bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mbit/s-range alkali vapour spin noise quantum random number generators
Authors: Koterle Matija , Beguš Samo , Pirman Jure , Mežnaršič Tadej , Gosar Katja , Zupanič Erik , Žitko Rok , Jeglič Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSpin noise based quantum random number generators first appeared in 2008 and have since then garnered little further interest, in part because their bit rate is limited by the transverse relaxation time $T_{2}$

T
2

which for coated alkali vapour cells is typically in the kbit/s range. Here we present two advances. The first is an improved bit generation protocol that allows generating bits at rates exceeding $1/T_{2}$
1
/

T
2

with only a minor increase of serial correlations. The second is a significant reduction of the time $T_{2}$

T
2

itself by removing the coating, increasing the vapour temperature and introducing a magnetic-field gradient. In this way we managed to increase the bit generation rate to 1.04 Mbit/s. We analyse the quality of the generated random bits using entropy estimation and we discuss the extraction methods to obtain high-entropy bitstreams. We accurately predict the entropy output of the device backed with a stochastic model and numerical simulations.
MultiMatch: Multi-task Learning for Semi-supervised Domain Generalization
Authors: Qi Lei , Yang Hongpeng , Shi Yinghuan , Geng Xin 
Published: February 2024

Domain generalization (DG) aims at learning a model on source domains to well generalize on the unseen target domain. Although it has achieved great success, most of the existing methods require the label information for all training samples in source domains, which is time-consuming and expensive in the real-world application. In this article, we resort to solving the semi-supervised domain generalization (SSDG) task, where there are a few label information in each source domain. To address the task, we first analyze the theory of multi-domain learning, which highlights that (1) mitigating the impact of domain gap and (2) exploiting all samples to train the model can effectively reduce the generalization error in each source domain so as to improve the quality of pseudo-labels. According to the analysis, we propose MultiMatch, i.e., extending FixMatch to the multi-task learning framework, producing the high-quality pseudo-label for SSDG. To be specific, we consider each training domain as a single task (i.e., local task) and combine all training domains together (i.e., global task) to train an extra task for the unseen test domain. In the multi-task framework, we utilize the independent batch normalization and classifier for each task, which can effectively alleviate the interference from different domains during pseudo-labeling. Also, most of the parameters in the framework are shared, which can be trained by all training samples sufficiently. Moreover, to further boost the pseudo-label accuracy and the model’s generalization, we fuse the predictions from the global task and local task during training and testing, respectively. A series of experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and it outperforms the existing semi-supervised methods and the SSDG method on several benchmark DG datasets.
Association between Airport Ultrafine Particles and Lung Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Bookstein Arthur , Po Justine , Tseng Chiuchen , Larson Timothy V. , Yang Juan , Park Sung-shim L. , Wu Jun , Shariff-Marco Salma , Inamdar Pushkar P. , Ihenacho Ugonna , Setiawan Veronica W. , DeRouen Mindy C. , Le Marchand Loïc , Stram Daniel O. , Samet Jonathan , Ritz Beate , Fruin Scott , Wu Anna H. , Cheng Iona 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Ultrafine particles (UFP) are unregulated air pollutants abundant in aviation exhaust. Emerging evidence suggests that UFPs may impact lung health due to their high surface area-to-mass ratio and deep penetration into airways. This study aimed to assess long-term exposure to airport-related UFPs and lung cancer incidence in a multiethnic population in Los Angeles County.

Methods:
Within the California Multiethnic Cohort, we examined the association between long-term exposure to airport-related UFPs and lung cancer incidence. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the effect of UFP exposure on lung cancer incidence. Subgroup analyses by demographics, histology and smoking status were conducted.

Results:
Airport-related UFP exposure was not associated with lung cancer risk [per one IGR HR, 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.97–1.05] overall and across race/ethnicity. A suggestive positive association was observed between a one IQR increase in UFP exposure and lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) risk (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00–1.17) with a Phet for histology = 0.05. Positive associations were observed in 5-year lag analysis for SCC (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, CI, 1.02–1.22) and large cell carcinoma risk (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01–1.49) with a Phet for histology = 0.01.

Conclusions:
This large prospective cohort analysis suggests a potential association between airport-related UFP exposure and specific lung histologies. The findings align with research indicating that UFPs found in aviation exhaust may induce inflammatory and oxidative injury leading to SCC.

Impact:
These results highlight the potential role of airport-related UFP exposure in the development of lung SCC.
Implementation of All-Sky Assimilation of Microwave Humidity Sounding Channels in Environment Canada’s Global Deterministic Weather Prediction System
Authors: Bani Shahabadi Maziar , Buehner Mark 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cloud-affected microwave humidity sounding radiances were excluded from assimilation in the hybrid four-dimensional ensemble–variational (4D-EnVar) system of the Global Deterministic Prediction System (GDPS) at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). This was due to the inability of the current radiative transfer model to consider the scattering effect from frozen hydrometeors at these frequencies. In addition to upgrading the observation operator to RTTOV-SCATT, quality control, bias correction, and 4D-EnVar assimilation components are modified to perform all-sky assimilation of Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) channel 2–5 observations over ocean in the GDPS. The input profiles to RTTOV-SCATT are extended to include liquid cloud, ice cloud, and cloud fraction profiles for the simulation and assimilation of MHS observations over water. There is a maximum (35%) increase in the number of channel 2 assimilated MHS observations with smaller increases for channels 3–5 in the all-sky experiment compared to the clear-sky experiment, mostly because of newly assimilated cloud-affected observations. The standard deviation (stddev) of difference between the observed global positioning system radio occultation (GPSRO) refractivity observations and the corresponding simulated values using the background state was reduced in the lower troposphere below 9 km in the all-sky experiment. Verifications of forecasts against the radiosonde observations show statistically significant reductions of 1% in the stddev of error for geopotential height, temperature, and horizontal wind for the all-sky experiment between 72- and 120-h forecast ranges in the troposphere in the Northern Hemisphere domain. Verifications of forecasts against ECMWF analyses also show small improvements in the zonal mean of stddev of error for temperature and horizontal wind for the all-sky experiment between 72- and 120-h forecast ranges. This work was planned for operational implementation in the GDPS in fall 2023.
Sellar Reconstruction With a Bioabsorbable Plate After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Adenoma Resection: Safe and Efficacious
Authors: Thorpe Ryan Kendall , Dougherty Mark C. , Walsh Jarrett E. , Graham Scott M. , Greenlee Jeremy D.W. 
Published: February 2024

Objective: To report outcomes of a large cohort of patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for resection of a pituitary adenoma with subsequent Resorb-X plate (RXP) sellar reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective review of 620 EETS operations performed at a single academic center between 2005 and 2020 was conducted. Results: A total of 215 EETS operations of 208 patients were identified between 2012 and 2020 who underwent reconstruction with the RXP after EETS for pituitary tumor resection with a final pathologic diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. Analysis of pooled data revealed a mean preoperative tumor volume of 6.8 cm3 (range: 0.038-51.03 cm3). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in 2 patients (0.93%). Postoperative meningitis occurred in 1 patient (0.47%). There were no cases of RXP extrusion. Conclusions: The rate of postoperative CSF leak and meningitis after use of the RXP for sellar reconstruction compares favorably to other methods, including use of autologous grafts and flaps. Use of RXP during EETS is a safe and efficacious method of sellar reconstruction and may obviate the need for autologous tissue reconstruction after pituitary adenoma resection.
What are the triggers for palliative care referral in burn intensive care units? Results from a qualitative study based on healthcare professionals’ views, clinical experiences and practices
Authors: Ribeiro André Filipe , Martins Pereira Sandra , Nunes Rui , Hernández-Marrero Pablo 
Published: February 2024

Background: Burns are a global public health problem, accounting for around 300,000 deaths annually. Burns have significant consequences for patients, families, healthcare teams and systems. Evidence suggests that the integration of palliative care in burn intensive care units improves patients’ comfort, decision-making processes and family care. Research is needed on how to optimise palliative care referrals. Aim: To identify triggers for palliative care referral in critically burned patients based on professionals’ views, experiences and practices. Design: Qualitative study using in-depth interviews. Setting/participants: All five Burn Intensive Care Units reference centres across Portugal were invited; three participated. Inclusion criteria: Professionals with experience/working in these settings. A total of 15 professionals (12 nurses and 3 physicians) participated. Reflexive thematic analysis was performed. Results: Three main triggers for palliative care referral were identified: (i) Burn severity and extension, (ii) Co-morbidities and (iii) Multiorgan failure. Other triggers were also generated: (i) Rehabilitative palliative care related to patients’ suffering and changes in body image, (ii) Family suffering and/or dysfunctional and complex family processes, (iii) Long stay in the burn intensive care unit and (iv) Uncontrolled pain. Conclusions: This study identifies triggers for palliative care in burn intensive care units based on professionals’ views, clinical experiences and practices. The systematisation and use of triggers could help streamline referral pathways and strengthen the integration of palliative care in burn intensive care units. Research is needed on the use of these triggers in clinical practice to enhance decision-making processes, early and high-quality integrated palliative care and proportionate patient and family centred care.
Nivolumab in pretreated pleural mesothelioma: Results from an observational real-world study of patients treated within the AIFA 5% Fund
Authors: Cerbone Luigi , Delfanti Sara , Crivellari Stefania , De Angelis Antonina Maria , Mazzeo Laura , Proto Claudia , Occhipinti Mario , Lo Russo Giuseppe , Dellepiane Chiara , Biello Federica , Alabiso Irene , Verderame Francesco , Gauna Roberta , De Simone Irene , Cuppone Federica , Petraglia Sandra , Pasello Giulia , Ceresoli Giovanni Luca , Garassino Marina Chiara , Torri Valter , Grosso Federica 
Published: February 2024

Background: Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer with a dismal prognosis and few therapeutic options, especially in the pretreated setting. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors as single agents yielded interesting results in refractory pleural mesothelioma, achieving a response rate between 10-20%, median progression-free survival of 2-5 months and median overall survival of 7-13 months. Patients and methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of pleural mesothelioma patients treated with nivolumab in second and further line was performed. The endpoints of the study are response rate, disease control rate, progression free survival and overall survival. Results: Sixty-five patients with pleural mesothelioma treated with nivolumab in second and further line were enrolled at seven Italian institutions. The response rate was 8%, disease control rate was 37%, median progression free survival was 5.7 months (95% CI: 2.9-9.0) and median overall survival was 11.1 (95% CI 6.2-19.9) months. A higher neutrophils and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio at baseline were associated with worse prognosis. Conclusion: Nivolumab as a single agent is fairly active in a cohort of unselected pretreated pleural mesothelioma patients. Further investigations on clinical and translational factors are needed to define which patient might benefit most from nivolumab treatment in pleural mesothelioma.
Microaxial mechanical circulatory support after orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Pritting Christopher , Ahmad Danial , Patel Keyur , Miyamoto Takuma , Rajab Taufiek K , Rajapreyar Indranee N , Massey Howard T , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang 
Published: February 2024

Aim: Use of microaxial mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been reported for severe graft rejection or dysfunction after heart transplantation (HTx). We aimed to assess utilization patterns of microaxial MCS after HTx in adolescents (ages 18 and younger) and adults (ages 19 and older). Methods: Electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies on post-HTx use of microaxial support in adults and adolescents. A total of 18 studies were selected and patient-level data were extracted for statistical analysis. Results: All patients ( n=23), including adults ( n=15) and adolescents ( n=8), underwent Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) microaxial MCS after HTx. Median age was 36 [IQR 18–56] years (Adults, 52 [37–59]; adolescents, 16 [15–17]). Primary right ventricular graft dysfunction was an indication exclusively seen in the adults 40% (6/15), while acute graft rejection was present in 46.7% (7/15) of adults. Median time after transplant was 9 [0–32] months (Adults, 4 [0–32]; adolescents, 11 [4.5, 45]). Duration of Impella support was comparable between adults and adolescents (5 [2.5–8] vs 6 [5–8] days, p = 0.38). Overall improvement was observed both in median LV ejection fraction (23.5% [11.3–28] to 42% [37.8–47.3], p < 0.01) and cardiac index (1.8 [1.2–2.6] to 3 [2.5–3.1], p < 0.01). Retransplantation was required in four adolescents (50%, 4/8). Survival to discharge was achieved by 60.0% (9/15) of adults and 87.5% (7/8) of adolescents respectively ( p = 0.37). Conclusion: Indications for microaxial MCS appear to vary between adult and adolescent patients. Overall improvement in LVEF and cardiac index was observed, however, with suboptimal survival to discharge.
Nurses and Climate Change: A Narrative Review of Nursing Associations’ Recommendations for Integrating Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Gaudreau Coralie , Guillaumie Laurence , Jobin Édith , Diallo Thierno Amadou 
Published: February 2024

Background According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the greatest challenge of the twenty-first century. It is already affecting the health of many Canadians through extreme heat, wildfires and the expansion of zoonotic diseases. As trusted professionals, nurses are in favourable position to take action on climate change. Purpose To document the recommendations issued by Quebec, Canadian, American and international nursing associations regarding nursing practices that address climate change or environmental issues. Methods This narrative review was conducted by establishing a list of environmental and general nursing associations in the geographical areas of interest through Google searches as well as by retrieving documents about climate change or environmental issues published by these organizations on their websites. Data related to the documents’ characteristics and recommended nursing roles were then extracted. Results The review identified 13 nurses’ organizations and 20 documents describing 37 recommendations for nurses in seven socioecological areas: individual, patient-focused, workplace, nursing associations, public health organizations, political and education. Conclusions There is a gap between the breadth of roles that nurses may be called upon to play in addressing climate change and the degree to which relevant organizations are prepared to create the required conditions for them to do so. Several lessons emerged, including that the urgency of the climate crisis requires clear guidelines on how nurses can integrate climate change and its resultant health concerns into practice through nurses’ associations, education and bottom-up nursing innovations. Funding is required for such initiatives, which must also prioritize health inequalities.
Analysis of settlement thresholds for a new ballastless track-concrete box subgrade structure
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , Tang Yongjiu , Zheng Weiqi , Qin Yu , Yu Lei , Wang Xiang 
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the effects of settlement on force, track deformation, and train dynamics to determine the settlement thresholds of ballastless track-concrete box subgrade (BTCBS) are studied. Firstly, this study introduces four settlement types, namely V-shape, box rolling, box faulting, and trapezoid settlement. The nonlinear finite element model (FEM) of BTCBS and the train-ballastless track-concrete box subgrade (TBTCBS) model considering nonlinear contact between track slabs and base slabs are established. Then, the effects of settlement on fastener force, track deformation, and vehicle dynamics are studied. According to the calculated results and China’s codes, the settlement limit values of BTCBS can be obtained. The results indicate that the settlement thresholds with box rolling and faulting are controlled by vertical force of fasteners, and the settlement limit values with V-shape and trapezoid settlement are controlled by 10 m chord versine of vertical irregularity (CVVI). The suggested settlement limit values of BTCBS for box faulting, box rolling, trapezoid, and V-shape settlement are respectively 2.48 mm, 2.55 mm, 17.43 mm, and 8.79 mm.
Scientific Insights into Hyperlipidemia Mitigation: A Profound Examination of Isolated Bioactive Fractions of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Leaves and their Therapeutic Implications Using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico Study from the Characterized Compounds Using HPTLC MS/MSn Analysis
Authors: Singh Ravi Pratap , Pattnaik Ashok Kumar 
Published: February 2024

Background Hyperlipidemia is a common precursor to cardiovascular diseases, necessitating effective intervention. This study explores the potential of a bioactive fraction derived from Kalanchoe pinnata leaf, a less-explored natural source, for its antihyperlipidemic properties. Objectives The primary objectives of this research are to isolate and assess the bioactive fraction from Kalanchoe pinnata leaves extract for its antihyperlipidemic attributes using a murine model. The study also aims to characterize the fraction and investigate its interactions with hyperlipidemia-related proteins. Materials and Methods Kalanchoe pinnata leaves were extracted and fractionated via flash chromatography. Isolated fractions underwent phytochemical, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition assays in vitro. In vivo, selected fractions were tested in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Fraction F2, which exhibits the most potent activity, was characterized using HPTLC MS/MSn chromatography. Molecular docking studies explored interactions between F2 compounds and hyperlipidemia-related proteins. Results Fraction F2 displayed significant in vivo antihyperlipidemic activity, with observable morphological changes in mice. HPTLC MS/MSn identified four major compounds in F2, while docking studies revealed potential interactions with hyperlipidemia-related proteins. Conclusion This study underscores F2’s potential as a potent antihyperlipidemic agent sourced from Kalanchoe pinnata leaves. The identified compounds hold promise for further research in hyperlipidemia therapy development, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of natural Kalanchoe pinnata compounds for managing hyperlipidemia and related cardiovascular conditions.
Online Resources for Robin Sequence; an Analysis of Readability
Authors: Browne R. , Hurley C.M. , Carr S. , de Blacam C. 
Published: February 2024

The objective was to evaluate the readability of easily accessible parent-directed information concerning Robin Sequence (RS) online, compared to the American Medical Association (AMA)-recommended sixth grade (age 11-12) readability level.A Google search of the term “Pierre Robin Sequence information” was performed. The first ten websites were evaluated using six commonly used readability formulas. Sample texts from three websites were ‘translated’ by the authors, with the aim of achieving a sixth grade readability level.The following outcomes were used: Automated Readability Index (ARI), Coleman Liau Index (CLI), Gunning Fog Score, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score.The mean pooled grade level of the top 10 included websites was 12.1 (age 17-18). The overall FRE Index was 45.8, which is equivalent to a College-grade reading level. The mean grade level by each test used was: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 11.6 (age 16-17), Gunning Fog Score 13.3 (age 18+), SMOG 10.0 (age 14-15), Coleman-Liau Index 13.8 (age 18+), and ARI 12.0 (age 17-18). The author-translated resources achieved pooled mean grade levels of 6.3-6.5.Parent-directed online materials concerning RS have a readability in excess of the AMA-recommended sixth grade reading level. Even though the condition is complex, more readable resources are achievable. Coproduction of parent-directed resources in association with public an patient involvement (PPI) contributors is encouraged.