bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Morphological Measurements of the Cosmic Web with Delaunay Tessellation Field Estimation
Authors: Liu Yu , Yu Yu , Zhang Pengjie , Yu Hao-Ran 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The density fields constructed by traditional mass assignment methods are susceptible to irritating discreteness, which hinders morphological measurements of cosmic large-scale structure (LSS) through Minkowski functionals (MFs). To alleviate this issue, fixed-kernel smoothing methods are commonly used in the literature, at the expense of losing substantial structural information. In this work, we propose to measure MFs with the Delaunay tessellation field estimation (DTFE) technique, with the goal of maximizing the extraction of morphological information from sparse tracers. We perform our analyses starting from matter fields and progressively extending to halo fields. At the matter-field level, we elucidate how discreteness affects morphological measurements of LSS. Then, by comparing with the traditional Gaussian smoothing scheme, we preliminarily showcase the advantages of DTFE for enhancing measurements of MFs from sparse tracers. At the halo-field level, we first numerically investigate various systematic effects on MFs of DTFE fields, which are induced by finite voxel sizes, halo number densities, halo weightings, and redshift space distortions (RSDs), respectively. Then, we explore the statistical power of MFs measured with DTFE for extracting the cosmological information encoded in RSDs. We find that MFs measured with DTFE exhibit improvements by ∼2 orders of magnitude in discriminative power for RSD effects and by a factor of ∼3–5 in constraining power on the structure growth rate over the MFs measured with Gaussian smoothing. These findings demonstrate the remarkable enhancements in statistical power of MFs achieved by DTFE, showing enormous application potentials for our method in extracting various key cosmological information from galaxy surveys.
Revealing Gas Inflows Toward the Galactic Central Molecular Zone
Authors: Su Yang , Zhang Shiyu , Sun Yan , Yang Ji , Yan Qing-Zeng , Zhang Shaobo , Chen Zhiwei , Chen Xuepeng , Zhou Xin , Yuan Lixia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
We study the gas inflows toward the Galactic Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) based on the gas morphological and kinematic features from the Milky Way Imaging Scroll Painting in the region of l = 1.°2–19.°0 and ∣b∣ ≲ 3.°0. We find that the near dust lane appears to extend to l ∼ 15°, in which the end of the large-scale gas structure intersects with the 3 kpc ring at a distance of ∼5 kpc. Intriguingly, many filamentary molecular clouds (MCs), together with the bow-like/ballistic-like clouds and continuous CO features with notable velocity gradient, are finely outlined along the long structure. These MCs also have relatively large velocity dispersions, indicating the shocked gas generated by local continuous accretion and thus the enhanced turbulence along the entire gas structure. We suggest that the ∼3.1–3.6 kpc-long CO structure originates from the accretion molecular gas driven by the Galactic bar. The gas near the bar end at the 3 kpc ring region becomes an important reservoir for the large-scale accreting flows inward to the CMZ through the bar channel. The inclination angle of the bar is estimated to be ϕ
bar = 23° ± 3°, while the pattern speed of the bar is Ωbar ≲ 32.5 ± 2.5 km s−1 kpc−1. The total mass of the whole near gas lane is about 1.3 ± 0.4 × 107
M
⊙ according to the calculated X
CO ∼ 1.0 ± 0.4 × 1020 cm−2(K km s−1)−1 from the large-scale 12CO and 13CO data and the complementary H i data. We revisit the gas inflow rate as a mean value of 1.1 ± 0.3 M
⊙ yr−1, which seems to be comparable to the outflow's rate of the Galactic nuclear winds after applying the updated lower X-factor above.
Nitrogen Loss from Pluto’s Birth to the Present Day via Atmospheric Escape, Photochemical Destruction, and Impact Erosion
Authors: Johnson Perianne E. , Young Leslie A. , Nesvorný David , Zhang Xi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
We estimate the loss of nitrogen from Pluto over its lifetime, including the giant planet instability period, which we term the “Wild Years.” We analyze the orbital migration of 53 simulated Plutinos, which are Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) captured into 3:2 mean-motion resonance with Neptune during the instability. This orbital migration brought the Plutinos from 20 to 30 au to their present-day orbits near 40 au along a nonlinear path that includes orbits with semimajor axes from 10 to 100 au. We model the thermal history that results from this migration and estimate the volatile loss rates due to the ever-changing thermal environment. Due to the early Sun’s enhanced ultraviolet radiation, the photochemical destruction rate during the Wild Years was a factor of 100 higher than the present-day rate, but this only results in a loss of ∼10 m global equivalent layer (GEL). The enhanced Jeans escape rate varies wildly with time, and a net loss of ∼100 cm GEL is predicted. Additionally, we model the impact history during the migration and find that impacts are a net source, not loss, of N2, contributing ∼100 cm GEL. The 100 cm GEL is 0.1% of the amount of N2 in Sputnik Planitia. We therefore conclude that Pluto did not lose an excessive amount of volatiles during the Wild Years, and its primordial volatile inventory can be approximated as its present-day inventory. However, significant fractions of this small total loss of N2 occurred during the Wild Years, so estimates made using present-day rates will be underestimates.
Assessing Competencies, Needs, and Satisfaction With the Transition From Pediatric to Adult Health Care in Rheumatology: Development and Validation of the Transition-KompAZ
Authors: Haney Henriette , Klotsche Jens , Niewerth Martina , Hansmann Sandra , Erbis Gabi , Reiser Christiane , Saur Sebastian Jonas , Hoff Paula , Seipelt Eva , Maier Anna , Schalm Susanne , Tatsis Stefanie , Foeldvari Ivan , Kötter Ina , Minden Kirsten 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically validate a self-report instrument to assess (1) competencies, (2) needs, and (3) satisfaction among youth transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology.MethodsThe Transition-KompAZ was developed in several steps with conceptual and psychometric analyses. To test its psychometric properties, the instrument was administered to adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 16-25 years) with inflammatory rheumatic diseases before (group 1) or after (group 2) transfer to adult rheumatology. A 2-factor, higher-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model was applied to test the hypothesized factor structure. Internal consistency was estimated using the approach of Raykov with the factor loadings and error variances estimated in the CFA. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to assess construct validity.ResultsThe Transition-KompAZ includes the following modules: (1) competencies in transition (knowledge, self-management), (2) needs (healthcare services, information), and (3) satisfaction (general, transitional care). A total of 173 AYAs (group 1: n = 86; group 2: n = 87) from 12 rheumatology sites completed the Transition-KompAZ. It showed good model fit (comparative fit index > 0.9; Tucker-Lewis index > 0.9; weighted root mean square residual < 0.9) with good internal consistency. The instrument demonstrated moderate-to-good construct validity and good test-retest reliability.ConclusionThe Transition-KompAZ appears to be a reliable tool for assessing important dimensions of transition. It may support a structured and individualized transition, as well as the evaluation of transition services. However, further studies are required to assess its predictive value in terms of transfer readiness and successful transition.
The Development and Validation of a Novel Training Infographic for the Physician Global Visual Analog Scale in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Gunawardana Shannon , Helliwell Philip S. , Kok Marc R. , Vis Marijn , Allard Andrew , Akpabio Akpabio , Alsaffar Aallaa , Ellis Jessica C. , Kasiem Fazira R. , Macmillan Rachel , Mulhearn Ben , Gorman Aine , Coates Laura C. , Tillett William 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivePsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogenous condition with musculoskeletal and skin manifestations. The physician global visual analog scale (VAS) is an important component of many composite scores used in clinical trials and observational studies. Currently, no training material exists to standardize this assessment.MethodsThe Psoriatic Arthritis Validation of Physician Global VAS (PAVLOVAS) project describes the development of a novel training infographic with stakeholder involvement, which was then evaluated in a Latin square design in which 20 patients with PsA were assessed by 10 clinicians. For each group of 10 patients, 5 assessors conducted traditional assessment (consisting of 66/68-joint count, body surface area, Leeds Enthesitis Index, and dactylitis and nail counts) and 5 assessors conducted a standardized, thorough general examination informed by the infographic. Assessors switched assessment type between groups. The 3-item (3VAS) and 4VAS informed by traditional and infographic methods were compared, alongside other composite scores.ResultsThere was strong agreement between traditional and infographic physician global VAS (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.69,P= 0.01). This improved to very strong agreement when incorporated into the 3VAS (ICC 0.99,P< 0.001) and 4VAS (ICC 0.99,P< 0.001). The duration of assessment was significantly less for the infographic vs traditional groups (6.5 vs 7.8 mins,P< 0.001). There was moderately high agreement between the 3VAS and 4VAS categories of disease activity, with the same categories defined by Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA; χ217.0,P= 0.049).ConclusionOur group developed and validated a novel training infographic that informs a briefer assessment of the physician global VAS than traditional assessments. This tool has potential applications in training and routine clinical practice.
Children With Type I Interferonopathy: Commonalities and Diversities in a Large Patient Cohort
Authors: Haslak Fatih , Kilic Huseyin , Sahin Sezgin , Hotaman Busra , Cebi Nur Memnune , Yildiz Mehmet , Adrovic Amra , Gunalp Aybuke , Konte Elif Kilic , Aslan Esma , Gul Umit , Akay Nergis , Zindar Yilmaz , Ulug Fitnat , Guler Serhat , Kiykim Ayca , Aydemir Sezin , Barut Kenan , Saltik Sema , Cokugras Haluk C. , Kasapcopur Ozgur 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical features, laboratory and screening results, treatment options, and outcomes of patients with type I interferonopathy. Our secondary goal was to identify the predictors of long-term morbidity or mortality.MethodsWe included children with genetically confirmed type I interferonopathies, with a follow-up duration of > 1 year. Data were obtained retrospectively from medical records.ResultsOf the 40 eligible patients for the study, 52.5% were female, with a median age of disease onset of 1.5 years (range 0.1-13.2 yrs). They were diagnosed at an average age of 6.8 (SD 4.6) years. Aicardi-Goutières syndrome was the most common diagnosis (n = 15, 37.5%). The central nervous system was the most frequently affected system (n = 27, 67.5%). Janus kinase inhibitors were administered to 17 (42.5%) patients. Twenty-five patients (62.5%) developed at least 1 permanent morbidity or died during follow-up; thus, they were included in the poor outcome group. Although younger age at disease onset, intracranial calcification (ICC), and lack of chilblains and elevated acute-phase reactants were significant in univariate logistic regression analysis, only ICC on magnetic resonance imaging at admission (adjusted odds ratio 19.69, 95% CI 1.08-359.05,P= 0.04) was found to be a significant predictor of poor outcomes in multivariate logistic regression analysis.ConclusionFor the first time, we evaluated the predictors of poor outcomes in patients with type I interferonopathy with a broad spectrum of subtypes. Further, our study’s unique patient characteristics can provide valuable insights into these extremely rare conditions.
Colonic schistosomiasis mimicking cancer, polyp, and inflammatory bowel disease: Five case reports and review of literature
Authors: Mulate Sebhatleab T , Nur Abdulsemed M , Tasamma Abel T , Annose Rodas T , Dawud Esmael M , Ekubazgi Kinfe W , Mekonnen Hailemichael D , Mohammed Hidaya Y , Hailemeskel Meron B , Yimer Shimelis A 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis, officially named as a neglected tropical disease by The World Health Organization, is a serious parasitic disease caused by trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma . It is a common infectious disease, endemic in more than 78 countries. The disease can involve various organs and poses far-reaching public health challenges.
CASE SUMMARY
Here, we present a series of five patients with variable presentations: an asymptomatic patient who was diagnosed with colonic schistosomiasis upon screening colonoscopy; 2 patients with clinical suspicion of colonic cancer; and 2 patients with a clinical diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. All patients were subsequently confirmed to have colonic schistosomiasis after colonoscopy and histopathologic examination. The clinical manifestations, colonoscopy features and histologic findings of the patients are described. Most of the patients showed significant clinical improvement following administration of oral praziquantel.
CONCLUSION
Intestinal schistosomiasis can present with features mimicking other gastrointestinal conditions. This disease should be a diagnostic consideration in patients who live in or have traveled to endemic areas.
Heterotopic mesenteric ossification caused by trauma: A case report
Authors: Zhang Bi-Fang , Liu Jiang , Zhang Shuai , Chen Ling , Lu Jia-Zheng , Zhang Ming-Qing 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND
Heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) is a clinically rare condition characterized by the formation of bone tissue in the mesentery. The worldwide reporting of such cases is limited to just over 70 instances in the medical literature. The etiology of HMO remains unclear, but the disease is possibly induced by mechanical trauma, ischemia, or intra-left lower quadrant abdominal infection, leading to the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. Here, we present a rare case of HMO that occurred in a 34-year-old male, who presented with left lower quadrant abdominal pain.
CASE SUMMARY
We report the case of a 34-year-old male patient who presented with left lower abdominal pain following trauma to the left lower abdomen. He subsequently underwent surgical treatment, and the postoperative pathological diagnosis was HMO.
CONCLUSION
We believe that although there is limited literature and research on HMO, when patients with a history of trauma or surgery to the left lower abdomen present with corresponding imaging findings, clinicians should be vigilant in distinguishing this condition and promptly selecting appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Is There a Role of Lavage in Peritoneal Tuberculosis?
Authors: Patel Tejal Pareshkumar , Aruyar Stanley Mwenda , Karau Paul Bundi 
Published: August 2024

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB), an extrapulmonary manifestation of TB, can present with nonspecific symptoms that may resemble an acute surgical abdomen or abdominal malignancy. Peritoneal tuberculosis/TB peritonitis, typically manifests with abdominal pain, abdominal distension (possibly due to ascites), weight loss, and night sweats. We present two cases of peritoneal TB where patients exhibited abdominal distension and weight loss with features suggestive of intestinal obstruction or an abdominal malignancy. They were initially treated with standard anti-TB medication (RHZE regimen), but showed no improvement. However, after undergoing laparotomy and lavage, resulting in reduced focus of infection, they responded well to the 6-month course of anti-TB medication. The current management approach for abdominal TB recommends a 6-month regimen of anti-TB medication. Despite the lack of initial response to anti-TB medication, the substantial improvement observed when initiating anti-TB treatment after peritoneal lavage indicates its potential benefit in such patients. Further research is needed to explore this question.
Efficacy of the Mannheim Peritonitis Index in Predicting the Prognosis of Small Intestinal Perforation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Singh Seleena , Kedage Vijayendra , Ubarle Manasa , Shenoy Kallya Rajgopal 
Published: August 2024

Background: A common emergency faced by surgeons is that of small bowel perforation. Despite advancements in medicine, perforation peritonitis still carries a mortality rate of about 10%. The Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) is a tool developed to help prognosticate patients on arrival and direct timely intervention. Most of the studies done previously included all the causes for peritonitis in general. Our hypothesis was that MPI can help grade patients with small intestinal perforation, and based on this scoring, appropriate intensive care can be given early in the course of admission. This would reduce the morbidity and mortality.
Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, details regarding 105 patients including their history, examination, and intraoperative findings, laboratory data, and outcomes were collected. Their MPI score was correlated with the outcomes to identify significant prognosticating factors for poor outcomes.
Results: In our study, an MPI score of 29 could predict mortality with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 65% and morbidity with a sensitivity of 48.57% and a specificity of 77%.
Conclusion: MPI is a simple and fairly accurate tool in predicting morbidity and mortality among patients with small intestinal perforations.
Contribution of corporate capital structure on compliance to forestry law in Cameroon
Authors: Nchacham Charles Ndifon , Biye Elvire , Tchapda Charly , Bah Kenneth 
Published: August 2024

The need to understand the persistence of unsustainable forest logging within existing titles can provide ample knowledge on this practice, hence setting a reference base required to design appropriate strategy to counter illegal logging practices. The main objective of this research was to model algorithms to determine the overall effect of corporate capital structure on the compliance to forestry law by quoted logging companies in Cameroon. Primary and secondary data used for the research was collected directly from 40 logging companies found in the Lom and Djerem, Ocean and Upper Sanaga Divisions. Data collected from secured documents on species logged and volume, corporate data on debt rates, equity, company age and size were all obtained during interviews with responsible personnel. Information on logging offenses and their frequency of occurrence was btained from both the centralized and decentralized services of the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. Other existing research documents from other stakeholders were exploited. Collected data was entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using R. Capital structure is observed to significantly influence sustainable forest management performance in the Cameroonian forest logging industry at a 0.01 level of significance.
Etude morphologique de 140 cultivars de manioc dans l’ex- Province Orientale en Republique Democratique du Congo
Authors: Empata Lydie , Likiti Olivier , Bulonza Jean-Claude , Dowiya Benjamin , Monde Godefroid 
Published: August 2024

La présente étude a analysé la diversité morphologique des cultivars de manioc dans de différentes zones agroécologiques de l’ex- Province Orientale en RD Congo sur base de 11 descripteurs. Les 140 cultivars de manioc morphologiquement identifiés sont répartis dans la Tshopo (57), le Bas–Uele (44), le Haut-Uele (27) et l’Ituri (12). L’analyse descriptive des caractères qualitatifs a révélé un polymorphisme phénotypique utile pour la création des variétés améliorées. Les différents cultivars de manioc ont été de couleurs des feuilles apicales variées allant de vert sombre (55/140), vert clair (40/140), pourpre (38/140) à vert pourpre (7/140). Les couleurs de nervures ont été vert (69/140), rouge (17/140), pourpre (10/140), vpmf (35/140), Rpmf (9/140). Les couleurs de pétiole ont varié de rouge, vert rougeâtre, pourpre à vert. Les cultivars portant des feuilles à lobes ovoïdes lancéolées ont été prédominants. La contribution des composantes principales CI et CII à la variation totale a été de 98,64%, à l’aide d’une analyse factorielle discriminante. La classification Ascendante Hiérarchique réalisée sur base de coefficient de similarité a permis de structurer ces accessions en 3 groupes de diversité morphologique. Le troisième groupe était similaire au deuxième avec 71% et les deux étaient similaires au premier groupe avec 36%.

English title: Morphological study of 140 cultivars of cassava within ex-Oriental Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo
This study analyzed the morphological diversity of cassava cultivars in different agroecological zones of the former Orientale Province in DR Congo on the basis of 11 descriptors. The 140 morphologically identified cassava cultivars were distributed in Tshopo (57), Bas-Uele (44), Haut-Uele (27) and Ituri (12). Descriptive analysis of qualitative characteristics revealed a phenotypic polymorphism useful for the creation of improved varieties. The different cassava cultivars varied in apical leaf colour from dark green (55/140), light green (40/140), purple (38/140) to purple green (7/140). Vein colours were green (69/140), red (17/140), purple (10/140), vpmf (35/140), Rpmf (9/140). Petiole colours varied from red, reddish green, purple to green. Cultivars with ovate lanceolate lobed leaves were predominant. The contribution of the CI and CII principal components to the total variation was 98.64%, using discriminant factor analysis (DFA) performed on the variables. Hierarchical ascending classification based on similarity coefficients was used to structure the accessions into 3 morphological diversity groups. The third group was similar to cultivars of the second group by 71% and both were similar to the first group by 36%.