bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Record of New Tapeworm, Lytocestus Alii n.sp. from Freshwater Fish Clarias batrachus, (Bleeker, 1862) at Amravati, Maharashtra, India
Authors: W. Sawarkar B.
Published: August 2012

Nine specimens of the cestode parasites were recovered from the intestine of Clarias batrachus at Amravati, in the month of March, 1984. They were stained in Borax carmine, whole mount and histological slides of the worm were prepared for detail studies. The mature flattened specimens were long, cylindrical and measure 4.805 in length and 0.674-1.484 in breadth. Morphology and anatomy of the worm is fully discussed in this paper.
A Comparative Study of Dislocations in HVPE GaN Layers by High-Resolution X-Ray Diffraction and Selective Wet Etching
Authors: Ivantsov Vladimir , Volkova Anna
Published: August 2012

It has been shown during the present study that the E-etching at elevated temperatures can be adopted for the dislocation etching in hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE) GaN layers. It has been found that the X-ray diffraction (XRD) evaluation of the dislocation density in the thicker than 6 μm epilayers using conventional Williamson-Hall plots and Dunn-Koch equation is in an excellent agreement with the results of the elevated-temperature E-etching. The dislocation distribution measured for 2-inch GaN-on-sapphire substrate suggests strongly the influence of the inelastic thermal stresses on the formation of the final dislocation pattern in the epilayer.
Retrospective Study of Japanese Patients with Schizophrenia Treated with Aripiprazole
Authors: Tanioka Tetsuya , Fuji Syoko , Kataoka Mika , King Beth , Tomotake Masahito , Yasuhara Yuko , Locsin Rozzano , Sekido Keiko , Mifune Kazushi
Published: August 2012

Aim. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate changes in clinical indicators which influence the quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia treated by antipsychotic therapy before and after switching to aripiprazole. Methods. A retrospective chart review of 27 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and who were switched from one antipsychotic to aripiprazole was performed. Clinical indicators about the daily dosage of antipsychotics and antiparkinsonian drugs, psychiatric condition, and glucose/lipid metabolism, clinical evaluation by nursing observation were used to measure the responsiveness of subjects to aripiprazole. Results. Of the 27 subjects, 14 responded to the switch to aripiprazole with significant improvement of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score (P=0.04), significant decrease in dosage of antipsychotics in 71% of patients (P=0.03), and tendency toward reduction in dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs (P=0.07) and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.06). However, 8 of 27 subjects had a significant increase in lipid levels after switching to aripiprazole (P=0.01). Conclusion. QOL for subjects who responded to the switch to aripiprazole improved as indicated by lower doses of antipsychotic and antiparkinson medications, improvement in BPRS score, and a decrease in BMI. Results indicate little influence on patient's QOL.
A Comparative Evaluation of a Mesoscale Model and Atmospheric Global Circulation Model for Air Quality Simulation: A Multiscale, Multisite Evaluation
Authors: Goswami P. , Baruah J.
Published: August 2012

Concentrations of atmospheric pollutants are strongly influenced by meteorological parameters like rainfall, relative humidity and wind advection. Thus accurate specifications of the meteorological fields, and their effects on pollutants, are critical requirements for successful modelling of air pollution. In terms of their applications, pollutant concentration models can be used in different ways; in one, short term high resolution forecasts are generated to predict and manage urban pollution. Another application of dynamical pollution models is to generate outlook for a given airbasin, such as over a large city. An important question is application-specific model configuration for the meteorological simulations. While a meso-scale model provides a high-resolution configuration, a global model allows better simulation of large-sale fields through its global environment. Our objective is to comparatively evaluate a meso-scale atmospheric model (MM5) and atmospheric global circulation model (AGCM) in simulating different species of pollutants over different airbasins. In this study we consider four locations: ITO (Central Delhi), Sirifort (South Delhi), Bandra (Mumbai) and Karve Road (Pune). The results show that both the model configurations provide comparable skills in simulation of monthly and annual loads, although the skill of the meso-scale model is somewhat higher, especially at shorter time scales.
Challenges Faced by the Intensive Care Unit during a Terrorist Attack: The Riyadh Experience
Authors: Al-Shimemeri Abdullah
Published: August 2012

Background. Globally, we are facing a “terror epidemic” with incidences of terrorist attacks on innocent civilians increasing worldwide. The volume and nature of injuries resulting from such attacks challenge even the most sophisticated and well-prepared trauma systems and health institutions. Over seventy percent of terror attacks involve bomb explosions with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) resulting in a unique pattern of injuries to the victims. Here, we present data on the terrorist attacks on the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between March 1991 to the present and discuss in retrospect the event outcomes and features which may be useful for the preparedness of the intensive care unit (ICU) in the wake of future attacks. Methods. Data from nine hospitals in Riyadh that catered to patients during terrorist strikes were collected retrospectively. Details of the incidents were collected from news media archives. Results. The majority of terror strikes (~80%) involved a bomb blast with the use of explosives. The victims included 148 casualties, 45 hospitalizations, 103 discharges after first aid, and 3 incidences of admission to the critical care unit. Conclusion. Using the Riyadh experience, we analyze data and the series of events in the ICU following terrorist explosions. The analysis provides important insights for the trauma unit so that it is better prepared and organized for such incidents in the future.
Evaluation of the Appropriate Age Range of Colorectal Cancer Screening Based on the Changing Epidemiology in the Past 20 Years in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Huan-Cheng , Horng Jorng-Tzong , Lin Wen-Chu , Lai Hsin-Wen , Chang Cheng-Wei , Chen Tzu-An
Published: August 2012

Introduction. According to the recommendation of the United States Preventative Services Task Force, most countries provide average-risk screening for colorectal cancers (CRCs) between the ages of 50 and 75 years. However, the age range of screening should be modified because of an increasing life span. Methods. Totally 124,314 CRC cases were registered in Taiwan Cancer Registry from 1988 to 2007. The 20-year study period was divided into four 5-year increments. We divided the patients into four age groups (under age 50, age 50–74, age 74–84, and over age 85) in each increment to determine whether there were changes in the age distribution. Results. In the subgroup of patients under age 50, the number of CRC cases increased, but they accounted for a decreasing proportion of the total CRCs. In the 50–74 age group, the proportion of CRC cases also dropped. In contrast, the proportion increased in the 75–84 age group. Therefore, 43.63% of CRC patients would not be delegated to screen in the period of 2003–2007 if the CRC screening were restricted in the 50–74 age group. Conclusions. CRC screening for healthy individuals aged over 75 years is necessary.
Visiting Policies in the Adult Intensive Care Units in the Netherlands: Survey among ICU Directors
Authors: Noordermeer Kalinka , Rijpstra Tom A. , Newhall David , Pelle Aline J. M. , van der Meer Nardo J. M.
Published: August 2012

Introduction. Admission to the ICU is a significant event for patients and their families and is often accompanied by stress, anxiety and depression. Literature shows that implementation of “unrestricted visiting policy” (UP) can potentially alleviate psychologically distressing elements of ICU admission. Methods. A web-based questionnaire was sent to all ICU’s concerning three main topics: general ICU information, detailed visiting policy information, and rationale for the chosen policy. Results. 87.1% of ICU’s retain “restricted visiting policies” (RVP; ≤five visiting hours per day). Knowledge about the current literature was overall 60.8%. There is an UP in two academic hospitals and a “partly restricted policy” (PRP; >5 visiting hours per day but <24) in two academic, two large teaching and five general hospitals. Mean permissible duration in ICU’s with a RVP was
min versus min in the PRP. Conclusion. Nine out of ten ICU’s still have a restricted visiting policy. The main reasons cited for a restricted visiting policy were potential interference with the daily clinical routine and privacy. A better knowledge of the current literature in combination with infrastructural changes might improve patients’ outcome by reducing stress for the patient and its family.
Recent Developments in Precise Point Positioning
Authors: Bisnath S. , Collins P.
Published: August 2012

In standard Precise Point Positioning (PPP), the carrier phase ambiguities are estimated as real-valued constants, so that the carrier-phases can provide similar information as the pseudoranges. As a consequence, it can take tens of minutes to several hours for the ambiguities to converge to suitably precise values. Recently, new processing methods have been identified that permit the ambiguities to be estimated more appropriately as integer-valued constants, as they are in relative Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning. Under these conditions, standard ambiguity resolution techniques can be applied to strengthen the PPP solution. The result can be a greatly reduced solution convergence and re-convergence period, representing a significant step toward improving the performance of PPP with respect to that of RTK processing. This paper describes the underlying principles of the method, why the enhancements work, and presents some results.
Two-Stage Hidden Markov Model in Gesture Recognition for Human Robot Interaction
Authors: Nguyen-Duc-Thanh Nhan , Lee Sungyoung , Kim Donghan
Published: August 2012

Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is very rich in mathematical structure and hence can form the theoretical basis for use in a wide range of applications including gesture representation. Most research in this field, however, uses only HMM for recognizing simple gestures, while HMM can definitely be applied for whole gesture meaning recognition. This is very effectively applicable in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). In this paper, we introduce an approach for HRI in which not only the human can naturally control the robot by hand gesture, but also the robot can recognize what kind of task it is executing. The main idea behind this method is the 2-stages Hidden Markov Model. The 1st HMM is to recognize the prime command-like gestures. Based on the sequence of prime gestures that are recognized from the 1st stage and which represent the whole action, the 2nd HMM plays a role in task recognition. Another contribution of this paper is that we use the output Mixed Gaussian distribution in HMM to improve the recognition rate. In the experiment, we also complete a comparison of the different number of hidden states and mixture components to obtain the optimal one, and compare to other methods to evaluate this performance.
Planning and Control of Stable Walking for a 3D Bipedal Robot
Authors: Shih Ching-Long , Lee Wen-Yo , Wu Chia-Pin
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a time-invariant feedback controller that simultaneously regulates the ZMP (zero-moment point) position and the joint configuration of a 3D biped in order to achieve an asymptotically, periodic walking gait for a 3D bipedal robot with feet. The cyclic walking gait is composed of a successive single-support phase and an impulsive impact with full plane-contact between the feet and the ground. The biped robot has 10 DOFs (degrees of freedom) in the single-support phase and 10 actuators. In order to avoid the unexpected rotation of the supporting foot, the position of the ZMP in the horizontal plane has to be controlled. It is also desired that the feedback controller tracks a parameterized reference trajectory to achieve walking stability. We use the method of virtual constraints previously implemented for controlling point-feet bipedal robots to create a set of parameterized reference walking trajectories. By creating the hybrid zero dynamics, an orbital stability study with Poincaré map is evaluated in a reduced space. We then design a supplemental event-based feedback controller to enhance walking stability. The walking gait has an average walking speed of 0.76m/sec (or 0.72 body lengths per second) in the simulation study.
A New Hybrid Control Architecture to Attenuate Large Horizontal Wind Disturbance for a Small-Scale Unmanned Helicopter
Authors: Zhu Xiaorui , Zeng Wenwu , Li Zexiang , Zheng Chunyang
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a novel method to attenuate large horizontal wind disturbance for a small-scale unmanned autonomous helicopter combining wind tunnel-based experimental data and a backstepping algorithm. Large horizontal wind disturbance is harmful to autonomous helicopters, especially to small ones because of their low inertia and the high cross-coupling effects among the multiple inputs. In order to achieve more accurate and faster attenuation of large wind disturbance, a new hybrid control architecture is proposed to take advantage of the direct force/moment compensation based on the wind tunnel experimental data. In this architecture, large horizontal wind disturbance is treated as an additional input to the control system instead of a small perturbation around the equilibrium state. A backstepping algorithm is then designed to guarantee the stable convergence of the helicopter to the desired position. The proposed technique is finally evaluated in simulation on the platform, HIROBO Eagle, compared with a traditional wind velocity compensation method.
A Novel Biometric Identification Based on a User's Input Pattern Analysis for Intelligent Mobile Devices
Authors: Seo Hojin , Kim Eunjin , Kim Huy Kang
Published: August 2012

As intelligent mobile devices become more popular, security threats targeting them are increasing. The resource constraints of mobile devices, such as battery life and computing power, however, make it harder to handle such threats effectively. The existing physical and behavioural biometric identification methods - looked upon as good alternatives - are unsuitable for the current mobile environment. This paper proposes a specially designed biometric identification method for intelligent mobile devices by analysing the user's input patterns, such as a finger's touch duration, pressure level and the touching width of the finger on the touch screen. We collected the input pattern data of individuals to empirically test our method. Our testing results show that this method effectively identifies users with near a 100% rate of accuracy.
Clearing the Way for a Life-Centered Ethic for Business
Authors: Norton Bryan G. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

I agree with much of Freeman and Reichart’s paper; so, by way of comment, I will simply supplement his argument in two ways. First, agreeing with their conclusion that we can, and should, re-direct business toward environmental protection without embracing a nonanthropocentric ethic, I will show that the pre-occupation of recent and contemporary environmental ethics with the anthropocentrism/non-anthropocentrism debate is avoidable. It rests on a misinterpretation of possible moral responses to the arrogance with which Western science, technology, and culture has treated nature. A better understanding of the history of the idea of nonanthropocentrism will, I believe, strengthen Freeman and Reichart’s case for pluralism in environmental ethics and values. Second, I will emphasize several points that seem to me to fit well with Freeman and Reichart’s approach, and which would provide important detailing for the type of approach he sketches, arguing that much hard intellectual work stands between us and a satisfactory, and useful, but pluralistic, and life-centered ethic for business and the environment.
Seeking A Balance
Authors: Derry Robbin ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

Growth in entrepreneurial activity has been associated with the establishment of new markets, the development of new products, and increases in national and international income disparity. Before embracing all market activity as good and beneficial, we should carefully consider the environmental and social impacts that have followed the adoption of social values, which confer status with increased ownership and consumption. These impacts include severely entrenched poverty, increased consumption of disposable products leading to increased solid waste, increased consumption of nonrenewable resources, and high rates of personal bankruptcy. To counteract these trends, a balance of ecologizing and economizing drives is required within entrepreneurial activity.
Entrepreneurship As Economics With Imagination
Authors: Sarasvathy Saras D. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

To date, economics has failed to develop a useful theory of entrepreneurship because of its inability to break out of the static equilibrium framework and the modeling of success/failure as a 0-1 variable. Entrepreneurship research also has not achieved this task due to its preoccupation with the quest for “the successful entrepreneur” and/or the successful firm. This essay calls for a new vocabulary for entrepreneurship, consisting of (1) a plural notion of the entrepreneurial process as a stream of successes and failures, wherein failure management becomes the key science of entrepreneurship; (2) an effectual notion of bringing together particular entrepreneurs and particular environments through creative action; and (3) a contingent notion of aspirations that places imagination at the center stage of economics. Together, the new vocabulary allows us to ask new questions and develop new approaches that allow entrepreneurship to tackle the central task of imagination in economics, i.e., to create from the society we have to live in, the society we want to live in.
To Propagate and to Prosper
Authors: Radin Tara J. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

This article examines the contribution of nature and the sciences toward a deeper understanding of business. Integrating these disciplines with stakeholder theory opens up new avenues for thinking about business that will potentially offer greater success in addressing the disconnect between moral discretion and the behavior of businesspeople. The specific focus is on integration of modern Darwinism (evolutionary psychology) and business theory. According to modern Darwinism, there are insufficient resources for all genes to reproduce. Natural selection occurs as genes compete to reproduce and those best suited for survival are able to reproduce. During the struggle, human beings are motivated by impulses intended to further reproduction, which lead them into many fruitful endeavors—such as participation in corporations. As genes strive to be passed on to the next generation, a consequence is their contribution to productivity and prosperity. By developing insight into the evolutionary process, we can create mechanisms that help us to manage human behavior in order to promote moral behavior. Connecting people with their natural selves provides for a more robust understanding of business.
Respiratory Physiology on a Chip
Authors: Kumar Mahto Sanjeev , Tenenbaum-Katan Janna , Sznitman Josué
Published: August 2012

Our current understanding of respiratory physiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of lung diseases is often limited by challenges in developingin vitromodels faithful to the respiratory environment, both in cellular structure and physiological function. The recent establishment and adaptation of microfluidic-basedin vitrodevices (μFIVDs) of lung airways have enabled a wide range of developments in modern respiratory physiology. In this paper, we address recent efforts over the past decade aimed at advancingin vitromodels of lung structure and airways using microfluidic technology and discuss their applications. We specifically focus onμFIVDs covering four major areas of respiratory physiology, namely, artificial lungs (AL), the air-liquid interface (ALI), liquid plugs and cellular injury, and the alveolar-capillary barrier (ACB).
Histopathology of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum and Related Disorders: Histological Hallmarks and Diagnostic Clues
Authors: Hosen Mohammad J. , Lamoen Anouck , De Paepe Anne , Vanakker Olivier M.
Published: August 2012

Among ectopic mineralization disorders, pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)—a rare genodermatosis associated with ocular and cardiovascular manifestations—is considered a paradigm disease. The symptoms of PXE are the result of mineralization and fragmentation of elastic fibers, the exact pathophysiology of which is incompletely understood. Though molecular analysis of the causal gene,ABCC6, has a high mutation uptake, a skin biopsy has until now been considered the golden standard to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Although the histological hallmarks of PXE are rather specific, several other diseases—particularly those affecting the skin—can present with clinical and/or histological characteristics identical to or highly resemblant of PXE. In this paper, we will summarize the histopathological features of PXE together with those of disorders that are most frequently considered in the differential diagnosis of PXE.
Deleting My Mother’s Email Account
Authors: Rosenblum David
Published: February 2025

In this narrative medicine essay, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician contemplates the finality of deleting his mother’s email account after going through messages to ensure friends were answered, bills paid, and photos preserved.
Trump’s Most Important Health Policy May Be at the Border
Authors: Cutler David M.
Published: February 2025

This JAMA Forum discusses immigration in the context of the health care workforce, the potential negative effects from a reduced supply of workers, and potential policy options.
Continuity of Prescription Medication Use Among Adults Leaving State Prison
Authors: Dague Laura , McNamara Cici , Westergaard Ryan , Look Kevin A. , Burns Marguerite
Published: February 2025

Importance

Identifying prescription needs of adults returning from prison can inform intervention design to mitigate high morbidity and mortality during reentry to the community.

Objective

To characterize the prevalence and factors associated with continuity of medication use for treatment of chronic illness among adults returning to the community from prison.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study linked administrative records and prescription claims from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Medicaid program. The study included all adults (aged 18-64 years) released from a Wisconsin state correctional facility between April 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017, after incarceration of at least 31 days who enrolled in Medicaid within the month of release. Analyses were conducted between May 2022 and May 2024.

Exposure

Receipt of a prescription medication commonly used for treatment of certain chronic conditions during the last 3 months of incarceration.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was medication continuity, which was defined as having a prescription medication claim in the first 6 months after release that was within the same chronic condition therapeutic class as the medication received during the last 3 months of incarceration.

Results

This cohort study included 13 792 individual releases representing 12 960 individuals from the Wisconsin state prison system who immediately enrolled in Medicaid upon release. These individuals had a mean (SD) age of 35.5 (10.5) years; 89.5% were male. In terms of race, 38.5% of individuals were Black and 57.2% were White. For one-third of individual Medicaid-enrolled releases (4302 [31.2%]), the individual received a prescription medication for a chronic condition. Prescription continuity was observed for 51.7%, with variability across drug class ranging from less than 20.0% to 71.6%. Classes with the highest continuity (eg, thyroid agents) were also those that treated serious chronic conditions, although gaps between realized and clinically recommended care remained. Continuity varied by race, sex, and age. Individuals with continuity were more likely to have had an outpatient visit in the 6 months following release than those without continuity (93.9% vs 55.6%; P < .001) despite similar Medicaid enrollment.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, prescription continuity between prison release and the community was limited, even for drugs with high clinical need and relevance for population health and especially among individuals who did not receive outpatient care in the 6 months post incarceration. These findings suggest that effective transitional care interventions may need to include increased emphasis on connecting with clinicians.
Academic Community Partnership in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia and Early Mortality
Authors: Jillella Anand P. , Lee Sandra J. , Altman Jessica K. , Luger Selina M. , Tallman Martin S. , Foran James M. , Bradshaw Danielle , Law Lisa Y. , Bryan Locke J. , Abou Zahr Abdallah , Begna Kebede H. , Perl Alexander E. , Vadakara Joseph J. L. , Qamar Rubina , Bergan Raymond C. , Fisch Michael J. , Carlos Ruth C. , Wagner Lynne I. , Kota Vamsi K. , Litzow Mark R.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is an acute illness that presents with cytopenia, infections, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Achieving remission has been shown to make a major difference in patient outcomes; however, early death rates in the first month have been as high as 30% due to acute presentation, comorbidities, the rarity of APL, and clinician inexperience.

Objective

To develop treatment strategies that would decrease estimated 1-month mortality from 30% to below 15%.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this nonrandomized clinical trial, a treatment algorithm that focused on supportive care was used to prevent early death in patients with APL treated at academic and community health centers between August 2017 and July 2021. Because of the rarity of the disease, expert support was available 24/7 from 7 designated APL experts at 6 participating academic lead centers, and included an additional 293 community centers. When a patient presented with APL, an expert was contacted and a consensus treatment plan was developed using the algorithm and expert suggestions. There were no exclusion criteria and all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of APL regardless of age or comorbid conditions were enrolled. Expert support was provided throughout induction. Initial data analysis was conducted May 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

One-month mortality; additional objectives were to compare outcomes in academic and community centers and assess 1-year and overall survival.

Results

A total of 201 patients were enrolled from 43 centers; 62 at lead centers and 139 from 37 community centers. The median age was 53 years (range, 18-91 years), with 72 patients (35.8%) who were aged 60 years or older; 105 patients (52.2%) were male. Fifty-two patients (26.4%) were diagnosed with high-risk APL. The 1-month mortality rate was 6 deaths of 201 patients (3.0%; 95% CI, 1.1%-6.4%) after adjusting for 1 interim analysis. In a secondary analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method, the 1-month overall survival (OS) rate was 97.0% (95% CI, 93.5%-98.6%) and the 1-year OS rate was 94.5% (95% CI, 90.3%-96.9%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nonrandomized clinical trial, use of an algorithm combined with expert support resulted in a dramatic decrease in early death in academic and community centers. Population-wide survival improved in this highly curable disease, which suggests that implementing an accessible support system with APL experts for comanagement is the most logical next step.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03253848
Private Equity Acquisitions and Industry Payments in Ophthalmology
Authors: Bejarano Geronimo , Torabzadeh Hamid , Borkar Durga , Whaley Christopher , Singh Yashaswini
Published: February 2025

This cohort study assessed changes in the amount and number of general payments received by ophthalmologists after private equity acquisition of practices.
Online Intervention for Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Authors: Nguyen-Feng Viann N. , Frazier Patricia A. , Liu Yuchen , Feddema Erin , Wils Benjamin , Nikcevich Elizabeth , Stockness Ali , Lim Kelvin O. , Hu Amanda C. , Butcher Lisa , Misono Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Importance

Voice-related perceived control is the extent to which a person feels they can control their voice condition and/or their response to it. Given the interaction of psychological factors and voice outcomes, an intervention targeting psychological factors may be a helpful adjunct to clinical voice care.

Objective

To investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a perceived control intervention adapted for adult patients with muscle tension dysphonia and to compare its outcomes with those of a voice education program.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This was a pilot randomized clinical trial using mixed methods and including adults with muscle tension dysphonia from academic otolaryngology clinics from July 8, 2018, to December 8, 2019. Participants were randomized to the voice education program or the perceived control intervention, and feasibility and acceptability of both were assessed using quantitative and qualitative measures. Data analyses were performed from October 1, 2023, to March 5, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Voice-related impairment was measured using the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Psychological factors were measured using the voice-related Perceived Present Control Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI), and Perceived Stress Scale-4. Open-ended participant responses were analyzed following consensual qualitative research methods.

Results

In all, 50 participants (mean [SD] age, 51.0 [15.9] years; 34 women [68%]); 27 were randomly assigned to receive the voice education program and 23 were randomly assigned to the perceived control intervention. Forty participants (80%) completed the study, which demonstrated the feasibility of both options. Outcomes of both the perceived control intervention and the voice education program were acceptable. Change in VHI-10 was heterogeneous, modest overall, and similar in the perceived control (−2.44; 95% CI, −4.25 to −0.63) and education (−2.94; 95% CI, −4.12 to −1.76) arms. Perceived control (secondary outcome) was higher, and exploratory outcomes (ie, somatic concerns, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress) were lower overall between pretest and posttest assessments. Qualitative analyses showed an overall decrease in negative voice-related emotions, fatigue, and negative self-image over the course of the perceived control intervention, and an interest in curated information in the voice education program.

Conclusions and Relevance

This pilot randomized clinical trial indicates that both the perceived control intervention and voice education program appear promising for further development. Online interventions are of interest to people with voice disorders, and future work may benefit from taking individual differences into account.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03576365
A Comparison of Different Transfer Techniques in Evaluating Specimen Adequacy in FNAB: An Unexplored Topic
Authors: Karagülle Mehmet , Arslan Fatma Zeynep , Ozcan Burcu , Gedik Arzu Algun
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study compared two conventional smear methods during FNAB: The method where the green part of the syringe is touched to the slide (Technique 1) and the method where the contents are rapidly sprayed (Technique 2). We investigated differences in specimen adequacy, diagnostic outcomes, and variations among pathological subgroups.

Methods

FNAB was performed on 128 lesions from 119 patients, and the samples were classified according to the Bethesda System. The two transfer techniques were compared in terms of cell count and diagnostic results.

Results

Of the 128 lesions, 93 were diagnosed as adenomatous nodules. No significant difference was found in the nondiagnostic result rates between the methods. The p‐value was found to be 0.65. The average cell count in Technique 1 was 1.95 (min: 0, max: 3+, SD: 1.03), while in Technique 2 it was 1.91 (min: 0, max: 3+, SD: 1.07). Although Technique 1 resulted in a slightly higher positive cell detection, the two techniques were not superior to each other in terms of cell count. The p‐value was found to be 0.87. When both techniques were used together, more diagnoses could be made in more patients compared to when each technique was used separately. However, statistically, the combined use of both techniques was not superior to Technique 1 (p = 0.16) or Technique 2 (p = 0.083).

Conclusion

Both techniques showed similar nondiagnostic rates. Technique 1 resulted in a slight increase in the average positive cell count, whereas Technique 2 may be preferred due to its simplicity and safety. It was also found that neither technique provided a clear superiority over the other, and using both techniques together was not superior to either Technique 1 or Technique 2. In determining standard FNAB procedures and improving diagnostic accuracy, factors such as nodule characteristics and needle caliber, along with smear techniques, should also be considered. Larger‐scale studies are necessary to validate these findings and improve FNAB practices.
Contributing to China's Biodiversity Conservation: The Role of Nature Education
Authors: Yang Liwei , Li Qiao , Li Yan , Yan Lei , Munkhsaikhan Anujin
Published: February 2025

Ongoing biodiversity loss has far‐reaching implications for human well‐being and survival. To address the accelerating rate of biodiversity loss, the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) prioritized “Strengthening Biodiversity Publicity and Education” as a key agenda item throughout its process, both during the initial phase in Kunming, China, in 2021 and the second phase held in Montreal, Canada, in 2022. Nature education, which has emerged as a useful approach toward achieving sustainable development goals, is intrinsic to raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Despite many countries employing this kind of strategy, nature education was introduced relatively late in China, and its role in biodiversity conservation remains underexplored. Few studies have proposed frameworks for integrating nature education into biodiversity conservation efforts. This study aims to fill this gap by establishing a framework for biodiversity conservation in China that incorporates nature education. It also examines how nature education supports biodiversity conservation, clarifies the relationship between the two, and analyzes the current practices and challenges of nature education in China. The findings provide a reference for developing an efficient nature education system that fosters sustainable interactions between human beings and nature.
The tentacles of surveillance: Cephalopods and United States satellite intelligence
Authors: Bickford Andrew
Published: February 2025

This article examines the symbol placed on a US spy satellite, National Reconnaissance Office Launch–39 (NROL‐39). In 2013, NROL‐39 was launched into space, the payload vehicle and mission patch emblazoned with a gigantic octopus, its tentacles surrounding the globe, and the words “Nothing Is Beyond Our Reach” written below the globe. Spy satellites are not new, but what is new here is the explicit use of a known symbol of threat and domination by a United States intelligence agency and the stories it crafts around fear and domination. NROL‐39 is an insight into how a US intelligence organization pictures itself, its role, and its targets. NROL‐39 gives us a glimpse behind the mask of the security state and what this tells us about the worldview and political imaginaries of the people behind it. The use of a symbol traditionally associated with political repression and threat gives us insight into how security officials think about satellites, intelligence collection, security, domination, and enemies. It is an opening into the militarized imaginary of satellite intelligence, technological capabilities, propaganda and psychological operations, and the further militarization and politicization of space.
Crystalline Water Structure in Room‐Temperature Clathrate State: Hydrogen‐Bonded Pentagonal Rings
Authors: Chen Ching‐Hsiu , Hsu Wei‐Hao , Oishi‐Tomiyasu Ryoko , Lee Chi‐Cheng , Chu Ming‐Wen , Hwang Ing‐Shouh
Published: February 2025

Water hydrogen bonding is extremely versatile; ≈20 ice structures and several types of clathrate hydrate structures are identified. These crystalline water structures form at temperatures below room temperature and/or at high pressure. Transmission electron microscopy is used to study a new crystalline water structure in a clathrate state that is prepared by sandwiching gas‐supersaturated water between graphene layers under ambient conditions. In this clathrate state, water molecules form a 3D hydrogen‐bonding network that encloses gas‐filled cages 2–4 nm in size. Herein, the crystalline water structure is derived by recording and analyzing electron diffraction patterns and performing first‐principles calculations. The structure consists purely of pentagonal rings and has a topology similar to that of water ice XVII. In the study, a mechanism for the formation of the clathrate state is proposed. The results improve the understanding of interactions among water and small nonpolar molecules and offer insights into the local structures of ambient liquid water.
Survey on Latest Advances in Natural Language Processing Applications of Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Koç Canan , Özyurt Fatih , Iantovics Lazsla Barna
Published: February 2025

Data mining and natural language processing (NLP) are fundamental fields that interact in many ways. Text mining shares many topics, such as sentiment analysis and content understanding. Combining these two fields enables more efficient mining of text data and the extraction of valuable information. In particular, the GAN (Generative Adversarial Network) architecture has achieved success in image generation and has started to be used on text data. However, training GANs is fraught with difficulties due to the complexity of text data. Linguistic studies show important differences between languages. Language is characterized by fluidity, ambiguity, and context‐sensitive interpretations, and text‐generating GAN models can struggle to deal with these complexities. The interaction between data quality, language structure, and complex interpretation can lead to inconsistency and ambiguity in the text production of GAN models. These problems are particularly pronounced when complexities such as semantic subtleties, idiomatic expressions, and context‐dependent usages come into play. Text generation is an area of GAN models used in NLP to generate language and enrich text‐based applications. Work in this area can contribute to analyzing, classifying, and processing text data. Many methods and techniques have been proposed to improve the performance of text GANs. However, some problems may be encountered in the optimization of these methods. Therefore, it is essential to use optimized methods. In conclusion, GANs can be an important tool to improve text generation in NLP. Still, they require continuous research and innovation to deal with factors such as language complexity and data quality.
Selected issues in the upper bound theorem of plasticity
Authors: Alexandrov Sergei , Lyamina Elena , Jeng Yeau‐Ren
Published: February 2025

The paper reviews the upper bound theorem in rigid plasticity, emphasizing its application to analyzing and designing metal forming processes. Two formulations of the theorem are considered. The peculiarities in applying the theorem to non‐stationary and stationary processes are discussed. Special attention is devoted to friction boundary conditions. General methods of constructing trial velocity fields are presented. On the other hand, routine upper bound solutions based on the von Mises yield criterion are not reviewed, though their applied significance is not questionable. The article ends with a simple numerical example that illustrates all qualitative features of the theorem considered.
African Perspectives of Trustworthy AI: An Introduction
Authors: Eke Damian Okaibedi , Wakunuma Kutoma , Akintoye Simisola , Ogoh George
Published: February 2025

In 2024, the EU AI Act became the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI in the world as Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The fundamental aim of this Act and other policy measures such as EU AI innovation Package and the Coordinated Plan on AI, is to foster Trustworthy AI in Europe and beyond; to ensure that Europeans can trust what AI can offer.
Context-Aware Africa-Led Designing of Responsible Artificial Intelligence Technologies
Authors: Zimba Michael , Jouini Maha , Ndaka Angella K.
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a general purpose technology (GPT), which is currently enjoying increasing use in strategic decision-making and military affairs. The AI revolution brings significant changes into the current and future socio-economic national and international systems, with AI applications expected to tilt the global balance of power in favour of actors who strategically invest and use this emerging technology. AI-assisted automation is also changing prevailing socio-economic production models on the global scale, and sooner or later, these technologies are expected to exert systemic impacts on the current global order. However, the distribution of AI technologies and skills is not uniform, with the global north dominating the space. Even within the global south, Africa lags way behind other continents.
Frequency of central sensitization and nociplastic pain in patients with plantar fasciitis
Authors: Demir Karakılıç Gülseren , Melek Aykut Selçuk Melek , Öztürk Erhan Arif
Published: February 2025

Purpose

If the pain persists for a long time in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF) or if there is no response to treatment, central sensitization (CS) may develop and the pain may transform into nociplastic pain (NP). This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of CS and NP in patients with PF.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was undertaken between November 2023 and March 2024. The Foot Function Index (FFI) scale, which evaluates the foot’s functionality, was applied to the patient group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which evaluates pain intensity; the Pain-DETECT scale, which evaluates NP; and the Central Sensitization Scale (CSI), which evaluates CS, were applied to patient and control groups.

Results

A total of 206 people were included in the study; 106 were in the patient group with PF, and 100 constituted the control group. While we detected NP in 67 (63.2%) patients according to Pain-DETECT and CS was detected in 91 (85.8%) patients according to CSI among 106 patients with chronic PF; we detected NP in seven (7%) patients according to Pain-DETECT and CS in 44 (44.0%) patients according to CSI among 100 control patients. VAS-score and FFI-pain are moderately and positively correlated with pain-DETECT scores and fairly and positively correlated with CSI scores in the PF group. The pain-DETECT score is moderately and positively correlated with the CSI score in the two groups.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate the presence of CS and NP in PF patients. We found NP and CS to be common in patients with chronic PF. Effective pain management in patients with PF before it becomes chronic can prevent the development of CS and NP.
Examining neuroanatomical correlates of win-stay, lose-shift behaviour
Authors: Westerman Matt , Hallam Glyn , Kafkas Alex , Brown Holly D. H. , Retzler Chris
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to better understand the neuroanatomical correlates of decision-making strategies, particularly focusing on win-stay and lose-shift behaviours, using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in a large cohort of healthy adults. Participants completed a forced-choice card-guessing task designed to elicit behavioural responses to rewards and losses. Using this task, we investigated the relationship between win-stay and lose-shift behaviour and both grey matter volume (GMV) and white matter volume (WMV). The frequency of win-stay and lose-shift behaviours was calculated for each participant and entered into VBM analyses alongside GMV and WMV measures. Our results revealed that increased lose-shift behaviour was associated with reduced GMV in key brain regions, comprising of the left superior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, and the bilateral superior lateral occipital cortices. Interestingly, no significant associations were found between GMV or WMV, and win-stay behaviour. These results suggest that specific regions within the temporal and occipital lobes may be involved in modulating decision-making strategies following negative outcomes. Further analyses revealed that increased lose-shift behaviour was also associated with increased WMV in the left superior temporal gyrus. The absence of significant findings in relation to win-stay behaviour and the differential involvement of brain structures in lose-shift responses indicate that decision-making in the face of losses may involve distinct neuroanatomical mechanisms compared to decision-making following wins. This study advances our understanding of the structural brain correlates linked to decision-making strategies and highlights the complexity of brain-behaviour relationships in choice behaviour.
Long-term precursors to large explosive eruptions of Vesuvius: evidence from the opening phase of the Avellino Plinian eruption
Authors: Falasconi Alessia , Petrone Chiara Maria , Sulpizio Roberto , Cioni Raffaello
Published: February 2025

The onset of a large explosive volcanic eruption is generally characterised by a weak transient activity. The products of this opening phase(s) are confined to thin proximal beds of small volume and limited dispersal. The juvenile material erupted in the opening phase provides a unique record of pre- and syn-eruptive processes and preserves key information on eruption triggering and dynamics during magma ascent. The study of these products can provide insights into precursory phenomena and assumes a key role for the interpretation of monitoring signals at high-risk volcanoes. In this work, we present a detailed study of the products from the opening phase of the Avellino Plinian eruption of Somma-Vesuvius (Italy), well preserved in proximal deposits as two sub-units of thin pumice lapilli fallout overlain by a fine ash bed. These deposits show textural and compositional variability of the juvenile material, depicting a complex process of magma extraction at the onset of the eruption. Geochemical, textural, and geobarometric data reveal the presence of a magma body at shallow depth that cooled and partially crystallised under different conditions compared to the main, deeper, and larger magma reservoir feeding the paroxysmal phases of the eruption. Elemental diffusion chronometry on clinopyroxene from juvenile material suggests that magma movement toward the shallow reservoir anticipated the eruption by a maximum of a hundred years, while the arrival of a last mafic input into the shallow magma body can be confined to only a few years before the eruption.