bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the performance of atmospheric radiative transfer schemes in the simulation of mean surface climate in Central Africa using the RegCM5 climate model
Authors: Djouka Kankeu E. E. , Komkoua Mbienda A. J. , Choumbou P. C. , Guenang G. M. , Demanou Koudjou G. P. , Mbane Mbioule C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe theory of radiative transfer in the atmosphere is crucial in the study of climate, because radiative exchanges are at the origin of the atmospheric dynamics. It is therefore important to evaluate this phenomenon in order to be able to take effective measures to tackle climate change. The objective of this work is to evaluate the capability of the RegCM5 climate model to reproduce radiative transfer over Central Africa. The analysis is carried out over a 10‐year period, from January 2002 to December 2011 preceded by 1 year as spin‐up. RegCM5 model were evaluated using the ERA5 dataset for the radiative transfer parameters (the shortwave radiation [SWR], longwave radiation [LWR], cloud cover [CLT], surface albedo [ALB] and surface temperature), as well as CHIRPS dataset for precipitation. Three subregions were identified for more specific analysis of the model, namely the Sahel, Congo basin and Cameroon highlands. Two radiative schemes were used: the radiative scheme of the community climate model (CCM) and Rapid Radiative Transfer Model (RRTM). The assessment of radiative transfer parameters was carried out by examining their seasonal variability and annual cycles using data from two RegCM5 experiments, RegCM5‐CCM3 and RegCM5‐RRTM. Before this assessment, a sensibility analysis to convective schemes carried out with the default RegCM5 radiative scheme (CCM3) shows that Grell scheme with Arakawa and Shulber closure is the best scheme to represent key radiation parameters (LWR and SWR). This convective scheme is therefore used for assessing the two Radiative transfer schemes. Results show that both RegCM5 experiments simulate relatively well the variables linked to radiative transfer for the four seasons of the year. However, RegCM5 with RRTM as radiative scheme depicts better performance over all subregions and seasons, suggesting that the choice of this scheme does not depend on land cover, topography and rainfall regimes in a complex region such as Central Africa.
Comprehensive investigation on the flavor difference in five types of tea from JMD (Camellia sinensis ‘Jinmudan’)
Authors: Tang Mengting , Liao Xiansheng , Xu Mengting , Zhang Jianming , Wu Xianshou , Wei Mingxiu , Jin Shan , Zheng Yucheng , Ye Naixing 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDJinmudan (JMD) is a high‐aroma variety widely cultivated in China. The current study primarily focuses on the key volatile metabolites in JMD black and oolong teas, and investigates the impact of processing technologies on the aroma quality of JMD tea. However, few studies have explored the suitability of JMD for producing a certain type of tea or the characteristic quality differences among various JMD teas using multivariate statistical analysis methods.RESULTSThe principal volatile metabolites contributing to the floral quality of JMD tea are linalool, geraniol, indole and phenethyl alcohol. In JMD black tea (BT), the key volatile metabolites include methyl salicylate, geraniol, (E)‐β‐ocimene and phenethyl alcohol. In JMD oolong tea (OT), the key volatile metabolites include indole, linalyl valerate and phenethyl alcohol. In JMD yellow tea (YT), the key volatile metabolites include methyl salicylate, geraniol and terpinolene. In JMD white tea (WT), the key volatile metabolites include methyl salicylate, geraniol and terpinolene. In JMD green tea (GT), the key volatile metabolites include (E)‐β‐ocimene, indole and geraniol. Comparative analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis is the primary metabolic pathway responsible for the taste differences among various tea types. GT exhibited higher levels of phloretin, dihydromyricetin and galangin. The contents of vitexin, tricetin in YT were relatively higher. The contents of aromadendrin and naringenin in BT were higher, while OT contained higher levels of kaempferol. Additionally, WT showed higher contents of 3‐O‐acetylpinobanksin and 3,5,7‐pinobanksin.CONCLUSIONThis study explained the reasons for the quality differences of different JMD tea and provided a reliable theoretical basis for the adaptability of JMD tea. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Organization of A2‐Type Active Composite Nanorods
Authors: Li Fenglin , Yang Yajing , Wen Zhendong , Sun Dayin , Ye Yilan , Yang Zhenzhong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNanorods as building blocks are promising to construct functional superstructures. A paramagnetic Fe3O4‐based composite nanorod is large‐scale synthesized from the poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP) side chain grafted polymer bottlebrush by electrostatics‐mediated intramolecular crosslinking via metallic coordination. Ultrasonication‐assisted fracturing of the composite nanorod derives the corresponding A2‐type composite nanorods whose two ends are active with the metallic coordinated P2VP exposed. The active ends are prone to connection upon feeding ligands (acidic or alkaline) or metallic ions to trigger the organization of the A2‐type nanorods toward functional superstructures. Their microstructure is tunable from linear nanowires to branches, which is dependent on the valent state of the assistant chemicals. The report method is easily extended to derive a family of A2‐type active nanorods with varied compositions and functions which are capable to organize functional nanomaterials with tunable microstructure.
Long‐term beam output stability of an accelerator‐based boron neutron capture therapy system
Authors: Komori Shinya , Takeuchi Akihiko , Kato Ryohei , Yamazaki Yuhei , Motoyanagi Tomoaki , Narita Yuki , Kato Takahiro , Takai Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccelerator‐based boron neutron capture therapy (AB‐BNCT) systems are becoming commercially available and are expected to be widely used in hospitals. To ensure the safety of BNCT, establishing a quality assurance (QA) program and properly managing the stability of the system are necessary. In particular, a high level of beam output stability is required to avoid accidents because beam output is a major factor in patient dose. However, no studies have analyzed the long‐term beam output stability of AB‐BNCT systems.PurposeThis study aimed to retrospectively analyze the long‐term stability of the beam output by statistical process control (SPC) based on the QA results over 3 years.MethodsThe data analyzed are the results of daily QA (DQA) and weekly QA (WQA) in an AB‐BNCT system and were taken between June 2020 and September 2023. The evaluation of the stability of the beam output was based on the reaction rate between gold and neutrons calculated using the activation foil method using a gold foil. In DQA, which can be performed in a short time, the gold foil was applied directly to the beam irradiation aperture in air. In WQA, measurements were performed at the phantom surface, 2‐cm depth, and 6‐cm depth using a dedicated water phantom. The acquired data were retrospectively analyzed by individuals and a moving range chart (I‐MR chart), exponentially weighted moving average control chart (EWMA chart), and several process capability indexes (PCIs).ResultsOver 99% of the DQA I‐MR chart results were within control limits, whereas the WQA I‐MR chart results showed that 1.8%, 4.1%, and 2.0% of the measurements exceeded the control limits at the surface, 2‐cm depth, and 6‐cm depth, respectively. The variation in the reaction rate of the gold foil before and after the replacement of the target was <0.5%. The EWMA chart results revealed no significant beam output drift for either DQA or WQA. Most measured data were normal based on the results of the Anderson–Darling test and met the requirements for PCI evaluation; most PCI values were >1.0; however, the Cpmk of DQA and the 2‐ and 6‐cm depth WQAs between August 2021 and November 2022 in treatment course 2 were 0.83, 0.77, and 0.87, respectively, which were <1.0.ConclusionsThe long‐term stability of beam output was confirmed using SPC in an AB‐BNCT system. The results of the control chart revealed no significant variation or drift in the beam output, and the quantitative evaluation using PCI revealed high stability. A routine QA program will enable us to provide safe BNCT.
The impact of genotype on age at loss of ambulation in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy treated with corticosteroids: A single‐center study of 555 patients
Authors: Zygmunt Alexander , Wong Brenda , Moon David , Horn Paul , Rathbun Richard , Lambert Joshua , Bange Jean , Rybalsky Irina , Reebals Lisa , Tian Cuixia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsStudies have demonstrated that certain genotypes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have milder or more severe phenotypes. These studies included individuals treated and not treated with corticosteroids and multiple sites with potentially varying standards of care. We aimed to assess genotype–phenotype correlations for age at loss of ambulation (LoA) in a large cohort of individuals with DMD treated with corticosteroids at one center.MethodsIn this retrospective review of medical records, encounters were included for individuals diagnosed with DMD if prescribed corticosteroids, defined as daily deflazacort or prednisone or high‐dose weekend prednisone, for 12 consecutive months. Encounters were excluded if the participants were taking disease‐modifying therapy. Data were analyzed using survival analysis for LoA and Fisher's exact tests to assess the percentage of late ambulatory (>14 years old) individuals for selected genotypes.ResultsOverall, 3948 encounters from 555 individuals were included. Survival analysis showed later age at LoA for exon 44 skip amenable (p = .004), deletion exons 3–7 (p < .001) and duplication exon 2 (p = .043) cohorts and earlier age at LoA for the exon 51 skip amenable cohort (p < .001) when compared with the rest of the cohort. Individuals with deletions of exons 3–7 had significantly more late ambulatory individuals than other cohorts (75%), while those with exon 51 skip amenable deletions had significantly fewer (11.9%) compared with other cohorts.DiscussionThis confirms previous observations of genotype–phenotype correlations in DMD and enhances information for trial design and clinical management.
Measurement of mid‐upper arm circumference to screen for childhood malnutrition: General applicability and use in special populations
Authors: Becker Patricia , Abdel‐Rahman Susan , Nemet Dan , Marino Luise V. , Noritz Garey , Fisberg Mauro , Beretich Kaitlan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSince the development of consensus‐recommended indicators for pediatric malnutrition in 2014, screening and diagnosis of pediatric malnutrition have improved, but the indicators are not always used; malnutrition continues to be underdiagnosed in some community and healthcare settings. In particular, mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) is underused as a screening indicator for pediatric malnutrition, despite its unique advantages and usefulness in several clinical situations. In December 2022, a scientific roundtable was held to bring together several experts in pediatric malnutrition. One of the goals of the scientific roundtable was to discuss the clinical use of anthropometric measures as screening tools for pediatric malnutrition status, with a focus on the use of MUAC. This article arose from that event and is intended as an educational tool to aid clinicians in implementing MUAC measurements. In addition to describing the use of MUAC as a screening tool, the article discusses several clinical situations in which MUAC is especially useful. Additionally, the article reviews practical aspects of measuring and interpreting MUAC values, provides links to additional educational resources, and briefly reviews areas in which further research is needed regarding the use of MUAC for screening of nutrition status in children.
Real‐World Evaluation of Asthma Severity Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Caballero Anyull D. B. , Candelo Estephania , Avila‐Castano Karol , Alhalabi Alaa , Donaldson Angela M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on asthma severity up to 12 months after surgical intervention.Study DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingTertiary care center.MethodsPatients with a history of asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) who underwent ESS between 2013 and 2023 were included. Asthma severity was assessed according to current Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, classifying patients into mild, moderate, and severe based on medication requirements. Asthma severity was evaluated up to 3 months prior to ESS and 1‐year post‐ESS. Patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using McNemar test and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test to assess differences in asthma severity, medication doses, and number of medications.ResultsSixty‐five patients were included, of which 44 (67.7%) had CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and 21 (32.3%) had CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). No significant differences were found in asthma severity pre‐ and post‐ESS (P = .175). Similarly, no differences were found in ICS doses (P = .999), total number of prescribed medications (P = .157) or presence of exacerbations before and after ESS (P = .078). However, a significant increase in time from last rescue inhaler use was noted after ESS, increasing from a median of 6.71 to 23.1 weeks (P = .004).ConclusionThis study is the first to assess the impact of ESS on asthma severity in a real‐world setting. Our findings suggest that ESS does not impact asthma severity classification. However, it might provide relief of asthma symptoms in the early postoperative period.
Late effects surveillance adherence among young adult childhood cancer survivors: A population‐based study
Authors: Milam Joel , Kim Yoonji , Roth Michael , Freyer David R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLifelong, guideline‐based monitoring for late effects is recommended for childhood cancer survivors (CCS). We examined rates of receiving surveillance tests among at‐risk young adult CCS in a population‐based study (n = 253; 50% Hispanic/Latino; mean post‐treatment interval 14.5 years, range: 5–22). Adherence rates were 36.1%, 31.9%, and 36.4% among those indicated for cardiac (n = 119), thyroid (n = 68), and breast (n = 66) surveillance, respectively, indicating that poor surveillance among long‐term CCS is widespread. Receipt of any of these surveillance tests was positively associated with being in follow‐up care, having any health insurance (vs. none), and receiving education about need for follow‐up with surveillance (all p‐values less than .05).
Treatment outcomes in retinoblastoma and the effect of tumor topography
Authors: Kheir Wajiha J. , Slim Andre , Hadi Dalia El , Bechara Elie , Borghol Raphah , Noun Dolly , Al‐Haddad Christiane 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundRetinoblastoma, the most common intraocular malignancy in children, has high fatality rates if untreated. It is crucial to monitor treatment effectiveness and explore factors influencing favorable outcomes. Our study aims to examine how tumor location impacts the response to standard treatments and the achievement of favorable outcomes among retinoblastoma patients, while controlling for other tumor‐related factors.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed medical records of retinoblastoma patients from November 2012 to December 2022 enrolled in the retinoblastoma program at the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon (established in collaboration with St.y Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN). Data were extracted from the electronic chart reviews and operative reports of examinations under anesthesia (EUAs), and included patient's demographics, tumor characteristics (size, location), and treatment parameters (treatment type, resolution, recurrence).ResultsThe study included 42 patients with retinoblastoma, with a total of 57 eyes and 115 tumors/lesions. The median age at diagnosis was 12 months (range: 2–36 months). Among the patients, 26 (61.9%) were males and 16 (38.1%) were females. A minority of patients (21.4%) presented with unilateral involvement, whereas the majority (78.6%) had bilateral involvement. The locations of retinoblastoma lesions were distributed as follows: optic nerve (4.4%), macula (19.1%), superior (16.5%), inferior (17.4%), nasal (27.8%), and temporal (14.8%). Resolution rate tended to be highest for tumors close to optic nerve and temporal lesions, but no statistical significance was attained (p = .45). Macular lesions tended to have the fastest resolution, but again not significantly (p = .5). Multiple logistic regression revealed that the odds for resolution of tumor was not significantly associated with tumor size (p = .57) or location (p = .52).ConclusionLocation of retinoblastoma lesions was not directly associated with recurrence‐free resolution in our cohort. Further research in large retinoblastoma databases is needed to explore the association of tumor characteristics with recurrence and the need for secondary therapeutic interventions.
The dynamics of meaningful youth participation: Mapping the purpose of participation of Youth Dialogue on Internet Governance participants
Authors: Tjahja Nadia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study investigates how youth are navigating the regional and global Internet governance spaces using the Pyramid of Participation framework as proposed by the author, which is built on Arnstein's ladder. By understanding how youth participate in these spaces, this study seeks to understand the dynamics of meaningful youth participation by using the Youth Dialogue on Internet Governance (YOUthDIG) as an exploratory case study. The findings reveal that The Pyramid of Participation outlined in this paper provides a visual framework for decision makers to reflect on where and how participants engage with the process. This Pyramid of Participation also acknowledges that when there is no meaningful participation, that participants will choose to discontinue their participation and this motivation requires reflection on where we can enhance processes and change attitudes to ensure a better informed group of stakeholders and empowered actors.
Risks of oral anticoagulants: Analysis of adverse drug reactions reported to the Portuguese National Pharmacovigilance System
Authors: Martins Ana Sofia , Monteiro Cristina , Duarte Ana Paula 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, making the use of oral anticoagulants for prevention increasingly important. Historically, warfarin has played a significant role in this context. In recent years, introduction of new oral anticoagulants, such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban, has been seen. This study evaluates the risk associated with the use of oral anticoagulants by analyzing spontaneous adverse drug reactions reported to the Portuguese Pharmacovigilance System from 2012 to 2021. The study includes 951 adverse drug reactions reports, with the majority (n = 770; 80.97%) classified as serious. Of the 770 serious adverse drug reactions reports, the most commonly reported seriousness criterion was “Clinically Important” (n = 350; 45.45%). In terms of demographics, there was a higher reporting rate among the elderly population, with a greater prevalence of females. The System Organ Class group with the highest number of adverse drug reactions was “Gastrointestinal disorders,” with the most commonly reported Preferred Term being “Gastrointestinal hemorrhage,” and dabigatran was the most frequently reported drug. In summary, oral anticoagulants have adverse drug reactions that require continuous monitoring. Accurate identification and monitorization of adverse drug reactions is an important starting point to improve drug safety in population.
A rare case of tracheal squamous cell carcinoma presented with critical airway obstruction
Authors: Ho Chen‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Wei , Lai Wei‐An , Chen Chia‐Min , Wu Kuan‐Li 
Published: September 2024

Key messageTracheal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare and potentially fatal thoracic cancer mimicking common airway disorders. Accurate diagnosis requires a detailed history, thorough physical examination, and high clinical suspicion.
Prescribed‐time distributed direct estimation under relative state measurements
Authors: Ke Jin , Li Ying , Xie Tao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe distributed estimation technology is prevalently utilized to solve the leader‐following multi‐agent tracking problem. This technology poses a challenge in practice, since it generally relies on the available absolute state measurements. For this reason, a novel distributed estimation approach based on relative state measurements is developed in this article. The proposed method directly estimates the tracking error between the leader and each follower, rather than using an existing indirect way of estimating and making subtraction under absolute state measurements. Specifically, a distributed directed estimation is first studied to complete estimation tasks within prescribed time under the known directed networks. Then, a fully distributed directed estimation problem is considered under the unknown directed networks. Both distributed and fully distributed results are extended to the robustness cases to resist external disturbances. Simulation examples, including numerical examples and a multiship coordination example, are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed distributed estimation method.
The impact of test anxiety on oral microbiota among medical students‐A pilot study
Authors: Huang Guoxin , Wang Jingyi , Yin Lin , Khan Imran , Law Betty Yuen Kwan , Zheng Yi , Xu Mengze , Wong Vincent Kam Wai , Hsiao W. L. Wendy 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTest anxiety (TA) is a common emotion among students during examinations. Test‐induced stress can remarkably impact students' emotions and limit their performance. Mental stress is a crucial factor that could significantly alter gut microbial composition, but rare reports focus on the correlation between TA and oral microbial composition. This study aims to investigate the impact of TA on students' oral microbiota composition. This study targeted medical students who usually face heavier workloads than average undergraduates. 28 females and 19 males aged 18–30 were enrolled in this study. Questionnaires and saliva samples were collected from the participants before, during, and after the end‐term examination. The level of anxiety was classified as normal, mild, moderate, and severe based on the questionnaire scores. In addition, 16S amplicon sequencing was used to analyse the composition of oral microbes. More than half of the students faced different levels of TA before and after the examination. Over three‐quarters of students showed anxiety during the examination, and a quarter suffered severe TA. The 16S sequencing data showed that TA significantly altered the oral microbial composition between students with and without TA in all three survey periods. Moreover, during the examination, the genera Rothia and Streptococcus, the oral‐beneficial bacteria, markedly decreased in students with TA. On the other hand, the potential pathogenic genera, such as Prevotella, Fusobacterium, and Haemophilus, significantly increased in the students with TA. And the TA effect on oral microbes displayed a gender difference among students. A high ratio of TA existed in the students during their examination period, and TA could significantly alter the oral microbial composition, decrease beneficial microbes, and promote potential pathogenic oral microbes.