bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of Five Machine Learning-based Global Weather Prediction Models in the East Asia Region
Authors: Hsu Kathryn , Liu Cheng-Chin , Peng Melinda , Chen Der-Song , Chang Pao-Liang , Hsiao Ling-Feng , Fong Chin-Tzu , Hong Jing-Shan , Cheng Chia-Ping , Lu Kuo-Chen , Chen Chia-Rong , Kuo Hung-Chi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Recently, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to the fruition of machine-learning (ML) based weather prediction (MLWP) systems. Five global models have emerged as notable contenders: Pangu-Weather, FourCastNet v2 (FCN2), GraphCast, FuXi, and FengWu. Despite utilizing different AI/ML methodologies, all five systems rely on the ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5), as their training dataset. This study evaluates the performance of these five models in the Eastern Asia region from June to November 2023 with our own simulations using identical initial conditions from ERA5. The evaluation comprises three key metrics: 1) Synoptic-scale prediction assessment with Root Mean Square Error and Anomaly Correlation Coefficients, 2) Typhoon predictions as extreme weather cases, and 3) Local rainfalls induced by a typhoon. Results indicate that FengWu emerges as the best-performing model, followed by FuXi and GraphCast, with FCN2 and Pangu-Weather ranking lower. Notably, performance of the ECMWF IFS lies within the MLWP model range. A multi-model ensemble, formed by averaging predictions from all five models, demonstrates superior performance, rivaling that of FengWu. For the 11 typhoons in 2023, FengWu demonstrates the most accurate track prediction. While Pangu-Weather displays the largest overall track error, it still excels in predicting the tracks of 3 typhoons. Meanwhile, FengWu has the largest intensity errors. In addition, both GraphCast and FuXi demonstrate some encouraging precipitation predictions associated with typhoons. Suggestions for future improvements in MLWP models are discussed.
Stroke and its diagnosis age on incidence dementia, and the mediating role of inflammation: A matched cohort study
Authors: Yang Kun , Chang Jie , Qin Qi , Xiang Jiahui , Wei Tao , Yan Yuxiang , Tang Yi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
We aimed to determine whether and to what extent the joint effect of stroke and age of stroke diagnosis on incident dementia, and to investigate whether inflammation indicators mediate the stroke-dementia relationship.
Methods
We conducted a nationwide, population-based, matched cohort analysis using data from the UK Biobank. The study examined a total of 13,712 individuals who had suffered a stroke (7,712 incident stroke, 6,000 prevalent stroke). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed to investigate the association between stroke and dementia risk. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (SI) were calculated to measure the interaction on the additive scale. Longitudinal mediation analysis was conducted to assess the potential mediating effect of inflammation on the association between stroke and dementia, stratified by the age at stroke diagnosis. Competing risk models and propensity score matching were utilized in sensitivity analysis.
Results:
The median follow-up time was 4.76 years (range: 2.05-8.39) for the incident stroke cohort and 19.07 years (range: 15.87-23.97) for the prevalent stroke cohort. After stroke and non-stroke matching, younger patients exhibited a higher risk of post-stroke dementia compared to older patients, particularly in females and those with non-O blood type. For stroke survivors, older age at stroke onset was associated with higher risks of developing all-cause dementia (HR per 10-year increase, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.84-4.10), and 44%-47% of the combined risk was due to an additive interaction of stroke and its diagnosis age. Chronic inflammation mediated the stroke-dementia association, accounting for 5.4–5.8% of the overall impact in stroke survivors.
Conclusion:
In addition to confirming that stroke significantly elevates the risk of dementia and that an earlier age at stroke diagnosis augments dementia risk, our study underscores the joint effect of stroke and diagnosis age and inflammation may play a role in this relationship, advocating for early interventions and targeted therapeutic strategies for stroke survivors.
Climate Change Impacts on Evapotranspiration, Crop Yield, and Green and Blue Water Footprints of Main Crops in a Semi-arid Region
Authors: Hakami-Kermani Avin , Babazadeh Hossein , Kisseka Isaya , AlDughaishi Usama 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Climate change presents a significant challenge with profound effects on water resources and agriculture. The Middle East is expected to face increased temperatures, more frequent droughts, and rising sea levels, impacting various sectors. The latest IPCC report highlights notable changes in global temperature and precipitation patterns. A study focusing on arid and semi arid region (the Garmsar Plain, Iran) assesses the impact of climate change on water requirements, yield, and water footprint of crops under different scenarios. Analysis suggests that spring and summer will experience the highest and lowest precipitation increases, respectively, in the future, with notable temperature changes in fall and winter. The overall increase in water requirements for crops is lower in scenario SSP1.2.6 than scenario SSP5.8.5.The highest increase in water requirement for crops will occur at the end of the century and in the period 2076-2100 which is consistent with the increasing trend in maximum and minimum temperatures and decreasing precipitation in the region.Water requirements for crops are predicted to rise, especially for cotton and alfalfa towards the end of the century. Despite improved crop yields, there will be a shift towards a higher green water footprint and lower blue water footprint. Understanding these trends and implementing adaptation strategies are vital for effective water resource management in the face of climate change's impact on agriculture.
Effect of brewers’ yeast or beta-glucan on breast milk supply following preterm birth: The BLOOM Study – protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E. , Rumbold Alice R. , Williams Lauren , Kam Renee L. , Ingman Wendy V. , Kier Amy , Martinello Kathryn A. , Amir Lisa H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Many individuals who experience preterm birth struggle with early breast milk supply, which can translate into suboptimal longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. Further investigations into the potential role of early non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in improving breast milk production soon after birth is growing. While natural galactagogues, such as brewers’ yeast, are widely perceived by women to be safer than pharmaceutical galactagogues and are taken by many women, evidence to support their efficacy is largely absent. The BLOOM study has been designed to determine the efficacy and safety of brewers’ yeast and beta-glucans, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when administered soon after birth for increasing early breast milk supply in mothers who have delivered preterm.
Methods
The BLOOM study is a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial that will assess if brewers’ yeast or beta-glucan can increase early breast milk production following preterm birth. Target population are mothers of preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks’ gestation who intend to provide breast milk for their infant, are less than 72 hours following birth and able to give informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups at 1:1:1 ratio (n = 33 per group) to receive either brewers’ yeast, beta-glucan or placebo capsules for seven days. The primary outcome is total expressed breast milk volume over a 24-hour period on day 7 of intervention. Participants and their infants will be followed until the infant reaches term corrected age or is discharged home from the neonatal unit (whichever occurs first).
Discussion
The use of brewers’ yeast as a galactagogue to enhance milk production is extremely common amongst breastfeeding mothers, however, there are no trials evaluating its efficacy and safety. This will be the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two commonly used galactagogues, brewers’ yeast and beta-glucan, compared with placebo in improving maternal breast milk supply following preterm birth. The trial will also evaluate whether early intervention with galactagogues soon after a preterm birth improves longer-term breastfeeding outcomes.
Trial registration
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622000968774 (registered on 8 July 2022) and UTN U1111-1278-8827
Characteristics of carbohydrates determine the shape of the gut microbiota in a chicken cecal in-vitro model
Authors: Oost Miriam J. , Abboud Kahlile Youssef , Velkers Francisca C. , Leemhuis Hans , Bruggeman Geert , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Schols Henk A. , Venema Koen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is crucial for intestinal and overall animal health. Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis poses significant economic burden on poultry farming. Such inflammatory intestinal diseases disrupt the gut microbiota and the addition of carbohydrates to feed can promote and sustain a stable gut microbiota. We compared the effects on microbiota composition and metabolites during fermentation of isomalto/malto-polysaccharides and high- and low methyl-esterified pectins (HMP, LMP), against a positive control, mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS), using the Chicken ALIMEntary tRact mOdel-2 (CALIMERO-2). CALIMERO-2 mimic fermentation in healthy ceca, and by spiking it with C. perfringens, we aimed to mimic fermentation in diseased chicken ceca. Pectins showed minor differences in monosaccharide composition and molecular weight. SPE8 had degree of methyl-esterification (DM) of 26 (LMP), and SPE6 and SPE7 DM of 63 (HMP). Beta-diversity was significantly similar between HMP’s SPE6 and SPE7. Bacteroidetes was dominant phylum, except for SIEM and MOS, where Firmicutes prevailed. Beneficial bacteria particularly Lactobacillus, remained stable across samples. This study advances our comprehension of the fermentability and structural impact of diverse carbohydrates on the broiler gut microbiota. Our findings underscore the potential of isomalto/malto-polysaccharides and pectins to promote intestinal health in poultry, warranting further investigations to optimize its inclusion in chicken feed.
Triamcinolone Acetonide and Botulinum Toxin A in the Treatment of Upper Eyelid Retraction in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy: A Clinical Study
Authors: Huang Zhiqing , Xu Maodong , Zhang Wenxiong , Song Xiaoqing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To observe the therapeutic effect of subconjunctival injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) combined with periorbital injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in the treatment of upper eyelid retraction (UER) caused by thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
Methods
Fifty eyes diagnosed with TAO-associated UER were divided into two groups. Group 1 received TA periorbital injection, while group 2 received BTX-A subconjunctival injection combined with TA periorbital injection. Marginal reflex distance (MRD1) and graine sign (GS) were assessed at baseline and at various time points post-injection. The incidence of elevated intraocular pressure was also observed.
Results
Group 1 showed significant decrease in MRD1 at 1, 3, and 6 months post-injection (P < 0.05) and increase in GS at 3 months post-injection (P < 0.05). Group 2 showed significant decrease in MRD1 at 1w, 1, 3, and 6 months post-injection (P < 0.05) and increase in GS at 1w, 1, and 3 months post-injection (P < 0.05). After one week of the first injection, group 2 had lower MRD1 and higher GS values than group 1 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively). The incidence of elevated IOP was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
In a six-month study, patients with TAO related UER treated with BTX-A and TA demonstrated a faster onset of therapeutic effect compared to those treated with TA alone. This combined treatment approach sustained stable efficacy with a reduced dosage of local steroid and a lower incidence of intraocular pressure elevation.
Trial registration number: ChiCTR2300077958
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of three-dimensional fluorescence spectra by improved parallel factor analysis with internal standard sample embedding
Authors: Liu Hubin , Zhang Li , Cai Guimin , Zhang Zhixiang , Li Jiachen , Zhao Longlian , Li Junhui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The strategy of parallel factor analysis, combined with the internal standard method, has been increasingly applied to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of three-dimensional fluorescence spectra of unknown mixed fluorophores. Nevertheless, the disparity in the number of fluorophores included in the internal standard sample set and the number included in test samples may impact the qualitative and quantitative outcomes of parallel factor analysis. In this work, we systematically established the framework of the parallel factor analysis with internal standard sample embedding (ISSE-PARAFAC) strategy. We applied this framework to six datasets representing two scenarios and conducted a detailed discussion on the effects of the disparity between the number of fluorophores in the internal standard sample set and the number in the test set on both qualitative and quantitative results. Additionally, we introduced an enhancement to PARAFAC by aggregating fluorophores with similar emission wavelengths, corresponding to the peaks of emission loadings (spectra) obtained from PARAFAC, as a single fluorophore. This aggregation aimed to mitigate the strong correlation between similar fluorophores. The results imply that the presence of irrelevant fluorophores in the internal standard sample set, whether increased or decreased, does not significantly affect the qualitative and quantitative analysis of target fluorophores in the test set. Moreover, we demonstrated that the improved parallel factor analysis with internal standard sample embedding not only fully decomposes the uncorrelated mixed fluorophores for qualitative analysis but also allows the established linear concentration model for fluorescent components to predict the corresponding fluorophore concentration of test samples, enabling quantitative analysis at the ppm level (µg/mL).
Weathering characteristics and causal analysis of lead-barium glass: A case study of green lead-barium glass beads unearthed from Hejia cemetery in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province
Authors: ha wenhui , Sun Feng , Li Jingyu , Zhai Congwen , Yan Haihong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The weathering degree of three green lead-barium glass beads unearthed from the Hejia cemetery in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province increased in turn, and one of the glass beads showed obvious weathered stratification. In order to explore the weathered characteristics and causes of lead-barium glass,this study observe the microscopic morphology of the glass bead substrate and weathered layer by ultra-depth-of-field 3D video microscopy (OM), the weathered profile was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy spectroscopy (EDS) line scan technology, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and microscopic laser Raman spectroscopy (Raman) were used for chemical element and composition analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the valence change process of glass chromogenic elements. The results showed that the substrate of the three green glass beads was lead-barium silicate glass system, and the main chromogenic element was Cu(II).The weathered products of lead-barium glass are PbCO3 and BaSO4, which are produced by the continuous outward loss of Pb, Ba and S elements from the substrate to the outermost layer, and the interaction with CO32- and SO42- ions in the buried environment, a process accompanied by the conversion from Cu(II) to Cu(I).This study has reference significance for the study of the firing process, weathered mechanism and protection of lead-barium silicate glass system.
Segment Anything Model for Industrial Vision: A Comprehensive Evaluation with a New Metric, a New Dataset, and a Toolbox
Authors: Zhong Xiaopin , Hu Chongxin , Xie Jiayuan , Yi Jianye , Zhou You , Zeng Deyu , Zhou Lei , Chen Kun , Liu Weixiang , Wu Zongze 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Image segmentation is a fundamental task of computer vision, and plays a vital role in intelligent manufacturing for detection of surface defects. Recent emergence of segmentation foundation models, such as segment anything model (SAM), provide remarkable versatility and performance across various segmentation tasks with natural images. For industrial vision, defect image segmentation poses a significant challenge due to limited sample sizes, vast scene variations, and diverse defect shapes, etc. There are three issues on evaluating SAM's performance on industrial images: existing public defect datasets are too simple and small, and the performance metrics tend to saturate; are the existing metrics objective for such special defect images? And how to evaluate SAM easily? Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate SAM's performance on industrial images. Firstly, we release a large dataset of mobile phone screen for enhancing data diversity. Secondly, a new evaluation metric is proposed for fitting in the industrial defects. And lastly, an open toolkit is available for easily transferred to other defect images. We also identify the potential paths for future research, and believe that our contribution is beneficial for the implementation of vision foundation models, such as SAM, in both academic and industrial communities.
Better Health-Related Quality of Life is associated with prolonged survival and reduced hospitalization risk among Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Bello Abraham Rincon , Titapiccolo Jasmine Ion , Godoy Isabel Berdud , Samaniego Diana JC , Perez Sofia Ortego , Perez Alicia Sobrino , Shkolenko Kateryna , Stuard Stefano , Neri Luca , Salvador Maria Baro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Rationale & Objective.
End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) negatively affects patients’ physical, emotional, and social functioning. Furthermore, adjustment to dialysis require substantial lifestyle changes that may further impact on patients physical and emotional well-being. However, the relationship between Health-Related Quality of life impairment with future adverse outcomes in dialysis is not well characterized. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and patients' survival and hospitalization rates within a large European dialysis network.
Methods
A historical cohort study was conducted to evaluate hospitalization and mortality rates over a 12-month follow-up period. Patients responded to a self-administered survey as part of a Continuous Quality Improvement Program implemented in clinics affiliated with the Spanish FMC-Nephrocare organization. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was measured with the KDQOL-36. Potential confounders included socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, biochemical parameters, dialysis treatment. We used Cox's Proportional Hazard regression and Logistic regression to assess the likelihood of mortality and hospitalization within the 12-month follow-up period.
Results.
A total of 2280 (51.5%) completed the self-administrated survey, and 1838 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study. Higher HRQoL scores were associated with significantly lower mortality and hospitalization risk. Risk estimates were robust to adjustment for potential confounders.
Conclusions.
Several dimensions of HRQoL are associated with patient-centered outcomes (i.e., mortality and hospitalizations at 1 year). Patient-Reported Outcomes contribute unique pieces of information characterizing patients’ health. residual confounding cannot be fully ruled out; selection due to high attrition rate may limit generizability.
Pediatric Mediastinal Lymphatic Malformation: Misdiagnosis Analysis and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Wen , Zhang siqi , qi xinxin , Teng songyu , Sun longwei , Zeng hongwu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Mediastinal cystic lymphatic malformation (MCLM) in children is prone to misdiagnosis as cystic teratoma. We compared the clinical and radiologic features between the two diseases and performed a cross-comparison with previous research focused on adult cases. This study aims to identify characteristic pediatric manifestations for the improvement of diagnostic accuracy.
Methods
We retrospectively studied clinical and radiology data of 12 cases of MCLM and 20 cases of cystic teratomas confirmed by pathology or intervention biopsy. Clinical characters and radiology features (mass location and morphology, density, component, secondary complication) were recorded and compared. We searched published clinical studies related to MCLM in the past decade. We compared the radiology differences between them. Also, a comparison was made between pediatric MCLM cases in our hospital and MCLM cases from the kinds of literature.
Results
Group comparison in pediatrics between MCLM and cystic teratomas: There were significant age differences (p = 0.036), shape (p = 0.003), DV (p < 0.001), DR (p < 0.001), calcification (p < 0.001), fat (p < 0.001), and typing (p < 0.001) between the two diseases. MCLM cases from literature: A total of 10 studies with 70 patients were eligible for data extraction.
Conclusion
The lack of internal fat or irregular morphology with minimal DV suggests the diagnosis of MCLM. In pediatric cases, anterior mediastinal diseases are more likely to extend toward the neck, and the persistence of the thymus can complicate component analysis and increase the risk of misdiagnosis. Thus, MRI evaluation is recommended for pediatric MCLM case assessment.
Exploring Thermal Dynamics of Thulium Super-Pulsed Lasers in Lithotripsy Procedures
Authors: Hu Zhongjie , hilowle abdihamid hassan , Shen Chen , Wang Wei , Wang Xiaogang , Li Xiancheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose Optimizing lithotripsy protocols for clinical practice by studying the thermal effects of laser technologies across different parameters and perfusion rates.
Methods This study highlights Thulium Super-Pulsed Lasers from Lakh Medical Equipment (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Both operate at 1940nm peak wavelength and 500W power output. An in vitro model used detached pig kidney ureters in a constant-temperature water bath 37°C. A disposable ureteroscope with domestically produced pulsed thulium fiber laser stimulated the ex vivo simulated ureteral model. Laser parameters included 15ml/min, 25ml/min, and 35ml/min perfusion rates with physiological saline at 25℃±1℃. Artificial stones were inserted using ureteroscopy.
Results At 15 ml/min infusion rate and 6W stone fragmentation power, ureter temperature rises positively with excitation time, reaching 37.4°C within 30 seconds. Increasing to 12W, the thulium laser surpassed 43.4°C within 30 seconds. At 18W, consistent temperature elevation regardless of mode, reaching 43°C in 5 seconds at >400Hz. For 6W, 12W, and 18W, excitation time remains under 30 seconds, ensuring ureter stays <43°C. Except for specific parameters, ureteral temperature exceeds the safety threshold at 24W and 30W. At 35 ml/min infusion rate and 30W, intrapelvic temperature remains safe within 30 seconds except for one mode.
Conclusion This investigation demonstrates that Thulium laser therapy can safely raise ureter temperature within controlled limits, aiding urological disease treatment. Urologists gain a scientific footing for laser parameter selection. Thulium laser's power, energy, frequency, and pulse width dictate temperature changes, demanding careful consideration for effective treatment planning.