bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specification Choices in Quantile Regression for Empirical Macroeconomics
Authors: Carriero Andrea , Clark Todd E. , Marcellino Massimiliano 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTQuantile regression has become widely used in empirical macroeconomics, in particular for estimating and forecasting tail risks. This paper examines various choices in the specification of quantile regressions for macro applications, including how and to what extent to include shrinkage and whether to apply shrinkage in a classical or Bayesian framework. We focus on forecasting accuracy, measured with quantile scores and quantile‐weighted continuous ranked probability scores at a range of quantiles from the left to right tail. Across applications, we find that shrinkage is generally helpful to quantile forecast accuracy, with Bayesian quantile regression dominating frequentist quantile regression.JEL Classification: C53, E17, E37, F47
Isolated thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: A monocentric retrospective study of 63 pregnancies in 59 women
Authors: Freddi Giulia , Parimbelli Enea , Vai Federico , Quaglini Silvana , Bozzi Valeria , Barozzi Serena , Beneventi Fausta , De Maggio Irene , Cavagnoli Chiara , Di Sabatino Antonio , Noris Patrizia , Melazzini Federica 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThrombocytopenia during pregnancy is often thought to be associated with severe bleeding manifestations. Three are the main disorders associated with this condition: gestational thrombocytopenia (GT), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and inherited thrombocytopenias (ITs). Reaching the correct diagnosis of this condition has relevant therapeutic and outcome implications. We performed a retrospective, observational, monocentric study enrolling 59 consecutive women with isolated thrombocytopenia, attended to our referral center in the last 3 years. Together with personal and family history, platelet (PLT) count trend and mean platelet volume (MPV) in pregnancy are helpful for the diagnosis, with the highest PLT count in GT and lowest in ITs, with different timing of count decrease. MPV is significantly increased in both ITs and ITP. Misdiagnosis with ITP was responsible for unnecessary and unsuccessful therapy in some GT or ITs pregnant women, determining relevant side effects. Excluding inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs), the bleeding risk for mother with thrombocytopenia and their newborns is similar to the general population. Vaginal delivery is associated with a lower risk of bleeding than cesarean section and therefore is preferable whenever obstetrical–gynecological conditions permit.
Unveiling the nature of peer development groups: A systematic review, conceptual framework, and research pathways
Authors: Terekhin Roman , Aurora S. R. 
Published: November 2024

SummaryThis research provides a systematic review of the literature on peer development groups (PDGs), a promising yet underexplored tool for individual and leadership development. Despite the growing interest in PDGs from both scholars and practitioners, the field remains fragmented, with inconsistent terminologies and limited theoretical grounding. This review seeks to clarify the core components, boundary conditions, inputs, processes, and outcomes of effective PDGs in professional settings, addressing the confusion and gaps in existing research. By adopting an adjudication approach, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence regarding the defining characteristics of PDGs and their impacts on individual development. We propose a new, scholarly definition of PDGs as organized small groups consisting of members of perceived similar status and roles who regularly meet to foster mutual growth by providing a supportive environment and a flexible agenda. We develop a conceptual framework that links key variables influencing PDG effectiveness and offers actionable insights for both researchers and practitioners. Our findings highlight opportunities for future research and suggest practical implications for implementing PDGs in organizational settings, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and theoretically informed understanding of this valuable developmental practice.
Carry‐Over Effect of Leguminous Winter Cover Crops and Living Mulches on Winter Wheat as a Second Main Crop Following White Cabbage
Authors: Stein Sophie , Zikeli Sabine , Möller Kurt 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe direct effect of winter cover crops (WCCs) or living mulches (LMs) on a first vegetable crop has already been investigated. However, little is known about the effect on growth and yield of a second cash crop in the rotation.AimsThe aim of the study was to assess the carry‐over effect of legumes grown as WCC or LM on winter wheat as a second crop after cabbage, measured in yield and nitrogen release.MethodsTwo field trials were carried out in Germany between 2019 and 2022. In the WCC trial, rye, rye with vetch, vetch, pea, and faba bean were used as WCC and compared to bare soil. The WCC biomass was incorporated before cabbage planting in late spring. For the LM trial, perennial ryegrass or white clover was used as LM during cabbage cultivation and compared to bare soil. The LM biomass was incorporated with the cabbage residues and compared to an early incorporation of LM biomass before cabbage planting. In both trials, winter wheat was sown in the fall as the second following main crop in the rotation.ResultsLeguminous WCC species had significant higher wheat yield compared to non‐legumes but not compared to the control without WCC. Late incorporation of LM biomass resulted in increased wheat yield at 10.1–10.4 Mg ha−1 compared to an early incorporation before cabbage planting at 9.35 Mg ha−1. Net N releases show that for WCC, the main effect of legume nitrogen fixation is achieved in the first crop cabbage immediately after incorporation of WCC biomass. In the case of leguminous LM, the effects of legume nitrogen fixation are of much higher relevance in the second main crop, winter wheat, due to LM biomass incorporation after cabbage cultivation.ConclusionTherefore, we suggest to consider not only the direct but also the carry‐over effects of leguminous cover cropping in vegetable crop rotations.
Pharmacological management of pediatric metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Abou Jaoudeh Rasha Abi Radi , Hartmann Phillipp , Olson Ole , Gupta Olga , Kumar Seema , Ibrahim Samar H. , Fawaz Rima , Aqul Amal , Hassan Sara 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPediatric obesity, characterized by a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age, affects a substantial number of children and adolescents worldwide. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, represents a prominent hepatic manifestation of obesity and metabolic syndrome, emerging as the most prevalent hepatic disorder among pediatric patients and a significant contributor to liver transplantation in adults. The escalating prevalence of pediatric MASLD mirrors the alarming rise in childhood obesity rates over recent decades. While lifestyle modifications focusing on dietary changes and increased physical activity constitute the cornerstone of MASLD management, achieving and maintaining significant weight reduction remains challenging. Moreover, disease progression often persists despite standard‐of‐care interventions, warranting exploration into alternative therapeutic strategies. Pharmacological interventions, particularly, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RA), have shown promise in addressing pediatric obesity and its associated comorbidities, including MASLD. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of GLP‐1RA in inducing weight loss and improving liver enzyme levels, suggesting a potential role in halting disease progression, and reducing the risk of major adverse liver outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current pharmacotherapy landscape for pediatric MASLD, with a focus on novel agents such as GLP‐1RA. Furthermore, the manuscript proposes a practical algorithm to assist in integrating GLP‐1RA into the clinical management of pediatric patients with obesity and MASLD. Despite promising results, further research is warranted to elucidate the long‐term efficacy and safety of GLP‐1RA in pediatric populations.
Giants beasts updated: A review of new knowledge about the South American megafauna
Authors: Fariña Richard A. , Vizcaíno Sergio F. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSince the publication of Megafauna: Giant Beasts of Pleistocene South America by Fariña et al. in 2013, much has been published on this fascinating subject. Here, we sum up those contributions according to their aim: taxonomic, geographical and phylogenetic novelty, new approaches to the natural history of those species, and extinction and its aftermath. The traditional centres of interest since the 19th century, especially the Río de la Plata region, have now been complemented as a source of information by many other regions in South America, and the remains are now being studied by biogeochemistry and molecular biology, as well as with finite element analysis and constantly refined statistics. Finally, scholars and the public are becoming more interested in the demise of the megamammals as the starting point of the current process of biodiversity loss.
Priming with multiwalled carbon nanotubes improved biomass accumulation, biological activity and metabolism of four horticultural plants during the sprouting stage
Authors: Khaled Yasmen , AbdElgawad Hamada , Hegab Momtaz M , Okla Mohammad K , AlGarawi Amal Mohamed , Tawfik Wael Z , Sayed Mona 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIt is imperative to enhance the quality of sprouts since they are a rich source of various primary and secondary metabolites. The objective of this work was to examine how multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) priming at various concentrations affected the nutritional qualities of four horticultural plants (T. foenum‐graecum, L. grandiflorum, L. sativum and A. graveolens) and their sprouting processes.RESULTSAmong the four applied concentrations (10–60 mgL−1), MWCNTs at 10 and 40 mg L⁻¹ induced the highest biomass accumulation in L. grandiflorum and T. foenum‐graecum, respectively, while 60 mg L⁻¹ was most effective for L. sativum and A. graveolent. MWCNTs induced growth by enhancing photosynthesis, as shown by increased chlorophyll content and rubisco activity, which rose by 27%, 17%, 23% and 12% in T. foenum‐graecum, L. grandiflorum, L. sativum, and A. graveolens, respectively. Enhanced photosynthesis by MWCNTs improved sugar metabolism as indicated by increased activity of sugar metabolic enzymes such as amylase, starch synthase and invertase. This also supplied the carbon necessary for the production of primary (amino acids, fatty acids and organic acids) and secondary (flavonoids and polyphenols) metabolites. There was consistently higher activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase). Interestingly, species‐specific reactions to MWCNT priming were observed, where L. sativum sprouts showed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by A. graveolens.CONCLUSIONMWCNT priming improves sprout growth and nutritional quality by boosting metabolic processes and antioxidant activity, presenting a promising approach for sustainable agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of transglutaminase cross‐linking on the structure and emulsification performance of heated black bean protein isolate
Authors: San Yue , Xing Yuejiao , Li Bailiang , Zheng Li 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDTransglutaminase (TGase) is a heat‐resistant biocatalyst with strong catalytic activity, which functions effectively under moderate temperature and pH conditions, and is used widely in protein cross‐linking and recombination. Transglutaminase cross‐linking is a novel and specific modification method for black bean protein isolate (BBPI). This article investigates the effect of transglutaminase cross‐linking on the structure and emulsification performance of heated BBPI.RESULTSSodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis showed that heated BBPI with TGase had a higher molecular weight than heated BBPI without TGase, and the protein bands widened with increasing enzyme activity, indicating that TGase cross‐linking promoted protein molecule aggregation. A high molecular weight polymer can better stabilize the oil–water interface, preventing the emulsion from layering. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the α‐helix content decreased from 15.64% to 13.75%, and the β‐sheet content increased from 48.13% to 54.08%. The decrease in α‐helix content and increase in β‐sheet content could make the structure more stable and improve the emulsifying properties of heated BBPI. When TGase was 20 U g−1, the protein emulsification activity index (EAI) reached its highest value of 1.87 m2 g−1, and the emulsification stability index (ESI) value was 0.27 min (P < 0.05); these figures were 0.19 m2 g−1, and 0.07 min higher, respectively, than in the sample without added TGase.CONCLUSIONIn summary, transglutaminase cross‐linking has a positive effect on the structure and emulsification performance of heated BBPI and can be used as an effective method for BBPI modification. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid Raman spectroscopy analysis assisted with machine learning: a case study on Radix Bupleuri
Authors: Guo Fangjie , Yang Xudong , Zhang Zhengyong , Liu Shuren , Zhang Yinsheng , Wang Haiyan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDRadix Bupleuri has been widely used for its plentiful pharmacological effects. But it is hard to evaluate their safety and efficacy because the concentrations of components are tightly affected by the surrounding environment. Thus, Radix Bupleuri samples from different regions and varieties were collected. Based on the experimental and computational Raman spectrum, machine learning is emphasized for certain obscured characteristics; for example, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM).RESULTSAfter dimension reduction by LDA, models of SVM, XGBoost and LightGBM were trained for classification and regression prediction of Bupleurum production regions. Support vector classifiers achieved the best accuracy of 98% and an F1 score above 0.96 on the test set. Support vector regression has a good fitting performance with an R2 score above 0.90 and a relatively low mean square error. However, complex models were prone to overfitting, resulting in poor generalization ability.CONCLUSIONAmong these machine learning models, the typical LDA‐SVM models, consistent with the high‐performance liquid chromatography results, demonstrate great performance and stability. We envision that this rapid classification and regression technique can be extended to predictions for other herbs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Electrophoretic video display based on image semantic segmentation
Authors: Zhang Heng , Li Shi‐Xiao , Chen Jian‐Wen , Wang Zi‐Yang , Bo Xiao , Gao Rui‐Si , Bai Peng‐Fei , Zhou Guo‐Fu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractElectrophoretic displays (EPDs) are popular in consumer electronics, like e‐readers and tags, for their paper‐like visuals and minimal power consumption. However, EPDs struggle to rapidly switch to target grayscales due to the inherent limitations in the response speed of their display particles. Video halftoning technology achieves a smoother video grayscale display, but it also inevitably reduces the image quality and affects the viewing experience. Therefore, this paper proposes an EPD driving method based on image semantic segmentation. The method could distinguish the dynamic region and the static region accurately. For static areas, high‐definition driving waveforms were used to ensure the image display accuracy. For the dynamic area, dynamic target and dynamic text were processed by different algorithms, respectively, and the speed‐driving waveforms were used to maintain the fluency and clarity of the video display. With the method we proposed, the display quality for EPD in complex video playback was optimized significantly. Compared to DBS refresh techniques, the SSIM had increased from 4% to 82% and the PSNR had increased from 2.56 dB to 10.89 dB with our method, significantly enhancing the video playback performance of EPDs.
Barriers to Cancer Care in the LGBTQ+ Community
Authors: Beaton Shebiki , McKenzie‐Johnson Tamra 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIndividuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) make up a medically underserved population, that experience disparities in cancer care. Specific cancer incidence and mortality in this population is understudied, as national cancer registries and cancer surveys have limited data about sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBTQIA community face disparate cancer outcomes in prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment due to barriers that limit access to cancer care. To better understand these concerns, we will take a deep dive into the three primary barriers that prevent access to cancer care: personal, provider and systems barriers.
AI and language change: The case of the hallucinating spellchecker
Authors: Abbott Keith 
Published: November 2024

Key points
The formal written register of the English language is subject to change from AI enhanced spellchecking, grammar and style tools.
The proprietary AI algorithms are poorly understood and under‐researched.
There is potential for cultural biases, unclear memorisation predictors and variability in reproducibility leading to poorly written and grammatically incorrect English.
There is room for further study, most likely in an interdisciplinary setting involving linguists and computer scientists, with an attempt to reverse engineer the AI algorithms.
Polarization Volume Hologram for On‐Chip Wavefront Engineering
Authors: Ye Xianglin , Jiang Xiangyu , Zhou Yingjie , Tang Dongliang , Fan Fan , Wen Shuangchun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLiquid crystal (LC) planar optics have advanced wavefront engineering toward ultrathin designs, capturing widespread attention. However, most wavefront control in LC planar optics remains constrained to freespace due to limitations in the precision of freely controllable units. Here, LC on‐chip wavefront engineering is proposed and confirmed. By controlling the initial azimuth angle of the polarization grating, the initial phase can be engineered, as theoretically predicted by rigorous coupled‐wave analysis. Experimentally, the initial azimuth angle of a polarization volume hologram grating, used as a waveguide coupler, is ingeniously modulated using a holographic template. Consequently, several on‐chip optical elements, including lenses, vortex beam generators, and holograms, are demonstrated. Furthermore, exit pupil expansion and multiexposure technologies are adopted to enhance off‐chip functionality and enable multifunctional, highly integrated LC on‐chip photonic systems. The proposed LC on‐chip wavefront engineering may find applications in freeform optics, near‐eye displays, LIDAR, and integrated photonic systems.
Impact of Fractional Ablative Laser Therapy on Function, Symptoms, and Quality of Life in the Management of Traumatic Scars: A Review
Authors: Pham Vy X. , Pousti Bobak T. , Gauglitz Gerd , Shumaker Peter R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesA substantial and expanding body of literature addresses the safety and efficacy of fractional ablative laser therapy for traumatic scarring resulting from burns and other trauma. However, available scar research commonly employs standardized assessment scales that generally do not directly address the impact on function and overall quality of life. Unlike past reviews, this manuscript will explore available evidence with a focus explicitly on function and quality of life (QoL) outcomes and de‐emphasize surrogate outcome measures that rely primarily on visual characteristics.MethodsThrough literature review conducted up to January 2024, the authors examined relevant studies focusing on function and quality of life outcomes in traumatic and burn scar management with fractional ablative laser therapy. PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were utilized as primary databases. Reference lists were secondarily reviewed to supplement the literature review process. Studies that did not highlight functional or QoL endpoints or were not in the English language were excluded.ResultsThe reviewed studies demonstrated that fractional ablative therapy led to consistent significant and meaningful improvements in functional outcomes, relief from pruritus and pain, and overall enhancements in quality of life for patients with traumatic scarring. Adverse events associated with fractional ablative therapy were infrequent and generally of mild severity, indicating a favorable safety profile.ConclusionsThe findings from this literature review document ample existing evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of fractional ablative therapy to enhance function, mobility, reduce pruritus and pain, and improve overall QoL. Fractional ablative laser therapy should be integrated more widely into standard management protocols. Given the previous reliance on standardized scar assessment tools that heavily integrate visual characteristics, future studies should prioritize functional and QoL outcomes to further advance scar management protocols and optimize patient care.
Enhanced Mechanical and Multifunctional Properties of GNPs/CNTs Hybridized PLA Nanocomposites by Implementing Dual‐Processing of Pickering Emulsion‐Melt Blending Methods
Authors: Wu Bozhen , Wu Yidong , Zhang Maolin , Guo Hongxin , Liu Tong , Lin Guangyi , Kuang Tairong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPolylactic acid (PLA) composites with multifunctional properties and minimal filler content are increasingly in demand across various industries. However, achieving a balance between high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding remains challenging. In this study, a dual‐processing strategy combining Pickering emulsion templating and melt blending is presented to hybridize 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within a PLA matrix. This approach successfully forms a stable dual‐filler network, ensuring uniform dispersion of the fillers. The results show that this method significantly enhances the performance of the resulting PM‐PGxCy composites (P: Pickering emulsion; M: melt blending; x and y: mass fractions of GNPs and CNTs, respectively). Specifically, the PM‐PG1.43C1.43 composite exhibits remarkable improvements in mechanical strength (56.2 MPa), electrical conductivity (43.5 S m−1), EMI shielding effectiveness (20.1 dB), and thermal conductivity (0.34 W m·K−1), outperforming composites prepared using either method alone. These findings indicate that the dual‐processing strategy effectively combines 1D and 2D fillers, facilitating superior interfacial interactions and enhancing the multifunctional properties of PLA‐based composites. This study offers a new approach to achieving high‐performance PLA composites with low filler content, offering significant potential for applications in electronics, packaging, and EMI shielding technologies.