bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How bureaucratic competition shapes foreign aid allocation: The case of South Korea's aid agencies
Authors: Whang Taehee , McLean Elena V. , Yu Chamseul 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhat explains aid allocation–donor interests or recipient needs? This research debate has generated a number of studies, which generally conclude that both motivations matter. One limitation of this literature is that donor governments are conceptualized as unitary actors with coherent preferences. In this study, we relax this assumption and focus on the interests and interactions of bureaucratic agencies within a donor government. We argue that these agencies compete as they seek to control a larger share of the foreign aid budget because foreign aid is a valuable policy instrument for bureaucratic agencies. This competition results in emulation: the agency that leads the government's development cooperation policy emulates other agencies' provision of domestic benefits, while the lead agency's competitors mimic its aid allocation patterns. We test our expectations using data on bilateral aid disbursed by four bureaucratic agencies of the South Korean government and find evidence of both types of emulation strategies. Our results point to the role played by a mostly overlooked group of domestic‐level actors in donor countries and the importance of bureaucratic politics and competition.
Win‐win or tradeoff? Investigating the hybridity of impact investing in Cambodia's microfinance industry
Authors: Park Kyungmin , Jun Hannah 
Published: September 2024

AbstractImpact investing plays a critical role in financing enterprises that have the potential to tackle social problems through business means, particularly in developing countries. However, concerns about over‐indebtedness of microfinance institutions have fueled questions regarding potential trade‐offs between financial and social efficiency of impact investing and demand further investigation. Using the case of Cambodia's microfinance industry, this paper first examines whether the microfinance industry outperforms from the perspective of both social and financial returns. In addition, as impact investments by Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) form the backbone of the microfinance sector, a related objective is to investigate whether social or financial returns are more important for DFIs when making impact investment decisions. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit regression, our research finds that while Cambodian MFIs excel in financial efficiency, social efficiency is considerably lower. The analysis also finds that DFIs' investments are predominantly driven by financial efficiency rather than an approach that considers both social and financial outcomes. Our analysis suggests the need for enhanced impact measurement frameworks and a reevaluation of DFIs impact investing strategies to ensure a more equitable focus on both financial and social impacts.
Amino Acid Composition Determination From the Fractional Mass of Peptides
Authors: Downard Kevin M. , Cody Robert B. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTA peptide's fractional mass is directly associated with its elemental composition and thus amino acid composition. Here it is demonstrated that a peptide's fractional mass alone can be a useful identifier or indicator of that composition for small to mid‐sized peptides (5–7 amino acids) and can significantly reduce the number of viable amino acid compositions for larger peptides (> 8 residues) to include or exclude certain possibilities. Separate consideration of the integer portion of the peptide's mass helps to reduce the number of possibilities where many duplicate fractional mass values are found. Adoption of this fractional mass strategy should aid approaches that are presently employed for peptide identification, including in the use of mass map data to search protein databases for proteomics applications.
Research on microbial diversity and nutritional flavor formation of Xianju wheat paste
Authors: Xiao Yao , Feng Wu , Chen Jiaping , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Yating 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDXianju wheat paste, a traditional condiment in Hubei Province, China, possesses nutritional value and a distinctive taste profile. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of comprehensive comprehension regarding the intricate interplay between the microbial population and its nutritional profile in Xianju wheat paste.RESULTSIt was determined that Xianju wheat paste harbors predominant microbial genera such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Aspergillus. The findings from high‐throughput sequencing analysis revealed the presence of 11 bacterial genera in Xianju wheat paste, with relative abundances exceeding 1%. These genera included Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium, Lactobacillus, Allorhizobium‐Neorhizobium‐Pararhizobium‐Rhizobium, Enterobacteriaceae, Pantoea, Brachybacterium, Klebsiella, Escherichia‐Shigella and Ochrobactrum. Furthermore, six fungal genera were identified with relative abundances greater than 1%, specifically Aspergillus, Zygosaccharomyces, Cutaneotrichosporon, Candida, Millerozyma and Rhizopus. The correlation analysis indicated a significant impact of the microbial community and nutritional flavor on the second phase of fermentation in Xianju wheat paste. The predominant bacterium Bacillus in Xianju wheat paste facilitated the production of free amino acids, whereas Staphylococcus exhibited a negative correlation with free amino acid levels. The quantity of volatile compounds in Xianju wheat paste progressively increased during fermentation, with the presence of typical aroma compounds 4‐vinyl‐2‐methoxyphenol significantly associated with Bacillus. This indicated Bacillus notably enhanced the production of aromatic substances. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between Staphylococcus and the 18 volatile organic compounds, highlighting their substantial contribution to these aroma compounds.CONCLUSIONThis research indicates that the presence of microbial communities significantly contributes to the development of the nutritional flavor profile in Xianju wheat paste. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Age‐Related Clinical and Polysomnographic Features of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Infants
Authors: Schild Sam , Zalzal Habib , Newman Daniel , Behzadpour Hengameh , Nino Gustavo , Lawlor Claire 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo use clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) parameters to define the features of severe OSA in infants including PSG parameters, risk factors, and interventions.MethodsRetrospective comparison of PSG features in 207 infants (<12 months) referred for sleep‐disordered breathing. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to define risk factors for severe OSA including sleep stage‐specific PSG parameters. Oxygenation was assessed as % of time with SpO2 < 90% nadir with apneic events and frequency of SpO2 desaturations (>3%) calculated as stage‐specific O2 desaturation indexes.ResultsWe found that 43% of the infants had an OAHI ≥10/h (90/207) with 152 analyzed due to lack of follow‐up. Age is the strongest predictor for severe OSA with infants at or less than 3 months of age with 6.22 higher risk of severe OSA (95% CI, 3.16–12.27). Age‐stratified analyses showed that infants ≤3 months had significantly higher total and OSA sleep stage‐specific apnea hypopnea (OAHI) indexes (REM and NREM), hypopnea indexes (HI), obstructive apnea indexes (OI), arousal indexes, and more severe hypoxemia, both sustained and intermittent. The top risk factor in infants ≤3 months was craniofacial abnormality, which occurred in 57.9% of cases. No intervention was the most common management for each group (61.1% in ≤3 months and 56.6% in 4–12 months). The most common procedures in infants ≤3 months were mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) and supraglottoplasty (SGP) while adenoidectomy was the most common in the 4‐ to 12‐ month group.ConclusionDiagnosis ≤3 months is the strongest predictor for severe OSA, demonstrated across PSG parameters. No surgical intervention is the most common management.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 135:958–963, 2025
Predictors of Delays in the Management of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Klein Linor , Vass Roni , Oron Yahav , Abu‐Eta Rani , Shilo Shahaf , Shapira Udi , Handzel Ophir , Chaushu Hen , Muhanna Nidal , Ziv Oren , Ungar Omer J. 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo study predictors of delayed presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).Study DesignRetrospective medical chart review and patient telephone survey.SettingTertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsAll patients who initially presented or referred with unilateral ISSNHL between 2016 and 2020 were included. Associations between epidemiological, demographic, and socioeconomic profiles and delays in presentation, diagnosis and treatment were studied.ResultsA total of 518 patients were suitable for study inclusion. The total delay in the emergency department (ED) setup was a median (interquartile range, IQR) of 1 (0–1) day, 7 (6–12) days in a community otolaryngologist setup, and 15 (8–25) days in a general practitioner setup. Patients who presented to the ED first also had fewer diagnostic and treatment delays. Those who presented to a community otolaryngologist first had significantly longer presentation delay (5 [4–8] days p < 0.001) and significantly longer treatment delays (1 [1–3] days p < 0.001). Patients who presented to a general practitioner first had significantly longer presentation delays compared with ED presentation, and the longest diagnostic and treatment delays (3 [2–5], 8 [4–12] days, and 4 [2–7] days, p = < 0.01, p = <0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no association between socioeconomic status or demography and presentation, diagnostic, or treatment delays.ConclusionTotal delay in ISSNHL management is affected by the venue of the first medical encounter. General practitioners' level of awareness of the need for empiric steroidal treatment of ISSNHL without delay should be raised.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 135:889–893, 2025
Revisiting the etiology and clinical characteristics of hemorrhagic polyps of the vocal fold
Authors: Santa Maria Chloe , Rubin Adam D. , Vemula Sahiti , Shuman Elizabeth A. , Castro M. Eugenia , O'Dell Karla , Johns Michael M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveBenign phonotraumatic lesions of the vocal folds (BVFLs) are typically seen in younger female patients with high vocal loads. Hemorrhagic polyps (HPs) do not fit the classic paradigm of most BVFLs, as they tend to occur in an older population, have a male predominance, and report to result from a vocal accident. We present one of the largest cohorts of HPs, to reexamine their etiology and clinical features.MethodsRetrospective cohort study, inclusive of all patients with HP managed by the senior authors between the years 2016 through 2023. Demographic data, management, phonotraumatic risk factors, pre‐ and post‐treatment VHI‐10 were reviewed. We examined patient videostroboscopy, categorized the size of the lesion, and identified any concurrent mucosal abnormality.ResultsOne hundred and eleven patients had confirmed HP, 84 males (75.7%). Thirty‐five patients were size category 1; pinpoint (28.9%), 57 were category 2; less than 1/3rd the vocal fold (45.5%), and 26 were category 3; greater than 1/3rd the vocal fold (21.5%). Ten patients (9%) had bilateral HPs. Thirty‐five patients had an additional 40 mucosal lesions in addition to the HP(s). The onset of symptoms was gradual in 60% of patients. The mean pretreatment VHI‐10 was 18.0 (SD 10.7), compared to 6.0 (SD 10.5) post‐treatment, (p < .001). 57/111 patients reported high voice demand professions or recreational activities. The average self‐reported talkative scale score was 7.6/10. Patients were managed with operative microdirect laryngoscopy and microflap excision (53.1%), in‐office clinic potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser (24.3%), voice therapy alone (7.2%), and KTP in the operating room (6.3%).ConclusionsIn our cohort, most patients were male, had high vocal demands, reported gradual symptom onset, and almost a third of patients had additional BVFLs.Level of evidenceLevel 3: Retrospective cohort study.
Quantifying bivalve phytoplankton depletion in a eutrophic system: an integrated approach
Authors: Taylor Daniel , Jakobsen Hans , Lyngsgaard Maren Moltke , Darecki Miroslaw , Werther Mortimer , Maar Marie , Saurel Camille 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe removal of organic particulate matter, predominantly phytoplankton, in eutrophic coastal seas and estuaries is considered an ecosystem service performed by large bivalve assemblages. Mussel farming has been proposed as a measure to mitigate eutrophication, as filtration directly reduces the concentration of chlorophyll a (Chl a), a primary ecological indicator. Seston depletion is typically assessed by in situ investigation, which generally lacks spatiotemporal coverage of features relative to greater ecosystem dynamics. To assess the scale and structure of this service, the present study couples multiple measurement approaches, including moored stations, synoptic transect surveys, flow cytometry, a preliminary drone survey technique, and satellite remote sensing within and around a large mussel farm. Significant depletion patterns were observed with all methods, and mixing gradients could be detected hundreds of meters beyond the farm, with repeatable patterns but distinct findings between methods. The intensity of the depletion signal was correlated with mussel biomass loads, ambient conditions, and hydrodynamic regimes, ranging from 5% to 91% relative Chl a depletion and Secchi depth increases of up to 2 m. Changes in particle size distributions were impacted in all downstream areas, as well as phytoplankton diversity. Observed depletion gradients with satellite imagery were consistent with other measurements and can be used to complement in situ field measurements. The findings of this study, will inform carrying capacity assessments, farm configuration, and development of impact assessment programs on seston removal for bivalve aquaculture.
Carbon dots‐based materials and their applications in regenerative medicine
Authors: Ma Jinjin , Chen Qianglong , He Hui , Jiang Hao , Hu Jie , Liu Yisi , Yao Liwei , Mao Haijiao , Li Jiaying , Li Bin , Han Fengxuan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCarbon dots (CDs)‐based zero‐dimensional nanomaterials with dimensions ranging from 1 to 10 nm have shown tremendous potential in the application of regenerative medicine, because of their unique physicochemical properties and favorable attributes like good biocompatibility, unique biological functions, low cost and high stability. These newly synthesized CDs‐based nanomaterials could replace traditional semiconductor quantum dots, which have obvious toxicity drawbacks and higher costs. CDs not only show sustained fluorescent quality and biocompatibility, but also serve as superior carriers for drug delivery, as well as for bioimaging‐guided detection of cells, drugs, and growth factors. So, they have been shown to play a role in various fields such as chemical and biological sensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, and photocatalysis. Thus, they are considered potential candidates for regenerative medicine applications. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the classification of CDs, focusing on their formation mechanisms, micro‐/nanostructures, and distinctive properties. We describe their properties and synthesis methods in detail. Furthermore, we systematically highlight recent remarkable advances in the applications of CDs in regenerative medicine, such as bone and cartilage repair, wound healing, nerve regeneration, and myocardial regeneration, are systematically highlighted. Finally, we discuss the key challenges that lie ahead, outline future research directions, and explore the prospects of CDs‐based materials in regenerative medicine.
SCR‐7952, a highly selective MAT2A inhibitor, demonstrates synergistic antitumor activities in combination with the S‐adenosylmethionine‐competitive or the methylthioadenosine‐cooperative protein arginine methyltransferase 5 inhibitors in methylthioadenosine phosphorylase‐deleted tumors
Authors: Yu Zhiyong , Kuang Yi , Xue Liting , Ma Xuan , Li Tingting , Yuan Linlin , Li Mengying , Xue Grace , Li Zhen , Tang Feng , Tang Jianxing , Shan Jinwen , Wang Weijie , Tang Renhong , Zhou Feng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe metabolic enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) was found to elicit synthetic lethality in methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)‐deleted cancers, which occur in about 15% of all cancers. Here, we described a novel MAT2A inhibitor, SCR‐7952 with potent and selective antitumor effects on MTAP‐deleted cancers in both in vitro and in vivo. The cryo‐EM data indicated the high binding affinity and the allosteric binding site of SCR‐7952 on MAT2A. Different from AG‐270, SCR‐7952 exhibited little influence on metabolic enzymes and did not increase the plasma levels of bilirubin. A systematic evaluation of combination between SCR‐7952 and different types of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibitors indicated remarkable synergistic interactions between SCR‐7952 and the S‐adenosylmethionine‐competitive or the methylthioadenosine‐cooperative PRMT5 inhibitors, but not substrate‐competitive ones. The mechanism was via the aggravated inhibition of PRMT5 and FANCA splicing perturbations. These results indicated that SCR‐7952 could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of MTAP‐deleted cancers, both monotherapy and in combination with PRMT5 inhibitors.
Development of small, cost‐efficient scintillating fiber detectors for automated synthesis of positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Ahn Hailey Sae Hyun , Carroll Liam , Hopewell Robert , Tsai I‐Huang , Jolly Dean , Massarweh Gassan , Enger Shirin A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundRadiolabeling is critical in complex chemical reactions involving positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer production. The process is now automated within a synthesis module to enhance efficiency and reduce radiation exposure. The key to this automation is the use of radiation detectors to monitor radioactivity transfer and ensure the progression of reactions. However, the high cost of these detectors has motivated the need for a more affordable alternative.PurposeThis study aimed to develop a compact and cost‐efficient detector using scintillating fibers and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) to track radioactivity throughout PET radiotracer production.MethodsMonte Carlo simulations were performed with the Geant4‐based M‐TAG software for four detector geometries (single fiber, single fiber with bolus, 16‐fiber bundle, and spiral) to optimize the detector construction for better detection efficiency. The simulations scored the energy deposited into the scintillating fibers per simulated particle, which was used to estimate the expected voltage pulse height from the SiPM considering the total light collection efficiency. Based on the simulation results, two detector configurations (16‐fiber bundle and spiral fiber) were constructed using plastic scintillating fibers, optical fibers, a 6 mm 6 mm SiPM, and commonly available electronic components. The detectors were calibrated using a Fluorine‐18 () source with typical activity levels used in radiotracer production. Detector performances were subsequently evaluated through linearity tests and measurement uncertainty assessments. Errors up to were considered acceptable for troubleshooting purposes.ResultsThe calibration curves showed a linear response with changing activity for both detectors. The calibrated detectors offered real‐time activity measurements ranging from 0.10 to 49.41 GBq, with a 3‐s refresh rate. In the activity range above 0.145 GBq, the uncertainties were less than for both the 16‐fiber and spiral configurations. The spiral detector recorded a signal with a half‐life of min, closely aligning with the reference half‐life of .ConclusionsCost‐efficient plastic scintillation fiber detectors were developed to facilitate the troubleshooting of automated synthesis of PET radiotracers.
Effectiveness of Baricitinib Risk Minimization Activities in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis—A Cohort Study in Four Nordic Countries
Authors: Ankarfeldt Mikkel Z. , Søltoft‐Jensen Aleksander , Salinas Claudia A. , Lupattelli Angela , Pukkala Eero , Bolin Kristian , Smith Sarah , Meyers Kristin Joy , Petersen Janne , Jimenez‐Solem Espen 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionBaricitinib received European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2017. Due to risks including serious infections, increased blood lipid parameters, and missing information regarding safety in pregnancy, additional risk minimization measures (aRMM) including healthcare professional educational material and a patient alert card were implemented to inform on the risks and actions to minimize risk such as the need to screen for tuberculosis and active viral hepatitis before starting baricitinib, monitoring of blood lipids and against use during pregnancy. The aim of the study is to report occurrences of infections, lipid level monitoring and pregnancies, in real world data, to gain insights into whether baricitinib is used in accordance with the aRMM.MethodsA descriptive observational cohort study, utilizing routinely collected data from the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, and Danish national registries, was carried out. RA patients initiating baricitinib treatment were identified in the periods 2017–19 (Sweden and Finland), 2017–20 (Norway) and 2017–21 (Denmark). Monitored events included pregnancies, cases of tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and hyperlipidemia, as well as changes in statin prescriptions (including any of initiation, escalation, reduction or change of statin). Hyperlipidemia and statin use served as proxies for lipid level assessment.ResultsAmong 3908 patients initiating baricitinib (3373 person‐years exposure), eight pregnancies (1% of 815 women aged 18–50 years) potentially overlapped with treatment. During baricitinib treatment, there was a small number of prevalent cases of tuberculosis (less than three events), and a low prevalence of hepatitis (0.2%), and hyperlipidemia (0.5%), whereas 9.3% had start of or changes in statin prescription, indicating lipid level monitoring.ConclusionThe study's findings suggest that patients with RA are treated with baricitinib in accordance with the risk minimization recommendations, particularly concerning pregnancy and infection risks. However, the methods used for assessing lipid levels warrant further refinement for more accurate monitoring.