bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity and habitat use of a dune gecko and its spatial and temporal correlation with other animals on dunes
Authors: Domer A. , Subach A. , Haimov R. , Dorfman A. , Samocha Y. , Scharf I. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCompared with other desert habitats, desert dunes are relatively rich in species, some of which are unique to such habitats. To better understand the interspecific interactions among species in the dunes, their ecology, and their behavior, we studied the habitat use ofStenodactylus petrii. This species is common in desert dunes in Israel and North Africa, and it is a mesopredator, interacting with both its predators and prey, thus affecting populations of both higher and lower trophic levels. We performed an experiment to see whether these animals spend more time in vegetated or open habitats. Our experiment demonstrated thatS. petriiindividuals moved twice faster out of open dune areas than out of microhabitats simulating desert vegetation. Yet, observations of the gecko's tracks suggest that it is similarly present in open areas and around bushes, necessitating further studies. We also reveal that this nocturnal species is more active earlier in the night than later, and more active in late summer (August) than earlier (June–July). We examined which other co‐occurring animals are active together with the studied gecko in time or space. The spatial and temporal activity patterns ofS. petriiare negatively correlated with the activity patterns of gerbils, suggesting that their activity time and microhabitat preference differ. The spatial activity pattern ofS. petriiis positively correlated with Tenebrionid ground beetles, suggesting a shared microhabitat preference. However, neither the temporal nor the spatial activity of the gecko is correlated with that of vipers, which are its potential predators. Future studies ofS. petrii's natural history are important to understand how expected habitat change (e.g. dune stabilization) should affect it.
Recent advances in reinforcement learning in finance
Authors: Hambly Ben , Xu Renyuan , Yang Huining 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe rapid changes in the finance industry due to the increasing amount of data have revolutionized the techniques on data processing and data analysis and brought new theoretical and computational challenges. In contrast to classical stochastic control theory and other analytical approaches for solving financial decision‐making problems that heavily reply on model assumptions, new developments from reinforcement learning (RL) are able to make full use of the large amount of financial data with fewer model assumptions and to improve decisions in complex financial environments. This survey paper aims to review the recent developments and use of RL approaches in finance. We give an introduction to Markov decision processes, which is the setting for many of the commonly used RL approaches. Various algorithms are then introduced with a focus on value‐ and policy‐based methods that do not require any model assumptions. Connections are made with neural networks to extend the framework to encompass deep RL algorithms. We then discuss in detail the application of these RL algorithms in a variety of decision‐making problems in finance, including optimal execution, portfolio optimization, option pricing and hedging, market making, smart order routing, and robo‐advising. Our survey concludes by pointing out a few possible future directions for research.
Role of recombinant Histoplasma capsulatum 100‐kilodalton antigen in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis among HIV/AIDS patients: Antigenuria and antibodies detection
Authors: Toscanini María A. , Laboccetta Carolina Rodríguez , Videla Garrido Agustín , Posse Gladys B. , Capece Paula , Valdez Ruth M. , Chacón Yone A. , González Maglio Daniel , Nusblat Alejandro D. , Cuestas María L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosing progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) is still challenging in many countries where this disease is highly endemic. Definitive diagnosis is established by culture and/or by cytology/histopathology but both procedures have limited sensitivity and cultures are time‐consuming. Antibodies detection by immunodiffusion has a low sensitivity in immunocompromised individuals. Commercially available antigen detection assays have high sensitivity in PDH cases; however, they are expensive and only performed in few laboratories.AimsTo describe the potential use of a novel ELISA for antibodies testing and a dot blot assay for antigen testing for diagnosing PDH using the recombinant 100 kDa protein of Histoplasma capsulatum (Hcp100) and their polyclonal antibodies as novel reagents, respectively.MethodsSerum and urine samples from a cohort of patients with HIV/AIDS and proven PDH were studied for the detection of anti‐Hcp100 antibodies by ELISA and Hcp100 antigen by dot blot, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and cross‐reactions with other diseases were estimated for each assay and compared with those obtained using histoplasmin (HMN) as a reagent for antibodies detection by ELISA and immunodiffusion, and using a commercial antigenuria test.ResultsAntibodies detection by the Hcp100 ELISA demonstrated 78.6% sensitivity and 88.4% specificity, versus 85.7% sensitivity and 81.0% specificity for the HMN ELISA and 26.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the immunodiffusion assay. Antigen detection by the Hcp100 dot blot demonstrated 89.3% sensitivity and 97.0% specificity versus 82.1% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for the commercial test.ConclusionThe immunoassays described herein based on Hcp100 would be a valuable screening tool for diagnosing PDH.
Cross‐sectional Gravity Models, PPML Estimation, and the Bias Correction of the Two‐Way Cluster‐Robust Standard Errors*
Authors: Pfaffermayr Michael 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn cross‐section gravity models the two‐way cluster‐robust standard errors of the Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood (PPML) estimates tend to be considerably downward biased. However, two‐way clustering can be avoided if intra‐cluster correlation is induced by country‐specific trade shocks with uniform pass through (equi‐correlation) and the gravity model includes exporter and importer country fixed effects. In this case the pseudo‐within‐transformation of the PPML estimator projects out the corresponding components of the disturbances. In Monte Carlo simulations the Pustejovsky and Tipton (2018) bias correction for independent disturbances (i.e. ignoring clustering) reveals just a small downward bias of the estimated standard errors and confidence intervals with nearly correct coverage rates. Under deviations from equi‐correlation the bias is somewhat larger, but still comparable to the bias of the cluster‐robust standard errors with Pustejovsky and Tipton (2018) bias correction.
Evaluation of the relationship between condylar bony changes and condylar bone density in the temporomandibular joint structures: A CBCT study
Authors: Paknahad Maryam , Barzegar Zahra , Mohaghegh Mina 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between degenerative bony changes and condylar bone density in the temporomandibular joint structures using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).Materials and methodsIn this retrospective cross‐sectional study, two groups were evaluated. The case group included 35 patients (34.91 ± 12.40 mean age) with clinical signs and symptoms of TMD according to the Helkimo Index. The control group included 35 samples (37.89 ± 10.89 mean age) without signs and symptoms of TMD. Degenerative bone changes including flattening, erosion, osteophyte, sclerosis, and pseudocyst were evaluated in CBCT images. The severity of degenerative bone changes was categorized into four groups; G0 (no degenerative changes), G1 (one degenerative change—mild), G2 (two degenerative changes—moderate), and G3 (three or more degenerative changes—severe). Grey Value (GV) was measured in CBCT images to determine condylar bone density. The relationship between the severity of degenerative bone changes and bone density was assessed using the One‐Way ANOVA test.ResultsThe frequency of osteophyte and sclerosis was significantly higher in the TMD patient group than in the control group. Grade 1 and Grade 2 changes in the TMD patient group were significantly more than the control group (p < 0.001). The mean Grey Value in patients was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). The GV was significantly correlated with the severity of degenerative changes in both groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe degenerative changes were significantly associated with bone density (GV). Therefore, TMJ arthritis can cause changes in bone density.
Dental practice to dental hospital referrals—upgraded to urgent suspected cancer pathways: A three year service review
Authors: Timmis W. H. D. , Simms M. L. , Atkin P. A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntroductionInappropriate General Dental Practitioner (GDP) patient referrals may delay cancer diagnoses, increasing the risk of late‐stage presentation. Urgent suspected cancer (USC) referrals from GDPs are reviewed swiftly by clinicians. Non‐USC referrals may wait up to a week before being reviewed by clinicians.Aims and objectivesTo investigate upgraded‐to‐USC GDP referrals to a University Dental Hospital (UDH) following the establishment of the pan‐Wales electronic referral management system (e‐RMS) in 2019. To examine reasons for their upgrade to the USC pathway, and to assess diagnostic outcomes, diagnostic delay and compliance with The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) referral recommendations.MethodologyUpgraded‐to‐USC e‐Referrals were reviewed and cross‐referenced against the electronic patient management system and patient files to assess waiting times from referral date to first appointment. Each e‐Referral was reviewed to determine the reason for upgrade to a USC referral. Patient outcomes and diagnoses were also examined.Results83 patient records were identified. Upgraded e‐Referrals accounted for 18.6% of all USC e‐Referrals. The majority of upgraded e‐Referrals (66.3%) were upgraded because they included words describing key malignancy features. Malignant and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) accounted for 3.8% and 17.5% of diagnostic outcomes respectively. Overall, 18.8% of upgraded‐to‐USC e‐Referrals did not meet the NICE guideline requirement of having a first appointment within 2 weeks.ConclusionEarly diagnosis of malignancies is fundamental in improving oral cancer survival outcomes. Some GDPs' clinical judgement and referral pathway choice needs improvement. Reinforcing GDP education in regard to USC referrals will likely reduce inappropriate referrals.
Cost‐effectiveness of omalizumab for the treatment of severe pediatric allergic asthma—Results of a real‐life study in Spain
Authors: Nieto‐Cid María , Garriga‐Baraut Teresa , Plaza‐Martín Ana Mª. , Tortajada‐Girbés Miguel , Torres‐Borrego Javier , Lozano‐Blasco Jaime , Moreno‐Galarraga Laura , del Mar Folqué‐Giménez Mª. , Bosque‐García Montse , Gaboli Mirella , López‐Neyra Alejandro , Rivas‐Juesas Cristina , Caballero‐Rabasco Mª. Araceli , Freixa‐Benavente Andrea , Valdesoiro‐Navarrete Laura , de Mir‐Messa Inés , Ballester‐Asensio Esther , Penín‐Antón María , Romero‐García Raquel , Navarro‐Morón Juan , Valenzuela‐Soria Alfredo , Sánchez‐Mateos Mercedes , Batlles‐Garrido José , Sanz‐Santiago Verónica , de Atauri Álvaro Gimeno‐Díaz , Andrés‐Martín Anselmo , Campos‐Alonso Elena , Gómez‐Pastrana David , Vázquez‐Rodríguez Elena , Martínez‐Pardo Luz , del Río‐Camacho Genoveva , Mazón‐Ramos Ángel , Nieto‐García Antonio 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundSevere pediatric allergic asthma (SPAA) induces a huge economic burden in terms of direct, indirect, and intangible costs. The use of omalizumab for the treatment of these patients has produced a significant improvement in several clinical outcomes, but at the same time, the cost for the management of the disease has also increased. The aim of this report was to evaluate whether the use of omalizumab is cost‐effective.MethodsA sample of 426 children with SPAA from the ANCHORS (Asthma iN CHildren: Omalizumab in Real‐life in Spain) study was used to calculate the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the avoidance of moderate‐to‐severe exacerbations (MSE) and also for the improvement in childhood Asthma Control Test (c‐ACT) or the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5). We retrospectively collected data on health encounters and drug consumption before and up to 6 years after the beginning of the treatment with omalizumab.ResultsThe ICER per avoided MSE was €2107 after 1 year, and it consistently decreased to €656 in those followed up to 6 years. Similarly, the ICER for the minimally important difference in control tests showed a decrease from €2059 to €380 per each 0.5 points of improvement in ACQ5 and from €3141 to €2322 per each 3 points improvement in c‐ACT, at years 1 and 6, respectively.ConclusionThe use of OMZ is a cost‐effective option for most children with uncontrolled SPAA, especially those who have frequent exacerbations; the costs are progressively reduced in successive years of treatment.
Discrimination in the clinical diagnosis between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls using eye movement and cognitive functions
Authors: Okazaki Kosuke , Miura Kenichiro , Matsumoto Junya , Hasegawa Naomi , Fujimoto Michiko , Yamamori Hidenaga , Yasuda Yuka , Makinodan Manabu , Hashimoto Ryota 
Published: April 2023

AimEye movements and cognitive functions are significantly impaired in patients with schizophrenia. The authors aimed to develop promising clinical diagnostic markers that fit practical digital health applications in psychiatry using eye movement and cognitive function data from 1254 healthy individuals and 336 patients with schizophrenia.MethodsMultivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to confirm net performance of eye movements and cognitive functions scored using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition, and Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised. The authors then examined the discrimination performance of pairs containing an eye movement and a cognitive function measure to search the pairs that would be effective in practical application for the discrimination according to the diagnostic criterion between the groups.ResultsMultivariate analyses confirmed that eye movements and cognitive functions were effective modalities for discriminating between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. The discriminant analyses of the pairs demonstrated that seven eye movement measures and seven scores from cognitive function tests showed high discrimination performance when paired with one measure from the other modality. Moreover, seven pairs of digit‐symbol coding or symbol‐search and eye movement measures had high and robust discrimination performance.ConclusionSeven pairs of an eye movement and a cognitive function measure were effective, robust, and less time‐consuming in assisting with clinical diagnosis by categorizing healthy individuals or patients with schizophrenia. These findings may help develop an objective auxiliary diagnosis method working even on portable devices, which facilitates the consistency of diagnosis, earlier intervention, and shared decision‐making.
Myeloid sarcoma in a newborn: A rare manifestation of congenital acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Mullen Brooke , Sabet Kazuhiro , Jacobs Shana , Calleroz Amanda Theresa , Habeshian Kaiane Anoush , Cheng Jinjun 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCutaneous myeloid sarcoma is rarely present prior to the diagnosis of congenital acute myeloid leukemia (AML); the former is typically diagnosed with or after the leukemia. We report a 2‐day‐old male born with multiple cutaneous red to violaceous nodules. Histopathologic and immunohistochemistry findings from a skin nodule were suspicious for myeloid sarcoma. Bone marrow biopsy was initially negative for aberrant blasts; however, at age 4 months, AML with a KMT2A gene rearrangement was identified via bone marrow biopsy.
Non‐syndromic hypotrichosis: A report of two novel variants in the LSS gene
Authors: El Hakim Joelle , Mehawej Cybel , Chouery Eliane , Megarbane Andre , El‐Feghaly Jinia , El Khoury Jinane 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo date, more than 15 genes have been linked to syndromic and non‐syndromic hypotrichosis, among which the LSS gene encoding lanosterol synthase was recently linked to autosomal recessive isolated hypotrichosis. Here we report the case of a 6‐year‐old girl born to non‐consanguineous Iraqi parents and presenting with sparse lanugo hair since birth on the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Whole exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing allowed the detection of two novel compound heterozygous variants in LSS (p.Ile323Thr and p.Gly600Val). Reporting and investigating further cases with LSS variants might help establishing a better genotype–phenotype correlation.
Pooling the evidence: A review of swimming and atopic dermatitis
Authors: O'Connor Cathal , McCarthy Siobhan , Murphy Michelle 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSwimming is an excellent form of aerobic exercise and is an essential life skill. Many children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are advised not to swim because of concerns about negative impacts on their skin disease, and some children with AD do not swim because they are self‐conscious about the appearance of their skin. We aimed to perform a narrative review of the available literature on swimming and AD and scientifically analyze the potential impact of all components of swimming in AD—water, skin barrier, swimming gear, and exercise. Studies examined the impact of swimming on the skin barrier and the relative contraindications to swimming. Constituents of water which may affect AD include hardness, pH, temperature, antiseptics, and other chemicals. Potential interventions to reduce damage included emollient application, special swim gear, and showering post‐submersion. The benefits of swimming as a form of exercise in AD included reduced sweating, cardiorespiratory fitness, and maintenance of healthy weight. Drawbacks of swimming as a form of exercise in AD included the limited benefit on bone mineral density. Future research should examine the impact of swimming on flares of AD using noninvasive biomarkers as well as clinical severity assessment and assess the role for different types of emollient as an intervention for optimal eczema control. This review highlights gaps in the scientific literature on swimming and AD and provides evidence‐based guidance on interventions to minimize deleterious effects on skincare and maximize opportunities for children with AD to swim.
222 nm Far‐UVC from filtered Krypton‐Chloride excimer lamps does not cause eye irritation when deployed in a simulated office environment
Authors: Kousha Obaid , O'Mahoney Paul , Hammond Robert , Wood Kenneth , Eadie Ewan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFar‐UVC, from filtered Krypton‐Chloride lamps, is promising for reducing airborne transmission of disease. While significant research has been undertaken to investigate skin safety of these lamps, less work has been undertaken on eye safety. There is limited data on human eye safety or discomfort from the deployment of this germicidal technology. In this pilot study, immediate and delayed eye discomfort were assessed in a simulated office environment with deployment of Krypton‐Chloride lamps, located on the ceiling and directed downwards into the occupied room. Discomfort was assessed immediately postexposure and several days after exposure using validated, Standard Patient Evaluation Eye Dryness (SPEED) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires. Our results show no significant eye discomfort or adverse effects from the deployment of Far‐UVC in this simulated office environment, even when lamps were operated continuously with participants receiving head exposures of up to 50 mJ cm−2. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in bacteria and fungi of 52% was observed. Far‐UVC in this simulated office environment did not cause any clinically significant eye discomfort and was effective at reducing pathogens in the room. These results contribute an important step to further investigation of the interaction of Far‐UVC with the human eye.
Tetraacetyl riboflavin derivative mediates caspase 3/7 activation via MAPK in A431 cells upon blue light influence
Authors: Buniowska Izabela , Wronski Norbert , Insinska‐Rak Małgorzata , Sikorski Marek , Wolnicka‐Glubisz Agnieszka 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAn acetylated riboflavin derivative, 3‐methyl‐tetraacetyl riboflavin (3MeTARF), is a compound with high photostability and photophysical properties similar to riboflavin, including the ability to photogenerate singlet oxygen. In the present study, we compared the effects of irradiation on A431 cancer cells with blue LED light (438 nm) in the presence of 3MeTARF and riboflavin on MAPK phosphorylation, apoptosis, caspase 3/7 activation and PARP cleavage. We observed that photogenerated oxidative stress in this reaction activates MAPK by increasing phosphorylation of p38 and JNK proteins. Preincubation of cells with inhibitors specific for phosphorylation of p38 and JNK proteins (SB203580, SP600125), respectively, results in decreased caspase 3/7 activation and PARP cleavage. We showed that the tetraacetyl derivative more effectively activates MAPK and skin cancer cell death compared to riboflavin. These data, together with results of our previous study, support the hypothesis that 3MeTARF, of riboflavin, might be more useful and desirable as a compound for use in photodynamic oxidation processes, including its therapeutic potential.
Counterfactual skepticism is (just) skepticism
Authors: Boylan David 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCounterfactual skepticism says that most ordinary counterfactuals are false. While few endorse counterfactual skepticism, the precise costs of the view are disputed and not generally well‐understood. I have two aims in this paper. My first and primary aim is to establish, on grounds acceptable to all parties, that counterfactual skepticism is not benign. I argue it leads to significant skepticism about the future: if counterfactual skepticism is true, then we can have only very limited knowledge about the future. I give three arguments to this conclusion, taking as premises principles connecting knowledge of indicative conditionals to knowledge of disjunctions; and principles linking knowledge of indicative conditionals to knowledge of counterfactual conditionals.My second aim is to examine the consequences for non‐skeptical theories. My arguments indicate that not only are many ordinary counterfactuals true, but that we also know them. How can this be reconciled with the very real tension between counterfactuals and chance? I consider two solutions, one purely epistemic and one contextualist. Together they suggest something like contextualism about knowledge is required to fully resolve the skeptical threat.