bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
727 Trends Between Males and Females in Public and Private Neurosurgical Research Funding From 2015 to 2021
Authors: Shah Varunil Nilesh , Das Nikita , Shah Aakash , Kelly Michael L.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Open Payments Database (OPD) is a public database established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the 2010 Physician Payments Sunshine Act. It is a national program that reports all financial relationships between physicians and healthcare manufacturers, including pharmaceutical and medical device companies. OPD aims to promote transparency and help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare providers.

METHODS:

All the Principal Investigators from 2015 to 2021 who received research payments as neurosurgeons or payments tagged with the keyword "neurosurgery" in the OPD and NIH RePORTER, respectively, were subclassified according to the neurosurgical subspecialty of their research and their identified gender; Python and R were used to compute descriptive statistics for the public and private research payments.

RESULTS:

The total difference between males and females in public and private neurosurgical research funding from 2015 to 2021 was $674,715,146.00 and $148,361,648.45, respectively. The difference in funding has a growth rate of 54.63% and 32.33% from 2015–2021 in private and public funding, respectively. The Permutation Test showed a significant difference in total private funding between males and females in 2018 (p = 0.03). Besides this, there were no significant differences between gender payments in the public and private sectors.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings suggest a significant difference in total funding for neurosurgery, with males receiving significantly more public and private funding than females. The difference in funding has also grown over time, particularly in private funding. However, the difference in funding per researcher between the two groups is similar; the discrepancy between funding is largely due to gender disparity in the number of neurosurgical researchers.
786 An Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Responses to Common Patient and Family Questions in Cranial Neurosurgery
Authors: Cassimatis Nicholas , O'Malley Geoffrey R. , Janezcko Patrick , Adams David , Kumar Rohit Prem , Patel Nitesh Vijay , Roth Patrick , Meyer Scott A.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

In recent decades, the internet has revolutionized how patients receive and navigate medical information. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) may provide patients and their families with the next landmark development in information transfer.

METHODS:

ChatGPT was asked 3 questions (pertaining to risks & benefits, length of operation, and length of recovery) about each of these 3 surgeries: transphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma, deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s tremor, and hemicraniectomy for a subdural hematoma. Neurosurgeons were asked to appraise the quality of AI responses from 1 (low) to 5 (high), 3 being a threshold that they would be satisfied with a patient reading. The reviewing neurosurgeons were unaware that responses were AI generated, to limit potential bias. To gauge patient accessibility, responses were also graded using readability tools.

RESULTS:

Quality ratings were collected from 5 neurosurgeons on 3 AI responses for each of the 3 questions, totaling 45 quality ratings. 44 of 45 ratings (97.8%) indicated that the AI generated response was of a high enough quality to show to patients (quality rating > or = to 3). 14 of 45 ratings (31.1%) indicated that AI generated responses were 5 out of 5 quality. AI response readability averaged a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 15.12, and a reach of 46.9% of the English-reading population.

CONCLUSIONS:

While readability was not optimal, our trials produced physician satisfaction scores which were high enough to warrant further investigation. Furthermore, the readability scores were comparable to many other patient resources. As artificial intelligence grows in technological sophistication, its utilization will no-doubt continue to increase among patients. It will be the duty of medical professionals to optimize this resource for patient use, and increase access to quality patient and family healthcare information.
787 Higher County-Level Socioeconomic Status Is Associated With Increased Meningioma Survival But Does Not Impact Likelihood of Surgical Treatment: A CBTRUS Analysis
Authors: Pugazenthi Sangami , Price Mackenzie , De La Vega Gomar Rodrigo , Kruchko Carol , Waite Kristin , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill , Walsh Kyle , Kim Albert H. , Ostrom Quinn
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Prior literature suggests that individual socioeconomic status (SES) may influence access to treatment and outcomes for primary brain tumors. To date, no population-level studies have assessed the correlation between meningioma treatment and outcome with county-level SES.

METHODS:

Incidence data were extracted from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States(CBTRUS), a combined dataset including the CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data, for diagnosis years 2006-2019, and survival data were extracted from the NPCR survival analytic dataset from 2006-2018. SES quintiles were created using American Community Survey data. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relationship the odds of receiving treatment and overall survival and SES and the individual SES factors.

RESULTS:

There were 409,681 meningioma cases available from CBTRUS. Asian/Pacific-Islander non-Hispanic individuals (odds ratio [OR] = 1.28, p < 0.001) were more likely and Black non-Hispanic (BNH) individuals (OR = 0.90, p < 0.001) were less likely to receive surgery than White non-Hispanic (WNH) individuals. Female sex (OR = 1.31, p < 0.001), living in a metropolitan area (OR = 0.96, p < 0.001), and increased age at diagnosis (OR = 0.96, p < 0.001) were associated with decreased likelihood of surgery. There was no association between SES and likelihood to receive surgery. Overall median survival was 137 months and survival was higher in higher SES counties, which held true for both WNH and BNH. Age at diagnosis(hazard ratio [HR] = 1.01, p < 0.001), male sex (HR = 1.51, p < 0.001), BNH (HR = 1.31, p < 0.001), subtotal resection (HR = 1.38, p < 0.001), and malignant behavior(HR = 1.64, p < 0.001) were associated with increased hazard of death.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the US, county-level SES did not impact treatment patterns, but higher SES was associated with increased survival. These findings provide valuable insight into socioeconomic factors influencing treatment and outcomes in meningioma patients.
788 Impact of Preoperative Mental Health State on Perioperative Surgical Outcomes After Lumbar Spine Fusions: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (2009-2020)
Authors: Aguirre Alexander Otilio , Soliman Mohamed A.R. , Elbayomy Ahmed , Baig Rehman , Kuo Cathleen , Khan Ali , Burns Evan , Khan Asham , Levy Hannon , Ghannam Moleca M. , Pollina John , Mullin Jeffrey Paul
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The intersection of mental health and patient reported outcomes after various neurosurgical procedures has been well published. Although there is paucity in the literature focused on the surgical outcomes of patients after spinal fusion and their relationship with the patient’s mental state before surgery.

METHODS:

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized, with a search identifying all patients who underwent a spinal fusion in all years between 2009-2020. Once patients were identified, diagnosis codes for major psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) were utilized to separate sample into a psychiatric disorder cohort, and a control sample. Univariate and multivariate linear/logistic regression models were utilized to analyze data.

RESULTS:

A total of 2,877,241 patients were identified from this database, of which 647,951 (22.5%) of patients had a preoperative diagnosis of at least one of the psychiatric disorders. Univariate analysis of patient demographics in the psychiatric disorder cohort demonstrated that these patients were more likely to be female (67.26% vs. 50.74%, P < .001), and younger (58.88 years vs. 59.11 years, P < .001) when compared to control cohort. Increased rates of respiratory (P < .001), urinary (P < .001), cardiac (P < .001) complications were seen in the psychiatric disorder cohort. On multivariate analysis patients had increased odds of fusion disorders (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.55-1.70, P < .001), mechanical injuries (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.20-1.35, P < .001), and postoperative hematomas (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.26-1.33; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative diagnosis of various psychiatric conditions have notable effects on postoperative outcomes after spinal fusion and should be evaluated preoperatively.
814 Results and Opinions on the Implementation of a Preference Signaling System in Neurosurgical Residency Applications
Authors: Jonzzon Soren , Roth Steven G. , Lee Benjamin , Carlstrom Lucas P. , Graffeo Christopher Salvatore , Chambless Lola Blackwell
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The 2022-2023 neurosurgery residency application cycle employed an optional preference signaling system that indicated a focused interest in a particular program. During this first iteration, applicants could signal interest in up to eight participating programs.

METHODS:

A survey consisting of 28 questions pertaining to the signaling process was distributed via email to all neurosurgery applicants participating in the 2022-2023 cycle. Results were compiled, and descriptive statistics were used to generate results.

RESULTS:

Of the 361 total applicants, 82 (22.7%) completed the survey; 84.1% attend a US MD program, 1.2% a DO program, 12.2% are international medical graduates, and 2.4% are post-graduates. The mean number of programs applied to was 78 (range 21-116 (all). The median number of interviews received was 17 (range 0 to 57). Notably, 14.6% of individuals signaled their home programs, and 63.4% signaled at least one externship program. 90.2% of applicants utilized all eight signals. Applicants averaged 3.5 interviews from programs they signaled, and 15.6% of applicants matched at a program they signaled. Sixty-five percent of applicants were unsatisfied with the application process, but 53.1% indicated preference signaling should continue. Regarding the number of available signals, 43.75% felt eight was appropriate, 32.5% felt it was too few, 13.75% thought it was too many, and 10% were indifferent.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preference signaling was implemented in the 2022-2023 applicant cycle to improve interview efficiency and equity. Applicant opinions were mixed about this first iteration. Two consistently noted themes were the desire for improved home and away rotation signaling standardization and the perceived lack of impact on match outcome.
924 Corpus Callosotomy for Intractable Epilepsy: A Contemporary Series of Operative Factors and Overall Complication Rate
Authors: Motiwala Mustafa , Tambi Sandra , Blum Deke M. , Dacus Mallory , Troy Christopher , Klimo Paul , Boop Frederick A. , Wheless James , Einhaus Stephanie L.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Corpus callosotomy is an effective treatment for atonic seizures in medically refractory epilepsy. Recently, laser interstitial thermal therapy has been adapted as a less invasive method to achieve similar results, yet technical challenges associated with this nascent approach persist. A modern series of corpus callosotomies performed by open craniotomy is lacking in the literature, a fact which highlights the importance of establishing contemporary complication rates for this operation to compare with newer methodologies.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed institutional data for patients who underwent first time open callosotomy from 2005 to 2022. Demographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed with a focus on operative factors and complication rates.

RESULTS:

105 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 9.39 years (0.67-24.17 years). 58.1% of patients were male (61), and one surgeon performed a majority (76.20%, 80) of the operations with two other surgeons performing the remainder (21.9% and 1.90%, respectively). In total, 63 complete, 31 subtotal (anterior 70-99%), and 1 posterior (40%) callosotomies were performed. Blood loss was available for 102/105 patients with a mean of 96.67 mL (10-500 mL), and mean operative time was calculated as 226.76 minutes (45-504 minutes) from 76/105 patients by excluding those patients who underwent concurrent vagal nerve stimulator placement or revision. Operative complication rate was determined to be 6.67% and was comprised of 3 pseudomeningoceles, 3 superficial wound infections, and 1 delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage. No venous infarcts were observed on postoperative MRI.

CONCLUSIONS:

This the largest single center series of open callosotomy patients describes important updated metrics to help evaluate new techniques being developed for the surgical treatment of atonic seizures in medically intractable epilepsy.
928 Autologous Rib Graft for Posterior Cervical Fusion in Pediatrics: Efficacy and Complications
Authors: Snyder Rita , Bauer David F.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Cervical instability in the pediatric population presents unique challenges. Indication for fusion include instability or deformity from multiple causes. A recent meta-analysis showed high failure rate of successful arthrodesis after pediatric craniocervial fusion (over 30%). We describe use of autologous rib graft with BMP to augment fusion, evaluating efficacy and complication from this technique.

METHODS:

A retrospective study was performed between 2020 and 2023 of all pediatric patients (age 0-18) who underwent autologous rib grafting with extra-small BMP-2 for posterior craniocervical arthrodesis at a single institution. Patients with less than 3 month post-operative follow-up and no post operative CT were excluded. Primary outcomes include presence of fusion on CT, perioperative complication, and complication from rib harvest.

RESULTS:

Twenty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Ten were male, with average age 10 years (range 2 to 18). 87 total levels were fixated and fused, with no fixation screws misplaced on post operative CT. There were no surgical site infections, post operative seroma, or unplanned return to OR. All patients had solid fusion on postoperative CT. Average follow up was 268 days, with range of 45 days to 3 years. No patient had pain at the rib harvest on any post operative visit, and all rib incisions healed without complication.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our preliminary results suggest that autologous rib graft with extra-small BMP-2 is an effective strategy to achieve a high rate of fusion in pediatric patients undergoing posterior instrumented craniocervical fusion. In our series, we found an acceptable safety profile, with no seroma, surgical site infection, return to the OR, or rib harvest complication.
936 YouTube and Pudendal Neuralgia: Is It a Good Source of Information for Patients?
Authors: Hanna Amgad S. , Reyes Bello Juan Sebastian , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Restrepo-Lugo Claudia Marcela , Florez-Perdomo William
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Pudendal neuralgia (PN) is a disabling condition characterized by chronic pain in the distribution area of the pudendal nerve (perineum, anus, and genital region) which is originated from the sacral plexus and contains sensory fibers located in the dorsal root ganglia of the sacrum S2-S4. Patients suffering from pudendal neuralgia use the internet to learn more about their medical condition.YouTube has become a popular source of information, but little is known about the quality of material offered to patients.

METHODS:

A search was conducted (April 2023) on YouTube using the words “pudendal neuralgia physical therapy," "medications for pudendal neuralgia," "pudendal nerve block," "pudendal neuralgia surgery," and "alternative treatments for pudendal neuralgia." The results were analyzed based on the source, general descriptive statistics, the intended audience, and five content areas.The DISCERN scoring system was used to evaluate the quality of videos.

RESULTS:

After the search, 73 videos met the inclusion criteria for further analysis.The majority of these videos (61.64%) were intended to target the general population, whereas a smaller percentage were identified as professional (41.10%) or targeted for physicians (35.62%). From the videos included, 10 (13.70%) described treatment options in a balanced and evidence-based manner. The higher DISCERN score positively correlated with the presence of this last content criterion. With a total DISCERN mean score of 35.42, a significant proportion of the videos (41.10%) were rated very poor. The remaining videos were classified as poor (23.29%), fair (19.18%), good (8.22%), and excellent (8.22%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The quality of the information included in YouTube videos regarding pudendal neuralgia treatment was considered generally poor. Healthcare providers must recognize the potential influence of this platform on patients’ understanding of pudendal neuralgia treatment.
Analysis of DNA and RNA Genomic Profiles from Phase-II Clinical Trial NCT03398694 Showed Distinct Transcriptomic Profile for Patients With Local Failure
Authors: Dey Mahua , Shireman Jack , Kendziorski Christina
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a standard of care for brain metastasis (BM). In the setting of lesions needing surgical intervention, it is typically delivered to the resection cavity after surgical resection to strike a balance between adverse effect from the dose of radiation and tumor recurrence. Pre-operative SRS is now being examined because of its ability to deliver radiation to all cells before surgical disruption and dispersion with added advantage of treating larger lesions with radiation.

METHODS:

We designed a phase II trial for patients with up to 4 BM and at least one resectable lesion. All lesions were treated with SRS and symptomatic lesions were resected. We examined both the clinical and biological outcomes.

RESULTS:

We performed whole genome DNA and RNA sequencing of the center and periphery of the resected lesion from the first 35 patients. We found that SRS causes significant and biologically observable damage to the tumor. Radiation induced DNA damage is qualitatively different between center and periphery of the tumor. Functionally distinct genetic profiles exist between both center and peripheral tumor locations as well as between different primary tumor types. Center of the tumor has higher functional mutation burden while peripheral samples initiate DNA repair pathways. Peripheral samples may interact more with surrounding environment when compared to central samples. Different radiation delivery modality has differential transcriptomic profile and patients who failed locally also had a distinct transcriptomic profile.

CONCLUSIONS:

In conclusion, radiation dosing fall-off has differential effect on the genomic landscape of the tumor and cells from the periphery are most likely gaining DNA repair abilities and that might explain tumor recurrence. Also, Gamma knife and LINAC as different genomic signature.
Matched Three-Dimensional Organoids and Two-Dimensional Cell Lines of Metastatic Melanoma to the Brain Mirrors Response to Targeted Molecular Therapy
Authors: Hicks William Harrison , El Shami Mohamad , Gattie Lauren , Dimeo Emma , Abdullah Kalil G.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Metastatic melanoma to the brain (MMB) represents a significant treatment challenge. Limitations in preclinical models, namely the lack of heterogeneity in cell lines and low throughput of xenograft models, have thwarted novel therapeutic development. Surgically eXplanted Organoids (SXOs) are ex vivo, three-dimensional models that recapitulate genotypic and phenotypic features of parent tumors with minimal extracranial processing. We aim to develop the first known matched patient-derived SXO and cell line of BRAF-mutant MMB to investigate responses to targeted therapy.

METHODS:

MMB SXOs were created by a novel protocol incorporating techniques for creating glioma and cutaneous melanoma organoids. A BRAFV600K-mutant MMB sample was collected and processed within 30 minutes of resection. SXOs were created using a 1.0 mm biopsy punch. Organoids were cultured in low-adherence plates in an optimized culture medium under continuous orbital rotation without an artificial extracellular scaffold. Organoid media was changed every 48 hours. Concurrently, matched patient-derived cell lines were created and passaged weekly. Drug screens were conducted with the CellTiter-Glo Luminescence Viability Assay (cell line) and ReadyProbe Cell Viability Imaging Kit (SXOs).

RESULTS:

After an initial shedding period, organoid growth was observed within 3-4 weeks. MMB SXOs retained histological phenotypes of the parent tissue, including pleomorphic epithelioid cells with abundant cytoplasm, large nuclei, focal melanin accumulation, strong Sox10 positivity, and HMB45 positivity. After sufficient growth, organoids could be manually parcellated to increase the number of replicates. Matched SXOs and cell lines demonstrated sensitivity to BRAF-V600 and MEK inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Here, we outline the creation of the first known scaffold-free organoid model of MMB. Further study using SXOs will improve the translational relevance of preclinical studies and enable the study of the melanoma tumor microenvironment.
A Untethered Magnetic Micro-Robot for Local Therapeutic Delivery for Neurosurgical Oncology
Authors: Tony Wang , Ansari Azadeh , Hoang Kimberly Bojanowski
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Microrobots designed for biomedical applications have garnered significant research interest, offering advantages in drug delivery, microsurgery, and biopsies. Magnetic fields enabled by electromagnetic coils permit untethered nonlinear movement of these tiny robots within the brain on the surface, the cerebrospinal fluid, and parenchyma. Microdrillers (either individually or in swarms) are a promising tool for microsurgery, capable of drilling through viscoelastic media (brain tissue). However, challenges remain in scaling down the robot size and exploring diverse applications.

METHODS:

Parallelizable (batch) microfabrication involved 3D printing via two-photon lithography. The pH-sensitive hydrogel was synthesized through UV-initiated radical polymerization mixed with a tracer (fluorescein sodium salt). Imaging via photon-counting CT was performed for microbot tracking in preclinical models including hydrogel phantoms, large animal cadaveric fresh brain tissue, and human cadaveric tissue.

RESULTS:

Microbot speeds in various tissues were characterized with speeds up to 800 um/sec over magnetic field amplitudes of 5 to 55 mT while performing complex nonlinear trajectories via open-loop surgeon control via surgeon. Targeted hydrogel delivery of fluorescein label/nanoparticle drug over a pH range of 6.2 (tumor tissue) and 7.8 (normal tissue) over a time interval of 50 s is demonstrated as proof of concept with a rate of 2.4 times faster in acidic conditions. Lastly, we show state-of-the-art micromillmetric resolution for real time imaging via photon-counting spectral CT for implementation of closed loop control.

CONCLUSIONS:

A novel minimally invasive microrobotic platform technology capable of targeted local drug delivery in brain parenchyma is demonstrated.
Molecular Profiling to Understand Treatment Resistance and Response in Glioblastoma
Authors: Nikolopoulos Marina , Wu Megan , Bahcheli Alexander , Kellett Sorcha , Myrehaug Sten , Sahgal Arjun , Bayani Jane , Spears Melanie , Das Sunit
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with glioblastoma experience a wide variation in response to standard treatment, with nearly 30% experiencing tumour progression during treatment, and nearly 6% surviving more than 5 years. To date, there are few non-invasive clinical biomarkers to predict response to firstline treatment. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI may have the potential to fill this gap. CEST MRI is sensitive to treatment-induced changes and changes in tumor metabolism1. Our team has obtained CEST data for patients before, during and after standard chemoradiation treatment, and found that CEST provides markers of early response and can identify early, standard and late progressors before treatment initiation.2

METHODS:

Patients (n = 104) with primary, IDH wild-type glioblastoma were imaged with CEST-MRI at multiple time points throughout standard chemoradiation treatment. DNA and RNA were co-extracted from matched normal and tumour pairs and processed for whole genome sequencing and gene expression analysis using Nanostring. Clinical variables such as age, extent of resection, sex, ECOG status and MGMT promoter methylated were also collected. A survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests. Univariate and multi-variate hazard ratios for clinical variables were calculated by fitting Cox Proportional Hazards Models.

RESULTS:

Early progressors reported a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 142 days compared to 296.5 in standard and 832 days in late progressors (p < 0.0001). Early progressors also harbored distinct and statistically significant differences in gene expression and genomic alterations, namely in DNA damage repair, glucose transport and arginine metabolism pathways. A gene signature was prognostic of PFS and overall survival in a Cox proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSIONS:

This data may serve as a radiogenomic biomarker to assess treatment response within early phases of treatment and allow for a personalized treatment plan.
Real-Time MRI Stereotaxis Aided Smartflow Convection Delivery of DNX-2401
Authors: Pino Isabela Pena , Chen Clark C.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The Combination Adenovirus + Pembrolizumab to Trigger Immune Virus Effects (CAPTIVE) study is a phase II clinical trial testing the efficacy of a recombinant adenovirus DNX-2401 combined with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab.

METHODS:

Prospective case series.

RESULTS:

Precise catheter placement was achieved in all patients treated, and no adverse events were noted. Average radial error from target was 0.9 mm. The average procedural time was 3 hours and 16 minutes, and comparable to other CED techniques. In two patients, delivery of DNX-2401 was visualized as T1-hypointensity using an MRI taken within 30 minutes of procedure completion. These patients exhibited partial response based on RANO assessment. Infusion associated T1-hypointensity in tumor core was not seen in the other patients, who showed no evidence of therapeutic response.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our pilot study supports the safety of MRI guided SmartFlow convection delivery of the DNX-2401 adenovirus in recurrent glioblastoma patients. Visualization of drug delivery may serve as an imaging biomarker for therapeutic response.
Identification and analysis of the SAURs in Prunus sibirica
Authors: Yan Xiaoyun , Yi Ru , Bao Wenquan , Rula Sa , Bai Yu-e , Chen Junxing , Lin Yue , Huang Haicuang , Han Daorentuya , He Yanhong
Published: March 2024

In the present study, we identified the members of the small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) gene family in Prunus sibirica and analyzed their localization, phylogeny, duplication, cis-elements in the promoter, and expression patterns. In total, 57 PsSAURs were identified, which were randomly distributed along eight chromosomes. Among them, eight and ten pairs of segmentally duplicated genes and tandem duplication genes were found in 13 and 21 PsSAURs, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the PsSAURs were divided into five groups (Group A–E). Light-responsive, methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and gibberellin, as well as low-temperature responsiveness, and defense and stress responsiveness were identified by analyzing PsSAURs promoter sequences. The collinearity analysis of P. sibirica SAURs and Prunus mume and Prunus persica SAURs family genes detected 35 and 59 pairs of gene pairs, respectively, and the Ks values of all collinearity gene pairs were almost less than 1. Expression pattern analysis showed that PsSAURs had different tissue and stage expression patterns. However, research on SAURs in non-model plants remains limited, and studies on the expression and function of SAURs are lacking. This study pro­vides a foundation for further investigations into the functional analyses of SAURs in P. sibirica.
Femmes musulmanes – vivre en Suisse
Authors: Amina Benkais
Published: March 2024

Femmes musulmanes – vivre en Suisse
Aktuelle Kaukasusforschung in der Schweiz
Authors: Dafflon Dennis , Jödicke Ansgar , Hoffmann Katharina
Published: March 2024

Aktuelle Kaukasusforschung in der Schweiz
Auf dem Weg zur Förderung von Wissen: Fakultät für Islamwissenschaften in Sarajevo
Authors: Alispahić Zehra
Published: March 2024

Auf dem Weg zur Förderung von Wissen: Fakultät für Islamwissenschaften in Sarajevo
Direct Evidence of Bitcoin Wash Trading
Authors: Aloosh Arash , Li Jiasun
Published: March 2024

We use the internal trading records of a major Bitcoin exchange leaked by hackers to detect and characterize wash trading—a type of market manipulation in which a single trader clears the trader’s own limit orders to “cook” transaction records. Our finding provides direct evidence for the widely suspected “fake volume” allegation against cryptocurrency exchanges, which has so far only been backed by indirect estimation. We then use our direct evidence to evaluate various indirect techniques for detecting the presence of wash trades and find measures based on Benford’s law, trade size clustering, lognormal distributions, and structural breaks to be useful, whereas ones based on power law tail distributions to give opposite conclusions. We also provide suggestions to effectively apply various indirect estimation techniques.

This paper was accepted by Professor Bruno Biais, finance.

Funding: J. Li acknowledges support by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security [Grant 205187] through the Criminal Investigations and Network Analysis Center.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.01448 .
Digitisation 2.0 for Industry 4.0
Authors: Brinkley Alex
Published: March 2024

IoT connectivity and big data play a key role in manufacturing but today advanced technologies such as AR/VR are driving the next level of digitisation, reports ALEX BRINKLEY.
Change of Strategy?
Authors: Zycinski Frank
Published: March 2024

Three ways to build supply chain resilience, according to FRANK ZYCINSKI
Delivering Autonomy
Authors: Pike David
Published: March 2024

David Pike looks at the role of sensors in the development of autonomous robots
A Qualitative Content Analysis of the Grade 4 Learning Modules and Lesson Plan on Energy based on the Three-Dimensional Learning Model
Authors: Lestari Tri , Pranoto Iwan , Lie Anita
Published: March 2024

Online learning platforms and resources created by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology were a blessing in disguise out of the unprecedented school closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. These learning resources are yet to be examined to ensure their usability and their role in improving the quality of learning in science classes. This study analyzed the learning modules and a sample lesson plan from the Teachers Learn Teachers Share platforms based on the three-dimensional learning framework. It examined to what extent is the 3-dimensional learning framework incorporated into the grade 4 learning modules and lesson plan on Energy. The methodology for analyzing the sufficiency of disciplinary crosscutting concepts, scientific practices, and core ideas applied here will enrich the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based education corpus of knowledge. Findings show that the disciplinary core ideas dimension is the most sufficiently covered of all three dimensions while the practices dimension is only partially covered as some of the points are mostly inferred, and the crosscutting concepts dimension still shows much room for improvement. Primary school teachers and schools’ curriculum development units should enrich the learning modules by expanding the discussions on the module coverage with crosscutting concepts.
The Association Between Attitudes Towards Mathematics, Students’ Background and TIMSS Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Wiberg Marie , Laukaityte Inga , Rolfsman Ewa
Published: March 2024

The overall aim of this study is to examine the association between Swedish students’ attitudes towards mathematics, mathematics achievement as measured by the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), socioeconomic status (SES), and educational background variables. A further aim is to investigate whether students’ attitudes towards mathematics have a mediating role between their mathematics achievement and their background. Several indicators of students’ SES and background, taken from both the TIMSS 2015 database and from Swedish official registers, were used. The overall results show that there were differences in attitudes towards mathematics in relation to the different SES and educational background measures. There are also associations between students’ SES and both TIMSS mathematics achievement and their attitudes towards mathematics. The students’ attitudes towards mathematics only had a small mediation role between the students’ backgrounds and TIMSS mathematics achievement. Finally, although the mediation models had a better fit when including other information, the mediation effect was lower. Practical implications of the obtained results are discussed.
Flipped Classroom Model: Minimizing Gaps in Understanding Mathematical Concepts for Students with Different Academic Abilities
Authors: Sulistyowati Endang , Rohman Arif , Hukom Julham
Published: March 2024

Each student has a different amount of time to fully understand information, students with high academic ability (UA) need less time than students with low academic ability (LA). Teachers should apply learning models that can facilitate their study time according to their individual needs. The aim of this research is to assess which learning model is most optimal in reducing the gap in understanding mathematical concepts between UA and LA students. Apart from that, this research also evaluates the effectiveness of implementing the flipped class (FC) model in increasing students' understanding of mathematical concepts, compared to the problem-based learning (PBL) model and conventional learning models. The research method used was the N-Gain Test and ANCOVA. The research results show that the FC model is the most optimal in reducing the gap in understanding mathematical concepts between LA and UA students. In addition, both FC and PBL models have proven effective in increasing students' understanding of mathematical concepts when compared to conventional models. Future research could consider combining the FC model with PBL or other learning models to see whether combining these models can improve students' understanding of mathematical concepts more significantly.
Minimizing Social Desirability in Questionnaires of Non-Cognitive Measurements
Authors: Setiawati Farida Agus , Widyastuti Tria , Fathiyah Kartika Nur , Nabila Tiara Shafa
Published: March 2024

Data obtained through questionnaires sometimes respond to the items presented by social norms, so sometimes they do not suit themselves. High social desirability (SD) in non-cognitive measurements will cause item bias. Several ways are used to reduce item bias, including freeing respondents from not writing their names or being anonymous, explaining to the participants to respond to each statement honestly, as they are or according to themselves, and responding to the questionnaire online or offline. This research aims to prove that several methods can minimize the possibility of item bias SD and academic dishonesty (AD). The research was carried out with an experimental study using a factorial design. There were 309 respondents who were willing to be involved in this research. Data analysis was carried out using multivariate ANOVA. The research results show differences for all variables, Self-Deceptive Enhancement (SDE), Impression Management (IM), and AD in the anonymous group. There are differences in AD in the groups that provide a complete explanation and do not explain, and there is an interaction between the average AD based on the anonymous and explanation group.
Varda’s Backdrops
Authors: Siegel Daniel
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: Agnès Varda’s documentary portraits are often praised for attempting to represent others on their own terms. Yet in many cases, Varda supplies poses, backdrops, props, and other elements that seem to impinge on the self-disclosure of the subject. I argue that these intrusions—particularly the backdrop—are an effort to involve the subject in the act of representation. By supplying a backdrop that is tangible and conspicuous, Varda creates a dialogue in which her subjects are called on to embrace, exploit, ignore, interrogate, or reject the filmmaker’s framing of the image and to comment more broadly on the artist’s enterprise.
After Hours
Authors: Tretbar Alex
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The poem is a response to and an extension of Hamlet’s “I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth...”, and is an attempt to locate solace in brokenness. It also seeks to capture the essence of something that appears in much of my work: the bewildering sense that one’s bedroom is infinite and contains all other bedrooms that one has ever slept and waked in, and every bedroom one has yet to sleep and wake in.
Salt Lick, and: If I Teach Tomatoes to Climb Stalagmites, I Can Call This Cave a Garden
Authors: New Caroline Harper
Published: March 2024

Abstract: These poems belong to an apostrophic series in which Lot’s daughter addresses her mother after she has been turned to salt. It is based on the story of Lot found in Abrahamic texts.
Little Pig, Little Pig
Authors: Ross Michelle
Published: March 2024

Abstract: In a world fraught with external threats, a divorced mother grapples with growing unease—toward her fourteen-year-old son, who has begun to eerily resemble her violent brother, as well as toward her own judgment, which begins to come into question when she gives in to her son’s demands to move into their shed. As the story unfolds, the line between reality and perception blurs, leaving the mother with an unsettling sense of uncertainty.
Winter Evening, and: The Ocean Sky Off South Carolina
Authors: Fulop Michael
Published: March 2024

Abstract: “The Ocean Sky off South Carolina”: The poem describes the sky as a medieval painting. “Winter Evening”: The poem describes the appearance of a winter evening with bare trees.
The Halo is Indeed the Mouth of the Soul, and: Long Gallery In October
Authors: Hill Chelsea Christine
Published: March 2024

Abstract: (“The Halo...”) A poem where the experience of a gallery tour of religious art transfigures into the experience of a personal relationship. The iconography reaches into the real. (“Long Gallery”) A poem where art signifies a closing of distance, while still highlighting the failure of words to fully reach. An kind of ekphrastic experience of the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum.
If You Would
Authors: Maxwell Andrew
Published: March 2024

Abstract: A series of meditations on the words of Abba Joseph of Panephysis: “If you would, you could become all flame.”
The House on Front Street
Authors: Ohlin Alix
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Three neighbors are trapped together during an unexpected, severe snow storm.
Pond Glimmer
Authors: Remington Rebekah
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The poem is a lyric meditation on the desire for both spiritual and everyday transformation.
I Think I Am That Poem
Authors: Eads Eran
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The title and last lines of the poem are from a text message I received from my father after I sent him the poem “Piano” by Edgar Kunz (published in The New Yorker). The grief of existing within the structuration of the human condition is presented in this lyric poem.
Private Shrines: Domestic Experiences of Surrealism in Three Italian Interiors from the Early 1970s
Authors: Di Domenico Giorgio
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of private spaces. As a result, the link between Surrealism and domesticity has gained new relevance. In this essay, Di Domenico explores the impact of surrealist artworks exhibited inside collectors' homes focusing on three case studies: three Italian rooms from the early 1970s featuring artworks by Man Ray and René Magritte. Photographs of these rooms were featured in popular art and interior design magazines such as Domus, Casa Vogue , and BolaffiArte . By analyzing how surrealist artworks functioned within the bathroom of the Agnelli family, the "playroom" of actress Sophia Loren, and the bedroom of gallery owner Luciano Anselmino, the author examines the impact of surrealist works in domestic settings, the role of gender dynamics in the construction of personal identity through collecting, the reception of Surrealism in Italy, and its relationship with interior and product design. By delving into the biographies of the collectors, he offers insights into the role, function, and significance of the surrealist artworks they chose to display in their most intimate spaces: their private shrines.
Exploring Classical Adlerian Practitioners’ Professional Identity Development: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Qu Xiaoxuan , Seward Derek X.
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: This qualitative study examined the classical Adlerian practitioners’ experiences of developing professional identity. Classical Adlerian practitioners are a group of individuals who operationalize from classical Adlerian depth psychotherapy, one of the divergences from Alfred Adler’s Individual Psychology. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, data were gathered from two classical Adlerian practitioners using individual semi structured interviews. Findings presented four themes, including influences on developing their professional identities as classical Adlerians, congruency between professional and personal selves, the intertwined learning and applying process, and theoretical divergences within Adlerian Psychology. Implications for training and continued education are suggested.
Past, Present, and Future Movement in Early Recollection Work
Authors: Levitt-Frank Mia
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: This article offers a view of working with early recollections (ERs) in therapy while incorporating encouragement, reconstruction, and movement between the past, present, and future. Adler saw ERs as stories representing individuals’ “life stories,” meaning their lifestyles (personalities). As metaphoric narratives, ERs also reflect current experiences and emotions. Working with ERs in therapy provides the therapist and client with opportunities for encouragement, growth, and awareness. Engaging with ERs invites varied, creative paths for development and insight. They may be used as an ongoing and interactive tool for assessment and therapeutic interventions. This article presents a process of moving from the past to the present and back to the past by reconstructing an ER. Using the client’s wisdom from the present in the reconstruction opens a significant window to future change and allows the client to expand their perceptions.
Berry phase and the Mandel parameter of the non-degenerate parametric amplifier
Authors: Vega J. C. , Choreño E. , Ojeda-Guillén D. , Mota R. D.
Published: March 2024

We study the non-degenerate parametric amplifier problem from an algebraic approach of the SU(1,1) group. We write the Hamiltonian of this problem in terms of the boson generators of the SU(1,1) group and the difference operator. We apply the tilting transformation to our results to exactly solve this Hamiltonian and obtain its energy spectrum and eigenfunctions. Then, by assuming that our Hamiltonian is an explicit function of time, we calculate its Berry phase. Finally we obtain the Mandel Q-parameter of the photon numbers n
a
and n
b
.
Watching the watchers: camera identification and characterization using retro-reflections
Authors: Seets Trevor , Epstein Alec , Velten Andreas
Published: March 2024

A focused imaging system such as a camera will reflect light directly back at a light source in a retro-reflection (RR) or cat-eye reflection. RRs provide a signal that is largely independent of distance providing a way to probe cameras at very long ranges. We find that RRs provide a rich source of information on a target camera that can be used for a variety of remote sensing tasks to characterize a target camera including predictions of rotation and camera focusing depth as well as cell phone model classification. We capture three RR datasets to explore these problems with both large commercial lenses and a variety of cell phones. We then train machine learning models that take as input a RR and predict different parameters of the target camera. Our work has applications as an input device, in privacy protection, identification, and image validation.
Frequency-domain searching algorithm in deflectometry for measuring the surface of a transparent planar element
Authors: Zheng Wanxing , Li Dahai , Wang Ruiyang , Zhang Zekun , Ge Renhao , Chen Manwei
Published: March 2024

This Letter presents the frequency-domain searching algorithm in deflectometry (FSAD). By encoding specialized multi-frequency fringe patterns and employing a correlation searching algorithm, the limitations of existing frequency-domain methods can be overcome to some extent, thereby separating front and back surface reflections to obtain complete measurement data. The principles of FSAD are described in detail. In the experiment, a piece of window glass with thickness of 10 mm and a square area of 96 × 96 mm is measured to verify the proposed method.
Nonlinear-mirror mode-locked crystal waveguide laser by intracavity fourth-harmonic loss modulation: publisher’s note
Authors: Li Guotai , Han Jiakun , Li Shuai , Zhao Jing , Zhu Zhanda , Hui Yongling , Lei Hong , Li Qiang
Published: March 2024

This publisher’s note contains a correction to Opt. Lett. 48, 6064 (2024)10.1364/OL.509275.
Demonstration of high-power photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers with 1-kHz-class intrinsic linewidths: erratum
Authors: Morita Ryohei , Inoue Takuya , Yoshida Masahiro , Enoki Kentaro , De Zoysa Menaka , Ishizaki Kenji , Noda Susumu
Published: March 2024

An erratum is given to correct two typographical errors in
Optica
11, 333 (2024)OPTIC82334-253610.1364/OPTICA.505406. The
corrections do not impact the results and conclusions of the original
paper.
Double Slit to Non-parallel Double Slit to Curved Double Slit
Authors: Peng Hui
Published: March 2024

Young’s double slit experiment was called as "a phenomenon […] has in it the heart of quantum mechanics. In reality, it contains the only mystery. We cannot make the mystery go away by ‘explaining’ how it works". To study the mystery, we perform the non-crossing-slit-experiments and crossing-slit experiments and show phenomena:

(1) in the same double slit or cross double slit experiments, the non-interference patterns gradually evolve to the interference patterns; (2) in the same single slit or cross single slit experiments, the non-diffraction patterns gradually evolve to the diffraction patterns; (3) in the same two-non-parallel-slits experiment, the non-wave patterns gradually evolve to the hybrid pattern (i.e., interference-pattern-embedded-in-diffraction-pattern); (4) in the same curved-double slit experiments, the non-interference patterns evolve to Seashell-shape interference patterns. The above phenomena show new mysteries that are more mysterious than that of the double slit experiments: it is challenge to consistently explain how they work. Those novel phenomena indicate that the standard theories of the double slit are incomplete. Novel experiments bring the search for the new theory of physical/quantum optics.