bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning Continuous 2D Diffusion Maps from Particle Trajectories without Data Binning
Authors: Kumar Vishesh , Bryan J. Shepard , Rojewski Alex , Manzo Carlo , Pressé Steve 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDiffusion coefficients often vary across regions, such as cellular membranes, and quantifying their variation can provide valuable insight into local membrane properties such as composition and stiffness. Toward quantifying diffusion coefficient spatial maps and uncertainties from particle tracks, we use a Bayesian method and place Gaussian Process (GP) Priors on the maps. For the sake of computational efficiency, we leverage inducing point methods on GPs arising from the mathematical structure of the data giving rise to non-conjugate likelihood-prior pairs. We analyze both synthetic data, where ground truth is known, as well as data drawn from live-cell singlemolecule imaging of membrane proteins. The resulting tool provides an unsupervised method to rigorously map diffusion coefficients continuously across membranes without data binning.
Can blockchain prevent the deterioration of building handover information quality for higher education institutions?
Authors: Chang Janet , Jaskula Klaudia , Papadonikolaki Eleni , Rovas Dimitrios , Parlikad Ajith Kumar 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis research investigates the distinct characteristics of blockchain technology to safeguard against the deterioration of handover information quality in the post-construction phase. The significance of effective management of handover information is highlighted by global building failures, such as the Grenfell Tower fire in London, UK. Despite existing technological interventions, there remains a paucity of understanding regarding the factors contributing to the decline in the quality of handover information during the post-construction phase.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a multi-case studies approach across five higher education institutions. It involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 52 asset management professionals, uncovering the underlying reasons for the decline in handover information quality. Building on these insights, the study performed a mapping exercise to align these identified factors with blockchain technology features and information quality dimensions, aiming to evaluate blockchain’s potential in managing quality handover information.FindingsThe study findings suggest that blockchain technology offers advantages but has limitations in addressing all the identified quality issues of managing handover information. Due to the lack of an automated process and file-based information exchange, updating handover information still requires an error-prone manual process, leading to potential information loss. Additionally, no solutions are available for encoding drawings for updates and validation.Originality/valueThis study proposes a framework integrating blockchain to enhance the information management process and improve handover information quality.
Cognitive ability and stock market participation: evidence from China
Authors: Xu Shulin , Alnafrah Ibrahim , Dagestani Abd Alwahed 
Published: March 2024

PurposeIt is imperative for policymakers, financial institutions, and individual investors to comprehend the factors that impact stock market participation, given the growing significance of the stock market in terms of personal and national wealth. This study endeavours to explore the relationship between cognitive ability and participation in the stock market. We examine the relationship between cognitive abilities and stock market participation, and further explore the mechanism of their influence.Design/methodology/approachThe data from the China Family Panel Studies is utilized, and Tobit and Probit regressions are employed. Additionally, an instrumental variable approach (IV-estimate) is implemented to address the endogeneity issue linked to cognitive ability, and the study’s findings are resilient.FindingsThe results reveal a significant positive relationship between cognitive ability and stock market participation. Additionally, the findings suggest that households with higher cognitive ability tend to aggregate more information, expand social networks, and take more risks. A likely explanation is that individuals with higher cognitive ability are more likely to process more external information and evaluate the subjective uncertainty of stock markets based on a well-defined probability distribution. Our findings indicate that the impact of cognitive ability on stock market participation varies among families with differing education levels, genders, marital statuses, and geographical locations.Originality/valueTherefore, the roles of cognitive abilities in accelerating stock market participation should be fully considered. More information channels and sources that contain financial markets’ information (e.g. mobile applications and financial education) should be provided. Thus, the significance of cognitive ability in increasing stock market participation should be fully considered. Providing more information channels and sources, such as mobile applications and financial education, that contain financial markets’ information would be helpful. Our study contributes to promoting financial literacy and inclusion by highlighting the significant positive impact of cognitive ability, where institutions can tailor their outreach efforts and information channels to better serve individuals with different cognitive ability.
Serum bile acid measurements in women of European and South Asian ethnicity with or without gestational diabetes mellitus: A cohort study
Authors: Schoonejans Josca M. , Fan Hei Man , Mitchell Alice L. , Lövgren‐Sandblom Anita , Sukumar Nithya , Periyathambi Nishanthi , Weldeselassie Yonas , Seed Paul T. , Molinaro Antonio , Marschall Hanns‐Ulrich , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Williamson Catherine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveInvestigation of serum bile acid profiles in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a multi‐ethnic cohort of women who are lean or obese.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingUK multicentre study.PopulationFasting serum from participants of European or South Asian self‐reported ethnicity from the PRiDE study, between 23 and 31 weeks of gestation.MethodsBile acids were measured using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Log‐transformed data were analysed using linear regression in STATA/IC 15.0.Main outcome measuresTotal bile acids (TBAs), C4, fasting glucose and insulin.ResultsThe TBAs were 1.327‐fold (1.105–1.594) increased with GDM in European women (P = 0.003). Women with GDM had 1.162‐fold (1.002–1.347) increased levels of the BA synthesis marker C4 (P = 0.047). In South Asian women, obesity (but not GDM) increased TBAs 1.522‐fold (1.193–1.942, P = 0.001). Obesity was associated with 1.420‐fold (1.185–1.702) increased primary/secondary BA ratio (P < 0.001) related to 1.355‐fold (1.140–1.611) increased primary BA concentrations (P = 0.001). TBAs were positively correlated with fasting glucose (P = 0.039) in all women, and with insulin (P = 0.001) and the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) (P = 0.001) in women with GDM.ConclusionsSerum BA homeostasis in late gestation depends on body mass index and GDM in ethnicity‐specific ways. This suggests ethnicity‐specific aetiologies may contribute to metabolic risk in European and South Asian women, with the relationship between BAs and insulin resistance of greater importance in European women. Further studies into ethnicity‐specific precision medicine for GDM are required.
Landfill tax and recycling
Authors: Jofre‐Monseny Jordi , Sorribas‐Navarro Pilar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper provides new empirical evidence on the role of landfill taxes in reducing landfill waste and promoting recycling. We focus on the impacts of the 2017 landfill tax law reform in Catalonia, a Spanish region, which increased the tax rate from 18 to 47 euros per tonne over the period 2017–20. Using municipality‐level data for Catalonia from the 2013–20 period, we contrast municipalities that differed in the use of door‐to‐door waste collection by the beginning of our study period. As door‐to‐door waste collection is advocated as especially efficient at reducing landfill waste, we hypothesise that municipalities that had not yet adopted this system had greater leeway in responding to the tax changes. Based on a two‐way fixed effects design, our findings reveal large differential responses to the tax hike. Compared with municipalities that had implemented door‐to‐door waste collection by 2013, we estimate that those that had not done this responded to the tax hike by reducing landfill waste by an additional 12 per cent, reducing total waste by 4 per cent, and increasing the share of recycled waste and waste that is sorted as organic by 6 and 2.5 percentage points, respectively. We provide suggestive evidence that the adoption of door‐to‐door waste collection is the main mechanism driving these responses.
The Real Effects of Supply Chain Transparency Regulation: Evidence from Section 1502 of the Dodd–Frank Act
Authors: BAIK BOK , EVEN‐TOV OMRI , HAN RUSSELL , PARK DAVID 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTSection 1502 of the Dodd–Frank Act requires SEC‐registered issuers to conduct supply chain due diligence and submit conflict minerals disclosures (CMDs) that indicate whether their products contain tantalum, tin, tungsten, or gold (3TG) sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or its neighboring countries (“covered countries”). Consistent with the reputational cost hypothesis, we find that heightened public attention to CMDs increases responsible sourcing. After Section 1502 takes effect, we find higher demand for 3TG products processed in certified smelters, decreased conflicts in covered countries’ mining regions relative to other regions, and reduced sensitivity of conflict risk to conflict minerals’ price spikes. Finally, we find that conflicts decrease in Eastern DRC territories with prevalent 3T (tantalum, tin, and tungsten) mines but increase in territories with prevalent gold mines. Overall, our findings highlight the real effects of enhanced supply chain transparency regulation.
Safety of pre‐hospital peripheral vasopressors: The SPOTLESS study (Safety of PrehOspiTaL pEripheral vaSopreSsors)
Authors: Ley Greaves Robbie , Bolot Renee , Holgate Andrew , Gibbs Clinton 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the safety and effectiveness of peripheral vasoactive drugs initiated during pre‐hospital care and retrieval missions, in Queensland, Australia.MethodsThree years of retrospective data was gathered from two sources. Medical notes were reviewed using a search for any patient having ‘inotrope’ recorded on an electronic medical record. Each case was reviewed to include only peripheral infusions of adrenaline or noradrenaline. Clinical Governance records were searched for adverse events related to vasoactive drugs, alerted for review to ensure complete capture.ResultsA total of 418 patients received peripheral infusions of adrenaline and noradrenaline over the 3‐year period. No major complications were recorded either immediately or at Clinical Governance review. Minor complications were recorded in 4.7% of the cases, of which 3.5% occurred with peripheral vasoactives during the presence of the retrieval team. The frequency of use of peripheral vasoactives increased over the study period.ConclusionsIn this retrospective data set there were no major complications of peripheral vasoactive drugs. Minor complications were similar to in‐hospital use and related to vascular access and drug delivery.
Off‐label application of the breast expander magnet: An alternative approach to enable localisation and removal of ferromagnetic subcutaneous foreign bodies
Authors: Susini Pietro , Pozzi Mirco , Di Seclì Davide , Nisi Giuseppe , Cuomo Roberto , Grimaldi Luca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveIncluded foreign bodies of a metallic nature are commonly found. They are often small, asymptomatic, with few or non‐visible scars or even clinically invisible. Sometimes the patient does not remember their existence. The condition is benign and does not require special attention, unless a magnetic resonance imaging scan is necessary. Indeed, magnetic field interactions could pose significant risks, and the procedure is typically contraindicated unless the ferromagnetic foreign body (FFB) has been previously removed. For such purposes, the magnet that is commonly used in breast and plastic surgery units for breast expanders port injection site identification could represent a time‐saving and cost‐effective solution.MethodologyThis paper presents an alternative technique based on off‐label application of the breast expander magnet to localize FFBs.ResultsBetween April 2023 and June 2023, the breast expander magnet allowed successful pre‐operative localisation and intra‐operative guidance for removal of FFBs in four clinical cases. The post‐operative ultrasound confirmed the absence of metal residues after the procedure in all cases.ConclusionOff‐label application of the breast expander magnet allows for FFB pre‐operative localisation and safe intra‐operative surgical guidance, thus representing a promising off‐label application of the device. After surgical removal of FFBs, the magnetic resonance imaging is allowed without any risk.
Sensitivity to the initial rewarding effects of alcohol: Influence of age, sex, and β‐endorphin
Authors: Waldron Madison A. , Jones Holly E. , Rhinehart Erin M. , Grisel Judith E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol use disorders (AUDs) are widespread, devastating and complex. About 20% of people who consume alcohol develop problem use, accounting for over 5% of worldwide deaths. While numerous animal models have facilitated understanding of the consequences of excessive drinking, translational models allow for experimental manipulation of factors thought to contribute to AUD liability.MethodsWe employ a single‐exposure conditioned place preference assay (SE‐CPP) to investigate the influence of age, sex and the opioid peptide β‐endorphin (bE) on the initial rewarding effects of ethanol, a strong predictor of AUDs. Adolescent (PND28‐35) and adult (PND70‐90) male and female, control C57BL/6J and bE‐deficient mice were tested following a single injection of 1.5 g/kg of ethanol. Following the SE‐CPP test, animals were deeply anesthetized, sacrificed, and perfused, and the brains were subsequently sectioned at 40 microns and processed for immunohistochemical localization of c‐fos. One‐sample, two‐tailed t‐tests were used to assess drug preference or aversion and the locomotor effects of alcohol.ResultsIn general, adults were more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than adolescents, and outcomes depended on sex and bE. For example, among females, adolescents were stimulated by the drug, but insensitive to locomotor effects as adults, while among males, adolescents were insensitive and adults sedated. Wild‐type adolescents of both sexes failed to evince initial subjective reward from the drug, but bE‐deficient adolescents, and all adult subjects, preferred a context once associated with ethanol over one that had been paired with saline. c‐fos immunoreactivity in multiple brain regions was attenuated in bE‐deficient animals, though influences of both sex and bE grew stronger with age.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the utility of the SE‐CPP paradigm for elucidating factors that contribute to the liability for AUDs, and supports the growing body of research that shows that sensitivity to the rewarding effects of alcohol changes during the course of development. Our results also suggest that developmental contributions are sex‐dependent, and may also depend on the influence of endogenous opioid signaling.
Topography and morphometry of the infraorbital and mandibular foramen of the common sloth (Bradypus variegatus) for use in the application of perineural anaesthesia
Authors: Moia Ana Luisa Carvalho , Branco Érika , Mesquita Ellen Yasmin Eguchi , de Lima Ana Rita 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA local anaesthetic block performed in cranial and mandibular foramina contributes towards analgesia and the reduction of systemic anaesthesia in procedures in the oral cavity. However, anatomical differences between in wild animals may require adaptations to the anaesthetic and surgical manoeuvres of the head used in domestic animals. With that in mind, we aimed to describe the topography and morphometry of the infraorbital and mandibular foramina in Bradypus variegatus, to support perineural anaesthetic approaches in the cranio‐mandibular region of this species. We demonstrated that in B. variegatus there is no significant variability in the morphometric data, allowing access to the studied foramina to occur in a similar way in adult individuals. Finally, we understand that the techniques for the infraorbital and mandibular foramen needed to be adapted due to the anatomical singularities of the species, which culminated in new reference points for more assertive needle positioning.
Quality control of allergen products with mass spectrometry part I: Positioning within the EU regulatory framework
Authors: Spiric Jelena , Schulenborg Thomas , Holzhauser Thomas , Schuler Frank , Bonertz Andreas , Lauer Iris , Bartel Detlef , Vieths Stefan , Mahler Vera , Reuter Andreas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMass spectrometry (MS) has advanced greatly and many of its applications are ready for utilization within regulatory procedures and could significantly contribute to overcome challenges in standardization of allergen products. It seems sensible to discuss MS within the regulatory framework, before addressing technical questions. While the application to purified proteins is well established from product development to manufacturer's release analytics, its application to complex products such as allergen products is still under development. It needs to be determined where it can complement or replace established methods or where MS offers limited improvement. Despite its technical appeal and versatility, currently MS is mentioned in regulatory guidelines only as one possible measurement method. For example, no specific MS method is given in the European Pharmacopoeia. We discuss applications of MS within the EU regulatory framework. This includes their advantages and disadvantages and their positioning between research, characterization, manufacturer's release analytics and official batch testing. We discuss the qualitative detection of single and multiple allergens as proof of identity, qualitative to semi‐quantitative protein profiles for batch to batch consistency testing, and quantification of allergens to state mass units of allergens. MS may also facilitate standardization of allergen products, reference products and reference standards.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on outcomes of cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a national cohort study
Authors:   STRATA Collaborative,   CHOLECOVID Collaborative
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with significant disruptions to healthcare provision globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand. It remains unclear how this disruption affected the surgical management of acute cholecystitis and whether there are ongoing impacts.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of two multicentre cohort studies (CHOLECOVID and CHOLENZ) on patients who underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Participants were categorized into pre‐pandemic (September–November 2019), pandemic (March–May 2020), and late‐pandemic (August–October 2021) phases. Baseline demographics, clinical management, and 30‐day postoperative complications were assessed between phases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the impact of timing of operation on rates of hospital readmission and postoperative complications.Results517 participants were included, of whom 85 (16%) were in the pre‐pandemic‐phase, 52 (10%) were in the pandemic phase, and 380 (73%) were in the late‐pandemic phase. Pandemic and late‐pandemic phase participants were more comorbid and had higher rates of obesity and deranged blood results than pre‐pandemic. After multivariable adjustment, there were no differences in rates of hospital readmission or postoperative complications at 30‐day follow‐up across phases.ConclusionThe COVID‐19 pandemic had minimal impacts on the provision of cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, patients managed during the COVID‐19 pandemic were more comorbid and had higher rates of obesity and elevated inflammatory markers.
Optimizing theatre utilization for abscess drainage: going beyond priority categories
Authors: Yang Phillip F. , Builth‐Snoad Lily , Ng Kheng‐Seong , Gu Eva , Errington Belinda , McBride Kate E. , Lee Peter J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDay‐only emergency surgery for abscess drainage is poorly implemented in Australia. This study assessed the feasibility, outcomes, cost, and impact of an acute day‐only surgery (ADOS) program.MethodA retrospective pre‐post implementation study of patients requiring abscess drainage in theatre was performed. Following implementation of an ADOS program for abscess management, eligible patients were discharged from the emergency department and prioritized first on the following day's emergency list. Outcomes from the first 12 months of the ADOS era were compared with those of the preceding 6 months (pre‐ADOS). Primary outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included 30‐day complications, admission costs, and impact on overall emergency theatre workflow (measured by emergency appendicectomy metrics).ResultsOverall, 266 patients during the ADOS era (including 95 eligible for the ADOS pathway) were compared with 115 patients during the pre‐ADOS era. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Median LOS was shorter during the ADOS era (21.9 h (IQR 11.8–43.3) vs. 30.1 h (IQR 24.7–48.8), P < 0.001). Median LOS was 10.2 h (IQR 8.9–13.1) for patients on the ADOS pathway. There were no significant differences in 30‐day complications (9.3% vs. 9.5%), emergency department re‐presentations (7.4% vs. 5.1%), or abscess recurrence (5.6% vs. 5.7%). Average cost per patient was lower during the ADOS era ($4155 vs. $4916, p = 0.005). ADOS did not appear to materially impact other emergency procedures.ConclusionADOS for abscess drainage is feasible, safe, and produces cost savings, while being implemented without significant additional resources.