bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean-field equation for phase-modulated optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Sanchez A. D. , Kumar S. Chaitanya , Ebrahim-Zadeh M.
Published: March 2024

The widely established techniques for the generation of ultrashort optical pulses rely on passive mode locking of lasers, with the output pulse duration and emission spectrum determined by the intrinsic lifetime of laser transition in the gain medium. Due to the instantaneous nature of nonlinear gain, optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are capable of generating optical radiation in all timescales from continuous-wave (cw) to ultrashort femtosecond regime, if driven by laser pump sources in the corresponding time domain. In the ultrashort timescale, operation of OPOs conventionally relies on mode-locked pump lasers, with the concomitant disadvantages of large footprint and high cost. At the same time, the lack of gain storage mandates the use of synchronous pumping, resulting in increased complexity. In this paper, we present the concept of phase-modulated OPO driven by cw pump laser. The approach overcomes the traditional drawbacks of ultrafast OPOs, enabling femtosecond pulse generation without the need for synchronous pumping, resulting in a simplified, compact, and cost-effective architecture using cw input pump lasers. We derive a mean-field equation for a degenerate χ(2) OPO driven by a cw laser with intracavity electro-optic modulator (EOM), and also including dispersion compensation. The equation predicts the formation of stable femtosecond pulses (<200fs), in both normal and anomalous dispersion regimes, with a controllable repetition rate determined by the frequency of the EOM. The remarkable functionality of the proposed scheme paves the way for the development of an alternative class of widely tunable coherent femtosecond light sources in both bulk and integrated format based on χ(2) OPOs using cw pump lasers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spectroscopy of edge and bulk collective modes in fractional Chern insulators
Authors: Binanti F. , Goldman N. , Repellin C.
Published: March 2024

The exploration of atomic fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states is now within reach in optical-lattice experiments. While ground-state signatures have been observed in a system realizing the Hofstadter-Bose-Hubbard model in a box [Léonard , ], how to access hallmark low-energy collective modes remains a central open question in this context. We introduce a spectroscopic scheme based on two interfering Laguerre-Gaussian beams, which transfer a controlled angular momentum and energy to the system. The edge and bulk responses to the probe are detected through local density measurements by tracking the transfer of atoms between the bulk and the edge of the FQH droplet. This detection scheme is shown to simultaneously reveal two specific signatures of FQH states: their chiral edge branch and their bulk magnetoroton mode. We numerically benchmark our method by considering few bosons in the ν=1/2 Laughlin ground state of the Hofstadter-Bose-Hubbard model, and demonstrate that these signatures are already detectable in realistic systems of two bosons, provided that the box potential is sufficiently large compared to the droplet. Our paper paves the way for the detection of fractional statistics in cold atoms through edge signatures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Status of research on parametric methods for the reconstruction of 3D models of the human body for virtual fitting
Authors: Feng Wenqian , Li Xinrong , Wang Jiankun , Wen Jiaqi , Li Hansen
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper reviews the pros and cons of different parametric modeling methods, which can provide a theoretical reference for parametric reconstruction of 3D human body models for virtual fitting.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we briefly analyze the mainstream datasets of models of the human body used in the area to provide a foundation for parametric methods of such reconstruction. We then analyze and compare parametric methods of reconstruction based on their use of the following forms of input data: point cloud data, image contours, sizes of features and points representing the joints. Finally, we summarize the advantages and problems of each method as well as the current challenges to the use of parametric modeling in virtual fitting and the opportunities provided by it.

Findings

Considering the aspects of integrity and accurate of representations of the shape and posture of the body, and the efficiency of the calculation of the requisite parameters, the reconstruction method of human body by integrating orthogonal image contour morphological features, multifeature size constraints and joint point positioning can better represent human body shape, posture and personalized feature size and has higher research value.

Originality/value

This article obtains a research thinking for reconstructing a 3D model for virtual fitting that is based on three kinds of data, which is helpful for establishing personalized and high-precision human body models.
SiLK-SLAM: accurate, robust and versatile visual SLAM with simple learned keypoints
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Li Yingzhao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Weak repeatability is observed in handcrafted keypoints, leading to tracking failures in visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) systems under challenging scenarios such as illumination change, rapid rotation and large angle of view variation. In contrast, learning-based keypoints exhibit higher repetition but entail considerable computational costs. This paper proposes an innovative algorithm for keypoint extraction, aiming to strike an equilibrium between precision and efficiency. This paper aims to attain accurate, robust and versatile visual localization in scenes of formidable complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

SiLK-SLAM initially refines the cutting-edge learning-based extractor, SiLK, and introduces an innovative postprocessing algorithm for keypoint homogenization and operational efficiency. Furthermore, SiLK-SLAM devises a reliable relocalization strategy called PCPnP, leveraging progressive and consistent sampling, thereby bolstering its robustness.

Findings

Empirical evaluations conducted on TUM, KITTI and EuRoC data sets substantiate SiLK-SLAM’s superior localization accuracy compared to ORB-SLAM3 and other methods. Compared to ORB-SLAM3, SiLK-SLAM demonstrates an enhancement in localization accuracy even by 70.99%, 87.20% and 85.27% across the three data sets. The relocalization experiments demonstrate SiLK-SLAM’s capability in producing precise and repeatable keypoints, showcasing its robustness in challenging environments.

Originality/value

The SiLK-SLAM achieves exceedingly elevated localization accuracy and resilience in formidable scenarios, holding paramount importance in enhancing the autonomy of robots navigating intricate environments. Code is available at https://github.com/Pepper-FlavoredChewingGum/SiLK-SLAM.
Exploring barriers and facilitators of different work modalities from employees' perceptions: insights from workers and recommendations for organizations
Authors: Hidalgo Andrade Paula , Paz Clara , Unda-López Alejandro , Osejo-Taco Gabriel , Vinueza-Cabezas Andrea
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators faced by workers during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Ecuador. It focused on three work modalities: on-site, telework and mixed or hybrid. It also inquired into practical implications for management based on the workers’ experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Between October and December 2021, 41 semistructured interviews were conducted to delve into the experiences of Ecuadorian workers. Thematic content analysis was employed for data charting and analysis.

Findings

Barriers and facilitators varied according to each working modality, although some were shared, contingent upon the specific contextual factors and job characteristics. The findings suggest that organizations should consider implementing flexible working hours and modalities, provide safe workspaces, ensure appropriate technology and connectivity, support employees and maintain their health and well-being.

Originality/value

This research explores the experiences of teleworkers, on-site workers and hybrid workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in an under-researched labor market within a developing country. The study provides valuable insights that highlight the potential for management development initiatives specifically tailored to hybrid work environments.
The innovation journey and crossroads of sustainability, resilience and human-centeredness: a systematic literature review
Authors: Afzal Bilal , Li Xiaoni , Hernández-Lara Ana Beatriz
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to undertake a comprehensive analysis of innovation models, tracing their evolution from Innovation 1.0 to Innovation 4.0 and introducing the concept of Innovation 5.0. It explores the intersection between innovation models and the principles of sustainability, resilience and human-centeredness, providing insights into their implications for Industry 5.0, and their potential to foster a resilient ecosystem amidst challenges and multiple crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, the authors used a systematic literature review approach, considering academic articles on Innovation 4.0, Industry 5.0 (specifically in the context of innovation) and helix models of innovation. The authors conducted thematic analysis and content analysis, followed by keyword co-occurrence analysis, enabling us to systematically synthesize and interpret the relevant literature.

Findings

The results conclude that Innovation 5.0 is a new paradigm for innovation that fosters broader societal engagement, and emphasizes sustainability, resilience and human-centeredness. Innovation 5.0 is evolving, but it has the potential to transform the way we produce, consume and live. Using insights from the sextuple helix model, this research leverages media and ICT as sixth helix vital role of knowledge sharing, digital transformation, innovation ecosystem and next industrial revolution in this process.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on exploring Innovation 5.0 through the sextuple helix model, offering a fresh perspective on innovation models and their collaborative potential. Its contribution lies in providing practical insights into the transition to Innovation 5.0, emphasizing the need for sustainability, regulatory support and awareness while also offering clear recommendations for future research.
Synchrotron μXRF imaging reveals elemental distribution in the nickel hyperaccumulator Odontarrhena muralis (Brassicaceae) from Serbia
Authors: Mišljenović Tomica , Jakovljević Ksenija , Brueckner Dennis , van der Ent Antony
Published: March 2024

Odontarrhena muralis (Brassicaceae) is a nickel hyperaccumulator species from the Balkans used as a “metal crop” in nickel phytomining. This study aimed to determine the elemental distribution, focusing on nickel, in fresh‐hydrated plant tissue (stems, leaves and inflorescences), to clarify where nickel is localized at the tissue and cellular scale‐level and to infer the physiological response to its hypertolerance and hyperaccumulation. For the analysis, intact plant organs of O. muralis were subjected to elemental imaging using synchrotron‐based micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μXRF). The predominant distribution of nickel occurs in the epidermal tissue and at the base of the trichomes, which are also the main sinks for calcium deposition. The obtained results represent a further contribution to the knowledge of the physiological characteristics of this hyperaccumulating “metal crop” species and, consequently, to its application in sustainable metal extraction using phytomining.
Bacterial community shifts occur primarily through rhizosphere expansion in response to subsoil amendments
Authors: Vido Joshua J. , Wang Xiaojuan , Sale Peter W. G. , Celestina Corinne , Shindler Anya E. , Hayden Helen L. , Tang Caixian , Wood Jennifer L. , Franks Ashley E.
Published: March 2024

To comprehensively evaluate the impact of agricultural management practices on soil productivity, it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of soil bacterial ecology. Deep‐banding nutrient‐rich amendments is a soil management practice that aims to improve plant growth and soil structure by addressing the plant‐growth constraints posed by dense‐clay subsoils. However, the response of bacterial communities to deep‐banded amendments has not been thoroughly studied. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a controlled‐environment column experiment to examine the effects of different types of soil amendments (poultry litter, wheat straw + chemical fertiliser and chemical fertiliser alone) on bacterial taxonomic composition in simulated dense‐clay subsoils. We evaluated the bacterial taxonomic and ecological group composition in soils beside and below the amendment using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and robust statistical methods. Our results indicate that deep‐banded amendments alter bacterial communities through direct and indirect mechanisms. All amendments directly facilitated a shift in bacterial communities in the absence of growing wheat. However, a combination of amendments with growing wheat led to a more pronounced bacterial community shift which was distinct from and eclipsed the direct impact of the amendments and plants alone. This indirect mechanism was evidenced to be mediated primarily by plant growth and hypothesised to result from an enhancement in wheat root distribution, density and rhizodeposition changes. Therefore, we propose that subsoil amendments regardless of type facilitated an expansion in the rhizosphere which engineered a substantial plant‐mediated bacterial community response within the simulated dense‐clay subsoils. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of considering the complex and synergistic interactions between soil physicochemical properties, plant growth and bacterial communities when assessing agricultural management strategies for improving soil and plant productivity.
Investigation of treatment volume versus circulating blood volume during Rheocarna treatment
Authors: Hoshikawa Yuki , Ohkubo Atsushi , Sakurasawa Takatoshi , Usui Mana , Deushi Masaya , Yamamoto Hiroko , Naito Shotaro
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Rheocarna's therapeutic effect is associated with fibrinogen (Fib) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) adsorptive removal. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the association between treatment volume (TV) and circulating blood volume (CBV) and the Fib removal rate (Fib‐RR) and LDL‐C‐RR.

Methods

CBV and TV/CBV, cut‐off value (CO value), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were calculated. The Fib‐RR and LDL‐C‐RR at the midterm and end of treatment were compared. The groups were further categorized into three groups with TV/CBV lower than or higher than the CO value at the midterm and end (midterm/end; Group L: lower than/lower than CO; Group L/H: lower than/higher than CO; Group H: higher than/higher than CO), and the Fib‐RR and LDL‐RR of each group at the midterm and end were compared.

Results

ROC analysis revealed a TV of 1.480 times the BV as CO value, which showed a maximum Youden index predicting a Fib‐RR of 20% (AUC: 0.828). Among the three groups, Group L and Group L/H demonstrated significantly higher Fib‐RR and LDL‐C‐RR at the end of the study than in the midterm, while Group H exhibited no difference.

Conclusion

The results reveal that a treatment volume of 1.5 times the circulating blood volume is a sufficient solute removal capacity in the Rheocarna‐enabled cases.
Association of PD‐L1 expression with driver gene mutations and clinicopathological characteristics in non‐small cell lung cancer: A real‐world study of 10 441 patients
Authors: Ruiz Gonzalo , Enrico Diego , Mahmoud Yamil D. , Ruiz Alan , Cantarella María Florencia , Leguina Laura , Barberis Mariana , Beña Asunción , Brest Esteban , Starapoli Solange , Mendoza Bertelli Andrea , Tsou Florencia , Pupareli Carmen , Coppola María Pía , Scocimarro Alejandra , Sena Susana , Levit Patricio , Perfetti Aldo , Aman Enrique , Girotti María Romina , Arrieta Oscar , Martín Claudio , Salanova Rubén
Published: March 2024

Background

Programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression is a well‐known predictive biomarker of response to immune checkpoint blockade in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is limited evidence of the relationship between PD‐L1 expression, clinicopathological features, and their association with major driver mutations in NSCLC patients in Latin America.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients from Argentina with advanced NSCLC, and centralized evaluation of PD‐L1 expression concurrently with genomic alterations in the driver genes EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, and/or KRAS G12C in FFPE tissue samples.

Results

A total of 10 441 patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological subtype (71.1%). PD‐L1 expression was categorized as PD‐L1 negative (45.1%), PD‐L1 positive low‐expression 1%–49% (32.3%), and PD‐L1 positive high‐expression ≥50% (22.6%). Notably, current smokers and males were more likely to have tumors with PD‐L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50% and ≥ 80% expression, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013). Tumors with non‐adenocarcinoma histology had a significantly higher median PD‐L1 expression (p < 0.001). Additionally, PD‐L1 in distant nodes was more likely ≥50% (OR 1.60 [95% CI: 1.14–2.25, p < 0.01]). In the multivariate analysis, EGFR‐positive tumors were more commonly associated with PD‐L1 low expression (OR 0.62 [95% CI: 0.51–0.75], p < 0.01), while ALK‐positive tumors had a significant risk of being PD‐L1 positive (OR 1.81 [95% CI: 1.30–2.52], p < 0.01).

Conclusions

PD‐L1 expression was associated with well‐defined clinicopathological and genomic features. These findings provide a comprehensive view of the expression of PD‐L1 in patients with advanced NSCLC in a large Latin American cohort.
treats: A modular R package for simulating trees and traits
Authors: Guillerme Thomas
Published: March 2024

Simulating biological realistic data is an important step to understand and investigate biodiversity. Simulated data can be used to generate null, base line or neutral models. These can be used either in comparison to observed data to estimate the mechanisms that generated the data. Or they can be used to explore, understand and develop theoretical advances by proposing toy models.

In evolutionary biology, simulations often involve the need of an evolutionary process where descent with modification is at the core of how the simulated data are generated. These evolutionary processes can then be nearly infinitely modified to include complex processes that affect the simulations such as traits co‐evolution, competition mechanisms or mass extinction events.

Here I present the treats package, a modular R package for trees and traits simulations. This package is based on a simple birth death algorithm from which all steps can easily be modified by users.

treats also provides a tidy interface through the treats object, allowing users to easily run reproducible simulations. It also comes with an extend manual regularly updated following users' questions or suggestions.
Avoiding unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsy with the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide mapping agents (Magtrace®) in breast surgery
Authors: Cui Rebecca Bei Jia , Hawes Susan , Azimi Farhad , Chan Belinda , Graham Susannah , Mak Cindy , Seah Jue Li , Warrier Sanjay
Published: March 2024

Background

Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) (Magtrace®) is a non‐radioactive liquid tracer that can stay in the sentinel lymph nodes for 30 days. Injection of SPIO at time of primary breast surgery where upfront sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is not immediately indicated allows for a return to theatre if pathology then identifies invasive disease. SLNB is associated with paraesthesia, pain, seroma formation and lymphoedema risk. Hence, our study aims to assess the use of SPIO to avoid upfront SLNB in breast surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and prophylaxis.

Methods

Retrospective single‐centre study of consecutive patients who underwent injection of SPIO tracer at time of primary breast surgery to avoid upfront SLNB at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, NSW, Australia over a 10‐month period.

Results

SPIO was injected 38 times, with 34 at time of mastectomy and four cases at time of wide local excision. The indication for surgery was DCIS in 18 cases, risk reduction in 17 cases and other indications in three patients. Six cases (15.8%) required delayed SLNB (D‐SLNB) due to the finding of invasive disease on post‐operative histopathology. All patients who underwent D‐SLNB had nodes successfully localized with SPIO.

Conclusion

In our cohort, 84.2% of cases were able to avoid upfront SLNB, and hence avoid the associated complications of SLNB. SPIO injection was successful in localizing the SLN in all cases at time of surgery for D‐SLNB. This technique was safe with few associated complications.
The power of a pledge: Exploring the relationship between sense of calling and innovative work behaviour in healthcare
Authors: Zhang Yun , Xu Feng Zeng , Feng Lili , Shi Xianjian , Zhang Fengtai
Published: March 2024

In the healthcare sector, sense of calling has raised increasing attention for its crucial role in fostering nurses' motivation and dedication to their work. Despite the fact that individuals with a sense of calling are more likely to go beyond their duties, the potential influence of this calling on their innovative behaviour remains largely unexplored. Drawing on work as a calling and self‐determination theories, this study aims to establish a link between a sense of calling and innovative work behaviour in the healthcare sector and investigate the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions. Questionnaires were distributed through field and online surveys to collect the responses of 350 nurses in China. Structural equation modelling was adopted to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that sense of calling had a positive effect on nurses' innovative work behaviour and the relationship was mediated through meaning of work and employee resilience. Moreover, psychological safety was found to strengthen the positive impact of sense of calling on nurses' innovative work behaviour. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed along with the direction for future research.
Ag2O‐TiO2‐NTs enhance osteogenic activity in vitro by modulating TNF‐α/β‐catenin signaling in bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zeng Zhan‐Peng , Lai Chang‐Rong , Zheng Wei‐Jie
Published: March 2024

The toxic effects of nanoparticles‐silver oxide (Ag2O) limited its use. However, loading Ag2O nanoparticles into titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes (Ag2O‐TiO2‐NTs) has more efficient biological activity and safety. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of Ag2O‐TiO2‐NTs on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its mechanism. The enzyme activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the expression of RUNX family transcription factor 2 (Runx2), OPN, OCN in BMSCs were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. At 14 days of induction, the mineralization ability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of cells in each group were observed by Alizarin Red S staining and ALP staining. In addition, the protein levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and β‐catenin in BMSCs of each group were observed by western blot. After 14 days of the induction, the mineralization ability and ALP activity of BMSCs in the Ag2O‐TiO2‐NTs group were significantly enhanced compared with those in the Ag2O and TiO2 groups. Western blot analysis showed that the BMSCs in the Ag2O‐TiO2‐NTs group exhibited much lower protein level of TNF‐α and higher protein level of β‐catenin than those in the Ag2O and TiO2 groups.Ag2O‐TiO2‐NTs enhance the osteogenic activity of BMSCs by modulating TNF‐α/β‐catenin signaling.
Do adolescents use choice to learn about their preferences? Development of value refinement and its associations with depressive symptoms in adolescence
Authors: Moses‐Payne M. E. , Lee D. G. , Roiser J. P.
Published: March 2024

Independent decision making requires forming stable estimates of one's preferences. We assessed whether adolescents learn about their preferences through choice deliberation and whether depressive symptoms disrupt this process. Adolescents aged 11–18 (N = 214; participated 2021–22; Female: 53.9%; White/Black/Asian/Mixed/Arab or Latin American: 26/21/19/9/8%) rated multiple activities, chose between pairs of activities and re‐rated those activities. As expected, overall, participants uprated chosen and downrated unchosen activities (dz = .20). This value refinement through choice was not evident in younger participants but emerged across adolescence. Contrary to our predictions, depressive symptoms were associated with greater value refinement. Despite this, more depressed adolescents reported lower value certainty and choice confidence. The cognitive processes through which choice deliberation shapes preference develop over adolescence, and are disrupted in depression.
Unequal ground: oil booms and income inequality in the USA
Authors: Abdelwahed Loujaina , Campbell Cole
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the impact of oil price and quantity shocks on income inequality in the USA. Using micro income data, we construct measures of pre‐tax money income inequality at the state level for the period 1980–2017. We find that a $10 increase in oil price increases inequality, measured by the ratio of pre‐tax income of the 90th percentile to 10th percentile (p90/p10), by 3.8 percentage points in states with high levels of oil endowments per capita. The increase in capital income to households at the top of the distribution drives the observed change in inequality. In addition to price shocks, we study the impact of quantity shocks that arise from oil discoveries. Quantity shocks have no effect on the overall income distribution.
The occurrence of sequential oviposition in fig wasps and the implications for interpreting sex ratio data
Authors: Mnguni Simiso P. , Labuschagne Tany , de Waal Pamela J. , van Noort Simon , Greeff Jaco M.
Published: March 2024

Pollinating fig wasps are believed to adjust their sex ratios according to standard local mate competition (LMC) theory.

Standard LMC theory assumes that all mothers ovipositing in a patch or fig does so simultaneously. However, it has been shown that fig wasps can oviposit sequentially.

We counted the number of figs containing dead and living mothers in figs where mothers entered naturally to estimate the incidence of sequential and simultaneous oviposition.

Single mothers were the norm in two wasp species, and multiple mothers the norm in the other two. However, contrary to LMC theory, in all four species, when multiple mothers occurred, sequential oviposition seems to occur more frequently than simultaneous oviposition.

The sex allocation problem fig wasp mothers face is thus more complicated than the widely assumed simultaneous ovipositing situation, and it leads to several expectations. Single mother's sex ratios should increase as the probability of additional mothers increases. Naturally founded multi‐mother figs should have more female‐biased sex ratios than the standard LMC model predicts for the final number of mothers. This is because early‐arriving mothers underestimate the number of mothers and lay more daughters than the final number of mothers would require and later‐arriving mothers can lay fewer sons to be competitive against the first mothers' too female‐biased clutches.

Mothers must produce sex ratios that are optimised across a probabilistic range of foundress densities they experience.
A comprehensive systematic literature review of the burden of illness of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome on patients, caregivers, and society
Authors: Cross J. Helen , Benítez Arturo , Roth Jeannine , Andrews J. Scott , Shah Drishti , Butcher Emma , Jones Aimee , Sullivan Joseph
Published: March 2024

Fully elucidating the burden that Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) places on individuals with the disease and their caregivers is critical to improving outcomes and quality of life (QoL). This systematic literature review evaluated the global burden of illness of LGS, including clinical symptom burden, care requirements, QoL, comorbidities, caregiver burden, economic burden, and treatment burden (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022317413). MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles that met predetermined criteria. After screening 1442 deduplicated articles and supplementary manual searches, 113 articles were included for review. A high clinical symptom burden of LGS was identified, with high seizure frequency and nonseizure symptoms (including developmental delay and intellectual disability) leading to low QoL and substantial care requirements for individuals with LGS, with the latter including daily function assistance for mobility, eating, and toileting. Multiple comorbidities were identified, with intellectual disorders having the highest prevalence. Although based on few studies, a high caregiver burden was also identified, which was associated with physical problems (including fatigue and sleep disturbances), social isolation, poor mental health, and financial difficulties. Most economic analyses focused on the high direct costs of LGS, which arose predominantly from medically treated seizure events, inpatient costs, and medication requirements. Pharmacoresistance was common, and many individuals required polytherapy and treatment changes over time. Few studies focused on the humanistic burden. Quality concerns were noted for sample representativeness, disease and outcome measures, and reporting clarity. In summary, a high burden of LGS on individuals, caregivers, and health care systems was identified, which may be alleviated by reducing the clinical symptom burden. These findings highlight the need for a greater understanding of and better definitions for the broad spectrum of LGS symptoms and development of treatments to alleviate nonseizure symptoms.
ADVENTURES IN TIMELAND
Authors: LUCAS GAVIN
Published: March 2024

One of the more significant issues to have emerged from the discourse surrounding the Anthropocene has concerned the apparent incommensurability of human and natural history and the vastly different timescales involved. More generally, such discourse raises critical questions about the very different way time is conceptualized in the natural sciences as opposed to in the social sciences and humanities. In this article, I draw on my own disciplinary background in archaeology in order to contribute to these differences and build bridges between the two disciplinary domains by foregrounding the materiality of time. I use a partly allegorical approach inspired by Edwin Abbott's nineteenth‐century novel Flatland to investigate a notion of three‐dimensional of time, which I compare with Gilles Deleuze's three temporal syntheses. The article argues for the concept of Thick Time, which emphasizes the importance of time as constituted by things, whereby things make time rather than exist within it. A material time is one that foregrounds time as a mode of transmission, a “passing on,” and of the persistence of the past in the present.
STATISTICAL DISCRIMINATION AND DURATION DEPENDENCE IN A SEMISTRUCTURAL MODEL
Authors: Baydur Ismail , Xu Jianhuan
Published: March 2024

This article develops a job‐search model with unobserved worker heterogeneity and learning about worker types from unemployment duration. The model features negative duration dependence that stems from unobserved heterogeneity, skill depreciation, and statistical discrimination. We estimate job‐finding rates implied by our model using microlevel data from the Current Population Survey. We find that removing interview costs counterfactually, thereby eliminating statistical discrimination, substantially increases the job‐finding rates of the long‐term unemployed. The performance of low‐skill workers at the interview stage with discriminating firms plays a key role in explaining our counterfactual result.
How to investigate mild to moderate bleeding disorders and bleeding disorder of unknown cause
Authors: Casini Alessandro , Gebhart Johanna
Published: March 2024

A bleeding tendency is one of the most common complaints observed by hematologists. It is challenging to differentiate a clinically insignificant bleeding from a bleeding phenotype that requires hemostatic evaluation and medical intervention. A thorough review of personal and familial history, objective assessment of bleeding severity using a bleeding assessment tool, and a focused physical examination are critical to correctly identifying suspected patients with mild to moderate bleeding disorders (MBDs). A basic laboratory work‐up should be performed in all patients referred for a bleeding tendency. If a hemostatic abnormality is found such as evidence of von Willebrand disease, a platelet function disorder, or a coagulation factor deficiency, more extensive testing should be performed to further characterize the bleeding disorder. Conversely, if all results are normal the patient is considered to have bleeding disorder of unknown cause (BDUC). For patients with BDUC, further evaluation may include non‐routine testing to look for rare bleeding disorders not detected by routine hemostasis tests, such as thrombomodulin‐associated coagulopathy, tissue factor pathway inhibitor‐related bleeding disorder, hyperfibrinolytic‐bleeding disorders or impaired tissue factor production. In this review, we summarize the stepwise diagnostic procedure in MBDs and provide some insights into the biological features of BDUC.
Framing a strategic, stakeholder and contextual view of employee assistance programmes: A systematic review and an integrated conceptual model
Authors: Xiao Qijie , Cooke Fang Lee , Wang Jingtian
Published: March 2024

Scholars across disciplines (e.g., medicine and health, human resource management, organizational behaviour) have paid increasing attention to employee assistance programmes (EAPs) over the past 40 years. Our study systematically reviewed 327 EAP studies published in peer‐reviewed journals from 1980 to December 2021. We provided both descriptive and thematic analyses of this body of literature. We revealed that existing research has not paid sufficient attention to the role of multiple stakeholders, the importance of context and the strategic nature of EAPs, all of which are critical to EAP effectiveness. To fill these gaps, we develop an integrated conceptual model for EAP research that highlights the stakeholder perspective, strategic human resource management and contextual approach. We argue that EAPs cannot yield desirable outcomes without three forms of ‘strategic fit’: the internal fit between EAPs and a bundle of HR strategies; the organizational fit between EAPs and business strategies; and the environmental fit between EAPs and the environmental contexts. We suggest that employees and other diverse stakeholders should proactively engage in the EAP process to achieve mutual gains.
The application of topical antibiotics for the prevention of infections in primary joint arthroplasty. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Hua , Chen Zhongyi , Pan Qiaohong , Mei Haifeng , Chen Weifu , Zhu Zhong
Published: March 2024

This umbrella review aim to explore the effect of topical antibiotics in infection prevention after primary joint arthroplasty, and provide a specific theoretical basis for clinical treatment. The review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and the Cochrane Library on infection prevention by topical antibiotics from inception to 10 April 2023. The two researchers individually and strictly screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, performed the literature quality evaluation and data extraction, and used Stata 17 for data analysis. This study included six studies with one systematic review and five meta‐analyses. The pooled analysis showed that topical antibiotic administration effectively reduced the incidence of overall infection and periprosthetic joint infection. However, it does not reduce the risk of superficial infection. Besides, the topic of antibiotics significantly increases the incidence of other sterile complications of the incision. According to the current evidence, topical application of antibiotics can reduce the incidence of overall infection and periprosthetic joint infection after primary joint arthroplasty. Although it increases the incidence of complications such as delayed healing of incisions, the pros and cons should be weighed in clinical decision making. However, they should not be discarded due to side effects.
Beyond a fixed number: Investigating uncertainty in popular evaluation metrics of ensemble flood modeling using bootstrapping analysis
Authors: Huang Tao , Merwade Venkatesh
Published: March 2024

Evaluation of the performance of flood models is a crucial step in the modeling process. Considering the limitations of single statistical metrics, such as uncertainty bounds, Nash Sutcliffe efficiency, Kling Gupta efficiency, and the coefficient of determination, which are widely used in the model evaluation, the inherent properties and sampling uncertainty in these metrics are demonstrated. A comprehensive evaluation is conducted using an ensemble of one‐dimensional Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System (HEC‐RAS) models, which account for the uncertainty associated with the channel roughness and upstream flow input, of six reaches located in Indiana and Texas of the United States. Specifically, the effects of different prior distributions of the uncertainty sources, multiple high‐flow scenarios, and various types of measurement errors in observations on the evaluation metrics are investigated using bootstrapping. Results show that the model performances based on the uniform and normal priors are comparable. The statistical distributions of all the evaluation metrics in this study are significantly different under different high‐flow scenarios, thus suggesting that the metrics should be treated as “random” variables due to both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties and conditioned on the specific flow periods of interest. Additionally, the white‐noise error in observations has the least impact on the metrics.
“Take my Moneybox”: The Symbolic Powers of the First Child Movie Stars in Early French Cinema (1906‐1916)
Authors: Düzcan Bekir
Published: March 2024

This paper analyzes why child film star series produced by major French production companies (Pathé, Gaumont, Eclectic, and Éclair) in the early 1900s (Bébé, Bout‐de‐Zan, Willy, and the Maria Fromet series) were received with such interest by global audiences. This period, prior to World War I, was a brief era when French cinema held significant hegemony worldwide, before Hollywood's dominance began. There are ideas suggesting that child film stars emerged with American cinema. Contrary to this, however, French producers competed fiercely in the 10 years following 1906, producing series featuring child film stars. Substantial budgets were allocated for the marketing of these series, ultimately gaining a considerable fan base not only in Europe but also in America. When examining these film stars from the early 20th century within their historical context, they emerge as the first international child stars with international fame and financial success, unlike child musicians, vaudeville artists, and theater actors from the 18th and 19th centuries. Inspired by the field analysis of French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, this article aims to establish a connection between the struggles within the field and the symbolic needs of the audience as reflected in the content of child star films. The films were viewed at the Eye Film Museum archive.
Whiteness hurts society: How whiteness shapes mental, physical, and social health outcomes
Authors: Efird Caroline R. , Wilkins Clara L. , Versey H. Shellae
Published: March 2024

Confronting whiteness could complement and amplify the study of Critical Race Theory and enhance psychologists’ capacity to effectively study and address health and social issues. Whiteness is a racialized social system and a set of beliefs that uphold White American social supremacy and the oppression of populations of color. We discuss how prior scholarship has addressed whiteness and we illustrate how whiteness can harm health and well‐being among White Americans and broader society. By documenting the negative effects of whiteness, we encourage divestment from the construction of reality that inequitably produces power and privilege, and ultimately, threatens society. Understanding how whiteness operates will aid the development of interventions and policies that reduce the inequity that results from whiteness and the enduring nature of racism. Finally, we call on psychologists to actively divest from systems of whiteness within our field; otherwise, we are complicit in how whiteness hurts society.
Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity is biologically and clinically distinct from eosinophilic papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Castillo Vincent Francis , Trpkov Kiril , Van der Kwast Theodorus , Rotondo Fabio , Hamdani Malek , Saleeb Rola
Published: March 2024

Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) is a recently described indolent entity with distinct features and its recognition from other oncocytic/eosinophilic papillary renal cell carcinoma (ePRCC) has important prognostic implications. ABCC2, a renal drug transporter, is overexpressed in aggressive PRCCs. In this study, we compared the clinicopathological parameters and the biological ABCC2 expression between PRNRP and ePRCC. PRNRP (n = 8) and ePRCC (n = 21) cases were selected from resection specimens and corresponding clinicopathological data were collected. ABCC2 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed and ABCC2 staining patterns were classified as negative, cytoplasmic, and brush‐border. RNA in‐situ hybridization (ISH) was used to assess ABCC2 transcript levels. All eight PRNRP cases had weak cytoplasmic ABCC2 IHC reactivity; however, they showed no detectable ABCC2 transcripts on RNA ISH. In comparison, 76% (16/21) of ePRCCs showed ABCC2 IHC brush‐border expression and significantly higher ABCC2 RNA ISH transcript levels (p < 0.001). Additionally, the ePRCC group showed a significantly larger tumor size (p = 0.004), higher WHO/ISUP grade (p < 0.001), and stage (p = 0.044). None of the PRNRP cases showed disease progression, while 9.5% (2/21) ePRCCs had disease progression. PRNRP is clinically and biologically distinct from ePRCC. Hence, it is crucial to differentiate between these two entities, particularly in needle core biopsies.
Nitrogen mitigates the negative effects of combined heat and drought stress on winter wheat by improving physiological characteristics
Authors: Ru Chen , Hu Xiaotao , Wang Wene
Published: March 2024

Extreme drought stress is often accompanied by heat stress after anthesis in winter wheat. Whether nitrogen (N) can mitigate the damage caused by combined stress on wheat plants by regulating root physiological characteristics is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to study the effects of combined heat and drought stress on photosynthesis, leaf water relations, root antioxidant system, osmoregulatory, and yield in wheat to reveal the physiological mechanism of N regulating the adverse impacts of combined stress on wheat. Heat and drought stress markedly reduced photosynthesis, leaf water content, root vitality, and bleeding sap. The combination of heat and drought strengthens these changes. Within a certain stress range, the increase in soluble sugar and proline contents and the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase under combined stress effectively alleviated the oxidative damage. Compared with those under high N application (N3), wheat plants under low N application (N1) maintained higher yield and yield components under combined stress; the number of grains per spike, 1000‐grain weight, and yield increased by 13.65%, 9.07%, and 15.33%, respectively, under N1 compared with those under N3 treatment, which may be attributed to the greater maintenance of photosynthesis, leaf water status, root vitality, and antioxidant and osmoregulation capacities. In summary, reduced N application mitigated the damage caused by combined heat and drought stress in wheat by improving root physiological characteristics and enhanced adaptability to combined stress, which is an appropriate strategy to compensate for yield losses.
Evaluation of the Swedish Self‐Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale and exploration of nurses' and physicians' self‐efficacy in Swedish hospitals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Granat Lisa , Andersson Sofia , Åberg Daniel , Hadziabdic Emina , Sandgren Anna
Published: March 2024

Background

Previous research found that healthcare professionals had low preparedness for palliative care. Thus, it is necessary to explore healthcare professionals' self‐efficacy. The Swedish Self‐Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale (SEPC‐SE) evaluates readiness in communication, patient management and multidisciplinary teamwork; however, it should be tested on a larger population. Furthermore, the constructs of the SEPC‐SE should be compared to that of the original SEPC.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the consensus between the construct validity and reliability of the SEPC and the translated and adapted SEPC‐SE. Furthermore, it aimed to describe and compare the self‐efficacy of nurses and physicians in hospitals and explore the associated factors.

Methods

The nurses (n = 288) and physicians (n = 104) completed the SEPC‐SE. Factor analysis with Cronbach's alpha evaluated validity and reliability, and an analysis using the Mann‐Whitney U test compared self‐efficacy and multiple linear regression‐associated factors.

Results

The SEPC‐SE revealed three factors with high reliability. Education or experience in specialised palliative care was minor, especially for nurses. Self‐efficacy was highest in patient management (nurses, median [md] = 74.57, physicians md = 81.71, p = 0.010) and communication (nurses md = 69.88, physicians md = 77.00, p = 0.141) and lowest in multidisciplinary teamwork (nurses md = 52.44, physicians md = 62.88, p = 0.001). The strongest associations with self‐efficacy were education at work and advanced homecare experiences. In addition, there were significant associations between years in the profession, male sex, physicians and university education.

Conclusion

The SEPC‐SE is valid and reliable for measuring self‐efficacy. Nurses had lower self‐efficacy than physicians. Physicians were associated with higher self‐efficacy and had more education and experience in palliative care settings, which may explain their levels of self‐efficacy.