bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calibrating and Standardizing the Tip of the Red Giant Branch in the Small Magellanic Cloud Using Small-amplitude Red Giants
Authors: Koblischke Nolan W. , Anderson Richard I. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We investigate the absolute calibration of the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) using small amplitude red giant stars (SARGs) classified by the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE). We show that all stars near the SMC’s TRGB are SARGs. Distinguishing older and younger RGs near the tip according to two period–luminosity sequences labeled A and B, we show many similarities among SARG populations of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and the SMC, along with notable differences. In particular, SMC SARGs have shorter periods due to lower metallicity and smaller amplitudes due to younger ages than LMC SARGs. We discover two period–color relations near the TRGB that span all A-sequence and B-sequence stars in the OGLE-III footprints of the SMC and LMC, and we investigate using periods instead of color for TRGB standardization. Using variability-derived information only, we trace the SMC’s age and metallicity gradients and show the core to be populated by younger, more metal-rich RGs. The B-sequence yields the brightest and most accurate calibration (M
F814W,syn = −4.057 ± 0.019(stat.) ± 0.029(syst.) mag), which we use to measure the distance modulus difference between the Clouds and investigate metallicity effects. Distance measurements not informed by variability should employ the SARG-based calibration based on all stars near the tip (M
F814W,syn = −4.024 ± 0.041(stat.) ± 0.029(syst.) mag). Our work highlights the impact of RG population diversity on TRGB distance measurements. Further study is needed to unravel these effects and improve TRGB standardization.
Total Solar Eclipse White-light Images as a Benchmark for Potential Field Source Surface Coronal Magnetic Field Models: An In-depth Analysis over a Solar Cycle
Authors: Benavitz Luke Fushimi , Boe Benjamin , Habbal Shadia Rifai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Potential field source surface (PFSS) models are widely used to simulate coronal magnetic fields. PFSS models use the observed photospheric magnetic field as the inner boundary condition and assume a perfectly radial field beyond a “source surface” (R
ss). At present, total solar eclipse (TSE) white-light images are the only data that delineate the coronal magnetic field from the photosphere out to several solar radii (R
⊙). We utilize a complete solar cycle span of these images between 2008 and 2020 as a benchmark to assess the reliability of PFSS models. For a quantitative assessment, we apply the Rolling Hough Transform to the eclipse data and corresponding PFFS models to measure the difference, Δθ, between the data and model magnetic field lines throughout the corona. We find that the average Δθ, 〈Δθ〉, can be minimized for a given choice of R
ss depending on the phase within a solar cycle. In particular, R
ss ≈ 1.3 R
⊙ is found to be optimal for solar maximum, while R
ss ≈ 3 R
⊙ yields a better match at solar minimum. Regardless, large (〈Δθ〉 > 10°) discrepancies between TSE data and PFSS-generated coronal field lines remain regardless of the choice of source surface. However, implementation of solar-cycle-dependent R
ss optimal values does yield more reliable PFSS-generated coronal field lines for use in models and for tracing in situ measurements back to their sources at the Sun.
Reduction of the Downward Energy Flux of Nonthermal Electrons in the Solar Flare Corona due to Cospatial Return-current Losses
Authors: Alaoui Meriem , Holman Gordon D. , Swisdak M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
High-energy electrons carry much of a solar flare’s energy. Therefore, understanding changes in electron beam distributions during their propagation is crucial. A key focus of this paper is how the cospatial return current reduces the energy flux carried by these accelerated electrons. We systematically compute this reduction for various beam and plasma parameters relevant to solar flares. Our 1D model accounts for collisions between beam and plasma electrons, return-current electric-field deceleration, thermalization in a warm target approximation, and runaway electron contributions. The results focus on the classical (Spitzer) regime, offering a valuable benchmark for energy flux reduction and its extent. Return-current losses are only negligible for the lowest nonthermal fluxes. We calculate the conditions for return-current losses to become significant and estimate the extent of the modification to the beam’s energy flux density. We also calculate two additional conditions that occur for higher injected fluxes: (1) where runaway electrons become significant, and (2) where current-driven instabilities might become significant, requiring a model that self-consistently accounts for them. Condition 2 is relaxed and the energy flux losses are reduced in the presence of runaway electrons. All results are dependent on beam and cospatial plasma parameters. We also examine the importance of the reflection of beam electrons by the return-current electric field. We show that the interpretation of a number of flares needs to be reviewed to account for the effects of return currents.
Multispacecraft Observations of Protons and Helium Nuclei in Some Solar Energetic Particle Events toward the Maximum of Cycle 25
Authors: Bartocci S. , Battiston R. , Benella S. , Beolè S. , Burger W. J. , Cipollone P. , Contin A. , Cristoforetti M. , De Donato C. , De Santis C. , Di Luca A. , Follega F. M. , Gebbia G. , Iuppa R. , Laurenza M. , Lega A. , Lolli M. , Martucci M. , Masciantonio G. , Mergè M. , Mese M. , Neubuser C. , Nicolaidis R. , Nozzoli F. , Oliva A. , Osteria G. , Palma F. , Panico B. , Perfetto F. , Perinelli A. , Picozza P. , Ricci E. , Ricci M. , Ricciarini S. B. , Sahnoun Z. , Savino U. , Scotti V. , Sorbara M. , Sotgiu A. , Sparvoli R. , Ubertini P. , Vilona V. , Zoffoli S. , Zuccon P. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The intricate behavior of particle acceleration and transport mechanisms complicates the overall efforts in formulating a comprehensive understanding of solar energetic particle (SEP) events; these efforts include observations of low-energy particles (from tens of keV to hundreds of MeV) by space-borne instruments and measurements by the ground-based neutron monitors of the secondary particles generated in the Earth atmosphere by SEPs in the GeV range. Numerous space-borne missions provided good data on the nature/characteristics of these solar particles in past solar cycles, but more recently—concurrently with the rise toward the maximum of solar cycle 25—the High-Energy Particle Detector (HEPD-01) proved to be well suited for the study of solar physics and space weather. Its nominal 30–300 MeV energy range for protons can enlarge the detection capabilities of solar particles at low Earth orbit, closer to the injection limit of many SEP events. In this work, we characterize three SEP events within the first six months of 2022 through spectral and velocity dispersion analysis, assessing the response of HEPD-01 to >M1 events.
Correlation-based Beam Calibration of 21 cm Intensity Mapping
Authors: Ding Jiacheng , Wang Xin , Pen Ue-Li , Li Xiao-Dong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Foreground removal presents a significant obstacle in both current and forthcoming intensity-mapping surveys. While numerous techniques have been developed that show promise in simulated data sets, their efficacy often diminishes when they are applied to real-world data. A primary issue is the frequency-dependent variations in the instrumental response. In this paper, we propose a novel approach utilizing the internal cross correlation among different frequencies to calibrate the beam’s frequency fluctuations. Using a simulated data set that incorporates frequency-dependent random fluctuations into the beam model, we illustrate that our method can achieve considerable improvements over traditional techniques. Our results represent a step forward in enhancing the precision and reliability of foreground removal in intensity-mapping surveys.
Sherpa: An Open-source Python Fitting Package
Authors: Siemiginowska Aneta , Burke Douglas , Günther Hans Moritz , Lee Nicholas P. , McLaughlin Warren , Principe David A. , Cheer Harlan , Fruscione Antonella , Laurino Omar , McDowell Jonathan , Terrell Marie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We present an overview of Sherpa, an open-source Python project, and discuss its development history, broad design concepts, and capabilities. Sherpa contains powerful tools for combining parametric models into complex expressions that can be fit to data using a variety of statistics and optimization methods. It is easily extensible to include user-defined models, statistics, and optimization methods. It provides a high-level user interface for interactive data analysis, such as within a Jupyter notebook, and it can also be used as a library component, providing fitting and modeling capabilities to an application. We include a few examples of Sherpa applications to multiwavelength astronomical data.
Plant biogeography, endemism and vegetation types of Dena Mts, Zagros, West Iran
Authors: Noroozi Jalil , Talebi Amir , Suen Michael , Schneeweiss Gerald M. 
Published: October 2024

Questions: The highest mountain peak of Zagros is located in the Dena mountain system (4409 m a.s.l.), which is identified as the second richest center of plant endemism of Zagros. In this study we (1) investigate floristic affinities of Dena Mts to adjacent mountain ranges based on the endemic species of the Iranian Plateau, (2) identify the species reaching the subnival zone, and (3) characterize the plant communities of the subnival zone of Dena Mts. Study area: Dena Mts is a calcareous mountain system in southern Zagros, Iran. Methods: The list of taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present also in Dena Mts was taken from our previously published data. Novel vegetation data were collected using the methodology of Braun-Blanquet. Classification was carried out in JUICE using the Modified TWINSPAN method. Results: Of the 242 taxa endemic to the Iranian Plateau present in Dena Mts, 22 taxa are endemic to the latter. Dena Mts have the strongest floristic affinity with the Yazd-Kerman massif, with which they share 84 taxa compared to 51 taxa shared with Alborz, 37 taxa shared with the Azerbaijan Plateau, and 15 taxa shared with Kopet Dagh-Khorassan. In Dena Mts, 38 taxa reach the subnival zone, most of them being endemic to the Iranian Plateau (68%). From scree habitats in the subnival zone, two new plant associations are described, Aethionemetum umbellati and Zerdanetum anchonioidei. These constitute a newly described alliance Galion pseudokurdici, classified within the class Didymophyso aucheri-Dracocephaletea aucheri. Conclusions: Although Dena Mts lie within a protected area, this will not prevent shrinking of alpine and subnival habitats due to global warming. Consequently, strong attention to the conservation of all range-restricted species of this mountain system, especially of alpine and subnival species, is highly recommended.
Taxonomic reference: Flora of Iran (Assadi et al. 1989–2021) and, for families not yet covered in the previous source, Flora Iranica (Rechinger 1963–2015).
Efeitos da educação sobre a dinâmica da informalidade no mercado de trabalho: uma análise empírica para o estado do Espírito Santo
Authors: Rocha Antonio Ricardo Freislebem da , Moreira Ricardo Ramalhete , Lira Pablo Silva 
Published: October 2024

Este estudo analisa a relação existente entre a mudança na composição educacional da mão de obra ocupada e seus impactos sobre a informalidade do mercado de trabalho do Espírito Santo entre 2016 e 2021. São utilizados dados da PNAD-Contínua do IBGE e metodologia de decomposição da informalidade em efeito nível e efeito composição. Os resultados evidenciaram a importância do efeito composição para evitar um maior crescimento da taxa de informalidade e sugerem mudanças nos níveis de escolaridade exigidos para uma inserção formal no mercado de trabalho, uma vez que se observou aumento da informalidade até mesmo entre os mais escolarizados. Tendo em vista especificidades no recorte geográfico municipal, o estado deve ampliar políticas de investimento em educação e qualificação profissional; simplificação do processo de formalização de empresas; e expandir programas de incentivo à formalização da agropecuária e de acesso a linhas de crédito específicas para produtores rurais informais.
Contextualising knowledge translation in nursing homes: A transdisciplinary online workshop
Authors: Boersema Geertien C. , Van Rensburg Gisela H. , Botha Benjamin S. 
Published: October 2024

Few studies describe workshops as a method for obtaining and integrating diverse participant perspectives for contextualisation. This article describes an online workshop as a transdisciplinary data collection method for contextualising theoretical elements of a framework for knowledge translation to improve wound care in South African nursing homes. Knowledge translation can be more effective when the theoretical components are contextualised and aligned with the specific needs in the context. The online workshop was conducted with 10 participants involved with wound care and change processes in nursing homes across South Africa. The participants consisted of healthcare professionals, family members of those in care and nursing home management staff. Participatory design principles were applied during the online workshop, which was hosted on BlackBoard CollaborateTM Ultra. In this qualitative study, live polls, facilitated discussion, virtual whiteboard posts, and breakaway activities were used to collect the data. The data were analysed and integrated using both deductive and inductive processes for a comprehensive understanding. The workshop enabled the researchers to ascertain integrated perspectives to contextualise the knowledge translation framework’s elements. Barriers to evidence-based wound care in nursing homes and nine values for dignified care for older persons were identified.Transdisciplinary contribution: This article shows how an online workshop was conducted with a group of participants from various healthcare disciplines, family members and institutional management to achieve a contextualised and pragmatic description of theoretical elements. Contextualisation aims to enhance the effectiveness of a knowledge translation framework for use in nursing homes.
Risks and outcomes among coronavirus disease 2019 patients admitted to Assiut University Hospital
Authors: Moustafa Mohamed M. , Ghanem Maha K. , Makhlouf Hoda A. , Hassan Ali A. E. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
The clinical characteristics present with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) encompasses asymptomatic to severe disease and mortality. Clinicians need to detect patients whose risk of illness progression and unfavorable outcomes is high.

Aim
To evaluate potential risk factors affecting the severity and outcome of coronavirus infection in patients admitted to Assiut University.

Patients and methods
From October 2021 to October 2022, Assiut University Hospital served as the site of this observational analytical cross-sectional single-centered study. A full medical history, examination, radiographic, and laboratory investigations were performed on patients.

Results
The primary risk variables for mortality of COVID-19 patients include a greater mean age (73.61 ± 10.51) (P value<0.001). Individuals with chronic kidney disease (P value=0.005), and liver cirrhosis (P value<0.001). Those unvaccinated against COVID-19 the (P value = 0.004). Laboratory findings can be used as a predictor of infection severity as higher median white blood cell count (P value=0.044), lower median lymphocytic count (P value=0.028), higher serum ferritin (P value=0.02). Radiologically, a significant higher mean computed tomography severity score percentage is noticed among died patients (16.61 ± 4.55%) (P value<0.001).

Conclusion
Advanced age, patients with renal or hepatic impairment, patients with lower lymphocytic counts or with higher computed tomography severity score are linked to a worse clinical course and outcome among COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Assiut University Hospital.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04860232.
Diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis in the era of thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Salim Ehab F. , Ali Gaser A. 
Published: October 2024

Background
Before thoracoscopic surgery, diagnosing tuberculous (TB) pleurisy was a medical challenge. Thoracoscopy is the most accurate but expensive method for TB pleurisy diagnosis. TB is common in low-income countries, where financial limitations prevent the use of thoracoscopy, motivating the search for a cheaper alternative.

Patients and methods
A prospective study was done from January 2019 to January 2023 to evaluate diagnostic methods for patients with exudative pleural effusions (PE) of unknown etiologies. The demographic, radiological, procedural, and histological data of exudative PE patients were analyzed. All patients were examined for adenosine deaminase (ADA) and lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio in pleural fluid. Ultrasound-guided Abrams needle biopsy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pleural biopsies were obtained, and histopathological results were assessed.

Results
Of 250 patients with PE, 161 (64%) had TB PE, 72 (28.8%) had malignant PE, and 17 (6.8%) had idiopathic PE. Sensitivity of ADA (≥40 U/l) was 88%, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio (≥0.75) was 86.1%, and their overall sensitivity was 91%. They had 93.2, 86.3, and 100% specificity, respectively. For ultrasound-guided Abrams needle biopsy, the sensitivity of histopathology, culture, and combined histopathology/culture was 66, 46.5, and 78.4%, respectively. All were 100% specific. For thoracoscopic biopsy, the sensitivity of histopathology, culture, and combined histopathology/culture was 100, 86.6, and 100%, respectively. All were 100% specific. The assay sensitivity of pleural fluid and tissue Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampin resistance was 12.5 and 49.7%, respectively. Both were 100% specific. Combining ADA more than or equal to 40 U/l, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio more than or equal to 0.75, and an ultrasound-guided Abrams needle biopsy yielded 92.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

Conclusion
Combining pleural fluid ADA more than or equal to 40 U/l, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio more than or equal to 0.75, and ultrasound-guided Abrams needle biopsy can accurately detect TB PE in high-TB populations. It may be an affordable alternative to thoracoscopy in countries with limited resources.
Comparison of risk assessment scores in patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Khalaf Mohammad G.A. , El-Sokkary Raafat T.I. , Sourial Mariam L.A. , Azzouz Ahmed M. 
Published: October 2024

Background
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most fatal emergencies with a high risk of mortality. Multiple risk stratification scores have been developed to assess a patient’s overall mortality risk.

Objective
This study aimed to validate modified FAST and modified Bova scores for risk stratification and predicting the risk of early mortality in patients presenting with acute PE.

Patients and methods
Patients admitted to Assiut University Hospital with PE were sequentially included. Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), modified Bova, and modified FAST scores were calculated for all included patients.

Results
A total of 100 patients with PE were sequentially included. It was found that predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with PE were; chronic heart failure [odds ratio (OR)= 1.87], chronic respiratory disease (OR= 1.99), chronic kidney disease (OR= 2.01), hypotension (OR= 2.99), intermediate-high risk- PESI (simplified version; OR=2.76), intermediate-high risk modified Bova score (OR= 3.01) and intermediate-high risk modified FAST score (OR= 3.90).It was found that the modified FAST score had the best diagnostic accuracy (89.2%) with an area under the curve (AUC) 0.962, followed by the modified Bova score with accuracy 76.8% and AUC 0.761. The two scores had higher accuracy than that for PESI score (53.4%, AUC= 0.627).

Conclusion
Modified FAST and modified Bova scores are simple and reliable tools for risk stratification of patients with acute PE.
Comparative Analysis of Critical Shoulder Angle and Acromion Index in Patients with or without Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Kashyap Deepak , Jain Vineet , Ghasi Rohini Gupta , Ahuja Shubham 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Recent evidence suggests that a high value of radiographic acromial indices such as critical shoulder angle (CSA) and acromial index (AI) may be associated with a higher incidence of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the relationship between RCTs, CSA, and AI.

Materials and Methods:
We divided 68 patients with shoulder pain into two groups: Group 1, RCT and Group 2, normal cuff. Patients were evaluated with standard true anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. CSA and AI were calculated on true AP X-ray. Twenty-four males and 10 females were selected for Group 1 whereas 23 males and 11 females for Group 2.

Results:
The mean age for Group 1 was 53.23 years and for Group 2 was 47.53 years. CSA findings (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were 37.5 ± 4.37 for Group 1 and 32.23 ± 3.19 for Group 2. Mean ± SD for AI were 0.72 ± 0.07 and 0.66 ± 0.09 for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. CSA and AI revealed a statistically significant P < 0.0001 for both groups. Logistic regression confirmed CSA and AI to be strong predictors of an RCT.

Conclusions:
Higher CSA and AI are associated with degenerative RCT.

Level of Study:
Level III.
Reliability of the Lever Sign Test in the Diagnosis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study with Interobserver Analysis
Authors: Malasani Surya Teja , Ganesh Gadhamsetty Sai , Ashraf Munis Mohamed , Pavithra B. , Balasubramanian Navin 
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are known to have a high rate of occurrence among athletes. The growing prevalence of these injuries demands research in this field to determine clinically reliable diagnostic techniques.

Aims:
The goal of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the lever sign test with other frequently used manual tests, such as the anterior drawer and Lachman test, and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the lever sign test in the diagnosis of ACL injuries.

Study Design:
The study was conducted for a period of 1 year, from November 2021 to November 2022, among 100 patients presenting to orthopedic outpatient department in a tertiary care center with complaints of acute knee pain after a trauma to the knee.

Materials and Methods:
A thorough history, physical examination, and three manual tests for diagnosing an ACL tear were performed by an intern, orthopedic resident, and consultant after obtaining consent. Arthroscopy of the injured knee was taken as the reference standard.

Results:
Of 100 patients, 53 were surgical and 67 were nonsurgical; the mean patient age was 33 years (range, 16 + 6.38 years). The overall accuracy of the lever sign test was 83% (85% sensitivity and 81% specificity); the accuracy was almost similar at arrival and under anesthesia (at arrival 86%, under anesthesia 80%), when performed by interns, postgraduates, and consultants.

Conclusion:
The lever sign test is easier to perform, equally efficacious, and reliable in diagnosing ACL injuries when compared to the other conventionally used manual tests.