bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consensus for the Development of a New Early Warning Score for Predicting Patients’ Clinical Deterioration in Angola: A Delphi Study
Authors: Tomás Esmael , Escoval Ana , Antunes Maria Lina 
Published: September 2024

Background: Nearly 30 years since its inception, the early warning scores (EWSs) remain pivotal, yet variations have emerged for hospital and prehospital use. Aggregated scores, reflecting multiple physiological parameters, outperform single‐parameter systems in assessing acute illness severity, though consensus on optimal approaches is lacking. Resource‐limited countries, including Angola, lack adapted EWSs, emphasizing the need for cost‐effective and adaptable solutions to enhance patient care.Objective: To explore the perspectives of Angolan experts to identify physiological parameters suitable for incorporation into existing EWSs, allowing the development of a new tool adjusted to the healthcare context in Angola.Methods: We conducted a three‐round Delphi survey, engaging a national expert panel comprising twenty‐five physicians and nurses with expertise in internal medicine, surgery, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and/or teachers at universities or at teaching courses in these fields. Participants were asked to rate items using a five‐point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved if the items received a rating ≥ 80% from the panel.Results: Consensus was evident for the inclusion of standard physiological parameters, such as systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, neurological status, and the presence or absence of supplemental oxygen. Furthermore, there was consensus for the consideration of specific items, namely, seizures, jaundice, cyanosis, capillary refill time, and pain—typically not included in the current EWSs. Consensus was reached regarding the exclusion of both oxygen saturation and temperature measurements in healthcare settings where oximeters and thermometers might not be readily available.Conclusion: Angolan experts were able to identify the physiological parameters suitable for incorporation into the basic EWSs. Further study must be conducted to test and validate the impact of the newly suggested vital parameters on the discriminant and predictive capability of a new aggregated model specifically adjusted to the Angolan healthcare setting.
The Immune-Related 27-Gene Signature DetermaIO Predicts Response to Neoadjuvant Atezolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Dugo Matteo , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Egle Daniel , Bermejo Begoña , Zamagni Claudio , Seitz Robert S. , Nielsen Tyler J. , Thill Marc , Antón-Torres Antonio , Russo Stefania , Ciruelos Eva Maria , Schweitzer Brock L. , Ross Douglas T. , Galbardi Barbara , Greil Richard , Semiglazov Vladimir , Gyorffy Balázs , Colleoni Marco , Kelly Catherine M. , Mariani Gabriella , Del Mastro Lucia , Blasi Olivia , Callari Maurizio , Pusztai Lajos , Valagussa Pinuccia , Viale Giuseppe , Gianni Luca , Bianchini Giampaolo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
We assessed the 27-gene RT-qPCR–based DetermaIO assay and the same score calculated from RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data as predictors of sensitivity to immune checkpoint therapy in the neoTRIPaPDL1 randomized trial that compared neoadjuvant carboplatin/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy (CT) plus atezolizumab with CT alone in stage II/III triple-negative breast cancer. We also assessed the predictive function of the immuno-oncology (IO) score in expression data of patients treated with pembrolizumab plus paclitaxel (N = 29) or CT alone (N = 56) in the I-SPY2 trial.

Experimental Design:
RNA-seq data were obtained from pretreatment core biopsies from 242 (93.8%) of the 258 patients in the per-protocol-population. The DetermaIO RT-qPCR test, performed in the CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory of Oncocyte Corp., was available for 220 patients (85.3%). A previously established threshold was used to assign DetermaIO-positive versus DetermaIO-negative status. Publicly available microarray data were used from I-SPY2.

Results:
IO scores calculated from RNA-seq and RT-qPCR data were highly concordant. In neoTRIPaPDL1, DetermaIO-positive cancers (N = 92, 41.8%) had pathologic complete response (pCR) rates of 69.8% and 46.9% in the CT + atezolizumab and CT arms, respectively. In DetermaIO-negative cases, pCR rates were similar in both arms (44.6% vs. 49.2%; interaction test P = 0.04). PDL1 protein expression and stromal tumor–infiltrating lymphocyte count were not predictive of differential benefit from atezolizumab. In I-SPY2, IO-positive cancers (45.9%) had pCR rates of 85.7% and 16%, with and without immunotherapy, respectively. In IO-negative cancers, pCR rates were 46.7% versus 16.1%.

Conclusions:
DetermaIO identified patients who benefited from neoadjuvant immunotherapy resulting in improved pCR rate, independently of PDL1.
Language Learning, Representation, and Processing in Humans and
Machines: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Apidianaki Marianna , Fourtassi Abdellah , Padó Sebastian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Large Language Models (LLMs) and humans acquire knowledge about language without direct supervision. LLMs do so by means of specific training objectives, while humans rely on sensory experience and social interaction. This parallelism has created a feeling in NLP and cognitive science that a systematic understanding of how LLMs acquire and use the encoded knowledge could provide useful insights for studying human cognition. Conversely, methods and findings from the field of cognitive science have occasionally inspired language model development. Yet, the differences in the way that language is processed by machines and humans—in terms of learning mechanisms, amounts of data used, grounding and access to different modalities—make a direct translation of insights challenging. The aim of this edited volume has been to create a forum of exchange and debate along this line of research, inviting contributions that further elucidate similarities and differences between humans and LLMs.
Musical Color Harmony: Application of the Principles of Musical Harmony to Produce Color Hue Sets
Authors: Cianci Philip J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Although numerous metaphysicians, philosophers, scientists, poets, artists, and musicians have speculated on the existence of a relationship between color and music for over 2000 years, the establishment of a correlation between color and musical harmony has been elusive. The author describes a framework, Musical Color Hue Harmony (MCHH), that correlates musical and color harmonic consonance and dissonance by applying the physics of aural harmonic resonance and theories of musical harmony to produce sets of “harmonious” color hues based on the mathematically defined frequency relationships between two or more musical pitches. The methodology is applicable to any musical tuning system and any color hue wheel configuration. Color attributes of brightness/luminance and saturation/chroma are presently beyond the scope of the framework.
Computational Methods in Speech Derived Music: Field Review
Authors: O’Hare Fintan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recent years have seen the emergence of diverse computational methods used to derive musical material from speech. While speech analysis, synthesis, and signal processing advancements have informed works, a review of computational methods is absent. This review addresses the gap, categorising methods from 1980 to 2023 found in literature and contemporary music festival programmes, identifying trends relating to live computation, automated compositional processes, use of acoustic-mechanical instruments, and themes including human-machine interaction, obscuring of semantic meaning, and highlighting geographical speech qualities. These approaches have broadened compositional palettes and fostered novel composer-performer-electronic interactions.
Deliberate Maladjustment by Microorganisms: A Medium for Images or Luminous Bacteria
Authors: Saeki Takumi , Masuda Nobuhiro , Jo Kazuhiro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we seek to uncover the new significance of the phrase “deliberately maladjusted,” which is borrowed from video artists of the 1970s and their critical interventions (Vasulka, 1970), in the act of Microbial Image-Processing, using two artworks by the authors: A Medium for Images or Luminous Bacteria and ‘イ’(1926) by BioLuminescent Bacteria. In contrast to early video experimentations, contemporary Computational Image-Processing simulates and manipulates various visual media in a “well-adjusted” manner for the digital computation and display. With this paper, we reconsider the historical process of image-processing to focus on living entities and microorganisms and attempt to extend the possibility of works being “deliberately maladjusted.”
Associative Learning and Active Inference
Authors: Anokhin Petr , Sorokin Artyom , Burtsev Mikhail , Friston Karl 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Associative learning is a behavioral phenomenon in which individuals develop connections between stimuli or events based on their co-occurrence. Initially studied by Pavlov in his conditioning experiments, the fundamental principles of learning have been expanded on through the discovery of a wide range of learning phenomena. Computational models have been developed based on the concept of minimizing reward prediction errors. The Rescorla-Wagner model, in particular, is a well-known model that has greatly influenced the field of reinforcement learning. However, the simplicity of these models restricts their ability to fully explain the diverse range of behavioral phenomena associated with learning. In this study, we adopt the free energy principle, which suggests that living systems strive to minimize surprise or uncertainty under their internal models of the world. We consider the learning process as the minimization of free energy and investigate its relationship with the Rescorla-Wagner model, focusing on the informational aspects of learning, different types of surprise, and prediction errors based on beliefs and values. Furthermore, we explore how well-known behavioral phenomena such as blocking, overshadowing, and latent inhibition can be modeled within the active inference framework. We accomplish this by using the informational and novelty aspects of attention, which share similar ideas proposed by seemingly contradictory models such as Mackintosh and Pearce-Hall models. Thus, we demonstrate that the free energy principle, as a theoretical framework derived from first principles, can integrate the ideas and models of associative learning proposed based on empirical experiments and serve as a framework for a better understanding of the computational processes behind associative learning in the brain.
Factors Affecting Traditional and Modern Services Imports in an Emerging Economy: The Role of Real Exchange Rate and Remittances Inflows
Authors: Mahalik Mantu Kumar , Pal Shreya 
Published: September 2024

This study examines the effects of real exchange rate and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports in India using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach from 1990 to 2020. Banking sector development, stock market development and net foreign direct investment inflows are controlled variables in the estimated services imports functions. The findings from the ARDL long-run model indicate that real exchange rate and remittance inflows inversely affect all service imports. Banking sector development and stock market development positively impact total and traditional services imports. In the case of modern services imports, the banking sector (stock market) inversely (positively) affects it. Net foreign direct investment inflows positively (negatively) affect modern services imports (traditional and total services imports). These findings suggest that policymakers in India should check the adverse effects of real effective exchange rates and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports. JEL Codes: F14, F31, F24, G21, G10, C32
Comparison of the Therapeutic Efficacy and Autophagy-Mediated Mechanisms of Action of Urine-Derived and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Tianhao , Zhang Kaibo , Hu Yunan , Yang Runze , Tang Jiexi , Fu Weili 
Published: September 2024

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling disease that affects a significant proportion of the global population. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have shown great prospects in the treatment of OA, but there is no study that has compared them with traditional stem cells. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of USCs and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for OA treatment. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We compared the biological properties of USCs and ADSCs using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, adhesion, and apoptosis assays. We evaluated the protective effects of USCs and ADSCs on IL-1β–treated OA chondrocytes by chemical staining, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. We assessed the effects of USCs and ADSCs on chondrocyte autophagy by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. We also compared the therapeutic efficacy of intra-articular injections of USCs and ADSCs by gross, histological, micro–computed tomography, and immunohistochemical analyses in an OA rat model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection. Results: USCs showed higher proliferation, colony formation, DNA synthesis, adhesion, and anti-apoptotic abilities than ADSCs. Both USCs and ADSCs increased the expression of cartilage-specific proteins and decreased the expression of matrix degradation–related proteins and inflammatory factors in OA chondrocytes. USCs had a greater advantage in suppressing MMP-13 and inflammatory factors than ADSCs. Both USCs and ADSCs enhanced autophagy in OA chondrocytes, with USCs being more effective than ADSCs. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA reduced the enhanced autophagy and protective effects of USCs and ADSCs on OA chondrocytes. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the efficacy of USCs in the treatment of knee OA and to compare them with ADSCs. Considering the superior properties of USCs in terms of noninvasive acquisition, a high cost-benefit ratio, and low ethical concerns, our study suggests that they may be a more promising therapeutic option than ADSCs for OA treatment under rigorous regulatory pathways. Clinical Relevance: USCs may be a superior cell source for stem cells to treat knee OA, and this study strengthens the evidence for the application of USCs.
Virtual Versus In-Person Follow-up After a Psychiatric Emergency Visit: A Population-Based Cohort Study: Suivi virtuel opposé à en personne après une visite à l’urgence psychiatrique : une étude de cohorte dans la population
Authors: Crocker Matthew , Huang Anjie , Fung Kinwah , Stukel Therese A. , Toulany Alene , Saunders Natasha , Kurdyak Paul , Barker Lucy C. , Hauck Tanya S. , Rotenberg Martin , Hamovitch Emily , Vigod Simone N. 
Published: September 2024

Objective With increased utilization of virtual care in mental health, examining its appropriateness in various clinical scenarios is warranted. This study aimed to compare the risk of adverse psychiatric outcomes following virtual versus in-person mental health follow-up care after a psychiatric emergency department (ED) visit. Methods Using population-based health administrative data in Ontario (2021), we identified 28,232 adults discharged from a psychiatric ED visit who had a follow-up mental health visit within 14 days postdischarge. We compared those whose first follow-up visit was virtual (telephone or video) versus in-person on their risk for experiencing either a repeat psychiatric ED visit, psychiatric hospitalization, intentional self-injury, or suicide in the 15–90 days post-ED visit. Cox proportional hazard models generated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for age, income quintile, psychiatric hospitalization, and intentional self-injury in the 2 years prior to ED visit. We stratified by sex and diagnosis at index ED visits based on the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Canada (ICD-10-CA) coding. Results About 65% ( n = 18,354) of first follow-up visits were virtual, while 35% ( n = 9,878) were in-person. About 13.9% and 14.6% of the virtual and in-person groups, respectively, experienced the composite outcome, corresponding to incidence rates of 60.9 versus 74.2 per 1000 person-years (aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.01). Results were similar for individual elements of the composite outcome, when stratifying by sex and index psychiatric diagnosis, when varying exposure (7 days) and outcome periods (60 and 30 days), and comparing “only” virtual versus “any” in-person follow-up during the 14-day follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance These results support virtual care as a modality to increase access to follow-up after an acute care psychiatric encounter across a wide range of diagnoses. Prospective trials to discern whether this is due to the comparable efficacy of virtual and in-person care, or due solely to appropriate patient selection may be warranted.
Exploring the use of a goal-attainment, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot coach to support first-time graduate employees
Authors: Terblanche NHD , Tau T 
Published: September 2024

First-time graduate employees1 face numerous challenges in the workplace. Organizational coaching is a proven individual HR support intervention, however due to prohibitive cost, graduate employees typically don’t qualify for this type of assistance. This study investigated a cost effective, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot coach to support graduate employees. Nine graduate employees used a goal-attainment AI chatbot coach for 4 weeks to help with their career goals. They were interviewed afterwards on their perceptions of the chatbot. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged. Participants liked the convenience and accessibility and the chatbot coach’s effectiveness in career development as well as the chatbot’s ability to assist their reflection and self-awareness. They missed the human touch and flexible ( limitations). Findings were interpreted using technology adoption and self-determination theories. The chatbot coach satisfies the ease-of-use technology adoption factor and promoted autonomy and competence. Organisations should seriously consider the use of AI coaching to support graduate employees given the significant challenge they face and the lack of support. The use of AI coaching is a new frontier in organisational coaching. This study provides initial insights into potential role of AI coaching in niche organizational context such as graduate employee support.
Coexistent Coronary and Cerebrovascular Disease: Results of Simultaneous Surgical Management in Specific Patient Groups
Authors: Kaul T. K. , Fields B. L. , Riggins L. S. , Wyatt D. A. , Jones C. R. 
Published: September 2024

Objective: Results of synchronous combined revascularization were examined in specific patient groups with coexistent coronary and cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Between 1.1.1980 and 31.12.1998, 408 patients underwent a synchronous combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA) + myocardial revascularization (CABG). In 259 (63.5%) patients, carotid disease was asymptomatic. Remaining patients presented with a previous stroke ( n = 35) or a transient ischemic episode (TIA) ( n = 114). In 245 (60%) patients, carotid stenosis was bilateral (Group A: bilateral ≥ 80% stenosis. Group B: contralateral occlusion, Group C: contralateral subcritical disease). A synchronous ipsilateral CEA + CABG was performed in all patients with an unilateral disease ( n = 163) and also in all Group B ( n = 33) and Group C ( n = 142) patients with bilateral disease. A simultaneous bilateral CEA + CABG was performed in 12 high risk Group A patients. Remaining Group A patients ( n = 58), initially underwent an ipsilateral CEA for most dominant lesion + CABG, soon followed by the contralateral CEA. Results were examined in above specific patient Groups. Results: Overall combined hospital mortality from stroke + myocardial infarction was 2.45%. No independent predictor of stroke was identified. In general, initial prophylactic CEA, subdued the risk of subsequent strokes for 7–8 yr. Predictors of a late stroke were: progression of bilateral ( P = 0.007) and intracranial ( P = 0.04) cerebrovascular disease. Highest risk of an early stroke was recorded in Group A patients. A composite high risk group of patients with multiple risk factors ( n = 155) demonstrated a higher risk of both early and late strokes, as compared to the remaining patients ( n = 253) ( P < 0.04). Observed risk of early and late strokes, in specific patient groups was lower than standard predictions. Conclusions: A regular use of combined approach was justified in the above patient groups.
Redo Surgery for Carotid Artery Stenosis: When and How?
Authors: Gorlitzer M. , Heine B. , Mendel H. , Günen E. , Meinhart J. , Sisel A. , Deutsch M. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: We analyzed operations performed at our institution retrospectively for recurrent carotid artery stenosis to assess the indication for surgery. We also assessed the techniques used for these operations. Patients and methods: From January 1992 to December 1998 1210 carotid endarterectomies were performed. Forty two (3.4%) of these were for recurrent stenosis. A new vein patch was implanted in 27 cases, PTFE patches were used in nine cases. In six cases an interposition with the great saphenous vein was performed. Results: The mean interval between primary and secondary procedure was 60.2 months (3 months to 23 yr). Twenty five of our 41 patients had had ipsilateral neurologic symptoms before redo surgery, the remainder were free of symptoms. The grade of stenosis was over 90% in 22 cases, between 75 and 90% in 11 cases and below 75% in nine cases, two cases had aneurysmatic lesions. None of the patients died in the 30 day observation period. One patient had a stroke with a permanent neurological deficit. In two cases postoperative bleeding occurred requiring reexploration. Two patients developed hypoglossal neurapraxia and in four patients the recurrent laryngeal nerve was injured. One patient had an apnoic episode in the recovery room. Conclusion: The reported incidence of recurrent carotid artery stenosis surgery ranges from 3 to 36% and our incidence is at the lower end of this range. The surgical results of reoperating are acceptable with a low incidence of complications.
Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Successful Outcomes with Multimodal Therapy
Authors: Coletta Joelle M. , Murray James D. , Reeves T. Roland , Veiling Thomas E. , Brennan Frank J. , Hemp James R. , Hall Lee D. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can present with signs of arterial impingement or, more commonly, as venous obstruction. In an effort to decrease morbidity associated with vascular thoracic outlet syndrome, we have used an aggressive multimodal treatment approach. Methods: Since November 1992, we have evaluated 29 patients with vascular thoracic outlet syndrome. Nine of ten patients with arterial thoracic outlet syndrome had first rib resections. Eighteen of 19 patients with venous occlusion underwent anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and first rib resection. Eight patients required additional endovascular therapy for persistent stenoses, either venous angioplasty alone (2) or angioplasty plus stent placement (6). Results: Follow up extends to 75 months with a mean of 24 months. Patients with stents have been followed for a mean of 38 months. Twenty-five of 28 patients managed with multimodal therapy were essentially asymptomatic at last follow up. Conclusion: Thrombolysis, anticoagulation, surgical decompression, and endovascular procedures act synergistically to improve results of therapy in patients with vascular thoracic outlet syndrome.