bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking-Induced Olfactory Dysfunction in Chronic Sinusitis and Assessment of Brief University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and T&T Methods
Authors: Sugiyama Kazuko , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Sugiyama Naruji , Suzuki Motohiko , Watanabe Nobuhiro , Murakami Shingo 
Published: October 2006

Background To evaluate the outcome of smell activity after endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic sinusitis, it is important to verify evidence of smoking-induced olfactory dysfunction. Methods In both the preoperative and the postoperative stages, the 5-odorant T&T olfactometer (T&T5) and the 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT40) were administered to 100 patients (84 men and 16 women; mean age, 49.5 years; range, 21–75 years) who underwent surgery for chronic sinusitis. Additionally, as more simplified measures, we adopted a 3-odorant T&T (T&T3) and a 12-item UPSIT (UPSIT12), and then compared findings with those of each original method. Results (1) Obvious correlations of scores were noticed both between T&T5 and T&T3 and between UPSIT40 and UPSIT12 (r = 0.964 and 0.893, respectively), (2) significant changes in postoperative scores were observed on all four measurements (p < 0.0001), (3) smoking-induced hyposmia was noticeable in older subjects but not in younger subjects, and (4) the correlations of postoperative scores and the age of smoker or the smoking dose was significant (UPSIT40, r = 0.825 or 0.642; UPSIT12, r = 0.666 or 0.428; T&T5, r = 0.447 or 0.476; T&T3, r = 0.457 or 0.500, respectively). Conclusion The abbreviated measures of T&T3 and UPSIT12 could be available enough to assess the effect of surgical intervention on olfaction, while the original UPSIT40 was considered to be the most sensitive among the four methods tested here for examining the impact of smoking on olfaction.
Comparison of Anatomic, Physiological, and Subjective Measures of the Nasal Airway
Authors: Lam Derek J. , James Kathryn T. , Weaver Edward M. 
Published: October 2006

Background Studies comparing different categories of nasal measures have reported inconsistent results. We sought to compare validated measures of the nasal airway: anatomic (acoustic rhinometry), physiological (nasal peak inspiratory flow), and subjective experience (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale and a visual analog scale [VAS]). Methods This prospective cross-sectional study of 290 nonrhinologic patients included upright and supine rhinometry (minimum cross sectional area [MCA] and volume) and flow (mean and maximum) measurements, as well as subjective measures. Associations between measures were evaluated with Spearman correlations and multivariate linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, and smoking history. Results Correlations between objective (rhinometry and flow) and subjective categories of nasal measures ranged from –-0.16 to 0.03 (mean correlation, -0.07 ± 0.05), with 0 significant correlations of 16 tested. Correlations between anatomic (rhinometry) and physiological (flow) categories ranged from 0.04 to 0.15 (mean correlation, 0.10 ± 0.03), with 0 significant correlations of 16 tested. In contrast, within each category (rhinometry, flow, and subjective), all correlations were significant (13 correlations, all p < 0.001) and ranged from 0.62 to 0.99. Of 16 adjusted associations between objective and subjective measures, 14 were not significant (p > 0.05); only upright and supine MCAs were significantly associated with the VAS (both, p < 0.05). Conclusion Validated anatomic, physiological, and subjective nasal measures may assess different aspects of the nasal airway and provide complementary information. Future studies should be directed at developing a composite measure including components from all three categories of nasal measurement.
Superantigens and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Skewing of T-Cell Receptor Vβ-Distributions in Polyp-Derived CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Conley David B. , Tripathi Anju , Seiberling Kristin A. , Schleimer Robert P. , Suh Lydia A. , Harris Kathleen , Paniagua Mary C. , Grammer Leslie C. , Kern Robert C. 
Published: October 2006

Background Recent studies have suggested that Staphylococcus aureus secrete superantigenic toxins that play a role in the etiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). Twenty S. aureus superantigens (SAg's) have been identified, each of which bind the Vβ-region of the T-cell receptor (TCR) outside the peptide-binding site. Approximately 50 distinct Vβ-domains exist in the human repertoire, and distinct SAg's will bind only particular domains generating a pattern of Vβ-enrichment in lymphocytes dependent on the binding characteristics of a given toxin. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of Vβ-expression in polyp-derived lymphocytes from CRSwNP patients. Methods Polyps were harvested from 20 patients with CRSwNP and 3 patients with antrochoanal polyps. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the Vβ-repertoire of polyp-derived CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. Data were analyzed in light of the known skewing associated with SAg exposure in vivo and in vitro. Skewing was defined as a percentage of Vβ-expression >2 SD of that seen in normal blood. Results Seven of 20 subjects exhibited skewing in Vβ-domains with strong associations with S. aureus SAg's. The three antrochoanal polyps failed to show any significant Vβ-skewing. Conclusion This study establishes evidence of S. aureus SAg–T-cell interactions in polyp lymphocytes of 35% of CRSwNP patients. Although these results are consistent with intranasal exposure of polyp lymphocytes to SAg's, additional study is necessary to establish the role of these toxins in disease pathogenesis.
Standardising field‐based assessment of invasion degree: A case study in two habitats of Reunion Island
Authors: Fenouillas Pauline , Caubit Margot , Cazal Emilie , Ajaguin Soleyen Cédric , Strasberg Dominique , Rouget Mathieu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBiological invasions represent one of the major threats to biodiversity conservation, especially in island ecosystems. Field‐based assessments of the invasion degree are required for managing and monitoring invaded habitats but there is no unifying measure available in the literature.Here, we developed a standardised method for quantifying invasion degree based on four metrics: alien and native species cover, alien species richness, the occurrence frequency of alien species and invasion level, and demonstrated its use in two contrasted habitats of Reunion Island. This rapid survey quantified relative abundance and diversity of alien plant species among three vegetation strata (herbaceous, shrub and tree) in a systematic sampling.In lowland tropical forest, it took 40 person days to survey 150 ha (344 plots), and 52 person days in subalpine vegetation to survey 125 ha (304 plots). Our results showed that the herbaceous stratum was the most invaded in terms of invasion level; more than 45% in lowland tropical forest and almost 55% in subalpine vegetation. Based on cluster analysis and kriging, we mapped three different levels of invasion highlighting potential invasion fronts. We found that it was important to differentiate invasion degree per vegetation strata as mean alien cover was significantly different between strata at each site.This method is suitable for the majority of protected areas where fine‐scale assessment is required to characterise the spatial pattern of plant invasions, monitor invasive species and identify invasion foci to control or populations of emerging species to eradicate.
Protocol parameter extraction and centralization framework for comprehensive and in‐depth CT protocol review and management
Authors: LaBella Andy , Zhang Da 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCT protocol management is an arduous task that requires expertise from a variety of radiology professionals, including technologists, radiologists, radiology IT professionals, and medical physicists. Each CT vendor has unique, proprietary protocol file structures, some of which may vary by scanner model, making it difficult to develop a universal framework for distilling technical parameters to a human‐readable file format. An ideal solution for CT protocol management is to minimize the work required for parameter extraction by introducing a data format into the workflow that is universal to all CT scanners.In this paper, we report a framework for CT protocol management that converts raw protocol files to an intermediary format before outputting them in a human‐readable format for a variety of practical clinical applications, including routine protocol review, protocol version tracking, and cross‐protocol comparisons.The framework was developed in Python 3. Technical parameters of interest were determined via collaborative effort between medical physicists and lead technologists. Protocol files were extracted and analyzed from a variety of scanners across our hospital‐wide CT fleet, including various systems from Siemens and GE. Protocols were subcategorized based on relevant technical parameters into regular, dual‐energy, and cardiac CT protocols. Backend code for technical parameter extraction from raw protocol files to a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format was performed on a per‐system basis. Conversion from JSON to a readable output format (MS Excel) was performed identically for all scanners using the universal framework developed and presented in this work. Example results for Siemens and GE scanners are shown, including side‐by‐side comparisons for protocols with similar clinical indications.In conclusion, our CT protocol management framework may be deployed on any CT system to improve clinical efficiency in protocol review and upkeep.
Unified finite‐time fault estimation and fault‐tolerant control for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy singular systems
Authors: Keerthana N. , Sakthivel R. , Aravinth N. , Marshal Anthoni S. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryWith the aid of a proportional integral framework, the presented article focuses on the problems of finite‐time boundedness and fault estimation for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy singular systems subject to time delays, faults and external disturbances. To commence, we conjure up a fuzzy‐dependent intermediate variable and from thereon, a proportional integral‐based fuzzy intermediate estimator is constructed. Moreover, the constructed estimator precisely facilitates for estimating the fault signals and system states in simultaneously. Besides this, the integral term in the proportional integral estimator offers greater design flexibility and higher resilience. Secondly, an intermediate estimator‐based fault‐tolerant control is devised by availing the information from the proportional integral‐based fuzzy intermediate estimator, which aids in effectively compensating the faults arising in the system. Subsequently, by setting up an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the set of adequate requirements asserting the finite‐time boundedness with the endorsed mixed and passivity performance index is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. After that, an explicit framework for the requisite gain matrices can be found forth basing on the formed linear matrix inequality criteria. Ultimately, simulation findings are supplied to evaluate the utility and applicability of the theoretical insights.
Practical finite‐time fuzzy control of uncertain nonstrict‐feedback systems with actuator saturation and output constraints
Authors: Haddad Mohammed , Boulkroune Abdesselem , Li Hongyi 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThis article investigates the devise issue of a practical finite‐time output‐tracking control for uncertain nonlinear nonstrict‐feedback systems subject simultaneously to time‐varying output constraints (TVOC), actuator saturation, and bounded unmatched disturbances. An adaptive fuzzy approximator‐based control system is devised using the dynamic surface control (DSC) concept. System output constraints are addressed by employing an appropriate barrier Lyapunov function. Adaptive fuzzy disturbance observers are constructed to practically deal with time‐varying unmatched but bounded disturbances. It is verified via Lyapunov stability analysis and simulation experiments that all closed‐loop signals remain bounded, the output tracking error practically converges in finite time to a tiny but adjustable neighborhood around the origin, and the system output stays within its required time‐varying bounds.
Enhanced Performance of Ultraviolet AlGaN/GaN Photo‐HEMTs by Optimized Channel Isolation Schemes
Authors: Mondal Ramit Kumar , Xiong Zhongshu , Ghimire Mohan Kumar , Lingaparthi Ravikiran , Nethaji Dharmarasu , Radhakrishnan K , Kim Munho 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSolar blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors utilizing AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structure offer a very high responsivity, photo‐to‐dark current ratio (PDCR), and detectivity. However, the performance of conventional mesa‐isolated photo‐HEMT is limited due to current leakage paths through the side wall and AlGaN barrier. In this work, apart from conventional mesa‐type isolation, ion implantation and metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) schemes are adopted to isolate the channels of AlGaN/GaN photo‐HEMTs. A significant reduction in dark current is achieved for MIS photo‐HEMT of around four and three orders of magnitude as compared to those of conventional mesa‐ and ion‐implanted photo‐HEMTs, respectively. Moreover, the responsivity and PDCR of MIS photo‐HEMT are around three and four orders of magnitude higher than those of conventional mesa‐isolated photo‐HEMT. Subsequently, MIS photo‐HEMT on Si substrate has achieved a very high detectivity of 4.63 × 1016 Jones at the UV incidence wavelength of 360 nm. The results presented in this work establish the advantages of MIS photo‐HEMT over other types of photo‐HEMTs. In addition, compatibility with GaN device fabrication technology and significantly enhanced optoelectronic performance suggest AlGaN/GaN MIS photo‐HEMTs as a promising candidate for a variety of advanced UV sensing applications.
Hybrid Co‐Solvent‐Induced High‐Entropy Electrolyte: Regulating of Hydrated Zn2+ Solvation Structures for Excellent Reversibility and Wide Temperature Adaptability
Authors: Jia Hao , Jiang Xinwei , Wang Yidi , Lam Yintung , Shi Shuo , Liu Guoshuai 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs a new generation of lithium‐ion battery alternative, aqueous zinc (Zn) ion batteries (ZIBs) garner tremendous interests for future energy storage application owing to their inherent incombustible, nontoxic, and low‐cost features. However, their practical utilization is hampered by the electrolyte freezing at subzero conditions. In this study, a novel high‐entropy (HE) electrolyte fabricated is presented with hybrid solvents to mitigate electrolyte freezing at low temperatures, restrain calendar corrosion, and boost Zn‐ion transfer kinetics. Specifically, the isovolumetric combined ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol, and dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent components not only induce a reconfiguration of hydrogen bonding, but also alter the solvation sheath of Zn ions within the HE electrolyte environment. This synergistic coupling of hybrid co‐solvents effectively harnesses the features of individual solvent additive and facilitates the remarkable advantages on cycling reversibility, especially in the low‐temperature conditions. Benefiting from the anti‐freezing and solvation structure regulation features, Zn symmetrical batteries equipped with HE electrolytes can work over 2500 h in low zinc salt concentration (1 m) at various temperatures. This work provides a facile modulation strategy to achieve the HE electrolyte, promoting the practical application and commercialization of advanced ZIBs with wide‐temperature adaptability.
Optimizing particle morphology: Atomic iron–nitrogen centers with graphitic‐N for highly efficient CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Li Yan , Zeng Libin , Zhao Zilin , Zhang Qinghua , Hou Yang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTransition metal‐coordinated nitrogen sites on carbon catalysts (M‐N‐C) hold potential for CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER), but optimal morphology and active sites are unclear. We introduce a novel approach, developing zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)‐derived carbon catalysts with Fe‐N and graphitic‐N sites (Fe2‐NC) via molecular confinement and thermal activation. Fine‐tuning ZIF‐8 size and activation temperature yielded 44.98% active N sites. The 300 nm Fe2‐NC catalyst displayed outstanding CO2‐to‐CO conversion, with a 170 mV overpotential and 94.3% Faradaic efficiency at −0.5 V, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art materials. Enhanced CO2ER kinetics and conductivity contributed to this superiority. Results highlight the correlation between maximum CO Faradaic efficiency and cumulative Fe‐N/graphitic‐N sites, dependent on size and activation. The 300 nm Fe2‐NC in a gas diffusion electrode‐loaded flow cell achieved a 15.3‐fold CO partial current density increase. In a Zn‐CO2 battery, the 300 nm Fe2‐NC demonstrated a peak power density of 0.618 mW cm−2, showcasing energy storage potential.
Catalytic Mechanism of Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase: On the Detection and Stability of the Initial Carbonyloxy Radical Intermediate
Authors: Aleksandrov Alexey , Bonvalet Adeline , Müller Pavel , Sorigué Damien , Beisson Fred , Antonucci Laura , Solinas Xavier , Joffre Manuel , Vos Marten H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP), light‐induced formation of the primary radical product RCOO⋅ from fatty acid RCOO− occurs in 300 ps, upon which CO2 is released quasi‐immediately. Based on the hypothesis that aliphatic RCOO⋅ (spectroscopically uncharacterized because unstable) absorbs in the red similarly to aromatic carbonyloxy radicals such as 2,6‐dichlorobenzoyloxy radical (DCB⋅), much longer‐lived linear RCOO⋅ has been suggested recently. We performed quantum chemical reaction pathway and spectral calculations. These calculations are in line with the experimental DCB⋅ decarboxylation dynamics and spectral properties and show that in contrast to DCB⋅, aliphatic RCOO⋅ radicals a) decarboxylate with a very low energetic barrier and on the timescale of a few ps and b) exhibit little red absorption. A time‐resolved infrared spectroscopy experiment confirms very rapid, ≪300 ps RCOO⋅ decarboxylation in FAP. We argue that this property is required for the observed high quantum yield of hydrocarbons formation by FAP.
Unlocking Four‐electron Conversion in Tellurium Cathodes for Advanced Magnesium‐based Dual‐ion Batteries
Authors: Morag Ahiud , Chu Xingyuan , Marczewski Maciej , Kunigkeit Jonas , Neumann Christof , Sabaghi Davood , Żukowska Grażyna Zofia , Du Jingwei , Li Xiaodong , Turchanin Andrey , Brunner Eike , Feng Xinliang , Yu Minghao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMagnesium (Mg) batteries hold promise as a large‐scale energy storage solution, but their progress has been hindered by the lack of high‐performance cathodes. Here, we address this challenge by unlocking the reversible four‐electron Te0/Te4+ conversion in elemental Te, enabling the demonstration of superior Mg//Te dual‐ion batteries. Specifically, the classic magnesium aluminum chloride complex (MACC) electrolyte is tailored by introducing Mg bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI)2), which initiates the Te0/Te4+ conversion with two distinct charge‐storage steps. Te cathode undergoes Te/TeCl4 conversion involving Cl− as charge carriers, during which a tellurium subchloride phase is presented as an intermediate. Significantly, the Te cathode achieves a high specific capacity of 543 mAh gTe−1 and an outstanding energy density of 850 Wh kgTe−1, outperforming most of the previously reported cathodes. Our electrolyte analysis indicates that the addition of Mg(TFSI)2 reduces the overall ion‐molecule interaction and mitigates the strength of ion‐solvent aggregation within the MACC electrolyte, which implies the facilized Cl− dissociation from the electrolyte. Besides, Mg(TFSI)2 is verified as an essential buffer to mitigate the corrosion and passivation of Mg anodes caused by the consumption of the electrolyte MgCl2 in Mg//Te dual‐ion cells. These findings provide crucial insights into the development of advanced Mg‐based dual‐ion batteries.
Synchronous Regulation of D–Band Centers in Zn Substrates and Weakening Pauli Repulsion of Zn Ions Using the Ascorbic Acid Additive for Reversible Zinc Anodes
Authors: Zhang Zhengchunyu , Wang Peng , Wei Chuanliang , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin , Xi Baojuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe advanced aqueous zinc–ion batteries (AZIBs) are still challenging due to the harmful reactions including hydrogen evolution and corrosion. Here, a natural small molecule acid vitamin C (Vc) as an aqueous electrolyte additive has been selectively identified. The small molecule Vc can adjust the d band center of Zn substrate which fixes the active H+ so that the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is restrained. Simultaneously, it could also fine–tune the solvation structure of Zn ions due to the enhanced electrostatics and reduced Pauli repulsion verified by energy decomposition analysis (EDA). Hence, the cell retains an ultra–long cycle performance of over 1300 cycles and a superior Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.5 %. The prepared full cells display increased rate capability, cycle lifetime, and self–discharge suppression. Our results shed light on the mechanistic principle of electrolyte additives on the performance improvement of ZIBs, which is anticipated to render a new round of studies.
Personal history of cancer as a risk factor for second primary lung cancer: Implications for lung cancer screening
Authors: Nofal Sara , Niu Jiangong , Resong Paul , Jin Jeff , Merriman Kelly W. , Le Xiuning , Katki Hormuzd , Heymach John , Antonoff Mara B. , Ostrin Edwin , Wu Jia , Zhang Jianjun , Toumazis Iakovos 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPersonal history of cancer is an independent risk factor for lung cancer but is omitted from existing lung cancer screening eligibility criteria. In this study, we assess the lung cancer risk among cancer survivors and discuss potential implications for screening.MethodsThis was a retrospective, secondary analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). We estimated the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for lung cancer by site of first primary cancer using data from SEER. We assessed the lung cancer risk among head and neck cancer survivors from MDACC using cumulative incidence and compared the risk ratios (RR) by individuals' screening eligibility status.ResultsOther than first primary lung cancer (SIR: 5.10, 95% CI: 5.01–5.18), cancer survivors in SEER with personal history of head and neck cancer (SIR: 3.71, 95% CI: 3.63–3.80) had the highest risk of developing second primary lung cancer, followed by bladder (SIR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.81–1.90) and esophageal cancers (SIR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.61–1.96). Head and neck cancer survivors had higher risk to develop lung cancer compared to the National Lung Screening Trial's subjects, (781 vs. 572 per 100,000 person‐years, respectively). Head and neck cancer survivors ineligible for lung cancer screening seen at MDACC had significantly higher lung cancer risk than head and neck cancer survivors from SEER (RR: 1.9, p < 0.001).ConclusionPersonal history of cancer, primarily head and neck cancer, is an independent risk factor for lung cancer and may be considered as an eligibility criterion in future lung cancer screening recommendations.