate through the grinding zone without having to solve for the flow far from the grinding zone. Additional empirically determined boundary conditions do not need to be imposed. With this lubrication model, we quantify the effect of experimental parameters on the flow field in the grinding zone and study how the flow regime responds to changes in these parameters.
Association between serum hormone levels in early pregnancy and risk of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproduction
Authors: Martel Rachel A. , Lee Victoria , Armstrong Abigail , Demirjian Maral , Kwan Lorna , Al-Safi Zain A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We examined the association between progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in early pregnancy and the development of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy among women undergoing assisted reproduction.

Methods

Retrospective study including patients who underwent frozen embryo transfer (FET), ovarian stimulation (OS), or unassisted conception (UC) and had a live singleton birth. The primary outcome was the development of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP, or eclampsia). Secondary outcomes were the development of fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), gestational diabetes mellitus, birth weight, and pre-term birth. Hormone levels and the development of the outcomes were correlated.

Results

A total of 681 patients were included; 189 had FET, 193 had OS, and 299 had UC. Patients undergoing FET or OS were not more likely to develop hypertensive diseases of pregnancy compared with UC patients. While median levels of E2 and P4 were significantly different between P-FET and NC-FET patients (E2: 252 vs 317 pg/mL, P4: 64 vs 29 ng/mL, respectively; both p < 0.01), rates of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy did not significantly differ between those two groups. In the multivariate analyses, P4, E2, and hCG were not associated with the development of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, but progesterone levels were significantly higher among those with IUGR. This remained consistent when the analysis was limited to FET patients.

Conclusion

P4, E2, and hCG levels did not correlate with the development of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy but elevated progesterone levels did correlate with the development of IUGR.
From pen and paper to digital precision: a comprehensive review of on-farm recordkeeping
Authors: Basir Md. Samiul , Buckmaster Dennis , Raturi Ankita , Zhang Yaguang
Published: July 2024

In the present era of agricultural digitalization, documenting on-farm operations is critical. These records contextualize other layers of data and underpin economic analysis and informed decision-making. On-farm recordkeeping is rooted in an ancient tradition and has evolved from pen and paper to digital means integrating diverse tools and methods. These tools vary widely in mode of data recording and this presents challenges in achieving complete, accurate and interoperable data. Assessing this diversity of existing recordkeeping systems is a key step toward the improvement in recordkeeping systems that enhance data quality and interoperability. Despite the importance, as of present, comprehensive studies addressing this challenge are lacking. A systematic review of existing on-farm recordkeeping systems was carried out to address their advantages and weaknesses and to analyze their features and traits, focusing on interoperability and adherence to efficient and comprehensive on-farm recordkeeping. Paper-based recordkeeping, a longstanding and reliable method, is gradually being replaced by digital platforms. Many universities and agencies have released farm management spreadsheets and interactive database forms representing the initial step toward intuitive recordkeeping. Furthermore, farm management software, web apps, and user-friendly smartphone apps are increasingly crucial for handling agricultural big data. Notably, among the surveyed software packages and apps, most of them are not free and only a few support data interoperability. The survey also indicates a scope for further development in open-source tools with automation in recordkeeping. Adopting digital on-farm recordkeeping tools can positively impact both on and off the farm, fostering data interoperability, controlled yet flexible data access, completeness, and appropriate accuracy.
Seasonal fluctuations of CGM metrics in individuals with type 1 diabetes using an intermittently scanned CGM device or sensor augmented pump
Authors: Oi-Yo Yuka , Urai Shin , Yamamoto Akane , Takayoshi Tomofumi , Yamamoto Masaaki , Hirota Yushi , Ogawa Wataru
Published: July 2024

Objective

To elucidate the fluctuations in glucose levels measured using CGM-metrics during the four distinct seasons of the year in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using an intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) device or sensor augmented pump (SAP).

Research design and methods

This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 93 individuals with T1DM who were equipped with an isCGM device or SAP at Kobe University Hospital. The subjects had a median age of 47.0 years [interquartile range, 37.0–62.0 years], 25 individuals (26.9%) were male, median body mass index was 22.0 kg/m2 [20.8–23.8 kg/m2], and median hemoglobin A1c level was 7.4% [6.9–8.0%]. CGM data were reviewed from January to December 2019, and the mean sensor glucose (SG) value, time above range (TAR), time in range (TIR), time below range (TBR), and standard deviation (SD) of SG were calculated for each season (spring, March–May; summer, June–August; autumn, September–November; winter, December–February).

Results

Seasonal fluctuations were detected for mean SG, TAR, TIR, and SD, with TIR being lower and mean SG, TAR, and SD being higher in cold seasons (spring or winter) than in warm seasons (summer or autumn).

Conclusion

Seasonal fluctuations in CGM metrics should be taken into account in future studies performed to evaluate the favorable impact of CGM on glycemic management in individuals with T1DM.
Emergency General Surgery Process Improvement Review
Authors: Appelbaum Rachel D. , Smith Michael C. , Staudenmayer Kristan L.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

In this work, we aim to highlight original research publications within the past 5 years that address performance improvement (PI) for emergency general surgery (EGS).

Recent Findings

In 2022, the AAST and the American College of Surgeons launched the EGS verification program and the EGS standards manual—Optimal Resources for Emergency General Surgery. The key elements of EGS PI include: a data registry, personnel, clinical practice guidelines, PI events, and a peer review process.

While EGS represents a substantial burden of hospitalization and spending, public funding does not match other surgical subspecialties. For effective PI, EGS programs will need a combination of funding for support personnel and EMR-based registry solutions which accurately capture all patients cared for by EGS teams, operatively and non-operatively. This must be reproducible in all hospitals who care for patients with EGS-related diagnoses, not just tertiary care facilities.
Physische und psychische Gesundheitsbelastungen und Risikofaktoren in der Krankenhausgroßküche
Authors: Fischer Martin , Holzgreve Fabian , Varnai Alexandra , Schneidereit Laura , Germann Ute , Wanke Eileen M.
Published: July 2024

Trotz ihrer entscheidenden Rolle in der Patientenversorgung und der Bedeutung einer bedarfsgerechten Ernährung wurden Krankenhausküchen hinsichtlich ihres Arbeitsalltags und ihrer Belastungen in der Forschung bisher vernachlässigt. Dabei sind die Mitarbeitenden in Krankenhausküchen mit vielfältigen psychischen und physischen Belastungen konfrontiert, darunter Multitasking, Arbeitsunterbrechungen, Tätigkeitswechsel und ungünstige Körperhaltungen. Ungünstige Körperhaltungen, wie langes Stehen, repetitive Tätigkeiten und manuelle Lastenhandhabung, sind Risikofaktoren für die Entstehung muskuloskeletaler Erkrankungen, die die häufigste Ursache für Arbeitsunfähigkeit in Deutschland darstellen. Die literaturbasierte Übersichtsarbeit verdeutlicht die Arbeitsbedingungen in Krankenhausküchen mit dem Ziel, potenzielle Gesundheitsbelastungen zu identifizieren, um die Qualität der Patientenversorgung sicherzustellen und die Gesundheit der Mitarbeitenden optimal zu schützen. Eine richtlinienbezogene Beurteilung der Tätigkeiten und ergonomische Gestaltung von Arbeitsplätzen inklusive Präventionsmaßnahmen ist wichtig, um das Risiko von physischen und psychischen Erkrankungen der Mitarbeitenden zu reduzieren.
Experimental investigation of abrasive potential and drilling efficiency at elevated temperatures via Cerchar rock scratching
Authors: Zhang Guangzhe , Konietzky Heinz , Frühwirt Thomas
Published: July 2024

To see if and how abrasive potential as well as drilling efficiency change due to rock heating, Cerchar scratch tests were performed on six types of rock at eight temperature levels. Results indicate that rock abrasivity is temperature-dependent. The change of rock abrasivity expressed by the Cerchar abrasivity index can be divided into two stages on either side of 500 °C. Meanwhile, the drilling efficiency expressed by the Cerchar abrasion ratio can significantly be enhanced, especially when the heating temperature exceeds 500 °C. The observation of damaged surfaces indicates that the material volume removed from the rock surface increase after rock heating. The worn steel surfaces (115CrV3 tool steel) shows the severe plastic deformation and fracturing associated with cracking, delamination, dislocation and chipping of the steel.
Multipronged strategy for protection and motivation of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a real-life study
Authors: Premkumar Madhumita , Dutta Usha , Sandhu Anchal , Kaur Harman , Singh Mini P , Goyal Kapil , Guru Rashmi Ranjan , Lakshmi PVM , Gupta Madhu , Biswal Manisha , Ghosh Arnab , Sachan Anurag , Guleria Shikha , Sahoo Swapanjeet , Grover Sandeep , Gupta Tulika , Koushal Vipin , Devnani Mahesh , Talati Shweta , Mohindra Ritin , Suri Vikas , Ratho RK , Bhalla Ashish , Jain Sanjay , Arora Pankaj , Pandey Navin , Kumar Ashok , Aggarwal Arun K. , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Puri Goverdhan Dutt , Ram Jagat , Pandav SS , Sehgal Rakesh , Malhotra Pankaj , Yaddanapuddi Narayana , Singh Surjeet ,   PGIMER COVID-19 Healthcare Worker Welfare Taskforce
Published: July 2024

Objective:

We aimed to assess risk of COVID-19 infection & seroprotection status in healthcare workers (HCWs) in both hospital and community settings following an intensive vaccination drive in India.

Setting:

Tertiary Care Hospital

Methods:

We surveyed COVID-19 exposure risk, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, vaccination status, mental health & COVID-19 infection rate across different HCW cadres. Elecsys® test for COVID-19 spike (Anti-SARS-CoV-2S; ACOVs) and nucleocapsid (Anti-SARS-CoV-2; ACOV) responses following vaccination and/or COVID-19 infection were measured in a stratified sample of 386 HCW.

Results:

We enrolled 945 HCWs (60.6% male, age 35.9 ± 9.8 years, 352 nurses, 211 doctors, 248 paramedics & 134 support staff). Hospital PPE compliance was 90.8%. Vaccination coverage was 891/945 (94.3%). ACOVs neutralizing antibody was reactive in 381/386 (98.7%). ACOVs titer (U/ml) was higher in the post-COVID-19 infection group (N =269; 242.1 ± 35.7 U/ml) than in the post-vaccine or never infected subgroup (N = 115, 204.1 ± 81.3 U/ml). RT PCR + COVID-19 infections were documented in 224/945 (23.7%) and 6 HCWs had disease of moderate severity, with no deaths. However, 232/386 (60.1%) of HCWs tested positive for nucleocapsid ACOV antibody, suggesting undocumented or subclinical COVID-19 infection. On multivariate logistic regression, only female gender [aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.07–3.0, P = .025] and COVID-19 family contact [aOR 5.1, 95% CI 3.84–9.5, P < .001] were predictors of risk of developing COVID-19 infection, independent of association with patient-related exposure.

Conclusion:

Our HCWs were PPE compliant and vaccine motivated, with immunization coverage of 94.3% and seroprotection rate of 98.7%. There was no relationship between HCW COVID-19 infection to exposure characteristics in the hospital. Vaccination reduced disease severity and prevented death in HCW.
Spatially and Temporally Variable Impacts of Hurricanes on Shallow Sediment Structure
Authors: Clemo W. C. , Dorgan K. M. , Wallace D. J. , Dzwonkowski B.
Published: July 2024

Sediment dynamics are fundamental to understanding coastal resiliency to climate change in the coming decades. Tropical cyclones can radically alter shallow sediment properties; however, the uncertain and destructive nature of tropical cyclones make understanding and predicting their impacts on sediments challenging. Here, grain size sampling in conjunction with continuous hydrodynamic data provided an unprecedented perspective of the impacts of two tropical cyclones, including Hurricane Sally (2020), in which the inner core of the storm passed directly over the field sites, on shallow coastal sediments in Alabama (USA). Sampling directly before and after Sally as well as out to ∼7 months after the second storm event, Hurricane Zeta, showed that the changes in sediments following storm events exhibited notable site‐to‐site variability. This variability during the first storm event was consistent with low sand supply and flow interactions driven by local bathymetry that led to sand transport and deposition at some previously‐muddy sites, near‐surface mud loss at some sandy sites, or little change at others. Post‐Sally impacts to grain size were well preserved 8 months after the storm, despite passage of Zeta as well as seasonal winds and riverine inputs during winter and spring. Overall, high temporal‐resolution sampling over a relatively large area (<500 km2) revealed relatively small‐scale spatial variability (on the order of 5–10 km) of hurricane impacts to sediment structure. These observations demonstrate a critical limitation for accurately predicting changes to coastal sediment dynamics in the face of a changing climate and its impact on tropical cyclones.
Waves May Be Crashing on Titan’s Shores
Authors: Benningfield Damond
Published: July 2024

A new study suggests that wind-driven waves could be sculpting the coastlines of the lakes and seas on Saturn’s largest moon.
Empirical Model of the Lowest Cutoff Altitude of Global Hiss Near Magnetic Equator
Authors: Li L. Y. , Yang L. , Cheng K. X. , Cao J. B. , Yang J. Y. , Berthelier J. J.
Published: July 2024

Van Allen Probe observations indicate that whistler‐mode hiss waves below 1 kHz are absorbed at low altitudes near magnetic equator. The lowest cutoff frequency of equatorial hiss is close to the gyrofrequency of hydrogen ions. The lowest cutoff altitude of global hiss is extracted when its occurrence rate is equal to 0.005 on the plane of altitude (L in RE) and magnetic local time (MLT). By fitting the lowest cutoff altitude of global hiss, we constructed the empirical model of the lowest cutoff altitude of equatorial hiss under geomagnetically quiet (AE < 200 nT) and active (AE ≥ 200 nT) conditions. The enhanced substorm activities reduce the lowest cutoff altitude of hiss waves on the dawnside (MLT ∼ 1–5 hr), whereas the lowest cutoff altitude of the dayside hiss is nearly fixed at ∼1.1 RE (MLT ∼ 6–20 hr). From the dayside to the nightside (MLT ∼ 0–6 hr and 20–24 hr), the lowest cutoff altitude of equatorial hiss raises gradually from 1.1 RE to 1.4 RE.
Evaluating Automated Seismic Event Detection Approaches: An Application to Victoria Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Ho L. M. , Walter J. I. , Hansen S. E. , Sánchez‐Roldán J. L. , Peng Z.
Published: July 2024

As seismic data collection continues to grow, advanced automated processing techniques for robust phase identification and event detection are becoming increasingly important. However, the performance, benefits, and limitations of different automated detection approaches have not been fully evaluated. Our study examines how the performance of conventional techniques, including the Short‐Term Average/Long‐Term Average method and cross‐correlation approaches, compares to that of various deep learning models. We also evaluate the added benefits that transfer learning may provide to machine learning‐based seismic applications. Each detection approach has been applied to 3 years of data recorded by stations in East Antarctica, which contain both cryospheric and tectonic‐related seismic events. Our results demonstrate that by integrating different event detection approaches with transfer learning, the strengths of each approach can maximize seismic detection accuracy and reliability while also enhancing the completeness of associated event catalogs. That said, model performance can vary, depending on the quality of the data set as well as the data augmentation schemes and training strategies employed. Our results in East Antarctica provide new insight into polar seismicity and demonstrate how automated event detection approaches can be optimized to investigate seismic activity in challenging environments.