bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Levels of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tanrikulu Azra Meryem , Ozdilek Betul , Agirbasli Mehmet
Published: August 2024

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their relationship with clinical findings and treatment of disease. Methods: The study included 125 PD patients and 48 healthy controls. Patients have been taking effective dopaminergic treatment regularly. The clinical severity of parkinsonism was assessed using the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) staging scale and the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS). PAI-1 level analysis was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Patients with PD had significantly lower serum PAI-1 levels than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Correlations with clinical findings showed only a marginally positive correlation between serum PAI-1 and HY score (r = 0.170, p = 0.05). In contrast, no significant correlation was demonstrated with the UPDRS score or other clinical parameters. Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive analysis of serum PAI-1 levels in patients with PD. The distribution of PAI-1 in PD appears to be complex. The study results implicate that the paradoxical effects of tissue plasminogen activator on the brain parenchyma can be important in the pathophysiology of PD. Future studies are needed to elucidate the role of fibrinolytic system components in PD.
“My dear Stevie, from Nonno”: translations and illustrations of a Joycean verbal text for young readers
Authors: Silva Ana Carolina Carvalho Monaco da
Published: August 2024

James Joyce (1882-1941) foi um dos mais revolucionários e influentes escritores modernistas, dentro e fora da literatura anglófona. Notoriamente, o autor não escreveu para crianças, mas uma carta enviada a seu neto, Stephen James Joyce (1932-2020), e publicada pela primeira vez em 1957, foi intitulada The Cat and the Devil e lançada como livro infantojuvenil. As traduções desta carta, realizadas em mais de vinte idiomas ao longo dos últimos 60 anos, trazem temas e elementos da escrita joyciana para adultos, ao mesmo tempo que se revelam como produtos de seu próprio tempo e da sociedade em que se inserem. Partindo desta perspectiva, este trabalho buscou analisar o percurso de ilustrações e traduções da obra The Cat and the Devil/O Gato e o Diabo, sob o viés da leitura intersemiótica de jovens leitores. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam as traduções da obra como transições entre sistemas semióticos, em atos criativos e interpretativos de apropriação e resgate tanto do tradutor quanto do ilustrador. Evidenciou-se o potencial semiótico/semântico presente na multimodalidade do livro ilustrado quanto às possibilidades de exploração e engajamento dos jovens leitores, extrapolando o destinatário único da carta original e a transformando em uma significativa obra da literatura infantojuvenil.
A Revisionist Reading of the American West in Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
Authors: Abrantes Elisa
Published: August 2024

This essay aims to discuss the literary representation of an Irish immigrant in the American West in the nineteenth century, emphasizing the transnational, hybrid, and overlapping dimensions of cultures in that region, and investigating identity issues that are addressed in the novel, which deconstructs the traditional perspectives of masculinity, individualism, and romanticization of the expansion of American Frontier in the period. Thomas McNulty, protagonist of the Irish novel Days Without End (2016), by contemporary Irish writer Sebastian Barry, leaves the city of Sligo in Ireland to escape the Great Famine that victimized his family, and arrives in the United States in 1850, a period of expansionist violence and development of the American West as a space of conquest and opportunity for some and tragedy for others. Like hundreds of thousands of Irish people in the nineteenth century, Thomas served in the U.S. Army and became involved in the fighting against Native Americans and also in the American Civil War. Being a victim himself of starvation and of British colonization in his native country, his involvement in the American wars also makes him an aggressor, although we can draw connections between the plight of Irish immigrants in the region and the Native Americans.
Endovascular Thrombectomy Alone for Large Vessel Occlusion: A Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation Based on Meta-Analyses
Authors: Nguyen Chi Phuong , Lahr Maarten M.H. , van der Zee Durk-Jouke , Rinkel Leon A. , van Voorst Henk , Pinckaers Florentina M.E. , Cavalcante Fabiano , LeCouffe Natalie E. , Kappelhof Manon , Treurniet Kilian M. , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , Roos Yvo B.W.E.M. , Buskens Erik , Uyttenboogaart Maarten ,   on behalf of the CONTRAST Consortium
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

The benefit of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion remains debated. In this study, we analyzed the cost-effectiveness of EVT alone versus intravenous alteplase before EVT in patients directly admitted to EVT-capable stroke centers from the Dutch health care payer perspective.

METHODS:

A decision analysis was performed using a Markov model with 15-year simulated follow-up to estimate total costs, quality-adjusted life years, and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of intravenous alteplase before EVT compared with EVT alone. A hypothetical cohort of 10 000 patients with large vessel occlusion aged 70 years was run in Monte Carlo simulation. Functional outcome of each treatment was derived from pooled results of 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Uncertainty was assessed by probabilistic analyses, scenario analyses, and 1-way sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS:

Using functional outcomes obtained from 6 RCTs (intention-to-treat population), intravenous alteplase before EVT resulted in 0.05 quality-adjusted life years gained at an additional $2817 compared with EVT alone, resulting in the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $62 287. Probabilistic analyses showed that intravenous alteplase before EVT had a probability of 45% and 54%, respectively, of being cost-effective at the $52 500 and $84 000 thresholds. Restricting functional outcomes from our post hoc modified as-treated analysis of 6 RCTs (scenario 1), European RCTs (scenario 2), or a Dutch RCT (scenario 3), intravenous alteplase before EVT was cost-effective in 64%, 81%, and 50% of simulations at the $52 500 threshold, and 79%, 91%, and 67% of simulations at the $84 000 threshold.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intravenous alteplase before EVT was not cost-effective in patients with large vessel occlusion in the Netherlands at the $52 500 threshold but possibly cost-effective at the $84 000 threshold. Variable functional outcomes at 3 months based on different trial populations affected the cost-effectiveness of intravenous alteplase before EVT.
Metoclopramide to Prevent Pneumonia in Patients With Stroke and a Nasogastric Tube: Data From the PRECIOUS Trial
Authors: Sluis Wouter M. , de Jonge Jeroen C. , Reinink Hendrik , Woodhouse Lisa J. , Westendorp Willeke F. , Bath Philip M. , van de Beek Diederik , van der Worp H. Bart ,   for the PRECIOUS Investigators
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

A randomized trial suggested that treatment with metoclopramide reduces the risk of pneumonia in patients with acute stroke and a nasogastric tube. We assessed whether this finding could be replicated in a post hoc analysis of the randomized PRECIOUS trial (Prevention of Complications to Improve Outcome in Elderly Patients With Acute Stroke).

METHODS:

PRECIOUS was an international, 3×2 partial-factorial, randomized controlled, open-label clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment assessing preventive treatment with metoclopramide, paracetamol, and ceftriaxone in patients aged ≥66 years with acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage and a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6. In the present study, we analyzed patients who had a nasogastric tube within 24 hours after randomization. Patients who were allocated to metoclopramide (10 mg TID) were compared with patients who were not. Treatment was started within 24 hours after symptom onset and continued for 4 days or until discharge if earlier. The primary outcome was pneumonia in the first week after stroke. The score on the modified Rankin Scale after 90 days was a secondary outcome and analyzed with ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS:

From April 2016 through June 2022, a total of 1493 patients were enrolled with 1376 included in this analysis, of whom 1185 (86%) had ischemic stroke and 191 (14%) had intracerebral hemorrhage. The first day after randomization, 329 (23.9%) patients had a nasogastric tube, of whom 156 were allocated to metoclopramide and 173 to standard care. Metoclopramide was not associated with a reduction of pneumonia (41.0% versus 35.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 0.79–2.30]) or with poor functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.71–1.61]).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with stroke who had a nasogastric tube shortly after stroke onset, metoclopramide for 4 days did not reduce pneumonia or have an effect on the functional outcome.
Atmospheric Moisture Decreases Midlatitude Eddy Kinetic Energy
Authors: Lutsko Nicholas J. , Martinez-Claros José , Koll Daniel D. B.
Published: August 2024

There is compelling evidence that atmospheric moisture may either increase or decrease midlatitude eddy kinetic energy (EKE). We reconcile these findings by using a hierarchy of idealized atmospheric models to demonstrate that moisture energizes individual eddies given fixed large-scale background winds and temperatures but makes those background conditions less favorable for eddy growth. For climates similar to the present day, the latter effect wins out, and moisture weakens midlatitude eddy activity. The model hierarchy includes a moist two-layer quasigeostrophic (QG) model and an idealized moist general circulation model (GCM). In the QG model, EKE increases when moisture is added to simulations with fixed baroclinicity, closely following a previously derived scaling. But in both models, moisture decreases EKE when environmental conditions are allowed to vary. We explain these results by examining the models’ mean available potential energy (MAPE) and by calculating terms in the models’ Lorenz energy cycles. In the QG model, the EKE decreases because precipitation preferentially forms on the poleward side of the jet, releasing latent heat where the model is relatively cold and decreasing the MAPE, hence the EKE. In the moist GCM, the MAPE primarily decreases because the midlatitude stability increases as the model is moistened, with reduced meridional temperature gradients playing a secondary role. Together, these results clarify moisture’s role in driving the midlatitude circulation and also highlight several drawbacks of QG models for studying moist processes in midlatitudes.

Significance Statement

Dry models of the atmosphere have played a central role in the study of large-scale atmospheric dynamics. But we know that moisture adds much complexity, associated with phase changes, its effect on atmospheric stability, and the release of latent heat during condensation. Here, we take an important step toward incorporating moisture into our understanding of midlatitude dynamics by reconciling two diverging lines of literature, which suggest that atmospheric moisture can either increase or decrease midlatitude eddy kinetic energy. We explain these opposing results by showing that moisture not only makes individual eddies more energetic but also makes the environment in which eddies form less favorable for eddy growth. For climates similar to the present day, the latter effect wins out such that moisture decreases atmospheric eddy kinetic energy. We demonstrate this point using several different idealized atmospheric models, which allow us to gradually add complexity and to smoothly vary between moist and dry climates. These results add fundamental understanding to how moisture affects midlatitude climates, including how its effects change in warmer and moisture climates, while also highlighting some drawbacks of the idealized atmospheric models.
Role of Tropical Disturbances along the South Asian Monsoon Trough in the 2022 Pakistan Floods and the Implications for Interannual Variability
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi G.
Published: August 2024

This study examined the atmospheric circulation patterns that were responsible for the severe flooding that occurred in Pakistan in 2022. It focused on the role of westward-propagating tropical disturbances (TDs) along the South Asian monsoon trough, which are associated with flood-related precipitation events. The study also investigated the interannual precipitation variation in Pakistan over 23 years from 2000 to 2022, using satellite-derived precipitation and atmospheric reanalysis. The results showed high precipitation in southern and central Pakistan, implying tropical influences. The precipitation was the highest in the past 23 years. The massive rainfall was brought by several TDs under the highest water vapor conditions, although a TD of South Asia climatologically tends to weaken before affecting Pakistan. Enhanced easterlies along the Indo-Gangetic Plain, part of the enhanced monsoon trough, supported high water vapor conditions over Pakistan. The high water vapor was also partly supported by the long-lasting active phase of the South Asian monsoon intraseasonal oscillation in 2022. Moreover, the La Niña condition increased moisture transport as a background. On an interannual time scale, the enhanced moisture flux over the Indo-Gangetic Plain resulted in higher precipitation over Pakistan, as occurred in 2022. These high (low) water vapor and precipitation can be partly explained by La Niña (El Niño). However, La Niña and El Niño may not control the TD activity over South Asia. Thus, for 2022, the high water vapor is somewhat empirically predictable, but the active TD activity can be coincidental.

Significance Statement

In 2022, Pakistan was hit by catastrophic flooding that affected 15% of the population. The analysis of the atmospheric circulation associated with the flooding indicates that weak but rain-bearing tropical disturbances played a significant role in flooding. Several tropical disturbances stayed or moved into Pakistan, bringing massive rainfall although, usually, they tend to weaken before hitting Pakistan. In the past 23 years, La Niña–related weather patterns have partly explained the year-to-year precipitation variation in Pakistan. However, in 2022, the unusually heavy flooding was due to the combined La Niña effect and tropical disturbance activity. Because it is still difficult to predict the seasonal tropical disturbance activity from La Niña, El Niño, and other climatic conditions, seasonal prediction of these floods remains challenging.
Stop leaving people with disability behind: Reviewing comprehensive sexuality education for people with disability
Authors: Andreassen Kim , Quain Jordina , Castell Emily
Published: August 2024

Background:

The pathologisation of people with disability1 has long affected the educational quality of the sexuality education they receive. Whilst concern for people with disability has been growing in some comprehensive sexuality education settings, the quality of education in these spaces is variable and typically accommodations for people with disability are not made. The lack of accessibility fosters few opportunities to learn about and practise skills related to establishing and maintaining social relationships, including platonic, romantic and sexual relationships, thereby limiting informed decision-making. Moreover, the lack of good quality sexuality education significantly increases the risk of sexual abuse, assault, and family and domestic violence – impacting people with disability’s self-determination, autonomy and ultimately, ability to work, live independently, and maintain their mental and physical health.

Objective:

Few reviews of comprehensive sexuality education programmes for people with disability have been reported. Therefore, four current comprehensive sexuality education programmes for people with disability were reviewed, including their content and the topics included; the feasibility of implementation including costs; different accessibility considerations for varied learners and disabilities; and methods of delivery. This allowed an assessment of their strengths and opportunities for people with disability.

Results:

The review highlighted strong positive changes occurring within the field, as well as challenges due to funding limitations, and the extensive number of topics under comprehensive sexuality education that need to be addressed in teaching and delivering quality comprehensive sexuality education to people with disability.

Conclusion:

Informed by the evidence in this review, we advocate for the inclusion of a more comprehensive range of topics, including gender and sexuality diversity within accessible comprehensive sexuality education for people with disability, and the establishment of appropriate forms of teacher education and training to increase confidence and comfort when delivering comprehensive sexuality education to people with disability.
Bridging the gaps in service delivery: Using social audit as tool of social work practice – Insights from short-term training course
Authors: Maske Sudhir , Roy Sanjoy , Thomas Sharlin Sara
Published: August 2024

This article explores the learning experience from a comprehensive training program to enhance the understanding and competencies of social work professionals in social audit. The aim is to share the research team and participants’ experience with social work professionals working in the areas of community empowerment, governance, and advocacy globally.
Causal mediation analysis: How to avoid fooling yourself that X causes Y
Authors: Lazic Stanley E
Published: August 2024

The purpose of many preclinical studies is to determine whether an experimental intervention affects an outcome through a particular mechanism, but the analytical methods and inferential logic typically used cannot answer this question, leading to erroneous conclusions about causal relationships, which can be highly reproducible. A causal mediation analysis can directly test whether a hypothesised mechanism is partly or completely responsible for a treatment’s effect on an outcome. Such an analysis can be easily implemented with modern statistical software. We show how a mediation analysis can distinguish between three different causal relationships that are indistinguishable when using a standard analysis.
What Has the Most Impact? An Exploration of Dual-Processing Systems in Hotel Booking Decisions
Authors: Kim Eun Joo , Raab Carola , Tanford Sarah
Published: August 2024

This research explores the role of dual-processing systems in evaluating complex information on online travel agency (OTA) websites, explicitly focusing on the transformative effects of multiple cues considering information sources. Two experimental studies were conducted to explore the processing modes of information using priming in assessing the impact of a controllable cue (brand in study 1 and scarcity in study 2 and an uncontrollable cue (customer ratings). The findings indicate that customer ratings function as a primary cue. With positive priming producing heuristics, the value of a brand offsets the negative impact of low ratings, while it is disregarded with high ratings. The perceived value of scarcity aligns consistently with customer ratings due to its inherent uncertainty with irrelevant priming triggering a systematic mode. This research advances the understanding of customers’ evaluation of complex information and suggests practical guidelines for implementing optimal marketing strategies in OTA settings.
Distributed state constraint containment control of multi-AUV formation with unknown control direction
Authors: Jing Ruijie , Sun Yanchao , Qin Hongde , Zhang Yuang , Feng Linsen
Published: August 2024

The control problem of multi-autonomous underwater vehicle (multi-AUV) formation systems is a hot issue in current research. The research goal is to make the formation have a more comprehensive ability to deal with emergencies under higher control accuracy. In this paper, input saturation, disturbances, and system uncertainties are considered. To achieve the convergence of system containment errors, a state constraint containment control method is proposed for multi-AUV systems with unknown control direction. Combined with unknown control direction, new auxiliary variables are constructed to compensate the input saturation. On this basis, the follower reference trajectories and errors are defined. To constrain some system states, the tan-type barrier Lyapunov function (TBLF) is proposed. The estimated values of system uncertainties and disturbances can be obtained by neural network. Compared to other works, the amount of data generated by neural network is further reduced by the optimized adaptive law in this study. The unknown control direction problem is handled based on Nussbaum function, and its limitation range is expanded. The designed control method ensures the stable operation of formation systems. The containment errors can converge to a small neighborhood of zero. By comparing the numerical simulation results with other work, the advantages of the control algorithm proposed in this paper has been verified.
Audience perceptions of AI-driven news presenters: A case of ‘Alice’ in Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndlovu Mphathisi
Published: August 2024

Digital innovations are transforming newsroom practices across the globe. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is upending and altering newsmaking and news distribution practices. Whilst there is existing literature on the ever-changing journalism practices due to AI tools in the Global North, scholarship on how these digital innovations are shaping African newsrooms has remained scant. This study uses the case of Alice, an AI-powered newsreader in Zimbabwe, to explore the audience perceptions of this digital innovation. Drawing upon Afrokology, and cultural studies as theoretical frameworks, this qualitative study derived data through digital ethnography and in-depth interviews. Findings demonstrate that there are mixed feelings on the appropriation and use of AI-driven news anchors. On the one hand, some audiences applaud the use of AI news anchors as innovative storytelling techniques. On the other hand, audiences are concerned with Alice’s lack of human emotion, poor accent and perceive her as a threat to traditional journalists’ jobs. Some of the resistance towards Alice indicate a need for decolonising the AI tools in the newsrooms.
How are global university rankings adjusted for erroneous science, fraud and misconduct? Posterior reduction or adjustment in rankings in response to retractions and invalidation of scientific findings
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: August 2024

Global university rankings (GURs), such as the Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THE WUR), Quacquarelli Symonds University World Rankings (QS UWR) and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) are positively incremental, that is, they do not reflect any level of penalisation in response to unscholarly activity, especially in the field of research and publication. In the light of an increasing trend in fraud, such as the use of paper mills and authorship-for-sale schemes, this letter proposes that GURs need to be reduced, or penalised, in response to cases of misconduct and instances of retractions. In the absence of a transparent corrective system, GURs will be further criticised for being unfair, biased and not reflective of an evolving and unstable academic publishing ecosystem.
The Carousel of Gendering and Othering: Women Australian Rules Footballers’ Affective Experiences of Digital Self-Tracking
Authors: Bowell Paul , Scifleet Paul , Pechenkina Ekaterina , Sherry Emma
Published: August 2024

This article investigates the affective experiences of Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) players’ digital self-tracking. The research finds that digital self-tracking amplifies the objective metrics of physical activity at the expense of sensed and felt bodily experiences. This is leading to consternation and confusion and is challenging for athletes establishing a professional sporting identity in the emergent AFLW. A digital ethnography comprising interviews, qualitative reflective surveys, and video re-enactments was conducted with eight AFLW footballers. Insights were also sought with four AFLW fitness staff who oversee their clubs’ tracking programs. The findings indicate that AFLW footballers experienced digital self-tracking through a carousel of gendering and othering which needed sense-checking and self-management, resulting in increased emotional labor. The footballers were socially expected to engage in digital self-tracking; this engagement elevated the athlete's sporting identity offering legitimacy and credibility as footballers. However, the subprofessional infrastructure supporting the AFLW resulted in digital self-tracking becoming a contested and confounding practice. These confounding experiences reminded the footballers of their gendered positionality: space invaders to the game. This study extends research and scholarship pertaining to athlete interactions with digital technology and broadens understandings of how social constructions of gender, technology, and sport impact athletes in emergent sporting arenas.
Evaluation of the Handover Training Program Given to Nursing Students Using the Kirkpatrick Model: A Quasi-Experimental Observational Study
Authors: Akcoban Sumeyye , Gungor Serap , Dirgar Ezgı , Tosun Betul
Published: August 2024

Background:

Patient handover training given to nursing students is important to ensure patient safety. There are a variety of evaluation models that can be used to evaluate the impact of education in nursing, one of which is the Kirkpatrick model.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the patient handover training given to nursing students according to the Kirkpatrick model.

Methods:

A pretest and posttest design was used with a convenience sample of 33 nursing students. The training provided was evaluated according to the reaction, learning, behavior, and result levels of the Kirkpatrick model. In the study, data were collected by researchers observing students through face-to-face interactions and bedside observations using Handoff Evaluation Scale (Handoff CEX).

Results:

It was found that 42.1% of the nursing students practiced verbal, 19.7% taped, and 36.8% bedside handovers before the training, while all the students practiced taped, verbal, and bedside handovers after the training. While the mean (SD) scores of patient handover (2.87 [0.95]) were at an insufficient level before the training, the scores after the training (7.12 [1.06]) increased to a high level. The difference between the mean patient handover scores before and after the training was statistically significant ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

After the training provided in the study, it was observed that nursing students improved their patient handover levels and styles, handover participation, and information transfer. Patient handover training given to undergraduate student nurses can be evaluated using the Kirkpatrick model.
Exploring the Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Compassionate Communication in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Arpacı Rabia , Karasu Fatma , Ayar Duygu
Published: August 2024

Background:

The main purposes of the nursing profession are to protect and improve health and to prevent and heal diseases. It is crucial to investigate the factors that can influence nurses’ ability to enhance their performance in their professional lives and conduct the nursing care process more qualitatively and effectively.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the association between emotional intelligence and compassionate communication in nurses.

Methods:

This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 140 nurses working in various units of the public hospital in Kilis, Turkey. Data were collected through a demographic information form, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Compassionate Communication Scale.

Results:

It was determined that nurses’ emotional intelligence and compassionate communication were above average. A significant association was found between nurses’ emotional intelligence and compassionate communication ( F = 16.08, P < .001) and emotional intelligence explains 10% of the variance in compassionate communication ( R = 0.323, R2 = 0.104).

Conclusions:

Emotional intelligence and compassionate communication should be taken into consideration so that nurses can recognize and understand patients’ emotions, alleviate their hurt, and deliver delicate, kind, and compassionate care.
Surgical management of systemic right ventricular failure
Authors: Masaki Shota , Itatani Keiichi , Shibata Toshihiko , Suda Hisao
Published: August 2024

Severe systemic right ventricular failure with tricuspid regurgitation is associated with poor prognosis. Here, we report a case of 49-year-old patient who experienced severe systemic right ventricular failure following atrial switch. We chose the surgical strategy for this challenging case using comprehensive four-dimensional imaging. The patient underwent tricuspid valve repair and cardiac resynchronization therapy and recovered with improved cardiac function and regulated tricuspid valve regurgitation.
Making meaning from the “yo no se:” Agency and truth-telling in Salvadoran women
Authors: Tejada Karen , Navas Natalia
Published: August 2024

In this article, we provide lessons learned from studying the ‘reticent’ participants–those whose answers to our questions ranged from “I don’t know” to “minding my own business” to an overpowering silence. These questions were posed to different Salvadoran women residing on Long Island, NY, and were based on two separate research projects–one examining diaspora politics and the other looking at community-policing relations. While combing through the interviews for patterns and themes for our respective research projects, we found combining our analyses helped us discover there is a lot to learn from the “yo no se” (“I don’t know”) responses. We argue this response is an entry point for us, as researchers, to strengthen our qualitative toolbox and, here, we provide tools for how to do this. We call on qualitative scholars to not ignore the silences or “I don’t know” responses and instead see this as a journey to discover the ‘aha’ moments.
Adult rat ultrasonic vocalizations and reward: Effects of propranolol and repeated cocaine administration
Authors: Erden Leyla , Sundarakrishnan Adithi , Clarke Paul BS
Published: August 2024

Background:

Mechanisms underlying psychostimulant euphoria remain poorly understood. In adult rats, positive emotional states are associated with alterations in 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs): specifically, “trill” calls are promoted over “flat” calls. Here, we investigated the effects of acute and repeated cocaine administration, and—based on previous findings with amphetamine—their possible dependence on beta-adrenergic receptors.

Methods:

Adult male Long-Evans rats received intraperitoneal drug or saline injections before daily USV recording. Fourteen 50-kHz call subtypes were analyzed. In Experiments 1 and 2, cocaine (1–10 mg/kg) and propranolol (10 mg/kg) were tested alone. In Experiment 3, propranolol/cocaine interactions were sought within a conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure. Experiment 4 investigated acute and chronic cocaine effects (Phase 1), and propranolol/cocaine interactions either in an open field (Phase 2) or within a CPP procedure (Phase 3).

Results:

In drug-naïve animals, cocaine increased the 50-kHz call rate, with sensitization developing rapidly. After more extended exposure, cocaine now also increased the relative prevalence of trill versus flat calls; effects on other subtypes were also revealed. The beta-blocker propranolol prevented neither cocaine CPP nor cocaine effects on USV emission or locomotion but exerted significant USV-related effects when given alone. CPP magnitude and USV-related measures were uncorrelated.

Conclusions:

With long-term intraperitoneal administration, cocaine can alter the relative prevalence of several 50-kHz call subtypes; its ability to promote trill versus flat calls, in particular, is consistent with a positive affect interpretation. Cocaine’s behavioral effects (i.e., USV-related, locomotor, CPP) appear independent of beta-adrenergic receptor activity.
Crossmodal to unimodal transfer of temporal perceptual learning
Authors: Zhao Xing-Nan , Guan Shu-Chen , Xiong Ying-Zi , Yu Cong
Published: August 2024

Subsecond temporal processing is crucial for activities requiring precise timing. Here, we investigated perceptual learning of crossmodal (auditory–visual or visual–auditory) temporal interval discrimination (TID) and its impacts on unimodal (visual or auditory) TID performance. The research purpose was to test whether learning is based on a more abstract and conceptual representation of subsecond time, which would predict crossmodal to unimodal learning transfer. The experiments revealed that learning to discriminate a 200-ms crossmodal temporal interval, defined by a pair of visual and auditory stimuli, significantly reduced crossmodal TID thresholds. Moreover, the crossmodal TID training also minimized unimodal TID thresholds with a pair of visual or auditory stimuli at the same interval, even if crossmodal TID thresholds are multiple times higher than unimodal TID thresholds. Subsequent training on unimodal TID failed to reduce unimodal TID thresholds further. These results indicate that learning of high-threshold crossmodal TID tasks can benefit low-threshold unimodal temporal processing, which may be achieved through training-induced improvement of a conceptual representation of subsecond time in the brain.
Teaching introductory biomechanics course in low resource environment
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek Kumar , Sinha Prateek , Prasad Jitendra , Badhyal Subham , Joseph Soni
Published: August 2024

Biomechanics originates at the interface of engineering mechanics and biological science. Biomechanics is an essential course for students of various disciplines, such as sports medicine, kinesiology, exercise science, orthopedics, medical sciences, biomedical engineering, and biological sciences. An introductory biomechanics course involves concepts of biology, mathematics, and mechanics that students find difficult to understand. This results in incomplete and ineffective learning of biomechanical concepts. The professional competence of a biomechanics student significantly depends on learning outcomes. Designing and developing an effective instructional methodology for an introductory biomechanics course that can improve students’ learning outcomes is challenging. Teaching a biomechanics course in a low-resource environment lacking expensive biomechanics experiment equipment and commercial software is an additional challenge. Literature suggests that active learning instructional techniques can help overcome these challenges. The present study reviews active learning methods such as Experiential Learning, Problem-based Learning, Challenge-based Instructions, Just-in-Time Teaching, Game-based Learning, and Mobile Learning, which have the potential to enhance the learning outcomes of biomechanics students during an introductory biomechanics course. The present study also discusses the possibility and effectiveness of these pedagogical approaches while teaching an introductory biomechanics course in low-resource environments. A curriculum designed (lecture and laboratory modules) for effectively delivering biomechanics courses to students in low-resource environments has been suggested. This study also highlights open-source software packages and tools that are helpful for teaching and learning introductory biomechanics in low-resource settings.
Statecraft at the frontier of capitalism: A grounded view from China
Authors: Wu Fulong , Deng Handuo , Feng Yi , Wang Weikai , Wang Ying , Zhang Fangzhu
Published: August 2024

The death of urban entrepreneurialism is proclaimed surprisingly by opposite conceptualisations of austerity urbanism and radical municipalism. This paper argues that rather than seeing them as contrasting types, post-pandemic statecraft reflects the increasing tension and entanglement between capitalistic and territorial logic. From the ground of Chinese urban governance, we illustrate how Chinese statecraft maintains state strategic and extra-economic intention through deploying and mobilising market and society – to create its own agents and to co-opt those that are already existent or emerging. This statecraft is illustrated through community building, urban development, and regional formation.
Political geography I: Blue geopolitics
Authors: Jones Reece
Published: August 2024

This report provides an overview of contemporary scholarship on the political geographies of oceans. While oceans were overlooked for many years as theories of sovereignty, territory, and borders focused on terrestrial politics, the significant impact of climate change resulted in a new focus on the role oceans place in global environmental and political systems. At the same time, the enclosure of over 40 percent of the oceans as territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and extended continental shelves through the Convention on the Law of the Sea produced burgeoning literature on maritime borders and conflicts. The report proposes the concept of blue geopolitics to capture an oceanic turn in political geography theories.
Residence-Workplace Identification and Validation Based on Mobile Phone Data: A Case Study in a Large-Scale Urban Agglomeration in China
Authors: Zhou Yang , Yuan Quan , Yang Chao , Guo Tangyi , Ma Xiaoyi , Sun Wenyong , Yang Tianren
Published: August 2024

Residence-workplace identification is a fundamental task in mobile phone data analysis, but it faces certain challenges in sparse data processing and results validation because of the lack of ground-truth labels. Previous studies have generally relied on frequency-based methods for inference and trip-based metrics for validation, posing limitations in reliability and efficiency. This paper aims to fill this gap by developing a systematic approach that ranges from data error categorization and processing, feature relevance examination and parameter optimization, and the development of performance metrics considering both residence and workplace validation. For residence-workplace identification, we use a spatiotemporal closeness criterion to deal with the sparsity of data and develop effective dwelling time to enhance frequency-based methods, using one-month cellular signaling records from nine cities in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration in China. For validation, we propose a residence-workplace pair metric based on the population-adjusted number of users, enabling more efficient evaluation of home and work locations than trip-based metrics. Results show that the mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) for the Nanjing and Shanghai cases are 5.04% and 8.46%, respectively. Adopted and verified in the large-scale urban agglomeration, the proposed method would be reliable for extracting residence and workplace from low-resolution mobile phone data and contributing to a more accurate identification of urban commuting patterns.
Outcomes of Medial Closing-Wedge Distal Femoral Osteotomy for Femoral- and Tibial-Based Valgus Deformity
Authors: Maione Alessio , Ricci Martina , Calanna Filippo , Parmigiani Matteo D. , Menon Alessandra , Usellini Eva , Randelli Pietro S. , Berruto Massimo
Published: August 2024

Background:

In carefully selected patients with an arthritic valgus knee, distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) can improve symptoms at medium- to long-term follow-up, reducing osteoarthritis progression. To date, there is no clear evidence in the current literature regarding the role of postoperative joint line obliquity (JLO) in valgus deformity correction.

Purpose:

To assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of medial closing-wedge DFO (MCW-DFO) for the treatment of valgus knees, considering both tibial- and femoral-based deformities, as well as to verify the efficacy and safety of MCW-DFO according to JLO boundaries (≤4°).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients with valgus knees. Patients were divided into 2 groups: femoral-based valgus (FB-V) and tibial-based valgus (TB-V). Knee radiographs were collected before surgery and at the last follow-up. The clinical outcome was evaluated through several validated scores (International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Society Score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Tegner, Numeric Rating Scale, Crosby-Insall).

Results:

A total of 30 patients (34 knees) with a mean age of 49.3 ± 9.1 years were included in the study. The overall mean follow-up was 9.4 ± 5.9 years. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle was 187.6°± 3.3° (range, 181.5°-191°) and the postoperative angle was 180°± 3.1° (range, 176°-185°). Most postoperative JLOs were within the safe zone of ≤4° in both groups (the postoperative JLO was >4° in 4 patients in the TB-V group and 1 patient in the FB-V group), although FB-V knees exhibited significant superior JLO correction (postoperative JLO in the TB-V group: mean, 4.0°± 2.5° [ P = .1]; postoperative JLO in the FB-V group: mean, 2.4°± 1.4° [ P = .5]). Significant improvements in all clinical scores were observed in both groups ( P < .01). Additionally, the severity of the osteoarthritis did not worsen at the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

MCW-DFO is an effective procedure for treating pathological valgus knees, regardless of the site of the deformity. Both FB-V and TB-V groups showed comparable improvements in the clinical scores, development of osteoarthritis, and the restoration of a neutral mechanical axis. Notably, FB-V knees achieved more JLO correction compared with the TB-V ones.
Examination of Measures of Perfectionism for Structural and Measurement Invariance in an Italian and a Canadian Sample
Authors: Cai Nicolle , Dang Silvain S. , Cheli Simone , Cavalletti Veronica , Flett Gordon L. , Hewit Paul L.
Published: August 2024

Perfectionism measures developed in English-speaking populations have become frequently used in many non-English contexts, including in Italy. Establishing structural and measurement equivalence of instruments between Canadian and Italian samples is therefore important in establishing the validity of these concepts and instruments in Italian contexts, and to allow for direct cross-cultural comparisons. The current study investigated the measurement equivalence between a Canadian and an Italian sample for the commonly used measures of perfectionism constructs based on the Comprehensive Model of Perfectionistic Behavior. The Hewitt & Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale, and the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory were examined for configural, metric, and scalar invariance via equivalence testing of multigroup confirmatory factor analysis models. The results showed some evidence for configural and metric equivalence for the three measures, thus facilitating cross-cultural interpretation of pattern of associations. However, there was no consistent evidence for scalar invariance, thus suggesting that direct comparisons of perfectionism levels between the two contexts cannot be meaningfully interpreted. This highlights the need for research in both Canadian and Italian contexts to understand cross-cultural differences and similarities in perfectionism.
Retrospective cohort study identifying pulmonary complications in a cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Johnson Jessica S , Zhang Chao , Littlejohn Emily
Published: August 2024

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with multi organ involvement. One of the most common manifestations is pulmonary disease with a reported prevalence between 5%–90%.

Purpose

Given this wide range of prevalence, there is a need to more closely define types of pulmonary disease in SLE and associated risk factors.

Research Design

We sought to characterize the presentation of pulmonary manifestations in an established SLE cohort using electronic health record data.

Study Sample

All patients were >18 years of age and had confirmed SLE by a rheumatologist using SLICC or 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. 220 patients with imaging were included in this study; average age was 42.5 years, 86.7% identified as female, 60.5% identified as white, 37.3% as Black, and 1.82% as Asian.

Analysis

Generalized estimating equations were utilized to analyze the data, accounting for its repeated measured nature.

Results

We found an association between smoking (present/prior smoker) and radiologist reported disease on computerized tomography (CT) scan, as well as an association between smoking (present/prior smoker), older age, and male sex with having pulmonary disease identified on chest X-ray. The most common findings on CT and X-ray were increased lung density (24%, 12%) and atelectasis (18%, 10%). The most common disease found on CT was pleural effusion (24%) and mediastinal/axillary lymphadenopathy (16%).

Conclusion

While our study is limited by the retrospective nature, our results show that certain factors, namely smoking, older age, or male sex should prompt clinicians to have a higher suspicion for lung disease in SLE patients.
EEG Cortical Sources of Theta, Beta and  Gamma Frequencies Orchestrate  Audio–Visual Interactions
Authors: Dubey Manisha , Chitturi Vinay , Tayade Prashant , Sharma Ratna , Kaur Simran
Published: August 2024

Background

The fascinating ability of brain to integrate information from multiple sensory inputs has intrigued many researchers. Audio–visual (AV) interaction is a form of multisensory integration which we encounter to form meaningful representations of the environment around us. There is limited literature related to the underlying neural mechanisms.

Purpose

Quantitative EEG (QEEG), a tool with high temporal resolution can be used to understand cortical sources of AV interactions.

Methods

EEG data was recorded using 128 channels from 30 healthy subjects using audio, visual and AV stimuli in ‘object detection task’. Electrical source imaging was performed using s-LORETA across seven frequency bands (lower alpha 1, lower alpha 2, upper alpha, beta, delta, gamma, theta) during AV versus unimodal conditions across 66 gyri.

Results

The cortical sources were activated in the theta, beta, and gamma bands in cross modal versus unimodal conditions, which we propose, reflect neural communication for AV interaction network. The cortical sources constituted areas involved with visual processing, auditory processing, established multisensory (frontotemporal cortex, parietal cortex, middle temporal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus) and potential multisensory areas (paracentral, postcentral and subcallosal).

Conclusion

Together, these results offer an integrative view of cortical areas in frequency oscillations during AV interactions.