bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensive Curiosity
Authors: Dumit Joseph , Jensen Dorte Bjerre
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, the authors explore Contact Improvisation (CI) from the point of view of teaching. They assume for purposes of argument that classes and jams are different kinds of things. Their interest is in the insights that CI classes provide about teaching and teaching improvisation in particular, and in turn what teaching CI reveals about CI as a particular kind of collective-focused research into body/mind curiosity. Their thematic conclusions are: (1) CI teaching is a continual balancing between showing and telling and instigating; (2) CI can be teaching “practice as research” together, including teaching collective research and researching togetherness; (3) CI teachers are often able to explore their own curiosity through teaching, through sharing the edge of their curiosity, and they often improvise teaching in order to teach improvisation; and (4) CI uses words to push practice and practice to push language. Not only is reflection time critical in teaching CI, words are a necessary part of this “practice as research.”
On State Capacity and the Reforms Puzzle
Authors: Aiyar Yamini
Published: October 2024

This chapter locates the challenge of reforming India’s public education system within the broader theoretical debates on state capacity. The objective is to articulate the theoretical contributions of this book. It begins by defining the two key analytical concepts that undergird this research—state capacity and implementation. This is followed by a broad overview of the theoretical and policy discourse that has dominated understanding of India’s weak state capacity. Through this overview, this chapter highlights two analytically distinct approaches to the explanations for weak state capacity in India: the political economy framework that focuses on state-society dynamics and the disciplining-plumbing framework that emphasises techno-managerial explanations. The chapter interrogates the approaches to building state capacity that emerge from these two explanatory frameworks and highlights their limits. It concludes by unveiling the key arguments of this book, drawing attention to the relevance of understanding perspectives of frontline workers, the organisational context and the role this plays in shaping their professional identity and sense of purpose and motivation as critical ingredients to state capacity that existing explanations do not pay attention to.
Education Policy in India
Authors: Aiyar Yamini
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents a brief history of the policy landscape in school education in India, dating back to the Kothari Commission and the New Education Policy of the early 1960s. The purpose is to locate Delhi’s effort within the larger set of ideas, contestations, and policy choices that have shaped school education in India since the 1960s, when the first education reform commission was set up. This chapter goes on to explore the evolution of state experiments of the 1980s in non formal education in Andhra Pradesh, the shiksha karmi and Lok Jumbish in Rajasthan and the eventual coalescing in the District Primary Education Program in the 1990s. It then traces debates on learning outcomes that ensued into 2000s as the Government of India expanded the goal of universalization of education and education for all via the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan and the Right to education. Building on this history, this chapter seeks to offer an analytical interpretation of what contributed to the successes and failures of reforms, and locates the debates surrounding the Delhi government’s education reform within this broader landscape of Indian education policy.
The Impact of Brexit
Authors: Portes Jonathan
Published: October 2024

Brexit resulted in major changes to the United Kingdom’s economic relationship with the European Union. The U.K.–E.U. Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for tariff-free trade but has also resulted in the introduction of customs controls and various non-tariff barriers. In addition, the ending of free movement of workers between the United Kingdom and the EU was accompanied by major changes to the UK’s system for work-related migration.

These changes have resulted in a reduction in UK trade compared to other advanced economies, with goods exports most adversely affected. However, the proportion of overall UK trade that is with the EU does not yet appear to have fallen. Investment has also suffered. However, a fall in migration from EU countries has been at least offset by very large increases in migration from the rest of the world, particularly in the health sector.

Overall, UK GDP growth has underperformed synthetic counterfactuals by about 5% since the Brexit referendum, but a substantial proportion of this is likely to reflect factors not directly related to Brexit: comparisons with other large European economies are much less negative. Nevertheless, Brexit has had a negative impact on growth. Looking forward, this impact is likely to grow, although it could in part be offset by improvements to the UK’s regulatory framework, or mitigated by changes to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Phonetics of Tone (African Languages)
Authors: Myers Scott
Published: October 2024

Most of the languages of Africa are tone languages, and the distribution of tones in these languages is often integrated into the morphology and syntax. Descriptions of tone in African languages have been influential in the development of linguistic approaches to tone and in particular autosegmental representations. But almost all of those descriptions are based on phonetic transcriptions, which are subjective and imprecise. Experimental phonetic investigations, based on objective measurements and quantitative analysis, have given new insight into old issues in this area.

Phonetic research on tone is concerned with how tones relate to fundamental frequency (f0), what factors affect that relation, how tones are produced, and how listeners recognize tone categories. Such research on African tone languages has provided significant information about how tone categories can differ in f0 contour. It has yielded evidence about downdrift and downstep, two notions derived from the study of these languages. It has shown how intonation can work in a language in which tone is used to distinguish words. It has shed light on how tones can be realized in the face of interruptions of modal voicing. The small but growing body of experimental work on tone in African tone languages is significant because these languages make up a good proportion of the tone languages in the world, and because tone patterns in these languages have shaped how linguists look at tone.
Comparing ChatGPT vs Surgeon-Generated Informed Consent Documentation for Plastic Surgery Procedures
Authors: Patel Ishan , Om Anjali , Cuzzone Daniel , Garcia Nores Gabriela
Published: October 2024

Informed consent is a crucial requirement of a patient's surgical care but can be a burdensome task. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning language models may provide an alternative approach to writing detailed, readable consent forms in an efficient manner. No studies have assessed the accuracy and completeness of AI-generated consents for aesthetic plastic surgeries. This study aims to compare the length, reading level, accuracy, and completeness of informed consent forms that are AI chatbot (ChatGPT-4; OpenAI, San Francisco, CA) generated vs plastic surgeon generated for the most commonly performed aesthetic plastic surgeries. This study is a cross-sectional design comparing informed consent forms created by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) with informed consent forms generated by ChatGPT-4 for the 5 most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures: liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, breast lift, and blepharoplasty. The average word count of ChatGPT forms was lower than the ASPS-generated forms (1023 vs 2901, P = .01). Average reading level for ChatGPT forms was also lower than the ASPS forms (11.2 vs 12.5, P = .02). There was no difference between accuracy and completeness scores for general descriptions of the surgery, risks, benefits, or alternatives. The mean overall impression score for ChatGPT consents was 2.33, whereas it was 2.23 for ASPS consent forms (P = .18). In this study, the authors demonstrate that informed consent forms generated by ChatGPT were significantly shorter and more readable than ASPS forms with no significant difference in completeness and accuracy.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Risk)
TransAnnot—a fast transcriptome annotation pipeline
Authors: Zelenskaia Mariia , Arangasamy Yazhini , Mirdita Milot , Söding Johannes , Raghavan Venket
Published: October 2024

The annotation of deeply sequenced, de novo assembled transcriptomes continues to be a challenge as some of the state-of-the-art tools are slow, difficult to install, and hard to use. We have tackled these issues with TransAnnot, a fast, automated transcriptome annotation pipeline that is easy to install and use. Leveraging the fast sequence searches provided by the MMseqs2 suite, TransAnnot offers one-step annotation of homologs from Swiss-Prot, gene ontology terms and orthogroups from eggNOG, and functional domains from Pfam. Users also have the option to annotate against custom databases. TransAnnot accepts sequencing reads (short and long), nucleotide sequences, or amino acid sequences as input for annotation. When benchmarked with test data sets of amino acid sequences, TransAnnot was 333, 284, and 18 times faster than comparable tools such as EnTAP, Trinotate, and eggNOG-mapper respectively.

Availability and implementation

TransAnnot is free to use, open sourced under GPLv3, and is implemented in C++ and Bash. Source code, documentation, and pre-compiled binaries are available at https://github.com/soedinglab/transannot. TransAnnot is also available via bioconda (https://anaconda.org/bioconda/transannot).
The Liminality of Fraud: Reimagining Fraud Theory to Inform Financial Crime Prevention
Authors: Harding Nicola , Cooper Emily , Sales Tony , McDonald Andy , Kingston Sarah
Published: October 2024

Utilizing knowledge from academics, practitioners and subject matter experts with lived experience of fraud, this paper offers four significant contributions to fraud theory. Firstly, we argue that fraudsters seek out liminal spaces. Secondly, the paper identifies that fraudsters do not always seek immediate financial gain. Thirdly, we argue that within liminal space, individuals are transformed into fraud victims or potentially ‘co-offenders’ used to target businesses. By understanding the importance of liminality for the success of fraudulent interactions, we propose that both on and offline spaces that are vulnerable to facilitating fraud can be identified. Finally, we make the argument that aspects of situational crime prevention can be utilized within liminal spaces at key points to prevent fraud.
Assessment of sun protection factors in the Irish adult population following the SunSmart campaign 2023
Authors: Kelly Caitriona , McEnery Maria , Daly Selene , Tobin Anne Marie , McCarthy Triona
Published: October 2024

Background

SunSmart is the annual skin cancer prevention awareness campaign run by the National Cancer Control Programme in Ireland.

Objectives

To assess sun protection attitudes following the 2023 campaign and compare findings with those gathered in 2022.

Methods

An online survey was conducted in September 2023, repeating the 2022 survey. Data were collated and analysed.

Results

In 2023, 48.0% (n = 481/1002) of adults reported being sunburnt that summer. Younger adults (aged 18–24 years) were more likely than older adults (aged ≥ 55 years) to report sunburn [n = 71/115 (61.7%) vs. n = 99/345 (28.7%); P < 0.001]. In assessing the ‘SunSmart 5Ss’, 93.6% (n = 938/1002) rated sunscreen, 88.4% (n = 886/1002) rated shade, 83.9% (n = 841/1002) rated hats, 70.5% (n = 706/1002) rated long sleeves and 70.1% (n = 702/1002) rated sunglasses as important. Older adults were more likely than younger adults to rate each factor as important. A higher proportion reported each factor as important compared with 2022. Awareness of the campaign increased, with 32.2% (n = 323/1002) having heard of SunSmart vs. 20.5% in 2022 (n = 205/1000; P < 0.001). Awareness was higher in older adults than younger adults [n = 135/345 (39.1%) vs. n = 24/115 (20.9%); P < 0.001], and in those who reported no sunburn [n = 179/521 (34.4%) vs. n = 144/481 (29.9%); P = 0.02].

Conclusions

Awareness of the SunSmart campaign and the perceived importance of the sun protection factors have improved since 2022, with the perceived importance of the ‘SunSmart 5Ss’ being reasonably high. Reaching younger adults and improving their sun protection behaviours remain areas for progress.
Ten tips on how to manage obesity in the presence of CKD
Authors: Kaesler Nadine , Fleig Susanne
Published: October 2024

Patients with chronic kidney disease are frequently facing the challenge of weight reduction. Finding a weight loss strategy is on the one hand essential to reduce the co-morbidity risks in CKD but remains complex due to the metabolic abnormalities with declining renal function. Here, we provide ten tips to support our CKD patients on their journey, focussing on dietary and behavioural habits and health professional supportive therapies.
Echocardiographic phenotype in severe aortic stenosis with and without transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: the AMY-TAVI study
Authors: Bastos-Fernandez Maria , Lopez-Otero Diego , Lopez-Pais Javier , Pubul-Nuñez Virginia , Neiro-Rey Carmen , Lado-Baleato Oscar , Gude-Sampedro Francisco , Alvarez-Barredo Maria , Gonzalez-Salvado Violeta , Pena-Gil Carlos , Martinon-Martinez Jesus , de la Fuente Rey Antía , Otero-Garcia Oscar , Jimenez-Ramos Victor , Garcia-Rodeja Federico , Tasende-Rey Pablo , Ruiz-Donate Javier , Sanmartin-Pena Xoan Carlos , Martinez-Monzonis Amparo , Gonzalez-Juanatey Jose R
Published: October 2024

Aims

The relative apical sparing pattern of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (RELAPS > 1) has been described as a typical sign of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). The objective was to validate this pattern in concomitant CA and aortic stenosis (AS) and to identify new echocardiographic variables suggestive of CA in the presence of AS.

Methods and results

Three hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients (age 81.5 ± 5.8 years, 51% women) with AS who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were prospectively included. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography was performed. Following TAVI, 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy and protein electrophoresis were performed to screen for CA. Thirty-eight patients (11.7%) showed cardiac uptake in scintigraphy: 14 patients (4.3%) with Grade 1, 13 (4%) with Grade 2, and 11 (3.4%) with Grade 3. Patients with Grades 2 and 3 (AS-CA group) had more LV hypertrophy (LV mass index: 188 vs. 172 g/m2, P = 0.032), lower transvalvular aortic pressure gradient (P < 0.003), and higher prevalence of low-gradient AS (50% vs. 19%, P = 0.001), as well as greater diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Strain analysis was limited to 243 patients due to poor acoustic window and restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic (81 lost: 79 in AS alone, 1 each in AS-DPD1 and AS-CA groups). RELAPS > 1 was more prevalent in AS-CA group (74% vs. 44%, P = 0.006). An echocardiographic prediction model (GRAM score) for CA in the presence of AS, which is more sensitive and specific than RELAPS > 1 alone, is proposed using the LV mass, maximum aortic gradient, and RELAPS > 1, in addition to age (area under the curve: 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.77–0.93).

Conclusion

RELAPS > 1 is more prevalent in AS-CA but can occur in almost half of AS patients without CA, which reduces its value as a screening tool. A more sensitive and specific prediction score for CA in patients with severe AS is proposed.
Evolution of left ventricular thrombus on serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bawaskar Parag , Hooker Mendez Abel A , Athwal Pal Satyajit Singh , Velangi Pratik S , Guo Yugene , Singh Rahul , Shenoy Chetan
Published: October 2024

Aims

Current management of left ventricular (LV) thrombus relies on limited, non-contemporary, echocardiography-based studies. Data on LV thrombus evolution and the associated embolic risk are scarce. We aimed to describe the evolution of LV thrombus on serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)—the current reference standard for the detection of LV thrombus—and identify correlates of no resolution and the embolic risk associated with resolution status.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 107 consecutive patients with LV thrombus who had 213 serial CMRs at a median of 255 days after the index CMR. Of these, 97.2% were anticoagulated. At 3 months after detection by CMR, 75% (47/63) had no resolution of LV thrombus; at 6 months, 53% (35/66) had no resolution; and at 12 months, 37% (23/63) had no resolution. Correlates of no resolution at 6 months included a history of myocardial infarction, LV aneurysm, ischaemic aetiology of cardiomyopathy, and larger thrombus volume. Recurrence of LV thrombus was rare at 5.3%. On survival analysis using the landmark analysis method, embolic events often occurred beyond 6 months, more frequently in patients with unresolved LV thrombus.

Conclusion

Our findings challenge previous literature by demonstrating a lower rate of resolution of LV thrombus and substantial embolic risk beyond 6 months associated with unresolved LV thrombus on serial CMR. Our findings advocate for extended anticoagulation, particularly in patients with markers associated with no resolution. These findings have important implications for clinical practice and research into managing patients with LV thrombus.
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis associated with malignant arrhythmias: a case report
Authors: Brown Chris , Henry John A , Le Page Pierre , Mitchell Andrew R
Published: October 2024

Background

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare vasculitis associated with significant cardiac morbidity and mortality. This case report presents the diagnostic and management challenges of EGPA-related arrhythmias in a remote general hospital setting.

Case summary

A 64-year-old Caucasian male presented with an indolent prodrome of fatigue, shortness of breath and anorexia, that culminated in an acute presentation with pulmonary embolism. His complicated clinical course included intracranial haemorrhage and refractory ventricular arrhythmias. Eosinophilia and sub-endocardial hypoattenuation observed on chest computed tomography were key findings that led to the diagnosis of EGPA. Multiple anti-arrhythmic therapies were required as temporary measures whilst control of the underlying eosinophilic inflammation was achieved.

Once stable, the patient was transferred to a tertiary cardiac centre for further investigation and cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. With EGPA now well controlled, he has experienced no further ventricular arrhythmias and has fully recovered.

Conclusion

Cardiac complications of EGPA, including ventricular arrhythmias, are difficult to manage without concurrent immunosuppression, which may itself further destabilize cardiac electrophysiology. The role of multiple imaging modalities in the diagnosis and monitoring of EGPA is emphasized, with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging playing a crucial role in detecting sub-endocardial fibrosis.
A rare complication of blood culture-negative infective endocarditis on tricuspid valve: case report
Authors: Bellina Giovanni , Scandura Salvatore , Lentini Salvatore , Capodanno Davide , Tamburino Corrado
Published: October 2024

Background

Endocarditis is an infectious disease, with an incidence of ∼15 cases per 100 000 people, affecting the tricuspid valve in 10% of cases. Infective endocarditis with negative blood cultures (BCNIE) accounts for more than 20% of cases of infective endocarditis. Perivalvular extension of the infection represents the most detrimental complications of BCNIE.

Case summary

A 25-year-old South Asian male was admitted due to fever for 15 days and new onset chest pain. The blood tests showed an increase in inflammatory indices. A chest X-ray showed enlargement of the cardiac shadow. On cardiac examination, a holosystolic murmur at the left sternal edge border was heard. The transthoracic echocardiogram showed a filamentous formation on the tricuspid valve and communication between the aorta and right atrium with left–right shunt. A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed to confirm the diagnosis of IE. Three sets of blood cultures were performed, with negative results, empirical therapy was managed and a decision for TEE-guided cardiac surgery was made.

Discussion

Fistula is a rare complication of IE representing the most insidious consequence of uncontrolled infection like BCNIE, a condition that has restricted the therapeutic possibilities to empirical therapy only and to early surgery. The TEE was instrumental in diagnosing right-sided infective endocarditis and allowing us to focus on the perivalvular spread of the infection in our case.
A shared developmental genetic basis for sexually antagonistic male and female adaptations in the toothed water strider
Authors: Pruvôt Claudia , Armisén David , Roux Pascale , Arnqvist Göran , Rowe Locke , Husby Arild , Khila Abderrahman
Published: October 2024

Sexual conflict can drive the divergence of male and female phenotypes and cross-species comparative analyses have documented patterns of correlated evolution of sex-specific traits that promote the evolutionary interests of the sexes. However, male–female coevolution can be highly dynamic, particularly if the male and female traits share an underlying genetic program. Here, we use water striders, a well-studied model system for sexually antagonistic coevolution, and ask whether sex-specific phenotypic adaptations covary across populations and whether they share a common developmental genetic basis. Using comparative analyses both at the population and species levels, we document an association between a derived male mate-grasping trait and a putative female antigrasping counteradaptation in the toothed water strider Gerris odontogaster. Interestingly, in several populations where males have partly lost their derived grasping trait, females have also reduced their antigrasping adaptation. We used RNAi to show that these male and female traits are both linked to a common developmental genetic program involving Hox- and sex-determination genes, despite the fact that they are different structures on different abdominal segments. Our work illustrates the dynamic nature of sexually antagonistic coevolution and suggests that the pleiotropic nature of developmental genetic programs can blur the distinction between inter- and intralocus genetic conflict.
Childbearing Histories and Midlife Cognition: Accounting for Early Life Factors
Authors: Thomeer Mieke Beth , Wolfe Joseph D , Ferguson Dee , Reczek Rin , Cao Rui
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Childbearing histories—for example, parity and age at first birth—matter for the health outcomes of mid- and later-life women. There is growing evidence that childbearing may shape cognitive outcomes. However, previous research is not definitive due to its inability to account for selection. Selection is critical to address given that multiple factors, including socioeconomic background and cognition in adolescence, place women at risk for both specific childbearing experiences and poor cognitive functioning.

Methods

We analyze the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79; N = 3,668), a longitudinal nationally representative data set from the United States that began collecting data during respondents’ late teens and early 20s. We estimate the average treatment effects of childbearing histories on midlife memory and cognition using propensity-score matching techniques that incorporate an expansive set of early life factors.

Results

In models adjusting for early life covariates, we find that any births, high parity, and early first birth are associated with worse self-reported memory, but not cognitive functioning scores. After addressing the influence of early life factors through matching techniques, the only robust differences relate to any births and early first births with self-reported memory.

Discussion

Selection into specific childbearing experiences partially drives the link between childbearing and cognition at midlife, with cascading implications into later life. We suggest incorporating childbearing and early life factors into models to identify social determinants of memory and cognitive functioning.
Genomic exploration of the endangered oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana, sheds light on migration adaptation and future conservation
Authors: Yang Shangchen , Liu Yan , Zhao Xiaoqing , Chen Jin , Li Haimeng , Liang Hongrui , Fan Jiale , Zhou Mengchao , Wang Shiqing , Zhang Xiaotian , Shi Minhui , Han Lei , Yu Mingyuan , Lu Yaxian , Liu Boyang , Xu Yu , Lan Tianming , Hou Zhijun
Published: October 2024

Background

The oriental stork, Ciconia boyciana, is an endangered migratory bird listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. The bird population has experienced a rapid decline in the past decades, with nest locations and stop-over sites largely degraded due to human–bird conflicts. Multipronged conservation efforts are required to secure the future of oriental storks. We propose that a thorough understanding of the genome-wide genetic background of this threatened bird species is critical to make future conservation strategies.

Findings

In this study, the first chromosome-scale reference genome was presented for the oriental stork with high quality, contiguity, and accuracy. The assembled genome size was 1.24 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 103 Mb, and 1.23 Gb contigs (99.32%) were anchored to 35 chromosomes. Population genomic analysis did not show a genetic structure in the wild population. Genome-wide genetic diversity (π = 0.0012) of the oriental stork was at a moderate to high level among threatened bird species, and the inbreeding risk was also not significant (FROH = 5.56% ± 5.30%). Reconstruction of demographic history indicated a rapid recent population decline likely driven by human activities. Genes that were under positive selection associated with the migratory trait were identified in relation to the long-term potentiation, photoreceptor cell organization, circadian rhythm, muscle development, and energy metabolism, indicating the essential interplay between genetic and ecological adaptation.

Conclusions

Our study presents the first chromosome-scale genome assembly of the oriental stork and provides a genomic basis for understanding a genetic background of the oriental stork, the population’s extinction risks, and the migratory characteristics, which will facilitate the decision of future conservation plans for this species.
Appraisal of partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage through a lumped-parameter mathematical model: a new pathophysiological proof of concept
Authors: Ferrero Paolo , Tonini Andrea , Valenti Giulio , Chessa Massimo , Kuthi Luca , Bassareo Pier Paolo , Dede Luca , Quarteroni Alfio
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

Haemodynamic determinants of the ratio between pulmonary and systemic flow (Qp/Qs) in partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) are still not fully understood. Indeed, among patients with the same number of lung segments draining anomalously, a great variability is observed in terms of right ventricular overload. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the anatomic site of drainage, affecting the total circuit impedance, independently influences the magnitude of shunt estimated by Qp/Qs. A zero-dimensional lumped parameter mathematical model was developed and validated on a sample of patients

METHODS

We developed a zero-dimensional lumped parameter model, using time-varying elastances for heart chambers, RLC Windkessel circuits for the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Patients were categorized into vena cava (VC) type (including left drainage to anomalous vein) and right atrium (RA) type. The mathematical model is a system of ordinary differential equations that are numerically solved by means of the ode15s solver in the MATLAB environment.

RESULTS

The model showed an increase of Qp/Qs with the increase of the number of anomalous veins. With the same number of anomalous veins, Qp/Qs was lower in patients with anomalous drainage to the VC as compared with RA. The validation sample consisted of 49 patients (27, 55% females). As predicted by the model, patients with PAPVR with VC type displayed a lower invasive and cardiac magnetic resonance Qp/Qs as compared with drainage to RA: 1.4 (1.2–1.7) and 1.45 (1.25–1.6) versus 2 (1.75–2.1) and 1.9 (1.6–2), P < 0.05. After stratifying for number of lung territories, a lower Qp/Qs was measured in patients with VC PAPVR as compared with RA.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PAPVR, the site of anomalous drainage modulates the Qp/Qs. According to the model, this effect is mediated by the post-capillary impedance of the circuit and significantly decreases with the increase of pulmonary vascular resistances.
ParthenoGenius: A user-friendly heuristic for inferring presence and mechanism of facultative parthenogenesis from genetic and genomic datasets
Authors: Levine Brenna A , Booth Warren
Published: October 2024

Facultative parthenogenesis (FP), or asexual reproduction by sexually reproducing female animals, has been reported across several clades of vertebrates and is increasingly being recognized as a reproductive mechanism with significant implications for the genetic variation of captive and wild populations. The definitive identification of parthenogens requires molecular confirmation, with large genomic datasets necessary to accurately parse the parthenogenetic mechanism (i.e. endoduplication, gametic duplication, terminal fusion automixis, or central fusion automixis). Current methods for inferring FP from large genomic datasets are statistically intensive, require competency in R scripting for their execution, and are not designed for detection of facultative parthenogenesis or screening of large numbers of mother/offspring pairs, whereas small datasets (i.e. microsatellites) that can be evaluated visually lack the power to discriminate among FP mechanisms. Here, we present the user-friendly software program, ParthenoGenius, that uses intuitive logic to infer the presence and mechanism of FP from even large genomic datasets comprising many mothers and offspring. ParthenoGenius runs relatively quickly and does not require the researcher to have knowledge of R scripting or statistics. ParthenoGenius was tested on eight empirical datasets and in each case identified parthenogens (and parthenogenic mechanism when present) consistent with results of previous studies or corroborating evidence. ParthenoGenius will facilitate the rapid screening of large genomic datasets comprising many mothers and offspring for the presence and mechanism of parthenogenesis, improving our understanding of the frequency and phylogenetic distribution of FP across the animal kingdom.
Role of immunotherapy in gastroesophageal cancer with liver metastasis
Authors: Bawek Sawyer , Ramesh Mrinalini , Gurusinghe Sayuri , Aijaz Ali , Attwood Kristopher , Hossein-Javaheri Nariman , Mukherjee Sarbajit
Published: October 2024

The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with gastroesophageal cancer with liver metastasis remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate whether immune checkpoint inhibitors are beneficial in patients with gastroesophageal cancer with liver metastasis. We searched PubMed, Embase, European Society for Medical Oncology, and American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting abstracts for phase 3 randomized clinical trials testing immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic/advanced gastroesophageal cancer from 2017 to 2023. Seven studies were included. Overall survival was similar among all patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67 to 0.77], P < .001), in patients without liver metastases (HR = 0.73 [95% CI = 0.67 to 0.81], P < .001, I2 = 0.0%), and in patients with liver metastases (HR = 0.74 [95% CI = 0.67 to 0.81], P < .001, I2 = 0.0%). Progression-free survival was also similar among all patients (HR = 0.63 [95% CI = 0.57 to 0.70], P < .001), in patients without liver metastases (HR = 0.62 [95% CI = 0.51 to 0.76], P < .001), and in patients with liver metastases (HR = 0.66 [95% CI = 0.57 to 0.76], P < .001). Immune checkpoint inhibitors showed no difference in benefit in patients with gastroesophageal cancer, regardless of liver metastasis. Future studies could focus on deciphering the tumor microenvironment of liver metastasis as an area of translational research.
Surgical intervention of a giant bronchogenic cyst in the right middle lobe with recurrent infections: a case report
Authors: Qiao Quan , Wen Hongmei , Chen Xiande , Tu Chao , Zhang Xiuxiong , Wei Xing
Published: October 2024

Bronchogenic cysts, a rare congenital pulmonary disorder, typically affect young adults and are often managed conservatively. However, large cysts with recurrent infections require surgical intervention. This case study highlights the successful management of a large bronchogenic cyst. A 53-year-old female presented with a decade-long history of recurrent respiratory infections manifesting as cough, yellow purulent sputum, and shortness of breath. Chest computed tomography revealed a large bronchogenic cyst in the right middle lobe, causing cardiac compression. Despite conservative management, the recurrent symptoms persisted. After multidisciplinary consultation, a thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy was planned. Severe pleural adhesions and bleeding complicated the procedure; therefore, thoracotomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient developed transient fever and elevated white blood cell count, both of which resolved with appropriate antibiotic therapy. The patient was discharged in stable condition, with no recurrence of symptoms at follow-up. Large, symptomatic bronchogenic cysts that cause recurrent infections require surgical resection.
Self-recoverable elastico mechanoluminescence of a hybrid metal halide crystal
Authors: Yang Tian-Yi , Li Si-Nuo , Chen Hai-Sheng , Li Zi-Ying , Li Zhi-Gang , Feng Rui , Gao Fei-Fei , Zhang Ying , Liu Yi-Ming , Zhang Yang , Liu Wei-Wei , Li Wei , Bu Xian-He
Published: October 2024

Materials exhibiting self-recoverable elastico mechanoluminescence (EML) are highly sought after due to their utility in sensing and information encryption. However, the current pool of identified EML materials remains limited, exclusively comprising purely inorganic substances. This study delves into the investigation of the EML properties of a zero-dimensional (0D) organic-inorganic metal halide denoted as [C19H18P]2MnBr4 (where C19H18P+ signifies methyl triphenyl phosphonium). Notably, [C19H18P]2MnBr4 manifests two distinct polymorphs, with the piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric polymorphs exhibiting thermodynamic and kinetic stability, respectively. Despite both compounds showing bright greenish luminescence, only the piezoelectric phase exhibits desirable EML behavior. The EML in this context is distinguished by its high intensity, strong fatigue resistance and prompt self-recovery. The underlying mechanism of EML in the piezoelectric polymorph can be explained by the piezoelectric effect and the stress-induced energy band tilting. Calorimetric and piezoelectric experiments reveal the self-recoverable EML arises from the relaxation of the stress-induced kinetically stable non-piezoelectric to the thermodynamically favored piezoelectric phase. This work paves a new pathway in the exploration of self-recoverable EML materials in the realm of hybrid organic-inorganic crystals.
How Much Does the IMF Care about Inequality?
Authors: Kaya Ayse
Published: October 2024

Employing text data analysis on over 6,500 International Monetary Fund (IMF) documents from different operational units of the organization, this chapter first finds that the IMF’s approach to inequality has changed over the past two decades, but in a manner that is uneven across the different constituent parts of the organization. This evidence lends further support to the notion of IMF and IO “fragmented change” developed by Kaya and Reay (2019). Second, the chapter finds that while inequality now is more prominent in the IMF’s policy advice, it matters only insofar as inequality is related to core macroeconomic issues—institutional change has occurred in a “mission-consistent” manner. Thus, the IMF has more focus on inequality in institutional thinking but less in institutional output.
The United States and the IMF
Authors: Lavelle Kathryn C.
Published: October 2024

As with other states, American participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) works to ensure successful cooperative efforts at stabilizing the functioning of the world financial system. Nonetheless, three key factors distinguish the American relationship with the IMF from that of the other member-states: the separation of powers among branches of government articulated in the US Constitution, the location of the IMF in Washington, DC, and the position of the US in the global political economy. This chapter argues that as these three factors have evolved over the course of the IMF’s history, connections among them have transformed both the IMF as an institution and its role in the world.
Diversifying the IMF and Its Culture
Authors: Momani Bessma
Published: October 2024

As societies recognize the importance of diversity for organizational performance, this has also been embraced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Using sociological institutionalism and constructivism, the chapter highlights the role of ideas and culture in shaping the IMF’s policies. The IMF’s technocratic, hierarchical culture can make it resistant to change, limiting diversity of perspectives and hindering adaptability. Despite introducing new ideas and modest progress on diversification, the IMF still faces challenges in achieving staff diversification. Progress includes shifts in policy, specifically in integrating a gendered analysis into macroeconomic analysis and two influential women at its helm, but there is still much work to do in achieving gender parity of Fund staff. This chapter emphasizes the need for a more diverse recruitment policy that fosters diversity of thought, enabling the IMF to better manage crises and develop policies that are more inclusive and representative of its debtors.
IMF Lending
Authors: Lütz Susanne
Published: October 2024

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s lending policy is rooted in the Bretton Woods system, which shaped the global economic order after World War II. To prevent challenges to the open economic order, such as trade barriers or currency devaluations, the IMF was to provide liquidity to help countries navigate internal adjustment processes. Over the past few decades, there has been a significant transformation of the IMF’s lending toolkit. While fundamental lending principles established in the post-World War II era have remained consistent, lending instruments have been newly calibrated or replaced with alternative lending facilities. By engaging with the academic discourse on transformation and institutional change, this chapter provides an overview of the broad patterns of these changes since the 1970s.
IMF Surveillance
Authors: Edwards Martin S.
Published: October 2024

Surveillance, which is the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s annual review of member country economies, has changed considerably in recent years. This chapter reviews this new surveillance agenda in the areas of inequality, gender, climate, and governance and corruption, noting several unresolved issues. The chapter also recounts how the pandemic shaped the content and conduct of surveillance and summarizes recent empirical scholarship. The chapter argues that two key challenges are the fit of a broader surveillance agenda with the challenge of populist and nationalist governments, and the Fund’s limited progress on evenhandedness of country treatment. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations for the 2026 Comprehensive Surveillance Review.
Regional Mechanisms and Economic and Social Rights
Authors: Chirwa Danwood M. , Oriakhogba Desmond
Published: October 2024

The importance of regional human rights systems is taken for granted today, but this has not always been the case. The idea of regional systems for the protection of human rights was met with suspicion and apprehension before the United Nations was established and in its early years of existence, due largely to the fear that such systems would detract from the universality of human rights. Focusing on the three main regional human rights systems—Inter-American, African, and European—this chapter explores the ways in which regional human rights systems have strengthened and enriched the protection of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESC) rights. In doing so, it rebuts the assumption made by those opposed to regional systems who argued that such systems would institutionalize relativity and hence dilution of human rights. There is now ample evidence, discussed in this chapter, showing that regional systems provide an important space for mediating the multidirectional influence of human rights norms as we strive to make human rights meaningful and realizable in different social contexts. With respect to ESC rights, regional systems have evolved and tested various models of protecting these rights, accentuated certain aspects of these rights, developed various standards of measuring compliance or of judicially enforcing these rights, and expanded or improved the robustness of the enforcement mechanisms. Acknowledging this contribution does not mean that regional systems are perfect.
Ethnic Politics and Land
Authors: Dang Bao-Nguyet , Ra Doi , Arango Lorenza , Belay Moges , Kham Sai Sam , Benlisoy Zeynep Ceren Eren
Published: October 2024

Land and ethnic politics are closely interlinked. This chapter explores the dynamics in which ethnic politics and the politics of land shape one another, especially in multiethnic societies. It examines case studies from the global South to explore ethnic politics in relation to land grabbing, emerging patterns of informal wage labor and migration, the role of the state, and struggles from below amid the reconfiguration of land and labor regimes across time and space. The chapter argues that contestations and struggles with respect to land are never only about land. On the contrary, claims over land access and control are permanently traversed by ethnicity, race, and citizenship rights, and by class relations. By paying attention to the intersections between ethnicity and class, and by examining how these have mediated land and labor relations, the chapter offers important insights into the complexities around the questions of ethnic politics and land.
Was Market Socialism Ever a Viable Alternative Development Model?
Authors: Csaba László
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents an overview of theoretical and policy-induced practical attempts to remedy the shortcomings of a command economy. These happened on the ground with the introduction of market elements into those systems. The initiatives were often bold, especially by contemporary ideological standards, without, however, considering crossover to a real market economy based on private property, competition, and the integration of trade and finances into the global economy. In light of the successful Chinese and Vietnamese experiments with market reforms in the post-1978 period, however, these attempts deserve more academic attention. Why did this experiment succeed in Asia and fail in Europe? This chapter offers five theses and turns to economic theory at the end to answer this question.
A Critical Framework for Teaching Power and Politics in Social Work Education
Authors: McGregor Caroline
Published: October 2024

Social work is a sociolegal activity expected to mediate between the tensions of the state and the family in the space of the social. To understand this process of mediation between the public state system and the private family domain, theories of power and power relations are central. At present, notions of empowerment, use of powers, and engaging with policy and politics are insufficiently problematized in the Irish social work education context. The chapter will set out the state-of-the-art concepts about power. Power and power relations in social work will be discussed with reference to individual subjectivity, impact of powerlessness, impact on practice, and interaction with wider organizational, societal, and political contexts. Using the Irish context as an illustration, a dialectical and critical framework for teaching power and politics in social work education will be elaborated. Four matrices enable a critical analysis of power from individual practice to wider societal and political processes. The conclusion will consider ways in which social work education in Ireland should be reviewed to provide more capacity and requirements for critical engagement with power and power relations. Suggestions for further application of the matrices presented will be made.
The Role of State, Power, and Politics in Social Work Management Education in Germany
Authors: Arnold Maik
Published: October 2024

Social work managers do not only have to acquire leadership and entrepreneurial knowledge and competencies, but they must also possess skills such as ethical reasoning, citizenship, sustainability, and global awareness, all linked to the role of the state, its sociopolitical and ideological underpinnings, and existing power relations and social policy. This raises the question of how such skills are implemented in current social work management curricula. The purpose of this chapter is to present the results of an analysis of curricula, pedagogy, and teaching practices in social work management courses in Germany. After describing the German welfare system, its sociopolitical and ideological foundations, different theoretical models of economic behavior, and the power dynamics in social work institutions are discussed from a critical management perspective. Then the historical evolution of the academic discipline of social work management is briefly described. The central focus is then on a document-based and systematic analysis of the curricula, pedagogy, and teaching practices in German social work management programs at under- and postgraduate levels. The findings emphasize the constant need to develop the study programs’ learning outcomes, content, and teaching and learning methodologies. The chapter concludes with implications for future research and development.
Direct Practice and Social Change
Authors: Saar-Heiman Yuval , Krumer-Nevo Michal
Published: October 2024

Part III provides a comprehensive overview of practice social work and practice teaching in social work and the relationships between different power dynamics related to practice agency, practice settings, and supervisor-student relations in practice learning and practice education. It is very well known that social and political action are at the core of the social work profession, and social workers practicing policy advocacy and policy activism apply the skills, knowledge, and experience that they have gained from their professional social work training. It is also important that social work training across the globe aims to educate, prepare, and sensitize graduates for their role in bringing about social change and transformation in a modernized, business-oriented, and technology-driven human society.