bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyposaline conditions impact the early life‐stages of commercially important high‐latitude kelp species
Authors: Farrugia Drakard Veronica , Hollarsmith Jordan A. , Stekoll Michael S.
Published: February 2025

This study examines how hyposaline stress impacts the early life‐stages of commercial kelp species from Alaska. Kelp are important species both ecologically and commercially and are likely to experience significant impacts due to ongoing climate change. Climate‐driven glacial melt and changing rainfall patterns globally will release large amounts of freshwater into coastal systems in the coming decades. Both bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) and ribbon kelp (Alaria marginata) are high‐latitude species of commercial and ecological importance. These species inhabit very different environments: While bull kelp is a subtidal, canopy‐forming species, ribbon kelp is an intertidal subcanopy species. In this study, fertile specimens of both were collected from various locations in Alaska and induced to release spores. These were cultivated for 30 days in four salinity treatments: 32, 25, 20, and 13. Both species grew and produced gametophytes in salinities down to a salinity of 20, although A. marginata seems to be better adapted to hyposaline conditions. Below a salinity of 20, we observed several impacts on progression between life stages. The response of gametophyte growth and the production of eggs and sporophytes to different salinities varied both by species and by population. Gametophytes of N. luetkeana grew fastest at a salinity of 32, while those of A. marginata grew fastest between 20 and 25 (Juneau) or 25 and 32 (Kodiak). In terms of egg production, A. marginata displayed significant population‐level variation. Juneau individuals produced the same number of eggs regardless of salinity. Kodiak individuals produced fewer eggs in hyposaline conditions. The production of sporophytes from eggs for both species from all locations was unaffected by salinities above 20; however, no sporophytes at all were produced at 13. All of this has implications for commercial production in the hatchery phase, as hyposaline stress may induce N. luetkeana to produce sporophytes faster than in full oceanic salinity. In terms of wild populations, the observed population‐level and species‐level differences in adaptation to hyposaline conditions suggest that decreased salinities in coastal areas are likely to impact the distribution of these two species over the coming decades.
Contingent Mother's Voice Intervention Facilitates Attention in Hospitalized Preterm Infants With Neural Insults
Authors: Kjeldsen Caitlin P. , Neel Mary Lauren , Stark Ann R. , He Zhulin , Chorna Olena , Benninger Kristen , Maitre Nathalie L.
Published: February 2025

Neurologic insults in infancy can have significant long‐term effects on developmental processes including attention and learning; however, the heterogeneity of diagnoses and treatments in this population often lead to exclusion from interventional trials to improve outcomes. This study sought to determine whether hospitalized infants with neural insults have the capacity to attend to and engage in an intervention leveraging recorded mother's voice contingent on non‐nutritive suck (NNS). Eighty‐four hospitalized infants with neural insult were randomized to receive 20 sessions of intervention (recorded mother's voice contingent on NNS) or control (passive exposure to recorded mother's voice). Pause time between suck bursts was 29% lower for infants receiving contingent mother's voice compared to passive exposure (p < 0.001). Hospitalized infants with evidence of neural insult have the capacity to engage in active interventions leveraging recorded mother's voice and demonstrate greater attention during active versus passive presentation of stimuli.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03230032.
Not All Bark Beetles Smell the Same: Population‐Level Functional Olfactory Polymorphisms in Ips typographus Pheromone Receptor ItypOR33
Authors: Johny Jibin , Diallo Souleymane , Nadachowska‐Brzyska Krystyna , Moliterno Antonioni Acacio Campos , Roy Amit , Kalinová Blanka , Große‐Wilde Ewald , Schlyter Fredrik
Published: February 2025

Eurasian spruce bark beetle Ips typographus, a natural part of forest ecosystems, is a major threat to Norway spruce forests during outbreaks. Olfaction plays a crucial role in the survival and range expansion of these beetles, amid forest disturbances and climate change. As the current management strategies are suboptimal for controlling outbreaks, the reverse chemical ecology approaches based on pheromone receptors offer promising alternatives. While the search for pheromone receptors is in progress, recently found chromosomal inversions indicates signs of adaptation in this species. Our attempts to characterise one of the highly expressed odorant receptors, ItypOR33, located in an inversion, led to the discovery of polymorphic variants distributed with similar frequency across 18 European populations. Deorphanizing ItypOR33 and its variant ItypOR33a using the Drosophila empty‐neuron system (DeNS) revealed ItypOR33 tuned to amitinol, a heterospecific pheromone component in Ips spp., whereas its variant tuned to (S)‐(−)‐ipsenol, a conspecific pheromone component of I. typographus. The in silico approaches revealed the structural basis of variations by predicting putative ligand‐binding sites, tunnels and ligand‐receptor interactions. However, no sex‐specific differences were found in the ItypOR33 expression, and its ligand amitinol elicited behavioural and electrophysiological responses. Reporting population‐level functional olfactory polymorphisms for the first time in a non‐model organism—bark beetles, provides key evidence for further exploring their survival and adaptation in forests. Additionally, these findings indicate potential long‐term complexities of managing bark beetles in forests.
Efficiency of Class II Malocclusion Treatment With Extraction of 2 Maxillary Premolars and the First Class Appliance Anchored in Mini‐Implants
Authors: Tonello Diego Luiz , Cavalcanti Heloísa Nelson , de Almeida Lázaro Vinícius Ribeiro , Bellini‐Pereira Silvio Augusto , Castillo Aron Aliaga‐Del , Henriques José Fernando Castanha , Garib Daniela , Janson Guilherme
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Treatment efficiency is considered an important clinical variable in orthodontic practice; therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the efficiency between different Class II compensatory treatment approaches. The extraction of 2 maxillary premolars was compared to molar distalization with the First Class distaliser indirectly anchored to mini‐implants.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective sample of 31 patients was divided into two groups. Group 1: Class II treatment with two premolar extractions; 18 patients with a mean initial age of 14.3 ± 1.3 years. Group 2: Distalization with the First Class appliance indirectly anchored to mini‐implants; 13 patients with a mean initial age of 13.3 ± 1.3 years. The Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the Objective Grading System (OGS) were used to calculate the percentage of occlusal improvement (PcPAR), treatment time (TT) and treatment efficiency index (TEI). The occlusal indexes, TT and TEI between both groups were compared using t tests (p < 0.05).

Results

Similar occlusal outcomes were observed between the groups, with no statistically significant differences (F‐PAR and OGS). The TT in Group 1 was significantly shorter compared to Group 2. As a result, treatment with extractions was significantly more efficient (TEI: 3.23) than the treatment with maxillary molar distalization anchored indirectly to mini‐implants (TEI: 1.95).

Conclusions

Both treatment protocols showed similar occlusal results; however, Class II correction with two premolar extractions is significantly more efficient than molar distalization with indirect skeletal anchorage.
Klebsiella pneumoniae infection increases risk of Alzheimer's disease in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Lehrer Steven , Rheinstein Peter H.
Published: February 2025

Background

Infections, including bacterial pathogens, have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a common hospital‐acquired pathogen associated with significant inflammation, which may contribute to neurodegeneration. This study investigates the relationship between K. pneumoniae infections and AD in the UK Biobank cohort.

Methods

Using UK Biobank data, we assessed AD diagnoses based on linked healthcare records and identified K. pneumoniae infections using International Classification of Disease 10th Edition codes B96.1 and J15.0. A cohort of 502 494 participants was analyzed for AD incidence in relation to demographic factors, educational years, apolipoprotein E (APOE) isoforms, and history of K. pneumoniae infection. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between K. pneumoniae infection and AD risk.

Results

AD incidence was significantly higher among participants with a history of K. pneumoniae infection (1.0%) compared to those without (0.2%; P < 0.001, Fisher's exact test two‐tailed). Logistic regression analysis revealed that K. pneumoniae infection was associated with an increased risk of AD (odds ratio = 3.32, P < 0.001), independent of age, sex, education, and APOE isoform. Additionally, AD risk was higher among ε4ε4 carriers and increased with age but decreased with additional years of education.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that K. pneumoniae infection may be an independent risk factor for AD. This association underscores the need for further research into infection control and its role in mitigating neurodegenerative disease risk, particularly in populations susceptible to healthcare‐associated infections.
A mile high and an inch deep: Exploring ChatGPT as a mathematics curriculum development tool
Authors: Sawyer Amanda Gantt , Aga Zareen Gul
Published: February 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has issues, including inherent bias and inaccurate information, yet it has not stifled individuals' use of this technology in the mathematics classroom. Thus, we conducted a document analysis to investigate ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot, constructing elementary mathematical tasks to determine how mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) can support this implementation. We analyzed 191 text responses constructed by ChatGPT, each corresponding to a task created for one of the elementary Common Core mathematical standards from kindergarten to fifth Grade to answer the research questions: What are the associated levels of cognitive demand of the ChatGPT's text responses, is there a statistically significant difference between lower‐level mathematical tasks and higher‐level mathematical tasks, and what are the common characteristics of AI's tasks? We found significantly higher‐level cognitive demands across the tasks, but many activities were repetitive and inappropriate for the specified grade level. Finally, we explored how MTEs could support teachers using this tool in their classrooms using Mathematical Critical Curation Questions.
Divergence in the effects of sugar feedback regulation on the major gene regulatory network and metabolism of photosynthesis in leaves between the two founding Saccharum species
Authors: Shi Huihong , Hua Xiuting , Zhao Dongxu , Xu Juanjuan , Li Min , Wan Beiyuan , Li Zhen , Zhang Yingying , Yao Jiayu , Li Shuangyu , Lan Yuhong , Qi Yiying , Gao Ruiting , Zhang Yixing , Zhang Kelun , Guo Yijia , Fan Xianwei , Tang Haibao , Zhang Jisen
Published: February 2025

Sugarcane is a crop that accumulates sucrose with high photosynthesis efficiency. Therefore, the feedback regulation of sucrose on photosynthesis is crucial for improving sugarcane yield. Saccharum spontaneum and Saccharum officinarum are the two founding Saccharum species for modern sugarcane hybrids. S. spontaneum exhibits a higher net photosynthetic rate but lower sucrose content than S. officinarum. However, the mechanism underlying the negative feedback regulation of photosynthesis by sucrose remains poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of exogenous sucrose treatment on S. spontaneum and S. officinarum. Exogenous sucrose treatment increases sucrose content in the leaf base but inhibits photosynthetic efficiency and the expression of photosynthesis‐related pathway genes (including RBCS and PEPC) in both species. However, gene expression patterns differed significantly, with few differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared between the two species, indicating a differential response to exogenous sucrose. The expression networks of key genes involved in sugar metabolism, sugar transport, and PEPC and RBCS showed divergence between two species. Additionally, DEGs involved in the pentose phosphate pathway and the metabolism of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were uniquely enriched in S. spontaneum, potentially contributing to the differential changes in sucrose content in the tip between the two species. We propose a model of the mechanisms underlying the negative feedback regulation of photosynthesis by sucrose in the leaves of S. spontaneum and S. officinarum. Our findings enhance the understanding of sucrose feedback regulation on photosynthesis and provide insights into the divergent molecular mechanisms of sugar accumulation in Saccharum.
The gap‐free genome assembly and multi‐omics analyses illustrate the evolutionary history and the synthesis of medicinal components of Ligustrum lucidum
Authors: Li Yong , Yuan Meng‐Jie , Zhang Zi‐Yan , Pei Nan‐Cai
Published: February 2025

Ligustrum lucidum, an important ornamental and medicinal plant in the Oleaceae family, has become a globally notorious invasive species because of its high adaptability. However, the lack of a high quality genome has hindered the understanding of the genetic basis for its broad adaptability and the mechanisms of its medicinal component synthesis. In this study, we successfully assembled a gap free telomere to telomere genome of L. lucidum. Through the reconstruction of the phylogenetic tree, we presented evidence that Jasmineae diverged from Oleaceae earlier than Forsythieae, which challenges the existing phylogenetic relationships within Oleaceae. Comparative genomics has found that two rounds of gene family expansions in L. lucidum significantly increased the number of genes related to its biotic and abiotic stress resistances, which may lay the genetic foundation for its broad adaptability. Among the L. lucidum fruits from January to March in our investigation, the results of metabolome show that March may be the optimal harvesting time. By integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data, we identified candidate genes involved in the synthesis of compounds, such as specnuezhenide, salidroside, and oleanolic acid. This study provides valuable genomic resources for comparative genomics studies within Oleaceae and for the genetic research of L. lucidum.
A narrative review: Resuscitation of older adults with hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Al Ma'ani Mohammad , Nelson Adam , Castillo Diaz Francisco , Specner Audrey L. , Khurshid Muhammad Haris , Anand Tanya , Hejazi Omar , Ditillo Michael , Magnotti Louis J. , Joseph Bellal
Published: February 2025

Background

The increasing population of older adults presents unique challenges in trauma care due to their reduced physiologic reserve compared to younger patients. Trauma‐induced hemorrhage remains a leading cause of mortality, yet there is a significant gap in the optimal management of hemodynamically unstable older adults. This review aims to synthesize current literature on resuscitation strategies, coagulopathy, triage, and the impact of timely interventions in older adult trauma patients experiencing hemorrhagic shock.

Study Design and Methods

A comprehensive narrative review was conducted following PRISMA‐Scr guidelines. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, yielding 380 titles. After removing duplicates, 287 unique articles were screened, of which 120 full‐text articles were reviewed. A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Studies were categorized based on resuscitation protocols (14 studies), coagulopathy management (7 studies), frailty and aging physiology (10 studies), and timing/triage in trauma care (14 studies).

Results

Studies highlight the effectiveness of the shock index (SI) over traditional vital signs for identifying hemodynamic instability in older adults. Balanced transfusion ratios and whole blood resuscitation show potential benefits, though data specific to older adults remain limited. Goal‐directed resuscitation protocols improve outcomes by addressing the unique physiological needs of this population. While trauma‐induced coagulopathy rates are similar across age groups, older adults frequently present with pre‐existing anticoagulation, complicating management. Standardized care pathways, early activation of massive transfusion protocols (MTP), and tailored resuscitation approaches are critical for optimizing care.

Discussion

The growing geriatric trauma population necessitates improved resuscitation strategies tailored to their unique physiological responses. While balanced transfusions and goal‐directed protocols have demonstrated efficacy, further research is required to refine these interventions specifically for older adults. Establishing standardized resuscitation guidelines and defining futility criteria will enhance decision‐making and improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Repetition‐dependent acutecardiopulmonary responses during intensity‐matched squats in males
Authors: Lässing Johannes , Hummelmann Sonja , Kramer Maxi , Laufs Ulrich , Fikenzer Sven , Falz Roberto
Published: February 2025

The ‘strength–endurance continuum’ is a key concept in strength training (ST). Although cardiopulmonary responses have seldom been reported in conjunction with ST, this repeated‐measurement study examined acute blood pressure and haemodynamic responses continuously depending on the number of repetitions but without changing the intensity. Fifteen healthy male participants (21.6 (2.0) years; mean (SD)) performed an incremental exercise test and a 3‐repetition maximum test (3‐RM) on a Smith machine. They were then randomly assigned to three ST sessions involving 10, 20 and 30 repetitions at 50% of their 3‐RM. Blood pressure (vascular unloading technique) and cardiopulmonary responses (spirometry and impedance cardiography) were continuously monitored. Heart rate (121 (10) vs. 139 (22) vs. 153 (13) bpm, P = 0.001, respectively), cardiac output (10.4 (1.9) vs. 13.6 (3.8) vs. 14.6 (3.1) L/min, P = 0.001, respectively) and diastolic blood pressure (113 (8) vs. 116 (21) vs. 135 (22) mmHg, P = 0.001, respectively) increased in the training sessions with higher repetitions. Stroke volume, systolic blood pressure and end‐diastolic volume indicated no change in peak values between training sessions. Total peripheral resistance (13.6 (2.8) vs. 11.3 (3.6) vs. 11.2 (3.1) mmHg min/L, P = 0.002, respectively) was significantly lower with 20 and 30 repetitions, while oxygen uptake (: 15.5 (1.9) vs. 20.5 (4.1) vs. 20.6 (4.4) mL/min/kg, P = 0.001, respectively) was significantly higher. ST of moderate intensity with an exhausting number (>20) of repetitions induces strong haemodynamic responses, especially high cardiac afterload and a compensatory heart rate acceleration, which may also create a strong stimulus for cardiopulmonary adaptation.
Optic nerve injury impairs intrinsic mechanisms underlying electrical activity in a resilient retinal ganglion cell
Authors: Zapadka Thomas E. , Tran Nicholas M. , Demb Jonathan B.
Published: February 2025

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons of the retina and convey visual information to the brain via their axons in the optic nerve. Following injury to the optic nerve, RGC axons degenerate and many cells die. For example, a model of axon injury, the optic nerve crush (ONC), kills ∼80% of RGCs after 2 weeks. Surviving cells are biased towards ‘resilient’ types, including several with sustained firing to light stimulation. RGC survival may depend on activity, and there is limited understanding of how or why activity changes following optic nerve injury. Here we quantified the electrophysiological properties of a highly resilient RGC type, the sustained ON‐Alpha (AlphaONS) RGC, 7 days after ONC with extracellular and whole‐cell patch clamp recording. Both light‐ and current‐driven firing were reduced after ONC, but synaptic inputs were largely intact. Resting membrane potential and input resistance were relatively unchanged, while voltage‐gated currents were impaired, including a reduction in voltage‐gated sodium channel current and channel density in the axon initial segment. Hyperpolarization or chelation of intracellular calcium partially rescued firing rates. Extracellular recordings at 3 days following ONC showed normal light‐evoked firing from AlphaONS RGCs and other Alpha RGCs, including susceptible types. These data suggest that an injured resilient RGC reduces its activity by 1 week after injury as a consequence of reduced voltage‐gated current and downregulation of intrinsic excitability via a Ca2+‐dependent mechanism. Reduced excitability may be due to degradation of the axon but could also be energetically beneficial, preserving energy for survival and regeneration.

image

Key points

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types show diverse rates of survival after axon injury.

A resilient RGC type (sustained ON‐Alpha RGC) maintains its synaptic inputs 1 week after injury.

The resilient RGC type shows diminished firing and reduced expression of axon initial segment genes 1 week after injury

Activity deficits reflect dysfunction of intrinsic properties (Na+ channels, intracellular Ca2+), not changes to synaptic input.

Both resilient and susceptible Alpha RGC types show intact firing at 3 days after injury, suggesting that activity at this time point does not predict resilience.
Habilidades sociales en el perfil formativo y psicosocial de los estudiantes universitarios: Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Sánchez-Bolívar Lionel , Vázquez Lindsay Michelle , Escalante-González Sergio , Martínez-Martínez Asunción , Zurita-Ortega Félix
Published: February 2025

Las habilidades sociales tienen un papel fundamental en la vida de los estudiantes universitarios. Con esta revisión se realiza un análisis del estado de la cuestión sobre las habilidades sociales en estudiantes universitarios. Durante el mes de febrero de 2021, se realizó la búsqueda en la base de datos Web of Science de los descriptores “social skills” y “university students”, cuyos resultados alcanzaron un total de 2501, en el período de 2017-2021. Tras el refinamiento y aplicación de categorías y criterios de inclusión, se seleccionaron un total de 13 artículos. Los resultados de este trabajo de revisión exponen que existe una necesidad educativa de cambiar el modelo evaluativo basado en objetivos-contenidos a un modelo basado en objetivos-competencias, dado el papel simbiótico que esta variable psicosocial tiene con las estrategias de aprendizaje del alumnado, el rendimiento académico, la motivación, así como en el proceso de orientación educativa, vocacional, profesional y laboral.
Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode-Based Lateral Stability Control for Three-axis Heavy Vehicles
Authors: Sun Xiaoqiang , Quan Zhenqiang , Dong Gaoshang , Cai Yingfeng , Chen Long
Published: February 2025

In order to improve the driving stability of three-axis heavy vehicles (TAHV) under special driving conditions, this paper proposes a novel integrated control scheme combining 6-wheel steering (6WS) and direct yaw moment control (DYC). Firstly, a 9-DOF TAHV dynamics model, which considers the tire nonlinear mechanical properties under combined conditions is established, and an equivalent stiffness coefficient of the middle and rear axles is introduced to calculate the vertical load of each wheel more accurately. In the 6WS control strategy, with the goal of zero sideslip angle, the steering ratio coefficients of the middle and rear axles are adjusted in real time according to the vehicle longitudinal speed based on the Ackerman principle. In the DYC strategy, the tire cornering stiffness of the TAHV reference model is dynamically corrected in real time based on the Newton interpolation method. In addition, the longitudinal critical speed is determined by using Laplace transform to choose the suitable reference model for different steering modes to calculate the target yaw rate value. Then, based on feedforward control and feedback control using nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control algorithm, the optimal additional yaw moment required for TAHV lateral stabilization is calculated. On this basic, the braking torque of every wheel is obtained by optimal control allocation algorithm. Finally, simulation verification is carried out for four typical driving conditions, and the results show that the integrated control scheme has good control effect on lateral stability of TAHV.
Exploring Electrode-level State-of-Charge and State-of-Health Dynamics in Lithium-ion Battery Cells: Modeling and Experimental Identification
Authors: Sattarzadeh Sara , Colclasure Andrew , Smith Kandler , Li Xuemin , Dey Satadru
Published: February 2025

A computationally efficient model serves as a critical prerequisite for battery performance analysis and advanced battery management algorithm design. Although battery models that capture cell-level behavior have been widely explored in existing literature, electrode-level battery models have received much lesser attention till date. However, such electrode-level models can significantly increase battery performance and life by enabling electrode-level health conscious control. Such electrode-level control can effectively expand usable energy and power limits of the battery cells by utilizing the knowledge of individual electrodes? charge and health. In this context, this paper presents a comprehensive battery model developed with a reference electrode insertion that capture (i) electrode-level charge/discharge dynamics, (ii) stoichiometric and temporal dependencies of electrode-level resistances, (iii) Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) layer growth as key degradation phenomenon, and (iv) capacity fade and resistance rise in each electrode due to nominal battery aging. The proposed model is identified and a preliminary validation is performed utilizing terminal voltage and negative electrode potential data collected from a pouch cell under one continuous cycling and accelerated aging conditions where the cell experienced 14% capacity loss.
Investigation of the surface pressure and thrust generated by a tilt distributed electric propulsion wing
Authors: Ni James , Lee Timothy
Published: February 2025

This study is a continuation of our work (Ref [1]) in which a large increase in lift and decrease in drag of a semi-wing equipped with four four-bladed propellers at Re = 226,000 were reported. The force-balance measurements however contained both the thrust generated by the distributed electric propulsion (DEP) wing and the propeller slipstream-produced lift and drag forces. In the present experiment, the propeller slipstream-produced lift and drag were calculated through the surface pressures developed on the tilt DEP wing at multiple spanwise locations. By subtracting the propeller slipstream-produced lift and drag from the direct force-balance data, the thrust force generated by the DEP wing at each tilt angle and propeller rotation was obtained. The DEP wing-produced thrust was found to agree well with the surface pressure and force-balance measurements. The behavior of the boundary-layer flow developed on the DEP wing was also analyzed through the surface pressure measurements. It is anticipated the present study will further advance our understanding of the aerodynamics of tiltwing eVTOL during transition maneuvering and its design.
Thermally Mediated Droplet Breakup Dynamics within a Symmetric T-Junction
Authors: Nath Ashim Jyoti , Dhrijit Kumar Deka Dhrijit Kumar , Pati Sukumar
Published: February 2025

The present article presents a computational-based investigation exploring the influence of thermo-capillarity and surface wettability on the splitting behavior of a droplet in a three-dimensional T-junction microchannel. The splitting process is triggered by using a heater on two different locations of the microchannel, which induces thermo-capillarity and reduces viscosity around the corresponding location. Three different surface wettability conditions are considered to develop a clear understanding of the wettability-thermocapillary interaction. The temporal evolution of the droplet splitting behavior for different heater temperatures, heater positions, and wettability scenarios is discussed in detail to interpret the breakup mechanism. The splitting and non-splitting droplets of different sizes are observed for the considered temperature range and heater positions, along with the wettability configurations. The findings established the fact that higher thermal contrast in the flow confinement leads to an asymmetric breakup or even non-splitting regimes. Changing the wettability of the wall from hydrophilic to hydrophobic provides a wide range of size ratio of the daughter droplets. Furthermore, a novel breakup technique is presented by taking different wall wettability of the daughter branches, which ensures more control to achieve the desired breakup phenomenon.
Flow Through Scaled Additive Manufacturing Internal Passages with Correlated and Anti-Correlated Roughness on Opposing Walls
Authors: Boldt Ryan , McClain Stephen T.
Published: February 2025

Components created using additive manufacturing (AM) processes such as laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) may exhibit a type of printing error referred to as a ?layer shift error.? In this type of error, the reference location of the printing pattern shifts for each layer of material. If an AM-printed component includes an internal cooling passage, the features or roughness of one wall of the passage may become anti-correlated to the roughness on the opposing wall of the passage. In this study, a rough surface from the internal passage of a L-PBF coupon was used to create two base surfaces representing flow through 1) a passage oriented orthogonally to the printing direction and 2) a passage oriented at 45-degrees to the printing direction. Each base roughness pattern was then shifted in the streamwise direction to produce either the nearest minimum correlation or the nearest maximum correlation and applied to the opposing side of the internal passage. Bulk friction factor measurements and particle-tracking velocimetry measurements of the flow were obtained for each minimum and maximum roughness correlation condition. The particle tracking results indicate that the flow exhibited the expected differences in flow patterns between the correlated surface conditions for the orthogonal surface. The resulting friction factors indicated statistically significant differences in the bulk friction between the opposing surface correlation conditions; however, the overall results suggest that correlation of roughness on opposing walls is not a significant design consideration regarding frictional losses for AM internal cooling passages.
Nonlinear Vibration Attenuation via Stochastic Response Modification
Authors: Breunung Thomas , Balachandran Balakumar
Published: February 2025

Engineering systems naturally vibrate, and the reduction of the associated oscillations is crucial to increase lifespan, energy efficiency, and performance. To that end, many vibration attenuation strategies have been proposed and implemented in, for example, buildings, automotive systems, and aerospace applications. The majority of existing vibration attenuation schemes are based on well-developed linear systems theory. However, these schemes are not applicable to systems that exhibit nonlinear behavior. Furthermore, with linear approaches, one fails to leverage the potential of nonlinearities, which are invariably present in many applications. In this article, a beneficial interplay between nonlinearity and noise is utilized to reduce vibration amplitudes. More specifically, the sensitivity of high amplitude nonlinear responses is leveraged. Through noise addition, the response is steered away from high amplitude vibrations to low amplitude vibrations. Hence, the vibration amplitudes associated with a resonance are effectively reduced. Experiments and simulations confirm the efficiency and universality of the proposed strategy. It is shown that the observed vibration attenuation is robust with respect to parameter changes, responses associated with multiple resonances can be effected with one, single scheme, and one can utilize various noise sources in this scheme. Overall, the maximal amplitude is reduced by about 50 %.
On the improved efficiency of higher-order dynamics for computing resonant frequencies
Authors: Becker Eric T. , Inman Daniel J. , Sanders John W.
Published: February 2025

It was recently discovered that higher-order dynamics are \emph{intrinsically variational}, in the sense that higher-derivative versions of the classical equations of motion can always be derived from a minimum-action principle similar to Hamilton's principle, even when the physical system is non-conservative. This discovery has already led to several applications, including a new and more efficient algorithm for computing a non-proportionally damped system's resonant frequencies, based on the fourth-order system dynamics. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the source of this improved efficiency in greater detail. We find that the improved efficiency of the new resonant frequency algorithm is due almost entirely to savings in computing the eigenvalues of the system's stiffness matrix Ω˜. This result is surprising in light of the ostensible complexity of this matrix. Nevertheless, the savings are shown to be statistically significant, with attained significance levels below machine precision. Although a rigorous mathematical explanation remains elusive, empirical results presented here lead us to conjecture that the reason may have to do with the unique block structure of the stiffness matrix, which it inherits from the mathematically Hamiltonian structure of the fourth-order formulation. The present authors believe there may be additional applications of higher-order dynamics waiting to be discovered, and a few potential ideas to explore are given in the conclusion.
Study of TRICO II reactor start-up and shutdown operations using the OpenMC calculation code
Authors: Mweze Elie , Muswema Jeremie , Ekoko Gracien , Kom'bele Dieudonné
Published: February 2025

The start-up and shutdown procedures of nuclear reactors are operations that need to be done with great care and efficiency. To ensure proper reactor operation, it is crucial to make and maintain the reactor critical during start-up, and sub-critical during shutdown. In this paper, OpenMC (Open Monte Carlo) was used to model the TRICO II reactor (Triga Mark II in Congo) and simulate reactor start-up and shutdown operations. Positions of the four control rods (Transient rod, Safety rod, Regulating rod and Shim rod) were varied along positive z axes for start-up and negative z axes for shutdown. The reactivity results obtained were compared with those of standard operations for reactor start-up and shutdown. This technique makes it possible to optimize the likelihood of a better start-up or shutdown operation, and to avoid wasting resources through trial-and-error testing.
Development of a Project-Based Arduino Learning App: Fostering Robotics Programming Competence among Preservice Teachers of Computer and Robotics Education
Authors: Nannim Fadip Audu , Ibezim Nnenna Ekpereka , Agbo George Chibuike , Mgboji Chukwuma , Ngwoke Saint Oliver Rotachukwu , Mosia Moeketsi
Published: February 2025

The integration of digital technology into various sectors has transformed education globally, yet its adoption in Nigeria remains constrained by a lack of adequately trained personnel. This study addresses this gap by developing a Project-Based Arduino Robot Application (PARA) for teaching Robotics Programming to preservice teachers. A Research and Development (R&D) design was employed, and data were collected from thirty-five (35) participants drawn from the Department of Computer and Robotics Education and the ICT Centre at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, using a total sampling technique. Three validated instruments were used: the Robotics Programming Needs Assessment Questionnaire (RPNEQ), PARA Expert Validation Questionnaire (PEVQ), and PARA User Satisfaction Scale (PUSC), with reliability coefficients of 0.87, 0.84, and 0.88, respectively. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation and One-Sample T-Test. The results showed that effective strategies for teaching and learning programming include hands-on approaches, programming with tangible robotics kits that make learning engaging, using instructional videos, employing simple robotics projects that clarify control structures, and fostering teamwork in programming classes. Based on these findings, PARA was developed as a practical solution. Both experts and users expressed high levels of satisfaction with its design, usability, and educational impact. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education collaborate with schools to adopt project-based Arduino robot applications like PARA to enhance programming education, leveraging its benefits to improve learning outcomes.
Out-of-Distribution Data: An Acquaintance of Adversarial Examples - A Survey
Authors: Karunanayake Naveen , Gunawardena Ravin , Seneviratne Suranga , Chawla Sanjay
Published: February 2025

Deep neural networks (DNNs) deployed in real-world applications can encounter out-of-distribution (OOD) data and adversarial examples. These represent distinct forms of distributional shifts that can significantly impact DNNs’ reliability and robustness. Traditionally, research has addressed OOD detection and adversarial robustness as separate challenges. This survey focuses on the intersection of these two areas, examining how the research community has investigated them together. Consequently, we identify two key research directions: robust OOD detection and unified robustness. Robust OOD detection aims to differentiate between in-distribution (ID) data and OOD data, even when they are adversarially manipulated to deceive the OOD detector. Unified robustness seeks a single approach to make DNNs robust against both adversarial attacks and OOD inputs. Accordingly, first, we establish a taxonomy based on the concept of distributional shifts. This framework clarifies how robust OOD detection and unified robustness relate to other research areas addressing distributional shifts, such as OOD detection, open set recognition, and anomaly detection. Subsequently, we review existing work on robust OOD detection and unified robustness. Finally, we highlight the limitations of the existing work and propose promising research directions that explore adversarial and OOD inputs within a unified framework.
The Extension Arm Design Method Based on a Two‐Bar Tension Stretchable Mechanism
Authors: Gao Song , Zhang GuoFu , Zhao Yue , Yu XiaoHui , Sun JianWei
Published: February 2025

The deployable and foldable structure is a unique structural system that provides convenience in terms of transportation and expansion. Although the current deployable mast can transition between closed and extended structures, it lacks stability during movement and does not have the ability to recover on its own after contracting. Hence, improving the stability of deployable mechanisms while enabling them to self‐restore has become an essential area for development. Spatial deployable mast expansion and contraction properties are essential for aerospace. In this paper, based on a two‐bar and four‐cable tensegrity structure, the research was conducted. A new spatially deployable mast structure with zero Poisson’s ratio and self‐stability, as well as self‐adaptability, is proposed. In comparison to existing space deployable masts, the new deployable masts incorporate a tensegrity structure feature that enables them to recover autonomously to their initial state in a contracted state. Firstly, an innovative design based on a two‐bar, four‐cord tensegrity structure is conducted, which evolves into a two‐bar and four‐cable tensegrity structure with zero Poisson’s ratio by increasing the longitudinal axis to restrict the structure’s degrees of freedom and combines with the force density method to analyze the stability of the structure and derive the optimal dimensional parameters. The positive definiteness of the stiffness matrix Q (K) demonstrates the exceptional stability of the mechanism. Secondly, the load‐bearing characteristics of the mechanism were verified utilizing ABAQUS (DS, France) software. Besides, the minimum compressive stiffness of the new space deployable mast for locking three rails compared to locking one rail is 12 × 108 N/m, as derived from ABAQUS (DS, France) analysis. Ultimately, a prototype was developed through the application of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology. The force–strain experiment was conducted using both a pressure testing machine and a universal testing machine, and the resulting images demonstrated the findings. The experimental results demonstrate that the novel deployable mast structure has self‐recovering and self‐stabilizing capabilities. This research pushes the frontiers of deployable mast multifunctionality as well as significantly expands the application domain of tensegrity structures to the aerospace sector.
Idiopathic Intracoronal Resorption of Permanent Molars: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Hristov Krasimir , Zlateva Victoria
Published: February 2025

Intracoronal resorption (IR) is a condition characterized by the presence of lesions in the dentin of unerupted or erupting teeth, usually located just below the enamel–dentin junction in the occlusal part of the crown. This article presents two cases of IR—one with and one without pulp involvement. In both cases, the teeth were asymptomatic, and the lesions were discovered during routine checkups. The first case presents pre‐eruptive IR with pulp involvement in an immature mandibular molar. To preserve the vitality of the growth zone and complete root development, vital pulp therapy was performed through total coronal pulpotomy and application of Biodentine. The second case is also of a mandibular molar with incomplete root development, but although it initially resembled invasive cervical resorption, treatment revealed that the granulation tissue was surrounded by intact enamel and did not affect the pulp or root of the tooth. No carious lesion was found. The tooth was conventionally restored with a composite filling.
A Case of Pediatric Tracheal Stenosis Secondary to Chronic Retching in the Setting of Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Patel Arpan , Saadeh Charles
Published: February 2025

This report presents a case of acquired tracheal stenosis in a pediatric patient without a history of prolonged intubation. A 14‐year‐old female presented with a chief complaint of biphasic stridor and a medical history remarkable for bulimia nervosa and one year of self‐induced vomiting. Endoscopic evaluation revealed Grade three tracheal stenosis. Lab work was unrevealing for acute inflammatory process nor vasculitis. Pathology was unremarkable. The patient tolerated primary dilation and second look did not reveal further stenosis. Her extensive workup failed to reveal an alternative etiology with a working hypothesis that the stenosis was a result of chronic retching due to bulimia.
Designing Team Projects for Envy‐Free Group Collaboration to Overcome Free‐Rider Problem
Authors: Luo Mengyu , Lee Chaeyoung , Wang Jian , Kwak Soobin , Kim Hyundong , Kim Junseok
Published: February 2025

We propose an envy‐free team project called “color team project”. The primary motivation behind this approach is to prevent free‐rider behavior and create a fair evaluation system that avoids jealousy among team members. In the team project, each team member indicates their contribution to the final team output using a color or their name. To evaluate the color team project, we use the number of pixels as the decision matrix, which includes pixels from the entire work (“All”), the methodology section (“Methodology”), the experimental section (“Results”), and the “Title”. The attribute weight is determined through steps that include standardization and information entropy. We then determine the ranking order of a team project using either the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method or the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, and it is verified by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. By applying the color team project, we can overcome the free‐rider problem and maintain the positive aspects of team projects, such as effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation.
‘Death Doulas’ are not yet an Issue in German Palliative Care—A National Survey of Palliative Care Providers
Authors: Volberg Christian , Makdsi Aboud , Eersink Jannis , Kushner Juliana , Morin Astrid , Gschnell Martin
Published: February 2025

Background: The support of ‘Death Doulas’ (DD) in the last phase of life is becoming more and more present in the individual care of the dying. This trend is slowly being brought to Germany from other countries. However, the extent to which this possibility of end‐of‐life care is offered in Germany or requested by patients is still unclear.

Aim: With this nationwide survey, we want to show to what extent DD support palliative care in Germany and whether a need for this activity is seen.

Design: Germany‐wide cross‐sectional study among palliative care institutions.

Setting/Respondents: All German hospices, palliative care units and specialized outpatient palliative care services were contacted by post and asked to participate in this anonymous survey.

Results: In total, we received 338 (36.4%) responses. A total of 27% of the respondents state that they are familiar with the term DD but only 18 institutions (5.3%) use the support. Patients’ satisfaction is recognized as overall satisfied. A total of 95% of the institutions who work with DD would recommend other palliative care institutions to work with DD as well. More information about this topic is wished by 61%.

Conclusion: DD is not yet an issue in German palliative care. There seems to be little need as the support of the dying is carried out by other professional groups and volunteers. Since DD have another approach in their work, it would be interesting to see if a broader knowledge about their work and offer could improve quality in the dying process.