bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Nursing Home Quality with Selection
Authors: Olenski Andrew , Sacher Szymon 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We use variational inference (VI), a technique from the machine learning literature, to estimate a mortality-based Bayesian model of nursing home quality accounting for selection. We demonstrate how one can use VI to quickly and flexibly estimate a high-dimensional economic model with large datasets. Using our facility quality estimates, we examine the correlates of quality and find that public report cards have near-zero correlation. We then show that in contrast to prior literature, higher quality nursing homes fared better during the pandemic: a one standard deviation increase in quality corresponds to 2.5% fewer Covid-19 cases.
Disentangling Reputation from Selection Effects in Markets with Informational Asymmetries - A Field Experiment
Authors: Alysandratos Theodore , Georganas Sotiris , Sutter Matthias 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In markets with asymmetric information between sellers and buyers, feedback mechanisms are important to increase market efficiency and reduce the informational disadvantage of buyers. Feedback mechanisms might work because of self-selection of more trustworthy sellers into markets with such mechanisms or because of reputational concerns of sellers. We show in a field experiment how to disentangle self-selection from reputation effects. Based on 476 taxi rides with four different types of taxis, we find strong evidence for reputation effects, but little support for self-selection effects. We discuss policy implications of our findings.
Public School Funding, School Quality, and Adult Crime
Authors: Baron E. Jason , Hyman Joshua , Vasquez Brittany 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This paper asks whether increasing public school funding can be an effective long-run crime-prevention strategy in the U.S. Specifically, we examine the effect of increases in funding early in children's lives on the likelihood that they are arrested as adults. We exploit quasi-experimental variation in public school funding, leveraging two natural experiments in Michigan and a novel administrative dataset linking the universe of Michigan public school students to adult criminal justice records. The first research design exploits variation in operating expenditures due to Michigan's 1994 school finance reform, Proposal A. The second design exploits variation in capital spending by leveraging close school district capital bond elections in a regression discontinuity framework. In both cases, we find that students exposed to additional funding during elementary school were substantially less likely to be arrested in adulthood. We show that the social benefits of increasing school funding are greater than the costs, even when considering only the crime-reducing benefits.
AutoPEFT: Automatic Configuration Search for Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning
Authors: Zhou Han , Wan Xingchen , Vulić Ivan , Korhonen Anna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Large pretrained language models are widely used in downstream NLP tasks via task- specific fine-tuning, but such procedures can be costly. Recently, Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning (PEFT) methods have achieved strong task performance while updating much fewer parameters than full model fine-tuning (FFT). However, it is non-trivial to make informed design choices on the PEFT configurations, such as their architecture, the number of tunable parameters, and even the layers in which the PEFT modules are inserted. Consequently, it is highly likely that the current, manually designed configurations are suboptimal in terms of their performance-efficiency trade-off. Inspired by advances in neural architecture search, we propose AutoPEFT for automatic PEFT configuration selection: We first design an expressive configuration search space with multiple representative PEFT modules as building blocks. Using multi-objective Bayesian optimization in a low-cost setup, we then discover a Pareto-optimal set of configurations with strong performance-cost trade-offs across different numbers of parameters that are also highly transferable across different tasks. Empirically, on GLUE and SuperGLUE tasks, we show that AutoPEFT-discovered configurations significantly outperform existing PEFT methods and are on par or better than FFT without incurring substantial training efficiency costs.
Do Capital Asset and Labor Conditions Matter in Loan Pricing? Evidence From Capital and Labor Redeployability
Authors: Chen Yangyang , Ng Jeffrey , Wang Chong 
Published: May 2024

This article offers the novel insight that loan pricing is affected by the redeployability of borrowers’ capital assets and labor. We find that both capital and labor redeployability are negatively related to loan spread, suggesting that borrowers with higher redeployability enjoy more favorable loan pricing. This finding is consistent with redeployability promoting reduced cost stickiness and enhanced liquidity, which in turn reduces borrowers’ probability of default and lenders’ loan losses given default. Our cross-sectional test results reveal that the relation between redeployability and loan pricing is stronger for firms with more growth opportunities, which is consistent with lenders viewing redeployability as an important way to minimize potential loan losses from risky investments. Also, the relation between redeployability and loan pricing is weaker for loans with more stringent nonpricing terms, suggesting that strict terms may protect lenders and make redeployability less important in loan pricing. JEL Classification: D22, G21, G32, J62.
Immediate effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomised placebo-controlled triple-blind trial
Authors: Back Cláudio Gregório Nuernberg , Peron Rafaela , Lopes Camilla Vitória Rios , de Souza João Victor Estevam , Liebano Richard Eloin 
Published: May 2024

Objective To compare the immediate effects of shockwave therapy using two different tips in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Design Randomised placebo-controlled study with three intervention groups. Setting The patients recruited for this study were sent for physiotherapy treatment at primary care between May and July 2022. Participants Eighty-one patients with chronic non-specific low back pain aged 18–80 years with pain for ≥3 months and pain intensity ≥3 were randomly recruited for the study. Intervention The patients received a single intervention of radial shockwave therapy with 2000 discharges at 100 mJ energy and 5 Hz frequency using concave or convex tips or placebo treatment. Main measures The primary outcome was pain intensity immediately post-intervention. The secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, and functional performance. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention. Results The post-intervention pain intensity in the concave tip group is an average of two points lower (95% CI = −3.6, −0.4; p < 0.01) than that in the placebo group. The post-intervention pressure pain threshold for the concave tip group was an average of 62.8 kPa higher (95% CI = 0.4, 125.1; p < 0.05) than for the convex tip group and 76.4 kPa higher (95% CI = 14, 138.7; p < 0.01) than in the placebo group. Conclusion The concave tip shockwave therapy is effective in reducing pain and local hyperalgesia in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy as a primary surgical option for glaucoma in Fuchs uveitis syndrome: A case series
Authors: Gunay Murat , Turk Adem , Kurt Ibrahim Mert , Uzlu Dilek , Kose Busra , Yildirim Yusuf 
Published: May 2024

Background Fuchs uveitis syndrome (FUS) is a chronic intraocular inflammatory disease. It can lead to glaucoma which can be intractable to both medical and surgical treatment. In the present report, we describe our experience with GATT as a primary surgical option in the treatment of glaucoma secondary to FUS. Results Four consecutive patients with FUS-associated glaucoma underwent GATT in a single institution. Case 1 was a 28-year-old pseudophakic male with a preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 43 mmHg had unsuccessful circumferential cannulation; his IOP remained high after GATT and received trabeculectomy followed by Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation to control IOP. Although IOP was stable following AGV, he required descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty due to persistent corneal decompansation. He had a stable IOP of 12 mmHg over 21 months. Case 2 was a 42-year-old male with preoperative IOP of 35 mmHg and posterior subcapsular cataract had 360-degree GATT combined with phacoemulsification; his IOP reduced to 14 mmHg over 18 months. Case 3 was an 52-year-old pseudophakic male with a preoperative IOP of 28 mmHg had 360-degree GATT; his IOP remained stable at 10 mmHg over 18 months. Case 4 was an 47-year-old pseudophakic female with a preoperative IOP of 39 mmHg had 360-degree GATT; her IOP remained stable at 14 mmHg over 12 months. Conclusion GATT may be used as an initial approach in secondary glaucoma due to FUS. But, further evidence is still warranted to better ascertain the usefulness of GATT in this specific patient population.
3D Heads-up digital filters for cataract surgery and corneal transplantation
Authors: Mosca Luigi , Scartozzi Luca , De Filippis Alessandro , Guccione Laura , Fasciani Romina , Rizzo Stanislao 
Published: May 2024

Purpose To describe the advantages of Ngenuity 3D digital filters for enhancing visualization during cataract and corneal transplant surgery. Methods All surgeries were performed by the same experienced surgeon (L.M.) using the Ngenuity 3D heads-up visualization system connected to a microscope. Images were simultaneously captured with and without the filter in each of the following phases: endothelial evaluation, capsulorhexis, capsule rupture, vitreous leak, cortex removal, visco removal, corneal suture, descemetorhexis, DMEK graft preparation and insertion. Results In cataract surgery, green and monochrome filters facilitate capsulorhexis in difficult situations by highlighting the anterior capsule and can improve visualization of a posterior capsular tear. The enhanced contrast of the monochrome filter is also useful for cortex and viscoelastic removal. In corneal surgery, the green filter highlights the rim of the DMEK graft during tissue preparation, the yellow filter enhances the contrast of the stained DMEK graft in the anterior chamber, the monochrome filter simplifies descemetorhexis by improving visualization of the Descemet/endothelial layer and allows a better view in red saturated images while performing sutures. Conclusions Ngenuity digital filters have the potential to enhance tissue visualization during cataract and corneal surgeries, especially in poor visibility conditions.
Poland’s first vascular access team 3-year analysis: Insights and learnings
Authors: Latos Maciej , Kosson Dariusz , Zawadka Mateusz 
Published: May 2024

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland saw a surge in interest in midline catheters (MCs) and Long Peripheral Catheters (LPCs) for intravenous therapy. Before this, MCs were not extensively utilised in the country, and there was no formally established Polish vascular access team. MCs, which have been used for years in many countries, are now becoming increasingly common in Poland. This study aimed to analyse the use of MCs in a 3-year perspective of their introduction in daily clinical practice based on a nurse-led Vascular Access Team (VAT). Methods: The records of adult patients who received intravenous therapy with 727 MCs and 293 LPCs from January 2021 to December 2023 at the University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw were analysed. Results: The main indication for cannulation was expected intravenous therapy over 5 days (81.66%, n = 833), of which 71.37% ( n = 728) of patients in this group had concomitant difficult intravenous access (DIVA). Over 6 years, centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) inserted due to DIVA were reduced from n = 108 in 2017 to n = 18 in 2023. The end of intravenous therapy was the reason for the removal of 64.6% of catheters ( n = 659), including death and switch to CICCs as well. Complications leading to premature removal accounted for 31.2%, such as: occlusion (14.6%), patient self-removal (7.1%) and thrombosis (3.43%). Conclusions: The introduction of MCs as a possible option for peripheral venous access reduces the use of CVCs. Developing MCs programmes should be based on investing in staff competencies, which increases success rates. The nurses and physicians should be trained in infusion care to achieve better results in the use of MCs and LPCs. Increasing the competence of nurses in Poland is necessary for the implementation of full-service and top-level functioning of VAT.
The assistive potential of functional electrical stimulation to support object manipulation in functional upper extremity movements after stroke: A randomized cross-over study
Authors: Höhler Chiara , Hermsdörfer Joachim , Jahn Klaus , Krewer Carmen 
Published: May 2024

Background After standard care, 55%-75% of patients after stroke show a persistent paresis of the upper limb (UL). Assistive devices are developed to increase the patients’ level of independence in daily life. Objectives To investigate the potential of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to assist object manipulation in activities of daily life. Design Seventeen patients after stroke were tested and analyzed in a randomized cross-over design. Methods Functional grasping was assessed by means of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the modified Box and Block Test (mBBT), in one session with and another without FES assistance. The order of sessions was randomized. Patients’ motivation was assessed after each session. Task performance and motivation were compared between conditions using the Wilcoxon test and subgroup analyses were performed for impairment severity by distribution-based mixed-factor analyses. Results When analyzing the total ARAT, FES did not effectively assist the overall performance ( P = .142), but did assist the performance of objects of the Grasp category ( P = .020). Impairment severity showed an interaction with the orthotic effect ( P = .012), as severely impaired patients profited from FES assistance and mild-moderately impaired did not. When focusing on the more functional items of the ARAT (i.e., excluding scores from thumb-middle and thumb-ring finger combinations), there was a significant orthotic effect of FES on task performance ( P = .023). Further, there was an orthotic effect for the number of transported blocks in the mBBT ( P = .033), exclusively prominent in the group of severely impaired patients. Functional Electrical Stimulation did not increase the patients’ motivation ( P = .959), which was high after both conditions. Conclusion Functional Electrical Stimulation has the potential to support object manipulation, but is dependent on impairment severity and object type. To observe a consistent orthotic effect, features of the stimulator should be further developed to generate appropriate grasps and forces across subjects and objects. Trial Registration The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00025889).
Different lymphocyte counts of multiple sclerosis patients treated with ofatumumab and ocrelizumab: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Friedli Christoph , Krajnc Nik , Hammer Helly N. , Marti Stefanie , Zrzavy Tobias , Evangelopoulos Maria E. , Kapsali Ioanna , Rommer Paulus , Berger Thomas , Chan Andrew , Bsteh Gabriel , Hoepner Robert 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) treated with anti-CD20 (cluster of differentiation) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as ocrelizumab (OCR) and ofatumumab (OFA) show a reduction mainly of B-lymphocytes, but also other lymphocyte subsets can be affected by these treatments. There is limited data on differences between lymphocyte subset counts of pwMS after treatment initiation with OCR or OFA. Objective To compare lymphocyte subset counts after treatment initiation in pwMS treated with OCR and OFA. Methods We analyzed 22 pwMS initiated on OFA and 56 sex-, age- and MS course matched pwMS initiated on OCR from 2 prospectively collected observational MS databases (Bern [n: OFA 14, OCR 44] and Vienna [n: OFA 8, OCR 12]) statistically comparing lymphocyte subset counts (Mann Whitney Test). Results We found that pwMS treated with OCR showed a stronger reduction of CD20 B-lymphocytes ( P = .001), and a trend towards lower counts of CD8+ T cells ( P = .056) compared to pwMS treated with OFA, whereas reduction of total lymphocyte, CD4+ lymphocyte and NK cell count was equally distributed between both treatments. Conclusion Different effects on lymphocyte subpopulations appear to be present in pwMS after treatment initiation with different anti-CD20 mAbs. Further studies are needed to determine potential effects on anti-CD20 treatment efficacy as well as treatment associated risks such as failed vaccinations and infections.
Personality differences between individuals involved in polyamorous and monogamous relationships
Authors: Banaszkiewicz Paulina 
Published: May 2024

Polyamory is a type of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) where the partners agree they may establish multiple simultaneous emotional relationships. In recent years, the number of scientific publications investigating polyamory has increased, but little attention has been paid to personality traits solely in this type of CNM. The present study took into account the Big Five personality factors, risk taking, and ambiguity tolerance. The study was conducted in a group of 258 participants, including 119 polyamorous subjects (70 women, 43 men and 6 nonbinary individuals) aged 18-52 years. As anticipated, individuals in polyamorous relationships scored higher on openness to experience, risk taking in social and ethical domains, and on ambiguity tolerance; they also scored lower on conscientiousness. The findings show that individuals involved in polyamorous relationships tend to present more complex thinking, greater tolerance to new and unclear situations, and lower compliance with social norms.
Presence of Self-Reported Sleep Alterations After Stroke and Their Relationship With Disability: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rangel Marcela Ferreira de Andrade , Silva Leonardo Carvalho , Gonçalves Estefany Horrany , Silva Andressa , Teixeira-Salmela Luci Fuscaldi , Scianni Aline Alvim 
Published: May 2024

Background Sleep disorders have a prevalence of 30% to 70% in post-stroke individuals. The presence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality after stroke can affect important functions and lead to worse outcomes. However, most studies are restricted to the acute post-stroke stage only. Objective To investigate the frequency of self-reported sleep alterations in a sample of chronic stroke individuals and to identify which self-reported sleep alterations were associated with disability. Methods Prospective exploratory study. Self-reported sleep alterations were measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and STOP-Bang Questionnaire. The dependent variable was measured 3 years after the first contact by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Step-wise multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify which sleep alterations were associated with disability. Results Sixty-five individuals with stroke participated. About 67.7% of participants had poor sleep quality, 52.4% reported insomnia symptoms, 33.9% reported excessive daytime sleepiness, and 80.0% were classified as intermediate or high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Only risk for obstructive sleep apnea was significantly associated with disability and explained 5% of the variance in the mRS scores. Conclusion Self-reported sleep alterations had a considerable frequency in a sample of chronic stroke individuals. The risk of obstructive sleep apnea was associated with disability in the chronic stage of stroke. Sleep alterations must be considered and evaluated in the rehabilitation process even after a long period since the stroke onset.
Exploring the relationship between case volume and intracranial aneurysm treatments with flow-diverters and flow-disruptors: Insights from the 2020 to 2021 Database of the German Society for Interventional Radiology National Registry in Germany
Authors: Yapici Furkan , Maus Volker , Weber Werner , Acikel Cengizhan , Berlis Ansgar , Fischer Sebastian 
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose Intracranial aneurysm treatment using flow-diverters and flow-disruptors requires a higher level of expertise when compared to more traditional methods. Our hypothesis was that the procedural success and the rate of complications are dependent on the annual case load of a center. Materials and Methods Conducting a retrospective analysis on the Database of the German Society for Interventional Radiology for the years 2020 to 2021, we examined flow-diverter and flow-disruptor procedures. We categorized centers into four groups according to their annual case load and proceeded to analyze success rates, complication rates, and fluoroscopy times across these centers. Results No statistically significant differences were observed among the groups in both flow-diverter and flow-disruptor cases concerning fluoroscopy time and the incidence of technical complications. However, within the subgroup of flow-disruptor cases, centers with lower case load exhibited significantly higher rates of hemorrhagic and clinically relevant complications. Additionally, it was noted that the rate of therapeutic success in the flow-diverter group significantly increased in centers with higher case volumes. Conclusion Our findings support the intention towards centralization of medical care especially for complex neuroendovascular procedures. Furthermore, our findings are an argument to further develop a standardized educational and procedural algorithm based on defined case numbers and training modules for complex neurovascular procedures as already implemented by the Database of the German Society for Interventional Radiology.