bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereological Method in Optical Coherence Tomography for In Vivo Evaluation of Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Trujillo-Sanchez Gloria Paulina , Martinez-Camarillo Juan Carlos , Spee Christine K. , Hinton David R. , Humayun Mark S. , Weitz Andrew C. 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate a stereological method in optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an in vivo volume measurement of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (L-CNV) lesion size.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Laser photocoagulation was applied in rats to rupture Bruch's membrane and induce L-CNV. In vivo OCT images of neovascular lesions were acquired with a spectral-domain OCT system at days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 after laser surgery. A stereological image-processing method was used to calculate lesion volumes from the OCT images. Rats were euthanized at day 14, and confocal microscopy was used to obtain accurate volume measurements of the lesions ex vivo. Lesion sizes calculated from OCT and confocal were compared.

RESULTS:

In vivo assessment by OCT allowed three distinct stages of L-CNV to be visualized: the initial early reaction, neovascular proliferation, and regression. At day 14, correlations between OCT and confocal lesion volumes showed a positive association (Pearson's r = 0.50,
P
< .01). Except for the largest lesions, volumes measured by OCT were statistically similar to those measured by the confocal gold standard (
P
= .90).

CONCLUSION:
The stereological approach used to measure neovascular lesion volume from OCT images offers an accurate means to track L-CNV lesion size in vivo.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2018;49:e65–e74.]
The Lessons of Community Rights Ordinances for Democratic Philosophizing
Authors: Thimsen A. Freya 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTJacques Rancière's account of the political demonstration of equality makes an important contribution to long-standing conceptualizations of democracy as occurring apart from state institutions. Rancière's performative account of democracy, however, recognizes the impurity of political language used within state institutions as well as in democratic events. Rancière's polemics against “metapolitical” theories of social existence and the state take issue with how such forms of philosophy assume the primacy of their own capacity to explain political language. Community rights ordinances (CROs) demonstrate how conceptualizing shared political language as doxa reveals the possibility that a metapolitical rhetorical style can occur within Rancière's method of equality. CROs also demonstrate how the method of equality can operate in the context of democratic philosophizing.
Identifying differences in GPs’ working hours according to gender and employment position: A time sampling study using SMS text messaging
Authors: Van Hassel Daniel , Van der Velden Lud , Batenburg Ronald 
Published: September 2018

In order to aid health workforce planning, we measured the number of hours worked by general practitioners (GPs). The twofold aim of this study consisted of assessing the feasibility, validity and reliability of an innovative method to measure working time and, second, to analyse differences in hours worked between six types of GPs divided by the combination of their gender and employment position. Our method was based on multiple time point observations using SMS text messaging. On average 19 GPs participated every week for 57 weeks. In total 1,051 GPs participated resulting in 61,320 valid measurements of time use. On average, GPs worked 44 hours per week. About 56% of this time was spent on direct patient-related activities, 26% to indirect patient-related activities, and 18% to activities not related to patients. There were substantial differences in working hours between male and female self-employed, those drawing a salary from a duo or group practice and locum GPs. For example, male self-employed GPs worked 51.6 hours per week, whereas male locum GPs worked 26.7 hours per week. Generally, differences in hours worked with regard to gender and employment position are smaller if we relate these hours to the number of FTE they worked. Furthermore, we conclude that the method of SMS text messaging based on the time sampling technique presents a limited degree of interference to the participants’ work and achieved reliable and valid results.
El proceso de una investigación cualitativa longitudinal sobre la transición a la maternidad y paternidad en España
Authors: Botía‐Morillas Carmen , Jurado-Guerrero Teresa 
Published: September 2018

Se expone el proceso metodológico de una investigación cualitativa longitudinal y colaborativa sobre la transición a la maternidad y paternidad en España. Se ha entrevistado a parejas bi-activas en dos momentos de su ciclo vital, durante el embarazo de su primer bebé, y entre año y medio y dos años posteriores al nacimiento. Esta investigación longitudinal aporta cuatro importantes valores añadidos: 1. Estudiar los cambios de ideas, planes y actitudes sin los sesgos de memoria selectiva que suele producir el acceso a información retrospectiva; 2. Trabajar en equipo y de forma colaborativa permite obtener una amplia muestra formada por dos submuestras homogéneas socioeconómicamente, pudiendo acceder a diversidad de discursos con enorme potencialidad analítica; 3. Estudiar a ambos miembros de las parejas -sus prácticas, percepciones y justificaciones- enriquece el análisis frente a estudios que cuentan con una sola perspectiva, y permite un análisis crítico de temas sujetos a sesgos de corrección política, como los ligados al género, maternidad y paternidad; 4. Evidenciar, explicitar y justificar el proceso metodológico avala la calidad y validez de la investigación sustantiva, aportando información de archivo y trastienda.We present the methodological process of a qualitative, longitudinal and collaborative research on the transition to motherhood and fatherhood in Spain. We have interviewed double income couples in two time of their life cycle, during pregnancy of the first baby and between one year and a half and two years after birth. This longitudinal research has four advantages 1. The changes of ideas, plans and attitudes can be studied without biases of selective memory, something usual in the access to retrospective information. 2. Working as a team and in a collaborative way allows us to obtain a wide sample formed by two socioeconomically and homogeneous sub-samples, being able to access the diversity of discourses with enormous analytical potential. 3. Studying both members of the couples, -their practices, perceptions and justifications-, enriches the analysis compared to studies that have only the perspective of one partner, and allows us to better analyze topics that suffer from biases of political correctness such as those related to gender, motherhood and fatherhood. 4.Demonstrating, specifying, and justifying the methodological process guarantees the quality and validity of the substantive research, providing information of archive and back room.
Sámi álbmotbeaivi – «samefolkets dag» eller «samenes nasjonaldag»?
Authors: Lien Lars 
Published: September 2018

This article is based on the current debate about whether or not the official Sami flag day 6 February may and should be referred to as "Sami Day" or "Sami National Day." While the Norwegian government is consistently referring to the Sami as a people (folk), the Sami decided in 2005 that the celebration referred to the Sami as a nation. The use of the term “nation” by the Sámi Parliament has created reactions among parts of the non Sami population, especially in current and historical Sami core areas, and in some political parties, especially representatives from the Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet). The negative statements in connection with the national identity of the Sami, reflects specific attitudes to the power relationship between the majority community and the Sami.
In light of these criticisms, it may be useful to see the historical development of the Sámi political mobilization and the common European tradition from which it was born. The Sami National Consciousness grew up in the early 1900s, equivalent to Norwegian nationalism in the wake of union resolution with Sweden. At first glance, The Sami opposition in the period after 1905 seems to be in the business and cultural spheres, but looking at the sources, there is a language that was also indicative of the Norwegian majority community in the same period. The Sami opposition to the Norwegian authorities developed early strategies to respond to assimilation and cultural imperialism. Although the pressure of the Sami opposition fell in periods, it was an important self-awareness of the Sami as political subjects. The Sami initiative is important symbols of Sami political commitment and the national consciousness. The Sami resistance struggle testifies that the conditions of the Sami not only came under the reconciliation policy of the Norwegian authorities, but that Sami demands for rights and respect for language and culture have been fought through well over hundred years.
The fact that the Sami nation-building process has been overlooked in Norwegian history writing is arguably an important reason why the idea of a Sami nation seems alien, provocative and partly revolutionary from a majority point of view. However, the Sami nation constitutes itself first and foremost as a cultural nation (cultural heritage, languages, myths, folklore, customs and history), not through demands for political independence.
Neuroblastomas in Eastern China: a retrospective series study of 275 cases in a regional center
Authors: Ma Yangyang , Zheng Jicui , Feng Jiayan , Chen Lian , Dong Kuiran , Xiao Xianmin 
Published: September 2018

Purpose
Most studies on neuroblastoma (NB) have been conducted in Western countries or Japan. The objective of our study was to analyze clinical and pathological features, MYCN status, surgical methods, and prognosis in Chinese NB patients.

Methods
A retrospective, single-center case series study of 275 NBs was implemented. Clinical manifestations, pathological features, MYCN status, and surgical treatment were analyzed. Log-rank test and Cox hazards models were used to assess overall survivals (OSs).

Results
The cohort consisted of 105 females and 170 males, with an age range of five days to 15 years. MYCN amplification was detected in 21.5% of all cases. The median OS was 15.0 months for MYCN amplified group. The five-year OS rates were 70.8% and 18.3% for MYCN unamplified and amplified groups, respectively, and the comparison of Kaplan–Meier curves for these two groups showed statistical significance (P < .001 by log-rank test). Gross total resection (GTR, n = 111) and subtotal resection (STR, n = 58) were administered in 169 patients at stages 3 and 4 who received chemotherapy and the comparison of Kaplan–Meier curves for different groups in these patients had statistical significance (STR vs. GTR, P = .009; MYCN unamplified vs. amplified, P < .001 by log-rank test, respectively).The multivariate survival analyses showed statistical significance (STR vs. GTR, P = .047; MYCN unamplified vs. amplified, P = .001 by Cox regression model).

Conclusions
MYCN amplification is an independently adverse prognostic factor in Chinese NB patients at stages 3 and 4 and GTR is associated with improved OS compared with STR in these patients.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis by Lesion, Physician, and Examination Type
Authors: Chen Jennifer Y. , Fernandez Kristen , Fadadu Raj P. , Reddy Rasika , Kim Mi-Ok , Tan Josephine , Wei Maria L. 
Published: November 2024

ImportanceSkin cancer is the most common cancer in the US; accurate detection can minimize morbidity and mortality.ObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis by lesion type, physician specialty and experience, and physical examination method.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.Study SelectionCross-sectional and case-control studies, randomized clinical trials, and nonrandomized controlled trials that used dermatologists or primary care physicians (PCPs) to examine keratinocytic and/or melanocytic skin lesions were included.Data Extraction and SynthesisSearch terms, study objectives, and protocol methods were defined before study initiation. Data extraction was performed by a reviewer, with verification by a second reviewer. A mixed-effects model was used in the data analysis. Data analyses were performed from May 2022 to December 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMeta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy comprised sensitivity and specificity by physician type (primary care physician or dermatologist; experienced or inexperienced) and examination method (in-person clinical examination and/or clinical images vs dermoscopy and/or dermoscopic images).ResultsIn all, 100 studies were included in the analysis. With experienced dermatologists using clinical examination and clinical images, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing keratinocytic carcinomas were 79.0% and 89.1%, respectively; using dermoscopy and dermoscopic images, sensitivity and specificity were 83.7% and 87.4%, and for PCPs, 81.4% and 80.1%. Experienced dermatologists had 2.5-fold higher odds of accurate diagnosis of keratinocytic carcinomas using in-person dermoscopy and dermoscopic images compared with in-person clinical examination and images. When examining for melanoma using clinical examination and images, sensitivity and specificity were 76.9% and 89.1% for experienced dermatologists, 78.3% and 66.2% for inexperienced dermatologists, and 37.5% and 84.6% for PCPs, respectively; whereas when using dermoscopy and dermoscopic images, sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% and 81.3%, 78.0% and 69.5%, and 49.5% and 91.3%, respectively. Experienced dermatologists had 5.7-fold higher odds of accurate diagnosis of melanoma using dermoscopy compared with clinical examination. Compared with PCPs, experienced dermatologists had 13.3-fold higher odds of accurate diagnosis of melanoma using dermoscopic images.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that there are significant differences in diagnostic accuracy for skin cancer when comparing physician specialty and experience, and examination methods. These summary metrics of clinician diagnostic accuracy could be useful benchmarks for clinical trials, practitioner training, and the performance of emerging technologies.
Complication Rates After Ultrasonography-Guided Nerve Blocks Performed in the Emergency Department
Authors: Goldsmith Andrew , Driver Lachlan , Duggan Nicole M. , Riscinti Matthew , Martin David , Heffler Michael , Shokoohi Hamid , Dreyfuss Andrea , Sell Jordan , Brown Calvin , Fung Christopher , Perice Leland , Bennett Daniel , Truong Natalie , Jafry S. Zan , Macias Michael , Brown Joseph , Nagdev Arun 
Published: November 2024

ImportanceUltrasonography-guided nerve blocks (UGNBs) have become a core component of multimodal analgesia for acute pain management in the emergency department (ED). Despite their growing use, national adoption of UGNBs has been slow due to a lack of procedural safety in the ED.ObjectiveTo assess the complication rates and patient pain scores of UGNBs performed in the ED.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study included data from the National Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block Registry, a retrospective multicenter observational registry encompassing procedures performed in 11 EDs in the US from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, of adult patients who underwent a UGNB.ExposureUGNB encounters.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome of this study was complication rates associated with ED-performed UGNBs recorded in the National Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block Registry from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023. The secondary outcome was patient pain scores of ED-based UGNBs. Data for all adult patients who underwent an ED-based UGNB at each site were recorded. The volume of UGNB at each site, as well as procedural outcomes (including complications), were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of all variables.ResultsIn total, 2735 UGNB encounters among adult patients (median age, 62 years [IQR, 41-77 years]; 51.6% male) across 11 EDs nationwide were analyzed. Fascia iliaca blocks were the most commonly performed UGNBs (975 of 2742 blocks [35.6%]). Complications occurred at a rate of 0.4% (10 of 2735 blocks). One episode of local anesthetic systemic toxicity requiring an intralipid was reported. Overall, 1320 of 1864 patients (70.8%) experienced 51% to 100% pain relief following UGNBs. Operator training level varied, although 1953 of 2733 procedures (71.5%) were performed by resident physicians.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this cohort study of 2735 UGNB encounters support the safety of UGNBs in ED settings and suggest an association with improvement in patient pain scores. Broader implementation of UGNBs in ED settings may have important implications as key elements of multimodal analgesia strategies to reduce opioid use and improve patient care.
Regional demography of Icelandic rock ptarmigan and its implications for harvest management
Authors: Johnson Fred Allen , Nielsen Ólafur Karl 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) is a popular game bird in Iceland, but management of hunting has tended to be controversial. We were interested in whether regional differences in ptarmigan demography exist, and if so, their implications for harvest management.

We fit integrated population models (IPMs) to monitoring data from six hunting regions of Iceland during 2005–2023, and then examined equilibrium and non‐equilibrium harvest strategies based on an objective to maximize sustainable harvest.

Survival and reproductive rates tended to be similar amongst regions, except in the demographically important Northeast, where survival was lower and productivity was higher. There was a negative relationship between post‐breeding age ratio (juveniles/adults) and spring abundance in all regions, although the strength of density dependence varied. Spring abundance was temporally stable in all regions, although harvest rates tended to decline, and adult survival rates tended to increase. Evidence for cyclical patterns in abundance was weak except in the Northeast, but this may be an artifact of the relatively short time series.

Sustainable harvest potential varied amongst regions and was greatest in the East and Northeast. It appears that harvests during 2005–2022 were somewhat less than the sustainable maximum. Non‐equilibrium harvest strategies, in which the allowable harvests depend on spring population size and anticipated productivity, are so‐called ‘bang‐bang’ strategies, meaning that no or very little harvest is optimal until the population is at or above its maximum level of net production.

Practical implications. Regional differences in ptarmigan demography warrant different harvest strategies. Yet, the hunting season in Iceland historically has been regulated on a country‐wide basis, with population abundance and dynamics in the Northeast playing a key role. To implement regional harvest management, decision makers must first agree on harvest management objectives that satisfy most stakeholders, who tend to hold very diverse values. Moreover, the historical relationship between season length and harvest rate is tenuous, yet season length is the primary mechanism traditionally used in Iceland to control harvest. The uncertainty in this relationship could be addressed in an adaptive‐management framework.
Clutchable Fabric Actuator for Energy‐Efficient Wearable Robots
Authors: Zhang Huapeng , Shea Herbert 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEnergy‐efficient yet energy‐dense soft actuators are essential for untethered wearable robots. This work reports a fabric‐like actuator, combining shape memory alloy (SMA) springs and electrostatic clutches (ESClutches). The SMA springs provide high force density, with only 18 g of materials generating 40 N of force at actuation strains of over 35%, but requiring 78 W of power to hold that strain. The ESClutches cannot generate motion on their own, but can maintain the force and contraction generated by SMAs consuming only a few mW, thus allowing the SMAs to be turned off. By combining SMAs and ESClutches, a soft wearable fabric actuator is developed with force and stroke suited for an upper‐limb soft exoskeleton, able to lock in any given position using negligible power. The design is scalable: the number and dimensions of the SMA springs and of the ESClutches can be chosen to meet size and actuator performance requirements. This work reports two wearable use cases, where the combined SMAs and ESClutches consume over 70% lower power than SMAs alone.
Highly Efficient Porous Glass Solar Water Evaporator
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Ruan Wenqing , Zhang Heting , Huang Jinbiao , Wang Jiahao , Fu Jianan , Sun Fei , Zhu Lixing , Zhan Yangguang , Ma Jiang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe global water crisis, exacerbated by excessive use and pollution, has resulted in energy scarcity and threats. Solar desalination provides a sustainable fix, with researchers developing photothermal materials and designs to improve efficiency and sustainability. Glass materials, with their exceptional chemical stability, are suitable for extreme desalination in acidic and alkaline conditions. In this work, we have developed a porous glass evaporator (PGE) with exceptional water evaporation efficiency, achieved through a novel fabrication method that blends glass powders with soluble salts to create structure with continuous pores. The evaporator's microstructure comprises micrometer‐scale pores that form interconnected porous channels, facilitating efficient water transport and preventing salt deposition. Under one sun irradiation, the PGE exhibits superior solar evaporation performance in pure water, achieving a rate of 2.21 kg m−2 h−1, with an evaporation efficiency of 98%. In more complex media, such as seawater and methylene blue solution, the PGE also displays excellent evaporation capabilities, reaching rates of 2.08 and 2.47 kg m−2 h−1, respectively. Even after sustained alternation between acidic and alkaline treatments, the PGE retains an impressive evaporation rate of over 2.0 kg m−2 h−1, coupled with structural robustness, making it a promising candidate for practical applications in extreme environments.