bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐Dose Colchicine Ameliorates Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity Via Promoting Autolysosome Degradation
Authors: Peng Ying , Li Zhonggen , Zhang Jianchao , Dong Yunshu , Zhang Chenglin , Dong Yiming , Zhai Yafei , Zheng Honglin , Liu Mengduan , Zhao Jing , Du Wenting , Liu Yangyang , Sun Liping , Li Xiaowei , Tao Hailong , Long Deyong , Zhao Xiaoyan , Du Xin , Ma Changsheng , Wang Yaohe , Dong Jianzeng 
Published: May 2024

Background
The only clinically approved drug that reduces doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is dexrazoxane, but its application is limited due to the risk of secondary malignancies. So, exploring alternative effective molecules to attenuate its cardiotoxicity is crucial. Colchicine is a safe and well‐tolerated drug that helps reduce the production of reactive oxygen species. High doses of colchicine have been reported to block the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes in cancer cells. However, the impact of colchicine on the autophagy activity within cardiomyocytes remains inadequately elucidated. Recent studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of colchicine on patients with pericarditis, postprocedural atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. It remains ambiguous how colchicine regulates autophagic flux in doxorubicin‐induced heart failure.

Methods and Results

Doxorubicin was administered to establish models of heart failure both in vivo and in vitro. Prior studies have reported that doxorubicin impeded the breakdown of autophagic vacuoles, resulting in damaged mitochondria and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Following the administration of a low dose of colchicine (0.1 mg/kg, daily), significant improvements were observed in heart function (left ventricular ejection fraction: doxorubicin group versus treatment group=43.75%±3.614% versus 57.07%±2.968%,
P
=0.0373). In terms of mechanism, a low dose of colchicine facilitated the degradation of autolysosomes, thereby mitigating doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity.

Conclusions
Our research has shown that a low dose of colchicine is pivotal in restoring the autophagy activity, thereby attenuating the cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin. Consequently, colchicine emerges as a promising therapeutic candidate to improve doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.
Anatomical Markers Associated With the Presence of Intracranial Aneurysms in Individuals Screened for Aneurysms
Authors: Vos Iris N. , van Tuijl Rick J. , Mensing Liselore A. , Ophelders Maud E. H. , Velthuis Mireille R. E. , Zuithoff Nicolaas P. A. , Rinkel Gabriel J. E. , Kuijf Hugo J. , Zwanenburg Jaco J. M. , van der Schaaf Irene C. , Velthuis Birgitta K. , Ruigrok Ynte M. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Hemodynamic stress is linked to the development of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and may be influenced by anatomic variation of intracranial arteries. We assessed diameters and bifurcation angles of intracranial arteries forming the circle of Willis in a cohort of individuals screened for the presence of IAs.

Methods
Individuals with and without IAs identified at screening with magnetic resonance angiography were compared. Diameters and bifurcation angles of the following arteries were measured using semiautomatic methods: A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery, M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery, P1 segments of the posterior cerebral artery, posterior communicating artery (Pcom), internal carotid artery, vertebral artery, and basilar artery. We employed univariate general linear models to assess group differences. This included subgroup comparisons between individuals with IAs at specific locations and matched controls, and comparisons on group level between individuals with and without IAs, corrected for age and sex.

Results

In 94 of the 1049 individuals (9.0%) included, IAs were detected. Individuals with middle cerebral artery IAs had wider ipsilateral M2–M2 bifurcation angles compared with controls (121±25° versus 97±19°;
P
<0.01). Individuals with anterior communicating artery IAs showed smaller angles for the A1–A2 bifurcation (106±16° versus 120±17°;
P
= 0.02), while those with Pcom IAs had wider Pcom–C7 bifurcation angles (147±14° versus 127±17°;
P
= 0.02) and smaller diameters below the ipsilateral internal carotid artery top (2.86±0.36 mm versus 3.10±0.33 mm;
P
= 0.03) compared with controls.

Conclusion
We found associations between wider M2–M2 bifurcation angles or narrower A1–A2 bifurcation angles and IA presence, consistent with prior literature. Moreover, we uncovered previously unexplored associations, including wider Pcom–C7 bifurcation angles and smaller internal carotid artery diameters in individuals with Pcom IAs. Future research should explore the potential of these markers in predicting IAs in at‐risk populations during follow‐up screenings.
Reptiles in danger: Implications of road mortality in wetlands of South America
Authors: Arzamendia Vanesa , Furlan Exequiel Oscar , Ulibarrie Andrés Agustín , Bellini Gisela Paola 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Undoubtedly, roads produce negative effects on wildlife, but when they are laid across wetlands effects can be exacerbated. The “hyperfragmentation” and loss of terrestrial and aquatic habitats generated by roads makes it urgent to measure effect on wildlife. Reptiles are highly susceptible to road mortality mainly because of their slow movement, and the use of roads as a substrate for thermoregulation and feeding areas. Here, we analysed reptile road mortality in the floodplain of the Paraná River (Argentina) at three sections: North (NS), Centre (CS), and South (SS). We compared the richness and abundance of reptile roadkill species that use different habitats by means of monthly samplings. We found 464 roadkills encompassing 27 species (1 turtle, 2 lizards, and 24 snakes). Despite a greater richness of terrestrial species, roadkill abundance was always dominated by aquatic species. We detected two hot spots of reptile roadkill where routes cross the Paraná River floodplain and the environment quality was high: one in the NS, located in a protected area with records of two Vulnerable species; and another hot spot in the SS, which recorded roadkills that belonged to almost all inhabiting snake species and presented the highest roadkill abundance. A temporal ‘hot moment’ of reptile roadkill occurrence was detected during autumn in the SS. This study provides a baseline for delineating measures to prevent and mitigate reptile mortality, focusing on specific places, moments, and taxa in roads crossing wetlands in the Paraná River floodplain.
Microphysical Characterization of Boundary Layer Ice Particles: Results from a 3-Year Measurement Campaign in Interior Alaska
Authors: Schmitt Carl G. , Vas Dragos , Schnaiter Martin , Järvinen Emma , Hartl Lea , Wong Telayna , Cassella Victor , Stuefer Martin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
A three-winter study has been conducted to better understand the relationship between atmospheric conditions and ice fog or diamond dust microphysics. Measurements were conducted east of downtown Fairbanks in interior Alaska during nonprecipitating conditions. Atmospheric conditions were measured with several weather stations around the Fairbanks region and two meteorological temperature profiler instruments (ATTEX MTP-5HE and MTP-5PE). Near-surface ice particle microphysical observations were conducted with the Particle Phase Discriminator mark 2, Karlsruhe edition (PPD-2K), instrument, which measures particles from 8 to 112 μm (sphere equivalent). Panoramic camera images were captured and saved every 10 min throughout the campaign for visual assessment of atmospheric conditions. Machine learning was used to classify both cloud particle microphysical characteristics from the PPD-2K data and to categorize boundary layer conditions using the panoramic camera images. For panoramic camera images, data were categorized as cloudy, clear, fog, snowing, and a nearby power plant plume. For the PPD-2K machine learning study, the scattering pattern images were used to identify rough surface, pristine, sublimating, and spherical particles. Three additional categories were used to identify indeterminant or saturated images. These categories and categories derived from weather station data (e.g., temperature ranges) are used to quantify ice microphysical properties under different conditions. For the complete microphysical dataset, pristine plates or columns accounted for 15.5%, 16.3% appeared to be sublimating particles, and 43.4% were complex particles with either rough surfaces or multiple branches. Although the temperature was as warm as −20°C during measurements, only 1.3% of the particles were classified as liquid.

Significance Statement
Boundary layer ice particles are frequently present in the near-surface atmosphere when surface temperatures drop below −20°C. Substantial human impacts can occur due to visibility degradation and deposition of particles on surfaces. Understanding particle shape, size, and phase (liquid or solid) is important for understanding those impacts. This study presents the results of a 3-yr measurement campaign in Fairbanks, Alaska, in which we relate ice particle characteristics to lower atmospheric conditions. Results should improve weather forecasting and hazard prediction.
Hydrometeor Identification Using GMI Passive Microwave Brightness Temperatures
Authors: Cecil Daniel J. , Solomon Michael B. , Mecikalski Retha , Leppert Kenneth D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Using passive microwave brightness temperatures Tb from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) and hydrometeor identification (HID) data from dual-polarization ground radars, empirical lookup tables are developed for a multifrequency estimation of the likelihood a precipitation column includes certain hydrometeor types, as a function of Tb. Eight years of collocated Tb and HID data from the GPM Validation Network are used for development and testing of the GMI-based HID retrieval, with 2015–20 used for training and 2021–22 used for testing the GMI-based HID retrieval. The occurrence of profiles with hail and graupel are both slightly underpredicted by the lookup tables, but the percentage of profiles predicted is highly correlated with the percentage observed (0.98 correlation coefficient for hail and 0.99 for graupel). By having snow appear before rain in the hierarchy, the sample size for rain, without ice aloft, is fairly small, and the percentage of rain profiles is less than snow for all Tb.
Performance Improvement and Customer Satisfaction as A Focus of Public Service Reform: Trends and Challenges in Africa
Authors: Un M. J. Balogun 
Published: May 2024

As a reaction to the inherent weaknesses of over-arching approaches to public service reform, attention is gradually shifting to the construction of low- to medium-range models depicting conditions under which otherwise rule-bound, change-resisting, and slow-moving bureaucratic organizations might be transformed into entrepreneurial and customer-oriented entities. This rests on the assumption that the contemporary global shift toward liberalisation would do for the evaluation of public goods what the interplay of supply and demand forces in a free market does for the price of tradable goods. Yet, the assumption of a free market for public goods is being increasingly questioned. The “ustomer” concept, in particular, is perceived by some scholars as either inapplicable to the government setting or downright subversive of the democratic norm of accountability. This article also identifies a number of factors that combine to stand the market on its head and, by so doing, to frustrate the best laid out customer service plans in government. Among these factors are the prevailing “market culture,” the devaluation and/or distortion of basic management information, and the asymmetrical relationship between “supply” and “demand.” At the same time, however, this article argues that, in the context of Africa where democracy is still at a nascent stage, the “ustomer” focus presents a credible response to concerns about political and public accountability. Besides providing a few case studies in the performance of service delivery systems and assessing efforts at launching customer service initiatives as part of public-sector reform programmes, this article examines some of the preconditions for the inauguration and successful implementation of customer service programmes in the African pubic service.
The Ethics of New Public Management: Is Integrity at Stake?
Authors: Kolthoff Emile , Huberts Leo , Van Den Heuvel Hans 
Published: May 2024

Since the late 1980s, public administration has moved to a more businesslike approach, commonly referred to as New Public Management or NPM. Output budgeting, privatization, competition and commercialization receive more attention. The question has been raised if too much identification with the style of the private sector might not generate undesired effect, for instance in the area of public integrity. In this paper a theory, based on existing knowledge is provided about the possible negative, as well as the positive, effects on public integrity of the introduction of businesslike methods in the public service. The overall conclusion of the paper is that the effect of introducing businesslike methods in the public sector depends more on the establishment of practical principles to ensure that these methods are exercised in an effective and ethical manner, than the introduction of businesslike methods as such.
Learning by Using Performance Measures in Local Governments: The Perspective of Public Managers
Authors: Onesti Tiziano , Angiola Nunzio , Bianchi Piervito 
Published: May 2024

The aim of the research is to identify the factors which enable / restrain public managers’ learning from past experience. The article draws upon research undertaken in Italian local governments after the last performance-based reform (2009). It gives evidence of the ways of learning in organizations characterized by a bureaucratic administrative culture, a political regime instability and ones that operate under financial stress conditions. These circumstances are common in many public administrations in the “era” of the global financial, economic and fiscal crisis. We based our analysis on a cross-sectional data set and the research was carried out using an OLS model. Besides the factors identified in the performance management literature which foster public managers’ learning, we found that the political regime stability produced positive effects on learning. Moreover, executives in municipalities characterized with an higher percentage of enforcement measures tended to be more aware of the importance of measuring and analyzing past performance in order to reduce further potential financial criticalities.
Strengthening Organizational Capacity and Practices for High-Performing Nonprofit Organizations: Evidence from the National Assessment of the Social Innovation Fund—A Public-Private Partnership
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Griffith Janet , Pershing Janet , Sun Jing , Malakoff Lara , Marsland Whitney , Field Kurt Peters Elly 
Published: May 2024

The Social Innovation Fund (SIF) is a federal initiative that leverages funds through public-private collaborations to support and build the evidence base for community programs. The SIF awards grants to grantmaking nonprofit organizations that, in turn, select, fund, and support local nonprofit organizations to implement community-based programs in one of three core areas: youth development, economic opportunity, and healthy futures. The federal funds are matched both by grantees and by subgrantees, leveraging $3 of funding for each $1 of federal funds. The fundamental purpose of the SIF is to strengthen the capacity and practices of nonprofit organizations to select and support grantees that operate evidence-based programs, implement rigorous evaluations, scale up, and collaborate with other organizations. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the national assessment found improved organizational capacity among SIF grantees. Between 2009 and 2014, SIF grantees funded in the 2010–2012 grant cycles reported improvement in 13 out of 14 measures of organizational capacity. Compared to applicants for SIF who were not selected and to a national sample of grantmaking nonprofits, and measured by effect size estimates (Cohen, 1988), SIF had a large impact on the evaluation capacity of SIF grantees, a medium impact on their support for subgrantees and for scaling, and a small impact on subgrantee selection and collaboration.
Life and Liberty: The Power of Positive Purpose
Authors: Gragnolati Brian A. , Stupak Ronald J. 
Published: May 2024

The authors believe that health care and the courts, through their commitments to positive purpose, are the fundamental keepers of life and liberty in American society. In fact, they postulate that the power of positive purpose works in every sector—public, private, and not-for-profit. More specifically, by the use of data, operational examples, and cases, this article shows how high performing hospitals, courts, and other organizations make optimism tangible by developing concepts, theories, and policies based on positive values. Effective court and hospital leaders take the abstractions and hopes of wishes and dreams and make them concrete and operational in a caring, sensitive, and humane way. Increasingly with the new generation of employees, loyalty and motivation are based more on affirmative values anchored in empowerment, participation, involvement, and spirituality than on cash. Leaders in health care and the courts must possess and be able to communicate a clear set of positive values to these individuals. Consequently, the authors show that we in health care and the court arena can influence the events in our personal lives and in our organizations’ lives by making the values, visions, and cultural anchors in our organizational settings the foundations of performance. Strong leadership that ties the organizational goals to uplifting values based on a committed sense of optimism is the key to confronting creatively the philosophical, strategic, organizational, and operational changes necessary to improving the institutional effectiveness of health care and the law as we move into the new millenium. As reflective-practitioner leaders, it is our responsibility to be the catalysts and role models for our professional colleagues by retaining, communicating, and demonstrating a profound sense of optimism and a high level of performance in judicial and health care organizations.
Reducing Disparities in Utilization of Mamography: Reaching Dually Eligible Women in Connecticut
Authors: Barr Judith K. , Kelvey-Albert Michelle , Curry Maureen , Gaudiosi Alisa , Testa Katie , Elwell Anne , Petrillo Marcia , Meehan Thomas P. 
Published: May 2024

This article describes a two-pronged intervention by the health care Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for Connecticut to address the disparity in rates of mammography screening between women eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid ( i.e., “dually eligible”) and other Medicare beneficiaries. The interventions were directed beneficiaries. One intervention addressed information and access needs of the target population: an education session was followed by a mobile mammography van session at low-income housing sites in specific geographic areas. The second intervention was a culturally-sensitive direct mailing to dually eligible beneficiaries across the state. Implementation methods are described including: defining and identifying the target population; specifying the disparity; developing community collaboration; and testing the mail materials. Preliminary results of the education sessions and community testing of the direct mail materials generated information about the target population. Issues in implementation and analysis include: reaching the target population, building community relations, and developing design approaches to test the intervention.
Behavioral Anchors: Building a Medical Center on Solid Foundations
Authors: Doordan Martin L. , Stupak Ronald J. 
Published: May 2024

Construction of new facilities in the healthcare arena is an ongoing, almost daily, occurrence. The desire to build wisely and effectively is evidenced at the Anne Arundel Medical Center which has attracted healthcare executives from all over the country who come to view, analyze, and experience the beauty, utility and interdependencies of the buildings and facilities that constitute “the AAMC campus.” However, too often these executive visitors and benchmarking experts tend to focus on the technical, architectural, engineering, concrete aspects of the hospital, while naively overlooking and/or giving short shrift to the more critical behavioral dynamics of the construction process. The ultimate success of any building project requires a clear understanding by the leadership of “where people are coming from,” so that both the design and the development of the final product can be brought under the synthesizing umbrella of patient care, clinical excellence, individual safety, and community responsibility. Not only must the leadership determine and drive the strategic thrust toward the final outcome; in addition, they must make sure that they allow significant colleagues to be actively, operationally, and symbolically engaged in a process that ends up in a structural outcome that everyone is proud to own, to see, and to inhabit.
Measuring Costs of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Mathematic Model of Specific Cost Estimations
Authors: Conrad Cynthia 
Published: May 2024

Few empirical facts exist regarding the actual costs of child abuse in the United States. Consistent data is not available for national or even statewide analysis. Clearly there is a need for such accounting in order to fully understand the damage created by child abuse and neglect. Policy makers and social welfare planners should take child abuse costs into consideration when determining expenditures for prevention and intervention programs. The real savings may far outweigh the costs of such programs when both direct and indirect costs of child abuse and neglect enter into the analysis. This paper offers a model in which the actual costs of child abuse and neglect, based on direct, indirect, and opportunity costs associated with each case. Direct costs are those associated with the treatment of abused and neglected children as well as the costs of family intervention programs or foster care. Indirect costs are costs to society created by the negative effects of child abuse and neglect evinced by individuals who suffer such abuse and then as teens or adults engage in criminal behavior. Indirect costs also derive from the long term and ongoing health care needs required by victims of abuse, for both physical and mental health disorders. With the existence of this model, the author hopes to stimulate the discussion and desire for better data collection and analysis. In order to demonstrate the utility of the model, the author has included some cost estimates from the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families and the works of other scholars looking into the question of costs for child abuse and neglect. This data represents the best available at this time. As a result, the model appearing here is specific to Connecticut. Even so, once more valid data becomes available, the model's structure and theoretical framework should adapt to the needs of other states to facilitate better measurement of relevant costs and provide a clearer picture of the utility of investment in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.