julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Peer Review Report For: Exploring the structural characteristics of the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit (ASCOT) and ASCOT-Carer [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]
2023-05-02

Background : Measurement models inform the approach to assess a measure's validity and also how a measure is understood, applied and interpreted. With preference-based measures, it is generally accepted that they are formative ; however, if they are applied without preferences, they may be reflective , formative or mixed . In this study, we sought to empirically test whether the reflective , formative or mixed measurement model best describes PBMs of social care-related quality of life (ASCOT, ASCOT-Carer). We also explored the network approach, as an alternative. Methods : ASCOT and ASCOT-Carer data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes models to test reflective, formative or mixed measurement models, respectively. Network analysis of partial correlations using the Gaussian graphical model was also conducted. Results : The results indicated that the reflective measurement model is the worst fit for ASCOT and ASCOT-Carer. The formative or mixed models may apply to ASCOT. The mixed model was the best fit for ASCOT-Carer. The network analysis indicated that the most important or influential items were Occupation and Personal cleanliness and comfort (ASCOT) and Time and space and Self-care (ASCOT-Carer). Conclusions : The ASCOT and ASCOT-Carer are best described as formative/mixed or mixed models, respectively. These findings may guide the approach to the validation of cross-culturally adapted and translated versions. Specifically, we recommend that EFA be applied to establish structural characteristics, especially if the measure will be applied as a PBM and as a measure of SCRQoL. Network analysis may also provide further useful insights into structural characteristics.
Noxious radiant heat evokes bi-component nociceptive withdrawal reflexes in spinal cord injured humans—A clinical tool to study neuroplastic changes of spinal neural circuits
2023-05-02

Investigating nocifensive withdrawal reflexes as potential surrogate marker for the spinal excitation level may widen the understanding of maladaptive nociceptive processing after spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this prospective, explorative cross-sectional observational study was to investigate the response behavior of individuals with SCI to noxious radiant heat (laser) stimuli and to assess its relation to spasticity and neuropathic pain, two clinical consequences of spinal hyperexcitability/spinal disinhibition. Laser stimuli were applied at the sole and dorsum of the foot and below the fibula head. Corresponding reflexes were electromyography (EMG) recorded ipsilateral. Motor responses to laser stimuli were analyzed and related to clinical readouts (severity of injury/spasticity/pain), using established clinical assessment tools. Twenty-seven participants, 15 with SCI (age 18–63; 6.5 years post-injury; AIS-A through D) and 12 non-disabled controls, [non-disabled controls (NDC); age 19–63] were included. The percentage of individuals with SCI responding to stimuli (70–77%; p &amp;lt; 0.001), their response rates (16–21%; p &amp;lt; 0.05) and their reflex magnitude ( p &amp;lt; 0.05) were significantly higher compared to NDC. SCI-related reflexes clustered in two time-windows, indicating involvement of both A-delta- and C-fibers. Spasticity was associated with facilitated reflexes in SCI (Kendall-tau-b p ≤ 0.05) and inversely associated with the occurrence/severity of neuropathic pain (Fisher’s exact p &amp;lt; 0.05; Eta-coefficient p &amp;lt; 0.05). However, neuropathic pain was not related to reflex behavior. Altogether, we found a bi-component motor hyperresponsiveness of SCI to noxious heat, which correlated with spasticity, but not neuropathic pain. Laser-evoked withdrawal reflexes may become a suitable outcome parameter to explore maladaptive spinal circuitries in SCI and to assess the effect of targeted treatment strategies. Registration: https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00006779 .
Evaluation of Kinetic Performance of Reversed-Phase Columns for Protein Separations by Gradient Kinetic Plots
2023-05-02

The increasing importance of protein biopharmaceuticals has triggered the development of new, highly efficient stationary phases for reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) of proteins. They typically have C4 ligands or phenyl surfaces for weak hydrophobic interactions and are based on various morphologies, such as silica monolith, sub-2-μm fully porous particles (FPPs), or superficially porous particles (SPPs). Selection of the best column based on physical parameters provided by vendors may sometimes be unequivocal. Simple performance evaluation tools, such as the gradient kinetic plot methodology reported by Desmet and co-workers, can help to shed light on this issue and allow for a more differentiated view on column performance. This article compares the performance of wide-pore silica monolithic, sub-2-μm FPP, and SPP columns. It also addresses the question of whether 1000 Å or 400 Å SPP columns are more suitable for reversed-phase LC-type protein separations and presents a kinetic performance comparison of a number of wide-pore core–shell particle columns.
The implementation of SDG12 in and from higher education institutions: universities as laboratories for generating sustainable cities
2023-05-03

Introduction It is known that the world is facing and will face significant sustainability challenges. Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12), responsible consumption and production, is one of the most relevant SDGs for building Sustainable Cities. This study is based on the analysis of the implementation of SDG12 in cities, starting from universities as laboratories or first examples of sustainability. Methods The study was carried out through a multilevel scale approach. A systematic review of the literature (global scale) of the last 5 years (2018–2022) was conducted. An analysis of the program and the initiatives of a Higher Education Institution (Tecnologico de Monterrey) is presented (local scale). Finally, a survey was applied to Faculty at this University (micro-scale). Results The systematic review indicated that the main themes or aspects addressed in SDG12 by higher education institutions were sustainable food, supply chains, community, infrastructure, technology, policies, energy consumption, the collaborative economy, smart cities, and curricula. The local scale analysis highlighted the Distrito Tec project, 37 institutional initiatives, and 26 courses directly related to SDG12. The survey showed that 8% of Faculty considered SDG12 the most important of the SDGs and stated that this goal is necessary to reduce environmental impacts. As the most significant impact that Universities can have on SDG12, 52% of the Faculty consider that Universities should become living labs in the transition toward sustainable cities, followed by 36% who think it would be better to implement operational facilities. Discussion The diverse contributions of the HEIs at the three scales were classified into six categories: culture, mitigation, adaptation, education, research, and outreach. The study indicates that SDG 12 has been achieved by universities in different ways, which overlaps widely with the performance of other SDGs. Results demonstrate that following a multistakeholder approach, international collaborations between HEIs can foster technology-driven multi-disciplinary research projects to consolidate sustainable cities. Building capacity to accelerate the transition of universities into urban living labs will promote climate action among the students who enroll every year.
Assignment strategies modulate students’ academic performance in an online learning environment during the first and second COVID-19 related school closures
2023-05-03

A growing number of studies seek to evaluate the impact of school closures during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While most studies reported severe learning losses in students, some studies found positive effects of school closures on academic performance. However, it is still unclear which factors contribute to the differential effects observed in these studies. In this article, we examine the impact of assignment strategies for problem sets on the academic performance of students (n ≈ 16,000 from grades 4–10 who calculated ≈ 170,000 problem sets) in an online learning environment for mathematics, during the first and second period of pandemic-related school closures in Germany. We observed that, if teachers repeatedly assigned single problem sets (i.e., a small chunk of on average eight mathematical problems) to their class, students’ performance increased significantly during both periods of school closures compared to the same periods in the previous year (without school closures). In contrast, our analyses also indicated that, if teachers assigned bundles of problem sets (i.e., large chunks) or when students self-selected problem sets, students’ performance did not increase significantly. Moreover, students’ performance was generally higher when single problem sets were assigned, compared to the other two assignment types. Taken together, our results imply that teachers’ way of assigning problem sets in online learning environments can have a positive effect on students’ performance in mathematics.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of nonpharmacological interventions for children and adolescents with selective mutism
2023-05-03

Abstract Background Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that often starts in early years with serious and lasting consequences. Nonpharmacological interventions are commonly seen as the preferred first treatment. This systematic review identifies outcome measures used and outcomes achieved for nonpharmacological interventions for children and adolescents with SM. Methods Systematic searches were conducted using 13 electronic databases and hand searches, including peer‐reviewed and grey literature since 1992. Results Twenty‐five studies were identified. While specific measures varied, all studies reported an outcome measure for speaking behaviour and 18 used a measure of anxiety. Few studies reported measures of SM remission ( k = 6), well‐being ( k = 6), academic impact ( k = 2), or quality of life ( k = 1). Within subject outcomes for nonpharmacological interventions were variable for improvements in speaking behaviours (very small to large positive effects) and reduction in anxiety symptoms (very small negative to large positive effects). Only five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta‐analysis. Three studies compared a combined systems/behavioural approach with waitlist controls indicating a significant and large effect (Hedges g = 1.06, p &lt; .0001, 95% CI: 0.57–1.56) on improved speaking behaviour. Two of these RCTs showed a large effect for SM remission favouring the intervention (Risk Ratio = 4.25, p = .1774, 95% CI: 0.52–34.84) but this did not reach statistical significance. Non‐significant outcomes for two RCTs with active controls (Hedges g = 0.55, p &lt; .2885, 95% CI: −0.47 to 1.57) showed considerable heterogeneity in approach and outcomes, one with large and one with negligible effects. Conclusion Despite the considerable impairment caused by SM, there has been little systematic evaluation of non‐pharmacological interventions. Although combined systems/behavioural interventions are promising, further systematic evaluations are urgently needed to inform treatment approaches. Cross‐study measurement harmonisation is required to promote learning from all studies, including wider clinical and economic outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration Not applicable.
Early initiation of antibiotic therapy and short-term outcomes in preterm infants: a single-centre retrospective cohort analysis
2023-05-03

Background Sepsis is one of the most important complications in preterm infants. For this reason, many such infants receive antibiotics during their hospital stay. However, early antibiotic therapy has also been associated with adverse outcome. It is yet largely unclear if the time of onset of antibiotic therapy influences the outcome. We here investigated whether the timing of initiation of antibiotic therapy plays a role in the association between antibiotic exposure and short-term outcome. Methods Retrospective analysis of data from 1762 very low birthweight infants born in a German neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 2004 and December 2021. Results Antibiotics were administered to 1214 of the 1762 (68.9%) infants. In 973 (55.2%) of the 1762 of infants, antibiotic therapy was initiated within the first two postnatal days. Only 548 (31.1%) infants did not have any antibiotic prescription during their stay in the NICU. Antibiotic exposure at every timepoint was associated with an increased risk of all short-term outcomes analysed in univariable analyses. In multivariable analyses, initiation of antibiotic therapy within the first two postnatal days and initiation between postnatal days 3 and 6 was independently associated with an increased risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (OR 3.1 and 2.8), while later initiation of antibiotic therapy was not. Conclusion Very early initiation of antibiotic therapy was associated with an increased risk of BPD. Due to the study design, no conclusions on causality can be drawn. If confirmed, our data suggest that an improved identification of infants at low risk of early-onset sepsis is needed to reduce antibiotic exposure.
Larotrectinib versus historical standard of care in patients with infantile fibrosarcoma: protocol of EPI-VITRAKVI
2023-05-03

The EPI VITRAKVI study is a retrospective study designed to place the results of the single-arm Phase I/II larotrectinib SCOUT trial into context by comparison with external historical controls. Its primary objective is to compare the time to medical treatment failure between larotrectinib and the historical standard of care (chemotherapy) in patients with infantile fibrosarcoma. External historical cohorts have been selected by using objective criteria. The Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting method will be used to adjust for potential confounding. The current publication illustrates how an external control arm study can complement data from a single-arm trial and addresses uncertainties encountered in the assessment of therapies targeting rare abnormalities where randomized controlled trials are considered not feasible. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05236257 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Studying Between-Subject Differences in Trends and Dynamics: Introducing the Random Coefficients Continuous-Time Latent Curve Model with Structured Residuals
2023-05-03

The recently proposed continuous-time latent curve model with structured residuals (CT-LCM-SR) addresses several challenges associated with longitudinal data analysis in the behavioral sciences. First, it provides information about process trends and dynamics. Second, using the continuous-time framework, the CT-LCM-SR can handle unequally spaced measurement occasions and describes processes independently of the length of the time intervals used in a given study. Third, it is a hierarchical model. Thus, multiple subjects can be analyzed simultaneously. However, subjects might also differ in dynamics and trends. Therefore, in the present paper, we extend the CT-LCM-SR to capture these differences as well. This newly proposed random coefficients continuous-time latent curve model with structured residuals (RC-CT-LCM-SR) is introduced theoretically and technically. Additionally, we provide an illustrative example with data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and we show how the RC-CT-LCM-SR can be used to study multiple sources of between-subject differences over time.
New evidence for the unique coexistence of two subfamilies of clawed perissodactyls (Mammalia, Chalicotheriidae) in the Upper Miocene of Romania and the Eastern Mediterranean
2023-05-03

Abstract Chalicotheres are a peculiar group of large herbivorous mammals, closely related to extant tapirs, rhinoceroses, and horses, but with large claws instead of hooves. The family Chalicotheriidae consists of two subfamilies, the Schizotheriinae and the Chalicotheriinae. Herein we present chalicothere remains from the Upper Miocene locality of Pogana 1 in Romania, identifying the schizotheriine Ancylotherium pentelicum and an indeterminate chalicotheriine that were both found in the same stratigraphic layer. Thus, the Pogana 1 locality represents one of the very few confirmed cases of the co-occurrence of the two subfamilies within one fossiliferous horizon in the same fossil site. A detailed review of all localities where the two subfamilies have been reported to co-occur shows that this is a rare phenomenon that is almost exclusively observed in the Turolian of the Balkan-Iranian zoogeographical province. This is probably due to provincial differences in the palaeoenvironment. The data presented here support the hypothesis of a diverse mosaic environment in the Balkan-Iranian province with both closed environments and open habitats that was able to sustain a rich and diverse large mammal fauna.
Seeing the Future Through the Socialist Past: the Works of the Radical Imaginary Through Migration
2023-05-03

Abstract This article contours the collective imaginary horizons of post-socialist subjects as they emerge within and around the ‘routinised’ practice of labour migration and its pressing materialities. Taking the case of Bulgarian-origin migrants in the UK, the article problematises the common conceptualisation of (semi-)peripheral imaginations as medium for enacting the hegemonic project of Western modernity-coloniality. Rather than passive subscribers to powerful but deceitful political utopias, ‘peripheral’ migrant subjects emerge as autonomous agents, articulating radically different visions of the desirable and possible. The politicisation of the socialist past as a historical context of shared social meaning and experience, as well as a symbolic resource of forgotten ideals, opens up a space for critical engagement with the capitalist mechanisms producing despair in the present. Invoking meaning and value from previously existing ideals of solidarity, justice and egalitarianism as they relate to the realms of work, self-hood and socio-political organisation, my interlocutors countermap the trauma of the present to the stability and fullness of what was before, in the process hinting at a possible moment of ‘rupture’ and ‘re-institution’. Respectful engagement with the ‘lay’ socialisms of today, I suggest it is vital for exploring further the political capacity of the post-socialist imaginary and its possibilities for carving out self-affirming agendas for equality, collectiveness and working-class dignity.
Successful treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma with ipilimumab and nivolumab after severe progression under tebentafusp: a case report
2023-05-03

Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare form of melanoma differing from cutaneous melanoma by etiology, prognosis, driver mutations, pattern of metastases and poor response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Recently, a bispecific gp100 peptide-HLA-directed CD3 T cell engager, tebentafusp, has been approved for the treatment of HLA-A*02:01 metastatic or unresectable UM. While the treatment regime is complex with weekly administrations and close monitoring, the response rate is limited. Only a few data exist on combined ICI in UM after previous progression on tebentafusp. In this case report, we present a patient with metastatic UM who first suffered extensive progression under treatment with tebentafusp but in the following had an excellent response to combined ICI. We discuss possible interactions that could explain responsiveness to ICI after pretreatment with tebentafusp in advanced UM.
Influence of Face Masks on Physiological and Subjective Response during 130 min of Simulated Light and Medium Physical Manual Work—An Explorative Study
2023-05-03

Background: Undesirable side effects from wearing face masks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continue to be discussed and pose a challenge to occupational health and safety when recommending safe application. Only few studies examined the effects of continuously wearing a face mask for more than one hour. Therefore, the influence of wearing a medical mask (MedMask) and a filtering facepiece class II respirator (FFP2) on the physiological and subjective outcomes in the course of 130 min of manual work was exploratively investigated. Physical work load and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were additionally considered as moderating factors. Methods: Twenty-four healthy subjects (12 females) from three different cardiorespiratory fitness levels each performed 130 min of simulated manual work with light and medium physical workload using either no mask, a MedMask or FFP2. Heart rate, transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PtcO2, PtcCO2) as well as perceived physical exertion and respiratory effort were assessed continuously at discrete time intervals. Wearing comfort of the masks were additionally rated after the working period. Results: There was no difference in time-dependent changes of physiological outcomes when using either a MedMask or a FFP2 compared to not wearing a mask. A stronger increase over time in perceived respiratory effort occurred when the face masks were worn, being more prominent for FFP2. Physical workload level and cardiorespiratory fitness level were no moderating factors and higher wearing comfort was rated for the MedMask. Conclusion: Our results suggest that using face masks during light and medium physical manual work does not induce detrimental side effects. Prolonged wearing episodes appeared to increase respiratory effort, but without affecting human physiology in a clinically relevant way.
Going Dennettian about Gricean communication
2023-05-03

Grice’s analysis of human communication has proven to be highly influential among many philosophers and cognitive scientists, both past and present. At the same time, it has long been recognized that his analysis faces some difficult objections. In particular, a number of theorists have objected to the account Grice provides of the mental states and processes of those engaged in communication. For these theorists, communication as conceived of by Grice has seemed too mentally demanding and complex to be a good general model of human communication. In this article, I consider this challenge afresh from the perspective of Dan Dennett’s intentional stance theory. More specifically, I consider some recent remarks Dennett has made in this area, seeking to pin down and clarify his view. I then argue that while Dennett’s thinking is on the right track, his view stands in need of both a substantive adjustment and more positive detail. I seek to provide such improvements here. Finally, I consider some of the implications of this improved Dennettian account of Gricean communication for how great ape and human communication are related.