bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beta 2-microglobulin is an independent risk marker of acute kidney injury in adult patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Zhao Mengya , Liu Jingfeng , Zhuang Haizhou , Qiu Yu , He Zhanghuan , Lin Jin , Duan Meili
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

The role of beta2-microglobulin (β2-MG) in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis patients has been poorly studied. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis patients and identify risk factors that predict AKI development.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study conducted at a single-center involved 938 patients diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, who were divided into AKI  group and non-AKI group. Patient data were collected and analyzed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression to identify potiential risk factors associated with AKI occurrence.  

Results

Among the enrolled patients, 486 were male (51.9%), the median age was 37 years (interquartile range, 28.0, 52.0), 58.4% experienced AKI. Mechanical ventilation (8.0% vs. 0.8%) and vasopressor support (21.7% vs. 4.1%) occurred at significantly higher rates in the AKI group compared to the non-AKI group, with significantly higher in-hospital mortality (5.5% vs. 1.3%) and 28-day mortality (12.8% vs. 5.4%). When β2-MG was used as a continuous variable, multifactorial analysis showed that β2-MG, transplantation, and vasopressor support were independently associated with risk for the development of AKI.

Conclusions

The incidence of morbidity and mortality in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicated by AKI remains high. Monitoring levels of β2-MG may provide clinicians with timely indicators of changes in renal function,  facilitating adjustments to treatment strategies.

Graphical abstract
Evaluating a Trauma-Informed Care Training Program for Mental Health Clinicians
Authors: Stewart Shannon L. , Cloutier Sarah , King Gabrielle , Withers Abigail
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interRAI Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) training program based on evidence-informed Collaborative Action Plans. Focus groups and the Attitude Related Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) questionnaire addressed clinicians’ and mental health professionals’ attitudes toward the application of TIC with their child and youth clients. An explanatory sequential design was conducted. In total, 105 clinicians and mental health professionals who participated in a 4-hour, in-person or virtual TIC training, two comprehensive seminars, and 28 trauma-informed training web-based modules completed the ARTIC questionnaire. Researchers conducted seven focus groups with clinicians/participants (N = 23) to discuss the views and effectiveness of the interRAI TIC educational training modules. To quantitatively measure the change of attitudes towards TIC, descriptive statistical analysis was completed using the means and standard deviation of the ARTIC scores at the initial time point, the follow-up time point, and the difference between scores at both time points. Paired sample t-tests were conducted on both the overall score and each of the subscales in each of the three samples (total sample, online subsample, and hybrid subsample). A thematic analysis was conducted to generate qualitative findings from the focus groups. Findings from the quantitative and qualitative analyses suggest that the interRAI TIC training provided clinicians with an improved sense of knowledge and ability to apply trauma-informed care planning with their clients.
Semantic mask-based two-step approach: a general framework for X-ray diffraction peak search in high-throughput molecular sieve synthetic system
Authors: Wei Zhangpeng , Peng Xin , Du Wenli , Qian Feng , Yuan Zhiqing
Published: May 2024

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used for characterizing the crystal structure of molecular sieves after synthetic experiments. However, for a high-throughput molecular sieve synthetic system, the huge amount of data derived from large throughput capacity makes it difficult to analyze timely. While the kernel step of XRD analysis is to search peaks, an automatic way for peak search is needed. Thus, we proposed a novel semantic mask-based two-step framework for peak search in XRD patterns: (1) mask generation, we proposed a multi-resolution net (MRN) to classify the data points of XRD patterns into binary masks (peak/background). (2) Peak search, based on the generated masks, the background points are used to fit an n-order polynomial background curve and estimate the random noises in XRD patterns. Then we proposed three rules named mask, shape, and intensity to screening peaks from initial peak candidates generated by maximum search. Besides, a voting strategy is proposed in peak screening to obtain a precise peak search result. Experiments show that the proposed MRN achieves the state-of-the-art performance compared with other semantic segmentation methods and the proposed peak search method performs better than Jade when using f1 score as the evaluation index.
Finite "Equation missing" -algebras of $$\mathfrak {osp}_{1|2n}$$ and ghost centers
Authors: Genra Naoki
Published: May 2024

We prove that the finite "Equation missing"-algebra $$U(\mathfrak {osp}_{1|2n}, f_\textrm{prin})$$

U
(

osp

1
|
2
n

,

f
prin

)

associated to $$\mathfrak {osp}_{1|2n}$$

osp

1
|
2
n

and its principal nilpotent element $$f_\textrm{prin}$$

f
prin

is isomorphic to Gorelik’s ghost center of $$\mathfrak {osp}_{1|2n}$$

osp

1
|
2
n

. It is an analogue for $$\mathfrak {osp}_{1|2n}$$

osp

1
|
2
n

of a theorem of Kostant (Invent Math 48(2):101–184, 1978).
Clustering source code from automated assessment of programming assignments
Authors: Paiva José Carlos , Leal José Paulo , Figueira Álvaro
Published: May 2024

Clustering of source code is a technique that can help improve feedback in automated program assessment. Grouping code submissions that contain similar mistakes can, for instance, facilitate the identification of students’ difficulties to provide targeted feedback. Moreover, solutions with similar functionality but possibly different coding styles or progress levels can allow personalized feedback to students stuck at some point based on a more developed source code or even detect potential cases of plagiarism. However, existing clustering approaches for source code are mostly inadequate for automated feedback generation or assessment systems in programming education. They either give too much emphasis to syntactical program features, rely on expensive computations over pairs of programs, or require previously collected data. This paper introduces an online approach and implemented tool—AsanasCluster—to cluster source code submissions to programming assignments. The proposed approach relies on program attributes extracted from semantic graph representations of source code, including control and data flow features. The obtained feature vector values are fed into an incremental k-means model. Such a model aims to determine the closest cluster of solutions, as they enter the system, timely, considering clustering is an intermediate step for feedback generation in automated assessment. We have conducted a twofold evaluation of the tool to assess (1) its runtime performance and (2) its precision in separating different algorithmic strategies. To this end, we have applied our clustering approach on a public dataset of real submissions from undergraduate students to programming assignments, measuring the runtimes for the distinct tasks involved: building a model, identifying the closest cluster to a new observation, and recalculating partitions. As for the precision, we partition two groups of programs collected from GitHub. One group contains implementations of two searching algorithms, while the other has implementations of several sorting algorithms. AsanasCluster matches and, in some cases, improves the state-of-the-art clustering tools in terms of runtime performance and precision in identifying different algorithmic strategies. It does so without requiring the execution of the code. Moreover, it is able to start the clustering process from a dataset with only two submissions and continuously partition the observations as they enter the system.
Robert Walsers Wortmusik
Authors: Honold Alexander
Published: May 2024

Anhand von Walsers Berliner Kurzprosa (bes. Aufsätze 1913, Geschichten 1914) wird der Frage nachgegangen, wie der Autor in diesen zunächst publizistisch verstreuten, thematisch disparaten Prosastücken die darin involvierten Figuren zur Sprache kommen lässt und dabei einige Grundformen seines in den 1910er Jahren sich ausprägenden Erzählstils zu entwickeln beginnt. Diese folgen dem paradoxen Ideal einer schriftlichen Mündlichkeit: Obwohl (oder gerade weil) die Textstücke für diese Sammelpublikationen durch betonte Gattungsmerkmale dezidierter Schriftlichkeit (»Aufsätze«) und narrativer Handlungsdarstellung (»Geschichten«) gekennzeichnet werden, bewegen sich die behandelten Personen, Schauplätze und Stoffe überwiegend in einem performativen Modus, bei dem das Erzählbare sich nahezu vollständig in den akustischen Auftritt von Stimmen und Redeformen aufgelöst hat.
Differential gene expression of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus grown on Fraxinus excelsior and F. mandshurica supplemented media
Authors: Zübert Christina , Kube Michael
Published: May 2024

Ash dieback is caused by the invasive fungal species Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and leads to the loss of the common ash (Fraxineus excelsior) in many areas. In contrast, the pathogen seems to colonize the local ash species Fraxinus mandshurica (Manchurian ash) symptom-free in its native environment East Asia. In order to gain insight into the differences in the substrate dependence of the pathogen, two H. fraxineus strains (1511 and 1431) were grown in media supplemented with leave material of F. excelsior or F. mandshurica and without supplement. A total of 95 and 916 genes were upregulated in media containing F. excelsior leaf material for strain 1431, compared to F. mandshurica and media without plant supplementation. The differential expression analysis of strain 1511 revealed 483 and 875 upregulated genes. Oxidative phosphorylation is highly upregulated in strain 1431 cultivated in F. excelsior-supplemented media indicating an active metabolism but probably also linked to the release of reactive oxygen species. In both strains during growth on F. excelsior, transcripts with similarity to genes of toxin biosynthetic pathways of other Ascomycota are enriched. In strain 1511, a gene cluster with similarity to depudecin cluster is upregulated in addition. For both strains, the upregulated genes, if grown in media supplemented with leaf material from F. excelsior, include a gene of the biosynthetic cluster of phytotoxin viridiol. The results suggest increased metabolic activity and toxin production in the presence of F. excelsior tissue compared to F. mandshurica.
When can we Kick (Some) Humans “Out of the Loop”? An Examination of the use of AI in Medical Imaging for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Muyskens Kathryn , Ma Yonghui , Menikoff Jerry , Hallinan James , Savulescu Julian
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has attracted an increasing amount of attention, both positive and negative. Its potential applications in healthcare are indeed manifold and revolutionary, and within the realm of medical imaging and radiology (which will be the focus of this paper), significant increases in accuracy and speed, as well as significant savings in cost, stand to be gained through the adoption of this technology. Because of its novelty, a norm of keeping humans “in the loop” wherever AI mechanisms are deployed has become synonymous with good ethical practice in some circles. It has been argued that keeping humans “in the loop” is important for reasons of safety, accountability, and the maintenance of institutional trust. However, as the application of machine learning for the detection of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in this paper’s case study reveals, there are some scenarios where an insistence on keeping humans in the loop (or in other words, the resistance to automation) seems unwarranted and could possibly lead us to miss out on very real and important opportunities in healthcare—particularly in low-resource settings. It is important to acknowledge these opportunity costs of resisting automation in such contexts, where better options may be unavailable. Using an AI model based on convolutional neural networks developed by a team of researchers at NUH/NUS medical school in Singapore for automated detection and classification of the lumbar spinal canal, lateral recess, and neural foraminal narrowing in an MRI scan of the spine to diagnose LSS, we will aim to demonstrate that where certain criteria hold (e.g., the AI is as accurate or better than human experts, risks are low in the event of an error, the gain in wellbeing is significant, and the task being automated is not essentially or importantly human), it is both morally permissible and even desirable to kick the humans out of the loop.
Free and forced vibrations of elastically restrained cantilever with lumped oscillator
Authors: Babaei Alireza , Parker Johné , Moshaver Paria
Published: May 2024

The efficiency assessment of cantilever-based energy harvesters relies on vibrational analysis, which necessitates modifications aimed at enhancing efficiency. These modifications involve manipulating the fundamental frequency to lower values and encompassing a wider range of resonances within a specified bandwidth. Consequently, this paper introduces an original analytical-numerical exploration into the vibratory response of a cantilever with a novel boundary condition involving an elastically restrained oscillator-spring arrangement. At the microbeam's tip, an oscillator is elastically confined by a linear spring, resulting in a novel set of coupled governing equations and a distinct shearing boundary condition. Microbeam equations is derived from the modified couple stress theory to capture size dependency. During free vibration analysis, a previously unreported characteristic equation is derived. This nonlinear transcendental equation is numerically solved utilizing root-solver algorithms, such as those available in MATLAB. Significantly, it is discovered that the inclusion of a lumped oscillator with an elastic support induces a minimal (new) natural frequency. Applying the extended Hamilton's principle, the effect of the lumped oscillator emerges both on the governing equations of motion and boundary conditions of the microbeam. Novelty of the paper focuses on the both characteristic equation and transmissibility by adopting the Galerkin’s modal decomposition technique. This finding carries vital implications as the efficiency of cantilever-based energy harvesters is directly contingent upon the resonance frequency. Notably, the oscillator mass and spring constant are two parameters that directly influence the vibratory response of the microbeam. In the context of forced vibrations, harmonic base excitation is considered as the input excitation, and the mechanical frequency response function is provided. The proposed system offers two distinct advantages for energy harvester systems: the creation of minimal resonance at lower values and the potential to manipulate the system's resonance toward a desired frequency spectrum.

Article Highlights

Modifying the boundary conditions of a cantilever beam with lumped-parameter system, can significantly change the behavior of the vibratory response.

The boundary condition directly impact the resonance frequencies; which influences the maximum amount of harvestable voltage in vibration-based energy harvesters.

Spring constant and mass of the lumped oscillator, are the key factors to alter the vibratory behavior and bandwidth of frequencies. Optimizing such mentioned parameters can help reaching to the maximum harvesting of energy.
Comparison of mMO-TLIF via Midline Incision Versus MIS-TLIF via Wiltse Approach in Lumbar Degenerative Disease
Authors: Li Shengwen , Zhou Zhiqiang , Meng Fanjian , Huang Xinyu , Cheng Maohua , Shen Yixin , Zhang Peng , Lu Zhengfeng , Zeng Qianghua
Published: May 2024

Background

To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of modified mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (mMO-TLIF) via posterior midline incision for "targeted limited dissection" versus minimal invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) via Wiltse approach in lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods

A total of 60 consecutive patients in our center from January 2019 to March 2020 were enrolled, including 30 patients who were treated with mMO-TLIF via posterior midline incision and 30 treated with MIS-TLIF through the Wiltse approach. Perioperative parameters were recorded. The questionnaires of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were conducted before the operation and after the operation (3 days, 1 week, and 2 years). CT and MRI radiological outcomes were evaluated before the operation and at a 2-year follow-up.

Results

There were no significant differences in the general data, gender, age, and BMI between the two groups. All patients were successfully operated without intraoperative complications. There were significant differences between the two groups in the operation time (p < 0.001) and intraoperative bleeding (p < 0.05). There was no difference in ODI and VAS scores between groups pre- and post-operatively, but they were both significantly improved compared to those before the operation (p < 0.01). At a 2-year follow-up, the paraspinal muscle atrophy and fat infiltration were increased comparing to pre-operation, but the difference was also not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, both the two groups’ fusion rates were more than 90% at a 2-year follow-up, however, no difference was detected between the two groups.

Conclusion

mMO-TLIF via midline incision for “targeted limited dissection” could achieve similar clinical and radiological outcomes as MIS-TLIF for lumbar degenerative disease.
Photodynamic Inactivation in agriculture: combating fungal phytopathogens resistant to conventional treatment
Authors: Jernej Linda , Frost Danielle S. M. , Walker Anne-Sophie , Liu Jun , Fefer Michael , Plaetzer Kristjan
Published: May 2024

Botrytis cinerea is a severe threat in agriculture, as it can infect over 200 different crop species with gray mold affecting food yields and quality. The conventional treatment using fungicides lead to emerging resistance over the past decades. Here, we introduce Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) as a strategy to combat B. cinerea infections, independent of fungicide resistance. PDI uses photoactive compounds, which upon illumination create reactive oxygen species toxic for killing target organisms. This study focuses on different formulations of sodium–magnesium–chlorophyllin (Chl, food additive E140) as photoactive compound in combination with EDTA disodium salt dihydrate (Na2EDTA) as cell-wall permeabilizer and a surfactant. In an in vitro experiment, three different photosensitizers (PS) with varying Chl and Na2EDTA concentrations were tested against five B. cinerea strains with different resistance mechanisms. We showed that all B. cinerea mycelial spheres of all tested strains were eradicated with concentrations as low as 224 µM Chl and 3.076 mM Na2EDTA (LED illumination with main wavelength of 395 nm, radiant exposure 106 J cm−2). To further test PDI as a Botrytis treatment strategy in agriculture a greenhouse trial was performed on B. cinerea infected bell pepper plants (Capsicum annum L). Two different rates (560 or 1120 g Ha−1) of PS formulation (0.204 M Chl and 1.279 M Na2EDTA) and a combination of PS formulation with 0.05% of the surfactant BRIJ L4 (560 g Ha−1) were applied weekly for 4 weeks by spray application. Foliar lesions, percentage of leaves affected, percentage of leaf area diseased and AUDPC were significantly reduced, while percentage of marketable plants were increased by all treatments compared to a water treated control, however, did not statistically differ from each other. No phytotoxicity was observed in any treatment. These results add to the proposition of employing PDI with the naturally sourced PS Chl in agricultural settings aimed at controlling B. cinerea disease. This approach seems to be effective regardless of the evolving resistance mechanisms observed in response to conventional antifungal treatments.

Graphical abstract
Photodynamic inactivation of E. coli with cationic imidazolyl-porphyrin photosensitizers and their synergic combination with antimicrobial cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Silva Madalena F. C. , Aroso Rafael T. , Dabrowski Janusz M. , Pucelik Barbara , Barzowska Agata , da Silva Gabriela J. , Arnaut Luis G. , Pereira Mariette M.
Published: May 2024

Bacterial infections are a global health concern, particularly due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a considerable challenge, and novel approaches are needed to treat bacterial infections. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms is increasingly recognized as an effective method to inactivate a broad spectrum of bacteria and overcome resistance mechanisms. This study presents the synthesis of a new cationic 5,15-di-imidazolyl porphyrin derivative and the impact of n-octanol/water partition coefficient (logP) values of this class of photosensitizers on PDI efficacy of Escherichia coli. The derivative with logP = –0.5, IP-H-OH2+, achieved a remarkable 3 log CFU reduction of E. coli at 100 nM with only 1.36 J/cm2 light dose at 415 nm, twice as effective as the second-best porphyrin IP-H-Me2+, of logP = –1.35. We relate the rapid uptake of IP-H-OH2+ by E. coli to improved PDI and the very low uptake of a fluorinated derivative, IP-H-CF32+, logP ≈ 1, to its poor performance. Combination of PDI with cinnamaldehyde, a major component of the cinnamon plant known to alter bacteria cell membranes, offered synergic inactivation of E. coli (7 log CFU reduction), using 50 nM of IP-H-OH2+ and just 1.36 J/cm2 light dose. The success of combining PDI with this natural compound broadens the scope of therapies for MDR infections that do not add drug resistance. In vivo studies on a mouse model of wound infection showed the potential of cationic 5,15-di-imidazolyl porphyrins to treat clinically relevant infected wounds.

Graphical Abstract
Assuring AI safety: fallible knowledge and the Gricean maxims
Authors: Kaas Marten H. L. , Habli Ibrahim
Published: May 2024

In this paper we argue that safety claims, when justified by a safety case, are descriptive fallible knowledge claims. Even if the aim of a safety case was to justify infallible knowledge about the safety of a system, such infallible safety knowledge is impossible to attain in the case of AI-enabled systems. By their nature AI-enabled systems preclude the possibility of obtaining infallible knowledge concerning their safety or lack thereof. We suggest that one can communicate knowledge of an AI-enabled system’s safety by structuring their exchange according to Paul Grice’s Cooperative Principle which can be achieved via adherence to the Gricean maxims of communication. Furthermore, these same maxims can be used to evaluate the calibre of the exchange, with the aim being to ensure that communicating knowledge about an AI-enabled system’s safety is of the highest calibre, in short, that the communication is relevant, of sufficient quantity and quality, and communicated perspicuously. The high calibre communication of safety claims to an epistemically diverse group of stakeholders is vitally important given the increasingly participatory nature of AI-enabled system design, development and assessment.
Geographic and socioeconomic variation in treatment of elderly prostate cancer patients in Norway – a national register-based study
Authors: Gustavsen Elin Marthinussen , Haug Erik Skaaheim , Haukland Ellinor , Heimdal Ragnhild , Stensland Eva , Myklebust Tor Åge , Hauglann Beate
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine geographic and socioeconomic variation in curative treatment and choice of treatment modality among elderly prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Methods

This register-based cohort study included all Norwegian men ≥ 70 years when diagnosed with non-metastatic, high-risk PCa in 2011–2020 (n = 10 807). Individual data were obtained from the Cancer Registry of Norway, the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Registry, and Statistics Norway. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to model variation across hospital referral areas (HRAs), incorporating clinical, demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Results

Overall, 5186 (48%) patients received curative treatment (radical prostatectomy (RP) (n = 1560) or radiotherapy (n = 3626)). Geographic variation was found for both curative treatment (odds ratio 0.39–2.19) and choice of treatment modality (odds ratio 0.10–2.45). Odds of curative treatment increased with increasing income and education, and decreased for patients living alone, and with increasing age and frailty. Patients with higher income had higher odds of receiving RP compared to radiotherapy.

Conclusions

This study showed geographic and socioeconomic variation in treatment of elderly patients with non-metastatic, high-risk PCa, both in relation to overall curative treatment and choice of treatment modality. Further research is needed to explore clinical practices, the shared decision process and how socioeconomic factors influence the treatment of elderly patients with high-risk PCa.
Economic gains of transitioning towards reduced-risk products: evidence from Mexico
Authors: Espinosa Herrera Alejandro
Published: May 2024

Unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet and tobacco use contribute to disease burden and escalating healthcare costs. This paper evaluates potential savings from people adopting reduced risk behaviors in Mexico. Using the Preventable Risk Integrated Model, we compare actual consumption in 2016 (baseline) to optimal intake following WHO guidelines (counterfactual) for salt, fiber, fruit/vegetables, and fat to estimate reductions in coronary, cerebrovascular, cancer, diabetes and hypertensive diseases. We also model 50% of smokers switching to e-cigarettes/heated tobacco with 65–97% lower disease risk. Results indicate over 650,000 preventable cases annually, mostly from diet changes (fruits/vegetables, fat, salt). Healthcare cost savings reach $3.4 billion USD; $2.8 billion from nutrition and $0.3 billion from smoking substitution. Fruit/vegetable intake and reduced fat confer over $1 billion savings each. Salt and fiber also contribute significantly. Adding smoking transitions provides further savings. Shifting Mexicans towards healthier diets and alternative nicotine products could substantially lower disease burden and healthcare costs. These findings underscore the economic imperative of promoting reduced-risk behaviors through public health policies.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Mammography in Breast Cancer Screening: A Markov Modeling Study
Authors: Chung Wei-Shiuan , Wan Thomas T. H. , Shiu Yu Tsz , Shi Hon-Yi
Published: May 2024

Background

Mammography (MG) has demonstrated its effectiveness in diminishing mortality and advanced-stage breast cancer incidences in breast screening initiatives. Notably, research has accentuated the superior diagnostic efficacy and cost-effectiveness of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). However, the scope of evidence validating the cost-effectiveness of DBT remains limited, prompting a requisite for more comprehensive investigation. The present study aimed to rigorously evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DBT plus MG (DBT-MG) compared to MG alone within the framework of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program.

Methods

All parameters for the Markov decision tree model, encompassing event probabilities, costs, and utilities (quality-adjusted life years, QALYs), were sourced from reputable literature, expert opinions, and official records. With 10,000 iterations, a 2-year cycle length, a 30-year time horizon, and a 2% annual discount rate, the analysis determined the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to compare the cost-effectiveness of the two screening methods. Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were also conducted to demonstrate the robustness of findings.

Results

The ICER of DBT-MG compared to MG was US$5971.5764/QALYs. At a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of US$33,004 (Gross Domestic Product of Taiwan in 2021) per QALY, more than 98% of the probabilistic simulations favored adopting DBT-MG versus MG. The one-way sensitivity analysis also shows that the ICER depended heavily on recall rates, biopsy rates, and positive predictive value (PPV2).

Conclusion

DBT-MG shows enhanced diagnostic efficacy, potentially diminishing recall costs. While exhibiting a higher biopsy rate, DBT-MG aids in the detection of early-stage breast cancers, reduces recall rates, and exhibits notably superior cost-effectiveness.
Iterative Conceptions of Set
Authors: Barton Neil
Published: May 2024

Many philosophers are aware of the paradoxes of set theory (e.g. Russell's paradox). For many people, these were solved by the iterative conception of set which holds that sets are formed in stages by collecting sets available at previous stages. This Element will examine possibilities for articulating this solution. In particular, the author argues that there are different kinds of iterative conception, and it's open which of them (if any) is the best. Along the way, the author hopes to make some of the underlying mathematical and philosophical ideas behind tricky bits of the philosophy of set theory clear for philosophers more widely and make their relationships to some other questions in philosophy perspicuous.
The Brewers’ Book Part 1, 1418–25
Authors: Metcalfe Caroline Anne
Published: May 2024

An edition of the first part of the Account and Memoranda Book compiled by William Porlond, clerk to the Brewers' Company (1418-40), translated and made available for publication for the first time.
Assessments and observations of infection prevention and control practices in US outpatient hemodialysis facilities, 2015–2018: important opportunities for improvement
Authors: Gualandi Nicole R. , Novosad Shannon A. , Perz Joseph F. , Hopkins Lauren R. , Hsu Stephanie , Segura Sheila , Kopp Patricia , Maloney Meghan , McHale Eileen , Mehr Jason , Perlmutter Rebecca , Patel Priti R.
Published: May 2024

Infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality among patients receiving care in outpatient hemodialysis facilities. We describe comprehensive infection prevention assessments by US public health departments using standardized interview and observation tools. Results demonstrated how facility layouts can undermine infection prevention and that clinical practices often fall short of policies.
On the convexity of the quaternionic essential numerical range
Authors: Carvalho LuÍs , Diogo Cristina , Mendes Sérgio , Soares Helena
Published: May 2024

The numerical range in the quaternionic setting is, in general, a non-convex subset of the quaternions. The essential numerical range is a refinement of the numerical range that only keeps the elements that have, in a certain sense, infinite multiplicity. We prove that the essential numerical range of a bounded linear operator on a quaternionic Hilbert space is convex. A quaternionic analogue of Lancaster theorem, relating the closure of the numerical range and its essential numerical range, is also provided.
No Orthopathy without Orthoaesthesis: On the Necessity of Negative Effort
Authors: Duns Ryan
Published: May 2024

Theologians have become increasingly attentive to the role emotion and experience must play in theological reflection. Several thinkers have recently done so by appropriating and developing Jon Sobrino’s understanding of orthopathy, or “right affect.” A close examination of these efforts, however, reveals inconsistencies in the way the category is understood and deployed. This article redresses these inconsistencies by complementing orthopathy with orthoaesthesis, or “right perception.” The article opens by considering various appeals to orthopathy before suggesting how William James’s theory of emotion might provide the category with clarifying content. The second stage engages Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch as practitioners of orthoaesthesis. Special attention is given to Murdoch’s “techniques” aimed at transforming how practitioners perceive reality. With Murdoch’s guidance, the article contends that orthopathy is ineluctably bound to and not possible without orthoaesthesis. The article concludes with a constructive proposal to show how orthoaesthesis-orthopathy contributes to a Christian theological anthropology.
Phylogenetic position of Ancyrocephalus (sensu lato) curtus Achmerov, 1952 (Monopisthocotylea, Dactylogyridae), a parasite of fish Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877(Gobiiformes: Odontobutidae)
Authors: Sokolov Sergey G. , Khasanov Fuat K. , Vlasenkov Sergei A.
Published: May 2024

The genus Ancyrocephalus sensu lato is a large assemblage of species of dactylogyrid monopisthocotyleans without clear taxonomic boundaries. Despite an urgent need for revision, only three representatives of this taxon have been molecularly characterised so far. We found specimens of Ancyrocephalus curtus, a previously non-genotyped species, in gills of Perccottus glenii caught in the River Syumnyur, Amur Basin, Russia. The aim of this study was to assess the phylogenetic position of this parasite using partial sequences of 28S rRNA gene. In the phylogenetic tree, A. curtus appeared as a sister taxon to the dactylogyrine genus Gobioecetes. The new molecular evidence supports the hypothesis about the non-monophyletic status of Ancyrocephalus sensu lato.
Principle-Policy and Principle-Personal Gaps in Americans’ Diversity Attitudes
Authors: Rajasekar Neeraj , Stewart Evan , Hartmann Douglas
Published: May 2024

Americans generally celebrate the abstract principle of diversity, but research suggests that they have a comparatively lower (1) favorability towards policies that promote diversity and (2) sense of personal closeness with others from diverse backgrounds. The current study analyzes nationally representative survey data to assess such “principle-policy gaps” and “principle-personal gaps” in Americans’ diversity attitudes. We find that these attitudinal gaps indeed exist and are substantial in the general population. We also consider how individual-level factors relate to these attitudinal gaps. Following common findings in previous research, we find that participant racial identity and political partisanship have statistically significant relationships with these attitudinal gaps. But our overall findings illustrate that principle-policy gaps and principle-personal gaps in diversity attitudes are fairly substantial and prevalent across Americans who vary by race, politics, and several other individual-level factors. We consider our findings in the current social and political context, and we discuss directions for future inquiry.
Empathy and the Dark Triad
Authors: Weisman Openhaim Efrat , Amram Yaarit , Glicksohn Joseph
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Do the Dark Triad and empathy (both cognitive and affective) appear in the same plane, at an angle of 180 degrees to each other? In order to test this hypothesis, we recruited both adolescents presenting with high-functioning ASD and those who were “neurotypical”. Each adolescent provided their self-report on the Basic Empathy Scale and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD), which could be cross-referenced with a parent’s report regarding their child on the Adolescent Empathy Quotient and the DTDD. In all, 120 individuals participated in this study. A major contribution of the present study is in promoting the use of Smallest Space Analysis (SSA) to provide a 2D spatial representation of the correlation matrix of these measures. Our regional analysis of the 2D representation not only reveals that the Dark Triad and empathy are at an angle of 180 degrees to each other but also to suggest that even when there are discrepancies between self-report and parent-report regarding empathy, these are nevertheless aligned within the same 2D space.
Relating the Phases of Magnetic Reconnection Growth to Energy Transport Mechanisms in the Exhaust
Authors: Payne D. S. , Torbert R. B. , Germaschewski K. , Forbes T. G. , Shuster J. R.
Published: May 2024

The efficiency of energy conversion during magnetic reconnection is related to the reconnection rate. While the stable reconnection rate has been studied extensively, its growth between the time of reconnection onset and its peak has not been thoroughly discussed. We use a 2D particle‐in‐cell simulation to examine how the reconnection rate evolves during the growth process and how it relates to changes near the x‐line. We identify three phases of growth: (a) slow quasi‐linear growth, (b) rapid exponential growth, and (c) tapered growth followed by negative growth after the reconnection rate peaks. We associate phase 1 with the breaking of x‐line uniformity by a localized density depletion that changes the in‐plane electric field structure near the neutral line, followed by the expansion of the inflow region and the enhancement of inflow Poynting flux Sz associated with the out‐of‐plane electric field Ey in phase 2. We show how the Hall fields facilitate rapid growth in phase 2 by opening up the exhaust and relieving the electron‐scale bottleneck to allow rapid energy transport across the separatrices. We find that in phase 3, the inflow of electromagnetic energy accumulates until the downstream electromagnetic energy density saturates toward the initial upstream asymptotic value. Finally, we examine how the electron outflow and the downstream ion populations interact in phase 3 and how each species exchanges energy with the local field structures in the exhaust.
The Seasonal Dependence of the Unexpected Afternoon Westward Equatorial Electrojet During Quiet Time
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui , Song Huimin , Zhong Yunfang , Xia Hao , Sun Yu , Wang Chengzhi
Published: May 2024

The equatorial electrojet is a strong ionospheric current along the dip equator at 110 km. It usually flows eastward and peaks at noon. However, it sometimes reverses westward. Using 10 years of horizontal geomagnetic field observations from a ground station, this work investigated the counter electrojet (CEJ) in the afternoon at Indian longitudes during geomagnetically quiet time, which has a substantial occurrence rate of 46.7%. A total of 41.7% of the afternoon CEJ is related to the westward electric field during substorms. The intensity of the afternoon CEJ has significant seasonal dependences: peaks in June‐September and December‐February. A similar seasonal variation is established in the westward electric field, indicating its key roles. The occurrence rate reaches its peak solely in June‐September, which might also be attributed to the activity of substorms.
Biomass Burning Greatly Enhances the Concentration of Fine Carbonaceous Aerosols at an Urban Area in Upper Northern Thailand: Evidence From the Radiocarbon‐Based Source Apportionment on Size‐Resolved Aerosols
Authors: Song Wenhuai , Hong Yihang , Zhang Yuxian , Cao Fang , Rauber Martin , Santijitpakdee Teetawat , Kawichai Sawaeng , Prapamontol Tippawan , Szidat Sönke , Zhang Yan‐Lin
Published: May 2024

To study the role of biomass burning (BB) in air pollution at upper‐northern Thailand, the source apportionment of size‐resolved carbonaceous aerosols from Chiang Mai was carried out based on the radiocarbon (14C) analysis. The fraction of modern carbon (F14C) was generally decreased with particle size increasing and with the highest and lowest values of 0.90 ± 0.04 and 0.61 ± 0.04, respectively. Elemental carbon, regardless of emission sources, and BB‐derived organic carbon (OCbb) showed unimodal size distribution patterns with peaks at 0.43–0.65 μm. Fossil‐fuel derived‐OC (OCf) displayed a bimodal mode with the major peak at 2.1–10 μm, and the minor one at 0.43–0.65 μm. The biogenic secondary organic aerosols (BSOA) showed a typical fine‐mode unimodal size distribution pattern during the high BB (HBB) season, and a bimodal mode during the low BB season. The BSOA concentration increased by 189% ± 80% due to the interaction with open BB plums during HBB season, which was quantified by a 14C‐involved random forest model. Besides, the concentration of biogenic primary organic aerosols also showed a significant increment during the HBB season, especially in sub‐microns. Our results highlight the critical importance of controlling open fires to reduce air pollutants and the potential exposure risk.
Alkyl Lipid Distributions and Compound‐Specific 14C Isotope Compositions in Diverse Sedimentary Archives in Sub‐Antarctic South Georgia: Deconvolving (Past and Present) Marine and Terrestrial Sources and Revealing Localized Export Dynamics in Response to Environmental Change
Authors: Berg S. , Kusch S. , Jivcov S.
Published: May 2024

Alkyl lipid distributions in terrestrial, lacustrine and marine sedimentary archives on sub‐Antarctic South Georgia are investigated to identify source endmembers and evaluate their variation in response to Holocene environmental changes. To understand organic matter exchange processes along the land‐ocean continuum, we combine lipid compositional data with compound‐specific 14C data in representative sedimentary records. These data provide additional source information and temporal constraints on exchange processes that operate at the landscape level. The alkane, alkanoic acid and alkanol distributions are distinct between terrestrial and marine sources, between vascular and primarily non‐vascular plants, and according to the level of degradation. Compound‐specific 14C ages of alkanes, alkanoic acids and alkanols reveal the complexity of the carbon pools associated with these carbon sources. We find that terrigenous compounds in lacustrine and marine sediments are generally older than those produced by aquatic sources, reflecting intermediate storage in peat/soil prior to deposition. Nonetheless, the pre‐depositional age of terrigenous alkyl lipids differs in the different settings although they are located in close proximity under the same climatic conditions. Overall, the 14C data reflect changes in the balance of accumulation and erosion of organic matter in the terrestrial catchments of the investigated sites in response to prevailing environmental conditions. Petrogenic OC ranges from 0% to 7% and 4%–37% in catchments with minor glacier presence and to up to 67%–76% in the large tidewater glacier catchment. Long‐term biospheric OC turnover seems to have been remarkably constant throughout most of the Holocene and higher than in analog settings in the northern hemisphere.
Polymeric piezoelectric accelerometers with high sensitivity, broad bandwidth, and low noise density for organic electronics and wearable microsystems
Authors: Ge Chang , Cretu Edmond
Published: May 2024

Piezoelectric accelerometers excel in vibration sensing. In the emerging trend of fully organic electronic microsystems, polymeric piezoelectric accelerometers can be used as vital front-end components to capture dynamic signals, such as vocal vibrations in wearable speaking assistants for those with speaking difficulties. However, high-performance polymeric piezoelectric accelerometers suitable for such applications are rare. Piezoelectric organic compounds such as PVDF have inferior properties to their inorganic counterparts such as PZT. Consequently, most existing polymeric piezoelectric accelerometers have very unbalanced performance metrics. They often sacrifice resonance frequency and bandwidth for a flat-band sensitivity comparable to those of PZT-based accelerometers, leading to increased noise density and limited application potentials. In this study, a new polymeric piezoelectric accelerometer design to overcome the material limitations of PVDF is introduced. This new design aims to simultaneously achieve high sensitivity, broad bandwidth, and low noise. Five samples were manufactured and characterized, demonstrating an average sensitivity of 29.45 pC/g within a ± 10 g input range, a 5% flat band of 160 Hz, and an in-band noise density of 1.4 µg/$$\sqrt{{Hz}}$$Hz. These results surpass those of many PZT-based piezoelectric accelerometers, showing the feasibility of achieving comprehensively high performance in polymeric piezoelectric accelerometers to increase their potential in novel applications such as organic microsystems.
RUFY4 deletion prevents pathological bone loss by blocking endo-lysosomal trafficking of osteoclasts
Authors: Kim Minhee , Park Jin Hee , Go Miyeon , Lee Nawon , Seo Jeongin , Lee Hana , Kim Doyong , Ha Hyunil , Kim Taesoo , Jeong Myeong Seon , Kim Suree , Kim Taesoo , Kim Han Sung , Kang Dongmin , Shim Hyunbo , Lee Soo Young
Published: May 2024

Mature osteoclasts degrade bone matrix by exocytosis of active proteases from secretory lysosomes through a ruffled border. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying lysosomal trafficking and secretion in osteoclasts remain largely unknown. Here, we show with GeneChip analysis that RUN and FYVE domain-containing protein 4 (RUFY4) is strongly upregulated during osteoclastogenesis. Mice lacking Rufy4 exhibited a high trabecular bone mass phenotype with abnormalities in osteoclast function in vivo. Furthermore, deleting Rufy4 did not affect osteoclast differentiation, but inhibited bone-resorbing activity due to disruption in the acidic maturation of secondary lysosomes, their trafficking to the membrane, and their secretion of cathepsin K into the extracellular space. Mechanistically, RUFY4 promotes late endosome-lysosome fusion by acting as an adaptor protein between Rab7 on late endosomes and LAMP2 on primary lysosomes. Consequently, Rufy4-deficient mice were highly protected from lipopolysaccharide- and ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Thus, RUFY4 plays as a new regulator in osteoclast activity by mediating endo-lysosomal trafficking and have a potential to be specific target for therapies against bone-loss diseases such as osteoporosis.
Ring-opening polymerization of six-membered cyclic hybrid dimers composed of an oxoester and thioester
Authors: Hirata Mao , Yoshimatsu Tomoki , Matsuoka Shin-ichi , Kawauchi Susumu , Suzuki Masato
Published: May 2024

Three cyclic oxoester-thioester hybrid monomers, 1 (3-methyl-1,4-oxathiane-2,5-dione), 2 (6-methyl-1,4-oxathiane-2,5-dione), and 3 (3,6-dimethyl-1,4-oxathiane-2,5-dione), were studied for anionic and cationic ring-opening polymerizations. These monomers are six-membered cyclic cross-dimers corresponding to combinations of glycolic and lactic acids with their thiol analogs. Anionic polymerizations using thiol as the initiator and 2,6-lutidine as the base catalyst were successful for the chemoselective cleavage of the thioester with the thiol propagating end. The polymerizability increased in the order of 3 < 1 < 2, which was in good agreement with the increasing ring strain order evaluated by Density Functional Theory calculations. The living character, to some extent, was suggested by the postpolymerization reactions, which involved a two-stage feed of the monomers and a thiol-ene terminal coupling reaction to form a block copolymer with PEG. Additionally, it was found that the polymerization took place in 2,6-lutidine without a thiol initiator and produced macrocyclic polymers. The cationic polymerizations took place with the aid of CF3SO3H and benzyl alcohol but involved side reactions with low chemoselective ring cleavage. The thioester unit caused the polymers to exhibit a lower Tg with greater thermal and photo degradability.