bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CryoVesNet: A dedicated framework for synaptic vesicle segmentation in cryo-electron tomograms
Authors: Khosrozadeh Amin , Seeger Raphaela , Witz Guillaume , Radecke Julika , Sørensen Jakob B. , Zuber Benoît
Published: October 2024

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) has the potential to reveal cell structure down to atomic resolution. Nevertheless, cellular cryo-ET data is highly complex, requiring image segmentation for visualization and quantification of subcellular structures. Due to noise and anisotropic resolution in cryo-ET data, automatic segmentation based on classical computer vision approaches usually does not perform satisfactorily. Communication between neurons relies on neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicle (SV) exocytosis. Cryo-ET study of the spatial organization of SVs and their interconnections allows a better understanding of the mechanisms of exocytosis regulation. Accurate SV segmentation is a prerequisite to obtaining a faithful connectivity representation. Hundreds of SVs are present in a synapse, and their manual segmentation is a bottleneck. We addressed this by designing a workflow consisting of a convolutional network followed by post-processing steps. Alongside, we provide an interactive tool for accurately segmenting spherical vesicles. Our pipeline can in principle segment spherical vesicles in any cell type as well as extracellular and in vitro spherical vesicles.
Deep learning-enhanced atomic norm minimization for DOA estimation of coherent and incoherent sources using coprime array
Authors: Song Jing , Zhao Zongmin , Yang Kehu , Cao Lin , Wang Dongfeng , Fu Chong
Published: October 2024

In the field of array signal processing, accurate direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is crucial for handling both coherent and incoherent mixed signal sources. This paper proposes a deep learning-enhanced atomic norm minimization (DLEANM) algorithm, designed to improve DOA estimation for coprime arrays. The algorithm first models the mixed signal scenarios realistically and employs interpolation to transform coprime arrays into virtual uniform linear arrays, which facilitates the formulation of the atomic norm minimization problem. Solving this problem reconstructs an augmented Hermitian Toeplitz covariance matrix. To further enhance the accuracy of DOA estimation, we developed a multi-scale convolutional neural network with an attention mechanism, which uses the covariance matrix as input to better capture signal variations across different frequencies and spatial distributions. By processing multi-scale inputs in parallel, the model improves adaptability and robustness in estimating mixed signal sources. Simulation results show that, under equivalent SNR and snapshot conditions, the DLEANM algorithm achieves lower estimation errors, more accurate multi-target DOA estimation, and relatively faster computation speed compared to conventional methods. Field experiments further confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Therefore, after training, the algorithm is able to accurately identify the directions of unknown signals received by sensor arrays.
ALTP heat flux sensor: the compensation of the ordinary Seebeck effect through a new structure
Authors: Xie Tian , Tao Bowan , Zhao Ruipeng , Chen Xi , Yang Kai , Li Zhenzhe , Zhao Mingyuan
Published: October 2024

This technical note highlights the detrimental impact of the ordinary Seebeck effect (SE) on the accuracy of atomic layer thermopile (ALTP) heat flux sensors and presents an innovative structural design and correction approach. ALTP sensors are based on the Transverse Seebeck effect (TSE), linking their output directly to the temperature difference (ΔTz
) across the sensor’s sensitive film layers. Experimental analysis reveals that a temperature gradient (ΔTx
) along the film’s tilt direction, via the SE, introduces a bias voltage, causing a substantial maximum relative error of 56.4% in measurements. To counteract this issue, we introduce a novel structural configuration and correction strategy, effectively reducing the relative error to 4.1%, and thereby significantly enhancing the precision of ALTP heat flux sensors.
Investigation of scatter energy window width and count levels for deep learning-based attenuation map estimation in cardiac SPECT/CT imaging
Authors: Chen Yuan , Pretorius P Hendrik , Yang Yongyi , King Michael A , Lindsay Clifford
Published: October 2024

Objective. Deep learning (DL) is becoming increasingly important in generating attenuation maps for accurate attenuation correction (AC) in cardiac perfusion SPECT imaging. Typically, DL models take inputs from initial reconstructed SPECT images, which are performed on the photopeak window and often also on scatter windows. While prior studies have demonstrated improvements in DL performance when scatter window images are incorporated into the DL input, the comprehensive analysis of the impact of employing different scatter windows remains unassessed. Additionally, existing research mainly focuses on applying DL to SPECT scans obtained at clinical standard count levels. This study aimed to assess utilities of DL from two aspects: (1) investigating the impact when different scatter windows were used as input to DL, and (2) evaluating the performance of DL when applied on SPECT scans acquired at a reduced count level. Approach. We utilized 1517 subjects, with 386 subjects for testing and the remaining 1131 for training and validation. Main results. The results showed that as scatter window width increased from 4% to 30%, a slight improvement was observed in DL estimated attenuation maps. The application of DL models to quarter-count (¼-count) SPECT scans, compared to full-count scans, showed a slight reduction in performance. Nonetheless, discrepancies across different scatter window configurations and between count levels were minimal, with all normalized mean square error (NMSE) values remaining within 2.1% when comparing the different DL attenuation maps to the reference CT maps. For attenuation corrected SPECT slices using DL estimated maps, NMSE values were within 0.5% when compared to CT correction. Significance. This study, leveraging an extensive clinical dataset, showed that the performance of DL seemed to be consistent across the use of varied scatter window settings. Moreover, our investigation into reduced count studies indicated that DL could provide accurate AC even at a ¼-count level.
The first CICC-type Bi-2212 insert coil for high-field applications up to 20 T
Authors: Zhang Zhenchuang , Fang Zhen , Zhou Mengliang , Yang Dongsheng , Yu Min , Jin Huan , Zhu Huajin , Chi Zhenhua , Hao Qingbin , Li Chengshan , Li Jianfeng , Zhou Haishan , Liu Fang , Chen Wenge , Zhou Chao , Li Jiangang , Qin Jinggang
Published: October 2024

As the need for high-magnetic field magnets, this article made the first cable-in-conduit conductor (CICC) -type Bi-2212 insert coil. The Bi-2212 conductor consists of 24 wires, an Ag tube, and a 316 LN jacket. With the optimized heat-treatment regime, the insert coil exhibited excellent current-carrying capacity under magnetic fields up to 20 T: the Ic
of the coil was up to 5.4 kA under 20 T backfield. With the ‘Pre-OP before cabling’ process, the void fraction was precisely controlled. Besides, the insert coil exhibits excellent stability with the electromagnetic loads and quenching process: no obvious change in performance was detected even when the electromagnetic loads increased to 101 kN m−1; after the quench event where the voltage on the insert coil was up to ∼4000 times criterion, no degradation was detected. The excellent performance of the Bi-2212 insert coil gives a solid foundation for the development of full-size Bi-2212 CICC for high-field applications.
Legality and land status origin in sustainable oil palm management: A case study of traceability in West Kalimantan supply chains amid EU Deforestation Regulations
Authors: Kwatrina R T , Santosa Y , Purnamasari I
Published: October 2024

One of the requirements for sustainable palm oil management is the legality of the origin of the land status. This is also very strategic amid the enactment of the European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation, which prohibits products from deforestation from entering the European market. As part of a Palm Oil Mill (POM) supply chain, it is crucial to trace the origin/history of oil palm plantations that sourced Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), one of which is in West Kalimantan. Literature studies and interpretations of Landsat images per year were conducted to obtain information on the origin of land status, land use history, and land cover development of the plantations sourcing the FFB. We found that the land status of POM and all its FFB suppliers is 100% classified as Other Land Uses. The previous land uses of the plantations were 100% community plantations with land covers dominated by tall shrubs. This is consistent with the interpretation of the Landsat imagery. Traceability of the land use history of the large private holdings supplying FFB to POM indicated that 100% of the area was formerly community plantations and were no longer primary forests. These findings provide evidence for the sustainable certification of palm oil by showing that the land utilized for oil palm plants did not contribute to deforestation.
History of land status and land use of large-scale oil palm plantations of PT PKWE and PT NTYE in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Authors: Manar P A , Nurlidha F A H , Zuhud E A M
Published: October 2024

Palm oil is a plantation commodity with considerable economic importance in Indonesia. In West Kalimantan, PT PKWE and PT NTYE are establishing large-scale oil palm farms. This study aim to determine the history of the state and land usage of large-scale oil palm plantations owned by PT PKWE and PT NTYE in West Kalimantan. According to the 1982 forest agreement use map, PT PKWE’s oil palm plantation land is an area for other uses (APL) and convertible production forest (HPK), while PT NTYE’s property is APL, restricted production forest (HPT), and HPK. The land status of the two enterprises is based on the 2014 forest area map, and the West Kalimantan RTRWP comes from APL. In 2005, PT PKWE and PT NTYE obtained Plantation Business Permits (IUP) covering an area of 3,716.91 ha and 4,504.31 ha respectively. The two enterprises received a certificate of cultivation rights (HGU) in 2015. The land used by PT PKWE and PT NTYE was previously used as a field for the neighboring population, with cover of young shrubs and bushes and open field. According to this, the existence of oil palm plantations impacts the return of land cover from bushes and open field to vegetated land.
History of Origin Status and Land Use of Oil Palm Plantations in West Kalimantan Province
Authors: Masyithoh G , Nurjannah S
Published: October 2024

Palm oil is a commodity that has economic value. This encourages the further development of oil palm plantations in Indonesia. However, this has led to the emergence of lawsuits and accusations that oil palm plantations are one of the causes of deforestation in Indonesia. Previous research shows that oil palm plantations in Indonesia are built on various types of land cover, not just forest areas. Therefore, it is important to identify the historical origins of land use in oil palm plantations to prove these claims and accusations. The research was conducted on two large oil palm plantations located in West Kalimantan Province using literature search methods, interviews, landsat image interpretation, and overlay analysis of plantation area maps with TGHK maps and West Kalimantan RTRWP maps. Research results based on an investigation into the Decree of the Minister of Forestry and RTRW of West Kalimantan show that the oil palm plantation business permits and HGU certificates issued by PT KGP as well as the status of PT CNG’s land are no longer forest areas. The results of the interviews showed that the land used by PT KGP and PT CNP was land that was originally used by the community for shifting cultivation. Leftover land or former shifting cultivation usually becomes weeds after being abandoned. These results are in accordance with the interpretation of Landsat imagery which shows that the land cover before conversion at PT KGP and PT CNG consisted of old shrubs, young shrubs, bushes and open land.
Tracing the history of land status and land use in two private oil palm plantation in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia
Authors: Wulandari D P , Zuhud E A M , Sudradjat
Published: October 2024

Some groups criticize oil palms for their impact on deforestation and environmental change, which has led to public polemics. This study aims to identify the history of land status, land use, and land cover type before conversion to private oil palm plantations, as well as the scientific evidence to counter negative accusations of deforestation. The research was conducted in two private oil palm plantations in South Sumatra Province. Data were collected through literature, interviews, and overlay of plantation area maps with maps of TGHK, RTRWP, South Sumatra Forest Area, and landsat imagery. The results showed that the origin of the land status of the two private oil palm plantations was other land use areas, namely PT BSM (594.13 ha) and PT GTA (5,034.67 ha). The initial land cover type of both plantations (100%) was not forest at the time the plantations were established but community land with a previous history of use, namely agricultural land/gardens. Based on tracing, this result is consistent with landsat imagery, which shows that the land cover type one year before conversion was mostly scrubs (99%), while the rest was open land (1%). This study verified that the two oil palm plantations were not deforested.
PT. PMI oil palm plantations origin and land status history in Riau Province
Authors: Fatrawana A , Nurjannah S
Published: October 2024

Oil palm plantations area in Indonesia are continue to increase. Because oil palm is considered a crop that suitable in tropical areas and has high economic value. PT. PMI is one of the large oil palm plantations in Riau Province. The purpose of this study is to analyze the origin and land status history of PT. PMI oil palm plantations in Riau. This research was conducted in 2016 at PT. PMI oil palm plantations in Riau. Interviews with plantation owners, literature review, landsat image interpretation, overlay analysis of oil palm plantations area maps; forest use agreement maps; and Riau Province spatial plan maps, also ground checking were used to collect the research data. The results showed that according to local community PT. PMI plantation area was originally unused ex-transmigrant land. PT. PMI obtain plantation business permit in 1996 and start planting oil palm in 1997. The land was used as community fields and dry land farming according to land use history and according to overlay analysis their land is Convertible production forest and other use area. 3 year before business permit obtained, PT. PMI dominated by secondary forest (83.37%) and the rest was shrubs (16.63%).
What is feminist philosophy?
Authors: Jenkins Katharine
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces the notion of feminist philosophy. It starts with the history of feminist philosophy, while also clarifying that defining feminist philosophy in terms of tradition is unpromising as it is not continuous or unified enough. The chapter proposes an understanding of feminist philosophy as philosophy done in the service of feminist aims, where feminism is a movement to resist sexist oppression. This definition of feminism directs attention towards the world and the pursuit of positive change. Understood this way, feminist philosophy is inherently political since it requires taking a stance on what should and should not be considered as part of the struggle to end sexist oppression.
What is a feminist issue?
Authors: Jenkins Katharine
Published: October 2024

This chapter challenges the public/private dichotomy by considering issues that are already seen as political but which have gendered dimensions that are often overlooked. It asks what it means for something to be a feminist issue, and takes up Karen Warren’s suggestion that this can be understood as any issue that contributes in some way to understanding the oppression of women. Issues that are considered in a feminist light include economic justice, work, political protest, global solidarity, migration, and environmental crisis. The chapter shows in each case how feminist philosophers have challenged mainstream approaches that overlook the gendered dimensions of these issues.
Who’s to say?
Authors: Jenkins Katharine
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the insights of feminist philosophers regarding knowledge and language. It explores feminist critiques of the associations between men and rationality, and women and emotion. It then considers the idea that knowledge is socially situated, and in particular the claim that the oppressed often have an advantage over the powerful when it comes to knowledge (known as ‘standpoint theory’). Following on from this, the chapter considers feminist accounts of the impact of gender dynamics on spoken communication. The chapter ends by considering the basis on which feminist philosophers seek to generate and share knowledge.
What is authoritarianism?
Authors: Loxton James
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines the meaning of authoritarianism and how this has evolved over time. It begins by discussing the influential work of Juan J. Linz, the “father of authoritarianism.” While acknowledging Linz’s many contributions, the chapter shows that the term is defined differently today: authoritarianism is now used as a broad umbrella category for all non-democratic regimes. The chapter concludes by discussing how to spot an authoritarian regime, arguing that if a regime does not hold free and fair elections, have universal adult suffrage, or provide protection for a broad array of civil liberties, it is authoritarian.
The life of authoritarian regimes
Authors: Loxton James
Published: October 2024

This chapter discusses four recurring challenges that authoritarian regimes face: the problem of legitimacy, the problem of information, the problem of frenemies, and the problem of succession. How can authoritarian regimes maintain popular support? How can they know what their citizens are thinking? How can they prevent violent infighting among regime factions? Who should take over after the leader dies? The chapter shows that while some authoritarian regimes have found workarounds to these problems, they are largely intractable and are not present in democracies to the same degree.
Perception and predation of ladybird spiders and other red-and-black arthropods by 3 predators
Authors: Pekár Stano , Exnerová Alice , Hotová Svádová Kateřina , Raška Jan
Published: October 2024

Mimics are under selection from a community of predators possessing different perception abilities and modes of prey capture, yet the efficacy of Batesian/Müllerian mimicry in a mimetic complex has typically been tested using a single predator. The males of Eresus spiders appear to mimic black-and-red colored insects and in particular ladybird beetles. Here, we tested the hypothesis of defensive mimicry in this species using 3 co-occurring visually oriented predators: mantids, lizards, and birds, possessing different visual abilities (di- and tetrachromatic vision). We compared 2 salient traits (movement and coloration) of Eresus males and 3 putative co-mimics (Coccinella septempunctata, Graphosoma italicum, Pyrrhocoris apterus). We found that Eresus spiders are far more mobile than the co-mimics, and this could make them unprofitable due to efficient evasion. According to visual models, all 3 predators should not be able to distinguish the coloration of Eresus from that of 2 co-mimics. The natural diet of the green lizard revealed that lizards captured on average Eresus spiders as frequently as co-mimics. In predation trials, mantises captured Eresus males at greater latency but with similar frequency as co-mimics. In the predation experiment, both hand-reared and wild-caught great tits captured Eresus males far more frequently than Coccinella beetles. Eresus males were palatable to all 3 predators consistent with the Batesian form of mimicry, but when considering evasion abilities, they could be classified as quasi-Batesian mimics.
A survey of smoking habits and perspectives in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Khalil Nada , Patel Neil P
Published: October 2024

Patients attending the hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) clinic at our centre were surveyed about their smoking habits and their perspectives on the relationship between smoking and HS. In total, 27 of 34 patients (73.0%) had a smoking history, and age of onset of smoking preceded age of onset of HS in 81.5%, with an average time interval of 5 years. There were mixed patient perceptions on the role of smoking in HS, highlighting the need for more research in this area, and the importance of engaging and educating patients on the results of epidemiological studies in HS.
Hinotori™ robotic esophagectomy: a feasibility cadaver study
Authors: Lozanovski Vladimir J , Hadzijusufovic Edin , Wandhoefer Christoph , Gisbertz Suzanne , Lang Hauke , Grimminger Peter P
Published: October 2024

This preclinical feasibility study investigates the potential of utilizing the hinotori™ robot system for esophagectomy. In three human cadaver models, the esophagus was successfully mobilized and resected using the hinotori™ system, with a mean thoracic procedure time of 57 minutes. The system allowed for precise dissection and radical lymphadenectomy without arm collision, attributed to its versatile design and docking-free trocars. Standard robot-specific patient positioning, including a 35° left lateral inclination, and trocar placement in a posterior axillary line configuration were employed. Notably, trocars suitable for both laparoscopy and the hinotori™ robot were utilized, providing flexibility in trocar selection. Unique features, such as the ergonomic console and pointer-based pivot point identification system, contributed to procedural success. While these findings highlight the promising potential of the hinotori™ system in advancing esophageal surgery, further clinical studies are warranted to validate its reproducibility and clinical utility. Additionally, enhancements to the pivot point identification system and evaluation of the arm base's features may further optimize surgical outcomes.
Inferential-connexive mixed logics
Authors: Pailos Federico
Published: October 2024

In this article, we present a new type of connexive-like logics. We call them inferential-connexive mixed logics, as they satisfy inferential versions of the main four connexive principles: AT, AT’, BT and BT’. We focus first on some Strong-Kleene type of mixed and inferentially connexive logics that cannot be interpreted as truth-preserving, but that can receive other interpretations in terms to falsity-preservation and related features. We introduce afterwards the notion of inferential-connexive Boolean logic, and present some logics that fall in this ballpark. We also explain the relation between inferentially-connexive Boolean logics and some inferentially-connexive Strong-Kleene logics, and show how they can also be interpreted in epistemic (or attitudinal)-related terms.
Fundamentals of Electroencephalography
Authors: Lüders Hans O. , Noachtar Soheyl , Rémi Jan
Published: October 2024

The electroencephalogram (EEG) reflects electrical potentials generated by brain activity as well as other potentials (biological and external “artifacts”) in high temporal resolution. This chapter discusses how electrical waves are generated in the brain. Biological and nonbiological disturbances of the EEG recordings are considered artifacts and are described in detail in this chapter. The EEG reader must know how to identify these artifacts and how to avoid them. This chapter also discusses the technical equipment required to record electrical brain waves. This includes the setup of digital EEG machines, the EEG electrodes, and procedures to record the brain waves. The importance of a systematic approach to localization of EEG potentials is explained in detail.
Clinical Electroencephalography
Authors: Lüders Hans O. , Noachtar Soheyl , Rémi Jan
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, all normal and abnormal patterns of electroencephalography (EEG) including variant patterns mimicking abnormal EEG pattern are discussed and displayed by figures. The recording setup including special situations such as EEG in newborn and the procedures to activate abnormalities in the EEG are discussed. Activations procedures such as hyperventilation, photic stimulation and sleep EEG after partial sleep deprivation are explained. The figures are complemented by reformatted EEG examples available electronically. The approach to a systematic EEG interpretation is explained in detail. The differentiation between normal and abnormal patterns is discussed by using a clinical EEG classification system used in many EEG labs for decades.
Prozac and Its Cousins
Authors: Shorter Edward
Published: October 2024

The Prozac branding message dumbed down clinical depression to a mostly trivial condition and removed the brakes from pragmatic prescribing for nonspecific unhappiness. Daniel Cathell, a family doctor in Baltimore, wrote in 1882 “Almost everyone is filled with the belief that he is debilitated …. Many of the sick, fully impressed with this idea, will want you to treat them with tonics and stimulants.” It requires no great stretch of the imagination to substitute “depressed” for “debilitated” and to substitute Prozac for “tonics.” Today, community psychiatry deals with the great amorphous mass of unhappiness, anxiety, and dejection. Community psychiatry’s role was once filled by religion, which was followed by tonics and barbiturates, the new agents of the 1950s, and then in the 1960s and 70s by the benzodiazepines, such as Librium and Valium. Finally, in the late 1980s, the new drug set of Prozac and its antidepressant cousins, the so-called SSRIs, were promoted, but they turned out to be substantially ineffective.
The Intersection between the Mental Health and Legal Systems
Authors: Leifman Steve , Coffey Tim
Published: October 2024

Health services delivery in the United States reflects at least two disparate systems of care. First is primary and emergency medical care provided in response to acute illnesses or injuries. The second is behavioral health treatment services provided to individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMIs; e.g., psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, and major depression) in response to psychiatric and substance use emergencies. Often in cases of psychiatric emergency, armed law enforcement officers will respond as opposed to emergency medical technicians, or EMTs. The fact is, mental illnesses are not crimes, and allowing the behavioral health system of care to treat people with mental illnesses as if they are is an inappropriate use of resources and harmful to our communities and residents. Nevertheless, examination of rates of mental illnesses among criminal justice populations suggests having a mental illness is a significant risk factor for criminal justice system involvement.
Building New Hospitals in Texas
Authors: Bray Timothy E. , Harris Sydney S.
Published: October 2024

Texas is modernizing the state psychiatric hospital system. The plan to build new, or renovate current, hospitals is an opportunity to enhance the most vulnerable population’s care environment. New environments of care that compliment modern and evidence-based approaches to inpatient psychiatric care will better align state hospital care with a community-led continuum of mental health care. This chapter explores Texas’ approach to modernizing public mental health care from building legislative support and establishing funding, to advancing the system for a broad landscape. The authors emphasize the importance of partnerships across public partners and stakeholders to tackle the modernization of state psychiatric hospitals. Readers will understand Texas’ vast geographic area and how a designed service area and continuum of care can support a diverse clinical population.
Health Inequalities in the Mental Health System
Authors: Martinez Octavio N.
Published: October 2024

Mental health disparities and inequities are part and parcel of our current US mental health system. Disproportionately, individuals and populations affected are communities of color. This chapter highlights the state of mental health in the United States and how communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the social, structural, and political determinants of mental health. The far upstream root causes of implicit bias and structural racism are discussed with a focus on the academic/educational level, the clinical/provider level, the community level, and the systems level. Additionally, seven core principles are identified to address mental health disparities and inequities on the path to achieving an equitable mental health system.
Anxious in the Spotlight: Social Anxiety Disorder or Simply Avoidant?
Authors: Tiwari Vishnu , Diaz Elisa
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces Mr. C, a 28-year-old graduate student grappling with social anxiety disorder. His anxiety intensifies in social situations, and he has a lifelong history of shyness, academic success, and a preference for solitary activities. Despite receiving invitations to social events, he anticipates harsh judgment from others, leading to crippling anxiety and worry. Social anxiety disorder, as described in Mr. C’s case, is a common condition affecting millions globally, characterized by excessive anxiety in social settings, leading to avoidance and severe distress. Importantly, it is often comorbid with other mental health conditions. Treatment options for social anxiety disorder include psychotherapy, primarily cognitive-behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy. In summary, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals grappling with social anxiety disorder.
When Fear Takes Flight
Authors: Joseph Bacheline , Echenique Marisa
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces Mr. M, a 40-year-old veteran who suffers from a specific phobia related to flying. To cope with this intense anxiety, Mr. M turns to alcohol, both before and during flights, which has now become problematic. Specific phobia is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by intense fear or anxiety toward a particular situation or object, leading to severe distress and impairment in daily life. While many people have fears, not everyone meets the criteria for a specific phobia disorder. Specific phobias are often left untreated due to the ease of avoidance, but when they cause significant distress as in Mr. M’s case, treatment is necessary. Overall, Mr. M’s case highlights the challenges and treatment options for specific phobia, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when the fear significantly impairs one’s life.
The Crossroads of Addiction and Anxiety
Authors: Martinez Garza David M. , Salloum Ihsan M.
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces Mr. Z, a 35-year-old man with a history of substance use disorder and anxiety symptoms. Mr. Z’s life has been significantly impacted by his addiction to opioids and alcohol. He presents with symptoms of constant worry, irritability, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. His anxiety has escalated to the point where he experienced a panic attack recently. This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between substance use and anxiety disorders. It explains that various substances can induce anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders is discussed, emphasizing the bidirectional nature of their relationship. Treatment strategies for individuals like Mr. Z are outlined, stressing the need for simultaneous management of substance use and anxiety. Medications, psychotherapy, and other interventions are crucial components of treatment. This chapter emphasizes the need for holistic, integrated treatment to achieve positive outcomes for patients like Mr. Z.
Washing Away Worries: Understanding the Complexities of OCD
Authors: Deckler Elizabeth , Coffey Barbara
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces Mr. V, a 19-year-old college student with a history of a childhood tic disorder. On evaluation, Mr. V reports a history of obsessions and compulsions consistent with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This chapter discusses OCD in detail, emphasizing its distinction from other anxiety disorders. Mr. V’s case exemplifies how OCD can lead to avoidance behaviors and interfere with daily functioning. This chapter also delves into treatment options for OCD. Psychotherapeutic approaches, particularly exposure and response prevention therapy, can be effective in treating OCD. In summary, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of OCD, its diagnosis, treatment options, and a real-life case illustrating the successful management of the disorder.
I Can’t Bear to Part With Any of It
Authors: Zaydlin Michelle , Perdomo Dolores
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, Ms. F, an 83-year-old woman, seeks help at a memory disorder clinic due to memory loss and increased anxiety. Ms. F’s problems include hoarding behaviors and difficulties with decision-making and task completion. Her hoarding behaviors, present for many years, are attributed to hoarding disorder (HD), characterized by a persistent need to save possessions, even worthless ones, and significant distress when discarding items. This chapter discusses the diagnostic criteria for HD and highlights the comorbidities associated with it. It also emphasizes that hoarding in older adults may indicate underlying neurodegenerative diseases. HD can lead to unsanitary living conditions and strained relationships. Treatment options for HD are discussed, including pharmacological approaches and psychological treatment. Support beyond therapy, involving family and community programs, is also stressed to aid in recovery and relapse prevention.
It’s a Constant Struggle Between Reason and the Urge to Pull
Authors: Alrojolah Loay , Joshi Suchitra
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces T, a 14-year-old girl struggling with alopecia. After an evaluation, she was diagnosed with trichotillomania (TTM), a condition characterized by recurrent hair pulling resulting in hair loss. Her attempts to quit this behavior were in vain, causing embarrassment and distress. Stress exacerbated her hair pulling, negatively impacting her academic and social life. TTM often goes underdiagnosed and undertreated, necessitating increased awareness and specialized care. This chapter discusses evaluation and comorbid conditions associated with TTM, as well as the available treatment options, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. By understanding the intricacies of TTM, we can better comprehend its impact on individuals like T and work toward improving their quality of life through evidence-based treatments and increased awareness.
The Smell of Gasoline Brings Back Those Horrible Memories
Authors: Leary Scott , Curiel Cid Rosie E.
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, Ms. R, a 34-year-old woman, seeks help at an outpatient clinic following a motor vehicle accident that left her trapped under wreckage. While she sustained no major injuries, she experiences symptoms indicative of acute stress disorder (ASD) as a result of the traumatic incident. ASD is a condition that emerges in response to a traumatic event. It presents with intrusive thoughts, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal symptoms. Understanding the varied trajectories of trauma response—resilient, worsening, recovery, and chronically distressed—is essential, as initial reactions may not predict long-term adaptation. Treatment options for ASD are discussed, including psychotherapy and pharmacological approaches. In Ms. R’s case, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, addressing her fear of driving, and cognitive reframing techniques are recommended. Overall, this chapter emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing ASD symptoms early to prevent long-term psychopathology and distress.
Anxiety Has Taken Away My Ability to Enjoy the Simple Things in Life
Authors: Abraham Omar Munoz , Espinel Zelde , Durand Dante
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, Ms. P, a 63-year-old married woman, seeks psychiatric evaluation due to a recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. She initially presented with physical symptoms including fatigue and hand pain, which improved with treatment but were followed by escalating worries about her job performance. Despite not reporting a depressed mood, Ms. P exhibits signs of depression, including anhedonia and changes in appetite and sleep. Her anxiety, especially related to her medical condition and prognosis, hinders her daily life and medical follow-ups. This chapter emphasizes the comorbidity of anxiety and depression, which often goes undiagnosed, and highlights the need for skilled clinicians to distinguish between the two. It discusses the genetic basis and risk factors for comorbid anxiety and depression, underlining the importance of obtaining a detailed patient history and evaluating the impact of symptoms on daily functioning. Treatment involves a multimodal approach, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
I Find Myself Constantly Worrying and It’s Been Keeping Me Up at Night
Authors: Ashy Jafar A. , Cruz-Ortiz Caroline
Published: October 2024

This chapter introduces Mr. P, a 30-year-old who presents with increasing anxiety and insomnia. He describes constant worries about work, finances, relationships, and everyday tasks, leading to tension and irritability. His sleep troubles include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and waking up feeling unrested. He relies on excessive coffee consumption to function during the day but is ambivalent about medication. This chapter discusses insomnia in the context of anxiety, a common primary care concern. Anxiety is a leading cause of insomnia, with conditions like generalized anxiety disorder often accompanied by sleep disturbances. The relationship between anxiety and sleep is explored, with anxiety disrupting sleep patterns, leading to poor rest and concentration issues. Conversely, sleep problems can exacerbate anxiety. Diagnosis of insomnia involves a comprehensive clinical assessment, including sleep history and self-report questionnaires. This chapter discusses treatment options for insomnia including lifestyle modifications, psychological and behavioral therapies, and pharmacological interventions.
Mommy, My Tummy Aches; I Can’t Go to School Today
Authors: Celentano Lauren , Friedman Stephanie
Published: October 2024

The chapter discusses anxiety disorders in children using the case of a 10-year-old girl. J’s presentation of new-onset abdominal discomfort, increased asthma exacerbations, academic decline, irritability, and somatic complaints points to possible childhood anxiety. The chapter emphasizes the challenges of identifying anxiety in children. It stresses the importance of considering anxiety when faced with nonspecific complaints. Assessment tools for childhood anxiety are discussed. The chapter suggests using well-validated instruments alongside clinical judgment to improve diagnostic accuracy. Information from caregivers, teachers, and the child is valuable for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The chapter also explores psychiatric and medical comorbidities and treatment options for childhood anxiety. This chapter underscores the long-term implications of untreated childhood anxiety, including the risk of developing anxiety disorders as adults and lower school performance. It also highlights the increased risk of suicidality in anxious children, emphasizing the need for suicide risk assessment in their evaluation.
At First, I Tried Fluoxetine, but It Made My Anxiety Even Worse, and I Had Stomach Problems
Authors: Min Ma Sung , Maass Daniel
Published: October 2024

This chapter follows the case of Ms. O, a 27-year-old graduate student diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and comorbid panic disorder. Her journey through psychopharmacology treatment is explored, highlighting important considerations in the management of anxiety. This chapter emphasizes the importance of assessing anxiety symptoms and their severity, as well as identifying comorbid psychiatric or medical conditions. The main goals of treatment are to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. This chapter also discusses the importance of educating patients about potential side effects of medications. Th chapter underscores the complexity of anxiety disorders, the significance of individualized treatment, and the various pharmacological and therapeutic options available for managing anxiety and related conditions.
Formulating an Organized Critical Argument in a Scientific Manuscript
Authors: Greenland Philip
Published: October 2024

A scientific research report is not just a set of facts but a critical argument that poses a question and reaches an answer with a clear conclusion. This chapter describes approaches for formulating an organized critical argument in a scientific manuscript and emphasizes the importance of a logical progression of ideas and consistency with the interrelatedness of key concepts. Among the suggestions for developing a compelling critical argument are to create a detailed outline of the manuscript and to obtain feedback from coauthors and peers about the completeness, inherent logic, and flow of ideas of the manuscript. An example of an outline for a scientific manuscript article is provided.
Advice on Writing for Biomedical Journals
Authors: Rivara Frederick P.
Published: October 2024

Scientific writing, like other types of writing, is a learned skill that benefits from frequency and experience. This chapter discusses how authors can develop a general approach to scientific writing, including creating the first draft of a manuscript by not aiming for perfection but rather just “getting it down,” by narrowing the focus of the manuscript, and by using the active voice and first-person point of view. Suggestions for writing and creating the main elements of a scientific manuscript (ie, the abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, tables and figures, and references) are discussed separately, along with recommendations for the editing process and approaches for addressing common writing problems authors may encounter.
Tone, Terminology, and Technical Aspects of Scientific Writing
Authors: Fontanarosa Phil B. , Flanagin Annette
Published: October 2024

The goal of scientific writing is the clear communication of information. This chapter emphasizes that the content of a scientific manuscript must be precise and unambiguous, language and terminology must be carefully chosen and specific, and information must be conveyed effectively, accurately, and in an easy-to-comprehend manner. Brevity and clarity in the presentation of ideas lead to effective and efficient scientific writing. This chapter also focuses on the importance of scholarly tone; emphasizes the use of accurate, appropriate, and unambiguous terminology; highlights some technical aspects of writing, including effective composition of sentences and paragraphs; and explains that authors should be aware of the style and format for articles that various biomedical journals prefer or require.
Creating an Informative and Effective Title
Authors: Zylke Jody W.
Published: October 2024

The title of a scientific report is important for attracting attention and convincing a reader to invest time in the article. As this chapter explains, the importance of creating an effective title has increased as journals have moved from print to electronic formats, with many journals disseminating an electronic table of contents with article titles, and for retrieving articles when searching for a topic in bibliometric databases and websites. In these cases, the title of an article may be the only information available and additional actions may be required to access an abstract or the full article. This chapter presents recommendations and practices for creating a concise and accurate title and includes key concepts to help enable the article to be discovered in web-based searches. The importance and effective use of subtitles are also addressed, as well as the kinds of titles that are appropriate for different types of articles.
Writing an Informative Abstract
Authors: Fontanarosa Phil B.
Published: October 2024

The abstract of a scientific report may be an important factor for determining whether an article will be read and is an important entry point in the editorial evaluation of the manuscript. This chapter provides guidance for how to develop a well-prepared abstract that reports the main results and presents the take-home message of the study in a clear, concise, and efficient manner. This chapter addresses general principles, as well as specific components and abstract sections. Depending on the journal, these sections may include the importance (or background), objective, design, setting, participants, interventions or exposures, main outcome and measures, results, and conclusions and relevance.
Writing the Methods Section
Authors: Golub Robert M.
Published: October 2024

The Methods section is used for critical appraisal of the manuscript by editors and reviewers in deciding whether to consider a manuscript for publication, and as such, is one of the most important sections in an article. This chapter emphasizes that the Methods section of a scientific manuscript should be complete, with too much information preferable to too little (other researchers should be able to use this section to replicate the study) and should have a logical and coherent organization. This chapter also addresses general principles involved in writing the Methods section; suggests organization using subsections if the journal to which an author is submitting the manuscript does not have a recommended template; and includes overall advice to help prepare an effective Methods section.
Effective Use of Figures and Tables in Scientific Articles
Authors: Schriger David L. , Schenkel Stephen M.
Published: October 2024

Figures and tables are essential elements of scientific articles and can effectively and efficiently present scientific data and other information. This chapter describes the theoretical principles and pragmatic considerations authors should keep in mind when creating figures and tables and provides recommendations for determining which visual elements to use for specific informational aims by considering the type, purpose, and complexity of the information and data being presented and the concepts being conveyed. Three examples illustrate the elements of various types of figures and tables used in scientific reports, specifically a box plot, a table and forest plot, and a binary comparison of 2 cohorts. Practical details also are addressed, such as following a journal’s guidelines and writing effective titles, legends, and footnotes for figures and tables.
Meta-Analyses
Authors: Muth Christopher C.
Published: October 2024

Meta-analysis should be reserved for scenarios in which uncertainty exists after considering the individual studies available and when combining data from studies could potentially generate new information that might help resolve this uncertainty. This chapter examines why and when a meta-analysis should be conducted, and equally important, when conducting a meta-analysis may be less informative. Methodological and reporting details and appropriate interpretation of study results are discussed. The chapter also describes how to avoid common problems and errors in manuscripts reporting meta-analyses, which may include failure to prospectively register the study, not using reporting guidelines to ensure relevant aspects are addressed, not including details about study selection criteria and quality and risk of bias assessment, unwarranted pooling of data (as can occur with studies that are too heterogenous), failure to perform appropriate sensitivity analyses, and overinterpretation of results. A figure is included that shows a forest plot for a meta-analysis.