bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geometric aspects of data-processing of Markov chains
Authors: Wolfer Geoffrey , Watanabe Shun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We examine data-processing of Markov chains through the lens of information geometry. We first establish a theory of congruent Markov morphisms within the framework of stochastic matrices. Specifically, we introduce and justify the concept of a linear right inverse (congruent embedding) for lumping, a well-known operation used in Markov chains to extract coarse information. Furthermore, we inspect information projections onto geodesically convex sets of stochastic matrices, and show that under some conditions, projecting (m-projection) onto doubly convex submanifolds can be regarded as a form of data-processing. Finally, we show that the family of lumpable stochastic matrices can be meaningfully endowed with the structure of a foliated manifold and motivate our construction in the context of embedded models and inference.
Analysis of Bovine Lactoferrin in Infant Formula and Adult Nutritional Products by Optical Biosensor Immunoassay: Collaborative Study, Final Action 2021.07
Authors: Gill Brendon D , Indyk Harvey E , Kobayashi Tadashi , Wood Jackie E , Clow Fiona , Dolezal Olan , Hartley-Tassell Lauren , Jones Martina , Kelton William , Stoller Robyn , Wilkinson-White Lorna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Bovine lactoferrin is increasingly being used as an ingredient in infant formula manufacture to enhance nutritional efficacy through the provision of growth, immunoprotective, and antimicrobial factors to the neonate.

Objective
To evaluate method reproducibility of AOAC First Action Official Method 2021.07 for compliance with the performance requirements described in Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2020.005.

Methods
Eight laboratories participated in the analysis of blind-duplicate samples of seven nutritional products. Samples were diluted in buffer, and an optical biosensor immunoassay was used in a direct-assay format to quantitate bovine lactoferrin by its interaction with an immobilized anti-lactoferrin antibody. Quantitation was accomplished by the external standard technique with interpolation from a four-parameter calibration regression.

Results
After outliers were removed, precision as reproducibility was found to be within limits set in SMPR 2020.005 (≤ 9%) for six out of seven samples and all had acceptable Horwitz Ratio (HorRatR) values ranging from 1.0 to 2.1. Additionally, comparison with an alternative independent Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) First Action method (heparin cleanup LC–UV), showed negligible difference between results.

Conclusion
The method described is suitable for the quantification of intact, undenatured bovine lactoferrin in powdered infant formulas. The SPIFAN Expert Review Panel evaluated the method and accompanying validation data from this multi-laboratory testing (MLT) study in July 2023 and recommended Official Method 2021.07 for adoption as a Final Action Official MethodSM.

Highlights
A multi-laboratory validation study of an automated optical biosensor immunoassay for the determination of intact, undenatured bovine lactoferrin is described.
Effects of eyestalk ablation and seawater temperature on d-glutamate levels in the reproductive tissues of male kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus
Authors: Yoshikawa Naoko , Yoshitomi Natsuki , Nakada Kazuki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
D-Glutamate, a novel d-amino acid found in animal tissues, exclusively exists in the male reproductive tissues of the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus. Herein, changes in the d-glutamate content were determined in the male reproductive tissues of M. japonicus during acclimation to breeding seawater temperatures of 18–22°C and unilateral eyestalk ablation. The d-glutamate content in the testis increased with increasing seawater temperature and with unilateral eyestalk ablation. This suggests that both stimulations induced d-glutamate synthesis in the testis. Although the d-alanine content in the testis increased after unilateral eyestalk ablation, it did not change with elevated seawater temperature. Furthermore, we determined the d-glutamate distribution in the M. japonicus spermatophore. This indicates that d-glutamate is crucial in prawn fertilization.
SCOUT® Radar Localization at Time of Breast Biopsy
Authors: Dashevsky Brittany Z , Muneer Mohamed S , Hao Meng , Liang Tie , Wapnir Irene L , Poplack Steven P 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
Evaluate surgical utilization of SCOUT reflectors placed at breast biopsy.

Methods
Consent was waived for this retrospective IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study. Breast biopsy examinations that reported the term “SCOUT” between January 2021 and June 2022 were identified using an institutional search engine. Cases were included if a SCOUT reflector was placed at time of breast biopsy and excluded if lesion pathology was already known. Analysis was performed at the lesion level. A multivariate-regression analysis evaluated 6 variables with potential impact on SCOUT utilization.

Results
One hundred twenty-one lesions in 112 patients met inclusion criteria. Biopsy yielded 93% (113/121) malignant, 3% (4/121) elevated risk, 2% (2/121) benign-discordant, and 2% (2/121) benign-concordant results. Two cases lost to follow-up were excluded. SCOUT reflectors were utilized for lumpectomy (58%, 69/119 lesions) and excisional biopsy (6%, 7/119 lesions). SCOUTs were not utilized due to mastectomy (23%, 27/119), subsequent wire localization (2%, 2/119), and nonsurgical cases (12%, 14/119). Reflector placement utilization was 52% higher for findings less than 3.5 cm in size (P &lt;.001), 33% higher in patients without prior treated breast cancer (P = .012), and 19% higher in patients with no suspicious ipsilateral lymph node (P = .048).

Conclusion
SCOUT reflector placement at time of biopsy was utilized for surgery 64% (76/119) of the time, although most (98%, 119/121) biopsies were malignant, elevated risk, or benign-discordant. Factors increasing reflector utilization include smaller lesion size, no suspicious ipsilateral lymph node, and no prior treated breast cancer.
Deep trade agreements and international migration: the role of visa provisions
Authors: Levelu Anthonin , Mayda Anna Maria , Orefice Gianluca 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
An increasing number of regional trade agreements contains provisions that ease access to visas among member countries, which reduces the administrative cost of crossing the border. Combining United Nations data on bilateral stocks of immigrants in the period 1990–2020 with World Bank data on the content of 279 regional trade agreements, this article presents robust evidence of a positive effect of visa provisions in regional trade agreements on bilateral migration: the presence of visa provisions in regional trade agreements increases the bilateral stock of immigrants by 5.8 per cent. This result is robust to an instrumental variable strategy addressing the endogeneity problem. The effect of the inclusion of visa provisions in regional trade agreements is particularly effective among country pairs with different income levels (such as North-South). For this type of country pairs, the presence of visa provisions in regional trade agreements increases the bilateral stock of immigrants by 12.7 per cent. Finally, the article shows that the effectiveness of visa provisions in regional trade agreements reduces with the anti-immigration sentiment of voters in the destination.
Finite Lag Estimation of Non-Markovian Processes
Authors: Gallant A Ronald , White Halbert L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We consider the quasi-maximum likelihood estimator (qmle) obtained by replacing each transition density in the correct likelihood for a non-Markovian, stationary process by a transition density with a fixed number of lags. This estimator is of interest because it is asymptotically equivalent to the efficient method of moments estimator as typically implemented in dynamic macro and finance applications. We show that the standard regularity conditions of quasi-maximum likelihood imply that a score vector defined over the infinite past exists. We verify that the existence of a score on the infinite past implies that the asymptotic variance of the finite lag qmle tends to the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimator as the number of lags tends to infinity.
Censorship, industry structure, and creativity: evidence from the Catholic Inquisition in Renaissance Venice
Authors: Comino Stefano , Galasso Alberto , Graziano Clara 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We examine the effects of the book censorship implemented by the Catholic Inquisition on printing outcomes in Renaissance Venice. We collect detailed information on indexes of prohibited books and publication activities by the main printers active in Venice during the 1500s. We construct treatment and comparison groups based on the specialization of each printer in transgressive publications before the Inquisition. We show that censorship had a significant impact on publication levels and industry structure, with the firms targeted by the Inquisition losing market shares to those less affected by censorship. These effects appear long lasting and associated to changes in survival and entry. We also show that censorship led to a change in the direction of publishing. These findings support the idea that censorship may have dynamic effects on the structure, evolution, and creativity of industries that go beyond the removal of certain types of creative work from the market (JEL O33, N33, L51).
The mechanism of action of Botrychium (Thunb.) Sw. for prevention of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on 1H-NMR-based metabolomics
Authors: Lou Yutao , Zou Xiaozhou , Pan Zongfu , Huang Zhongjie , Zheng Shuilian , Zheng Xiaowei , Yang Xiuli , Bao Meihua , Zhang Yuan , Gu Jinping , Zhang Yiwen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to reveal the anti-fibrotic effects of Botrychium ternatum (Thunb.) Sw. (BT) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to preliminarily analyze its potential mechanism on bleomycin-induced IPF rats.

Methods
The inhibition of fibrosis progression in vivo was assessed by histopathology combined with biochemical indicators. In addition, the metabolic regulatory mechanism was investigated using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis.

Key findings
Firstly, biochemical analysis revealed that BT notably suppressed the expression of hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor-β1 in the pulmonary tissue. Secondly, Masson’s trichrome staining and hematoxylin and eosin showed that BT substantially improved the structure of the damaged lung and significantly inhibited the proliferation of collagen fibers and the deposition of extracellular matrix. Finally, serum metabolomic analysis suggested that BT may exert anti-fibrotic effects by synergistically regulating tyrosine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies.

Conclusions
Our study not only clarifies the potential anti-fibrotic mechanism of BT against IPF at the metabolic level but also provides a theoretical basis for developing BT as an effective anti-fibrotic agent.
Semi-parametric Bayesian approach for population size estimation modelling the excess of singletons
Authors: Di Cecco Davide , Tancredi Andrea , Tuoto Tiziana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The phenomenon of one-inflation has received increasing attention in the recent literature on capture–recapture analysis. When data consist of frequencies of number of captures, the phenomenon manifests as an excess of units captured exactly once. We distinguish two possible causes for modelling the excess of singletons, namely, the erroneous inclusion of out-of-scope units, and a behavioural effect preventing subsequent captures after the first one. Accordingly, we propose two families of semi-parametric one-inflated models to estimate the number of uncaptured units. We consider a Bayesian approach by fitting a Dirichlet process mixture model as the base model, and extend this class to include one-inflation. The proposed base model and its two one-inflated counterparts are used to estimate the number of criminals involved in prostitution exploitation activities in Italy. We further assess the performance of the proposed models on three datasets available in the literature, as well as on simulated data.
SHOC2 plays an oncogenic or tumor-suppressive role by differentially targeting the MAPK and mTORC1 signals in liver cancer
Authors: You Xiahong , Dou Longyu , Tan Mingjia , Xiong Xiufang , Sun Yi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
SHOC2 is a scaffold protein that activates the RAS-MAPK signal. Our recent study showed that SHOC2 is also a negative regulator of the mTORC1 signal in lung cancer cells. Whether and how SHOC2 differentially regulates the RAS-MAPK vs. the mTORC1 signals in liver cancer remains unknown. Here, we showed that SHOC2 is overexpressed in human liver cancer tissues, and SHOC2 overexpression promotes the growth and survival of liver cancer cells via activation of the RAS-MAPK signal, although the mTORC1 signal is inactivated. SHOC2 knockdown suppresses the growth of liver cancer cells mainly through inactivating the RAS-MAPK signal. Thus, in the cell culture models, SHOC2 regulation of growth is dependent of the RAS-MAPK but not the mTORC1 signal. Interestingly, in a mouse liver cancer model induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-high-fat diet (HFD), hepatocyte-specific Shoc2 deletion inactivates the Ras-Mapk signal but has no effect in liver tumorigenesis. However, in the Pten loss-induced liver cancer model, Shoc2 deletion further activates mTorc1 without affecting the Ras-Mapk signal and promotes liver tumorigenesis. Collectively, it appears that SHOC2 could act as either an oncogene (via activating the MAPK signal) or a tumor suppressor (via inactivating the mTORC1 signal) in the manner dependent of the dominancy of the MAPK vs. mTORC1 signals.
Congressional Expansion of Enhancing Breast Cancer Screening and Care at the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Wu Jenny , Zullig Leah L , Aditi Hazra , Moss Haley A 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Despite high screening rates, breast cancer disparities persist among women veterans because of occupational risks and barriers to access. Three essential bills recently passed in Congress seek to expand access to breast cancer screenings and cancer care within the Veterans Health Administration. The Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act expands screening via partnerships with the National Cancer Institute, integrating telescreening and upgrading imaging technology. The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments Act broadens eligibility for those exposed to toxins and personalized risk assessments. The bipartisan Sergeant First Class Health Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act extends benefits for toxin-exposed veterans with presumptive conditions, including breast cancer. Further programs such as National TeleOncology, the Breast & Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence, and research collaborations between the Veterans Health Administration, National Cancer Institute, and Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program seek to improve access, enhance understanding and care for women veterans with cancer, and mark significant progress in comprehensive care.
Photochromic radical states in 3D covalent organic frameworks with zyg topology for enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Ma Tian-Tian , Huang Guo-Zhang , Wang Xiao-Han , Liang Yan , Li Run-Han , Wang Bin , Yao Su-Juan , Liao Jia-Peng , Li Shun-Li , Yan Yong , Lan Ya-Qian 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) with photoinduced donor-acceptor (D-A) radical pairs show enhanced photocatalytic activity in principle. However, achieving long-lived charge separation in COFs proves challenging due to the rapid charge recombination. Here, we develop a novel strategy by combining [6 + 4] nodes to construct zyg-type 3D COFs, first reported in COF chemistry. This structure type exhibits a fused Olympic-rings-like shape, which provides a platform for stabilizing the photoinduced D-A radical pairs. The zyg-type COFs containing catalytically active moieties such as triphenylamine and phenothiazine (PTZ) show superior photocatalytic production rates of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Significantly, the photochromic radical states of these COFs show up to 400% enhancement in photocatalytic activity compared to the parent states, achieving a remarkable H2O2 synthesis rate of 3324 μmol g−1 h−1, which makes the PTZ-COF one of the best crystalline porous photocatalysts in H2O2 production. This work will shed light on the synthesis of efficient 3D COF photocatalysts built on topologies that can facilitate photogenerating D-A radical pairs for enhanced photocatalysis.
Occupational exposures and sarcoidosis: a rapid review of the evidence
Authors: Rezai M , Nayebzadeh A , Catli S , McBride D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Sarcoidosis is a rare, multisystem, inflammatory condition associated with the formation of granulomas. Diagnosis can be challenging because of non-specific symptoms complicating epidemiological investigations of its aetiology. Despite research efforts, a review of the current state of the evidence is needed.

Aims
To assess the evidence for an association between occupational exposures and the development of sarcoidosis. To determine if workers in any occupation are at a greater risk of developing sarcoidosis.

Methods
This rapid review follows the methodology suggested by the World Health Organization. Two electronic databases were systematically searched until April 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was critically appraised, and a best-evidence approach was used to synthesize the results.

Results
Titles and abstracts of 2916 articles were screened, with 67 full-text articles reviewed for eligibility. Among the 13 studies eligible for this review, none were of high quality (i.e. low risk of bias). Six studies exploring the association between sarcoidosis and a range of occupations and exposures, and one previous systematic review were of low quality reporting inconsistent findings. Six studies examined the risk of sarcoidosis associated with occupational silica exposure, two of which were of acceptable quality. Overall, the study methodologies and results were inadequate to support causal relationships.

Conclusions
There is limited evidence of acceptable methodological quality to assess the risk of sarcoidosis associated with occupational exposures. There is a growing body of research examining occupational exposure to silica and sarcoidosis. Additional high-quality confirmatory research is needed.
Islamic Universities in Egypt and Indonesia as Tools of Liberal Governance: How States Use them to Canonize Reformed Versions of Islam
Authors: Nakissa Aria 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This article examines how liberal states regulate religion through a comparative study of government-run Islamic universities in Egypt and Indonesia. Building on recent historical scholarship, it is argued that, contrary to conventional views, liberal states have frequently endorsed government intervention in religious life – including “authoritarian” repression of disfavored religious beliefs and practices. Liberal interventionist policies were first developed in Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, where they were applied most intensely to Catholics. The policies were then brought to the Muslim world during the colonial era, and have been maintained by liberal post-colonial Muslim states like Egypt and Indonesia. It is argued that such Muslim states utilize heavy government intervention to promote liberal ideals of “civilizational progress” (i.e., development) and “religiously inclusive nationalism”. Intervention is carried out, in large part, through state-run systems of religious education, which include Islamic universities. Such universities canonize reformed “progressive” “nationalist” versions of Islam, while simultaneously decanonizing “fanatic” versions of Islam which oppose civilizational progress and religiously inclusive nationalism. It is shown that the canonization process involves ascribing unique importance to particular languages, places, persons, and texts associated with the Islamic tradition.
Management of a metacarpal oblique fracture in an elite cyclist
Authors: Trager Stuart L , Gulick Dawn T 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Metacarpal fractures are common in contact sports but are not often seen in elite cyclists. This case report depicts a 32-year-old elite cyclist injured when forced into a race course metal barricade. The diagnosis was an oblique fracture of the third metacarpal. This report chronicles the diagnosis, clinical signs and symptoms, and application of custom splinting to maximize athletic participation during the rehabilitation process.
Isolated systematized nevus Unius Lateris: a case report
Authors: Alhalabi Rima , Oun Youlla , ALshawa Kinda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Nevus unius lateris is a rare congenital cutaneous hamartoma derived from the ectoderm and is considered as a verrucous variant of the epidermal nevus. Although it can affect any body part, it rarely involves the head and neck region. When the nevus becomes widely distributed, it usually associated with systemic involvement known as epidermal nevus syndrome. We report here a case of a 7-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of systematized nevus unius lateris, with bilateral involvement of the head and neck and without associated comorbidities, owing to its rarity.
The Du Boisian Perspective on Social Movements
Authors: Schwartz Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
As a scholar and activist, W.E.B. Du Bois targeted systemic oppression against people on the wrong side of “the color line”. He understood that this enforced inequality had been purposefully constructed by elites and sustained through the violation of unalienable human rights, and could only be deconstructed by well-organized mass resistance that targeted the vulnerabilities of the system. In his doctoral dissertation Du Bois identified moments when the slave trade could have been suppressed or ended, but the Antislavery movement was unable to recognize and/or exploit these moments of inflection. During his debate with Booker T. Washington, he concluded successful reform depends upon coercing, rather than convincing, power holding elites to grant concessions; and such coercion requires a consciously constructed movement capable of simultaneously challenging economic, political, and social oppression. His work with the Niagara movement and his biography of John Brown, led him to the concept of “moral mastery,” the combination of insight, evidence, and moral outrage that helps protestors recognize and exploit moments of inflection.
Serbian Wedding Practices in Postwar Kosovo
Authors: Zlatanović Sanja 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This chapter is based on extensive, long-term fieldwork among members of the Serbian community of southeast Kosovo after the war of 1998–1999 and the establishment of the United Nations administration in Kosovo in 1999. Research was focused on the interrelation between ethnicity and other forms of collective identification in a radically altered political and social landscape. Weddings are complex rituals, and their form, content, and significance make them particularly well suited for expressing identity (especially ethnic, religious, regional, local, and gender). They are private, family rituals but also involve many participants and activities that are performed on the public stage. Through visual content (the display of national flags) and narration (songs with national and/or nationalistic themes) as well as their inherently performative nature, weddings are prone to be politicized. Like fine-tuned seismographs, weddings register and express deep social processes and “shocks,” including changes in familial and gender relations.