bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Startle Events in Trailers for US Horror Films
Authors: Redfern Nick
Published: January 2023

This article analyses the function and form of acoustic startle events (ASEs) in trailers for fifty US horror films released between 2011 and 2015. There are 173 ASEs in the sample, ranging from one startle up to a maximum of ten, with a median of three events per trailer. ASEs exhibit different types of relationships between figure and ground, with some events preceded by silence and anticipated by the viewer while others are unanticipated and intrude on scenes relying on a prior emotional state of apprehension. The functions of ASEs within the hybrid form of a trailer are emotional, narrational, aesthetic and attentional. Sound designers deploy ASEs to exploit the defensive mechanism of the startle response by using ASEs as a form of attentional redirect in order to engage the viewer with on-screen information and presenting marketing information to be remembered by the viewer during a hypervigilance phase. Startle events in the sample are typically the product of the interrelationship between sound design, editing, and movement, but there are also numerous instances when a startle event is not associated with a cut and a moment of horror is the product of the combination of an acoustic startle and movement only.
Oxneriaria pakistanica sp. nov. (Megasporaceae, Pertusariales, Ascomycota) from Darel Valley, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Authors: IQBAL MUHAMMAD SHAHID , USMAN MUHAMMAD , HABIB Kamran , KHALID ABDUL NASIR
Published: January 2023

A new species in Megasporaceae, Oxneriaria pakistanica is described and illustrated from Pakistan. A comparative morpho–anatomical study and ITS–based molecular analyses confirmed its position within the recently resurrected genus, Oxneriaria. The taxon has non-zonate thallus, epruinose, distinctly areolate, 0.5–1.8 mm wide areole, grey to whitish grey at upper surface, prothallus absent, 0.1–2 mm in diameter apothecia, taller hymenium 100–155 µm, deeper hypothecium 90–170 µm, broadly ellipsoid to sub-spherical ascospores 10–18 × 7–10 µm size and chemistry unknown substance detected. Its forms a separate branch in the phylogenetic tree and also distinct from the other known taxa of the genus. Oxneriaria pakistanica sp. nov appeared to be a sister specie to Oxneriaria rivulicola. A detailed comparison and a key to all taxa of Oxneriaria is also given.
Catchment-Scale Drought Propagation Assessment in the Indus Basin of Pakistan Using a Combined Approach of Principal Components and Wavelet Analyses
Authors: Ur Rahman Khalil , Shang Songhao , Balkhair Khaled , Nusrat Ammara
Published: January 2023

This study aims to comprehend the propagation of meteorological drought [expressed by the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI)] into hydrological drought [expressed by the standardized runoff index (SRI)] using the combined application of principal component analysis (PCA) and wavelet analysis for a period of 39 years (1980–2018) in the Indus basin, Pakistan. PCA was used to calculate principal components of precipitation, temperature, and streamflow, which were used to systematically propagate drought from one catchment to another, resulting in a catchment-scale drought assessment. The systematic propagation of drought was useful in capturing the effects of local climate variability in the 27 catchments of the Indus basin. Wavelet analyses are used to calculate the variability of SPEI/SRI and propagation (analyzed with the wavelet coherence) from SPEI to SRI. The propagation time from SPEI to SRI was cross correlated. SPEI/SRI time series showed extreme/severe droughts in 16 out of the 39 years, where relatively weak apparent wet and drought events are observed at short periods (1 month) and apparent at longer periods (6 and 12 months). Propagation from SPEI to SRI is catchment specific, with most catchments showing transition in early years (1997–2003). Propagation rate is higher in the upper Indus basin (UIB) and lower Indus basin (LIB) than in the middle Indus basin (MIB), suggesting that climate plays an important role in drought development and propagation. Results also showed a shorter and longer propagation time in the UIB and LIB, respectively. This study has helped us understand the behavior of droughts at catchment scale and will therefore help in the development of drought mitigation plans in Pakistan and similar regions around the world.
Complicit silence, fluid identities and a shift to personalized faith: LGBTQ+ experiences in conservative Christian communities
Authors: Block Kelsey
Published: January 2023

Using in-depth interviews with six participants, this qualitative project examines LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others) experiences in conservative Christian communities in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, through the lens of queer theory. The research questions guiding this project are: (1) Does there continue to be a code of silence surrounding LGBTQ+ identities within conservative Christian communities? (2) How do LGBTQ+ individuals deal with the perceived incompatibility between their religion and their sexuality and/or gender? (3) How do LGBTQ+ individuals understand their LGBTQ+ identity when situated within a traditionally heteronormative religious community? The findings indicate that the participants view the silence surrounding LGBTQ+ issues and the subsequent lack of formal support for LGBTQ+ individuals as complicit in perpetuating rhetoric that LGBTQ+ identities are abnormal, sinful and shameful. All of the participants shifted to a more personalized faith and view Christianity as a resource instead of a requirement, and the majority of the participants frame both their gender/sexual identity and religious identity as fluid and liminal, subject to change depending on the context.
A deep learning-based method for calculating aircraft wing loads
Authors: Wang Peiyao , Yu Mingxin , Yan Guang , Xia Jiabin , Liu Jiawei , Zhu Lianqing
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel aircraft wing loads calculation model, called long short-term memory residual network (LSTM-ResNet), which can evaluate the loads based on the strain distribution. To achieve this goal, firstly, the data acquisition experiment is designed and performed with a real aircraft wing. In this experiment, we used the Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology as the measurement method to collect strain-load data from the aircraft wing. Then, we propose the LSTM-ResNet model with the one-dimensional convolutional(1D-CNN) architecture. This model is capable of extracting the temporal and spatial representational information from the strain-load data of the aircraft wing. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively evaluate the loads of the aircraft wing. To prove the superiority of LSTM-ResNet model, we compared the proposed model with existing loads calculation methods on our experimental dataset. The results show it has a competitive average relative error (0.08%). Moreover, those promising results may pave the way to use the deep learning algorithm in aircraft wing loads calculation.
Ethnic residential segregation in the city of Milan at the interplay between social class, housing and labour market
Authors: Consolazio David , Benassi David , Russo Antonio Giampiero
Published: January 2023

This article analyses the spatial distribution of foreigners living in the city of Milan, based on data from the civil registry and relying on theories and methods from the residential segregation literature, exploring the dimensions of evenness, exposure, concentration, centralisation and clustering, as well as analysing migrants’ over/under-representation in specific areas through maps of their location quotients. Despite the low degree of ethnic residential segregation detected, we highlight the presence of persistent dynamics that exclude ethnic minorities from the wealthiest areas of the city. The most relevant case is that of the Chinese, clustering in some peripheral areas north of the historic centre, where they have established an enclave economy, often making their residence coincide with their workplace and running commercial activities mostly directed towards their compatriots. The Egyptians, constituting the most numerous foreign group in the city, show a completely different settlement pattern, being more integrated into the social tissue and more scattered throughout the city. In the context of a city strongly polarised between a wealthy centre and progressively deprived peripheral belts, the only foreign groups with a marked presence in the city core are those traditionally employed in domestic work, which are however excluded from life in the public places in which they reside. Overall, the class dimension seems to prevail over the ethnic in shaping population settlement patterns within the city.
The Reliability of the Tönnis Grading System in Patients Undergoing Hip Preservation
Authors: Pullen W. Michael , Carreira Dominic S. , Wong Ivan , Aoki Stephen K. , Lynch T. Sean , Mather Richard C. , Ayeni Olufemi R. , Byrd J.W. Thomas , Safran Marc R.
Published: January 2023

Background:

The presence of pre-existing osteoarthritis (OA) has been associated with poor results after hip arthroscopic surgery. There is limited evidence validating the currently available grading systems of hip OA in patients undergoing hip preservation.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

Our purpose was to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of 2 grading systems in a group of patients undergoing hip preservation: the Tönnis grading system and a simple 4-choice Likert scale. The hypothesis was that interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities using the Tönnis grading system would be poor among surgeons experienced in hip preservation and that a 4-choice Likert scale would be more reliable.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 100 hip radiographs were reviewed by 8 experienced hip preservation surgeons. Overall, 2 rounds of reviews were performed, at least 3 weeks apart, assessing for the presence, degree, and/or location of joint space narrowing, joint space asymmetry, subchondral cysts, osteophytes, and sclerosis. The radiographs were assigned a Tönnis grade as well as a Likert grade of OA, reported as none, mild, moderate, or severe. Statistical analysis was conducted to provide Fleiss kappa values with 95% CIs. Agreement was classified as poor for <0.00, slight for 0.00-0.20, fair for 0.21-0.40, moderate for 0.41-0.60, substantial for 0.61-0.80, and almost perfect for >0.80.

Results:

A total of 50 patients (28 female and 22 male) with a mean age of 42.8 ± 14.2 years (range, 19-70 years) were reviewed. The Tönnis grade demonstrated an interobserver kappa value of 0.30 (95% CI, 0.26-0.34). The Likert grade demonstrated an interobserver kappa value of 0.33 (95% CI, 0.28-0.37). All other measures demonstrated interobserver kappa values classified as slight or fair except for subchondral cysts which was moderate. Intraobserver reliabilities were statistically significantly higher than interobserver reliabilities. Intraobserver reliabilities for both the Tönnis grade (κ = 0.55 [95% CI, 0.51-0.60]) and Likert grade (κ = 0.59 [95% CI, 0.55-0.63]) demonstrated similar kappa values, consistent with moderate agreement. Subchondral cysts demonstrated the strongest interobserver (κ = 0.53) and intraobserver (κ = 0.85) reliabilities.

Conclusion:

Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were fair and moderate, respectively, for grading OA. Given the limited interobserver reliability, caution should be used when interpreting and translating studies that utilize the Tönnis grade or other rating to dictate treatment algorithms.
Snap-interlock module system: Exploring an alternative architectural construction method
Authors: Song Jin Young , Vrana Dan , Heo Seoyoung , He Xiangdong , Shim Jongmin
Published: January 2023

Responding to the rise of temporary architecture motivated by fast changing cultural and societal interests, construction methods must be adapted to meet the needs of reconfigurable systems. The prototype of Snap-Interlock Module System (SIMS) proposed in this study aims to integrate the simplicity of dry stacking as a primitive construction method through a coordinated joint system in order to increase material efficiency and structural integrity. This study explores a method of stacking blocks using unique interconnecting mechanisms without bonding agents to allow for reconfigurability. The considered unit of SIMS is configured to have four legs with integrated hooks on both top and bottom, allowing each block to snap into four adjacent blocks on either end. The centerpiece is designed such that each block can individually possess geometric versatility toward organic growth of the whole system. Larger assemblies of SIMS blocks can create full-scale structures without the use of bolting, welding, or other bonding agents. Finite element analysis demonstrates that the explored interlocking motion falls into the elastic range of the considered steel and confirms that structural integrity can be secured at the building scale as well. In order to test the proof-of-concept, 1:3 scaled Polylactic Acid (PLA) blocks are 3D printed and assembled into a 2.5 m tall portal frame, leading to a full-scale structural model executed with six full-scale steel blocks. The assembly and disassembly of both prototype structures are easily executed by a single individual. Despite the limitations of the chosen fabrication methods and material choices, the study promises diverse applications in the changing urban context and contributes to the broader sustainability of our built environment via an alternative and reconfigurable construction method.
The indexing policy in the practices of Brazilian institutional repositories: A diagnostic study from the perception of managers and indexers
Authors: Fujita Mariângela Spotti Lopes , Tartarotti Roberta Cristina Dal’Evedove , Dal’Evedove Paula Regina , Panuto Jéssica Cristina
Published: January 2023

Institutional repositories aim to gather, treat and disseminate information resources produced in a given institution. The adoption of an indexing policy aims to improve information retrieval by the user community of the institutional repository, by proposing elements that standardize the practices of librarians who work in subject cataloging. The objective of the research is to analyze the perception of managers and indexers of Brazilian institutional repositories about the indexing policy for information organization and representation, with the specific objectives of performing a compared evaluation of elements and variables (characteristics, processes, and instruments) of the indexing policy regarding indexing and retrieval, discussion of vocabulary control procedures, and obtaining an overview focusing on the perception of the need for an indexing policy in Brazilian institutional repositories. Semi-structured interviews were applied to nine participants from eight institutional repositories to investigate the requirements, elements and variables of the indexing policy in the practice of managers and librarians of institutional repositories. The results reveal the need for improvements in the practices of the analyzed institutional repositories regarding the activities of subject cataloging, standardization of subject metadata, and vocabulary control, queries, and in carrying out tests or trials for continuous evaluation of indexing and information retrieval with users. The study also revealed that this scenario can be more positive if institutional repositories adopt an indexing policy for the practices they perform in repositories to be understood by managers and librarians as a tool to improve information retrieval.

La política de indización en las prácticas de los repositorios institucionales brasileños: un estudio de diagnóstico desde la percepción de gestores e indexadores
Xenotransplantation: Current Challenges and Emerging Solutions
Authors: Arabi Tarek Ziad , Sabbah Belal Nedal , Lerman Amir , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: January 2023

To address the ongoing shortage of organs available for replacement, xenotransplantation of hearts, corneas, skin, and kidneys has been attempted. However, a major obstacle facing xenotransplants is rejection due to a cycle of immune reactions to the graft. Both adaptive and innate immune systems contribute to this cycle, in which natural killer cells, macrophages, and T-cells play a significant role. While advancements in the field of genetic editing can circumvent some of these obstacles, biomarkers to identify and predict xenograft rejection remain to be standardized. Several T-cell markers, such as CD3, CD4, and CD8, are useful in both the diagnosis and prediction of xenograft rejection. Furthermore, an increase in the levels of various circulating DNA markers and microRNAs is also predictive of xenograft rejection. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the advancements in xenotransplantation, with a focus on pig-to-human, the role of immunity in xenograft rejection, and its biomarkers.
Splenic epidermoid cyst in a dog
Authors: Lee Nayoung , Kim Dae-Yong , Kim Yeon-Jung , Kim Dae Young
Published: January 2023

Splenic epithelial cysts are rare in humans and have not been reported in animals, to our knowledge. During a routine medical examination of a 12-y-old castrated male Maltese dog, a splenic mass was found and subsequently removed via splenectomy. Histologically, a well-defined multilocular cyst in the spleen was lined mostly by simple cuboidal, multifocally by stratified cuboidal, or occasionally by stratified squamous epithelium. Immunohistochemically, the lining cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin, CD31, and Wilms tumor protein 1. The case was diagnosed as a primary splenic epidermoid cyst.
A View From the Trenches: Interviews With Journalists About Reporting Science News
Authors: Anderson Josh , Dudo Anthony
Published: January 2023

In the United States and many other large media markets, science journalism has experienced major structural shifts that have resulted in the profession largely being conducted by nonspecialists and freelancers who cope with an abundance of misinformation and a loss of public confidence. In this qualitative work, we present the results of in-depth interviews with science journalists to understand current struggles and motivations for producing science news. Despite structural challenges and occupational burnout, journalists are motivated to produce science news for their perceived social benefits. However, many of the ways they are left to cope with these issues are personal strategies (e.g., resilience) that are unsustainable and ignore systemic inequities.
Lapses in the Person Radar: ADHD Symptoms Predict Difficulty in Interpersonal Distancing
Authors: Brown Chris R. H. , Forster Sophie
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Across contexts, from social cognition to the COVID-19 pandemic response, individual variation in the regulation of interpersonal distance has typically been viewed as a voluntary choice. Here we examine the frequency of unintentional lapses in interpersonal distancing, and their relationship with childhood ADHD symptoms.

Method:

We administered a novel measure of difficulty with interpersonal distancing across three undergraduate samples (total N = 1,225), in addition to measures of recalled childhood ADHD symptoms, mind wandering, and hyperfocus.

Results:

Almost all (>97%) participants reported unintentional lapses in maintaining interpersonal distance, with 16% experiencing such lapses frequently. Thirty percent of the variance in these reports was accounted for by attentional traits: Inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms jointly predicted difficulties with interpersonal distancing, with the former relationship fully mediated by hyperfocus and spontaneous mind wandering.

Conclusion:

Both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms confer vulnerability to frequent unintentional lapses in interpersonal distancing.
An experimental methodology to study impulsive hydrodynamic loading of air-backed composite plates
Authors: Zhang Peng , Guo Yichen , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: January 2023

Sandwich composites in marine vessels are frequently exposed to impulsive hydrodynamic loading during operation in extreme environments. The response of sandwich composites to impulsive hydrodynamic loading has yet to be fully investigated due to the lack of full-field, simultaneous measurement techniques. Here, we propose an experimental framework for the study of the dynamic response of sandwich composites to hydrodynamic loading. We focus on a fiber-reinforced plate positioned at the air-water interface subjected to impulsive hydrodynamic loading. The interaction between the plate and the water is studied through a combined visualization technique based on particle image velocimetry (PIV) and digital image correlation (DIC). The velocity and pressure fields are quantified through PIV, and, simultaneously, the out-of-plane vibration of the plate is inferred from DIC. Repeated measurements were conducted for a range of hydrodynamic loading conditions. Our experiments unveiled a rich multimodal response that is strongly coupled with the flow physics. This work constitutes a first step toward an experimental understanding of fluid-structure interaction of air-backed sandwich composites.
A fog-assisted information model based on priority queue and clinical decision support systems
Authors: Yazdani Azita , Dashti Seyedeh Fatemeh , Safdari Yeganeh
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Telehealth monitoring applications are latency-sensitive. The current fog-based telehealth monitoring models are mainly focused on the role of the fog computing in improving response time and latency. In this paper, we have introduced a new service called “priority queue” in fog layer, which is programmed to prioritize the events sent by different sources in different environments to assist the cloud layer with reducing response time and latency.

Material and Methods

We analyzed the performance of the proposed model in a fog-enabled cloud environment with the IFogSim toolkit. To provide a comparison of cloud and fog computing environments, three parameters namely response time, latency, and network usage were used. We used the Pima Indian diabetes dataset to evaluate the model.

Result

The fog layer proved to be very effective in improving the response time while handling emergencies using priority queues. The proposed model reduces response time by 25.8%, latency by 36.18%, bandwidth by 28.17%, and network usage time by 41.4% as compared to the cloud.

Conclusion

By combining priority queues, and fog computing in this study, the network usage, latency time, bandwidth, and response time were significantly reduced as compared to cloud computing.
Study on the influence of various factors on block vibration
Authors: Ji Shaobo , Zhang Zhipeng , Yin Wei , Jiang Ying , Zhang Ke , Yue Yuanhang , Lan Xin , Cheng Yong
Published: January 2023

The influence of engine speed, torque, oil temperature, and piston liner clearance on the block vibration was studied with experimental test and wavelet packet decomposition method (WPD). The wavelet packet function of db10 and decomposition level of four was confirmed based on the Shannon entropy. The frequency analysis of the block vibration measured at motor-driven condition showed that the spectrum energy was mainly concentrated in the range of 4–5, 10–15, and 20–25 kHz. The energy of each frequency band obtained from WPD was contrasted at different engine speed, torque, oil temperature, and piston-liner clearance conditions. On this basis, the interaction between different factors was further investigated. The sensitive frequency band of block vibration was confirmed for different factors.
Rethinking liberal multiculturalism: Foundations, practices and methodologies
Authors: Boucher François , Guérard de Latour Sophie , Baycan-Herzog Esma
Published: January 2023

The article introduces a special issue on “Rethinking Liberal Multiculturalism: Foundations, Practices and Methodologies.” The contributions presented in this special issue were discussed during the conference « Multicultural Citizenship 25 Years Later », held in Paris in November 2021. Their aim is to take stock of the legacy of Kymlicka’s contribution and to highlight new developments in theories of liberal multiculturalism and minority rights. The contributions do not purport to challenge the legitimacy of theories of multiculturalism and minority rights, they rather aim at deepening our understanding of the foundations of liberal multiculturalism and of its practical implementation, sensitive to social scientific dynamics of diverse societies. Without abandoning the general idea that cultural minorities should be granted special minority rights, the essays presented raise new questions about three dimensions central to liberal multiculturalism: its normative foundations, its practical categories of minorities or groups, and its fact-sensitive methodology. Taken together they shed light on the renewed variety of theories of liberal multiculturalism highlighting their complexity and internal disagreements. To introduce these articles, the article first draws a brief historical overview of the debates on multiculturalism since the 1990s (section 1). It then highlights the distinctive aspects of Kymlicka’s contribution (section 2) and identifies recent research trends (section 3). Doing so, it explains how the articles gathered here both expand on those distinctive aspects and explore those new research avenues. The section 4 summarizes the contributions.
Study on influencing factors of hydrodynamics based on AUV docking with conical dock
Authors: Diao Jiayu , Li Weimin , Yuan Xueqing , Jiang Kai , Zhao Yifeng
Published: January 2023

It is necessary to investigate the dynamic performance during autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) underwater docking to aid in control and to enhance docking safety. Therefore, in this study, the docking hydrodynamic characteristics (including the docking system’s streamline, velocity vector, and surface pressure during the overall docking process) of the AUV with conical hood dock are determined by using the dynamic grid technology, and the water drag force situations of the AUV docking with conical hood dock are studied from the perspectives of different velocities, accelerations, navigation modes, and structures. Additionally, the multiple nonlinear regression fits and the preliminary docking test were examined. Furthermore, brief inferences obtained are as follows: First, the maximum pressure is situated at the upstream surface of the dock conical hood and the head of the AUV, and the maximum rotation angle of the streamline is situated at the outermost ring of dock conical hood. Within a specified range, the rotation angle of the streamline affected by the conical hood progressively declines as the AUV docks deeper into the conical hood. Second, low velocity uniform docking, deceleration docking, and chase docking can reduce the drag force to a certain extent during docking. Finally, both arc shape and mesh structure can decrease the water drag force of docking to a specified degree. This research provides a theoretical basis and reference methods for the dynamic research of the docking system, and other related research can be carried out through the methods and results of this research.
An unusual case of neurocardiogenic syncope: A case report and systematic review
Authors: Tan Wei Wen , Adler Maciej , Rochow Stuart , Myint Phyo Kyaw
Published: January 2023

We present a case of syncopal episode in emergency department (ED) and subsequent admission to the geriatric assessment unit. The patient presented with self-limiting central abdominal pain. Given a history of previous aortic aneurysm repair, a contrast CT angiogram was performed. With no evidence of leaking aneurysm, the patient was discharged from the ED. The syncopal episode happened while waiting for a taxi. A review of the earlier CT scan showed the presence of air in the venous circulatory system. In hindsight, it was thought the syncopal episode occurred due to air embolism introduced during or shortly after venous cannulation. We discuss the aetiology of venous air embolism and highlight the lack of evidence regarding tolerable amounts of air in the circulatory system. Physiological changes associated with age may suggest that elderly patients are uniquely maladapted to overcome sudden insults to their cardiovascular status.
Review of bone health in women with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy
Authors: Malagrinò Matteo , Zavatta Guido
Published: January 2023

In estrogen-receptor-positive tumors, adjuvant endocrine therapy has been shown to be highly beneficial for both overall and disease-free survival. Estradiol is key in regulating bone and mineral physiology, and several studies found a strong correlation between these therapies and the risk of fractures. Since these therapies are often given for 5 through 10 years, the timing for bisphosphonates or denosumab initiation seems essential to managing bone metabolism. However, gray zones and discrepancies between guidelines remain as to the best threshold when to start antiresorptive treatment, or whether antiresorptive treatment should be administered to every woman undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy, independent of their risk factors for fractures. Treatment options and strategies should be discussed at the start of hormone adjuvant therapy to come to a shared decision with the patient, with the final aim of reducing the risk of future fractures as much as possible. This review will cover present guidelines and literature on antiresorptive treatment in this setting, to provide clinicians with useful clues for managing these patients.
Social and non-social categorisation in investment decisions and learning
Authors: Telga Maïka , Alcalá José A , Lupiáñez Juan
Published: January 2023

Categorical processes allow us to make sense of the environment effortlessly by grouping stimuli sharing relevant features. Although these processes occur in both social and non-social contexts, motivational, affective, and epistemic factors specific to the social world may motivate individuation over categorisation of social compared with non-social stimuli. In one experiment, we tested this hypothesis by analysing the reliance on categorical versus individuating information when making investment decisions about social and non-social targets. In an adaptation of the iterative trust game, participants from three experimental groups had to predict the economic outcomes associated with either humans (i.e., social stimuli), artificial races (i.e., social-like stimuli), or artworks (i.e., non-social stimuli) to earn economic rewards. We observed that investment decisions with humans were initially biased by categorical information in the form of gender stereotypes, but later improved through an individuating learning approach. In contrast, decisions made with non-social stimuli were initially unbiased by categorical information, but the category–outcomes associations learned through repeated interactions were quickly used to categorise new targets. These results are discussed along with motivational and perceptual mechanisms involved in investment decisions and learning about social and non-social agents.
People prefer to predict middle, most likely quantitative outcomes (not extreme ones), but they still over-estimate their likelihood
Authors: Juanchich Marie , Sirota Miroslav , Halvor Teigen Karl
Published: January 2023

Past work showed a tendency to associate verbal probabilities (e.g., possible, unlikely) with extreme quantitative outcomes, and to over-estimate the outcomes’ probability of occurrence. In the first four experiments (Experiment 1, Experiments 2a–c), we tested whether this “extremity effect” reflects a general preference for extreme (vs central or less extreme) values of a distribution. Participants made predictions based on a frequency distribution in two scenarios. We did not find a preference for extreme outcomes. Instead, most of the participants made a prediction about the middle, most frequent outcome of the distribution (i.e., the modal outcome), but still over-estimated the outcomes’ probabilities. In Experiment 3, we tested whether the over-estimation could be better explained by an “at least”/“at most” reading of the predictions. We found that only a minority of participants interpreted predictions as the lower/upper bounds of an open interval and that these interpretations were not associated with heightened probability estimates. In the final three experiments (Experiments 4a–c), we tested whether participants perceived extreme outcome predictions as more correct, useful and interesting than modal outcome predictions. We found that extreme and modal predictions were considered equally correct, but modal predictions were judged most useful, whereas extreme predictions were judged to be more interesting. Overall, our results indicate that the preference for extreme outcomes is limited to specific verbal probability expressions, whereas the over-estimation of the probability of quantitative outcomes may be more general than anticipated and applies to non-extreme values as well.
New developments in targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Wong Ambrose H. N. , Ma Brigette , Lui Rashid N.
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most lethal cancer worldwide and the prognosis of metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains poor. Recent advancements in translational research have led to the identification of several new therapeutic targets and improved the treatment outcome of patients with tumours harbouring BRAF V600E mutation, ( HER2) ErBB2 alterations, NTRK gene fusions and KRAS(G12C) mutation. Improved understanding towards the mechanism of resistance to targeted therapy such as anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies and the evolving role of therapeutic monitoring with circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has enabled the longitudinal tracking of clonal evolution during treatment and the individualization of subsequent treatments. To broaden the community-based implementation of precision oncology in directing targeted therapies for patients with gastrointestinal cancers including mCRC, the feasibility of ‘Master Protocols’ that utilizes ctDNA-based genotyping platforms is currently being evaluated. Such protocols encompass both observational and interventional clinical trials of novel targeted therapies conducted within a large clinical trial network. In this review, we will discuss the latest developments in targeted therapies, and therapeutic strategies for overcoming acquired drug resistance in patients with mCRC.
Preoperative Oswestry Disability Index Cannot Reliably Predict Patient Satisfaction After Single and Double Level Lumbar Transforaminal Interbody Fusion Surgery
Authors: Teo Bryon Jun Xiong , Howe Tet Sen , Chan Cheri , Koh Joyce SB. , Yeo William , Ng Yeong Huei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The role of patient-reported outcomes in preoperative assessment is not well studied. There is recent interest in studying whether Patient-reported outcomes scores can be used either independently, or in conjunction with clinical findings, in the assessment of patients for surgery.

Aims

To investigate if improvement in clinically significant scores correlate with post-operative patient satisfaction in 1-2 level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. We also aim to define a threshold Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) which correlate with achieving post-operative MCID and patient satisfaction.

Methods

1001 patients who underwent single or double level TLIF (Minimally invasive and Open) in our institution with at least 2 years follow up were included in this study. We studied self-reported measures including patient satisfaction and ODI score.

Results

At 2-year follow-up, the overall mean ODI score improved from 49.7 ± 18.3 to 13.9 ± 15.2 ( P < 0.001) with 74.6% of patients meeting the MCID. Patient satisfaction was achieved in 95.3% of all patients. In the MIS group, the preoperative cut-off was determined to be 37.2 at maximal Youden index associated with AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.65-0.86). In the open group, the preoperative cut-off was determined to be 37.2 at maximal Youden index associated with AUC of 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77). Using the preoperative cut-offs found, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction in both MIS and open groups.

Conclusions

Overall, our patients undergoing TLIF had good 2-year ODI score improvement and patient satisfaction after surgery. While meeting the MCID for ODI score correlates with patients’ satisfaction postoperatively, 75% of patients not meeting the MCID for ODI score remained satisfied with the surgery. We are unable to define a threshold pre-operative ODI which correlates with achieving post-operative MCID and patient satisfaction.
Outcomes Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Patients With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Chi Jialun , Raso Jon , Tadepalli Vaibhav , Labaran Lawal , Oh Eunha , Wang Jesse , Shen Francis H. , Li Xudong
Published: January 2023

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Objectives

To study postoperative complication rates following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) compared with patients without EDS.

Methods

The Mariner database was utilized to identify patients with EDS undergoing one or two level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Postoperative short-term outcomes assessed included medical complications, readmissions, and ED-visits within 90 days of surgery. Additionally, surgical complications including wound complications, surgical site infection, one- and two-year anterior revision along with posterior revision, pseudarthrosis, and hardware failure within 2 years were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for demographic variables, comorbidities and number of levels operated on.

Results

The present study identified 533 patients in the EDS group and 2634 patients in the matched control group. EDS patients undergoing ACDF are at an increased risk for 90-day major medical complications (OR 3.31; P < .001). EDS patients were also found to be associated with surgical complications including wound complications (OR 2.94; P < .001), surgical site infection (OR 8.60; P < .001) within 90 days, pseudarthrosis (OR 2.33; P < .001), instrument failure (OR 4.03; P < .001), anterior revision (OR 22.87; P < .001), and posterior revision (OR 3.17; P < .001) within 2 years.

Conclusions

EDS is associated with higher rates of both medical and surgical complications following ACDF. Spine surgeons should be cognizant of the increased risks in this population to provide appropriate preoperative counseling and enhanced perioperative medical management.
Hepatic Chylothorax: An Uncommon Pleural Effusion
Authors: Akbar Aelia , Hendrickson Tara , Vangara Avinash , Marlowe Stanley , Hussain Akbar , Ganti Subramanya Shyam
Published: January 2023

An 83-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and liver cirrhosis presented with confusion and dyspnea. On chest X-ray, he had the right mid to lower lung zone white out. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis drained 1.5 L of milky white pleural fluid which was transudative according to chemical analysis. Transudative chylothorax in liver cirrhosis without ascites is rare, but can happen. When the flow of ascitic chylous fluid into the pleural space equals the rate of ascites production, clinical absence of detectable ascites will occur. Hepatic chylothorax is important and should be kept in differentials when evaluating patients with liver cirrhosis.
Risk and economic cost of hospitalization due to atrial fibrillation caused by air pollution: a multi-city time series analysis
Authors: Lin Chengwei , Li Jia , Jiang Wanyanhan , Gao Xi , He Yi , Yang Lian
Published: January 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, resulting in serious cardiovascular diseases. Air pollution may cause heart rate disturbance, but there is no clear or consistent evidence that short-term exposure to air pollution leads to an increased risk of hospitalisation for symptomatic episodes of AF. This study aimed to assess the impact of short-term exposure to air pollution on inpatient numbers.

Methods

The inpatient records of AF cases in nine cities of the Sichuan Province, China and air pollution and meteorological data from 183 monitoring stations from 2017 to 2018 were collected. The impact of short-term exposure to air pollution on AF inpatients was evaluated using a time-stratified crossover case study design. The economic burden of AF attributable to air pollution was also estimated.

Results

A total of 5,958 patients with AF from 123 medical institutions were included in the analysis. Air pollutants had a significant impact on the number of patients with AF. The number increased by 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.006 to 1.044) and 1.8% (95% CI = 1.003–1.033) for every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, concentration, respectively. Moreover, the number increased by 12.7% (95% CI = 1.006 to 1.262) for every 10 µg/m3 increase of SO2 concentration. For every 0.1 μg/m3 increase in CO concentration, the number of inpatients with AF increased by 3.9% (95% CI = 1.010–1.070). People aged 65 years or older and women were more likely to be affected by air pollutants. The AF in 430 and 209 inpatients were attributable to PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. The total hospitalization expenses attributed to excessive exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were 13.98 million CNY and 6.68 million CNY, respectively. Furthermore, the out-of-pocket expenses were 6.81 million CNY and 3.28 million CNY, respectively.

Conclusions

This study showed a strong correlation between air pollution and AF. Hence, there is a need to reduce air pollution to control health risks.
Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021: an institution-Based cross-sectional study
Authors: Getu Rediet Akele , Aga Fekadu , Badada Tadesse , Workie Sewnet Getaye , Belew Makda Abate , MekonnenRN Kalkidan
Published: January 2023

Background

Stroke is a global public health concern with type 2 diabetes being one of the common risk factors. Knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among type 2 diabetes patients is largely unknown in developing countries like Ethiopia. The inability to recognize stroke warning symptoms accurately is an important cause of delay in seeking medical attention. We investigated knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms among adults with type 2 diabetes and the factors associated with these variables.

Methods

This was an institution-based cross-sectional study. We enrolled 470 adult type 2 diabetes patients using a systematic random sampling method from four government-managed hospitals in Addis Ababa from 1 to 30 February 2021. The Stroke Recognition Questionnaire was adapted to measure the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms. Sociodemographic characteristics, source of information, and reaction to stroke were also measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and linear regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms.

Result

The mean age of the participants was 50.6 ± 12.9 years. The mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Higher educational level (B = 2.007, 95% CI = 1.101, 2.914, P < 0.001), knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.328, 95% CI = 2.734, 3.922, P < 0.001), and living with others (B = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.606, 2.954, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of stroke risk factors. Younger age (B = − 0.021, 95% CI= -0.038, 0.005, P = 0.01), higher educational level (B = 1.873, 95% CI = 1.017, 2.730, P < 0.001), and knowing someone diagnosed with stroke (B = 3.64, 95% CI = 3.079, 4.200, P < 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge of warning symptoms of stroke.

Conclusion

The mean score of knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms was 67.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Younger age, higher educational level, and living with other people are predictors of better knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning symptoms in this study. Future educational interventions should target type 2 diabetes adults with advancing age and the involvement of their family members.
Increased arterial pressure volume index and cardiovascular risk score in China
Authors: Jin Lin , Zhang Mengjiao , Sha Lei , Cao Mengmeng , Tong Lanyue , Chen Qingqing , Shen Cuiqin , Du Lianfang , Liu Liping , Li Zhaojun
Published: January 2023

Background and objective

The new non-invasive arterial stiffness indices, arterial pressure volume index (API) is explored as a novel marker of residual stress in the wall of the peripheral muscular arteries at zero-stress state in clinical settings. The present study aimed to study the association of API with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in China (China-PAR).

Methods

According to China-PAR score, participants were divided into three groups: low risk (< 5%), medium risk (5–9.9%), and high risk (≥ 10.0%). API ≥ 31 was defined as high API, and the incidences of high API were compared. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of high API and high risk China-PAR categories. The association between China-PAR and API was analyzed by restrictive cubic spline.

Results

The study included 4311 participants. After adjustments for confounding factors, high API was independent factor associated with high risk China-PAR categories, and the probability of high API was 1.366 times higher than that in normal API subjects. While, the independent factors associated with high API were BMI, blood pressure and heart rate. Furthermore, API had a significant U-shaped association with China-PAR. CVD risk was lowest with API of 19 units, the fastest increase at 26 units and the flattest starting point at 59 units.

Conclusion

API, an indicator of arterial stiffness and residual stress, had a U-shaped association with China-PAR score and might play an important role in predicting CVD risk in Chinese natural populations.