bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
23Na MRI in ischemic stroke: Acquisition time reduction using postprocessing with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Adlung Anne , Paschke Nadia K. , Golla Alena‐Kathrin , Bauer Dominik , Mohamed Sherif A. , Samartzi Melina , Fatar Marc , Neumaier‐Probst Eva , Zöllner Frank G. , Schad Lothar R.
Published: January 2021

Quantitative 23Na magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides tissue sodium concentration (TSC), which is connected to cell viability and vitality. Long acquisition times are one of the most challenging aspects for its clinical establishment. K‐space undersampling is an approach for acquisition time reduction, but generates noise and artifacts. The use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is increasing in medical imaging and they are a useful tool for MRI postprocessing. The aim of this study is 23Na MRI acquisition time reduction by k‐space undersampling. CNNs were applied to reduce the resulting noise and artifacts. A retrospective analysis from a prospective study was conducted including image datasets from 46 patients (aged 72 ± 13 years; 25 women, 21 men) with ischemic stroke; the 23Na MRI acquisition time was 10 min. The reconstructions were performed with full dataset (FI) and with a simulated dataset an image that was acquired in 2.5 min (RI). Eight different CNNs with either U‐Net–based or ResNet‐based architectures were implemented with RI as input and FI as label, using batch normalization and the number of filters as varying parameters. Training was performed with 9500 samples and testing included 400 samples. CNN outputs were evaluated based on signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and structural similarity (SSIM). After quantification, TSC error was calculated. The image quality was subjectively rated by three neuroradiologists. Statistical significance was evaluated by Student’s t‐test. The average SNR was 21.72 ± 2.75 (FI) and 10.16 ± 0.96 (RI). U‐Nets increased the SNR of RI to 43.99 and therefore performed better than ResNet. SSIM of RI to FI was improved by three CNNs to 0.91 ± 0.03. CNNs reduced TSC error by up to 15%. The subjective rating of CNN‐generated images showed significantly better results than the subjective image rating of RI. The acquisition time of 23Na MRI can be reduced by 75% due to postprocessing with a CNN on highly undersampled data.
Inflammation‐driven glial alterations in the cuprizone mouse model probed with diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 11.7 T
Authors: Genovese Guglielmo , Palombo Marco , Santin Mathieu D. , Valette Julien , Ligneul Clémence , Aigrot Marie‐Stéphane , Abdoulkader Nasteho , Langui Dominique , Millecamps Aymeric , Baron‐Van Evercooren Anne , Stankoff Bruno , Lehericy Stéphane , Petiet Alexandra , Branzoli Francesca
Published: January 2021

Inflammation of brain tissue is a complex response of the immune system to the presence of toxic compounds or to cell injury, leading to a cascade of pathological processes that include glial cell activation. Noninvasive MRI markers of glial reactivity would be very useful for in vivo detection and monitoring of inflammation processes in the brain, as well as for evaluating the efficacy of personalized treatments. Due to their specific location in glial cells, myo‐inositol (mIns) and choline compounds (tCho) seem to be the best candidates for probing glial‐specific intra‐cellular compartments. However, their concentrations quantified using conventional proton MRS are not specific for inflammation. In contrast, it has been recently suggested that mIns intra‐cellular diffusion, measured using diffusion‐weighted MRS (DW‐MRS) in a mouse model of reactive astrocytes, could be a specific marker of astrocytic hypertrophy. In order to evaluate the specificity of both mIns and tCho diffusion to inflammation‐driven glial alterations, we performed DW‐MRS in a volume of interest containing the corpus callosum and surrounding tissue of cuprizone‐fed mice after 6 weeks of intoxication, and evaluated the extent of astrocytic and microglial alterations using immunohistochemistry. Both mIns and tCho apparent diffusion coefficients were significantly elevated in cuprizone‐fed mice compared with control mice, and histologic evaluation confirmed the presence of severe inflammation. Additionally, mIns and tCho diffusion showed, respectively, strong and moderate correlations with histological measures of astrocytic and microglial area fractions, confirming DW‐MRS as a promising tool for specific detection of glial changes under pathological conditions.
Bottleneck analysis: Simple prediction of the precision of a planned case–control or cohort study based on healthcare registers
Authors: Hallas Jesper , Hansen Morten Rix , Pottegård Anton , Støvring Henrik
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In pharmacoepidemiological studies, the precision of effect estimates usually depends on the lowest number in the underlying two by two table. We denote this the “bottleneck count” (BNC). We describe how to translate the BNC into an achievable precision and provide empirical examples.

Methods

First, we derive a theoretical prediction of the precision in a study where only the BNC determines precision. As an illustration, we calculated the expected precision of a null‐effect study on retinoids and peptic ulcer bleeding, expressed as the upper/lower confidence limit ratio (ULCLR). Finally, we reviewed 126 effect estimates from the literature, analyzing the relationship between the predicted and achieved precision.

Results

The log–log transformed ULCLR was shown to be a simple linear function of log(BNC). The expected annual number of retinoid‐users experiencing a peptic ulcer bleeding was 9.8, yielding an estimated ULCLR for a 1‐year study of 3.84. The literature review showed an inverse linear relationship between the logarithmic BNC and the log–log transformed ULCLR, which was largely independent of study design, effect measure and category of BNC. Achieved precision deviated little from predictions but was usually lower than predicted, particularly with low BNC.

Conclusion

The precision of a study can be predicted simply and with good accuracy from the BNC, which is useful for determining whether a study is worth pursuing or not.
Nonmonetary poverty in Ethiopia: Multidimensional approach
Authors: Workneh Migbaru Alamirew
Published: January 2021

This study aims to estimate the nonmonetary multidimensional poverty index (MPI) for Ethiopia using the counting approach of Alkire and Foster and the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data. Fourteen country‐specific indicators are used for the poverty estimation using equal and unequal weighting approaches. It is found that, the estimation with unequal weighting gives a much higher level of MPI compared to the equal weighting approach. The results also show that cooking fuel, electricity, housing, and women's literacy are more relevant indicators of multidimensional poverty in Ethiopia. The contribution of place of delivery, domestic violence, and women's right to make decisions is also not minimal. It is also found that the MPI estimation depends on the specific weighting method used, number of dimensions and indicators selected for estimation, and cross‐dimensional cut‐off applied. Hence, policies that lessen poverty by improving cooking fuel, electricity, housing, and women's literacy, which are particularly focussed on rural areas, are needed. In addition, the application of unequal weighting, which enables us to see the trade‐off between dimensions, is better to determine the indicators in which society is more deprived than equal weighting.
Two economically optimized nonparametric schemes for monitoring process variability
Authors: Li Chenglong , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: January 2021

Controlling and reducing process variability is an essential aspect for maintaining the product or service quality. Even though most practitioners believe that an increasing process variability is often a more severe concern than a shift in location, barely a few research paid attention to the cost‐efficient monitoring of process variability. Some of the existing studies addressed the dispersion aspect, assuming that the quality characteristic is Gaussian. Non‐normal and complex distributions are not uncommon in modern production processes, time to event processes, or processes involving service quality. Unfortunately, we find no literature on economically designed nonparametric (distribution‐free) schemes for monitoring process variability. This article introduces two Shewhart‐type cost‐optimized nonparametric schemes for monitoring the variability of any unknown but continuous processes to fill the research gap. The proposed monitoring schemes are based on two popular two‐sample rank statistics for differences in scale parameters, known as the Ansari–Bradley statistic and the Mood statistic. We assess their actual performance for a set of process scenarios and illustrate the design along with the implementation steps. We discuss a practical problem related to product quality management. It is expected that the proposed schemes will be beneficial in various industrial operations.
Quantum Chaos and the Spectrum of Factoring
Authors: Rosales Jose Luis , Briongos Samira , Martín Vicente
Published: January 2021

The factorization ensemble is a set to which integer factorable numbers , having the same trivial factorization complexity, belong. Hence, the Rivest‐Shamir‐Adleman (RSA) cryptographic moduli pertain to this set. A function can be defined therein which will be associated to the energy of a system of ions in a Penning trap. This is the quantum factoring simulator hypothesis connecting quantum mechanics with number theory. Here, a possible setup of the simulator from the magnetron energies of a Coulomb crystal in a cylindrical trap is described. Then, quantum mechanically, these energies may have only discrete values. To test the validity of the simulator hypothesis, evidence of this kind of discreteness from the statistics of the of a large random sample of RSA moduli is reported; indeed, their unfolded distance probability distribution fits to a Gaussian Unitary Ensemble, exactly as required if they actually correspond to the quantum energy levels spacing of a magnetically confined system that exhibits chaos. The confirmation of these predictions is consistent with the quantum simulator hypothesis and, thereby, it points to the existence of a liaison between quantum mechanics and number theory.
Spatial Mode Correction of Single Photons Using Machine Learning
Authors: Bhusal Narayan , Lohani Sanjaya , You Chenglong , Hong Mingyuan , Fabre Joshua , Zhao Pengcheng , Knutson Erin M. , Glasser Ryan T. , Magaña‐Loaiza Omar S.
Published: January 2021

Spatial modes of light constitute valuable resources for a variety of quantum technologies ranging from quantum communication and quantum imaging to remote sensing. Nevertheless, their vulnerabilities to phase distortions, induced by random media, impose significant limitations on the realistic implementation of numerous quantum‐photonic technologies. Unfortunately, this problem is exacerbated at the single‐photon level. Over the last two decades, this challenging problem has been tackled through conventional schemes that utilize optical nonlinearities, quantum correlations, and adaptive optics. In this article, the self‐learning and self‐evolving features of artificial neural networks are exploited to correct the complex spatial profile of distorted Laguerre–Gaussian modes at the single‐photon level. Furthermore, the potential of this technique is used to improve the channel capacity of an optical communication protocol that relies on structured single photons. The results have important implications for real‐time turbulence correction of structured photons and single‐photon images.
Development of a novel deployable arm for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery
Authors: Lei Yanqiang , Li Yibin , Song Rui , Du Fuxin
Published: January 2021

Background

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is aided by the instrument channel of an endoscope. Limited by the diameter of the endoscope, the construction of the operation triangle is affected. This paper presents a deployable arm that can increase the distance between the arms.

Methods

The manipulation arm is composed of a continuum arm and a deployable arm. The deployable arm can be locked by a stay cable and a mechanical structure. The angle between the end‐effectors and the common workspace of the two manipulation arms are comprehensively analysed. Through experiments, the design parameters are validated and justified.

Results

The experiment shows that the deployment arm can maintain the deformation within 3.5 mm under a 300 g load, and the angle between the two end‐effectors can be maintained within the range of [88°, 110°].

Conclusions

The novel deployment arms enlarge the angle between the end effectors, which significantly improves the flexibility of the arms.
Effects of strain rate, temperature and freeze–thaw cycle on the mechanical properties of cement mortar composite specimen
Authors: Xiong Liangxiao , Wei Meng , Xu Zhongyuan
Published: January 2021

The effects of the strain rate, water/cement ratio, temperature and number of freeze–thaw cycle on the ultimate compressive strength, peak strain and elastic modulus of cement mortar composite specimens were studied using uniaxial compression test. Test results show that: (a) The strength difference of cement mortar composite specimens is not significant when the axial loading direction is parallel to the interface of two components with different water/cement ratios under low strain rate loading. The strength of cement mortar composite specimens mainly depends on the one with lower strength, and the strength of cement mortar specimen with high strength is more sensitive to the strain rate than that of cement mortar specimen with low strength. (b) With the increase of temperature from 25°C (room temperature) to 500°C, the strength of the specimen with high compressive strength will increase first and then decrease. Nevertheless the strength of the specimen with low compressive strength will gradually decrease. The strength of cement mortar composite specimen will decrease with increased number of freeze–thaw cycle. (c) Under the same strain rate, after the same high temperature or the same number of freeze–thaw cycle, the peak strain of the composite specimens composed of two water/cement ratio components is much larger than that of the specimen composed of only one component; conversely, the elastic modulus shows an opposite trend.
The Potential of Automated Text Analytics in Social Knowledge Building
Authors: Németh Renáta , Koltai Júlia
Published: January 2021

There are still many sociologists who are skeptical of the findings of big data-based analysis of social-data, questioning the potential of this knowledge production and its contribution to the scientific discourse of sociology.

The chapter shows that this tension can be addressed through the redefinition of the research methodological basis of sociology, by the organic incorporation of data science know-how into its methods; the combined application of qualitative and quantitative analysis; and, the use of knowledge-driven science instead of the data-driven approach.

The theoretical, methodological, and topical pathways between traditional and computational sociology emerge gradually along the chapter, which also includes plenty of illustrative examples of research situated at the interplay between sociology and data science. As our overview shows, there are new possibilities for sociological research, which are, in some sense, just by-products of information science. We introduce recently developed methods, which can be applied to specific sociological problems outside the scope of business applications. We present sociological topics not yet studied in this area and show new insights the approach can offer to classical sociological questions. As our aim is to encourage sociologists to enter this field, we discuss the new methods on the base of the classic quantitative approach, using its concepts and terminology and addressing the question of how traditionally trained sociologists can acquire new skills.
Einleitung
Authors: Störkle Mario
Published: January 2021

Die vorliegende Arbeit hat zum Ziel, das freiwillige Engagement von Expatriates in der Schweiz zu untersuchen. Der Untersuchungsraum dieser qualitativ ausgerichteten Studie ist dabei der Kanton Zug. Ein Kanton, dessen gesellschaftliches Leben in den letzten Jahren stark von Expatriates geprägt wurde. Doch Expatriates und freiwilliges Engagement? Wie passt das zusammen?
Free partition functions and an averaged holographic duality
Authors: Afkhami-Jeddi Nima , Cohn Henry , Hartman Thomas , Tajdini Amirhossein
Published: January 2021

Abstract

We study the torus partition functions of free bosonic CFTs in two dimensions. Integrating over Narain moduli defines an ensemble-averaged free CFT. We calculate the averaged partition function and show that it can be reinterpreted as a sum over topologies in three dimensions. This result leads us to conjecture that an averaged free CFT in two dimensions is holographically dual to an exotic theory of three-dimensional gravity with U(1)c×U(1)c symmetry and a composite boundary graviton. Additionally, for small central charge c, we obtain general constraints on the spectral gap of free CFTs using the spinning modular bootstrap, construct examples of Narain compactifications with a large gap, and find an analytic bootstrap functional corresponding to a single self-dual boson.
Abdominal Decompression after Cardiac Surgery: Outcome of 42 Patients with Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Ramser Michaela , Glauser Philippe M. , Glass Tracy R. , Weixler Benjamin , Grapow Martin T. R. , Hoffmann Henry , Kirchhoff Philipp
Published: January 2021

Background

Up to 50% of patients in intensive care units develop intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) in the course of medical treatment. If not detected on time and treated adequately, IAH may develop into an abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) which is associated with a high mortality rate. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are especially prone to develop ACS due to several risk factors including intraoperative hypothermia, fluid resuscitation and acidosis. We investigated patients who developed ACS after cardiac surgery and analyzed potential risk factors, treatment and outcome.

Methods

From 2011 to 2016, patients with ACS after cardiac surgery requiring decompressive laparotomy were prospectively recorded. Patient characteristics, details on the cardiac surgery, mortality rate and type of treatment of the open abdomen were analyzed.

Results

Incidence of ACS in cardiac surgery patients was 1.0% (n = 42/4128), with a mortality rate of 57%. Ejection fraction, Euroscore2 as well as the perfusion time are independent risk factors for the development of ACS. The outcome of patients with ACS was independent of elective versus emergency surgery, gender, age, BMI or ASA score. In the 18 surviving patients, fascial closure was achieved in 72% after a median of 9 days.

Conclusion

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a rare but serious complication after cardiac surgery with a high mortality rate. Independent risk factors for ACS were identified. Negative pressure wound therapy seems to promote and allow early fascia closure of the abdomen and represents therefore a likely benefit for the patient.
Predictors of invertebrate biomass and rate of advancement of invertebrate phenology across eight sites in the North American Arctic
Authors: Shaftel Rebecca , Rinella Daniel J. , Kwon Eunbi , Brown Stephen C. , Gates H. River , Kendall Steve , Lank David B. , Liebezeit Joseph R. , Payer David C. , Rausch Jennie , Saalfeld Sarah T. , Sandercock Brett K. , Smith Paul A. , Ward David H. , Lanctot Richard B.
Published: January 2021

Average annual temperatures in the Arctic increased by 2–3 °C during the second half of the twentieth century. Because shorebirds initiate northward migration to Arctic nesting sites based on cues at distant wintering grounds, climate-driven changes in the phenology of Arctic invertebrates may lead to a mismatch between the nutritional demands of shorebirds and the invertebrate prey essential for egg formation and subsequent chick survival. To explore the environmental drivers affecting invertebrate availability, we modeled the biomass of invertebrates captured in modified Malaise-pitfall traps over three summers at eight Arctic Shorebird Demographics Network sites as a function of accumulated degree-days and other weather variables. To assess climate-driven changes in invertebrate phenology, we used data from the nearest long-term weather stations to hindcast invertebrate availability over 63 summers, 1950–2012. Our results confirmed the importance of both accumulated and daily temperatures as predictors of invertebrate availability while also showing that wind speed negatively affected invertebrate availability at the majority of sites. Additionally, our results suggest that seasonal prey availability for Arctic shorebirds is occurring earlier and that the potential for trophic mismatch is greatest at the northernmost sites, where hindcast invertebrate phenology advanced by approximately 1–2.5 days per decade. Phenological mismatch could have long-term population-level effects on shorebird species that are unable to adjust their breeding schedules to the increasingly earlier invertebrate phenologies.
From research to clinical practice: a European neuroradiological survey on quantitative advanced MRI implementation
Authors: Manfrini Elia , Smits Marion , Thust Steffi , Geiger Sergej , Bendella Zeynep , Petr Jan , Solymosi Laszlo , Keil Vera C.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Quantitative MRI (qMRI) methods provide versatile neuroradiological applications and are a hot topic in research. The degree of their clinical implementation is however barely known. This survey was created to illuminate which and how qMRI techniques are currently applied across Europe.

Methods

In total, 4753 neuroradiologists from 27 countries received an online questionnaire. Demographic and professional data, experience with qMRI techniques in the brain and head and neck, usage, reasons for/against application, and knowledge of the QIBA and EIBALL initiatives were assessed.

Results

Two hundred seventy-two responders in 23 countries used the following techniques clinically (mean values in %): DWI (82.0%, n = 223), DSC (67.3%, n = 183), MRS (64.3%, n = 175), DCE (43.4%, n = 118), BOLD-fMRI (42.6%, n = 116), ASL (37.5%, n = 102), fat quantification (25.0%, n = 68), T2 mapping (16.9%, n = 46), T1 mapping (15.1%, n = 41), PET-MRI (11.8%, n = 32), IVIM (5.5%, n = 15), APT-CEST (4.8%, n = 13), and DKI (3.3%, n = 9). The most frequent usage indications for any qMRI technique were tissue differentiation (82.4%, n = 224) and oncological monitoring (72.8%, n = 198). Usage differed between countries, e.g. ASL: Germany (n = 13/63; 20.6%) vs. France (n = 31/40; 77.5%). Neuroradiologists endorsed the use of qMRI because of an improved diagnostic accuracy (89.3%, n = 243), but 50.0% (n = 136) are in need of better technology, 34.9% (n = 95) wish for more communication, and 31.3% need help with result interpretation/generation (n = 85). QIBA and EIBALL were not well known (12.5%, n = 34, and 11.0%, n = 30).

Conclusions

The clinical implementation of qMRI methods is highly variable. Beyond the aspect of readiness for clinical use, better availability of support and a wider dissemination of guidelines could catalyse a broader implementation.

Key Points

• Neuroradiologists endorse the use of qMRI techniques as they subjectively improve diagnostic accuracy.

• Clinical implementation is highly variable between countries, techniques, and indications.

• The use of advanced imaging could be promoted through an increase in technical support and training of both doctors and technicians.
Identification of the Triticoid-type grains (Poaceae) from archaeobotanical assemblages in southwest Asia as Heteranthelium piliferum (Banks & Sol.) Hochst.
Authors: Weide Alexander , Arranz-Otaegui Amaia , Schmidt Ann Frijda , Kim Hyunyoung , Charles Michael , Zeidi Mohsen , Darabi Hojjat , Richter Tobias , Conard Nicholas J.
Published: January 2021

The so-called Triticoid-type grains are known from several prehistoric sites in southwest Asia and their identification has long been unclear. They resemble the grains of wheats and researchers suggested they may represent an extinct Triticeae species, possibly closely related to wild crop progenitors. In this study we identify the Triticoid-type grains as Heteranthelium piliferum (Banks & Sol.) Hochst. and describe the key identification criteria. The identification is based on morphological analyses of modern and archaeological material from several grass species and was first achieved with well-preserved specimens from Early Neolithic Chogha Golan, Iran. We further examined the Triticoid-type grains from recently excavated samples from Early Neolithic Ganj Dareh, Iran, and archived samples from Late Chalcolithic and Late Bronze Age Tell Brak in northeast Syria, confirming their identification as H. piliferum. Based on the study of herbarium specimens at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London, we provide a detailed distribution map and review the species’ biology and ecological adaptations. Collected and cultivated herbarium specimens were analysed in order to understand the high phenotypic plasticity of the growth habit, its correlation with environmental variables and its relation to grain size. In order to understand the high morphological variability of the charred Triticoid-type grains from archaeological deposits, we assessed the effects of experimental carbonisation at different temperatures on grains of H. piliferum, Triticum dicoccum, T. thaoudar and Secale vavilovii. In light of the present study, we discuss the relevance of H. piliferum for reconstructing prehistoric subsistence strategies.
Parallel graph-grammar-based algorithm for the longest-edge refinement of triangular meshes and the pollution simulations in Lesser Poland area
Authors: Podsiadło Krzysztof , Serra Albert Oliver , Paszyńska Anna , Montenegro Rafael , Henriksen Ian , Paszyński Maciej , Pingali Keshav
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we propose parallel graph-grammar-based algorithm for the longest-edge refinements and the pollution simulations in Lesser Poland area. We introduce graph-grammar productions for Rivara’s longest-edged algorithm for the local refinement of unstructured triangular meshes. We utilize the hyper-graph to represent the computational mesh and the graph-grammar productions to express the longest-edge mesh refinement algorithm. The parallelism in the original Rivara’s longest edge refinement algorithm is obtained by processing different longest edge refinement paths in different three ads. Our graph-grammar-based algorithm allows for additional parallelization within a single longest-edge refinement path. The graph-grammar-based algorithm automatically guarantees the validity and conformity of the generated mesh; it prevents the generation of duplicated nodes and edges, elongated elements with Jacobians converging to zero, and removes all the hanging nodes automatically from the mesh. We test the algorithm on generating a surface mesh based on a topographic data of Lesser Poland area. The graph-grammar productions also generate the layers of prismatic three-dimensional elements on top of the triangular mesh, and they break each prismatic element into three tetrahedral elements. Next, we propose graph-grammar productions generating element matrices and right-hand-side vectors for each tetrahedral element. We utilize the Streamline Upwind Petrov–Galerkin (SUPG) stabilization for the pollution propagation simulations in Lesser Poland area. We use the advection–diffusion-reaction model, the Crank–Nicolson time integration scheme, and the graph-grammar-based interface to the GMRES solver.
Correction to: Interannual and decadal covariabilities in East Asian and Western North Pacific summer rainfall for 1979–2016
Authors: Kim Seogyeong , Ha Kyung-Ja
Published: January 2021

The article: Interannual and decadal covariabilities in East Asian and Western North Pacifc summer.
Cool season precipitation projections for California and the Western United States in NA-CORDEX models
Authors: Mahoney Kelly , Scott James D. , Alexander Michael , McCrary Rachel , Abel Mimi Rose , Swales Dustin , Bukovsky Melissa
Published: January 2021

Understanding future precipitation changes is critical for water supply and flood risk applications in the western United States. The North American COordinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment (NA-CORDEX) matrix of global and regional climate models at multiple resolutions (~ 50-km and 25-km grid spacings) is used to evaluate mean monthly precipitation, extreme daily precipitation, and snow water equivalent (SWE) over the western United States, with a sub-regional focus on California. Results indicate significant model spread in mean monthly precipitation in several key water-sensitive areas in both historical and future projections, but suggest model agreement on increasing daily extreme precipitation magnitudes, decreasing seasonal snowpack, and a shortening of the wet season in California in particular. While the beginning and end of the California cool season are projected to dry according to most models, the core of the cool season (December, January, February) shows an overall wetter projected change pattern. Daily cool-season precipitation extremes generally increase for most models, particularly in California in the mid-winter months. Finally, a marked projected decrease in future seasonal SWE is found across all models, accompanied by earlier dates of maximum seasonal SWE, and thus a shortening of the period of snow cover as well. Results are discussed in the context of how the diverse model membership and variable resolutions offered by the NA-CORDEX ensemble can be best leveraged by stakeholders faced with future water planning challenges.
Impaired in vitro growth response of plasma-treated cardiomyocytes predicts poor outcome in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Hein Selina , Furkel Jennifer , Knoll Maximilian , aus dem Siepen Fabian , Schönland Stefan , Hegenbart Ute , Katus Hugo A. , Kristen Arnt V. , Konstandin Mathias H.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Direct toxic effects of transthyretin amyloid in patient plasma upon cardiomyocytes are discussed. However, no data regarding the relevance of this putative effect for clinical outcome are available. In this monocentric prospective study, we analyzed cellular hypertrophy after phenylephrine stimulation in vitro in the presence of patient plasma and correlated the cellular growth response with phenotype and prognosis.

Methods and results

Progress in automated microscopy and image analysis allows high-throughput analysis of cell morphology. Using the InCell microscopy system, changes in cardiomyocyte’s size after treatment with patient plasma from 89 patients suffering from transthyretin amyloidosis and 16 controls were quantified. For this purpose, we propose a novel metric that we named Hypertrophic Index, defined as difference in cell size after phenylephrine stimulation normalized to the unstimulated cell size. Its prognostic value was assessed for multiple endpoints (HTX: death/heart transplantation; DMP: cardiac decompensation; MACE: combined) using Cox proportional hazard models. Cells treated with plasma from healthy controls and hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy showed an increase in Hypertrophic Index after phenylephrine stimulation, whereas stimulation after treatment with hereditary cardiac amyloidosis or wild-type transthyretin patient plasma showed a significantly attenuated response. Hypertrophic Index was associated in univariate analyses with HTX (hazard ratio (HR) high vs low: 0.12 [0.02–0.58], p = 0.004), DMP: (HR 0.26 [0.11–0.62], p = 0.003) and MACE (HR 0.24 [0.11–0.55], p < 0.001). Its prognostic value was independent of established risk factors, cardiac TroponinT or N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP).

Conclusions

Attenuated cardiomyocyte growth response after stimulation with patient plasma in vitro is an independent risk factor for adverse cardiac events in ATTR patients
Ten-year trends in epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric kidney replacement therapy in Europe: data from the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry
Authors: Bonthuis Marjolein , Vidal Enrico , Bjerre Anna , Aydoğ Özlem , Baiko Sergey , Garneata Liliana , Guzzo Isabella , Heaf James G. , Jahnukainen Timo , Lilien Marc , Mallett Tamara , Mirescu Gabriel , Mochanova Elena A. , Nüsken Eva , Rascher Katherine , Roussinov Dimitar , Szczepanska Maria , Tsimaratos Michel , Varvara Askiti , Verrina Enrico , Veselinović Bojana , Jager Kitty J. , Harambat Jérôme
Published: January 2021

Background

For 10 consecutive years, the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry has included data on children with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD 5) receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Europe. We examined trends in incidence and prevalence of KRT and patient survival.

Methods

We included all children aged <15 years starting KRT 2007–2016 in 22 European countries participating in the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry since 2007. General population statistics were derived from Eurostat. Incidence and prevalence were expressed per million age-related population (pmarp) and time trends studied with JoinPoint regression. We analyzed survival trends using Cox regression.

Results

Incidence of children commencing KRT <15 years remained stable over the study period, varying between 5.5 and 6.6 pmarp. Incidence by treatment modality was unchanged over time: 2.0 for hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 1.0 for transplantation. Prevalence increased in all age categories and overall rose 2% annually from 26.4 pmarp in 2007 to 32.1 pmarp in 2016. Kidney transplantation prevalence increased 5.1% annually 2007–2009, followed by 1.5% increase/year until 2016. Prevalence of PD steadily increased 1.4% per year over the entire period, and HD prevalence started increasing 6.1% per year from 2011 onwards. Five-year unadjusted patient survival on KRT was around 94% and similar for those initiating KRT 2007–2009 or 2010–2012 (adjusted HR: 0.98, 95% CI:0.71–1.35).

Conclusions

We found a stable incidence and increasing prevalence of European children on KRT 2007–2016. Five-year patient survival was good and was unchanged over time. These data can inform patients and healthcare providers and aid health policy makers on future resource planning of pediatric KRT in Europe.
Telemedicine in research and training: spine surgeon perspectives and practices worldwide
Authors: Shafi Karim , Lovecchio Francis , Riew Grant J. , Samartzis Dino , Louie Philip K. , Germscheid Niccole , An Howard S. , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Chutkan Norman , Mallow Gary Michael , Neva Marko H. , Phillips Frank M. , Sciubba Daniel M. , El-Sharkawi Mohammad , Valacco Marcelo , McCarthy Michael H. , Makhni Melvin C. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To utilize a global survey to elucidate spine surgeons’ perspectives towards research and resident education within telemedicine.

Methods

A cross-sectional, anonymous email survey was circulated to the members of AO Spine, an international organization consisting of spine surgeons from around the world. Questions were selected and revised using a Delphi approach. A major portion of the final survey queried participants on experiences with telemedicine in training, the utility of telemedicine for research, and the efficacy of telemedicine as a teaching tool. Responses were compared by region.

Results

A total of 485 surgeons completed the survey between May 15, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Though most work regularly with trainees (83.3%) and 81.8% agreed that telemedicine should be incorporated into clinical education, 61.7% of respondents stated that trainees are not present during telemedicine visits. With regards to the types of clinical education that telemedicine could provide, only 33.9% of respondents agreed that interpretation of physical exam maneuvers can be taught (mean score = − 0.28, SD =  ± 1.13). The most frequent research tasks performed over telehealth were follow-up of imaging (28.7%) and study group meetings (26.6%). Of all survey responses provided by members, there were no regional differences (p > 0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

Our study of spine surgeons worldwide noted high agreement among specialists for the implantation of telemedicine in trainee curricula, underscoring the global acceptance of this medium for patient management going forward. A greater emphasis towards trainee participation as well as establishing best practices in telemedicine are essential to equip future spine specialists with the necessary skills for navigating this emerging platform.
Influence of macroscale and regional circulation patterns on low- and high-frequency sea level variability in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Bednorz Ewa , Tomczyk Arkadiusz M.
Published: January 2021

The atmospheric impact on sea level variability in the Baltic Sea on different time scales was investigated. The Northern Hemisphere teleconnection patterns, namely, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Scandinavia (SCAND) patterns, were employed, and a strong but non-stationary relationship was found. The SCAND appeared to be most relevant to the mean monthly Baltic Sea level variations throughout the year. A negative correlation indicates that a cyclonic centre over Scandinavia in the negative phase of SCAND enhances western circulation, which then triggers water inflow through the Danish straits. The AO annular mode reveals a positive and slightly stronger relationship with the Baltic Sea level than the NAO. The rapid increases in the Baltic Sea level recognized in this study, namely, those exceeding 24 cm within a 5-day period, mainly occur in the cold season. These increases are associated with the development of specific synoptic conditions in the Euro-Atlantic region, characterized by a shift from high to low pressure over Europe and a rapid increase in the pressure gradient during the week preceding the sea level rise. Rapid increases are associated with cyclones coming from the North Atlantic, which move 1500–2000 km during the week preceding the strong rise of the Baltic waters. The cyclone tracks may be shifted north or south, while the final position is over the Norwegian Sea.
A novel framework for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 on computed tomography scans
Authors: Akram Tallha , Attique Muhammad , Gul Salma , Shahzad Aamir , Altaf Muhammad , Naqvi S. Syed Rameez , Damaševičius Robertas , Maskeliūnas Rytis
Published: January 2021

Since the emergence of COVID-19, thousands of people undergo chest X-ray and computed tomography scan for its screening on everyday basis. This has increased the workload on radiologists, and a number of cases are in backlog. This is not only the case for COVID-19, but for the other abnormalities needing radiological diagnosis as well. In this work, we present an automated technique for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 on computed tomography images. The proposed technique consists of four primary steps: (1) data collection and normalization, (2) extraction of the relevant features, (3) selection of the most optimal features and (4) feature classification. In the data collection step, we collect data for several patients from a public domain website, and perform preprocessing, which includes image resizing. In the successive step, we apply discrete wavelet transform and extended segmentation-based fractal texture analysis methods for extracting the relevant features. This is followed by application of an entropy controlled genetic algorithm for selection of the best features from each feature type, which are combined using a serial approach. In the final phase, the best features are subjected to various classifiers for the diagnosis. The proposed framework, when augmented with the Naive Bayes classifier, yields the best accuracy of 92.6%. The simulation results are supported by a detailed statistical analysis as a proof of concept.
Sexually Dimorphic Growth Stimulation in a Strain of Growth Hormone Transgenic Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Authors: Chan Michelle T. T. , Muttray Annette , Sakhrani Dionne , Woodward Krista , Kim Jin-Hyoung , Christensen Kris A. , Koop Ben F. , Devlin Robert H.
Published: January 2021

Growth hormone (GH) transgenic fish often exhibit remarkable transformations in growth rate and other phenotypes relative to wild-type. The 5750A transgenic coho salmon strain exhibits strong sexually dimorphic growth, with females possessing growth stimulation at a level typical of that seen for both sexes in other strains harbouring the same gene construct (e.g. M77), while males display a modest level of growth stimulation. GH mRNA levels were significantly higher in females than in males of the 5750A strain but equivalent in the M77 strain, indicating sex and transgene insertion locus altered transgene expression. We found that acute estradiol treatments did not influence GH expression in either strain (5750A and M77) or the transgene promoter (metallothionein-B), suggesting that estradiol level was not a significant factor influencing transgene activity. The feminization of XX and XY fish of the 5750A and M77 strains generated all-female groups and resulted in equalized growth of the two genetic sexes, suggesting that the presence of the Y chromosome was not directly capable of influencing the GH transgene–mediated growth in a physiological female conditions. These data suggest that the difference in growth rate seen between the sexes in the 5750A strain arises from non-estradiol-mediated sex influences on gene regulation at the transgene locus. This study shows how genetic factors and transgene insertion sites can influence transgene expression with significant consequent effects on phenotype.
Evaluation of the ventriculocholecystic shunt—an overview of present practice in adult and pediatric hydrocephalus
Authors: Morosanu Cezar Octavian , Priscu Adelina , Florian Ioan Stefan
Published: January 2021

In the context of hydrocephalus, there are a multitude of therapeutic options that can be explored in order to improve patient outcomes. Although the peritoneum is the current elected clinical solution, various receptacles have been utilized when experiencing contraindications. Along with the ventriculoatrial or ventriculopleural, the ventriculocholecystic shunt was also described as an alternative. In order to make a decision on a place for drainage, the surgeon must be knowledgeable on details from modern literature. The main target of this review was to summarize the currently available information on this topic and assess the status of the gallbladder as a viable option for cerebrospinal fluid diversion.
Exposure to Bullying and General Psychopathology: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rijlaarsdam Jolien , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Buil J. Marieke , van Lier Pol A. C. , Barker Edward D.
Published: January 2021

Although there is mounting evidence that the experience of being bullied associates with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms, it is not known yet whether the identified associations are specific to these symptoms, or shared between them. The primary focus of this study is to assess the prospective associations of bullying exposure with both general and specific (i.e., internalizing, externalizing) factors of psychopathology. This study included data from 6,210 children participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Child bullying was measured by self-report at ages 8 and 10 years. Child psychopathology symptoms were assessed by parent-interview, using the Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA) at ages 7 and 13 years. Bullying exposure significantly associated with the general psychopathology factor in early adolescence. In particular, chronically victimized youth exposed to multiple forms of bullying (i.e., both overt and relational) showed higher levels of general psychopathology. Bullying exposure also associated with both internalizing and externalizing factors from the correlated-factors model. However, the effect estimates for these factors decreased considerably in size and dropped to insignificant for the internalizing factor after extracting the shared variance that belongs to the general factor of psychopathology. Using an integrative longitudinal model, we found that higher levels of general psychopathology at age 7 also associated with bullying exposure at age 8 which, in turn, associated with general psychopathology at age 13 through its two-year continuity. Findings suggest that exposure to bullying is a risk factor for a more general vulnerability to psychopathology.
Editorial S.I: Early Identification in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Present and Future, and Advances in Early Identification
Authors: Øien Roald A. , Vivanti Giacomo , Robins Diana L.
Published: January 2021

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered by most scholars and clinicians to be a feasible and useful step for improving the wellbeing of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Arguments supporting early detection efforts include the benefit of earlier access to services providing autism-specific evidence-based interventions (Vivanti et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(7), 2441–2449, 2016; Zwaigenbaum et al., Pediatrics, 136(Suppl), S10–S40, 2015), and its potential to mitigate or even prevent the challenges associated with ASD symptoms, reduce care costs, and improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals with ASD (Constantino et al., Pediatrics, 146(3), e20193629, 2020; Jacobson et al., Behavioral Interventions, 13(4), 201–226, 1998; Jacobson and Mulick, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(6), 585–593, 2000). Nevertheless, controversies and challenges in this field exist.
Some Forms of Collectively Bringing About or ‘Seeing to it that’
Authors: Sergot Marek
Published: January 2021

One of the best known approaches to the logic of agency are the ‘stit’ (‘seeing to it that’) logics. Often, it is not the actions of an individual agent that bring about a certain outcome but the joint actions of a set of agents, collectively. Collective agency has received comparatively little attention in ‘stit’. The paper maps out several different forms, several different senses in which a particular set of agents, collectively, can be said to bring about a certain outcome, and examines how these forms can be expressed in ‘stit’ and stit-like logics. The outcome that is brought about may be unintentional, and perhaps even accidental; the account deliberately ignores aspects such as joint intention, communication between agents, awareness of other agents’ intentions and capabilities, even the awareness of another agent’s existence. The aim is to investigate what can be said about collective agency when all such considerations are ignored, besides mere consequences of joint actions. The account will be related to the ‘strictly stit’ of Belnap and Perloff (Annals of Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence 9(1–2), 25–48 1993) and their suggestions concerning ‘inessential members’ and ‘mere bystanders’. We will adjust some of those conjectures and distinguish further between ‘potentially contributing bystanders’ and ‘impotent bystanders’.