PROBING EARTH DEFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO LOCALIZED HYDROLOGIC MASS LOADING, SUSITNA RIVER BASIN, ALASKA

Surface mass loading contributes a ubiquitous signal to GPS time series that can be modeled and removed for individual sources. We utilize nine GPS stations in the Susitna River watershed, Alaska, to investigate surface displacements from surface mass loading. We find that modeling atmospheric surface pressure and regional hydrologic mass reduces root mean square (RMS) error by 27-39% for all GPS time series. We observe moderate correlation between residual time series pairs and distance, with elevation differences influencing the strength of this correlation. Seasonal horizontal and vertical displacements are observed after removal of all loading models; stations displace downward and northwest during winter months, and upward and southeast during summer months. The temporal displacements are generally correlated with precipitation and Susitna River discharge. Removing the common mode error (CME) from all stations highlights small variations in both spatial and temporal displacements, with time series reflecting local loading sources rather than being dominated by regional trends. The standard deviation of the post-CME measurements indicates that there is moderate uncertainty in both phase and amplitude information. GPS measurement uncertainties contribute to the standard deviation, as well as inter-annual variations in climate; stations also deform due to local variations in temperature and precipitation

Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function.

Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), combining data across 133,413 individuals with replication in up to 42,166 individuals. We identify 24 new and confirm 29 previously identified loci. Of these 53 loci, 19 associate with eGFR among individuals with diabetes. Using bioinformatics, we show that identified genes at eGFR loci are enriched for expression in kidney tissues and in pathways relevant for kidney development and transmembrane transporter activity, kidney structure, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Chromatin state mapping and DNase I hypersensitivity analyses across adult tissues demonstrate preferential mapping of associated variants to regulatory regions in kidney but not extra-renal tissues. These findings suggest that genetic determinants of eGFR are mediated largely through direct effects within the kidney and highlight important cell types and biological pathways

Paleomagnetic analysis of the Løkken Ophiolite sequence, central Norway

The Scandinavian Caledonides are comprised of numerous allochthonous ophiolites, including the Løkken Ophiolite sequence near Trondheim, which were thrust onto mainland Norway in the Early Ordovician. The source of this ophiolite sequence is debated, there are two contrasting models that place its formation at opposing ends of the ancient Iapetus Ocean separating Laurentia and Baltica. I use paleomagnetism to determine the apparent polar wander path of these rocks, presenting new data to aid the paleogeographic reconstruction. This study presents new paleomagnetic data of 49 specimens from the Løkken Ophiolite sequence. After demagnetization, a virtual geomagnetic pole is determined of latitude -18° and longitude 51° (E). This is a significant deviation from the geomagnetic pole position of Baltica at the same time. From further analysis, the inclination of the Løkken Ophiolite sequence is found be ± 4°, implying its close proximity to the equator at the time of formation. All evidence points to the formation of the Løkken Ophiolite sequence on the Laurentian margin ~487 mya

Weight-bearing in ankle fractures: An audit of UK practice.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this national study was to audit the weight-bearing practice of orthopaedic services in the National Health Service (NHS) in the treatment of operatively and non-operatively treated ankle fractures. METHODS: A multicentre prospective two-week audit of all adult ankle fractures was conducted between July 3rd 2017 and July 17th 2017. Fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification. Fractures fixed with syndesmosis screws or unstable fractures (>1 malleolus fractured or talar shift present) treated conservatively were excluded. No outcome data were collected. In line with NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) criteria, "early" weight-bearing was defined as unrestricted weight-bearing on the affected leg within 3 weeks of injury or surgery and "delayed" weight-bearing as unrestricted weight-bearing permitted after 3 weeks. RESULTS: 251 collaborators from 81 NHS hospitals collected data: 531 patients were managed non-operatively and 276 operatively. The mean age was 52.6 years and 50.5 respectively. 81% of non-operatively managed patients were instructed for early weight-bearing as recommended by NICE. In contrast, only 21% of operatively managed patients were instructed for early weight-bearing. DISCUSSION: The majority of patients with uni-malleolar ankle fractures which are managed non-operatively are treated in accordance with NICE guidance. There is notable variability amongst and within NHS hospitals in the weight-bearing instructions given to patients with operatively managed ankle fractures. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates community equipoise and suggests that the randomized study to determine the most effective strategy for postoperative weight-bearing in ankle fractures described in the NICE research recommendation is feasible

Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function

Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), combining data across 133,413 individuals with replication in up to 42,166 individuals. We identify 24 new and confirm 29 previously identified loci. Of these 53 loci, 19 associate with eGFR among individuals with diabetes. Using bioinformatics, we show that identified genes at eGFR loci are enriched for expression in kidney tissues and in pathways relevant for kidney development and transmembrane transporter activity, kidney structure, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Chromatin state mapping and DNase I hypersensitivity analyses across adult tissues demonstrate preferential mapping of associated variants to regulatory regions in kidney but not extra-renal tissues. These findings suggest that genetic determinants of eGFR are mediated largely through direct effects within the kidney and highlight important cell types and biological pathways