bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clozapine is a functional antagonist at cardiac human H2-histamine receptors
Authors: Schlicht Jonas M. A. , Ahlrep Undine , Hofmann Britt , Kirchhefer Uwe , Neumann Joachim , Gergs Ulrich 
Published: December 2024

AbstractClozapine is an atypical antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drug. Clozapine binds to H2-histamine receptors in vitro. We wanted to test the hypothesis that clozapine might be a functional antagonist at human cardiac H2-histamine receptors. To that end, we studied isolated electrically stimulated left atrial preparations and spontaneously beating right atrial preparations from transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the human H2-histamine receptor (H2-TG). For comparison, we used wild-type littermate mice (WT). Finally, we measured isometric force of contraction in isolated electrically stimulated muscle strips from the human right atrium (HAP) obtained from patients during bypass surgery. After pre-stimulation with histamine, clozapine (up to 10 µM) concentration and time dependently decreased beating rate in right atrial preparations from H2-TG. Clozapine concentration dependently 1, 3, and 10 µM decreased histamine-stimulated force of contraction in HAP. Clozapine (10 µM) decreased also the isoprenaline-stimulated force of contraction in HAP. In summary, clozapine can antagonize the function of H2-histamine and β-receptors in the human heart.
Do greater coral cover
and morphological diversity increase habitat complexity?
Authors: Oh Daphne , Cresswell Anna K. , Thomson Damian P. , Renton Michael 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Coral reefs are complex three-dimensional habitats where the sizes, shapes, diversity and composition of hard corals influence the overall reef structure, and thus the provision of shelter for reef-associated species such as fish. Various metrics have been used to quantify ‘habitat complexity’ on coral reefs, yet debate persists regarding the most informative metric and how effectively the available metrics capture ecologically meaningful functions such as shelter provision. We used Coralcraft, a three-dimensional mechanistic model, to investigate how the morphological diversity and composition of coral communities influences habitat complexity at local (metres) scales. We developed new metrics of shelter to capture the mechanisms by which structure is likely important to reef species, accounting for factors such as the size of predator and prey and different hunting strategies. We simulated the growth of 13 coral community types with varying compositions of 10 common coral morphologies, calculating coral cover and 10 habitat complexity metrics (six novel and four well-established) over a five-year period. We found that more diverse coral communities did not always have the greatest structural complexity and shelter, in part due to certain morphologies having disproportionate influence on the resulting habitat complexity. Communities with lower structural complexity did not necessarily provide less shelter. The relationship between coral cover and habitat complexity metrics varied widely between different communities and was often nonlinear. We conclude that accounting for the morphological composition of coral communities can vastly improve the ability to predict or infer habitat complexity—both structural complexity and shelter provision—from measures of coral cover.
Modeling relationships among beliefs about scientific knowledge, beliefs about justification for knowing in science, and argumentative reasoning about a climate-related issue
Authors: Yang Fang-Ying , Bhagat Kaushal Kumar , Brandmo Christian , Zhan Wan-Yue , Bråten Ivar 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn a sample of 323 engineering students, structural equation modeling was used to test hypothesized relationships between beliefs about the nature of knowledge in science, beliefs about the process of justification for knowing in science, and argumentative reasoning about an ill-structured social-scientific issue. Beliefs about justification for knowing were directly related to argumentative reasoning, with beliefs in justification by school-based authority being a negative predictor and beliefs in justification by research-based authority being a positive predictor of students’ evidence- and knowledge-based reasoning, and with beliefs in personal justification being a negative predictor of students’ consideration of counterarguments. These beliefs about justification for knowing in science were, in turn, predicted by students’ beliefs about the certainty and development of scientific knowledge. The discussion highlights the multileveled and multidimensional view of epistemic beliefs that follows from our investigation, as well as the role of such beliefs in students’ argumentative reasoning.
Carbon storage potentiality in successional and secondary old growth forests
Authors: Pardos Marta , Calama Rafael , Alejano Reyes , Madrigal Guillermo , Calzado Anabel , Hevia Andrea , Tíscar Pedro A. , Vázquez-Piqué Javier 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
As the capacity of old-growth forests to store carbon until very old ages has been proved, their conservation has become a mitigation strategy to reduce net CO2 emissions and moderate climate warming. We investigated the effect of tree age, competition and climate on aboveground standing biomass and C stocks over a 50-years period in two Spanish forest stands (successional Pinus pinea forests with old-growth attributes, OGFA and secondary Pinus nigra old-growth Forest, SOGF), combining dendroecological methods with forest inventory data, using semiparametric modeling. P. nigra SOGF stored 69.9 t C ha−1 in standing volume, while P. pinea OGFA stored 58.2 t C ha−1. Carbon stored during the last 50 years increased in both forests, with a steeper increase in P. pinea OGFA. The fraction of annual C stored by the oldest trees was 20–25% in P. nigra SOGF and 17–23% in P. pinea OGFA. The different patterns of biomass growth increment in the two forests were explained by different biophysical environments, climate and history effects. The response to contrasted climate events was forest-specific. Results for P.nigra showed a similar response to climate irrespective of tree age, while biomass growth in P. pinea increased in humid periods compared to dry periods in trees older than 100-years. The negative effect of drought is evidenced in P. pinea trees over 100-years old, while P. nigra showed a cumulative negative effect of drought for all ages. A lower effect of competition was recorded in the oldest trees in both forests. The interaction of competition with climate and tree age showed attenuated climate-mediated differences when competition was high.
Tsunami risk mitigation: the role of evacuation routes, preparedness and urban planning
Authors: Ferreira Mónica Amaral , Oliveira Carlos Sousa , Francisco Rafael 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe southwestern Portuguese coast, particularly the Algarve region, is at significant risk of an earthquake exceeding magnitude 8, which could generate a destructive tsunami. Coastal areas such as Quarteira and Vilamoura in the Loulé municipality are especially vulnerable due to their dense population of permanent residents and seasonal tourists, compounded by the long distances required to reach safety zones. Despite the known seismic and tsunami hazards, there have been limited studies that develop tailored mitigation strategies specific to tsunami evacuation. This study contributes to the tsunami science by evaluating potential building damages due to shaking and tsunami impact and providing decision support for evacuation strategies. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), tsunami scenarios are modeled based on historical seismic events, such as the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, to identify high-risk coastal zones and optimize evacuation routes, considering local topography and population density. Additionally, wave propagation and arrival times are analyzed to ensure timely access to population escape and to mitigate damage to critical infrastructures. Our findings contribute to the developing a comprehensive tsunami risk mitigation strategy for the Loulé municipality, focusing on prevention, public safety, and emergency preparedness. This research supports land use planning, disaster risk reduction, and emergency planning decisions while also advancing the understanding of urban risk by addressing hazards, exposure, and vulnerability in coastal areas. Key objectives of this study include acquiring and implementing historical tsunami data, assessing recommending evaluating the region´s vulnerability, and recommendations for good practices and mitigation measures. The study emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness, enhancing governance, and strengthening capacity to effectively reduce disaster risks.
A systematic review to assess current surface water and sediment microplastic sampling practices in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems
Authors: Greenshields Jack , Anastasi Amie , Irving Andrew D. , Capper Angela 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGlobal plastic production is estimated to be 400 million tonnes per annum, with ~ 5.25 trillion fragments floating in our oceans. Microplastics (< 5 mm) have the potential to disproportionately accumulate and become trapped in mangroves and seagrass meadows, creating plastic ‘sinks’. This is concerning as these ecosystems are of great ecological and economic importance, with microplastics causing harm to inhabiting flora and fauna. However, accurately measuring microplastic abundance, comparing findings, and determining potential impacts are difficult due to a lack of standardised sampling protocols. Therefore, a systematic literature review was completed to review currently adopted microplastic sampling methods in surface water and sediment in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. These were compared with recommendations from existing governmental and institutional groups as a first step to standardising methods for future sampling procedures in seagrasses and mangroves.
Optimizing genetic testing strategy for suspected attenuated adenomatous polyposis: effective solutions in public health systems
Authors: García-Simón Natalia , Valentín Fátima , Royuela Ana , Hidalgo-Calero Beatriz , Blázquez-Martín Ricardo , de-Miguel-Reyes Montserrat , Sánchez-Zapardiel José María , Adán-Merino Luisa , Rodríguez-Festa Alejandro , Gallego-Gil Patricia , Mediavilla-Medel Pilar , Quiñonero-Moreno Laura , Gutiérrez Lourdes , Herreros-de-Tejada Alberto , Sánchez Antonio , Provencio Mariano , Romero Atocha 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
APC and MUTYH genes are key in hereditary attenuated adenomatous polyposis syndromes. Guidelines recommend genetic testing based on polyp count, often overlooking age despite its impact on polyp prevalence.

Aim
To enhance genetic testing strategies for suspected attenuated adenomatous polyposis by combining polyp count and age in a probability calculator.

Methods
Retrospective study of adult patients referred to NGS genetic testing for suspected attenuated adenomatous polyposis (accumulated history of < 100 adenomas) (discovery cohort, N = 138). Data included age, adenoma count, and test results. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to associate positive genetic test results with age and adenoma count. The model was externally validated with 259 patients from two tertiary hospitals in our region (validation cohort, N = 259).

Results
In the discovery cohort, 13 (9.4%) patients had pathogenic mutations, being younger (OR:0.91, 95%CI 0.86–0.96) and having more adenomas (OR:1.08, 95%CI 1.04–1.13) compared to negative cases. The logistic regression model combining age and polyp count demonstrated an AUC of 0.92. Using a cutoff probability of 3.5%, the model achieved 100% sensitivity and 58% specificity in identifying positive cases. In the external validation, the model accurately predicted 14 out of 16 positive cases (88%). The remaining two positive cases were a patient with an AXIN2 mutation in heterozygosis, and a patient with a NTHL1 mutation in homozygosis. Performance evaluation of both hospitals yielded AUC values of 0.77 and 0.90.

Conclusions
Older individuals with fewer polyps are less likely have hereditary syndromes. Including age in genetic testing criteria can enhance patient selection and cost-effectiveness.
The effects of haptic, visual and olfactory augmentations on food consumed while wearing an extended reality headset
Authors: Karhu Natalia , Rantala Jussi , Farooq Ahmed , Sand Antti , Pennanen Kyösti , Lappi Jenni , Nayak Mohit , Sozer Nesli , Raisamo Roope 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe current food production system is unsustainable, necessitating a shift towards plant-based diets. Nutritious options fulfill basic needs but may not satisfy hedonic ones. Our novel approach is to promote healthier eating habits without compromising on the pleasantness of eating by using extended reality technologies and multimodal interaction. We present a multisensory augmentation system integrating augmentations in olfaction, touch, and vision. We studied the experience of eating plant-based balls and meatballs. In an experiment with 40 participants, haptic and visual augmentations were found to have significant effects: augmented meatballs and plant-based balls were perceived as bigger and heavier compared to non-augmented versions. However, olfactory augmentation did not produce a similar effect: participants did not notice a stronger aroma with augmented balls compared to non-augmented balls, and the augmented plant-based version had a less appealing scent than its non-augmented counterpart. Moreover, the findings of the study indicate that our multisensory augmentation system had no significant effect on taste perception.
The Injectivity Radius of Souls of Alexandrov Spaces
Authors: Mäder-Baumdicker Elena , Seidel Jona 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A sharp lower bound for the injectivity radius in noncompact nonnegatively curved Riemannian manifolds involving their soul goes back to Šarafutdinov. We generalize this bound to the setting of Alexandrov spaces. Our main theorem reads as follows. If the injectivity radius of an Alexandrov space of nonnegative curvature does not coincide with the one of its souls, then it is at least

$$ \pi K^{-1/2} $$

π

K

-
1
/
2

, where K is an upper curvature bound. We introduce the soul of Alexandrov spaces in some detail and compare two notions of injectivity radii.
Optimized production of laccase from Pseudomonas stutzeri and its biodegradation of lignin in biomass
Authors: Minhas Waqar Rasool , Bashir Saira , Zhang Cheng , Raza Ahmad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLaccases are multi-copper oxidases that play an important role in the biodegradation of phenolic compounds, lignin, dye, and wastes. Here, we report the screening of potential laccase-producing indigenous bacterial isolates and subsequent optimization of laccase production using crop residues as cheap supplementary energy sources. Among 16 bacterial isolates, seven were selected based on the appearance of reddish-brown bacterial colonies and guaiacol oxidation assay after 10 days of incubation at 37 °C. The maximum laccase activity (2.755 U/mL) was observed for bacterial isolate WR2. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to maximize laccase production from WR2, identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri. Plackett–Burman design (PBD) was employed to design production runs involving various factors including time, pH, inoculum, wheat straw, cotton stalk, wheat bran, rice straw, copper sulfate, sugarcane bagasse, yeast extract, and peptone. The interactions of different factors were analyzed from the responses (laccase enzyme activity, etc.) in 12 experimental runs. In experimental run 4, the maximum laccase enzymatic activity (1.86 U/mL) was achieved after a 10-day incubation with wheat straw (1%) and cotton stalk (1%) at pH 6.8 and 37 °C, and high-degree lignin degradation was evident from a substantial reduction in the FTIR aromatic stretching peak of the degraded biomass.
A Hybrid Cognitive Architecture to Generate, Control, Plan, and Monitor Behaviors for Interactive Autonomous Robots
Authors: González-Santamarta Miguel Á. , Rodríguez-Lera Francisco J. , Fernández-Llamas Camino , Matellan-Olivera Vicente 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInteractive robots not only need to react in predefined or deterministic scenarios but also learn and adapt in real-time, mirroring cognitive flexibility akin to human intelligence. Achieving this autonomy entails developing cognitive architectures that integrate reactive, deliberative and emergent capabilities. Thus, this paper presents MERLIN2, a hybrid cognitive architecture to generate, control, plan, and monitor behaviors in autonomous robots. This architecture combines reactive, deliberative, and emergent components, aiming to enhance adaptability in dynamic environments and make intelligent real-time decisions, thereby improving autonomy and performance. MERLIN2 comprises a deliberative system, based on a knowledge base and a symbolic planner; and a behavioral system composed of reactive components and several emergent components. It addresses core cognitive aspects like action selection, perception, memory, learning, reasoning, and explainability. MERLIN2 is evaluated in a simulated world and in the real world Carry My Luggage task from the RoboCup@Home. Therefore, the experimentation presented in this article showcases the architecture as a valid solution for autonomous robots.
Enhancing Swift and Socially-Aware Navigation with Continuous Spatial-Temporal Routing
Authors: Ge Zijian , Jiang Jingjing , Coombes Matthew , Liang Sun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Routing for autonomous robots in dynamic human environments requires paths that are collision-free, efficient, and socially considerate. This article introduces an optimization-based routing method that operates in continuous space using a spatial-temporal model of crowd dynamics. Our approach anticipates future crowd changes and adjusts routes by considering potential speed variations due to local motion planning. It optimizes navigation speed while avoiding densely crowded areas, ensuring efficient and socially-aware navigation. Simulations in three scenarios demonstrate superior performance compared to benchmark methods in terms of navigation efficiency and adaptability in crowded, dynamic environments.
Running Towards a Better Brand Attitude: How Gamification in Nike Run Club Can Help?
Authors: Lopes João M. , Silva Luis Filipe , Massano-Cardoso Ilda , Galhardo Ana 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe dynamics of the knowledge-based economy are intrinsically linked to the concept of gamification, which has been increasingly discussed in the context of companies’ marketing strategies. It is therefore necessary to understand how gamification can be strategically applied in different contexts to increase the performance and competitiveness of companies. This paper aimed to analyze how gamification impacts customers’ intention to participate in the gamification process and how this strategy influences customers’ attitudes towards the brand. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted in a sample of 238 Portuguese consumers using the Nike Run Club application. The study revealed that gamification can be an effective tool to increase users’ interaction with brands. Perceived usefulness, perceived social influence, engagement intention and gamification performance were identified as the main predictors of gamification on brand attitude. Furthermore, social interaction is a key factor for the success of game systems, which should promote interaction between communities of players to share functionality and solve task problems. It was observed that attitude towards the brand is positively influenced by factors such as usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, intention to get involved, and gamification of performance, especially when these are mediated by the sensation of pleasure. This finding points to the importance of these elements in shaping consumers’ perceptions of brands. To maximize engagement with brands, gamification tools should allow sharing content and tasks, promoting discussions and broadening the connection between the gamers community. It is important to consider technological resources and innovation in the design of gamification tools, as well as to meet the different expectations of consumers, allowing different tasks and high connection between different information-sharing channels. This study contributes to the development of knowledge in gamification on brand attitude. Practical implications have been suggested to guide companies in implementing a successful gamified marketing strategy.
Comparison of Laboratory Confirmed Drugs in Acute Recreational Drug Toxicity Presentations to an Urban Hospital in London, UK, 2016/17 versus 2019/20
Authors: Wolfe Caitlin E , Sund Lachlan J , Archer John RH , Rowe Ashley , Hudson Simon , Wood David M , Dargan Paul I 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) use is increasingly prevalent and is often associated with severe acute recreational drug toxicity (ARDT). 258 UK deaths were attributed to NPS use in 2021. Confirmatory testing which identifies NPS is limited by expense and timeliness. We aimed to identify NPS and other recreational drugs in a sample of 1000 ARDT presentations to a central London hospital in 2019/20 and to compare these drugs to those identified from a previous cohort in 2016/2017.

Methods
We prospectively enrolled 1000 serum samples from ARDT presentations to St Thomas’ Hospital between February 2019 and February 2020. Serum samples were deidentified and underwent qualitative analysis via mass spectrometry. Results were returned at the conclusion of testing and statistical analysis performed using ‘R’ (R Foundation for Statistical Computing).

Results
Twenty-eight unique NPS were detected in 2019/20, compared to 31 in 2016/17. Eight new NPS were detected in 2019/20: four benzodiazepines, two synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, one cathinone and one ketamine-analogue. No NPS opioids were detected in either cohort. Cannabis (16%,11% p = 0.02), ketamine (12%,7% p < 0.01) and opioids (57%,24% p < 0.01) were detected significantly more frequently in 2019/20 than in 2016/17, while alcohol (22%,49% p < 0.01), cathinones (1%,15% p < 0.01), GHB (14%,20% p < 0.01) and MDMA (9%,18% p < 0.01) were detected less frequently.

Conclusions
Studies that utilise confirmatory testing to detect NPS in presentations of ARDT provide important information for public health interventions. More NPS benzodiazepines and fewer NPS cathinones were detected in 2019/20, following temporal trends of forensic detection throughout Europe and reinforcing the importance of identifying emerging drugs.