bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Anti-HDGF Antibody Targets EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor–Tolerant Cells in NSCLC Patient-Derived Xenografts
Authors: Zhou Cindy Q. , Li Ariel , Ri Kaoru , Sultan Ahmed S. , Ren Hening
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Constitutively active mutant EGFR is one of the major oncogenic drivers in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Targeted therapy using EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is a first-line option in patients that have metastatic or recurring disease. However, despite the high response rate to TKI, most patients have a partial response, and the disease eventually progresses in 10 to 19 months. It is believed that drug-tolerant cells that survive TKI exposure during the progression-free period facilitate the emergence of acquired resistance. Thus, targeting the drug-tolerant cells could improve the treatment of NSCLC with EGFR mutations. We demonstrated here that EGFR-mutant patient-derived xenograft tumors responded partially to osimertinib despite near-complete inhibition of EGFR activation. Signaling in AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways could be reactivated shortly after initial inhibition. As a result, many tumor cells escaped drug killing and regained growth following about 35 days of continuous osimertinib dosing. However, when an antibody to hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) was given concurrently with osimertinib, tumors showed complete or near-complete responses. There was significant prolongation of progression-free survival of tumor-bearing mice as well. IHC and Western blot analysis of tumors collected in the early stages of treatment suggest that increased suppression of the AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways could be a mechanism that results in enhanced efficacy of osimertinib when it is combined with an anti-HDGF antibody.
Significance:
These results suggest that HDGF could be critically involved in promoting tolerance to TKI in patient-derived xenografts of NSCLC tumors. Blocking HDGF signaling could be a potential means to enhance EGFR-targeted therapy of NSCLC that warrants further advanced preclinical and clinical studies.
Aspheric Macular Lens for Complication in Cataract Surgery
Authors: Shemesh Nadav , Ohayon Avi , Levinger Eliya , Achiron Asaf
Published: September 2024

Introduction: In this case report, we demonstrate the application of an aspheric macular lens (Grieshaber, Alcon) for conducting posterior segment procedures after a posterior capsular rupture (PCR) occurrence during cataract surgery. Case Presentation: During a cataract surgery on a 70-year-old female patient, a PCR was identified, accompanied by the descent of the lens into the vitreous, and prompted subsequent interventions. This involved performing posterior-assisted levitation, anterior segment phacoemulsification, and anterior segment vitrectomy. Subsequently, due to the absence of a BIOM posterior viewing system in the operating room, an aspheric macular lens (Grieshaber, Alcon) was positioned on the patient’s eye. Subsequently, pars plana vitrectomy was performed, along with the extraction of residual lens cortical remnants. The procedure concluded with gradually inserting a 3-piece intraocular lens into the sulcus. Conclusion: When managing posterior capsular rupture, using an aspheric macular lens, such as the Grieshaber (Alcon), can be beneficial.
Disseminated Actinomyces Case Report: A Mimicker of Advanced Ovarian Malignancy
Authors: D'Iorio Maria , Lara Olivia D. , Hacker Kari E.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Disseminated actinomyces is a rare infection that presents with subtle symptoms and radiographic findings. Patients frequently complain of pelvic pain and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. Imaging can reveal a tumor-like mass and mimic malignancy. Here we discuss a patient who presented with abdominal pain, and computerized tomography (CT) imaging revealed a pelvic mass and features suggestive of carcinomatosis concerning for ovarian cancer. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old woman presented with 1 week of abdominal pain and 5 months of increasing abdominal girth. CT imaging was concerning for an advanced ovarian cancer and demonstrated a pelvic mass, peritoneal nodularity, and omental thickening. She subsequently underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and abdominal washout with pathology and cultures revealing disseminated actinomyces. She fully recovered after receiving a long course of antibiotics. Conclusion: This case adds to the limited literature illustrating that disseminated actinomyces can present similarly to ovarian cancer. The diagnosis may only be elucidated upon histologic examination of surgical specimens. Consideration of pelvic actinomyces should be entertained in all women presenting with pelvic tumors on imaging and intrauterine devices in place.
Representações da Guerra Civil na Literatura Irlandesa
Authors: Mutran Munira H.
Published: September 2024

Aprofundar o estudo das guerras no dia de hoje, quando o mundo testemunha confrontos bélicos ciclicamente repetidos perpetuando a desumanidade, é uma busca pelo conhecimento das causas que originam essa violência e um entendimento aguçado que ilumine novos caminhos para alcançar alternativas de paz e justiça. A obra Representações da Guerra Civil (1922-1923) na Literatura Irlandesa traz ao leitor brasileiro o complexo contexto histórico da Irlanda no período revolucionário a caminho da Guerra da Independência que culmina numa guerra civil sem precedente nesse país. O confronto dos diversos nacionalismos defendidos por seus cidadãos ante a presença do britânico por mais de 700 anos na sua terra, e a divisão do país como a única via para a liberdade, são narrados para que o leitor e o público geral possa discernir essa complexidade que gerou incompreensão, violência e morte atroz entre irmãos. No entanto, o objetivo é ver como esse período da guerra civil e suas causas são representadas pela literatura do país, por meio de autores que vivenciaram esses enfrentamentos e suas consequências. A seleção de textos literários, cartas e documentos do eu aqui analisados permite conhecer diversas micro histórias, seja dos próprios autores quanto de suas personagens fictícias, e sentir suas angústias, medos e sofrimentos, esperança e ideais, adentrando nos seus pensamentos.
Humanizar o animal, animalizar o humano: a formação do bestiário de Ana Paula Maia
Authors: Ribeiro Natália Lima
Published: September 2024

Ana Paula Maia's work establishes its relevance on the Brazilian literary scene by depicting marginalized men, be it because of their humble origins or because of the work they do. In addition to the violence and brutalization of their lives, animals appear in this literary universe as a part of the process of dehumanization and interrogation of what it truly means to be human. In Maia's literary world, the presence of animals confronts the humanity of those men and the animalization of human life. The proposed article will analyse how the animalization of men and the humanization of animals occur in the novels Entre rinha de cachorros e porcos abatidos (2009) and De gados e homens (2013). For the purpose of this essay, we bring up theoretical works on biopolitics and the issues motives of bare life by Giorgio Agamben (2002), the presence of the animal in literature by Maria Esther Maciel (2021) and the becoming-animal by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari (1997).
A feiticeira do Paranamiri e o gado fantasma da Serra do Valha-me-Deus: uma leitura de dois contos fantásticos de Inglês de Sousa
Authors: Queiroz José Francisco da Silva
Published: September 2024

Inglês de Sousa's fictional work is usually understood within the aesthetic parameters of Realism-Naturalism, which is coherent and productive when we discuss his novels. However, in his last book, Contos amazônicos (1893), some narratives subvert this supposed hermeneutic simplicity. Short stories such as “A feiticeira” and “O gado do Valha-me-Deus” diverge from historical or sociological representation, constituting a corpus of Brazilian fantastic narrative that has not been much explored, yet is full of aspects that dialogue with the discussions developed on the discursive elements that sustain the fantastic event in the plot of a story. When dealing with these short stories by Inglês de Sousa, we will use the concepts of “intrusion fantasy” and “portal-quest fantasy”, developed by Mendlesohn (2008), to approach the construction of the “narrated world” (Schmid, 2010) in which the fantastic events are revealed.
Perdões
Authors: Medeiros Vítor Gonçalves Queiroz de
Published: September 2024

Texto de criação literária.
Peregrinos
Authors: Marinho Francisca Olga
Published: September 2024

Creative writing.
Entrevista com o professor Júlio França
Authors: Machado Admarcio Rodrigues , Coradini Bruna Martins
Published: September 2024

Entrevista com a professor Júlio França, em que ele comenta aspectos importantes sobre o desenvolvimento das vertentes da literatura insólita no Brasil.
Efficacy and Safety of Catheter-Based Radiofrequency Renal Denervation in Chinese Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension: The Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Multi-Center Iberis-HTN Trial
Authors: Jiang Xiongjing , Mahfoud Felix , Li Wei , Dong Hui , Yu Jing , Yu Shuhua , Chen Xiaoping , Wang Peijian , Li Zhiqiang , Lauder Lucas , Wang Zhifang , Ji Zheng , Dong Yifei , Han Bing , Zhu Zhiming , Chen Yulin , Xu Jianzhong , Zhao Xingsheng , Fan Weidong , Xie Wen , Hubbard Brad , Hu Xi , Kario Kazuomi , Gao Runlin
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Renal denervation (RDN) can lower blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension in both the presence and absence of medication. This is a sham-controlled trial investigating the safety and efficacy of RDN in China.

METHODS:

This prospective, multicenter, randomized, patient- and outcome-assessor-blinded, sham-controlled trial investigated radiofrequency RDN in patients with hypertension on standardized triple antihypertensive therapy. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo RDN using a multi-electrode radiofrequency catheter (Iberis; Shanghai Angiocare Medical Technology, Shanghai, China) or a sham procedure. The primary efficacy outcome was the between-group difference in baseline-adjusted change in mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP from randomization to 6 months.

RESULTS:

Of 217 randomized patients (mean age, 45.3±10.2 years; 21% female), 107 were randomized to RDN and 110 were randomized to sham control. At 6 months, there was a greater reduction in 24-hour systolic BP in the RDN (−13.0±12.1 mm Hg) compared with the sham control group (−3.0±13.0 mm Hg; baseline-adjusted between-group difference, −9.4 mm Hg [95% CI, −12.8 to −5.9];
P
<0.001). Compared with sham, 24-hour diastolic BP was lowered by −5.0 mm Hg ([95% CI, −7.5 to −2.4];
P
<0.001) 6 months after RDN, and office systolic and diastolic BP was lowered by −6.4 mm Hg ([95% CI, −10.5 to −2.3];
P
=0.003) and −5.1 mm Hg ([95% CI, −8.2 to −2.0];
P
=0.001), respectively. One patient in the RDN group experienced an access site complication (hematoma), which resolved without sequelae. No other major device- or procedure-related safety events occurred through follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this trial of Chinese patients with uncontrolled hypertension on a standardized triple pharmacotherapy, RDN was safe and reduced ambulatory and office BP at 6 months compared with sham.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02901704.
Achieving Equity in Hypertension: A Review of Current Efforts by the American Heart Association
Authors: Hardy Shakia T. , Fontil Valy , Dillon Glenn H. , Shimbo Daichi
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this article is to summarize disparities in blood pressure (BP) by race in the United States, discuss evidence-based strategies to increase equity in BP, review recent American Heart Association BP equity initiatives, and highlight missed opportunities for achieving equity in hypertension. Over 122 million American adults have hypertension, with the highest prevalence among Black Americans. Racial disparities in hypertension and BP control in the United States are estimated to be the single largest contributor to the excess risk for cardiovascular disease among Black versus White adults. Worsening disparities in cardiovascular disease and life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic warrant an evaluation of the strategies and opportunities to increase equity in BP in the United States. Racial disparities in hypertension are largely driven by systemic inequities that limit access to quality education, economic opportunities, neighborhoods, and health care. To address these root causes, recent studies have evaluated evidence-based strategies, including community health workers, digital health interventions, team-based care, and mobile health care to enhance access to health education, screenings, and BP care in Black communities. In 2021, the American Heart Association made a $100 million pledge and 10 commitments to support health equity. This commitment included implementing multifaceted interventions with a focus on hypertension as a seminal risk factor contributing to disparities in cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity. The American Heart Association is one organizational example of advocacy for equity in BP. Achieving equity nationwide will require sustained collaboration among individual stakeholders and public, private, and community organizations to address barriers across multiple socioecological levels.
Sex Differences in Hypertension and Its Management Throughout Life
Authors: Yeo Wan-Jin , Abraham Rahul , Surapaneni Aditya L. , Schlosser Pascal , Ballew Shoshana H. , Ozkan Bige , Flaherty Carina M. , Yu Bing , Bonventre Joseph V. , Parikh Chirag R. , Kimmel Paul L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Coresh Josef , Grams Morgan E.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

The prevalence of hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension may differ by age and sex.

METHODS:

We included participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study at seven study visits over 33 years (visit 1: 15 636 participants; mean age, 54 years; 55% women), estimating sex differences in prevalence of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg; or self-reported antihypertension medication use) and uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) using unadjusted and comorbidity-adjusted models.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of hypertension increased with age from 40% (ages, 43–46 years) to 93% (ages, 91–94 years). Within hypertensive individuals, the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was higher in men (33%) than women (23%) at ages 43 to 46 years but became higher in women than men starting at ages 61 to 64, with 56% of women and 40% men having uncontrolled hypertension at ages 91 to 94. This sex difference was not explained by differences in coronary heart disease, diabetes, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, number of antihypertension medications, classes of medications, or adherence to medications. In both sexes, uncontrolled hypertension was associated with a higher risk for chronic kidney disease progression (hazard ratio, 1.5 [1.2–1.9];
P
=4.5×10
−4
), heart failure (hazard ratio, 1.6 [1.4–2.0];
P
=8.1×10
−7
), stroke (hazard ratio, 2.1 [1.6–2.8];
P
=1.8×10
−8
), and mortality (hazard ratio, 1.5 [1.3–1.6];
P
=6.2×10
−19
).

CONCLUSIONS:

Sex differences in the prevalence of hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension vary by age, with the latter having implications for health throughout the life course.
Is Clot Composition Associated With Cause of Stroke? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sujijantarat Nanthiya , Templeton Kelsey A. , Antonios Joseph P. , Renedo Daniela , Koo Andrew B. , Haynes Joseph O. , Fathima Bushra , Amllay Abdelaziz , Nowicki Kamil , Huttner Anita , Giles James A. , Navaratnam Dhasakumar , Sansing Lauren H. , Hebert Ryan M. , King Joseph T. , Matouk Charles C.
Published: September 2024

Background

Prior studies have suggested an association between clot histological composition and cause of stroke. However, the results have been conflicting. Our objective is to provide an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association between clot histological composition and cause of stroke for patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

We searched Cochrane Library, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for English language articles reporting clot histology in adult patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke between January 2000 and March 2024. Studies included reported on the association between causes of clots and the quantity of red blood cells and fibrin and/or platelets. Random effects meta‐analysis was used.

Results

A total of 448 records were identified. Of these, 25 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 17 contained data in a format suitable for quantitative review. A total of 1656 patients had continuous data on clot composition and its association with cause of stroke. The pooled mean percentage difference between the cardioembolic group and the large artery atherosclerosis /noncardioembolic group was −10.3% (95% CI −16.3% to −4.4%) for red blood cells and +9.9% (95% CI +4.5% to +15.4%) for fibrin and/or platelets. Only 7 studies reported on overall white blood cells quantity. Of these, the pooled percentage difference of white blood cells between the cardioembolic group and the large artery atherosclerosis/non‐cardioembolic group was +1.1% (95% CI +0.3% to +1.9%).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that cardioembolic clots have higher fibrin and/or platelets and lower red blood cells compared with large artery atherosclerosis/noncardioembolic clots. However, these differences are unlikely to be of clinical utility in differentiating cause of stroke. Future studies would benefit from more rigorous analysis of clot constituents beyond cellular composition.
The strain on scientific publishing
Authors: Hanson Mark A. , Barreiro Pablo Gómez , Crosetto Paolo , Brockington Dan
Published: September 2024

Scientists are increasingly overwhelmed by the volume of articles being published. The total number of articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science has grown exponentially in recent years; in 2022 the article total was ∼47% higher than in 2016, which has outpaced the limited growth—if any—in the number of practicing scientists. Thus, publication workload per scientist has increased dramatically. We define this problem as “the strain on scientific publishing.” To analyze this strain, we present five data-driven metrics showing publisher growth, processing times, and citation behaviors. We draw these data from web scrapes, and from publishers through their websites or upon request. Specific groups have disproportionately grown in their articles published per year, contributing to this strain. Some publishers enabled this growth by hosting “special issues” with reduced turnaround times. Given pressures on researchers to “publish or perish” to compete for funding, this strain was likely amplified by these offers to publish more articles. We also observed widespread year-over-year inflation of journal impact factors coinciding with this strain, which risks confusing quality signals. Such exponential growth cannot be sustained. The metrics we define here should enable this evolving conversation to reach actionable solutions to address the strain on scientific publishing.
ARN: Analogical Reasoning on Narratives
Authors: Sourati Zhivar , Ilievski Filip , Sommerauer Pia , Jiang Yifan
Published: September 2024

As a core cognitive skill that enables the transferability of information across domains, analogical reasoning has been extensively studied for both humans and computational models. However, while cognitive theories of analogy often focus on narratives and study the distinction between surface, relational, and system similarities, existing work in natural language processing has a narrower focus as far as relational analogies between word pairs. This gap brings a natural question: can state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs) detect system analogies between narratives? To gain insight into this question and extend word-based relational analogies to relational system analogies, we devise a comprehensive computational framework that operationalizes dominant theories of analogy, using narrative elements to create surface and system mappings. Leveraging the interplay between these mappings, we create a binary task and benchmark for Analogical Reasoning on Narratives (ARN), covering four categories of far (cross-domain)/near (within-domain) analogies and disanalogies. We show that while all LLMs can largely recognize near analogies, even the largest ones struggle with far analogies in a zero-shot setting, with GPT4.0 scoring below random. Guiding the models through solved examples and Chain-of-Thought reasoning enhances their analogical reasoning ability. Yet, since even in the few-shot setting, the best model only performs halfway between random and humans, ARN opens exciting directions for computational analogical reasoners.
Satisfaction with Healthcare Services Among rae Community
Authors: Qelaj Erikene , Alidema Fitim , Fejz Hajrullah
Published: September 2024

Most members of all three communities often live on the margins of society, with high levels of unemployment and low levels of education. Aim – To assess the experiences and satisfaction of the rae community with the health services. Methodology – The research was in the period March – June 2023. The criteria for inclusion were clear and based on this, 120 participants were selected. Results – The participants were treated with respect (80%), they did not feel treated differently from others (78%), there were no obstacles in communication (70%), there were no delays in receiving services (80%) and did not feel discriminated or prejudiced (88%). The 90% of them graded healthcare services as 5 on a scale of 1–5. Conclusions – We can conclude that most of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the health services they received, which was the main goal of our research.
Finding Common Ground: the Right to Be Free from Incitement to Discrimination, Hostility, and Violence in the Digital Age
Authors: Dias Talita
Published: September 2024

Atrocities do not happen in a vacuum and incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence is one of their main drivers – offline and now online. But states continue to disagree about how to deal with inciting speech. Under international law, there is much debate about whether obligations to prohibit incitement, such as the one found in Article 20(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, applies universally to all states. This article finds common ground in the overlooked human right to be free from incitement to discrimination, reflected in Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and binding on all states under customary international law. It gives rise to common but differentiated responsibilities to refrain from and protect individuals and groups from different forms of incitement. In the digital age, this right can be protected by a range of online content governance measures that this article explores.
Two new Planothidium (Achnanthidiaceae, Bacillariophyceae) species with a sinus from the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Authors: TSEPLIK NATALIA , MALTSEV YEVHEN , GLUSHCHENKO ANTON , GENKAL SERGEY , KULIKOVSKIY MAXIM
Published: September 2024

Two new species from the genus Planothidium are described from the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, based on morphological and molecular analysis: Planothidium piipii and P. novograblenovii. The new species are characterised by a horseshoe-shaped structure in the form of a sinus on the rapheless valve. Comparison with closely related species is provided; the new species are distinguished by various traits, including valve outline and dimensions, striation patterns, and sinus shape. According to molecular data, strains of the new species form a subclade within a clade that includes species of the Planothidium lanceolatum complex.
Revealing the true taxonomic status of Catasetum joaquinianum (Orchidaceae: Catasetinae)
Authors: KRAHL DAYSE R. P. , OLIVEIRA MIGUEL S. DE , SCHMAL PHILIPPE , CHIRON GUY , KRAHL AMAURI H. , SILVA JOÃO B. F. DA , CANTUÁRIA PATRICK DE C.
Published: September 2024

The genus Catasetum stands out by its elevated number of registered natural hybrids. Many of them have been described as new species and there is a need of revision. Thus, we propose in this study a change in the taxonomic status of Catasetum joaquinianum: we suggest it as a natural hybrid, based on the comparison of its holotype and protologue with various plants resulting from the artificial hybridization of C. fimbriatum and C. hookeri. We provide a brief taxonomic description, as well as data related to the analysis of the original material, geographic distribution and phenology in order to confirm it as a nothospecies. Finally, we discuss the shared flower visitors of C. fimbriatum and C. hookeri as an evidence for a possible natural hybridization between these species.
The morphological diversity of Mymaridae (Hymenoptera): an atlas of scanning electron micrographs. Part 3. Structure of the metasoma
Authors: HUBER JOHN T. , BOLTE KLAUS , READ JENNIFER D.
Published: September 2024

This is the third in a series of studies that aim to provide an overview of the morphological diversity of Mymaridae (Hymenoptera) or fairyflies, a monophyletic family of small parasitic wasps postulated as the sister group of all other Chalcidoidea. The external morphology of the metasoma of about half of the 115 currently valid described genera and subgenera is described and illustrated with about 460 scanning electron micrographs. Fifteen annotated figures of external metasoma structures and the male genitalia are included. The names of the 75 genera and subgenera illustrated, at least in part, are tabulated. An appendix lists the 23 acronyms used for morphological terms. The variety of characters and their features that could be used to help define morphologically the genera, and possibly also the species, of Mymaridae is briefly discussed.
Selective Catalysis of Biobased Materials to Adjustable Products via Metal Doped Photocatalyst
Authors: Shao Jingjing , Chen Yubao , Zhang Heqing , Chu Sheng , Zhang Huiyan
Published: September 2024

Solar-driven transformation of biomass and its derivatives has attracted tremendous attention in replacing fossil sources to generate chemicals. Developing high-performance photocatalysts for selective conversion of bio-platform molecules remains a great challenge. Herein, metal-doped
photocatalyst was designed for the selective catalysis of biomass derivatives, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was efficiently and controllably converted to 2,5-dicarboxylic furan (DFF) or 5-formyl furantocarboxylic acid (FFCA). In the neutral solution, 64% HMF was converted within 12 h and
mainly produced DFF with the selectivity of 74–82%. In 0.5 M Na2CO3 aqueous solution, 30% HMF was converted within 2 h and mainly produced FFCA with the selectivity of 69%. The characterization and photoelectrochemical measurement of photocatalyst showed that the
modified material had higher carrier transmission efficiency and better visible light response. The mechanism analysis showed that the photogenerated h+ was the main active specie of the FeOOH/MP, and the introduction of FeOOH inhibited the formation of ˙OH in aqueous solution
to realize the highly selective conversion process.
Clustering-Based Spatial Interpolation of Parametric Postprocessing Models
Authors: Baran Sándor , Lakatos Mária
Published: September 2024

Since the start of the operational use of ensemble prediction systems, ensemble-based probabilistic forecasting has become the most advanced approach in weather prediction. However, despite the persistent development of the last three decades, ensemble forecasts still often suffer from the lack of calibration and might exhibit systematic bias, which calls for some form of statistical postprocessing. Nowadays, one can choose from a large variety of postprocessing approaches, where parametric methods provide full predictive distributions of the investigated weather quantity. Parameter estimation in these models is based on training data consisting of past forecast-observation pairs; thus, postprocessed forecasts are usually available only at those locations where training data are accessible. We propose a general clustering-based interpolation technique of extending calibrated predictive distributions from observation stations to any location in the ensemble domain where there are ensemble forecasts at hand. Focusing on the ensemble model output statistics (EMOS) postprocessing technique, in a case study based on 10-m wind speed ensemble forecasts of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, we demonstrate the predictive performance of various versions of the suggested method and show its superiority over the regionally estimated and interpolated EMOS models and the raw ensemble forecasts as well.
Identity regulation and aesthetic control: The affordances and restraints of uniforms in service work
Authors: Vonk Laura
Published: September 2024

This article contributes to the literatures on work identity regulation and aesthetic labor by discussing how organizational aesthetic guidelines and control have effects that go beyond appearances. Two contrasting case studies of uniforms within the service sector illustrate that – due to the (material) affordances and restraints of uniforms, their agency within client–worker interactions, and to their capacity to redefine workers’ perceptions of their interests – uniforms have the potential to regulate work identities and to mediate harassment and aggression at work. In line with performative and processual views on identity, the empirical material indicates that what uniforms do is not simply imposed by employers in a top–down manner. Rather, how uniforms shape work identities is situational, contingent, and dependent on other human and non-human actors within interactions. Employee aesthetics are thus not only an objective, but also a means of organizational control.
Specialized short term crisis intervention for patients with personality disorder: Effects on coercion and length of stay
Authors: Dinsenbacher Lisa L. , Imfeld Lukas , Helfenstein Fabrice , Moeller Julian , Lang Undine E. , Huber Christian G.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Acute crises in patients with personality disorders (PD) are often accompanied by suicidal and self-harming behavior. Their management is challenging, as both coercive measures and prolonged inpatient-treatment are known to be counterproductive. Only in crises that cannot be controlled by outpatient means, inpatient treatment is to be taken into account. This treatment should be time-limited and not involve coercion.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to assess if the introduction of a specialized crisis intervention track is associated with a reduction of coercive measures as well as a shorter in-hospital stay in PD patients.

Methods:

In this 8-year, hospital-wide, longitudinal, observational study, we investigated the frequency of coercive measures and the median length of in-hospital stay in 1,752 inpatient-cases with PD admitted to the Adult Psychiatry, UPK, Basel, Switzerland, between 01.01.2012 and 31.12.2019. By means of an interrupted-time-series analysis, we compared the period before and after the implementation of a specialized crisis intervention track for PD patients.

Results:

Our data show a significant decrease in the median length of in-hospital stay and no significant reduction in the incidence rate of coercion among PD patients after the intervention. The latter is likely due to a floor effect, since there was a significant decrease in coercive measures over the entire observation period, already reaching very low rates before the intervention.

Conclusions:

Our study underlines the clinical importance of specialized short-term crisis management in PD, which comes along with shorter lengths of in-hospital stays and a stable low rate of coercive measure.
Supporting movement and physical activity in people with psychosis: A qualitative exploration of the carer perspective
Authors: Diamond Rowan , Waite Felicity , Boylan Anne-Marie , Hicks Alice , Kabir Thomas , Shiers David , Freeman Daniel
Published: September 2024

Background:

The need to increase exercise and decrease sedentary behaviour in people diagnosed with psychosis is well-recognised.

Aims:

We set out to explore caregivers’ perspectives on what supports and prevents physical activity, and how to use carers’ support most effectively.

Method:

Fourteen caregivers of people diagnosed with psychosis were interviewed. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, in collaboration with caregivers.

Results:

Four themes were developed, the first flagging the importance of physical activity, then the others calling for action: (a) Physical inactivity matters: carers are keen to support efforts to increase physical activity in their family or friends because of the enormous impact physical inactivity has on patients, and consequently on carers themselves, such as social isolation and reduction in their own activity. (b) Tell us: without being well-informed about how to help, carers can feel like they are powerless to stop a ‘slow suicide’ or ‘decline’ in patients. (c) Listen to us: through knowing their family and friends well, carers are able to identify important changes in patients and identify successful motivators for them, but these insights can feel uninvited. (d) Ask us: being invited to support activity as a partner in a patients’ care is desirable but having offers of help rejected can “demotivate the motivator.”

Conclusions:

Caregivers described strong motivation to help patients to be more physically active but can feel that their support is overlooked and under-used by services. Clinical recommendations for carer involvement in physical activity interventions are offered.
In the Realm of Uncertainty: Quantum Thinking Promotes Tolerance for Ambiguity
Authors: Wang Renqiang , Li Heng
Published: September 2024

According to the principles of quantum mechanics, individuals are unable to accurately predict the precise outcome of a measurement or observation. Despite the significant impact of quantum thinking on science, there is a lack of understanding regarding the psychological consequences associated with adopting such a mindset. This research investigates how engaging in quantum thinking, which accepts the universe’s inherent complexities and uncertainties, influences one’s tolerance for ambiguity. To test our hypothesis, we conducted three complementary studies involving diverse populations (students and community adults), multiple measures of tolerance of ambiguity (self-report data and behavioral indicators), and different priming procedures (text reading and sentence scrambling tasks). Study 1 demonstrated that university students exposed to quantum thinking principles exhibited greater tolerance for ambiguity within an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) setting. Moving beyond the educational setting, Study 2 corroborated these observations by evaluating an individual’s ease with uncertainty and unpredictability across different everyday scenarios. Addressing potential self-report biases, Study 3 incorporated a behavioral measure to objectively validate the observed effect. Together, these findings suggest that the thinking mindset prevalent in physics significantly impacts individuals’ cognitive flexibility and behavior, highlighting the broad relevance of quantum thinking beyond its scientific origins.
Nursing Home Certificate of Need Moratoria During the COVID-19 Pandemic Had Little Impact on Access
Authors: Yu Anthony , Whaley Christopher
Published: September 2024

In over half of US states, health planning boards monitor and control the supply of health care through certificate of need (CON) laws. The COVID-19 pandemic led several states to impose moratoria on CON regulations, hoping to bolster hospital and skilled nursing facility (SNF) beds. Using a difference-in-difference research design, we leverage 2015 to 2021 cost report data from SNFs to study the association between COVID-related CON moratoria and health care supply. Counties that imposed moratoria experienced a slight decline in per-capita SNF bed count. However, once adjusted for potential differential shocks in pre-pandemic high utilization counties, we find little evidence that moratoria led to increased nursing home capacity, overall or by urbanicity. In the context of nursing homes, we conclude that CON deregulation was relatively ineffective at mitigating pandemic-era supply concerns.
Categorizing the Complexity: A Scoping Review of Structures Within Organizations
Authors: Watson Maximilian K. , Winchester Christopher C. , Luciano Margaret M. , Humphrey Stephen E.
Published: September 2024

Structures involve a patterned regularity of interactions and frameworks that guide what individuals work on, with whom, and who influences those decisions. A deeper understanding of structures that exist within organizations has begun to emerge and illuminate new forms of structures (over 100 of them) that drive behavior in organizations. In this scoping review, we organize the fragmented insights on structure within organizations into a unifying framework that provides a coherent foundation for the domain by identifying nine topic domains and offering a summary of each (i.e., authority structures, cognitive structures, communication structures, coordination structures, leadership structures, motivational structures, social structures, task structures, and temporal structures). Next, as multiple structures co-occur within organizations, we explore the connections across topic domains, including their combinations. Understanding the separate topic domains and their combinations enables researchers and practitioners to understand why employee behaviors are inconsistent with the behaviors endorsed by a particular structure and better navigate the inherent complexity of structures within organizations. Finally, we outline implications for future work featuring structure combinations as well as emergent areas from the topic domains, such as the potential for change. Given the ubiquity of structures in organizations and their links with a variety of theoretical domains, this article’s implications have the potential to benefit a wide range of scholars and managers.
The impact performance of density-graded polyurea elastomeric foams
Authors: Youssef George , Smeets Mark , Koohbor Behrad
Published: September 2024

The overarching goal in sports gears to achieve higher levels of impact protection without an increased weight penalty motivated the pursuit of density gradation in cellular solids. The research reported herein studied the impact performance of density-graded polyurea elastomeric foams, including different gradation and interfacing strategies. The latter leveraged the natural adhesion properties of polyurea foam slurry to sequentially assemble graded structures with seamless interfaces. Moreover, conventional discretely graded polyurea foam structures were manufactured using bulk polyurea adhesive by individually bonding pre-fabricated sheets. Six density-graded foam configurations were characterized, including bi- and tri-layered foams with naturally bonded or adhered interfaces. Additionally, standard mono-density polyurea and another benchmark foams were tested as controls. Extracted samples were submitted to impact loading using an instrumented drop weight tower. The impact efficacy of the foams was analyzed using three dynamic performance metrics (DPMs), including the specific energy absorptivity (SEA), absorption efficiency, and local buckling-induced undulation, based on the averaged stress-strain response. The mono-density polyurea foam reported the largest SEA, outperforming all density-graded foam configurations. The limited density gradation is attributed to the inferior performance of graded structures. A brief biomechanics case study is presented to assess the potential interrelationship between the investigated foam structures and the head injury criterion (HIC), showing the superior performance of adhered trilayer polyurea foams. Finally, the average stress-strain responses were fitted using an empirical model, elucidating the effect of strain rates and base materials on their overall impact behavior.
Retrofit: Aerial cable cars and the reengineering of urban peripheries
Authors: Pérez Fernández Federico
Published: September 2024

Aerial cable car construction has boomed across Latin America’s urban edges. The reinvented gondola lift has circulated as a prototype to remake the city’s peripheries from the inside out. Drawing on ethnographic research on the construction of a first urban cable car line in Bogotá, Colombia, I conceptualize cable car urbanism as a form of socio-technical, political, and aesthetic retrofit. As an emergent interface for material and epistemic practices, the urban gondola lift embodies a logic of governance based on the continual adjustment of and tinkering with existing socio-spatial realities. At the same time, it constitutes a platform for ongoing reinvention and reconfiguration from below. Tracking this interplay between official engineering and grounded autoconstruction critically illuminates the limits and promise of the politics of infrastructural retrofitting.
A few-shot learning framework for the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis using knee X-ray images
Authors: Xie Hua , Gu Chenqi , Zhang Wenchao , Zhu Jiacheng , He Jin , Huang Zhou , Zhu Jinzhou , Xu Zhonghua
Published: September 2024

Objective

We developed a few-shot learning (FSL) framework for the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis in knee X-ray images.

Methods

Computer vision models containing deep convolutional neural networks were fine-tuned to enable generalization from natural images (ImageNet) to chest X-ray images (normal vs. pneumonia, base images). Then, a series of automated machine learning classifiers based on the Euclidean distances of base images were developed to make predictions for novel images (normal vs. osteopenia vs. osteoporosis). The performance of the FSL framework was compared with that of junior and senior radiologists. In addition, the gradient-weighted class activation mapping algorithm was used for visual interpretation.

Results

In Cohort #1, the mean accuracy (0.728) and sensitivity (0.774) of the FSL models were higher than those of the radiologists (0.512 and 0.448). A diagnostic pipeline of FSL model (first)–radiologists (second) achieved better performance (0.653 accuracy, 0.582 sensitivity, and 0.816 specificity) than radiologists alone. In Cohort #2, the diagnostic pipeline also showed improved performance.

Conclusions

The FSL framework yielded practical performance with respect to the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis in comparison with radiologists. This retrospective study supports the use of promising FSL methods in computer-aided diagnosis tasks involving limited samples.
Debate as a Pedagogical Tool for Pluralist Economics Education
Authors: He Zengping
Published: September 2024

Pluralist economics education aims to liberate students from the worship of mainstream economics and develop their ability to think critically from the perspective of pluralist economic theories. This study introduces class debate as a pedagogical tool for pluralist economics education in a course on the history of economic thought. The results show that the debates made students more supportive of economic pluralism. According to students’ self-assessments, the debates improved their understanding of pluralist economic theories and real-world issues, motivated their active thinking, and encouraged them to compare different economic theories. Class debates are a worthwhile pedagogical method for promoting economic pluralism.

JEL Classification: A2, B0, B5
Art of leadership and science of implementation for sustainable impact of organizational model of care
Authors: Fu Kaiyan , Tam Lee Sarah
Published: September 2024

Necessitated by the healthcare crisis and exacerbated by the pandemic, and building on model of care experimentation over the last decade, SE Health executed on an organizational change to bring the innovative model to life. This model is titled H.O.P.E. MODEL™ of Care—Home, Opportunity, People, Empowerment. The innovation in model of care design and implementation is guided by the Integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARiHS) framework. Our journey highlights the art of leadership and science of implementation for sustainable impact on care excellence and health system transformation. This implementation experience has also generated the following insights: reinforce the foundation, operationalizing practice, what gets measured gets done, technology enabling practice, and all roads lead to H.O.P.E.
Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease With Botulinum Toxin A: A 12 week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Wei Ming , Wang Lijun , Tong Qiang , Yang Xiu , Han Qiu
Published: September 2024

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) on neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.

Methods

A total of 125 PD patients and an equal number of age- and gender-matched healthy controls were involved. Mental health status was assessed using the Cornell Medical Index (CMI) self-assessment questionnaire. Sixty-four PD patients exhibiting neuropsychiatric symptoms were selected for the controlled study and randomly grouped into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received BoNT/A injections, while the control group received a placebo. The primary outcome measures included depression scores from the CMI and the proportion of patients displaying improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms at 8 weeks post-treatment. The secondary outcome was other CMI scores at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment.

Results

The outcomes revealed that PD patients had significantly higher scores in various neuropsychiatric factors compared to healthy controls. At 4 weeks post-treatment, the treatment group displayed improvements in depression and tension. At 8 weeks post-treatment, they exhibited significant reductions in depression, anxiety, sensitivity, and tension compared to the control group. Moreover, a notably higher percentage of patients in the treatment group showed improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms compared to the control group. At 12 weeks post-treatment, the treatment group exhibited significant improvements in somatization, depression, sensitivity, and tension.

Conclusion

PD patients commonly experience multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms, and BoNT/A has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating these symptoms. Specifically, BoNT/A was found to effectively alleviate somatization, tension, anxiety, depression, and sensitivity in PD patients.