Concomitant Variables Research Articles

Unimodular Hartle-Hawking wave packets and their probability interpretation

We reexamine the Hartle-Hawking wave function from the point of view of a quantum theory which starts from the connection representation and allows for off-shell nonconstancy of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ (as in unimodular theory), with a concomitant dual relational time variable. By translating its structures to the metric representation we find a nontrivial inner product rendering wave packets of Hartle-Hawking waves normalizable and the time evolution unitary; however, the implied probability measure differs significantly from the naive $|\ensuremath{\psi}{|}^{2}$. In contrast with the (monochromatic) Hartle-Hawking wave function, these packets form traveling waves with a probability peak describing de Sitter space, except near the bounce, where the incident and reflected waves interfere, transiently recreating the usual standing wave. Away from the bounce the packets get sharper both in metric and connection space, an apparent contradiction with Heisenberg's principle allowed by the fact that the metric is not Hermitian, even though its eigenvalues are real. Near the bounce, the evanescent wave not only penetrates into the classically forbidden region but also extends into the ${a}^{2}<0$ Euclidean domain. We work out the propagators for this theory and relate them to the standard ones. The $a=0$ point (aka the ``nothing'') is unremarkable, and in any case a wave function peaked therein is typically non-normalizable and/or implies a nonsensical probability for $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ (which the Universe would preserve forever). Within this theory it makes more sense to adopt a Gaussian state in an appropriate function of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$, and use the probability associated with the evanescent wave present near the time of the bounce as a measure of the likelihood of creation of a pair of time-symmetric semiclassical Universes.

Evaluating the impact of loneliness and social isolation on health literacy and health-related factors in young adults.

In current study, we aim to extend previous research by investigating the unique impact of loneliness on health literacy and health-related factors of young adults, after controlling for social isolation, depressive symptomology, and social anxiety, as well as evaluate how social isolation and loneliness differ in their impact on health literacy, and health-related factors among young adults, after accounting for abovementioned concomitant variables. Using a cross-sectional study design, 521 young adults completed an online survey in 2020, where they self-reported their loneliness, social isolation, health-related factors, and health literacy data. Increased loneliness was associated with decrease in several health literacy domains (e.g., poorer social support for health, lower appraisal of health information, among others) and increase in some health-related factors (e.g., higher perceived stress, higher negative affect), among young adults, even after controlling for social anxiety, depressive symptomology, and social isolation. Contrastingly, increase in social isolation was associated with changes in some health-related factors - more somatic health complaints, higher alcohol use, poorer cognitive and physical functioning, and lower scores for only one health literacy domain (i.e., social support for health) among young adults, after adjusting for the influence of social anxiety, depressive symptomology, and loneliness. Even after accounting for the influence of several co-occurring social and mental health symptoms, higher loneliness was associated poorer health literacy and health-related factors in young adults. We also found loneliness and social isolation may differ in the mechanisms through which they impact health literacy and health-related factors in young adults.

Pseudo-Poisson Distributions with Concomitant Variables

It has been argued in Arnold and Manjunath (2021) that the bivariate pseudo-Poisson distribution will be the model of choice for bivariate data with one equidispersed marginal and the other marginal over-dispersed. This is due to its simple structure, straightforward parameter estimation and fast computation. In the current note, we introduce the effects of concomitant variables on the bivariate pseudo-Poisson parameters and explore the distributional and inferential aspects of the augmented models. We also include a small simulation study and an example of application to real-life data.

Improving efficiency of fitting Cox proportional hazards models for time-to-event outcomes in genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Technologies identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA sequencing yield an avalanche of data requiring analysis and interpretation. Standard methods may require many weeks of processing time. The use of statistical methods requiring data sorting, matrix inversions of a high-dimension and replication in subsets of the data on multiple outcomes exacerbate these times.A method which reduces the computational time in problems with time-to-event outcomes and hundreds of thousands/millions of SNPs using Cox-Snell residuals after fitting the Cox proportional hazards model (PH) to a fixed set of concomitant variables is proposed. This yields coefficients for SNP effect from a Cox-Snell adjusted Poisson model and shows a high concordance to the adjusted PH model.The method is illustrated with a sample of 10000 SNPs from a genome-wide association study in a diabetic population. The gain in processing efficiency using the proposed method based on Poisson modelling can be as high as 62%. This could result in saving of over three weeks processing time if 5 million SNPs require analysis. The method involves only a single predictor variable (SNP), offering a simpler, computationally more stable approach to examining and identifying SNP patterns associated with the outcome(s) allowing for a faster development of genetic signatures. Use of deviance residuals from the PH model to screen SNPs demonstrates a large discordance rate at a 0.2% threshold of concordance. This rate is 15 times larger than that based on the Cox-Snell residuals from the Cox-Snell adjusted Poisson model. The method is simple to implement as the procedures are available in most statistical packges. The approach involves obtaining Cox-Snell residuals from a PH model, to a binary time-to-event outcome, for factors which need to be common when assessing each SNP. Each SNP is then fitted as a predictor to the outcome of interest using a Poisson model with the Cox-Snell as the exposure variable.

Integrative perspective of the healthy aging process considering the metabolome, cardiac autonomic modulation and cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated in age groups.

The aging process causes changes at all organic levels. Although metabolism, cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are widely studied as a function of age, they are mainly studied in isolation, thus making it difficult to perceive their concomitant variations. This study aimed to investigate the integrated changes that occur in the metabolome, CAM, and CRF throughout aging in apparently healthy individuals. The subjects (n = 118) were divided into five groups according to age (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-70years old) and underwent blood collection, autonomic assessment, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test for metabolomics analysis using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, cardiac autonomic modulation analysis, and CRF by peak oxygen consumption analysis, respectively. The Tukey's post hoc and effect size with confidence interval were used for variables with a significant one-way ANOVA effect (P < 0.01). The main changes were in the oldest age group, where the CRF, valine, leucine, isoleucine, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, and CAM reduced and hippuric acid increased. The results suggest significant changes in the metabolome, CAM, and CRF after the age of sixty as a consequence of aging impairments, but with some changes in the metabolic profile that may be favorable to mitigate the aging deleterious effects.

Comparative Insights into the Fundamental Steps Underlying Gelation of Plant and Algal Ionic Polysaccharides: Pectate and Alginate.

Pectate and alginate are among the most important biopolymers able to give rise to ionotropic gelation upon the addition of di- or multivalent counterions. The two ionic polysaccharides exhibit several common aspects of the gelation mechanism with calcium ions, the physiologically and commercially most relevant counterion type. The first one pertains to the role that specific Ca2+/polyion interactions play in the establishment of the ion-mediated chain/chain cross-links. Such interactions include both a specific affinity of the territorially condensed Ca2+ counterions for the polyuronate(s) and the formation of long-lasting chemical bonding (inner ion-sphere complex) of specific interchain sites accompanied by high conformational ordering. As to the first mechanism, it is dominated by the strong desolvation of the interacting ionic species, with concomitant positive variations in both enthalpy and entropy, the contribution of the latter prevailing over the former due to the favorable liberation of a very large number of water molecules of hydration. Both dilatometric and microcalorimetric data point to the higher affinity of Ca2+ for pectate than for alginate. The selective accumulation of calcium ions close to the polyanion(s) favors the onset of the second-chemical bonding-mode, which is associated with charge neutralization at the bonding site. This mode coincides with the largely accepted "egg-box" model for the calcium-mediated interchain junction of pectate and alginate. A new approach was devised for the calculation of the fraction of chemically bound divalent ions; it was based on the available circular dichroism data (further supported by scattering and viscosity results) and successfully tested by comparison with an independently determined fraction in the case of pectate. In detail, the strong bonding mode manifests in two sequential bonding modes. The first one (at low concentrations of added Ca2+ ions) entails a cross-link in which only one calcium ions is bracketed in a "twisted" egg-box between two chains; upon further counterion addition, a series of nearest-neighboring "perfect" egg-box structures develops. Both dilatometric and microcalorimetric changes associated with the latter chemical bonding modes are quantitatively larger for pectate than for alginate; clearly the latter polyuronate suffers from the relevant presence of the weakly calcium-binding mannuronic acid repeating units. Light-scattering experiments provided a clear-cut demonstration of the intermolecular bonding of calcium ions from the very beginning of the linker addition.

Anatomical variation in the branching pattern of the aortic arch: a literature review.

Many anatomical variations of the branching pattern of the aortic arch have been documented in the literature. These find their origin in alterations to the embryological development of the arch and have significant implications for surgical and radiological interventions. Embase and Medline database searches were carried out in June 2021 and identified 1197 articles, of which 24 were considered eligible. Twenty-eight variations were found. The prevalence of the six main variations found is as follows: normal configuration (61.2-92.59%); bovine arch type 1 (4.95-31.2%); bovine arch type 2 (0.04-24%); origin of left vertebral artery (0.17-15.3%); aberrant right subclavian artery (0.08-3.33%); thyroid ima artery (0.08-2%). Concomitant variations present in conjunction with these variations are also documented, as were other variations which could not be classified into these six groups. Anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the aortic arch are present in over one-third of individuals in some populations. These are important pre- and intra-operatively during thoracic, neck and thyroid surgery. A greater effort should be employed to construct an official classification to facilitate greater understanding among clinicians.

Theoretical Relationship Among Effective Lens Position, Predicted Refraction, and Corneal and Intraocular Lens Power in a Pseudophakic Eye Model.

PurposeTo ascertain the theoretical impact of anatomical variations in the effective lens position (ELP) of the intraocular lens (IOL) in a thick lens eye model. The impact of optimization of IOL power formulas based on a single lens constant was also simulated.MethodsA schematic eye model was designed and manipulated to reflect changes in the ELP while keeping the optical design of the IOL unchanged. Corresponding relationships among variations in ELP, postoperative spherical equivalent refraction, and required IOL power adjustment to attain target refractions were computed for differing corneal powers (38 diopters [D], 43 D, and 48 D) with IOL power ranging from 1 to 35 D.ResultsThe change in ELP required to compensate for various systematic biases increased dramatically with low-power IOLs (less than 10 D) and was proportional to the magnitude of the change in refraction. The theoretical impact of the variation in ELP on postoperative refraction was nonlinear and highly dependent on the optical power of the IOL. The concomitant variations in IOL power and refraction at the spectacle plane, induced by varying the ELP, were linearly related. The influence of the corneal power was minimal.ConclusionsThe consequences of variations in the lens constant mainly concern eyes receiving high-power IOLs. The compensation of a systematic bias by a constant increment of the ELP may induce a nonsystematic modification of the predicted IOL power, according to the biometric characteristics of the eyes studied.Translational RelevanceOptimizing IOL power formulas by altering the ELP may induce nonsystematic modification of the predicted IOL power.

Variables that induce coastal squeeze, case study: Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico

Coastal squeeze describes a dynamic process in which sea level rise and concomitant variables (e.g., increased storms, coastal subsidence) shift coastal habitats to land. The presence of hard structures of anthropogenic origin along the coasts can also create static artificial margins between land and sea, restricting coastal habitats to a narrow area. Ground level rise with respect to the coastal plain, which can be caused by an interrupted hydro-sedimentary flow, can also form added natural barriers. In particular, the coast of Mexico is vulnerable to sea level rise, however, other faster processes could be inducing coastal oppression/squeeze to a greater extent, such as subsidence, extreme hydrometeorological phenomena, changes in land use and erosion derived from sediment retention in the upper coastal basins. The aim of this study is analyzed coastal oppression along the coast for Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico, by finding its determining variables based on a literature review and analysis of open access databases. The processes analyzed correspond to changes in land use, the incidence of storms and the presence of hard structures, among other factors, which have increased rapidly in the study area in recent years and have caused the loss of coastal ecosystems. Ultimately, this work aims to generate a method that can quantitatively measure the effects of coastal oppression in different coastal areas. The resulting method serves as a tool for decision-making and sustainable coastal management. Keywords: coastal zone, land use change, incidence of storms, Gulf of Mexico, Campeche.

Varying coupling constants and their interdependence

Since Dirac predicted in 1937 the possible variation of gravitational constant and other coupling constants from his large number hypothesis, efforts continue to determine such variation without success. Such efforts focus on the variation of one constant while assuming all others pegged to their currently measured values. We show that the variations of the speed of light [Formula: see text], the gravitational constant [Formula: see text], the Planck constant [Formula: see text], and the Boltzmann constant [Formula: see text] are interrelated: [Formula: see text]. Thus, constraining any one of the constants leads to inadvertently constraining all the others. It may not be possible to determine the variation of a constant without concurrently considering the variation of others. We discuss several astrophysical observations that have been explained recently with the concomitant variation of two or more constants. We also analyze the reported and unexplained 35 [Formula: see text]g decrease of 1 Kg Pt-Ir working standards over 22 years of measurements and show that they can be accounted for by allowing [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] to vary as predicted, provided such mass decrease can be confirmed with a Kibble balance used for determining the Planck constant and weighing test-masses with extreme precision.

Nepotistic colony fission in dense colony aggregations of an Australian paper wasp

Social insects are highly diverse in their social structures, aside from the consistent presence of reproductive castes. Among social insects, the Australian paper wasp Ropalidia plebeiana constructs extremely dense colony aggregations consisting of hundreds of colonies within a few square meters; however, little is known about the aggregation structures. We genetically analyzed the colony and population structure of R. plebeiana, and concomitant variations in colony sex ratios. In spring, the foundress (candidate queen) group started their colonies on a single old comb from the previous season, subsequently dividing these old combs via relatedness-based comb-cutting. Female philopatry, a prerequisite condition of Local Resource Competition (LRC), was confirmed. The colony sex ratio of reproductive individuals (male and female offspring for the next generation) became slightly male-biased in larger colonies, as predicted under LRC. However, the number of foundresses was positively associated with the number of reproductive individuals, suggesting that Local Resource Enhancement (LRE) also operates. Although the population structure appears to meet the prerequisites of LRC, the sex ratio appears to be modulated by factors other than LRC. Rather, through LRE, the availability of female helpers at the founding stage is likely to mitigate the sex ratios predicted under LRC.

Rat age-related benign prostate hyperplasia is concomitant with an increase in the secretion of low ramified α-glycosydic polysaccharides

This work analysed the expression of prostate polysaccharides in rats with age-related benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for a better understanding of the possible relationship between prostate polysaccharides secretion and BPH onset. For this, prostatic glands from 1 month-old, 3 months-old, 6 months-old and 12 months-old Sprague-Dawley rats were processed in order to identify their overall polysaccharide content. Additionally, serum testosterone was also determined. One-month old rats showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower testosterone levels (0.77 ng/mL±0.12 ng/mL) compared with the other groups, which showed no significant difference among them. PAS staining showed positive polysaccharides markings in both the prostatic lumen and inside of luminal prostatic cells in all groups. Semiquantitative analysis of intraluminal PAS showed that one month-old rats had significantly (P < 0.005) lower PAS intensity when compared with all other groups (100.0 ± 0.5, arbitrary units vs. 107.3 ± 0.6, arbitrary units in 3 months-old ones), whereas 12 months-old ones showed significantly (P < 0.005) higher values when compared with all other groups (133.6 ± 3.5, arbitrary units in 12 months-old rats vs. 108.6 ± 1.4, arbitrary units in 6 months-old ones). The PAS + content practically disappeared when tissues were pre-incubated with either α-amylase or amyloglucosidase, regardless of a previous incubation with proteinase K. Incubation of prostate extracts from 12 months-old rats for 2 h with α-amylase yielded a significantly higher amount of free glucose (1.47 nmol/mg protein±0.23 nmol/mg protein vs. 0.32 nmol/mg protein±0.01 nmol/mg protein in untreated extracts). Similar results were obtained when extracts were pre-incubated with amyloglucosidase. Contrarily, pre-incubation with N-glycosidase induced a significantly (P < 0.05), much lower increase of free glucose. Pre-treatment with proteinase K did not significantly modify these results, which indicate that BPH is related to an increase in the secretion of low ramified ductal α-glycosydic polysaccharides that were not protected against lysis by any type of protein protective core. These changes seem to not be related with concomitant variations in serum testosterone levels.

Concomitant Thermochromic and Phase-Change Effect in a Switchable Spin Crossover Material for Efficient Passive Control of Day and Night Temperature Fluctuations.

The increasing environmental protection demand has prompted the development of passive thermal regulation systems that reduce temperature fluctuations in buildings. Here, it is demonstrated that the heat generated by the sun can trigger a spin crossover (SCO) in a molecule‐base material, resulting in a concomitant color variation (from pink to white) and a phase transition. This leads to a cooling effect with respect to other thermochromic materials. In addition, when the material is cooled, a dampening of the temperature decrease is produced. Therefore, these materials can potentially be implemented for passive temperature control in buildings. Furthermore, SCO materials are remarkably stable upon cycling and highly versatile, which allows for the design of compounds with properties tailored for the desired climatic conditions and comfortable temperature.

Molecular characteristics and treatment strategy in advanced, EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer with concomitant BRAF variations.

e21021 Background: BRAF variants were reported resistant mechanisms to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, concomitant somatic variations other than BRAF variants and efficacy of subsequent treatment remained unclear. Methods: From October 2016 to May 2020, advanced NSCLC patients who underwent next-generation sequencing and were detected with co-mutation of BRAF and EGFR activating mutations are retrospectively included. Since June 2020, EGFR-mutant patients with acquired BRAF V600E after progression from previous Osimertinib are prospectively arranged to explore efficacy of the EGFR-BRAF co-inhibition. Results: Fifty-eight patients were retrospectively identified and five patients were prospectively included. BRAF variants was acquired after a median time of 22.7 months from initial diagnosis. Variations of TP53, PIK3CA, RB1, MET, LRP1B, APC, CDKN2A, MYC, ERBB2 and SMAD4 were over 10%, which were enriched in cell cycle/p53 pathway, EGFR downstream and bypass pathway. Subsequently, median progression-free survival was 5.0 months for chemotherapy and 2.1 months for TKI treatment without targeting both EGFR and BRAF respectively (p = 0.019). Osimertinib plus vemurafenib (n = 4) or dabrafenib + trametinib (n = 1) was prospectively administrated in five patients. Median PFS was 7.8 months. Grade 3 rash was observed in one patient. Upon disease progression, activation of RAS signaling was observed. Conclusions: Variations of EGFR downstream or bypass pathway were also frequent in patient with co-mutation of EGFR and BRAF. Efficacy of subsequent TKI without targeting both EGFR and BRAF was inferior to chemotherapy. EGFR-BRAF co-inhibition showed improved efficacy. More treatment strategy should be explored in the future.

VARIATION IN MEAN ARTERIAL PRESSURE AND ITS HEMODYNAMIC COMPONENTS DURING 24-HOUR AMBULATORY PULSE WAVE ANALYSIS: IMPACT OF AGE, RACE, AND GENDER

Objective: Blood pressure (BP) is highly variable but the concomitant variations of the underlying hemodynamic components [heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and total vascular resistance (TVR)] are not known. We postulated that covariance (cov) analysis of 24-hour ambulatory pulse wave analysis (PWA) could reveal relevant trends in hemodynamic variability (var) within and between-individuals. Design and method: Ambulatory BP with PWA (Mobil-O-Graph, IEM, Stolzberg, DE) was performed every 20 minutes for 24 hours. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) components were indexed to body surface area: MAP = HR*[SV index (SVI)]*[TVR index (TVRI)] and ln(MAP) = ln(HR) + ln(SVI) + ln(TVRI). For cov analysis, var[ln(MAP)] = cov[ln(HR), ln(MAP)] + cov[ln(SVI), ln(MAP)] + cov[ln(TVRI), ln(MAP)]. Contributions of hemodynamic components to var[ln(MAP)] were expressed as %; other associations were nalysed by correlation and t-test. Results: We studied a convenience sample of 152 people (49% women, 23% black). Data are mean(SD): # readings 57(11), age 59(16) years, BMI 29.9(6.5) kg/m2, systolic BP 135(18) and MAP 106(14) mmHg. Mean 24-hr values were: ln(MAP) 4.64 (0.13), ln(HR) 4.20 (0.15), ln(SVI) -3.32 (0.15), and ln(TVRI) 3.75 (0.18). Relative contributions to 24-hour varMAP were: varTVRI 54(36)%, varHR 33(38)%, and varSVI 13(40)%. The large SDs in these component contributions prompted further analysis: varTVRI correlated with 24-hr mean MAP (r = 0.24, p = 0.003) and was higher (&gt;54%) in males (p = 0.03) and blacks (p = 0.04); varHR was inversely related to MAP (r = -0.26, p = 0.001), age (r = -0.29, p = 0.0003) and BMI (r = -0.17 p = 0.05) and was lower (&lt;33%) in blacks (p = 0.008); varSVI correlated with age (r = 0.31, p &lt; 0.0001) and BMI (r = 0.23, p = 0.005) and was higher (&gt;13%) in women (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Covariance analysis can be used with 24-hr ambulatory PWA to analyze BP and hemodynamic variability in everyday life. Within-individual total varMAP is related to varTVR &gt; varHR &gt; varSV but between-individual factors also affect these trends, including greater influence of varTVR in males and blacks, varHR in younger people, and varSV in younger people and women. HR varies inversely with SV and SVR suggesting counter-regulation. Diagnostic subclassifications or treatment modifications for variation extremes [e.g. vasodilators (TVR), beta-blockers (HR), or diuretics (SV)] may be possible.

Poly(sulfobetaine)-Based Diblock Copolymer Thin Films in Water/Acetone Atmosphere: Modulation of Water Hydration and Co-nonsolvency-Triggered Film Contraction.

The water swelling and subsequent solvent exchange including co-nonsolvency behavior of thin films of a doubly thermo-responsive diblock copolymer (DBC) are studied via spectral reflectance, time-of-flight neutron reflectometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The DBC consists of a thermo-responsive zwitterionic (poly(4-((3-methacrylamidopropyl) dimethylammonio) butane-1-sulfonate)) (PSBP) block, featuring an upper critical solution temperature transition in aqueous media but being insoluble in acetone, and a nonionic poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) block, featuring a lower critical solution temperature transition in water, while being soluble in acetone. Homogeneous DBC films of 50-100 nm thickness are first swollen in saturated water vapor (H2O or D2O), before they are subjected to a contraction process by exposure to mixed saturated water/acetone vapor (H2O or D2O/acetone-d6 = 9:1 v/v). The affinity of the DBC film toward H2O is stronger than for D2O, as inferred from the higher film thickness in the swollen state and the higher absorbed water content, thus revealing a pronounced isotope sensitivity. During the co-solvent-induced switching by mixed water/acetone vapor, a two-step film contraction is observed, which is attributed to the delayed expulsion of water molecules and uptake of acetone molecules. The swelling kinetics are compared for both mixed vapors (H2O/acetone-d6 and D2O/acetone-d6) and with those of the related homopolymer films. Moreover, the concomitant variations of the local environment around the hydrophilic groups located in the PSBP and PNIPMAM blocks are followed. The first contraction step turns out to be dominated by the behavior of the PSBP block, whereas the second one is dominated by the PNIPMAM block. The unusual swelling and contraction behavior of the latter block is attributed to its co-nonsolvency behavior. Furthermore, we observe cooperative hydration effects in the DBC films, that is, both polymer blocks influence each other's solvation behavior.

Frontal sinus pneumatization: An isolated finding or a sign of concomitant anatomical variation?

To determine the association between frontal sinus pneumatisation and concomitant anatomical variations in paranasal sinuses as seen on computed tomography. A total of 403 patients who underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography were allocated to three groups according to the degree of frontal sinus pneumatisation (type 1 - hypoplasia; type 2 - medium size; and type 3 - hyperplasia). In this unique model, the prevalence of ipsilateral variations on paranasal sinuses on each side of the head were analysed separately within each pneumatisation group. The type 3 frontal sinus pneumatisation group showed a greater association with ipsilateral variations of the sphenoid bone. Variations included pneumatisation of the anterior clinoid process, lateral sphenoid recess, pterygoid process and greater wing, and exposure of Vidian canal. This group also showed significant associations with male gender, and the presence of frontal and Onodi cells. Interpretation of the paranasal sinus variations is imperative for pre-operative evaluation in functional endoscopic sinus surgery, particularly in patients with frontal sinus hyperplasia. Attention to variation on the ipsilateral side is informative.

Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2021

The Environmental Effects Assessment Panel of the Montreal Protocol under the United Nations Environment Programme evaluates effects on the environment and human health that arise from changes in the stratospheric ozone layer and concomitant variations in ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the Earth’s surface. The current update is based on scientific advances that have accumulated since our last assessment (Photochem and Photobiol Sci 20(1):1–67, 2021). We also discuss how climate change affects stratospheric ozone depletion and ultraviolet radiation, and how stratospheric ozone depletion affects climate change. The resulting interlinking effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and climate change are assessed in terms of air quality, carbon sinks, ecosystems, human health, and natural and synthetic materials. We further highlight potential impacts on the biosphere from extreme climate events that are occurring with increasing frequency as a consequence of climate change. These and other interactive effects are examined with respect to the benefits that the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments are providing to life on Earth by controlling the production of various substances that contribute to both stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change.

Identifying the latent classes of modifiable risk behaviours among diabetic and hypertensive individuals in Northeastern India: a population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo identify the latent classes of modifiable risk factors among the patients with diabetes and hypertension based on the observed indicator variables: smoking, alcohol, aerated drinks, overweight or obesity, diabetes...

Approximately optimum strata boundaries for two concomitant stratification variables under proportional allocation

Abstract The proper choice of strata boundaries is an important factor determining the efficiency of the estimator of the considered characteristics of a population. In this article, the Cum Rule (i=3,4) for obtaining approximately optimum strata boundaries has been applied, taking into account a single-study variable along with two concomitant variables serving as the basis of the stratification variables. The relative efficiency of the proposed methods has been demonstrated theoretically and empirically by comparing them to a selection of already-existing methods in a simulation study with the use of the proportional allocation method.