bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of median lobe on urinary function after robotic prostatectomy
Authors: Martinez Oscar , Murphy Christopher , Bsatee Aya , Abaza Ronney
Published: June 2021

Background

Enlarged median lobes (ML) can be technically challenging, particularly during bladder‐neck dissection, and may affect urinary functional outcomes of robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP). If known, the impact of potentially larger bladder necks on continence and chronic obstruction on postoperative urinary symptoms might aid patient counseling. We assessed the impact of intraoperatively identified median lobes (ML) on urinary function.

Methods

We reviewed our prospective RP database from 2013 to 2020. AUA symptoms scores (AUA‐SS) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months. We compared patients with and without ML (NoML). Bladder‐neck sparing was routine to avoid reconstruction.

Results

Of 663 patients who completed AUA‐SS questionnaires at all time points, 202 (30%) had ML. There were no significant differences in demographics, PSA, or clinical stage. Only two patients in ML and one in NoML group required bladder‐neck reconstruction (1.2% and 0.2%). There was no immediate or long‐term difference in continence rates between groups. Baseline mean AUA‐SS was higher in ML patients and showed more improvement postoperatively (−5.5 vs. −3.6, p < .05) with greatest improvement in ML patients with severe preoperative symptoms (−15.1). There was no difference in AUA‐SS between groups by 6 months.

Conclusions

The presence of enlarged ML does not increase the risk of incontinence after RARP and it appears that ML patients have greater improvements in postsurgical urinary functions. Preoperative diagnosis of ML and lower urinary tract symptoms assessment could be helpful in counseling patients undergoing RARP regarding their expected postoperative urinary outcomes.
Robust passive tracking control for an uncertain soft actuator using robust right coprime factorization
Authors: Bu Ni , Liu Haoyu , Li Wenpeng
Published: June 2021

As a research of human arm activities, the research of soft actuator is one of the important topics in the field of robotics. This article is concerned with the robust passive tracking control for an uncertain soft actuator by robust right coprime factorization (RRCF). First, applying the recursive least squares identification algorithm, the identification of the actuator modeling is studied by which the parameter of radius is estimated by using the experimental data. Second, the passivity of the soft actuator with inflatable rubber tube is discussed; meanwhile, the robustness of the soft actuator is ensured by the designed robust controllers. Third, by combining the RRCF and integral sliding mode control methods, the tracking performance is improved, for the soft actuator with time‐varying radius. Finally, the proposed methods are confirmed by the simulation with experimental data.
A copula‐based approach for dynamic prediction of survival with a binary time‐dependent covariate
Authors: Suresh Krithika , Taylor Jeremy M.G. , Tsodikov Alexander
Published: June 2021

Dynamic prediction methods incorporate longitudinal biomarker information to produce updated, more accurate predictions of conditional survival probability. There are two approaches for obtaining dynamic predictions: (1) a joint model of the longitudinal marker and survival process, and (2) an approximate approach that specifies a model for a specific component of the joint distribution. In the case of a binary marker, an illness‐death model is an example of a joint modeling approach that is unified and produces consistent predictions. However, previous literature has shown that approximate approaches, such as landmarking, with additional flexibility can have good predictive performance. One such approach proposes using a Gaussian copula to model the joint distribution of conditional continuous marker and survival distributions. It has the advantage of specifying established, flexible models for the marginals for which goodness‐of‐fit can be assessed, and has easy estimation that can be implemented in standard software. In this article, we provide a Gaussian copula approach for dynamic prediction to accommodate a binary marker using a continuous latent variable formulation. We compare the predictive performance of this approach to joint modeling and landmarking using simulations and demonstrate its use for obtaining dynamic predictions in an application to a prostate cancer study.
Biodegradation of TOC by Nano‐Fe2O3 Modified SMFC and Its Potential Environmental Effects**
Authors: Yang Chen , Xiao Nan , Chang Zi'ang , Huang Jinhui Jeanne , Zeng Wenlu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) with nano‐Fe2O3 modified anode was investigated to enhance in‐situ remediation. Results showed that the modification led to higher removal of total organic matter (TOC) after 50 days. Anodic microbial community was further analyzed. It was found that the decrease of relative abundance of exoelectrogens and the suppression of methanogens led to the reduction of the power generation in SMFC with modified anode. Longilinea was one of key bacteria regarding TOC degradation. Besides, potential environmental effects resulting from SMFC and nano‐Fe2O3 modification were also discussed. The competition of exoelectrogens with methanogens for nutrient potentially resulted in the reduction of methane emission. The SMFC system could inhibit the growth of fecal bacteria and the nano‐Fe2O3 modified anode had stronger inhibitory effect, which further reduce the risks induced by fecal bacteria to human health. The modification could further maintain the biodiversity of eucaryon and achieve higher ecosystem stability.
Structural engineering of graphene for high‐resolution cryo‐electron microscopy
Authors: Xu Jie , Cui Xiaoya , Liu Nan , Chen Yanan , Wang Hong‐Wei
Published: June 2021

The revolutionary improvement of hardware and algorithm in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) has made it a routine method to obtain structures of macromolecules at near‐atomic resolution. Nevertheless, this technique still faces many challenges. The structure‐solving efficiency of cryo‐EM can be significantly reduced by the biomolecules' denaturation on the air–water interfaces, the preferred orientation, strong background noise from supporting films and particle motion, and so forth. To overcome these problems, nanomaterials with ultrahigh electronic conductivity and ultrathin thickness are explored as promising cryo‐EM specimen supporting films. Herein, we summarize the structural engineering of graphene, for example, surface and interface modification, as supporting films for grids and the application on high‐resolution cryo‐EM and discuss potential future perspectives.
Security inspection resource allocation in real time using SDN
Authors: Wu Haotian , Li Xin , Scoglio Caterina , Gruenbacher Don
Published: June 2021

Network traffic security inspection is vital in today's network. However, due to the increasing user demand, security inspection resources are becoming a bottleneck of the network, therefore bringing down network throughput. In this paper, we proposed an OpenFlow‐based flow management prototype, which can properly allocate limited security resources in order to achieve the objective of making the best use of security resources without compromising network throughput. We introduced a capacity reservation scheme to enforce network security and avoid security devices becoming congested. In order to optimize utilization of security devices, we formulated the resource‐constrained problem as an integer linear programming problem and solved it. Extensive experiments were performed to attest to the effectiveness of our prototype. Finally, we analyzed results of the experiment, including the impact on network performance of two parameters in the optimization formulations. Compared to other works, we have the following strengths: our model was implemented on a general network topology with distributed security devices; we formulated the flow allocation problem into a linear programming problem and performed the optimization in the controller in real time; and no pre‐knowledge about the network, hosts, or traffic was needed.
Scale‐AdaptiveKernel Correlation Filter with Maximum Posterior Probability Estimation and Combined Features for Visual Target Tracking
Authors: Xu Jingxiang , Wu Xuedong , Cao Baiheng
Published: June 2021

Although the correlation filtering tracker for visual target tracking has achieved excellent results in both accuracy and robustness, there are still some problems yet to be solved. Obtaining stable scale estimation using traditional trackers is a challenging problem in visual target tracking, and many trackers fail to handle scale change in complex video sequences. In order to solve the problems of scale change, partial occlusion and geometric deformation for target tracking effectively, a new tracker based on kernel correlation filtering is developed in our study. The tracker obtained with maximum posterior probability method has scale adaptive ability and can deal with scale change to improve the tracking ability. In addition, the tracker further enhances the ability to deal with illumination variation, geometric deformation and occlusion by fusing the adaptive color naming feature and the histogram of oriented gradient feature as well. The VOT‐2018 which has 50 video sequences is used as the benchmark data set in this work and the simulation evaluation on this data set have shown that the proposed tracker has achieved stable tracking results in some challenging scenarios and can achieve better tracking performance than other trackers. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Geoclassification of fluoride‐affected areas of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Dhananjay , Kishor Raj Kamal , Sharma Urvashi , Mishra Sunita , Yadav Aneet Kumar , Kumar Narendra
Published: June 2021

The availability and quality of groundwater for drinking purpose is steadily decreasing due to influx of contaminants and high rate of extraction. Fluoride contamination in groundwater is posing serious threat to human health, being a reason of dental and skeletal fluorosis. The present study is aimed to assess the current status of fluoride in groundwater resources of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, and geoclassify the location on the scale of fluorosis threat. The study was conducted in eight blocks of Lucknow, targeting 190 spots. 82.11% of groundwater samples were found within the permissible limit, while 17.89% samples revealed fluoride concentration higher than the permissible limit (1.5 mg/L) prescribed by WHO in 2011. It was observed that around 81.47% population of Sarojininagar, 62.51% population of Kakori, 43.03% population of Mohanlalganj, 6.16% population of Gosaiganj, and 5.47% population of Chinhat are currently exposed to high fluoride concentration (> 1.5 mg/L) and prone to risk of adverse health effect posed by excess fluoride consumption. If the current scenario continues, the proportion of population vulnerable to fluoride toxicity may increase in the future.
Effects of Prescribed Fire on Northern Bobwhite Nesting Ecology
Authors: Rosche Sarah B. , Moorman Christopher E. , Kroeger Anthony J. , Pacifici Krishna , Jones Jeffrey G. , Deperno Christopher S.
Published: June 2021

Repeated prescribed fire can create and maintain areas with sparse overstory tree cover and a dense grass‐forb‐shrub understory, providing habitat for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite). Despite potential benefits of prescribed fires for conserving bobwhite habitat, burning during the nesting season may destroy bobwhite nests and reduce available nesting cover. We monitored radio‐transmittered bobwhite (n = 104) from 2016 to 2018 to describe nest‐site selection and determine the risk of nest destruction on a 17,000‐ha North Carolina military installation, Fort Bragg, managed with rotational growing‐season and dormant‐season prescribed fires on an approximate 3‐year return interval. We located 48 nests, of which 8 (16%) were in areas burned the same year, 9 (19%) were in one‐year post fire, 25 (52%) were in 2‐years post fire, and 6 (13%) were in ≥3‐years post fire areas. We compared vegetation composition and structure at nests to nearby random locations and determined bobwhite selected nest sites with greater woody understory and wiregrass cover, lower basal areas of pines and hardwoods, and less distance to the nearest road. Two nests (6.7%) were destroyed during prescribed fires, but success of incubated nests was high (67%). We calculated the overall risk of nest destruction by prescribed fire as the proportion of active nests in areas with ≥3 years since last fire multiplied by the proportion of the study area burned each week. Overall, 11% (weekly  = 0.75%, range = 0–3%) of the study area was burned during the 2016 nesting season (3 June to 3 September), 4% (weekly  = 0.31%, range 0–2%) of the study area was burned during the 2017 nesting season (5 June to 2 September), and 7.5% (weekly  = 0.58%, range 0–5%) of the study area was burned during the 2018 nesting season (3 June to 31 August). We estimated that no more than 0.75% of bobwhite nests across the study site were exposed to fire annually. Most growing‐season fires occurred before the bobwhite nesting season, which limited direct effects of prescribed fire on bobwhite nest survival. However, shifting prescribed fires to later in the growing season to better match the historical lightning season (i.e., after 1 June) would increase the risk of nest destruction. Because bobwhite used older roughs (i.e. areas 2 years since fire) for nesting, shortening the fire return interval to less than 3 years would increase the proportion of nests exposed to fire. Additionally, a shortened fire return interval would decrease available nesting cover, especially in regions with low soil fertility where vegetation change following fire is less rapid than on more productive soils. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Compatibility of state constraints and dynamics for multiagent control systems
Authors: Cavagnari Giulia , Marigonda Antonio , Quincampoix Marc
Published: June 2021

This study concerns the problem of compatibility of state constraints with a multiagent control system. Such a system deals with a number of agents so large that only a statistical description is available. For this reason, the state variable is described by a probability measure on $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

representing the density of the agents and evolving according to the so-called continuity equation which is an equation stated in the Wasserstein space of probability measures. The aim of the paper is to provide a necessary and sufficient condition for a given constraint (a closed subset of the Wasserstein space) to be compatible with the controlled continuity equation. This new condition is characterized in a viscosity sense as follows: the distance function to the constraint set is a viscosity supersolution of a suitable Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation stated on the Wasserstein space. As a byproduct and key ingredient of our approach, we obtain a new comparison theorem for evolutionary Hamilton–Jacobi equations in the Wasserstein space.
Adenosine-induced Asystole during AVM Embolization
Authors: Hellstern V. , Bhogal P. , Aguilar Pérez M. , Alfter M. , Kemmling A. , Henkes E. , Ganslandt O. , Henkes H.
Published: June 2021

Background

Adenosine induced cardiac standstill has been used intraoperatively for both aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgery and embolization. We sought to report the results of adenosine induced cardiac standstill as an adjunct to endovascular embolization of brain AVMs.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively identified patients in our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients since January 2007 in whom adenosine was used to induce cardiac standstill during the embolization of a brain AVM. We recorded demographic data, clinical presentation, Spetzler Martin grade, rupture status, therapeutic intervention and number of embolization sessions, angiographic and clinical results, clinical and radiological outcomes and follow-up information.

Results

We identified 47 patients (22 female, 47%) with average age 42 ± 17 years (range 6–77 years) who had undergone AVM embolization procedures using adjunctive circulatory standstill with adenosine. In total there were 4 Spetzler Martin grade 1 (9%), 9 grade 2 (18%), 15 grade 3 (32%), 8 grade 4 (18%), and 11 grade 5 (23%) lesions. Of the AVMs six were ruptured or had previously ruptured. The average number of embolization procedures per patient was 5.7 ± 7.6 (range 1–37) with an average of 2.6 ± 2.2 (range 1–14) embolization procedures using adenosine. Overall morbidity was 17% (n = 8/47) and mortality 2.1% (n = 1/47), with permanent morbidity seen in 10.6% (n = 5/47) postembolization. Angiographic follow-up was available for 32 patients with no residual shunt seen in 26 (81%) and residual shunts seen in 6 patients (19%). The angiographic follow-up is still pending in 14 patients. At last follow-up 93.5% of patients were mRS ≤2 (n = 43/46).

Conclusion

Adenosine induced cardiac standstill represents a viable treatment strategy in high flow AVMs or AV shunts that carries a low risk of mortality and permanent neurological deficits.
Technical standardization of ICG near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for duplex kidney in pediatric patients
Authors: Esposito Ciro , Autorino Giuseppe , Coppola Vincenzo , Esposito Giorgia , Paternoster Mariano , Castagnetti Marco , Cardone Roberto , Cerulo Mariapina , Borgogni Rachele , Cortese Giuseppe , Escolino Maria
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to standardize the operative technique of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and compare it with the standard technique.

Methods

In the last 4 years, we performed 22 LPN (14 right-sided, 8 left-sided) in children with non-functioning moiety of duplex kidney. Patients included 12 girls and 10 boys with a median age of 3.9 years (range 1–10). Patients were grouped according to the use of ICG-NIRF: G1 included 12 patients operated using ICG-NIRF and G2 included 10 patients receiving the standard technique. We standardized the technique of injection of ICG in three different steps.

Results

The median operative time was significantly lower in G1 [87 min (range 68–110)] compared with G2 [140 min (range 70–220)] (p = 0.001). One intra-operative complication occurred in G2. At post-operative ultrasound (US), the residual moiety was normal in all patients. An asymptomatic renal cyst related to the site of surgery was visualized at US in 8/22 (36%), with a significantly higher incidence in G2 (6/10, 60%) compared with G1 (2/12, 16.6%) (p = 0.001). Renogram demonstrated no loss of function of residual moiety. No allergic reactions to ICG occurred.

Conclusion

ICG-NIRF LPN is technically easier, quicker, and safer compared with the standard technique. The main advantages of using ICG-NIRF during LPN are the clear identification of normal ureter, vasculature of non-functioning pole, and demarcation line between the avascular and the perfused pole. The main limitation of ICG technology remains the need for specific laparoscopic equipment that is not always available.
Single-cell biology to decode the immune cellular composition of kidney inflammation
Authors: Zhao Yu , Panzer Ulf , Bonn Stefan , Krebs Christian F.
Published: June 2021

Single-cell biology is transforming the ability of researchers to understand cellular signaling and identity across medical and biological disciplines. Especially for immune-mediated diseases, a single-cell look at immune cell subtypes, signaling, and activity might yield fundamental insights into the disease etiology, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic interventions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the field of single-cell RNA profiling and their application to understand renal function in health and disease. With a focus on the immune system, in particular on T cells, we propose some key directions of understanding renal inflammation using single-cell approaches. We detail the benefits and shortcomings of the various technological approaches outlined and give advice on potential pitfalls and challenges in experimental setup and computational analysis. Finally, we conclude with a brief outlook into a promising future for single-cell technologies to elucidate kidney function.
Data dependencies for query optimization: a survey
Authors: Kossmann Jan , Papenbrock Thorsten , Naumann Felix
Published: June 2021

Effective query optimization is a core feature of any database management system. While most query optimization techniques make use of simple metadata, such as cardinalities and other basic statistics, other optimization techniques are based on more advanced metadata including data dependencies, such as functional, uniqueness, order, or inclusion dependencies. This survey provides an overview, intuitive descriptions, and classifications of query optimization and execution strategies that are enabled by data dependencies. We consider the most popular types of data dependencies and focus on optimization strategies that target the optimization of relational database queries. The survey supports database vendors to identify optimization opportunities as well as DBMS researchers to find related work and open research questions.
Health state utility values by cancer stage: a systematic literature review
Authors: Pourrahmat Mir-Masoud , Kim Ashley , Kansal Anuraag R. , Hux Marg , Pushkarna Divya , Fazeli Mir Sohail , Chung Karen C.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Cancer diagnoses at later stages are associated with a decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Health state utility values (HSUVs) reflect preference-based HRQOL and can vary based on cancer type, stage, treatment, and disease progression. Detecting and treating cancer at earlier stages may lead to improved HRQOL, which is important for value assessments. We describe published HSUVs by cancer type and stage.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE®, EconLit, and gray literature to identify studies published from January 1999 to September 2019 that reported HSUVs by cancer type and stage. Disutility values were calculated from differences in reported HSUVs across cancer stages.

Results

From 13,872 publications, 27 were eligible for evidence synthesis. The most frequent cancer types were breast (n = 9), lung (n = 5), colorectal (n = 4), and cervical cancer (n = 3). Mean HSUVs decreased with increased cancer stage, with consistently lower values seen in stage IV or later-stage cancer across studies (e.g., − 0.74, − 0.44, and − 0.51 for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer, respectively). Disutility values were highest between later-stage (metastatic or stage IV) cancers compared to earlier-stage (localized or stage I–III) cancers.

Conclusions

This study provides a summary of HSUVs across different cancer types and stages that can inform economic evaluations. Despite the large variation in HSUVs overall, a consistent decline in HSUVs can be seen in the later stages, including stage IV. These findings indicate substantial impairment on individuals’ quality of life and suggest value in early detection and intervention.
Depositional setting and limiting factors of early Late Cretaceous glaucony formation: implications from Cenomanian glauconitic strata (Elbtal Group, Germany)
Authors: Wilmsen Markus , Bansal Udita
Published: June 2021

Cenomanian strata of the Elbtal Group (Saxony, eastern Germany) reflect a major global sea-level rise and contain, in certain intervals, a green authigenic clay mineral in abundance. Based on the integrated study of five new core sections, the environmental background and spatio-temporal patterns of these glauconitic strata are reconstructed and some general preconditions allegedly needed for glaucony formation are critically questioned. XRD analyses of green grains extracted from selected samples confirm their glauconitic mineralogy. Based on field observations as well as on the careful evaluation of litho- and microfacies, 12 glauconitc facies types (GFTs), broadly reflecting a proximal–distal gradient, have been identified, containing granular and matrix glaucony of exclusively intrasequential origin. When observed in stratigraphic succession, GFT-1 to GFT-12 commonly occur superimposed in transgressive cycles starting with the glauconitic basal conglomerates, followed up-section by glauconitic sandstones, sandy glauconitites, fine-grained, bioturbated, argillaceous and/or marly glauconitic sandstones; glauconitic argillaceous marls, glauconitic marlstones, and glauconitic calcareous nodules continue the retrogradational fining-upward trend. The vertical facies succession with upwards decreasing glaucony content demonstrates that the center of production and deposition of glaucony in the Cenomanian of Saxony was the nearshore zone. This time-transgressive glaucony depocenter tracks the regional onlap patterns of the Elbtal Group, shifting southeastwards during the Cenomanian 2nd-order sea-level rise. The substantial development of glaucony in the thick (60 m) uppermost Cenomanian Pennrich Formation, reflecting a tidal, shallow-marine, nearshore siliciclastic depositional system and temporally corresponding to only ~ 400 kyr, shows that glaucony formation occurred under wet, warm-temperate conditions, high accumulation rates and on rather short-term time scales. Our new integrated data thus indicate that environmental factors such as great water depth, cool temperatures, long time scales, and sediment starvation had no impact on early Late Cretaceous glaucony formation in Saxony, suggesting that the determining factors of ancient glaucony may be fundamentally different from recent conditions and revealing certain limitations of the uniformitarian approach.
Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) overgrowth on dry Alpine grassland impedes Red List Orthoptera but supports local orthopteran beta diversity
Authors: Schlegel Jürg , Riesen Matthias
Published: June 2021

The native bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum(L.) Kuhn) has become increasingly invasive in abandoned or undergrazed Alpine grasslands. Bracken stands are generally assumed to be poor in species, but there is still very little information about the impact on the fauna. We recorded Orthoptera communities of 24 sample plots with varying bracken cover. Compared to plots with only sparse or medium bracken cover, species richness was highly significantly lower in densely overgrown plots, while the former two did not differ markedly. Multivariate ordination analyses revealed gradients with unequal orthopteran communities, showing distinct patterns of bracken cover clustering. Based on indicator values, 13 of 23 Orthoptera species turned out to be significantly or marginally significantly associated with a single bracken cover stratum or a combination of two strata, whereby all nine Red List species were primarily restricted to sparse or medium bracken cover. However, some generalist species were found to favor denser bracken stands, such asTettigonia viridissima, contributing to the local Orthoptera beta diversity. Our data suggest that ongoing rotational sheep grazing with temporary paddocks is regarded as the most preferable management system. However, selected parts of the study area, which have only sparse vegetation and no pressure of bracken or scrub overgrowth, are recommended to be alternately left ungrazed for a few years to allow for the coexistence of different successional stages. Low-intensity bracken control measures, situationally by mowing or uprooting, are considered appropriate and should be pursued.

Implications for insect conservation

Even though most specialized and rare Orthoptera species in Western Europe tend to prefer sparsely vegetated areas, subareas with medium to even dense vegetation cover might promote certain generalist species, leading to a higher local species richness.
A single institution retrospective analysis on survival based on treatment paradigms for patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma
Authors: Bush Nancy Ann Oberheim , Young Jacob S. , Zhang Yalan , Dalle Ore Cecilia L. , Molinaro Annette M. , Taylor Jennie , Clarke Jennifer , Prados Michael , Braunstein Steve E. , Raleigh David R. , Chang Susan M. , Berger Mitchel S. , Butowski Nicholas A.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas are high-grade gliomas defined molecularly by 1p19q co-deletion. There is no curative therapy, and standard of care includes surgical resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy. However, the benefit of up-front radiation with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone has not been demonstrated in a randomized control trial. Given the potential long-term consequences of radiation therapy, such as cognitive impairment, arteriopathy, endocrinopathy, and hearing/visual impairment, there is an effort to balance longevity with radiation toxicity.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single institution analysis of survival of patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma over 20 years.

Results

159 patients were identified as diagnosed with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma between 1996 and 2016. Of those, 40 patients were found to have AO at original diagnosis and had documented 1p19q co-deletion with a median of 7.1 years of follow-up (range: 0.6–16.7 years). After surgery, 45 % of patients were treated with radiation and chemotherapy at diagnosis, and 50 % were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy alone. The group treated with chemotherapy alone had a trend of receiving more cycles of chemotherapy than patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy upfront (p = 0.051). Median overall survival has not yet been reached. The related risk of progression in the upfront, adjuvant chemotherapy only group was almost 5-fold higher than the patients who received radiation and chemotherapy (hazard ratio = 4.85 (1.74–13.49), p = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival in patients treated with upfront chemotherapy compared to patients treated upfront with chemotherapy and radiation (p = 0.8). Univariate analysis of age, KPS, extent of resection, or upfront versus delayed radiation was not associated with improved survival.

Conclusions

Initial treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy alone, rather than radiation and chemotherapy, may be an option for some patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma, as it is associated with similar overall survival despite shorter progression free survival.
Correction to: Atmospheric pollutants and their association with olive and grass aeroallergen concentrations in Córdoba (Spain)
Authors: Plaza Maria Pilar , Alcázar Purificación , Oteros José , Galán Carmen
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s11356-021-14749-x
Correction to: Haemoglobin and Hematinic Status Before and After Bariatric Surgery Over 4 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Shipton Michael J. , Johal Nicholas J. , Dutta Neel , Slater Christopher , Iqbal Zohaib , Ahmed Babur , Ammori Basil J. , Senapati Siba , Akhtar Khurshid , Summers Lucinda K. M. , New John P. , Soran Handrean , Adam Safwaan , Syed Akheel A.
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s11695-020-04943-0
Modern Pollen-vegetation Relationships along the Vegetation Gradient in the Bhagirathi Valley, Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Roy Ipsita , Ranhotra Parminder S. , Shekhar Mayank , Bhattacharyya A. , Ghosh Ruby , Sharma Y. K.
Published: June 2021

This study highlights the modern pollen-vegetation relationships along an altitudinal gradient covering the lower temperate (~2,000 masl) to alpine vegetation zones (~3,800 masl) in the Bhagirathi valley, western Himalaya. The pollen dispersal dataset compared with the altitudinal vegetation distribution in the valley shows incoherency between the arboreal taxa and their respective pollen proportions. Discriminant analysis (DA) revealed the role of diurnal valley winds in pollen mixing between altitudinal vegetation zones. Pollen of arboreal taxa are transported profusely from the lower temperate vegetation zones to alpine zone. Whereas pollen of non-arboreal taxa, dominantly growing in the sub-alpine and alpine meadows, remain close to their source and represent the prevailing localized environmental conditions in the valley. Study revealed Pinus and Quercus as dominant arboreal pollen taxa throughout the altitudinal transect with a distinct transition in their representation between ~2,500 and 2,600 masl. High percentage of Pinus (Quercus) pollen below (above) this transition zone nearly corresponds with the present distribution of conifer (pine-oak) and broadleaved (oak-pine) forests in the valley and can be taken as a marker zone to infer palaeoecological changes. The sub-alpine and alpine krummholz, Juniperus and Ericaceae are found autochthonous in their pollen distribution that can serve as good indicators of relative tree-line and glacier dynamics in past. This pollen-vegetation relationship dataset could be an analogue for the interpretation of fossil pollen records in terms of extant vegetation in the mountain regions.
Structural Analysis of Lineaments Surrounding the Kailana-Takhat Sagar Reservoir and its Impact on Rising Ground Water Levels in Jodhpur
Authors: Menon Rajeev , Mysaiah D. , Kumar P. Senthil , Prasanna Lakshmi K. Jaya
Published: June 2021

Jodhpur city has been experiencing a significant rise in ground water levels leading to inundation in recent years. Previous studies suggested that ground water flow through a set of E-W trending lineaments from the Kailana-Takhat Sagar reservoir to the city areas was causative for the rise of ground water in the city. Therefore, the present study focuses on the role of the lineaments surrounding the reservoir in facilitating ground water flow to the city areas. Our exercise involved analysis of lineaments using high-resolution satellite images followed by geological and geophysical mapping. In the satellite images, a majority of the lineaments are oriented in the NNE-SSW to NE-SW directions with no connectivity to the city areas. A few lineaments with ESE-WNW orientations are present but these are small, without any connectivity to the affected areas in the city. Field studies involving 4800 strike/dip and fracture spacing measurements along the lineaments reveal the predominance of NNE-SSW to NE-SW oriented fracture systems similar to the lineaments. The lineaments surrounding the reservoir have a mean fracture spacing of ~15-30 cm. The fracture related secondary porosity is small (< 1%), which is significantly lower than the bulk porosity of the Jodhpur sandstone (8.4 %) which is abundant in the affected city areas. Multichannel analysis of surface waves studies at twenty earmarked sites across the lineaments did not reveal any major fracture in the subsurface up to a depth of 35 meters, thereby corroborating the findings that the structural lineaments abounding the Kailana-Takhat Sagar reservoir cannot serve as ground water conduits for transporting ground water to the inundated areas in Jodhpur.
Nature of Biotites from the Granitoids of Guwahati and Mayong Areas of Shillong Plateau, Northeastern India and their Petrogenetic Significance
Authors: Doley Dimple , Sarma Gautam , Bhagabaty Balen
Published: June 2021

Intrusive granitoid bodies and quartzofeldspathic gneiss outcrops in the Guwahati and Mayong areas are considered part of the northern extension of the basement gneissic complex of the Shillong Plateau. They are medium to coarse-grained porphyritic granitoids essentially composed of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, hornblende, sphene, magnetite, apatite, zircon, allanite, and bastnaesite in different proportions. Mineralogical characteristics of these granitoids reveal that they are monzogranite. The biotites are re-equilibrated in Guwahati granitoids whereas they are primary in Mayong granitoids. Ti-in biotite, Al-in hornblende and mineral assemblage biotite-K-feldspar-magnetite were used to determine temperature, pressure and oxygen fugacity during the crystallization of parent magmas. The Guwahati granitoids crystallized and re-equilibrated at temperatures ranging between 602°C and 752°C (avg. 685°C) with pressure (5.2 - 5.6 kbar, avg 5.4 kbar) from low oxidized magmas (log fO2 -16.33 to -14.36 bar), buffered below FMQ to within NNO. The Mayong granitoids crystallized at temperatures range 694°C to 715°C (avg. 705 °C) with pressure (4.7 to 5.1 kbar, avg. 5 kbar) under reduced oxidized condition (log fO2 -17.88 to -17.62 bar) buffered below FMQ. The calc-alkaline nature, low to moderate oxygen fugacity and high H2O (4.5-7.4 wt%) content suggests that Guwahati granitoids emplaced in subduction-related tectonic setting whereas alkaline nature, reduced oxygen fugacity and low content of H2O (2.15 wt%) suggest anorogenic tectonic setting for Mayong granitoids. Also, from the estimated pressure and depth of emplacement conditions it suggests that both the granitoids are mid-level plutons.
Deuterium Excess of Groundwater as a Proxy for Recharge in an Evaporative Environment of a Granitic Aquifer, South India
Authors: Sreedevi P. D. , Sreekanth P. D. , Reddy D. V.
Published: June 2021

The deuterium excess (d-excess) is a function of the composition of stable isotopes, oxygen (δ18O), and deuterium (δD) in water. It contains information about initial moisture source, evaporation effects during monsoon, and recirculation of moisture from large inland water. To meet the objectives of this study, a total of seventy-two groundwater samples were collected from bore wells during the pre and post-monsoon seasons, d-excess values vary from - 52.81 to 2.29 ‰ with a mean of-9.90 ‰ and -60.89 to 9.44 ‰ with a mean of -0.7‰ in the pre and post-monsoon seasons respectively. Based on the δ180 concentration groundwater samples are classified into three groups. Group I and II samples having high d-excess with respect to δ180, which indicates the dry conditions in continental local water air and their source of water vapor. Most of the deep groundwater wells (> 20 m bgl) fall under these categories, which indicates low degree of evaporation. Group III samples having low d-excess values and enriched with δ180, indicates that these waters have undergone evaporation to different extents before recharge. Most of the shallow (< 10 m bgl) and moderate groundwater wells (10−20 m bgl) fall under this category, indicating high degree of evapotranspiration originated either from unsaturated or saturated zones. The climatic water balance studies also indicate that the annual average potential evapotranspiration (PET) is higher (2131 mm) than the annual average rainfall (662 mm) in the study period. This study reveals that the diffuse rainfall recharge flows are more dominated to recharge the aquifer during the monsoon season and the past/rainfed recharge flows through preferential pathways along the gradients in the fractured zone are dominated to recharge the aquifer in the post-monsoon season. These processes play a significant role to keep the hydrological balance in areas of high evaporation.
Spatio-temporal Patterns of Land Use Land Cover Changes over a District in Northern India and their Impact on Environment and Society
Authors: Meer Mohammad Suhail , Mishra Anoop Kumar , Rafiq Mohammd
Published: June 2021

This study focuses on exploring spatio-temporal changes in land use and land cover over Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. There is significant decreases in agriculture, dense forest, and water body over the region with positive changes in the built-up area, aquatic vegetation, horticulture, marshy land, pasture, plantation, and sparse forest. It is interesting to note that Asia’s largest fresh water lake “Wular” which has witnessed a large scale change in its ecosystem falls in the study area. Land use and land cover maps were explored using on screen digitisation generated from series of Landsat data (1979, 2001 and 2018). Environmental parameters like precipitation (both rain and snowfall), temperature and black carbon were analysed in order to relate with land-use and land-cover changes in the study area. Results report decreases of about 23%, 25%, 12%, 60% in agriculture, dense forest, scrub, water body, respectively from 1979 to 2018 in the study area.

Furthermore, increases of about 59%, 58%, 254%, 17% are reported in horticulture, sparse forest, built up and aquatic vegetation, respectively. Decrease in agriculture is attributed to decreased precipitation over study area. A decadal decrease of about 0.5% in precipitation is reported in the study area. Increased horticulture and dependency of population over forest significantly resulted in increased black carbon. This study reports a decadal increase of about 2.2% nm in black carbon in the study area. Reduction in precipitation affected Wular lake by shrinking its fresh water coverage. The fresh water area of the lake is decreased by 75% during 1979 to 2018. As one of the source of water for lake is precipitation in the form of (rain and snow), significant reduction in fresh water of Wular lake poses significant socio-economic impact on the population of study area. Present study highlights the importance of effective government policies for mitigating the impact of significant land use and land cover changes over Bandipora district.
Geotechnical Evaluation of Multi-Layered Simsima Limestone using Bi-Directional Static Load Test (BDSLT)
Authors: Cherian Anil
Published: June 2021

Static load tests are vital to assess the genuine behaviour of piles to substantiate the geotechnical design parameters and construction approaches. A load testing program was undertaken to determine the working capacity, skin friction, and settlement of drilled shafts in Simsima limestone, the predominant foundation stratum in Doha, Qatar. The weathering profile of the Simsima limestone is complex with the degree of weathering likely to increase with depth. This paper presents the performance of three preliminary instrumented bored cast-in-situ test piles (Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3) by Bi-directional static load test (BDSLT) using sacrificial hydraulic jacks, socketed in the weathering zones of Simsima limestone formation in Lusail FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium project, Qatar. The test piles were instrumented with vibrating wire strain gauge technology and were load tested using the BDSLT loading method to determine the pile-rock interactions within the various weathering zones of Simsima limestone. The unit shaft friction values obtained from the load test are compared with the initial design values. Results indicate that the skin friction was increased from values reported before pile load testing and was used for the optimization of pile design. BDSLT method with strain gauge instrumentation is a modern tool in value engineering of pile design to provide accurate information to the Qatar infrastructure foundation industry.
SurEau: a mechanistic model of plant water relations under extreme drought
Authors: Cochard Hervé , Pimont François , Ruffault Julien , Martin-StPaul Nicolas
Published: June 2021

Key message

A new process-based model,SurEau, is described. It predicts the risk of xylem hydraulic failure under drought.

Context

The increase in drought intensity due to climate change will accentuate the risk of tree mortality. But very few process-based models are currently able to predict this mortality risk.

Aims

We describe the operating principle of a new mechanistic model SurEau that computes the water balance, water relations, and hydraulics of a plant under extreme drought.

Methods

SurEau is based on the formalization of key physiological processes of plant response to water stress. The hydraulic and hydric functioning of the plant is at the core of this model, which focuses on both water flows (i.e., hydraulic) and water pools (i.e., hydric) using variable hydraulic conductances. The model considers the elementary flow of water from the soil to the atmosphere through different plant organs that are described by their symplasmic and apoplasmic compartments. For each organ, the symplasm is described by a pressure-volume curve and the apoplasm by its vulnerability curve to cavitation. The model is evaluated on mature oak trees exposed to water stress.

Results

On the tested oak trees, the model captures well the observed soil water balance, water relations, and level of embolism. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the level of embolism is strongly determined by air VPD and key physiological traits such as cuticular transpiration, resistance to cavitation, and leaf area.

Conclusion

The process-based SurEau model offers new opportunities to evaluate how different species or genotypes will respond to future climatic conditions.
A REDCap-based model for online interventional research: Parent sleep education in autism
Authors: Malow Beth A. , Galion Anjalee , Lu Frances , Kennedy Nan , Lawrence Colleen E. , Tassone Alison , O’Neal Lindsay , Wilson Travis M. , Parker Robert A. , Harris Paul A. , Neumeyer Ann M.
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

The use of online platforms for pediatric healthcare research is timely, given the current pandemic. These platforms facilitate trial efficiency integration including electronic consent, randomization, collection of patient/family survey data, delivery of an intervention, and basic data analysis.

Methods:

We created an online digital platform for a multicenter study that delivered an intervention for sleep disorders to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An advisory parent group provided input. Participants were randomized to receive either a sleep education pamphlet only or the sleep education pamphlet plus three quick-tips sheets and two videos that reinforced the material in the pamphlet (multimedia materials). Three measures – Family Inventory of Sleep Habits (FISH), Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire modified for ASD (CSHQ-ASD), and Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) – were completed before and after 12 weeks of sleep education.

Results:

Enrollment exceeded recruitment goals. Trial efficiency was improved, especially in data entry and automatic notification of participants related to survey completion. Most families commented favorably on the study. While study measures did not improve with treatment in either group (pamphlet or multimedia materials), parents reporting an improvement of ≥3 points in the FISH score showed a significantly improved change in the total CSHQ (P = 0.038).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using online research delivery platforms to support studies in ASD, and more broadly, pediatric clinical and translational research. Online platforms may increase participant inclusion in enrollment and increase convenience and safety for participants and study personnel.