bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L-DOPA-therapy in Parkinson’s disease: some personal reflections on L-DOPA therapy from Vienna and Berlin
Authors: Riederer Peter , Horowski Reinhard
Published: October 2023

Dopamine was initially considered as a mere intermediate in the noradrenaline synthesis but was then found to be a neurotransmitter. Its depletion resulted in characteristic symptoms in experimental studies and could be antagonized by DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanin), suggesting a similarity to the human disorder Parkinson´s disease (PD) and a therapeutic potential which was successfully exploited from the 1970s on. This was due to the pioneering work of Arvid Carlsson and clinicians around the world who first worked on the breakthrough of L-DOPA therapy and then on its amendment and modification and on alternative therapies for PD patients. All these developments led to the establishment of PD therapy as we know it today. It is characterized by the availability of many different compounds which are mostly employed in combination and by different methods: orally, intravenously, transdermally, subcutaneously, or duodenally. Here, we present without claim of completeness some personal reflections about causal drug developments for PD patients and reflect on some personal interactions with leading clinicians and basic researchers who cooperated with us. Such interactions are crucial for the creation, sometimes serendipitously, of fresh ideas and to further develop existing concepts to make therapeutical progress.
A 12-month prospective real-life study of opicapone efficacy and tolerability in Emirati and non-White subjects with Parkinson’s disease based in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Metta Vinod , Ibrahim Huzaifa , Muralidharan Neha , Rodriguez Kislyn , Masagnay Therese , Mohan Judith , Lacsina Arlet , Ahmed Abdullah , Benamer Hani T. S. , Chung-Faye Guy , Mrudula Rukmini , Falup-Pecurariu Cristian , Rodriguez-Blazquez Carmen , Borgohain Rupam , Goyal Vinay , Bhattacharya Kalyan , Chaudhuri K. Ray
Published: October 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, and the condition is complicated by the emergence of wearing off/motor fluctuations with levodopa treatment after a variable period. COMT inhibitors when used as adjunct therapy to levodopa tend to smoothen out these wearing off fluctuations by enhancing delivery of levodopa and increasing its bioavailability to the brain. The study was conducted to investigate the motor and nonmotor effect, safety and tolerability of the third generation once-daily COMT inhibitor (opicapone), as add-on, adjuvant therapy to levodopa and at 6 and 12 months follow-up in a real-life cohort of consecutive Emirati and non-White PD patients. A real-life observational analysis using tolerability parameters as used previously by Rizos et al. and Shulman et al. based on clinical database of cases rat Kings College Hospital Dubai Parkinson care database. This was a prospective, single-arm follow-up clinical evaluation study that evaluated the effectiveness of opicapone 50 mg once-daily regime in 50 patients diagnosed with idiopathic neurodegenerative disorder. All patients were assessed with scales used in clinical pathway and include motor Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), nonmotor symptom scale (NMSS), quality of life (PDQ8) Parkinson’s fatigue scale (PFS16) and King’s Parkinson’s Pain Scale (KIPS). Out of 50 patients treated with opicapone (72% male, mean age 66.9 years (SD 9.9, range 41–82 years) and mean duration of disease 5.7 years (SD 2.5 range (2–11), there was significant statistical improvements shown in motor function-UPDRS part 3: baseline 40.64 ± 2.7, at 6 months 32.12 ± 3.14 and after 12 months 33.72 ± 3.76. Nonmotor burden NMSS: 107.00 ± 21.86, at 6 months 100.78 ± 17.28 and 12 months 96.88 ± 16.11. Reduction in dyskinesias (UPDRS part 4): baseline 8.78 ± 1.07, at 6 months 7.4 ± 0.81 and 12 months 6.82 ± 0.75. Opicapone provides beneficial motor and nonmotor effects in Emirati and other non-White Parkinson’s patients, resident in UAE, proving its efficacy across different racial groups as COMT activity may vary between races.
Comparative biological properties of resin-free and resin-based calcium silicate-based endodontic repair materials on human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Saber Shehabeldin M. , Gomaa Shaimaa M. , Elashiry Mohamed M. , El-Banna Ahmed , Schäfer Edgar
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effect of three different calcium silicate-based materials (CSBM) on the biological behavior of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).

Methods

Eluates of Biodentine, NeoPutty and TheraCal PT prepared at 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 ratios were extracted under sterile conditions. The cytotoxicity of the extracts to the hPDLSCs was assessed using the MTT assay. Scratch wound healing assay was utilized for assessing cell migration. Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect cell attachment and morphology. Calcium ion release was measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; the pH-value was evaluated with a pH-meter. ANOVA with post hoc Tukey test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Cell viability was significantly higher for Biodentine and NeoPutty at day 1 with all dilutions (p < 0.05), while at day 3 and day 7 with dilutions 1:2 and 1:4; all materials showed similar behavior (p > 0.05). Biodentine had the highest percentage of cell migration into the scratched area at day 1 for all dilutions (p < 0.05). Stem cells were attached favorably on Biodentine and NeoPutty with evident spreading, and intercellular communications; however, this was not shown for TheraCal PT. Biodentine showed the highest pH values and calcium ion release (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The resin-free CSBM showed better performance and favorable biological effects on hPDLSCs and were therefore considered promising for usage as endodontic repair materials.

Clinical significance: Proper selection of materials with favorable impact on the host stem cells is crucial to ensure outcome in different clinical scenarios.
Estimating school provision, access and costs from local pupil counts under decentralised governance
Authors: Jacobs-Crisioni Chris , Moreno-Monroy Ana I. , Kompil Mert , Dijkstra Lewis
Published: October 2023

This study proposes a sequence of methods to obtain geolocated estimates of primary school provision, costs, and access. This sequence entails: (1) location-allocation, an approach that mimics school location patterns in case of decentralised governance, such as exists in the EU and UK; (2) balanced floating catchment areas, an approach to assign pupils to schools assuming free school choice; and (3) school costs estimates, which are induced from pupil counts and the distributional properties of observed school costs. The method is fine-tuned using observed school locations and school-level costs data. It is developed to assess how much local population densities and demography affects school access and schooling costs across Europe. Its results can be aggregated by degree of urbanisation to quantify the differences across human settlements ranging from mostly uninhabited areas to densely populated cities.
A systematic review of deep learning-based cervical cytology screening: from cell identification to whole slide image analysis
Authors: Jiang Peng , Li Xuekong , Shen Hui , Chen Yuqi , Wang Lang , Chen Hua , Feng Jing , Liu Juan
Published: October 2023

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in daily life. Early detection and diagnosis can effectively help facilitate subsequent clinical treatment and management. With the growing advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) techniques, an increasing number of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods based on deep learning have been applied in cervical cytology screening. In this paper, we survey more than 80 publications since 2016 to provide a systematic and comprehensive review of DL-based cervical cytology screening. First, we provide a concise summary of the medical and biological knowledge pertaining to cervical cytology, since we hold a firm belief that a comprehensive biomedical understanding can significantly contribute to the development of CAD systems. Then, we collect a wide range of public cervical cytology datasets. Besides, image analysis approaches and applications including cervical cell identification, abnormal cell or area detection, cell region segmentation and cervical whole slide image diagnosis are summarized. Finally, we discuss the present obstacles and promising directions for future research in automated cervical cytology screening.
A Qualitative Exploration of PrEP Interests, Barriers, and Interventions Among Black and Latina Cisgender Women in the U.S.
Authors: Nydegger Liesl A. , Kidane Heran , Benitez Sabrina , Yuan Mandy , Claborn Kasey R.
Published: October 2023

Black and Latina cisgender women (BLCW) are disproportionally affected by HIV, particularly in the southern U.S. In Austin, Texas, Black women contract HIV 18.4 times more and Latinas 2.6 times more compared to White women. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents contracting HIV; however, PrEP adoption among women is low. The current qualitative study aimed to explore PrEP awareness, interest, preferred PrEP administration methods, barriers to PrEP adoption, and future programs to increase PrEP adoption and adherence among BLCW. A total of 18 BLCW at high risk for HIV were enrolled. Participants completed 3 semi-structured interviews across 3 months. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results demonstrated that BLCW had low PrEP awareness, high initial PrEP interest, and were interested in a long-acting injectable form of PrEP. Barriers to PrEP adoption included concerns regarding side effects, concerns about adherence to the currently available daily pill, and difficulty with insurance. Participants proposed different ideas for interventions, including support groups, education, community-level programs, and structural interventions. Future studies should focus on increasing PrEP awareness and HIV risk, consider alternative forms of PrEP, educate providers and medical staff on PrEP, and consider tailored interventions to reduce HIV risk among BLCW.
Gene expression profiles in clinically T1-2N0 ER+HER2− breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving therapy: their added value in case sentinel lymph node biopsy is not performed
Authors: van Roozendaal L. M. , Vane M. L. G. , Colier E. , Strobbe L. J. A. , de Boer M. , Sonke G. , Van Maaren M. C. , Smidt M. L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer treatment results in patients with unknown positive nodal status and potential risk for systemic undertreatment. This study aimed to investigate whether gene expression profiles (GEPs) can lower this risk in cT1-2N0 ER+ HER2– breast cancer patients treated with BCT.

Methods

Patients were included if diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 with cT1-2N0 ER+ HER2– breast cancer, treated with BCT and SLNB, and in whom GEP was applied. Adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations based on clinical risk status (Dutch breast cancer guideline of 2020 versus PREDICT v2.1) with and without knowledge on SLNB outcome were compared to GEP outcome. We examined missing adjuvant chemotherapy indications, and the number of GEPs needed to identify one patient at risk for systemic undertreatment.

Results

Of 3585 patients, 2863 (79.9%) had pN0 and 722 (20.1%) pN + disease. Chemotherapy was recommended in 1354 (37.8% guideline-2020) and 1888 patients (52.7% PREDICT). Eliminating SLNB outcome (n = 722) resulted in omission of chemotherapy recommendation in 475 (35.1% guideline-2020) and 412 patients (21.8% PREDICT). GEP revealed genomic high risk in 126 (26.5% guideline-2020) and 82 patients (19.9% PREDICT) in case of omitted chemotherapy recommendation in the absence of SLNB. Extrapolated to the whole group, this concerns 3.5% and 2.3%, respectively, resulting in the need for 28–44 GEPs to identify one patient at risk for systemic undertreatment.

Conclusion

If no SLNB is performed, clinical risk status according to the guideline of 2020 and PREDICT predicts a very low risk for systemic undertreatment. The number of GEPs needed to identify one patient at risk for undertreatment does not justify its standard use.
Peer Spillover and Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effects with SIMS80: Revisiting a Historical Database Through the Lens of a Modern Methodological Perspective
Authors: Televantou Ioulia , Marsh Herbert W. , Xu Kate M. , Guo Jiesi , Dicke Theresa
Published: October 2023

The present study uses doubly latent models to estimate the effect of average mathematics achievement at the class level on students’ subsequent mathematics achievement (the “Peer Spillover Effect”) and mathematics self-concept (the “Big-Fish-Little-Pond-Effect; BFLPE”), controlling for individual differences in prior mathematics achievement. Our data, consisting of 13-year-old students from Canada, the USA, and New Zealand, come from a unique cross-national database with a longitudinal design at the student level: the Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS80). This historical survey was administered by IEA in the 1980s and highly influenced the development of educational policies in the following decades. We replicate a widely cited study based on SIMS80, interrogating the validity of its findings of a positive peer spillover effect. When we adjust for measurement error, using doubly latent models, we observe that originally positive peer spillover effects become less positive or disappear altogether. On the contrary, negative BFLPEs become more negative and remain statistically significant throughout. Our study is the only cross-national study to have evaluated both the BFLPE and the peer spillover effect with controls for a true measure of prior achievement — and the only study to test the peer spillover effect cross-nationally using doubly latent models. Our findings question the empirical results of past and current research evaluating school- and class-level compositional effects based on sub-optimal models that fail to control for measurement error.
Fertility preservation in pregnant cancer patients after first-trimester abortion: a new challenge with possible solutions
Authors: Marin Loris , Ambrosini Guido , Vio Chiara , Conley Jordyn , Bordin Luciana , Sabbadin Chiara , Andrisani Alessandra
Published: October 2023

Fertility preservation in pregnant women recently diagnosed with cancer can be a challenge. Raised levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-hCG) and progesterone in this population of patients may pose a problem for the prompt initiation of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) due to a potential negative feedback of these hormones on folliculogenesis; however, it is not feasible to wait for negativization of serum beta-hCG levels before starting controlled ovarian stimulation. In literature, very few cases have been reported regarding the preservation of fertility in pregnant women recently diagnosed with cancer. We performed an extended revision of the literature to evaluate the current knowledge of the management of fertility preservation in women with cancer and we examined two cases closely. The first case study involved a cancer patient who underwent surgical abortion at 6.5 weeks of gestation followed by administration of mifepristone to detach any minimal residual trophoblast and consequently to decrease serum beta-hCG and progesterone levels before starting COS. In the second case study, the cancer patient underwent surgical abortion at 7.1 weeks of gestation and simultaneous unilateral oophorectomy for ovarian tissue cryopreservation due to a limited time for COS. By analyzing the results of these studies, it could be hypothesized that mifepristone administration may favor the decrease of serum beta-hCG and progesterone levels in order to permit rapid initiation of COS. In cases where COS is not feasible, ovarian tissue cryopreservation should be considered as an alternative fertility preservation technique.
Polycaprolactone/graphene oxide/acellular matrix nanofibrous scaffolds with antioxidant and promyelinating features for the treatment of peripheral demyelinating diseases
Authors: Nagarajan Aishwarya , Rizwana Nasera , Abraham Michelle , Bhat Mahima , Vetekar Aakanksha , Thakur Goutam , Chakraborty Uttara , Agarwal Vipul , Nune Manasa
Published: October 2023

Peripheral demyelinating diseases entail damage to axons and Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Because of poor prognosis and lack of a cure, this group of diseases has a global impact. The primary underlying cause of these diseases involves the inability of Schwann cells to remyelinate the damaged insulating myelin around axons, resulting in neuronal death over time. In the past decade, extensive research has been directed in the direction of Schwann cells focusing on their physiological and neuroprotective effects on the neurons in the peripheral nervous system. One cause of dysregulation in the remyelinating function of Schwann cells has been associated with oxidative stress. Tissue-engineered biodegradable scaffolds that can stimulate remyelination response in Schwann cells have been proposed as a potential treatment strategy for peripheral demyelinating diseases. However, strategies developed to date primarily focussed on either remyelination or oxidative stress in isolation. Here, we have developed a multifunctional nanofibrous scaffold with material and biochemical cues to tackle both remyelination and oxidative stress in one matrix. We developed a nanofibrous scaffold using polycaprolactone (PCL) as a foundation loaded with antioxidant graphene oxide (GO) and coated this bioscaffold with Schwann cell acellular matrix. In vitro studies revealed both antioxidant and remyelination properties of the developed bioscaffold. Based on the results, the developed multifunctional bioscaffold approach can be a promising biomaterial approach for treating demyelinating diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Direct Estimation of Parameters in ODE Models Using WENDy: Weak-Form Estimation of Nonlinear Dynamics
Authors: Bortz David M. , Messenger Daniel A. , Dukic Vanja
Published: October 2023

We introduce the Weak-form Estimation of Nonlinear Dynamics (WENDy) method for estimating model parameters for non-linear systems of ODEs. Without relying on any numerical differential equation solvers, WENDy computes accurate estimates and is robust to large (biologically relevant) levels of measurement noise. For low dimensional systems with modest amounts of data, WENDy is competitive with conventional forward solver-based nonlinear least squares methods in terms of speed and accuracy. For both higher dimensional systems and stiff systems, WENDy is typically both faster (often by orders of magnitude) and more accurate than forward solver-based approaches. The core mathematical idea involves an efficient conversion of the strong form representation of a model to its weak form, and then solving a regression problem to perform parameter inference. The core statistical idea rests on the Errors-In-Variables framework, which necessitates the use of the iteratively reweighted least squares algorithm. Further improvements are obtained by using orthonormal test functions, created from a set of$$C^{\infty }$$C∞bump functions of varying support sizes.We demonstrate the high robustness and computational efficiency by applying WENDy to estimate parameters in some common models from population biology, neuroscience, and biochemistry, including logistic growth, Lotka-Volterra, FitzHugh-Nagumo, Hindmarsh-Rose, and a Protein Transduction Benchmark model. Software and code for reproducing the examples is available athttps://github.com/MathBioCU/WENDy.
Medication Safety Amid Technological Change: Usability Evaluation to Inform Inpatient Nurses’ Electronic Health Record System Transition
Authors: Reale Carrie , Ariosto Deborah A. , Weinger Matthew B. , Anders Shilo
Published: October 2023

Background

Electronic health record (EHR) system transitions are challenging for healthcare organizations. High-volume, safety–critical tasks like barcode medication administration (BCMA) should be evaluated, yet standards for ensuring safety during transition have not been established.

Objective

Identify risks in common and problem-prone medication tasks to inform safe transition between BCMA systems and establish benchmarks for future system changes.

Design

Staff nurses completed simulation-based usability testing in the legacy system (R1) and new system pre- (R2) and post-go-live (R3). Tasks included (1) Hold/Administer, (2) IV Fluids, (3) PRN Pain, (4) Insulin, (5) Downtime/PRN, and (6) Messaging. Audiovisual recordings of task performance were systematically analyzed for time, navigation, and errors. The System Usability Scale measured perceived usability and satisfaction. Post-simulation interviews captured nurses’ qualitative comments and perceptions of the systems.

Participants

Fifteen staff nurses completed 2–3-h simulation sessions. Eleven completed both R1 and R2, and seven completed all three rounds. Clinical experience ranged from novice (< 1 year) to experienced (> 10 years). Practice settings included adult and pediatric patient populations in ICU, stepdown, and acute care departments.

Main Measures

Task completion rates/times, safety and non-safety-related use errors (interaction difficulties), and user satisfaction.

Key Results

Overall success rates remained relatively stable in all tasks except two: IV Fluids task success increased substantially (R1: 17%, R2: 54%, R3: 100%) and Downtime/PRN task success decreased (R1: 92%, R2: 64%, R3: 22%). Among the seven nurses who completed all rounds, overall safety-related errors decreased 53% from R1 to R3 and 50% from R2 to R3, and average task times for successfully completed tasks decreased 22% from R1 to R3 and 38% from R2 to R3.

Conclusions

Usability testing is a reasonable approach to compare different BCMA tasks to anticipate transition problems and establish benchmarks with which to monitor and evaluate system changes going forward.
Practices Supporting Electronic Health Record Transitions: Lessons from Four US Healthcare Systems
Authors: Rinne Seppo T. , Brunner Julian , Mohr David C. , Bearak Adena-Cohen , Anderson Ekaterina
Published: October 2023

Background

Electronic health record (EHR) transitions are common and complex organizational changes, yet limited published literature is available to guide health systems that are changing from one EHR to another. Clinicians and staff end users at sites that have undergone EHR transitions may have critical insights that could inform future transitions.

Objective

To assess end user perspectives on organizational practices that support successful EHR transitions.

Design

Multi-site qualitative study of end users at healthcare systems that transitioned to a new EHR (either Epic or Cerner) within the prior 3 years.

Participants

Forty-two participants, including providers, clinical leaders, and informaticists at four geographically and organizationally diverse US healthcare systems.

Approach

We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. We used content analysis to identify key practices that influenced EHR transition success.

Key Results

Participants described specific organizational practices that they found most helpful in supporting EHR transitions, and these practices transcended individual sites and EHR systems. We categorized practices based on how they were described relative to the stage of implementation. During pre-go-live, recommended practices included communicate rationale and anticipated outcomes of the EHR change; understand baseline workflows; and plan for appropriate customization. During go-live, recommended practices included personalize training and support; invest in robust internal support; reduce workload expectations; and proactively address challenges. The recommended post-go-live practice was to continue to invest in the change.

Conclusions

Our findings may act as a roadmap for future EHR transitions by identifying specific and actionable organizational practices across stages of implementation. These recommendations highlight the role of health system leaders in preparing for the organizational change, working with and supporting end users, and addressing challenges that arise.
Cerner Millennium’s Care Pathways for Specialty Care Referrals: Provider and Nurse Experiences, Perceptions, and Recommendations for Improvements
Authors: Cordasco Kristina M. , Gable Alicia R. , Ganz David A. , Brunner Julian W. , Smith Anita J. , Hertz Brian , Post Edward P. , Fix Gemmae M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Using structured templates to guide providers in communicating key information in electronic referrals is an evidence-based practice for improving care quality. To facilitate referrals in Veterans Health Administration’s (VA) Cerner Millennium electronic health record, VA and Cerner have created “Care Pathways”—templated electronic forms, capturing needed information and prompting ordering of appropriate pre-referral tests.

Objective

To inform their iterative improvement, we sought to elicit experiences, perceptions, and recommendations regarding Care Pathways from frontline clinicians and staff in the first VA site to deploy Cerner Millennium.

Design

Qualitative interviews, conducted 12–20 months after Cerner Millennium deployment.

Participants

We conducted interviews with primary care providers, primary care registered nurses, and specialty providers requesting and/or receiving referrals.

Approach

We used rapid qualitative analysis. Two researchers independently summarized interview transcripts with bullet points; summaries were merged by consensus. Constant comparison was used to sort bullet points into themes. A matrix was used to view bullet points by theme and participant.

Results

Some interviewees liked aspects of the Care Pathways, expressing appreciation of their premise and logic. However, interviewees commonly expressed frustration with their poor usability across multiple attributes. Care Pathways were reported as being inefficient; lacking simplicity, naturalness, consistency, and effective use of language; imposing an unacceptable cognitive load; and not employing forgiveness and feedback for errors. Specialists reported not receiving the information needed for referral triaging.

Conclusions

Cerner Millennium’s Care Pathways, and their associated organizational policies and processes, need substantial revision across several usability attributes. Problems with design and technical limitations are compounding challenges in using standardized templates nationally, across VA sites having diverse organizational and contextual characteristics. VA is actively working to make improvements; however, significant additional investments are needed for Care Pathways to achieve their intended purpose of optimizing specialty care referrals for Veterans.
Using Research to Transform Electronic Health Record Modernization: Advancing a VA Partnered Research Agenda to Increase Research Impacts
Authors: Cogan Alison M. , Rinne Seppo T. , Weiner Michael , Simon Steven , Davila Jessica , Yano Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2023

Background

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is undergoing an enterprise-wide transition from a homegrown electronic health record (EHR) system to a commercial off-the-shelf product. Because of the far-reaching effects of the EHR transformation through all aspects of the healthcare system, VA Health Services Research and Development identified a need to develop a research agenda that aligned with health system priorities so that work may inform evidence-based improvements in implementation processes and outcomes.

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a research agenda designed to optimize the EHR transition processes and implementation outcomes in a large, national integrated delivery system.

Design

We used a sequential mixed-methods approach (portfolio assessment, literature review) combined with multi-level stakeholder engagement approach that included research, informatics, and healthcare operations experts in EHR transitions in and outside the VA. Data from each stage were integrated iteratively to identify and prioritize key research areas within and across all stakeholder groups.

Participants

VA informatics researchers, regional VA health system leaders, national VA program office leaders, and external informatics experts with EHR transition experience.

Key Results

Through three rounds of stakeholder engagement, priority research topics were identified that focused on operations, user experience, patient safety, clinical outcomes, value realization, and informatics innovations.

Conclusions

The resulting EHR-focused research agenda was designed to guide development and conduct of rigorous research evidence aimed at providing actionable results to address the needs of operations partners, clinicians, clinical staff, patients, and other stakeholders. Continued investment in research and evaluation from both research and operations divisions of VA will be critical to executing the research agenda, ensuring its salience and value to the health system and its end users, and ultimately realizing the promise of this EHR transition.
Existence of solutions of nonlinear systems subject to arbitrary linear non-local boundary conditions
Authors: Cabada Alberto , López-Somoza Lucía , Yousfi Mouhcine
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we obtain an explicit expression for the Green’s function of a certain type of systems of differential equations subject to non-local linear boundary conditions. In such boundary conditions, the dependence on certain parameters is considered. The idea of the study is to transform the given system into another first-order differential linear system together with the two-point boundary value conditions. To obtain the explicit expression of the Green’s function of the considered linear system with non-local boundary conditions, it is assumed that the Green’s function of the homogeneous problem, that is, when all the parameters involved in the non-local boundary conditions take the value zero, exists and is unique. In such a case, the homogeneous problem has a unique solution that is characterized by the corresponding Green’s function g. The expression of the Green’s function of the given system is obtained as the sum of the function g and a part that depends on the parameters involved in the boundary conditions and the expression of function g. The novelty of our work is that in the system to be studied, the unknown functions do not appear separated neither in the equations nor in the boundary conditions. The existence of solutions of nonlinear systems with linear non-local boundary conditions is also studied. We illustrate the obtained results in this paper with examples.
Sharp and plain estimates for Schrödinger perturbation of Gaussian kernel
Authors: Jakubowski Tomasz , Szczypkowski Karol
Published: October 2023

We investigate whether a fundamental solution of the Schrödinger equation ∂tu = (Δ + V)u has local in time sharp Gaussian estimates. We compare that class with the class of V for which local in time plain Gaussian estimates hold. We concentrate on V that have fixed sign and we present certain conclusions for V in the Kato class.
Gender research in Japanese coastal fisheries
Authors: Matsubara Hana , Makino Mitsutaku
Published: October 2023

Fisheries have diverse gendered division of labor worldwide. It is essential to consider the activities and relations of all gender groups to fully understand the social-ecological systems of coastal resource use toward achieving sustainability. Gendered division of labor is also found in Japanese coastal fisheries. However, the number of studies focusing on the gender aspects of Japanese coastal fisheries is limited. This paper reviews previous studies on gender aspects of Japanese coastal fisheries and identified the features of the studies of Japan through comparison with studies in other countries. The results indicate that most previous studies in Japan were anthropological or socio-economic studies focusing on the activities of women. Following the result, three research topics with a gender lens are considered necessary in Japan: (1) studies on social-ecological systems of coastal fisheries with a gender lens, (2) studies on gender-differentiated impacts of fishery policies, and (3) studies on the gender-differentiated vulnerability and adaptive capacity in coastal areas. The future implementation of these studies will avoid the negative impacts on specific gender groups and provide critical insights for innovating sustainable and equitable coastal resource use by exploring gender-based knowledge, networks, and opportunities that have not been fully utilized.

Graphical Abstract
A 12-month study of dialectical behavioral therapy for bοrderline patients suffering from eating disorders
Authors: Liakopoulou Efi , Vassalou Georgia , Tzavara Chara , Gonidakis Fragiskos
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Individuals with eating disorders (ED) and comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) may benefit from therapies focusing on emotion regulation, such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of one-year standard DΒΤ enhanced with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies for patients suffering from ED and BPD.

Methods

Seventy-two BPD and ED (anorexia and bulimia nervosa) participants were recruited from the eating disorders unit of the 1st Psychiatric Department of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. All participants completed one year of standard DBT. ED-related behaviors were added to the treatment plan according to the DBT targeting hierarchy. Individual therapy and skills training group sessions were adapted to incorporate CBT strategies for nutritional and weight restoration. BPD and ED symptomatology were measured at the beginning and at the end of one year of treatment.

Results

The major finding of the study was the significant improvement of patients in all the outcome measurements after one year of treatment. The study's second finding was that the severity of BPD symptomatology was significantly related to the severity of ED symptomatology. It was also shown that improvement of the patients coping skills was correlated with the reduction of ED and BPD symptomatology.

Conclusions

These results support previous studies on the effectiveness of DBT for comorbid BPD and EDs. Despite the promising results, randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy of DBT for BPD and ED patients.

Level of evidence

Level IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence.
The finite and solvable genus of finitely generated free and surface groups
Authors: Jaikin-Zapirain Andrei
Published: October 2023

Let $${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
be the pseudovariety $${\mathcal {F}}$$
F
of all finite groups or the pseudovariety $${\mathcal {S}}$$
S
of all finite solvable groups and let $$\Gamma $$
Γ
be either a finitely generated free group or a surface group. The $${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
-genus of $$\Gamma $$
Γ
, denoted by $${\mathcal {G}}_{{\mathcal {C}}}(\Gamma )$$

G
C

(
Γ
)

, consists of the isomorphism classes of finitely generated residually-$$\mathcal C$$
C
groups G having the same quotients in $${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
as $$\Gamma $$
Γ
. We show that the groups from $${\mathcal {G}}_{{\mathcal {C}}}(\Gamma )$$

G
C

(
Γ
)

are residually-p for all primes p. This answers a question of Gilbert Baumslag and shows that the groups in the genus are residually finite rationally solvable groups. This leads to a positive solution of particular case of a question of Alexander Grothendieck: if F is a free group, G is a finitely generated residually-$${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
group and $$u:F\rightarrow G$$

u
:
F
→
G

is a homomorphism such that the induced map of pro-$${\mathcal {C}}$$
C
completions $$u_{\widehat{{\mathcal {C}}}} : F_{\widehat{{\mathcal {C}}}}\rightarrow G_{\widehat{{\mathcal {C}}}}$$

u

C
^

:

F

C
^

→

G

C
^

is an isomorphism, then u is an isomorphism.
Influence of clearance between cradle and barrel on nonlinear dynamic response of the artillery system
Authors: Lu Shaojie , Gao Zhiying , Zhang Haifeng , Liao Maolin
Published: October 2023

The artillery weapon system,characterized as a complex nonlinear mechanical system, is influenced by various factors affecting its muzzle vibration response.In the article, the model of the artillery system with variable cross-section and multistep barrel is established on the basis of the bending deformation equation, and the fundamental frequency equation is obtained, and the auxiliary verification is completed through modal testing and finite element methods. Then, considering the clearance between the barrel and the cradle, the equivalent nonlinear dynamic model of the vertical vibration of the muzzle is established is established. Furthermore, the multi-scale analysis method obtains the amplitude-frequency curve of the equivalent model under sinusoidal excitation, and analyzes the influence of parameters on the response characteristics. Finally, the vibration research system of the model of the artillery system is constructed to study the vibration characteristics of the muzzle. The results show that the equivalent nonlinear dynamic model established in the paper has certain accuracy, which can provide a certain reference for the related research of the artillery system
Preservation of mean inactivity time ordering for coherent systems
Authors: Rao T. V. , Naqvi Sameen
Published: October 2023

Preservation of stochastic orders through the system signature has captured the attention of researchers in recent years. Signature-based comparisons have been made for the usual stochastic order, hazard rate order, and likelihood ratio orders. However, for the mean residual life (MRL) order, it has recently been proved that the preservation result does not hold true in general, but rather holds for a particular class of distributions. In this paper, we study whether or not a similar preservation result holds for the mean inactivity time (MIT) order. We prove that the MIT order is not preserved from signatures to system lifetimes with independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) components, but holds for special classes of distributions. The relationship between these classes and the order statistics is also highlighted. Furthermore, the distribution-free comparison of the performance of coherent systems with dependent and identically distributed (d.i.d.) components is studied under the MIT ordering, using diagonal-dependent copulas and distorted distributions.
Hensel minimality II: Mixed characteristic and a diophantine application
Authors: Cluckers Raf , Halupczok Immanuel , Rideau-Kikuchi Silvain , Vermeulen Floris
Published: October 2023

In this paper, together with the preceding Part I [10], we develop a framework for tame geometry on Henselian valued fields of characteristic zero, called Hensel minimality. It adds to [10] the treatment of the mixed characteristic case. Hensel minimality is inspired by o-minimality and its role in real geometry and diophantine applications. We develop geometric results and applications for Hensel minimal structures that were previously known only under stronger or less axiomatic assumptions, and which often have counterparts in o-minimal structures. We prove a Jacobian property, a strong form of Taylor approximations of definable functions, resplendency results and cell decomposition, all under Hensel minimality – more precisely,

$1$

-h-minimality. We obtain a diophantine application of counting rational points of bounded height on Hensel minimal curves.
Rethinking the Conceptual Space for Science in Society after the VFI
Authors: Branch T. Y. , Douglas Heather
Published: October 2023

Replacing the value-free ideal (VFI) for science requires attention to the broader understanding of how science in society should function. In public spaces, science needed to project the VFI in norms for science advising, science education, and science communication. This resulted in the independent science advisor model and a focus on science literacy for science education and communication. Attending to these broader implications of the VFI that structure science and society relationships is crucial if we are to properly replace the VFI with a better ideal.
Overcoming Arbitrage Limits: Option Trading and Momentum Returns
Authors: Abhyankar Abhay , Filippou Ilias , Garcia-Ares Pedro A.
Published: October 2023

Momentum profits depend mainly on the short leg and therefore on barriers to short sales. Our research indicates that the decline in momentum profitability in the past 2 decades is driven partly by a contemporaneous growth in stock options trading. Stock options offer an alternative to short selling, augmenting the stock lending market, and thereby contributing to improved pricing efficiency. The resulting reduction in barriers to short sales contributes to lower returns to momentum trading from the short leg. Our results persist after matching stocks with and without options based on different firm-level characteristics.
Foreign Trade Policy in the Argentine Automotive Industry: An Analysis of the Business Power of its Actors and their Influence over the State (2002–15)
Authors: Perez Almansi Bruno
Published: October 2023

The article aims to analyse how the business power of actors in the Argentine automotive industry influenced the foreign trade policies relevant to the sector between 2002 and 2015. The research methods employed combine documentary sources, interviews with key informants and descriptive statistics. The overall findings show how automakers achieved considerable power in the first stage of the period, obtaining clear benefits in terms of foreign trade policy. However, macroeconomic and political changes in Argentina after 2008 had a negative impact on their business power, leading to their enjoying a reduced number of trade policy concessions.
Dependence among order statistics for time-transformed exponential models
Authors: Kochar Subhash , Spizzichino Fabio L.
Published: October 2023

Let $(X_{1},\ldots,X_{n})$ be a random vector distributed according to a time-transformed exponential model. This is a special class of exchangeable models, which, in particular, includes multivariate distributions with Schur-constant survival functions. Let for $1\leq i\leq n$, $X_{i:n}$ denote the corresponding ith-order statistic. We consider the problem of comparing the strength of dependence between any pair of Xi’s with that of the corresponding order statistics. It is in particular proved that for $m=2,\ldots,n$, the dependence of $X_{2:m}$ on $X_{1:m}$ is more than that of X2 on X1 according to more stochastic increasingness (positive monotone regression) order, which in turn implies that $(X_{1:m},X_{2:m})$ is more concordant than $(X_{1},X_{2})$. It will be interesting to examine whether these results can be extended to other exchangeable models.
Spirals of Riemann’s Zeta-Function — Curvature, Denseness and Universality
Authors: SOURMELIDIS ATHANASIOS , STEUDING JÖRN
Published: October 2023

This paper deals with applications of Voronin’s universality theorem for the Riemann zeta-function
$\zeta$
. Among other results we prove that every plane smooth curve appears up to a small error in the curve generated by the values
$\zeta(\sigma+it)$
for real t where
$\sigma\in(1/2,1)$
is fixed. In this sense, the values of the zeta-function on any such vertical line provides an atlas for plane curves. In the same framework, we study the curvature of curves generated from
$\zeta(\sigma+it)$
when
$\sigma>1/2$
and we show that there is a connection with the zeros of
$\zeta'(\sigma+it)$
. Moreover, we clarify under which conditions the real and the imaginary part of the zeta-function are jointly universal.
Increasing Fire Weather Potential Over Northeast China Linked to Declining Bering Sea Ice
Authors: Liu Guanyu , Li Jing , Ying Tong , Su Hongxuan , Huang Xin , Yu Yan
Published: October 2023

Northeast China (NEC) is one of the most severely impacted regions by fire and biomass burning in the country. Notably, fires in this area have exhibited an increasing trend over the past decade, contrasting with the extensive pollution reduction observed in other parts of China. In this study, we combine observational data analysis and climate model simulations to demonstrate that the escalation of spring fire activities in NEC is likely induced by a decline in Bering Sea ice concentration during preceding months. This Arctic‐driven teleconnection contributes to increased temperatures and decreased precipitation in NEC through reduced vertical wind shear, anomalously northerly wind transport, and the formation of a high‐pressure center with descending airflow. These changes are conducive to fire ignition and expansion. Furthermore, this linkage may be amplified in future warmer scenarios. This mechanism holds significant implications for predicting decadal fire activity and furthering our understanding of global environmental projections.
Dynamic Processes Associated With Prominent Ionospheric Variations in a Narrow Longitudinal Zone Near the EIA Crest Region as Revealed by ICON Satellite and Ground Beidou Receiver Observations Over South Asia
Authors: Huang Fuqing , Lei Jiuhou , Luan Xiaoli , Li Guozhu , Wang Yihan , Zhu Yajun , Chen Junjie , Owolabi Charles , Dou Xiankang
Published: October 2023

Neutral winds and plasma motions from the Ionospheric Connection Explorer mission were used to investigate dynamic processes associated with large regional total electron content (TEC) differences in a narrow longitudinal zone exceeding ∼45 TECU obtained from dense Beidou geostationary receivers at low latitudes over South Asia. The TEC east‒west asymmetry was defined to quantify this difference, which exceeded ∼5 TECU per 1° longitude distance and occurred around the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest on 31 March 2021 under geomagnetically quiescent conditions. Moreover, the magnetic meridional ion velocity exhibited a large longitude difference around the EIA crest during periods with strong ionospheric east‒west asymmetry. Furthermore, the longitude difference variation was consistent with the TEC east‒west asymmetry variation during 11–21 March 2020 and 27 March–4 April 2021. No significant correlations between TEC east‒west asymmetry and longitude differences under conditions with neutral winds and magnetic zonal ion drifts were observed in either case. The different vertical plasma drifts could contribute to ionospheric changes with a zonal range of a few hundred kilometers.