Common Indices Research Articles

Research Practice and Progress of Models and Algorithms Applied in Topic Identification and Prediction Based on the Analysis of CNKI

As a hot topic in the field of library and information, the research on topic recognition and trend prediction has been paid close attention by academic circles. This paper uses a systematic literature review, bibliometric analyses and classification methods. Through a systematic literature review, 96 studies about topic identification and evolution prediction models are selected from the CNKI database. By using VOSviewer to conduct bibliometric analyses, the key research content and themes are revealed. Through the classification method, EXCEL is used to summarize models and algorithms used in the literature comprehensively. It is found that topic identification models and algorithms can be divided into four categories: ① Topic model based on LDA and related derivative models. ② Machine learning and deep learning methods. ③ Methods based on reference relation. ④ Text mining methods. Trend prediction models and algorithms mainly cover two categories: ① deep learning or machine learning models and algorithms based on time sequence; ② link prediction algorithms based on complex network. At the same time, we have also summarized the common index system involved in each study and the way to evaluate the effectiveness of the method, thus this paper comprehensively reveals the application progress in academic circles of topic identification and prediction models and algorithms from the last 10 years and beyond, based on the CNKI database. The purpose is to determine the most popular models and algorithms applied in research, generalize the corresponding indicator systems and validation methods, and finally provide references for model choice or evaluation when identifying and predicting topics in the future. Thus, this paper can help us to understand the overall progress made in text analysis research, and provides a useful reference for selecting and applying the appropriate models, algorithms and indicators.

A Systematic Review of Idiopathic Secondary Stenosis Following Index Surgery for Craniosynostosis.

Primary craniosynostosis is a congenital craniofacial disorder in which cranial sutures prematurely close. Iatrogenic secondary stenosis is abnormal cranial suture closure caused by surgical manipulation of the suture. In contrast, idiopathic secondary stenosis develops in a suture that did not undergo surgical manipulation. The objective of this systematic review was to consolidate and characterize the incidence, classification, and management of idiopathic secondary stenosis in the literature. Literature from PubMed, Web Of Science, and EMBASE from 1970 to March 2022 was reviewed. The following information was extracted for individual patients: incidence of idiopathic secondary stenosis, index primary craniosynostosis, primary surgical correction, presenting signs of secondary stenosis, management, and further complications. Seventeen articles detailing 1181 patients were included. Ninety-one developed idiopathic secondary stenosis (7.7%). Only 3 of these patients were syndromic. The most common index craniosynostosis was sagittal synostosis (83.5%). The most common suture undergoing idiopathic secondary stenosis was the coronal suture (91.2%). Patients presented at a median age of 24 months. The most common presenting sign was a radiologic finding (85.7%), although some patients presented with headache or head deformity. Only 2 patients, both syndromic, had complications following surgical correction of secondary stenosis. Idiopathic secondary stenosis is a rare, long-term complication following index surgical repair of craniosynostosis. It can occur following any surgical technique. It most commonly affects the coronal suture but can affect any of the sutures, including pansynostosis. Surgical correction is curative in nonsyndromic patients.

Experimental study of large-scale stiffened thin-walled CFDST columns under aixal compression

Wind turbine towers offer good application potential for concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular columns with large hollow ratios (LHR-CFDST). With the increasing size of this engineering structure, the requirement to reduce construction expenses can be met by enhancing the diameter-to-thickness ratio of steel tubes. Few studies have been conducted to report on thin-walled LHR-CFDST columns. Meanwhile, local buckling and size effect shall be considered for this type of structure. Based on this, the first experimental investigation on large-scale stiffened thin-walled LHR-CFDST columns under axial compression is reported in this paper. Two large-scale thin-walled LHR-CFDST columns with different stud spacings are discussed. Failure modes, local buckling behaviours, load-strain responses, and some common mechanical indexes are investigated. According to the test results, adding studs was an effective method to increase the ultimate capacity of LHR-CFDST columns, as evidenced by the 16.6% increase in peak load for the specimen with smaller stud spacing than the other. Besides, the arrangement of studs leads to an obvious effect of section confinement, thus improving the overall compressive performance of the specimens. Then, four existing specifications all give a conservative prediction for the ultimate capacity of the specimen with smaller stud spacing, indicating that the large-scale thin-walled LHR-CFDST can be evaluated utilizing the present specifications with suitable stiffening measures.

Variable Clustered Fuzzy Rules for Self-Tuning Scheme for Respiratory Distresses by Similarity and the Phase Plane Trajectory Concept

This work proposes a fuzzy rule extraction methodology for a self-tuning fuzzy controller based on the fuzzy clustering method (FCM) and the similarity approach technique. The similarity technique and phase plane trajectory method are used to even lower the acquired rules. To show a potential rule extraction scheme, the self-tuning fuzzy-logic-based proportional-derivative (STFLPDC) with 49 expert fuzzy rules and 49 clustered fuzzy gain rules is used. The utility of the approach is validated using common clustering validity indices. With 49 initial clustered fuzzy rules, the suggested method addressed oxygen supply in a human respiratory model. After further reduction using the similarity strategy, 29 and 14 fuzzy rules remained. Parallel to this, a real-time benchmark application using 49, 21, and 16 extracted fuzzy gain rules is used to access the performance of a lab-based overhead crane. Finally, to investigate control performance in both models, the phase plane trajectory concept is used to generate as few as 13 fuzzy gain rules.

Species Diversity of Deadwood in Chinese Fir Plantations Differs between Mixed Planting and Thinning Treatments

The occurrence of deadwood is inevitable during the process of plantation conversion, but the influences of conversion and the potential environmental effect on deadwood species diversity remain unclear. We established two fixed plots in Chinese fir thinned forest (TF) and Chinese fir and Michelia macclurei Dandy mixed forest (MF) (100 × 80 and 120 × 60 m2, respectively). We classified the deadwood into groups based on origin and by status, and analyzed deadwood species diversity using four common diversity indices. We also investigated the contribution of topographic factors to tree mortality using redundancy analysis. The species composition of deadwood differed markedly between the MF and TF. The species diversity and variety of deadwood status were greater for the TF than MF, although abundance was lower. Topography was poorly correlated with deadwood in the MF, while in the TF, altitude was strongly correlated with deadwood from Chinese fir, shade-intolerant late-coming populations, and fallen wood. Slope was negatively correlated with late-coming populations and fallen wood, but deadwood correlations with convexity were weak. These results indicate that cultivation methods strongly alter the species composition, status, abundance and diversity of deadwood in plantations. Topographic factors and targeted cultivation practices promote the formation of deadwood.

Common orthodontic indices and classification

An orthodontic index is a rating or categorizing system that assigns a numeric score or alphanumeric label to a person's occlusion. Indexing of malocclusions and their correction is important in epidemiology, diagnosis, communication between clinicians as well as with their patients, and assessing treatment outcome. Many useful indices have been put forward, but no one method appears to be equally suitable for the use of epidemiologists, public health programme planners and clinicians. This article describes the common clinical orthodontic indices and classifications used in the UK. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Readers can gain an insight into the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly used orthodontic indices and classifications in the UK.

Assessment of contamination of marine sediments and their potential toxicity in the Uglovoy Bay, Peter the Great Gulf, Sea of Japan/East Sea.

The content of harmful heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Uglovoy Bay (Peter the Great Gulf, Sea of Japan/East Sea) was studied based on the surveys carried out in 2016-2021. The contamination of the sediments in the bay was compared to the background concentrations of elements and to common contamination indices. The degree of contamination was calculated using the contamination factor (Cf), modified overall degree of contamination (mCd), and index of geoaccumulation (Igeo). The toxicity of marine sediment samples for each metal was evaluated using the threshold effect level/probable effect level (TEL/PEL) values and the sediment quality guideline quotient (SQG-Q). The sources of pollutants entering the studied water area were analyzed. It is shown that the contamination of the Uglovoy Bay occurs continuously as a result of economic activities on its coast. The dynamics of contamination of the bay for the period 2016-2021 is presented.

Homelessness and predictors of criminal reoffending: A retrospective cohort study.

There are not many longitudinal studies examining people experiencing homelessness and interacting with the criminal justice system over time. To describe the type of criminal offences committed, court outcomes, identify probable predictors of reoffending, and estimate the criminal justice costs in a cohort of homeless hostel clinic attendees. A retrospective cohort study of 1646 people attending a homeless clinic who had had contact with the criminal justice system (CJS) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, using linked clinic, criminal offence, health and mortality data from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2021. Initial comparisons were made with the 852 clinic attendees without CJS contact in the period. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of recidivism. There were 16,840 offending episodes, giving an offence rate of 87.8 per 100 person-years (95%CI: 86.5-89.1). The most common index offences were acts intended to cause injury (22%), illicit drug (17%) and theft-related (12%) offences. Most people (83%) were found guilty of the index offence and received a fine (37%) or community-based sentence (29%). Total court finalisation costs were AUD $11.3 million. Three-quarters of those convicted reoffended within 24months. Offenders were more likely to be younger, have a diagnosis of personality disorder (AOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.04-1.67), a substance use disorder (AOR: 1.60; 95% CI 1.14-2.23) and/or to have a previous charge dismissed on mental health grounds (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.31-2.46). Within the offending cohort, reoffenders had almost twice the odds of having theft-related offences as their principal index offence (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.29-2.66). This longitudinal study finding of not only a high rate of criminal justice contact, but also a high rate of recidivism among people who have been homeless, lends support to a need for strategies both to address the root causes of homelessness and to provide a comprehensive systems-based response to reduce recidivism, that includes secure housing as well as mental health and substance use treatment programmes for homeless offenders.

Sentiment analysis of tweets and government translations: Assessing China’s post-COVID-19 landscape for signs of withering or booming

This article aims to gain insights into the prevailing public sentiment during the policy relaxation period by examining whether the post-COVID-19 landscape reflects signs of withering or booming conditions. Employing methods from natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), the analysis reveals a predominance of positive sentiment from December 7, 2022 to May 17, 2023, indicative of an optimistic perspective and a potentially flourishing environment. A predictive model based on logistic regression emerges as a notably effective tool for sentiment prediction, suggesting potential utility in predicting future public health crises. A comparison of sentiments in translations by the government aligns with previous research, revealing a less favorable depiction of translated texts compared to the source texts. Furthermore, the commonality index, a measure of group consensus value, surpasses the typical range, while the certainty index, a measure of confidence, slightly falls below the norm. These findings offer valuable insights for policy considerations while highlighting areas for international communication and understanding improvement.

HSD97 Treatment Utilization and Key Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients Treated with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in the Outpatient Setting

COVID-19 treatment guidelines, particularly for monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies, have changed over time, as new variants have emerged and new treatments have been authorized. However, limited research exists on mAb utilization and the characteristics of patients who receive this treatment. Commissioned by the FDA, this study aims to describe mAb utilization and the characteristics of patients who utilized mAb therapy in the outpatient setting. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using closed claims from Komodo’s Healthcare Map from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2022 (study period). The sample included patients ≥18 years of age with ≥1 COVID-19 diagnosis and their first mAb therapy in the outpatient setting between January 1, 2020 and March 1, 2022 (index date). Patient characteristics were assessed during the 365 days before or on the index date, and mAb utilization was assessed on or after the index date through the end of continuous enrollment or the study period. 397,818 patients (mean age 50.5; 56.1% female) were identified. Of the patients with race and ethnicity information (46.0% and 40.4%, respectively), 82.6% were white and 90.8% were non-Hispanic or Latino. Most patients (78.9%) had at least one pre-existing condition; the most common pre-existing conditions were heart and mental health conditions. The most common mAb index therapy overall was casirivimab+imdevimab; however, the most common mAb therapy was bamlanivimab before the Delta variant vs. casirivimab+imdevimab after the Delta variant. Most patients (98.5%) received only one mAb therapy. mAb utilization varied over time possibly due to changes in the most prevalent variant, supply chain issues, and current recommendations and regulations. Most patients who received mAb therapy had pre-existing conditions or were white or non-Hispanic or Latino. Additional research is needed to better understand a potential disparity in access and clinical outcomes associated with outpatient mAb utilization.

Trends and Treatment Approaches for Complications in Neuroscience Experiments with Monkey Species.

Our goal in this manuscript is to advance the assessment and treatment of monkey species in neuroscience research. We hope to begin a discussion and establish baseline data on how complications are identified and treated. We surveyed the neuroscience research community working with monkeys and compiled responses to questions about investigator demographics, assessment of animal wellbeing, treatment choices, and approaches to mitigate risks associated with CNS procedures and promote monkey health and wellbeing. The majority of the respondents had worked with nonhuman primates (NHP) for over 15 y. Identification of procedure-related complications and efficacy of treatment generally rely on common behavioral indices. Treatments for localized inflammatory responses are generally successful, whereas the treatment success for meningitis or meningoencephalitis, abscesses, and hemorrhagic stroke are less successful. Behavioral signs of pain are treated successfully with NSAIDs and opioids. Our future plans are to collate treatment protocols and develop best practices that can be shared across the neuroscience community to improve treatment success rates and animal welfare and therefore science. Human protocols can be used to develop best practices, assess outcomes, and promote further refinements in treatment practices for monkeys to enhance research outcomes.

Species independence of eye lens dimensions in teleosts and elasmobranchs.

The vertebrate eye lens grows incrementally, adding layers of elongated, tightly packed lens fiber cells at the outer margin of the lens. With subsequent growth, previously-deposited fiber cells degrade, leaving a region of fully denucleated and organelle-free cells which are responsible for the high transparency and low light scattering characteristics of the lens. The objective of this study was to determine if the horizon separating the gelatinous outer cortex of the lens from its hardened interior occurred at a consistent location within the lens of several teleost and elasmobranch fish species, and could be linked to fiber cell morphology or function. A fixed ratio of 0.69±0.01 of hardened eye lens diameter (HD) to overall eye lens diameter (LD) was observed in a broad size range of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), thorny skate (Amblyraja radiata) and round ray (Rajella fyllae). The location of the hardened lens horizon was similar to that reported for optical plasticity and spherical aberration, but not that of fiber cell denucleation, suggesting that fiber cell dehydration continues after the loss of internal organelles. Our findings support a previous suggestion that the maintenance of optical quality during fish eye lens growth requires a precisely-fixed HD:LD ratio, while the ubiquity of a fixed ratio across fish taxa may suggest that many fish species possess a common refractive index profile. The linear relationship between HD and fish length should allow fish length to be backcalculated from the diameter of the isolated lens core, thus aiding research using isotope ratios of lens laminae or inner cores to reconstruct early life history events.

The Scaling Ellipsoid Method to Calculate Wellbore Separation Factors

The wellbore separation factor is the most common index to evaluate wellbore collision risk. However, all existing calculation methods of separation factor can only evaluate the separation degree of two error ellipses on some plane, and cannot directly evaluate the separation degree of two error ellipsoids in 3D space. These methods will lead to over-optimistic or over-conservative assessments inevitably, and cannot satisfy the wellbore collision avoidance requirements. Therefore, a new calculation method for the wellbore separation factor is presented, which is named as Scaling Ellipsoid Method (SEM). The new method references the Expansion Ellipse Method (EEM) and expands or contracts two error ellipsoids by the same scaling factor up to the exterior contact condition. Then the scaling factor is selected as the wellbore separation factor. SEM can directly and accurately evaluate the separation degree of two error ellipsoids in 3D space. A mathematical model to calculate the SEM separation factor (SESF) characterized by a quadratic equation set with four unknowns is established, and its numerical solution method and optimization tactics are presented to enhance its solution efficiency. Instance analyses have shown that SEM can preferably evaluate wellbore collision risk, contribute to pinpointing dangerous intervals, and decrease the anti-collision workloads.

Real-world evidence study of treatment patterns and outcomes following covalent BTKi discontinuation in a contemporary cohort of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) patients.

e19510 Background: In the past decade, covalent Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (BTKi) have transformed the treatment landscape for patients with CLL/SLL. Previous research described BTKi discontinuation in CLL/SLL cohorts where most patients received the BTKi after multiple prior lines of therapy. Information on outcomes of patients who received BTKi in first or second line (1L or 2L) and subsequently discontinued is limited. We examine a cohort of contemporary CLL/SLL patients who discontinued the BTKi, a majority of whom initially received BTKi in 1L or 2L. Methods: A retrospective chart review study of adult CLL/SLL patients who were treated with a covalent BTKi at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and who were resistant/refractory or intolerant to BTKi was conducted. Abstraction took place 12/2021-12/2022. Data abstracted included demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, reasons for treatment discontinuation, and cause of death. Results: A total of 104 patients were included with median time from CLL/SLL diagnosis to first BTKi initiation (index date) of 7 years, median age of 67 years at index date, and median follow-up of 6 years. Prognostic marker testing revealed the following: del(13q): 58%, del(11q): 28%, del(17p): 26%, trisomy 12: 20%, complex karyotype: 16%; IGHV unmutated: 59%, TP53 mutation: 66%. The most common index BTKi was ibrutinib (92%: 59% as monotherapy and 12% in combination with anti-CD20 mAb). 27% of patients were treated with BTKi in 1L, 32% in 2L, and 41% in later lines of therapy. 102 (98%) patients discontinued index BTKi. The median duration of index BTKi treatment was 2 years. 53% of patients discontinued index BTKi due to adverse events, most commonly atrial fibrillation (26%) and bleeding events (13%); 40% discontinued due to disease progression; and 3% due to Richter’s transformation. Subsequent treatments were observed for 74% of patients who discontinued due to adverse events and all patients who discontinued due to progression. Following last BTKi treatment, 60% received subsequent therapies; among these, 86% received regimens with venetoclax from index BTKi initiation to data cutoff. 34% of patients died with the most frequent causes of death being disease progression (62%), infection (17%), and secondary malignancy (7%). Conclusions: In this retrospective chart review study of adult CLL/SLL patients, adverse events and disease progression were key drivers for BTKi discontinuation, as found in earlier studies in more heavily pre-treated patients. Following BTKi discontinuation, a high percentage of patients received venetoclax-based regimens, yet with a median follow-up of 6 years, 34% died. This suggests that novel treatment approaches are sorely needed for less heavily pre-treated CLL/SLL patients who discontinue covalent BTKi.

Colonization screening positivity rates for novel multidrug-resistant organism healthcare containment responses during 2019–2022

Background: The CDC recommends a public health response when novel and targeted multidrug-resistant organisms (nMDROs), such as carbapenem-resistant organisms or Candida auris, are identified in healthcare settings in nonendemic areas. nMDRO responses are supported by healthcare-associated infection-antimicrobial resistance programs in 50 state and 6 local and territorial health departments. Annually, health departments report nMDRO responses to the CDC. We summarize nMDRO responses nationally and report our assessment of colonization screening positivity rates by healthcare setting and pathogen. Methods: We analyzed nMDRO response data reported by health departments for the period August 2019–July 2021; we excluded prevention efforts (ie, widespread screening based on facility-level risk factors). Among nMDRO responses in which colonization screening was performed, we calculated the proportion of responses in which screening detected additional cases of the index nMDRO and the colonization screening positivity, by healthcare setting and pathogen. Results: Among 2,051 nMDRO responses, 732 (36%) had ≥1 colonization screening (representing 44,845 colonization screenings), of which 24 (representing 17,467 colonization screenings) were prevention efforts and were excluded. Among the remaining 708 nMDRO responses, the healthcare setting most frequently included was acute-care hospitals (ACHs; 337 of 708, 48%); the least frequently included was long-term ACHs (LTACHs; 83 of 708, 12%). Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales were the most common index nMDRO prompting a response (408 of 708, 58%). Screening identified additional cases of the index nMDRO in 248 responses (35%) and 2,378 (9%) of 27,378 colonization screenings. Identification of the index nMDRO varied by pathogen and setting (Fig. 1). Overall, ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNFs) were the facility type in which colonization screening most frequently identified additional cases of the index nMDRO (63 of 92 responses, 63%), and LTACHs had the highest colonization screening positivity (750 of 5,798, 13%). Similar colonization screening positivity was observed in ACHs (9%) and vSNFs (8%). On average, Candida auris and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) had the highest colonization screening positivity rates across all healthcare settings: CRAB, 493 (12.6%) of 3,907 screened; Candida auris, 1,344 (11.7%) of 11,466 screened (Fig. 1B). More than one-half of responses identified ≥1 case of the index nMDRO. Conclusions: During public health nMDRO responses, additional cases were regularly identified through colonization screening. Responses in vSNFs and LTACHs and to environmental pathogens like Candida auris and CRAB detected additional cases in more than one-half of responses, suggesting that spread commonly occurred prior to detection of the first clinical case. The use of colonization screening is an effective strategy to detect unidentified nMDRO colonization, especially in high-acuity postacute-care settings.Disclosures: None

Liver Fat Scores for Noninvasive Diagnosis and Monitoring of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Epidemiological and Clinical Studies.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes and independently contributes to long-term complications. Being often asymptomatic but reversible, it would require population-wide screening, but direct diagnostics are either too invasive (liver biopsy), costly (MRI) or depending on the examiner's expertise (ultrasonography). Hepatosteatosis is usually accommodated by features of the metabolic syndrome (e.g. obesity, disturbances in triglyceride and glucose metabolism), and signs of hepatocellular damage, all of which are reflected by biomarkers, which poorly predict NAFLD as single item, but provide a cheap diagnostic alternative when integrated into composite liver fat indices. Fatty liver index, NAFLD LFS, and hepatic steatosis index are common and accurate indices for NAFLD prediction, but show limited accuracy for liver fat quantification. Other indices are rarely used. Hepatic fibrosis scores are commonly used in clinical practice, but their mandatory reflection of fibrotic reorganization, hepatic injury or systemic sequelae reduces sensitivity for the diagnosis of simple steatosis. Diet-induced liver fat changes are poorly reflected by liver fat indices, depending on the intervention and its specific impact of weight loss on NAFLD. This limited validity in longitudinal settings stimulates research for new equations. Adipokines, hepatokines, markers of cellular integrity, genetic variants but also simple and inexpensive routine parameters might be potential components. Currently, liver fat indices lack precision for NAFLD prediction or monitoring in individual patients, but in large cohorts they may substitute nonexistent imaging data and serve as a compound biomarker of metabolic syndrome and its cardiometabolic sequelae.

Voltage stability analysis and loadability estimation by using SCADA data: A case study of Electricite Du Lao transmission system

This paper presents a preliminary examination of voltage stability in the context of enhancing the transmission system of Laos Electricity (EDL) Central 1. Real SCADA data from the EDL database are used to evaluate common stability indices, namely the Fast Voltage Stability Index (FVSI), Line Stability Factor (LQP), and Line Stability Index (Lmn). The weakest bus and the most sensitive line are determined by ranking the stability indices. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the bus and the load capability of the line are assessed. The stability analysis is conducted under different load conditions, and the results are compared with actual interruption data. The case study identifies substations No. 5 and No. 8, along with the corresponding lines Phontong–Donekoy and Naxaythong–Pontong, as the most vulnerable areas in the central 1 region. Improving the load capability of these lines is critical to increasing the stability of the EDL Central 1 system.

Mid‐Latitude Double H‐Spikes: Their Properties and Signatures in Different Geomagnetic Indices

AbstractProper assessment of geomagnetic disturbances is a key aspect of space weather as technology is often impacted by space weather activity without previous warnings or proper forecasts. Double H‐spikes are a form of longitudinal asymmetry observed at midlatitudes. They are geomagnetic disturbances occurring simultaneously on the dayside and nightside as a negative/positive H‐spike, which go unnoticed through common geomagnetic indices. This work presents the results of a systematic search for double H‐spikes occurred over a 23‐year period and analyzes characteristics of the double H‐spikes such as the occurrence dependence on the solar cycle, season, intensity and phase of the geomagnetic storm. Our outcomes indicate that double H‐spikes are a global phenomenon closely related with the substorm phenomenon and the ground magnetic disturbances observed at mid‐latitude are remote effects of field‐aligned currents (FACs). FACs would be the part of the substorm current wedge developed from the expansion onset of intense substorms whose effects have wide longitudinal extend as they are observed on the dayside and the nightside. Also mid‐latitude global SYM and ASY indices are affected by FACs during those periods. Time derivatives of the SuperMAG SMR12 and SMR00 sector indices allow us to conclude that double H‐spikes, as short‐time high‐intensity magnetic disturbances, pose a potential risk to damage ground‐technological systems at midlatitudes.

Global Iliac Branch Study: Image-based Detailed Anatomic Assessment and Device Performance

Iliac branch devices are designed to preserve patency of the internal iliac artery for endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms. The Global Iliac Branch Study (NCT05607277) is an international, multicenter, retrospective study of over 300 iliac branch devices with diverse use. The objective of this project was to evaluate potential anatomic determinants of adverse iliac events. Patients were included if they had both pre- and post-treatment computed tomography imaging available after implantation of a bifurcated device. Morphologic measurements included arterial diameters, stenosis, calcification, aortic and iliac bifurcation angles, and tortuosity indices (Fig), performed by a core laboratory with a standardized and validated protocol. Adverse iliac events were defined as type I or III endoleak, occlusion, device constriction (due to either narrow anatomy or another component), or clinical events requiring reintervention of the ipsilateral iliac branch system. This abstract is based on univariate analysis. Paired t test was used to compare tortuosity indices and splay angles pre- and post-treatment. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between anatomic measurements and adverse iliac events. Analysis was performed by iliac system (ie, bilaterally treated patients’ right and left sides were analyzed independently). We analyzed 297 subjects (286 males, 11 females) with 331 iliac branch devices (104 nitinol, 227 stainless steel). Mean clinical follow-up was 3.8 years. Mean baseline total iliac artery index was 1.47 (range, 1.44 to 1.50), mean baseline common iliac artery index was 1.10 (range, 1.09 to 1.12). Changes in iliac artery tortuosity indices and aortic and iliac splay angles are reported in Table. Anatomy is significantly straightened with treatment in all devices. There were 54 adverse iliac events in 44 systems, requiring 35 reinterventions (median time to reintervention, 41 days; range, 0 days to 6.2 years). There were 18 endoleaks (17 type I, 1 type III), 29 occlusions, and five device constrictions. In nitinol devices, diameter of the internal iliac landing zone <10 mm and non-conformability (reduction in total iliac index beyond 15%) were associated with adverse iliac events (odds ratio [OR], 14; P = .016 and OR, 7.8; P = .021, respectively.) In the stainless steel devices, no significant univariate associations were found with anatomic measurements. These results suggest that purpose-built iliac branch devices are highly efficacious in treating tortuous iliac anatomy, with a high patency rate and low reintervention rate. Some anatomic factors are strongly predictive of adverse iliac events in nitinol devices.TableChanges in iliac artery tortuosity indices and splay anglesPre-treatment [95% CI]Post-treatment [95% CI]P-valueAll iliac branch systems (n = 331) Total iliac artery index1.47 [1.44-1.50]1.31 [1.28-1.33]<.0001 Common iliac artery index1.10 [1.09-1.12]1.04 [1.03-1.04]<.0001 Aortic splay angle58.3 [56.2-60.5]41.4 [39.6-43.1]<.0001 Iliac branch splay angle52.3 [49.7-54.8]47.4 [45.3-49.6]<.0001Nitinol iliac branch systems (n = 104) Total iliac artery index1.53 [1.47-1.60]1.44 [1.38-1.50]<.0001 Common iliac artery index1.13 [1.10-1.16]1.06 [1.05-1.08]<.0001 Aortic splay angle56.4 [52.1-60.8]45.3 [42.3-48.3]<.0001 Iliac branch splay angle48.0 [43.5-52.5]44.5 [40.7-48.3].0633Stainless steel iliac branch systems (n = 227) Total iliac artery index1.44 [1.42-1.47]1.25 [1.23-1.26]<.0001 Common iliac artery index1.09 [1.07-1.10]1.03 [1.02-1.03]<.0001 Aortic splay angle59.2 [56.8-61.7]39.6 [37.5-41.7]<.0001 Iliac branch splay angle54.2 [51.1-57.3]48.8 [46.2-51.4]<.0001CI, Confidence interval. Open table in a new tab

Species ecology can bias population estimates

Population indices are summary statistics computed from population monitoring data and routinely used in population management and ecological studies. Changes in a population index are assumed to reflect similar changes in population size, but the exact form of this relationship is often untested. We show that non-linear population index-size relationships lead to biased population change estimates. We then analyse the reliability of eight common population indices for a wide array of different types of species, showing that both systematic bias and considerable amount of error can arise from the interaction of ecological processes and survey methods. We describe the types of scenarios (e.g. types of species and how they are monitored) in which bias occurs, and what is the likely direction of the bias in each of them. Many typical population indices are biased; for example, those measuring abundance can often overestimate change, unless species individuals tend to establish completely non-overlapping territories, and those measuring the area utilized or species presence more likely underestimate changes in population size, especially when species' individuals or population processes lead to repulsion between individuals, or when there's limited amount of suitable resources to share. By pinpointing such scenarios our results help interpretation and design of population monitoring studies and therefore can improve the reliability and efficiency of conservation and management tasks.