bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed Energetic Adjustment of the Arctic and Antarctic in a Warming World
Authors: Prince Hamish D. , L’Ecuyer Tristan S.
Published: February 2024

Satellite observations reveal that decreasing surface albedo in both polar regions is increasing the absorption of solar radiation, but the disposition of this absorbed energy is fundamentally different. Fluxes of absorbed solar radiation, emitted thermal radiation, and net energy imbalances are assessed for both polar regions for the last 21 years in the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System record. Arctic absorbed solar radiation is increasing at 0.98 ± 0.69 W m−2 decade−1, consistent with the anticipated response to sea ice loss. However, Arctic thermal emission is responding at a similar rate of 0.94 ± 0.55 W m−2 decade−1. This is surprising since the radiative impact of ice loss would be expected to favor increasing solar absorption. We find however, that clouds substantially mask trends in Arctic solar absorption relative to clear sky while having only a modest impact on thermal emission trends. As a result, the Arctic net radiation imbalance has not changed over the period. Furthermore, variability of absorbed solar radiation explains two-thirds of the variability in annual thermal emission suggesting that Arctic thermal fluxes rapidly adjust to offset changes in solar absorption and re-establish equilibrium. Conversely, Antarctic thermal emission is not responding to the increasing (although not yet statistically significant) solar absorption of 0.59 ± 0.64 W m−2 decade−1 with less than a third of the annual thermal variability explained by accumulated solar absorption. The Arctic is undergoing rapid adjustment to increasing solar absorption resulting in no change to the net energy deficit, while increasing Antarctic solar absorption represents additional energy input into the Earth system.

Significance Statement

The polar regions of Earth are undergoing ice loss through ongoing global warming, reducing the ice cover and decreasing solar reflectivity, which would be expected to warm these regions. We use satellite observations to measure the trends in solar absorption and emitted thermal radiation over the Arctic and Antarctic for the last two decades. Arctic thermal emission is increasing at a compensating rate to solar absorption with a close relationship between these processes. Conversely, Antarctic thermal emission is not responding to solar absorption demonstrating that Antarctic surface temperatures are not significantly influenced by the region’s reflectivity. The Arctic is undergoing rapid adjustment to increasing solar absorption through warming, while increasing Antarctic solar absorption represents additional energy input into the Earth system.
Comparisons between Short- and Long-Lived Cross-Equatorial Flow Events over the Maritime Continent: Perspective from the Intraseasonal Oscillation
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxuan , Lu Riyu , Sun Jianqi , Xu Ke , Li Chaofan
Published: February 2024

The duration of cross-equatorial flow (CEF) events over the Maritime Continent (MC) varies greatly, from 3 days to more than 1 month. In this study, we classify CEF events into short- and long-lived ones using a threshold of 7 days, and conduct separate investigations on their statistical and evolution characteristics, as well as the associated physical processes from the perspective of two dominant modes of the intraseasonal oscillation. Results indicate that short-lived events, characterized by westward-propagation southerly anomalies, are largely dependent on the 10–25-day oscillation, while the contribution of the 30–60-day component is negligible. The associated enhanced convection is primarily confined to the western North Pacific (WNP) and moves northwestward, accompanied by an anomalous cyclone. In contrast, long-lived events show consistent changes among different CEF branches, characterized by southerly anomalies dominating the MC, which benefit from the favorable background of the 30–60-day oscillation. Associated convection anomalies show a dipole pattern, with enhanced convection over WNP and suppressed convection over the Indian Ocean. The enhanced WNP convection gradually migrates northward, inducing CEF anomalies via a continuous anomalous cyclone, while the suppressed convection can be found to slightly expand to the MC. Meanwhile, the 10–25-day oscillation shows similar magnitude and evolution with that in short-lived events, but is no longer crucial to the establishment of long-lived events.
Maximizing the Volume of Collocated Data from Two Coordinated Suborbital Platforms
Authors: Schlosser Joseph S. , Bennett Ryan , Cairns Brian , Chen Gao , Collister Brian L. , Hair Johnathan W. , Jones Michael , Shook Michael A. , Sorooshian Armin , Thornhill Kenneth L. , Ziemba Luke D. , Stamnes Snorre
Published: February 2024

Suborbital (e.g., airborne) campaigns that carry advanced remote sensing and in situ payloads provide detailed observations of atmospheric processes, but can be challenging to use when it is necessary to geographically collocate data from multiple platforms that make repeated observations of a given geographic location at different altitudes. This study reports on a data collocation algorithm that maximizes the volume of collocated data from two coordinated suborbital platforms and demonstrates its value using data from the NASA Aerosol Cloud Meteorology Interactions Over the western Atlantic Experiment (ACTIVATE) suborbital mission. A robust data collocation algorithm is critical for the success of the ACTIVATE mission goal to develop new and improved remote sensing algorithms, and quantify their performance. We demonstrate the value of these collocated data to quantify the performance of a recently developed vertically resolved lidar + polarimeter–derived aerosol particle number concentration (Na) product, resulting in a range-normalized mean absolute deviation (NMAD) of 9% compared to in situ measurements. We also show that this collocation algorithm increases the volume of collocated ACTIVATE data by 21% compared to using only nearest-neighbor finding algorithms alone. Additional to the benefits demonstrated within this study, the data files and routines produced by this algorithm have solved both the critical collocation and the collocation application steps for researchers who require collocated data for their own studies. This freely available and open-source collocation algorithm can be applied to future suborbital campaigns that, like ACTIVATE, use multiple platforms to conduct coordinated observations, e.g., a remote sensing aircraft together with in situ data collected from suborbital platforms.

Significance Statement

This study describes a data collocation (i.e., selection) process that aims to maximize the volume of data identified to be simultaneously collected in time and space from two coordinated measurement platforms. The functional utility of the resultant dataset is also demonstrated by extending the validation of aerosol particle number concentration derived from standard lidar and polarimeter data products from a suborbital mission that used two aircraft platforms.
ICD-11 post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in mental health support-seeking former-serving Australian defence force veterans
Authors: Bressington Daniel , Hyland Philip , Steele Hannah , Byrne Mitchell , Mitchell David , Keane Carol , Shevlin Mark , Ho Grace , Murta Janina Catalao Dionisio , Easpaig Bróna Nic Giolla , Liu Xianliang , Zhai Jianxia , Murphy Dominic , Karatzias Thanos
Published: February 2024

Background:

ICD-11 complex post-traumatic stress disorder is a more severe condition than post-traumatic stress disorder, and recent studies indicate it is more prevalent among military samples. In this study, we tested the psychometric properties of the International Trauma Questionnaire, assessed the relative prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder in the sample population and explored relationships between complex post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder and a range of risk factors.

Methods:

Survey participants ( N = 189) were mental health support-seeking former-serving veterans of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruited from primary care. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factorial validity of the International Trauma Questionnaire.

Results:

The latent structure of the International Trauma Questionnaire was best represented by a two-factor second-order model consistent with the ICD-11 model of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The International Trauma Questionnaire scale scores demonstrated excellent internal reliability. Overall, 9.1% (95% confidence interval = [4.8%, 13.5%]) met diagnostic requirements for post-traumatic stress disorder and an additional 51.4% (95% confidence interval = [44.0%, 58.9%]) met requirements for complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Those meeting diagnostic requirements for complex post-traumatic stress disorder were more likely to have served in the military for 15 years or longer, had a history of more traumatic life events and had the highest levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.

Conclusion:

The International Trauma Questionnaire can effectively distinguish between post-traumatic stress disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder within primary care samples of Australian Defence Force veterans. A significantly greater proportion of Australian Defence Force veterans met criteria for complex post-traumatic stress disorder than post-traumatic stress disorder. Australian military mental health services should adopt the International Trauma Questionnaire to routinely screen for complex post-traumatic stress disorder and develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder specific interventions to promote recovery in Australian Defence Force veterans with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
Reporting on Science in the Southern African Context: Exploring Influences on Journalistic Practice
Authors: Matsilele Trust , Msimanga Mbongeni Jonny , Tshuma Lungile , Jamil Sadia
Published: February 2024

This exploratory study investigates the journalistic influences on science reporting in Southern Africa, filling the gap that is under explored. South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are the selected cases. Methodologically, this qualitative study relied on in-depth face-to-face interviews and purposive sampling as designs. The study employed Reese’s and Shoemaker’s hierarchy of influences model as the preferred theoretical framework because it articulates diverse factors affecting news content, categorized from a micro-individual to the macro-social system level. This study found that lack of resources, limited knowledge of science by journalists, and preference for political and economic news have largely affected the quality and frequency of science reporting in Southern Africa.
Urinary bladder catheterisation of female pigs: Influence of bladder content and Escherichia coli urinary tract infection on procedural outcome
Authors: Stærk Kristian , Langhorn Louise , Halle Bo , Andersen Thomas Emil
Published: February 2024

Catheterisation of the urinary bladder is needed in many types of human disease models in pigs. Based on our extensive experience with the pig as an infection model, we here demonstrate an approach of catheterising domestic pigs (40 attempts) and Göttingen minipigs (10 attempts) using a blinded method, that is, without speculums or videoscopes to visualise the urethral opening. The procedure was tested on control animals and pigs with experimental Escherichia coli urinary tract infection (UTI) to assess the potential influence of this condition on procedural outcome. Lastly, we performed cystoscopy in three animals to visualise the route to the urethra and to localise potential anatomical obstacles. All domestic pigs were catheterised successfully in an average of 2 minutes and 23 seconds, and this was not influenced by UTI ( p  =  0.06) or bladder urine content at the time of catheterisation ( p = 0.32). All Göttingen minipigs were successfully catheterised in an average of 4 minutes and 27 seconds. We conclude that blinded catheterisation is a fast and reliable approach that can be performed in pigs with or without UTI with minimal risk of trauma or contamination.
Medical malpractice and cerebrospinal fluid shunts: An analysis of 36 cases
Authors: Pecorari Isabella L , Agarwal Vijay
Published: February 2024

Many physicians, particularly neurosurgeons, face malpractice claims during their career. The aim of this paper is to identify which factors increase the risk of litigation and influence legal outcomes relating to cerebrospinal fluid shunt management. Westlaw, an online legal database, was used to identify all medico-legal cases pertaining to cerebrospinal fluid shunts. Information regarding plaintiff demographics, defendant specialties, reasons for litigation, and trial outcomes were analysed. Thirty-six cases met criteria for inclusion. Most cases returned a defence verdict (44.4%), with delayed treatment or failure to appropriately treat patients with shunts the most common reason for litigation (66.7%). The average plaintiff verdict payout was $4,888,136.75 and average settlement $1,362,307.69. Delay or failure to treat resulted in the largest average payouts for plaintiff verdicts and settlements ($5,329,299.14 and $1,531,500.00, respectively).
A co-simulation approach to onboard support of marine operation: a Palfinger crane path planning case
Authors: Liu Zizheng , Chu Yingguang , Li Guoyuan , Hildre Hans Petter , Zhang Houxiang
Published: February 2024

Marine cranes are one of the most important industrial equipment in the maritime field. The base of a marine crane is dynamically moving as the motion of the ship’s six degrees of freedom that is affected by offshore environmental loads. There is a coupling between the crane and the ship, which means the crane operation and the ship motion affect each other. In this paper, co-simulation technology is employed to construct the virtual marine operation system which is composed of diverse Functional Mock-Up Units (FMUs) exported using the Functional Mock-Up Interface (FMI) standard and System Structure and Parameterization (SSP) standard to define the structure and parameters based on the co-simulation platform Vico. A path planning case for the Palfinger crane is implemented using the A* algorithm. The physical three-dimensional working space of the crane is discretized into a finite number of nodes in joint space. The cost is defined by the variable of the ship motion to optimize the marine operation. The obtained discrete nodes are smoothed to get the velocity of the actuators as control signals. Simulation of the crane operation is carried out in the virtual operating system following the planned path.
The Arab ‘Uncertain Body’ and Sojourner Passing in Israel
Authors: Sion Liora
Published: February 2024

This article analyses the image of the Arab ‘uncertain body’ by introducing two theoretical tools: first, the practice of sojourner passing: that is, an abrupt and temporary event limited in space and time in order to gain access to sexual, financial or militarised goals; second, the uncertainty of the Muslim male body. In the Israeli context, the fear of the Arab ‘uncertain body’ manifests itself in two main ways: (1) the fear of Arab sojourner passers who threaten sites of nationhood; and (2) Arabs who try to assimilate are blamed for passing as civilised, disguising their true monstrous nature. The Israel–Palestine context is unique in that it offers intriguing insights into passing in a non-western society, where the ethnic differences are blurred and hence anxiety is more pronounced.
Professionalized Heroism? Comparing US, UK, and Norwegian War Decorations From the War in Afghanistan
Authors: Haaland Torunn Laugen
Published: February 2024

This article compares the awarding of the three highest war decorations in Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States for actions undertaken in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2018 to examine contemporary expressions of military heroism. The comparison shows Norway tends to award leadership, and gaining respect from prestigious allies, whereas the United States and the United Kingdom tend to award individual acts of courage, involving great risk to one’s own life. In the case of the United States, these acts were predominantly aimed toward rescuing fellow soldiers, whereas the U.K. cases were aimed toward defeating an enemy. The Norwegian war decoration regime, in which the highest decorations are detached from the traditional military value of sacrifice, illustrates that while professional forces may act heroically, heroism, contrary to war decoration regimes, cannot be professionalized.
A study on time-varying dependence between energy markets and linked assets based on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Authors: Yan Chen , Zhun Shi
Published: February 2024

The energy industry, acutely sensitive to geopolitical shifts due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, experiences sustained disturbances in global energy markets, reshaping global energy supply dynamics and significantly influencing global trade patterns. Utilizing static and dynamic GARCH-Copula models, this study elucidates the dependency between energy markets and related assets. The Copula function, when compared with the multivariate GARCH model, demonstrates distinct advantages, notably in delineating joint asset distributions, capturing market dependence's nonlinear traits, and highlighting robust tail correlation structures. Beyond the average inter-market dependence, its tail correlation offers a vital perspective on market risk. This research delves into the temporal and structural variations in interdependence between energy markets and related assets. It probes potential structural breakpoints in dynamic interdependence and pinpoints their occurrences. By focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, this study offers a holistic view of the changing interplay between the energy market and other asset categories, providing pivotal insights for investor portfolio optimization, regulatory oversight, and risk mitigation. Moreover, employing wavelet analysis, this study examines the frequency domain traits of the interdependency between energy markets and associated assets. As frequency wanes, market price fluctuations become less pronounced. The continuous wavelet power spectrum indicates that price variations are predominantly mid to high frequency. Cross-wavelet transform results suggest that correlations between energy markets and related assets are more influenced by short-term perturbations than enduring shifts.
Effect fiber length on mechanical and thermal properties of glass fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide composite
Authors: Li Ning , Li Xuezhi , Yao Aiying , Guo Zhijiang , Liu Xuanji , Li Haojie , Wang Yuxuan , Liang Jianguo , Chen Zhanchun
Published: February 2024

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) finds extensive applications in the automotive industry, aerospace electrical, and electronic components, as well as mechanical applications. In order to enhance the toughness and strength of PPS, this study employed long glass fibers as reinforcement material and prepared glass fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide composites (PPS/GF) using melt blending method. Based on fiber length distribution (FLD), this study comparatively analyzed the mechanical and thermal properties of short-cut glass fiber (PPS/SGF3mm) and continuous glass fiber (PPS/LGF) composites. Experimental results demonstrated that with a 5.45% increase in critical fiber length fraction, the tensile strength of PPS/LGF composites exhibited a significant improvement of 11.25%–13.6% compared to PPS/SGF3mm composites. Furthermore, FLD had minimal influence on the thermal stability of the composites, but exerted a significant impact on the crystallization behavior, whereby LGF led to a significant reduction in the crystallinity of PPS composites. These findings suggest that the utilization of continuous glass fibers enables the development of cost-effective and robust PPS composites, meeting the requirements of high strength and high temperature resistance in engineering applications. This study provides valuable insights for material selection and design.
Social, economic and environmental benefits of organic waste home composting in Iran
Authors: Jalalipour Haniyeh , Binaee Haghighi Azadeh , Ferronato Navarro , Bottausci Sara , Bonoli Alessandra , Nelles Michael
Published: February 2024

Organic waste management is challenging in low-middle income countries. Environmental impacts and high management costs affect the sustainable development of cities, an issue that is exacerbated by the lack of social involvement. The research conducted in Iran aims to assess the benefits of organic waste home composting in Shiraz to improve solid waste management (SWM) sustainability. The introduction of a pilot project to assess home composting systems was described, together with an economic, social and environmental analysis. The current SWM system (S0) has been compared with the new strategy proposed (S1), where home composting is considered to be introduced to collect about 10% of the municipal solid waste generated in a 10-year horizon. An economic balance related to the capital costs and operational costs of both systems was introduced, in parallel with a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the SWM system, and a questionnaire survey of the local population. Results showed that S1 leads to around 5% economic savings for the municipality due to the avoidance of organic waste transportation and disposal. Environmental benefits include a lowering of CO2-Eq emissions of about 19,076 tonnes year−1. In addition, about 28% of the interviewed ( n = 319) agreed to employ the home composting system at home (CI 5.5%, 95% of confidence level) supporting the theory that about 10% of the organic waste can be segregated and home-composted. The research underlines that home composting can contribute to improve the sustainability of SWM systems in developing countries.
Prolonged Jaundice in a Premature Breastfed Infant With Gilbert’s Syndrome
Authors: Strobl Frances , Theurich Melissa Ann
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Neonatal jaundice and prematurity pose significant barriers to breastfeeding in the first days of life. There is limited literature exploring the relationship between prolonged jaundice in breastfed infants and Gilbert’s (Meulengraght) syndrome. This case study describes the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with Gilbert’s syndrome in a late preterm breastfed infant born in Germany.

Main Issue:

In this case report, an infant born to a primipara woman presented at 3 weeks postpartum to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The initial assessment revealed a late preterm infant with inadequate weight gain and jaundice. The dyad received breastfeeding support and eventually achieved adequate weight gain; however, the infant’s jaundice persisted.

Management:

The consulting midwife suggested that the persistent jaundice was “breastmilk jaundice” and recommended temporarily interrupting breastfeeding. Due to a suspected family history of Gilbert’s Syndrome, the dyad was referred, instead, to a pediatric gastroenterologist. Pathologic liver disease was excluded, and genetic testing confirmed Gilbert’s Syndrome. At 6 months of age, the dyad was successfully breastfeeding and beginning complementary feeding.

Conclusion:

Genetic testing for Gilbert’s Syndrome should be considered for infants with prolonged jaundice and positive family history. Interruption or cessation of breastfeeding are not evidence-based recommendations, and current guidelines do not support these practices. Lactation professionals play a critical role in the management of breastfeeding for preterm infants with prolonged jaundice and should refer to specialists to rule out pathologic etiologies.
Asymmetry of oblique shock train and flow control
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Cheng Chuan , Zhang Lantian , Li Yuhang , Xue Longsheng , Wang Chengpeng , Cheng Keming
Published: February 2024

An oblique shock train generally forms an asymmetric structure in a Mach-2.7 flow field within a duct. To study the flow structure and interaction between oblique shock trains and upstream shocks, a ramp with equal width was installed inside a Mach-2.7 straight duct to generate an incident shock and an oblique shock train interaction. A Schlieren system, transient pressure measurements and particle image velocimetry were used to capture quantitative and qualitative shock structure information. Results show that the asymmetric separation deflection of the oblique shock train occurs randomly in the symmetrical straight duct. The separation deflection of the oblique shock train was steady with upstream shock interactions. Under backpressure conditions, the rate of movement of the oblique shock train increases rapidly when it passes through the separation regions generated by the ramp, and the deflection direction of the asymmetric separation may switch. Based on the characteristics of the oblique shock train and upstream shock interaction, a flow control method was used to generate asymmetric upstream flow conditions, providing active control of the oblique shock train deflection direction.
Soiling impact and cleaning techniques for optimizing photovoltaic and concentrated solar power power production: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Benyadry Sara , Halimi Mohammed , Khouya Ahmed
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, renewable energies are capturing the world's attention, particularly in light of the phenomenon of climate change and carbon dioxide emissions, which have caused major environmental damage. As a result, many investors have recently focused on developing investments in renewable energy projects worldwide, specifically photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plant projects. These solar technologies are considered among the most profitable solutions for generating power from a natural, free, and unlimited energy source. This review paper discusses one of the most significant issues affecting the performance of these solar systems, which is known as soiling. It has been supported by several studies in various nations with different climatic conditions, which offered accurate empirical data on the degradation rate of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power systems’ production due to the soiling effect. Furthermore, it provides various mitigating soiling ways, including manual and autonomous cleaning methods for both solar technologies. Ultimately, it summarizes each cleaning technique's main advantages and drawbacks, specifying its applicability according to the location characteristics and climatic conditions. Additionally, the review results reported in this work are intriguing enough to warrant further development of concentrated solar power and photovoltaic technologies.
Heterogeneous treatment effect estimation for observational data using model-based forests
Authors: Dandl Susanne , Bender Andreas , Hothorn Torsten
Published: February 2024

The estimation of heterogeneous treatment effects has attracted considerable interest in many disciplines, most prominently in medicine and economics. Contemporary research has so far primarily focused on continuous and binary responses where heterogeneous treatment effects are traditionally estimated by a linear model, which allows the estimation of constant or heterogeneous effects even under certain model misspecifications. More complex models for survival, count, or ordinal outcomes require stricter assumptions to reliably estimate the treatment effect. Most importantly, the noncollapsibility issue necessitates the joint estimation of treatment and prognostic effects. Model-based forests allow simultaneous estimation of covariate-dependent treatment and prognostic effects, but only for randomized trials. In this paper, we propose modifications to model-based forests to address the confounding issue in observational data. In particular, we evaluate an orthogonalization strategy originally proposed by Robinson (1988, Econometrica) in the context of model-based forests targeting heterogeneous treatment effect estimation in generalized linear models and transformation models. We found that this strategy reduces confounding effects in a simulated study with various outcome distributions. We demonstrate the practical aspects of heterogeneous treatment effect estimation for survival and ordinal outcomes by an assessment of the potentially heterogeneous effect of Riluzole on the progress of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Depression and the Neighborhood Experience of Black and Latine Adults
Authors: Malcome Marion L. , Garthe Rachel C. , Gorman-Smith Deborah , Schoeny Michael
Published: February 2024

Black and Latine adults living in high-burden urban neighborhoods are at risk for experiencing poor mental health and physical health outcomes. The current study examined the associations between neighborhood concentrated disadvantage and perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion to depressive symptoms, via perceived fear of neighborhood crime. Participants included 585 adults (87% female; 54% Black and 46% Latine) who were parents or caregivers of children and adolescents, representing 30 high-burden urban neighborhoods within one large city in the United States. Nearly one in three adults indicated clinical levels of depressive symptomatology. There was a significant indirect association between neighborhood social cohesion and depressive symptoms for Black adults via heightened levels of fear of crime. Perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion were directly associated with depressive symptoms for Latine adults. These results emphasize the role of distinct neighborhood experiences in understanding mental health among Black and Latine adults living in high-burden urban neighborhoods.
Which Is More Rewarding in Managing Sea-Level Rise and Hurricane Storm Surge Flooding: Mitigation or Response?
Authors: Jenkins Donald John , Mahdavi Pajouh Foad , Kirshen Paul H. , Eftekhar Mahyar
Published: February 2024

This study aims to extend the existing climate-change-induced flood mitigation research. We introduce an at-risk network to evaluate optimal cost–benefit strategies for creating dikes and levees to mitigate flood hazard over multiple years. Our proposed model includes the expected flood costs, estimated using possible climate-change-induced sea-level states throughout the planning horizon, and the investment costs for developing dikes and levees via land elevations across the at-risk network. Further, given the limitations on infrastructure investment, our model incorporates a budget constraint. The problem is modeled as a multistage stochastic program with recourse that minimizes overall expected costs over the planning horizon. Exploiting open-source and freely accessible data sets, the flood risk mitigation model elaborated here can be applied to most urban coastal situations due to its general nature. Using Boston as a case study, our proposed method resulted in a cost reduction of as much as 92.2%, with an average of 63.2%, compared to a “do nothing” strategy in a simulation-based experiment. Under a high sea-level rise scenario, the average cost savings observed by implementing the solution suggested by our model could be even 15% higher. This proposed approach offers decision-makers a tool to frequently assess the costs and risks faced by their cities enabling them to effectively mitigate the potential flooding risks.
Microscopic Growth Pattern of Metastatic Colorectal Carcinomas, Morphological Findings of the Non-Neoplastic Liver, and Their Relationship With Prognosis and Survival
Authors: Özşen Mine , Uğraş Nesrin , Yerci Ömer , Deligonul Adem , Taşar Pınar , Işık Özgen , Yılmazlar Tuncay
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Various clinicopathological, radiological, and molecular parameters are predictive of prognosis in patients with colorectal carcinoma and distant organ metastases continue to have a significant place among them. Recent studies reveal that not only the presence of metastases but also the histopathological growth pattern of the metastatic tumor significantly affects prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the histopathological growth patterns of metastatic tumors, the morphological findings in the peritumoral non-neoplastic liver, and its relationship with survival in patients who have metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Materials and Method. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of the tumors were re-examined in terms of histopathological diagnosis, growth pattern, presence and degree of peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration, steatosis, cholestasis, and peritumoral ductular reaction in the non-neoplastic liver. Results. In terms of histopathological growth patterns, 24 (47%) tumors showed replacement, 19 (37%) showed desmoplastic and 8 (16%) showed pushing growth pattern. In terms of total survival, there was a significant difference ( P = .011) between desmoplastic and replacement growth patterns, and the survival period was shorter in patients with replacement growth patterns. Conclusion. Recent studies show that histopathological growth patterns in metastatic liver tumors may be a promising prognostic and predictive parameter. It is important to include this parameter in the pathology reports as it does not require additional equipment for evaluation in routine pathology practice, does not bring additional costs, or takes a long time to evaluate. This feature can be evaluated standardly by every pathologist.
Sand in Sculpture: Creatively Rewilding Ecologies of Health
Authors: Carless David , Douglas Kitrina , Barnes Jamie , Pineau Elyse
Published: February 2024

Through this creative-relational inquiry, we pursue a radically new way of conceptualizing, researching, communicating, and practicing health and health care in contemporary times. We write to reimagine what an alternative paradigm that is at once humane, democratic, accessible, inclusive, generative, and resolutely open to diversity in its many forms might look and feel like. We begin by presenting the script of an autoethnographic film that explores health, creativity, and physical activity through an arts-based approach that incorporates moving image, spoken word, soundscape, music, and song. Next, we offer two responses to the film, which embody emotional and empathetic engagement, relational commitment, moral and ethical sensibility, and careful scholarly reflection to extend and develop our inquiry in innovative interdisciplinary directions. Finally, we draw on recent developments in complexity theory and environmental activism to propose a new way to understand and practice health care within complex ecologies of health.
Manual versus automated chemotherapy preparation: A retrospective pharmaco-economic analysis
Authors: Chennaq Meryem , El Baraka Soumaya , Cherif Chefchaouni Ali , Benahmed Houda , Chaibi Aicha , Belahcen Mohammed-Jaouad , Rahali Younes
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The National Oncology Institute of Morocco's (NIO) shift to an automated cytotoxic drug preparation system (PHARMODUCT®) has prompted an evaluation of its economic and clinical impacts compared to traditional manual methods.

Methods

A retrospective cost-benefit analysis over six months, extrapolated to annual projections, assessed initial investments, labour, equipment, drugs and consumables. Four commonly used chemotherapy drugs were analyzed, with a focus on the cost implications of drug waste in manual preparation versus the efficiency of vial-sharing in automated methods.

Results

The automated system incurred a higher initial cost $2,934,098.74, but reduced annual drug consumption costs by 19.74% and drug-related expenses by $41,228.27. It also decreased personnel costs by $48,073.35. Despite the upfront investment, the system is projected to break even within two years, with no medication waste due to its vial-sharing capability.

Conclusion

The initial higher investment in pharmaceutical automation promises considerable long-term savings and efficiency gains. Despite the study's limited scope and duration, the findings endorse the adoption of automated systems in oncology pharmacy settings for sustainable financial management and improved clinical outcomes.
In Memoriam: Professor Joseph Biederman’s Contributions to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Authors: Faraone Stephen V. , Newcorn Jeffrey H. , Wozniak Janet , Joshi Gagan , Coffey Barbara , Uchida Mai , Wilens Timothy , Surman Craig , Spencer Thomas J.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To provide an overview of Joe Biederman’s contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry.

Method:

Nine colleagues described his contributions to: psychopharmacology, comorbidity and genetics, pediatric bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette’s and tic disorders, clinical and neuro biomarkers for pediatric mood disorders, executive functioning, and adult ADHD.

Results:

Joe Biederman left us with many concrete indicators of his contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry. He set up the world’s first pediatric psychopharmacology clinic and clinical research program in child adolescent psychiatry. As a young faculty member he began a research program that led to many awards and eventual promotion to full professor at Harvard Medical School. He was for many years the most highly cited researcher in ADHD. He achieved this while maintaining a full clinical load and was widely respected for his clinical acumen.

Conclusion:

The world is a better place because Joe Biederman was here.
A Link Between the George Floyd Incident and De-Policing: Evidence From Police Arrests Across Three Racial and Ethnic Groups
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhao Jihong Solomon , Lin Chia-Hung
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the George Floyd effect on depolicing. Police misdemeanor and felony arrests by the Houston Police Department (HPD), with these police actions serve as the primary measures of law enforcement behavior. Specifically, we break down police misdemeanor and felony arrests among Hispanic, Black, and White residents. An Interrupted Time Series Analysis model is used in the analysis. The primary findings suggest that there was an initial steep drop of police arrests immediately after the Floyd incident for both misdemeanor and felony arrests. The long-term effect, however, remains present in only misdemeanant arrests. Police felony arrests went back to pre-incident levels within a short period of time. In addition, it is noted that the pattern of arrests between Blacks and Hispanics is similar. Some policy implications and the limitations of the study are discussed in a concluding section.
Epistemic governance of evaluative practices by organizations: The case of sovereign credit ratings
Authors: Columbano Claudio , Ezzamel Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

Financial analysts often work for organizations, such as brokerage houses, banks, and credit rating agencies. We ask whether these organizations condition the work of analysts and, if so, how and why. Through a qualitative study of the sovereign government rating departments of four credit rating agencies, our paper sheds light on the bundle of social practices and material arrangements through which rating agencies shape the evaluation work of financial analysts. Our findings indicate that this bundle is designed to resolve the dilemma that characterizes rating agencies - namely, how to elevate the standing of ratings from subjective opinions to collective knowledge. We label these processes the “epistemic governance” of evaluation practices and comment on their implications for critical management and organization studies.
Disentangling multiple sclerosis phenotypes through Mendelian disorders: A network approach
Authors: Bellucci Gianmarco , Buscarinu Maria Chiara , Reniè Roberta , Rinaldi Virginia , Bigi Rachele , Mechelli Rosella , Romano Silvia , Salvetti Marco , Ristori Giovanni
Published: February 2024

Background:

The increasing knowledge about multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology has reinforced the need for an improved description of disease phenotypes, connected to disease biology. Growing evidence indicates that complex diseases constitute phenotypical and genetic continuums with “simple,” monogenic disorders, suggesting shared pathomechanisms.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to depict a novel MS phenotypical framework leveraging shared physiopathology with Mendelian diseases and to identify phenotype-specific candidate drugs.

Methods:

We performed an enrichment testing of MS-associated variants with Mendelian disorders genes. We defined a “MS-Mendelian network,” further analyzed to define enriched phenotypic subnetworks and biological processes. Finally, a network-based drug screening was implemented.

Results:

Starting from 617 MS-associated loci, we showed a significant enrichment of monogenic diseases ( p < 0.001). We defined an MS-Mendelian molecular network based on 331 genes and 486 related disorders, enriched in four phenotypic classes: neurologic, immunologic, metabolic, and visual. We prioritized a total of 503 drugs, of which 27 molecules active in 3/4 phenotypical subnetworks and 140 in subnetwork pairs.

Conclusion:

The genetic architecture of MS contains the seeds of pathobiological multiplicities shared with immune, neurologic, metabolic and visual monogenic disorders. This result may inform future classifications of MS endophenotypes and support the development of new therapies in both MS and rare diseases.
Decreased PDLIM1 expression in endothelial cells contributes to the development of intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Yan Yan , Qin Xuanfeng , Zheng Yongtao , Jin Tao , Hu Yuanyuan , An Qingzhu , Leng Bing
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a common vascular enlargement that occurs in the wall of cerebral vessels and frequently leads to fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage. PDZ and LIM domain protein 1 (PDLIM1) is a cytoskeletal protein that functions as a platform for multiple protein complex formation. However, whether PDLIM is involved in the pathogenesis of IA remains poorly understood.

Methods:

Loss-of-function and gain-of-function strategies were employed to determine the in vitro roles of PDLIM1 in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). A rat model of IA was generated to study the role of PDLIM1 in vivo. Gene expression profiling, Western blotting, and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to uncover the underlying cellular mechanism. Clinical IA samples were used to determine the expression of PDLIM1 and its downstream signaling molecules.

Results:

PDLIM1 expression was reduced in the endothelial cells of IA and was regulated by Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Genetic silencing of PDLIM1 inhibited the viability, migratory ability, and tube formation ability of VECs. Opposite results were obtained by ectopic expression of PDLIM1. Additionally, PDLIM1 overexpression mitigated IA in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that PDLIM1 promoted the transcriptional activity of β-catenin and induced the expression of v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) and cyclin D1 (CCND1). In clinical settings, reduced expression of PDLIM1 and β-catenin downstream target genes was observed in human IA samples.

Conclusion:

Our study indicates that YAP1-dependent expression of PDLIM1 can inhibit IA development by modulating the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and that PDLIM1 deficiency in VECs may represent a potential marker of aggressive disease.
Venous thromboembolic outcomes in patients with lymphedema and lipedema: An analysis from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Umar , Prasada Sameer , Jennings Courtney , Bartholomew John R , McCarthy Meghann , Hornacek Deborah A , Joseph Douglas , Chen Wei , Schwarz Graham , Bhandari Rohan , Elbadawi Ayman , Cameron Scott J
Published: February 2024

Background:

Patients with lymphedema and lipedema share physical exam findings that may lead to misdiagnosis. Poor mobility is common in patients with obesity and patients with lymphedema and lipedema. This may constitute a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Our objective was to evaluate the association of VTE in obese patients with lymphedema and lipedema.

Methods:

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was searched from 2016 to 2020 to identify hospital admissions of obese female patients with lymphedema and lipedema. Patients were analyzed in the context of presence or absence of VTE while adjusting for complex cluster sampling techniques. Predictors of VTE were accessed by multivariable regression.

Results:

Lymphedema was identified in 189,985 patients and lipedema in 50,645 patients. VTE was observed in 3.12% ( n = 374,210) of patients with obesity. In patients with obesity, VTE was more common in patients with lymphedema than without (2.6% vs 1.6%; p < 0.01). Similarly, VTE was more common in patients with lipedema than without (0.6% vs 0.4%; p < 0.01). After multivariable logistic regression, VTE events in obese patients with lymphedema were higher versus without (OR 1.6; CI 1.08–2.43; p = 0.02). Similarly, VTE events were more common in obese patients with lipedema versus obese patients without lipedema (OR 1.20; CI 1.03–1.41; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:

In this hypothesis-generating study, lymphedema and lipedema show a positive association with VTE after adjusting for baseline patient characteristics such as obesity, which is a known independent risk factor for VTE. Mechanisms whereby lymphedema and lipedema are associated with VTE should be investigated.
Dysregulated platelet function in patients with postacute sequelae of COVID-19
Authors: Aggarwal Anu , Singh Tamanna K , Pham Michael , Godwin Matthew , Chen Rui , McIntyre Thomas M , Scalise Alliefair , Chung Mina K , Jennings Courtney , Ali Mariya , Park Hiijun , Englund Kristin , Khorana Alok A , Svensson Lars G , Kapadia Samir , McCrae Keith R , Cameron Scott J
Published: February 2024

Background:

Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also referred to as “Long COVID”, sometimes follows COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Although SARS-CoV-2 is well known to promote a prothrombotic state, less is known about the thrombosis risk in PASC. Our objective was to evaluate platelet function and thrombotic potential in patients following recovery from SARS-CoV-2, but with clear symptoms of patients with PASC.

Methods:

patients with PASC and matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study on average 15 months after documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. Platelet activation was evaluated by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and flow cytometry in response to platelet surface receptor agonists. Thrombosis in platelet-deplete plasma was evaluated by Factor Xa activity. A microfluidics system assessed thrombosis in whole blood under shear stress conditions.

Results:

A mild increase in platelet aggregation in patients with PASC through the thromboxane receptor was observed, and platelet activation through the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) receptor was decreased in patients with PASC compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Thrombosis under shear conditions as well as Factor Xa activity were reduced in patients with PASC. Plasma from patients with PASC was an extremely potent activator of washed, healthy platelets – a phenomenon not observed when stimulating healthy platelets after incubation with plasma from healthy individuals.

Conclusions:

patients with PASC show dysregulated responses in platelets and coagulation in plasma, likely caused by a circulating molecule that promotes thrombosis. A hitherto undescribed protective response appears to exist in patients with PASC to counterbalance ongoing thrombosis that is common to SARS-CoV-2 infection.