bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring black hole spins through X-ray reflection spectroscopy and the relativistic precession model: the case of XTE J1859+226
Authors: Mall Gitika , Liu Honghui , Bambi Cosimo , Steiner James F , García Javier A 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
The development of techniques to measure accurately black hole spins is crucial to study the physics and astrophysics of these objects. X-ray reflection spectroscopy is currently the most popular method to estimate the spins of accreting black holes; so far it has provided a spin measurement of about 40 stellar-mass black holes in X-ray binaries and 40 supermassive black holes in active galactic nuclei. The relativistic precession model (RPM) is another method to measure the spins of stellar-mass black holes: it requires the measurement of the frequencies of three simultaneous quasi-periodic oscillations and can potentially provide precise estimates of the black hole mass and spin. However, the two methods do not seem to provide consistent results when applied to the same sources, which questions the reliability and accuracy of these measurements. Recently, the RPM has been applied to infer the spin of the black hole in XTE J1859+226. The authors found a* = 0.149 ± 0.005 (68 per cent CL). There are no other spin measurements of this source. We looked for archived RXTE observations of XTE J1859+226 with blurred reflection features and found 23 spectra suitable for measuring the spin. We employed two different models with relxill and relxillD and obtained a higher spin value from all these fits. From simultaneous fitting of seven spectra of higher quality, we found $a_* = 0.986^{+0.001}_{-0.004}$ and a* = 0.987 ± 0.003 (90 per cent CL, statistical) with relxill and relxillD, respectively. Our results confirm the discrepancy between the spin measurements inferred from the two techniques.
Comparative Genome Microsynteny Illuminates the Fast Evolution of Nuclear Mitochondrial Segments (NUMTs) in Mammals
Authors: Uvizl Marek , Puechmaille Sebastien J , Power Sarahjane , Pippel Martin , Carthy Samuel , Haerty Wilfried , Myers Eugene W , Teeling Emma C , Huang Zixia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The escape of DNA from mitochondria into the nuclear genome (nuclear mitochondrial DNA, NUMT) is an ongoing process. Although pervasively observed in eukaryotic genomes, their evolutionary trajectories in a mammal-wide context are poorly understood. The main challenge lies in the orthology assignment of NUMTs across species due to their fast evolution and chromosomal rearrangements over the past 200 million years. To address this issue, we systematically investigated the characteristics of NUMT insertions in 45 mammalian genomes and established a novel, synteny-based method to accurately predict orthologous NUMTs and ascertain their evolution across mammals. With a series of comparative analyses across taxa, we revealed that NUMTs may originate from nonrandom regions in mtDNA, are likely found in transposon-rich and intergenic regions, and unlikely code for functional proteins. Using our synteny-based approach, we leveraged 630 pairwise comparisons of genome-wide microsynteny and predicted the NUMT orthology relationships across 36 mammals. With the phylogenetic patterns of NUMT presence-and-absence across taxa, we constructed the ancestral state of NUMTs given the mammal tree using a coalescent method. We found support on the ancestral node of Fereuungulata within Laurasiatheria, whose subordinal relationships are still controversial. This study broadens our knowledge on NUMT insertion and evolution in mammalian genomes and highlights the merit of NUMTs as alternative genetic markers in phylogenetic inference.
Reciprocity, Fairness and the Financial Burden of Undertaking COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine in Australia
Authors: Pahlman Kari , Williams Jane , Silva Diego S , Taffs Louis , Haire Bridget 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In late March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia introduced mandatory 14-day supervised quarantine at hotels and other designated facilities for all international arrivals. From July 2020, most states and territories introduced a fixed charge for quarantine of up to $3220 per adult. The introduction of the fee was rationalised on the basis that Australians had been allowed sufficient time to return and there was a need to recover some of the cost associated with administering the program. Drawing on an empirical study of 58 returned Australian citizens and residents quarantined between March 2020 and January 2021, this paper aims to explore how people experienced paying for hotel quarantine, particularly with respect to fairness and relatedly, the principle of reciprocity. Reciprocity requires that the state has an obligation to assist individuals in discharging their duty to comply with public health measures and avoid disproportionate burdens accruing to populations or individuals. Though participants had varying opinions on whether they thought it fair to be charged for their quarantine, for many, the fee constituted a significant burden and source of stress. Given the undertaking of quarantine is primarily for the benefit of the public good, we argue the financial cost imposed on individuals does not meet the demands of reciprocity. It is imperative that future quarantine and isolation arrangements consider seriously the need to minimise burdens of individuals subject to such measures, and that fees do not become a new norm in public health and infectious disease control.
Strategic Foundations of Efficient Rational Expectations
Authors: Barelli Paulo , Govindan Srihari , Wilson Robert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We study an economy with traders whose payoffs are quasilinear and whose private signals are informative about an unobserved state parameter. The limit economy has infinitely many traders partitioned into a finite set of symmetry classes called types. Market mechanisms in a class that includes auctions yield the same outcome as the Walrasian rational expectations equilibrium if and only if the efficient allocation has a monotonicity property. Examples illustrate cases where they differ. Monotonicity restricts the heterogeneity among traders’ types.
Distribution of U and 210Po in groundwater of Kodagu district, Karnataka, India
Authors: Namitha S N , Lavanya B S K , Hidayath Mohamed , Pruthvi Rani K S , Karunakara Naregundi , Chandrashekara M S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Trace amounts of uranium along with its decay products are found in varying levels in natural soil, rocks, water and air. They are a matter of significant concern due to their carcinogenic nature. In the present work, the distribution of U and 210Po in groundwater of Kodagu District, Karnataka, India, was studied. The concentration of total U in groundwater samples was estimated using LASER and LED fluorimeter, and the activity of 210Po in groundwater was studied using electrochemical deposition followed by alpha counting method. The concentration of U and 210Po varied from 0.4 to 8.8 μgl−1 and 0.47 to 4.35 mBql−1, respectively. The ingestion dose due to U and 210Po in groundwater varied from 0.33 to 7.17 and 0.41 to 3.81 μSv y−1, respectively. The estimated U activity was found to be well below the standard safe limits of 30 μgl−1 in drinking water, as recommended by WHO and USEPA. The 210Po activity was low compared with the recommended 100 mBql−1 standard of WHO.
Heavy particle radioactivity of superheavy nuclei
Authors: Munishamappa Nagaraja A , Munirathnam Rajachari , Manjunatha Holaly C S , Sowmya Nagarajan , Sridhar Krishnachari N , Seenappa Lakshmaiah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We investigated different decay modes such as heavy particle radioactivity (HPR), spontaneous fission (SF), alpha decay and beta-decay in superheavy (SH) region 104 ≤ Z ≤ 126. In HPR, different emissions from Zmin = 28 to maximum heavy particle (HP) emission up to Zmax = Z − 82 were considered. In the evaluation of Q-values, mass excess Weizsäcker-Skyrme 4+radial basis function (WS4+RBF) values were taken into account. The half-lives of cluster decay determined using modified generalised liquid drop model (MGLDM) and Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPM) were in close agreement with the experimental results. The MGLDM produce less deviation compared with CPPM. The role of asymmetry effect, relative neutron excess, pairing effect and Coulomb effect on half-lives were studied. A band of neutron numbers from 193 to 200 shows extra stability against HPR. The HPR of 86Kr, 94Zr, 91Y and 96Mo is observed in the superheavy elements Z = 118, 122−124 and 126. The dominant decay mode identified is compared with SF, alpha and beta± decay, the majority of decay chains end with the lead nuclei, which is also evident in supernova and galaxy spectrum. This study could be useful in nuclear astrophysics.
Synthesis and characterisation of Zn-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles for electromagnetic radiation shielding
Authors: Munirathnam Rajachari , Seenappa Lakshmaiah , Manjunatha Holaly Chandrashekara Shastry , Vidya Yakekadakalu Shivanna , Sridhar Krishnachari Nagarthnamma , Murugan Subramaniam Veera Rethina , Manjunatha Shivanna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
CeO2-NPs (nanoparticles) exhibit a variety of properties, which have prompted researchers to explore various applications, such as gas sensing, biomedical, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding, etc. Zn-doped CeO2-NPs with concentrations ranging from 7 to 11 mol were synthesised using Aloe vera extract as a reducing agent by the solution combustion method. As obtained, NPs were characterised by standard techniques. Braggs reflections confirm the formation of a single-phase cubic structure of CeO2Zn NPs. Crystalline size is calculated using both the W-H plot and the Scherrer equation, which were found to be 12 and 9 nm, respectively. The Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) pattern confirmed the presence of Ce, O and Zn. The direct energy band values are found to be decreasing from 3 to 2.87 eV with an increase in the doping concentration of Zn from 7 to 11 mol. Total shielding efficiency (SET) will give the best representation of shielding properties. The SEt values of CeO2Zn NPs are compared to those of other conventional materials and NP materials, finding significant applications in EMI shielding.
Identifying victims of labor trafficking
Authors: Meredith Angela C. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Globally, more than 40 million people are victims of human trafficking, exploited as a black-market commodity generating more than $150 billion annually. These people are forced to work in various industries, including domestic work and escort services. Though studies are limited, survivor interviews have indicated that most trafficked persons presented to a healthcare provider at some point during their captivity. No single validated tool exists for screening all victims of human trafficking across all healthcare settings, but several mechanisms are available for immediate implementation, and all have the potential to pierce the veil and spare a life from further abuse.
Acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Becker Michelle , Farina Kyle A. , Mascarenhas John 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Although relatively rare, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. AML is associated with poor 5-year overall survival and prompt treatment is critical. Classifying AML based on World Health Organization criteria is important for determining prognosis and applying a risk-adapted treatment approach. Throughout therapy, patients require comprehensive supportive care measures with blood product transfusions, antimicrobial treatment, and frequent monitoring for chemotherapy-related complications. This article provides an overview of AML and its treatments. Clinicians in all specialties must be able to recognize the early signs of AML and ensure their patients seek appropriate expert medical care with a hematologist/oncologist.
Improving Discharge Teaching for Adult Patients with an Ileostomy
Authors: Roeung Sophany , Lindgren Teri G. , Carley Annette 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Local problem:
Discharge teaching is essential to the self-care and successful recovery of colorectal surgery patients, yet the trend toward shorter hospital stays for patients with new ileostomies limits opportunities for patient education. As a result, discharged patients at our institution are initiating calls to providers with questions that could have been addressed prior to discharge.

Purpose:
The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to decrease patient-initiated postdischarge inquiries using a frequently asked questions (FAQs) handout at discharge.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review of inquiries to the outpatient clinic over the six-month period between July 2020 and January 2021 revealed common concerns, among them bowel movements, home health care, medications, wound care, stoma issues, pathology reports, diet, and activity-related issues. Based on these concerns, a FAQs handout was developed to review with patients prior to discharge. Data from three postdischarge time periods (0 to 72 hours, 72 hours to 21 days, and 0 to 21 days) in the three months from June to September 2021 were analyzed to determine the impact of the intervention on the frequency and content of the patient inquiries.

Results:
Use of the FAQs handout led to a decrease in total patient-initiated postdischarge inquiries from 46 in the preintervention period to five in the postintervention period, and fewer topics of concern prompted patients' postintervention inquiries. There was also a pre-to-postintervention reduction in the proportion of patients who made calls to the outpatient clinic in each of the three postdischarge time periods, the greatest of which—from 49% to 15% of patients—was significant and occurred in the 72-hour-to-21-day period.

Conclusion:
This QI project demonstrated that a change in discharge teaching by adding a FAQs handout to the protocol could be effective.
Candida auris
Authors: Borton Dottie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:

Candida auris (C. auris) is a human pathogen that can colonize the skin and various body sites without signs or symptoms or cause serious invasive infections with high mortality. The number of cases involving drug-resistant C. auris infections have increased in the US in recent years. This article provides an overview of C. auris and important infection prevention and control measures.
Characterization of risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and its association with absenteeism among nurses
Authors: Sadeghniiat-Haghighi Khosro , Najafi Arezu , Eftekhari Sahar , Behkar Atefeh , Tarkhan Samareh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
To characterize risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its relationship with nurses' absenteeism.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 at a 1,000-bed academic hospital complex and biomedical research facility in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent. Data on demographics, medical conditions, occupational characteristics, and absenteeism were collected through face-to-face interviews. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was utilized to assess the probability of OSA. Statistical tests included the Mann-Whitney U, t-test, Chi-square, and multivariable regression.

Results:
In this study involving 304 nurses, the majority were female (81.3%), with an average age of 35. About 27 participants (8.9%) had a high probability of OSA, with male sex, older age, higher body mass index, neck circumference, and diastolic BP identified as the main determinants of OSA. Additionally, shift work and night shifts were associated with increased absenteeism, while sex showed no significant association with absenteeism rates among nurses.

Conclusion:
Male sex, neck circumference (obesity), night shifts, and diastolic BP can predict OSA risk. However, unauthorized absence from work is not associated with a high risk for OSA (STOP-BANG ≥3) or the individual risk factors of OSA.
Clinical Implications of the Relationship Between Naltrexone Plasma Levels and the Subjective Effects of Heroin in Humans
Authors: Castillo Felipe , Harris Hannah M. , Lerman Dania , Bisaga Adam , Nunes Edward V. , Zhang Zhijun , Wall Melanie , Comer Sandra D. 
Published: December 2023

Background
Extended-release naltrexone (NTX) is an opioid antagonist approved for relapse prevention after medical withdrawal. Its therapeutic effect is dependent on the NTX plasma level, and as it decreases, patients may lack protection against relapse and overdose. Therefore, identifying the minimally effective NTX level needed to block opioid-induced subjective effects has important clinical implications.

Methods
This secondary, individual-level analysis of data collected in a human laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between NTX levels and subjective effects of an intravenously administered 25-mg challenge dose of heroin in non–treatment-seeking participants with opioid use disorder (N = 12). Subjective ratings of drug liking using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) and NTX levels were measured across 6 weeks after participants received a single injection of either extended-release NTX 192 mg (N = 6) or 384 mg (N = 6). Cubic spline mixed-effects models were used to provide 95% prediction intervals for individual changes in liking scores as a function of NTX levels.

Results
Naltrexone levels above 2 ng/mL blocked nearly all VAS ratings of drug liking after intravenous heroin administration. Participants with NTX levels ≥ 2 ng/mL had minimal (≤20 mm) changes from placebo in VAS ratings of drug liking based on 95% prediction intervals. In contrast, NTX levels < 2 ng/mL were associated with greater variability in individual-level subjective responses.

Conclusions
In clinical practice, a plasma level range of 1 to 2 ng/mL is considered to be therapeutic in providing heroin blockade. The current findings suggest that a higher level (>2 ng/mL) may be needed to produce a consistent blockade.
Cardiovascular disease in spondyloarthritis: a narrative review of risk factors and the effect of treatments
Authors: Sen Rouhin , Caplan Liron , Danila Maria I. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review
This review summarizes the recent evidence available regarding the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in spondyloarthritis (SpA), including the effect of disease modifying drugs on cardiovascular risk.

Recent findings
People with SpA suffer from an increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the general population. This elevated risk is explained by the high prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation from disease activity leading to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis. Consequently, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European League Against Rheumatism recommend enhanced cardiovascular risk screening in SpA patients. There is evidence from observational studies that methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in SpA. Unlike what is observed in the general population, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs does not appear to increase cardiovascular disease risk in SpA.

Summary
Cardiovascular diseases are increasingly recognized in patients suffering from SpA, especially axial SpA and psoriatic arthritis. Cardiovascular diseases can cause significant morbidity, mortality, and add to the overall disease burden. Disease modifying drugs may mitigate some of the cardiovascular risk; however, a multidisciplinary team is needed to monitor patients and improve cardiovascular health status.
Residual Paresthesia After Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Tamai Koji , Terai Hidetomi , Iwamae Masayoshi , Kato Minori , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Suzuki Akinobu , Takahashi Shinji , Sawada Yuta , Okamura Yuki , Kobayashi Yuto , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: December 2023

Study Design.
Multicenter, prospective cohort study.

Objective.
The current study aimed to identify the incidence of residual paresthesias after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), and to demonstrate the impact of these symptoms on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Summary of Background Data.
Surgery for DCM aims to improve and/or prevent further deterioration of physical function and quality-of-life (QOL) in the setting of DCM. However, patients are often not satisfied with their treatment for myelopathy when they have severe residual paresthesias, even when physical function and QOL are improved after surgery.

Materials and Methods.
The authors included 187 patients who underwent laminoplasty for DCM. All patients were divided into two groups based on their visual analog scale score for paresthesia of the upper extremities at one year postoperatively (>40 vs. ≤40 mm). Preoperative factors, changes in clinical scores and radiographic factors, and satisfaction scales at one year postoperatively were compared between groups. The authors used mixed-effect linear and logistic regression modeling to adjust for confounders.

Results.
Overall, 86 of 187 patients had severe residual paresthesia at one year postoperatively. Preoperative patient-oriented pain scale scores were significantly associated with postoperative residual paresthesia (P=0.032). A mixed-effect model demonstrated that patients with severe postoperative residual paresthesia showed significantly smaller improvements in QOL (P=0.046) and myelopathy (P=0.037) than patients with no/mild residual paresthesia. Logistic regression analysis identified that residual paresthesia was significantly associated with lower treatment satisfaction, independent of improvements in myelopathy and QOL (adjusted odds ratio: 2.5, P=0.010).

Conclusion.
In total, 45% of patients with DCM demonstrated severe residual paresthesia at one year postoperatively. These patients showed significantly worse treatment satisfaction, even after accounting for improvements in myelopathy and QOL. As such, in patients who experience higher preoperative pain, multidisciplinary approaches for residual paresthesia, including medications for neuropathic pain, might lead to greater clinical satisfaction.

Level of Evidence.
3.