bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Balamurugan Dharshna , Nayak Chintamani , Chattopadhyay Abhijit , Karuppusamy Avaranjika , Ambrose Maria Malathi , Kumar Ashwani , Singh Navin Kumar , Koley Munmun , Saha Subhranil
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, affecting the trunk and extensor surfaces of the limbs and scalp predominantly. Worldwide prevalence ranges between 0.1 and 11.4%, and in India between 0.4 and 2.8%; this creates a serious health burden. Psoriasis remains a frequently encountered condition in homeopathy practice, but there is a dearth of conclusive efficacy data supporting its use. Methods: This 6-month, double-blind, randomized trial was conducted on 51 patients suffering from psoriasis at the National Institute of Homoeopathy, India. Patients were randomized to receive either individualized homeopathic medicines (IHMs; n = 25) in LM potencies or identical-looking placebos (n = 26). Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI; primary), psoriasis disability index (PDI), and dermatological life quality index (DLQI; secondary) were measured at baseline and every 2 months, up to 6 months. The intention-to-treat sample was analyzed using a two-way repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: Although intragroup changes were significant in both groups in the outcome measures, improvements were significantly higher in the IHMs group than in placebos in PASI scores after 6 months of intervention (F1, 49 = 10.448, p = 0.002). DLQI daily activity subscale scores also yielded similar significant results favoring IHMs against placebos after 6 months (F1, 49 = 5.480, p = 0.023). Improvement in PDI total (F1, 49 = 0.063, p = 0.803), DLQI total (F1, 49 = 1.371, p = 0.247), and all remaining subscales were higher in the IHMs group than placebos after 6 months, but nonsignificant statistically. Calcarea carbonica, Mercurius solubilis, Arsenicum album, and Petroleum were the most frequently prescribed medicines. Conclusions: IHMs exhibited better results than placebos in the treatment of psoriasis. Further research is warranted.
Co-Occurrence of Pallister-Killian Syndrome and Burkitt Lymphoma in a Patient with Near-Normal Neurocognitive Development
Authors: Izumi Kosuke , Ganetzky Rebecca D. , Wertheim Gerald B.W. , Skraban Cara M. , Bedoukian Emma C. , Wilkens Alisha , Fincher Christopher , Thomas Nina H. , Ginsberg Jill P. , Rheingold Susan R. , Conlin Laura K. , Deardorff Matthew A.
Published: August 2023

Background: Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) is typically recognized by its features that include developmental delay, seizures, sparse temporal hair, and facial dysmorphisms. PKS is most frequently caused by mosaic supernumerary isochromosome 12p. Case Presentation: Here, we report a patient with PKS who was subsequently diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. Following the successful treatment of lymphoma, this patient demonstrated very mild intellectual disability despite the diagnosis of PKS, which is usually associated with severe developmental delay. Discussion: This is the first reported patient with PKS and a hematologic malignancy. Although there is no significant reported association of tetrasomy 12p with cancer, the co-occurrence of two rare findings in this patient suggests a potential relationship. The localization of AICDA, a gene for which overexpression has been implicated in promoting t(8;14) noted in our patient’s lymphoma, raises a potential mechanism of pathogenesis. In addition, this case indicates that children with PKS can demonstrate near-normal cognitive development.
The Change of Erectile Function Post Recovery from COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Ibrahim Ali , Taha Diaa-Eldin , Zeid Ahmed , Zeinelabden Khaled Magdy , Abdelbaky Tarek , Nabeeh Hossam
Published: August 2023

Introduction: We assess the correlation between COVID-19 infection and erection and evaluate the effect of aging and comorbidities on the male sexuality of patients with COVID-19 infection. Methods: 100 patients were enrolled and diagnosed with COVID-19 based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs according to the WHO guidelines. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to evaluate sexual function. Results: Patients were divided into two groups: the first group of 42 patients <50 years of age with a mean age (±SD) of 35.83 ± 7.8 and the second group of 58 patients ≥50 years of age with a mean age of 58.64 ± 7.7. The mean (±SD) IIEF in the first group pre-COVID-19 infection was 14.2 ± 2.37 while post-COVID-19 was 8.7 ± 2.77, 11.3 ± 2.9, 12.1 ± 3.02 at 1, 3, 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001), while in the second group, the mean (±SD) IIEF pre-COVID-19 infection was 10.04 ± 4.62 while post-COVID was 5.0 ± 2.1, 6.56 ± 2.6, 8.18 ± 2.04 at 1, 3, 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, old patients infected with COVID-19 and associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (OR = 8.53, CI = 0.00–2.01), hypertension (OR = 3.908, CI = 0.000–3.07), ischemic heart disease (OR = 2.863, CI = 0.000–2.68), and liver disease (OR = 0.670, CI = 0.000–1.670) were significantly correlated to erectile dysfunction (p < 0.001). Conclusion: COVID-19 significantly affects erection mostly in older patients with comorbidities, leading to subsequent use of oral and intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction.
Review on Chemical Peels for Nail Surface Rejuvenation
Authors: Lam Wilhelmina , Tosti Antonella
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Superficial nail plate abnormalities are a potential consequence of harsh cosmetic manicures and also manifest as a symptom of nail diseases such as nail lichen planus, nail psoriasis, and onychomycosis. Chemical peels for the nails may provide a solution to improve nail appearance. We reviewed articles that assessed the efficacy of using chemical peels for the nails. Methods: Searches on PubMed were performed to identify studies that discussed the use of chemical peels on the nail published up to July 2022. Results: A total of 4 studies with a total of 96 patients were found involving the use of chemical peels for the nail. It was found that there was marked improvement in aesthetic appearance for nail surface abnormalities induced by cosmetics. Discussion/Conclusion: Studies with larger sample sizes that compare the efficacy of doses, treatment length, and a standardized method to assess results are needed to determine best treatment protocol. Chemical peels for the nails may provide fast improvement of the appearance of the nail and be utilized as a supportive treatment in association with specific treatment.
Delayed Diagnosis of T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia: Approach to Chronic Lymphocytosis
Authors: Geres Hana , Krishnan Nupur , Kotchetkov Rouslan
Published: August 2023

We present a case of lymphocytosis assumed and managed initially as a chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Shortly after initial visit, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly with hepatosplenomegaly, pleural effusion, ascites, and skin lesions. Flow cytometry (FC) showed the presence of clonal T-cell population, reported as T-cell lymphoma. Due to rapid clinical deterioration, urgent therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone was initiated, but with minimal response. This prompted further diagnostic testing and demonstrated tumor cells positivity for CD3, CD30, and TCL1 markers. The diagnosis was changed to T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. The patient responded well to alemtuzumab (anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody) and reached complete remission. FC is an essential modality for assessing and screening circulating lymphocytes when a lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) is suspected. There are several LPDs that present with different degrees of clonal lymphocytosis. Reactive lymphocytosis should be appropriately investigated. Indolent LPDs can be surveyed by the internist or family physician, while more aggressive LPDs typically require management by hematologists.
Introduction
Authors: Amaral Vitor Alevato do , Galindo Caetano Waldrigues , Ryan Bartholomew
Published: August 2023

Introduction to the ABEI Journal Special Issue on James Joyce.
Is Height
2.7
Appropriate for Indexation of Left Ventricular Mass in Healthy Adolescents? The Importance of Sex Differences
Authors: Taylor Hannah C. M. , Chaturvedi Nishi , Davey Smith George , Ferreira Diana L. S. , Fraser Abigail , Howe Laura D. , Hughes Alun D. , Lawlor Debbie A. , Timpson Nic J. , Park Chloe M.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Left ventricular mass (LVM) is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. In adolescence, LVM is commonly indexed to height
2.7
, although some evidence suggests that this may not fully account for sex differences.

METHODS:

We investigated appropriate allometric scaling of LVM to height, total lean mass, and body surface area, in a UK birth cohort of 2039 healthy adolescents (17±1 years). Allometric relationships were determined by linear regression stratified by sex, following log transformation of x and y variables [log(y)=a+b×log(x)], b is the allometric exponent.

RESULTS:

Log (LVM) showed linear relationships with log(height) and log(lean mass). Biased estimates of slope resulted when the sexes were pooled. The exponents were lower than the conventional estimate of 2.7 for males (mean [95% CI]=1.66 [1.30–2.03]) and females (1.58 [1.27–1.90]). When LVM was indexed to lean mass, the exponent was 1.16 (1.05–1.26) for males and 1.07 (0.97–1.16) for females. When LVM was indexed to estimated body surface area, the exponent was 1.53 (1.40–1.66) for males and 1.34 (1.24–1.45) for females.

CONCLUSIONS:

Allometric exponents derived from pooled data, including men and women without adjustment for sex were biased, possibly due to sex differences in body composition. We suggest that when assessing LVM, clinicians should consider body size, body composition, sex, and age. Our observations may also have implications for the identification of young individuals with cardiac hypertrophy.
Prognostic Impact of On-Treatment Cumulative Ambulatory Blood Pressures for Adverse Macro- and Microvascular Outcomes in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: The Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort
Authors: Cardoso Claudia R.L. , Leite Nathalie C. , Salles Gil F.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

The prognostic value of on-treatment mean cumulative ambulatory blood pressures (BPs) in type 2 diabetes has never been investigated. We aimed to assess it in a prospective cohort of 647 individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS:

Clinic-office and ambulatory BPs were measured at baseline and serially during follow-up. Multivariable Cox analyses assessed the associations between baseline and mean cumulative BPs with the occurrence of cardiovascular events, major adverse cardiovascular events, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and microvascular outcomes (microalbuminuria, renal failure, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy). C statistics and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index evaluated the improvement in risk discrimination by using cumulative ambulatory BPs instead of baseline BPs.

RESULTS:

Over a median follow-up of 10.6 years, there were 202 cardiovascular events (163 major adverse cardiovascular events), 254 all-cause deaths (118 cardiovascular); 125 individuals had microalbuminuria development/progression, 104 developed advanced renal failure, 159 had retinopathy, and 174 individuals had peripheral neuropathy development/progression. The risks associated with mean cumulative ambulatory BPs were in general higher than those associated with baseline BPs, particularly for cardiovascular (HR, 1.42 versus 1.25 for increments of 1 SD in 24-hour systolic blood pressure) and mortality outcomes (1.56 versus 1.26). Compared with cumulative clinic BPs, mean cumulative ambulatory BPs improved risk discrimination for most outcomes, with IDIs from 11% to 14% for major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality up to 24% to 26% for microalbuminuria and neuropathy.

Conclusions:

Compared with clinic-office BPs, mean cumulative ambulatory BPs during follow-up improve risk discrimination for most complications and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Serial ambulatory BP monitoring shall be more widely used in clinical management.
Cardiovascular Outcomes of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Functional Testing in Suspected Coronary Syndromes: Real‐World Evidence From the Nationwide Cohort
Authors: Jo Jinhwan , Cha Min Jae , Lee Hee Jeong , Kim William D. , Kim Jinseob , Ha Kyung Eun , Kim Subin , Shim Chi Young , Hong Geu‐Ru , Ha Jong‐Won , Cho Iksung
Published: August 2023

Background

Real‐world evidence for the selection of gatekeeping studies in patients with suspected coronary syndromes is limited.

Methods and Results

We identified 27 036 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), single‐photon emission computed tomography, and the treadmill test for suspected coronary syndromes from the Korean National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort between 2006 and 2014. The primary end point was a composite of cardiac death and myocardial infarction, and the secondary end point was a composite of the primary end point and revascularization. During a median follow‐up of 5.4 years, the risk of both primary and secondary end points was significantly higher in the single‐photon emission computed tomography group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81 [95% CI, 1.34–2.45]; and HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.22–1.66]), but significantly lower in the treadmill test group (HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.42–0.67]; and HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.62–0.76]) compared with the CCTA group. After balancing baseline risk factors, there was no significant difference in the primary end point in those with single‐photon emission computed tomography (HR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.78–1.57];
P
=0.58) or treadmill test (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.65–1.08];
P
=0.18) groups, compared with the CCTA group. The event rate of the secondary end point was significantly lower in the treadmill test group than in the CCTA group (HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78–0.96];
P
=0.008).

Conclusions

Compared with functional testing, initial CCTA was not associated with a lower rate of cardiac death or myocardial infarction when used as an initial diagnostic test for patients with suspected coronary syndromes.
Revisiting the Smoking Paradox in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: Findings From the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance Study
Authors: Hu Guoliang , Gu Hongqiu , Jiang Yingyu , Yang Xin , Jiang Yong , Wang Chunjuan , Li Zixiao , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong
Published: August 2023

Background

Smoking is a well‐established risk factor for the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the “smoker's paradox” suggests that it is associated with favorable clinical outcomes following stroke. We aimed to reevaluate the association between smoking and in‐hospital outcomes in patients with AIS in contemporary practice.

Methods and Results

A total of 649 610 inpatients with AIS from 1476 participating hospitals in the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance were included. In‐hospital outcomes measurement included all‐cause mortality, discharge against medical advice, and complications. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for baseline characteristics, clinical profiles at presentation, and in‐hospital management were used to evaluate the association between smoking and in‐hospital outcomes. A propensity score–matched analysis was also conducted. Of these patients with AIS, 36.8% (n=238 912) were smokers. Smokers were younger, had fewer comorbidities, and had slightly lower rates of adverse in‐hospital outcomes than nonsmokers (all‐cause death or discharge against medical advice: 6.0% versus 6.1%; in‐hospital complications: 14.5% versus 15.1%). Multivariable analysis revealed that smoking was associated with higher risk of adverse in‐hospital outcomes (all‐cause death or discharge against medical advice: odds ratio [OR], 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02–1.08];
P
<0.001; complications: OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.04–1.08];
P
<0.001). The excess risk of adverse in‐hospital outcomes remained in smoking patients with AIS after propensity score‐matching analysis (all‐cause death or discharge against medical advice: OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00–1.08];
P
=0.034; complications: OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.03–1.08];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Smoking was associated with increased risk of adverse in‐hospital outcomes among patients with AIS in contemporary practice, reinforcing the importance of smoking cessation in patients with AIS.
Periodontal Disease Treatment After Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: The PREMIERS Study, a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sen Souvik , Curtis James , Hicklin David , Nichols Cynthia , Glover Saundra , Merchant Anwar T. , Hardin James W. , Logue Makenzie , Meyer Jaclyn , Mason Emma , Huang David Y. , Susin Cristiano , Moss Kevin , Beck James
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack and periodontal disease (PD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. PD treatments that can improve stroke risk factors were tested if they might assist patients with cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS:

In this multicenter phase II trial, patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack and moderately severe PD were randomly assigned to intensive or standard PD treatment arms. The primary outcome measure was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and recurrent stroke, as well as adverse events. Secondary outcome included changes in stroke risk factors.

RESULTS:

A total of 1209 patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack were screened, of whom 481 met the PD eligibility criteria; 280 patients were randomized to intensive arm (n=140) and standard arm (n=140). In 12-month period, primary outcome occurred in 11 (8%) in the intensive arm and 17 (12%) in the standard arm. The intensive arm was nonsuperior to the standard arm (hazard ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.30–1.38]) with similar rates of adverse events (sepsis 2.1% versus 0.7%; dental bleeding 1.4% versus 0%; and infective endocarditis 0.7% versus 0%). Secondary-outcome improvements were noted in both arms with diastolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (
P
<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with recent stroke/transient ischemic attack and PD, intensive PD treatment was not superior to standard PD treatment in prevention of stroke/myocardial infarction/death. Fewer events were noted in the intensive arm and the 2 arms were comparable in the safety outcomes. Secondary-outcome measures showed a trend toward improvement, with significant changes noted in diastolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein in both the treatment arms.
Optimizing Patient-Centered Stroke Care and Research in the Prehospital Setting
Authors: Fladt Joachim , Ospel Johanna M. , Singh Nishita , Saver Jeffrey L. , Fisher Marc , Goyal Mayank
Published: August 2023

Over the past decades, continuous technological advances and the availability of novel therapies have enabled treatment of more acute medical conditions than ever before. Many of these treatments, such as intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, are highly time sensitive. This has raised interest in shifting advanced acute care from hospitals to the prehospital setting. Key objectives of advanced prehospital stroke care may include (1) early targeted treatments in the prehospital setting, for example, intravenous thrombolysis for acute stroke, and (2) advanced prehospital diagnostics such as prehospital large vessel occlusion and intracranial hemorrhage detection, to help inform patient triage and potentially reduce subsequent workload in emergency departments. Major challenges that may hamper a swift transition to more advanced prehospital care are related to conducting clinical trials in the prehospital setting to provide sufficient evidence for emergency interventions, as well as ambulance design, infrastructure, emergency medical service personnel training and workload, and cost barriers. Utilizing new technologies such as telemedicine, mobile stroke units and portable diagnostic devices, customized software applications, and smart storage space management may help surmount these challenges and establish efficient, targeted care strategies that are achievable in the prehospital setting. In this article, we delineate the paradigm of shifting advanced stroke care to the prehospital setting and outline future directions in providing evidence-based, patient-centered prehospital care. While we use acute stroke as an illustrative example, these principles are not limited to stroke patients and can be applied to prehospital triage for any time-critical disease.
Toward a Typology of Environmental Cooperation in Postconflict Settings: The Case of Jordan and Israel
Authors: Kedem Rina , Feitelson Eran , Halasah Suleiman , Teff-Seker Yael
Published: August 2023

Mismatches between natural systems and political boundaries often hamper environmental management and conservation efforts. As the number of transboundary environmental cooperation (TEC) initiatives increases, it becomes imperative to establish a systematic scale for analyzing such initiatives. In this article, we advance a TEC typology and apply it to the Israeli–Jordanian case. The typology includes categories of TEC initiatives and their placement on a transaction cost ladder. This typology allows for analyses of the organizational scale, societal influence, and duration of TEC initiatives. A total of sixty TEC initiatives were analyzed in an iterative process. TEC initiatives between Israel and Jordan were found largely to bear low transaction costs. The suggested typology provides an assessment tool to a large number of initiatives and a baseline for further in-depth investigation of the causal relations between environmental cooperation, peace, and conflict and may be applied to conflictual contexts at various stages.
Features of Local Finite-Amplitude Wave Activity during Extreme Cold Waves over Eastern China
Authors: Shi Ning , Ekwacu Samuel , Fu Shiyi , Song Jian , Xing Shaoying
Published: August 2023

The frequent occurrence of extreme cold waves under climate change has attracted widespread attention. Based on the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis daily dataset from 1958 to 2021, we use a newly developed dynamic metric, the local finite-amplitude wave activity (LWA), to explore the precursory signals, outburst conditions, and key dynamic features of extreme cold waves over eastern China from the perspective of synoptic climatology. The statistical results show that approximately 40% of extreme cold waves have the following features. First, the formation of significant positive LWA anomalies over the Balkhash–Baikal region is an evident precursory signal, which is accompanied by significant cold surface air temperature anomalies that accumulate over mid- and high-latitude Eurasia. Second, the appearance of extreme positive LWA anomalies over the region east of Lake Baikal (ELB) is necessary for subsequent outbursts of extreme cold waves. These extreme positive LWA anomalies indicate the meridionally enhanced planetary trough over East Asia and advection of the accumulated cold air masses southeastward to eastern China. Third, the evident positive change in the LWA anomalies over the ELB is mainly attributable to the convergence of the zonal LWA flux due to the zonal wind in the eddy-free state and Stokes drift flux over the eastern area of the ELB and the convergence of the meridional eddy heat flux over the western area. This study demonstrates that the LWA could be used as a simple and feasible metric for monitoring and forecasting extreme cold waves.

Significance Statement

Enhanced waviness in circulation usually occurs before and during the outburst of extreme cold waves over eastern China. With a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool, the local finite-amplitude wave activity (LWA), the present study reveals both precursory signals and outburst conditions of these extreme cold events from the perspective of synoptic climatology. This study not only deepens our understanding of the dynamic process for extreme cold events over eastern China but also offers a method for monitoring and forecasting those extreme events. Our work also provides a method for studying other extreme climate events that are closely related to large-amplitude circulation waviness over the middle and high latitudes.
Observationally Constrained Projections of Twenty-First-Century Regional Warming in the Extratropical Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Liang Yongxiao , Gillett Nathan P. , Monahan Adam H.
Published: August 2023

Physically based observational constraint methods can effectively reduce uncertainty in global warming projections but have not been widely applied at regional scales. We first develop and apply multivariate linear regression models for constraining projections of surface air temperature averaged over subcontinental regions in the extratropical Northern Hemisphere, based on a set of potential constraints including climatological metrics derived from tropical and subtropical low-level cloud and global average past warming trend, as well as a set of regional climate metrics previously used in the literature. We evaluate the performance of the multivariate linear regression models based on cross-validated tests using output from phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects (CMIP). We find that linear regression models using global-scale low-cloud metrics alone perform more robustly than linear regression models using the past global mean warming trend or regional climate metrics as constraints. These results, while favoring global constraints over the set of regional constraints considered, do not preclude the existence of even better regional constraints for particular regions. Through model-based cross-validation, the projections constrained using low-level cloud metrics exhibit more accurate best estimate projections, narrower uncertainty ranges, and more reliable uncertainty estimates in most Northern Hemisphere regions when compared with unconstrained projections. Application of the approach to climate projections based on both Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 using observed low-cloud metrics results in considerably narrower 5%–95% uncertainty ranges of twenty-first-century warming over subcontinental Northern Hemisphere land regions compared to unconstrained projections.
Local Topographic Rossby Modes Observed in the Abyssal Sea of Japan
Authors: Senjyu Tomoharu
Published: August 2023

The short-period current fluctuations (topographic wave fluctuations, TWFs) on the southern rim slope of the abyssal Sea of Japan were investigated using current meter datasets from closely spaced mooring arrays. The TWFs occurred almost continuously throughout the year with short periods in a narrow band (1.5–5 days), showing a seasonal modulation in their amplitude. The TWFs were attributable to alternate passage of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies on the rim slope, which propagated eastward at a speed of 0.15–0.23 m s−1. In addition, the TWFs showed a bottom-intensified characteristic, along with the two-layer structure consisting of an almost barotropic lower layer and a marginally baroclinic upper layer. The lowest topographic Rossby mode, which is a normal mode of the topographic Rossby waves prescribed by the two ridges on the rim slope, was considered as a cause of the TWFs because of its eastward-propagating eddy train structure along the rim slope and the eigenperiod (3–5 days) near the TWF band. In addition, the local time-dependent Sverdrup balance was considered as a mechanism of the TWF generation, since the TWFs significantly correlated with the wind stress curl variations over the observation area with time lags. That is, the current fluctuations near the eigenperiod were selectively amplified via the resonance between the lowest topographic Rossby mode and the Ekman pumping variations induced by the TWF-band wind stress curl. We concluded that the observed TWFs were a manifestation of the wind-induced lowest topographic Rossby mode prescribed by the bottom topography.

Significance Statement

The dispersion relation teaches us that short-period (<10 days) Rossby waves have a very long wavelength (>103 km). However, as atmospheric forcing with both such period and wavelength is absent, the short-period Rossby waves excited by a local forcing generally dissipate quickly in a limited area. Nevertheless, we observed short-period (1.5–5 days) current fluctuations occurring continuously throughout the year in the abyssal (>1000 m) Sea of Japan. The deep current fluctuations were attributable to the propagation of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddy trains on the zonally extended slope. This is the wind-induced lowest topographic Rossby normal mode prescribed by the bottom topography. This study suggests that short-period current fluctuations can occur everywhere if appropriate topographic and atmospheric conditions were established.
Marathon versus Sprint: Two Modes of Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification in a Global Convection-Permitting Simulation
Authors: Judt Falko , Rios-Berrios Rosimar , Bryan George H.
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclones that intensify abruptly experience “rapid intensification.” Rapid intensification remains a formidable forecast challenge, in part because the underlying science has not been settled. One way to reconcile the debates and inconsistencies in the literature is to presume that different forms (or modes) of rapid intensification exist. The present study provides evidence in support of this hypothesis by documenting two modes of rapid intensification in a global convection-permitting simulation and the HURDAT2 database. The “marathon mode” is characterized by a moderately paced and long-lived intensification period, whereas the “sprint mode” is characterized by explosive and short-lived intensification bursts. Differences between the modes were also found in initial vortex structure (well defined versus poorly defined), nature of intensification (symmetric versus asymmetric), and environmental conditions (weak shear versus strong shear). Collectively, these differences indicate that the two modes involve distinct intensification mechanisms. Recognizing the existence of multiple intensification modes may help to better understand and predict rapid intensification by, for example, explaining the lack of consensus in the literature, or by raising awareness that rapid intensification in strongly sheared cyclones is not just an exception to a rule, but a typical process.

Significance Statement

Hurricanes are serious threats to society—in particular those that suddenly and quickly intensify before striking land. Forecasting these “rapid intensification” events is a challenge, in part because we do not fully understand the science behind rapid intensification. This study furthers our understanding of hurricane rapid intensification by documenting that rapid intensification comes in different types. Specifically, we show that one type of rapid intensification happens under conditions that meteorologists have thought would lessen the chances of intensification. Awareness of such a type of rapid intensification could lead to better predictions of hurricane intensity because forecasters are more cognizant of this type of event and the conditions in which they occur.
Carbon Dioxide Concentration Estimation in Nonuniform Temperature Fields Based on Single-Pass Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Choi Junggon , Bong Cheolwoo , Yoo Jihyung , Bak Moon Soo
Published: August 2023

We propose a novel technique to accurately predict carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations even in flow fields with temperature gradients based on a single laser path absorption spectrum measurement and machine learning. Concentration measurements in typical tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy are based on a ratio of two integrated absorbances, each from a spectral line with different temperature dependence. However, the inferred concentrations can deviate significantly from the actual concentrations in the presence of temperature gradients. Furthermore, it is also difficult to find an analytical expression to compensate for the effect of nonuniform temperature profiles on concentration measurements. In this study, the entire absorption feature was considered since its shape and peak intensities vary with temperature and concentration. Specifically, a predictive model is obtained in a data-driven manner that can identify and compensate for the effect of a nonuniform temperature field on the spectrum. Despite a very detailed understanding of the CO2 absorption spectrum, it is nearly impossible to collect sufficient spectra for model acquisition by varying all temperature gradient conditions. Therefore, the model was obtained using only simulated data, much like the concept of a “digital twin”. Finally, the predictive performance of the acquired model was verified using experimental data. In all test cases, the predictive performance of the model was superior to that of the two-line method. Additionally, a gradient-weighted regression activation mapping analysis confirmed that the model utilizes both the peak intensities as well as the change in the shape of absorption lines for prediction.
A Sensitive Fluorescence Sensor for Tetracycline Determination Based on Adenine Thymine-Rich Single-Stranded DNA-Templated Copper Nanoclusters
Authors: Wu Ning-Ning , Chen Lin-Ge , Wang Hai-Bo
Published: August 2023

A sensitive fluorescent sensor has been developed for the determination of tetracycline (TC) using adenine thymine (AT)-rich single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) templated copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) as a fluorescent probe. Fluorescent ssDNA-CuNCs were synthesized by employing AT-rich ssDNA as templates and ascorbic acid as reducing agents through a facile one-step method. The as-prepared ssDNA-CuNCs exhibited strong fluorescence with a large Stokes shift (240 nm) and stable fluorescence emission. In the presence of TC, the fluorescent intensity of ssDNA-CuNCs was obviously decreased through the inner filter effect, due to the spectral overlapping between ssDNA-CuNCs and TC. Under the optimal conditions, the strategy exhibited sensitive detection of TC with a linear range from 2 nM to 30 μM and with a limit of detection of 0.5 nM. Furthermore, the sensor was successfully applied for the detection of TC in milk samples. Therefore, it provided a simple, rapid, and label-free fluorescent method for TC detection.
Book review: Anshuman Narang, PLA’s Tactical Transformation with Chinese Characteristics
Authors: Venkatraman K K
Published: August 2023

Anshuman Narang, PLA’s Tactical Transformation with Chinese Characteristics (New Delhi: GB Books, 2023), 504 pp. ₹1,795.00, ISBN-13978-93839308901 (Hardbound).
The idea of competition: Contextualising the debate over changing methods of recruitment in the Indian civil service during company rule
Authors: Chandra Gautam
Published: August 2023

Public examinations were one of the great initiatives of the nineteenth-century Englishmen. The idea of a competitive examination, which was first implemented in the Indian civil service during East India Company rule, was shaped in post-industrial Britain by liberal-utilitarian thinkers like Adam Smith, Jeremy Bentham, J. S. Mill, and others. The idea of competition, initially implemented in the field of economics, soon came to be applied to administration and governance. Studies on the Indian Civil Service have mainly focussed on its administrative and bureaucratic development. However, the historiography is silent about the role of English liberal-utilitarians, political-economists, and parliamentarians in applying the idea of competition to public services. In this context, this article tries to understand the concept of competition, as well as the ideological background and parliamentary debates behind the introduction of competitive examinations, and their impact on the socio-educational structure of colonial India during the three stages of foundation (1757–813), discourse (1814–53) and institutionalisation (1854 onwards).
Dental Medicine and Engineering Unite to Transform Oral Health Innovations
Authors: Koo H. , Stebe K.
Published: August 2023

This perspective article urges the academic community to adopt a coordinated approach uniting dental medicine and engineering to support research, training, and entrepreneurship to address the unmet needs and spur oral health care innovations. We describe a new interschool institute that brings together dentists, scientists and engineers, resources, and a training program dedicated for affordable oral health care innovations, which may serve as a template for dental medicine–engineering integration.
Evaluation of Skipping in College Students with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Orozco Isabel Munoz , Hernandez Kimberly , Mata Joevanie , Todd Teri , Mache Melissa , Jarvis Danielle N.
Published: August 2023

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate motor skill deficits in comparison to their neurotypically developing peers. However, it is unknown whether these motor skill deficits persist into adulthood. We evaluated skipping kinematics and motor performance in college students with and without ASD. We collected kinematic data from 20 college students, 10 with ASD and 10 without ASD, using a 12-camera three-dimensional motion capture system while participants completed three skipping trials. We scored skipping performance using Everyone Can! and the Halverson Developmental Sequences for Skipping, and we processed data using Cortex, Visual 3D, and MATLAB. We extracted data for center of mass excursion, peak velocity of joint extension, and peak joint angles of the hip, knee, and ankle of the dominant leg. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences between groups with an alpha level of p [Formula: see text] 0.05. We found no statistically significant differences for peak sagittal plane joint angles, velocities, or vertical center of mass excursion. However, the ASD group demonstrated greater medio-lateral center of mass displacement (ASD M = .08, SD = .1 m; Control M = .03, S = .03 m; p = .026) and greater frontal plane knee excursion (ASD M = 11.49, SD = 6.23°; Control M = 5.29, SD = 2.44°; p = .01) than participants without ASD. Similarly, the ASD group performed less proficiently in skipping than the group without ASD, as assessed by the developmental scoring methods (Everyone Can! composite score medians [interquartile range]: ASD M = 10.5, SD = 8; Control M = 15.0, SD = 0, p = .008). Despite many similarities in skipping kinematics between groups, participants with ASD were less proficient in skip performance than participants without ASD. Interventions for individuals with ASD addressing skipping proficiency or the performance of other locomotor skills, such as running and jumping, may promote participation in activities that involve complex motor skills and help individuals with ASD lead more physically active lives.
A randomized controlled trial of Vitamin D supplementation in Iranian patients with schizophrenia: Effects on serum levels of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and symptom severity
Authors: Kalejahi Parinaz , Kheirouri Sorayya , Noorazar Seyed Gholamreza
Published: August 2023

Background

Growing evidence has shown that hypovitaminosis D is a risk factor for developing schizophrenia and comorbid conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of vitamin D, metabolic factors related to insulin resistance (IR) and the severity of the disorder in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Forty-eight chronic male patients with schizophrenia with vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL= (≤50 nmol/l) were selected and randomly assigned to vitamin D treatment and placebo groups. Subjects were supplemented for 8 weeks with vitamin D (2000 IU/day) or placebo.

Results

Within-group comparison revealed that the vitamin D group had a significant reduction in waist circumference, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale – total score (PANSS-TS), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) levels ( P = .022, P = <.001 and P = .013, respectively). On the other hand, the placebo group showed a significant increase in the level of fasting serum insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) ( P = .003 and P = .003). The between-group comparison showed a significant difference in terms of PANSS-TS, GSK-3β, fasting serum insulin (FSI), and HOMA-IR ( P = .022, P = .048, P = .013 and P = .014 respectively).

Conclusions

Among vitamin D deficient patients with schizophrenia, vitamin D supplementation may affect GSK-3 β, an important biomarker in schizophrenia and insulin resistance. In addition, vitamin D supplementation in such patients may reduce the disorder’s symptom severity.
Happiness in newsroom contracts: communicative resistance for digital work and life satisfaction
Authors: Salamon Errol
Published: August 2023

Digital-era newsworkers in the United States have steadily joined trade unions since 2015. This article examines all 22 collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) of one such union, the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), which were ratified between April 2015 and June 2022, with an eye toward better understanding employee digital job and life satisfaction. Bringing together critical political economy of media, industrial relations, and labor research, the article argues that the collective bargaining agreement is a communicative means through which digital newsworker unions express employee resistance to particular labor issues. It is also a legal mechanism articulating solutions to these issues that could provide the basis for employee life satisfaction. Grounded in a content analysis, this article finds that the WGAE CBAs incorporate language on workplace rights, newsworkers’ benefits, and limits on management rights, revealing the relative weight of different union solutions to newsworkers’ digital-era grievances. The CBAs also communicatively constitute the conditions for digital newsworkers’ happiness and subjective well-being. By proposing a relational model of digital newsworkers’ CBAs, researchers and practitioners could better understand the language that is needed to communicatively constitute and facilitate happiness in newsrooms, supporting digital job and life satisfaction among newsworkers.
Supporting youth emotionally when communicating about climate change: A self-determination theory approach
Authors: Spitzer Jenna , Grapsas Stathis , Poorthuis Astrid M. G. , Thomaes Sander
Published: August 2023

Communicating with adolescents about climate change can be challenging if we want to safeguard their emotional well-being. Here, we evaluate the emotional impact of climate change communication that is informed by self-determination theory (SDT). We conducted two experiments with samples of ethnically diverse adolescents from the United States to examine adolescents’ emotions when reading needs-aligned, needs-misaligned, and needs-neutral (control) communication about climate change. Adolescents who read needs-aligned communication reported less anxiety compared with adolescents who read needs-misaligned (Study 1) and needs-neutral (Study 2) communication. Unexpectedly, compared with adolescents who read needs-neutral communication, adolescents who read needs-misaligned communication reported more positive emotions (i.e., enjoyment, pride) when learning about climate change (Study 2). Our research provides initial evidence that SDT can inform climate change communication strategies that buffer adolescents from experiencing anxiety.
Invisible Migration and “Perverse” Capital: Exploring the Experiences of Migrant Delivery Riders
Authors: Robins Daniel
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on “semi-documented” Brazilian migrant delivery riders in London. It uses (in)visibility as a conceptual lens to perform two roles. First, it explores the experiences of this group through the analytical lens of invisibility. In doing so, it demonstrates that in multiple ways, this group does not conform with statistical norms or with the way “invisible” and/or undocumented migrant workers are portrayed in the literature. Second, the article employs the concept of invisibility to critique UK immigration and employment policy in helping to render the presence and of these migrants “invisible.” Accordingly, it argues that the immigration system is “perverse” in its structure and consequences. In response to the perversity of the system, these migrants employ “perverse” forms of social capital to adapt.
The Effect of Heuristics on Indian Stock Market Investors: Investor Sentiment as a Mediator
Authors: Haritha P H
Published: August 2023

This study analyses heuristic factors affecting investor sentiment and investment decision-making in the Indian stock market. A quantitative approach is formulated with the questionnaire design for the collection of primary data regarding investor sentiment, representativeness heuristic bias, overconfidence and availability bias. The data are collected from the structured questionnaires from individual investors. The collected data were analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling to examine the relationship between the constructs: investor sentiment, representativeness heuristic bias, overconfidence and availability bias. This paper provides empirical insights into the association of heuristic factors that positively influence investor sentiment and investment decision-making. It encourages investors to make reasonable choices and to control and understand their risk. The study sheds light on the impact of investor sentiment on investment decision-making and its antecedent. It shows that investors depend on sentiment when making investment choices. Policymakers should provide consumers with knowledge and appreciation of the correct stock choice; various campaigns considering the different groups of investors will benefit decision-makers and institutional financial practitioners. This paper allows investors to pick the proper investment assistance to avoid making wrong decisions that arise as an outcome of the attitude of investors.
Between a Bird-in-the-Hand and Species Data in the Bank: Intermittent Care in Conservation Science
Authors: Eren Selen , Beaulieu Anne
Published: August 2023

Intense interspecies engagements are central to the work of ecologists, as they seek to understand our rapidly changing world. To explore researcher-bird engagements in ecological fieldwork, we use a lens of care. Taking as a starting point the widely shared photos of bird-in-the-hand that portray situations where individual birds become sources of data about populations, we show the significance of complex care work in ethically and epistemically loaded moments. Crucial knowledge about survival, biodiversity loss and animal welfare emerges at the intersection of multispecies care for individuals, for populations and for knowledge infrastructures. We put forth the concept of intermittent care to explain the changing concerns for individual birds here-and-now or for populations of the future. Attention to care therefore helps unravel how ecological knowing depends on entanglements between humans, nature, and technologies that take shape through a constant negotiation of different strands and matters of multispecies care.