bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centralizing Penile Cancer Care in Germany and Austria: Just a Dream or a Fast-Approaching Reality? Results of a Survey Study among Urological Department Chairs and Modeling of Real Treatment Numbers of Penile Cancer Patients
Authors: Yakac Abdulbaki , Lebentrau Steffen , Lusuardi Lukas , Sarcan Semih , Burger Maximilian , Merseburger Axel S. , Wiegland Jens , Gilfrich Christian , Wolff Ingmar , Ahyai Sascha , May Matthias , Thomas Christian
Published: November 2023

Introduction: In countries characterized by a centralization of therapy management, patients with penile cancer (PeCa) have shown improvements in guideline adherence and ultimately, improved carcinoma-specific survival. Germany and Austria (G + A) have no state-regulated centralization of PeCa management, and the perspectives of urological university department chairs (UUDCs) in these countries, who act as drivers of professional and political developments, on this topic are currently unknown. Methods: Surveys containing 36 response options, including specific questions regarding perspectives on PeCa centralization, were sent to the 48 UUDC in G + A in January 2023. In addition to analyzing the responses, closely following the CROSS checklist, a modeling of the real healthcare situation of in-house PeCa patients in G + A was conducted. Results: The response rate was 75% (36/48). 94% and 89% of the UUDCs considered PeCa centralization meaningful and feasible in the medium term, respectively. Among the UUDCs, 72% estimated centralization within university hospitals as appropriate, while 28% favored a geographically oriented approach. Additionally, 97% of the UUDCs emphasized the importance of bridging the gap until implementation of centralization by establishing PeCa second-opinion portals. No country-specific differences were observed. The median number of in-house PeCa cases at the university hospitals in G + A was 13 (interquartile range: 9–26). A significant positive correlation was observed between the annual number of in-house PeCa cases at a given university hospital and the perspective of the UUDCs that centralization as meaningful by its UUDC (0.024). Under assumptions permissible for modeling, the average number of in-house PeCa cases in academic hospitals in G + A was approximately 30 times higher than in nonacademic hospitals. Conclusion: This study provides the first data on the perspectives of UUDCs in G + A concerning centralization of PeCa therapy management. Even without state-regulated centralization in G + A, there is currently a clear focusing of PeCa treatments in university hospitals. Further necessary steps toward a structured PeCa centralization are discussed in this manuscript.
A Imagem-memória ou a Mise-en-Film da fotografia no cinema autobiográfico moderno
Authors: Dubois Philippe
Published: November 2023

Acredito que exista entre cinema e fotografia, considerando o conjunto de figuras relacionais possíveis, uma massa considerável de problemáticas transversais, de casos de figuras relativamente ricas e singulares. Claro que não se trata aqui de abordá-las todas. Mas dentre o conjunto diversificado (há muitas portas de acesso lateral ao edifício), escolhi uma que gostaria de trabalhar mais em detalhe e em profundidade: trata-se dos filmes de fotógrafos comprometidos com a autobiografia. Vou me concentrar, com efeito, no que diz respeito à mise-en-film da fotografia, através da obra de cinco autores que são, ao mesmo tempo, mestres da autobiografia moderna: Raymond Depardon, Agnès Varda, Robert Frank, Chris Marker e Hollis Frampton.
Relações sinestésicas entre imagem e som, entre cor e som e alguns exemplos no cinema silencioso
Authors: Soares Natália de Castro
Published: November 2023

Color was very frequent in cinema since its beginning and the notion of synesthesia has always been important – not only for abstract films, but for cinema in general. This article discusses synesthetic relations between images and sounds in the cinema, taking as example the film Sunrise (F. W. Murnau, 1927). Then, we examine more specifically the association between colors and sounds and some of its reverberations in the field of moving images, commenting three experiments quite different from each other: the Corning kinetic-therapeutic experiment (1899), the Jenkins Phantascope (1895) and Loyd Jones kaleidoscope (1924) and Sonochrome (1929).
O som ao redor: sociedade em ausculta
Authors: Gilioti Christian
Published: November 2023

The degree of artistic elaboration inherent to the form of figuration of contemporary dramatic situations, together with the impulse of interpretation of recent historical experience constitute the pair of elements that makes Neighboring Sounds an original film. Here the interwoven action of ‘image’ and ‘sound’ inserts the ghost of the national slavery past into present times, haunting them. The pace of class struggle in the country is thus unveiled. And perhaps the film benefits from the radicalization of a critical process that was voraciously fed by the judicious effort for assimilating forms and motifs typical of the cinema produced by the preceding generations of Brazilian filmmakers
Dossiê "Found Footage II"
Authors: Adriano Carlos
Published: November 2023

A ruína é a evidência dos restos do tempo. O cinema de reapropriação re(in)staura uma experiência de ruínas. Achar a imagem filmada é reprocessar o tempo reencontrado. Pensar o tempo como montagem de elementos heterogêneos: justa posição poética, aproximação de realidades distantes (salve, P. Reverdy).
Historism – Partisanship - Racism: On the Erosion of the Epistemic Foundations of Knowledge
Authors: Acham Karl
Published: November 2023

Often referred to as “historism”, historical-cultural relativism in its variant dating back to the 19th century has often been interpreted as an expression of a weak and insecure attitude, and has been opposed above all by the two great totalitarian movements of the 20th century. Against the more recent historism, postmodernism and its demands for tolerance, which are supposedly only of use to the ruling class, its opponents proclaim values, moral norms and cognitive criteria that are closely linked to the ethnicity and race of these critics. Even cognitive universality is mere ideology for them.
Temporal Trends in Public Stroke Knowledge, 1995–2021
Authors: Robinson David J. , Ding Lili , Rademacher Eric , Stanton Robert , Anderson Aaron M. , Khoury Jane C. , Broderick Joseph P. , Kissela Brett M. , Kleindorfer Dawn
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Outreach campaigns have sought to reduce the burden of stroke by improving knowledge of stroke risk factors (RF) and warning signs (WS). We describe trends in stroke knowledge from 1995 to 2021.

METHODS:

From 1995 to 2021, 6 separate surveys were conducted in the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Region. Temporal trends in RF/WS knowledge were analyzed using logistic regression adjusting for Race, sex, age, and education.

RESULTS:

In 1995, 28.6% of participants (537/1880) could name ≥2 WS, compared with 50.6% (983/1944) in 2021 (trend
P
<0.0001 after adjustment). In 1995, 44.5% of participants (836/1880) knew ≥2 RF, compared with 56.7% (1103/1944) in 2021 (trend
P
<0.0001 after adjustment). Although still improved compared with 1995, fewer participants could identify ≥2 RF in 2021 (1103/1944, 56.7%) when compared with 2011 (1287/2036, 63.2%, pairwise
P
<0.05). This decline in RF knowledge was disproportionately larger in women (odds ratio of 0.67 for knowledge in 2021 compared with 2011 in females,
P
=0.047 for the interaction between sex and study year).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although stroke knowledge has overall improved since 1995, there is evidence for lost gains since 2011, particularly in women. Stroke outreach campaigns need ongoing evaluation.
DNA barcoding, phylogeny and phylogeography of the cyst nematode species of the Schachtii group from the genus Heterodera (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae)
Authors: Subbotin Sergei A. , Roubtsova Tatiana V. , Bostock Richard M. , Tanha Maafi Zahra , Chizhov Vladimir N. , Palomares-Rius Juan E. , Castillo Pablo
Published: November 2023

Cyst-forming nematodes of the genus Heterodera are highly derived and economically important plant parasites. The Schachtii group of this genus is one of the largest ones with a total of 18 species parasitising dicotyledons. In this study, we provided comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of several hundred COI and ITS rRNA gene sequences of selected species from the Schachtii group, including H. betae, H. cajani, H. ciceri, H. galeopsidis, H. glycines, H. medicaginis, H. mediterranea, H. schachtii, H. sonchophila and H. trifolii, using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and statistical parsimony. One hundred and twenty four new COI, 57 ITS rRNA and eight hsp90 gene sequences from 81 nematode populations collected in 19 countries were obtained in this study. Our study showed that the ITS rRNA gene has limited discrimination power compared to the COI gene. However, our analysis also revealed that partial COI gene sequences were identical for H. trifolii, H. betae and H. galeopsidis. Based on the results of phylogeographical analysis and age estimation of clades with a molecular clock approach, it was hypothesised that the majority of the Schachtii group species originated and diversified in the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot during the Pleistocene and then dispersed from this region across the world. The Sino-Japanese Floristic Region is likely one of the centres of diversification for the soybean cyst nematode, which showed distinct population structure. The possible role of hybridisation and polyploidisation in the evolution of species of the Schachtii group is discussed.
A new species of Xestophrys Redtenbacher, 1891 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Conocephalinae; Copiphorini) from West Bengal, India
Authors: KUMAR HIRDESH , CHAND D. SURESH
Published: November 2023

A new species, Xestophrys bengalensis sp. nov., from the West Bengal state of India is described in this paper. The new species is superficially similar to the Indonesian species Xestophrys javanicus lombockensis Carl, 1908, but differs from the latter in the smaller size, anterior femur unarmed on the external margin, and hind femur with two spines on the internal margin. A key to the species of Xestophrys Redtenbacher, 1891 is also provided.
Three-dimensional ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric patients with pneumonia: a comparative study
Authors: Sun Yan , Chen Yujie , Li Xuesheng , Liao Yi , Chen Xijian , Song Yu , Liang Xinyue , Dai Yongming , Chen Dapeng , Ning Gang
Published: November 2023

Background

UTE has been used to depict lung parenchyma. However, the insufficient discussion of its performance in pediatric pneumonia compared with conventional sequences is a gap in the existing literature. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of 3D-UTE with that of 3D T1-GRE and T2-FSE sequences in young children diagnosed with pneumonia.

Methods

Seventy-seven eligible pediatric patients diagnosed with pneumonia at our hospital, ranging in age from one day to thirty-five months, were enrolled in this study from March 2021 to August 2021. All patients underwent imaging using a 3 T pediatric MR scanner, which included three sequences: 3D-UTE, 3D-T1 GRE, and T2-FSE. Subjective analyses were performed by two experienced pediatric radiologists based on a 5-point scale according to six pathological findings (patchy shadows/ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, nodule, bulla/cyst, linear opacity, and pleural effusion/thickening). Additionally, they assessed image quality, including the presence of artifacts, and evaluated the lung parenchyma. Interrater agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Differences among the three sequences were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

The visualization of pathologies in most parameters (patchy shadows/GGO, consolidation, nodule, and bulla/cyst) was superior with UTE compared to T2-FSE and T1 GRE. The visualization scores for linear opacity were similar between UTE and T2-FSE, and both were better than T1-GRE. In the case of pleural effusion/thickening, T2-FSE outperformed the other sequences. However, statistically significant differences between UTE and other sequences were only observed for patchy shadows/GGO and consolidation. The overall image quality was superior or at least comparable with UTE compared to T2-FSE and T1-GRE. Interobserver agreements for all visual assessments were significant and rated “substantial” or “excellent.”

Conclusions

In conclusion, UTE MRI is a useful and promising method for evaluating pediatric pneumonia, as it provided better or similar visualization of most imaging findings compared with T2-FSE and T1-GRE. We suggest that the UTE MRI is well-suited for pediatric population, especially in younger children with pneumonia who require longitudinal and repeated imaging for clinical care or research and are susceptible to ionizing radiation.
Effect of spinal-pelvic sagittal balance on the clinical outcomes after lumbar fusion surgery
Authors: Tan Li-xian , Du Xiao-kang , Tang Run-min , Rong Li-min , Zhang Liang-ming
Published: November 2023

Background

Spinal-pelvic sagittal balance is important for maintaining energy-efficient posture in normal and diseased states.Few reports to date have evaluated the effect of spinal-pelvic sagittal balance on clinical outcomes after lumbar interbody fusion in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD).

Methods

A total of 303 patients treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative disease from January 2012 to December 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study according to the inclusion criteria. Preoperative and postoperative spinal-pelvic sagittal parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL) of the patients were evaluated and compared. 163 patients whose postoperative PI-LL ≤ 10° were divided into the spinal-pelvic match group (Group M), while 140 patients were divided into the spinal-pelvic mismatch group (Group MM). Preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain of both groups were compared.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic and surgical data, except for blood loss in surgery. LL, PI, PT and SS of the patients at final follow-up were all statistically different from the preoperative values in the two groups(P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in LL, PI, PT and SS between the two groups before surgery. At the final follow-up, LL, PI and PT differed significantly between the two groups(P < 0.05). Compared with the preoperative results, ODI and VAS of low back in both groups decreased significantly at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). Significant differences in VAS and ODI were found between the two groups at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). The improvement rates of VAS and ODI of Group M are both significantly higher than Group MM. Regression analysis showed that age and spinal-pelvic match had significant effects on the improvement of patients’ low back pain at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

lumbar interbody fusion can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with LDD. In terms of outcomes with an average follow-up time of more than 2 years, the spinal-pelvic match has a positive effect on patients’ quality of life and the release of low back pain.
Comparison of adverse events in partial- or whole breast radiotherapy: investigation of cosmesis, toxicities and quality of life in a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Haussmann Jan , Budach Wilfried , Corradini Stefanie , Krug David , Jazmati Danny , Tamaskovics Bálint , Bölke Edwin , Pedotoa Alessia , Kammers Kai , Matuschek Christiane
Published: November 2023

Purpose/objective

Adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy and systemic therapy are part of the current evidence-based treatment protocols for early breast cancer, after breast-conserving surgery. Numerous randomized trials have investigated the therapeutic effects of partial breast irradiation (PBI) compared to whole breast irradiation (WBI), limiting the treated breast tissue. These trials were designed to achieve equal control of the disease with possible reduction in adverse events, improvements in cosmesis and quality of life (QoL). In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the differences between PBI and WBI in side effects and QoL.

Material/methods

We performed a systematic literature review searching for randomized trials comparing WBI and PBI in early-stage breast cancer with publication dates after 2009. The meta-analysis was performed using the published event rates and the effect-sizes for available acute and late adverse events. Additionally, we evaluated cosmetic outcomes as well as general and breast-specific QoL using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires.

Results

Sixteen studies were identified (n = 19,085 patients). PBI was associated with a lower prevalence in any grade 1 + acute toxicity and grade 2 + skin toxicity (OR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.09–0.18; p < 0.001); (OR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.07–0.41; p < 0.001). There was neither a significant difference in late adverse events between the two treatments, nor in any unfavorable cosmetic outcomes, rated by either medical professionals or patients. PBI-technique using EBRT with twice-daily fractionation schedules resulted in worse cosmesis rated by patients (n = 3215; OR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.22–3.54; p = 0.007) compared to WBI. Maximum once-daily EBRT schedules (n = 2071; OR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.45–0.79; p < 0.001) and IORT (p = 0.042) resulted in better cosmetic results grade by medical professionals. Functional- and symptom-based QoL in the C30-scale was not different between PBI and WBI. Breast-specific QoL was superior after PBI in the subdomains of “systemic therapy side effects” as well as “breast-” and “arm symptoms”.

Conclusion

The analysis of multiple randomized trials demonstrate a superiority of PBI in acute toxicity as well breast-specific quality of life, when compared with WBI. Overall, late toxicities and cosmetic results were similar. PBI-technique with a fractionation of twice-daily schedules resulted in worse cosmesis rated by patients.
Recruitment of pre-dementia participants: main enrollment barriers in a longitudinal amyloid-PET study
Authors: Bader Ilse , Bader Ilona , Lopes Alves Isadora , Vállez García David , Vellas Bruno , Dubois Bruno , Boada Mercè , Marquié Marta , Altomare Daniele , Scheltens Philip , Vandenberghe Rik , Hanseeuw Bernard , Schöll Michael , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Jessen Frank , Nordberg Agneta , Kivipelto Miia , Ritchie Craig W. , Grau-Rivera Oriol , Molinuevo José Luis , Ford Lisa , Stephens Andrew , Gismondi Rossella , Gispert Juan Domingo , Farrar Gill , Barkhof Frederik , Visser Pieter Jelle , Collij Lyduine E. ,   on behalf of the AMYPAD consortium
Published: November 2023

Background

The mismatch between the limited availability versus the high demand of participants who are in the pre-dementia phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a bottleneck for clinical studies in AD. Nevertheless, potential enrollment barriers in the pre-dementia population are relatively under-reported. In a large European longitudinal biomarker study (the AMYPAD-PNHS), we investigated main enrollment barriers in individuals with no or mild symptoms recruited from research and clinical parent cohorts (PCs) of ongoing observational studies.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to predict study refusal based on sex, age, education, global cognition (MMSE), family history of dementia, and number of prior study visits. Study refusal rates and categorized enrollment barriers were compared between PCs using chi-squared tests.

Results

535/1856 (28.8%) of the participants recruited from ongoing studies declined participation in the AMYPAD-PNHS. Only for participants recruited from clinical PCs (n = 243), a higher MMSE-score (β =  − 0.22, OR = 0.80, p < .05), more prior study visits (β =  − 0.93, OR = 0.40, p < .001), and positive family history of dementia (β = 2.08, OR = 8.02, p < .01) resulted in lower odds on study refusal. General study burden was the main enrollment barrier (36.1%), followed by amyloid-PET related burden (PCresearch = 27.4%, PCclinical = 9.0%, X2 = 10.56, p = .001), and loss of research interest (PCclinical = 46.3%, PCresearch = 16.5%, X2 = 32.34, p < .001).

Conclusions

The enrollment rate for the AMYPAD-PNHS was relatively high, suggesting an advantage of recruitment via ongoing studies. In this observational cohort, study burden reduction and tailored strategies may potentially improve participant enrollment into trial readiness cohorts such as for phase-3 early anti-amyloid intervention trials.

The AMYPAD-PNHS (EudraCT: 2018–002277-22) was approved by the ethical review board of the VU Medical Center (VUmc) as the Sponsor site and in every affiliated site.
Review on the application of cloud computing in the sports industry
Authors: Xiao Lei , Cao Yang , Gai Yihe , Liu Juntong , Zhong Ping , Moghimi Mohammad Mahdi
Published: November 2023

The transformative impact of cloud computing has permeated various industries, reshaping traditional business models and accelerating digital transformations. In the sports industry, the adoption of cloud computing is burgeoning, significantly enhancing efficiency and unlocking new potentials. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the applications of cloud computing in the sports industry, focusing on areas such as athlete performance tracking, fan engagement, operations management, sports marketing, and event hosting. Moreover, the challenges and potential future developments of cloud computing applications in this industry are also discussed. The purpose of this review is to provide a thorough understanding of the state-of-the-art applications of cloud computing in the sports industry and to inspire further research and development in this field.
Assessment of Staphylococcus Aureus growth on biocompatible 3D printed materials
Authors: Senderovich Nicole , Shah Sharan , Ow Thomas J. , Rand Stephanie , Nosanchuk Joshua , Wake Nicole
Published: November 2023

The customizability of 3D printing allows for the manufacturing of personalized medical devices such as laryngectomy tubes, but it is vital to establish the biocompatibility of printing materials to ensure that they are safe and durable. The goal of this study was to assess the presence of S. aureus biofilms on a variety of 3D printed materials (two surgical guide resins, a photopolymer, an elastomer, and a thermoplastic elastomer filament) as compared to standard, commercially available laryngectomy tubes.

C-shaped discs (15 mm in height, 20 mm in diameter, and 3 mm in thickness) were printed with five different biocompatible 3D printing materials and S. aureus growth was compared to Shiley™ laryngectomy tubes made from polyvinyl chloride. Discs of each material were inoculated with S. aureus cultures and incubated overnight. All materials were then removed from solution, washed in phosphate-buffered saline to remove planktonic bacteria, and sonicated to detach biofilms. Some solution from each disc was plated and colony-forming units were manually counted the following day. The resulting data was analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test to determine pairwise significance between the laryngectomy tube material and the 3D printed materials.

The Shiley™ tube grew a median of 320 colonies (IQR 140–520), one surgical guide resin grew a median of 640 colonies (IQR 356–920), the photopolymer grew a median of 340 colonies (IQR 95.5–739), the other surgical guide resin grew a median of 431 colonies (IQR 266.5–735), the thermoplastic elastomer filament grew a median of 188 colonies (IQR 113.5–335), and the elastomer grew a median of 478 colonies (IQR 271–630). Using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, manual quantification showed a significant difference between biofilm formation only between the Shiley™ tube and a surgical guide resin (p = 0.018).

This preliminary study demonstrates that bacterial colonization was comparable among most 3D printed materials as compared to the conventionally manufactured device. Continuation of this work with increased replicates will be necessary to determine which 3D printing materials optimally resist biofilm formation.
Myths and Misconceptions Around Lung Cancer Causation in Palestine: Is It Time to Intervene?
Authors: Elshami Mohamedraed , Mansour Ahmad , Alser Mohammed , Al-Slaibi Ibrahim , Abukmail Hanan , Shurrab Hanan , Qassem Shahd , Usrof Faten Darwish , Alruzayqat Malik , Aqel Wafa , Nairoukh Roba , Kittaneh Rahaf , Sawafta Nawras , Habes Yousef Mahmoud Nimer , Ghanim Obaida , Aabed Wesam Almajd , Omar Ola , Daraghma Motaz , Aljbour Jumana , Elian Razan E.M. , Zuhour Areen , Habes Haneen , Al-Dadah Mohammed , Bottcher Bettina , Abu-El-Noor Nasser
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE

Having an accurate knowledge of what truly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer (LC) may help people make better decisions about lifestyle changes that could potentially lower their risk. This study assessed current beliefs in LC causation myths among Palestinians and explored factors associated with displaying good recognition of such myths.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019 to March 2020. A modified version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used for data collection. The awareness level of LC causation myths was determined based on the number of myths recognized to be incorrect: poor (0-4), fair (5-9), and good (10-13).

RESULTS

A total of 4,817 participants completed the questionnaire of 5,174 approached (response rate = 93.1%). In total, 4,762 participants were included in the final analysis. Myths unrelated to food were more commonly recognized than food-related myths. The food-related myth most frequently recognized was eating burnt food (n = 1,427; 30.0%) followed by drinking from plastic bottles (n = 1,389; 29.2%). The food-related myth least commonly recognized was eating food containing additives (n = 737; 15.5%). The most frequently recognized myth unrelated to food was having a physical trauma (n = 2,903; 61%), whereas the least was using cleaning products (n = 1,140; 23.9%). Only 287 participants (6%) displayed good awareness. Having a chronic disease and knowing someone with cancer were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness. Conversely, participants who were smoking cigarettes/shisha and those recruited from hospitals had an associated increase in the likelihood of displaying good awareness.

CONCLUSION

This study found very poor awareness of LC causation myths, with only 6% recognizing ≥10 myths. Initiatives addressing LC mythical causes are needed.
Usnea jezoformosana Y. Ohmura & P. Clerc, sp. nov. (Parmeliaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) from East Asia
Authors: Ohmura Yoshihito , Clerc Philippe
Published: November 2023

Usnea jezoformosana is described as a new species from East Asia. The morphology of this taxon is very similar to Usnea fragilescens but differs by the presence of granular soredia (instead of farinose soredia). It differs furthermore chemically by the presence of protocetraric acid (major) and barbatic acid (major to trace). The monophyly and independence of the newly described species from U. fragilescens and related taxa were inferred by a molecular phylogenetic tree based on ITS rDNA sequences. Usnea jezoformosana was collected in subboreal forests of Hokkaido (Japan) and in Taiwan where it grew on tree barks, building wood or cliffs.
Are Financial Statements More Comparable When GAAP Restricts Managers’ Discretion?
Authors: Young Spencer
Published: November 2023

I examine whether financial statements are more comparable when accounting standards restrict managers’ discretion. My evidence suggests that restricting managers’ discretion is associated with reduced comparability, on average. This effect is strongest when transactions are dissimilar. To explore this relation, I develop novel measures of two distinct types of incomparability. I find that restricting managers’ discretion is associated with an increase in incomparability stemming from dissimilar transactions appearing overly similar. Together, these findings suggest that restricting managers’ discretion may be more harmful to comparability than is too much diversity in practice. However, I also find evidence that restricting managers’ discretion may enhance comparability in two scenarios. Specifically, I find that restricting managers’ discretion is associated with improved comparability when standards (1) restrict manipulation of financial reports and (2) eliminate dissimilar accounting treatments that do not reflect differences in the underlying transactions. Overall, these findings nuance our understanding of how the requirements imposed by standard setters influence financial statement comparability.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Funding: Financial support from The School of Accountancy at the University of Arizona and the John T. Steed School of Accounting at the University of Oklahoma is gratefully acknowledged.

Supplemental Material: The internet appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4961 .
Behavior problems of preschoolers with Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: İLTER BAHADUR Evin , YILMAZ Mine , ÖZDEMİR Asena Ayça
Published: November 2023

Objective: Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) are prone to numerous adverse outcomes throughout their lives. The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors and behavior problems in children aged 1.5 to 5 years with DLD in a low/middle-income country.
Material and Methods: This case-control study included 101 preschoolers (54 children with DLD and 47 children with typical development (TD)). A developmental pediatrician evaluated each child’s development using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Children Behavior Checklist and Beck Depression Inventory were completed by mothers. Socio-demographic information and screen parameters were obtained using a researcher-developed form.
Results: Risk factors for DLD were identified as less frequent reading books with parents, consanguineous marriage, and having a family member with language disorders. Preschoolers with DLD had more behavior problems (except sleep and somatic problems) than preschoolers with TD (p<0.050). The risk factors for behavior problems of preschooler with DLD in the multivariable regression model included: ages of parents and children, paternal education, lack of having their own room, and maternal depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: Consistent with the findings of this study, consanguineous marriage, family history of language disorders, and infrequent reading of books with parents were associated with the development of DLD. Attention should be given to behavioral problems in preschool children with DLD. Maternal depressive symptoms, lower paternal education, younger father, and lack of having their own room can be highlighted factors for behavior problems of children with DLD. Parents play a crucial role in shaping behavior and language development during the preschool period.
metàfora viva com l’«espai vital» del text
Authors: Contreras Coll Núria
Published: November 2023

En aquest article s’examina com el discórrer filosòfic de María Zambrano s’articula a través dela «paraula activa» i obre un espai vital en el text des del qual es revela la realitat. Així, s’hi analitza el concepte de metàfora a partir de les consideracions de la filòsofa, tot relacionantles amb la noció de metàfora viva del filòsof francès Paul Ricoeur.
Editorial
Authors: Revelles-Benavente Beatriz
Published: November 2023

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Getting angry with endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Authors: Veselá Lenka
Published: November 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are industrially manufactured compounds that have the capacity to mimic or interfere with biosynthesis, metabolism, and the functions of bodily produced hormones. The ubiquity and persistence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment have raised concerns about their impacts on human as well as nonhuman life. How do these chemicals affect us? How do we interact with them? And how do we respond to the risks that they pose? My inquiry into how chemical endocrine disruptors affect us focuses upon the ways in which they can influence our emotions. I bring attention to how being exposed to them can disrupt our brain chemistry, and therefore our emotions, too. With the help of the Endocrine Disruption Tracker Tool—a speculative instrument for a collective investigative practice that I have created—I look into what we can learn about endocrine disruption if we consider how are emotions are affected. I have developed this tool to help me, my research participants, and a broader community of interested people to address the exigencies of our lives, as affected by involuntary chemical exposure, and to construct responsive care relations—paving the way for new approaches to research, ethics, and politics that are embodied, experientially and materially grounded, in their concerns about endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Investigating English Sanctity in the Middle English St. Erkenwald
Authors: Battles Dominique
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This essay extends the analysis of an earlier article, published in the previous issue of Studies in Philology , which argues for an Anglo-Saxon cultural identity for the nameless man in the tomb in the Middle English St. Erkenwald . The present essay examines the fictional scenario of the poem, involving the exhumation and investigation of an early English saintly body during renovations at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, within the context of the historical investigations of Anglo-Saxon saints' cults in the decades following the Conquest of 1066, proceedings that track the nationwide cathedral-building program inaugurated by the Normans. The poem's emotional staging of a skeptical high-ranking prelate questioning the body, flanked by an anxious community, and the conspicuous absence of written documentation concerning the body capture the spirit and methodology of the historical investigations conducted by Norman prelates on early English saints pending reinterment in new ecclesiastic buildings. The poem emulates features of post-Conquest hagiography of early English saints in its long historical proem, while challenging the vision of history it proclaims. The source text of the Trajan legend and its importance to pre-Conquest society underscore and reassert early English formulations of salvation, supplying the distinctly early English mode of baptism of tears. The poem subtly undermines the investigatory process, defending early English identity in post-Conquest society.
Two-beam coupling in photorefractive ion-implanted Fe-doped KNbO3 planar waveguides at 830 nm
Authors: Brülisauer S. , Fluck D. , Weiss J. A. , Günter P. , Fleuster M. , Buchal Ch. , Rytz D.
Published: November 2023

Photorefractive (PR) nonlinear optical single domain crystals are widely investigated for all-optical signal processing.1 KNbO3 possesses high electro-optic coefficients, very high nonlinear optical susceptibilities and strong birefringence that allows many different phase-matched interactions.2 Fe-doped KNbO3 is a potential candidate for PR signal processing due to its high sensitivity.3 The response time of PR effects scales as the inverse (or inverse square root) of the intensity, leading to the current interest in increasing the intensity by confining the interacting beams within a waveguide. The technique of ion implantation is well suited for producing PR waveguides in ferroelectric oxides such as
BaTiO34 and
KNbO35.
In Vivo Optical Imaging of the Female Breast
Authors: Hooft G.W. ’t , van der Mark M. B. , Hoogenraad J. H. , Colak S. B. , Paasschens J. C. J. , van der Linden E. S.
Published: November 2023

Due to its non-ionizing nature, optical mammography could be a very attractive alternative to X-ray screening. We have developed a CW optical tomography apparatus with which three-dimensional images of breasts can be obtained in vivo. It measures the attenuation coefficient
κ=3μ
a
μ
s
' of the breast tissue. The magnitude of the reduced scattering coefficient
μ
s
' in breast tissue is approximately 1 mm-1 and varies less than the absorption coefficient μ
a
.
Collisional excitation transfer in optically pumped atomic copper vapor
Authors: Sung Nackchin , Kim Jin J.
Published: November 2023

Recently we reported the observation of stimulated emission in atomic copper vapor that is excited by a resonant tunable laser beam.1 One important result obtained in the experiment is that the two upper levels involved in the laser transitions of the atomic copper vapor are collisionally mixed in stimulated emission. This observation is particularly important for studies of high-pressure transverse-discharge copper vapor lasers. We conducted an optical pumping experiment to measure the collisional mixing cross sections (CMCSs) below the threshold of stimulated emission. We observed all four transitions:
2P1/2−2S1/2 (327.4 nm);
2P3/2−2S1/2 (324.8 nm);
2P1/2−2D3/2 (578.2 nm); and
2P3/2−2D5/2 (510.6 nm), when either one of the two levels
2P3/2,1/2 was excited. From the measurements of the intensities of the resonantly excited and sensitized fluorescences, we estimate the CMCSs
Q34(2P1/2→2P3/2) and
Q43(2P1/2←2P3/2) at 2 × 10−16 and 1.3 × 10-16 cm2 for Cu + Ne collisions, respectively. We also measured the linewidths of the optically pumped green and yellow lasers as a function of the buffer gas pressure and of detuning of the pump frequency. We observe that the linewidths change in an interesting way, which can be explained in terms of the gain narrowing.
Theory of molecular transition moment determination by Autler-Townes spectroscopy
Authors: Lau Albert M. F. , Huo Winifred M.
Published: November 2023

In an earlier experiment, Quesada et al.1 have observed the Autler-Townes splitting (also known as ac, optical, or dynamic Stark splitting) in the two-color four-photon ionization of H2 via the double resonant levels
E,F1Σ
g
+(v=6,J=1) and D1Π
u
(ν′ =2, J′ = 2). By fitting the calculated spectra with the observed spectra, they deduced the vibronic transition moment between these two states. We present the theory for determining a number of the vibronic transition moments between the same two electronic states and thereby deducing the electronic transition moment by an inversion scheme. We calculate the Autler-Townes spectra for some representative bands of
H2(D1Π
u
−E,F1Σ
g
+) and examine their dependences on laser detuning, intensity, bandwidth, and the Doppler effect. As input to our calculation, the D – E,F(v′ = 0—14, ν =1, 4, and 6) vibronic transition moments have been computed. Our investigation shows that the Autler-Townes splitting of a sufficient number of D—E,F vibronic transitions in H2 should be observable so that its electronic transition moment can be deduced.
Treatment of diabetic kidney disease. A network meta-analysis
Authors: Büttner Fabian , Barbosa Clara Vollmer , Lang Hannah , Tian Zhejia , Melk Anette , Schmidt Bernhard M. W.
Published: November 2023

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a health burden of rising importance. Slowing progression to end stage kidney disease is the main goal of drug treatment. The aim of this analysis is to compare drug treatments of DKD by means of a systemic review and a network meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched Medline, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov for randomized, controlled studies including adults with DKD treated with the following drugs of interest: single angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor-blocker (single ACEi/ARB), angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitor and angiotensin-receptor-blocker combination (ACEi+ARB combination), aldosterone antagonists, direct renin inhibitors, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid-receptor-antagonists (nsMRA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). As primary endpoints, we defined: overall mortality and end-stage kidney disease, as secondary endpoints: renal composite outcome and albuminuria and as safety endpoints: acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia and hypotension. Under the use of a random effects model, we computed the overall effect estimates using the statistic program R4.1 and the corresponding package “netmeta”. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool and the quality of evidence of each pairwise comparison was rated according to GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

Results

Of initial 3489 publications, 38 clinical trials were found eligible, in total including 42346 patients. Concerning the primary endpoints overall mortality and end stage kidney disease, SGLT2i on top of single ACEi/ARB compared to single ACEi/ARB was the only intervention significantly reducing the odds of mortality (OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.70–0.95) and end-stage kidney disease (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.54–0.88). The indirect comparison of nsMRA vs SGLT2i in our composite endpoint suggests a superiority of SGLT2i (OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.47–0.76). Concerning safety endpoints, nsMRA and SGLT2i showed benefits compared to the others.

Conclusions

As the only drug class, SGLT2i showed in our analysis beneficial effects on top of ACEi/ARB treatment regarding mortality and end stage kidney disease and by that reconfirmed its position as treatment option for diabetic kidney disease. nsMRA reduced the odds for a combined renal endpoint and did not raise any safety concerns, justifying its application.
Questionable research practices in competitive grant funding: A survey
Authors: Conix Stijn , De Peuter Steven , Block Andreas De , Vaesen Krist
Published: November 2023

There has been a surge of interest in research integrity over the last decade, with a wide range of studies investigating the prevalence of questionable research practices (QRPs). However, nearly all these studies focus on research design, data collection and analysis, and hardly any empirical research has been done on the occurrence of QRPs in the context of research funding. To fill this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional pre-registered survey of applicants, reviewers and panel members from the Research Foundation–Flanders (FWO), one of the main funding agencies in Belgium. We developed a bespoke survey and further refined it through feedback from experienced researchers and a pilot study. We asked how often respondents had engaged in a series of QRPs over the last ten years. A total of 1748 emails were sent, inviting recipients to participate in the survey, complemented by featuring the survey in the FWO newsletter. This resulted in 704 complete responses. Our results indicate that such QRPs are remarkably prevalent. Of the 496 participants who answered both the applicant and reviewer track, more than 60% responded that they engaged regularly in at least one of such practices, and around 40% indicated that they engaged at least occasionally in half of the QRPs queried. Only 12% reported not to have engaged in any of the QRPs. Contrary to our hypotheses, male respondents did not self-report to engage in the QRPs more often than female respondents, nor was there an association between the prevalence of QRPs and self-reported success rate in grant funding. Furthermore, half of the respondents indicated that they doubted the reliability of the grant peer review process more often than not. These results suggest that preventive action is needed, and provide new reasons to reconsider the practice of allocating research money through grant peer review.
Emergency department performance assessment using administrative data: A managerial framework
Authors: Soldatenkova Anastasiia , Calabrese Armando , Levialdi Ghiron Nathan , Tiburzi Luigi
Published: November 2023

Administrative data play an important role in performance monitoring of healthcare providers. Nonetheless, little attention has been given so far to the emergency department (ED) evaluation. In addition, most of existing research focuses on a single core ED function, such as treatment or triage, thus providing a limited picture of performance. The goal of this study is to harness the value of routinely produced records proposing a framework for multidimensional performance evaluation of EDs able to support internal decision stakeholders in managing operations. Starting with the overview of administrative data, and the definition of the desired framework’s characteristics from the perspective of decision stakeholders, a review of the academic literature on ED performance measures and indicators is conducted. A performance measurement framework is designed using 224 ED performance metrics (measures and indicators) satisfying established selection criteria. Real-world feedback on the framework is obtained through expert interviews. Metrics in the proposed ED performance measurement framework are arranged along three dimensions: performance (quality of care, time-efficiency, throughput), analysis unit (physician, disease etc.), and time-period (quarter, year, etc.). The framework has been judged as “clear and intuitive”, “useful for planning”, able to “reveal inefficiencies in care process” and “transform existing data into decision support information” by the key ED decision stakeholders of a teaching hospital. Administrative data can be a new cornerstone for health care operation management. A framework of ED-specific indicators based on administrative data enables multi-dimensional performance assessment in a timely and cost-effective manner, an essential requirement for nowadays resource-constrained hospitals. Moreover, such a framework can support different stakeholders’ decision making as it allows the creation of a customized metrics sets for performance analysis with the desired granularity.
Associations between sleep habits, quality, chronotype and depression in a large cross-sectional sample of Swedish adolescents
Authors: Lemke Theresa , Hökby Sebastian , Wasserman Danuta , Carli Vladimir , Hadlaczky Gergö
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate behavioral sleep habits, self-perceived quality of sleep, and chronotype, and to examine their association with clinically relevant levels of depression in Swedish adolescents.

Method

Questionnaire data were obtained from a representative sample of Swedish adolescents (n = 8449; 50.8% girls; aged 12–16). Depression was defined as >13 BDI-II scores. Logistic regression modelling estimated the effects of sleep duration, sleep quality, and chronotype on depression, adjusted for socio-demographic factors.

Results

On weekdays, approximately 46% of adolescents slept less than the recommended length of eight hours per night (depressed: 68%, non-depressed: 40%). On weekends, however, only 17% slept shorter than recommended. Short weekday sleep duration was more common among girls than boys (53% vs. 38%) and girls reported worse sleep quality. The regression model showed that depression was predicted by weekday sleep duration (OR = 0.773, p < .0001), sleep quality (OR = 0.327, p < .0001), and late chronotype (OR = 1.126, p = .0017), but not by weekend sleep duration. A 30-minute increase in weekday sleep duration was associated with about 10% lower odds of depression.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of Swedish adolescents do not seem to meet the sleep recommendations of eight hours per night. Short sleep duration on weekdays, poor sleep quality, and late chronotype were associated with increased risk of depression. Interventions promoting longer weekday sleep duration (e.g., later school start times) seem relevant in this context, but further research is needed to investigate the directionality and underlying mechanisms of these associations.