bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An AI-driven Predictive Model for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Using Extreme Gradient Boosting
Authors: Chakraborty Aditya , Tsokos Chris P.
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest carcinogenic diseases affecting people all over the world. The majority of patients are usually detected at Stage III or Stage IV, and the chances of survival are very low once detected at the late stages. This study focuses on building an efficient data-driven analytical predictive model based on the associated risk factors and identifying the most contributing factors influencing the survival times of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer using the XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) algorithm. The grid-search mechanism was implemented to compute the optimum values of the hyper-parameters of the analytical model by minimizing the root mean square error (RMSE). The optimum hyperparameters of the final analytical model were selected by comparing the values with 243 competing models. To check the validity of the model, we compared the model’s performance with ten deep neural network models, grown sequentially with different activation functions and optimizers. We also constructed an ensemble model using Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM). The proposed XGBoost model outperformed all competing models we considered with regard to root mean square error (RMSE). After developing the model, the individual risk factors were ranked according to their individual contribution to the response predictions, which is extremely important for pancreatic research organizations to spend their resources on the risk factors causing/influencing the particular type of cancer. The three most influencing risk factors affecting the survival of pancreatic cancer patients were found to be the age of the patient, current BMI, and cigarette smoking years with contributing percentages of 35.5%, 24.3%, and 14.93%, respectively. The predictive model is approximately 96.42% accurate in predicting the survival times of the patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and performs excellently on test data. The analytical methodology of developing the model can be utilized for prediction purposes. It can be utilized to predict the time to death related to a specific type of cancer, given a set of numeric, and non-numeric features.
Heterogeneity in strategies to maintain the teaching activities during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Hipler Noam M. , Prazienka Philipp , Wiesmann Crispin , Dieterich Daniela C. , Link Alexander
Published: September 2023

Introduction

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the training of medical students was severely disrupted. Government authorities imposed a second national lockdown, which lasted from December 2020 to May 2021, forcing medical schools to adapt their teaching strategies. Several surveys have assessed students’ perspectives, but there is limited data available to objectively assess and compare different strategies between medical faculties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lecturer-based perspective to assess the impact on the theoretical and practical education of medical students before and during the second lockdown.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire focusing on theoretical and practical training during pandemic before and during the second lockdown. The questionnaire was sent by personal invitation in January 2021 to all responsible lecturers of gastroenterology and hepatology departments at university hospitals in Germany.

Results

The complete response rate was obtained from 52.5% (21/40) teaching centres representative of all regions in Germany. While the majority of respondents (62%) reported a limited impact of the lockdown on theoretical training, 90.5% reported a significant impact on practical training during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic response. Several centres adapted virtual or hybrid education early during the pandemic, bedside teaching was down to 38.1% (8/21), particularly for students in the early phase of education, suggesting a substantial long-term impact on students' skills.

Conclusion

Our questionnaire-based data provide one of the first systematic evaluation of faculty-based assessments of the potential impact of the pandemic during lockdown on medical education. We observed considerable heterogeneity in strategies for maintaining teaching activities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Germany.
Assessing the ecological risk of representative wastewater based on a growth inhibition method with freshwater algae (Raphidocelis subcapitata)
Authors: Wang Aoxue , Li Hanqing , Liang Tao , Lian Gang , Gui Wenjun , Zhou Shengli , Li Shuying
Published: September 2023

Wastewater contains a vast number of pollutants that potentially threaten the ecosystem after being discharged into the environment. The present study aimed to develop a rapid and sensitive toxicity detection method for assessing the ecological risk of wastewater. Raphidocelis subcapitata was used as the test organism in the algal growth inhibition test, and the anti-interference capacity of R. subcapitata itself and three biomass measuring methods (spectrophotometer, electron particle counter and chlorophyll fluorescence) on sample color and sample particulate matter were examined. The results revealed that chlorophyll fluorometry was more suitable for determining biomass in the growth inhibition test. Furthermore, chlorophyll fluorometry was selected to evaluate the combined toxic effects and sensitivity of R. subcapitata to wastewater from different industries. Microalgae respond differently to the toxicity of wastewater from various sources. The LID values for chemical wastewater 2, urban sewage 1, pharmaceutical wastewater 1, electroplating effluent and pharmaceutical wastewater 2 were 4.0, 3.0, 2.7, 2.4 and 2.0, respectively. The present study investigated the toxicity response of R. subcapitata to wastewater from various industries by growth inhibition experiments to comprehend the possible ecological concerns of wastewater from diverse businesses. This study will provide a significant basis for the design of detection methods and a comprehensive evaluation of toxicity in surface water environments.

Graphical Abstract
Glacier projections sensitivity to temperature-index model choices and calibration strategies
Authors: Schuster Lilian , Rounce David R. , Maussion Fabien
Published: September 2023

The uncertainty of glacier change projections is largely influenced by glacier models. In this study, we focus on temperature-index mass-balance (MB) models and their calibration. Using the Open Global Glacier Model (OGGM), we examine the influence of different surface-type dependent degree-day factors, temporal climate resolutions (daily, monthly) and downscaling options (temperature lapse rates, temperature and precipitation corrections) for 88 glaciers with in-situ observations. Our findings indicate that higher spatial and temporal resolution observations enhance MB gradient representation due to an improved calibration. The addition of surface-type distinction in the model also improves MB gradients, but the lack of independent observations limits our ability to demonstrate the added value of increased model complexity. Some model choices have systematic effects, for example weaker temperature lapse rates result in smaller projected glaciers. However, we often find counter balancing effects, such as the sensitivity to different degree-day factors for snow, firn and ice, which depends on how the glacier accumulation area ratio changes in the future. Similarly, using daily versus monthly climate data can affect glaciers differently depending on the shifting balance between melt and solid precipitation thresholds. Our study highlights the importance of considering minor model design differences to predict future glacier volumes and runoff accurately.
ON COHEN AND PRIKRY FORCING NOTIONS
Authors: BENHAMOU TOM , GITIK MOTI
Published: September 2023

(1)

We show that it is possible to add
$\kappa ^+$
-Cohen subsets to
$\kappa $
with a Prikry forcing over
$\kappa $
. This answers a question from [9].

(2)

A strengthening of non-Galvin property is introduced. It is shown to be consistent using a single measurable cardinal which improves a previous result by S. Garti, S. Shelah, and the first author [5].

(3)

A situation with Extender-based Prikry forcings is examined. This relates to a question of H. Woodin.
COLORING ISOSCELES TRIANGLES IN CHOICELESS SET THEORY
Authors: ZHOU YUXIN
Published: September 2023

It is consistent relative to an inaccessible cardinal that ZF+DC holds, and the hypergraph of isosceles triangles on

$\mathbb {R}^2$

has countable chromatic number while the hypergraph of isosceles triangles on

$\mathbb {R}^3$

has uncountable chromatic number.
THORN FORKING, WEAK NORMALITY, AND THEORIES WITH SELECTORS
Authors: HOFFMANN DANIEL MAX , PILLAY ANAND
Published: September 2023

We discuss the role of weakly normal formulas in the theory of thorn forking, as part of a commentary on the paper [5]. We also give a counterexample to Corollary 4.2 from that paper, and in the process discuss “theories with selectors.”
ATMOSPHERIC CO2 CARBON ISOTOPE COMPOSITION IN URBAN AND CLEAN AREAS OF THE NORTHERN ADRIATIC COAST OF CROATIA
Authors: Sironić Andreja , Hess Emma , Barešić Jadranka , Kanduč Tjaša , Borković Damir , Krajcar Bronić Ines
Published: September 2023

Over the course of one year (2021), we monitored the carbon isotope composition of atmospheric CO2 at three locations in Croatia: the Adriatic port city of Rijeka (Cfa climate) and at two rural sites: Gornje Jelenje (Cfb climate) in the vicinity of a main road and clean-air site Parg (Dfb climate). Carbon isotope composition at all sites shows seasonal variation, ranging from –41.3 to 25.2‰ for Δ14C and from –13.1 to –11.3‰ for δ13C. Rijeka systematically has the lowest and Parg the highest Δ14C, and δ13C at the sites are not statistically different one from another. The Δ14C of leaves of deciduous trees reflect the trend of atmospheric Δ14C. Based on the assumption that the investigated area is under the influence of two main sources of CO2: fossil and natural (sea exchange, biosphere, and undisturbed – clean air atmospheric component) the approximate share of fossil CO2 in total atmospheric CO2 has been estimated for Rijeka (2.1 ± 1.3%) and Gornje Jelenje (1.0 ± 0.9%). Comparison of our results with the data from European CO2 sampling stations indicates strong influence of CO2 from sea and biosphere. Backward trajectories indicate a possibility of Δ14CCO2 contribution from distant EU nuclear power plants, but movement of air masses should be considered in more detail to confirm this.
Social Pressure in the International Human Rights Regime: Why States Withdraw Treaty Reservations
Authors: Boyes Christina , Eldredge Cody D. , Shannon Megan , Zvobgo Kelebogile
Published: September 2023

States often use reservations to modify their treaty obligations. Prior research demonstrates why states enter reservations and why states object to reservations, but little work explains why states withdraw them. We argue that states withdraw reservations in response to international social pressure. Using novel data on reservations and reservation withdrawals for the nine core international human rights treaties, our analyses reveal two factors that compel states to withdraw reservations: (1) pressure from peer states and (2) pressure from human rights treaty bodies conducting periodic reviews. While previous work emphasizes domestic factors, our research shows that the international community encourages states to withdraw reservations and strengthen their commitments to human rights and international law.
Skin carotenoid levels in lactating dairy cows as measured using multiple spatially resolved reflection spectroscopy
Authors: Jakob Martina , Lima Joana , Launay Frederic , Ferguson Holly J.
Published: September 2023

This research communication describes a pilot study measuring skin carotenoid levels of lactating dairy cows. Carotenoids are natural antioxidants, involved in cell communication and immune function, protecting against oxidative stress. They are precursors of vitamin A, important for reproduction efficiency, growth and male fertility. Therefore, easy-to-use, inexpensive methods to measure carotenoids in cattle would provide interesting data for farmers to monitor the health and nutritional status of their herds. In this study, we used a commercially available sensor based on multiple spatially resolved reflection spectroscopy (MSRRS), intended for human use, to measure the carotenoid content in bovine skin in three research herds in France, Ireland and Scotland. Carotenoid levels were measured by applying the sensor to the teat barrel, avoiding pigmented areas of skin. Mean sensor values differed significantly between herds and between diets, with pasture-based animals showing significantly higher carotenoid levels. Our results suggest that MSRRS can be used to accurately to measure skin carotenoids in cows. However, further calibration in bovines is needed to improve of the accuracy of the MSRRS sensor in cattle.
Recent studies on Indian primates show declining population trends, even in protected areas
Authors: Hameed Shahid , Bashir Tawqir , Ali Mohammad Niamat , Khanyari Munib , Kumar Ajith
Published: September 2023

Population size and geographical range are the key quantitative criteria used by the IUCN to assess the conservation status of a species. However, such information is often incomplete and inconsistent, even for seemingly abundant species. To assess the population and conservation status of Indian primates, we conducted a systematic review of recent research using the searching, appraisal, synthesis and analysis (SALSA) approach. We reviewed a total of 41 studies on Indian primates conducted during the last 2 decades (2000–2021) for information on various parameters that influence their conservation. We found that 20 out of a total of 26 primate species were evaluated for their population status, and the majority of these studies (71%) showed an overall declining population trend. Remarkably, all but one of the studies conducted exclusively within protected areas revealed declining population trends, whereas trends were more variable for primate populations in non-protected areas. Our data indicate that only 27% (n = 7) of Indian primate species have been surveyed or re-surveyed to assess their population status within the last 5 years. Although threats vary in time and space from species to species, 78% of the studies recorded natural system modifications including habitat loss and fragmentation among the main threats to the survival of Indian primates. Most studies on the population status of Indian primates have either been spatially limited or used outdated methods. We recommend that future studies adopt robust techniques to estimate populations and work across larger geographical scales to develop effective management strategies for the conservation of primates in India.
Where not to look for targets of social reforms and interventions, according to behavioral genetics
Authors: Eftedal Nikolai Haahjem , Thomsen Lotte
Published: September 2023

Behavioral genetics typically finds that the so-called shared environment contributes little or nothing to explaining within-population variation on most traits. If true, this has important implications for where not to look for good targets of interventions: Namely all things that are within the normal range of variation from one rearing environment to the next in that population.
Genes, genomes, and developmental process
Authors: Taylor Jebediah , Weiss Staci Meredith , Marshall Peter J.
Published: September 2023

The view advanced by Madole & Harden falls back on the dogma of a gene as a DNA sequence that codes for a fixed product with an invariant function regardless of temporal and spatial contexts. This outdated perspective entrenches the metaphor of genes as static units of information and glosses over developmental complexities.
Extensions of the causal framework to Mendelian randomisation and gene–environment interaction
Authors: Haworth Claire M. A. , Wootton Robyn E.
Published: September 2023

In our commentary we ask whether we should ultimately endeavour to find the deep causes of behaviours? Then we discuss two extensions of the proposed framework: (1) Mendelian randomisation and (2) hypothesis-free gene–environment interaction (leveraging heterogeneity in genetic associations). These complementary methods help move us towards second-generation causal knowledge, ultimately understanding mechanistic pathways and identifying more effective intervention targets.
GWASs and polygenic scores inherit all the old problems of heritability estimates
Authors: Sarkar Sahotra
Published: September 2023

Polygenic score (PGS) computations assume an additive model of gene action because associations between phenotypes and alleles at different loci are compounded, ignoring interactions between alleles or loci let alone between genotype and environment. Consequently, PGSs are subject to the same objections that invalidated traditional heritability analyses in the 1970s. Thus, PGSs should not be used in the social sciences.
Vertical pleiotropy explains the heritability of social science traits
Authors: Xia Charley , Hill W. David
Published: September 2023

We contend that social science variables are the product of multiple partly heritable traits. Genetic associations with socioeconomic status (SES) may differ across populations, but this is a consequence of the intermediary traits associated with SES differences also varying. Furthermore, genetic data allow social scientists to make causal statements regarding the aetiology and consequences of SES.
Causal complexity in human research: On the shared challenges of behavior genetics, medical genetics, and environmentally oriented social science
Authors: Madole James W. , Harden K. Paige
Published: September 2023

We received 23 spirited commentaries on our target article from across the disciplines of philosophy, economics, evolutionary genetics, molecular biology, criminology, epidemiology, and law. We organize our reply around three overarching questions: (1) What is a cause? (2) How are randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and within-family genome-wide association studies (GWASs) alike and unalike? (3) Is behavior genetics a qualitatively different enterprise? Throughout our discussion of these questions, we advocate for the idea that behavior genetics shares many of the same pitfalls and promises as environmentally oriented research, medical genetics, and other arenas of the social and behavioral sciences.
Untangling (Missionary) Entanglements: Recent Work on Christianisation and Cross-Cultural Contact and the Case for an Entangled Approach
Authors: Schalbroeck Eva
Published: September 2023

This article discusses recent work on cross-cultural interactions between missionaries and Central Africans, including Images on a Mission by Cécile Fromont, Religious Entanglements by David Maxwell, and “What Is Religion in Africa?” by Birgit Meyer. These works adopt an entangled approach, examining how Christianisation engendered interconnections between Central Africans and missionaries and between Central Africa and Europe. In this way, the works paint a nuanced image of the cross-cultural interactions that occurred in the framework of the Christianisation of Central Africa, showing us how an entangled approach can help examine such interactions afresh. By contextualising the manifold ways in which Westerners and non-Westerners, the West and the non-West were entangled, we can better understand the (power) dynamics and outcomes of cross-cultural interactions. By reading sources in an entangled manner, we can get a completer view of the wide array of interactions between Westerners and non-Westerners. By acknowledging how historical entanglements shaped the analytical concepts we use, we can decolonise our scholarly practice. This article shows how the study of a fundamentally cross-cultural phenomenon—Christianity in the non-Western world—can inspire global and imperial historians to study cross-cultural interactions in a truly cross-cultural manner.
VALID HETEROSKEDASTICITY ROBUST TESTING
Authors: Pötscher Benedikt M. , Preinerstorfer David
Published: September 2023

Tests based on heteroskedasticity robust standard errors are an important technique in econometric practice. Choosing the right critical value, however, is not simple at all: conventional critical values based on asymptotics often lead to severe size distortions, and so do existing adjustments including the bootstrap. To avoid these issues, we suggest to use smallest size-controlling critical values, the generic existence of which we prove in this article for the commonly used test statistics. Furthermore, sufficient and often also necessary conditions for their existence are given that are easy to check. Granted their existence, these critical values are the canonical choice: larger critical values result in unnecessary power loss, whereas smaller critical values lead to overrejections under the null hypothesis, make spurious discoveries more likely, and thus are invalid. We suggest algorithms to numerically determine the proposed critical values and provide implementations in accompanying software. Finally, we numerically study the behavior of the proposed testing procedures, including their power properties.
Parental use of causal language for preterm and full-term children: A longitudinal study
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Salih C. , AKTAN-ERCİYES Aslı , GÖKSUN Tilbe
Published: September 2023

Parents are often a good source of information, introducing children to how the world around them is described and explained in terms of cause-and-effect relations. Parents also vary in their speech, and these variations can predict children’s later language skills. Being born preterm might be related to such parent-child interactions. The present longitudinal study investigated parental causal language use in Turkish, a language with particular causative morphology, across three time points when preterm and full-term children were 14-, 20-, and 26-months-old. In general, although preterm children heard fewer words overall, there were no differences between preterm and full-term groups in terms of the proportion of causal language input. Parental causal language input increased from 20 to 26 months, while the amount of overall verbal input remained the same. These findings suggest that neonatal status can influence the amount of overall parental talk, but not parental use of causal language.
Atypical diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli in milk related to a large foodborne outbreak
Authors: Hirose Shouhei , Ohya Kenji , Yoshinari Tomoya , Ohnishi Takahiro , Mizukami Katsumi , Suzuki Tomikatsu , Takinami Kenji , Suzuki Takayoshi , Lee Kenichi , Iyoda Sunao , Akeda Yukihiro , Yahata Yuichiro , Tsuchihashi Yuuki , Sunagawa Tomimasa , Hara-Kudo Yukiko
Published: September 2023

A foodborne outbreak related to milk cartons served in school lunches occurred in June 2021, which involved more than 1,800 cases from 25 schools. The major symptoms were abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. Although major foodborne toxins and pathogens were not detected, a specific Escherichia coli strain, serotype OUT (OgGp9):H18, was predominantly isolated from milk samples related to the outbreak and most patients tested. The strains from milk and patient stool samples were identified as the same clone by core genome multilocus sequence typing and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. The strain was detected in milk samples served for two days related to the foodborne outbreak at a rate of 69.6% and levels of less than ten most probable number/100 mL but not on days unrelated to the outbreak. The acid tolerance of the strain for survival in the stomach was similar to that of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7, and the same inserts in the chu gene cluster in the acid fitness island were genetically revealed. The pathogenicity of the strain was not clear; however, it was indicated that the causative pathogen was atypical diarrhoeagenic E. coli OUT (OgGp9):H18.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Republic of Congo, February 2022
Authors: Ndziessi Gilbert , Niama Roch Fabien , Aloumba Axel Gilius , Peya Jethro Massala , Ngatse Joseph Axel , Ngoyomi Ryschel Alist , Niama Ange Clauvel , Tobi N’Kaya , Loussambou Antoine , Kankou Jean Medard , Atipo Benjamin , Emeka Jean Claude , Ibata Pascal , Moukassa Donatien , Dokekias Alexis Elira
Published: September 2023

In resource-limited countries, the lack of widespread screening masks the true situation of COVID-19. We conducted this study to assess SARS-CoV-2 spread by detection of specific antibodies and to determine associated factors. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjects were tested for the presence of two antibodies (IgM and IgG) specific to SARS-CoV-2. Data collection was done using a smartphone with the KoboCollect application. Prevalence of antibodies was estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with positive serological test. A total of 9,094 persons were tested in 4,340 households. The mean age was 30.18 ± 18.65 years, 46.5% male. The overall seroprevalence (prevalence, 95% CI) of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was (48.2% [47.2%–49.2%]). Being vaccinated, having been in contact with a COVID-19 patient, being older than 50 years, living in a union, having secondary education and having tertiary education were factors independently associated with the likelihood of having anti-sars-CoV-2. We estimate in February 2022 that 48% persons had antibodies against the COVID-19 virus, more among those vaccinated. Vaccination intensification in low prevalence departments will reduce the risk of new outbreaks.
Constrained read-once refutations in UTVPI constraint systems: A parallel perspective
Authors: Subramani K. , Wojciechowski Piotr
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we analyze two types of refutations for Unit Two Variable Per Inequality (UTVPI) constraints. A UTVPI constraint is a linear inequality of the form:
$a_{i}\cdot x_{i}+a_{j} \cdot x_{j} \le b_{k}$
, where
$a_{i},a_{j}\in \{0,1,-1\}$
and
$b_{k} \in \mathbb{Z}$
. A conjunction of such constraints is called a UTVPI constraint system (UCS) and can be represented in matrix form as:
${\bf A \cdot x \le b}$
. UTVPI constraints are used in many domains including operations research and program verification. We focus on two variants of read-once refutation (ROR). An ROR is a refutation in which each constraint is used at most once. A literal-once refutation (LOR), a more restrictive form of ROR, is a refutation in which each literal (
$x_i$
or
$-x_i$
) is used at most once. First, we examine the constraint-required read-once refutation (CROR) problem and the constraint-required literal-once refutation (CLOR) problem. In both of these problems, we are given a set of constraints that must be used in the refutation. RORs and LORs are incomplete since not every system of linear constraints is guaranteed to have such a refutation. This is still true even when we restrict ourselves to UCSs. In this paper, we provide NC reductions between the CROR and CLOR problems in UCSs and the minimum weight perfect matching problem. The reductions used in this paper assume a CREW PRAM model of parallel computation. As a result, the reductions establish that, from the perspective of parallel algorithms, the CROR and CLOR problems in UCSs are equivalent to matching. In particular, if an NC algorithm exists for either of these problems, then there is an NC algorithm for matching.
Long-term follow-up of percutaneous secundum-type atrial septal defect closure using Amplatzer Septal Occluder since 1995: a single-centre study
Authors: Olejnik Peter , Tittel Peter , Venczelova Zuzana , Kardos Marek , Tomko Jaroslav , Bartova Maria , Masura Jozef
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

The goal of this single-centre study was to evaluate long-term results of percutaneous closure of secundum-type atrial septal defect using Amplatzer Septal Occluder with the follow-up to 25 years.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent percutaneous closure of secundum-type atrial septal defect between September 1995 and October 2012 in our institution was performed. All procedures were performed after fulfilling strict indication criteria. More than 5 years follow-up was reached in 651/803 patients (81%) with median follow-up time of 12 (5–25) years.

Results:

The mean stretched defect diameter was 14,0 ± 5,2 mm. Early reintervention due to moderate or severe residual atrial septal defect had to be performed in 3/803 patients (0,03%). The incidence of long-term moderate or severe residual atrial septal defect was 0,0%. The complete closure rate at 10-year follow-up was 98,5%, as trivial residual shunts persisted in 8/508 patients (1,5%). A significant rate of the echocardiographic right ventricular end-diastolic diameter post-procedural normalisation (p < 0,05) was encountered. The rate of major complications was 0,5%. One device embolisation, one thrombus formation at the occluder surface, and one cardiac erosion in periprocedural or short post-procedural course were experienced. Only one late complication of infective endocarditis at the region of implanted occluder and the aortic valve was detected. The survival rate of all followed patients was 100%.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous closure of secundum-type atrial septal defect using Amplatzer Septal Occluder is a safe and effective procedure accounting for a very low incidence of major complications in the long-term follow-up.
Cadaveric Prehospital Amputation: Which Reciprocating Saw Blade Offers the Most Efficient Amputation
Authors: Baker Russell , Popieluszko Patrick , Mitchell Sara , Baker Sunny , Weiss William
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Field amputations are a low-frequency, high-risk procedure. Many prehospital personnel utilize the reciprocating saw. This study compares the efficiency, speed, and degree of tissue damage of different reciprocating saw blades found commercially.

Methods:

Amputations were performed on two human cadavers at different levels of the upper and lower extremities. Four different blades were used, each with a different teeth-per-inch (TPI) design. The amputations were timed, blade temperature was recorded, subjective operator effort was obtained, amount of splatter was evaluated, and an orthopedic physician evaluated the extent of tissue damage and operating room repair difficulty.

Results:

The blade with fourteen TPI was superior in overall speed to complete the amputations at 1.07 seconds per one centimeter of tissue (SD = 0.49 seconds) and had the lowest fail rate (0/8 amputations). The three TPI, six TPI, and ten TPI blades all required a “rescue” technique and were slower. The blade with fourteen TPI caused the least amount of tissue damage and was deemed the easiest to repair. Secondary outcomes demonstrated the fourteen TPI blade had generated the least amount of heat and produced the least amount of splatter. All blades had a perceived effort of “easy” to complete the amputation.

Conclusion:

While all blades were able to achieve an amputation, the overall recommendation is use of a fourteen TPI blade. It did not require any rescue techniques, provided the most straightforward amputation to repair, had the least amount of biohazard splatter and temperature increase, and was the fastest blade overall.
Identifying γ-ray emitting blazars in the PASIPHAE era: polarimetry as a unique probe
Authors: Mandarakas Nikolaos
Published: September 2023

The Fermi γ-ray telescope has detected 6658 sources, with 1845 of them remaining unidentified. We show that polarimetry of γ-ray fields is a powerful asset in the hunt of active galactic nuclei (AGN) as potential optical counterparts for γ-ray sources. We have studied an unidentified Fermi field (3FGL J0221.2+2518) and found a previously-unknown highly-polarized extragalactic object as a potential optical counterpart within the 1-sigma error ellipse of the corresponding γ-ray source. Based on a collection of data, we find that it most probably is a composite object: a star-forming galaxy accompanied by AGN. PASIPHAE is a large polarimetric experiment which will measure the polarisation of sources away from the galactic plane. This will provide an excellent opportunity to study hundreds of unidentified γ-ray sources and unveil potential optical counterparts, using polarimetry.
The Microvariability and Wavelength Dependence of Polarization Vector of BL Lacertae in the Outburst 2020 to 2021
Authors: Imazawa Ryo , Sasada Mahito , Hazama Natsuko , Fukazawa Yasushi , Nakaoka Tatsuya , Akitaya Hiroshi , Kawabata Koji S. , Bohn Thomas , Gangopadhyay Anjasha
Published: September 2023

We performed photo-polarimetry observations for the blazar BL Lacertae (BL Lac) in 2020 to 2021, in which BL Lac showed historical outburst. As a result, we obtained microvariability with a timescale about five minutes and wavelength dependence of polarization degree and angle. These results indicate multiple emission regions and turbulent magnetic field structure.
Scientific Potential of MeV Polarimetry for Relativistic Jets
Authors: Zhang Haocheng
Published: September 2023

Relativistic jets from supermassive black holes or stellar mass black holes are among the most powerful astrophysical phenomena. Magnetic field plays an important role in the jet launching and propagation, as well as particle acceleration and radiation. Polarimetry is the only way to observe the magnetic field evolution. The recent launch of the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) has opened up the X-ray polarization window, which has revealed very interesting phenomena for relativistic jets. However, the field of MeV gamma-ray polarimetry remains largely unexplored. This paper aims to summarize key scientific potentials for MeV polarimetry for blazars and gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) from recent theoretical modeling. These predictions, which are closely related to the cosmic ray acceleration, neutrino production, radiation mechanism, and the jet evolution, can be examined by future MeV polarimeters, such as the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI), the LargE Area burst Polarimeter (LEAP), and the All-sky Medium-Energy Gamma-ray Observatory eXplorer (AMEGO-X).
VLBI Scrutiny of a New Neutrino-Blazar Multiwavelength-Flare Coincidence
Authors: Eppel F. , Kadler M. , Ros E. , Rösch F. , Heßdörfer J. , Benke P. , Edwards P. G. , Fromm C. M. , Giroletti M. , Gokus A. , Gómez J. L. , Hämmerich S. , Kirchner D. , Kovalev Y. Y. , Krichbaum T. P. , Lister M. L. , Nanci C. , Ojha R. , Paraschos G. F. , Plavin A. , Readhead A. C. S. , Stevens J. , Weber P.
Published: September 2023

In recent years, evidence has started piling up that some high-energy cosmic neutrinos can be associated with blazars in flaring states. On 2022 February 26, a new blazar-neutrino coincidence was reported: the track-like neutrino event IC220225A detected by IceCube is spatially coincident with the flat-spectrum radio quasar PKS 0215+015. Like previous associations, this source was found to be in a high optical and γ-ray state. Moreover, the source showed a bright radio outburst, which substantially increases the probability of a true physical association. We have performed six observations with the VLBA shortly after the neutrino event with a monthly cadence and are monitoring the source with the Effelsberg 100m-Telescope, and with the Australia Compact Telescope Array. Here, we present first results on the contemporary parsec-scale jet structure of PKS 0215+015 in total intensity and polarization to constrain possible physical processes leading to neutrino emission in blazars.
Particle acceleration via magnetic reconnection in large-scale MHD jet simulations
Authors: Nurisso Matteo , Celotti Annalisa , Mignone Andrea , Bodo Gianluigi
Published: September 2023

We present a new algorithm for the identification and physical characterization of current sheets and reconnection sites as well as the update of post-reconnection particles spectra in 2D and 3D large scale relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations. Lagrangian particles, which follow the fluid, are used to sample plasma parameters before entering the reconnection sites that form during the evolution of the different configurations considered. With the sampled parameters and a subgrid model based on results of Particle-in-Cell simulations we introduced in the PLUTO code an algorithm able to describe the post-reconnection spectra associated to the non-thermal component.
New governance of the digital health agency: a way out of the joint decision trap to implement electronic health records in Germany?
Authors: Schmitt Tugce
Published: September 2023

Fragmentation in health systems leads to discontinuities in the provision of health services, reduces the effectiveness of interventions, and increases costs. In international comparisons, Germany is notably lagging in the context of healthcare (data) integration. Despite various political efforts spanning decades, intersectoral care and integrated health data remain controversial and are still in an embryonic phase in the country. Even more than 2 years after its launch, electronic health record (elektronische Patientenakte; ePA) users in Germany constitute only 1 per cent of the statutorily insured population, and ongoing political debates suggest that the path to broader coverage is fraught with complexities. By exploring the main stakeholders in the existing (fragmented) health system governance in Germany and their sectoral interests, this paper examines the implementation of ePA through the lens of corporatism, offering insights based on an institutional decision theory. The central point is that endeavours to better integrate health data for clinical care, scientific research and evidence-informed policymaking in Germany will need to address the roles of corporatism and self-governance.
Narzisstische Störung
Authors: Lammers Claas-Hinrich
Published: September 2023

Narzisstische Patient:innen sind bei Therapeut:innen nicht nur unbeliebt, sondern sehen sich häufig auch mit einem unzureichend auf ihre Störung ausgerichteten Therapieangebot konfrontiert. Nicht selten kommt es zu einem schwierigen Therapieverlauf oder gar einem frühzeitigen Therapieabbruch. Dabei kann gerade die Arbeit mit diesen schwierigen Patient:innen nicht nur erfolgreich, sondern auch interessant und befriedigend sein, wenn Therapeut:innen über das notwendige Wissen und die praktischen Kompetenzen im Umgang mit ihnen verfügen. Der Band bringt die wesentlichen Aspekte der Therapie auf den Punkt und gibt Antworten auf die häufigsten Fragen und Probleme.
Zum tieferen Verständnis der narzisstischen Erlebnis- und Verhaltensweisen werden zunächst zentrale Aspekte der narzisstischen Selbstwertregulation erläutert, welche von grundlegender Bedeutung für die therapeutischen Interventionen sind. Da viele Therapieversuche an der schwierigen Beziehungsgestaltung mit den Patient:innen scheitern, vermittelt das Buch spezifische Beziehungskonzepte, die einerseits die Bereitschaft der Patient:innen zur Zusammenarbeit unterstützen sollen, andererseits aber auch der direkten Bearbeitung ihres narzisstischen Konfliktes in der therapeutischen Beziehung dienen. Weiterhin stellt der Band spezifische Techniken vor, wie z.B. die Arbeit an dysfunktionalen Schemata, die Analyse und Bearbeitung interaktioneller Konflikte, das Training von Empathie und kommunikativen Fertigkeiten sowie den Aufbau prosozialer Verhaltensweisen. Schließlich wird die Arbeit an dem häufig vorhandenen Gefühl der inneren Leere und Sinnlosigkeit thematisiert, dem mit Ansätzen der existenziellen Psychotherapie begegnet werden kann.
Carbon Biogeochemistry and Export Governed by Flow in a Non‐Perennial Stream
Authors: Bretz Kristen A. , Murphy Natalie N. , Hotchkiss Erin R.
Published: September 2023

Non‐perennial headwaters experience extremes in flow conditions that likely influence carbon fate. As surface waters contract through dry periods, reconnect during storms, and re‐expand or dry again, there is a great deal of variability in carbon emissions and export. We measured discharge, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide (CO2), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) continuously in a persistent pool at the base of a non‐perennial, forested headwater stream in the southeastern United States to characterize how flow changes affect carbon emissions and export as the stream expands and shrinks. We also compared carbon concentrations and export during different stream flow categories before and after fall wet‐up. CO2concentrations were high when discharge was lowest (median = 10.2 mg L−1) and low during high flows (3.2 mg L−1) and storms (1.1 mg L−1). High CO2concentrations led to high emissions on a per area basis during low flow times, but whole‐channel stream CO2emissions were limited by the small surface area of the stream during periods of surface water disconnection. DOC concentration varied by season (range = 0.1–16.2 mg L−1) with large pulses during smaller summer storms. We found that CO2and DOC concentrations differed among binned stages of stream flow. As non‐perennial streams become more prevalent across the southeastern United States due to shifts in climate, the relationships between flow and carbon movement into and out of stream networks will become increasingly critical to understanding stream carbon biogeochemistry.
Characterizing Tidal Currents and Guangdong Coastal Current Over the Northern South China Sea Shelf Using Himawari‐8 Geostationary Satellite Observations
Authors: Hu Zifeng , Li Huadong , Wang Dongxiao
Published: September 2023

Obtaining high spatiotemporal resolution surface currents with wide coverage is of great importance for understanding marine physical and biogeochemical processes, as well as practical applications. This study utilizes the sequential hourly images from the Himawari‐8 geostationary satellite to map the semidiurnal M2 surface tidal current pattern over the shallow shelf (<100 m) of the northern South China Sea. The comparison between the satellite‐derived tidal currents and the High‐Frequency Radar observations shows good agreement. The satellite‐derived tidal currents are also fairly comparable to the prediction of the regional tidal model from Oregon State University. The detided daily mean surface flows provide an apparent representation of the spatial pattern of the Guangdong Coastal Current (GCC) and its synoptic variability, well consistent with the simultaneous sea surface temperature and salinity satellite observations. The observed surface flows are compared to the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service daily model currents, and the model findings are in good agreement with the observations, indicating the sensitivity of the GCC to rapid changes of northeasterly winds. This study highlights the potential of the Himawari‐8 geostationary satellite in measuring sea surface currents over a broad, shallow continental shelf.
Developing Low‐Likelihood Climate Storylines for Extreme Precipitation Over Central Europe
Authors: Gessner C. , Fischer E. M. , Beyerle U. , Knutti R.
Published: September 2023

Heavy precipitation and associated flooding during the cold season, such as the 1993 flood in central Europe (CEU), are a major threat to society and ecosystems. Due to the lack of long homogenous climate data and methodological frameworks, it is challenging to estimate how extreme precipitation could get and what the physical drivers are. This study presents two complementary strategies to extrapolate beyond the precipitation records: (a) statistical estimates based on fitting generalized extreme value distributions, providing their probabilistic information on return periods and, (b) ensemble boosting, a model‐based re‐initialization of heavy precipitation in large ensembles, providing a physical coherent storyline in space and time, however, with no direct quantification of its probability. Both show that 3‐day accumulated precipitation maxima can be substantially exceeded over CEU of around 30%–40%, but even higher magnitudes cannot be ruled out in the near future. An empirical orthogonal function analysis reveals that certain sea level pressure patterns, partly reminding of atmospheric rivers are more often associated with heavy precipitation than more moderate events. Additionally, ensemble boosting is a suitable tool for case studies to analyze how extreme heavy precipitation as for the event in 1993 can be simulated. By boosting a 1993‐analog, one‐quarter of the resulting storylines show increased rainfall than observed, due to a stronger north‐south pressure gradient that may have exacerbated the flooding. Overall, the precipitation estimates demonstrate that ensemble boosting is a complementary method to statistical tools and suitable for stress testing, for example, infrastructure protection measures against potentially unseen heavy precipitation events.
Data‐Driven Empirical Conductance Relations During Auroral Precipitation Using Incoherent Scatter Radar and All Sky Imagers
Authors: Kaeppler S. R. , Markowski D. G. , Pepper A. M. , Troyer R. , Jaynes A. N. , Varney R. H. , Hampton D.
Published: September 2023

We present empirical conductance relations that are derived from incoherent scatter radar observations and correlated with all sky imager observations to identify the morphology of the aurora. We use 75,461 events collected using the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR) with associated all sky imagers observations spanning the years 2012–2016. In addition to classifying these events based on auroral morphology, we estimated the Hall and Pedersen conductance and the differential number flux from which the energy flux and the average energy can be calculated. The differential number flux was estimated using the maximum entropy inversion method described in Semeter and Kamalabadi (2005, https://doi.org/10.1029/2004RS003042), but now incorporating the Fang et al. (2010, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL045406) ionization model. The main results of this investigation are the power law equations that describe the median, 90th, and 10th percentile Hall and Pedersen conductance as a function of energy flux and average energy. These power law fits are performed for different auroral morphology including all events, discrete, diffuse, and pulsating auroral events. The median Pedersen conductance is found to be in good agreement with past empirical conductance specifications by Robinson et al. (1987, https://doi.org/10.1029/JA092iA03p02565); however, the median Hall conductance from the PFISR observations is found to be larger than the empirical Hall conductance formulas by Robinson et al. (1987, https://doi.org/10.1029/JA092iA03p02565). Pulsating aurora is found to be the most frequently occurring auroral morphology. Furthermore, pulsating aurora has an important contribution to Hall conductance since it has higher average energies than discrete aurora. The results from this investigation are applicable to space weather models and may enable better agreement between model‐data comparisons.