bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppl Fig 2 from Targeting the Inducible T-cell Costimulator (ICOS) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory T-follicular Helper Phenotype Peripheral T-cell and Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Chavez Julio C. , Foss Francine M. , William Basem M. , Brammer Jonathan E. , Smith Sonali M. , Prica Anca , Zain Jasmine M. , Tuscano Joseph M. , Shah Harsh , Mehta-Shah Neha , Geethakumari Praveen Ramakrishnan , Wang Ben X. , Zantinge Stephanie , Wang Lisa , Zhang Ling , Boutrin Anmarie , Zhao Weiguang , Cheng Lily , Standifer Nathan , Hewitt Lisa , Enowtambong Enowmpey , Shao Weiping , Sharma Shringi , Carlesso Gianluca , Moscow Jeffrey A. , Siu Lillian L.
Published: May 2023

Supplemental Figure 2. MEDI-570 effects on lymphocyte and leukocyte populations. Baseline-normalized, absolute counts (ABS) of circulating cell populations were plotted on study days 1, 7, 14 and 21 from patients enrolled in each dose group as indicated. A) Total CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells B) CD14+ monocytes C) CD3-CD56+ and/or CD16+ NK cells D) CD3-CD19+ B cells.
Supplementary Protocol S1 from Durvalumab plus Cetuximab in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Open-label, Nonrandomized, Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Gulati Shuchi , Crist McKenzie , Riaz Muhammed Kashif , Takiar Vinita , Lehn Maria , Monroe Ilaina , Palackdharry Sarah , Kurtzweil Nicky , Jandarov Roman , Harun Nusrat , Wise-Draper Trisha M.
Published: May 2023

Study protocol
Supplementary Figure S5 from Durvalumab plus Cetuximab in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Open-label, Nonrandomized, Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Gulati Shuchi , Crist McKenzie , Riaz Muhammed Kashif , Takiar Vinita , Lehn Maria , Monroe Ilaina , Palackdharry Sarah , Kurtzweil Nicky , Jandarov Roman , Harun Nusrat , Wise-Draper Trisha M.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Figure 5. Comparison of outcomes between patients that were PD-L1 positive vs. negative A) Progression-free survival and B) Overall survival comparison
Figure S5 from The Oncolytic Adenovirus XVir-N-31 Joins Forces with CDK4/6 Inhibition Augmenting Innate and Adaptive Antitumor Immunity in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Schober Sebastian Johannes , Schoening Caroline , Eck Jennifer , Middendorf Charlotte , Lutsch Julia , Knoch Pia , von Ofen Anna Josefine , Gassmann Hendrik , Thiede Melanie , Hauer Julia , Kolk Andreas , Mantwill Klaus , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Burdach Stefan E.G. , Nawroth Roman , Thiel Uwe , Holm Per Sonne
Published: May 2023

Supplemental Figure 5: Combination therapy of XVir-N-31 and CDK4/6 inhibitor LEE011 induces calreticulin (CALR) surface expression and increases phagocytosis in vitro.
Genomic Profiling of Radiation-Induced Sarcomas Reveals the Immunologic Characteristics and Its Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Hong Dong-Chun , Yang Jing , Sun Cong , Liu Yuan-Tao , Shen Lu-Jun , Xu Bu-Shu , Que Yi , Xia Xiaojun , Zhang Xing
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Radiation-induced sarcomas (RIS) have a poor prognosis and lack effective treatments. Its genome and tumor microenvironment are not well characterized and need further exploration.

Experimental Design:

Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) on patients with RIS and primary sarcomas (WES samples 46 vs. 48, mRNA-seq samples 16 vs. 8, mainly in head and neck), investigated the antitumor effect of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade in RIS patient-derived xenograft models, and analyzed clinical data of patients with RIS treated with chemotherapy alone or combined with an anti–PD-1 antibody.

Results:

Compared with primary sarcomas, RIS manifested different patterns of copy-number variations, a significantly higher number of predicted strong MHC-binding neoantigens, and significantly increased immune cell infiltration. Clinical data showed that the combinatorial use of chemotherapy and PD-1 blockade achieved a higher objective response rate (36.67% vs. 8.00%; P = 0.003), longer overall survival (31.9 months vs. 14.8 months; P = 0.014), and longer progression-free survival (4.7 months vs. 9.5 months; P = 0.032) in patients with RIS compared with single chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

Elevated genomic instability and higher immune cell infiltrations were found in RIS than in primary sarcomas. Moreover, higher efficacy of chemotherapy plus PD-1 blockade was observed in animal experiments and clinical practice. This evidence indicated the promising application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of RIS.
A Molecular Blueprint to Targeting ALK Gene Fusions in Glioblastoma
Authors: Mack Stephen C. , Bertrand Kelsey C.
Published: May 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a heterogeneous brain tumor entity from infancy through adulthood. ALK gene fusions enriched in congenital and infant GBM have emerged as druggable driver alterations. Understanding the molecular basis and prevalence of ALK gene rearrangements will help define patients with GBM who may benefit from ALK-targeted therapy.

See related article by Blandin et al., p. 2651
Data from Intratumoral Heterogeneity and Clonal Evolution Induced by HPV Integration
Authors: Akagi Keiko , Symer David E. , Mahmoud Medhat , Jiang Bo , Goodwin Sara , Wangsa Darawalee , Li Zhengke , Xiao Weihong , Dunn Joe Dan , Ried Thomas , Coombes Kevin R. , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Gillison Maura L.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) genome is integrated into host DNA in most HPV-positive cancers, but the consequences for chromosomal integrity are unknown. Continuous long-read sequencing of oropharyngeal cancers and cancer cell lines identified a previously undescribed form of structural variation, “heterocateny,” characterized by diverse, interrelated, and repetitive patterns of concatemerized virus and host DNA segments within a cancer. Unique breakpoints shared across structural variants facilitated stepwise reconstruction of their evolution from a common molecular ancestor. This analysis revealed that virus and virus–host concatemers are unstable and, upon insertion into and excision from chromosomes, facilitate capture, amplification, and recombination of host DNA and chromosomal rearrangements. Evidence of heterocateny was detected in extrachromosomal and intrachromosomal DNA. These findings indicate that heterocateny is driven by the dynamic, aberrant replication and recombination of an oncogenic DNA virus, thereby extending known consequences of HPV integration to include promotion of intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution.
Significance:
Long-read sequencing of HPV-positive cancers revealed “heterocateny,” a previously unreported form of genomic structural variation characterized by heterogeneous, interrelated, and repetitive genomic rearrangements within a tumor. Heterocateny is driven by unstable concatemerized HPV genomes, which facilitate capture, rearrangement, and amplification of host DNA, and promotes intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal evolution.

See related commentary by McBride and White, p. 814.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 799
Pontos de corte da circunferência do pescoço e da relação cintura-estatura como preditores da obesidade e risco cardiovascular em adolescentes
Authors: Carvalho Wyllyane Rayana Chaves , França Ana Karina Teixeira da Cunha , Santos Alcione Miranda dos , Padilha Luana Lopes , Bogea Eduarda Gomes
Published: May 2023

OBJETIVO: Determinar os pontos de corte da circunferência do pescoço (CP) e da relação cintura-estatura (RCEst) para a predição da obesidade e do risco cardiovascular em adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com uma subamostra de 634 adolescentes de 18 e 19 anos de idade pertencentes à terceira fase da coorte “RPS” (Ribeirão Preto, Pelotas e São Luís) realizada em 2017. Identificou-se a área sob a curva ROC (AUC) para avaliar a capacidade preditiva da CP e RCE em relação ao percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), obtido pela pletismografia por deslocamento de ar (PDA), e do risco cardiovascular estimado pelo Phatobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de obesidade pelo %GC foi de 7,6% no sexo masculino e 39,4% no sexo feminino (p-valor < 0,001) e o alto risco para PDAY foi de 13,8% e 10,9%, respectivamente. Para a CP, o ponto de corte identificado para o sexo masculino foi de 44,0 cm e as AUC foram de 0,70 (IC95% 0,58-0,83) para predição de obesidade e de 0,71 (IC95% 0,62-0,80) para predição do alto risco cardiovascular; e para o sexo feminino foi de 40 cm e as AUC foram de 0,75 (IC95% 0,69-0,80) e de 0,63 (IC95% 0,53-0,73), respectivamente. Para a RCEst, o ponto de corte identificado foi de 0,50 para ambos os sexos e as AUC para a predição da obesidade e do alto risco segundo o PDAY foram de 0,90 (IC95% 0,80-0,99) e 0,73 (IC95% 0,63-0,82), respectivamente, para o sexo masculino; e de 0,87 (IC95% 0,83-0,90) e 0,55 (IC95% 0,45-0,65), respectivamente, para o sexo feminino. CONCLUSÃO: RCEst e CP como bons discriminadores para avaliar a obesidade e risco cardiovascular em adolescentes, especialmente no sexo masculino.
Efficient Decoding of Compositional Structure in Holistic Representations
Authors: Kleyko Denis , Bybee Connor , Huang Ping-Chen , Kymn Christopher J. , Olshausen Bruno A. , Frady E. Paxon , Sommer Friedrich T.
Published: May 2023

We investigate the task of retrieving information from compositional distributed representations formed by hyperdimensional computing/vector symbolic architectures and present novel techniques that achieve new information rate bounds. First, we provide an overview of the decoding techniques that can be used to approach the retrieval task. The techniques are categorized into four groups. We then evaluate the considered techniques in several settings that involve, for example, inclusion of external noise and storage elements with reduced precision. In particular, we find that the decoding techniques from the sparse coding and compressed sensing literature (rarely used for hyperdimensional computing/vector symbolic architectures) are also well suited for decoding information from the compositional distributed representations. Combining these decoding techniques with interference cancellation ideas from communications improves previously reported bounds (Hersche et al., 2021) of the information rate of the distributed representations from 1.20 to 1.40 bits per dimension for smaller codebooks and from 0.60 to 1.26 bits per dimension for larger codebooks.
Deep Clustering With a Constraint for Topological Invariance Based on Symmetric InfoNCE
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Wada Yuichiro , Waida Hiroki , Goto Kaito , Hino Yusaku , Kanamori Takafumi
Published: May 2023

We consider the scenario of deep clustering, in which the available prior knowledge is limited. In this scenario, few existing state-of-the-art deep clustering methods can perform well for both noncomplex topology and complex topology data sets. To address the problem, we propose a constraint utilizing symmetric InfoNCE, which helps an objective of the deep clustering method in the scenario of training the model so as to be efficient for not only noncomplex topology but also complex topology data sets. Additionally, we provide several theoretical explanations of the reason that the constraint can enhances the performance of deep clustering methods. To confirm the effectiveness of the proposed constraint, we introduce a deep clustering method named MIST, which is a combination of an existing deep clustering method and our constraint. Our numerical experiments via MIST demonstrate that the constraint is effective. In addition, MIST outperforms other state-of-the-art deep clustering methods for most of the commonly used 10 benchmark data sets.
A new species of Guadua (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Guaduinae) from Pará state in Amazonian Brazil
Authors: LOBATO AFONSO EDGAR AUGUSTO , CLARK LYNN G. , MANSANO VIDAL DE FREITAS , FILGUEIRA JOANA PATRÍCIA PANTOJA SERRÃO , VIANA PEDRO LAGE
Published: May 2023

A new species of Guadua, a Neotropical woody bamboo genus, is here described and illustrated. Guadua leonardoana occurs in southeastern Amazonia, northern Brazil, in rainforest vegetation, and apparently is endemic to Pará state, with only two known populations restricted to the Serra dos Carajás. This species belongs to the “Guadua weberbaueri group” and the description is based on vegetative features. A morphological description, illustrations, photos in the field, scanning electronic micrographs of the foliage leaf surfaces, data on anatomy and micromorphology of the foliage leaf blade, and information on the conservation status and distribution are presented.
Investigations into the Melitaea ornata species complex in the Levant: M. telona and the newly erected species Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: RUSSELL PETER J. C. , PATEMAN JAMES E. , GAGARINA ANASTASIA V. , LUKHTANOV VLADIMIR A.
Published: May 2023

Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 was recently described from Israel as a species closely related to M. telona Fruhstorfer, 1908, but different in phenology, ecological preferences and with an allopatric distribution. Here, based on comparative examinations of mitochondrial DNA-barcodes, male genitalia and larval behaviour under laboratory conditions, we synonymize M. klili with M. telona. The COI barcodes of M. klili were found to be identical to those of M. telona. Analysis of 658 bp fragment of the mitochondrial gene COI demonstrated that the minimum uncorrected p-distance between M. ornata and M. telona was 1.98%. This value is remarkably less than the 3% threshold traditionally accepted as a species boundary in DNA barcoding studies. The morphological differences between these taxa are minimal. In fact, M. ornata and M. telona represent two phylogenetic lineages, the taxonomic status of which (separate species or subspecies of the same species) is intermediate and debatable.
4. Who Do the Dead Belong to? Considering the (In)Visibility of Death as an Outsider in France
Authors: Kiereri Norah
Published: May 2023

At the height of the Covid19 pandemic, I began to consider how the activities of mourning and burying the dead were visible and invisible in Kenya and in France. My own experience of death brought me face to face with my anxieties and expectations of the (in)visibility of death as a Kenyan living in Kenya and as a Kenyan studying and working in France.
10. On Being a ‘Migrant Academic,’ Precarious Passports, and Invisible Struggles
Authors: Asgarilaleh Tara
Published: May 2023

In this chapter, I address the position of a ‘migrant academic’ having to deal with visa applications, and I want to call out a sort of bureaucratic madness that affects the most precarious passports. I suggest that in the current context of such precarity I write about in my piece, adopting a systematically empathic approach have a potential to enable the imagination and materialization of a more just academic community.
16. To the Center and Back
Authors: Mangiarotti Emanuela
Published: May 2023

My academic life has been on the move. Movements across disciplinary, geographical and societal boundaries have been central to my subjective experience of relocating to and navigating different academic spaces. This essay reflects on how the effort to re-integrate into the university in Italy has been chiefly defined by my identity as a homecoming Italian female researcher and how moving back has made me radically aware of how gender marks endemic precarity within Italian academia. The narrative also touches upon empowering moments of participating in networks where situating the subjective experience of gendered precarity translates into collective efforts to create alternative academic spaces and practices of care and mutual recognition.
18. Wiping the Smudge off the Window
Authors: Namatende-Sakwa Lydia
Published: May 2023

In this narrative, the author shares her painful journey, having left a young family—husband, and children (two and a half months, four, and two years old), to pursue a PhD in the UK. Her encounters with racism interweaved with feelings of guilt for leaving her family paint a picture of precariousness informed by identity markers of race, sex and class.
19. A Letter to Future Adoptee Researchers
Authors: Cawayu Atamhi
Published: May 2023

In this chapter, I use autoethnographic method to illustrate my live experiences as a researcher of colour in Belgium who is committed to anti-racism in majority-white academic spaces. The chapter reflects on the challenges of BIPOC academics to shift the academy towards an anti-racist space.
A Rapid Intensification Deterministic Ensemble (RIDE) for the Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s Area of Responsibility
Authors: Knaff John A. , Sampson Charles R. , Brammer Alan , Slocum Christopher J.
Published: May 2023

The Rapid Intensification Deterministic Ensemble (RIDE) is an operational method used to estimate the probability of tropical cyclone rapid intensification in the Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s area of responsibility. Inputs to RIDE are current intensity, storm latitude, intensity change forecasts from seven routinely available operational deterministic models of intensity change, and the number of those models exceeding their individual 90th percentile of intensity change. Deterministic model inputs come from four numerical weather prediction models, two statistical–dynamical models, and one purely statistical model. In RIDE, logistic regression combines the deterministic inputs to form a probabilistic rapid intensification forecast model. RIDE then also generates deterministic intensity forecasts from these probabilistic forecasts that serve as forecaster guidance and as input to intensity consensus aids. Results based on a year of independent verification suggest good reliability and discrimination with a general tendency to underpredict rapid intensification events, but with few false alarms.

Significance Statement

An operational tropical cyclone forecaster makes a forecast with deterministic and probabilistic intensity guidance tools at their disposal. These models have a varying degree of abilities for predicting both intensity change and rapid intensification. The forecaster faces a dilemma in how to combine this disparate guidance to anticipate rapid intensification events. Here, the RIDE model provides probability forecasts associated with rapid intensification at 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 72-h lead times and associated deterministic forecasts. RIDE provides skillful rapid intensification forecasts and helps rectify this forecast dilemma.
Increase in Alcohol Use Among the Geriatric Trauma Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Foje Nathan A. , Waibel Brett H. , Sheppard Olabisi O. , Josef Abigail P. , Bauman Zachary M. , Evans Charity H. , Hamill Mark E.
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the everyday behaviors of all patients. At the same time, the United States population is aging, and an increasing portion of traumatically injured patients are geriatric. Our study aims to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the geriatric trauma population. We performed a retrospective review of the trauma database from our single institution level I trauma center examining pandemics impact on geriatric trauma demographics, mechanism of injury, injury severity, hospitalization characteristics, and alcohol use. Data during the pandemic was compared to the prior 3 years and controlled for seasonality. Statistical analysis demonstrated an increase in duration of mechanical ventilation and alcohol use during the pandemic while other factors remained stable. This shows the need for targeted alcohol assessment in the geriatric trauma population during periods of social isolation and additional research into the effects of the COVID-19 on trauma patients.
Mental health systems modelling for evidence-informed service reform in Australia
Authors: Whiteford Harvey , Bagheri Nasser , Diminic Sandra , Enticott Joanne , Gao Caroline X. , Hamilton Matthew , Hickie Ian B , Khanh-Dao Le Long , Lee Yong Yi , Long Katrina M , McGorry Patrick , Meadows Graham , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Occhipinti Jo-An , Rock Daniel , Rosenberg Sebastian , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Skinner Adam
Published: May 2023

Australia’s Fifth National Mental Health Plan required governments to report, not only on the progress of changes to mental health service delivery, but to also plan for services that should be provided. Future population demand for treatment and care is challenging to predict and one solution involves modelling the uncertain demands on the system. Modelling can help decision-makers understand likely future changes in mental health service demand and more intelligently choose appropriate responses. It can also support greater scrutiny, accountability and transparency of these processes. Australia has an emerging national capacity for systems modelling in mental health which can enhance the next phase of mental health reform. This paper introduces concepts useful for understanding mental health modelling and identifies where modelling approaches can support health service planners to make evidence-informed decisions regarding planning and investment for the Australian population.
Nature Sounds for Stress Recovery and Healthy Eating: A Lab Experiment Differentiating Water and Bird Sound
Authors: Michels Nathalie , Hamers Preben
Published: May 2023

This lab-based study tested whether nature sounds can lead to less stress reactivity, better stress recovery, less stress-induced eating and healthy food choice stimulation, while differentiating between bird and water sounds. Before (5 min) and after (8 min) the Trier Social Stress Test, 59 participants (47% men, 18–30 years) were exposed to one of three soundtracks: birds, streaming water, or wind as control. Group differences were tested on negative affect, salivary cortisol, heart rate variability, hunger, food craving, snack intake and influence expectations. Both bird and water sounds led to better cortisol recovery (not reactivity) and were reported to be more stress-reducing than wind only. The recovery effect was highest for water sounds. No differential sound effects were found for the food variables. The results confirm the potential implementation of bird and water sounds for stress restoration but future research should test the effects (especially on diet) in real-life settings.
Boring But Demanding: Using Secondary Tasks to Counter the Driver Vigilance Decrement for Partially Automated Driving
Authors: Mishler Scott , Chen Jing
Published: May 2023

Objective

We investigated secondary–task–based countermeasures to the vigilance decrement during a simulated partially automated driving (PAD) task, with the goal of understanding the underlying mechanism of the vigilance decrement and maintaining driver vigilance in PAD.

Background

Partial driving automation requires a human driver to monitor the roadway, but humans are notoriously bad at monitoring tasks over long periods of time, demonstrating the vigilance decrement in such tasks. The overload explanations of the vigilance decrement predict the decrement to be worse with added secondary tasks due to increased task demands and depleted attentional resources, whereas the underload explanations predict the vigilance decrement to be alleviated with secondary tasks due to increased task engagement.

Method

Participants watched a driving video simulating PAD and were required to identify hazardous vehicles throughout the 45-min drive. A total of 117 participants were assigned to three different vigilance-intervention conditions including a driving-related secondary task (DR) condition, a non-driving-related secondary task (NDR) condition, and a control condition with no secondary tasks.

Results

Overall, the vigilance decrement was shown over time, reflected in increased response times, reduced hazard detection rates, reduced response sensitivity, shifted response criterion, and subjective reports on task-induced stress. Compared to the DR and the control conditions, the NDR displayed a mitigated vigilance decrement.

Conclusion

This study provided convergent evidence for both resource depletion and disengagement as sources of the vigilance decrement.

Application

The practical implication is that infrequent and intermittent breaks using a non-driving related task may help alleviate the vigilance decrement in PAD systems.
The Single-channel blind source separation based on VMD and Tukey M estimation for rolling bearing composite fault diagnosis
Authors: Wang Yaping , Zhang Qisong , Cao Ruofan , Zhang Sheng , Li Shisong , Xu Di
Published: May 2023

Rolling bearing is one of the core components in rotating machinery, and its running status directly affects the operation of the whole equipment. Faults of rolling bearings in the actual working process are often multiple faults. To effectively separate fault sources, the blind source separation method is used for the compound fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. Because of the impact of the number of artificially limited decompositions and quadratic penalty factor on VMD in the decomposition process, and the slow convergence and low accuracy in the objective function of traditional FastICA operation, the VMD algorithm based on the energy loss coefficient and the information entropy is proposed, which adaptively determines the number of modal components and the quadratic penalty factor; The Tukey M estimation is selected as the objective convergence function of the FastICA algorithm to improve its robustness. First, VMD is used to decompose the signal; Secondly, the original signal and the decomposed IMF component are reconstructed, the covariance matrix and the singular value decomposition are constructed, the number of fault sources is estimated by the proximity dominance method, and the decomposed IMF components are filtered through correlation analysis and kurtosis index to build a multi-channel feature set; Finally, the constructed multi-channel feature set is input to the FastICA algorithm based on the Tukey M estimation for the separation of fault source signals to achieve composite fault diagnosis. The compound fault experiment shows that the proposed method in this paper can effectively realize the blind source separation of rolling bearing fault features to realize the compound fault diagnosis in different positions.
Silences in Canadian Foreign Policy Textbooks and Course Outlines
Authors: Smith Heather A.
Published: May 2023

In this article, I examine one book, seven edited volumes, and twenty-four Canadian Foreign Policy course outlines to assess the inclusion of women scholars, feminist research, Indigenous scholars, and Indigenous-themed research. As we will see, the degree to which “silences have been broken” is strikingly uneven. Indigenous scholars are rare in the field and the inclusion of work by Indigenous scholars is also rare. The extent of inclusion of women scholars in edited volumes is varied, as is the representation of women scholars in readings found in course outlines. Some texts and course outlines show that the silences have been broken. However, through whose work they include, some textbooks and course outlines suggest that the work of women scholars remains marginal to the field, that Indigenous content is of little relevance, and in some cases, the work of Indigenous and female scholars is neither heard nor seen.
Investigation into Grief Experiences of the Bereaved During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Asgari Mohammad , Ghasemzadeh Mahdi , Alimohamadi Asgar , Sakhaei Shiva , Killikelly Clare , Nikfar Elham
Published: May 2023

The objective of the current study was to investigate the grief experiences of people affected by COVID-19. The study adopted a qualitative design of descriptive phenomenology. Fifteen adults who had lost a family member during the COVID-19 pandemic were selected as the sample through the purposive sampling method until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and the Colaizzi analysis method. Six main themes (i.e., unexpressed grief, psychosomatic reactions, negative emotions, family problems, and social and occupational problems) were extracted. Data analysis showed that complex disenfranchised grief is the pervasive consequence of the COVID-19 experience. According to the findings, participants experienced disenfranchised grief during the loss of their loved ones due to the COVID-19 disease, which was a complex, painful experience accompanied by negative emotions and family, work, and social tensions. This grief is accompanied by more severe and prolonged symptoms, making it difficult for the bereaved to return to normal life. In unexpressed grieving, there are intense feelings of grief, pain, separation, despair, emptiness, low self-esteem, bitterness, or longing for the presence of the deceased. This grief originated from the conditions of quarantine and physical distance on the one hand, which required the control of the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease, and on the other hand, the cultural-religious context of the Iranian people.
Death Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Oncology Nurses and Physicians
Authors: Alhusamiah Bushra , Zeilani Ruqayya S.
Published: May 2023

Background: Providing care for dying patients is a stress-inducing, complicated, as well as essential responsibility for health care providers. Furthermore, end-of-life care is associated with intense personal emotions such as grief, anxiety, depression, frustration, and guilt. Moreover, caring for terminally ill patients is a challenging task that confronts physicians and nurses with the psychological concerns of dealing with death, which is accompanied by a high level of physical and psychological discomfort.

Objective: This study was aimed to measure the level of death anxiety among oncology nurses and physicians and to determine the associated factors that influence their level of death anxiety.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to guide this study, a non-probability convenience sampling method was used to recruit 200 oncology nurses and physicians from one specialized cancer center in Jordan. Data were collected using an electronic self-reported questionnaire include demographic data sheet and Collett-Lester fear of death scale, as well as all participants were invited via email for voluntary participation in this study.

Result: The results revealed that the oncology nurses and physicians exhibited a moderate levels of death anxiety (CLDFODS = 91.07), furthermore, the result showed that female nurses and physicians exhibited a higher level of anxiety than male. Further, there were statistically significant differences in nurses’ and physicians’ level of death anxiety according to years of experience, receiving previous education on death and dying, and religious beliefs. On the other hand, there is no statistically significant differences in nurses’ and physicians’ level of death anxiety based on present or previous experience with loss of someone close to them.

Conclusion: Jordanian oncology Nurses and physicians exhibited a moderate levels of death anxiety and fear of death, therefore, they have to address the inevitability of mortality since they are caring for dying patients frequently. They have to understand and acknowledge their thoughts regarding death and dying, as well as their death anxiety level before interacting with dying patients.
The Suitability of Measuring Patient-Reported Outcomes in Older Adults Following a Hip Fracture Using the Short-Form 36 Questionnaire: A Qualitative Description Approach
Authors: Schroeder Hanna S. , Israeli Avi , Liebergall Meir (Iri) , Or Omer , Andrews Caryn Scheinberg , Justo Dan , Zimlichman Eyal
Published: May 2023

Hip-fractures (HF) in older adults are associated with poor outcomes and high costs. Measuring quality-of-care of HF patients has focused on clinical definitions rather than on measuring outcomes that are meaningful to the patient. Healthcare systems worldwide are increasingly interested in patient-reported outcome measures (PROs). The Short-form (SF36) questionnaire is a recommended measure among older adults however it’s comprehensiveness and uniqueness for specific patients after a HF is not clear. The aims of this study were to: understand the perspective of the older adults experience following HF, to assess the suitability of the SF36 as a PRO for HF and to determine the best timing for questioning. A qualitative description approach was used. This took place in 2 large academic medical-centers in Israel. The inquiry was done in 2 parts by semi-structured interview. A total 15 HF patients were interviewed. Categories and themes emerging from their responses were similar to the 8 domains of the SF36 questionnaire, but the participants added clarity regarding their own needs for setting goals. In the second part, participants agreed that the SF36 reflected common issues and served as an adequate measure for personal-goal setting. The study encourages patient-centered care in older adults recovering from HF, providing evidence that the SF36 is a suitable tool for measuring PROs in HF patients. Healthcare systems focus on clinical-outcome indicators and do not reflect how the patient views his outcomes. This study provides evidence that care should be customized for each person.
Immersion and invariance based adaptive command filtered backstepping control design for a class of SISO uncertain nonlinear systems in strict-feedback form
Authors: Soukkou Yassine , Tadjine Mohamed , Soukkou Ammar , Nibouche Mokhtar
Published: May 2023

In this article, an immersion and invariance based adaptive command filtered backstepping control method (I&I ACFBC) is proposed for a class of single-input and single-output (SISO) uncertain nonlinear systems in strict-feedback form. The problem of the explosion of complexity inherent to the traditional adaptive backstepping control design is solved by applying the proposed adaptive control technique, and the compensating signals are constructed to reduce the effect of the known filtering errors produced by the command filters. The adaptive laws are achieved by an immersion and invariance method. The Lyapunov stability theory is utilized to ensure the boundedness of all the signals in the closed-loop system. The feasibility and validity of the proposed adaptive control scheme are demonstrated by the simulation and experimental results on a DC-DC buck converter system.
Pore structure characteristics of shale in coal-bearing strata: In the case of the Shanxi formation of lower Permian in Huainan coalfield in China
Authors: Yang Jingfen , Xu Hongjie , Xue Sheng , Ding Hai , Liu Huihu , Jia Jinlong , Fang Huihuang , Zhang Kun
Published: May 2023

Reservoir pore characteristics are an important part of shale gas reservoir capacity evaluation. Compared with Marine shale, the study of coal measure shale is relatively backward in China. In order to deeply analyze the reservoir properties of coal measure shale gas and give priority to favorable reservoirs, the pore structure characteristics of shale in coal measures from the Shanxi Formation of Lower Permian in Huainan Coalfield of China were investigated in this study. The pore size distribution, specific surface area (SSA), and pore volume (PV) were obtained. The BET surface area and PVs are inconsistent with the variability in total organic content (TOC) and composition of the samples. There are unobvious negative correlations between PV, SSA, and TOC for the samples in this study. However, the contribution of clay minerals to PV and SSA seems to be positive, especially for the mixed-layer minerals of illite and smectite.
California’s 2021 Gubernatorial Recall: Field Notes
Authors: Van Vechten Renée B.
Published: May 2023

In 2021, the second attempt in California history to recall a governor ended in a resounding victory for the Democratic incumbent. Unlike the recall of Governor Gray Davis in 2003, auspicious political conditions helped enable Gavin Newsom’s survival; these included a large Democratic advantage in voter registration and an all-mail-ballot election that reduced participation costs. Turning points in the process included an extension of the signature-gathering deadline and the emergence of a polemical candidate who helped energize Democratic voters. These developments re-exposed flaws in the state’s recall process and have prompted calls to reform the qualification procedures and the dual ballot format, which permits the election of a potentially anti-majoritarian replacement who receives a small fraction of the plurality vote.
Measurement Characteristics of the Wraparound Fidelity Index Short Form: Results from a Statewide Implementation
Authors: Attell Brandon K. , Singleton Ashley C. , McLaren Susan A. , Moses Giselle
Published: May 2023

Implementation fidelity has been an important issue in the service provision and associated outcomes of Wraparound, an intensive, individualized care planning process that uses a team-based approach to integrate youth into the community to minimize the need for intensive, institutional services. In response to the growing need to monitor fidelity to the Wraparound process, a variety of instruments have been created and tested. In this study, the authors present the results of several analyses designed to better understand the measurement characteristics of the Wraparound Fidelity Index Short Form (WFI-EZ), a multi-informant fidelity instrument. The results from our analysis of 1027 WFI-EZ responses indicate that the internal consistency of the instrument is very good, although the negatively worded items did not appear to function as well as positively worded items. Results from two confirmatory factor analyses were unable to validate the original domains identified by the instrument developers, but for certain outcomes the WFI-EZ demonstrated deseriable predictive validity. Preliminary evidence is also provided that WFI-EZ responses likely differ by respondent type. We conclude by discussing the implications of using the WFI-EZ in programming, policy, and practice considering the findings of our study.
Depth analysis: What happens after papers stand on the giant’s shoulder?
Authors: Yoon Jeeyoung , Park Ji-Hong
Published: May 2023

Scholarly impact has been investigated with great enthusiasm. Scholarly activity has been understood to be accumulative, as Isaac Newton’s famous quote – stand on the giant’s shoulder– indicates, and citation reflects such act of knowledge accumulation and development. While citation count is indeed a robust indicator for academic assessment, given the accumulative and back-to-back nature of academic work, is limited since it does not take descending activities of a paper into consideration. This study suggests a novel approach, the Depth Analysis, which scrutinises descending papers – papers that stood on the giant’s shoulder. Also, novel Depth-based paper assessment method and knowledge structure analysis approach are presented. To validate the method, a case study on conference papers in neural computing domain is conducted. The study result shows that Depth Analysis can capture diachronic scholarly impact and knowledge structure shift more thoroughly.
Comprehension of a multimodal book by children with visual impairments
Authors: Valente Dannyelle , Chennaz Lola , Archambault Dominique , Négrerie Solène , Blain Sophie , Galiano Anna Rita , Gentaz Edouard
Published: May 2023

Illustrations referring to the visible aspects of objects in tactile books may be difficult for children with visual impairments to understand. To solve this problem, a new illustration design was developed based on modalities other than vision. The objective of the study is to evaluate the comprehension by children with visual impairments of a multimodal book whose illustrations refer to haptic and audio modalities. To examine the role of residual visual experience in comprehension, the book was tested in children with two profiles of visual impairment: 5 blind children and 6 with low vision, aged 5–12 years. To assess their comprehension as they discovered the book, we observed a matching between the text and the exploration of the illustrations, and the production of expected manual explorations by children. After discovery, we asked the children about how they handled the objects in the book and the sounds they heard. The main results showed no significant difference between the two groups of children on the matching score, manual exploration expected, and description of sounds perceived or handling performed. The book was very well understood and appreciated by both groups. These results could indicate that residual visual experience is not necessary for this task. Results suggest that exploring other sensorial experiences could be a more inclusive way to represent objects in tactile books that are more suitable for all children, regardless of their visual experience.
The effectiveness of occupational therapy supporting return to work for people who sustain serious injuries or develop long-term (physical or mental) health conditions: A systematic review
Authors: De Dios Perez Blanca , McQueen Jean , Craven Kristelle , Radford Kate , Blake Holly , Smith Benjamin , Thomson Louise , Holmes Jain
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

People with long-term conditions or recovering from serious injuries can struggle to return to work. The evidence for occupational therapy supporting return to work is limited. We aimed to identify and explain how occupational therapy interventions work.

Methods:

Systematic review. Seven databases were searched between 1 January 1980 and 15 June 2022. Studies measuring work-related outcomes among individuals receiving occupational therapy during absence from paid work were included. Multiple reviewers independently contributed to screening, quality appraisal and data extraction processes. Data were analysed as a narrative.

Results:

Twenty studies with 3866 participants were included; 17 were assessed as having high risk of bias. Occupational therapy was inconsistently acknowledged affecting study identification and occupational therapy components were poorly described. Meta-analysis was unfeasible due to outcome heterogeneity. Individually tailored occupational therapy focused on return to work in musculoskeletal conditions indicated the most promising outcomes. Key intervention components included vocational assessment, goal setting and self-management. Key mechanisms of action included early intervention, individualised support and being responsive to needs.

Conclusion:

Occupational therapists’ contributions supporting return to work should be clearly attributed. Future effectiveness research should standardise the measurement of work outcomes to support meta-analysis. Developing a taxonomy for occupational therapy supporting return to work could facilitate comparisons across studies, highlighting occupational therapists’ roles and facilitating training and benefits to patients.
Experimental and Statistical Study of High-Pressure Water Jet “Hydro-Demolition Technique” on Concrete for Partial-Depth Concrete Bridge Deck Repair Applications
Authors: Shanab Israi Abu , Sorensen Andrew D.
Published: May 2023

Water jetting is a cutting technique that has been widely used for cutting different types of material in many industries. In the concrete industry, water jetting is often referred to as hydro-demolition; it is used as a technique to remove deteriorated concrete within transportation infrastructure rehabilitation projects. For partial-depth repair of concrete bridge decks, using the hydro-demolition method to remove the upper half of the deck can cause a major problem known as punch-through. Punch-through is where the high-pressure water makes a full-depth removal instead of partial-depth removal. Punch-through is caused by a lack of pressure control over the cutting depth and is dependent on the concrete properties and the water jet operation parameters. In this study, the hydro-demolition technique is investigated to eliminate the occurrence of punch-through. Experimental and statistical analyses are performed to investigate the effect of high-pressure water on concrete as part of the partial-depth repair of a concrete bridge deck. Small-scale trials of 15 concrete specimens with varying compressive strengths are tested. Statistical analysis for experimental data for abrasive water jets on concrete with different compressive strengths is carried out to develop a predictive model for determining the input parameters to accurately predict concrete removal to a specified depth. The experimental study finds that the water pressure, cutting time, and compressive strength of concrete influence the cutting depth of the water jet. Statistical analysis provides a multi-regression model that can be employed for the prediction and optimization of response parameters of the hydro-demolition technique.
Finite-Mixture Continuous Logit Model: Formulation and Application for Shopping Start Time Choice of Non-Commuters
Authors: Geng Shuguang , Ye Xin , Zhang Tianran , Wang Ke
Published: May 2023

As a continuous generalization of the multinomial logit (MNL) model, the continuous logit (CL) model can be used for continuous response variables (e.g., departure time and activity duration). However, the existing CL model requires the calculation of numerical integrals to obtain the choice probabilities; it thus takes a long time to estimate the model parameters, particularly when the sample size is large. In this paper, we formulate the finite-mixture CL (FMCL) model as a new continuous choice model by combining the finite-mixture method and the CL model, in which the continuous distributional function of the finite mixture is embedded in the CL model. As a result, the individual choice probability can be obtained directly by computing the probability density of the continuous distribution function; this avoids calculation of the integral but still obeys the random utility maximization (RUM) principle. Simulation experiments are conducted to demonstrate the capability of the model. In an empirical study, the proposed model is applied for non-commuters’ shopping activity start time using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm based on Shanghai Household Travel Survey data. The results show that the FMCL model developed in this paper can greatly reduce the model estimation time (10,048 observations requiring only 3 min) of the CL model, and the model also has a more intuitive interpretation of model coefficients, directly reflecting variable effects on time-of-day choice. These two advantages can greatly enhance the practical value of the proposed modeling method.