bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of CMIP6 model performance in estimating human thermal load in Europe in the winter season
Authors: Szalkai Zsófia , Kristóf Erzsébet , Zsákai Annamária , Ács Ferenc 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this work, historical simulations of CMIP6 GCMs are evaluated with respect to the ERA5 reanalysis dataset, in order to examine their ability to assess human thermal load in Europe in the winter season. The period of 1981–2010 is chosen for the analysis, and thermal load is expressed via the clothing resistance index (rcl index; expressed in clo). It is found that the GCMs are able to reproduce the areal differences of thermal load satisfactorily, the spatial correlation with the reanalysis is greater than 0.95 in all cases. The effects of the main geographical constraints (latitude, continentality and elevation) are shown by all GCM simulations, as rcl index values are greater at higher latitudes, away from the ocean and in mountainous areas, although GCMs only capture major mountains (the Caucasus, the Armenian Highlands, the Scandinavian Mountains, the Alps). The root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) is around 0.2 clo in all cases, GCMs generally perform better in homogenous lowland areas, while results are less accurate in highlands and mountains owing to the coarse horizontal resolution of GCMs (~1°). The smallest errors occur over central and western Europe and the Mediterranean region, while results tend to be less accurate over the northeastern part of Europe. Biases in the estimation of heat deficit can mainly be attributed to biases in temperature, but biases in wind speed and atmospheric downward radiation seem to be important factors as well.
Prognostic role of SOX2 and STAT3 expression on circulating T lymphocytes and CD44+/CD24neg cells in the locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Sobral Denise V. , Salgado Marcelo R. T. , Martins Mario R. , Vasconcelos Carolina de S. , Anunciação Carlos E. C. , de Andrade Victor P. , Torres Leuridan C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is associated with a continuous increase in incidence, with high mortality rates in several countries. CD44, STAT3, and SOX2 are related to regulating of somatic cell division, tumorigenesis, and metastasis in BC.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out at the Hospital de Cancer de Pernambuco (HCP) between 2017 and 2018. Fifty‐one women with locally advanced (LA) and 14 with metastatic BC were included in the study.ResultsHigh CD44+/CD24neg and CD44+/CD24neg/SOX2+ levels in Luminal B (LB), HER2+, and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared with controls (p < 0.05). Low CD44+/CD24negSTAT3+ levels in LB, HER2+, and TNBC compared with controls (p < 0.05). High T lymphocytes, and low STAT3 + T, and SOX2 + T levels in BC patients (p < 0.05). High SOX2 + T levels in patients with axillary lymph node‐negative (N0) compared with the axillary lymph node‐positives (N1 and N2 groups; p < 0.05). High SOX2 + T levels in N1 compared to N2 (p < 0.05). High T lymphocytes and low SOX2 + T levels in the LA tumor compared to metastatic disease (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.02, respectively). High CD44 + /CD24negSTAT3+, and T lymphocyte levels in TNBC patients with LA tumor compared to metastatic (p < 0.05). Low STAT3 + T levels in TBNC patients with LA tumor compared to metastatic (p = 0.0266).ConclusionSOX2 and STAT3 expression on circulating T lymphocytes and CD44 + /CD24neg cells in peripheral blood have prognostic roles in breast cancer. SOX2 and STAT3 expression are potential predictive biomarkers of disease progression in breast cancer regardless of tumor subtype.
Association Between COPD and Hearing Loss
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Kwon Mi Jung , Kim Ji Hee , Kim Joo‐Hee , Kim Yoonjoong , Kim So Young 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to estimate the risk of hearing impairment in patients with COPD using huge nationwide population.MethodsA retrospective case–control study was performed using the National Health Insurance Database in South Korea from 2002 through 2019. Totally 614,370 COPD patients and matched 2,170,504 control participants were selected at a 1:4 ratio. Hearing impairment was defined based on the registered data in the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea with six levels of severity of hearing impairment. The propensity score was calculated, and overlap‐weighted multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios of COPD for hearing impairment.ResultsA total of 2.67% of COPD patients and 1.9% of control participants had hearing impairment. The COPD patients indicated 1.10–1.21 times higher odds for hearing impairment according to the severity of hearing impairment than the control group. In accordance with age and sex, the younger age group (<65 years old) and female group demonstrated higher odds for hearing impairment related to the presence of COPD. The high odds for hearing impairment in patients with COPD was consistent in all other subgroups, except for the underweight group.ConclusionsCOPD was associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment in the general population in Korea.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:4716–4722, 2024
New Model and Public Online Prediction Platform for Risk Stratification of Vocal Cord Leukoplakia
Authors: Li Zufei , Lu Jinghui , Zhang Baiwen , Si Joshua , Zhang Hong , Zhong Zhen , He Shuai , Cai Wenli , Li Tiancheng 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveTo extract texture features from vocal cord leukoplakia (VCL) images and establish a VCL risk stratification prediction model using machine learning (ML) techniques.MethodsA total of 462 patients with pathologically confirmed VCL were retrospectively collected and divided into low‐risk and high‐risk groups. We use a 5‐fold cross validation method to ensure the generalization ability of the model built using the included dataset and avoid overfitting. Totally 504 texture features were extracted from each laryngoscope image. After feature selection, 10 ML classifiers were utilized to construct the model. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was employed for feature analysis. To evaluate the model, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were utilized. In addition, the model was transformed into an online application for public use and further tested in an independent dataset with 52 cases of VCL.ResultsA total of 12 features were finally selected, random forest (RF) achieved the best model performance, the mean accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the 5‐fold cross validation were 92.2 ± 4.1%, 95.6 ± 4.0%, 85.8 ± 5.8%, and 90.7 ± 4.9%, respectively. The result is much higher than the clinicians (AUC between 63.1% and 75.2%). The SHAP algorithm ranks the importance of 12 texture features to the model. The test results of the additional independent datasets were 92.3%, 95.7%, 90.0%, and 93.3%, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed VCL risk stratification prediction model, which has been developed into a public online prediction platform, may be applied in practical clinical work.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:4329–4337, 2024
The Application of Goal Attainment Scaling in Cervical Dystonia – An Exploratory Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Szabó Máté , Gárdián Gabriella , Szpisjak László , Salamon András , Gábor Tamás , Klivényi Péter , Zádori Dénes 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDue to its heterogeneous manifestation an individualized approach to reach therapeutic goals in cervical dystonia (CD) is advantageous.ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to adapt goal attainment scaling (GAS) to drive the management of CD.Methods38 patients with CD, regularly treated with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), were involved in the current exploratory observational pilot study. GAS, including domains of motor, pain, disability, and psychiatric features, was applied to set up individualized goals with the calculation of initial GAS T‐scores. Following at least 4 BoNT injection cycles, patients were reassessed whether they reached the pre‐set goals.ResultsThe initial GAS T‐scores (median: 36.9, range: 22.8–40) significantly improved (P < 0.001) to the end of the study (the median of final GAS T‐scores: 50, range: 25.5–63.6).ConclusionsThe applicability of GAS in CD patients was confirmed, but further large‐scale studies are needed refining this innovative approach.
An experimental study of intensity‐phase characterization of femtosecond laser pulses propagated through a polymethyl methacrylate
Authors: Imran Tayyab , Naeem Muddasir , Hussain Mukhtar 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article presents a comprehensive investigation into the intensity‐phase characteristics of ultrashort laser pulses propagated through a 10 mm thick polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) using frequency‐resolved optical gating (FROG) and cross‐correlation frequency‐resolved optical gating (XFROG) techniques. The study focuses on discerning characteristic changes that are induced by the PMMA on the laser pulse. The results reveal that the phase variations exhibit a consistent trend and pattern. At the same time, the temporal full width at half maximum (FWHM) of both FROG and XFROG measurements displays only minor changes. The overall analysis indicates that PMMA induces no discernible modifications in the pulse, thus positioning it as a viable optical element. The analysis of reference FROG, FROG, and XFROG with PMMA is compared and discussed, showing that this analysis provides a foundation for optimizing PMMA's utilization in the optical components of ultrafast laser systems. This experimental study strongly affirms that PMMA could be a potential candidate as an optical element for laser pulses.
Prospective follow‐up of overactive bladder symptoms in patients with prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Padmanabhan Priya , Roberts Ly Hoang , Chancellor Michael B. , Peters Kenneth M. , Zwaans Bernadette M. M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeSARS‐CoV‐2 infection can result in genitourinary symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, nocturia, and pain/pressure. In this study, we followed the progression of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in patients that reported new or worsening OAB symptoms after coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) diagnosis.Materials and MethodsIndividuals from a COVID‐19 serology study were invited to participate in a follow‐up study. Respondents were divided into three groups based on prior COVID‐19 testing. Patients scored symptoms retrospectively before the pandemic, at study onset, and prospectively during 12‐month follow‐up. Genitourinary symptoms were assessed using international consultation on incontinence questionaire for OAB (ICIQ‐OAB). Change in ICIQ‐OAB scores from baseline were calculated. The minimal important difference of one on ICIQ‐OAB is considered a significant change.Results26.0% of participants previously had positive COVID polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (PCR+), 5.6% a positive serology test only (Ser+), and 65.5% were COVID naïve (COVID−). 23.8% of participants reported a significant increase in ICIQ‐OAB score at study onset compared to prepandemic. ICIQ‐OAB scores were similar at prepandemic but significantly higher at study start (p < 0.001) in PCR+ group. During follow‐up, change in ICIQ‐OAB scores from baseline remained unchanged for COVID− group, but gradually reduced for PCR+, reaching similar levels as COVID− group by 12 months. By 12 months, 71.4% of PCR+, 42.9% of Ser+, and 68.8% of COVID− participants still reported significant increase in ICIQ‐OAB scores.ConclusionsMost COVID‐19 patients experienced return of symptoms to baseline, indicative of the potential resolution of COVID‐associated cystitis. A subset of cases did not, raising questions about the underlying factors contributing to this outcome. Additional research is needed to assess long COVID on urological health.
A composite study of extratropical cyclones accompanied by split fronts in the Northwestern Pacific
Authors: Tochimoto Eigo , Niino Hiroshi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe structure and environment of extratropical cyclones around East Asia that are accompanied by split fronts (SFs), hereafter referred to as SF cyclones, are examined using the Japanese 55‐year reanalysis dataset. The SFs are objectively and automatically detected with a thermal front parameter using equivalent potential temperature (). Previous statistical studies have shown that dry intrusion in the northern hemisphere occurs most frequently in winter; however, SFs occur more frequently in spring and autumn. In winter, SFs tend to occur at lower latitudes than in spring and autumn. A composite analysis in which the SF cyclones are simply superposed with respect to their centres indicates that the SFs tend to be located in the quadrants east and southeast of the cyclone centre, in accordance with previous case studies. For developing SF cyclones in the southern Northwestern Pacific (southern cyclone; SC) in autumn, a southward intrusion of low from the upper troposphere is the major contributor towards the formation of the SFs; for those in the northern Northwestern Pacific (northern cyclone; NC), a northward intrusion of low‐level high is the major contributor. For both SCs and NCs, high potential‐vorticity anomalies approach the cyclones from behind, suggesting that upper‐level troughs contribute to the formation of SFs by inducing ascent to the east and descent to the west of the upper‐level troughs.
Input‐output linearization and decoupling of mechanical control systems
Authors: Nowicki Marcin , Respondek Witold 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this article, we present the problem of simultaneous input‐output feedback linearization and decoupling (noninteracting) for mechanical control systems with outputs. We show that the natural requirement of preserving mechanical structure of the system and of transformations imposes supplementary conditions when compared to the classical solution of the same problem for general control systems. These conditions can be expressed using objects on the configuration space only. We illustrate our results with several examples of mechanical control systems.
A class of adaptive predefined‐time extended state observers for high‐order strict‐feedback systems
Authors: Lv Jixing , Ju Xiaozhe , Wang Changhong , Kao Yonggui , Jiang Yushi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFast state estimation for nonlinear systems has been a key issue in control theory and the recently developed predefined‐time stability acts as an effective tool for the problem. However, the studies of predefined‐time state observer for nonlinear systems are rare. In this article, we consider the predefined‐time extended state observer (PTESO) design for a class of high‐order strict‐feedback systems subject to Hölder continuous nonlinearities and lumped disturbance. By developing an adaptive mechanism and using time‐varying functions, a class of adaptive PTESOs is designed to estimate the unavailable states and the lumped disturbance, in which the convergence time can be tightly and explicitly preset by only one parameter, irrelevant to the initial conditions. The adaptive mechanism is used to improve the transient performance under wide‐range lumped disturbance. Moreover, thanks to the design of the time‐varying gains, the PTESO could realize fast observation with trivial peaking observation errors. Finally, simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed observer.
Assessment of spawning habitat suitability for Amphidromous Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) in tidal Asahi River sections in Japan: Implications for conservation and restoration
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Yajima Hiroshi , Islam Md. Touhidul , Pan Shijun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Amphidromous Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis), vital for Japan's riverine commercial fisheries, is experiencing population decline due to habitat degradation. In response, Japan is implementing restoration efforts by releasing juvenile fish and cultivating spawning habitats. This study, focusing on the Asahi River's Heidan area, evaluates Ayu spawning habitat suitability, especially in tidal zones, and its conservation implications. Through field surveys and numerical analysis, the research identifies optimal conditions for spawning amid dwindling numbers. Observations from the 2020 peak spawning season showed that water temperatures below 20°C are conducive to spawning, with the best sites producing up to 48,817 eggs/m2. Gravel sizes between 0.85 and 53.0 mm were identified as crucial for effective spawning. Notably, artificial spawning grounds established in 2019 showed no spawning activity, likely due to saline intrusion from tides. Using the three‐dimensional hydrodynamic‐aquatic ecosystem numerical model, the study assesses flow, substrate, and water quality's impact on spawning, corroborated by sensor data. A key finding is the negative correlation between salinity and egg density in tidal sections of the Asahi River. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based YOLOv5 model, trained on underwater images, effectively detected Ayu aggregations, demonstrating an F1‐score of 0.757 in differentiating Ayu from other coexisting fish species in the same aquatic environment. This AI approach provides a nonintrusive method for monitoring Ayu populations and habitat preferences. The research underlines that successful spawning habitats require minimal saline intrusion, with optimal salinity and flow conditions. These insights are critical for spawning ground development, emphasizing the management of tidal effects and riverbed conditions to bolster Ayu populations and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
A Comparative Analysis of the Interaction between Donepezil and Albumin with and Without a ZnO/Chitosan Quantum Dot Nanocomposite
Authors: Dehghani Pegah , Hashemnia Sedigheh , Mokhtari Zaynab 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, a nanocomposite of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and chitosan‐based carbon quantum dots (ZnO/chQDs) in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a promising drug carrier candidate was synthesized and characterized. For this purpose, chitosan and citric acid were used for the synthesis of chQDs and donepezil (DNP) was selected as a model drug. The BSA binding properties of DNP were analyzed by FT‐IR and UV‐Vis techniques, electrochemical methods and molecular docking in the absence and presence of ZnO/chQDs. The thermodynamic parameters and binding constants of DNP with BSA were also evaluated by these methods. The changes in the structural properties of BSA in the presence of DNP, ZnO/chQDs and ZnO/chQDs‐DNP were monitored by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric techniques and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were applied to investigate the interactions, using methylene blue in electrolyte solution as redox probe, and its redox behaviour was observed to explore the interactions. Molecular docking was carried out on the interaction of DNP with BSA in the absence and presence of the synthesized ZnO/chQDs, and the results were compared with those of the experimental observations. The experimental results were confirmed by molecular docking studies.
Progress on Microwave Absorption Performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Ma Yizhi , Liu Ruixue , Sun Luning , Wei Sainan , Li Xinchao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe current electromagnetic environment exhibits a growing demand for efficient microwave‐absorbing materials. Developing multifunctional and efficient wave‐absorbing materials poses a challenging research hotspot. Numerous researchers have dedicated their efforts to developing high‐performance broadband wave‐absorbing materials with outstanding mechanical properties. Utilizing carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (CFRP) for electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) is a rapidly evolving field. Carbon fiber‐based EMA composites are characterized by high dielectric loss, high thermal stability, and low density, enabling them to achieve EMA properties while meeting mechanical property requirements. This review summarizes the principles of electromagnetic EMA, focusing on dielectric and magnetic losses, the preparation methods of CFRP, such as organic polymer synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, and vacuum forming processes, as well as their underlying principles. It also evaluates the research progress on the EMA properties of CFRP composites, particularly highlighting CFRP matrix modification and coating treatment. Finally, the challenges of CFRP EMA and potential future development directions are discussed. This analysis offers multiple recommendations for future researchers.
Exploring Potential Applications of α and β Polymorphs of Bi2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Pramila S. , Mallikarjunaswamy C. , Lakshmi Ranganatha V. , Nagaraju G. , Kavana C. P. , Chandan S. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this investigation, we successfully synthesized bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) via simple combustion method using Artocarpous heterophyllus (Jackfruit) extract as fuel. Both α and β polymorphs of bismuth oxide NPs was prepared using same Artocarpous heterophyllus fuel but there is a variation in the addition of fuel in the range of 1 mL–6 mL. The prepared NPs were characterized by utilizing spectroscopic techniques. The photocatalytic efficiencies were found to be 84 %, 93 % for both α, β forms respectively. Methylene blue dye exhibits effective degradation for β‐phase compared to α‐phase. Furthermore, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and sensing (CV) activities were performed. The bismuth oxide modified electrodes exhibits better sensing activity towards dopamine, ascorbic acid, lead nitrate, and results obtained from EIS data revealed the super capacitor characteristics of Bi2O3 nanoparticles. This extensive investigation assessed the effectiveness of Aspergillus Niger‐fighting drugs, as well as the antibacterial effects of synthesized nanoparticles on Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli. Measurements of optical density were used to establish the MIC values for antifungals. The protein 4XUY has a strong binding affinity of −6.4 Kcal/mol, with four important hydrogen bond interactions (LYS51, HIS84, ASN131, and GLU238) revealed by molecular docking research. These results expand our knowledge of the therapeutic uses of bismuth oxide nanoparticles by highlighting their potential as effective antibacterial agents and by providing insightful information about how they work against pathogenic microorganisms.
Porous ZnO Nanoparticles for Low‐Temperature, Specific and Selective Acetone Sensing
Authors: Wan Guixin , Xue Ruijia , Qin Tao , Jia Yunlong , Wang Xiaoyun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study used a hydrothermal approach to create porous ZnO nanoparticles with the help of glucose (Glu), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The morphological characterization revealed some small pores on the surface of the samples, all of which were in the 10–20 nm pore size range. The gas test revealed that the Glu‐ZnO material performed best for acetone at 120 °C, with a response value of 82 for 100 ppm, which was approximately ten times for that of pure ZnO (8.6), and the response/recovery time was also twice as short.