bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Function of alveolar macrophages in lung cancer microenvironment
Authors: Matsui Takahiro , Taniguchi Seiji , Ishii Masaru
Published: May 2024

Background

Cancer tissues contain a wide variety of immune cells that play critical roles in suppressing or promoting tumor progression. Macrophages are one of the most predominant populations in the tumor microenvironment and are composed of two classes: infiltrating macrophages from the bone marrow and tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs). This review aimed to outline the function of TRMs in the tumor microenvironment, focusing on lung cancer.

Review

Although the functions of infiltrating macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages have been intensively analyzed, a comprehensive understanding of TRM function in cancer is relatively insufficient because it differs depending on the tissue and organ. Alveolar macrophages (AMs), one of the most important TRMs in the lungs, are replenished in situ, independent of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, and are abundant in lung cancer tissue. Recently, we reported that AMs support cancer cell proliferation and contribute to unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusion

In this review, we introduce the functions of AMs in lung cancer and their underlying molecular mechanisms. A thorough understanding of the functions of AMs in lung cancer will lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Association of systemic lupus erythematosus standard of care immunosuppressants with glucocorticoid use and disease outcomes: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: de Luca Montes Ricardo Azêdo , Huq Molla , Godfrey Timothy , Oon Shereen , Calderone Alicia , Kandane-Rathnayake Rangi , Louthrenoo Worawit , Luo Shue-Fen , Jan Wu Yeong-Jian , Golder Vera , Lateef Aisha , Navarra Sandra V. , Zamora Leonid , Hamijoyo Laniyati , Sockalingam Sargunan , An Yuan , Li Zhanguo , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Chan Madelynn , Goldblatt Fiona , O’Neill Sean , Lau Chak Sing , Cho Jiacai , Hoi Alberta , Karyekar Chetan S. , Morand Eric F. , Nikpour Mandana
Published: May 2024

Background

This study examines the association of standard-of-care systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) medications with key outcomes such as low disease activity attainment, flares, damage accrual, and steroid-sparing, for which there is current paucity of data.

Methods

The Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration (APLC) prospectively collects data across numerous sites regarding demographic and disease characteristics, medication use, and lupus outcomes. Using propensity score methods and panel logistic regression models, we determined the association between lupus medications and outcomes.

Results

Among 1707 patients followed over 12,689 visits for a median of 2.19 years, 1332 (78.03%) patients achieved the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), 976 (57.18%) experienced flares, and on most visits patients were taking an anti-malarial (69.86%) or immunosuppressive drug (76.37%). Prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine were utilised with similar frequency across all organ domains; methotrexate for musculoskeletal activity. There were differences in medication utilisation between countries, with hydroxychloroquine less frequently, and calcineurin inhibitors more frequently, used in Japan. More patients taking leflunomide, methotrexate, chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid were taking ≤ 7.5 mg/day of prednisolone (compared to > 7.5 mg/day) suggesting a steroid-sparing effect. Patients taking tacrolimus were more likely (Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval] 13.58 [2.23–82.78], p = 0.005) to attain LLDAS. Patients taking azathioprine (OR 0.67 [0.53–0.86], p = 0.001) and methotrexate (OR 0.68 [0.47–0.98], p = 0.038) were less likely to attain LLDAS. Patients taking mycophenolate mofetil were less likely to experience a flare (OR 0.79 [0.64–0.97], p = 0.025). None of the drugs was associated with a reduction in damage accrual.

Conclusions

This study suggests a steroid-sparing benefit for most commonly used standard of care immunosuppressants used in SLE treatment, some of which were associated with an increased likelihood of attaining LLDAS, or reduced incidence of flares. It also highlights the unmet need for effective treatments in lupus.
Thermal analysis of fire effects on fire doors using the finite element method
Authors: Nurić Adila , Nurić Samir , Varcaković Aladin
Published: May 2024

The goal of this paper is to use the finite element method and computer simulation to prove the effectiveness in assessing the fire resistance of building construction elements, specifically on the example of the fire resistance of fire doors. For that purpose, data from the building where fire doors with defined characteristics were installed were used. For simulation purposes, numerical modelling with thermal and structural analysis will be used. In this way, the parameters of the temperature distribution on the fire door and the contact material due to fire will be obtained, as well as the distribution of strain and stresses, which will indicate the fire resistance of the used structure. Computer simulation with numerical modelling offers a number of advantages both in the speed of providing results of a larger number of variants of the simulation model and in the accuracy of the results obtained once the model is calibrated. Also, the mentioned type of predicting the effect of fire can be applied to other elements of the structure of the construction object, which can significantly influence the decision-making that will prevent the negative consequences of the occurrence of a possible fire.
Development and Implementation of a Digital Quality Measure of Emergency Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Kapadia Paarth , Zimolzak Andrew J. , Upadhyay Divvy K. , Korukonda Saritha , Murugaesh Rekha Riyaa , Mushtaq Umair , Mir Usman , Murphy Daniel R. , Offner Alexis , Abel Gary A. , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Mounce Luke T.A. , Singh Hardeep
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

Missed and delayed cancer diagnoses are common, harmful, and often preventable. Automated measures of quality of cancer diagnosis are lacking but could identify gaps and guide interventions. We developed and implemented a digital quality measure (dQM) of cancer emergency presentation (EP) using electronic health record databases of two health systems and characterized the measure's association with missed opportunities for diagnosis (MODs) and mortality.

METHODS

On the basis of literature and expert input, we defined EP as a new cancer diagnosis within 30 days after emergency department or inpatient visit. We identified EPs for lung cancer and colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Geisinger from 2016 to 2020. We validated measure accuracy and identified preceding MODs through standardized chart review of 100 records per cancer per health system. Using VA's longitudinal encounter and mortality data, we applied logistic regression to assess EP's association with 1-year mortality, adjusting for cancer stage and demographics.

RESULTS

Among 38,565 and 2,914 patients with lung cancer and 14,674 and 1,649 patients with CRCs at VA and Geisinger, respectively, our dQM identified EPs in 20.9% and 9.4% of lung cancers, and 22.4% and 7.5% of CRCs. Chart reviews revealed high positive predictive values for EPs across sites and cancer types (72%-90%), and a substantial percent represented MODs (48.8%-84.9%). EP was associated with significantly higher odds of 1-year mortality for lung cancer and CRC (adjusted odds ratio, 1.78 and 1.83, respectively, 95% CI, 1.63 to 1.86 and 1.61 to 2.07).

CONCLUSION

A dQM for cancer EP was strongly associated with both mortality and MODs. The findings suggest a promising automated approach to measuring quality of cancer diagnosis in US health systems.
Ενίσχυση των συμμετοχικών πρακτικών στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση: Μετασχηματίζοντας την ερευνητική γνώση σε εκπαιδευτικό υλικό
Authors: Αυγητίδου Σοφία , Λυκομήτρου Σόνια , Αλεξίου Βασιλική , Μπιρμπίλη Μαρία , Αμπαρτζάκη Μαρία , Καμπεζά Μαρία , Βέλκου Κυριακή , Θεοδοσίου Σεβαστή
Published: May 2024

Παρόλο που η συμμετοχή των παιδιών θεωρείται σημαντική στην εκπαίδευση, δεν αποτελεί κοινή πρακτική. Ωστόσο, υπάρχει ένας αυξανόμενος όγκος ερευνών σχετικά με τις πεποιθήσεις και τις πρακτικές των εκπαιδευτικών όσον αφορά τη συμμετοχή των παιδιών στην εκπαίδευση και ένας αυξανόμενος αριθμός μελετών που εστιάζουν στην υποστήριξη των εκπαιδευτικών για την ενίσχυση της συμμετοχής των παιδιών στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία. Το παρόν άρθρο επιδιώκει να παρουσιάσει τις διαδικασίες μετασχηματισμού της ερευνητικής γνώσης σε εκπαιδευτικό υλικό για την υποστήριξη των εκπαιδευτικών στην ενίσχυση των συμμετοχικών πρακτικών στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση. Αντλεί στοιχεία από ερευνητικές μελέτες σχετικά με τις πεποιθήσεις και τις πρακτικές των εκπαιδευτικών όσον αφορά τη συμμετοχή των παιδιών στην εκπαίδευση και τις διαδικασίες ενίσχυσης της επαγγελματικής τους μάθησης  για να δείξει την αναγκαιότητα, τους στόχους και το περιεχόμενο του εκπαιδευτικού υλικού. Μελλοντικές έρευνες θα μπορούσαν να εξετάσουν τα αποτελέσματα από τη χρήση αυτού του εκπαιδευτικού υλικού από τους εκπαιδευτικούς για την υποστήριξη της συμμετοχής των παιδιών στην προσχολική εκπαίδευση.
Παρουσίαση διδακτορικής διατριβής: ΚΙΝΗΜΑΤΟΓΡΑΦΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΔΙΑΦΗΜΙΣΗ (Διακειμενική, ποιοτική ανάλυση της Ελληνικής Τηλεοπτικής Διαφήμισης)
Authors: Κανύχης Παναγιώτης
Published: May 2024

Τσαγκάρης, Μ. (2004). ΚΙΝΗΜΑΤΟΓΡΑΦΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΔΙΑΦΗΜΙΣΗ (∆ιδακτορική ∆ιατριβή) Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών Τμήμα Επικοινωνίας και Μέσων Μαζικής Ενημέρωσης
Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Κινηματογράφος & δημιουργική γραφή: Μαθήματα κινηματογραφικού γραμματισμού
Authors: Κανύχης Παναγιώτης
Published: May 2024

Γρόσδος, Σ. (2018). Κινηματογράφος & δημιουργική γραφή: Μαθήματα κινηματογραφικού γραμματισμού. Χανιά: Πολιτιστική Εταιρία Κρήτης - Πυξίδα της Πόλης.
Αναπαραστάσεις εκπαιδευτικών για τη γλωσσική εκπαίδευση μαθητών/τριών με προσφυγικό υπόβαθρο
Authors: Καλογερογιάννη Φωτεινή
Published: May 2024

This research aims to contribute to the debate on the need for an intercultural-inclusive school by focusing on the perceptions of teachers working in public schools regarding the language education of children with refugee background. Data was collected using a questionnaire distributed online to 54 teachers who taught in classes with refugee students during the school year 2021-2022. Descriptive statistical analysis techniques and inferential statistical analysis techniques (x²) were chosen for data analysis. The findings summarize the teachers' positive attitude towards refugee students, while highlighting their perceptions about the obstacles and suggestions for more effective learning of Greek. Finally, an attempt is made to record the variations in the teachers' responses in relation to the variables such as service experience and educational level.
Burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in Eastern Africa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Asefa Yohanis Alemeshet , Persson Lars Åke , Seale Anna C. , Assefa Nega
Published: May 2024

Background Although global mortality rates in children under 5 years have decreased substantially in the last 30 years, there remain around 2.6 million stillbirths and 2.9 million neonatal deaths each year. The majority of these deaths occur in Africa and South Asia. To reduce perinatal deaths in East Africa, knowledge of the burden, but also the risk factors and causes of perinatal deaths are crucial. To the best of our knowledge, reviews have previously focused on the burden of perinatal deaths; here we aim to synthesize evidence on the burden, causes, and risk factors for perinatal mortality in East Africa. Methods We will conduct a systematic literature search in Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Global Health, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, HINARI, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online (AJOL), and WHO African Regional Office (AFRO) Library. The study population includes all fetuses and newborns from ≥22 weeks of gestation (birth weight ≥500gm) to 7 days after birth, with reported causes or/and determinants as exposure, and perinatal mortality (stillbirths and/or early neonatal deaths) as an outcome. We will include studies from 2010 to 2022, and to facilitate the inclusion of up-to-date data, we will request recent data from ongoing surveillance in the region. To assess the quality of included studies, we will use the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for observational and trial studies. We will analyze the data using STATA version 17 statistical software and assess heterogeneity and publication bias by Higgins’ I2 and funnel plot, respectively. Conclusions This systematic review will search for published studies, and seek unpublished data, on the burden, causes, and risk factors of perinatal mortality in East Africa. Findings will be reported, and gaps in the evidence base identified, with recommendations, with the ultimate aim of reducing perinatal deaths. Protocol registration PROSPERO-CRD42021291719.
Polish Film Institute: Selected Legal and Financial Aspects
Authors: Wantoch-Rekowski Jacek , Czarnecki Krzysztof
Published: May 2024

Legal issues concerning cinematography are part of the constitutional regulations concerning national heritage and cultural heritage. Supporting the development of cinematography is the main task of the Polish Film Institute. The aim of this article was to examine the legal and financial issues concerning this state legal entity (in particular, its revenues and expenses). In addition, the authors set out to determine whether the Polish Film Institute is an effective entity and whether its functioning is beneficial to Polish culture and national heritage. The publication uses a dogmatic-legal method and an empirical method (the financial plans of the Polish Film Art Institute from 2017–2022 were analysed).
Las disparidades de crecimiento económico: instituciones económicas regionales rentistas
Authors: Botero Ospina María Helena
Published: May 2024

Este capítulo explora cómo el funcionamiento de las instituciones sociales y económicas del territorio incide directamente sobre el crecimiento del producto interno bruto departamental y la creación y distribución de la riqueza.
Conversation Analytics: Can Machines Read Between the Lines in Real-Time Strategic Conversations?
Authors: Chen Yanzhen , Rui Huaxia , Whinston Andrew B.
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces machine learning–based methods designed to measure the evasiveness and incoherence of responses from more-informed individuals during real-time strategic conversations. It tests the efficacy of these methods using the question-and-answer segments of earnings conference calls, where managers are subjected to scrutiny by analysts. The article underscores the largely untapped potential for extracting valuable financial insights from the dialogues between managers and analysts during these calls—a data source that current fintech solutions have largely ignored.

Furthermore, the research breaks new ground by integrating machine learning with asset pricing, a promising avenue in light of rapid technological advances in artificial intelligence. From a practical standpoint, the study provides less-informed participants in strategic conversations with tools to identify when their more-informed counterparts are being evasive or incoherent. This ability allows them to pose more incisive questions, leading to better-informed decisions in various fields, including investing and hiring. Moreover, the paper contends that as AI technology continues to evolve, it will compel more-informed parties to adopt greater transparency. This shift will enhance both the efficiency and the transparency of markets and institutions, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Patents, Freedom to Operate, and Follow-on Innovation: Evidence from Post-Grant Opposition
Authors: Gaessler Fabian , Harhoff Dietmar , Sorg Stefan , von Graevenitz Georg
Published: May 2024

We study the blocking effect of patents on follow-on innovation by others. We posit that follow-on innovation requires freedom to operate (FTO), which firms typically obtain through a license from the patentee holding the original innovation. Where licensing fails, follow-on innovation is blocked unless firms gain FTO through patent invalidation. Using large-scale data from post-grant oppositions at the European Patent Office, we find that patent invalidation increases follow-on innovation, measured in citations, by 16% on average. This effect exhibits a U-shape in the value of the original innovation. For patents on low-value original innovations, invalidation predominantly increases low-value follow-on innovation outside the patentee’s product market. Here, transaction costs likely exceed the joint surplus of licensing, causing licensing failure. In contrast, for patents on high-value original innovations, invalidation mainly increases high-value follow-on innovation in the patentee’s product market. We attribute this latter result to rent dissipation, which renders patentees unwilling to license out valuable technologies to (potential) competitors.

This paper was accepted by Ashish Arora, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Funding: This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Collaborative Research Center TRR 190]. F. Gaessler acknowledges financial support from the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación through the Severo Ochoa Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D [Barcelona School of Economics CEX2019-000915-S].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2019.02294 .
Improving Customer Compatibility with Tradeoff Transparency
Authors: Buell Ryan W. , Choi MoonSoo
Published: May 2024

Through a large-scale field experiment with 393,036 customers considering opening a credit card account with a nationwide retail bank, we investigate how providing transparency into an offering’s tradeoffs affects subsequent rates of customer acquisition and long-run engagement. Although we find tradeoff transparency to have an insignificant effect on acquisition rates, customers who were shown each offering’s tradeoffs selected different products than those who were not. Moreover, prospective customers who experienced transparency and subsequently chose to open an account went on to exhibit higher-quality service relationships over time. Monthly spending was 9.9% higher and cancellation rates were 20.5% lower among those who experienced transparency into each offering’s tradeoffs. Increased product use and retention accrued disproportionately to customers with prior category experience: more-experienced customers who were provided transparency spent 19.2% more on a monthly basis and were 33.7% less likely to defect after nine months. Importantly, we find that these gains in engagement and retention do not come at the expense of customers’ financial well-being: the probability of making late payments was reduced among customers who experienced transparency. We further find that the positive effects of tradeoff transparency on engagement and retention were attenuated in the presence of a promotion that provided financial incentives to choose particular offerings. Taken together, these results suggest that providing transparency into an offering’s tradeoffs may be an effective strategy for informing customer choices, leading to better outcomes for customers and firms alike.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.

Funding: Funding for this research, apart from the costs Commonwealth Bank of Australia internally incurred to support the experiment, was provided by Harvard Business School. R. W. Buell has received compensation from Commonwealth Bank of Australia in the past for executive education teaching.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2024.4985 .
High-Status Teammates: Award Evaluation in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Randle Dominika Kinga , Zhang Letian
Published: May 2024

Social evaluations proceed in stages. First, judges filter a broad pool of candidates and pick a subset for detailed assessment. Then, the chosen group undergoes a closer examination, during which winners are selected. At both stages of the process, judges are susceptible to bias. Bias is especially commonplace when contenders work in teams because each team member’s merit can be hard to distinguish from that of others. Our paper investigates evaluation bias originating in intrateam status asymmetries. Using the National Basketball Association’s data, we explore how high-status teammates are associated with their colleagues’ chances of winning awards. We find that bias stemming from high-status teammates’ presence is beneficial to their colleagues in the first stage of evaluations because high-status actors increase their team members ‘visibility to judges. However, our results also show that in the second stage of evaluations, the presence of high-status teammates could decrease their colleagues’ chances of winning awards because lower-status actors might seem less worthy of awards when evaluated alongside high-status individuals.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2020.13917 .
Crew Scheduling and Routing Problem in Road Restoration via Branch-and-Price Algorithms
Authors: Moreno Alfredo , Munari Pedro , Alem Douglas
Published: May 2024

This paper addresses the single crew scheduling and routing problem in the context of road network repair and restoration, which is critical in assisting complex postdisaster decisions in humanitarian logistics settings. We present three novel formulations for this problem, which are the first suitable for column generation and branch-and-price (BP) algorithms. Specifically, our first formulation is based on enumerating crew schedules and routes while explicitly defining the relief paths. The second formulation relies on enumerating the schedules, routes, and relief paths. Finally, the third formulation builds upon the second one by including additional constraints and variables related to relief path decisions. Considering each formulation, we propose BP algorithms that rely on several enhancements, including a new dynamic programming labeling algorithm to efficiently solve the subproblems. Extensive computational results based on 648 benchmark instances reveal that our BP algorithms significantly outperform existing exact approaches, solving 450 instances to optimality, and remarkably 118 instances for the first time. Our framework is also very effective in improving the lower bounds, upper bounds, and optimality gaps that have been reported in the literature.

Funding: This work was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo [Grants 15/26453-7, 16/01860-1, 16/15966-6, and 19/23596-2], the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [Grant 313220/2020-4], and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.0227 .
TREATMENT OF PAEDIATRIC ARTHROGRYPOTIC CLUBFOOT: 20 YEARS OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: Begkas D. , Michelarakis J. , Mirtsios H. , Kondylis A. , Apergis H. , Benakis L. , Pentazos P.
Published: May 2024

Background

Treatment of arthrogrypotic clubfoot (AC) presents a challenging problem. Over time many different methods have been proposed, with variable rates of success, recurrence and other complications. In this study we describe our 20-year experience in treatment of AC.

Materials and methods

Between 1996 and 2016, 165 AC in 90 children (51 males and 39 females) were treated in our department. Their mean age was 7.6 years (3 months-16 years). Ponseti casting and Achilles tendon release (PCATR) was performed on 38 children (68 feet) and soft tissue release and casting (STRC) on 35 children (67 feet). The remaining 17 children (30 feet) underwent wide soft tissue release and correction using the Ilizarov method (STRIL). The results of each subgroup were graded according to clinical (pain, foot appearance, residual deformities, walking and standing status and shoe modifications) and radiological (anteroposterior and lateral talocalcanear angles, the angle between longitudinal axes of talus and the first metatarsal and the position of talus in the lateral view) criteria.

Results

The average follow up was 6.4 (2–10) years. Results were excellent (plantigrade, painless, properly loaded feet, without deformities, adapted to common shoes) in 56 PCATR group feet, 59 STRC group feet and 23 STRIL group feet. Good results (required orthopaedic shoes) were obtained in 10 PCATR group feet, 6 STRC group feet and 7 STRIL group feet. Fair results (residual temporary pain and/or mild deformity) presented 2 PCATR group feet and 1 STRC group foot, while bad results (reoccurrence of clubfoot) were found in 1 STRC group foot.

Conclusions

On the basis of our 20-year clinical experience we believe that pediatric AC can be successfully treated with PCATR in the age of less than 1 year old (y.o), with STRC between 1–5 y.o. and with STRIL in children over the age of 5 y.o.
Laser Megajoule performance status
Authors: Neauport Jerome , Airiau Jean Philippe , Beck Nicolas , Belon Nicolas , Bordenave Edouard , Bouillet Stéphane , Chanal Margaux , Chappuis Céline , Coic Hervé , Courchinoux Roger , Denis Vincent , Gaudfrin Florian , Gaudfrin Kevin , Gendeau Patrick , Heymans Lilian , Julien Xavier , Lacombe Chloé , Lamy Manon , Lebeaux Dominique , Luttmann Michel , Modelin Philippe , Perrin Arnaud , Ribeyre Xavier , Rouyer Claude , Tournemenne Florian , Valla Denis , Vermersch Sebastien
Published: May 2024

The Laser Megajoule (LMJ) is among the most energetic inertial confinement fusion laser facilities in the world, together with the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the USA. The construction of the facility began back in 2003, and the first photons were emitted by the laser bundle #28 in 2014. Today, 11 laser bundles consisting of 88 large aperture 0.35×0.35m2 laser beams are in operation, delivering daily up to 330 kJ of energy at the wavelength of 351 nm on a target placed in the center of a 10 m diameter vacuum chamber. In this paper, we describe the laser system and its operational performances. We also detail the first laser campaigns carried out to prepare an increase of energy and power on the target. These campaigns, along with the completion of additional bundles mounting, will bring LMJ performance to 1.3 MJ thanks to 22 bundles in operation.
Development of a narrowband multilayer mirror for extracting a single order component from high harmonics in the 63–70  eV region
Authors: Yi Liu Suet , Iwamoto Yuya , Mashiko Hiroki , Ichimaru Satoshi , Hatayama Masatoshi , Gullikson Eric M. , Mizuno Tomoya , Kurihara Takayuki , Itatani Jiro , Takenaka Hisataka
Published: May 2024

The Y/AlSi multilayer with narrowband performance was developed for
extracting a single order component from high harmonics. We compared
the performance and thermal stability of Y/AlSi with another EUV
mirror, Zr/AlSi multilayer, which has shown promising performance in
the EUV region. At near-normal incidence, the measured peak
reflectances of Y/AlSi and Zr/AlSi multilayers are 43% and 52% at ∼63.8eV, and the energy bandwidths (FWHM) are
1.7 eV and 2.5 eV, respectively. The narrower bandwidth
feature obtained in the Y/AlSi multilayer allows better suppression on
adjacent high harmonic lines. After heating up to 200°C, there is no
significant decrease in the reflectance of either multilayer. No
decrease in reflectivity was observed after storage in air for one
year.
Temporal variability in the relationship between line height absorption and chlorophyll concentration: a case study from the Northern Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Lowin Benjamin , Strom Suzanne , Burt William , Kelly Thomas , Rivero-Calle Sara
Published: May 2024

The Line Height Absorption (LHA) method uses absorption of light to estimate chlorophyll-a. While most users consider regional variability and apply corrections, the effect of temporal variability is typically not explored. The Northern Gulf of Alaska (NGA) was selected for this study because there was no published regional value and its large swings in temporal productivity would make it a good candidate to evaluate the effect of temporal variability on the relationship. The mean NGA value of 0.0114 obtained here should be treated with caution, as variation in the slope of the relationship (aLH*), and thus chlorophyll-a estimates, in the NGA region varied by ∼25% between spring (aLH* = 0.0109) and summer (aLH* = 0.0137). Results suggest that this change is driven by a shift in pigment packaging and cell size associated with changes in mixed layer depth and stratification. Consideration of how temporal variability may affect the accuracy of the LHA method in other regions is thus recommended.
Strong enhancement of third harmonic generation from a Tamm plasmon multilayer structure with WS2
Authors: Zhao Jianxu , Lu Hua , Zheng Jiadeng , Li Dikun , Zhang Yiqiao , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Jianlin
Published: May 2024

Improving the conversion efficiency is particularly important for the generation and applications of harmonic waves in optical microstructures. Herein, we propose to enhance the efficiency of third harmonic generation by integrating a monolayer WS2 with the metal/dielectric/photonic crystal multilayer structure. The numerical simulations show that the multilayer structure enables to generate the Tamm plasmon mode between the metal film and photonic crystal around the telecommunication wavelength, which is consistent with the experimental result. By measuring with a self-built nonlinear optical micro-spectroscopy system, we find that the third harmonic signal can be reinforced by 16-fold through inserting the monolayer WS2 in the dielectric spacer. This work will provide a new way for improving nonlinear optical response, especially THG in multilayer photonic microstructures.
Rotating twisted templates for imprinting polarization gratings with a sub- to dozen-micron period
Authors: Jiang Xiangyu , Ye Xianglin , Xue Kuangdi , Zhou Yingjie , Fan Fan , Wen Shuangchun
Published: May 2024

In this Letter, we report and experimentally demonstrate what is to our knowledge a novel scheme for imprinting polarization gratings (PGs) with a pair of templates. Compared with the traditional method that a single template can only imprint PG with a single period, cascading two templates can control the period of imprinted PG at will. However, the low diffraction efficiency is inevitably caused by cascading two templates. Therefore, a rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) is adopted to design a multi-twisted template to address this challenge. As a proof of concept, two multi-twisted templates with a period of 1.6 μm were fabricated, and PGs with a large period range from 0.4 to 48.6 μm were successfully imprinted. The proposed scheme is expected to enable rapid, robust, and high-quality mass production of beam steering, large-angle deflectors, and diffractive optical couplers.
Risk factors for acne scarring in Ecuador
Authors: Camacho Mikaela , Viteri María Isabel , Yepez Paola , Porter Jorge Estrella , Belhadi Drifa , Barnes Caroline , Guillemot Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Background

Acne is a common disease that is associated with scarring and substantial psychosocial burden. The Global Burden of Skin Disease reported that the burden from acne as measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 188 countries and specifically that it is greatest in Western Europe, high-income North America and Southern Latin America. This paper aimed to identify risk factors for acne scarring specific to the Ecuadorian population in order to adapt the 4-ASRAT tool accordingly.

Methods

This was an observational prospective study. Participants were recruited to complete a survey that was developed based on the potential risk factors for acne scarring and had facial photographs taken. To determine risk factors and their respective weighting, a logistic regression was performed.

Results

The study included 404 participants. Results from univariate analyses indicated that being male (OR = 2.76 95%CI [1.72; 4.43]), having severe or very severe acne scarring (OR = 4.28 95%CI [1.24; 14.79]), acne duration over 1 year (OR = 1.71 95%CI [1.12; 2.60]), oily skin (OR = 2.02 95%CI [1.27; 3.22]) and the presence of acne on the neck (OR = 2.26 95%CI [1.30; 3.92]), were all significantly associated with the presence of acne scarring. Male sex (2.56 95%CI [1.58;4.17]), oily skin (1.96 95%CI [1.20;3.20]) and severe or very severe acne (3.75 95%CI [1.05;13.37]) remained significant risk factors for acne scarring in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

By identifying acne scarring risk factors and applying the tool in everyday dermatology visits, we can reduce the physical and psychological burden that acne scarring causes in the adolescent and adult populations. Further research should be conducted to reassess potential risk factors and complete the adaptation of the tool for the Ecuadorian population, with a larger and more representative study population.
The effect of local hospital waiting times on GP referrals for suspected cancer
Authors: Hayes Helen , Meacock Rachel , Stokes Jonathan , Sutton Matt
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Reducing waiting times is a major policy objective in publicly-funded healthcare systems. However, reductions in waiting times can produce a demand response, which may offset increases in capacity. Early detection and diagnosis of cancer is a policy focus in many OECD countries, but prolonged waiting periods for specialist confirmation of diagnosis could impede this goal. We examine whether urgent GP referrals for suspected cancer patients are responsive to local hospital waiting times.

Method

We used annual counts of referrals from all 6,667 general practices to all 185 hospital Trusts in England between April 2012 and March 2018. Using a practice-level measure of local hospital waiting times based on breaches of the two-week maximum waiting time target, we examined the relationship between waiting times and urgent GP referrals for suspected cancer. To identify whether the relationship is driven by differences between practices or changes over time, we estimated three regression models: pooled linear regression, a between-practice estimator, and a within-practice estimator.

Results

Ten percent higher rates of patients breaching the two-week wait target in local hospitals were associated with higher volumes of referrals in the pooled linear model (4.4%; CI 2.4% to 6.4%) and the between-practice estimator (12.0%; CI 5.5% to 18.5%). The relationship was not statistically significant using the within-practice estimator (1.0%; CI -0.4% to 2.5%).

Conclusion

The positive association between local hospital waiting times and GP demand for specialist diagnosis was caused by practices with higher levels of referrals facing longer local waiting times. Temporal changes in waiting times faced by individual practices were not related to changes in their referral volumes. GP referrals for diagnostic cancer services were not found to respond to waiting times in the short-term. In this setting, it may therefore be possible to reduce waiting times by increasing supply without consequently increasing demand.
A transfer function based on bilinear transformation for narrow-band seismic record
Authors: Xu Zhiming , Bai Yashuang
Published: May 2024

For a narrow-brand seismograph with a flat response range limited, it cannot precisely record the signal of a ground motion and output the records with the low-frequency components cut down. A transfer function is usually used to spread the spectrum of the narrow-brand seismic records. However, the accuracy of the commonly used transfer function is not high. The authors derive a new transfer function based on the Laplace transform, bilinear transform, and Nyquist sampling theory to solve this problem. And then, the derived transfer function is used to correct the narrow-band velocity records from the Hi-net. The corrected velocity records are compared with the velocities integrated from the synchronously recorded broad-band acceleration at the same station with Hi-net. Meanwhile, the corrected records are compared with those corrected by the Nakata transfer function. The results show that the calculation accuracy of the derived transfer function is higher than the Nakata transfer function. However, when the signal-to-noise ratio is below 24, its accuracy diminishes, and it is unable to recover signals within the 0.05–0.78Hz frequency band.
Do children interpret informants’ confidence as person-specific or situational?
Authors: Juteau Aimie-Lee , Ibrahim Yasmeen A. , McIntee Sara-Emilie , Varin Rose , Brosseau-Liard Patricia E.
Published: May 2024

Children prefer to learn from confident rather than hesitant informants. However, it is unclear how children interpret confidence cues: these could be construed as strictly situational indicators of an informant’s current certainty about the information they are conveying, or alternatively as person-specific indicators of how “knowledgeable” someone is across situations. In three studies, 4- and 5-year-olds (Experiment 1: N = 51, Experiment 3: N = 41) and 2- and 3-year-olds (Experiment 2: N = 80) saw informants differing in confidence. Each informant’s confidence cues either remained constant throughout the experiment, changed between the history and test phases, or were present during the history but not test phase. Results suggest that 4- and 5-year-olds primarily treat confidence cues as situational, whereas there is uncertainty around younger preschoolers’ interpretation due to low performance.
“A shoulder to lean on during your first year”—An exploration into a Canadian post-secondary institution’s peer mentor program for varsity student athletes
Authors: Johnston Kathryn , Mutaj Far , Frake-Mistak Mandy
Published: May 2024

The transition period from high school to post-secondary can be particularly challenging for many, including varsity student-athletes (SAs). To better support SAs through this transitional experience, some institutions have created peer mentor programs. What is unclear, however, is the perceived value of these mentorship programs from the perspectives of multiple stakeholder positions. This paper contributes to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning by presenting findings of a program evaluation that investigated the perceived value of a peer mentor program to its stakeholders. To accomplish this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants to discuss SA’s experiences with being a first year student, making the transition from high school to post-secondary studies, and also, to discuss their lived experiences with the peer mentor program developed for SAs. Using the findings from the inductive thematic analyses, the peer mentor program’s effectiveness, areas of strengths, and areas of improvement are discussed to better align with the stakeholders’ needs and experiences. Findings offer insights into a) the trials and tribulations of the first year SA experience, b) how peer mentor programs can better support SA’s transition to post-secondary education, c) the benefits of conducting a program evaluation, and d) strategies to enhance the peer mentor program to better support students’ needs.
Measuring political radicalism and extremism in surveys: Three new scales
Authors: Jungkunz Sebastian , Helbling Marc , Osenbrügge Nina
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces three new scales to measure left- and right-wing radical as well as general extremist attitudes that can be applied across Western European countries. We therefore propose a thorough conceptualization of extremist attitudes that consists of two dimensions: general extremism, by which we understand attitudes that oppose the constitutional democratic state, and another dimension that differentiates between right- and left-wing radicalism by which we understand people who take far-reaching but often one-sided positions on political issues (e.g., on nationalism or anti-imperialism) by advocating fundamental socio-political change. Based on data from Germany, Great Britain, and the Netherlands (n = 6,201) we created short indices for general extremism and left- and right-wing radicalism. We check for convergence validity by assessing the psychometric properties of the extracted indices, i.e. their internal coherence and the degree to which a scale is able to distinguish strongly extremist and non-extremist individuals. Finally, we correlate the scales with various constructs that are likely related to extremist attitudes in order to assure external or construct validity. The results indicate that the three scales are highly valid and applicable across three Western European countries. Overall, we find that about two to four percent of citizens in each country hold left-wing or right-wing extremist attitudes.
The effects of intensive trapping on invasive round goby densities
Authors: Enriquez Maya S. , Hall Lily M. , Michels Noland O. , Fleissner Emily R. , Mensinger Allen F.
Published: May 2024

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an invasive benthic fish first introduced to the Laurentian Great Lakes in 1990 that has negatively impacted native fishes through increased competition for food and habitat, aggressive interactions, and egg predation. While complete eradication of the round goby is currently not possible, intensive trapping in designated areas during spawning seasons could potentially protect critical native fish spawning habitats. Baited minnow traps were spaced 10 meters apart in shallow water along a 100-meter stretch of shoreline within the Duluth-Superior Harbor during the round goby breeding period (June to October) with captured round gobies removed from interior traps (N = 10) every 48 hours. These traps were bracketed by two pairs of reference traps deployed weekly for 48 hours, from which round gobies were also tagged and released. The number of round gobies captured in the interior traps declined by 67% compared to reference traps over the course of the study, with extended periods of no captures. The tagged round gobies showed high site affinity, with 82.8% of tagged fish recaptured at the previous release site. The results indicate that even at open water sites, which allow natural migration of round gobies into the area, extensive trapping could reduce local population numbers.
Improved ELISPOT protocol for monitoring Th1/Th17 T-cell response following T.gondii infection
Authors: Fasquelle Francois , Vreulx Anaïs-Camille , Betbeder Didier
Published: May 2024

In the monitoring of human Toxoplasma gondii infection, it is crucial to confirm the development of a specific Th1/Th17 immune response memory. The use of a simple, specific, and sensitive assay to follow the T-cell activation is thus required. Current protocols are not always specific as stimulation with peptides is Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-dependent, while stimulation with total-lysis antigens tends to stimulate seronegative donors resulting to false positives. Here, an improved ELISPOT protocol is reported, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of T.gondii-infected donors, incubated with the inactivated parasite. The results showed that, contrary to standard protocols, a pre-incubation step at high cell density in presence of the inactivated parasite allowed a specific Th1/Th17 response with the secretion of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12 and IL-17 cytokines. This protocol allows to evaluate precisely the immune response after a T.gondii infection.
Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff injury: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xue Xiali , Song Qingfa , Yang Xinwei , Kuati Amila , Fu Hao , Cui Guoqing
Published: May 2024

Background

Rotator cuff injury (RCI) is a common musculoskeletal ailment and a major cause of shoulder pain and limited functionality. The ensuing pain and restricted movement significantly impact overall quality of life. This study aims to systematically review the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on RCI.

Methods

This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. A literature search, spanning inception to November 1, 2023, will include databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify ESWT studies for RCI treatment. Excluding retrospectives, bias risk will be assessed with the Cochrane tool. Two researchers will independently screen, extract data, and evaluate bias risk. Revman 5.3 software will be used for data analysis.

Results

This study aims to objectively and comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of randomized controlled trials of ESWT in the treatment of RCI, and analyze in detail the effect of ESWT in the treatment of RCI. Results will be analyzed using the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score, University of California Los Angeles score (UCLA), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons form (ASES). If applicable, subgroup analysis will also be performed to divide patients into groups according to the energy level of ESWT, the time of intervention, and the degree of tearing of RCI. Finally, the results are submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Discussion and conclusion

There is existing evidence suggesting that ESWT may contribute to the amelioration of pain and functional limitations associated with Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI). This systematic review aims to update, consolidate, and critically evaluate relevant evidence on the effects of ESWT for RCI. The anticipated outcomes may serve as a valuable reference for clinical ESWT practices, covering treatment methods, timing, and intensity. Moreover, this review aspires to provide high-quality evidence addressing the impact of ESWT on RCI-related pain. Simultaneously, the findings of this systematic review are poised to offer guidance to clinicians and rehabilitation therapists. This guidance is intended to enhance the management of pain and functional impairments experienced by individuals with RCI, ultimately leading to improvements in their physical well-being.

Trial registration

Protocol registration number CRD42023441407. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023441407.