bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration scale, process, and impact in the Tiwanaku colonies: Paleomobility at the archaeological site of Omo M10
Authors: Dahlstedt Allisen C. , Baitzel Sarah I. , Goldstein Paul S. , Knudson Kelly J.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Contemporary migrations show form and intensity of interaction between homeland and host communities to shape social dynamics and identities. We apply here a contemporary theoretical framework and biogeochemical analyses to elucidate the scale, processes, and impacts of migration in the Tiwanaku polity (6th–11th c. CE) by inferring the mobility of individuals interred at the Tiwanaku‐affiliated site of Omo M10 (Moquegua Valley, Peru).

Materials and Methods

For each of 124 individuals, we captured paleomobility across the life‐course by analyzing up to four enamel and bone samples that formed during discrete developmental periods for radiogenic strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and stable oxygen (δ18Ocarbonate(VPDB)) isotopes.

Results

At Omo M10, archaeological human enamel and bone values range from 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70632–0.72183 and δ18Ocarbonate(VPDB) = −13.4‰ to +1.7‰, with a mean of 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70763 ± 0.00164 (1σ, n = 334) and δ18O = −7.8‰ ± 1.9‰ (1σ, n = 334).

Discussion

Together with archaeological evidence, we interpret these data as evidence for multigenerational interaction between communities in the high‐altitude Tiwanaku heartland and at the site of Omo M10. Our results suggest that one‐fourth of individuals spent some part of their life outside of Moquegua and one in eight individuals from Omo M10 were first‐generation migrants. Greater mobility of females and juveniles at Omo M10 indicates that gender and family were important social constructs in maintaining relationships and cultural continuity in provincial Tiwanaku life, and communities maintained autochthonous migration streams with Tiwanaku‐affiliated populations throughout the south‐central Andes. Intra‐individual biogeochemical analyses of migration at Omo M10 contribute a nuanced perspective on the diverse experiences of multigenerational Tiwanaku colonies.
Multiple Resonance Quasi‐fluorescence from BN‐Doped Aromatic Compounds Modified with “Naphthalene” Units Approaches the BT.2020 Green Light Standard
Authors: Feng Tingting , Nie Xuewei , Liu Denghui , Wu Lin , Liu C. Y. , Mu Xilin , Xin Ziru , Liu Bohong , Qi Hengxuan , Zhang Jiasen , Li Wei , Su Shi‐Jian , Ge Ziyi
Published: September 2024

Developing fluorophores that conform to the Broadcast Service Television 2020 (BT.2020) standard presents a formidable challenge. Here, we propose an innovative approach that integrates two and three‐boron/nitrogen (BN2)‐embedded [4]helicene subunits with naphthalene, resulting in the synthesis of two novel narrowband bright green quasi‐fluorescent emitters, NT‐2B and NT‐3B for ultra‐high‐definition displays. These emitters exhibit minimal reorganization energy and Huang–Rhys factor, emitting at 510 and 511 nm in dilute toluene solution with exceptionally narrow full width at half maximum values of 15 and 14 nm, respectively. Notably, NT‐2B demonstrates an impressive photoluminescence quantum yield of 92.5 %, rapid radiative decay rate, and slow non‐radiative decay rate. Owing to their narrowband emission characteristics and outstanding optoelectronic properties, corresponding OLEDs based on NT‐2B demonstrate a high external quantum efficiency of 30.6 %, with an FWHM value of 21.5 nm and a CIEy of 0.74, positioning it as one of the leading narrow‐band green emitters.
Achieving Sub‐ppm Sensitivity in SO2 Detection with a Chemically Stable Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Zhao Wei , Obeso Juan L. , López‐Cervantes Valeria B. , Bahri Mounib , Sánchez‐González Elí , Amador‐Sánchez Yoarhy A. , Ren Junyu , Browning Nigel D. , Peralta Ricardo A. , Barcaro Giovanni , Monti Susanna , Solis‐Ibarra Diego , Ibarra Ilich A. , Zhao Dan
Published: September 2024

We report the inaugural experimental investigation of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to address the formidable challenge of SO2 detection. Specifically, an imine‐functionalized COF (SonoCOF‐9) demonstrated a modest and reversible SO2 sorption of 3.5 mmol g−1 at 1 bar and 298 K. At 0.1 bar (and 298 K), the total SO2 uptake reached 0.91 mmol g−1 with excellent reversibility for at least 50 adsorption‐desorption cycles. An isosteric enthalpy of adsorption (ΔHads) for SO2 equaled −42.3 kJ mol−1, indicating a relatively strong interaction of SO2 molecules with the COF material. Also, molecular dynamics simulations and Møller–Plesset perturbation theory calculations showed the interaction of SO2 with π density of the rings and lone pairs of the N atoms of SonoCOF‐9. The combination of experimental data and theoretical calculations corroborated the potential use of this COF for the selective detection and sensing of SO2 at the sub‐ppm level (0.0064 ppm of SO2).
An Innovative Water Splitting Process for a Sustainable In Situ Hydrogen Generation–Reduction of Nitrobenzenes Catalyzed by a New Bimetallic Nanocatalyst
Authors: Zarei Hamed , Sobhani Sara , Sansano José Miguel
Published: September 2024

In this research, bimetallic CdNi nanoparticles encapsulated in a magnetic spent coffee ground (Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi) was synthesized as a new nanocatalyst. The structural and chemical characteristics of Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi were comprehensively investigated using various techniques, including FT‐IR, XRD, XPS, TEM, VSM, EDS, TGA, BET, and ICP. Through XRD, XPS analysis, TEM images, and EDS mapping, the presence of CdNi nanoalloys was conclusively established. Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for the hydrogen generation from water using iso‐propanol as a clean sacrificial agent. The high catalytic performance of Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi was attributed to the synergistic cooperative effect of Cd and Ni within CdNi nanoalloys. Interestingly, this process was performed for the in situ generated hydrogen from water to reduce a range of nitrobenzenes simultaneously into the corresponding anilines in high yields (93%–98%). The magnetic and hydrophilic characteristics of Fe3O4@COFF/CdNi facilitated its reusability over five runs. Using water as the most abundant hydrogen source, for the first time for in situ hydrogen generation–reduction of nitrobenzenes without demanding on external light sources or power supplies can be mentioned as a significant milestone of this field of study.
Enabling Fast‐Charging and High Specific Capacity of Li‐Ion Batteries with Nitrogen‐Doped Bilayer Graphdiyne: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Tam Le Minh , Kuo Liang‐Yin , Wu Yi‐Zhan , Ihrig Martin , Pham Nguyet N. T.
Published: September 2024

Carbon‐based materials are the most important anode materials for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). To improve the electrochemical performance of LIBs for high energy density and fast charging, advanced carbon allotropes are in the research focus. In this work, we applied the density functional theory to investigate the atomic and electronic structures as well as high Li‐ion specific capacity of graphdiyne (GDY). The atomic structures of monolayer graphdiyne (MGDY), bilayer AB(β1)‐stacking graphdiyne (AB(β1)BGDY) and nitrogen‐doped AB(β1)BGDY (N‐AB(β1)BGDY) at different lithiation states were thoroughly investigated. The AB(β1)BGDY and N‐AB(β1)BGDY exhibit promising characteristics in Li‐ion adsorption and intercalation, enhancing its specific capacity from 744 mAhg−1 in the monolayer GDY to 807 mAhg−1 in the bilayer. Besides increasing the capacity through a bilayer‐structure, it is possible to tailor its structural stability and band gap by doping. Especially shown for N‐AB(β1)BGDY (~1 %), an increased structural stability and a decreased band gap of 0.24 eV is found. While this means that N doping in AB(β1)BGDY can lead to longer‐lasting and more stable operatable high‐capacity anodes in LIBs, it increases the open‐circuit voltage (OCV).
Dose‐dependent cranial irradiation associations with brain structures and neuropsychological outcomes in children with posterior fossa brain tumors
Authors: Baron Nelson Mary , O'Neil Sharon H. , Cho Scarlet J. , Dhanani Sofia , Tanedo Jeffrey , Shin Brandon J. , Rodman Jack , Olch Arthur , Wong Kenneth , Nelson Marvin D. , Finlay Jonathan , Lepore Natasha
Published: September 2024

Background

Posterior fossa irradiation with or without whole brain irradiation results in high doses of radiation to the thalamus, hippocampus, and putamen, structures critical to cognitive functioning. As a result, children with brain tumors treated with cranial irradiation (CRT) may experience significant cognitive late effects. We sought to determine the effect of radiation to those structures on neuropsychological outcome.

Methods

Forty‐seven children with a history of posterior fossa tumor (17 treated with surgery; 11 with surgery and chemotherapy; and 19 with surgery, chemotherapy, and CRT) underwent neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessment at a mean of 4.8 years after treatment, along with 17 healthy sibling controls. The putamen, thalamus, and hippocampus were segmented on each participant's magnetic resonance imaging for diffusion indices and volumes, and in the radiation treatment group, radiation dose to each structure was calculated.

Results

Performance on visuoconstruction and spatial learning and memory was lower in patient groups than controls. Volume of the thalamus, when controlling for age, was smaller in the patient group treated with CRT than other groups. Higher radiation doses to the putamen correlated with higher fractional anisotropy in that structure. Higher radiation dose to the hippocampus correlated with lower spatial learning, and higher dose to thalami and putamina to lower verbal and nonverbal reasoning.

Conclusions

All children with posterior fossa tumors, regardless of treatment modality, had cognitive deficits compared to their sibling controls. Posterior fossa irradiation may affect thalamic volume and aspects of verbal and nonverbal cognitive functioning.
Physical activity and frontoparietal network connectivity in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Tinney Emma M. , Ai Meishan , España‐Irla Goretti , Hillman Charles H. , Morris Timothy P.
Published: September 2024

Background

Prolonged changes to functional network connectivity as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may relate to long‐term cognitive complaints reported by TBI survivors. No interventions have proven to be effective at treating long‐term cognitive complaints after TBI but physical activity has been shown to promote cognitive function and modulate functional network connectivity in non‐injured adults. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test if physical activity engagement was associated with functional connectivity of the cognitively relevant frontoparietal control network (FPCN) in adults with a TBI history.

Methods

In a case‐control study design, resting state function magnetic resonance imaging and physical activity data from a subset of participants (18–81 years old) from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam‐CAN) study was analyzed. Fifty‐seven participants reported a prior head injury with loss of consciousness and 57 age and sex matched controls were selected. Seed‐based functional connectivity analyses were performed using seeds in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the inferior parietal lobule, to test for differences in functional connectivity between groups, associations between physical activity and functional connectivity within TBI as well as differential associations between physical activity and functional connectivity between TBI and controls.

Results

Seed‐based connectivity analyses from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showed that those with a history of TBI had decreased positive connectivity between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and intracalcarine cortex, lingual gyrus, and cerebellum, and increased positive connectivity between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus and frontal pole in the TBI group. Results showed that higher physical activity was positively associated with increased connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior temporal gyrus. Differential associations were observed between groups whereby the strength of the physical activity‐functional connectivity association was different between the inferior parietal lobule and inferior temporal gyrus in TBI compared to controls.

Discussion

Individuals with a history of TBI show functional connectivity alterations of the FPCN. Moreover, engagement in physical activity is associated with functional network connectivity of the FPCN in those with a TBI. These findings are consistent with the evidence that physical activity affects FPCN connectivity in non‐injured adults; however, this effect presents differently in those with a history of TBI.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism and the risk of dementia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Qiao , Lu Chaoyin , Chen Mengdie , Feng Ping
Published: September 2024

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that thyroid dysfunction may be related to the risk of dementia. However, previous studies evaluating the association between subclinical hyperthyroidism and the risk of dementia showed inconsistent results. This systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between subclinical hyperthyroidism and the incidence of dementia in the general population.

Methods

Cohort studies relevant were retrieved by searching the electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. A random‐effects model was used to combine the data by incorporating the influence of between‐study heterogeneity. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses were performed to investigate the source of heterogeneity.

Results

Nine cohort studies including 49,218 community‐derived participants were included. Among them, 3177 (6.5%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism at baseline. During a mean follow‐up of 10.2 years, 4044 participants developed dementia. The pooled results showed that compared to the participants with euthyroidism, those with subclinical hyperthyroidism had a higher incidence of dementia (risk ratio: 1.38, 95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 1.74, p = .006; I2 = 47%). Subgroup analyses according to study design, age of the participants, methods for diagnosis of dementia, or analytic model did not significantly change the results. The univariate meta‐regression showed that the cutoff of thyroid‐stimulating hormone for defining subclinical hyperthyroidism negatively affected the association between subclinical hyperthyroidism and dementia (coefficient: –1.44, p = .009), which completely explained the heterogeneity (residual I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism may have a higher risk of dementia compared to those with euthyroidism.
HIF‐1α knockdown attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in ischemic stroke male rats via CXCR4/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Chen Gao , Wang Xi , Jin Zhan , Hu Gao‐Bo , Yu Qi‐Hui , Jiang Hai‐Yan
Published: September 2024

Background

Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is a sensitive indicator of oxygen homeostasis, of which the expression elevates following hypoxia/ischemia. This study reveals the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of HIF‐1α on ischemic stroke (IS).

Methods

IS model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)‐modeled male rats and oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)‐treated mice hippocampal cells HT22, followed by the silencing of HIF‐1α and the overexpression of C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). Following the surgery, Garcia's grading scale was applied for neurological evaluation. Cerebral infarcts and injuries were visualized using 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride and hematoxylin‐eosin staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, Interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, malondialdehyde, and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, were calculated via ELISA. MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit were adopted to determine the viability and cytotoxicity of OGD/R‐modeled cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated using a 2′‐7′dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH‐DA) probe. The levels of HIF‐1α, CXCR4, and NF‐κB p65 were quantified via Western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively.

Results

HIF‐1α knockdown improved Garcia's score, attenuated the cerebral infarct, inflammation, and ROS generation, and alleviated the levels of inflammatory cytokines and CXCR4/NF‐κB p65 in MCAO‐modeled rats. Such effects were reversed following the overexpression of CXCR4 and NF‐κB. Also, in OGD/R‐treated HT22 cells, HIF‐1α silencing diminished the cytotoxicity and ROS production and reduced the expressions of CXCR4/NF‐κB p65, while promoting viability. However, CXCR4/NF‐κB p65 overexpression did the opposite.

Conclusion

HIF‐1α knockdown alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress in IS through the CXCR4/NF‐κB pathway.
Benefits of inspiratory muscle training therapy in institutionalized adult people with cerebral palsy: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martin‐Sanchez Carlos , Barbero‐Iglesias Fausto Jose , Amor‐Esteban Victor , Martin‐Sanchez Marta , Martin‐Nogueras Ana Maria
Published: September 2024

Background

Respiratory health problems are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in adult people with cerebral palsy (CP). The influence of respiratory muscle training has not yet been studied in this population group. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two protocols with inspiratory muscle training (IMT), low intensity and high intensity, to improve respiratory strength and pulmonary function in adults with CP.

Methods

The study was a controlled, randomized, double‐blind trial with allocation concealment. Twenty‐seven institutionalized CP patients were recruited and randomly distributed in the high‐intensity training group (HIT) or low‐intensity training group (LIT). Over 8 weeks, an IMT protocol was followed 5 days/week, 10 series of 1 min with 1 min rest between them. HIT trained with a load of 40% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and LIT with 20%. Respiratory strength and pulmonary function were evaluated.

Results

After IMT intervention, MIP, maximum expiratory pressure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow increased in both groups; in HIT 29%, 19%, 13%, and 8%, respectively (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and in LIT 17%, 7%, 3%, and 4%, respectively (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.049, p = 0.113). All the improvements were significantly higher in HIT than in LIT.

Conclusion

Inspiratory muscle training improved respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in adults with CP. Training with a 40% MIP load improved all the evaluated parameters and was the most effective treatment for adults with CP.
SnO2 Encapsulated in Alginate Matrix: Evaluation and Optimization of Bioinspired Nanoadsorbents for Azo Dye Removal
Authors: Jyoti Borah Shikha , Kumar Ravinder , Prasad Singh Praduman , Kumar Vinod
Published: September 2024

Synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrate potential capacity to adsorb toxic azo Congo red dye. The formation of rutile phase SnO2 NPs was confirmed using Powder X‐ray diffraction and spherical morphology was corroborated through SEM imaging. TEM analysis confirms average particle size of SnO2 NPs is nearly 3 nm. High azo dye removal efficiency is attributed to large surface area and presence of oxygen vacancies which were substantiated through BET and XPS analysis, respectively. To mitigate the leaching of NPs in treated water, NPs are encapsulated in sodium alginate (SA) matrix, which is proposed as an environmentally friendly, biocompatible, and economic solution. This study specifically focuses on investigating the parameters for the encapsulation of NPs within a sodium alginate matrix using CaCl2 as cross‐linker. This work investigates the effect of physical shape of encapsulation, effect of SA and cross‐linker (CaCl2) concentration on the feasibility of NP encapsulation and overall adsorption efficiency. Experimental results indicated that the physical form of encapsulation, such as spherical, wire‐like, or irregular shape maintained consistent adsorption efficiency, which indicates its versatility. For effective encapsulation of NPs and adsorption, SA and CaCl2 concentration are suggested to be within the range of 0.2–0.3 g and >0.5 M, respectively.
Robust causal inference for point exposures with missing confounders
Authors: Levis Alexander W. , Mukherjee Rajarshi , Wang Rui , Haneuse Sebastien
Published: September 2024

Large observational databases are often subject to missing data. As such, methods for causal inference must simultaneously handle confounding and missingness; surprisingly little work has been done at this intersection. Motivated by this, we propose an efficient and robust estimator of the causal average treatment effect from cohort studies when confounders are missing at random. The approach is based on a novel factorization of the likelihood that, unlike alternative methods, facilitates flexible modelling of nuisance functions (e.g., with state‐of‐the‐art machine learning methods) while maintaining nominal convergence rates of the final estimators. Simulated data, derived from an electronic health record‐based study of the long‐term effects of bariatric surgery on weight outcomes, verify the robustness properties of the proposed estimators in finite samples. Our approach may serve as a theoretical benchmark against which ad hoc methods may be assessed.
Uniform carbon coating and solid electrolyte interphase synergistically enhanced exceptional anodic K‐ion storage properties of stable KTiOPO4 single crystals
Authors: Bai Ling , Jin Su , Liu Qian , Xu Wenjuan , Li Ziquan , Huang Zhen‐Dong
Published: September 2024

Searching for low‐cost, high‐capacity, high‐power, high‐stability, high‐tap‐density, and inherently safe materials for developing cheap, safe, and high‐performance batteries has always been a research hotspot. Herein, an inherently safe, low‐cost, and low‐strain KTiOPO4 (KTOP) submicron single crystals with a uniform thin layer carbon coating are developed using a ball‐mill assisted solid‐state method. Uniform solid electrolyte interphase, carbon coating, and inherently stable structure synergistically help compact KTOP submicron single crystals achieve an exceptional anodic K‐ion storage performance. The carbon‐coated KTOP single crystals obtained under the carbonization temperature of 400°C (KTOP‐C‐400) can deliver an exceptional potassium ion storage performance of 253.3, 224.0, 175.5, and 131.1 mA h g−1 at the current density of 100, 200, 500, and 1000 mA g−1, respectively, in the electrolyte of 5 M potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) in DIGLYME electrolytes. Even after being cycled at 1000 mA g−1 for 1000 cycles, the capacity was maintained at 182.5 mA h g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%.
In Vitro Fracture Strength of Primary Canine Teeth Reinforced With Prefabricated and Customized Fiber‐Reinforced Post Systems
Authors: Behzadpour Faeze , Pasdar Nilgoon , Ahmadizenouz Ghazaleh , Bijani Ali
Published: September 2024

Objective

The demand for esthetics has increased in today's world and most parents prefer to preserve their children's primary anterior teeth until their natural exfoliation. However, an intracanal post is required to provide retention for reconstruction of severely damaged anterior teeth due to caries or trauma. Various materials and methods may be used for the fabrication of intracanal posts. This study assessed the fracture strength and fracture mode of primary canine teeth reconstructed with prefabricated and customized polyethylene and glass fiber posts.

Materials and Methods

This in vitro study evaluated 60 extracted primary canine teeth in four groups (n = 15). After pulpectomy and post space preparation with 4 mm depth, composite resin post, prefabricated glass fiber post (Whitepost), customized glass fiber post (Interlig), or customized polyethylene fiber post (Ribbond) were placed in the root canals to provide retention, and the tooth crown was restored with bulk‐fill composite resin. The fracture strength was then measured in a universal testing machine. The fracture mode was also evaluated visually.

Results

The mean fracture strength was 22.45 ± 5.06, 33.10 ± 8.5, 30.20 ± 7.33, and 32.61 ± 5.73 N/mm2 in the composite resin post, Whitepost, Interlig, and Ribbond groups, respectively. The fracture strength was significantly lower in the composite group than in the remaining three groups (p = 0.000). No other significant differences were found (p > 0.05). Also, no significant difference was observed among the study groups in the fracture mode (p = 0.241).

Conclusion

The composite resin post yielded a significantly lower fracture strength than the prefabricated and customized glass and polyethylene fiber posts, but the fracture mode was not significantly different among the four groups.
A Wide Range Zero‐Voltage Switching Phase‐Shifted Full‐Bridge Converter With No Duty Cycle Loss and Low Rectifier Oscillation
Authors: Tang Yu , Zhao Hongze , Jia Purui , Zhao Yin
Published: September 2024

The phase‐shifted full‐bridge (PSFB) converter has been widely used in DC/DC converters due to its soft‐switching characteristics. However, it still has many drawbacks. In order to solve the shortcomings of the PSFB converter, such as limited soft‐switching range, high loss of duty cycle, and high oscillating voltage of the secondary rectifier, a PSFB converter based on parallel variable inductor and series blocking capacitor is proposed in this study. A wide range of soft switching, low rectifier oscillation voltage, and no duty cycle loss can be realized by the auxiliary current‐controlled variable inductor and reasonable blocking capacitor design. In this study, the mechanism of soft switching and suppression of oscillation is discussed and some of the designs are given. Finally, the experimental results of a 200 W/50 kHz prototype are constructed in the laboratory to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Informatic application to characterise and identify small mammal species: Arvicolinae (Cricetidae, Rodentia, Mammalia)
Authors: Alfaro‐Ibáñez M. P. , Angel‐Beamonte E. , Domínguez‐García A. C. , Cuenca‐Bescós G.
Published: September 2024

The classification of rodent species can be challenging due to high morphological similarities observed among them. This problem is further increased in palaeontological systematics, where classification is traditionally based on the molar morphology. The subfamily Arvicolinae (Rodentia, Mammalia) is one of these rodent groups, whose classification being important for biostratigraphic and climatic studies of the Quaternary period is challenging. We present an application developed using the MatLab informatic algorithm, designed to classify the Arvicolinae species using Geometric Morphometrics (GMM) analyses of the first lower molar. Moreover, the application includes an option to automatically obtain the linear measurements that are commonly used for the identification of these species. This method shows a high degree of accuracy in the species classification, which is expected to increase as the reference database is further developed. This application can serve as an alternative tool for the classification of specimens with unclear morphologies. It can also be used to reduce the time required to manually obtain the linear indices necessary for their classification.
Variation in parental investment preferences for nestlings of the Gray‐backed Shrike (Lanius tephronotus) in alpine environments
Authors: Zeng Jinyuan , Li Yueqi , Gong Yuhan , Shi Yurou , Feng Hongyuan , Song Sen
Published: September 2024

In the northeastern edge of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, the Gray‐backed Shrike, a shrubland bird species of the plateau, confronts harsh living conditions. The impact of such an environment on their reproductive strategies has long intrigued us. This study reveals significant environmental effects on the investment of the Gray‐backed Shrike during their nestling‐rearing and egg‐laying stages. (1) Based on measurements of 215 shrike eggs from 2017 to 2021, we found that under the cold alpine climate, Gray‐backed Shrikes opt for a strategy of larger clutches and bigger eggs as average rainfall decreases. Concurrently, parents display a decreasing hatching order strategy, resulting in significant weight differences among newly hatched nestlings. (2) Marginal and core offspring exhibited no significant differences in fledging conditions. Core offspring generally have a slightly larger physique than marginal ones. However, marginal offspring exhibit the highest growth rate, with similar survival rates across different offspring categories. Parental rearing adopts a nest survival strategy. (3) The food provisioning rate by parents correlates strongly with the number of nestlings, the age of the nestling, and the nest's sex ratio. Differences exist between female and male provisioning rates based on begging intensity and average temperature; higher average temperatures lead to more food, with males providing more food. (4) Factors like nest sex ratio, offspring category, nestling age, and nestling sex influence the feeding preferences of parents. When overall nestling ratios skew towards either male or female, parental feeding preferences align with the actual nest sex ratio. Male and female parental feeding preferences differ based on average temperature and nestling sex. Males consistently exhibit a stronger preference for feeding male nestlings, regardless of the nest's sex ratio. In contrast, females don't show a clear preference, leading to differences in survival rates for different nestling sex under male feeding preferences.
Moderate evidence for the sex‐dependent effect of poisoning on adult survival in a long‐lived raptor species
Authors: Zsinka Bernadett , Pásztory‐Kovács Szilvia , Kövér Szilvia , Vili Nóra , Horváth Márton
Published: September 2024

Survival rate is usually the greatest contributor to population growth in long‐lived species, and its accurate estimation along with the evaluation of the factors influencing it is therefore essential for effective conservation. Here, we studied the survival of breeding eastern imperial eagles Aquila heliaca in Hungary between 2011 and 2022 and investigated the effect of poisoning, the leading known anthropogenic cause of mortality. We used the Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber mark‐recapture model to estimate annual apparent survival and encounter probabilities based on the capture histories of 208 males and 411 females. We obtained encounter data from the DNA profiles of shed feathers collected at the nest sites, which we also supplemented with presences inferred from parentage analysis. The most supported model estimated a constant 91.6% annual survival over the study period, but models including the effect of sex and poisoning rate on survival had similar support. Sex difference in survival was less than 1% on average, but the survival of males decreased more with poisoning rate than the survival of females. However, due to smaller encounter probabilities, the estimates for males were less precise compared to females. Males may be more at risk from poisoning than females not only due to their more active foraging behaviour during incubation and chick‐rearing but also due to their smaller body size. Apart from providing direct practical information for the conservation management of imperial eagles, our results also highlight the importance of long‐term studies for estimating population parameters of birds of prey.
Estimating ungulate migration corridors from sparse movement data
Authors: McKee Jennifer L. , Fattebert Julien , Aikens Ellen O. , Berg Jodi , Bergen Scott , Cole Eric K. , Copeland Holly E. , Courtemanch Alyson B. , Dewey Sarah , Hurley Mark , Lowrey Blake , Merkle Jerod A. , Middleton Arthur D. , Nuñez Tristan A. , Sawyer Hall , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: September 2024

Many ungulates migrate between distinct summer and winter ranges, and identifying, mapping, and conserving these migration corridors have become a focus of local, regional, and global conservation efforts. Brownian bridge movement models (BBMMs) are commonly used to empirically identify these seasonal migration corridors; however, they require location data sampled at relatively frequent intervals to obtain a robust estimate of an animal's movement path. Fitting BBMMs to sparse location data violates the assumption of conditional random movement between successive locations, overestimating the area (and width) of a migration corridor when creating individual and population‐level occurrence distributions and precluding the use of low‐frequency, or sparse, data in mapping migration corridors. In an effort to expand the utility of BBMMs to include sparse GPS data, we propose an alternative approach to model migration corridors from sparse GPS data. We demonstrate this method using GPS data collected every 2 h from four mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and four elk (Cervus canadensis) herds within Wyoming and Idaho. First, we used BBMMs to estimate a baseline corridor for the 2‐h data. We then subsampled the 2‐h data to one location every 12 h (a proxy for sparse data) and fitted BBMMs to the 12‐h data using a fixed motion variance (FMV) value, instead of estimating the Brownian motion variance empirically. A range of FMV values was tested to identify the value that best approximated the baseline migration corridor. FMV values within a species‐specific range (mule deer: 400–1200 m2; elk: 600–1600 m2) successfully delineated migration corridors similar to the 2‐h baseline corridors; overall, lower values delineated narrower corridors and higher values delineated wider corridors. Optimal FMV values of 800 m2 (mule deer) and 1000 m2 (elk) decreased the inflation of the 12‐h corridors relative to the 2‐h corridors from traditional BBMMs. This FMV approach thus enables using sparse movement data to approximate realistic migration corridor dimensions, providing an important alternative when movement data are collected infrequently. This approach greatly expands the number of datasets that can be used for migration corridor mapping—a useful tool for management and conservation across the globe.
Haemodynamic effects of intra‐aortic balloon pumps stratified by baseline pulmonary artery pulsatility index
Authors: Kalapurakal George , Chau Vinh Q. , Imamura Teruhiko , Tolia Sanika , Sciamanna Chris , Macaluso Gregory P. , Joshi Anjali , Pillarella Jessica , Pauwaa Sunil , Dia Muhyaldeen , Kabbany Tarek , Monaco James , Dela Cruz Mark , Cotts William G. , Pappas Patroklos , Tatooles Antone J. , Narang Nikhil
Published: September 2024

Aims

Intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) devices are commonly used in patients with heart failure related cardiogenic shock (HF‐CS), including those with out‐of‐proportion right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is a haemodynamic surrogate for RV performance. We aimed to assess short‐term haemodynamic changes in patients with HF‐CS following IABP support stratified by baseline PAPi.

Methods and results

This is a single‐centre study of 67 consecutive patients with HF‐CS who underwent IABP placement between 2020 and 2022. The primary aim was haemodynamic changes of specific variables on pulmonary artery catheter monitoring over 72 h following IABP placement. Secondary aims were clinically significant changes in diuretic regimens, changes in inotropes or vasopressors at 72 h following IABP, along with clinical outcomes. Prior to IABP placement, 57% of the total cohort (median age 59 years [48, 69], 31% female) had Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions Stage C HF‐CS. Thirty‐eight (56%) patients had a PAPi <2.0. Following 72 h of IABP support, the PAPi <2.0 group had an observed significant decrease in central venous pressure (CVP; 20 to 12 mmHg, P < 0.001) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP; 37.5 to 28.5 mmHg, P = 0.001), and an increase in PAPi (1 to 1.6, P = 0.001). No significant change in cardiac index (CI; 2 to 2.1 L/min/m2, P = 0.31) was observed. The PAPi ≥2.0 group (N = 29) had no observed significant change in CVP (10 to 8 mmHg, P = 0.47), or PAPi (2.6 to 2.8, P = 0.92), but there was a significant improvement in CI (1.9 to 2.5 L/min/m2, P = 0.004) along with reduction in mPA (37 to 29 mmHg, P = 0.03). The PAPi <2.0 group had a significant increase in diuretic requirement (52.6% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.01) and numerically greater addition of inotropes/vasopressors (47.3% vs. 34.4%, P = 0.07) compared with the PAPi ≥2.0 group at 72 h following IABP placement. Significantly more patients in the PAPi ≥2.0 group underwent left ventricular assist device (55.2% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.02), with no overall significant differences observed in escalation to veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 30‐day mortality, renal replacement therapy post‐IABP, or rates of heart transplantation.

Conclusions

IABP devices in those with HF‐CS and low or abnormal PAPi may provide modest short‐term haemodynamic benefits without significant improvement in CI, along with greater need for adjustment in medical therapeutics to achieve haemodynamic optimization.
Regenerated nanofibrous cellulose electrospun from ionic liquid: Tuning properties toward tissue engineering
Authors: Pauliukaitytė Ingrida , Čiužas Darius , Krugly Edvinas , Baniukaitienė Odeta , Bulota Mindaugas , Petrikaitė Vilma , Martuzevičius Dainius
Published: September 2024

Regenerated fibrous cellulose possesses a unique set of properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high surface area potential, but its applications in the biomedical sector have not been sufficiently explored. In this study, nanofibrous cellulose matrices were fabricated via a wet‐electrospinning process using a binary system of the solvent ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate (BMIMAc) and co‐solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The morphology of the matrices was controlled by varying the ratio of BMIMAc versus DMSO in the solvent system. The most effective ratio of 1:1 produced smooth fibers with diameters ranging from 200 to 400 nm. The nanofibrous cellulose matrix showed no cytotoxicity when tested on mouse fibroblast L929 cells whose viability remained above 95%. Human triple‐negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells also exhibited high viability even after 7 days of seeding and were able to penetrate deeper layers of the matrix, indicating high biocompatibility. These properties of nanofibrous cellulose demonstrate its potential for tissue engineering and cell culture applications.
Decreased levels of L‐selectin and platelet‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Arslan Semiha Cömertoğlu , Arslan Feyzullah Necati , Altun Hatice , Taş Dilan , Islah Elif Milhan , Seyithanoğlu Muhammed , Doğaner Adem
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to ascertain the serum levels of selectins (E, L, P) and platelet‐endothelial adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to establish a comparison with the levels observed in healthy controls.

Methods

The study included 34 children aged 2–7 years diagnosed with ASD (ASD group) and 34 randomly selected healthy children matched for age and sex to the ASD group. The children were free of any genetic or physical disease, clinically active infection, or medication use. The sociodemographic data form was completed by all parents. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) were administered to the patient group, and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (AbBC) was completed by the families of all children. Serum selectin (E, L, P) and PECAM‐1 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results

The results showed that the levels of both L‐selectin (p = 0.007) and PECAM‐1 (p = 0.019) were significantly lower in the ASD group than in the control group. No significant difference was observed between the groups concerning E‐selectin and P‐selectin levels (p > 0.05). It was observed that P‐selectin variables were statistically significant in predicting the presence of ASD (p = 0.019). A remarkable inverse correlation was found between the AbBC irritability subscale score and L‐selectin (r = −0.296, p = 0.014) and PECAM‐1 (r = −0.276, p = 0. 023); the AbBC Lethargy‐Social Withdrawal subscale score and E‐Selectin (r = −0.239, p = 0.049), L‐Selectin (r = −0.297, p = 0.014) and PECAM‐1 (r = −0.264, p = 0.029); L‐Selectin levels and the AbBC stereotypic behavior subscale (r = −0.248, p = 0.042). No statistically significant relationship was observed between selectins (E, L, P) and PECAM‐1 levels and CARS scale, ABC subscale or total scores and age variables (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

These study results suggest that L‐selectin, P‐selectin and PECAM‐1 may play a role in the pathophysiology of ASD.
Greek sexting landscape: Uncovering consequences beyond the selfie
Authors: Ntountoumi Lamprini , Ioannou Maria , Synnott John , Tzani Calli , Morelli Mara , Chirumbolo Antonio , Drouin Michele
Published: September 2024

Sexting is the sharing of sexually suggestive or provocative content via new technologies. Due to the lack of studies on sexting in Greece, this study aimed to investigate the Greek sexting landscape and its impact on individuals and human relationships. Thus, 485 participants (354 women, 124 men, 4 “other”, 3 undefined) were recruited through an online questionnaire. All participants were Greeks or residents of Greece, and the age range was 16–64. Analysis showed that teens and young adults aged 16–30 tend to sext more than the ones over 30 years old; also, men are more likely to sext (both receive and send) than women. Despite the potential benefits of sexting between partners, it poses several dangers, too, especially when it is not consensual. Apart from its limitations, the study opens the way for further investigation into sexting in Greece.
Beam‐Generated Sample Evolution to Emphasize Spatial Inhomogeneities: The Example of HPO42−‐Containing Amorphous Calcium Phosphate
Authors: Le Grill Sylvain , Marsan Olivier , Drouet Christophe , Brouillet Fabien
Published: September 2024

Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) represent a family of bioactive compounds particularly relevant to bone regeneration. However, due to their intrinsic metastability, their processing into 3D‐shaped materials cannot be undergone by conventional sintering methods and requires cold sintering approaches. Also, their microstructure and local compositional changes still have to be explored in detail. To this aim, spectroscopy techniques are particularly appealing to probe local chemical environments at the microscale. Concerning ACPs, one question regards the distribution of (hydrogenated) phosphate species, as they may lead to various evolutionary trends. In this contribution, we purposely exploited the laser–beam interaction through Raman mapping to trigger the in situ HPO42−‐to‐P2O74− transformation. Analysis by a multivariate approach allowed us to spot P2O74− clusters resulting from HPO42−‐rich initial domains. Moreover, a blue shift of the ν1PO43− band was noticed in the close vicinity of these clusters, thus evidencing a local evolution of the chemical composition of the ACP. These results, corroborated by differential thermal analysis, demonstrate the relevance of using the laser–sample interaction through local heating to probe the spatial evolution induced, in our case, by an ultrafast compaction process. Comparison of outcomes obtained using two different laser/power strategies finally evidenced the need to adapt the Raman analytical conditions to the behavior of the metastable material to analyze.
Global and exponential attractors for viscoelastic Kirchhoff plate equation with memory and time delay
Authors: Qin Yuming , Wang Hongli
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we consider the viscoelastic Kirchhoff plate equation with memory and time delay. Under appropriate conditions on the real numbers
and
, we prove the existence of a compact global attractor with finite fractal dimension through a stabilizability estimate. Additionally, we demonstrate the existence of a fractal exponential attractor. To the best of our knowledge, these findings are novel for for this system.
Exponential stability for a classical structural acoustic model with thermoelastic boundary control
Authors: Ferreira Marcio V.
Published: September 2024

The uniform stabilization of a coupled system arising in the active control of noise in a cavity with a flexible boundary (strings under thermal effects) is considered. Unlike most articles on this subject, which employ the scalar wave equation when analyzing the asymptotic behavior of structural acoustic models, in this paper, we consider classical equations in terms of flow velocity and pressure to describe the acoustic vibrations of the fluid which fills the cavity. This allows to consider, for example, more realistic boundary conditions to model the coupling on the interface between the acoustic chamber and the wall. The main result of this paper, concerning the exponential stability of the model, is established by means of the frequency domain method and the semigroup theory. This method can be adapted to other first‐order hyperbolic dissipative systems as well.
Analytical Solution to Estimate the Effect of Underlying Tunnel Excavations on the Existing Tunnel
Authors: Feng Guohui , Ding Zhi , Xu Changjie , Liang Luju , Ge Shangqi , Fan Xiaozhen , Yang Kaifang , Wei Gang
Published: September 2024

The tunneling underlying inevitably leads to the displacement of adjacent soil, greatly influencing the deformation of the tunnel above. Most theoretical studies primarily concentrate on analyzing the mechanical equilibrium of individual tunnel sections, ignoring the energy generated by the system during tunnel deformation. Based on this, in view of the energy relationship, the overlying tunnel's deformation is simulated by using the Rayleigh–Ritz method. Further, its potential energy equation can be established based on the Vlasov foundation. The corresponding energy variational solution is solved according to the minimum potential energy principle, leading to an analytical solution for the shield tunneling‐induced overlying tunnel's response. The efficacy of the suggested method is verified by contrasting it with centrifuge experiments and field case studies derived from prior studies. Relative to the Winkler foundation model, which deviated from the suggested approach, the results derived from the suggested method show a closer correlation with the collected measurement data. Further parameter studies show that the vertical clearance and skew angle between two tunnels, the volume loss rate, and elastic modulus are significant factors affecting the tunnel behaviors due to tunneling underneath. The suggested theoretical model can be applied to forecast potential risks that an existing tunnel may encounter during the excavation of a new tunnel underlying in similar engineering projects.
Parameterization of a biomechanical collision model for safe human‐robot collaboration
Authors: Leinert Emmely , Behrens Roland , Woschke Elmar
Published: September 2024

The Fraunhofer IFF has developed a patented model (Fast Response Model = FRM) for safe Human‐Robot Collaboration (HRC), enabling the calculation of reaction forces in the event of a collision between a contact body of any shape and a selected human body part. This paper specifically focuses on adapting the model for five selected body locations on the hand‐arm system. A comparative analysis is conducted, contrasting the results obtained from the FRM with those derived from existing finite element reference models to assess the plausibility of the model's system response. Additionally, computational times of the model are compared with those of established models for simulation‐based risk evaluation of robot collisions. The model's quality is validated using a validation geometry. Results indicate that depending on the selected body part, end effector geometry, and given displacement, similar results to a finite element model can be obtained. However, simulations with the FRM are less time‐consuming. In the future, the data‐driven model could be transformed into a real‐time model using machine learning techniques.