bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sector logic development for the ATLAS Level-0 muon trigger at HL-LHC
Authors: Mitsumori Y.
Published: February 2023

The design of the Sector Logic (SL) for the ATLAS Level-0 muon trigger at the HL-LHC and the milestones achieved on the hardware and firmware developments are presented. The SL board includes an XCVU13P FPGA, FireFly transceivers, an IPMC mezzanine card developed by CERN, and a Mercury XU5 MPSoC mezzanine card. The first prototype of the SL board was produced, and all its functions have been verified. Fast tracking using Thin-Gap Chamber (TGC) hits, a core part of the Level-0 muon trigger for the endcap regions, has been developed for the full TGC detector coverage and the performance was confirmed with post-synthesis simulations. The processing of the TGC hits from ∼7000 channels has been demonstrated with a XCVU13P FPGA within ∼100 ns.
Commissioning and running experience with the CMS GE1/1 system
Authors: Pétré L.
Published: February 2023

The CMS GE1/1 system was installed in October 2020 as part of the CMS endcap muon system upgrades for the high-luminosity LHC. Since then, GE1/1 has been commissioned, and it is now participating in the CMS data taking of the LHC Run 3. The 144 GE1/1 detectors are read-out by the VFAT3 chip, which communicates with the µTCA backend through the versatile link. Each detector is equipped with 24 VFAT3, 3 GBTx, 3 VTRx, 2 VTTx, and a Virtex-6 FPGA. In this contribution, we present the commissioning and the running experience acquired over 2 years of operations with the CMS GE1/1 system. The electronics performance results are presented with an emphasis on the main issues encountered and how they have been addressed. We also briefly discuss the status of the future GE2/1 and ME0 GEM stations.
Safeguards equipment for the spent nuclear fuel of pressurized heavy water reactors
Authors: Kim Y. , Lim K. , Kwag S. , Chung H.
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the implementation of newly developed safeguards equipment for the spent nuclear fuel of heavy water reactors stored in a wet interim storage facility. The developed equipment compensates for imperfections in the existing equipment including the optical fiber probe system (OFPS) and improves the performance and user convenience. Specifically, the lithium glass scintillator currently used in the current OFPS was changed to a plastic scintillator with efficient and cost-effective detectors, and the probe design for the radiation measurements was also changed to facilitate replacement of the scintillator. In addition, the manual cable loading method, which is an obstacle method for implementing safeguards, was designed to be automatically loaded onto a drum-shaped structure using a motor. All analog systems such as radiation signal processing systems and cable loading systems that used to run along all the equipment were digitally replaced so that all operations could be done with display panels. Through these efforts, the new equipment resulted in improved performance and enhanced user convenience. The replacement of the scintillators and probes improved the performance by about 10 times, and the new equipment design reduced the number and weight of the parts to less than half that of the existing equipment. The performance of the newly developed equipment was verified so that it can be used as new IAEA safety equipment, and it is expected to have a major role in implementing safeguards for spent nuclear fuel through its registration as IAEA inspection equipment.
SEU injection framework for radiation-tolerant ASICs, a formal verification approach
Authors: Lupi M. , Pulli A.
Published: February 2023

Single Event Upsets (SEUs) represent a major challenge for digital electronics operated in a radiation environment. Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) is one of the most popular approaches to increase digital electronics resilience to SEUs. Simulation is the most used approach for verifying the correct triplication of the designs. This contribution describes a novel approach for verifying the triplication. A formal verification tool is used, removing the need for a complete functional verification framework for the SEU injections in the design. The approach allows finding bugs earlier in the design phase hence reducing the development and debug time.
Uncompensated claims to fair emission space risk putting Paris Agreement goals out of reach
Authors: Ganti Gaurav , Gidden Matthew J , Smith Christopher J , Fyson Claire , Nauels Alexander , Riahi Keywan , Schleußner Carl-Friedrich
Published: February 2023

Addressing questions of equitable contributions to emission reductions is important to facilitate ambitious global action on climate change within the ambit of the Paris Agreement. Several large developing regions with low historical contributions to global warming have a strong moral claim to a large proportion of the remaining carbon budget (RCB). However, this claim needs to be assessed in a context where the RCB consistent with the long-term temperature goal (LTTG) of the Paris Agreement is rapidly diminishing. Here we assess the potential tension between the moral claim to the remaining carbon space by large developing regions with low per capita emissions, and the collective obligation to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Based on scenarios underlying the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report, we construct a suite of scenarios that combine the following elements: (a) two quantifications of a moral claim to the remaining carbon space by South Asia, and Africa, (b) a ‘highest possible emission reduction’ effort by developed regions (DRs), and (c) a corresponding range for other developing regions (ODR). We find that even the best effort by DRs cannot compensate for a unilateral claim to the remaining carbon space by South Asia and Africa. This would put the LTTG firmly out of reach unless ODRs cede their moral claim to emissions space and, like DRs, pursue highest possible emission reductions, which would also constitute an inequitable outcome. Furthermore, regions such as Latin America would need to provide large-scale negative emissions with potential risks and negative side effects. Our findings raise important questions of perspectives on equity in the context of the Paris Agreement including on the critical importance of climate finance. A failure to provide adequate levels of financial support to compensate large developing regions to emit less than their moral claim will put the Paris Agreement at risk.
A drift-kinetic perturbed Lagrangian for low-frequency nonideal MHD applications
Authors: XU Guosheng , WU Xingquan , HU Youjun
Published: February 2023

We find that the perturbed Lagrangian derived from the drift-kinetic equation in [Porcelli F et al 1994 Phys. Plasmas
1 470] is inconsistent with the ordering for the low-frequency large-scale magnetohydrodynamic (MHD). Here, we rederive the expression for the perturbed Lagrangian within the framework of nonideal MHD using the ordering system for the low-frequency large-scale MHD in a low-beta plasma. The obtained perturbed Lagrangian is consistent with Chen’s gyrokinetic theory [Chen L and Zonca F 2016 Rev. Mod. Phys.
88 015008], where the terms related to the field curvature and gradient are small quantities of higher order and thus negligible. As the perturbed Lagrangian has been widely used in the literature to calculate the plasma nonadiabatic response in low-frequency MHD applications, this finding may have a significant impact on the understanding of the kinetic driving and dissipative mechanisms of MHD instabilities and the plasma response to electromagnetic perturbations in fusion plasmas.
Quasi-direct numerical simulations of the flow characteristics of a thermal plasma reactor with counterflow jet
Authors: ZHOU Xu , CHEN Xianhui , YE Taohong , ZHU Minming , XIA Weidong
Published: February 2023

Three-dimensional quasi-direct numerical simulations have been performed to investigate a thermal plasma reactor with a counterflow jet. The effects of the momentum flux ratio and distance between the counterflow jet and the thermal plasma jet on the flow characteristics are addressed. The numerical results show that the dimensionless location of the stagnation layer is significantly affected by the momentum flux ratio, but it is not dependent on the distance. Specifically, the stagnation layer is closer to the plasma torch outlet with the increase of the momentum flux ratio. Furthermore, the flow regimes of the stagnation layer and the flow characteristics of the thermal plasma jet are closely related to the momentum flux ratio. The characteristic frequencies associated with the different regimes are identified. The deflecting oscillation flow regimes are found when the momentum flux ratio is low, which provokes axial velocity fluctuations inside the thermal plasma jet. By contrast, for cases with a high momentum flux ratio, flapping flow regimes are distinguished. The thermal plasma jets are very stable and the axial velocity fluctuations mainly exist in the stagnation layer.
Modeling seasonal vegetation phenology from hydroclimatic drivers for contrasting plant functional groups within drylands of the Southwestern USA
Authors: Warter Maria Magdalena , Singer Michael Bliss , Cuthbert Mark O , Roberts Dar , Caylor Kelly K , Sabathier Romy , Stella John
Published: February 2023

In dryland ecosystems, vegetation within different plant functional groups exhibits distinct seasonal phenologies that are affected by the prevailing hydroclimatic forcing. The seasonal variability of precipitation, atmospheric evaporative demand, and streamflow influences root-zone water availability to plants in water-limited environments. Increasing interannual variations in climate forcing of the local water balance and uncertainty regarding climate change projections have raised the potential for phenological shifts and changes to vegetation dynamics. This poses significant risks to plant functional types across large areas, especially in drylands and within riparian ecosystems. Due to the complex interactions between climate, water availability, and seasonal plant water use, the timing and amplitude of phenological responses to specific hydroclimate forcing cannot be determined a priori, thus limiting efforts to dynamically predict vegetation greenness under future climate change. Here, we analyze two decades (1994–2021) of remote sensing data (soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI)) as well as contemporaneous hydroclimate data (precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, depth to groundwater, and air temperature), to identify and quantify the key hydroclimatic controls on the timing and amplitude of seasonal greenness. We focus on key phenological events across four different plant functional groups occupying distinct locations and rooting depths in dryland SE Arizona: semi-arid grasses and shrubs, xeric riparian terrace and hydric riparian floodplain trees. We find that key phenological events such as spring and summer greenness peaks in grass and shrubs are strongly driven by contributions from antecedent spring and monsoonal precipitation, respectively. Meanwhile seasonal canopy greenness in floodplain and terrace vegetation showed strong response to groundwater depth as well as antecedent available precipitation (aaP = P − PET) throughout reaches of perennial and intermediate streamflow permanence. The timings of spring green-up and autumn senescence were driven by seasonal changes in air temperature for all plant functional groups. Based on these findings, we develop and test a simple, empirical phenology model, that predicts the timing and amplitude of greenness based on hydroclimate forcing. We demonstrate the feasibility of the model by exploring simple, plausible climate change scenarios, which may inform our understanding of phenological shifts in dryland plant communities and may ultimately improve our predictive capability of investigating and predicting climate-phenology interactions in the future.
Robust Designs for Prospective Randomized Trials Surveying Sensitive Topics
Authors: Rosenman Evan T R , Friedberg Rina , Baiocchi Mike
Published: February 2023

We consider the problem of designing a prospective randomized trial in which the outcome data will be self-reported and will involve sensitive topics. Our interest is in how a researcher can adequately power her study when some respondents misreport the binary outcome of interest. To correct the power calculations, we first obtain expressions for the bias and variance induced by misreporting. We model the problem by assuming each individual in our study is a member of one “reporting class”: a true-reporter, false-reporter, never-reporter, or always-reporter. We show that the joint distribution of reporting classes and “response classes” (characterizing individuals’ response to the treatment) will exactly define the error terms for our causal estimate. We propose a novel procedure for determining adequate sample sizes under the worst-case power corresponding to a given level of misreporting. Our problem is motivated by prior experience implementing a randomized controlled trial of a sexual-violence prevention program among adolescent girls in Kenya.
Does Scarpa's Fascia Preservation in Abdominoplasty Reduce Seroma? A Systematic Review
Authors: van der Sluis Nanouk , van Dongen Joris A , Caris Fleur L S , Wehrens Kim M E , Carrara Marco , van der Lei Berend
Published: February 2023

Abdominoplasty is a widely utilized cosmetic surgery procedure. Despite its popularity, seroma formation remains a prevalent complication. Seroma can lead to extended recovery time, increased medical appointments, and the potential for infection or the need for additional surgical revision. Preserving Scarpa’s fascia may mitigate the risk of seroma in patients following abdominoplasty. The goal of this systematic review was to determine the impact of preserving Scarpa's fascia on the occurrence of seroma and total drain output following an abdominoplasty procedure. This review searched academic literature in MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (OvidSP), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for clinical and observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals, from March 2022 to November 2022, that evaluated the impact of preserving Scarpa's fascia on postoperative seroma and total drain output during abdominoplasty. The primary outcomes of interest were seroma and total drain output, with secondary outcomes of interest including hematoma, time to drain removal, length of hospital stay, wound dehiscence, and infection rate. The systematic review of 8 studies, involving 846 patients, found that the preservation of Scarpa's fascia during an abdominoplasty procedure was associated with decreased seroma occurrence, reduced drain output, faster drain removal, and fewer infections. However, it did not affect the incidence of hematoma, hospital stay duration, or wound dehiscence. The preservation of Scarpa's fascia during an abdominoplasty procedure should be considered as a routine practice, because it has been shown to result in reduced seroma incidence rates and faster drain removal.

Level of Evidence: 4
Evolution in Helianthemum oelandicum (Cistaceae) – evidence of Holocene differentiation in morphology on the Baltic island of Öland, south-eastern Sweden
Authors: Widén Björn , Soubani Eman , Hedrén Mikael , Löfgren Oskar , Widén Marie
Published: February 2023

We use Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. oelandicum as a model for studies of mechanisms shaping the diversity in a rapidly radiating lineage of the H. oelandicum aggregate. Locally, correlations between drainage conditions (using GIS to measure variation in the micro-topography on the more or less horizontal bedrock) and frequency of alleles of Mendelian genes for pubescence indicated that hairs are markers of adaptation to the unique environmental conditions (drought and periodic flooding) on the alvar habitats of Öland. An allozyme study showed that 1 and 4% of the genetic diversity is partitioned among two varieties and natural populations, respectively. FST for hair alleles was up to ten time greater than FST for allozymes. Öland rose above sea level after the LGM, which makes it possible to date the onset of the post-glacial diversification on the island. Only two, mainly allopatric, plastid DNA haplotypes were detected, H1 and H2. The southern Helianthemum oelandicum subsp. oelandicum var. canescens has only H1, whereas the more widespread var. oelandicum possesses both haplotypes. A restricted occurrence of haplotype H1 in the core area of var. oelandicum in the central Öland, coincided with the highest elevation on the island, probably representing the post-glacial arrival of the species on the island.
A Rapid, Shallow Whole Genome Sequencing Workflow Applicable to Limiting Amounts of Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Allsopp Rebecca C , Page Karen , Ambasager Bana , Wadsley Marc K , Acheampong Emmanuel , Ntereke Tumisang P , Guo Qi , Lall Gurdeep Matharu , Gleason Kelly L T , Wren Evie , Nteliopoulos Georgios , Rushton Amelia J , Coombes R Charles , Shaw Jacqueline A
Published: February 2023

Background

Somatic copy number alterations (sCNAs) acquired during the evolution of breast cancer provide valuable prognostic and therapeutic information. Here we present a workflow for screening sCNAs using picogram amounts of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and single circulating tumor cells (CTCs).

Methods

We repurposed the Ion ReproSeq PGS™ preimplantation genetic testing kit to perform shallow whole genome sequencing on 178 cfDNA samples (300 pg) and individual CTCs from 10 MBC patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) recovered by CellSearch®/DEPArray™. Results were analyzed using a tailored ichorCNA workflow.

Results

sCNAs were detected in cfDNA of 41/105 (39%) patients with MBC and 3/23 (13%) primary breast cancers on follow-up (PBC FU), all of whom subsequently relapsed. In 8 of 10 MBCs, individual CTCs had a higher copy number count than matched cfDNA. The median tumor fraction detected by ichorCNA was 0.34 (range 0.17–0.58) for MBC and 0.36 (range 0.31–0.37) for PBC FU. Patients with detectable tumor fraction (≥ 0.1) and TFx and OncomineTM variants had significantly lower overall survival rates (P values P = 0.002 and P < 0.0001 for the log-rank test, respectively).

Conclusions

The ReproSeq PGS assay is rapid, at approximately $120 per sample, providing both a sCNA profile and estimation of the tumor DNA fraction from limiting cfDNA template (300pg) and individual CTCs. The approach could be used to examine the copy number landscape over time to guide treatment decisions, support future trial designs, and be applied to low volume blood spot samples enabling remote monitoring.
Machine learning-based risk stratification for mortality in patients with severe aortic regurgitation
Authors: Anand Vidhu , Hu Hanwen , Weston Alexander D , Scott Christopher G , Michelena Hector I , Pislaru Sorin V , Carter Rickey E , Pellikka Patricia A
Published: February 2023

Aims

The current guidelines recommend aortic valve intervention in patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) with the onset of symptoms, left ventricular enlargement, or systolic dysfunction. Recent studies have suggested that we might be missing the window of early intervention in a significant number of patients by following the guidelines.

Methods and results

The overarching goal was to determine if machine learning (ML)-based algorithms could be trained to identify patients at risk for death from AR independent of aortic valve replacement (AVR). Models were trained with five-fold cross-validation on a dataset of 1035 patients, and performance was reported on an independent dataset of 207 patients. Optimal predictive performance was observed with a conditional random survival forest model. A subset of 19/41 variables was selected for inclusion in the final model. Variable selection was performed with 10-fold cross-validation using random survival forest model. The top variables included were age, body surface area, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, New York Heart Association class, AVR, comorbidities, ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume, and end-systolic dimension, and the relative variable importance averaged across five splits of cross-validation in each repeat were evaluated. The concordance index for predicting survival of the best-performing model was 0.84 at 1 year, 0.86 at 2 years, and 0.87 overall, respectively.

Conclusion

Using common echocardiographic parameters and patient characteristics, we successfully trained multiple ML models to predict survival in patients with severe AR. This technique could be applied to identify high-risk patients who would benefit from early intervention, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Medical therapy after surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation
Authors: Törngren Charlotta , Jonsson Kristjan , Hansson Emma C , Taha Amar , Jeppsson Anders , Martinsson Andreas
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES

Current clinical guidelines have no specific recommendations regarding medical therapy after surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR). We studied the association between medical therapy with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, statins and β-blockers and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events.

METHODS

All patients undergoing valve replacement due to AR between 2006 and 2017 in Sweden and alive 6 months after discharge were included. Time-dependent multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, patient characteristics, comorbidities, other medications and year of surgical aortic valve replacement were used. Primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke. Subgroup analyses based on age, sex, heart failure, low ejection fraction, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 2204 patients were included [median follow-up 5.0 years (range 0.0–11.5)]. At baseline, 68% of the patients were dispensed RAS inhibitors, 80% β-blockers and 35% statins. Dispense of RAS inhibitors and β-blockers declined over time, especially during the first year after baseline, while dispense of statins remained stable. Treatment with RAS inhibitors or statins was associated with a reduced risk of the primary outcome [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–0.87 and aHR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.99, respectively]. The results were consistent in subgroups based on age, sex and comorbidities. β-Blocker treatment was associated with an increased risk for the primary outcome (aHR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07–1.70).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate a potential beneficial association of RAS inhibitors and statins as part of a secondary preventive treatment regime after aortic valve replacement in patients with AR. The role of β-blockers needs to be further investigated.
Impact of time to chest closure on early and late survival in adults with delayed sternal closure
Authors: Crestanello Juan A , Greason Kevin , Elsisy Mohamed , Lahr Brian , Bagameri Gabor , Daly Richard , Stulak John , Dearani Joseph , Schaff Hartzell
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES

Delayed sternal closure (DSC) after cardiac surgery is a temporizing measure to address coagulopathy or haemodynamic instability after cardiac surgery. We sought to study: (i) indications and temporal trends for DSC, (ii) factors associated with time to chest closure and (iii) its impact on short-term and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

From January 2007 to December 2017, 494 patients (median age 67 years, 66% males) required DSC after cardiac surgery. Medical records were reviewed for indications, risk factors, time to DSC and outcomes. Multivariable Cox regression via landmark analysis of 486 5-day survivors was used to investigate the impact of time to chest closure on early and late survival.

RESULTS

Coagulopathy and haemodynamic instability were the most common indications. Median time to chest closure was 2 days. Pre-/intraoperative extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, severe right ventricular dysfunction and diabetes mellitus were associated with longer time to chest closure. Longer time to closure was associated with increased risk of operative complications and operative mortality, but did not have a statistically significant association with late mortality. Increasing age, pulmonary hypertension and a greater number of prior sternotomies were also found to be associated with overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

While longer time to chest closure was associated with increased rates of operative complications and operative mortality, it did not reveal a statistically significant association with long-term survival.
Survival analysis 101: an easy start guide to analysing time-to-event data
Authors: Denfeld Quin E , Burger Debora , Lee Christopher S
Published: February 2023

Survival analysis, also called time-to-event analysis, is a common approach to handling event data in cardiovascular nursing and health-related research. Survival analysis is used to describe, explain, and/or predict the occurrence and timing of events. There is a specific language used and methods designed to handle the unique nature of event data. In this methods paper, we provide an ‘easy start guide’ to using survival analysis by (i) providing a step-by-step guide and (ii) applying the steps with example data. Specifically, we analyse cardiovascular event data over 6 months in a sample of patients with heart failure.
Differences in hospitalizations associated with severe COVID-19 disease among foreign- and Swedish-born
Authors: Juárez Sol P , Cederström Agneta , Aradhya Siddartha , Rostila Mikael
Published: February 2023

Background

Differences in pre-existing health conditions are hypothesized to explain immigrants’ excess COVID-19 mortality compared to natives. In this study, we evaluate whether immigrants residing in Sweden before the outbreak were more likely to be hospitalized for conditions associated with severe COVID-19 disease.

Methods

A cohort study using population-register data was conducted with follow-up between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2017. Poisson regression was fitted to estimate incidence rate ratio (RR) and 95% confident intervals (95% CI) for 10 causes of hospitalization.

Results

Compared to Swedish-born individuals, most immigrant groups showed a decreased risk of hospitalization for respiratory chronic conditions, CVD, cancer, chronic liver conditions and neurological problems. All immigrant groups had increased risk of hospitalization for tuberculosis [RR between 88.49 (95% CI 77.21; 101.40) for the Horn of Africa and 1.69 (95% CI 1.11; 2.58) for North America], HIV [RR between 33.23 (95% CI 25.17; 43.88) for the rest of Africa and 1.31 (95% CI 0.93; 1.83) for the Middle East] and, with a few exceptions, also for chronic kidney conditions, diabetes and thalassemia.

Conclusions

Foreign-born individuals—including origins with excess COVID-19 mortality in Sweden—did not show increased risk of hospitalizations for most causes associated with severe COVID-19 disease. However, all groups showed increased risks of hospitalization for tuberculosis and HIV and, with exceptions, for chronic kidney conditions, diabetes and thalassemia. Although studies should determine whether these health conditions explain the observed excess COVID-19 mortality, our study alerts to an increased risk of hospitalization that can be avoidable via treatment or preventive measures.
P-element invasion fuels molecular adaptation in laboratory populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wang Luyang , Zhang Shuo , Hadjipanteli Savana , Saiz Lorissa , Nguyen Lisa , Silva Efren , Kelleher Erin
Published: February 2023

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic parasites that frequently invade new host genomes through horizontal transfer. Invading TEs often exhibit a burst of transposition, followed by reduced transposition rates as repression evolves in the host. We recreated the horizontal transfer of P-element DNA transposons into a Drosophila melanogaster host and followed the expansion of TE copies and evolution of host repression in replicate laboratory populations reared at different temperatures. We observed that while populations maintained at high temperatures rapidly go extinct after TE invasion, those maintained at lower temperatures persist, allowing for TE spread and the evolution of host repression. We also surprisingly discovered that invaded populations experienced recurrent insertion of P-elements into a specific long non-coding RNA, lncRNA:CR43651, and that these insertion alleles are segregating at unusually high frequency in experimental populations, indicative of positive selection. We propose that, in addition to driving the evolution of repression, transpositional bursts of invading TEs can drive molecular adaptation.
The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA): A Unique Cohort Study About the Cellular Biology of Aging and Age-related Loss of Mobility
Authors: Cummings Steven R , Newman Anne B , Coen Paul M , Hepple Russell T , Collins Robin , Kennedy, MS Kimberly , Danielson Michelle , Peters Kathy , Blackwell Terri , Johnson Eileen , Mau Theresa , Shankland Eric G , Lui Li-Yung , Patel Sheena , Young Dani , Glynn Nancy W , Strotmeyer Elsa S , Esser Karyn A , Marcinek David J , Goodpaster Bret H , Kritchevsky Stephen , Cawthon Peggy M
Published: February 2023

Background

The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA) aims to understand the biological basis of many facets of human aging, with a focus on mobility decline, by creating a unique platform of data, tissues, and images.

Methods

The multidisciplinary SOMMA team includes 2 clinical centers (University of Pittsburgh and Wake Forest University), a biorepository (Translational Research Institute at Advent Health), and the San Francisco Coordinating Center (California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute). Enrollees were age ≥70 years, able to walk ≥0.6 m/s (4 m); able to complete 400 m walk, free of life-threatening disease, and had no contraindications to magnetic resonance or tissue collection. Participants are followed with 6-month phone contacts and annual in-person exams. At baseline, SOMMA collected biospecimens (muscle and adipose tissue, blood, urine, fecal samples); a variety of questionnaires; physical and cognitive assessments; whole-body imaging (magnetic resonance and computed tomography); accelerometry; and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Primary outcomes include change in walking speed, change in fitness, and objective mobility disability (able to walk 400 m in 15 minutes and change in 400 m speed). Incident events, including hospitalizations, cancer diagnoses, fractures, and mortality are collected and centrally adjudicated by study physicians.

Results

SOMMA exceeded its goals by enrolling 879 participants, despite being slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic: 59.2% women; mean age 76.3 ± 5.0 years (range 70–94); mean walking speed 1.04 ± 0.20 m/s; 15.8% identify as other than Non-Hispanic White. Over 97% had data for key measurements.

Conclusions

SOMMA will provide the foundation for discoveries in the biology of human aging and mobility.
Older Adults Documenting Purpose and Meaning Through Photovoice and Narratives
Authors: Heinz Melinda , Benton Nathan , Gleissner Laura
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore how older adults perceived meaning and purpose in their lives.

Research Design and Methods

Participants (N = 15) ranged in age from 66 to 89 years, and were asked to document purpose and meaning in their lives for 15 consecutive days by using photovoice and narrative methodologies. Latent thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

Results

Findings indicated 3 themes including: (1) mindful practices, (2) active participation in society with a subtheme on technology, and (3) goal-oriented mindset. Mindful practices involved spending time in nature and working to improve it and reflecting and engaging in creative endeavors to help understand the changing world. Active participation in society created feelings of usefulness and belonging among participants and ranged from taking care of and helping others to leaving a legacy. The subtheme on technology demonstrated it used to maintain social relationships, particularly during the pandemic. Examples of the goal-oriented mindset incorporated informal lifelong learning opportunities that encouraged physical and cognitive stimulation. In addition, possessions appeared to bring increased meaning and purpose to individuals who were more homebound.

Discussion and Implications

Older adults identified purpose and meaning in their lives and demonstrated adaptability. For example, due to the pandemic or other personal dynamics such as declining mobility, some participants modified their activities to compensate. These findings have implications for policy and practice. Although older adults in this study demonstrated adaptability, others will need guidance and resources to successfully adapt and maintain levels of well-being.
Sustaining Area Agency on Aging Services During a Pandemic: Innovation Through Community-Based Partnerships
Authors: Cherlin Emily J , Brewster Amanda L , Ayedun Adeola A , Straker Jane , Curry Leslie A
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have funded, coordinated, and provided services since the 1960s, evolving in response to changes in policy, funding, and the political arena. Many of their usual service delivery programs and processes were severely disrupted with the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Increasing evidence suggests the importance of partnerships in AAA’s capacity to adapt services; however, specific examples of adaptations have been limited. We sought to understand how partnerships may have supported adaptation during the pandemic, from the perspectives of both AAAs and their partners.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of qualitative data from an explanatory sequential mixed-methods parent study. Data were collected from 12 AAAs diverse in terms of geographic region, governance structure and size, as well as a range of partner organizations. We completed 105 in-depth interviews from July 2020 to April 2021. A 5-member multidisciplinary team coded the data using a constant comparative method of analysis, supported by ATLAS.ti Scientific Software.

Results

AAAs and their partners described strategies and provided examples of ways to rapidly transform service delivery including reducing isolation, alleviating food insecurity, adapting program design and delivery, and leveraging partnerships and repurposing resources.

Discussion and Implications

AAAs and partner organizations are uniquely positioned to innovate during times of disruption. Findings may enhance AAA and partner portfolios of evidence-based and evidence-supported programs.
The Minimal Ramification Problem for Rational Function Fields over Finite Fields
Authors: Bary-Soroker Lior , Entin Alexei , Fehm Arno
Published: February 2023

We study the minimal number of ramified primes in Galois extensions of rational function fields over finite fields with prescribed finite Galois group. In particular, we obtain a general conjecture in analogy with the well studied case of number fields, which we establish for abelian, symmetric, and alternating groups in many cases.
The Use of a Polylactic Membrane in Pediatric Burns Proves to be Successful Even After Late Application
Authors: Fernandes Sara , Teixeira Inês , Carmo Leonor , Campos Miguel , Garcia Maria
Published: February 2023

The Polylactide membrane (PLM) is a biosynthetic dressing that mimics properties of the human epithelium. Herein we describe our experience on the use of PLM in pediatric burns. All pediatric burn patients admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Department between November 2019 and November 2021 and submitted to PLM application were selected. Clinical and demographic data were collected retrospectively. Seventy-seven patients with a median age of 1.8 years were included. The median total body surface area was 6% (2–20%), and burns were mainly mixed-partial thickness. PLM was applied at a median of 5 days post-burn (IQR 3–6), usually under sedation (43/77). After PLM application, the median healing time (HT) was 10 days (IQR 8–14). HT was significantly higher in deep-partial thickness burns vs. mixed superficial-deep (P = .015) and superficial burn areas (P = .006). No correlation was found between HT and the timing of PLM application. The grafting rate due to clinical misevaluation was 2.7%, one infection was found. The PLM is a promising way for treating partial-thickness burns, even when applied later during treatment. Shorter HT, the decreased need for dressing changes, and the potential of sparing of donor sites and pain reduction are its main advantages.
Deep learning for the design of phononic crystals and elastic metamaterials
Authors: Liu Chen-Xu , Yu Gui-Lan
Published: February 2023

The computer revolution coming by way of data provides an innovative approach for the design of phononic crystals (PnCs) and elastic metamaterials (EMs). By establishing an analytical surrogate model for PnCs/EMs, deep learning based on artificial neural networks possesses the superiorities of rapidity and accuracy in design, making up for the shortcomings of traditional design methods. Here, the recent progresses on deep learning for forward prediction, parameter design, and topology design of PnCs and EMs are reviewed. The challenges and perspectives in this emerging field are also commented.
Data-driven futures of international refugee law
Authors: Hamilton Byrne William , Gammeltoft-Hansen Thomas , Piccolo Sebastiano , Møller Naja Holten , Slaats Tijs , Katsikouli Panagiota
Published: February 2023

As refugee law practice enters the world of data, it is time to take stock as to what refugee law research can gain from technological developments. This article provides an outline for a computationally driven research agenda to tackle refugee status determination variations as a recalcitrant puzzle of refugee law. It first outlines how the growing field of computational law may be canvassed to conduct legal research in refugee studies at a greater empirical scale than traditional legal methods. It then turns to exemplify the empirical purchase of a data-driven approach to refugee law through an analysis of the Danish Refugee Appeal Board’s asylum case law and outlines methods for comparison with datasets from Australia, Canada, and the United States. The article concludes by addressing the data politics arising from a turn to digital methods, and how these can be confronted through insights from critical data studies and reflexive research practices.
Robot-assisted distal gastrectomy for duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors adhering to the pancreas: a case report
Authors: Sakai Ai , Kinoshita Jun , Yamaguchi Takahisa , Okamoto Koichi , Moriyama Hideki , Nakamura Keishi , Ninomiya Itasu , Inaki Noriyuki
Published: February 2023

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (D-GISTs) are uncommon and account for 3–5% of all GISTs. Currently, no established surgical strategy for D-GISTs exists, which mostly depends on tumor size, relation to the ampulla and invasion of the adjacent organ. We report a case of large D-GIST resected by robotic distal gastrectomy. A 62-year-old woman was diagnosed with a 5-cm D-GIST located at posterior wall of the duodenal bulb. Computed tomography findings indicated possible tumor invasion of the pancreas head. Robot-assisted distal gastrectomy was firstly planned and pancreatoduodenectomy was also considered when the tumor was invading to the pancreas. Although tumor was tightly adherent to the pancreas, it could be dissected from the pancreatic head without capsule damage and resected by robotic distal gastrectomy with no postoperative complication. The large D-GIST tightly adherent to the pancreas could be resected by efficiency of the robotic surgery.
Primary pulmonary meningioma with associated multiple micronodules: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Bei , Qiu Jingxin
Published: February 2023

Primary pulmonary meningioma (PPM) is a rare and benign slow growing tumor with good prognosis. It often presents as an asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, solitary pulmonary nodule. Wedge resection is the management of choice for both diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report one case of PPM with increased fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and associated micronodules, which was clinically suspicious for malignancy. The patient was a 60-year-old female who presented with persistent shortness of breath for 1 year. Chest computed tomography showed a 1.5-cm well-circumscribed homogenous nodule in the left upper lobe with increased FDG uptake and multiple smaller well-circumscribed micronodules scattered in both lungs. Left upper lobe wedge resection confirmed the diagnosis of PPM. PPM can deceptively mimic malignancy, so recognizing this rare entity and including it in the differential diagnoses of pulmonary nodules, especially with avid uptake of FDG, is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and overtreatment.
A spontaneous paracecal herniation: a rare form of an uncommon case
Authors: Mwanje Bright Anderson , Nassaka Melvin Gloria , Kanyike Andrew Marvin
Published: February 2023

Paracecal hernias are a rare form of internal hernias. This is a case of a spontaneous paracecal retroperitoneal hernia in an elderly patient. A 73-year-old male, a known patient of adenocarcinoma of the rectum, who had undergone neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy a year ago, presented with a 2-day-history of exacerbated colicky peri-umbilical and right-sided non-radiating abdominal pain, with associated progressive abdominal distension, which were aggravated by feeding. A contrasted abdominal computed tomography scan showed features of small bowel obstruction. An exploratory laparotomy revealed herniation of gangrenous small bowel ~30 cm through a small, tight opening just below the base of the cecum. Resection and anastomosis and closure of the retroperitoneal pouch were done. Patient recovered and was discharged on the fourth post-operative day. Spontaneous retroperitoneal hernias can occur in elderly patients with additional risk factors like neoplasms, with a high risk of bowel ischemia, hence the urgent need for surgical intervention.
Constructing State and National Estimates of Vaccination Rates from Immunization Information Systems
Authors: Raghunathan Trivellore , Kirtland Karen , Li Ji , White Kevin , Murthy Bhavini , Lin Xia Michelle , Harris Latreace , Gibbs-Scharf Lynn , Zell Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

Immunization Information Systems are confidential computerized population-based systems that collect data from vaccination providers on individual vaccinations administered along with limited patient-level characteristics. Through a data use agreement, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention obtains the individual-level data and aggregates the number of vaccinations for geographical statistical areas defined by the US Census Bureau (counties or equivalent statistical entities) for each vaccine included in system. Currently, 599 counties, covering 11 states, collect and report data using a uniform protocol. We combine these data with inter-decennial population counts from the Population Estimates Program in the US Census Bureau and several covariates from a variety of sources to develop model-based estimates for each of the 3,142 counties in 50 states and the District of Columbia and then aggregate to the state and national levels. We use a hierarchical Bayesian model and Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to obtain draws from the posterior predictive distribution of the vaccination rates. We use posterior predictive checks and cross-validation to assess the goodness of fit and to validate the models. We also compare the model-based estimates to direct estimates from the National Immunization Surveys.
Bremsstrahlung Produced by 5 keV Electrons Incident on Al2O3 and MgO Samples at Air Pressures of 30, 50, and 100 Pa
Authors: Nguyen Duc Trung , Seo Woorim , Tellez Jacob , Heidema Jonathan , Williams Scott
Published: February 2023

Bremsstrahlung spectra produced by 5 keV electrons incident on Al2O3 and MgO targets at air pressures of 30, 50, and 100 Pa have been compared with results produced using pyPENELOPE, a program designed to simulate electron microscopy. The comparisons showed that the experimental results were in good agreement with the results simulated using pyPENELOPE, except near the Duane–Hunt limit, where the bremsstrahlung amplitudes were consistently greater than PENEPMA predicted. The discrepancies may be due to charging effects, which are not simulated by PENEPMA, the Monte Carlo code on which pyPENELOPE is based. If so, the phenomena could potentially impact the accuracy of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry measurements.
Simulation of the Earth’s radio-leakage from mobile towers as seen from selected nearby stellar systems
Authors: Saide Ramiro C , Garrett M A , Heeralall-Issur N
Published: February 2023

Mobile communication towers represent a relatively new but growing contributor to the total radio-leakage associated with planet Earth. We investigate the overall power contribution of mobile communication towers to the Earth’s radio leakage budget, as seen from a selection of different nearby stellar systems. We created a model of this leakage using publicly available data of mobile tower locations. The model grids the surface of the planet into small, computationally manageable regions, assuming a simple integrated transmission pattern for the mobile antennas. In this model, these mobile tower regions rise and set as the Earth rotates. In this way, a dynamic power spectrum of the Earth was determined, summed over all cellular frequency bands. We calculated this dynamic power spectrum from three different viewing points – HD 95735, Barnard’s star, and Alpha Centauri A. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the peak power leaking into space from mobile towers is ∼4GW. This is associated with Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile tower technology emanating from the East Coast of China as viewed from HD 95735. We demonstrate that the mobile tower leakage is periodic, direction dependent, and could not currently be detected by a nearby civilization located within 10 light-years of the Earth, using instrumentation with a sensitivity similar to the Green Bank Telescope. We plan to extend our model to include more powerful 5G mobile systems, radar installations, ground based up-links (including the Deep Space Network), and various types of satellite services, including low-Earth orbit constellations, such as Starlink and OneWeb.
An empirical relation to estimate host galaxy stellar light from AGN spectra
Authors: Jalan Priyanka , Rakshit Suvendu , Woo Jong-Jak , Kotilainen Jari , Stalin C S
Published: February 2023

Measurement of black hole mass for low-z (z≤ 0.8) Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) is difficult due to the strong contribution from host galaxy stellar light necessitating detailed spectral decomposition to estimate the AGN luminosity. Here, we present an empirical relation to estimate host galaxy stellar luminosity from the optical spectra of AGNs at z ≤ 0.8. The spectral data were selected from the fourteenth data release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-DR14) quasar catalogue having a signal-to-noise ratio at 5100 Å (SNR5100) >10 containing 11 415 quasars. The median total luminosity (log (Ltotal/[erg s−1])), stellar luminosity (log (Lstar/[erg s−1])), and AGN continuum luminosity ((log Lcont/[erg s−1])) in our sample are 44.52, 44.06, and 44.30, respectively. We fit the AGN power-law continuum, host galaxy, and iron blend contribution, simultaneously over the entire available spectrum. We found the host galaxy fraction to anticorrelate with continuum luminosity and can be well-represented by a polynomial function, which can be used to correct the stellar light contribution from AGN spectra. We also found anticorrelation between host galaxy fraction and iron strength, Eddington ratio, and redshift. The empirical relation gives comparable results of host-fraction with the image decomposition method.